Chapter 6
Just as Luke, Ben, Rey and Harry got ready to leave, Hermione sent a message letting them know to apparate into the hogs head because Hogsmead was being patrolled by death eaters. Abeforth Dumbledore had lifted the apparation wards for five minutes to let them in. Once they arrived, he put them back up as Harry reunited with his friends.
Sirius Black had been left behind because there was those who still believed he was guilty. He had a hard time being left behind especially knowing his godson was going to be facing his parents murderer but he also didn't want to jeopardize the victory that he believed would come.
"So how do we get into Hogwarts?" Harry asked looking at Abeforth.
"Your escort should be here momentarily" he replied. "For now, eat and drink. You will need your strength."
Hermione caught Harry up on what had happened since he had left and Fred, George and Ron filled in where Hermione didn't, particularly her torture. Luke and Ben had to hold Harry back from running off to find Bellatrix. "She will get what's coming to her" Luke said. "But for now there is still work to be done."
Just then the painting with Ariana Dumbledore moved and Neville Longbottom appeared. "Hello you lot" he said with a grin. "Come on. Everyone is waiting."
"Everyone?" Harry asked.
"Dumbledore's army of course" was the reply.
Luke, Ben and Rey followed the teenagers down a long hallway, listening to what had been going on. When they got to the door, Neville took the lead and grinned back at Harry. "Let's have some fun."
With that he opened the door and looked down at everyone below. "Listen up you lot. I brought you all a surprise."
"No more of Abeforth's cooking I hope" Seamus spoke up causing Ron to bite back a laugh. "It will be a surprise if we can digest it."
Hermione had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing but Fred and George was rolling with laughter as Neville stood to the side so everyone could see the new arrivals.
"Harry" people shouted as they all climbed down the ladder. Neville looked at Colin Creavey and told him to alert the order and Kingsley that Harry was back.
Once everyone settled down, Neville looked at Harry. "So what's the plan, Harry?"
"There is something hidden here in the castle. I don't know where but it will help us defeat you know who."
"What is it?" Seamus asked.
"I don't know, but it must belong to Ravenclaw" Hermione spoke up.
"Could be her diadem" Luna said.
"That's been lost for centuries " Cho Chang said. "No one alive has seen it."
"That must be it then" Fred said.
"How do we find it?" Seamus asked.
"I will go find the gray lady" Harry said. "Hermione, you and Fred take Ron to the chamber of secrets. We need some basilisk fangs. George, stay here and prepare everyone who is of age to fight."
"What about us?" Luke asked.
"You to. We will need all the help we can get."
Luna volunteered to show Harry where the gray lady was but just before anyone could leave, the door opened and Ginny came running inside. "Harry" she cried.
"Ginny" Harry added as he shoved his way through the crowd. "Snape knows you're here" she said.
"Good. Change of plan. I will accompany Ginny to the great hall. When I confront Snape, everyone else walk in."
"Good luck Harry" Neville said. "Everyone, you heard what Harry said. Get ready. The order should be here soon."
Inside the great hall Snape was pacing the floor Infront of all the students, teachers and staff.
"It has been brought to my attention that Harry Potter has been spotted in Hogsmead. Now then. Any students, teachers or staff are aware of Mr. Potter's movements, and fails to come forward, will be treated as equally guilty."
When Snape turned to face the room, no one moved. "Come now. I'm sure some of you know where he is."
Just then there was movement and to Snape's horror, Harry stepped into the middle of the floor.
"It seems, despite your exhaustive defensive strategies, you still have a bit of a security problem, Headmaster. How dare you stand where he stood! Tell them how it happened that night. Tell them how you looked him in the eye, a man who trusted you, and killed him. Tell them."
Just then the door of the great hall opened and Kingsley walked in followed by the order of the Phoenix. Snape drew his wand and pointed it at Harry, but McGonagall stepped forward and stood Infront of Harry, her wand drawn. She started shooting of spells at Snape who blocked them. He kept backing up before finally flinging his cloak and flying off through the window. "Coward" McGonagall shouted.
Once McGonagall swung her wand to light the candles, screams filled the air. Harry looked around to see what was happening when Voldemorts voice resonated through the great hall.
"I know that many of you want to fight. Some of you may even think that to fight is wise, but this is folly. Give me Harry Potter. Do this and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter and I shall leave Hogwarts untouched. Give me Harry Potter and you will be rewarded. You have one hour."
Silence filled the great hall as everyone looked around. Pansy Parkinson broke the silence when no one moved. "What are you waiting for. There he is. Grab him."
Ginny Weasley stepped forward and shoved Harry behind her, then Hermione, Fred and George surrounded Harry and Ginny followed by Ron, Luke, Ben and Rey. Soon everyone in Hogwarts was surrounding Harry and protecting him from the Slytherins.
"Students out of bed. Students in the corridor" Mr. Filch screamed running into the great hall.
"They are supposed to be you blithering idiot " McGonagall snapped.
"Sorry ma'am " Filch said.
"As always your timing is impeccable though. I would like you to lead Miss Parkinson and the rest of Slytherin house from the hall."
"Where will I be leading them then?"
"The dungeons will do" McGonagall snapped. Cheers filled the hall as Filch led the Slytherins from the hall. Harry rushed up to McGonagall as soon as he could. "What do you need?" McGonagall asked.
"As much time as you can give me" Harry replied.
"You got it. Oh, and Harry?" When Harry looked back at her, she smiled. "It's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you as well, Professor." With that Harry rushed from the hall followed by Luna. Fred, Hermione and Ron hurried off towards the chamber as everyone else ran outside.