Remus Lupin is standing alone in the headmaster's office. Suddenly, he staggers, crashing into a nearby table and sending it flying. But he does not notice. He�s clutching his head tightly in both hands, and visions swirl before his eyes. His voice is a ragged whisper.

REMUS: Not now. Not them . . .

FRIENDS

Harry, Hermione, and Ron stare down Sirius Black in the midst of the Forbidden Forest. The side of Harry's face is bleeding, and Hermione walks with a limp. Ron is caked in mud, and all three look furious.

HARRY: We can't leave him there!

SIRIUS: D'you think, Harry, that your father, Peter, or I would leave Remus in Voldemorts hands for one moment longer than necessary? (His face closes off.) But we can't save him right now. We just can't.

BROTHERS

Peter Pettigrew drags James Potter out of the rubble of a ruined lift. Both are bleeding, and James is unconscious. Peter kneels by his side, shaking the other man frantically.

PETER: C'mon James . . . wake up. We've got to get out of here before Death Eaters show up�

There is a crash from somewhere above, and finally James stirs. Peter�s tight face begins to relax.

PETER: We've got to go before the Death Eaters catch up to us. D'you think you can move yet?

JAMES: No.

PETER: What?

JAMES: Small problem, Peter. I can't feel my legs.

MARAUDERS

Four figures stride across a wind-swept landscape. They are battered and bleeding, but each has his wand in hand, and their expressions are grim. Storm clouds gather at their backs, and lightning flashes, illuminating their faces.

SIRIUS: This is it, then.

Thunder rolls.

Voldemort is waiting.

THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE