Disclaimer: Check previous disclaimers 1 through 20

A/N: Life has been rather hectic with work and whatnot… I'll try to update as quickly as possible.  Only a few chapters left! Thanks for all of the reviews and encouragement!

Chapter 21:  A Call to Order

Harry cringed as Ron accidentally nudged an elbow into his side.  Harry glanced over and shot his best friend a look that easily conveyed his feelings.  Ron huffed, but moved slightly to his left, allowing Harry room to maneuver.  He repositioned himself against the door and strained to hear the dull voices inside. 

For nearly two weeks, the Order had been holding meetings at the Castle.  For most of them, Harry, Ron, and Ginny had been forced to remain in their rooms.  Harry was annoyed that he was not being included, but he also did not want to be the cause of any difficulties in the plan to get Hermione back.  Ron, however, was not so intent on taking a backseat on the issue.  On several occasions, he had voiced his wishes to find out what plans were underway.  

Therefore, when Molly Weasley left the castle to make a visit to Hogsmeade, the boys found their opportunity.  Making sure that Ginny was otherwise occupied, they had made their way down the main hallway where they were currently pressed up against the door.

Harry was slightly surprised that the members hadn't used any silencing charms.  However, as more and more pieces of the conversation permeated through the thick wood of the door, he realized that there were more pressing matters at hand.

Harry could hear Snape's voice, "As I've said before, I am certain."

His remark was followed by a loud grunt.  "So we now trust the words of an arrogant Slytherin?"  Moody growled.

"Gentleman," Dumbledore's voice cut in "Let us focus on the matter at hand."

"I agree," Lupin said, "I see where you are coming from Alastor, but this is the only information that we have—and the time to act is now.  I don't trust Draco Malfoy either.  Nevertheless, the point is that he is in a position to know what is going on.  Severus, are you positive he mentioned that they were being held at the manor?"

Harry interpreted the moment of silence as a nonverbal confirmation from Snape.  He looked over at Ron.  Ron met his gaze and Harry saw his eyes glittering with determination and an eerie excitement. 

  "So," Dumbledore spoke hesitantly, "Remus what do we have in terms of teams?"

Lupin's steady voice answered, "I spoke with Kingsley earlier.  He informed me that he has been able to contact a few other Aurors who are willing to work with us.  He assured me that they can be trusted."

"How do we know they won't go straight to the Minister?"  Snape countered.

Harry thought he heard a slight trace of humor in Lupin's voice when he answered.  "Sometimes all we can do is trust."

"I know them myself" Tonks added, "They can be trusted."

"Indeed," Dumbledore said "and we must trust that they understand the importance of the secrecy of the mission.  I have activated several portkeys with Severus' assistance.  Upon contact, these will lead the teams directly into the tunnels under Malfoy Mansion.  From here, each team will look for Percy and Hermione.  It is very important that everyone understands the nature of the mission.  We are not going in with the intentions of killing Voldemort.  We are not ready for that.  We are trying to avoid as much confrontation as possible.  For this reason, the portkeys are also activated to take you back here.  As you can see here, there is a small red button on the bottom of the disc.  By simply pressing it, the portkey will be activated.  If you find yourself in any kind of difficulty, or if you have Hermione or Percy I am demanding that you come back here at once.  Each portkey will activate only twice, once to bring you there and once more for your return to the castle."

"What kind of problems should we be prepared for?"  Lupin asked.

Snape let out a condescending laugh, "Probably nothing you could be ready for."

"Albus," Moody said, "How many death eaters can we expect to be up against?  I know we aren't planning on fighting, but I don't think it will stop them from any kind of retaliation."

"I am hoping that Voldemort is relying on the security of Malfoy Manor.  If he does this, it would be unusual for him to put more than a few of his most loyal death eaters with the prisoners."

"Don't you think we are taking an awfully large chance here? For all we know they aren't there at all and the death eaters are waiting for us to attack.  Maybe they know about Snape and fed the information to Draco to misguide us." 

Harry recognized the voice of Emmeline Vance, a stately looking woman who had been part of the Advance Guard the previous year. 

"I am personally willing to take that risk," Lupin answered.  Harry felt pride well in his chest. 

"There are two bright young people who are currently being held captive.  We are prepared to help them and that is exactly what I plan on doing."

Tonks replied fiercely, "Me too."

Harry heard a murmur of agreement ripple through the room.  Dumbledore began speaking once again but Harry could not hear him.

As he pressed harder against the door, he felt a hand roughly grasp his shoulder. He turned around and looked into the eyes of an angry Arthur Weasley. The man stared down at his son and Harry.

"Boys, you better come with me," he said.

Ron visibly whitened, but followed his father back toward the living room.  Harry walked behind, bracing himself for the admonishment that was to come.

The two boys stood in front of the sofa, looking expectantly at the older man.  "Now boys, I know you are frustrated.  I understand that you have been through a lot, but when we ask you to do something, I expect you to obey.  This includes anything your mother or any member of the Order tells you.  We are only looking out for your best interests."

Ron sighed loudly and threw himself onto the sofa. 

Harry was slightly taken aback himself.  He was not used to being lectured by Mr. Weasley.  He was usually the one that let the Weasley children get away with things.  It was endearing in a way, very paternal.

"Now I won't tell your mother about this.  She has enough on her mind."  Mr. Weasley looked pointedly at his son.  "But, I am telling you to stay out of the way.  Do not eavesdrop on any more meetings."

Harry nodded when Mr. Weasley looked at him.  Ron closed his eyes and rested his head back, not offering his father any sign of confirmation. 

Harry couldn't help but inquire about the news from the Order.  "Mr. Weasley, I'm sorry for not listening, but why does the rescue mission have to be a secret?  Won't they get more Aurors if they ask the Ministry?"

"No Harry, you know how Fudge operates.  Besides, we don't know how many Ministry employees are working for the Death Eaters.  If they caught on that we were planning an invasion, they would definitely move my son and Hermione.  That is, if they are even there.  Nothing is for sure Harry.  We must be extra careful in planning our moves."

Encouraged by the honesty of his words, Harry continued to probe. 

"When is the Order planning on going?"

Mr. Weasley shook his head.  "Leave it to the Order Harry.  I'm not going to tell you that… Not because I think you are too young to know, I just don't want you or my son to be tempted to do anything…rash.  Please don't tell anyone about the meeting or the plans.  I trust you Harry."

Harry closed his mouth shut, aware that the conversation had just been drawn to a close.  He wanted to be mad at Mr. Weasley for withholding information.  But he was grateful that someone was finally treating him like an equal, like someone who could be trusted.  That alone was empowering.                                 

Harry was not surprised when the meetings were relocated to Lupin's house in Hogsmeade.  No one had said anything to Harry or Ron about being aware of their recent activities.  Mrs. Weasley had simply informed them that they, along with Ginny, would be left alone with Aberforth during the days.  Harry was positive that the Order had not carried out their plans yet.  He was certain that someone would have told him if the mission had been unsuccessful. 

He was slightly worried over the delay.  He definitely thought that they wouldn't have waited so long once they had proper preparations.

Harry mulled over their plans.  Going to Malfoy Manor seemed like a big risk, even if it was just a rescue mission.  Harry couldn't help but wish that he could go along.  He wondered if Hermione was right about his 'hero-complex.'  A slight pang resounded in his heart as he thought of his lost friend. 

His thoughts drifted back to Ron.  He hadn't gotten the chance to talk to him after they spoke with Mr. Weasley.

He knew that Ron was hurt, but he never showed any emotion.  He seemed resigned almost, as if he was drifting from day to day, not fully aware of anything going on.  A single memory popped into Harry's mind.  He remembered the look of determination in Ron's eyes while they had been listening.  He couldn't help but feel scared for his friend.  He cringed at the irony of the situation.  Perhaps everyone didn't need to worry about his hero complex.  Ron was proving to be someone that everyone needed to be worrying about.
                  

Harry munched numbly on the chocolate frog.  He crumpled the wrapper in his hand and threw it into the makeshift pile he had created on his bed.  Ginny sat beside him in amiable silence. 

Another week had come and gone, with no news of anything.  Harry felt as if they had been there for over two years.  As Mrs. Weasley had informed them, Aberforth was the only person who stayed with them during the day.

However, it seemed pointless because he was rarely around them.  Harry had seen him briefly, arguing vehemently with one of the portraits in the hall.  After witnessing the odd encounter, Harry tried to avoid Aberforth as much as possible.  He usually passed the day doing school assignments with Ginny that McGonagall had given them.

Ron's company proved dismal.  Harry couldn't help but be relieved that his best friend spent most of the time in his own room.  He had enough guilt to deal with, without adding Ron's to the mix.  The only time they were all together was for meals.  Even those were painfully quiet, the only sound being the gentle chimes from the crystal of the elaborate chandelier covering the ceiling. 

Harry grabbed for the last chocolate frog at the same time as Ginny.  Her hand slipped under his and snatched it away before he could do anything.  He met her eyes, which were full of laughter.  Harry felt himself smile.  Looking slightly relieved, Ginny let out a soft giggle, and broke the frog in half, tossing the remaining piece at Harry.

"Doesn't that feel good?"

Harry looked up at her in confusion.  "What?" he asked.

"Doesn't it feel good to smile? You know, to be happy?"

"Yea, I guess," he answered.

She finished chewing her half.  "You don't have to feel guilty about being happy. We are going to get her back.  She would probably just yell at you for moping around all the time like my brother."

Harry laughed despite himself, "Actually she would probably be proud of him because I don't think he has ever done this much work in his life."

"I think she would say the same for you Harry," Ginny said.

He shoved the half of chocolate frog in his mouth and scooped up the wrappers.  He figured it was about time they got back to some work, as he knew dinner would be ready shortly.

As Harry got off the bed, a soft clanging sound echoed off the cold stone floor.
His empty hand immediately went up to his neck, searching for a chain that had previously occupied the space. 

Before he could act, Ginny bent over in front of him, picking something off the floor.  Harry could see the small gold pendant clutched within her small fingers.  He felt slight embarrassment at the situation.  Ginny was not aware that he had worn her gift everyday since she gave it to him.  It gave him a sense of comfort for reasons he could not explain. 

She slowly stood up and offered him the pendant. 

"Harry… I didn't know you actually wore it, I mean… you don't have to."

Harry clasped the pendant around his neck, dropping the wrappers in the process. 

"I told you that I really liked it… it helps to remind me that my life is more than some prophecy," he said.

She looked away and sat back down on the bed.  Ignoring the empty wrappers that were scattered on the floor, Harry sat on the floor in front of the bed. 

Resting his head against the mattress, he felt Ginny shift positions.

"Harry, we are friends right?" she asked. 

"Yes," he answered.

"So we can tell each other things?" 

Harry turned around and looked up at her.  She was lying on her stomach with her face cradled in her hands.

"Gin, what are you talking about?" he inquired.

She let out a small sigh but continued.  "I just feel like we have finally become close friends this year," she stated.

Harry nodded, confused as how to respond.  Luckily, Ginny did not give him the chance.

"I want you to know that you can trust me… you know, with any information.  I won't tell anyone," she said.

"I know that," Harry assured her.  "But what is this all about?"

"Harry," Ginny began, "What do you and my brother know about the Order's plans?  I know the two of you were listening the other day.  I was waiting for you to tell me yourself, but it's obvious that you did not intend to tell me.  I guess I thought we were closer than that."

Harry stared at her for a few moments.  "Ginny, we don't know anything."  He cringed inwardly at the lie that he had just spoken.  He knew all too well the plans that the Order had constructed.  He also knew that the only way of keeping Ginny safe was not to tell her.  The less she knew the less any death eater could get out of her… should such a situation happen. 

Ginny jumped off the bed and turned to face him.  She looked a formidable force for such a small person.  Her hands were stiffly on her hips and her face was red with anger.  In order to gain some ground, Harry stood up. 

However, Ginny did not appear taken aback by their difference in height.

"You're lying Harry!"  She stomped her foot on the ground.

"No Gin, it doesn't concern you."

Her lips curled up into a triumphant smile, "So you do know something?"

Harry shook his head in frustration and slumped on the bed. 

"Harry, I don't mean to push you… but this affects me too.  Hermione is one of my friends, Percy is my brother!"

"Ginny there is nothing we can do about any of this.  We have to let the Order do their job."

"Oh that's rich coming from the Boy-Who-Lived."

She immediately covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide with fear.  However, the damage had already been done.

Harry got up and pushed by her, making his way toward the door.

He felt Ginny grab his arm, making him turn to face her.

"I'm sorry Harry, I didn't mean that.  I just want to be included.  I figured you out of everyone would understand that!"

Harry was fuming, he felt a slight pang of guilt for directing his anger at Ginny, but pushed it away.

He moved his arm so that her hand lost the grip. 

"You want to be included?  Why Ginny?  Do you even know what you are getting yourself into?  I seem to remember someone else wanting to be involved.  He couldn't wait to fight… do you know who that was?  Sirius! And we all know what happened to him.  Do you want to end up like Sirius?" he spat. 

He expected her to back down at the mention of his godfather, but she didn't move.  Her features were frozen in a determined expression.

She took a deep breath before replying.  "Do you?"  With that, she stormed from the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

Harry immediately felt the guilt he had pushed aside rise up.  Out of everyone, Ginny was probably the only one who really understood what was going on.  She knew first hand what kind of evil they were going against.  She had lived through it.  It had lived through her in the form of Tom Riddle. 

He silently scolded himself for ruining one of his closest friendships in a matter of seconds. 

Ginny was feeling exactly what he had felt the previous year.  It was frustrating to be treated like some kid who couldn't understand what was going on.  He couldn't comprehend why he had spoken so harshly to her.  Surely telling her the plans wouldn't do any harm.  It wasn't as if someone could get to her while she was in the castle.

It was true that they had become close over the year.  Harry couldn't help but want to try to protect her.

He made his way to the door, determined to find her and apologize.  Before he could turn the handle, he heard the sound of someone clearing their throat.  His eyes followed the sound and landed on a small house elf that he had seen throughout the house on several occasions. 

"Excuse me sir, but dinner is ready."

As soon as Harry nodded, the small elf had already disappeared.

Frustration coursing through his veins, he left his room and headed for dinner.  At least he knew Ginny would be there.

Harry had not found any way to talk to Ginny during the meal.  She had purposely waited for him to choose his seat first.  After which she strategically placed herself at the other end of the table. 

Aberforth had fallen asleep in the middle of the meal, successfully giving his beard a reddish tint after knocking over his goblet. 

As soon as the meal ended, Ron had excused himself, mumbling something about having work to do.

Harry tried to make his way over to Ginny when they were alone.  She dashed out the door before he made his way to the other side of the table.  He sighed in defeat and entered the living room, saddened by the emptiness that greeted him.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley usually did not arrive back at the castle until late in the night.  They were always gone again before breakfast.  No one from the Order, even Dumbledore, had returned. 

Harry digested the thought.  It was strange to think that the Headmaster was most likely back at Hogwarts.  He felt sullen knowing that his classmates were still there.  Deep down he knew that everyone was shaken after the attack on the Quidditch Pitch.  Nevertheless, he felt jealous at the thought of everyone in the common room, playing chess and enjoying each other's company. 

Harry made himself comfortable on the sofa, crossing his legs on the small table in front of him. 

Several moments later his eyes drifted closed.  

Harry's eyes shot open.  Confusion veiled his thoughts.  As everything came into focus he remembered being awoken by a loud noise.  He flailed his arms across the sofa, attempting to find the glasses that had fallen off his face.

He finally scooped them up and fumbled with them before straightening them on his nose.  He watched as the flames in the fireplace glowed bright green.  Two figures emerged, one stumbling into the table.

Mrs. Weasley walked over to Neville and helped him back to his feet.

"There, there.  Now remember, I'll be back in a couple of hours."

Neville nodded and smiled at Harry.  Mrs. Weasley made her way around the table and bent over where Harry was seated.  Mrs. Weasley cupped Harry's face.

 "Is everything alright dear?" she asked.

He nodded.  "We just finished dinner a little while ago.  Ginny and Ron went upstairs to do some work.  And Aberforth is… er…"

Mrs. Weasley looked slightly suspicious but didn't interrogate further.

"Well I'll be off… I just wanted to make sure Neville got here okay, and to check on all of you."  She hugged Harry before she reentered the fireplace, disappearing into the flames.

Neville shook off his rucksack.  "Hey Harry!"

"Hey Neville," Harry answered weakly.

"Haven't seen you in a while.  This thing is heavy… McGonagall certainly gave you lots of work!" he said.

Harry grimaced, "She gave you more work for us?"

Neville nodded and plopped himself down on the adjacent sofa.  "She was going to come herself, but she got called away on some business.  So, she told me to come instead."

Neville looked around the room.  His eyes were wide with wonder.

"So this is Dumbledore's house?  Weird to think he actually lives somewhere."

Harry shrugged in response, "So how is everyone at school?"

"For the first few days after the attack everyone was quiet.  No one laughed or joked around.  It's better now, but I think everyone is still scared.  And they know you aren't there, so they know something is going on."

"I bet the Slytherins are having a great time," Harry added bitterly.

"Nah, they aren't doing anything either.  Except for Malfoy, that is, he is always causing trouble," Neville said.

"How are you doing with all of this Neville?"

"I'm fine… I mean, I try not to be scared.  We are Gryffindors right?"  Neville sounded unsure, almost as if he was pleading with Harry to assure him that there was no cause to be afraid.

"It's okay to be scared Neville.  We both know what can happen when Voldemort and the death eaters attack."

Neville looked down at his hands, which were fidgeting with the bottom of his jumper.  He spoke very quietly, "I still have dreams about it sometimes."

Harry looked over to his friend.  "About your parents?"

Neville shook his head.  "About last year… at the Ministry.  I see her.  She taunts me over and over again.  Laughing about what she did to my parents…" He trailed off. 

Harry stayed silent.  He knew what was going through Neville's mind.  He knew that he couldn't say anything to help him.

"I'm not afraid of her."  The directness of the statement surprised Harry.  He looked up at Neville who was staring at the fire.  His face was set with a fierce and determined expression that Harry had never seen before.

"Afraid of Bellatrix?"

Neville moved his gaze to meet Harry's.  "I'm not afraid of her.  I want her to pay.  Sometimes I wish I could get the chance to do to her what she did to my parents; what she did to my family."

There was steadfastness in Neville's voice that scared Harry.  Neville had always been someone who was gentle, clumsy, and lighthearted.  He was certainly not someone who would perform an Unforgivable.

"I don't think you could do it Neville."

Misunderstanding and hurt played across the other boy's features, "You don't believe I have what it takes?"

"That's not what I mean.  Last year, while I was battling Bellatrix, I tried to curse her.  I couldn't do it… and she told me why.  She told me that I had to mean it.  All that I'm saying is that I think you are too good to actually mean something like that."

Harry noticed that Neville neither confirmed nor denied the argument.  The subject was officially ended when the sound of someone walking down the stairs echoed through the room. 

"Neville?"  It was Ron.  He walked over toward the sofas and planted himself next to Harry.

"How are you doing Ron…? I mean, with Hermione…"  Neville was cut off when Ron spoke loudly.

"Are there books in there for us?  I feel like I've done more work these past weeks than in my whole stay at Hogwarts."

Neville looked at Harry.  The abrupt turn in topic was painfully obvious, even by Neville's standards. 

"Yea, McGonagall says it's very important to make sure the three of you don't get behind.  Speaking of which, where is Ginny?"

Ron shrugged his shoulders and Harry felt his insides clench up.  He still hadn't spoken to her.  He hated knowing that she was angry with him. 

"I think she is upstairs doing some work."

Neville seemed to accept the answer.  He got up from the sofa and walked around the room.

"So what other rooms are there?  I bet there are a lot of strange things in this castle."

"Let's go look around," Ron said.  Harry was slightly startled by his friend's suggestion.  However, for lack of better things to do, he nodded in reply. 

Harry led the way out of the living room and into the long hallway leading to the front of the house.  He squinted down the long corridor, making sure that Aberforth was not lurking around.  Harry noticed that he sometimes had a tendency to do so. 

Satisfied that no one was there, Harry looked around the hallway.  On the left, he recognized the door that he and Ron had listened through.

Curiosity overtaking his judgment, he pushed open the door.  He peered into the darkened room, making sure that Aberforth was not there.  He hadn't seen the man since dinner, and had no idea where he had gone off.

As they opened the door all of the way, several candles lit themselves throughout the room.  The soft glow illuminated a long table with several chairs hastily dispersed around it.  Several pieces of parchment were scattered across its surface. 

There were two doors leading from the room, in addition to the one that they had entered through.  One was on the back wall positioned behind the head of the table.  The other was on the wall to Harry's right. 

Harry watched as Ron made his way over to the table.  He sifted through the various parchments, examining them in the candlelight. 

"Harry," he heard Neville's quivering voice, "maybe we shouldn't be here.  You know, looking through these things."

Ron turned around, "They are just leftover memos from the Order, nothing important, unfortunately.  Besides, aren't you a little curious as to what they are doing to fight?"

Neville didn't respond and Harry couldn't help himself.  He moved throughout the room, making his way over to the door to his right.  He was vaguely aware of Ron making his way toward the other door.  Neville was still planted by the entrance, moving in neither direction.

Harry turned the doorknob slowly.  He felt relief when he discovered it wasn't locked.  He had no reason to feel bad about looking.  If there were something they wanted to keep hidden, they would surely have locked the door.

He pushed the door wide open.  Again, a few candles dispersed throughout the room flickered. 

Slowly, the shadows took form.  The room was practically bare of any furniture, except for a few chairs and two long tables.  On each table were several large books.  Harry guessed that they were probably the largest books he had ever seen; they were even bigger than the ones Hermione read.

He opened one that was closest to him.  As his eyes adjusted to the lighting, the pages came into focus.

One each page were what appeared to be large family trees.  Intricate gold branch designs adorned each page, each consecutive page picking up with the dates where the previous had left off.  

He glanced at the first page and was surprised to see several names that looked familiar, namely Godric Gryffindor.  He paged through the rest of the book, but became frustrated in his lack of further recognition.  He skipped to the last page and read the names of the last people to be born in the line.  Their names were Moira Ann Eddings (b. 1963) and Helen Elizabeth Eddings (b.1960), both of whom he did not recall.  Harry was slightly confused.  He assumed that being a descendant of Godric Gryffindor would be a big deal.  Yet there were two people, apparently descendants of one of the founders of Hogwarts, and he had never even heard of them. 

Harry closed the book, noticing for the first time that the cover, although quite dusty, had the name Gryffindor written across the top.  As he moved along the table, he noticed more books, one for Rowena Ravenclaw, Helga Hufflepuff, and Salazar Slytherin.  Harry cringed when he came to the last book.  He didn't need to read it to know who the descendant was.  He was all too aware who that was.

Harry moved to the other table.  The books on this one were not as notable.  He didn't recognize the names on the front.  However, as he came to the last one, he noticed it was a great deal cleaner than the others had been.  Instead of the layer of dust that had been on the others, this one was remarkably well kept.  There was no name on the dark blue cover.

Intrigued, Harry opened it.  He noticed that it was also a great deal thicker than the others had been.  He paged through the book, searching through the ages for any names that he might know. 

Upon reaching the last few pages, something shocked Harry.  He definitely recognized one name in particular.  Dumbledore.  The name branched off in many directions.  It made sense that Dumbledore would have a record of his family; it was his castle.  He searched through the names until he found the one he was searching for on the bottom of the left page: Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (1840).  There was a connecting line to Aberforth William Dumbledore (1849).  He looked in awe at the thin gold lines that flowed from person to person.  He looked at the hundreds of names that were interrelated, many being cousins of cousins.  He knew that they all had to be distantly related, but he still felt envious of the family connections that he would never have.  He wished he could sit down and make a family tree, but it disheartened him to know that as far as he knew, he would be the only living one on it. 

He looked over at the adjacent page, hundreds of more names filling its space.  His eyes moved to the lower right side of the page and he felt his heart stop.  Shock overcame him as he read one name: James Henry Potter (b.1960 d.1981).  Harry felt as if he had left his body.  Trailing a thin gold line, he led up to his own name, staring back at him from the page: Harry James Potter (b.1980).

Before the information could fully sink in, Harry watched as the book slammed shut.  A breathless Neville leaned on it, gasping for air.

"Harry, come quick… Ron… I think he's gonna do something."

Neville sucked in air and moved toward the door, motioning for Harry to follow.  Harry tested his limbs.  When he successfully moved his leg forward, he walked back into the room where Neville had gone.  Neither Ron nor Neville were in the room off the hallway, but the door on the far wall was open.

As Harry approached, he could hear Neville's worried words.  "Ron, I don't think you should play with that… why don't you put it down?"

Harry entered the doorway to see a small room.  Neville was holding Ron's arm.  They were standing in front of a small cabinet that was opened. 

Ron was holding something in his palm, looking at it as if he was possessed.  Harry had never seen it, but he heard enough about it to know what it was, and what Ron was going to do.  The small black disc lay upside down in his hand.  The red button on its surface was taunting Harry.  Harry remembered the look on Ron's face after they heard Dumbledore talking about the portkeys.

He rushed toward his best friend, who was reaching out with his other hand.  "No Ron, don't do it!"

Harry reached out and grabbed onto the same arm that Neville was holding.  He tried to shake the disc out of his palm, but it was no use.  He grabbed one side of the small black disc, while Neville did the same, not fully understanding what was going on.  The three boys tugged in different directions.  Neville, trying to get a better hold, grasped the disc with his other hand as well, laying it squarely on the bright red button.  Before he knew it, Harry felt the unwelcome, but familiar tug behind his navel.  They were off to Malfoy Manor.

As always, thanks to my beta, Junglejim, for taking the time to do his job ::ahem:: (j/k) And thanks to this chapter's honorary beta, Avid Reader… You guys rock!