Chapter 3
Outside the brisk morning whistled around them. The winter was coming and the forest was dying in a myriad of golden colours.
The searching party of Dumbledore, Hagrid, Snape, Potter and Weasley.
Ron followed the group into the forest as spells of detection and divination were being cast from Professor Trelawney's tower to find the errant Hermione.
As they marched deeply into the forest, the shadows closed in.
"This is most unnatural," commented Dumbledore absently.
"Aye, and there's none but us out here. Everything's gone - not a bird in the trees," noted Hagrid.
"Yes, well, probably driven off by the girl's incessant smug ramblings," muttered Snape.
Harry glanced at Ron. He knew Ron was thinking about Hermione. It had been obvious that those two had been sneaking off once in a while and doing more than homework together.
That was understandable. He had been sneaking off with Ron's sister Ginny once in the while too - Ron must be having a hard time.
Ron was having a tough time, but not as Harry thought.
There had been an argument. Not a big one, but one that ruined yesterday and left a foul taste in Ron's mouth as he went to sleep. This was the following day and Ron had been meaning to sort things out. And maybe he would not be able to.
Dumbledore suddenly motioned for the party to halt. "Everyone, something's coming…" he hissed. Suddenly, a black shadow passed over them all, the sky blackened and a darkness flooded their senses. Then all was normal again. Even the birds had returned.
"What in blazes was that?" demanded Hagrid. Snape and Dumbledore exchanged long, thoughtful glances.
It was then that Hermione staggered clumsily and merrily out of the bracken.
"Where have you been?" cried Hagrid.
"Beyond," she smiled before her face screwed up in pain and she burst into tears.
Ron caught her as she collapsed to the ground, shaking and terrified.
To be continued…
