Chapter Ten
Two days had passed since the disastrous questioning of Archie. George was still recovering from his injuries, but they were getting better every day, and Hermione didn't think he'd have any lasting scars other than the ones in his head. The same couldn't be said for her. She now had a thin red scar that ran from mid thigh to knee. It was jagged and mean looking, and more suited to a pirate than a nineteen year old girl. It was lucky that she didn't care for short skirts.
They hadn't seen much of Scabior. The Snatcher didn't seem to like the confines of the tent, and spent most of his time out on the windswept moor. He was there now. Hermione could see him in the distance, a dark figure silhouetted against the slate grey sky. She sighed and tiredly made her way towards him. Kingsley had arranged to meet with her tomorrow, so she wanted to at least be able to tell him where the next Revel would be held.
To be fair, the Snatcher had wanted to poke around Knockturn Alley the night before. Apparently there was a tavern with a back room, where all the Death Eaters met to discuss secret Death Eater stuff. But Hermione hadn't been up to it. She still wasn't, truth be told, but she couldn't put it off any longer. At least the extra time had given her time to contact Harry. Only an hour ago, Pig had delivered the invisibility cloak she'd asked to borrow.
This time she wasn't taking any chances. And she wasn't taking George. If all went as she planned, then she wouldn't have to come into contact with any Death Eaters at all.
She was halfway to Scabior when he turned and started walking towards her. They met somewhere in the middle. Hermione shuffled, unsure how to deal with this silent Scabior. He was usually the one who started their conversations.
"Umm...Hello," she said.
Scabior bobbed his head once in acknowledgement but didn't reply. Hermione scowled. He was being difficult on purpose. It showed in his insolent posture and patronising expression. She crossed her arms, holding onto her temper by the barest thread. She fixed her gaze on his green waistcoat. It was luxurious velvet with shiny brass military buttons, and shouldn't have matched his rough character at all. But like the pink scarf that circled his neck, he somehow made it work.
"We'll go to Knockturn Alley tonight," she firmly stated.
A reminder to them both of who was in charge.
"Not sure I'm free tonight, Petal."
Hermione's lips folded in annoyance, "I assure you that you are."
Scabior smirked, dropping his eyes to examine his nails, "and what will yer give me for rearranging my schedule at such short notice."
"How about another night of freedom?" Hermione said, eyes narrowed on the Snatcher.
Scabior took a menacing step towards her, his earlier amusement gone in the blink of an eye, face wiped clean of emotion."Careful, Beautiful, yer don't want me to lose my temper."
"No," Hermione said. "I want you to go to Knockturn Alley with me." Her voice was firm.
For the space of a second Scabior regarded her, perhaps gauging what he could get away with, and whether is was worth the effort. "Very well Pretty," Scabior finally agreed, "Tonight we will hunt."
Hermione scoffed. Like he had a choice. She wanted to feel satisfied. She really did. But how could she, when it meant she would be putting herself in danger. Again. But at least this time she was somewhat happier with the plan. Well, sort of.
"What time does this tavern open?" She said, breathing in the still air.
He shrugged, "Nine? Ten?"
"We'll leave at eight then," she stated, mentally calculating whether that would give them enough time. It would have to.
"Won't be any Death Eaters there then, Pet," Scabior said, brushing a hand through his messy hair, and only succeeding in making it worse.
"That's the idea." At his raised eyebrow she elaborated. "We both know my magic isn't strong enough to take on a Death Eater, so I'm not going to try." A sly grin tugged up her lips, "We're going to plant a listening device in this secret room you spoke of, and then we're going to hide and hope that they let slip the location of the Revel."
Scabior looked slightly incredulous, "yer want us to hide, and eavesdrop like naughty children?"
"Like you haven't done it before," Hermione said amused by his expression.
"Now, now Sweet. I won't be sharing my snatching secrets with you," Scabior said.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Do you think it will work?" She asked nibbling her lip as the Snatcher considered her plan.
He tipped his head. "Can't use a disillusionment to hide, they'll sense that."
"It isn't a disillusionment charm, it's something else. We won't even be in the building," she added.
The Snatcher looked her in the eye, "then it might work." His look turned speculative, "don't see why yer need me then Dove."
Hermione smile sweetly. "I don't need you." She looked pointedly at the arm that hid his wand, "I need your magic."
Scabior looked amused by her words. The expression didn't soften his face, as it would anyone else, but sharpened and defined it into one of cruel mockery. "Any spells I throw now will do fuck all but entertain, Sweetness."
Hermione huffed out a breath. "I don't want you to fight! I want you to apparate."
"I see." Scabior allowed his eyes to travel down the length of her body in one slow suggestive appraisal. "Yer like it when I hold yer close do yer, Treasure?"
Hermione's stomach flipped. "Don't be absurd," she turned her face, so he wouldn't see the blush staining her cheeks.
Scabior chuckled. A dry throaty sound that rumbled up form the depths of his chest to float on the air.
Irritated by the Snatcher and his insufferable attitude, Hermione stomped her way back to the tent. She needed to apply some more cream to George's chest, and she wanted to slip him a sleeping potion before they left. And she was absolutely not going to think about why the thought of Scabior holding her close made her stomach flip. She didn't like him like that after all. She was determined not to.
They left George sleeping an hour later. Hermione had given him the sleeping potion before she'd let him know that he wouldn't be going with them. He'd argued. A lot. Hermione had reasoned. Also a lot. Telling him that they couldn't all fit under the invisibility cloak. Which was a half truth. They'd only managed at Hogwarts because Harry and her were not very tall. Ron had always sort of loomed over them, and even then sometimes she'd suspected their feet had peeked out.
Scabior had been horribly unhelpful. Making sure to mention, several times, how dangerous it was going to be. He'd succeeded in whipping George up into a famous Weasley tantrum. In the end, Hermione's own temper had snapped clean in two. She'd sent Scabior outside to wait for her, which he'd been happy to do, now that he'd caused his trouble. Then she'd yelled her throat raw shouting and arguing with George until he'd passed out.
Next, she had done something that left the sour taste of guilt in her mouth. She had taken George's wand from beneath his pillow and hidden it. She was more than sure that they'd return before he woke, but she didn't want to risk him waking and doing something silly, like following them. If he tried to apparate on his own right now, he'd likely splinch himself in two. Then Molly Weasley would have yet another reason to dislike her.
Now she stood beside Scabior, waiting for him to apparate them to Knockturn Alley. She was wearing one of Ginny's old robes, a dark smoky grey that blended well with the shadows. She'd also managed to talk Scabior into transfiguring his coat so that it brushed his ankles instead of the back of his knees. He'd refused to change the colour of his pants, but the coat was now long enough that it covered the gaudy pattern from view.
The pair of the wouldn't hold up to a close inspection, but from a distance no-one would guess who they were. At least she hoped they wouldn't.
"Well, c'mere then Beautiful," Scabior said holding out his hand in a gentlemanly manner.
Hermione's stomach did that treacherous little flip again. She hesitated, confused by her body's reaction. The snatcher waited, hand out and face knowing. Hermione was not fooled by his false civility one bit. After a moment she stepped forward, not taking his hand, but wrapping her fingers around his forearm instead. Scabior tutted his disapproval, but didn't try to wrap his arms around her as she'd expected. They apparated away and landed seconds later in a dingy backstreet that smelt of piss.
Hermione wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Where are we?" She said.
Scabior pressed a finger to her lips, mashing them against her teeth. Hermione was about to protest, when she noticed that he wasn't even looking at her. His head was turned towards the entrance of the street. She followed his eyes but didn't see anyone or anything but dancing shadows. She could hear voices, but they sounded distant enough that she didn't think they'd be a problem. Twisting back to the Snatcher she noted that he hadn't moved. Not even to remove his finger. It was rough against her soft skin. His profile looked set in stone and his eyes were unfocused. Fixed on something that was beyond her vision.
Finally he relaxed, dropping his hand and easing back into his usual casual indifference.
"Next alley over. Half way down." Scabior drawled as if he hadn't just resembled a stalking cat.
Hemione nodded, wondering if she should take out the invisibility cloak and use it now, "is it safe to move?"
"I reckon we can risk it, Kitten."
Hermione chewed her lip as she followed Scabior to the top of the street. Every step she took felt heavy and clumsy. "Wait!" She whispered, "give me your arm!"
The Snatcher halted, a mocking glint flashing in his eyes. He didn't offer her his arm.
The witch scowled, "if you don't have my arm, then you might apparate without me."
Scabior pressed a fine boned hand to his chest in mock outrage. "Wouldn't dream of it, Angel."
"Of course you wouldn't," She said. Her voice was so dry it could have soaked up a lake.
Without waiting for him to offer, Hermione took the small step that would place her next to him, and looped her arm around his. This time her stomach remained firmly in place.
"Shall we?" She said, relived that whatever nonsense had caused the flipping was now gone.
Scabior inclined his head and tugged her out and onto the street. Hermione immediately ducked her head, focusing on the cobbled street below. She could see little but their booted feet, but that was fine by her. Her heart beat harder with every step they took, convinced that they were about to be discovered.
"Relax Beautiful," Scabior said. His breath tickled her ear and his hand brushed her fingers where they clenched on the material of his coat.
"Sorry, sorry, sorry." she muttered, loosening her fingers from their death grip.
"We're just two lovers, takin' a stroll." He bent low to nuzzle the side of her face.
Hermione stiffened as her stomach twisted yet again. What the hell is wrong with me? She lifted her hand to push him away, only noticing at the last second the footsteps coming towards them. For a moment her hand hovered, mid air and undecided, and then she let it reach up to cradle the side of his head, covering the red streak. An effort to conceal them from whoever was approaching.
She felt his lips curl into a smile against her cheek. "Yer been wantin' to do that for a while Pretty?" Scabior murmured. His lips moved on her skin as he spoke, and it felt like an odd word kiss.
Hermione's dug her nails into his scalp, not just in reply, but because she wanted him to stop his fake flirting. She didn't like the way it made her feel.
As soon as the footsteps faded she pulled away from him, keeping only her hand looped over his forearm. She risked lifting her head to look around, determined to ignore her bizarre reaction to him. There were a couple of people in the distance, but nobody close enough to worry about. Knockturn Alley had yet to wake up. When she glanced at Scabior, he met her eyes and jabbed his chin at a narrow opening a few feet away.
Hermione nodded and began to head the direction he'd indicated. They didn't hesitate as they entered the shadowed alley. It was narrow and long, and if she were to stretch out her arms they would touch the walls on either side. She moved, allowing Scabior to take the lead.
The Snatcher walked through the darkness as confidently as someone who was used to spending time within its depths. Hermione's heart was still thudding as she followed him and her back felt slick with sweat. This was starting to feel less safe than the whole Archie disaster had been. Maybe she should have let George come with them. At least she could trust him.
Scabior suddenly stopped. It was so unexpected that she walked right into his back.
"Careful Kitten," Scabior said. His voice was distracted and he had that unfocused look about him again.
Hermione took the opportunity whilst he was distracted to look around. Not that she could see much, it was too dark for that. But some of the buildings had windows that looked out onto the alley, and the light they cast was enough to see a few details.
Scabior tapped her nose, and then used the same finger to point at a shabby wooden door. "That's it."
Hermione studied the flimsy looking door. It looked like a breath of air would knock it over. "Is it warded?"
Scabior shrugged.
"Well check it!" Hermione hissed.
"Check it yerself Pet," Scabior said leaning back against the wall. "I aint yer slave."
Hermione gave him a dirty look. And just like that, any weird feelings she'd had disappeared, all it had taken was his true nature to show its face.
He knew she didn't want to use magic. That was why she'd brought him along. Not just so he could show her where the place was. But, so he could apparate and unward any doors they might come across. Seeing no other option, Hermione pulled out her wand and lightly waved it up and down the surface of the door. She felt the ward straight away. It was way stronger that she'd anticipated and keyed to only let authorised persons through. It also had several anti-tampering charms woven within.
Hermione could disable it, but it would take time and magic. Neither of which she had to spare.
"Scabior?" Hermione said through gritted teeth.
"Yes Pretty?"
Hermione glared at him. "Would you please break through the ward."
"Course Duck, just as soon as yer release me from our oath." The Snatcher tucked his hands into his pocket.
"You know I won't do that." Hermione rubbed her face tiredly. "Are you asking for the impossible because you know I wont agree?" She switched her attention to the door, "and if I won't agree, then you won't be forced to attempt to unward a door that is clearly beyond your skill." Hermione gave him a patronising smile, "you should have just said you couldn't do it."
Scabior flashed her a feral grin, "Oh, Beautiful, I'm skilled at all kinds of stuff," his eyes dropped to her lips, "yer let me know when yer ready to learn."
Hermione crossed her arms determined to ignore eager leap her stomach gave, and the heat creeping up her neck. "I'd be willing to remove the tracking device, after we get what we want."
Scabior flicked the fringe of the pink silk. "Done."
Hermione let loose the breath she'd been holding. Taking off the scarf would be a small thing compared to finding out the location of the Revel. And at this moment Hermione would be perfectly happy if he left and took his suggestive comments with him.
Whilst he was fiddling with the ward, Hermione took out the invisibility cloak and flipped it around her shoulders. Nobody had entered the alley but she angled herself so that anyone who happened to glance their way wouldn't see anything.
Scabior looked different when he was concentrating. Less sly and more civilized. He broke through the wards quicker than Hermione anticipated. It was on the tip of her tongue to praise him, but the arrogant smirk gracing his lips jammed the words in her throat. Yet another reason to dislike him. He smirked way too much.
"Where's the location of the room?" she said.
Scabior was eyeing the invisibility cloak, "end of the corridor, top of the stairs, third door on yer right." The Snatcher reached forward to pinch the material between his thumb and finger. He had a greedy look on his face that put Hermione on edge. As soon as she'd finished with it, she was sending it back to Harry. He would never forgive her if she allowed Scabior to steal it.
She pulled the cloak from his fingers. "I'll go inside and plant the bug."
"Bug?" Scabior looked puzzled.
"It's a muggle listening device, once I hide it in the room, we'll be able to hear what they're saying from out here." Hermione held our her hand palm up, "give me your wand."
"No."
"I'm not leaving you down here with your wand, merlin knows what you'll get up to," she said trying not too sound bossy.
And sounding bossy. But that was okay. It felt familiar.
Scabior shrugged. "Then don't leave me."
Hermione's teeth clenched at the thought of them pressed together under the cloak. She couldn't do it. She didn't want to do it.
"Tick, tock, Angel."
Merlin he was annoying. "Fine!" She muttered.
Reaching for the door she inched it open enough to peep through. The corridor was empty. "It's clear," she squeezed through the gap. A hand on her arm stopped her from going any further.
"Yer gonna share the cloak, Sweetness?"
Hermione yanked her arm free, "we don't need to, not unless we see someone."
"I'd rather not take the chance, Pet."
Hermione slumped, defeated. He was right. It wasn't worth the risk. Yet it didn't make the thought of sharing a cloak with him any easier. Reluctantly she rearranged the cloak so a section of it covered his shoulder and half of his back.
"'Ermione." Scabior chided quite seriously.
Hermione's hand stilled against the door she was about to push open. Scabior so rarely used her name and she'd never heard him sound so serious before, it caused her attention to sharpen on him. He was right. Again. This wasn't a game, and avoiding touching him because his stupid flirting made her stomach twist would get them both killed.
She took a breath, "maybe if you stand behind me?"
With Harry and Ron, she'd always been next to Harry. Although it didn't really matter where they were, as long as they were both concealed. Surprisingly Scabior wasn't a prat as he arranged himself behind her. In fact, he barely touched her as they tiptoed along the corridor. She'd never been so grateful in her life. They kept close to the plaster cracked wall and avoided the middle of the floor, where the floorboards sagged and looked likely to creak.
The stairs were more of a problem. Scabior had to place his hands on either side of her waist and his chest touched her back with each step up. Still, Hermione didn't think he was trying to take advantage. His body was too tense and she thought that if she were to look over her shoulder at him, his face would show that unfocused expression. She was coming to think of it as his Snatcher face. Clearly a working Scabior, took his work very seriously.
They reached the top to the stairs without incident. Although they could hear people moving about and talking nearer the front of the building, they saw no-one. It was when they were passing the second door that Scabior froze. A second later he pushed into Hermione, pressing her into the wall. He was so tight against her that she could feel his belt buckle and the buttons on his waistcoat pressing into her spine. His breath puffed against the skin of her neck, raising goosebumps. Her body was ablaze with confusion and desire and heat. Her heart galloped in her chest and her skin prickled where he touched.
She was seconds away from arching into him when the second door opened. Her heart stuttered in the cage of her chest. She didn't dare move. Not even her eyes, which remained fixed and unblinking on the blurry third door. The unseen person muttered and stumbled down the hall and away from them. Hermione had never been so grateful for such an interruption before in her life.
What on earth a had she been thinking?
Shame filled her. To become distracted at such at time was unforgivable. And over Scabior!
"Breathe," he whispered into her ear.
Realising she wasn't, Hermione gasped in a hot breath and sagged against the wall. She allowed herself five seconds to pull her tattered self together, and then asked Scabior. "is it safe?"
"For now."
Hermione pushed herself and Scabior away from the wall and rushed quickly over to the third door. She wanted this over with. And she was never leaving George behind again.
"Is it warded?" She whispered.
Scabior lifted the wand, Hermione hadn't even realise he'd palmed and checked the door. "No."
She turned the handle, pushed it open and entered. She looked around as she scooted from under the cloak. The room had very little furniture. Two chairs, a table and a heavily stained rug. Hermione pulled out the fingernail sized bug from her pocket, and picked the backing off the double sided sticky tape she'd placed on the back. Dropping to her knees beside the table, she flicked the tiny switch to the on position and bent low to stick it to the underside of the warped wood.
"Quickly now, Sweet." Scabior said from his place beside the door.
Hermione pressed the bug once more, firmly, and then jumped to her feet and strode back to the Snatcher. He manoeuvred her in front of him and then flicked the cloak back over them.
They moved faster on the way back. Adrenalin fuelling them. Taking more chances, but trusting the invisibility cloak to keep them hidden. It was only when they were back in the alley that Hermione was able to take a breath without shuddering. Neither of them made any move to leave the safety of the cloak. Knockturn Alley was waking up. And the relative empty streets from earlier were now filling up.
"Here." Hermione handed Scabior some ear buds.
The snatcher took them gingerly in his hand, Hermione noted with amusement. She checked her pocket for the transmitter, plugged in the earphones and placed one of the buds into her ear. She offered the other to Scabior. He was still behind her, she could feel the heat of him, but she ignored it. Whatever foolishness had happened before would not be repeated. Hermione was not attracted to the Snatcher. It was impossible.
"Put it in your ear. When somebody enters the room you'll hear them as if they were stood next to you." She told him, all business.
He didn't lift it to his ear.
Hermione nudged his stomach with her elbow, "you're not afraid are you?"
Scabior puffed out a breath. "Never, Treasure." He said placing the ear bud into his own ear.
Hermione moved so she stood next to him, lifted the cloak off the ground and slid down the wall until she sat on the cold floor. Scabior did the same.
They waited side by side for the secret room to be used.