You guys know the drill on disclaimers
Colin carefully counted all 11 bottles that held their freedom. It would not be easy to bring them down without making a sound even with using charms. There would be only two wands available as well. Snape was able to save Colin's wand from Wormtail but acquiring a third would be impossible.
Snape tucked various items in the pockets of his robes. Certain items had to go with them. Risking detection was only part of the danger. Giving them the war because they were careless was another. Snape was careful to not keep too many incriminating items around but there was one important item he had to find. Behind a loose stone, there was a silver, heart locket. It was plain and did not draw attention. He opened it and found a picture of a young Karis and her mother, Ilsadora.
"Professor, it's time to go," Colin said.
"So it is," Snape said pocketing his small treasure. "It's time to live again."
They swallowed the potion and watched each other disappear. Their hands and faces disappeared at first and then their clothing. They waited for another second or two to let their eyes adjust. A faded image of each other appeared. It was just enough to use for escape. Snape saw Colin nod to signify he was ready. Very quietly and carefully they went to the dungeons. The castle was not remarkably quiet. Its normal inhabitants were going about their business in usual fashion.
"Hi Sam," they heard a guard say.
"Hi Ralph," the other answered. It was time. Colin quietly slipped the potion into the tea and they waited.
xxxxxx
Ginny sat at the window looking over the lake. She felt strange. This feeling would envelope her every now and then but this was different. She felt free but very aware. Something told her to remain very still and she would know what to do. So she sat and thought. The lake looked lonely that night. The stars did not give a friendly reflection and even the moon looked afraid.
"Something will happen," a small voice said to her.
"Maybe," she replied in a whisper.
There was a small sound at the window. It was a small pecking noise like a bird vying for her attention but nothing was there. She opened the window and saw a small package bound with twine. A small note then appeared to fall from an invisible hand.
"From Ron," she read the front of the letter. She carefully opened the letter but heard the sound of beating wings flying away.
xxxxxx
"They're out," Colin said tickling a guard's nose.
"Come on then," Snape said.
Colin grabbed the keys off the guard's belt. They quietly made their way to the prisoners. The first was Kerak. Snape had slipped him a note when he informed George.
"Who is that?" Kerak asked startled when he heard Colin unlock his cell.
"I am the ghost of Jacob Marley," Colin groaned.
"Shut up," Snape snapped.
Kerak had a relieved looked on his face.
"Go unlock the other cells," Snape instructed Kerak. "We will administer the potion."
"Right," Kerak answered the torch to the left of Snape's head.
One by one they freed the prisoners. Kerak unlocked the cell and Snape or Colin would help them with the potion. Everyone seemed to be alright. Fudge was in a cheerier state than usual when he heard Colin's voice.
"Remus is getting Cho," Kerak said facing no one in particular.
"What?" Snape asked giving Kerak a bottle.
Kerak drank it and allowed his eyes to adjust. "There you are," he said turning a bit to find Snape. "Remus is getting Cho."
"Is he?"
"He was kinda surprised when I told him I had to get her but he said he would handle it."
"Alright," Snape said picking up 2 bottles. "Colin, finish up here and wait for us. Pansy, will you come with me?"
Pansy agreed and followed him to the back where Cho was being held. Snape gave Cho's dose to Pansy. He was not sure how Cho would react but he hoped Pansy's voice would calm her.
"Hey Cho," Pansy said sweetly. "I have something – Oh my god!" she shrieked dropping her bottle.
Snape stopped breathing. "What are you doing?" he demanded.
Remus did not turn around. He knew he could not see them. He removed his hands from around Cho's throat and straightened the collar of his torn shirt.
"What you were not prepared to do," Remus answered.
"You killed her," Pansy cried.
"She was dead anyways."
"You had no right!" Snape yelled.
"I wonder what the Dark Lord would say if he discovered this?" a fourth voice said. Draco pulled an invisibility cloak off and stepped from the shadows. "Ashlace is great for the eyesight," he said smiling.
xxxxxx
Dear Ginny,
This is your chance for justice. I am not sure how much you remember but you are not meant to be here. We were all betrayed by Percy.
Since you were taken from us, Fred and Charlie have died. George is to escape tonight with the other prisoners but I am sorry but we cannot rescue you. It is out of our reach and I will never forgive myself for leaving you behind but I have to end this war.
Here is Charlie's dagger. It is the one you loved when we were young and innocent. Do with it as you please but do not expect a rescue. I can say that I love you but I know that is not enough. If you see our parents and our brothers again send them my regards. I fear I will not be going to the same place. I will always remember you.
Love, Ron
Ginny unwrapped the precious dagger. It was a simple dagger with a gargoyle's face. The feel of the sharp blade was liberating. Something in her knew she could accomplish much more than freeing herself. She knew Harry was out and that it was only his secretary sitting outside.
She ran her finger along the blade. "Oh my love," she whispered. "Let me count the ways. Too bad you are away."
She read the letter on more time and the past hit her like a train. She could hear the screams of her parents at they were burned alive. The heartbreak of learning that Harry was gone was fresh. Then she remembered when Percy promised to help her save Harry. Now everything was clear to her. Before she was given the potion, she saw his smug smile of success after he sold his only sister for his silver.
Unfortunately, the recent memories were still there. Hermione's brutal execution did not disappear and Karis' blood was still fresh on the floor. There was still the memory of every agonizing night with the demon parading in Harry's skin. No, there was no need for a rescue.
"Good bye," she whispered to the lake.
She got up and pulled on a dark cloak and picked up the dagger. It felt good in her hand. She quietly slipped through the rooms to the door. That wretched secretary did not hear a thing. Ginny covered her mouth with one hand and slit her throat with the dagger. Ginny was quite pleased with herself and started to hum "Greensleeves" as she walked through the castle.
xxxxxx
"What is going on?" Snape asked.
Draco looked him square in the eyes. "It all depends on you sir."
"What do you mean?" Snape asked.
"You have two options. You can run and be captured or you can take me with you."
"I do not plan to do either."
Remus spoke up. "Draco would be valuable to the Order. He wants to ends this as much as we do."
"Do not take his side," Snape growled.
"What will it be Professor?" Draco asked. "You raise a wand to me and everyone will know about this before I hit the floor. If you take me with you then you have a higher rate of survival. It is up to you."
"Go back to Colin," Snape ordered Pansy.
She stepped back nervously. She turned slowly and did as she was told.
"Now back to you Mr. Malfoy," Snape said coolly. "What information do you have that would actually aid the Order?"
"You will have to wait and see."
Snape raised an eyebrow. He stepped forward and placed his hands on each of Draco's shoulders. Draco shuddered but relaxed after a second at the odd gesture. It was an ominous portrait of a mentor and his pupil.
"I thought you would say that."
Snape ferociously snatched Draco's head and snapped his neck. Draco fell limply to the floor before he could raise an alarm. Remus was horrified as Snape covered Draco's body with the cloak.
"You killed him!"
Snape pointed his wand beneath Remus' chin. "I could easily do the same to you and wouldn't think twice. Do you believe that is the worst thing I have done in my life?"
"Professor!" Colin almost yelled. "Pansy told me – what is going on?"
Colin looked at the two old school mates. He saw Cho's body and Draco's foot hanging out from under the Invisibility Cloak.
"Colin, please put Miss Chang under the cloak with Draco and make sure nothing is seen."
"Right," Colin said in a shaky voice.
"Listen to me carefully Lupin," Snape snarled. "I am so close to leaving you here. However, that would be an unnecessary risk to the Order."
"Are you going to murder me then?" Remus asked still not being able to look Snape in the eye. "It's not the worst that you've ever done."
Snape put his wand down. He shoved the last bottle of the potion into his hand. "I do not care what people may say but you murdered her. I am doing this only for the greater good. For the first time ever you have proven that you can accept losses for survival and you are no better than me. Drink it and let's go."
Remus quickly drank the potion before Snape changed his mind. He felt no guilt for what he did. Draco's death no longer shocked him either.
Colin finished hiding the bodies and they rejoined the others. Everyone appeared to be in high spirits for the situation. There was at least hope there.
"Alright," Snape said. "The plan is to get out of here to a point where we can Apparate to another location. Once we have, someone will be there with a port key to a second location." Everyone nodded. "Liam, Kereak, can you assist Flitwick and Fudge?"
"Aye," they said.
"Seamus, can you help Kingsley?"
"Sure can."
"My leg is fine," Kingsley protested.
"You look like a sideways flamingo," Seamus contested.
"I'll help too," Pansy said quietly.
"Colin will lead and I will follow," Snape said. "I am on orders from Weasley to eliminate anyone who falls behind. I do not want to but I will not hesitate. It is essential for success of this escape and the future of the Order."
"He's such a loving brother. Where are we going?" George asked.
"Sherwood," Snape answered. "I suppose you all will remember where that is."
They nodded.
"Let's be quick about this," Colin said.
To be continued...
