Two Worlds Apart
Nov. 26th, 2010 12:50 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shattered_ficsTitle: Two Worlds Apart
Chapter Title: The War Begins
Rating: R
Pairing/Character(s): Harry Potter/OC, Draco Malfoy/OC, Ron/Hermione
Summary: Weeks pass after the attempted kidnapping. O.W.Ls and N.E.W.T.s start and while the students are busy testing Hogwarts is seiged.
Warnings: Mild Language, Mild Violence, Sensitive Topic/Issue/Theme
Length: Long
Word Count: 4557
Chapter #: (19/20)
WIP or Complete: Complete
Author's Note: I changed a little bit of the information on HPFF and changed what was relevant on here. When I did the characters & warnings five years ago that's what I thought would happen. Now this is what actually happens and who actually appears. The story is officially completed with a sequel to be in the works in the upcoming months.
Previous Chapters
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen
Quills scratched on paper all around me as fifth year students furiously tried to complete their Defense Against the Dark Arts written O.W.L. My quill had been hovering above question ten for the last couple of minutes as I stared out into space. I realized this would have dire consequences toward my O.W.L score but something had been on my mind that I just couldn't shake. Blinking a few times I returned to my paper furiously continuing my essay, but my mind was still bothered. Ever since the surprise attack by a Death Eater a few weeks ago I had been as cautious as I could be. Harry barely left my side fearing that more Death Eaters might have infiltrated Hogwarts or that any of the teachers could be under a curse. In that time Harry wouldn't let me see Draco, let alone speak to him. Even if I asked her Victoria was the last person who would be a correspondence between Draco and I.
I tried not to let it show but I was worried for Draco. Over the two weeks since the attack he had watched me intently as much as he could, it was like he was waiting for an attack like Harry. He would grow paler with every day and would jump if someone surprised him. Victoria noticed nothing wrong with him, at least that's what she would tell me after she would get back from her late night dates with Draco. As I finished the last sentence to the essay time was called on the written portion of the O.W.L. We had roughly a three hour break until the practical portion of the test, but I wasn't worried I had been studying for that since childhood.
Gathering up my belongings people started to file out around me, some were rushing to the doors to escape the monotony of the testing. Standing up and throwing my bag over my shoulder I joined the group waiting to exit as a loud murmur came over everyone.
“Meagan what's going on?” Victoria had made her way towards me, I had forgotten we had agreed to meet before we left the Great Hall. “It looks like the doors are stuck.”
“What?” My head shot up from the exam paper as I noticed teachers rushing to the front of the students. “No, no,” dropping my paper I pushed my way through my fellow fifth years trying to make it to the doors.
“Where are you going?” Victoria pushed through in my wake. She gripped my wrist and pulled me close “What in the world are you doing?”
“I think an attack is starting,” I hissed into her ear before ripping my arm away from her and making it to the doors where the teachers were trying to open the doors to no avail. Victoria appeared at my shoulder looking worried. “I have to get to Harry.” I whispered.
“What you don't think he knows what's going on?” She asked biting her lip, a habit of hers to stop herself from crying. “Are you sure the Order didn't seal us in here?”
“If that were the case I don't think the teachers would look so panicked,” Frowning I pulled out my wand “They're going to get the door open and when they do I need you to distract the teachers so I can make a run for it.”
“You're insane! You don't know who is out there! You-Know-Who could be on the other end of that door!” Victoria pleaded with me “Please Meagan don't.”
“We both have to go look for Harry,” Turning to her I took her shoulders shaking her lightly “I don't know if they're looking for you, but they are me. Find him, if I can't, you have to.”
“And what are you going to do?” Victoria hissed shrugging my hands off backing away from me “You're not going to do something stupid like sacrifice yourself are you?”
“Don't be ridiculous,” I laughed quietly, running out into a school filled with Death Eaters wasn't a sacrifice it was suicide “Harry told me that he's the only one who can protect me and I have to believe that. He might not want me running around in a school full of Death Eaters but I have to get to him. If only I'd learned to conjure a patronus.”
“What's that got to do with anything?”
“I heard McGonagall talking it over with a few teachers that before Dumbledore died he taught them to use their patronus' to communicate.” I shrugged “Okay maybe it wouldn't be best but no one would know it was from me.”
“You're talking nonsense,” Victoria shook her head as she grabbed my wand arm “Don't do this.”
“I'm petrified of course I'm going to rattle on about nothing,” I sighed “Please do this for me, it maybe my only chance at safety.”
Victoria remained silent worrying her lip and tears brimming in her eyes. I hated putting this on her but it was my only chance. The teachers had to get the doors open students had to be evacuated. Running should be the number one option for me, it would be harder for me to be caught. I didn't want to be some damsel in distress, I wanted to fight. Flinging her arms around my neck Victoria stirred me from my thoughts. Smiling I hugged her tightly but quickly pushed her away. I wasn't going to make this our last goodbye.
“I'll do it,” She wiped the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. “Just one thing.”
“Of course.”
“Find Draco will you?” This time tears did fall from her eyes. I didn't have the heart to tell her that Draco might not be on our side. I nodded slowly holding my tongue as Victoria slivered her way closer to the teachers. Slowly I moved to the other side where I could make the quickest getaway and be some what blocked by the doors opening. Crouching low I waited, I could hear the magical locks being broken and the door crack. Victoria waited until the door had moved then she screamed and I knew it was that moment that I had to run. I sprinted out of the Great Hall and into uncertainty. Luckily the hall was empty but showed signs of Death Eaters.
“MISS CALDWELL,” The teachers screamed after me but I ran up the Entrance Hall stairs as fast as my legs could carry me. I figured the best place to start looking for Harry was in the common room.
“CRUCIO” The voice was from behind me and I didn't have time to react. Screams echoed in the empty hall as I fell to the floor. The screams were so horrific I couldn't imagine that they were coming from me. The pain was endless as it felt like every nerve in my body was trying to fight it's way out of my skin. Suddenly the pain stopped as I sobbed and gasped for breath on the floor. The foot steps echoed as the Death Eater walked closer. My mind was screaming for me to run away but I couldn't make my legs move. I looked up at the masked and hooded figure as they loomed over me.
Bending down they grabbed me around the throat and effortlessly lifted me off the ground and slammed me into the stone wall. Every bone rattled adding more to the pain that coursed through my body. The Death Eater's hand tightened it's grip around my throat as I clawed at it trying to pull it away desperately needing air. I hadn't fully recovered from curse. He laughed under the hood as I was able to grab hold of his mask pulling it back it disappeared from his face. Shaking the hood away white hair tumbled out and gray eyes bored into mine.
“Harry Potter's love, well isn't this just perfect,” Lucius Malfoy laughed as he released his grip. I crumpled into a heap as I gasped and coughed trying to fill my lungs with air. “Draco!” Lucius called over his shoulder, my body went numb and tears rushed into my eyes as Draco appeared behind his father. Unlike his father he was in his school uniform instead of his Death Eater robes. He glared at me with visible hatred written across his face.
“Father?” He stood next to his father as he glared down at me. Never before had I seen such hatred in Draco's eyes. It scared me, and made me realize that I was a fool.
“You know this girl?” Lucius bent down and picked me up roughly by the face. He turned it from side to side surveying my looks before smiling over his shoulder at Draco. “Is she pure blood?”
“No,”
“Pity,” He threw me at Draco wiping his hands on his robe as Draco grabbed me by my arms and pulled me up.
His grip tightening as he dragged me away from his father. I screamed as loud as I could beating him with my free hand trying to grab anything on him that would hurt and cause him to release his grip. We turned a corner and approached an abandoned class room, the entire hallway had been blown apart with shards of wood and stone littering the hall. Kicking open the door Draco threw me into the room before shutting the door and locking it.
“How could you?” I yelled crawling away from him “You said you loved me, but I see that was just to capture me wasn't it? Harry was right!”
“Meagan,” Draco said calmly as he slumped against the door exhausted.
“What are you going to do Draco? Huh?” I snapped pulling myself up off the floor “Is this where you're going to kill me? Finally one upping Harry?”
“Stop it,”
“I can't believe you, all that time and you've just been planning this! Haven't you?” I yelled backing away from him.
“STOP IT!” Draco launched himself off of the door and toward me. I flinched staring wide eyed as Draco came toward me.
“Please Draco don't!” I pleaded pulling desks in front of me but effortlessly Draco shoved them out of the way while backing me into a corner. I was shaking from head to toe but I stood my ground. “Please, if you ever loved me don't.”
Quickly he grabbed my shoulders and I flinched as I closed my eyes not wanting to look into the eyes of the man who I still loved. I waited for the punch, the kick or the curse but nothing came. He loosened his grip and the next thing I felt was him kissing me. It was frantic as he pulled me close, fresh tears welled in my eyes as I wrapped my arms around his neck. The shock wore off as I pushed Draco away from me but he held me close.
“I'm sorry,” He sobbed quietly “I knew it was going to happen after that failed attempt to get you. They're going to destroy Hogwarts, and kill you in the process.”
“Draco,” I said quietly running my fingers through his hair I tried to soothe him the best I could but my heart was racing. “We have to get out of here.”
“I'm supposed to take you to the Dark Lord,” His voice broke as he pulled away from me quickly turning around so I couldn't see the tears in his gray eyes. “His goal is to have you, and if he can't then you'll die in the battle.”
“I have to get to Harry,” I said quickly “We have to find him, he can keep me safe and get me out of here.”
“There's no guarantee that I can keep you safe out there,” Draco turned around to face me his face was clear of tears but his eyes shone.
“I'm not asking you to,” I quickly pushed past him heading for the door. If He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wanted me then there was a good chance that Death Eaters orders were to keep me alive for the time being. I had to get to Harry at all costs.
“Please,” It was Draco's turn to plead as he grabbed my wrist. Turning around I frowned at him “You can't take that kind of chance that they'll spare you. Not all of them will follow his orders, some will just kill you.”
“Without my wand there is nothing I can really do about that,” I sighed wrenching my wrist away from Draco “I have to get to him Draco, he needs me.”
“Not without this,” He said downheartedly. Coming up beside me he slipped my wand into my hand.
Draco took the lead as we walked around the hallways. If we were to encounter a group of Death Eaters he would be the one they would want to see first. The hall were surprisingly empty and quiet. Our footfalls echoed throughout the hall and every noise made me jump. Soon I was beginning to lose hope and that Harry has given up on finding me. We were on the fifth floor and Draco was looking around the corner when I saw Harry before Draco did, he was coming around a corner with Victoria in toe. They were talking animatedly, Harry was obviously flustered as Victoria looked like she was at her wits end. I started to walk toward them ignoring Draco at the other end of the hall.
“Harry?!” I started to run.
“Meagan!” Harry left Victoria's side and ran up to me. Throwing my arms around my neck he hugged me tightly “I thought I'd lost you. We couldn't find you.”
“I'm alright!” I grinned as I buried my face in his neck “Draco, he saved me.”
“Draco?” Victoria appeared beside us “Where is he?”
“Victoria?” Quickly she disappeared from my view. It didn't matter I was with Harry and we were free.
“Well isn't this a pretty picture?” The cackle that echoed through the hall sent shivers up my spine, I could feel Harry tense under my arms. Slowly he let go of me and turned around his wand raised towards the end of the hall. Harry held his hand back holding me behind him, but I could just see over his shoulder. Bellatrix Lestrange flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. Sneaking a glance at Draco he had pushed Victoria around the corner and his wand was raised— directed at Harry. “Good boy Draco, you found Potter and his little girlfriend. Don't think you can hide her behind you Potter,” She let out another laugh as she slowly advanced “I'm not blind I can see her clear as day.”
“Don't you dare come any closer,” Harry said quietly to Bellatrix, she stopped in her tracks and turned her head to the side.
“What are you going to do? Kill me?” She stalked closer, but stopped and smiled at Draco “I don't think I'm the one you have to worry about now Potter.”
Very quickly Harry took his eyes off of Bellatrix and glanced to his right where Draco was standing holding his wand at us. Draco's expression was utterly blank wand pointed at Harry. Taking his eyes off of Draco his stare returned to Bellatrix who hadn't moved from her spot. Harry's hand tightened on my waist as Draco moved closer to us.
Thoughts flew through my head and I knew that if I said anything Draco would be in more trouble that we were now. I had trusted him, he saved me from his father to bring me to Harry only to lead us into the ultimate trap. My heart raced in my throat as I looked between Draco and Bellatrix. Slowly I reached into my pocket and drew out my wand, Harry had distracted Bellatrix long enough. “EXITIUM!” I shouted pointing my wand at the ceiling between the Death Eaters and us. The castle shook as the ceiling broke apart and started to fall. I could hear Bellatrix scream in protest as the castle rattled the ceiling breaking apart faster by the battle going on below us.
“Get down!” Harry screamed at me pushing me away from the falling debris. I landed hard on the floor as rocks fell around me. Glancing up the stones that were already cracked from my spell worsened as the castle shook around us. I covered my head as the pillars around us fell from the lack of support.
Someone grabbed my wrist and quickly pulled me out from under one of the falling pillars. I looked at Harry as he quickly wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me down the corridor. I could see Victoria and Draco running a head of us trying to escape the collapsing hallway. Harry pulled me in a classroom and slammed the door shut. As I sat at the opposite wall next to Victoria, Harry and Draco piled desks against the door. Not that it would do much good but it would give us much needed time. Leaning my head back I closed my eyes and tried to calm my heart down.
“What the hell where you doing?” Harry hissed, snapping my eyes open I looked around. Draco and Harry stood looking out the window watching the progress of the fight below. Victoria had pulled herself into a ball and was sobbing quietly into her knees. Pushing myself up I walked over to Harry. “I thought you were on our side?”
“You think I wanted to turn my wand on Meagan?” Again echoed in his voice as he looked at me apologetically—but shrugged at Harry “Aunt Bellatrix doesn't exactly know my love life here. I had to make it look like I had snuck up on you two.”
“It's okay Draco,” I smiled weakly. He had already shown what side he was on when he brought me to Harry.
“No it's not okay!” Harry turned away from me leaned on a desk he frowned “I don't know what side he's on anymore. He brings you to me, then he turns his wand on us? How do I know he's not just led us in here for a trap?”
“Trap?” Victoria said weakly from her spot on the floor. “You wouldn't do that Draco? You wouldn't turn us over?”
“No!” Draco launched himself off of the wall and sat next to Victoria wrapping his arms around her comforting her. “I would never turn you over never.” I took a deep breath, he was uttering the words to Victoria but his eyes were on me.
Wrapping my arms around myself to stop from breaking, I looked out the window and saw the carnage that had already happened. Flames shot up from the Forbidden Forest as animals ran out onto Hogwarts grounds to escape the blaze. A huge piece of wood lay in the middle of the cobble entrance way, I could only assume that was one of the entrance hall doors. The castle still shook beneath our feet as the battle raged on around us. Harry walked up to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. A deep sob wracked my body as I turned into his.
“We should leave now,” Draco said quietly helping Victoria to stand “We've been here too long. I'm sure they've cleared the blockage now. It'll only be a matter of time before they start blasting open classrooms.”
Harry took a deep breath and nodded “You're right, we'll figure out what to do when we get out of here.”
“Works for me,” Draco started to move desks away from the door. Harry walked over to help him as Victoria walked quietly to my side. We exchanged worried glances we weren't sure how we were going to get out of this. But we knew that they would die trying.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“We have to get you to Headquarters,” Harry said grabbing my hand as we hid behind a wall. After looking around the corner Harry turned to us “Ron and Hermione have to be around here some where. They can take you both and get you out of the battle.”
“I'm not leaving you!” I shook my head furiously “I'm fighting this battle with you.”
“You've been captured once and almost taken a second time—third time is the charm,” Harry smile cupping my face he kissed me quickly. “Most of the battle seems to be taking place on the grounds now.”
“How are we going to find them in all of that then?” Draco asked as he came running back from checking the other end of the hall.
“I'll figure something out. Trust me.”
“I don't have a choice at this point,” Draco wrapped his arm around Victoria's waist “The hall is clear it should be until the Entrance Hall.”
“What's in the entrance hall?” Victoria asked weakly.
“Something we don't want to encounter I'm sure,” I took a deep breath and walked around the corner.
All was clear and we walked down the last few flights of stairs heading into the Entrance Hall. It was almost too easy. We carefully walked down the stairs and were feet from the grounds. Green flashed across the side of my face as a spell narrowly missed me. Harry pushed me out of the way shooting a curse at the Death Eaters that emerged from the Great Hall. I fumbled for my wand as curses and spells were sent in our direction. Harry stood beside me battling as much as he could for the two of us. Draco used being a Death Eater to his advantage and took Victoria out of harms way while the two Death Eaters focused their attention on us. I shot as many curses and spells as I could remember towards our attackers but nothing seemed to be working. For every curse that I used they deflected or reflected back at us. They had pushed us back to the statues at the top of the stairs. Sitting on the floor I tried to regain my breath as Harry shot the occasional curse at them.
“It's no use,” I gasped for breath “They have our number.”
“I have to get you out of here,” Harry collapsed next to me as the statue was being blown apart above us “We have to keep trying.”
“I've used all of the curses I know,” I said worriedly. Harry grabbed my shoulders and used his body as a cover as the last bit of the statue was blown away. “We can't stop them.” We sat there waiting for them to start blowing apart the balcony.
“Why did the attack stop?” I asked worried that they had just decided to come get us. Harry stood up slowly and looked around.
“It's Draco,” Harry exclaimed looking down at me. I shot up from the floor and peered around the statue. Draco was standing in the door way pocketing his wand. The two Death Eaters lay unconscious in the middle of the Entrance Hall. Victoria was no where in sight but I had to hope that he hid her before coming back for us. “What's he doing?”
“Helping, let's go!” Grabbing Harry's hand we ran down the stairs. Draco grabbed my hand so we wouldn't get separated as he led us out of the school. Small battles were taking place along the grounds, luckily everyone seemed to be occupied as we ran past them. He led us to the far end of the grounds which seemed to have already seen it's part in the battle. Smoke rose from burned out fires in the ground and motionless animals lay dying.
“What now?” Draco asked clutching the stitch in his side as stopped near Hagrid's hut. Victoria appeared from behind a few pumpkins and ran into Draco's arms.
“Ron and Hermione are waiting for them,” Harry looked around quickly.
“I thought you said you didn't know where they were?” I sat down trying to catch my breath.
“I couldn't risk saying it--” Harry frowned “Don't know who is on our side.” His eyes flicked to Draco as he grabbed my hand. “In case anything happened it was settled that they would be waiting outside of the Hogwarts grounds ready to take you to the Order.”
“What about you?” He led me away from Victoria and Draco who were making their own goodbyes. “I don't want to leave you let me help.”
“I can't,” Sighing he took my other hand in his and kissed them both “I saw you fighting, you aren't ready.”
“Doesn't mean I can send a few curses their way,” I huffed trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
“I can start training you when the time is right,” Harry resigned after a few minutes of silence. I laughed quietly. Biting my lip I cupped his face, I didn't know if this would be the last time I would see Harry. Or if he would be able to escape this fight and be able to teach me to fight for my own. “I'm going to be okay. I'll come see you don't worry.”
Wrapping my arms around him I didn't want to let him go. Victoria grabbed my arm and pulled me away from him. “We gotta go!” She pointed towards the school—the battle was heading back this way.
“Go run!” Harry pushed me, I stumbled slightly as Victoria still had hold of my hand. She let go and began to ran as fast as her legs would allow her. I followed behind her. The air burned my lungs as air tried to make it through my bruised throat. Victoria was quickly out of sight and I tried my best to run up the hill that was right before the dip and the drive towards Hogsmeade. Slowly I cleared the hill and stood looking down.
I could see Victoria with Ron and Hermione just a few feet beyond the gate leading to Hogsmeade. Victoria had a death grip on Ron's arm as he was ready to apparate. I could hear the pop as they disappeared from site heading for shelter with the Order. Hermione beckoned me to hurry as she stood alone just as much an open target as I was. I raced down the drive as fast as my tired legs could carry me.
The spell hit me from behind as I locked up and tumbled down face first through the stone leading to the gate. As I landed my heart thudded hard enough that I thought it would break through my chest—this was it, I was done for. Incoherent screams surrounded me as I lay there. My vision was slowly blurred by red as the sweat increased the blood flow. I was a perfect sitting target and I waited for someone to kill me. As quickly as the curse was hit it was lifted and I felt weightless. My head throbbed as I felt arms wrap around my back and legs. Closing my eyes I tried to stay awake as I felt myself being carried. “Harry,” I said quietly.
“Hermione,” The voice wavered “Get her out of here, now”
I was dropped to my feet but felt an arm holding me up as I was being squeezed through a tube.
Chapter Title: The War Begins
Rating: R
Pairing/Character(s): Harry Potter/OC, Draco Malfoy/OC, Ron/Hermione
Summary: Weeks pass after the attempted kidnapping. O.W.Ls and N.E.W.T.s start and while the students are busy testing Hogwarts is seiged.
Warnings: Mild Language, Mild Violence, Sensitive Topic/Issue/Theme
Length: Long
Word Count: 4557
Chapter #: (19/20)
WIP or Complete: Complete
Author's Note: I changed a little bit of the information on HPFF and changed what was relevant on here. When I did the characters & warnings five years ago that's what I thought would happen. Now this is what actually happens and who actually appears. The story is officially completed with a sequel to be in the works in the upcoming months.
Previous Chapters
One Two Three Four Five Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven Twelve Thirteen Fourteen Fifteen Sixteen Seventeen Eighteen
Quills scratched on paper all around me as fifth year students furiously tried to complete their Defense Against the Dark Arts written O.W.L. My quill had been hovering above question ten for the last couple of minutes as I stared out into space. I realized this would have dire consequences toward my O.W.L score but something had been on my mind that I just couldn't shake. Blinking a few times I returned to my paper furiously continuing my essay, but my mind was still bothered. Ever since the surprise attack by a Death Eater a few weeks ago I had been as cautious as I could be. Harry barely left my side fearing that more Death Eaters might have infiltrated Hogwarts or that any of the teachers could be under a curse. In that time Harry wouldn't let me see Draco, let alone speak to him. Even if I asked her Victoria was the last person who would be a correspondence between Draco and I.
I tried not to let it show but I was worried for Draco. Over the two weeks since the attack he had watched me intently as much as he could, it was like he was waiting for an attack like Harry. He would grow paler with every day and would jump if someone surprised him. Victoria noticed nothing wrong with him, at least that's what she would tell me after she would get back from her late night dates with Draco. As I finished the last sentence to the essay time was called on the written portion of the O.W.L. We had roughly a three hour break until the practical portion of the test, but I wasn't worried I had been studying for that since childhood.
Gathering up my belongings people started to file out around me, some were rushing to the doors to escape the monotony of the testing. Standing up and throwing my bag over my shoulder I joined the group waiting to exit as a loud murmur came over everyone.
“Meagan what's going on?” Victoria had made her way towards me, I had forgotten we had agreed to meet before we left the Great Hall. “It looks like the doors are stuck.”
“What?” My head shot up from the exam paper as I noticed teachers rushing to the front of the students. “No, no,” dropping my paper I pushed my way through my fellow fifth years trying to make it to the doors.
“Where are you going?” Victoria pushed through in my wake. She gripped my wrist and pulled me close “What in the world are you doing?”
“I think an attack is starting,” I hissed into her ear before ripping my arm away from her and making it to the doors where the teachers were trying to open the doors to no avail. Victoria appeared at my shoulder looking worried. “I have to get to Harry.” I whispered.
“What you don't think he knows what's going on?” She asked biting her lip, a habit of hers to stop herself from crying. “Are you sure the Order didn't seal us in here?”
“If that were the case I don't think the teachers would look so panicked,” Frowning I pulled out my wand “They're going to get the door open and when they do I need you to distract the teachers so I can make a run for it.”
“You're insane! You don't know who is out there! You-Know-Who could be on the other end of that door!” Victoria pleaded with me “Please Meagan don't.”
“We both have to go look for Harry,” Turning to her I took her shoulders shaking her lightly “I don't know if they're looking for you, but they are me. Find him, if I can't, you have to.”
“And what are you going to do?” Victoria hissed shrugging my hands off backing away from me “You're not going to do something stupid like sacrifice yourself are you?”
“Don't be ridiculous,” I laughed quietly, running out into a school filled with Death Eaters wasn't a sacrifice it was suicide “Harry told me that he's the only one who can protect me and I have to believe that. He might not want me running around in a school full of Death Eaters but I have to get to him. If only I'd learned to conjure a patronus.”
“What's that got to do with anything?”
“I heard McGonagall talking it over with a few teachers that before Dumbledore died he taught them to use their patronus' to communicate.” I shrugged “Okay maybe it wouldn't be best but no one would know it was from me.”
“You're talking nonsense,” Victoria shook her head as she grabbed my wand arm “Don't do this.”
“I'm petrified of course I'm going to rattle on about nothing,” I sighed “Please do this for me, it maybe my only chance at safety.”
Victoria remained silent worrying her lip and tears brimming in her eyes. I hated putting this on her but it was my only chance. The teachers had to get the doors open students had to be evacuated. Running should be the number one option for me, it would be harder for me to be caught. I didn't want to be some damsel in distress, I wanted to fight. Flinging her arms around my neck Victoria stirred me from my thoughts. Smiling I hugged her tightly but quickly pushed her away. I wasn't going to make this our last goodbye.
“I'll do it,” She wiped the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. “Just one thing.”
“Of course.”
“Find Draco will you?” This time tears did fall from her eyes. I didn't have the heart to tell her that Draco might not be on our side. I nodded slowly holding my tongue as Victoria slivered her way closer to the teachers. Slowly I moved to the other side where I could make the quickest getaway and be some what blocked by the doors opening. Crouching low I waited, I could hear the magical locks being broken and the door crack. Victoria waited until the door had moved then she screamed and I knew it was that moment that I had to run. I sprinted out of the Great Hall and into uncertainty. Luckily the hall was empty but showed signs of Death Eaters.
“MISS CALDWELL,” The teachers screamed after me but I ran up the Entrance Hall stairs as fast as my legs could carry me. I figured the best place to start looking for Harry was in the common room.
“CRUCIO” The voice was from behind me and I didn't have time to react. Screams echoed in the empty hall as I fell to the floor. The screams were so horrific I couldn't imagine that they were coming from me. The pain was endless as it felt like every nerve in my body was trying to fight it's way out of my skin. Suddenly the pain stopped as I sobbed and gasped for breath on the floor. The foot steps echoed as the Death Eater walked closer. My mind was screaming for me to run away but I couldn't make my legs move. I looked up at the masked and hooded figure as they loomed over me.
Bending down they grabbed me around the throat and effortlessly lifted me off the ground and slammed me into the stone wall. Every bone rattled adding more to the pain that coursed through my body. The Death Eater's hand tightened it's grip around my throat as I clawed at it trying to pull it away desperately needing air. I hadn't fully recovered from curse. He laughed under the hood as I was able to grab hold of his mask pulling it back it disappeared from his face. Shaking the hood away white hair tumbled out and gray eyes bored into mine.
“Harry Potter's love, well isn't this just perfect,” Lucius Malfoy laughed as he released his grip. I crumpled into a heap as I gasped and coughed trying to fill my lungs with air. “Draco!” Lucius called over his shoulder, my body went numb and tears rushed into my eyes as Draco appeared behind his father. Unlike his father he was in his school uniform instead of his Death Eater robes. He glared at me with visible hatred written across his face.
“Father?” He stood next to his father as he glared down at me. Never before had I seen such hatred in Draco's eyes. It scared me, and made me realize that I was a fool.
“You know this girl?” Lucius bent down and picked me up roughly by the face. He turned it from side to side surveying my looks before smiling over his shoulder at Draco. “Is she pure blood?”
“No,”
“Pity,” He threw me at Draco wiping his hands on his robe as Draco grabbed me by my arms and pulled me up.
His grip tightening as he dragged me away from his father. I screamed as loud as I could beating him with my free hand trying to grab anything on him that would hurt and cause him to release his grip. We turned a corner and approached an abandoned class room, the entire hallway had been blown apart with shards of wood and stone littering the hall. Kicking open the door Draco threw me into the room before shutting the door and locking it.
“How could you?” I yelled crawling away from him “You said you loved me, but I see that was just to capture me wasn't it? Harry was right!”
“Meagan,” Draco said calmly as he slumped against the door exhausted.
“What are you going to do Draco? Huh?” I snapped pulling myself up off the floor “Is this where you're going to kill me? Finally one upping Harry?”
“Stop it,”
“I can't believe you, all that time and you've just been planning this! Haven't you?” I yelled backing away from him.
“STOP IT!” Draco launched himself off of the door and toward me. I flinched staring wide eyed as Draco came toward me.
“Please Draco don't!” I pleaded pulling desks in front of me but effortlessly Draco shoved them out of the way while backing me into a corner. I was shaking from head to toe but I stood my ground. “Please, if you ever loved me don't.”
Quickly he grabbed my shoulders and I flinched as I closed my eyes not wanting to look into the eyes of the man who I still loved. I waited for the punch, the kick or the curse but nothing came. He loosened his grip and the next thing I felt was him kissing me. It was frantic as he pulled me close, fresh tears welled in my eyes as I wrapped my arms around his neck. The shock wore off as I pushed Draco away from me but he held me close.
“I'm sorry,” He sobbed quietly “I knew it was going to happen after that failed attempt to get you. They're going to destroy Hogwarts, and kill you in the process.”
“Draco,” I said quietly running my fingers through his hair I tried to soothe him the best I could but my heart was racing. “We have to get out of here.”
“I'm supposed to take you to the Dark Lord,” His voice broke as he pulled away from me quickly turning around so I couldn't see the tears in his gray eyes. “His goal is to have you, and if he can't then you'll die in the battle.”
“I have to get to Harry,” I said quickly “We have to find him, he can keep me safe and get me out of here.”
“There's no guarantee that I can keep you safe out there,” Draco turned around to face me his face was clear of tears but his eyes shone.
“I'm not asking you to,” I quickly pushed past him heading for the door. If He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wanted me then there was a good chance that Death Eaters orders were to keep me alive for the time being. I had to get to Harry at all costs.
“Please,” It was Draco's turn to plead as he grabbed my wrist. Turning around I frowned at him “You can't take that kind of chance that they'll spare you. Not all of them will follow his orders, some will just kill you.”
“Without my wand there is nothing I can really do about that,” I sighed wrenching my wrist away from Draco “I have to get to him Draco, he needs me.”
“Not without this,” He said downheartedly. Coming up beside me he slipped my wand into my hand.
Draco took the lead as we walked around the hallways. If we were to encounter a group of Death Eaters he would be the one they would want to see first. The hall were surprisingly empty and quiet. Our footfalls echoed throughout the hall and every noise made me jump. Soon I was beginning to lose hope and that Harry has given up on finding me. We were on the fifth floor and Draco was looking around the corner when I saw Harry before Draco did, he was coming around a corner with Victoria in toe. They were talking animatedly, Harry was obviously flustered as Victoria looked like she was at her wits end. I started to walk toward them ignoring Draco at the other end of the hall.
“Harry?!” I started to run.
“Meagan!” Harry left Victoria's side and ran up to me. Throwing my arms around my neck he hugged me tightly “I thought I'd lost you. We couldn't find you.”
“I'm alright!” I grinned as I buried my face in his neck “Draco, he saved me.”
“Draco?” Victoria appeared beside us “Where is he?”
“Victoria?” Quickly she disappeared from my view. It didn't matter I was with Harry and we were free.
“Well isn't this a pretty picture?” The cackle that echoed through the hall sent shivers up my spine, I could feel Harry tense under my arms. Slowly he let go of me and turned around his wand raised towards the end of the hall. Harry held his hand back holding me behind him, but I could just see over his shoulder. Bellatrix Lestrange flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. Sneaking a glance at Draco he had pushed Victoria around the corner and his wand was raised— directed at Harry. “Good boy Draco, you found Potter and his little girlfriend. Don't think you can hide her behind you Potter,” She let out another laugh as she slowly advanced “I'm not blind I can see her clear as day.”
“Don't you dare come any closer,” Harry said quietly to Bellatrix, she stopped in her tracks and turned her head to the side.
“What are you going to do? Kill me?” She stalked closer, but stopped and smiled at Draco “I don't think I'm the one you have to worry about now Potter.”
Very quickly Harry took his eyes off of Bellatrix and glanced to his right where Draco was standing holding his wand at us. Draco's expression was utterly blank wand pointed at Harry. Taking his eyes off of Draco his stare returned to Bellatrix who hadn't moved from her spot. Harry's hand tightened on my waist as Draco moved closer to us.
Thoughts flew through my head and I knew that if I said anything Draco would be in more trouble that we were now. I had trusted him, he saved me from his father to bring me to Harry only to lead us into the ultimate trap. My heart raced in my throat as I looked between Draco and Bellatrix. Slowly I reached into my pocket and drew out my wand, Harry had distracted Bellatrix long enough. “EXITIUM!” I shouted pointing my wand at the ceiling between the Death Eaters and us. The castle shook as the ceiling broke apart and started to fall. I could hear Bellatrix scream in protest as the castle rattled the ceiling breaking apart faster by the battle going on below us.
“Get down!” Harry screamed at me pushing me away from the falling debris. I landed hard on the floor as rocks fell around me. Glancing up the stones that were already cracked from my spell worsened as the castle shook around us. I covered my head as the pillars around us fell from the lack of support.
Someone grabbed my wrist and quickly pulled me out from under one of the falling pillars. I looked at Harry as he quickly wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me down the corridor. I could see Victoria and Draco running a head of us trying to escape the collapsing hallway. Harry pulled me in a classroom and slammed the door shut. As I sat at the opposite wall next to Victoria, Harry and Draco piled desks against the door. Not that it would do much good but it would give us much needed time. Leaning my head back I closed my eyes and tried to calm my heart down.
“What the hell where you doing?” Harry hissed, snapping my eyes open I looked around. Draco and Harry stood looking out the window watching the progress of the fight below. Victoria had pulled herself into a ball and was sobbing quietly into her knees. Pushing myself up I walked over to Harry. “I thought you were on our side?”
“You think I wanted to turn my wand on Meagan?” Again echoed in his voice as he looked at me apologetically—but shrugged at Harry “Aunt Bellatrix doesn't exactly know my love life here. I had to make it look like I had snuck up on you two.”
“It's okay Draco,” I smiled weakly. He had already shown what side he was on when he brought me to Harry.
“No it's not okay!” Harry turned away from me leaned on a desk he frowned “I don't know what side he's on anymore. He brings you to me, then he turns his wand on us? How do I know he's not just led us in here for a trap?”
“Trap?” Victoria said weakly from her spot on the floor. “You wouldn't do that Draco? You wouldn't turn us over?”
“No!” Draco launched himself off of the wall and sat next to Victoria wrapping his arms around her comforting her. “I would never turn you over never.” I took a deep breath, he was uttering the words to Victoria but his eyes were on me.
Wrapping my arms around myself to stop from breaking, I looked out the window and saw the carnage that had already happened. Flames shot up from the Forbidden Forest as animals ran out onto Hogwarts grounds to escape the blaze. A huge piece of wood lay in the middle of the cobble entrance way, I could only assume that was one of the entrance hall doors. The castle still shook beneath our feet as the battle raged on around us. Harry walked up to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. A deep sob wracked my body as I turned into his.
“We should leave now,” Draco said quietly helping Victoria to stand “We've been here too long. I'm sure they've cleared the blockage now. It'll only be a matter of time before they start blasting open classrooms.”
Harry took a deep breath and nodded “You're right, we'll figure out what to do when we get out of here.”
“Works for me,” Draco started to move desks away from the door. Harry walked over to help him as Victoria walked quietly to my side. We exchanged worried glances we weren't sure how we were going to get out of this. But we knew that they would die trying.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“We have to get you to Headquarters,” Harry said grabbing my hand as we hid behind a wall. After looking around the corner Harry turned to us “Ron and Hermione have to be around here some where. They can take you both and get you out of the battle.”
“I'm not leaving you!” I shook my head furiously “I'm fighting this battle with you.”
“You've been captured once and almost taken a second time—third time is the charm,” Harry smile cupping my face he kissed me quickly. “Most of the battle seems to be taking place on the grounds now.”
“How are we going to find them in all of that then?” Draco asked as he came running back from checking the other end of the hall.
“I'll figure something out. Trust me.”
“I don't have a choice at this point,” Draco wrapped his arm around Victoria's waist “The hall is clear it should be until the Entrance Hall.”
“What's in the entrance hall?” Victoria asked weakly.
“Something we don't want to encounter I'm sure,” I took a deep breath and walked around the corner.
All was clear and we walked down the last few flights of stairs heading into the Entrance Hall. It was almost too easy. We carefully walked down the stairs and were feet from the grounds. Green flashed across the side of my face as a spell narrowly missed me. Harry pushed me out of the way shooting a curse at the Death Eaters that emerged from the Great Hall. I fumbled for my wand as curses and spells were sent in our direction. Harry stood beside me battling as much as he could for the two of us. Draco used being a Death Eater to his advantage and took Victoria out of harms way while the two Death Eaters focused their attention on us. I shot as many curses and spells as I could remember towards our attackers but nothing seemed to be working. For every curse that I used they deflected or reflected back at us. They had pushed us back to the statues at the top of the stairs. Sitting on the floor I tried to regain my breath as Harry shot the occasional curse at them.
“It's no use,” I gasped for breath “They have our number.”
“I have to get you out of here,” Harry collapsed next to me as the statue was being blown apart above us “We have to keep trying.”
“I've used all of the curses I know,” I said worriedly. Harry grabbed my shoulders and used his body as a cover as the last bit of the statue was blown away. “We can't stop them.” We sat there waiting for them to start blowing apart the balcony.
“Why did the attack stop?” I asked worried that they had just decided to come get us. Harry stood up slowly and looked around.
“It's Draco,” Harry exclaimed looking down at me. I shot up from the floor and peered around the statue. Draco was standing in the door way pocketing his wand. The two Death Eaters lay unconscious in the middle of the Entrance Hall. Victoria was no where in sight but I had to hope that he hid her before coming back for us. “What's he doing?”
“Helping, let's go!” Grabbing Harry's hand we ran down the stairs. Draco grabbed my hand so we wouldn't get separated as he led us out of the school. Small battles were taking place along the grounds, luckily everyone seemed to be occupied as we ran past them. He led us to the far end of the grounds which seemed to have already seen it's part in the battle. Smoke rose from burned out fires in the ground and motionless animals lay dying.
“What now?” Draco asked clutching the stitch in his side as stopped near Hagrid's hut. Victoria appeared from behind a few pumpkins and ran into Draco's arms.
“Ron and Hermione are waiting for them,” Harry looked around quickly.
“I thought you said you didn't know where they were?” I sat down trying to catch my breath.
“I couldn't risk saying it--” Harry frowned “Don't know who is on our side.” His eyes flicked to Draco as he grabbed my hand. “In case anything happened it was settled that they would be waiting outside of the Hogwarts grounds ready to take you to the Order.”
“What about you?” He led me away from Victoria and Draco who were making their own goodbyes. “I don't want to leave you let me help.”
“I can't,” Sighing he took my other hand in his and kissed them both “I saw you fighting, you aren't ready.”
“Doesn't mean I can send a few curses their way,” I huffed trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
“I can start training you when the time is right,” Harry resigned after a few minutes of silence. I laughed quietly. Biting my lip I cupped his face, I didn't know if this would be the last time I would see Harry. Or if he would be able to escape this fight and be able to teach me to fight for my own. “I'm going to be okay. I'll come see you don't worry.”
Wrapping my arms around him I didn't want to let him go. Victoria grabbed my arm and pulled me away from him. “We gotta go!” She pointed towards the school—the battle was heading back this way.
“Go run!” Harry pushed me, I stumbled slightly as Victoria still had hold of my hand. She let go and began to ran as fast as her legs would allow her. I followed behind her. The air burned my lungs as air tried to make it through my bruised throat. Victoria was quickly out of sight and I tried my best to run up the hill that was right before the dip and the drive towards Hogsmeade. Slowly I cleared the hill and stood looking down.
I could see Victoria with Ron and Hermione just a few feet beyond the gate leading to Hogsmeade. Victoria had a death grip on Ron's arm as he was ready to apparate. I could hear the pop as they disappeared from site heading for shelter with the Order. Hermione beckoned me to hurry as she stood alone just as much an open target as I was. I raced down the drive as fast as my tired legs could carry me.
The spell hit me from behind as I locked up and tumbled down face first through the stone leading to the gate. As I landed my heart thudded hard enough that I thought it would break through my chest—this was it, I was done for. Incoherent screams surrounded me as I lay there. My vision was slowly blurred by red as the sweat increased the blood flow. I was a perfect sitting target and I waited for someone to kill me. As quickly as the curse was hit it was lifted and I felt weightless. My head throbbed as I felt arms wrap around my back and legs. Closing my eyes I tried to stay awake as I felt myself being carried. “Harry,” I said quietly.
“Hermione,” The voice wavered “Get her out of here, now”
I was dropped to my feet but felt an arm holding me up as I was being squeezed through a tube.
