A/N: Wow, so many reviews. You guys are making this story so much more special. I look forward to the times I open my mailbox and find those lovely comments you have all left behind. I am still quite in the dark about this story though I think this chapter provides some answers...

Chapter 14

Harry's rage was unlike anything Hermione had ever seen before. The hatred in his eyes matched the same look she had seen the night Hogwarts was destroyed. The atmosphere in the Burrow reminded her of that same night. They were struck by grief, fuelled by hatred and guided by despair. Outside the rain had begun to fall and lashed violently against the windows. Every so often a bright flash of lightening would illuminate their faces. Hermione had watched the drops slide down the glass almost in the same way as Molly Weasley's silent tears trickled down her cheeks.

She had given them the location of MacNair Castle and had tried to tell them what it looked like on the inside but there wasn't much to tell. None of them asked what Bellatrix had done to her. Hermione didn't tell. There were some things people didn't have to ask to know. She knew they had formed their own images in their heads and she could not bear to change those visions. She sat silently as she stared at her hands and imagined Bellatrix still asleep in the bed they had shared. Not a word fell from her lips as the others spoke. She was too lost in her conflicting thoughts and memories and found herself staring at the faces of her friends, not quite recognising who she saw.

Kingsley had attempted to subdue Harry's anger but he was determined that they could not wait. The urgency, the desperation to throw himself into something without thinking about the consequences was so typically Harry. He was blinded by hatred, much like Remus Lupin had pointed out all those years ago. But Remus was not here tonight. He had lost his life during that fateful night at Hogwarts. He had been the last person Harry listened to. Now there was no one left.

"They killed Ron! They captured my aunt and uncle and Merlin knows what they are doing to them right at this moment!" Harry spoke loudly, instantly silencing the other voices around the table. He didn't even want to think about the things Voldemort was doing to Vernon and Petunia. Narcissa, who sat to Harry's left, looked defeated. She had attempted to persuade Harry to wait. Hermione watched her glance at Draco beside her. Harry's green eyes were blazing. "They took Hermione and tortured her!"

Hermione's head snapped up and she found several people staring at her. She wanted to hide, to run away as far as she possibly could. She could not cope with them staring at her and she stood up with such force that she knocked over her chair. Without thinking she ran out of the room, towards the stairs and fled to the second floor. For a few seconds nobody spoke. Silence lingered throughout the house but as Hermione reached the room that had once been Ron's and reached the window, she heard a chair move downstairs and soon footsteps made their way up the stairs.

"Go away!" she sniffed with a constricted voice and brushed the angry tears from her cheeks. She heard the door open behind her and looked around. Narcissa had appeared in the open door way, compassion flickered in her eyes. Hermione folded her arms in front of her chest. "I said go away!"

"Hermione..."

Hermione shook her head and averted her eyes. She stared back out of the window. The Burrow was surrounded by plants and trees and even in the darkness she could make out the shape of trees in the orchard against the dark backdrop. They had spent hours there; the three of them. Ron and Harry would whizz around on their brooms, practicing Quidditch moves, as she sat under one of the trees in the shade and read a book. They would laugh at the gnomes running across the grass and Crookshanks' failed attempts at catching them. She remembered all the summer meals they ate outside; she, Harry and the Weasleys. They would laugh and talk long after the sun had set. The memories almost seemed to be from a different life. Things had changed. She had changed.

"I'm sorry about Ron," Narcissa said kindly and walked across the room and stood still beside Hermione. Together they gazed out of the window, into the rainy night. "I know he was a good friend, Hermione."

"You don't know anything," Hermione bit back and blazing hazel eyes pierced into Narcissa's. "Ron was a friend. The friendship died the day I left him because I realised I did not love him. After that he made it his life goal to harass me. He would call me, send me owls, accidentally run into me at the Ministry and, in case you forgot, he placed Aurors outside my house to keep an eye on me. And he cornered you about being in a relationship with me. That was the sort of man Ron was. The Ron Weasley I knew when we were teenagers died at Hogwarts that night"

There was a sad expression on Narcissa's face. "We all died at Hogwarts that night."

Hermione remembered the morning after. She had woken up in the Great Hall, surrounded by dust and rubble. The bodies of the dead had been moved and as she wandered around the destroyed castle she had found herself wishing, hoping, that it would not be so. That she would wake up and find that it had all been a nightmare. But as she reached the classroom that was being used for the dead bodies it was a cold, harsh reminder that reality was in fact very real. The bodies of the fallen Death Eaters and Voldemort had been kept in a different room and Hermione was the only one who entered it. She had to see for herself. She was the only one who watched Bellatrix Lestrange in death. She was the only one who kneeled beside her, mesmerized by how perfect she still looked, and had run her fingers through raven curls. Only Hermione had said goodbye.

"I can't let him do this," Hermione whispered and ran her fingers through her hair. The bruises on her wrists were clearly visible as the sleeves of her shirt rolled down and she saw Narcissa look. It was obvious the bruises were finger marks. "He'll kill himself."

"Harry has got quite the temper, hasn't he?" Narcissa said with a little smile. There was a glint in her eye. Hesitantly she placed both her hands on Hermione's shoulders and forced the brunette to look at her. There was a bright flash of lightening, followed by a deafening roar of thunder. The yellow light briefly illuminated Hermione's tear stained face. "Hermione, what is really going on here?"

"Don't do this," Hermione shook her head and reached up to remove Narcissa's hands but the older woman held on. The pressure was strangely soothing and Hermione sighed. Her heart felt as if it was going to break apart in her chest and she closed her eyes. Tears felt hot against her skin. "Just don't do this, Narcissa."

Narcissa's face came closer to Hermione's. Her lips so close she could almost kiss her. "It is Bella, isn't it?"

"NO!" Hermione cried and broke free from Narcissa's touch and turned away from her.

"Do they know?" Narcissa asked and walked around to face Hermione. "Do those people downstairs know they are about to risk their own lives because of you?"

"Because of me? Whatever have I done for them to go out there and kill themselves?" Hermione hissed through clenched teeth. Her hand slipped to the pocket of her jeans, ready to draw her wand but Narcissa was quicker and her fingers closed around Hermione's wrist. "If it wasn't for me they would still be guessing where to go!"

"This isn't right, Hermione," Narcissa said softly and the touch snapped Hermione out of her anger. "Did Bella take you or did you go with her?"

"No," Hermione answered. Suddenly her voice lacked any emotion. Her eyes were blank and she shook her head. She pulled her hand away and took a few steps in the direction of the bedroom door. She did not want to talk to Narcissa. It was clear she knew but Hermione could not admit what had happened. Not to Narcissa and not to herself. She could still feel Bellatrix's hands, everywhere. She could still smell her on her skin, taste her on her lips. With every tear the memory became more vivid. Narcissa stood and watched Hermione as she made her way to the door. She could see the weight resting on her shoulder and sensed the conflicted emotions.

"Obliviate!"

Narcissa had no time to respond. She had been too lost in her own thoughts for just that moment, wondering about Hermione's feelings, that she did not see Hermione reach for her wand. By the time the brunette had turned around it was too late. She aimed her wand at Narcissa and her lips trembled but her hand was firm as she spell fell from her lips. She watched Narcissa's eyes glaze over and the memories were erased and her memory modified.

And Hermione left her standing in Ron's old bedroom, with its bed still made, ready for a guest that would never come. The posters had long ago been removed, as had the pictures and the old wardrobe. Everything that had once made this room Ron's was gone. Hermione descended down te stairs, storing her wand safely in her pocket and returned to the dining area. When she walked through the door she found the others just about getting ready to leave. Realising they were all brandishing their wands she understood where they were going. She was too late. They were going to MacNair Castle and there was nothing she could do about it now.

"Where's mother?" Draco asked, his eyes fixed on the stairs leading to the second floor.

"She'll be along," Hermione said and smiled. "She said she wanted to gather her thoughts before..." Her voice trailed off. Draco understood what she meant and nodded. Hermione turned to look at Harry, who kissed Ginny goodbye before turning to Molly. The others had already walked to the door, Andromeda in the back. She looked over her shoulder at Hermione but continued outside when she saw Hermione approach Harry.

"Harry, can I talk to you for a moment?" Hermione said and smiled at Ginny. She could not even begin to understand the frustration the redhead had to be feeling right at this moment. Her pregnancy prevented her from fighting but Hermione knew Ginny well enough to know she wanted to revenge her brother's death. She could see it in her eyes.

"What is it, Hermione?" Harry said and she could hear the tension in his voice.

"Are you sure we should do this? Tonight?" Hermione asked, ignoring the voices of the others coming from outside. There was a hint of desperation in her words. "Have you thought this through? What are we going to do when we get there? Are you really going to enter into a standoff with Voldemort? You haven't got the Elder Wand, Harry. That bloody thing helped you beat him last time. But now it is just you."

"Just me?" Harry sounded insulted and for the first time in many years he flashed that famous scar on his forehead. She remembered how he had hated it. He still hated it now. His green eyes glistened behind his glasses. "This is what makes me equal to him, Hermione. And I can't just sit here and watch as he tortured my family. I owe it to Dudley to get his parents back. Petunia is the only blood relative I've got left!"

"I know that, Harry, but this is suicide!" Hermione said. She didn't even know why she didn't want Harry to go. It was what Bellatrix wanted. It was why she took her to MacNair Castle. It was what Voldemort expected. And yet she still stood here, telling him not to go. She didn't know what he saw when he looked at her, whether she was still the trustworthy friend to him she had once been. She did not want to shatter his illusion. Not now. She took a deep breath. "This is exactly what they want you to do!"

"If we don't go then my aunt and uncle die," Harry said dismissively and he narrowed his eyes. She could see the tears well up behind them. Pure hatred laced his words and he drew his wand, clutching it safely between his fingers. "If I don't go and face Voldemort tonight, Ron will have died for nothing."

"Ron…" Hermione said but swallowed the rest of her defensive answer. She sighed in defeat and followed Harry out of the house, into the night. The group was waiting for them. Kingsley and Minerva stood furthest away. The latter looked more ferocious and engaging than ever and Hermione thought the Scottish woman looked similar to the night of the Battle of Hogwarts. Fierce and proud like a warrior. Andromeda and Draco stood close together, wearing dark cloaks that protected from the rain. Narcissa had joined them and when her eyes found Hermione they looked at each other but neither of them spoke. Arthur, Bill, Fleur, Charlie and George stood huddled together. Their grief was clearly visible on their faces and Hermione looked over her shoulder to find Molly watching them from the open door and Hermione read her mind. She too wondered how many of them would return alive.

Harry looked around the group. There weren't many of them, hardly enough even. He too was aware that more lives could be lost tonight. He swallowed hard. "Let's go. We have a battle to win!"

~()~

MacNair Castle was dark and seemed abandoned. The members of the Order of the Phoenix stood between the barren trees. Adrenaline rushed through their veins. The rain hammered down on their hoods, creating a haunting and depressing image. The world seemed dark, loveless and forgotten. Hermione stood beside her Minerva McGonagall and she looked up in surprise when she felt her old mentor place a hand on her shoulder. Their gazes locked and Minerva smiled.

"I never got to say how proud I am of you," she said and gave Hermione's shoulder a squeeze. Hermione felt her heart break in her chest at those words. Minerva's voice was supposed to sound encouraging but Hermione detected the fear. "I am fully aware that after tonight I may not get another chance."

"You can tell me when dawn breaks," Hermione answered softly and tried to smile. Minerva nodded and moved to find Kingsley. Hermione let her breath escape. "If, by then, you still feel the same way, that is."

She stared up at the Castle she had abandoned only a few hours ago, leaving Bellatrix asleep. Dawn was not far away. In the distance she could hear the first birds start to sing. She just wished that it wasn't the last time any of them heard it. She wondered how many people were inside, how many Death Eaters were waiting for them. Voldemort could kill them all within seconds. She expected him to be present. He would not miss an opportunity to kill Harry.

There was a bright flash of white light coming from near the Castle's entrance and Kingsley stepped forward. His booming voice echoed through the night and he drew his wand. Instantly the tip ignited, casting an eerie silver glow around him. "That's the sign!"

Like one person they all moved forward, dark shadows in the night. They approached the castle from different sides and not until they reached the walls was the first spell cast. There was an outcry and suddenly the night was alive with sounds, lights and smells. Within seconds the midnight air was full of smoke and the sound of breaking glass echoed through the night. Unidentified shadows shot past her, from every direction, and Hermione could not tell who was who.

Andromeda spun around, deflecting a double purple jet that was cast her way from one of the upstairs windows and she did not hesitate and cast a spell herself. It missed and crashed into a wall instead, crumbling stone to dust. Behind her Arthur Weasley was engaged in a duel with Lucius Malfoy. Hermione recognised the silver blonde hair. From out of nowhere Narcissa appeared, aiding Arthur, and she took over the duel. Husband and wife battled each other. It was battle of life and death and Lucius taunted his wife as one of his spells just missed but was hot enough to burn her skin.

Hermione looked around the chaos one last time before running towards the front door. It had been blasted off its hinges and revealed the darkness inside. Candles had fallen over and a large fire was burning in the hall, eating away at whatever the flames could find. The Castle was filled with smoke and Hermione took a deep breath before running through the corridor, covering her mouth and nose as she did. Her heart hammered against her ribcage and the smoke burnt her throat and her eyes. Violent tears burnt down her skin as she ran.

From a room to her left a tall figure appeared and Hermione froze in her tracks. Through the black smoke she recognised him. It was Walden MacNair, the man who had invaded Malfoy Manor and took Narcissa's blood to resurrect Bellatrix. His wand was aimed at Hermione's chest and she saw the recognition dawn in his eyes. She cast a Stunning Spell but he deflected it easily, sending it flying it into the wildfire of flames behind her. There was only one way out and that was past MacNair. The corridor behind her was closed off by the flames.

"Order of the Phoenix eh?" MacNair taunted with a smirk and watched Hermione's face. They stood across each other, wands drawn. "I have seen your pretty face before, haven't I? That night at Malfoy Manor."

"Oh yes," Hermione hissed and flicked her wand. An array of spells shot in MacNair's direction, fired so quickly he barely had time to react. But his Shield Charm was strong and only the first of the jets hit him, causing a large cut to appear across his cheek. Blood trickled down his skin and he looked up, scowling, as he clutched his injured face. The blood seeped through his fingers.

"You bitch!" he shouted and cast another spell but Hermione was quicker and it missed her completely. She felt her heart beat faster and faster and the smoke was really beginning to irritate her throat. Through the constant flow of tears she could just about see her attacker's shape. Her eyes were red and puffy and she began coughing as behind her the flames closed in. She could feel the heat against her skin.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

Hermione had cried the spell in all her might and the bright green flash of light crashed into Walden MacNair's body. His face was riddled by surprise and Hermione watched him slump down to the floor. When she looked back up she found Bellatrix standing not far behind him, panting. She supported her body by leaning against the wall and she was covered in black smudges. Her dress was torn and parts of her hair seemed to have been scorched away. There was a large, angry blister on her cheek but her ink black eyes fixed on Hermione.

"Aguamenti," Bellatrix said with a hoarse voice and the clear water from her wand instantly subdued the flames that had begun to eat away at Hermione's sleeve. She had not even noticed. Bellatrix grabbed hold of her wrist and together they began running down the smoke filled corridor. Their footsteps echoed off the walls as behind them the flames rapidly approached, destroying everything in their path. The heat became more and more intense and Hermione felt her body weaken with every step. Her lungs felt as if they were being burnt from the inside out and she desperately clutched on to Bellatrix's body as the raven haired woman made her way through the darkness.

Just when she thought she could not take another step the cold outside air filled her lungs and Hermione collapsed. Resting on the cold grass she stared up at the sky over her head. Clouds obscured the stars and the moon and thick black clouds of smoke circled up from what would soon be the ruin of MacNair Castle. Not as imposing as Hogwarts it still struck a chord as she sat up, resting on her elbows, and watched the flames eat away at the stone walls, bringing down the fortress. Broken glass lay everywhere around her.

"What were you thinking, you foolish girl?" Bellatrix said harshly and Hermione's eyes snapped up. She had almost forgotten Bellatrix was here. "You could have died in those flames!"

"I can die out here tonight too," Hermione answered with a constricted voice. She could barely speak. The smoke had filled her airways and her lungs and she felt as if the flames had invaded her body. It was strangely quiet and Hermione realised she and Bellatrix were sitting in what had once been a small courtyard, surrounded by a wall. She had not seen it before but now that she did she could imagine how beautiful it had once been. In the middle of the courtyard stood an ancient looking fountain, depicting a battle between Greek gods. Hermione scrambled to her feet and staggered towards the sculpture. No water was flowing from it but when she peered into the basin she found her own reflection staring back at her from the dark waters' surface. She dipped her hands into the cold liquid and splashed it into her face in a bid to eradicate some of the heat she was feeling. When she opened her eyes she found Bellatrix's reflection had appeared beside her own.

Just as she was about to speak there was a massive explosion and the impact made Hermione lose her balance. She tripped over her feet and fell into Bellatrix's outstretched arms. Behind them, part of the castle collapsed and Hermione's head whipped around in despair. Tears trickled down her cheeks and she fought to free herself from Bellatrix's arms but the raven haired woman did not let her go.

"Let me go!" Hermione cried and kicked Bellatrix against her legs. Bellatrix's fingernails dug deeply into Hermione's arms and she ignored Hermione as the girl hit her across the back of her hand with her wand. "Let me go! I need to get back there!"

"There is nothing you can do! If anybody was inside that part of the building, they are dead!" Bellatrix said. The strength of her arms was surprising and Hermione's body went limp. She sighed and turned to the younger brunette to face her. "The Dark Lord needs Potter, Hermione. We will get him, no matter what sacrifices he has to make. There is nothing you or anybody else can do to stop this. It is destiny and it has to happen!"

Hermione swallowed and arched an eyebrow, or whatever was left of it. "But where do you and I fit into all of this? The Dark Lord has Harry's family."

"Kidnap his family, kidnap his friend," Bellatrix lisped and ran her fingers across Hermione's cheek. The touch was nothing short of demeaning. "Kill the other friend." Hermione gasped at the mention of Ron's death. "You know, everything to make him so angry he would come here. The boy never was really good at seeing the bigger picture. Such a simple plan, such great consequences."

"All of this to get to Harry?" Hermione gestured at the burning building behind them. She heard desperate voices. Someone shouted, another cried but she could not determine who it was. The smoke was thick as it found its way up into the grey sky. Her hazel eyes narrowed and she did not flinch as Bellatrix's fingernail scratched across her skin. "All of me?"

"Oh no, you're just a useful enjoyment on the side," Bellatrix's red lips curled up into a smile and her hand slipped up to brush a strand of hair out of Hermione's eyes. Compared to the scratch she left behind on Hermione's cheek, this gesture was kind and tender. "I quite enjoy your company. For a mudblood you are really quite entertaining."

An unexpected cold wind picked up and Bellatrix and Hermione both spun around to witness the flames instantly dying. All that remained were the smouldering walls of whatever was left of MacNair Castle. Thicker clouds packed together over their heads and the rain began to fall. Thick drops fell down onto them and within seconds they were drenched. It was as if nature had suddenly changed. Hermione looked at Bellatrix, who seemed to enjoy the rain as it poured down on her and tilted her head back.

"It's him, isn't it?" she questioned and Bellatrix merely cackled in approval. "The Dark Lord is coming?"

Bellatrix's ink black eyes met Hermione's. "He is already here."

Hermione didn't hesitate and spun around. There was an opening in the wall to her left and by the time Bellatrix had chased after her, mud splashing up her dress, Hermione had disappeared around the corner. The young brunette ran until she reached the other side of the Castle and found the remaining members of the Order standing together. Motionless bodies lay scattered around the grounds, most of them bleeding but the rain had begun to wash most of the blood away. Soon their faces would just be pale, without a single trace of blood. They would look perfect. Perfect for death. When Hermione reached her friends she found Minerva and the older woman wrapped her safely into her arms, pressing Hermione securely against her body. Resting her head against Minerva's chest Hermione felt the tears escape from behind her eyes and she bit down on her lip.

"He's coming," she whispered. "He's coming."

"Bellatrix."

Hermione's head whipped up when she heard Andromeda mutter her sister's name. Andromeda broke away from the crowd and strode across the grass in the direction of the dark haired witch. Hermione watched Bellatrix. The dark ringlets stuck to her forehead and she was drenched. Drops of rain trickled down her face like tears before seeping into her dress. She looked pale and tired and her ink black eyes were fixed on Hermione. And it was only Hermione who saw the sadness. Bellatrix looked forlorn, alone, and before Andromeda could reach her she had turned on the spot and disappeared. Bellatrix had said goodbye.

"Take cover!"

It was Harry who shouted and the members of the Order of the Phoenix all spun around. From the clouds a dark shape appeared. It was like black mist that reached the ground but they all knew better. Hermione watched in horror as the black mist began to take the form of a man, or whatever was left of him. Lord Voldemort slowly appeared in front of them, dressed in nothing else but his silk black robes and bare foot, as before. He stood taller than Hermione remembered and with the weak sunlight climbing over the horizon in the distance he looked paler than before. His thin red eyes flickered with hatred and automatically people formed a circle in an attempt to protect each other. Andromeda stumbled back to the group and reached Narcissa, who wrapped a protective arm around her sister's waist. Hermione felt Minerva grab a tight hold of her.

"Harry Potter," spoke Voldemort and his tongue protruded from his mouth in between words. Hermione's gaze dropped to Voldemort's hand and wondered from where he had taken his wand. The wand he had been using during the Battle had been destroyed. "We meet again."

Harry, who stood in front of the others, took another step in his direction but had to pay for that indiscretion as an invisible spell hit him in the chest and sent him backwards. He showed no fear. Instead he lifted up his chin in arrogance and stared at Voldemort through his glasses. "And you will die again, Tom!"

"CRUCIO!"

Voldemort's high pitched voice sent a shiver down Hermione's face and she watched in a mixture of horror and revulsion as Harry's body crashed to the floor. His limps jerked involuntarily and she could see the pain in his eyes, yet he did not give a single whimper. He did not even groan when his stomach emptied itself into the grass beside him and even when he sat on all fours, heaving, he showed little discomfort. Beads of sweat glistened on his forehead but Harry did not give in. He had dealt with the Cruciatus Curse before.

"I see you haven't changed your ways, Tom," Harry said and staggered back to his feet. He held his wand and cast a silent spell in Voldemort's direction. The dark wizard easily deflected and he and Harry began to circle each other. For a moment Hermione felt herself slip back in time, back to Hogwarts, where Harry and Voldemort had faced each other before. It felt like this all over again but this time Harry was older, wiser perhaps. But he wasn't stronger. "Release my aunt and uncle and then you and I can fight as equals. You wanted me to come here. Well, here I am."

"We shall trade, Harry Potter," spoke Voldemort and if he had been able to smile, Hermione guessed this was the moment he would have. His snake like features had changed nothing and still left her as uncomfortable as before. "We shall trade your life for that of your family."

Harry seemed to think for a moment but behind him Kingsley broke away from the crowd. Harry spun around when he heard one of the others approach and raised his wand, ready to defend Kingsley if he had to. But the Minister of Magic merely walked up to Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You can't do this, Harry."

"Oh hear them speak in your defence, Potter. How they fear a world without you. How many more must come to your aide and how many more must die for you? Are you going to stand by and watch so many more of your friends die?" spoke Voldemort and Harry's green eyes snapped back in his direction. The darkest wizard of all time almost seemed amused and not in the slightest bothered by the fact that his faithful Death Eaters lay at his feet. Behind Kingsley and Harry Narcissa stirred but Andromeda kept her sister firmly in place. Hermione could see Draco shake with anger.

"No," Harry said firmly and looked at Kingsley before facing the rest of the group. They were his friends, his family. The only people in the world he had ever dared to trust. And he had watched too many of them die for him. "I cannot let you die for me. Not anymore."

"Harry, NO!" cried Minerva and Hermione was struck by the horrible pain in her voice.

"This time there is no choice," said Harry and he lowered his wand. Slowly he walked in Voldemort's direction. Every step was a little slower than the one before. His eyes focused on the destroyed building behind Voldemort and he looked up, with a broken sense of pride. He let his wand slip from his fingers and it landed in the mud. The rain unexpectedly stopped and in the distance the first rays of sunshine appeared. "Release my family and I will take their place."

Voldemort's laugh was erratic and deranged and Hermione watched with pain in her heart how magical restrains appeared around Harry's body, locking him in what could only be described as a cage. With a small gesture from his hand, the wind picked back up. It pulled at the barren trees, rushed over the lump grass and picked up fallen leave s and broken twigs in its path. Hermione clung on to Minerva and felt the older woman's arms around her. The wind grew stronger, turning into a small tornado. The black cloud approached the remains of the castle and swallowed it up. For a few seconds the building disappeared from their sight and when the cloud dissolved all that remained was an empty lot.

And there, several feet apart and shivering in fear, sat Vernon and Petunia Dudley. Voldemort and Harry were gone.

Kingsley and Minerva rushed towards the trembling Muggles and safely wrapped them up in cloaks and heated their clothes with their wands. Neither of them spoke but Hermione watches as they slowly staggered to their feet and were supported back in the direction of the other Order members. Narcissa had walked away from Andromeda and reached Hermione. She put a hand on her shoulder and Hermione looked up. Tears glistened in Narcissa's eyes.

"We must get him back. If Harry dies, all hope dies too."

Hermione swallowed hard. "I think it just did."