A/N: Short chapter but very eventful! Sorry that it has taken me so long to review, new job and all!! I'll try to get them up faster promise.

Chapter 20: The Parcel

"Do you think it's safe?" Professor McGonagall asked as she watched the students file passed her out of the Hogwarts iron gates at the front entrance. The staff had agreed on allowing the student body their trip into Hogsmeade even with the manhunt going on around them.

"Certainly, Minerva, I will not have these students feeling the strain of circumstances that are beyond their control. Besides, a few hours of liveliness and fresh air will do them a world of good." Dumbledore was standing besides her watching the students walk by as well. Occasionally he would wave or smile to a few of them.

McGonagall could not help but agree as many of the faces that she saw pass, wore the first smiles that she had seen in weeks.

"I know I could use the time away from the Common room," called Filomina as she tightened her fur collared jacket across her chest. She had been recently voicing the opinion that she was finding everyone's sad attitudes, including her own, a tad bit stifling.

"Me too," stated Leilani lightly. Even though her mind had been clouded with concern over the progress of the search, and of her mother, she had started to look forward to the small trip.

Hermione, having no family in any grave danger was torn in a way. She was extremely sympathetic to the situation but could really offer no condolences, since the whole thing was novel to her. Instead, she had resorted to offering a sensitive shoulder for anyone to lean on. Filomina and Leilani found her company very soothing, to say the least.

As they walked up the worn trail that led directly to Hogsmeade Leilani heard the soft flutter of wings and turned. A couple of owls flew low over head casting fake shadows across the clouded sky. Their presence was both reassuring and ominous. The number of owls had increased steadily over the course of the weeks and all the students were used to see them at all hours of the day. Most of them carried letters, heartening letters, from parents reminding their kids not to worry, that they were still well, but deep down inside they all knew that it was only a matter of time before the bad news started trickling in.

Ahead of them, a group of students were letting out shrieks of laughter. 'At least some of them are having fun,' thought Leilani.

At Honeydukes they stocked up on the usual but they couldn't help but whisper as even the bright aisles of the sweet shop were less crowded than usual. Back outside, they discussed where they would head next as more owls flew overhead. They had finally decided on The Three Broomsticks when Ron called from behind them. Smiling shyly Hermione made her way over to him while Filomina greeted an unusually quiet Perseus. Left to her own company Leilani made her way to the edge of town and stood before the wooden fence in front of the shrieking shack. A loud flutter of wings caught her attention just as Jadon stepped up beside her.

"Hey," he called. "I've been looking for you. Looks like you've got one too." He was pointing the large owl that had perched itself on the wooden post in front of them Leilani could see a small parcel tied to one of its legs. An exact replica to the one that Jadon held in his hand.

"What do you suppose they are?" she asked as she eagerly unwrapped her package, beside her Jadon did the same. A moment later she was staring at a smooth saphire stone. Although there was no sunlight it glittered brightly. A little reluctant at first but then catching Jadon reaching for his stone, her fingers clasped the smooth rock.

As if being pulled, strongly behind the navel, Leilani was lifted from the ground. The world whizzed past her as she traveled in immense speeds. And then, nothing.

"How many are there? Don't open that door you insolent fool. Alert the others"

"What's happening?"

"Where are we?"

"The parcel, it was a portkey, Merlin? Did any body know?"

Darkness, Leilani was surrounded by complete, darkness. Her ears picked up every single, sound, breath, and shuffle of steps. But she couldn't see her hands in front of her face She took two steps and crashed into another body. Fear gripped her she couldn't see who it was.

"Who's there?" She called out cautiously. 'Friend or foe?' her mind reeled and then a strong hand found hers, and gripped it tightly.

"Leilani?" It was Jadon her sensitve ears picked up his voice immediately.

"Jadon? What is this? What in the world is going on?"

"The stones, they were port keys!"

"What?"

"Jadon?" called a scared voice behind them. Leilani immediately recognized it and her hands reached out trying to find Filomina among the confusion. "Filomina? Ronald?"

"Yes, it's us."

Bodies met and in the darkness the two friends held each other closely. Slowly, realization came over the group and the screams began getting louder. Sensing panic Leilani did the first thing that came to her mind. "Shut up!" she told the voices."Everyone just calm down!" At once the space around them quieted except for the few muffled gasps of those that were crying. "Are we all from Hogwarts?'

"Yes" went a wave of voices around them. Leilani could not recognize any of them.

"Okay let's get some light in here!" It was Jadon calling out the new orders and Leilani reached for her hand as she heard the others around her do the same. In all the confusion they had not thought of using them before.

Then suddenly another voice, the deep cynical voice of an older man called out to them. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Put those wands away, you won't need them anymore."

A/N: So please review, like always!