Chapter 5
“He must’ve had his wand that night,” Hermione said, tracing patterns on the table with her finger, her brows furrowed in thought. “It would’ve been with him during the prank.”
“Sure,” Ron said, rolling his eyes. “And Snape’s just going to hand it over because we asked nicely.”
“We wouldn’t ask,” Harry interjected quietly, glancing around to make sure no one was listening.
Hermione looked up sharply. “What do you mean?”
Harry leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. “During Occlumency lessons, he always leaves his wand on the desk. If I can get him out of the office, I could grab it.”
Hermione gawked at him. “That’s—Harry, that’s theft! And Snape? Of all people? Do you realize how reckless that is?”
“It’s the only way,” Harry argued, his voice rising slightly. “He’s not going to help us, Hermione. If I don’t do this, we’ll never know what really happened that night.”
Ron smirked, clearly on board already. “And how do we get him out of the office?”
Harry grinned. “That’s where you come in.”
Ron puffed out his chest dramatically. “What’s my role this time? Setting something on fire? Exploding cauldrons?”
“Not quite.” Harry’s grin widened. “You’ll pick a fight with Malfoy. Loud enough to get Snape’s attention.”
Ron snorted. “Easy. I’ve been waiting for a reason to knock that git down a peg.”
Harry then turned to Hermione, giving her his most charming smile.
“What do you need me to do?” she asked, exasperated.
“Just let Remus know to meet me at Grimmauld Place ASAP. Pleeeeease!” Harry stretched out the last word.
“Fine,” the witch reluctantly agreed.
Snape wasted no time launching into the lesson, firing a barrage of Legilimency attacks that Harry struggled to repel. His head ached as memories of Dudley’s taunts, the constant bullying at school and his guardians' abuse ran through his mind. Harry didn’t care about dodging the attacks, he just had to make sure Severus didn’t catch a glimpse of his plan.
“I see you have not been practicing the meditation exercises.” Severus drawled.
“Yeah,” Harry said, distractedly, “I had homework.”
“What homework? Because it certainly was not the potions essay you have yet to turn in.” the older man retorted. Before Harry could reply, a shout was heard outside the office. The two men turned to face the door. “Practice your meditation while I sort this out, Potter!” Severus instructed as he left the room. “ENOUGH!” Snape bellowed, stepping into the hallway.
Harry’s heart pounded as he saw Snape’s wand lying unattended on the desk. Without hesitation, he darted forward, grabbed the wand, and shoved it into his pocket. Pulling the invisibility cloak from his bag, he threw it over himself and slipped out of the office.
He hurried through the twisting corridors, his breath coming in short gasps, until he reached the entrance hall. The castle doors creaked as he pushed them open, stepping out into the cold evening air.
By the time Harry reached Grimmauld Place, his nerves were frayed, but the sight of Sirius lounging in the drawing room brought a wave of relief.
“Harry!” Sirius called, sitting up straighter. “What brings you here?”
Harry caught his breath. “I need your help. Remus and I are planning to do a ritual—something that can show us what really happened the night of the prank.”
Sirius’s smile faltered, and he frowned. “What kind of ritual?”
“It’s called the Ritual of Past Mysteries,” Harry explained. “Remus said he’d meet us here soon, and he suggested we use your signet ring as your artifact.”
Sirius leaned back, rubbing his chin. “Why are you still stuck on this, Prongslet? Let bygones be bygones.”
“I just need to know the truth, Sirius. I can’t stand the idea of everyone blaming you if it wasn’t your fault.” Harry pleaded.
Before Sirius could reply, the front door creaked open, and Remus Lupin stepped inside. He looked weary but alert, his eyes darting between Harry and Sirius.
“Harry,” Remus greeted, his tone cautious. “Do I want to know how you obtained Severus’ artifact? The note Miss. Granger left was very cryptic.”
Harry shook his head as he avoided meeting Remus’s eyes.
Sirius sighed, knowing the less he knew the better. “Harry, once we do this, you need to drop the subject.” Sirius said sternly. Harry nodded in response, smiling brightly at the two men. “Remus, can you help me find the ring? Harry can set up what he needs to for the ritual.” Remus placed the map on the table and followed Sirius out of the room.
As Sirius and Remus disappeared upstairs, Harry began to arrange the objects for the ritual. Just as he was about to light the candles, the floo roared to life and Severus stepped out of the fireplace.
“Where is it, Potter?” Snape hissed, his voice low and venomous. “Where is my wand?”
Harry’s heart leapt into his throat as he instinctively raised his own wand. “Immobulus!”