Chapter 25

"You betrayed us once, who's to say you won't do it again. So why don't you go report on us to your beloved Lord Voldemort!" My eyes widened as soon as I realized the name Ron shouted. Trying to cover his mouth to prevent him from saying it out loud again was fruitless; he slapped my hands away.

"Don't say his name," I shouted in horror. It was not part of the plan to have the Death Eaters show up at the camp at least not until I was sure we had safely moved on.

"Don't want me to say your precious master's name," Ron sneered. "Well, sod your precious Voldemort!"

"No," I yelled again, just as the tent was blasted apart.

"You brought them here," Ron accused upon seeing the Death Eaters standing where the tent used to stand.

I tried to ignore, Ron. If the Death Eaters found out that Harry was in there during the blast it would mean catastrophic things.

"You brought them here," Ron accused. He was going to make it very difficulty for me to ignore him.

"No, you did," I mumbled, trying not to bring attention to myself. Last thing I needed was for the Death Eaters to find out I knew where the golden trio was the entire time and lied about it not even 24 hours ago.

A red shot of light whizzed in between the two of us causing us to stumble back. I quickly pulled up the hood of my cloak to hide my eye and sent a burst of blinding light throughout the area with my hand. There were shouts of frustration as everyone was temporarily blinded.

Using the few precious seconds I had while everyone was momentarily incapacitated I dodged my way to the tent. Right as I was about to reach the smoldering edge, I was grabbed from behind.

"Neat trick, kid. Too bad it wasn't strong enough to last longer," the man in the mask growled. I knew the spell wasn't very strong. I couldn't risk Ron and Hermione being permanently blinded. They would never stand a chance against the Death Eaters if they couldn't see.

The Death Eaters breath wafted in my direction sending rancid waves through my nose. If this was one of his tactics against me, it had the potential of working if I stayed in this position for long. It was a horrible smell. So I decided to use it against him. "Novis." As soon as I uttered the spell the Death Eater stumbled back letting me go, holding his nose.

"You don't want to see what I am actually capable of," I said to him as I blasted him with a spell, sending the man flying into some underbrush.

More spells were being fired all around us. It was like a fireworks display lighting up the sky. It would have been almost beautiful if I didn't know they could kill me. Another spell, came at me. I blocked it with my left hand and deflected it to a nearby Death Eater who was accosting Hermione.

There were a total of five Death Eaters. One I had already sent away, hoping he would not return any time soon. Another I had just knocked out. The other three were taking turns shooting spells at Ron and Hermione, who looked to be struggling at the moment. I knew they needed my help, but finding Harry was my first priority.

I searched for any peak in Harry's magical signature in the rubble of the tent, trying not to panic when I didn't feel anything. Just because you could not feel someone's magic did not mean the person was dead. Don't be dead, don't be dead. I quickly sifted through the debris until my eyes caught some sluggish movement. Harry.

Sighing in relief I bent over Harry, kissing his slightly singed hair line. He eyes slid open slightly at the touch and the twitched away when he realized it was me. "Get away, Keys." Harry's voice was hoarse from the smoke inhalation.

I didn't blame him for not wanting me near him. Finding out I blocked out an entire piece of his memory would come to be a shock. I don't know if I would be able to forgive myself if I were in his shoes.

"This will become clear soon, I hope." I removed the glasses from his face, placed my hands on Harry's cheeks making the burns look worse than they actually were. His eyes seemed to swell shut and his lips blistered. He was practically unrecognizable. "I am so sorry," I murmured rummaging through his pockets to pinch his wand before standing up.

"What did you do," Hermione yelled in shock after seeing what I had done to Harry. Spells were still flying in our direction, but they were easily deflected.

"Hermione," I said, blocking another spell as Hermione did the same. "I know what you just saw looks bad…

"Bad? Keely it looks like you just attacked Harry and took his wand. You didn't seem as surprised as by the Death Eaters showing up. Did you know they were coming?"

"Yes and no. I've tried to keep them one step behind the entire time. Ron activated the taboo that brought the Death Eaters here. I was hoping to hold them back until we relocated."

"I can still trust you?"

"Yes. I'm going to need that trust, but no matter what happens from here on out, I need you to act as though I betrayed you. It's the only way to convince them I'm on their side."

"You've been acting as a spy." I nodded, pulling my wand out of robes once more to toss a spell over Hermione's shoulder and then waved my other hand to tie Harry and Hermione up with invisible ropes. I had to do it in order to decrease suspicion on me. I quickly put an undetectable protection charm on Hermione's pocket before slipping Harry's glasses and wand inside.

At the last second I spun around to deflect a spell with one hand while pushing the offending Death Eater down with a spell from the other hand. "Oi, I don't think the Dark Lord would be happy to know you are wasting your spells on me," I called out, lowering my hood so the Death Eater was able to see my face.

He stopped briefly as though he recognized me, but then continued forward, wand pointed at the ready. "You would have just been collateral damage. We heard the Dark Lord's name so we came. Killing you in the process would have been of no concern to me."

"I was not the one who called. I explicitly told one of you the other night I had this area handled," I explained, leaving my wand at my side.

"Let me give you a little insight, honey. I. don't. care."

"Perhaps you would care if I destroyed you without leaving a trace. I'm sure the Dark Lord told you of my capabilities."

"You don't frighten me."

With visible energy filling my palm, I took a step forward with my hand facing the Death Eater. A alarmed glint passed quickly through his eyes as he took a step away from me. "I would say that move back alone proves that I do frighten you. At least a little bit and that's all I need to control you."

"You lie," the Death Eater sneered, his attention flickered to Harry who had groaned from the ground. "Who's that?"

"That's what I would like to know," I smoothly replied. "I don't recognize him. I do recognize her as Hermione Granger though."

"How do I know this isn't one of your precious friends like this one?" The Death Eater pointed his wand at Hermione. I wished he would take off his mask so I could see his face, but I knew he was hiding from me. Perhaps so I could not target him later should the time arise.

"I'm telling you, he is not recognizable to me. Believe me or not because when you bring them into the Dark Lord I will plead the same." I would have argued further, but a spell hit my hand, just as I was rising my wand sending it hurling into the thick of the trees. I turned in the direction of where the spell came from to see Ron with his wand pointed at me. I had no time to even think about recovering my wand when a flash of golden light hit him in the side. He fell to the ground with his arms and legs bound by an invisible bondage.

"You traitor," Ron screamed, thrashing against the ropes. "You sold us out!"

"Shut up," the nearest Death Eater said, waving his wand to create a gag for Ron. Then he turned back to me with a cruel grin. "Thanks for the assist."

The remaining Death Eaters disappeared taking Ron, Hermione, and Harry with them.

"Damn it," I yelled out to no one. I quickly disapparated to the edge of Stone Hedge where Draco met me. However, this time instead of Draco at the mouth of the caves below, it was Snape. He did not look pleased.

"What happened," Snape snapped, grabbing my arm and pulling through the dark underground corridor.

"I had everything under control. They didn't need to come in blasting." I gritted my teeth. I didn't like how Snape always had to tell me what could have gone wrong. "None of that was supposed to happen. Not yet at least."

"They responded to the taboo. Why did you say the name if you weren't ready."

"It wasn't me. Ron was the one who triggered it."

Snape didn't reply. He continued to silently escort me though the dark corridors of the mansion. We slowed our pace when we heard voices coming from a room ahead. Light was spilling into the dark hallway from the door which was left open a crack.

"I do not have another, My Lord."

"I know that. Your wand was weak. I need one of greater power. The Elder wand."

"My Lord, that wand is from child's story book."

"Oh, but that is where you are wrong. I am assured not only of its existence but its location as well."

"And where might it be located, my Lord?"

"With Dumbledore" the Dark Lord hissed. I took the opportunity to make my presence known by knocking on the door. Voldemort turned to the doorway his snake like grin growing. "Welcome back, Keely." The way he drew out my name with his vocal hiss almost made me cringe. Almost.

"Thank you for this audience," I replied with a bow taking in what looked to be the Malfoy's dining room, but without the dining table. It must have been removed for the purpose of 'interviewing Order members, blood traitors, and muggle sympathizers.'

"I hear you are a contributing factor in the capture of Harry Potter's friends this evening." Voldemort came closer to me, a smile lingering on his thin lips. "I must say I was a bit surprised you would actually be involved. Don't get me wrong, I am most pleased."

"I only did it because I too am trying to locate Harry Potter. It is one way to be released from Dumbledore's hold over me. Even in death I find him controlling my decisions."

"Ah, yes. I can see Dumbledore did quite a number on you. His little warrior. I must say, I had hoped you would join us in an official capacity by now. Your instincts thus far have proven useful. Bring them in." The Death Eater I was arguing with at the campsite lumbered in dragging a squirming Hermione in by her hair. Two other Death Eaters pulled in Ron and the blistered version of Harry. Others of Voldemort's inner circle walked into the room as silent as a death march and stood in line with Lucius Malfoy along the walls, leaving Voldemort in the middle to address his audience.

"These are who you found in that forest," Voldemort questioned me.

"Yes," I replied simply. "I had been staking out the area for a few days anticipating their arrival. I was discovered by Weasley here. There was a verbal altercation and the Death Eaters were called."

"I know how powerful you are. Why did you not attack them?"

"They are of more use alive. Dead, they couldn't tell me where Harry Potter is located."

"Dumbledore did teach you well."

I crossed my arms and glared at Voldemort. A stance, I'm sure, not many people were brave enough do in front of the dark lord.

All Voldemort did was quietly laugh. Clearly amused for my dislike of my late headmaster. "Draco," he called out.

Draco slowly stepped forward from the line of Death Eaters. "My Lord." I noticed he avoided eye contact with Voldemort. I couldn't be sure if it was meant as a sign of respect or fear. I assumed it was the latter. The confident aire I was used to from Draco had diminished greatly since the last time I saw him.

"Ah yes, Draco. I need you to tell me if you them."

"Definitely Granger and Weasley, my lord."

"And the third? Is he Harry Potter?"

Draco chanced a sideways look at me. "I can't be certain. He does not look like anyone I recognize. Perhaps a relative of Weasley."

"Thank you, Draco." Draco sank back into the line next to his mother.

"Put these two with the others." Voldemort pointed to Ron and Harry who were both straining against their bindings. "Perhaps we can loosen the tongue of this one in order to find Potter."

"Let me do it, My Lord. It would give me great pleasure to knock this mudblood down a few pegs," Bellatrix pleaded, the glee was evident in her voice. It was obvious she lived to torture. However, I couldn't allow that.

"No, allow me." I voiced before Bellatrix was given permission to cause any damage. Voldemort sent a smirk in my direction waving his hand 'carry on' motion. This was one of those moments where I knew I had to prove myself to him. Torturing Hermione was not something I ever thought I would have to do, but it was necessary at the moment to erase suspicion of my double life.

Out of thin air, I created a small dagger. Hermione looked up at me with pleading eyes. She was unsure of if she truly could trust me. I would have to prove myself to her as well.

"Keely, don't," Hermione's voice broke, frightened. She tried to back away from me but I bent down grabbing one arm pinning it to the floor. I then pressed my knee against her stomach, making it so she was not longer able to move.

Leaning over her, I turned so onl y Hermione was able to hear me and whispered in her ear "Scream."

I plunged the knife into Hermione's forearm and she screamed just like I asked. I knew she couldn't actually feel any pain. The knife was created with an illusion spell I had picked up from a book in my uncle's library. I was able to create the illusion of objects. In other words, I wasn't actually holding a knife, it just appeared to everyone watching that I was.

Her acting was so convincing I almost couldn't go through with the task. The screams were so chilling I almost believed I was hurting her as I carved 'mudblood' into her arm. The spell was strong enough to keep the word pared into her skin for a few days before disappearing, leaving no trace.

Voldemort and Bellatrix laughter could be heard over Hermione's screams.

"Excellent," Voldemort praised when I had completed the word on Hermione's exposed forearm. Her screams hand died down, no doubt exhausting herself even if it was just for show. "You have shown much promise especially when it comes to dealing with the people you once called friends. I want you stationed at Godric's Hollow to watch over Nagini."

"I don't work for you. I work with you from time to time there is a difference."

"Well then perhaps it is time for you to work for me in an official capacity."

"As much as I appreciate you acknowledging my talents and offering me a place in your ranks, I must decline. I spent too much time living under Dumbledore's rule and I much prefer to do things on my own terms now that I am free of him."

Voldemort's amusment faltered. I knew I couldn't push him much more otherwise he would kill me on the spot and I would be powerless to stop the killing curse. "Perhaps, I have been too lenient in allowing such freedoms. I do not take kindly to rejections."

"My Lord." Snape bowed making his presence known. "Perhaps she would be better suited searching for Potter. She brought us his friends, surely she would be able to find him as well."

"I had thought of that too, Severus. However, I know Potter has a desperation to be close to her parents. He will eventually return to his first home."

"It's true. That is one of the places I would look for him," I replied. The Dark Lord was right. Eventually Harry would make his way to Godric's Hollow and allowing myself to be stationed there waiting might be one of the best ways to protect him. "Fine. I will accept the task of going to Godric's Hollow."

A loud crack sounded sending the room into chaos. Hermione, Ron, Luna, Harry, Olivander, a goblin by the name of Griphook, a man older man with dark bruenette hair, and Dobby began sending spells in every direction. Voldemort shouted orders his Death Eaters to deal with the pandemonium.

"I knew you were in a league with them," Ron yelled at me, sending multiple stunning jinxes at me. I was able to block each one with ease.

While everyone was fighting, no one noticed that Dobby had created an escape. Griphook, Olivander, and the older man had already slipped through. Once the three were through, Dobby went to create another distraction, but not before tugging on my cloak.

"Miss Keely Black, Dobby will protect Harry Potter." Dobby snapped his fingers reappearing atop the chandelier in the center of the room. He made quick work of loosening it, sending the entire crystallized structure to the ground. I created enough of a distraction to get Harry, Ron, and Hermione out through the exit Dobby created.

Bellatrix gave a frustrated scream, pulling her infamous poisoned dagger from her cloak. She threw it at Dobby right before he disappeared.

A/N: I know this scene is out of order from the book/movie. However, this is where it fit in my plot involving Keely.

Don't worry, the Elder wand is not gone... it just misplaced. And Keely won't truly leave Harry's side :-)

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Always,
orangezauber