"Now if everyone would please gather 'round," Remus Lupin's empowering voice echoed throughout the foyer.

Fred gazed at the werewolf in front of him as everyone crowded together. There were thirty people departing to Little Whinging. No one really knew what to expect when they all got there. A majority of the gathered folks were doing fairly poor jobs at hiding their nerves. That was where Remus came in. The man had a tendency to calm people down no matter how dangerous the road ahead seemed to be.

"My friends," Remus smiled kindly at all of the room's occupants, "I will not lie and say this is a trivial task. I will not lie and say that there is no way possible that any of us will lose our lives this night. However, I will remind you that we have banded together for such a great cause in the past. And we have prevailed."

A band of cheers and agreements came from the assembly. Fred couldn't help but chuckle as his twin cat-called. Remus shook his head in amusement before his voice returned to its professional tone. Fred had no doubt as to why Hermione used to always tell Lupin he was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher Hogwarts had ever seen. He had a way about him that appealed to everyone.

"Thank you," he said appreciatively, "I'm sure you all know as to why we are here today. If not, let me remind you. Two of our loved ones have been taken from our grasps. I, along with many of you, demand them back. I do not force you to put your lives on the line for a task you do not have your heart in; yet, by going to Little Whinging tonight, we will be -with any luck- able to bring down a great threat to the world. The Hunter is not only a danger to Hermione Granger and Charlie Weasley. He is a danger to us all and our friends and families. So, if you do have the courage and spirit to carry out this hazardous task…I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Hermione is very important to me but no matter how much I hope you will go through with this…I will not force you to. However, I will say this: All of you have put your lives on the line at war before. All of you have had something worth fighting for. If you can find something worth fighting for this evening…Then you have found something worth dying for, as well."

Fred joined in the enthusiastic cheers this time. The unease that had previously overshadowed the faces of many of the others, disappeared in a heartbeat. Now, everyone held a firm and determined look. Fred couldn't imagine a moment where he had admired the werewolf as much as he did now. It was clear in his every word, how very much he cared for Hermione. While Fred whooped with George at the bashfully blushing face of Remus, he did not notice another brother of his approaching, "Hey, Fred."

He spun towards the voice, "Bill."

"Look," Bill sighed, "I'm sorry about earlier."

"What about earlier?"

"C'mon, Fred. Don't play that card with me. You know what the bloody hell about earlier I'm talking about."

Fred narrowed his blue eyes, "How in blazin' Hell could forget? You announcing your undying love of my girlfriend."

"I didn't announce undying l-," Bill paused and took a deep breath, "I'm not going to apologize for my feelings towards Hermione, Fred. I love her. I really do."

"That's bloody wonderful," Fred growled at his older brother, turning red in the face in his attempt to hold back his anger and resentment.

"Don't you understand, though? You have no right to be mad at me!" Bill said in frustration, "She chose you! She loves you!"

"That doesn't change a thing-"

"It changes everything!"

Fred groaned, "It doesn't stop your feelings. It doesn't change the fact that you fell in love with someone who was already taken."

"I fell in love with her long before you developed these feelings, Fred," Bill explained in exasperation, "I've loved her since she was sixteen. Since she helped me overcome the loneliness of being a monster."

"Oh please. You're not a monster, Bill."

"You don't understand how it feels. You've never had people look down on you because of something you didn't even choose. The only person who remotely treated me as an equal was 'Mione. Everyone else was scared to upset me. How do you think Remus became so close to her? It was because she saw us as human beings at times where we only thought of ourselves as a savage beast!"

Fred felt his anger slowly diminishing, "That doesn't change your feelings towards her."

"No, it doesn't. But, I'll get over those eventually." Bill said gloomily, "You have to know that no matter how much I'd love to be with her and have her feel the same way for me…Hermione chose you. She wants to be with you, Fred. So stop yelling at me and open your eyes to see how much it sucks to be in my place right now. How lucky you are."

"Okay," Fred said simply after a moment's pause, "Fine."

"Good," a gentle voice came from behind them. Both men spun to see Remus staring at them with satisfaction, and a whole hall of onlookers taking great amusement in their little argument. It was obvious that both Fred and Bill hadn't a clue as to how very loud they were yelling at each other. "Now," Remus uttered quietly, "If you both have an understanding…Can we move on with this all?"

"Oh! Yes, of course," Bill said in awkwardness as Fred turned bright red, "Carry on."

Fred snapped out of his humiliation as his eyes shot down to meet the pendant hanging from his neck, "Shit. Remus, we'd better get a move on."

"What's wrong?" the man was clearly concerned.

"The Eye. It's red again. They're in trouble."

"Lets move out!"

The pile of stones and cement were unmoving for a few long moments. At last, a figure beneath the pile began to budge in soreness. Hermione's back ached immensely from the weight above. She shifted in her position, checking for broken limbs. She couldn't help but cry out slightly when a severe sting came to her arm upon the actions. It was obvious it was broken, "James," she whispered to the warm mass clinging to her arms, "Sweetheart?"

"Mommy?," A small, shaky voice answered, "Mommy?"

"I'm right here," she assured. "I'm going to get us out of this mess, okay?"

James nodded, burying his face further into her chest, "I'm scared, Mommy."

"It's alright to be scared," Hermione said, "It's no use pretending to be fearless, Sweetheart."

There seemed to be about two feet of rubble on top of them. Hermione was having trouble breathing due to the mass amount of dust in the air. She did a brief body search of her son to ensure his wellness. He was perfectly unharmed. With her good arm, she felt the inside of her robe in search for her wand. She let out a sigh of relief when finding it in one piece. Hermione couldn't figure out what charm to use, however. If she levitated the rocks off…who's to say they didn't land on Charlie wherever he was. Merlin, she hoped nothing had happened to him. She'd never be able to forgive herself if it did.

"James, I need you to bury your face into your shirt. I don't want you to breath in all of this dust. Okay?" The boy nodded in faint understanding before dipping his head through the collar of his shirt to cover his entire face. Hermione racked her brain for something to use to get them out of this disaster. "Reducio!" she shouted pointing her wand in the direction of the stones pressing down on her. They immediately began to shrink 'til they were the size of mere pebbles. Hermione nearly squealed in delight before using her remaining strength to push her way through the wreckage, being sure to protect James from any injuries.

The rocks caved in slightly under her and James' weight. She felt her breath shudder as she took in the sight of the rest of the room. There wasn't a single trace of anyone else who had previously been there with them. Hermione looked down, trying to see in between some of the larger rocks for red hair. "Charlie?" She called in desperation. James -his head no longer in his shirt- looked around in fright. He clung to his mother's leg for dear life, not daring to relinquish his grip.

"Sweetheart," Hermione whispered, crouching down in front of the boy, "I have to leave you for a second. Okay?"

"But Mommy-"

"I would never let anything happen to you. You are going to sit in this corner, not moving an inch. Okay? Can you do that for Mommy?"

James nodded his head, his eyes gleaming in comprehension. "I'm scared."

"There isn't a need to be scared. I'll be gone for only a moment. And I won't be leaving you alone."

"Ollie?"

"Yes, Ollie can stay with you. Is that okay?"

James smiled a little, no longer frightened. "Mmhmm."

"Excellent," Hermione grinned at her son before standing up again and pointing her wand, "Expecto Patronum!"

Immediately, a silvery otter burst from the tip of the wand. It was not the first time that her Patronus had been used to ward off James' qualms. He really was quite a courageous little boy; however, bad dreams happen to everyone. He had taken to calling the otter, Ollie. The Patronus slid over to James, nudging the boy playfully causing him to emit a giggle. "Don't leave his side, please," Hermione ordered kindly. The otter, in turn, shined brighter. Bathing James in a protective ray of silver. "Good."

Hermione spun on her heel and urgently began searching the rubble. She morphed into her animagus form, slipping between rocks and digging through the wreckage. Her fox's slender body shimmied under the stones. It only took her ten minutes before her nose picked up a very familiar scent. As quickly as she could, she burrowed closer to the smell. Finally, she found herself staring at the ginger hair of Charlie Weasley. His body looked badly beaten from the Cruciatus Curse as well as the dungeon's collapse. Knowing she couldn't help him while under all of the rocks, she returned to her human form for a mere moment. Only long enough to use the same method she'd done to get James and herself out. Then, as a fox, she dragged the man through the pebbles and into the fresher air.

James didn't seem to have even noticed anything besides the otter who was twirling around playfully in front of him. Hermione spared a quick glance at them before changing to her human self and performing practically all of the same charms she'd used on Charlie hours earlier. Finally, his breaths came at regular pace. When his eyes opened, he flinched a little, "Bloody hell."

"Thank God," Hermione sighed, "You are going to give me a heart attack one of these days. You prick!"

Charlie's head was pounding painfully; yet, he still managed to smile roguishly at her, "Sorry, Sweets. Can't help it." He began to sit up, looking around, "What happened?"

"Er. I sort of lost control," Hermione said, cringing slightly, "They were hurting you and I just got so mad…Then the next thing I knew there is a huge blast from my body and the whole room starts tumbling in. I covered James, so he didn't even get a scratch. My arms broken. I should probably heal that, ay? The adrenaline must be kicking in. I can't really feel a thing."

Charlie stared at her for a moment in awe, "Damn."

Hermione smiled a little, "Yeah."

"Let me get that for you," he said, drawing his wand from his robes, "It's really a wonder as to why they didn't disarm us. They just let us keep our wands, even as prisoners. Dunderheads, those two."

She laughed a little, "Quite right. I didn't come across either of them while rummaging through the debris for you, though."

"Episkey," Charlie muttered towards Hermione's arm. It immediately began to heal itself. The pain that had been coming when moving it around, lessened. "We should get out of here before they both burrow their way out. I doubt they're dead. Only unconscious…Where's my Godson?" He looked away from Hermione for the first time since rejuvenation. When his eyes fell on the boy and otter, he smiled, "Tyke!"

Hermione grinned at the obvious affection that Charlie already had towards James. The affection seemed to be returned, because James looked away from the otter's tricks and smiled happily, "Hi Charlie." Hermione waved her wand in the direction of the Patronus. It disappeared with a flicker. Unlike previous times that this has occurred, James didn't even notice. Charlie had swept the little guy up into his arms.

"Have you been keeping an eye on your mother for me?"

James giggled, "No."

"No?" Charlie asked in mock surprised, "How could you? I guess I'm just going to have to hang around to keep an eye out for both of you, aren't I?"

"Yep," James smiled.

Hermione beamed at the picture in front of her. Charlie was exactly what James needed in his life. Fred would love the little boy as well, when they met. She couldn't wait to make the introductions. James will be thrilled to have not one, but a few father figures in his life. Fred, Charlie, Harry, Remus, Bill and Ron were all going to be there for him from this day forth, along with many others.

"We should get going, Sweets," Charlie said, wrapping his arms around James, "Being that there isn't any doors or walls preventing a break for headquarters."

"I'm surprised none of his minions have came to check where the noise came from," Hermione explained, "I'm sure some other Death Eaters had to have been positioned here."

"Maybe they were all sent to another base?" Charlie inquired, "I don't know. However, I'm not complaining. Lets go." He took her by the hand, leading her in the direction of a set of stone stairs that had to have been used by Isaac to get down to see them.

To their surprise, they found themselves in a long, dark corridor at the top of the steps. It appeared that they were inside a mansion of some sorts. Charlie didn't dawdle, he immediately began leading Hermione to the right. The mansion was just as dark as Grimmuald Place always was. With shadows around every bend and no light beaming through the windows. Depressing as Hell.

"There," Charlie pointed with a whisper, "That looks like themain door. It probably leads outside. We'll be able to tell where we are hopefully. Then, we can tell the Order where to look."

Hermione nodded her agreement. She was shooting glances from James to Charlie to the door and back again. Just when they seemed at the home stretch, a high-pitch voice came from behind them, "Not so fast."

She recognized that voice, "Peter Pettigrew," Hermione hissed, turning around to face the man. He was just as rat-like as she remembered. Already, she felt an incredible drive to harm him the way he harmed Harry's parents, Sirius and Remus. Especially, Remus.

Peter was pointing a wand at Hermione. She knew -despite his urge to protect her- Charlie wouldn't dare draw a wand on the man. He wouldn't take the chance of Peter turning the wand on James. "I don't know how you three got out. However, I can't defy my Lord. I won't allow you to leave."

"Petrificus Totalus," Hermione whispered forcefully, in the direction of the rat.

"What-?" Peter was taken off guard by her Wandless Magic. The spell hit him before he could act against it. His body froze up and fell to the ground, stiff as a board.

"That was brilliant," Charlie exclaimed from her side, "It 'd be rather wicked to be able to use Wandless Magic the way you do. It'd help a great deal with the dragons."

"Dragons?!" James asked excitedly.

"Yes-" Charlie started, but was shut up by Hermione.

"Save that for another time, please," she requested with an eye roll. "Peter's a bloody coward. He'll tell us whatever we want to know as long as he thinks we'll hurt him. He's terribly frightened of pain and death."

Charlie set James down on his feet, moving the boy behind his body, "Okay, carry on. If your going to torture the idiot in any way…let's not let Tyke see it."

Hermione nodded gratefully. Who knew whether she'd have to cause some serious damage to the rat to get him to talk. "Thanks," she murmured. Then, she turned to the still petrified Peter Pettigrew, "Incarcerous!" Ropes were summounded out of thin air, wrapping around the already stiff body and ensuring no movement would be possible. Hermione cleared her mind, thinking only of the spell she wanted taken off of Peter. She didn't want the ropes to disappear instead. "Finite Incantatem." She smiled to herself as the charm worked perfectly. Instead of removing the effects of her last spell, it removed her original one. Now, Peter was able to talk but still bound in the ropes.

"Let me go! What are you doing?" Peter demanded, in what she suspected was meant to be a menacing voice. It came out sounding like a frightened mouse

"Where are the rest of the Death Eaters?" she asked firmly. Charlie watched as her chocolate eyes, darkened. Like a predator waiting to pounce. It truly was quite intimidating, even for him.

"I'm not telling you a thing, Mudblood."

"Fine," This time she withdrew her wand from her robes and pointed it at him, "If you're sure."

She watched as Peter's eyes widened comically. Did he really think she'd hesitate before killing him? The only thing stopping her was the fact that James was in the room. She didn't want him to think of her as murderer. What kind of mother would wish that upon their son? "Okay! Okay! They're in Little Whinging. That Potter boy's home town."

"Why are they there?"

"It's a trap, a set up."

"Explain," Hermione demanded. She didn't like the sound of this. Charlie's eyes were narrowed, as well. He wasn't fond of where this conversation was headed, either.

"My Lord set a trail for the Order of the Phoenix to follow," Peter quickly explained, "He made sure the other Death Eaters attacked towns based on a pattern. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Order picked up on this and tried to head off our next move. If they show up in Little Whinging, like The Hunter is so sure they will, they'll of headed right into an ambush."

Hermione felt her gut clench, "But, the Order will of showed up at least an hour in advance. They'll beat the Death Eaters there."

"No," Peter suddenly grinned maliciously, "The Hunter has already suspected that move. The Death Eaters will of beaten them there. Your precious loved ones are at battle. For you. How does it feel to be responsible for the death of so many people? We're more alike then you originally thought, aren't we Mudblood?"

Her heart was beating in overdrive. She had to get to Little Whinging. Before Peter could open his mouth again, she shouted, "Stupefy!" at his body. He stopped any movement instantly. Hermione turned to Charlie, prying her eyes away from the stunned man.

"We have to get to Little Whinging. You've been there before, you can apparate us in," Charlie said hastily. He clearly didn't like this new information any more than she did.

"I won't allow James over there. No matter how much we both want to get there to help. We have to drop him off at headquarters first."

"Of course," Charlie said, picking James up and handing him over to Hermione, "I'll meet you there. Mum should still be home. If we're lucky, we can head off the Order's departure."

She nodded to him before wrapping her arms firmly around James' little frame, "Hold onto Mommy tightly. Okay, Sweetheart?" James mumbled his consent as he obeyed her orders. Charlie had already disapparated. Concentrating on the darkness of Grimmuald Place, she shut her eyes and succumbed to the dizziness and pressure that apparation always set off.

When she felt the pressure wearing off, her eyes opened to a blissfully familiar setting. Arms immediately surrounded her waist, pulling her closer. She didn't need to look at the owner to know it was Charlie, "You okay, Sweets?"

"Of course."

"How's my Tyke?" He asked, looking the boy in her arms over for injury. James looked befuddled at the sensation that was cause from the transportation. She'd never appparated with him before.

James giggled, "That's weird."

Hermione smiled and kissed his temple as Charlie winked at him, "Yep, he's fine."

A loud shriek alerted them to Molly Weasley's presence in the room. They spun in her direction, Hermione and Charlie beamed at the plump witch with affection. James held his mother tighter, not understanding this screaming lady. "Charlie! Hermione! Is it really you?" She was jumping up and down, crying her eyes out and pressing kisses all over their faces, "This must be James! Dear me! Are you alright? You gave everyone a right scare. They didn't hurt you did they? How'd you get home?"

"Molly, we don't have time. Where are the others?" Hermione rushed to say before Mrs. Weasley could continue her rant.

"They just left. There is going to be a raid in Little Whinging. They all left to head it off."

Charlie groaned, "We'll have to hurry."

"Hurry where?" Molly asked in appall, "You aren't going anywhere. You've just come home to me."

"Molly, I'll need you to look after James for me for a little while."

"No-"

"Mum, please. This is important," Charlie all but begged his mother to understand. She didn't seem to be giving up.

Hermione relinquished her hold on James, setting him on the floor, "Sweetheart, Mommy has to do something with Charlie. You promise to be a good boy for your Nana Molly?"

"Nana Molly?" James asked with excitement.

"Yes. The one I've told you all those wonderful things about. You'll finally be able to get to know her. Isn't that exciting?" Hermione grinned a little when he nodded vigorously. "Good." She kissed his cheek lightly and hugged him tightly, "I love you, James. Forever and Always."

"Love you too, Mommy," he said against her neck as he embraces her back.

She stood up and looked at Molly, pleadingly. This time, however, the woman seemed to relent. "I'll keep an eye on him. No worries, dear."

"Thank you, Molly."

Charlie was bending down, speaking softly to James. Hermione felt a warmth hit her as her son burst into more giggles as Charlie spoke. It felt so good that two of the people that she treasured above all others got along so merrily. The other few were probably risking their lives at this very moment. "Love ya, Tyke," Charlie said, finally getting to his feet again after embracing James.

"Love ya, Char Char."

Charlie grinned at the nickname before wrapping his arms around Hermione again, "Okay, lets go."

Molly looked like she was about to start sobbing again, "You two be careful, now."

"We will, Mum," Charlie said, watching James run to his Nana Molly.

Then, they were gone. Both tugged through time and space towards Little Whinging. Not knowing what they would find when they arrived. Hoping beyond all hope, that their loved ones were alright.