Mass Collision

8. War

The group walked into the Great hall and sat at the Gryffindor table as they waited for instructions. Nico could tell that Natalia was still in the castle, but wasn't sure where.

Kingsley had stepped forward on the raised platform to address those who had remained behind.

"We've only got half an hour until midnight, so we need to act fast! A battle plan has been agreed between the teachers of Hogwarts and the Order of the Phoenix. Professors Flitwick, Sprout, and McGonagall are going to take groups of fighters up to the three highest towers—Ravenclaw, Astronomy, and Gryffindor—where they'll have a good overview, excellent positions from which to work spells. Meanwhile Remus"—he indicated Lupin—"Arthur"—he pointed toward Mr. Weasley, sitting at the Gryffindor table—"and I will take groups into the grounds. We'll need somebody to organize defense of the entrances of the passageways into the school—"

"Sounds like a job for us," called Fred, indicating himself and George, and Kingsley nodded his approval.

"All right, leaders up here and we'll divide up the troops!"

Everyone got up to join their groups, but Leanne and Nico stayed with Sirius and Regulus, "do you still need me?" He questioned. He really wanted to protect Harry and stay with Remus, but if they needed him, he would stay.

Leanne shook her head, "no, we just fight and hope Natalia shows up. One way or another, we'll get to her though." Sirius nodded and took a deep breath before looking at his brother.

"First time we're fighting on the same side," Sirius smiled at his younger brother.

Regulus smirked, "yes, but not together," he said before standing up.

"Where are you going?" Sirius asked, confused as Regulus walked backwards towards the exit of the Great Hall.

"Got some house elves to see," he chuckled before turning back around and walking off.

"We'll see you after, Sirius," Nico nodded as the last three got up and they started clearing the tables out to make room for a makeshift hospital wing.

Nico walked out with Leanne to the grounds and watched as they used their wands to create a barrier. "Didn't think I would be going to war with you again."

Leanne laughed, "I didn't think it would be against your sister." Nico nodded and Leanne made her hands start glowing. "Protego Horribilis. Protego Horribilis," she chanted and her eyes glowed purple and her magic shot into the air, adding another layer to the shield that the professor was making. A few stopped to look at her, but then she put her hands down and everything stopped glowing. "Do you know where she is?"

Nico shook his head, "too many people in one place, but she's close, inside the castle somewhere."

Leanne scoffed, "that thing is huge, I'm not risking getting lost in there." Nico nodded with a chuckle as they watched a group of Death Eaters shoot spells at the protection charm.

There was fire in the distance and they heard someone groan, "not the quidditch pitch."

"The hell is quidditch?" Nico questioned and Leanne just shrugged.

"Maybe Natalia can explain once we get out of here."

~

The Slytherins were waiting patiently until 12. They didn't want to leave in case someone saw them and tried attacking. Draco, however, had a different plan. "Blaise, Goyle, with me, we have to get to the room of requirement!" The three headed off without explanation and Natalia scoffed.