Ok i'll be honest. I slacked a bit on the update. Not on the actual chapter but by taking forever to start it. Apologies to the loyal readers. Hopefully you enjoy. Oh yea...I do not own Harry Potter! Lol
CHAPTER 20
A Beautiful Lie
Hermione and Ron had been reported missing hours ago and due to their high profiles as Harry's closest friends the ministry wasted no time tracking down their known locations. The scene that was found now at 12 Grimmauld Place was truly disturbing and hard to stomach for even the most trained investigator. The smell of decaying flesh filled the air and got stronger the closer they got to the kitchen. The copper stench of blood took over once inside the room and Aberforth was filled with dread and fear as he took in the chaotic appearance of things.
He had allowed a team of investigators into the home with him along with a photographer for recording evidence. When it was discovered that Dolohov's carcass was the source of the stench a wave of temporary relief washed over the team. But it was short lived when pieces of Hermione's hair were found clenched in his fist. The fact remained that there was a fierce struggle and fight here and Hermione was still missing.
Ron however was found under a curse and frozen in the corner of the kitchen looking ghastly pale and sick. They had a team of healers removing his curse now and holding him for questioning. The news of Hermione's disappearance had been sent to Harry less than an hour ago but Aberforth knew it wouldn't be long until the strong headed boy would be heading this way. The hard decision of leaving the scene as it was for Harry to go through rested on his shoulders.
Being it was Harry's home he would know best what was out of place to better solve the mystery of what exactly happened. But this was no view to come home to. Aberforth decided to at least have the blood cleaned up and the smell of death removed at once.
"My dear man could you please cover the poor elf's body? He has suffered enough besides having to endure being stared at by your curious gaze!" Aberforth lectured a younger technician.
The young wizard mumbled his apologies and covered Kreacher's badly burned body. He was barely alive when they found him and he had just passed away from his wounds only moments before. Aberforth was able to extract his last memory before his dying breath with the elf's permission. Once he returned to Hogwarts he would use the pensieve to review the incident more clearly. The appearance of Dolohov immediately pointed to the Masked Wizard Sytravious as the main suspect in the crime. Aberforth saw first hand that Sytravious was the last person seen with the death eater before right before their duel a few months before.
"Minister Dumbledore? The boy wishes to speak with you now." One of the investigator's informed him causing him to snap out of his thoughts.
"Yes of course…." Aberforth turned away from the horrific scene in the kitchen as his men continued to clean up the blood.
Ron was up in the drawing room sipping a hot tea while being looked over by a healer. He was badly shaken up and in a daze. The memory of the kidnapping was a fog to him and he struggled greatly to recollect anything at all.
"I'm sorry sir it's mainly a blank. The last thing I recall was walking to Hogsmeade for some reason and then it's all fuzzy. I don't remember how I got here. But I do remember her voice……. She was pleading for my help. But I couldn't move….I-I couldn't even see her." Ron sunk his head and wiped a tear away.
"Dear boy you were under one of the oldest and most powerful spells known to the magical world. An Imperious curse is difficult for even the most skilled wizard to resist. Surely everyone will understand." Aberforth tried reasoning with Ron.
"Will Harry? Will he understand that I led the girl we both befriended and fell in love with to her most likely end? She has to be ok…she has to be, I couldn't live with myself if Hermione is harmed…." Ron slumped into the couch and closed his eyes.
The emotion trauma had him spent and he could barely sit up much less speak anymore. Aberforth decided to let him be until later on. He thought about Ron's last question now. Would Harry react badly to this discovery of Ron's unconscious role or would he understand? Aberforth hoped for the sake of peace and friendship that tempers were in check. Staring at the wall clock he sighed a breath of worry as the timing for Harry's arrival was surely coming closer.
"Mr. Weasley why do you think they took Hermione? It doesn't make sense….You see the war has already begun and Harry is clearly at the forefront of it. Any enemies would have clearly done battle with Harry regardless no? Why provoke him further?" Aberforth pondered his thoughts to Ron.
"I don't know….Hermione mentioned a few days ago that Harry was friends with that Masked Wizard. How he got along with anyone like that is beyond my reasoning but maybe he wants to get Harry away from the army to fight alone? Poor Hermione got dragged into this mess…… If Harry would have just left her alone…." Ron started to say.
"Then I believe we would be investigating the disappearance of your sister Ginny instead Mr. Weasley. Don't assume that Harry's relationship or lack of one with Hermione would have made her any safer either." Aberforth lectured while looking over his spectacles.
"I know I didn't mean to imply…..I just wish this was a bad dream. We have to get her back Professor. Do you think there is a real chance?" Ron asked almost pleading.
"I don't know, It all depends what the motivation behind the attack was. The ministry lacks the resources now to pursue this past our borders. With the war going on I have only been left with the power to run the administrative side of things while Minister Shacklebolt is away. However even if we did have the man power I don't think there is anyone in our ranks who has the means to go after this Sytravious head on. It's an obvious trap and whoever walks into is in grave danger. I can't think of any of my men willing to take on such a task…..except of course….." Aberforth was interrupted by the sounds of crashing dishes and shouts from downstairs.
The Gryffindor common room was packed as the many students talked about the absence of the head girl and Ronald Weasley. With out the prefect and Hermione present the leadership of the house students was left with the head mistress and she took one last look over the room before slipping into Hermione's suite that was vacated by Harry weeks earlier. It was eerily quiet and devoid of life compared to the last few months at school. It was as if the room itself was in mourning from the absence of Hermione and Harry. Mcgonagall slumped into the sitting room couch and sighed heavily wondering what could possibly go wrong after this.
Her answer came from the loud shouts of the students out side the door as the knob began to rattle roughly and someone could be heard swearing under their breath. Minerva stood up and was about to head for the door when it burst open off its hinges and came crashing down onto the floor of the sitting room. The students stood in shocked silence as Harry strode into the room with wand in hand wearing a look of fierce anger and worry on his face. His jaw was clenched tightly shut while he surveyed the empty room until he fixed his blood shut eyes on the head mistress.
She could tell he was extremely upset and had been crying. But the look he had now made her approach him with a calm and cautious tone.
"Harry…..I'm sorry dear. She isn't here anymore……." Mcgonagall whispered.
"What happened? Where is she? Who did this!?" Harry shouted out as he hurried into Hermione's bedroom. Neville came into view now panting and out of breath from the common room. He looked at the broken door and up to the head mistress. They exchanged worried glances and they winced at the sound of Harry crashing things around the bedroom.
"I don't know what's going on Harry please try to calm down. The students are worried enough with the war and the absence of Hermione and Ron….." She called out to him in the bedroom.
Harry quieted down and slowly walked back into the sitting room. The Gryffindor students were all peering into the suite nervously but with awe at the sight of Harry's arrival. All eyes were on him as he stared into the head mistress's eyes curiously.
"Did you say Ron's absence? He is gone too?!" Harry asked worried.
"Oh dear…….they didn't tell you then? Yes Harry, Ron and Hermione disappeared about the same time. He was seen coming in this room and they have been gone ever since." Mcgonagall was holding back her own tears as she spoke. The hurt expression on Harry's face was too much to bear. She sat down and looked away from him.
"What the bloody hell……?" Harry balled his fists and stared into the fire speechless.
Just then Ginny came running into the room and threw her arms around Harry's neck as her tears flowed down her face. She had been in her room crying when she heard the uproar from down stairs. A fellow student had gotten her with the news of Harry's arrival.
"Harry! It's awful! They just up and vanished with no warning, you have to find them please…..!" Ginny cried out while holding him.
Harry let her cry while he patted her back. He stared at Neville and back to the opening where all the students were staring.
"Do you think you could close the…." Harry started to say.
"Door? Afraid not mate. You kind of destroyed it on your way in remember, forget the password?" Neville asked pointing to the splintered door.
"Err right……password" Harry rubbed his temples and took in a deep breath. He stared into the fire again letting his mind calm down a second while he composed his thoughts. A small sparkle caught his eye though as the fire reflected off of it. It was on the floor near the fireplace.
Harry slowly pulled Ginny's grasp off him and set her down on the couch next to Mcgonagall who now hugged her for and soothed her sobs. He walked slowly to the fireplace and knelt down examining the carpet closer.
"Neville bring me a vial…." Harry mumbled.
Neville walked over and pulled a small glass vial from his pouch and handed it over. Harry immediately took it and pinched some of the sparkling powder from the floor and put it inside the vial. Both aurors stared at the familiar substance for a moment before Harry spoke again.
"Floo powder…..What ever happened to them at least we know they left from Hogwarts willingly. Where were they going?" Harry asked out loud.
"Wish I knew mate…" Neville answered. He was glad Harry had started to speak calmer for once. Ever since the news in Nurmenguard of Hermione's disappearance Harry had been in a rage. Neville had to scramble just to keep up with him.
"Did you say floo powder? If that's how they really left here then there is a way to follow their path." Mcgonagall spoke up with hope.
Harry looked back at her now and clenched his jaw again. He exchanged looks with Neville and Ginny then stood up.
"How do we follow?" He asked impatiently.
The fireplace in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place lit up brightly with green flames to the surprise of the team of wizards working the crime scene. Harry and Neville jumped out of the flames and into the kitchen with impressive speed.
The shock of where he was and the scene in front of him hit him like a train in his chest. It was his own kitchen that Hermione had traveled to and it now lay in chaos with broken glass and cabinets everywhere. The chairs of the table were thrown over and the table itself was cracked badly. To make Harry even more upset he now took in the sight of strange men standing there staring at him startled with a dead body covered in sheets at their feet and Hermione was nowhere in sight. Harry had seen enough. The time for questions would come later.
He pointed his wand without thinking and slashed it across the room at the men. A blast of strong wind sent the wizards and even more dishes flying across the kitchen and into the furthest wall as they screamed in protest. One scrambled to run out the kitchen but Harry kicked the table with brute force sending it sliding across the floor and into the door with a loud bang blocking the mans path. Harry pointed his wand at the mans face with rage in his eyes while Neville rushed to try to decipher who the men were and what was going on.
"Wait wait!! Please Mr. Potter I am with the ministry! We are here with Minister Dumbledore at his personal request. I am not the enemy please!" The young wizard begged while shutting his eyes tightly.
Neville carefully and slowly put his hand over Harry's arm and pushed the wand down away from the scared mans face. Harry was breathing deeply and still glaring at the man but allowed Neville to move him away.
"He is telling the truth Harry. I got the credentials from the other men." Neville said calmly.
The kitchen door was forced open with the force of Aberforth's spell and the old wizard came rushing into the kitchen followed by Ron and the healer.
"What the bloody hell are you idiots doing down here….. Oh hello Harry? You're here…" Aberforth cut himself off with a whisper.
"Ron!" Harry rushed over to his friend and grabbed him by the shoulders after a quick hug. He stared into Ron's face with worry and relief and hugged him again.
"Blast it! I thought something terrible had happened to you!" Harry breathed out some stress.
Ron looked away with guilt and Harry could tell something was still very wrong. The realization that Hermione was not amongst their number brought him back to his venomous rage. He scanned the room and looked at the dead body cover on the floor.
Harry walked over before Aberforth could stop him and ripped the cover off Dolohov's dead body. He gasped at first then just stood there staring at the dead death eater with not so hidden anger. He focused now on the fatal injury the man bore on his chest.
"Reducto attack. And the caster meant to kill. Was this you Ron?" Harry asked.
"N-No Harry. I d-don't know what happened…." Ron whispered not looking him in the eye.
"What do you mean you don't know? You were here no? How did Dolohov get in my house anyway?" Harry turned to face Ron.
"Harry please control your anger. I know this is very shocking and hard for you my boy but we have a lot to work out here. For starters Ron was under the Imperious Curse all day. He won't remember anything. The only other persons here during this struggle we know of is Kreacher, Dolohov and obviously Hermione. We can deduct that the elf or Hermione stuck the fatal blow to our death eater here. I'm leaning toward Hermione. We found this in his fist." Aberforth handed over the strands of hair to Harry.
Harry held Hermione's hairs in his hand slowly while his eyes got redder again and glazed over with wet tears. His arm was shaking while he clenched them in his hand. For the first time the rage in Harry overcame the love inside of him and it showed. The room began to slowly tremble and the glasses jingled around and debris began to rise around him as he breathed in deeply with anger.
The men in the room stepped away from him and Aberforth, Neville and Ron as well watched worried at the change in Harry before their very eyes.
"And Kreacher…..?" Harry said through his clenched teeth.
"He didn't make it Harry…..But he is the key to figuring out what happened here….We managed to retrieve his last memory before he died. Harry I'm very sorry for your loss but please calm down…I think you're scaring the men." Aberforth whispered.
Harry glanced over to everyone in the room and saw the fear in their eyes. He took a deep breath and the energy around him began to subside. Looking down into his hands again he caressed the soft hairs before tossing them down except for one. He twirled the one hair around his finger into a loop and placed it in his locket with Hermione's picture.
"So the Imperious Curse? Is that how they got in Ron?" Harry asked now as he looked at Ron in the eye.
Ron gulped and said nothing but slowly nodded as his eyes watered again.
Harry quickly strode toward Ron before anyone could get between them and grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him while asking questions.
"Do you remember who attacked you? Where were you going, what were you doing last!? Think Ron!" Harry shouted out.
"Harry please calm…" Aberforth and Neville started to say.
"IF SOMEONE TELLS ME TO CALM DOWN OR RELAX ONE MORE TIME THERE GOING TO BE A SERIOUS MISUNDERSTANDING IN HERE!!!!" Harry shouted at the top of his lungs.
The room went silent and Ron slumped in Harry's grasp sliding down to the floor. He was distraught and his emotions were getting the better of him.
"I-I don't really recall. I was in the great hall with the gang then I remember being in Hogsmeade but that's it. Next thing I know I'm like in a darkness and I can hear Hermione calling me for help but I can't move or even see her. And a s-scary voice talking to me….." Ron's eyes lit up as he remembered more.
Aberforth stood up now and joined Harry next to Ron while listening in. All ears clung to Ron's voice.
"A v-voice was speaking to me very deep and creepy. It said something about you getting your girlfriend when you go to a battle? I don't remember I'm sorry Harry. Please don't hate me mate? I couldn't control myself. Please….." Ron whispered.
"I don't hate you Ron……But I need you to remember more. We have got to get Hermione back before it's too late. You said Hogsmeade? Do you remember where you were?" Harry asked impatiently.
"Uhhhh……I don't know ummmm….The Three Broomsticks! That's it. But I know I wasn't there for a drink!" Ron added when all looked at him with suspicion.
"Professor take that memory you collected to Mcgonagall's office in Hogwarts and please wait for me there. You gentleman please see to it that Kreacher's body is properly wrapped and taken care of. Neville go to the Three Broomsticks and speak to Madam Rosmerta. See if she remembers seeing Ron earlier yesterday." Harry spoke his instructions calmly while looking at Ron with sympathy.
"I'm sure Dolohov's body will be inspected further by our examiners?" Harry asked Aberforth.
"Certainly my boy. I'll see to it that everything is taking care of here. No worries. Where are you going though?" Aberforth asked.
"I'm going to take Ron back personally. I know someone who will want to see him…." Harry extended his hand down to Ron who was still slouching on the kitchen floor.
Ron grabbed his hand firmly and Harry tugged him up to his feet.
"Neville meet us in Mcgonagall's office when you're done in Hogsmeade?" Harry asked.
"Sure thing Harry. You can count on me." Neville popped out of the room in a twirl and Aberforth apparated away as well.
Harry took one last look around the destroyed kitchen and wondered what Hermione must be going through. On the kitchen counter he spotted what looked exactly like his silver charm necklace. The chain had been broken but the locket remained intact. It was Hermione's matching one to his. Grabbing the charm he slid it onto his own chain and silently prayed that her brains and guts would keep her alive long enough for him to find her. And he would find her he promised himself. No matter who got in his way or what he had to do.
"Come on Ron. We're going back to Hogwarts….." Harry held out his arm.
Ron grabbed hold of it and the two friends popped away out of the kitchen leaving the ministry officials to clean and sort through the mess.
HERMIONE
All Hermione knew when she woke up was that her head was throbbing terribly. There was a painful bump where Dolohov's knee had struck her. The memories of the kidnapping flooded her brain and she sat up quickly trying to look around but her head was covered with a dark sack and she could not see anything but darkness. The sound of dripping water could be heard though with the small quick footsteps of rats.
Hermione shivered and wondered where Sytravious had brought her. Was she in Nurmenguard? Her body was sore all over and she felt the strong need for water. Her coughing alerted her visitors in the room of her consciences.
"Our guest has awoken it seems" Glenda said aloud as he voice echoed in the room.
Hermione stiffened up and tilted her head in the direction of the voice while wishing this was all a bad dream.
"So it seems she has my lady." Fang answered.
"You have done excellent! Let's take a look at the precious thing…" Glenda's voice was much closer now and Hermione flinched when she felt the sack being removed from her head.
Hermione was in a dark stone room she saw now. Almost like a dungeon. Small torches flanked the walls and strong steel bars lined the wall behind the witch standing over her. It was a prison cell she was in.
"Rise and shine sweetheart! Isn't this lovely…. Hermione right?" Glenda asked with an evil smile.
Hermione glared at the witch and turned her face away defiantly. Fang met her gaze now and sneered back at her shaking his head slowly.
"Is that anyway to treat your hostess?" Glenda replied with anger.
Her wand was out a second later and she shot multiple bolts of electricity out of it and into Hermione while the younger girl screamed out in pain. The cruel torture continued for several long minutes that seemed like years for Hermione when Glenda finally grew bored with it and lowered her wand.
"Now let's try this again love. Hermione's the name right?" Glenda asked again with a cold tone.
"Y-yes…..that's' right." Hermione groaned out as she lay on her side hugging her body tightly from the pain of the attack.
"I would ask you if you knew why you're here but from what I hear of your brilliant mind I assume you have figured that much out on your own hmmmm?" Glenda added.
"Yes…….You want to bait H-Harry." Hermione replied trembling from fear of another shock of electricity.
"Very good…..You catch on quick. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Glenda Grindelwald. You met my son I'm sure. Sytravious can be a bit stubborn sometimes but in the end he always see's things my way. While he is the power behind this war make no mistake I am the brains. " Glenda smirked down at Hermione.
"Why are you doing this? I don't understand this war? Sytravious and Harry were friends why would he want to kidnap me?" Hermione pleaded.
Glenda responded with another shock of electricity which sent a wave of burning pain through Hermione's body again as she screamed loudly into the empty dungeon.
"Friends!? You say friends? Bahh! Rubbish! We don't care about friendship. This is about the wand and putting wizards in their rightful place in society. Harry and Sytravious seem to want to pussy foot around fighting and I lack the patience. You're here to speed things along. But don't get too comfortable Ms. Granger. I highly doubt a rescue is in your future. Harry will lose to my son I can assure you. And before he does you will be long gone. Until then…" Glenda shocked Hermione one more time for the pleasure of the sweet sound of her screams.
Hermione lay on the floor shaking in pain as her tears wet her cheeks. Her hand slowly reached for her locket around her neck. But she found nothing there. It must have fallen off in the kitchen she thought as she cried harder. The sound of Glenda leaving brought her some hope for peace but it was interrupted by Fang's voice.
"Poor child…. All alone and so far away from home. Fear not you may be on your final moments before death but I can assure you I won't let you die unhappy." He leaned over her limp body face down and smelled her hair deeply.
Hermione stiffened up and turned her face away from him.
"Such innocent beauty…..it would be a shame to let it go to waste." Fang kissed her cheek softly allowing his tongue to trace along the spot he kissed.
Hermione twisted quickly beneath him and connected her elbow to his nose making a crunching noise as she did so. He jumped up in pain and held his nose while she sat up and aimed a well placed kick to his groin. It connected with a strong snap while he grunted in more pain.
Hermione jumped to her feet and headed for the door to her cell which was still open. Her feet tried to run as fast as possible but the attack from Glenda left her severely weakened she realized and she was in more of a slow jog. Fang got up slowly and with rage pointed his wand at the door as it slammed shut before she could reach it.
"I should have known better based on what you did to Dolohov. I should be lucky you don't have your wand hmmmm? Now it seems some manners are missing here. Allow me to teach you." Fang shot out the Crucio Curse with no remorse as Hermione yelled out once again in pain and fell to the floor squirming around in anguish.
"Yes yes…..feel the pain!" Fang's eyes widened with sick pleasure as Hermione screamed.
He finally stopped and left her laying there whimpering in tears. Taking a strong hold of his nose he popped the bone back into place with a grunt. He would ask one of his men to mend it properly later. Staring down at Hermione he decided now wasn't the time for pleasure. She still had too much fight in her. Maybe after a few more days when her morale was at its lowest he would return to finish. Fang kicked her in the ribs as he walked over her to leave.
Hermione shrieked in pain as she held her side. The sound of the door slamming shut and Fang's fading footsteps signaled the end of her torture for now. Despite all the fear and horror she felt her tears were more for the thought of Harry and what he must be feeling now. He would surely react badly and walk right into their trap. She cried some more while rubbing her ribs. Would she ever see him again? This was worse than she imagined.
Hermione got up slowly and limped over to a small cot she spotted in a corner. As she attempted to lay on it she felt a sharp object poking her painfully in her leg.
"Ouch…" She mumbled as she went to rub the sore spot.
What she felt gave her first feeling of hope that day. The shape of a small wand stuck out of her stocking where she left it hours ago. Her hand immediately dug into her stocking and she pulled Kreachers present out and held it tightly in her hand.
"Please please work….." Hermione whispered.
"Lumos!" Her voice rang out as the wand lit up the room.
HOGWARTS
Harry and Ron popped back into Hermione's suite at Hogwarts about an hour after he left Ginny and Mistress Mcgonagall. The room was now empty though as it was dinner time at the castle. Everyone was most likely in the great hall.
"Ron why don't you clean up in my old room and go down to Ginny. She was distraught when I last saw her. Besides you could probably use a hot meal." Harry said as he held on of Hermione's school robes in his hands.
"I bet you could use a real meal more than I could Harry. With living in the wilderness the last month……want to come with?" Ron asked.
"I'll be down to say goodbye before I leave, I promise. But I have to meet Aberforth in Mcgonagall's office first. That memory will answer my questions once and for all. Go on then." Harry answered gesturing towards the shower.
"Can I leave with you Harry? I know I can help! Besides this is all my fault. Let me help get her back mate?" Ron begged.
"Listen Ron I appreciate the offer and I know you care for Hermione too. And I mean this with no disrespect but you have done enough for the day. Besides if you got hurt going along with me I would have your loss on my conscience as well……." Harry caught his breath in his throat from admitting he may have lost Hermione.
"I wouldn't get in the way I swear…. She is my best friend too Harry! Please let me do this?" Ron pleaded.
"Ron just stay out of this! Leave this to me. There is things that must be done that I'm ready to do and you aren't. I'm willing to kill or be killed with no remorse. No prejudice of who gets in my way. Can you say the same? I'll see you later now go eat!" Harry stormed out of the room and left Ron staring wide eyed into the fireplace.
Aberforth sat in a plump chair in his brother's old office. Twirling the memory of Kreacher in his fingers he stared at Dumbledore's portrait and listened to Albus give his advice. It was nice to see a living memory of his brother even if it was just a small extension of him.
"You must try and reason with Harry Aberforth, He is in a very fragile state I imagine. Slipping into darkness isn't far off if not properly guided." Albus stated calmly.
"I understand…..Not easily done but I will keep my eye on him. Advice only works when taken. Albus, we can't pursue this as far as Harry will be wanting to go. The ministry is completely stretched with the battle. He won't take that well I imagine." Aberforth replied.
"Harry is much wiser and understanding than you realize. I'm more concerned with what ideas he might entertain when coming to the conclusion he will be going it alone." Albus responded.
Harry walked into the room now and closed the door behind him. Aberforth stood up and they both walked to the pensieve by the window.
"I can look at it if you like? You don't have to watch this Harry." Aberforth offered.
"No it's alright sir. I need to know. Put it in…." Harry took a deep breath and waited.
Aberforth sighed and opened the vial and began to pour the memory into the basin. The liquid began to glow and Harry leaned forward and opened his eyes as the foggy vision came into focus.
Harry was in a dark cupboard next to Kreacher. The sounds of deep hurried voices were coming from the kitchen. Kreacher stayed huddled in his hiding place mumbling foul words about the unwelcome visitors. Harry tried to make out the voices but he couldn't. They were to muffled. The sounds of his cabinets slamming open and the contents being thrown around could be heard now. Kreacher slowly opened his cabinet door a crack and peered out.
Harry could make out the shape of Dolohov moving around the kitchen. He was alone and mumbling under his breath while searching through the pantry. The fireplace began to glow with green flames and Dolohov looked up and Kreacher closed the cabinet door again.
Harry saw the lights dim outside in the kitchen and heard the arrival of Hermione and Ron into the kitchen as well. Hearing her voice now made his stomach flip.
"What happened here Ron? Where is Harry? Is everything…." Her voice was cut off by the sound of feet running rapidly and a strong thud on the floor.
"Death eaters! Ron get Harry quickly!" Hermione could be heard screaming.
Harry felt his rage build up inside of him. He wanted to run out there and help but he knew it was just a memory and he was at the mercy of what Kreacher saw.
After another loud crash in the kitchen Hermione cried out again.
"Owww! Ron please do something! Help!" Hermione screamed.
Harry felt his own tears fall out his eyes now and his anger was building.
A loud grunt from Dolohov signaled that Hermione was fighting back. Crashing dishes were hitting the floor and then a loud hard bang rang out on the kitchen table. Kreacher stood up with a look of rage and opened the cupboard door. Harry gratefully followed him out into the kitchen to view the rest of the memory.
Dolohov was standing by the counter looking angrier than ever and Hermione was laying on her back on the table holding her head in pain. Ron was standing like a statue in the corner by the fireplace oblivious to the whole scene.
Harry watched as Hermione glanced over in his direction and saw Kreacher emerge. She looked down at the floor at her wand and dived quickly for it. Dolohov made a move to cut her off but the sound of Kreachers yell stopped him in his tracks.
The elf had waved his arms over his head in a fancy move Harry didn't recognize as all the broken dishes and glasses in the kitchen circled over him in the air in a whirlwind and shot forward at Dolohov as they broke on his face and body opening several gashes and cuts. Dolohov was cursing while trying to block the attack of the old elf. Harry watched as the death eater ran full speed at Kreacher and kicked him roughly across the room as the poor elf landed into the fireplace and started to burn from the flames.
Hermione's scream caught Harry's attention but the memory was all unfocused now and blurry. She shot off her attack and the reducto hit Dolohov square in the chest as the blood sprayed everywhere. Harry realized now what a great job Aberforth had done cleaning up the scene. The sight of Hermione's attacker bleeding to death brought a certain pleasure to Harry as he watched Dolohov die. But the memory started to get darker and fade some more. Harry couldn't make out Hermione's face anymore and the sounds were muffled. Kreacher was dying in the fire and it had effected his memory of everything that happened next.
Harry struggled to hang on and see what came next. A group of men ran into the kitchen now. One slipped and cursed as he fell. Hermione tried to attack him but a tall dark haired man came in and disarmed her. He wore a golden mask and dark robes. The mark of Grindelwald was still in focus on him…….It was Sytravious?
Harry watched enraged and the masked wizard struck one of his own men who was staring at Hermione with lust. He then walked to her and struck her down with a stunning spell. The room began to fade away into darkness now. Harry pulled his head out of the pensieve quickly.
"It can't be! I won't believe it!" he shouted out.
"What is it Harry? What did you see?" Aberforth asked as he helped Harry sit down.
"It was fucking Sytravious! He took Hermione, that no good back stabbing……I can't believe he would stoop this low? Why!?" Harry yelled out clenching a his fist.
Aberforth lowered his head. He had a strong feeling the masked wizard was behind this but held it back just in case he was wrong. His fears were realized and he would have to tell Harry now that there was nothing the ministry could do.
"I assume it's a trap to bait you my boy….My instincts make me want to tell you not to fall for it but I know you won't abandon Hermione……I'm so sorry Harry." Aberforth mumbled.
"But I just saw him that same night? How did he get here and back so fast…….He was in his dragon form! I bet the bastard grabbed her and flew back! She was probably right under my nose……" Harry sunk his head down not listening to Aberforth. His anger was building.
"Harry…..Listen to me now." Albus spoke from his portrait.
Harry lifted his head and stared at his old head master with sadness.
"Yes sir?" Harry whispered.
"This is a most terrible incident that we find ourselves in now. If this dark lord has taken Hermione he has done it to get to you personally. He wants you to react rashly and rush to her rescue. You mustn't be baited so easily. If you do I fear you will fail and both you and Hermione will be lost. I suggest returning to the battle and pressing forward with the ministries army and pray you get to Hermione. But going after her alone on your own is too dangerous." Albus stated.
"If I wait that long she is as good as dead either way then. I can't do that sir. You're right it is too dangerous going after her on my own. Sytravious is very powerful and so is his army. But I don't intend on going after them without help." Harry whispered as he stood up.
"Listen here Harry. I know you have that wand but do you really think a wand on it's own can take on the most powerful dark wizard and his army at once? As much as I would want to hope so we both know it's not the case. Be rational please….." Aberforth pleaded.
"He is right Harry, I wielded that very wand you hold now for many years. It is very powerful true but it won't win you a war. You can only fight one person at a time in a proper duel not legions of them." Albus added.
"Yes….you are both right. I understand that now." Harry said nodding quietly.
"I'm glad you are seeing things with a clear mind Harry. Now we can make arrangements to fill Kingsley in of the situation and send you back to…." Aberforth began to say.
"I'm still going after her sir. Odds against me or not I have to try. What would you do if you were in my place?" Harry asked both Dumbledore's.
They both looked at him sadly and Aberforth sighed.
"What if you had the chance to save your sister? If it was her who had been kidnapped? Would you hold back and leave it to the ministry to get to it on their own time? I don't fault you for not being able to help more but don't get in my way either." Harry spoke clearly.
"And how do you propose to meet the strength of Sytravious and his forces? How will you muster the power for such a suicidal task?" Aberforth asked dumbfounded.
His brother's portrait however lowered his head and the older Dumbledore looked at Harry with great worry.
"I think I know what your going to do Harry. And I must say I disagree completely. Much to dangerous. Don't go down that path , you may not be able to find your way back…."Albus told Harry sternly.
"I'm sorry professor but I must break that promise I made in this very office last year. It's my only option now…." Harry replied.
"What are you two going on about then? I'm lost here. What path? What promise?" Aberforth asked completely lost.
Just then Neville came into the office running. He slammed the door shut behind him and caught his breath while motion for Harry to come closer.
"Got something for me?" Harry asked glad to get away from the awkward conversation with the Dumbledore's.
"You bet I do! Madam Rosmerta says Ron came in yesterday acting strange. He was trying to pay her back a debt he didn't owe. Then get this…..After she explains he lost his marbles he asks her if she is sure she didn't send "Malfoy" to fetch him! Draco sent Ron to Hogsmeade." Neville revealed.
Harry's eyes narrowed and he balled his fists. Somehow he wasn't shocked.
"Come with me Neville. It seems I will be stopping in the great hall for supper after all." Harry stormed out the office with Neville at his heels. Aberforth went to follow but his brother's portrait called out to him.
"Aberforth! Wait….. Please stay and talk with me. We have much to discuss." Albus stated.
"About what? How to properly dispose of Draco's body after Harry is done with him?" Aberforth replied impatiently.
"Don't worry the staff is down there and Harry's friends won't let him kill anyone. Besides if he is really going to do what I think he is then it will be up to you to bring him back. Sit down." Albus said in a serious tone.
"What is this about Albus?"
"What do you know of the Deathly Hallows?" Albus asked looking over his spectacles.
The great hall was filled with all the house students and the tables were completely covered in the finest foods the house elves could cook as usual. So many conversations were going at once that Harry couldn't make out anything intelligent besides the loud rambling of students. Neville stayed close by as Harry walked into the hall casually and went toward the Gryffindor table where Ron was flanked by Ginny, Luna, and Dean along with many other house students trying to pry his story out of him. Ron saw Harry coming and straightened up.
"Leaving already? Ron asked as people now took Notice of Harry's presence in the hall.
"Not quite…Come with me Ron you might be able to help me after all." Harry said holding in his anger.
Ron got up and followed him curiously as all eyes were on the trio as Neville still followed Harry as well. Harry marched straight toward the Slytherin table as Draco's eyes now grew wider in fear.
"Anyone who get's in the way take out immediately. I don't care who it is. You will understand in a second here." Harry spoke back to Ron and Neville.
And then with lighting fast speed Harry leaped over the table of Slytherin students as Draco tried to run and tackled the blonde onto the floor with brute force. Some of Draco's fellow students tried to jump in and help their friend but Ron punched two of them to the floor while Neville pointed his wand at the rest holding out his badge.
Harry pulled Draco up roughly and threw him hard into the painted glass window in the hall and Draco went crashing through it as the sound of breaking glass shocked everyone in the hall and Hagrid and the other professors ran to try and take charge of the scene.
But Harry was too fast and jumped out the window after Draco landing right on top of him as Draco grunted out in pain. He rained down punch after punch into the blondes face until the crunch of Draco's nose brought him back to his senses.
"You no good git! Still up to the same old evil plotting huh? Did you think I wouldn't find out!? They took Hermione you idiot!" Harry yelled down into Draco's horrified face.
"My mother! They had my mother! If I didn't send Ron over to them they were going to kill her!" Draco shouted back.
"So throw my two best friends under the bus to save your own!? I have no sympathy for you. Too may times I saved your ass while you got away with murder!" Harry yelled.
Draco lay there under him coughing and moaning in pain. Hagrid finally made it to them and pulled Harry off him looking confused as ever.
"What's this about?!" Hagrid boomed out in his loud voice.
"Once again Draco is helping out the enemy. And once again he has the perfect excuse…" Harry spoke with anger.
"Just kill me already Potter! I'm tired of this curse over my head. I'm damned either way. If I'm guilty for protecting my own family then take me straight to Azkaban right now." Draco mumbled as he rolled on his side spitting out blood.
"Who bribed you with your mother's death then?" Ron asked.
"That damned dark lord we are at war with now! Who do you think?" Draco replied wincing in pain.
"You could have came to the ministry! You could have done so much more than just hand Hermione and Ron over and a silver plate you stupid git! Always so quick to resort to the easy way out….." Harry said glaring at Draco.
"It's easy for you to say that Potter. I wasn't the one who destroyed the dark lord and the one everyone clings to now for hope of destroying the next one. I don't think like you do." Draco replied.
"Is your mother ok then?" Harry asked.
"Yes!" Draco said.
"Good….go to hell Draco." Harry punched him again in the jaw snapping the blondes head back as he landed on his back with a thump.
Harry jumped back in the window with his nerves and emotions at their peak. He had wasted enough time here already. He knew all he needed too. Hermione was taken by Sytravious and Sytravious was in Germany. He would be leaving Hogwarts straight away. But one pit stop was in order.
"Neville….. Go back to Kingsley. Apologize for me. I won't be joining you guys for the main battle. But tell him I will do all I can to give them hell on the inside. They have Hermione…. I have to get her." Harry whispered.
"Oh shit…..I understand Harry. I'll tell him. Please be careful…." Neville looked extremely nervous.
"Harry! Please let me come? I don't care how dangerous it will be. I'm no good back here, I'll have Hermione on my mind all day. Ron asked with a tense look.
"Ron I told you already. You will lonely get in the way or be killed. If you want to fight so bad join the army like everyone else did." Harry said as he walked out the hall.
Ron stood there thinking deeply as Neville and Harry exited the castle. Perhaps Harry was onto something. If Harry wouldn't let him come along perhaps he would go on his own terms. Ron ran up to his dorm to write Charlie a letter.
As Harry and Neville walked out of the castle and into the grounds outside Neville turned to Harry with a worried look and asked him a question.
"So what about you then? Where are you going now and how are you going to get her back?" Neville gulped nervously.
"I won't be far behind you Neville. I imagine we will be fighting not too far off from each other. Don't worry about me though. You stay close to Kingsley and Proudfoot ok? They will watch your arse better than I ever could." Harry patted his friends shoulder.
"What are you going to do for real Harry? Don't walk into a death trap! It doesn't make sense….." Neville tried reasoning.
"Someday when you are truly in love and you have found your soul mate you will understand Neville. With out her I am already dead see? Take care mate. Good luck out there." Harry turned and walked away.
Neville stood there in the dark watching his friend leave. Harry was the bravest friend he ever had or knew. He looked in admiration as Harry now went on a solo mission facing the worst foe or obstacle thus far. But as Neville stood watching and waiting for him to apparate away Harry did something that made Neville raise an eyebrow in strong confusion. He wasn't using magic to leave at all. He was heading straight into…… The Forbidden Forrest?
NURMENGUARD
The gates of Nurmenguard were wide open and legion after legion of men and creatures marched out stomping their feet into the ground in unison. It created a deep echoing sound in the ground that could be heard far off. Drums and horns sounded off as well signaling the beginning of their defense of their fortress. The Order Of The Dragon marched west and Grindelwalds Army led by Sytravious marched north. The flying armada of ships split up and escorted the armies to the battle fields.
Sytravious was furious at the surprise attack on the tower the night before. He had managed to get his mother and Raven out before the building collapsed. Shen Lung fled on his own but many didn't escape in time. Not that Sytravious cared about that. He was furious that the tower was destroyed after his grandfather had gone through so much to build it. He was looking forward to exacting his vengeance on the waiting army to the north. Word was that Gawain Robards , head of the aurors in England, was leading the force to the north. The chance to duel the man excited Sytravious. Of course now that the tower was gone all he was really defending was the many other buildings left inside the fortress walls. His mother and Raven stayed behind in the dungeons underneath the old tower. They would hold the fort and prepare any reinforcements needed. However Fang's absence greatly disturbed him. Fang had resurfaced right after the explosion and had been acting odd all day. He even stayed behind with Raven. No matter though. Sytravious's focus was on the upcoming battle.
His army marched proudly and openly toward the waiting forces of Europe. Once the battle started it wouldn't end until one side was completely destroyed. And even if all his men died today the victory would still be his. For who could hope to challenge Sytravious power?
The horizon came into view now past the tree's of the forest and the waiting army could be seen with their banners waving and bagpipes playing with their own drums. Sytravious smirked and signaled his ships to announce the beginning of the war. Cannons from all fifty wooden vessels rang off into the morning and the dark magical reducto blasts flew overhead at the waiting eight nation army.
Kingsley stood at the lead of the forces to the west. He could hear the start of Gawain's battle up north and wondered when his battle would begin. Thousands of wizards and witched stood in ranks behind him as they walked forward stealthily toward the forest.
After a few moments. He could make out the shapes of the flying ships in the distance and the roar of the Chinese Soldiers as they came running forward. Kingsley made a signal to the lieutenants to his right and they ordered their men to release the dragons that were chained up behind the army.
In a perfect formation twenty dragons of all breeds sprang up into the air and made a beeline for the ships while Kingsley had his forces spread out into smaller formations and charge forward at the Order Of the Dragon. The war had kicked off on all fronts and it looked to be a gruesome one. Kingsley wondered if and when Harry would make it back. He knew that Harry was so young to be relied upon as much as he was. But he would be lying to himself if he said he didn't wish he were there now with his own men.
To the north explosions sent earth and wizard flying into the air. And spells clashed everywhere. Curses were blocked and countered. And a great display of spells filled the air and ground. To the west dragons collided with ships in mid air and foreign wizards and witches fought bravely along side others from different countries they never met as they faced a common foe. Shen Lung marched his men forward and glared with hate at the tall dark general called Kinglsey. It would be a long bloody day indeed.
The destruction that awaited and the horrific events that would take place in this fortress would be much worse than anyone could imagine. It would start as a war and end with the duel for the Elder Wand. And such a duel would bring forth the long awaited answer to the old question. What happens when and immovable object clashes with an unstoppable force? All would find out soon enough……