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

Chapter 35

"First, you should know that it did not occur on the Astronomy Tower, as Albus  and Harry didn't 'Apparate' away from Hogwarts that night to retrieve the fake locket from the cave . . . it all happened in the hallway at the entrance to the stairs that lead to the Headmaster's office, " explained Severus. 

"Which was actually a great help in pulling off our switch of Albus and his wax double," said Draco.  "I had spent the Spring getting the 'Vanishing Cabinet' to work properly, with help this time," he added, sweeping his arm to indicate Severus.  "I didn't send word that the 'Vanishing Cabinet ' was functioning until we had everything and everybody in place and ready."

"As much as I am loath to admit this," Severus muttered, rolling his eyes. "The Headmaster, Draco and I actually rehearsed his 'death scene'.  We did realize that the actual event might play out differently, but we and the rest of the Order and DA all had their 'parts' to play.  They took no small pleasure in the knowledge that you four would approve, being professional actors . . . I believe if Arthur could have learned how to make a video, I think it's called, of the whole 'performance', he would have gleefully done so.

"Too right I would have!" agreed Arthur, even as Molly tried to hush him.

"Severus! Don't encourage him!" she hissed, while the rest smiled and shook their heads.

* * *

It was 3AM and the defenders of Hogwarts were gathered in one of the side hallways near the central stairs.

"Alright you lot," grumbled Mad-Eye Moody, "Have you all taken your "Felix" dose?"

"Yes, Mad-Eye." chorused a dozen voices.

"Are you ready, Mister Malfoy?" inquired the old Auror, turning his Magical blue eye on the blond Slytherin.

"As I'll ever be," replied Draco."I'll head to the 'Room of Requirement' now." Turning, he started for the stairs.

"Good luck, Draco," Harry said quietly, as his friend passed.

Draco paused for a moment, then leaning toward Harry whispered. "If you get a chance, my Mother asked for someone to knock Aunt Bella on her arse, as a favor."

Harry snorted and Draco wagged his eyebrows and then headed off on his mission to let the Death Eaters come through the 'Vanishing Cabinet'.

"Now, remember, let those Death Eaters pass by you and then get in position, cutting off their escape route, forcing them to fight their way out . . . can't have them 'fail' in their assigned task, now, can we?" Mad-Eye added, with a rare show of humor.

Harry turned to Professor Snape. "Take care, Professor; these next couple of months are going to be interesting." Harry held out his hand.

"Indeed, Potter," Severus replied with a smirk, as he shook Harry's hand. "At least my trips, accompanying Black to his vaults at Gringott's, has made my coming and going almost routine.  And no attention has been paid to my 'fob', so I think we're good on that score." he added, twirling the miniature silver tube that hung from the chain of his antique pocket watch that he'd begun wearing months ago. "I must make my way upstairs, everyone,"  he said, raising his voice slightly.  "Good luck and I'll see you as soon as possible."

"Goodbye, Professor!"  "Good Luck, Severus!"  "Take care!"  "See you soon!"

* * *

"What's taking Draco so long?" fumed Bella, as she paced in front of the tall cabinet.  The other Death Eaters stood silently, waiting and shrinking back from the Witch walking back and forth before them. "He said be here at 3:00 and he'd let us through!"