Chapter Ten: The Return of Lord Voldemort

"Harry, I'm scared," said Hermione. "And I've been thinking. You're right. We should just be friends. I think we overdid ourselves."

"Yeah, whether Ron is friends with us or not, let's not get that—well—intimate. At least until we're really ready. Okay?" Harry said, looking back at Hermione.

"Ok," Hermione said, smiling. They had finally come upon Godrics Hollow. But they needed to find Ron.

"Oh, where is he? Why did he have to be so stupid?" Hermione hissed in the darkness. Harry knew she was talking about Ron.

Harry peered into the window of a house. He saw Mr. Weasley, magicked to the wall, and he saw Ron tied to a chair in the middle of the room, trying to get free. Harry also saw Voldemort and Wormtail standing in the corner with some other death eaters and laughing. Voldemort had his wand out, ready to kill.

"HERMIONE!" Harry cried. "We have to get in there! Now! Ron and his dad are in trouble! Quick! Follow me!"

Harry threw the invisibility cloak over him and Hermione as the tiptoed to the entrance of the house. Hermione unlocked the door with an "Alohomora!" and, as quietly as possible, they entered the room where Voldemort was.

When the entered, Voldemort flared his nostrils and said, "I smell fresh meat. There are others hear with us! Death Eaters, search everywhere until they are found!" Then he smiled evilly. "While you are fulfilling my order, the torturing shall begin!"

"NO!" Harry screamed as he ripped off the invisibility cloak. Harry held his wand out while Hermione nearly fainted. Ron looked as white as a sheet, but forced a smile on his face. Ron was really truly glad that Harry was there, despite the dispute earlier.

Voldemort looked surprised at the intruders. He snorted with laughter, and smiled evilly again.

"I knew there were intruders! What a nose I have, eh? You shall duel me, Harry Potter. If I win, I get to kill all four of you! If you win, you get to rescue the two and get yourselves out of here. Understood?"

Harry nodded. He didn't trust himself to speak. He swallowed and raised his wand. Harry looked back at Hermione, but she had fainted.

"Now we bow," Voldemort said. Harry didn't move.

"I said BOW! Imperio!" Harry felt a huge hand curve his spine.

"Very good, Harry," Voldemort said, laughing. Laughter rang in his ears as all the Death Eaters began to laugh. "And now we duel. On the count of three. One…two…THREE!"

Harry yelled the first spell that came to mind. "Expellarimius!" He blasted Voldemort off his feet and seized Voldemort's wand.