Harry, Ron, and Hermione rushed up the stairs to see what all the commotion was about

Harry, Ron, and Hermione rushed up the stairs to see what all the commotion was about. Hermione gasped as soon as she got to the top of the stairs. Neville Longbottom was lying on the ground, lifeless and pale.

"Oh no! What happened? Who did this?" Hermione screamed in rage.

Harry and Ron just stood behind the huge crowd and looked at Neville's still body. They were as shocked as Hermione. Why would anyone want to hurt Neville? He was harmless to everyone. Who would do such a thing?

Suddenly Professor Snape and Dumbledore sauntered in. While Snape was busy shouting at kids Dumbledore was trying to calm people down, especially Hermione who was next to Neville sobbing.

"Everyone, get out of the way! Get back to your dormitories, now!" shouted Snape. He looked at Harry and Harry could see a slight grin on Snape's ugly face.

How odd, Harry thought. Was Snape the killer?

"Ron," whispered Harry.

"What?"

Harry thought for a moment but decided against telling Ron.

"Never mind."

Soon everyone was in their dormitories except Hermione who was talking to Dumbledore.

"I wonder who did it," said Lavender, "when Hermione finds out she'll kill'm."

While the other Gryffindors talked about the accident Harry thought to himself about Snape.

Harry was deep in thought when a voice suddenly shouted, "Potter! Come here right this instant!"

It was Professor McGonagall. Harry looked at Ron quickly with a worried look and followed McGonagall out to Professor Dumbledore's office.