Reconstruction of a Death Eater

WARNING: Some blood, death and mayhem.

The following week was tense and nervous for all the inhabitants of Hogwarts Castle. Teachers and students tried to carry on as usual, but it was difficult. Debate raged in the staffrooms and common rooms over how the evacuations should be staged, when they would be staged, immediately or at the last minute. As it occurred there was not much time, the perimeter alarms chiming intrusions from the Forbidden Forest, the lake and the front gates almost simultaneously.

Dinner in the Great Hall was over, and the majority of the students had returned to either their common rooms or the library to study. The Ravenclaw Quidditch team were holding practice on the field with instructions not to go any higher than twenty-five feet. Spectators were limited to four hardy individuals consisting of two reserve beaters, a score keeper and the keeper's current girlfriend. Madam Hooch had just blown her whistle to bring the team down for a conference when a flare from the border alarm sent a chill along everyone's nerves. Three cloaked figures were running toward the pitch, wands drawn, the nearest one tossing a curse.

Rory McFarlane did not stop to think as the curse almost hit Stella as she tried to run for the cover of the Quidditch sheds, he dived his broom and swept her off her feet, holding her across the handle by the back of her robes. Merriweather, one of the beaters sent the bludger barrelling hard toward the oncoming trio, making them duck for cover. His partner Mary Scott grinned tigerishly and sent the second bludger away as the chasers swept down and grabbed the other three spectators in the same way McFarlane had grabbed his girl. Madam Hooch brought up the rear, sent a hex winging away as the team and support staff swept past the Quidditch sheds and on to the main entrance, swooping straight through the doors with no regard to the usual school rules. Three women ducked out as they flew in and the ornate, iron bound doors slammed shut after them.

Running swiftly and smoothly, the women used the minimal cover to the best of their advantage, wishing they were transformed at that point. Still, they had their magic and were not afraid to use it as they spotted the intruders. One of them seemed to have broken an arm and was being harassed by a bludger that buzzed around the group wildly, the other bludger skimmed in wobbling circles blown in half by a well placed blast. Even as the two uninjured opponents dealt with the second bludger, the three werewolves were upon them, casting hexes with pin-point accuracy, using the Quidditch bleachers for cover.

~~*~~

Four people probed the wards at the lake's edge, wondering if they could launch the small boats they had brought with them. Three of the four were French wizards, unaccustomed to the vagarities of Scottish weather and wondering how it had turned so cold so quickly. They were more interested in grumbling and fussing as the two small boats were launched onto the glass-like stillness of the loch, their paddles dipping rhythmically. It was so easy to propel the boat they quickly fell into the perfect synchronised stroke needed for efficient canoeing until the lead boat realised they were no longer making forward progress. In fact, they were slewing off course and heading for the middle of the lake, rather than the castle perched on the far edge. Frowning, the lead paddler thrust his blade down hard and was astonished to meet with resistance. An earthquake-like rumbling suddenly made the glassy surface of the lake dance and tremble then a geyser of water erupted, great long tentacles reaching out to engulf the two tiny boats. Screams rang out and became gurgles as the giant squid, protector of the Hogwarts waters, dragged the four intruders down to the depths where the mer-people made efficient use of the canoe materials. Not even a bubble escaped to show the fate of the lake-born raiding party.

~~*~~

At the harried arrival of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, everyone bolted for their house common rooms, leaving library books and games strewn in their wake. The senior prefects of each house glanced at each other and, although each house was in a separate common room, they all made the same decision at the same time.

"Make your pairs, let's go!"

Each third year took their first year partner in their arms, tossed a handful of Floo powder in the fire and called 'Ministry Foyer' very clearly. With the smallest of the pair clinging tightly to the larger, the evacuation went twice as fast. Second year pairs went next, a pair at a time for speed and efficiency. This was not a teacher initiated plan but a trainee-Auror plan, weighed up, decided and instigated by Weasley and Malfoy. Neither wanted a school full of little kids to have to deal with, and each decided the kids were more than old enough to handle the Floo system rather than stay as sitting ducks if the battle for Hogwarts went badly. Even the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs had agreed without an argument, although the fourth-years, who would be going last, didn't actually want to go until it was pointed out that the younger kids would need looking after at the other end.

Only half the fourth-year contingent managed to Floo away before the system slammed shut, cut off mid transfer. A Slytherin girl became the first casualty of the siege as she was literally sliced in half by the closing curse, much to the horror of her classmates. A boy in Ravenclaw was slightly burned when the green flames suddenly lost colour and became real fire, setting his shoes and robe alight. Fortunately the next girl in line had the sense to grab his arm and drag him clear, the rest of his mates pulling his clothes off hurriedly. Although he lost a little skin and a lot of dignity he was otherwise unhurt.

The remains of fourth-years and the older years made another school-wide, undiscussed decision and all cleared their common rooms, heading for the Great Hall to confess what they had managed to do.

~~*~~

The Ministry building was closed for the night as the first pairs of thirteen- and eleven-year-olds Flooed in. They immediately moved away from the Floos, congregating in the middle of the rather barren floor space to look around uncertainly. This building wasn't as nice as the old Ministry building, grey steel girders holding up a high roof, the floor a mix of grey concrete and painted lines. Only a quarter of the high ceiling lights were lit and then only at half power, leaving a lot of stark and gloomy shadows dancing on the wall. Some of the younger ones were beginning to look a little scared when a bright third year Gryffindor suddenly made a bird shape flap across a wall, causing a ripple of relieved laughter as the crowd grew.

Suddenly a door flew open at the far side of the space, and every wand was instantly focussed on the very surprised caretaker who had come to find out why the dodgy alarm charm was bleating intermittently. "Holy Merlin! Where did all you kids come from?" the young man asked in shock.

"Hogwarts is under attack," Trudy Bones said firmly, pushing to the front of the crowd. "Where are the Aurors? We need to alert them or something."

"Now come on, I can't be taking such a wild goose tale to the Aurors, they'll...."

The fireplaces blew out, tossing four bodies across the room to be caught by their fellows. Screams and wails escalated as half a body came from one fire, landing soggily on the hearth rug. "Oh Merlin, it's Ann Nirelson from Slytherin," one of the Hufflepuffs told them tearily. "We need Aurors, now!"

The caretaker stumbled as people boiled in behind him, ruby red robes swirling as they hurried toward the line-up of Floo fires on the wall. No amount of powder would allow them to Floo to Hogwarts, but other destinations were still answering, including the Three Broomsticks. Rosmerta didn't hesitate to agree to allow all the Aurors to Floo into her premises as the closest one to Hogwarts left open. Within moment most of the Aurors had gone leaving four behind to deal with the children.

~~*~~

"They're early, damn it!" Malfoy muttered under his breath as he hurried along the corridor after Pansy and Goyle, the other Slytherins who had had their orders clumping around them. A number of Ravenclaws, two Hufflepuffs and amazingly a Gryffindor boy joined them in the deserted classroom they had chosen as the rendezvous point. Malfoy climbed up on a desk, the rest of the group standing smirking at each other.

"Okay, show me your marks," he called, rolling up his left sleeve to show the Dark Mark glowing black and evil on his arm.

The younger ones were not marked and were not expected to be marked therefore they were safe. Most of the older ones rolled their sleeves up with a complacent smugness that made Draco want to slap them silly. One of the Ravenclaws looked a little sick as he rolled his sleeve up to show a bare arm and was immediately covered by wands.

"What are we going to do with the spy, Draco, honey?" Pansy giggled, sashaying up and poking her wand hard under his chin.

"Back up, Pans; Crabbe, take him out the back and find out where his loyalties lie. Here, you might need this," he tossed his henchman a tiny bottle of Veritaserum with a shark smile.

Crabbe bowed formally and grabbed the Ravenclaw by the hair, towing him away without regard for his dignity. Pansy giggled and Goyle cracked his knuckles suggestively as they passed, the rest of the group grinning uneasily. Draco surveyed his troops from his perch atop the table, memorising every face for future reference.

"The Floos are shut; we cannot leave Hogwarts to join the fighting with our parents. Therefore we are going to go back and blend with the school population, become the thorn in their sides, so to speak. As Professor Snape pointed out, there are a few vulnerabilities that can only be exploited from inside the school, and it will be our job to do just that." He waited until the cheers subsided before glancing around. "You younger ones who are not marked will be the most dangerous little snakes in the grass. You can blend with the general populace and do what needs to be done. In the early stages of the siege everything will be fairly organised so we won't get too many chances, but as things go on and start falling to pieces then we can strike efficiently. Over the course of the next few hours, perhaps days, you will receive your instructions. If they are real instructions, they will have my personal seal on one corner for authenticity. Do not be taken in by bogus orders, will you? Now, all you unmarked kids go back to your places and just be kids."

Grumbling, the group departed, a couple shivering fearfully at the dull sound of flesh thudding on flesh coming from the next classroom. Crabbe was really working the suspect over! Pansy paused outside the doorway, a sly smirk twisting her pug-like features as she listened as if to fine music. Goyle was almost drooling as he waited with her, a hand rubbing her back most suggestively. Draco swallowed his distaste as he approached and smiled grimly.

"Run along, you two love-birds, and let me deal with this ... situation," he murmured as he entered the classroom, allowing them a glimpse of the Ravenclaw strung up by his thumbs in the centre of the room.

"Oh, Draco, can't we help?" Pansy whined, running a hand over his arm winningly.

"Not this time, make sure the rest of the group have settled into their roles and see that the Slytherins are just as safe as the rest of the school. You know how we are regarded, and even if the rest are still ambivalent to our cause, they are still Slytherins."

Goyle nodded worshipfully and wandered off, a reluctant Pansy following as Draco closed the door after him.

"What's the story?" he asked as Grabbe drew back and rearranged his shirt collar.

"His name is Jack Loomis, and the stupid bugger was spying on the evil Dark Lord's minions, wants to be an Auror when he grows up. He thought he might like to catch all us terrible Slytherins plotting against the school and become a hero to the masses."

"I am surprised you can make such a coherent speech," Loomis managed to gasp, the Veritaserum making him less than diplomatic.

"And if we were to turn you loose? What would you do then?" Draco asked, waving Vincent back as he surveyed their spy. "Did you have to make such a mess of him?" he added in an aside.

Crabbe grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Gotta make it look good, you know," he commented.

"I'll tell Professor Flitwick just what you all plan and give him all of your names!" the youth said with manic bravery.

"Really, well, I suppose I can live with that. Right, listen here, you stupid little boy, you are about to become a counter-counter spy and you will not say a word about this to anyone except who I tell you to, understood!" Draco poked his wand under the bloodied chin and murmured a charm that made the youth slump even deeper into his bindings. Imperio was illegal, but it was so damned handy!

~~*~~

The three woman hit-squad came back, two helping the third between them, her ankle badly swollen but not broken, Madam Pomfrey announced after a quick examination and a good dose of potion for the swelling. Sonja slapped her running mate on the shoulder cheerfully before turning to the Beta Prime who was waiting for the report.

"We took them out, although the bludger had taken one of them down first. They were male, all three branded, one of them was definitely French, the other two were English and none of them werewolves. In fact, the last one standing seemed more terrified that we would turn him as soon as we could than that we were going to kill him. A real fate worse than death, it seems." She shook her head and laughed although it was harsh and biting. "Anyway, we removed all three heads and cast a timed Incendio so they will be burned in about five minutes, which gave us time to get away. No way will we be meeting those three again as inferi."

"Good job," Remus praised, stroking cheeks and allowing them to brush against his shoulders as they passed heading to where a table of drinks had been set up in the Great Hall. "Well, that's first blood, I think. Now it is going to get serious." He turned to look at the war council clustered around the staff table where the maps were laid out.

Dumbledore, Moody, Snape, Potter, Weasley, Malfoy, McCarthy, Lupin and Harkness had been appointed to the defence council when setting up the plans. Three leaders from the three main sections of the current Hogwarts Defence force, the Professors, the students and the werewolves. It sounded unwieldy but it worked. They were all hoping they would have more allies before the forces of Darkness attacked, but it seemed that was not to be. Professor Dumbledore bent over his plans and sighed silently as he reviewed their preparations once again, hoping they had enough troops to hold the old place. If Hogwarts fell, there was not much further hope for the rest of the wizarding world or humanity as a whole.

~~*~~

Molly glanced at the members of the Order as they crowded into her kitchen, nodding once to Roger who nodded back resolutely. Every member of the Order they could round up was assembled, and Molly was about to test the illegal connection Fabian and Gideon had set up many years ago. If it worked, they would be sending every person they could muster though to help defend Hogwarts. If it failed then they would all Apparate up to Hogsmeade and do their best to win through to relieve the school's defenders.

"Emergency connection, Hogwarts," she said clearly, tossing a handful of Floo powder into the flames while holding onto the key brick at the side of the mantle shelf. It definitely wouldn't work without a Prewitt holding the brick.

The flames turned green and the way was open, the first person stepping in and spinning away. Molly nodded grimly and kept up a steady stream of Floo powder as all twenty members Flooed ahead of her. Taking a last, long look around her kitchen in case she never saw it again, Molly checked the clock then drew a deep breath. "This is it, Arthur, do or die," she muttered as she stepped into the flames and was gone. The kitchen fire went out!

~~*~~

Scrimgeour glared around the thirty Aurors assembled on the edge of the village ready to advance at his order. Their intelligence had indicated that the attack would probably be in the early hours of the morning, no matter what Dumbledore's intelligence had said. To be proved wrong was like a spur in his mind, making him even more irritable than usual. He hated to be proven wrong by amateurs! His own plan of attack consisted of a two pronged movement of people and resources, one from the air, one from the land. There were quite a few brooms already to bear the aerial troops, the rest holding Dellusionment Charms prepared to cast at a moment's notice. The plan was to spread out and advance in a thinly strung line over as great a distance as possible. Hopefully the Hogwarts border wards would recognise them as Aurors and not repulse them as they entered the grounds.

Any resistance was to be instantly crushed, no prisoners taken and no quarter given. Some of the older Aurors remembered fighting Inferi in the first war and how horrifying it was to see your partners and loved ones coming at you with blank faces and lethal intent. Everyone knew that, if you were killed, then your fellow Aurors would remove your head and burn your body instantly to stop the spell taking effect. Unfortunately the Inferi spell was insidious. The more Inferi there were in the area the stronger the spell was and the faster it worked to convert the recently dead of a battle field. It was one of the most terrifying spells of the Dark Arts, and Scrimgeour planned to campaign to put it onto the Unforgivable list as soon as he had the leisure to do battle.

Shacklebolt scratched his order tattoo, realising it was itching like crazy, then the significance of the itch suddenly registered.

"We have company," he warned softly, his fellow Aurors rising to hair trigger readiness as a hex suddenly lashed out from the cover of the aqueduct on their right. Thanks to Kingsley's few seconds warning, everyone was already ducking for cover and they were not taken completely by surprise. The battle for Hogsmeade was joined.