Uncanny Snake

XXXVIII - Beheading the Snake

As promised, my hands returned to their original texture. Still, flexing them had an uncomfortable tingle running through the tips of my digits. But at least, they didn't feel numb. I felt like an outcast as I wasn't a student, nor was I a professor; they all marched about relaying orders, and all the nervous energy pent up in my body begged to be put to use. So, I ended up running errands, which was an upgrade from twiddling my thumbs, waiting for the inevitable to happen.

Severus was busy elsewhere in the castle, and I didn't wish to get in his way, so I did my best to help the rest of the professors. From what I could tell, things were rather grim in the time I had been hunting down the Horcrux. Dementors circled the perimeter of the castle, making sure to keep away from the barrier. However, morbid curiosity had me wanting one to run into the barrier to see what would happen. I had never witnessed this spell first hand, mainly because it required dozens of experienced witches and wizards to maintain it.

"Here are the vials your requested, Poppy," I called out, carefully setting the crate on the floor, next to a few others. They all seemed to be healing or injury oriented, and it only served to remind me that Tom would be back, and this time he would be ready to finish what he started. I sure hoped my dragon was alright, I hadn't seen it since we dropped down into the forest, but knowing their kind, it had probably flown off somewhere remote to enjoy its newly found freedom. Shame.

"Good, good," the matron mumbled, her attention focused elsewhere. "Ah, as I recall, Minerva was asking for your assistance. She's in the Great Hall." I gave a quick nod and made my way over to the older witch, hoping I could finally put my expertise to use, whatever it was. The task was a little less exciting as I rounded up the younger students and escorted them back to their dormitories, adding a protection charm on the doors, just in case. One could never be too safe.

The hospital wing was slightly crowded as students helped in any way they could. Some were stationed there, looking terribly nervous as they fiddled with their wands, worried glances shot in the direction of the windows. Being a medic was no easy task, and I felt awful; they deserved better than this. As I arranged vials to Poppy's liking, I watched as the liquid inside shook. For a second, I thought it had been my imagination, but then the ground trembled.

Students crowded the windows, and I observed over their shoulders as a barrage of spells collided against the barrier. Tom had finally assembled his army. Another flurry of attacks hit the barrier, and I had an inkling it would not stand much longer. There had to be at least a hundred, if not more, Death Eaters. With one final spell, most likely from the Dark Lord himself, the barrier shattered, its extremities burning away into thin air. The remnants of magic washed away by the breeze.

And so it begins...

As soon as the barrier collapsed, Death Eaters rushed onto the premises, spells already raining upon the populace in the courtyard. I drew my wand and squeezed it tightly as two Death Eaters came our way. "Get down!" I ordered as the first Death Eater crashed through the window. I reflected his spell at the other incoming Death Eater, sending him soaring back through the shattered remains of the window. With one down, I turned my attention to the other one and dispatched him.

My thoughts trailed to Severus, every bone in my body aching to reunite with him, but as I glanced out the window, surveying the castle grounds, there was no way I would be able to find him in all this chaos. He could take care of himself, so I had to prioritize finding Nagini, but that was no easy task as she would be glued to Tom. An explosion caught my eye, and I watched as the astronomy tower collapsed, rubble and debris toppling in all directions.

The sight made my heart clench as I recalled all the moments that took place there—especially the ones with Severus. I averted my gaze and took a steadying breath before grabbing the Sword of Gryffindor and leaving the hospital wing along with the other students. In the end, I still wanted to find Severus. I jogged down the hallway, sticking to the wall, and avoiding the possibility of being trampled as students fled from the action.