The Tales of Hogwarts

Harry Potter V

"But that doesn't make any sense." Harry said as he, Hermione and Ron sat in the common room, "Why would Dumbledore admit to a theft that he didn't do ?" Harry tired to think as the words came out of his mouth but he couldn't think of a possible explanation.

"I don't know Harry, but fudge wouldn't accuse Dumbledore without reason," Hermione said, suddenly not interested in her potions homework, "Remember what happened last time he thought Dumbledore was lying."

"You mean you think that Dumbledore DID steal from the malfoys ?" Harry snapped.

"Now that's not what Hermione said." Ron said stepping in. Then he paused, "Maybe someone planted something in Dumbledore's office."

"Yes," Hermione said jumping in, "That would explain why Fudge was shouting at Sprout at the start of term."

"But still, why would Dumbledore go quietly ?" Harry asked.

And then, suddenly there was a thud. Everyone's heads swung round just in time to see.

"Dobby." Harry said, bewildered staring at the House elf, who was now fully dressed and wearing seven hats, "What are you doing here."

"Oh Harry potter sir," Dobby said, and Harry noticed a note in the house elf's hand, "Dobby has come to tell Harry Potter that his presents has been requested in the great hall."

Harry stared at dobby. "And who is requesting me ?"

"Umm.." Dobby paused, "Professor Lupin sir."

***

Harry stepped slowly down the marble staircase, Hermione on his left, Ron on his right and Dobby following closely behind. The entrance hall was filled with the pupil's possessions, the Christmas holidays would begin the next day and there were only twelve pupils staying.

"In there," Dobby said pointing at the great hall.

"Yeah, we know," Ron muttered, "Bloody elf's gone mad," He added in a whisper.

Harry had though that Dobby had been acting strange. But no time to think about that now.

The double doors swung open and suddenly a dozen centaurs barged through, each holding a spear. The cold air blew from the entrance and all three of them stood frozen in the centre of the entrance hall.

"We will not harm you young ones." The Centaur at the front boomed. "Just point us in the direction of the traitor." Harry paused. Should he tell them where firenze is ?

"Down there," Harry yelled, pointing at the staircase leading to the dungeon, Snape could handle them. And all but one of the centaurs left down the staircase. The one that was left behind was slightly smaller than the others with a patch over one of his eyes and blond hair.

"House elf." He hissed. And in one swift motion, he charged toward the group.

"RUN!" Harry screamed, but there was no time. The Centaur had ran head first into Hermione.

Everything seemed to happen so fast. Within seconds Hermione was lying on the floor face down, the centaur had chased Dobby up the stairs and Ron was shaking Hermione.

"Wake up. Wake up."

"What's going on ?" Lupin shouted from the double door. "Hermione, Ron, Harry !"

And then Harry saw it. Dobby had dropped his note. And at that Harry picked up the note and pushed it down into his pocket.

"THE CENTAURS ARE IN THE CASTLE !" Came a voice from the dungeons. It was Snape and he was in trouble.