Skylar Takes the Stage

On the battlefield, cold despair seeped into everyone's pores like tangible frost, freezing their blood and will.

The first to step forward were the members of the Order of the Phoenix.

Oakden Hobdun, Dean Waffling, Hestia Jones, Arthur Weasley—these weathered faces were etched with grim solemnity, yet there was not the slightest hesitation in their steps as they moved beyond the line. Their wands were clenched tightly in pale hands, and the faintly trembling light at their tips was humanity's final declaration against the void.

The upper-year students followed close behind.

Ron's face had gone white in the cold, his freckles standing out sharply, but his teeth were clenched tight. Hermione tucked a strand of frost-dampened brown hair behind her ear, her eyes filled with unyielding defiance. Ginny's lips were pressed into a thin line. Rare determination showed on Neville's round face. Draco and the other Slytherin students were there as well; though fear was impossible to hide from their faces, none of them retreated.

Further ahead, under Susan's lead, the Dragon Head Group of the Sleeping Dragon Society stood firmly at the center of the line alongside Fleur, Cedric, Elusi, and Penelope, like pillars holding back the tide. Their sharp gazes and composed expressions showed that their resolve to defend Hogwarts would not be shaken. Five wands rose in perfect unison to the same angle, ready to strike at any moment.

"Everyone, Patronus Charm!" Professor McGonagall's voice sliced down through the air from Gryffindor Tower. It was not loud, but it carried the power to cut through hesitation and rang clearly in every ear.

The first flash of silver pierced the darkness.

It was Ogden's lynx, leaping elegantly and swiftly into the air, leaving behind a cold, gleaming trail.

As if a signal had been lit.

The second, the