Chapter 50

Harry and Hermione caught up with the rest of the group moments before they made it to the Room of Requirement. Nervous glances were exchanged as they waited for Neville who arrived a few minutes with a covered caldron hovering beside him.

"Sorry it took so long. I didn't want to spill any of it by rushing around."

Harry nodded and pulled the door open while balancing the multiple bags of Gobstones in one arm. Dumbledore was waiting inside with a number of the Order of the Phoenix standing about looking impatient.

Harry was last inside, closing the door behind him. "Sorry we're late we had a last minute item to take care of."

They watched as Neville set his caldron on a distant table and returned for the Gobstones motioning Luna with him.

"Go ahead," he said to Dumbledore, "Just speak loud so we can hear you."

Dumbledore almost chuckled, "Proceed, Neville."

Snape had a sour look on his face at the appearance of Neville Longbottom who in his opinion was a walking disaster waiting to happen.

"As I am sure you have all heard, there were several escapes from Azkaban prison last night. It seems as if Voldemort has surfaced and has ended the punishment of his faithful Death Eaters for their inability to acquire the prophecy last June.

"However, unbeknownst to him I had set up particular wards to alert me to his presence on the island prison and sent Fawkes to track them to his current place of hiding."

Harry almost cheered.

"We are in luck that the location is remote as not to be within probable eyesight of any passing Muggles. So secrecy will not be an issue. Professors McGonagall and Snape will be staying at Hogwarts in case the worst happens and the students need to be protected."

Snape didn't seem too fond of this idea and for once kept his opinions to himself.

"We will approach in two groups," Dumbledore indicated on a map.

Malfoy interrupted. "Wait a moment. That's my home!"

"Indeed, Mr. Black. That is why I wished your presence here this morning. If you have any secrets to reveal about the inner workings of your home it is now that you should speak."

This was the moment of truth for Harry knew something of Malfoy's house that has not been revealed. He had over heard, in years past, of a secret room below the living room floor that contained ...

"... vast amounts of items concerning the Dark Art's. Books, charmed items, weapons. You'll have to cave in the flooring to make them harder to get to, and if they're hiding that's where they'll be."

Dumbledore nodded. "As I was saying we will attack in two groups and we must remain separate at all times or we will lose one of our own to the prophecy."

Malfoy was clueless but the others looked at each other with a large amount of trepidation.

"Harry, your group will attack from above. I believe you have trained sufficiently?"

He wasn't so sure about Hermione as she hadn't had a lot of time in the air, He looked over at her and she smiled and nodded.

"Yes, sir."

Dumbledore nodded. "I believe it would be best if you entered through the third floor. There are many large paned windows located in the rear of the house, here and here"

Harry looked where the headmaster was pointing and nodded in agreement. The rest of us will enter from the front.

"Won't they be expecting that?" warned Hermione.

"Hopefully they won't know were coming until it's too late," said Applegate.

Dumbledore continued. "Harry, it is most important that you clear the floor and then send your group in retreat..."

Harry quickly jumped in the middle of the instruction. "But sir, if I'm to face Voldemort ..."

"I said your group, Harry, not you."

Hermione's eyes widened, "Were not -- I mean you can't think that -- I'm not leaving Harry."

Dumbledore lowered his head and peered over his glasses. "Miss Granger, you are acquainted with the prophecy of which I spoke. None of your group will be able to remain after the initial assault." He turned and finished with his instructions. "Once Voldemort is located, you and I will face him."

Ron eased up. "Won't he just Apparate out again once he knows he's cornered?"

Lupin raised his hand, "That's my assignment. I'll be setting up an anti-Apparation charm around the house as soon as the battle begins."

The headmaster continued. "A number of Aurors will be alerted after the battle begins and will act as a secondary force to insure nobody escapes from the house. Are you all clear as to your assignments."

Harry didn't think anyone was clear on his team, but he nodded anyway. Ron looked ill, Ginny looked like she needed to go to the loo, and Neville and Luna were too busy with the Gobstones. Hermione, as always, was by his side, in support.

"We will leave within the hour, once I am sure most of their ranks are asleep in a drunken stupor from celebration. Fawkes will alert us if there is any change in status."

The Order of the Dog Star gathered by the corner table while Dumbledore corralled the rest of his Order for some last minute strategy. Malfoy followed Harry over and neared enough to not be overheard by the rest.

"There won't be anyone on the third floor, Dumbledore knows that. If anything there will be one Death Eater up there for observation."

Harry agreed and was of the general opinion that they were being steered out of the major portion of the battle.

"And why does he even have you six involved in the first place?" Malfoy asked. "It's my home. I understand me being there."

Ron was mildly offended. "I thought you weren't going to join us do-gooders? "

"I'm not here to fight your little war, Weasel. I owe my father, and I will repay his affront to my mother. I want nothing more. If providing a small amount of information will gain me what I most desire then I will provide."

Neville interrupted. "They're ready, Harry."

Malfoy almost laughed. "Going to play Gobstones with them, Longbottom? They might very well laugh themselves silly."

The rest of the Order ignored him and took the proffered sacks from Neville, slipping them into inner pockets of their robes. Harry waved them on to the doorway. Harry stepped out and raised his wand.

"Accio, Firebolt!"

He was followed soon after the voices of his group doing the same.

"Better call your broom, Draco. We're attacking by air," said Harry.

He did so, begrudgingly. "Accio, Nimbus!"

Harry knew his broom was approaching by the few mild shrieks in the background. Most of the students weren't used to dodging broomsticks in the hallways. At that, his Firebolt slid around the corner and zoomed into his grip. He made sure the door to the Room of Requirement was closed and the group had their brooms before proceeding.

"Everyone ready?"

They all nodded.

Harry peered around the hallway until he spotted what he was looking for. A broken quill lay on the floor about halfway down the hall. It had a very long feather hanging off the back end. If Harry didn't know any better he would have sworn that it was one of Lockhart's old quills.

He bent down to pick it up and handed his broom to Hermione. Taking out his wand he pictured the wooded area out in back of the Malfoy estate.

"Portus!"

"Um ... Harry?" asked Ron.

Malfoy smiled, knowing what Harry had in mind. Hermione didn't look as pleased when she returned his broom.

"Harry, shouldn't we wait until ..."

Harry looked up. "Draco and I have something we need to do, and it would probably be best if you lot waited until Dumbledore was ready."

Luna started to speak up, but Harry cut her off. "Once we get there you'd have to wait anyway and follow Dumbledore's instructions about the third floor."

They really didn't like being abandoned.

"Neville, you're in charge. Get them in and get them out."

Hermione was itching to say something and it wasn't going to be pleasant so Harry didn't give her a chance and grabbed the back of her head, pulling her close for a fierce kiss. He let go and stepped toward Malfoy.

"Harry Potter, if you think that you are going off without me then ..."

He looked down at the quill and back up at Malfoy. His former nemesis got the idea and grabbed the other end of the quill before Hermione was able to finish her sentence.

He felt the familiar tug behind hi navel and heard Hermione's disapproval before he was whisked away toward the woods behind Malfoy Manor.