It seemed as thought it was nighttime, for Harry, Ron, and Hermione did not hear anymore disturbances for the rest of the night. They supposed that that was good, with no Deaeth Eaters coming in to torture them just for the fun of it. But the other half wished that they would hear some sort of clash, some sort of fight, to prove that the Order of the Phoenix was indeed on their way, and ready to fight for their rescue.
Harry looked over at his two best friends, gently squinting through the dark cell. Hermione was nestled in the crook of Ron's elbow, his arm wrapped protectively around her. He was twisting a piece of her hair around his finger, and she was stroking his other arm. They both noticed him watching them.
" I wonder what the Order is doing," Hermione asked, gingerly lifting herself from Ron and moving closer to Harry. Ron followed suit, although he did seem rather upset that Hermione left him.
" 'dunno," Ron said. " But they better be doing something."
" As long as we're alive, they still have a mission. And Dumbledore, for one, must know that we are alive," Hermione reminded him gently. When she noticed Harry's face, she touched his arm.
" They'll come, Harry," Hermione whispered, hugging him lightly. " I know they will." And turning to Ron, she added " Your mum, for one, would never let them give up."
" Thanks, Hermione," Harry said, smiling much more for her benefit.
Remus Lupin stood in front of the roaring fire of Grimmauld Place. His back was to the rest of the room, and it would have looked to any outsider like he was merely very interested in the flames. He was really talking to them, or rather, he was talking to Professor Dumbledore.
They were all ready to leave. Everyone was going, save for Mundungus Fletcher. The Weasley family stood in cloaks next to the oven, Sirius, Tonks, Moody, and the rest of them all seated at a dozen or so haphazardly placed chairs.
When the fire roared green, and Dumbledore's head was replaced by the headmasters entire body, Dumbledore stepped out of the fire. " Let's go."