Grimmauld Place – The Order's Strategy

The atmosphere inside Grimmauld Place was tense, suffocating. Every second that passed felt like a blade pressing against their throats.

"We're not just dealing with a simple rescue mission," Kingsley announced, his deep voice grave. "This is Bellatrix Lestrange. We need to act fast but we also need a plan."

Ron, his face pale but furious, slammed a fist onto the table. "We don't have time to plan! They're torturing him!"

"We know that, Weasley," Moody snapped, his magical eye spinning wildly. "But if we go in blind, we'll lose him."

Hermione's hands were clenched into fists, her entire body shaking. "They're going to do to him what they did to Neville's parents."

Silence fell over the room.

No one had to say it.

That meant breaking him. Destroying his mind. Leaving him hollow.

"We need the Aurors," Kingsley said firmly, his jaw set. "And we need the Healers standing by. If we get him out… he's going to need immediate care."

Tonks was already moving, grabbing a handful of Floo powder. "I'll contact the Auror Office."

Moody turned to Hermione and Ron. "You two go to St. Mungo's. Get Healer Stevan and tell him to be ready."

Ron nodded quickly, determination overriding his fear. "We're bringing him home."

Harry's screams had long since turned into hoarse, ragged gasps.

His body convulsed on the cold stone floor, his mind hanging on by a thread.

Bellatrix had been at it for what felt like hours.

Curse after curse.

Pain after pain.

At some point, she'd started whispering in his ear horrid, mocking things.

"No one's coming for you, darling."

"They'll find you like we found the Longbottoms an empty, broken thing."

"Your mind will snap, just like dear Alice's."

Harry had stopped responding. Stopped fighting.

Which only made her more vicious.

Bellatrix twirled her wand, considering her next move. "You're lasting longer than I expected, Potter." She crouched down beside him, tilting her head. "Maybe you need a little extra… motivation."

Her wand tapped against his temple.

"Legilimens."

A tidal wave of memories crashed into him.

Sirius falling through the veil.

Cedric's lifeless eyes staring at him.

The smell of his mother's burning flesh.

Harry choked, his body thrashing weakly against his binds.

Bellatrix laughed, twisting her way deeper into his mind.

"Show me your worst, Harry."

The visions blurred he was in the graveyard, Voldemort's laughter echoing no, he was in the forest, walking to his death no, he was at the Burrow, watching Ginny scream

He couldn't breathe.

Couldn't fight it.

Couldn't stop it.

His mind was unraveling.

The Aurors arrived at Grimmauld Place within the hour.

Kingsley, now fully in battle mode, turned to the team. "Bellatrix and her group took Harry to the house where they tortured the Longbottoms. We need to be prepared for a fight."

"We'll get him back," an Auror said firmly. "Whatever it takes."

Hermione and Ron returned, Dr. Stevan in tow.

The Healer's face was grim, his medical bag in hand. "Is he conscious?"

"We don't know," Hermione whispered. "We just" Her voice broke. "We just need you to be ready."

Stevan nodded. "I'll do what I can."

Moody grabbed his wand. "Let's move."

Bellatrix leaned over Harry's shaking form, dragging her fingernails down his cheek.

"You're almost there," she whispered.

Harry's glassy eyes stared at the ceiling, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps.

She grinned.

"Just a little more, and you'll break."

A loud explosion shattered the front door.

Bellatrix's head snapped up.

Then

"STUPEFY!"

The war had begun.