The Story of Sheila Riddle (Harry Potter Fanfic)

Chapter 28

The Battle for Hogwarts had begun.

Sheila walked to and fro among the fighting, unnoticed under her Concealment Charm. Tom had insisted she use it; she was his secret weapon, and he wasn't going to use her unless absolutely necessary. He was probably afraid she would demolish the school and everyone in it if she joined the fight. For now, she was just the messenger. She would watch the battle for a bit, and then report to Tom, who had hidden himself in the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade to await Potter. He was convinced that the boy would come to him.

Sheila hated her given task. She wanted to be in the thick of things, to be able to influence them. But she knew her brother was probably right.

She wandered the castle, looking for any signs of her friends. Lucius had taken a couple nasty hits but was still on his feet. Barty was immensely enjoying himself, running down the halls, throwing spells at unsuspecting students, and then ducking out of sight again, laughing hysterically. 

Sheila couldn't find Draco wherever she looked, and was beginning to worry about him. She knew Narcissa would want to know if her boy was alright. She could only hope it was true.

The battle had been joined by all sorts of creatures, among which were giants, dementors, acromantulas, centaurs, and ghosts. There had already been numerous casualties on both sides. Most of the Slytherins had come over to the Dark Lord's side, but those remaining in the school were putting up a terrific fight. Sheila knew they wouldn't be able to keep it up forever, though. The resistance was slowly beginning to dwindle in numbers.

Sheila walked unseen beside Barty as he headed up one hall into the empty entrance room. The room didn't remain empty for long, however. There was a bang from just above them and two limp students toppled from the balcony overhead onto the floor. Greyback suddenly appeared in his wolf form, leaping on one of the still bodies.

"No!"

A sudden blast sent the werewolf crashing into the marble banisters. Barty fired a spell in the direction it had come from but there appeared to be no one there. Sheila stared fixedly at the spot, wondering if the attacker was perhaps using an Invisibility Spell. Her thoughts were interrupted as bright white flash erupted beside her and Barty crumpled to the floor.

"I have more where that came from!" the divination teacher shouted from over the banisters, her arms full of crystal balls.

Sheila couldn't contain herself. She lifted the Concealment Spell and fired her wand at Trelawney. The Professor yelped as the crystal spheres she clung to abruptly exploded in her face, sending her crashing backward, unconscious. At that same moment, the heavy wooden front doors burst open, and more gigantic spiders spilled into the castle.

"Oh no," Sheila moaned as the creatures swept toward her.

Acting quickly, she grabbed Barty and heaved with all her might, attempting to pull him to safety. She wasn't making much progress, however, and decided to try a different tactic. She raised her wand and fired spell after spell into the midst of the acromantulas, slowing them down. 

"Don't hurt 'em, don't hurt 'em!"

Sheila turned to see the groundskeeper rushing forward, brandishing a pink umbrella. She stared in amazement as he ran straight into the hoard of enormous spiders and vanished. There was a sudden swarming movement, and the spiders began to retreat. Sheila heaved a sigh of relief.

"Hagrid, no!"

Potter had emerged, seemingly from nowhere. He rushed straight at the retreating spiders, screaming for his friend.

"Potter!" Sheila hissed.

She moved instinctively toward him, then stopped. She couldn't leave Barty. Not while he was vulnerable.