It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 30

"And now, Potter, you will give me that Prophesy Sphere, and then you and your friends may leave."

Harry knew Lucius Malfoy had no intention of letting them waltz out of that room, much less the Ministry.

"Where's Sirius?" Harry asked, continuing the perception that they didn't have a clue as to what was happening.

The Death Eaters snickered and Lucius held his hand out.

"The Prophesy, boy, then we'll tell you what you need to know."

"I wouldn't give you the time of day, Lucius, old man, or your mate, Tom, either,"  Harry snarled at the tall blond man, who had lowered his hood and removed his mask when he realized Harry knew his identity.

"HOW DARE YOU  . . . "Bellatrix screamed, as she raised her wand and took a step towards Harry.

"Bella! NO! Do not let him provoke you! We need the Prophesy," Lucius admonished her, stepping between Harry and the wild eyed witch.

"I will not have this Mudblood brat besmirching the Dark Lord!" Bella shouted.

"Get a clue, Bella!" shouted Harry. "Your Master is a MUDBLOOD! Named Tom Riddle!  He's the very thing you HATE, or has he conveniently failed to mention that little fact?"

Lucius was now gripping Bella's wrists, trying to keep her from hexing Harry, as the other Death Eaters were torn between watching those two struggling or keeping an eye on the students. Neville had edged closer to Harry, Luna and Ginny were elbow to elbow, while Ron was next to Hermione.

"Ready?" whispered Ron.

"Set!" said Ginny quietly.

"Go!" Neville shouted, grabbing Harry's elbow and 'Side-along Apparating' away, the others shooting off into the air, all heading to their designated escape door. The dumbfounded Death Eaters looked up, shocked at what they had just seen; students can't 'Apparate'!! But these just had!!!What the . . .?

"After them, fools!" shouted Lucius, even as he streaked upward, Bella screaming in rage as she followed.  

* * *

Harry and Neville landed by the door of the Time Room, Ginny and Luna were at the Planet Room door, while Hermione and Ron made it to the entrance of the Brain Room.

Harry and Neville hurried into the narrow hall-like space housing all of the 'Time Turners' and other magical devises that did, Merlin only knew, what.   They skirted around the huge Bell Jar, after sealing the door shut, knowing  that wouldn't hold off the Death Eaters for long.

Taking a small box from his pocket, Neville quickly enlarged it, placing it on of the display cases.  Harry and he quickly gathered the half dozen different 'Time Tuners' that Draco had told them survived the battle . . . placed them in the box, sealed it and put the box into a drawer in the corner desk, where it would be best shielded from any stray spells.  No sooner had they finished that vital task than the door at the far end of the room started to crack and buckle from the efforts of the Death Eaters to get into the room.

* * *

Ginny and Luna were busy sealing the entrances into the Planet Room, although they did take a second or two to gaze at the swirling, pulsating orbs drifting around the dark, starlit chamber.

"This is so pretty. I wish we could spend some time, just watching it all," Luna said dreamily, even as she continued along the wall, sealing the other doors.