Came Out of the Darkness Chapter 34 Devil in the Church, a harry potter fanfic

Came out of the Darkness 34 – Devil in the Church

All hail the amazing Rowling, who created this world and the people in it. And many thanks to the creator of Harry Potter Wiki where I go when I think – now what the hell was the name of… AU but running somewhat parallel to her path. Mix of book- and movie-verse.

Listen up, listen up
There's a devil in the church
Got a bullet in the chamber
And this is gonna hurt
Let it out let it out
You can scream it you can shout
Keep your secrets in the shadows and you'll be sorry

This Is Gonna Hurt – Sixx A.M. – lyrics by Ashba, DJ, Sixx, Nikki, & Michael James © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

*x*x*x*x*x*

Harry set the plan into motion before they even reached the Castle. On the train, he sought out Colin Creevey and by association his little brother Dennis – a firstie. He let them babble on in their excitement but before he left them, he leaned down to Dennis' ear. "When the Hat is placed on your head, I need you to tell him that I need to speak to him later."

"I… don't understand, sir," Dennis squeaked.

"You don't have to. You just have to remember. I need to speak to him later." Harry stood up, feeling like he towered over the little boy. Then he tapped the top of the boy's head with his wand.

"Was that so I would remember?"

"No. It's raining. That was to keep you warm and dry during your ride to the Castle. I have no doubt you'll remember the task I've given you."

Harry walked back to where Hermione waited, "What was that for?" she asked about the spell.

"He falls into the lake, remember? It's freaking cold in there."

Sure enough, Dennis came into the Great Hall grinning like a fool and tripping over Hagrid's coat that had been draped over his tiny form. As soon as he sat down at Gryffindor table, he crowed that he'd fallen into the lake and been rescued by something from under the water. But he was dry and warm.

Dumbledore stepped up to the main podium to address the assembled students. But before he could explain why the Quidditch cup was cancelled, the Great Hall was breached. As the doors flew open, the quiet night sky on the ceiling turned suddenly ominous and black. Lightning crashed, thunder roared. Snape stiffened in his chair. He looked at the man who entered, then looked down at his own forearm. He looked to Harry who nodded.

Dumbledore introduced the newcomer as their new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Alastor Moody. Then went on to tell them about the Tri-Wizard Tournament that would be taking place starting in October. Harry only listened vaguely as his mind was on the coming night. As soon as the food appeared on the table, he slipped out of the Hall. He ducked into the boys' lavatory and stood in front of the mirror for a moment, staring at his fourteen year old reflection. "Make it right," he whispered to himself. He checked around as he emerged from the bathroom, seeing no one, he set out at a jog for the Kitchens. And the House Elves.

"Lord Harry. Lord Harry is here!" the cry went up through the Elves.

"Hizzy?" Harry recognized the old Elf. "How are you?"

"Hizzy is well, Harry."

"Good. I have a huge favor to ask of you. But first I have to ask… to whom do the Hogwarts' Elves swear their allegiance?"

"Hogwarts Elves be serving the Castle Hogwarts, Harry," Hizzy replied.

Harry smiled.

Back at the table a few minutes later, Ron watched him sit beside Hermione, "Where'd you go?"

"Bathroom," Harry replied as he began to pile food onto his plate. His gaze met Draco's across the Hall. Harry nodded once.

X * x * x * x * X

Severus had gone through his usual first night speech with his House. Then he retired to his quarters to wait for any firsties to feel homesick. His thoughts went to his return to the Castle. Dumbledore was waiting in the Great Hall in the exact spot he'd been when term ended and he'd told Snape to report to his office. He was calm, polite, with a friendly twinkle in his eye, when he demanded to know where Snape had been. Snape had calmly reminded the Headmaster that summers were traditionally his to do with what he wished. The two men had stared at each other unblinking. He'd felt a soft touch. As though a finger had been lightly placed on the center of his forehead. Very little pressure. Definitely no pain. No penetration. His work with Lucius all summer had paid off. His mental barrier had kept the headmaster out. Dumbledore had blinked first and turned to welcome the students and gestured for them to follow him into the Great Hall. He'd given Snape one last penetrating look tinged with sadness before sweeping away.

An alarm sounded in his room. Snape sat up, startled. It was almost midnight. He'd fallen asleep. He'd not been alerted by his clock to any firstie needing him. This was his gym alarm. Snape stepped out of his rooms to find Draco waiting in the hallway. "What are you doing out here?"

"Joining the revolution," Draco replied. "Harry's waiting in the gym. We need your help."

"Let's go," Severus said. Draco smiled at him. Warm not sly.

Harry and Hermione turned as Severus and Draco walked in and shut the door. The Marauders' Map was spread out between them.

"Is your mind blocked?" Harry asked straight out. "Were you able to keep Dumbledore out this evening?"

"Yes," Snape nodded.

"Are you certain? Completely out?"

"Absolutely."

Harry looked to Hermione, who nodded. "The man who walked into the Castle tonight, and was introduced as Alastor Moody, is actually Barty Crouch Jr. using Polyjuice Potion. The real Moody is trapped in a trunk in the Dark Arts office. We're going to sneak in and rescue him."

"Just sneak in. To the office of a man who can see through walls," Snape said. "A Death Eater."

"We have a plan," Hermione retorted.

"Of course you do," Snape sighed. "How long has Moody been trapped? Never mind. That's what happened. The day of the storm. I need a few things from my stores. Any idea of his condition?"

Harry shook his head, "No. Last time we didn't know it until after the Final Task of the Tournament. But probably a bit battered." Harry glanced at the map where Crouch's name grew still in the professor's rooms. "Crouch is in bed. We need to start at midnight."

Snape glanced at his watch, "I'll be right back." He strode to his potions stores and grabbed a selection of vials, returning quickly. "Ready."

Harry pulled a pocket watch from his pants pocket. When Snape looked at it intently, he showed it to him, "We got these at the World Cup. Hiroaki examined them for us. Not quite as good as a Goblin exam but it'll do." It was gold with an eagle embossed on the cover.

Draco pulled his out as well, "Mine has a snake, see. Neville's has a lion head. We got the girls lockets."

Hermione pulled a simple gold locket from under her shirt. Snape took it in his hand to examine it quickly, "Pretty, but I don't understand….."

Harry opened the watch. On the inside was a regular time piece on one side, a shiny reflective surface on the other. He watched the seconds tick down to midnight. Then the Clock Tower began to chime out the hours. He brought the watch up close to his mouth and said, "Changing Fate." The interior of the watch lit up in a soft blue. He grinned and said, "Call to arms."

In the Gryffindor tower, Neville's watch lit up blue and vibrated in his hand. He started awake and lifted it to his face. Harry's voice was clear, "Call to arms."

"I'm on my way," Neville said, his response transmitted to the others.

"Me, too," Luna said from her bed in Ravenclaw tower.

Snape was staring in astonishment at the device.

"It's like a Muggle walkie-talkie. A two way radio. Or in this case five way," Harry explained. "We can talk to each other from anywhere. So far we've tested it from Malfoy Manor to Longbottom Village. And in the Castle of course. Speaking of which, I spoke to the Sorting Hat an hour ago. The Castle and the Hat have offered to assist in any way they can. With the Castle, come the ghosts and…"

"The Elves is ready, Harry," Hizzy said as he appeared in the room with them.

"Elves. Harry the Elves have sworn their allegiance to Dumbledore. You can't…" Snape began.

"Begging Master Snape's pardon," Hizzy interrupted. "But the Elves is serving the Castle Hogwarts. Castle does not like the bad Moody in her. Castle is not liking the bad Moody looking through walls. So Castle will stop bad Moody. Castle is telling Elves that Harry is to be helped as Harry asked."

Snape blinked at him then shrugged, "Very well. Welcome to the revolution."

"No Master Snape. Elves is not allowed to revolt. But Elves is allowed a wee bit of mischief."

Neville and Luna walked in, hand in hand.

Harry grinned, "Let the mischief commence. Luna, Filch is in the Charms corridor."

"I'm on it," she replied, dropping a kiss to Neville's cheek then skipping out the door.

"Argus… what… " Snape stammered.

"He could be a real threat to the plan," Hermione advised. "He knows the Castle's secrets better than anyone. Besides, it's raining."

"So?"

"So he seems to be crankier when it rains," Hermione explained.

"His joints ache," Snape replied. "What are you planning?"

X * x * X

Luna skipped along, seemingly wandering aimlessly. Then she passed directly by the Charms Corridor. When Filch shouted at her, she giggled and darted away. He followed grumbling, Mrs. Norris at his feet. She would appear just at the end of a hallway, or the door to a room, keeping just out of reach, leading him on.

Filch was panting when he reached the entrance to his own rooms. The door sat open wide, Luna was inside, leaning on the back of a chair. A chair that had never been there before. Wide, with a tall back, rounded arms.

"What? What are you doing in my room? What is this chair doing here? I locked this door. How did you get inside?" Filch demanded.

"The chair is a gift," Luna replied. "I transfigured your old footstool. Come sit."

"What is going on?"

"Come sit," she repeated as she spread a thick quilt over the chair. "The Muggles invented this chair. It's called a Lazy Boy. Silly name for a chair. But most comfortable. Come sit."

Filch muttered under his breath as he walked over to her, "Lunatic."

She giggled, then urged him to sit down and wrapped him in the warm quilt. "This lever on the side… lifts your feet."

Argus moaned in relief as the chair cradled his aching body. He looked at her suspiciously "Why do this?" Mrs. Norris leapt up to his lap and stretched out next to him in the chair with a satisfied purr.

Luna smiled, "Because it's the right thing to do." She gestured at the fireplace and a roaring fire ignited. Another wave and the table walked itself over to the chair side, complete with a pot of steaming tea and a plate of cookies. "We're to be creating a bit of chaos in the Castle tonight. So we decided to settle you in first all warm and cozy. Once I leave, your door will close and remain sealed until we are done. Enjoy the tea." Then she scampered out. The door shut softly.

Filch considered getting up and testing the door, but decided that he was too warm and comfortable. He reached over and picked up a cookie. He sniffed it, "Hmm. Gingerbread. Our favorite." He broke off a piece for Mrs. Norris then crunched happily.

Luna slipped into the gym, "Mr. Filch is all settled in."

"Good," Harry nodded. "Hizzy, you're up."

Hizzy disappeared with a snap of his fingers.

Barty Crouch Jr. was trying to get comfortable. But with someone else's Magical Eye stuck in his face and missing half of a leg, it wasn't easy. He'd just found a relatively good position when his alarm sounded in his office, followed instantly by a loud crash. He leapt up and fell flat onto his face, forgetting once again that in his Polyjuiced state, he needed to replace the fake leg before he tried to walk. He snatched it up and managed to get it into place to jog-hop his way into the office.

"FUCK!"

The cauldron that was brewing the Polyjuice potion had broken in half. He forgot about the initial alarm as he tried to salvage some of the potion but it was no use. Most of it had gone down into the fire, extinguishing it. And rendering the mixture useless. He walked over and checked his stores. He had enough left for a month, maybe a bit longer. But in order to keep up his disguise, he would need to begin brewing tonight. And in order to brew tonight, he would need to raid Snape's supplies.

A small girl elf popped into the gym, she giggled and covered her mouth, and "Lissy broke the Bad Moody's cauldron and set off the alarm. Lissy left the stored potions alone. The Bad Moody is angry and saying nasty words. He is coming out of his room."

"Thank you Lissy," Hermione said and the elf popped away.

"He's on his way to your supply room," Harry said as they tracked Crouch using the Marauders' Map.

"He's going to pass right by here!" Snape hissed.

"Castle has that under control," Neville replied. "We're fine."

Sure enough, Crouch limped right by the gym without ever noticing the group gathered inside. He went straight to the store room. He broke in and began pilfering the supplies for the potion. He'd just gathered them all into a box and turned to leave…

"Devil in the Church," Harry said. "Castle. We're ready."

The Castle awoke. She sighed and stretched. Then she shook. Violently.

It felt like a massive earthquake.

X * x * X

Crouch was barely able to keep upright and hold onto the stolen supplies. All around him, glass rattled. Suddenly, wooden shutters appeared, slamming into place in front of the shelves to protect all of the contents. At the same time, the entrance door crashed shut. When the shaking stopped, he walked over to the door. It was locked. He was trapped. It was only then that Crouch realized that the Magical Eye wasn't working. He could still see out of it, but could not see through anything.

X * x * X

McGonagall was in her office working through a pot of strongly brewed coffee and the endless stack of paperwork that came with the start of term. When the quake hit, the pot tipped over, staining the carpet. She held onto the piles of carefully sorted scrolls as the vibration threatened to scatter them. Once the floor stopped moving, she got up and made her way to the office door. She tried to open it, cast spell after spell, before admitting, she was locked in.

X * x * X

Trelawney was asleep in her tower when it started. She immediately ran to her crystal ball but the smoky interior told her nothing. She spent the rest of the night consulting her tea leaves and tarot cards. She never once tried the door.

X * x * X

Flitwick was in the Ravenclaw common room (where he spent every first night) when the shaking began. Children were waking up in a panic. Once the quake ended, he gathered them all together in the common room, checking each for injury (there were none) and calming their fears. It was his seventh year prefect that discovered that the entrance wouldn't open. And a third year girl who came to him advising that they were missing one student. Then the Gray Lady ghost came in through the wall. She floated to Flitwick and whispered into his ear. He hissed a question. And she nodded and smiled. "Children," Flitwick raised his voice over the adrenaline filled din. "It appears that something has happened. And that the Castle wants us to remain here in our tower." He pulled out his wand and flicked it. All of the regular furniture in the room was instantly reduced to doll house size and stacked on the fireplace mantle. Another flick and the floor was covered in thick cushy feather mattresses and blankets. "Settle in. And I will tell you a story." The Gray Lady slipped over to the corner to stand watch.

X * x * X

Sprout was in her quarters when the quake began. She immediately made her way to the Hufflepuff dorms despite the rolling floor beneath her feet. She too checked every student in her charge. Once they realized they were sealed in their dorm, Cedric and the other prefects helped her settle the students into the common room as well, dragging their own blankets and pillows off of their beds. The Fat Friar dropped in through the ceiling and whispered into her ear before settling in by the main door. "Well. We'll stay here then. How about a story? Who has a good book that I can read aloud? Oh, my," she gasped as a dozen hands went up with books in them. "Hmmm… how about I read the one *I* checked out of the Muggle Library tonight."

"Oh no," one of the boys whined. "That's a kissing book!"

X * x * X

Hagrid slept through the quake. Fang woke slightly and lifted his head to give a low woof. But settled back down to sleep. No worries.

X * x * X

Down in the Slytherin Dungeon, the students were scared, but not in a panic. As soon as the shaking ended, Eva Rosier's recorded song began to serenade the children down to where Draco had placed it in the common room. The calming beacon led the snakes into the room where thick green sleeping bags already covered the floor. A fire burned merrily in the fireplace. The Bloody Baron stood next to the mantle. "Come children. All is well. Master Snape is out, handling a bit of a problem in the Castle. The quake is over and will not happen again tonight. But Master Snape would prefer that you remain in here for the night." He gestured to the sleeping bags.

"Sir… not to question," Miles Bletchley, the seventh year prefect spoke up, "But Master Snape is usually very firm with the bedtime. Especially on First Night."

The Baron nodded, "Hence the sleeping bags. And the book." He pointed to a chair still sitting by the fireplace.

Miles walked over and picked up the book. He smiled, "Snakes! Run to your rooms and get anything you need for the night. One toy each if that's what you want. And bring your pillows."

Soon they were all settled in, listening to Miles read, "Treasure Island" written by Robert Louis Stevenson."

X * x * X

The Gryffindor prefects had their hands full. Once the terror faded, and Sir Nicholas informed them that all was safe, they went a bit crazy. The door was sealed, McGonagall was not there. So they gathered here there and everywhere. Gossiping, playing games, running from room to room.

X * x * X

Hizzy popped back into the gym, "All the students is well and safe. Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick is settling the Puffs and Ravens in the common rooms and is telling stories. Snake Bletchley is reading a book to the Snakes in the common room. The Lions is misbehaving. Professor McGonagall is in her office. The other Professors is all in their rooms. All Castle doors is closed and locked."

"Thank you Hizzy," Hermione smiled.

"You is welcome Sweet Lady Maya," Hizzy bowed.

"Hizzy, time for you to go," Harry said. "Get some sleep."

Hizzy nodded, "Master Snape? What should Elves take the students tonight?"

Snape caught on quickly, "Hot chocolate, tea, and some sweets. Maybe some fruit and cheese. Thank you Hizzy." Hizzy smiled and apparated away with a click of his fingers.

"Task one complete," Harry said. "You guys ready?" Neville, Luna, and Draco nodded. "Go. Be careful!"

Draco grinned, "Hey, Lord of Chaos here, remember? We'll be fine. You be careful."

"What are they doing?" Snape asked as the trio left the room.

"Distracting Dumbledore. Creating chaos." Harry said as he pulled out the Invisibility Cloak. "You put this on. As far as anyone will know, you were locked in your quarters. So no one can see you out and about. We don't expect to run across anyone, but just in case."

"What about you two?" Snape asked as he pulled the cloak on and disappeared from the neck down. "There's still a couple hundred portraits between here and there."

Harry grinned, "My wife is brilliant. She thought of everything."

They slipped out of the gym. Outside of the door was a framed portrait of the first Quidditch World Cup. It was the first of many they came across covered with a thick black drape.

X * x * X

The Elves had been split into groups. Hizzy gave the final set of instructions to the entire gathering of Hogwarts' Elves. Ten each were sent to each House common room with steaming pots of chocolate and tea, plates of pastries and cookies, bowls of bite size pieces of fruit and cheese. Then they settled into each House, with Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin, they mixed in with the students on the floor and listened to the stories. With Gryffindor they stayed out of the way of the craziness, instead settling in with the first years (and some second years that were nervous) reassuring them and helping them fall back to sleep. Hizzy himself went back to the Elf Quarters under the Kitchens. He sat down and immediately flopped back and began to snore. He was getting some sleep, just as ordered.

X * x * X

Dumbledore was in his office when the quake hit. He was busy for the next few minutes keeping his multitude of possessions from crashing to the floor. When the floor stilled. He walked down the spiral staircase and out into the hallway.

The portraits on either side of the entrance were covered with black cloth. He yanked one free, "Tell me what is going on!"

The portrait, a middle aged man, shrugged, "Can't see anything. Can't leave my frame. You tell me."

Dumbledore dropped the drape to the floor and it immediately flew back up to cover the portrait. He turned back, intending to return to his office. The portraits there had been uncovered and he had other things that could tell him what was happening. His first thought was to grab the Sorting Hat and demand answers from the Castle. But all of that depended upon him accessing his office, which was now locked.

"Sugar Quill," he snapped the password. Nothing. He tried the end of term code, "Pixie Puffs." He scowled as the door remained barred. "I am Albus Dumbledore and you will open!" Silence.

Then the quiet hallway was broken by a small explosion. A shower of sparks. Then a head with short blonde hair ducked out of sight. Dumbledore strode down to the hallway where the person had been. The hallway was empty. It was a dead end corridor that lead to the outer wall and a large window. But there was no one there.

Dumbledore heard a giggle and whirled to see long blonde hair whipping around a corner. "STOP!"

Neville grinned as Dumbledore raced by him, chasing after Luna who'd already been apparated away by an Elf. He pulled his watch, "Changing Fate," he said to activate it. "Oz is on the run." (1)

Harry, Hermione, and Invisible Snape got the message through Harry's watch and Hermione's locket just as they reached the Defense Against the Dark Arts office. The door was shut tight, but it opened as they arrived. Inside, Snape ripped the cloak off.

"Moody is in there," Harry pointed to a trunk against the wall. "You can get into it right?"

"Yes," Snape nodded and stooped. It took a few minutes to bypass each successive lock. But before long the final door opened. He looked down into the deep chasm to see the man crumpled at the bottom. "Shit. I didn't really believe it. Moody. Alastor Moody!"

"You came, even though you didn't believe it?" Harry asked.

"You asked for my help," Snape said, ripping off his robes. "I need to get down there to him."

"Wait," Harry said. "We've got help on the way."

Five Elves popped into the room. "Sorry we is late Lord Harry. Elves be having fun causing mischief," Rosey reported. All five hung their heads.

"You aren't late and I'm glad you're having fun," Harry reported. "You five are the ones assigned to go with Mr. Moody?" When they nodded, he continued, "We need him brought up to us gently and carefully." All five Elves surrounded the trunk, slowly and tenderly, they lifted the battered form of the old Auror.

"Assigned to go, how can they be 'assigned to go'," Snape asked as they waited.

"I messed up," Harry said. "By giving gifts to some of the Hogwarts Elves, I was offering to bind them to my family. I didn't know that, but they don't care. They want to be mine. Well, ours," he looked to Hermione.

She sighed, "I'm adjusting to it," she said.

"How many do you have now?" Snape smirked.

"Well including these five, and Hizzy, and Lotty who's still at Longbottom Manor," he rubbed his hand over his head. "About twenty. According to Hizzy, they can stay at Hogwarts as long as I come back each year. But they're all assigned to Gryffindor tower now. Lotty stays at the Manor because when I left the first time, I told him I'd see him the next Christmas. I really need lessons on this whole Lord of the Manor stuff."

Moody reached the top of the oubliette and was gently laid on the floor atop a blanket conjured by Posey. Snape examined him quickly, then opened his mouth and poured a potion down his throat.

Moody woke with a groan. He opened his eye and looked up, "Snape. Thank Merlin. Where's Albus?"

"Not here," Snape reported as he helped the old man sit up. "He doesn't know."

"Doesn't know? How could he not know that Crouch is pretending to be me? We've been friends for fifty years. I thought sure as soon as we got here, Albus would know and I would be saved."

Harry stooped, "Mr. Moody, I am Harry Potter. We've got a lot to tell you, but we need to get out of here. But there's something we have to do first. Crouch can't know we've rescued you."

"And how do you plan to…. I'm not going back in there!"

"No, Mr. Moody," Hermione stepped over to them. "I promise this won't be permanent." She waved her wand.

Moody gasped and lifted a hand to run over his now completely bald scalp. "My hair."

"Crouch needs the hair for the potion," Hermione explained as the mane of gray strands floated toward her. She drew a small clay doll from her pocket. The hair affixed itself to the doll's head.

"That's not going to fool anyone," Snape said. "Least of all a Death Eater with a stolen Magical Eye."

"Castle is on our side," Hermione reminded as she stepped over to the trunk and dropped the doll. It floated gently downward, growing in size and shape. By the time it reached the ground, it was roughly a match to Moody. Clothes formed around it, identical to the ones Moody wore right down to the tears and stains. "Every time the lid opens, the doll will move and cry out. I doubt that Crouch will climb down there every time he needs hair. More likely he will just yank the hair from up here. But if he tries to go down, the Castle alters the gravity inside enough to make him feel dizzy and sick. I've placed a stasis charm on the doll and hair that will drop when the trunk is open and re-establish itself when it's closed."

Moody blinked at her in total shock.

"She's brilliant," Snape explained. "Her mind works a lot faster than the rest of ours. You'll get used to it."

"Really?"

Snape shrugged, "That's what I keep telling myself. It helps when she uses the smaller words to explain her thought pattern. And it does sound like she thought of everything."

"We'll gush over my wife later," Harry said. "Time to go. Rosey do you have the bag?"

"Yes Lord Harry."

Harry turned to Hermione, "Be careful. Have fun." He kissed her cheek.

"You too," she replied and slipped out the door. "Don't forget the cloak!"

Moody's hair was already back to normal as the five Elves created a circle around the three wizards. Harry folded up the Invisibility Cloak and shoved it into the bag on Rosey's arm. The Marauders' Map was securely in his pocket. "That should be everything. Let's go."

"Where are we going?" Snape asked suddenly.

"You don't know?!" Moody growled.

"Grimmauld Place," Harry replied and they disappeared from the office.

X * x * X

Remus Lupin and Sirius Black stood in the main parlor of Grimmauld Place. With a sudden, loud pop, they were joined by Harry, Snape, Moody and five Elves.

"Alastor!" Sirius cried.

"Hey Sirius," Moody replied. "I've come seeking sanctuary apparently."

"Of course," Sirius helped Moody to a couch.

"We don't have much time," Harry said. "I've brought these notebooks. Hermione wrote them up over the summer, consolidating her notes with mine, Neville's and Luna's. It's an explanation of how we were sent back to change things. And a brief overview of what we've changed so far as well as some of what we expect this year." He pulled three notebooks out of Rosey's bag. "Crouch is going to do his best to serve me to the Dark Lord on a silver platter. We're going to let that play out, because at the end of it, Riddle will be corporeal again. Once that happens, we can destroy him once and for all. If we don't let his plan play out, he'll stay as spirit and we won't know when he'll try again."

"Harry," Snape whispered his name.

"Draco has your copy, sir," Harry answered the unasked question. "These Elves are going to stay here to help you. Rosey, Posey, you two took care of Sirius last school year."

Sirius scowled.

"You didn't remember their names," Harry glared at him, "I know, you're probably thinking they're just Elves so why would you bother to remember them after they're gone. Just like you're still treating Kreacher badly. A man is judged by the way he treats the people who work for him."

"They are ELVES, Harry. Not people."

"They're people in my book," Harry retorted. "They care for you, clean for you, feed you." He took a deep breath and calmed. "Time is short. These five elves work for me. They are assigned here to help clean this place out and take care of you. But if they come to me with word that they are being mistreated I will remove them. Their names are Rosey, Posey, Notty, Wubby, and Dodgy, learn them. Rosey is in charge."

He turned to Moody who'd been given several more potions and now had a clean cloth wrapped around his face covering the missing eye. "Mr. Moody I have to ask you to do the most difficult thing. Nothing. I need you to stay here, hidden. The Elves will take you home long enough to grab anything that you need. But you can't be seen so long as Crouch is pretending to be you. I've given Rosey a pocket watch. It's our way of keeping in close contact with each other. I'll try to keep you informed, sir."

Moody reached out and clutched his shoulder, "This is a huge burden to carry, young man."

Harry nodded, "Yes, sir. But I'm not alone."

"We're all in this," Lupin said. "We'll do what we can."

Harry nodded, "Thanks. Hey, there's an extensive library here, right?"

"You want books," Sirius asked.

"No, I want you to research," Harry replied. "We need to know everything there is about Horcruxes. How they are made, how to best locate them, what options there are to destroy them, and most importantly what is the best way to store them so they cannot affect people and will the creator know that one has been destroyed." Lupin had called a sheet of parchment and a quill to him and was taking rapid notes. "We also need to know how someone can block large batches of memories in another person, what the symptoms are, and how to break the block."

"What? Who has a memory block?" Moody asked.

Lupin waved the quill at him, "I'll explain later. Anything else Harry?"

"Nothing I can think of right now. I just remembered the library," Harry admitted. "I'll talk to Maya. She probably has something."

"I have something," Snape said. "Research magical core blocks. More than the regular ones put into place by parents to keep toddlers from burning the house down with every tantrum. But ones that block large portions of the core."

"WHAT!?" Moody roared.

"When the children were in danger at the World Cup, Maya cast a protection shield around them. It drained her. Severely. She shouldn't have been able to cast any spell that depleted her core like that. Lucius suggested there might be a problem, so Lady Aggie had her examined. She only has access to about a third of her magical core. So we checked you, Harry. Yours is about three quarters blocked. Neville and Luna are fine. Harry I'll explain what this means all later. But we need to know who did it and why. And how to remove the block safely."

"Severus, do you know what this means?" Remus gasped.

"Yes," Sev nodded then to Harry, "Even with the block, she is one of the most powerful witches I've ever met. Even factoring in the extra power you may have brought back with you, it still means that she is one amazing witch."

Harry just stared at the floor for a long moment, processing the information.

"We need to get back," Severus said softly. He took the map from Harry's pocket. "Oh shit. We need to get back NOW."

"What's wrong?" Everyone gathered around the map. Names moved rapidly all around the map. Fading out only to reappear on the other side of the Castle. Walls blurred away only to return to full strength.

"I think Draco's chaos theory has infected other students," Severus said as he tapped names. "The Weasley twins, no surprise there. A few more Gryffindors. Nott, Zabini and Isabel from my house. Diggory and the entire Hufflepuff Quidditch team. I can't track them all. But they are all loose in the Castle."

Harry yanked his watch out, "Changing Fate. What's going on?"

They heard a small explosion followed by a rain of sparks, then Draco chortled, "We have help. And I bow down to the True Lords of Chaos."

"We're on our way," Harry said.

X * x * X

The Castle began opening and closing doors at random as Dumbledore was led on the wild goose chase around the halls. McGonagall was the first to get out of her office followed shortly by several other professors. They gathered with the Headmaster in the Great Hall and were ordered to "FIND THEM!"

X * x * X

No surprise it was the unsupervised Gryffindors to first escape their dorm. A loud explosion in the hallway startled them all. Sir Nicholas had stuck his head through the wall, then pulled back in laughing. "Everything is fine, children."

"Something is happening out there," Lee said.

"Somebody's creating trouble," George added.

"Somebody's having an adventure," Fred continued.

"Without us?" asked George.

All three said together, "How dare they!?"

Dean and Seamus saw them slip into the corridor to the Quiet Rooms and decided to follow them. When Ron looked up from the plate of pastries, they were gone.

The corridor wound along the tower and out a secret panel. Once Castle sensed their intent, she released the lock on the panel.

Slytherin Nott was worried when Malfoy couldn't be found. He convinced Zabini to sneak out of the rooms after everyone had settled in listening to the story. Isabel was waiting when they crept out into the Quiet Room hallway. She grinned and took both of their hands. When they reached the access door to the outer Castle, she was able to open the door.

Hufflepuff Head of House Pomona Sprout fell asleep along with most of her students. Cedric Diggory was laying with the rest of the Quidditch team. Once he was sure their professor was asleep, he rose. He crept silently over to the door to the outer Castle. He glanced back to see that the rest of the team was on his heels along with Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones. "Where are you going?"

"With you," Hannah whispered back.

Professor Flitwick noticed the Ravenclaw portrait open, then close again. He walked over and peeked out. Glancing back at his students, he caught his seventh year prefect's attention then he slipped out. A few minutes later, several students followed him.

X * x * X

The Castle was happy that other children had come out to play.

X * x * X

Posey apparated Snape and Harry back to the Castle, then left again. They were in a side corridor that the Map showed to be empty. Harry ducked his head out around the corner. "All clear," he said then stepped out with Snape following under the Invisibility Cloak.

Then Hermione rounded a corner at a dead run at the opposite end of the hall. Harry raised his hand in a wave, but Hermione waved him back with both hands. Snape grabbed Harry and yanked the Cloak down over him. Harry stood with his back to Severus' chest. "Maya," he whispered and Snape slapped a hand over his mouth. Hermione looked back over her shoulder, then a tapestry moved, swung out, an arm scooped her up and pulled her out of sight. Just before McGonagall came into sight. She had her wand out, lit brightly.

McGonagall ran by the point where Hermione disappeared without stopping, then passed Severus and Harry huddled against the wall. She reached the staircase and started to descend. She got about half way down and waved her wand to light up the area completely.

"Anything?" Flitwick called as he emerged from a side corridor.

"No. Whoever it was is gone," McGonagall replied. The staircase began to move under her. She swore and darted down to the next level.

Flitwick paused at the tapestry and yanked it back. From this angle, Harry could see Cedric holding Hermione close in the little niche in the wall. Cedric's eyes were wide in shock. Then Flitwick brought a finger to his lips, "Shh." Cedric grinned and nodded, Hermione was obviously relieved.

"Anyone there?" came McGonagall's call.

"No," Flitwick replied as he let the tapestry fall back down. "I'll keep checking this level, you try the next one. Dumbledore still trying to get into his office?"

"Far as I know," McGonagall replied.

Flitwick turned and started up the corridor. His small strides changed to a jaunty little jig then back to a walk, hands behind his back, whistling a few notes. He stopped at the end of the corridor and cast a silent spell. All over the Castle, suits of armor fell over noisily. Clashing metal loudly echoed around the corridors.

X * x * X

Professor Sinistra was chasing two students that she couldn't identify. They darted into a classroom and she followed right behind. But the room was empty. She spent a few minutes checking under desks and in cupboards, but found no one. An Elf had apparated Susan and Hannah from that classroom into another. Susan thanked him with a kiss on his wrinkled forehead, then they crept out.

Draco peeked out to see Professor Hooch about to catch Luna and Neville. He quickly lit a string of Filibuster Fireworks and tossed them high into the air. The explosion and whizzing sparks distracted the instructor long enough for an Elf to snatch the couple away.

Professor Vector ran up to a suit of armor that was climbing to its feet. "Which way?" The armor pointed left with his right arm, then right with his left arm, crossing them. Then it pointed up with one and down with the other, twisting its arms and falling over. Vector snarled and ran off. The armor chuckled.

In his comfortable chair, Argus Filch snored.

X * x * X

Cedric snuck out from behind the tapestry with Hermione by the hand. She immediately started toward Harry.

Harry slipped out from under the cloak and grabbed her close.

"Come on," Cedric urged.

"What is all this?" Harry asked.

"Couldn't let you…"

"Have all the fun…"

The twins climbed out of a hidden panel in the wall.

Snape hung back, silent, invisible.

"Time to shut it down," Harry said with a huge yawn. "We've got classes starting in a few hours."

The twins nodded and said in unison, "Alright."

"So long as we…"

"…can do this…

"…again sometime."

Harry took out his watch, "Changing Fate," he activated the connection, "The victim is safely away. Mischief managed."

Several Hogwarts Elves appeared to gather them up. One little one popped in between Snape's legs, hidden under the cloak with him, grabbed hold of his ankles, and apparated him into the Great Hall. Then she stayed in place, peeking up at him with a smile.

McGonagall was on the last flight of steps heading down to the main entrance. Suddenly the front doors flew open wide and a single owl flew in. She stopped and stared in wonder. Then another owl appeared, followed by another, and another. Then there was a swarm of owls, seemingly every single one from the owlery swooped in, heading right toward her. She turned and ran. She got midway up the third staircase when it began to move. This time it stopped half way, leaving her stranded on the steps with no way up, no way down. "DAMN IT!" She dropped to the stone as the owls zoomed at her. The wind as they crossed over her was immense. She raised her head carefully as the air stilled. Only to see every owl sitting on a perch and staring at her. The entire central area was filled with owls. "Oh dear."

Hedwig blinked, "Hoot."

The other owls hooted in response. Then as one they took flight, swooping out in one mass, through the main doors, which closed softly behind them.

The Great Hall was full of students from every house. They were quietly giggling and chatting about their adventures and near misses. "Hey," Harry called out. When it didn't catch everyone's attention, Cedric put his fingers in his mouth and whistled sharply. Loud in the quiet, everyone froze. "Thanks Cedric. You guys did great! But we need to stop now. The Elves will pop us back into our rooms for the night."

Heads nodded. Everyone was smiling, sweaty, hair tousled, faces flushed, and eyes bright. All of the Elves apparated into the room and connected with a student. As one, with a loud pop, they were all taken away. Harry grinned at Hermione, Draco, Luna, and Neville. "That was unexpected." Snape appeared out from under the Cloak.

Draco laughed, "They just all started appearing. Seamus and Dean distracted McGonagall just before she would have caught me. Then people were everywhere. Popping here and there with the Elves. The twins kept setting off explosions and fireworks. It was brilliant."

Neville yawned widely, "So the real Moody is alright?"

"Settled in with Remus and Sirius, he's fine," Harry nodded.

Crookshanks ran in with the Sorting Hat in his mouth. Harry accepted it and it began to speak to the group at large. "Professor Snape, you need to get back to your quarters. Castle will then release your door. When you're ready, just go to your potion storeroom door and Castle will let the imposter out."

Snape handed Harry the Invisibility Cloak, "You five get on to bed now. It is very late." Then he was apparated away by the Elf at his feet.

Harry and Neville appeared in their dorm room. Dean and Seamus were getting into their pajamas (again) and laughing quietly. Ron was snoring loudly in his bed. Harry changed quickly and pulled open the curtains to his bed only to find it occupied.

"Colin, Dennis," Harry whispered shaking their shoulders. The Creevey brothers woke. "What are you doing in here?"

"Dennis told me what you asked him to do," Colin explained. "We were worried when all the commotion started. So…. You alright?"

Harry smiled warmly, "I'm fine. Thank you. Dennis you were a huge help. And everything is perfect now. Go on to your rooms."

Colin took his younger brother by the hand and they slipped off the bed. "Told you he was great!"

Dean, Seamus, and Neville snickered at him.

X * x * X

In his quarters, the Storage Room alarm was sounding steadily. Snape took the time to straighten his clothing, drink a little water, and make a sweep of his Snakes. Everyone was in bed (or getting there) and quiet. Draco met his gaze and smiled with a wink. Then he walked down to his Storage room.

Dumbledore swept up the corridor toward him, "WHERE WERE YOU?" he demanded. "All hell was breaking loose in the Castle and you were NOWHERE TO BE FOUND!"

Snape met his gaze levelly, "The door to my quarters was sealed. I've only just been able to open it." He felt the gentle touch on his forehead again. But still no penetrating pain. "My alarm has been sounding for hours, I believe someone is in my storage room." He stepped to the doorway and it opened slowly to reveal…. "Ah… Professor Moody." Snape greeted Crouch Jr.

Crouch limped out angrily, "What kind of trap is this, Snape?"

"Trap," Snape shrugged. "No trap. Apparently there has been some sort of chaos in the castle tonight. I was missed. I guess you were not."

Dumbledore sighed, "I'm not sure what happened tonight, but I plan to get to the bottom of it first thing in the morning. Good night."

Crouch stepped into Snape's face, "I know you had something to do with this!"

"Why were you in my potions storage, Moody? Planning on some late night brewing?"

Crouch growled and turned to clunk away. Over the slam of his false leg, Snape heard the clinking of glass vials.

X * x * X

Dumbledore and the other professors made one final sweep of the now peaceful Castle. For the first time since the event began, McGonagall entered Gryffindor Tower. With the exception of Dennis Creevey, who was curled in with his brother, everyone was in his or her assigned bed and asleep.

X * x * X

"Attention all students," came McGonagall's amplified voice. "Classes are cancelled for today. All students are to report to the Great Hall in one half hour."

Freshly scrubbed and dressed, the entire student population gathered in the Great Hall. The tables were gone. It was just a wide open space, with the professors lined up at the Head Table. After the students were all gathered, the Elves popped into the crowd. Hizzy was at the front of the pack.

Dumbledore sat staring out at the children and Elves until silence fell and stretched into uncomfortable.

"Last night, there were several students out of bed after hours. This is against the rules here at Hogwarts. We expect much more than random acts of destruction and unruliness that we witnessed last night. We are on the verge of hosting a massive International Event here at Hogwarts. A repeat of last night's bedlam could jeopardize our relationship with two prestigious schools of magic. Now we do not know how you accomplished this madness last night. But I expect full confessions from all students involved immediately."

Silence.

"Come forward. I want to know who the ringleaders were. Who was involved?"

Silence. Looks were exchanged.

"Hizzy! I suspect the Elves were involved in this… revolt."

"No sir, Elves is not allowed to revolt. Them is Wizard rules," Hizzy replied.

Dumbledore nodded and smiled, "Hizzy to whom do you pledge your allegiance?"

"To the Castle Hogwarts, sir Headmaster."

"Were you involved in the… incident last night?" Dumbledore asked.

"Hizzy is an old Elf. Hizzy went to bed once his work was done."

Dumbledore sighed heavily, "Will any of the other Elves speak?" he pointed to one at random, "You there! What did you do last night?"

The Elf shook as she walked forward, "Lucy took fruit and cheese to Gryffindor Tower. The Lions was awake and playing. Lucy stayed with the little firstie girls until they be falling asleep. Lucy cleaned up the mess in the room and did the girls laundry."

"Enough," Dumbledore interrupted. "You there, Boy Elf. What did you do last night?"

"Mozy took cookies to the Ravenclaw Common Room. Mozy stayed and listened to Professor Flitwick tell the tale of Rowena Ravenclaw. Mozy sat with two firstie boys until they be falling asleep. Mozy cleaned…."

"Stop," Dumbledore sighed. "I am very disappointed in all of you. We live by a code of honor and respect. Until the perpetrators come forward, all Hogsmeade weekends are cancelled. The first one to come forward and name the others…. will receive no punishment."

Silence.

Hizzy glanced around, "Headmaster, sir, may the Elves feed the children now?"

"Yes," Dumbledore waved his hand, "Clear the way." The students retreated to the entryway and the tables reappeared. When they returned, Dumbledore was swooping out of the room.

With him gone, conversation commenced immediately. Neville leapt up and went to join Luna at the Ravenclaw table. When no one objected, a few students looked up to the head table and got shrugs or nods from their Heads of House. Within minutes, the House tables were no more as children gathered to eat with their friends. It didn't take long for stories to wind around. Tales of exciting near escapes, collaborative staircases and doors, and total pandemonium.

Draco slipped in between Hermione and Fred. "By the way, I formally bow down to the kings of chaos and admit that I am merely a prince," he said to the twins. "Welcome to the revolution." Then he snatched two fluffy biscuits from the basket and handed one to Hermione. "So what are we going to do with a whole day free?"

"I vote for Quidditch," Cedric said.

"Quidditch is cancelled," Angelina reminded him.

"No the house competition is cancelled," Cedric corrected, "And the pitch is unavailable for some reason. But there is a lot of open space around here. And this way we can choose teams that don't depend on our Houses. Or we can introduce the color war game to the masses."

"We'll get everyone together after breakfast and decide," Harry said. "Just so we go outside for the day. I think the Castle may need a rest."

*x*x*x*x*x*

You got your hell together
You know it could be worse
A self-inflicted murder
Maybe, maybe
You say it's all a crisis
You say it's all a blur
There comes a time you've got to face it, face it
[ ]
Hate, hate, hell is what you make
Rise against your fate
Nothings gonna keep you down
Even if it's killing you
Because you know the truth

This Is Gonna Hurt – Sixx A.M. – lyrics by Ashba, DJ, Sixx, Nikki, & Michael James © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

*x*x*x*x*x*

AN (1) – I couldn't resist throwing 'The Princess Bride' in. "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die" And of course, Oz refers back to The Wizard of Oz, or the man behind the curtain.