Disclaimer: Yeah, I'm not J.K. Rowling so none of this is mine. (frown)

Chapter Twelve: In a Flash

You can see her hair from the window, Hermione thought to herself, as she watched Nymphadora Tonks run towards the castle. Bright purple hair styled into several large braids, she stood out like a sore and very bruised thumb.

Moments later, the doors of the hospital wing opened as Tonks entered and walked towards Dumbledore, Arthur and Molly Weasley. Remus Lupin followed in shortly.

"Is it true?" the werewolf asked as he slumped into a chair in exhaustion. "Did you find them?"

"I didn't find them but I have a strong lead. I was in disguise in Knockturn Alley when that horrid peddling witch asked me, again, to work for her. I tried to ignore her but I was standing still to look around and good thing I did-ooof!" Lupin calmly helped Tonks sit back on the chair after slipping off. "Thanks. Anyway, she was rambling about how just today she found this new girl who would be perfect for Lucius Malfoy. Of course, being an Auror, that caught my attention. When I asked what she looked like, the hag described Angelina to the tee."

Dumbledore's brow furrowed with worry. "She's practically a child trying to play a game designed by a Malfoy. No good can come from this. Tonks, I need more information."

"Well, undercover is out of the question. When I asked, she said that Malfoy was given all that he could handle with a 'first timer'. I think that under the circumstances that we need to just go and shake it out of her, literally...I'll do the shaking."

"I agree, Nymphadora. Well done. Remus, go with Tonks and alert us as soon as you find out where Angelina and hopefully the boys are as well." Both nodded then left as quickly as they arrived.

"I'm afraid that I must be returning to the Ministry. Just to check in." Arthur stated as he kissed Molly, hugged Hermione and patted each of his twins on the head. Molly left shortly after to set up the house for Bill and Charlie, who would be arriving within a day. Percy would arrive as soon as he was given clearance from his assignment as the Bulgarian ambassador for the Minister of Magic.

Hermione shifted uncomfortably as she placed a hand on her stomach, which had not even begun to soften.

"Something wrong, Hermione?" The Headmaster asked.

"No, just my stomach is all a flutter. Morning sickness possibly, I read it can start anytime now...Professor, may I ask something?"

"There is no need to ask permission, please."

"Oh, of course. Why do you think that Lucius wanted to take me? Do you think that Voldemort may be involved in this?"

"Dear girl, if only we knew for certain. It is a well-known fact that Lucius Malfoy is a Pureblood in the strictest of definitions. Your child would be most unwelcome. Also, if Voldemort is hiding Draco as we believe he is, then your engagement may have been brought to his attention as well. Lucius could have been acting with his intentions or Voldemort's in mind. Unfortunately, we have multiple questions that we are trying to find answers to. My suggestion for you would be-"

"Not to do anything stupid."

"Your engagement to Harry has given you his gift of blunt speaking."

"Thanks. I think." She noticed his eyes fall upon a stack of books that had not been looked through, making it too obvious that she had given up searching. "Oh, I was just taking a break." Hermione started as she half-heartedly opened a book. "Not much so far but I'm looking into another resource." The Gryffindor felt awkward about telling half-truths and she knew that Dumbledore was a walking dose of Veritaserum. Hoping to avoid any other questions, she suddenly seemed very interested in her book.

The ruse did not work. "Miss Granger, have you seen Bill?"

Just as the blush encompassed her entire face, Hermione saw her salvation walk briskly into the room. "Evening, Dumbledore," He stated as he pulled a heavy book out of his robe and handed the text to Hermione. "Just needed to retrieve a book from Malfoy Manor." Hermione's jaw dropped at Bill's betrayal.

Dumbledore's eyebrow quirked slightly before settling into neutral stance. "I hope your risk was worth it?"

Bill held up his forearm to reveal a blood soaked bandage. "Well worth it. With the only real Malfoys to worry about gone, it was just a matter of snatch and run." He winced as Madam Pomfrey had begun to undress the wound. "Well, Hermione? I haven't had an opportunity to read it myself."

Hermione flipped through the book, suppressing a shiver. After a few moments of silence interrupted occasionally by a pain induced "shit" or "fuck" from Bill, she smiled confidently at Dumbledore and Bill then nodded. The Head Girl giggled as Bill embraced her then hurried to the owlery to inform Charlie.

"Well, well Miss Granger. When will you cease to amaze me?"Dumbledore would not hear an answer. At that moment, an explosion rang out, shaking Hogwarts to its very structure.

"Deatheaters!" Hermione whispered as Professor Snape stumbled into the infirmary.

"Headmaster!" Snape gasped as Hermione caught some of his weight before he could collapse. "No, Hermione...You must...here for you!" Bill rushed into the room to alleviate the expectant mother of her heavy burden.

"Dumbledore!" Bill asked as he drew his wand. "I haven't seen them yet but the explosion came from the Astronomy Tower. They could be anywhere."

With more strength than one could expect from a wizard of his age, Dumbledore pulled Severus to his feet, conjured a potion from Madam Pomfrey's supply closet and handed the glowing red liquid to the Professor. Downing the bottle with one drink, Snape felt the rush of temporary relief rejuvenate his body. Still slightly shaken, he awaited his instructions.

"Severus, we need to hide Hermione. Bill, we need to hide your brothers. Poppy, I need your assistance. I will find these intruders." Face resolute, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore emanated fury. He paused long enough to receive a nod from each person before storming out of the infirmary with the medi-witch in tow.

Bill levitated George, as Severus did the same for his shock stricken twin. "Follow me." Snape ordered as he walked out of the infirmary. "Be alert! We do not know where they are."

Hermione was clinging to Bill's arm when she felt blood seep through his bandages. As she tried to release him, he hissed, "Do not let go of me!"

The young wizards followed the Professor towards a wall. Muttering a spell, the wall opened inward to reveal a secret passageway. It was narrow but they could manage. Hermione waited until the entrance sealed shut behind her before lighting her wand. After several minutes of winding through the small corridor, they approached a door. Once more a password was stated and access was granted to a small room with a single bed and chair. The air was stale and furniture neglected. Fred and George were placed on the chair and bed. Hermione sat on the edge of the bed once George was covered by a thin blanket.

"Now what?" she tentatively asked.

"We wait." Snape answered then added when he noticed the look on Bill's face. "Neither Miss Granger nor your brothers are in any condition to be left alone. We must wait until the Deatheaters have been collected."

"Does anyone else know about this passageway?" Hermione asked.

"Just the staff."

Hermione gasped, "Bill, the book!"

"Shit! Professor, I must go! I stole a book from Malfoy manor that may help George but it was left in the infirmary."

Snape quickly stepped in front of him. "Then it shall remain there until it is safe."

Before the argument could continue, the wall opposite the door opened. They turned but it was too late. Wands were drawn, but not quick enough. Their reactions were barely delayed. There was a great explosion that engulfed the room in a bright flash then flooded it into darkness.

A/N: Just wanted to warn you, this is going to take a slightly dark turn from here. This is the path that my muse is leading me down so I've gotta follow her. SORRY! However, it won't be as bad as the first chapter. I've ickied out a few readers on that one, sorry again. I've tried to avoid that dark of a road as it may have been noticed in my chapters following the first. Please bear w/me. Also, I'm gonna update my summary...finally.