FOURTH YEAR – The return of evil

First Hogsmeade weekend

"I cannot believe we have been following them for three weeks and nothing! At least we know they are meeting in the potions storage room" said Hermione. Ron was about to speak, but Harry interrupted.

"Before any bickering about Estella begins, can we at least shuffle through what we know? Plus we have Hogsmeade weekend coming up. We can follow her then and maybe something will happen."

"Alright" said Hermione as she pulled a stack of parchment from her bag. "So we know Draco and Estella have been meeting every other day in the potions classroom. We've seen them sit there and do their homework in the pretense that she is tutoring him. On random days they hide in your dad's storage room and imperturb the door. They come out quickly and usually after they hide in there she also visits your parents' office. She spends lots of time in the Head Boy and Head Girl rooms, which makes sense since she is close to them." Hermione summarized quickly.

"You make it sound like that is all she does. She also goes to class, the library, Slytherin and goes in the Defense classroom with Mrs. Snape every other evening. Can you at least admit that she helped us. If she hadn't given us the amulets who knows what would have happened to you? Plus what is with you calling Malfoy by his first name? Draco! Don't you remember what he called you second year?" was Ron's quick response. "I almost pummeled him and you weren't even my friend then" he thought.

"Well that's his name isn't it? And I can call anyone anything I want! Plus why do you defend her so much? To you she's like a saint. Saint Estella that has a load of secrets and might know more about what is going on with the Black Hand than anyone" said Hermione sarcastically.

They continued their row about Estella for the rest of the week. Ron would argue that Estella seemed to be gathering information for the good side and passing it to Harry's parents. Hermione still could not trust someone so secretive and Harry was simply exasperated at his friends and his parents. He knew a good part of this secret had to do with his parents who seemed to meet with Estella often. Plus his dad had taught Malfoy spells in Norway! They had tried to find out more from his parents during their three detention sessions, but that proved useless. The thoughts about how they might be involved seemed to constantly haunt Harry. The only positive note about this week was that Hermione had agreed to help them more with their homework since all this spying around had really put the two boys behind. They both often wondered how Hermione managed to complete her shifts of following Estella and all her assignments ahead of time.

Finally Saturday came and they headed into Hogsmeade. The trio quickly hid in an alley by Honeydukes.

"Could we at least make sure we get some sweets before going through with this" Ron murmured.

"Honestly do you only care about food?" said Hermione.

"Hurry up!" Harry said as his friends got close together and all three fitted themselves uncomfortably under the cloak.

They wondered carefully around town and after a while they spotted Estella and followed her. She stopped in Dervish & Banges and Scrivenshaft's, but bought nothing. She then headed into a secluded alleyway close to the Hog's Head and there she meet up with her aunt and uncle. Estella handed over a piece of parchment and said it was a copy of the information she had given Professor Snape. She hugged them and wished them good luck. They then separated, Estella walked back towards the main shops in tow, while her aunt and uncle walked into the Hog's Head.

"What now?" asked Ron.

"Follow the Swansons" whispered Harry with determination. They waited by the door of the Hogs' Head at the chance of being let in by whoever entered the establishment next. They were surprised that the next person to come to the establishment was Ely Swanson and quickly followed him in. They climbed a filthy stairwell into a small room. In the room were the Swansons, the Snapes, Professor Dumbledore and three men that they had never seen before.

"Now that our final guest has arrived, I would like to call this meeting to order" said Dumbledore calmly.