Disclaimer: (places sorting hat on stool and steps back)
I own nothing, save this plot. I know, it's sad but true. Anything you recognize Belongs to You Know Who.
A/N: Yay! Another chapter finally posted! February 18th was my birthday, so I decided to take some quality "Me Time" and type this chapter.well, that is after eating at one of our local Italian restaurants. There's just nothing quite like a free meal. =)
To all those who have posted, I offer the following: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! Stay tuned to the end for updates
Now, on with the LONG chapter.let the climax begin!
~Chapter 19~
The start of the term had come fast and furiously. The snow outside had long since vanished, and tests were coming weekly in preparation for the NEWTS. Any students in their fifth year or higher could be found spending their free time in the library or skipping meals to finish class assignments. Harry was finding it difficult to procure any time to sleep through the week between increased assignments, quidditch practice, studying for NEWTS, spying, and hunting uses for Lithifolds and Re'em's blood. He was starting to realize how Hermione must have felt during their third year. Unfortunately, he did not have the luxury of a watch that allowed a person to travel back and forth across time to help him.
Late one night in April, Harry found himself thumbing through the pages of his Magical Beasts book while in the Gryffindor common room, slowly falling asleep with the book opened to the page describing the Re'em. He was fast asleep when Ron and Hermione came in from dinner.
"Harry.wake up, Harry," Hermione shook Harry's shoulder. She looked concerned when Harry sat upright, startled. "Harry, you need to get some rest. You've been studying harder than anyone the last few months."
"Yeah, even harder than Hermione - if that's possible," Ron said while smiling teasingly at Hermione. "We got Dobby to fix you some food since you missed dinner again."
"Thanks," Harry said. He took a large bite of an apple and sat his book down on the sofa next to him.
"Harry," Hermione noticed what Harry had been reading, "we haven't gotten this far in Care of Magical Creatures. Why the interest?"
"No - no particular reason. The page must have just landed there when I fell asleep." Harry hoped he had sounded convincing enough.
"Hey, did you hear what happened this morning?" Ron asked, oblivious to Harry's cover up story about the Re'em. "Dean said that someone broke into Trelawney's office and smashed a bunch of crystal balls and took a ton that junk she's always burning."
Hermione laughed. "That flighty bat probably won't be able to function without a room full of smoke."
Harry sat quietly as his mind raced through a stream of events.
"Harry, is everything alright?" Ron noticed that Harry was not sharing in his and Hermione's amusement.
"What would anyone need with all that incense?"
"Oh, it was probably just some childish prank, Harry," Hermione offered with slight indignation. "Besides, she should have seen it coming with her inner eye."
"Yeah. Something this tragic should make her entire year. You know how she thrives on doom and gloom," Ron said.
"I'm serious," Harry said with growing impatience. "This entire school year has been one long stream of weird or bad events, and someone needs to figure out what exactly is tying them all together." Ron and Hermione stopped teasing and listened as Harry continued. "Okay, the first incidence was in Hogsmeade, and Snape nearly got killed. The second was the troll. Everyone knows that it didn't get in on its own, and it nearly killed a handful of first years. The third incident was in Hogsmeade when Fred and George first saw the professors' doubles."
"At least no one nearly got killed that night," Ron offered. He received two death-glares from his friends.
"Anyway, the fourth was at the Quidditch match, and the fifth was that whole incidence with the imposters and Professor Atwood's double."
"We know all that Harry, but what do they all have in common?" Hermione questioned.
"That's what I can't figure out," Harry allowed his frustration to show. "I don't know if they were distractions or a set up~"
"A set up for what?" Ron broke into Harry's sentence.
Harry sighed. "I suppose it's time I told you.Someone is trying to get Professor Dumbledore and some of the other professors fired."
"Fired?!" came the chorused response. "But how do you know?"
"I promised that I would not repeat the name."
"But, Harry, who would do such a thing? And why would they risk the lives of students to do it?"
"Cornelius Fudge has a spy in the school. He may not realize it, but I believe whoever it is that he hired is a Death Eater."
"The only one who fits that bill is Snape," Ron said. "He's the only one with the Dark Mark on his arm."
"It can't be Snape," Harry continued. "I don't think Snape would order himself to be nearly killed."
"Well, who else?"
Harry looked troubled. A second later, his scar burned. He winced and rubbed it as he thought. "The only person who was around every time something happened was." Harry didn't want to say what he was thinking. With some resignation, he continued, "Ms. Angeline."
Hermione stood up and scowled at Harry. "You can't be serious! I'd believe that McGonagall was a turncoat before I would Ms. Angeline."
"Hermione, I'm only saying that she is always around when something happens. Don't you think it's a little too much to be a coincidence?"
"Well, what about the incense? And what about the supposed ceremony? Do you think it has anything to do with what the Death Eaters are looking for in the castle?" Ron threw out a bombardment of questions in an attempt to redirect Hermione's anger.
"The incense is no doubt going to be used in the ceremony," Harry said, grateful for the diversion. "I haven't come across anything from studying, though. That's why I am almost convinced that it has been a diversion."
"Well, I am going to bed," Hermione said. "We can discuss this further in the morning when everyone is thinking more clearly."
Harry knew the last part of her sentence had been intended for him. He watched her ascend the stairs before whispering to Ron. "I didn't mean for her to get so upset."
"You know how much she looks up to Ms. Angeline," Ron offered while shrugging his shoulders. "I think it would break her heart if you were right; that's why she got upset."
"No, she's right, Ron. My instincts tell me it's not her," Harry said as they walked to their bedroom. "But maybe," he added with great thoughtfulness, "it could have to do with her. She is, after all, in possession of some extremely rare powers."
"That still leads us back to square one. Who is the Death Eater that has infiltrated the school?"
They cut their conversation short and decided to discuss it further in the morning before class. Harry, who was exhausted, allowed his mind to wander only briefly. His scar was no longer burning, and so he fell asleep quickly.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
"I have returned for you, my faithful followers," Voldemort stood before the cell of the Lestranges. "I have sent the dementors on ahead of me. They have rejoined us and have released all of the prisoners that I saw fit."
Two very pale individuals sat in the cell looking up at Voldemort with exhausted faces painted with triumph. "W-w-we never.doubted..you," the pasty complected man managed to stammer.
"Yes, I know, and for this, you shall both be well rewarded. Lucius and Crabbe are coming to help free the rest of the prisoners. They will see to your safe return to the Circle."
"Thank you, my lord.. When our strength.. has returned~"
"Do not worry yourself, Marta, you will not have to wait long. One of my look outs has acquired a m~"
A short, round man interrupted Voldemort, although reluctantly. "S-s-sir, he's still here. Goyle found him in one of the lower levels." The short man flinched slightly, half expecting to be struck.
An evil, twisted smile crept across Voldemort's face. "Very good, Wormtail. Have him brought back to the Circle as well. His full rights shall be granted, if he so desires." Voldemort turned back to the Lestranges. "Our Binding Ceremony must be held within the next twenty-four hours. After that, there will no longer be a proper star alignment. Because you have shown great loyalty to me, you shall both be partakers."
Malfoy and Crabbe both appeared behind Voldemort. They were both wearing their cloaks with the hoods raised. Malfoy spoke just after Voldemort finished. "Master, the prisoners have been freed as you requested. Goyle is bringing Gregor Devans."
At that moment, a tall, sinister looking man appeared with Goyle beside him. "Lord Voldemort. It's a pleasure to see you again."
The hideous smile came back across Voldemort's serpent-like face. "Gregor Devans. You appear rather well for a man who has been in Azkaban for twenty years."
"I have too much left to do for such technicalities to get in the way," he remarked in a cold, sarcastic tone.
"Well, you shall have your opportunity. We must all go now. I have preparations to see to, and time is very valuable. I have no doubt that fool, Dumbledore, has already gotten word that the dementors are heading toward the school. They will buy us a small amount of time while one of my trainees is fetching our guest of honor."
*^*^*^*^*^
Harry sat upright in his bed. He had kicked the covers in every direction and was sweating profusely. His scar was burning so much that it caused his eyes to water. He looked around and realized that he was in the Gryffindor tower, whereas not seconds ago, he had been standing in Azkaban, watching as the prisoners were freed. He immediately sprang to his feet and threw his robe on while mumbling, "I've got to tell Professor Dumbledore."
Ron rolled over and sat up after noticing Harry sprinting about the bed while clutching his scar. "What are you doing, Harry? It's one in the morning."
"No time, Ron. Gotta warn Dumbledore."
"Harry," Ron whispered, but Harry was already out the door.
Harry ran as fast as his legs would carry him. The halls were dark and eerily silent except for the sound of Harry's feet hitting the floor. As he turned a corner to run up the staircases, he rammed squarely into Filch. "What're you doing outa bed? That's a detention," Filch growled while grabbing hold of Harry's arm.
"Lemme go! It's an emergency! I have to see Professor Dumbledore!"
"Not tonight, you don't. Everyone's asleep, so it can wait until morning."
"What's going on out here?" Angeline was moving up the stairs towards Filch and Harry.
"I just caught this young 'un out of bed. I was going to take him down to the dungeon and write him a detention."
Angeline looked inquisitively at Harry. He seemed quite distressed, and he was rubbing at the scar on his forehead. "I'll take care of it, Argus. Why don't you get some rest." She smiled sweetly at Filch and pulled Harry away before he could object.
"Thanks," Harry muttered as they moved quickly down the stairs.
"Harry, what's going on that you have to be up so late?"
"I have to speak with Professor Dumbledore. I've got to tell him about my dream."
Angeline did not question him any further. When they reached the gargoyle, Angeline mumbled, "Lemon drop," and it sprang out of the way. Once inside, they were slightly surprised to see the lanterns lit and Dumbledore sitting at his desk.
"Sir, something awful has happened," Harry excitedly began. His scar was still burning, but he let his hand drop to his side.
"I just received word that at least a hundred dementors are heading toward the school. Might it have something to do with that?"
"Yes, Sir. It was Voldemort. I saw it all in my dream. He just released the prisoners in Azkaban and the dementors rejoined him."
"Angeline, please gather the other professors in the staff room as quickly as possible."
Angeline nodded and began to concentrate on summoning each of the professors just as she had done to Snape earlier in the year.
Harry watched her curiously as Dumbledore began to speak again. "Come with me, Harry. The rest of the faculty needs to be informed. We need to move quickly before the dementors arrive."
Seconds later, Angeline had finished and was following Dumbledore and Harry out the door. McGonagall appeared from a side door and joined them. "Albus, what is going on? One minute I was sleeping and the next minute I had a sharp pain in my head and an uncontrollable need to go to the staff room~"
"All will be explained momentarily, Minerva." McGonagall opened her mouth to ask something else, but elected not to upon noticing Harry.
Soon they were in the faculty room. Harry had never before been in this particular room before and was taking time to look about until the other faculty arrived. Although there were no pictures in the room, there were different tapestries and what appeared to be antique wizardry items. A large, rectangular table was in the center of the room, and there were exactly enough chairs for each of the teachers.
Madam Hooch and Flitwick were the first to arrive, followed by Trelawney, Hagrid, Sinestra, and then a train of others. In less than five minutes, everyone was sitting around the table, half asleep, all confused, and all whispering inquisitively.
Dumbledore looked around the room. "Are you certain that you summoned everyone?" he asked as the room grew silent.
"Yes, Sir. Shall I try again?"
"No. We must begin immediately." Dumbledore stood at the head of the table and everyone sat forward in anticipation. "I know there are many questions, and all will be answered in time. Now, however, we must all position ourselves about the castle." Everyone looked about with confusion. "Harry, please quickly tell us about your dream."
Harry stepped forward nervously. He did not enjoy having to address a mass of adults, especially concerning a dream. He quickly found himself recounting the dream, though. Just as he told about Voldemort sending the dementors to the school, the door swung open, hard, and everyone jumped. Snape shoved Lyle into the room and forced him toward Dumbledore.
Angeline stood to question their attitudes, but Snape spoke before she had the opportunity. "Headmaster, we seem to have a traitor in our midst. I caught him stealing documents from the restricted files on the third floor."
Dumbledore's eyes were blazing. "I do not know what is going on here, but I assure you I will know soon enough. Unfortunately, we have more pressing issues to tend to. The dementors could be here at any moment, and if they truly have rejoined Voldemort, we must make certain they do not enter this building. There is no end to the damage that can be done. Now, we must all spread ourselves about the entrances."
All of the professors followed Dumbledore out the door. He paused, allowing McGonagall to lead the procession. He turned and looked at Lyle. "I do not want to hear any explanations right now. The safety of the students and this school are my top priority, and I have to permit you to help because we need all the help we can get. Our number is spread thin, and if there are more dementors than we think, they may be impossible to fight. Can you manage to hold your position, or do I need to confine you to your quarters?"
"No, Sir. I'll help," Lyle said in a very humble tone.
Snape glared at him coldly and swept down the stairs to join the other professors. Lyle followed shortly thereafter.
"Harry, I want you to go back to my office and wait there." With that, Dumbledore headed in the same direction as the other professors.
The night was completely silent as the teachers stood around the barricaded entrances. Snape stood only a few feet from Angeline, and she avoided his gaze each time he glanced in her direction. Snape thought she looked almost disappointed, if not uncomfortable. She still wore the crystal that he had gotten her for Christmas, and it was now swirling with a dark shade of gray.
Snape's observation was cut short by a growing coldness in the air. Just at the foot of the hill he saw a moving mass of drab gray creatures. As they approached, each of the professors summoned a Patronus and held it out in front of them.
From inside, Harry paced about Dumbledore's office. He felt like he had been there forever, and he wanted to know what was going on outside. As he circled the desk for the fifth time, a large crystal ball on a table near Fawke's perch caught his eye. He had never had any luck with the crystal balls in Trelawney's class, but he could have sworn that he saw something within this one move. He looked deep into the crystal ball and concentrated. "Please show me what's happening outside," he whispered. At that moment, a swirl of mist filled the ball. The mist then faded and very clear images could be seen. He watched as the dementors approached the school and then as they stopped at the sight of the Patronuses. Harry's eyes widened as he realized the hundred dementors seemed to have doubled in number, greatly outnumbering the faculty who fought to keep them away. The dementors in the front lines pushed forward and kept the attention of the professors while the dementors that followed crept around and made their way to the breaks in the line. Each time that a professor moved to compensate, more dementors would advance.
Harry backed away from the scene in disbelief. "There are too many of them," he muttered as his mind raced. He ran from Dumbledore's office and towards the Gryffindor tower to wake Ron and Hermione. He needed help, and he needed it quickly.
After waking Ron, Harry went to the girls' room. He looked uncomfortably at Ron and then proceeded to open the door. Much to his relief, Hermione came out just as his hand clasped the latch. "What are you two~" Hermione began, but Harry interrupted.
"The school's under attack. There is an entire swarm of dementors outside, and they're going to get in unless we help the professors. We've got to get all the sixth and seventh years. They should all be able to summon a patronus."
"But, Harry," Ron began, "we don't even know exactly where the other houses' doors are located."
"Leave that to me," Hermione chimed in and lead the boys down the stairs and out the portrait hole. "Do you know a seventh and sixth year in each of the houses?"
"Cho and Allen in Ravenclaw," Harry noted, "and Fred and Rodger are in ours."
"Chambers and Wells in Hufflepuff .. and Carpathia and Nichols are in Slytherin," Ron added. "But, Hermione, what good will that do us?"
"Just trust me." Hermione closed her eyes and put her fingers to the temple of her head. A few moments later, she opened her eyes. "C'mon. Everyone will meet us on the fourth floor corridor."
Harry looked at Hermione with curiosity. "How did you learn to summon?"
"Ms. Angeline has been teaching me. We've been practicing in my free time since the Yule Ball."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Ron asked.
"It just never came up."
When they arrived on the fourth floor, they did not have to wait long for Hermione's statement to hold true. A good numbered assembly of students soon joined them. Harry got their attention quickly. "Everyone, the professors need our help. There are dementors just outside and not enough professors to fight them."
A few glances and whispers were exchanged followed by a general agreed consensus. Harry was surprised to even have the support of the Slytherins. All in agreement, they made their way down to the grounds.
Angeline found her energy quickly giving way. As she glanced around, she realized that the other teachers felt the same way. Dumbledore seemed to be the only one who did not tire, as his Patronus shone just as brightly as it did when the battle began.
A feeling of despair was fighting its way into her mind. Although she had been in battles before, never had she witnessed massive bombardment by dementors. Suddenly, from behind the line of teachers, an array of Patronuses shot out in perfect alignment causing the entire front line of dementors to retreat to a safe distance.
"Now!" came a command from a seventh year, and a second alignment of patronuses penetrated even further onto the grounds. Another wave of dementors hissed in pain and retreated. Dumbledore and his senior faculty took the opportunity to drop their patronuses and move together in a small circle. They pointed their wands to the center and then raised them in synchrony. A huge blast of silvery light spread throughout the gray crowd causing panic among the dementors. After another repetition of this process, a large number of dementors retreated.
Everyone held their patronus until the dementors could no longer be seen. Dumbledore faced the cheering crowd of students. His look, however, was not one of triumph or cheer. "Everyone move back inside quickly." Once inside, Dumbledore looked at his pocket watch and then at the faces that peered up at him. "Thank you all .. for your help and for your courage. I'm afraid, however, that even though we have won the battle, the war is still ahead. For now, perhaps we should get some rest," he nodded at the students and they complied. He then turned to his staff. "Now, I believe we have some unfinished business to tend to."
Snape sneered at Lyle as the moved back to the faculty room. Lyle glared back at him, obviously not apprehensive in the least.
The faculty again took their seats. Dumbledore remained standing and stood silently for a few minutes. He was obviously gathering his thoughts before beginning his interrogation.
"I'm sorry that this cannot wait until morning, but it is a serious matter. When each of you were hired as professors, I promised you full rights to everything at Hogwarts. However," he looked gravely at Lyle, "the restricted files are restricted, and with good reason. They are my own personal business, and not that of any other person in this building. I am not even certain as to how you came about them. I do not make it a habit to flaunt that which I do not wish to be discovered. I believe you owe us an explanation."
Lyle stood and faced Dumbledore. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms in front of his robes. "Very well then. I am working for Cornelius Fudge from the ministry." Mouths fell open across the room.
Snape crossed his arms. "And you're looking for items of blackmail."
"Fudge hired me to find out what is going on at this school. He is going to eradicate the individuals who are an endangerment to the children." Lyle did not flinch as Dumbledore approached him. The fury that he saw in Dumbledore's eyes half made him expect a Cruciatus curse to be thrown at him. Instead, Dumbledore simply shook his head and sighed.
"Headmaster," Angeline sounded like a tiny mouse as she slowly stood to join her brother.
"Angeline, please don't," Lyle said firmly.
"Sir," she began, ignoring her brother, "I was also sent from the ministry for the same reason." Angeline felt ashamed. She noticed another round of shocked, angry expressions. "While Lyle scavenged to find mis-operations or anything else that wasn't 'by the book,' I was~" she stopped and looked down at the floor to summon her courage, "to gain the confidence of the faculty and report everything that was told to me that would be of interest to the Minister." Angeline was afraid to look at anyone. She had been told many personal secrets throughout the year, but she had no intention of revealing any of them. As a matter of fact, she had decided not to follow through with her assignment after the first week of school.
Dumbledore finally spoke after what seemed to be an eternity to Angeline. "And what will your report state?"
Lyle spoke first. "As squeaky clean and perfect as you would like to make Hogwarts out to be," Lyle said while moving about the table, "it is not perfect. Students sneak about the halls at night seeking mischief, you have a Death Eater and a half giant listed as staff members, there's a known Parselmouth on one of the teams, the children break limbs on a monthly basis - at games, no less - many of your former students are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent lives - the list goes on and on. Obviously something is lacking in leadership."
"That is outrageous!" Lyle's last sentence had sent Hagrid lumbering across the table in a threatening manner. "Nobody~"
"Hagrid, it's quite alright," Dumbledore interjected.
"No, it's not." Now McGonagall was standing. "This is all rubbish! Surely you are not going to stand there and let him~"
"Minerva," Dumbledore's eyes were soft, as was his voice, he is entitled to his opinion just like everyone else. There is nothing that he has said that could come as a shock to the parents that entrust us to their children." Dumbledore walked back to his chair at the head of the table and sat down. "Now, however, we have more pressing matters to tend to."
Everyone resumed their seats, although reluctantly and grudgingly. Angeline felt sick. She decided to keep her focus on a large golden star on the trim of her robe as Dumbledore continued the meeting. She wondered if Dumbledore would ask them to leave in the morning. She afforded herself a quick glance upward and realized that Snape was watching her from across the table. She swallowed hard. Despite the angry looks that everyone else had, Snape's eyes held only a look of betrayal. She felt her heart pounding in her chest. As she focused on her lap again, she fought back her desire to cry. She had not meant to hurt him, or any of them for that matter. Although she had taken the assignment seriously enough when Fudge exclaimed that Dumbledore was causing harm to the children, she had immediately realized how absurdly wrong he was.
"Since it has been made abundantly clear that the ministry has devoted its attention and energy everywhere except Voldemort, I am afraid it will be up to us to be ready when the attacks begin. I believe you each already know what that entails. We already have contacts in the Aurors' department, as well as others, who have pledged their allegiance to the cause at a moment's notice. I will make contact with them as soon as possible. Now, as for the dementors, Harry said that in his dream, Voldemort was sending the dementors as a diversion. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done about that now." Dumbledore paused to look around the table at his staff. "I don't wish to end things on a sour note, but I'm afraid there is very little left to do but wait. I don't need to remind you of the graveness of our situation. Our first priority is for the safety of the children. I do not wish to keep this from them, so I will explain everything - within reason - to them after breakfast. For now, I advise that you all get what rest you can."
The professors stood and left the room silently. Angeline stood last and walked over to Dumbledore. He looked at her but said nothing. "Sir, I'm so sorry. I don't share my brother's views, but that doesn't excuse my actions." Angeline trailed off in an attempt to control her shaky voice. "I'll understand. if you want us to leave~"
"Angeline," Dumbledore's demeanor was not at all harsh. "I know that you and your brother have quite different attitudes about life. Although you both began on the same course, you seem to have chosen a different road."
Angeline tilted her head in confusion. Her mind was too pained to make since of his riddle.
"It is your decision as to whether or not you stay or leave. While staying will not be easy on you socially, I must admit that you have proven to be a wonderful teacher."
Angeline watched Dumbledore leave the room. She then followed out the door and down the stairs. She knew she needed to speak to Severus so that she could explain everything to him.
When she approached his door, she saw a shimmer of light creeping out. She held her breath and knocked on the door. Snape yanked the door open a bit more forcefully than she had expected, and she jumped back slightly. "Severus, I owe you an explanation."
"You owe me nothing," he said coldly.
"Severus.I never meant to hurt you. When Fudge hired me I was under the impression that I was going to get rid of some bumbling old fool and his lackies. When I arrived here, I knew just how wrong I was~"
"I don't have time for this tonight. I am quite busy." Snape's tone was icy. His words cut through her and she felt her throat tighten.
"Please, listen to me. I~" she struggled for the right words as her voice began to break. "I can't change what I've done, but I assure you that everything we've said to one another has and will remain between us."
"Miss Atwood, do you honestly think that I have been naïve to your little act this entire time? I have told you only what I have wanted you to hear."
"Severus, I haven't been pretending to care for you just to fill out a report. Surely you know that deep inside you."
"I'm sorry to hear that. We're both adults, so I'm going to put this bluntly. I have work to do, and I thus have no time for this silly game any longer."
Angeline felt her tears streaming down her face. She raised a trembling hand to her cheek to wipe them away. "Then look me in the eyes and tell me that you don't care about me, and I'll never bother you again."
Snape hesitated, but it was barely noticeable. In his most controlled voice, while looking her squarely in the eyes, he began to speak. "Again, you owe me nothing because I do not care. I was merely doing my job. I allowed you to believe I cared in order to keep an eye on you and your brother."
That was all it took. Angeline could feel her heart break into a million pieces as she turned and ran from the dungeons. She wanted out as quickly as possible so that she could at least be spared any cruel comments that Snape might have left for her. "I should have known better," she told herself.
Snape placed his hand on the wall and leaned his weight into it as he slammed his door shut. He hung his head down and closed his eyes. He knew he had been unnecessarily cruel, but he had not seen any other way to be. He crossed the room and sat down on a large, leather armchair next to the fireplace. The antique clock on the mantle showed four o'clock. He knew there was no sense in trying to sleep, although he was tired. The mark on his arm was burning hotter that it had in a long time. It meant that the Dark Lord was summoning his followers for something important.
Snape allowed his mind to race as he sat staring blankly across the room. After Voldemort had come back into power, Dumbledore had requested that Snape try and make contact with the Death Eaters and resume his position as spy. He had found Crabbe and Goyle talking in Knocturn Alley late one evening and had disguised himself with a new kind of polyjuice that he had been working on. He approached them, and after bribing them with a few dark arts trinkets, he had found out exactly what he needed to know. His position as a spy had been compromised, and returning to the circle would, as Goyle so eloquently phrased it, "get him killed real good." His position was known to the Dark Lord, and no amount of cunning was going to get him back in. Now, Snape could sense danger approaching and he felt an old apprehension returning.
His thoughts wandered to Angeline. In all honesty, he had begun to care for her - deeply. He felt an immediate twinge of resentment. "I should have known better," he told himself. Every time he had allowed himself to care for someone or something, there always came a tragic downfall afterwards. It had proven true his entire life, so why should it prove any differently now. He pushed her from his mind and decided to occupy his remaining time until breakfast by playing chess against the board. Since he spent most evenings alone, until this year, he had long ago enchanted the board to play games of strategy. It was the only thing that calmed his nerves, so he played fiercely, as a rule, on a very battered playing field; evidence of his constant state of irritation.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Angeline buried her head deep into her pillow to suppress her sobs. She wasn't so much crying out of pity for her hurt feelings, but because she had deserved every word of it. A knock on her door caused her to jump. "Please, go away," she managed to miserably choke out.
"C'mon, Ange, open the door," Lyle called from outside.
Reluctantly she stood and wiped at her face and crossed the room to open the door. Lyle came in and closed the door behind him.
"What's gotten you so upset?"
Angeline regained some of her composure but refused to face her brother. She felt ridiculous crying in front of him. It wasn't something that her family prided itself in. "Nothing important."
"I'm not completely clueless, you know. I suppose you and that bat had a falling out?" he asked with sincere curiosity while handing Angeline a cup of tea that he had brought with him. "Why don't you just sit down and try to relax and tell me what happened."
Angeline accepted the tea gratefully but continued to pace about the room. "Severus just informed me that my feelings for him were completely unwarranted." She took a large sip of tea and moved towards her velvet armchair. "He told me that he didn't care about me, and that he never had. He said he was only doing his job." The words stung as she uttered them.
"Listen, Ange, he's worthless. We'll be out of here soon, and you can pretend that Snape never existed." Lyle watched her intently as she drank her tea. "Besides, we're not here to make friends. You should know better by now than to let your guard down."
His words cut through her. She stood and moved about the room again. Pacing was a habit she had picked up as a child, and she had done plenty of it. "I just don't think that's me anymore, Lyle.maybe it never was."
Now Lyle was standing and glaring dangerously at his sister. "You're not thinking of staying in this school, are you? You are not a teacher, or have you forgotten that?"
Angeline's head was swimming. She felt the floor shift under her feet and braced herself against the wall. She shook her head and answered Lyle, hoping that he had not noticed. "I like it here, Lyle. I finally feel like I'm where I need to be.Sort of like it's family." Her head was swimming more and more, but she continued. It was probably just a combination of nerves and lack of sleep. "I know now that Severus does not care for me, but."
"Ange, maybe you ought to sit down. You don't look so well."
She nodded and moved back towards the chair. Before she made it, however, the room began spinning uncontrollably before her. She dropped the teacup and it shattered on the floor next to her. Lyle caught her before she hit the floor.
He carried her back into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. She was completely out when he whispered, "I'm really sorry about this, Ange."
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in the Gryffindor common room and watched the flames coming out of the fireplace. Hermione had tears rolling down her cheeks, but she didn't even bother to wipe them away.
"I'm really sorry, Hermione." Harry was the first to break the silence.
"It's not your fault, Harry. Afterall, all of us ought to know better than to be that trusting by now."
"You know that's not true. She's not a bad person. She was just doing her job."
Roughly an hour ago, the three had been standing outside the staff room when Lyle and Angeline had told the staff why they were really there. Hermione had taken the news personally. Their thoughts, at the moment, were cut short by the sound of the portrait opening.
"I thought I would find you three still awake." Dumbledore stepped into the room and the three stood up." "Hermione, why are you crying?"
When Hermione didn't speak, Harry did. "We were outside during the staff meeting, Sir."
"I see. Then you know how difficult it is going to be for Ms. Angeline to continue as a Professor here."
"You mean she is staying? Sir, how can you trust her?" Hermione allowed her anger to show.
"Now, Hermione, I thought you were quite fond of your teacher. You've been spending a lot of time with her, have you not?"
"Well, yes .. but how do I know that she wasn't just trying to use me to get you fired?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled from behind his half-moon spectacles. "Do you really feel that her intentions were false?"
Hermione grew silent for a moment. "Truthfully .. no."
"I think your best course of action is to talk to her in the morning after breakfast.or should I say rather, in a few hours. I'm canceling classes tomorrow. I think everyone needs to catch up on their rest." Dumbledore stood to go back out the portrait hole, but stopped before leaving. "Oh, I almost forgot.Harry, how exactly did the three of you know how to get into the other houses? It took such a small amount of time to gather everyone together when the dementors attacked that I couldn't help but think that you had the passwords to every room in the castle." He smiled at his joke and waited for a reply.
Hermione allowed herself a small smile. "I summoned them, Sir. Ms. Angeline taught me how."
Dumbledore's entire demeanor changed at Hermione's words, and the students noticed immediately. "Hermione, that is not something that can be taught. It is only inheritable."
"But .. my parents are muggles."
"Yes .. We shall have to discuss this further." Dumbledore's mind seemed to be working overtime. "Goodnight."
"What do you suppose that was all about?" Ron asked after Dumbledore was out of earshot.
"I dunno," Hermione said. "Perhaps I'll ask Ms. Angeline about it tomorrow."
Ron and Harry smiled. It was good to see Hermione's mood improve. They moved up towards their bedrooms in hopes of getting at least a couple of hours sleep before breakfast.
~~~~~~~^^^^^^^~~~~~~~
Mwahahaha ~ Thus ends what I think is my longest chapter .. of course, it always seems forever long when you're typing it, and then you upload and it smacks you in the face .... Oh well.
I know this was a bit of an evil way to end, and I do so hate mini- cliffhangers that take forever to update. (I tend to be an impatient person sometimes.) In other words, I will do my best to update in the near future ~ I won't make any promises as to an exact date because sometimes my workload gets the best of me, and I don't like to break promises.
To all who reviewed, another round of applause, thanks, and praise goes out to you! You have no idea how happy it makes a writer feel to know that someone, somewhere out there is actually reading what you write.
To wrap up, there are only five chapters left.Didn't I say that last time.Well, this time I'm certain. Twenty-four chapters total. (They are all sitting in a notebook in my room just screaming to be typed.I won't let them down!) And just to let everyone know, I have already started on a sequel.trust me, you may be thinking that it's not necessary now, but if I didn't warn you, I am pretty certain that there would be a few Howlers after me later. =)
Next Chapter: The Binding
I own nothing, save this plot. I know, it's sad but true. Anything you recognize Belongs to You Know Who.
A/N: Yay! Another chapter finally posted! February 18th was my birthday, so I decided to take some quality "Me Time" and type this chapter.well, that is after eating at one of our local Italian restaurants. There's just nothing quite like a free meal. =)
To all those who have posted, I offer the following: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! Stay tuned to the end for updates
Now, on with the LONG chapter.let the climax begin!
~Chapter 19~
The start of the term had come fast and furiously. The snow outside had long since vanished, and tests were coming weekly in preparation for the NEWTS. Any students in their fifth year or higher could be found spending their free time in the library or skipping meals to finish class assignments. Harry was finding it difficult to procure any time to sleep through the week between increased assignments, quidditch practice, studying for NEWTS, spying, and hunting uses for Lithifolds and Re'em's blood. He was starting to realize how Hermione must have felt during their third year. Unfortunately, he did not have the luxury of a watch that allowed a person to travel back and forth across time to help him.
Late one night in April, Harry found himself thumbing through the pages of his Magical Beasts book while in the Gryffindor common room, slowly falling asleep with the book opened to the page describing the Re'em. He was fast asleep when Ron and Hermione came in from dinner.
"Harry.wake up, Harry," Hermione shook Harry's shoulder. She looked concerned when Harry sat upright, startled. "Harry, you need to get some rest. You've been studying harder than anyone the last few months."
"Yeah, even harder than Hermione - if that's possible," Ron said while smiling teasingly at Hermione. "We got Dobby to fix you some food since you missed dinner again."
"Thanks," Harry said. He took a large bite of an apple and sat his book down on the sofa next to him.
"Harry," Hermione noticed what Harry had been reading, "we haven't gotten this far in Care of Magical Creatures. Why the interest?"
"No - no particular reason. The page must have just landed there when I fell asleep." Harry hoped he had sounded convincing enough.
"Hey, did you hear what happened this morning?" Ron asked, oblivious to Harry's cover up story about the Re'em. "Dean said that someone broke into Trelawney's office and smashed a bunch of crystal balls and took a ton that junk she's always burning."
Hermione laughed. "That flighty bat probably won't be able to function without a room full of smoke."
Harry sat quietly as his mind raced through a stream of events.
"Harry, is everything alright?" Ron noticed that Harry was not sharing in his and Hermione's amusement.
"What would anyone need with all that incense?"
"Oh, it was probably just some childish prank, Harry," Hermione offered with slight indignation. "Besides, she should have seen it coming with her inner eye."
"Yeah. Something this tragic should make her entire year. You know how she thrives on doom and gloom," Ron said.
"I'm serious," Harry said with growing impatience. "This entire school year has been one long stream of weird or bad events, and someone needs to figure out what exactly is tying them all together." Ron and Hermione stopped teasing and listened as Harry continued. "Okay, the first incidence was in Hogsmeade, and Snape nearly got killed. The second was the troll. Everyone knows that it didn't get in on its own, and it nearly killed a handful of first years. The third incident was in Hogsmeade when Fred and George first saw the professors' doubles."
"At least no one nearly got killed that night," Ron offered. He received two death-glares from his friends.
"Anyway, the fourth was at the Quidditch match, and the fifth was that whole incidence with the imposters and Professor Atwood's double."
"We know all that Harry, but what do they all have in common?" Hermione questioned.
"That's what I can't figure out," Harry allowed his frustration to show. "I don't know if they were distractions or a set up~"
"A set up for what?" Ron broke into Harry's sentence.
Harry sighed. "I suppose it's time I told you.Someone is trying to get Professor Dumbledore and some of the other professors fired."
"Fired?!" came the chorused response. "But how do you know?"
"I promised that I would not repeat the name."
"But, Harry, who would do such a thing? And why would they risk the lives of students to do it?"
"Cornelius Fudge has a spy in the school. He may not realize it, but I believe whoever it is that he hired is a Death Eater."
"The only one who fits that bill is Snape," Ron said. "He's the only one with the Dark Mark on his arm."
"It can't be Snape," Harry continued. "I don't think Snape would order himself to be nearly killed."
"Well, who else?"
Harry looked troubled. A second later, his scar burned. He winced and rubbed it as he thought. "The only person who was around every time something happened was." Harry didn't want to say what he was thinking. With some resignation, he continued, "Ms. Angeline."
Hermione stood up and scowled at Harry. "You can't be serious! I'd believe that McGonagall was a turncoat before I would Ms. Angeline."
"Hermione, I'm only saying that she is always around when something happens. Don't you think it's a little too much to be a coincidence?"
"Well, what about the incense? And what about the supposed ceremony? Do you think it has anything to do with what the Death Eaters are looking for in the castle?" Ron threw out a bombardment of questions in an attempt to redirect Hermione's anger.
"The incense is no doubt going to be used in the ceremony," Harry said, grateful for the diversion. "I haven't come across anything from studying, though. That's why I am almost convinced that it has been a diversion."
"Well, I am going to bed," Hermione said. "We can discuss this further in the morning when everyone is thinking more clearly."
Harry knew the last part of her sentence had been intended for him. He watched her ascend the stairs before whispering to Ron. "I didn't mean for her to get so upset."
"You know how much she looks up to Ms. Angeline," Ron offered while shrugging his shoulders. "I think it would break her heart if you were right; that's why she got upset."
"No, she's right, Ron. My instincts tell me it's not her," Harry said as they walked to their bedroom. "But maybe," he added with great thoughtfulness, "it could have to do with her. She is, after all, in possession of some extremely rare powers."
"That still leads us back to square one. Who is the Death Eater that has infiltrated the school?"
They cut their conversation short and decided to discuss it further in the morning before class. Harry, who was exhausted, allowed his mind to wander only briefly. His scar was no longer burning, and so he fell asleep quickly.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
"I have returned for you, my faithful followers," Voldemort stood before the cell of the Lestranges. "I have sent the dementors on ahead of me. They have rejoined us and have released all of the prisoners that I saw fit."
Two very pale individuals sat in the cell looking up at Voldemort with exhausted faces painted with triumph. "W-w-we never.doubted..you," the pasty complected man managed to stammer.
"Yes, I know, and for this, you shall both be well rewarded. Lucius and Crabbe are coming to help free the rest of the prisoners. They will see to your safe return to the Circle."
"Thank you, my lord.. When our strength.. has returned~"
"Do not worry yourself, Marta, you will not have to wait long. One of my look outs has acquired a m~"
A short, round man interrupted Voldemort, although reluctantly. "S-s-sir, he's still here. Goyle found him in one of the lower levels." The short man flinched slightly, half expecting to be struck.
An evil, twisted smile crept across Voldemort's face. "Very good, Wormtail. Have him brought back to the Circle as well. His full rights shall be granted, if he so desires." Voldemort turned back to the Lestranges. "Our Binding Ceremony must be held within the next twenty-four hours. After that, there will no longer be a proper star alignment. Because you have shown great loyalty to me, you shall both be partakers."
Malfoy and Crabbe both appeared behind Voldemort. They were both wearing their cloaks with the hoods raised. Malfoy spoke just after Voldemort finished. "Master, the prisoners have been freed as you requested. Goyle is bringing Gregor Devans."
At that moment, a tall, sinister looking man appeared with Goyle beside him. "Lord Voldemort. It's a pleasure to see you again."
The hideous smile came back across Voldemort's serpent-like face. "Gregor Devans. You appear rather well for a man who has been in Azkaban for twenty years."
"I have too much left to do for such technicalities to get in the way," he remarked in a cold, sarcastic tone.
"Well, you shall have your opportunity. We must all go now. I have preparations to see to, and time is very valuable. I have no doubt that fool, Dumbledore, has already gotten word that the dementors are heading toward the school. They will buy us a small amount of time while one of my trainees is fetching our guest of honor."
*^*^*^*^*^
Harry sat upright in his bed. He had kicked the covers in every direction and was sweating profusely. His scar was burning so much that it caused his eyes to water. He looked around and realized that he was in the Gryffindor tower, whereas not seconds ago, he had been standing in Azkaban, watching as the prisoners were freed. He immediately sprang to his feet and threw his robe on while mumbling, "I've got to tell Professor Dumbledore."
Ron rolled over and sat up after noticing Harry sprinting about the bed while clutching his scar. "What are you doing, Harry? It's one in the morning."
"No time, Ron. Gotta warn Dumbledore."
"Harry," Ron whispered, but Harry was already out the door.
Harry ran as fast as his legs would carry him. The halls were dark and eerily silent except for the sound of Harry's feet hitting the floor. As he turned a corner to run up the staircases, he rammed squarely into Filch. "What're you doing outa bed? That's a detention," Filch growled while grabbing hold of Harry's arm.
"Lemme go! It's an emergency! I have to see Professor Dumbledore!"
"Not tonight, you don't. Everyone's asleep, so it can wait until morning."
"What's going on out here?" Angeline was moving up the stairs towards Filch and Harry.
"I just caught this young 'un out of bed. I was going to take him down to the dungeon and write him a detention."
Angeline looked inquisitively at Harry. He seemed quite distressed, and he was rubbing at the scar on his forehead. "I'll take care of it, Argus. Why don't you get some rest." She smiled sweetly at Filch and pulled Harry away before he could object.
"Thanks," Harry muttered as they moved quickly down the stairs.
"Harry, what's going on that you have to be up so late?"
"I have to speak with Professor Dumbledore. I've got to tell him about my dream."
Angeline did not question him any further. When they reached the gargoyle, Angeline mumbled, "Lemon drop," and it sprang out of the way. Once inside, they were slightly surprised to see the lanterns lit and Dumbledore sitting at his desk.
"Sir, something awful has happened," Harry excitedly began. His scar was still burning, but he let his hand drop to his side.
"I just received word that at least a hundred dementors are heading toward the school. Might it have something to do with that?"
"Yes, Sir. It was Voldemort. I saw it all in my dream. He just released the prisoners in Azkaban and the dementors rejoined him."
"Angeline, please gather the other professors in the staff room as quickly as possible."
Angeline nodded and began to concentrate on summoning each of the professors just as she had done to Snape earlier in the year.
Harry watched her curiously as Dumbledore began to speak again. "Come with me, Harry. The rest of the faculty needs to be informed. We need to move quickly before the dementors arrive."
Seconds later, Angeline had finished and was following Dumbledore and Harry out the door. McGonagall appeared from a side door and joined them. "Albus, what is going on? One minute I was sleeping and the next minute I had a sharp pain in my head and an uncontrollable need to go to the staff room~"
"All will be explained momentarily, Minerva." McGonagall opened her mouth to ask something else, but elected not to upon noticing Harry.
Soon they were in the faculty room. Harry had never before been in this particular room before and was taking time to look about until the other faculty arrived. Although there were no pictures in the room, there were different tapestries and what appeared to be antique wizardry items. A large, rectangular table was in the center of the room, and there were exactly enough chairs for each of the teachers.
Madam Hooch and Flitwick were the first to arrive, followed by Trelawney, Hagrid, Sinestra, and then a train of others. In less than five minutes, everyone was sitting around the table, half asleep, all confused, and all whispering inquisitively.
Dumbledore looked around the room. "Are you certain that you summoned everyone?" he asked as the room grew silent.
"Yes, Sir. Shall I try again?"
"No. We must begin immediately." Dumbledore stood at the head of the table and everyone sat forward in anticipation. "I know there are many questions, and all will be answered in time. Now, however, we must all position ourselves about the castle." Everyone looked about with confusion. "Harry, please quickly tell us about your dream."
Harry stepped forward nervously. He did not enjoy having to address a mass of adults, especially concerning a dream. He quickly found himself recounting the dream, though. Just as he told about Voldemort sending the dementors to the school, the door swung open, hard, and everyone jumped. Snape shoved Lyle into the room and forced him toward Dumbledore.
Angeline stood to question their attitudes, but Snape spoke before she had the opportunity. "Headmaster, we seem to have a traitor in our midst. I caught him stealing documents from the restricted files on the third floor."
Dumbledore's eyes were blazing. "I do not know what is going on here, but I assure you I will know soon enough. Unfortunately, we have more pressing issues to tend to. The dementors could be here at any moment, and if they truly have rejoined Voldemort, we must make certain they do not enter this building. There is no end to the damage that can be done. Now, we must all spread ourselves about the entrances."
All of the professors followed Dumbledore out the door. He paused, allowing McGonagall to lead the procession. He turned and looked at Lyle. "I do not want to hear any explanations right now. The safety of the students and this school are my top priority, and I have to permit you to help because we need all the help we can get. Our number is spread thin, and if there are more dementors than we think, they may be impossible to fight. Can you manage to hold your position, or do I need to confine you to your quarters?"
"No, Sir. I'll help," Lyle said in a very humble tone.
Snape glared at him coldly and swept down the stairs to join the other professors. Lyle followed shortly thereafter.
"Harry, I want you to go back to my office and wait there." With that, Dumbledore headed in the same direction as the other professors.
The night was completely silent as the teachers stood around the barricaded entrances. Snape stood only a few feet from Angeline, and she avoided his gaze each time he glanced in her direction. Snape thought she looked almost disappointed, if not uncomfortable. She still wore the crystal that he had gotten her for Christmas, and it was now swirling with a dark shade of gray.
Snape's observation was cut short by a growing coldness in the air. Just at the foot of the hill he saw a moving mass of drab gray creatures. As they approached, each of the professors summoned a Patronus and held it out in front of them.
From inside, Harry paced about Dumbledore's office. He felt like he had been there forever, and he wanted to know what was going on outside. As he circled the desk for the fifth time, a large crystal ball on a table near Fawke's perch caught his eye. He had never had any luck with the crystal balls in Trelawney's class, but he could have sworn that he saw something within this one move. He looked deep into the crystal ball and concentrated. "Please show me what's happening outside," he whispered. At that moment, a swirl of mist filled the ball. The mist then faded and very clear images could be seen. He watched as the dementors approached the school and then as they stopped at the sight of the Patronuses. Harry's eyes widened as he realized the hundred dementors seemed to have doubled in number, greatly outnumbering the faculty who fought to keep them away. The dementors in the front lines pushed forward and kept the attention of the professors while the dementors that followed crept around and made their way to the breaks in the line. Each time that a professor moved to compensate, more dementors would advance.
Harry backed away from the scene in disbelief. "There are too many of them," he muttered as his mind raced. He ran from Dumbledore's office and towards the Gryffindor tower to wake Ron and Hermione. He needed help, and he needed it quickly.
After waking Ron, Harry went to the girls' room. He looked uncomfortably at Ron and then proceeded to open the door. Much to his relief, Hermione came out just as his hand clasped the latch. "What are you two~" Hermione began, but Harry interrupted.
"The school's under attack. There is an entire swarm of dementors outside, and they're going to get in unless we help the professors. We've got to get all the sixth and seventh years. They should all be able to summon a patronus."
"But, Harry," Ron began, "we don't even know exactly where the other houses' doors are located."
"Leave that to me," Hermione chimed in and lead the boys down the stairs and out the portrait hole. "Do you know a seventh and sixth year in each of the houses?"
"Cho and Allen in Ravenclaw," Harry noted, "and Fred and Rodger are in ours."
"Chambers and Wells in Hufflepuff .. and Carpathia and Nichols are in Slytherin," Ron added. "But, Hermione, what good will that do us?"
"Just trust me." Hermione closed her eyes and put her fingers to the temple of her head. A few moments later, she opened her eyes. "C'mon. Everyone will meet us on the fourth floor corridor."
Harry looked at Hermione with curiosity. "How did you learn to summon?"
"Ms. Angeline has been teaching me. We've been practicing in my free time since the Yule Ball."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Ron asked.
"It just never came up."
When they arrived on the fourth floor, they did not have to wait long for Hermione's statement to hold true. A good numbered assembly of students soon joined them. Harry got their attention quickly. "Everyone, the professors need our help. There are dementors just outside and not enough professors to fight them."
A few glances and whispers were exchanged followed by a general agreed consensus. Harry was surprised to even have the support of the Slytherins. All in agreement, they made their way down to the grounds.
Angeline found her energy quickly giving way. As she glanced around, she realized that the other teachers felt the same way. Dumbledore seemed to be the only one who did not tire, as his Patronus shone just as brightly as it did when the battle began.
A feeling of despair was fighting its way into her mind. Although she had been in battles before, never had she witnessed massive bombardment by dementors. Suddenly, from behind the line of teachers, an array of Patronuses shot out in perfect alignment causing the entire front line of dementors to retreat to a safe distance.
"Now!" came a command from a seventh year, and a second alignment of patronuses penetrated even further onto the grounds. Another wave of dementors hissed in pain and retreated. Dumbledore and his senior faculty took the opportunity to drop their patronuses and move together in a small circle. They pointed their wands to the center and then raised them in synchrony. A huge blast of silvery light spread throughout the gray crowd causing panic among the dementors. After another repetition of this process, a large number of dementors retreated.
Everyone held their patronus until the dementors could no longer be seen. Dumbledore faced the cheering crowd of students. His look, however, was not one of triumph or cheer. "Everyone move back inside quickly." Once inside, Dumbledore looked at his pocket watch and then at the faces that peered up at him. "Thank you all .. for your help and for your courage. I'm afraid, however, that even though we have won the battle, the war is still ahead. For now, perhaps we should get some rest," he nodded at the students and they complied. He then turned to his staff. "Now, I believe we have some unfinished business to tend to."
Snape sneered at Lyle as the moved back to the faculty room. Lyle glared back at him, obviously not apprehensive in the least.
The faculty again took their seats. Dumbledore remained standing and stood silently for a few minutes. He was obviously gathering his thoughts before beginning his interrogation.
"I'm sorry that this cannot wait until morning, but it is a serious matter. When each of you were hired as professors, I promised you full rights to everything at Hogwarts. However," he looked gravely at Lyle, "the restricted files are restricted, and with good reason. They are my own personal business, and not that of any other person in this building. I am not even certain as to how you came about them. I do not make it a habit to flaunt that which I do not wish to be discovered. I believe you owe us an explanation."
Lyle stood and faced Dumbledore. He cleared his throat and crossed his arms in front of his robes. "Very well then. I am working for Cornelius Fudge from the ministry." Mouths fell open across the room.
Snape crossed his arms. "And you're looking for items of blackmail."
"Fudge hired me to find out what is going on at this school. He is going to eradicate the individuals who are an endangerment to the children." Lyle did not flinch as Dumbledore approached him. The fury that he saw in Dumbledore's eyes half made him expect a Cruciatus curse to be thrown at him. Instead, Dumbledore simply shook his head and sighed.
"Headmaster," Angeline sounded like a tiny mouse as she slowly stood to join her brother.
"Angeline, please don't," Lyle said firmly.
"Sir," she began, ignoring her brother, "I was also sent from the ministry for the same reason." Angeline felt ashamed. She noticed another round of shocked, angry expressions. "While Lyle scavenged to find mis-operations or anything else that wasn't 'by the book,' I was~" she stopped and looked down at the floor to summon her courage, "to gain the confidence of the faculty and report everything that was told to me that would be of interest to the Minister." Angeline was afraid to look at anyone. She had been told many personal secrets throughout the year, but she had no intention of revealing any of them. As a matter of fact, she had decided not to follow through with her assignment after the first week of school.
Dumbledore finally spoke after what seemed to be an eternity to Angeline. "And what will your report state?"
Lyle spoke first. "As squeaky clean and perfect as you would like to make Hogwarts out to be," Lyle said while moving about the table, "it is not perfect. Students sneak about the halls at night seeking mischief, you have a Death Eater and a half giant listed as staff members, there's a known Parselmouth on one of the teams, the children break limbs on a monthly basis - at games, no less - many of your former students are responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent lives - the list goes on and on. Obviously something is lacking in leadership."
"That is outrageous!" Lyle's last sentence had sent Hagrid lumbering across the table in a threatening manner. "Nobody~"
"Hagrid, it's quite alright," Dumbledore interjected.
"No, it's not." Now McGonagall was standing. "This is all rubbish! Surely you are not going to stand there and let him~"
"Minerva," Dumbledore's eyes were soft, as was his voice, he is entitled to his opinion just like everyone else. There is nothing that he has said that could come as a shock to the parents that entrust us to their children." Dumbledore walked back to his chair at the head of the table and sat down. "Now, however, we have more pressing matters to tend to."
Everyone resumed their seats, although reluctantly and grudgingly. Angeline felt sick. She decided to keep her focus on a large golden star on the trim of her robe as Dumbledore continued the meeting. She wondered if Dumbledore would ask them to leave in the morning. She afforded herself a quick glance upward and realized that Snape was watching her from across the table. She swallowed hard. Despite the angry looks that everyone else had, Snape's eyes held only a look of betrayal. She felt her heart pounding in her chest. As she focused on her lap again, she fought back her desire to cry. She had not meant to hurt him, or any of them for that matter. Although she had taken the assignment seriously enough when Fudge exclaimed that Dumbledore was causing harm to the children, she had immediately realized how absurdly wrong he was.
"Since it has been made abundantly clear that the ministry has devoted its attention and energy everywhere except Voldemort, I am afraid it will be up to us to be ready when the attacks begin. I believe you each already know what that entails. We already have contacts in the Aurors' department, as well as others, who have pledged their allegiance to the cause at a moment's notice. I will make contact with them as soon as possible. Now, as for the dementors, Harry said that in his dream, Voldemort was sending the dementors as a diversion. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done about that now." Dumbledore paused to look around the table at his staff. "I don't wish to end things on a sour note, but I'm afraid there is very little left to do but wait. I don't need to remind you of the graveness of our situation. Our first priority is for the safety of the children. I do not wish to keep this from them, so I will explain everything - within reason - to them after breakfast. For now, I advise that you all get what rest you can."
The professors stood and left the room silently. Angeline stood last and walked over to Dumbledore. He looked at her but said nothing. "Sir, I'm so sorry. I don't share my brother's views, but that doesn't excuse my actions." Angeline trailed off in an attempt to control her shaky voice. "I'll understand. if you want us to leave~"
"Angeline," Dumbledore's demeanor was not at all harsh. "I know that you and your brother have quite different attitudes about life. Although you both began on the same course, you seem to have chosen a different road."
Angeline tilted her head in confusion. Her mind was too pained to make since of his riddle.
"It is your decision as to whether or not you stay or leave. While staying will not be easy on you socially, I must admit that you have proven to be a wonderful teacher."
Angeline watched Dumbledore leave the room. She then followed out the door and down the stairs. She knew she needed to speak to Severus so that she could explain everything to him.
When she approached his door, she saw a shimmer of light creeping out. She held her breath and knocked on the door. Snape yanked the door open a bit more forcefully than she had expected, and she jumped back slightly. "Severus, I owe you an explanation."
"You owe me nothing," he said coldly.
"Severus.I never meant to hurt you. When Fudge hired me I was under the impression that I was going to get rid of some bumbling old fool and his lackies. When I arrived here, I knew just how wrong I was~"
"I don't have time for this tonight. I am quite busy." Snape's tone was icy. His words cut through her and she felt her throat tighten.
"Please, listen to me. I~" she struggled for the right words as her voice began to break. "I can't change what I've done, but I assure you that everything we've said to one another has and will remain between us."
"Miss Atwood, do you honestly think that I have been naïve to your little act this entire time? I have told you only what I have wanted you to hear."
"Severus, I haven't been pretending to care for you just to fill out a report. Surely you know that deep inside you."
"I'm sorry to hear that. We're both adults, so I'm going to put this bluntly. I have work to do, and I thus have no time for this silly game any longer."
Angeline felt her tears streaming down her face. She raised a trembling hand to her cheek to wipe them away. "Then look me in the eyes and tell me that you don't care about me, and I'll never bother you again."
Snape hesitated, but it was barely noticeable. In his most controlled voice, while looking her squarely in the eyes, he began to speak. "Again, you owe me nothing because I do not care. I was merely doing my job. I allowed you to believe I cared in order to keep an eye on you and your brother."
That was all it took. Angeline could feel her heart break into a million pieces as she turned and ran from the dungeons. She wanted out as quickly as possible so that she could at least be spared any cruel comments that Snape might have left for her. "I should have known better," she told herself.
Snape placed his hand on the wall and leaned his weight into it as he slammed his door shut. He hung his head down and closed his eyes. He knew he had been unnecessarily cruel, but he had not seen any other way to be. He crossed the room and sat down on a large, leather armchair next to the fireplace. The antique clock on the mantle showed four o'clock. He knew there was no sense in trying to sleep, although he was tired. The mark on his arm was burning hotter that it had in a long time. It meant that the Dark Lord was summoning his followers for something important.
Snape allowed his mind to race as he sat staring blankly across the room. After Voldemort had come back into power, Dumbledore had requested that Snape try and make contact with the Death Eaters and resume his position as spy. He had found Crabbe and Goyle talking in Knocturn Alley late one evening and had disguised himself with a new kind of polyjuice that he had been working on. He approached them, and after bribing them with a few dark arts trinkets, he had found out exactly what he needed to know. His position as a spy had been compromised, and returning to the circle would, as Goyle so eloquently phrased it, "get him killed real good." His position was known to the Dark Lord, and no amount of cunning was going to get him back in. Now, Snape could sense danger approaching and he felt an old apprehension returning.
His thoughts wandered to Angeline. In all honesty, he had begun to care for her - deeply. He felt an immediate twinge of resentment. "I should have known better," he told himself. Every time he had allowed himself to care for someone or something, there always came a tragic downfall afterwards. It had proven true his entire life, so why should it prove any differently now. He pushed her from his mind and decided to occupy his remaining time until breakfast by playing chess against the board. Since he spent most evenings alone, until this year, he had long ago enchanted the board to play games of strategy. It was the only thing that calmed his nerves, so he played fiercely, as a rule, on a very battered playing field; evidence of his constant state of irritation.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Angeline buried her head deep into her pillow to suppress her sobs. She wasn't so much crying out of pity for her hurt feelings, but because she had deserved every word of it. A knock on her door caused her to jump. "Please, go away," she managed to miserably choke out.
"C'mon, Ange, open the door," Lyle called from outside.
Reluctantly she stood and wiped at her face and crossed the room to open the door. Lyle came in and closed the door behind him.
"What's gotten you so upset?"
Angeline regained some of her composure but refused to face her brother. She felt ridiculous crying in front of him. It wasn't something that her family prided itself in. "Nothing important."
"I'm not completely clueless, you know. I suppose you and that bat had a falling out?" he asked with sincere curiosity while handing Angeline a cup of tea that he had brought with him. "Why don't you just sit down and try to relax and tell me what happened."
Angeline accepted the tea gratefully but continued to pace about the room. "Severus just informed me that my feelings for him were completely unwarranted." She took a large sip of tea and moved towards her velvet armchair. "He told me that he didn't care about me, and that he never had. He said he was only doing his job." The words stung as she uttered them.
"Listen, Ange, he's worthless. We'll be out of here soon, and you can pretend that Snape never existed." Lyle watched her intently as she drank her tea. "Besides, we're not here to make friends. You should know better by now than to let your guard down."
His words cut through her. She stood and moved about the room again. Pacing was a habit she had picked up as a child, and she had done plenty of it. "I just don't think that's me anymore, Lyle.maybe it never was."
Now Lyle was standing and glaring dangerously at his sister. "You're not thinking of staying in this school, are you? You are not a teacher, or have you forgotten that?"
Angeline's head was swimming. She felt the floor shift under her feet and braced herself against the wall. She shook her head and answered Lyle, hoping that he had not noticed. "I like it here, Lyle. I finally feel like I'm where I need to be.Sort of like it's family." Her head was swimming more and more, but she continued. It was probably just a combination of nerves and lack of sleep. "I know now that Severus does not care for me, but."
"Ange, maybe you ought to sit down. You don't look so well."
She nodded and moved back towards the chair. Before she made it, however, the room began spinning uncontrollably before her. She dropped the teacup and it shattered on the floor next to her. Lyle caught her before she hit the floor.
He carried her back into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. She was completely out when he whispered, "I'm really sorry about this, Ange."
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in the Gryffindor common room and watched the flames coming out of the fireplace. Hermione had tears rolling down her cheeks, but she didn't even bother to wipe them away.
"I'm really sorry, Hermione." Harry was the first to break the silence.
"It's not your fault, Harry. Afterall, all of us ought to know better than to be that trusting by now."
"You know that's not true. She's not a bad person. She was just doing her job."
Roughly an hour ago, the three had been standing outside the staff room when Lyle and Angeline had told the staff why they were really there. Hermione had taken the news personally. Their thoughts, at the moment, were cut short by the sound of the portrait opening.
"I thought I would find you three still awake." Dumbledore stepped into the room and the three stood up." "Hermione, why are you crying?"
When Hermione didn't speak, Harry did. "We were outside during the staff meeting, Sir."
"I see. Then you know how difficult it is going to be for Ms. Angeline to continue as a Professor here."
"You mean she is staying? Sir, how can you trust her?" Hermione allowed her anger to show.
"Now, Hermione, I thought you were quite fond of your teacher. You've been spending a lot of time with her, have you not?"
"Well, yes .. but how do I know that she wasn't just trying to use me to get you fired?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled from behind his half-moon spectacles. "Do you really feel that her intentions were false?"
Hermione grew silent for a moment. "Truthfully .. no."
"I think your best course of action is to talk to her in the morning after breakfast.or should I say rather, in a few hours. I'm canceling classes tomorrow. I think everyone needs to catch up on their rest." Dumbledore stood to go back out the portrait hole, but stopped before leaving. "Oh, I almost forgot.Harry, how exactly did the three of you know how to get into the other houses? It took such a small amount of time to gather everyone together when the dementors attacked that I couldn't help but think that you had the passwords to every room in the castle." He smiled at his joke and waited for a reply.
Hermione allowed herself a small smile. "I summoned them, Sir. Ms. Angeline taught me how."
Dumbledore's entire demeanor changed at Hermione's words, and the students noticed immediately. "Hermione, that is not something that can be taught. It is only inheritable."
"But .. my parents are muggles."
"Yes .. We shall have to discuss this further." Dumbledore's mind seemed to be working overtime. "Goodnight."
"What do you suppose that was all about?" Ron asked after Dumbledore was out of earshot.
"I dunno," Hermione said. "Perhaps I'll ask Ms. Angeline about it tomorrow."
Ron and Harry smiled. It was good to see Hermione's mood improve. They moved up towards their bedrooms in hopes of getting at least a couple of hours sleep before breakfast.
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Mwahahaha ~ Thus ends what I think is my longest chapter .. of course, it always seems forever long when you're typing it, and then you upload and it smacks you in the face .... Oh well.
I know this was a bit of an evil way to end, and I do so hate mini- cliffhangers that take forever to update. (I tend to be an impatient person sometimes.) In other words, I will do my best to update in the near future ~ I won't make any promises as to an exact date because sometimes my workload gets the best of me, and I don't like to break promises.
To all who reviewed, another round of applause, thanks, and praise goes out to you! You have no idea how happy it makes a writer feel to know that someone, somewhere out there is actually reading what you write.
To wrap up, there are only five chapters left.Didn't I say that last time.Well, this time I'm certain. Twenty-four chapters total. (They are all sitting in a notebook in my room just screaming to be typed.I won't let them down!) And just to let everyone know, I have already started on a sequel.trust me, you may be thinking that it's not necessary now, but if I didn't warn you, I am pretty certain that there would be a few Howlers after me later. =)
Next Chapter: The Binding