Willow

P.24

No one says a word until they get back into the entrance hall  "We've got to go to Dumbledore. 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?" Harry asks, Draco holding Willow back from retorting to his remark about Snape.
They all look round, not knowing where Dumbledore's office is "We'll just have to-" Harry starts. "What are you seven doing inside?" McGonagall asks, cutting Harry off. "We want to see Professor Dumbledore." Hermione tells her. "See Professor Dumbledore? Why?" McGonagall asks. "It's sort of secret." Harry explains, Willow shaking her head at him. "Professor Dumbledore left ten minutes ago. He received an urgent owl from the Ministry of Magic and flew off for London at once." McGonagall tells them. "He's gone? Now?" Harry asks. "Professor Dumbledore is a very great wizard, Potter, he has many demands on his time-" McGonagall starts. "But this is important." Harry cuts her off. "Something you have to say is more important than the Ministry of Magic, Potter?" she asks. "Look, Professor - it's about the Philosopher's Stone-" Harry tells her, cutting off when she drops her books.

"How do you know?" McGonagall asks. "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 explains, wincing when Willow stamps on his foot as he tries to mention Snape. "Professor Dumbledore will be back tomorrow. 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." McGonagall tells them. "But Professor-" Harry starts. "Potter, I know what I'm talking about. I suggest you all go back outside and enjoy the sunshine." McGonagall cuts him off, picking up her books and walking off. "It's tonight, 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." Harry tells the others, once McGonagall is out of earshot. "But what can we-" Hermione starts, stopping when Snape walks over. "Good afternoon. You shouldn't be inside on a day like this." he tells them. "We were-" Harry starts. "You want to be more careful. Hanging around like this, people will think you're up to something. And Gryffindor really can't afford to lose any more points, can it? Be warned, Potter - any more nighttime wanderings and I will personally make sure you are expelled. Good day to you." Snape tells them, walking off.

"Right, here's what we've got to do. 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." Harry starts to explain the plan. "Why me?" Hermione asks. "It's obvious. You can pretend to be waiting for Professor Flitwick, you know. 'Oh Professor Flitwick, I'm so worried, I think I got question fourteen b wrong...'" Ron tells her, mimicking her at the end. "Oh, shut up." Hermione tells him, agreeing to go anyway. "And we'd better stay outside the third-floor corridor. Come on." Harry tells the others. "Wait. We'll go back to our common room, I might have a spell that I can use to contact my family. I need the boys there to pull me out if I go to far." Willow explains. "Okay, we'll meet in the courtyard after dinner." Harry nods, the others nodding in agreement as they all split off from each other.