Stone Angels

Stone Angels
Lilies of the Valley

Harry fought the urge to follow Draco and Sirius. He wanted nothing more than to see Sirius but there was a job to finish. Ron and Fleur swam up to him with questioning looks. Pushing aside his feelings, he gave them a thumb up and pointed towards the strangely glowing creatures. His companions nodded and they cautiously approached.

Feelings of calm and content engulfed their senses. The closer they got, the less worried they felt. They were within arms reach of the statuesque creatures when they suddenly came to life. The ivory hand of the nearest creature grabbed his arm and he saw their story.

Cassandra Trelawny Slytherin paced within the confines of her room. Dark circles shadowed her eyes and her hands trembled from fatigue but there was no rest for her. Across the room, a little girl with brilliant emerald eyes and wild ebony hair sat at the table drawing.

“Momma, I don’t like the bad monsters,” yawned the girl.

“I know, Alexandra,” sighed the tired woman.

“Will you make them go away?” inquired Alexandra.

“I don’t know how,” responded Cassandra wearily, “If only I knew how they were created.”

“I know, Momma,” Alexandra replied without looking up from her drawing.

“How do you know, sweetie?” asked Cassandra warily.

“I saw it,” she said, still coloring. “The bad man made them.”

Cassandra knelt down beside her daughter, “Tell me, Alexandra, tell me what you saw. How did the bad man make them?”

“I didn’t like it, Momma, it made my skin itchy.” Alexandra handed her mother a picture. “The bad man hurt people. He hurt them till all they ‘member is hurt.” Cassandra looked down at the picture of a man screaming and felt her heart sink. “When that was done he changed their magic.” She handed her mother a picture of a man shaking on the floor in front of a man with a wand. “Then he hurt them more, till all they eat is foggy strings.” She gave her mother a picture of a starving man with sunken eyes and cheeks. “To make more, he took their light and made it broken. Each piece is a new bad monster.”
~*~

Twelve statues stood at the edge of an intricate design that had been etched into the floor of the cavern. A tall ebony haired woman stood beside an older Cassandra, only her emerald green eyes gave away her identity.

“Mother, this won’t work,” cried Alexandra.

“It’s ancient magic,” explained Cassandra in a desperate attempt to explain to her daughter. “This is the kind of magic so bound by time that it will work.”

“You know the repercussions of this kind of magic. We’ve both seen it.”

“We’ve seen what fear of the old magics will do,” corrected Cassandra. “You’ve seen what will happen if we can’t figure out how to stop those creatures. They will fight and win. When the war ends they will prey on helpless children. The world will become far more dark and dangerous than it is.”

Tears glittered in emerald eyes and her words barely whispered, “What about us? Who will protect your Grandchildren from their father?”

“Melisande and Apollo will be safe but Alex is already lost to us,” replied Cassandra patiently, “They are all slated for great things as are you. Haven’t you figured out the connection yet? Don’t you understand that we must help them fix this? You carry within you the very future of our world. We have the most precious and powerful gift if only we know to use it.”

“What about Father?” begged Alexandra.

“He saw even before I finished telling him. More than anything, he understands. This school was part of his great vision and this is simply protecting that vision.”

“And abandoning us,” sobbed Alexandra.

“Not abandoning you. This will be the first in a long line of sacrifices to protect our family’s future,” explained Cassandra. “Listen to me, Alexandra, the circle is already cast. Amara is a Prewitt they are strong. She will protect Melisande and Apollo from their father. There will be another child before she finds peace but that child is lost to us. You must help her teach Apollo and Melisande the old ways. Remember, I love you.” Cassandra entered the circle with her head held high. In her hand she held an ebony dagger, “The circle has been cast! I beg the witness of Apollo and Artemis.” She carefully sliced into the pad of her index finger. “Blood of my body freely given.” Cassandra carefully drew symbols on the forehead of each statue. “A future, not mine, in need of protection.” As she approached the final statue she kissed it on the cheek. “A mother’s love is stronger than pain.” Tears fell upon the floor as she moved into the center of the circle. “A mother’s love is stronger than death.”

Alexandra tried vainly to cross the line of the circle, “Please…”

Cassandra carefully sliced her arm from elbow to wrist. “Blood of my blood, true heir to my love.” She sliced down the other arm and rushed to finish the spell. “Without time, locked in stone. Without body, forgotten soul. A mothers love to protect them all.”

The vision ended as suddenly as it began, leaving Harry slightly disoriented in the murky depths. The warmth and love from the creatures rushed to fill the hollow ache left by their story and he embraced it. A tap on his shoulder finally pulled him back to reality. To his surprise, the statues seemed to come to life and swim to the surface of the lake.

“There.” Exclaimed Fleur while pointing at a second tunnel entrance.

Ron took the lead. As they approached, they could see a heavy looking door with a strange apparatus connected to it. Within the tunnel they found cauldrons and what appeared to be potions equipment scattered and broken. The tunnel opened abruptly into a large potions lab. Desks and equipment were all crushed against one wall as though blown there by wind or explosion. Behind the debris they could see a partially covered door.

Harry felt the first tell tale signs of the transformation back and quickly signaled to his two companions. With a nod of understanding they each pinched their portkey.

~*~
Serenity moved silently as she approached the curtained area containing Hannah. To her surprise, she found Millicent sitting beside the bed with Hannah’s hand held tightly.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” murmured Serenity. She gracefully took a seat while studying the girl.

“I didn’t want to wake her,” answered Millicent softly. “I just wanted to make sure she’s okay.”

“I think she will be,” responded the elder woman.

“Draco said I could talk to you,” sighed Millicent. She brushed hair off Hannah’s face. “I was there when her dad gave her up. I didn’t know it was her but her voice was familiar.”

“She said there were others there,” began Serenity cautiously.

“I managed to switch the potion with the one in my earring.” Millicent hid behind her mask as she pulled up the bottom of her shirt. “Professor Weasley healed me but the scars won’t go away. A concealment charm won’t even hide them.”

A wet thump and a groan disturbed the two women. When they pulled the curtain back, they found a wet Sirius Black on the floor. Serenity quickly began casting drying and warming charms.

“Sirius Black,” she said softly, “You’re supposed to be dead.”

“Am not,” he replied with a lopsided grin. “It’s not my fault Belle tried to kill me. Do me a favor and call Albus.”

“What is going on?” asked Madam Pomfrey exiting her office. Taking in the man on the floor, she dropped the tray sending potions skittering across the floor. “Sirius!”

“ Millie, run get Professor Dumbledore,” ordered Serenity.

~*~

Molly watched through her lashes as Kaida and Titania organized the ingredients in the order they would be added. She listened silently to their babble to find out how self-sufficient Kaida was.

“We can take turns,” chattered Titania, “I’ll put one in then you.”

“Alright, who remembers what goes in first?” asked Molly.

To her surprise, Titania continued chattering on and Kaida answered. She watched unsurprised as Kaida found and accurately measured the flour. She just barely caught it as Titania’s chatter stopped and her small body froze. A wave of magic tingled across her skin and Titania’s chatter began again.

“What’s next, Nana?” questioned Titania.

“Minerva, Poppy, Serenity,” Murmured Molly activating her walkie-talkie, “please come to my rooms.”

~*~

Draco landed on the cold stone floor with a thud. Within seconds, calloused hands forced a potion down his throat and he could breath again. Charlie quickly tucked blankets around his shoulders.

“What happened?” asked Charlie.

“We found something,” shivered Draco softly, “Sirius Black is alive. He took my emergency portkey to the infirmary, and I accidentally hit mine.”

“Sirius Black! Did Harry see him?”

“Yes, why?” replied Draco.

“He’s Harry’s godfather and we thought he was dead,” explained Charlie. “It has taken all of the last year to convince Harry that he’s really gone. To have him suddenly show up is really going to throw him for a loop.”

“Why didn’t you believe Harry?” wondered Draco.

“There were witnesses. People saw him fall through the veil.”

“What’s going on? Why are you back Draco?” asked Remus as his group returned.

“We found someone down there,” responded Draco. “I sent Sirius to Madam Pomfrey, but accidentally triggered my portkey.”

Draco was surprised by the werewolf’s reaction. Remus sank to his knees. “Sirius is alive.”

“We’re secure here, Remus,” said Bill. “Go, find out what’s going on.”

“Where is he?” asked Harry almost as soon as he returned.

“I sent him to Madam Pomfrey,” answered Draco. “What did you find?”

“The creatures that surrounded Sirius showed us how they were created,” said Harry. He eagerly accepted a blanket from Charlie.

“Cassandra Trelawny Slytherin created them,” said Hermione as her group returned. “We think they were created to fight Dementors.”

“Yes,” said Harry thoughtfully, “That explains the feeling around them. It’s almost the exact opposite of being around Dementors.”

“Remus,” said Harry softly, “Will you go see about Sirius? Report back.” Harry looked at his watch and sighed, “We’re gonna wrap it up here in about an hour. At lunch we’ll work out a plan for the afternoon.”

“Sure.” As Remus took his portkey, Draco turned to the rest of the group. “What did you find?”

“An ancient overgrown arboretum,” answered Neville.

“Cassandra’s Study and a children’s playroom, “ answered Hermione.

“The creatures, Sirius, and a potions lab,” answered Ron. “Professor Snape, there are two doors with strange things on them, I’ve seen it before in the Potions classroom but I don’t know what they’re for.”

“Where in the Potions classroom?” Questioned Snape pensively.

“The lakeside wall near the ceiling,” answered Ron.

“The fire system?” wondered Hermione.

“That would explain the flooding of the lab. I will have to go down and look to be sure but I may be able to close the doors and drain the water,” murmured Snape.

“Why would they have a system like that?” asked Harry, “Why not just use a spell?”

“It’s explained in Hogwarts: A History,” began Hermione, “The Founders believed that the Professors first responsibility was to the students so they created the fire system. Not all Potions Professors are able to keep such a tight rein on their classes. Panic during potions accidents has cause more student deaths with previous Professors than any other class.”

“How did it get flooded?” questioned Neville, “It seems unlikely that only one in the entire school would fail.”

Bill looked around the large chamber thoughtfully, “I think this whole series of chambers is completely separate from the rest of Hogwarts. That’s why the ghosts can’t come here; it’s technically another building.”

“Did anyone find the door to the Potions lab?” questioned Ron thoughtfully.

“Not yet,” replied Snape.

“It is strange,” said Fleur, “that we only found four rooms connected to this one. There should be at least three more.”

“Maybe Hogwarts is considered one of the rooms,” offered Ginny.

“No, it’s either part of it or it isn’t,” explained Bill. “The spells I’ve seen are really picky like that.”

“There is a spell I can try,” said Fleur softly, “It is not always reliable when there are powerful concealment charms in place.”

“It’s much more reliable than any of the more popular spells in our field,” Bill quickly explained.
“I know there’s a room behind that statue,” offered Harry.

“I need to go down and view the apparatus Ronald described,” Severus said.

“I will perform the spell to try to find the missing doors,” Fleur volunteered.

“Ron, Hermione, I’d like you to go with me,” Harry began softly, “Fleur try to find those other rooms. Professor, you know what to do.”

“Harry,” said Ron with a grimace, “I have to go with Professor Snape. Take Draco with you, I know he’ll take good care of you if you meet trouble.”

“I guess,” grumbled Harry.

As everyone went in their own direction, Harry turned to Hermione and Draco.

“Harry…” inquired Hermione with a worried glance at her friends’ tired expression.

“Just leave it, Hermione,” sighed Harry.

“How do we get into the statue?” asked Draco breaking the strained silence.

“Like this,” responded Harry as he turned to the statue and gave an order in Parslemouth.

A shudder ran down the blonde’s body that had nothing to do with the chill room.

“You expect us to climb into its mouth!” hissed Draco in horror. “This is so undignified.”

“Don’t worry,” laughed Harry, “I’ll take the lead.”

“Bloody Gryffindor.”

Across the room, Ron waited while Professor Snape transfigured his clothing into a Muggle styled wet suit. When his Professor cast the bubblehead charm, he quickly moved to follow suit. Once they were ready, Ron lead the way into the tunnel. As soon as they reached the door, Professor Snape turned his wand upon it and repaired the damage. Together they swam through then pushed it closed. Snape activated the system then motioned for Ron to lead the way.

“This way Professor,” said Ron. The red head pushed off the wall towards a shadow in the wall.

Professor Snape surveyed the broken potions equipment as they swam over it. When they reached the second door, he made quick work of fixing it before sealing them inside.

“Stand against the door and hold on,” ordered Snape.

Once they were in place, he cast a net across the tunnel and activated the fire system. Water rushed at them, pressing them against the door. The net caught the debris pulled along with by the water, preventing it from crushing them.

“That was wicked, Professor!” exclaimed Ron.

~*~

Remus appeared to find Poppy and Serenity standing next to a bed containing Sirius black. Sirius couldn’t seem to quit wiggling in his seat.

“Sirius Black if you don’t sit still I’ll put a body bind on you,” snapped Madam Pomfrey in frustration.

“Sirius!” exclaimed Remus while launching himself at the dark haired man. “What happened to you?”

“Something saved me,” answered Sirius. “It said that I was innocent and didn’t belong there but it couldn’t send me back yet. It left me with the creatures until Harry found me.”

“You’re in better health than when I last saw you,” replied Poppy with a smile.

“I guess this means I’m going back into hiding,” complained Sirius.

“No, my boy, you are a free man. Harry and Severus worked hard to prove you innocent.” Albus and Minerva stood in the doorway. In his hand, Albus held a long thin box. “This belongs to you.”

Sirius accepted the box containing his wand. “So what’s next?”

“You’re free to go,” said Poppy.

“We’re needed at Molly’s room,” said Minerva, “Molly’s watching the girls.”

“I have an unfortunate meeting with the Minister,” sighed Albus. “I will see you at lunch.”

“Girls?” questioned Sirius.

“Harry adopted a little girl,” explained Remus.

“You mean to tell me Harry adopted a child!” exclaimed Sirius, “He’s just a child himself.”

“We encouraged it,” responded Minerva.

“He’s just a child!” cried Sirius.

“A child carrying the weight of our world on his shoulders,” said Serenity breaking in before an argument could erupt. “Albus knows better than anyone here how Harry is feeling. He’s come directly from being abused to being worshiped. Everything he has had to live for has been ripped from his grasp.”

“So you just waltzed into the nearest orphanage and said choose?” grumbled Sirius.

“You don’t understand, Paddy, He saved her. She was the only one left.”

“What do you mean saved her?”

Remus took a breath and launched into the story. “Narcissa lead a raid on Godric’s Hallow. I was there, fixing the house, when it began. She rounded up all the Muggles and locked them in a building. Harry came to rescue me and ended up trying to save the Muggles. They captured twenty Death Eaters and Harry killed the man that set fire to the church. Harry lost control of his magic and took out everyone not safely behind Hermione’s new shield.

We could hear them screaming as they burned alive. Harry’s magic surged a second time, shattering the wards. He ran inside, but by that time, she was the last one alive. She was trapped under the body of her mother, who was trying to protect her. Her magic was failing and he was exhausted. We almost lost both of them but Bill and Charlie managed to drag them out.”

“Sweet Merlin,” sighed Sirius, “How old is the child?”

“Four.”

“You said girls, plural, who is the other one?” questioned Sirius.

“Draco’s sister.”

“Draco doesn’t have a sister that I know of,” said Sirius, “What is she doing here?”

“Explain later,” ordered Serenity stopping at Molly’s door.

The small group, knowing they were expected, entered without knocking. They found Molly and the two girls at the table pressing cookie cutters into the last of the dough.

“Uncle Remi!” exclaimed Titania jumping up and running towards Remus.

“What happened here?” questioned Remus through his laughter.

While he brushed flour off her cheek she answered. “We’re making cookies.”

“Okay girls,” called Molly, “I have to talk to them for a few minutes, why don’t you go play.” She cast a quick scourgify before Titania took Kaida by the hand and led the way to the toy box.

“What’s going on, Molly?” questioned Serenity.

“I noticed something strange. A wave of magic swept from Titania around the room. Just before, she was talking and acted as though she didn’t hear my question. After the wave of magic, she was acting just fine.”

“That is strange,” murmured Remus. “Is it possible that it was random magic.”

“It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before,” answered Molly, “All of my children had random magic bursts but this was very controlled. Similar to the kind of magic Fred and George were doing at three.”

“She doesn’t have a twin therefore she shouldn’t be able to do that kind of magic,” stated Poppy.

“What about someone using her to spy on Harry?” asked Sirius.

“That’s easy enough to check for,” murmured Remus. He pulled his wand and cast several spells over the two children. The answer was easily known. “A spell, but not from an outside force.”

“Is it possible that we missed something when we examined her?” Molly asked Serenity.

“That could explain the magic surge,” admitted Poppy.

To their surprise, a small surge of magic washed the room. It expanded from Titania and traveled around the room until it returned to her.

“The magic is compensating for something we just need to determine what,” said Minerva.

“She didn’t hear my question,” Molly realized, “She just kept talking. Let’s check her hearing. When we checked her, we were looking for damage from the smoke or fire. What if she’s been deaf since birth? Her magic would have automatically compensated and the Muggles would have never known.”

Poppy ran several tests, before calling Titania over. “Titania, can you help me with something?”

“What Nana Poppy?” asked Titania.

“Can you stand here and tell me if something happens to him?” she asked indicating Sirius. “You have to hold very still or it might not happen.”

Sirius grinned at the Healer’s trick and focused on the green-eyed girl. He waited until Poppy nodded to transform into his animagus form. As soon as he changed, he heard a gasp from her.

“Doggie!” she cried as he turned back.

“I knew there was something odd,” said Poppy with a smile. “Thank you for your help Titania. Go ahead and play. When we’re done talking, maybe he’ll come play with you.”

“Okay.”

“Conductive hearing loss,” stated Poppy. “The three small bones in the middle ear are fused together.”

“He magic is compensating then,” sighed Molly in relief.

“What happened to the other child?” asked Sirius.

“Narcissa,” replied Minerva softly. “She hid the child, then decided that she was a risk and tried to kill her.”

~*~

Hermione sighed in aggravation. Harry and Ron never bickered as much as Harry and Draco. Then again, Harry never picked at Ron like he was picking at Draco.

“If you two don’t quit bickering like children, I will put a silencing charm on both of you!” hissed Hermione. She was feeling just a bit claustrophobic

“Are you okay, ‘Mione?” questioned Harry softly.

Draco easily caught the strain his companions felt.

“I’m not sure, Harry,” she responded wearily. “I’m feeling a bit claustrophobic and your bickering wasn’t helping.”

“I’m sorry, ‘Mione, I didn’t think when I had you come along,” said Harry.

“No, it’s okay, I need to get rid of this thing. I don’t want to be afraid forever.”

“Okay, ‘Mione. Tell us if you start to feel…” Harry never finished the sentence as the tunnel dropped away beneath him.

“Lumos.” Draco peered over the edge upon a sea of galleons. “Are you okay, Harry?”

“I wish galleons were a little softer. Wait, I landed in galleons?” Harry said in confusion.

“We’re coming down,” Hermione informed them. “Get moving or I push you.”

“Okay, okay,” muttered Draco before dropping the three feet to join Harry.

“Wow, Harry, this is a lot of money,” gasped Hermione.

“Salazar never did trust the Goblins.” All three jumped and turned to find a ghost behind them. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’m Amara.”

Harry stared, mouth agape. “You’re the wife of Alexander Slytherin.”

“Yes, he killed me right over there.”

“Why?” asked Draco.

“I wouldn’t give him Melisande and Apollo. I saw him twist one son, I would not watch it again. With my last breath I banished him from these chambers. Were they safe? Did they live long, good lives?”

“Yes,” answered Hermione without hesitation, “They created a sanctuary that still shines hope to those who have no where else to go.”

“Then my death served its purpose.”

~*~

“Professor Snape, you should check this out,” called Ron. “The wards are still active, and I don’t think there was water in here.”

Professor Snape stood staring at the door for a moment before he realized what he was looking at. A potions cupboard, more likely than not warded better then his own.

“Mister Weasley, please begin moving debris from the door while I explore,” said Snape while forcing down the hope he was feeling.

“Sure, Professor.” Ron was surprised to see most of the pile neatly sorted and stacked to one side. Wand out, he made quick work of the remaining debris.

Within the ingredients cupboard, Professor Snape found more than he had hoped for. Protective spells had been carefully layered, not only over the room, but over each and every drawer, jar, and compartment. With a put-upon sigh, he turned to leave determined to return later with his apprentice, a quill, and parchment. As he exited the room, he found the doorway cleared and Ron walking a circle and looking at the ground.

“Easily amused are we Weasley?” drawled Snape.

“I think I found what destroyed this lab,” he said softly.

“And what is that Mister Weasley?” asked Snape sarcastically.

Ron glared. “Just because I’m no good at potions doesn’t mean I’m not good at something. I know we don’t use our wands in potions because most spells react badly with either the potions or the containment spells. It’s safe to assume that anything requiring a circle and blood would be volatile. I don’t recognize all of these symbols though.”

Snape walked the circle, much as Ron had been earlier, and realized that there were symbols that he didn’t recognize either. Just as he was going to say so, the door opened into the main room.

“I see the spell worked,” Snape said.

“Yes,” replied Bill, “Harry, Hermione, and Draco just returned from the statue. Once you join us we’ll go over what we found.”

“Very well,” sighed Snape.

Ron and Professor Snape followed the older red head into the main chamber. Once outside of the lab, they were amazed that they hadn’t seen the door before. Across the chamber from the lab was a set of double doors. In the center of the room, Potter nursed a bumped head and twisted ankle.

“What happened Harry?” questioned Professor Snape. He produced several potions from his robes.

“We followed the tunnel,” answered Draco.

Hermione smirked and added, “Harry didn’t see the drop into the chamber.”

“How far did you fall?” questioned Snape.

“It was only about three feet,” answered Harry.

“Drink that,” ordered Snape.

“What did you find?” asked Charlie.

“Salazar Slytherin didn’t trust the goblins, his entire fortune is back there. Also, the Ghost of Amara Slytherin is here.”

“We found a library with a door that goes nowhere,” said Ginny.

“Silly girl,” laughed Amara’s ghost as it floated through the wall, “You just didn’t read the book.”

“What book?” questioned Hermione.

“The silver one on the pedestal beside the door. Don’t forget the chalk in the box.”

“We’ll look into it later,” said Harry. “What else did you find?”

“There is a practice room with weapons lining the walls on the right side of the statue,” said Fleur, “Many of the weapons have been enhanced.”

“Okay,” said Harry running a hand through his hair, “Is that everything?”

“Not quite,” responded Ron, “There’s a circle etched in the stone of the potion lab floor. I’m pretty sure that’s what disrupted the spells and made the lab explode; triggering the fire system.”

“The ingredients cupboard was mostly unharmed by time and water,” said Professor Snape, “I would like to return and catalog the contents.”

“After lunch,” replied Harry. “During lunch we can figure out who’s doing what and the teams will return down here to sort out the rooms. If we can figure out a simple way to get people in and out of here, I’d like to use this for DA meetings. Everything is coming out of the hidden room, that will be sanctuary.”

“I believe that this set of chambers is safe and secure enough to bring in your team,” said Bill.

“Will you and Fleur be joining us this afternoon?” inquired Harry.

“Yeah,” replied Bill, “We’re going to take a look at that circle.”

“Lunch will be starting,” said Ron, “we should get out soon.”

“Yeah,” said Harry, “let’s get out of here. We’ll figure out who’s going to work on what while we eat.”

“Harry, didn’t Faux carry us out last time?” questioned Ron.

“I’ve already thought of that,” Ginny informed her brother. “I remembered something while talking to Shaarah.”

Everyone quickly packed up the things they were taking back with them. No one noticed the small green snake wrapped around Ginny’s arm as she removed a rope from her bag. Everyone was excitedly talking about what they wanted to do after lunch.

Once they reached the slide, Ginny set the rope on the ground. “I’ve only read about this spell, but I’m pretty sure I can pull it off.” They watched in silence as Ginny transfigured the rope into a winding staircase. When she was finished, everyone climbed on and let the stairs take them up.

“Good work, Gin,” exclaimed Ron.

“Do you think it will be safe to take the girls down there after lunch?” questioned Draco as they reached the top of the stairs.

“It should be,” replied Severus. “The nature of the spells on that room is all protective.”

“We can always ask Mum to come down and watch them,” added Ron.

“I don’t want to take all of her time,” sighed Draco.

“They can play in the main chamber with me if necessary,” said Ginny. “I want to start setting it up for whatever we decide to do with it.”

“I don’t think we’ll have DA meetings there,” stated Harry. “I think we should use it as a war room of sorts. We’ll me you at lunch, we have to pick up the girls.”

“We’ll save you seats,” said Ron happily.

~*~

By the time that Harry and Draco joined the group with their girls, everyone was seated at one of the new round tables. Without a word, the table expanded and two booster seats appeared. Harry and Draco quickly made up plates for the girls before beginning the planned conversation.

“All walkies on,” murmured Harry while filling his plate. “This afternoon I want to get the chamber and all the rooms ready to be our war room. Professor McGonagall, if you are not busy, this afternoon, it would be helpful if you could assist Ginny. Take a look at the stairs she transfigured earlier if you do come.”

“I have a few hours,” answered Minerva between bites.

“Great, Ginny’s got some great ideas. Luna, Padma, and Parvati; I’d like you to sort out the study. I honestly don’t understand all that Divinations stuff.” Harry took a bite of his food and swallowed before continuing, “Neville, the arboretum is completely up to you. I’d prefer if you kept it to the DA but Professor Sprout will be a great help too, I’m sure.”

“If it’s okay, I’d like to ask Hannah to help me. She’s great with plants,” said Neville enthusiastically.

Serenity answered before anyone else. “That would probably be a great idea but wait until tomorrow. She should be more alert and working with you would be helpful. Try to be mindful of her condition though, I know some plants are dangerous to pregnant women.”

“Yes Ma’am,” replied Neville. “Professor Sprout and I will check for dangerous plants first.”

“Good idea, Neville,” said Harry. “Professor Snape, I know you want Hermione to help you in the Potions Lab but when the two of you are finished you could help Remus and Draco in the library. That’s going to take a lot of time I think. Blaise, Pansy, and Sirius; I need the three of you in the weapons room. The playroom needs to be checked over before the children use it. Mrs. Weasley can you help us?”

“I should have time after lunch,” answered Molly. “What are you going to do with the girls?”

“It’s safe enough down there. We can take some of their toys and they can stay in the main chamber until we deem the playroom safe,” answered Harry. “Bill and Fleur already said they’re going to take care of the circle Ron found.”

“What about me and Charlie?” asked Ron.

“I need the two of you to assist me in packing up and movie the treasure. The first sanctuary is going to be behind the statue.”

“Is there anything I can do?” asked Susan though she was still in the infirmary.

“I need you and Madam Pomfrey to set up four first aid kits. Keep it simple enough that fifth years can handle it. I don’t know how the students will arrive so they have to be prepared.”

“We will set them up with thorough instructions.”

“Thank you, everyone, for your help,” sighed Harry. He absently rubbed at his scar. “Professor Snape, you might want to be ready for a summons tonight. He’s extremely happy and it’s not a good thing.”

“Thank you for the warning.”

“Harry,” said Ginny, “I’d like to do something while we’re down there. I’d like to bond with on of the basilisks. Just a small one. I can almost understand them, Shaarah said it’s because Tom’s link with them affected me.”

“I don’t see why not. My only request is that you have Professor Snape make anti-venom for you, an unbreakable vial that you can carry with you and one for Hospital wing too.

~*~

Minerva and Ginny were putting the finishing touches on the main chamber when Severus stalked out of the Potions Lab scowling viciously.

“What’s wrong, Severus?” questioned Minerva.

“I’ve been summoned,” he replied. “Harry warned me, I expect it will be a rough night.”

“I’ll warn Poppy and Molly,” Minerva sighed.

“Very well.” Severus quickly made his way out of the chamber. Without thought, he went to his chambers to change. His drab work robes were replaced with formal potion master robes, on which each button and bead was a tiny potions vial. A quick glance insured that the unbreakable vials lining his coat were filled before he began his trek to the forest. Once he was safely outside the apparition wards, He apparated with a pop.

Severus appeared in a Great Hall and his heart sank. Along one wall there were cages filled with people, and devices of torture littered the room. A great throne carved from a living Yew tree sat front and center on one wall. The wives of the Death Eaters, Voldemort’s Harem, stood to either side.

The women were dressed from head to toe in black. Formal renaissance style dresses with black lace veils to cover their heads showed nothing except the pendant binding them to him.

Three quick strides brought Severus before Voldemort and he gracefully sank to one knee. He waited patiently to be acknowledged. A quick reverent kiss to one bejeweled released him to join the ranks of his fellow Death Eaters.

“Tonight,” hissed Voldemort, “we celebrate the placement of a new spy within Hogwarts. Eat, drink, and delight in the bounty I have provided for you. Lucius, bring forward the entertainment.”

The first cage was opened and the victims inside passed out among the Death Eaters. Some tried to run, but it only added to the entertainment. Screams and crying filled the chamber as more and more victims were passed around. He quietly accepted the woman shoved at him, despite the realization that she was once his student.

“You’re lucky it’s me and not one of them,” he hissed in her ear. “I may have no choice but to kill you, but I promise it will be quick and painless. I will not hurt you if you do as I ask.” He gazed into her eyes and knew that she was listening. “Scream and cry but do not move. I will try to save you. They will see what I want.” He was impressed as she used her fear and her anger to fuel her screams. Her eyes stayed clear and focused as he place her into an illusion.

Across the room, Lucius unknowingly aided his cause. From one of the last cages he dragged twin boys. It unsettled him how eerily similar they were to Draco in looks; they could have been his brothers.

“Narcissa, my sweet,” exclaimed Lucius, “I’ve brought a gift for you and your sister.”
He dragged them from the cage by leashes attached to studded leather collars. The twin boys huddled together and trembled as Narcissa and Bella circled them like strange vultures; stalking their prey and grinning deadly grins.

Severus couldn’t watch as the two women descended on Lucius’ bastard children with malicious glee. His stomach threatened to rebel at the first mangled scream punctuated by Bella’s insane laughter. Turning his attention back to his victim, he stayed in the shadows reciting potions to himself and wishing to be somewhere else.

The torture and screaming went on for several hours before the last cage was opened. Two Death Eaters moved to drag out a man, a woman, and a little girl. The woman clung tightly o her daughter and Severus could catch the calculating gleam in her hazel eyes.

“These three are mine!” declared Grayback over the now interested crowd. No one dared oppose him.

Severus watched with barely suppressed hysteria as Grayback stalked his prey, much like Narcissa and Bella had. He realized, with growing horror, the desperate mother was quietly trying to suffocate her own child. In the instant he realized it, so had their executioner.

Grayback ripped the child from her mother and tossed her to the side. “No, Mine!”

He didn’t waste time with the man; he simply ripped out his throat and tossed it to the hysterical woman. She screamed and placed herself between Grayback and her daughter. Grayback’s laughter seemed to freeze her in place.

She didn’t move as he approached to whisper in her ear. “I won’t kill her, yet.”

The fire seemed to return to her eyes for a moment as she hit him with her body weight. He spun her away, breaking her arm in the process. Her sharp scream was heightened by the frightened cries of her daughter. When he took a step towards the little girl, the mother threw herself at him again. Grayback’s sharp claws ripped into her side as he spun her away, leaving a deep gash. Blood gushed down her side and he lifted his nose to smell the air.

An air of desperation filled the air as Grayback took another step towards the little girl. There was a collective step backwards as the woman struggled towards her daughter. Her magic, though not especially strong, crackled around her as her eyes became wild with panic. Grayback stepped between her and the child inducing the attack. She ran at him screaming and swinging wildly while her magic burned along his skin. His fist struck against the side of her head causing it to turn at an unnatural angle.

Grayback grinned as she crumpled. “Pity, I was having fun.”

The little girl crawled over to her mother and tried to shake her awake. “Mommy,” cried the little girl, “wake up Mommy.”

Grayback grabbed the child by the throat and picked her up, his nails sinking deep into her skin. “Silence. Children should be silent.”

“Please, Lord Voldemort!” pleaded one of the black clad women. “She is only a child. Let us have her as a pet. She is young, a pureblood, let us teach her the true path.”

“Such foolishness,” snarled Voldemort. “Crucio!” The woman collapsed under the curse before he released it. “Who shall pay this debt? Choose among yourselves. If you can save her, you may keep her. Grayback, leave her to them. Return to your homes, we are finished here.”

The Death Eaters quickly retrieved their wives as multiple arguments broke out across the room. Willow watched as Mariah was handed off like a toy to be used and shared. She was so enthralled by her friends plight that she had forgotten her own. The sharp sting of a ring clad hand brought reality falling into place around her.

“You would do well to work harder to please our lord,” spat her husband.

She allowed him to strike her several more times before he lead the black clad crowd towards the apparition point. Sitting up and wiping blood from her mouth, she glared at the retreating figures.

“And you, Dear Husband, would do well to mind yourself else my poison may tip farther than necessary.”

“What, pray tell, have you been brewing?” questioned the lone dark figure.

“An old family recipe,” she replied, “My Grandmother called it Widow Maker.” Her expression turned serious. “Is she dead?”

“Almost,” he admitted grimly. “If we’re going to save her I must return to the school. Please release the woman in the corner.”

“Hurry,” replied Willow. “She’s only a child. She never did anything.”

Severus carefully lifted the child and pulled the pendant from his shirt. “Poppy,” he murmured before the tell tale tug of the portkey overtook him.

When he appeared in hospital wing, he found Molly, Minerva, Poppy, and Serenity waiting. He quickly set the child on the nearest bed.

“Severus? Who is she?” asked Minerva as the other three women began to work on the child.

“Odette Avernhammer,” replied Severus accepting the hot chocolate she slipped into his hands, “Her parents were given to Grayback. Her mother fought hard to save her and died in the process.”

“What else happened?” asked Minerva softly.

“It was a celebration. There is a new spy within Hogwarts and around fifty dead. Mariah Zabini paid the price for that child’s life.”

“She’ll live,” sighed Poppy as she approached Severus and Minerva. “She has a concussion, a broken arm, and her vocal cords are damaged but she will live. Are you injured?”

“Not physically.”

“Who is she?” asked Poppy.

“Odette Avernhammer. Her closest living relative, not in hiding, is Neville Longbottom.”

~*~

“Willow!” bellowed Alexander Zabini. “Whiskey, now!”

Willow did as she was told. She poured the finest of whiskey from the finest of crystal flask. She smiled demurely as he downed the drink, knowing that by morning she would be on her own.

As soon as he was asleep she returned to her study. At the desk she began to roll the last of twenty letters. Each letter relayed the same message and was accompanied by a lily.

In these dark times we must come together neither as purebloods nor victims of the darkness but as mothers. We thought the darkness was gone and our families safe. We were wrong. She told us, once, that we were more than just pawns and slaves. She died for her child. What will you do for yours? L.O.V lives. For our past, for our future, for our Children. 9am

L.O.V