When two worlds collide.

Reunited.

Neville leads the others down the passage.

"I don't remember this being on the Marauder's Map." Fred looks around.

"That's because it never existed till now. The seven secret passages were sealed off before the start of the year. This is the only way in or out now. The grounds are crawling with Death Eaters and Dementors." Neville sighs, leading the way.

"How bad is it, Neville? With Snape as Headmaster?" Hermione questions, frowning slightly.

"Hardly ever see him. It's the Carrows you have to watch out for.."

"The Carrows?" Alex questions.

"Brother and sister. They're in charge of discipline. Like punishment, the Carrows." Neville points to a gash on his face.

"They did that to you? But why?" Hermione gasps.

"Today's Dark Arts lesson had us practicing the Cruciatus Curse. On First Years. I refused. Hogwarts has changed.."

We all look at each other, shocked.

"We, c'mon. Don't be grim!" Neville chuckles. "We're all used to it by now. And the thing is, it helps when people stand up, it gives everyone hope. I used to notice that when you did it, Alex. C'mon, we're almost there.." The magic bunch exchange glances before following Neville.

. . .

Neville leads them up a short flight of stone steps to a door then pauses and looks back.

"Let's have a bit of fun, shall we?" He grins, whispering before pushing open the door "Hey! Listen up, you lot! I've brought you a surprise!"

"Not more of Aberforth's cooking, I hope. Be a surprise if we could digest it!" Seamus groans.

Neville looks back and jerks his head toward the open door. The bunch step forward and they duck, emerging into a large room that looks like a sumptuous tree house. Faces turn. Blink. Utter silence.

"Blimey.." Seamus mutters.

Voices explode into cheers and laughters. Madness ensues as the bunch is swallowed up in a scrum of backslaps and handshakes. Many familiar faces are present. Luna. Dean Thomas. Cho Chang, Lavender Brown. Neville leans down and whispers to Nigel. "Get the word out to Remus and the others that Harry's back!"

Nigel nods, scrambles over to a battered Wizard Wireless. As it crackles to life he leans close and speaks. "River, DA calling! Do you read? New weather report:We have a Lightning, lightning has struck! I repeat, lightening has struck!"

"Okay, okay! Stand down! Let's not kill them before You-Know-Who gets the chance!" Neville laughs. "Right then. What's the plan, Alex?"

Alex gazes out over the expectant faces in the room, noting the hollow eyes and broken bodies and the desperate, almost palpable desire for hope. For a moment she seems lost, awed by the sacrifice her friends have made, much of it for her. Finally, she speaks: 

"Okay. There's something we need to find, something hidden here in the castle. It could help us defeat You-Know-Who."

"What is it?" Neville smiles, ready for a quest.

"We don't know.." Alex clears her throat.

"Where is it?" Dean leans forward in anticipation.

"Uh...Don't know that either.." Alex scratches the back of her neck awkwardly.

A confused murmur fills the room.

"I realize it's not much to go on.." Alex sighs.

"That's nothing to go on!" Seamus adds.