Too Far Gone (Don't Save Me Book 4)

Chapter 82: It's Begun

Severus and I entered the Great Hall, allowing the distance between us to grow and Minerva crossed the room, pulling me into her arms. She moved us to a corner of the room as the students began filling in and Severus turned to face the hall of students and staff. Severus began explaining that Harry had been spotted in Hogsmeade and the consequences of withholding any information about his whereabouts. My mind was running in a hundred different directions as I felt Mienrva's grip tighten on my arm and Harry stepped out from a group of Gryffindors.

"It seems despite your exhaustive defensive strategies," Harry began. "You still have a bit of a security problem, Headmaster." The doors opened to reveal the remainder of the Order entering the room. "And I'm afraid it's quite extensive."

Minerva and I slowly began making our way through the crowd of students as Harry continued. "Tell them how it happened that night! How you looked him in the eye! A man who trusted you! And killed him! Tell them!"

Severus raised his wand and Minerva jumped in front of Harry before I could stop her. She raised her wand and Severus's hand faltered slightly before raising his own once again. I quickly ran in front of Minerva.

"Don't!" I begged her.

"Y/n, you don't have to defend him anymore, sweetheart. It's over. You can be free."

"I will never be free, Minerva. You know how this ends."

She shook her head. "That's not happening."

"It has to!" I exclaimed, exasperated. I could hear footsteps behind me as Severus began to approach and Minerva raised her wand.

"Pup, come here," Sirius said softly, holding out his hand. "Let Minerva take care of this. It's not your fight. You don't have to pretend anymore."

I turned and my eyes found Severus, his wand still raised as the Carrows stood behind him, their own wands raised.

It's okay, sweetheart. I heard Severus's voice in my head and the tears threatened to rise once again. Step aside, my love... It's as easy as breathing. Just close your eyes and step aside... you can't protect me forever.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I turned away from him and moved toward Minerva, pulling her into a hug. "Don't kill him," I whispered to her. "Please... for me."

She nodded. "He must go, Y/n... but I won't kill him."

We pulled away and she gently pushed me behind her to where Remus and Sirius were waiting. They pulled me into a group hug as Alastor, Kingsley and Bill stood in front of us, shielding me from the fight. I could hear spells being cast and tears slipped down my cheeks as I tried not to think of what was really occurring. My two best friends, one of whom also being the man I loved where fighting each other and Minerva truly believed she was fighting the enemy. There was a loud shattering sound as the spells stopped. 

"Coward!" Minerva screamed. 

I turned to see the Carrows laying on the floor and a gaping hole in the window. Severus was gone.

The students cheered, though the celebration didn't last long as I turned to see Harry fall to the ground. A pit formed in my stomach and I ran toward him. His eyes were wide as I placed a hand on his arm and a hissing sound filled the hall as a first year screamed.

I turned toward the sound as Minerva approached me. "It's alright. I've got Potter."

I nodded and ran toward the sound. A small first year was huddled in the corner, her hands covering her ears.

"Hey, sweetheart, you're alright," I soothed.

"H-he's in my head," she sobbed, her small hands pushing against her ears as if that might drown him out.

"Look at me." I placed my hands on hers and she lifted her face. Her mind was easy to sort through as she hadn't practiced any Occlumency and I could feel her fear. I pushed back against it, trying to pull the happy memories of her family to the front of her mind as her breathing slowly calmed down. "You're going to be okay." I slowly pulled my hands away from hers as she seemed to have calmed down.

Once again a hissing sound filled the room and Tom's voice rang out through the crowd. "I know that many of you will want to fight. Some of you may even think that to fight is wise... But this is folly."

I turned to the girl again. "It's going to be fine. Keep pushing him out."

I made my way toward Minerva and Harry.

"Give me Harry Potter. Do this and none shall be harmed... Give me Harry Potter and I shall leave Hogwarts untouched... Give me Harry Potter and you will be rewarded..."

I scoffed and the voice died off. The sea of students parted and Harry stood in the middle.

"What are you waiting for?" Pansy exclaimed! "Someone grab him!"

"That's enough, Miss Parkinson," I hissed, moving in front of Harry. The Order moved around Harry just as Filch ran into the hall.

"Students out of bed!" he shouted. "Students in the corridor!"

"They are supposed to be out of bed, you blithering idiot!" Minerva exclaimed in annoyance.

"Oh... sorry, ma'am."

"As it happens, Mr. Filch. Your arrival is most opportune." She began walking toward him. "If you would, I would like you please, to lead Miss Parkinson and the rest of Slytherin house from the hall."

"Exactly, where is it I'll be leading them too, ma'am?"

"The dungeons will do."

"Minerva!" I exclaimed. "They're just kids."

"Exactly," she agreed. "And I'll not have them forced to fight their parents."

I nodded, understanding what she meant. Though I hated the thought of simply sending them to the dungeons, it may be the safest place for them.

The students cheered as Filch led the Slytherins out of the hall and Harry began explaining to Minerva he needed time. She assured him she would secure the castle and Harry turned to me.

"Be safe?"

I nodded, taking his hand. "Harry, when you find what you're looking for I need you to come back and find me... I know about the mission Dumbledore sent you to complete and it... well it won't fully be complete... not yet."

"What do you mean?"

"Just come and find me when you're done. You have the map, yes?"

He nodded.

"Use that to find me."

"You're scaring me," he replied.

I shook my head. "Don't be scared, sweetheart. Just come find me when you're done."

He agreed and we parted ways.