Once in a Blue Moon

CHAPTER 8

3 January - Hogwarts - midday

Dumbledore erupted into the staff room. "There's been an attack on the train" he said, "I've just heard from the driver"

Instantly, the casual lethargy that had occupied the room was gone. An alertness showed in the teaching staff.

"Anybody hurt?" asked Professor McGonagall

"Fortunately, no," said the Headmaster, "But all of the students are very shaken up."

He looked at his four protectors. "The train is stopped in a siding about an hour north of London," he said, "As soon as you get off the grounds, apparate there. I want you four on the train for the rest of the way. Patrol it and make sure that nothing further happens."

Madame Pomfey came forward, "I'll go too" she said, "The students may need my help."

Dumbledore shook his head, "They can do whatever first aid is needed. You'll be better served here getting the infirmary ready," he said.

He looked at the four, "Plenty of chocolate" he said, "What are you waiting for? As for the rest of the staff -until the train arrives we will go over this school, the grounds and Hogsmeade carefully. I don't want any surprises."

The four youngest staff members sprinted out of the staff room - pausing only briefly to change from loose lounging robes to more practical clothing. As they raced down the path towards the school gates, a casual observer would have been surprised to find that they looked similar.

Four black-clad predators - seeking prey.

They stopped briefly at Honeydukes, and filled a large bag with chocolate. Then, with a brief look at each other, disappeared.

3 January - Hogwarts Express

The students were badly shaken - and Prefects were roaming the corridors and around the train as it was stopped. They couldn't understand why the driver had not continued - only saying he was acting under Dumbledore's orders.

They were surprised when loud popping noises announced the arrival of four of their teachers.

The Head Boy and Girl exchanged glances. It must be serious if Dumbledore had sent those four to them.

Sirius tossed the sack of chocolate at them and called for them to get it distributed to everybody. The four teachers commenced rounding up everybody and getting them back on the train.

Snape went to the engine and swung up into it - "Ok - let's get going," he said, "And as fast as you can." He then disappeared through the door and met up with the others at the head of the first carriage.

"Right," he said, taking charge, "One of us to each carriage. Keep patrolling, check everywhere for anything unusual. Listen out for anything. Do what you need to. Keep your wands handy," he finished.

The other three nodded - this was no time for quarrelling. Swiftly they separated - Lupin taking the first carriage, Sirius the second, Pilar the third and Severus the last - the one that contained the Slytherin students.

He agreed with Pilar. If anybody knew anything about what was happening, it would be Draco Malfoy.

The students were surprised to see their teachers prowling the carriages - and - in the opinion of the students - were rather too much on the spot - always managing to be in a compartment just when something interesting was happening.

Ron complained to Hermione and Ginny that it definitely put a damper on things - even though Professor de Lisle was fine usually, there was a sternness around her that made them wary of doing anything.

The trip, though swift, was nerve racking for the adults on the train. By the time they reached Hogsmeade, all four teachers were wishing heartily that it was over.

The horseless carriages were there waiting for the students - and Hagrid was also at the station with four broomsticks.

"Dumbledore asked me to give yer these," he said, "He wants youse airborne to escort the carriages."

They looked at the brooms, and held a quick conference as to their airborne strategy. Sirius took the lead in this - and told Lupin and Snape to do a quick reconnaissance ahead and behind, whilst he and Pilar would check on either side before the carriages left.

They told Hagrid to be ready to head out when they returned, and took off - impressing the students as they did so. "Who would have thought that people that old could do moves like that on a broom?" was the general thought.

The area was clear as far as she could see, and Pilar did a neat roll to bring her back in the opposite direction, suddenly she spotted a shape moving through the snow - it's black cloak standing out against the snow.

She shadowed it for a while, and realised that whoever - whatever - it was up to no good. It was moving into a position near to where the coaches would pass.

There was no time to make a choice - she had to immobilise this one - and fast. She dived down on her broom - the only noise the rushing of the air around her, and as she came down pointed her wand at the figure "Immobilius" she said and circled the frozen figure.

Hovering, she quickly wrapped it in magic, and levitated it behind her.

Arriving back at the station, she was not surprised to see the other three had also returned with captives.

The faces on the four teachers were dark as they realised the scope of the attack that had been planned. This had been more than a skirmish - this was war.

As they contemplated what to do with their prizes, a commotion announced new arrivals. A group of men came towards them - their robes plainly showing them to be Aurors.

"Well done," said the leader, and then froze as he saw Sirius. Sirius was torn - if he stayed he would be taken prisoner - if he ran now he would be letting Dumbledore down.

The Aurors took the prisoners, and two of them moved towards him. Lupin drew his wand, when Snape stepped forward and raised his hand.

"Stop," he said, "You know that you can't take him."

"But he's an escaped prisoner."

"Dumbledore vouches for him."

The Aurors visibly relaxed. "If Dumbledore stands by him, then we'll agree. We haven't seen him." The Auror paused, "You know that the Ministry still has a price on his head."

Pilar laughed. "The Ministry still won't admit that Voldemort is back," she said scornfully, "If they can't tell the truth, why should we listen to their lies?"

The Aurors were nodding. "Look," said the leader, "I shouldn't say this - but I want you to tell Dumbledore," He looked serious, "Aurors are leaving left right and centre. We're not prepared to let the Ministry's inaction cause a disaster like last time. We know what's going on - we wouldn't be doing what we do if we didn't." He nodded at the four teachers, "Dumbledore is taking it seriously if he has the four of you hanging round. Tell him that when the time comes, just to send word to the Aurors and we will come. Tell him we stand by him and are ready to take his orders."

With that, they vanished, taking the prisoners with them.

The four looked at each other. They understood what they had been told. "And so the war begins," whispered Pilar as the carriages and their airborne escort moved out. Her eyes filled with tears as she flew.

How many lives would be destroyed this time?

3 January - Hogwarts - Evening

Dumbledore looked at the four teachers in sitting in front of his desk.

"So," he said, "The Aurors are leaving the Ministry," he sighed. "At least they are willing to cooperate with us - I had feared what would happen if they did not."

Lupin sat up straighter "Surely the Aurors wouldn't go to Voldemort?" he asked.

Dumbledore looked pensive. "Some will," he finally said. "Some already are DeathEaters. But most..... most of them have a reason to hate Voldemort."

He looked stern. "These attacks are getting serious. Voldemort is trying to take out Hogwarts - he knows that I directed the last resistance - and will know that any new efforts will start from here.

"Be even more careful than before. Keep a closer watch on all students - and make sure that you notice any tiny thing that seems out of place or unusual.

"I trust you four to protect the school."

All four looked back at him. The burden he had just placed on their shoulders was heavy - but it was one they must bear.

And the price of their failure would be far too costly.