𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠

𝘚𝘪𝘹𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯

     That night, the trio snuck out the common room under Harry's invisible cloak. Of course, the box was under Hermione's arms, just in case the Grey Lady needed it.

"Thank you," Harry whispered to the Fat Lady.

"Aren't I so generous?" The portrait rolled her eyes and disappeared. The boy paid no mind and together, the three crept through the halls, avoiding any moving light. Who knows whether or not Filch would be watching?

"Take a left," Ron instructed. His friends obliged and shifted the cloak to the right direction. So far, everything was processing smoothly.

"Erm, Harry, Ron?"

"Shh, we're almost there."

"Shouldn't we hear what she has to say, Ron?"

"After we reach the tower. It'll be quieter then, and no one can bother us there."

"You two-"

"Shh!"

Suddenly, the boys heard it. A click, clack unlike Filch's tap of slippers. No, this was a student.

"Don't move," Hermione warned.

The footsteps got closer and closer. The trio shut their eyes and held their breath. Please don't come this way. Please don't come this way. Please don't come this-

Surely enough, the footsteps faded and the 5th years let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank Merlin they're gone-"

"Who's gone?"

"AHH!" Ron jumped and fell on his bum. The mysterious person laughed (and let out ungodly sounds of a barn) and smacked their knees. "Oh my, why I should keep that in my memories forever! George will love to hear this!"

"Fred?" Harry said. Hermione had no words. She just stared at the older Weasley with an open mouth.

"No, I'm George!" The twin smiled cheekily.

"Cut that out, Fred." Ron scowled.

"Aw, why so chipper Ronnie-poo?" The brother teased. Ron's frown deepened further, and he was reaching a tint of peach.

"Why are you here?" Potter asked. "More specifically, how did you know we were here?"

"Well, Harry," Fred smoothened his pajamas and cleared his throat. "I have a wonderful device that'll show where anyone is so long as they're living." He held out an old parchment folded into uneven pages. On the cover were footsteps leading into a castle. On top of the drawing were the words-

"Marauder's Map?" Hermione read.

"Watch," Fred tapped the map with his wand and said, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."

Slowly, thin ink lines began to spread like a spider's web from the point that Fred's wand had touched. They joined each other, they crisscrossed, they fanned into every corner of the parchment; then words began to blossom across the top, great, curly, green words, that proclaimed:

Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs
Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers
are proud to present

The Marauder's Map.

They peered at the names marked on the parchment. "That's us right there," Ron noticed. "And over there," he pointed his finger to the tower, "is Malfoy? What in Merlin's name is he doing there?"

"Who knows?" Fred shrugged. "Anyhow, just say 'mischief managed and the map is closed." Just as he said the chant, the ink faded off the page and the map refolded. "Here, I'll let you borrow this." He handed the map to Harry. "Take good care of it."

"Why are you giving it to us?" Hermione asked out of curiosity.

"Why," Fred smiled, "because of this." He handed his fellow quidditch player an another envelope. "See you at practice, Harry." He finger-gunned and walked off whistling. The younger Weasley rolled his eyes, but focused on the paper in his best friend's hands. He and Hermione looked over Harry's shoulder as he opened the seal.

To Harry Potter,

     How were your past few weeks? I've spent quite some time raising my bowtruckles, and it's actually quite fun. Snape's also given me a lot of horrible, horrible homework, although his tutoring skills are excellent. I also mastered my charm spells and transfiguration work. A lot of these assignments aren't so bad. I like them enough to make me question why I'm not in Ravenclaw.

     Anyways, do let me know how you are faring. I bet you've struggled a lot trying to find out my identity. Your friend, Hermione, was close in solving your little mystery. She's quite the clever one. She's really curious, isn't she? Regardless, I do hope you'll be able to find out who I am before the end of the school year. Only 5 months left to go. After that, well, it'll be difficult to send you more letters.

     Still, take it easy. I see those eyebags, and let me tell you, it looks like you've been on one too many dates with a dementor. Remember, I may by hiding, but I'm most definitely not running. I've given you the clues, so I do hope you'll take them.

Sincerely,

S.S.C.

"We have to meet Helena," Harry spoke. He carefully folded the letter and slipped it back into the envelope. "Regardless of Malfoy, it's my only chance. I have to trust her."

Hermione and Ron share a look. If Harry was this determined, there's no other option. "Let's go."

.