Chapter 1
They slowly circle each other, cautiously moving their feet in the rubble covered ground. It is the final encounter, because 'neither can live while the other survives'. They stand now in front of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, finally able to determine the outcome of the war. Although, there was many people fighting on both sides, loosing their lives for what they believed, in this moment none of it matters. The time for the duels ended and now there are only two individuals in whose hands rests the fate of the world.
The most powerful Dark Lord to ever exist against the Boy Who Lived.
But it is not important who they are anymore. When they stand before their greatest enemy, holding their wands pointed at the opponent, no one knows who would be the winner. Will the boy, who believes in a power of love, defeat the evil and restore the light to the wizarding world, or will the Dark Lord finally kill his archenemy and control the whole country, spreading death, despair and terror among all living creatures?
The time to find out the answer approaches. Any second now, they will open their mouth to scream this final incantation, freeing the spell that will change the order of the world forever.
The arogant Dark Lord, certain of his invincibility and magical abilities taunts the teenager. Love is nothing to him, he believes it to be a human's nuisance, a weakness.
That's why, despite his countless fails and the destroyed horcruxes, he is still underestimating Harry Potter.
Love is a great power, which Lord Voldemort doesn't have. But so is Hate. And Lord Voldemort hates everything and everyone. He is driven by it his whole life.
Harry Potter doesn't know that and is blinded by Albus Dumbledore's words.
The line between love and hate is fragile. Which emotion is stronger?
In the end it isn't a fight between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort, but between Love and Hate, and both are epitomes of each.
When the first curse finally leaves their wands, the lights - one red and one green - collide together creating a burst of colorful sparks, exploding in every direction.
It's like an eternal battle of night and day. No one can win.
Both wizards fall to the ground. They are not moving. Gasps can be heard from everyone gathered on the battlefield.
The two of the boy's friends rush to his side. Few tears are rolling down the girl's cheeks. No one dares to approach the Dark Lord, not even his followers, although there is not many of them.
After minutes, or maybe seconds, Harry Potter moves. He finally opens his eyes and sits up. Everyone's attention is focused on him. He survived. He's alive. Cheers erupt.
Harry looks up at his relived friends and then directs his gaze at where Lord Voldemort lies. Except the space is empty. There is no sign of the Dark Lord.
OoO
A young witch sat at the table reading a newspaper. She was holding a mug of coffee in her hand and absently sipping from it from time to time. She was so invested in the lecture, that she never saw her boyfriend who entered the room, until he kissed her soundly on a cheek.
"Good morning 'Mione." The girl jumped at least 3 feet up.
"Ron! Stop sneaking up on me like that, you scared me." she said aggravated. Ronald Weasley, although the pair lived together for quite some time now, never developed an ounce of respect when it came to a reading Hermione. He never was quiet when she asked him to be, or he always was pulling her away from the books, just because he wanted to snog. He also liked to sneak on her, which always ended in her jumping in surprise - like now. She had to live with that, but it was incredibly annoying. Nothing was more important when she had a book in her hands, not even him.
He ignored her waning, sat in front of her at the table and started putting food on his plate.
" Is there something worth attention in the Prophet today?" He asked with his mouth full.
Hermione, used to his absolute lack of manners at the table, answered in a bored tone. "Nothing particularly shocking. Same old." She handed Ron the newspaper. The first page read:
Mysterious deaths of ten muggleborns in northern France!
Witnesses claim they've seen You-Know-Who on the crime scene!
Is He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named really alive? Will he come back?
"Every month they find some people who claim they saw You-Know-Who. I think the Prophet and Skeeter make that all up to scare everyone."
"We don't know that Ron. I don't think they would want to spread bad news and create such gossips. Plus, Voldemort could really be alive and from the look of it, he doesn't hide anymore with his crimes," she reasoned.
"Yeah, but I don't think he would survive that long after what Harry did to him. And the Prophet just gives us some false information, because since the end of the war they have nothing interesting to write about and You-Know-Who is always a hot topic," argued Ron.
"You can't just assume that he's dead. We shouldn't underestimate Voldemort. After all he was the greatest Dark Lord in the history, "she tried to convince him. "Anyway, I have to go. A lot of work is waiting, "she said raising from the chair.
"But it's only 7 o'clock! Why are you leaving so early? It's crazy. And what are you working so hard on anyway?"
"I told you million of times - I can't talk about it. It's top secret," she explained petulantly. "I wish I could tell you, but I can't. It's something really important."
"Can't you tell your fiance? You're not an Unspeakable for Merlin's sake!"
"I'm not, but it doesn't change anything. It's a top secret job for the Department of Mysteries. I couldn't say a word even if we were married, which we're not ."
"Well, we could be," he said carefully.
"Not now Ron. I won't talk about it right now," she put her hand up and sighed.
It was not the first time Hermione refused to speak about the matter. She and Ron were together for over two years, and lately the only thing he talked about was their marriage. And the diamond ring that sat on her finger was a constant reminder of what she agreed on - she promised to marry Ron.
"So when then?"
"Some other time, I promise. Right now I have a lot of work and have to think about it first."
She thought about the marriage a lot, but couldn't find an answer to the question - did she really wanted to be Ron's wife? And so she avoided answering.
"You always say that. All you do is work," he said in a raised tone." Am I not more important?"
She couldn't take the pressure of his nagging questions and snapped.
"You're not the center of the world Ronald! I said we will talk about it some day!" She finally lost her temper. " For now my work is the most important thing. So kindly please respect my job, because all you do is complain about it! We have a lot of time in the future, so this conversation can wait and my work can't!" She stormed to the door. "And I'm tired of these endless arguments!"
With that she slammed the door, leaving a surprised by her outburst Ron, who was staring at the place where she stood only seconds ago.
OoO
When she arrived at the Ministry of Magic she immediately spotted Harry Potter exiting the Floo. He turned his head and also saw her.
"Hi Hermione. How are you? You seem upset."
She sighed. "One word - Ron."
"Oh," said Harry. " You have some problems again?"
Their relationship faced many problems in the past and Harry knew all about them. Only thanks to him and his skills as a negotiator they were still a couple.
"No, we're fine. We just argue a lot. He has objections to my job and that I work for so long. He also brings up the subject of our marriage lately."
"Oh," he repeated himself. "Well if you don't want to marry him, you should just say it."
"He'd be devastated. If I refuse, it would be equivalent with a break up."
"But if you don't want to be his wife you should tell him."
She looked down at her engagement ring.
"I don't know what I want Harry, "she said sadly. "I love him, but I just don't see myself with Ron for the rest of my life. We often can't tolerate each other. I think we're just too different." She could just imagine how their marriage would look like - playing Wizard's Chess every day and fighting over how she ignores Ron for the books. She wanted more from life. An adventure. A challenge.
"It's ok Hermione," he assured and touched her shoulder in a friendly gesture. "I'm sure you'll work everything out."
"Thanks, "she crooked a smile. "Now, enough about me. How's Ginny?"
Harry immediately brightened and smiled widely. "She's great actually. Yesterday, when we were in bed and I held my hand on her belly, I felt James kick me. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world. I can't wait when he'll finally come out!" Harry laughed and she couldn't do anything but laugh with him.
"I'm so happy for you Harry. You'll be the best father in the world."
"I hope so," he smiled with wonder in his eyes. Then he added, "and you'll be the best god mother ever."
"Of course I will!" She spoke with all seriousness. "I'll spoil him." They broke out in laughter once again.
Sometimes Hermione wondered if she would be a good mother. But she wasn't ready for kids yet. Besides, she didn't know what to do with her relationship. Should she marry Ron and start a family with him? She somehow couldn't imagine that. There was something lacking in their relationship and with the amount of their arguing it wouldn't be the best environment to raise a child.
Although, she envied Ginny and Harry their perfect life and a happy family, she decided that she wasn't ready to lead a life like theirs. At least not yet.
When Harry's boss called him, he unexpectedly hugged Hermione and hurried to his office grinning. He was really lucky. But he deserved it after all he's been through.
OoO
Hermione got in the lift and pushed the button which said: LEVEL NINE. The door almost closed, but someone stopped the proces with a suitcase. When they opened again she saw a heavy breathing, flushed Ewen Cunningham.
"Good morning Hermione," said the man with a slight american accent and stepped in.
"Hello Ewen. You must have run really fast, you look exhausted," replied Hermione putting on a kind smile to hide her amusement, as the lift started to move.
"I'm not the best of a runner, to be honest," he explained panting, "but I didn't want to be late, work is waiting."
Cunningham was Hermione's colleague with whom she worked on a task assigned by the Minister of Magic himself. Ewen was a tall, rather thin man with short brown hair, brown eyes and a big smile. He was 30 years old and always looked stylish. He wasn't any Apollo, but women still turned their heads to look at him, it was probably the air of nonchalance surrounding his person. He was always smiling at them, and liked to wiggle his eyebrows in invitation. Hermione found that a little disgusting, she did not understand what any female could see in him.
She had to admit though, she quite liked to work with him. He was fairly intelligent and hard working. The only thing she couldn't stand was his constant flirting. He was often throwing some innuendos, or looking where he shouldn't - her breasts and butt. She was trying to give some hints about her fiance, literally waving her engagement ring in front of his nose, but all in vain. It seemed he thought a boyfriend was just an obstacle easily moved aside. Few times he even asked her on a date. She of course politely declined. Cunningham wasn't fazed by it and continued his pointless courting, in hopes to finally woo her. She had no choice but get use to his behavior. She had to stay professional and continue their mutual job arrangement, because it was what mattered the most.
"That we do," said Hermione and got out of the lift when it reached the Department of Mysteries after only a few seconds ride, Cunningham trailing behind.
They headed for a small room - their usual place of work. Its walls were navy blue with no windows. A big desk and two chairs were situated inside. On the desk laid piles of books and files. When Hermione opened the door, they saw their boss Mr. Pentrie.
"Granger, Cunningham," screeched the small bald wizard dressed in green robes.
"Mr. Pentrie," greeted the pair in unison.
"Today, I want you to read through these two books," he pointed at thick leather clad books with yellow pages." They could be helpful. I'm expecting some progression. If not," he smiled unpleasantly at them, "you will have to stay here until you finally find some answers. Minister is getting impatient and so am I. This is dragging for too long! You were selected for this job from many others and I'm starting to think we chose not the appropriate candidates," he babbled in his best bossy tone. " Today I'm giving you the chance to prove otherwise and I wait for your final report on the matter."
He pulled from his satchel a black box - the source of the problems - and put it on the desk. "Have a nice day you two," and with that he was gone.
"I hate this fat little man," growled Ewen.
"Who doesn't? He's a moron," replied Hermione. "Let's get to work, unless we want to loose our positions. And I don't want to sit here for the rest of the day, or longer."
"I don't mind spending my every hour in such pleasant company. I quite enjoy it," he purred suggestively, but she only rolled her eyes and grabbed one of the books.
OoO
Many hours later they were still sitting in the room, researching on the secret device. There was nothing in the books Mr. Pentrie gave them, that could be counted as a valuable information. They were stuck. Although Hermione and Cunningham were the best researchers in the Ministry, they couldn't find any answers. There was many conflicting trails, but none of them consistent enough.
Hermione was aggravated. She hated when she didn't know something.
"Maybe we should get a break. Let's relax for a moment. My head is spinning from all these letters," suggested Cunningham.
She didn't want to stop the work, because they were far from done, but he was right. She too felt like her head would explode any moment. She put down the book and rearranged her position on a chair, so she was more comfortable.
"Merlin, I'm so hot," said Cunningham pulling his sleeves up.
Indeed it was really warm in this small room.
"I'm hot too." She started to fan herself with her hand.
"You most definitely are, my dear," he said flirtatiously and put a hand on her knee. She was about to tell him to take his hand back, but froze.
On his left arm was a Dark Mark.
Since the disappearance of Lord Voldemort most Death Eaters had been imprisoned or in rare cases set free. When a Death Eater vowed he no longer served the Dark Lord, he was given a chance at new life. The Dark Mark was being removed by a special, really painful ritual. One the participants were the Malfoys. They erased their Dark Marks and even decided to help in locating the rest of the Death Eaters.
Cunningham still had his Dark Mark, so he must be still at his Master's service. Voldemort must have known about the device, its value, and wants it for himself.
Over her dead body. This evil snake won't put his disgusting hands on it.
She slowly raised from her sitting position, his arm dropping in the process. "I need to go to the toilet. I'll be back in 5 minutes," said Hermione and without waiting for a response left the room. She had to tell someone. She decided it would be the best to inform the Minister that they had a traitor in ranks.
When she finally was in the Atrium, she immediately headed for Kingsley Shacklebolt's office. She had to hurry, because it was dangerous to leave a Death Eater with the device.
In the rush she collided with a man. He held her arms in a tight grip to prevent the fall.
"Hermione?"
She looked up and saw Ron. Next to him stood Harry.
"Listen to me," she said anxiously," you have to go to Kingsley and tell him we have a Death Eater in the Ministry!"
"What?" they asked simultaneously.
"Ewen Cunningham, the one I was working with this whole time, is a Death Eater."
"It's not possible," uttered Harry.
"It is. I saw his mark. But we don't have time for a chat. I left him alone with the device. You two go and bring the Minister. I'll make sure the device is save."
" I'm not letting you alone, I'm going with you," protested Ron.
"No Ron, you have to ho with Harry. I'll be fine. He doesn't know that I know about him," she replied.
They were hesitant of letting her go on her own, but Hermione gave them no choice and before they would argue more, she was already running.
OoO
She slowly opened the door, a mask of calmness on her face covering the fear she really felt. Hermione moved to the desk and gathered her things. "I think I'll go home, I don't feel good."
"But we have work," Cunningham pointed at the desk full of papers. "Besides, Pentrie won't let you leave," he reasoned.
"I'll convince him. We'll continue tomorrow." She imperceptibly took the device and held it covered by her jacket.
She was almost out of the room when two men wearing black blocked the way. She took a step back, but collided with a chest. Cunningham put an arm around her waist and wand to her throat, successfully trapping his co-worker.
"Where are you going Hermione?" he breathed to her ear. "Don't you know we can't take anything from here outside?"
"Let me go, I don't know what you're talking about," she struggled in his grip.
"And what pray tell is this?" He was now holding the device in front of her face.
The witch didn't have much of a choice, she had to free herself and get it back. With all her strength she hit Cunningham where it hurts the most and whirled out of his arms.
She took a hold of her wand when one of the Death Eaters had already fired a curse that sliced a side of her stomach. Gritting her teeth, she shot a curse after curse, but the fight was proven difficult. It was one against three. She managed to stun one of the enemies, but their dueling skills were better than she imagined.
Suddenly she felt a burning pain in right hand and her wand tumbled to the floor. Hermione cried out falling to her knees. Looking up she saw two wands pointed directly at her.
"Put your wands down!" Roared someone. She then saw Harry, Ron, the Minister and few Aurors standing in the doorway.
"Give us Miss Granger and the device and you'll be spared," said Kingsley in threatening voice.
"I think I will keep the artifact," replied Cunningham. " I'll rather keep Granger too. She's a lovely creature," he smiled widely while winking at her.
"You bloody bastard!" Shouted furious Ron and raised his wand to blast a curse at Ewen.
"Nooo!" Hermione threw herself at Cunningham. She had to save the device from harm's way. Just when she reached him, Ron's curse hit the target.
Bright light illuminated the room, blinding everyone. When they opened their eyes again, there was no Ewen Cunningham or Hermione Granger. The spot where they were a second ago was now empty.
They just vanished.