"Don't leave, I told you I wouldn't. So why are you?" Hermione's voice croaked, a mixture of desperation and sorrow in her tone.
"I can't, you know I can't," Y/N murmured, her brows furrowing with a heavy burden of guilt. She felt the weight of her...
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The group cautiously pushed open the door of Grimmauld Place, the atmosphere heavy with eerie tension as they entered. A feeble lamp in the hallway flickered to life upon their arrival, casting weak light on the familiar portraits lining the narrow walls.
"Where are we?" Aurora whispered, her voice barely audible in the tense silence.
"Just trust me," Y/N murmured with determination as she took a step forward. However, as she did, her brow furrowed, and a swirling cloud of dust materialized at the end of the hallway. It coalesced into a figure that propelled itself toward her.
The figure was none other than Albus Dumbledore, but it vanished upon contact with Y/N. The group collectively jumped, with Hermione and the other girls letting out startled cries. Y/N took a step back, her fists clenched, and Harry let out a small yelp.
The dust settled, leaving Y/N staring at the empty air in bewilderment.
"What in Godric's name was that? Are you sure this place is safe, Y/N?" Sophie whispered, her concern evident in her voice.
"Probably Mad-Eye's idea, in case Snape decided to come snooping," Hermione explained, her chest still heaving from the fright. She took a step forward and cast the "Homenum Revelio" spell, ensuring their safety.
A few tense seconds passed, and Hermione finally whispered, "We're alone."
✴✴✴✴✴
Y/N sat near the edge of the window, her eyes focused on the outside world. Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were busy organizing various items in the room. She took it upon herself to explain everything to Aurora, Sophie, and Seraphina, although the three girls seemed rather perplexed by what Y/N was saying.
"So, you just expect us to join you on this Horcrux hunting?" Aurora scoffed, a touch of frustration in her voice. "Y/N, I have a life—no offense, but I can't just leave everything I have behind. This is your mission."
"It's not about that, Aurora!" Y/N's patience was wearing thin, and she snapped in response. "You won't have a choice anyway. With Voldemort taking over the Ministry, he probably seized control of Hogwarts as well. Going back to Hogwarts or returning home would put not only you at risk but everyone else!"
Sophie pinched the bridge of her nose, her legs bouncing with anxious energy as she let out a frustrated sigh. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over. "God, this is stressing me out."
Y/N's tone softened, and she whispered weakly as she reached out to squeeze Sophie's shoulder, "I know, I know. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I got you three involved in this."
"No kidding," Seraphina hissed, her annoyance clear. Y/N felt a pang of guilt.
"Sorry, I'm just—this is a lot to take in," Seraphina murmured weakly. She wasn't one to curse or get angry easily, and her frustration was palpable.
