Sugar : Fred Weasley

68: The Battle of Hogwarts

[author's pov]

May 2nd, 1998

"Reducto!" Victoria exclaimed as a death eater was shot back.

Her face was beaded with sweat. The Battle of Hogwarts was nearing... She had joined with the Order of the Phoenix when the Dumbledore's Army coin began to violently act up.

She and Fred had rushed to the Burrow before arriving at Hogwarts. Seeing the halls made her heartbroken, as it was now unrecognisable.

Snape had disappeared, fleeing as the school was fighting for their lives–their country–their wizarding world. Fred, George, and Victoria were side by side as the protection spell was put up, surrounding the school. It was like a barge bubble of glass, bright light magic flowing over.

"Don't be afraid," Fred said to her quietly as they stood on the balcony, watching. "We'll be alright."

She had told Fred what happened and the truth about who she was and what she had done. That she was a murderer, the reason why Mattheo had been after her. And what Mattheo had done to her.

But to his eyes, she could never be a monster. She could never be evil.

She was his light.

"Ready, Fred?" George asked Fred quietly.

Fred smiled, only convincing himself with his unsure smile. "Ready, George."

As the barrier broke down, the three of them rushed down, seeing students in a clamoured rush of fear and preparation. Victoria followed Fred, George right behind her as stones already began to collapse from the castle, nearly missing her.

She stumbled on the stairs as George helped her up. George shot a spell at a death eater that reflected the curse, nearly missing Fred. Angrily, Victoria caught them off guard with a jinx. The same jinx she used before as their neck began to tear, growing another hair.

"Oi, Fred!" George shouted as we neared the Weasley family. "Is that..."

"Percy?" Fred interrupted as we neared the family that was fully alert.

Percy turned to the three of them, backing away slightly. The last time he saw them, Fred and George had humiliated him angrily. He was hesitant to say anything as Mrs. Weasley stood beside him, only glad that her son had finally returned after all these years.

"Welcome back, Perce," Victoria finally said, punching his shoulder.

"Incoming!" Percy exclaimed as he reflected a jinx, which rebounded and hit the masked murderer.

They fell to the ground, stumbling as rats began to crawl and claw at his skin. To Victoria, it seemed as if Percy had learned more than they thought at the ministry.

"Good to know you weren't just rubbing feet at the ministry," George commented.

"Good one, Perce," Fred said reassuringly.

Percy smiled as Mrs. Weasley wiped a tear. We were then separated as students pushed past us. Magic was flashing so bright that it seemed to be like lightning was being struck on us from the gods. Booms echoed, mimicking the sounds of thunder and the blood that was being spilt created a red sea.

No, a red storm.

Victoria spotted Hermione and she explained how the last Horcrux would relate to the Ravenclaw house.

"Of course!" Victoria exclaimed. "That's brilliant, have you spoken to Luna about it?"

Victoria remembered how much Luna would talk about Ravenclaw tales to her back in the prison of Malfoy Manor. She discussed some stories about the Grey Lady. Victoria told her about the tale.