(6)On The Run

Wanting to be alone, Harry headed straight for Gryfindor Tower as soon as Potions was over.

"Harry?" Hermione called after him, but he didn't wait for her. Ron held her back.

"Merida is his girlfriend, Hermione!" Ron said. "After class Friday night, I saw him kiss her."

"He did?" Hermione asked. "That explains why he was so quiet the rest of class. But I wonder why Snape was upset?"

"Merida is of Gryfindor," Ron said. "He now has one less student to take points from!"

Hermione sighed disgustedly. She knew Ron was probably right! For the next few days, Harry was rather quiet. Even in Quidditch Practice, he was a bit absent minded. The team will have the first match of the season on Sunday, against Slytherin!

Professor Snape, however became as snappy as ever & took points off wherever he could to make up for lost time! Harry, Ron & Hermione just about feared going in to Potions Class! Just when they thought things couldn't get any worse, Thursday morning arrived & changed everything!

Early Thursday morning found Professor Snape in Dumbledore's office.

"I don't know who sent me this," Dumbledore started. " though I have a good idea! But I know a valid law when I see one. Dumbledore handed a roll of parchment to Snape. On it was a law that said:

Anyone with the Mark of a Death eater must go to Azkaban until either charged or pardoned.

"Cornelius Fudge!" Snape just stared. "I should never have tried to prove Mr. Potter's innocence!"

"So you do have a soft spot!" Dumbledore teased. Snape glared at him! "I've no intention of losing you, Severus, " Dumbledore became serious again. "You're a valued member of the Order & I won't give you up with out a fight! Now," Dumbledore went on. " Professor Umbridge, herself is on her way here right now to take you!" Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "I, however, am arranging a little........surprise for her!" He laughed an almost wicked laugh at her but his eyes sparkled softly. Dumbledore got up & walked Snape out the door & down the corridor. "I found your pet, Severus. The Flaxen mare?"

"She's not my pet!" Snape declared. "What do you want me to do with her, a muggle horse?"

She isn't muggle, Severus! She's pure magic! Did you notice a word imprinted on her side?" Dumbledore asked.

"I saw a silvery line," Snape started. "but the forest was to dark to see much else."

"It says Mystique, possibly the mare's name & also a deeper meaning," said Dumbledore. "I believe you can expect a few surprises from her! She's waiting for you in the back yard," Dumbledore went on. "Exit the castle be the back doors. Ride through the forest to the other side & wait for my signal. If you can't come back, go to Grimmauld----you'll be safe there of course. Don't use Floo Powder or Portkeys because they'll be expecting th--!WHat?" Dumbledore stared out the window. a carriage with "Ministry Of Magic" was coming down the lane. "Merlin's beard! She's early! Hurry Severus, run!"

"That woman!" Snape sneered & took off down the hall, his cape sailing with sudden speed. Meanwhile, Dumbledore headed to the front to stall Professor Umbridge. Snape ran out the back & sae Mystique trotting up to him.

"Helo, Doloros!" Dumbledore greeted her at the door.

Umbridge glared at him "hem hem" she started with her usual soft cough. "I've come for Professor Snape!" she retorted.

"Please come in!" Dumbledore offered. As they walked down the corridor, Dumbledore said, "I'm afraid you just missed Severus! He left on an errand."

"You won't mind if I stayed to wait for him?" Umbridge sneered.

"If you wish," Dumbledore said. "but it'll be a long wait as he may be gone for a few days. Perhaps we may find a use for you in the meantime?" Dumbledore laughed softly. He was up to something!

Mystique was becoming more on edge as they entered the deeper into the forest & odd webs began to appear. She & Snape were passing through the edge of the spiders' lair when out of nowhere, two of them suddenly appeared! These spiders were large; predatory, & Mystique could stand it no longer. Horses were flight animals, there was no denying that! Mystique took off & fled through the forest, past the lair, through a herd of surprised Centaurs as well as a patch of well-named Porcupine leaves, finally reaching the forest's outer edge. What a sight they were! Branches & leaves were clinging to Mystique's fur & Snape's hair. Mystique was scratched up a bit, Snape's robe was torn & both of them had leaves from the Porcupine vines. Snape sighed. "OK, I am now officially arachnophobic!" he muttered not meaning it, really, but Snape had to admit, he had never seen such large spiders before. No wonder Mystique bolted!

Potions was first thing the next morning & Harry & his friends marched to the dungeons. Harry opened the door & stared! Professor Umbridge was being kept busy alright! Dumbledore knew she wouldn't like the old dungeons-turned-into classrooms. Well, she wanted to stay, so she got what was coming for her!