Chapter 2 - Hogwarts

The two made their way up to Hogwarts as quietly as they could. Both of them found the familiar trek eerie as the trees rustled in the wind and they heard owls hooting and other strange animal noises coming from the Forbidden Forest. They spotted Hagrid's hut which was in blackness, in the distance.

"I don't like this." Hermione squeaked, fear taking over.
"It's really creepy, isn't it?" George asked. "I'm glad you came with me Hermione. I don't feel very brave right now."

George quickened his step, until they reached the court yard which was strewn with rubble.

"Oh it's horrible." Hermione cried.
"I know. It's awful." George answered, sadly.

The homely castle they both knew was ruined, walls blasted apart, windows broken, small fires still smouldering and suits of armour scattered everywhere. One of the main steel doors was hanging off it's hinges. George and Hermione entered the deserted castle with ease.

"The ghosts will probably still be here." She said quietly from under the cloak.
"Oh yes. I forgot all about them." George answered. "Can you remember where you were when it happened?"
"Yes, we were on the seventh floor outside the Room of Requirement." Hermione answered.

They went straight to the seventh floor with Hermione giving George directions. Both of them opted to stay under the cloak as they didn't know who might be lurking around the castle. The hair on the back of their necks was standing on end. Hermione shuddered as she passed a wall that was splattered with blood. She tried to keep her emotions under control but it wasn't easy. She was surprised at how calm George appeared though she knew that underneath he was probably crumbling. Fred and George were always so good at hiding their true emotions and putting on a happy front, being the little flicker of light in the darkness.

"Here we are." She spoke.

George let her down and removed the cloak from the two of them which Hermione stuffed back into her beaded bag.

"Is this it?" George asked, looking at the rubble from the wall.
"Yes. This is it." Hermione replied, trying to hold back the tears.

George too was struggling with his emotions but managed to hold the tears in as he hugged Hermione tightly. George knew he had to be strong, not only for Hermione but for Fred too. They'd be throwing themselves back into the horrible battle so their lives would be at risk just as much as everyone elses.

"Lets do this Hermione. It's now or never." George spoke.
"I think you better hide in that classroom over there until you see us coming. You've got to look out for Rookwood, it was him who blasted the wall apart." Hermione stated. "Thicknesse is worth watching too. The wall will be blasted apart just as Percy says he's resigning."
"Right you are Hermione." George answered. "So I just keep everyone away from the wall then?"
"Yes, Harry, Ron and I will be thrown from it but don't worry about it or don't get yourself hurt or killed in the process. You're there to save Fred." Hermione stated.
"I won't Hermione, I promise." George answered. "I'll do whatever I can."
"And don't make promises that you might not be able to keep." Hermione said. "We've already lost Fred, we can't afford to loose you too."
"Well hopefully Fred will be back with us soon. I'll make my best attempt at saving him." George answered.
"Good luck George." Hermione squeaked, throwing her arms around George and hugging him tightly, as salty tears fell from her eyes.

George was slightly taken back by Hermione's actions but he hugged her back as she silently cried into his chest. He was so thankful for Hermione's help at this time.

"Good luck too Hermione, you've got a job to do as well." George spoke, as she pulled from his grip.

Hermione quickly wiped away her tears and pulled herself together, straightening up her jacket.

"Yes, I suppose I do. I've got to go and find the other you and stop you from finding you." Hermione spoke.
"You should somehow drag other me and Lee off to save Lupin or Tonks or both if you're quick enough." George spoke.
"I will try my very best George but I can't promise anything and work miracles." Hermione answered.