A/N: Sorry, I've been a bit busy so I had to rush this chapter a little. I would like to point out again that from the previous chapter, everything that happens here is no longer canon so there will be changes from the book. Furthermore, as you can see from this chapter, I am not only going to be telling this story from the perspective of the Golden Trio but from others as well. Forgive me if I made grammatical mistakes.
Disclaimer: Don't own it. JKR's
Chapter 14
"So explain it to me again, Mr Weasley?" Yaxley drawled as he continued to twirl his wand in his hand while glaring towards the patriarch of the Weasley family. "Do not nag me with details. Tell me what happened at the wedding?"
"Well…" Mr Weasley said while trying to maintain a nonchalant tone. "As I already told your colleagues in the previous meeting, we were in the midst of Bill and Fleur toasting after being married when suddenly dark figures started to descent on us and were shooting curses everywhere. Not just mild spells, but Unforgivable Curses, mind you. Everyone apparated to safety and Alastor, who was one of our guests, took it upon himself to take care of the issue."
"By killing everyone who came? How did he know these weren't Ministry officials?" Yaxley asked as his cold stare continued to fixate itself on Mr Weasley's face. "Isn't that just a little bit…convenient?"
"Well, you all sure be very familiar with the instincts of Mr Alastor Moody." Mr Weasley remarked gruffly as he placed a hand on his wife's back. Mrs Weasley had sat throughout the entire conversation with her best impression of an indifferent countenance across her face. Yet Mr Weasley could see that her knuckles were still very white. Luckily for them, a Ministry official came crumbling down the stairs, clearly out of breath.
"What is it, Cleverly?" Yaxley asked, clearly annoyed by the presence of his junior officer.
"The youngest boy is still in there and still sick from spattergroit. However, the disease seemed to have spread to his two older twins. I had to get out of there before I too got infected." Cleverly cried as he rapidly started to check down his robes.
Yaxley sneered in disgust. He didn't want to stay here for any longer that he had to although scanning the dilapidated and cramped quarters of the Burrow, he could not help but smirk at how poor and useless the Weasleys had become. The price of being a blood traitor Yaxley thought triumphantly. He noticed something odd at one of the kitchen walls. It was as if some structure had been removed as he could clearly see the dust outline. Judging by the outline, he was fairly certain it had been removed recently and yet before he could utter a single word, Cleverly spoke up.
"Sir, shouldn't we go? We still have two more houses to visit?"
"In a moment. I want to interrogate the other Weasley. Pray tell me, Mrs Weasley, where is miss Ginevra?"
"She's upstairs in her room!" Mrs Weasley said hotly as she grabbed a cup from the kitchen counter. "If you insist on seeing her, just follow me to her room. Yet I can assure you it would be no more a waste of time then this conversation you are having with my husband." With that, Mrs Weasley made a beeline for the stairs. Cleverly made a move to follow but Yaxley shot him a deadly glare and motioned for him to wait outside.
"Now, Mr Weasley, if I may…" Yaxley started as he waited until Cleverly stood outside. "Let us drop the formalities and just speak plainly. Where is Harry Potter?"
"I do not know."
"Don't play dumb with me, Weasley. I know it might be your strong suit but I assure you the Ministry has ways of getting anyone to talk."
"Your threats don't work on me. Why do you want him anyway?"
"Don't you read the Prophet? He's wanted for the murder of Albus Dumbledore."
"That's utter rubbish." Mr Weasley snapped as he matched the intensity of Yaxley's stare. "Harry loved Dumbledore like a father. Why would he want to kill him? I agree with your suggestion. Why don't we disperse off the niceties and talk like real men? You want him for your Lord."
Yaxley narrowed his eyes at Mr Weasley. His hand was now firmly on his wand and he noticed at the corner of his eye that Mr Weasley had done the same.
"Tell me Arthur, do you still speak with your son, Percy?"
Mr Weasley flinched at the name of his son. Naturally, he felt anger at the way Percy had gone about disowning his family and yet, his fatherly love was starting to take over. Percy was arguably the most vulnerable of all the Weasley with his close proximity within the Ministry.
"No. Percy wants nothing to do with us."
"Good lad, don't you think? He's still Junior Assistant as well as Court Scribe. Big things in his future, I believe. All because he decided he wanted nothing to do with blood traitors. I quite admire him. Of course, I wouldn't mind keeping an eye for him for you while you try to keep an eye out for Harry Potter. Who knows? Maybe he'll be a son to me and I'll be the father he deserves." Yaxley sneered as he baited Mr Weasley for a reaction.
Mr Weasley's anger was starting to boil over. He was, however, thankful that his wife had left the room as he could not stand to think what she would have made out of Yaxley's cruel remarks. He knew Yaxley was trying to get a rise out of him and was finding any excuse to bring him to Azkaban. Not wanting to give Yaxley the satisfaction, Mr Weasley gave Yaxley the coldest stare he could before standing up and pointed to the front door.
"I have nothing more to add to this conversation."
Yaxley grinned widely. He had found the right button to push.
…..
"Michael!" Cho cried out as she watched him Apparate in the middle of Ron's bedroom. Michael gave a yelp as his leg hit Ron's old broomstick.
"Sorry! Am I late?" Michael asked as Cho looked at him with amusement. "Nope. The meeting's just started. Let's go into the tent!" Cho cried as she dragged her boyfriend towards a tent that had been set up in the middle of Ron's Room. Michael nodded at he walked hand in hand with Cho Chang into the tent and came face to face with the rest of the DA.
"Blimey!" Seamus cried out. "I thought your brothers were using this tent?"
Ginny shook her head. "Nope. Katie Bell's parents have a similar tent so they left this one for us to use and bring to Hogwarts in case the Room of Requirement isn't working."
"I should have put more pillows." Terry Boot sighed as he leaned on Anthony Goldstein's shoulder. "I hope my mum doesn't come upstairs to tuck me in or anything."
"Your mum still tucks you in?" Zacharias drawled, shaking his head at Terry who responded by flashing a rude gesture.
"Okay! Everyone quiet! Let's get this meeting started!" Neville yelled, not caring of how loud he was as the Silencing Charms had already been put in place.
"No snacks?" Seamus asked. "Ginny, do you not have food in this house."
"Oh, go screw yourself Finnigan!"
"Haha! Good one, Ginny!" Luna laughed as she started rolling on the floor.
"It wasn't that funny, Luna." Seamus retorted as he made a face. "Get that camera out of my face, Creevey!" he yelled at Colin, who had gone around snapping as many pictures as he could get.
"Sorry, I'm making a scrapbook!"
"Oooo… can I help? We can use my glitter quills!" Lavender squealed as Parvati rolled her eyes.
"OKAY, ENOUGH!" Neville roared as everyone jumped at the tone of his voice. With much grumbling, everyone sat in a circle to face him. Neville blushed red, embarrassed at the tone of which he chose to speak. However, he relaxed when Hannah placed a hand on his and smiled. Neville felt something warm rise onto his chest before dismissing the emotion as quickly as it came.
"Look, we are ten days from returning back to Hogwarts so let's just save the catching up until we reached there okay? Before we begin on the mission, I want to start by updating you all on Dean and Justi…yes Dennis?" Neville asked as the younger Creevey was seen waving his hand up high.
"Do you want me to take notes? I can take notes!" Dennis replied as he eagerly waved a quill and parchment in the air.
"Er… I don't think…"
"Oh, just let him do it!" Michael said as everyone smiled at their youngest DA member who was now hidden behind a parchment and scribbling away furiously. Neville nodded as Dennis prodded his brother. "See, Colin! I'm helping!" Dennis gloated with glee.
"Okay, so back to Dean and Justin. As you all know, it is unsafe for Dean and Justin to be here right now. They are both at Shell Cottage and are waiting for us to get the fangs. Dean and Justin will go to Aberforth's pub where Potter said he discovered a secret passage that leads from one of the portraits to the Room of Requirement. Once they have gotten him to agree to use the pub, it is on us to deliver the fangs."
"How will they apparate? I mean Dean is of age but Justin?" Padma asked.
"They will be using elves. According to Ron's letter to Ginny, Kreacher and Dobby who are both loyal to Harry can help move them around. Elvish magic is strong and more importantly, undetectable so both Dean and Justin will be safe." Neville reassured the group while putting a hand on Seamus's shoulder. Seamus patted his hand appreciatively. He had been worried about his best friend.
"From now until we get to Hogwarts, I want everyone to behave and act as they would normally do. Under no circumstances is anyone to do anything that could attract attention. We need to remain a secret organisation. Unlike the last time, we need to stick together otherwise the consequences this time will be much more severe. There is too much at stake."
Cho buried her face behind Michael's back as he awkwardly patted her knee.
"So here's the plan." Neville continued while maintaining a serious tone. "Once we get to Hogwarts, the first thing we have to do is wait at least a week before making any serious moves. We have no idea what kind of security measures have been put in place. That also means that we stick to our houses. No one speaks to another member of another house unless absolutely necessary. Once the week is over, I will go to the Room of Requirement and open it. Once in, I will activate the DA and everyone who can make it without arising any suspicions are to be there at once. Our first task is to secure the Horcrux. Once we have done that, we can go look for the Chamber of Secrets."
"Sorry to interrupt." Ginny replied. "But we have to secure the Horcrux and destroy it on the very same night."
"What? Why?" Anthony asked as the rest look dumbfounded. Ginny cleared her throat and stood up to address the group.
"Despite what the Golden Trio has told you about the Horcruxes, none of them have the experience that I had. The diary which Harry destroyed took over me the first time I opened it. I could sense the power it had, its evil drawing me in. It made me do horrible things of which the worst was to kill my friends. You guys cannot possible imagine how bad it will get. It's like a never ending nightmare which only gets worse each second. If we find the Horcrux, we have to keep it as the Room of Requirement changes and we might lose it again. Whoever has it I assure you will suffer immensely. It is evil beyond compare."
"Then we find it and pass it to Smith. I doubt it will affect him. Probably be like a security blanket!" Seamus joked, trying to diffuse the tension that had been created as Ginny recalled painfully her experience with the Horcrux.
"Okay, that's enough! You want to have a go at me, Seamus?" Zacharias snarled as he stared daggers at Seamus.
"Take your best shot!"
"Do I write this down, Neville?"
"No, of course not!"
"Oh will the two of you give it a rest?" Parvati shouted as she stood between Zacharias and Seamus who were both on their feet with their wands drawn. "We're up against an all-powerful Dark Lord and his Death Eaters in a race against time to stop him and you guys want to be at odds with one another? Didn't Neville just say we have to stick together? So just stop all this nonsense!"
Seamus and Zacharias stared at each other for the longest time before the former sighed and lowered his wand. Neville raised an eyebrow at Smith who reluctantly did the same as was pulled down in a sitting position by Ernie Macmillan.
"Fine. We should do it on the same night." Neville said as he nodded towards Ginny who had barely composed herself at the thoughts of her first year. Fortunately, Luna pulled her into a hug which Ginny took with much gratitude.
"So who's going into the Chamber? I reckon all of us want to volunteer?" Terry exclaimed as each member with the exception of Smith and Lavender started to nod their heads.
"Honestly, the group should consist of me, Hannah, Anthony and Padma" Ernie said as he glowered at Zacharias less than enthusiastic reaction.
"Why?" Ginny asked.
"Cos we're prefects." Padma replied. "If any of our group members get caught, we can say that we caught you guys loitering and we're bringing you back to your houses. As prefects have to do patrol, it would be less suspicious."
"Agreed." Anthony and Hannah said as they nodded in agreement.
"How about if only two prefects went? We're going to need people to look out for the group entering the Chamber? I propose two prefects stay outside the bathroom." Michael said as he gave Cho a look of concern.
"Okay, Padma and Anthony, the two of you can be our lookout. Ernie and Hannah, you guys will follow myself and Ginny." Neville said as the rest of the group nodded.
"I'm coming too!" Seamus insisted. "No offence, Neville, but with Harry, Ron and Dean not returning to Hogwarts, I don't plan on staying behind in our room alone!"
"Fine!"
"I'm coming too!" Luna responded as she hugged Ginny even harder. However, Ginny shook her head. "Sorry Luna, but there's just too many people at this point. The rest of you should be in the Room of Requirement to find the diadem. Once we've come back, we can all destroy this together."
Some of the DA members had turned to Neville to protest but Neville shook his head. "No, Ginny's right. We need to complete the mission as quickly and effectively as possible. The rest of you just stay in the room. Besides when the mission is over and we've destroyed the Horcrux and passed Dean the fangs, we still have work to do."
"What do you mean?" Zacharias asked with a curious expression on his face. Neville noted as the rest were looking at him the same way save for Ginny who already knew what he was going to say and Lavender who looked like she was about to burst.
"It's something Ron told me before they left. He said that now that Riddle has come to power, the Ministry is going to adopt a much more drastic approach when it comes to messing about with Hogwarts. According to intel from Ginny's father, the Carrows are coming to Hogwarts to take up teaching positions and Snape, as most of you know, is now headmaster. There's going to be some serious dark times at Hogwarts and students not in our group are going to need our help. Hence, I feel, we need to do what we did two years ago. Practise defensive spells, improve our skills and most importantly, find ways to help those who need our help."
"Neville is right." Ginny said as she stood up to put a hand on Neville's shoulder. "Not only does Hogwarts need us, but the other missions might need our help as well. One of the other tasks set by my brother is that we are to create Felix Felicis. He figured if ever a battle was to break out, we could use the luck. Not only that but we can create Healing Potions, Polyjuice Potions etc. You know, stuff that could really be of use."
"I don't see a problem with other potions, Ginny, but Felix? That's awfully tricky to make." Padma reasoned with a sympathetic look on her face.
"It is. Hence why we need help. We can try to convince Slughorn. He's the Potions master. He might assist us as well. I was thinking of putting Parvati on Potions duty since her grades weren't that far off from Harry's." Ginny said as everyone faced Parvati. Parvati gave a warm smile before addressing "Only, if Goldstein helps me. His grades in Potions were good as well."
"Of course I will, Patil!" Anthony roared. "You need a Ravenclaw for this sort of thing. You Gryffindors tend to screw a lot up!" With he flashed Parvati a cheeky grin as she threw a pillow towards his face as everyone laughed at the scene. With the mood relaxed, everyone starts to chime in on how they could help.
"I will research books on Shield Charms! We will need it!" Michael said as he rubbed his hands with glee.
"I and Hannah got Healing Potions!" Colin said as he nodded at Hannah who flashed him a smile.
"Patronuses are important! We got to work on that!" Cho Chang cried.
"Don't forget basic spells like Stupefy!"
"What about Disillusionment Charms!"
"What about food? I say we should stack the Room with loads of goodies!"
"Honestly, Seamus, you're just as bad as Ron!"
"We should go to the lake. Merpeople often shed their skin and it is said that they have many healing properties!"
"Luna, I am not going into the lake!"
"Do I have to write ALL of this down?"
"EVERYONE SHUT UP!"
The entire DA stopped talking and turned towards Zacharias Smith who had been sulking away in the corner. He walked right up to Neville and drew his wand which resulted in everyone drawing their wands as well with the exception of Dennis who drew his quill.
"Are… you…all…mental?" Zacharias said as he stared down each member of the DA. "We're just kids. You all are just kids. And now you're talking like you want to form some sort of rebellion? Might I remind you all that the enemy we're facing is not like the ones you read about in the books. These are vicious and evil wizards who would KILL us the minute we stand against them. Now maybe none of you have realized this but this isn't our war. It's Harry's and Harry said that all we have to do is kill the Horcrux. That's it! That's all we have to do! Why would you want to risk your life any further? This isn't an effing game! We're just kids!"
"Now, look here Smith –" Neville started to reply but Lavender cut him off.
"No! Zacharias is right! No, Parvati! Not now! " Lavender screamed as she pushed Parvati as the latter tried to put an arm to console her. "All of you are just idiots! Look at yourselves… I can understand why Ginny wants to do this since her family is knee deep in this but the rest of you? You are all so willing to give up your lives for what? So that Riddle can be killed? Even if that does happen, no one will remember what you did. All the credit will go to Harry, Hermione and…Ron. The world will always remember the Golden Trio and all of you will be nothing but a footnote in their history. Like Smith said, let's do the Horcrux but that's it. If you guys want to continue to play the hero, go ahead. But I'm done." And with that, Lavender took her want and left the tent.
"I should go after her." Parvati said as she motioned to follow her best friend but Seamus raised his hand. "Let me do it. You need to stay here to discuss the Felix Potion. I will go talk to her." Parvati shook her head before realizing that Seamus had stood in her way with a pleading look in his eyes. Parvati relented as she nodded her head in Lavender's direction. Seamus thanked her and left the tent.
Seamus could see a figure sobbing on Ron's bed. Not wanting to make Lavender any more distraught that she was, Seamus sat two feet away from her while looking away so as not as to make her feel uncomfortable. Lavender wiped her tears and stared at Seamus as the moonlight shone across his face.
"I expected Parvati to be out here."
"She wanted to. But I told her I rather do it."
"Why?"
"Because I know how you feel."
"No, you don't."
"Okay, then. Why don't you tell me?"
Lavender sighed as she got up to sit at the foot of the bed. Patting on the blanket, she motioned for Seamus to join her. As he sat next to her, he could see how red her eyes were. Her blonde locks glistened in the moonlight and her pale skin shimmered to give an appearance of an angel in tears. Seamus swallowed a lump in his throat as he realized that despite her gloomy appearance, Lavender Brown was indeed very, very beautiful. Seamus thought of putting an arm around her but decided it would be too forward of him. Settling for her a playful bump on her shoulder, he stared as Lavender turned to give him an appreciative smile before staring at Ron's bedroom door.
"I thought I would come here one day, you know. When Ron and I were dating, I thought one day he bring me here. I always thought he was a catch and when I finally got him, it was the happiest day of my life. That was…until Granger stole him from me."
Seamus cleared his throat. He thought he should at least try to defend Ron but now was perhaps not the right time.
"Maybe it's my fault. I mean I always knew those two were in love with each other. Who was I compared to the great Hermione Granger, smartest and prettiest witch of her age."
"You're pretty smart too, Lavender. I mean pretty AND smart."
"Thanks Seamus but it's not use. You know, everyone including Parvati was so against my relationship with Ronald. I get that Hermione's feelings are important and so was Ron's but what about mine? Doesn't matter, does it? I'm just another daft bimbo whose feelings shouldn't matter. And now? I'm supposed to risk my life so that my ex-boyfriend and my roommate can save the day and make sweet love to each other." Lavender sobbed as she buried her head onto Seamus's shoulder.
"Maybe I should do it. Die for the Golden Trio. Let my close friend get the happy ending with the man I love while becoming a martyr for bimbos everywhere! Maybe that way, people won't see me as useless." Lavender chuckled as she tried to lighten the mood. She was stunned when Seamus pulled her in for a hug. Surprised at first, she gave into the hug and was a little disappointed when Seamus pulled away.
"My turn." Seamus said as he stared deep into Lavender's eyes. "Firstly, don't you ever talk about dying. I don't care even if it's a possibility, I'm not thinking about it and so should you. You remember when we celebrated Harry's birthday? That night, I realize just how much I care about each and every one of you. Even Zacharias though I can't for the life of me think why. If any of you were to…disappear from my life… let's just say it would be devastating. So don't you ever speak like you don't mean a thing because you do, Lavender Brown!"
"Furthermore, you talk about yourself as being useless? Expendable? Not in the limelight? Do you know who understands that better than anyone? ME! Ron might complain that he's always feels second being Harry's friend and all but he's been on more adventures that me! He's a hero and despite what he thinks, he's a real chick magnet. Got Padma to go to the ball, got you as a girlfriend and getting Hermione to fancy him. Harry's the chosen one so not much I'm going to say there. Neville is like our leader right now and he's taken part in some of Harry's adventures. My best friend is out there fighting for his life and his role is so important to all three missions. Not to mention he briefly dated one of the hottest girls in our school, Ginny Weasley. So if you think about it, all four of them have done things to make them stand out and me, well, I'm as far away from it as you can imagine."
"You're not that bad, Seamus." Lavender countered but Seamus just held up his hand.
"Nah, I'm the comic relief guy. Out of the five of us, despite Ron being a hoot himself, I'm the guy that lowers the tension in the room. You remember when I said I would be the one stocking up food in the Room of Requirement? I said that because I didn't want to volunteer for potions duty. Can you imagine me with potions? I probably single-handedly take down the DA and the Death Eaters would probably have a day named in appreciation of my efforts. They'll probably call it Seamus Day. Hmmm, now that I think about it, maybe I have been trying out for the wrong side…" Seamus said as he gave a mock expression of him contemplating his choices. Lavender laughed and gave him a playful punch.
"Thanks Seamus. Though quite honestly, I didn't think it would be you out here coming to comfort me. But I'm glad it was."
"Of course, my lady. It's what I'm good at. Anyways, forget about the limelight and stuff like that, I don't need it and never will. I'm doing this for Dean and Harry and Ron and Hermione and…well you get where I'm going to. I don't care if the wizarding world remembers the name Seamus Finnigan as long as there's still a wizarding world out there that's peaceful and safe. I'm scared like you, Lavender but our friends need us. And we're Gryffindors. Can't say it plainer than that." Seamus replied as he stood up and stuck his hand out for Lavender.
"No, I don't suppose you can." Lavender said as she stood up and squeezed Seamus's hand. "You're not just another funny guy. You can be incredibly sweet, you know."
"Just don't call me Sea- Sea or Mus-Mus. And for the record, Ron wasn't right for you. He's a prat to let you go but he's Hermione's prat. Not yours." Seamus said as he let go of Lavender's hand and motioned for her to return back to the tent.
"Why would I give you a funny nickname? And how would you know Ron and I aren't meant for each other?"
"Trust a guy who' s been rejected for seven years to know something about two people not belonging to each other. I should probably give up on girls for good. Maybe just convince Dean to turn gay and we settle down." Seamus remarked as Lavender slid up next to him. Giving him a peck on the cheek, she waltzed towards the tent but not before cranking her hips and flashing him a smile.
"Maybe you shouldn't give up so fast." And with that, Lavender disappeared into the tent leaving a very shocked yet delighted Seamus staring blankly at where Lavender had just stood.
"BLOODY HELL."
…
In the a quiet part of South East London, stood a row of creamy-white flats that looked inconspicuous when balanced with the other rows of creamy-white flats that had surrounded the area. As the evening came, people could be seen hanging in various places from smoking at the corridors to children playing at the park nearby. The atmosphere was as normal as can be until a silent pop! was heard on the sixth floor of a flat and a red-haired man appeared from nowhere. He was tall and lanky and was struggling with carrying three cases of files. He surveyed his surroundings and after determining that no one could see him, transfigured the files into pens before entering his apartment. Having suffered a long day at work, Percy could only heaved a sigh of relief as he dreamt of drawing a warm bath and relaxing while listening to songs by Celestina Warbeck.
Unfortunately, all his plans went up in smoke as the minute he entered, he was met with an awful sight of mashed parsnips being littered all over his recently varnished wooden floor. Hearing a sound that sounded suspiciously like someone trying to clear his throat, Percy knew the culprits were still in the house and by the sound of it, they were in his living room. Drawing his wand, he ran in anger to confront the hooligans only to drop his wand at the shock of the culprits before him.
Three girls from his school together with one boy were seated at his dining room table. Yet it was the appearance of the two red haired boys that were slouching in his couch that had shocked him the most. Perhaps the only thing that wasn't at all surprising were the murderous looks that both boys were giving him and the tight grip each had on their wands as if they were about to hex him at any moment. For a long while, no one said anything before one of the twins decided to say something.
"Hey there, older brother." Fred Weasley said as he spat out the word "brother."
"Fancy a chat?"
…..