Daphne went to touch her mum's Patronus, but Harry pulled her hand away at the last second. He was in the process of pulling her to her feet, when a black blur of movement came from the Forbidden Forest. It was moving faster than her eyes could keep up with. Due to the hilly terrain of Hogwarts it kept disappearing and then reappearing. Daphne couldn't quite understand why her eyes couldn't seem to look away. Only when it was upon the peak of the last hill separating it from her and Harry, did she get a decent look at it.

For the briefest of seconds she was positive it was her mum in her Animagus form. Although, her mum's Animagus is mostly black, it had a great deal of white fur as well. Her Siberian Husky was perfectly groomed and very majestic looking. The dog charging at them with a crazed look in its eyes was completely covered in jet black fur, and rather scruffy fur at that. Only when a came to a skidding stop directly in front of her mum's Patronus, did she realize it was in fact a Grim. It was in fact a completely identical copy of the Elemental Patronus, right down to the fur texture. The twins Grims were looking at the other, before the dark beast let out a sorrowful howl.

Ginny landed her broom and drew Daphne's attention away from the two Grims. Then Professor Potter and McGonagall came running down the steps of the castle. Lily was taking three steps at a time, and pulling away from the elderly Witch. To keep up with Lily, Minerva turned into a cat and leapt onto the younger Witches shoulder. She may not be as fast as she used to be, but McGonagall was still as sharp as a pin. Harry was putting up a Privacy Charm when Daphne looked back, and did a double take. Professor Black was standing there looking livid and her mum's Patronus was now gone.

"Why am I not surprised?" Daphne sneered at Sirius.

"Do you want to point fingers, or save your family?" Sirius snapped back. He had tried being tolerant of her constant prodding into his and Gabriella's history. He completely understood where she was coming from, but right now he just couldn't spare her the indulgence. The woman he loved was in danger and that was all that mattered to him.

"Save my family of course, but this isn't over." She warned.

"Duly noted." He answered while rolling his eyes.

"Who called for help?" Lily asked as she came to a stop. McGonagall jumped off her shoulder and transformed back. She then added a Notice-Me-Not Charm for extra security.

"Gaby sent her Patronus in electrical element form," Sirius said not bothering to hide his pet name for Gabriella in front of Daphne. She has suspected since the Award Ceremony, and quite frankly he was tired of the act She noted the change in Harry's mum's posturing when he stressed electrical. That didn't sit well with her at all.

"What's the significance of that?" Daphne more accused than asked Sirius. He looked her dead in the eyes and answered.

"It means your home is under attack." Sirius told her bluntly. He pulled his pony tail free of his hair clip with the Black Family Crest on it. With his hair free like that, along with the inferno blazing in his eyes, Daphne breath caught in her throat. He was giving off a dangerous vibe as he tossed the hair clip to Lily. "My office's floo will get you through, and that will get you past the wards…Aidin's Grace." Lily nodded her head and transformed into Pride, a moment later Harry disillusioned her. The only trace that she was in full sprint was small chunks of dirt and grass popping up as her paws hit the ground. In that form she would get there faster, and right now every second counted.

"Padfoot take Hellcat with you. I'll collect some troops and supplies and join you as soon as possible." Harry told his godfather, as he pulled off his Basilisk skinned trench coat and put it on Daphne. She needed to do this, and he wasn't about to send her into battle without the best protection he had available.

"If you need anything, just reach inside the lining and it will find your hand." Ginny told her as the girls shared a look. Harry and his godfather were also having a silent conversation. They had both been in this kind of situation before, but this was very personal for two people that Harry cared about. He finished with a nod after Sirius grinned and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Harry then pointed his wand to his right and cast a silent charm. The area rippled like water, and it would take the two of them to an exit point from Hogwarts.

"We're not going with them?" Ginny asked as soon as they went through the portal.

"I'm going, you're not." Harry told her and waited for the explosion. McGonagall even took a step back and braced for Ginny to live up to her well earned reputation. She did open her mouth and with the look in her eye she definitely had something to say on the matter. Then to the surprise of everyone including herself she closed her mouth and eyes. Using the Tai Chi that Lily had taught her, Ginny calmed herself. She knew that Harry respected her abilities and judgement. If he didn't want her going with him, then he had something else he wanted her to do. Now that she put some thought to it, the answer was rather obvious. Ginny opened her eye and asked Harry in a calm and collected manner.

"You think they are targeting all the Greengrass's?"

"I hope not, but I'm not going to take the chance." Harry answered without pause. Minerva nodded her agreement with Harry's logic. It made sense to make an example out of Daphne's family considering her mum recently received the Order of Merlin. It would remind other Pure Blooded families the price of standing against Voldemort.

"What do you want me to do?" She asked her boyfriend and lover. That's my girl.

"I need you to go to the Lair and activate the 3-D Marauders Map to locate and retrieve Astoria. Secure her in the Lair until this is all over. I want ten Marauders with her at all times. Then have Shadow team monitor everyone on our Hot List. Also have healing potions and salves at the ready in case we need it." Harry told her. Ginny ran her hand across his cheek tenderly. She knew he had to go, but she needed to feel him. Now more than ever since he was going into a combat situation. Harry leaned into her hand but it wasn't enough for her. She pulled him into a searing kiss and she didn't give a damn if McGonagall was standing right there. Through her kiss, she told him to be careful and to come back to her in one piece. After breaking apart they rested their foreheads together.

"Tease." Harry whispered adoringly.

"Git." She returned back with equal affection. They were simple words to the unknowing stranger, but Minerva had a feeling that to them those words held much more power to them. Ginny mouthed I love you before rushing off to the Lair.

"Remarkable magic Mr. Potter. You're going to have to teach me that one." Minerva noted with an impressed smile on her face. He just shrugged and winked at the Transfiguration Professor.

"I'm going to need you to keep Dumbledore blind to this as long as possible." Harry asked her. Minerva sized him up with a pleased eye. James would be so proud of the man he had become, and what he was doing at Hogwarts.

"How do you know that you can trust me?" She asked out of curiosity. He didn't seem like the type to trust easily. It was a side effect of living so many years on the run she suspected.

"I don't, but my mum and Ginny do, and I trust their judgement with my life." He told her truthfully. He respected her as well, and over the past month he had started to have almost grandmotherly feelings towards her.

"Consider it done." She told him honestly, and with a trusting nod he turned into his panther and sank into his shadow.

"I love it when he does that." Minerva giggled like a schoolgirl once he was gone. His Animagus was truly miraculous, plus he had kind of wormed his way into her heart.

Thirty Death Eaters stepped past the destroyed front door to Greengrass Manor. Avery was placed in charge of the Mission. Since he was also training the new recruits, and this was just a simple retrieval mission. He saw no reason not to give his recruits some field experience; besides, their sheer numbers should be enough to squash and hopes of defiance from Greengrass. It always did in the past.

The orders that Pettigrew gave him were simple. Gabriella Greengrass was to be seized and brought to him with no visible damage to her person. Snatching her daughter as well would secure the Blood traitor's compliance with their wishes. However it wasn't a condition of the operation.

To some, bringing thirty recruits would seem like overkill for a simple grab and snatch, but Avery was to his core an opportunist. Peter should have been more specific on the parameters of the assignment. Though he and Lestrange were working on a task the Dark Lord had assigned them, the mission itself wasn't sanctioned by the Dark Lord. That meant that he could profit from it without receiving any reprisals.

He no longer had access to his vault thanks to that damn Law the Ministry passed. The Greengrass's were rich and well connected. That meant plentiful vaults and a vote in the Wizengamot. Their children would soon be orphans, and he planned on claiming the youngest child as spoils of this operation. If her mother and sisters were any indication, she would in time make a fine and beautiful wife for his son. She was young enough to easily have her families misguided values cleansed from her mind, and to be taught their ways. If she resisted, there was always the DeKy Slaveri. Either way, her vaults and votes would be his or at least his son's.

He had attended enough dinner parties here to know there were many valuables in the house. Plenty to sell on the Black Market, plus he knew for a fact that Marcus had a hidden vault somewhere in the house. He would need strong backs and wands to empty all the contents. Then he would kill Greengrass and leave the place in runes. It would send a strong message to any other Pure Blooded families that were still on the fence on which side to choice.

"All right people! It's time to teach the price of betraying the Dark Lord and our ways! The bitch goes to Pettigrew and her brat belongs to me. Then I will teach you lot how to break a spineless politician." He ordered, while grinning behind his mask. This was going to be so easy it should be forbidden.

"Oh look Marcus, we have guests. Can't say that I like their fashion sense, I do believe black robes and scary masks went out of style along with disco. Oh well, to each their own and all that." Gabriella greeted and insulted with the mannerisms of the skilled hostess she was. She portrayed the air of relaxed confidence with ease. Avery found it odd considering that thirty Death Eaters were now looking up at her from downstairs. Even if she did have the high ground, she should have at least been guarded. At least her gutless husband had the good sense to look humble.

"Go collect your child and submit to our wishes and we can avoid any unpleasantness." He ordered with a sneer. It only served to make the woman raise her eyebrow at his stupidly. She didn't battle a street full of bloody Troll's to hand Jade over to this collection of bottom feeders.

"Mind your tone Bootlicker. You are in my home, and my indulgence of your erroneous lot is exceedingly thin. I however must decline your request, and ask you to kindly leave my home or…suffer the consequences." Gabriella countered with a stern and taunting flavour in her voice. Many of Avery's recruits shifted uneasily behind him. They all had heard about what she did in Diagon Alley. That was no small feat, and her lack of fright at their number only added to their apprehension. They may hate her and what she believes, but they also respected her power. He needed to end this quickly and show them that she was just a woman in need of being put in her place.

"The hard way it is. Mark my words woman; you'll be on your knees before me and begging for mercy before I'm done with you." Avery growled out as he motioned for several of his men to get her. Five wannabe Death Eaters charged up the curved staircase to the second level. "I do believe that's your unfortunate wife's job Avery; from what Esmeralda tells me, that minuscule thing couldn't frighten a pixie." The man in question showed signs of surprise that she knew who he was. She shook head and laughed. "Honestly man, what's the point of wearing masks, when you're going to wear your custom made Horntail boots?" Gabriella taunted as she casually strolled over to the top of the staircase to meet them.

She lightly drummed her fingers on a elegantly carved falcon head that was mounted on the hand railing. Just as they reached the top of the stairs, she twisted the falcon head. The steps slanted into a massive slide that was charmed to be very slippery. Marcus looked just as shocked as their unwanted guests did, when five of their number rolled down. They rapidly gaining speed as they descended. Their momentum was so great that the lot of them slid across the floor and crashed into the wall in a pile of interlocking limbs. To add insult to injury, the shield with the Greengrass coat of arms on it fell off the wall and crashed down on them. The woman at the top of the stairs shook her head and rolled her eyes at the pathetic display.

"Astoria begged me for months to have that installed. It is quite fun I must admit, but as you can see you really need a Cushioning Charm at the end." Gabriella said over her shoulder at Marcus. That would explain how one night he came home drunk and woke up on the floor in the morning. She then looked back at the Death Eaters below. Gabriella was hoping to buy as much time as possible for Siri and his friends to come charging to the rescue. In unison all her enemies below looked to their fallen comrades and then back to her. Gabriella brought her fingers up to her lips and giggled with fake sincerity. 'Oops, did I do that? How wicked of me." She mocked them gleefully before turning deadly serious. "Last chance Bootlicker, leave my home...or die."

"I'm going to take that bitch out myself!" Avery challenged before Apparating. Gabriella was waiting for this and was already half way into her spinning back kick. As expected he appeared directly in front of her. He was planning to beat her into submission. Thanks for the warning you daft twit.

His fist met only empty air, as Gabriella's foot collided with his unprotected gut. He made a woof sound as all the air in his lungs was forced out of his body. She had hit him with enough force and in an upward motion, to send him off his feet and down the stairs. Gabriella finished her move by twisting the falcon head and returning the stairs to normal. The sound of cracking bones echoed though the manor as he rolled down the stairs. His body came to a still at the bottom in a very uncomfortable position. One Death Eater hurried over to him and unmasked his leader. Empty eyes looked up at him.

Gabriella had managed to bait and quite effortlessly kill their leader. Quite a remarkable feat, but it was short lived as chaos erupted. Without proper leadership wild and unorganized curses were thrown wildly up at the two of them. For the most part, the ceiling of their home was taking the majority of the damage. Gabriella and Marcus were forced to take cover behind anything that was readily available.

"Get Jade out of here! I'll hold them off as long as I can!" She yelled between firing curses and ducking for cover. Marcus nodded his understanding and scurried of in search of his youngest daughter. For the most part the hoard of the Death Eaters stayed in one spot, firing curses up at them. She suspected it was so she would run like her husband did. This was where having one of the original Marauders as the love of your life proved to be very useful. They may have her pinned down, but she knew how to use her environment to her best advantage. Seeing as the ceiling didn't look like it was going to last much longer, Gabriella saw no reason not to add a sky light, plus she didn't have to expose herself in the process.

Her Reducto hit directly above a large collection of Bootlickers and rained large chunks of rubble down upon them. Many of them ran for cover, while some raised shields over their heads for protection. Gabriella used the distraction to Disillusion herself and moved to a better position. Due to their lack of proper leadership, she saw an opportunity to take several more out in one shot. It wasn't without risks, but this was a game of numbers, and the odds were stacked against her. While keeping to the shadows she slid her wand between the rails of the banister, and cast a Cyclonus. Several more Death Eaters bodies were ripped to shreds as a mini tornado full of wreckage raged in the confined space.

Her gamble was working beautifully and she had personally taken out one third of their forces. Unfortunately, her luck ran out when she was hit in the shoulder by a Cutting Curse. Blood was thrown across the balcony as she was thrown back against the wall behind her. She slid down the wall, leaving a trail of her blood in its wake. Ignoring the intense pain shooting through her arm, Gabriella healed her wounded shoulder with her wand. She thought she did it rather quickly considering she wasn't using her wand arm, unfortunatly the damage was already done. The sound of a lot of feet rushing up the stairs caught her notice. Three of her enemy had the good sense to Apparate directly onto the second floor. It didn't take terribly too long to follow the trail of blood directly to her. Gabriella was finding it hard to focus due to the blood she lost, so her reaction time was slower than usual. Before she could curse them she dropped her wand when a Furnunculus made her arm break out with painful boils.

"You…Bitch…I'll…fucking…kill…you!" One Death Eater with a woman's voice screamed emphasizing every word with a hard kick to Gabriella's stomach. She then pulled her up by the hair, and slammed her head against the wall a few times before she was pulled off Gabriella. At the moment all she could see was stars and her legs buckled instantly. It took two of them to hold her up.

"Get off her Laura! She's not to be damaged until she served her purpose!" The one holding her back yelled at her. The woman ignored him as she struggled to break free.

"I don't care! She killed Evan! I want her blood!"

Ginny ran through the door of the lair to find Susan Bones, Tracy Davis, and Luna helping some of the younger Marauders with their studies. Hermione and Ron came running in shortly after she did. She closes her eyes and thought about what she needed. A large circular table appeared directly in front of her. On it was a huge pile of shredded parchment. To anyone else it looked to be a right old mess, but she knew better. She had only seen Harry do this once, so she hoped she didn't botch it up. Ginny slammed her hand down on the table and let some of her magic flow into it like Harry had taught her.

"Activate!" She ordered and the parchment came alive with activity. Slowly the pieces came together bending and forming shapes. The rest of the room looked on in awe as it took the form of Hogwarts, complete with a Quidditch Pitch.

"Bloody Hell!"

"Will you look at that?"

"Cool!"

"Wicked! You can see everyone in the school in that thing."

"A 3-Dimentional Marauders Map, quite clever and useful." Luna stated the obvious in her fairy like voice.

"What's going on Ginny?" Hermione asked coming up beside her. Ginny ignored everything going on around her and focused on the task at hand.

"Locate Astoria Greengrass!" She commanded and the map changed again. It reformed into a close-up of the section of Hogwarts that the girl was currently in. Astoria was descending down from the Owlery alone. Ginny gave a heavy sign of relief. She turned to her fellow Marauders. They all looked as if they needed some enlightenment.

"Look guys, Harry can give you a better explanation than I can, of what that can do and how it does it. There is more important thing to worry about right now. The tall and short of it is this. The Greengrass family has been attacked. Hellcat and Padfoot are on their way, and Shadow is gathering up some more help. There is a good chance that this isn't an isolated incident." Ginny told them in one breath.

"I assume that Astoria is possibly in danger as well Ginny." Luna asked bluntly.

"What gave it away?" Ginny snapped at her. She regretted it the moment the words left her mouth, but she was on edge. Harry was better at this. Her had experience and that way of holding himself that just made you never doubt his orders. "Sorry Luna."

"Oh, it's alright. I just mentioned it because she's alone and I see two from our Hot List coming up on her." The blond girl explained as she pointed to the new improved map. Ginny quickly spun around as Hermione, Tracy, and Susan gasped.

"OH FUCK ME RUNNING!" Ginny yelled; one of her boyfriends more colourful sayings. Hermione was about to correct her language, but Ron motioned for her to let it go. "No time to explain! Susan you're in charge! Ron's on tactical! Hermione work that Headgirl shite, and get me some freekin' back up! I'll in the field!" Ginny roared out on the run, before transforming into Fury. Before anyone could get a good look at her a blur of quicksilver shot out of the room. They all stood speechless for a few seconds.

"I think it's lovely how she can channel Harry like that." Luna stated and broke the silence. Everyone in the room looked to her for a moment before nodding.

"Alright people! You heard the woman! This is what we've been training for! Luna call all available Marauders in! Tracy backup Fury and grab any Marauders you find on the way. Use the comm. System. This falls under a Code 5 Scenario! MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"

"Please no more. Don't make me watch that again." A bound James Potter pleated to the death ears of Bellatrix Lestrange.

"This is for your own good, my love. I will break this unnatural hold she has on you. You must see with your own eyes just what kind woman she is." The evil woman reassured in what she thought was a nurturing tone. Peter watched with growing remorse as he watched Lestrange plunge James head into the Pensieve for the twelfth time. Regardless of how desperately James begged her to stop. Pettigrew knew that Bellatrix would never relent until the memory was burned into his mind. It was no secret that James hated Snape with a passion. It was practically written in the lore of Hogwarts, almost as much as his undying love for that Mudblood was. The raven haired functional psychopath before him was going to put that to the test. To watch your mortal enemy ravage the love of your life, and to see her give him as good as she got, had to be unbearable to view.

Bellatrix had chosen the old ways for a reason. Magic could be detected, and most likely, knowing her cousin, reversed. This way it would be embedded into his subconscious. If he ever saw either of them again, the memory would come back with perfect clarity. It would serve as a never ending reminder of Lily's betrayal, even if it was a complete lie.

Peter had to hand it to Parkinson. The girl had Lily's mannerisms down to a tee. Not to mention that she had snaked a loose hair off of the Mudblood without her even noticing it. Snape never doubted her for a moment, and Pansy had supplied the memories they were using right now. The girl was going to go far as a Death Eater if she keeps it up. It was too bad she was unavailable to send after one of Greengrass's brats. Hopefully Bulstrode would be just as useful as she was.

James was still declaring that it was a lie. Damn that man was stubborn. With time and repetition, added with lack of sleep, he would eventually move on to acceptance. It would be preceded by hurt, then anger and with Bellatrix's special brand of tough love the burning desire for vengeance. Once it was completely cultivated, James would have an undying need to punish his betrayers as his constant companion.

Bellatrix didn't plan on relenting there. There was still her cousin to eliminate. The room they were keeping James in was full of old Daily Prophet articles about the torrid affair of Lily and Sirius. As well as the suggestion that Harry wasn't James's to begin with. Skeeter really did have a way of pushing an untruth to the limit, and they planned on it serving them well.

When James was ready to listen, Greengrass would be brought in to confirm everything. James always trusted and respected her, even if she was a Slytherin. The woman would be tricky to control. Torture was not a viable solution to make her submit to their will. Gabriella was a strong and powerful Witch, and Padfoot had taught her how to protect her mind. That however did not exclude her from having weakness. Oh she had them, and they were in the forms of her three beautiful daughters, her pride and ultimately her undoing.

Pettigrew took pleasure in sending the kill order on one of her brats at Hogwarts. He cared little which one. The child was to be an example, and a reminder that even Hogwarts wasn't untouchable. Padfoot's whore would be a useful tool, and once James was 100% and ready, she would be the bait to draw Black and the Potter's out. What a glorious day that will be.

Peter looked at his watch and noticed that Greengrass should have been delivered to him by now. Marcus assured him that she would be compliant, as long as they stuck to the deal. He was starting to get a bad feeling that Avery wasn't the best choice for this mission. He knew that the man lost access to his vault at Gringotts. He was always looking for ways to get his hands on gold. Peter had always admired the man's opportunistic tendencies, but now he was wondering if it was going to be a liability.

"Lestrange! I need to go and check on something. I assume you have everything well in hand here?"

"Like I needed your help to begin with? Go already! Rid me of your stench. This will take a long time. My James's will is mighty, but he will acknowledge me as his truest lover and partner. It is our destiny." Bellatrix snapped over her shoulder. The rat wasn't worth looking at. If Bellatrix had then she would have seen him roll his eyes at her delusion. James would never let a Witch so vile into his heart. Greengrass maybe, if she was shown the error of her ways, but never a woman like Bellatrix. She was just so…mental. Not saying that Lestrange didn't have her uses. A glance to the table close by told him that. It had numerous Pepper-Up and nourishing potions. It looked like she was in for the long haul. Knowing James as he did, this could very well take days.

"So you have incontrovertible proof that this is true, and not another one of your exposés?" Augusta Longbottom asked with a scrutinizing glare. To her credit Rita Skeeter didn't flinch in the slightest. Not after she had seen Lord Potter's more beastly side as it were.

"My source is very close to the man, and I have the memory to back it up. Old Albus sometimes gets very remorseful after he's had one too many Brandy's. He tends to start confessing his sins to his sister's portrait. He sent Peter Pettigrew to check on your son and daughter-in-law, knowing that he was You-know-who's spy. Of course he was going to tell him where they were hiding to gain favour. That old bastard manipulated that traitor into doing his dirty work. Poor Frank and Alice paid for Dumbledore's arrogance with their lives." Rita advised her knowing that this would enrage the aged and vindictive Noble Lady more. Her reputation was known far and wide.

As she expected Longbottom was seething so much that the air around her crackled with magic needing release. She tossed a gold pouch with a few thousand Galleons in it to Skeeter. Rita cringed when it shocked her, but her greedy hand refused to let go. Augusta fingers slowly intertwined as Skeeter saw the wheels of revenge turning in her eyes.

"Anything I can help you with Lady Longbottom?" Rita asked with the hopes of collecting more gold for her vault at Gringotts. The old Witch narrowed her eyes to a slit so then they almost seemed closed. Rita started to fear that she had made a grave mistake. It was not wise to make Augusta Longbottom your enemy. That was something Albus Dumbledore was soon going to find out she guessed. The greedy woman swallowed hard under the Noble Lady's stern assessing gaze. Longbottom's eyes slowly widened along with a cold spine chilling sinister smile that trekked across her ancient weathered face.

"I know that you have a arrangement with Lord Potter. Set up a meeting with him as soon as possible. I do believe we have similar goals now. Do that Rita and you will have a very fruitful Christmas this year." Augusta advised as she got up and extended her hand. Rita stood up and accepted her most lucrative offer and promise of a most prosperous future.

Astoria was two thirds the way down the steps to the Owlery when they became ice covered. Her arms flayed wildly in a vain attempt to keep her balance as her feet danced for a better holding. To the one that cast the spell, it was quite comical as well as futile. She landed on her bum with a loud smack before sliding down the rest of the steps. Two Slytherins laughed at the irony that the girl had just suffered a indignity that her sister had bestowed upon them.

As her eyes refocused and the explosion of pain from her throbbing arse reminded Astoria she was still alive, She was pulled to her feet by her hair and slammed against a wall. She saw the chubby fist of Millincent Bulstrode pulling back to hit her. The look in the older Slytherin's eyes was vicious, but her mother did not raise her to be a willing victim.

Hit them were their soft and vulnerable, that was what her mum always said. She was pretty sure her mum was talking about boys that don't understand the meaning of no bits. Still, she was sure that this also applied. Not the bits part mind you, or at least she hoped she didn't have boy bits, although that would explain a few things now that she thought about it.

Astoria shook that thought from her mind, and curled her fingers so the first joints formed a ridged edge. With all her might she aimed for Bulstrode's throat. A quick jab was all that was needed. The younger Witches strike hit first and true. The plump seventh year staggered back holding her throat and trying desperately to breath.

The bitch wasn't alone, so she kicked Millicent in her squishy belly and sent her back into Blaise Zabini. He was caught off guard and stumbled back before falling while taking Millicent with him. Astoria wasn't going to wait for them to recover and made a run for it. It was funny how a life or death situation can make you forget about the piercing pain of an injury. Survival was her greatest concern now, and she lost her wand when she fell. She had to get to a populated area and find a fellow Marauder. Astoria had made it halfway down the hall when a red colored curse hit a wall close by. She looked back to see they were both up and running after her.

"HELP!" Astoria yelled as loud as she could, in hopes that someone would here her. She was twenty feet from getting to a connecting hall and out of their line of sight. Around the corner two students appeared. It was Owen Cauldwell a Hufflepuff and Duncan Inglebee who was a Ravenclaw. She thought she was saved until they both pulled their wands and fired at her. She was able to dodge the first one, but got hit by the other. Thankfully it was just a Cutting Curse and it just nicked her arm. She tried the nearest door and thankfully it was unlocked.

She didn't bother to block the door, because nothing in the classroom would slow them down, and the next few seconds were precious. She made her way to the nearest window while picking a chair up along the way. With all of her might she smashed the window and sent the chair out if it in hope of drawing someone's attention. She was screaming at the top of her lungs for help when the door busted open and two curses went flying at her.

In desperation Astoria knocked a desk over and crouched behind it for cover. Glass shards from the window she had just broken was scattered around her on the floor. With a grin she remembered that the weapon she had a aptitude for was throwing daggers. These didn't have the same balance but you have to work with what you got. That's what Harry was always saying. Her started throwing broken glass at them while still yelling for help. Most of her shots were turned to dust from whatever curses they were firing at her.

With her supply depleting and only serving in postponing the irrefutable, Astoria decided to change her tactics. She slipped a usable shard in her shoe and kissed her last utilizable chunk of glass left. She watched for a reflection of one of her attackers in a piece of glass in her hand. One raised up to take a look. Astoria let out a whimper to make them think she had given up. The idiot huffed out his chest with a self-serving smirk. He lowered his wand thinking it was over. She patiently waited until her was too close to her to block her attack.

"Come out bi-glurk!" Was the last thing to come out of Owen Cauldwell before Astoria jumped up and threw true and fast. Blood from a severed Jugular poured out of his neck. She wanted to cry…scream…anything, but all she could do was stand their like an old unmoving stump. Astoria was not prepared for all that blood, and just looked on at what she had just done in silent horror. She should have been happy that it was him and not her, but it didn't chance the fact that she had just killed another student. Then she was hit square in the chest by a blue curse and everything went black.