The Year of the Revolution IV. The Outbreak

20. Albus

It was past half past nine. Lily watched as Dumbledore spoke briefly to McGonagall, seated to his left, then rose and leaned over to whisper in Slughorn's ear. He is asking him to go to his office so that the malefic Slys can leave as soon as possible through Floo. We kicked them out.

Meanwhile, the trio arrived with their other two yearmates. "What happened? Potter asked Remus. "The Hall is half empty."

"It must be because it's Saturday," Remus replied.

"There are much fewer people than on a Saturday at this time," Black said, and turning to look at the Sly table. "And in Slytherin there are less than half the people. All the malefics have disappeared."

Soon you will find out, the three thought, with an enigmatic smile.

"You've already finished your breakfast," Potter said.

"Yeah, we were down on time," Remus replied.

"Come on, tell us what happened," that one was Wormtail, excited.

"When you finish having breakfast, go outside and see for yourselves."

The trio ate hastily.

Ten minutes after Dumbledore left, Lily said to Remus and Cecile, "Will you walk me home for a moment?"

"Of course, honey," replied her girlfriend.

"Shall we meet outside when you come down?" Potter asked.

"Well, maybe we'll stay at home or study, wait for us there just in case," Remus replied him. "Come on, girls."

The three of them got up from the table. As they left the Great Hall, Lily told them, "Direct to Dumbledore's office. He has projected to me with his mind that you accompany me there."

They both already know what Projection is, because of Red Magic.

"Perfect," Cecile said.

"And I think Sev too, because they laughed at the same time."

"Sure," Remus said.

"And Dumbledore has spoken to Slughorn before he left, so the bad guys can get away," Lily added.

"We've kicked them out, Lily. It was worth the effort," Cecile said.

Remus was silent, thinking about the five camouflaged malefics that were still in the school, two of them in his own House, and how he should be the one to tell Dumbledore about it, and also about the existence of the Map and how to make it.

On the stairs they came across some Gryffs and Raves who were coming down for breakfast. They reached the third floor and headed for the Headmaster's office. They did not meet anyone there. Well, if anyone we've come across was a malefic Rave, he hasn't realized we're here to meet Dumbledore, Remus thought.

Before the gargoyle, Lily said aloud, "Bitter Orange Marmalade."

"And so?" Cecile asked.

"The only one that Sev likes."

"Then he did read him," she laughed.

"Of course, but surely it was to make a joke, that's why they laughed when he projected to him."

"That's good, they're going to get along great."

The gargoyle moved, exposing the spiral staircase. They climbed the first step and let it turn until they were led to the office door. Lily knocked and the door was immediately opened.