𝐵𝐿𝐴𝐶𝐾 𝑊𝐼𝐷𝑂𝑊

THE BATTLE OF HOGWARTS - PART 1

DEATH COMES FOR EVERYONE, AND WHEN SHE DOES, SHE GREETS YOU WITH OPEN ARMS.

She walked, her head held high, towards what would surely be her death.

Neither can live while the other dies...

To think, after everything that she had been through, this would most certainly be the end for the girl. For yes, she was a girl, and would forever be a girl if her life were to end here. In many ways, she has grown. She had seen and experienced more of what an average adult would have but lost her girlhood due to it.

Forever 17. Forever young. Forever a girl, not quite a woman.

She ignored the tears that threatened to blur her vision, facing her undeniable death with acceptance. Even If she had gotten all the Horcruxes, it would have been impossible to merge the soul shards with Tom's, with everything going on. She would be forced to destroy them, and because of that, destroy her first friend.

Her first... well, her feelings on the matter were quite complicated.

Natasha followed the group that led her underneath the catacombs of Hogwarts, where students had been lying in wait for an attack. Students of all ages were gathered around, the colors of each house gracing her eyes. She locked eyes with Daphne, who was attending to her younger sister, who had been on the receiving end of one of the Carrow twin's wands.

Blaise, on the other hand, was chatting with Ron Weasley of all people, both of them hunched over a sheet of paper next to a chess board.

"Natasha!" A familiar, airy voice echoed throughout the hideout. Natasha turned her gaze towards Luna, who looked much better than she had when she was held in the Malfoy Manor. Her friend glided up to her, wrapping delicate arms around her to hug. She smiled gently, wrapping her arms around the smaller blonde with ease. Luna pulled back, her mystical presence bringing a sort of comfort to Natasha. "I found your item, but I was unable to retrieve it. Whoever placed it there used very dark magic to protect it..." Luna's eyes trailed over to Tom, sending him a pointed look in her own, Luna Lovegood type-of-way.

Tom huffed, walking over to the two of them with his lips pursed. "Ms. Lovegood," He greeted, "You are looking better."

"Thank you," Luna smiled, her eyes crinkling slightly as her lips pulled her cheeks into a smile. "But, your magic has seen better days." She retorted, although it was hard to tell if it was an insult or not. Still, Natasha couldn't help but smirk, amused by Tom's offended look as he pouted.

"But, it's still there? He didn't send anybody after it?" Natasha asked.

"Yes. The elves have been taking shifts by watching out for it," Luna waved at a passing elf, who was carrying bandages for a student who had been injured. "We even asked Mr. Jor to retrieve it, but he said that there was warding on it that made it impossible for him to get it. I believe he said that Rowena held a mean grudge? Whatever that means, I suppose."

"Okayyy..." Natasha drawled out, biting her bottom lip slightly. "Well, Tom should be able to handle it, right?"

He scoffed when she looked back at him, "Are you doubting my ability to handle it?"

"Well, you haven't had the best track record the past few times we've had to deal with horcruxes and stuff."

He rolled his eyes, but mentally agreed. "I'll need to bring someone with..."

"I'll go," Yelena volunteered, "It should be easy as pie, yes? Especially since Tommy is over here and I make such a great team."

"What? No!" Natasha shook her head, against even the thought of her sister going to retrieve a dark object.