An Unnoticed One [A Seamus Finnigan Fanfiction] [CURRENTLY BEING EDITED]

Chapter 21: Barely Broken

My heart was beating fast, I was afraid it was loud enough that someone could hear it. McGonagall informed me that there were Death Eaters on the grounds. How'd they get in? The castle was secured, no one could apparate in or out. You couldn't even enter without being checked or questioned.

I turned to Neville, Dean, and Seamus. We ran out the portrait hole. Nigel tried following but I stopped him before he went any further.

"You heard McGonagall. Those who are underage have to go to their dormitories," I reminded him. I didn't want Nigel getting hurt, he was only thirteen. He shouldn't even think about fighting.

"But Iris, I can help-"

"Help by locking your door. Stay here, got it?" I ordered hotly. Nigel nodded.

We ran down the staircases. People around us were panicking. Then again, so was I. This was terrifying. Death Eaters were in the castle and Hogwarts best defense were a few teachers and several seventeen-year-olds. But we have Dumbledore. He can help us, I know he will.

Seamus unexpectedly grabbed my hand. He didn't make a big deal of it. Then again, there was no need to. There were killers here at school. But anyway, it seemed like an instinct. He held onto my hand as if his life depended on it and made sure I was close. I never would of thought that in a moment of danger, his first thought would be turning to me to make sure I was close.

We entered the outdoor corridors. Cold air pierced my face like knives. The moon shined bright. It was hard to acknowledge its beauty when there were more screams being heard. I detected the sound of the cries. They were near the Astronomy Tower.

"The Death Eaters," I pointed. "they're around there."

"Then that's where we need to go," said Neville.

I turned to Seamus and let go of his hand. "I'm gonna go with Neville to the Astronomy Tower. You and Dean should stay here. It'll be safer."

Seamus shook his head. "I'm going with you," he insisted.

"I have to do this with Neville. I promise I'll be back," I assured him.

Seamus reluctantly nodded. Neville and I ran to the Astronomy Tower with our wands in hand. This was frightening. I realized that could of been my last time ever seeing Seamus. I didn't tell him what I needed to say before leaving. It was too late now. We were half way there.

Suddenly I saw Ron, Ginny, Professor Lupin, and Tonks bolt out of the hallway. I felt reassured. The Order was finally here. We wouldn't have to fight this alone.

"Professor Lupin," I began. "what's going on?"

"The Death Eaters, why are they here?" Neville asked.

"We were just called in," Tonks answered.

"Where were you two heading?" wondered Lupin.

"The Astronomy Tower," Neville responded before I could.

"That's where we heard the screams," I added.

"Then that's where we're going," Tonks got a head start of running.

I never really spoke to Tonks. I heard many things about her and she seemed like a very interesting young woman, and she was.

My lungs burned with the cold air but I kept running. Neville stayed by my side. It's funny how four years ago I befriended him and had no clue that we'd be here on this very night, running alongside each other possibly about to come face to face with death. I'm glad my one of my best friends was fighting by my side. I couldn't have asked for someone better to curse Death Eaters with.