PROTECTION ♞ h.p.

16. Revelations

"GINNY!"

Lunging for her, Harry landed hard on his stomach, his arm outstretched to where Ginny had been just seconds before.

Momentarily stunned, Harry stared in horror at the empty space. Around him, the world seemed to go silent, the wizards moving in slow motion behind him.

No...

An intense ache filled his chest as he processed the fact that she'd been taken. Struggling to breathe he pressed his forehead to the cool wood floor while the pounding of his heart erupted in his ears.

He'd failed her...he'd broken his promise to keep her safe. The internal ache was swiftly joined by a guilt so forceful Harry had to shut his eyes.

It's my fault...Ginny...

Unwilling to keep fighting, he let himself go, giving in to the dark urges inside of him. Gasping as his power overtook him; Harry had one final thought before his control slipped away.

It's their fault...

With a whoosh, the room snapped forcefully into focus and Harry's eyes flooded with black. Inhaling deeply, he pushed up onto his hands and knees. When he stood, the air crackled with energy, swirling as he spun around.

Feeling the shockwave pass through the room, the gathering of wizards froze to stare at him. Even Malfoy's followers paused, startled by Harry's black eyes and the magic flowing off of him.

"Everyone, outside!" Dumbledore ordered, recognizing the danger. Pushing his way toward Harry, he grabbed one of the younger Aurors and thrust him backwards. "NOW!"

At his command, the Aurors, Weasleys and Snape dragged their attention from Harry. Seeing the fear on Dumbledore's face, they Disapparated with a series of curses and pops.

As they vanished, Harry lashed out in anguish and fury. Throwing his hands into the air, he caused the air to swirl around him like the funnel of a tornado.

In defense, Dumbledore brought his arms over his face as a shield. Turning on his heel, the wizard disappeared just as a black cloud of magic surged outward from Harry and swept across the room.

An instant later, Dumbledore reappeared in front of the house. Rain pounded down, soaking him through during the few seconds it took him to conjure an umbrella and swing it over his head.

"They took Ginny," Bill said urgently, stepping up next to him.

"Yes," the older wizard said, his eyes remaining locked on the house.

"What do we do now?"

"We wait," Dumbledore replied his mouth turned down in a frown.

"But..."

"We wait," Dumbledore repeated. "He's the only one who'll be able to ensure we find her in time."

Instinctively, Bill started to argue, before clenching his jaw shut. Turning to look at Snape's trembling house, he tightened his grip on his wand.

Beside him, Snape stood silently. Wiping the cut on his cheek irritably with his sleeve, the potions master watched the windows explode from the first floor.

Ron took a few steps forward, watching anxiously as the house trembled on its foundation.

"We need to get in there..."

"No," Arthur said, grabbing his arm. "Albus is right. There's nothing we can do for him right now. We need to wait.""

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