a/n: snape plays the recorder and madam pomfrey hates her job (also kind of a long chapter, sorry!)

Exams themselves were a lot simpler than I thought they would be. Dean, Seamus, Neville, and I's studying had been very much worth our time and effort.

After exams, the four of us walked to the library. Despite the rules, we compared answers, leading to many disappointed sighs and light-hearted arguments. I was trying to enjoy the moment, but instead all I could focus on was the plan.

I had to talk to Snape myself, alone. Each passing day, it seemed less and less likely to be him that was helping the Dark Lord. Who the guilty party was, however, I didn't know. I still suspected Quirrel, though he'd have to be an excellent actor.

He was new to Hogwarts as of this year, the same year Harry arrived. According to Harry, he was in Diagon Alley the same day the Stone was attempted to be stolen. He was the only one standing between Snape and the Stone, and the one Snape had been harassing this whole time. Also, I remembered Hermione had knocked him over at the Quidditch match. Still, however, that didn't explain Snape's jinxing, or his hatred for Harry.

I decided I would go tonight. The three of them would be least suspecting, and they would be tired, especially after exams. Probably too tired to care where I went, or realize that I'd taken the invisibility cloak. Dumbledore wanted me to figure this out. Surely though, he didn't mean on my own.

I didn't have another choice. They were convinced Snape was guilty, and had mostly given up on protecting the Stone anyway. I had to do it on my own.

"Everything okay in there?" Dean poked my forehead from where he sat beside me. I blinked out of my thoughts.

"Yeah, I'm alright," I shook my head. "Just spacing out. My brain hurts." 

Dean laughed. "We should take you back to your dorms to get some sleep."

"No, I slept plenty last night," I frowned. "I don't want to skew my sleep schedule."

"You sleep?" Seamus joked. "I didn't think you had the time."

"The brain functions better well-rested," I smiled. "I don't want to deprive myself of that."

"Even with two hours of sleep you'd still be ten times smarter than I am," Neville shook his head.

"You have many redeeming qualities," I said gently. "You're very brave, and you've gotten braver since the year started. Malfoy hasn't bullied you since the Quidditch match. Also, you should give yourself more credit. You're a lot smarter than you think you are, Neville. You were the first to finish your Herbology exam."

Neville brightened up about this. We returned to talking about exams, and then our plans for the summer. My father was going on a business trip to Crete to collaborate with other economists, and he couldn't leave me by myself in the house (I wouldn't let him) so I was coming along. Coincidentally, Deans grandparents were moving in for their retirement and so he was going as well. He invited Seamus and Neville along, and so there was a chance that they would go too.

Later that night, at dinner, Hermione filled me in on what had happened throughout the day. I paled as she told me that they were planning on saving the Stone that night. This completely ruined my plan.

"Why not tomorrow, when McGonagall's less suspicious?" I offered. I just needed more time.

"We have to go tonight," she said. "Otherwise it might be too late."

"I can't," I shook my head. "Four is too many of us. I'll stay behind and if you don't come back after a while I'll get help."

"But McGonagall—"

"She'll understand," I said comfortingly. "If it's life or death, points will be the least of her worries."

Hermione nodded. "You're right."

"You said Dumbledore wasn't here?" I raised an eyebrow. This was a further complication. Why would he leave knowing the school was in danger? "Why not?"

"A business trip, I think," she said. "To the ministry."

I furrowed my brow. "And the cloak? You're using it, right?"

She nodded. "Yes, why?"

I blanched. "I just wanted to make sure. It can cover all of you?"

"If Ron bends down, yes," she nodded. "Are you sure you're okay with staying behind? You'll get help if you don't hear from us?"

I nodded. "Positive."

A few hours later, we were in the common room, waiting. People began to disperse, and as not to appear suspicious, I went with them, but not before wishing Harry, Ron, and Hermione good luck. I needed time to rethink my plan. I laid in bed for a good hour, reworking my strategy.

I'd still find Professor Snape. If I were to find him in time, I'd have to go quickly. I checked the clock: midnight. I'd wait two more minutes. I was suddenly very regretful that I hadn't taken a nap earlier like Dean suggested.

I thought about my path. I altered it so I would go by the teachers lounge on my way to the dungeons, then by Snape's office in his classroom. Then I'd go to the Slytherin dorms. Malfoy had described the location to me, it'd been very easy to get out of him. If Snape wasn't in any of those places, then I'd have been wrong. I'd go to the third floor corridor myself.

Two minutes had gone by, and I hopped out of bed and tiptoed out of the room and down the stairs. I turned the corner cautiously to see that no one was in the room. However, as I stepped out into the light of one of the lamps, I heard a suppressed cry for help. I jumped.

Moving closer, I saw it was Neville, bound by the leg-locker curse. The same one Malfoy inflicted on him weeks upon weeks ago. His face was on the ground, but I could see his eyes pleading for help. I frowned, deciding I'd delay for just a little while longer. I walked to him and crouched down, turning him over so he could speak.

"It was Hermione, wasn't it?" I asked him. He nodded, choked sobs taking over his ability to speak. I frowned. I wiped away his tears with the edge of his robe.

"I'm sure she didn't want to, but they're trying to do something very important," I sighed. "It was very noble of you to stand up to them. I know you don't want our house to lose any more points."

He nodded, his sobs becoming less erratic. I leaned closer. "If I provide the counter-curse, will you tell anybody I'm leaving?"

He shook his head no. I smiled. "Thank you, Neville. If me or the others don't return by tomorrow, go get help from McGonagall, alright?"

He nodded. I stood, satisfied, and provided the counter-curse. He stood, shaking and sniffling, while brushing off his robes.

"Thank you," I said to him. "Like I said, you've been getting braver and braver. Hopefully, I'll see you soon."

I waved him goodbye as I exited through the portrait hole. The Fat Lady raised some questions, but I shushed her.

On silent, bare feet, I skittered through the corridors like a mouse. On multiple accounts, I ran into Mrs. Norris, but we seemed to reach an understanding.

I made it to the teachers lounge quickly. No Snape. I moved swiftly to the dungeons. In my pajama pants and shirt, it was quite cold. I made it to the Potions classroom even faster. Nobody was there, so I found the stretch of wall that lead into the Slytherin common room. Unfortunately, I hadn't been able to get the password from Malfoy. I stared at the wall thoughtfully. Jokingly, I hazarded a guess.

"Salazar Slytherin," I said. The wall, much to my surprise, slid open silently. I grinned. Typical.

The Slytherin common room was eerie, especially at night. Everything was tinged green, and the lights gave off a mysterious glow. I could see the Black Lake through the window. Strangely, I felt welcomed. I treaded carefully along the green carpet, noticing someone facing away from me on one of the sofas. I recognized the greasy blonde hair easily.

What was Malfoy doing up so late? I was surprised he hadn't heard me. There was no way I'd get past him without him noticing. A devious idea formed in my head.

On silent feet, I sneaked behind him. In one swift movement, I covered his mouth with my hand and drew my wand to his throat. He startled, then froze.

I leaned down to whisper in his ear. "Guess who," I sang. "Oh wait, your mouth's covered."

I felt him grimace from behind my hand, and I half expected him to bite me. I laughed quietly.

"Don't scream, I'm not here for trouble. If you alert anyone, I wont hesitate to set you on fire. Nod if you understand."

He nodded slowly. I let go of his mouth, but kept my wand at his throat. He shivered, and turned to face me.

"How the bloody hell did you get in here?" He snapped. "And why did you have to scare me like that? I ought to kill you, you wench."

"Watch it, Malfoy," I warned. "You're the one who gave me directions. Your password system is ridiculous. Anyone with a functioning brain could get in here — 'Salazar Slytherin,' really?"

He scowled. "I don't make the passwords. Why are you here?"

"Not to speak with you, if that was what you were hoping." I teased. "I need a word with Professor Snape, about some rather confidential business. If you know where he is—"

"He's in his quarters," Malfoy frowned. "He's probably asleep. It's well past midnight." He said this accusingly, as if he weren't just sitting there.

"Then why were you awake?" I asked him. He scowled again.

"I wasn't."

Well, that would explain why he didn't respond to the wall opening.

"Ah. My apologies."

"I'm going to bed," he rolled his eyes. "Head of House's room is up the middle staircase. Do me a favor and never do that again."

"I owe you no favors," I said haughtily. "I haven't lit you on fire yet, as much as I'd love to. Go off to bed now. You clearly need your beauty sleep."

Malfoy growled and looked as if he were about to say something else. However, he stormed off without another word. Struck with curiosity, I looked over the couch. The mythology book laid open on the table in front of him. My resolve softened a bit. He must've fallen asleep while reading it.

I shook my head. I'd wasted enough time already. I bolted quietly up the stairs, finding the door marked Head of House. I rapped sharply on it twice, and was surprised as it was opened immediately. I looked up at Professor Snape's sullen face. If he was surprised to see me, he didn't show it.

"Shouldn't you be asleep?" He asked dryly. "In your own house?"

I regained my composure.

"I needed to speak with you," I said. "About the Stone."

Professor Snape walked through the doorway towards me, closing it behind him. He still wore his robes, and his wand was in his hand. He knew.

"I knew he was going to try tonight," he grimaced. "With Albus gone, it was the window of opportunity."

"It's Quirrel, isn't it?" I asked, already knowing the answer. To my surprise, Snape shook his head.

"Not only Quirrel," he looked caught my gaze with his steely eyes. I understood, but was in disbelief.

"You don't mean—"

Professor Snaps nodded grimly.

"Harry, Ron, and Hermione," I shook my head. "They're trying to stop him. Except they think he's you. They think you were trying to steal the Stone, but I wasn't convinced. That's why I came looking for you."

"Idiots, all of them," Snape shook his head disdainfully. "You're lucky you weren't caught."

"All things happen for a reason," I said.

"Then pray tell me why your idiot housemates are on a rescue endeavor they're bound to fail?" Professor Snape and I began our descent of the stairs.

"I never said it had to be a good reason."

We hurried in silence to the third floor corridor. We encountered Filch, who appeared to have many questions as to why both of us were speed-walking (nearly running) together this late at night. Snape sent him to owl Dumbledore.

"How did you realize it was Quirrel?" I asked him.

"I should ask you the same question," he looked at me inquisitively. I began to tick off the reasons.

"He was there when the attempted robbery of the Stone from Gringotts occurred, he came to the school the year that both Harry and the Stone are here, he was the one to warn the Great Hall of the troll—"

"Clever girl," Snape nodded. I wasn't sure if that was a jab or a praise, so I took it for the latter as he continued to speak. "I've suspected him for the same reasons. I knew he was the one who released the troll, and I cut him off as he was exiting the corridor we're going to now. The bloody hellhound scratched my leg. He took that opportunity to leave. He'd been looking at everyone's enchantments protecting the Stone, but nobody would believe me."

"He tried to kill Potter at the Quidditch match," he continued. "Potter was lucky I was there to come to his rescue with the counterjinx. Granger must have knocked Quirrel over in her rush to set fire to my robes. That's why I had to referee the next game, to ensure his safety," he sneered. "And now here he goes, putting himself in danger just for me to save him again."

"Bravery is often coupled with stupidity," I said lightly. "The same recklessness that lead me to seek you out."

"Yes, but coming to an experienced wizard is far less risky than a band of eleven-year-olds attempting to take on the Dark Lord and his equerry. Really, I should say vessel. If he becomes strong enough without Quirrel, he will leave his body to die."

"The unicorn blood," I murmured. "He's sharing a body with Quirrel?"

"Why else do you think he wears those ridiculous turbans?" Professor Snape scowled. "After that night—" he paused, as if remembering something, before shaking his head. I pretended not to notice. "After that night, the Dark Lord couldn't exist in his physical form, he was too weak. The killing curse was driven back to him because Potter was protected by his mother's love. Now, he can't exist without a physical form to inhabit."

I noted a strange semblance of feeling in his eyes, but chose not to pry. We'd reached the corridor.

Fluffy snarled at us as soon as I opened the door, his three heads slobbering. Professor Snape suddenly whipped out a small recorder and started to play a familiar tune. I think it was supposed to be Ode to Joy. Immediately, Fluffy started to doze off, falling asleep at the final note.

"Wow, Professor. I didn't expect our Potions master to be such a virtuoso—"

"Shut up."

The trapdoor was in plain sight, and we tiptoed over the dogs sleeping form to open it.

"There's Devil's Snare to cushion your fall," Snape said. "I can take care of that." He dropped down first and I followed soon after. I fell, face flushed with the rush of air, and landed in a pile of plants. Professor Snape conjured a small fire and the plants died below us. We dropped onto solid ground, and Snape lit the chamber with his wand. We entered a room with hundreds of flitting insects that, upon closer inspection, turned out to be winged keys.

The door, however, was already unlocked. In the room was a massive chessboard, many of the pieces smashed to bits. I saw Hermione, struggling to wake Ron. He looked to be unconscious. My heart skipped a beat.

"He's alive," Professor Snape said, sounding relieved. "He's breathing, see?"

I saw his chest rise and fall, and released the breath I was holding. The two of us approached Hermione. She seemed startled yet relieved to see us. When she saw Snape, however, her face went pale.

"Harry—" she tried to say. I shook my head and shushed her. Professor Snape bent down and began healing Ron's wounds with his wand.

"It's okay, we're here to help," I said. "It's Quirrel. Him and You-Know-Who are sharing the same body. That's why he needs the Stone, so that he can live forever without having to inhabit a host. The evidence all lines up, see."

"You knew?" She asked, bewildered. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I knew you would doubt me," I shook my head. "You all seemed so convinced. I didn't know about You-Know-Who and him sharing a body, though. That's why I fetched Professor Snape. He's on our side."

"But the jinx—"

"Counterjinx," Snape corrected, standing up from Ron's body. "Take him up to the Hospital Wing. I've already sent Filch to owl Dumbledore."

"Y-Yes Professor," Hermione said, still shaken. "But the threats—"

"I suspected him since the beginning," he said. "I had to prove his disloyalty. Now go, we don't have much time."

Hermione pursed her lips, but nodded curtly. "The potions—"

"It's my part of the protection, do you not think I came prepared?" He scowled, holding up the bottle of liquid. He looked to me. "I must go now. You go with Granger. If all goes well, I will bring Potter shortly."

I parted my lips in protest, but Snape's look was enough to convince me to go. Hermione and I carried Ron back to the room of keys. Snape proceeded into the fire.

"Are you alright?" I asked Hermione. She was shaking, but she seemed physically fine.

"I believe so, yes," she replied. "Let's get Ron back up to the Hospital Wing. We'll all be safer up there."

I was worried about leaving Harry behind, but Snape had taken the potion with him. There wasn't a way through the fire, so the only thing to do was go back up. The hard part would be evading Fluffy.

We set Ron down in the room with keys, grabbing brooms from the wall. I strategically set his body in front of mine, as if he were riding it, and held onto him from behind, placing my other hand in front of him. Hermione used the light charm, and we flew through the Devil's Snare and past Fluffy, who swatted at us like a fly.

We continued to fly, even in the corridors, all of the way to the Hospital Wing. Dismounting the broom, we both carried Ron to one of the beds, setting him down. Madam Pomfrey left her office and noticed us with a start.

"How did you two get up here— oh my, what happened?!" She rushed over to Ron, suddenly checking several of his vitals and waving her wand. He woke up for a little while before he lost consciousness again.

"He's alright. He just has a heavy concussion. It's best he stay asleep," she said. She glared at us. "Now if you two have any explanation for this—"

"It's quite a long story," I glanced nervously at Hermione. "Perhaps it's best if we discuss this in the morning—"

"How is it that you lot are always bringing this poor boy up here in shambles? Just last month his hand was infected with dragon venom, Merlin knows how that happened," Hermione and I collectively winced, but Madam Pomfrey didn't notice. "Might as well carry him around on a stretcher. Where's the rest of you, anyway?"

"Oh, he'll be here shortly," I said vaguely. "He's a bit tied up at the moment—"

"Sneaking around after hours and injuring himself, I'm sure. I've got half a mind to send you all to the Headmaster—"

"That won't be necessary, Poppy."

Dumbledore himself stood at the door, carrying Harry bridal style in his arms. Snape stood behind him, looking quite harassed. Madam Pomfrey gasped at the sight of Harry, who had been severely bruised but was breathing.

"My word! What has this school come to?" She scoffed, taking Harry and bringing him to a bed beside Ron's.

"I do believe it's my fault," Dumbledore admitted. "I should have known not to take off at a time like this."

"If anyone should be blamed it's these students," Snape made a face at us. "Sneaking around and hoping to stop the Dark Lord in his tracks with a cheering charm I'm sure. Only Holmes was wise enough to come to a more experienced wizard."