Fred attempted to lick his way out of the sticky situation but it was no use.
"Maybe they will not sting us," George commented. Fred threw him a look of disgust but he was secretly hoping that his brother was right. What a right mess they were in.
* * * * * * * * *
Sirius Black was positively jovial by the time he had reached Voldemort's hideout. He had slyly followed the deatheater in the form of the black shaggy dog, keeping to shadows, every time she looked over her shoulder. She had now taken off her mask, and Sirius recognised her as none other than Bellatrix Lestrange, a cruel, malicious and devoted follower of the Dark Lord. Sirius could only wish that it had been someone else but now he had no option. He did not see the figure-enveloped in darkness when she muttered the password to the hideout. Dumbledore unfortunately could not interfere by stopping the oversized dog that quickly formed into human shape and followed the deatheater into her lair.
* * * * * * * * *
At first Ron was against the Hermione's plan. But he soon realised that there was no choice now that the twins were missing.
"Just one thing Hermione, how do you plan to escape once I have got Harry and the stupid git?"
"Don't worry about it, just get them out and I will take care of myself," said Hermione hoping that Ron would leave it at that.
What Hermione did not realise is once she made the choice there was no turning back. Either way, she knew Harry would die unless she chooses him, then the predictions and prophecies would be true, they could defeat Voldemort together. Ron returned to the room of mirrors to wait for Hermione's signal. She placed a charm on Ron that when she uttered the words 'I choose,' no matter where he was he would hear her.
Hermione took a deep breath and walked into the main chamber. Both Harry and Snape heard her enter and looked up.
"No Hermione, don't come here, save yourself!" Harry shouted. But before she could react she was surrounded by masked deatheaters and the door to the adjoining room opened. Voldemort followed entered the room followed closely by Peter Pettigrew, better known as Wormtail. There was silence for a moment whilst the Master surveyed the room.
"Admirable words Mr Potter, but it is too late for heroism I am afraid," Voldemort scoffed. "You see, our young Miss Granger will have to make a decision tonight, one that will affect us all," He smiled cruelly watching his captive's discontentment.
"I am nothing to you Miss Granger, so your choice is evident," Snape spat. Wormtail pulled out his wand and Snape's body filled with agony for his out cry.
"Mr Potter do you wish to speak with permission?" asked Voldemort evidently enjoying himself. Harry shook his head but kept his eyes on Hermione, trying to silently plead with her. He knew that she could not choose Voldemort or Snape, she had to choose him or else he would never be able to defeat the enemy. He just wished she didn't have to do it now. She must hate and want Severus, but after what Voldemort and Lucius had done to her, Harry was not sure if she had the will or the power. Her face gave no clues to what she was thinking.
"Choose Miss Granger, let's get this over with!" Voldemort roared with self-assurance.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Dumbledore materialized from the shadows to greet Merlin when he returned with at least a dozen members of the order.
"Is it time yet?" Merlin asked anxiously.
Dumbledore was silent for a moment before answering.
"It will be soon, I can feel her conflict, the pressure is mounting," he told Merlin with apprehension.
In reality Dumbledore could feel all their emotions, the twins in danger, Snape's need to die, Ron's impatience, Sirius's determination, Harry's pleading heart and Hermione's indecision.
Albus Dumbledore could not tell the future but deep in his heart he knew that someone would not make it out alive tonight.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Bellatrix was aware of Sirius Black following her; in fact it had been her intention. He had been nothing but a nuisance since the return of the order and now it was time to eliminate him. Bella let him follow her down a long narrow passage that had a single small room at the end. They regularly used the room to practice spells and combat. There were obstacles, hidden traps and illusory tricks. The only way her victim would make it out alive if she were dead and she highly doubted that would the case. Opening the door, Bella glanced over her shoulder, giving Sirius some provocation.
* * * * * * * * *
"Well?" Voldemort's impatience grew, as did the discomfort in pants.
'Damn the girl,' he thought bitterly. Hermione was suddenly hesitant. Memories of good times with Harry and Ron flashed through her mind. Thoughts of Severus, touching her lovingly but reprimanding her in class passed through her mind. However when she thought of Voldemort, Hermione saw herself sitting next to him, power and control hers. She could not deny that she craved it being intelligent as she was. She could change things, make the wizarding world realise things. The line of good and evil is wearing dangerously thin.
Wormtail had enough of watching and waiting. He whispered an idea to his master, that he knew Voldemort would not be able to resist. It would put the pressure on the girl to make her decision whilst they had entertainment. Voldemort had a battered Lucius brought out, and told him to inflict any physical punishment on the captives that he wished, however it would have to be without magic. Lucius face lit up like a child on Christmas morning who had gotten everything he had asked for and more.
He approached Harry first and punched him hard in the face, sending Harry's glasses crashing to the floor.
"That's for turning my house elf against me, and it is only the beginning," he snarled rolling up his sleeves.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"So we meet again Sirius although I think I will find this meeting more pleasurable than usual," said Bellatrix using a seductive voice.
"Ah Bella, still have the crush on me after all these years," Sirius shot back sarcastically. Bella laughed before whipping her wand out. Sirius was just as swift on the draw and they started to circle each other.
"Say your prayers Godfather," she whispered under her breath.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Tears poured down Hermione's face as Harry took another blow from Malfoy.
"Stop!" she screamed. "Please make him stop," she pleaded with Voldemort. He raised his hand for Lucius to halt temporarily.
He waited for her to say something but Hermione could not bring herself to speak. Voldemort shrugged and Lucius continued to beat Harry.
"Okay, I am ready," she finally mumbled her voice trembling with fear. She started to approach Voldemort but Wormtail stepped in front of her to prevent her from getting closer. He did not notice that she slipped his wand from the pocket of his gown into her own sleeve. Up her other sleeve was Ron's wand, she had also lifted from him, praying that he would not need it to prevent attack.
Hermione looked at Harry very meaningfully and then to Voldemort.
"First untie him, he is in pain," she demanded.
The dark lord laughed before looking squarely at her.
"You are in no position to make such requests yet," he responded confidently. Hermione could feel the control he had over her growing. Voldemort sensed this and indicated for Harry to be untied. He slipped to the ground pretending to groan with agony, but at the same time slipping on his glasses.
"Come Miss Granger we do not have all day!" roared Voldemort. Hermione took a deep breath.
"I choose you!" she cried.