Chapter 19- Voldemort is victorious
Severus and Remus watched the students file into the Great Hall. They were waiting outside the Hall for Dumbledore. He approached them slowly.
"I believe this has to do with Voldemort." Dumbledore replied. Remus nodded.
"Many of the students have told us the same scenario as the teachers. Both saw a figure and a strange face." Remus said.
"Not just any face," Severus replied, "Voldemorts."
"The question is: why weren't we affected?" Lupin asked. Severus shook his head.
"At the meeting tonight you will hopefully find out." Dumbledore sighed.
The group quietly entered the Great Hall for dinner.
**************************************************
Anaka sat with John in the Gryfindor common room. All classes had been canceled for the day. Dumbledore had said it was because everyone had to unpack but Anaka knew better. She thought it had to do with the strange figures and face.
"The teachers saw the same thing. Only me, my parents, your dad, Snape, Dumbledore, Madam Pince, and Madam Pomfry didn't have that vision." John told her.
"It makes no sense." Anaka replied.
"I have a bad feeling about this." John said with a sigh.
"I just hope we start classes again soon." Hermione said, entering the room. Ron and Harry followed her.
"Why?" Ron asked.
"We have to take the OWLs soon!" Hermione scolded.
"We'll do fine." Harry said sitting down.
"Sure!" Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"I can give you guys some homework if you want?" John said smiling.
"No!!" Anaka, Ron, and Harry cried.
"Yes!!" squeaked Hermione, "Oh please give me some work or study sheets or something!"
John laughed as the others gave Hermione a deadly look.
"I'll come by later with some stuff. You can take them if you want but you don't have too." John said looking at the others.
"Good." They muttered.
"I think I should go. Dumbledore might need me to do something. The sooner we figure this out the better." John stood up and headed for the door. Anaka followed him.
"Be careful you." She told him. They kissed quickly and then he slipped out.
Anaka sighed and sat by the fire. Sunfire and Crookshanks played nearby.
"Maybe we should go see if our other teachers have work for us!" Hermione suggested. The group groaned.
"I'll go with you if you wait till after dinner!" Anaka replied. Hermione brightened.
"Sure! How about you guys?"
"I guess we could use some work." Harry said slowly.
"Well if you all go, I'll go too." Ron sighed. Hermione smiled.
"We'll pass the OWLs with flying colors!"
***************************************************
After dinner Anaka, Ron, Hermione and Harry went to each of their Professors. Most of them were more then happy to give them work or tell them certain things to study. Snape especially had fun when they showed up. He gave them tons of book pages to read and sheets to study. He gave them samples of potions to identify and an assignment where they had to make their own potion. Everyone was feeling very tired when they came out of his classroom.
"I don't believe we agreed to do this." Ron mumbled as they walked up the stairs.
"At least we have some more study material." Hermione replied.
"Why don't we drop these things off at the common room and then go upstairs?" Anaka asked quickly, seeing Ron about to make a nasty reply to Hermione. The others nodded and made their way to the common room.
As they exited the common room, they noticed how crowded the halls had become. They squeezed through the groups of Professors and students and made their way to the stairs.
"Wait up guys!" Anaka called. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were almost to the top of the steps and Anaka was still stuck at the bottom.
Suddenly a dark figure ran through the crowd and hit Anaka hard. She gasped as she felt herself slam into a wall. She cried out in pain and tried to support herself by leaning on the wall. The people around her seemed to fade.
Harry looked down at the sound of Anaka's cry and saw a dark figure move away slowly. He seemed to walk right through the people. Then Harry noticed that the people around him were fading. He stopped moving and gasped as Hermione and Ron walked right through him. Others did the same until they vanished. Harry looked around. He was standing by himself on the stairs. The only sound was the sound of his breathing and Anaka gasping below. He ran down the stairs and helped Anaka stand up.
"Where is everyone? They all seemed to fade." Anaka replied.
"They all vanished." Harry said quietly.
*************************************************
Snape walked through the forest without making a sound. He removed his hood as he entered the Death Eaters camp.
"Why Severus! It's about time you showed up!" Voldemort cried with an evil smile.
"I came as soon as I could Lord Voldemort." He said with a slight bow of his head, "There's been trouble at Hogwarts and Dumbledore has become aware of our close presence."
"It's about time!" one of the Death Eaters sneered.
"Perhaps I should explain to you what has been happening." Voldemort said, gesturing for Snape to follow him.
They walked silently into the forest. After a few minutes they came to a clearing full of activity. The air was full of cries and weeping from captives. One cry was louder then the rest. Snape turned quickly at the sound of the familiar voice. Severus's eyes widened and he just held in a gasp as he saw what was in the clearing. The clearing was full of Professor's and students from Hogwarts. In a cage nearby, in chains, was Hagrid. He was the one who had made those loud cries.
"Remember that strange gas that appeared in the Great Hall that day?" Voldemort asked him. Snape nodded. He stared at the bound and gagged students and professors.
"It was not poisonous but there was something in it that stayed in the lungs of the victims. I was able to say a spell and it would give me the location of the people with the gas in their lungs. I used it like a tracker. I was able to find all the students and professors and capture them all." He laughed.
Snape smiled. He felt sick inside but hid it. All these people would see him and think he had betrayed them. They wouldn't know he was a spy.
"I've had problems with a few, like Rubeus over there," Voldemort said with a wave toward Hagrid, "and I bet they would love to meet you. I put them all in a little tent."
They walked toward an isolated tent. Severus stared at the wide-eyed looks he got. Professors were realizing what he was and student's hope was fading. He couldn't stand the glare he got from Hagrid. Voldemort pulled back the flap and they walked inside quietly. Severus looked with pity on what he saw. Hermione was lying gagged and bound, unconscious, on the floor. The others were also tied up but were awake. Ron had a black eye and a big bruise on his cheek. He looked at Snape with an almost glad stare but quickly changed it. George's forehead was bloody and his hair matted. He had two black eyes. George stared at Snape furiously and struggled with his bonds. Fred was next to him with a big cut on from his forehead to his cheek. He seemed to be only half conscious. Snape walked further in but stepped back as he stepped on something. On the ground was an unconscious ball of fur. As he looked at its face he almost groaned. He picked it up with trembling hands. It was hardly breathing.
"A professor I believe?" Voldemort asked with a laugh. Severus nodded.
"As my Death Eater went after her she changed and tried to get away. We got her in the end of course. I was waiting for her to wake up but now I don't know if she will." Voldemort's lips curled in an evil smile. Snape gently laid the cat next to Hermione.
"But I saw most of these people today." Snape replied.
"Yes. They were fakes. Only images. I'm glad they fooled everyone. But now to more pressing matters."
He kicked George as he tried to get up and then walked out of the tent. Severus followed.
"I think this will be enough bait for Potter, don't you?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes." Snape muttered.
"We've already had some recruits. 7th years I believe. Most of them Slytherins. Students of yours I suppose." He said with a grin.
"Recruits?" Snape asked puzzled. If he had been in his right mind he would have realized what Voldemort had meant but right now he was in a daze. His world was crumbling before his eyes. Could Voldemort really win?
"As Death Eaters. But that's not what's important. Tonight is the night I kill Potter and any one else who would get in my way. Tonight is when you come out as a Death Eater and we kill Dumbledore! Tonight is the night I've been waiting for. You must go back to the castle quickly. The images were programmed to go out tonight. Everyone is realizing something is wrong. Everyone that's left that is." He said with a gesture to his captives, "Go. Pretend a little longer. Lure them here. Then we will kill them!"
Snape nodded and turned away at once. His face was deathly pale and he ran back to Hogwarts full speed.
***************************************
"I don't understand." Anaka said as she walked down the hall with Harry, "Where is everyone?"
"I don't know." Harry replied.
They walked further down the hall. Soon they reached the Great Hall. It was extremely quiet as they entered. Harry and Anaka walked past the tables and approached the Professors table. As they reached it, Harry heard the door open behind them. He gripped Anaka's arm and they turned around quickly.
"Ana?" John called.
"John!" Anaka cried.
John and his parents rushed to meet Harry and Anaka. John hugged Anaka tightly.
"What's happening?" Anaka asked them.
"We don't know. We were hoping Dumbledore would be in here to tell us." Alania replied.
"Here I am." Dumbledore said walking into the Hall with Remus, Sirius, Madam Pomfry and Madam Pince.
"It appears we are the only people left in the school."
The group huddled together. They each explained what they saw and Anaka told them about the dark figure.
"What's happening?" Rich asked.
"Voldemort is making his move. The Ministry must be alerted. Madam Pomfry and Madam Pince," Dumbledore said turning towards them, "grab your brooms. You must fly to the Ministry as quick as you can. Tell them Voldemort is getting ready to attack. Let them contact all the Aurors they can find but tell them to wait for my signal to come. We must get all the students and professors away from Voldemort first. The final battle will not be tonight."
Madam Pomfry and Madam Pince nodded and ran out of the hall. As they ran out of the Hall they passed Snape. Seeing them exit he ran quickly inside.
"Dumbledore! Voldemort has the students and professors." He cried as he ran to meet the group.
Quickly, he explained to them what Voldemort had done. He told them everything he had seen and heard from the students becoming Death Eaters to the cat in the tent.
"Poor Minerva." Dumbledore said, shaking his head.
"I don't believe this! All to get to me." Harry said clenching his fists.
"He means to kill you. You and Dumbledore and anyone that would dare to stand in his way. He wants me to turn against you tonight and lead you into a trap." Severus said.
"We have to rescue everyone!" Anaka cried.
"Yes and having four Animagus's will help." Rich pointed out.
"We need to know where the camp is first." Remus said.
"I can show you…" Severus started but Sirius shook his head.
"No you can't. It'd be too dangerous. We can't go as humans and if grease ball goes Tom will definitely know he's a traitor," Sirius turned to Snape, "as much as I'd love to see you hung like a piece of meat we need you now."
"Us flyers will find it!" Alania said with a smile.
"And I can try to sniff it out." Sirius said. Dumbledore nodded. Soon a dog, eagle, falcon, and owl were racing out the door.
"What should we do?" Remus asked.
"Get some dark cloaks and start thinking of how we can rescue everyone." Dumbledore replied.
Harry and Anaka ran to get some cloaks as Remus, Snape, and Dumbledore sat down to think.
**************************************************
When Harry and Anaka returned, Remus, Snape, and Dumbledore had decided that the best way to attack the camp would be to wait for the others to return with the location of the camp, how far away it is, how big it is, and all those other calculations. They didn't have long to wait because soon an eagle flew through the window and landed on a chair. A falcon followed and landed on the floor. A dog bounded through the door and transformed quickly.
"The Death Eaters are moving! They are heading towards the castle!" Sirius told them.
"Any sign of Voldemort?" Remus asked. Sirius shook his head.
"I couldn't see that good. Ask one of the birds."
At this the birds transformed back to their old selves. Anaka bit her tongue. Where was John?
"I couldn't see him anywhere." Rich replied.
"Me neither." Alania sighed.
"So I guess your Death Eater friends didn't tell you the whole truth." Sirius scolded Severus.
"Perhaps they know I'm a spy." Snape said, going pale.
Suddenly there was a loud screech and an owl flew through the window. It crashed to the floor.
"John!" Anaka gasped. She rushed to the owl and picked it up. In it's talons she saw a struggling rat. The owl flew to the floor and transformed. As soon as it's talons turned to feet the rat was let loose but John grabbed it with his hands just in time.
"I don't think you were tricked Severus. I believe they sent a friend of yours to let you know."
The rat squirmed and shook violently.
"Peter!" Harry growled.
"We just might get our chance to kill him yet." Sirius said to Remus.
"Yes," Lupin said coolly, "we just might."
"You should show yourself Peter. We know who you are." Dumbledore said.
The rat started to change and John dropped him. Soon a man was groveling on the floor.
"Why it's Petegrew!" Snape said with fake surprise. He had to remember to keep up an act.
"I…he made me do everything! I never meant to hurt anyone!" Peter whined.
"Sure you didn't you rat! You hurt everyone! You didn't have to but you did!" Sirius growled.
"You're a traitor Peter. You betrayed us all." Remus said with a strange calmness. Anaka shivered. He father's calmness was a lot scarier then Sirius's anger.
"I…I had no choice. Have mercy!" he cried covering his head with his hand.
"Get up you rat!" Sirius snarled and kicked him. Peter yelped and stood up shakily.
"Go Peter." Dumbledore said quietly, "Go back to your master. Tell him that I know he is near and that we will show no mercy to him. If he laughs at my warning he is foolish."
Peter nodded and before anyone could object he transformed and ran out of the hall.
"Dumbledore! How could you let him go!?" Sirius asked furiously.
"We must think of strategy now. How can we protect the castle and rescue the prisoners?" Dumbledore asked.
The group sat in thought. Then Remus spoke.
"What we need is for all of us to rescue the prisoners and then someone else who can't be hurt to defend the castle. We need someone who's already…." At this he paused and a strange smile came over his face, "someone who is already dead. Like a ghost."
The other adults started at this and slowly it started to sink in. They nodded and started to smile.
"The ghosts should find us in due time. They must be wondering what happened…." Dumbledore said when he spotted a ghostly head peaking through a wall at them.
"How long have you been there Nick?" Dumbledore asked, gesturing for him to join them.
"I've been there since the Animagus's have returned. So has Peeves over there." Nearly Headless Nick told them. Peeves laughed and flew over their heads.
"Do you want my help? Why should I help you? No one appreciates my jokes! Mortals have no sense of humor at all!" Peeves said as he stopped and folded his arms.
Then his face grew fearful and he floated to the ground trembling. Nick was doing the same. They all turned to see the Bloody Baron coming towards them.
"Be silent Peeves, you disgrace to ghosts." He said dangerously. His voice was quiet yet it filled the whole room.
"Hello Baron." Dumbledore said. The Baron nodded at Dumbledore.
"I've been here since the beginning. I promise that the ghosts of this castle will help you. For this castle is also our home. Nick," he said as he turned toward the ghost, "go find the others. Tell them to meet me here. Don't take long. If you have time alert the nearby ghosts."
Nick nodded and left quickly.
"We must be on our way." Dumbledore replied. He handed out the cloaks and they drew the hoods tight around their faces. Before Dumbledore drew his, he looked at the Baron.
"There is a strange figure about. A figure that attacked Anaka. Be careful. I leave the castle in your hands. I hope to find it in one piece when I return."
"You will." The Baron promised.
Dumbledore drew up his hood and they walked quickly out of the Great Hall.
Severus and Remus watched the students file into the Great Hall. They were waiting outside the Hall for Dumbledore. He approached them slowly.
"I believe this has to do with Voldemort." Dumbledore replied. Remus nodded.
"Many of the students have told us the same scenario as the teachers. Both saw a figure and a strange face." Remus said.
"Not just any face," Severus replied, "Voldemorts."
"The question is: why weren't we affected?" Lupin asked. Severus shook his head.
"At the meeting tonight you will hopefully find out." Dumbledore sighed.
The group quietly entered the Great Hall for dinner.
**************************************************
Anaka sat with John in the Gryfindor common room. All classes had been canceled for the day. Dumbledore had said it was because everyone had to unpack but Anaka knew better. She thought it had to do with the strange figures and face.
"The teachers saw the same thing. Only me, my parents, your dad, Snape, Dumbledore, Madam Pince, and Madam Pomfry didn't have that vision." John told her.
"It makes no sense." Anaka replied.
"I have a bad feeling about this." John said with a sigh.
"I just hope we start classes again soon." Hermione said, entering the room. Ron and Harry followed her.
"Why?" Ron asked.
"We have to take the OWLs soon!" Hermione scolded.
"We'll do fine." Harry said sitting down.
"Sure!" Hermione said, rolling her eyes.
"I can give you guys some homework if you want?" John said smiling.
"No!!" Anaka, Ron, and Harry cried.
"Yes!!" squeaked Hermione, "Oh please give me some work or study sheets or something!"
John laughed as the others gave Hermione a deadly look.
"I'll come by later with some stuff. You can take them if you want but you don't have too." John said looking at the others.
"Good." They muttered.
"I think I should go. Dumbledore might need me to do something. The sooner we figure this out the better." John stood up and headed for the door. Anaka followed him.
"Be careful you." She told him. They kissed quickly and then he slipped out.
Anaka sighed and sat by the fire. Sunfire and Crookshanks played nearby.
"Maybe we should go see if our other teachers have work for us!" Hermione suggested. The group groaned.
"I'll go with you if you wait till after dinner!" Anaka replied. Hermione brightened.
"Sure! How about you guys?"
"I guess we could use some work." Harry said slowly.
"Well if you all go, I'll go too." Ron sighed. Hermione smiled.
"We'll pass the OWLs with flying colors!"
***************************************************
After dinner Anaka, Ron, Hermione and Harry went to each of their Professors. Most of them were more then happy to give them work or tell them certain things to study. Snape especially had fun when they showed up. He gave them tons of book pages to read and sheets to study. He gave them samples of potions to identify and an assignment where they had to make their own potion. Everyone was feeling very tired when they came out of his classroom.
"I don't believe we agreed to do this." Ron mumbled as they walked up the stairs.
"At least we have some more study material." Hermione replied.
"Why don't we drop these things off at the common room and then go upstairs?" Anaka asked quickly, seeing Ron about to make a nasty reply to Hermione. The others nodded and made their way to the common room.
As they exited the common room, they noticed how crowded the halls had become. They squeezed through the groups of Professors and students and made their way to the stairs.
"Wait up guys!" Anaka called. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were almost to the top of the steps and Anaka was still stuck at the bottom.
Suddenly a dark figure ran through the crowd and hit Anaka hard. She gasped as she felt herself slam into a wall. She cried out in pain and tried to support herself by leaning on the wall. The people around her seemed to fade.
Harry looked down at the sound of Anaka's cry and saw a dark figure move away slowly. He seemed to walk right through the people. Then Harry noticed that the people around him were fading. He stopped moving and gasped as Hermione and Ron walked right through him. Others did the same until they vanished. Harry looked around. He was standing by himself on the stairs. The only sound was the sound of his breathing and Anaka gasping below. He ran down the stairs and helped Anaka stand up.
"Where is everyone? They all seemed to fade." Anaka replied.
"They all vanished." Harry said quietly.
*************************************************
Snape walked through the forest without making a sound. He removed his hood as he entered the Death Eaters camp.
"Why Severus! It's about time you showed up!" Voldemort cried with an evil smile.
"I came as soon as I could Lord Voldemort." He said with a slight bow of his head, "There's been trouble at Hogwarts and Dumbledore has become aware of our close presence."
"It's about time!" one of the Death Eaters sneered.
"Perhaps I should explain to you what has been happening." Voldemort said, gesturing for Snape to follow him.
They walked silently into the forest. After a few minutes they came to a clearing full of activity. The air was full of cries and weeping from captives. One cry was louder then the rest. Snape turned quickly at the sound of the familiar voice. Severus's eyes widened and he just held in a gasp as he saw what was in the clearing. The clearing was full of Professor's and students from Hogwarts. In a cage nearby, in chains, was Hagrid. He was the one who had made those loud cries.
"Remember that strange gas that appeared in the Great Hall that day?" Voldemort asked him. Snape nodded. He stared at the bound and gagged students and professors.
"It was not poisonous but there was something in it that stayed in the lungs of the victims. I was able to say a spell and it would give me the location of the people with the gas in their lungs. I used it like a tracker. I was able to find all the students and professors and capture them all." He laughed.
Snape smiled. He felt sick inside but hid it. All these people would see him and think he had betrayed them. They wouldn't know he was a spy.
"I've had problems with a few, like Rubeus over there," Voldemort said with a wave toward Hagrid, "and I bet they would love to meet you. I put them all in a little tent."
They walked toward an isolated tent. Severus stared at the wide-eyed looks he got. Professors were realizing what he was and student's hope was fading. He couldn't stand the glare he got from Hagrid. Voldemort pulled back the flap and they walked inside quietly. Severus looked with pity on what he saw. Hermione was lying gagged and bound, unconscious, on the floor. The others were also tied up but were awake. Ron had a black eye and a big bruise on his cheek. He looked at Snape with an almost glad stare but quickly changed it. George's forehead was bloody and his hair matted. He had two black eyes. George stared at Snape furiously and struggled with his bonds. Fred was next to him with a big cut on from his forehead to his cheek. He seemed to be only half conscious. Snape walked further in but stepped back as he stepped on something. On the ground was an unconscious ball of fur. As he looked at its face he almost groaned. He picked it up with trembling hands. It was hardly breathing.
"A professor I believe?" Voldemort asked with a laugh. Severus nodded.
"As my Death Eater went after her she changed and tried to get away. We got her in the end of course. I was waiting for her to wake up but now I don't know if she will." Voldemort's lips curled in an evil smile. Snape gently laid the cat next to Hermione.
"But I saw most of these people today." Snape replied.
"Yes. They were fakes. Only images. I'm glad they fooled everyone. But now to more pressing matters."
He kicked George as he tried to get up and then walked out of the tent. Severus followed.
"I think this will be enough bait for Potter, don't you?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes." Snape muttered.
"We've already had some recruits. 7th years I believe. Most of them Slytherins. Students of yours I suppose." He said with a grin.
"Recruits?" Snape asked puzzled. If he had been in his right mind he would have realized what Voldemort had meant but right now he was in a daze. His world was crumbling before his eyes. Could Voldemort really win?
"As Death Eaters. But that's not what's important. Tonight is the night I kill Potter and any one else who would get in my way. Tonight is when you come out as a Death Eater and we kill Dumbledore! Tonight is the night I've been waiting for. You must go back to the castle quickly. The images were programmed to go out tonight. Everyone is realizing something is wrong. Everyone that's left that is." He said with a gesture to his captives, "Go. Pretend a little longer. Lure them here. Then we will kill them!"
Snape nodded and turned away at once. His face was deathly pale and he ran back to Hogwarts full speed.
***************************************
"I don't understand." Anaka said as she walked down the hall with Harry, "Where is everyone?"
"I don't know." Harry replied.
They walked further down the hall. Soon they reached the Great Hall. It was extremely quiet as they entered. Harry and Anaka walked past the tables and approached the Professors table. As they reached it, Harry heard the door open behind them. He gripped Anaka's arm and they turned around quickly.
"Ana?" John called.
"John!" Anaka cried.
John and his parents rushed to meet Harry and Anaka. John hugged Anaka tightly.
"What's happening?" Anaka asked them.
"We don't know. We were hoping Dumbledore would be in here to tell us." Alania replied.
"Here I am." Dumbledore said walking into the Hall with Remus, Sirius, Madam Pomfry and Madam Pince.
"It appears we are the only people left in the school."
The group huddled together. They each explained what they saw and Anaka told them about the dark figure.
"What's happening?" Rich asked.
"Voldemort is making his move. The Ministry must be alerted. Madam Pomfry and Madam Pince," Dumbledore said turning towards them, "grab your brooms. You must fly to the Ministry as quick as you can. Tell them Voldemort is getting ready to attack. Let them contact all the Aurors they can find but tell them to wait for my signal to come. We must get all the students and professors away from Voldemort first. The final battle will not be tonight."
Madam Pomfry and Madam Pince nodded and ran out of the hall. As they ran out of the Hall they passed Snape. Seeing them exit he ran quickly inside.
"Dumbledore! Voldemort has the students and professors." He cried as he ran to meet the group.
Quickly, he explained to them what Voldemort had done. He told them everything he had seen and heard from the students becoming Death Eaters to the cat in the tent.
"Poor Minerva." Dumbledore said, shaking his head.
"I don't believe this! All to get to me." Harry said clenching his fists.
"He means to kill you. You and Dumbledore and anyone that would dare to stand in his way. He wants me to turn against you tonight and lead you into a trap." Severus said.
"We have to rescue everyone!" Anaka cried.
"Yes and having four Animagus's will help." Rich pointed out.
"We need to know where the camp is first." Remus said.
"I can show you…" Severus started but Sirius shook his head.
"No you can't. It'd be too dangerous. We can't go as humans and if grease ball goes Tom will definitely know he's a traitor," Sirius turned to Snape, "as much as I'd love to see you hung like a piece of meat we need you now."
"Us flyers will find it!" Alania said with a smile.
"And I can try to sniff it out." Sirius said. Dumbledore nodded. Soon a dog, eagle, falcon, and owl were racing out the door.
"What should we do?" Remus asked.
"Get some dark cloaks and start thinking of how we can rescue everyone." Dumbledore replied.
Harry and Anaka ran to get some cloaks as Remus, Snape, and Dumbledore sat down to think.
**************************************************
When Harry and Anaka returned, Remus, Snape, and Dumbledore had decided that the best way to attack the camp would be to wait for the others to return with the location of the camp, how far away it is, how big it is, and all those other calculations. They didn't have long to wait because soon an eagle flew through the window and landed on a chair. A falcon followed and landed on the floor. A dog bounded through the door and transformed quickly.
"The Death Eaters are moving! They are heading towards the castle!" Sirius told them.
"Any sign of Voldemort?" Remus asked. Sirius shook his head.
"I couldn't see that good. Ask one of the birds."
At this the birds transformed back to their old selves. Anaka bit her tongue. Where was John?
"I couldn't see him anywhere." Rich replied.
"Me neither." Alania sighed.
"So I guess your Death Eater friends didn't tell you the whole truth." Sirius scolded Severus.
"Perhaps they know I'm a spy." Snape said, going pale.
Suddenly there was a loud screech and an owl flew through the window. It crashed to the floor.
"John!" Anaka gasped. She rushed to the owl and picked it up. In it's talons she saw a struggling rat. The owl flew to the floor and transformed. As soon as it's talons turned to feet the rat was let loose but John grabbed it with his hands just in time.
"I don't think you were tricked Severus. I believe they sent a friend of yours to let you know."
The rat squirmed and shook violently.
"Peter!" Harry growled.
"We just might get our chance to kill him yet." Sirius said to Remus.
"Yes," Lupin said coolly, "we just might."
"You should show yourself Peter. We know who you are." Dumbledore said.
The rat started to change and John dropped him. Soon a man was groveling on the floor.
"Why it's Petegrew!" Snape said with fake surprise. He had to remember to keep up an act.
"I…he made me do everything! I never meant to hurt anyone!" Peter whined.
"Sure you didn't you rat! You hurt everyone! You didn't have to but you did!" Sirius growled.
"You're a traitor Peter. You betrayed us all." Remus said with a strange calmness. Anaka shivered. He father's calmness was a lot scarier then Sirius's anger.
"I…I had no choice. Have mercy!" he cried covering his head with his hand.
"Get up you rat!" Sirius snarled and kicked him. Peter yelped and stood up shakily.
"Go Peter." Dumbledore said quietly, "Go back to your master. Tell him that I know he is near and that we will show no mercy to him. If he laughs at my warning he is foolish."
Peter nodded and before anyone could object he transformed and ran out of the hall.
"Dumbledore! How could you let him go!?" Sirius asked furiously.
"We must think of strategy now. How can we protect the castle and rescue the prisoners?" Dumbledore asked.
The group sat in thought. Then Remus spoke.
"What we need is for all of us to rescue the prisoners and then someone else who can't be hurt to defend the castle. We need someone who's already…." At this he paused and a strange smile came over his face, "someone who is already dead. Like a ghost."
The other adults started at this and slowly it started to sink in. They nodded and started to smile.
"The ghosts should find us in due time. They must be wondering what happened…." Dumbledore said when he spotted a ghostly head peaking through a wall at them.
"How long have you been there Nick?" Dumbledore asked, gesturing for him to join them.
"I've been there since the Animagus's have returned. So has Peeves over there." Nearly Headless Nick told them. Peeves laughed and flew over their heads.
"Do you want my help? Why should I help you? No one appreciates my jokes! Mortals have no sense of humor at all!" Peeves said as he stopped and folded his arms.
Then his face grew fearful and he floated to the ground trembling. Nick was doing the same. They all turned to see the Bloody Baron coming towards them.
"Be silent Peeves, you disgrace to ghosts." He said dangerously. His voice was quiet yet it filled the whole room.
"Hello Baron." Dumbledore said. The Baron nodded at Dumbledore.
"I've been here since the beginning. I promise that the ghosts of this castle will help you. For this castle is also our home. Nick," he said as he turned toward the ghost, "go find the others. Tell them to meet me here. Don't take long. If you have time alert the nearby ghosts."
Nick nodded and left quickly.
"We must be on our way." Dumbledore replied. He handed out the cloaks and they drew the hoods tight around their faces. Before Dumbledore drew his, he looked at the Baron.
"There is a strange figure about. A figure that attacked Anaka. Be careful. I leave the castle in your hands. I hope to find it in one piece when I return."
"You will." The Baron promised.
Dumbledore drew up his hood and they walked quickly out of the Great Hall.
