"Bloody hell!" Ron's voice rang out in the silent room before he had a chance to think about what he was saying. Hermione glared at him. He looked down and said sheepishliy, "Sorry."
"It is quite alright, Mr. Weasley. I know this is a shock to all of you."
"How long have you been married?" Hermione asked, having suspected all along that there was something going on between her two favorite professors.
"Ten years," Albus replied. He stood and walked over next to Minerva's chair, placing an arm around the back of the chair. She still would not look up into the children's faces. "I want all of you to understand the seriousness of this situation."
"We do, sir," Harry replied. "I think we understand now why we have to keep Professor McGonagall safe."
"Right you are, Harry. And I would like to enlist the help of the DA if you wouldn't mind."
All three faces brightened. "Of course, Professor Dumbledore. I know the DA would be happy to help in anything you ask of us."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "I'm sure that all the past members would love to get together again and help in making plans."
"But what about Umbridge?" Ron asked, his voice squeaking slightly. Minerva looked up at Albus, concern in her eyes. She didn't want anything to happen to the students on account of her. Albus squeezed her shoulder gently and looked back at the students.
"I would ask that you not call a meeting until Ms. Umbridge is away from the castle. Plan a meeting for the beginning of next week. Tell no one but the members of the DA. And do not, under any circumstances, let anyone else find out about this," he answered grimly.
"Don't worry, sir. We won't," Harry said for all of them. "We want to help in any way we can."
"Your help is most appreciated. I must inform you of one other factor that must be taken into account."
"What is it, Professor?" Hermione asked.
"If Voldemort finds out about Professor McGonagall and I, he will no doubt try to kill us immediately. However, it will not be just the two of us he is taking down, but three. Professor McGonagall is with child."
"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed again before Hermione slapped her hand over his mouth.
"Sorry, Professor," Hermione said to Minerva before glaring at Ron.
"Yea, sorry," Ron said after Hermione took her hand away.
"Is that why you were sick, Professor McGonagall?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, I'm afraid so. If Dolores finds out anything about my condition, she will inform the Dark Lord immediately. We will be in grave danger...all of us," Minerva said, fear in her voice for the first time.
"Professor McGonagall has been getting as much rest as she can but it is not easy with her schedule. If you three and Mr. Longbottom could help her out by keeping Dolores Umbridge away, it will be much easier for your Professor to get the rest she requires," Albus explained.
All three nodded. Albus noticed that the expressions on their faces were grave and dark. This was not how three young teen-agers should look. They should be happy, joyful, full of life...not bogged down with the burdens of their entire world.
"I believe that is enough for one night. Your heads have been filled to the maximum with information. We both know that we can trust you. It is time for you to get a good night of rest. I'm afraid it may be the last night of good rest for all three of you. There is much to be done."
"Thank you for trusting us," Harry said sincerely, looking Albus straight in the eye.
Albus was surprised at Harry's tone...it was not angry or vengeful...it was true. "You have never given us reason not to trust you. We will discuss more of this later. Now, it is time for you to get some rest. Off you go. And watch out for a certain someone lurking in the hallways," he warned.
"Goodnight, Professors," Hermione said.
"Goodnight," Minerva said to all of them as the door closed behind them.
The Trio looked at each other, not really comprehending all that they had been told. Ron was the only one to speak.
"All I have to say is...bloody hell."
"Do you think they can handle this, Albus? I mean...it is so much for them to think and worry about. They are only teen-agers. This should not be something they have to deal with," Minerva said, standing to face her husband.
"Unfortunately, there are not enough of us to stand against all of Voldemort's followers. We need their help, Minerva," he said sadly, taking her into his arms. They were silent for a few moments, each thinking their own thoughts.
Minerva sighed and looked at Albus once again. "I had better get back to my room. Dolores is probably still patroling the hallway."
"Then I will go with you."
"Albus, it's too dangerous..."
"There is no reason for her to suspect anything. You and I often have late meetings to discuss student and faculty activities. Don't worry...everything will be fine."
He led her out of his office and down the hallway towards her room. He kept on the lookout for Dolores while making sure to keep a fearless mask on in front of Minerva. He worried for her safety, for the baby's safety. He looked both ways before kissing her softly.
"I'll be back soon. I just have to patrol the dungeons," he whispered.
She nodded and squeezed his hand. "Be careful."
She walked into her bedchamber and crawled into bed. She was too tired to deal with or think about Dolores Umbridge. It would have to wait until morning.
Dolores Umbridge left the castle at the end of the week, anger in her every bone. She had found nothing at Hogwarts that she could "report to the ministry." However, the faculty, trio and Neville, knew that "the ministry" meant Voldemort. She did not return to Hogwarts, not until the night of May 25th.
Minerva was about three weeks away from her due date. She was excited, as were the Trio. Hermione had been helping out Minerva with some grading so that she could get more rest. The students were extremely excited to soon be going home for the summer. It seemed that this year had been the most stressful of all.
Albus was the only who did not seem excited to see the school year end. He knew what was coming. He knew that the students would not be able to enjoy their summer, not with Voldemort on the loose. He was contemplating what to do in his office when a flustered Severus Snape ran in.
"Headmaster!" he exclaimed, running up to Albus' desk. "We have a problem."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville quickly ran alongside Madam Pomfrey. They knew when she hurried into the Gryffindor Common Room that something had happened, something was wrong.
Rushing into Albus' office, they stopped quickly, seeing the room filled with people. Albus stepped forward, in front of a semicircle of witches and wizards.
"Good. We are now all here. It is time to put our plan into action," he said seriously.
Harry looked at his fellow students and saw the fearful yet brave looks on their faces. They all nodded at each other and turned back to face Dumbledore.
"Severus will leave with Professor McGonagall right now and apparate outside of the grounds. At such a time that Severus returns to the castle, I will go alone to Voldemort, throwing off any suspicion of our attack. Then members of the Order and faculty will follow me by portkey to the place where Voldemort and his Death Eaters have gathered. Mr. Potter, Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley will arrive and stay hidden until such a time that they are needed to aid in the battle. Are there any questions about that?" he asked, looking around the room.
Everyone remained silent. Albus turned and nodded to Severus. Snape stepped forward and held out his hand. Minerva stepped forward as well and took hold of it. The Trio had never seen their professor look so strong or courageous.
She knew what she had to do and what this battle would entail. She searched Albus' eyes quickly and nodded at him. He did the same to her. Within seconds, both were gone. Albus turned back around.
"Mr. Longbottom, I will ask that you return to Gryffindor Tower and summon all of the members of the DA. You and the other members will accompany the rest of the students into the Great Hall and keep watch. Madam Pomfrey will lock you in. No one is to leave the Great Hall until we return. Madam Pomfrey, you will be in the hospital wing should anyone need your assistance."
"Of course, Headmaster. Come along, Neville," Poppy answered. She and Neville quickly exited the office.
Albus looked around at all the faces in the room. They were serious, brave, some fearful. Yet, they were unwavering. They all knew the task at hand and the danger they were about to face. They knew that not everyone may return. He sighed and pulled out three portkeys.
"Now, we wait."
"My Lord...I have brought what you have requested," Severus said sternly.
A ice cold finger traced a line down Minerva's cheek. "You have done well, Severus. You are my most loyal servant. Now, I have all I need," Voldemort replied, his voice filled with lust.
Arthur and Molly Weasley walked over to the Trio and sat them down on a couch.
"You are all prepared, right?" Arthur asked, worry filling his voice. "You know exactly what to do?"
"We know what to do, Dad," Ron said. "Professor Dumbledore has been preparing us for this all year."
Ever since Voldemort's last plan had failed, Albus knew that his next plan would involve Severus. Considering Severus was still a Death Eater in Voldemort's eyes, he of course would be the solution to Voldemort's problem. And Albus had not been wrong.
Severus told him that night that he, along with the other Death Eaters, had been summoned to the Dark Forest outside of Hogwarts. There, Voldemort was waiting. He told Severus of his plan. Take Minerva on a walk down to the dungeons, making up something about a student breaking into his classroom. Then, capture her, and bring her to his side. Then, return to Hogwarts and tell them of her kidnapping. Voldemort's plan was to lure Dumbledore out of the castle and kill him. Minerva would then be his and no one would be in the castle to protect Harry Potter.
Severus had run straight to Dumbledore. They knew this had been coming and they had a plan of their own. Dumbledore alerted all the members of the Order to Hogwarts as well as the rest of the staff. When Severus returned, he would tell Albus exactly where Voldemort was so he and his troupe could go fight him off and get Minerva back. The Trio would come along to help if any of the members fell. The three teen-agers knew they were to stay hidden. They were not to be in Voldemort's sights. If they were, they would be the main targets.
Many of the people in Dumbledore's office were pacing, fiddling with their wands, or speaking quietly to each other. Remus came over to the three as well.
"Everything will be alright as long as you remember exactly what Dumbledore told you. Do not worry about the rest of us. Protect yourselves at all cost," he said to Harry.
"We will. Do you think...well, that Sirius..." Harry began.
Remus put a hand on his shoulder. "He would be very proud of all three of you."
Harry nodded. Mrs. Weasley was fussing with Ron's robes.
"Now, I want you to be alert. I wish you wouldn't be out there, but Dumbledore insisted. He knows what he's doing. Don't go looking for a fight. Wait until it comes to you," she said hastily.
"We know, Mum. We know," Ron said, taking her hands in his to stop her from playing with his robes. She put her hands on his cheeks, tears coming to her eyes.
"We love you all, very much," she said. Ron nodded, knowing how hard it was for her to let him fight. He even let her kiss him on the cheek without grimacing or wiping it away.
The door to Albus' office opened quickly. Severus rushed in and stopped in front of Dumbledore.
"The dark forest...right in the center," he said, trying to catch his breath.
"Just as I suspected," Dumbledore said, pulling out the a portkey. He handed it to Harry. "When this lights up, you will be transported to us. Hide behind the trees. Do not let anyone see you."
Harry nodded. "Yes sir."
Albus pulled out a second portkey and handed it to Alastor. "Alastor, I trust you will know when all of you are needed."
"Of course, Dumbledore. We'll be there."
"Very well. I shall see you all soon. Be strong and we will succeed."
He pulled out the last portkey and was gone.
Minerva was being held by two Death Eaters, Crabbe and Goyle. She kept trying to get away but it was to no avail. They had her in their grips and would not let her move. Voldemort was pacing in front of her.
"Where is Dumbledore?"
"I don't know," she answered coldly.
"Yes, you do! He is supposed to be here! Severus left almost a half hour ago. Doesn't Dumbledore want his Deputy back?"
"Of course I do, Tom."
Voldemort turned quickly, his wand out. He met another wand, the wand of Albus Dumbledore.
"Dumbledore...we meet again."
"I believe that you have taken someone against their will. It is time you let her go, Tom."
"That is not my name!" Voldemort hissed.
"Yes, it is. You will always be Tom Riddle. The young man I taught in Transfiguration. You were quite good you know. Why you ever turned into this...I do not know."
"Quiet! I do not want to hear you speak! I only want to kill you."
"As you wish. But, you must let Professor McGonagall go before we fight."
"Never."
"I will not have her harmed because of a battle between the two of us," Albus said seriously.
"Don't worry," Voldemort said, a quirky grin forming from the corner of his lips. "She will not be harmed."
Albus took a step forward. "If she gets hurt in any way, there is no telling what will happen to you, Tom. I suggest you let her go and end this now."
"I told you, never!"
"Very well. It is your choice."
"My choice? Dumbledore, you are outnumbered. You may be powerful...but not so powerful as to take on all of us," he said, gesturing towards the circle of Death Eaters that had surrounded them.
"We shall see," Albus replied calmly.
With that, a bright light shone behind Albus. The Order and faculty came into view, all with wands out and ready for battle. Voldemort quickly regained his stance after the surprise.
"I must say you are always prepared, Dumbledore."
"Always, Tom."
"Then let this battle begin!" he hissed. "Crucio!"