the_debt_of_time

around and pushing them into the large phial in his hand. Securing it with the top, he held
the phial out to Harry. "Take it."
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"Those are memories. This―" Snape gestured to the large rune-covered stone basin
on the desk. "—is a Pensieve. If I remember correctly from your abysmal attempt at
Occlumency, you're acquainted with their use."
"I know what they are; what're they for?" Harry snapped.
"Answers on the occasion of my unfortunate demise," Snape replied, and both Ron
and Sirius snorted at the use of the word unfortunate. "A death that is certain to be
unavoidable as you've apparently brought the Dark Lord to the doorstep of this institution.
Now, if the rest of you plan on surviving the night, I advise the Gryffindors to head toward
the seventh-floor corridor."
"I knew it!" Draco scowled. "I knew that's where they've all been hiding. Couldn't
get in myself when I tried, though."
Harry stared between Snape and Draco, concern written on his face at the mention
of his Housemates. When neither said anything more on the matter, he demanded, "What's
going on?"
"Students have been going missing all year. They're in the Room of Hidden Things.
They had to have left someone in there at all times to keep Slytherins out. Smart," Draco
admitted. "Must have been a Ravenclaw," he added with a sneer, and all Gryffindors in the
room glared at him.
"Speaking of Ravenclaws," Snape interjected. "Potter, you'll want to head to the
West Tower on the fifth floor."
Harry stared icily at his former professor. "And why would I go where you tell me
to?"
"Because Death Eaters in the school were alerted by the Dark Lord that you would
return to Hogwarts and you were to be kept from Ravenclaw Tower. I assume you're
looking for something?" Snape queried, eyeing Harry. Both Hermione and Ron avoided
his stare. "I'd wager that whatever you're looking for will be found there."
Snape turned to Draco. "As for you, return to the Slytherin common room, and
keep them occupied if you're able."