20

Hostage

Doesn't anybody ever go on break? David Blaine stared into the Office of Magical Law. To his surprise, the office was crowded with ministry workers. When he had decided to take care of Granger, he figured that the offices would be practically empty. He planned to just walk into Granger's office, take care of her, and leave. He figured since the office would be fairly empty he would be able to accomplish this task without being seen.

For a brief second, Blaine thought about just forgetting about the whole thing. He had no desire to be caught. He just wanted to stop the Mudblood from doing any more damage to the Wizarding world. The travesty of the Werewolf legislation was one thing, he thought, but eliminating the laws that were put into place to preserve the purity of Wizards was something completely different. She had to be stopped, and since neither Malfoy nor Bledsoe had the balls to stop the bitch, it was up to him.

As David stood at the reception desk, he looked around the office itself, and was quickly able to locate Grangers office. Having located the office, he started to walk in that direction. As he walked around the reception desk, one of the staff addressed him.

"Excuse me sir, Can I help you."

Blaine just glared at the witch, and kept going. Best not to answer her he thought to himself. As he continued walking he heard her say as she stepped in front of him.

"Sir, you cannot come back here unless you have an appointment with one of the Barristers."

David put his hands in his robe, and grabbed the gun he had in his pocket as he stepped around the receptionist. He would not use the weapon unless she did more to prevent him from getting to Grangers office. Blaine was relieved when the receptionist made no further attempt to stop him.

David continued to walk through the reception area, towards Grangers office. As he approached the door to her office, he was relieved to see that no one was in the office with her. Maybe her coworkers saw her for what she really was, a filthy mudblood, he thought to himself. As he approached her door, a voice called to him from behind.

"Sir, you will need to leave this area immediately."

There was no mistaking the authority in that voice. The receptionist had not just let him pass. She had summoned a security wizard instead. David slowly turned to face the security wizard. As he turned he could see the Wizard had his wand trained on him. As David turned to face him he drew his gun and before the security Wizard could react he fired two rounds at him, he then quickly turned and ran for Hermione Grangers office, gun drawn.

Hermione stepped into her office, and smiled as she sat at her desk. She could not believe how well things went in court this morning. Draco walked right into the trap she had laid out for him, using the Pureblood Marriage Act to justify forcing Katrina Walker to marry Theodore Knott.

Hermione had to stifle a laugh as she remembered the look on Malfoy's face when he realized what she had done. Oh Hermione would love to take credit for her brilliant maneuvering in the court room. The fact was the idea to use the shadow of Voldemort's reign to force the Wizengamot to dismiss the Pureblood Marriage Act and by precedent any other laws passed during the time Voldemort controlled the ministry belonged to her brilliant husband, Ron.

Hermione once again found herself smiling as she remembered the pride in her husband's eyes as she left the court room. She swore she could hear Ron bragging to those sitting in the gallery with him, "That's my wife."

Today, Hermione had a lot to be happy about; a husband that truly loved her, and a career that allowed her to make a difference. She placed her hand on her belly, she was now about three months along and could feel the beginnings of a baby bump, that was the thing she had the most to be happy about. She was about to become a mum.

Hermione started to go over the reports on her desk. In addition to her normal caseload she was also supervising three Solicitors as well. That was why she had come to her office during the lunch recess. She needed to catch up on her paperwork.

Hermione quickly fell into her normal routine. She reviewed the reports from her solicitors and would occasionally make a suggestion on the case she was reviewing and send the report back to the Solicitor assigned to the case. She had been working steadily for about twenty minutes when she was startled by a couple of loud reports.

Hermione quickly looked up to see what was going on. She noticed a Security Wizard falling down outside her office, and a young man with a gun rushed into her office and slammed her door shut. The young man looked familiar but she could not immediately place a name to his face. He looked at her, and with a voice filled with hatred and contempt he said to her.

"Look what you made me do you stupid bitch!" He then pointed his gun at her.

Blaine's mind was racing as he quickly stepped into Granger's office. The bitch looked up as he slammed her door, and her eyes widened with fear when she saw the gun in his hands. He said something to her, but his mind was racing so fast he was not exactly sure what he said. Blaine knew he had to change everything. His plan of just killing Granger and leaving was now out the window. He looked out the window on the door and could see the workers that had been working through their lunch being evacuated by the security wizards that had arrived.

Nope, he was going to have to change his plan. The question was how he was going to get out of the ministry without ending up in Azkaban, or worse. Looking at Granger, he started to form a plan. He would use Granger to get out of this. The ministry would not dare let one of the heroes of the second war be killed. He would hold the threat of her death, and the possibility of her release as a bargaining chip to get out of this. Sure he would not be able to kill her, but he would be free to try again another time if he could just get out of this.

***

Ron felt his heart pounding in his chest as he and Harry ran towards the lifts. Ginny tried to follow, however Harry was able to convince her to stay in the atrium. He told her things would be chaotic enough, and he did not need to have to worry about protecting a civilian. Ginny did try to argue with him, but in the end she realized that Harry was right.

Once Harry convinced Ginny to wait in the atrium he turned to Ron.

"Don't even think it Harry," Ron growled, "That's my wife up there"

"We don't even know if Hermione is even involved…" Ron cut Harry off before he could finish.

"Come off it Harry. We both know…"

The lift arrived, and the two of them got on quickly. The ride to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement seemed to take forever. Ron found himself thinking of all the plans he and Hermione had made. They were going to have at least one more child after this one. They had been debating on names. So far they had not agreed on one yet.

They were going to buy a house, near the burrow.

They were going to make up for all the time they wasted, denying how they felt about each other in school. They were going to officially be remarried once the laws were changed, and they could. As Ron thought about it, all his dreams and plans for the future involved one person, Hermione. With all of that at stake, there was no way Ron was going to just sit in the atrium and wait. Ron knew he was one of the best tactical minds in the ministry. He had devised many of the strategies that Harry's Rapid Response Team used when making raids, or handling incidents.

Ron had helped Harry and his teams handle several muggle barricaded suspect situations to a successful conclusion. He needed to be involved today; it was the only way he knew to make sure Hermione came out of this ok.

The lift opened and, Ron looked at. The hallway leading to the Department of Magical Law was chaos. Several minister security wizards were arguing with what appeared to be senior members of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad. They were fighting over he was to handle the situation. He also saw Luna, along with her medical team arguing with another officer from the Magical Law Enforcement Squad.

As Luna argued she pointed her finger in the direction of Hermione's office.

Ron's heart stopped when he saw that Luna was pointing to someone lying on the floor, bleeding.

"If that man dies," Luna was stating angrily, "Because you would not allow me to treat him, you will…"

The MLE officer interrupted her.

"If you are hurt or killed because I let you into an area that is not secure I would be in even more trouble Ms. Lovegood."

Ron recognized the voice of the head of the MLE squad as he answered Luna.

As he finished his statement, he noticed Ron and Harry and excused himself. As he approached the two of them, Ron could see he was not happy.

"Potter," he hissed, "What are you doing here?"

"Responding to a," Harry looked at Ron as he finished "Hostage situation."

Ron always thought that Hargrove was an asshole. He was a throwback to the old ministry under Fudge, and Scrimgour. He really wasn't interested in doing what was right, but protecting his turf. Hargrove saw Harry's Rapid Response team as a threat to his MLE squad. The MLE had the responsibility for the day to day enforcement of Wizarding laws. The MLE could be compared to most local muggle police departments, and the Aurors were best compared to the federal law enforcement agencies of the US like the FBI. Just like the states, there was a bit of animosity between the two agencies.

Hargrove glared at Harry as he spoke;

"This isn't a matter for the Aurors, my department can handle this."

Harry struggled to hold back his anger. He had no use for people like Hargrove. Hargrove did not care about whoever was being held hostage, he just wanted to protect his turf. He had done this in the recent past. He refused to call Harry's team, stating it was an MLE matter. The result was several of his officers had been killed. It seemed he still had not learned his lesson.

"Look Hargrove," Harry tried to sound sympathetic, "I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here. However," Harry continued, "After your last incident I have no choice; the minister wants my squad to handle these situations right now."

Hargrove did not hide his anger Harry continued. "Why don't you bring me up to speed so I can deploy my team.

It only took Hargrove a few minutes to brief Harry, as he had feared Hermione had been taken hostage. Once Hargrove finished with Harry, Luna quickly came to him. He assured her that she would be able to get to her patient as soon as his team secured the area.

It only took a few minutes for his team to deploy, once deployed they escorted Luna's medics to the downed security officer. She quickly stabilized him and apparrated him to St. Mungo's. That completed Harry needed to form a plan of attack. This found Harry, studying the plans for the MLE section with Ron.

"Only one way in," Ron was stating, "Hermione triggered the new security measures as well."

Harry sighed. This would make things more difficult for his team. The new security measures were an anti-magic charm, making the casting of spells in Hermione's office impossible. That meant they could not use magic to subdue Blaine. In theory his inability to use magic should make things safe for any hostages. However, Blaine was using a gun.

Harry sighed. He would have to do this one by the book.

"Ok, let's start negotiations." Harry looked at Ron, "Let's see if we can talk him out."

Ron nodded his head. "I'll get my…"

Ron had acted as a negotiator during the last couple of times his team helped the muggles. Ron had done such a good job that Harry appointed him the teams lead hostage negotiator.

"Ron," Ron looked at Harry, Harry could see in his eyes he knew what was coming. "I'll handle the negotiations. You're too close to this situation." He stated

Ron shot back "And you're not?"

"That's not my wife in that room." Harry responded calmly, he would have been surprised if Ron did not argue.

Ron just nodded his head.

"Ron," Harry said gently, "I need you on tactical on this one."

Ron just nodded again.

***

Hermione was more scared than she ever had been before. Sure she was frightened when Umbridge had taken her, and even during the final battle at Hogwarts. The thing was, she knew what to expect in those situations. She had no idea what to expect in this situation.

It was clear that Blaine had intended to simply kill her. However that plan had been blown when the staff called security when he had forced his way back to her office. Now he was trapped. It appeared he was hoping to use her as leverage to get away.

Blaine had been talking with Harry for the last two hours. However it was clear to Hermione that Harry's attempt to end this through negotiations was falling a bit short. She listened as Blaine once again shouted at Harry.

"Potter, you are not listening to me!" Blaine looked at her as he shouted, "I want a full pardon from the minister, and I want the Pureblood Marriage Act approved by the minister."

"Blaine," She heard Harry respond. "I understand that's what you want, and I am trying to work on getting that done for you. I need you to give me something in good faith. Release Hermione, you can stay here while we work on your request. But releasing Hermione will show good faith on your part."

Blaine laughed as he looked at Hermione. "Do you think I am stupid Potter?" He pointed his gun at Hermione as he continued. "Granger is my only leverage right now. The minute I release her, you'll come storming in here. "

That is why he hasn't killed me yet, Hermione thought to himself. He thinks he can use me as leverage. She knew she shouldn't say anything, but Harry was getting nowhere.

"Blaine," she said just loud enough for Harry to hear her.

Blaine turned and shouted at her, "Shut up" He shouted at her, again pointing his gun at her. "I told you I do not care what you have to say mudblood."

Hermione bit her lip. But she continued speaking

"Look Blaine," She said sounding much calmer than she felt, "We both know the minister is not going to give you a pardon, and any vote made by the Wizengamot would be considered invalid if made under duress."

Blaine stood up and held up his hand, getting ready to hit her. Before he did Hermione spoke quickly.

"What you need is a good Barrister to help you after this is over…"

"I wouldn't have needed anything if you had just minded your own business." Blaine shouted as he began to beat Hermione with the butt of his gun.

***

"Observer to Command, urgent."

Harry could hear Blaine shouting through the door, as he responded to the call, he thought to himself. This cannot be good.

"Command" He answered.

"HT has turned on the hostage. He is now beating her with his weapon."

Ron stood up quickly. Harry motioned to him to not do anything.

Harry needed more information before he did anything rash.

Over the next few seconds it was clear that Blaine had lost control. He was beating Hermione around the head with the butt of his gun. He had to do something, he could not wait. Damn it Hermione, he thought to himself. He figured she had said something to set Blaine off. Sometimes that girl was just too smart for her own good. He was sure she thought she would be able to talk Blaine into giving up. Whatever she had said had the opposite effect, now he was going to beat her to death instead.

"Sniper team, do you have a shot?" He asked.

Harry was handling this situation the way the muggles would, since they would not be able to use any spells. As part of his deployment he deployed a sniper team that would try to neutralize the Hostage Taker if things got out of hand. He hoped he would not need them, but it was clear now things had gotten a bit out of hand.

"No Shot command," the sniper team responded.

Harry swore to himself. He had no choice, he was going to have to breach, and try to take Blaine down with his entry team. He knew there were a lot of things that could go wrong with a breach, but he had no choice. He looked at Ron, and could see Ron was ready to storm into Hermione's office on his own. Harry had to get control of the situation fast.

"Entry team. Breach now!" He commanded.

Harry was not part of the entry team, since he was the lead negotiator. Normally he would be part of the entry team, however this time all Harry could do is wait and hope that nothing went terribly wrong.

***

Hermione felt a sharp pain as the butt of Blaine's gun hit her in the head. She put her hands up to try and block a second blow to her face; however this time she felt a sharp jab to her stomach. Hermione had hoped she would be able to talk some sense into Blaine, but all she did is enrage him, and she was taking the full force of that rage as he beat her.

She felt the gun hit her in the nose and felt blood start to pour out of her nose, and she knew her nose was broken. The beating seemed to go on forever as Blaine hit her over and over again. She felt herself losing consciousness.

She was jarred awake by the sound of a loud bang. Then she saw Blaine turn and face the door. Hermione realized that Ron and Harry were coming in to stop Blaine from hurting her. She watched as Blaine turned towards the door, and started to raise his gun. This time he had the gun in position to fire. Hermione could not let Blaine hurt Ron or Harry, so she did the only thing she could. She grabbed Blaine's arm and pulled it as hard as she could. She then heard a loud bang, and felt a sharp punch to her abdomen…

***

Ron listened anxiously as the entry team made its way into Hermione's office. He winced as he heard the sound of the flash bang grenades go off. Then he heard a gunshot, then several others. Then it was quite.

The quite seemed to last ages, Ron needed to know if everything was ok, but all he heard was silence. Ron knew the entry team was doing their job, making sure the room was secure and the situation was truly over. Finally Ron heard, "HT down."

Ron felt relief it was over.

However Ron's relief was short lived when he heard the next transmission.

"Hostage Down, we need medics now."