At last Harry agreed to act, for once the careful one. Hermione convinced Ron not to do anything rash, however much that would help when the time came. She herself was terrified at what would happen.
They crept up the slope to the boys' cave just before dawn, knowing that the other two would be the most tired, least aware at that hour. Also the light helped to hide their shadowy forms. Stirring animals covered their footsteps. Draco and Blaise were caught completely off guard.
It was clear from the first that neither was as good a dueller as any of the three. Within minutes the boys were backed into a corner, breathing hard and sporting scrapes on their hands and arms. A dark bruise was blossoming under the skin of Blaise's cheekbone. His heavily lidded eyes looked curiously from one to the next of them, hiding his fear or perhaps not feeling any. Hermione focussed on Draco.
Harry started to question them. Where's the locket. What are you doing here. Who have you been reporting to.
Severus Snape was the only answer they got, at which Harry swore loudly, startling a mouse from its nest. Draco flinched as it scrambled over his ankle. Harry pressed on.
"Where are your things?"
No response. Draco had his eyes pinched shut, Blaise flicking his gaze between them. Harry kicked him in the ribs.
"Harry," Hermione said, an involuntary cry. She needed to justify it. "Don't lower yourself to their level."
The curl of the lips on each was a comic reflection of their mutual hatred. Harry backed off, a bit.
"Where are they? Ron, find them. No, Hermione, stay."
"Stay, Hermione," Blaise mocked. "Good girl."
She was tempted to follow Harry's example and kick him herself. She clenched and unclenched her jaw a few times before trying her hand at questioning.