So, ah, um…hello! (:

Ah. Where do I begin?

I know I haven't updated since October but I was very, very busy. Both in school and personal life. There was a lot that needed to be done and I would just open/close this chapter and I didn't really get to work on it until a few weeks ago. Thank god I revised it, because the first draft of this chapter was pretty bad. So this chapter won't be very long, but quality over quantity, right? (:

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. I will try (and I know I've said this handful of times) to get Chapter 21 up soon. I am leaving on Saturday to visit my mom's family for Christmas in a few days but I will still have my laptop with me, so I'll try and update before Christmas, if not after.

Enough of my rambling. Enjoy! (:

Harry slowly turned around. Lucius Malfoy stood before him, with two masked companions on either side. He saw in one of companion's grip was Neville, who had been clearly beaten and overpowered. As Harry slowly swept down to pick up his sword, he said, "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same question, boy. You do realize that you are in the King's chambers, and are therefore committing vandalism?"

"I don't care what you do to me; I want to know what you did to Ron!"

Hermione, who was already gripping Harry's sleeve with great strength, gripped it even tighter. Harry soon realized the error of his ways and could feel Hermione, along with Ginny, Neville and Luna's eyes on him.

Harry saw Lucius Malfoy's eyes slightly widen. "Ron? What are you talking about, you fool? The King has taken Harry Potter and he intends to publicly execute him in the traitor's hometown of Muggle & Burrow as we speak."

Harry knew he was supposed to keep it secret, but he couldn't help himself. "Didn't know you captured the wrong person, did you? The person Riddle has isn't Harry Potter."

Lucius was breathing heavily, and had completely forgotten that he was supposed to keep calm. "What on earth are you talking about, boy?"

Harry could feel the heat coming from Hermione's face. He knew she would chastise him later but he didn't care. He would not let Ron take the blame. "I am Harry Potter."

Lucius Malfoy had burst, and his face was demented, twisted with anger and fear as to failing to prove himself to his beloved king. "How can this be…I don't understand…insolent boy!"

The masked death eaters on either side of Lucius took this as time to act, and had flung spells at both Ginny and Luna, the one holding Neville releasing him in the process. Harry ran to him as Ginny and Luna used shield spells to block the curses. Lucius Malfoy simply stood on the spot, clearly shocked.

"Neville – are you alright –"

"I'm fine – we should – go get – the others –"

"You're hurt," Harry said, and he took Neville's wrist and slung it around his shoulder, so that he was supporting him. He caught a glimpse of Luna and Ginny managing to stun one of the followers, while Hermione managed to wound the other one with her sword.

"Harry," she said, running towards him. "Harry – I fear he will be punished for this confusion – we have to perform a memory charm –"

Harry looked back at Lucius Malfoy and still saw him standing in shock, clearly unable to react to the current situation. "Be quick with it, Hermione."

Hermione looked taken aback upon realizing she had to cast the charm. "I can't possibly do it, Harry, my powers have not been fully restored –"

"Please, Hermione, just try! Luna, Ginny, help Neville to the exit!"

Luna and Ginny rushed, taking Neville's arms and gliding up the stairs as quickly as possible. Harry saw that two of the followers were starting to stir. "Hermione, now would be a good time!" Harry shouted as his hand tightened around his sword.

"Well, I'm working on it, aren't I?" Hermione said, her face flushed and her eyes closed. She raised both hands in front of Lucius and said, in a loud and clear voice, "Obliviate."

A purple light had flashed throughout the room and Lucius Malfoy looked dazed and dreamy; Harry grabbed Hermione's arm and the two rushed, running out of the long hallway, Harry hearing Hermione's gasps of fear as the two rejoined Ginny, Luna and Neville in the interior of the mansion. "What happened?" Ginny asked, staring the both of them down to check for injuries.

"Lucius…I…" Hermione began. Her elegant braid was now turning into a messy knot, and her voice was unclear and unfocused.

"Hermione got her powers back, she used a memory charm on Lucius –" Harry said.

"Lucius? Memory Charm? Wha –"

"We've not time to explain, or waste!" Harry interrupted. "We have go get out of here now, Ron's not here; we have to get back to Muggle & Burrow - that's our best chance! Hermione, do you think you can disapparate us back home?"

"I don't know, Harry –"

"I can do it," Luna said. Harry had heard her voice defiant and strong for the first time, and his eyes widened.

"Good," Neville said, his voice somber. "We haven't a moment to lose."

-O-o-O-o-O-o-O-

His former white tunic was now dirtied, his blazing red hair rugged, but his expression stayed strong. If he were to die, he was to die doing the right thing and sacrificing for the right reasons. It was for Harry, it was for Hermione, and it was for the love of Hogwarts.

"Are you ready to die, traitor?" Riddle's voice filled the cold cell he was placed in Muggle & Burrow's Dungeon. "Dying never is peaceful, is it?"

"It's not death I worry about, tyrant," Ron replied, his voice defiant. "Unfortunately I will not be alive long enough to see your reign end."

Riddle's cold eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth again. "All of these people are about to witness an event that will change the future of this land. Do not forget that anybody who dares cross their king will pay the price. And you will be paying yours soon…quite soon." He swiftly walked out of the cell, his dark robes trailing behind him and whipping out of sight.

What did you guys think? I know it's terribly short but please do review, it means the world. Till the next chapter!

xx