Chapter XI The Darkest of Nights-The Brightest of Mornings

June 11, 1997

Tragedy has struck the school. I must report the death of Headmaster Dumbledore. I attempted to make this entry in the Headmaster's Log and found instead a note from Dumbledore saying he has hidden to log because he could not be sure who may have access to the secrets in it after his death. He instructed me to begin a new volume even though this year's volume should not end until June 30th. I think in a way, a volume of the Headmaster's Log larger than any other in the history of Hogwarts, did end yesterday so in a way it is appropriate to start a new volume. The following is what I have been able to learn of his death.

Last night Dumbledore said he was leaving the school with Harry Potter and asked several staff members and some members of the Order of the Phoenix to patrol the halls as guards. Soon after eleven that evening Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, and Neville Longbottom came running toward us yelling that there were death eaters in the castle. We soon ran into them headed for the Astronomy tower and a fight ensued. Some of the death eaters entered the tower and some type of spell prevented us from pursuing them. Moments later, as we continued to duel with the remaining death eaters, Professor Snape appeared and ran through the fight up the tower. He quickly returned with Draco Malfoy and yelled, "It's over!"

Snape, Draco, and the death eaters fled. Harry Potter came out of the tower chasing them. With the fight over I got everyone to the hospital wing to be checked for injuries. Everyone had only minor injuries except for Bill Weasley who had been attacked by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback. Bill will live but we do not know what effects the attack will have on him. As it was not a full moon, Greyback was not transformed, so Bill should not become a werewolf but there are bound to be some lasting consequences.

Ginny Weasley went looking for Harry and moments later returned to the hospital with him saying Dumbledore was dead. Harry related the story from the astronomy tower saying Draco Malfoy had surprised them as they returned from where ever they had been and Harry refused to tell me where they went. Dumbledore was very weak but cast a spell to protect Harry and in the second that took, before Dumbledore could react, Draco disarmed Dumbledore. The death eaters arrived and wanted Draco to kill Dumbledore but he couldn't. Then Professor Snape arrived and as Dumbledore turned and called to Snape he cast the killing curse at Dumbledore.

The students have been returned to their dorms and the ministry notified of what happened. The Minister of Magic has arrived but before he came the staff agreed that the students would be allowed to stay at the school for Dumbledore's funeral. They have the right to say goodbye to him. After that the Board of Trustees will have to decide what happens next. I doubt if they will close the school because it is the only school of magic in Great Brittan and the generations of children to come will need it.

As for the next few days I am Acting Headmistress and the staff will continue to see to the children's immediate welfare.

Acting Head Mistress M McGonagall

June 13, 1997

A white tomb has been built out on the grounds and Dumbledore's funeral is over. I tried talking with Harry Potter to get a more complete version of what happened but he refuses to tell me more. He said Dumbledore has given him a job to do and told him to keep it secret and he intends to follow Dumbledore's orders. He did say whatever happens he will not be back next year to finish his last year.

The children are all gone back to their homes and the staff awaits word on what will happen come September.

Acting Head Mistress M McGonagall

July 1, 1997

The Board of Directors has decided as I thought, Hogwarts must remain open for the good of future generations. How many students will return is another matter. Many families are deathly afraid and have already informed me their children will not be coming this year. I cannot blame them. With Dumbledore being killed by one of our own staff members, I too am frightened. Even more frightening is that fact that Snape killed Dumbledore is being suppressed. Neither the ministry nor the Daily Prophet have mentioned it in public.

The ministry I am sure does not want the public to know how powerful Voldemort is. One of his death eaters being on the staff here for many years will not instill confidence with the people. The Daily Prophet is another thing. They have cooperated with the ministry before in suppressing news of Voldemort but there is something different in the tone of the paper now. I am sure Voldemort controls somebody high up in the paper's staff; most likely the editor. Stories that Harry Potter was with Dumbledore when he was killed and refuses to tell the ministry what happened are true; but the slant seems to imply that Harry not Snape is responsible for Dumbledore's death. People are confused as to what happened and confusion spreads terror which is what Voldemort wants.

Head Mistress M McGonagall

July 25, 1997

As a member of the order of the Phoenix I was approached to help move Harry from his Aunt's house which I knew was under Dumbledore's protective spell these past sixteen years. After some discussion it was decided I should not help. As newly appointed Headmistress of Hogwarts I am too visible to the public and likely to be followed by Voldemort's death eaters. I agreed that people better able to move in secret should be part of Harry's guard.

Harry told me after Dumbledore's death that he would not be returning to school and I have learned that Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley will also not be back. Knowing them for the past six years I can only assume they will be going with Harry on whatever task Dumbledore asked Harry to carry out.

Head Mistress M McGonagall

July30, 1997

Harry Potter was moved to a new location but now without tragedy. Alastor Moody was killed and George Weasley hurt but recovering. I am invited to the wedding of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour which is going on despite of the tragedy. Perhaps this is best, the events of normal life lend strength to people who are suffering. I hope I get to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione at the wedding so I can wish them a last goodbye and good luck.

Head Mistress M McGonagall

Aug 3, 1997

The future of the school is in doubt again. Voldemort's forces have killed the Minister of Magic and taken over the ministry. The public is being kept in the dark again. An official statement claimed the minister resigned and Pius Thickness has replaced him but in fact Voldemort is the Minister of Magic in every way except on paper. Will he close the school? Whatever happens as a known friend of Dumbledore I doubt I will be Headmistress for long.

The Weasley wedding was raided by death eaters but most people disapparated and escaped. I did not see Harry Potter but I did see Ron and Hermione sitting with a redheaded boy whom I suspect was Harry under the influence of Polyjuice potion. I did not see them escape but no news of their capture has reached me either so, I must assume they are safe.

Head Mistress M McGonagall

Aug 9, 1997

The house elf Kreacher has disappeared from the kitchen here at Hogwarts. Harry Potter inherited the elf from Sirius Black and ordered him to come here where the other elves could keep an eye on him. I assume Harry must have called for Kreacher to return to him for some reason. This most likely means Harry, Ron, and Hermione are at Grimmauld Place, the Black family house. They will be safe there if they stay in the house, but since Voldemort knows Harry owns the house I am sure he has death eaters watching for Harry to show up.

Head Mistress M McGonagall

Aug 15, 1997

This is my last entry. I have been informed that Severus Snape has been named the new Headmaster and I am to return to my teaching position. From the feel of the notice I don't think I have the choice of resigning. In any case I would stay to try to protect the children as best as I can. The other teachers have told me they received a copy of the notice and they have the same idea as I do, help the children any way we can.

In addition two known death eaters have been appointed to the staff, Amycus Carrow as DADA instructor and his sister Alecto as Muggle Studies teacher. It seems Charity Babbage our Muggle Studies teacher for many years is missing. A letter of resignation was sent to me but it is not in her handwriting and I suspect she is dead. These two have a reputation for cruelty and also for not being the brightest students when they were here in school.

Head Mistress M McGonagall

Aug 18, 1997

I have taken over as Headmaster and met with the staff to tell them of the many changes that will take place this year. I also got to talk for the first time with Dumbledore's portrait that now hangs in the headmaster's office. As we planned before his death, I was able to convince Voldemort that I should stay at Hogwarts where I could have control over the education of the young witches and wizards which to Voldemort means indoctrination in his philosophy of Pure Bloods first, Mixed bloods as a second class, and the eventual elimination of muggles.

There are however two problems; both named Carrow. I had hope to be able to choose my own staff who I could rely on not to cause problems but Voldemort has saddled me with these two cretins as DADA and Muggle Studies teachers. They are the two most moronic of his death eaters and could not teach to save their own lives but Voldemort keeps them around for their loyalty and cruelty and has assigned them to be in charge of discipline. He does not want problems from the students many of whom are unhappy because they were planning to stay safely at home with their families and not come back to school this year. Now they are forced to return because of one of the many new ministry edicts.

The other teachers have been instructed that all discipline problems are to be sent to the Carrows which most likely means the Cruciatus curse and not detention for the student involved. I believe I can rely on the old faculty not to do this but Dumbledore reminded me I cannot say that to them. I must keep all the staff thinking I am Voldemort's man, that I killed Dumbledore for that reason, that I support the Carrows' methods that I am as cruel as they are or even worse. If I slip in my cover persona and Voldemort finds out I will be killed without mercy and the plans Dumbledore has laid will be stopped. Voldemort who killed my beloved Lilly will win and the hardships on the people will go on forever.

My only regret is that Dumbledore will not tell me what his plan is though I can guess it involves Harry Potter killing Voldemort which I am not sure he will be able to do. Potter did not come back this year which is a good thing for him since he would be instantly killed if he did. Dumbledore tells me Potter may try to sneak into the castle some day and if he does I must find him first and prevent the Carrows from capturing him. Also his friends Weasley and Granger did not return and I assume they are with him though official word is that Weasley is at his home sick with Spattergroit. I believe this is a ruse but never the less with the three of them gone; three potential troublemaking thorns in my side are eliminated.

Dumbledore warns me that while most of the students should not be a discipline problem Weasley's sister, Longbottom, and that Lovegood oddity may be trouble in their own right. When I expressed doubt of this Dumbledore told me he has been checking on these three since the incident in the Hall of Prophecies more than a year ago and they are not like many of the teachers have assessed them. Dumbledore went over each of them and what he discovered.

He said Miss Lovegood is said to be flighty and unfocused on her lessons by all the teachers; however she is deeply passionate about certain things and focuses well on these areas. She is much smarter and more clever than people give her credit for after all the sorting hat did put her in Ravenclaw. She has few friends but is extremely loyal to those she has which include foremost Ginny Weasley who was kind to her when other students teased her. She is also friends with Potter who took her into Dumbledore's Army, taught her defensive spells, and treated her no differently than any other student. Dumbledore suspects she will want to express her loyalty to Potter by carrying on this year with me and the Carrows as Harry did against Umbridge two years ago.

Neville Longbottom he told me has for years been considered to be clumsy and almost feeble minded, the poorest student in almost every class. Since the escape of Bellatrix Lestrange who tortured his parents, he has found new courage and concentration. He has become adept at many spells used for defense and attack and is not timid like he was years ago. He is also loyal to Potter and Dumbledore believes he will act to oppose me and the Carrows. I do not see these changes but Dumbledore assures me they are factual and because Longbottom believes I am with Voldemort he will not take my administration without opposition.

Miss Weasley, Dumbledore claims, will be the most trouble. As Potter's girlfriend she feels it is her responsibility to carry on as Potter's replacement. I know her to be the top student in her year in every subject and a skilled and powerful witch for her age, but she never acted aggressively in the years I had her in my classes. In fact she acted the opposite; she was always calm and tried to avoid trouble with other students. Everyone but the Slytherins considered her a friend. Of all of Potter's friends she is he only one I did not dislike. She did her potions class work with the detailed attention it deserves without being a showoff like Miss Granger. She was always polite to me though she did not like me because of her feelings for Potter and Potter's feeling toward me.

Dumbledore suggests I should be proactive in stopping these three from becoming disruptive and that I start by appointing Ginny Weasley as Gryffindor Quidditch captain. I had thought of not having Quidditch this year but Dumbledore pointed out that the student interest in Quidditch would draw off some of their energy and dissatisfaction toward my administration. As Gryffindor captain it would take up many of Miss Weasley hours leaving less time for her to cause disruptions. I pointed out Miss Weasley's pregnancy as a potential problem but Dumbledore said if she used the spell I found to place the child in stasis at two months she would not have a problem with Quidditch. I deferred to his knowledge of pregnant women and suggested this to Professor McGonagall who as the head of Gryffindor has the final word on the team. I believe she will take my suggestion though I did not explain my reason.

I must also see that Miss Weasley's pregnancy remains a secret. If anyone discovers the truth and tells Voldemort he will have her in the Malfoy's dungeon before nightfall. Dumbledore tells me I can trust her to keep the secret since she understands what will happen if her secret gets out. I hope he is correct; her intelligence and flaming red hair does remind me of Lilly and I do not wish to relive those events again.

Above all these other problems there is the problem of helping Potter if I can. First I must locate him. I believe he has fled to Grimmauld Place but Voldemort has it under surveillance and I cannot go there without being seen. Since he believes me to have murdered Dumbledore even if I do find him I have to aide him without his knowledge. He can not know the truth about me because if he is captured Voldemort will get that knowledge from his mind.

Headmaster S. Snape

Aug 20, 1997

When I asked Dumbledore how he intends to find Potter he told me Potter has been at Grimmauld Place for several days now. The portrait of Phineas Niggles Black that hung there allowed Black to report to Dumbledore when Potter first arrived. Today the portrait is in an extensible charm bag belonging to Miss Granger. They must have seen that I was appointed headmaster and knew I would be able to get Black to spy for me. I do not think they realize Dumbledore has been doing it for almost three weeks.

The bad news is Black cannot hear what they are saying when the bag is closed; the good news is Miss Granger carries the bag with her at all times and as she opens it to pack and unpack things Black will be along with them and eventually discover and pass on any change in their location to me and Dumbledore .

Dumbledore said he has something to give Potter but that Potter is not ready to get it as of now. He did not tell me what it is but said he would when it is time.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sep 1, 1997

The return of the students showed the undercurrent of dissatisfaction I expected. Though there were no overt problems my spies aboard the train reported an incident between Miss Weasley and Draco. Dumbledore told me of past incidents between Draco and Potter and this is the first sign of his warning that Miss Weasley would feel she had to take Potter's place in his absence.

Since I became headmaster Dumbledore has explained how he always knew so much about what was happening in the castle. The headmaster's network of ghosts, portraits, house elves, and of course teacher's reports kept him up on every important event all over the grounds. Since all the teachers believe me to be a death eater and Voldemort's pawn I will not be able to rely on teacher reports but the other sources will be useful.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 2, 1997

Madam Pomfrey called and reported that Miss Weasley came to the hospital wing for her monthly checkup as required by the pregnancy spell. I hurried to get there before she left so I could let her know I was aware of the situation and was watching her. I hope this will deter her from starting problems.

Madam Pomfrey said she and the baby are fine and I asked Miss Weasley how she was feeling.

She responded by asking what I meant by that. I quickly guessed that Dumbledore never told her I was the one to find the spell she used. Then she added," I just have an upset stomach from too much desert at the banquet last night. "

"Miss Weasley," I said, "Who do you thing Dumbledore consulted about you situation last year. I am the one that found the spell book he gave Miss Granger."

She looked as if she were about to faint. She must have thought I told Voldemort about her and the baby but tried to hide her surprise.

I said, "Your problem is of no concern to anybody but you and Mr. Potter. I do not intend to let anyone else know of it as long as the situation remains stable. You will continue in classes as usual and will check in with Madam Pomfrey regularly or if you sense any problems." Then I turned and walked out leaving her to ponder the situation; what I knew and didn't know.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 3, 1997

Word just reached me that Potter and two accomplices, Weasley and Granger no doubt, entered the ministry and were able to escape even though officials and guards were alerted and chasing them. It is not known why they took such a chance. Nothing was found to be missing, no records were know to be accessed, and nobody was seriously hurt though he did attack Delores Umbridge in one of the court rooms while she was presiding at a hearing. Potter does hate Umbridge with good reason, but I doubt he took such a risk just to attack her. The court rooms are near the Department of Mysteries and officials think Potter may have been trying to get into this restricted area.

Dumbledore seem pleased when I told him; as if he expected Potter to be involved in something like this. I believe he knows what Potter is looking for and it happy to know Potter is actively seeking what ever it is. Perhaps this is what Dumbledore was waiting for when he said last week he had something to give to Potter when he was ready for it.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 4, 1997

My network tells me Miss Weasley, Lovegood, and Longbottom got together in the Room of Requirement for about an hour. Again Dumbledore proved to be correct about the three of them being loyal to each other; and a problem to me.

He also told me they were probably making plans to revive Dumbledore's Army and were discussing who they could trust. He was sure they would approach the remaining old members from two years ago first and that included Seamus Finnegan, Colin Creevey and his brother Dennis.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 8, 1997

The first week went by without incident but on Sunday morning a message was discovered written on the wall,

"DUMBLEDORE'S ARMY NOW RECRUITING".

Students were milling about and talking in small groups. I knew who was behind it and again marveled that Dumbledore understood the three children so well. They had more nerve than I would have given them credit for if I hadn't had that discussion with Dumbledore.

I saw Lovegood who is a Ravenclaw approach Longbottom and Miss Weasley at the Gryffindor table; an event rare enough to take notice of. They talked for several minutes. They are too inexperienced to realize that if this continues eventually the Carrows will use the Prior Incantato spell to check their wands and discover who was responsible.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 10, 1997

Minerva McGonagall came to me today to tell me she informed Miss Weasley she would be Gryffindor Quidditch Captain. She said Miss Weasley hesitated at first but she convince Ginny by telling her that Harry would be sad if he thought Gryffindor wasn't fighting for the Quidditch Cup no matter what else was going on and that she as the best player back this year was the obvious choice for the job.

Miss Weasley has called for general tryouts on the 13th which should keep her busy for now.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 13, 1997

Another week went by with no further incidents; perhaps because Miss Weasley was busy with the Gryffindor tryouts.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 20, 1997

My network reports that Miss Weasley has been approached in the halls and at meals by a number of students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff since the message was found on the wall. More than a dozen people have been reported to me and I have made a list of them for future reference. If trouble should arise I will need to know who to keep an eye on. I suspect but have no proof her choice of Quidditch players includes students sympathetic to her cause since the Creevey brothers do not have the build to be good players.

Several new messages have appeared on the walls in various places in the last three days and the Carrows are getting upset about it. They want me to crack down soon and I have been putting them off by pointing out that tough discipline will anger the students and lead to more problems. They believe if we punish the student severely enough the children will be cowed and stop. They don't have Dumbledore's insight into how these particular children think.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 22, 1997

The Carrows are truly evil. They have begun using the Cruciatus curse on students as punishment for all types of minor offenses and I am unable to convince them to stop. What they would do to students caught writing the messages on the walls is hard to imagine. I warned the students at dinner about putting these messages on the walls but again I do not believe that will deter them.

I consulted with Dumbledore's portrait because I could not figure out how the students were communicating without my network of spies hearing anything in the halls. He told me of the fake Galleons Miss Granger made two years ago and suggested they have revived the magic Galleons and most likely updated them to transmit messages from any member to any other member. This way people from other houses don't have to be seen together with Gryffindors too often and they can't be overheard.

He gave me the Galleon Miss Granger gave to him so he could monitor their actions and protect them if necessary. Perhaps I will be able to change it to match their update and discover their plans. I may then be able to protect them as Dumbledore did. The more I learn about Miss Granger's abilities the more I understand why she seemed to be a know-it–all; she really does know it all. If Miss Weasley improved on these Galleons she is also impressive in her skills.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 25, 1997

Draco Malfoy stopped me in the hall to tell me Miss Weasley had attacked him. I am sure he didn't give me the correct story. More likely he attacked her and she got the best of him in a fair fight.

I am puzzled by the change in Draco since he was unable to kill Dumbledore. He has lost his bravado after being denigrated by Voldemort in front of a meeting of death eaters. I do not understand what would make him suddenly decide to attack Miss Weasley. I will ask my spies to pay special attention to him and listen in whenever he is talking secretively with anyone.

In the mean time to maintain my cover status I told him if he could not handle Miss Weasley one on one I am very disappointed with him.

Minerva approached me to say Miss Weasley told her Draco attacked her which is the more believable story and she wanted me to punish Draco. I of course can not punish him and maintain my cover and if I told the Carrows they would most likely praise Draco and tell him to try harder next time.

To keep my cover going I told Minerva,"Miss Weasley's reputation with the boys is widely known. If Mr. Malfoy wants to be next in her line it is understandable; however I will encourage him to look for someone of better standing." Then she asked me why I would say such a thing and I told her to ask Miss Weasley if she wanted an explanation.

Headmaster S. Snape

Sept 30, 1997

No news about Malfoy and Miss Weasley. He was probably too embarrassed to tell anyone what happened, but I am sure this isn't the end of the problem. My spies tell me Draco's friends Crabb and Goyle are goading him into going after Miss Weasley again. I believe they were also behind the incident on the train and the attack last week. They have been spending time with the Carrows and have the same type of personalities slanted toward cruelty.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 1, 1997

Miss Weasley had her monthly check up and Madam Pomfrey reported everything is fine.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 4, 1997

As I returned to my office I caught Miss Weasley, Longbottom, and Lovegood coming down the stairs with the sword of Gryffindor. When questioned they said the sword belongs to Potter because Dumbledore left it to him in his will. They just wanted to give the sword to the rightful owner. Maybe it is the sword that Dumbledore plans to give to Potter when he is ready to use it.

It never occurred to me that Potter might stay in touch with his girlfriend using one of the secret Galleons and I insisted they tell me where Potter is. They all claimed not to know his location or how to find him but simply wanted to get the sword in the event that they did meet him at some later date they could give it to him. I believe their story but I am stuck now on how to punish them without turning them over to the Carrows and the Cruciatus curse. From the information I read on the pregnancy spell Miss Weasley would most likely lose the baby if tortured.

Dumbledore suggested a course of action that I did not agree with but lack of a better idea and his past insight into the situation with these three caused me to follow it. I convinced the Carrows that Longbottom's grandmother and Lovegood's father have many influential friends and using the Cruciatus curse on them would stir up a lot of publicity about what was happening at Hogwarts. That was just what Voldemort didn't want. Instead I would send them into the dark forest at night on an errand to gather rare mushrooms Horace Slughorn wants for his NEWTs potion class. There was a good chance one or more of them might be killed and the blamed could be places on the students for sneaking into the forest without our knowledge. We would be rid of them and no blame would fall on us.

They agreed without knowing I would assign Hagrid to accompany the children. With his protection they would be safe and I would not be suspected by the Carrows if the children returned despite seems to be my effort to have them killed.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 6, 1997

The trip into the dark forest was uneventful and the Carrow are stupid enough not to be suspicious of me.

Another thing; I left Miss Weasley as Quidditch captain. She seemed puzzled about this but despite the sword incident I still have hopes that keeping her busy with other things will reduce problems.

I have made a copy of the sword and hid the real one behind Dumbledore's portrait. I made a public show of sending the copy to Gringotts for safety. That should keep the real one safe and where I can get it to Potter when I find him. . Miss Weasley it seems is correct about the need to get him the sword eventually just wrong about how he will get it.

Dumbledore told me today it is the sword that Potter must get but will not tell me why. He claims to trust me but keeps secrets from me claiming he does not want certain secrets to be in close proximity of Voldemort which I often am.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 9, 1997

The first Gryffindor Quidditch match is coming up and the Gryffindor team has been practicing daily. There has been no major problems recently which encourages me to believe keeping the potential trouble makers busy has worked but messages on the walls still are appearing

The Carrows are fed up with the messages and to appease them I took the wands from several students and checked past spells using Prior Incantato. To my surprise Miss Weasley's wand showed no spells except what should be expected from use in her classes. Longbottom, Lovegood and the others I tested were all clean of spell involving the messages. The Carrows are frustrated by the negative results but can do nothing until we find the owner of a wand that was used.

I consulted with Dumbledore since I am sure Miss Weasley, Longbottom, and Lovegood are writing these messages and I know no way of removing a wand's history of spells. How could they be cleansing their wands? He gave two suggestions, either the have spare wands they use for the messages and keep hidden otherwise; or knowing they will be suspected they are not writing the messages but rather leaving it up to other friends who we do not suspect. He says it doesn't matter as long as the Carrows are not able to prove anything.

We also talked about protecting Miss Weasley because of her condition. I need ideas on how to deflect the Carrows from torturing her if she is ever caught doing something or if the Carrows simple start torturing students at random. Dumbledore said he will come up with some ideas and get back to me.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 12, 1997

My spies report a serious incident with Draco and Miss Weasley. It seems Draco goaded by Crabb and Goyle stunned Miss Weasley and Lavender Brown as they were walking from class. The third floor girl's loo is unused because of Moaning Myrtle and Draco dragged Miss Weasley inside while the others stayed in the entrance hall. Myrtle who has been giving Dumbledore reports on Potter for years said Draco attempted to rape Miss Weasley who was saved by some of her friends who came looking for her. It seem she has a group acting as body guards since the last attack by Draco and when she didn't return to Gryffindor common room they went to search for her. Luckily they found her before she was harmed.

Myrtle reported Miss Weasley vanished the clothes of Draco, Goyle, and Crabb leaving them naked in the girl's loo with no wands and no way to return to Slytherin common room except to walk naked through the halls. I have asked the Ghost of Sir Nicholas to stay with Miss Weasley as much as possible without letting her know she is being watched. He will notify me immediately if Draco approaches her.

I am also impressed by Longbottom who threatened to kill Draco, Crabb, and Goyle if anything happens to Miss Weasley. From Myrtle's narration it sound as if he means it and Dumbledore was correct again in his assessment that Longbottom has changed.

The three of them were smart enough to know Draco would be too embarrassed to come to me or the Carrows with this story and also smart enough not to harm Draco physically because the Carrows would have gone crazy and tortured every student until someone confessed. I am most impressed with the fact that they broke all the wands which will prevent Draco from attacking again until he gets a new wand, the need for which he will have to explain to his parents. Miss Weasley has learned some combat tactics perhaps from Mad-eye Moody, Sirius, or one of the other members of the Order of the Phoenix with whom she lived two summers ago.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 20, 1997

Miss Weasley did a good job training the Gryffindor Quidditch team, and, or they are better players than I gave them credit for. They defeated Hufflepuff 180 to 40 in the first match of the season.

A series of messages were found on several walls when everyone got back to the castle after the match. The Carrows are trying to find out who was not at the match but with six hundred students, not counting Slytherins, they can't account for everyone. Everyone we have suspected was at the match.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 24, 1997

Someone broke into Alecto Carrow's office and tore it apart. Again everyone the Carrows suspect were in classes at the time but the Carrows are at the end of their patience and I expect them to start random torture of the people they suspect if there is evidence or not.

Dumbledore has come up with a ruse to keep Miss Weasley from being tortured. I will suggest to the Carrows that if they torture other students but leave Miss Weasley, their prime suspect, safe perhaps one of the others will think she is acting as an informant for us and decide to turn her in and offer to help us to avoid further torture. Since they do not understand the loyalty among these children they may accept the idea.

Headmaster S. Snape

Oct 27, 1997

Student are upset and expressing openly dissatisfaction about classes. Everyone has to take Muggle studies with Alecto Carrow. Half blood students with muggle relatives say all she does is talk about how muggles are filthy animals who force witches and wizards into hiding. She tries to convince them that Voldemort is only trying to restore us to our rightful position of a ruling class.

Anyone that makes a comment not siding with her is punished in front of the class with the Cruciatus Curse. Most people are terrified and don't say anything at all.

The other teachers again have been ordered to turn in any students breaking any rule for punishment. The Carrows are teaching students to use the Cruciatus Curse on other students. If someone is brought for punishment they pick another student from the class and force them to use it or have it used on them. The Slytherins seem to enjoy it and I am afraid if Crabbe or Goyle get Miss Weasley alone the Cruciatus curse is the least they will do to her after the incident in the loo.

I think Draco has had enough of Miss Weasley besting him and he hasn't come near her since I have had Sir Nicholas watching her. Crabbe and Goyle worry me more. They may be too stupid to be intimidated by her. They are as stupid and as mean as the Carrows and I fear they will seek revenge on her.

Headmaster S. Snape

Nov 1, 1997

Miss Weasley's check up with Madam Pomfrey indicated a problem. Madam Pomfrey reported the baby grew a little. It can happen if the mother is under a lot of stress. That stimulates chemicals in the mother's body to increase all bodily activities so she can defend herself from danger. It also makes the baby grow again. She said asked Miss Weasley if she was having any unusual stress and Miss Weasley said, "No just the normal stuff in class." She seems to be a tough young lady who will not admit to being in a difficult situation and not ask for help.

Madam Pomfrey added he baby has stopped growing again and got only slightly bigger. She ordered Miss Weasley to avoid stress, since she can't give her a calming potion not knowing how it will affect the baby.

Headmaster S. Snape

Nov 19, 1997

Students are busy with a lot of homework and papers which are coming due as we get near the end of the term. Everyone is so busy we haven't had any new messages and the Carrows have calmed down because of the temporary lull in activities.

Headmaster S. Snape

Dec 1, 1997

Miss Weasley's latest check up was good. There has been no further growth.

Headmaster S. Snape

Dec 7, 1997

The students are looking forward to Christmas break at home. I fear they will not have good stories to tell their parents. To date with the owls being stopped and all mail read by the Carrows they haven't been able to tell their parents what is happening here or learn anything from home since September. Voldemort will be unhappy if there is public unrest. I hope most parents will simple be too afraid to protest openly.

Headmaster S. Snape

Dec. 10, 1997

There were two new messages on the walls last night just when I thought we would go into the holiday break quietly. Again I announced at dinner that disobedience would be punished severely. As if the Carrows punishments going on all the time are not severe.

Headmaster S. Snape

Dec 22, 1997

The train taking the students home for the break was stopped by death eaters and Luna Lovegood was taken off. I was not told of this ahead of time and when I asked what she had done I was told it was not her but her father that was causing trouble. Voldemort hoped that holding her would force him to stop publishing articles supporting Harry Potter. To eliminate him openly would have caused more unrest since his odd magazine is quite popular among certain groups of witches and wizards.

I fear when the other children return to school their unhappiness about this will be a problem for me.

Headmaster S. Snape

Dec 26, 1997

Potter and Granger were caught by a trap set by Voldemort in Godric's Hallow but managed to escape before Voldemort got there. Though I was not at Malfoy manor, I heard the general story from several people though details are lacking. I knew Voldemort had set several traps in places he thought Potter might go while on the run. Godric's Hollow was Potter's home as a baby and where Voldemort killed his parents. They are buried there and I have visited Lilly's grave often. After five month of not being seen, Potter showed up there on Christmas eve and was found at the ruins of his parent's house.

Voldemort was out of the country and it took him some time to respond to the signal of their capture. Voldemort, like Potter, is looking for something he will not discuss and has been abroad for extended periods of time. He arrived in time to see Potter and Granger disapparate as he entered the house. I am told his anger at missing Potter was such that he killed several people in a fit of rage and used the Cruciatus curse on anyone that came near to him.

Weasley was not mentioned and this makes me rethink my opinion he is with Potter and Granger. Perhaps the story of him being home ill with Spattergroit is true.

Headmaster S. Snape

Dec 27, 1997

The portrait of Phineas Black reported that he heard Miss Granger say they were in the Forest of Dean which is near the River Severn in western England. This is the chance to get Potter the sword before they move again which they seem to do almost daily.

Dumbledore reminded me Potter must not discover that I am the one sending the sword and I have an idea. I will hide the sword near their camp and have my Patronus which Potter has never seen appear to him and lead him to the sword. Dumbledore agrees it should work and I am going there now with the sword.

Headmaster S. Snape

Dec 28, 1997

As I watched from under a disillusionment charm Potter followed my Patronus but was almost killed getting the sword. A necklace he wore with a locket on it tightened about his throat almost strangling him. As I was about to go rescue him; Weasley showed up and saved him. Once I saw he was safe I left to tell Dumbledore what happened.

When I told him what happened he asked about the locket and I said I never got a good look from the distance where I was hiding in the dark but it seemed to be gold and about the size of an egg. He smiled and thanked me for my good work. I don't understand the meaning but I take it as progress in the fight against Voldemort.

Headmaster S. Snape

Jan 3, 1998

The children are back and Longbottom came with Miss Weasley to see Madam Pomfrey. This means she trusts him with her secret and is afraid to walk the halls alone which must be because of Draco, Crabb, and Goyle. I do believe she has reason to worry. Madam Pomfrey reported everything is fine with her and the baby.

Headmaster S. Snape

Jan 5, 1998

One of the house elves reported that Seamus Finnigan brought back a radio which is forbidden by the rules. Voldemort does not want the students to listen to the underground station "Potter Watch" that broadcasts the truth of what is happening so they will just get the propaganda we tell them.

Since the Carrows inspected everyone coming back I again am impressed the students do not find it hard to fool the Carrows and are not afraid to try in the face of possible punishment.

Headmaster S. Snape

Jan 12, 1998

Sir Nicholas came to report Draco approached Miss Weasley in the hall and they talked for less than a minute but he did not hear what was said. Miss Weasley then meet with several other students and talked about meeting Draco after classes today and if it was a possible trap. The vote of the group was for Miss Weasley to meet Draco with a guard in the third floor girl's loo at five that afternoon.

I summoned Moaning Myrtle and told her to be there out of sight and to come and get me if anything serious occurred. I would wait near by in an unused classroom.

After six, Myrtle approached to report that Draco had asked for a truce with Miss Weasley and her followers and apologized for his actions claiming he never wanted to attack her but was pushed into it by Crabb and Goyle. This fits my theory. The question is will she trust him and agree or will this war between them go on? She promised him an answer at dinner tomorrow.

Miss Weasley then called another meeting of her followers for that evening. I asked Sir Nicholas to follow her and report her decision. I need to know if there will be more problems stemming from this.

His report was positive in every way. Though most of the students were against it Miss Weasley argued that a truce brought everyone closer to the end of Voldemort. If Draco abandon him others might also and anything that weakened Voldemort helped Potter and that is what everyone was after. The vote was to make peace.

Now I must wait to see what comes of this.

Headmaster S. Snape

Jan 20, 1998

Since Miss Weasley made peace with Draco there has been more trouble for me than ever. Messages on the walls, break-ins of the Carrow's offices, and disruptions in the halls and classes are out of hand. I think this is more to do with the abduction of Luna Lovegood than the truce with Draco because her name appeared with some of the messages. One message actually said, "Return Luna."

The Carrows are growing more upset every day and I must do something to appease them soon.

Also Draco was seen talking to Miss Weasley in the hall again. I expect another meeting in the third floor loo soon.

Headmaster S. Snape

Jan 24, 1998

At the meeting, Draco told Miss Weasley that the Carrows are planning a raid into Gryffindor dorms. They suspect, correctly, that Gryffindor students are behind the troubles and want to search the entire dorm looking for something they can use as proof. This truce must be real, Draco has switched sides. The next day the raid took place and when the Carrows didn't find anything they were furious and began to question everyone there. Alecto slapped Miss Weasley across the face twice when she denied knowing anything and Amycus used the Crutatius Curse on Longbottom, Dennis Creevey and Lavender Brown when they tried to interfere but refrained from using it on Miss Weasley.

I had explained to them the theory Dumbledore suggested about not hurting her might make one of the others want to escape punishment and come over to our side. They apparently bought it and she seems safe for the time being. She must wonder why they spared her from the Cruciatus Curse but the fact that she doesn't know why is not important.

Headmaster S. Snape

Jan 27, 1998

Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were searched by the Carrows over the last three days and some people tortured. Nothing was found and I assume Miss Weasley got word to them about a possible raid in time to hide any incriminating evidence. This means the Carrows don't have a real clue of who is causing the problems and will likely begin random torture of anyone they just vaguely suspect.

Headmaster S. Snape

Feb 1, 1998

Miss Weasley's monthly check up with Madam Pomfrey went well. She is now nine months into this pregnancy and would ordinarily be approaching her delivery date. As far as I know very few people know the secret so things have worked out well so far.

Headmaster S. Snape

Feb 5, 1998

The Carrows are going crazy; pulling students from the halls and using the Cruciatus Curse on them while questioning them about the disruptions and messages. Most of them I am sure are innocent people not connected to what is happening. So far even those I suspect of being involved have not talked under the torture. I am gaining respect for the resolve of these young people.

Headmaster S. Snape

Feb 14, 1998

Sir Nicholas reports Draco asked for another meeting with Miss Weasley tomorrow.

Headmaster S. Snape

Feb 15, 1998

Draco told her he learned from his parents about Potter and Granger getting caught in Godric's Hallow and their escape escaped. He told her of Voldemort's angry attack on everyone in sight including his parents. He doesn't know any details except that it happened Christmas eve. He wanted to show her he has really changed and he thought she would want any news about Potter.

When she asked he said he didn't hear anything about her brother. He could have been with them just have been a few yards away and not caught and he added he hoped that is the case.

She asked him if the truce extended to out of school events and people to. He said yes, he wouldn't do anything to help Voldemort unless his life or his parents' lives were threatened but he would protect himself and them if he had to. After what happened to my beloved Lilly I understand how he feels.

Headmaster S. Snape

Feb 21, 1998

Longbottom and Finnigan were severely beaten in Alecto Carrow's muggle studies class. She made some remark that caused Longbottom to lose his temper and give a sarcastic answer. When she used the Cruciatus Curse on him Finnigan tried to stop her and he got beaten worse than Neville. They both look awful but insist they are not seriously hurt. The other children are openly proud of them.

Headmaster S. Snape

Mar 1, 1998

Another good check up for Miss Weasley as she goes into her tenth month of pregnancy.

Headmaster S. Snape

Mar 4, 1998

The Carrows raided all the dorms again except Slytherin of course. They still found nothing but more people were tortured and for a longer period of time. I am amazed nobody broke down and talked. Again Miss Weasley was left out but I don't know for how much longer the Carrows will restrain themselves if they see nobody turns traitor because they are not torturing her.

Headmaster S. Snape

Mar 7, 1998

Crabbe and Goyle have started to use the Cruciatus Curse on other students without asking the Carrows first. Sometimes just for someone bumping into them in the hall. Even first years are being tortured. I can't do anything to stop it because it would put me in direct opposition to the Carrows policy and bring suspicion on me. Everyone has their limit and somebody will eventually break down turning in Miss Weasley and the others. I don't know what I can do to stop it. Dumbledore has no suggestions but to keep looking at the larger picture; many people have died trying to stop Voldemort and many others will in the future. We cannot save everyone we can only continue as best we can to try and eliminate Voldemort.

Headmaster S. Snape

Mar 17, 1998

As Easter break approaches there have been fewer messages on the walls and fewer disruptions in the halls and classes. I don't know if the children are tired of the torture or just busy with end of the semester work but the Carrows have eased up a little because of it. I was right about Crabbe and Goyle however; they get meaner every day and more insolent to the other teachers with the Carrows approval.

Headmaster S. Snape

Mar 23, 1998

One more week till break. The 7th years have NEWTs in two months and the 5th years their OWLs so the break in disruptions has allowed people to do some review and test preparation. It seems with all that is happening around the castle the students still find it necessary to continue school work. They remain students what ever may be happening around them.

Headmaster S. Snape

Apr 1, 1998

Miss Weasley's monthly check up was good. I took the chance to discuss with Madam Pomfrey what would happen if the Cruciatus Curse was used on her and she hesitated. Finally she said that it would be so stressful on her the baby was bound to start growing and there was a high chance that she could lose the baby just as I gathered from reading the spell ten months ago.

Hopefully the Carrows will continue to avoid harming her for another two months when she will be able to return home for the summer. What will happen next year I do not know but I cannot see them allowing events to continue next year as hey did this year. They will lose what patience they have with the children eventually.

Headmaster S. Snape

Apr 8, 1998

I received a message from Malfoy manor. Potter, Weasley, and Granger were captured by some snatchers along with another of Potter's friends a muggle born Gryffindor named Dean Thomas and also a goblin. I believed Potter, Weasley, and Granger to be traveling alone and in secret so neither Dumbledore nor I can figure out why they others might have been with them.

Snatchers are not part of Voldemort's death eaters but do dirty work for Voldemort from time to time. Usually they catch muggle born evading the new laws on them and truant students that don't return to Hogwarts. Normally they turn them into the ministry for a reward.

The werewolf Fenrir Grayback was with this group and he thought he recognized Harry by his scar so they took all of them to Malfoy manor to get the reward Voldemort offered for Potters capture. Voldemort was still overseas and Bellatrix couldn't be sure if it was really Harry. Later it was discovered that Granger had put a sting jinx on Harry as they were being caught so his face was swollen and it made him hard to identify. She is a quick thinker.

Draco was home on Easter break but he said he hadn't seen Potter for almost a year and with his hair longer than normal and the sting jinx on his face Draco said he couldn't be sure it was Potter. I think he was being true to his word to Miss Weasley that he wouldn't help Voldemort anymore. I am surprised he had the courage to lie to Bellatrix.

Bellatrix locked the boys in the dungeon until they could be sure it was Potter. She knew Voldemort would punish them again if they summoned him and it turned out not to be Potter. Then Bellatrix saw one of the snatchers with the sword of Gryffindor I had got to Potter months ago. She thought Potter had been in her vault at Gringotts where I had sent the copy of the sword back in October. Bellatrix did recognize Granger from her reward picture and personally tortured her for information about how they had gotten into her vault and what else they had taken. Granger must have as much courage as the children here because she held out telling Bellatrix the sword they had was just a copy. Potter and the goblin must be up to something because the goblin would certainly recognize a true goblin made artifact from a fake and he also lied about it while under torture supporting Granger's story.

Somehow Dobby the house elf that Potter freed from the Malfoys four years ago showed up. He has been working here in the kitchen and I am not sure how he knew where Potter was but he helped them escape. Besides Potter and the others captured with him, Lovegood and Mr. Ollivander the wand maker who were being held prisoner for months were also rescued. Thankfully they managed to grab the sword before their escape.

Ron Weasley was recognized so his cover of being sick with spattergroit was blown and that means his family is now known to be involved with Potter. Death eaters were sent to their house looking for information about where Potter is hiding but all the Weasleys have fled. This means Miss Weasley can't return to school after the break so I can stop thinking about how I would keep the Carrows from eventually torturing her.

I am told when Voldemort returned and discovered Potter had escaped again he flew into one of his rages killing several people and torturing many others including Draco.

Headmaster S. Snape

Apr 25, 1998

There are more disruptions than ever and the crackdown and torture by the Carrows is worse than ever. Longbottom is the leader of all of this and the Carrows have reported the problem to Voldemort who questioned me about it. I explained the problem was minor compared to what the Carrows were saying and any harsher treatment of the children would cause parents who have maintained silence so far to begin to protest openly. Better to have disruption here in the school where it is contained than to have open rebellion from the public. He agreed but ordered Longbottom's grandmother picked up in hopes of forcing him to stop his activities.

The fools he sent were unable to capture an eighty year old lady. She confunded them and escaped. Longbottom held a meeting and Sir Nicholas who no longer has Miss Weasley to follow around reported the students voted to continue to harass me and the Carrows even if the torture gets worse. Longbottom is exactly what Dumbledore said he was in September. I am amazed by the change in him.

Headmaster S. Snape

May 5, 1998

Since the failure of the death eaters tried to take Longbottom's grandmother hostage he has become bolder. He must have given his grandmother one of the magical Galleons and is in communication with her because my spies overheard him telling the others how the old lady bested two death eaters. The Carrows know he is the leader and he has gone into hiding in the Room of Requirement after they clumsily tried to kill him and he managed to evade them.

He has the room set to block out all Carrow supporters and a few of his friends who were the worst offenders have joined him there to avoid the crackdown. Dumbledore tells me he has learned that there is a new secret passage way from the Hog's Head Inn to the room and it turns out Dumbledore's brother Aberforth is providing food for everyone in the room.

If the Carrows discover this they will have him killed.

Headmaster S. Snape

May 15, 1998

A story reached me that three people and a goblin broke into Gringotts and escaped on the back of a dragon. I knew it could only be Potter, Weasley, and Granger. They had escaped from Malfoy manor with a goblin that lied for them about the sword of Gryffindor and Bellatrix had questioned Granger about being in her vault. They must have assumed that whatever it is they are looking for to kill Voldemort is hidden there.

They must have found it because less than an hour later Voldemort sent a message to expect Potter to show up at Hogwarts and I should station one of the Carrows in Ravenclaw tower. If they capture Potter I should sent for him. I also heard from some others that Voldemort went into a rage worse than when Potter escaped last month killing many again.

If Potter found what he was looking for at Gringotts why would he be coming here and why Ravenclaw tower, he is a Gryffindor. I have always known there is more to this than Dumbledore told me and perhaps it means there are several things Potter must find before he can kill Voldemort. Dumbledore reminded me again that if Voldemort begins to give his snake Nagini special protection that I must finally tell Potter the entire truth; that he himself must die before Voldemort can be killed. Could this be the time? Potter and Voldemort are both coming here. I will know if Voldemort has Nagini with him and under some form of magical protection.

I took Alecto Carrow the Ravenclaw tower and answered the question to open the door. That fool would never be able to answer a logic question thus never be able to enter on her own.

Headmaster S. Snape

May 16, 1998

Once again I find myself acting Headmistress of Hogwarts and making entries in the log. This perhaps is the most significant entry in the over eight hundred year history of the school. The buildings and grounds are badly damaged from the fighting that occurred most of the night but that can be repaired. The significance comes from the fact that Voldemort is dead and the magical world is once more free.

During the day yesterday I heard students talking in the halls telling stories of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger breaking into Gringotts and escaping on the back of a dragon. I took this at first to be just wild stories but later confirmation of this was on the news.

Late last night I heard a disturbance and left my room to investigate. I met Amycus Carrow in the hall banging on the door to Ravenclaw tower. He demanded I help him enter and I answered the logic question for him. We found his sister on the floor unconscious and he became hysterical. He claimed Voldemort had been summoned because Alecto had captured Harry Potter. Voldemort would kill them if he arrived and they did not have Harry prisoner.

I asked why he thought Harry Potter might be here and he said they were just told Harry Potter might show up and try to enter Ravenclaw tower. He then spat on me and suddenly Harry Potter appeared out of nowhere and attacked Amycus knocking him out. Then and Luna Lovegood also appeared from nowhere. Harry explained that before Dumbledore died he had given Harry a job to find something that could destroy Voldemort and Harry thought it is hidden in the castle. Voldemort was on the way to stop him and he needed time to search for the object. I assured him the staff would hold off Voldemort as long as we could to give him the time he needs.

I sent my Patronus to alert professors, Flitwick, Slughorn, and Sprout to meet me and we headed out to meet them with Harry and Luna under an invisibility cloak they had been using. In the hall we ran into Severus Snape who asked if I had seen Harry Potter. When he looked to the spot where they were hidden I cast a spell to prevent him from capturing Harry. The other professors arrived and together we drove Severus out of the building.

I explained to the other professors what happened and we agreed to wake our children and meet in the great hall. The younger children would be evacuated and we staff members and any of the children that were of age and wanted to stay and fight would defend the castle to give Harry the time he needed. Soon members of the Order of the Phoenix arrived along with students who had graduated over the last few years. They heard of the defense of the castle and wanted to help. We arranged groups to go to various parts of the castle and got ready.

Voldemort and his death eaters arrived and the fighting began. Things were going badly. We were outnumbered and many of our people lacked the dueling skills of the death eaters. They penetrated the castle and it seemed the battle could not continue much longer when Voldemort's voice called off the attack. He said he did not want to kill so many witches and wizards so if Harry Potter would surrender he would spare everyone else. He gave Harry one hour. As we gathered the injured and dead nobody knew where Harry was. We were in the great hall when Voldemort's voice was heard again saying Harry Potter was dead and we should come out to see his body. As we moved out slowly and uncertainly I saw Voldemort and near him was Harry's body. I cried out and the Ginny Weasley yelled. Soon many people were crying and Voldemort cast a curse to silence them.

Then Neville rushed forward at Voldemort and Voldemort cast a body binding curse on Neville freezing him in place. Then Voldemort offered to forgive Neville if he would join Voldemort's death eaters. When Neville refused Voldemort said he would be an example for anyone that continued to resist. He summoned the sorting hat from the headmaster's office and pulled it down over Neville's face, then set it on fire.

Then everything happened at once. People from Hogsmeade came over the hill and attacked the death eaters. Centaurs came out of the forest and attacked to. Animals like the thestrals swooped down attacking. Neville pulled off the sorting hat and he had the sword of Gryffindor in his hand. It came out of the hat like it had for Harry in the Chamber of Secrets. Instead of attacking Voldemort Neville swung the sword and cut off the head of the snake Voldemort had with him. Voldemort screamed and at the same time Hagrid screamed.

Hagrid yelled that Harry's body was gone. Nobody saw what happened to it because the fighting was in full swing again. Death eaters were overwhelmed by the massive crowd and everyone was pushed back into the great hall by the force of the attack.

Voldemort was fighting Kingsley Shackelbolt, Professor Slughorn, and me at the same time but we couldn't hit him with a curse. I saw Hermione Granger, Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood fighting Bellatrix Lestrange but like us they couldn't hit her with a curse either. Then Bellatrix just missed Ginny Weasley with a killing curse and I heard Molly Weasley yell. She charged in dueling Bellatrix and telling everyone else to back away; Bellatrix was hers she yelled. People stood around watching both fights. We still could not hit Voldemort nor could he hit one of us. Molly was twisting and moving matching Bellatrix's every move and suddenly Molly leaned down and shot a killing curse under Bellatrix's blocking spell. Bellatrix looked stunned for one second and then collapsed dead in front of us.

Voldemort screamed and he threw a curse that knocked Kingsley, Slughorn, and me to the ground. He turned and went after Molly but before he could act a powerful shield charm appeared between them. Voldemort froze and looked around to find who had cast it. Then Harry appeared throwing his invisibility cloak on the floor. Everyone yelled at the same time, "He's alive." Then there was silence.

Harry told everyone to back off it had to be just him and Voldemort; nobody was to help. They circled each other while Harry admonished Voldemort for not learning from his mistakes and Voldemort called Harry a coward; that was only alive because he let others die for him. Then they struck at the same time Harry spell reflected Voldemort's killing curse back at him. He was hit by his own curse and as he fell dead his wand flew through the air into Harry's hand.

Everyone screamed and cheered; they rushed Harry trying to just touch him. The victory celebration went on for hours and I didn't get a chance to talk to Harry. Later I got the story second hand from Hermione and Ron. When he heard Voldemort's voice say he would spare everyone else if Harry surrendered, Harry went out to face Voldemort to prevent others from dying. Voldemort tried to kill Harry but was unable to. Harry pretended to be dead because it was necessary to kill Voldemort's snake first before facing Voldemort.

I did not understand this until Dumbledore told me where he had hidden the earlier volumes of the log and I was able to read about the Horcruxes and the need to destroy them. I learned that Severus was a hero. He had been on our side all along spying on Voldemort for Dumbledore and trying to protect Harry and the other children as best he could without being discovered as a spy. Voldemort finally killed Severus for another reason but not before he got the information to Harry about what he had to do to kill Voldemort.

Deputy Headmistress M. McGonagall

June 1, 1998

Repairs n the school have begun and it should be ready for classes in September. The board has offered me the position of Headmistress and I have accepted. I plan to stay only a few years until I see everything is back to normal and then retire. Hermione Granger has asked me if she can return to finish the year she missed while helping Harry find the Horcruxes and I agreed she should be allowed to finish her education.

Harry and Ron were welcomed to return also but Kingsley Shackelbolt as the new Minister of Magic has offered both of them a position as Auror in training and they have accepted. He also offered Hermione and Ginny positions at the ministry when they finish their last year school.

I look forward to the first quiet year of classes since Harry Potter arrived at Hogwarts seven years ago.

Deputy Headmistress M. McGonagall