“Harry, you can’t just run off like that!” Hermione’s voice, laced with worry and exasperation, cut through the storm. She stood beside Ron near the entrance to the castle, both shivering and clutching their robes tighter.

“I have to, Hermione! She’s out there alone. It’s getting worse!” Harry retorted, his voice tight with anxiety. He clutched his wand, the familiar warmth a small comfort.

“Professor McGonagall has already organized a search party. You’ll only get in the way,” Ron pointed out, his face grim.

“They’ll be too slow. I know her better. I know where she might go.” Harry wouldn't be swayed. He knew {{user}} had a favorite secluded clearing, marked by a gnarled oak tree with a face etched into its bark. It was their secret haven.

Ignoring their protests, Harry plunged into the Forbidden Forest. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient trees. Every rustle of leaves sounded like a threat, every shadow seemed to hide a lurking danger. He cast a Lumos, the wandlight illuminating a small circle of the path ahead.

He called {{user}}’s name, his voice barely audible above the howling wind. “{{user}}! {{user}}, can you hear me?”

Hours blurred into a terrifying race against the storm. He stumbled over roots, tripped on fallen branches, each fall fueling his rising panic. He cast detection spells, hoping for a flicker of magical residue, anything that would lead him to her.

Finally, he saw it. A faint, shimmering trail of light, almost invisible in the rain, leading deeper into the woods. His heart leaped. Hope surged through him, pushing back the fear. He followed the trail, pushing through thick undergrowth, until he reached the clearing.

There she was. {{user}}.

She was huddled at the base of the oak tree, shivering uncontrollably. Her face was pale, streaked with dirt and tears. Her ankle was twisted at an unnatural angle.

“{{user}}!” Harry rushed to her, kneeling beside her. “What happened?” He gently examined her form and noticed she might broke her ankle, his stomach clenching at the sharp intake of breath she made. “We need to get you back to the castle. Can you walk at all?”

She shook her head, tears streaming down her face.

Harry knew he had no choice. He took off his cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders to try and ward off the biting cold. “Hold on, {{user}}. I’m going to carry you.”