Apologies for the delay guys, my Internet has been down for weeks. I'll try to get the next few chapters out as quick as I can!
They all watched as Hornrock - or Ron, rather - followed the path through the Ministry as though he were headed to the Department of Aurors. With the bumpy appearance of Hornrock, Ron made a swift turn down a corridor that Hermione didn't recognise, but made her feel uneasy all the same. Gone was the impressive decoration of the Ministry, and Ron was leading them down a dank, greyed out corridor. A corridor which seemed to go on for miles. There were various twists and turns, and Hermione watched as Ron consulted a piece of parchment in front of him before making a turn. Directions, Hermione concluded.
The passage was narrowing, and it was getting darker. Judging by the way the ground tilted, Ron was travelling deep underground. After what seemed like a good few hours, though, Ron came to a halt and drew his wand, keeping still.
"Who's there?" Ron asked, unable to keep the quiver from his voice. Hermione's stomach lurched.
There were three people surrounding him now.
"Enjoyable stroll, Weasley?" The tallest of them smirked. Lucius Malfoy. Despite the fact that his usually slick long hair near enough covered his entire face, Hermione would have recognised that evil smirk anywhere.
Ron seemed taken aback, but still held his wand steady. "Azkaban clearly hasn't agreed with you, Malfoy."
The two others scowled beside Malfoy, but Luicius simply chuckled. "You're one to talk. In love with a Mudbood? Typical blood traitor." Lucius spat.
Ron was shaking now, with rage. Before he could open his mouth to utter a curse, however, Malfoy had shot first. "Imperio!"
Hermione subconsciously gasped and gripped on to Harry's shoulder. She, Harry and Ginny watched in horror as Ron let out a loud swear word before doubling up in what sounded like pain.
Lucius stared expectantly with a questioning look. Clearly something had gone wrong. Ron was still writhing, though he seemed to be quickly gaining more control by the second.
"So, Weasley, immune to the Imperius curse are we? No matter." Luicius merely shrugged, sending an unexpected force of white hot anger pumping through Hermione's entire body. "Get him."
It happened too fast. Ron barely uttered "expel-" before he was grabbed from behind with a crack.
The scene faded again. Ron was in that familiar prison that Hermione had witnessed in her dreams and in person, however briefly. She felt a lump in her throat watching the person in front of her. It was evident that he had been here for quite some time. The all to familiar carvings looked fresh on his chest.
It took her a minute to realise that Ron was not alone. A hooded figure stood in front of him. Although he looked completely broken, he didn't look worried.
"You sent her the locket? And the note?" Ron was asking. His voice sounded crackly though.
The second voice brought Hermione to understand the hushed conversation. "Yes, and the hat has been hidden."
"Not destroyed?" Ron sounded bitter now.
"You don't think I tried that, Weasley?" Malfoy bit back. "I tried everything. Venom, curses, even feindfyre. It's not working."
Ron let out a frustrated growl. "Just... make sure Hermione is safe. But stay out of sight. They can't know what's going on. I need to protect them."
Malfoy rolled his eyes impatiently. "Wouldn't your little entourage be useful, considering your situation?" He looked pointedly at Ron's bindings, but Ron shook his head.
"I don't want to put my friends and family in danger. Some of them work for the Ministry. As soon as Hornrock suspects their involvement, they are in danger."
"Yet you had me send Hermione your note with the locket?" Malfoy sounded perplexed. "You don't think she should know what it does?"
Ron made to talk, but he could hear voices. To Hermione's surprise, he let out a shriek of intense pain, though it didn't quite seem to reach his eyes. Malfoy quickly raised his wand towards Ron, scowling.
"Draco." The voice from behind him seemed to send a chill down Draco's spine.
"Yes, father?" Malfoy kept his gaze on Ron.
"That will be all. Did you get any information from him?"
A look of terror dawned on Draco's face as Lucius fixed his eyes on him. "He won't talk." His voice was a little shaky now.
Lucius steadied his gaze on his son. "Return to the manor. I will deal with you later."
Draco, out of Lucius's sight, set Ron a sincerely apologetic and fearful gaze before walking out of the room.
Lucius smirked, raising his wand. "Well, Weasley, I always say that if you want something done right you must do it yourself. Ready to talk?"
Ron's pained expression faded before them as the scene faded to Ron and Malfoy streaking down the corridors, Ginny gripped on to her brother's hand. Of course, this was the night they escaped. The trio were about to exit through the door that led into the church area, when Ron heard a scream. Hermione's scream. She watched as his usually pale face flushed whiter still.
"Take Ginny and get out of here." Ron let go of Ginny's hand, shoving her towards Malfoy, perhaps rougher than he had meant to. He didn't stop to apologise, though. Ron fled in the opposite direction without hesitation.
This time, the scene began to fade materialising them into the bedroom that they had been standing in the whole time. The Burrow. As much as questions still needed to be answered, Hermione gazed at Ron.
Why didn't he trust her? She could have helped. She could have been there with him. She couldn't help but feel a little betrayed and disappointed. Ron was still staring out the window, perched on the ledge. Before she could say anything though, she heard Ginny let out a low growl, clutching on to her stomach and collapsing.
I'm making no promises on when the next update will be, but I will try to get this finished as soon as possible. Don't worry, questions will be answered soon! We're nearing the end! Apologies again for keeping you all waiting!