Chapter 1513: Taking Over Hogwarts
Chapter 1513: Taking Over Hogwarts
In the Hogwarts Kitchens.
The house-elves, usually bustling about with their chores, were unusually idle, forgoing their post-meal dishwashing duties to huddle around a corner table, whispering excitedly about the momentous event that was about to unfold at Hogwarts.
While some of the house-elves suggested joining the fight, this proposal was quickly vetoed by Kara, the house-elf that Albert had brought back to Hogwarts. In Albert's opinion, there were more important tasks for the house-elves to accomplish, tasks that were crucial to their victory.
"It's almost time," a house-elf said, anxiously eyeing the hands on its pocket watch before glancing around as if searching for something.
With a loud crack, Dobby, the house-elf not particularly favored by his kin, appeared in the kitchen, carrying an oversized briefcase. Assessing that the surroundings were safe, he let out a sigh of relief.
"There's no need to be nervous, Dobby. It's safe here," Kara said, attempting to soothe the anxious house-elf.
"Dobby has brought them to Hogwarts as instructed by Mr. Anderson," Dobby said, his voice shrill. He placed the briefcase on the marble floor and opened it, revealing a door that swung open.
Sirius Black, wand at the ready and eyes alert, stepped out of the briefcase, followed by the members of the Order of the Phoenix and the Defense Association, a group of forty people in total—a substantial force.
"Looks like Anderson has thought of everything," Remus Lupin remarked as he surveyed the group that had appeared in the kitchen.
"According to the plan, we need to establish contact with the school's professors first," Percy said, pulling out his notebook.
"Don't worry, the house-elves will help us notify the professors," Fred said, handing Percy a map from his Extendable Ears bag. "Our task is to get rid of Voldemort's minions in the school."
"Sirius, you need to go with Lupin to find Professor McGonagall," George said, checking the map. "Remember, don't kill our Headmaster. Albert said he's still useful."
"What use could that sneaky Slytherin be? Informing Voldemort, perhaps?" Sirius said, his desire to tear Severus Snape limb from limb barely restrained by his respect for Albert's wishes, especially at this critical juncture.
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Sirius, and Snape isn't weak. Killing him won't be easy," Lupin said, signaling that it was time for them to move out.
"I reckon Snape will get what's coming to him eventually!" Fred said, bidding the group farewell before leading his team to root out Voldemort's followers within Hogwarts.
"I'll be off, too," George said, also taking his leave.
"See you later," Bill said, kissing Fleur's cheek before hurrying off with a few other members of the Order.
There were three teams dedicated to this cleansing mission, tasked with ending the evil lives of Voldemort's followers before they could react and cause any unforeseen complications.
Moody, Arthur, and a handful of Order members remained in the kitchen to ensure its safety and to assign tasks to the next batch of reinforcements, preventing chaos that could arise from a lack of leadership.
The benefits of such organization soon became evident.
The second group transported to Hogwarts by Dobby was significantly larger and more diverse.
They were all residents of Shelter One, comprising a large number of Dumbledore's Army members as well as persecuted witches and wizards who had sought refuge in the shelter and were now reluctantly joining the battle.
The orderly arrangements undoubtedly assuaged their anxiety, suggesting that their side was well-prepared.
Lastly came the witches and wizards who were sympathetic to the Order of the Phoenix and willing to rebel against Voldemort. Arthur quickly organized them into a group that would head to the Great Hall to assist with evacuating the students of Hogwarts.
All except one.
"Hagrid, your task is to go with Firenze into the Forbidden Forest and convince the centaurs to join us," Percy said, immediately approaching the noticeably taller Hagrid. "I've already sent a house-elf to notify Firenze."
"That shouldn't be a problem, but I'm not sure if the centaurs will be willing to join us," Hagrid said, lacking confidence. He was well aware that he was no longer in the centaurs' good graces.
"You should trust Albert, and he asked me to remind you specifically—your 'little cuties' are now our enemies. Don't do anything foolish or stupid," Percy said, looking Hagrid in the eye. "Don't let your companions suffer because of your idiotic actions."
"I know what I need to do," Hagrid said, a bit glumly.
"That's best," Percy agreed, sharing the general sentiment that Hagrid was unreliable, but they had no better options at this point.
Fortunately, things went smoothly, and they encountered minimal obstacles.
The handful of Death Eaters guarding the castle had no idea of the invasion and were swiftly taken down from behind.
As Moody left the kitchen, he ran into George's squad in the corridor, where a freshly killed Death Eater lay at their feet, a recent addition to their body count.
"Albert has reminded us time and again that war inevitably leads to deaths, especially tonight," George said, looking seriously into Bill's eyes. "If we don't want our loved ones to be the ones dying, it's better to take down the enemy directly instead of just knocking them out. That would be foolish."
"War is no child's play. Showing mercy to the enemy is cruelty to our own. If we can't even get our mindset straight, no wonder Albert doesn't count on us," Kenneth said, glancing at the silent members of the Order. With a slight smirk, he added, "I hope Kingsley's side can hold up their end, or a lot of people might die tonight."
"Alright, no need to crowd here," Moody said, breaking the tense atmosphere by rapping his cane on the floor. He turned to George and asked, "According to the plan, we also need to capture Hogsmeade, right?"
"We're still waiting for a few more people, but they should be here soon. Look, they're coming," George said, smiling and waving at Fred's team, who were approaching.
"Our task is to clear out the Death Eaters holed up there so that anyone who hears the broadcast can Apparate to Hogsmeade and join us," Fred said.
"Yes, we're all here now. Let's get going!"
Just then, a silver cat came trotting down the corridor toward them, stopping in front of the group and opening its mouth to deliver Professor McGonagall's message: "Snape has escaped, and we're preparing to evacuate the students."
(End of Chapter)
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