Chapter Thirty-Two:
( the raging storm )

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

             "MORGANA," SPENCER FEARFULLY WHISPERS, her brown eyes meeting those of the dark-clothed Death Eater in front of her. For the most part, her sister had a costume change. She no longer wears the innocent-looking expression on her face and instead shows her true colors with a dark burgundy lipstick and full-black clothing similar to their aunt. From the yells she faintly hears, Spencer knows Mordra is there as well. The question is... how did they arrive? Morgana came from behind her and they cannot Apparate at Hogwarts. No portkey had been made under Ministry supervision so how did they— I did something horrible... those were the words Theodore had told her.

             He is the reason they are here.

             The older Montague takes a few steps forward, her head tilted in a threatening matter with her wand out. A cruel smirk plastered on her face revealing nothing but definite bitterness and hatred— all for her. Spencer clutches her wand tighter that she fears it will not work if it breaks. She swallows deeply, eyes passing through her sister just in time to notice more Death Eaters attacking the guards right away. Currently, it is just them standing in the same halls and ground prepared for whatever is about to occur.

             "I did have a plan," Morgana admits, licking her lips like a predator would look for its food. "And not just for the Dark Lord... that took some time to figure out and estimate when the timing would be right so the two boys complete their own assignment... but one for us. Where I could go up to you and— stupefy!"

             "Protego!" Spencer raises her own wand and defends herself, keeping it up as she runs outside. Instead of fully sprinting, she turns back to her knowing this is not finished. By the looks of it, Spencer only angers her more. Someone's bloodthirsty, Spencer thinks to herself. "Petrificus Totalus!" She casts and internally groans when Morgana moves out of the way.

             Morgana points at a random bench nearby her and shouts, "Expulso." Spencer gets thrown back by the small explosion and hurries back up from the ground. Morgana laughs at what she caused and struts toward her. Before she says anything else, the older girl glances up and smirks widely. Spencer follows her view and freezes upon noticing why.

             Right in front of her, a body falls hundreds of feet until a loud thump follows upon it. Ignoring the fact that her sister is behind her, Spencer runs to the body before bending down in panic and fear— it couldn't be. Except, a tall bearded gray man lies on the ground with blood surrounding the frail skin around him. Albus Dumbledore, the most current powerful wizard, is dead. Spencer feels her hands tremble as she gently parts his hair to the side in disbelief. Morgana simply struts beside the body and lets out a wicked laugh.

             "Are you afraid now?" Morgana hisses, bending down toward the dead body. "You should be," she warns Spencer in a dark tone.

             Spencer forces herself to harden her features. "Of course not," she spits out bravely. Those are not the right words to say. Morgana narrows her eyes at her before giving a fake smile. The young Montague jumps when the oldest puts her hand around Dumbledore's limp head and immediately snaps it. She opens her mouth in shock and gulps. "Okay, okay," Spencer repeats with her wand raised. Honestly, at this point why is she even surprised? "Don't go on disrespecting the dead— wouldn't want to be haunted now, do you?"

             "Oh, shut up with your fantasies, sister," Morgana sneers arrogantly. "Your highest protection is gone... you know what that means?"

             "Only that you need to fear Harry now," Spencer growls, "Impedimenta." The latter trips over herself and scrapes herself from the sound of it.

             Morgana glares at her. "You're gonna regret that. Nothing is ruining this moment," she fumes darkly. Spencer gives her a mocking expression, pouting even to make a statement. How dare that imbecile snap a dead man's body? While Dumbledore may not have been her favorite person— he was one of the greatest wizards to live and now he is... dead. Does she think she's afraid of her?

             "Petrificus—"

             "Crucio!"

             And suddenly, every inch of Spencer's body begins to ache in pain. Fire burns in her insides and knifes consumedly stab her everywhere. The pain far extreme that for a moment Spencer thinks she will never feel or see the light of day. Her head— her mind yelling at every chance that she swears it is bound to explode. Spencer screams— she shrieks loudly and shows her true fear of death for the first time and if the students are not awake from all the fighting then they certainly are now. The young girl cries at the treacherous spell and feels herself start to crumble. Was she fainting? Dying?

             "Expelliarmus!" Another voice enters the area they are in and Spencer gasps as she tumbles to the ground free of the curse. Weakly, she glances up and notices her sister falling face to the ground at the Stunning Charm the person casted after the Disarming one. A sudden relief goes through her mind when she notices her brother quickly sprint toward her, his hands gently holding her up. "Spence, I—" he purses his lips almost like he does not want to cry, an angry and pained look on his eye.

             Spencer wraps her arm weakly around him and begins crying. "It hurts," she whimpers. Daniel gulps and hides his face away from hers— either way, she can hear his sniffles. He helps her walk inside the castle before they are unfortunately stopped by another wickedly evil figure.

             Have you guessed it?

             Mordra Montague comes from the shadows, her hair frizzy as always with the same sinister look on her eyes. She openly glances at the two of them and a set of realization falls on her. "Spencer... you've found your pathetic brother," Mordra smirks, heading right at her until Daniel raises his wand higher.

             "If you go near her, I won't hesitate to kill you..." Daniel warns coldly. Spencer raises her eyebrows in surprise and begins to separate herself from him. Not because of his words, but because she knows there will be a fight. No matter how much she is in pain— she will not go without fighting.

             "Tsk, you've grown violent...this is useful if you join me, Daniel," Mordra offers once more and that is all she needs for the man to snap and cast a spell. The woman yells in anger and the battle between aunt and nephew plunges right in. Spencer turns her head to the right and groans when she notices Morgana wide awake.

             Morgana glares at her cruelly and points her wand (she received it after Mordra disarmed Daniel and noticed it was the girl's). Whatever spell she casted, Spencer repeals it nonverbally. Her whole body aches telling her to just give up, but Spencer does not listen to it. The day she gives in to her sister will be when all hell breaks lose because there is no chance in the world that she will let her win. Not after all she has been through to finally accept herself.

             "Petrificus Totalus," a spell is shot from behind her, but instead of it hitting Spencer, it smacks directly to Morgana and causes her to go limp cold. Spencer turns around and her eyes widen upon noticing Theodore Nott with a determined expression. She takes a glimpse at her brother noticing the emotionless expression on his face. She does not have a chance to go with him and help as Theodore tugs her with him.

             "Come with me," he gasps out tiredly. Spencer breathes heavily and stares at him unsurely. She believed in him and he was the one that brought them here. "Spencer, I know the truth is out, but trust me. Trust me like you always have, please."

             And despite all of what he did, Spencer takes his hand. He appears taken back for a few seconds before bringing her close to his chest and taking her out of the two other Montagues fighting. Spencer blasts a spell at every Death Eater she spots while Theodore pushes her along. Noticing many of them heading to one specific spot, she raises her wand and a spell of targeted fireworks head into the sky— giving them a fake alertness of where a certain person is.

             "What the fuck are you doing?" Theodore questions angrily, quickly pulling her even further

             Spencer grunts in response and exclaims, "Don't turn them off!" He pushes her in anger and yells, "You want to bring them here? Every one of them?!"

             "That's exactly what I want to do!" Spencer snaps at him, pointing an accusing finger right at his chest as she pushes him right back. "If the Death Eaters are right here then that means they are not trying to get to Harry!"

             "So you don't care if they get to you?" Theodore hisses.

             She gives him a glare. "Dumbledore is dead, Theo! So, no, I don't care if they get to me as long as Harry gets out alive," the young girl reveals. Theodore backs up in surprise and his eyes soften at her statement. Regret builds up on his face, but not much gets through as another Death Eater then points their wand at Spencer's neck.

             Spencer widens her eyes and stops herself from breathing, staring up at the distant eyes of a man appearing similar to Theodore. It does not take her long to figure out who it is and not just because of his eyes, but because of how the boy beside her stiffens in realization as well.

             "F-father, I have this one handled," all emotion in Theodore's voice vanishes from tone. Spencer frowns visibly and chins up with a harsh glare. This is the man that has caused him fear like no other. Even without knowing him, she dislikes him awfully so.

             The older Nott tilts his head threateningly and places a hand on her neck. "No, son, I think I do. Go find that Potter kid while I deal with this one," the man sneers at his own son.

             Theodore hesitates to do his father's orders. When his father turns to him with a threatening glance, the younger boy shakes his head and then argues, "No! I don't want to be like you!" He points his wand directly at his father.

             Nott tightens his hold on Spencer's neck causing her to gasp. When Theodore shoots her a look of worry, his father points his wand to cast a spell on his own son and she takes the chance to punch him straight on the face. The older Nott stumbles back in surprise and Theodore shakes himself off his frozen state and yells, "Petrificus Totalus!"

             Spencer grabs her friend's hand and despite her weak state causes both of them to run out of there. Theodore begins to notice how horrid she looks and starts taking lead. "Do you know where Ricky is?" He questions quietly, holding his wand out defensively.

             At the recollection of what happened earlier, Spencer scowls, "I would if you didn't trap me in the broom closet."

             Theodore blushes noticeably. "I didn't want you out here," he comments. Then, he sends her a look of annoyance. "But you can't stay in one place, can you?"

             "Now you get it," Spencer teases before almost tumbling down. Theodore frowns deeper and makes her arm go around his shoulders. From the corner of her eye she notices familiar red hair appear in her view and suddenly that brown hair she so truly loves. She tugs his sleeves (the boy beside her flinched) and points to her friends. The two of them begin limping there (or at least she did) and Ricky is the first to notice her as he runs to them, his clothes ragged, but his face harmless.

             "Spencer, I've been looking for you!" Ricky exclaims happily, going to give her a hug before stopping himself seconds before. He eyes her state and frowns. "What happened? Wait— Theo?"

             Theodore awkwardly smiles. "Hi," he greets, his head put down in shame. Ricky stares at him in bewilderment before practically jumping on him, pulling on the top of his shirt and kissing him right in front of Spencer.

             Having no strength, she continues holding on to Theodore, but politely stares away to let the two lovebirds kiss. They separate after a whole minute (yes, she counted) and stare at each other lovingly before Theodore snaps out of it and turns to her. "We've got to get you to the Hospital Wing, you look like shit."

             "Yeah, well, Morgana isn't really the pleasant one," Spencer snaps at him. Theodore's face flashes a guilty look which she softly squeezes his arm for. However, Ricky is not so pleased to hear about that.

             "What? She came here too? How did they even—"

             "Not now," Spencer cuts him off, her eyes falling straight on Theodore who soon feels the pile of regret and guilt wash him completely. "Hey, listen to me. You're not going back to them," she carefully soothes his cheeks comfortingly. "You chose a side. Late, but you still chose it with us."

             "It's my fault..." Theodore trails off, letting his eyes water up with tears.

             Ron goes up to them with a concerned expression. "Let's go to the Hospital Wing. McGonagall is ordering up," he tells them, giving a short nod to Theodore in gratitude. Spencer places her hand on his arm and he turns to her in confusion.

             "Have you seen Blaise?" She questions with a slight scared tone. Ron gives her a short smile and nods. "Yeah, he's cool, actually. Immediately came to us for you and helped either way. I think he's went to help Luna, though," Ron informs her calmly.

             Relief passes through her system upon hearing that her boyfriend is safe. She follows them up to the Hospital Wong, barely taking in the fact that the Death Eaters are long gone. Yet, she can not help but flinch at the crying and whispers that carry along the crowd. Dumbledore is dead— and as she looks at Ron and Ricky... she has a feeling they still do not know.

             They reach the Hospital Wing and Madam Pomfrey quickly heads to them with the most concern she has ever seen. Theodore calls her over and tells her, "I think Spencer needs the most attention between us."

             Madam Pomfrey gasps at her appearance and calls her over. "Honey, is that your blood? Oh, dear, you look exhausted as if the Cruciat—" the woman completely falls silent in realization.

             Spencer does not say anything and instead lets herself get healed by the woman. This time, however, she does not fall asleep and rather sits limply in the bed. Ricky sits beside her even when more people begin coming in. Bill is lying on the bed beside her unconscious. Apparently, Greyback had attacked him. Luckily, it was not in his full form so Spencer knows the oldest Weasley would not turn into a werewolf. She lets her eyes wander around. From the looks of it, none from their side know that Dumbledore has died.

             After a few minutes, Blaise and Luna comes in the Hospital Wing and while Luna goes with the others, Blaise practically runs toward her in full concern. His eyes are widen in alert and he forces himself to stop from throwing himself on her. Spencer smiles at the sight of him and leans on the hand he places on her cheek. "Are you okay?" He questions, getting down on his knees to get closer to her.

             Spencer gives him a look of assurance. "I will be," she answers honestly.

             Not even seconds later, Daniel walks through the door in exhaustion, but not badly hurt. There is only a small cut by the side of his eye, though, Spencer knows Madam Pomfrey can fix it. He walks toward her and sighs in total relief. "I'm so sorry I got there before..."

             "It's okay. You came," Spencer interrupts, her voice slightly hoarse as she tries not to cry. Daniel, however, covers his mouth and lets his tears run freely. She stays silent and let the four of them (Blaise, Ricky, Theodore, and Daniel) sit beside her bed. More people begin filling in and being the amazing person she is, Madam Pomfrey begins healing them up. Her attention goes to Blaise who watches with upset eyes. "You should ask if you can help," she tells him softly, gently playing with his curls.

             Blaise stares at her in confusion before realizing what she means. Noticing the sureness in her eyes, he nods in agreement and slowly gets up from his seat, tapping on the women's shoulder who gratefully nods in appreciation. Spencer watches him for a few seconds before she glances at Ricky. His head is on the side of her bed and she carefully lets her hand pet him.

             Everything quietens down until Harry comes in through the door and Hermione runs up to him with a hug. Spencer lets out a sigh of relief and leans up, ignoring the protest coming from Daniel. Remus stands up anxiously and moves forward to him.

             "Are you alright, Harry?" Remus questions the Gryffindor boy. Spencer eyes him curiously before something dawn on her. Was Harry the last person to...? Harry nods at Remus's question and instead looks at Bill in worry. She can see why. Despite the fact that he is alive, the oldest Weasley is all badly slashed up. His beautiful face scarred horridly by the claws of Greyback. While they begin talking about the scar and Greyback, Ron leans forward to his brother's bed.

             "Dumbledore might know something that'll work. Where is he? Bill fought those maniacs on Dumbledore's orders, Dumbledore owns him, he can't leave him on this state—" Ron begins to ramble, his eyebrows scrunching up in anger. At this time, Blaise reaches Spencer's side once more and quietly held her hand.

             "He's dead," Spencer finally gives in, admitting the words out loud as she remembers the man falling, falling, falling. Her eyes stare past them all and right at Harry's with a pale-sickened expression. Everyone around them stares at her in disbelief— except Theodore, Ginny, and Harry.

             Professor Lupin shakes his head to contradict her. "No," he argues in disbelief.

             Spencer lets her eyes fall to the ground. "I watched him fall and hit the ground... his blood— this blood..." she glances down to her own clothes. She does not remember getting them bloodied, but apparently it had happened when she bent down beside his body. Dead. Dumbledore's dead.

             "You saw him die?" Daniel gasps.

             She shakes her head. "No— No I saw him fall. He was already dead and then Morgana— she... she saw him fall too and then s-snapped his neck like—" Spencer brings her hand close to her mouth and then hides her face. Those around her quietly comfort her.

             "Who killed him?" Tonks numbly questions after everyone silenced to let Spencer cry freely. This makes her look up, ignoring the looks on her friend's faces as she waits for Harry to answer.

             Harry hardens his features and for the first time, she can see why some people are scared of him. Harry, one of her closest friends who cares for people more than he should, has a vengeful look on his eye. Cold and distant. "Snape killed him," he answers, "I was there, I saw it. We arrived back on the Astronomy Tower because that's where the Mark was... Dumbledore was ill, he was weak, but I think he realized it was a trap when we heard footsteps running up the stairs. He immobilized me, I couldn't do anything, I was under the Invisibility Cloak — and then Malfoy came through the door and disarmed him —"

             Hermione claps her hands to her mouth and Ron groans. Blaise closes his eyes in regret and tightens his hold on her hand. Spencer lets herself stare at Theodore, noticing how he tugged his hair angrily and the tears that fell. She does not have to be a Legilimens to read his mind— his face says it all.

             "— more Death Eaters arrived — and then Snape — and Snape did it. The Avada Kedavra." Harry cannot go on after those words.

             Madam Pomfrey bursts into tears. Nobody pays her any attention except Ginny, who whispers, "Shh! Listen!"

             Gulping, Madam Pomfrey presses her fingers to her mouth, her eyes wide. Somewhere out in the darkness, a phoenix is singing in a way Spencer has never heard before: a stricken lament of terrible beauty. And Spencer feels that the music is inside her. It is all their grief turning magically to song that echoes across the grounds and through the castle windows. How long they all stood there, listening, they do not know, nor why it seems to ease their pain a little to listen to the sound of their mourning, but it feels like a long time later that the hospital door opens again and Professor McGonagall enters the ward. Like all the rest, she bears marks of the recent battle: There are grazes on her face and her robes are ripped.

             "Molly and Arthur are on their way," she tells them, and the spell of the music is broken. Everyone rouses themselves as though coming out of trances, turning again to look at Bill, or else to rub their own eyes, shake their heads. "Harry, what happened? According to Hagrid you were with Professor Dumbledore when he — when it happened. He says Professor Snape was involved in some —"

             "Snape killed Dumbledore," Harry repeats.

             She stares at him for a moment, then sways alarmingly. Madam Pomfrey, who seems to have pulled herself together, runs forward, conjuring a chair from thin air, which she pushes under McGonagall.

             "Snape," repeats McGonagall faintly, falling into the chair. "We all wondered... but he trusted... always... Snape... I can't believe it..."

             "Snape was a highly accomplished Occlumens," Remus rasps out, his voice uncharacteristically harsh. "We always knew that."

             "But Dumbledore swore he was on our side!" whispers Tonks. "I always thought Dumbledore must know something about Snape that we didn't..."

             "He always hinted that he had an ironclad reason for trusting Snape," mutters Professor McGonagall, now dabbing at the corners of her leaking eyes with a tartan-edged handkerchief. "I mean... with Snape's history... of course people were bound to wonder... but Dumbledore told me explicitly that Snape's repentance was absolutely genuine... Wouldn't hear a word against him!"

             "I'd love to know what Snape told him to convince him," Tonks scoffs. Spencer has to agree with her on that. She listens closely to their conversation while fiddling with Blaise's hand and Ricky's hair.

             "I know," Harry states, and they all turn to look at him. "Snape passed Voldemort the information that made Voldemort hunt down my mum and dad. Then Snape told Dumbledore he hadn't realized what he was doing, he was really sorry he'd done it, sorry that they were dead."

             Spencer blinks. That is the most bullshittest thing she has ever heard. Everyone else seems to believe so as well.

             "And Dumbledore believed that?" Remus asks incredulously. "Dumbledore believed Snape was sorry James was dead? Snape hated James..."

             "And he didn't think my mother was worth a damn either," Harry snarls, "because she was Muggleborn... 'Mudblood,' he called her..."

             Nobody asks how Harry knows this. All of them seem to be lost in horrified shock, trying to digest the monstrous truth of what has happened.

             "This is all my fault," Professor McGonagall suddenly gasps. She looks disoriented, twisting her wet handkerchief in her hands. "My fault. I sent Filius to fetch Snape tonight, I actually sent for him to come and help us! If I hadn't alerted Snape to what was going on, he might never have joined forces with the Death Eaters. I don't think he knew they were there before Filius told him, I don't think he knew they were coming."

             "It isn't your fault, Minerva," Remus comforts her firmly. "We all wanted more help, we were glad to think Snape was on his way..."

             Theodore stands up from his seat and covers his whole face. Spencer feels her lips part as she straightens up and calls out, "Theo..."

             He shakes his head angrily. "It's my fault!" The Slytherin snaps. All of those around Bill and Spencer stare at Theodore with a surprised look, their brows furrowing in confusion as they wait for him to elaborate. It is then when her friend lifts up his left arm's sleeves and shows it to them. Most of their eyes widen in alertness and a few even keep their hand by their wand. Harry, Blaise, Daniel, and Ricky are one of the few that do not. In fact, Harry seems to not be surprised by the mark either. "I'm the one who let them in— my fault— mine—" Theodore begins to cry uncaring of the eyes on him and how some are ready to attack.

             Spencer holds out her hand defensively. "Stop, don't hurt him," she defends the Slytherin.

             Harry eyes the boy warily before slowly going up toward him. She holds in her breath and then lets it out when Harry holds out his hand as some truce offering. "You were working with Malfoy, weren't you?"

             Theodore looks down at his hand and then back at him. He gives a short nod, rubbing his eyes harshly. Harry frowns before awkwardly patting his shoulder. "But you helped Spencer?"

             "He did," Spencer speaks up. "His father was going to hurt me, but he protected me a-and Voldemort threatened him. Harry, you believe me, right?"

             Harry places his lips into a firm line before nodding strictly. "I believe you, but after what Snape did... we're keeping a close eye on you, Nott," her friend tells, making sure that Theodore is staring at him right in the eyes. "If you go back to them and help— you'll regret ever lying to me," Harry threatens darkly. Theodore steps back in surprise.

             "You're letting me...?"

             Daniel eyes his sister before looking at Theodore. "Sit down, kid. You only allowed this to happen early. Voldemort used you against your own friends, but you've escaped him," the older man motions for him to get back in the chair. Theodore listens before finally collapsing, letting his arms cover his face up as he cries silently beside Spencer's legs.

             Their attention reverts back to Harry who speaks up about Snape once more. "So when he arrived at the fight, he joined in on the Death Eaters' side?" asks Harry, who wants every detail of Snape's duplicity and infamy, feverishly collecting more reasons to hate him, to swear vengeance.

             "I don't know exactly how it happened," Professor McGonagall mutters distractedly. "It's all so confusing... Dumbledore had told us that he would be leaving the school for a few hours and that we were to patrol the corridors just in case... Remus, Daniel, Bill, and Nymphadora were to join us... and so we patrolled. All seemed quiet. Every secret passageway out of the school was covered. We knew nobody could fly in. There were powerful enchantments on every entrance into the castle."

             Harry nods in understanding and motions to Theodore. "That was what him and Malfoy were rebuilding... the Vanishing Cabinet that Montague broke last year," Harry informs, earning a numb nod from Theo.

             "I messed up, Harry," Ron utters bleakly. "We did like you told us: We checked the Marauder's Map and we couldn't see Malfoy on it, so we thought he must be in the Room of Requirement, so me, Ginny, and Neville went to keep watch on it... but Malfoy got past us."

             Theodore glances up to them and slowly begins explaining, "We were close to finishing it, Malfoy and I. When I knew that, I left from there to try and— uh, hide Spencer and Ricky—"

             "You locked me in a broom closet," Spencer growls at him with annoyance. Ricky raises his eyebrows and quietly whispers, "That's why you were gone for the longest time... I was worried about you and went bullocks trying to save you some Felix. Merlin, I was terrified when Blaise brought in your philosophy book..."

             "Any who," Theodore ignores the glare from Spencer as he fiddles with his hand. "I tried looking for Ricky and even tried going past the Ravenclaw dorms. Malfoy must have continued without me cause I don't know how he finished..."

             Spencer parts her lips in surprise. That bloody idiot did not even finish the assignment— almost, yes, but he was not the one to allow the Death Eaters in.

             "He came out of the room about an hour after we started keeping watch," Ginny continues. "He was on his own, clutching that awful shriveled arm —"

             "His Hand of Glory," Ron interrupts. "Gives light only to the holder, remember?"

             "Anyway," Ginny goes on, "he must have been checking whether the coast was clear to let the Death Eaters out, because the moment he saw us he threw something into the air and it all went pitch-black —"

             "— Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder," Ron spits bitterly. "Fred and George's. I'm going to be having a word with them about who they let buy their products."

             "We tried everything, Lumos, Incendio," Ginny explains. "Nothing would penetrate the darkness; all we could do was grope our way out of the corridor again, and meanwhile we could hear people rushing past us. Obviously Malfoy could see because of that hand thing was guiding them, but we didn't dare use any curses or anything in case we hit each other, and by the time we'd reached a corridor that was light, they'd gone."

             "Luckily," Remus adds in hoarsely, "Ron, Ginny, and Neville ran into us almost immediately and told us what had happened. We found the Death Eaters minutes later, heading in the direction of the Astronomy Tower. Malfoy obviously hadn't expected more people to be on the watch; he seemed to have exhausted his supply of Darkness Powder, at any rate. A fight broke out, they scattered and we gave chase. One of them, Gibbon, broke away and headed up the tower stairs —"

             "To set off the Mark?" asks Harry.

             "He must have done, yes, they must have arranged that before they left the Room of Requirement," Remus agrees. "But I don't think Gibbon liked the idea of waiting up there alone for Dumbledore, because he came running back downstairs to rejoin the fight and was hit by a Killing Curse that just missed me."

             "So if Ron was watching the Room of Requirement with Ginny and Neville," Harry turns to Hermione, "were you — ?"

             "Outside Snape's office, yes," whispers Hermione, her eyes sparkling with tears, "with Luna and Ricky. We hung around for ages outside it and nothing happened... We didn't know what was going on upstairs, Ron had taken the map... Ricky was going crazy trying to find Spencer and practically turned insane when Zabini went to us with her book on his hands. After that, he stayed with us. It was nearly midnight when Professor Flitwick came sprinting down into the dungeons. He was shouting about Death Eaters in the castle, I don't think he really registered that Luna, Ricky, Zabini, and I were there at all, he just burst his way into Snape's office and we heard him saying that Snape had to go back with him and help and then we heard a loud thump and Snape came hurtling out of his room and he saw us and — and —"

             "What?" Harry urges her.

             "I was so stupid, Harry!" Hermione cries in a high-pitched whisper. "He said Professor Flitwick had collapsed and that we should go and take care of him while he — while he went to help fight the Death Eaters —" She covers her face in shame and continues to talk into her fingers, so that her voice is muffled. "We went into his office to see if we could help Professor Flitwick and found him unconscious on the floor... and oh, it's so obvious now, Snape must have Stupefied Flitwick, but we didn't realize, Harry, we didn't realize, we just let Snape go!"

             "It's not your fault," Remus comforts firmly. "Hermione, had you not obeyed Snape and got out of the way, he probably would have killed you, Luna, Ricky, and Blaise."

             "So then he came upstairs," Harry mumbles, "and he found the place where you were all fighting..."

             "We were in trouble, we were losing," Tonks murmurs in a low voice. "Gibbon was down, but the rest of the Death Eaters seemed ready to fight to the death. Neville had been hurt, Bill had been savaged by Greyback... It was all dark... curses flying everywhere... The Malfoy boy had vanished, he must have slipped past, up the stairs... then more of them ran after him, but one of them blocked the stair behind them with some kind of curse... Neville ran at it and got thrown up into the air —"

             "None of us could break through," Ron cuts in, "and that massive Death Eater was still firing off jinxes all over the place, they were bouncing off the walls and barely missing us..."

             "And then Snape was there," Tonks adds in, "and then he wasn't —"

             "I saw him running toward us, but that huge Death Eater's jinx just missed me right afterward and I ducked and lost track of things," Ginny sighs. Spencer quietly listens through it all. How odd that she was off in the sidelines fighting her own blood while they did all that? Morgana wanted to kill her— torture her and she would have succeeded if Daniel hadn't...

             "I saw him run straight through the cursed barrier as though it wasn't there," Remus continues. "I tried to follow him, but was thrown back just like Neville..."

             "He must have known a spell we didn't," whispers McGonagall. "After all — he was the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher... I just assumed that he was in a hurry to chase after the Death Eaters who'd escaped up to the tower..."

             "He was," Harry says savagely, "but to help them, not to stop them... and I'll bet you had to have a Dark Mark to get through that barrier — so what happened when he came back down?"

             "Well, the big Death Eater had just fired off a hex that caused half the ceiling to fall in, and also broke the curse blocking the stairs," Remus carries on. "We all ran forward — those of us who were still standing anyway — and then Snape and the boy emerged out of the dust — obviously, none of us attacked them —"

             "We just let them pass," Tonks gasps in a hollow voice. "We thought they were being chased by the Death Eaters — and next thing, the other Death Eaters and Greyback were back and we were fighting again — I thought I heard Snape shout something, but I don't know what —"

             "He shouted, 'It's over,'" Harry interrupts. "He'd done what he'd meant to do."

             They all fall silent. The phoenix's lament is still echoing over the dark grounds outside. As the music reverberates upon the air, unbidden, unwelcome thoughts slunk into Spencer's mind. All those plans, all that waiting for it to lead up to this...

             The doors of the hospital wing burst open, making them all jump: Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are striding up the ward, Fleur just behind them, her beautiful face terrified.

             "Molly — Arthur —" Professor McGonagall apologizes, jumping up and hurrying to greet them. "I am so sorry —"

             "Bill," whispers Mrs. Weasley, darting past Professor McGonagall as she catches sight of Bill's mangled face. "Oh, Bill!"

             Remus and Tonks get up hastily and retreats so that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley can get nearer to the bed. Mrs. Weasley bends over her son and presses her lips to his bloody forehead.

             "You said Greyback attacked him?" Mr. Weasley asks Professor McGonagall distractedly. "But he hadn't transformed? So what does that mean? What will happen to Bill?"

             "We don't yet know," Professor McGonagall answers honestly, looking helplessly at Remus.

             "There will probably be some contamination, Arthur," Remus murmurs. "It is an odd case, possibly unique... We don't know what his behavior might be like when he awakens..."

             Mrs. Weasley takes the nasty-smelling ointment from Madam Pomfrey and begins dabbing at Bill's wounds.

             "And Dumbledore..." Mr. Weasley wonders. "Minerva, is it true... Is he really...?"

             "Dumbledore's gone," whispers Professor McGonagall Mrs. Weasley has eyes only for her eldest son; she begins to sob, tears falling onto Bill's mutilated face.

             "Of course, it doesn't matter how he looks... It's not really important... but he was a very handsome little b-boy... always very handsome... and he was g-going to be married!" Mrs. Weasley cries out. Ginny and Spencer both glance up to share a look. They are quite similar knowing exactly how Fleur feels about Bill.

             "And what do you mean by zat?" Fleur gasps suddenly and loudly. "What do you mean, ''e was going to be married?'"

             "Mrs. Weasley raises her tear-stained face, looking startled. "Well — only that —"

             "You theenk Bill will not wish to marry me anymore?" demands Fleur. "You theenk, because of these bites, he will not love me?"

             "No, that's not what I —"

             "Because 'e will!" Fleur argues, drawing herself up to her full height and throwing back her long mane of silver hair. "It would take more zan a werewolf to stop Bill loving me!"

             "Well, yes, I'm sure," Mrs. Weasley stammers, "but I thought perhaps — given how — how he —"

             "You thought I would not weesh to marry him? Or per'aps, you hoped?" Fleur demands, her nostrils flaring. "What do I care how he looks? I am good-looking enough for both of us, I theenk! All these scars show is zat my husband is brave! And I shall do zat!" she adds fiercely, pushing Mrs. Weasley aside and snatching the ointment from her.

             Mrs. Weasley falls back against her husband and watches Fleur mopping up Bill's wounds with a most curious expression upon her face. Nobody says anything; Harry does not dare move. Like everybody else, he is waiting for the explosion. Spencer, however, finally lets out an amused smile and admires the beautiful blonde girl.

             Ginny, noticing her lovesick expression, chuckles lightly. "Might wanna be careful there, Zabini. Spencer once said she would risk it all for Fleur Delacour," the redhead warns Spencer's boyfriend.

             Blaise raises an eyebrow in surprise before glancing at the brunette questioningly. She lets her eyes gently travel amongst his face before shrugging weakly. "I would," Spencer agrees. He simply rolls his eyes, a tiny smile on his face.

             "Our Great-Auntie Muriel," Mrs. Weasley speaks after a long pause, "has a very beautiful tiara — goblin-made — which I am sure I could persuade her to lend you for the wedding. She is very fond of Bill, you know, and it would look lovely with your hair."

             "Thank you," Fleur responds stiffly. "I am sure zat will be lovely."

             And then, Spencer does not quite see how it happened, both women are crying and hugging each other. That is the first time she has seen Molly actually appreciate Fleur. However, she is not expecting the next few things to happen.

             "You see!" cries a strained voice. Tonks is glaring at Remus. "She still wants to marry him, even though he's been bitten! She doesn't care!"

             "It's different," Remus argues, barely moving his lips and looking suddenly tense. Daniel groans as he knows what his friend's next words will be. "Bill will not be a full werewolf. The cases are completely —"

             "But I don't care either, I don't care!" Tonks exclaims, seizing the front of Remus's robes and shaking them. "I've told you a million times..."

             Harry walks toward Spencer and stays by her feet. "How are you?" He questions with concern. She gazes up at him with a short smile. It fascinates her how he always wants to look after others. Harry Potter has a beautiful soul than perhaps anyone else.

             Spencer purses her lips and shrugs. "Could do better,"

             Daniel scrunches his brows as he realizes something. "You haven't told them?"

             The remaining students lean in closer toward her in confusion. "Told us what?"

             The young Montague stares away from them. She remembers the words clearly... how strongly Morgana must have felt to cast it. The pain— nothing like she has ever felt before...

             "Morgana..." it is not Spencer who speaks up but her brother. "I-I arrived with Remus when they sent out that message. My attention diverted from them when I heard a scream and... and I went outside nearby where Dumbledore's body... Spencer was screaming so loud because Morgana casted the Cruciatus Curse on her," Daniel tells his part, closing his eyes in full regret.

             "What?" Blaise growls out angrily, squeezing Spencer's hand even tighter. Everyone else seems to have the same reaction as him by the way their face redden in fury. Ricky clenches his jaw before staring up at his friend.

             He furrows his brows curiously as he leans forward to her neck. "What happened to your...?" Ricky gently parts her hair away from it and his eyes widens. "Did she...?"

             "No, that was Theo's father," Spencer shakes her head. She shares a short smile with Theodore (he does not return it, but she knows he is glad to have him out of the picture for now). "I punched him in the face right after and then Theo hexed him."

             Hagrid arrives soon enough. After some time, McGonagall leaves and Harry goes off with her. Everyone else stays beside Spencer and Bill as they rest comfortably. Daniel leans back in his chair before glancing at the pale Slytherin. "Do you know where to go?" He questions Theodore wonderingly.

             Theodore stiffens and slowly shakes his head. Spencer frowns at his answer and Blaise notices. Eyeing his girlfriend carefully, he then stares at Theodore suspiciously before suggesting, "You can stay with me."

             All the students stare at Blaise in surprise. "Huh?" Theodore coughs out in confusion.

             Blaise rolls his eyes. "I still don't like you, nor do I trust you, but Spencer does. Unfortunately. So, I am willing to allow you to stay with me— and my mother," the Slytherin sighs out. Theodore stays quiet before he nods slowly. Spencer smiles at the two of them before laying down more comfortably in the bed. She glances back at those surrounding her before realizing— this is her family. Trying to avoid all the bad that occurred, she closes her eyes and slowly everything silenced, but the events that happened never left her mind.

             (And she knows deep down that Hogwarts will never be the same.)

▂✫⌒*･ﾟ

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
damn that's tuff 😙 anyway, i was NOT
about to make theo suffer more wtf he
needs a break,,, so does spence but i
technically focus more on her so 😼

anyway, im glad to say, however, that
theodore will no longer suffer on his own
like before??-?/? i hate causing him pain
like damn wtf give him a break 😾

maybe i should keep the same energy w
spencer—