The missing day
Chapter 25
"Here?" Hermione gasped as Draco maneuvered them into a deserted corridor. "It's not possible."
"You thought you were the only one who could take advantage of a deserted bathroom," Draco said looking around him. He tugged the invisibility cloak closer covering any exposed body parts. "This is too small for both if us. If only you had stayed back."
"You do know where it leads to, right?" Hermione asked chewing on her lip ignoring his barb about staying back.
"The chamber of secrets. I know."
"You think we hid all those prisoners in the chamber of secrets. It's not very believable, Draco."
They remained silent when two giggling girls passed by the place both Draco and Hermione were standing. As their laughter died down Draco pulled her forward into the abandoned girls' lavatory.
"Can you think of any other place large enough to hold all the Prisoners in Hogwarts?"
She knew this was the only place available, as the room of requirement had been destroyed during the war. "How did you know of the chamber of secrets?" Hermione asked folding the cloak and stuffing it into her beaded bag.
"Moaning Myrtle," Draco said examining the taps. "She doesn't seem to be here. Perhaps, went for a visit to the black lake."
"Your sixth year," Hermione murmured. Hermione's eyes wandered to his chest, where she knew rested the reminder of his actions. "This is the place Harry attacked you."
Draco heard her. She knew by the sudden change in his posture. But he ignored her and continued to peruse the taps. "This one," he said pointing to the tap, with a serpent on it.
"How do you propose we open that?" Hermione asked placing her hands on her hip. "As far as I remember, both of us are not parselmouths. As a matter of fact, how did you think we opened this if we were here the last time? And I can't even begin to think how exactly we transported all of them here?"
Draco smirked at her and made a horrible strangled hissing noise.
"What the hell was…?" Hermione started to ask but stalling her words the taps started to rearrange themselves creating a passage leading downward.
"Ghosts have secrets too," Draco said winking.
"Myrtle helped you? Usually, she's not known to be cooperative."
"Well, we had developed a kind of friendship during my sixth year. She told me how she died and she pointed me to the Chamber of secrets when I desperately needed to get away from the Carrows, in the seventh year. Enough chitchat. If the prisoners are really down there, there are in need of our help."
Hermione mutely nodded and followed Draco's lead. She took his hand and leaped after him. Hermione was ready to close her nose as she remembered the foul smell from her previous visit to the chamber of secrets. But to her surprise, the stench never came and she observed that the place looked clean. All traces of the previous existence of a humongous snake had been wiped clean.
"This looks suspicious. I still say we should have let either Harry or Ron come," Hermione said looking through a small crack in the wall.
"This is for the best, Granger," Draco said. "If Weasley comes out, he is risking himself. It's better for him to stay hidden until this evening. And as for Potter, he's expected to be in great pain at the loss of his best friends. Don't you think it would be suspicious if he turned out to be inspecting Hogwarts?"
"I suppose so."
"I would have asked you to stay back, but I knew you wouldn't listen," Draco said moving through the tunnels.
"Let's assume the prisoners are here, but how do you think we got all of them here, without the whole school noticing?"
"Granger, you forgot one thing. When those incidents happened, it was Easter break."
"Right. Most of the school would have been empty," Hermione conceded and stopped. But even into an almost empty school, it's impossible to smuggle a group of people without catching somebody's attention. Now they were standing in front of the giant statue of Salazar Slytherin. The Basilisk skeleton had been removed and the murky lake surrounding the statue was now clean. "The whole place is changed," Hermione mused.
"Must be the elves," Draco said as he frantically searched. "Just look at this place. It looks like somebody was living here. I bet the Prisoners are here."
"Draco, if elves are involved, there is a chance the Headmistress knows," Hermione said.
"You are right, Ms. Granger," an authoritative voice sounded just behind them.
Hermione shrieked and brandished her borrowed wand from Ginny.
"Professor McGonagall, how nice to see you," Hermione addressed coming out of her initial shock.
"The sentiment is appreciated, Ms. Granger. But the reason why you had to choose to enter the school secretly, eludes me," McGonagall spoke. "Mr. Malfoy, perhaps you could explain."
"Professor McGonagall, Sorry for this intrusion. But I assure you, we weren't the ones doing anything wrong here," Hermione spoke, while Draco stood there uncomfortably.
"I very well hope so. Why don't we move our conversation to more pleasant conditions."
"Professor McGonagall, please wait," Draco called after her. "I'm afraid we can't come with you."
McGonagall turned around and raised her eyebrow.
"We were just wondering, how did you know that we were here," Hermione mumbled.
"Well after some unexpected events, I had to set up alarms around this place, to alert me about the intruders."
"Right, unexpected events," Draco said meeting Hermione's gaze.
"Precisely, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco made a huffing noise and looked at their professor. "I'm sorry to ask you this, but our memories were tampered."
"I'm sorry, but I must ask you to clarify," the headmistress said folding her hands.
"From your words, we can understand something had happened here. Would you mind telling us, if those events involved either of us?" Hermione said choosing her words carefully. She trusted her Professor whole-heartedly, but the recent events had been a great blow to her confidence.
"I gave my word, that I won't divulge anything under any circumstances," McGonagall said with a concerned expression.
"Please tell us, they are safe," Draco asked desperately.
"Mr. Malfoy, I don't know what you are talking about."
"Professor, please believe us. We have lost our memories of that one day. You are the only one who knows what happened here. You have to trust us," Hermione pleaded.
"Ms. Granger. It is a matter of life and death."
"That means, they're alive," Draco asked with apprehension.
"I think I spoke, more than I intended to. I'm not sure it is you. You may be people impersonating Ms. Granger and Mr. Malfoy."
"You can ask us, anything, Professor. Anything only real Draco and Hermione would know," Hermione pleaded.
"I gave my word, Ms. Granger, that I wouldn't talk about this under any circumstances," McGonagall moved uncomfortably. "I was specifically asked to not to divulge anything even if you personally have asked."
"To whom? To whom did you give your word, Professor?" Draco asked his eyes bearing an urgent expression.
When McGonagall remained silent, Hermione met Draco's eyes. She knew they both were thinking the same thing.
"You gave your word to us," Draco said desperately. "I know your doubts are about me. If it was only her, you wouldn't hesitate this much."
"That is where you're wrong Mr. Malfoy. Through our entire education, we tried to teach everyone is equally important. We don't define anybody by their birth."
"Professor McGonagall, please. It is very important for us to know what had happened on that day. You said lives are dependent on that fact. Just from the fact that we thought of this place, should prove that it is us. If it is not enough proof, I can prove it to you that it is us. We are even ready to take Veritaserum," said Hermione.
"That wouldn't be necessary, Ms. Granger. A simple answer would suffice if you are amenable to it."
"Anything, Professor," Hermione said. When Draco remained silent she gave a hard pinch to his arm.
"Ouch, woman," Draco said rubbing the sore spot on his arm. When she continued with the glare he mumbled. "Yes, Professor."
"Ms. Granger, in your third year," Professor McGonagall started.
"I know, the Time Turner."
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my question. The fact that you used the Time Turner was in fact, known to many. You had seized one item in Harry's possession for me to test."
"His Firebolt," Hermione answered immediately.
"Sorry, Ms. Granger. I had to ask," she then turned to Draco and scrunched her face in thought. A minute later she asked, "In your first year, you had come to me, to complain against Potter."
Draco scratched the back of his neck. "That really wasn't my greatest moment, but I told about them being out of bed. And after that, we were given detention in the Forbidden Forest."
"I remember that. You screamed like a little girl," Hermione chuckled for a moment forgetting the predicament they were in.
Draco's face turned red. But McGonagall got all the confirmation she needed. "Come with me. They are here," she said turning around leading them into one of the passages.
"They are alive?" Hermione asked her eyes shining with tears.
"That's the whole point in her questioning, Granger. I knew they were alive, the moment she started doubting us. Didn't you get that?" Draco scoffed, following their Professor.
His words definitely made sense. She hurried after them to the passage. Professor McGonagall was already halfway through it.
"Did you hear that, Draco. They are alive," Hermione's happy voice resounded in the chamber. Draco smiled looking at the child-like innocence dawning on her face. Her efforts have not gone to waste and many misguided lives could be saved.
"Professor, as I said. Our memories were tampered. Could you please explain, what exactly had happened that day?" Draco asked politely approaching the Headmistress.
"It happened in the early hours. The school was almost empty except for a few students and teachers. Filch complained a disturbance at the abandoned Girls' Lavatory. Fortunately, he wasn't brave enough to venture out and check. So I had to come in," she said stopping in front of a large door.
"They are inside?" Hermione asked reaching them.
"Yes, Ms. Granger. You told me their lives are in danger. I took them in, but you have to remember that they are still prisoners and I can't give them free reins into the school. So I had to take my own measures."
"Meaning?" Draco asked looking at the door.
"I expect you to behave, Mr. Malfoy. I have a school to protect here." With that said, she waved her wand in a spectacular weave and door opened with a loud screech.
Hermione and Draco stood there with their mouths hanging open.
"What do you think?" Professor McGonagall said beaming. "After all, I'm a transfiguration teacher first and a headmistress after that."
There were two humongous statues guarding the main entrance. They glared at Draco and Hermione, but when McGonagall waved them away, their concentration was again fixed on the entrance. As they proceeded further, they saw many cells on either side of them. But they were not dank or morbid. They were warm and filled with light. Many of the prisoners were given books to read. Some were seen painting on the walls inside their room. Hermione even saw Thoros Nott, scribbling on a piece of paper.
"This is incredible," Hermione exclaimed looking at the arrangement in awe.
"Why, thank you, Ms. Granger. Even if they went down the wrong path, they should be given an opportunity to think over and a chance to make reparations."
Draco slowly moved from cell to cell, taking everybody in. "Why aren't they noticing us?"
"They can't see us, Mr. Malfoy. It's better for them. They'll be many things happening around them. For now, it is best not knowing," McGonagall said with a grim expression.
"But Professor, this is all great. But we were wondering if you could explain the circumstances we came here," said Draco.
"I don't know much, Mr. Malfoy. I found you and Ms. Granger in the abandoned bathroom. You were holding a glowing jar in your hand. A jar filled with fireflies."
"Fireflies?" Draco asked scrunching his eyebrows.
"I followed you both to the chamber. But imagine my surprise when Ms. Granger transfigured each one of the fireflies into a real person. Not a normal one, but a dangerous criminal. I was outrageous in the beginning. But you went on explaining how it was important to keep them hidden. I always trust your judgment. So I agreed to take them in."
"I did what?" Hermione asked with her eyes wide.
"That answers your question about how we transported the prisoners. Very impressive, Granger."
"Yes, indeed. It was a proud moment for me, when my student surpassed her teacher in that particular subject," McGonagall said with an affectionate smile. "Anyway, you said their lives were in danger and they have to be protected."
"Did we say who posed the danger?"
"Sadly, no," Professor McGonagall sighed and turned to Hermione. "You said I shouldn't reveal the location under any circumstances. She even told me that there is every chance that people may come in your disguises to claim them. So that's why all the precautions."
"Thanks for your trust, Professor," Hermione said clasping the older woman's hand. "So there was nobody else with us?"
"No, Ms. Granger. Although you did mention Mr. Percy Weasley's name."
"I thought so," Hermione said. "Apparently, he is under Imperius curse."
"What? Who would use an unforgivable on a ministry official? That's a one-way ticket to Azkaban."
"One, who can easily evade it, Professor," Hermione said glumly.
Minerva McGonagall still looked confused.
"It's the Minister of Magic," Draco supplied. "And no, we are not lying. He confessed everything to Granger."
"It's preposterous. Why would Kingsley do something like this?"
"You are asking us why the man who was appointed to protect the people of our magical community, is acting against us? Beats me," Draco said his sarcastic tone clear stating his thoughts.
"Is this true, Ms. Granger?"
"Unfortunately, it is, Professor. I never expected this from Kingsley. He believes all these people don't deserve to live. In fact, he thinks all these people are killed and thrown away into the black sea, surrounding Azkaban."
"But how did you come across them?"
"An imperiused Percy Weasley told Potter something about Prisoners and Hogwarts. So we just wanted to try our luck," said Draco. "And I'm very glad we did," Draco said glancing at the cells. "Professor we have to get back. Kingsley's going to make an announcement that's going to shake the core of our magical community. If his statements get out, there is not one person in the outside world, that will not hesitate to kill any Death Eater. We have to stop him."
"It was a shame, that he had become a monster, who would partake in such heinous activities. I remember when he joined the Order. He was a very skilled Auror and a very active participant in the ministry. But one day his entire family was murdered and his house was burned down. He didn't even get a chance to get a last look at them. That was when Dumbledore inducted him into the Order of the Phoenix. From then, he gave everything he had, to protect the sanctity of our community. I always thought those deep scars in his heart must have been filled out. But from what you are saying, they are still lingering," McGonagall reminisced.
"That's not a reason to carry out a mass-kill," Draco replied hotly.
"I'm not trying to justify what he did, Mr. Malfoy," McGonagall conceded. She met Hermione's nervous gaze and pointed to the cells and asked, "What about them, then?"
"They are safe here," Hermione said biting her lip.
"I cannot keep them here, forever, Ms. Granger."
"For now, they are in great hands, Professor. Their fate would be decided by today evening. If everything goes well, they would be revealed to the public. If not other options should be considered. Probably moving them into hiding or a different country," Draco said with a note of finality in his voice.
"Very well, Mr. Malfoy. Do, what you have to do. They will be kept safe, under all circumstances," she said moving to the entrance. "You have to come with me," she said holding the door for them.
"Yes, of course," Hermione said following her Professor with quick steps.
Soon they all were standing in the girls' abandoned Lavatory. An eerie voice greeted them this time. "Draco, you've come to see me. How wonderfuuuuuuuul," Moaning Myrtle squeaked and splashed water at them.
"How are you, Myrtle?" Draco asked in a friendly voice.
"Great. I was just coming back after meeting the Giant Squid. Next time, you should come with me," she said giggling.
McGonagall gave a stern look at the giggling ghost and walked outside.
"Thanks for the offer, but I'll pass. I'm kind of busy, right now," Draco said guiding Hermione outside.
"You can use the floo in my office. Things will be quick. You don't need to walk back to Hogsmeade for apparating," McGonagall said with a concerned look. "I wish you success, in your current endeavor. I know with my best students putting their stupendous efforts, everything would be alright."
"It means a lot, Professor McGonagall," Hermione said pulling the older lady into her hug. She looked at Draco whose eyes possessed an unknown expression. Was it gratitude or concern or pain, Hermione couldn't decipher.
"Come on, let's go," Hermione said pulling the invisibility cloak over them.
It was not long before they landed on the heavy carpet of the Grimmauld place. She groaned and lifted herself off the floor. She coughed and stumbled to stand. Two arms pulled her up and she gazed into the green eyes of her best friend. Her eyes watered as she whispered, "Draco was right, Harry. They're alive. All of them are there, safe and sound."
Harry gave her a smile and pulled her into a hug. He then turned to the blond who was also covered in ash and asked, "Was your theory correct?"
"Yes," Draco said curtly and looked around. There were many people in the Grimmauld place. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Molly. Sitting opposite to them were the Slytherins. Pansy and Theo gathered around Narcissa who was staring into space.
Draco proceeded to his mother and crouched down in front of her. "Any idea on where Father was being held?"
Narcissa's stoic demeanor dissolved and she bit back a sob. "Andromeda says they are going to execute him in public to set an example."
"No, that's not going to happen. I promise you, mother. I will bring back father. I will not let the minister get away with anything."
"I know, Draco. But he is dangerous. I don't want to lose you too. Andy says he had become quite ruthless," Narcissa said as her lips quivered.
"He doesn't know how a Slytherin mind works. He won't know what hit him. Trust me mother, Kingsley is due for a very rude awakening," Draco said consoling his mother. He looked at Pansy and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He then turned to Theo and pulled him into a hug, "Take care of everybody here." When Theo started to protest he stalled him, "You are more needed here." He pointed at Ron and said, "Look, the hot-headed Gryffindor is also staying back."
"I didn't know that," Ron said with an appalled expression. "Why am I staying back?"
"Ron, we don't want Kingsley to become suspicious," Harry said Patting his friend's back.
"So how come Hermione's not staying back?" Ron counter-attacked.
"Because Hermione is not an idiot like you," Ginny said holding Ron's arm.
"Hermione darling is it safe? They are all out there to get you," Molly said patting Hermione's hair.
"I'll be fine, Mrs. Weasley," she reassured the older woman, but her eyes were fixed on Lady Malfoy.
"The talks didn't go well, between the sisters," Molly whispered in Hermione's ear. "Kingsley was very effective at manipulation. Andromeda had been totally brainwashed. Her sister was able to reach her, but it still wasn't that effective."
She sighed and hugged the older woman and whispered. "Thanks for everything, Molly. Only you can keep everything in control here. The Slytherins, the Blacks and of course our own fearsome Weasleys." Hermione chuckled, seeing Ginny hugging a very red Harry Potter, throwing a snarky remark at Ron.
"Don't you worry about a thing, dear. Now, go march on and show Kingsley what happens when he threatens Hermione Granger."
"Come on, Granger. We have to go," Draco said pointing to his watch.
Hermione pulled Theo into a hug and asked him to keep trust and assured him everything would be fine. She gave Pansy a nod and tried to look at Narcissa. But her gaze remained lost.
As she neared the fireplace, Harry threw the invisibility cloak over them and guided to the floo.
"Is there any chance I can convince you to stay behind," Harry asked looking at Hermione.
"Not a single chance, Harry Potter. Now come on, we need to go. The world needs to be saved," she said looping her hands with Draco. She saw him cringe at her actions and words, but their hands stayed together.
"You have to come immediately after me," Harry said to Draco and Hermione, jumping into the green flames.
"Is this where your second part of the plan comes into play?" Hermione asked as they walked towards the fireplace.
Draco's eyes turned to hers and he gulped. "Hermione, I'm not sure the plan's going to work."
Hermione's eyes widened at his declarations. But she didn't let those doubts reach her heart. She smiled and gave a feather lite kiss to his lips. "Don't worry. We will make it work," she said pulling him into the floo.
A/N: My apologies for the delay in getting this chapter online. Hopefully, the next chapter wouldn't take this long. As always I'm very grateful for all the support.
Margareitha Malfoy-Nott: Mother's love had always been a compelling point in Harry Potter. But I'm not going to say anything right now. Thanks for the review.
Myrddin Emrys The Third: Thank you
White Bishop: Thank you for another great review. As I already said, I had difficulties with this chapter. But if didn't do anything now, I figured I'll be stuck at this for a while. Thanks for your kind words and even though the story didn't proceed much further, I'm happy with how the chapter turned out to be. That said, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your trust. It means a lot. I enjoyed every conversation I had with you and I look forward to more.
StarElk: Thank you.
LuckyMascot: Thank you so much for your reviews and lovely words. I did convey your appreciation to Little Sapphire about the drawing and she was over the moon. I'm glad you liked the chapters. Writing Ron was always been fun. This wasn't a great chapter, but I'm glad I wrote it and you have my super special thanks (you know why).
LadySavage420: Thank you so much. Definitely not wishful thinking. Narcissa could be very persuasive. Hopefully, you liked this chapter, thanks for the review.
LightofEvolution: Please no apologies. I know how busy life can be. I'm glad that you're able to take some time and read the updates. That itself means a lot to me. I'm really glad you liked them and thank you so much for the reviews.
Snowflake Dazzle: Yes, I agree with you. Narcissa is one formidable woman. Hopefully, their plan will work out. Thanks for the review.