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

Chapter 55

"Indeed, Minerva.  But it's just another tactic Tom is using to wear everyone down, mentally," replied Dumbledore.

"I don't see it affecting the Carrows to any extent," Sirius observed.  "But then, there isn't much there for the Dementors to work with in the first place, is there?" he added cheekily.

The D.A. members snickered, shaking their heads, but they knew they were feeling the oppressive atmosphere themselves.  Even knowing what was the cause did not lessen the effect.

"Can't we do something, Professor?" Harry asked.

"Perhaps it's time to see just how well you all have progressed with learning the 'Patronus Charm'," answered Albus, twinkle in his eye. "I should think next Saturday morning before the Quidditch match would be a good time; clear the air, so to speak."

"Oh, the Slytherins will not like that one bit," snickered Ginny.

"Nothing about vanishing Dementors in the official Quidditch rule book, Miss Weasley," Minerva informed her.  "I just checked," she finished, waving a well worn volume for all to see.

There was a bit of cheering with that news, then the D.A. took a map of the castle and grounds and began plotting out where everyone would stand, in order to cover the widest area of the surrounding territory.  Even the younger, less experienced members who hadn't achieved a full Patronus were encouraged to participate, just for the experience.

"I will make sure the Carrows are in the stands, in the Slytherin box, so there will be no way for them to find out who is sending out a Patronus,"  Severus said.  "Although this will alert the Dark Lord that some of the students might be a little more advanced in their spell work then he's been lead to believe, as there will be too many Patronuses for just the staff to have produced."

"Ah, good point, Severus," Remus added. "Perhaps the  staff could do their spells at the Quidditch pitch and the others coming from the school might not be noticed.  They could be just clearing the area for the game."

"Why not!" Filius Flitwick spoke up.  "What's the worst the Carrows can do? Object to us clearing up the weather for a bit?  If necessary, I'll make sure they think it was an excellent idea, as it benefits the Slytherin team, also."  He twirled his wand around his fingers, smiling.

Sirius turned to Remus and Severus.  "Maybe  we should consider asking Filius to become a Marauder . . . what do you think?"

Remus rolled his eyes, but Severus just looked over at the diminutive Charms Professor and lifted one eyebrow.

"We'll talk about it, later," he replied, turning back to his two new friends, shaking his head.  "It seems my inclusion in this exclusive club has opened the flood gates." 

X X X

The Carrows had tried to find excuses for not attending the Quidditch match, but couldn't come up with anything that sounded convincing, so Saturday morning found them trudging in Headmaster Snape's wake toward the Quidditch Pitch, muffled against the biting wind and bitter cold.  Severus motioned them to proceed up into the Slytherin box.

Students were slowly making their way to their seats in the lower bleachers, because, although the weather was foul, it was Slytherin vs. Gryffindor and they weren't about to miss this game.

Suddenly, Minerva McGonagall appeared at Severus elbow.

"A word, please, Headmaster?" she asked, ignoring the Carrows.

"Of course, Professor."  Severus stood and moved away from the Carrows to talk with the Transfiguration teacher . . . alone.   The Carrows moved down the bench a bit to try and eavesdrop, but with the wind and multiple layers of scarves and hats they were wearing, they could hear nothing.