The grass began to grow as the weather started to warm up. The sun beginning to shine as the clouds grew large and fluffy, surrounding the castle in a bright beautiful glow. Students began to pour out of the castle, squinting their eyes against the sunlight, enjoying the weather before the rain began. The forest was dark and gloomy against the beautiful blue sky. It didn't matter that problems were arising in Hogsmead or Diagon Alley, with reports of more missing store owners and devastating destruction to their beloved buildings. It appeared things were looking up for the school with no recent problems and students behaving normally.

The lessons were beginning to get more difficult now, with exams only months away. The only class which seemed to be going more tedious than normal was Potions, with Professor Slughorn droning on and on while we tried keeping our eyes open in an attempt to remember the complex ingredients for the potions. The Ravenclaws began to hate Potions, groaning when the lessons began; while the Hufflepuffs loved it, taking it upon themselves to gossip quietly as we tried learning.

It was the first week of April now and the rain had begun to fall, bringing with it an ominous sense of dread. It had to be the worst rainfall in the history of Hogwarts; torrents of water poured off the castle like a shimmering veil falling gently to the ground. Rain pounded the windows of the castle, making the students dread Herbology and other outside classes which the Headmistress would not bring inside. Not because she couldn't but because she felt a little rain would be good for their moral. Students would be seen splashing in the puddles on the way to class, getting muddy.

Rumors began to emerge, mainly about You-Know-Who and how he had bewitched the clouds to rain torrents of water on the castle in hopes of drowning us all. Of course it was ridiculous, no one could bewitch the weather, but no one listened and bought medallions and protective charms in an attempt to protect themselves.

It appeared that Harry, Ron and Hermione were now focusing on school work, but in reality they were desperately searching for any signs of the last few Horcruxes. If only they could find and destroy them, they knew they would than have a chance of defeating You know Who. I meanwhile was trying not to worry about my life and what would happen if my Elfish powers were indeed taken by You-Know-Who. I still didn't know why he wanted them, I mean he was more powerful than me, that much was obvious and all I could do was read people's emotions and do some magic. I needed to talk to someone about this, but the only one I could think of was now residing in a portrait. If only I could ask him; if anyone knew why You-Know-Who was after me, it would be Albus Dumbledore.

I had decided I had no choice but to ask Professor McGonagall for permission to speak to him. There was one small problem however, she was on a mission and wouldn't be back for a week. I didn't think I could wait though, and as the days passed I grew more anxious as more news came our way of his movements. I didn't dare let George know I was nervous though, he was finally beginning to be his normal happy self. If I had let him know of my fears it would only turn him back to his depressed state and I didn't want that. So I decided to pretend to be happy, telling no one about my worries.

One day before Professor McGonagall came back, the storm outside the castle grew more intense, if that were possible. The wind lashed out against the windows, trying to break the beautiful stained glass. Rain battered the walls of the castle and doors, as if knocking for entrance. We were outside in the Quidditch Pitch for our Wand less defense class when a scream suddenly shattered our concentration, piercing our minds as if the person was screaming in their minds.

The class stopped abruptly as Professor Tonks whipped out her wand, her orange hair bright against the dark sky. She turned and without telling us to go back to the castle, ran off towards Forbidden Forest. We froze; not knowing what to do before the silence finally broke and a babble of voices broke out, everyone chattering at once.

I did the only thing I could think of at the moment, and risking my own life I produced a small bolt of light blue electricity which gently wrapped around the students getting their attention. I knew it was a huge risk for me to use my powers, and for all I knew You-Know-Who was hiding in the shadows, just waiting for an opportunity to take me and steal them.

They all stopped in awe as I raised my voice over the howl of the wind and shouted,

"We should all head back to the castle!" The students nodded and I was relived to see the flow of yellow and blue move towards the castle.

Lightening crackled over the sky and as we ran towards the Entrance Hall I could swear I saw a shadowy figure sitting atop a pillar, as if waiting. Of course it was only my imagination, or so I thought as I heard my fellow Ravenclaws mutter about it by the Hour Glasses which held out House Points. Shivering, I moved closer to catch more of what they were saying, but when I got close enough a red-haired girl nudged her friend and the group went quiet.

"Are you guys okay? I asked, tugging my cloak closer to keep myself warm.

The girls' went pale and moved away muttering 'yes'. I quirked an eyebrow and than hit my head thinking 'Dumb Winky, using your magic in front of them!' I felt awful, but since there was nothing I could do about it shook it off. I realized they were in shock over what they had seen and heard. Before I could think about it anymore a teacher came walking up, her long flowing robes swishing behind her as she stopped, and her eyes suspicious.

"What are you all doing here? Shouldn't you be in class learning, filling your young minds with knowledge?" She asked her voice mysterious.

Everyone looked at me and I knew they were thinking; why would Professor Trelawney be out of her tower? Normally she never left, feeling it better to stay away from us until necessary. I raised myself up, thinking I would speak for everyone and said,

"Ma'am, we were in class when we heard a scream near the Forbidden Forest. Professor Tonks went out to check it out and we went here."

"I see. Has she returned?" Trelawney asked her eyes bug-like under her large ornate glasses. Her fingers sparkled as she hand splayed on her chest.

Just as I was about to shake my head and reply 'No.' her eyes went unfocused and her body went limp. She stood swaying on the spot, her mouth opening then closing. Her bangles clinked together rhythmically, as her hands reached out, grabbing my shoulders in a vise-like grip. I stood frozen to the spot as se opened her mouth, a low moan escaping her lips before she spoke in a much softer, eerie voice than before.

"The Dark Lord will come at the cock crow after the New moon. Beware the blonde haired man who will take something you cherish. Someone you trust will be murdered."

She moaned low in her throat; as if she was suffocating than as suddenly as it began she awoke, blinking rapidly staring at me with a curious expression. I guess I looked shocked, because she said softly,

"Winky dear, are you feeling alright? Perhaps you should visit Madam Pomfrey."

Trying to stand normally, I shook my head, glancing over her elbow at my fellow classmates who looked more terrified than before. Gulping I said gently,

"I'm fine Professor." She nodded, seemingly satisfied and turned towards the others. They shivered slightly, looking into those eyes as she spoke,

"Return to your Common Rooms please. I will inform the Professors and they will see what has happened."

Nodding, the students left, climbing the stairs and babbling away, excited at the prospect of a whole hour of free time before their next class Charms. I was reluctant to go however; I was still in shock over what I heard. I had never heard a premonition and tried telling myself it wasn't real since Trelawney was a known fake. I was also worried about Professor Tonks, she was an amazing Professor and Auror and it would be a shame for something horrible to happen to her.

"Winky, are you coming?" George asked, placing a calm hand on my shoulder making me jump. I swirled around and saw him; he was wet and shivering as he watched me with worried eyes.

"Oh, right, let's go." I said, still not fully paying attention to anything. I decided to shake it off though and headed upstairs beside George, who had apparently forgotten about it if his humming was any indication.

"What's that song you're humming?" I asked him, curious as I had heard it before somewhere.

He smirked at me and said nothing as we passed a portrait of a man holding a lady's hand, walking through a Tulip patch. He continued humming as we headed towards out Common Room but stopped once we entered giving me a bright smile once he saw my humorous expression. Shaking my head, I put my bag away in my dorm, knowing somehow that classes would be cancelled, or at least postponed until everything was settled.

The rest of the day passed excruciatingly slow for me. I sat on the window sill watching the forest for any signs of what was going on. I saw Order members come running in and out all afternoon, sometimes staying in there for hours before finally emerging soaking wet. The classes for that day had in deed been cancelled and the Common Room was buzzing with activity. I sighed as I watched a nervous looking Professor Lupin enter the forest, followed by fellow Order member Mr. Weasley, who I guess had been called to help search.

It was getting darker now and soon it was dinner time. We all cambered down to the Common Room, where the Prefects were waiting for us. Once we were all seated and quiet, we watched as Professor Flitwick, our Head of House walked in, his floppy hat dangling half hazardly over his head. He looked exhausted, though it was probably due to his size. He wasn't very tall and had a hard time getting into the chairs, let alone start searching the whole castle and grounds for someone.

His voice betrayed how he looked though and when he began his speech his voice was clear of any squeaks we normally heard; instead it was sharp and crisp and we hung on to every word as he starts,

"I'm sure you are all wondering why you are not in the Great Hall for your evening meal. I can assure you this is for your own protection. As some of you are aware there was a disturbance earlier today. I am saddened to say someone was injured, but not seriously. As of now you are all to stay in your common room at all times." He stopped as a babble of anxious voices broke out among the younger students, all who were asking who was injured. He cleared his throat, quieting the noise and continued,

"There will be an increase in security until the threat is stopped. Ministry workers will be stationed throughout the castle, making sure you are safe. The Goblins from Gringott's Bank will be keeping an eye on the grounds and will keep us informed of any incursions. I don't think I have to remind you to be on your best behavior, obey what they say and do what they tell you to do. You are all smart enough to know when to stay out of the way and not cause trouble. You will not be in any danger if you stay inside and keep to yourself."

The room was deathly quiet as he finished and posted a note on the Bulletin board, explaining the new rules n which we had to obey. We all sat stunned; our minds began to reel with horrible images as we watched him walk out the door speaking briefly to the Prefects who stood just to the right of the Fireplace. As soon as he left everyone began to speak at once. The sound was almost deafening and I found myself loosing my focus as I tried to block out their emotions.

I went towards the food table, which had magically appeared and took a plate of sandwiches along with a goblet of Pumpkin Juice. I stopped by George who was very quiet and had a down cast look on his young face. I knew what he was thinking and tried my best to alleviate his feelings by joking with him, but it was pointless, no matter what I tried he wouldn't smile. I felt so bad for him; I could imagine what was going through his mind, the pain from his fathers' death coming up again when he had finally learned to control it.

I must have fallen asleep on top of my bed, for when I awoke I was under my covers shivering from the sheen of sweat which glistened on my face. The remnants of my dream remained in my mind and I tried to remember what I saw. It was fuzzy, but I clearly saw Professor Snape hiding among the trees, bruised beyond belief and shivering from the cold. I actually felt his emotions and knew was shaken from his ordeal, yet determined to tell someone he trusted about all he knew.

I was worried; I was also confused by what I saw as I pulled a piece of parchment out to write my feelings and dream down. As I finished writing I had a new sense of determination I never felt before. It was a new feeling for me and it shocked me until I fully understood what it meant. It meant I had a chance to do something good, and I was ready to do it. Finishing the dream, I rolled up the parchment and hid it in my secret hiding place.

Once done I pulled on my robes and went to the Common Room where breakfast was just appearing. George was already down, waiting for me by the fireplace which was ablaze with a new fire, an excited look in his eyes. I quirked an eye brow as I sat beside him, taking a bite of my eggs and asked,

"Why are you all happy today?" He looked at me ready to burst before exclaiming

"Morning Winky, you wouldn't believe what happened!" He face was glowing with happiness.

I couldn't help but grin as I sipped my orange juice and replied, "Morning to you too. Now, what happened?"

"He's been found! They brought him in this morning, right before you came in!" he exclaimed, his face a bright red as he took a deep cleansing breath. I looked at him a bit confused and quirked an eyebrow as asked,

"Who did they find?"

"Professor Snape! They found him deep in the Forbidden Forest this morning.

Supposedly he fought the Aurors, but was too weak. Professor McGonagall came out with Professor Tonks."

"Whoa, what, slow down George! I thought Professor McGonagall was in London still? How could she be back already?" I said, more to myself than to George. But he answered anyway,

"I don't know, but she came, holding Professor Snape by the shoulders. Professor Tonks was walking behind them, her wand trailing them as they walked back towards the castle. I saw everything from my dorm window, it was awesome!"

I wasn't listening as he finished. Thoughts started pouring out of my mind, almost drowning me. It seemed odd to me that Professor McGonagall would be here, when she was supposed to be back in a few days. I had to tell someone, and I had to do it soon.

"George, keep this to your self for now okay? I need to talk to someone, is there any way to check if Harry or Hermione are around?"

George frowned and shook his head sadly. I sighed hanging my head as if in defeat. I didn't know what to do; there was no way I could just walk out the portrait hole and walk towards the Great Hall to meet someone. I couldn't dare use my powers for fear of You-Know-Who finding out, and I didn't want to risk using them again. And I couldn't even use an owl to send Harry and Hermione a note asking to meet me. It hit me suddenly, and I shouted "Eureka!" as I jumped up and began to run towards the Prefects. George watched me with a curious expression on his face, shook his head and continued eating. I ran towards the first Prefect I saw who seemed to loom over me as I stood before her, nervous about what I was about to ask.

"What can I do for you Winky?" She asked a weary expression on her features. It was almost as if she was bored of standing there.

"I was wondering if there was any way I could speak to Hermione Granger. It's important."

She looked at me, her expression one of distrust as she replied skeptically

"Why? You know you're not allowed out of the Common Room. I'm not supposed to leave either."

I sighed, almost exasperated, wishing I could tell her, but knowing I couldn't and said instead,

"Okay, how about the Headmistress? She'll let me speak. I need to talk to someone."

Secretly I hoped I could talk to Professor McGonagall, because than I could also try and talk to Professor Dumbledore's portrait. I waited patiently while the Prefect thought about it, almost bouncing from foot to foot. Just as I was about to loose my practiced patience and start crying out of desperation she said,

"Okay. It's against the rules and we'll probably get into trouble, but I'll take you."

With that, she turned on her heel and let the other Prefect know what was going on. Than, with a nod to me she began to walk out with me right behind her. There were no guards protecting the portrait of the unicorn, which I thought was strange since this was the entrance to the Common Room. I thought they would want to add extra security here, especially with me inside. How easy it would have been for one of You-Know-Who's goons to sneak in and take me, or have me murdered by having one of the Prefects doing it under the imperious spell.

I must stop now and reflect on the events of what was to come. It all happened so fast and was a complete blur but I do remember every detail as if it was on one of those Muggle devises; I believe it's called a "Telly-Vision." The emotions were so intense and the tragedy of what was to come still haunts me to this day. I was so affected by what happened that for awhile I reverted back to my younger self, drinking Butterbeer by the gallons. I was the only witness to the tragedy, so of course no one believed me, well no one living that is.

The course of time does wonders to a House Elf's mind, warping and twisting the memories until there's nothing left but random images. That was why I began to write my dreams onto parchment, so if there came a time when someone decided to believe me, I could show them. Of course that didn't happen until years later, when people forgave me and I was once again treated with respect. Of course it doesn't affect me know, which is why I am writing this so future generations know what really happened. I'm stalling now, why I don't really know, but please space the time to listen to an old Elfs' rant. Anyway, where was I?

It was still storming outside as we marched through the darkly lit corridors making our way towards the Headmistresses room. We didn't speak as we stepped side by side; well in all honesty it was more like me running to catch up to her as she strolled casually to our destination. The statues on the floor seemed to follow us with their eyes, almost as if knowing where we were headed. I was extremely nervous; it had been awhile since I had been there, what would happen, would Professor McGonagall believe me?

Every little noise made me jump and I found myself following the shadows with my eyes, as if expecting something to jump out. We climbed the last staircase which would take us to the Headmistresses Chamber, and was surprised to not find Peeves around pulling off his usual pranks.

I hurriedly followed, catching up to her quickly and stopped at the ornate gargoyle before us. Before I loved looking at this piece of stone, but right now I was nervous as I glanced up into the eyes of the inanimate object, trying to see if it was alive. The Prefect held me back as I took a step forward, whispered something into the gargoyles ear and watched as it seemed to eye me, as if confirming it was me. Just when I thought it was not going to move, the gargoyle came to life; its wings spreading out to stand tall as it began to move into a recess I hadn't noticed before. Its red eyes shone as it beckoned us forward and we stepped up onto the moving staircase as it began to move upward, toward the large wooden doors.

Finally it stopped and the gargoyle disappeared into a hidden chamber, waiting for us to enter the room before us. Taking another look in my direction, the Prefect stood tall and knocked three times, the sound reverberating off the walls. I closed my eyes and prayed, listening hard for any and of occupants inside. Instead the door began to slowly open, and we stood our mouths agape before walking in.