Chapter 9: Surprise Surprise

Harry reported back to Dumbledore, then went and told his friends, old and new, about what had happened. Ron and Hermione were shocked, while everyone else was confused. After telling the Fellowship about the legendary Snape/Harry rivalry, they understood the shock.

Suddenly, the sword trainer and his pupils came running back to where the others stood. Boromir said to Dumbledore and Harry, "A group of people robed in black and masked approaches. I am not sure if it's simply a spy group, or if they've launched an attack on us prematurely, but they're moving fast against the wind."

Dumbledore flew into action. "Minerva, take everyone back to the castle. I'll retreat with you, but when I stop, just keep going. Harry, please go alert Professor Snape. Gandalf, please stay and help me figure out their intentions."

Everyone quickly made their way up to the castle behind Professor McGonagall. Harry ran up to the castle and through the corridors. By the time he reached the dungeons, he was gasping for breath. "Professor **gasp** Snape! **gasp** Professor Sn-**gasp**-Snape!"

The Potions Master poked his head around the door frame. His eyes widened when he saw the Boy Who Lived. "What is it, Harry?"

Harry managed to say, without gasping, "Voldemort…he's coming…they're coming…"

A look of absolute dread crossed the professor's face. He disappeared inside, and Harry could hear the clinking of glass and Snape's muttered comments to himself, "Why didn't Vlodemore call me to the attack? ……Does he know…no, of course not, he can't know. Can he…"

Then, the potions master reappeared through the door, a bag slung over his shoulder, and he and Harry ran down the corridors together, the older wizard sometimes supporting the younger, who was rapidly running out of running power.

When they got to where the others were, Harry could see Gandalf and Dumbledore returning, their faces grim. Those expressions were all Harry needed to know that this was no spy group, it was the attack. The students, faculty, and visitors had arranged themselves in a curious fashion. Legolas and Aragorn were standing in front, with spaces behind them for them to recede into. Then came the teachers, then finally the students and the other members of the Fellowship.

Both elf and man had nocked arrows, ready to do as much physical damage as possible before the evil army got within spell range.

Gimli was bobbing up and down. " I can't see! What's happening out there?"

Legolas turned around, smiled, and said, "Shall I describe it to you, or would you like me to find you a box?"

Gandalf rolled his eyes and Dumbledore's lips cured in the tiniest of smiles. It was a small moment of relaxation in this time of apprehension.