An Unexpected Situation

Harry, Ron and Hermione were shivering. The air had turned cold. They were defenseless, their wands lying on the ground. Draco Malfoy was pacing back and forth, considering who he wanted to kill. Only Alex seemed calm, which struck Harry as odd.

Draco finally stopped pacing and faced Alex. "I think I'll go for you, Latham. My master can have Potter. And the other two are not worth my time. Besides, you've been the biggest pain my arse this year."

As Draco raised his wand, Alex's right arm came up... with his wand in his hand. Harry was confused until he looked at the ground. The sight made him smile inside... Alex had dropped one of Fred & George's fake wands.

At the sight of this new development, Voldemort laughed. "Well done, Mr. Latham. I was hoping one of you would think of something like this." The Dark Lord and his followers stepped back away from Draco. "Since you are so eager to face my newest lieutenant, I will give you the courtesy of doing so. That way, it will be most enjoyable when your life comes to an end!"

Alex stepped forward and to the side, his eyes and wand never leaving Draco's sight. They stepped to the middle of the field. There were no pleasantries here; no salutes, no bowing. Draco yelled the first incantation and the duel was on. Alex easily sidestepped the spell and cast one of his own. Draco deflected it, and then was knocked on his arse. Alex had followed with a Blasting Curse. It only got Draco partially and he was quickly back on his feet. Draco cast a Furnunculus Charm, but Alex avoided it as well. The curse hit a tree and Harry saw disgusting boils break out along its trunk.

Draco was quick off the mark and yelled 'Stupefy', but Alex quickly used a Shielding Charm. It bounced off and went back at Draco, who had to duck from his own spell. As Draco stood, he was hit by a large rock that Alex used a Banishing Charm on. Draco recovered and was angry. He tried to hit Alex with several spells that even Harry did not know. Alex seemed to be ready for anything and dodged them.

As time passed, the two inched closer together on the field. Soon, their wands were pointed at each other's heads.

"You can't win, Latham. I am stronger than you could ever imagine!" yelled Draco menacingly.

"Your only strength is your arrogance, Malfoy," said Alex calmly. "And it will be your undoing."

Alex then saw a flash of silver from the corner of his eye. He tried to react, but it was too late. He felt a sharp pain in his side. Draco had struck, not with his wand but the knife he had used to kill his father. Alex slumped to the ground and screamed in pain. Draco let go of the knife and let him fall. Hermione shrieked as Harry and Ron held her up.

Draco stepped to the side of Alex and pointed his wand at his face. "Now, you will know the true meaning of power." Alex looked straight into Draco's eyes and prepared for the worst.

A sharp flash of light caught everyone's attention. Harry looked over and saw three Death Eaters hit the ground. He stood in stunned silence until he heard Voldemort's voice.

"Dumbledore!!"

Harry turned to his right and saw the Headmaster walking calmly toward them, his wand pointed at Voldemort. The remaining Death Eaters went for their wands just as several other teachers began Apparating onto the field.

The Death Eaters took to the trees as Dumbledore and Voldemort stepped to the center of the field. Draco went to move, but the Dark Lord held his hand up, silently telling him to keep still. Draco's wand was still pointed at Alex. Harry, Ron and Hermione grabbed their wands and headed for the trees. They were soon approached by Professors McGonagall and Ravenwillow.

"I am sorry we didn't get here sooner. What has happened?"

Harry filled her in as best he could. When he told the Professor that Alex had been stabbed, she looked horrified. Professor Ravenwillow looked concerned.

"I want you three to go around to those trees and parallel to Alex. Think of your best curses and hexes, but do not move until you get my signal. I'm hoping to catch Malfoy off guard so I can get Alex out of here."

The three nodded and started to move toward Alex's position.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Alex was still in tremendous pain. The blade did not seem poisoned, but he had a feeling that Draco had hit a vital organ. Malfoy was still standing over him, an expression of smugness on his face. He turned and saw Dumbledore and Voldemort fighting several feet away. The battle was more intense than he could have ever imagined.

He turned his head, the pain becoming too great for him to hold himself up. He looked and saw his wand... just a few inches from Malfoy's boot. If he could just reach it...

~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry and the others soon reached their destination. From the trees they were behind, they had a direct shot at Malfoy. Harry occasionally peered out to make sure Alex was still alive. Soon, Professor Ravenwillow approached them.

"All right. I want you three to distract him as best you can. I'm going to Apparate near him. If we time this just right, I should be able to stun him and get Alex back to Hogsmeade."

The three nodded at her. She looked around the tree and took a deep breath.

"Now!"

Harry, Ron & Hermione curled around the tree and started yelling hexes. Draco seemed to be prepared for this, as the spells ricocheted before they had any chance to take effect. Harry immediately knew that Draco had put up a strong Shielding Charm. But the plan was working. Draco was paying attention to them and not Alex. He heard the small 'pop' from behind him, signaling that Professor Ravenwillow had Disapparated.

Draco shot a hex at them and they ducked around the tree. Before he could retaliate, his scar sent bolts of pain through his head. He dropped his wand and clutched at his forehead. Ron and Hermione grabbed his arms before he could slump to the ground. The pain suddenly stopped, allowing Harry to recover. They all noticed that a loud quietness had settled around them... only to be broken by someone yelling "NO!!" in sadness and pain.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Alex went to reach for his wand, but Draco placed his foot on it. He muttered an incantation just as several hexes came their way. 'Harry and the others must be trying to save me,' thought Alex as he continued to fight the pain. He saw Draco fire a hex in one direction, then saw him turn suddenly and yell the Killing Curse. Alex could feel the power of the spell shot from Draco's wand and hit whoever it was aimed towards.

Draco stood for a moment. Then he looked at Alex and smiled. Taking a step back, Malfoy Disapparated with a small 'pop'.

Alex heard nothing but silence. The battle was over. He suddenly wondered who had been killed. Praying it wasn't Hermione, he turned as best he could and saw Dumbledore kneeling by the fallen form. He could tell that it was not Hermione. But then he froze when he saw the long black hair. He started crawling to the body, pain shooting through him. He pulled himself up and saw the face of the woman who had died. He screamed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When they heard the yell, the Trio stepped out onto the field. Harry's heart dropped into his gut. Alex was propped up over the fallen form of Professor Ravenwillow. He knew that someone had killed her with the Killing Curse, and he suspected that it was Draco Malfoy. He looked at Dumbledore and his suspicion was confirmed.

Alex lifted his head. Harry saw tears streaking down his face. Although he knew Alex was hurt, Harry couldn't help but notice that he was taking the Professor's death very hard. A single tear went down his cheek as he stood, feeling completely helpless. Dumbledore stood up and walked over to them.

"I know that the three of you are saddened by what has happened," said the Headmaster, "But I must ask you to return to Hogwarts."

"But sir," said Hermione, "I don't understand why Alex is..."

Before she could finish, Dumbledore held his hand up. "I assure you that I will explain everything after Mr. Latham receives medical attention. Dobby!!"

As if on cue, the elf suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Yes, Mr. Dumbledore, sir?"

"Please take Mr. Latham to the Hospital Wing immediately," said the Headmaster firmly.

"Yes sir, Professor Dumbledore sir." He took one of Alex's hands and snapped his fingers. They both disappeared.

Dumbledore took a stone and held it in his hand. He waved his wand until the stone absorbed the colors. He turned to the Trio. "This Portkey will take you into my office. I know you have many questions. Let me settle things here then I will come and see you."

The three nodded and touched the stone. They felt the familiar pull and were soon in the Headmaster's office. They arrived next to a chair big enough for all three of them. They sat, with Hermione in the middle, hugging each other. Hermione was in tears.

"I'm worried about him too, Hermione," said Harry, "Madam Pomfrey will make sure he pulls through."

She nodded and gave him a small smile, then turned and sat back. He did the same, trying to relax and make sense of what had happened.

After what seemed like an eternity, Professor Dumbledore walked into his office. He went to his desk and sat down. Harry noticed that he looked older than he seemed, like the years had finally caught up to him. He sat in silence for a moment, then leaned forward and spoke.

"I want to apologize to the three of you. I should have known that the attack on Hogsmeade was merely a distraction to get the four of you. Once again, you are extremely lucky."

"Is Alex all right, sir?" asked Hermione.

"Mr. Latham will be just fine." They all breathed a sigh of relief. "The blade that Mr. Malfoy used did not do any major damage. However, since magic has been used on the steel before, he will have another scar. I will personally ensure that the blade is destroyed."

"Sir, we were all wondering about something," said Harry, "We are all sad that Professor Ravenwillow is gone. But I didn't expect Alex to react the way he did. It's like he lost a relative."

"He acted that way because he has, Harry," said Dumbledore. Noticing the puzzled looked from the three, he continued. "You see, Alex's mother was born Trisha Ravenwillow."

The realization hit all three of them. "You mean Professor Ravenwillow is Alex's aunt?" asked Ron. Dumbledore simply nodded his head.

"Why didn't he tell us?" asked Hermione.

"It was a decision Ms. Ravenwillow made," said the Headmaster, "She figured that if the other students knew, they would say that she favored certain students. The Slytherins are especially notorious for doing such things. So she talked with Alex and asked him to act like she was a new teacher. The plan worked well, considering the three of you did not know."

Harry looked at the Headmaster and nodded. "Sir, is Malfoy beyond redemption?"

Dumbledore thought for a moment. "I don't believe that there is any way to save him. He has given himself over to Voldemort completely. When that happens, there is no going back. You saw what he did. He has almost become a mirror image of the Dark Lord himself. I pity him if he is ever captured."

"Why?" asked Ron.

"Because he will most likely be put to death. I have to inform the Ministry of this, and right now he cannot allow mercy to be shown toward Draco or any other follower of Voldemort. Using an Unforgivable Curse on one person is an automatic life sentence, but using all of them on several people is the same as a death sentence. If he is captured, Draco Malfoy will be made an example of."

Dumbledore shook his head. "I know that all of you are tired, but anxious to see Mr. Latham. Tell Madam Pomfrey and I have authorized you to see him. She will no doubt want to check you all. Please let her to ease her mind. Then get some rest."

As they stood up to leave, Dumbledore stood up. "One more thing, Harry." He opened a drawer in his desk and took out a small vial. "This is the draught I spoke to you about a few months ago. I am assured that it will block any further effects from the Dark Lord. I know you will appreciate it. Please drink it now."

Harry opened the vial and raised it to his lips. The smell was pretty bad, but as he drank it, the taste was sweet and salty. "Mr. Weasley, please keep an eye on Harry. Make sure he has no ill effects from this potion. Off you go."

The three nodded and left the Headmaster's office. They walked down the halls and came to the Hospital Wing. As soon as they entered, Madam Pomfrey sat them down and checked them over. Since none of them had any injuries, it did not take long. Satisfied, she allowed them to see Alex. He looked to be asleep as the three sat around him. Hermione took his hand and rubbed it against her cheek. Harry saw his eyes blink open.

"Harry. Hermione. Ron. Thank the gods you're safe," said Alex.

"We... thought we had lost you," said Hermione in a shaky voice.

"I know. I'm beginning to wonder how many lives I've got left," he said with a small laugh. Harry smiled, knowing that Alex was feeling better.

They talked for a while about what had happened. Professor Ravenwillow's sacrifice and bravery was remembered, tears were shed and vows of revenge were made. Finally, Madam Pomfrey walked over.

"All right, time is up. Back to your dorms, right now."

The three of the nodded and wish Alex good night. They did not stop until they reached their dorm. They flopped onto their respective beds and went to sleep almost immediately.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Two days later, things returned to a semblance of normalcy. It was revealed that tests would not be postponed, so everyone studied hard. Alex was discharged from the Hospital Wing on Tuesday and immediately jumped back into the routine, helping Harry and the others as best he could.

Even with all the homework, the trio managed to spend more time their friends than before. It was not surprising to see the Trio along with Alex, Ginny, Neville and Luna studying in the Library all hours of the day and half the night. In fact, they only left when Madam Pince kicked them out.

There were no Defense Against the Dark Arts classes, but the students knew that the exam for it would still happen. Students were encouraged to practice when time allowed, but the sextet preferred to spend it together, walking around and being normal when they were not studying.

That Saturday, Professor Ravenwillow's funeral was held in the Great Hall. All the students attended, as did several of their families. Remus Lupin and Sirius Black also attended. Dumbledore gave the eulogy, while Alex, Ginny and Hermione sang "Wish You Were Here", bringing a tear to everybody's eye.

After the funeral, everyone got a surprise. A woman walked into the Hall as Harry and the others talked with Mr. and Mrs. Latham. She was dressed in black and had long white-blonde hair. Harry and Ron saw her and immediately knew who she was. They just couldn't believe she was here.

Mr. and Mrs. Latham turned and looked at her with a mixture of sadness and loathing. She stopped short of them and was about to speak when Professor Dumbledore walked up to them.

"Mrs. Malfoy, I did not expect you to be here today."

"Please excuse me for the interruption, Mr. and Mrs. Latham. I assure you that I feel for your loss and in no way approve of what my son has done to you."

They seemed genuinely surprised at her words. Harry could tell by the tone in her voice that she meant everything she just said.

"In fact," she continued, "My son is the reason I am here." She turned to Dumbledore. "I am requesting asylum. My life is in danger."

Dumbledore looked at her with a puzzled expression. She handed him a piece of parchment. He read it over, and then looked at her.

"I am not surprised by his actions. The boy has already killed his father, and now threatens you. You are welcome to seek shelter here." He turned and looked at the Lathams. "Please come with us to my office."

Alex hugged his parents and watched them leave with Dumbledore and Narcissa.

"That no good, rotten son of a bitch!" he yelled at the empty Hall. "If I ever get my hands on him, I'll..." He stopped and Harry noticed that he was shaking. Luna took him into her arms and whispered soothing words into his ear. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"We're going to take a walk," said Luna, "We'll see you later."

Harry and the others nodded as they watched them leave. Soon after, they went into the Common Room and did nothing for the rest of the day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After two more weeks of studying, the OWL exams finally arrived. Ministry approved testers were brought in to judge the students on their knowledge and application of each subject. Each fifth year student was tested individually in a different subject each day.

After each day, they would gather to discuss what test they had taken that day. Ginny listened closely, wanting to get an idea of what she would go through next year. They all agreed that the exams were hard, but not as difficult as they had imagined. Fred and George warned them that NEWTs were five times as hard as OWLs. The very idea scared Hermione.

After a full seven days, the exams were over. Most students thought they had done adequately. Hermione said she would die if she didn't get top marks. Harry and Ron rolled their eyes, while Alex assured her that she probably would. Neville was sure he failed everything.

Most students relaxed and did nothing during the final week of school. Harry, for once, was not dreading having to leave the school. He would be spending the summer with Sirius and not the Dursleys. He was so glad he would never have to go back to that house again.

Three days before the Leaving Feast, Harry and Ron were in the Gryffindor Common Room playing Wizard Chess. Harry actually won a game, a fact that irritated Ron to no end. Harry was about to challenge him to another game when Hermione came in.

"Harry, Ron, the Headmaster needs to see us in the Great Hall right away. I was told it was very important."

Harry looked at Rob puzzled. He shrugged his shoulders and put the Chess set away. They walked through the portrait hole and down the stairs. After a short walk, they entered the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore was standing by the Head Table. Alex, Ginny, Neville and Luna were seated at a nearby table. The doors closed behind them as they walked toward the Headmaster.

"Ah, Harry," said Dumbledore with a serious look, "Thank you for coming. I need to ask you. Has you scar been acting up in any way since you took that draught?"

Harry shook his head. He had been able to sleep though the night without interruption, much to his relief.

"Well I am glad it worked. However, it also means that you have not heard the latest. Voldemort's followers have struck again." Harry froze. He had a feeling he knew where this was going. "I'm afraid that your aunt, uncle and cousin were killed last night."

Harry's eyes closed. While he didn't exactly like the Dursleys, he didn't hate them enough to wish them dead. The fact that Voldemort's followers had done it was enough to make him scream. Instead, he dropped to his knees and started shaking.

"Cover your ears," said Dumbledore calmly. The others thought this was odd, but did as they were told. After a second, a great crash rang throughout the Hall. When they looked up, they saw that every window had been broken. Anything made of glass was shattered.

Harry looked up at Dumbledore. His glasses were cracked. Harry fixed them, and then stood up.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"You have nothing to be sorry about, dear boy. You are merely reacting as a young wizard in your situation would," said Dumbledore. With a wave of his wand, all the windows were restored. "However, as you might imagine, this causes a dilemma for your plans this summer."

"Let me guess. It will be too dangerous to spend it with Sirius," said Harry with sadness.

"It's not that," said Dumbledore, "The problem is I still need him to work for me. He's the best agent I have. He will not be at home much, leaving you with little to no protection."

"So where am I going to stay?"

The Headmaster smiled. "Well Harry, Sirius suggested spending the summer here. After all, I know you consider this castle home."

Harry smiled at the thought. Then a different thought came to him and he frowned. "But it will still be a summer by myself."

"Not necessarily. That is why I have summoned your friends are here."

The rest of them looked at Dumbledore, dumbfounded.

"Ms. Granger, because of this event, I visited your parents and discussed it with them. I convinced them to go into hiding and they insisted that you remain here for your safety. Mr. Weasley, your parents insisted that you remain here to keep Harry company. "

"What about everyone else?" asked Ron.

"Mr. Longbottom's Grandmother has agreed to let him stay at The Burrow this summer if he wishes," said Dumbledore, "And Mr. Lovegood has agreed to let Mr. Latham stay with them as his parents will be working for me over the summer. I assume this arrangement will be acceptable?"

They all nodded and the matter was settled.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Three days later, the school gathered in the Great Hall for the Leaving Feast. The students talked about what they would do over the summer. The trophy for the Quidditch Cup was presented to Gryffindor, who also won the House Cup. At the end of the feast, Professor Dumbledore stood and addressed the students.

"Another year has come and gone. And once again, we have not escaped unscathed. The trials of living in our world have become greater than imagined. With the Dark Lord on the loose, it is absolutely necessary to be ready for what may come. All of you have taken steps to prepare yourselves and most of you have exceeded expectations.

However, there was one among us who did not make it to see you succeed. She was a large part of the reason you are where you are now. I would like everyone to raise their goblets and remember Professor Ravenwillow for her teaching and her knowledge."

Every student in the Great Hall stood up. They raised their goblets and said "To Professor Ravenwillow" in one, united voice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day, Harry and the others said goodbye to their friends. When the castle was empty, they walked across the grounds, the silence unnerving them.

"It's going to seem strange with no one here," said Hermione.

"True," replied Ron, "But just think of all the exploring we'll get to do."

"And no mention of studying, Hermione," said Harry, "Remember, we're on vacation."

"Oh, all right," said Hermione. Harry was a strange look on his face. "What's wrong, Harry?"

"Nothing... just thinking of how we got this far. Us... together, as a trio, in ways I never expected.

"But it feels right, doesn't it?" asked Ron.

"Yes it does," replied Harry, looking into the sky, "Like... it was meant to be."