Snape was impressed. She had thought this through. It would help if Lucius could be counted on. There was much to do.

"I wish I could be of more help Snape, but it would be difficult to explain why I'm at liberty about the castle, not to mention dangerous without my wand to protect myself. I'm trying to coordinate with Madam Pomfrey to see if she's found anyone in the Order and what's happening in the ministry. I gave her the Grimmauld street address. If they survived, they should be there."

Snape looked at her trying not to seem too eager. "Do what you can and I'll get started on the potion. I will ask Lucius if I can come by and talk. If he's with us, he can make the connection with the others. We don't need many just enough to keep them on ice below. Hermione. What about the ministry. The Dark Lords minions are still running the place and Azkaban. We need a way to take them out as well. Think about it, I know you'll come up with something." He stood and grabbed his robes. They swirled and snapped behind him as he went out the door.

oopOqoo

Hermione was energized. Snape approved her plan. With any luck the Dark Lord would be dead soon. She stood and went to the floo throwing the powder in. "Madam Pomfrey? I'm not feeling well, can you come?"

"Hello Hermione. What seems to be the trouble?"

"I don't know, fever and stomach ache."

"Very well dear. I'm with another patient. I'll be there as soon as I'm done here."

It took a few minutes, but she came through the floo with a smile. Both girls greeted her with a hug. "Hermione! Hermione I have some great news. I was able to contact The Order at the location you gave me. It was a good thing I came when I did. Many of them had been gravely wounded. I took joy in the fact that Voldemort's medicines were being used to help them."

Hermione was elated some Order members were still alive. "Who Madam Pomfrey. Who is left? Oh, and please use VM for you know who, at least here in the castle."

Poppy turned to Ginny with a shadowed smile. "Ginny sweetheart. Come and sit down. I have some news for you, but you must be brave."

Ginny's heart began to thump in her ears. She had assumed her whole family was gone. "What is it Madam Pomfrey?'

"Oh girls, call me Poppy. We've been through so much. No need to stand on ceremony." Hermione could see she was stalling. "Ginny dear, your brother George and your father are still alive, but badly wounded. I managed to stabilize them for now, but it is by no means a guarantee. Your mum, and Fred didn't make it. Bellatrix, that evil bitch, she... I'm so sorry child."

Ginny's eyes were shining. "Alive? They're alive?"

Hermione went white and stood suddenly, staring in horror at the wall. Bellatrix! She hadn't thought about what to do with her. She wouldn't be taking the potion or going with Voldemort to his doom. Bella could keep the spell from taking effect and ruin all her plans.

"Hermione? What is it child?" Poppy's concern reached Hermione's consciousness.

"I forgot about Bella." She refocused on Poppy. "Snape has agreed to my plan Poppy. He's in the lab working on the potion as we speak, but I forgot about Bella. The other Death Eater women won't be at the hall when we capture the men. There are too few of them to cause any problems once the men are in custody. But Bella. She could tip the balance. She's almost as dangerous as VM." Hermione was near panic.

Suddenly Ginny spoke with more venom than had ever passed her lips before. "Relax Hermione. You get the rest. I'll take care of Bellatrix Lestrange." There was a coldness in her eyes that made the others shiver. She was a powerful witch despite her years, her mother's daughter. She had every reason to hate Bellatrix with every drop of her soul. Whatever she planned, Bella would beg for death before it was over.

It was still dangerous. Bella was crafty and powerful, but Ginny had a right to avenge her family and Hermione decided to let Ginny have her way. There would be a back up plan should she fail. "How many Poppy?" Hermione redirected the conversation. She needed answers before time ran out for Poppy.

"It's hard to say. Many of the aurors and others in the ministry have taken shelter there. It was Kingsley and Snape who dragged Arthur and George to safety. Snape of all people. Kings was covered in wounds and bruises but mostly intact. Fleur is alive. Bill died shielding her and she is having a hard time of it. Especially being pregnant, and.."

"FLEUR IS PREGNANT!" Ginny was up hopping and dancing about. "Bill's child is alive. Oh Bill, Mum would have been so pleased. I've got to see them Poppy. Please. I have to go to them. Hermione, please let me go to them."

Hermione grabbed Ginny and held her close. "I'm so happy for you Ginny. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, going. VM has control of all forms of communication. You can bet he's having the floo system watched as well. If you suddenly disappear from here and go to a location in London, you may lead them right to The Order. I don't know if the wards are still there. Poppy comes and goes because she's expected to. We are slaves Ginny. We can't leave the castle. We can't even leave these rooms. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. It must be enough for you to know they are alive, for now. When we defeat VM you can go to them, but not now. Nothing can jeopardize the plan. All our lives depend on it. Go quickly now, write a letter to your dad and brother and Fleur. Poppy will deliver it and their response if she can. She doesn't have much time."

Ginny had tears in her eyes but she agreed with Hermione and ran off to write as quickly as possible. Hermione followed her with her eyes knowing the pain and joy she felt. The memory of Harry and Ron, shoulder to shoulder, like brothers, trying to fight Voldemort, would be forever burned into her memory. Her gut twisted as she saw them fall again, as they did in her nightmares. There wasn't even a body to be recovered. The two of them were vaporized in front of her. What she wouldn't give to find out that one still lived.

Hermione gave her a square of parchment. "Poppy. Give this to Kingsley. I've charmed it to his magic so he's the only one who can read it. It explains everything I need him to do. You are taking an awful chance with these letters. Thank you."

"I've taken care of all of you for so long. I'm not going to stop now." She smiled and cupped Hermione's cheek. Ginny came running back with her letter. "I've got to go now girls. Stay safe. And, Hermione. Tell Severus I'm sorry, until I can say it myself."

Hermione nodded and grabbed Ginny's hand for comfort. "I will. And you keep your head down too. Merlin protect you."