'Mione darling,'

Hermione stiffened as she heard footsteps climbing up the stairs. She quickly threw a glance to where Ron's body had been lying- It had completely disappeared.

She heard the footsteps growing closer, and then Mrs. Weasley stuck her head in the doorway. She smiled, when she saw Hermione.

'Hey, sweety.' She said, smiling. 'I thought I might find you here. Harry and Ginny have come back from their walk, and we're going to have tea. Where's Ron?'

'Oh, I don't know,' Hermione replied, quite truthfully. 'He's probably about. Will you give me a minute to wash up?'

'Of course, dear. Be down when you're ready.' Mrs. Weasley said, and left.

Hermione took a deep breath. She hadn't been discovered. Normally, that wasn't really a problem with her. She had figured that any time the Weasleys or Harry got suspicious, she would finish them off. But the Dark Lord disagreed.

'Don't touch them,' he had instructed her, when she had put forth this idea. Then, seeing the slightly hurt look in her eyes, he had caught her hand. She felt cold shivers run up her spine.

'We mustn't rouse suspicion yet, my dear,' he said, in a soft voice. 'Leave the Weasley's. Remain undiscovered. And as for Harry Potter...'

His voice trailed off. He need not continue. Hermione understood: Harry was to be The Dark Lord's personal privilege.

She jerked out of her revelry. Quickly washing her hands and face, she walked down stairs.

'Hey Mione,' Harry greeted her cheerfully as she entered the room. He was sitting next to Ginny.

'Hey Harry. Hey Gin,' Hermione replied, forcing a smile. 'Mm...that smells delicious.'

She seated herself at the table with Harry, Ginny and Mrs. Weasley. The helped themselves to scones and buns.

In about five minutes, Mr. Weasley trooped in, and just behind him were Fred and George.

'Molly, your sons are the limit!' he said, wearily. 'They just planted dung bombs on the front door. It was by miracle that I escaped!'

Fred and George exchanged a discreet low five.

Mrs. Weasley turned a stern eye at the two of them.

'Just where were the two of you anyway?'

'Out for a walk,' George replied, with a mischievous look in his eyes that gave Hermione the impression that he had been doing something quite different.

'Of you say so,' Mrs. Weasley said, skeptically. 'Isn't Ron with you?'

'Who, Ickly Wonnie?' Fred asked, sniggering. 'No.'

Mrs. Weasley looked worried.

'Just where is he then?'