Well, I can't believe I'm getting towards the end of this now! I've loved
typing this story. I'll be sad when it's over! Thanks for the great reviews
guys, I really am grateful and I swear I take note of all of your comments.
Thanks to:
Starre - Sorry I scared you! Please keep reading.
Victoria - Wow, 1.05am? I'm from England too so don't worry. Cold isn't it! Please review again.
Angeltears - Good to hear from you again.
Katani Petitedra - Sorry about the cliffie but it was my first! I'll try not to do it again. Hope you like this chapter, please review again. Thanks for the review. Hope to hear from you again.
YoSHi418 - Thanks for another great review, you really are starting to make me blush. I'm pleased you found the Fudge and Hogwarts A History parts funny, I really wasn't sure whether I should have had comic relief in that chapter so it was great to get your support there. I'm looking forward to your comments on this chapter.
Ears91 - I hope that review wasn't your verdict on the whole chapter! LOL!
Nasser Himura - I did email you so I wont say anything else here. I just hope I get the chance to surprise you, please keep reading.
Kyc639 - Thanks for the review, I really appreciate it. I have put Harry through quite a lot this year but, you know, he's tough! Please keep reading, thanks very much!
Ok then, enjoy this chapter people!
Chapter 26 - Second thoughts
Ron hesitated, his wand still pointed at his heart. He couldn't believe he didn't even have the guts to finish it all off. He had as good as murdered a friend of his and he had betrayed Harry and Hermione. They would never understand and Ron couldn't blame them. He opened his eyes slowly, his wand hand trembling. Do it, he told himself. "Ron," a quiet voice said from behind him. Ron recognised the voice and knew what he was about to see. He turned around and looked up into the face of Percy.
"Ron, what are you doing?" Percy asked him. "Putting this right Perce," Ron replied, a small smile on his lips. "I'm doing everyone a favour. Now get lost will you?" Percy sat down beside him. "How will killing yourself do anyone any favours? Unless if you want to help the people who killed me of course." Percy added, turning his head away. "I've already done that Percy, when I handed Neville over to them." Percy looked up into the sky. "Not a very pretty firework is it?" he said, indicating the Dark Mark still recognisable above them. Ron shrugged. "Malfoy likes his little games. He thought that would be a perfect signal." Percy chuckled. "Ron, go back to Hogwarts, find your friends and tell them everything." Ron scoffed. "As if they would understand. Neville is dead because of me." Percy glanced at Ron. "He's still alive Ron but you must hurry. Go and see Dumbledore now. You have a chance to make amends Ron, if you die now than all you ever were was a traitor. Change that." Ron got to his feet and stepped away from Percy. "You are not my brother are you?" Percy shook his head and stood as well. "No, but I do want to help you. You don't know how important you are Ron to the future. You are the only one who can save the Alezina, you are destined too. Now, please go." Ron gawped at the vision of Percy in front of him. "But what if they don't accept me back?" Percy smiled. "One way to find out little brother. Goodbye Ron." With that, Percy disappeared. Ron stood staring at the empty spot where hi "brother" had stood, then looked back towards the school. He took a deep breath, lit the end of his wand and quickly walked back up the road. He walked up to Harry's coat and picked it up. He considered putting it on again and getting into the school unnoticed but decided against it. If he was going to try to amend what he had done, then he was going to do it properly. Holding the coat gently in his arms, he continued onto Hogwarts. He looked up at the sky again and the Dark Mark had nearly completely faded. Swallowing hard, Ron broke into a run.
Malfoy, Selina, Peachy, Flint and Neville apparated into a large corridor. Neville was still stunned and Flint had hold of him very unceremoniously. Wormtail was stood nervously, waiting for them. He appeared to be bouncing on the spot.
"Where have you been? The Lady and Lord have been getting so impatient!" Malfoy walked towards Wormtail, a look of distaste on his face. "Relax rat, we're here now and we've got a guest." Wormtail glared at Malfoy, then his eyes widened when he saw Neville. "Oh, you found the Heir? Thank God for that! Rosenna would have destroyed all of us if she had had to wait any longer." Selina smiled. "Our Lady will be pleased with us!" Peachy giggled and linked arms with Selina. "After all this planning, we are nearly there my dear and it will all be thanks to my pathetic sisters son! Who would have believed that?" Wormtail was now looking nervous again. "Malfoy, where is Harry Potter? You were supposed to bring him too." Malfoy coughed at this. "That part of the plan proved difficult. Potter is protected too well." Wormtail grabbed at Malfoy. "Do you know what the Dark Lord will do when he sees Potter isn't here?" Malfoy pushed Wormtail away from him. "Look, we got the Heir OK? Potter will come after Longbottom and then the Dark Lord will have his revenge, or whatever he needs Potter for. The most important thing is that Lady Rosenna will be freed." Wormtail didn't look convinced. "I hope you are right. You had better go through, don't keep our masters waiting any longer." Malfoy nodded, smiled to the others and walked past Wormtail, Neville being dragged along with them.
The group approached two huge double doors, made of gold. The doors opened magically for them and they dragged Neville through.
The room beyond was magnificent. It was huge in size and the ceiling was very high. The walls were white and were decorated with ravens. The ceiling was made of glass and had a picture of a huge red rose on it. There were four huge pillars in each corner of the room. There was very little furniture, only a few tables and a big throne but these were made of gold. Ravenscars were stood on guard along the walls and Voldemort and the ghostly vision of Rosenna were waiting in the middle of the chamber. They both turned as the group entered. Flint dropped Neville on to the floor and then joined the other death eaters as they knelt at the feet of their masters.
"Well, you have finally come." Rosenna said, her eyes glinting dangerously. "Stand Draco, you are the leader are you not?" Malfoy got to his feet but kept his head bowed. "My Lady, my Lord, forgive our lateness." Voldemort moved towards Malfoy and Draco flinched. "We will consider that Draco, once you have told us how successful you have been." Malfoy bowed again and then gestured for Flint to bring Neville forward. Flint pulled the Gryffindor to his feet and threw him on the ground, at the feet of Voldemort and Rosenna. Rosenna's eyes grew wide when she saw the boy and Voldemort smiled. "Draco, you've brought him, the Heir at last!" Rosenna then squealed and clapped her hands. Malfoy smiled. "Yes Madam, Neville Longbottom at your service." Rosenna beamed at Malfoy. "You are forgiven young Slytherin," she told him and he bowed once again and stepped back. "Wake him up Tom." Rosenna said, still bouncing on the spot. Voldemort smiled at her, took out his wand and hissed "enervate." Neville slowly opened his eyes and blinked. And stared. He let out gasp of horror and moved back, straight into Peachy. Peachy laughed, grabbed Neville and pulled him up roughly. "Now now nephew, that is hardly the way to greet your masters!" Neville whimpered as Rosenna glided up to him slowly. "Welcome to my temple, young Gryffindor." Neville gazed around the room in awe. He had never seen anything like it.
He gazed back up at Rosenna and Voldemort. "What do you want?" Voldemort sneered and Rosenna giggled and bent down over Neville. "You don't know, my young friend?" Neville just stared at her in confusion. Rosenna chuckled and walked round Neville. "Do you know how good your blood is going to feel when it soaks into my skin my sweet?" Neville gasped, which made Peachy, Flint and Selena laugh. Malfoy was watching him closely. "At last," Rosenna whispered, "I will have the blood of Godric Gryffindor." Neville let out a loud laugh and looked round at Malfoy in surprise. "What is funny my dear?" Rosenna enquired, her eyes narrowed. "You've got the wrong person, erm, Ghost Lady. I'm not the Heir of Gryffindor, Harry is and you wont get near him!" It was Rosenna's turn to be shocked. She turned to Voldemort, a shocked impression in her eyes. Then they both laughed. Malfoy hissed, "You are an idiot Longbottom." Voldemort then turned to Neville and Neville saw the knife in his hand. "Very soon boy, very soon you will have your answer." Neville trembled at the sight of the knife and turned back to Malfoy, a pleading look in his eyes. Malfoy looked away.
"Draco," Voldemort snapped. Malfoy turned quickly to face him. "My Lord?" Voldemort moved towards him. "Where is Harry Potter?" Draco swallowed. "You were told to bring him too, he has to die." Malfoy turned to Selina for help but Voldemort grabbed him and swung him round, facing him again. "I asked YOU Draco." Malfoy cleared his throat. "Master, forgive me. Potter was too well protected but he will come to help Longbottom My Lord, they are friends. It is a weakness of Potter's, to be a hero." Voldemort grabbed Malfoy round the throat and lifted him off the ground. Rosenna watched, her eyes sparkling. Selina had put her hand over her mouth. "I am well aware of all of Potter's weaknesses Malfoy, I am forced to see into his mind. Believe me, it sickens me. He has become powerful and can shield his thoughts from me. I want him gone and you failed me." Malfoy choked and his face began to turn blue. Voldemort tightened his grip. Selina ran to his side. "Please My Lord, forgive us. Potter will be yours, I promise. Please, let him go!" Voldemort eyed her for a moment, then threw Malfoy to the ground. "Understand this Draco, I do not tolerate failure but I do owe your father. I will allow you time. If Potter does not arrive here before the ceremony, I will send you too join him." Malfoy let out a loud sob, his hands massaging his throat. Selina sat beside him, holding his hand. "But Master," Draco whimpered. "That's only an hour away." Voldemort laughed softly. "Then you had better hope that Potter hurries Draco." Malfoy gazed at him. Voldemort gave him a horrible smile and then turned back to Rosenna. Rosenna smiled lovingly at him. "Marcus, take the Heir here away and make him comfortable," she purred. Flint bowed and pulled Neville up. He began to drag him to the doors when he suddenly hissed with pain. Neville was becoming impossible to hold on to. Flint then let out a howl and let go of Neville. His hands had become very red and blistered. Flint stared at Neville with shock. Neville took one look at him, then attempted to make a run for it. Peachy growled in annoyance, took out her wand a yelled "stupefy." Neville once again fell where he stood. Peachy moved towards Flint, the distaste on her face apparent. She then turned to Rosenna. "If you want a job done, My Lady, ask a woman!" Rosenna laughed, "indeed Peachy, indeed." Flint glared down at Neville. "Cause him pain," he snarled to Peachy who was approaching. She smiled and pointed her wand at Neville's unconscious form. She hissed "memorous." They all turned to look at Neville as he began to move softly. Then he jerked violently and screwed his face up, sweat appearing all over his body. He then let out a scream of anguish. Malfoy had walked up to the show, as had Rosenna, Voldemort and Selina, who all appeared to be enjoying it. "What are you doing to him?" Peachy smiled at him. "A simple curse. It allows the caster to force the victim to see whatever they wish him to see. Neville is enjoying the torture of his parents and will continue to do so until I have seen him suffer enough." She then laughed, as did her companions, except one. Malfoy was watching Neville with a sickened look on his face. Neville cried "No, Mum, Dad, Leave them alone! Please stop!" They laughed harder. Malfoy shut his eyes tightly, desperately attempting to keep himself from throwing up.
Ron was approaching Hogwarts and his nerves were nearly getting the better of him. How was he ever going to make Harry and Hermione understand. He cared about them both so much and he needed them but he had let them down so badly. He gripped the invisibility cloak closer to him and held back tears. He saw the unwelcoming sight of the doors leading to the Hogwarts main entrance and sighed. He took a deep breath and marched towards them.
Just as Ron was about the open the doors, he was grabbed and thrown against them. Ron gazed into the face of a furious Harry. "Harry!" Hermione shouted. "Let him go now!" Harry ignored her and instead thumped Ron hard against the door again. "What have you DONE?" He screamed at Ron. "Harry, I have to see Dumbledore." Harry laughed and let Ron go. "Oh, do you now. You sent up HIS mark, Voldemorts!" Ron flinched at the name and Harry snorted. "Can't hear your own Masters name then Weasley?" Ron bit back tears. "He is not my master Harry. I despise him after what he has done to me." Harry went to grab him again with a shout of "After what he has done to YOU?" but Hermione pulled him back. Ron sighed. "Neville needs help. He's more important than our argument Harry. Now, let me see Dumbledore, please." Harry stared at Ron for a moment and Hermione watched them both. Not one of them noticed the Hogwarts doors slowly open.
"I think it would be best if the three of you got inside." They all jumped and turned around quickly. Snape was stood at the entrance. Ron met the Potions Master's eyes for a moment and then quickly turned away. "Mr Weasley, I believe you were the reason for the sky being lit up?" Ron flushed and looked down and Snape smirked, enjoying his despair. Despite himself, Harry felt rage build up inside him and he turned furiously on Snape. "Leave him alone, you don't know anything about what he has been through!" Snape turned his sneering face to Harry. "That is true Potter, but then I've never claimed to be the boys best friend, unlike you. So, do you know what he has been through?" Now it was Harry's turn to look ashamed. "Get inside all of you." Snape hissed. Hermione led the way past Snape, then Harry and finally Ron. Ron once again met Snape's eyes as he walked past him and seemed to wince. Snape watched him go, a cruel smile spreading over his face. He then followed the students to Dumbledore's office.
This chapter was going to be a lot longer but I think that is a good place to end it. I'll get the next chapter up as soon as possible. I hope you think it is OK.
Thanks to:
Starre - Sorry I scared you! Please keep reading.
Victoria - Wow, 1.05am? I'm from England too so don't worry. Cold isn't it! Please review again.
Angeltears - Good to hear from you again.
Katani Petitedra - Sorry about the cliffie but it was my first! I'll try not to do it again. Hope you like this chapter, please review again. Thanks for the review. Hope to hear from you again.
YoSHi418 - Thanks for another great review, you really are starting to make me blush. I'm pleased you found the Fudge and Hogwarts A History parts funny, I really wasn't sure whether I should have had comic relief in that chapter so it was great to get your support there. I'm looking forward to your comments on this chapter.
Ears91 - I hope that review wasn't your verdict on the whole chapter! LOL!
Nasser Himura - I did email you so I wont say anything else here. I just hope I get the chance to surprise you, please keep reading.
Kyc639 - Thanks for the review, I really appreciate it. I have put Harry through quite a lot this year but, you know, he's tough! Please keep reading, thanks very much!
Ok then, enjoy this chapter people!
Chapter 26 - Second thoughts
Ron hesitated, his wand still pointed at his heart. He couldn't believe he didn't even have the guts to finish it all off. He had as good as murdered a friend of his and he had betrayed Harry and Hermione. They would never understand and Ron couldn't blame them. He opened his eyes slowly, his wand hand trembling. Do it, he told himself. "Ron," a quiet voice said from behind him. Ron recognised the voice and knew what he was about to see. He turned around and looked up into the face of Percy.
"Ron, what are you doing?" Percy asked him. "Putting this right Perce," Ron replied, a small smile on his lips. "I'm doing everyone a favour. Now get lost will you?" Percy sat down beside him. "How will killing yourself do anyone any favours? Unless if you want to help the people who killed me of course." Percy added, turning his head away. "I've already done that Percy, when I handed Neville over to them." Percy looked up into the sky. "Not a very pretty firework is it?" he said, indicating the Dark Mark still recognisable above them. Ron shrugged. "Malfoy likes his little games. He thought that would be a perfect signal." Percy chuckled. "Ron, go back to Hogwarts, find your friends and tell them everything." Ron scoffed. "As if they would understand. Neville is dead because of me." Percy glanced at Ron. "He's still alive Ron but you must hurry. Go and see Dumbledore now. You have a chance to make amends Ron, if you die now than all you ever were was a traitor. Change that." Ron got to his feet and stepped away from Percy. "You are not my brother are you?" Percy shook his head and stood as well. "No, but I do want to help you. You don't know how important you are Ron to the future. You are the only one who can save the Alezina, you are destined too. Now, please go." Ron gawped at the vision of Percy in front of him. "But what if they don't accept me back?" Percy smiled. "One way to find out little brother. Goodbye Ron." With that, Percy disappeared. Ron stood staring at the empty spot where hi "brother" had stood, then looked back towards the school. He took a deep breath, lit the end of his wand and quickly walked back up the road. He walked up to Harry's coat and picked it up. He considered putting it on again and getting into the school unnoticed but decided against it. If he was going to try to amend what he had done, then he was going to do it properly. Holding the coat gently in his arms, he continued onto Hogwarts. He looked up at the sky again and the Dark Mark had nearly completely faded. Swallowing hard, Ron broke into a run.
Malfoy, Selina, Peachy, Flint and Neville apparated into a large corridor. Neville was still stunned and Flint had hold of him very unceremoniously. Wormtail was stood nervously, waiting for them. He appeared to be bouncing on the spot.
"Where have you been? The Lady and Lord have been getting so impatient!" Malfoy walked towards Wormtail, a look of distaste on his face. "Relax rat, we're here now and we've got a guest." Wormtail glared at Malfoy, then his eyes widened when he saw Neville. "Oh, you found the Heir? Thank God for that! Rosenna would have destroyed all of us if she had had to wait any longer." Selina smiled. "Our Lady will be pleased with us!" Peachy giggled and linked arms with Selina. "After all this planning, we are nearly there my dear and it will all be thanks to my pathetic sisters son! Who would have believed that?" Wormtail was now looking nervous again. "Malfoy, where is Harry Potter? You were supposed to bring him too." Malfoy coughed at this. "That part of the plan proved difficult. Potter is protected too well." Wormtail grabbed at Malfoy. "Do you know what the Dark Lord will do when he sees Potter isn't here?" Malfoy pushed Wormtail away from him. "Look, we got the Heir OK? Potter will come after Longbottom and then the Dark Lord will have his revenge, or whatever he needs Potter for. The most important thing is that Lady Rosenna will be freed." Wormtail didn't look convinced. "I hope you are right. You had better go through, don't keep our masters waiting any longer." Malfoy nodded, smiled to the others and walked past Wormtail, Neville being dragged along with them.
The group approached two huge double doors, made of gold. The doors opened magically for them and they dragged Neville through.
The room beyond was magnificent. It was huge in size and the ceiling was very high. The walls were white and were decorated with ravens. The ceiling was made of glass and had a picture of a huge red rose on it. There were four huge pillars in each corner of the room. There was very little furniture, only a few tables and a big throne but these were made of gold. Ravenscars were stood on guard along the walls and Voldemort and the ghostly vision of Rosenna were waiting in the middle of the chamber. They both turned as the group entered. Flint dropped Neville on to the floor and then joined the other death eaters as they knelt at the feet of their masters.
"Well, you have finally come." Rosenna said, her eyes glinting dangerously. "Stand Draco, you are the leader are you not?" Malfoy got to his feet but kept his head bowed. "My Lady, my Lord, forgive our lateness." Voldemort moved towards Malfoy and Draco flinched. "We will consider that Draco, once you have told us how successful you have been." Malfoy bowed again and then gestured for Flint to bring Neville forward. Flint pulled the Gryffindor to his feet and threw him on the ground, at the feet of Voldemort and Rosenna. Rosenna's eyes grew wide when she saw the boy and Voldemort smiled. "Draco, you've brought him, the Heir at last!" Rosenna then squealed and clapped her hands. Malfoy smiled. "Yes Madam, Neville Longbottom at your service." Rosenna beamed at Malfoy. "You are forgiven young Slytherin," she told him and he bowed once again and stepped back. "Wake him up Tom." Rosenna said, still bouncing on the spot. Voldemort smiled at her, took out his wand and hissed "enervate." Neville slowly opened his eyes and blinked. And stared. He let out gasp of horror and moved back, straight into Peachy. Peachy laughed, grabbed Neville and pulled him up roughly. "Now now nephew, that is hardly the way to greet your masters!" Neville whimpered as Rosenna glided up to him slowly. "Welcome to my temple, young Gryffindor." Neville gazed around the room in awe. He had never seen anything like it.
He gazed back up at Rosenna and Voldemort. "What do you want?" Voldemort sneered and Rosenna giggled and bent down over Neville. "You don't know, my young friend?" Neville just stared at her in confusion. Rosenna chuckled and walked round Neville. "Do you know how good your blood is going to feel when it soaks into my skin my sweet?" Neville gasped, which made Peachy, Flint and Selena laugh. Malfoy was watching him closely. "At last," Rosenna whispered, "I will have the blood of Godric Gryffindor." Neville let out a loud laugh and looked round at Malfoy in surprise. "What is funny my dear?" Rosenna enquired, her eyes narrowed. "You've got the wrong person, erm, Ghost Lady. I'm not the Heir of Gryffindor, Harry is and you wont get near him!" It was Rosenna's turn to be shocked. She turned to Voldemort, a shocked impression in her eyes. Then they both laughed. Malfoy hissed, "You are an idiot Longbottom." Voldemort then turned to Neville and Neville saw the knife in his hand. "Very soon boy, very soon you will have your answer." Neville trembled at the sight of the knife and turned back to Malfoy, a pleading look in his eyes. Malfoy looked away.
"Draco," Voldemort snapped. Malfoy turned quickly to face him. "My Lord?" Voldemort moved towards him. "Where is Harry Potter?" Draco swallowed. "You were told to bring him too, he has to die." Malfoy turned to Selina for help but Voldemort grabbed him and swung him round, facing him again. "I asked YOU Draco." Malfoy cleared his throat. "Master, forgive me. Potter was too well protected but he will come to help Longbottom My Lord, they are friends. It is a weakness of Potter's, to be a hero." Voldemort grabbed Malfoy round the throat and lifted him off the ground. Rosenna watched, her eyes sparkling. Selina had put her hand over her mouth. "I am well aware of all of Potter's weaknesses Malfoy, I am forced to see into his mind. Believe me, it sickens me. He has become powerful and can shield his thoughts from me. I want him gone and you failed me." Malfoy choked and his face began to turn blue. Voldemort tightened his grip. Selina ran to his side. "Please My Lord, forgive us. Potter will be yours, I promise. Please, let him go!" Voldemort eyed her for a moment, then threw Malfoy to the ground. "Understand this Draco, I do not tolerate failure but I do owe your father. I will allow you time. If Potter does not arrive here before the ceremony, I will send you too join him." Malfoy let out a loud sob, his hands massaging his throat. Selina sat beside him, holding his hand. "But Master," Draco whimpered. "That's only an hour away." Voldemort laughed softly. "Then you had better hope that Potter hurries Draco." Malfoy gazed at him. Voldemort gave him a horrible smile and then turned back to Rosenna. Rosenna smiled lovingly at him. "Marcus, take the Heir here away and make him comfortable," she purred. Flint bowed and pulled Neville up. He began to drag him to the doors when he suddenly hissed with pain. Neville was becoming impossible to hold on to. Flint then let out a howl and let go of Neville. His hands had become very red and blistered. Flint stared at Neville with shock. Neville took one look at him, then attempted to make a run for it. Peachy growled in annoyance, took out her wand a yelled "stupefy." Neville once again fell where he stood. Peachy moved towards Flint, the distaste on her face apparent. She then turned to Rosenna. "If you want a job done, My Lady, ask a woman!" Rosenna laughed, "indeed Peachy, indeed." Flint glared down at Neville. "Cause him pain," he snarled to Peachy who was approaching. She smiled and pointed her wand at Neville's unconscious form. She hissed "memorous." They all turned to look at Neville as he began to move softly. Then he jerked violently and screwed his face up, sweat appearing all over his body. He then let out a scream of anguish. Malfoy had walked up to the show, as had Rosenna, Voldemort and Selina, who all appeared to be enjoying it. "What are you doing to him?" Peachy smiled at him. "A simple curse. It allows the caster to force the victim to see whatever they wish him to see. Neville is enjoying the torture of his parents and will continue to do so until I have seen him suffer enough." She then laughed, as did her companions, except one. Malfoy was watching Neville with a sickened look on his face. Neville cried "No, Mum, Dad, Leave them alone! Please stop!" They laughed harder. Malfoy shut his eyes tightly, desperately attempting to keep himself from throwing up.
Ron was approaching Hogwarts and his nerves were nearly getting the better of him. How was he ever going to make Harry and Hermione understand. He cared about them both so much and he needed them but he had let them down so badly. He gripped the invisibility cloak closer to him and held back tears. He saw the unwelcoming sight of the doors leading to the Hogwarts main entrance and sighed. He took a deep breath and marched towards them.
Just as Ron was about the open the doors, he was grabbed and thrown against them. Ron gazed into the face of a furious Harry. "Harry!" Hermione shouted. "Let him go now!" Harry ignored her and instead thumped Ron hard against the door again. "What have you DONE?" He screamed at Ron. "Harry, I have to see Dumbledore." Harry laughed and let Ron go. "Oh, do you now. You sent up HIS mark, Voldemorts!" Ron flinched at the name and Harry snorted. "Can't hear your own Masters name then Weasley?" Ron bit back tears. "He is not my master Harry. I despise him after what he has done to me." Harry went to grab him again with a shout of "After what he has done to YOU?" but Hermione pulled him back. Ron sighed. "Neville needs help. He's more important than our argument Harry. Now, let me see Dumbledore, please." Harry stared at Ron for a moment and Hermione watched them both. Not one of them noticed the Hogwarts doors slowly open.
"I think it would be best if the three of you got inside." They all jumped and turned around quickly. Snape was stood at the entrance. Ron met the Potions Master's eyes for a moment and then quickly turned away. "Mr Weasley, I believe you were the reason for the sky being lit up?" Ron flushed and looked down and Snape smirked, enjoying his despair. Despite himself, Harry felt rage build up inside him and he turned furiously on Snape. "Leave him alone, you don't know anything about what he has been through!" Snape turned his sneering face to Harry. "That is true Potter, but then I've never claimed to be the boys best friend, unlike you. So, do you know what he has been through?" Now it was Harry's turn to look ashamed. "Get inside all of you." Snape hissed. Hermione led the way past Snape, then Harry and finally Ron. Ron once again met Snape's eyes as he walked past him and seemed to wince. Snape watched him go, a cruel smile spreading over his face. He then followed the students to Dumbledore's office.
This chapter was going to be a lot longer but I think that is a good place to end it. I'll get the next chapter up as soon as possible. I hope you think it is OK.
