The Prince

Chapter 11

The Enemy

The Prince was as good as his word. He accompanied Professor Snape to Hogwarts and erected unbreakable wards around the school, which were even stronger than the ones set by the Founders. Snape was extremely relieved when his former student said, "No one can breach these wards, Professor. And if anyone tries to, I will feel it immediately. Rest assured that I shall come instantly with Aurors. The enemy shall be destroyed."

"Thank you, your highness."

"It is the Prince's duty to protect his people."

Snape flashed him a grateful smile and the Prince returned to his own palace. Remus and Hagrid were waiting for him there. He told them what he had done. They both nodded in approval.

It was during dinner that the Prince felt the attack. He left his meal and Disapparated. Since he had already instructed his courtiers as to what to do when the attack came, everything was under control. Fifty Aurors Apparated just behind him, the Weasley Lords, the Duke and Hagrid leading them. They found the Prince laughing uncontrollably at the sight in front of them.

About twenty masked people were hanging in the air in front of them, entangled in the wards Harry had created. They were thrashing about wildly, trying to escape, but ended up getting even more entangled in the invisible wards. The sight brought a smile to their lips. The entire population of Hogwarts was also watching, struck between fear and amusement.

"Shut up, you ruffian!" one of the attackers shouted at the Prince. Harry stopped laughing and waved his hand. The masks fell off all the faces.

"Mind your language, Oliver," said the Prince coldly, all trace of humour gone from his face.

The people on the Prince's side were not too surprised at the identity of the attackers. They all had thought that it would be some of the rebels. They had turned out to be right, for five of the rebels were there: Oliver Wood, Blaise Zabini, Ronald Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom. The rest were people they had never seen before, but knew were from the Resistance in other parts of the globe.

The Headmistress walked up to the Prince.

"Thank you, your highness," she said quietly, "I know that we probably do not deserve your forgiveness, but still, I apologize on behalf of all of us who ever doubted you."

The Prince nodded curtly. Minerva McGonagall bowed her head.

"Apology accepted, Professor."

The imperious voice made her look up. She wondered how she could have ever doubted Hogwarts' Golden Boy, Gryffindor's Golden Boy, her Golden Boy. Her eyes watered and the grateful smile she flashed at the Prince shone with pride. The Emperor smiled back.

"Now we have to decide what to do with these fellows," said the Prince, glancing around.

"I challenge you to a duel, you coward," screamed Wood.

"Very well. I shall duel with all of you at once. But remember Oliver, if you choose to fight, I might take no prisoners."

The attackers paled. Wood took no notice.

"Duel," he said.

The Prince released them from the wards. It was almost too easy a fight. The green light of Avada Kedavra filled the air as twenty of the curses flew towards the Prince. He merely shone with the same green light as the curses dissipated and rebounded on their originators, weakened by him - enough to knock them out, but not enough to kill them. He raised his wand, ready to kill them.