Chapter One

Attention:

Due to increased threat of Dark attack, all students will be sent home by Hogwarts Express THIS Friday, December 15th, and not December 22nd. Students are advised to notify their families of this change.

"So we miss the exams?" asked Seamus Finnegan eagerly in Transfiguration.

"For the last time, yes!" snapped McGonagall as the bell rang, signalling break. The class cleared up their kiwi feathers (or fruits, in Hermione's case) and slowly filtered out. Harry hung back; Ron and Hermione hovered near the door.

"Er- Professor?" he began awkwardly. "About this whole... evacuation-"

"Yes, Potter, I needed to speak to you about that," said McGonagall. She glanced up. "You, too, Miss Granger. You may listen if you like, Mr Weasley."

Harry and Hermione took seats in the front row; Ron nodded, looking rather sheepish.

"Now then," continued Professor McGonagall, "Professor Dumbledore believes that the six who entered the Department of Mysteries last summer are in greatest danger. You three in particular, Harry most of all. The Headmaster fears that the Dark Lord will try to use you to get to Mr Potter."

Hermione nodded grimly. Ron looked horror-struck.

"What we want above all is to keep the six of you safe: as Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna come from wizarding households, they can defend themselves should the worst come to pass. You two-"she looked at Harry and Hermione- "can under no circumstances return to Muggle-inhabited areas. Even if you stayed under lock and key for the entire holiday, you would be exposed while using Muggle transport."

"Sorry, Professor," Ron broke in, "but I'm sure my mum would be happy to-"

"It is out of the question, Mr Weasley," said McGonagall. "Dark wizards are tracking you. If four of their targets were in one house, it would be like blasting fish in a barrel to them."

"Oh, so it's all right for him to get me and Ginny?"

"Don't be silly, Mr Weasley. Your parents will provide sufficient protection. But four of you would be too many."

"I can fight!"

"Enough, Weasley," said McGonagall in a tone of finality, "It was Professor Dumbledore's decision."

"Where will we go, then?" asked Hermione.

"You and Mr Potter will be staying here at Hogwarts," replied McGonagall.

"But we'll be the only ones in the school!" Harry exclaimed.

"Nonsense, Potter," scoffed McGonagall, "Most of the staff will also be staying."

"But-"

"No 'but's, Potter, the Headmaster's word is final."

And they filed out. Ron looked pensive, Harry annoyed; Hermione's expression was inscrutable.