Once in a Blue Moon

CHAPTER 13

8 June - Hogwarts - evening

Old enmities are hard to overcome. But in times of trouble, it can happen. Pilar, Severus and Remus watched the men coming closer. From two steps down, the huge black dog that was Sirius Black growled.

From behind them, they could hear the buzz from the students - who - despite being told to go to their common rooms - had thronged to the entrance hall.

The three teachers drew their wands and raised them - only to be hit from behind by a massive hex, bringing them to their knees, Sirius yelping as he got the edge of it.

The three of them rose to their knees and turned - to see a group of Slytherin 7^TH year students being wrestled to the ground by a throng of students both from Slytherin and other houses.

The Head Boy looked at them. "Sorry Professors - we had no idea he would do that. We'll watch your back."

Snape looked sour. To be attacked by his own house!

The three stood again, and were immediately confronted by the thugs sent in against them.

Pilar snarled "Where is he? Too scared to come himself?" she sneered at their attackers.

At that, the fight began.

It was nasty, it was short, and the animosity meant that soon magic was abandoned, as neither side could push aside their hatred long enough to concentrate to use deadly magic.

The school watched in horrified fascination - they had watched and learned from their teachers in classes, but this was seeing the real thing. They realised the power that these four had and felt a frission of fear. This was more than just practicing - the bits of magic that was being used that were coming from the Professors. It was raw power and where it touched, it wreaked havoc. The students looked at the older teachers with them, all with wands raised and all in front of them. They realised that these people were prepared to sacrifice themselves for their safety.

They realised just how much faith Dumbledore had placed on the four youngest teachers on the staff. And they felt hope that with people like this, perhaps Voldemort could be defeated.

Remus Lupin jumped backwards suddenly, and yelled out, "Watch it - they've got blades."

The four teachers surrounded their attackers, now drastically reduced in numbers. But it was not without cost. Sirius had changed back into human form, finding that he was more useful as a human when they produced blades. He was bleeding from a number of cuts, caused by him getting too close to try to hamstring an attacker.

Snape was limping slightly - but for once, the man behind the mask was showing. Strong. Dangerous. Deadly.

Both Lupin and Pilar had long cuts on their arms - both of them getting injured when they allowed their predatory natures to overcome sense.

All four were snarling softly - circling their attackers, prowling around, looking for openings.

Suddenly, Pilar saw a flash of steel in the moonlight. He was threatened! She leapt forward - putting herself between the one she loved and the blade. Her eyes widened as she felt the steel of the knife enter her body.

She looked down at the bright crimson blood staining her shirt - at the hilt of the knife protruding from her breast.

At that, she heard a roar from around her, and the flash of magic hitting the attackers. It flung them backwards, down the stairs towards the lake, where they lay still.

"We won," she whispered, feeling his arms supporting her, as she slumped to the ground. Pilar felt light-headed. Her strength was ebbing away - and all she could see was the agonised look in the face above her.

She raised her hand and touched his face. "It's been fun," she said, "But why did we waste so much time this year?"

She closed her eyes and knew no more.

He felt her go limp in his arms, and tears fell onto her face as he cradled her close. Hoping his strength would transfer to her.

Dimly, he felt hands separating them and he howled in pain. Again! Now? Supported by surprisingly strong but gentle hands, he felt himself being led away, through students who parted to make way for them. His hands and clothing stained with her blood.

He didn't see her body disappear. All he could see were her eyes. All he could hear was her voice.

All he wanted was to die.