chapter 23

"We've got to go to Dumbledore, " said Harry. "Hagrid told that stranger how to get past Fluffy, and it was either Snape or Voldemort under that cloak - it must've been easy, once he'd got Hagrid drunk. I just hope Dumbledore believes us. Firenze might back us up if Bane doesn't stop him. Where's Dumbledore's office?"

They looked around, as if hoping to see a sign pointing them in the right direction.

 They had never been told where Dumbledore lived, nor did they know anyone who had been sent to see him. 

"We'll just have to - - " Harry began, but a voice suddenly rang across the hall. 

"What are you four doing inside?" called a voice.

It was Professor McGonagall, carrying a large pile of books. 

"We want to see Professor Dumbledore, " said Hermione, rather bravely, Harry and Ron thought. 

"See Professor Dumbledore?" Professor McGonagall repeated, as though this was a very fishy thing to want to do. "Why?"

"It's kind of..mostly a secret", said Key.

"Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago, " Professor McGonagall says, coldly. "He received an urgent owl from the Ministry of Magic and flew off for London at once. "

"He's gone?" said Harry frantically. "Now?"

"Professor Dumbledore is a very great wizard, Potter, he has many demands on his time", said Professor McGonagall.

"But this is important", said Harry.

"Something you have to say is more important than the Ministry of Magic, Potter?" asked Professor McGonagall.

"Look, " said Harry, throwing caution to the winds, "Professor - it's about the Sorcerer's stone - - "

Whatever Professor McGonagall had expected, it wasn't that. The books she was carrying tumbled out of her arms, but she didn't pick them up.

 "How do you know -?" Professor McGonagall spluttered.

 "Professor, I think - I know - that Sn-that someone's going to try and steal the Stone. I've got to talk to Professor Dumbledore", Harry revealed.

Professor McGonagall eyed Harry with a mixture of shock and suspicion. 

"Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow, " said Professor McGonagall finally. "I don't know how you found out about the Stone, but rest assured, no one can possibly steal it, it's too well protected. "

"But Professor - - " said Harry and Key.

"Potter,Walter, I know what I'm talking about, "  said Professor McGonagall, shortly. She bent down and gathered up the fallen books. I suggest you all go back outside and enjoy the sunshine. "

But they didn't. 

"It's tonight, " said Harry, once he was sure Professor McGonagall was out of earshot. "Snape's going through the trapdoor tonight. He's found out everything he needs, and now he's got Dumbledore out of the way. He sent that note, I bet the Ministry of Magic will get a real shock when Dumbledore turns up. "

"But what can we - - "Hermione gasped. Harry and Ron wheeled around. 

"Of course, we have to", Key tells them.

Snape was standing there. 

"Good afternoon, "  said Snape, smoothly. 

They stared at him.

 "You shouldn't be inside on a day like this, " he said, with an odd, twisted smile. 

"We were - - " Harry began, without any idea what he was going to say. 

"We were looking for somebody who was inside", Key interrupted Harry.

"You want to be more careful, " said Snape. "Hanging around like this, people will think you're up to something".

Harry flushed. 

They turned to go outside, but Snape called them back. 

"Be warned, Potter, Walter - any more nighttime wanderings and I will personally make sure you two are expelled. Good day to you. " Snape warned them.

Snape strode off in the direction of the staffroom. Out on the stone steps, Harry turned to the others. 

"Right, here's what we've got to do, " Harry whispered urgently. "One of us has got to keep an eye on Snape- wait outside the staff room and follow him if he leaves it. Hermione, you'd better do that.."

Key levitates and sees glimpses into the future.

"What did you see Key?" asked Harry.

"The plan won't work, but I still see us going to the trapdoor", said Key.

"How?" asked Harry.

Key runs off.

"Key, wait! Where are you going?" asked Harry.

"I have to get my friends, they're the key", said Key.

"Wait! Isn't that them over there?" Hermione pointed out.

"Guys!" Called Key.

Keni, Devin, Betty, Makai, Li, and Qin look at Key, and runs off.

Key explained everything to her friends.

"What?" asked Betty.

"But, how can we help?" Asked Qin and Li.

"Easy, I have a plan", said Keni.

"I knew I could count on you guys", said Key.

"Of course, we would do anything for you, Key. Your cousin, Hermione, and Ron as well", said Makai.

"Makai, you go to the trap door with them", said Keni.

"I don't know if that's a good idea", said Key, worried.

"No, I think it is a good idea, there might be traps that faes could help wizards get through traps and two faes are better than one", said Keni.

"That is a Brilliant idea", said Hermione. "I didn't think that before because faes are kinda new to Hogwarts".

"True, so this is just a theory", said Betty.

"Wait, how do we walk through the hallway without getting notice?" asked Ron.

"Easy, we could use my invisibility cloak", said Harry.

"All three of us under it?" questioned Hermione.

"I have a better idea, how about all us faes put an invisibility spell on you, it's safer, and you won't lose your cloak", said Key.

Everybody else agreed.

"We do need to be cautious, let's go", said Harry.