-Chapter Eight-

Smoke Break

Over the next couple of days Harry kept an eye out for any further signs of Death Eaters, as well as trying to keep an eye on Malfoy and find out what he was up to. He would spend most of his free periods either in his room with the Marauder's Map out, or walking the corridors under some pretence of visiting the library to do some work or something, taking long detours on the off chance of discovering anything.

Neither Ron nor Hermione could accept the idea that the Death Eaters had infiltrated such a secure place like Hogwarts and focused on their work. Hermione in particular was getting increasingly obsessed with the amount of homework they were getting, believing one single lapse could be disaster.

"If you're so certain about Malfoy, then tell Dumbledore!" She snapped irritably while Harry and Ron were discussing Malfoy one day.

Dumbledore. Harry had to admit that he had hoped that Dumbledore would have been in touch now that Harry was back at Hogwarts, but he hadn't heard anything, and whenever he tried to catch Dumbledore's eye during breakfast Dumbledore completely ignored him. What was going on? Was Dumbledore working on something secret? Surely he'd have involved the Order, but even they seemed to be in the dark about it all.

On several occasions Harry's prowling round the corridors had caught the ire of Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts with a perpetual hatred of students. He would normally be found patrolling the corridors with his faithful cat, Mrs. Norris,, keeping an eye out for any pranks or misdeeds going on in the corridors. Yet these days Filch wandered the corridors alone and aimlessly as if in a daze, like he knew that he should be doing something but not quite knowing what. Could there be something in that as well?

Malfoy was still having covert meeting at the breakfast table, and in the classes the Gryffindors and Slytherins shared he acted like he was above it all, putting little effort into any of the work, and Harry noticed that gradually the other Slytherins were starting to do so as well, shooting knowing grins at each other in the process. Harry kept an eye on Malfoy on the Map, but was astonished Malfoy continued to not appear on the Map at all at times.. Where was he going?

Things came to a head a few weeks into term. Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting at the Gryffindor Table having breakfast, Harry's eyes never leaving the Slytherin Table. Malfoy was talking to the other Slytherins. As Harry watched, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black sphere. He held it up for the other Slytherins to see, and then rolled it underneath the Ravenclaw Table

For a few moments nothing happened, and then suddenly a thick, black smoke emanated from underneath the table, causing the Ravenclaws to hastily get up. It continued to spread across the Hall, and soon everyone was coughing and choking.

"Everyone out!" cried Professor McGonagall. "No need to panic, just leave immediately!" Despite her orders, there was a large rush to get out. The smoke was spreading fast and soon Harry, Ron and Hermione food themselves lost in it.

"Where's the way out?" coughed Ron, "I cant see a thing!"

"This way, grab my hand!" shouted Harry, instantly regretting it as his mouth filled with smoke. He grabbed Hermione's hand, who grabbed Ron's, and they made their way through he smoke. It was tough going and they stumbled into several objects and people, all the while struggling not to inhale too much of the black smoke. Eventually after what felt like hours (but was probably only a couple of minutes at the most) they managed to get out, and found they'd brought a large amount of other students with them. Teachers and Aurors were waiting in the Entrance Hall to help, pulling people aside and treating them. Madame Pomfrey handed Harry a goblet full of bright yellow liquid.

"Drink this, it'll clear your throat.' She said, handing goblets to Ron and Hermione and heading off to hand more out. Harry drank the liquid. It had a very sweet taste and Harry's throat felt better instantly (1).

"Blimey," said Ron, draining the goblet and taking a deep breath gratefully. "What happened there?"

"Malfoy." said Harry instantly. He started looking around. He had to tell Dumbledore!

But there was no sign of Dumbledore anywhere, and the nearest teacher was Snape. Harry hated to do it,but he had to tell someone at least. He walked up to Snape and cleared his throat. "Er… Professor?"

Snape spun round and stared down his hooked nose at Harry. "What is it, Potter?"

Harry fought to keep the loathing out of his voice as he spoke. "Where is Dumbledore? I need to speak to him."

"Professor Dumbledore is busy, he has other matters to attend to. You might not have noticed but others need help."

Harry couldn't believe it. Would Dumbledore really have something more important to do than this? Harry swallowed his rage and carried on. "I think I know what caused this. I saw Malfoy roll something under the Ravenclaw Table, and then the smoke started from there not long afterwards."

For a moment Snape stared at him at impassively, and Harry wondered if Snape would even believe him. It was well known that Snape, as Head of Slytherin, would favour his students over the other Houses at every opportunity, as well as having a profound dislike of Harry.

But this time was different. "Wait here," said Snape curtly, before turning and walking into the Great Hall, ignoring the now-thinning smoke. Harry helped hand out several goblets to students before Snape emerged. (2)

"There was nothing there Potter. Twenty points from Gryffindor. There is a time and a place for your glory seeking and this is not it." He turned and stalked away without another word.

Harry fought down the urge to jinx Snape and focussed on what he'd said. If there had been nothing there then someone must have removed it. It could only have been a few minutes ago… they couldn't be too far away! Harry urned and ran up the stairs towards the Gryffindor Common Room, ignoring the shouts from Ron and Hermione. He had had to get the Marauder's Map!

Harry arrived in his room breathless, grabbing his Invisibility Cloak and The Marauder's Map, swearing he was up to no good and frantically checking it.

There! Malfoy and a group of other Slytherins were walking down an upstairs corridor towards — towards the Room of Requirement! It all made sense now. That was where they had vanished to before.

There was no time to waste. Harry pulled the cloak over his head and ran down the stairs. Ron and Hermione were climbing through the Portrait as he approached it, and he quickly slipped past them. "Thanks, back in a bit!" he said quickly as he passed, making them both jump.

Harry charged down the corridors, quickly checking the Marauder's Map as he did. He had to catch up with the Slytherins before they entered the Room or he'd lose them. The Room of Requirement was a special kind of room at Hogwarts, able to shape itself to suit the user's need.

Harry wasn't too far away from the Room of Requirement when he heard footsteps and laughter coming from round the corner and quickly slowed down. He peeped around the corner and saw the Slytherins, all talking and laughing excitedly between themselves. One of them looked back casually and Harry hastily ducked back, before remembering that he was wearing his invisibility cloak and didn't have to hide. As he stepped round the corner he saw a flash of movement to his left.

It was Professor Willow. He was leaning around the corner, watching the Slytherins. Harry had spotted Willow prowling the corridors recently, apparently searching for something. Perhaps he had the same suspicions Harry did? The Slytherins disappeared around the corner, and both Harry and Willow set off in pursuit. Harry put on a burst of speed to catch up with them. Harry dodged around Willow as quietly as he could and tagged onto the back of the group. Harry knew several of the Slytherins: Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini and a few others Harry recognised as the sons of Death Eaters: What was going on?

"I can't believe they didn't find that smoke thing," said Nott, one of the Slytherins. "How'd you do it?" he asked Malfoy.

"I have my own ways," said Malfoy smugly. He reached the door leading into the Room of Requirement and opened it. "Inside."

"But won't we be missed?" said another Slytherin Harry didn't know.

Malfoy rolled his eyes. "So what? They can't stop us." He stepped inside and the other Slytherins filed in after him. Harry nipped in quickly before they closed the door, his heart beating wildly. This was it

The Room was packed with several stacks of shelves that were split into several rows, leaving aisles for people to walk down and make their selection. Each shelf was stocked with various different devices and contraptions that Harry hadn't seen before, although he spotted several more of the Smoke bombs that Malfoy had used in the Hall. Both the room and shelves stretched away into the distance, with no sign of coming to end. There were thousands of objects on the shelves, and Harry couldn't help but feel that none of the Slytherins could figure out how they worked.

Several chairs were arranged in front of a small raised area. The Slytherins all sat down, while Malfoy took centre stage. He was clearly enjoying himself. Harry positioned himself in one of the aisles where no one could accidentally bump into him. One everyone was settled Malfoy cleared his throat and began to speak.

"You're all here for one reason: Your relatives are all Death Eaters."

There were subdued protestations from the assembled Slytherins. Harry had a feeling that a year or two ago they would have been a lot more vocal. Malfoy held up a hand until they fell quiet again.

"You'll also know that certain… people," he spat the last word out. "…are responsible for putting them in Azkaban. Well, now we have a chance to get back at everyone who opposes the Dark Lord." Malfoy's eyes shined with excitement. "You've seen what I did on the Express and in the Hall, heard me talk about the rewards. There's more to come, something big. Are you with me?" There was a muted response, without any real general agreement . Malfoy laughed harshly at their indecisiveness. "Still not convinced? Perhaps this will help." He clicked his fingers and folded his arms smugly.

Harry heard movement behind him and turned around. Three Death Eaters were striding down the aisles towards him. Harry shrank back from them as he approached and was able to dodge around them without being noticed. All three of the Death Eaters were masked but while two of them wore the standard black robes the one in the middle's robes were a deep scarlet. The Slytherins jumped to their feet in alarm at the sight of them and several turned towards the door, only to find that Crabbe and Goyle blocking their way out.

"Please, calm down," said the Scarlet Death Eater, who seemed to be in charge. He spoke in a deep, soothing voice that Harry found somehow reassuring. There was something familiar about it too, but Harry couldn't figure out what it was. "We were sent here by the Dark Lord in preparation for the changes he has planned that will be happening soon. We are safely installed here in several locations of Hogwarts and are preparing ourselves but we need your assistance. We need you to be our eyes and ears." The Slytherins all stared at him open mouthed, hanging off his every word.

"You have seen how well Draco has carried out several of our operations, and we reward our helpers. Draco, you shall be in charge of those who chose to join us."

Malfoy's chest swelled with pride at this and he sneered at the Slytherins who still looked unsure.

"You others, should you choose to join us, will also be rewarded for your services, and be looked upon favourably once the Dark Lord has achieved power. In fact…" he reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out a large bag that rattled with the sound of coins. He threw it into the midst of the Slytherins. "Consider it a thankyou for attending this meeting. Now, who wishes to join? Please stand up if you do."

The Slytherins all looked at each other hesitantly, only for each of them to see their own greed mired in each other's eyes. Each and every one of them got to their feet.

"Excellent," said the Scarlet Death Eater. "Now, for now your first duties you will need to-"

But Harry was unable to hear anymore because as he crept closer he tripped on the hem of the invisibility cloak, causing him to stumble and fall against one of the shelves, which rattled loudly.

Instantly Everyone had turned towards him, pulling their wands out. "Someone is here," said the Scarlet Death Eater menacingly. "Not a friend of yours I trust, Draco?"

Malfoy's eyes were filled with suspicion. "No, I think I know who it is."

Harry thought fast, he needed a distraction now. A desperate idea formed in his mind. If it had worked once before… Whipping out his wand, he quickly pointed it at the shelves and yelled. "Reducto!"

The spell hit the shelf holding the Smoke Bombs and they tumbled to the floor. Instantly the thick black smoke started billowing out and covering the room, leaving The Death Eaters and Slytherins into confusion. Harry quickly grabbed one of the devices that had landed without being activated. He'd show it to Dumbledore as soon as possible. Harry took a deep breath and flung himself into the smoke.

After a bunch of stuff had happened, (3) Harry found the door leading out and hurriedly flung it open. He jumped out into the corridor, coughing violently. He stumbled down the corridor a little way, while behind him several Slytherins tumbled out of the room, gasping for air. Harry ducked around a corner and flung the invisibility cloak off, breathing in gratefully. He couldn't stay where he was for long, he knew. If the Slytherins found him outside the Room there would be trouble.

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and froze, before turning around very slowly.

"So Harry," said Professor Willow. "What did you discover in there?"

Appendix

(1) The Clearus Potion - Originally used to dissolve bricks or debris when removing old buildings, until one day someone drank some by mistake and found that their cold cleared instantly.

(2) In my mind's eye Snape is nonchalantly drinking a goblet of Clearus as he emerges like it's no big deal.

(3) I couldn't see what was happening because of all the smoke