adored by him | *under editing*

seventh year × 101

The castle was teeming with frightened but determined students, all racing around, their wands glued to their hands.

McGonagall and the other teachers aimed their wands at the sky. A protective shield expanded outwards, blooming around the castle as the stone warriors, that once lined Hogwarts' walls, took their positions around the courtyard, weapons raised.

It wouldn't keep him out but it would hold him off for as long as Harry needed.

Controlled chaos ensued as the scores of students and staff swept along the staircases, preparing for battle.

Harry moved quickly, followed by the trio. They spoke with urgency. "Harry, Hermione and I have been thinking. It doesn't really matter if we find the Horcrux."

Harry stopped in his tracks. "What're you saying?"

"Unless we can destroy it." Hermione elaborated as Ron nodded.

"So we we were thinking--"

"Well, Ron was thinking. It was Ron's idea. It's completely brilliant." Hermione rambled, a faint blush covering her cheeks. Nadia grinned knowingly.

Ron smiled sheepishly before continuing. "You destroyed Tom Riddle's diary with a basilisk fang, right?"

"Yeah, but unless you've got one in that bag of yours then it's useless." Harry sighed.

"But, we know where we can get one, don't we?" Ron rose his eyebrows expectantly.

It clicked. Nadia grinned wider. "The Chamber of Secrets. That's brilliant."

Harry agreed silently and pulled the Maurauders Map from his pocket. "Okay, but take this. This way you can find us when you get back."

Ron took the Map from Harry with a subtle gulp just as Ginny appeared.

Nadia frowned softly and brought Ron and Hermione in for a tight hug. "We'll see you soon."

"See you soon."

"C'mon, Nadia." Harry beckoned.

"Where are we going?" Nadia yelled over the top of the crowd.

"Ravenclaw common room. Got to start somewhere." He shrugged, racing up the stairs.

Nadia furrowed her eyebrows. "No, Harry."

"We have to tell him he's wrong." Luna's voice came from beside her as she began chasing after Harry.

Nadia hummed before doing the same.

"Harry! Wait! We need to talk to you!" Luna called but Harry ignored her.

"You won't find anything where you're going! You're wasting your time!"

"Harry! Harry, stop!" Nadia tried.

"I'm sorry, I can't talk right now." Harry said, continuing to dodge past people.

"Harry Potter, you listen to me right now!" Luna snapped, shocking both Harry and Nadia who halted.

"Remember what Cho said: There's not a person alive who's seen the diadem today." She huffed.

"Luna's right, Harry. I've spent six years in that common room. My curiosity would have found it, don't you think?" Nadia defended.

"Well then, what d'you suppose we do?" Harry questioned impatiently.

Luna beamed. "It's obvious isn't it? We have to talk to somebody who's dead."

Harry looked at her oddly as she started to take the pair to a secluded and dark part of the castle.

Nadia knew where they were. The Grey Lady's corridor; the Ghost of Ravenclaw Tower.