They ran down the corridor, and her shoes sounded too loud as they slapped against stones. She counted her heartbeats until they rounded the corner, darting past the entrance to the Burgundy Room after a pause. Her pulse quickened at the sounds of yelling in the distance. The vibrations of small explosions through her feet.

The new corridor was a Muggle hall of portraits, long and narrow.

A pair of doors to their right banged open, and a man flew through just in front of them, slamming into the opposite wall with a sickening crack. Jets of light and spells lit up the open room in a blaze of smoke and color. Screaming pierced her ears. They raced past the doorway, leaving its occupants to their battles.

From down the corridor, a repetitive screaming met her ears, like someone had wound an alarm too tightly. A girl was crying out.

"Get off! Get off me!"

Hermione's chest seized, and she squeezed Draco's hand. They had to help her.

He looked down at her, and she swore he almost rolled his eyes before he tipped his head in a nod.

They turned a corner, following the screaming, and found Blaise dragging Giuliana Bravieri's thrashing body into an alcove. Her pale slip was stained dark red, her hair matted with thick blood.

"LET ME GO! LET ME GO BACK!"

Blaise caught her around her middle and hefted her up, one arm holding her shoulders to him. He caught sight of them and his eyes widened.

"Draco! Thank Merlin."

"What happened to her?" Draco's voice was low as he dragged Hermione over. Blaise jerked his head as a couple of men ran by, and clapped his hand over Pansy's mouth as she thrashed.

"Quiet the fuck down!" Blaise's face was pale as he struggled for his wand.

Draco cast a Silencing Charm with a quick flick of his wand, and Giuliana Bravieri's face reddened as she silently screamed.

"Where is she hurt?" Hermione whispered, tugging her elbow free. "She's bleeding out!"

"It's not her blood," Blaise said.

A chill raced down her spine. She turned to look into Pansy's feral eyes, finding the same fire she'd seen in Cho's just before she lodged a blade in Mulciber's back.

"Theo found a fireplace. The only one operating is in the dungeons. Back entrance, first room. That way." Blaise jerked his head in the other direction.

Draco glanced between them, his jaw tight. "Let's go then."

Pansy renewed her struggles, and Blaise twisted his wrist, casting a Stunning Spell on her. She went limp in his arms.

"She has to calm down first. No one can see her like this."

Draco stepped forward. "We can levitate her. I'll keep an eye out—"

Blaise shook his head. "They'll think she tried to run. I'll take care of it, but Draco — get out now." His eyes were as wild as Pansy's. His gaze shifted to Hermione. "They're looking for her. And you. I heard them."

Blood rushed in Hermione's ears. She grabbed Draco's elbow and tugged him in the direction Blaise had pointed. But he wouldn't budge.