Chapter 17: Revenge Of The DA
"What are you talking about? How can we make it look like we're there when we're really not?" asked a confused Ron.
"Smoke and mirrors," said Luna. She grabbed the platter from Harry and held it against the wall so that Ron could see himself in the platter.
"Yeah so," he still wasn't getting they're point.
"Dobby can you get another one of those platters," asked Harry. Dobby snapped his fingers and another platter appeared, he handed it to Harry who gave it to Ginny to hold.
"Now Ginny stand over there and tilt the platter so it's angled at me and the other platter," instructed Harry. "Now Ron, move over a bit." Ron moved over and after a moment saw Harry in the reflection.
"But you're over . . . oh I get it, use the platters to reflect our images somewhere else," it finally dawned on Ron.
"Well not necessarily the platters, mirrors would be better," Harry then looked at Dobby. "Dobby we're going to need your help,"
An hour later Harry was walking up to the Defense classroom to find Rosie. They were going to need someone to lure the Death Eaters into their trap and Harry knew Rosie would be perfect. He slowly entered the classroom and to his surprise it was full, is was a group of first years practicing disarming their opponent. He soon saw Rosie fly over their heads. She must be teaching the class, he thought. As he started to walk in the group of students started to head back to their desks and pick up their belongings. They all stared up at him as they left the room. The last group left and he could hear them in the hallway.
"That was Harry Potter!" one young first year squealed to another. Harry smiled to himself he some times forgot about how much of a celebrity he was.
"Oh Harry! Are they okay!" Rosie flew over to him and landed on a desk.
"Yes, it looks like they'll pull through, we just don't know when they'll wake up," Harry said out loud.
"I'm sorry I couldn't catch up to Hermione, I tried but she was falling so fast," said a very upset Rosie.
"You cut Julia free, and she was able to get Hermione, you can't blame yourself . . . just like I can't blame myself." He trailed off. The bird eyed Harry for a moment.
"I imagine you didn't come to discuss them, what's on you mind?" she asked.
"Well, I need your help, but you have to promise not to tell anyone."
It was close to dinnertime and Harry was sitting in the hospital wing swaying back and forth on a rocking chair that Dumbledore had brought up. Ron was sitting on the bed next to Julia reading the latest Quidditch Monthly out loud. Harry was sitting between the two beds watching the women sleep as he listened to Ron. Hermione and Julia had improved since he saw them earlier in the morning. Julia's arm was mending nicely and they both had full color returned to their cheeks, it was now up to them on when they would wake up. Harry and Ron had been talking to them through out the day, letting them know everyone missed them and wanted them back. Harry was just starting to nod off to sleep when he heard someone come through the barrier.
"Hey Harry, hey Ron," said Luna softly.
"Hey Luna," Ron said behind the magazine.
"Hi Luna how are you doing." But Harry could tell that she was not doing well.
"I umm – I wanted to come and apologize to Hermione," she said. Ron slowly put the magazine down.
"Luna what are you talking about," asked Harry who stopped rocking in the chair.
"It's my fault the Death Eaters got her. You see we were in the last group to leave the castle and she forgot her scarf. She insisted on getting it, said it brought you luck every time she wore it during a game. I told her I'd wait for her but she wanted me to go on head an get seats," Luna was starting to cry. "If I had stayed behind we might have been able to fight them off." Harry was about to get up and give Luna a hug but to his surprise Ron had put his arm around her.
"Luna you can't blame yourself, no one could have prevented this," said Ron in a caring way.
"I'm sure Hermione will be glad that no one else was hurt, and I have a feeling she doesn't blame you at all," Harry tried to sound as positive as possible. Luna took out a handkerchief and tried her eyes.
"Thank you both for being so nice, I hadn't told anybody yet and I was afraid people would be mad," she said with the cloth in front of her nose.
"Don't be silly, besides what you should be thinking about is getting those Death Eaters back," Ron nudged her shoulder trying to get her mind off the subject. She laughed a little bit.
"Well I better be off, I'll see you guys after dinner," she smiled back. They both said their goodbyes and when Harry was sure she had left he gave Ron a look.
"What? I can't be nice?" he said giving Harry a mocked hurt face.
"It's not that, you're just normally not nice to Luna," laughed Harry. Ron then became serious.
"Oh well, I figure so many people are trying to blame themselves about this that someone should tell them it's not their fault," said Ron. "I mean Hermione has always helped anyone in need and the one time she needs our help we fail her and the person who does help pays the price," Ron glanced at Julia. "But what could we have done," Ron looked like he was trying to convince himself more then anyone else.
"I know what you mean," said Harry as he slowly returned back to rocking the chair. Ron went back on the bed and grabbed the magazine and started reading again. The two friends sat in silence for the next hour or so, each going over what they could have done to help their sleeping friend. It wasn't until they were walking along the corridors heading to the Room of Requirement, that they spoke again.
"Who are you going to take to the Yule Ball?" asked Harry.
"Oh I dunno, I might just go by myself," Ron seemed like he didn't want to talk about it.
"Why not take Luna," smiled Harry.
"I knew you were gonna say that, and if Hermione was awake she'd say it too," Ron felt guilty about mentioning his hurt friend in such away.
"You're right, she would," beamed Harry, he had a sense of pride that he was so in tune with her way of thinking. The duo found the wall where the room would be and started walking back and for thinking of what they needed. A moment later the door appeared and they walked into the comfortable room it had been when Harry held the meeting. The only difference was that two fairly large mirrors stood back to back in the middle of the room. Both Harry and Ron stared to walk around them. Harry stood looking at one while Ron had walked over to the other. After a moment Harry began to see Ron appear in his mirror and vice versa.
"Harry do you see me?" asked an astonish Ron
"Yeah, do you see me?" he asked.
"Oh yeah," gasped Ron.
"Hello Harry Potter," squeaked Dobby from the door. Both Ron and Harry jumped at his voice. "Dobby didn't mean to scare you."
"It's okay Dobby, tell us what you did to these mirrors," said Harry who was still gazing at Ron's picture in the mirror.
"It's a simple spell sir, these mirrors will receive images and sounds from each other," explained Dobby. Harry had a hunting thought. It was the same as the mirror Sirius had given to him. He quickly brushed the thought out of his head as people started to file into the room.
"So what's the plan?" asked Dean Thomas as he took a seat next to Ginny, who seemed to ignore him.
"First Rosie goes and distracts a guard on patrol and leads them into our little trap," Ron said with excitement.
"Then two of you will be watching the mirror that will be in front of the Death Eater, one person will be with me and the others will get ready to strike them from behind," Harry explained. "Who is strong at charms, most importantly the Locomotor or Wingardium Leviosa charm?" Luna slowly raised her hand. "Good we need one more," but no one raised they're hand. Harry then looked over at Ron, "What about you, you did the charm on the troll."
"That was first year mate, I don't think I've done it since," said Ron.
"Why don't you work with Luna all day tomorrow before we go, I'm sure you can have it down in no time," smirked Harry. Ron quickly gave Harry a dirty look before answering.
"Luna is that okay with you," asked Ron between gritted teeth.
"That would be lovely," smiled Luna with her eyes as wide as a bug.
"Perfect, now Ginny you'll be with me and the other mirror, Neville, Dean and Seamus you three will slowly creep up behind the Death Eater while I distract them. When I give the word we'll all shout the Incarcerous spell. The same spell the Death Eaters use on Julia, once I tell them my little message Rosie will pick the Death Eater up and drop them back at Voldemort's camp," Harry finished.
"When do you go?" asked Neville.
"Tomorrow after dinner. I'll have dinner up in the hospital wing once you guys are done come up and act like you're checking in on Hermione and Julia. We'll make a quiet exit and follow Rosie to the clearing she found today," said Harry.
"What about the mirrors?" asked Dean. Harry took one look at them and saw how heavy they were. He took out his wand and pointed at one.
"REDUCIO," the mirror became small enough to fit in some one's pocket. He handed the first mirror to Luna then shrunk the second one and put it in his own pocket. "Okay let's get going, make sure tomorrow you wear your cloaks, it's going to be a cold night." The group left in pairs so they wouldn't raise suspicion, as Harry and Ron were about to leave the squeaky voice of Dobby startled them yet again.
"Good luck Harry Potter, be careful," said the nervous house elf.
"Don't worry Dobby, we will," smiled Harry. If all went to plan he would be able to send a message to Voldemort letting him know he wasn't afraid.
Harry spent the night in the hospital wing again, he sat in the bed opposite Hermione and Julia watching as Madam Pomfrey made them more comfortable for the night. If he ever had doubts about their plan all he had to do was look at them and he'd begin to fill with rage. Madam Pomfrey left to go get some supplies. Harry decided to go talk to the patients. He sat down on the side of Hermione's bed and took her hand in his.
"I'll get them back Hermione," he whispered to the sleeping beauty in front of him. Harry slowly leaned forward and kissed her lips softly, hoping that maybe she'd wake up. He opened his eyes to see that she hadn't, pain began to fill Harry's chest. All he wanted was to talk to her hold her in his arms and tell her how much he loved her. But fate had decided to make him wait even longer. Harry let out a heavy sigh
"Come back to me," he said as he kissed her on the forehead. He made his way back over to his bed and got settled in, he was going to need his strength for tomorrow.
The next day moved slowly for Harry, he had chosen to not go to class one more day just incase Hermione or Julia would wake up. He read them The Quibbler that Luna had got for him and the Daily Prophet. Through out the day several members of the group came up and quietly confirmed things with Harry. Dinner finally arrived from Winky, and twenty minutes later Ron showed up to get Harry.
"They're waiting outside for us," he whispered into Harry's ear. Harry glanced over at Julia and Hermione then looked at Ron.
"Let's go," he said in a menacing tone. Harry was going to make sure this Death Eater understood that no one could mess with him and get away with it. Ron and Harry made they're way to the back door where the rest of the group was waiting. Ginny handed Harry his Order robe, once it was on Harry put his hood on and indicated to the rest of the group to do that same. Both he and Ron were wearing their Order Robes while everyone else was wearing the black Hogwarts robe with the Gryffindor symbol on the breast. They all quickly walked to the edge of the forest making sure to stay away for Hagrid's hut. Once Harry felt they were far enough away from the edge of the forest he instructed everyone to light their wands. A small fog was hovering above the ground and the creaking of the trees and faint howls of animals could be heard in the distance. All of a sudden there was a loud snap.
"Sorry," whispered Neville.
"Watch where you step, we must be getting close," said Harry, who then looked to the sky. "Rosie," hissed Harry. "Where are you?"
"Over here," said the bird as she flew over the group. They followed her for several minutes until they came to a small clearing. "This is it."
"Okay she said this is it. Luna, Ron set up the mirror right here, on the edge of the moonlight. So the Death Eater can just make out what it is and you guys can be in the shadows or behind that tree," Harry pointed to a massive tree they had just walked by. It was hidden in shadows just before the clearing.
"Okay," Luna put the mirror on the ground. "Engorgio." The mirror returned to its normal size. "Ron hold the mirror while I get behind the tree and put the spell on it. Then once it's off the ground come join me."
"Neville, Dean, Seamus see those tree's over there," Harry pointed in the opposite direction of Luna and Ron. "Spread out over there, as the Death Eater walks closer to the mirror inch your selves closer to these trees here just on the edge of the clearing."
"Harry where do you want your mirror," asked Ginny who had taken it from Harry and enlarged it.
"Lets have it over here on the side, that way I can watch as the Death Eater enters the clearing," said Harry as he looked around to make sure everyone else was ready.
"Locomotor," whispered Ginny. The mirror hovered above the ground and she started to direct it over to the side of the clearing.
"Ron you guys ready?" Harry asked.
"All set," Ron shouted from behind the tree.
"Neville?"
"Ready?"
"Smeaus, Dean?"
"Yeah, All set!"
"Okay Rosie, go get'em," Harry said as he walked into the shadows. He stood right in front of the mirror and adjusted his hood so that you could barley see his face. "Rosie how's it going," he thought.
"I just spotted one on patrol," she said. Harry then concentrated on Neville, Dean and Seamus.
"Guys can you hear me," he said in his head.
"Wow Harry is that you," thought Dean.
"Yeah, Rosie has found a guy make sure you're well hidden when he walks by you," he explained.
"Okay," said Neville.
"He's chasing me!" Rosie burst into their conversation. "Get ready!" Harry started to feel a little nervous. He could hear the Death Eater approach.
"Get back here with my hat!" he yelled. Rosie dropped the hat ten feet away from mirror, and then took off towards the sky.
"Damn bird," huffed the Death Eater. The tall Death Eater picked up his hat and dusted it off. "I must be close to Hogwarts," he said as he adjusted his hat.
"Scared of Hogwarts?" said Harry into the mirror, his heart was pounding in his chest and he tried to stair right at the Death Eater he could just barley see in his mirror.
"Who's that?! Show yourself!" shouted the Death Eaters as he pulled his wand out. He slowly scanned the area, his eyes rested on the mirror. "Who do we have here, did a student get lost?" joked the Death Eater.
"No," said Harry, his blood still pumping hard, but he soon thought about Hermione and Julia and his nerves started to settle. "I was actually looking for you."
"Oh you were looking for me. And who might you be?" giggled the outspoken Death Eater. Harry slowly stepped forward but didn't remove his hood.
"I'm the one person your master fears," Harry's confidence starting to strengthen.
"Oh are you," laughed the Death Eater.
"Guys get ready," thought Harry. "When I say now hit him with the spell then once he's tied up hit him with the silencing charm," said Harry.
"The Dark Lord fears no one," smirked the Death Eater as he quickly pointed his wand at the mirror. A purple spell hit the mirror and fizzled out. "What the-"
"NOW!" shouted Harry out loud.
"INCARCEROUS!" came shouts from all round the Death Eaters. Harry who peeked out from behind his tree, saw the Death Eater bond and on the ground.
"SILENCIO!" shouted Luna and Ron as they crept closer to the Death Eater who was now squirming on the ground. Harry slowly made his way over to the man. He bent down over him and slowly removed his hood so the Death Eater could see his face, recognition written in his eyes.
"Good, now that you know who I am," said Harry in a nasty tone. He grabbed the loud mouth Death Eater by the collar. "You're gonna send a message back to your Master for me. Tell him this . . . I can get to him just as easily as he can get to me!" Harry then pushed the man back down on ground, and walked away from him.
"Also," he turned to face him one more time. "Tell Bellatrix that she failed her master yet again, Julia and the girl survived the fall. Turn him over," barked Harry. Neville and Dean turned the Death Eater over. "Okay Rosie," thought Harry. "Take him back and if you can wait and see what Voldemort's reaction is."
"Are you kidding me I wouldn't miss his reaction for the world," said Rosie as she picked up the man and began to fly away.
"Come on we should get going," said Ron. They shrank the mirrors and head back to Hogwarts. They all snuck up to Gryffindor tower with out being seen, Harry and Ron invited everyone to their common room to wait for Rosie.
"The look on their faces when they saw it was you Harry was priceless," laughed Dean.
"Yeah mate, they looked almost as shocked as Draco did last year when you socket him in the stomach," giggled Ron.
"You all did really well, thank you for sticking with me," smiled Harry as he heard a pecking on his window. He walked into his room and opened the window to let Rosie in. She flew right into the living room and landed on one of the chairs.
"So what happened," asked Harry as he followed Rosie into the common room.
"You got them mad alright. Bellatrix was cursing up and down and was about to jump on the broom and come get you, but You-Know-Who cursed her for not getting rid of Julia or Hermione. He then told everyone to calm down and to not act on they're own. They'll wait till we come back after winter break to do anything," said Rosie. Everyone seemed to cheer and give high fives. Harry felt a sense of accomplishment as he watched the others celebrate. Now all he could do was wait and hope that his loved one would come back to him.