"Hermione!" Harry and Ron ran as fast as their feet would take them to
the Alchemist's shop. Hermione was struggling under the grasps of two
death eaters, as onlookers watched with fear. A few people started
screaming and running to safety in the doors of the shops. One after
another, the shops closed their doors, fearful of being targeted next.
Lupin and Tonks had caught up with Harry and Ron and advanced on the
Death Eaters.
"Crucio!" yelled one Death Eater as the spell hit Tonks sending her into convulsions on the ground. Harry recognized the voice of Lucius Malfoy. Screams came from behind them. Other death eaters had joined and were taking over shops. Harry noticed Percy dueling with one, unsure of who was winning. He and Ron jumped in with Lupin and started casting random jinxes and hexes. A dementor came rushing towards them.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry yelled. His stag emerged from the end of his wand, but it seemed to have little effect, as Harry wasn't being targeted. He was still too far away from Hermione. And within moments, Hermione collapsed out of the arms of the Death Eater which held her, and laid motionless on the ground. Harry noticed several other students being cornered and trapped by Dementors. Those who were able to defend themselves with Patronuses, were grabbed by Death Eaters.
"Harry! Help!" yelled Cho Chang from his left. But before he was able to do anything, his scar began to seer and he fell. He slipped back into a familiar darkness, all noise around him ceased.
When Harry awoke he was on one of the tables in the Three Broomsticks. Lupin and Ron hovered over him. Madam Rosmerta brought him over a butterbeer. He sat up.
"What happened? Where's Hermione? Is she okay?" he looked frantically around for her.
"They've taken her captive along with twelve other students." informed Lupin, handing him a chunk of chocolate. Harry ate it slowly, blaming himself. If only they'd gone looking for Hermione sooner.
"We need to get you back to Hogwarts."
"Where's Tonks? Is she okay?"
"She'll be fine, She's helping Percy and the rest take the students back to Hogwarts. Ginny was taken though." Ron replied. He helped Harry off the table. He thanked Madam Rosmerta, who smiled weakly in reply. Harry looked up and noticed the Dark Mark looming over several of the shops. Ministry Officials were questioning shaken people about what'd just happened.
They arrived back at Hogwarts. Harry noted that there was fewer Dementors looming around, but still enough to turn his blood cold. Dark rain clouds hung over the castle, ready to burst rain at any given moment. It'd been clear and sunny when they'd left just a few hours early to go to Hogsmeade. Instead of rushing Harry to Madame Pomfrey, Lupin led him and Ron to Dumbledore's office.
"Harry, Ron, good, come in."
"What's going on? Where are they?" Harry demanded, though too weak to yell loud as he would've liked.
"We have yet to know their where-abouts. Azkaban is being checked again, but it's highly unlikely he'll have taken them there. I'm sorry, Harry."
"She could be dead!"
"Voldemort has called on Snape, and the moment I find out anything I will let you know. But as for now, I have a favor to ask of you. It seems that you have insight into what goes on when it's in relation to students in the school, through your dreams. Dreams can be a very powerful thing, as I've stated before. I would like you to start tutoring with Professor Trawlaney starting tomorrow. I've informed your teachers that you shall be excused from classes this week." Dumbledore continued, before Harry could protest.
"I know that Sybill is a bit odd, and you've had falling outs with Divination before. Even stretching your homework to please her. But this is a serious matter, I ask that you be open and honest with her. You might be a more valuable resource than Severus at this point, as we don't know what to expect when he gets back."
Harry nodded. He hadn't seen Dumbledore this upset and nervous before. He watched as his mentor paced the room, deep in thought.
"Oh! That is all Harry, if you'll excuse me I must talk with Remus about something." He smiled, noticing Harry still standing there. He headed out with Ron, who didn't say anything until they were well out of reach.
"Harry... did Dumbledore seem a bit off to you?"
"Yes. I think he's scared, Ron. I think he might be just as clueless as were at this point. Voldemort's gotten good at hiding his plans. I have a crazy idea, I don't know if many people will go for it. But I think maybe we should try and get DA back together. "
Before Ron had time to respond, Malfoy showed up with a sneer on his face. Harry knew this expression far too well. He kept his hand on his wand in his pocket, just in case.
"Where is she? What happened? No one will say anything. Everyone in Slytherin has lost it, and none of them are talking." he pushed Harry against the wall.
"She was taken by your father." Harry replied. Professor McGonagall came down the hall.
"Mr. Malfoy would you let go of Mr. Potter. The three of you are to get to the Great Hall immediately. Dinner is being served." she stated, piercingly and walked past them. Malfoy let go of Harry, roughly.
"What's up your ass now?" Ron asked.
"Did anything happen here, while we were in Hogsmeade?" Harry asked, ignoring Ron's remark, hoping that interferring would allow Malfoy to do the same.
"No." he said, shortly. They didn't talk the rest of the way to the Great Hall. Harry and Ron sat down by themselves. The Great Hall was buzzing with whispers and gossip. Harry tried to figure out who'd been taken. The whole school was in so much of a hiatus though, with everyone moving around. Dumbledore came in, and silenced everyone.
"A sad thing has happened today. Thirteen of our students have been taken captive. I ask that everyone remain calm. The situation is under control. Those of you who's parents request you return home, shall. The rest of you, I hope would remain here. Hogwarts isn't under attack yet, but the future is quite unknown. Dark times are upon us once again, and it's just started. I once again ask that you all remain united. Do not turn on one another. There is an old saying that goes: One ant can carry a leaf, the whole colony can carry the tree. The stronger we are, the harder it'll be for anyone to break that bond. The annual house competition has been cancelled. The animosity between the houses it too great. Quiddich too will also continue to be postponed until further notice."
Harry and Ron slumped in their chairs. Harry noticed most of the school had as well. It was their escape, and there didn't seem to be any hope of it any time soon. Dumbledore continued on.
"I ask that none of you think of the others as a Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, or Slytherins, but as others united by the same bond. It is a necessity at this point."
"Yeah, but has he noticed that every house had people taken except Slytherin? He can't expect us to consider them an equal or even to trust them." muttered Seamus Finnigan, then stared at Harry and Ron. Others at the table nodded in agreeance. Harry pretended he hadn't caught this and tried to focus on what Dumbledore was saying.
"I hope that you all will think upon this. As an extra measure of precaution, you are all to remain inside the castle at all times. The courtyard's are forbidden. You are to go to your classes and back to your house. I hope that those of you studying for your OWLs and NEWTs will make use of this time to prepare. Anymore news, and I'll shall let you know about it. With that, you may all begin to eat. I've carried on far too long." he smiled at the students then took his place at the staff table.
"So, DA tonight then?" Ron asked Harry, who nodded.
"Think we should invite Malfoy?"
"Are you kidding me? If people are even willing to come, the last thing they'll want to see there is King of Slytherin. It'll just confirm what they already believe."
"Still though, he's powerful. He is on our side, and he can help teach us things that neither of us know against Death Eaters, because he was trained to be one."
"You assume he'll be willing to teach."
"It's worth a shot." stated Harry as he pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill.
He wrote a note to Malfoy to meet him in the Room of Requirements a quarter past midnite. He waited until he saw Malfoy finish eating and stood up to leave. He poked Ron and they got up as well. He slipped it to Malfoy as they passed him in the hall, then hurried up to their room. He went digging through his belongings looking for the fake coin which called all the DA members. He changed the numbers to read that night, half past midnite. They stayed up finishing their Potion's essay and then headed out to the Room of Requirement at midnite.
"Do you think he'll show?" Ron asked, looking at the clock. It was nearly twelve twenty-five. Harry didn't have to answer though. Malfoy opened the door and checked behind him to make sure he hadn't been followed.
"What's this about, Potter?" but it wasn't with his usual snappiness. He sounded tired.
Ron nudged Harry. He'd wanted Malfoy's help, but now he didn't know how to ask for it. He was running out of time. He heard voices coming down the hallway, the rest of DA was coming.
"Last year, a bunch of us started a group against Umbridge and you lot. We weren't allowed to practice against the Dark Arts, so we developed our own group to practice in case we needed it to protect Hogwarts. Hermione was in charge of figuring out new things to learn, and I taught them. We wanted your help, because you know more about the Dark Arts... than I do." He had a hard time admitting that Malfoy was better at him then something. Malfoy's smirk didn't make it easier.
"So you're admitting that I'm better than you, finally. The tables have certainly turned."
"Yeah, yeah. Just, will you help?"
"Maybe. What's in it for me?"
"Hermione back." Ron growled.
"What makes you think I even want her back? Those aren't good terms."
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
"Next Quiddich match against Slytherin, lose on purpose."
"Hey! That's not fair!"
"Those are my terms." Malfoy sat down in a chair. The door opened and a few people started coming in.
"Fine." Harry said, coolly.
"What's he doing here?" Dean Thomas grunted, staring at Malfoy.
"I'm your new teacher. Seems as if The Golden Boy doesn't know everything, and begged for my assistance." Malfoy replied.
Harry looked around at who'd showed up. There were only five others. Dean Thomas, Lavender, Parvati, Neville, and Luna Lovegood all stood there.
"So this is it then? This is all of you who can actually decipher between truth and rumor?" Harry was annoyed.
"I don't know about that, Harry. I didn't believe it at first, but why is Malfoy here? Doesn't sound much like a rumor, now does it?" Lavender stated.
"If we were on Voldemort's side, don't you think that Hermione would be here too? None of the Slytherin's were taken." Ron shot back.
"He's on our side. He's going to help us. Hopefully after this you all will be able to convince the others." Harry told them.
"Not only that, Harry. All thirteen people that were taken were in DA." Dean Thomas pointed out. There were a few whispers, but they got silent again when Harry stood up.
"Well, I figured we might as well start training again because we don't know when Voldemort will attack again." the whole room cringed. He wish people would stop acting that way everytime the name was mentioned.
"We need to be fully prepared to fight against the Death Eaters. He's here because he's trained as a Death Eater. He knows how they think and the curses they use. He can teach you how to fight them better than I can." Harry explained.
"So what do you know?" he asked, in a bored drawl. No one spoke up.
"Why don't you teach them how to fight the Imperius curse."
"Moody taught that." Malfoy reminded him.
"Yeah, but he didn't teach it well. Harry was one of the only ones in our class that could actually fight against it." Ron told him.
"Very well then." Malfoy sighed and faced his students.
"We'll skip the lecture. Basically just focus all thoughts out of your head and resist with your mind. I'm gonna try it on you, and you just keep telling me no, focus on how badly you don't want me to have control on you. Should be easy. Who wants to go first?" he smirked. Parvati whispered something to Lavender, but no one volunteered.
"Why don't you try it out on me first. As an example." Harry stated, stepping forward. The both of them moved to the open space in the classroom, and took dueling positions. Harry's stomach knotted. Last time he'd been in a real duel with Malfoy, he'd been taken off guard. He wasn't going to allow that to happen again.
"Ready?" Malfoy yawned. Harry nodded. Malfoy pulled out his wand and pointed it at him.
"Imperio!" he shouted. Harry felt the familiar sensation of his mind being cleared away. He stared at Malfoy, focusing on him, allowing himself to remember how much hatred he had towards him.
"Get on your knees and bark like a dog." he heard Malfoy's voice in his head.
"No." his mind fought back. the voices fought back and forth through his head. His feet remained planted on the floor, in standing position.
"You should see what Granger looks like on her knees." the demanded voice echoed. That set Harry off. He didn't know what'd happened, but when he shook off the curse, Malfoy was on the ground clutching his side in pain. He got up and sneered at Harry, but it faded away.
"You did okay." he said, flatly. Dean Thomas volunteered next.
"What happened?" Harry asked in whisper.
"One moment the two of you are standing there deep in thought, then the next you've hit him with a Stunning Spell." Ron explained.
They watched as Malfoy easily took control over Dean's mind and had him clucking like a chicken. Everyone giggled except Malfoy, who was annoyed.
"You're not trying hard enough! You have to focus!" he snapped as Dean came out of it. They practiced into the early morning. By the time the sun was coming up, everyone had a good handle on how to block the Imperius curse.
"We better wrap things up, the school'll be waking up soon. We'll meet again next weekend, same time." Harry stated as Parvati proudly resisted Malfoy. Everyone nodded in agreement and left the Room of Requirement.
"Thank you." Harry forced himself to say as he and Malfoy were the last to leave the classroom.
"Your resistance could use a bit of practice." was all he replied as he headed off towards the Slytherin Common room.
"Do you think more people'll show up next time?"
"I hope so, great army we have with eight people." Harry replied to Ron as they got back to Gryffindor tower. Harry was tired, but he couldn't sleep. He had to go to the Divination classroom in a half hour. This was the first time he allowed himself to think about this afternoon. He hoped that those taken captive were okay. He still held himself responsible. He should've talked Hermione out of going. She would've been safer at the castle. He was mad at Dumbledore for not cancelling the Hogsmeade visit and coming up with a cover story. With that on his mind, he began to drift off into a sleep.
Hermione huddled close to Ginny. They weren't in a dungeon or a prison. On the contrary, they were in a lavishly decorated room. A fire was burning bright in it grate at the fireplace. Cho Chang was pounding on a large oak door, begging to be let out. Hannah Abbott was pacing talking to herself about how stupid she was for going to Hodsmeade that day, and how she should've stayed at the castle with Ernie. Ashlee Johnson, Angelina's younger sister was talking with Katie Bell. They were crouched by the fire. Lisa Turpin and Padma Partil were still unconscious on the floor. The fire went out, and the room got cold. The door to the room opened, pushing Cho Chang to the floor. Two men followed by Lucius Malfoy entered. He smiled at all of them, wickedly. His smile faded as he laid his eyes on Hermione. He walked over to her.
"Miss Granger." he smirked. Goosebumps prickled up Hermione's neck and arms. He had the same smirk as his son. She looked coldly into his eyes.
"As I have personal interest in your connection with my son, I will be dealing with your fate. As for the rest of you, I leave you in the hands of my comrades." he said. The other two men stepped further into the room. One of them grabbed Cho Chang and the other grabbed Hannah Abbott.
"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Hermione snapped as Lucius grabbed her arm. Lucius turned on her.
"Crucio!"
Hermione fell to the floor in pain. Tears started to stream down her eyes. Suddenly Harry was woken up by Professor McGonagall.
"It's best you get up. You're going to be late for Professor Trewlaney." she informed him, and followed him out of the Common Room.
"Crucio!" yelled one Death Eater as the spell hit Tonks sending her into convulsions on the ground. Harry recognized the voice of Lucius Malfoy. Screams came from behind them. Other death eaters had joined and were taking over shops. Harry noticed Percy dueling with one, unsure of who was winning. He and Ron jumped in with Lupin and started casting random jinxes and hexes. A dementor came rushing towards them.
"Expecto Patronum!" Harry yelled. His stag emerged from the end of his wand, but it seemed to have little effect, as Harry wasn't being targeted. He was still too far away from Hermione. And within moments, Hermione collapsed out of the arms of the Death Eater which held her, and laid motionless on the ground. Harry noticed several other students being cornered and trapped by Dementors. Those who were able to defend themselves with Patronuses, were grabbed by Death Eaters.
"Harry! Help!" yelled Cho Chang from his left. But before he was able to do anything, his scar began to seer and he fell. He slipped back into a familiar darkness, all noise around him ceased.
When Harry awoke he was on one of the tables in the Three Broomsticks. Lupin and Ron hovered over him. Madam Rosmerta brought him over a butterbeer. He sat up.
"What happened? Where's Hermione? Is she okay?" he looked frantically around for her.
"They've taken her captive along with twelve other students." informed Lupin, handing him a chunk of chocolate. Harry ate it slowly, blaming himself. If only they'd gone looking for Hermione sooner.
"We need to get you back to Hogwarts."
"Where's Tonks? Is she okay?"
"She'll be fine, She's helping Percy and the rest take the students back to Hogwarts. Ginny was taken though." Ron replied. He helped Harry off the table. He thanked Madam Rosmerta, who smiled weakly in reply. Harry looked up and noticed the Dark Mark looming over several of the shops. Ministry Officials were questioning shaken people about what'd just happened.
They arrived back at Hogwarts. Harry noted that there was fewer Dementors looming around, but still enough to turn his blood cold. Dark rain clouds hung over the castle, ready to burst rain at any given moment. It'd been clear and sunny when they'd left just a few hours early to go to Hogsmeade. Instead of rushing Harry to Madame Pomfrey, Lupin led him and Ron to Dumbledore's office.
"Harry, Ron, good, come in."
"What's going on? Where are they?" Harry demanded, though too weak to yell loud as he would've liked.
"We have yet to know their where-abouts. Azkaban is being checked again, but it's highly unlikely he'll have taken them there. I'm sorry, Harry."
"She could be dead!"
"Voldemort has called on Snape, and the moment I find out anything I will let you know. But as for now, I have a favor to ask of you. It seems that you have insight into what goes on when it's in relation to students in the school, through your dreams. Dreams can be a very powerful thing, as I've stated before. I would like you to start tutoring with Professor Trawlaney starting tomorrow. I've informed your teachers that you shall be excused from classes this week." Dumbledore continued, before Harry could protest.
"I know that Sybill is a bit odd, and you've had falling outs with Divination before. Even stretching your homework to please her. But this is a serious matter, I ask that you be open and honest with her. You might be a more valuable resource than Severus at this point, as we don't know what to expect when he gets back."
Harry nodded. He hadn't seen Dumbledore this upset and nervous before. He watched as his mentor paced the room, deep in thought.
"Oh! That is all Harry, if you'll excuse me I must talk with Remus about something." He smiled, noticing Harry still standing there. He headed out with Ron, who didn't say anything until they were well out of reach.
"Harry... did Dumbledore seem a bit off to you?"
"Yes. I think he's scared, Ron. I think he might be just as clueless as were at this point. Voldemort's gotten good at hiding his plans. I have a crazy idea, I don't know if many people will go for it. But I think maybe we should try and get DA back together. "
Before Ron had time to respond, Malfoy showed up with a sneer on his face. Harry knew this expression far too well. He kept his hand on his wand in his pocket, just in case.
"Where is she? What happened? No one will say anything. Everyone in Slytherin has lost it, and none of them are talking." he pushed Harry against the wall.
"She was taken by your father." Harry replied. Professor McGonagall came down the hall.
"Mr. Malfoy would you let go of Mr. Potter. The three of you are to get to the Great Hall immediately. Dinner is being served." she stated, piercingly and walked past them. Malfoy let go of Harry, roughly.
"What's up your ass now?" Ron asked.
"Did anything happen here, while we were in Hogsmeade?" Harry asked, ignoring Ron's remark, hoping that interferring would allow Malfoy to do the same.
"No." he said, shortly. They didn't talk the rest of the way to the Great Hall. Harry and Ron sat down by themselves. The Great Hall was buzzing with whispers and gossip. Harry tried to figure out who'd been taken. The whole school was in so much of a hiatus though, with everyone moving around. Dumbledore came in, and silenced everyone.
"A sad thing has happened today. Thirteen of our students have been taken captive. I ask that everyone remain calm. The situation is under control. Those of you who's parents request you return home, shall. The rest of you, I hope would remain here. Hogwarts isn't under attack yet, but the future is quite unknown. Dark times are upon us once again, and it's just started. I once again ask that you all remain united. Do not turn on one another. There is an old saying that goes: One ant can carry a leaf, the whole colony can carry the tree. The stronger we are, the harder it'll be for anyone to break that bond. The annual house competition has been cancelled. The animosity between the houses it too great. Quiddich too will also continue to be postponed until further notice."
Harry and Ron slumped in their chairs. Harry noticed most of the school had as well. It was their escape, and there didn't seem to be any hope of it any time soon. Dumbledore continued on.
"I ask that none of you think of the others as a Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs, or Slytherins, but as others united by the same bond. It is a necessity at this point."
"Yeah, but has he noticed that every house had people taken except Slytherin? He can't expect us to consider them an equal or even to trust them." muttered Seamus Finnigan, then stared at Harry and Ron. Others at the table nodded in agreeance. Harry pretended he hadn't caught this and tried to focus on what Dumbledore was saying.
"I hope that you all will think upon this. As an extra measure of precaution, you are all to remain inside the castle at all times. The courtyard's are forbidden. You are to go to your classes and back to your house. I hope that those of you studying for your OWLs and NEWTs will make use of this time to prepare. Anymore news, and I'll shall let you know about it. With that, you may all begin to eat. I've carried on far too long." he smiled at the students then took his place at the staff table.
"So, DA tonight then?" Ron asked Harry, who nodded.
"Think we should invite Malfoy?"
"Are you kidding me? If people are even willing to come, the last thing they'll want to see there is King of Slytherin. It'll just confirm what they already believe."
"Still though, he's powerful. He is on our side, and he can help teach us things that neither of us know against Death Eaters, because he was trained to be one."
"You assume he'll be willing to teach."
"It's worth a shot." stated Harry as he pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill.
He wrote a note to Malfoy to meet him in the Room of Requirements a quarter past midnite. He waited until he saw Malfoy finish eating and stood up to leave. He poked Ron and they got up as well. He slipped it to Malfoy as they passed him in the hall, then hurried up to their room. He went digging through his belongings looking for the fake coin which called all the DA members. He changed the numbers to read that night, half past midnite. They stayed up finishing their Potion's essay and then headed out to the Room of Requirement at midnite.
"Do you think he'll show?" Ron asked, looking at the clock. It was nearly twelve twenty-five. Harry didn't have to answer though. Malfoy opened the door and checked behind him to make sure he hadn't been followed.
"What's this about, Potter?" but it wasn't with his usual snappiness. He sounded tired.
Ron nudged Harry. He'd wanted Malfoy's help, but now he didn't know how to ask for it. He was running out of time. He heard voices coming down the hallway, the rest of DA was coming.
"Last year, a bunch of us started a group against Umbridge and you lot. We weren't allowed to practice against the Dark Arts, so we developed our own group to practice in case we needed it to protect Hogwarts. Hermione was in charge of figuring out new things to learn, and I taught them. We wanted your help, because you know more about the Dark Arts... than I do." He had a hard time admitting that Malfoy was better at him then something. Malfoy's smirk didn't make it easier.
"So you're admitting that I'm better than you, finally. The tables have certainly turned."
"Yeah, yeah. Just, will you help?"
"Maybe. What's in it for me?"
"Hermione back." Ron growled.
"What makes you think I even want her back? Those aren't good terms."
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
"Next Quiddich match against Slytherin, lose on purpose."
"Hey! That's not fair!"
"Those are my terms." Malfoy sat down in a chair. The door opened and a few people started coming in.
"Fine." Harry said, coolly.
"What's he doing here?" Dean Thomas grunted, staring at Malfoy.
"I'm your new teacher. Seems as if The Golden Boy doesn't know everything, and begged for my assistance." Malfoy replied.
Harry looked around at who'd showed up. There were only five others. Dean Thomas, Lavender, Parvati, Neville, and Luna Lovegood all stood there.
"So this is it then? This is all of you who can actually decipher between truth and rumor?" Harry was annoyed.
"I don't know about that, Harry. I didn't believe it at first, but why is Malfoy here? Doesn't sound much like a rumor, now does it?" Lavender stated.
"If we were on Voldemort's side, don't you think that Hermione would be here too? None of the Slytherin's were taken." Ron shot back.
"He's on our side. He's going to help us. Hopefully after this you all will be able to convince the others." Harry told them.
"Not only that, Harry. All thirteen people that were taken were in DA." Dean Thomas pointed out. There were a few whispers, but they got silent again when Harry stood up.
"Well, I figured we might as well start training again because we don't know when Voldemort will attack again." the whole room cringed. He wish people would stop acting that way everytime the name was mentioned.
"We need to be fully prepared to fight against the Death Eaters. He's here because he's trained as a Death Eater. He knows how they think and the curses they use. He can teach you how to fight them better than I can." Harry explained.
"So what do you know?" he asked, in a bored drawl. No one spoke up.
"Why don't you teach them how to fight the Imperius curse."
"Moody taught that." Malfoy reminded him.
"Yeah, but he didn't teach it well. Harry was one of the only ones in our class that could actually fight against it." Ron told him.
"Very well then." Malfoy sighed and faced his students.
"We'll skip the lecture. Basically just focus all thoughts out of your head and resist with your mind. I'm gonna try it on you, and you just keep telling me no, focus on how badly you don't want me to have control on you. Should be easy. Who wants to go first?" he smirked. Parvati whispered something to Lavender, but no one volunteered.
"Why don't you try it out on me first. As an example." Harry stated, stepping forward. The both of them moved to the open space in the classroom, and took dueling positions. Harry's stomach knotted. Last time he'd been in a real duel with Malfoy, he'd been taken off guard. He wasn't going to allow that to happen again.
"Ready?" Malfoy yawned. Harry nodded. Malfoy pulled out his wand and pointed it at him.
"Imperio!" he shouted. Harry felt the familiar sensation of his mind being cleared away. He stared at Malfoy, focusing on him, allowing himself to remember how much hatred he had towards him.
"Get on your knees and bark like a dog." he heard Malfoy's voice in his head.
"No." his mind fought back. the voices fought back and forth through his head. His feet remained planted on the floor, in standing position.
"You should see what Granger looks like on her knees." the demanded voice echoed. That set Harry off. He didn't know what'd happened, but when he shook off the curse, Malfoy was on the ground clutching his side in pain. He got up and sneered at Harry, but it faded away.
"You did okay." he said, flatly. Dean Thomas volunteered next.
"What happened?" Harry asked in whisper.
"One moment the two of you are standing there deep in thought, then the next you've hit him with a Stunning Spell." Ron explained.
They watched as Malfoy easily took control over Dean's mind and had him clucking like a chicken. Everyone giggled except Malfoy, who was annoyed.
"You're not trying hard enough! You have to focus!" he snapped as Dean came out of it. They practiced into the early morning. By the time the sun was coming up, everyone had a good handle on how to block the Imperius curse.
"We better wrap things up, the school'll be waking up soon. We'll meet again next weekend, same time." Harry stated as Parvati proudly resisted Malfoy. Everyone nodded in agreement and left the Room of Requirement.
"Thank you." Harry forced himself to say as he and Malfoy were the last to leave the classroom.
"Your resistance could use a bit of practice." was all he replied as he headed off towards the Slytherin Common room.
"Do you think more people'll show up next time?"
"I hope so, great army we have with eight people." Harry replied to Ron as they got back to Gryffindor tower. Harry was tired, but he couldn't sleep. He had to go to the Divination classroom in a half hour. This was the first time he allowed himself to think about this afternoon. He hoped that those taken captive were okay. He still held himself responsible. He should've talked Hermione out of going. She would've been safer at the castle. He was mad at Dumbledore for not cancelling the Hogsmeade visit and coming up with a cover story. With that on his mind, he began to drift off into a sleep.
Hermione huddled close to Ginny. They weren't in a dungeon or a prison. On the contrary, they were in a lavishly decorated room. A fire was burning bright in it grate at the fireplace. Cho Chang was pounding on a large oak door, begging to be let out. Hannah Abbott was pacing talking to herself about how stupid she was for going to Hodsmeade that day, and how she should've stayed at the castle with Ernie. Ashlee Johnson, Angelina's younger sister was talking with Katie Bell. They were crouched by the fire. Lisa Turpin and Padma Partil were still unconscious on the floor. The fire went out, and the room got cold. The door to the room opened, pushing Cho Chang to the floor. Two men followed by Lucius Malfoy entered. He smiled at all of them, wickedly. His smile faded as he laid his eyes on Hermione. He walked over to her.
"Miss Granger." he smirked. Goosebumps prickled up Hermione's neck and arms. He had the same smirk as his son. She looked coldly into his eyes.
"As I have personal interest in your connection with my son, I will be dealing with your fate. As for the rest of you, I leave you in the hands of my comrades." he said. The other two men stepped further into the room. One of them grabbed Cho Chang and the other grabbed Hannah Abbott.
"I'm not going anywhere with you!" Hermione snapped as Lucius grabbed her arm. Lucius turned on her.
"Crucio!"
Hermione fell to the floor in pain. Tears started to stream down her eyes. Suddenly Harry was woken up by Professor McGonagall.
"It's best you get up. You're going to be late for Professor Trewlaney." she informed him, and followed him out of the Common Room.