The stunned silence lasted for only a mere second before Harry was racing out of the dormitory, through the common room, past the bewildered faces in the corridors, and straight to Dumbledore's gleaming stone gargoyle.

The statue jumped aside as it always did for Harry and he was climbing the spiraling staircase, his thoughts moving as dizzyingly as the steps below his feet. What did this mean? Did it mean Ginny would return as well? Was Remus unharmed?

All these questions flew from his mind as he saw the fatigued form of Remus Lupin standing next to Dumbledore's ancient desk. A breath of relief escaped him and Harry had no sooner crossed the threshold into the office before his werewolf friend was embracing him tightly.

Harry's mind was a blur of whirling colors and jumbled feelings, but as he steadily regained his composure, his mind kicked back into action.

"Sir, Ginny's been taken."

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "So Remus has informed me." Harry spared a confused glance at the man next to him.

"Wha-"

"I saw them bring Ginny in. They took her from the school, I can only assume, by a portkey. From there they took her to another location with a different portkey. When they left with her I took my chance and grabbed the same portkey they brought her in with and I was transported back here."

Harry's mind was in full speed now. "But that would mean someone inside would have to have tricked her into touching it. And why weren't you under more protection? Surely they wouldn't just let you escape?"

Dumbledore spoke up, "I'm afraid that is the only conclusion we can make, that in fact someone inside the school led Ginny to the portkey, but whom it was I cannot say."

"I wasn't taken because of you Harry," Remus said, "But Ginny was. They only took me because I was being careless on the job, and got caught. I knew where their hideout was and became a risk. When they brought Ginny in, I suppose they didn't much care where I went. They have all they need now."

There was a pregnant silence. "Harry, if you would please take Remus down to the hospital wing." For the first time since he had entered the office Harry noticed a large gash over Remus's left eye, and several dark bruises scattering his person.

Harry nodded and led him down the corridor in silence. They had nearly reached the hospital wing when Harry felt a hand on his arm and he was pulled into a deserted classroom. Remus's face was cast in shadow.

"Remus, what-"

The man was looking deep into Harry's eyes, with a concentration like he had never seen before. "Harry, I'm only going to say this once so listen closely. Ginny is in Knockturn Alley. I'm not sure what shop, but I can only assume she'll be in one of the cellars."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because you should fight for those you love, no matter what the circumstances."

Harry felt a pang of guilt. "I didn't come for you-"

"And that was wise," Remus cut him off, "with Ginny you have an advantage."

"And what's that?"

"You gave her the other mirror, correct?"

"Yeah, but I already tried, I just got an image of a room, she didn't respond."

"She stupefied when they took her, she was probably still unconscious when you tried to reach her. Try again tonight."

"How will I get there?"

Remus looked steadily into his eyes for a moment, before reaching into his cloak pocket. He pulled out a small apple wrapped in cloth. Remus handed it over carefully.

"Be sure not to touch it directly until you're ready to leave."

Harry took the covered apple in his hand. "Thank you," he said quietly. Remus put his hand on Harry's shoulder in response. He cleared his throat. "Come on, let's get you to the hospital wing."

Harry stared silently up at the dark canopy of his bed, then stared at his watch, which was illuminated by the light of his wand. He was fully clothed with the invisibility cloak, and marauder's map by his side.

Three seconds to midnight…two…one…

He jumped out of bed taking his possessions along with him and headed, surprisingly for the bathroom. He wasn't going into this one without a plan, this time would be different.

Harry blinked away the stark contrast of going to light from darkness. He took a seat on the cold tile floor, and speaking as quietly as he could whispered, "Ginny Weasley," into the small mirror clutched tightly in his hand.

His reflection faded and was replaced by what looked like a stirring cloud. The image fogged and then cleared again so that he was looking into the pale face of Ginny Weasley. Before he'd even had a chance to speak Ginny was taking it into her own hands.

"About time," She whispered. "I've been waiting. Some luck you have though, the goons just left for the night."

He chuckled slightly, despite the drastic circumstances. He sobered. "How are you? Are you okay?"

"I'm a little bruised, but fine."

"Did you happened to over-hear anything?" He needed to go into this with as much information as possible.

Her face lost what little humor it had. "I don't know Harry." Harry noticed for the first time, a flicker of fear flash in Ginny's brown eyes. "All I know is something's up. They're all excited, whispering. I think he knows something, Harry, something big."

…And one must die at the hand of the other… damn.

A realization seemed to dawn on Ginny's face. "Why? Why are you asking me all these questions? What are you planning? Harry, don't you dare come down here, Harry-"

But he had broken the connection.

Okay, please don't kill me. I know this is probably the most freakishly short chapter you've ever read in you life, but I swear to you, this truly is the only place I could stop it. I'd like to give a HUGE thanks to Nita, who at the last minute helped me out by being my temporary beta for this chapter, as my usual was out of town. I'd like you all to applaud her, because she is the one who has truly supported me threw out the story. Now, as an apology, I hope to make chapter 18 EXTRA long for you, but as it might mean double chapters, their may not be as many chapters as originally planned. I'll stop my ramblings now and thank my loyal reviewers.

Thanks as always to: shannyauburn, marideth, supernova9610 (you're a clever one aren't you?), HPBeatles, tigeresse, Larna Mandrea, and likewhoa

Bujiana: Very glad for you. I love it when my readers are stunned speechless. Yes, the end will be soon, but I don't think you will be disappointed. I quite agree with you Voldie statement there.

Gogglehead Lover: OMG! That's a long time to be in Mexico, I'll dearly miss your reviews.

Jenn the Freak: I love that you stunned, your reviews always make me laugh. Yeah I felt it was time Snape was put in his place as well. I find it both disturbing and great that you having a headache is worth reading my story. I am glad to read your story and will be getting around to it soon, but it's been hello busy around here. Thanks again for your amusing and wonderful praise.

Mimbulus: I see where you might think that Harry wouldn't go that far, but I've been rereading the books (for the 19th time) and I look at Harry's interactions with Snape and he has done things similar to this, so I don't think it was much of stretch. I'm glad you liked the scene by the lake I worked very hard on it and was rather proud, it was nice to have it appreciated.

Suicidal Bunnies: I love it when people faithfully love the story!

Takingthistoyourgrave: Yes, I am demanding, still curious to know though.

Mistress of Eternal Night: I'm glad you think so. As for weather the story will be a cliffy, well, you'll just have to wait and see.

Cynthia1850: I'm glad I'm able to convey Harry's feelings to the readers. I love "stick it to you Snape" moments. I appreciate your support that you'll stick with me even after HBP.

Read and Review.