Standing Alone

Part 28

"I'll go get Neville." she says taking off

We spend the day casually looking for the Gryffindor sword.

"There's only one place left." Ginny says when we are unsuccessful

"Snape's office?" I question and she nods

"How will we break in?" Neville asks

"I can get us in there." I say softly

"Well wait till it's dark." Ginny says lowly

That night we meet at the bottom of the staircase. I whisper in the gargoyles ear. I smile as the staircase opens up.

"How did you know the password?" Ginny asks

"I took a guess based off my extra potion lessons." I lie

We quietly make our way up to his office door.

"Alohomora!" Ginny unlocks the door

We carefully look around trying to find the sword. We weren't able to look for long because we heard footsteps entering the office. We swiftly make it out undetected, only to be caught by Alecto as we almost make it to the dorms.

Alecto and Amycus force me to watch them punish Ginny and Neville. I knew my punishment, but in this moment, it was worth it because Neville and Ginny are released quickly. Ginny looks back at me as she's pushed from the room. Amycus let's Alecto have some fun before he makes her leave.

I lay there emotionless as he roughly pounds my body. When he finally finishes, he throws me out into the corridor and slams the door. I quickly make my way up to Snape's office.

I knew he'd be furious but it was important.

"Did you listen? No! Here we are once more!" Snape was pacing furious

"I know, I heard you but you know how the mind of a Death Eater works. This is the only way. I know you would end him right here, right now if you could. I know you understand where I'm coming from." I beg him to see my side

He sighs deeply.

"I swore to protect you. I swore to your mother that I wouldn't let anyone harm you." He says defeated

"I was trying to help Harry." I say softly

"What does he need help with?" Snape asks

"He needs the Gryffindor sword." I whisper

He nods understanding

"I know where it's being held. I promise he will get the sword." He whispers back

"Thank you." I say in relief

"Promise me, no more trouble. I swear he lays another hand on you I will kill him." Snape says seriously

"Neville and Ginny gave me the same speech." I say quietly

"I suggest you listen to them." Snape urges

"If I stop, they'll get violent once more. These young kids don't deserve that. I can't sit back and watch. I'm not my aunt Petunia." I say tense

"Now I understand." Snape says sitting across from me

"No, you are brave and strong. You are also kind, so giving. I don't want you doing this, your mum would not want you doing this to yourself. There is always another way." Snape says kindly and it makes me tear up.

"We're all trying so hard. So hard to keep them safe, keep them young. They shouldn't have to grow up this fast." I cry softly

"I get it Holly. You're trying so hard to save these young ones, the way you needed someone to save you. I know we failed you. We all failed you but this is not your fate. Understand? This. Is. Not. Your. Fate." He says firmly and slowly

I hide my face in my hands. I know he's right. I know it's not okay and I'm not okay. I feel awful and broken. I just kept telling myself it was worth it if it saved them.

"I understand" I sniffle

"I hope so." He says sighing

"Holly!" Neville runs in and shoves a paper at me. I look down and read the headline.

'Luna Lovegood captured!' I gasp and drop the paper.

"Oh Luna" I say sadly

"What are we going to do?" I ask

Neville shakes his head, his confidence shaky.

"Okay, okay what if we scale down? Make them think we disbanded?" I ask

Neville nods.

"Yeah, I like that. Too many of us are being subjected to a lot of torture in a small-time frame. We need to heal." Neville agrees.

"I hope Ginny's okay." I say sadly

"I'll let the others know." Neville leaves