Chapter 9: Allies, Spies, & Nixies' Sighs
Salazar and the Weasley twin strolled down Diagon Alley in conversation, pausing every so often when a lovely specimen of the female species happened to walk by, nine times out of nine throwing them a coy smile. Having just passed Eeylops Owl Emporium, Salazar's attentions were drawn away from a raven-haired beauty across the street to a dingy old sign, Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands Since 382BC. Now there was a welcome sight. He nudged Fred and gestured toward the wand shop.
"I don't know if that is such a good idea, mate. I know a few people who would be sorely put out were you to make a purchase."
Salazar arched an eyebrow, "Indeed, and I'm sure you'd thoroughly enjoy the looks on their faces, wouldn't you?"
Fred laughed and slapped Salazar roughly on the back making the man stumble forward a bit, his expression sour.
"Besides, I haven't any money as it were. Miss Granger failed to supply me with some currency before she went off cavorting with that sister of yours."
The Weasley twin stroked his chin in consideration. Salazar didn't bother to wait for his permission. He pushed forward into the throng of fellow wizards and witches, the latter of whom would pause in the middle of traffic to gawk rolled his eyes and followed suit, frowning when said 'witches' moved on upon sight of him, clearly unimpressed. The two men walked through the door and Fred was thankful to see that the front counter was vacant. It was likely that Ollivander was somewhere off in the back of the store and far away from them. Salazar picked up a long, rectangular-shaped box off a shelf and popped the lid, examining the wand within.
"Thirteen inches, Crabapple, with a lock of mermaid's hair."
Fred pracically jumped a foot off the ground. Salazar, however, was able to maintain his composure. Ollivander was leaning against the counter. He cast a dark look at Fred who recoiled at the old man's gaze. Ignoring the red-head, he straightened his coat and walked up to the founder. Salazar replaced the cover on the box and handed it to Ollivander in his outstretched hand.
"Is there anything I can help you with, sir?" The old man's cold eyes regarded Salazar in a servile manner.
"I'm here to purchase a…replacement, if you don't mind." Salazar answered carefully.
"Certainly, right this way, if you please." Ollivander gestured with withered, skeletal fingers toward the counter. Salazar nodded in return and followed the man. Fred grumbled in protest behind him.
"Hold still for a moment." The wand maker ordered while gripping Salazar around the wrist and stretching out his arm. A tape measure whizzed through the air, flitting about his frame until eventually Ollivander said, "That will do." and the instrument dropped to the floor.
"Interesting…I shall return with a few samples, excuse me." Sending one last peculiar glance at his customer, Ollivander disappeared into the back of the store.
Fred waited for the door to the storage room to shut before he broke into a fit,"What in the name of bloody Mary are you doing? You just said you didn't have a knut to your name and here you are trying to purchase a wand."
Salazar lifted another box and opened it up to examine its contents, completely tuning Fred's ranting out. Wandless magic was one thing. It was only capable of so much. To have a wand in one's possession opened up so many more possibilities. He doubted his logic would convince the Weasley in his company so he conjured up an excuse,"It's to keep up pretenses."
Fred crossed his arms over his chest in disagreement, "Well if that's what you're after, there's hardly a need to go through so much trouble. We can just say you're a squib."
Salazar rounded on Fred fiercely, his grey eyes blazing, "I intend to retain at least some semblance of my dignity whilst here."
"Now, now," Fred lectured, "No need to get all frisky about it. Save it for the bookworm."
Ollivander appeared again behind the counter with a stack of dust encrusted boxes. He laid each one out on the surface, lids open, wands on display. Salazar threw one last threatening look at the twin before stepping up to the front desk. He scanned each individual wand before finally selecting one to the far right. Lifting it up to his face his eyes traveled the length of the polished wood, weighing it in his hand.
"Twelve inches, Chinese Elm, with a dart from the tail of a Manticore." Ollivander answered the unvoiced question.
Salazar made a swift movement and a vase in the corner of the store with wilted flowers draped over the rim shattered. Water splashed onto the floor and Ollivander flinched, "My apologies," Salazar said, replacing the wand as Fred chuckled to himself behind him.
"No need, happens all the time…" Ollivander procured his own wand and the vase pieced itself back together flowers and all.
Salazar allowed his hand to hover over the eight wands before he finally paused at one to the farthest left. He felt a surge of energy shoot through his arm leaving a warm, powerful, sensation in its path. He immediately plucked the wand out of its dark, velvet lined case.
"Ah, a fine choice. Twelve and a half inches, Onyx Cedar, Garuda-feather core."
He grinned, "Ironic…"
Ollivader looked puzzled, "How so, if I may ask?"
"My last wand; the core was composed of ground naga scales."
"Ironic, indeed, sir."
Fred just stared at the two men as they conversed, feeling like a complete twit and cursing himself for not paying attention in Care of Magical Creatures. Salazar, on the other hand, didn't even have to try the wand out to know for sure that this was the one for him, "Name your price, Mr. Ollivander,"
The wand maker paused in the middle of stacking the other wand cases. He stared Salazar down for a good two minutes before deciding,"No price, a gift."
Fred's jaw dropped open.
"Don't be silly, something so fine requires payment." Salazar attempted, but Ollivander waved his hand dismissively, having none of it.
"Nonsense, I've lived to see the day that someone worthy enough would walk out of my shop possessing that particular wand. Now that I have, my life is, in a sense, complete." The man chuckled hoarsely.
Salazar made quick work of discarding the case and pocketing his brand new wand safely within the confines of his coat. He thanked Ollivander once more before he and a disgruntled Fred left the shop. The founder hadn't even fully stepped outside when someone ran smack into him. Next thing he knew he was on the floor with a warm body resting on top of him.
"I suggest you talk, little one, before we make you." Lucius's firm hand gripped her by the chin.
Hermione jerked her face away, glaring pointedly at Snape. She'd always known he'd turn out to be a traitor. She was just disappointed to be proven correct for once. Lucius did most of the prodding while Snape lingered in the shadows. Draco sat smirking like an idiot, reminding her of a dog waiting to be rewarded for his accomplishment. She half expected him to sprout a tail and have his tongue lolling out of the corner of his mouth. The mental image made her giggle despite herself.
"What could possible be so entertaining about this situation, my dear?" Malfoy senior questioned.
"Lucius enough toying, let me dose her with Veritaserum and be done with it." Snape let out.
"You are such a spoil sport, Severus." Lucius complained dryly.
Hermione gasped when she felt her skin start to tighten. The potion chose a perfect time to wear off. There was still a bit left in the bottle Lupin had given her, but she wasn't exactly in a position where she could just whip it out. Snape would be able to identify the liquid in a second. Draco caught her eye and surprise graced his features.
"Father, I think she's going to be ill…"
Shielding herself with her hair, she clenched her eyes shut as her bones contorted back to their original structure. They'd know who she was soon enough. Her hair returned to its normal shade, the strands curling up in the process. Slumping against the armrest, Hermione tossed her head back to stare defiantly at the three.
"Miss Granger…why am I not surprised? You always did have a knack for sticking your nose where it wasn't wanted." Snape said, looking somewhat relieved.
Draco laughed at the sight of her disheveled form while Lucius eyed her in mild disbelief. She glared at them both and was about to reach for her wand but the younger of the Malfoys saw the movement and aimed his own at her.
"Don't go getting any ideas, mudblood." He narrowed his eyes at her.
The seriousness of the situation was cut short when Malfoy senior whacked his son over the head with his walking stick, "Now Draco, that is no way to treat a lady, mudblood or not. Forgive him, Miss Granger." Lucius admonished Draco before turning to her.
She was tempted to pinch herself. Had Lucius Malfoy just apologized to her? Hermione blinked in confusion.
"We won't harm you my dear, so please don't struggle." Lucius went on.
She wanted to laugh, the way that sounded coming from him of all people, "Mind explaining what is going on then?"
Snape looked at Draco, "Go stand guard while we educate the little sneak."
The blonde grumbled, massaging his head, walking off leaving her alone with the two Death Eaters.
Lucius sat back down while Severus preferred to stand, looming over her, "Not that it's any of your business, Miss Granger, but Voldemort isn't the only one in the habit of recruiting spies. Lucius has been working for the Order for the past three years. Draco joined recently this last year when he came of age."
Her eyes widened and her mouth formed a simple 'o', "Oh…" Snape scowled down at her. Lucius chuckled in his seat, "Do the rest…" Hermione started.
"-Of the Order know?" Snape cut in swiftly, "Of course, you twit."
His degrading tone annoyed her, "Why was I not informed?"
"We deemed it unnecessary that you and those other two dunderheads know. Alliances would be called into question, no doubt, and arguments would arise."
Hermione took all this in and decided that Snape was right. Harry would never believe the Malfoys were truly loyal to the cause. He was paranoid as it were. She sighed resolutely.
"We are no longer safe amongst the Death Eater ranks. Many have grown suspicious of us and rumors are flying. We intend to desert them once and for all, seeking shelter amongst fellow Order members." Lucius spoke.
"When things get tough, the tough get going, eh?" She spat unsympathetically. This was the man who'd almost destroyed Ginny, ally or not he had yet to earn her respect.
Snape was about to snap at her but Lucius held up a hand. Smirking he answered, "I suppose I deserve that, but make no mistake, I am only doing this for the benefit of my son. I could care less if I died tomorrow, as long as my boy is safe."
His words were like a blow to the stomach. She wished Snape had gotten to her first. It appeared that she was on a roll today in regards to royal screw-ups, "I'm…sorry." Hermione said sincerely.
"Don't be. Now, if you'll excuse us, Draco and I are needed elsewhere at the moment." He tapped his left forearm, his face dark.
Turning to Snape, Lucius spoke once more, "Be expecting us in a few days, give or take, thank you again, Severus."
The former potions master nodded and waited for the Malfoy to depart before he released a heavy sigh and took the chair Lucius had previously occupied. Hermione watched him warily from her spot on the dusty old sofa. She waited for him to say something, but he never did, at least not for a while. He seemed to be lost in thought and she didn't want to disturb him. She removed the bottle of potion and popped the cork open, drinking the remainder of the disgusting concoction. It took a few seconds to kick in and she mutedly rode out the uncomfortable sensations. Back in disguise, she didn't feel as exposed. When she finished adjusting her clothing, she glanced up only to see that Snape was staring at her.
"I hope you have enough sense to keep this afternoon's events to yourself."
"Of course." Hermione answered, "And our latest Slytherin addition?"
"In due time, Miss Granger…" He replied.
There was another moment of awkward silence that she took the liberty of interrupting when she got up to dust her trench coat off. She needed to be getting back to Ginny and then soon after that, Salazar. A thought struck her and she started giggling softly to herself.
"Four Slytherins under the safe roof in a house of Gryffindors. Merlin help us all." Snape rewarded her with a rare grin, "I'll see you back at headquarters, sir. Good day." She bid him farewell and made her way back down to the first floor.
The moment she made it down the last step a hand wrapped around her arm and tugged her into a dimly lit corner of the store,"Good to see you again, Granger." She could hear the smirk in Draco's obnoxious voice.
"Release me you filthy little ferret."
The blonde laughed, "I didn't get the opportunity to talk to you properly what with father and Snape taking the reigns up there." He spun her around in his arms so that she was pressed up against his chest, her face inches from his, much to her disgust.
Draco gave her a quick once over and she longed to pluck out his eyes for it,"You know Granger, maybe you should look into making this little transformation of yours permanent. I must say I approve." He commented.
Hermione tried to pry his arms from around her but to no avail. She was trapped, "Hurry up and talk, you bloody git. I need to be somewhere and you are wasting my time."
"Don't go getting your knickers in a twist, love. I just wanted you to know that I hold no hostility against you and I promise to behave from now on while in your presence."
She rolled her eyes at his testament, "You're off to a good start, then…"
He let her go, "Glad to hear it, see you around." Draco apparated with a pop leaving her alone in the corner like an idiot.
Hermione stormed out of the bookshop ignoring her fellow customers' confused stares. Snow had begun to fall in gentle flurries and soon, her coat was dusted with the icy flakes. She strode down the sidewalk not sure of where she was going but allowing her feet to carry her. All she'd wanted was a nice little trip into town but obviously nothing was simple anymore. She was so absorbed in her own thoughts that she failed to dodge a certain someone as he exited Ollivander's.
The girl ran smack into Salazar causing the both of them to tumble to the ground in an ungraceful heap. There was a snap upon impact. Salazar scrambled out from under the woman and his hands immediately went for the pocket, "Oh thank Circe," He exclaimed, seeing that his wand was safe and intact.
Hermione groaned in embarrassment. She had just been about to start spewing forth apologies when Salazar's familiar voice filled her ears. In the middle of sitting up she felt something sharp dig into the side of her leg.
Salazar looked up when she yelped and watched her extract half of what appeared to be a wand.
"Oh god…" Hermione whimpered as she pulled out the other half of what used to be her wand.
Fred made his presence known at that time, "Don't worry Mione, we can get you a new one."
Hermione was on the brink of tears as she stared down at her wand. She didn't want a new wand. She liked her old one just perfectly fine. It took a while to get used to a new wand. She didn't have the patience to break one in. She caressed the broken pieces sadly.
Salazar watched the pathetic display in front of him until he couldn't stand the sight any longer. He pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear and gripped her hands in his own, pulling her up off the floor. She surprisingly allowed him to lead her into the wand maker's store. Fred could do nothing else but follow them, besides, things promised to get interesting. The emotion that flickered through Salazar's eyes at the sight of Hermione's tears piqued the prankster's interests completely.
Ollivander looked up at the sound of the door creaking open and upon sight of Salazar he smiled, "Back so soon?" Then his gaze fell on the woman next to him who was absorbed in mourning the 'death' of her wand.
"Oh my poor child, I'm guessing another replacement is in order."
Salazar nodded, "If you don't mind."
The old man chuckled, "Hardly, this is the most business I've had in one day for the past eighteen years."
After handing the broken pieces to Ollivander, Hermione sulked in silence. The wand maker assessed the shattered parts and mumbled inaudibly to himself.
"Perhaps next time you'll watch where you're going." Salazar remarked just to get her to stop pouting.
It worked and fire sparked back into her eyes, "Look who's talking, you prat."
Their argument was cut short when Ollivander returned with three boxes, pulling the lids off. Salazar shoved her forward and she reluctantly eyed each one. She reached at random and plucked one out from within its casing.
"Ten and a half inches, Siberian Elm, with a Northern Wyvern's fang."
Hermione attempted the simple task of levitating an object but instead she ended up turning a quill into a dart. The feathered object launched itself across the room where it hit the wall with a thud. Salazar and Fred both laughed and Hermione frightfully placed the wand back down. The other two were no different, both causing some sort of destruction. The men were thoroughly enjoying themselves at her expense. When neither of the three succeeded, Ollivander narrowed his eyes at her in thought.
The truth of the matter was that Hermione was not very good when it came to wands. Her first trip to the store had been memorable. She'd gone through about ten different wands before finding the right one that suited her. It appeared that she was about to repeat that same process again.
"You always were one of my most difficult customers to match, Miss Granger."
Hermione was taken aback. How could he possibly have guessed it was her? The potion was still in full effect, yet his expression was confidant. Salazar smirked. He knew there was something he liked about this man. Ollivander was extremely perceptive; one had to be in this line of work.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Hermione tried to keep up the farce but the wand maker would not be so easily fooled.
"You forget, Miss Granger. I remember everyone I've ever sold to, and your wand, nine inches, Vinewood, with dragon heartstring, was certainly an unforgettable purchase."
Hermione blushed at his words, so he did remember…
"I won't question your reasons for the disguise, but please don't take me for a fool." He frowned, "I have one last wand in mind, and I pride myself in being accurate, so do not fret, my dear." Ollivander said.
A few minutes later, Hermione was staring at the most beautiful piece of wood she'd ever seen.
"Eleven inches, Water Oak. The core essence: a Nixie's Sigh, quite tricky to retrieve."
Fred chuckled at the suggestiveness, but covered it up with a cough when Ollivander gave him a disapproving look.
Hermione flicked her wrist fluidly and a blue glow shot from the tip and danced through the air. The feeling that the wand gave her was unexplainable. It made her feel like water, herself: lethargic, yet powerful and unyielding. It was perfect.
Ollivander smiled, "That will be fifty galleons."
Hermione nearly choked at the price. She could afford it, but it wasn't as if she carried that kind of money around in her pocket. She wasn't about to hand the wand back over to the man either.
"But, since I'm feeling so generous today…" Ollivander continued, "You can have it for free."
"Are you sure? I mean this wand is probably one of a kind. I can't just walk out of here with something so precious without paying. I don't think I could handle that on my conscience." She prattled on.
Salazar rolled his eyes, and decided to try out his own new wand on her by casting a special Silencio. It worked, for lack of a better word, like a charm. When she tried to remove it using wordless magic, it failed. He'd made it so that the counter curse had to be recited aloud.
"I must thank you again for your aid, Mr. Ollivander. If there is anything you require in the future, feel free to contact me through Miss Granger." Salazar shook the wand maker's hand.
"Take care, Miss Granger." He patted Hermione on the shoulder as she pocketed her new wand.
Salazar started towards the door with Fred at his side. She smiled thankfully at the old man before hurrying to catch up. Once outside, she grabbed the founder by the back of his coat. He turned around and she stomped her foot angrily, pointing to her lips. It wasn't in him to resist temptation, especially if it meant seeing her flustered.
Instead of removing the spell, he grabbed her by the chin and placed a chaste kiss against the corner of her mouth,"Happy now, darling? You can be so needy sometimes." He proclaimed in a distressed tone.
A group of witches nearby burst out into a fit of giggles at the scene and began whispering amongst each other; Fred was laughing so hard he had to hold himself up using the wall. She lifted her hand and slapped the founder clear across the face. Fred stopped laughing at that point and the gaggle of witches gasped. The expression on Salazar's face was enough to strike a man dead if looks could kill. He advanced on her and Hermione suddenly regretted her actions.
"That wasn't very nice…" He said, darkly
She didn't get very far when all of a sudden his hand shot out and he threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Fred nearly died from lack of oxygen. Her muted protests added to the hilarity of the situation as he strutted down Diagon Alley for all wizarding society to see.
Ginny was just exiting the dress shop when she saw Salazar parading down the sidewalk with Hermione over his shoulder and she rushed over, blonde hair flowing behind her, "What in Merlin's name are you doing; put her down this instant!"
Salazar did as he was told with a grin still plastered on his face alongside Hermione's angry red hand mark. Fred came up from behind them still laughing.
"And you! How could you let this go on? Just wait until I tell Mother about this."
Hermione tried to talk, pointing to her throat frantically. Ginny brought out her wand and removed the spell at once.
"I am going to strangle you both with my bare hands." Hermione rasped.
An explosion shook the earth at that moment and they all turned to see a cloud of smoke billowing from somewhere down Diagon Alley. Screams pierced the air and witches and wizards alike began Apparating away. Familiar cloaked forms poured from the recesses of Knockturn Alley shooting off spells and curses.
Fred immediately grabbed Ginny,"We have to go, now. Mum made it clear that were something like this to happen that we run." His voice was stern.
Ginny tried to pry herself away, screaming,"No, we can't just abandon Mum and George! They're out there somewhere!"
"They'll be fine, they know what to do. We have to go!" Fred shouted over the screams.
Hermione watched helplessly as people fled. Those who were unable to apparate were left to fend for themselves. She couldn't just leave them,"We can't just run away when people here need our help!"
"Don't be stupid, Mione, we need to save ourselves first in order to save them!"
"Go now, we'll be right behind you." Salazar ordered, ignoring Hermione's screams of "No!"
Fred didn't need to be told twice and he and Ginny were gone in a flash.
"I'm not leaving." Hermione stood her ground.
Salazar chuckled, mirth danced within his wintry orbs, "I never said anything about leaving anytime soon, now did I?"
She was confused, "What?"
Salazar peeled off his coat and discarded it on a bench after pulling out his wand, "I don't know about you, but I want to see just how rusty my dueling skills have gotten over the years." The smile on his face and the evil spark in his eye made her grin.
Fred should've known better than to take the word of a Slytherin.
End Note: Another chapter down for the count. For those who wanted Sal to be smacked, well, there you have it. Go Hermione! Lucius is such a charmer; dear lord how I adore him. So next chapter, Sal gets to show off his dueling skills and someone ends up getting hurt. I wonder who it could be…
Oh, and about Sal's old wand, let's just say that it managed to disappear into the sand's of time for now, at least.
For those of you who are interested in the mythical creatures I used for the wands, I included some information on them below. These definitions are not mine. I've collected them from off the internet.
Salazar:
(Old Wand) Naga- Nagas originate from India they are serpentsof the waters. These creatures take different forms some are all serpent with many heads others have serpent tails and the upper body is human others are human looking but with a snakes head. Nagas are guardians of treasure hidden with the earth. It is said they are able to control the weather.
(New Wand) Garuda- The Garuda or Garida is an ancient bird, which is similar to that of the Roc, it could block out the sun with its wings and could pick up elephants in its talons. The Garuda has a beak and wings of a bird of prey, the head was white in color and the wings scarlet and the body was a golden yellow color. It was sometimes called the bird of life. The Garuda was the feared enemy of the Nagas.
Hence, the irony, moving on…
Hermione:
(New Wand) Nixie- In Norse folklore, they are water spirits who try to lure people into the water. The males can assume many different shapes, including that of a human, fish, and snake. The females are beautiful women with the tail of a fish. When they are in human forms they can be recognized by the wet hem of their clothes. The Nixies are considered as malignant in some quarters, but as harmless and friendly in others.
Miscellaneous:
Manticore- The Manticore is a vicious creature which comes from Asia. The Manticore is a lion like creature that's head has some human likeness; it has a tail which is sometimes depicted as a tail of a scorpion or a tail that fires poisonous darts. The Manticore sometimes is depicted having leathery wings.
Wyvern- A creature very similar to a dragon except it only has four limbs (2 wings, 2 hind legs) and is smaller in size. Usually the other aspects are the same, although wyverns are generally not characterized as breathing flame.
Mermaid- I assume we all know what this is…