Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 30: The Battle Begins

Harriet's POV

The dawn of the final day came with a foreboding stillness. The castle grounds, usually full of life and laughter, felt shrouded in anticipation. The Room of Requirement had become our war room, buzzing with activity as the members of Dumbledore's Army made their final preparations. Every face was etched with determination, but also a hint of fear. We all knew what was coming.

Hermione was pacing, her hair frizzing even more than usual, as she double-checked our defenses. Ron was beside her, trying to keep up, while Ginny and Neville gave last-minute instructions to the younger students. The Room of Requirement had become a fortress, ready to transform into whatever we needed most to defend ourselves.

Draco stood off to the side, his hands clenched into fists as he took in the scene. His usual bravado was nowhere to be seen; he looked vulnerable, but resolute. I jumped up onto the table in front of him, meeting his blue eyes. He let out a shaky breath and reached out to run a trembling hand through my fur.

"I've made a lot of mistakes," he whispered, his voice low and broken. "But this... this is my chance to make things right."

I pressed my head against his hand, silently letting him know that he wasn't alone. We had come so far, and now, we would face whatever lay ahead together.

Neville's voice cut through the tension. "Everyone, listen up!" he called, drawing the attention of every student in the room. "We don't know exactly when Voldemort will strike, but we need to be ready. Stick to your groups, follow the plan, and watch out for each other. We're Hogwarts. We protect our own."

A cheer erupted, small but powerful, and I felt a surge of pride. These were the people I was fighting for. The students who had stayed, who had chosen to stand up against the darkness, even when it seemed insurmountable.

Draco's POV

The cheer that echoed through the Room of Requirement sent a chill down my spine, not because it was loud or raucous, but because it was defiant. These students, these fighters, were ready to stand their ground, even against Voldemort himself. And somehow, I had become part of that resistance.

I looked at Harriet-Potter, really-but it felt right to think of her as Harriet now. She had been my constant companion through this nightmare, and her determination inspired me. I had no choice but to see this through.

Neville's command brought us all to attention. We moved as a unit, students whispering spells of protection and readying themselves for the battle to come. The walls of Hogwarts had stood for centuries, and now they would see another war. A part of me wondered if the castle itself was bracing for the storm.

Hermione hurried over to me, her face pale but resolute. "Draco," she said, her voice clipped, "you'll stay with me, Ron, and Harry-er, Harriet. We'll be working on countering the Death Eaters' attacks and trying to coordinate our defenses."

I nodded, trying to push down the fear that threatened to choke me. "Got it," I said. "Let's make sure we're ready."

Suddenly, the door to the Room of Requirement swung open, and Seamus Finnigan came rushing in, his face flushed with urgency. "They're here!" he shouted. "Death Eaters on the grounds!"

The room erupted into chaos, students grabbing their wands and moving into formation. The time had come, and there was no turning back.

Harriet's POV

The moment Seamus delivered the news, the Room of Requirement shifted. The magic of the room responded to our need, morphing into a battleground complete with defenses, supplies, and safe zones for the injured. The tension was electric, but so was the unity. We were ready to fight.

Hermione, Ron, and Draco stood beside me, and I felt the weight of the moment settle over all of us. We were stepping into a war we hadn't asked for, but one we had no choice but to face.

Neville led the charge, his voice steady and commanding as he directed groups to take up positions. "Remember, stick together!" he shouted. "We fight for each other, and we fight for Hogwarts!"

The doors burst open, and the Death Eaters stormed in, led by the Carrows. Spells exploded in a shower of sparks and light, and the battle began.

Draco stayed close to Hermione and Ron, his wand at the ready. I leapt forward, dodging spells and using my small, agile form to distract and confuse the enemy. The chaos was overwhelming, but I focused on one thing: protecting the people I loved.

Hermione and Ron worked seamlessly together, casting spells and shielding each other from the onslaught. Draco's movements were precise, years of training showing as he fought alongside them. The look in his eyes was one of grim determination, and I knew he had finally chosen his side.

A flash of green light narrowly missed Ginny, and she retaliated with a stunning spell that sent a Death Eater sprawling. The Room of Requirement was a whirlwind of magic and mayhem, but the students of Hogwarts held strong.

I darted across the battlefield, keeping close to Draco. He had my back, and I had his. The bond we had forged in the darkness of Malfoy Manor was now our greatest strength.

Draco's POV

The battle raged on, and I could feel the sweat and grime clinging to my skin. Every spell I cast felt like a lifeline, and every time I saw Harriet dart past, weaving through the chaos, I felt a flicker of hope. We could do this. We had to.

Hermione shouted instructions, her voice cutting through the din of battle. "Protect the younger students! Fall back if you need to!"

I saw Ron slam his wand into the ground, creating a shield that deflected a volley of curses. We were giving it everything we had, and the castle seemed to fight with us, doors slamming shut to protect students and walls shifting to trap Death Eaters.

But then, a piercing, cold voice cut through the noise, and my blood ran cold. "Draco," Voldemort hissed, his presence a suffocating force. He stood at the edge of the battle, his red eyes gleaming with malice. "It's time to fulfill your purpose."

The world seemed to stop. Everything I had feared, everything I had dreaded, was now standing in front of me. Harriet ran to my side, her green eyes fierce, and I knew that whatever happened next, we would face it together.

Voldemort's smile was cold. "Make your choice," he said, his voice like ice. "Serve me, or suffer the consequences."

I took a deep breath, my heart hammering in my chest. I could feel Harriet's presence beside me, and I knew that my choice had already been made. My voice was steady as I met Voldemort's gaze, my wand held firm.

"No," I said, my voice ringing out clear and strong. "I choose to fight."

Voldemort's smile vanished, and the air crackled with dark magic. The final battle had begun, and there was no going back.