They heard footsteps down the hallway and both of Rochefort's eyes opened widely, and in a blink of an eye, he and his followers were gone.
Harry gave a curt nod to Malfoy and motioned Ron, Hermione, and Neville to follow him. They scrambled to a different hallway and the group continued running. Suddenly, a wet object splatted on Harry. He stopped and looked back to see Peeves, a little ghostly man with wicked dark eyes and a wide mouth appeared, floating cross legged in the air, armed with water balloons.
"Ooooh," cackled Peeves, " Sneaking out of bed. Better get Filch, I should!" and he swooped out of sight. The four of them continued running and then finally reached a gargoyle.
"Lemon drop," panted Harry. The gargoyle didn't move.
"Lemon sherbert," said Harry, again.
"What are you first year students out here?" said a voice behind him, making him jump. Ron, Hermione, and Neville parted away from Harry, revealing Filch, the caretaker.
"Mr. Filch, I have to tell Dumbledore something really important; there has been an attack on the school." said Harry urgently.
Filch's eyes seem to grow wide and began running away and soon returned to the little group with Professor McGonagall.
"What is happening?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"We need to see Dumbledore, Professor." said Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville together.
"Chocolate Sherbet," said McGonagall and the gargoyle jumped aside, revealing a winding staircase. Running up the staircase, they reached a door and knocked on the door.
"Come in," said a voice inside. Harry opened the door hurriedly and stepped in.
"What is wrong?" asked Dumbledore.
"Professor, um, uh we just saw a group of cloaked people inside the school."
"Describe them," said Dumbledore, looking intently into Harry's eyes.
Harry looked at the others before returning his gaze back to Dumbledore.
"All of them wore black cloaks and most them wore masks," described Harry,"Except one. That one looked like the leader of their scout group."
Dumbledore looked at Harry as if to say 'Go on'.
"The leader was a tall looking man...and um he had this special mechanical looking eye and he called himself Gilles Rochefort."
Dumbledore stared at all of them, including Filch and Professor McGonagall, concerned.
"Minerva, tell all the other Head of Houses to tell their students to move their students to the Great Hall immediately." ordered Dumbledore solemnly. "Filch, close all crevices and whatnots in the castle. Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger and Mr. Longbottom, head down to the Great Hall. Harry, stay for a moment. I would like to have a word with you."
The group dispersed, leaving Harry and Dumbledore alone in the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore paced around the room and finally stopped after a few seconds.
"Harry, you and your fellow classmates have done well tonight." said Dumbledore," You have escaped Voldemort's second in Command. That was very brave of you and your fellow friends. If you notice anything, let me know, and I shall attend to the matter. You are dismissed."
Harry left the Headmaster's Office, heading down the stairs once again. He began running towards the Great Hall.
Yes. Voldemort. He is very much alive, Rochefort had said. Harry repeated that in his head. He finally reached the Great Hall, noticing all the sleeping mats on the ground. The students were grouped by House and Harry ran over to where his friends were.
"Hey..." he breathed and hiis friends Ron and Hermione ran over.
"What's going on? Why are we here?" asked Hermione anxiously.
"Dumbledore didn't really say much," answered Harry. He went over to a sleeping mat and climbed inside and fell asleep.
The next day, Harry woke up to find himself in the Great Hall. Other students have gotten up and were helping setting up the long tables. When the long tables were set up, everyone sat at the tables.
"Hello, and good morning to each and everyone of you." said Dumbledore grimly,"Last night, we had a breach of security on the castlegrounds."
Murmurs erupted between the students. Dumbledore waved his hand, and the murmuring dissipated.
"Everyone, no matter where you are in the castle, never travel alone. Thank you. Eat quickly and head to your first class." said Dumbledore.
Everyone ate as fast as they can and the students in the Great Hall quickly dispersed. Harry, Hermione, and Ron got up to leave. Harry was tapped on the shoulder to see his older twin brothers, Fred and George joining them.
The five of them walked out of the Great Hall.
"Hey ickle Firsties, what do you guys have first?" said Fred.
"We have Defense Against Dark Arts with Professor Quirell." said Harry.
"That young bat! His whole entire room smelled of garlic," muttered George, while everyone laughed. They finally arrived at the classroom and the Weasley twins left.
Harry, Ron, Hermione entered the classroom, and sat down in the front seats, waiting for class to begin.