Return to Life

Hermione was the first to recover. "Ron, what are you doing? You shouldn't be out of the hospital!"

"I'm fine," he answered. "You two are the ones with the storm brewing." He turned to Harry. "I'm glad you finally came around. But James is in danger."

Harry frowned. "From who?"

"Draco and his crazy dad have a notion to turn your son into the next Voldemort."

"They what!" both yelled. "Why James, because he's Harry's son?"

Ron shook his head. "Because he's a very powerful little baby." He sighed. "Look, there's no time to explain now. Dad had Fudge add you to the network but we haven't been able to get through. The most I can do is send you this message. As soon as Tonks and Mad Eye get here we'll be on our way. In the meantime, keep James close to you." Ron's head disappeared.

Harry stood up and pulled out his wand. "Hermione, go upstairs and stay with James."

"If you think for one moment that I'm going to sit back and let something happen to you-," he stepped forward and kissed her. "Will you hush? I'll be fine," I'll be fine. Between you and Dumbledore, I've learned enough to make it extremely difficult for anyone to get here."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "I didn't have any problem getting up here."

"You and the Weasleys are the only ones who can get through without springing my traps." He turned and walked towards the door.

"What traps?" she said.

Harry just said, "Don't worry. You'll see."

Bellatrix fell back next to Draco. "There will be more joining us at Potter's house."

"More? Who!" He snarled.

"No one you know," she said taking the lead once again. Draco gritted his teeth. He couldn't wait to get rid of her. Crabbe and Goyle pulled up on either side of him. "What'd she want?" Crabbe asked.

"We're going to have company at Potter's," he said. "It would be a shame if something were to happen to her in the confusion. However would I explain it to my father?" Draco said smiling while they nodded.

Ron stood slowly feeling slightly dizzy. "Ron, if you insist on going with us, you're going to have to rest." Ginny said.

"I can't. I get the feeling we don't have a lot of time."

Mrs. Weasley walked into the room from the kitchen. "Mad-eye and Tonks are here. We'd better get going." Everyone walked outside. Ron was surprised to see that even Fudge had come along.

Fudge stepped forward. "All right everyone. Since time is of the essence, I figured it might be easier if we apparated right outside of the grounds of Harry's house. I've gotten word that several others will be meeting Malfoy at Harry's, so we'll have to be prepared. With any luck, we'll round up the last of these Death Eaters for once and for all." Everyone nodded. Several popping sounds were heard as they apparated, one by one.

Bellatrix, Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle touched down at the boundary to Harry's house. Waiting for them were Rudolphus Lestrange and his brother Rabastan, Antonin Dolohov, and Mulciber.

"Ah, good. Right on time," Bellatrix said. She turned to address everyone. "I caution you all to be careful. I've been told he has several traps at different points along the property. And that doesn't begin to cover the protection of the house."

Draco spoke. "I don't care what you do to the mudblood, but Potter's mine." Goyle and Crabbe nodded and smiled. Bellatrix sneered at him.

"There's no time for your grade school grudges, Draco. We have work to do."

He stepped up to her. "Look. You get the brat. I'll make sure that the opposition is taken care of."

She clinched her fist as she struggled for control. She had just opened her mouth to speak when Rudolphus stepped forward.

"It might be advisable to get this over with before Potter's friends find out and reinforcements arrive."

She nodded grudgingly. "Fine. I suggest we all split up. Rudolphus, Rabastan, and I will approach from the south. Mulciber you and Dolohov approach from the North. Draco, you and your friends can take the back of the house."

"Just remember, Bellatrix. The baby'd better not have a scratch on him. As the Dark Lord's second in command, my father is almost as strong as he was." She turned and walked off without making a reply. Rudolphus raised an eyebrow at Draco. "Watch yourself, Draco," he said as he turned to walk away. "You're not your father."