Chapter XVII: Clouds

Harry had spent the last hour going over his team plan over and over again: He still had no way of removing the Haunted words that Dumbledore had planted into his head.  The Dementors would come soon: he could feel it.  He always could.

After breakfast the next day, he had told the Gryffindor Team of the training schedule he had written for the Easter Break, and as he had said on timeless occasions, they had to win.  But there was another reason (Apart from Harry's hatred of Malfoy): There hadn't been a single playoff final since James Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts, also versus Slytherin (Of course, Hermione had enlightened Harry to this news.)

At around ten that morning, Dumbledore had summoned Harry to the boardroom.  As he arrived, the subject, much to Harry's dismay was Snape.  'Harry, we have found a note in Snape's trunk.  We have spent the past Three months trying to open it.'

            'Quite rightly, too!' Chimed in Lupin. 'Old Serverus had put a virtual fortress around what's inside.  No Wizard's ever documented those precautions!'

            'And you can see why.' Arthur Weasley said, 'What Voldemort could find in there would be particularly compromising.'

            'What did you find?' Asked Harry.  To him, this was all leading nowhere.

            'An envelope.  Adressed to you, Harry.' Dumbledore handed him the envelope.

            Harry,

                        I don't know whether I will still be alive after writing this letter, but I hope you find it.  I have gotten the final details of Voldemort's attack.

It will be on Easter Sunday in Hogsmeade at midday.  Have all Gryffindor sixth and seventh year students learn the Partonus Charm.  I couldn't trust the Slytherin's if my life depended on it.

Snape.

***

A/N: After seeing many notes on messageboards, I have granted the wish of many HP fans (Serverus Snape turning on Slytherin)!

***

Next week, as Harry became Professor Weasley's apprentice, the severity of Voldemort's attack became obvious.  Neville Longbottom was the best at performing the Partonus Charm.  All sixth grade lessons were replaced with defense against the dark arts, and as it turned out, Lupin was taking Weasley's lessons, and half of the Sixth and Seventh grade lessons.  By far the worst at the patronus was Hermione.

Security had increased on the Order as well.  By dawn on the Sunday, Harry could see that Dumbledore wouldn't allow what occurred in September taHao happen again.  'The giants have gone to stand guard on the borders.  We won't be caught by surprise this time.' There was a hint of revenge in Albus' voice.

***

The hour approached with great pace… Harry could see the Gryffindors dressed in the Golden Order robes, comparing their Patronus'.  Left away in the corner, still trying to do better than the feeble whisp coming out of her want was Hermione.

***

Just before midday Hagrid appeared in the fireplace 'THEY'RE COMING!'

As the clock struck, huge, black clouds baring lightning rolled over the sky, and the light was completely put out.  Harry started hearing screams.

            'No! Take me! Not Harry! Please! NO!'
            'Stand back, stupid girl!'

Harry came to.  He looked back out the window.  Hundreds of patronus' had appeared; huge crowds of ministry aurors were standing on the side of the Order.  Harry looked arounf the room.  Someone was missing.  He looked back out the window, and opposite the Order, Millions of Dementors stood.  Accompanying them was…

***

A/N: Aren't I mean.  In the true style of myself, there is a cliffhanger at the end of a crucial chapter.  I will reveal all soon.

We have lost our beta reviewer, Lily Evans, only being with us for two chapters.

So.  Who is accompanying the pesky Death Eaters? Who left the boardroom? Will Hermione make a strong patronus? You'll find out.  When? I'm not telling!