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

Chapter 48

"Have you received word from your parents today, Mister Malfoy?"

Draco shrugged. "No, why?"

Severus ignored the question.  "No messages, owls . . . visits from a certain House Elf, perhaps?"

"House Elf? You mean Dobby? He hasn't been our House Elf since my second year, thanks to bloody Potter." Draco replied with a sneer.

"You're coming with me . . .NOW!" Severus grabbed the sleeve of Draco's robe, but Draco spun around and was out of the garment before Severus could get a hold on his arm.  "Why you insolent little . . ." Severus snarled, as he threw down the robe and pulled his wand, pointing it at Draco, who was backing away.

The students gasped and a few of the younger ones started crying. 

"I'm not going anywhere with you, Headmaster," Draco snarled.

"Oh, yes you . . . " Severus started to say, when Neville stood and put himself between Snape and Draco.

"You're not taking Draco anywhere . . .sir," Neville informed him, boldly.

"Oh, I have waited YEARS to be able to hex YOU, Longbottom," Severus snarled, raising his wand.

"I wouldn't, if I were you, Headmaster," Ginny Weasley said, as she stood, pointing her wand at Snape.  Neville and Draco both pulled their wands and stood side by side, facing Severus.

The Carrows had been walking from their places at the front table and now had their wands out, pointing at Draco and Neville's backs.

"We've got these two covered, Headmaster," Amycus wheezed, his sister nodding her head.

"And we've got you covered," Seamus and Luna stood, wands pointed at the Death Eater brother and sister.

Just as a few of the Slytherins started to stand and pull out their wands, the rest of the D.A. responded by standing quickly, wands drawn, effectively stopping the Slytherins as they were rising from their seats. They slowly sat back down when they saw the determination in the others students eyes.  The newer members of the D.A. were motioning for the youngest students to get under the tables for shelter, which they were only too glad to do.

Severus looked around, noting the number of wands pointed at the Slytherin table, the Carrows and himself.

"Well, it seems we have a standoff!  And now I know who to turn over to the authorities for questioning," he added.  "I'm sure Dolores Umbridge will be glad to see all of you in her office . . .at the Ministry."

"Ha!" Neville barked a laugh.  "You seem to be under the impression that you're still in charge here, Severus, old man."

"How dare . . . "

"Eh, eh, eh." Neville flicked his wand at the Headmaster.  "It's time for YOU to wise up, and face the fact you're outnumbered and outwitted."

"When I want to talk to a student in private," Severus flicked his wand, indicating Draco. "I expect that student to come along with me quietly and quickly . . . And yet, for some reason, you and your friends have seen fit to try and stop me."

"Oh, very good," Ginny spoke up.   "He gets it, Neville . . . I told you he was smarter that we were giving him credit for being!"

Severus swung around, leveling his wand at Ginny, who didn't flinch.

"I wouldn't, if I were you," came a voice from the door.

The entire room swung its gaze in that direction to find Harry, Ron and Hermione standing in the open doorway, wands out.