CHAPTER 10
The Start of an End
The trio were still filling the charms in their spare time, but since Hermione was now free, they cut back a little so they could all have leisure time together. Though many of their activities were very public and involved others, no one could argue that the four of them had formed some sort of tightly knit quad. Where you saw one, the other three weren't far from hand. In rugby they always seemed within twenty paces from one another. In Quidditch, whoever wasn't playing would be seated together, often in Slytherin or Ravenclaw. In the library, their heads would huddle together amiably as they studied for their final exams.
At meals, they obviously couldn't sit together, but each of them sat with their house partner without fail. Blaise or Draco had often shuffled seats, but now they did so together. And no matter how much Ron and Harry complained and tried to drag Ginny away, the girl refused to let herself be bullied away from Hermione's side again.
Harry seemed to be disappointed that Ginny wouldn't be replacing Hermione in the Golden Trio, but said very little on the matter. Ron, on the other hand, decided to take a different approach. More than once he made some snide comment on how their mum wouldn't approve of Ginny's new boyfriend.
"Good thing I'm dating him then, and not Mum!" Ginny would retort loudly, causing those in earshot to snicker. Every time, without fail, Ron would flush in embarrassment. Though she wasn't very comfortable with causing family discord, Hermione couldn't help but be a little smug about the whole thing. After all, she had won Ginny.
The closer the Quidditch finals came, the more Hermione let herself think that maybe they'd make it to summer. Finals always marked the start of the last stretch – the time where everyone would wrap up their extracurricular activities and study in earnest.
Hermione didn't realize the problem until she reached the pitch that day. Quidditch had never really been her sport, but she had enjoyed the company, along with making snarky remarks about the other players. As she looked around uncertainly, wondering where to sit, it fully sank in. She had never come to a match that had Gryffindor and Slytherin matched against each other - not since she broke off from Harry and Ron, anyway. She would be sitting alone today.
"Hermione!" came a voice, and she twisted around to see Pansy waving to her. Glad to have a subtle invite, she clambered up the stairs after the girl. Together they pushed their way to the front row.
"So who are you cheering for?" Pansy asked, causing everyone around them to murmur and echo the question. It was a good question, and she wasn't sure how to answer. Did she root for Draco and Blaise, or did she root for Ginny and her house?
"I'm not sure," she finally answered, and as if she had suspected that response, Pansy opened her hand to show a polished galleon.
"Well, how 'bout you root for Gryffindor, and I'll root for Slytherin. Whoever wins makes a little extra money on the side." Hermione smirked. She had never been much of a gambler, but rummaging around in her own robes she found that she had enough spare change to wager with.
"Deal."
Maybe it was the bet, or maybe it was an inbred sense of rivalry. Hermione didn't think she would be so passionate about the game. What was even better today was that Gryffindor had foregone their usual honorary approach and was just as bad as Slytherin. Both teams had decided it just as important to get as many uncalled fouls in as it was to win.
"Crush him, Ginny!" She heard herself scream into the crowd. As if Ginny had heard her, the redhead smashed the Quaffle against Vaisey, who in turn went spinning off towards the stands and hit them with a sickening thump. Hermione whooped in delight, which turned to a yelp of pain when Pansy accidentally knocked her on the back of the head with something hard.
Blaise didn't hesitate to retaliate against the offending Gryffindor. He slammed into her deliberately and sent them both cartwheeling. Hooch should have called a foul for deliberate blatching, but was too busy trying to decide if both groups of Beaters were, in fact, aiming for the other players and not just the opposing spectators.
Ginny had fumbled the Quaffle, and it sped towards the ground below. Blaise, always close by, dove for it with Ginny not far behind. Triumphantly, he snatched it first and went to pull up, but Ginny's boot came down hard into the small of his back. She wrestled the ball back and darted away, leaving a dazed Blaise just barely hanging on.
After Ginny had scored, the younger girl sailed close enough to give Hermione's outstretched hand a quick slap. She hadn't expected Hermione to be rooting for Gryffindor, especially in the Slytherin stands, but the extra fan was more than welcome. The move was especially brave on Ginny's part, considering there were at least a dozen Slytherins who would like to do nothing more than pull her clean off her broom as she flew on by.
The game went on with so many fouls that Madam Hooch had to finally call a time out to reprimand everyone as a whole. She demanded that Blaise and Ginny shake hands, since they were the worst of the lot. Everyone laughed at this, especially since it was obvious that the two of them were thoroughly enjoying themselves. There was nothing more fun than beating the snot out of your sweetheart, apparently.
As the game started up again, a flash of gold caught her eye and she squinted in an attempt to see it better. Draco, who had been watching her, followed her line of sight when she showed interest. He kicked his broom forward and... there! It was half hidden behind one of the Gryffindor banners. No wonder he hadn't seen it.
She called out for Harry, who immediately caught on. Realizing that they both had seen it, he also set off in a blur towards the object of victory. There was a roar in the crowd as Harry swerved away from Draco's incoming elbow.
"Ginny," Hermione shouted. "Stop gawking and score more points! Go go go!" The Chasers were virtually done if they wanted to be. The snitch would decide the outcome, and there wasn't enough time left to change that. The score was tied at thirty to thirty, which must be an all time low for any match after two hours of hard playing. The Keepers were probably good enough, but it had been the Chasers today who had rarely let the ball get within range of their scoring hoops. Regardless, Ginny grinned in her direction and motioned for her Chasers to keep scoring. They had to keep the Slytherin Chasers preoccupied, or else they would purposely get in Harry's way.
When Blaise realized Draco was a little behind Harry, he purposely caused a scene with the others so that Hooch's attention would swerve back to him. She started yelling for him to be more sportsmanlike, and more than once Hermione heard: 'Zabini, you best tuck in those elbows, or I'll foul you for cobbing!" Ginny tried to back her team away from him, but it was too late. Draco had reached out and grabbed Harry's broom, giving it a good yank backward. Hooch had seen nothing.
Harry had always been competitive himself. On feeling the jerk, he let himself tumble backward and pushed Draco clean off. The boy had an expression of shock as he grabbed at thin air and began to fall towards to pitch. Just in time he was able to grab onto Harry's spinning Firebolt and slow his descent. He pulled himself up and regained his balance. Harry had successfully stolen his broom and was back in the lead.
As much as Draco would loathe to admit it, Harry's broom was much faster than his own. He easily caught up with the boy and shoved him again. Harry elbowed him in the throat, but Draco didn't give him any leeway. He was intent on driving Harry into the stands.
A bludger tore them apart, and Draco swore as he was forced to give Harry a chance to pull up at the last second. They honed in on the snitch again, from different directions.
Ginny, willing to do anything to win, looped around and threw herself into Draco's path. You could see the look of horror in his eyes as he realized he had no time to stop, and the two of them smashed into each other and went flying through the air – limbs tangled. Blaise was after them in a second, Dean Thomas close behind. They each caught their team member and lowered them to the pitch, where Pomphrey was already rushing out to administer on the spot treatment. Hermione could hear the two of them cursing from where she was, but it was drowned out by the roar in the Gryffindor stands. Harry had caught the snitch and the game was now over.
With mock disgust, Pansy pressed the gold into Hermione's hand with a scowl. She grinned and pushed her way through the crowd and hustled down the stairs and into the pitch, which was being flooded by the Gryffindors. Ginny came running straight for her and she wrapped her arms around the redhead, laughing, and spun her around.
"You were brilliant!" Hermione exclaimed, squeezing her friend extra hard when she complained about being sore. She saw Draco scowling off in the distance, hanging off Blaise, but she only managed a lopsided grin in his direction. The rest of the Gryffindors all shot her nervous smiles – they hadn't expected her to be so fiercely involved in cheering for them. Harry grinned, and Ron just looked surprised. When Ginny went back to her adoring fans, Hermione made her way over to the Slytherin team, who all looked highly disappointed with the outcome.
"You okay?" She asked, tapping Draco on the shoulder.
"Traitor," he muttered half-heartedly. She held up her hands.
"Loyalty can be bought – mine for a little less than average!" She showed him the galleon. "Pansy wanted to bet, and I was her most suitable victim. Must say - it worked out quite well for me." Draco laughed at the sour look Pansy was still wearing. Well, if his girlfriend had been bought, there wasn't much he could do about it, was there?
When the frantic pounding was finally heard, the common room fell silent. Harry, closest to the door, went to answer it. By his blank expression when he came back a few seconds later, Ginny had a good idea who it was.
"Ginny, it's for you."
"Oh, okay, thanks," she said meekly, and jumped down off the table she had been using as a base to throw candy from. As soon as she disappeared, the noise started up again, and it became so loud that she had to step out and close the portrait behind her.
"Hermione, is she here?" Draco looked panicked, and Ginny frowned.
"No, she left a while ago. Why? What's up?" Blaise shifted foot to foot, looking a little nervous himself. He didn't want to voice his worry, not when her brother was involved. Draco, having no regard for Ron, grabbed her by the shoulders and stared at her.
"Weasel's still in there, isn't he?" Ginny bit her lip and motioned for the boys to wait. Searching the room, she felt her stomach sink, but decided to verify Ron's absence with Harry. Just in case.
"Oi, Harry, have you seen my brother?" Harry looked a bit skittish for a second and she picked up on his guilt right away. "Where is he?" Realizing that Ginny meant business, Harry tittered and shrugged apologetically.
"He went to talk to Hermione." She turned on her heel, but Harry caught her arm. "Ginny, wait. It's not what you think – Ron's completely head over heels for her. He's going to apologize. He wants to patch things up – that's all."
"That's the problem, Harry," she spat. "Did you ever stop to think that maybe Hermione doesn't want to patch things up anymore? That Draco isn't just some ploy to make Ron jealous?" At his stunned look, she had her answer, and in disgust she ripped her arm away. They had to find Hermione, and fast.
Hermione had left half an hour prior and was now doing her rounds on the third floor. This night had been one of the best of the year, and though Draco and Blaise were certainly moping about their loss, she was happy.
"Oh hey, Hermione. Wait up!" came the voice from behind her. She turned and saw Ron briskly approaching her, and all her warning bells went off. She forced them away as he slowed, his usual malice gone for the time. "Do you think we can talk?" Ron gestured to an empty classroom nearby, and Hermione couldn't stop herself from frowning. The tone of his voice made it sound like he wanted to reconcile. Sure, she wanted him stop trying to make her life miserable, but anything more? She'd pass.
"Oh, why not?" She said anyway, and forced a smile onto her face. Entering the room, she took a seat and suddenly felt very awkward.
"So, are you ready for your NEWTs?"
"I've been ready since first year, Ronald." The answer itself, along with the flat tone of her voice, threw him off – it wasn't what he had expected. Normally she would have gone off on a tangent about how she was so far behind, and how terrified she was that she'd fail. He used to tune her out or change the subject, but since he was trying to make amends, he had planned to listen to her and comfort her the best he could. What was he supposed to say?
They sat in strained silence for several dragging minutes until he became frustrated and cut right to the heart of things.
"I don't understand," he finally complained. "What changed?"
"I think we all just grew up," she offered honestly. "We like different things and different people now. We take different classes, have different ideas, and finally, we partake in different activities."
"You're talking about those silly little rugby matches, aren't you?"
"Yes – but they're not silly. Just like Quidditch isn't silly to you." He scoffed at this – as if anyone other than Hermione could ever not like Quidditch! "If you took two minutes to check them out, you'd notice we have more people playing each weekend than all four Quidditch teams combined." She realized that pointing it out would only annoy him, so before he could let that sink in, she quickly offered, "And you know I also spend a lot of time studying."
"Fine," he waved his hand dismissively. "So, during hols, why didn't you let the Headmaster read your mind? We've all been wondering – you caused quite the mess."
"Would you be happy if someone just tried to force their way in?"
"But it wasn't just anyone, Hermione. It was Dumbledore, and he-"
"Don't you dare say he has the right! No one has the right to push their way into someone else's mind. It's highly illegal, and yes, there were things I didn't want him to see. He physically hurt me, Ron – you have no idea." It was obvious by the look on Ron's face that he believed that if Hermione was hurt, she had brought it on herself. Ron had never been one to put himself in other people's shoes, and she had half a mind to show him first hand how much damage a forced Legimens could cause. No. Albus' meddling was all over this, she fumed, and it's not really his fault. She stopped herself from doing something reckless.
She still had to resist fiercely the urge to at least punch him. Instead gritted her teeth and made to leave. He reached out and grabbed her arm, and a series of events took place then. She told him to let go, he told her he wouldn't. They spat mild obscenities at each other in rapid succession. They brought up issues, old and new, big and small, that had never really been resolved. She finally said that didn't have to answer to him; he said that he deserved at least a little respect – something she had never given him. Hermione laughed mockingly at that one. "Oh yes," she had said, "let's discuss who respects who here. That will be quite the short conversation!". Knowing that was a losing trail, he tried to press the topic of Dumbledore further, and when she rebutted all of those accusations too, he finally finished with: "Well, it's hardly his fault that you were being a whore."
Having had enough, she lashed out and slapped him firmly across the cheek. Probably not the wisest course of action when the conversation was already out of hand. Yet, Ronald's demented mind must have misconstrued the meaning, because he pulled her to him and forced his mouth to hers. Maybe he was trying to apologize, or maybe he really had just lost his mind. She forced her head away in disgust and refused to look at him. He studied her expression, and uncontrolled fury came over him.
"What does that traitorous git have that I don't?" He wrestled with her and even though she struggled, he was much stronger than she expected. The side of the desk dug painfully into her hip, his hands would surely leave bruises. After a few more moments of shoving and pushing, she was surprised to to find the floor coming towards her rapidly. Hermione tried her best to cushion her fall, but still her head cracked painfully against the tile. She was still seeing stars when Ron flipped her over and began muttering things at her. He tried to justify his fumbling fingers that tore open her robe. How dare she betray him? No one else could appreciate her like he did. they were supposed to be together – the Headmaster even thought so.
The stench of the Headmaster's meddling was all over this, but what had she expected? Tom was preparing to move, and it was no secret. Albus would naturally be reigning in his players as well. He had sent Ron to collect her loyalty. Even knowing she was in danger, she felt the urge to laugh at him bubble up. Imbeciles.
His rambling seemed to become very far away, and everything in the world was detached. She saw her wand through blurry vision, and knew it to be several feet away. It seemed much further. Hermione was reminded of the despair she felt in the Ark. You know, she thought miserably, The Inferi were much more gentle.
This time around, she was too out of it to do anything to save herself. Her head throbbed – she didn't think she could cast wandless if her life depended on it right now. Ronald continued to clumsily undress her, and she willed him to just rip her pants and be done with it. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be - somewhere deep in Ronald's mind he truly believed that she wanted this, that she would enjoy it. Maybe if he took his time she would realize all this and... she tried to stop rationalizing Ron's thoughts. Maybe if she puked on him he would finally get the hint.
He pulled her shirt away, and before he could continue, he froze. His eyes were focused on her shoulder.
"Impossible," he whispered in horror, throwing himself back onto the balls of his feet. She sucked in a few breaths of thankful air. As clarity finally pushed away the protective haze she had burrowed herself in, she was almost thankful he had seen her mark. Then, his rage was back. "How long? How long have you been a sodding traitor?" He leaned over her again and grabbed her shoulders, shaking her as if the answer might just tumble out. She couldn't help but feel like a piece of steak that needed a good tenderizing. Her arm twisted out of his gasp and she lobbed her fist against the side of his head. Clumsy, but it seemed to have worked. Ron rolled away and they both went for their wands.
Ginny, on hearing the ruckus, came clambering to her rescue. It was unfortunately that Hermione didn't need rescuing anymore. Ginny came to a skidding halt when she almost stepped on her brother, and her eyes went wide as saucers as she looked down on him. She didn't need to check the body to know it wasn't going to move.
"Holy shit," Ginny finally cried, dancing back a few more steps to secure herself against the wall. Her face drained of colour and she was off again - pacing in circles of panic and occasionally looking back at her brother as if he might not really be there, as if this was all just a bad dream. Hermione briskly pulled her shirt shut and schooled her features into a blank stare. What a mess. Ginny didn't miss the movement, and added Hermione into her ongoing rotation. Slowly she pieced together what must have happened, but still, neither one said anything further. Hermione folded into her knees, trying to disappear. Her head still throbbed, and adrenaline was still coursing through her. Since there was nothing to do, it made her feel sick.
He had really planned to rape her. Hermione felt nothing but disgust, but he had still been her friend once. Also, she had never taken a life. Sure, she had intentionally hurt people, and fought with the intent to kill, but something had always stopped her – her father's ability, Narcissa's plea...
She realized that deep down, she had never expected to take those final steps. Now she had. And now she also knew why Avada was forbidden. Sure, it was a killing spell, but there were plenty of spells that could maim and kill another person. Avada Kedavra literally tore a piece of your soul when you cast it. Phantom pain laced through her and she tried to decide where her soul was. In her heart? Her lungs? Her belly felt kind of flippy floppy, maybe it was in the there. Finally, she rolled to the side and threw up. Ginny's attention shot fully to her and she raced towards her friend.
"Oh hell, Hermione! What happened?" She gripped her friend tightly, eyes searching her face for something – anything, so explain what had happened. Hermione wouldn't kill Ron for no reason, right? Right. But he was still her brother. Oh Merlin... Ron... you stupid, loveable, moron. Shit.
"I hit him," Hermione replied softly, then tried to push Ginny away. She had been shaken enough for a lifetime. "He saw my mark, he was making so much noise. I didn't know who would hear, so I punched him. While he was rolling away I grabbed my wand, and he grabbed his. Things got out of hand and I didn't know what else to do... Oh Ginny, I'm so sorry."
"Did you cast the killing curse?" Hermione nodded.
Ginny gritted her teeth and forced Hermione up onto a stool. Hermione could see that the girl was trying to see the picture as a whole, but the fact that Ron was her brother was a high hurdle to clear. Hermione could hope, but realistically, she didn't expect much to come from this. It was very possible that she had lost Ginny forever. If her friend wanted to drag her up to the Headmaster's office, Hermione realized she wouldn't stop her. She couldn't. And that was exactly why you shouldn't make friends in the enemy ranks.
"Hermione? Hermione! Are you okay?" Draco's voice announced his entry only moments before he came barging into the room, closely followed by Blaise. As they opened the door, they could hear the Dark Arts alarm start screaming through the hallway.
Sorry, the castle piped up. I tried to hold it off as long as I could.
Hermione started, not expecting the castle to go out of her way to tell her that. She patted the desk and tried to muster up at least a little bit of gratitude. Draco came and examined her, only briefly acknowledging that Ron was laying dead just ten feet away. Blaise went straight to Ginny, who collapsed against him in anguish.
"We have to leave now," Draco said, almost soothingly, pulling Hermione gently to her feet.
"Give her a minute to recover," came the muffled reply from Ginny. "She's pretty beat up."
"We came across Professor Snape in the hallway," explained Blaise, "The Headmaster is furious – he finally found out about the castle. He's assuming that she's just done alterations, like him, but..."
"But? What is he going to do?" For the time, everyone forgot that Hermione had just killed somebody. The mood became solemn, and Draco pulled her closer to him.
"He called Mad-Eye in, Hermione," Draco answered this time. "The official order is to take you alive, however... well, if there's an accident, Albus has made it clear he'll overlook it." Hermione's face paled. Everyone knew you didn't tell Mad-Eye that unless you wanted it to happen. She allowed herself to be steered to the door. Before she disappeared, she turned back in, pleading.
"Ginny! I-"
"It's okay, Hermione," she answered quietly, horrified at the whole situation. Her best friends were all fighting for the other side, Ron was dead, and Albus was actually condoning bloodshed. "Mum will..." She faltered again, and wretched her eyes shut. "Mum will also be out to kill you. Please, if you can help it, don't kill any more of my family. Take care of yourself, okay?" Hermione's eyes welled up in tears. She would never kill Ginny's family on purpose, she wanted to argue, and then looked back at Ron. If she had cast anything else, perhaps it would have been a bit more convincing...
When the two of them were out of the room, Ginny turned to Blaise, and he smiled at her sadly.
"My family supports him, but are not active. I'll be staying here with you, but we have to go too. It won't look good if we're here when..." When they find Ron's body, Ginny finished mentally. She nodded and allowed herself to be escorted out.
As they moved, Draco reached into his robes and offered her a vial. She stared at him, surprised, and he just shrugged.
"Uncle Severus has had his eye on me since I could clink two vials together," he whispered with a lopsided grin. "I'd be a pretty bad apprentice if I didn't carry the basics on me." She snorted and tipped the vial down her throat, immediately feeling better. She was about to ask him what it was, but he put a finger to his lips and motioned to be silent. They moved quickly down through the shortcut to the main floor. When there, they carefully poked their heads around the corner. Moody was instructing a couple of people they didn't recognize to move out. The front door was already blocked, and it was safe to say the others had just been dispatched to cover the rest of the exits. Draco sighed.
Without further prompting, they turned around and kept moving through one of the back corridors. It was eerily silent, and when a shout of alarm sounded up behind them, they nearly jumped out of their skins. and they knew they had been spotted. Without turning around, they ran for the safety of the next turn. Before they could reach it, however, the hairs on the back of Hermione's neck stood up and she instinctively shoved Draco away from her. They both stumbled in their opposite directions, slamming painfully against the stone walls. He turned to yell at her, but a ball of red passing between them stopped him short. The spell exploded violently at the end of the corridor. Hermione shuddered at the realization They frantically scrambled the rest of the way and ducked out of sight. Draco made for the right hall after that, but she grabbed him and pulled him towards the dungeon corridor instead. The voices of pursuit sounded up behind them so he didn't have time to argue.
As they clambered down the dungeon stairs, Hermione nearly took down Filch, who looked surprised at the two Head students who were so late after curfew.
"Sorry sir, excuse us!" Draco shot her a bewildered look. They were fugitives – she didn't need to apologize for Merlin's sake! Especially not to Filch of all people!
Whoever had been chasing them must have decided they went in the direction that wouldn't trap them.
As Hermione led them back to their common room, Draco began to feel trapped. When they entered quietly, looking for signs of an ambush, he panicked even further. One way out, he thought glumly, and if they find us here we're cooked! Hermione dragged him towards her bedroom, and his confusion deepened. Did she need a nap? Or had she given up and decided they should have one last go at it? But Hermione moved around the bed and started to rummage through the nightstand. His relief was palpable.
It didn't take long to hear pounding on the common room portrait. Had Filch ratted them out? Or had it just taken a short time to realize that the two students hadn't taken the obvious route? Hermione wasn't bothered either way though, convinced that she had found their way out. Turning to Draco, she grinned and held up the polished sapphire that Snape had given her ages ago.
"Your parents won't mind if we go barging in on their property unannounced?" Draco looked surprised, then shook his head. Severus would have already gone ahead to gather the Death Eaters. It was a bit sooner than they would have liked, but the Order would no longer stay passive, and so the attack on the Ministry was starting even as they spoke.
Entwining her fingers through his, she gripped the stone and mentally wished to go to the Manor. Their surroundings swirled and with a crack they were gone from sight. Hermione wanted to laugh. Who would have thought that almost dying last year would save her life now?
As soon as they landed outside of the gates, they apparated again immediately. Hopefully, the pursuers would know that Malfoy Manor was not ripe for the picking. If they tried anyway, it would be their loss. The Malfoys were very keen on activating their home security system when they went out.
Draco and Hermione bolted through muggle London, eyes frequently checking over their shoulders. Finally, the understanding that their ruse was up began to sink in. No more Hogwarts, no more Grimmauld, no more Weasley's. There would be no more attacks or raids, and no more little side projects. There was no more time to plan and plot, and Hermione would no longer have to deceive the people around her. Dread washed over her. She would have to activate the runes soon, she knew.
If she didn't die tonight, that was. Tonight the Ministry had to fall fast, and Hogwarts would be taken within the days of chaos that followed, when the Aurors would not be available to summon. Would the deaths that followed now be as awful as Remus? Would she regret killing Ronald? She realized that killing Ronald didn't particularly bother her, but instead, worried more about how Ginny felt about the whole thing. She had never wanted to hurt her friend.
Breath came in shallow huffs from both as time wore on, and she was thankful for everything that had happened so far. A year ago, she would have keeled over from physical exhaustion by now. As she followed Draco into a seedy looking alley, they slowed. A familiar figure was waiting for him, and Hermione couldn't help but notice the look of relief that washed over his face.
"Draco. Hermione." The two teenagers nodded in acknowledgement, but otherwise took the time to catch their breath. If asked a year ago, Severus would have been worried. Now, he found himself looking forward to see how the two of them would handle themselves. He held out a portkey, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
The cottage was abandoned but well kept. Hermione knew that Draco and Severus had been out here casting wards during the spring holiday. Hermione watched as they wove the final curses into the room and backed out through the stairs. Door shut, locked, and warded, they turned and hurried to the forest beyond. Fifteen minutes through the forest was when they decided it was time to move again.
They landed in Japan, then the Americas. The last key was back to Europe, where they split and walked in opposite directions for another ten minutes before apparating. Hopefully, sending the immediate pursuers on a wild goose chase would mean less resistance at the Ministry. Molly Weasley, at least, would be out for blood. The thought was terrifying – an angry witch was a dangerous witch. If only they had been as serious when it came to the war, she thought sadly. Maybe things would have turned out different.
Two more apparations and the Ministry loomed above her. Beside the gates waited Draco, holding a robe and mask out to her with a solemn expression on his face.
"Huh. Never thought I'd get to wear this ugly thing." Draco, recognizing her dry tone as humour, couldn't help but give her a wry grin.
Tendrils of smoke already rose from the Ministry. Parts of it was crumbling, and she saw a particularly large boulder come sailing down to land on an escaping wizard. He had noticed the danger too late. It was too bad, she thought, he had been so close. She couldn't help but marvel at how desensitized she had become.
They jogged up the steps and entered back to back, Draco flicking his wrist and sending someone flying almost immediately. The attacker crumpled against the wall, motionless.
There were those locked in single combat. They were tucked into corners or side rooms, but some were all out dodging through the battlefield of other duelists, otherwise engaged. There was a concentrated group of Death Eaters near the fireplaces – orders being shouted at those working to close them down. They also took on the nervous looking Ministry group that had formed, and rallied up strays as they went. She recognized Lucius near the fountain, mask gone, shouting at his own group. There were warnings for those who needed them, guidance for those who seemed to stray. He also barked out the occasional insult or encouragement to help keep spirits high, which surprisingly also proved to demoralize the enemy.
Draco and Hermione did a little bit of everything. They helped the smaller groups of Death Eaters that seemed to be getting overwhelmed, then forged on. Seeing how well Lucius was doing, they mimicked him and started encouraging the nearby Death Eaters. Some didn't seem too pleased when they were given an order – after all, who wanted to be told what to do by two kids?
The further in they got, the more dangerous it became. The Ministry back here had realized that following duel code would result in failure, and so the fighting was a lot more dirty. The Death Eaters also weren't in strong forces here, and more than once the two of them found themselves surrounded. A group of six looked positively gleeful when they surrounded the two of them, but soon found out that sometimes numbers didn't always dictate victory.
They tried to maim or disarm only – the fates of their enemies would be decided by trial. The Ministry had opposed Tom openly, but after they were removed from power, they would be given a choice to decide who they "really" supported. It made sense. Killing everyone in sight would result in a severe shortage of witches and wizards.
Several Death Eaters had stepped back in awe, and murmurs were going from group to group. Who is that? The Malfoy boy? Brilliant! No, that can't be Hermione Granger? Riddle? You mean she's really...? Amazing! The word spread like wildfire, and it was especially exciting for those just learning who she was.
Yes, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Riddle would be discussed in more than one pub when this was all over, and probably for some time to come. The two of them didn't even realize the impression they were making. They were too engaged in pushing forward and clearing the way.
If Hermione was confident in their ability to take the Ministry, it was reinforced by the site of her father in the middle of it all, perched on the fountain edge so he could easily see everything going on. His presence alone defeated a lot of people – they had thrown themselves to the ground and pleaded mercy before even being disarmed. For some reason, Hermione had always envisioned a disgusted leer on his face during the war, maybe even a bored one. Instead, he was smiling, even if it was a bit smug. He seemed to be chatting amiably to Severus and Bellatrix, who stood guard below, all while dishing out mercy and death to everyone else.
He saw her approaching, and hopped off the fountain. She winced, expecting his knees to buckle. Wasn't he a bit old to be climbing around like a ten year old?
"Hermione!" He greeted with a wave of his wand, as though he was right at home. He probably was, she realized - his mood was somewhere between his two servants who now stood on either side of him. Severus looked as if he had just been told he had to take Harry on as an apprentice, whereas Bella was acting as if she had just won a lifetime supply of her favourite treat. Even Hermione's presence didn't seem to upset her.
"Bellatrix," Tom snapped, "I want you to find Dolohov and have him and his group up start sweeping the upper levels. Have the Carrows and Yaxley go ahead and start through the Department of Mysteries. Draco, I apologize as I know you've just come from there, but I'll have you go back and tell Lucius to unlock the elevator and do the opposite. Have him start right below us and work his way down. I want everything cleared as soon as possible now that the Atrium is secure."
"Would you like me to join him, my Lord?" Tom thought for a minute then shook his head.
"No, I want you pick some of our juniors and hold here. Catch anyone who thinks they might be able to make a last minute run for it." Draco looked to Hermione and they nodded at each other. They weren't particularly keen on being separated, but it really wouldn't take two people to carry a message, and certainly not to hold the hall. The Death Eaters were always very thorough in their jobs – the chances of a stray Official escaping through the unlocked elevator was slim.
After Bella and Draco had taken their leave, Hermione waited for her own orders. Surprisingly, he led them to the elevators also, and they all stepped in behind him.
"My Lord, what did you have in mind?"
"Ah, yes," Tom said with a smile. "I'll have you two accompany me to the second floor. Let's see if anyone has holed themselves up in that Auror Office of theirs, shall we?"
Severus just nodded in agreement, and silence settled over the three of them. If anyone had told her that she'd be standing in an elevator with Severus Snape and Tom Riddle, listening peacefully to the cheerful jingle of elevator music, she would have sent them straight to St. Mungo's.
"Misuse of Muggle Artifacts is clear," Severus murmured, and she reported in kind that the Administrative Offices were the same. They moved deeper into the hall together. There was a slim chance that the Auror office would be occupied. The Aurors would be the last people to sit around and wait to be overrun. However, if they were here, they would cause the most trouble. The tension was high as they crept carefully towards the door.
They immediately retreated from the open doorway as a foray of colours came hurtling in their direction. Tom cackled, Severus groaned, and she just berated herself for not assuming that even though the Aurors might not hole themselves up, people would flock here for protection. She heard a shout of frustration as a stampede started – everyone had caught a glimpse of her father and were now trying to flee. They were just regular workers without a lick of fight in them.
Tom gave his orders, and they tried to start catching everyone making a run for it. They were more concerned about making it to the elevator or emergency stairwell, and Hermione realized that Draco was going to have a bit of surprise. It wouldn't be difficult for him to nab the occasional straggler though, so she didn't worry as she saw the elevator door slide shut.
The decision to flee had been contagious – the Auror office was cleared out. Still, they had been surprised once, so the three of them were careful as made their way through. They searched under desks and behind cubicle walls, and a foreign rustle near the exit caused all three wands to whip around to train on the figure brave enough to confront them.
Hermione didn't entirely catch what was said, but knew it was directed to her and caught the basic gist of it.
"I'm sorry?" She asked coldly, squinting to make out the form of Rufus Scrimgeour. He must feel safe with that open door to his back, she thought. But how far would he make it?
"Do you really need me to elaborate? Your parents mysteriously died..."
"My parents died in a car crash."
"There's no proof of that."
"Except, of course, the car crash."
"You could have caused such a thing. No proof that you didn't," he accused.
"No proof that I did," she shouted back, furious. "And my parents? How dare you make such a disgusting, ignorant assumption. I loved my parents!"
"Voldemort is your father!" He pointed to Tom as if she may have forgotten. "He has always been keen on tricks and betrayals! He tricked your mother, bless her soul, into the same sort of life. You killed your parents, your muggle parents, to gain revenge on them for such an upbringing. The heir of Voldemort would do no less! Mur-"
She never thought she'd hate anyone as much as she hated Rufus Scrimgeour right now. She had been ready for accusations – after all, it's not like her slate was clean. She had murdered Ron. The blood of Remus was on her hands. She had let her friends and teachers think she was trustworthy.
But to accuse her of murdering her parents - granted, later she would almost be able to understand where the view had come from – was unforgivable. Rufus didn't know her, and therefor didn't know who she did and didn't care for. He thought her father was a warmonger, which, he was, and thought his daughter would be no different. She had never really made a good impression, even in their first few meetings...
But her parents! She went back to fuming, and for a minute she thought her wand would snap. Then, as Tom's hand came to rest on her shoulder, obviously not able to understand what she was going through, but wishing to comfort her nonetheless, she shrugged it off.
"He's mine," she growled. Her wand slit an arc through the air, and Scrigmeour just barely deflected the spell and rolled away. When he got to his feet, he realized he may be in trouble and disappeared out into the hallway. Hermione chased after him, coming to a skidding halt at the door and throwing a few nasty spells out after him.
"You said we should keep him alive," Tom called after his daughter, as Severus came up beside him.
"I changed my mind," she screamed back, disappearing herself. Her voice filtered in from hallway, accompanied by several shouts and bangs and crashes. "We're killing him!" The sounds of battle got further away and Tom turned to his servant and shrugged, a smile splitting his face. Severus looked like he might go after her, but Tom grabbed his arm.
"Leave them, Severus."
"But my Lord? She's going to kill him?"
"Her wish, not mine. This outcome is much more preferable to me, and it'll toughen her up. Now, let's finish this up and go see how young Draco is faring."
Draco had been doing well, Severus noted. No one had expected that the general idea had been to hide until the Death Eaters had started their sweeping – leaving the exits undermanned. He successfully led his small group against the Officials and Aurors who had, in turn, grouped up to take them out. By the time that Severus approached, there was little left to do.
"Round up our dead and wounded," he demanded, knowing that the others should be done with their floors soon. The Death Eaters split up to carry out his orders, but he stared at the elevator, frowning. Tom had gone down another floor to see what interesting things Rufus might have to look through. If his confidence in Hermione had been correct, the man's locks and wards would no longer apply.
Still...
His thoughts were temporarily dispelled as Lucius called his name, approaching him with a grin that would rival that of a Cheshire Cat.
Tom pushed the door open. The room was quiet, but something felt... wrong.
Still, he moved towards the Minister's desk, but froze as he was hit with something. It was familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. He hadn't even felt it coming, and feeling no immediate effects he turned and raised his own wand in retaliation. His magic faltered. Blast it all, he cursed. Of course it would have to be Albus, who now stepped out of the shadows with eyes narrowed. The Headmaster knew that it was one of the only spells he wouldn't be able to detect fast enough to dodge or deflect. His magic would be locked for several minutes – which could prove to be fatal. His eyes flickered to the doorway as it shut, and he noticed more Order members as they removed their invisibility spells. Albus flicked his wand and Tom fell to his knees, unable to dispel the weight of the spell on him.
"Bravo, Albus. Well done, well done." The annoyance was obvious in his tone – the mistake had been careless and easily avoided. When Rufus died, his wards and locks would have dropped. That meant floo access to his office would have reopened. Of course the Order would have been alerted and come straightaway.
Albus gave him a wry smile to show he was thinking along the same lines, and Tom just fingered his wand without raising it. If he could talk Albus into giving him a few moments of his time, he'd have his magic back and they'd be on even footing. In fact, he may not even have to talk – the group was just staring at him as if he was some sort of creature on display. Yes, he thought grimly. Keep staring for another four minutes or so, by all means.
The silence was short lived, but not by anyone in the room. The office doors were blasted nearly off their hinges. They creaked violently, the outer layer that still remained in tact, charred. The Order closest to the door had to dive out of the way in order to prevent themselves from being scorched. The familiar flames were laced with black smoke, erupting through room and around in a clear circle until it splashed between him and his attackers. The fire had sputtered out right before her landing, the black becoming more prominent as it rose and shaped into a human form. Soon Hermione became visible, and he wondered when and where she had learned short distance apparation. He was pleased. Tom, for one, could appreciate such theatrics.
She stood protectively over him before peering down, checking to make sure there was no obvious damage.
"Father," she greeted before turning her attention towards the small crowd. "Don't bother yourself." It was a cocky statement, but he saw that her gaze was cold and detached. Almost bored.
Anyone who had been within earshot had fallen deadly quiet, horrified looks dawning over the few Order members present. The only one who didn't look surprised was Albus, who just closed his eyes and ran a hand warily over his face.
So she had been aware. He should never have played around with this.
She had always looked and acted like Cassandra – very nearly a carbon copy of the woman. However, at the moment, the girl he had watched carefully for almost her entire life was almost unrecognizable. And Tom, who was studying her from his collapsed position on the floor, looked nothing short of proud. She was truly his child at this moment – everyone in the room could see that much.
Hermione's entire being screamed her heritage. Her posture was excellent, her wand was already tilted down in a pose similar to her father's. She was prepared to flick whatever spell she deemed necessary at a moment's notice. She had obviously run into some trouble before arriving: she was dirty and bloody, though he doubted it was hers. In the end, it only added to the fearsome image she portrayed. Her core, healthy and strong, radiated and crackled around her in a dangerous warning. He felt some of the Order shift restlessly behind him. They were afraid. Imbeciles.
"I told you, Albus!" Alastor accused, not afraid of the girl in front of him, and he moved to charge forward. Hermione casually deflected one spell, then another. He barely had time to deflect her retaliating shot, and the girl wasted no time, pressing heavily on the offensive. Alastor stumbled a few steps back. With a huff of annoyance, Hermione cast the killing curse. Alastor dropped to ground, and there was silence as she calmly backed into her original stance.
After a few moments of silence which probably consisted of half the Order subconsciously pinching themselves in an attempt to wake up, all hell broke loose. A few of the Order were began to flee – finally realizing that the anti-apparation wards were down. Others circled in around Dumbledore, protecting him from any damage that might come his way. Death Eaters, led by Draco, came flooding into the room, and soon everyone's wand was pointed at someone else. Albus gripped his own angrily, cursing the fact that people thought he needed protection. A hand grabbed him and pulled him back.
"Albus, we need to retreat, now. The Ministry has fallen, and if we follow there'll be no one to protect the school." Kingsley had a point, and Albus called for a retreat. The remaining Order disapparated without protest. After the enemy force was gone, the room exploded into excitement. Albus Dumbledore was one of the most feared wizards for their side, and they had forced a retreat out of him! It deserved nothing less than the hearty whoops and cheers that tumbled happily around the room.
A small laugh came out from under her. Looking down in inquiry Tom just smiled up at her, and at that, Hermione joined in - even if it was a little nervous and tired. Some of the other Death Eaters crowded around them to make sure they were okay.
"My Lord... are you?" Tom pushed Bellatrix's hand away, using Hermione to pull himself up. It was not meant as an offensive gesture, but Lestrange looked at her master as though he had just slapped her. Hermione, dealing with a torrent of different feelings from the night combined, couldn't help but wonder if she looked a little smug. She intended to keep her silent promise to Narcissa, but it didn't change the fact that she hated the woman. If all she could do was enrage her with little things like this, so be it. Bellatrix wasn't above such tactics and stomped from the room angrily.
Severus, Lucius and Draco had taken the initiative to disperse their army. What they had come for was complete – and now the main force had to rest up for the battle for Hogwarts. A few smaller groups were appointed to stay and guard their victory, and when they seemed disheartened, they had been reassured. It wouldn't be a hard assignment for them as the Order was too weak and scattered to retaliate any further. They would just have to rest up here instead of at home. There would still be summons for the final battle when the time came.
As they did this, Hermione escaped out the front doors and sank down on the steps. She needed fresh air, and less people crowding around her asking her an endless stream of repeated questions. Was she the Hermione Granger? How long had she been on their side? When had her heritage become discovered? It was amazing to see the difference between the younger, lower ranked Death Eaters to the higher end. They were far more curious than polite.
"You okay?" Draco asked as he moved to sit next to her. They had finished a while ago, and now the Circle was planning how they would like to take Hogwarts. Hermione and Draco, of course, were both welcome to their input, but he wanted to check up on his girlfriend to see how the night had affected her.
"I've killed three people tonight, Draco, and each one has been easier than the one before. You saw what I was like after Ron. Then Rufus - I felt badly but didn't really dwell on it. Mad-Eye... I didn't even think. I almost feel guilty for not feeling guilty, does that make sense?" She rested her head on her knees and sighed.
"Yeah. I guess I know what you mean," he replied quietly. "I've never killed anyone before tonight either. If it makes you feel any better, you looked really cool back there protecting Tom." She let out a bark of laughter, and when she realized he wasn't kidding, she ended up collapsing into a fit of giggles. A lot of it was from pent up frustration, she knew.
"Glad to know I looked cool, that's always important." He was about to protest, but she waved her hand to stop him. "I know what you mean. It's just funny because - and don't tell anyone!" she leaned in closer as if sharing some great secret, "Honestly, I was so terrified I nearly peed my pants. The Order could have taken me at any time, and Dumbledore just stood there looking murderous. I almost wanted to apologize and say I got the wrong room, then let myself out!"
"You would have never guessed," Draco replied with a smile. That version he could at least relate with. It was good to know she was still human. Together, they sat in comfortable silence until footsteps sounded behind them.
"Hermione, Tom would like to see you. There are some matters he wishes to discuss with you present." Hermione pushed herself to her feet and nodded in Snape's direction. After she left, Severus sat down where she had been only seconds before.
"How are you feeling, Draco?"
"I feel guilty," Draco finally said, and his Godfather looked at him quizzically. "Hermione feels guilty for not feeling guilty, and I said I knew what she meant. But – I never really thought about it, and now I'm feeling guilty too."
"Ah, you're feeling guilty that you forgot to feel guilty about not feeling guilty?" Draco smirked at his Godfather, who just answered with his own, tightlipped smile. "People react differently, Draco. For instance, someone who's normally considered cruel might find themselves unable to take a life. Also, someone who is considered kind, might not be bothered much by it. You never really know until it happens. Do you understand?" Draco nodded. "Now, what's really bothering you?" Draco shrugged.
"She just killed Mad-Eye without a second thought. Probably would have faced off Dumbledore. It's a bit disturbing, to be honest..." Severus just patted his charge's knee and sighed. His Godson was still evading the question.
"And?"
"And what?"
"I asked what was bothering you. You didn't answer. I'll ask again - what's really bothering you?" Draco's face crumpled, and he withdrew from his Godfather's touch.
"What if she doesn't need me anymore?" Severus looked flabbergasted at the thought. Whatever he had expected, it wasn't this. "Did you see her facing off the entire Order like some sort of magical Amazon Queen? She didn't need anybody, didn't want anybody. Sure, she said she was scared, but it doesn't change the facts. What if I fall behind? What if the war ends and she realizes that she's stronger than me? What if I'm not good enough, and-"
"Do you really think that?" Draco stopped, then frowned. He tried a few times to gather his feelings, but it seemed he was at a loss for words. "Draco – just because she doesn't need you to hold her hand during a fight anymore, doesn't mean she doesn't need you, or want you. Do you love her?"
"Of course I do!"
"Can you trust her?"
"Of course I can." He almost sounded offended.
"Isn't that enough?" Draco opened his mouth and closed it again, lost for words. When his Godfather said it like that, his worries really did seem a little ridiculous. His mentor got up and brushed himself off.
"Come on. If those two are taking this long, someone is going to have to stop them from burning the building down. Oh, and Draco?" Draco stopped mid rise and looked up to meet Severus' appreciative, and slightly amused, gaze. "If it's any consolation, you both looked... cool... battling your way in together."
Draco, realizing that his Godfather had been nearby all along, flushed in embarrassment. But truth be told, it was a little satisfying to hear, even if Severus deliberately chosen his wording in order to make fun of him. He couldn't help but grin as he ran to catch up to the master spy, and gave him an uncustomary punch to the shoulder. Severus forced his expression into one of scowling displeasure.
"If you take such liberties on my person again, Draco, I'll have you scrubbing cauldrons until you're a hundred." The threat would have made even the most fearless Gryffindor cower, but in his high spirits, Draco could only chuckle. Then, trying to make a serious face of his own, he sighed.
"Of course, of course. But just think, when I'm the Potions Master, I can just make the first years do it. Not a very good punishment for me, is it? You'll have to come up with better threats in the future."
Severus just laughed then, something he hadn't done in a while. It was a rich, deep sound, and he shouldered his Godson back playfully. Maybe he had taught the boy a little too well.
A/N: Wow, and one more chapter plus an epilogue to go! I can't believe it. Next Saturday will be our final chapter, with the epilogue coming shortly after (in length it looks like it's going to be very similar to the first chapter). I didn't have a chance to look over this release as closely as I normally do, my brain is oozing out my ears today and I'm feeling a bit cross-eyed, so I'm hoping for the best. If not now, the chapter release would have been pushed back until Monday night or later, and that's just a horrifying thought! School and work were a bit hectic this week and I didn't have as much time as I would have liked. OH WELL! Let's hope for the best. Hope you all enjoyed it!
For those of you reviewing, thank you so much for your kind words over the last two months. I love seeing what you guys think!