Disclaimer:
Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.
I own nothing but the original characters I make.
"Dialogue"
'Thoughts'
$Parseltongue$
Chapter 66: Imminent attack
Susan made it into the team as a substitute chaser. Which was great for her, but not so much for Harry, who was now forced to attend all Hufflepuff games, even tho Susan almost never got to play. Hannah can be very convincing when she wants to.
The rest of the year went fairly quiet. Harry was wondering if the new Dark Lord was going to make any move when He felt something in the pocket of his robes.
It was the signal that the two-way diary makes when there is a new message.
After seeing that Harry had no interest in brooms and Quidditch, Sirius made that diary for him, before going back to Hogwarts.
Harry was actually impressed with the magical artifact. The rune work was flawless and very innovative.
Sirius would say that this one was a prototype and that He would give Harry a few more at the end of the year, so He can keep in contact with his friends.
Harry decided to give the partner diary to Bella, so She can contact him and send information in a secure way. This decision was easy to make, after what happened during their second meeting at the Shrieking shack.
Bella was giving her report when they heard footsteps approach the shack, so they decided to hide behind some curtains.
Two seventh-year students came in, lay on the couch, and started to get very intimate.
Harry and Bella stood hidden behind the curtains, making no sound while the two teenagers were screaming and moaning.
Those were the most awkward ten minutes of Harry's life. So, after that, Bella would only communicate by sending messages with the diary.
Harry started to read the message.
"Attack on Hogsmeade during the second weekend of June. Maybe dementors."
Bellas's texts were always short and to the point.
'Second weekend of June…that's the last Hogsmeade weekend. The place is going to be filled with students…Well, that is not my problem. Dumbledore and the Ministry can deal with that.'
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Dumbledores office
A very ragged Severus Snape made his way up the stairs.
Dumbledore looked at Snape with concern in his eyes.
"Cruciatus again?"
Snape nodded and sat down with difficulty.
This was the third time He has been called by his Lord.
"What did He want this time?" Dumbledore asked.
"He wanted information about Hogwarts Teachers. Names, magical expertise, hobbies, which ones would often leave Hogwarts during weekends, things like that."
"I assume, You told him what You knew? "Dumbledore asked.
"There is no point in lying to the Dark Lord, He always knows," Snape replied.
"Then why did He punish you?"
Snape took a potion from his pocket and drank it. Dumbledore did not need to ask what the potion was for, it was obviously a potion to lessen the effects of the Cruciatus curse.
After feeling slightly better. Snape continued.
"I'll get to that. He also questioned me about the Aurors placed to guard Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. He wanted to know everything, names, where they patrol, when, etc…"
Dumbledore made a severe expression.
"That sounds like He is planning an attack"
Snape smiled. "Yes, I thought that too, but He never revealed exactly what He was planning. He still does not trust me with anything too important. However…"
Dumbledore stared at Snape, waiting for him to gather his thoughts.
"The other death eaters like to talk. Specially Goyle…He seems to blame Potter for what happened to his son. He was bragging about how He was going to teach Potter a lesson, with whatever the Lord had planned." Snape said.
"So, did you find out what it was?" Dumbledore leaned forward.
"Unfortunately no. However, I did find out, that whatever it is, it will happen during the middle of June"
"I see…"
"As for my punishment…. Before leaving, I was called into the Lord's study for a private talk. He once again inquired about methods to protect his life. He expected me to have done some more research and found something….I didn't…I had nothing more to offer."
Snape's hand trembled by the pain and the side effects of the curse.
"I understand my friend."
"He said, that I better have something to offer Him next time. Or else…" Snape's face paled slightly at the thought.
"Well think of something. I have some old notes from Nicholas. Maybe I can put together something that will appease his anger a little bit."
"Let's hope so…"
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Saturday morning, Last Hogsmeade weekend
Harry arrived at the Great Hall and was surprised at how empty it was. It seems that almost half of the student population has decided to go to Hogsmeade.
He went to his table and saw Luna eating alone.
"Good morning Harry
"
Harry took a sit next to her and looked around.
"Good morning Luna, have you seen Susan and Hannah?" Harry had a bad feeling.
"They left ten minutes ago for Hogsmeade." She responded.
"What?!. They told me they would not go."
Harry had actually planned to use a mild compulsion to stop the two of them from wanting to attend the last Hogsmeade weekend. But it was not necessary, Susan told him just yesterday that they had no intention to go. They just wanted to spend their last weekend relaxing at the house dorm.
Luna was startled by Harry suddenly raising his voice. He is always composed to the point of looking emotionless.
"mmm, Hannah's favorite hair brush broke last night and Susan mentioned having seen a similar one at Hogsmeade, so they decided to make a quick trip. I'm sure they will be back in a few hours."
"Sigh…." Harry stood up. "I'll be right back."