DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 4: The Wizarding Teens

Hermione's mind whirled vaguely. What in the world was she doing? How could she be so stupid? So traitorous? She stared up unwillingly at Voldemort, looking at his evil red eyes.

"My little Mudblood," the Dark Lord hissed, pleased with himself. "My dear, pretty Mudblood. So much like Lily. Friend of a Potter, studious, clever, and a beautiful treasure. I'm very pleased indeed."

Hermione stood silent, paralyzed with terror.

"You will, of course, have better accommodations than that Potter boy," he told her. Sharply he called, "Lucius!"

Lucius Malfoy Apparated in front of the two. He bowed low, his sleek blond hair shining in the light of the lanterns along the hall. "Yes, My Lord?" he asked.

"Take this Mudblood to one of the rooms. See that she is comfortable," Voldemort ordered.

"Yes, My Lord." Lucius gripped Hermione's arm tightly, and the brunette cried out in pain. "Come on," he said roughly. He steered her down the hallway out of his master's sight. "You're wondering what happened, aren't you, you dirty Muggle-born? Worried about dear old Potter? You were the bait. We brought you to his house and he came. You are a stupid, foolish girl." He turned the corridor and entered another hallway. "You will be killed. It is inevitable." In a measured voice he added, "Potter will be forced to murder you."

Hermione's thought chased each other in her head. She shook her head, unable to contain herself. "He won't. He would never do it."

"Harry Potter, the great child," Lucius remarked. "Yet his will is not that strong."

"He's loyal. He's brave. He would die first before he killed anyone," Hermione replied.

Lucius stopped in front of a sheer gray wall and took out his want. "Expositus," he ordered. A door appeared and swung open. "This is your room." Hermione went in and looked around. The door disappeared, leaving nothing but a wall.

Hermione examined her surroundings more closely. It was a beautiful room, yes. Its silk furniture was all in shades of silver. Satin sheets covered the shimmering canopy bed. She sank into the soft mattress in grief and despair. "Let this be a dream," she murmured. "Let this be a nightmare."

She fell asleep amid tears of despair.

Harry had fallen asleep on the cold stone floor. The Dursleys were quaking with fear and uncertainty. Uncle Vernon moved his bulk over to where his nephew lay and shook him.

"Hmm?" asked Harry sleepily. "Go away, Ron." He turned over, shivering, trying to get into a more comfortable position. Instinctively he reached down to pull his covers up, but found that none were there. Consequently he opened his eyes irritably and sat up. "What?" he snapped.

The Dursleys found nothing to say.

"Yes, I know we're captives and in a prison cell," Harry said, as if they had asked.

"Harry, well…could you get us out of here?" Dudley asked fruitlessly.

"I'm not stupid, Dudley. If I could get us out—which I can't—don't you think I would have tried to already?"

"Well, I thought that everything happened so fast that you didn't have time to react."

"Well, you're wrong."

There was silence after that. Harry leaned against the wall with his arms crossed while the Dursleys huddled together for familiar comfort. It seemed like there was nothing they could do. Harry eventually fell asleep again, but one second before he did, he sensed that something was going to happen, and it was going to be good.

20 years earlier

James Potter sat waiting nervously in the garden of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was waiting for his girlfriend, Lily Evans. Nervously he clutched a rose in his hand. It was a year's anniversary of their first date, and he wanted nothing to go wrong.

He spotted Lily coming out of the school's front door, her beauty dazzling his eyes in the twilight. The evening sunset played games with her shimmering red hair, and her green eyes, keen and clear, contrasted sharply with the setting.

"Lily," James breathed, as she walked toward him. "You look…beautiful."

Lily smiled modestly. She was dressed in her school robes, as usual, but her loveliness stood out from the black clothing. "And you look great."

James held out the rose. "I got this for you," he offered.

Lily took it. "Why, thanks. I'm sorry I was late. I had to look for these." She dug into her pocket and held up two gold rings with each an emerald-green stone, the same color as her eyes. They twinkled in the setting sun. "These are called Sensus Stones," indicating the green gems. "The couple who wears them will share a bond. When they feel happy, or loving, the gems will dazzle one's eyes. When one of the wearers feels sad, or dull, or depressed, the gem itself will dull."

James looked at the jewel. It was shining brightly. He took one of the rings from Lily and put it on, and Lily followed suit. The couple leaned forward for a kiss. As they broke apart, they found that their rings were stuck together. They both tugged and pulled, but were unable to take the rings apart.

"Why don't we"—suggested Lily, panting with the effort of pulling the rings apart—"with our other hand, pull the rings off each other at the same time?"

James nodded. Simultaneously the pair touched the green stones to pull them apart, and blackness fell over them instantly.