Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

Chapter 52

Dobby appeared in the Gryffindor common room, his large eyes searching the crowd of noisy students. He had a message to deliver, one of the utmost seriousness. He hurried over to the sofa by the fireside and bowed.

"Miss Hermione, Mr. Ron, Dobby brings you a message from the Headmaster. Your presence is required in his office immediately."

They looked at one another – why would Dumbledore be calling for them? To the best of their knowledge, they had done nothing wrong.

"Dobby, do you know why Professor Dumbledore wants to see us?" asked Hermione.

"No, Miss. Sent me, he did, to get you. That is all."

"Are you certain? You don't look right, Dobby. Are you ill?"

"No, Miss. Dobby is fine. You are most kind to inquire."

Ron shrugged his shoulders at Hermione and the three set off. Hermione studied the little house-elf as they marched along.

"Something is definitely wrong with him," she thought. "I wonder what he's hiding."

Dobby escorted them right into the office, bowed and left. He did not want to hear what Dumbledore had to say – once was enough. He pulled out a large handkerchief, dabbed his eyes and blew his nose loudly.

Professors Snape and McGonagall were sitting together in the corner of the room. Both of them were ghostly pale and each had such a sad countenance. The older woman had her hand on the Potion Master's arm. Hermione and Ron looked at one another once again and then looked towards the Headmaster. His face was just as grim as his colleagues'. The two students realized that something was very, very wrong.

"Sir, please tell us what's wrong. Dobby wouldn't say a word," asked Ron.

"I don't really know how to tell you both this. Something terrible has happened to Harry and Jolicia. I am afraid they have been captured by Voldemort," said Dumbledore gravely, his voice almost in a whisper.

Hermione and Ron both gasped and stared in disbelief. The look on Severus' face convinced that this was the truth and not some cruel joke.

"B-but sir, how can that be possible? I don't understand how this could happen," asked Hermione.

Albus answered, "We don't know exactly what transpired, but it seems that they were taken on their way back from Hogsmeade. Professor Snape received this note shortly afterwards. The kidnapping is undoubtedly meant to be a punishment. Severus' and Jolicia's bond has been broken but we don't know if…" He stopped and looked at his friend.

He continued, "I'm sorry to say this, Severus. We don't know if the bond has been severed because they have been taken to a highly guarded location or if it is because Jolicia has… has died."   Albus stumbled on the words.

Hermione and Ron hugged tightly and began crying as they had never done before. How could this be happening to their dearest friends? Each wished that this was a nightmare that would be over as soon as they woke up.

Ron asked, "Surely there is something we can do! Can't we look for them?"

"That is another problem I'm afraid, son. We don't know where to look. Voldemort is untraceable. Our hands are tied. All we can do is wait," replied Dumbledore. "You are both welcome to stay here with us. Hermione, there is one more thing you should know."

Hermione stared at him and wondered what more there could be to this horrible story.

"Draco's father called him home this afternoon. It seemed to be something of great urgency. I am afraid that Lucius has taken his son to be part of whatever is planned for Harry and Jolicia."

She collapsed in Ron's arms crying, "Merlin NO! This can't be happening. Please!"

He held her as closely as he could and rocked her back and forth saying, "There, there 'Mione. Don't cry. Everything will be okay, you'll see. Shhh. The three of them will be back before you know it. Draco will be all right. Don't cry. Shhh."

Ron knew in his heart of hearts that he was lying, but he held onto that tiny spark of hope just as tightly as Hermione did.