Disclaimer: The Usual.

A/N Whew done. New chapter soon. Maybe this week. Please read some of my other work too. I think it is better.

Arabella and Minerva led the group down the dark side streets leading off Knockturn Alley. The cobblestones were dingy and dank. Water ran in rivulets down the side of the crumbling brick buildings. Shops selling hideous things made the Weaslys long for Diagon Alley and it's familiar shops and memories of shopping escapades. Minerva taking no notice of her questionable surroundings was deeply taken in by the map. So deep in fact that Arabella had to guide her by the elbow to prevent her from knocking feeble old witches who had seen better days off their feet. They twisted and turned down dimly lit pathways and tunnels until Minerva stopped abruptly.

"He's under Borgin and Burkes", Minerva said breathlessly.

This had a measurable affect on the older members of the assembly than it did Ron and Hermione. Moments passed as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley conversed rapidly yet quietly so that none else heard them. Minerva however knew what they were talking about and turned to explain to Ron and Hermione.

"Knockturn Alley is just as old as Diagon Alley and is even bigger but far less visited because the stench of death and betrayal still hangs over the place. Many years ago when Voldemort was at the height of his power, people, Muggles and Wizards alike were brought to the basement were brought here to be tortured for information. There is not death toll of the people murdered here because no one counted the Muggles going in. But we do know that Voldemort and his supporters killed 568 wizards and witches here. Now we have reason to believe that Voldemort finally has his victim of choice, Harry, in the chambers deep below. We have only one choice, to go in and save him. That is if you are up to the challenge." Minerva explained all this rather quickly.

Hermione and Ron were dumb struck. They had helped Harry before but he was always the one saving them. This was their chance to repay him.

"Of course we're in Professor M.. You can count on us you know." Ron said with an attitude he often used to hide fear.

"Very well then. Grab a torch, we leave now." And with that Professor McGonagall strode off with purpose to the decrepit building with her wand drawn.

Ron and Hermione to pulled out their wands and crept after Minerva shooting confused looks back and forth at each other. Arabella and the Weasleys made for the back and front entrances to guard from an attack or an escape.

Ron was mumbling the last line to the seguir encanto, probably to tame his nerves. Hermione looked intently to the right and the left, as if Dark Wizards were lurking in the shabby pubs.

Minerva obviously knew where she was headed, because she went over to what seemed to be a large well cover in the middle of a deserted lot, and with a flash of her wand, it slid to the side, revealing a dingy and black set of spiraling stone steps.

Hermione gulped, "Is that the only way down?"

Minerva nodded gravely. " Well if we can help Harry..." Hermione said with apprehension in her voice.

"I'll lead," said Minerva. Ron if you would be so kind as to guard the entrance..."

"Don't you want me to go with you?" Ron said a bit fiercely.

"Ron, two are quieter than three, and we may need to sneak into tight places and you are quite tall. Besides we may need someone to come and save us. I will use to cummuno spell if I need to talk to you, so keep your wand out." Hermione said comfortingly. For those who may not know the Communo spell is one in which two people can speak into their wands and they work like Muggle walkie-talkies.

Hermione and Minerva were just descending the staircase when Ron stuck his hand out, took Hermione hand and gently kissed her fingertips. Hermione blushed red and said, "I love you too Ron."

And with that Hermione's bushy brown curls disappeared into the black within.



A/N and Minerva led the group down the dark side streets leading off Knockturn Alley. The cobblestones were dingy and dank. Water ran in rivulets down the side of the crumbling brick buildings. Shops selling hideous things made the Weaslys long for Diagon Alley and it's familiar shops and memories of shopping escapades. Minerva taking no notice of her questionable surroundings was deeply taken in by the map. So deep in fact that Arabella had to guide her by the elbow to prevent her from knocking feeble old witches who had seen better days off their feet. They twisted and turned down dimly lit pathways and tunnels until Minerva stopped abruptly.

"He's under Borgin and Burkes", Minerva said breathlessly.

This had a measurable affect on the older members of the assembly than it did Ron and Hermione. Moments passed as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley conversed rapidly yet quietly so that none else heard them. Minerva however knew what they were talking about and turned to explain to Ron and Hermione.

"Knockturn Alley is just as old as Diagon Alley and is even bigger but far less visited because the stench of death and betrayal still hangs over the place. Many years ago when Voldemort was at the height of his power, people, Muggles and Wizards alike were brought to the basement were brought here to be tortured for information. There is not death toll of the people murdered here because no one counted the Muggles going in. But we do know that Voldemort and his supporters killed 568 wizards and witches here. Now we have reason to believe that Voldemort finally has his victim of choice, Harry, in the chambers deep below. We have only one choice, to go in and save him. That is if you are up to the challenge." Minerva explained all this rather quickly.

Hermione and Ron were dumb struck. They had helped Harry before but he was always the one saving them. This was their chance to repay him.

"Of course we're in Professor M. . You can count on us you know." Ron said with an attitude he often used to hide fear.



A/N Sorry about that fluffy bit at the end. I just couldn't resist throwing that in. Please Review! New chapter soon.