Chapter twelve
Party and attacks
Saturday arrived within an alarmingly fast rate; Harry had barely recovered from his injuries when he was forced into a black tux and black shoes.
He was currently tugging at the bow tie threatening to cut off his air supply while waiting for Hermione who had been taking the best part of the day to get ready.
"Hagrid didn't really help with his answers" Hermione explained loudly from her bedroom while Harry huffed and was tempted to loosen the tie.
"I think he was purposely avoiding answering them" Hermione finished as Harry snapped his green eyes up and stared at the closed door.
"Hermione don't start hounding him" Harry ordered winching when he heard the snort and a thud of something rather heavy.
"I thought you wanted answers Harry" Hermione retorted in a muffled voice before there was a grunt.
"I do and are you OK in there" Harry questioned still as confused about women getting ready now then when he was a teenager.
"SET ONE FOOT IN HERE POTTER AND I'LL KILL YOU" Hermione bellowed as Harry rolled his eyes and slumped back.
"LIKE I WOULD DARE" Harry called back hearing the curse followed by another thud.
"I could send the Slytherin in" Harry teased jumping when something heavy hit the door.
"I WAS AIMING FOR YOUR HEAD POTTER" Hermione snarled as Harry laughed loudly then propped his feet up on the coffee table.
"I thought we got all we needed to know anyway" Harry questioned furrowing his brow knowing all the hours of research he put in should be enough.
"About the general history; yes. But if there is some bad guy targeting you I thought you might like to know when he plans to attack and who he has working for him" Hermione countered as Harry grumbled about Hermione being right.
"Well the only choice we have is heading up to Scotland ourselves" Harry stated admitting to himself it was a stupid idea.
After several moments of silence Harry glanced at the door and groaned, knowing full well Hermione was forming plans.
"Hermione we're not going to Scotland" Harry ordered firmly hoping this was the one time he could win against Hermione.
"Fine; I never said you have to go" Hermione offered as Harry opened his mouth ready to point out the reasons it was a bad idea when there was a knock at the door.
"GET THAT HARRY" Hermione ordered causing Harry to grumble and drag himself to his feet muttering about the punishment he was going through having to be Hermione's best friend.
However when he opened the door he gaped at the sight before him. Ginny stood wearing a shimmering dark red dress that wrapped around her body and left a slit up her thigh.
Her long legs were shown off with the help of her red high heels and her red hair had been caught in a wavy bun with a few curls hanging around her face.
As Harry took in the whole image Ginny rolled her eyes and forced her way past him.
"Close your mouth Harry" Ginny ordered before throwing her small clutch on the sofa turning to look at Harry who stood staring at her.
"Not bad Harry, I always knew you could scrub up well" Ginny admitted with a wink before she turned towards the bedroom door while Harry caught himself and blushed while shutting the door.
"HERMIONE HURRY UP" Ginny ordered leaning against the sofa only to hear a grunt from the bedroom.
"You- I mean- that's to say-" "I know I look good Harry; I paid to look this good so don't screw up tonight because I need at least my next three pay checks to pay for this" Ginny ordered as Harry blushed again and rubbed his neck in a bashful manner.
"I was just saying is alls" Harry muttered as Ginny rolled her eyes before sighing.
"Hermione" Ginny whined before glancing at Harry who was staring at her.
"How long have you been waiting for her" Ginny questioned as Harry frowned counting the hours he had been waiting for Hermione.
"I think four" Harry offered as Ginny snorted before there was a growl from the doorway of Hermione's bedroom.
"You've been here two and I would have been done sooner if you hadn't messed up your tie" Hermione growled as both Ginny and Harry looked at her and felt their jaws dropped.
Hermione's usually curly and frizzy hair was smooth and straightened making it look longer then it was with a few strands pulled back and held up by a butterfly clip.
Her periwinkle dress was a bodice that was laced up the back while the skirt flared out at the hips and dropped to her knees at the front then all the way around to her ankles around the sides and back. Her visible skin glittered with the light.
"What? Have I got something on my face?" Hermione questioned as she lifted a glittering hand to her face.
Ginny quickly straightened and pointed a finger at Hermione.
"DON'T YOU DARE" Ginny growled as Hermione gulped and dropped her hands before her tugging at her fingers in a nervous manner.
"Hermione I didn't know you could look so... well womanly" Harry declared as both Hermione and Ginny shot him a look.
"Pig" "arse" Ginny and Hermione muttered while Harry flushed and ducked his head.
"Shall we go" Harry quickly ordered turning and escaping from the thump Hermione to hit him with.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Ginny and Hermione were both the bells of the ball as nearly every elderly and young gentlemen requested dances from them.
They both laughed when it seemed all the older women seemed to demand Harry's time.
"I think Lucius Malfoy may have outdone himself" Ginny murmured to Hermione as the pair stood partially hidden by the large glass doors leading out on to the roof top of the Roof Ball room the party was being held in.
upon arriving the trio was amazed by the effect Malfoy had made in the room. It was decorated in green and silver with over ten thousands silver balls hanging down and lightening the whole room.
With a chuckle Hermione looked at Ginny raised an eyebrow at her friend who was now sipping her wine while scanning the crowd around them.
"And you should know because you attended his last party" Hermione teased as Ginny scowled at her before turning her nose up and watching the crowds dancing.
"I read about it; I never said I went to it" Ginny snipped as Hermione snorted and shook her head before she beamed when Harry extracted himself from the crowd and stumbled towards them.
"Having fun" Hermione questioned as Harry gave her a dirty look before grabbing her wine glass and downing the contents in one gulp.
"I thought my aunts were bad at parties" Harry muttered as he shuddered at the memories of family parties he was forced to attend as a child.
"Have you seen what their selling" Ginny questioned as both Harry and Hermione nodded to which Ginny frowned at Hermione.
"That bald banker guy spun me around a few times and was telling me about what was being sold" Hermione admitted as Ginny grumbled.
"Some dusty crap from some crappy place" Ginny offered before a shadow crept up on them and Hermione scowled at seeing Draco Malfoy dressed in a sleek black suit with a dark emerald shirt.
"Actually they were donated from a wealthy gentleman in Scotland" Draco drawled as Ginny blushed bright red before spinning to look up at Draco and hold her jaw shut.
"But I would agree with you they are dusty pieces of crap" Draco declared with a wink towards Ginny who blushed a deeper red while Harry pursed his lips and Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Mr. Malfoy always a pleasure to have your pig headed ego in our presence" Hermione growled as Draco looked at her and smirked.
"And always a pleasure to hear your spiteful words Miss Granger I was wondering what you did all day because I've read all your stories and they can't take that long" Draco snipped as Harry grabbed Hermione's free hand and smiled at Draco.
"It was nice of your father to send the Quibbler invites" Harry declared as Draco snapped his amused glaze from Hermione to Harry.
"My father doesn't invite the press" Draco offered with a frown while the three reporters stared at him in confusion.
"But we we're told" "that I invited reporters; indeed I did but not for the purpose of working tonight" Lucius declared as he stole up beside Draco who was unaffected by his father's sudden appearance.
"I was so impressed by you two that I demanded Snape send you here and the sneaky snake blackmailed me; me of all people" Lucius declared with a smile that belittle his outraged tone.
"Lucius Malfoy blackmailed who thought the day would come" Draco countered gaining a bemused look from his father before his words were ignored.
"I had to let him write a full coverage of tonight's events to which I had to agree too" Lucius admitted before his sliver eyes slide towards Ginny who was staring up at the pair.
"I don't believe we have been introduced; Lucius Malfoy" Lucius plucked Ginny's hand up and kissed it lightly causing the young woman to blush and giggle like a school girl.
Hermione, Harry and Draco all rolled their eyes at the display.
"Ginevra Weasley and I know who you are Mr Malfoy" Ginny gushed as Lucius straightened and let Ginny's hand drop.
"In hopefully favourable terms" Lucius questioned as Ginny nodded eagerly while Hermione shook her head and gave a pointed look to Harry who glared at her.
"Draco I hope your behaving yourself" Lucius ordered as he turned to look at his son who shrugged and gave him an innocent smile.
"Don't I always father" Draco asked as Hermione snorted and Lucius raised an eyebrow.
"I was only over here to ask Miss Granger for a dance" Draco admitted with a large smile while Hermione spluttered and glared at the blonde.
"I can't dance with you" Hermione squeaked gaining a look from those around her causing her to blush.
"Indeed she can't because she promised me this dance" Lucius declared with an affronted look while Draco clenched his jaw and ignored his father's look.
"YES" Hermione squeaked before she darted forward and grabbed Lucius's arm and dragged him to the dance floor.
With a sigh Hermione grateful accepted Lucius's hand before he placed his hand on her hip and led her in a slow dance.
"I take it your still not on favourable terms with my son then Miss Granger" Lucius teased as Hermione flushed and peeked a glance at Draco over his father's shoulder then quickly looked up at Lucius.
"You can say that; I'm sorry to say this but he just riles me up and it doesn't help he can't be civil" Hermione moaned as Lucius chuckled and spun Hermione around so she had her back to Draco.
"It is the Malfoy genes I'm afraid" Lucius admitted with a shrug meaning 'what can you do' but Hermione shook her head and stared at him.
"But you're a perfect gentleman" Hermione reasoned as Lucius bowed his head and grinned at her.
"Years of training my dear; Draco has a lot to learn on how to treat a lady and not those dim witted bits he brings home" Lucius declared as Hermione laughed at that.
"You do look rather lovely this evening Miss Granger; dare I say you overshadow all the other women in this room" Lucius praised as Hermione blushed and ducked her head.
"Don't be modest; I find it never suits a lady and you, my dear, are one rare lady" Lucius praised as Hermione rolled her eyes blushing a deeper red.
"I was hoping you wouldn't mind in modelling one of the items on display" Lucius questioned as Hermione looked up at him with large eyes and a fearful look on her face.
"Don't fear you will not be on the sell-able items" Lucius teased as Hermione rolled her eyes and giggled before beaming up at Lucius.
"Considering it's for such a wonderful cause how could I refuse that offer" Hermione questioned as Lucius broke out into a smile then stepped back leading Hermione through the crowd towards a stage where six tables all stood with one item upon them.
The first table held a single golden goblet with red rubies all glittering in the light, badgers were engraved around the whole of the cup.
The second held a golden crown with blue stones embedded in it, the third was used to hold a cushion that was propping up a gold ring with an unusual dark stone in the middle with words engraved inside.
The fourth and closes to Hermione held a necklace with a pendant hanging on it, there was an embossed snake upon the locket with an emerald in place for the snake's eye.
The fifth held a broach of a snake eating it's own tail with it fangs gleaming in the light and the sixth held a statue of four cloaked figures each holding a precious stone in their hands.
"wow" Hermione breathed as she stood at the stage and Lucius gracefully climbed the steps and picked up the locket and held it up for Hermione to see.
"I would be honoured for you to wear this at the moment the sale begins" Lucius declared as Hermione stared at the locket and swallowed hard.
"You trust me to wear that and not break it" Hermione squeaked as Lucius laid it back down on the table and returned to Hermione's side.
"I think it will attract many offers if you wore it Miss Granger" Lucius admitted with a tight smile causing Hermione to nod.
"Then at Midnight I shall meet you by the stage" Lucius ordered as Hermione nodded before Lucius smiled at her and guided her back towards her friends.
By midnight everyone gathered around the stage in full view of the stage and the six tables.
Harry, Ginny and Hermione all gathered around the edge of the crowd and watched excitedly for the auction to begin.
"You'll have like billion pounds worth of gold dripping from your neck Hermione" Ginny whispered as Hermione nodded and winked at Ginny.
"Don't break it" Ginny scolded as Hermione rolled her eyes and looked back at the stage where Lucius was climbing up and thanking someone for the microphone.
"Thank you all for your attendance for tonight's fund raiser; it is for a good cause, two even. The children and my media image" Lucius declared to a round of laughter.
"I jest of course; our thoughts must be with the poor children who suffer day in and day out. So I must demand you reach deep into your pockets to night and show your help by helping those unable to help themselves" Lucius ordered in a serious tone while a respectable hush fell across the crowd.
"You've got to admit he can peddle it" Ginny whispered as the lights dimmed slightly and Lucius scanned the crowd before smiling at Hermione.
"A lovely young lady has offered to model our first item; The golden snake locket" Lucius declared before he motioned for Hermione to come to the stage. After several seconds Ginny rolled her eyes and grabbed Hermione's elbow and dragged her through the crowd almost shoving her up on the stage while Harry trudged behind them.
Scowling at Ginny Hermione managed it up the stairs and nervously looked out across the crowd only to find Draco standing by the door raising his glass to her with a smirk.
Ignoring him Hermione allowed the necklace and locket to be placed around her neck before she was led forward by Lucius.
Harry grinned as Hermione walked along the stage showing off the necklace but before he could offer her an encouraging smile when she walked towards him a blinding white pain shot through his head causing him to gasp and grab his head in his hands.
"Harry" Ginny hissed grabbing his elbow to stop him from falling over.
Harry blinked back the tears of pain as the pain flared up again and he could only hiss out his breath, glancing up he found Hermione frowning at him.
But it was the fact the locket was glowing that made him frown before another wave of pain hit him.
Then the lights went out.
Harry heard the surprises gasps and cries but he focused on the locket around Hermione's neck and found it was no longer glowing.
"EVERYONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOM" Bella bellowed before eight balls of light emerged and eight cloaked figures blocked the exits.
The figures moved towards the now panicked crowd and began to shove them in the middle of the room. Harry clutched Ginny's hand as they were shoved along with the crowd, glancing over his shoulder he could only watch as Hermione and Lucius was ushered off the stage by a cloaked figure.
"Stick close Gin" Harry ordered as Ginny nodded firmly and held his hand tighter.
After the whole crowd was pushed to the middle of the room the eight cloaked figures all surrounded them and pointed their glowing wands at the shaking people.
"You have dared to stain the legacy of Voldermort with your filthy hands" Bella growled as she pointed her wand at several people only to have them shrink back.
"Just who the hell are you" Lucius demanded as those standing before him moved aside to let Bella point her wand at him and snarl.
"I' am the loyal supporter of Voldermort, my great lord, and you are nothing but filth" Bella snarled at him before pointing her wand towards Hermione who stood boldly by his side.
"And you dare place such a scared item on the neck of a muggle" Bella spat as she advanced towards Hermione who glared at the woman.
"You touch me lady and your pulling back a stump" Hermione spat towards Bella who growled at the woman and bared her teeth.
Harry clenched his jaw and attempted to inch forward towards Hermione only to be stopped by Ginny who jerked her head towards the cloaked figure behind them. Growling Harry remained in his spot squeezing Ginny's hand.
"You will be the first to pay for your filth" Bella howled lifting her wand higher and two cloaked figures stepped forward to drag Hermione away from the crowd.
"HEY hands off the dress you jerks" Hermione growled yanking her arms away from the cloaked figures when she stood in front of Bella.
"And if you call me filth one more time lady, I'm going to bop you" Hermione threatened as Bella laughed at her and levelled her wand at Hermione chest.
"A new era is about to dawn on you muggle's and you shall all bow to the great lord Voldermort" Bella cried before she threw Hermione a chilling smile.
"Not you filth for you shall pay for your cheek" Bella declared as Harry prayed Hermione would keep her mouth shut long enough for him to think up a plan to save her.
"Expelliarmus" a voice bellowed before one of the wands flew through the air hitting the wall with a crack. The cloaked figures all quickly rushed around to Bella's side while she spun and pointed her wand towards the smirking form of The Slytherin.
"You shall pay" "Yeah; I heard the little insane speech and I have to admit it's got a long way to go" The Slytherin drawled before he looked at the seven still armed figures and after seconds waved a hand only to have the wands all fly through the air expect one.
Bella screamed in frustration before she leapt back and grabbed Hermione by the neck and held her wand against her throat.
"WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT TOUCHING" Hermione growled before she choked when Bella squeezed her throat.
"Now I wouldn't call that a fair fight" The Slytherin growled stepping forward only to wave a hand at the three approaching figures and to have them collapse.
"Let her go and I think – I said think- about letting you get out of here in one piece" The Slytherin ordered in a low husky tone to which Bella snarled at him.
"I do not take orders from those who have betrayed my lord" Bella growled as The Slytherin shrugged his shoulders and offered her a humourless smile.
"What can I say your boss just pisses me off" The Slytherin admitted in a bored tone causing Bella to scream again then raise her wand up ready to hurt Hermione.
"EXPELLIARMUS" The Slytherin bellowed causing Bella and her wand to fly backwards and hit the stage hard while Hermione was thrown forward only to be caught by the Slytherin.
As the figures hurried to collect their fallen friends The Slytherin held Hermione by his side before he went to face the figures but with several loud cracks they all vanished.
"Their gone for now" The Slytherin assured to the shaking crowd before smiling brightly at Harry and Ginny.
"Just who the hell are you" Lucius demanded as he allowed an elderly lady lean against him clutching her chest and waving a hand at her face.
"SOMEONE GET THE LIGHTS UP" a voice ordered as the Slytherin glanced at Lucius and smiled brightly.
"I'm the Slytherin" he offered before turning to look at Hermione and lift her face up to his holding her chin in his grasp.
"You OK" The Slytherin questioned gently as Hermione attempted to smile but winched when her throat protested against her swallowing.
"Better if the crazy woman hadn't touched me" she rasped as the Slytherin smirked at her and smiled a little more easy.
"Thank you again I suppose" Hermione declared as The Slytherin nodded catching Harry's glaze and smirking back at the man who was glaring while Ginny spoke rapidly into her phone while still holding his hand tightly.
"I might suggest a different colour though" The Slytherin declared as he looked back at Hermione ignoring the looks of fear, interest and confusion sent his way.
"You would" Hermione questioned rubbing at her neck, brushing the Slytherin's hand.
"Yeah; no blue" he ordered before looking at her neck and clenching his jaw.
"Or red bruises" he added as Hermione chuckled at him before he grinned down at her.
"Try green" he offered as Hermione flushed.
"The police are coming; the damn light switch was by the entrance you dolt" Ginny called as The Slytherin straightened up and offered Hermione a rueful smile.
"That's my cue" The Slytherin declared as he glanced around him and nodded to himself before looking at Hermione and smirking.
"And just to help your final decision on my offer" The Slytherin stated before he gently held Hermione's neck and pressed his lips to hers.
Stiffening for a second Hermione soon let her eyes slip close and returned the kiss, lifting her self onto her toes and gripping at the Slytherin's robes for something to hold onto as he deepened the kiss.
As suddenly as it started it finished and the Slytherin stepped back and vanished from the room with a crack just as the lights snapped on and Hermione was left blinking at the harsh light.
"Hermione" Ginny cried as she raced towards her friend and engulfed her in a famous Weasley hug. Harry skidded to a stop by their side almost ripping Hermione from Ginny's arms and hauling her towards him for another bone crushing hug.
"NEED. TO. BREATH" Hermione gasped before Harry released her and Ginny smacked his arm before looking worriedly at Hermione.
"Are you ok" Ginny questioned as her eyes were drawn to the red marks around Hermione's throat.
"Of course I am" Hermione declared while blushing hoping that they hadn't seen the parting kiss the Slytherin had planted on her.
"Did he hurt you" Harry growled as Hermione threw him a glare then shoved him hard.
"of course he didn't" Hermione snapped as Harry rolled his eyes while Ginny raised her eyebrows and pointed to Hermione's neck.
"He might not have hurt you but he did steal from you; the lockets gone" Ginny pointed out as Hermione's hands darted up to her neck and Harry darted his eyes towards her neck.
"Son of a bitch" Hermione growled folding her arms and glaring at the spot The Slytherin stood in a few minutes before hand.
So there we have it... is The Slytherin a truly good guy and it must be clear by now who the hidden man is now. Hope your enjoying this so far.
