The crackling torches of the driveway were still lit. Hermione swallowed at the sight, her mouth dry and arid as she looked at them. Her skin crawled with roiling fear. But turning back was simply not on option. The wards to the house would have been activated by now, it would already be known that she'd returned. She felt sick every time she crossed the security perimeter, the darkness of the magic there always settled ill on her stomach. She dry retched against the sensation, then began a slow walk towards the house.