Title: The Rising Phoenix. Chapter: 10 – Until Next Time, My Lord
Main Characters: Harry Potter, Ginny Potter nee Weasley
Author's Note: Sorry I missed yesterday! I was working... Anyway, enjoy this chapter! Thanks for the last round of reviews!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the original characters!
"So everyone clear on what we are doing?" Harry asked looking up from the kitchen table. James, Sirius, Audrey, Lily, Ginny, Remus, Dora, along with himself were squeezed in around James and Lily's dining room table. They were planning their next mission, an attack on the first public slave auction. According to Dora, the people being sold were known Muggleborns, children of people who resisted Riddle, or anyone that was in the bad favor of Riddle and his Death Eaters.
"Yeah, we're causing a shit ton of damage." Sirius said smiling mischievously.
Everyone chuckled as Harry shook his head in exasperation. "Sirius," Harry chided grinning.
"I know, I know," Sirius answered grinning. "We're actually going to disrupt the slave auction so that Riddle and his lot know the Heirs have decided enough is enough."
"Wow, Sirius was actually paying attention." Lily teased, causing several people to chortle in amusement.
"Oi! Lily!"
"Alright you two," Harry intervened eyeing them both while grinning, "there is another reason I'm asking you to do this madness."
"We know," James said speaking for the first time. "You're hoping to draw out the other two Heirs since you were wrong about me." He added the last part teasingly.
Harry just grinned in acknowledgement. "Okay, so you guys do know what we are doing. So let's do it."
~RP~
The next day, Harry glanced around to make sure everyone was in position. James and Sirius were spread out somewhere off to his left. Remus was on his right with Dora and Lily paired together behind him. Ginny was standing right next to him, her eyes scanning the surrounding crowd with disgust.
"Ginny, relax a little." Harry muttered, having only a little more luck following his own advice.
Ginny sighed and schooled her facial features so that she looked as if she had a scowl that was permanently on her face. Harry's hood covered his face, making only his mouth and chin visible. He had laughed at himself when he saw his reflection before he left, he looked like the Jedi (but with a black hood and cloak) of Dudley's Star Wars movies. Harry's radio was hooked on his belt and the earpiece was hooked over his ear. His eyes were constantly roving, checking the crowd, buildings, and the entrance where the slaves would be coming out of. This was the first time the public auction would be held and Harry had every intention of creating a disturbance, making the auction impossible.
Suddenly there were a few loud cracks and a group of people clothed in black appeared. Everyone turned to see who the newcomers were and the announcer also paused in his welcome. Riddle and his closest entourage were making their way towards the front of the crowd. Harry paled as the crowd hushed. The mood in the courtyard immediately changed from somewhat festive to gravely quiet. The auctioneer started stammering as he welcomed Riddle.
"You were saying Harry?" Ginny muttered, her voice strained as she took in the new situation.
"M-my l-lord!" He stuttered and stepped forward and extended his hand. He dropped it rather quickly under Riddle's cold glare and did a quick little bow.
There was a pause where the auctioneer seemed to be waiting for something from Riddle. Riddle just arched his eyebrow as he looked at the wizard before him. "Proceed, unless you require motivation?" Riddle's cold and cruel voice made the announcer, and some gathered, cringe.
"No- I-I mean of c-c-course my Lord." The announcer gesture to the men standing by the entrance and they nodded. Meanwhile, Harry was doing some fast thinking. With Riddle at the auction, their plan needed a major overhaul.
Over the radio came Lily's voice. "This just got a lot more complicated." Lily commented dryly, hiding her sudden fear well. "What do you want us to do?"
Before Harry could answer though, the slaves were brought out. Harry spared them a glance for only a second before going back to looking at Riddle, trying to think up a new plan. As much as Harry hated to think it, he was on the verge of scrubbing the mission when he felt a hand seize his wrist and squeeze tightly. Harry knew that Ginny would only react that way for an important reason, so instead of asking her what it was, he followed her gaze to see what had caught her attention. Third in line of the female slaves was a certain somebody that Harry knew. His heart stopped for one second and so did his whirring mind when he saw her. His heart felt like it had just been encased in ice and his throat constricted so he couldn't speak.
Hermione was shackled at the feet and wrists, preventing her from running anywhere, and her hair was matted and appeared to have been horribly cut. Her face was smudged with dirt and there appeared to be tear tracks on her cheeks. Right now though, she stood tall and proud, her eyes blazing with anger at the men who had done this to her. She and the other females were wearing only a slight shift that barely covered them and was very nearly see-through in the high noon sun.
Harry was seething with anger and beside him, Ginny was bristling, her hand twitching for her wand. At Harry's lack of reply to her question Lily slid over to him and Ginny. She had been worried that something had happened. As she got closer to the pair, she saw their reactions to the people that had been brought out. Lily followed their gazes to see the girl they had described before. "Is that who I think it is?" Lily asked softly coming to a stop next to Ginny.
Harry could only nod and Ginny had to confirm. Her voice was choked and slow. "Yes, that's Hermione, one of the ones we believe to be an Heir." Lily quickly told everyone over the radio what was going on as the two youngest Potters obviously couldn't.
"Shit, we have to do something." Sirius swore over the radio in response.
"We can let anyone actually purchase her." James agreed with a hint of urgency.
Up on the stage, the announcer was starting the action. "Come on Harry, Ginny, get it together," Lily urged them softly. She was standing next to them, appearing like she was interested in the proceedings but she was trying to think of a plan.
At her words, and the auctioneer's actions, Harry's mind kick started and went into overdrive as he tried to think of a way to get Hermione, and them, out of here. "Remus, can we still apparate out of here?" Harry asked suddenly.
"No." Remus answered after a moment. He had checked to see if an anti apparition spell had been put up or not. They had been able to before Riddle got here but not anymore.
"Alright, who is closest to Riddle?" Harry continued, his plan taking shape.
"I am." Sirius replied in a bare whisper, he had edged a little closer as everyone the would-be slaves came out.
"Sirius, back away as subtly as possible," Harry directed looking in that direction swiftly. "When this goes down, I'll keep him distracted. You and James keep my back covered. Lily, Dora, you two are going to go for Hermione. She is your goal and everything else is secondary. Once you got her, get out, use your portkey and get out as fast as possible."
"Right." Dora acknowledged.
"Will do Harry." Lily replied as she moved away and back to where she was supposed to be. Both women had the steely tone of determination and focus to their voices.
"What about me Harry?" Remus asked. He hadn't been given an assignment yet.
"You and Ginny are going to pair up once I start dueling Riddle."
"Understood."
"What do you want me to do Harry?" Ginny asked, her hand brushing against his in an effort to assure him.
"You and I are going to set off this party," Harry told her with a grim smile. "Blow up the stage and free any of the slaves that you can. But don't get caught."
"Wait, Harry, you aren't wearing the correct outfit. I'm still dressed as Gryffindor's Heir and you are not." James objected.
Harry and Ginny quickly looked at him. "We'll have to make due," Ginny said as Harry straightened his robes and made some adjustments.
"You just make sure people see it. Sirius, you too." Harry directed.
"You got it," James replied.
"Good, the auction is starting. Dora and Lily, you two are first out, Ginny, Remus, Sirius, James, and I will leave about the same time." Harry instructed just as the announcer called the crowd's attention to the slaves. Harry's team slowly started to reposition themselves so they could carry out their new mission.
"The first one up is this fine young specimen! She is twenty one years of age, has no family to be running home too and is not yet completely broken - something for the wizard who wants a challenge no?" He asked to the speculative crowd. He had one of the men rough handle Hermione onto the stage and Harry watched with some grim happiness that she fought him. Some in the crowd chuckled when the auctioneer offered them the challenge.
"Is she pure?" A cold and cruel voice asked.
Everyone fell silent and the auctioneer nodded and looked at Riddle. "Y-Yes my Lord. She has not yet been deflowered. She also is able to cook and clean. My I suggest that the bidding starts at, say, four thousand galleons?"
"I!" Came a voice that Harry knew only too well. Lucius Malfoy stepped forward with his wand raised, a sneer on his face.
"I have four thousand, do I hear four fifty?" The auctioneer asked, finally getting into his role and enjoying it.
"I will bid for her." Riddle said raising his own wand and making Harry's heart start to race. "But first I'd like to inspect the merchandise."
"O-of c-course my Lord." That auctioneer agreed and motioned Riddle foreword.
"Harry!" Ginny hissed as she followed Riddle's movements.
"What?" Harry hissed back wondering what she was getting at. She wasn't telling him to get a move on, there was different ton in her voice.
"Look at Riddle's wand!" Ginny replied pointedly. Harry looked carefully now at the wand which was still in Riddle's hand. He didn't say anything as he realized what he was looking at. "Isn't that Dumbledore's wand? Harry, isn't that the Elder wand?" She asked growing pale.
Harry nodded, he, on the other hand, was glad at this turn of events. He quickly scanned the crowd and saw that everyone had finally gotten into position. "Everyone ready?" Harry asked softly. A series of clicks told him that they were. "Now!" Harry ordered. Everything happened quickly and in a shower of wood.
Harry and Ginny raised their wands and shot a spell at the far side of the stage and the sign advertising the slave sale. They both blew up in a shower of splinters and dust. Harry and Ginny were on the move before the last of the wood fell upon the crowd. The crowd was reacting with screams and trying to disperse. The chaos prevented the Death Eaters and Riddle from getting a clear shot at Harry and the others, though they had yet to identify who had caused the explosion.
As Harry and Ginny moved to a new spot, so too did Lily and Dora. Dora waved her wand in a lasso motion and pulled Hermione off the stage. Hermione fell right into Lily's arms surprised. Lily grabbed Hermione's hand in hers, the portkey already in her hand, and together, the three women were whisked away.
People were screaming and yelling and running away, trying to get out of the crowded area as Death Eaters tried to cast their spells. They tried to close ranks around Harry and Ginny. They were met with a surprise though, James, and Sirius had donned their masks and were now twirling, twisting, dodging, and ducking spells.
Harry ran forward and intercepted Riddle as he ran for Sirius who was closest to him. He sent a tripping jinx at Riddle making him fall to the ground on his already flat face. Riddle stood up slowly and turned to gaze at Harry who was standing relaxed and still wearing his cloak, obscuring his identify. But his shoulders were shaking in what was obviously laughter.
"You shall pay for that!" Riddle hissed and raised his wand. Harry twisted out of the way when Riddle's killing curse came sailing toward him. Harry sent his own curses and hexes at him, not trying to kill him for he knew that was pointless, but giving Ginny and Remus enough time to free the other slaves. Sirius and James were dueling magnificently, they were keeping everyone at bay, but reinforcements were on their way.
Ginny and Remus disappeared after the last slave ran away from the square. James and Sirius got rid of the last of the Death Eaters and they disappeared after receiving a nod from Harry. Harry immobilized Riddle from the shoulders down with a well aimed, and lucky, spell.
Riddle had not come with a big entourage and he had not expected such a disturbance, that was how Harry and the others had managed to do so much so fast. Riddle sneered at the man in front of him, trying to make his attacker think that he had him cold. Really, the spell was rather weak and Riddle had almost broken the spell.
Harry knew what Riddle was doing, knew that he could break the immobilization spell in seconds. So, he gave Riddle a mock bow and some parting advice. "Until next time, my lord," Harry's voice was filled with sarcasm and loathing. He activated his portkey and was whisked away as Riddle broke the spell and sent the killing curse at him.
~RP~
Lily and Dora apparated into the Potter living room with an absolutely terrified and confused girl. As soon as they landed, Hermione wrenched herself out of Lily's grip and fell to the floor. She backed away from the two women, her hands scrambling to find purchase on the slippery wooden floor. Her face was a picture of complete abject terror.
"Oh honey, we aren't going to hurt you!" Dora told her as she slowly approached. Hermione just scooted farther away from them. She backed into the corner of the living room. Her hands were still bound, for she didn't give the women a chance to undue them for her. They were pressed into her chest as the two women tried to approach her. She curled into a fetal position and started to cry.
When the Lily reached out to touch her, she screamed bloody murder. Before anything more could happen, there were pops and several people appeared in the room. Hermione cried out, drawing more attention to herself. The crowd of people stared at her curiously and some even had pitying looks. She eyed them all utterly terrified, but didn't listen to their words. One red head girl was looking at her with a look of utter sadness.
Harry arrived in the living room to see the crowd of people and the girl in the corner, huddled in a fetal position. He eyed Lily and Dora sternly. "What's happening?"
"She won't let us near her." Lily explained keeping her voice soft.
Ginny eyed the dirty and scared girl and tapped Harry on the shoulder. "Can I have your cloak Harry? And could everyone clear the room please?"
Immediately knowing that Ginny was the best person for this job, Harry unclasped his cloak and nodded. He handed it to Ginny and shooed everyone out. Ginny folded the cloak over her arm and approached Hermione slowly. She got as close as she could before Hermione tried to draw deeper into the corner. Ginny sat on her heels and waited. Eventually Hermione managed to control her sobs and uncurl herself a little bit and look back at Ginny. Ginny saw the curiosity in Hermione's eyes but also saw the fear. That haunted look on her face tore at Ginny's heart and Ginny started to talk to her softly.
"Hello sweetie. I'm Ginny. What's your name?" Silence met Ginny's question but she pressed on gently. "I'm not going to hurt you sweetie. Are you cold?" Hermione slowly nodded and Ginny slowly held out Harry's cloak. He had placed a warming charm on it earlier. Hermione watched her warily as Ginny scooted forward enough to drop the cloak in her arms reach. Then she moved back to her original position. Hermione snatched the cloak and wrapped it around herself haphazardly.
"Kind of hard to put that on with your hands tied. I can help if you want." Ginny offered knowing how stubborn Hermione could be. Hermione eyed Ginny warily, but after a few moments gave her a jerky head bob.
Ginny approached her slowly, not fast enough to scare her but not slow enough to make Hermione think Ginny was afraid of her. She kept a comforting smile on her face, making sure that Hermione knew that she wasn't being pitied. Ginny gently gathered the cloak in one arm and offered Hermione her other hand to help her stand. Hermione stared at it for a moment before accepting it. Ginny pulled her to her feet and placed the cloak on her shoulders and fastened it. Immediately the warmth encompassed Hermione and she started to relax a little. Ginny stepped back and surveyed the other girl.
"Looks good," Ginny commented. "Feeling better?"
Hermione nodded and looked around. Ginny watched her and was happy to see the hunger in Hermione's eyes when they landed on the books in the room. That was a good sign, the Hermione that Ginny knew and loved was in there somewhere.
"Can I untie your hands now? Is that ok?" Ginny asked. Hermione nodded after a moment and raised her bound hands. Not knowing if Hermione had ever seen magic before, Ginny withdrew her wand and approached the older girl. She released the shackles and managed to keep her anger at bay when she saw how red and raw Hermione's wrists were from the bindings. She undid the chains on Hermione's ankles and they were the same as her wrists, red and raw.
"What do you say we get you out of that and into some warm pajamas? And a warm shower too?" Ginny asked smiling slightly.
Hermione studied Ginny intently, and Ginny could see the moment in which Hermione decided that she could trust Ginny. She smiled, a very, very, very small smile, and nodded.
"Good. Come on sweetie, the bathroom is upstairs." Ginny held out a welcoming hand to Hermione who took it after a moment. Ginny led Hermione from the corner she was in and to the stairs. Ginny kept a look out, and was relieved to see that no one was in the hall waiting for them. Harry had shooed them all into the kitchen. She led Hermione up the stairs and into the bathroom where she drew a bath for the other girl. Ginny made sure the temperature of the water was perfect before turning to Hermione.
Ginny took the cloak off first and then helped Hermione take the shift off. She led a wary and trembling Hermione to the bathtub and helped her in. Once Hermione made contact with the bathwater, she sighed in contentment and sank down into it. Ginny took a washcloth that automatically lathered itself and started to gently wash and massage the older girl. Finally just her hair was left and Ginny massaged the shampoo into Hermione's scalp. Hermione's eyes closed and a smile spread across her face. She was put into an almost meditative state, Ginny noted with amusement.
As she worked, Ginny took a tally of the abuse of Hermione's body. Several bruises littered her arms and legs and there were some faded and healing cuts and scratches. The worst of her injuries were on her ankles and wrists from the shackles. Her hair had been cut almost brutally short and uneven and she was obviously fatigued. Ginny would have to get Audrey to heal the wounds later. A knock on the door sounded and Ginny felt Hermione stiffen under her massaging fingers. She didn't pause in her rhythm though, hoping it would continue to soothe Hermione.
"No one in this house is going to hurt you sweetie." Ginny told her softly then turned toward the door somewhat. "Who is it?"
"Lily." Lily's soft voice sounded from the other side of the door. "Can I come in?"
Ginny appraised Hermione who was looking wary. "It's just my friend Lily. She's one of the women who helped bring you here. Is it ok if she comes in? I promise I won't let her hurt you." Hermione nodded jerkily after a moment and Ginny beamed. "Come in Lily!" Ginny called softly and the door opened.
Lily slipped inside and closed the door behind her. She smiled warmly at Hermione and then looked at Ginny. "Do you need anything?"
"Some warm and fluffy pajamas and a bedroom."
"Already done. Anything else?" Lily asked smiling a bit at the request.
A sudden rumble that seemed to be sounding from Hermione interrupted the two women.
"Ah, sweetie, when was the last time you ate?" Ginny asked pausing in her head massage and looking down at Hermione.
Hermione scrunched her nose in thought before answering. "A day ago, maybe two?"
"How does some nice warm soup and bread sound?" Lily asked warmly.
The smile that spread on Hermione's face was answer enough. Lily grinned and nodded. "French Onion soup coming right up. I'll just stop and get those pjs for you first." Lily stepped back outside and Ginny rinsed Hermione's hair. She helped the older girl out of the tub and into a rather fluffy towel that James and Lily had. She wrapped Hermione up and towel dried her hair gently. Lily stepped into the bathroom again and handed Ginny a pair of pajamas. They were matching top and bottom made out of soft and fluffy material. They were a dark blue with a pattern of yellow ducks on them and when Hermione felt them she hugged them close for a few seconds, enjoying the feel. Ginny got her dressed and combed her hair, frowning at the uneven locks. Sometime soon she would have to even out her hair cut.
Hermione looked at Ginny with calculating eyes. She seemed to have come to a decision. "Hermione."'
Ginny stopped her actions and looked at the older girl. "Is that your name?" Ginny asked knowing full well that it was but that Hermione had to start trusting. Hermione nodded and Ginny grinned. "Nice to meet you Hermione."
Ginny finished with Hermione's hair before taking her hand once more and bringing her to the kitchen. When she checked inside, she was relieved to see that the kitchen was empty save for Lily who was just spooning some soup into a bowl.
"Smells good Lily." Ginny commented as she led Hermione to the table.
"Thanks Gin. Special family recipe that was handed down from my mum, and a box of Stouffers." She joked.
Ginny laughed and even Hermione cracked a smile. Lily smiled in the other girl's direction and the oven beeped, making Lily's smile grow wider. "And that's the bread." Lily turned and pulled the pan of fresh baked bread out of the oven. She buttered a piece and handed it to Ginny before doing the same and handing it to Hermione.
Ginny dove into her bowl and stared eating, she was famished from the day's events and slowly Hermione joined in. Lily sat across from them and ate as well. Trying to make the older girl feel comfortable, Lily and Ginny struck up a conversation about the Order and soon Hermione was starting to drift to sleep. Ginny took her hand again and guided her toward the bedroom she was going to be staying in. As they reached the kitchen door, Lily called after Ginny.
"I'll make sure Harry doesn't wonder where you are tonight."
"Thanks Lily." Yes, Hermione was going to need her tonight Ginny thought as she glanced at her older friend.
Ginny brought Hermione into her bedroom and pulled down the covers. She turned to see Hermione gazing around, taking it all in, and Ginny smiled and beckoned to her. "Come on sweetie, I think you could do with some sleep." She didn't move and glanced at the door. "Don't worry love; no one on this house is going to hurt you."
Hermione didn't move but she locked eyes with Ginny. "I promise Hermione." Ginny assured her. It seemed to be what she was waiting for because she slipped into the bed after that. Ginny tucked her in and moved away to grab the chair and Hermione let out a squeak. "I'm not going anywhere! I'm just going to grab this chair so I can sit down." Ginny hauled the chair over and then grabbed Hermione's hand again when she sat down. She heard light footsteps in the hallway passing the door slowly and knew that Harry was walking by checking up on them without being intrusive.
Ginny turned her attention back to Hermione and started to hum. It was a soothing melody that her mother had hummed to her after she had nightmares when she was a young girl. Soon enough, Hermione's eyes were drooping and then she was sleeping, her breathing slow and steady. Once she was asleep, Ginny leaned back in her chair. The death grip on Ginny's hand by Hermione ensured that she wasn't going anywhere.
~RP~
About an hour later, the door opened softly and Harry peered in. Hermione was so deep in sleep that she didn't take any notice and Ginny smiled at her husband a little sadly. Seeing it was safe to come in for a few moments, Harry walked in, making sure to close the door softly behind him. Harry's smoldering green eyes looked at her, a question burning deep in his eyes. She knew exactly what she was after.
"Some bruises from the manacles and some beating, but nothing is broken. Bones or otherwise." Ginny clarified, speaking softly so Hermione wouldn't wake. Harry still had one more question and Ginny shook her head in answer. She had cast some diagnostic spells when she was bathing Hermione. "No. No sexual abuse either." Harry sagged in relief. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes, a soft, relieved but still sad smile on his face. Ginny longed to go to him, but she was still in Hermione's death grip. Finally Harry pushed off the wall and came to a stop at the end of the bed. He gazed down at Hermione with the thoughts of as his sister before remembering that this Hermione wasn't the same one he had grown up with.
"How is she?" Harry asked quietly.
Ginny sighed. "She had very little to eat and she has been held as a slave for the past two days at least. She has only told me her name so far."
Harry looked at her in confusion before understanding. "Lily told me about dinner. I think you are the only one she trusts right now." Harry told her softly as he sat down on the arm of the comfy chair Ginny was sitting in. Ginny leaned against him gratefully for a moment.
"I know." Ginny closed her eyes for a moment and sighed.
"You are going with the I-Don't-Know-You approach?" Harry asked his wife drawing her close.
Ginny nodded. "I thought it would be least likely to freak her out." Harry nodded his agreement. They stayed snuggled like that for a moment before Ginny started speaking again. "Harry, if she is the heir of Ravenclaw, well if she hasn't been around magic all her life then-" Ginny stopped and shook her head. She felt so sorry for the girl sleeping peacefully before her.
"Don't worry my love. With all that's happened we have time. She will not be rushed and she will have some of the best teachers if it comes to that."
"She's in there somewhere." Ginny told Harry after a moment of peaceful silence. "Our Hermione I mean." Ginny clarified. "When we were in the living, she had this hungry gaze when she caught sight of the books."
Harry grinned and closed his eyes for a moment. Ginny knew that he was remembering Ron, Hermione, Neville, and everyone else they had left behind. With some luck and some help, they should be seeing them in not too terribly a long time.
"Good. Do you want me to conjure you a blanket?" Harry asked standing up. He knew that Ginny needed to stay with Hermione to tonight and that it wouldn't be good to have Hermione wake up and see Harry.
"That would be lovely Harry." Ginny answered nodding. She curled into the chair and Harry tucked her in after conjuring a blanket and pillow for her. He gently closed the door and walked out as Ginny herself finally fell asleep.
~RP~
Sometime in the night, Hermione started screaming. The noise woke Ginny up with such a start that she fell out of her chair, her hand sliding out of Hermione's death grip. After getting her bearings, Ginny shot to her feet and knelt by Hermione's head.
"Shush, shh, it's alright sweetie." Ginny chanted and then began humming again. Hermione calmed a little and Ginny climbed into the bed with her. She hugged the older, frightened girl to her, still humming, until Hermione drifted off to sleep again. Ginny fell back asleep soon after, her thoughts of what she was going to do tomorrow.