"What do you mean his execution is taking place tonight?" The girl whispers, gripping the rim of the battered sink with her timid, shaky hands. She avoids looking at her companion, knowing that if she does, the gravity of the situation would suddenly feel very real.
"Hermione." The boy steps closer and takes her hands in his own, attempting to calm her.
She finally gazes at him. "We had a week – a week dammit – before Harry's execution date. We're so close to escaping! All we need is access to Snape's office, the only place in the entire castle that has anti-apparition wards, so that we can finally apparate out of here. We're so close, for Merlin's sake! Why did they push it forward?"
"Apparently, You-Know-Who is growing impatient. Smug bastard," the boy mutters with disdain. "But if you ask me, they were already on to us. The Carrows arrived during Divination last period to take Harry. We tried to stop them – me and what's left of the DA – but we were overpowered by those bloody Slytherins, and Alecto ever so kindly left me with this."
Hermione gasps as he lifts up his shirt and reveals the bloody gash on his hip.
"Oh, Ron! Let me try to heal it," she pleads, pulling out her wand.
"Don't bother. It won't stop bleeding, no matter how many times I've tried to close the wound. Courtesy of dark magic, of course."
Perhaps it's the news of Harry's execution, coupled with the sight of Ron's ghastly wound, that finally breaks her. The floodgate opens and soon enough her tears are flowing freely down her face.
Everything was falling apart far too quickly.
It's been exactly three weeks since Dumbledore was murdered and Voldemort had already invaded the castle, as well as the Ministry of Magic.
It was as if they had all collectively awoken one day to find themselves trapped within a living nightmare.
Voldemort's first course of action was to, of course, appoint Professor Snape as the acting Headmaster of Hogwarts and to publish a decree that made it mandatory to extend the school term into the summer holiday. This meant that no students could leave the castle and return to their homes. All students were trapped within the confines of the castle, with no ways to contact their families or withdraw from Hogwarts. Death Eaters and Dementors were in charge of patrolling the school grounds to prevent students from escaping. What was supposed to be the happiest and safest place in the country had now become a prison of sorts. To put it bluntly, they were all sitting ducks.
The Muggle-borns were placed on probation, with a three-strike system. If a Muggle-born was to disobey their 'superiors' (see: Purebloods) more than three times, they would be removed from the school, and Hermione was neither stupid nor naïve enough to figure out that this was meant in the permanent sense.
Due to factors out of her control, Hermione Granger, a muggle-born herself, was powerless against the regime, and being Harry Potter's best friend left her with the very unlucky privilege of being scrutinised extra closely by the Death Eaters within the castle.
Hermione wasn't even allowed to sit with her friends in classes or during meals at the Great Hall. Muggle-borns were to be seated at the very end of House tables and at the very back of the classrooms, as they were not deemed worthy. This in turn made things much harder for Hermione and her friends, particularly when they had important things to discuss, such as escaping their new-found hellhole.
As such, the trio made daily arrangements to meet in Myrtle's bathroom after their last lesson of the day. The Room of Requirement would have been ideal, however it was no longer an option now that Draco Malfoy and his cronies had made it into their Headquarters, and regularly occupied the room at any given moment.
Moaning Myrtle's bathroom was the next best bet; with Myrtle's whiny personality and frequent bouts of shrieking, she was sure to drive even the most formidable Death Eaters away from her sanctuary. It's the last place anyone would look from them.
And now, here they are, standing in Myrtle's bathroom without Harry. His survival is her number one priority, and she has already let him down.
As the tears stream down Hermione's face, Ron's expression softens.
"Hermione, I know it's hard," he says, his voice low and soothing. "We almost had him out, but we need to remain calm, especially now. The last thing we need is to draw attention to ourselves".
Ron wraps one arm around her in a comfortingly affectionate gesture, attempting to offer some form of solace. "We'll get Harry back before it's too late and figure this out," he promises. "We always do."
His words of assurance strikes a deep chord within Hermione. Ever since Dumbledore's death where everything consequently fell apart, it was Ron who helped Harry and Hermione keep their sanity. Though he was labelled as a Blood Traitor, Ron was still a Pureblood and wasn't subjected to the likes of the Death Eaters nearly as much as his friends, and so he always made sure to take the brunt of the situation whenever he could.
She has to admit, Ron's emotional range has transcended that of a teaspoon and was now the size of a cauldron.
"You're right," Hermione says, letting out a shaky breath. "We have to think rationally if we're going to get Harry back. Do you know where they could have taken him?"
Ron shakes his head. "I bet if we used the Marauder's Map, we'll be able to find him!" He scrambles through his bag and comes up empty-handed. "Harry must have had it with him when he was taken. Accio Map!"
When nothing happens, Ron swears, "Bloody hell!"
"Do you at least have the cloak?" Hermione asks, wondering how far away the Death Eaters have taken Harry from the castle. She knows from experience that the Accio charm won't work if the caster was too far away from the desired object, unless something else was blocking it…
"Right here," Ron says, pulling the cloak out from his bag. "I remember now – Harry thought it was best if I kept the cloak and he kept the Map in case we were ever separated. I guess he was right."
"That's good. We'll need it to sneak out of the castle once we have his location. Speaking of which…" she trails off, turning to face their ghostly companion, who was panicking in her own corner of the bathroom.
"Myrtle, do you think you can find out where the Death Eaters may have taken Harry?" Hermione asks the ghost gently.
The ghost blinks slowly, as if just noticing Hermione's presence. "You want my help?" she asks incredulously as Hermione nods.
"It sounds too dangerous. No one ever wants anything from Myrtle unless it's something dangerous," the ghost whines, rocking back and forth in her corner.
Ron and Hermione exchange impatient looks. "Look, Myrtle," Ron tries, "we have to save Harry. You like Harry, don't you? I know he likes you."
Myrtle perks up at his words. "He does?"
"Of course he does," Ron says with a nod. "He won't stop talking about you, isn't that right, Hermione?"
Hermione nods as she plays along, desperately hoping the ghost's desperate need for attention works in their favour.
"Please, Myrtle," Ron pleads. "You're the only one who can help us save Harry from Tom Riddle."
Myrtle gasps at the mention of Voldemort's full name. "That's the name of the boy who killed me!" she wails.
"Yes, and he'll kill Harry if you don't help us!"
Myrtle doesn't like his answer. Instead of helping, she shrieks and flies inside the toilet bowl, causing the water to splash across the bathroom as she disappears.
"Well… that was a waste of time," Ron says with a frown. "Don't suppose she's looking for Harry in there, do you?"
Hermione pulls out her wand and uses the hot air charm to dry them both. Her mind reels as she tries to formulate a new plan.
"Ron, I think – " she stops mid-sentence as a sound echoes around them – the creaking of the bathroom door, followed by hurried footsteps. She can faintly hear voices echoing outside the bathroom and her eyes widen in realisation that someone is approaching.
Ron looks just as panicked, a sense of urgency in his voice as he whispers, "Quick, get under here." He grabs her by the hand as they lean against one of the many bathroom sinks, and envelopes them both under the invisibility cloak.
Hermione's hand is clutching his as they hold their breath. The door abruptly swings open, and her eyes widen as Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy stride inside, talking in hushed voices.
Zabini's eyes flick over the bathroom. "I heard they're going to execute Potter before dinner tonight," he tells Malfoy, who remains silent as he stares at the ground solemnly.
"Such a shame. I kind of liked Potter. In the same sort of way one likes their distant relative – amicably and from a distance," he continues.
"He doesn't deserve this," Malfoy finally mutters, his voice laced with remorse. "No one deserves a public execution, much less Potter."
Underneath the cloak, Hermione and Ron exchange surprised glances at Malfoy's words.
"Careful, Draco. We wouldn't want anyone to hear you say that," Zabini murmurs, scanning the bathroom once more. "But I do agree with you. It would be in all of our best interests if Potter was to win the war."
Malfoy sighs, rubbing his hand over his face. "This is all my fault."
"No it's not," Zabini says. "You weren't to know this was going to happen. All we can do is pray that Potter somehow escapes in the remaining two hours he has left before the execution."
"That's going to be rather difficult," Malfoy admits. "No one knows where they're keeping him. Only those most faithful to the Dark Lord have been given the clearance to know his location. Not even my father has been informed."
Zabini frowns at this revelation.
"And besides, even if Potter does somehow break out, how would he leave the school grounds? The Death Eaters have made the school unescapable," Malfoy adds disdainfully.
"I don't know, Draco. As annoying as they are, his friends are quite formidable. I'm sure they'll find a way," Zabini says quietly.
Malfoy opens his mouth to speak but stops when the door to the bathroom creaks again and Severus Snape enters the room. The sight of the two boys talking in hushed voices instantly pique the Professor's curiosity and he approaches them with a stern expression.
"Zabini, Malfoy," Snape addresses them. "What are you two doing in here?"
Hermione watches as his eyes narrow while he surveys the room carefully. The air suddenly feels thick with tension as he slowly paces toward the sink where the invisible duo stands. She holds her breath, hoping he doesn't come any closer.
"I sense something is amiss here," Snape mutters under his breath. "Tell me, boys, have you seen Granger or Weasley lately?"
Malfoy and Zabini exchange silent looks.
Snape's cold eyes flit between the two boys in front of him. His jaw tenses as he notices their slight shift in body language.
"I don't appreciate being answered with silence," Snape says menacingly. "I repeat – have either of you seen Granger or Weasley?"
"No, Headmaster," Malfoy finally says.
Snape watches Malfoy carefully, as it trying to read his mind. He turns his gaze to Zabini. "And you? Have you seen them?"
Zabini shakes his head.
Snape's eyes linger on them for a moment longer before he slowly begins moving around the room, the heel of his boots clicking loudly against the bathroom tiles. Hermione can feel her heart pounding in her chest with every step Snape takes.
She watches nervously as he studies the sink, noticing the water droplets splashed across the porcelain caused by Myrtle's toilet dive just moments earlier.
His eyes widen for a brief moment, before his face slips back into his usual mask of indifference.
"Very well," Snape says with a hint of irritation. You two may go." Malfoy and Zabini exchange relieved glances and hurry out of the bathroom. Snape watches them go before muttering something under his breath.
He continues to pace across the bathroom, his black robes swishing with each step. He moves over to the opposite end of the bathroom and suddenly stops in front of the large, ornate mirror. He leans forward and stares at it carefully, his eyes flickering over to the water droplets caused by Myrtle's splash.
Hermione watches as his lips purse together, and he casts a quick drying spell on the mirror, causing the droplets to evaporate instantly. The silence in the bathroom is deafening as her mind continues to race.
"Water is a powerful force," Snape says finally, his voice low and ominous. "It can cleanse, purify, and reveal the truth. But it can also conceal, disguise and deceive."
At his words, Ron shares a confused look with Hermione.
Snape lets the silence of the bathroom stretch for a few moments before continuing. "Water can also reflect," he says, his voice echoing off the tiles. "It can act as a mirror of sorts, revealing the truth to those who know how to look for it."
He turns and walks back towards the middle of the bathroom, his steps slow and measured. He seems to be in deep thought, his expression unreadable. He briefly glances in their direction, his eyes flickering with intense contemplation.
After a few moments, he speaks again, his voice cutting through the uncomfortable silence.
"Water can create illusions," he says, his voice low and deliberate. "It can create reflections of things that aren't truly there. It can deceive you into thinking that you're looking at something real, when in actuality, it's all just an illusion."
The silence is deafening. His words hang in the air, the echoes of his voice bouncing off the bathroom walls. Hermione's stomach drops. He must know they are there.
"Water can also be used to trap and bind. It can ensnare and ensnare, holding its victims prisoner until they are freed. I wonder if Potter can handle the reality of the situation he finds himself in," Snape muses aloud. "I rather hope he's consumed enough Gillyweed to maintain his oxygen levels. Wouldn't want the Dark Lord to have a boring execution with a lifeless participant."
His words about Harry's impending doom send a chill down Hermione's spine, her pulse quickening at the thought of her best friend being in such danger. Though she's grateful for the new information acquired from Snape, her minds reels as she desperately tries to formulate a plan of rescuing Harry from the Black Lake.
Snape straightens his back and turns to walk towards the exit, his black robes billowing around him as he does, and his steps remain slow and measured. He pauses at the door and glances back at the bathroom, his gaze flickering briefly in the direction of the sink where Hermione and Ron are hiding.
"It's a good thing that my personal supply of Gillyweed is kept secured in my office. Though it is a shame I won't get the chance to visit my office for the remainder of the evening," he mutters, loud enough so that they can hear. "I can't recall if I even locked the door…"
Then, without another word, he turns on his heel and leaves, the bathroom door swinging shut behind him with a loud thud.
Hermione can hear her own ragged breathing as she and Ron stand frozen, still hidden under the invisibility cloak. They don't look at each other but can sense each other's anxiety and fear.
"What's just happened?" Ron asks, his voice quiet but the confusion evident in his words. "Malfoy's suddenly decided that he wants to support Harry? And Snape – did he just help us?"
Hermione's mind races with worry and confusion. "It sounded like it," she whispers, her voice slightly puzzled. "But… why?"
There's a slight pause before Ron speaks. "Never mind why," he finally says. "We need to get Harry out of the Black Lake and away from the castle first before we can start asking questions."
"You're right. We'll think about Snape and Malfoy later," Hermione says with a nod, her heart still thumping with fear and adrenaline. "But right now, we need to get inside Snape's office."
It doesn't take them too long to reach the Headmaster's office.
The invisibility cloak comes in handy once again as the two remain concealed, scurrying down the dark, castle corridors, their hearts pounding in their chests. Their footsteps are quiet and careful, and Hermione's eyes flicker from left to right, looking out for any potential danger.
Outside of Snape's office, they exchange a worried glance, both of them breathing heavily.
"Ready?" Hermione whispers to Ron, her voice barely above a whisper.
He nods and with a shaky hand, reaches for the doorknob. Hermione continues to scan the corridor, double-checking that no one is in sight. As soon as she notes that the coast is clear, she gives him the signal and he quickly turns the doorknob. Hermione silently prays it won't be locked as Snape mentioned earlier. To her relief, it gives way with a soft click and the door swings open to Snape's dark, empty office.
Once inside, Hermione uses her magic to detect the office for any threats and came up empty. Sliding out from under the invisibility cloak, she locks the office door.
"Blimey," Ron remarks, glancing around the room. "This place is like a time capsule. It looks exactly the same as Dumbledore left it."
Hermione is surprised to find he's right. It's as if nothing has changed. Even the bowl of confectionery sweets lays untouched on the Headmaster's desk. If she recalls correctly, Snape hates Sherbert lemons and would constantly refuse Dumbledore's offerings. It's odd that he kept it.
"Maybe Snape hasn't gotten around to redecorating yet," she says with a shrug. "Either that, or it serves as a sick reminder for him."
"Kind of messed up if that's the case, but it's Snape we're talking about here," Ron says thoughtfully.
Hermione continues to scan the room, her eyes flickering to every corner. The office is dimly lit, the only light coming from a couple of small lamps scattered about the room.
"Where would he keep the gillyweed?" Ron asks, his eyes darting back and forth.
As he continues to search through the cabinets and shelves, Hermione's eyes land on a small, locked drawer.
"What could be in here?" she murmurs, her eyes fixed on the locked drawer. She glances back at Ron, who's currently rummaging through a shelf filled with potions ingredients.
She tries a few basic unlocking spells, but the drawer remains closed, its lock resisting her attempts. On the verge of giving up, her eyes widen when she hears Dumbledore's voice, the old Headmaster's portrait stirring from his sleep.
"Sherbert lemon," he mutters sleepily, the password slipping off his tongue. Hermione lets out a sigh of relief, her fingers already moving to unlock the drawer.
She hears the soft click of the locking mechanism as the drawer slides open. Hermione gasps as she takes in the contents inside. She isn't sure what she was expecting to find inside, but it certainly wasn't a sleek, silvered Time-Turner.
The Time-Turner lays inside a velvet-lined casing, its delicate silver hourglass shimmering faintly in the dim light of the office. The chain is coiled up neatly to the side, the crystal sparkling with every minute movement.
Hermione carefully picks up the Time-Turner, her fingers tracing the edges of the casing. It feels familiar and yet different in her hand, and she can't help but wonder how long it's been locked up in that drawer. As far as she knows, all Time-Turners in Great Britain have been destroyed by Voldemort.
She slips the Time-Turner over her head, the silver chain cool against her skin, and the pendant settling into place against her chest.
"Found it!" Ron's voice breaks the silence, and Hermione looks up to see him holding up two small vials of Gillyweed.
Hermione takes a vial and rolls it between her fingers, examining it more closely. Taking a deep breath, her hands shake slightly as she pops the cork off the vial. She lifts the vial to her lips, about to toss a mouthful into her mouth when Ron stops her.
"No, Mione'. Only one of us needs to do this. I'll be the one to go into the Black Lake to rescue Harry," he says firmly. "You stay on land and keep the coast clear."
Hermione's expression changes from surprise to concern, her eyes widening slightly. "No, Ron. I can't let you do this alone. We need to stick together," she argues, her voice firm and insistent.
Ron shakes his head emphatically, his eyes locked with Hermione's. "No, Hermione, this isn't up for debate. I'm going in. You need to stay here and keep guard. Besides, I'm the stronger swimmer. And you're better at duelling than I am. In case any Death Eaters or dementors do appear, you can do a better job at keeping them away," he says resolutely.
Her resolve seems to falter for a moment as Ron makes his point, her expression torn between worry and acceptance. "I… but…" she begins, her voice filled with hesitation.
Ron notices her expression wavering and tries to further convince her. "Hermione, you're the best dueller and strategist out of all of us. You know that. I trust you to handle anything that comes up," he says, his voice both firm and assuring.
Hermione is silent for a moment, her eyes flickering as she processes Ron's words. She knows he's right. She's the one with the most knowledge when it comes to magic and strategy. But the thought of letting him go into danger alone is both terrifying and unbearable.
"We don't have much time to save Harry," Ron reminds her.
His words cut through the silence, the urgency of the situation bringing them both back to reality. He's right – every minute they waste arguing is a minute closer Harry is to death.
"Fine," Hermione concedes.
Ron nods, a mix of relief and gratitude in his eyes. He knows how hard it is for Hermione to agree to stay behind, but he's grateful for her trust and understanding.
A few moments later, Hermione is once again concealed under the invisibility cloak as she stands on the outskirts of the Black Lake. She watches Ron dive into the lake without a second thought. He transforms into a half-human, half-fish creature as his body is now equipped to breathe underwater.
Her breathing quickens slightly, remembering the chilling fear she felt when she was one of the prisoners in that very lake during the Triwizard Tournament. She can almost feel the cold water surrounding her, her lungs aching for air, but quickly snaps out of it and forces herself to focus on the current situation. She can't let memories of the Triwizard Tournament distract her from her mission.
Continuing her vigilant watch over the lake, her eyes search for any signs of disturbances. From her vantage point underneath the cloak, she spots Alecto and Amycus Carrow approaching the scene.
Her heart sinks as she realises it's two of Voldemort's most loyal and fierce Death Eaters.
She takes a deep breath, her mind calculating every possible move to distract them. She can't let them reach the lake and interfere with Ron's mission to rescue Harry.
Quickly drawing her wand, her mind races as she prepares to fight.
"Petrificus Totalus," she casts in a quiet voice, aiming her wand at Amycus. Her heart thumps in her chest as she watches the spell hit her target successfully.
Amycus is frozen mid-step, his body immediately rigid and unmoving as the spell takes effect. His twin, Alecto, lets out a gasp of surprise and anger at the sight of her brother frozen in place.
She spins around, her hand instinctively reaching her wand. "Who's there," she calls out, her voice harsh and demanding.
"Stupefy!" Hermione waves her wand at Alecto in an attempt to disarm the Death Eater.
Alecto, however, seems to react quickly and throws a shield in place. "Protego!" the Death Eater yells, taking a battle stance.
"I can smell you, Mudblood! Come out, come out, wherever you are!" Alecto's shrill voice rings out across the lake, her taunts echoing off the quiet still water.
Still hidden beneath the cloak, Hermione's heart beats furiously in her chest as she tries to evaluate her next move.
"Are you hiding from little old me?" Alecto taunts further, twirling a strand of her hair. "Come out to play, Mudblood."
Alecto's voice carries a mocking tone, the sound of it sending chills down Hermione's spine. She grits her teeth, resisting the urge to respond.
"Accio Cloak!"
Hermione feels a tug at her waist as Alecto casts the spell, trying to summon the invisibility cloak. She grips tighter onto the cloak, refusing to let it slip out of her grasp.
"Damnit!" Alecto curses, the spell failing. "Why isn't it working?"
She points her wand at her brother and frees him. "Come on Amycus, we're playing hide and seek with the Mudblood."
Amycus regains his mobility, his wand drawn and ready. "I do love a good game of hide and seek," he responds, a smirk forming on his face.
Alecto and Amycus advance, wands brandished, their eyes scanning the area. "Where are you, little Mudblood?" Amycus calls out obnoxiously, his voice growing closer and closer.
As Hermione keeps her focus on the Carrows, she catches a glimpse of movement in the lake. She dares not turn her head fully, but her heart leaps in her chest as she realises that Ron is making his way across the lake, likely searching for Harry.
Her heart is pounding as she takes a deep breath. Knowing she has to divert the Carrows' attention away from the lake, she calls out in a steady voice, "Looking for me?"
Alecto and Amycus stop in their tracks and train their wands in the direction of Hermione's voice. A cruel smile creeps onto Amycus's face as he turns towards her invisible form. "Now, pray tell, little Mudblood, what brings you here? Finally figured out where Potter's been locked up, have we?"
Hermione grits her teeth, fighting the anger at the slurs the Carrows' hurl her way. "No. I just thought I'd come witness how pathetic the two of you are firsthand," she retorts, her voice laced with mockery. She's carefully choosing her words, making sure not to give away anything about Harry or Ron.
She's thankful the cloak is still hiding her from view, for she can see the twins searching the air for any sign of her.
Amycus throws a spell in her direction. "Bombarda!" he chants. Hermione has to move fast to dodge the spell, and her little movement give the twins a glimmer as to where she is hiding.
Alecto's lips curl into a cruel smile, a glint of triumph in her eyes. Sharing a quick glance with her brother, they move positions, each of them standing on either side of Hermione.
"It seems our little game is over," Amycus says with a cold chuckle. "We have you cornered, Mudblood."
"Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide," Alecto purrs. "Did you really think you could take on the two of us?"
Hermione's heart is pounding in her chest as the twins continue to close in on her. She can feel the tension and danger in the air, and a nervous sweat begins to form on her brow. She grips her wand tighter, preparing to defend herself as best as she can.
Alecto and Amycus are now only a mere feet away from Hermione. They are so close that she can see the sadistic gleam in their eyes and smell their foul breath.
Just as they are about to close in, the sound of splashing comes from the lake, becoming louder and more pronounced, drawing the full attention of Alecto and Amycus. They exchange a quick glance, curiosity and suspicion flashing across their faces.
Hermione holds her breath as she notices their eyes scanning the dark, still waters for any signs of movement. Her mind races as she realises that she needs to draw the twins' attention away from the lake. She considers her options, her eyes darting between the Carrows and the waters of the Black Lake.
She quickly comes to a decision and pulls off the cloak. "Hey!" she yells.
The sound of Hermione's voice surprises Alecto and Amycus, causing them to whip their heads back in her direction. They hadn't expected her to remove the cloak, and they are now staring directly at her.
A cruel smile spreads across Alecto's face, her lips curving upward in a twisted grimace. "Ah, the Mudblood shows herself at last."
"Protego!" Hermione's quick reflexes save her as she casts her spell, just in time to block Amycus's green spell. The Death Eater swears in frustration.
The element of surprise gives Hermione a brief advantage, her quick spell catching both Alecto and Amycus off guard. She takes this opportunity to run, sprinting away from them as fast as her legs will carry her. Alecto and Amycus are in hot pursuit, their wands raised and firing spells. Hermione quickly weaves through the trees and rocks, dodging spells and doing her best to shake them off her tail.
She slows down once she spots another Death Eater, Bellatrix Lestrange, approaching. Her heart sinks. The last thing she needs is another dangerous enemy to contend with. She stops running and faces all three of the Death Eaters.
Alecto, Amycus, and Bellatrix all stop as well, their wands trained on Hermione. "Well, well, well," Bellatrix drawls, her voice dripping with menace. "And what do we have here? A little Mudblood, all alone and scared."
"I'm not scared," Hermione says defiantly, raising her chin.
Alecto and Amycus both chuckle, their eyes gleaming with cruelty as they move around Hermione, like predators encircling their prey. Bellatrix slowly steps forward, her eyes narrowing as she studies Hermione.
The look of contempt on Bellatrix's face makes Hermione's stomach turn. "You really thought you could take on all three of us single-handedly, didn't you?" Bellatrix sneers.
Hermione grips her wand tighter, mentally preparing to fire spells at the ready.
Amycus and Alecto both laugh loudly, clearly finding amusement in Hermione's situation.
Bellatrix continues, her voice cold and threatening. "You're all alone, no Potter or Weasley to save you."
"Face it, you're finished," Alecto says, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "There's nowhere to run, no one coming to help you. You're just a little Mudblood, and we three will relish in teaching you your place."
Amycus steps closer, his wand pointed directly at Hermione. "You're outnumbered and outmatched, you filthy Mudblood," he growls. "You're nothing but a pathetic insect, and we're going to squish you like one."
With a flick of her wand, Hermione wordlessly fires a spell at Amycus, followed by a hastily cast Protego shield. Alecto's spell rebounds off the shield and hits Bellatrix in the arm, who yelps in surprise.
"Pay attention, would you," Bellatrix snaps at Alecto, rubbing her injured arm. "Don't waste your spells on her like an idiot."
Amycus laughs cruelly. "Yeah, Alecto. Didn't Mummy ever teach you to look before you hex?"
All at once, the three most deadly Death Eaters raise their wands. The intense barrage of spells hits Hermione's shield like a wave, but she remains steadfast, determined to hold her position against the onslaught. She focuses all her energy on fortifying her shield, not letting it crack under the pressure.
Her head is pounding and she's losing her strength slowly, but her shield holds remarkably well, a testament to her magical abilities and resilience.
Bellatrix grows frustrated, clearly not expecting this level of resistance. She fires another spell, the incantation leaving her lips like a deadly curse. It crashes against Hermione's shield with tremendous force, making the whole shield stagger, but it doesn't break.
"Impossible," she hisses, her eyes narrowing. "How is a Mudblood like her holding us off?"
The barrage of spells keeps coming, each one attempting to dent the shield. Hermione's face is drenched with sweat, and she is growing more exhausted by the second. She knows she can't hold on much longer, her arms beginning to shake as they struggle to maintain the protective barrier.
Her knees almost give way as she feels her control slipping. Hermione is about to drop her shield when she notices a flash of purple strike the Carrow twins. Her eyes widen in surprise as they both stumble backwards. Hermione glances around the vicinity, confused. She certainly didn't cast that spell, so who did?
She peeks around her shield, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever it was that attacked the Death Eaters. But she doesn't see anyone immediately, the surrounding area dark and eerily quiet.
Hermione is caught off guard by Bellatrix, who is still standing and fires another spell her way. Hermione quickly ducks down behind her shield, barely dodging the spell.
Bellatrix continues with her attack, launching spell after spell at Hermione's shield. It's clear she's not messing around. Meanwhile, Amycus and Alecto have regained their footing and are preparing to join the attack once again.
Despite her best efforts, one of the Death Eater's spells manages to bypass Hermione's shield and hits her. She gasps in pain as she feels the spell's impact, her eyes watering but refusing to relent.
Her shield is back up within seconds, however another spell manages to hit Hermione and her eyes water with pain. Her shield is weakening, and she's starting to feel desperate. The weight of the situation is becoming overwhelming as she struggles to defend herself against the three Death Eaters.
Their relentless assault continues, spell after spell being thrown at her. The onslaught is overwhelming, and her shield is on the brink of collapse. It's clear that she can't hold on much longer. If one more spell hits her, Hermione knows it's over. Her mind reels as she realises that staying there is a death sentence.
Gathering all her remaining strength and courage, Hermione makes a desperate break for it. She sprints back towards the Black Lake, her feet pounding against the earth, the sounds of the Death Eaters' spells following her. The lake's dark waters offer the only hope of cover or escape.
Hermione dives into the deep waters of the lake, the cold water enveloping her as she swims as fast as she can, hoping that the darkness of the water will shield her from the Death Eaters' line of sight.
She continues to swim, staying as deep underwater as she can. The silence is deafening, and the only sound she can hear is the sound of her own heart pounding in her ears. The waters grow darker and murkier, the light from above fading into a dim glow. The cold of the water seeps into her bones, but she doesn't stop, pushing herself onward, putting as much distance between her and the Death Eaters as she can.
Soon enough, her chest begins to tighten as her oxygen runs out in the water. Remembering the vial of Gillyweed in her pocket, she hurriedly fishes it out and ingests it, the effects taking place immediately. Almost instantly, gills form on her neck, and she finds herself able to breathe normally again.
With renewed vigour, Hermione decides to swim deeper in search for Harry and Ron. She pushes herself further into the lake's depths, the cold and the eerie isolation making her feel small and vulnerable. The deep waters offer no respite. Her arms and legs are beginning to tire from the constant swimming, but despite the physical strain, she pushes onward, her determination and worry for her friends fuelling her.
Suddenly, a glimmer of hope: she sees a faint light up ahead.
She swims faster towards it. But once she reaches the source of the light, her eyes widen in horror. Harry and Ron are both tied up and surrounded by Merpeople.
Swimming forward, her eyes fix on her friends' bound forms. The Merpeople turn to her, their expressions stern but without outright hostility. Seeing Hermione, Harry and Ron immediately look up, a mix of relief and worry etches on their faces.
Hermione reaches them, her heart beating fast at the sight. They exchange a silent look, all their concern and tension communicated through their eyes.
Without a word, Hermione begins frantically untying the ropes binding her friends. The Merpeople watch silently, their gazes unwavering. The rope is tied tightly, and she struggles momentarily, her fingers working frantically to loosen the knots.
After a few tense moments, the ropes finally loosen, and Harry and Ron are freed. They look exhausted and relieved, their eyes darting anxiously to the surrounding Merpeople. Their situation is precarious, and they are acutely aware of the watchful gazes of the lake creatures.
Hermione motions silently for Harry and Ron to follow her. With cautious movements, they swim closer to her, and the trio begin to swim upward. The Merpeople are quick to follow, trailing closely behind Harry with their spears. Hermione's heart sinks as she notices Harry's gills start to fade, the effects of the Gillyweed wearing off. Just as the Merpeople grab hold of Harry, Hermione and Ron quickly swim over to him, their arms instinctively reaching to shield him.
The trio find themselves encircled by the Merpeople, their spears held at the ready. The tension in the water is palpable, the only sound coming from the laboured breathing of the three friends. The Merpeople stare silently, their expressions neutral but watchful.
Ron continues holding on to Harry, who's face is paling from the lack of oxygen. The situation is becoming dire, and Hermione makes desperate gestures to the surrounding Merpeople, urgently trying to communicate that Harry needs air. Her eyes are wide with worry, her expression pleading. The Merpeople watch her intently, their eyes flickering between her and the struggling Harry. The tension in the water is unbearable as everyone waits.
The seconds ticking by feel like an eternity. Hermione watches anxiously as Harry writhes and struggles for air. The Merpeople continue to observe silently. The waiting is excruciating, and each moment feels like it could be Harry's last.
Frustration and fear take over Hermione, her eyes filling with a mix of anger and desperation. She swims up to the nearest Merperson and grabs their shoulders, her grip firm and determined. Her face is just an inch away from the Merperson's and her eyes burn intensely into theirs.
She speaks clearly, her voice reverberating through the water, "Air! He needs air! Let him go!"
The Merperson's eyes widen at Hermione's outburst, their expression shifting from a neutral one to one of surprise and unease. The Merperson looks at the other Merpeople and seem to communicate silently in their language.
The tension in the water is palpable as the Merpeople seem to come to a decision. The leader eventually turns back to Hermione and makes a sign motioning they will help.
Hermione gives the leader a grateful pat on the back.
With the Merpeople's help, Hermione and Ron work together to haul Harry out of the water. They all gasp for air once they are almost at the surface of the lake, their chests heaving and their faces paler than usual.
As they scramble onto the shore, Hermione's gaze flicks around and she realises that they are not alone. Death Eaters are assembled near the water's edge, watching them intently. Her eyes widen in fear. Among the Death Eaters, she spots the Carrow Twins, Bellatrix, Lucius Malfoy, Dolohov, Rowle, Rosier, and Snape.
As Hermione's eyes scan the group, her eyes lock onto Snape's for a brief moment. A mix of fear and anger courses through her. She watches him carefully, trying to decipher his thoughts. Snape's expression is unreadable as he gazes back, his face betraying nothing.
The calmness of the moment is disarming, the tension in the air making the silence deafening. Hermione, Harry, and Ron cling desperately to each other, their eyes darting between the motionless figures of the Death Eaters. The gravity of the situation is more palpable than ever.
Snape steps forward, his dark eyes fixed on them. He gazes at them with a cold, calculating gaze, the faintest hint of a smug satisfaction on his face. He takes slow, deliberate steps towards the golden trio, his eyes fixed on them with a chilling aloofness. The Death Eaters behind him don't move, their blank expressions watching the scene unfold.
As Snape approaches, Hermione feels a chill run down her spine. His gaze seems to pierce through her, and she struggles to hold her ground, summoning all her strength. Beside her, she can feel Harry and Ron tensing up, their eyes fixed on Snape with a mixture of defiance and fear.
Snape's eyes meet Harry's, and his voice, although cold, carries a hint of satisfaction. "The Dark Lord will see you now, Potter. It's time."
Harry's eyes widen in shock, his heart rate increasing. The reality of the situation crashes down on him. Beside him, Hermione and Ron look equally taken aback. They all know what this means.
Voldemort was here.
Harry exchanges a quick, tense look with Hermione and Ron. He knows there's no escape now, and a wave of dread passes over him. Snape watches them, his expression still aloof.
Hermione stands there silently, her mind working furiously. Despite the dread and fear she's outwardly displaying, she's found a way to gain control of the situation. Her eyes flicker between Snape, the Death Eaters, and her friends, calculating when the best moment is to make her next move.
Snape's voice cuts through the silence once more, bringing the attention back to him. "Come with me, Potter," he drawls, gesturing for Harry to move forward.
"Like hell I'm going anywhere with you."
Harry's defiant outburst breaks the tense silence, and his words echo in the air.
Snape's expression remains cool, but his eyes darken slightly. "You don't have a choice, Potter," he says calmly. The other Death Eaters shift, a ripple of anticipation passing through them.
"If Tom wants me, he'll have to come and get me himself."
Harry's declaration causes a flutter among the Death Eaters. Hermione watches the situation unfold, her mind still racing with possibilities. Beside her, Ron is bristling with anger, his hands clenching into fists.
Snape looks slightly taken aback by Harry's audacity. After a moment, he chuckles softly, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "Brave words, Potter. Brave words. But I assure you, the Dark Lord isn't in the habit of fetching anyone. He expects you to come willingly."
"Like I said, I'm not going anywhere," Harry says stubbornly.
The quiet standoff between Harry and Snape is interrupted by a sharp voice. "Enough!" It's Bellatrix, and her eyes, wild with anticipation, blaze with barely restrained fury.
"This is pointless!" she snaps, her eyes glittering with anticipation. The Death Eaters behind her shift, some casting uneasy looks at the scene before them.
Snape's composure falters momentarily, a flicker of irritation passing over his face. He turns to face Bellatrix, his voice low and controlled. "Patience, Bellatrix. We should wait for the Dark Lord."
Bellatrix scoffs at Snape's words, her impatience and excitement continuing to boil. "We're wasting time," she snaps. "We've waited long enough. The Dark Lord wants Potter, and he should have him."
Snape levels a cool look at Bellatrix, his voice measured. "Yes, he wants Potter. But he also wants it done a certain way. Patience, dear Bellatrix." His eyes flick towards where Harry stands defiantly before turning back to Bellatrix.
Bellatrix huffs in frustration, her fingers twitching with eagerness. Her eyes dart between Snape and Harry, her expression a mixture of annoyance and impatience. From her demeanour, it's evident she would rather just grab Harry and take him to Voldemort herself.
The other Death Eaters watch the scene with nervous anticipation. They are all aware that Bellatrix's eagerness and impatience could be a dangerous combination. Snape, seemingly aware of this, tries to placate her. "Bellatrix, the Dark Lord has his own plans. Trust him. He will be here soon."
Bellatrix bristles at his words, her eyes narrowing into slits. "I trust the Dark Lord more than anyone, Snape, you know that. But it's infuriating to wait when Potter's right there for the taking."
During this exchange, Ron, despite his anger and tension, manages to catch Hermione's gaze. The look in her eyes tells him that she has a plan, but her expression betrays no further details.
Suddenly, the air is filled with a chilling aura as Lord Voldemort appears with a deafening crack, his presence alone instantly commanding obedience and attention. The Death Eaters instantly straighten, their expressions turning reverent and fearful. Harry grips his wand even tighter, his face growing pale.
Hermione instinctively moves closer to Harry, and notices Ron doing the same thing, their bodies shielding him subtly from Voldemort and his followers.
Voldemort's cold, high-pitched voice cuts through the air. "Harry Potter," he says, his tone menacing. His eyes, red slits in the dim light, fix on Harry, and a cruel smile plays on his lips.
Harry meets Voldemort's gaze defiantly, his knuckles turning white from the tightness of his grip on his wand.
Voldemort takes a slow step forward, his eyes never leaving Harry's. "You have caused me quite a bit of trouble, haven't you, Potter? You have managed to elude me for far too long. But today, that changes. Today, you will finally surrender to me."
Voldemort's words hang in the air like a poison, the certainty in his voice making it clear he will not be denied.
His wand is held aloft now, his voice a deadly whisper. "I had planned to kill you in front of your fellow students, making a grand spectacle out of your defeat. But after further contemplation," he continues, his voice dripping with malicious intent, "I have decided that a martyr's death is too honourable for a rebellious fool such as yourself. You shall suffer a more painful fate."
Despite the fear coursing through him, Harry raises his wand, pointing it directly at Voldemort. His hand trembles slightly, betraying the adrenaline rushing through his veins, but his eyes are hard and determined.
Voldemort regards Harry's defiant gesture with cold amusement. He almost seems to relish the challenge. "Brave," he says, his voice dripping with mockery. "But foolish. You should know that your wand cannot defeat me."
Voldemort wastes no time and sends the first spell flying towards Harry. Harry, Ron and Hermione simultaneously raise their shields in defence, a magical barrier forming in front of them and protecting them from the incoming spell. The Death Eaters, seeing the shield, immediately begin their own coordinated attack, using their combined powers to try to break it down. Colours and flashes from their wands fill the air, as their magic collides with the protective shield. The shield shimmers and vibrates under the onslaught, the force of their combined attacks testing its strength.
Hermione's gaze sweeps the battlefield, roaming over Bellatrix and Lucius, before landing on Snape. As her eyes fix on him, Hermione can't help but notice the subtle difference in his behaviour. He stands slightly apart from the other Death Eaters, his face expressionless, his body language hinting at distance His gaze is fixed on Voldemort, and there seems to be a certain look in his eyes, a strange mixture of disdain and concern. It's subtle, and she's unsure if anyone else has picked up on it. This observation sparks a flicker of doubt in Hermione's mind, but she pushes it aside, concentrating on the task at hand.
"I have a plan." Hermione's voice cuts through the chaos, and both Harry and Ron turn their attention to her. Harry's eyes widen with hope, while Ron looks at her with uncertainty. "A plan? What kind of plan?" Harry questions, his voice taut with anticipation.
"In the next five minutes, we're going to drop the shield and blast them. Then you're both going to hold on tight to me. I'm going to get us out of here."
Harry and Ron exchange a brief glance, their minds processing Hermione's words. Harry's eyes flicker with a mix of hope and scepticism. "Are you sure, Hermione? That's a huge risk."
Hermione's expression remains steadfast, her eyes burning with conviction. "I'm sure," she replies confidently. "It's our best shot at escaping."
Harry and Ron can see the determination in Hermione's eyes, and they trust her implicitly. Finally, Harry nods, his eyes set with determination. "Alright," he says gruffly. "We'll follow your lead."
The shield continues to bear the brunt of the assault, its surface flickering and weakening from the constant barrage of spells. Voldemort's patience is running out, and his expression is taut with anger. He barks orders at his Death Eaters, his voice growing colder and more menacing with each command. The Death Eaters, in response, intensify their attacks, launching more spells with fervour.
Hermione's gaze remains fixed on the battle before her, her eyes darting between the Death Eaters and the shield. Her mind races, calculating the odds. The Death Eaters continue their relentless assault, their faces twisted with determination. Voldemort's voice rings out, barking orders, his tone growing more and more furious. The shield, battered by the barrage, flickers and shimmers, the spells causing it to grow weaker. Hermione knows that they have to act soon, or the shield will fall. Her fingers tighten around her wand, the seconds ticking by anxiously.
She notices some of the Death Eaters grip loosen on their wands. Her voice cuts through the din of battle, her command sharp and clear. "Now!" she calls out, her eyes locking with Harry and Ron's. With a unified determination, the shield drops, and the trio blast the Death Eaters with three different spells: Sectumsempra! Confringo! and Bombarda!
Voldemort's eyes widen in surprise as he deflects the spells, though some of the Death Eaters are hit. The ones who weren't hit, like Dolohov, hesitate for a brief moment in confusion, taken aback by the sudden drop in the shield and the coordinated offense.
Following her orders, Harry and Ron cling to Hermione, their grips tight as they brace themselves. With a swift, precise movement, Hermione quickly unveils her Time-Turner from under her shirt and spins it, the ancient artifact glimmering as it catches the light. The air suddenly becomes tinged with an otherworldly energy, the seconds and minutes seeming to stretch and warp in a dizzying dance.
Voldemort's eyes narrow as he realises what their plan is. He flicks his wand and shoots a deadly spell in their direction.
However, it's too late.
As the Time-Turner's power takes hold, the environment around them becomes distorted, as if reality itself is being rewritten. But this time felt different than Hermione's previous experiences, as her mind struggles to comprehend the strange sensation. It's as if time isn't just slowing down; it's moving backward far quicker than she's ever experienced before.
The surroundings become a blur as they move through time, the world outside their small bubble a dizzying sight. It's as if they are being propelled through a tunnel of swirling colours and shifting images.
With a sudden jerk, Harry, Ron, and Hermione find themselves standing near the Black Lake once more. The air is filled with a sense of déjà vu, the surroundings unchanged and yet somehow different.
Harry takes a moment to catch his breath while Hermione and Ron scan the vicinity. The Black Lake stretches out before them, its dark waters undisturbed. The Hogwarts castle looms in the distance, its towers and turrets barely visible through the trees.
"You okay, mate?" Ron asks Harry gently.
Harry rubs his forehead tiredly, his eyes heavy with fatigue. "I'm fine," he replies to Ron, though his tone betrays his exhaustion.
Hermione frowns as she tries to assess their situation. "I'm not sure how far back we went. We should head back into the castle and figure out where we are exactly," she advises.
Harry nods in agreement, his gaze flickering towards the castle in the distance. "We need to be careful. Can't afford to get caught by the Death Eaters after all we've just been through."
"Exactly," Hermione agrees, her eyes scanning their surroundings warily. The group starts to make their way towards the castle, their steps cautious and measured.
The Grounds of Hogwarts, while still the familiar castle they've grown to know, holds an air of freshness to it. The trees on the grounds have begun to display the first signs of autumn, their leaves tinged with orange and yellow.
Students clad in their house robes move about the grounds, chatting and laughing as they head towards classes or the Great Hall. The castle itself looms ahead, grand and majestic under the clear blue sky.
The trio exchanges glances, their expressions betraying a sense of unease. They recognize the surroundings, and yet something feels amiss. The air is charged with an inexplicable sense of difference, as if reality has shifted ever so slightly.
"Is it just me, or does something feel off?" Harry murmurs, his eyes darting around as he tries to pinpoint what's different.
"No, I feel it too," Ron agrees as he points at a tree. "Why are there orange and yellow leaves in the summer?"
Hermione frowns in concern. "Those leaves… they shouldn't change yet. It's not autumn." She glances at her watch, a sinking feeling in her gut.
After walking for a while, Hermione suddenly stops. Her eyes widen, and a look of realisation dawns on her face. "I-It can't be," she says quickly.
Harry and Ron immediately turn to Hermione, their expressions asking the silent question. "What do you mean?" Harry asks, his voice low but urgent.
Hermione opens her mouth to speak, but her voice catches in her throat when she catches a glimpse of the Headmaster, confirming her suspicion. Harry and Ron's gaze follow hers and their mouths drop open.
Their eyes land on the Headmaster, standing in all his regal glory. Dumbledore stands in front of the open castle doors, deep in conversation with Professor McGonagall.
Finally, Hermione breaks the silence. "So… I think we may have travelled further back in time that we originally thought," she says, her tone dumbfounded.