She heard the flapping of wings nearby and she bit her tongue to suppress the shriek that wanted to escape from her throat. That horrible sound could only mean that he was nearby. She put her hand over her mouth and sat as still as she could, so that he couldn't hear or see her. She prayed to Merlin and whoever was listening that he couldn't find her. Hermione was not particularly religious, but if there was a higher power, surely it wouldn't be cruel enough to throw her in the arms of a monster. She did not deserve that.