Chapter 29 – The Revolt

“I really hope you are right about this, Hermione,” whispered Harry, as the united group managed to fumble their way with difficulty, to the Dungeons that resides below ground level of the school. Also known as the potions classroom where many had endured the trials and tribulations of Professor Snape and his sometimes-unethical ways of practice.

However, if any of them believed that now as they did before this very night, they certainly didn’t anymore. The silence that rang around the cold and dark dungeons penetrated them, but not with a feeling of foreboding or hate as was generally the norm, but with a certain feeling of gratitude. Professor Snape was the most hated teacher at Hogwarts, and yet Harry knew that if it wasn’t for him, then Remus and Karis would be dead, therefore, surely his track record for heroism may lend a helping hand in fighting Lord Voldemort?

No wonder Dumbledore trusts him. Harry smiled with a small cold quivering of his lips in the darkness that they all seemed to be getting accustomed to. It will be his reward, a way of thanks for what he has done, regardless of who he used to be, thought Harry silently in his mind.

“I wish we had a lantern or something so we can see properly.” said Luna, agitation in her tone, while Harry and a few others mumbled in agreement.

In the distance they could still hear Bella shouting obscenities at the Werewolf. “Poor Remus, he really isn’t having a good night either is he.” said Ron with a sigh.

“No, but I’m thankful he is on our side, he will keep that bellowing battleaxe under control, I have no doubt about that.” replied Justin Finch-Fletchley.

“She is the most evil thing I’ve ever met. Well, besides Vold… um, You know who.” intervened Pavati Patil.

“I wish you had just let Neville strangle her Ginny.” said Lavender. “At least we wouldn’t have to listen to that foul mouth of hers. Did you hear what she called Hermione as we walked away?”

“Yeah, but I don’t dare to repeat it.” replied Luna.

Harry smirked. “Are you alright, Hermione? Where are you?”

“I’m here.” she replied

“Uh, well that doesn’t really help me, Mione.”

“Then, maybe this will.” Suddenly a small yellow flame lit up the far left hand corner of the dungeon classroom.

“How did you do that?” asked Zacharias, incredulously.

“With a match, how else?” replied Hermione, her eyes alight with the sudden yellow flames that now came out from a device underneath a large black cauldron, leaving shadows on the wall, that instantly made Cho Chang shiver.

“Professor Snape always has matches in his potions cabinet, as they are used to light candles. Not everything is done by a wand you know, Zach.”

Zacharias scoffed at her remark, as the others formed a circle around the now lit cauldron.

“Finally, some luck!” exclaimed Luna with a smile, as she handed Hermione a book that was strewn over the Potion Masters bureau. “He obviously hasn’t had much chance to tidy up lately, look at the state of his desk.”


“Luna, I could kiss you!” exclaimed Hermione in delight.

“That could be interesting.” mocked Ron. Harry chuckled and then stopped abruptly at the look on Hermione’s face.

“Shut up, Weasley!” retorted Luna with a playful scowl, while taking her position by the side of her friend. “Right, let’s see.” said Hermione, whilst turning the pages in fervent anticipation. “YES!” she screeched. “Here it is. Read me out the ingredients Luna.” Hermione subsequently turned to Harry and Ron. “You can both help me gather them.”

“What are we going to do?” asked Ginny.

“You could start by closing the door and maybe lighting all of the cauldron heaters; let’s get some light on the subject.”

Ginny, Cho, Marietta and Dean Thomas undertook this chore, and within minutes, a cauldron was bubbling, whilst a comfortable warm light flittered and danced around the dungeon walls, giving each member now a body, and a friendly recognisable face.

Meanwhile, the confrontation outside in the school grounds had now reached an all-time high. The Order of the Phoenix, along with Ministry officials and the power of ten wise sorcerers from the Order of Merlin were not only working overtime, but also risking their lives in finding the culprit for this ill cause. For as many Vampires he threw upon them, Mountain Trolls and Dementors, it was still not enough to thwart the progress of this hearty congregation, however much Voldemort proceeded to endeavour, so far, it was all in vain. All except for one who had fallen, Kingsley Shacklebolt.

Kingsley was not only a good friend and a powerful ally, but he was an inspiration to many of the Order and Ministry officials alike, and it broke their hearts to know that he had perished in this fight for freedom, even though one might believe freedom was what he got, but at the cost of losing his life!

Minerva McGonnagall was in a terrible state, as she clung onto the handkerchief that Severus had kindly passed to her and used as a portkey to transport herself and the fallen Kingsley to safety. She sat there, cradling her friend in her arms, knowing he was in a better place, and she briefly wished she could be there too, before she shook her head to rid herself of unthinkable and foolish thoughts.

The air was suddenly hot and clammy in the house and it engulfed her ardently, seeming highly unusual on this cold February evening. That was when she realised that it wasn’t the air, but the stench of death. Why did it have to consume a gentleman so kind as Kingsley? Unfortunately, that is the question on many quivering lips not only on Minerva’s, but on all of the Order members and Ministry officials who had known this brave soldier. But whereas Minerva was in the safety of headquarters with Kingsley cold and still in her arms, her other friends were still fighting for their lives.

She laid the bald man down upon the over padded sofa as she got up, willing composure on her sore and cold limbs. Gradually, she managed to pace the long hallway entrance and she felt her blood start to flow through her veins once more.

Along the old dark mahogany wood flooring, Minerva noticed that the rug was askew and she bent down to straighten it up. The floorboard beneath her gave way and she slipped sideways. Looking back to where her foot had trod, a loose floorboard had splintered leaving a dark hidden space visible from beneath.

Gently, she pulled the board up with her hands, being careful not to allow wooden splinters to pierce her skin. She put her hand down the hole, and fumbled in the darkness to pull out, what looked like, a photo album.

Stupid place to put an album, thought Minerva as she opened it up and fixed her glassy eyes on the first page of photographs. For a moment, she almost dropped it in sheer amazement, as looking at her with his boyish good looks and a mischievous grin was, Sirius Black.

She smiled at him, and he beamed back at her in delight. She had a sudden urge to start talking but thought it foolish so instead she turned over to the next page.

Standing together was a few original members from the ‘Order of the Phoenix’. Minerva couldn’t help but immediately notice Kingsley standing tall and broad in the front row, waving at her with a huge beam of a smile. Her heart immediately felt warmer for the first time on this very cold day, and a single tear trickled down her weathered face.

Lily and James were holding hands, with Sirius standing proudly beside James. But before she could turn the page and view the next picture, the photo album started to shake within her grasp, and she looked on, unaware of why it was so. Suddenly, a voice spoke to her through the pages. “Minerva, be strong, we will always be together, and we will always be watching. Help the Order and continue the quest, as the Prophecy fulfilment will set you free.”

Minerva knew that voice, and she rushed into the lounge to look upon her friend who continued to lay still and breathless on the over-padded sofa. She smiled, knowing that her first initial thought was the right one – Kingsley was somewhere else, and somewhere better, he was re-united with his friends.

She clutched the photo album to her chest and scurried to open it once more, only to find that the pictures had vanished from site. That was when she realised that the only witches and wizards within that album were the ones who had passed over, who had died in heroic circumstances, never to be seen in the flesh again. This was their way of saying goodbye, through a photo album, that no-one had seen, no-one had noticed, until this dark and cold fateful February evening.

She put it back underneath the floorboard, her heart lifting and reviving a form of hope. Even in death Kingsley gave Minerva hope, but it also saddened her that she never really told him how she felt, even though at times he must have realised. Only three simple words that lovers say when they truly mean it. But it had never got that far with Minerva and Kingsley, they were both too busy and professional to start any form of partnership. But there was nothing to lose now, and as Minerva whispered in Kingsley’s ear three cherished words from her heart, she knew then what she had to do.

Kingsley had re-united with his friends and now it was time for Minerva to re-unite with hers. Grabbing hold of her wand and taking a deep breathe; she levitated Kingsley upstairs into what they now called the ‘Hospital Ward’ after the event with Alastor and Remus, and laid him gently onto the bed, before apparating outside the school perimeter to rejoin her group and to fulfil her promise of contract to the ‘Order of the Phoenix.’