𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓 ━━ golden trio era

[021] IT'S TIME

The night air bit into Juliet's skin as she apparated just outside the boundaries of Hogwarts, her body screaming in protest at the sudden displacement. She stumbled, catching herself against a gnarled tree trunk, her hand coming away sticky with blood ── whether her own or someone else's, she couldn't be sure anymore.

The mission had been a nightmare, even by the increasingly horrific standards of what Voldemort demanded of her. An entire village razed to the ground, screams echoing in the night as flames licked at thatched roofs and centuries-old timber frames. Juliet had played her part, her wand a harbinger of destruction as she fought to maintain her cover while secretly trying to minimize casualties.

But it hadn't been enough. It was never enough.

As she dragged herself towards the castle, every step an exercise in agony, Juliet could feel the insidious tendrils of dark magic worming their way through her system. The curse that had caught her off-guard ── a nasty piece of work that felt like it was slowly liquefying her insides ── pulsed with malevolent energy. She gritted her teeth against the pain, forcing herself to keep moving.

The sight that greeted her as she crested the final hill nearly stopped her heart. The very air thrummed with magic, ancient wards awakening after centuries of slumber.

For a moment, Juliet forgot to breathe. This was it. The moment they had all been dreading and preparing for in equal measure. War had come to Hogwarts.

With renewed urgency, she pushed her battered body forward. As she approached the main gates, a figure detached itself from the shadows, wand raised.

"Identify yourself!" came the sharp command.

Juliet recognized the voice of Professor McGonagall, taut with tension but unwavering. "It's me," she croaked, her voice raw from smoke and screaming. "Juliet Potter."

There was a beat of silence, then McGonagall stepped into the light. Her eyes widened at the sight of Juliet, bloodied and swaying on her feet.

"Miss Potter," she breathed, a complex mix of emotions flitting across her face. "You look──"

"Like hell," Juliet finished for her, managing a grim smile. "It's been a long night, Professor."

McGonagall's lips thinned, but she merely nodded, stepping aside to let Juliet pass. As she did, Juliet felt the tingle of magic wash over her ── additional security measures, no doubt. She didn't begrudge them the precaution. These days, trust was a luxury few could afford.

Ignoring the stares and whispers, Juliet made her way towards the dungeons. Her body moved on autopilot, muscle memory guiding her steps even as her vision blurred and swam. The curse was working its way deeper, each heartbeat pumping the toxic magic further through her system.

The Slytherin common room was a stark contrast to the frantic energy of the rest of the castle. Here, the atmosphere was one of tightly coiled tension, like a snake poised to strike. As Juliet stumbled through the entrance, all eyes turned to her.

Draco was on his feet in an instant, crossing the room in long strides to catch her as she swayed dangerously. "Jules," he murmured, his voice thick with concern. "What happened?"

She leaned into him, allowing herself a moment of weakness as the familiar scent of his cologne washed over her. "Mission," she managed to grit out. "Went sideways."

Pansy appeared at her other side, her face pale but determined. "Let's get her to the couch," she directed, helping Draco maneuver Juliet to the nearest settee.

As they lowered her onto the plush green velvet, Juliet caught sight of the rest of their group. Theodore and Blaise hovered nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and grim resignation. They had seen her come back in states like this before, though perhaps never quite this bad.