Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine.

Chapter 13 – The Plan

Exams were upon them, and Lucy found herself either locked in the library studying with her friends or sitting in classrooms desperately trying to remember what she had learned. The written exams were difficult, but practical exams were the most stressful of all. Lucy was extremely pleased with herself when she made a nearly perfect Forgetfulness Potion, even with Snape glaring down at her.

Harry, Lucy had noticed, was looking particularly anxious and tired. When she asked if he was all right, he merely said, "Just lack of sleep."

The last exam the Gryffindor first-years had was History of Magic. Lucy felt fairly proud of herself for listening to Hermione and studying for this exam extra carefully. Since History of Magic was one of Lucy's least favorites classes, she'd had trouble paying attention during the term, as had most of the class. Hermione was the only one who had paid diligent attention, and Lucy was extremely grateful that they were friends.

"Time is up," Professor Binns wheezed at the end of the exam. "Please roll up your parchments."

Lucy did so, cheering along with the rest of her classmates.

~LJ:TH~

"That was far easier than I thought it would be," Hermione commented as they walked down the corridor. "I needn't have learned about the 1637 Werewolf Code of Conduct or the uprising of Elfric the Eager."

"Please, can we not talk about it?" Ron moaned.

"Agreed," Lucy said. "Come on—it looks beautiful outside. Let's go get some fresh air."

So, the four of them marched out onto the grounds and sat down under a tree near the lake. A little way away, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were playing with the giant squid. Lucy waved at them, and they waved back.

"No more studying," Ron announced happily. He looked over at Harry and added, "You could look more cheerful, Harry. We've got a week before we find out how badly we've done. There's no need to worry yet."

Lucy and Hermione turned to Harry, as well, and saw that he was rubbing his scar.

"I wish I knew what this means!" he grumbled in frustration. "My scar keeps hurting—it's happened before, but never as often as this."

"Go to Madam Pomfrey," Hermione piped up immediately.

"I'm not ill," Harry replied. "I think it's a warning.… It means danger's coming.…"

"Harry, you need to relax," Lucy said. "Exams are finished, and the stone is safe."

"For now!" Harry shot back.

"Harry, Lucy and Hermione are right," Ron said lazily. "The stone's safe as long as Dumbledore's around. Anyway, we've never had any proof that Snape found out how to get past Fluffy. He nearly had his leg ripped off once; he's not going to try it again in a hurry. And Neville will play Quidditch for England before Hagrid lets Dumbledore down."

Harry nodded. "It's just… I have this feeling," he murmured to his friends. "Like I've forgotten to do something. Something important…"

"That's just the exams," Hermione replied soothingly. "I woke up last night and was halfway through my Transfiguration notes before I remembered we'd done that one."

Lucy and Ron sniggered. "You would, 'Mione," Lucy said.

Hermione grinned in embarrassment. "I was in the common room," she recalled, "and someone came downstairs and asked me what I was doing. I was just about to tell her when I realized that we'd already had this exam."

"So, what did you say to her?" Lucy asked.

"I told her I was sleepwalking," Hermione answered, her cheeks glowing pink. "I don't think she bought it, but she didn't ask me anything else."

"I swear, Hermione, you should be a teacher when you're done with school," Ron scoffed.

Harry suddenly jumped to his feet.

"Where're you going?" Ron asked through a yawn.

"I've just thought of something," Harry answered.

Lucy noticed that he was looking quite pale. "Harry, are you all right?" she asked again, her concern growing.

"We've got to go and see Hagrid. Now," Harry demanded before turning and heading away at a fast pace.

The other three scrambled to keep up with him.

"Why?" Hermione pressed as they reached him.

"Don't you think that it's a bit odd," Harry replied, "that what Hagrid wants more than anything else is a dragon, and a stranger turns up who just happens to have an egg in his pocket?" He started moving faster. "How many people wander around with dragon eggs if it's against wizard law? Lucky they found Hagrid, don't you think? Why didn't I see it before?"

"What are you talking about?" Ron asked.

"Are you saying that Hagrid was given that egg on purpose?" Lucy questioned.

Harry ignored them both as he led the way to Hagrid's hut. They arrived to see Hagrid sitting in a chair outside, shelling peas.

"Hullo," he greeted cheerfully. "Finished yer exams? Got time fer a drink?"

"Yes, please," Ron replied eagerly, but Harry talked over him.

"No, we're in a hurry, Hagrid," he said. "I've got to ask you something. You know that night you won Norbert? What did the stranger you were playing cards with look like?"

"Dunno," Hagrid replied. "He wouldn't take his cloak off."

Lucy frowned in suspicion. The other three were giving the gamekeeper speechless looks, as well.

Hagrid continued hurriedly, "It's not tha' unusual! Yeh get a lot o' funny folk in the Hog's Head—tha's a pub down in the village. Mighta bin a dragon dealer, mightn't he? I never saw his face; he kept his hood up."

Harry dropped down onto his knees next to Hagrid's bowl of peas. "What did you talk to him about, Hagrid?" he pressed. "Did you mention Hogwarts at all?"

"Mighta come up," Hagrid answered, his face screwing up in thought as he tried to remember that night. "Yeah.… He asked wha' I did, an' I told him I was gamekeeper here.… He asked a bit abou' the sorta creatures I look after… so I told him.… I said wha' I'd always really wanted was a dragon… an' then—I can' remember too well, 'cause he kept buying me drinks.… Let's see.… Then he said he had the dragon egg, an' we could play cards fer it if I wanted.… He said he had ter be sure I could handle it. He didn' want it ter go ter any old home.… So, I told him, after Fluffy, a dragon would be easy."

"Did he—did he seem interested in Fluffy?" Harry asked, sounding careful.

Lucy held her breath, waiting silently with Ron and Hermione to hear Hagrid's answer.

"Well—yeah—how many three-headed dogs d'yeh meet, even 'round Hogwarts?" Hagrid said.

"None?" Ron guessed under his breath so only Lucy and Hermione could hear him.

"So, I told him," Hagrid continued, oblivious to Ron's retort, "Fluffy's a piece o' cake if yeh know how ter calm him down. Jus' play him a bit o' music an' he'll go straight off ter sleep." Hagrid's eyes went wide as he realized who he was talking to. "I shouldn'ta told yeh tha'!" he cried. "Forget I said it! Hey—where're yeh going?"

Harry had raced off as soon as he had the information he needed. Lucy, Ron, and Hermione tore after him.

~LJ:TH~

They ran all the way back up to the castle and didn't stop until they got into the entrance hall.

"How did you know that Hagrid might have let something slip about Fluffy?" Hermione asked as soon as they had all caught their breath.

"Just a hunch," Harry replied. "Why else would a dragon dealer show up in Hogsmeade?"

"For information," Lucy said glumly, "and the dragon was for bait and payment."

"So, what do we do now?" Ron asked. He, Lucy, and Hermione all turned to look at Harry.

"We've got to go to Dumbledore," Harry answered. "Hagrid told that stranger how to get past Fluffy, and it was either Snape or Voldemort under that cloak." Ron flinched at the use of the name, but Harry ignored him, continuing, "It must've been easy once he'd got Hagrid drunk. I just hope Dumbledore believes us. Firenze might back us up if Bane doesn't stop him. Where's Dumbledore's office?"

"No idea," Lucy said gloomily. "I've never been there. Have any of you?"

The other three shook their heads slowly. They were all silent for a moment.

Harry began, "We'll just have to—"

"What are you four doing inside?" a stern voice interrupted him. Professor McGonagall was approaching them with an arm full of books.

"We want to see Professor Dumbledore," Hermione immediately spoke up.

Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows suspiciously. "See Professor Dumbledore?" she repeated. "Why?"

"It's sort of secret," Harry replied in a small voice.

Professor McGonagall's eyes immediately narrowed as they darted between the four first-years. "Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago," she informed them. "He received an urgent owl from the Ministry of Magic and flew off for London at once."

Hermione gasped quietly, and Lucy felt her jaw drop.

"He's gone?" Harry asked loudly. "Now?"

"Professor Dumbledore is a very great wizard, Potter. He has many demands on his time—"

"But this is important!" Harry insisted.

"Something you have to say is more important than the Ministry of Magic, Potter?" Professor McGonagall shot back in challenge.

"Look, Professor," Harry said with a note of pleading in his voice, "it's about the Philosopher's Stone!"

Professor McGonagall stared at the four of them in shock as the books tumbled out of her arms. In a voice barely above a whisper, she gasped, "How do you know—?"

"Professor, I think—I know—that Sn—that someone's going to try and steal the stone," Harry said urgently. "I've got to talk to Professor Dumbledore."

There was a heavy pause.

"Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow," Professor McGonagall stated as she regained her composure. "I don't know how you found out about the stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it. It's too well protected."

Harry started in protest, "But Professor—!"

"Potter, I know what I'm talking about," Professor McGonagall cut him off. She leaned over and picked up her books. "I suggest you all go back outside and enjoy the sunshine." She swept past all of them without another word.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Harry turned back to his friends. "It's tonight," he said in a low voice. "Snape's going through the trapdoor tonight. He's found out everything he needs, and now he's got Dumbledore out of the way. I bet he sent that note. The Ministry of Magic will get a real shock when Dumbledore turns up."

"But what can we—?" Hermione stopped suddenly with a gasp.

The other three turned to see what she was staring at. It was Snape.

How much had he heard? Lucy wondered.

"Good afternoon," he said, his voice not giving away if he'd overheard them or not. They didn't say anything in return, and he continued, "You shouldn't be inside on a day like this." He was smirking at them.

"We were—er—" Harry started, but he didn't seem to know what else to say.

"You want to be more careful," Snape informed them. "Hanging around like this, people will think you're up to something. And Gryffindor really can't afford to lose any more points, can it?"

Lucy scowled. The four of them turned to go back outside.

"One more thing," Snape added lazily. Lucy looked back at the professor, who was staring at Harry, and he said, "Be warned, Potter—any more nighttime wanderings, and I will personally make sure you are expelled. Good day to you." Snape stalked away.

"I can't stand him," Lucy muttered darkly.

"Right. Here's what we've got to do," Harry whispered. "One of us has got to keep an eye on Snape—wait outside the staff room and follow him if he leaves it. Hermione, you'd better do that."

"Why me?" Hermione asked indignantly.

"It's obvious," Ron replied. "You can pretend to be waiting for Professor Flitwick, you know. Oh, Professor Flitwick," he started in a falsetto, "I think I got question fourteen-b wrong."

"Oh, shut up," Hermione snarled. "All right. I'll guard Snape."

"Meanwhile, the three of us," Harry went on, motioning to himself, Ron, and Lucy, "better stay outside the third-floor corridor. Come on."

The three of them parted from Hermione as they all scurried to their destinations.

~LJ:TH~

Lucy was nervous to return to the third-floor corridor, and she was right to be. They had just reached Fluffy's door when Professor McGonagall appeared.

She glared at the Gryffindors angrily. "I suppose you think you're harder to get past than a pack of enchantments!" she burst out. "Enough of this nonsense! If I hear you've come anywhere near here again, I'll take another fifty points from Gryffindor!" Ron made a straggled sort of noise, and Professor McGonagall assured him, "Yes, Weasley, from my own house!"

Harry opened his mouth as if he was going to say something to her, but Lucy grabbed his arm. She tugged Harry away and led the way back to the common room.

"Harry, I know you're worried," Lucy said as they climbed a set of stairs. "I am, too. We just have to be more careful than this. Besides, we definitely don't need to be the reason that Gryffindor loses more points."

Harry nodded glumly.

~LJ:TH~

They reached the Fat Lady's portrait and climbed through the hole to find the common room looking very empty. Most people were outside enjoying the nice weather. Lucy and the boys took a seat on the couch in front of the fire.

There was silence for a while.

"At least Hermione's on Snape's tail," Harry said at last.

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the portrait hole swung open, and Hermione scrambled in. "I'm sorry, Harry!" she cried, her voice close to hysterical. "Snape came out and asked me what I was doing, so I said I was waiting for Flitwick. Snape went to get him, and I've only just got away. I don't know where Snape went."

Lucy jumped up and threw a comforting arm around Hermione's shoulders. "It's okay, Hermione," she said soothingly.

"Well, that's it, then, isn't it?" Harry said from the couch in a low voice.

The two girls turned to look at him, and Ron did, as well.

"I'm going out of here tonight," Harry explained, "and I'm going to try to get the stone first."

"You're mad!" Ron exclaimed.

"You can't!" Hermione said. "After what McGonagall and Snape have said? You'll be expelled!"

"SO WHAT?" Harry shot back hotly. "Don't you understand? If Snape gets hold of the stone, Voldemort's coming back! Haven't you heard what it was like when he was trying to take over? There won't be any Hogwarts to get expelled from! He'll flatten it or turn it into a school for the Dark Arts! Losing points doesn't matter anyone, can't you see? D'you think he'll leave you and your families alone if Gryffindor wins the House Cup? If I get caught before I can get to the stone, well, I'll have to go back to the Dursleys and wait for Voldemort to find me there. It's only dying a bit later than I would have, because I'm never going over to the Dark side! I'm going through that trapdoor tonight, and nothing you say is going to stop me! Voldemort killed my parents, remember?" He glared around at them.

Lucy took a step forward. "You're not the only one whose family was torn apart by You-Know-Who," she reminded him. "I haven't got my real parents either because of him."

Harry looked at her, and the two of them stared at each other for a moment. Lucy nodded slowly at him, and he seemed to understand what she meant straight away: they were in this together.

"No, you're right, Harry," Hermione piped up.

"I'll use the Invisibility Cloak," Harry said. "It's just lucky I got it back."

"You got it back?" Lucy asked in surprise. "When?"

"The night of our detention in the forest," Harry replied. "I must have forgotten to tell you—sorry."

"But will it cover all four of us?" Ron asked.

"All—all four of us?" Harry said, looking at the three of them in shock.

"Oh, come off it. You don't think we'd let you go alone?" Ron shot back, smirking slightly, and Lucy nodded in agreement.

"Of course not," Hermione continued. "How do you think you'd get to the stone without us? I'd better go and look through my books. There might be something useful.…"

"But if we get caught, you three will be expelled, too," Harry reminded them.

"Not if I can help it," Hermione replied, her voice ringing with determination. "Flitwick told me in secret that I got a hundred and twelve percent on his exam. They're not throwing me out after that."

Ron stared at her, dumbfounded.

Lucy shrugged. "It's like you said, Harry," she finished. "Losing points and getting expelled doesn't matter anymore. We have to stop the stone from getting stolen."

~LJ:TH~

That night in the common room, the four of them sat alone in a corner. Nobody made any move to talk to them, seeing as most people were still upset about all the points they had lost. Hermione was going through some of her notes, studying up on any spells that might prove useful. Lucy, Ron, and Harry kept an eye on the rest of the Gryffindors, waiting for everyone to go to bed.

Finally, Lee Jordan was the last person to stumble off to his dormitory, and Ron muttered to Harry, "Better get the cloak." Harry quickly left the common room while the other three waited.

"What if we're wrong?" Lucy whispered hoarsely, voicing the fears she'd been feeling all evening. "What if nobody is going for the stone? Then we're as good as stealing it ourselves."

"I don't know," Hermione murmured back. "We just have to trust Harry's hunch. I mean, there's a lot of evidence that points to the stone being in danger.…"

Harry returned then. He fished around in his pocket for a moment before pulling out a wooden flute. "Hagrid gave it to me for Christmas," he explained. "We can use it on Fluffy." The other three nodded their understanding, and Harry went on, "We'd better put the cloak on here, to make sure it covers all four of us—if Filch spots one of our feet wandering along on its own—"

"What are you doing?" a voice suddenly burst out.

The four of them whipped their heads toward the source of the noise. From behind a chair, Neville's head popped up. He was holding his toad tight to his chest.

"Nothing, Neville, nothing," Harry hurried to reassure him.

Neville looked at all of them in turn, his eyes narrowing. "You're going out again," he stated.

"No, no, no," Hermione said, shaking her head. "No, we're not. Why don't you go to bed, Neville?"

"You can't go out," Neville insisted. "You'll be caught again, and Gryffindor will be in even more trouble."

"You don't understand," Harry said impatiently. "This is important."

"I won't let you do it!" Neville exclaimed. He moved to stand in front of the portrait hole. "I'll—I'll fight you!" He held up both of his fist in front of him.

"Neville," Ron growled, "get away from there, and don't be an idiot!"

"Ron, stop!" Lucy said harshly.

"Don't you call me an idiot!" Neville said angrily.

"Neville, look, we're not going to get caught," Lucy said, trying to sound reassuring. "Don't worry—"

"I don't think you should be breaking any more rules!" Neville shot back.

"Neither do we, but this is more important than just breaking some silly rules," Lucy argued, with Harry nodding in agreement.

"What could be so important that you need to go out after hours?" Neville asked.

"Neville, don't be a prat," Ron complained. "Get out of the way."

"You were the ones who told me to stand up to people!" Neville replied indignantly.

"Yes, but not to us," Ron sighed, acting as though Neville should have known this. "Neville, you don't know what you're doing." He took a step towards Neville, who dropped his toad.

"Go on then! Try and hit me!" Neville shot back. "I'm ready!"

"Do something!" Harry hissed urgently at Hermione.

She nodded her head once before stepping forward. "Neville," she said calmly, "I'm really, really sorry about this." She pointed her wand at the boy and said, "Petrificus Totalus!"

Neville's arms and legs immediately clamped themselves to his sides, and his entire body became immobile. Then he fell forward onto his face. Lucy winced. She and Hermione both rushed to his side and turned him over onto his back.

"What have you done to him?" Harry murmured, standing behind the girls.

"It's the full Body-Bind," Hermione said, sounding upset. "Oh, Neville, I'm so sorry."

"We had to, Neville, but there's no time to explain," Harry added.

"You'll understand later, Neville," Ron finished.

Harry held up the Invisibility Cloak and threw it over his and Hermione's shoulders. Ron joined them quickly.

Lucy took an extra second to look at Neville lying on the floor. "I'm sorry, Neville," she whispered. "You're a brave boy, but this has to be done." Then she joined her friends under the cloak.

They exited through the portrait hole and made their way down the corridors slowly and silently. They only saw Mrs. Norris one time, at which point Ron made a plea to his friends to let him kick her. Harry dragged him away without a word.

They had just reached the third floor when they saw Peeves bobbing along the corridor.

"Who's there?" he called out suddenly. The four students stopped instantly; he must have heard their footsteps. "Know you're there, even if I can't see you," Peeves said. "Are you ghoulie or ghostie or wee student beastie?" He rose a little higher into the air, staring right through them. "Should call Filch, I should, if something's a-creeping around unseen."

"Peeves," Harry suddenly said, his voice low and hoarse. Lucy whipped her head around to look at him incredulously, but he went on, "The Bloody Baron has his own reasons for being invisible."

Lucy's mouth fell open. She turned back to Peeves, who was looking shocked, as well.

"So sorry, your bloodiness, Mr. Baron, sir," he began. "My mistake, my mistake—I didn't see you—of course I didn't—you're invisible. Forgive old Peevsie his little joke, sir."

"I have business here, Peeves," Harry replied coldly. "Stay away from this place tonight."

"I will, sir; I most certainly will," Peeves said immediately. "Hope your business goes well, Baron. I'll not bother you." He floated off quickly.

"Brilliant, Harry!" Ron murmured excitedly.

"I thought we were so in trouble," Lucy breathed next to them.

Harry grinned but didn't say anything. He led the three of them to the door that Fluffy was behind, which was already cracked open.

~LJ:TH~

A/N: This chapter and the next used to be one. It was so long that I had to find somewhere to chop it in half, and this spot seemed like the best place to do so.