A/N: Wow, so almost a year has passed since I last posted. I am so sorry to anyone that was waiting on this update. Real life happened and I can't promise that updates will come quickly, but I will try harder next time. I hope that I still have some readers left or have gained a lot of new readers! Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, followed, or favorited this story.
Chapter Eleven ~ The Imperious Curse?
The rain that had been threatening to fall that morning had in fact produced a thunderstorm while they were working; but it eventually passed and the skies had cleared. Draco wanted to visit the Shrine of Remembrance and Carl wanted to explore the Wizarding part of town. He was not accustomed to spending a lot of time in the Muggle world, so rather than take the chance that he would do something wrong, he decided to Apparate directly there. Draco found the Muggle bus an adventure in itself, even if it did take way too long, in his opinion, to travel places.
Hermione and Draco walked around the Shrine reflecting on the war they had just been through and the lives that were lost. Hermione looked at Draco who seemed to be deep in thought and asked, "Do you ever miss Bellatrix?"
Draco considered her question carefully before answering, "I guess there's a very, very small part of me that does sometimes. She really was a horrible woman, but she was still my aunt. Mother doesn't have many people left in her life anymore because of the Wars and the fact that our family defected. My mother misses her, as a sister would miss another, and because of that I miss her. Does that make sense?"
Hermione shrugged her shoulders and replied, "It makes some sense. I never had any relatives, so I don't really understand that kind of familial love personally; but I can understand your side of it."
"Who do you miss the most?" Draco was curious as they had not discussed the War that much once they worked past their differences.
"There are so many people that died senselessly like Cedric; but I think that I miss Professor Dumbledore, Remus, Tonks, and Sirius, especially because of what they meant to Harry and I miss Fred Weasley because of how hurt the Weasley family is by his loss. There are so many other people that I miss, but I think those are the ones that hit me the hardest," Hermione said as she looked at the Shrine's Eternal Flame feature.
Draco watched the flame flicker and wave in the gentle wind. It was mesmerizing. "Who do you miss the most?" Hermione asked him, her question breaking his concentration.
Without pausing to think it through, Draco answered, "Professor Snape. He was my godfather and I didn't get to know him at all. I always thought I knew him; I thought he was just like my father and when I was younger, I idolized him for that. Over time I started to hate him because I thought he was just like my father. The Slytherin in me always loved the favoritism he showed our House and especially me. He taught me a lot about potions before I went to Hogwarts. In the summers, he would let me help him prep ingredients for different potions that he was making. You really irritated him, you know? He used to complain about you during summer break."
"He did?" Hermione asked with both curiosity and amusement.
Draco laughed and said, "Definitely. You annoyed him to no end. He hated that you always knew the answers to his most difficult questions. He could never trick you into answering incorrectly, or even simply not answering at all. He once said that it was too bad you weren't in Slytherin because we could've really used all the points that you so annoyingly earned."
"Annoyingly earned?" Hermione questioned with a smirk.
"Hey, his words, not mine. I think you'd have done well in Slytherin. You definitely have that whole cunning, ambitious side to you. And you have the smirk down pat. I don't think I'd ever seen you smirk until we went to that café last week," Draco said with his own smirk.
She raised an eyebrow and said, "It must be because I'm in your presence. You're rubbing off on me Draco."
Draco pressed Hermione's back to one of the pillars surrounding the flame and stepped as close as he could to her, making sure that his body touched hers as much as possible. His eyes sparkled with mischief.
Draco slowly moved himself slightly up and down against her body. When his knees were bent, he dragged his nose along her neck and inhaled her scent. "Do you like it when I rub on you?" Draco asked quietly, his voice husky and his eyes full of lust. Hermione shuddered as his breath tickled her ear, though his words had just as much of an effect on her. Her eyes slipped closed.
As quickly as he had pressed himself against her, he moved away and watched the reactions his leaving caused. Her chest was heaving and her eyes slowly opened. The intense look in her eyes matched Draco's and they spent a few minutes watching each other until an elderly couple walked through the space between them and broke their concentration. Hermione shook her head and blushed before moving toward the last part of the Shrine that she wanted to see.
Draco continued to watch Hermione while she read a plaque on one of the pillars. It was their last night in Australia and he wanted to enjoy it with her. She felt him staring at her and turned to look at him and he said, "I want to take you out tonight, somewhere special. Let's go back to the inn and get cleaned up a bit."
"Oh Draco, you don't have to take me out anywhere. I made you do so much work today, we can just relax tonight," Hermione replied even though the idea of going out sounded really nice.
"I know I don't have to take you anywhere. I want to and I'm going to take you out tonight. I know exactly where we're going to go and we have to be there in two hours. Come on, that Muggle bus should be coming to the bus stop soon." He had made some arrangements the night before when Hermione was reading.
Hermione took the hand Draco offered to her and together they walked to the bus stop where the bus soon arrived. When they got back to Wizarding Brisbane and the inn, Draco said to Hermione, "You go up to the room and start getting ready, I have something I need to do first." He gave her a kiss and sent her to their room while receiving a suspicious look from her. Smirking, he walked off in the direction of a shop he had been to last night.
Hermione went to the room, thinking, 'He's up to something. Oh no, what am I going to wear? I really didn't pack anything nice enough to wear to someplace special. I guess I'll just take a shower and try to figure it out after I'm done. Maybe I can transfigure something out of what I do have.'
Draco sneaked back into the room and heard the shower running. Knowing he only had a few minutes, he wrote a note, placed a box on the bed, grabbed a few things and left the room again.
After drying and curling her hair and applying some makeup, Hermione left the bathroom wrapped in a towel to try to figure out what she was going to wear. As she searched through the drawers she noticed out of the corner of her eye, a box on the bed, with a red rose and a note on top of it. She picked up both the rose and the note and read:
'My Hermione,
I thought you might need something special to wear tonight. I will meet you in the lobby at half past seven.
Draco'
Breathing in the scent of the rose and smiling at how romantic Draco was, she opened the box and gasped. Inside was a silk, emerald green evening gown. It had a deep v-neckline and beaded straps which crossed in the back. The gown was fitted through the waist and the skirt flowed lightly to the ground. Draco had included silver high heels which lifted the dress the perfect distance from the ground. The dress and shoes adjusted magically to fit her perfectly as soon as they were on her. She found a simple silver necklace, bracelet and earrings inside the box as well. Looking in the mirror she hardly recognized herself. She had less than five minutes before she was to meet him downstairs. She picked up the shawl that had come with the dress and transfigured her handbag to match the dress. After she checked her appearance one more time, she left the room.
Draco had gotten ready for the night in Carl's room. He wore a perfectly fitted black suit with an emerald green shirt to match Hermione's dress. He was leaning against the wall across from the staircase. As she appeared his eyes darkened with lust. She looked better than he ever imagined she would when he picked out the dress.
Draco approached her and took her hand as she descended the last step. "You look stunning," he said as he let go of her hand so he could place one hand on her waist and the other behind her neck as he crashed his lips into hers. Hermione raised one of her hands and lightly traced his cheek and jawline before the kiss ended. Separating only far enough that she could look into his eyes, she replied, "And you are incredibly handsome and wonderful. You shouldn't have spoiled me so much. This had to have cost a lot; I mean the gown, the shoes, the jewelry, they're all so beautiful." He smiled at her and said, "Hermione, I'm one of the richest wizards in the world and you'll just have to get used to me spending money on you, because I'm not going to stop." Giving him a small kiss she replied, "Thank you, though I may never get used to it."
Neither noticed the flashes from a camera when they had embraced each other. Nor did they notice the flashes as Draco took her hand again and placed it through his bent arm and led them out of the inn. A brunette woman, who bore a striking resemblance to another reporter, followed the couple as they walked down the streets of Wizarding Brisbane occasionally taking their picture; the whole time a Quick-Quotes Quill was flying across a pad of paper that floated alongside the woman. The Second Wizarding War was known throughout the whole Wizarding world and though Hermione didn't like to acknowledge it, she was famous for the part she had played. Draco was also a very recognizable wizard, not only because of the Malfoy family name, but also for the fact that he and his father had both been Death Eaters.
They arrived at an exclusive, romantic restaurant in the center of Wizarding Brisbane called Amortentia. Upon giving the name Malfoy at the desk, the host led Draco and Hermione to an elevator where they ascended seventy stories to the top of a Wizarding skyscraper. To the Muggles it was invisible, and airplanes were diverted around it unknowingly. The entire restaurant was made of glass windows and it slowly rotated in order to give the most spectacular views of the entire city and the Brisbane River. Hermione was even able to put aside her fear of heights and enjoy everything about the restaurant.
Sparkling butterflies were charmed to fly around the room without bothering the guests. One near their table seemed to twinkle more brightly than the others. The sky was beginning to darken as they arrived and the sun set as they enjoyed their dinner. The city lit up as the night grew darker and Hermione did not think she had ever seen anything as beautiful.
As they enjoyed the restaurant and each other's company, they received a few curious stares. Hermione and Draco were both oblivious to them as they were entirely wrapped up in their own little world. A brave witch and wizard approached their table as they were standing up to leave.
"You're Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, correct?" the witch asked.
Draco gave the witch an appraising look before answering simply and a bit coldly, "Yes, we are."
"Why are you here with her?" she asked in a disgusted tone directed at Draco.
"Are you alright Miss Granger? Has he hurt you? You don't need to be afraid of him anymore. We can help you; we can get you to a Healer and call some Aurors. Maybe we'll even get a reward for saving you," the wizard whispered to Hermione as he tried to grab her wrist to get her away from Draco.
Draco's eyes narrowed, he pulled out his wand and stepped in between Hermione and the wizard. "Back away from her. How dare you try to touch her? You obviously know who I am and what I'm capable of doing. And since you also know who she is, you should know that she can take care of herself," he said, his voice dripping with malice. The witch had pulled out her wand, but the wizard stood shocked, staring at the tip of Draco's wand.
Draco began to calm a bit when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked down and saw two beautiful brown eyes staring back at him. "Draco, let me handle this," Hermione said. Draco lowered his wand, but did not put it away as he stepped back from the other wizard slightly.
"Thank you for apparently looking out for my well-being. I don't need to see a Healer, nor do you need to call any Aurors. As for why Draco is here with me, that's our business; but I can assure you that I want him to be with me. Please don't point your wand at my boyfriend anymore," Hermione said to the witch.
"Yeah right he's your boyfriend. How do you expect us to believe that he didn't capture you and bring you here? This is almost as far from England as he could possibly go to hide you. You could be under the Imperious Curse or something," the witch said while lowering her wand slightly as Draco sneered at her.
"Oh for goodness sake, you want proof, here's your proof," Hermione said as she pulled some papers from her handbag.
The witch took the papers from her and read them. "It appears you're both here with permission from both the British Minister of Magic and the Australian Minister of Magic. It just seems so impossible that you're with him by choice. I mean you helped kill Voldemort and he was a Death Eater!" she exclaimed.
"As impossible as it may seem, it's true. Now, if you'll excuse us, we'd like to go so we can continue what was a wonderful night before your interruption. Draco, are you ready?" Hermione asked as she took the papers back from the other witch.
Putting his arm around her shoulder he replied, "Of course." Hermione did not see the look of disgust he gave the witch and wizard as he guided her to the elevator to leave. Once inside the elevator, Draco relaxed a bit more. When they got outside they walked to a quiet park near the restaurant and sat on a bench.
"People aren't going to accept this easily, are they?" Draco asked somewhat sadly.
Hermione shook her head and said, "No, they're not."
Draco sighed and asked, "I guess I understood it with the Weasleys because we've never gotten along, but I didn't think about other people. What are we gonna do about it?"
"We're going to live our lives for us. It only matters what we think about us; to hell with everyone else. I'm not giving up on us, Draco," she said firmly.
"I'm not giving up on us either, Hermione. I'll fight for us every time." He looked deeply into her eyes and said, "I love you."
"I love you too. You're my future," she said passion burning in her eyes.
Draco captured her lips with his. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he placed his hands on her waist. They were pulled out of the kiss by a bright flash. They both looked around but didn't see anything. Being a bit suspicious after their post-dinner encounter, Draco decided it was time they called it a night and headed back to the inn.
Though their evening had been rudely interrupted, it was still one of the best nights of Hermione's life. Both Draco and Hermione knew that their relationship was developing fast, and to outsiders it appeared inconceivable; but they both felt like everything was exactly how it was meant to be.
The sun was shining brightly through the windows when Draco awoke. It took several attempts by Draco to get Hermione to wake. He kissed her shoulder and then nuzzled her neck. She squirmed a little. He kissed along her jaw and nibbled a bit on her earlobe. She sighed lightly in her sleep and he whispered, "I love you." Hermione's eyes fluttered open and a small smile appeared on her lips. She looked into his grey eyes for a few seconds before replying, "I love you too." They spent the next half of an hour wrapped in each other until Draco finally looked at the clock.
"As much as I'd like to spend the day with you in bed, we need to be at your parent's house in a little over an hour. We still need to pack and go to the Ministry to drop off the paperwork Minister Shacklebolt gave us regarding the return Portkey. Are you sure we can't just send it by owl?" he asked.
She shook her head and replied, "Since we'll be activating the international Portkey at my parent's house rather than in the Portkey Office, they want to see us in person. It is their way of checking us out of the country. I agree that it's ridiculous, but at least we can Apparate directly to my parent's house from the Ministry. I guess we should get ready."
Once they were ready and Hermione had packed everything back in her beaded handbag, they met Carl in the lobby and went to the Ministry. After turning in the paperwork that Kingsley had sent with them, they were walking to the designated Apparition spot to go to Hermione's parent's house when a small wizard came running toward them yelling. "Miss Granger, Miss Granger, wait a minute please."
"Can I help you?" Hermione asked as she grabbed Draco's hand and reached for her wand with the other. For some reason she was a bit afraid of the man. She noticed that his face was scarred and he was glaring at Draco.
He quickly waved his wand and non-verbally started casting different spells. One spell hit her and she felt as if she had been shocked before she was able to cast a shield charm over herself, Draco, and Carl. By this time Draco and Carl also had their wands pointed at the small wizard. Draco disarmed the man and walked toward him without lowering his own wand, glaring at the man.
"What the hell do you think you're doing and what did you do to her?" Draco asked, looking and sounding every bit a Death Eater.
"Please don't kill me," the man whimpered.
"Tell me what you were doing to her and maybe I won't," Draco seethed.
"Miss Granger, please come with me and we can help you get away from him. We got a tip last night that you might be in danger," the scarred wizard said nervously, never taking his eyes off the end of Draco's wand.
"Parsons, what have you done?" asked a tall and imposing looking wizard. Without waiting for an answer, he turned toward the others and said, "I'm so sorry about whatever Parsons did, he's a rather new Auror and is eager to prove himself, though he needs to think before he points his wand at Ministry guests. Allow me to introduce myself, I am the Minister of Magic here in Australia, my name is Wilson Brighton. This here is Bartholomew Parsons and I assure you that he will be reprimanded for his rash actions."
Draco lowered his wand as Minister Brighton spoke. His glare softened and he addressed the Minister, "Thank you Minister Brighton. We've completed our business here in Brisbane and have just turned in our paperwork so we can return to London. I'm not sure what happened, but this is the second confrontation we've had since last night."
As soon as the words had left his mouth, a shout from across the room commanded their attention, "Expelliarmus! Watch out Minister, he's a Death Eater and has Miss Granger under the Imperious Curse!" Draco's wand flew from his hand toward a tall redheaded witch that was running toward them.
"Make that three confrontations," Draco mumbled.
"Miss Granger, Minister, don't worry I'll take care of Death Eater Malfoy," the witch gasped as she tried to catch her breath. The Minister had grabbed Draco's flying wand and handed it back to him immediately.
Minister Brighton's face was red with embarrassment and anger, "Auror Valoy, what are you doing? I am so sorry Mr. Malfoy, Miss Granger. I don't know what is happening here, but I intend to get to the bottom of it. Please do not take this as a reflection of our wonderful country. I assure you that this is not how we treat our guests. Now, answer me right now Auror Valoy, your badge is on the line. Why did you disarm our guest and make unfounded accusations against him?"
"Here," the witch said as she pulled a newspaper from the bag she was carrying and slowly handed it to the minister. He blanched and duplicated the newspaper, handing a copy to Draco.
Hermione and Draco looked at the front page of The Daily Diviner. There was a picture of them from when they admitted their love to one another and then embraced in the park, which played over and over again above a lengthy article that encompassed the rest of the front page. Their eyes narrowed as they read the article.
"Is the British War Heroine Under a Death Eater's Imperious Curse?" by Randi Skeeter
As the Wizarding world approaches the three month anniversary of the defeat of the Darkest wizard of all time, Lord Voldemort, or more commonly referred to as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, it appears that we may soon be plagued by more Dark problems. (For a summary of Lord Voldemort and his rise to power and ultimate defeat, see pages three through seven.) The British Ministry of Magic has become lax in its interrogation and imprisonment of known Death Eaters. (For a full account of Death Eaters and their despicable capabilities, see pages eight and nine.) It is obvious that Death Eaters still have control of the British Ministry, or these Dark and dangerous wizards would not be allowed to walk free and travel to the safety of Australia.
You read that correctly readers, Australia, our country, in particular, the city of Brisbane in Queensland. This reporter has followed and observed one Death Eater in particular that in no way could have escaped the Dementor's Kiss without some inside interference in the Ministry. In fact there was no trial by the British Wizengamot at all for this particular Death Eater and his name has been completely cleared. The news that a Death Eater is walking amongst us is very troubling in and of itself; however, the Darkness extends far beyond his falsified freedom.
Draco Lucius Malfoy, Death Eater and son of famed Death Eater, Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, has been observed peacefully walking the streets, dining at Amortentia, and staying at our own Lacewing Fly Inn. While that is all certainly troubling, what this reporter fears the most is the witch with whom he's apparently "traveling." Death Eater Malfoy has been seen in the constant presence of Hermione Granger, Second Wizarding War Heroine, Order of Merlin, First Class.
An inside source close to this reporter describes the previous relationship between Miss Granger and Death Eater Malfoy as a hostile, vengeful, and loathsome one. Miss Granger's previous relationships with Harry Potter, Victor Krum, and Ronald Weasley show her tendency to only date famous wizards on the side of the Light. Though Krum was not involved in the War, he is a close friend to Mr. Potter, Mrs. Fleur Weasley, nee Delacour, and Miss Granger leading us to believe his loyalty leans to the Light. There is no possible way that Miss Granger would ever date a Death Eater, even a famous one. Death Eater Malfoy is said to be an extremely talented Occlumens and has been trained to fight and use Unforgivable Curses by his father and his late aunt, Bellatrix Lestrange, Lord Voldemort's most devoted Death Eater and reported mistress.
This reporter was privy to light, happy conversation that is abnormal between Miss Granger and Death Eater Malfoy, while they were dining at the exclusive Amortentia last night. Pictures captured show Miss Granger with a glazed look in her eyes as Death Eater Malfoy spoke to her. To the untrained eye, it would appear to be love; but this reporter knows that look is a side effect of the Imperious Curse, an Unforgivable. Death Eater Malfoy may be suffering from delusions after his casting of the Curse,- as this reporter overheard him proclaiming his love for Miss Granger in Moondust Park and reveling in the fact that she too admitted to be in love with him. He may have forgotten that Miss Granger is not acting on her own free will. He is obviously a very talented actor to have been able to hoodwink the entire British Ministry into letting him walk free; so it's possible that his apparent affection for Miss Granger is also falsified in order to further his reputation.
There is also the possibility that Death Eater Malfoy has simply used a love potion on Miss Granger; and if that is the case, the questions arise as to what does he believe he will gain by receiving Miss Granger's false love and how did he trick her into drinking it? However it seems unlikely that a love potion was used, as Miss Granger did not act like a lovesick fool as all love potions tend to make one act; but rather she acted relatively normal, with the exception of spending time with Death Eater Malfoy.
The only rational conclusion that we can draw is that Miss Granger is under the Imperious Curse, issued by Death Eater Malfoy's wand. (For more information on this wand and the part it played in the downfall of Lord Voldemort, see page ten.) He is armed with said wand and is to be considered extremely dangerous. Do not underestimate him and approach with caution if trying to rescue Miss Granger. A confrontation arose at Amortentia when a rescue attempt of Miss Granger was made. Death Eater Malfoy showed his true Dark colors when he drew his wand on the caring, but naïve couple who approached him and Miss Granger. The rescue attempt failed when Miss Granger showed them paperwork from both the British Ministry and the Brisbane Ministry stating that they were in fact here with the knowledge of both Ministries. This only serves to prove that Death Eaters have infiltrated our own Ministry. (For pictures of Death Eater Malfoy and the captured Miss Granger's night on the town, see page two.)
Miss Granger is claimed to be the brightest witch of our time and if she's fallen under the Death Eater's spell, there is very little hope for the rest of us witches and wizards. Times once again will become Dark indeed.
"Oh that's utter rubbish!" exclaimed Hermione as she put the copy in her handbag. "I thought I that one butterfly was more annoying than the rest last night. I'll bet she's an unregistered Animagus. And I'll bet every last knut I have that her source was Rita. I can't believe that once again a Skeeter is making false accusations in my life. But, what she wrote about me is nothing compared to what she wrote about you, Draco."
Draco's jaw was tight and he took a deep breath before he said tensely, "I have a feeling this is the first of many articles regarding our relationship. We need to get your parents back to London, Hermione; that's our priority right now. I'll have my lawyer deal with Randi Skeeter and The Daily Diviner; though, Minister Brighton, I would suggest investigating Skeeter for an Animagus form."
"Of course Mr. Malfoy. I will personally see to it that Ms. Skeeter is investigated for an Anigamus form. I have very little power over the Diviner, but I can put a gag-order on her and the paper regarding any more references to you and Miss Granger. Once again, I am so sorry for the problems Ms. Skeeter and some of our citizens have caused. Please feel free to come back to Brisbane without the fear of persecution. I will personally vouch for you and will deal with any offenders swiftly and justly…starting with Parsons and Valoy. I will be in contact with your Minister regarding this entire situation," the Minister said worriedly. He feared how the attacks of such high-profile guests to his Ministry would be received. He was close friends with Minister Shacklebolt and knew that he needed to resolve the problems quickly.
Hermione and Draco glared at both Parsons and Valoy. Hermione added, "You also might want to train your Aurors to research their "tips" for credibility before acting so rashly. A truthful article written by a Skeeter is about as rare as a male phoenix."
"But phoenixes are never male," Valoy said confused. Hermione just looked at her incredulously. After a moment comprehension crossed the Auror's face and then she flushed red.
Minister Brighton cleared his throat and stated, "I'll have a discussion with the head of the Auror Department." The Minister waved his wand in the air around Hermione, Draco, and Carl and continued by saying, "Please take this opportunity to Apparate directly from this spot. I have lowered the Apparition wards so you can avoid any further confrontations. Once again, I apologize for the problems you've encountered."
Hermione, Draco, and Carl thanked the Minister for his help and then Apparated directly into the Wilkins' living room.
"Hello?" Hermione called out in the empty room. Carl ventured into the kitchen, while Hermione and Draco waited for Hermione's parents to appear.
Monica came down the stairs and said, "Oh it's you. I was wondering what that pop I heard was. I must say, this magic stuff is going to take some getting used to." Her hand was clutched to her chest in surprise.
"Sorry about just popping inside; but we didn't want your neighbors to see us appear out of thin air. Carl's in the kitchen finishing packing; we're hoping to get everything packed so we can leave shortly. Will you and Mr. Wilkins be ready soon?" Draco asked politely.
Monica nodded and replied, "Wendell is returning our keys to the landlady right now. She lives just down the street, so he should be back momentarily. We'll be ready to leave as soon as we can get your help with the remaining items upstairs."
Hermione and Draco followed Monica up to the bedroom and quickly packed everything, including the bed, into one last box and shrunk it to put in the backpack. By the time they finished and went back downstairs, Wendell was in the kitchen talking to Carl.
"Oh Wendell, you should have seen them pack the bedroom. It took less than a minute and our bed is smaller than a thimble!" Monica exclaimed.
Wendell raised his eyebrows, but didn't otherwise respond to her excited statement.
"Is there anything else you need to do here, or are we able to leave?" Hermione asked her parents.
Wendell shook his head and said, "We're ready whenever you are. Just how are we going to get back to London though? And what will happen when we arrive?"
Carl looked at Hermione who nodded to him before he said, "We will be traveling by something called a Portkey. You will need to hold onto the object until we tell you to let go of it. We will be landing in the Spell Damage Ward of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. You will both be given an initial evaluation to make sure you have no side effects from travelling via Portkey. It's not likely that you will, however we want to be certain that everything is normal before we try to remove the spells and charms that have been placed on you. Often Muggles feel uncomfortable after travelling magically. After the evaluation, you will undergo some tests and eventually meet with the head of our department, Healer Remembrall. I'm not sure how long you'll need to stay at St. Mungo's; but we'll do our best to fix you quickly."
Wendell and Monica nodded apprehensively. While Carl had been talking, Hermione had removed the stuffed bear from her handbag.
Addressing her parents, Hermione explained, "We will all hold onto this bear and then I will activate it. It's going to feel like there's a hook behind your navel pulling you. Remember, do not let go of the bear until we tell you to. Draco, do you have the backpack?" He nodded and she continued, "Good, everyone, hang on tightly."
Hermione's parents stood together on one side of the bear, Draco and Hermione on the other, each holding a leg of the bear, Carl held the head. Hermione pointed her wand at the bear and said, "Portus." The bear briefly glowed blue and then everyone felt a tug behind their navels as they began to travel toward London.
A visibly shaken Monica and Wendell Wilkins landed in a heap on the padded floor of the Spell Damage Ward in St. Mungo's Hospital once they were told to let go of the Portkey. Carl, Hermione, and Draco landed smoothly on their feet next to the Muggles. Four Healers in lime green robes swarmed the room as soon as the group arrived and assisted the couple to their feet and began to evaluate them. One turned to Carl and began to ask questions regarding his initial findings.
"Red? Do you know what it means? I've never seen red. We need to get them into testing immediately." The Healer's words drifted to Hermione and broke her concentration. She had been watching her parent's evaluation and shifted her attention to the other conversation. Draco wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him when he too heard the Healer's words.
"Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins? We need to take you to a private room so we can help you. If you'll please follow me, I'll lead you down the hall to room 298. Watch out for Mr. Storm, one of our patients. His body was switched with his Crup's and though he's able to communicate with us, the Crup mind occasionally takes over and he's proving difficult to restrain," the youngest Healer in the room stated.
"Er, what's a Crup?" Wendell asked cautiously.
"Oh, it's a wizard-bred dog that is extremely loyal to wizards, but is ferocious toward Muggles. It won't hesitate to try to eat you. But don't worry, the Creature Induced Injury Ward is on the First Floor and we can get you there quickly if needed. So, this way please," the same Healer replied.
Wendell and Monica grasped each other's hand and followed the Healer out of the padded room. Hermione made to follow them and the Healer that had been talking to Carl stopped her.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy, we were instructed to direct you to the Ministry upon your return. A matter has arisen that requires your attention. Don't worry Miss Granger, your parents are in good hands here. Healer Remembrall won't be in until this afternoon; so until then we won't be able to do much more than Carl did in Australia," the Healer said.
"What matter has arisen? Nothing's more important right now than my parents. Minister Shacklebolt won't care if we wait until this evening to go to the Ministry," Hermione replied.
"I don't know why you're needed; but the Minister himself requested that you both go to see him as soon as possible. I'm really sorry. Hopefully by the time you return, we'll have a solution for your parent's problems. You can use the fireplace on the far wall to Floo to the Ministry. Good day," the Healer waved his wand at a plain looking wall and a fireplace appeared in the middle of it. He turned around and opened the door leading into the ward.
Hermione and Draco threw Floo Powder into the flames, stepped into the fireplace, and called out "Ministry of Magic." As they began to move, the sound of snapping and growling could be heard through the closing door.
A/N: I will continue the quiz theme that has ended my previous chapters. It seems to work well and gives you an easy way to send me feedback. Once again, type the letter that best applies in the review box and click submit.
A) I loved this chapter and can hardly wait to find out what happens next!
B) This chapter was fine.
C) That chapter was horrible, definitely not worth the almost one year wait.
D) (Please feel free to share your own comments)
Thank you for your reviews and I will do my best to get the next chapter up in a much more timely manner! (Positive feedback may help motivate me-hint hint!)