The new safe house was deep in the countryside, hidden behind layers of protective wards. It was an old, fortified cottage with thick stone walls and narrow windows small, but defensible. The moment they arrived, Remus and Sirius began reinforcing the wards, ensuring that this place would hold longer than the last.

Harry sat on the worn sofa, his hands gripping the fabric as he fought to steady his breathing. The apparition had left him lightheaded, his limbs sluggish from exhaustion. Stevan was already at his side, examining him with a critical eye.

"You need rest," Stevan said, his voice low but firm.

Harry let out a humorless chuckle. "Tell that to Bellatrix."

Sirius, overhearing, turned sharply. "She won't find you here."

"She always finds me," Harry shot back, frustration creeping into his voice.

Sirius sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Not this time."

Frank Longbottom entered the room, his expression serious. "We need to talk strategy. This isn't just about keeping Harry safe. Bellatrix isn't just hunting him she's making a statement. And she won't stop until she finishes what she started."

Neville clenched his fists. "Then we stop her first."

A tense silence fell over the group. Everyone knew it wasn't that simple. Bellatrix was dangerous, unpredictable, and ruthless. If she wanted Harry, she would tear through anything in her way.

Remus reentered, dusting off his hands from setting the last of the protective enchantments. "We need to be proactive. We can't just wait for her next move."

Sirius met his gaze. "You're right. It's time to take the fight to her."

Frank stood near the fireplace, his arms crossed as he processed the situation. "If Bellatrix is after Harry, we need to assume she has inside knowledge. Someone is feeding her information."

The room fell silent. The idea of a spy wasn't new to them, but it sent a fresh wave of unease through the group.

Remus frowned. "That's a possibility. But let's not jump to conclusions just yet. We should assume she's using other means as well dark magic, tracking spells, even brute force."

Stevan, still checking Harry over, didn't look up as he spoke. "Regardless of how she's finding him, the fact remains she is." He met Sirius's gaze. "We need to be smarter."

Harry shifted on the couch, the weight of their words pressing on him. "So what's the plan?"

Sirius exhaled, sitting across from him. "First, we reinforce the protections here. This place is warded, but we'll add more layers."

Remus nodded. "Second, we go on the offensive. We can't just keep moving you every time she gets close."

Frank's gaze darkened. "We need to stop running."

Neville stood straighter. "Then let's do something. We know who she is. We know what she's capable of. We can't just hide and wait for her to strike again."

Harry looked at him, seeing the same fire in Neville's eyes that he felt in his own chest. He understood the pain of being hunted, of being a target. They all did.

Stevan finally pulled back, satisfied with his examination. "You're still weak, Harry. You need time."

Harry gritted his teeth. "I don't have time."

Sirius stood, determination flashing across his face. "Then we'll buy you some." He looked at the others. "We start planning tonight."

Frank nodded. "It's time to take control of this fight."

The fire crackled in the hearth, the only sound in the room as the weight of their decision settled over them. The hunt was no longer one-sided.

Bellatrix thought she was the predator.

It was time to show her she was wrong.