Chapter 14 The Sacking of Severus Snape

"We have to go there, now!" Harry said to Hermione as the group packed.

"Well, we can't do that!" Jessica replied. "We've got to plan, we've got to figure it out! I think we should wait a day or two!"

"Jess, when have any of our plans ever actually worked? We plan, we get there, all hell breaks loose," Harry replied.

"He's right!" Ron replied.

"One problem... Snape's Headmaster now, we can't just move freely from the front door!" Draco replied.

"Well, we'll go to Hogsmeade, to Honeydukes, and take the secret passage in the cellar. Just like Hermione suggested," Harry said. "It's...there's something wrong with him. It's like, you know, in the past...I've always been able to follow his thoughts. And now everything just feels disconnected."

"Maybe it's the Horcruxes," said Josh. "Maybe he's getting weaker. Maybe he's dying!"

"No!" Harry replied as they headed downstairs. "No, it's.. it's more like he's wounded. If anything, he feels more dangerous."

The group entered the kitchen to say their goodbyes to the adults and to the babies.

"We love you Sweetheart, be good for Grandma," Jessica said as she and Josh kissed Abigail.

"They will both be in good hands," Arabella said as Harry and Hermione did the same with James.

"Momma loves you, my sweet baby James," Hermione cried. "Dada loves you."

"Remember to send out a signal if you guys are in trouble at Hogwarts," Bill added. "The Order will be notified."

"We will," said Harry. "Let's get going guys."

The group hugged and kissed the others and the eight teens headed to the outskirts of the protective wards. They all grabbed hands and disapparated with a POP!

POP!

SCREECH! RING! SCREECH! RING!

"POTTER!"

The group appeared in Hogsmeade and were startled at the alarms.

"Damnit, I knew this would happen!" Jessica moaned as the group ran for cover.

"Search everywhere!" the group heard someone shout as wizards kept yelling "Potter!"

"Go, move!" cried Harry as they ran towards an alley. "Faster!"

"In here, Potter!" called a voice as they group reached a dead end. They looked to their right and they were stunned at the old man standing in front of them.

"Come on, move!" the old man said, ushering them inside. The group nodded and hurried into the building and down into a settee.

"Did you look at him?" Jessica whispered to Dean.

"For a second I thought that was..." Dean added.

"...I know. Dumbledore!" Jessica finished.

"Harry?" Luna asked as she pointed to a mirror. "I can see you in this."

Before Harry could reply, the old man rushed downstairs to the group.

"Bloody fools, what are you thinking coming here?" the old man asked. "Have you any idea how dangerous it is?"

"You're Aberforth, Dumbledore's brother," Harry replied. "It's you who I've been seeing in here. You're the one who sent Dobby."

"Why've you left him?" Aberforth asked.

"He was gravely injured when he rescued us," Hermione replied. "Not sure if he will recover or not. He was starting to recover but he suddenly got worse."

"Sorry to hear it," Aberforth replied. "I like that elf."

"Who gave that to you?" Jessica asked, pointing to the mirror on the mantle. "The mirror?"

"Mundungus Fletcher, about a year ago," Aberforth replied.

"Dung had no right selling that to you," Jessica growled. "It belonged to..."

"Your father..." Aberforth finished. "Yes, Albus told me. He also told me you'd likely be hacked off, if you ever found that I had it. But, ask yourself, where would you be if I didn't?"

"Do you have any others much? From the Order?" Josh asked.

"The Order is finished," Aberforth replied. "You-Know-Who has won...anyone who says otherwise is killing themselves."

"We need to get into Hogwarts, tonight," Harry replied. "Dumbledore gave us a job to do."

"Did he now...Nice job? Easy?" Aberforth replied.

"We've been hunting Horcruxes," Jessica replied. "We have one with us, and we think the last one's inside the castle somewhere but we're not sure what. But we'll need your help getting in."

"The job my brother has given you, it's a suicide mission," Aberforth replied. "Do yourself a favor, kids, go home! Live a little longer."

"Dumbledore trusted us to see this through," Ron replied.

"What makes you think you can trust him?" asked Aberforth as he stood in front of the mantle. "What makes you think you can believe anything my brother told you? And in all the time you knew him... Did he ever mention my name?" He pointed to girl in the portrait that hung over the mantle. "Did he ever mentioned hers? Why should he..."

"Keep secrets?" Draco asked.

"You tell me?" Aberforth replied.

"I trusted him," Harry replied.

"That's the boy's answer," Aberforth replied. "A boy goes chasing Horcruxes is on the word of a man who wouldn't even tell him where to start. You're lying! Not just on me, it doesn't matter. To yourself as well. That's what a fool does. You don't strike me as a fool, Harry Potter! So, I ask you again, there must be a reason."

"I'm not interested in what happened between you and your brother," said Harry. "I don't care that you've given up. I trusted the man I knew. We need to get into the castle tonight."

Aberforth sighed and turned towards the portrait of the girl.

"You know what to do," Aberforth said to the girl in the portrait. She nodded and walked towards the back of the painting.

"Where have you sent her?" Jessica asked.

"You'll see soon enough," said Aberforth.

"That's your sister, Ariana, isn't it?" Luna asked, curiously. "She died very young, didn't she?"

"My brother sacrificed many things, on his journey to find power," Aberforth replied. "Including Ariana. And she was devoted to him. He gave her everything. But time."

He set some sandwiches and butterbeer in front of the group and turned to head upstairs.

"Thank you, Mr. Dumbledore," Hermione replied. Aberforth nodded and headed out of sight and Ron and Dean gave her an odd look.

"He did save our lives twice!" Hermione replied in defense as the group ate. "Kept an eye on us in that mirror." She turned to Harry and whispered. "That doesn't seem like someone who's given up!"

The group ate in silence for a little longer when Luna pointed at Ariana's portrait.

"She's coming back," Luna said. The group crowded around the mantle. At this point, Aberforth had come back downstairs.

"Who's that with her?" Dean asked. A moment later, the portrait swung open and the group gasped.

"Neville!" chorused the group.

"Longbottom, you look..." started Draco.

"Like hell, I reckon," Neville, who was sporting a black eye as he stood in the portrait opening. "But this is nothing. Seamus is worse." He turned to Aberforth. "Hey, Ab! We've got a couple more coming through."

The group said their goodbyes to Aberforth and Neville helped them up into the portrait. They were walking along a narrow corridor.

"Don't remember this on the Marauder's Map," Harry replied as they walked down the corridor.

"That's because it never existed till now," Neville replied. "The seven secret passages were sealed off, before the start of the year. This is the only way in or out, now. The grounds are crawled with Death Eaters and Dementors."

"How about Snape as Headmaster?" Josh asked.

"Hardly ever seen," Neville replied. "It's the Carrows who have to watch out for."

"Carrows?" Harry asked.

"I know who they are," Draco replied. "The Dark Lord placed them there."

"Yeah, brother and sister," Neville replied, eyeing Draco. "How come you are back here, anyways?"

"My mother and I were put under the Imperio curse at the beginning of Sixth year," Draco replied. "It wore off when Harry, Ron, Hermione, Josh, and Jessica showed up at Malfoy Manor. I'm sorry for being a prat."

"It's alright, I understand," Neville replied. "Anyways, the Carrows are in charge of discipline. They like punishment, the Carrows." Neville pointed to his black eye.

"They did that to you? Why?" asked Dean.

"Today's Dark Arts lesson was practicing the Cruciatus curse. On first years. I refused." The group looked at him in horror as they reached the end of the corridor. "Hogwarts has changed." He turned to the group. "Let's have a bit of fun, shall we?" The group nodded and Neville opened up the portrait they had reached. He poked his head out to the group that was gathered in the Room of Requirement.

"Hey, you lot! I've got another surprise for you," Neville said.

"No more of Aberforth's cooking I hope," said Seamus. "We'll be surprised if it's just digested."

The group climbed out of the portrait hole and the others gasped.

"Blimey!" said Seamus. He and the others stood up and clapped and cheered.

Neville turned to Lee Jordan and Nigel Wolpert, who were in charge of Potterwatch.

"Get the word out to Remus and the others, that Harry is back," Neville said to him. Nigel nodded and headed to the radio. Neville broke up the crowd that had mobbed Harry and the others.

"Okay, okay! Let's not kill him before You-Know-Who does," Neville interjected.

"Do you read? we've a new weather report," said Lee. "Lightning has struck. I repeat: Lightning has struck."

"Draco!" cried a voice. The group turned and saw Ginny standing at the entrance.

"Gin," Draco murmured.

"Are you, you know, really you?" Ginny asked Draco rushed up to her. He put a hand on the side of her face.

"Yes," Draco murmured. "I'm so sorry for last year. So sorry. I was imperioed."

"I forgive you," said Ginny. As their lips met, the D.A. hooted and hollered. Ron scowled.

"Six months she hasn't seen me and it's like I'm a frankie first-year," Ron replied. "I'm her brother!"

"She got lots of them, but she has got only one Malfoy," Seamus quipped.

"Shut up, Seamus," Ron scowled. He noticed that Ginny and Draco were getting a bit handsy.

"OY! Break it up you two," Ron scowled. The two broke apart, blushing and Harry noticed the look of concern on Ginny's face.

"What is it, Gin?" Harry asked.

"Snape knows... he knows that Harry was spotted in Hogsmeade," Ginny replied. The group looked at each other.

"We have to somehow get down to the Chamber of Secrets," Jessica told the other D.A. members. "It will help us defeat You-Know-Who."

Just then, Snape's voice echoed through the castle as the group listened outside the door.

"ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF REPORT TO THE GREAT HALL IMMEDIATELY."

"I have a plan you guys, here's what we'll do," said Harry, gathering the D.A. around him.

"Many of you are surely wondering, why I have summoned you at this hour," Snape said to the students that had gathered in the Great Hall a short while later. The Carrows stood next to him. Little did he know that Harry stood dressed in Gryffindor robes and marched while hiding among the Gryffindors.

"It's come to my attention," Snape drawled, "that earlier this evening...Harry Potter was sighted in Hogsmeade."

The students whispered among themselves and Snape sneered.

"Now..." continued Snape, "should anyone..student or staff attempt to aid Mr. Potter, they will be punished in a manner consistent with the severity of their transgression. Further more...any person found have knowledge of these events... who fails to come forward...will be treated as equally guilty. Another...If anyone in here has any knowledge of Mr. Potter's movements this evening, I invite them to step forward. Now!"

There was a great silence as no one in the Great Hall spoke. Footsteps were heard and the students and staff gasped as Harry revealed himself to Snape.

"It seems, despite your exhaustive defensive strategies, you still have a security problem, Headmaster," Harry said. The doors to the Great Hall opened, and Hermione, Ron, Jessica, Josh, Draco, Luna, Dean, the older D.A. members, the hiding graduates, Arabella, Lupin, Kingsley, The Weasleys, Fleur, and a few others walked in, their wands drawn. Snape was taken aback.

"I'm afraid it's quite extensive," Harry continued. He then yelled at Snape. "How dare you stand where he stood? Tell them how it happened that night! Tell them how you looked him in the eye... A man who trusted you, and killed him. Tell them!"

As Snape pulled out his wand, the students gasped and ducked for cover. McGonagall stood in front of Harry, her wand drawn as she held Harry back. Harry, Hermione, Ron, Jessica, Draco, Luna, Dean, Neville, the D.A. and the Order all took a defensive stance with their wands.

McGonagall and Snape then began to duel to the gasps of the students. The Carrows were knocked unconscious when Snape blocked one of McGonagall's "Stupefy" jinxes. Snape then quickly disapperated and crashed out of the window behind where the Staff Table usually sat.

"COWARD!" cried McGonagall out the window. "YOU COWARD!"

And with that, McGonagall turned to the students, waved her wand, and took control of the castle once more to the cheers of everyone. As the Great Hall lit up and everything returned to normal, everything started to slow down for Harry, who started to slump on the steps.

"Harry Potter..." came Voldemort's voice in Harry's head.

Hermione, Jessica, and McGonagall noticed that Harry was slumping backwards and rushed to them.

"Potter?" McGonagall asked.

"Harry, Harry are you alright?" Hermione asked. They were interrupted by a scream and the group turned to see a first-year Hufflepuff girl covering her ears and screaming. Harry walked over to her to try to comfort her, but another scream, this time from Pavarti Patil, interrupted his train of thought. The whole Great Hall could now hear Voldemort's voice in their heads.

"I know that you are preparing to fight. Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood. Give me Harry Potter, and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded. You have until midnight."

As Voldemort ended his mental message to everyone, the students stepped away from Harry, the D.A. and Order standing with him.

"What're you waiting for?" Pansy Parkinson shouted. "Someone grab him!"

Hermione moved over to stand next to her husband in a protective stance. Josh and Jessica followed as did Ron and Luna and soon everyone but the Slytherins (sans Tracy and Daphne who had joined the group) stood protecting Harry.

"Students out of bed!" yelled a voice from behind everyone. The group turned to see Filch and Mrs. Norris running into the Great Hall. "Students in the corridor!"

"They're supposed to be out of bed, you blithering idiot!" McGonagall shouted.

"Sorry ma'am," Filch replied.

"As it happens, Mr. Filch," started McGonagall, "Your arrival is most opportune. If you would, I would like you please, to lead Miss Parkinson and the rest of the older members of Slytherin house except for those standing with Mr. Potter and company, from the hall."

"Exactly where is it I'll be leading 'em to, ma'am?" Filch asked as the older Slytherins sulked.

"The dungeons would do," said McGonagall. The Gryffindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs cheered. "If you are a fifth year or younger, you are to be evacuated immediately! Those who are old enough and wish to fight may stay. Otherwise, please head to the Room of Requirement." McGonagall continued.

"We will evacuate them," said Madam Pomfrey as she and Professor Sprout came over to McGonagall. "Fifth years and under and those wishing to leave, please make your way to the seventh floor to the Room of Requirement!"

As the students hurried out of the Great Hall, McGonagall turned to Harry.

"I presume you have a reason for returning, Potter," she said. "What is it you need?"

"Time, Professor," said Harry as the others joined him. "As much as you can get me."

"Do what you have to do," said McGonagall. "I'll secure the castle." As the group turned to leave, McGonagall spoke again. "Potter...It's good to see you. All of you."

"It's good to see you too, Professor," said Harry. He turned to Neville. "Hold the fort, Neville."

Harry, Hermione, Ron, Josh, Jessica, Luna, Dean and Draco hurried out of the Great Hall.

"So now what?" Josh asked.

"The Chamber of Secrets," said Harry. "Remember the prophecy about us in the Ministry?"

"No, what?" asked Ron.

"The one who will vanquish the Dark Lord will marry the one born in the ninth month...who in turn will stab the cup..."Harry started. "Hermione's the one who has to destroy the cup!"

"He's right, and Josh is supposed to destroy the last horcrux!" Jessica replied.

"We don't even know what it is, though!" Draco replied.

"I have an idea but it's mental," said Jessica. "Harry, Hermione, you get down to the Chamber and destroy the cup. Dean, Luna, Draco, you three go and help the others defend the school. Ron, come with Josh and I to McGonagall's office."

"What bloody for?" Ron replied.

"Just come on," said Jessica as she dragged the two boys with her. The group split up and went their separate ways. As Dean, Luna, and Draco went outside to help place enchantments, Harry and Hermione headed for Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Jessica dragged Josh and Ron through the crowd of students scattering to evacuate Hogwarts and up to the Stone Gargoyle that guarded what was now McGonagall's office.

"We don't know the password, but can you please let us in?" Jessica asked the gargoyle. "Headmistress McGonagall is letting us enter." The gargoyle bowed his head and moved aside, allowing the three entrance to the office. They ran up the staircase and into the office and Jessica looked around. She grinned as she spotted the Sorting Hat sitting on the top shelf.

"Excuse me, Mr. Sorting Hat?" Jessica asked the hat. The hat cracked open an eye.

"Yes, what is it, Miss Black? Or should I say Mrs. Farnham?" the hat asked.

"I was wondering if you could help us..."

Meanwhile, the Potters were making their way to Myrtle's bathroom. As they reached the still open chamber entrance, Myrtle poked her head out of one of the stalls.

"Oh, hello Harry," Myrtle blushed. "Where have you been?"

"Everywhere, no time to talk Myrtle, the wife and I are heading down into the Chamber," Harry replied.

"Oh, you married Granger, did you?" Myrtle said sadly. "Pity, it's always the smart ones with you Potter Men, isn't it?"

Hermione scowled at Myrtle and Harry motioned his head towards the entrance.

"After you my Love," said Harry.

"Alright," said Hermione. She jumped into the opening, Harry following suit and soon the two were at the bottom of the hole, surrounded by the snake skins and bones that littered the ground.

"Eww!" Hermione shrieked.

"Jess said the same thing when we came down here to rescue Ginny," Harry replied. "Come on, this way, mind the rocks."

They walked down the chamber, past the debris from the cave-in with Lockhart, and arrived at the entrance.

"Open," Harry spoke in Parseltongue. The chamber door opened and the two entered the Chamber. They hurried down to the end where the Basilisk's skeleton laid and Hermione collected a few of the fangs. She kept one for herself and pulled the cup out from her beaded bag.

"You can do this Love," Harry said. Hermione nodded and she set the cup down on the ground. She raised the fang in the air, and stabbed the cup. Harry was momentarily stunned as he felt the effects of the Horcrux being destroyed. He felt Hermione grab him and they ran as screams filled the Chamber and a water cyclone chased them. The water came crashing down on them and the two gasped. Hermione kissed her husband passionately and Harry returned the kiss. He then gasped.

"What is it?" Hermione asked as she saw Harry reach for his scar.

"It's the snake, she's the last one" Harry replied. "Come on, we've got to find the others and tell them!"