168. Trap or Not

**Hermione's POV**

"What do we do now?" I sighed.

"Anything we can do, 'Mione" Fred put his arm around me.

"Which is?" Ginny asked.

"We wait for Harry," Sirius said simply.

Suddenly, a painful sound commenced everywhere.

"What the hell?" Charlie covered his ears.

A voice, a hissing like voice, then started to speak.

"You have fought valiantly, but in vain. I do not wish this, but every drop of magical blood is a terrible waste. I therefore command my forces to retreat for your bitter absence to dispose of your dignity. Harry Potter, I now speak directly to you. On this night, you have allowed your friends to die for you, rather than face me yourself. There is no greater dishonor. Join me in the Forbidden Forest to confront your faith. If you do not do this, I shall kill every last man, woman, and child who tries to conceal you from me."

"what the bloody hell was that?" Bill questioned.

"I- I don't know," I said softly.

"Whatever it was, I'm glad it's gone. For now" Ginny said.

"I wonder how everyone is doing," Fred said after a bit.

As soon as Fred had said this, Harry, George, and Ron came running in.

"Guys! Snape! He-" Harry said as he, George, and Ron ran up to Fred and I.

"What happened?" I stood up.

"Snape- He's- He's dead" George said panting for breath.

"What?" Mrs. Weasley questioned with disbelief.

"The snake. It killed him" Harry explained. "Voldemort told it to."

"He deserves it. He killed Dumbledore!" Remus exclaimed.

"Maybe" Harry said softly.

"Maybe?!" Sirius asked.

"He gave me this" Harry held up a vial. "I need to bring it to Dumbledore's Pensieve."

"Rubbish!" Remus said angrily.

"Not!" Harry said suddenly. "I don't know what it is, but I'm bringing it to the Pensieve."

"Harry, this could be a trap," Sirius said firmly.

"Trap or not, I'm seeing what memories Snape possess," Harry said and walked out.

"You really think it's a trap?" I asked Sirius.

"I honestly don't know, Hermione," Sorius said honestly.

"It could be anything for all we know," Tonks added.

"You think he'll be okay?" Ron asked.

"It's Harry. He survived Voldemort once. He can do it again" Sirius smiled slightly.