Harry woke up the next morning feeling slightly better. That was until
he remembered what he and Ron had decided to do the previous night. His
heart and stomach sunk. How were eight students supposed to sneak out
of Hogwarts, when it was so heavily guarded by the staff? Even if they
did manage to get to Manchester without being caught, how would they
defeat Death Eaters and Dementors with such a small number? Last night
he wanted to save Hermione so bad he hadn't even thought how to go
about doing that, without consequences. He tried to imagine what
Hermione would say if she was there. She'd call him reckless and
lecture him about not letting Dumbledore deal with it. But she wasn't
there, and this was the problem. He got dressed, then made his way to
the common room. Neville Longbottom rushed over to him.
"Meeting tonight then?"
"Er.. yes." Harry replied.
His stomach jumped again. Neville smiled excitedly as Harry pushed past him. He only had a half hour to make an appearance at breakfast then get to the Divination classroom. He was deep in thought and wasn't paying attention to where he was going and slammed into the door leading to the Great Hall.
"Nice one, Potter!" Malfoy called from down the hall. A couple Slytherin's making their way to breakfast snickered. Harry rubbed his head, which stung from the impact. He picked himself up as Malfoy caught up with him.
"Er.. I'm sorry about yesterday. Tonight we're meeting again in the Room of Requirement."
"Huh. I don't feel like it." he smirked.
"We need you. I can't explain right now."
"Well why should I risk getting caught after curfew, when I don't know whether or not it's worth it."
"We're going to save Hermione. If you care about her as much as she thinks you do, you'll be there." Harry whispered, trying not to hit Malfoy for his cockiness. He joined Ron at the Gryffindor table, throwing his stuff down, agitated.
"Everyone said they'd be there tonight." Ron informed and started filling his plate.
Harry didn't want to tell Ron about his doubts or let on that he had absolutely no idea about how they were going to get out of Hogwarts. He ate a piece of toast then headed up to the North Tower for his session with Professor Trelawney. When he entered the classroom, he noted immediatly that there were no candles or heavily perfumed incense burning. Anyone could mistake it for an ordinary classroom with cushions instead of chairs. Trelawney was at her desk scribbling something in an old worn notebook. She noticed Harry coming in, and smiled.
"Not today, dear. Professor Snape has returned. The staff is to go to a meeting. You're free for the day. You can return to your dormitory. I'll see you tomorrow morning." she informed him, then went back to writing.
This suited Harry just fine. He went back out the trapdoor and descended the stairs of the North Tower. Ron came running over to him. He had to catch his breath before speaking.
"Snape! He's back!" he huffed.
"So I've heard. Any word yet on what he knows?"
"I overheard him talking to McGonagall. They're using Hermione, Ginny, and everyone as bait. If Dumbledore doesn't hand you over in a week, they'll kill them all."
"So we have five days. We'll have to leave tonight."
"Have you thought of how we're going to slip past all the professors without being caught?"
"Not exactly, no. Hey wait... the secret passage!" Harry jumped with enthusiasm. It was as easy as that.
"What passage, again?"
"We can use the Marauder's map. When the coast is clear, I can sneak people into the tunnel that leads to the basement of Honeydukes. From Hogsmeade, we can take the Knight Bus to Manchester. I'm sure Malfoy'll be able to tell us what city it's in. We could be there by tomorrow morning... afternoon at the latest. We have to inform everyone to wear dark clothing tonight. Tell them we'll explain everything tonight at the meeting. I'll go find Malfoy and explain it all to him. I couldn't earlier. We need to make sure he'll help us first. Tell Neville, Dean, Lavender, and Parvati. I'll find Luna after I talk to Malfoy." Harry rushed off in the opposite direction of Ron.
Harry met back up with Ron, an hour later, in the common room. After confirming that everyone knew, Harry collapsed in the old beaten chair next to Ron. He helped him work on his Protean Charm for Professor Flitwick. They were both way behind again, and without Hermione around to help, Ron couldn't remember even the simplest charms. They worked on it until the sun began to set. Ron looked at the clock.
"Oh no! We've missed dinner!" he sunk deep in his chair.
"Don't worry. We can go down to the kitchen. I need to go down there anyway."
"I was wondering how you managed to stay alive. I haven't seen you eat in the Great Hall for months." Ron stated as they made their way past the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room and to the painting of giant fruit.
Harry tickled the pear. It squealed and the picture pulled back revealing the entrance into the kitchen. The house-elves were working happily, cleaning all the platters. Dobby came running up to them at once. He still wore all of Hermione's knitting, although a lot of the articles were beginning to look a bit drab.
"Harry Potter! And his Wheezy! Welcome! What may Dobby get for Harry Potter?" the house elf bowed greatly. Ron laughed slightly; Harry nudged him in the ribs.
"Pork Chops and Pumpkin juice, please." Harry replied, kindly.
"Oh! And roasted Potatoes! And Eclairs!" Ron added, enthusiastically.
"You don't want to fill up. We're going to be riding on the Knight Bus later, remember?" Harry whispered. Ron looked disappointed.
"Just the Chops and the juice then."
"Dobby, I have another favor."
"Yes, Harry Potter! Anything!"
"Can you make enough sandwiches and food that won't spoil for eight people? Enough for at least three meals each?"
"Certainly."
The elf bowed again. Harry smiled at Ron. Their plan was already unfolding. They heard a noise at the entrance. Both Ron and Harry jumped behind the furnace. Harry rolled his eyes, noticing it was just Malfoy, and came out from hiding.
"What are you doing down here?" they questioned at the same time.
"I'm a prefect, I have rights to be where ever I feel there might be trouble. Now why are you here?"
"Having dinner, so none of your housemates try to off me in front of an audience. I'm also getting food for the trip." he replied, dryly. Malfoy smiled.
"Me too."
They both dropped their guard and sat down to eat as Dobby and two other house elves brought over plates of food. As soon as Dobby noticed Malfoy, he dropped the plate carrying the pumpkin juice. Another house-elf apologized for Dobby's behavior and scurried off to get more.
"M...mm..master." he whimpered.
"Dobby, I'm not your master anymore. Get up, you git." Malfoy threw a piece of bread at him.
"S-sorry. Is t-there anything e-else you, w-wish for, Harry Potter?" Dobby's ears had drooped and he was shaking.
"No, thats all. Thank you, Dobby."
"Yeah, thanks." Malfoy added, grabbing a glass of pumpkin juice from the returning house-elf. Dobby got wide eyed.
"OH! Harry Potter! He's changed Master's heart! Harry Potter really does amazing things!" he squeaked. Malfoy shot him an evil glare, which sent Dobby running off, nearly tripping over the stockings that were too big for his feet. Malfoy smirked.
"Why do you have to treat him like that?"
"Because he's a house-elf! He's used to it. He was MY house-elf. My father was furious when you pulled that little stunt, losing us a servant." Malfoy sneered.
"Well at least he has some brains. If it wasn't for him, Harry might've died second and fourth year." Ron shot back.
"Yeah he was always pretty lousy at keeping his nose out of our business. I figured something was up second year when that Bludger went out of control. I told my father about my suspicion. Blasted creature got what he deserved for that one. Nearly killed me too with that Bludger."
"Well he's not your servant anymore. You could show him a little more respect."
"Watch it, Potter. You're beginning to sound like Granger." Malfoy smirked.
Harry too was a bit taken back by his response. He did sound like Hermione. It reminded him that he couldn't retaliate against Malfoy. He knew too much now and they needed his help. He could just as easily go tell Dumbledore their plan and stop them before they even got to Hogsmeade. He pretended to ignore Malfoy as he continued to taunt the house-elves when they brought over the sandwiches that Harry'd requested. Harry thanked them incessantly, in an attempt to make up for Malfoy's behavior.
By the time they finished eating, they had just enough time to go and change before heading to the Room of Requirement. Everyone was already waiting, except Malfoy, when Harry and Ron arrived. A couple more people had joined them. Seamus Finnigan was talked into coming, by Dean Thomas. He didn't seem to enthused about being there though, and scowled at Harry. They were talking amongst each other. Lavender was comforting Parvati. Harry didn't have to ask what was wrong. He assumed that Dumbledore had spoken to her about her sister, that or it was the odd twin connection they shared. Harry remained silent, even after demands for an explanation, until Malfoy finally showed up.
"Wanted to make an entrance?" Seamus asked the belated Slytherin. Malfoy didn't reply and sat down next to Harry. Harry began to speak, but was inturrupted again by Lavender.
"Hey, what's with the foe-glass. I didn't notice that before. It's changed." she stated, looking at the old cracked mirror. The whites of the figures eyes were showing. Malfoy fidgeted and looked at Harry with a threatening glare. Harry ignored it.
"It's because he's here. He's been marked as a Death Eater. I told you he was trained." Harry stated, pointing casually at Malfoy.
"You've been marked?!" Lavender gasped.
"Let me see!" Luna jumped up. He rolled his eyes and pulled up his sleeve. She went to touch it, but he pushed her away.
"So why are we here? Will you tell us now that HE's here?"
"Now... some of you might not be up for this. I understand if you dont. But I have to ask that if you decide not to join us, please do not go telling Dumbledore or anyone for that matter where we've gone. That charm that Hermione put on the list still applies. Just for a warning."
"Get on with it!" Seamus yelled from the back.
"We're going to rescue them ourselves."
"How?? We're not fully trained. We'll be defeated within minutes."
"Within seconds." Parvati corrected Lavender.
"Yes, I know that, but apparently their being held captive as ransom... for me."
"So let's just give you to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named then and get our friends and family back!" Seamus shouted.
"Yeah you could defeat him or at least escape, you've done it before? Why should we put our lines on the necks."
"Well if that's the way you feel about it, then you'll just have to deliver me to him yourselves. He's in Manchester. We want everyone back safe just as much as you all do, that's why we're going."
"What does he care what happens to them? He's one of them." Seamus pointed to Malfoy. There were a few nods in agreement.
"He's in love with Hermione. That's why. That's the only reason he's even helping us." Lavender announced. Malfoy stood up.
"I'm not in love with that filthy mud-blood. I'm doing this to get back at my father, and if you dare say that again...as Potter said, I am trained as a death eater."
"Oh just admit it, already. We don't care." Dean Thomas told him. Harry and Ron grabbed Malfoy before he could attack, and pulled him back.
"We're not going to get anywhere fighting. Either we can stay here bickering for the next four days, or we can do something about this and go after them. We can defeat them. We're all reaching NEWT standards, we're smart and cunning. We'll figure something out. But I need to know whether or not you're in or your out." Harry lectured.
There was mutters and whispers, but finally everyone agreed that they'd go, even Seamus Finnigan. Harry explained the plan to send a few over at a time with him to the secret passage with the invisiblity cloak until everyone was safely hidden in the tunnel. Then they'd head over to Honeydukes and sneak out under the invisibility cloak. It was at that point that Malfoy pulled out his own Invisibility Cloak.
"Why didn't you tell us you have one?" Ron inquired. Malfoy shrugged, but didn't say anything. Harry summed it down to the possibility that he was trying to be nice and not say anything he'd normally say. Maybe it was because he was outnumbered.
Harry pulled out the Marauder's Map. None of the teachers were around. Most of them were in their offices or dormitories. Filch was on the second floor, and Mrs. Norris was with him.
"Snape's pacing on the third floor, so we'll have to be on a look out for him. We'll all fit under the two cloaks, but make sure, especially when we're on the third floor, not to let any part of you stick out from underneath. If Snape suspects anything, we'll all be dead." Harry told them. Everyone nodded then climbed under the cloaks. They quickly but quietly made their way down to the third floor corridors. Harry watched the map to see how close they were to Snape. He was heading in their direction. Unfortunatly just as they reached the statue of the witch, the cloak covering Harry, Ron, Malfoy and Luna slipped off.
"Dissendium!" Harry tapped the witch quickly and picked up the cloak. He rushed the others into the tunnel, watching the dot of Snape moving closer to them. The enterence in the tunnel was too thin to allow any more than one person at a time into it's enterance.
'Hurry!" he whispered to them.
"Mr. Malfoy, may I ask what you're doing out of bed at this time of night?" Snape's voice called at the end of the corridor. Harry quickly shut the stone, grasping the edges tightly, as to not fall down to the bottom where the tunnel lead. He wasn't going to leave without Malfoy.
"I heard a rumor that some second years were planning on sneaking out of bed, and I wanted to catch them before they did anything... michievious." he heard Malfoy say. Snape seemed pleased with this, and let him be. As soon as Harry was sure the coast was clear he reached out and grabbed Malfoy, pulling him into the tunnel. They toppled over each other as they slid down to the ground.
"Lumos!" Harry muttered, rubbing his shoulder which he'd fallen on.
"Now what?" Dean Thomas asked. He was brushing dirt off himself.
"Now we've got about an hour until we reach Honeydukes cellar. So just bear with me and come on." Harry moved to the front of the group and started leading them through the twist and turns of the tunnel.
"You still never told us what we're going to do once we get to the mansion. How are we going to defeat Lucius Malfoy and his group?" Lavender asked.
"You leave my father to me." Malfoy sneered.
"We'll figure something out. We'll take an extra lesson or something before we go in if we have to. We have four days." Harry told her, ignoring Malfoy. He had to be honest with himself. He had no idea what he was doing, or where he was leading his classmates. He just prayed to himself that he wasn't leading them to their death or to torture. He wanted to rescue Hermione, Ginny, and Cho before it was too late. He'd already lost everyone who'd ever been family to him. He wasn't going to lose his friends like he lost them.
About an hour later, they were crawling out of the loose stone on the cellar floor of the candy shop. He strained the importance of being quiet as they covered themselves with the cloaks again. They crept up the steps and to the main floor of the store. He unlocked the door with a spell and they walked out into the cool early morning air of Hogsmeade. The town was dead, except for a few old hags lying around outside of The Hog's Head. He lead the group out to the edge of the forest. He tried to think hard of the importance of the Knight Bus and how badly they needed it. After about another hour, Harry began to accept one of his worst fears since inventing the plan. The bus wasn't coming.
"Meeting tonight then?"
"Er.. yes." Harry replied.
His stomach jumped again. Neville smiled excitedly as Harry pushed past him. He only had a half hour to make an appearance at breakfast then get to the Divination classroom. He was deep in thought and wasn't paying attention to where he was going and slammed into the door leading to the Great Hall.
"Nice one, Potter!" Malfoy called from down the hall. A couple Slytherin's making their way to breakfast snickered. Harry rubbed his head, which stung from the impact. He picked himself up as Malfoy caught up with him.
"Er.. I'm sorry about yesterday. Tonight we're meeting again in the Room of Requirement."
"Huh. I don't feel like it." he smirked.
"We need you. I can't explain right now."
"Well why should I risk getting caught after curfew, when I don't know whether or not it's worth it."
"We're going to save Hermione. If you care about her as much as she thinks you do, you'll be there." Harry whispered, trying not to hit Malfoy for his cockiness. He joined Ron at the Gryffindor table, throwing his stuff down, agitated.
"Everyone said they'd be there tonight." Ron informed and started filling his plate.
Harry didn't want to tell Ron about his doubts or let on that he had absolutely no idea about how they were going to get out of Hogwarts. He ate a piece of toast then headed up to the North Tower for his session with Professor Trelawney. When he entered the classroom, he noted immediatly that there were no candles or heavily perfumed incense burning. Anyone could mistake it for an ordinary classroom with cushions instead of chairs. Trelawney was at her desk scribbling something in an old worn notebook. She noticed Harry coming in, and smiled.
"Not today, dear. Professor Snape has returned. The staff is to go to a meeting. You're free for the day. You can return to your dormitory. I'll see you tomorrow morning." she informed him, then went back to writing.
This suited Harry just fine. He went back out the trapdoor and descended the stairs of the North Tower. Ron came running over to him. He had to catch his breath before speaking.
"Snape! He's back!" he huffed.
"So I've heard. Any word yet on what he knows?"
"I overheard him talking to McGonagall. They're using Hermione, Ginny, and everyone as bait. If Dumbledore doesn't hand you over in a week, they'll kill them all."
"So we have five days. We'll have to leave tonight."
"Have you thought of how we're going to slip past all the professors without being caught?"
"Not exactly, no. Hey wait... the secret passage!" Harry jumped with enthusiasm. It was as easy as that.
"What passage, again?"
"We can use the Marauder's map. When the coast is clear, I can sneak people into the tunnel that leads to the basement of Honeydukes. From Hogsmeade, we can take the Knight Bus to Manchester. I'm sure Malfoy'll be able to tell us what city it's in. We could be there by tomorrow morning... afternoon at the latest. We have to inform everyone to wear dark clothing tonight. Tell them we'll explain everything tonight at the meeting. I'll go find Malfoy and explain it all to him. I couldn't earlier. We need to make sure he'll help us first. Tell Neville, Dean, Lavender, and Parvati. I'll find Luna after I talk to Malfoy." Harry rushed off in the opposite direction of Ron.
Harry met back up with Ron, an hour later, in the common room. After confirming that everyone knew, Harry collapsed in the old beaten chair next to Ron. He helped him work on his Protean Charm for Professor Flitwick. They were both way behind again, and without Hermione around to help, Ron couldn't remember even the simplest charms. They worked on it until the sun began to set. Ron looked at the clock.
"Oh no! We've missed dinner!" he sunk deep in his chair.
"Don't worry. We can go down to the kitchen. I need to go down there anyway."
"I was wondering how you managed to stay alive. I haven't seen you eat in the Great Hall for months." Ron stated as they made their way past the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room and to the painting of giant fruit.
Harry tickled the pear. It squealed and the picture pulled back revealing the entrance into the kitchen. The house-elves were working happily, cleaning all the platters. Dobby came running up to them at once. He still wore all of Hermione's knitting, although a lot of the articles were beginning to look a bit drab.
"Harry Potter! And his Wheezy! Welcome! What may Dobby get for Harry Potter?" the house elf bowed greatly. Ron laughed slightly; Harry nudged him in the ribs.
"Pork Chops and Pumpkin juice, please." Harry replied, kindly.
"Oh! And roasted Potatoes! And Eclairs!" Ron added, enthusiastically.
"You don't want to fill up. We're going to be riding on the Knight Bus later, remember?" Harry whispered. Ron looked disappointed.
"Just the Chops and the juice then."
"Dobby, I have another favor."
"Yes, Harry Potter! Anything!"
"Can you make enough sandwiches and food that won't spoil for eight people? Enough for at least three meals each?"
"Certainly."
The elf bowed again. Harry smiled at Ron. Their plan was already unfolding. They heard a noise at the entrance. Both Ron and Harry jumped behind the furnace. Harry rolled his eyes, noticing it was just Malfoy, and came out from hiding.
"What are you doing down here?" they questioned at the same time.
"I'm a prefect, I have rights to be where ever I feel there might be trouble. Now why are you here?"
"Having dinner, so none of your housemates try to off me in front of an audience. I'm also getting food for the trip." he replied, dryly. Malfoy smiled.
"Me too."
They both dropped their guard and sat down to eat as Dobby and two other house elves brought over plates of food. As soon as Dobby noticed Malfoy, he dropped the plate carrying the pumpkin juice. Another house-elf apologized for Dobby's behavior and scurried off to get more.
"M...mm..master." he whimpered.
"Dobby, I'm not your master anymore. Get up, you git." Malfoy threw a piece of bread at him.
"S-sorry. Is t-there anything e-else you, w-wish for, Harry Potter?" Dobby's ears had drooped and he was shaking.
"No, thats all. Thank you, Dobby."
"Yeah, thanks." Malfoy added, grabbing a glass of pumpkin juice from the returning house-elf. Dobby got wide eyed.
"OH! Harry Potter! He's changed Master's heart! Harry Potter really does amazing things!" he squeaked. Malfoy shot him an evil glare, which sent Dobby running off, nearly tripping over the stockings that were too big for his feet. Malfoy smirked.
"Why do you have to treat him like that?"
"Because he's a house-elf! He's used to it. He was MY house-elf. My father was furious when you pulled that little stunt, losing us a servant." Malfoy sneered.
"Well at least he has some brains. If it wasn't for him, Harry might've died second and fourth year." Ron shot back.
"Yeah he was always pretty lousy at keeping his nose out of our business. I figured something was up second year when that Bludger went out of control. I told my father about my suspicion. Blasted creature got what he deserved for that one. Nearly killed me too with that Bludger."
"Well he's not your servant anymore. You could show him a little more respect."
"Watch it, Potter. You're beginning to sound like Granger." Malfoy smirked.
Harry too was a bit taken back by his response. He did sound like Hermione. It reminded him that he couldn't retaliate against Malfoy. He knew too much now and they needed his help. He could just as easily go tell Dumbledore their plan and stop them before they even got to Hogsmeade. He pretended to ignore Malfoy as he continued to taunt the house-elves when they brought over the sandwiches that Harry'd requested. Harry thanked them incessantly, in an attempt to make up for Malfoy's behavior.
By the time they finished eating, they had just enough time to go and change before heading to the Room of Requirement. Everyone was already waiting, except Malfoy, when Harry and Ron arrived. A couple more people had joined them. Seamus Finnigan was talked into coming, by Dean Thomas. He didn't seem to enthused about being there though, and scowled at Harry. They were talking amongst each other. Lavender was comforting Parvati. Harry didn't have to ask what was wrong. He assumed that Dumbledore had spoken to her about her sister, that or it was the odd twin connection they shared. Harry remained silent, even after demands for an explanation, until Malfoy finally showed up.
"Wanted to make an entrance?" Seamus asked the belated Slytherin. Malfoy didn't reply and sat down next to Harry. Harry began to speak, but was inturrupted again by Lavender.
"Hey, what's with the foe-glass. I didn't notice that before. It's changed." she stated, looking at the old cracked mirror. The whites of the figures eyes were showing. Malfoy fidgeted and looked at Harry with a threatening glare. Harry ignored it.
"It's because he's here. He's been marked as a Death Eater. I told you he was trained." Harry stated, pointing casually at Malfoy.
"You've been marked?!" Lavender gasped.
"Let me see!" Luna jumped up. He rolled his eyes and pulled up his sleeve. She went to touch it, but he pushed her away.
"So why are we here? Will you tell us now that HE's here?"
"Now... some of you might not be up for this. I understand if you dont. But I have to ask that if you decide not to join us, please do not go telling Dumbledore or anyone for that matter where we've gone. That charm that Hermione put on the list still applies. Just for a warning."
"Get on with it!" Seamus yelled from the back.
"We're going to rescue them ourselves."
"How?? We're not fully trained. We'll be defeated within minutes."
"Within seconds." Parvati corrected Lavender.
"Yes, I know that, but apparently their being held captive as ransom... for me."
"So let's just give you to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named then and get our friends and family back!" Seamus shouted.
"Yeah you could defeat him or at least escape, you've done it before? Why should we put our lines on the necks."
"Well if that's the way you feel about it, then you'll just have to deliver me to him yourselves. He's in Manchester. We want everyone back safe just as much as you all do, that's why we're going."
"What does he care what happens to them? He's one of them." Seamus pointed to Malfoy. There were a few nods in agreement.
"He's in love with Hermione. That's why. That's the only reason he's even helping us." Lavender announced. Malfoy stood up.
"I'm not in love with that filthy mud-blood. I'm doing this to get back at my father, and if you dare say that again...as Potter said, I am trained as a death eater."
"Oh just admit it, already. We don't care." Dean Thomas told him. Harry and Ron grabbed Malfoy before he could attack, and pulled him back.
"We're not going to get anywhere fighting. Either we can stay here bickering for the next four days, or we can do something about this and go after them. We can defeat them. We're all reaching NEWT standards, we're smart and cunning. We'll figure something out. But I need to know whether or not you're in or your out." Harry lectured.
There was mutters and whispers, but finally everyone agreed that they'd go, even Seamus Finnigan. Harry explained the plan to send a few over at a time with him to the secret passage with the invisiblity cloak until everyone was safely hidden in the tunnel. Then they'd head over to Honeydukes and sneak out under the invisibility cloak. It was at that point that Malfoy pulled out his own Invisibility Cloak.
"Why didn't you tell us you have one?" Ron inquired. Malfoy shrugged, but didn't say anything. Harry summed it down to the possibility that he was trying to be nice and not say anything he'd normally say. Maybe it was because he was outnumbered.
Harry pulled out the Marauder's Map. None of the teachers were around. Most of them were in their offices or dormitories. Filch was on the second floor, and Mrs. Norris was with him.
"Snape's pacing on the third floor, so we'll have to be on a look out for him. We'll all fit under the two cloaks, but make sure, especially when we're on the third floor, not to let any part of you stick out from underneath. If Snape suspects anything, we'll all be dead." Harry told them. Everyone nodded then climbed under the cloaks. They quickly but quietly made their way down to the third floor corridors. Harry watched the map to see how close they were to Snape. He was heading in their direction. Unfortunatly just as they reached the statue of the witch, the cloak covering Harry, Ron, Malfoy and Luna slipped off.
"Dissendium!" Harry tapped the witch quickly and picked up the cloak. He rushed the others into the tunnel, watching the dot of Snape moving closer to them. The enterence in the tunnel was too thin to allow any more than one person at a time into it's enterance.
'Hurry!" he whispered to them.
"Mr. Malfoy, may I ask what you're doing out of bed at this time of night?" Snape's voice called at the end of the corridor. Harry quickly shut the stone, grasping the edges tightly, as to not fall down to the bottom where the tunnel lead. He wasn't going to leave without Malfoy.
"I heard a rumor that some second years were planning on sneaking out of bed, and I wanted to catch them before they did anything... michievious." he heard Malfoy say. Snape seemed pleased with this, and let him be. As soon as Harry was sure the coast was clear he reached out and grabbed Malfoy, pulling him into the tunnel. They toppled over each other as they slid down to the ground.
"Lumos!" Harry muttered, rubbing his shoulder which he'd fallen on.
"Now what?" Dean Thomas asked. He was brushing dirt off himself.
"Now we've got about an hour until we reach Honeydukes cellar. So just bear with me and come on." Harry moved to the front of the group and started leading them through the twist and turns of the tunnel.
"You still never told us what we're going to do once we get to the mansion. How are we going to defeat Lucius Malfoy and his group?" Lavender asked.
"You leave my father to me." Malfoy sneered.
"We'll figure something out. We'll take an extra lesson or something before we go in if we have to. We have four days." Harry told her, ignoring Malfoy. He had to be honest with himself. He had no idea what he was doing, or where he was leading his classmates. He just prayed to himself that he wasn't leading them to their death or to torture. He wanted to rescue Hermione, Ginny, and Cho before it was too late. He'd already lost everyone who'd ever been family to him. He wasn't going to lose his friends like he lost them.
About an hour later, they were crawling out of the loose stone on the cellar floor of the candy shop. He strained the importance of being quiet as they covered themselves with the cloaks again. They crept up the steps and to the main floor of the store. He unlocked the door with a spell and they walked out into the cool early morning air of Hogsmeade. The town was dead, except for a few old hags lying around outside of The Hog's Head. He lead the group out to the edge of the forest. He tried to think hard of the importance of the Knight Bus and how badly they needed it. After about another hour, Harry began to accept one of his worst fears since inventing the plan. The bus wasn't coming.