Chapter 43 - 43. This right hand of mine. (1/2)

”It's tonight,” said Harry, once he was sure Professor McGonagall was out of earshot. ”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.”

”But what can we--”

Hermione gasped.

Snape was standing there.

”Good afternoon,” he said smoothly.

They stared at him.

”You shouldn't be inside on a day like this,” he said, with an odd, twisted smile.

”We were -- ” Harry began, without any idea what he was going to say.

”You want to be more careful,” said Snape. ”Hanging around like this, people will think you're up to something” he eyed Ryan who was shaking suspiciously. ”Be warned, Potter -- any more nighttime wanderings and I will personally make sure you are expelled. Good day to you.

”He strode off in the direction of the staffroom.

Out on the stone steps, Harry turned to the others.”we'd better stay outside the third-floor corridor,” Harry said. ”Come on.”

But that part of the plan didn't work. No sooner had they reached the door separating Fluffy from the rest of the school than Professor McGonagall turned up again and this time, she lost her temper.”I suppose you think you're harder to get past than a pack of enchantments!” she stormed. ”Enough of this nonsense! If I hear you've come anywhere near here again, I'll take fifty points from Gryffindor! Yes, from my own house!””Well, that's it then, isn't it?” Harry said.

The others stared at him. He was pale and his eyes were glittering.

”I'm going out of here tonight and I'm going to try and get to the Stone first.” ”Dibs” said Ryan the girls knew what was going to happen once he said that ”You can't!” said Hermione. ”After what McGonagall and Snape have said? You'll be expelled!”

”SO WHAT” Harry shouted.

”I'll use the invisibility cloak,” said Harry. ”It's just lucky I got it.”

”But will it cover all of us?” said Tonks.