Chapter 12

Dean Winchester was positively gleeful. After the emotional rollercoaster that was their Christmas break things were getting back to normal. Sam and John were still talking and no one else had any idea of the secret that they were carrying around. It hadn't been easy, oh no, Sam had needed to talk everything through as usual. A fact that had both Dean and John breaking into hives. It was one of the few times John was completely grateful to Albus Dumbledore. The Headmaster had worked with all three Winchesters, Sam in particular to get past the latest debacle. It had helped Sam immensely and he and John were both working hard to repair the damage.

It was difficult for John to admit he was wrong, even after it had blown up in his face. But with so much hanging in the balance he was able to tell Sam that he was truly sorry. It had been that sincere contrition that went the furthest towards mending Sam's sense of betrayal.

There hadn't been any attacks by the Aaquerafet or Voldemort and they were still unaware of the location of the Constable House in Wales. A fact that was proving to be very useful as Dean had suggested that they allow Snape to pass the information along to better ensure his standing among the Deatheaters. Sam had been reluctant at first, stating that he couldn't bear the thought of Aaquerafet or Voldemort in the peacefulness of the white room or in contact with Mary.

That thought had stopped Dean cold, but then he'd reasoned that Mary wouldn't show up for just anyone and for each Champion it would be different. Also there was no reason to think they would even be able to into the White Room in the first place.

Albus had agreed with Dean and so the information was passed along to Severus who had sent an owl immediately and the Order was waiting with bated breath for a response to the supposed good news.

All of this wasn't why Dean was excited though, no Dean was excited because he was about to start a prank war that had the potential to be the best in history. His secret stash that he'd purchased from the Weasley's at Diagon Alley had waited patiently for use and now was the time. Dean smirked to himself as he watched his brother heading back towards the castle after class. Sammy would never know what hit him.

Dean had waited for the right moment to bring out his arsenal managing to restrain himself so as to not give off a bad first impression. But now all the kids were suitably in awe of all three Winchesters so there wouldn't be any loss of face when Sammy turned into a rabbit in front of the entire student body.

Dean chuckled to himself. This was going to be hysterical. Dean had positioned the prank behind Sam's chair in the Great Hall eager for the joke to be as public as possible. Damn he was good.

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Sam Winchester was actually a great poker player. He didn't swagger like Dean, or intimidate like John but he could pull off innocent and unaware like no bodies business. It was this ablity that helped him keep a straight face as he read Dean's mind about the upcoming prank.

The best part was that it wasn't an invasive move. Dean was projecting his excitement and glee so loudly that Sam hadn't even had to try and pick up the information. In fact in had been quiet accidental when it had happened. Sam and Dean had been putting weapons away when Dean had smacked Sam on the back of the head for some comment Sam had made without thinking. In that split second the information had pushed its way into Sam's mind without hesitation. Sam had to admit it was a brilliant prank and one that would have gone down in the books if it had worked. Sam grinned with glee internally, oh well he supposed I guess it will just have to go down in the books as the greatest prank pulled on Dean Winchester. With a slight flick of his wrist Sam re-aimed the bunny prank from his seat at the faculty dias to Dean's. It would serve his brother right for Sam to get the upper hand in this prank war. When they were younger Dean had been a prank master and since they had moved around so much there had been only one person Dean could practice on, Sam. It was a fact that resulted in many, many, many embarrassing moments for Sam growing up and he was looking forward to some payback.

As Sam entered the great hall he kept his head down and nonchalantly made his way to his seat before turning to watch a very confused looking Dean staring at him intently. Sam looked back at his brother innocently and waited for Dean to get to his chair.

Dean was so focused on looking at Sam, he was taken completely off guard by his sudden transformation into a large rabbit on the faculty dias. When he did realize what happened he looked at his brother in sheer amazement.

Sam was rolling on the floor having fallen out of his chair he was laughing so hard as was most of the faculty. "Oh my god, Dean…" Sam wheezed, "You look hysterical."

Dean opened his mouth to retort but found he had no voice in this bunny form, which of course caused Sam to laugh even harder.

Struggling to his feet Sam crossed to his brother and said, "If you want to pull a prank on a psychic I would suggest you not broadcast the idea loud enough for him to hear a mile away." Sam grinned and continued to chuckle.

Dean just sat there and fumed his bunny ears bending forward and his eyes narrowing till he more closely resembled a deranged bunny getting ready to attack. Of course the next second instead of a grinning Sam, a grinning Sam dressed as a girl with a pink frilly dress and bows in his hair stood there looking completely shocked.

Sam looked down at the new out fit that adorned his body and could only seem to think, "Are those Mary Jane's on my feet?" Staring at his bunnied brother in amazement Sam began to realize the bunny had been a ruse. Pointing a finger dramatically at his now hopping brother Sam hissed, "You planed this, the bunny was a distraction."

Dean was a little annoyed the bunny trick hadn't worn off yet as he really wanted to gloat right about now, but rather settled for grinning mockingly and hopping up and down in place while nodding his bunny head.

"How long is this going to last Dean." Sam asked starting to lose his sense of humor. From the corner of his eye he could see Severus Snape staring at them with a look that crossed between amused and disdain.

Dean since he couldn't answer just continued to hop grinning wildly. He was truly the master. This one was going down in the history books.

"Think it you moron." Sam ordered tugging at the bows in his hair experimentally to see if they would come out, only to yelp in pain as the bows stayed but he nearly lost a handful of hair. And oh my God where those ringlettes?

Dean's weirdo bunny face just continued to grin as he started to think wickedly "One week, one week, one week." Over and over again. Sammy was going to make him pay for this he knew, but it was going to be totally worth it.

Sam stared at his brother in disbelief. "You better be kidding." Sam began to advance on his brother. "Dean so help me God if I have to stay like this for a week I will kill you." Sam stopped walking and turned to glare at Minerva McGonagall who had burst into laughter at Sam's statement.

Minerva tried to pull herself together but found she had to bury her face in her hands as the laughter continued to bubble out.

The rest of the hall was booming with laughter. Dean was actually starting to get a little concerned about John since if he didn't breath soon he was going to pass out. His face was bright red and his shoulders shook with repressed howls of glee.

And Dumbledore, well Dumbledore looked like he was having the time of his life. There was a man who enjoyed a good joke and the Winchesters, Dean in particular, where proving to enjoy the same philosophy.

Sam was momentarily shocked out of his anger at the flash of a lightbulb as Colin Creevy began to snap pictures like mad while shouting out to his fellow students, "$5 sickles a shot, sign up with my brother."

Sam stared at the Gryfindor with disbelief as Dean began to howl with laughter while shooting the young man a thumbs up. Dean loved it when a good prank was appreciated. Sam just looked like he was going to make any student who bought a picture suffer to their last breath. Ironically that fact which a month ago would have been enough to deter even the most hardened student was now ineffective as the students had gotten to know the Winchesters better.

There was thankfully no need for Sam to kill his brother as at that second the magic wore off and both boys were transformed back to their orginal state. Dean promptly burst into laughter and began to gloat with glee, "Dude your face. Oh my God totally worth being a bunny."

Sam rolled his eyes dramatically and asked hopefully, "Truce?"

Dean winked and answered, "Not on your life, Samantha."

Sam closed his eyes and groaned, "Oh God that's going to stick isn't it?"

"Yep." Dean answered already mentally planning the next prank he would pull.

"And how long is this little war going to last?" Sam asked looking resigned.

"Till you admit I'm the prank master." Dean answered back easily.

Sam stared at his brother for a second before responding, "That's the way you want it?" Sam asked looking at his brother straight in the eyes and smiling.

It was the smile that worried Dean. He knew that smile, it was the I've got a plan smile. It was the smile that lead to an idea that proved why Sam got a full ride to Stanford. But never let it be said that Dean Winchester backed down from a challenge. He smirked right back at his younger brother and answered "Absolutely."

Sam just continued to smile and turned to address the students. "Any student that can successfully prank my brother for a full twelve hours will receive full marks in Defense." Sam's voice rang out through the great hall and he grinned at the look of horror that began to show on Dean's face.

"You sick twisted son of a bitch." Dean muttered with admiration before yelling out to the now grinning student population, "DITTO!"

"Oh God have mercy." John muttered no longer laughing, but rather looking concerned, very, very concerned. "This has disaster written all over it." John stood decisively and shouted above the roar, "RULES! There will be rules." Once he had the students' attention John tried to keep this little contest, his sons were going to pay for starting, under control. "No pranks may interfere with another professors class, all pranks must be reversible and they must NOT cause any permanent harm or damage. Also all pranks must take place inside the castle walls." As John glared around the room he was glad to see the students seemed to be paying attention. All they needed was for one of the boys to turn into a chicken in the middle of a fight with some Deatheaters. "Judging will be determined by the faculty and you must be able to prove the prank was one of your own. Students may work together as a team." If this disaster was going to happen might was well get a team building exercise out of it. "Also any pranks that get misfired on any additional faculty will be punished accordingly." John's voice dropped to below zero with that statement. He was not going to allow the students to take over the school in this little contest. "After that let the games begin."

John sat back down and looked at Dumbledore apologetically, "In advance to what's coming. I'm very sorry."

Dumbledore however looked positively delighted, "On the contrary John, this should be quite entertaining."

Neither Minerva, or Snape looked quiet so happy about the situation and at Dumbledore's statement Snape frowned and rolled his eyes rather dramatically. And for once Minerva found herself agreeing with the sentiment.

"While I am not as excited as the Headmaster I do appreciate the addition of rules." Minerva stated having gotten herself back under control.

"I'm going to have to purchase additional stores until this little bet is over. I'll have students stealing whatever supplies they can get their grubby little hands on." Snape lamented with some genuine irritation. He did take his chosen profession very seriously.

Both Dean and Sam smiled sheepishly at the other professors as they retook their seats. Sam's idea had seemed perfect in theory but he hadn't bothered to think about what it would mean for the rest of the faculty.

"Sorry," Sam directed towards Severus, "If it's any consolation Dean and I will be the ones paying for it." Sam smiled winningly at the Potion Master.

"Only somewhat." Severus answered dryly with a slight upturn at the corner of his mouth.

The rest of the faculty chuckled and agreed that Sam and Dean would both end up paying for starting this little war. Around them student plotted.

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Over at the Gryfindor table Ron and Harry were already making plans.

"We can use Hedwig." Harry offered since she was a little more reliable then Pig.

"Oh yeah we can go to the owlry right now." Ron agreed. "Fred and George are going to owe the Winchesters a gift for this. A prank war is going to make their sales soar."

Hermione laughed at Ron's statement before adding, "Make sure they give you something they don't sell yet. You're family ask for the experimental."

At Harry and Ron's somewhat shocked look she replied haughtily, "It's for class."

Ron leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before saying to Harry, "We are totally going to win this thing with Hermione's help. They won't know what hit them."

Hermione blushed at Ron's praise while warning, "Don't get too excited yet we've got to figure out how to keep Sam from seeing everything we're planning."

"Piece of cake." Harry offered, "After all he's been teaching us HOW to block a mental invasion all we have to do is put his teaching to work."

"It's not like he'd ever do anything deeper then a quick scan anyway." Ron agreed know Sam would never abuse his gifts in that way.

"Well count me in." Ginny piped up squeezing Harry's hand in excitement. "And tell Fred that if he doesn't help us win I'll tell mom about Scratcher." The last was said with smug satisfaction.

"What the bloody hell is Scratcher?" Ron asked eagerly, "And why am I just now hearing about it?"

"Because brother dear, I can keep a secret." Ginny answered with confidence.

Ron looked at Harry in disbelief. "Hey mate, I'm counting on you to find out okay?"

"Ron Weasley," Hermione scolded through laughter, "How could you put your best friend in such a position."

"Easily." Ron answered giving Hermione another peck on the cheek in response.

"So do you guys want to go to Hogsmeade with Ginny and I next weekend?" Harry asked quickly not bothering to respond to Ron's comment.

"Sure I we can see if Zonko's has any thing new that could help." Ron agreed winking at Ginny to let her know he'd just been kidding.

"Hmph, well I guess that would be okay." Ginny joked back punching Ron lightly in the shoulder. "Now you two better get to the owlry before class otherwise you'll be late.

"Right." Harry jumped up quickly kissing Ginny on the cheek before motioning to Ron that he was heading out.

"See you in class." Ron said to Hermione before running after Harry.

"So you and Ginny seem to be getting along." Ron opened conversationally as the two boys hurried down the hall.

"Uhm yeah." Harry admitted looking at his best friend nervously.

"Relax, Harry you're the best guy I could want dating my sister." Ron reassured, "I mean it's not like your not family already this will just make it official." Ron stated.

Harry stopped dead in his tracks and looked at his friend with disbelief. "What?" He stuttered at last, "Ron I like her but I'm not ready to get married." Harry continued to look shocked.

Ron began to laugh hysterically. "Relax Harry I know that. But knowing my brothers and mum you better get used to such talk. They'll have the two of you married by the time Ginny graduates from Hogwarts."

Harry punched Ron sheepishly, "Well I guess that will all depend won't it." Harry stated pragmatically. After all if he didn't survive it wouldn't matter

"Hey you'll be fine, and someday I'll be standing up watching you legally become my brother." Ron stated looking fierce in his protectiveness.

"Yeah." Harry said softly. "Come on we don't want to be late." Harry picked up the pace.

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Voldemort's Lair

Unknown Location

Voldemort crumpled the letter in his hands as he closed his eyes and let a smile overtake his deformed face. "We have it." He whispered with glee his red eyes shining like rubies.

"Your spy has come through but is the information worth anything anymore?" Aaquerafet asked contemplatively.

Voldemort refused to let his irritation show as he asked, "Why would you think it was not?"

"Just thinking." Aaquerafet mused thoughtfully. "John Winchester is not a man to share information, especially vital information unless it's to serve a higher purpose."

"My spy informs me that they have not obtained the key." Voldemort assured.

"That he is aware of." Aaquerafet argued. "It would be just like John to give us a bone to chase after while he sneaks right past us to obtain the power of the well for himself."

"Granted, but they have no idea where the well is located." Voldemort smiled evilly.

"So you say, but what makes you so sure?" Aaquerafet asked enjoying playing devil's advocate to Voldemort.

This time Voldemort did let his irritation show, "Then what is it you suggest exactly?"

"Dismiss the current information and continue with the plan we had devised." Aaquerafet mused conversationally. "We know the location of the Well, let's continue to observe and let them bring the key to us."

Voldemort mused on this plan with contemplation, hating to comply but finding that he could not argue with the Demons plan, "As you say we have all the time in the world." Voldemort at last agreed nodding his head in compliance. "It is also time to once again test the loyalty of my supposed devoted servant." Voldemort hissed in thought as he brought a piece of parchment and quill to his hands and uttered a quick note to the Potions Master that read, "Information received, instructions will follow."

"Now we shall see what happens." Voldemort hissed as he motioned for the owl to return the note.

"Yes now we shall see." Aaquerafet agreed as he leaned back and closed his eyes.

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To say the rest of the week was hectic would be like saying Voldemort was misunderstood. The prank war had gotten under way quickly and Fred & George were ecstatic. Of course they were also upset that they couldn't participate but figured they have to settle for helping.

Initially students had thought the dare would be a piece of cake but since they couldn't prank the brothers in class they had to wait and catch them afterwards, and that's where they ran into problems.

The boys were like ghosts never visible for more then a few minutes and always moving. If the Weasley twins thought they knew the castle, they could take a page out of Sam & Dean's book because the men disappeared.

They could be glimpsed gliding around the castle but before you could point your wand they would be gone. Some students had tried staking out their rooms but Filch had put an end to that quickly.

But the truly interesting development was the improvement of the students in their other classes. Seemingly determined to leave no stone unturned students were studying extra potions, as well as transfigurations to help in the battle. Both Professor Snape and McGonagall were forced to admit they'd never had students pay such close attention in class while at the same time eager to learn anything new.

But none of that could hold a candle to Hermione. She had approached the idea like she did with any school project or even S.P.E.W. and that made her a force to be reckoned with. The young woman was currently at one of the largest desks in the library with a mountain of books all around her. Some were for her regular curicculim, some were for S.P.E.W, and the rest were for the prank war just now getting underway.

The rest of the students stayed away as Hermione gave off the presence of someone who was quite mad. She kept moving from book to book, all the while muttering to herself switching from topic to topic every few seconds. "No, no how horrible," she muttered as her eyes quickly scanned the pages of the House Elf history. "Serving their whole lives in the kitchens of Hogwarts." Hermione was still appalled and determined to do something to free the Elf's from their enslavement.

"Hmm, the Babbling Beverage potion can be added to food without losing its potency." She quickly moved back to looking for suitable potions to use to prank the Winchester.

Suddenly Hermione stop and stood straight up as if a great electrical current had been shot through her body. "That's it." She shouted only to be hushed severly by Madam Pince for such an outburst.

"Sorry, so sorry," Hermione muttered quietly as she shoved all her things in her back pack and ran out of the library in search of Harry, Ron, and Ginny.

Bursting into the Gryffindor Common Room Hermione was grateful to see Harry and Ginny working together to beat Ron at a chess match, and failing miserably.

"Oy, Hermione come where have you been?" Ron asked smiling happy in victory and that Hermione would get to witness it as well.

"I've been at the library, now come on we must get to the Room of Requirements." Hermione hissed her eyes blazing with light as she tugged Ron upright.

"Good Lord woman, what's with you?" Ron asked as he was jerked to his feet.

"I've figured out how we're going to pass Defense." Hermione said evenly while a huge devious smile lit her face, "Now do you want to hear about it or would you like to stay here?" She asked already knowing the answer.

Harry, Ginny, and Ron just looked at each other before hooking onto Hermione's arms as the foursome raced towards the Room of Requirements.

"So are you going to tell us what's going on in that devious head of yours or not?" Harry asked the second they got into the room and got the door shut.

"Well you know the biggest difficutly we've been having is finding the Winchesters long enough to prank them?" Hermione asked her eyes glowing with excitement.

"Yes." Ginny answered with a hurry up gesture.

"Well yesterday evening I was in the library working on S.P.E.W. and I was reading about the horrible working conditions they are forced to endure. Slave labor, cooking meals, cleaning. Anyway." Hermione continued seeing that Ginny, Harry, and Ron were getting rather impatient. "It was the cooking part that gave me the idea. The fact that House Elves prepare all the food for everyone at Hogwarts, which is a disgrace by the way." Hermione looked put out by the idea.

"So since the Winchesters must eat, Dobby could get to their food and lace it with whatever potion we device." Harry jumped in having gotten the gist of where Hermione was going.

"Exactly." Hermione grinned triumphantly.

"My girlfirend's a bloody genius." Ron exclaimed proudly.

"It's brilliant." Ginny agreed.

"We are so going to pass defense." Harry added his own grin covering his face.

"So the only decision now is which potion to use." Hermione finished rather smugly.

And with that the four put their heads together to have an idea for Dobby when he arrived.

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Saturday morning rolled around to a beautiful sun shiny day with nary a cloud in sight.

As Ron, Hermione, Harry & Ginny made their way down the road to Hogsmeade they were in high spirits.

"I was so sure it was going to work.' Hermione complained with good humor about her idea to use Dobby to catch the Winchesters while they ate.

"So did I." Ron agreed, "It was a brilliant plan 'Mione, just a shame the boys had already created allies in the kitchen that never let Dobby near the Winchesters food.

"What I want to know is how they knew about Dobby in the first place?" Ginny asked looking impressed.

"With those two I wouldn't even hazard a guess. But from what I've realized in class they do their research." Harry said his arm firmly around Ginny's shoulder.

"They do tend to give credence to what Hermione's been telling us for years." Ron agreed as he tugged Hermione's curly hair affectionately.

"Well we'll just have to come up with something else." Hermione stammered blushing at Ron's compliment. "What do you all want to do today?" She asked eager to change the subject.

"I'd like to wonder around a bit." Harry said, "I've always been so restricted on Hogsmead visits I've never had much of a chance to explore." He explained sheepishly.

"I'm rather shocked they let you come this time." Hermione mentioned with concern.

"Yeah well so am I but no one said anything…" Harry trailed off.

"You mean you didn't ask if it was okay?" Hermione looked really shocked now.

"Hey no one told me I couldn't it's fine, Hermione." Harry placated.

"You don't know that Harry." Hermione continued to scold looking around nervously. "What if they tried to catch you but couldn't because you were running around trying to prank Sam and Dean."

"Hermione!" Ron said forcefully getting the girls attention, "Do you honestly think that if the Winchesters thought it would be too dangerous for Harry to go to Hogsmead they wouldn't be able to find him?"

Hermione took a deep calming breath and answered, "I guess not. But I still think we should double check."

"Always a good plan." Came from behind the kids causing them to jump in surprise as they turned around to find Sam and Dean standing behind them.

"That's it it's definately going to be a bell." Ron muttered quietly clutching his chest.

"Sorry." Dean grinned unapologetically.

"Sure you are." Harry answered his own grin matching Deans.

"It's okay, Hermione." Sam stalled the girl with a raised hand. "Both Dean and I were going into Hogwarts so we agreed to keep an eye on the trouble magnet here so he could go too."

"Hey!" Harry said indignantly.

"Yeah pot meet kettle." Dean snarked to Sam as he tapped him lightly on the back of the head.

"Whatever situation resolved now let's go before we loss the whole day throwing insults at each other in the middle of the road." Ron gestured with a grin.

"So what should we do first." Ginny asked taking Harry's hand and started walking towards Hogsmead.

"Well let's just wander around and see what there is to do." Harry answered excited to be here with Ginny.

"Sounds like a plan." Dean answered sauntering behind the couples. "Hope you guys don't mind Sammy and I tagging along?"

"And if we did, you wouldn't?" Ginny asked rather skeptically.

"No, but you wouldn't know that." Sam answered back with a wink.

"Right." Ron answered pulling Hermione along. "I definatley want to hit Zonko's at some time today.

"You're buying from your brothers competitors?" Dean asked incredulously.

"Just looking." Ron asnswered rather haughtily. "They like to be aware of what the competition's doing."

"Yeah right." Sam said sarcastically.

"Oh let's just go before we end up arguing about it all afternoon." Ginny yelled back from where she and Harry were a good ten feet ahead.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in good fun. The students had fun showing Sam and Dean all the hot spots of Hogsmeade and Ron and Harry both got some pointers on flirting when they went for a pint at the Three Broomsticks and saw Dean and Rosemertta.

It wasn't until the afternoon was drawing to a close that Harry spotted the church in the first place.

"Hey what's that?" He asked pointing to the small stone building nestled at the far end of the road.

"Well Harry that's a church." Dean answered in a faux informational tone.

"I know that." Harry rolled his eyes exaggeratedly, "I've just never seen it before." Harry's eyes returned to look at the building as if drawn by some invisible force.

"It looks really old." Hermione spoke up studying the building intently.

"Do you know anything about it, Ron?" Ginny asked wracking her brain for any information about the building that had Harry so entranced.

"Not really." Ron answered, "In fact I think this is the first time I've ever been this far down the road." Ron looked around curiously wondering what about the building held Harry's interest

The church was a small stone affair that was covered with moss and ivy. Most of the brick showed various signs of decay. It was an attractive building nestled in the Scottish countryside. There was something about it that drew the eye and made you stare. It wasn't something you could pinpoint just a general awareness of the building that made it difficult not to stare at least for one Harry Potter.

"Let's go in." Harry said as he started moving towards the church almost as if he was under the Imperius curse.

"Harry wait up." Ginny shouted grabbing his arm to keep him from going in the church alone.

"Harry, man are you okay?" Dean asked starting to look concerned at the dazed look in Harry's eyes.

"I'm fine, come on let's go." Harry continued to pull against Ginny moving towards the Church.

"Harry snap out of it." Sam ordered jumping in front of Harry to stop him from going further.

When Harry continued to try and move around Sam and Ron grabbed Harry's other arm and began to restrain his best mate, "Come on mate you're acting weird we need to get back to the castle."

"What's wrong with him?" Hermione asked looking frightened and worried at the same time.

"I don't know." Ginny answered looking just as scared.

"There's nothing wrong with me." Harry stated forcefully still trying to break free. "I just want to go in the church no big deal, now let me go!" The last was shouted as Harry forcefully tried to break free from his friends grip.

"Not going to happen kid, not till we figure out why you're acting this way." Dean said as he grabbed Harry from behind and began to lift him off the ground.

"It's not up to you." Harry shouted forcefully kicking back and trying to get Dean to loosen his grip.

Dean didn't let go, but it did cause his arm to slid down enough for Harry to get his arm free and go for his wand.

Sam saw the movement out of the corner of his eye but before he realized what Harry was reaching for it was too late. Harry uttered Immobulus and the paralyzing sensation gripped Sam's entire body leaving him only enough time to shout a cry of help mentally to John back at the castle.

Seeing his brother freeze and Dean began to reach for Harry's wand except his arm froze mid-movement and Dean felt as if an icy stillness began to take over is whole body. It was an experience he could live without.

"Harry mate don't do this." Ron shouted as he began to reach for his own wand only to be frozen as well.

Hermione didn't bother to yell a warning as she'd seen it wouldn't do any good. She just pulled her wand and uttered a powerful and potent Immobulus at Harry with all her might.

Harry in a move that would have made John Winchester proud dove out of the way and cast the Immobulus charm back on Hermione freezing her in place.

It left only Ginny who was staring at Harry as if already frozen with wide fearful eyes. "Please Harry," Ginny pleaded. "Please don't do this."

Harry didn't bother to respond and just raised his wand and uttered Immobulus at Ginny with no expression on his face.

Then with silent movements Harry calmly reholstered his wand and walked quickly into the church leaving five people frozen and vulnerable in his wake.

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John Winchester was resting on the sofa in the living room of their Hogwarts quarters reading a book when the shout for help came. It was so loud and forceful John felt like his head was going to explode from the pressure.

Jumping off the couch John grabbed the always packed weapons bag by the door to their commen room and began running for the entrance to the castle.

Dumbledore was waiting for him at the castle entrance with a broom that he handed to John before saying, "We must move quickly they are vulnerable and Tom has spies everywhere."

John simply nodded and threw his bag over his shoulder mounted the broom and took off.

As they flew towards Hogsmeade as fast as they could John tamped down on the fear coursing through his veins. Fear might heighten the senses and make you sharper but if you didn't control it, it would also make you stupid and reckless. John had spent years learning to master his fear and today would be no different.

It was Dumbledore that spotted them first, "John," he indicated with his hand the five frozen individuals on the edge of town.

"Let's go." John positioned his broom into a deep dive and flew rapidly towards his sons and students. John felt a surge of elation that the appeared relatively unharmed. The elation didn't last as John heard the tell-tell pop of someone apperating and saw two Deatheaters appear not 10 yards away from the unprotected group.

As they landed and John reached into his bag grabbed the shotgun and let off two blasts from the hip straight at the Deatheaters. The rock salt was halted mid-air of course with a flick of ones wand but it gave John enough time to get in front of the children.

The Deatheaters didn't get a second chance though as Albus had his own wand ready and quickly incapacitated the two before they could even register their surprise.

"Still got it huh, old man?" John snarked as he ran his hands over the boys still form.

"Apparently." Albus answered as he too inspected the children. "Oh thank the Lord," Dumbledore whispered, "They're only frozen." Dumlbeodre waved his wand and did the counter curse on the frozen young people. "We must get out of the open." Dumbledore ordered as everyone came back to life. Tom could arrive any minute and we have no cover." Dumbledore began to usher everyone out fo the street.

"What happened?" John barked as his sons became mobile.

"Where's Harry?" Dean shouted spinning around.

"He went in." A tearful Ginny sobbed in Hermione's arms.

"He went where?" Dumbledore asked with grave concern.

"Into the church." Sam answered rummaging through the weapons bag and handing a shot gun to Dean.

"Who cares about a damn church it was probably the best place for Harry to hide. I want to know how Deatheaters got the drop on you, and for that matter whey did they just freeze you instead of kill you." John barked.

"Deatheaters, where?" Dean spun around feeling way out of control and not liking the sensation one bit.

"Deatheaters didn't get the drop on us dad, Harry did." Sam explained looking very worried.

"Okay for those of us who weren't here would somebody like to explain why Harry felt the need to freeze all of you before walking into a church." John roared looking highly frustrated and confused.

"We don't know he just wanted to go in." Dean explained.

"So he froze all of you so he could go into a church?" John tried to clarify looking very confused.

"It was weird, dad." Sam once more tried to explain, "It was like he was being controlled by something. We've got to go find him." Sam finished arming himself and prepared to enter the church.

"You say he was being controlled?" Dumbledore jumped in the conversation.

"It made no sense." Hermione fretted, "Harry can throw off the Imperius curse, we've seen him."

"You kids get back to the castle we'll handle this." John assured as he motioned for the boys to head into the church.

"No way." Ron stated emphatically, "If you're going after Harry we're going with you."

"Ron…" Dean tried to order.

"No we've stood by Harry through a lot worse then this and we'll continue to stand by him in the future. Whatever's controlling him is not going to get the best of him and he's going to need us there to remind him that it wasn't his fault." Ron stood his ground. He wasn't going to leave his best mate period.

"Son," John started emphasizing with Ron.

"Dad, let them come it's their right." Dean interrupted motioning for everyone to get a move on.

"Stay in the back and keep your heads down." John ordered sternly, "Albus do you have any idea what's going on?" John asked feeling like he'd hit his confusion tolerance for the year.

"Merely an idea." Dumbledore answered, "And the situation is about to get so much worse." Dumbledore said as he began to move the group faster towards the church.

"Oh why's that?" Dean asked snarkily.

"Because Tom's here." Dumbledore answered calmly. "We'd best get inside."

To be continued.