The Great Hall was completely silent as Sirius stood up, face grave. "I'm sure you're all wondering why you haven't been allowed from your dorms for most of yesterday and this morning," he said softly, "I regret to inform you that yesterday there was another attack." He paused. "Hogwarts is no longer safe. As such, we have decided to close the school."

Whispers broke out. Veronica glanced about. Everyone was looking frightened and at the same time disappointed. Sirius silenced them. "You will leave tomorrow. Until then, the other professors and I have decided to conduct a search for the culprit. All of you will need to be out of the castle. As such, every student will be going to Hogsmeade for the remainder of the day. You are to return promptly at five."

"The village will be completely protected, so you needn't be afraid. Take the time to enjoy each other, for it may be some time before you are together again. Several Aurors will be there in case you are in need of assistance," he paused, "And I would like to ask the older students a most important favor. Watch the first years."

More whispers, worried whispers especially from the first years and those students with first year siblings. Sirius talked over them. "Do not, under any circumstance allow a first year to walk away with an unknown person. Report to an Auror immediately. We are dealing with a dangerous criminal." He paused as he gazed out over the students. "Professor Longbottom will lead you all to Hogsmeade. Be safe."

Conversations broke out among the students as everyone made to leave. Veronica, Kylie and Daniella were some of the last to stand. Truth be told, Veronica wasn't all that interested in Hogsmeade, despite how much she had wanted to visit it earlier in the year. Too much had happened, too many bad things.

"Come on," she said warily, "I guess we better get going."

"Parker will be upset she missed this," Daniella said softly, looking away into the large crowd ahead of them. Veronica couldn't help but notice the older students looking at them. So they were taking the Headmaster's request seriously.

"We'll buy her some candy," Kylie said, giving her a brief smile, "There's a lovely candy store there called Honeydukes. Carly always buys my Christmas gifts there."

Veronica nodded. "Good idea, I think she'll..."

"Miss Carter," a voice called.

The girls stopped. Professor Miller was jogging down the hallway. She smiled at them. "Would you come to my office please? I'd really prefer we clear up that assignment before you leave, dear. After all, it's a rather large portion of your grade."

Daniella smiled. "Yes, Professor. I didn't really feel like going out anyways." She looked briefly at the girls. "Pick something up for Parker for me."

"Of course," Veronica said, as Professor Miller and Daniella disappeared around the corridor.

"Hurry up," Kylie said, frowning, "We're losing the crowd."

Veronica nodded and they picked up their pace. She looked over at Kylie, who was still frowning. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Kylie said, dismissively. She paused. "It's just a bit odd, don't you think? Surely, Professor Miller can't be worried about grades when the school is going to close."

Veronica shrugged. "It is a bit odd, but then again, it's not like the school is going to be closed forever, so..."

Kylie sighed. "Hopefully. What would we do if it did close for good?"

"I don't know. Go to another school I guess. I hadn't really thought that far." What a depressing thought it was too. It wouldn't be the same at another school with different students and different teachers. Besides, who knew if Kylie, Daniella, Parker and herself would even end up at the same school. And she'd probably never see Tristian again.

She shook the thoughts away as they appeared at the edge of Hogsmeade, which was brimming with Hogwarts students.

"Honeydukes?" Kylie asked.

"Sure," Veronica said and she followed Kylie through the crowd. A few hours later, Veronica and Kylie seated themselves on a bench, just off the main street. They still had a little over an hour until five.

How she wished it was over already. Veronica looked over at Kylie, who appeared to be just as miserable.

"What now?"

"I don't know," Veronica said, "I don't really feel like doing much of anything."

"Me either," Kylie said, shifting her Honeydukes bag under the bench. Her head tilted slightly. Veronica followed her gaze and noticed an owl headed in their direction.

She frowned as the large Eagle owl landed on the bench beside her and stuck out its leg. She glanced at Kylie, who merely shrugged. Turning back, Veronica carefully removed the letter. The owl promptly flew off.

"Well, open it already," Kylie said.

Veronica nodded. The note was short and seemed to be scrawled as though the person was in a hurry or perhaps having difficulty writing.

Nicci,

Go back to the castle. You're in danger. You're the one she's looking for.

It wasn't signed. Veronica stared at it in horror. Was this some kind of a joke? Who would do something like this? It couldn't possibly be true. It simply couldn't! Kylie, who'd leaned over to read, suddenly went stiff.

"Oh no. It's happening. Just like in the dream. They're going to get Daniella and poor, poor Parker," she babbled.

"What?" Veronica asked, snapping back to reality.

Kylie shook her head, looking quite terrified. "We've got to get to the castle. Warn her. Daniella's next. I just know it."

"What?" Veronica tried again.

"The dreams," Kylie said, "Since my birthday, they've been coming true. I don't know why, but they're not just dreams. They're real. That's why I took Parker's homework to class yesterday. I knew she wouldn't be there. I didn't know why, but I just knew she wouldn't show up. I never get to see the whole story."

Veronica stared at her. What? That didn't make any sense whatsoever. "Kylie," she started.

Kylie shook her head, still looking panicked. "Listen to me. Trust me. We've got to get to Daniella. We need to get back to the castle."

"We're not allowed to leave until five," Veronica said.

"I know a back way out," Kylie said, "Come on."

Veronica frowned as Kylie lead her back into Honeydukes. Had Kylie gone mad? She made to ask but out of nowhere Kylie had knocked down a large display of blood pops.

The owners were rushing over and Kylie was suddenly pulling her behind the counter. No one noticed as they both slipped into the back room.

"Kylie!" Veronica hissed, "Have you gone mad?"

"Just follow me," Kylie instructed as she bent down and began examining the floor. It took her only moments to find what she was looking for. Veronica's eyes widened as she stared down at the open trap door.

Kylie was already on her way down. Veronica cursed quietly and followed her, making sure to close the trap door behind her. It was official, Kylie had gone mad.

It was too dark to see. What was that spell? Oh right. "Lumos," she said softly. Kylie followed suit.

"How did you know about this place?" Veronica asked as she followed Kylie down the passage.

"Sirius actually," Kylie said, smiling briefly, "He let it slip once at Christmas time when he had a few to many glasses of Firewhiskey."

Veronica nodded. "Are you going to tell me what's going on now?"

Kylie shifted uncomfortably. "I told you. The dreams."

"Dreams?" Veronica asked in annoyance, "You dragged me out of the safety of Hogsmeade, behind the counter of Honeydukes which is illegal might I add, and down a dark tunnel that leads to who knows where because you have dreams! Bloody hell! Everyone has dreams!"

"Mine aren't normal dreams," Kylie snapped.

"They better not be," Veronica muttered.

"Mine come true," Kylie continued, "They're hard to explain. They're different than a normal dream. I can't tell you how, I just know when they're happening that they're different. When I have one of them, what happens in them happens in real life." She stopped talking at looked at Veronica. "Does that make any sense?"

Not particularly, Veronica thought in annoyance. "Sort of," she said instead.

Kylie nodded, apparently thinking that was the best answer she'd get. "First one I had was right after my birthday. I had a dream that James was going to trip down the stairs, and two days later he did. I didn't think anything of it, but later it happened again. I dreamed that Professor Malfoy was going to kick Orion out of class for blowing up Snape's cauldron. A week later it happened. And that one time when I pulled you out of the way before Peeves could drop those water balloons on you. I dreamed that too."

"So you're predicting the future?" Veronica asked, "In your dreams? Is that even possible?"

Kylie shrugged. "I guess, I mean, I don't know. I just know that what happens in those dreams, happens in real life."

Veronica frowned. "Well, I guess it could be possible. I mean, wasn't your mom a Seer?"

Kylie frowned. "Honestly, I don't know anymore than anyone else." She laughed. "I've heard the rumors, of course. James and I both did. We tried to find out, but Dad never told us anything. He's the one of the only ones who knows for sure I guess."

"Well, I'd wager a guess that if he avoided the situation, then she probably was. I mean, if she wasn't, why not just say so?"

Kylie nodded. "I guess you're right."

Veronica frowned. She really didn't want to know, and yet she did. "So," she began, "What is this dream about?"

Kylie frowned at her. "It's more of a nightmare," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It starts with that letter. I'm not sure why, but it always starts that way. Then, it sort of jumps. We're looking for something in the castle and somehow Parker ends up with us..."

"But she's in the Hospital Wing," Veronica interrupted.

"I know," Kylie said, "But in the dream she's there. Then we run through the Forbidden Forest and we end up at this clearing. Daniella's there and a woman. I can't ever see her face. I don't know why. Then Parker's appears next to Daniella. The woman, she, she..."

"What?" Veronica asked, though she knew she wouldn't like the answer.

"She kills them," Kylie said, turning her head. Veronica gasped. She felt sick. It was simply impossible.

"Sometimes I can change them," Kylie said suddenly. "Not all of them, but sometimes. I mean, the water balloons didn't end up hitting you like they were supposed to. This time, I'm going to change it." Veronica nodded. "It's the opening. Come on, we've got to hurry."

Veronica nodded and followed Kylie through the exit. She glanced curiously at the statue as she passed. Who would have guessed?

"Professor Miller's classroom is only a few corridors away," Kylie shouted as she disappeared around a corner. Veronica started running after her. Professor Miller's classroom was just around the corner. Just as she turned, something ran into her, knocking her to the floor.

Veronica looked over at the person next to her. "Parker!" she shouted, pushing herself to her feet.

Parker smiled. "Oh, good. Here I thought I was going to get caught."

"What are you doing out of the Hospital Wing?" Kylie asked looking shocked and worried as she pulled Parker to her feet. "You're not supposed to be out until tomorrow when we leave!" She threw Veronica a glance. Another part of the dream had just come true.

Parker shrugged. "I escaped." She grinned suddenly. "It really was a brilliant plan. You two should have seen it." She looked between them. "Where's Daniella?"

Kylie and Veronica exchanged glances again, before Kylie rushed into a quick explanation. To Veronica's surprise, Parker questioned nothing. Surely Parker doubted something about the situation, but apparently not.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Parker asked, "We've got to warn her!"

"Daniella!" Kylie shouted as they entered the History of Magic classroom. There was no reply.

"It's empty," Veronica said, gazing about the classroom.

"Her office," Parker said, pointing at a door in the back. Kylie and Veronica followed her in as she threw open the door. The office was empty as well but for the desk, a visitors chair and an open cabinet against the back wall.

"They're not here," Kylie said looking panicked.

Parker was staring at the open cabinet, frowning. She picked up a small vial of smoking blue liquid. "Impossible," she murmured.

Veronica stared at her as she walked calmly over to Professor Miller's desk and started opening the drawers. They didn't have time for this. Not to mention that was illegal, wasn't it? You can't just start going through other peoples things!

She looked to Kylie for help, but Kylie was paying no attention. She was sitting in the visitors chairs, her face in her hands, muttering to herself.

"Parker," Veronica said firmly, "We don't have time for this! We need to find Daniella or aprofessor and warn them."

Parker looked up. "It's her."

"What?"

"Professor Miller," Parker continued, running a hand through her hair, "She's the one. This is the missing ingredient from Professor Malfoy's store room. I don't know why I didn't see it before."

"Parker, just because she has some of whatever that is doesn't mean she stole it," Veronica reasoned, "Besides you were with me when we heard the professors clearly state that the attacker was Bellatrix Lestrange."

"What?" Kylie asked.

Parker shook her head. "Later, Kylie. She must have an accomplice. Vercoski is used specifically when testing blood. It helps identify age, gender, parentage, allergies. I mean, the list goes on."

"How do you know that?"

Parker blushed. "So maybe I did a little reading on the side. Potions can be an interesting subject," she paused as Veronica stared in amusement. Parker reading? Had the situation not been so grave, she would have laughed. "But now is not the time for that. Here, look at this."

Parker handed Veronica a parchment. Veronica recognized it immediately. "So," she asked, "This is just her list of Muggleborn students. I saw it earlier. She uses it so she can know who may need extra help since their families won't have taught them anything about the wizarding past."

Parker shook her head. "Look at the names. Ring any bells. The ones crossed off are the students that have been attacked. Now look at the circled one."

Veronica felt her breath catch. "Daniella," she whispered.

"Oh, Merlin," Kylie said suddenly. Veronica turned to look at her. "This is Daniella's wand!"

"It's impossible," Veronica said, shaking her head. After all, it was impossible. "Professor Miller is a Hogwarts teacher!"

Parker looked at her. "So? The fact is, everything points to her. We've got to find her and Dani now. Her name is circled. That can only mean, Professor Miller's found what she's looking for."

"And that can't be good," Kylie said softly, "We've got to find her."

"But where?" Veronica asked, feeling panicked. "Where!"

Kylie frowned. "Oh, Merlin. I know."

"What?" Parker asked.

Kylie shook her head. "The dream. She's taken Dani into the Forbidden Forest," she said before she took off running. Veronica and Parker exchanged glances and then took off after her.

Daniella, she thought. Oh, Daniella. We're coming. The corridors were empty. Where were all the professors?

"We need to find a professor!" Veronica shouted.

"No time. We don't know where to look. They're off searching the castle and for all we know they're in the Astronomy Tower," Kylie said, not bothering to look back, as she pushed open the front doors and continued outside. Veronica followed her. She was right. There might not be time, but silently she begged for a professor to appear.

As the ran across the yard, Veronica noticed the boys returning from Hogsmeade along with several other students farther back. They stared as the girls darted past them.

"Parker!" Orion shouted, looking furious, "What the bloody hell are you doing out of bed!" Parker ignored him.

"The Forbidden Forest!" Kylie yelled, as she continued running. The boys looked on confused. "Professor Miller's helping Bellatrix. Has Daniella!"

"Don't just stand there!" Veronica shouted, not bothering to turn, "Get the adults!" And hurry, she thought.

Kylie was leading them around the lake. Veronica vaguely wondered why they didn't use the normal path into the forest, but had no time to ask.

Kylie stopped at the edge of the forest, where a small but well beaten path led into the trees. Veronica hadn't even known this particular path had existed. "Parker, you should go back," she said without turning.

There was a moments pause. "No," Parker hissed, furiously, "Absolutely not, and I'm insulted that you would suggest that I would even possibly consider doing such a thing."

"You're going to get hurt. Please, I know," Kylie insisted, "And you're already weak."

"I don't care. That's my friend and I'm going. We're in this together. Besides, I'm far better with a wand than you two are."

"But..."

"We don't have time for this," Veronica interrupted forcefully. Parker and Kylie looked over at her in surprise. To be honest, Veronica was quite surprised herself at her reaction, but she had a bad feeling about this. They needed to hurry.

Parker took the statement to mean Veronica had sided with her. "Lead."

Kylie let out a frustrated sigh, but turned and continued jogging down the path. She stopped briefly up ahead and then turned left. Veronica and Parker followed her. Parker was looking too pale, Veronica noticed. Far too pale. She wasn't doing as well as she pretended. However, there would be know changing Parker's mind, of that Veronica was sure and they certainly didn't have time to try.

"What are you doing?" Veronica asked as Parker stopped and pointed her wand at a nearby tree.

"Marking our path, of courseHow else do you expect the professors to find us once we find Dani?"

Veronica shuddered. Honestly, she hadn't really thought that far ahead and truth be told she didn't want to. After all, she had a feeling it wasn't just Daniella that they were going to find.

The path was narrowing and it was getting steadily darker. Veronica was positive the sun was still up, but the trees were all but blocking it's light. The adrenaline was starting to wear off and the fear was setting in. Without warning, Kylie turned off the path into the forest. Oh yes, this kept getting better. Parker was still marking trees. At least they hadn't run into anything dangerous, she thought.

The forest was quiet, too quiet really and Veronica was getting more and more nervous. What were they thinking? Darting into the Forbidden Forest on their way to confront a woman who'd been helping Bellatrix Lestrange, a known criminal and psychopath, in kidnapping first years. Bellatrix might even be there! Oh yes, this was one of the best ideas she'd ever had.

Kylie stopped suddenly. She turned, placing a finger to her lips. Veronica and Parker crept quietly towards her. "Just ahead," she whispered, pointing what appeared to be a clearing.

Parker nodded and looked around. She smiled suddenly and pointed to a large bush twenty feet to their left. Veronica and Kylie followed her, careful not to step on any fallen twigs.

Veronica peered out at the clearing from behind the bush. She held back a gasp. Leaned up against a rather large boulder was Daniella, frightened and bond around both her ankles and hands. She wasn't making a sound. Veronica took this to mean she was unable to talk, because had she been in that position she'd be screaming.

Looming over her was a woman, with her back turned. Veronica frowned. Professor Miller. So it was true. She really was helping Bellatrix Lestrange. But why? She was talking, Veronica realized suddenly.

"Should I kill you now? Or perhaps I'll wait. I bet your mother would love to watch." She laughed hysterically. She truly was insane, Veronica thought.

Parker tapped her shoulder. "There's no time," she whispered, "We've got to act now."

"She'll see us," Kylie whispered back.

Veronica nodded. "There's no way we'll get to Daniella before she..." She really didn't want to finish that thought.

Parker scowled. She looked around, then suddenly brightened. "One of us will go around back, while the other two distract her. Just keep her talking long enough to get Daniella away. No trying to fight her. Then we run. Fast."

Kylie shook her head. "Are you insane?"

Parker shrugged. "Maybe, but it's our best shot. If you want, I'll be the distraction and you two untie Daniella."

"No," Veronica whispered. She gazed back out over the clearing. Her eyes focused on Daniella. She suddenly knew what had to be done. The question was, could she go through with it.

Parker and Kylie looked at her, surprised yet again. "You have to be the one to go around back. You're in the Hospital Wing, remember?"

Parker nodded. "That's right. That bloody creep will never expect it!"

Veronica nodded. "We go around and distract her." She looked at Kylie. "It has to be both of us. It's suspicious if we're not together."

Kylie paled, but nodded. "Hurry Parker," she whispered. "Be careful."

Parker nodded. "Good luck," she said shakily, before disappearing into the forest. Parker was scared, which only made the her own fear increase. Parker wasn't scared of anything.

Veronica looked at Kylie. She felt like she was going to ill. Kylie stood up. Veronica followed her lead jerkily. What was she thinking? She was practically serving herself up on a silver platter to be killed. Oh, God.

She should run. Turn back now. Tell the adults. Anything but walk into that clearing and alert her presence to a psychopath. Hadn't she just received a note telling her that it was actually her Bellatrix and apparently Professor Miller wanted? She fought back a giggle. Perhaps she was the one going mad, not Kylie.

Kylie was looking at her. Veronica realized suddenly that she was waiting. Kylie was waiting for her. Didn't Kylie realize she wasn't exactly the leader type? Hadn't it been established sometime already that she was the follower?

She gazed back over the clearing. Poor, sweet Daniella who'd risked her grade, expulsion and unknowingly her life to make sure Veronica passed History of Magic. If only she hadn't taken Daniella's homework, Daniella wouldn't have gone with Professor Miller. She'd have been safe at Hogwarts with her, Kylie, and Parker.

And nobody would ever have known, she thought. But someone has to stop her before she kills someone. Before she kills Daniella. And we're the only ones here, Veronica reminded herself. Oh God.

Slowly, Veronica turned and walked into the clearing. Kylie appeared beside her. She gripped her wand, but kept it pointed at the ground.

Professor Miller turned at the noise. She stared, surprised, at the two girls, before bursting into another fit of laughter.

"Look," Professor Miller sneered at Daniella, "You're darling friends are here to save you. Looks like two little first years are smarter than the entire Hogwarts staff." Daniella looked at them in horror. She was shaking her head. Veronica realized she was silently telling them to run. Too late for that Daniella.

"Let her go, Professor Miller," Kylie shouted. For a girl so pale, her voice came out surprisingly strong.

Professor Miller smiled. "So, it looks like you didn't figure out the whole puzzle did you?"

Veronica chose to say nothing. Technically, all they had figured out was Professor Miller helping Bellatrix in taking the students and she hadn't even really believed that until she saw it with her own eyes.

"Well," Professor Miller continued, looking around, "I suppose I've got the time to tell you." She smiled and turned her back to Daniella. "After all, you two won't be telling anyone. Fitting that such good friends get to die together. It will be a pleasure to kill the daughter of Harry Potter." Kylie stiffened.

"You see, little ones, I'm not actually Tru Miller. There never was a Tru Miller." Kylie gasped. Veronica noticed Parker slowly inching her way forward. Her gaze jerked back to Professor Miller. The woman had mistaken Kylie's gasp for surprise at her newest statement.

She smiled and waved her wand. Veronica stared, frightened, as Professer Miller suddenly took on a new form. She grew taller, her hair lengthened and turned jet black. She was a beautiful woman, but something about her dark, heavy lidded eyes was terrifying. It took her moment, but she recognized the look. Cold, unfeeling, evil. Kylie squeaked.

"Bellatrix Lestrange," Kylie whispered. Veronica felt faint. She hadn't seen that coming. Things had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. They were no longer dealing with Professor Miller, who could perhaps be reasoned with. But at least you're not dealing with two now, she thought.

"So you recognize me? That's good. I like it better that way." Veronica chanced at glance at Parker. She was right behind the rock now, no more than fifteen feet from Daniella and twenty from Bellatrix.

"Why are you doing this?" Veronica asked, hoping to keep her distracted. She silently cursed herself when her voice cracked out of fear. Bellatrix was frowning. Her eyes narrowed. Parker was by Daniella. Bellatrix was turning.

"Expelliarmus," Veronica shouted.

Bellatrix dodged. The spell hit the rock, leaving a blackened scorch mark. "Fools," Bellatrix hissed. Parker was suddenly flying across the clearing. She slammed into a tree and fell to the ground unmoving.

Daniella screamed. The spell keeping her silent had been removed as had the bonds around her wrists. Her feet were still tied together. She couldn't run.

Bellatrix was turning back towards them. Veronica was frozen in place. A spell was coming straight for her and yet her feet remained planted to the ground.

Kylie shoved her out of the way and they both tumbled to the ground. "Petrificus Totalus," Kylie shouted.

"Protego!" The spell was cast aside. Bellatrix was laughing. Veronica took the time to get off the ground. Kylie was right beside her. "You think you can beat me with spells like that?"

Veronica knew that already, but really what other option did they have. None. Both she and Kylie raised their wand, neither were fast enough.

The next thing she knew, Veronica was on the ground. Her wand was gone and there was excruciating pain in her left leg. She let out a moan. She glanced to her left. Kylie laying a few feet away, face down. She was bleeding. Oh, Kylie.

She tried to push herself up, but that only caused another jolt of pain. She cried out. Bellatrix walked past her, paying her no mind. Veronica couldn't help herself. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. Kylie, Parker, Daniella. Why did this happen?

"I'll just have to kill you now," Bellatrix hissed in annoyance as she pointed her wand at Daniella, "It's a shame, but these little creatures have caused too much noise. Someone was bound to hear. I really wanted darling Ginny to watch her daughter die."

It clicked. So that was it. She really was after me all this time. That's why she needed the blood. That's why she needed whatever that potion ingredient was from Professor Malfoy's store room. That's why she only looked at Muggleborns, whose parents were basically unknown to the wizarding world. She was looking for the daughter of Ginny Weasley.

"Wait," Veronica cried, as she slowly rose to her feet. A searing pain shot through her leg, but she ignored it. "Leave her alone. You've got the wrong one." Bellatrix turned slowly, her eyes filled with hatred. "I'm Ginny Weasley's daughter."

Her eyes widened, but then she smiled. "Perhaps Ginny can watch her daughter die after all," she said pleasantly, "But I'm afraid your little friend will have to die anyways."

Veronica stared in horror. Bellatrix turned back to Daniella. No! That was supposed to keep her distracted. That was supposed to keep Daniella alive! Veronica, now wandless, did the only thing she could think of. She punched her. Bellatrix stumbled back a few feet and then snarled.

"So you want to go first?" she hissed. "Fine! I'll leave your body at the steps of the school for your precious mother." Veronica just stared as Bellatrix raised her wand. She squeezed her eyes closed.

"Expelliarmus!"

Veronica's eyes snapped open. Parker, still leaned up against the tree, had her wand out. Her breathing was unstable. Veronica could tell, even from the distance. "Run, Nicci," she muttered, before her wand dropped and head bowed. No, Veronica thought.

Bellatrix was now wandless also. She howled in fury. "I'll do it with my bare hands!"

Veronica never knew how the woman moved so fast. In seconds, Bellatrix's hands were wrapped around her neck. She couldn't breathe. She tried kicking, hitting. Nothing was working. Bellatrix was staring at her, laughing, a maniacal glint in her eyes.

"She'll pay! That filthy murdering bitch! It's her fault the Dark Lord fell! It's all her fault! She'll pay, but first I'll make her suffer like I did! You and then her!"

She thought briefly of her mother. She hadn't even got to apologize for yelling at her. She thought of her family, whom she'd never really get to meet. She thought of Kylie and Parker, praying they were alive. She thought of poor Daniella who only got into this mess because of her. Run, Daniella, she thought. Now, while you still have a chance.

Everything was going dark. She tried briefly to move her arm. She had to do something, but her arm wouldn't cooperate. She was too weak.

Bellatrix's face contorted in surprise as Daniella slammed into her. Somehow she had undone the bindings at her feet without a wand. Why hadn't she ran? In the distance someone shouted her name, and then everything went black.