He kept to the shadows, always hidden, never showing his face as he travelled through wizarding communities. It had been a few weeks since Tom had left to seek the wand maker, but he was determined. He would not fail his Lord, Gregorovitch had hidden himself well.

He walked calmly through the dark passageways of the latest city he was in. It's alleyways cast long shadows as he sourced his target. Nagini remained hidden herself, a nice piece of spell work had done the trick.

His footsteps although light, echoed loudly against the towering stone walls.

No one was around as he made his way to an old statue of a long forgotten ancient wizard, he paused carefully, listening to the deadly silent night. He waited patiently, his eyes scanning his surroundings.

It wasn't long before his target found him.

"My my young man" A cackling voice sounded through the silent streets as a shadow lingered in the dark.

Tom turned and gripped his wand tightly.

"One such as you, should be careful who you might run into" She said with another evil laugh, she stepped closer eagerly, her distorted face coming into view in the dim light. She was a horribly ugly witch, her eyes sunken, her teeth cracked as she split a grin at him, as if he was an easy target.

Tom kept his hood low so she would not see his face. He stepped towards her in turn, which caused her to falter slightly at his confidence.

"Oh I don't think so" He said lightly, hissing for Nagini to appear.

The large serpent appeared on command and he could visibly see the fear crossing the ugly looking witches face.

She hesitated before saying lightly, her eyes almost fixed on the giant serpent "The young master has an unusual taste in pets"

Tom smirked as he hissed for Nagini to stay. Nagini did as commanded, but she still was hissing angrily at the old witches presence.

Noticing that permission had been granted for her to continue she smiled coldly and changed tact immediately.

"And what service can I do for you, young master" She croaked, her tone almost mocking if it weren't for her fear.

Tom held his own wand gently as he said firmly "A wand" He said delicately.

She smiled instantly, her large broken smile of yellow teeth grinning broadly "A specific wand, I take it?"

"Yes" Tom breathed gently from under the hood. "A Gregorovitch wand"

The smile slipped from her face, to replace her ugly smile with an ugly frown.

"Impossible" She hissed, glancing around the dark alley nervously. She herself had her own wand drawn cautiously.

"A pity" Tom was all he said lightly. He made to turn away.

"Kill her" He hissed to Nagini mercilessly.

The witches screams pieced the previously silent night as Tom stepped away without even looking back.

Xxxxxxxxx

Everything had slotted itself into place. Tom walked quietly among dense trees, the night sky failing to shine through into the darkness. As always a Nagini was close on his heels, her eyes glowing against the shadows.

His final destination was close now, it had been all to easy to find the elusive wand maker after he had tracked down a German family Gregorovitch had once lived with. Their screams still echoed in his head and he couldn't help but smile fondly at the memory. It had been all too easy, they had given him the way straight to Gregorovitch.

A few birds flew away as he approached, noisy appearing from the undergrowth, but he paid them little attention as he approached his destination.

A gentle breeze also disturbed the peaceful night, rustling the leaves which left Tom concentrating hard to hear for anything else that might be approaching.

It was good to be free. Potter's body was ideal and with Nagini close with him he had been presented with no problems, Potter had yet to fight for mental control, even after Tom had been away from his Lord for so long.

Tom pondered as he weaved his way forwards, he had been surprised at first. How easy it was to remain in control, it appeared that Potter had no consciousness, just like when he himself was locked in Potter's mind. They had exchanged places. It was tempting to test the boundaries and see how far Nagini could be parted from him before Potter awakened. However this was dangerous, Potter was still strong, he would not underestimate his power.

A clearing opened up in his wake and he paused, his eyes narrowing as they focused in on a small dimly lit cottage standing in the middle. It's neat front garden was lit with a soft moonlight as light broke across the top of the tree tops.

Cautiously now he moved forwards, his wand gripped tightly in his hand.

"Stay" He barely whispered to Nagini, his breath misting in front of him due to the cold. "And be silent" He commanded.

At once she curled in on herself obediently. Tom could focus now, she had to remain safe and he was going into the dangerous unknown. She only had to be near.

Breathing quietly, he moved closer to the house, raising his wand in the process.

Dozens of spells and curses prevented his path and he halted only briefly. This was child's play.

Gregorovitch hadn't planned on stopping any unwanted guests, he had only planned on stalling them so he himself had time to flee. It was a typical defence that most wizards used, but it was a foolish one, one that was easily counted.

A ward was surrounding the small house preventing Tom was apparating straight into it. This would mean Gregorovitch's only way of getting out was by floo or by portkey. Tom smiled gently as he glanced back at the serpent watching him carefully, both these things were so easy to block.

It was then only a matter of seconds and a few wand movements later that Tom stepped over the threshold, Nagini once again by his side.

Once in the house, Tom was quick to disable the various charms preventing him safe passage. He could hear someone panicking in the background as loud noises echoed from what must have been the lounge.

He commanded Nagini to stay behind him as he approached the small room.

At once a curse exploded by his head, but he was ready with a shield. It took him moments to disarm the old man.

"Now now" Tom chided as he stepped into the room, his hood still obscuring his face, only showing his sharp grin to the old wizard. "Aren't you going to welcome me in?"

"Who are you?" Gregorovitch demanded in English his accent thick. He was a short man with pure white hair and a thick busy beard. He looked angry and scared at the same time.

Tom continued to grin as he stepped forwards into the light, still not revealing his identity. He moved quickly, summing a kitchen chair and forcefully pushing the wandmaker into it with a charm.

He grunted, winded, but had no time to comment as Tom crossed the room and lowered his hood.

Nagini was hissing loudly as Gregorovitch stared back at Tom in shock.

"Oh my, am I dead?" Was all he managed to stutter out.

Tom tilted his head a cold smile on his face. "No" He held his wand steady "Although that can be arranged" He said quietly, the threat not lost from his voice.

Gregorovitch looked shocked as he pulled himself up properly in the chair which he sat, he did not move out of it though. Nagini circled the floor around him, hissing angrily.

"But...you died" The old man said staring at him with astonishment. "How...how is this possible?"

Tom grinned sharply "I'm very good at surviving"

Gregorovitch shook his head in disbelief. "No...something is wrong" He whispered as his eyes racked over Potter.

"Very observant" Tom smirked, watching Gregorovitch carefully encase he attempted anything funny.

"Who are you?" The old man asked gruffly, flicking his eyes nervously to Nagini hissing around him, her eyes glaring.

Tom smirked again "That isn't your concern...now, I require a wand"

"I'm retired" Gregorovitch said sharply. "You would be wise to take your business elsewhere"

"Oh, but I require a very specific wand" Tom said pleasantly, stepping slightly closer and directing his own wand towards the Gregorovitch's heart "A very powerful wand"

"I do not know what you're talking about" Gregorovitch grumbled, eyeing Tom's wand warily.

However Tom saw through the immediate lie. He continued with his sharp smile.

"But you boasted such skills transferred through your own wands" He said lightly, raising his eyebrows, as if daring him to contradict him.

Gregorovitch stared coldly at him, his dark grey eyes piercing into his own. Nagini was getting impatient as she hissed loudly.

"Hush Nagini" Tom hissed gently, she immediately quietened, staring at Gregorovitch as if he was her prey.

Gregorovitch's eyes widened, obviously unsure of what he had hissed, however he had no chance to comment.

"Now" Tom said lightly, almost mockingly. "The wand?" He demanded.

"I do not have it" The old wandmaker insisted, his eyes wide in panic "It was stolen from me"

Tom's smile only broadened. "Crucio" He hissed

Gregorovitch convulsed in pain, his back arching against his chair as his screams flooded the room.

When at last Tom decided to lift the curse the old wand maker was slumped in his chair breathless. He stared up at Tom, his eyes wide and fearful.

"Please" He barely croaked out, his voice horse from the screams. "Have mercy" He begged.

Tom only raised his wand again in response, "Now let's try that again. Where is the wand?" His voice was cold now, he was losing patience.

"It was stolen" Gregorovitch repeated heavily, his breathing short "Long, long ago"

"You lie" Tom said coldly.

"I do not lie" Gregorovitch pleaded.

He raised the wand, not caring when the wand maker flinched, cowering behind his own arms.

"Legilimens" He hissed.

Immediately he was swimming in the old man's mind. He focused, pushing aside meaningless memories, focusing on what he desired.

Everything came into a sharp focus, as a new room shifted in perspective. Gregorovitch did not lie, he looked much younger, it was truly long ago.

Tom saw the young blond haired thief and scowled as he brandished the memory away with a sharp flick of his wand.

"Who is he?" He demanded coldly.

"I do not know" Gregorovitch pleaded frantically "I have never known. Please"

Tom tilted his head to the side, surveying his prey icily. At last he nodded towards Nagini, his eyes cold and uncaring. Gregorovitch was of no further use to him.

"Kill" He commanded.

Nagini struck before either had a chance to blink.

Xxxxxxxx

Malfoy bowed awkwardly as Tom stepped back into Malfoy manor. It was a pleasant night as the stars shone brightly in the nights sky.

He barely glanced at the death eaters as he moved across the threshold.

"Call him" Tom commanded immediately as he removed his outer cloak. Bellatrix stepped forwards quickly to take it from him, her eyes were sparkling excitedly, Tom had been gone for a number of weeks now, she was pleased he had returned.

Malfoy looked hesitant before he said loudly.

"My Lord wished not to be disturbed" Malfoy said firmly. However it was Bellatrix who rolled her eyes at him and moved forwards. Tom watched carefully as she bowed deeply to him and gently took his hand and kissed it.

"Of course, my young Lord" She said glancing up, a wicked grin on her face.

Tom would have laughed at Malfoy's expression, however he kept his face empty of all emotion as she stepped back and pulled up her sleeve.

The Dark Mark sat proudly upon her pale skin as she pressed it firmly, never once breaking eyes with Tom.

It immediately turned black as it called her master.

Malfoy was looking on warily as Tom moved towards the large chamber. They both followed obediently.

Tom moved at once to sit down at the large table. "Bring me some food" He commanded again, barely glancing in their direction.

He waved his own wand towards the fireplace which erupted into flames at once, warming the cold room, casting long shadows against the walls.

Bellatrix at once summed a house elf and demanded him to fetch him the best food. He immediately started gushing and disappeared with a loud pop.

Tom leaned back and he couldn't help but smirk at his next command. "Call him again." He said coldly.

Malfoy looked absolutely horrified and even Bellatrix looked stunned.

"You can't be serious" He said affronted, as the house elf popped back already with some wine and fine foods on a platter.

Tom only stared at him icily as he reached forwards and took a grape off the platter. He would not repeat himself.

It seemed Bellatrix listened however as she held her own arm out once again. She held Tom's furious gaze calmly as she pressed the Dark Mark once more.

Tom turned his attention from them annoyed. The fact that Malfoy was reluctant to obey him was frustrating, he would have to speak to his Lord about it. He knew that Voldemort would want to be called for his return. They had pressing matters to discuss.

Malfoy waited anxiously and it was apparent that Bellatrix was buzzing with exciting, eager for Voldemort to return.

They didn't have to wait long.

Tom immediately felt his head burning. His lord was angry, which was expected. No one called him twice, no one.

He moved to stand as the large doors opened upon the Dark Lords command. Bellatrix and Malfoy at once dropped to the floor their heads bowed low.

Voldemort's eyes settled on him and Nagini resting by his side, at once Tom felt the anger in the connection dissipate, turning at once to interest.

"Get out" He hissed at his death eaters who stood at once and moved from the room as quickly as they could. Tom noticed Bellatrix looking back at them longingly, she obviously didn't want to miss anything.

Voldemort beckoned for Tom to follow him to the head of the room, where Tom immediately dropped his head slightly in respect. Before lifting it and making direct eye contact, he dropped his mental shields and at once felt Voldemort enter his memories.

Images of the past few weeks flooded his mind, flicking up quick and fast as Voldemort scanned through his journeys. At last Voldemort pulled out of his Horcrux's mind.

"A thief" He questioned, his red eyes flashing dangerously as he caught up with the situation.

"Do you recognise him My Lord?" Tom asked delicately as he stepped back slightly and cocked his head to the side curious.

"No" Voldemort said coldly. "And you had no further leads?"

"The path stops with the thief" Tom explained. "I have found nothing"

Voldemort was silent for a long while before he nodded "You have done well" He commented.

Tom smirked, before gesturing his head into a slight bow. "I do what my Lord requires"

Voldemort was silent as he contemplated the new information. The next move would be interesting as chasing the thief would be potentially difficult, it was so long ago. If Gregorovitch had failed to track down the thief, there would be hardly any leads to acquiring where the wand now rested.

"Are there any other credible leads as to the wands location?" Voldemort asked his Horcrux intently.

Tom shook his head. "Non. The thief must be identified, only then can we progress."

Voldemort's gaze sharpened onto his own as the flames continued to cast light through the darkness.

"This is your priority" He commanded, as Nagini curled up contently on the large table. It seemed she was happy to be home.

"Potter?" Voldemort now enquired, changing subject. His eyes now focusing clearly on his Horcrux.

Tom grinned, his eyes glinting. "Potter is controlled"

He felt the satisfied rush from his connection with the dark lord as Voldemort looked pleased. His thin mouth curled into a smirk.

"He has never once surfaced" Tom said clearly. "His consciousness is non existent. I had imaged more of a fight, however it seems that he is truly destroyed."

Voldemort's thin mouth, formed into a sharper smile. "Now we can act" Voldemort said triumphantly.

"My Lord?" Tom enquired, he was extremely curious to see where this lead.

"I have another task for you" Voldemort instructed. Tom bowed his head slightly. He remained silent, waiting his lords command.

"This is of vital importance." Voldemort continued, his tone serious. "You must be cautious as failure will result in losing all we have achieved in silencing Potter."

Now Tom's curiosity had peeked as he waited.

Voldemort continued, his voice cold. "The head quarters to the Order of the Phoenix has been compromised since Dumbledore's death. Severus has been informed me that he has been prevented from entering due to a number of curses to guard against him."

Tom understood immediately. "You wish for me to enter?" He asked, he couldn't help but feel excited.

His lord nodded and continued coolly. "Their headquarters may likely have been abandoned, although there still be a number of things of value there, even if only as a refuge for those currently hiding. Potter has access to all of this. "

"Your orders my lord?" Tom asked plainly, bowing low this time.

"Seek and destroy" Voldemort commanded, coldly.

Tom couldn't help but grin as the thrill of satisfaction rushed through their shared connection.

"It will be done My Lord" He bowed deeply once more, his eyes glistening, he had done well and this was his reward. Tearing the Order apart would be fun.

Xxxxxxxxx

Tom landed gently on a neat street in London. It was quiet and the sun was shining down pleasantly. Bellatrix who had apparated along side him began moving forwards silently, her wand drawn.

Tom followed, Nagini close at his side, her eyes glowing as she carefully observed their new surroundings.

"Potter has an elf called Kreacher" Bellatrix explained as they moved closer to their destination. "It is likely he is still in the house. He will be your best source of information."

Tom didn't reply, instead his mood darkened. House elves were disgusting creatures despite how useful they could be.

"The Order despise him" She continued. "He will willingly cooperate with you"

Tom didn't care if the elf would be any use or not. He would remove anyone he had to from the Order Headquarters, that was his task.

Bellatrix suddenly halted, pausing on the edge of the pavement.

"I can go no further" She replied. "Unless My Young Lord would grant me the privilege"

Tom barely glanced at her as she waited expectantly. A house was beginning to appear before him, neatly slotting itself in between the other houses on either side "No" He responded, much to the frustration of Bellatrix.

"You will return to the manor" He instructed.

"But-" She began. Tom turned furious, raising his wand in anger. She didn't flinch but she fell silent immediately. The death eaters had to obey him, there was no other option.

She didn't reply. She only turned and left with a flick of her wand and a sharp turn of her heel.

Angry Tom turned his attention back to the new house before him, he would deal with her later. Disobeying him was disobeying his Lord, it was down right disrespectful and not acceptable.

He didn't hesitate as he called Nagini beside him, she followed hissing slightly under her breath. Tom moved to the now revealed front door quickly, not wanting to be caught outside. Of course the Order would be cautious of Snape but there was no other reason for them to be expecting anyone else.

The door creaked open as Tom glanced cautiously inside. The light from outside barely cast any light inside and as he stepped inside the door closed ominously behind him. He felt the hairs pick up slightly on the back of his neck.

This couldn't possibly be the head quarters to the Order of the Phoenix, it was just so wrong. In fact the whole place felt immediately wrong, as if his senses had been distorted and stretched. It took a moment for him to gather his wits and step forwards.

At once he felt the horrible sensation of a curse wash over him, he raised his wand alarmed but could do little as he felt his breath leave him, unable to speak.

Before he could recover from the tongue tying curse a ghastly figure appeared before him. Nagini reared up, ready to strike as he stepped back surprised, raising his wand. The sunken eyed figure moved towards him quickly, hurtling up the corridor.

Tom threw up a non verbal shield, which surrounding him in a pale blue glow. This immediately prevented the shadow from moving forwards, which was probably worse as it paused glaring at him with hollow eyes through the darkness. Preventing him from safe passage forwards.

Whoever in the Order had thrown up this curse was seriously morbid as Tom observed the haunted figure that clearly was meant to represent Dumbledore. He blocked the path forwards, no wonder Snape had failed to push forwards. Whether or not he was capable of showing his Lord the way in was another matter, it seemed the Order had taken great precautions against him. Tom would have to investigate this more thoroughly. Although he would soon find out if it would be necessary, once he moved past the ghostly Dumbledore representation it would be clear whether there would be anything or anyone of value here.

Nagini was hissing furiously.

"Do not worry" He hissed gently. "He is not intended for us"

This didn't calm her as she too hissed indignantly towards the guarding figure who stood imposingly behind Tom's shield.

"A curse like this should not sustain itself for long" He hissed to her, holding his wand tightly. "It's intended to initially frighten Snape away. There is no point in its existent beyond the first scare"

Nagini waited beside him as he pondered this curse. It was certainly interesting, whoever had set it up was certainly aware of darker methods to scare. Guilt was an odd emotion, one that Tom did not understand. He would never be overcome be such a weak trait.

As if aware of his impatience the haunted figure suddenly disintegrated into a pile of ashes.

Tom smiled gently to Nagini as he stepped forwards, his wand raised cautiously for further traps ahead. He found none.

The house was dark and silent as he walked down the long corridor and into the kitchen.

He had barely moved forwards when a rustling noise caused Nagini to strike forwards angrily to something underneath the kitchen table.

Tom waved his wand sharply, pulling a horribly hideous elf out of the lunging path of Nagini's razor sharp fangs.

Commanding her to remain still he deposited the elf forcefully on the floor in front of him. He assumed that this was Kreacher who Bellatrix had spoken of.

It seemed the elf was deciding whether to move away or not as he eyed carefully both Tom's wand and Nagini's sharp eyes. He didn't move which was the wiser of the pitiful creatures actions.

"Master" The disgusting elf bowed low, almost as if he was mocking Tom. "The traitors said Master was dead." He moved forwards to get a better look at Tom peering up at him carefully.

"Do not touch me" Tom commanded loudly, disgust in his voice. Kreacher withdrew, his expression unreadable as he watched him with dark eyes.

Tom stepped around him and glanced around the kitchen. There was nothing obvious that suggested other people had been here in awhile. If anything it looked like the place had been abandoned in a hurry.

"Has there been anyone in this house?" Tom demanded, holding his wand lightly.

The elf eyed his wand carefully, before bowing low once more.

"No Master" The elf croaked and then remained completely silent for which Tom was grateful.

However Tom tilted his head and observed the disgusting creature carefully. "You're lying" He said with a smirk, his excitement peeking. Order members did come to the house.

"No Master" The elf bowed low, again as if mockingly. "I cannot lie to you."

Tom laughed at this, still holding the wand lightly for which Kreacher was still eyeing carefully. "You cannot lie to Potter. You will lie to me." Tom smiled coldly. It was apparent that Kreacher recognised something was wrong and that he was not speaking to Potter. As an elf he would be more tuned to the dark magic of the Horcrux.

Kreacher only scowled unpleasantly, however he didn't offer up any further speech.

Tom stepped around him gently, pondering his thoughts out loud. "You still recognise Potter as your master, however the Order still believes Potter to be dead." He directed a question at Kreacher this time. "Do they not believe you?"

Kreacher again didn't appear to want to cooperate, however this time he only grumbled as if he thought Tom was stupid. "I am an elf". Tom rose his eyebrows surprised, this was actually a pretty decent answer. However he would have thought the side of light were all for treating disgusting creatures fairly, so the fact they didn't only made him grin sharply amused.

"I'm guessing you're not going to tell me who comes and goes in this house then" He asked all to lightly. The threat obvious in his voice.

Kreacher only remained silent in answer, scowling unpleasantly still.

"Well then, you have no purpose" Tom said coldly, suddenly bored, he directed his wand at the disgusting creature.

The Elf had no time to move, no time to react as black flames shot around his body, consuming him. Kreacher writhed and screamed in agony, his croaky voice screaming shrilly, begging for the fire to stop. However Tom barely blinked as he held his wand steady, a cruel smile resting on his lips. The flames reflecting in his dark green eyes.

He removed the curse and glanced down at his destruction, his eyes glittered in satisfaction as he observed his work. The twisted form of the elf lay smouldering against the clean floor, blood oozed from him as deep burns cut across his body.

Tom smiled as Nagini hissed indignantly.

"He would not have been a pleasant meal" He hissed fondly as he turned his attention back out into the hall way. He trod lightly as the giant serpent moved beside him, still hissing in disgust.

"I will find someone much more satisfying" Tom promised as he started to climb the staircase.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Hermione landed on the doorstep of Grimauld place shaking in terror. Ron landed beside her, he also looked white as a sheet. They barely acknowledged each other as they rushed inside, bating aside the curse left for Snape, the polyjuice potion now beginning to wear off.

"What if they know it was us" Hermione muttered terrified as Ron began to transform into himself.

Ron paused in the hallway and grabbed her roughly by the shoulders, her hair was beginning to change back into her bushy brown. "Hermione it's okay, we got the Locket. Umbridge won't know it was us who took it. The polyjuice remember."

Hermione stilled and stared at Ron who was looking at her determinedly. They had only just made it out of there in one piece, being forced to flee when their polyjuice victims had raised the alarm.

"One Horcrux down." Ron tried to reassure her. "They can't do anything now. We're safe"

Hermione shook her head, although she was starting to calm. "We still have to destroy it. That's going to be the hard thing."

Ron nodded. "Fine, but we have it. That's the important thing."

Hermione agreed as the both moved further into the house. "But we have no idea where the next one could be."

"True" Ron shrugged. "But I would say we've made pretty good progress."

They entered the kitchen and froze immediately, both of them stopping abruptly as they focused in one the horror in the room.

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise and absolute terror, Ron swore. There was clearly a smouldering mess of a mangled body burnt onto the kitchen floor.

She clasp her hand to her face as the horrible burnt stench flooded into her nostrils. Hermione swayed, immediately feeling light heated at the sickly sight before her.

It was obviously Kreacher. His body deformed and left to rot upon the kitchen floor, it was apparent that he had been attached and whoever had done this had wanted him to suffer.

"Someone has been here" Ron barely managed to whisper, his voice failing to hide his shock and disgust.

"Snape?" Hermione asked, unable to take her eyes of the Kreacher's destroyed body.

Ron shook his head. "Somehow I don't think so" He whispered.

They had no time to move closer and examine the body, not that Hermione would have wanted to anyway, when both of their eyes shot upwards. Footsteps were echoing above them.

They both turned to each other startled.

"Merlin" Ron whispered terrified, "They're still here"Gently he moved his own hand into Hermione's and began to pull her gently from the kitchen.

She followed, allowing herself to be lead away from the horrific sight. She felt sick and shaky as she clutched her wand close to her.

"What if it's an Order member?" She asked quietly.

"I don't think so" Ron muttered anxiously, holding his wand steady in front of him as they tiptoed down the hall. "It sounds like they are snooping around. Plus you can still smell the smoke from Kreacher." He added bitterly. "That happened only minutes ago."

Hermione swallowed thickly, something large was moving around upstairs and it was definitely accompanied by footsteps.

They had just reached the doorway when the footsteps started to get louder, Hermione and Ron froze cautiously. Whoever was upstairs was coming back down again. A strange hissing noise filled the deadly quiet house.

Hermione shot her eyes to look at Ron startled, her chest tightening uncomfortably as she struggled to keep her breathing steady.

They both recognised the noise, it was clearly parseltounge.

"Nagini" Ron barely choked out. He raised his wand immediately, turning his back from the door, preparing to strike.

"No" Hermione whispered anxiously, gripping Ron's sleeve as she tried to pull him back towards the door.

"Hermione, we have a chance to kill her. We have to act now." He insisted, steadying himself.

"Ron" Hermione pleaded, still attempting to pull him towards the door. "Think about it. If Nagini is here and she's being spoken to then think who is coming down the stairs with her." She said desperately.

Rons eyes widened considerably. As he looked towards her terrified and in shock. He still seemed to be in two minds about staying though as he tightened the grip on his wand.

"That's not possible" He whispered "He couldn't have entered"

"Snape could have shown him in" She countered quickly. "He doesn't need to enter the house, only show You Know Who where it's hidden."

"We still have to try" Ron said determinedly as he steadied himself, however Hermione could still hear his voice shake slightly. The footsteps were getting louder, as was the disturbing hissing noise and the now distinctive noise of a large serpent moving her giant body.

"Ron, we can't fight You Know Who" Hermione begged quietly. "We have the locket. We need to go before we lose that to him. If he sees us attacking Nagini he'll know that we know about the Horcrux's. We have to find the others first."

"What if there isn't another time?" Ron queried despite Hermione's panic, he didn't remove his gaze from the bottom of the stair case.

The hissing stopped immediately, as did the footsteps on the stairs.

Hermione swore under her breath. They had been heard.

Cliffy for fun!

I struggled with Tom entering Grimmauld place, I didn't really see him ever saying the word 'Kill' in a sentence to destroy the Dumbledore like thing and I thought this fitted the situation better.