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Chapter 71 - Whispers of Rebellion

Hogwarts' POV

The ghosts' wails and moans went on for hours, well past dinner and into the night. Dumbledore did his best to stop them as they were upsetting the students, but he made it worse with his jovial, and then demanding, attitude. The Grey Lady was in no mood to be sweet-talked. She screamed and ranted a thousand years of suppressed emotions. She drifted around the castle, chasing her murderer and told him over and over just what she thought of him. Her shrill voice carried into the night air.

The whole school now knew who she was and who killed her. The Slytherins, most of them, were very unimpressed with their House Ghost. They thought he had it right in killing the girl for denying him, but to take his own life after, made him weak in their eyes. The Hufflepuffs cried for the tragic tale, along with most of the Ravenclaws, the rest of the bookworms were itching to ask their ghost more. The Gryffindors wanted to kill the already dead man.

Finally around midnight, it stopped. Everyone wondered if she moved on. Except Harry and his gang, they all knew that there was one task that needed done before she could.

When the commotion was over, the students of school slept. Albeit fitfully. There were nightmares aplenty throughout the castle, while the teachers did their best to find out what happened to the two ghosts.

Harry's POV

The next morning was bright and cold. The ceiling in the Great Hall showed only the crisp sunlight and a bright blue sky, like the whole of space had been washed during the night and was now clean and clear. Our group of heroes sat at the Gryffindor table and ate. They discussed the emotional filled night, just like everyone else, but they also whispered about some plans.

Snape looked smug for some reason, which had Harry narrowing his eyes at the man. He had to wonder why the man looked like Christmas had come early, although faintly. He wondered if it had something to do with the ghosts. If the Grey Lady passed on, then he would be relieved of talking to her. On the other hand, if the Bloody Baron left then he no longer was bound to their agreement. Would that be enough to make the man so… well, not happy, but complacent?

The teen gave up on it for now, and then turned back to his friends and talked about the long night they had. He wrinkled his nose when he overheard a few girls thinking the whole thing was a tragic love story. He shook his head at the flighty gossips and peered at Hermione. She was giving him thoughtful looks and then glaring at the Staff Table, like she had finally come to the conclusion that they weren't the epitome of goodness and authority. She even threw a few cutting glances at Ron.

Harry, who always listened with his eyes, could see that she was now completely on his side, so he copied Merlin's book and said, "Here, Hermione, this is for you to read." She took the book and noted its title and author. "After you're done, come to me and we'll talk. Don't fuss about it now and bring attention to us," he added when her face took on an angry look, like she had been denied knowledge and was going to chastise him for it. He made two more copies and gave them to the twins with a simple smile. "These are temporary copies, so read them fast." He was content that his entire group of friends would now know what he knows.

"We will be discussing this," the bushy-haired girl hissed as she carefully put the book away. One part of her was glad the boy was opening up to her, while another part wanted to hit him for keeping this treasure away.

"Of course," he conceded, he'd let her rant, but only so far. He had his reasons for doing things his way, and if she wanted to remain his friend she'd see that. It wasn't like he was malicious in any way, he was only protecting himself from the world he didn't know. "Anyway, it's Saturday so what shall we do?" Harry asked, hoping to fend off that argument for a while.

"I think we should explore the seventh floor," was the dreamy response from Luna.

"As in near the Gryffindor tower?" the dark-haired wizard asked, not sure if they'd find anything in such a well trafficked hall.

"No, silly, on the other side of the castle, where you found the Grey Lady yesterday," the little blonde stated, as if it were obvious.

"Right, how foolish of me," our hero chuckled as he bussed her cheek. He didn't even have to ask how he knew. "So, who's with us?" he looked at his friends.

"I'm going to read that book, so that counts me out," Hermione stated with a predatory gleam in her eyes. She had seen that the tome was written by Merlin and couldn't wait to sink her teeth into it. Besides, who wanted to explore some dusty old classrooms, when there was learning to be done.

"You to that, write down any questions you have, so they aren't talked about out loud. Or we'll just find someplace private to go. You too, guys," he said, pointing to the twins, who were reading the book under the table and having whispered conversations about it. They looked up sheepishly and put it away. "I really don't want this to get out. At least not yet," he added when Hermione opened her mouth to argue. He knew she thought all knowledge should be shared, but he needed to keep this a secret for now.

George cleared his throat, "We're going to study," he said, with a wink and a secretive smile.

"Right, need to study to be able to do good pranks," Fred added, playing along.

"Speaking of pranks, it's time to change Snape's," Harry said wickedly as he looked at the dress wearing man. It wasn't funny anymore, because he wasn't reacting, neither were the students. So the teen blinked and snickered, "Watch," was all he said.

Suddenly a large pink bubble came out of Snape's mouth and when it popped it said, "I love lilies."

Harry sat in shock as the Hall burst with laughter. He knew that the greasy git meant he loved his mother, even after all these years. It made him feel sick in the stomach. The bubbles told the truth after all, but still… The amnesiac waved his hand and quickly dispelled the jinx. He'd have to think of something else to do.

Snape got up and left the Hall. He would hide again, in case he gave out other information that would get him arrested. Later he would thank Merlin that it was only once. Now that he was free and clear, he had to keep his head about him, to make sure it stayed that way. He was still making plans on running. He figured that it would be soon since that brat, Potter, was showing signs that he was either putting the pieces together or remembering.

"Did that work like it was supposed to?" Luna asked, patting her friend's arm. She didn't like the look on his face.

"Yeah, unfortunately," Harry replied, giving her an 'it's alright' smile.

"I don't see what's wrong. I mean, I guess you didn't expect him to spout his favorite flower, which was a bit out of character," Hermione said, with a tilt of her head.

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