When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 110: Torture of Loud Silences

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 110: Torture of Loud Silences

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

He didn't know exactly how long he stared at the hourglass or how many times he flipped it to watch the sand fall, but he knew it was hours.

The elf still hadn't revealed his presence at the castle and Phineas was missing. He assumed that the image left to try to get any information to ease his growing anxiety.

He had found himself unable to move. His eyes switching between the hourglass and Phineas' portrait.

It was hard not to immediately assume the worst. His mind always went to the worst-case scenarios when it came to dire situations. He took several deep breaths and tried to think of what could be positives.
Hermione probably wasn't alone. She had Potter and even the brainlessly Weasley with her. Even that boy would do something, or at least try, to save her. He knew that the young wizard held deep affections toward her despite his cowardice acts before.

She wouldn't die before him.

But she could. It was very possible and he knew that. Merlin, she could die. Might already be dead.

No, if she were dead someone would've come to tell him already. Phineas would be here if she were.

He should've listened to Phineas. Should've told her that he loved her. Even if it was just a few moments of happiness in this bleak war, he should've found a way to tell her.

If she died without knowing, he'd never forgive himself. Fortunately, if she had died, he wouldn't be long to the world either.

A burn shot through his arm, jerking him from his thoughts. He lifted his sleeve and looked at the mark, another low pulse of pain coming through it once again.

This was the first time the Dark Lord called him since he was at Hogwarts. His master had specifically told him that he wouldn't, but the ember colour highlighting his skin was a proof of his change of plans.

Something happened.

He lowered his arm.

Hermione couldn't... She couldn't be dead.

But there was a possibility that he would find her lifeless body staring at him with empty eyes. If that happened, he wasn't sure he could bear it. If Potter and she were gone now, there would be no point in continuing.

The burning sensation increased, making him hiss. He forced the negative thoughts to the back of his mind. He wouldn't know until he arrived in front of the Dark Lord. If his thoughts turned into reality, he'd give the Dark Lord a reason to kill him.

He apparated to where his master was calling and found himself near Malfoy Manor.

With every step he took forward, he thought about taking two steps back, but he propelled himself onward. His chin was raised as he entered the house and crossed the hall to where he knew the inner circle would be. No one turned their head to acknowledge him.