Harry ran. Hermione and Victor were directly ahead of him, as they attempted to escape Voldemort's wrath. Seventy-five death-eaters had converged on them when they had tried to retrieve Ron's corpse for burial. Zzzzz, Harry heard. A stunner whooshed past his ear, and tagged Victor in his back. He fell, rolling. Before he hit the ground, though, Harry could see that he was dead from the poison on the ground. "No!!!!!" Hermione screamed. Harry had to drag her away from Victor's body. "We'll try to come back... Hermione, we've got to go!"

Hermione sat in the Hospital wing waiting for Ginny to wake up. Harry had gone to a summons by Professor Dumbledore. Madame Pompfrey was straitening her potions when Professors Dumbledore, Lupin, McGonnagall, Trelawney, and Flitwick entered. Dumbledore was limping, and McGonnagall was holding her arm. Following them were Harry, Seamus, and Neville.
"Miss Granger, how are you feeling?"
"I'm alright, thank you professor."
"Very well. Madame Pompfrey, could you please wake up Miss. Weasley?"
"Certainly." Madame Pompfrey waved her wand, "recessitus!"
Ginny quickly awoke. "Hermione, Professors, Harry? What's going on?"
"Miss Weasley, Your brother, Ron, I'm afraid, is dead. Professor Snape, Victor Krum, and Lavender are all dead as well. Professor Snape was able to take down Luscious Malfoy, though."
Ginny started crying; Harry and Neville lowered their heads.
"And now, the crisis is only just begun. The Ministry and the Wizengamot are both relocating their Emergency headquarters here. The Order is coming as well. I have also contacted as many of your Parents, and I have already dispatched the Hogwarts Express to pick them up.
"I am expanding the Hogwarts Security force to include the Head Boy, Head Girl, the Prefects, along with Tonks, Professors Lupin, Moody, and McGonnagoll. Neville, Ginny, you are hereby appointed Head Boy and Girl-"
"Who's the new potions teacher?" interrupted Professor Lupin.
"I have asked Professor Moody to undertake that post. As for now, however, there will be no more classes, as everyone must assist in fortifying the castle for the coming onslaught."
"But Professor," Hermione said. "Isn't the castle safe enough? In Hogwarts, A History, it-"
"Miss Granger, that book is far from complete. You also need to know that Hogwarts is far bigger than anyone can realize. I need to go now, but I will meet with you all in the coming days. Good Evening."