HARRY POTTER :Rebirth in Time.

The tension in the air was palpable as Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Daphne finalized their preparations in the Room of Requirement. The enchanted chamber had shifted to accommodate their needs, providing maps, potions, and an assortment of defensive spells displayed across the walls.

Hermione stood at the center of the room, speaking with urgency. "Tonight is the full moon. If Malfoy and his lot are truly planning a blood magic ritual, they'll need everything in place before midnight. We can't let them complete it."

Ron paced back and forth, his fists clenched. "Ginny's still clueless, and I'm worried if we move too soon, they'll realize we're onto them."

Harry nodded. "We need to act at the right moment. If we can catch them just as they begin the ritual, we'll have the upper hand."

Daphne examined the map with a thoughtful expression. "I'll stick with Malfoy tonight. He trusts me—barely. If I stay close, I might be able to signal when they're ready to begin."

Harry frowned. "I don't like you being in there alone, Daphne."

Daphne smirked, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of nervousness. "Relax, Potter. I can handle myself. Besides, if we don't do this right, we might not get another chance."

Hermione interjected. "Luna will be in the Forbidden Forest, watching for any suspicious movements from the outer grounds. Ron and I will keep an eye on Ginny and the Astronomy Tower. If anything looks off, we'll signal you."

Harry took a deep breath, looking at his friends. "This is it. We stop them tonight. If they succeed… we might not have a second chance."

Ron clapped him on the back. "We'll stop them, mate. We always do."

Daphne's lips curled into a smirk. "Let's hope your Gryffindor luck holds out."

The Slytherin Common Room – Daphne's Gamble

Daphne descended into the dungeons with measured steps, masking the dread pooling in her stomach. The Slytherin common room was eerily quiet, students speaking in hushed whispers while a select few gathered near the fireplace, their faces shadowed in the flickering light.

Draco Malfoy stood at the center, his hands resting on the back of a green velvet chair, his gaze cold and calculating as he surveyed the gathered students. Pansy Parkinson sat beside him, her expression smug, while Blaise Zabini lounged nearby, a knowing smirk playing at his lips.

"Daphne," Malfoy drawled, his silver eyes locking onto her. "Right on time."

Daphne arched a brow, stepping forward with confidence. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Malfoy tilted his head. "Are you ready to prove your loyalty?"

Daphne met his gaze without flinching. "I told you, Draco. I'm all in."

He studied her for a moment before nodding. "Good. The ritual starts at midnight. If you're truly with us, you'll see it through."

Daphne felt her pulse quicken but forced herself to nod. "Where?"

Malfoy's lips curled into a sinister smile. "The dungeons. The old catacombs beneath the castle. Hogwarts was built on power, and tonight, we take what's ours."

Blaise chuckled darkly. "You better not disappoint, Greengrass."

Daphne smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."

As the conversation shifted, Daphne subtly slipped her hand into her pocket, feeling the enchanted coin Hermione had given her. A single press, and the others would know it was time.

The Astronomy Tower – Ron and Hermione's Watch

Up in the Astronomy Tower, Ron stood by the parapet, his eyes scanning the grounds below. The night was unnervingly quiet, and the weight of anticipation pressed down on him.

Hermione, beside him, held her wand tightly. "Luna should be in position by now. If they try to use the forest, she'll see them."

Ron sighed. "I just hate waiting. Feels like we're sitting ducks up here."

Hermione placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "We'll protect Ginny, Ron. We always do."

Ron nodded, but his expression remained troubled. "I just hope Harry and Daphne know what they're walking into."

Hermione didn't respond, but the tension in her eyes spoke volumes.

The Dungeons – Harry's Descent

Harry moved silently through the narrow corridors beneath the castle, his wand gripped tightly in his hand. The ancient stone walls whispered of secrets long buried, and every flicker of his wandlight seemed to cast monstrous shadows.

Daphne's signal had come through—three quick pulses on the enchanted coin. The ritual was about to begin.

As he neared the entrance to the catacombs, the low murmur of voices drifted through the air. He pressed himself against the wall, his heart pounding.

Steeling himself, he peered around the corner.

A circle of hooded figures stood in the center of the chamber, their wands raised as they chanted in eerie unison. Runes carved into the stone floor glowed with dark crimson light, pulsing with an unsettling rhythm.

Malfoy stood at the center, his face illuminated by the eerie glow. In his hands, he held an ornate dagger, its blade glistening with an ominous sheen.

Harry's stomach clenched. They're really going through with it.

Then he saw her.

Ginny, standing within the circle, her expression blank, her eyes distant.

Rage bubbled within him, but he forced himself to stay calm. He couldn't afford to be reckless.

Taking a deep breath, he activated his coin—one long press.

The Attack Begins

A sudden explosion rocked the chamber as Hermione and Ron burst through the entrance, spells firing in rapid succession.

"Expelliarmus!" Ron shouted, disarming one of the hooded figures instantly.

Hermione flicked her wand. "Protego!" A shimmering shield blocked a retaliatory curse as she advanced.

Harry seized the moment, rushing forward and knocking Malfoy aside with a well-aimed Stupefy. The blonde boy crumpled to the ground, his wand clattering away.

"Daphne, get Ginny!" Harry shouted, dueling another Death Eater who lunged at him.

Daphne moved swiftly, grabbing Ginny's arm and dragging her away from the glowing circle. "Come on, we're getting out of here!"

Ginny blinked rapidly, confusion washing over her face. "Daphne? What's—?"

"No time to explain!" Daphne snapped, throwing a stunning spell over her shoulder.

Blaise Zabini fought back fiercely, his spells nearly hitting Ron, but Hermione managed to disarm him with a swift Expelliarmus.

Harry ducked another curse, his eyes locking on the runes. If the magic wasn't disrupted, it might still activate. With a quick decision, he aimed his wand.

"Reducto!"

The chamber shook as the runes shattered, sending a ripple of magical backlash through the air. The hooded figures screamed as their magic was violently disrupted.

"Retreat!" one of them shouted, and they scattered, disappearing into the shadows.

Panting, Harry turned to Daphne, who was helping Ginny to her feet. "Are you okay?" he asked.

Ginny nodded weakly. "I… I think so."

Ron rushed over, pulling his sister into a tight hug. "Don't you ever scare me like that again."

Daphne smirked. "Nice timing, Potter. Any later, and we'd all be in trouble."

Harry exhaled in relief, offering a small grin. "Yeah… let's get out of here before they regroup."

As they made their way back to the castle, Harry couldn't help but feel that they had only won a small battle. The war was far from over.

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