The Mathias Prophecy Book III

THE MATHIAS PROPHECY BOOK III

A Time to Kill and a Time to Heal

When Harry entered the Common Room she found the older Gryffindor's had all gone down to the dance except for Ron and Hermione. The younger students were in their dorms on the Headmaster's instructions to prevent anyone below fourth year from going to the dance unless invited, as per school policy.

"Harry?" Ron questioned shaking his head looking at her as if she were a stranger.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione breathed, "you look beautiful."

"Thanks guys," she beamed, "I hope my escorts like it."

"I thought you were going with us?" Ron swallowed hard glancing at Hermione.

"I think you and Hermione need some time alone," she hugged them affectionately. "Just watch out in the rose garden. Remus and Sirius tickled me into confessing our plans."

"Will they keep quiet? I know Sirius would enjoy pulling one over on Snape, but what about Professor Lupin?" Ron remarked worriedly.

"I think they will, but keep a sharp watch and inform the others."

"Will do!" Ron saluted.

"Who is taking you down?" Hermione asked.

"All three of my Protectors and my Trust Keeper. They refused to let me back out for lack of a date."

"I'm glad. You need to have some fun!" Hermione bobbed her head with a smile.

"I'm trying, but this fancy outfit just isn't me. Give me jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers any time," Harry laughed. "By the way, you look lovely Hermione. Turquoise becomes you," she said admiring her friend's matching gown and robes.

'Thanks," Hermione blushed with pleasure.

"Hey, what about your best mate?"

"Well, it he would fix his collar," Harry grinned straightening it out, "I'd say he looked quite handsome." Ron had donned a dark brown dress robe with cream-colored braided trim. "Now why don't you two go on ahead? "I will meet you both in the Great Hall in a few minutes."

"I think she wants to surprise her escorts," Hermione grinned at Ron as he took her arm.

"Surprise? They're going to go into shock," he replied winking at Harry as they exited through the portrait of the Fat Lady.

Harry turned back towards the hearth once they had left, taking the time to look about the now empty Common Room. She stood staring into the fire, remembering all the times she had spent there with her Gryffindor family over the past seven years. How many times had they all laughed, cried, and fought with one another; reveled in their successes and mourned their failures? Where had those seven years gone? It seemed like she had just started here at Hogwarts, a frightened and unsure child that everyone was led to believe was a boy. Yes, the boy who lived, only to be revealed two years ago as the girl in the Prophecy; the one person who could stand against Lord Voldemort. The hope of the Wizarding world to rid itself of the Greatest Dark Wizard of the time. The tingling persisted in her scar...

"Excuse me, would you please tell Miss Potter her Protectors are here to escort her to the dance?" Snape's familiar sardonic voice interrupted her reverie, as she had continued to stare into the fire, her back to the door.

"Welcome to Gryffindor Tower, Professor Snape. It is good to know you don't spend all your time in the dungeon," Harry responded, turning slowly to greet them.

Sirius, Snape and Remus were all standing just inside the portrait door with Professor Dumbledore. All were in their formal dress robes. Sirius had on charcoal gray, Severus was in his usual black, but with a white brocade trim, and Remus had on navy blue. Professor Dumbledore was resplendent in fiery crimson, with silver trim. Fawkes was perched on his shoulder.

Sirius blinked twice as she had turned around and was smiling at her like a child in a candy store. Remus jaw had gone slack and his features were frozen in stunned surprise. Severus dark eyes glittered with silent admiration and his lips were drawn into a fine smile. Fawkes trilled happily, as Dumbledore approached her beaming with delight.

"I see before me the butterfly that has emerged from its cocoon."

"Headmaster, flattery will get you everywhere."

"Harry...honey...You look absolutely beautiful," Sirius smiled disarmingly, his brown eyes warm and hungry. "I wish James could see you now."

"Sirius, if my father were here he would douse you with a bucket of ice water and lock me in my room," Harry told him fondly pecking him on the cheek. They all laughed, knowing it was the truth. "In fact, judging by all your reactions he would probably have something to say to all of you."

"What do you believe he would say, Child?"

"Well..."she studied them closely, "Remus he would take one look at you and say, Moony get that beast inside of you under control now! That's my daughter you're salivating after!" Remus grinned blushing profusely. "I told you he was a wolf in sheep's clothing," she chuckled looking at Sirius.

"What would he say to Severus?" Professor Dumbledore asked amused.

"Hmm...Professor, please do not take offense, but knowing how you and my dad were not exactly the best of friends he would not have been too nice."

"What do you believe he would say to me Miss Potter?" Snape asked inclining his head.

"He would scowl coldly and say, Snivellus you lay one hand on my daughter and you will wish you had stayed with the Deatheaters. Nothing Voldemort could do to you will compare with the way I'll curse you, soul mates or not!"

Sirius and Remus exchanged worried glances, but to their surprise, Snape threw his head back giving one of his rare laughs.

"Miss Potter...Harry...you have captured James' right down to the facial expressions. However, he would have been a little less polite." Snape did not elaborate further.

"Thank you, Severus," Harry smiled as Snape leaned down and kissed her gently on the forehead.

"Would he have anything to say to me, Child?"

Harry studied Professor Dumbledore for a few moments, her face red hot with embarrassment.

"He would look at you and calmly tell you that due to your age he believed you should be capable of conducting yourself with the proper decorum, and that he would expect you to see that I stayed out of trouble."

"In that case my dear," he offered her is arm, "may I have the pleasure of escorting such a lovely young lady down to the dance?"

"I told you flattery would get you everywhere," Harry beamed as Dumbledore guided her out through the portrait. He escorted her downstairs to the Great Hall, the others following, unable to take their eyes off her.

The doors to the Great Hall had been swung open and round tables set up through out the room. The staff was seated on the floor with the students, and people were allowed to sit with their friends, and dates. As a result, all of the different houses were intermingling. As Harry entered the Great Hall on the Headmaster's arm, heads turned, and she could hear the boys whispering among themselves. She sensed some jealousy from a few of the girls, and found this rather amusing since she did not think she was very pretty.

Dumbledore walked her over to the table where Ron and Hermione had taken seats, but by passed it when he noted that there was no longer any room. Neville, Sean, Dean, and Ginny were all sitting with them along with their dates. Harry noted how Ron shifted under the Headmaster's scrutiny. She wanted to just leave; her friends had chosen not to sit with her. However, that was not to be. Dumbledore merely seated her with the staff. As Head Girl, she was entitled to the privilege.

Harry found herself sitting beside her Godfather and the Headmaster. Professor Snape was sitting to the right of McGonagall with Professor Lupin on her left. Professor Flitwick and Sprout were also seated with them. The other staff, including Hagrid and Filch, was at an adjoining table. Once they were all seated, Dumbledore took out his wand, and gently tapped his glass for attention.

"Welcome, students to what I hope will be the first annual Hogwart's Spring Dance," the students went wild with applause and cheers. "I wish to remind those of you who wish to avail yourselves of the quiet in the rose garden to be on your best behavior." Many of the older students snickered and laughed, knowing that it was the favorite place in Hogwarts for young lovers. "It is my pleasure to inform you that the music will again be provided by the Weird Sisters, along with a classical quartet known as the Dancing Strings. So without further ado, let the feast and dancing begin." The food appeared on the tables and everyone began to help themselves. The string quartet had begun to play a slow waltz

"Harry, would you like to dance with me?" Sirius asked his brown eyes begging for her attention.

"I would love to," she replied smiling warmly, "but I think I should dance with the Headmaster first."

"Oh, my broken heart," Sirius quipped, "thrown over for an older man, what does he have that I don't?"

"Do you want a list, Sirius?" Professor McGonagall asked with a smile. Harry couldn't hide her giggle.

"I promise to dance with you next."

"I shall be delighted to dance with you, Harry," Dumbledore rose helping her from her chair. Leading her out onto the dance floor, she could feel the other students and teachers watching them. He began to glide her gently around the floor amid the other dancers.

Harry found the sight of Madam Hooch dancing with Hagrid rather incongruous, but refrained from comment. Instead, she just said, "You know Headmaster you really should try and secure a position for Madame Maxime. It would make him very happy. Lord knows we will need some happiness around here."

"I sense you want to talk to me, Harry."

"I do. We have a major problem. My scar has been tingling all evening."

"Do you believe Voldemort is up to something?"

"I know he is. How long before you can get help here?"

"Here?" Dumbledore asked incredulous.

"Yes, you see I have gotten as good at getting to know what he is feeling as he is at getting into my head. I have taught myself to try to think like he would. Headmaster, I believe he plans to attack the school. I don't know how I know this, but you have to trust me."

"Do you believe it will be tonight?"

"Yes, the staff is busy with the dance, and no one would expect him to try anything, especially attacking the school. He is still afraid of you and worried about me. We are the two persons he needs to overcome. I believe he is feeling the pressure of his followers. They are beginning to doubt his powers."

"Did the old woman tell you this?"

"No, she told me I should remember all the things my Protectors had taught me. She said to think before I act. Therefore, I'm trying to do what she said. I know she spoke the truth. She said I had the power and the will to defeat the Dark Lord."

"You still believe it was not a plot on the part of Voldemort. That she was not a spy."

"She was no spy. I told you I knew her. She can be trusted. Please believe me, Headmaster. All these people's lives may depend on both of our actions."

Dumbledore smiled down at her, but his blue eyes were scrutinizing her shrewdly. He had seen enough of Voldemort's trickery to be suspicious.

"If I ask you to identify the woman for me before I act, will you do so?"

"She has trusted me with a confidence. When she saw you coming down the path, she stated it was not time yet for you to know she was here. I understood her reasons, but yes, if you truly wish me to tell you who she is I will. Maybe now is the time for you to know. Maybe that is what she meant."

"I will not ask you to violate a trust, Child. I will accept your word that you believe what you have just told me is the truth. If what you say is accurate, we need to make plans. All the students are at risk, our Muggle borns are the most vulnerable."

"Headmaster, I have a plan to get them out of the building, but I will need you to be a bit forgiving when I tell it to you. You could legitimately expel me for doing what I have done," Harry lowered her eyes under his stare. "I got my army back together, and got all the Prefects involved just in case something should happen here at school. I planned a way to get all the students with any kind of Muggle blood out safely. Moaning Myrtle will help us," Harry explained as the music stopped and Dumbledore escorted her back to the table.

"Harry can I have the next dance?" Sirius asked as she sat down.

"Can I eat something first? I'm hungry."

"Of course, honey. How was your dance with the Headmaster?"

"We had a good deal to discuss. I needed to speak with him quickly and privately," Harry remarked casually, but all of her tablemates were listening attentively.

"Harry is quite right," Dumbledore smiled, but his blue eyes were serious. Harry noted he had conjured a quill and parchment and penned a fast letter to Moody. "Fawkes, I will need your help," Dumbledore spoke to the bird perched on the back of his chair. "Get this to Alastor immediately." Fawkes made a sharp sound deep in his throat, and taking the letter disappeared.

"Headmaster, I need to speak with the Prefects," she looked to Dumbledore seeking his approval.

"Not just yet, Harry. I should have a reply from Alastor shortly. Depending on what he tells me, then I will listen to your plan."

"Harry what is going on?" Sirius asked worriedly.

She ignored him for a minute, and looked over at Snape. "Excuse me Professor Snape, but how is your left arm feeling tonight?"

Snape was visibly startled. His Dark Mark had begun to burn on an off earlier in the evening, which wasn't unusual these days. What disturbed him is that Harry was aware of it, which could only mean her scar was also hurting.

"I believe you already know the answer to that question."

"Sirius would you please pass me the platter of roast beef, I'm starving," Harry looked at him with her most endearing smile. He studied her as passed over the platter. She merely helped herself to a healthy portion, and handed it back to him. She then busied herself with getting the rest of her meal, which consisted of mashed potatoes, carrots, and broccoli. 'I feel like the condemned man having his last meal,' she thought to herself. I can't let Sirius know how worried and afraid I really am. I think Dumbledore knows though. Snape knows my scar must be hurting or I would not have asked him about the mark on his arm. I can feel Remus and Professor McGonagall watching me. They know something is going to happen too. They just aren't pressing the issue.'

"You had better hurry up and eat that; I really am dying to have that dance," Sirius interrupted her thoughts.

"Don't worry; you'll get your dance," Harry snapped a bit sharply. She wanted to hold him and never let go, but knew she had to keep her distance, especially tonight. Any show of emotion could swing the tide into Voldemort's favor and she would never forgive herself. "Sorry Sirius, I didn't mean to be so abrupt. My mind is elsewhere."

"Then I will ask you again, what is going on? I know you well enough to see that you are trying to conceal something from me."

Harry looked over at Dumbledore for support, but he was staring at the ceiling, watching the night stars. She knew he had heard every word, but was not inclined to intervene. She then looked over at Remus, who was still watching the situation unfold along with Professor McGonagall.

"Sirius, I think Harry and Dumbledore will tell us in their own good time what is happening. Suffice it to say that it probably has to do with the Dark Lord," Remus told his friend quietly, and McGonagall, shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I have already surmised that," Sirius replied curtly.

"Don't argue, not tonight," Harry had lost her appetite. "Sirius lets go for a walk instead of that dance. I could use some fresh air."

"Of course," he rose and helped pull out her chair, offering her his arm. They skirted the dance floor, and quietly went out through the French doors into the gardens beyond. He steered her up the path to a secluded bench, where they sat down. Glancing around Harry realized it was the same bench Hagrid and Madame Maxime had used the night of the Yule Ball three years earlier. "What are you keeping from me?" he asked turning her cheek so she would face him.

"It will be tonight," she said simply, watching his expression closely.

His brown eyes filled with understanding. "You can't know that for certain."

"Yes, I can," she said softly fighting to keep her voice steady. 'Whatever you do don't start crying. Don't let him know how scared you really are,' she told herself firmly. "He is going to attack the school. He can't let his followers doubt his power any longer."

"That's just plain silly, honey," Sirius looked at her with disbelief, "you know he would never take on Albus."

"He has no choice. I am his main quarry, and he has to get to me before my next birthday in two months. Now is the best time. He fears Dumbledore, but he can't let that stand in his way. If Dumbledore has to choose between the several hundred other students and me, he will protect Hogwarts. You know that, and so do I."

"You aren't ready yet. We still have things you need to learn," he argued angrily, not wanting to face the truth.

"Ready or not, he's coming. I can either run and hide under a rock or stand tall and make my parents and protectors proud of me. I choose the latter," the tears she had been dreading fell from her eyes.

Sirius took her in his arms protectively. "I love you Harry James Potter," he whispered so that anyone nearby couldn't hear, "I won't let anything happen to you." Their eyes were locked and he leaned over to kiss her...

"Ahem, I hate to interrupt this little tete -a-tete but Albus wants the two of you back immediately. Fawkes has returned with a response from Moody," Snape's sarcastic voice interrupted from behind them.

Sirius glared at his rival, but didn't say anything. Helping Harry to her feet, they followed Severus back into the building. The students were enjoying the dance and seemed thoroughly oblivious to the absence of the table full of teachers. Harry did note that the other group of instructors was still present, but she had the feeling that Dumbledore had told them what was happening. Maneuvering through the crowded hall, Snape took them to the same room she had been in after her name had come out of the Goblet of Fire for the Triwizard Tournament.

"Sit down, Harry," Dumbledore said as they entered, "I need to tell you something and I want you to be strong."

"What's happened?"

"Our headquarters for the Order has been breached, and there are a number of casualties. Charlie and Bill Weasley have been taken to St. Mungo's. They are seriously injured. Molly is there with them now. Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle, and Sturgis Podmore have been killed. Moody, Arthur Weasley, and Kingsley Shacklebolt are on their way here. The rest of the Order have been notified and will help to defend Hogsmeade, they will meet at the Magic Shop."

"I see...Has anyone told Ron and Ginny about their brothers yet?"

"No, Child, but there is more, Voldemort had another spy who went undetected in the Ministry. It was Percy Weasley. He has been killed."

Harry stood up, her face pale, her jaw set. "Excuse me, Headmaster, but I need to call the Prefects together and tell my best friend what has happened. I will be back shortly to tell you about my plan," she informed Dumbledore resolutely. The prickling in her scar now felt as if she were being stabbed with a million little pins and was growing steadily worse.

"Harry would you like me to accompany you to see Ron and Ginny?" Remus Lupin's soft voice asked from where he had been sitting by the fireplace.

She studied him quietly, as if seeing him for the first time. His hair had gotten grayer since she had saved his life, and he looked so tired. 'God let this be over soon, it is really telling on him. Hasn't he suffered enough being a werewolf? If anyone deserves to be happy and relaxed, it's him. I chose wisely, when I selected Remus as my endurance. They weren't just hollow words.' Harry smiled at her protector, "I'll be okay, Remus, but you may want to come with me anyway. I don't know how Ginny will take this news, but I do know Ron will be upset and angry."

Remus nodded and followed Harry from the room. They found Ron dancing with Hermione, and Ginny was sitting at the table with her date, a boy from Ravenclaw. Harry took them outside to tell them what had happened. Hermione accompanied Ron.

"What's up, mate? You look like you did just before you had that hearing at the Ministry when they wanted to expel you?" Ron grinned, but his eyes were worried.

"Ron I will need you to call all the Prefects together. Voldemort is on the move. Do you remember our worst case scenario?"

"Yeah, we all thought about what to do if he ever attempted to come here to Hogwarts...." Ron's voice trailed off.

"Harry, he wouldn't...He's too afraid of Dumbledore," Hermione protested, but Harry's look stopped her cold.

"He will be here sometime tonight. The school is at risk. The teachers and a few of the Order will have to defend it. The students most at risk are the Muggle borns. We will need to get them to safety."

"I won't leave you and Ron," Hermione protested.

"Hermione, I'm counting on you to get them out. They will need your courage and ability with charms and spells. I am going to ask you to do something very dangerous."

"Harry's right, Hermione, you are a very powerful witch in your own right. She also knows you will be one of Voldemort's first targets," Professor Lupin told her calmly.

"Hermione, please listen to Harry. You Know Who will kill you. I don't want you to die, I love you," Ron took Hermione in his arms, and held her tightly.

"I want you to take Ginny too. She should be with her mother right now," Harry said quietly.

"No way Harry, I'm not the same little girl who was stupid enough to be taken in by Tom Riddle's diary. I'm staying to help."

"Ginny, that isn't why I want you to go to your mother. I have something else to tell you and Ron," Harry shifted uneasily, and Remus put his hand on her shoulder. "Dumbledore would have told you this himself, but I told him I should."

"Harry what are you talking about? Out with it mate, you know we all think of you as one of the family. Has something happened?" Ron questioned, as Harry looked away, unable to meet his eyes.

"The headquarters for the Order has been attacked. Bill and Charlie have been taken to St. Mingo's. Your mum is there with them."

"What about Dad?" Ron questioned his eyes wide, as Hermione and Lupin moved to comfort Ginny, who had turned ashen.

"He's fine, and is on his way here with Moody and Shacklebolt. The rest of the surviving members of the Order are heading towards Hogsmeade and will meet at the Magic Shop."

"Have Fred and George been notified?" Ron asked stiffly. Harry could see he was fighting off tears and could feel his anger burning from deep inside.

"Remus, do you know?"

"They are aware of the situation. They have chosen to stay and fight with the Order."

"Then you're right, Harry. We need to get Ginny to mum. She shouldn't be alone. My place is here with you, defending the school and acting as the Keeper of the Goblet. The Protectors may need me to tell them what is happening. I know you will be You Know Who's ultimate prize. I can't let that happen."

"Thanks, Ron, but there is something else you need to know. Something not very pleasant, it's Percy."

"What has my pompous ass of a brother done now?" Ron demanded angrily.

"He was spying for Voldemort. He was a Deatheater. He helped to attack the headquarters of the Order."

"What!" Ginny sobbed, as Ron grew beet red.

"Harry are you sure?"

"We're sure, Ron," Lupin told him soberly. "Your father was there when it all happened."

"What have they done with the bastard? He never would listen to anything other than his own ideas. He always believed he was right, no matter what. Mum must be beside herself."

"Ron, Percy was killed in the battle," Harry's voice sounded as if she were a long way off. There was total silence; even Ginny had stopped crying.

"Maybe it's better this way...it would have torn Mum up to watch his trial, let alone visit him in Azkaban...or worse..."

Harry knew Ron was thinking that the judges would not have gone easy on him. Percy would have been sentenced to the Dememtor's kiss. She could feel all their emotions, and pulled the three of them into a hug. It was all she could do. No words would be able to still their pain, only time would help. Remus looked on proudly.

"I'll go and get the other Prefects and Neville. I know as Head Boy he has something planned that he has talked over with you," Hermione said wiping her eyes.

"Professor Lupin, would you go and tell the Headmaster I will be back in a few minutes. I don't know if he wants to stop the dance now, or wait, but I will need him to know that we will be moving all the Muggle borns to a safer location."

"Harry there is no time. The train isn't even here in Hogsmeade."

"They won't be taking the train. I will explain in a few minutes. Please trust me, Professor."

"I'll go and tell him," Remus shook his head in disbelief. 'What the hell does she have in mind? How could she move all those students?' He considered this idea as he headed back into the Great Hall...

Harry's meeting with the Prefects was brief and to the point. Dumbledore's Army went into action. Any student who did not have Muggle blood and wished to leave with them would be allowed to do so. She knew Voldemort would be angry and would try to kill them too, just to punish their families for going against him. It would be decided by the students as soon as they returned to their common rooms. Likewise, any Muggle born who wished to stay and defend the school would be allowed to do so. This would only apply to sixth and seventh years. The exception to this was Hermione. Harry needed her to get the others out safely. As they all re-entered the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall had just called an end to the dance, and ordered the students into their Common Rooms for an emergency meeting with their Prefects.

"Ron, you and Hermione go to the Common Room and tell the others what is going on. As soon as you do that, I will need you both to meet me in the Headmaster's Office. There is something I have to tell you and Hermione."

"I'll be back in a few minutes. I will bring the list of who is leaving, too."

"Neville, you come with me now. We need to explain your plans and you will need someone to help you get them going. If two of you are out there your protection will start sooner," Harry told him with a smile. She knew he was more than capable of doing what he had told her. Harry smiled inwardly as she remembered the old woman's words, 'Neville is an excellent gardener.'

Harry and Neville hurried up to Dumbledore's office and were met by Professor Snape at the entrance. Neville refused to be intimidated by his glare, and Harry grinned.

"Chocolate Snaps," Snape, uttered the password, and they followed him up.

Professor Dumbledore was sitting at his desk in his high back chair. Harry noted the while his expression was calm, his blue eyes glinted like steel. Most of the staff was either present or preparing to leave, and mounted the stairs as soon as Harry, Neville, and Snape entered. They all looked grim. Ron's father, Moody, and Shacklebolt had arrived and were waiting for them.

"Harry I need to hear your plan," Dumbledore spoke tersely. "I'm sorry we have no time for the social graces."

"No problem, Ron will be along shortly with the number of students who wish to leave. All students below the sixth year will be required to go. Anyone over the sixth year will be given the choice. If they choose to stay and defend Hogwarts, it is their right. The only exception is Hermione. She has the task of getting them out safely," Harry explained looking steadfastly at Dumbledore. She knew as Headmaster, this should have been his decision. Moody's lip twitched at her audacity. "Mr. Weasley, Ginny is going to be with your wife at St. Mungo's. She and Hermione will stay with her. She shouldn't be alone."

"Thank you, Harry, for thinking of Molly at this time," Arthur Weasley said sadly, and she could sense he had been crying. "She has had to face her worst nightmare tonight, and it isn't over yet."

"She is a strong woman. She can overcome what has happened. It was not her fault. Percy was very ambitious, and Voldemort can be very persuasive."

Arthur Weasley did not answer, and Harry knew he was more than a little worried about his remaining family.

"Harry, you said you had a plan to get the students out, what is it?" Remus asked puzzled.

"I'm coming to that. First, though, I will need Neville to explain what he has been doing. Dumbledore's Army has been quietly getting ready since the last warning from the sorting hat," Harry could not help but give the Headmaster a thin smile.

Neville had been standing nervously beside Harry, but his voice was steady.

"Harry gave me the task of keeping the Deatheaters from gaining easy access to the building. So I began taking cuttings of the Devils Snare, and seedlings from the Whomping Willow. I then planted the Devils Snare up against the castle walls, and surrounded the building with twelve of the willow seedlings. They are cleverly planted at various entrances, and I put a Reses Latens spell on them until they would be needed. All I need to do is reverse the spell and water the plants with a hearty dose of Insta-Grow fertilizer mix and presto. The Devils Snare will protect the inner areas should anyone get past all the Whomping Willows. The willows will also help to shade the Devils Snare from the sunlight come morning."

"Brilliant," Professor Sprout beamed. "What about the battlements?"

"I potted some of the Acid Sprayer plants along with a group of young Mandrakes just for that purpose. The acid plants will spray anyone who tried to get in the doors from the towers, and the young Mandrakes will knock them out. I have them hidden in Greenhouse Four, and cared for them between classes when I assisted Professor Sprout. Harry told me the charms are still in place on all the tower doors so I figure we can either levitate them onto the roof or fly them up with brooms."

"Mr. Longbottom, whatever skill you lack with Potions, you make up for with your knowledge of Herbology and your loyalty to your friends and this school," Snape looked at Neville with something akin to respect for the first time is seven years.

"Thank you Professor Snape," Neville responded wide-eyed.

Harry knew that the compliment Snape had given to Neville had just done more to bolster his confidence than anything else had.

"Professor Sprout, if you and the Prefects from your house could assist Neville with the watering and getting the plants out onto the roofs it will go that much faster."

"I do have one question," Professor Sprout looked at Neville, 'once the Devils Snare and the willows are no longer needed..."

"Instant sun and Greenthumb's Plant Reducer," Neville interrupted her. "I have some spay cans already made and hidden in an unused classroom in the dungeon. "I snuck them in after Potions," he smiled proudly at Professor Snape, who arched his brow amused. Longbottom had a spine after all.

"Professor, if you would get started with Mr. Longbottom," Dumbledore spoke with approval.

"Albus," Moody growled looking down with his magical eye. "Young Weasley and Miss Granger are here."

"I will let them in," Professor Sprout nodded, motioning Neville to follow her out. A minute later Ron and Hermione appeared. Mr. Weasley went directly over to his son, grasping him tightly.

"I know Harry has told you what has happened. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I'm sure."

"Then I will let Harry tell you what needs to be said."

"Ron, Hermione, sit down. I was not able to tell you this before...No...I avoided telling you...There were two prophecies."

"What do you mean two prophecies?" Ron demanded.

"The one in the Department of Mysteries at the Ministry wasn't the Mathias Prophecy, was it?" Hermione spoke bluntly.

"No, it was given to Professor Dumbledore by Chandra Mathias great great granddaughter, Sibyll Trelawney." Ron jerked around to look at the Divinations Professor who had remained in the room. Trelawney lowered her eyes as Hermione grunted giving her an expression of disgust. "Hermione, occasionally Professor Trelawney does come up with a genuine vision."

"Like when she predicted Wormtail would find You-know-Who!" Ron gasped.

"Yes, the prediction she gave to Dumbledore was another one of those times. It is a simple prediction really, but you need to hear it," Harry indicated the Pensive Dumbledore had placed on his desk.

"Ron, Hermione, come here. I will show you what only the people present here know," Dumbledore's expression was somber as the two friends came over to his desk, staring down into the Pensive.

Harry went over to the window. She knew how they would react. The end of the Prophecy ringing in her ears, and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives...'

"Harry..."Ron's voice was barely a whisper. "Does that mean..."

"One of us must kill the other. One or both of us will be dead by morning."

"But the Mathias Prophecy..." Hermione sobbed, tears streaming down her face.

"Says I will win, it does not say if I will survive." Harry continued to stare out the window into the darkness. The pain in her scar was growing worse. Remus came over and put his hand on her shoulder.

"How can you all just sit there," Ron screamed looking at her three protectors. You're supposed to protect her from him," he was near the breaking point, and Harry could feel his pain.

"Ron, there is nothing we can do to stop the prophecy. Believe me if I could I would. She is bound to Remus as well as Severus and me. When the time comes we will do as much as is humanly possible. If need be I would die in her place. We all would."

"NO!" Harry yelled, "I went through that once, and I won't do it again, Sirius Black. I will not be left alone." Fawkes sensed all their distress and began to sing quietly. Harry turned away from the window. "Hermione, stop crying. It will do no good and I need you to stay focused. What happens here tonight may just determine whether I am sitting celebrating with you both tomorrow night or if you are telling everyone, I sacrificed myself to stop Voldemort. I would like to be here with you chugging butter beers in the Three Broomsticks. Now sit down and pull yourselves together while I tell everybody how to get the students out of the building. Ron, do you have the numbers?"

"Right here, all the seventh years have elected to stay and fight, and most of the sixth years," he handed the list to Dumbledore... "Too many of them have lost family members and friends to...to...Lord Voldemort." Ron forced himself to say the name.

Harry smiled, "It's just a name, Ron. A name cannot hurt you." Harry turned to the portraits on the wall, "Headmaster Dippet, would you please go and alert the other portraits to let the house ghosts know I need Moaning Myrtle?"

"Why Myrtle?" The former headmaster asked.

"She is detrimental to my plan and has agreed to help us. I need to know if she is ready."

"Albus, this is most irregular." Dippet looked at Dumbledore.

"Just do it Armando, time is of the essence. Sibyll if you would go use your crystal ball, I would appreciate your help."

"Certainly, Albus. Anything I can do to help."

"You've done enough all ready," Hermione muttered under her breath.

"Leave her alone, Hermione, she feels guilty enough all ready," Harry admonished. "Now, if you will bear with me, I will tell you how we will evacuate the students. Professor Snape, do you remember when I was helping you to order supplies for detention?"

"I do, you made a grievous error and ordered too much gillyweed."

"It was no error, I did it deliberately. That is why I made sure we could not return it and paid for it myself. Do you still have it in your stores?"

"Naturally. What do you plan on doing with it?"

"I will explain in a moment, although I believe the portrait of Salazar Slytherin knows." Harry looked up at the portraits of the Hogwarts founders.

"You are very clever, Miss Potter. You would have done well in Slytherin. I may be a purist and believed in teaching the dark arts, but I never believed in using them against Muggles. I simply believed we should remain separate. My other descendent is quite mad you know."

"No, really?" Harry remarked sarcastically. Turning back to Dumbledore, she continued, "I told you earlier I have done something for which I can be expelled. If I survive the night, I won't care if you do or not."

"Child, what ever you have done, if you survive I will be most happy. It will not matter what you have done. I love you as one of my own."

"You're all my witnesses that he said that. I'll believe it in the morning," Harry pursed her lips. "What I know, that only our friends in the portraits also know, and I'm referring to both of my illustrious ancestors up there, is that there is a second entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. You only sealed the one in Myrtle's bathroom," Harry looked directly at Dumbledore.

"What!" Ron gasped. "Harry how did you find it?"

"It bothered me that a man like Slytherin would not have another means of both entering the chamber and an escape route should the chamber be penetrated. The entrance we used last time for meant for the Basilisk. I went searching. It seemed to me there were an awful lot of serpents in this building. So I would sneak out with my cloak at night, and talk to them in Parsel tongue. I finally found the right one. I was ecstatic, but decided to keep the information to myself. I knew Dumbledore would seal it too. Headmaster, I apologize for the deception, but I needed to find another exit from this building in case something happened."

"I will reserve my judgment on your behavior for the time being," Dumbledore responded. "However I am not pleased that you withheld the information."

"Headmaster, it was not done to harm anyone. I needed to be able to think like Tom Riddle. The best way to stop him will be to anticipate his moves. I feel it is rather like playing my way through Professor McGonagall's giant chessboard. I believe he does not know about the second way out nor does he know about the other entrance. I intend to use it to get the students out of the building without his knowing. That is why I need the gillyweed."

The portrait of Slytherin erupted into gales of laughter, "It will work if you do it correctly. Is the tunnel intact?"

"Yes, it's intact. I use it all the time," Moaning Myrtle's sharp voice echoed from the bathroom where she emerged from the toilet.

"Good evening, Myrtle. You say you use the exit, but you are a ghost. Are you certain it is safe for the students to use? The passage is devoid of obstacles?" Dumbledore inquired of the young ghost to make certain she was not going through solid obstacles.

"Of course I'm certain! I may be dead but I am not stupid! They can swim out. I will show them how to go. The tunnel comes out at the far end of the lake, closest to the forest."

"I take it the passage lies underwater?" Dumbledore addressed Harry.

"Yes, most of it anyway. The chamber is made to flood. Slytherin could flood the main room and swim out undetected."

"Is this true, Salazar?"

"Yes, it's true. Even Gryffindor didn't know about it," the portrait gloated.

"I do now, and I might remind you she is more my blood line than yours," the portrait of Godric Gryffindor said moving into his neighbor's and threatening him with his sword.

"Bloody hell, you would think after a thousand years they would finally be getting along," Ron frowned, throwing up his hands in disgust.

"Enough," Dumbledore said annoyed. "Harry, finish telling us what you want to do."

"It's simple really; the students will use the gillyweed to swim to the far end of the lake. Then Hagrid can escort them with Hermione through the forest to the quarry on the far side. Then they will simply fly away with their brooms. The first years are all able to fly now, so we can use the training brooms for them. If we are short on brooms we will use some of the thestrals and they can ride on them. They can carry the brooms out with them through the tunnel strapped to their backs. I would use a summoning spell but it might arouse attention."

"Will Hagrid be able to fit through the tunnels too?"

"The escape tunnel is actually an underwater cave and is quite wide. Hagrid will have no problems," Slytherin said looking down his nose from above them.

"Hermione can use her skill with charms to help protect them en route, since I know there is no one available from the Order. They will head for where ever you say they will be safe."

"MacDougal is at the manor house in Inverness," Moody informed Dumbledore. "If they travel north, it would be best. They would have less chance of running into Voldemort. Once there Arthur's daughter and Miss Granger can use the floo network to get to St. Mungo's."

"No, I'll authorize a Portkey instead," Mr. Weasley told them.

Dumbledore sat back in his chair and studied Harry. He then addressed Hermione.

"Hermione do you believe you can make it to Inverness with the students safely?"

"Yes, Sir, I plan on putting them in groups with the younger students in the middle. The older ones will lead and bring up the rear. All I need is directions to our destination."

"Should I get the gillyweed, Headmaster?" Snape inquired looking from Dumbledore to Harry.

"Yes, but not just yet."

"Harry where is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets?"

"That's the beauty of it. The serpent sits right opposite the door to the Slytherin Common room. Everyone always overlooks the obvious," Harry grinned at their shocked expressions, and the portrait of Slytherin again erupted into hysterical waves of laughter.

"Severus go and get the gillyweed. Miss Granger I want all the students to file down to the dungeon in an orderly fashion. Ron help her to notify the Prefects. Hagrid, once they are all airborne make your way back to Hogsmeade but for Merlin's sake be careful. Harry, I will consider expelling you in the morning," Dumbledore looked at her sternly, but she saw the twinkle in his eye, and sensed his admiration. "Now you can show me the chamber."

"I guess we're going swimming together," Myrtle giggled at Hermione as she swooped through the floors and headed for the dungeon.

They all exited the office and hurried to their assigned tasks. Once they reached the Dungeon, Snape went and got out the gillyweed. There was at least three boxes full, and he knew they would need to use most of it. He would distribute it to the students as they entered the water. Dumbledore decided to put a blanket charm on the students so they would not panic, and enlisted the aid of Professor Flitwick. All the head of houses were present and Professor Sprout supplied an iridescent underwater plant known as Herbalucerna. It would help to light their way even though their eyes would adjust to the natural environment. Once the teachers had all gathered, Harry turned to the serpent, and spoke a few words of Parcel tongue.

"Open the chamber," she told the snake, and the statue immediately appeared to spring to life. It twisted into a circle, and a huge round door swung open. "If anyone is interested I merely said to open the door," she told the staff in English.

"I'll be damned," Sirius, breathed in amazement. The chamber was lined with torches that lit automatically as they moved into it.

"You can say that again, old friend," Remus whispered awed. "What the hell is that thing?" He pointed up ahead.

"I think it's some kind of skeleton."

"I agree with you," Snape interrupted, "I believe it is all that is left of the Basilisk."

The staff just stood looking at the bones of the giant snake. The shadows created by the statues of the Slytherin serpents flickering eerily on the walls as if they were alive.

"Harry," Professor McGonagall eyed her from where she was standing looking at the skeleton, "are you okay, dear?"

"You should have seen him when he was alive," she winked at her Head of House. "I really am fine. It was a long time ago. I would watch the fang, though. It might still have some poison in it."

"Albus, how much pain has this child been through, and now she must again face the man responsible, knowing she may die tonight," Minerva McGonagall whispered to Dumbledore.

"Minerva, I have helped her in every way I can. I will do my best to protect both her and the remaining students," he said as Snape gave Hermione and the first group of students the Gillyweed.

Harry winked at Hermione as she and Hagrid entered the water, "Good luck and Godspeed. I'll see you both tomorrow," she tried to reassure her friends, but her voice echoed hollowly off the walls, as the serpents watched in silence.

Once the last of the students had entered the water, the small group of teachers left with Harry, and she closed the chamber. Dumbledore then sealed the entrance, and removed the serpent. Only he could reverse the spell and reopen the chamber. It would be listed in the great book in his office for future Hogwart's Headmaster's.

The teachers then went to wait in the Great Hall, along with the remaining students, with the exception of Harry. She went back up to the Headmaster's office with him, and stood watching from the tower. She could barely discern the dark figures on the far side of the lake, but recognized Hagrid's huge bulky form as he disappeared into the forest. There was nothing to do now but wait. Her scar told her it would not be for long...