CHAPTER VII – ANGER AND HOPE
Harry got up. He was sure of the sound. And it was coming nearer. He snatched his wand from the bedside and sneaked downstairs. As he went, he heard a cackle of laughter followed by a rough one. Bellatrix and Dolohov. All the better for Harry, as he would now personally avenge what they did to Ginny. Not able to control his anger anymore, he went out, closed the door behind him, and announced his presence. But the moment he did it, he realized his mistake.
He should have known that Bellatrix and Dolohov would not return without Voldemort. And Voldemort, being the ultimate coward but also the ultimate strategist, would not attempt to seize a house full of Order members without an army behind him too. And so it was.
There he stood, the pale figure with a high stature, in front of his army of atleast 30 more Death Eaters flying in wisps of smoke above his head. His already frightful personality looked all the more intimidating this way, with Dolohov and Bellatrix a little behind of him on either side, and many more, further back.
'Well, well, well, so the elusive Potter has finally endeavored to show himself! What a pleasant surprise! This really deserves a feast, don't you think? We will really enjoy feasting on your friends, Harry. Thank you for opening the door.'
'What?'
'Oh, don't you know how the protective enchantments Dumbledore has put up here work? We can only see or feel the place if, and only if, somebody shows us the door from the inside.'
Harry's heart sank. Had his stupid want for heroism led his friends to Death? They were all soundly asleep. Would they be murdered in their beds?
'My Lord, the army awaits your word,' Harry was brought out of his reverie by Bellatrix.
'Not yet Bella, first we play the game with Mr. Potter. I suppose you know how to play?'
'Yes I do,' said Harry, adjusting his stance, raising his wand and tightening his grip.
Without warning, he was hit by a Cruciatus Curse. His flesh burnt, he wanted Death to stop this –
It stopped. But what stopped it shocked Harry as well as the Death Eaters. It was the only thing that could have given some amount of hope to Harry...