A/N: Here's what is probably going to become one of the longest chapters so far in this story. So, here's chapter 24. Enjoy it.

Zarroc: We'll see. Keep reading to find out.

The ORIGINAL Meathead: Thanks. I'm glad you like it so much.

the two-way mirror: We'll see. The battle is coming up. Keep reading!

disclaimer: i do not own Harry Potter or any characters

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Harry flew north, high in the skies, closely following the directions Dumbledore had given him. He flew on, the wind stinging his eyes, causing them to water, for hours until he finally decided to take a rest. Harry lowered himself to the ground and entered a pub, hoping to have a drink of butterbeer and be on his way.

Inside the pub, Harry spotted Madam Maxime, not that she was very easy to miss in the first place. He walked in her direction and took a seat next to her.

"Oh, hello Harry," she greeted him. "What are you doing out here?"

"I'm on a journey for Dumbledore," Harry replied, somewhat truthfully. Madam Maxime nodded. "Why are you out here?"

"Oh, just out to get a drink," she shrugged. "So, how's Hagrid been?"

"He's been all right," Harry replied then turned to the bartender who just supplied him with a butterbeer. "Thanks."

"So, where exactly is this journey to?" Madam Maxime asked. Harry took a swig of his drink and wiped his mouth before answering.

"I'm actually going on a mission to battle Voldemort," Harry answered without thinking of the consequences. The pub suddenly became silent at the sound of Voldemort's name; all eyes were on Harry. Harry could feel a burning sensation on his face.

"You gonn' figh' tha Dark Lord?" asked a man sitting at a nearby table. Harry nodded slowly. "Ya best be careful."

"You've taken him once, young man, that doesn't mean you can survive again," a woman cautioned him. Harry looked at the ground. 'If only you knew,' he thought.

"Harry, just be careful," Madam Maxime warned him. Harry nodded.

"I should go now," Harry said. "I have to get there soon." He took a last drink from his butterbeer and exited the pub.

Harry remounted his broom and launched himself into the sky again.

Meanwhile at Hogwarts, the search for Hermione continued. She still hadn't been spotted from when Harry had been drastically searching for her.

Ron was beginning to worry. The girl he loved was missing. He didn't know what he would do if anything happened to her... He wouldn't be able to bear it.

Ron muttered the password to the Fat Lady and entered the Gryffindor common room, a slight hope that Hermione might be sitting at a table, studying, like always. He knew it wouldn't be, though, but still couldn't help feeling defeated when he entered an empty common room. He sighed and began walking toward the boys' dormitory. Suddenly, there was a loud crack and Ron, startled, looked around to see Fred and George who had just crashed through the windows on their brooms.

"Fred! George! What are you two doing here?" he exclaimed.

"We heard about Hermione," Fred said.

"Yeah," George added, "we're sorry. Mom's sending a package to make you feel better. Don't know what's in it though."

"We just wanted to see how you were doing," Fred said. Ron shook his head and passed his brothers, going into the boys' dormitory.

Ron lays down on his bed and thinks about Hermione.

'Where could she be?' he thought. He couldn't imagine someone doing anything to her. He just couldn't. Sometime during the night, Ron fell asleep, thought of Hermione still in his head.

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A/N: Ok, that wasn't anywhere near as long as I thought it was going to be. Oh well. Hope you liked it. After this, there are 13 more chapters and then an epilogue. Let me know what you thought of this chapter. The battle is almost here! But I'm not updating until I have at least 3 reviews... hehe. RR!