The Hogwarts Games: War Torn

Chapter 5: Albus

"Albus, are we actually going to do this?" Lily asked me with a hint of anxiety in her voice, a week after Scorpius had been captured.

I clenched my fists tightly and replied with a simple, "Yeah."

"All of you," Hermione said impatiently, "listen up. We're going over this plan one last time."

Lily, Rose, Neville, Mr. Malfoy, Luna, Uncle Ron and I straightened up to pay attention. Hermione paced back and forth, going over the plan, "Lily, Rose, Neville, Malfoy, and I are going to take Polyjuice Potion before we get into Hogwarts."

She held up a few strands of hair before going on, "I've got five strands of hair of Hogwarts students. Teddy managed to sneak into Hogsmeade and grab some for us. Anyway, the five of us are going to take the potion and I have robes right here to change into. We have an hour until it wears off. When we get inside Hogwarts, we split up. Malfoy, Lily, and Rose are going to find Scorpius. Be careful," she added with much emphasis. "Neville and I are going to take out the Death Eaters to weaken their ranks. Hogwarts is where they're strongest—"

"Wait a moment," Malfoy interrupted, "Why are the children coming with me to find Scorpius? Why can't they go with you?"

Aunt Hermione gave a nervous look at Neville who shrugged helplessly. She sighed and replied, "Because when I say 'take out the Death Eaters,' I mean—" she cleared her throat nervously and said, "um— kill."

Malfoy sneered at her, "And what makes you think that I won't encounter Death Eaters?"

"You're less likely to. Rose and Lily can help you but they can't kill. Neville and I can, though,"

Malfoy retorted, "What makes you think you can?"

I saw Hermione's eyes turn cold. She gave Malfoy an icy glare before stating calmly and clearly but with malice, "I'm capable of killing those who deserve it, Malfoy. I wasn't so sure before but now I am. This is war. It is kill or be killed. And they killed my best friend. So I intend to return the favor."

Rose looked shocked at what her mother had just said. She looked as if she were seeing her for the first time. Hermione cleared her throat and dropped her icy exterior and continued, "Anyway, before we get into Hogwarts, we need a distraction. That's where Ron, Luna, and Albus come in."

I caught Lily's eye and she looked scared. I couldn't blame her.

"Albus, you're Apparating with Ron and Luna to the village. In Hogsmeade, you'll split up. Try to get as far away from each other as possible. Seeing as we're all wanted, just walk into a bar or something. When they catch sight of you, flee. Create as much disturbance as you can. People will come from Hogwarts to investigate. But if you get into real trouble, then try to find each other and leave. Got it?"

We all nodded our understanding. Lily gave me a quick hug before Disapparating with Rose, Hermione, Neville, and Malfoy. Ron held his hand out to me and said, "Ready?"

I grabbed on and we were gone in a flash.

~

"We've got to split up," Luna told us when we got into Hogsmeade. We were on the edge of a forest and no one had seen us yet. Pedestrians passed by and didn't give a second glance where the were hidden behind the trees.

"Alright then," Ron nodded in agreement to her statement. He looked down at me and kneeled down so that our eyes were level with each other. With a small pang, I had a momentary flashback to when my father had done the same to me.

"Look after yourself, Albus," he said affectionately. I briefly hugged him and Luna and then they Apparated away. It was just me now. I pulled the hood of my robes over my head and nervously clutched at my robes. I suddenly heard a commotion from the other side of Hogsmeade. A thunderous bang rang out and many people screamed. Red sparks lit the sky above the area and I heard someone scream, "THAT'S HIM! IT'S RON WEASLEY! GRAB HIM, YOU MORON!"

Another racket, in a different location this time. An explosion echoed throughout the village. I heard Luna laugh, "Come along! Or are you scared?"

I've got to do this. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to walk. I silently entered a bar that stunk of rum and alcohol.

"Ehhh," a drunk Death Eater stumbled toward me. She draped an arm around my shoulders and whispered, "What brings you here, Mr. Mystery? I like mysteries..."

I tried to not wrinkle my face in disgust even though it was concealed. Though I was tall for my age, I was still only thirteen and this middle aged woman was making me very uncomfortable. Instead, I talked in a deep voice and pretended to be older than I was. "Beautiful women like yourself, of course," I said, trying not to throw up in my mouth, "And services for the Dark Lord."

Everyone else was absorbed in their drinks. When the woman leaned once more upon me and said, with her finger trailing up my arm, "One of his favorites I see. A woman's favorite as well, I'd say. How about—" I quietly Stunned her.

"Help!" I cried as convincingly as I could, "She's ill!"

People, including the barman, rushed from their tables to see what was happening. They pushed me out of the way to crowd around her. Unnoticed by anyone, I slipped behind the bar. I grabbed a bottle of whiskey and poured it all over the counter. I pointed my wand at the wall behind me, shouting, "Reducto!"

Everyone turned around, expressions of shock on their faces. A man snarled and pointed an accusing finger at me, "It's Potter!"

They started forward but I yelled, "Incendio!" And then the counter was ablaze. People screamed and I ran through the hole I created in the wall. Sprinting through the village, I screamed, "CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, I'M ALBUS POTTER!"

I blew up trees and gardens, Death Eaters in my wake. "Incendio!" someone shouted and a fiery wall grew in between the Death Eaters and me. Ron ran forward, grabbed me my the arms, and pulled me along while running.

"Come on! They're coming," and I could see black figures moving from Hogwarts and into Hogsmeade. "We've got to go! We've done enough here!" Ron shouted amidst all the chaos.

"Avada—"

"Expelliarmus!" Ron pointed his wand at something behind me. I turned around and saw a Death Eater, arms raised and wandless. Suddenly, he threw himself at me and we both tumbled to the ground.

"You blasted Potters," he snarled, spittle flying, "You ruin everything."

A fist collided with my face and he grinned in satisfaction until I spit blood into his face. He raised his wand and purple flames engulfed me.

Darkness came next.

~

I'm a horrible person, I know. I haven't updated since January 2 an it's April 5. This is because of schoolwork, heavy procrastination, and writer's block. Sorry if it's not very good, I've been away for a while. But I'm getting back on track now and thank you to those who're still reading.