The sun was starting to sink lower in the sky when they reached the spot Hagrid had originally shown the Thestrals to the class. Luna started putting blood around on the ground in various spots and then waited. It wasn't long before two sets of white eyes appeared between the trees. Hermione at once had her answer. She could see the eyes and the rest of the beasts as they walked into the area.
"I can see them this time," Hermione said to Harry. "But I have to pretend I can't. I'm not sure what Snape knows," She acted like she noticed everyone else was staring at something. "What? Are they here?" She asked continuing to look around.
"Are you going to ride a Thestral or with me?" Harry asked her.
Hermione remembered the last time she rode one of the winged horse like creatures. Though they weren't going very far this time, it still wasn't something she wanted to do again. "Uh…you, at least I can see the broom."
Within a few minutes Harry and Hermione were aloft on the Firebolt, followed closely by Luna and Neville each on their own Thestral. The air rushed through their hair as they flew away in the last light of the setting sun. Twenty minutes later they landed in a field and after thanking the Thestrals, Luna sent them back to Hogwarts.
Harry pulled out the mirror and a few seconds later Sirius was staring at him again. "Did Snape contact you?"
"Yeah, though he didn't mention you at all."
Harry face turned dark as the anger for the Potions Professor increased. "Of course he didn't," He snarled. "He most likely didn't last time either. Dumbledore only said he made sure you were there," He thought about it for a few seconds before continuing. "If you didn't know what was going on tonight like last time and Snape had told you I thought you had been taken by Voldemort or that Umbridge was taking us into the Forbidden Forest what would you have done," He asked Sirius.
"I'd have ripped Snape a new arsehole if he wasn't going to look for you that instant, Umbridge or no Umbridge. I'd at least have sent Remus to start searching for you at Hogwarts."
"Thought so," Harry replied. "So again he contacted you just so he can tell Dumbledore later he did something when he overheard us, but nothing to actually try to prevent us from going," Harry grumbled. "I wonder if I should throw this up in Dumbledore's face later."
"Let's worry about Snape after we deal with the Death Eaters," Hermione said as she laid a hand on Harry's arm.
Harry nodded at her and then to Sirius. "We're headed for Diagon Alley."
"Sounds good, see you in a few hours," Sirius replied and he disappeared from the mirror.
"Dobby, Winky!" Hermione called and immediately the two elves were there.
There was no need for words as the elves knew immediately what to do. Dobby took Harry and Neville's hands and the three of them disappeared while Winky did the same with Hermione and Luna. The four teens and two house-elves appeared in Diagon Alley. By using the elves they were able to go directly to the Alley instead of having to pass through the Leaky Cauldron and being seen.
"Thank you," Harry said to both elves. "Dobby I'll call you when we get to the Ministry. Remember, you're to do nothing there, just wait until Voldemort shows up and then get to your old Master's house. If you can, look and see if you can find the snake and Pettigrew. Do not endanger yourself though. That's an order Dobby," Harry said gently. "Do...Not...Endanger...Yourself." He repeated slowly to emphasize the order.
"Dobby understands," The elf replied. "Dobby will not endanger himself."
Harry smiled at the house-elf and nodded. Dobby and Winky apparated away with a crack and the four teens started walking down the empty street. Though still lit by gas lamps, there still was a stillness that felt disquieting. They passed a couple of people on the way, no one seemed to indicate any recognition, nor even glance their way. Finally they arrived at the destination. Number ninety-three. A rap on the door brought a quick answer when George opened it up.
"Harry?" George asked and stopped as Harry and Hermione along with Neville and Luna made their way into the store.
When they were all in the back room away from the windows, Harry finally turned to George and Fred who had joined them. "Thanks guys. I presume you got the message from Sirius?"
"Yeah, but can you tell us what's going on?"
"Let's just say we're about to prank Voldemort," Harry replied.
"WHAT?" Fred exclaimed. Sirius had sent a message saying Harry and some friends would be arriving and would need additional supplies. "YOU-KNOW-WHO? You're joking right?"
"No, but don't tell anyone and I do mean anyone including your mother or Dumbledore," Harry said. "You're going to hear things tomorrow that don't match what's happening now. Just let it be. We'll try to explain later."
Fred and George looked at Harry then at the rest of the teens in front of them. Finally they raised their hands in unison. "Fine Harry. Is there anything we can do to help?"
"Pranking is our game," George reminded him.
"If you have all the things Sirius mentioned, especially every single bit of Peruvian Darkness Powder that you have; that is all we need. Oh and a place to stick around for another couple of hours. Currently Voldemort thinks we are headed toward him on a broom and Thestrals."
"Thestrals?" Fred asked confused. "Why would you be riding Thestrals?" He asked as he started handing over bottles of Instant Darkness Powder and other items.
"It's a long story, and though we do have time, I'm not ready to explain it yet," Harry said. "Are you two in the Order now?"
"Nah," George responded. "Mum would kill us, besides we're busy trying to get this place up and going."
"Though business has been going great," Fred added.
"Well if you want to have some fun tonight, head to Grimmauld place when we leave," Harry said and then pulled out his mirror. "Sirius Black."
It was a few minutes before Sirius finally appeared. "Yeah pup? Sorry it took so long but I've got quite a few Order people here. I'm throwing a little party tonight. If things go wrong, you'll have a rescue party ready to go."
"I understand," Harry replied. "We're with Fred and George. Mind if they drop in when we leave?"
"Heck no. The more the merrier," Sirius said. "What do they know?"
"Only that we are going to be pranking Voldemort tonight."
"Yeah send them over but make sure they know it could be dangerous."
"See you at the Ministry," Harry replied to his Godfather.
"Ministry?" Fred asked.
"What's happening there?" George questioned.
"You'll find out," Harry said. "Remember not a word to anyone except to Sirius, especially that you've seen us. How much do I owe you for all of this?" He asked.
"Our pleasure Harry," Fred replied and seeing the look on Harry's face. "Really, business has been great and we owe it all to you. Besides if you're using this against You-Know-Who, then it's the least we can do."
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