Notes: I own nothing, it's all JKR's! Written for chimbomba for hp_wishes, December 2008.
3:30 AM, second-floor spiral staircase
The Fat Lady shuddered when she saw Sir Cadogan trotting over from the other side of the glade. Oh, this would be nerve-wracking! Scurrying about, fearing Death Eaters might overhear them... But she was the Gryffindor guardian: she would do her utmost to protect her charges.
Cadogan removed his helmet, and she found herself thinking that his desire for honor and chivalry was suddenly fitting. Dark times needed virtue more than ever.
He bowed low. "Our enemies made a grave misstep when they failed to secure the paintings, my lady."
And thus, with a painted handshake, a conspiracy was born.