Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J.K. Rowling

Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on harrypotterfanfiction-dot-com.

Chapter 33: Meeting in the Dark

As promised, at the following DA meeting at Potter Castle, Harry explained that he had been involved in an incident relating to Voldemort and had been cursed. Obviously they were all very curious about what he was doing, but the founders and put a stop to their badgering, simply telling them that such information could not be shared at the present time.

Some were obviously disgruntled at the lack of sharing, but they didn't protest because of the stares that Godric and Salazar were giving them. It had been decided that the next Saturday everyone's animagus forms would be revealed. The excitement in the air was palpable, as grins of pride were shared amongst the members.

Harry, who had been preparing a surprise for the DA, called in Fawkes at the end of the meeting. He appeared clutching a very large box. Harry thanked him before grinning at the confused faces around him. "Well, I promised you guys after Christmas that I would get you all battle robes, so here they are!"

He and Ginny pulled out the robes, which were plain black but had a sheen to them which indicated protective spells, and showed them to the members who gasped in appreciation. Seamus burst out, "They must have cost fortune Harry!"

He shrugged, "So? I don't really have much to spend my money on at the moment. Frankly, I think spending my doe on stuff that will help protect my friends is well worth it." He gestured for them to come up and get their robes and the co-ordinating accessories.

Lavender turned curious eyes to Harry, "Are we going to put our emblem on them? And maybe pick a colour that represents us or something?"

He nodded thoughtfully at her, "Indeed, I hadn't thought of that, but we do still have that emblem that Dean did up for us." He turned to the Gryffindor seventh year, "Ginny can teach you a spell to transfer your picture to the material if you want."

Dean nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, that'd be cool! Where do we want it?"

Neville spoke up, "Just on the shoulder would be good, I mean, isn't that where most emblems are placed?"

The DA nodded in agreement and Ginny quickly taught Dean the spell, the Founders assisting them to speed the job up. Rowena was very impressed with the emblem and complimented Dean quite loudly about his talent causing him to blush deeply.

"What about colours?" Parvati re-iterated Lavender's question.

Harry heard Ron mutter under his breath about girls and grinned at him briefly before turning back to the DA, "Well, what do you guys want? I am easy, I have my own robes. These are for you. I mean, if you really wanted you could all do yours up individually, so you all look like you want to."

Luna's eyes sparkled, "That would actually work very well Harry."

Eyes turned and settled upon the blonde girl, Hermione asking, "What do you mean Luna?"

"Well think about it. The DA was created to thumb our noses at authority and organised groups of people like the Order and the Ministry! So don't you think it would be a bit hypocritical if we started moulding ourselves into that sort of organisation? How much better would it be if we all have a common emblem, but we remain individuals. If each person's uniform is completely different, it shows that we are bound together not by some idea that we should remain loyal to any particular person, but because we believe what we are doing is right!" she explained dreamily.

Salazar bestowed a genuine smile upon her, "That is a very astute idea Miss Lovegood, I find myself very impressed."

Rowena nodded, "Though could you expect anything less from one of my house?"

"Well? What do you all think? All in favour of Luna's idea that we decorate our uniforms to our own taste and design?" Harry asked the DA.

A few people didn't look convinced, but an over-whelming majority put their hands up instantly, obviously excited by the idea of being able to design the look of their own battle robes.

Ron grinned at them, "Make sure they look scary! We don't want the Death Eaters laughing at us when we next face them in battle."

Laughter rang through the air as they dispersed and began their designs. Ginny and the founders moved through the room, explaining what spells would give colour, texture and even how to create complex patterns and pictures on the fabric.

Hermione was almost frantically muttering at her robes, pointing her wand at the rapidly changing fabric, but Ron merely looked at Harry, "mate, I haven't a creative bone in my body. What the hell do I turn mine into?"

Seamus piped up from across the room, "You could be a walking advertisement for the Cannons Ron!" Harry snickered as Ron sent a half-hearted glare over at the fellow Gryffindor before turning back to the black haired teen.

Harry shrugged, "You can keep it black if you want Ron, you don't have to change it if you don't want to. But I am sure that Hermione will help you once she has decided what she wants for her's." He gestured to the bushy haired girl who was again changing the look of her robes.

Ron rolled his eyes and nodded, sitting down and staring at his own robes in thought. A quiet voice spoke from Harry's elbow, "And what design pray tell will Mr Potter put on his own robes?"

Harry turned to see a pair of beautiful twinkling brown eyes staring at him. He shrugged, "I honestly don't know. Probably something to do with Fawkes, maybe having him killing snake or something. Lots of red and gold definitely though, to show that I am a true Gryffindor. What about you?"

Ginny grinned, "Oh I did mine ages ago. I wasn't going to care if you all picked a single colour, I was going to keep my own design."

Harry's eyebrows rose, "Oh? Why didn't you show me?"

Shrugging she replied, "Never got a chance. With you recovering, Rowena desperately trying to find the next little darling and Hermione starting to panic about NEWTS, things have been a little hectic."

"Hermione is starting to worry about NEWTS already? They are months away."

Ginny snorted, "Are you surprised?"

Harry tilted his head in acquiescence, "No I guess not." He looked up at the clock in the hall and felt his eyes widen. He turned to the DA and called out, "Oi! You lot! We need to get back to school ASAP, we have already been here for longer than normal."

There was some grumbling but everything was packed up quickly enough and within 15 minutes the DA were back through the portal and in the Room of Requirement. Harry sighed, "I hope no one noticed so many people were missing."

Hermione shook her head, "I wouldn't think so, purely because the members of the DA are all friends, which means that they all have the perfect alibis for each other."

Once the Room had been emptied it reverted to a much smaller room with a cosy fire and large plush couches into which the founders and the teens quickly made themselves comfortable. Harry sighed in contentment, "You know, even with the war and all the terror and pain in the world, for now, life is good."

Ginny, who had snuggled up to him, nodded, "It makes the fight worth it when we see what life could be permanently."

"And that is why Voldemort will not win." Helga agreed softly, "Because he cannot understand what you all share, he cannot understand love, or hopes and dreams of a peaceful, happy life. Such sentiments do not even enter into his twisted mind."

Hermione, whose nose was stuck in her Transfiguration book, raised her head, "Um, Godric?"

The lion founder turned to her, "Yes? What is it?"

She bit her lip, "I don't suppose you would be willing to give me, well, us I suppose, a little bit of extra tutoring for Transfiguration. It's just, McGonagall is so busy nowadays that it is nearly impossible to catch her to ask her a question outside of class. And this being our NEWT year….?"

Harry laughed, "Ah Hermione, you are a treasure."

She looked confused, "Huh?"

"Here we are, talking about our hopes for the future and how good life is at the moment, and you are so focussed on your studies that you aren't even aware of Ron twitching over there!" He explained.

Ginny snickered but didn't say anything. Hermione blushed, "Well, pardon me if I want to do well on my exams!" she turned pleading eyes to the founder who rolled his eyes.

"Yes Hermione, I will help you with your Transfiguration. But bear in mind, I will teach things that the books say should never be attempted. I found that out when I taught Harry and Ginny, so unless you are willing to let go of your precious pieces of parchment and listen to me, I am afraid Rowena may be a better teacher."

Rowena glared at him but Hermione was already nodding, "Yes, I agree. I have found recently that books have occasionally been a hindrance rather than a help. And I am appalled at how they have been used to increase propaganda and stigma within our society." She gestured to Salazar emphatically.

The snake founder smirked, "Welcome to the real world Hermione."

She returned a nervous smile. Ron looked at his watch, "I'm hungry! We didn't get much lunch and it is almost dinner time."

Ginny was incredulous, "Not much lunch? The house elves gave us a feast!"

He grumbled about being a growing boy and needing lots of sustenance. Hermione rolled her eyes, "If we don't go now Ron will never let us rest."

Harry sighed but stood up, dislodging Ginny gently and setting her on her feet. The founders farewelled them as they left the Room and slowly made their way to the dining hall. They were halfway there when some shrieks reached their ears.

"What on earth?" Ron muttered as they started to hasten down the hallway.

They turned a corner and promptly ducked as large bird swooped over head. Harry's wand was out and aimed at the bird but didn't fire as it checked its movement, turned around and headed for him. Ginny tensed up as it approached, but its movements were not aggressive, and it hovered in front of them.

Harry held out his arm hesitantly and it immediately landed, holding out its leg, on which they saw a letter. Harry examined the bird, guessing that it was some sort of kite, but its colouring was not typical of the species. He glanced at Ginny who pulled out her wand and sent a revealing spell at the letter.

She breathed a sigh of relief, "I am pretty sure it is safe to take. But who on earth has a kite for a delivery bird?"

Harry shrugged and gingerly took the letter off the bird's leg. Instantly the bird took off heading straight for the nearest window and quickly disappeared out of sight. Harry shook his head, bemused, "I guess he wasn't told to wait for a reply then!"

Suddenly, Tonks came bursting into view, her wand out and a look of annoyance on her face. Spotting the four teens she hastened towards them. Harry quickly hid the letter, not wanting to explain why such an unusual bird was delivering a letter to him. "Some second year Hufflepuff came screaming up to me saying that a monster bird was flying around attacking everyone. Have you all seen it?"

Ginny laughed, "Monster bird? It wasn't that big of an avian!"

Harry rolled his eyes, "It didn't attack us either. It just flew around us a couple of times then headed out the window. It is gone now, well at truly out of sight."

Tonks looked confused, "Why would it do such a thing?"

Hermione shrugged, "Maybe it was just a bird that got into the castle and was frightened? It then saw a window and left."

Looking unconvinced, Tonks stared out the window at the sky. Professor Flitwick came hustling around the corner, "Did you find it Professor Tonks?" he squeaked, his gaze flicking around the hallway.

She shook her head, "No, these four saw it leave the castle and head back out. Whatever it was, and whoever sent it, it is gone now."

Flitwick sighed, "The Headmistress will not be pleased, especially since she gave specific orders regarding any strange birds that could be sent by a potential enemy."

Harry laughed quietly, "I hope she doesn't consider Fawkes a strange bird sir."

Tonks chuckled and even Flitwick gave a wry smile, "No, I think she is familiar enough with the phoenix to know that he does not belong to an enemy."

Harry's eyebrows rose and muttered under his breath, "She doesn't consider men an enemy? That's debatable."

Ron's stomach gave a huge rumble and Tonks grinned, "Perhaps you had better head to the dinning Hall before Ron's stomach starts eating itself."

Suitably dismissed, the four teens said goodbye to the two professors and headed into the hall. Dinner was of course, delicious, and Ron was moaning in contentment as he shovelled in more food than the other three combined.

Ginny leaned over and whispered, "So when are you going to read it?"

He shrugged and muttered back, "Tonight, in the Nest."

Hermione watched them closely, "Do you know who sent it?"

Harry put his hand to his lips but shook his head, indicating that he didn't. The rest of dinner passed quietly and quickly, with Harry hustling the other three along, wanting to see what the letter was all about as swiftly as possible.

Ron grumbled a bit about being rushed, but after receiving a quick glare from Hermione, meekly got up and followed them. Ginny laughed, "Ah Ron, it is nice to see that the Weasley men are continuing the tradition of letting the women wear the pants in the relationship."

He blushed, "What do you mean?"

She batted her eyes at him, "Let's see, Mum is always the one to make the decisions, with Dad vary rarely putting his foot down. Fleur is leading Bill around by the balls and now Hermione has her leash on you so tight, if she says jump you say how high!"

Hermione grinned, "And what about your relationship Gin?"

The red haired teen gave a cheeky grin, "Well, Harry is not a Weasley, so he does not have to keep to the tradition of letting me wear the pants."

Harry nodded, adding, "Yeah, we take turns. I like dressing in women's clothing anyway, and Ginny looks pretty hot in boxers!"

Ron turned a dangerous shade of red, "You have seen my little sister in her underwear?"

Harry froze, cursing himself for being so careless with his words. Ginny hastened to assure her brother, "No he hasn't Ron. You needn't play the over-protective big brother yet, he was simply making a figure of speech."

Hermione raised her eyebrows but didn't say anything. Harry held his breath and waited for his best mate's reaction which didn't take long. Ron sighed and shrugged, "Well good! Make sure it stays a figure of speech. I don't want to have to be the one to tell mum that you went and got yourself pregnant before marriage."

Ginny snorted, "She is hardly one to talk about waiting for marriage. Or do you think our eldest brother is actually younger than what his birth certificate states?"

Ron grinned, "Point I suppose. Still, now is not the best time to be considering having a kid Gin. And you are only 16."

She rolled her eyes, "I am hardly dragging Harry into every broom closet to shag him Ron!"

Harry choked, "Ginny! Look guys, can we talk about something else?"

"Awww, is iddy biddy Potter embarrassed?" Hermione teased.

Harry's face froze and he turned around, staring hard at the wall. Hermione glanced uncertainly at the others and Ginny put her hand on his shoulder, "Harry? What is it?"

He turned and faced them, obviously trying to contain the emotions running rampant over his face, "It's alright, it's just the last time I heard that phrase was just before Bellatrix tortured me at my Aunt and Uncle's place."

Hermione winced, "I'm sorry."

He shook his head, "Na its fine. I shouldn't be so sensitive. It's just you imitated her perfectly, and it just sort of caused a flash back."

Ginny tugged gently on his arm, "Come on, let's get to the Nest. I really am curious about the letter."

Nodding in agreement the four made their way to the Nest, moving quickly through the portrait after making sure the corridor was empty. The founders had obviously only just finished having dinner as Dobby was quickly cleaning away all of the dirty dishes.

Helga smiled at them as they entered, 'That was quick. I thought you would be another hour or so."

Harry nodded, his hand searching for the letter, "Something came up." Pulling it out he passed it to the founder.

Confusion passed over her face so Ginny explained, "This was delivered by a strange bird, not an owl, more like a bird of prey and we have never seen it before.

Immediately cautious, Helga dropped the letter. Harry snorted "do you really think we didn't check it first? It is clean, no curses in it."

Nodding in understanding she picked it up again and proceeded to open it. Pulling out the parchment she frowned, "It really does seem like an ordinary letter to me."

She passed it back to Harry who started to read the letter out loud:

Mr Potter

There is an old saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. We both share a common goal you and I, and that is the permanent death of the Dark Lord.

I know of your quest and believe that I have something you want very badly plus I have information that you may find interesting.

I will be waiting at the statue of William Wallace on the outskirts of Glasgow at midnight tonight. If you do not come, then you will lose your only chance at discovering my identity and possibly defeating your enemy.

Do not be late

Ginny frowned, "Hardly a friendly letter. If he truly is against Voldemort, then shouldn't he be a tiny bit nicer to you?"

Harry grinned, "Not if it's Snape."

"Snape? You think that he sent this?" Ron asked, a slight glare marring his face.

Harry shrugged, "Well, I can't think of anyone else that would fit the bill."

Hermione looked thoughtful, "What about someone like Nicolas Flamel? Last I heard he was still alive, though certainly fast running out of elixir."

Ginny looked startled, "How on earth did his name pop into your head? That has got to be the most random person to think of."

Hermione gave a wry grin, "Well, you would think that someone over 600 years old would be worth remembering when it comes to needing knowledge. Anyhow, it was only an idea."

Harry patted her on the shoulder, "And a distinctly Hermione idea it was. Anyhow, the matter of who it is isn't all that important. What is, is are we going to go to this meeting?"

Salazar's lips pursed, "The letter says that they have something we want as well as information."

"Not only that, but they say they know of our quest." Rowena nodded, "Though that could just as easily mean the quest of killing Voldemort, rather than the destruction of his horcruxes."

"Either way, I don't think we have much choice but to see this person." Salazar continued. After a moment he gave a grin, "But that doesn't mean that you are going alone. I think that we should be a match for whoever shows up don't you?"

Harry grinned back, "Sure. The thing is, I have never been to the William Wallace statue before, I don't know where it is, so I can't apparate there."

Hermione sat up straight, "I have! I have been there! When I was 9 years old my parents took me there as a treat for getting the best grades in the school."

Ron rolled his eyes, "Now why doesn't that surprise me?"

She briefly shot him an amused glare before continuing, "I can get there!"

Helga patted her softly on the shoulder, "My dear, as lovely an offer as that is, there is no way you could apparate all of us there. Harry struggled to get himself plus us four only a few metres."

Rowena snapped her fingers, "Portkey!"

Hermione frowned, "The ministry can track illegal portkeys, we would be sending up a giant flare saying 'we are here.'"

"Miss Granger, do you honestly believe that we cannot create a portkey that won't be tracked?" Godric asked, looking insulted.

Hermione was confused so Ginny clarified, "The founders have taught us how to get around the tracking spell, we have no need to fear the ministry, or even Voldemort finding us."

Hermione's eyes lit up, "Brilliant! I don't suppose….?"

Rowena laughed, "Yes, I will teach you how to do it. But not now, we must discuss what we are going to do tonight."

Harry looked around the room and grinned at his friends, "I suppose you all want to come?"

Ron nodded, "You are definitely not leaving us behind this time Harry. You have no excuse about not bringing us, and if it is Snape, I want to see the look on the greasy head's face when he realises that you know he isn't a traitor."

Ginny smirked, "It is interesting the see that you can insult him and compliment him in the same sentence Ron. Your grasp of the English language is improving."

He cast a sheepish grin at Rowena, "You can thank her for that. When she heard how badly I was, um 'butchering' the language she personally took me aside and gave me some pretty poignant lessons."

Godric laughed, "Well, they seem to have worked at any rate."

Harry looked at the founders curiously, "Depending on who it is, are you lot going to reveal yourselves? As in who you actually are? Because if it is Snape, we know that he has exceptional Occlumency skills, to keep Voldemort at bay, but there is still the possibility that he might slip up."

Salazar frowned, "I guess we will have to cross that bridge when we come to it."

Hermione was biting the bottom of her lip and looking unsure of something. Ginny rolled her eyes at the older girl, "Spit it out Hermione."

She gave a sheepish smile, "Um, don't you think that we should tell someone that we are going tonight? I mean, usually one of us stays behind, but this time we are all going. What if something really bad happens and we are caught out? Shouldn't someone know?"

Harry shrugged, "Fawkes!"

Immediately appearing, the phoenix blinked at him, "Yes?"

"We are heading out tonight, to hopefully meet someone who apparently has something we want. If we aren't back by sun up or if you feel something is terribly wrong, can you please deliver the note I'm about to write to Neville or Luna please?"

"Of course, but how will you get there? I cannot flash so many people at once and still remain conscious for an extended period of time." Fawkes pointed out.

Harry nodded, "Yeah, that's fine, Rowena will help Hermione make a portkey to the location." He summoned a piece of parchment and quill and began to write quickly.

Dear Neville/Luna

If this letter is delivered to you by Fawkes then evil has befallen myself, our guests, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. Our plan was to meet a potential ally who had information for us, but for whatever reason, we have not returned. Fawkes was under instructions to deliver this note if we did not get back by sunrise or if he could sense something was terribly wrong.

I do not write this note to ask you to come and rescue or avenge us for I do not wish you to. However, I know you will not listen to me and will no doubt attempt such an adventure. All I can say is be careful. Whatever evil has befallen us is great, and I could not bear it if my friends suffered because of my stupidity.

Also, if you feel it is necessary, you can tell the Order about our disappearance/death, though it might be wise not to mention the identity of our guests, merely say that they were at the Hogsmeade attack.

With any luck, whatever has gone wrong, we will be able to fix it ourselves and pop up again, making everyone annoyed for getting them all worried!

Yours in friendship forever

Harry

Ginny frowned, "You do realise that you are pretty well encouraging him to come after us if something happens."

Harry shrugged, "You know as well as I do that the DA are not going to sit in school if they think something is wrong. I would prefer to caution them rather that to forbid them. Neville is too much a Gryffindor to let friends lie in trouble. And where Neville goes, Luna is sure to follow, and if they both go then you can be assured that the rest will go with them."

He passed the letter to Fawkes who took it gently in his beak, concern written in his eyes, "Do be careful though Harry, I won't be there to bring in the cavalry like last time."

He grinned, "That's because I'll have the cavalry with me! Don't fret, I doubt very much that anything will go wrong. We will be careful, but if it is Snape, then you can be assured that he has taken all precautions ahead of time. He wouldn't risk his position to contact us unless it was exceptionally important."

Salazar nodded, "Indeed, from what you have told me, he is too much of a Slytherin not to."

Rowena smiled and stood up, "Come on Hermione, I'll teach you the spell for the portkey. I do not think it will take you long to learn it."

Bounding after her like an excited puppy, Hermione left the room, Ron staring avidly at her retreating behind. Ginny gave him a light slap, laughing at his guilty look. Harry grinned at his mate, "I wonder how she would react if she knew you ogled her like that."

Ron went red, "Don't you dare tell her Harry!"

Helga laughed, "Ah Ron, I am sure she would be flattered that you find her derriere so mesmerising." She stood up, "Well, we still have a few hours before midnight, who's up for a chess tournament?"

Half an hour before midnight they were all assembled in the lounge room and Harry had already farewelled Fawkes. The phoenix seemed unusually worried, but Harry knew it was only because the bird wouldn't be able to come.

Hermione had successfully created the portkey from her memory of the place, and Rowena had checked to make sure it was safe. Salazar had congratulated the bushy haired girl on creating the portkey so quickly, causing her to blush with pleasure.

Godric clapped his hands, "Right, let's get this show on the road! When we arrive, I want you four teens to stay still while we check the area for any traps. Keep your eyes open and your wands up until we can determine that there are no threats. If it is a trap and if no wards have been set up to prevent apparition, get out immediately. If there are wards, try and re-activate the cup to return here."

"What about you lot?" Harry asked, frowning slightly.

Rowena laughed, "Ah Harry, don't worry about us, we can take care of ourselves."

He was unconvinced, but didn't argue, merely nodding and turning to the portkey. Taking the hint, they all surrounded the piece of parchment and put a finger to it. Hermione then muttered the activation spell under her breath and instantly they felt themselves take off.

The last thing Harry felt before they left the Nest was a final farewell from Fawkes.

SLAM!

Harry felt his feet hit the dirt but due to his training, he did not fall over. Merely bending his knees slightly, to take the impact he looked around quickly. Ginny had also managed to stay on her feet, but the other two were flat on their backs, blinking in an effort to clear the stars that were no doubt circling above them.

Harry and Ginny quickly got them to their feet and pulled out their wands, standing back to back while the founders started to stalk around the area.

Ron and Hermione, who had never seen the founders in full stealth mode before, stood open mouthed as they watched them moved quickly, in complete silence and almost invisibility without the use of magic. Their movements were fluid and they seemed to communicate telepathically.

Suddenly, Harry thought he heard movement to his left, and his head snapped around, his eyes searching the darkness for whatever had caught his attention. Ginny, sensing his movement also turned as she whispered, "What is it? What did you see?"

"I heard something, could have just been some animals or the wind. Still, I am not about to turn my back on a potential threat." He whispered back. He caught the attention of Salazar and gestured towards the bushes, receiving nod in return.

He and Helga skirted around the edges, keeping to the shadows of the trees. Helga broke away and quickly moved behind them, completely unseen by all except the founders. Harry had forced his attention away from the two founders, and was continually scanning his surroundings, making sure that he could not detect any other forms of life.

There was a slight squawk from the bushes where Salazar and Helga had disappeared and Harry once again felt his head snap around. The two founders emerged, no longer trying to keep quiet. However, Harry was more intent on the figure that they were dragging between them.

Trussed up and pushed to the ground was one Severus Snape, glaring at one and all, his hair falling like a curtain around his face. Harry breathed a sight of relief before turning to the founders and nodding, "Release him."

Godric and Rowena walked up to them, the latter staring in slight distaste at the man before them, but didn't hesitate as she vanished the bonds around his arms and legs.

The potions master slowly got to his knees, his eyes fixed upon Harry. For his part, Harry was sure he could see fear and worry in his former teacher's eyes, though he had good reason. Sighing Harry gestured for the founders to step back from the man.

Once they did so, Snape sneered at Harry, "Well Potter, I see old habits die hard. Not one for doing your own dirty work are you, forced to rely on the more talented to do everything for you."

Salazar gave a slight hiss but was quickly shut up by an elbow to the ribs by Helga. Harry merely smiled pleasantly, "Good evening Professor, lovely night isn't it? Almost like the night on top of the Astronomy tower, wouldn't you agree?"

The muscles around Snape's face tightened, and the consternation in his eyes became more pronounced. He opened his mouth but before he could say anything Harry sighed, "Don't say a word Snape, I know the truth. I do not blame you for killing Dumbledore, I know that you were only following orders. You need not fear me or my temper."

The surprise and shock that rippled over Snape's face was almost amusing, and indeed, Ron snorted quietly, but Harry continued without a pause, "Still, you could not know that I know, which makes your note and appearance here quite surprising. You must have something very important to risk losing your life after working so hard to preserve it."

Snape gingerly got to his feet, his sneer firmly back onto his face, "Indeed, unlike Dumbledore who had, in my opinion, a foolish confidence in your ability to defeat the Dark Lord on your own, I felt that the only way you could complete you mission would be if I helped." He fairly spat the last word out, distaste written on every feature.

Harry rolled his eyes, "Don't sound so enthusiastic sir. And how can you help me? Apart from being able to tell me where Voldemort is currently hiding and perhaps giving up times and places of Death Eater attacks, I would think that you are tied to his chair and unable to leave at your own whim."

Snape's eyes locked onto Harry's and he felt a slight pushing at his mental barriers. Harry snickered, "You'll have to try harder than that to break through my shields now Snape. I may not be a master at Occlumency, but I have at least gotten the basics and am able to stop a casual intrusion."

Giving a slight frown Snape looked at the others in the group, his eyes narrowing when he saw Ginny, Ron and Hermione. He turned back to Harry, "I see your pathetic little followers are still at your side. I would have though the hero inside of you would have prevented them from coming into potential danger."

Ginny glared at him and snapped, "Pathetic? That is rich coming from the man who aided the…"

"Ginny." Helga cautioned.

The red haired teen fell silent, but her eyes were on fire. Harry grinned, "You'll find that we four are not children any more sir."

Giving a reluctant jerk of the head Snape replied, "I know that you have no qualms about killing people, and that you have developed a fondness for the Dark Arts. The Dark Lord has been very interested to know where you learnt such spells, and why the sudden change of heart." His eyes fixed upon the founders, "Though I think I can guess at the first part."

Rowena turned to Salazar, "Are you sure he is one of your's? I mean, that sort of insight is almost worthy of a Gryffindor!"

"Oi!" Godric, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny all burst out.

Salazar started to laugh, "I think you struck a nerve there my dear."

Snape, completely confused by the exchange turned back to Harry, "Look Potter, I do not have much time. Do you want my help or not?"

Harry locked eyes, "Of course I do. I would be a fool to turn down help from someone who is in Voldemort's inner circle."

Nodding in satisfaction, Snape summoned a large sack and dropped it at Harry's feet, "In there you will find the body of Nagini as well as a certain cup belonging to Helga Hufflepuff who was one of the founders of Hogwarts in case you didn't know."

From behind him, Helga make a noise that was a cross between a gasp of anger and a snort of amusement. Snape continued, "I have removed all the curses upon the cup, so it can now be destroyed, assuming you know how to dispatch a horcrux."

Harry gave a slight grin, "Awesome. We suspected that you were the one to get Nagini, but we didn't know for sure. But how did you get your hands on Basilisk poison?"

An eyebrow raised itself, "Basilisk poison Potter? Why would I need that to kill a snake? I merely cut her head off with a diffindo spell, most animals can't live without their brains you know."

Harry shot an alarmed look at the founders and said, "We'll have to strike her as well, just in case it is still alive inside of her."

The nodded in agreement as Harry turned back to Snape, "Thank you for brining these to us, though I am curious to know how you know about the Horcruxes. Dumbledore said that only he and I and Voldemort know about them."

Snape smirked, "I am a Slytherin Potter, I use my brains. How else could the Dark Lord have survived the killing curse without someone to die for him? It took a great deal of research and a bit of luck I will admit, but I discovered the location of the cup and the snake was fairly easy to get. Once these are destroyed, I suspect you will be able to kill the Dark Lord."

Harry frowned, "No, we still have one more to go after these two."

Snape blinked, "Oh? And why would you think that? You have already destroyed one back in your second year, do you honestly believe he created more than 3?"

It was Harry's turn to blink, "Oh, you don't know how many he made." He stated.

Snape glared, "And I suppose you do?"

Salazar spoke up, "I see what you mean about Slytherins Harry. If they are all this antagonistic all the time then it is no wonder you don't get on." The snake founder turned to Snape, "Voldemort created six horcuxes so that his soul was in seven places. We have destroyed several of them, and with these two here there is only one left."

"Who are you?" Snape exclaimed, his curiosity obviously overriding his distain for the present company.

The founders shared a look before Salazar turned to Harry and said in parstletounge, "It's up to you Harry. We don't mind telling him, but if we do, there is a small possibility that our secret will get out."

Snape's jaw hit the floor and his eyes widened so much Harry thought they were going to pop out. He stuttered, "Y-Y-You s-speak parstletounge!"

Harry grinned, "Well, you know what they say, all descendants of the Slytherin line were able to speak it."

Snape's head snapped to Harry's "Are trying to tell me that this is a descendant of Salazar Slytherin?"

Harry shook his head, "No, but I am trying to tell you that he is Salazar Slytherin."

It took a moment for Harry's words to sink into the potions master's head. When it did, he snorted, "Honestly Potter, do you expect me to believe that somehow one of the founders travelled 1000 years into the future to aid you in your battle against his own descendant?"

Godric growled, "Not at all, he is trying to tell you that all four founders travelled 1000 years into the future to aid their own descendant in battle against an evil Dark Lord that deserves nothing but being buried 10ft under!"

Helga, taking pity on the man who was starting to look bewildered strode forward and stood before him, "I am Helga Hufflepuff good man, you have brought me my own goblet and I thank you for that. It may be hard to grasp the concept of such amazing time travel, but it has indeed happened. Harry is a descendant of all four of us, and we have come to help him defeat Voldemort once and for all."

Snape looked into the woman's eyes and saw truth written in her very soul. He took an unsteady step backward, his gaze moving from founder to founder in rapid succession.

Hermione put a steadying hand to his shoulder, "Sir? Are you alright?" she asked timidly.

Coming back to his senses he looked down at her and a mask of indifference slammed down. He nodded, "Indeed Miss Granger."

Godric grinned, "At least you didn't attack us."

Harry exhaled in exasperation, "Are you never going to let me live that down? I was surprised alright!"

At Snape's confused glance Salazar explained, "When we appeared to Harry, he attacked us briefly. That was before any of us knew who the others were."

Snape sneered, "That sounds like Potter, rushing in with his wand instead of his head. Very Gryffindor."

Godric looked insulted, "If you wish to insult my house please do not do so within my hearing sir! I get enough of that from the others!"

Snape whitened slightly but Harry started to laugh, "Ah sir, you are almost as bad as Ron when it comes to putting your foot in it! He made pretty much the same comment in reverse!"

Ron grinned sheepishly at his former potions teacher, "Looks like we have more in common than we thought sir."

Snape looked stunned by Ron's familiarity and maturity but Rowena smiled gently at the red haired teen, "I am glad to see that you have started to put aside prejudice Ron. Hopefully others will learn from your example." She turned a stern stare upon Snape who shifted uncomfortably.

Harry sighed, "As fascinating as I am sure this conversation could become, Snape was right, he doesn't have much time." He turned to the man, "You said you have information for us? Can you tell us where Voldemort is hiding out?"

He shook his head, "No, it is under the Fidelius Charm and the Dark Lord himself is the secret keeper. However, I can tell you that he is becoming more obsessed with you every day. He has a spy somewhere inside of the Order, though who it is I do not know. It was through the spy that the Dark Lord learnt that you have no qualms about killing."

Snape took a deep breath, "He is also desperate to learn of the identities of your friends here. He has not been forced to flee from a confrontation except when duelling Dumbledore. It was a nasty shock for him when he learnt that he isn't necessarily the most powerful person on the planet."

Harry nodded thoughtfully, "We guessed as much, which is why we worked so hard to keep them secret for so long."

Snape looked startled, "How long have they been here?"

Harry shrugged, "September first."

Snape chewed the bottom of his lip, "Well in that case, you have done well in keeping them secret. And what about your little army?"

Salazar grinned, "Not so little anymore my friend. They are all aware of us and we have been training them for a while now."

"That would explain how they managed to hold their own against the attack in Hogsmeade despite being vastly outnumbered." Snape reasoned.

Rowena snorted, "We had only had a few short lessons with them before that attack. Most of the power and knowledge that they displayed was due to Harry's training of them."

Snape looked impressed but Salazar grinned, "You should see them now! If Voldemort launched another attack against Hogwarts, he would find that the so called 'children' could kick his followers' behinds!"

"Such an attack is a distinct possibility in the near future sir. The Dark Lord is growing frustrated with his inability to get to Potter outside of school." Snape replied.

Harry shrugged and put a hand into his pocket, drawing out a ring. He held it out to Snape saying, "Wear this, it will be invisible upon your finger. It will enable us to communicate, even through fairly intense wards. Merely think to yourself 'I need to talk to Potter' and a mental connection will be forged. If I need to talk to you I merely say the same thing in reverse."

Snape's head tilted, "That is extremely advanced magic Potter, and such a spell must be cast by the user. It would seem that your talents have improved in more areas than fighting." He took the ring and slipped it on his finger. It glowed red for a moment before vanishing altogether.

"If you can give us any advance warning on Death Eater attacks that would be great. The DA is looking to take a more active role in the war, and the sooner we can start whittling down the numbers of the enemy the better." Harry indicated.

Snape nodded, "I will do my best, but the Dark Lord doesn't usually give more than a day's warning on any attacks that he plans. He is very careful and doesn't trust his followers. He fears a spy in his midst, and yet he doesn't realise that he has one in his inner circle." There was a distinct note of pride in the Slytherin's voice.

Salazar cautioned him, "Do not become cocky just because you have not yet been caught. A single false move, even the twitch of a muscle could be fatal for you."

Suitably chastised, Snape nodded "Indeed. Now, I really must be going, I have already been gone from the Dark Lord's headquarters for longer than I expected."

Harry held out his hand, "Good luck sir. And thank you, for everything."

Snape was stunned by Harry's words, and for a moment was dumbstruck. However, he visibly shook himself and forced his hand to meet Harry's, shaking it briefly, "You're welcome Potter. And – good luck with everything you must do."

Giving the teens a nod and a respectful bow to the founders, Snape turned on the spot and disappeared with a crack. Ron rolled his eyes, "He is not one for long goodbyes is he? Hasn't changed much, I thought he was going to choke on his words there for a moment."

Harry chuckled, "I was surprised he got through them at all. The animosity between us is no less, and Snape is not one for letting go of a grudge." He leant over and picked up the sack carefully. It was much heavier than he initially expected, and his back creaked in protest.

Ginny sighed in exasperation, "Honestly Harry, just use a featherweight charm on it!"

He grinned sheepishly, "I thought I'd be able to handle it." Taking pity on the struggling boy, Helga cast the charm onto the sack and immediately Harry's posture straightened. He gave a grateful smile before turning to Hermione, "Can you please re-activate the cup so that we can return to Hogwarts. We still have hours until sunrise, but I would still like to get back as soon as possible."

She nodded and picked up the parchment, everyone else crowding around. Within moments they were back in Phoenix's Nest and Harry was assaulted by the feeling of relief that Fawkes sent his way.

"Were you honestly that worried about me?" Harry though at him.

The bird trilled softly "Indeed, I will never stop worrying about you Harry. You are more fragile then you think, and you are my friend."

Harry smiled at him as he dropped the sack to the floor. Salazar almost pounced on it, quickly pulling out the dead snake that had been unceremoniously decapitated. Before Harry could even blink, Godric had his sword out and had plunged it into the enormous body.

Harry opened his mouth to berate the lion founder, but before he could utter a sound a wailing filled their ears and a black mist, similar to what had left the locket, rose from the body of the snake. This time it was Rowena who cast the dispelling curse and with a final scream, the piece of soul disappeared.

Harry frowned, "And you complain about me being hasty!"

Godric grinned, "Hey, you had your turn at stabbing a horcrux. Some of us want a go!"

Harry rolled his eyes as Helga reached in and pulled out her cup. The fury on her face was so complete that Harry actually felt himself shiver. If gazes could kill, the one that she was shooting the cup would have melted the metal in seconds.

He reached out to take the cup from her hands, intent on destroying it but she snatched it back and shook her head, "Oh no, you are not going to destroy it Harry."

He looked surprised, "Helga, I know it means a lot to you, but it must be done."

She snorted, "I did not say that it could not be destroyed, only that you aren't going to be the one to do it. I am going to kill the thing that has desecrated my goblet."

"But – but the prophecy says that I am supposed to be the one to kill Voldemort! As far as my understanding goes, that thing in your cup is Voldemort! It is bad enough that Godric took out the bit in Nagini." Harry protested, his hands once again reaching for the ornate goblet.

Helga growled at him, clutching the goblet tighter to her chest. Salazar put his hands on Harry's shoulders and forced him into a seat as Rowena laughed, "Harry, prophecies are always taken far too literally. And if you try and take the cup off Helga one more time, the prophecy will be unfulfilled anyway because she will kill you herself."

Defeated, Harry sighed and nodded in acceptance. Satisfied that he wasn't going to interfere, Salazar released his hold on him as Helga set the goblet on the table and drew her sword. Ginny looked at her, "May I help please? It took more than one sword to destroy the locket, so it is reasonable to assume that this one will be the same."

Hermione nodded, "Me too!"

Helga looked at them for a moment before nodding, "Very well, let us show old Voldy what it means to mess with witches!"

The three females surrounded the cup and at a nod from Helga, all struck the goblet with their swords. As with the locket, there was a bang and a flash of light, momentarily blinding everyone. Harry was on his feet in an instant, intent on seeing if anyone was hurt.

Someone was.

Voldemort.

The cup lay in four pieces, completely destroyed, and the familiar black mist was revolving in on itself, desperate to protect itself. Salazar lazily dispersed it as Harry went to Ginny, "Are you alright? You aren't hurt or anything?"

She smiled at him, her eyes still slightly dazzled by the light, "I'm fine, don't fret. Snape did a good job in removing any curses upon the cup."

Sighing in relief, Harry hugged her firmly, an ecstatic grin upon his face. Releasing her he said to all of them, "Well, tonight has certainly been profitable. Voldemort only has a single horcrux left and then his is mortal the same as everyone else. Plus we now have an active spy in his midst that is willing to pass us information when he can."

Salazar nodded, "Indeed, I think tonight is the night that the war turns in our favour. And the best thing is, Voldemort doesn't even realise it yet."