Hinode/SXT images of the eruption site showing the evolution of the flux rope during the flare. The appearance of the flux rope is shown by a yellow dotted curve c) and d). The dotted rectangular box in panel f) represents the field of view of the upper row panels. Panel g) shows the post-flare loops observed in the AIA 171 Å channel, and the orientation of the flux rope is marked by the dotted lines. Bottom: schematic cartoon showing the different stages of the eruption.