The first creature crashed through the window to his left and was promptly thrown back out with a burst of flames, this had the desired effect as howls sounded across the area. In the distance, he could make out the sound of reinforcements of the attackers.
Just as he planned, draw them away from the other students then make them regret laying siege to a train full of children.
Another pair burst through the carriage door and were met with a searing heat and fire launched by the flick of his wrist. It was a technique he had learned during the summer, though not specifically from Grace. It was advanced, a protective shielding of fire to discourage melee combatants while allowing the wielder to have an easy source of offense. Still, it was draining, and he could only hope to drive them off before it wore him down.
He met another attempted assault with a river of flames before spinning and catching a flanking Lycan with a fireball to the face.
They are beginning to time their attacks, to wait for him to be occupied in one direction before making a lunge from a different. Worse was the fact that more were coming with each wave, requiring a greater expenditure to drive them back.
With each blast he weakened, and they grew bolder.
****
The journey was a blur as the group sped through the air, each silently cursing the average brooms that the school could afford to supply. If they had the newest Nimbus, they would have arrived at least a few minutes faster.
When the stopped train came into view more than one gasp was muffled only by the rushing of air.
Lycans swarmed the Express in two main groups. One near the front of the train and the other, far larger, towards the back.
"The note said the students were gathered in the front" Dumbledore called out; voice barely being heard. It was then that a burst of fire erupted from the rear portion of the train, blowing out windows and sending Werewolves falling backwards in fright.
"Harry…" Riddle whispered, her gut telling her even before the display of elemental magic what the situation was.
Flying forward Augustina made a slight gesture, sending McGonagall, Flitwick, and Snape to the front while Riddle and her took the rest. The Headmistress swept in first, jumping from her broom at the last second.
She landed with the force of an explosion, a luminescent-blue shockwave roaring along the exterior of the train in all directions, battering the intruders off as if they were insects. Snape took up a position on the exterior as well, while McGonagall and Flitwick landed at an entrance and took to securing the front interior.
Meanwhile, Grace practically flew in threw one of the windows, shattering it with a spell a half-second before making contact. The creatures on the inside remained stunned for a moment, more than enough time for her to shatter bones and rip muscles, leaving them incapacitated and incapable of further threat.
Wasting no further time, she moved to the next car. Upon opening it her instincts had her leaping backwards, narrowly avoiding the inferno that lashed out at anyone and anything. In the center of what could only be described as a whirlwind of magic and flame was Harry, spinning and controlling the ability as it sent searing bolts into anything that so much as moved.
With the outside cleared the remaining Werewolves quickly made to disperse, and Grace pushed in, avoiding or dissipating the few instinctive attacks until she reached the heart of the storm.
"Harry!" she called out, causing him to stop and strike at point-blank range. She caught his arm, naturally, face shifting into one of sympathy and concern, "It's okay, just me. You're okay now."
Understanding, and regret, were in his eyes but before he could so much as utter a word he slumped forward, eyes closing and flames dissipating as she caught him in her arms.
Acting quickly, Riddle pulled off her outer robe before wrapping him with a heating charm.
Dumbledore was there before she had made it halfway back to her broom.
"Ignis Damnum, he's going into shock." She explained, earning a wide-eyed look from the Headmistress before she too removed her cloak and wrapped it about him.
"The others are fine, get him back to Hogwarts and Pomfrey, don't wait for us."
Riddle hadn't planned on it.
****
The Great Hall was filled with a frenzy of activity, not unusual for the Welcoming Feast, but what was strange was the topics and moods. Tension and concern were evident, after all the Hogwarts Expressed had never been attacked in the history of the school, and while most injuries were minor scrapes and bruises one student in particular was missing.
His absence, very evident after rumors began to spread, was the next 'big topic', that and the magic he had displayed. Whispers spread concerning what he had done, what he had accomplished before the year had even truly begun.
"Elemental Magic" some said.
"Arcane Fire" others claimed.
"Ancestral Rituals" still more assured.
Finally, it was the Headmistress' presence at the front table that earned silence. "Before the Sorting commences, I would like to address what happened earlier today. As many of you are aware the Hogwarts Express was attacked by Werewolves, luckily injuries were few and this incident has been brought to the attention of both the Auror department and The Ministry for further investigation and action. Though this has never occurred before we are not taking any further chances and thus, for the time being, all permission to Hogsmeade has been revoked."
This statement earned shocked silence, followed by outrage, which was quickly interrupted by a loud bang from Dumbledore's wand,
"This is not up for debate. Until such time as we can assure the safety and protection of all traveling students none of you are permitted to leave the Wards without approval by both your Head of House and myself. I have been assured that the Ministry is taking the situation very seriously and there will be decisive action in the next few days." Her statement earned a soft snort from several members of the staff, one which Augustina chose not to acknowledge.
As she sat down another adult stood and cleared her throat, "If I may add in a few of my own comments, Headmistress. It has come to not just my attention but several other staff members that there is a great deal of curiosity regarding what Harry Potter did on the train, the techniques he used, and the Magics he employed. Let me just say this, if I ever hear any of you asking for lessons regarding this or pestering him you will be spending the rest of your evenings and weekends in detention for what remains of your time at Hogwarts."
A deep, shocked, silence fell on the students, allowing the woman to continue.
"What Harry did was more than reckless it was borderline suicidal. The fact he isn't dead or in a coma is nothing short of a miracle and I have no doubt that if any of you attempted the same thing your luck would not hold out as well as his did." The woman looked over to Dumbledore, perhaps expecting a reprimand, perhaps not. What she did receive was a confirming nod and a stern look from the Headmistress showing her support.
____________________________
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