Titian Sacred and Profane Love [detail] paintingTitian Bacchus and Ariadne paintingLorenzo Lotto St Catherine of Alexandria painting
Hermione's Patronus vanished with a pop as she turned a horror struck face to Harry.
"Harry, if we're trapped here – !"
"We won't be if we move fast," said Harry. He addressed the silent group behind them, who were all gawping at him.
"Who's got wands?"Harry knew at once that they were in trouble. The Atrium was full of people moving from fireplace to fireplace, sealing them off.
"Harry!" squeaked Hermione. "What are we going to – ?"
About half of them raised their hands.
"Okay, all of you who haven't got wands need to attach yourself to somebody who has. We'll need to be fast before they stop us. Come on."
They managed to cram themselves into two lifts. Harry's Patronus stood sentinel before the golden grilles as they shut and the lifts began to rise.
"Level eight," said the witch's cool voice, "Atrium."
