The trio seemed to wait forever, Harry eventually ate something; he knew he'd need his strength. Hermione had asked Aberforth about the picture of the woman, who was no longer there, if it was his sister, Ariana. Aberforth told her it was and went on a small story of how much was sacrificed in Albus's run for power or whatever it was. Eventually, the woman began to return as Ron, Hermione, and Harry stood to greet her.
"She's coming back," Hermione said.
"She's got someone with her," Ron added.
Ariana returned to the photo and it swung open to reveal a familiar face. "Neville!" The three cheered.
"Hey," Neville greeted with a smile, crouching down.
"You look like-," Harry said.
"Like hell I reckon. Seamus is worse," Neville said. "Hey, Al…We got a few more coming through." He told Aberforth. "Come on, I'll take you in." Neville smiled at the trio.
Ron, Hermione, and Harry jumped up into the tunnel and followed behind Neville's lit wand. "I don't remember this passage on the map," Harry said.
"That's because it never existed til now. The seven secret passages were sealed off at the start of the year." Neville informed. "This is the only way in or out now. The grounds are crawling with death eaters and dementors."
"How is it with Snape as headmaster?" Hermione asked.
"Hardly ever see him. It's the Carrows you've got to watch out for." Neville said.
"The Carrows?" Harry inquired.
"Amycus and Alecto Carrow. Brother and sister, pretty much taken over discipline. Today, in Dark Arts, they had us practicing the Cruciatus Curse, on first years…I refused. Hogwarts has changed." They continued to walk through until they reached the door. "Let's have a bit of fun, shall we?" Neville smiled as he opened the door. "Hey, listen up you lot. Brought you something."
"Not more of Aberforth's cooking, I hope?" That was Seamus's voice.
Neville rolled his eyes and stepped aside to reveal Harry, Ron, and Hermione to them. Cheers erupted and clapping as Harry, Ron, and Hermione came down the ladder and started to greet everyone. Harry now realized they were in the room of requirement and Neville had explained on the walk that after Harry left, they reissued Dumbledore's Army to protect the younger students from harm.
"Get the word out to Remus and the others that Harry is back," Neville told one boy, who went right to the radio to tell the Order members that Harry was back, in code, of course. "Alright, let's not kill him before you-know-who. So…What's the plan, Harry?" Neville asked.
"Alright, uh…" Harry was trying to figure out how to say this. "There's something we need to find. Something hidden here in the castle that will help us defeat, you know who."
"Alright then…What is it?" Neville asked.
"We don't know," Harry replied.
"Where is it?" Someone asked.
"We don't know that either." Ron added.
"I realize it's not much to go on." Harry informed.
"It's nothing to go on," Seamus remarked.
"I think it has something to do with Ravenclaw. It'll be small, easily concealed…Any ideas?" Harry asked.
"Well, there's…Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem." Luna offered.
"What the hell is a diadem?" Ron questioned.
"It's like a tiara," Hermione supplied.
"Yes, but it's lost, Luna. Has been for centuries, there isn't a person alive today who has seen it." Cho Chang told Luna.
There was a rumbling as Harry looked and the person who rushed in was Draco, he stared, taking it in as if to make sure it was real. "Harry…" Draco walked right up to him, touching his shoulder and side of his face. "You're here…You're back?"
"I'm back," Harry nodded. Harry was expecting a hug, or a smile. Instead, he got smacked. "Ow, what the hell was that for?" Draco hit him again, then again, and again.
"I haven't heard from you in almost two months! Do you have any idea how worried I've been about you! We heard Voldemort murdered a bunch of people at Gringotts and I knew that's where you were going next. How dare you not keep me in the loop! I've been going crazy! And why the hell are you smiling?! Do you take some kind of sick pleasure in scaring me or something. Say something, Potter!"
Harry brought his hand up around the back of Draco's neck and drew him in for a hard kiss. Draco melted into it, wrapped his arms around Harry to return the action. "Yep…Now I've seen and believe it…You really are dating him." Ron shivered as Hermione smacked his arm this time.
The kiss ended as Draco hugged Harry tightly. "I missed you too, Dray," Harry told him.
"You're not leaving again, are you?" Draco asked, refusing to let go of Harry.
"No…We're here to stay all the way until and through the final fight. The last item is here in the castle, and thanks to Luna…We know what it is. We just have to find it." Harry said. They pulled apart and touched foreheads.
"I want to help this time." Draco demanded.
"Of course," Harry agreed.
"Now, what did you come running here for? You're on guard for Snape coming here." Neville asked.
"Right, sorry…Snape knows. He knows Harry was spotted in Hogsmead…And he's summoned everyone to the hall in the next ten minutes." Draco reported.
"Right then. You lot know the drill!" Neville called out.
"What's the drill?" Hermione asked.
"We get dressed in our house robes and go out there to see what he has to say. If we don't all form up together, we get in trouble. You three should stay here," Neville suggested.
"We'll wait for the Order to come." Ron said.
The others got ready and Harry gave Draco another kiss before he watched the group file out and they were left in there alone. "You know what…I can't just sit here. I'm facing that backstabbing traitor. You wait here for the Order, when they come; bring them to the hall. It's time to take back the school."
"Be careful, Harry," Hermione told him.
Harry nodded as he grabbed a spare Gryffindor robe and threw it over his clothes, zipping it up and then escaping the room to sneak into line with the others marching in.
. . .
Harry located Draco and stood next to him, holding his hand as Draco glanced over and held Harry's hand tightly. Soon, they were in the great hall, heads down as Severus walked in and stood at the front to address them.
"I'm sure you're wondering why I've summoned you at this late hour. It's come to my attention…That earlier, Harry Potter was spotted in Hogsmead." Severus began. There was gasped and whispers from the students. "Now, should anyone…Staff or student attempt to aid Mr. Potter. They will be punished in a matter consistent with their actions. Furthermore, if anyone is found to have knowledge of these events who fails to come forward will be treated as equally guilty." He began to walk through the center line. "Now then, if anyone here has any knowledge of Mr. Potter's movements this evening. I invite them to step forward…Now."
It was silent for a moment and then Harry let go of Draco's hand and walked into sight, facing Severus. People gasped again, moving to watch the scene. Draco was on the outer edge, worried for his boyfriend and what his godfather might do to him.
"It would seem that despite your exhaustive defensive strategies…You've got a bit of a security problem, Headmaster." Harry told Severus as the man didn't move, only staring and wondering why the hell Harry would actually show himself. The idiot! The great hall doors opened as a group of people walked in; Kingsley, the Weasley's, Fleur, Remus, Tonks, and Hermione. "I'm afraid it's quite extensive." He added. "How dare you stand where he stood," Harry glared at Severus. "Tell them how it happened that night, how you looked him in the eye, a man who trusted you, and killed him. Tell them."
'Damn it, Potter…' Severus drew his wand, knowing Amycus and Alecto Carrow were behind him.
Before Harry could pull his own wand, or Draco rush out to stand between the two; Minerva McGonagall pushed Harry to the side and had her wand on Severus. The man, for a moment, hesitated and then stood firm. Minerva shot an electric fire out at Severus and he blocked it. This went on until Harry caught sight of Severus diverting the attacks to the Carrow siblings and knocking them out. Severus went into some black cloud, grabbing the sibling's wands and then shooting through the window.
"Severus!" Minerva called. She waved her wand to relight the hall as people cheered.
No sooner than it happened, the cheering was over with the sound of thunder. "Harry…" Voldemort's voice whispered.
"Potter?" Minerva asked as Harry went into a trance like state.
"Harry, what is it?" Draco put a hand on his shoulder.
A girl began screaming as Harry got up and went to see, she was covering her ears. Across the room, another scream.
"I know many of you wanted to fight. And some of you think to fight is wise. This is folly. If you give me Harry Potter. Do this and no one shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave Hogwarts untouched. Give me Harry Potter and you shall be rewarded. You have one hour."
Some students stepped back as Harry stood there, and many were unsure what to do. "What are you waiting for? Someone grab him!" Pansy Parkinson demanded.
Draco was first to step in front of Harry and push him behind his figure. From there, members of Dumbledore's Army and the Order joined up too. "Out of bed. Students out of bed! Student in the corridor!" Filch ran into the room.
"They are supposed to be out of bed, you blithering idiot." Minerva scolded.
"Sorry, ma'am," Filch said.
"As it happens, Mr. Filch, your arrival is most opportune. I would like, if you please, to lead Miss. Parkinson and the rest of Slytherin House from the hall." Minerva pointed with her wand.
"You can't do that," Gregory said.
"I just did." Minerva told him.
"Where exactly is it that I'm leading them too, ma'am?" Filch asked.
"The dungeons will do." Minerva said with a hint of joy in her voice. The Slytherins sighed and scoffed as Filch led them away while Minerva approached Harry. "I presume you have a reason for returning, Potter. What is it you need?" She asked.
"Time, Professor. As much as you can get me." Harry asked.
"Do what you have to do, I'll secure the castle." Minerva assured, a hand on his shoulder. Harry turned to leave the hall. "Potter," Harry faced her. "It's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too, Professor," Harry smiled. "Neville, hold the fort." Harry told his friend.
"Cub," Remus hugged Harry tightly. "I'm so thankful you're alright."
"Uncle Remus…" Harry hugged him. "Tonks," He hugged her next.
"By the way, you have a godson, Harry…" Tonks smiled.
"You had a boy?" Harry beamed.
"Edward Remus 'Teddy' Lupin," Remus informed. "We can't wait for you to meet him when this is over."
"Soon." Harry promised. "Wish I could talk more, but we have a mission to compete."
"Don't let us stop you," Tonks informed.
"Harry…" Remus held his arm. "I love you."
"I love you too, Uncle Remus." Harry said. Remus let go of his arm as Harry left the hall with Ron, Hermione, and Draco following.
"Harry! Harry stop," Hermione called.
They stopped on the stairs as Harry was definitely in a rush; they didn't have much time. "What?"
"Tell us how to get into the Chamber of Secrets. We can go get the fang and destroy the cup now. We'll split up, save time." Ron told him.
"Alright…Okay, but take this." He handed them the map. "So you can find me when you get back." Harry told them. "You remember where it is?"
"Myrtle's bathroom. Just tell us how to open it." Hermione said.
Harry whispered something to Ron. "Got it?"
"Got it." Ron nodded.
"Harry, I'm going with you." Draco said.
"Right, let's go." Harry said.
"Where are you going?" Hermione asked.
"Ravenclaw common room, gotta start somewhere." Harry started up the stairs as Draco followed him. Luna spotted them and started to run after him.
"Harry, stop!" Luna tried.
. . .
At the main entrance, Neville was with Minerva, Molly Weasley, Seamus, and Filius Flitwick.
"You're actually giving us permission to do this?" Neville asked.
"That's correct Longbottom," Minerva said.
"To blow it up. Boom?" Neville asked.
"Boom." Minerva replied.
"Wicked," Neville beamed.
"Why don't you confer with Mr. Finnegan. As I recall, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics." Minerva informed.
"I can bring it down," Seamus grinned.
"Good, that's the spirit. Go on," Minerva shooed them.
"You do realize that we can't keep out who know who indefinitely?" Filius said.
"That doesn't mean we can't delay him. And his name is Voldemort. You had better use it, Filius; he'll try to kill you either way." Minerva said. She turned and faced the hall again, raising her wand up. "Piertotum Locomotor!" She cast. A large statue knight dropped, then several more. Tons of them forming two lines and marching out as Minerva turned towards the bridge where they were lining up to guard it. "Hogwarts is threatened. Man the boundaries. Protect us. Do your duty to our school," She commanded and turned to Molly with a bright smile. "I've always wanted to use that spell!"
Next up, Horace, Minerva, Molly, Filius and other teachers were sending up a protection barrier that formed around the entire school.
. . .
Back with Harry and Draco climbing the stairs to Ravenclaw common room, Luna was trying to catch up.
"Harry, wait. I need to talk to you," Luna said.
"Luna, I'm a bit preoccupied at the moment," Harry told her.
"Harry, it's a waste of time; you won't find anything this way." Luna said.
"We'll talk later, Luna," Harry kept getting around students.
"Harry Potter you listen to me this instant!" Luna yelled. Harry stopped and looked at her. "Don't you remember what Cho said about Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem? There isn't a person alive who has seen it. It's obvious, isn't it? We have to talk to someone who is dead."
The realization hit Harry hard. "Thanks, Luna…Do you know who I can talk to?" He asked.
"Yes, come this way," Luna smiled and then led Draco and Harry to the place where they could talk to a ghost about what they needed. "She's just down there."
"Aren't you coming?" Harry asked.
"No, she's very shy. I think it's best you do this, Harry. I'm going to go help the others." Luna said before she skipped off.
"She's far too cheery," Draco stated.
"But she just saved me a bunch of time searching the tower," Harry informed as he walked forward to speak to Helena Ravenclaw, Rowena's daughter. They walked through more as Harry spotted a young ghost woman. "You're the Grey Lady, ghost of Ravenclaw tower?"
"I do not answer to that name," The woman said and went to leave.
"No, I'm sorry. It's Helena, right? Rowena Ravenclaw's daughter." Harry stepped forward as the woman stopped and looked at him.
"Are you a friend of Luna's?" She asked.
"Yes, she thought you might be able to help me," Harry said.
"You seek my mother's diadem," Helena remarked.
"Yes, that's right," Harry nodded.
"Luna is kind, unlike so many of the others. But she was wrong, I cannot help you," Helena flew through him and prepared to leave as Harry chased her.
"No, please wait. I want to destroy it." Harry admitted.
. . .
Outside on a high cliff stood Voldemort with his gathering of death eaters. "They never learn…" He smiled.
"My lord, shouldn't we wait," One asked, then immediately stepped back.
"Begin…" Voldemort ordered.
An array of blasts from wands shot out towards the school and slammed into the barrier hard.
. . .
Harry moved around the small area to come face to face with Helena again. "That's what you want, isn't it? To see it destroyed?"
"Another swore to destroy it years ago. Another boy with a strange name," Helena said.
"Tom Riddle," Harry nodded.
"But he lied," Helena stated.
"He's lied to many people," Harry replied.
Helena shot forward at him angrily. "I know what he's done! I know who he is and that he defiled it with dark magic!" She moved back into the hallway.
Harry stood behind her. "I can destroy it, once and for all. But only if you tell me where he hid it," He asked. "You do know where it's hidden, don't you, Helena? You just have to tell me," She started to turn back towards him. "Please? I am not lying to you, Helena. I've found the other objects he's defiled and I've destroyed those as well. I've got two friends down in the chamber, destroying another. Please, Helena…Please?" He pleaded.
"Strange, you remind me of him a bit." Helena finally spoke. "It's here, in the castle. In the place where everything is hidden. If you have to ask, you'll never know. And if you know, you need only ask."
"Thank you," Harry turned away, grabbing Draco's hand and running with him.
"Where is it?" Draco asked.
"The room of requirement," Harry told him.
"But we were in there hours ago, it's our hideout…" Draco said.
"The room changes to the user's needs, Draco. It was a base for Dumbledore's Army because that's what you all needed. A hideout. But for other's it's more. Don't you remember what I said about Goyle, Nott, and Crabbe repairing the vanishing cabinet in there? When the room isn't needed for anything; it's storage." Harry explained.
"So the diadem is hidden somewhere in the room," Draco realized.
"Yes, now let's go." Harry kept running. "We don't have a lot of time left."
Harry and Draco ran to get to the seventh floor, they were running out of time before the end of the hour Voldemort warned them about. If Harry wasn't handed over by then, the final battle would begin. It was time to end this once and for all. Harry needed it to end and he would, with his friends and lover by his side.