In the Department of Mysteries, as Harry is about to take the prophecy orb, the Ministry 6 suddenly find themselves all find themselves bound and silenced. Voldemort himself steps forth from the shadows. He taunts them, revealing that Snape has helped open Harry’s mind to the false visions on Dumbledore’s orders. Tom levitates Harry and Hermione up in front of him and says, “For some reason the old meddler wants you sacrificed. And as soon as I hear the prophecy and know why I will take great pleasure in killing your mudblood lover before your eyes shortly before I kill you. The 4 blood traitors will make adequate slaves.”
Harry’s eyes locked on Hermione’s. In their last moments Voldemort’s words unlocked one truth for them. They did love each other. At least they knew before it was too late.
All of a sudden they fell to the floor, unbound. As Voldemort’s hand had touched the orb he began to scream and then fell to the floor, insensate. Before anyone could react all the Death Eaters grasped at their Dark Marks and did the same.
Harry gathered Hermione in his arms and held her tight. He took the orb and together they listened to the prophecy. If Voldemort wasn’t the dark lord mentioned then only one other figure loomed large in their lives and had shown himself an enemy of their welfare. Time to gather their friends and figure out how to take down Dark Lord Dumbledore.
@reneeead