- CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT-

Finding the Key

'It has begun' a cloaked Death Eater told the Dark Lord, as he sat on his throne-like chair. Voldemort rose from his chair slowly, and the Death Eater, along with his companions shrunk to the floor.

'Has it?' the Dark Lord hissed, his piercingly crimson eyes surveying the group of his Death Eaters.

'Yes My Lord, as you requested' the Death Eater responded obediently.

The Dark Lord scanned the ranks in front of him, and his eyes narrowed. 'Fenrir' he called, and a large man approached with matted grey hair, and dark black eyes.

'Yes My Lord' he responded in his raspy, bark-like voice.

'Destroy the town of Hogsmede, and cast my mark over it. Make sure you capture Hogsmede Station, and destroy all roads leading away from the town' the Dark Lord ordered. Fenrir bowed before his feet, and nodded.

'Of course My Lord. Do you want Hogwarts attacked as well?' Fenrir asked, licking his lips at the thought of all those students.

'No, leave Hogwarts alone. If you step one foot in those grounds, you will receive a worse fate than Potter' Voldemort answered viciously. Fenrir lowered himself further to the floor, and nodded. He got up, and hurried out of the chamber, along with a dozen or so Death Eaters.

Voldemort went ahead and ordered the other Death Eaters to gather others from the country side. Three were sent to the Giants, while others were kept near the cave to patrol the mountains and the roads. With the last Death Eater leaving, the russet haired Lesath came down the steps, and entered the chamber.

He came to the platform, and knelt before the Dark Lord in respect. 'The Ministry has been secured.'

'And the Department of Mysteries?' Voldemort asked.

'Cleared, though there is one door that cannot be opened in the circle chamber' Lesath answered, some hesitation in his voice to announce a failure. Voldemort was not bothered however.

'I know of this door, and do not worry, it will be opened soon.' The Dark Lord again rose from his seat, and moved towards his trusty Death Eater.

'You have proven yourself useful Lesath.'

'I serve only you My Lord' he answered humbly. Voldemort allowed him to rise, and moved towards the doorway.

'Very good Lesath. Now, return to the Ministry, and continue as planned.'

'My Lord, are you sure Potter is meaning to go there?' he asked, regretting the question the second he finished asking. Voldemort luckily did not become enraged.

'Yes Lesath, and I wish for the Ministry to look exactly as I planned for Harry Potter when he arrives. It will be he that opens the Locked Door to find the Sekhem Scepter. It is then that I want you to attack, and capture the Scepter. Do not fail me.' Lesath bowed in understanding, and left the chamber to return to the Ministry.

Moments later, as Voldemort paced to the far side of the chamber, the door opened loudly, and the Dark Lord's red eyes fell on an enraged Bellatrix Lestrange. Her right hand was disfigured, and she was cradling it in her left hand.

'Nice of you to return Bella' Voldemort said quietly, while Bellatrix huffed, not keeping her usual composure.

'One of Potter's friends banished me to a bloody volcano! I hadn't my wand, and could not fix my hand' she ranted. Voldemort did not approve of her tone, and moved closer, reaching for his wand.

'You lost your wand?' he asked, his voice tinged with anger. Bellatrix immediately dropped her angry attitude, and fell to her knees before the Dark Lord.

'I am sorry My Lord, I have no excuse I know. I was able to kill one of their group but-'

'But you lost your wand' Voldemort again stated in disappointment. He placed his wand on her injured hand, and she screamed in pain as the bones cracked and moved back into place slowly. She knew they could have been moved instantly with no pain, but understood this was her punishment. Once it was done, she moved her hand stiffly, and took notice of the permanent scars etched across her hand and palm. It still hurt to bend her fingers, and she winced as she made a fist. Voldemort disregarded her pain, and pulled out another wand from his robes.

'You have proven yourself before Bella, and it saved you this time' he hissed slowly. 'But know that one more mistake and your time will be over.' He handed over her wand, and she graciously accepted, kissing the hems of his cloak. Even gripping her wand hurt her hand.

'I will not let you down My Lord' she affirmed. Bellatrix felt the Dark Mark on her arm tingle, and Voldemort looked up for a moment. He closed his eyes as he took in a deep breath, and moved towards the doorway.

'Come Nagini, I have something for you to see' Voldemort hissed, as he moved out into the antechamber while his black cloak billowed behind him. His large black snake slithered out of the room, and up the stairs with his master. Bellatrix hesitated for a moment, and then ran to join the Dark Lord.

Reaching the outside, she moved through the small cave that was littered with what appeared to be small chicken bones, and other small skeletons. Moving out into the open, she could hear the screams and explosions that were happening on the other side of the mountain. Stepping around the boulders and rocks, she found the Dark Lord looking out at the scene. He spoke in hisses to the snake, and it slithered down the mountain side towards the stile at the end of the road. Approaching the Dark Lord, she looked on reverently as she saw his slit-like nose breathing in deeply, and a sinister grin appear on his face.

'I can smell the fear coming from the castle' he claimed, looking out at Hogwarts just next to the Dark Mark in the sky. Bellatrix looked at the scurrying specks of people running around the grounds in the dying sunlight, and smiled evilly knowing the end was near.

'Will we be attacking the castle tonight My Lord?' Bella asked, eager to voice that she would lead the charge.

'No, not yet. A loyal follower is still burrows in the Ministry. He will act on your information about the Mudblood, and push Potter past his breaking point.'

--

Another blast erupted from Hogsmede, as Aurors and other Ministry personal ran up the slopes to Hogwarts castle. Several people moved quickly in the other direction to secure the gates, and help check people running from the fires in Hogsmede.

Running towards the castle, Harry felt his scar erupt in pain as he and his friends reached the doors. He fell over onto the ground just before the door, and Fawkes—who had been on his shoulder—lifted him back up, and Ron and Hermione pulled him through the doors. He pushed as hard as he could on Voldemort's intruding thoughts, and was just able to keep him out. Once he made it through the doors, the intrusion ceased.

The scene inside the castle was worse than the view outside of it. People were running in all directions, and it seemed order had been completely lost. People were pushing to get farther into the castle, while others tried to find their partners or coworkers in the mess.

'Go to the East Tower' Harry told Fawkes. The beautiful red bird lifted off of Harry's shoulder, and took flight in a flash of scarlet light. The crowd momentarily stopped its shoving and pushing, and everyone looked up at the phoenix as it flew up and out of sight.

The crowd then continued again quietly, and Harry grabbed hold of Hermione's hand, and they started their way through the crowd in a human chain.

Finally reaching the staircase, the group bounded up the stairs and towards the Room of Requirement. Along the way, they ran into several worried students, who all followed Harry and the others as they found out about the Guard meeting.

Reaching the hallway, Harry was surprised—and out of breath—to find a door already present along the wall. Hesitating for a moment, he pushed it open and his mouth fell open at what was inside.

Walking in, he found the entire Guard waiting for him and the others. Hearing the doorway open, everyone turned towards Harry expectantly.

Harry quickly made his way to the front of the large group—which was packed tightly in the room, since it was the one from before. Along the way, Harry found out Neville had called all the Guard there. He did so right after the first explosion in Hogsmede.

'Harry, what's going on?' a scared first year Hufflepuff girl asked. Many of the students looked fearful as another boom came from outside, and many jumped at the sound.

'Hogsmede is under attack' Harry answered, then getting pelted with new questions.

'Are we still going home—how will we get out—will I see my mum and dad—'

'I don't know!' Harry yelled at the questions. Everyone silenced, and Hermione came up and tried to help.

'We're going to go and talk to Professor McGonagall about it all. In the mean time, please go back to your Common Rooms.'

'What about the Ministry? They'll protect us won't they?' a third year Ravenclaw boy asked.

'That's why they are here, but we need to be ready' Harry admitted. It was at this statement that the group began to rumble with conversations and worry, and some of the Gryffindors began showing some of their bravery.

'Let them come! We're ready to fight!' Seamus yelled, and a surprising number of students agreeing with him and cheering.

'That's great everyone, but if we can get everyone out, then that will be done. For now, go back to your Common Rooms please, and don't straggle. It there's any news, we'll call another meeting' Hermione advised. The scared students still looked afraid, and the students ready to dive into battle looked displeased.

'Stay calm, and don't panic. We'll go find out what is happening, and tell all of you soon. For now, stay put in your Common Rooms. This meeting is over for now. For Hogwarts!' Harry said.

'FOR HOGWARTS!' came back loudly from everyone. The group quieted instantly, and began moving out of the room. When about half the students were out, Professor Terrwynebas came into the room, and ran up towards Harry and the rest.

'Hello Topher' Luna expressed lightly.

'Hello Luna. The Order has called a meeting in the Headmistress' Office, along with the Ministry. You bunch better come' he exclaimed. They agreed, and Topher lead the way to the Headmistress' Office, with Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Neville, and Ginny in tow. The hallways were empty the whole trip, and looking out the windows, Harry's mind was filled with worry at seeing Hogsmede in such a state.

Reaching the office, Topher gave the password, and the group moved up into the office quickly. Once they opened the doors, they found Remus, Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Dedalus Diggle, and Mad-Eye Moody from the Order, all standing on the right side, while several older looking Aurors stood on the left. Several wizards and witches stood at the end of the Aurors, including Percy Weasley and Dolores Umbridge. Several Hogwarts staff were crammed into the space at the end of the Order members, while Professor McGonagall was standing behind her desk, with Rufus Scrimgeour standing in front.

Still having the appearance of an old lion, Scrimgeour was talking to his Aurors when Neville closed the door—rather noisily—and his attention was shifted to Harry and the others.

'Ah, Mr. Potter decided to come. Stand over there and just pay attention' Scrimgeour ordered. Harry obeyed, and moved next to Remus and the others in the Order. Scrimgeour continued with his plans, but Harry's attention was drawn to Percy Weasley, who was watching him and the others carefully.

'-move the perimeter back to the edge of the forest, and send your centaur into the forest to warn the others.'

'Firenze was banished from his people, he would not be listened to' McGonagall explained, Umbridge whispering something to a Percy, who nodded while the toad chuckled at her own words.

'I don't care Minerva, if we can get those centaurs fighting for us, then I don't care if he lives or dies' Scrimgeour admitted.

'They will not fight for you, only for themselves and the forest' McGonagall insisted. Scrimgeour shook his head, and wiped his brow in frustration.

'Alright, then when You-Know-Who's Death Eaters come, we'll drive them into the forest, and that should spark the centaurs to help us. Now, patrols will be-'

'Um, Minister' Hermione interrupted, Scrimgeour looking appalled at her. 'What about the students?'

'We have no choice but to keep them in their Common Rooms. Hogsmede Station is inaccessible, and the Floo connections are not working because of the Floo Network being shut down.'

'What about Portkeys?' Ron asked.

'We have looked into that boy, but they are not working properly for some reason. Students will stay in their Common Rooms, and out of the way. Now, with the patrols-'

'Excuse me Minister' Harry interrupted again, Scrimgeour reaching what looked like his breaking point. 'Why can't the students fight?'

Umbridge laughed aloud, and most of the Aurors rolled their eyes at the comment. 'Because Potter' Scrimgeour answered, 'I don't want the students to be killed.'

'But we can help' Neville put in.

'Enough! Students are ordered to stay in their Common Rooms. You did not want to help before, and you won't now Potter. Now get out, and do not get in the way of Ministry personnel!' Scrimgeour shouted at the students. Harry looked to McGonagall for help, but she merely sighed, and nodded at them to leave.

Harry, frustrated at the inability to help and the idiocy of the Minister, left the office with the other students, and went into an empty classroom in the next hallway.

'What are we going to do?' Ron asked as he slumped himself into one of the desks. Harry sighed and moved to one of the windows, which looked out onto the Black Lake.

'I don't know Ron. We still have the snake to destroy before we get the Book.'

'What snake? What book?' Ginny asked.

'It's a long story Gin. Right now we need to try and protect the students. Perhaps staying in the Common Rooms is the best course of action' Hermione proposed.

'Hermione, you know as well as I that if Death Eaters get into the castle, they'll kill all the students. Having them cooped up in the Common Rooms just makes it easier for Death Eaters to find them' Ron professed. The mood with the group of friends was low, and Harry lowered his head, and sighed.

Things were going so horribly wrong; he could see no end that didn't lead to failure. Sighing again, the door to the classroom opened, and a disgruntled looking Professor McGonagall came in, along with Professor Fourmove and several other of Hogwarts staff and Order members'.

'What is going on professor?' Hermione asked the Headmistress as Professor Vector closed the door to the classroom.

'Rufus has asked all students to remain in their dormitories, and Hogwarts staff to patrol the hallways. Ministry staff will look after the ground floor, and the grounds, but they do not have enough people to protect the entire castle' she informed dismally.

'We can't just sit in the dormitories while people die all around us!' Ron raged, Luna coming over and placing her hand on his shoulder.

'We understand Mr. Weasley. The Minister does not seem to understand that if the castle is breeched, most if not all the students would be vulnerable, with no means of escaping. I want you to call the Guardians to a meeting to discuss what they wish to do' McGonagall told Harry and the others.

'I'll tell the Ravenclaws. I'm sure they'll listen to me this time' Luna put in, with her own causal oddness.

'I'll go to Gryffindor Tower. Everyone there is in the Guard, so we'll be there' Ginny asserted confidently.

'And we will go tell the Hufflepuffs and the Slytherins' Professor Sprout maintained, motioning to herself and Professor Slughorn, who surprisingly was still in the castle. Harry had expected him to have jump ship already, and be half way around the world.

The two professors and Luna and Ginny left the room, and Harry and the others began their way to the Room of Requirement again.

'Professor, where is Professor Terrwynebas?' Harry asked as they rushed through the empty corridors with the smoke from Hogsmede billowing up into the darkening sky. Harry could tell by looking outside that Hogsmede was burning, and that the flames would light up the normally peaceful night-time sight.

'Topher explained he had to go and meet someone. Of course I am not pleased with that, but we have bigger spiders to catch' she quipped, Ron looking about worriedly at the mentioning of spiders. Hermione rolled her eyes, and they continued on.

Reaching the room, Harry paced three times in front, and a large wooden door appeared on the wall. He opened it, and smiled at the Great Hall, replicated in its entirety. Everyone filed in, and moved to the front where the staff table would normally stand. All the house tables were absent, and the night sky stood above them, some orange flickering apparent on the fringes. Harry knew the orange aurora was from the fires in Hogsmede.

'Now Potter' Professor McGonagall said as they waited, 'the Guardians are yours, not mine, but you will follow my orders if I give them, understand?'

'Yes Professor' Harry answered. He knew the strain on everyone's minds with the last few hours' events, and how it was making everyone—especially himself—very nervous.

Students began filing in, and Harry was pleased to find several unexpected, yet welcoming faces come in with Ginny. Harry and the others moved over and smiled at the new arrivals.

'George, Charlie, Bill; what are you all doing here?' Harry asked in astonishment as he shook their hands and Ron gave them claps on their shoulders. They all had white laundry looking bags over their shoulders, and put them down happily as they moved out of the way for the students.

'We all came here after Bill got back from Egypt. Figured the Burrow was too much in the open, especially with the Ministry gone. It's a shame what happened to Krum, he was a good man' Charlie told the group.

'Where are Mum and Dad?' Ron asked quickly.

'They're downstairs with some of the Ministry officials. We saw Percy on the way in, but the git just looked the other way' Bill explained, the scaring on his face now tanned by the sun from his time in Egypt.

'So what's in the bags?' Harry asked, George—who looked to be wearing a permanent frown—smiled ever-so-slightly, before moving over to his bag, and pulling out some of the items.

Inside the bags, where dozens of Invisibility Cloaks, Shield Cloaks, Wildfire Whiz-Bangs, Darkness Droppings, Decoy Detonators, and a host of other items that made Harry's eyes light up.

'George' he said, looking up and seeing Hermione, Ron, and the others looking just like he felt, 'this is amazing!'

George did not smile in his old way, or make a big scene about it, but merely smirked slightly, and moved his bag over to a table which was placed near the side of the wall.

'How are you George?' Hermione asked sincerely, as he put the bag on the table, and started laying out items in their own separate piles.

He stopped for a moment as Hermione waited for an answer, and he turned to find the entire group looking at him. He lowered his head for a moment, and sighed. 'I'm fine Hermione. I just want to help end this war, and make Fred proud.'

'You will George, don't worry. Did you see that they kept that area of swamp you two made a few years back?' Hermione asked, smiling at the memory of that horrible mess, and how enraged Umbridge was. Harry could remember Fred and George's last words: "Give her hell from us Peeves." It made Harry smile, knowing for a fact that since her return, Peeves has made it his mission to bombard her all the time.

'I . . . I saw it' George answered, the first real smile in what felt like ages wiping across his face. 'That was a fun day.'

'It was. Now, let's get to business, and we can all make Fred proud' Hermione insisted. George looked up at her and the others, and nodded determinately. He turned back to his bag of tricks, and Bill and Charlie brought theirs over and pat George on the back as they helped sort them.

Once Harry returned to where the Professors and Order members were still standing, he turned and found the fake Great Hall full with students. He knew for a fact that every student was here, from every house. Everyone—even the pure-blood Slytherins—were worried about what was to come.

Professor McGonagall took the centre of the front stage, and everyone quieted immediately.

'Firstly, regardless of what I, or Mr. Potter might say, you must not panic. You must all stand together and not waver in your decisions. Times are grim, as you are all no doubt aware, but I must stress that you must all look out for one-another, and protect each other carefully.' Harry looked out at the mass of students, and could see the worry and reality of the situation in his fellow students' eyes.

'Hogsmede has been attacked, and Hogsmede Station is inaccessible. Hogwarts has become our last salvation, and you have two options my dear students. I leave the decision to you, because it is not my life that is in danger, but all of yours as well.

'The Minister of Magic has ordered all students to remain in their Dormitories. You would be safe there, but only for a time. The Ministry will fight against whatever is put against this castle, but the prospect, I will not lie, is not good.

'The second option is to fulfill your role as Guardians, and fight to protect Hogwarts. I wish for you to do the first, but again, it is now not my decision to make. As of tomorrow morning, you are no longer students of this school, but either wizarding youth, or Guardians of Hogwarts. Professors will be staying here to protect the castle, but again, the outlook is not pleasant.'

She paused for a moment as the students remained quiet, and she sighed. 'Choose wisely my dear students, for whether you decide to stay in your Dormitories, or defend Hogwarts, you all have my utmost respect. You are the few who chose to return knowing the dangers, and I pray you do not suffer for such an act of immense bravery.'

Professor McGonagall looked out at the group, and silently walked back and with the other professors, who supported her with welcoming pats on her shoulders. The crowd of students murmured with the speech, and Harry—looking at Hermione, Ron, and the others, then the Weasley brothers—moved up to the stage, and the crowd died down again.

Harry tried to slow his mind down, and focus on the task at hand, but it was hard to do. Everyone was looking right at him on this stage, and he could feel his fingers tingle with the prospect of telling all these innocent students what he thinks they should do.

He could see some of the students in front look at him worriedly, and Hermione was about to come up on stage when Harry looked down, and put is hand out to tell her no. Regardless of how he felt now, he had to remain strong, and focused for everyone else. Dumbledore did it even under all the pain of that potion, and it was Harry's turn now.

It was difficult though, but lucky for Harry, he could again hear a sweet note of music running through the air. Harry smiled as he kept looking down at his feet, and he could hear the students awe as Harry heard the familiar flap of wings enter the hall, and the warm grip of Fawkes land on his shoulder.

The crowd did not murmur, or break out into massive conversation, but rather looked on, like they were watching the most beautiful flower blossom in front of them.

Harry looked up finally at the crowd, and knew what he must do.

'This is Fawkes. He was Professor Dumbledore's phoenix, and he returned just a few hours ago while I was outside, just before the first explosion. He came back because he knew we needed his help, just like I know Hogwarts needs ours. We've called this castle our school, our home, our life for years, and countless people before us have done the same thing. You ask any of them, and they remember the Sorting, Quidditch, the Halloween Feast, OWLs, the classes-'

'The detentions!' George offered from his side of the hall, making people laugh, and Harry smile brightly at what had to be his first joke since Fred died.

'Yes!' Harry admitted, pointing at George and showing his smile. 'We all have memories here, and we can't abandon them now. The Ministry is defending the outside of the castle, but it's the inside that's vulnerable. We know this castle, some better than others' he claimed, again looking at George, 'but we can fight! We can show Lord Voldemort that he can frighten us, but we will stand up to him, and fight for our school. We will fight for all those memories, all our friends, and every brick that makes this castle Hogwarts. We can fight, and blood hell we can win!' he shouted, and the student cheered loudly. Fawkes gave a soft crow, and leapt off Harry's shoulder.

The students watched the bird take flight in the hall, and watched it circle of Harry. It sung the most beautiful and fluid notes, and seemed to just make Harry's blood boil with pride and courage. Fawkes stopped for a moment, and Harry looked up to see him hovering a few feet above him looking down.

Suddenly filled with a need to perform the charm and envelope Fawkes in his native flames, Harry raised his wand and pointed it directly at the phoenix.

'Phoenicreo!' Harry yelled, a massive fireball erupted from his wand, and burst into a huge fire-made phoenix, which spread its wings and inclined its head upwards. The song Fawkes was singing seemed intensified, and Harry thought of only him, and no one else.

Harry could see the shiver run through the students as the phoenix song grew, and the Phoenicreo died out. Fawkes flew over the students, and enveloped himself in a ball of flames, leaving the hall.

'What's your choice? Do we hide, or do we fight?' Harry asked the crowd.

'We fight!' many of the Gryffindors shouted back, Seamus, Neville, and Dean being the loudest.

'WE FIGHT!' the rest of the students yelled out at different moments. It was clear enough what the decision was as everyone burst into yelling and cheering. The rest of the DA came up on stage and many of them clapped Harry on the shoulder or cheered with the crowd. Harry looked back at the professors, and found many of the clapping along with the students. Professor Fourmove was actually cheering on the crowd, while farther down the line, Hagrid was weeping tears of joy, and giving Harry a thumbs up.

'Harry that was great!' Hermione said.

'Yeah mate, what a speech!' Ron put in.

Harry smiled at his friends, and pointed his wand up at the ceiling. 'Rutipluvia!'

The red droplets of light fell from the sky above them, and the crowd bottled its excitement for the time. Harry very much doubted they knew what was in store for them, but the first step was keeping positive.

Harry turned to the DA, and asked the professors and Order members to come forward, along with the Weasley brothers. 'We need to break off into teams, so we can distribute groups in different parts of the castle.'

'Most should go on the first floor, around the staircases to the Entrance Hall. If Death Eaters make it in, they'll have to go up those steps first' Bill advised.

'Yes, and each group should have a professor with them as well, in case difficulties arise' Professor Fourmove offered.

Harry and the others went ahead and delegated each professor or Order member with a DA member. There would be a total of twenty-three groups, and each was given distinct areas. Professor Slughorn was surprisingly insistent that he get the dungeon levels, since his office and House were located there.

'I thought you would have left by now' Harry admitted to him aside from the group.

'Harry m'boy' he replied, clapping him on the shoulder roughly, 'Dumbledore told me, like you did, that Hogwarts is the safest place to be. That has not changed, and I was content to stay put and keep away from the fighting. But when the fighting comes to you, there is very little choice left. Besides, I taught one of Britain's best dueling champions. He gave me lessons himself, so I'm sure I could give some Death Eaters a run for their galleons.' He smiled through his walrus-like silvery moustache.

'Besides' he added, leaning in and some of his heavy weight bearing down on Harry, 'if we come through this, well, you'll be my most famous student yet!' Harry smiled at the bald man whose brown waistcoat buttons were screaming to be let free. Harry returned to the group, and continued with the other professors and Order members.

Harry was pleased he was got Remus, and positioned on the first floor by the Defence classroom. Harry and Remus had a good connection now, especially after helping check on Hermione's parents for him.

Hermione herself was with Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing with the group that worked on healing spells. If the castle was breeched, it was unlikely the Great Hall would remain in their procession, so the Hospital Wing was going to be their place for injuries. Medi-guards, as Hermione called them, would also be in some of the groups that were farther away from the Hospital Wing, just in case.

Once all the groups were made, everyone went ahead and worked out their rotations and met members of their groups. Each one varied, with different students from different houses, and different years. Harry was too busy with distributing the Shield Cloaks and Invisibility Cloaks to find out exactly who was in his group. All the Cloaks were going to groups on the dungeon levels, and the first and second floors. No one was going on the ground level, as the Ministry had that covered well enough.

Just as everyone understood their role, and were getting help from their professors and DA members, Topher finally entered the Room, and moved quickly through the students and found Harry.

'Harry, you have to come with me, it's important.'

'I have to dismiss the Guard' Harry explained. Topher nodded, and Harry took the stage again, as everyone was getting talks from their group leaders. The leaders saw Harry take the stage, and quieted down.

'Make sure you know where to meet your group leaders, and make sure you bring any cloaks or anything else you need. You all have positions to hold, and there are enough of us to hold back and defeat the Death Eaters. When you hear the phoenix cry, drop what you're doing, and go to your positions.'

'Before we go' Hermione cut in, jumping up on stage, 'there's one more thing we need.' She reached into her pocket, and pulled a circular badge out. It was small, only an inch in diameter, with a silver shield imprinted over a white H on a black sea. She showed it to Harry, and he nodded at it with a smile.

'Before we go, everyone needs to get the Guardian's badge. It will go on the left shoulder of your cloaks. The Guardians will be one house' she proclaimed. Everyone looked at each other with smiles, and Hermione jumped down off the stage and moved to the doorway to give out the badges, while everyone looked back at Harry.

'Be strong, and stand your ground. Voldemort will regret the day he thought Hogwarts would fall. For Hogwarts!'

'FOR HOGWARTS!' the students shouted back, cheering loudly, and exiting the room. Each of them got their new badge, and it was placed on their cloaks.

As students were exiting, Hermione came up quickly, and smiled at Harry. 'I have an idea! I'll be back in a few minutes!' she claimed, running back and leaving with Luna. Harry was wondering what was going on, but decided to leave it be for now.

'Harry, you need to come, quickly' Topher insisted again. Harry left the Room of Requirement, Ron staying with his brothers, and the two of them moved down several flights of stairs. They remained quiet, and they entered an old classroom on the first floor, where someone was already waiting, standing near one of the windows looking out.

'Aberforth? What are you doing here?' Harry asked as Aberforth turned from the window. Topher closed the door quickly behind them, and performed some spells on it while Aberforth moved closer to Harry.

'I was lucky to get out of Hogsmede before anything happened. I'm afraid my beloved bar is up in smoke.'

'I'm sorry' Harry said.

'Oh not to worry' Aberforth responded gruffly.

'So what's going on?' Harry asked, getting to the point.

'We still need to find the Book' Topher maintained.

'Topher, we have enough to worry about just sitting here in Hogwarts! The Ministry was lost, and Hogwarts is surrounded; how do you expect to get there, let alone get into the Department of Mysteries with Death Eaters all over the place?' Harry asked incredulously.

'Do you want to defeat Voldemort or not?' Topher asked Harry seriously. The room was silent for a few moments as the question hung in the air, and Harry looked to the floor, realizing his loss of determination.

'I want to fight' he answered.

'Good, then we'll have to find a way out of the castle, and then get to the Ministry' Topher explained.

'But even when we get there' Harry responded, 'how are we going to get the Locked Door open? We don't know how.'

Harry was trying to think of a way they could find out, but nothing was coming to mind. It would be a disaster if they somehow got to the circular room, only to be thumped by a lock.

'I may have the solution to that problem' Aberforth announced, smiling at Harry over his oval classes.

'Of course, the Unspeakables!' Topher declared. Aberforth however shook his head.

'No, no. They are no doubt hiding, or worse. No, I could not find any of them if my life depended on it, but there is a group we may be able to find that would know how to enter the room.'

'Who?' Harry asked.

'The Veneforbis Guard' Aberforth answered.

'How would we find them? If they weren't killed trying to protect the Department of Mysteries-' Topher stated, being met with a waved hand from Aberforth.

'I know Topher, they could be anywhere, but we must check. Someone in the Ministry might know how to reach them. Tell me, did members of the Wizengamot come with the Ministry?'

'I believe so, we would have to ask someone' Topher remarked.

'A member of the Wizengamot might know. Let's go and see' Aberforth insisted. He turned back towards the door, and he, along with Harry and Topher, started down the hallway, and down to the first floor.

Getting onto the first floor, Harry found the Ministry still in disarray. Aurors and Healers ran through the hallways, and while walking past, Harry could see people in the old classrooms with charts and maps out arguing over things.

Continuing on, Topher found Tonks with some of the Aurors, and found out what classroom the Wizengamot were. Before leaving, Topher took Tonks to the side so no one could hear.

'Tonks, we need a huge favour' Topher said, looking at the pale-pink haired woman. She looked behind her for a moment, and back at Topher.

'I'll try Toph, what is it?' she asked.

'We need to as much information about the Ministry as possible. How many Death Eaters there are, any important information' he professed quietly. Harry was standing with Aberforth a few feet away, but he could hear their conversation, and see Tonks' reaction to the question.

She looked behind her again, and leaned in closer. 'They sent a Baldric and Kingsley to check out the Ministry. They'll be getting back within the hour' she informed. 'When they get back, I'll come and let you know.'

'Thanks Tonks' Topher responded, giving her a smile. They left the Auror's room, and Harry smiled up at Topher.

'Do you have a thing for Tonks?' he asked, Topher smiling with both sides and letting out a laugh.

'She's cute Harry, but I think she's into older men. I've seen her and Remus, and they're pretty close. Besides, I'm kind of seeing someone anyways' he maintained as they moved through the throng of people. Harry was going to ask who, but they came to Classroom Two, the smallest one on the ground floor.

Walking into the classroom, Harry found a group of tired looking wizards and witches. Aberforth looked very at home in this room, and he moved slowly between the people, all talking quietly with each other, until he reached a very old woman, with a old and weathered face. Harry remembered her from his trial a few years before.

'Ah Griselda' Aberforth expressed warmly. The woman looked up, and her face tripled in lines as she smiled up at Aberforth, and gave him a light hug. Harry could see Aberforth not even touching her, which Harry understood. He imagined giving her a hug would make her snap like a twig.

'Aberforth, it's so wonderful to see you. How is your pub doing?' she asked as she took her seat.

'Up in smoke I'm afraid' he answered calmly. 'We need your help Griselda.'

'Well, I do not know what help I could be now, but I will try' she answered.

'We are looking for a member of the Veneforbis Guard' Aberforth said to the old woman.

'A Chamber member' Topher added, the old lady's tired brown eyes looking up at him.

'A Chamber member? Oh Aberforth, why are you looking for- . . . you're trying to get into the Room Number Nine aren't you?' she asserted.

'Please Griselda, we need to get there. Harry here needs to get what is inside' Aberforth maintained.

'Oh, hello Mr. Potter. I'm afraid my eye-sight is not all it used to be. And you are?' she asked, looking at Topher.

'Topher Terrwynebas' he answered, reaching his hand out. The woman's eyes grew wide for a moment, then looked at Aberforth as she shook his hand lightly with her wrinkled hand.

'Terrwynebas' she reiterated quietly, looking back up at Topher, then glancing at Harry. If Topher's mother was a Chamber member, it was probable that she knew her.

'Please Griselda' Aberforth again asked. She looked down at her lap, letting out an old and weary sigh, before looking back up at Topher.

'I knew your mother, and your father. They were wonderful people' she admitted. 'The Veneforbis Guard is very secretive, but the man you need to contact is Fletcher Follit.'

Topher looked at Aberforth and Griselda with surprise. 'That was the man who made my wand!' he exclaimed. Griselda nodded slowly.

'Of course, he makes the wand for all the Veneforbis members. There is only one problem.'

'What is that dear Griselda?' Aberforth asked, leaning in and taking hold of her hand.

'Your brother Albus was the only one whom I knew was able to contact him. He used that delightful phoenix of his I believe' she explained. Aberforth's eyes moved down, however Harry's eyes lit up at the remark, and he smiled brightly.

'Well, I guess we'll have to find another way' Aberforth remarked dejectedly.

'No we don't! Fawkes came back, just today!' Harry announced happily.

'He came back?' Topher asked, Harry nodding.

'Yes, just as the attack on Hogsmede started!' Harry expounded. Griselda smiled at the energetic teen, and at Topher.

'Good luck Harry Potter, and you too Mr. Terrwynebas' she said pleasantly. Aberforth and the others bid her farewell, and quickly raced towards the stairs.

'Harry, you say Fawkes returned just today?' Aberforth asked as they climbed to the first floor.

'Yes, just when my friends and I were visiting Dumbledore's—I mean Albus'—tomb' Harry explained as they moved to the next stairwell. They were walking along quickly, when a scream was heard behind them. Harry and the others turned, and his heartbeat increased tenfold, and his blood felt like it turned to ice.

Down the hallway, Hermione was being held at wand-point. She was struggling against the man's arm, but he pushed his wand tip deeper into her neck, and Harry's mind was running with panic.

'Don't do it Percy!' Topher yelled, as he raised his wand, stepping forward. Harry moved to take his wand out as well, but Percy held Hermione tighter.

'Don't think about it Potter!' he yelled. 'The Dark Lord will be pleased when I've killed your dear sweet Mudblood' he added, as his mouth twitched angrily. Hermione's eyes were wide with fear, and Harry felt powerless as Percy kept his wand on her neck.

'Put her down Percy!' Topher yelled again, his wand still fixed on him.

'Let her go!' came from behind Percy, and he turned to his side to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley coming up the stairs. Mr. Weasley had his wand pointed at Percy, but Mrs. Weasley was approaching him quietly.

'Get back you old hag!' Percy yelled at his mother. She stopped for a moment as her eyes glistened in the firelight from the torches at his terrible words, but she continued.

'Percy dear, you're no murderer. Why can't I have the sweet young man I raised back? The one who always fretted over his homework, and loved to help around the house' she said quietly, as she reached her hand out to her son.

'Get back! I swear, I'll- I'll do it!' he yelled, looking back at Topher, and again at Mrs. Weasley.

'Just take my hand Percy, and let's sit down and talk, please' she pleaded as a tear escaped her eyes. Percy's eyes darted from Mrs. Weasley to Topher again, then his father, and back to Mrs. Weasley.

'I- . . . I can- . . . I-'

'Please Percy, we love you' Mrs. Weasley whispered, her hand only inches from his arm, which was still wrapped around Hermione's shoulders. Percy was shaking violently, and as Mrs. Weasley touched her son's arm, his grasp let go of Hermione.

Hermione ran quickly towards Harry, but as Mrs. Weasley reached for her son, his eyes grew wide, and he turned back to Hermione and Harry. He violently pushed his mother down, and raised his wand towards Hermione.

'AVAD-A—AHH!' he screamed as his wand moved skyward abruptly, and he fell over convulsing. Mr. Weasley ran up, along with Topher, and they both kicked away Percy's wand. Hermione hugged Harry, and they walked up slowly, helping Mrs. Weasley to her feet.

'Are you alright Hermione dear?' she asked, looking down at her son on the floor, who was knocked out cold.

'I'm fine. He caught me when Luna and I were coming back up from the kitchens.'

'Why were you in the kitchens?' Harry asked disappointedly.

'Luna and I thought the house elves could help. They can Apparate inside the castle, so they could help injured students by bringing them to the Hospital Wing. As well, they could help out students by delivering messages and help students with short-cuts and such' she explained.

'We went and talked to Dobby and a few others, and they agreed to help. Luna and I were coming back up, when Percy grabbed me and took my wand. Luna ran to get help, and he brought me up here searching for you.'

'I'm sorry Hermione' Harry admitted, giving her a warm hug. Harry was just so happy she was alright, he held on tightly, and inhaled her aroma longingly.

'It's alright Harry, I should have been more careful. Will he be alright?' she asked, turning to see Topher and Mr. Weasley checking Percy out, while Aberforth checked his head. Topher handed Hermione her wand, and he put it in her pocket.

'I think he's been under an Imperious Curse, for a very long time too. Only Lord Voldemort himself could have held it for such a time I believe' Aberforth insisted.

'Will he be alright?' Mr. Weasley asked as he held his unconscious son's hand. Luna came down the stairwell, and had Ron, Ginny, and Neville in tow.

'Mum, what happened?' Ginny asked as she ran up and gave her mother a big hug. Mrs. Weasley was still crying, and she hugged her daughter tightly.

'Who's that?' Ron asked, as he approached Percy.

'Percy was under an Imperious Curse' Harry explained, as Luna asked if Hermione was alright.

'We need to move him to the Hospital Wing. Poppy can get him into better health, and perhaps figure out how long he's been under the curse' Aberforth reckoned. Mr. Weasley levitated his son towards the Hospital Wing. Mrs. Weasley moved down with them, with Ginny and Luna following to help her.

'Percy, under an Imperious Curse?' Ron questioned, Topher putting his wand away and sighing.

'It is possible. We're lucky for his own will kept him from killing Hermione, and broke the curse. I think that's why his wand shot up at the end there.'

'So could that be why he started acting so strange all those years ago?' Hermione suggested.

'Perhaps. We need to get to the East Tower. We may have found a way to open that locked door in the Department of Mysteries where the Book is' Harry explained as they continued their way up the stairwells.

'Hello there Harry and Hermione! I see Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna here too, excellent. And oh, another visitor! Although with how things are in the lower levels, I am not surprised' Evander maintained. Aberforth looked up at the painting, and Evander laughed.

'Oh, it's Aberforth Dumbledore! It was hard to recognize you with the beard! How are you my old chap?' Evander asked lightheartedly.

'I am in a hurry Evander' Aberforth insisted. 'But it is nice to see your cheerful self again' he added. Evander waited no further, and with the password, swung open for the three men.

'You know Evander?' Harry asked as they moved up the hallway.

'Yes, although I haven't seen him since I was at Hogwarts. I visited my brother here in the East Tower many times, though I think he grew annoyed at my constant asking for help with transfiguration' Aberforth admitted, as they entered the common.

They all entered the common room, and found Fawkes perched above the fireplace, since a real perch was unavailable.

'So he is back' Topher whispered.

'Yeah, so we can ask him to find that guy, and hopefully he'll know how to get into the room' Harry exclaimed as he moved over to Fawkes.

'What guy, and what room?' Ginny asked. Harry realized that Neville, Ginny, and Luna really did not have a clue what they were going after.

'It's a long story. We're trying to find a book-'

'A very important book' Topher put in.

'-that we think holds magic that will destroy Voldemort. We thought it was in Egypt-'

'So that's why the Durmstrang Ship was here?' Neville asked, Harry nodding.

'Yes, but the book wasn't there. But we found out it was in the Department of Mysteries. Remember when we went there-'

'Who could forget' Ginny claimed, looking at the others.

'There was a door that we couldn't open remember?' Harry asked. The three nodded, and he continued. 'The book is in that room, and Fawkes knows how to contact a guy who might-'

'Harry, Harry' Ginny cut in. 'So basically, we need a book in that locked room, and you're trying to figure out how to open up the door?' she asked. Harry nodded, and she sighed angrily. 'Why the bloody hell didn't you just say that!'

'We need to get moving, time is of the essence' Topher instructed, breaking up the conversation. Ginny smiled at Harry to let him know she was joking, but he already knew.

Walking up to Fawkes, the bright red phoenix crooked its neck, and looked at Harry with its black eyes.

'So only Fawkes knows where this guy is?' Hermione asked, Harry nodding.

'Looks like he came back just when we needed him' Ron commented.

'Topher, what was his name again?' Harry asked.

'Fletcher Follit.'

'Fawkes?' Harry asked the bird. He had to admit, it felt strange talking to a bird surrounded by people, but he continued on when the phoenix looked at him directly.

'Do you know where Fletcher Follit is?' he asked. Fawkes looked at Harry for a few moments, then lightly bobbed his head a few times.

'I guess that's a yes' Ron smirked. Harry moved to the desk, and wrote down on a piece of parchment the question about how to open Room Number Nine's door in the Department of Mysteries. He went back to the group, and held up the letter for Fawkes.

'Can you deliver this to him, and bring me back a response? I don't care if you have to peck at him, fly around his head, anything; just bring back an answer, O.K. Fawkes?' he asked. Fawkes grabbed the letter in his beak quickly, and jumped off the mantle, and burst into flames above their heads—startling them all with his speed.

'How long do you think he's going to take?' Neville asked.

'I'm not sure. We have to find out about the Ministry first' Harry told the group.

'What? Harry, you're not seriously thinking of going to the Department of Mysteries again, not now!' Ginny argued.

'Gin, we have no choice. Harry needs this to defeat Voldemort' Hermione explained to the red-head.

'What about Hogwarts? What if it gets attacked while you're gone?' she questioned determinately. 'The Guardians need you Harry.'

'I know Ginny, but if I don't go now, I might never have the chance again. I want you, Neville, Luna, and the other DA members to take charge. Fawkes will stay here, and I will tell him to sound the warning if the castle is attacked.'

'And Miss Weasley, we do not plan to stay in the Ministry for very long; in and out. If there are too many Death Eaters, we will come back. We don't plan on dying' Topher assured.

'We should go and wait for word from Nymphadora' Aberforth said from his side of the room. Harry ran up to his dormitory first, and grabbed three items from his trunk, before coming back down. The group filed out of the East Tower, and moved down to the first floor to the Defence classroom.

Topher left the group in the classroom, and went down to the ground floor to find out if Tonks had learned about the Ministry. Harry and the others talked about Percy, and the plans for the Guard, and Harry gave Neville one of the items he retrieved from his trunk.

'An old piece of parchment?' Neville questioned.

'Not just a piece of parchment' Harry informed, taking it, and placing his wand on the top. 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.'

The Marauder's Map became visible, and Neville, Ginny, Luna, and even Aberforth moved in closer to see the map as Harry unfolded it.

'Is this-?' Ginny whispered.

'It's Hogwarts. You can see everyone in the castle, and where they are' Harry told them.

'You know, I heard about a map like this existing for a castle in Germany, though reports were that it was eaten by a Gaulic Dragon' Luna fluttered in.

'I'm giving this to you if Hogwarts is attacked while we are away. You can see where Death Eaters are and where groups should move to' Harry instructed. Neville took the map, although he was not sure of how to use it exactly.

Topher came back into the room, and motioned the group to come with him. They all left, and Topher brought them to where Professor Fourmove, Professor McGonagall, Remus, and Mad-Eye Moody were standing, just near the staircase to the ground floor.

'What is the news from the Ministry?' Topher asked, as the professors and Order members noticed the students and Aberforth, but did not bother to get angry at them being in the halls.

'We're not sure, Baldric and Kingsley couldn't get back here, but luckily they're Order members, so they went to Grimmauld Place. But that's all the Ministry knows from the tracking maps' Remus explained, as Tonks came up the stairs looking dreadfully tired.

'Did Remus tell you?' Tonks asked Topher.

'Yes, and we need to get to Grimmauld to find out about the Ministry. We need to get to the Department of Mysteries.' Professor McGonagall was becoming quickly enraged.

'You can't be serious! You are still going on about this, even now when Death Eaters are climbing up the front lawn!'

'Professor, with all due respect, Harry needs the Book of Thoth! It's the only way he can kill Voldemort. If Death Eaters get inside Hogwarts, Voldemort will follow after, and none of us can kill him except Harry with that Book!' Topher maintained forcefully.

'What happens if Death Eaters are swarming through the Ministry? What will you do?' McGonagall asked Topher sternly.

'We'll come back here. Please, trust us Minerva. Albus was researching this for years, and I've been working with Aberforth here on figuring out what Harry needed, and where it was. He needs this Book, because it does exist-'

'And it was brought back to England and put in the Department of Mysteries-' Aberforth put in.

'And put under protection by the Veneforbis Guard' Topher said.

'Let's say it does exist, how do you know it is there?' McGonagall questioned.

'The guardians of the tomb in Egypt said it was where we thought it was, which is the Department of Mysteries. My mother was murdered by Voldemort because she was a Chamber Member of the Guard, and she was keeping a secret that he could not find out. Voldemort has been putting spies in the Department of Mysteries and now he has captured the Ministry. He is trying to get the Book!'

'Then he may already have it' Mad-Eye offered gruffly.

'No, if he had it, we'd know. We need to get there, and fast, before Hogwarts is attacked' Topher pressed. Harry could see his hands shaking with the rushing he was trying to impose on McGonagall.

'Albus always said there was something special about you Potter, and I guess it is about time I realize what that might be' she claimed, looking at Harry thoughtfully. Hurried steps could be heard behind them, and everyone turned to see Bill Weasley running up the steps.

'We got word from Baldric and Kingsley about the Ministry' he huffed.

'And?' almost everyone said at once.

'It's empty' Bill replied.

'Empty?' Remus reiterated, and Bill nodded.

'We don't know the specifics, but that's what was on the parchment they banished to us.'

'If Voldemort pulled all his Death Eaters out of the Ministry, it may be to attack Hogwarts. We need to go and get that information from them, and get to the Ministry' Topher insisted rapidly.

McGonagall looked up at the ceiling for a moment, and sighed. 'Remus, Tonks; you will go with Potter and Topher here to Grimmauld Place, where you will make the fastest trip to the Ministry ever known to man-kind, understand?' she asked, looking at Topher and the others.

'Thank you professor' Harry said to Professor McGonagall. She smiled at him, and placed a kind hand on his shoulder.

'Be safe Harry. The Guardians need you and your friends, as does Hogwarts' she expressed warmly. Harry smiled at her, and he looked at Hermione and Ron.

'If we're to go, it better be now' Aberforth maintained.

'You're coming with us?' Ron remarked.

'Of course I am boy! I know more about the Department of Mysteries than anyone else' he bellowed proudly. Harry decided not to press the matter, and he shook hands with Professor McGonagall, Mad-Eye, and Professor Fourmove.

'Good luck Potter' Professor Fourmove said. Harry gave Neville a good handshake, and hugged Luna but not Ginny.

'Oh no, you're not doing that to me' Ginny explained. 'You'll hug me when you get back.' Harry smiled, and agreed to that deal. He turned around, and was surprised to find out who Topher's little romantic interest was.

'Take care Topher' Professor Fourmove said, giving Topher a kiss. Harry and the others snickered at the small kiss, and both Topher and Professor Fourmove blushed.

'Oh enough of that! Let's go' Topher waved. The group of seven, consisting of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Topher, Aberforth, Remus, and Tonks all moved down the fire-lit stairwell, and looked up at the two Professors, Mad-Eye, and the two students, who waved back.

'What about Faw-' Hermione was asking, when a ball of fire erupted just above them, and Fawkes flew down. He dropped a note to Harry, and soared up into the castle. Harry caught the note, and his shoulders slumped when he found a riddle on it.

The lock you wish to open see
The room you wish to explore,
With wizard's key you must be
To open that one door.

But the key must special see
To it you have a rapport,
It must have in it a special name
Your name, minus the door.

Oh how Harry started to hate riddles. Why couldn't this man just write "You need to do this" and simply state it. In a time like this, having to solve a riddle was just not needed, or warranted in Harry's books.

'Oh no, a bloody riddle again' Ron moaned as he looked at it under the firelight.

'Any ideas?' Harry asked the group as Topher looked at the note.

'Well, wizard's don't have keys normally, we have wands. So I gather the first part is saying you need a wand to open the lock' Hermione insisted.

'Yeah, well I have one of those, but the second part is kind of confusing. It says I need one I have a rapport with, and is has to have in it a special name?' Harry questioned.

'Your name minus the door' Topher whispered, thinking for a moment.

'There is no door in Harry' Ron pointed out.

'Or in Potter' Hermione added.

'Yes' Topher said as he paced for a moment, 'but there is one in Gryffindor.'

'But that's not my name' Harry exclaimed.

'But it was your family name' Aberforth proclaimed.

'So' Hermione started, 'you need a wizard's key with a Gryffindor minus the door in its name.'

'I need a Gryffin wand?' Harry questioned.

'No' Topher said, coming back to the group with the note. 'You need a wand with a Gryffin inside of it. You need my wand to open the door.'

Topher held up his wand, and the riddle finally dawned on Harry and the others. 'Of course, you said the wand maker made all the Veneforbis wands, and that he made yours and your parents' Harry professed.

'I imagine that's why he's not well known, and Gryffin feathers aren't used more often' Topher concluded. 'Well, we need to get going, and fast. We need to see what Baldric and Kingsley found out,'

The group moved determinately through the shadowy halls, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley saw them, and asked them where they were going. They stopped while they explained it quickly to Ron's parents, and Harry was surprised by their reactions.

'Oh, be safe Ronny!' Mrs. Weasley muttered, crushing Ron in a hug. Mr. Weasley came up and shook Harry's hand. Harry had expected them to both protest against the move, but they were all adults now, and deep down, Harry felt they knew how important it was that they went.

'Good luck son' Mr. Weasley said. Harry smiled up and could feel his eyes sting with tears, as he changed the handshake into a hug, which Mr. Weasley returned.

They said goodbye, and with one last bone-crushing hug from Mrs. Weasley, the group slipped out the doors, and into the grounds.

Hogsmede was still burning brightly, and the night sky was bright with orange flares, and the menacing Dark Mark that still floated over the town as it burned. The group stood for a moment, then continued determinately down the slopes towards the gates.

'Halt! Students are not allowed outside their Dormitories, and no one is allowed out! Go back to the castle!' the head gatekeeper announced to the group, as some of the gatekeepers turned and looked out towards the road that lead up to the gate.

'We are leaving, so please move' Topher asked politely.

'Stewart, this is Harry Potter. We are going to get something that can and will save us from You-Know-Who' Tonks explained to her fellow Auror. The head gatekeeper, who Harry assumed was Stewart, looked towards the gates, and back at the group.

'Where is Potter?' he asked. Harry was hesitant, but came to the front of the group, and faced the gatekeeper. All of them were wearing black cloaks, and Stewart took his hood off to show a black-haired man in his thirties, with dark brown eyes and pale skin.

'I've heard the stories about you Potter. Although it's against the Minister's orders, I think if anyone can stop You-Know-Who, it's you Harry. Good luck' he stated, offering his hand. Harry, with an astonished look, shook it, and Stewart ordered the guards to move out of the way and stand ready.

The gates opened just enough for each of them to slip out one at a time, and once Tonks was through, they were shut again, and sealed.

'Thanks Stewie!' Tonks called back quietly.

'Alright everyone, to Grimmauld Place first, then onwards. May Merlin protect us' Topher told the group, and with a series of cracks, they all Apparated to Grimmauld Place.

Spell / Name Meanings:
Sekhem Scepter - A symbol in Ancient Egypt for power and control
For more information, see Fletcher - Middle English: Maker of Arrows
Follit - Manx Gaelic: Secret (Fletcher Follit Maker of Secret Arrows)
Stewart - Old English: house guard