RAGE

“This is a handgun.” Hermione explained. “All guns work basically the same; you pull the trigger and try and hit the target. They all load in different ways, but at the end of the day its ‘aim and squeeze’.”

Hermione gave them all the gun that they were comfortable with. They were a few guns short but they seemed to get the gist. Hermione herself had a sniper-rifle. Her Dad had taught her how to wait unmoving for hours in rain, hail or shine. She was a good at it and it made her proud that she was like her Dad. She loved her books like her Mum, but was good at fighting and using her skills in the field like her Dad.

“So, when should we go?” Asked one man. “And who should go? We can’t leave the kids by themselves.”

“I suppose those who feel most confident with a gun.” Hermione said. “Not cocky, but comfortable. We can’t have people who are going to be a nervous wreck when we get there. We have to be in and out, as fast as we can.”

“Well, I’m sorry, but that counts me out.” Luna said. “I can’t handle the infected, nor do I feel like I can shoot a gun at anyone, infected or not.”

“Fair enough.” Hermione said. “Thanks for being honest, Lu.”

“Me too.” Ginny said. “As much as I want to help, I know that I’m going to lag behind and that’s just one thing for you all to worry about.”

She looked at Harry as she said this. Hermione nodded.

“We need some more volunteers to stay behind.” Hermione said. “I think there should only be ten people at the most.”

“Well, I’ll stay.” Mrs Weasley said. “I’m not in the best shape.”

“I’m going.” Mr Weasley said. “There’s absolutely no way you’re talking me out of it.”

“Same here.” Ron said.

“I’m going.” Draco said.

“And me.” Harry said.

“Me too.” Said Hermione.

“I’d like to go.” Said a man named Sam. “If it’s all the same. I’m a trained Auror so it makes sense.”

“That leaves room for roughly four more people.” Draco said. “And we don’t want people who are going to slow us down.”

“I’ll go.” Said a woman. “I’m Sarah by the way. I know a little about fighting and that.”

“Anyone else want to volunteer?” Harry asked. “We can do it with seven people.”

“I want to go.” Said Blaise. “I know that we haven’t worked well together in the past but I’m confident that with all that’s happened, we can put the past behind us.”

Harry nodded. Ron hesitated but then nodded too.

“That settles it then.” Hermione said. “Eight will be good.”

“What about me?” Asked George.

“And me?” Charlie asked.

“There are plenty of things that can be done around here.” Said Hermione. “It wouldn’t hurt if we had some people watching the perimeter, at least for the first few weeks. Not to mention we need someone monitoring the alarms and wards.”

“Don’t feel bad.” Mr Weasley said. “Your mother and I will feel much better if you stay here.”

“Too bad.” George said. “I feel guilty anyway.”

“You can guard the perimeter then.” Hermione said. “You need to be on the look out at all times. We don’t know enough about the infected to know that they won’t slip straight past some of the wards.”

“True.” Charlie said. “We should probably be on the roof then, so we can see in every direction.”

Hermione nodded.

“Who’s going to join Charlie and George on the roof?” Harry asked.

“I will.” Said a man named Kane.

“And I suppose I will too.” A woman named Kate said.

“Well that covers each direction.” Hermione said. “The rest can do stuff in the house.”

“When should we leave?” Ron asked.

“How’s tomorrow morning suit everyone?” Draco asked. “It’s nearly midday now and I don’t think we should just rush out again.”

“Sounds good to me.” Hermione said. “Gives us enough time to create a strategy and get prepared.”

“Tomorrow it is then.” Said Harry.

***