Chapter 22: The Rescue

~*~I'm really going to like this chapter because 22 is my fav number! Thanks for all the reviews. ~*~

**************************************************************************************

Harry and Ron got ready for their big rescue ahead. Actually, Harry didn't have a plan. He was just going to go in, stun the deatheaters and grab Hermione. He knew it was going to be harder than that but it was worth a try.

"Are you ready?" asked Harry to Ron.

"Yes, I am," replied Ron.

They had to be careful because Harry didn't have his cloak.

"I have a better idea, can you lure Brookings out of his office. I'll sneak inside and get the cloak!" said Harry.

"How do you know Brookings has your cloak?" asked Ron

"If he did have his own cloak he could have used it times before attacking Ginny and Hermione," replied Harry.

"I'll try," said Ron

As they got closer to Brookings classroom, Harry hid behind a corner. Ron walked into the classroom.

"Prosfessor, Peeves is causing trouble in the Charm's classroom and Filch would like to know if you can help him?" asked Ron.

Brookings looked at Ron suspiciously, but got up and followed Ron towards the classroom. Harry didn't have time to waste. He knew Peeves was in the girl's bathroom and not the Charm's classroon. Harry hurried inside and looked inside his desk. He checked the cabnits and everywhere else.

"I found it!" whispered Harry and put it on.

He suddenly heard Ron coming back with Brookings.

"Filch wasn't there, Weasley," said Brookings

" Then Peeves must have left, sorry," said Ron and walked towards the Gryffindor common room.

Brookings watched as Ron turned down the hall and was out of sight. Harry threw the cloak over Ron as he came around the corner.

"Let's go," whispered Harry.

They crept slowly out of the castle and down towards the forest. Harry suddenly saw Brooking running toward the forest.

"Oh no!" whispered Ron.

Harry watched as Brookings ran into the forest and started walking.

"Let's follow him," whispered Harry.

They walked slowly and carefully behind Brooking trying not to make a sound. Suddenly, Ron stepped on a stick. It made a loud crack. Brookings turned around. He transformed into the hawk and flew between the trees.

"We lost him," whispered Harry.

"Sorry," replied Ron.

Harry felt his cloak sliding off him and turned.Ron tripped over Harry's feet and the cloak flew off. Suddenly, Harry saw something white and silvery among the bushes.Harry crept closer while Ron picked up the cloak.

"Harry! I need your help!" whispered Ron.

Harry turned and saw Ron pulling the cloak back and forth with a unicorn. That's what Harry saw in the bushes. Ron was losing the tug-of-war with the unciorn. The unicorn pulled the cloak away. He started trotting off. Ron went to catch it but Harry stopped him

"There's no time," he said.

They continued walking until Ron heard a stick crack. Harry knew what happened next and tried to get Ron out of the way but it was too late. Harry saw a flash and was knocked into the bushes. The figure that attacked looked at Ron, and checked the area but did not see Harry. The figure ran off. Harry checked to make sure it was safe and went to see Ron who was lying without any motion.

"Hold on Ron, I'll be back for you," said Harry and saw the same faint orange-yellow light that he saw in his dreams.

Harry tried to remember what happened next but couldn't. He was on his on now. As Harry got closer to the light, which was a fire, he saw fifteen hooded people all around. Voldemort was talking to Bellatrix.

"I got the red-haired boy but Potter was not there," said Bellatrix

"He is probably very close," replied Voldemort

"What should we do?" asked Bellatrix

"We will wait, I know Potter will not let anything happen to one of his best friends," said Voldemort who walked over to Hermione who was tied to a tree. "He will come to save you won't he?"

He touched Hermione's face. Harry could see in her eyes that she was afraid but her expression made her look strong. Voldemort walked away and Bellatrix came up to her.

"If Potter isn't here by nightfall tomorrow you shall wish you were never born," she laughed and slapped Hermione. Hermione whimpered.

"Hermione . . . " whispered Harry "What have I done?"

Harry knew he had to rescue Hermione tonight, but how to do it. There were two hooded deatheaters standing by him.

"Stupefy," said Harry as one guard fell.Harry also stunned the other. Voldemort turned around to see Harry peeknig out behind the bushes.

"Mr. Potter, so nice of you to join us" said Voldemort.

Two guards grabbed Harry and pushed him to the ground in front of Voldemort.

"Let Hermione go!" he said.

"I don't think I will, she knows too much!" smiled Voldemort.

"LET HER GO!" Harry yelled.

"Mr. Potter, this is not a time to get angry, you have her life and yours on the line right now," said Voldemort.

Harry went silent.

"Now since we have that settled I want to make his dying slow, Calavart, tie him up at this tree" said Voldemort and pointed to a tree far away from Hermione.

Brookings stepped foreward and grabbed Harry. He slammed him up against the tree and tied him very tightly.

"Everyone, listen up, the fun will start tomorrow night, I will get Potter while the rest of you can have fun with the girl," snickered Voldemort.

Harry could hear the giggles from different deatheaters.

"Tomorrow night will be the end of HARRY POTTER!" yelled Voldemort and everyone cheered.

*********************************************************************************

Ron stirred. His head hurt very badly but he was okay. He stood up and looked around. He heard cheering in the distance. Ron crept closer and saw that Harry and Hermione were tied up.

"I have to get Dumbledore, I can't do this by myself!" whispered Ron and fled.

Ron ran out of the forest and to the castle. He ran as fast as he can towards Dumbledore's office.

"Gillyweed," Ron said out of breath.

He knocked on the door.

"Please come inside," said Dumbledore's voice.

Ron quickly opened the door and fell to his knees. Dumbledore quickly ran over and helped Ron into a chair.

"What happened Mr. Weasley?" he asked urgently.

"Harry . .. .Hermione . . .Vold . . . Voldemort!" said Ron.

That was the first time Ron ever said that name.

"What happened?" Dumbledore asked again.

Ron told him about going into the forest and getting attacked. He told Dumbledore about Harry and Hermione being tied up while the deatheaters cheered.

"I will send word right now to the Order using the floo network, and you, the Order, and I shall get Hermione and Harry out of there!" said Dumbledore.

"What should I do right now?" asked Ron

"Stay here and do not move!" replied Dumbledore.

Ron waited and waited for Dumbledore to come back. Dumbledore came back with Professor McGonagall.

"Members from the Order shall be arriving soon from floo powder," said Dumbledore.

Ron watched the flames as they started to turn green. They swished and swayed until suddenly Lupin shot out from the fireplace. Tonks and Moody followed him.

"Where are the others?" asked Dumbledore.

"They're watching the new hideout," replied Moody.

Dumbledore smiled and nodded.

"Is everyone ready?" asked Dumbledore.

Everyone shook their heads "yes".

"Okay Mr. Weasley, lead the way!" Dumbledore said.

******************************************************************************

~*~ I really hope you liked this chapter. There is still a lot more things I have to talk about so the story is not over yet. Keep reviewing. Thanks so much for your support! ~*~