Ashley paced back and forth, desperately trying to come up with any kind of solution. There was no doubt in her mind that Tom already had one but as far as she knew, he only had two possible options. He could either conceal himself and all his followers somewhere within the manor, or they could confront the Aurors and, most likely, Dumbledore himself. Both options were dangerously risky, particularly since an encounter would surely lead to a number of deaths and injuries on both sides. Most importantly, if Dumbledore were to be proven right about Voldemort’s return, the old man’s reputation would gain a positive rise. Such an occurrence would not bode well for the dark side and its allies.