CHAPTER 6

Just when Harry had finally gone to sleep, he was awakened again. But this time, he heard screaming and panicked voices.

"Charlie, go over there! Remus! Head them off! Tonks! Go to the left!" Mr. Weasley shouted above all of the spells, curses, and crumbling rocks. Hermione pulled on Harry's shoulder. He looked up at her. Her face was full of fear.

"Come on Harry! We've got to get out of here! The Death Eaters are coming!" she said frantically.

"Hermione! What's going on?" Harry asked. Ron sprinted toward them.

"What are you two doing? We've got to help! Harry, you still have Malfoy's wand don't you?" Ron asked.

"Um, yeah," Harry said as he reached into his pocket. His stomach did a somersault. The wand was gone. His pocket was empty. He reached in his other pocket. His wand was still there, but not Malfoy's. He looked up.

"Oh no, Harry! Malfoy must've taken it when we were sleeping," Hermione clasped her hands to her mouth. Ron groaned in frustration.

"Well come on! We've got to go find him! He might go back to-" Ron was interrupted when someone pushed past him. Blonde hair, it was Malfoy.

"Malfoy! Get back here!" Ron yelled as he darted after him. Harry and Hermione followed quickly. Everyone else was busy trying to capture the intruding Death Eaters. Malfoy led them to a large clearing in the woods. He was still running when Hermione yelled, " Locomotor mortis!" Malfoy's legs locked side by side. He fell to the ground. Harry and the other two ran to him. Malfoy tried to get back up but couldn't stand.

"What's your excuse this time Malfoy?" Ron asked as they approached, "Did you get scared? Why did you steal your wand? Weren't going back to You-know-who were you?" Hermione gave Ron a dirty look when he wouldn't mention the name.

"No! I'm through with him! I was trying to get away from those Death Eaters! I'll bet Macnair told 'em I was here, and Bellatrix," he answered as he struggled to stand.

"So are they're here for you and Bellatrix then?" Harry asked.

"Probably, Potter! What do you care? Why don't you go get your revenge on Lestrange? I know she's dying to see you," Malfoy spat.

Harry felt his face grow hot. He picked Malfoy up by the scruff and said through gritted teeth, "Do you even know what she did, Malfoy?" Malfoy nodded his head in shock, "Then you shouldn't joke about that! It's because of her I'm in this mess!" He dropped him on the ground. Draco's legs moved free. Harry turned and walked away. Obviously he had to go help. Maybe he'd even get his revenge. Or maybe he'd die in the attempt.

"Harry! Where are you going?" Ron yelled, "Malfoy'll get away!" Draco stood up.

"I'm not a criminal, Weasley!" Malfoy hissed.

"Oh really, then what do you call that?" Ron asked as he pointed to Draco's left arm. His robes were ripped, revealing the Dark Mark on his arm. Draco looked down and frowned.

"Damn it! This will never go away will it?" Draco asked out loud.

"No, I don't think so," Hermione answered, "Why don't we go follow Harry? Come on Malfoy. You'll have to face the Death Eaters eventually." Ron and Draco followed Hermione as she caught up with Harry. Ron made sure Malfoy was in between him and Hermione the entire walk back.

When they reached the cave again they could see fire-lit trees. The Death Eaters were tied up by a nearby tree.

"I guess they didn't need our help," Hermione said quietly. They proceeded into the cave. Everyone was getting in groups. Mr. Weasley saw them and walked over.

"You four," he said, "Go over there with Lupin and Tonks. We're getting ready to leave."

Mr. Weasley was about to say something else but was distracted by a loud snapping noise. Harry turned and saw Bellatrix Lestrange heading his way, wand drawn. Mr. Weasley reached for his but stopped when she stood right in front of them.

"Draw that wand and I'll blow your head off Weasley!" she said mischievously, "or maybe you'll get it, Potter." Harry glared at her. She smiled wickedly.

"So Potter, miss your beloved godfather?" she smirked. Harry could feel the anger rising, "Well, I'm sure the Dark Lord can't wait to see you again. Or maybe I should just kill you myself. Imagine how happy he'd be! I would be the one to finally rid the world of the famous Harry Potter," she spat, just like Malfoy, "Let's see if you can survive this one." She raised her wand. No one knew what to do. They couldn't draw their wands. Some tried to run forward. Lupin jumped in front of Harry. She flung him aside with a wave of her wand. He hit the wall and fell to the floor. She smirked and turned to the sprawled Lupin, "Please Remus, he had this coming. Not even a bloody werewolf will stand in my way of glory," She turned back to Harry, face shining and said, "Avada Kedav-"

"Everte Statum!" shouted an unknown voice from outside the cave. Bellatrix flew through the air and hit the wall. The other Death Eaters scrambled and apparated. Many from the order rushed to Lestrange to bind her again, this time more securely. Others went to Lupin to heal his wounds. Harry turned to the entrance of the cave to see who saved him. There stood Sirius, in the flesh.