Chapter Ten

This will probably be the only update for the next few weeks due to the Christmas holidays. Between work, present buying and holiday cheer, it will be a struggle. Hopefully, I haven't lost you but feel free to give your thoughts and opinions.

As always, these characters do not belong to me.

Harry skidded to a stop, his eyes fixed on the cloaked Death Eater standing metres away. Adrenaline rushed through Harry's body like wild fire, his muscles tensing in preparation for a fight. Hermione was right; they had found him using Ginny. He had truly thought being in the public eye would protect her and maybe it still will have its uses, however at the moment she was in real trouble and Harry was held up. The Death Eater took a step forward, removing his hood in the process. Harry clenched his jaw as the moonlight showed the Death Eater Travers, grinning menacingly at him.

'You've been somewhat of an inconvenience, Potter,' Travers sneered. 'But no matter. Riddle knew you would slip up eventually, and here we are.'

Harry was struggling to remain calm. Travers was clearly enjoying Harry's silent turmoil although Harry noticed his fists clenched tightly at his sides. Harry realised he was as tense and nervous as Harry himself was. It was that knowledge that gave Harry the confidence to pretend he was unaffected by his enemies sudden arrival.

'Travers,' Harry said conversationally. 'I don't remember inviting you here.'

'No you didn't, but your girl did.' Travers' smile widened and Harry gritted his teeth. 'Quite a player isn't she.' Harry began to shake. Travers new exactly what words would hit Harry the hardest; too bad his punches didn't do the same. 'She aroused our suspicion when she seemed to, disappear, a lot more than usual. Especially when she is so focused on her training. We sent in Rowle to observe her behaviour and what should happen, he goes missing.' A light breeze ruffled Travers' coat and Harry's hair. Travers took a step closer.

'One glance at her recent training schedule and her extra Order security, we knew we finally had the source of your disappearance. I dug a little deeper into her past and would you like to know what I found?' Harry remained silent. 'A house she was staying at that belonged to a James Evans. That didn't sit right with me, so I investigated further and well, here we are.'

Harry pretended to consider the story. 'What a thrilling tale,' his voice was cold. 'Forgive me if I'm not entertained. You should go; it's not nice to come to someone's home unwelcomed.'

'That is where we disagree,' Travers' shook his head. 'You see, I have a feeling I will enjoy this place, and the girl too. She's such a fine athlete isn't she?'

'You won't lay a finger on her,' Harry warned quietly.

'You shouldn't threaten anyone, Potter. We all know you don't have the strength to harm any of us. Such weakness is has no place in leadership.'

'It's not like you Death Eaters to travel alone,' Harry replied sharply. 'Where are your little buddies?'

'As if I would tell you,' Travers snapped but his eyes darted nervously towards the bushland.

Harry smirked. 'I don't think they believed you. I think you came on your own and I highly doubt they will miss you if you, what did you say before about Rowle, disappear?'

Travers smirked sardonically and then he leapt towards Harry, his face grotesque. Harry was prepared for this, dodging under his first punch. Harry was just fast enough to block the next jab and hook Travers' exposed arm. Harry thrust his other palm up and broke Travers' nose but Travers' was then able to catch Harry's arm. They were stuck wrestling to get free until Harry threw them sideways, both of them rolling across the lawn, which indeed freed them. Arnold's growling from the porch distracted Harry as he rolled into a crouch, giving Travers' the chance to punch him in the jaw.

Harry's head snapped to the side and he brought his arms up to protect his ribs from Travers' heel. Harry grabbed his heel and pulled him so he was off-balance. Harry jabbed his ribs, getting to his feet and then punching him again in the face. Travers' recoiled, scrambling to remain on his feet. He lashed out and managed to catch Harry's stomach with his boot. Harry grunted, advancing on Travers' and punching him twice more before Travers' got under his guard and clipped Harry's jaw again. Harry's front kick after that had Travers' backpedalling into the fence.

Harry massaged his jaw, grinning. The adrenaline was making Harry feel slightly reckless. He realised how Sirius had felt finally being able to get out and fight again after being stuck inside for so long. There was this feeling of relieving pent up frustration that fuelled his recklessness. It was a dangerous head space to be in but Harry pushed that thought aside as he faced a bleeding Travers.

'You're getting weak in your old age,' Harry taunted, receiving a growl from Travers'.

Travers ran forward, swinging wildly. Harry dodged and moved to the side, hitting Travers' rib. Angry, Travers' tried to punch Harry but missed and was punched in the side again. Harry let Travers' punch and jab a few more times, swatting his fists away easily. Harry was toying with Travers, waiting for him to tire. Harry got hit on the cheekbone from a stray fist but the impact was light from fatigue. This was Harry's signal to attack.

Harry moved in, hitting Travers' once, then twice in his stomach. Travers tried to retaliate but Harry pushed his approaching fist away. Harry jabbed his nose, then kicked out his exposed knee. With a cry, Travers fell and Harry spun and kicked his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. He groaned from his spot on the ground and Harry felt no remorse for him.

'Come on, get up! Surely you have more in you that,' Harry sneered, walking towards him.

A few feet away from him, Travers' leapt to his feet and grabbed Harry around the waist, punching him in the ribs. Harry grunted from the punches but kept calm. He grabbed Travers by his collar and brought him up eye level, before head butting him as hard as he could. Travers fell to the ground again and Harry shook his head to rid his blurry vision.

'Harry!'

Harry's heart stopped, his eyes widening in fear as he turned and Ginny came into view, stopping at the end of the steps. He froze, staring at her in horror, not understanding why she was here. It was one thing to fight for himself but to fight to protect someone he cared about, knowing she will jump in at any moment trying to help; Harry could not handle her being amongst that. His mind had gone blank with surprise and terror. She looked shocked as she surveyed the scene, her eyes reaching Harry last.

'Ginny …' Harry said faintly.

'Harry, look out!' Ginny shouted wildly, looking behind him.

Harry turned to see a blur of black coming swiftly towards him. Harry was knocked to the ground, his breath escaping in a hiss. Travers growled above him, struggling to reach Harry's throat. Harry dug his feet into Travers' hips and kicked him off. Travers took a couple of steps to regain his balance and took out a small, crude knife from one of his pockets. Harry could hear Ginny shouting his name. Harry gritted his teeth, still lying on the ground praying Ginny wouldn't try and intervene. As Travers' strode forward, Harry rolled backwards, ending in a crouch. Harry waited until Travers was almost upon him before diving to the side. Harry was on his feet in the next second, placing himself between Ginny and Travers. Travers turned swiftly to meet him but not fast enough. Harry brought his leg up and kicked him as hard as he could in the face. Travers flew across the lawn, smashing into the fence. The weight was too much and the fence collapsed under him and together they crumpled to the ground, unmoving.

Harry was breathing heavily, gazing at the unconscious Travers. Harry saw his knife glinting a few feet away and went to pick it up, stowing it in his pocket. Feeling watched, Harry tilted his head and brought his eyes to Ginny, who was far calmer than Harry thought she would have been. It did little to ease his fear though. They were standing metres away from each other and neither of them made any move towards the other.

'What are you doing here?' Harry asked. His voice was harsh from his fear.

'Hermione called me,' Ginny replied, her breath haggard. 'She said they had found you because of me and I couldn't let that happen. I came back to find you.'

'No!' Harry said angrily. 'You need to go, now!'

'I'm staying, Harry,' she said calmly.

Harry growled in frustration. He strode towards her, pointing at Travers' unconscious body. 'That one is a scout and when he doesn't check in, more of them will come. Hell, they may even be some lurking around in the shadows now. This is too dangerous!'

'I know what the risk is, Harry. I always have. I am staying. This is our fight.'

'Ginny,' Harry said through clenched teeth. 'Go.'

'No!' She crossed her arms and lifted her chin defiantly. She really wasn't going anywhere.

'Fine!' Harry yelled in frustration. Harry marched over and grabbed Travers under his arms. 'Get inside.' Harry started to drag him into the shadows of the bushland.

'What are you –?' Ginny asked hesitantly.

'I have to hide his body somewhere to delay the Death Eaters,' Harry grunted. He tried to soften his voice. 'Just go inside, Ginny. Please?'

Harry was glad she had listened as he watched her hurry back into the house. Despite how afraid he was for Ginny's safety, his heart did a little jolt when he saw her. Focus, he thought angrily. He grunted and swore as he heaved Travers into the bushland. The moonlight was obscured by the canopies of the trees, casting everything in near darkness. Harry was forever stumbling and tripping on branches and rocks he couldn't see.

Once he thought he was deep enough in the bush he found a thick tree trunk that would suit his purposes. He hauled Travers over and he slumped against the trunk. Harry pulled Travers' belt off and tied his hands together around the back of the tree. Harry pulled out the knife and cut a section of his shirt away and gagged his mouth. Harry then threw his knife deep into the forest in a fit of anger. Harry took a few steps back to observe his handy work.

Staring at the unconscious Travers, Harry felt a grim dread settling in his stomach. When he was with Ginny, he could pretend he was just a normal man on an extended holiday. Travers had brought an end to the fantasy. Once Harry walked away he would not be able to go back to that life until he saw this thing with Riddle through. He was about to become the Order fighter he had been before Ginny.

'You shouldn't have threatened Ginny. I might have spared you less pain,' Harry told him flatly.

When Harry got back, he was out of breath, having run from Travers' hiding place. He stopped just before the steps to the porch to steady his breathing. The breeze ruffled his hair and he closed his eyes and lifted his head to catch more of it. Now that he had cooled down, he could feel the bruises forming on his face and ribs. He opened his eyes and noticed with some surprise that his hands were shaking. He clenched them tightly before lightly walking up the stairs, not knowing what he was going to see when he walked in.

After the scuffle, the living room looked eerily normal. Nothing was unbefitting and the lights still made it have that cosy, soft glow. Harry now felt like he was the one out of place. His heart was racing a million miles an hour and he could feel bile rise in his throat. He had never experienced fear like this before; not even when he and Sirius were trapped together. Being with Ginny was pure and raw emotion that stretched from happiness to anger. He wanted to be with her, but he was also afraid of what being with her meant for her safety. He blinked a couple of times and took deep breaths and he step further into the room, closing the door behind him.

Ginny was sitting on one of the kitchen seats, bouncing her knee agitatedly. When Harry closed the door she glanced up. She got to her feet, almost knocking over the chair. She ignored its protest and hurried over to him. Even as nervous as she was, her face seemed to light up when she looked at Harry. She always made him feel wanted, even when he had just fought and yelled at her. He began to wonder if he deserved her after everything he had done and everything he was about to do.

'What did you do with him? Was he …?' Ginny trailed off. She looked almost too scared to ask.

Harry winced at her expression. 'He was unconscious,' Harry said huskily. He cleared his throat. 'I tied and gagged him to a tree.' Harry placed his hands on her shoulders. 'Ginny, now you have to go to where it's safe.'

'I'm not going anywhere,' Ginny repeated firmly.

Harry dropped his arms. 'We've discussed this …'

'No, we haven't,' Ginny cut in. 'You just told me what you wanted. What I want to do is help you.'

'Ginny,' Harry said pained. He strode towards the table. He could hear Ginny following him. He faced her. 'Please, be safe. Go while you still can …'

'I won't, Harry. Where you go, I go.'

They stared at each other, Ginny determined and Harry desperate. Whether it was minutes or hours later, Harry gave in, his head dropping and his eyes closing. He reached out and placed his hands against her upper arms, just above her elbows.

'I don't want to lose you, Ginny,' Harry whispered. 'What I will have to do, to survive … I don't want you to see me as the monster I will become.'

Ginny said nothing and Harry wondered whether she ever would or not. Soft fingers brushed against his cheek, trailing up into his hair. Her palm rested on his cheek where her fingers had touched.

'Open your eyes, Harry,' Ginny spoke softly.

Harry did as he was told, gazing into the soft brown of her eyes. A stray lock of hair fell in her face and Harry reached up and tucked it behind her ear. His fingers ran down her neck, down her side and stopped at her hip, feeling the threads of her shirt on the pads of his fingers. He should be preparing for an assault. He should have been trying to contact the Order to get reinforcements. He should have at least been moving to another location by now but he was tired of hiding, of running. He wanted to cling on to the last real thing he had had in a long time and she was standing in front of him.

Ginny was watching him, her brown eyes communicating everything to him. She was worried too, worried and scared about the unknown future. Yet there was strength in her and a determination to not let Harry down that almost scared him as much as it awed him. There was comfort in the fact that they were together and they both clung to that. The world outside may be rushing towards a violent end but in their house, it was just the two of them and a few precious hours. Ginny unzipped her jacket and took it off, throwing it on the table.

'Take off your jacket,' she told him.

Harry slid it off, wincing when it brushed against his ribs. He slowly placed it on the table beside hers, his movements stiff from the pain. Harry suspected Ginny noticed this and she took a step closer, until Harry could feel the heat of her skin against his own. Her hands rested on the hem of his shirt and she gently began to tug it upwards.

'Ginny …' Harry said hesitantly, his hands falling on hers. 'Is this …'

Ginny looked up at him, shaking her head, telling him to be silent. His hands fell away and she continued to pull his shirt up slowly. Harry obediently lifted his arms above his head, grabbing the shirt once Ginny couldn't reach any higher. He smiled at her as he placed his shirt on the chair. He shivered as a slight chill tickled his exposed skin. Ginny placed her lips on his chest and Harry closed his eyes, sighing. Her kisses gently trailed over his bruised ribs and Harry swore his pain dulled, although the pain had likely been replaced by his longing for her. She placed kisses along his chest and collarbone, creating spine tingling prickles through Harry's body. Harry bent down to kiss her forehead, inhaling the sweetness of her shampoo.

Ginny slowly kissed her way up to his neck and he moaned at the sensation her lips were giving him. He lifted his head to give her better access, his hands going around her waist and gripping her shirt. Harry heard the tinkering of his belt buckle and then felt his jeans loosen as his belt was ripped away. Harry lowered his head, kissing her cheekbone, then her earlobe, then her jawline. He was careful to avoid her lips just yet as he began to kiss the spot on her neck right next to her windpipe. His lips tingled when she sighed. Her hands were on the top of his jeans and she unfastened the button, sliding the zip down. Her hands skimmed the elastic of his underwear at his back and Harry groaned, his hands moving under her shirt as he continued to kiss down her body.

Ginny pulled away, her eyes on him. Her lips were red and slightly swollen and her eyes were large in the dim light. Harry was breathing steadily although his heart was pounding. As he looked into her eyes he saw how much she trusted him. Harry had never seen someone look at him the way she was and he just wanted her all the more. With a shy smile, she lifted her arms up above her head. Harry breathed out a chuckle, pulling off her shirt in one fluid movement.

Harry barely admired the cream lace of her bra before he pressed his lips to her throat again. His hands were back at her waist, one slowly tracing circles on her skin, working its way upward to the cream lace. Ginny gripped his back from the pleasure of his hand against her breast and her hands moved up down his back, trailing sparks of heat in their wake. She moved in closer, their chests touching as her hands ran down to his lower back. Harry groaned against her neck, his senses going into overdrive. Harry lifted his head just a fraction and then Ginny's lips were at his earlobe, nipping it slightly. Harry's hands unintentionally pinched the skin it had settled on and she gasped in his ear. Instead of making him hesitate, it just made his urge that much stronger.

Harry abandoned her breast and picked her up in his arms. He carried them down the hallway, stumbling as he kicked off his shoes. He took hers off as deftly as he could while holding her and she continued to press kisses against his jawline. His jeans were beginning to slip from his hips as they made it to her bedroom and once he placed her on the bed, he shimmered out of them. He stood in between her legs and finally kissed her lips. She sighed into them and Harry kissed her deeper, his hands moving to the button of her jeans. Harry broke their kiss as he pulled off of her jeans, glimpsing the matching underwear underneath.

Harry paused for a second, admiring her body. He was steadying his breathing as he watched her chest rise and fall with her panted breaths. Harry kept his movements and kisses gentle; he wanted Ginny to feel his care and admiration through his touch, unlike before when all he wanted was to have her body against his. This night, whether it was their last together or not, was what Harry wanted to remember when the worse came.

Harry moved gently back to her, softly kissing her lips again. Ginny took off his glasses and placed them on the bedside table. Ginny pulled the covers down and together they crawled towards the pillows and under the covers. Harry wrapped his arm around her back, undid her bra and she pulled it off, kissing his lips again. Their underwear was next and Harry had to fight the animal urge inside of him to just get it over with, hard and fast.

Ginny moaned once he finally slipped inside of her, even though Harry tried to sweeten the slight pain by kissing her. He kissed every inch of her that he could, slowly creating a rhythm for them. He whispered sweet things in her ear, trying to soothe and comfort her. This wasn't like the sex they had before, where it was heated and full of lust and passion. Harry wanted Ginny to know that this wasn't a once off fling; that this was a commitment, a vow that he would, forever more, be hers for as long as he breathed. It was a slow, burning flame that sparked with even more vibrancy and heat than an inferno.

Once it was over and their bodies began to cool down, Ginny held Harry close to her chest. Harry continued to kiss her periodically, his arms curled around her back. It was only later on did Harry suspect that Ginny held him so he wouldn't leave her.

'Why can't we just run away and leave all of this behind us?' Ginny murmured, minutes later.

'Because our conscious wouldn't permit it,' Harry kissed her again.

'But I'm scared Harry,' Ginny admitted in a small voice. 'What if this time you aren't so lucky?'

'Hey,' Harry murmured, lifting her chin so he could look at her eyes.

Even when she was worried they still had this spark to them, a light that reminded Harry of the bright things in life. Those were the things he had fought for when he first joined the Order. It was one of the things he loved most about her.

'You've forgotten the most important thing; I have something to live for now. I have you and I will not let anything happen to jeopardize that. That in itself is a strength that won't weaken. Ginny, I should have realised a long time ago that the thing I wanted, the thing I was in fact looking for, was happiness. And I have never been happier and nor do I think I ever won't be happy when I am with you. So, in truth, the thing I have been looking for, all of this time, has been you.'

'Someone's trying to be romantic,' Ginny teased, though her eyes were shining.

'Someone's trying to be honest,' Harry corrected, accepting her kiss. 'And you ruined the moment.'

'No, I didn't,' Ginny protested. Harry raised an eyebrow. 'I really liked what you said.' Harry looked unconvinced and she huffed out a sigh. 'Would you just kiss me, please?'

Harry grinned, his mood playful. As he thought out his plan he pushed himself up so he was lying on top of her. Ginny's eyes watched him keenly. Ginny skimmed her fingers along the tautness of his back. Harry's eyes fluttered at the touch. Harry ducked his head to kiss her but hovered just out of the reach of her lips, teasing her. Ginny scowled once she worked out what he was doing and he smirked at her.

'Real funny, Potter,' she growled,

Ginny tried to push him down to her but he was too strong. Harry waited for one last angry push from Ginny and he let his weight drop from his elbows, collapsing on top of her. Ginny grunted and Harry laughed once he got his own breath back. Ginny wanted to be angry with him, Harry knew from the look he was being given and yet once Harry gave her his best winning smile, she just sighed in resignation.

Harry dipped his head again and this time met her lips, savouring them. He started out slow, his kisses light but insistent and Harry planned to keep them that way. Ginny, on the other hand, decided it was her turn for payback. She wrapped her legs around him, her body pushing up and pressing against his. Harry groaned lustfully, his kisses soon becoming a lot faster and more passionate. Harry kissed down to the sweet spot of her neck and Ginny kissed and nipped his earlobe. Harry's mind started to go blank. At this, Harry broke away hastily, his lips swollen and sweat running down his back.

Harry propped himself back on his elbows to see her and his heart swelled. There was something in his heart preventing him continuing with his playfulness. Maybe it was the prospect of the oncoming fight or even the realisation again that he had placed Ginny in this danger. It was easy to forget his position when he was with her. Harry calculated quickly that he had another couple of hours until the Death Eaters arrived and possibly even longer for the Order came.

Harry disentangled himself from Ginny, lying back down beside her. She turned to her side, her brow furrowed, questions in her eyes. He smiled at her, gently trailing his fingers against her frown until it was gone.

'You need to get some sleep,' Harry murmured in explanation.

Ginny said nothing, instead she placed her head against his chest, her arm wrapping around his waist. Harry held her, drawing lazy circles on her back and continued to do that after her body relaxed and her breaths were slow and even. He remained wide awake while she slept, his thoughts swirling through his head like a cyclone, forming out a rough plan.

Once he was sure she was asleep, Harry gently wormed out from underneath her. He turned back to face her, saddened when he saw how peaceful she was. He would have liked to place the entire blame on Riddle for causing so much chaos and disruption in her life but he knew some of it was to be shouldered by him. He changed into a simple black shirt and jeans, his feet slipping comfortably into his well-worn boots. He walked out to the living room and threw his coat around his shoulders, zipping it up to his throat.

Harry caught his reflection in the opposite window. He looked grim and pale, the smile he had had a couple of hours ago all but non-existent. Ginny's phone was poking from the pocket of her coat and Harry was surprised to see it was blank and silent. This worried him. Someone would have had to notice her disappearance. He hoped Ron and Hermione were on their way. He had no doubt that since their first phone call that they had people trying to find his location, unless Ginny had told Hermione. Harry believed though that, like him, once Ginny realised Harry was in danger, she would have hung up and hurried straight to him without a second thought. If the Death Eaters could work out where Harry was, then Hermione would.

His watched his expression harden as he thought of the Death Eaters. They had tried to take everything from him. His parents, Sirius, Dumbledore even. The next thing they wanted was his life and now they threatened to use Ginny, the one thing he had selfishly wanted in a long time as leverage. He never thought he would be able to hate anyone, not even Riddle but his blood was boiling and he realised he hated them; he hated them all.

His eyes shifted to the lenses circling his eyes and his hatred dulled. His eyesight and his appearance, was a never ending gift from his father. He was told of this fact whenever an old friend of theirs would meet him for the first time. The green irises underneath the lenses were that of his mother's though, so whenever he looked into his own reflection he knew that in some way they were still with him. It always gave him comfort.

'You've changed,' Ginny's voice came from behind him.

'Funny, I was just thinking the same thing,' Harry said gruffly.

Harry turned and smiled forlornly at her. She was dressed in a black turtleneck sweater and skinny leg jeans. The laces of her combat boots were loose and the tongues of the boots were flopping down. As he looked at her, he saw a future that he could have had dwindling just on the fringes of useless hope. He wanted to show her the other Harry, the easy going laidback Harry, was still there but even he didn't know if he was. Harry was slowly retreating to his serious and cunning self.

'How long was I asleep?' Ginny asked with a yawn. She shuffled a few steps forward.

'Only a couple of hours.'

'When I woke I thought … I thought you had left.'

Ginny's voice was small and she was watching her feet as she said it. She almost seemed frightened of how vulnerable she was feeling. Harry said nothing but approached her, folding her into his arms. He rested his head in the crook of her neck. She held him tightly and they stood like that for a long time.

'We have to contact someone,' Ginny said abruptly, pulling away. 'Anyone.'

Harry stared at her grimly. 'I'm afraid it's too late for that.'

Ginny looked like he had slapped her. Her expression turned anguished and she pushed him as hard as she could. Harry was caught off guard so he stumbled into the nearby wall, equally shocked. Ginny had never been like this with him before. Her expression remained stony as Harry righted himself, scowling in her direction.

'Why didn't you do it when you had the chance?' she demanded. 'Is death so appealing to you that you have just given up?'

'Given up?' Harry repeated angrily. This was a fight he wasn't prepared for. 'I trust your brother to do the best he can! And I will fight until I collapse, Ginny, you know that. As for contacting someone, it would have been useless and a waste of time! It would not have mattered who I contacted even if I miraculously got onto the Order in time. I was set to fight for my life as sure as you are flesh and blood.'

They stood glaring at each other, their chests heaving from their anger. In the rational side of Harry's mind, he understood Ginny was desperate that he be safe but it was just not possible. Not anymore. Harry huffed out and broke his gaze, staring into the darkness of the early morning. His emotions were in overdrive so he didn't believe his outburst toward Ginny was pure anger. He was nervous, and scared and determined and, he had to admit, a little excited. Those emotions mixing together, on top of her own feelings, were bound to cause sparks of friction.

'Is it so bad that I don't want this to end in a fight to the death?' Ginny said softly, her own anger dissipating. 'Harry, please, reconsider just making a run for it. I can give you a little bit of time.'

Harry was silent as he thought about his answer. He faced her and almost recoiled at her beseeching expression. He could tell Ginny what she wanted to hear; agree to hide somewhere else and give them some extra time but it was her admission of risking her life for him that scared him even more than the threat of Riddle. He vowed then to himself that no matter what he did, he would do it for her, to keep her alive, to keep her safe.

So when Harry went to reply, he was completely honest with her. 'I will protect you, for as long and to the best of my ability that I can and that means not leaving you here to deal with them. Ginny, you have to understand.' Harry took a deep breath, gazing straight into her eyes. The truth, he thought to himself. 'They don't want to just capture me; they want to kill me. I think, that Riddle will want to be the one to pull the trigger so at most, they will attack me, probably very harshly. If that happens, you must run, get away from here, okay?'

'You can't ask me to leave you,' Ginny said aghast.

'I'm not giving you another option,' Harry said firmly.

'Harry …' Ginny choked.

'Your word, Ginny.'

Ginny nodded, tears sparkling in her eyes. 'You are the most important person in my life. Swear you won't let them kill you.'

Harry gazed at her. He couldn't swear to anything and he didn't want to lie to her; although he would much prefer not to tell her the complete truth of his current thoughts either. That it would be a miracle if he got them out of this situation unharmed. That his chances of living were getting really slim. If there was time later, maybe he would but he had to focus now on her safety. There was really only one thing he could do so he said, 'I'll try.'

Ginny opened her mouth to reply but closed it again. She still looked lost and Harry reached out and took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. Her lips twitched, wanting to smile. Harry stepped forward, kissing the crease in her forehead. There was a rustling outside and they both turned towards the sound. Harry clenched his jaw, stepping forward to get a better look. He squinted, his body still. He could hear Ginny barely breathing behind him. A shift in far tree line had Harry's eyes darting to his left. He didn't need a second movement to know the first of the Death Eaters were fast approaching. He switched off of the lights, dowsing them in darkness.

'That's them,' Harry informed her.

He strode towards one of the kitchen drawers, aware of Ginny's eyes darting between him and the door outside. He put that aside as he shoved the drawer's contents around as quietly as he could until he found the small black cylinder, shaped like a relay baton. He considered grabbing the kitchen knives but then put the thought aside. Knives would not help against guns. Stealth would have to be his only weapon. His cloak swished as he came back to Ginny, placing the baton in her hands, covering them with his own.

'Remember the flare I told you about?' he asked her.

'What am I doing with it?' Ginny asked.

Harry was glad she sounded calm and steady. He had been planning this since Ginny had fallen asleep earlier, after defiantly stating she was not leaving Harry. There were a lot of flaws in the plan, the major one being that she would refuse to do it but Harry had to make her. There was a pang in his heart knowing that he had to be separated from her but if he that meant he could protect her, he would sacrifice everything.

'You are going to shoot it up into the sky at the end of the street while I distract them. Please don't argue this,' he added when Ginny opened her mouth to protest. 'I have no doubt Ron and Hermione are looking for us but this will pinpoint our direction. Once you ignite it, hide in the closest, empty building site. I will meet you there.'

Harry prepared himself for another argument. He watched Ginny take a breath, turn to the glass door to where the Death Eaters coming and then to his surprise, nod her assent to the plan. Harry briefly showed her how to ignite the flare, aware that the Death Eaters were creeping closer to the house. He ushered her out of the front door, closing it with supreme gentleness. Ginny stuck to the shadows and Harry followed her, making their way to the edge of the tree line.

'Go,' Harry whispered to her once they reached the trees. 'I will see you soon.'

Harry quickly kissed her forehead, not missing her worrisome look. He ran into the trees, his muscles getting that familiar burn from the exertion. He wanted to make sure she had left but knew that if he did glance back, he would run to her. Trying not to dwell on the fact that he may never see her again, he shifted his focus to the threat. He ran through the thicker set of trees, the darkness obscuring the ground he was treading on. He was surprised he didn't trip and stumble.

At the first sign of movement, Harry ducked behind the closest tree, getting his breath back in the process. He was a few hundred metres from Ginny's house and possibly a kilometre from Ginny herself. The cold air seized his lungs and his breath steamed out into the night. His heart was pounding with anticipation. Harry could hear the hurried footsteps of the Death Eaters. He dared to poke his head around the trunk, his legs tense and ready to run. He spotted six outlines, each ranging in size.

Harry pulled his head back, resting it against the bark. He was outnumbered and Ginny was waiting for his signal to light the flare. Harry closed his eyes, blotting everything out. He gave himself five seconds again to prepare. Five … There was no going back this time. Four … He would give Ginny the chance for a normal life. Three … He took a steady breath. Two … he had to focus on taking them out by stealth, one by one when they were alone. One … he could do this and would try to stay alive, for her.

The Death Eater bringing up the rear crept past him. Harry felt around and found a rock the size of his fist. He followed the Death Eater quickly, knowing they were closing in on an empty house. Once in reach, Harry lunged out and grabbed him, smashing the rock against his head. The Death Eater went limp in Harry's left arm and he brought him softly down to the ground. Harry made sure he was still breathing before he took off after the next one.

The next two went down similarly to the first Death Eater but Harry could now see the outline of Ginny's house. Desperate, Harry's attack on the fourth Death Eater was not as crisp. He wasn't watching his footing and he cracked a branch under his foot. The Death Eater turned at the same time Harry swung the rock. He moved at the last second and only copped a slight blow to his shoulder. He staggered, grunting and Harry advanced, the rock slipping from his grasp.

The Death Eater swung but it was sloppy. Harry moved easily out of the way. He brought his knee up into the man's diaphragm, following it with an elbow to the nose. The man screamed but Harry cut it off with a blow to the temple. The scream only lasted seconds but it was enough for his friends to realise they were being hunted. Harry had to dive behind a tree when a volley of shots cut through the peaceful night.

Harry hunkered down in the trunk as bullet after bullet thudded into it, many more whizzing past into the trees. A bright burst of light captured Harry's attention and he watched as the purple light flew into the air. Through the gunshots, he could distantly hear the cry of the bird from the flare. If he could hear it, then the Death Eaters could to.

Harry sprinted from his hiding place, jumping over the body of an unconscious man. He struck the closest distracted Death Eater with a haymaker and he fell to the ground with the tiniest of grunts. Harry crossed the bushland and met the Death Eater who raised his gun to strike. Harry grabbed the gun and swung it away, the shot meant for him firing into the air. They wrestled for the gun as his friend ran over to help, his gun up and ready to fire once he got a clean shot. Harry turned the two of them so he was protected and with a defiant yell, pushed the Death Eater back into his friend. They tumbled to the ground and Harry somehow managed to kick both of their guns away.

Through the entanglement of limbs, Harry broke free. He didn't have time to saviour that as the Death Eater he pushed tripped him. Harry landed face first into the ground with a grunt. He rolled as the Death Eater jumped on him, his hands reaching for his throat. Harry struggled, gripping his wrists as his fingers clawed for his skin. With a grunt of effort, Harry pulled the Death Eater across and off of his body, using the momentum from the man's body to roll to his knees. Ignoring the kick he received in his side from a thrashing boot, Harry dived towards him, swinging his left fist in front of him. He connected with the Death Eater's jaw and as Harry's breath escaped through his teeth when he hit the ground, the Death Eater's skull thumped beside him, knocking him unconscious.

A slight movement in the corner of his right eye alerted Harry that the other Death Eater was up. Harry shifted back into the unconscious Death Eater with a cry of alarm as his counterpart drove his heel down where Harry was just lying. Angry, Harry lashed out and grabbing his ankle and before he could strike with his other boot. He ripped his foot out from underneath him. He gasped as he hit the ground but by then Harry was atop of him. He received Harry's left elbow to the sternum, making him gasp again. Harry drove his elbow down in the same spot, grunting with effort. He swung his right fist across and connected with his temple and he fell still like the rest of them.

Harry rose to a crouch, his breathing steaming endlessly with his panting. He shook out his hands, easing the stiff pain. They were garbled voices issuing from a radio in one of their pockets, asking for confirmation and ETAs. Harry had ignored them until it mentioned the flare and its releaser. Harry froze, ears straining for more information but nothing came from radio.

'Ginny,' Harry murmured, his eyes darting up to the light that was now diminishing in the sky.

He had to get to her. The scuffle had taken longer than what he had hoped and Ginny was waiting for him. Harry was rising to his feet, his thoughts preoccupied with Ginny when something solid and heavy collided with his nose and cheek, snapping his head to the side. Harry's entire body spun from the hit, his right nostril pouring out blood before he hit the ground. Harry lurched to his forearms and elbows, his legs shifting underneath to get him to his feet. He went to gaze at his attacker but he was punched again in the jaw, sending him reeling over a fallen tree trunk. Harry grunted, scrambling to remain on his hands and knees, scrambling away from his attacker. His attacker was quick though and kicked Harry in his bruised ribs, knocking him forwards with barking laughter.

Harry cried out, his fear for Ginny turning into fear for his own life. His arms shook as he crawled over the undergrowth, trying to get his legs working. Harry struggled to his knees after gaining momentum from the crawl. His lip and nose bled heavily and his head threatened to split open from the pain. Harry turned and was momentarily motionless as he saw the broadest and tallest Death Eater he had ever encountered. His mouth popped open as the giant man strode forward. Through the haze, Harry realised he should have moved out of reach of this man's limbs. As the thought crossed his mind he kicked Harry squarely in chest, sending him flying into a tree trunk.

Harry collapsed at the base of the tree, lungs seizing under what felt to Harry like collapsed ribs. He gasped and spluttered for air all the while watching the man walk casually toward him. Ginny, Harry thought miserably. She needed his help. It was that spark, that knowledge that she needed his help, which got him to his feet. His legs were shaking uncontrollably and he leant against the trunk for support. Harry couldn't beat him with strength, not even when he was at his fittest. This man was certainly not about to let Harry get past him with a simple request or confession. Harry had to play smart. Harry dropped to his haunches, pretending to be defeated.

From his position, Harry's eyes roamed over the Death Eater, looking for a weak spot, anything that would be to his advantage. Harry spotted a gun hanging on his right hip. A weapon would definitely be his only advantage but Harry would never be able to get that close without causing suspicion. Harry stood his ground when the Death Eater was feet away, even with every nerve screaming at him to run. Stall, Harry thought desperately.

'You seem a bit … excessive, for this sort of job,' Harry said hoarsely.

The Death Eater gave his bark laugh again. When he spoke, his voice was a deep rumble, matching his big figure. 'After seeing your attack on my fellows, I think I am quite up to your, tricks.'

'Ah …' Harry said, wary his was only centimetres away. 'Forgive me if I don't feel the same but, you see, I have to go now, so if you excuse me …'

The Death Eater swung so quickly that Harry only just managed to dive forward out of the way. His fist hit the tree where Harry's head was seconds before with a resounding thud. Harry went in to grab the gun but the Death Eater's other hand shot out and fastened around his neck. Harry was pulled from the ground.

'All that talk and for what?' he sneered as Harry's legs kicked out involuntarily, his hands scratching the hand at his throat. 'Oh, don't you worry. I am not going to kill you. Your friend on the other hand, the one that lit the flare …' Harry stopped fighting, his eyes widening in shock. The Death Eater smirked. 'She's about to get some company.'

Harry's vision had blurred red. He kicked the Death Eater's diaphragm as hard as he could. He grunted but his grip stayed firm. Harry kicked again and again, though his kicks were getting weaker. Harry was on the verge of passing out. His anger gave him some strength but it can only get him so far. The Death Eater was counting on this and in the small light accessible Harry noticed he was grinning. What he wasn't watching was Harry's left hand reaching for his right hip. Harry's eyes were drooping closed, his fingers just out of reach of the gun. Hopelessly, Harry lashed out with one last kick but he hardly troubled him. Harry's lungs were seizing, his vision had gone black. The Death Eater, sensing victory, lowered Harry closer to the ground. His fingers touched the hilt of the gun …

Harry pulled the gun out, turning the gun to the left. He felt his finger close around the trigger followed by a bang and the unmistakeable smell of gun powder. The grip on his neck eased and Harry's feet touched the ground. They gave out and Harry fell to his knees, coughing air back into his lungs. His vision cleared and he rubbed his throat with his right hand; his left still holding the gun. The Death Eater was lying on the ground beside him, gasping while clutching his now wet abdomen. Harry's stomach plummeted, realising the blood stained wound was fatal.

'I'm sorry,' Harry said honestly. 'I didn't want to kill you.'

Harry sprinted off, sticking to the shadows on his way to the building site. The morning light was just beginning to peak through the darkness. Harry's thoughts went to Ginny and he quickened his pace, ignoring the protests from his legs. He stopped when he had the front of the house in view, scanning for Death Eaters. He would have been relieved if he had seen them. Instead all that met him was stillness and a vacantness that chilled his already fatigued bones. Harry skirted around to the backyard, sprinting when he had to run across the exposed road. The backyard was just as eerily stagnant as the front.

Panicking, Harry ran into the skeleton of the house, looking for traces of life, or even a scuffle. Nothing. Ginny had not reached here. Harry gripped his hair, sucking in deep breaths. He had to keep his thoughts clear if he was going to find her. A breeze ruffled through and with it a sound Harry was all too familiar with. Harry started running back to where he had come from, his heart pounding with each stride. To the untrained ear, the sounds of a person struggling as far away as these people were would be just a rustle of branches in the breeze. Harry's fear was propelling him forward without a second thought.

Harry reached Ginny's front yard in seconds, skidding to a stop so he could listen. Arnold was growing from inside the house and then there it was. Ginny was grunting and clearly struggling from the backyard. Her kidnapper's heaves and curses interspaced hers. Harry took a side path towards the backyard, suddenly remembering he was still clutching the Death Eater's gun. He raised it as he entered the backyard, spotting Ginny and the Death Eater leaving through the gap in the fence. Harry stood on gravel and stopped. The Death Eater turned at the sound, placing Ginny in between them. Harry snarled when he noticed the knife sitting at her throat. He took a step closer, his gun aimed at the Death Eater, who he recognised as Yaxley.

'Harry!' Ginny cried.

'Not so close, Potter,' Yaxley warned.

Harry paused but he didn't lower his gun nor break his stare. Ginny continued to struggle, her eyes wide with terror. Harry used his peripherals to see her closely. She didn't seem too troubled by the knife at her throat. In fact, her fear seemed to stem from the fact that he was standing in front of them. She had deceived him. She had come back to distract the Death Eaters so that Harry would have a chance to run.

It didn't make any sense to Harry. She would have known he would come back for her when he realised she was missing. No, something else had caused Ginny to come back. Once she was caught she must have hoped Harry would not find her in time; so he wouldn't be caught or injured alongside her.

'I suppose I have you thank for our giant friend,' Harry muttered, his neck still tight from his recent strangulation. His lip and nose were still bleeding, not to forget the tightening in his chest.

'Did you two have a disagreement?' Yaxley nodded towards Harry's face.

'Several but he's dead now,' Harry said indifferently and Ginny gasped. 'Let Ginny go. Your business is with me.'

'Actually,' Yaxley said, pulling the two of them back. Ginny groaned, making Harry stride forward. Yaxley dug the knife closer to her throat and Harry stopped, clenching his jaw in anger. 'You see, Potter, the girl here is the only thing keeping you in line. While we have her, you will comply.'

'Harry, don't,' Ginny gasped out but Yaxley silenced her. Harry took a step closer, his finger itching to pull the trigger but he had no clear shot with Ginny in the way.

'Surrender, Potter. Or I will kill her.'

'No … Harry,' Ginny struggled out. Yaxley shushed her.

Harry kept his face a mask of anger but inside he was frantic. Surrendering would certainly mean he would be killed but not doing it meant Ginny was dead. Harry could try and call Yaxley's bluff, charge forward or even try and shoot around Ginny; trusting his aim was true. Harry had heard stories of Yaxley's cruelty and knew if he missed Yaxley would slit Ginny's throat without blinking.

Harry always knew at some point his rebellion against them would come to an end; that was why he always involved Ron and Hermione in his plans to make sure they would continue after he was gone. What he didn't count on was Ginny. His feelings towards her escalated in a way he thought were foreign to him. His sole focus was her safety. The one thing he had to protect was the one thing he had failed.

'Give up, Potter,' Yaxley continued when Harry remained silent. 'You are surrounded. You have nowhere else to go.'

As if on cue, Harry heard footsteps from behind him and to his left and right. He didn't dare take his eyes off of Yaxley but he could see Ginny's eyes darting to the figures entering the yard. Her eyes went from terror to hopelessness. Several guns clicked and he knew they were all directed at him. He had no other option but to surrender now. He may still have the chance to save Ginny's life; if he went quietly and obeyed their demands.

'Let Ginny leave and I will go with you,' Harry bargained.

'No …' Ginny breathed. Yaxley and Harry ignored her.

'You're in no position to negotiate,' Yaxley said shortly. 'Submit to Riddle or she dies.'

'Guarantee her safety and I will.'

'I'm not doing that either,' Yaxley smirked evilly. 'It's over, Potter.'

To prove his point, he dug the knife deeper against her throat. Ginny groaned reluctantly and in the morning light, Harry saw the first trickles of blood bubbling under the knife. Harry grimaced and hesitated for another second before he dropped his hands, the gun with it. Ginny said his name again in resignation and Harry felt his eyes brimming with tears. I failed her, Harry said in his head, over and over again. Harry disarmed the gun, throwing the pieces at Yaxley's feet. Harry stood defenceless, clenching and unclenching his jaw, placing his hands on the top of his head.

'On your knees, Potter,' Yaxley said scathingly.

Harry was prepared for this. He would be subjected to humiliation before he was allowed to leave. He could feel the excitement emanating from the other Death Eaters. One even crept forward in anticipation. Scowling at Yaxley, Harry slowly dropped to his knees. The sky was getting steadily lighter. Harry had hoped the Order would have gotten here by now. It was too late for them; it was too late for him and Ginny.

The Death Eaters closed in on Harry, some stowing their guns away and flexing their hands. They were going to try and break Harry's spirit, crack him open and let his fight leak out of him. Ginny was struggling silently behind the knife, her eyes pleading with Harry to do something, anything to get away from here. Harry gazed at her pained face, his own crumbling to match her. He wanted to say he was sorry; that he didn't mean for this to happen.

'Ginny, don't watch,' Harry told her calmly.

Harry copped the first blow to the back of his head. His vision blurred and the next few hits he didn't feel as heavily. He fell to the ground, his glasses falling askew in the turf. He didn't dare try and retrieve them. He curled in on himself, trying to prevent the impact of the hits. It helped, but only just. They hit him anywhere they could reach; each hit a fresh burst of pain through Harry's body. He grunted and groaned, trying not to yell or scream to give them satisfaction. Soon his body became numb from all of the inflicting pain mixing together as one. Ginny was screaming his name, Yaxley was laughing and the hits kept coming.

Yaxley barked out something and the Death Eaters stopped their assault. Harry remained curled in his ball, too numb to move. Rough hands grabbed his under arms and hauled him to his feet. Harry struggled to stay on them, his head dropping. He was too weak to wipe or stub the flow of blood seeped from open cuts to his face and hands. His arms had protected his head from most of the blows but he was still dizzy and light headed. Despite the pain from the other parts of his body, he tried to focus on his next move, his next plan to get away. His hands were twisted roughly behind his back and tied together. He was ushered through the gap in the fence and into the trees. He stumbled frequently, his legs jelly from the assault.

Harry ran through their options. Seeing as he wasn't getting killed today, he and Ginny would be taken to one of their headquarters. Harry had to try and remain observant; for his and Ginny's sake. This beating would probably only be the first of many to come and Harry had to fight through each one. Harry spat out a mixture of blood and saliva from his mouth still having the salty taste of his blood on his lips. He opened the eye that would open; the other was swollen shut. It was too blurry without his glasses so he closed it again, using his remaining senses to know his way.

Ginny was arguing and fighting her Death Eater behind him. Every so often a gust of wind would rip past them and he could smell her perfume. Harry slowed his pace to be beside her but the Death Eaters would have none of that. They jibed him and prodded him forward, not wasting extra energy being softer. An extra shove forward and Harry tripped over a root and sprawled to the ground. Having no hands to brake his fall, his landed face first. He couldn't stop the gasp of pain that sprang to his lips.

'Get up!' the Death Eater behind him barked, kicking him in the side.

Harry cried out again, rolling to avoid another kick. Harry sucked in a pained breath as he felt his ribs crack. Ginny yelled at the Death Eater to stop. Harry heard a thud, followed by Ginny's pained gasp. He had hit her. The Death Eater had hit Ginny. Harry snarled, opening his eye.

'Don't hit her,' he growled and with a struggle, got to his feet.

'I can do what I want to her, Potter. Move!' he yelled at Harry.

Harry glared at the Death Eater, who drew his gun and pointed it at his forehead. Harry stood his ground. He belligerently straightened his head, even though he would look hardly intimidating battered, bruised and bleeding from several cuts. The Death Eater moved the safety switch to 'off' on the gun in an attempt to scare Harry but he didn't move.

'Dolohov, enough!' Yaxley barked. He marched from the front of the pack and shoved Dolohov's gun hand down. 'Remember our orders,' he hissed before turning to Harry. 'Move, or she'll get worse than a slap in the face.'

Harry complied and stumbled further into the trees, his bravado receding with each painful step. At least he was right in thinking he was not dying today. He wished he could say the same for Ginny. They moved in a steady progression, each metre a bigger struggle for Harry than the last. In the end, he was bumbling blindly behind his guard, his head throbbing and his legs turning to lead. They came to the opening at the other end of the bushland. Harry squinted at the sudden burst of light. In front of them, parked neatly in the shade of a large elm, was a large military truck, its back covered with black tarp.

Yaxley went to the front and started the engine while Harry and Ginny were prodded into the back by one of the younger Death Eaters. Harry glanced at him curiously. He was smaller than the rest of them; he barely made it to Harry's chin. He had mousy hair and timid dark eyes that met Harry's. His squeaky order made Harry smile. Harry obeyed without complaint, ignoring the overlarge gun in the boy's shaking hands. Once in the back of the truck, Harry saw two low seating benches running along the side of the truck. Metal poles supported the tarp frame just above the benches. The boy jumped in after Harry and ushered him towards the front, while Ginny, who was herded in after him by Dolohov, was seated on the bench near the rear. The other Death Eaters were ordered to do a complete sweep of the area so it was just he four of them in the back and Yaxley in the front compartment. Harry frowned, stopping in the middle of the tray.

'I want to sit with her,' Harry told the boy.

'Like we would do what you wanted,' Dolohov answered, striding forward to be nose to nose with Harry.

'If you don't let me sit beside her I will yell, bringing everyone to you.'

'I doubt that.' Dolohov pushed Harry backwards. Harry stumbled. 'I don't care if Riddle wants you all to himself. You need to be taught a lesson.'

'That's not our orders,' the boy said, stepping up. He was beside Harry. Ginny watched from behind.

'I'm not going to kill him, runt,' Dolohov growled, shoving the boy into the side of the truck. 'I don't listen to a little pest like you so back off.' He turned back to Harry. 'I can guarantee you breathing, but as for walking again …'

Dolohov grinned evilly at Harry. Before Dolohov attacked, Harry beat struck first, using what little strength he had left. Harry brought his leg up and performed a crescent kick, snapping Dolohov's head to the side. Harry stepped forward and head-butted him, sending him backpedalling out of the truck. Harry's head was reeling and his footing was becoming dangerously unsteady but there was still another threat to deal with. Harry performed a reverse roundhouse kick as the boy ran towards him. Harry's boot collected the boy's chest and sent him sprawling towards the front of the tray. Harry's legs gave out and he fell, almost smacking his head on the bench. Ginny cried out and rushed forward to help him but with her hands tied she couldn't do much except kneel beside him, worried.

'See how easy it was for me to take down two of you? And my hands were tied,' Harry said. 'I don't want to hurt you and I will be quiet. Just let me sit beside her.'

The boy got up and punched Harry in the face but it was so weak Harry merely glanced at him. Scrutinising the boy, Harry went to get to his feet but swayed dangerously. The last knock to the head had Harry on the verge of passing out.

'Are you okay?' Ginny asked softly. She rose with him.

'Getting beaten was no picnic,' Harry admitted, smiling dazedly. He fell on the bench and Ginny joined him.

'Oh Harry,' Ginny murmured, her eyes wide. 'I had forgotten Arnold and I couldn't leave him there. I went back to get him and Yaxley surprised me from behind. I thought you might have gotten away.'

'I would never leave you, Ginny,' Harry said wearily, his lips twitching. 'I am so sorry I brought this on you. I failed you.'

'Don't talk,' the boy said quietly, retrieving his gun but not pointing it at them. 'It'll just rile the rest of them up.'

Harry went to reply but Yaxley appeared in the opening, attracted by the commotion.

'What the hell happened to Dolohov?' he demanded, gazing at the three of them, a gun directed at Harry.

Harry shrugged, turning so Yaxley could see Harry's tied hands at his back. He grunted in pain when he moved in the wrong way, his cracked ribs rubbing uncomfortably on his muscles. Ginny watched him, her face anguished and pained.

'He slipped, knocked his head trying to be cocky,' the boy answered confidently.

This didn't seem to be news to Yaxley, who rolled his eyes and threw him unceremoniously onto the tray. 'Watch them carefully,' Yaxley told the boy before disappearing again.

Ginny gave the boy a surprised look. The boy shrugged as he hoisted Dolohov towards the front. Harry merely smiled. In the mist of danger, he had gained himself an ally.

'You punch as tentatively as that you will get killed,' Harry told the boy with his eyes closed. 'Punch with every feeling you have in your body. They already think you're weak,' Harry nodded to Dolohov. 'Prove them wrong.'

Harry could feel Ginny's questioning eyes on him so he shrugged and said. 'You can't blame a dog for following its master.'

The Death Eater's piled in a few minutes later. They had retrieved the several that Harry had knocked unconscious. They remained quiet during the trip, although Harry could feel their eyes watching him. He kept his head down; although it was more due to the fact he couldn't find the energy to hold it up. When the truck first began to move Harry tried to remember the amount of turns they took but after the seventh one he gave up. Every bump and tilt from the truck had Harry lurching off balance. Ginny tried to support his weight after he had fallen onto her but the Death Eaters shoved roughly upright, smacking him across the head.

Harry groaned, having to spit out more blood from his mouth. The pain he had hoped would become numb was becoming unbearable. He wanted to curl up in a ball and let the creeping darkness overtake him. If it wasn't for Ginny beside him, he would have. She continued to fight, argue and question the Death Eaters on where they were going and what they were going to do. They ignored her for the most part, though with his eyes closed Harry couldn't see what was going on. Her bravery kept Harry from giving up completely.

Despite her bravado talk, Ginny was trembling beside him. She was scared of what would happen to them as was Harry, but Harry knew this was the first time Ginny had ever been in a life endangering situation. As the truck turned another corner, Harry shifted closer to her so their arms were touching. Harry reached across and snaked his fingers through hers, squeezing them gently. He wanted her to know that he was there and he would stay with her through everything the Death Eaters were planning to do. Harry felt her grip his fingers back tightly in response.

They sat holding hands until the truck came to a stop. Ginny's hands slipped from his when he was pulled to his feet. He was ushered out of the tray, where he was flanked by most of the conscious Death Eaters from the truck, including the young boy. Harry thought this was a bit excessive but chose not to comment as they began to walk. As it was, the ride had caused his fatigued muscles to seize. Harry glanced up to their prison, wincing at the sunrise glaring in his eyes.

Through his bad eyesight, Harry thought it was a massive mansion. Harry's looked to the surrounding area but found no landmark or neighbouring houses in sight so his gaze went back to the building. It was two stories with a stone balcony running along the top story. There were people lounging on it, watching their progression in avid attentiveness. Vines and other plants covered most of the outer walls but Harry thought it would be stone, like the balcony. There were no windows on the lower level and even on the top level Harry only spotted a couple. He suspected that this once magnificent mansion had been renovated to hold the horrors in store for him.

Gravel crunched under his feet as he stumbled forward. He passed a large, pale water fountain. He paused slightly to look at it. He heard Ginny and her guard behind him; though by his count she had only two in her guard. She exhaled loudly at the sight of the mansion and one of her guard snickered.

'See something you like, Potter?' Yaxley asked with a glint of glee.

Harry dropped his head. 'I prefer my own lodgings, thank you,' he replied weakly, continuing forward.

The large oak doors opened before them. Harry's instincts were screaming at him to stay away from the house, to run and never come back but his tired, aching legs either couldn't or wouldn't stop. The inside of the house, well, it didn't really look like a house at all. The walls were plain and blank. The smell of rust and metal hung in the air, along with acid and chemicals that burned Harry's nose. There was hardly any light in the entrance hallway until the entered a new room. Harry was almost blinded. Once his eyes adjusted to the sensory light, he stopped in shock.

The once grand living room looked like a business building. They were in the transformed foyer area that had a spiralling staircase at the top left hand corner. In front of them was a huge white desk with a receptionist-like person sitting behind it. A few Death Eaters were milling around the foyer, talking to each other in quiet voices or comparing notes. Once Harry entered they all stopped and stared at him, including the person behind the desk. Only one hallway lead from the foyer and that was to their right. Harry was prodded towards it, feeling the eyes of the Death Eaters following him.

They took several turns along the way. Left. Right. Left. Left again. They were only a few rooms leading off of the hallway and this surprised Harry. The hallway got darker and darker with each turn. Harry suspected they didn't have enough power to light the entire mansion and their experiments. They reached at fork in the hallway and Harry was again led to the left but a cry from Ginny made him turn. Ginny was being lead down the right hand side instead. Harry went to follow but his guard prevented him, pushing him back to the left.

'Harry?' she called out to him, her voice on the verge of panicking.

'Ginny!' he yelled hoarsely as she was pushed further and further out of his line of sight. 'Where are you taking her?' he asked the Death Eaters.

'None of your business,' one of them grunted, pushing him further back.

'None of my … Ginny! GINNY!'

Harry kept screaming out her name, hearing her faint reply in return before he couldn't hear her anymore. Three Death Eaters heaved him down the darkened hallway. During the scuffle, Harry received a blow to the back of his head. He slumped in their arms, his vision going blank. They dragged him as Harry fought to stay conscious. Blood dripped down the back of his neck and down his forehead, dripping on the ground.

Harry struggled to open his eyes when he felt them stop. They were at the end of the hallway. He squinted, realising he was in near darkness. Only one light was on, and that was over a dank and solid steel door. He was turned to face the door as he felt the bonds on his hands fall away. They opened the door and he was pushed into the room. He tripped and fell on something soft. He got gingerly to his elbows, although they were shaking terribly.

The room he was confined to was about the size of a small shed and he only knew that thanks to the small beams of light that ran along the edges of the wall. The light beams were so dim he could only just see shape outlines. As his eyes adjusted, he found he was half lying on an old and thin mattress with numerous holes where the stuffing had fallen out or had rotted away. Two buckets were in the corner and another beside the bed. Harry leaned over and saw that this one was filled with water, though it was lukewarm and probably dirty. Harry's arms gave out. He fell on the mattress, letting his pain wash over him. He was imprisoned and Ginny was gone. He was completely lost and without Ginny beside him, he wasn't sure if he could continue to fight.