Two Sides of the Serpent // Draco Malfoy

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Resistance

The castle had erupted into chaos.

Students were darting in every direction, their panic fueling the mayhem around them. Shouts echoed through the corridors, some calling for order, others lost in a frantic confusion. The floor beneath us trembled, whether from the students' footsteps or the impending storm of battle, I couldn't tell. Draco and I exchanged a brief glance, the silent understanding between us clear; we needed to act fast.

"We'll split them into groups," I told Draco, keeping my voice low but firm. "Small enough to move unnoticed."

Draco nodded, scanning the disarrayed students with quick precision. "We can't wait too long. The longer we stay, the more dangerous it becomes."

We quickly gathered the handful of students who had chosen escape over battle. Fear clung to them, visible in their trembling hands and wide eyes. It was clear that while some would choose to stay and fight, these students wanted no part in the bloodshed.

Draco stepped forward, raising his voice over the din. "Listen closely! We'll be moving in smaller groups to avoid detection. Follow our lead, keep your heads down, and don't stop for anything." His tone was commanding, the authority in his voice giving the students a small sense of reassurance.

The first group formed, a collection of younger students huddled together, trying to find comfort in each other's presence. I took the lead with them, Draco organizing the next batch behind me. We began our swift journey through the maze-like hallways of Hogwarts, ducking under statues and weaving through dark corridors.

As we rushed past the Great Hall and the many paths that had once felt like home, the air was different-- thick with the weight of war. Every step felt like a countdown, a reminder that time was running out.

Suddenly, the castle shook again, the walls groaning under the force of distant spells. I glanced toward the towering windows lining the hall, my breath catching in my throat. The professors were outside, their wands raised toward the sky as they conjured a shimmering barrier around the school. The massive shield stretched like a dome over Hogwarts, pulsating with magic as they worked to protect what little time we had left.

"Look," I whispered, more to myself than to the students. "They're trying to hold them off."

Draco joined me at my side, his eyes narrowing at the sight. "It won't last long," he muttered. "We need to hurry!"

The students whispered anxiously, their voices nervous as they stole glances toward the magical barrier being erected outside. I turned to them, forcing calmness into my voice. "Stay focused. We're almost there."

We guided them through the castle with urgency toward the passageway ending to Aberforth's in Hogsmeade, picking up other lost souls along the way. As we reached our destination, the students piled into the narrow tunnel, the walls rugged and damp, the ground uneven and slick. But this was the only option we had.

The first group made it to the passageway safely, their faces a mix of fear and relief as they hurried toward the dim light at the tunnel's end. I waited until they had all disappeared before I turned back to Draco.

"We'll bring the rest," he said, his voice steady but his eyes betraying the storm inside him.

I nodded, squeezing his hand briefly before we turned back to the castle. Every second counted, and we had no idea how long the barrier would hold. Entering back into the hallway, the chaos had only grown worse. Hundreds of students were scattered, scrambling for cover. In the distance I could see the unmistakable formation of Death Eaters, looming closer by every second passed.

"We have to move faster," I urged Draco. "They'll be here soon."

Together, we hurried back to gather the next group of students. Some were hesitant, their faces pale as they debated whether to flee or stay. But eventually, with Draco's firm words and my reassurances, we managed to gather them into smaller clusters, ensuring no one would be left behind.