Harry's eyes were then engulfed in a blinding red light, sending a sharp pain through his pupils. He closed his eyes and looked downward as the light continued to shine and Death Eaters cursed and screamed. Harry then could see the red light dimming through his eyelids. He looked only to find the Death Eaters still standing before him, but unlike before they were now completely still and unmoving. Except for one. But Harry could not recognize his outline to be that of a Death Eater. It fact, the shadowy figure seemed to oddly remind him of someone he knew fairly well. His posture was terrible, and as he moved closer towards Harry, he seemed to have a very distinct limp. But it was impossible. He must be a Death Eater--or was he? Something then grabbed Harry by the arm. He whirled around to find a hooded figure grabbing him lightly, his face completely obscured. Harry tried to pull from the figure's grasp, but his hold only became stronger. Mustering all the strength he could, Harry ripped from his grasp and jumped to his feet. But the only thing this resulted in was the figure jumping up as well and seizing him by the neck of his cloak. His hold was slight, but just enough to keep Harry still. Harry's vision was now locked to the front, his cloak digging into his neck, allowing him to watch as the figure's accomplice gave him a quick nod. He then felt on odd jerking sensation in the pit of his stomach as they both were dragged upward.

Harry's heart was now pounding hard in his chest once again. Where was he being taken? And who was this hooded man? Harry closed his eyes as the odd sensation continued and the world around became darkness. But before long his feet touched the ground again. His knees gave way from the shock, sending him into a hard and painful landing on the floor. Slowly, he opened his eyes. He looked to his left, only to find the mysterious figure kneeling down beside him. Harry backed away as he raised his hand to remove his hood. Slowly his face came into vision. He was a fairly young man, his hair prematurely flecked with gray. He was wearing a fearful look of concern, a look Harry had seen many times before. The eyes he was looking into belonged to none other than Remus Lupin.

"Professor? Where are we?" Harry said weakly. It seemed as though his voice was refusing to form words.

" Yes it's me Harry. Save your voice. Come on, I'll help you up." Lupin then slowly stood, and took hold of Harry's hand. He pulled Harry slowly to his feet and helped him stand erect. Harry then looked upon his new surroundings. He was no longer in the dark corridors of the Ministry, but a well-lit hall lined with oak doors and a squeaky clean white floor.

"But Professor, how did you know where I was? Was that Mad-Eye back there? How----and where the hell are we?" Harry began, but Lupin silenced him.

" We're in St. Mungo's Harry. I couldn't take you back to the castle, you'd die for sure. You need prompt medical attention. Explanations can wait."

" No they can't! I've been left in the dark about things enough lately! I've survived this long, so I think I'll be fine for a couple more seconds! Now would you mind telling me how you knew where I was?" Harry yelled, making himself dangerously light-headed.

" All right, fine then Harry. Let me make things quick. It all starts with Ron. You see, he woke up in the middle of the night, only to find that you weren't there. He was extremely worried about this, after all you'd never go off in the middle of the night like that. So he had contacted Professor McGonagall, who then contacted the Headmaster. And by a lucky chance he just happened to be having a conference with myself and Moody. We wanted to contact the other Order members, but by that time you could be dead already. So we came to the decision to search for you ourselves, and in the place we were certain you'd be. The place that gave you so much pain, and with the people who wanted you dead."

There was then an odd silence between them, as if each was waiting for the other to say something. But just then, Harry's mind went blank again and he gave a dangerous sway, forcing Lupin to grab hold of his arm and steady him.

" All right Harry, no more delays. Let's get you fixed up then." said Lupin gently, helping Harry walk down the hall.

" Professor-"

"Yes Harry?"

" What about that Death Eaters?"

" They shall be given what they deserve. Don't dwell on them."

"Thanks Professor." he said, giving a weak smile. Lupin just grinned back at him.

Once again Harry had escaped death. It was difficult to believe that the Dark Lord was finally vanquished, but even so it gave Harry hope for the future. Hope for a different lifestyle, one that would serve him well. He also simply couldn't wait to return to Hogwarts and see his friend's shining faces, and to tell them that himself, and they were finally safe.