Dangerous Addiction M.R (T.N)

Thirty nine

"Is this the end of all the endings?"
(tissues might be needed)

The great hall's ceiling was dark, and the four tables below it were lined with students dressed in their coats and their wands ready. I stare at the shortest first-year students who came here to have fun and see Hogwarts as a home. They are not supposed to be here right now. None of us are. I look over at Mcgonagall, who speaks to Professor Sprout and Madame Pomfrey about the evacuation of the children. I hope we have the time to get them home safely because no life should be split tonight. I feel a hand brush against mine, and I see Iris standing beside me, forcing a smile, but she looks terrified. I wish I could protect her better and maybe even get her away from here, but we can not.

"We have already placed protection around the castle, but it might not be strong enough. Therefore, you must stay in the dungeons with your prefects." McGonagall says, and I see children crying. They shouldn't be here. They should leave. We can't risk their lives. McGonagall looks around the hall, scared but also confident in her eyes. She fears the children's faith just as much as I do, but we can protect them. I know we can. She is about to say something else, but a cold, raspy voice catches her voice.

"I know you are preparing to fight." the cries turn to screams, and some children break down on the floor. I see Luna hold one close to her, and I close my eyes in pain.

"Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood." There's silence in the great hall, and I see Draco standing beside me, looking scared.

"Give me Harry Potter, and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded." the students look around before turning their eyes to a speechless Harry.

"You have until midnight."

I meet Harry's gaze, and he nods. This was what he prepared, a threat. We have until midnight to prepare, but we won't give him Harry. Not until the time has come. I recognise a figure from the Slytherin table as Pansy Parkinson rises, and she points over Harry with a shaking arm.

"But he is there, Potter is there. Someone grab him." A group of students, including Iris and me, step in front of Harry. Draco and Theo stand still, not wanting to do something that can hurt them.

"Thank you, Miss Parkinson. You will leave the hall first with Mr. Filch. The rest of your house can follow." I meet McGonagall's gaze, but she begs me to stay. I look over at Draco and Theo, who looks down. They must follow the rest of the students, or it will be too obvious. I sigh and walk over to my friends.

"Rosie-"

"Please stay safe," I whisper, staring at the two of them, and Iris cries beside me. I wouldn't say I like goodbyes, especially without knowing when or if I get to see them again. Theo is the first to pull me into a hug, and I smell him as he holds me close.

"It's not a goodbye, Theo. It can't be." He cries into my shoulder, and I try to stay strong for them. I pull away from him, seeing him in pain, and I wipe away the tears from his face before turning to see Draco kiss Iris.

"Don't leave me, please." She whispers, and he holds her close, whispering something back. A single tear rolls down my cheek as he turns to me, and I shake my head slowly.

"We will see each other once this war ends, okay?" I nod, and he pulls me into a hug.

"Protect yourself, for me." He whispers, and I nod into his chest.

"Dont do anything stupid until the time comes. We have a plan to follow." He pulls away, staring at me, and he nods slowly.

"I-" Mcgonagall interrupts us with Filch by her side.