And I'm back! Thanks for all the reviews and follows/favs. This will probably be my last update until Thanksgiving since I started school again and life as a PhD candidate is busy busy. I've also become addicted to Game of Thrones and watched all 7 seasons this summer and now I'm spending time I don't really have reading Jonerys fanfic. Anyway, I can't say this is my favourite chapter in this story, but it's still pretty good and moves the plot forward. There's definitely a lot going on and it took me time and many tries to write. But here we are and I hope you enjoy. Please review.
Mine
The last week had been strange and difficult for everyone. Their small Gryffindor-Slytherin allegiance felt like it was falling apart. Hermione's mind reeled at everything that had happened and kept thinking about what to do. She had known Estella was an Emomaster, but had no idea that it meant she could turn into a Dementor. With the help of Ron's powers, Estella could tear those awful creatures apart but she could become one of them easily. If there was ever a time when she became overtaken by negative emotions whether they were hers or others she could turn. In the shack, she had been sucking all their happiness. She had almost given them her first Dementor kiss. If Harry hadn't stopped her, they would be shells of themselves and she would be a monster. Now that she was back to normal, it was hard to not fear her. In all truth, everyone realized that Estella and Ron had gifts that could tip the scales of the war. That's why Ron hadn't succumbed to her power as fast as the rest. He had a kind of strength that all of them had underestimated. McGonagall now had him training with her every other day. Between that, Quidditch and school he was exhausted. But he kept on, he understood that he would have been their best hope had Harry not been there. And now that they knew about this, if it ever happened again, they would cast Patronuses and help Harry or Ron stop Estella.
Their entire group dynamic felt strange since the day of the shack. Her respite from the tension in their lives had been her time with Ron. He was everything. They made love and talked and he always managed to make her smile and feel happy amidst the current uncertainty. They still worried together, specially about Harry. Harry, thinking about him always brought more concerns to Hermione's mind. He was the chosen one. He shared the Kyklos Proctais amulets with Estella so he could not be harmed by her powers. He had been the only one able to feel her cries for help amidst her episode. He was in love with her and they were growing closer each day even though Harry knew of her and Ron's concerns about getting even more attached to her. They could tell that Harry was growing increasingly hopeful for more than friendship. That was one of their big problem. He needed to see that Estella and George's break was not necessarily permanent. It was clear that those two loved each other. Estella herself had told Harry just a few of weeks ago, when he had kissed her. There was no way that had ended, even if Estella said she needed time apart and George granted her space. Even if George had told Harry that if she chose him all he wanted was for Harry to put her first, only to then give her best friend a black eye. With this in mind, Hermione gathered her bravery and one day finally asked her.
"Are you alright?" Hermione asked.
"What do you mean?"
"You seem different… you're… sad." Estella didn't answer. "You miss him," Hermione continued. "Why don't you owl him? He would come to you in a second. Why take time apart?"
Estella smiled sadly, "You are optimistic; ready to fight for what you believe is right, even if the odds are not in your favour. I'm not you." Hermione looked at her confused. "Harry will defeat the Dark Lord and an heir of darkness will protect him. I will protect him. That is what I'm meant to do. I choose Harry. I must."
"You can protect Harry and still be with George. Doing one thing doesn't mean giving up on the other."
"I know. But… maybe it's meant to be this way."
"Why?"
"I can't… it maybe the right thing."
"But you're miserable. You still love George."
"I always love George."
"Then you are not choosing Harry. You can't choose him and love someone else. He wouldn't want that."
"Which is why this conversation stays between us. Don't tell anyone. Please."
"Why? Tell me why and maybe I won't say anything."
"Can you please let it go? Please."
"No, I can't. Harry is my best friend. You and George are my friends. Why should I let you do this and hurt everyone?"
"Because…"
"Tell me the truth."
"I can't."
"Fine. I'll talk to Harry tonight."
"Please."
"Tell me the truth."
Estella gave her one more pleading look with a sadness that almost broke her determination. But Hermione stood her ground and without saying anything Estella understood she was not backing down.
"You cannot tell anyone. Promise me." Hermione look hesitant. "Promise me," Estella requested again.
"Alright, I promise."
"Okay… the prophecy said that the chosen one has the power to defeat the Dark Lord with the protection of an heir of darkness."
"Yeah."
"But it never said that we would survive such a task."
"What?" Hermione said concerned, wondering where she could have possibly gotten these ideas.
"Don't look at me like I'm crazy. I saw something... a glimpse into the future… a possible future."
"How?"
"Does it matter? What I saw… I… I die… with Harry. I marry Harry. I die with Harry. And I'm not stupid, I know that now that I saw and that I'm telling you, that future cannot be the same. Except… all the people that I knew as family before the return of the Black Hand are dead. Severus is dead… and I believe some things stay the same… maybe… maybe we're not meant to live… maybe Harry and I are the price to pay to end it."
"No!"
"Why not?"
"Because it can't be! I can't accept that! The prophecy doesn't say that!"
"It doesn't say we live either. Prophecies are tricky like that."
"And this glimpse into the future? You think you can trust it? How did you get it?"
"Hermione –"
"How!" Hermione screamed incensed.
"George."
"What?"
"When I met with him and told him about Harry kissing me he… he looked so broken and angry… so strange. I assured him that it meant nothing. Merlin, we had just made love and he still doubted me. I didn't understand. I knew he would be upset about it, but… not like that. I tried to explain and asked him why he was acting that way until I realized… he had been jinxed."
"Jinxed?"
"He was under the same jinx I've experienced, the jinx used to keep a secret. He was trying to tell me why his reaction to Harry kissing me was so bad, but couldn't. So I… I used Legilimens on him."
Hermione's eyes grew big. That was a terrible thing to do to anyone, let alone someone you love.
"I know it was wrong, but he wanted to tell me. He wanted to tell me and someone was stopping him. I know what that's like. So, I read his thoughts… his memories."
"How does that have to do with a glimpse into the future?"
"George gave himself a glimpse. His future self found a way to give George a look at our future lives and I was able to see what he experienced. It was that back when I told him that I was the Dark Lord's daughter and he left Godric's Hollow, he received a visit from his future self. Somehow the George of the future found a way to ask his younger self to come back to me. He wanted to save me and Fred."
"Fred?"
"Fred dies too. Harry, Fred, me… many others." Hermione felt like she wanted to cry and Estella knew the question in Hermione's eyes. "Ron lives, Draco, you, George, Lily, baby Cassi, you all live and the Dark Lord meets his end. Still, George went back to Godric's Hollow to try to change the future… he chose to come back to me to save me and his brother."
"Then let him! Let him save you and Fred and Harry. Let him make a better future!"
"I wish… I… Hermione, I don't think he can do that. Despite the changes that have already happened from the future I saw, much is the same. My family and Severus are dead and I brought the Dark Lord back. Draco has stayed my truest friend. And Harry loves me. He wants me. And I think… with time… maybe I can give him what he needs. And we can die together, protecting what is precious to us just like I saw in that glimpse."
"But what if you're wrong?"
"Maybe I am. But I can live with the future I saw. Dying and saving those who matter. I can live with that. I'd rather follow that path than drag George down with me."
"What!"
"Hermione, my mother, aunt and uncle are dead. Ely, Melinda, Severus… dead. I'm like a magnet for doom. I fear for the lives of everyone around me. Draco, uncle Sirius, aunt Cissa, Dora, aunt Dromeda and Uncle Ted, Ron, Ginny, you, the rest of the Weasleys, I want all of you to live. But George, I… I will not take any chances. I cannot accept a world without him. He must live. I need to make sure that he survives."
"But it's acceptable for Harry to die!"
"Harry doesn't have a choice! He is the chosen one!"
Hermione felt anger and disappointment invade her. What Estella said was true. Harry was the chosen one and would face Voldemort. But did that really mean death?
"I'm sorry," Estella said.
"You're wrong," Hermione stated. "What you're doing is wrong. I told you before to hold on to your love. I stand by that. You have the chance to change that future you saw. George took that chance already. He took a chance on you. You have a chance to be happy."
"I know that. But would you be willing to let Ron go if it meant his life? Would you risk changing a future in which you are sure that both the man you love and your child survive to live in a better world, a world without the Dark Lord and Marcus terrorizing them?"
Hermione stood shocked. A child. She said she had a child. "Your child?"
"My child… with Harry. We die… to save our son. So, you see… this way George and my son… they live. Would you risk changing that?"
"I… I don't know."
"Then don't say anything. I haven't broken up with George yet. I just asked for time. I'm deciding on the right path. At least give me a chance to decide if following the future I saw is right or not."
They stood in silence for a while, then Hermione had to say more. "How long would it take for you to decide? How long will you string Harry and George along? How long before you break one of them?"
"I've never meant to –"
"I know, but you are keeping both of them hoping and that's wrong. It's also pulling us all apart, eating away at our friendship and the trust we have built in each other. You need to decide soon."
"I will. I will do my best to decide as soon as possible. I just want to make the right decision. Just give me a little more time."
"Okay. I will do that for you... For now."
"Thank you."
"That's the reason, isn't it?" Hermione asked, earning her a confused look from Estella. "That's the reason you almost turned into a Dementor. It was the day you saw the future."
Estella nodded. "It wasn't easy to see us as we age. See so many decisions and then… my dead body between Harry's and Fred's… and so many others around us… and my son in Draco's arms… the spitting image of Harry crying and calling for his mommy and… George… George was bawling… he looked... I can still see it… in my head. I…" she spoke with tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry," Hermione stated and then moved to hug her friend. "I'm so sorry."
After that day, Estella lessened her time with Harry slightly and cooled her interactions with him. Hermione could tell that the Slytherin was trying to assess the situation logically and giving herself space and time to make the right decision. She did her best to support all her friends. Time passed quickly until it was the night before Christmas break. Hermione patrolled the hallways of the castle with Hannah. It wasn't curfew yet so any students they found they simply sent to their houses so they would avoid points taken off. That was until they found her.
"Hello," Anna greeted.
"Hi," Hermione responded, letting Hannah be the one to speak to her housemate. Hannah told the younger Hufflepuff to head to her house. But Anna interrupted.
"Actually, I was looking for you," she said, looking directly at Hermione. "I won't take long, I promise. I just want to talk for a bit."
"Me?"
"Yeah, I've been meaning to speak with you for a long time, but I can never seem to find you when I'm free. You're so busy."
Hermione didn't know what to say. Anna was looking at her with such a friendly demeanour she couldn't say that she didn't want to talk to her, not now or… ever. "I... I'm on patrol so–"
"Don't worry. We only have a few more hallways. I can take care of that alone," Hannah retorted graciously. Off course she would let them talk.
"Right," Hermione answered.
"Great!" Anna added. Hermione felt completely uncomfortable when Hannah took her arm as if they were long-time friends and brought them to an empty classroom. Hermione tried to smile at the younger girl but it barely came out as a grimace. "Thanks for coming with me," Anna said. "I know we met this summer and you know who I am and off course I see you in the YPS meetings. But, I just feel like… you are the only one of Ron's friends I really don't know much about. Well, you and his sister."
"Right."
"And… I want to know you. You and Ginny… it's important since, well you know, I'm marrying Ron once we're of age."
"Yeah, I know," Hermione said trying her best to continue to sound at least remotely friendly.
"So, umm I thought maybe we can talk and be friends. I know you are a great person. Harry and Estella say nothing but amazing things about you. And Ron… well… he said you're the smartest, most talented witch he has ever met."
An honest small smile finally graced Hermione's face. Off course her Ron, her wonderful Ron would say something like that, even to his fiancé. "He exaggerates."
"Somehow I don't think he does. I just… I want to know about you. Like… how was it like to find out you were a witch and… how do you know so much? And… well about Ron."
"About Ron?"
"Silly uhh? It's just… sometimes I feel like even if he's right next to me, he's a world away. I just… I don't know. What does he love? Besides Quidditch and food. Who does he look up to? What are his hopes and dreams? Everything."
"Have you asked him?"
"Yeah. I reckon well… he told me about a few things. I mean I know he likes treacle tarts and loves his family. He seems very protective of his sister and Harry and you. I just… I feel like there are so many things I have missed. Like how did he become a leader of the YPS?"
"He saved me."
"Uhh?"
"In third year, the Black Hand captured four of us. Four witches, one from each house. Ron found me and him and Harry saved us. That's how Harry, Ron and I met the Swansons and everything happened from there."
"So… Ron found you?"
"Yeah… I thought… didn't Estella tell you about that? Like… when she mentors you?"
"Some of it. She told me Harry and Ron had saved her, but not that Ron found you… She said she was out for most of it… but now I know… he's amazing," she said dreamily.
"He is," Hermione stated.
"Can I ask you something?"
"I though you just did."
"Well this is more like… advice."
"Umm… sure," Hermione croaked, not really wanting to know what Anna needed.
"How do you think I could get him to love me?"
"What?"
"You heard me… it's just… I feel like he likes me enough. It's just… there's boys who think I'm beautiful and look at me in this way that… well I want Ron to look at me like that. I just… I don't know how to… you know, make him realize that we're it. We're perfect for each other."
If Hermione was uncomfortable before, now she felt like she was going to burst… from either anger or frustration or simple sadness... she wasn't sure. How was she supposed to answer Anna? If it was up to her Ron would never love her. He is my love. Mine! Hermione's mind screamed.
"I… I really wouldn't know… I…"
"I know you don't have much experience. You don't have a boyfriend. You never have. I asked."
"Off course you did," Hermione said, almost grinding her teeth in frustration.
"Sorry, I just… I wanted to know about you and Ron and Harry. I didn't even need to ask about Harry. Everyone speaks of him."
"You shouldn't believe the gossip. Half of what everyone says in this castle is not true," Hermione answered annoyed.
"I'm sorry."
"Anna listen… if you really care about Ron… don't listen to what stupid people say. Just… talk to him. Ron… he… he's the most loyal… bravest person I've ever met. He'll put himself in harm's way for the ones he loves without second thought. Just… ask Ron, okay?"
"Okay."
"It's past curfew now. I'll walk you to your house."
"Thank you," Anna said and the pulled Hermione into the most awkward hug of her life. "You're a doll."
"Umm… thanks," Hermione answered, separating herself from the younger girl and heading out of the classroom.
As they walked, Anna kept blabbering, "I'm sure you'll find a boyfriend soon. I know it's harder for muggleborns since the pureblood boys are not available and well you don't have everything set like us."
"Right," Hermione said, feeling angry again. She would not scream at this girl. She would not strangle this girl.
"But there are plenty of good ones still out there. Even Harry."
"I would never –"
"Please… you would be the cutest couple. Except if Estella and Harry get together off course."
"We're here," Hermione stated as they got to the Hufflepuff entrance. She took a deep breath to calm herself. She had to or she really would strangle her. She felt like in one swoop Anna had insulted her, Harry, Estella and even Ron. Merlin! She wasn't necessarily bad, but she was completely clueless.
The next day Hermione and Ron boarded the train with Ginny and their Slytherin friends. Harry met with his mum and Hogsmeade and would stay at their flat with her and baby Cassi. Ron, Hermione and Draco went to patrol the train as usual. Everything was going as expected until they ran into her.
"Hi," Anna said.
"Hi," the three prefects responded.
Anna giggled and moved to talk to Ron. "I was wondering if… umm… do you have a minute?"
"I… well we're patrolling," he croaked.
"It will only be a few minutes, I promise. I'm sure Hermione and Draco wouldn't mind. She's so smart and he's so capable. I'm sure they can patrol without you for a bit."
"Umm… alright."
Hermione felt like someone had punched her in the gut. She wanted Ron to say no. To say that right now it was her time not Anna's, not yet! Still she managed a fake smile while Anna pulled Ron into a nearby compartment.
"Are you alright?" Draco asked.
"Fine!" she answered louder than she had meant to.
"Great because you look like you want to vomit." She gave him one scornful look. "I'm sorry. But you need to grow thicker skin if you're going to keep your secret."
"Easier said than done," Hermione countered.
"I know, but you shouldn't let just anyone see you like this. If anyone besides your friends saw your reaction to him leaving with his fiancé they would suss out your feelings and we could all end up doomed."
"I'm sorry. I'm not good at hiding everything like you or even Estella."
"I'm better than Estella," he answered cockily. "Let me give you some advice. When you feel like you are losing your sanity and everything you care about is going to shit, wear a mask of indifference like an armour. Own the fact that you're a muggleborn in love with a pureblood you cannot have and think of how you will find a way to turn the situation in your favour. Convince yourself that it will make you better to go through this and even though you can't get who you want in the end you will be better. Show no weakness for your sake and all of ours."
Hermione looked at him surprised. He made excellent points and for the first time she felt admiration for Draco Malfoy.
"For now you should probably just find a compartment to hide. I'll take care your part of the train patrol."
Hermione swallowed and said, "Thank you." She then walked away, fast and then faster until she reached the one compartment she knew no one would find her in. The cargo compartment.
Ron looked everywhere. Bloody Malfoy simply said he had sent her away because she looked like she would fall apart any minute. Off course the bloody arse would tell her to go away instead of trying to make her feel better. The git! Now Ron couldn't find her and felt like utter shit. How is it that he could help Estella destroy Dementors and follow McGonagall's instructions on how to make the ground shake and walls crumble with a single look and yet he couldn't say no to Anna Davey. He should have said he had to patrol and avoided her like he had been doing for the last part of the term. Bloody hell!
Then he remembered the cargo compartment and ran. And there she was sitting on the ground watching a blue bell flame of her creation.
"Hermione," he said tenderly.
She stood and whispered, "Hi."
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah," she answered. He looked at her eyes and then she took a breath and spoke again. "Maybe… I don't know. What did Anna want?"
"She… well…" Ron trailed in thought. He was so focused on finding her after Malfoy explained how she looked that he didn't put much thought on talking about what happened. "She asked me some questions."
"About what?"
"About third year and how I saved you and the Black Hand and being a leader of the YPS."
"That's it?"
"No."
"What else?"
"She asked me if I ever had… umm kissed or shagged... before?"
Her eyes grew big in worry. "What did you say?"
"I lied."
"Okay. That's it?"
"Umm… she… she kissed me."
Hermione gulped and looked to the ground before speaking, "Was it good?"
"What!" Ron answered. "Are you mad? Look at me, Hermione! Look at me!"
She lifted her eyes and he stood right before her.
"I do not like being kissed by Anna Davey. In fact, I hate it. She's too short, her hair is too straight and she uses a fruity lip thing that's so bloody sweet I want to gag. She's just not you! She kissed me and I used my power to make the train lurch slightly so we would separate. Then I left her to look for you! Do you understand? I left her for you! If I could ensure your safety I would break that bloody contract for you! All for you!"
Then Ron leaned forwards and kissed her passionately. She responded tentatively at first, but Ron's hunger won over her and she parted her lips to accept him. Their kiss was warm and wet and all want He pulled her to him with surprising strength and she gave into the moment and any anger and frustration she had felt from hearing about him being kissed by someone else was gone. He wanted her. She could tell that he only wanted her, only her. Fuck Adstringo Matrimom, fuck Anna Davey, fuck the future, in this moment, in this train, he was hers and she was his and that was all that mattered. Their mouths locked in a ravenous kiss as he pulled at her robes and then the buttons of her shirt while still working on shrugging off his own robes. She tugged at his shirt and trousers. He rumpled her skirt and pulled at her knickers. "Help me," he muttered when dealing with her bra. She smiled and took care of the clasp as he kissed her and touched her all over. She didn't even register when they had fallen onto their scattered robes and clothing but she relished on the pleasure of having him with her kissing her mouth, her neck, her breasts. He was everywhere. Then Ron stopped and his eyes devoured every inch of her bare flushed skin. He gazed at her in awe and she felt overwhelmed under his stare. He took a couple of deep breaths as if he could barely belief this moment.
"I love you, only you," he muttered and then penetrated.
She gasped in pleasure, enjoying every inch of his cock inside her, every inch of his skin as it brushed her own in that tantalizing way that she had grown to love more and more every time they were together. Her fingers caressed the firm contours of his back and his hungry mouth claimed her own. She was in heaven and nothing else mattered. She gasped, hummed, mewled as every thrust brought her increasing pleasure.
She felt tears in her eyes as she spoke, "You're my love. Mine."
"Yes. Yours… only yours," he answered and then she shattered and couldn't talk or think anymore, she could only feel as her body quivered in ecstasy and she let out a magnificent scream.
"Fuck," Ron murmured as he came inside her.
Ron and Hermione spend a few moments enjoying the afterglow of their union, but they knew they had to dress and get ready for when the train arrived at the station.
"I will never doubt you again," she said right before they left.
"I'm sorry I put you in that situation. I need to learn how to say no."
"You can't," Hermione saw the anger and desperation in his eyes. "You know you can't say no to her all the time. I… we 'll get through this."
He pulled her in his arms and held her. Then they looked at each other's eyes and no words needed to be said. Somehow, they knew it would be okay. They were Gryffindors, brave and strong and together they would find a way to manage Adstringo Matrimom, the oncoming war and anything the Black Hand or Death Eaters or stupid Wizarding law could bring.
They left to meet with Ginny, Draco and Estella and then proceeded to get off the train. Hermione would head to Swanson Mansion with Draco and Estella to use their library before heading back to stay with Harry and Lily. As they took their trunks down in the station they saw who awaited and the air filled with tension.
"Mum send us to get you," Fred said, looking at his little brother and sister with smile. Yet no one paid him any attention, all eyes were on George and on Estella.
"Men –" George begun to say and stopped when she saw the alarmed look on her face. He gulped and changed his words, "Ella."
"George."
"Been well?"
She nodded and answered, "Fine. You?"
"Fine."
"Store still running well?"
"Raking in the Galleons. A dream come true."
"You deserve it. You made it happen."
"I wasn't alone," he answered and she gulped as a reaction. "But thank you," he added.
They stood for a minute looking at each other with unblinking eyes until Sirius Black cleared his throat loudly.
"Uncle Sirius," said Estella with a smile and move to hug the man. "I missed you."
"Me too beloved girl," he answered.
"Hello dears," added Narcissa Black as she hugged first Draco and then Estella.
"We must go, quickly just in case," added Tonks.
"Off course," Estella answered. She turned towards the Weasleys one more time.
"Would you be visiting the store before the Holiday?" George asked.
"Perhaps."
"You should… there are things you would love. New things."
"I know…I… I love everything there."
"You do?"
She nodded, "I might try… to see the store again… in time."
"Do that. We'd love to have you," he said with a smile that was full of hope. She smiled back at him and then turned to her uncle.
Ron came to Hermione's side and hugged her. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too. See you for Christmas."
Then Ginny who had shared hugs with Estella and Draco came to also hug her also. She whispered in her ear, "Find something Hermione. If anyone can help with this marriage rubbish it's you."
Then they all were apparated away by one of the adults.
Hermione was annoyed. She had read what felt like a million scrolls now. Draco joked that they had probably read more of the library than half the Swansons ever had. Hermione couldn't find the humour in his jokes. That was mostly because they hadn't found anything useful yet. She had read about blood bonds and changes in legislation and pureblood lines and history. Plus, Estella and Malfoy deviated from the goal half of the time. She had read an entire tome on blood magic and protective enchantments even those performed for slavery in ancient Rome and the middle ages. Draco wasted time with some weird black magic on the elements text Hermione didn't even want to look at. She was so angry and how her friends weren't focused. But even angrier that she found nothing that would break Ron's stupid contract. She found a possible form of cancellation that could occur within five years of the original contract signing as long as the families paid a price to the Ministry. That was possibly useful, for small children at least, but not for her and Ron. This whole endeavour was incredibly frustrating.
"Hermione," Estella said after a couple of days. "We've been cooped up here non-stop. We should go somewhere."
"Where?"
"I don't know outside or… maybe… Diagon Alley."
Draco laughed then.
"What?" Estella uttered with annoyance.
"Just admit you want to see Weasley. You were looking at him with so much longing at the station that I just wanted to push you together."
"Draco!"
"It's true. Just go over there and end this stupid break you've been on. It's been a nightmare dealing with your brooding and confusion."
"You don't even like George."
"I'll admit I wasn't a fan at first, but he is a capable wizard and he makes you happy. Just go and shag him already."
"Stop," Hermione admonished. "I think maybe you're right and we need a break. We could go for lunch at the Leaky and then see what happens." She smiled at Estella, hoping this would be the chance for her friend to choose George and end the silly game they were playing.
"Yeah?" Estella said.
"Yeah!" Hermione added.
It was a pain to get the adults to agree and by the time they did it was late so they left the trip for the next day. Finally, they headed to the Leaky with six order members in tow. They ordered fish and chips, Sheppard pies, butterbeers and even half a cake. They laughed and felt carefree for what felt like the first time in weeks. Everything was well until they heard an incredible bang that left their ears ringing slightly. It was one of the scariest things Hermione had ever heard. Some of the folks in the pub cowered away from the door and began to apparate away. But their group took a chance. They looked out the window and noticed a pillar of fiery smoke and dust not far from where they were standing. Estella's desperate scream confirmed what Hermione had realized just seconds ago. The intense flames and the ring of ash and smoke were coming from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.
Next chapter: Fire Protection