Aria Black and the Battle for Hogwarts

The Room of Requirement

Amycus grins in delight, and Alecto grins in malice.

"For what do I owe the pleasure?" I say sarcastically.

Alecto rolls her eyes. "We want to know where the missing students are."

I bite my tongue to keep from retorting. If they start to torture me like last time, I will fight back. Maybe I know a few spells that you won't like too, Carrows.

"Hiding them, are you?" Amycus snarls.

I shake my head.

"They aren't in here, of course." Alecto says. "We've searched the room." To my absolute horror, she holds up my watch from Fred and George. "You've known where the Weasleys are hiding all along, haven't you Black?"

I don't dare move, but I can't help the horror show on my face.

Amycus gets up in my face. "We know you have. After we finish with you, we'll go help get the Weasleys. Thank you, your contribution has been most helpful."

I cry out 'Stupefy' just as they cry out 'Avada Kedavra'.

My spell effectively blocks both of theirs. Now I know who isn't Voldy's most powerful Death Eaters.

I throw more stunning spells at them, hoping two will stick.

I have Amycus down, but Alecto moves with an unseen fury.

"Crucio!" She cries, while I'm distracted with Amycus.

I scream in pain. I think I'm screaming in pain AND anger.

I gather my strength from my anger, and cry, "STUPEFY!"

Alecto is blown back and stunned. I hoist myself up, and brush off my robes. The only place I can go now is the Room of Requirement.

***

Once I'm inside, Dumbledore's Army breaks into a fit of applause. All of them but Padma, who rushes forward.

"Are you hurt?" She asks, face full of worry.

I nod.

A bed appears next to me, and I sink down onto it. "I can't stay." I tell them.

They all crowd around me.

"Why?" Lavender Brown asks.

I sigh. "The Death Eaters will be going after Fred, George, Lee, Remus, and Kingsley any moment. It's all my fault. I need to help them!"

"What makes you think they can't take Snatchers?" Terry asks. "There's five of them- all experienced wizards. Snatchers are losers."

I shake my head vigorously. "They know how powerful Fred, George, Lee, Remus, and Kingsley are! They won't send Snatchers. I need to warn them!"

"You don't even know where they are." Anthony Goldstein tells me.

He's right. I don't. Amycus and Alecto have the watch.

I punch the cot angrily.

Leanne sits down beside me. "They will be quite alright. I do not know many better wizards. Why don't you rest, and we'll tell Aberforth to keep watch for them?"

"No." I say. "I couldn't sleep here."

"Will you tell us about what's been going on?" Colin Creevey asks.

I sigh. I really don't want to.

"Where is Daphne?" Hannah asks, voice quiet.

I will answer that one. "Over Easter, her parents forced her to get the Dark Mark." Everyone in the room gasps. "She is at a very low place in her life. She thinks she is a monster, and that she should've fought her parents about the Mark."