As soon as Bill's Patronus delivered its message, Albus Dumbledore swung into action, making a school-wide announcement.

"All Teachers are to proceed to the Room of Requirement. All students are to make their way to their Common Rooms."

Dumbledore moved swiftly, and arrived at in the Room first.

Bill Weasley was moving around, trying to cast as many protective enchantments as possible – Dumbledore joined him.

"Students, please form yourselves into an orderly fashion and prepare to make your way to your Common rooms. Ah, Madame Hooch and Professor Sprout, would you please escort the students back."

"Immediately, Headmaster."

"Horace, please inform the Ministry." Dumbledore glanced over at McGonagall and she instantly understood, and left to inform the Weasleys.

Dumbledore then glanced at Snape, using Legillimency to pass on a message. "Find Draco Malfoy."

Snape swept from the room. Dumbledore glanced around. Most of the students had departed; however most of the D.A. remained – Harry was blameless for his part in this disregarding of the Headmaster's orders, as he was being held back from charging out of the room by Charlie, Ron, Hermione and Pavarti.

Dumbledore moved between Harry and his target, waving his wand over the wardrobe and muttering under his breath.

Then the cupboard shook. Harry tensed, waiting to see if Ginny had managed to follow him or Death Eaters had reached the school.

But it was neither – just a small piece of paper. Dumbledore levitated it out of the cupboard.

"According to this note," Dumbledore announced. "Miss Weasley has destroyed the other wardrobe."

"Could be a ruse." Harry pointed out.

"Indeed, Mr Potter. We shall have to cover all our bases." Dumbledore began to organise the stubbornly remaining students.

Snape entered the Slytherin Common Room.

"Where is Malfoy?" Snape queried.

Zabini looked up. "Peeves got him with Dungbombs – you'll probably find him in the Prefect's bathroom."

Snape swept from the room without another word.

The Weasleys had their Floo connection blocked; but Professor McGonagall was one person who could circumvent that arrangement.

"Minevra, what can I do for you?" Molly Weasley asked.

"Ginny…" McGonagall took a deep breath and continued. "Ginny's gone. She and Harry inadvertently stepped into a Vanishing Cabinet and only Harry made it back."

"Where is she?"

"We cannot be sure…but Malfoy Manor is a good bet."

Fleur looked devastated, and Molly looked as if she was about to storm the gates of Malfoy Manor herself.

"Molly! That's the Headquarters of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named! You'll be slaughtered before you breach the gates!"

"And you expect me to sit here and leave my baby girl to those monsters?" Mrs Weasley roared, throwing Fleur's arm off her shoulder.

"We will get Ginny back." Fleur stated. "We need to be rational about this – you won't be any help to her dead! But if you do go off, I'm coming with you."

Fleur looked so determined that Mrs Weasley managed to compose herself. "Thank you, Minerva."

"I'll be in touch, Molly. All your sons are at Hogwarts." Minerva withdrew her head, and Molly Weasley gathered herself.

Her husband Arthur strode through the back door, just as Molly needed him most.

"Oh, Arthur." Mrs Weasley ran to embrace her husband. "Ginny, she's-"

"Tonks told me, Molly. Now don't you worry Molly. Ginny will be fine."

Severus Snape located Draco Malfoy and brought him to the Room of Requirement. Dumbledore took the young man aside, and Draco was uncomfortably aware of the death glares he was receiving from Potter, Granger, Weasley and Co.

"Draco, is there anything you can tell me about this Vanishing Cabinet?"

Malfoy was panicking, but drawing on his Occlumency training he managed to keep a straight face as he answered.

"Not anything unique, Headmaster."

Dumbledore's eyes appraised Malfoy.

"You should know that one of your schoolmates is missing. Anything you can tell me…"

"No…" Malfoy's façade was dropping.

"Very well Mr Malfoy, I shall go and inform the Weasley's that their sister is lost. Have a good evening."

Draco Malfoy was caught. He didn't care much for the Weasleys – but he knew what would happen if they found out how he was involved in the youngest Weasley's disappearance.

But he couldn't help them…no matter how dangerous an enemy the Weasleys could be, he had a far bigger problem right at the moment.

"I can't help you." Malfoy pleaded. "If he finds out…My mother and father…"

Dumbledore nodded gravely, and then motioned to Snape. Keep an eye on him.