Friendship and Beyond 6/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

The Way Back Home

After Harry paid Tom for the room, Ron, Hermione and Harry stealthily made their way to Honeydukes, trying to attract the least possible attention as possible. The owner was very surprised to see three students from Hogwarts so early in the morning, but asked no untoward questions. Once they entered the tunnel that would lead them back to Hogwarts they each breathed a sigh of relief. No one at Hogsmeade had noticed anything wrong with the 'Golden Trio,' mostly due to the glamour Harry cast on himself so as to hide the deep laceration on the side of his face.

Hermione didn't have the magical reserves to heal every wound on each of them, so she concentrated on the most severe. The glamour made Harry's face look unmarred, except for the lightning bolt scar on his forehead of course. It also didn't cover up his slight limp, so Harry needed to walk extremely carefully so he didn't draw attention to it. Perhaps, that is why it took them twenty additional minutes for them to reach the end of the tunnel. By the time they did so, all three were winded and leaning against the inner wall trying to catch their breath. That is how they came to hear whispering practically right on top of them, from the other side if the tunnel entrance.

"Albus, are you sure we're doing the right thing?"

"Of course, Minerva." Dumbledore answered reassuringly. "We have no choice."

"But surely we could have sent someone to attempt to rescue Granger and Weasley. They are just children after all."

"We couldn't spare anyone else, you know that. Most of the Order is still at the Ministry trying to keep order. After the attack yesterday, things are in chaos."

"But-"

"Minerva, Voldemort attacked the ministry so that most of my men would be elsewhere when I received the note about the children. It was obviously a trap, and frankly two children, no matter how special, are not important enough to risk the death of capture of the few remaining trained wizards present."

"Very well, Albus. But this is on your head." Minerva answered disapprovingly.

"As always my dear, as always." Dumbledore sighed. "But in order to stop Voldemort, sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

There was silence, then the stunned Gryffendors heard footsteps as Dumbledore and McGonagall made their way up the hallway. The heavy silence was broken by Hermione's distraught voice.

"I didn't honestly think the Headmaster knew…"

"Is this 'important' enough of a reason for him to leave you two to Voldemort's mercy?" Harry questioned bitterly.

"Not bloody likely." Ron snarled, putting a comforting arm around Hermione's shoulders, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Even with the attack on the Ministry he even admitted that a few of the Order were still left on the school grounds." Hermione whispered aggressively. "He could have at least tried to rescue us, but he did nothing."

"We're just not important enough to the manipulative old man." Ron sneered disdainfully.

"Like bloody hell!" Harry cursed, straightening from his position leaning on the wall, as he strode purposefully toward the exit.

"Where do you think you are going, mate?" Ron asked.

"To get my wand." Harry answered while walking out into the hallways of Hogwarts. "I think it's about time Dumbledore and I have a little talk."

"Well wait for us." Hermione called as they hurriedly caught up with their furious friend.