Chapter 32
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, it all belongs to JK Rowling…I'm merely an obsessed fan with ideas stuck in my head.
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Leila ran back to the castle. She entered the entrance hall and slowly closed the door behind her. She was panting for breath. She knew that she had been gone far too long for a bathroom break. She also knew that Harry would be suspicious of where she had been. She was set to sprint up to Professor Dumbledore's office, when Professor Dumbledore waltzed down the staircase.
"Very good of you join us, Leila." Professor Dumbledore said.
"I was just on my way up to your office." Leila said.
"Coming from a stroll outside? As headmaster I must tell you that I don't approve of you being outside after curfew. The curfew is only imposed for your safety." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"Sorry sir, it won't happen again." Leila muttered.
"Don't make a promise you can't keep." Professor Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.
"Erm…where's Harry?" Leila asked.
"Harry ran back to Gryffindor Tower to grab the Invisibility Cloak, and I'm sure no doubt to inform Mister Weasley and Miss Granger." Dumbledore smiled.
"Inform them of what?" Leila asked.
Professor Dumbledore never got a chance to answer her question because at that moment Harry came skidding to a halt on the topmost stone step, panting and out of breath, much like Leila had been on her arrival back to the castle.
"Ah, Harry." Professor Dumbledore spoke.
"Professor, Leila." Harry said out of breath.
Harry joined them both near the door, with his hand tightly clenching his Invisibility Cloak. Professor Dumbledore looked at them both, his eyes twinkling.
"You know, at times, I forget how much you have both grown. At time I still see the small boy and girl from the cupboard. Please forgive my mawkishness, I'm an old man." Professor Dumbledore sighed.
"You still look the same to me sir." Harry said.
"Just like your mother you're unfailingly kind. Now the place we journey tonight is extremely dangerous. I promised you both that you could accompany me, and I stand by that promise. You both must obey my every command without question." Professor Dumbledore said seriously.
"Yes sir." The twins said simultaneously.
"Should I tell you to hide, you hide. Should I tell you to run, you run. Should I tell you to abandon me and save yourselves, you must do so. I need your word, Harry, Leila." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"My word." Harry said.
"You have my word, sir." Leila said.
"I would like you both under the cloak now, please." Professor Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore waited until both Harry and Leila were under the cloak before opening the door.
"Very good. Shall we go?" Professor Dumbledore said stepping outside the door.
"But what will people think when they see you leaving, Professor?" Harry asked.
"That I am off into Hogsmeade for a drink, I sometimes offer Rosmerta my custom or else visit the Hog's Head…or appear to. It is a good way as any of disguising one's true destination." Professor Dumbledore said lightly.
Harry and Leila followed close to Professor Dumbledore under the cloak in the moonlight. Leila found herself tripping on twigs; but luckily Harry was there with her to keep her steady and standing up-right. Harry's arm stayed gripped to Leila's after several trips. Harry pressed his face to Leila's ear as if to tell her something; but Leila spoke first.
"Why are you all sweaty?" Leila asked.
"I ran back from Gryffindor Tower." Harry said.
"You smell disgusting." Leila gagged.
"I have something I need to tell you." Harry said for only Leila to hear.
"What is it?" Leila asked.
"It was Snape." Harry whispered.
"What did he do now?" Leila asked rolling her eyes.
"He's the one who told Voldemort about the prophecy. He's the one who told Voldemort to go after Mum and Dad." Harry whispered.
"Why do you sound so certain?" Leila asked.
"Professor Trelawney told me and that's not all she said." Harry said.
"Oh?" Leila questioned.
"She said that she heard whooping from the Room of Requirement. I know it was Malfoy, Leila. He and Snape are going to do something tonight while we're gone." Harry responded.
Leila's thoughts immediately turned to the dream she had earlier. Harry's second-hand account matched with her dream. She hadn't had a chance to tell Professor Dumbledore of her dream, and knew that it wouldn't do anyone any good to tell Harry. Leila carefully chose her next words to her brother.
"Dumbledore trusts Snape." She said lightly.
"Well I don't." Harry hissed.
Harry and Leila arrived at the gates moments after Professor Dumbledore. Leila knew that they had to be off Hogwarts property in order to go anywhere because, as Hermione had pointed out many times and as Leila had read in Hogwarts: A History, one couldn't apparate anywhere at Hogwarts.
"Professor, will we be Apparating?" Harry asked.
"Yes, you both can Apparate now, I believe?" Dumbledore said.
"Yes, but we haven't gotten our licenses yet." Leila added.
"No matter, I can assist you again." Professor Dumbledore said.
The twins followed Dumbledore through Hogsmeade. They passed Madam Rosmerta and the Three Broomsticks and ended up outside an empty Hog's Head; but they did not enter. Instead Dumbledore commanded them to grab his arm, one offered to each of them. Dumbledore counted to three, and right before the third count Leila tightly shut her eyes and felt the horrible sensation that was Disapparating. When the feeling was over Leila immediately clutched her ears. After a moment she opened her eyes to find darkness, but the smell of fresh salty air. The waves crashed every which way. Dumbledore released the twins and Leila found herself reaching for her brother's arm. Leila was beginning to have second thoughts about coming along with Harry and Dumbledore. It sounded good when spoken of, but actually being here, Leila found herself terrified at the prospects that lay ahead. Dumbledore pointed them to a crack in the side of a rock, which probably led to a cave. The place lay ahead, but there was no path to it. The sea separated them from the place
"You will not object to getting a little wet?" Dumbledore asked.
"No." Harry answered for the both of them.
"Then take off the Invisibility Cloak – there is no need for it now – and let us take the plunge." Professor Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore slid from the boulder and plunged into the sea. He began to swim toward the dark slit in the rock face with his wand between his teeth. Harry pulled the cloak off himself and Leila and stuffed it into his pocket.
"Harry." Leila whimpered.
"Just stay close to me." Harry said.
Harry grabbed Leila's hand as they both jumped into the sea. Leila spluttered as she came up for air. Harry motioned for her to follow Dumbledore. Leila thrashed trying to go faster to catch up with Dumbledore, whom they had spotted rising out of the water; but it seemed the harder she tried the more water she inhaled. They were almost there when Harry grabbed her arm to drag her on the final stretch to the cave. They found steps and Leila was grateful that the swimming seemed to be over. Both twins were soaked and shivered uncontrollably as they walked into the freezing still air. Leila pulled out her wand and performed a drying charm on herself and Harry while Professor Dumbledore walked around, examining the cave.
"This is the place. Oh, yes." Dumbledore said.
"How can you tell? Harry asked.
"This place has known magic." Dumbledore said simply.
"But sir, where's the horcrux?" Leila asked.
"This is merely the antechamber, the entrance hall. We need to penetrate the inner place… Now it is Lord Voldemort's obstacles that stand in our way." Professor Dumbledore said.
Leila closed her eyes tightly. Lord Voldemort's obstacles…Leila realized that she often talked the talk; but hardly ever walked the walk. She wasn't in Gryffindor, where dwelled the brave at heart, she was in Slytherin, home of those who were not so brave! Leila quickly attached herself to her brother's side. All those things she had done, all the things she had seen, all the times she had faced Voldemort; she had only been able to do so because Harry had been by her side. Harry seemed to understand Leila's panic, and wrapped his arm around his sister. Leila dropped her head in shame.
"You can do this, Leila. You're braver than you think." Harry whispered in her ear.
Leila felt a slight surge of confidence wash over her; but she still remained close to her brother. Dumbledore walked around the cave touching the rough rock, running his fingers over a particular spot until he stopped with his hand pressed flat against the wall.
"Here, we go through here." Dumbledore muttered.
Dumbledore stepped back from the wall and pointed his wand at the rock. For a moment, an arched blazing white outline appeared.
"You've found it." Leila gasped.
Dumbledore continued to stare at the archway, while Harry and Leila remained close to each other, both somewhat scared of what Voldemort had designed to hide his horcrux.
"Oh, surely not. So crude." Dumbledore said quietly.
"What is it, Professor?" Harry asked.
Professor Dumbledore put his uninjured hand inside his robe, feeling for something. He then drew out a short silver knife. Leila stepped back slightly, immediately taken aback by what the headmaster was carrying in his pocket. Dumbledore then dug the knife into his own hand, causing Leila to cringe and Harry to look away.
"Sir?" Harry asked.
"In order to gain passage a payment must be made. Blood, if I'm not mistaken." Dumbledore said.
"Blood?" Leila gasped.
"I said it was crude. The payment is meant to weaken the intruder. Once again, Lord Voldemort fails to grasp that there are much more terrible things than physical injury." Dumbledore said.
"You should've let me sir. I'm—" Harry began.
"No, Harry. Your blood is much more precious than mine; as is yours Leila. I want you to remember that." Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore wiped his blood across the rough rock. The archway appeared permanent and the blood-spattered rock in the archway vanished, leaving it open for passage. Only, the passage was completely dark and what lay beyond it unknown.
"Ah, that seems to have done the trick. Now, after me. Wands out." Professor Dumbledore said.
Leila and Harry followed close behind Professor Dumbledore with their wands out as a light to guide them. They followed Dumbledore down the cramped passageway. Leila felt like she was going to fall many times; but Harry kept a tight grip on Leila's elbow with his free hand. Leila figured she was probably in the safest position: behind Dumbledore and in front of Harry.
"Voldemort will not have made it easy to discover his hiding place. He will have put certain defenses in position" Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore came to an abrupt halt and held out his arm to stop Leila from going any farther. She looked out onto what was an eerie great black lake. Leila could hardly tell where the lake began and ended. She could feel a certain panic beginning to rise in her. She really didn't want to swim again.
"Professor, do you think the Horcrux is somewhere in the lake?" Leila asked.
"Oh yes, I'm sure it is. The question is how do we get there?" Dumbledore said.
"Couldn't we just try a Summoning Charm?" Harry asked.
"We certainly could, why don't you do it?" Dumbledore said.
Harry looked at Professor Dumbledore as if he had just announced that the Chudley Cannons were in first place, a look of disbelief. Harry cleared his throat, raised his wand and attempted to summon the Horcrux.
"Accio Horcrux!" He said loudly.
Nothing happened. Leila looked at Harry who simply shrugged his shoulders.
"Sir?" Leila asked.
"Yes, Leila?" Professor Dumbledore answered.
"Do you think we're actually going to have to go into the lake?" Leila asked.
"Into it? Only if we are very unfortunate." Dumbledore stated.
"You don't think the Horcrux is at the bottom then?" Harry asked.
"No, I think the Horcrux is in the middle." Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore cast a ball of light to rest on the middle of the lake, where a tiny island was in the midst of the giant lake. He then cast another concentrated spell, which caused a chain to shoot up from the water. Dumbledore handed the chain to Harry, and they both pulled. A small boat rose from the water. Leila breathed a small sigh of relief: no swimming. Dumbledore ushered Harry and Leila into the boat first. Harry offered his hand to help his sister in. Once Dumbledore was in the boat, the boat moved as if an invisible rope was pulling it to the small island. Harry was looking down at the water quizzically, when he suddenly jumped back.
"I think I saw a hand in the water – a human hand." Harry said.
"Inferi. Voldemort had countless numbers of them at his command during the First war." Leila said.
"Correct, Leila; but we need not to worry about them at the moment." Dumbledore added.
"At the moment?" Harry repeated.
"Yes. I am sure that once we take the Horcrux we shall find them less peaceable." Dumbledore stated.
"What do we do then?" Harry asked.
"Inferi fear light and warmth, Harry. Honestly, I thought you enjoyed Defense. Professor Snape mentioned…" Leila rambled nervously.
"That explains it: Snape." Harry growled.
"That's Professor Snape. Harry, and should the inferi arise, we'll use fire. Look, we're nearly there." Dumbledore said lightly.
Leila looked out to find that they really were almost there. Leila glanced around the cavern, looking for other obstacles designed by Voldemort. She hoped that the mission went smoothly, so they could be on their way and back to Hogwarts, where they were safe. The boat soon came to a halt bumping into the small island. Dumbledore, Harry, and Leila carefully climbed the rocky island to where a basin stood, which looked almost like a pensieve. The three surrounded the basin.
"Do you think the Horcrux is in there?" Harry asked.
"Yes." Dumbledore answered.
Dumbledore reached his hand in the basin and Harry tried to stop him. But Harry's hand also plunged into the liquid to find that he also couldn't grasp the Horcrux.
"That's really good magic." Leila whispered.
"This is Voldemort, Leila." Harry hissed.
"Sorry, poor phrasing. What I meant is that his type of magic requires talent. Voldemort may be an evil wizard, but he sure is talented." Leila whispered.
"Are you positive that the Horcrux is in there?" Harry asked.
"Of course. Voldemort wouldn't waste his magic on something pointless unless he needed it to serve his purpose, and in this case to protect his Horcrux." Leila said.
"Well-said Leila; but how do we reach it? The potion cannot be penetrated by hand, Vanished, parted, scooped up, or siphoned away, nor can it be Transfigured, Charmed, or otherwise made to change its nature." Dumbledore said peering more closely into the basin.
"But then how do we get rid of it?" Harry asked.
"Any ideas, Miss Potter?" Dumbledore asked, who had seemingly already figured out the puzzle.
"The potion must retain its nature; and it must stay together but somewhere besides the basin. That means that it…" Leila began.
"Yes?" Dumbledore asked.
"It must be drunk." Leila said grimly.
"I came to the same conclusion: that every last drop of it has to be drunk." Dumbledore said.
"What? No!" Harry shouted.
Dumbledore put up his injured hand in protest to silence Harry. He examined the basin before him, probably making sure that there was absolutely no other way to get to the Horcrux. He then looked to both Harry and Leila.
"You both remember the conditions on which I brought you with me? This potion might paralyze me, might make me forget why I'm here, might cause me so much pain that I beg for relief. You are not to indulge these requests. It is your job, Harry and Leila, to make sure that I keep drinking this potion, even if you have to force it down my throat. Understood?" Dumbledore said finally.
"Why can't I drink it, sir?" Harry asked.
"Because I am much older, much cleverer, and much less valuable. Once and for all, do I have both your words that you will do all in your power to make me keep drinking?" Dumbledore stated.
"Couldn't –" Harry began.
"Do I have it?" Dumbledore asked.
"But –" Harry began again.
"Harry, just stop! There isn't another way. Voldemort would've made sure that there are no loopholes! Besides, we swore we'd listen to Dumbledore." Leila exasperated.
"I – all right, my word; but –" Harry muttered.
Before Harry could protest even further, Dumbledore lowered the crystal goblet into the potion. He then lifted the goblet to his mouth and drained the goblet. Harry gripped the basin tightly, while Leila held onto her brother's arm. They both watched Dumbledore as he lowered the empty goblet.
"Are you all right, Professor?" Harry asked.
"How do you feel?" Leila asked.
Professor Dumbledore didn't verbally answer. Instead he began to violently shake and he closed his eyes as he plunged the goblet back into the potion. Harry immediately ran to Dumbledore's assistance, but Dumbledore pushed him back as he drank another goblet full of potion. After a few more goblets, Dumbledore fell forward, breathing heavily. He began to whine that he didn't want to drink anymore potion; but Leila knew that she and Harry couldn't oblige his wish. Leila tried to think of an easy way to force the potion down Dumbledore's throat, while Harry immediately ran back to the basin and filled the goblet with the potion. Harry then tipped the goblet in Dumbledore's mouth, draining the contents. In Dumbledore's protests, he knocked the goblet from Harry's hand, causing it to fly a few feet from where they were, right before Leila's feet.
"Harry, this isn't going to work well." Leila said.
"Well, maybe if you would help me…" Harry hissed.
"I've been trying to think of a better idea." Leila said.
"Have you got one then?" Harry asked.
"Sort of." Leila said slowly.
"I'm listening." Harry said.
"One of us needs to hold Dumbledore back, while the other pours the potion down his throat." Leila stated.
"Why can't we just magic ropes around him to keep him still?" Harry asked.
"Because what if there are other obstacles and what if something happens and we don't have time to get to him? Either he dies or we all die. This is the safest way I could come up with in a couple minutes!" Leila rushed.
"All right, all right. You come and hold him, then." Harry said reaching for the goblet.
Leila knelt down on the rocky ground and placed Dumbledore's head on her lap, and tightly wrapped her arms around him to keep him in place. Harry grimaced as he came back with another goblet of the potion.
"I don't want to…let me go." Professor Dumbledore protested.
"Sh! I'm right here, Professor. Everything is going to be all right." Leila whispered to him.
"Make it stop! Make it stop!" Dumbledore moaned.
"Yes...yes, this'll make it stop." Harry said.
Harry tipped the goblet into Dumbledore's mouth. After it was drained, Dumbledore began screaming. Leila attempted to keep him still, but even as an old man, Dumbledore happened to muster more strength than Leila could manage. Harry could tell she was struggling holding their beloved Professor, but Harry convinced him to drink another goblet. After this drink, Dumbledore began to shake uncontrollably, and Leila struggled keeping him still.
"It's all my fault, all my fault…I did wrong, oh please make it stop and I'll never never again…" Dumbledore sobbed.
"This will make it stop, Professor." Leila whispered.
Dumbledore stopped for a moment as Harry tipped the seventh goblet of potion down the professor's throat. Dumbledore then began to flail and almost knocked the refilled goblet from Harry's hand.
"Leila, you're supposed to be keeping him still!" Harry shouted.
"I'm not as strong as you are, Harry!" cried Leila.
"Help me get this in his mouth and we'll switch places." Harry commanded.
Leila held Professor Dumbledore as tightly as she could, while he moaned to not hurt them, that it was his fault, and to hurt him instead. Leila had no idea what Dumbledore was talking about, but she held on and whispered words of comfort while Harry drained the eighth goblet into Dumbledore's mouth. Leila wasn't sure that she could do what Harry had been doing, forcing a terrible potion down Dumbledore's throat. She released her arms from around Dumbledore and he lunged forward, hammering his fists upon the ground. Harry dropped an empty goblet and ran to Dumbledore's aid. Harry held Dumbledore tightly.
"Leila, get the goblet. There's not much more potion left." Harry commanded.
Leila slowly rose to the goblet and walked to the basin. Just as Harry had said there was maybe two or three goblets left of the potion. Leila plunged the goblet into the basin, filled it, and then slowly walked back to Harry and Dumbledore. While Harry held Dumbledore, he walked Leila through what she needed to do; but it was hard to hear Harry over Dumbledore's pleading. Leila knelt beside Dumbledore and hesitantly held the goblet out to him. Leila looked to her brother, whose eyes made contact with hers. Harry nodded in reassurance as Leila tipped the potion into Dumbledore's mouth. She ran back to fill the goblet, while Harry attempted to comfort Dumbledore. When she got back Harry had Dumbledore's shoulders pinned to the ground, so she poured another goblet of potion into Dumbledore's mouth. As Leila ran back to the basin, she gathered what she hoped would be the last of the potion. Dumbledore's screams filled the cave as Harry held him back.
"KILL ME!" Dumbledore screamed.
"This one will. Just drink this…it'll all be over." Harry gasped.
Leila held the goblet to Dumbledore's lips as he drained every last drop. Leila ran back to the basin and with a great gasp, Dumbledore collapsed to the floor. Harry began to shake Dumbledore, trying to wake him. Leila dropped the goblet in the basin and ran to Harry and Dumbledore. Harry then pulled out his wand and tried to Rennervate him. Harry cast the spell again and Dumbledore's eyes flickered open. Dumbledore opened his mouth to speak, but he was parched.
"Water." Dumbledore croaked.
Harry ran back to the basin, where Leila had left the goblet. Leila quickly followed after him. They both noticed that the potion was all gone and at the bottom of the basin was the Slytherin locket, Leila recognized from the pensieve. Harry grabbed the locket and handed it to Leila to hold; she put it in her jacket pocket and zipped it shut, while he hoisted the goblet. Harry pointed his wand at the goblet.
"Aguamenti!" Harry shouted.
The goblet filled with water and Harry ran back to Dumbledore. He tipped the goblet into Dumbledore's mouth, but nothing came out. Harry cast the spell on the goblet again, and it still refused to retain the water. Harry desperately tried to fill the goblet with water, but it never worked. Leila wondered if the potion had some effect on the goblet. Perhaps, they needed a new goblet? Leila grabbed a rock, pointed her wand at it, and transfigured the rock into a different goblet. She smiled at the new goblet in her hand and looked for her brother. Harry was at the water's edge about to plunge the goblet into the water.
"HARRY, NO!" Leila screamed.
But it was too late; Harry's hand plunged into the water. A moment after Harry's arm came out of the water, and then a slimy white hand flew out of the water and gripped his wrist. The inferi were beginning to rise from the lake. Harry tried several spells to get rid of the inferi; but the spells only caused the inferi to fall over.
"Sectumsempra!" Harry shouted.
Harry's wand slashed at the inferi, but the inferi had no blood to spill, so they continued toward them. Harry felt himself being dragged under the water. He closed his eyes and breathed a deep breath as his head dunked under; but he was quickly released. The inferi holding onto him was on fire. Harry quickly rose to the surface and looked behind him to find Leila, with her wand drawn.
"I thought we discussed that they could only be killed with fire." Leila said.
"Right, but now isn't the time to get on my case about not paying attention in Defense." Harry said.
"Incendio!" Leila shouted.
Fire sprang from her wand and took down several inferi. Harry followed Leila and cast the same spell. It seemed to be working, but not very well, as Harry and Leila backed up closer to where they had left Dumbledore.
"There's too many of them! Do you know another spell?" Harry said.
"There's another far-more complex spell." Leila stated.
"Well, if you know it, then use it!" Harry said as he took down another three inferi.
"I've never used it before! Besides, it's on the borderline of Dark Magic and only a very talented and capable witch or wizard can master it." Leila said taking down two inferi.
"You're talented and capable, Leila. So just do the damn spell!" Harry hissed as another spell shot from his wand.
Leila looked to her brother hesitantly, but then through the darkness, fire erupted. The ring surrounded the rock and the inferi couldn't pass through the flames to get to the water. Both Harry and Leila looked to find that the fire was coming from Dumbledore. Harry and Leila ran to Dumbledore, who motioned for them to get back on the boat. The boat began to pull them back to where they came. Once they exited the boat, Dumbledore leaned against the cavern wall.
"I am weak." Dumbledore mumbled.
"It's all right, sir, we'll get you back." Harry said confidently.
Harry heaved Dumbledore against him, so that Dumbledore could lean on Harry; while Leila wrapped Dumbledore's other arm around her, and they set off. Another payment of blood had to be made to exit; but Harry's leg was bleeding so he pressed his leg against the wall, and they left the cavern. Once they were out under the starry, they gently laid Dumbledore onto the ground.
"He's too weak to Apparate us back, Harry." Leila whispered.
"Then it looks like one of us will have to do it." Harry stated.
"But we don't have our licenses." Leila stated for the second time that night.
"Well, if we don't do it, he's going to die. Honestly, Leila, you're better at it than I am, so I think you should do it." Harry said.
"But what if one of us gets splinched?" Leila asked.
"Leila, there are times where you simply have to act, and this is definitely one of those times." Harry said.
Leila took a quick moment to think over what Harry said, and decided that he was right. Harry helped Dumbledore up, and the headmaster leaned heavily against Harry. Leila stood facing them. She took a hold of Dumbledore's hand with her left, while gripping her wand in her right, the same arm that Harry held. Leila closed her eyes and concentrated hard on their destination of Hogsmeade. The air smelled no more of salt and the sea breeze whipped at them no more. They had made it to Hogsmeade. Leila opened her eyes to make sure that they all had made it back safely.
"We made it! Leila do you have the Horcrux?" Harry whispered.
Leila unzipped her pocket and slowly pulled out the locket.
"We did it! We got the Horcrux!" Harry whispered excitedly.
Dumbledore staggered to the ground, leaving the twins looking for help desperately. Harry handed the locket back to Leila, who safely put it back in her pocket.
"We need to get him somewhere safe." Harry said.
"We need to get him back to school." Leila added.
"All right, Leila, you stay with him while I run back and get Madam Pomfrey." Harry said.
"No, it is Professor Snape I need, but I don't… think I can walk that far just yet." Dumbledore breathed heavily.
"But Madam Pomfrey…" Harry began.
"Severus, I need Severus." Dumbledore said clearly.
Harry looked at Leila. Harry knew that Snape liked Leila better, even if he was livid with her for staying in Gryffindor Tower. Leila stood up to run, but Madam Rosmerta came scurrying down the dark street toward them. She ran all the way to them, and then knelt down by Dumbledore's side.
"What's wrong with Albus?" Rosmerta asked.
"He's hurt. Can you stay with him, while Leila and I go back to the school?" Harry asked.
"You can't go up there! Don't you realize – haven't you seen?" Rosmerta began.
"Seen what?" Leila asked.
"What happened? What's wrong?" Dumbledore asked.
"The – the Dark Mark, Albus." Rosmerta whispered.
They all gazed at Hogwarts to find that a Dark Mark was painted in the sky above the castle. Leila's heart instantly sunk. Draco. What if he had killed Draco? The conversation was a blur for Leila. The next thing she knew, her arms were wrapped around Harry and they were flying on a broom under the Invisibility Cloak toward Hogwarts. They headed for the Astronomy Tower, where the Dark Mark glittered above. When they landed, Leila looked around for Draco's body, but she didn't see any body lying on the floor. Harry began questioning Dumbledore, but Dumbledore only said:
"Go and wake Severus, tell him what has happened and bring him to me. Do nothing, speak to nobody, and do not remove your cloak. Both of you be careful."
Harry started to protest, but Dumbledore reminded him what he had given his word to do. They slowly descended the first deck of the Astronomy Tower when, suddenly, footsteps could be heard pounding up the stairs. Leila bent over to tuck her wand in her sock. Just as soon as she had stood up, she and Harry froze under the Invisibility Cloak as a dark figure ran past and shouted, "Expelliarmus!" Dumbledore had been disarmed; but neither twin could move or speak. The only thing they could do was watch frozen from below while Dumbledore remained calm.
"Good evening, Draco."