A/N: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters. All I own is the plot.
Hi Guys,
Well there is another chapter. Its a little sad but I also hope it serves to heighten your curiousity even more!! Anyway, over the week I've been working on developing a new site so that should you have any questions or wonders about the characters you can look up their profiles there. I'll update them often I promise. Anyway fan fiction is a bit annoying with the site address so I'll have to kind of spell it out to you:
its 'h t t p : / /' followed by 'straightlyconfused.googlepages' followed by '.com/'
(just remember to remove the spaces from the h t t p : / / )
If it doesn't work the pages are from googlepages under the name straightlyconfused. If there is any problems finding it then just let me know.
So check it out and let me know what you think...I'll also answer any questions about the story that you in in the section When Bad Meets Pure: The Romance.
Enjoy!
The Prayer – Anthony Callea
Live a life that matters – Author Unknown
Xx
I pray you'll be our eyes, and watch us where we go
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer, when we lose our way
Lead us to a place; guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Xxxxx
A cold wind blew through the narrow streets of Knockturn Alley as the golden trio patrolled past the rows of dark dilapidated shops. It was completely silent except for the sound of their footsteps as they cautiously peered through each shop window.
"Where do you think she is?" asked Ron quietly
Another blast of air raged down the alley and the three pulled their cloaks tighter around them.
"I just hope she's ok," said Hermione worriedly.
"She is for now" assured Harry, "I'd know if he'd got her. I'd feel it"
He tapped his scar and Ron nodded apprehensively.
"We've got to find her and we've got to do it quickly"
A creek was heard and they spun around, wands drawn.
"What was that?" hissed Harry
Hermione moved forward and carefully scanned the area,
"Homenum Revelio"
Her wand tip glowed red,
"Someone's here"
The boys stepped up next to her, sort of like a pair of bodyguards.
"Do you think it's her?"
She shrugged, "I don't know"
"Carmen?" Harry called out softly.
"It's ok. We're not here to hurt you" Hermione input.
There was no response. Suddenly, a crack could be heard. Ron sighed with relief.
"I doubt that, whoever that was, that is was her. She's not old enough to apparate yet"
Harry lowered his wand impatiently.
"I think we should split up"
"Are you insane?" hissed Hermione, "Split up! That's suicide!"
"We need to find her quickly right? Well we're moving too slowly as a three!"
Ron sighed, "He's right 'Mione. We'll cover more ground faster if we separate"
"Fine" she huffed, "But we'll check in every 15 minutes"
They all nodded in agreement and set off. Hermione shivered as she moved quickly through the street. Each store seemed darker than the other and she regretted not fighting with the boys more when it was suggested they split up. She stopped suddenly at a shop called, 'Greson's Defensive Armour'. She could have sworn she saw someone or something move in there but it was nightfall and Moody had assured them the alley would be deserted. She stepped up to the door,
"Alohamora"
The door lock clicked as Hermione gazed at it confused – that had been way too easy. With her wand held tightly in her hand she pushed the door open and entered into the shop. Immediately she felt smothered by the amount of dust and the smell of decay that met her. She placed an urgent hand over her mouth in the attempt to stifle a cough. Then, slowly, she moved through the shop and past the shelves and shelves of dark armour on display.
"Carmen?"
No answer. She was getting a really bad feeling about all this. Then, suddenly, out of nowhere an arm reached around and grabbed her.
"Scream and you die" the voice behind her hissed.
The person roughly dragged her into the back room of the store and Hermione took some deep breathes trying to control the sense of panic she felt rising up through her chest. She knew this had been a bad idea! The person, a man she'd decided, slammed her up against the wall and as the light of the moon lifted higher into the night sky it lit up the his face –Draco.
"What are you doing here mudblood?" he taunted, "Here to find your little friend? You won't. She's with us now"
Hermione struggled against his grip "Let me go!"
He sneered, "After I've been so patiently waiting for you. I don't think so. You and I are going to have some fun little mudblood"
He began brutally tearing at her clothing and Hermione felt herself let out a sob of fear. Yet, she refused to let this man win.
"I know you're not Draco"
The man froze and looked up at her, his eyes full of hate.
"You know nothing Hermione"
"Oh congratulations you know my first name"
SMACK
She gasped as she felt her cheek beginning to sting with the force of his assault.
"You've had this coming you know. The moment you were born, the moment you joined your stupid Order. You think what I'm about to do to you is punishment? Oh you have no idea of the punishments coming your way"
With a violent rip her shirt was ruined and she stood before him in only a bra and pants.
"This is what you like isn't it?" he hissed into her ear, "This is what you crave don't you? A bit of pureblood in you?"
"It's what your leader can only dream of" she replied
SMACK
"How dare you speak of the Dark Lord in such a manner! You have no right!"
"I have every right," she hissed back
"When I'm through with you I'll slit your throat and watch as every last drop of your dirty blood flows"
He pulled out a knife and began to hack away at her pants. Hermione began to struggle once again. Where the hell were Harry and Ron? Draco, or the man who looked like him, chuckled harshly.
"Why me huh?" she demanded, "Why my dreams? Is that really the best job your leader can give you? To invade the mind of a stupid mudblood? Not very important are you"
With a growl of fury the man lifted his hand once more, ready to strike her when suddenly,
"I wouldn't if I were you"
Hermione turned, expecting to see Harry and Ron, however there before them stood the one person Hermione would have never thought of,
"Arion?!"
Xxxxx
Hermione gasped and struggled to sit up. She hadn't had a dream like that since the Order had rescued Tanell. She'd thought they were over. Concentrating on regain a normal breathing pace she slowly took in her surroundings. She was in her room at Grimmaud Place, the sun was peaking through the drawn curtains and Draco lay beside her fast asleep. With a heavy sigh she realised it had been a week ago today that Remus had died and this morning his funeral would be held. With a shuffle of sheets Draco rolled over, his back now facing her and Hermione took this opportunity to remove herself from her bed. Quietly, she padded over to the mirror, which was hung, upon her wall. A large bruise was forming on her cheek and she had a splitting headache. She searched around quietly for her wand and was just about to heal herself when she heard Draco yawn loudly. She looked over to see him sitting up and searching around her,
"What are you doing?" he asked confused once he'd spotted her.
She turned back to the mirror so that he'd only see her unmarked cheek,
"Nothing"
He got up slowly and began moving towards her,
"No Draco don't," she said as he tried to look at her, "everything's fine".
He looked at her sceptically, "Oh yeah? So what's with that ugly big bruise on your face?"
She sighed, well he'd seen now so she may as well heal it.
"Episky"
The bruise healed and was gone in a second and she finally turned to face him,
"Do we really have to talk about this? It's gone now and I need to get dressed".
She opened her closet and lifted from the rack a simple black dress. It was short sleeved and knee height and showed no cleavage. In short, it was a dressed designed for mourning and Hermione knew there would be a lot of that today, heck that had been a lot that all week. She quickly changed into some plain black underwear and slipped the dress on.
"Can you zip it please?" she asked Draco quietly.
He'd sat himself on the edge of their bed and was considering her silently. He got up moved towards her, zipping up the back of the dress. Hermione moved back to the mirror, wand in hand and applied some very light make up and styled her hair into soft curls. Draco had pulled his suit from the closet and had his pants and socks on. He turned to her buttoning his black shirt,
"You had another one of those dreams didn't you?"
She nodded as she put on some plain black heels,
"Why didn't you wake me up?" he demanded, "Was the bruise your only injury or did you heal the others before I woke?"
She shook her head, "It was just the bruise"
He shrugged on his jacket and laced up his shoes before he looked up at her again,
"What was it about?"
"Seriously we don't need to discuss it Draco. It's over and I'm not even in a bad state"
"Was it me again?"
Hesitantly she opened her mouth to answer when there was a banging at the door,
"Hermione? Malfoy?" Ron called through, "We've got to go downstairs now"
Hermione moved to towards the door, grabbing a piece of paper and looked to Draco to come along,
"Saved by the door," he muttered.
Xxxxx
The library had been magically enlarged and chairs lined up in rows. At the front of the room a lectern had been set up and dozens of flowers were upon every shelf. The magical world, unlike the muggles, did not believe in the coffin being present at funerals and Hermione was thankful for that. She didn't think she'd have been able to stand it knowing Remus's cold, dead body was lying only feet away. Once everyone was seated the service began with a minister getting up to say a few words before gesturing that the people doing the Eulogy should come up to stand at the side. Dumbledore was first and he took his place in front of the lectern, smoothing our his speech and adjusting his half-mooned spectacles,
"As wizards we know that death is not the end but a transition into a new world. Today we are gathered here to say farewell to our friend Remus Lupin as he makes his transition. It is important, amidst our grief, that we acknowledge that while he may no longer be with us he certainly has not left us if we keep the memory of him alive in our hearts"
He paused to take a long breath and Hermione realised that perhaps his was harder for her Headmaster then he was making it look,
"Remus Lupin was born to Walter and Patricia Lupin in a small town outside of Surrey. From a young age Remus was fascinated by magic – an interest he'd inherited from his father who research and tested old and new forms of charms and curses. He was a friendly boy and had many young magical friends within his neighbour with whom he shared a close bond. However, at age 5, a tragedy befell the Lupins when young Remus was bitten by none other than Fenir Greyback, an angry werewolf. From then on Reus's life appeared to spiral downwards as he was persecuted by family, friends and strangers for his affliction. However, the love of his parents was unconditional and they did everything in their power to protect their son including home schooling him and researching into many theories about cures for werewolf bites. To their dying day they were still researching and still hopeful".
He smiled sadly at the people sitting before him and made his way to his seat. Harry squeezed Hermione's hand tightly and made his way to stand before the people. He coughed uncomfortably but was determined to speak,
"When Remus received his letter from Hogwarts he was reluctant to go. After facing the harsh judgements of the magical community for the past 6 years the idea of leaving his parents side scared him greatly. It was only when the Hogwarts Head Master himself showed up on the Lupin's doorstep that Remus decided to attend the school. The school's Head Master Albus Dumbledore had assured him he would be well looked after and hidden away from the school's community every full moon. This promised, the temptation to learn more about magic then he could have ever imagined acted as the final push in his decision making process. Once at Hogwarts he was sorted in Gryffindor house where he made three new friends in James Potter, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew".
He took a break in order to swallow the resentment bubbling in his throat at the mention of his father's betrayer.
"In 3rd year these same three friends set about becoming animagus in order to be able to be with their friend every full moon. The thought of him suffering such a terrible fate alone each month did not sit well with them at all and Remus often spoke about how their decision served to make him feel a part of the group. Together the four of them became of the biggest trouble makers Hogwarts had ever seen".
Tonks hugged Harry tightly as she took his placed and wiped her eyes one final time. Molly had tried to talk her out of speaking saying it was perfectly acceptable for Tonks to not be strong enough but she'd insisted. She drew herself up importantly and spoke with a shaky strength,
"From the moment I met Remus I knew I'd marry him. Here was a man who'd suffered so much – the loss of two of his best friends and his friend Lilly and who had also watched as his last school friend crossed over to the Dark side and yet there he was still fighting for good and never giving up. He was always prepared to lend a helping hand, sometimes at great personal risk. This was the amazing man I fell in love with. Of course our relationship was never easy"
She laughed nervously,
"Even from the beginning Remus couldn't stop looking out for me. He argued that he was too old and too sick to be in any kind of relationship with me – that he would hold me back. But, love wore him down in the end. When Remus asked me to marry him there was no lit candles, no romantic music. He simply told me that he couldn't give me riches, he could never provide me with stability and we'd never be able to sit up gazing at the full moon but that he did love me and it was his every dream to make me happy. Our wedding was small and simple and we didn't have all the guests we would have liked but it was beautiful all the same. He was my dream come true. We understood each other and the dangers our jobs could put us in. Remus was very much about living for each day. I still can't believe he's gone but I know he's at peace because he died fighting for a cause he believed in and I doubt there are any other places other than Hogwarts where he'd rather have passed. He died at home".
She sniffed and gathered up her papers. Arthur leaned down to Hermione,
"You'll be fine," he whispered before he moved up to say his part. He coughed awkwardly,
"The first time I met Remus Lupin he was sitting in front of a fire and explaining to my excited 3 year old son Percy why the flames were hot. Even at age 18 he was the gentle, caring boy that we've all come to know and love but what really surprised me about Remus was that he was wise beyond his years. It was easy to see that even for such a young man Remus had experienced much more then most at his age. The Order of the Phoenix, even though only newly formed, was very important to him. He believed in the organisation's purpose and from the very beginning was completely committed to the project. Over the years that I've had to watch Remus, he has taken on task after task, risked his life many times and survived many losses. All the while, his faith in our organisation and in us never waivered. And despite the despair, depression and battles that come with a war I can safely say on behalf of all of us that no one could have been happier for Remus when he married Tonks. She not only captured his heart but also renewed his desire for a peaceful and free life rid of all the world's evil. There is no doubt in my mind that while he was not ready to leave us but, if its any consolation, I am sure he's watching us from up above reunited with his best friends and I know he'll keep us safe during the times head".
He nodded sadly at the people and smiled encouraging at Hermione. Slowly, she moved up and placed her paper on the stand. She could see Draco smiling up at her gently. Shakily she smoothed out her paper and tried to suppress the memories of the last time she'd seen her old professor as he lay upon the cold ground, the life gone from his eyes. She shuddered and focussed on her piece,
"Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and jealousies will finally disappear.
So too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won't matter where you came from,
or on what side of the tracks you lived.
At the end, whether you were beautiful or brilliant, male or female,
even you skin colour won't matter.
So what will matter?
How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought but you what built;
Not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your successes, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice
that enriched, empowered or encouraged others.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew,
but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone.
What will matter is not your memories,
but the memories that live in those who loved you.
Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident.
It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice".
Hermione took a moment to compose herself before continuing,
"Remus you chose to live a life that matters and our memories of you will live on in our hearts. We're all so grateful to have known you. Thank you for your love, your friendship and your courage in the face of evil. You will be greatly missed".
The congregation nodded sadly, some wiping their eyes, other clutching to their loved ones. Their despair evident at the loss of such an amazing wizard.
Xxxxx
The evening was spent helping Molly to clean up after the service and after the wake. It had been the talking to people after the funeral that Hermione had struggled with the most. Many came to her for closure wanting to hear how he'd died, what his final words had been and if he'd been happy. She'd kept shooting looks at Tonks who stood close to her mother clinging to her for support as person after person came to pay their respects. She'd been so brave during her reading and throughout the entire service and Hermione couldn't help but be amazed by her – she wished she could possess that kind of strength.
Draco had been great too. He'd stayed by her side the entire time, directing her away from the crowds of people and whispering words of support to her when she looked on the verge of breaking down. He made sure she ate and drank and even helped Blaise, who had come to the funeral to look after Ginny. Harry and Ron had said very little to anyone and Hermione knew it was because they were berating themselves for not being there. Surely they knew that there was nothing they could have done?
"Ah 'Mione?"
Ginny broke her thoughts and Hermione realised she'd been staring at a bunch of flowers.
"Tonks wants to see us all in the kitchen" her friend said quietly.
She nodded and took Ginny's hand, walking with her into the warmer room where Molly had been serving people soup and tea as comfort food. Tonks was sitting at the head of the dining table, she looked exhausted. Her mother sat on her right squeezing her hand and Molly on her left. Hermione took a seat next to Draco who rubbed her arm comfortingly. Slowly, Tonks looked up and addressed the table of people.
"There should have been a happier moment in which to tell you this" she said softly, her voice sounded hoarse.
"Remus and I – We had planned to have a celebration dinner but-"
She broke off as tears began to pour down her face,
"We were so happy when we found out".
She broke off once more to take a deep breath and stop her tears. She looked at them all more determinedly,
She attempted a small smile, "What I mean is- well this is still a happy occasion and one that I now, more then ever, want to share with you all"
Everyone looked at her questionably wondering what could be so happy in such a moment of pure sadness.
Tonks took another deep breath, "That morning, before the four of you arrived and before Remus went on patrol. I took a pregnancy test and much to Remus and my astonishment it came back positive. After a quick trip to St Mungo's it was revealed to us that I was already two months pregnant. Remus and I were so happy and we'd planned to have our dinner the following night to announce it to everyone"
A gasp flew around the table and Hermione's hand flew down to grip Draco's tightly. Tonks, unable to hold her smile any longer, let the sadness once more wash over her face but she continued,
"I know its not going to be easy having this baby in the lead up to a huge war but the thought of- of getting rid of– well I just can't. Please" she said quietly, "don't feel sad. Not about this. Remus and I were overjoyed when we found out and we wanted you all to be too. His feelings on that would not have changed".
Molly broke into little sobs, "Oh darling of course we're not sad. A child is a gift! You have all of us for support I can assure you"
Tonks hugged her tightly and turned to look at Harry,
"Harry I wanted to ask if you would consider being our child's godfather? I know Remus was planning on ask you. He couldn't think of anyone better".
Shocked, Harry nodded silently. It was an honour.
"Remus is gone," said Tonks sadly, "but his family name will live on and I know he'll watch over our child".
The table all nodded in agreement, promising support and offering words of comfort to each other. Finally, Arthur got up and handed each person, except Tonks of course, a glass of firewhiskey,
"To Remus may he watch over us all and may he rest in peace"
"To Remus" everyone echoed and took a sip.
"And to Tonks" Arthur continued, "for your bravery, for your strength and to your impending motherhood"
"To Tonks"
Xxxxx
The next morning Hermione and Draco sat in the kitchen finishing off a light breakfast.
"You can ask me to stay you know baby. You don't have to be brave all the time" Draco said as he collected up their dishes and took them over to the sink.
Hermione sighed. She was very tired and quite shaken up still after Remus's funeral followed announcement of his unborn child all in the space of a couple of hours. She hadn't slept much last night and had kept Draco awake with her tossing and turning. Blaise and he were due to return to Hogwarts that morning when Dumbledore went to check in on the school and its students.
"Hermione?"
She looked up at him and smiled weakly, "No, you have to go back. You can't stay here and keep holding my hand. Plus, when will I ever do my Christmas shopping if you don't leave?"
She'd been feeling quite selfish really. Draco had been brought suddenly to Grimmaud Place with only the explanation that something terrible had happened and that Hermione had needed him. Ever since then he'd been looking after her around the clock, waiting on her almost, and he'd had no break and had ask for nothing in return. She'd tried to explain her guilt to him but he wouldn't hear of it telling her that she was his to look after and that was his job. But she didn't want to be a job; she wanted to be a girlfriend and this week she felt like she hadn't done a very good job at being that.
Draco sat back down, next to her "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing…well nothing important anyway"
He frowned but was unable to say anything as Blaise and Ginny entered into the kitchen.
"How are we doing kids?" asked Blaise
"We're getting there," Hermione answered for them.
Ginny smiled sadly, "Dumbledore's on his way down".
As if perfectly timed the Headmaster appeared, purple robes swishing behind him grandly.
"Are we ready to depart?" he asked the two boys.
Draco threw one last worried look at Hermione and then nodded along with Blaise. Slowly, Hermione got up and hugged her boyfriend trying to squeeze into him all her appreciation and love for him. He pecked her on the lips gently and quickly before turning back to Dumbledore.
"I do expect I'll be back by dinner. Will you be able to inform Molly girls?"
Both Hermione and Ginny nodded and with that they watched as their Headmaster and boyfriends disappeared with a crack.
"How are you honestly?" asked Ginny quietly.
Hermione thought for a moment. She could tell Ginny, she knew she'd understand,
"Honestly? I feel like this great cloud of gloom is just floating above me and I just can't shake it"
Ginny nodded, "Me too".
"Poor Tonks" Hermione muttered, "Imagine how she must be feeling. We pale in comparison"
Her friend sighed, "I just wish there was something we could do. I mean – I just feel so hopeless"
Hermione crossed over to the kitchen counter and set about making two cups of tea. She couldn't think of anything else to do. She felt like a robot truthfully – like everything she was doing was done on autopilot. She sighed again as she poured the hot water into two mugs then suddenly, as if someone had just turned on a light bulb in her head, she had an idea.
"Ginny" she said slowly, "There is one thing we can do"
"What?"
"Arion" Hermione replied.
Ginny looked confused, "I'm not following"
"Gin we were going to research the Verrill's. Well now is as good a time as any and we need something to do"
Her friend nodded and headed towards the kitchen door,
"Bring those mugs Hermione"
Two hours later and they were sitting on the library floor surrounded by dozens and dozens of dusty, old books. Although to the eyes of a new comer the room would just look a complete mess, the two girls had actually compiled a system. One pile was full of books, which held no relevance to magical families or in which nothing about the Verrill's was mentioned. The second pile consisted of books which may be of some use to the girl's task as they did discuss magical families but did not appear to discuss the Verrill's, however they were placed in that pile just in case something had been missed and the third pile was meant for books which did contain information about the Verrill's. However, this pile was empty. Ginny huffed and tossed another book into pile number one.
"Hermione this is hopeless. There is nothing here!"
She glanced over at her friend who had her nose buried deep in the book she was reading. Every few seconds she'd push back a loose strand of hair that would fall across her face.
"Hermione did you hear me?"
"Shhh" the girl hissed as she ran over finger over another sentence.
She looked up triumphantly, "Gin I've found something! The Verrill's they're mentioned in this book. Listen…"
She brushed the rogue piece of hair away one more time before taking an excited breath and beginning to read,
"Of all the dark families throughout our time very few can compare to the Verrills. A sadistic pureblooded family, the Verrills have become known for their barbaric torture methods and overwhelming support of the Dark Lord. With an ancient family heritage the Verrills have become notorious throughout the ages, although, no other generation of Verrill can compare to that of Montgomery Verrill and his bride Martina (nee Flint). These dangerous partners are well known for their pushing the boundaries of torture far greater then any other within their bloodline. The most renowned of their tortures being the capture and repeated rape of the Muggle Alison Castell. Upon storing their hostage in the Verrill mansion dungeons the powerful couple proceeded to starve, rape (in conjunction with the cruciatus curse) and abuse their victim. Today, the pair was wanted for over 30 counts of rape and 40 counts of use of an unforgiveable curse.
In the event of the capture and 'kiss' of these two criminals the Verrill's two sons, Corbin and Arion, would stand to inherit the entire family fortune. However, it has been speculated that both boys have already begun to follow in the footsteps of their dangerous parents. An anonymous source has recently claimed that they bore witness to the initiation of both boys into the Dark Lord's army and that already these two young men are already responsible for more then enough crimes between them, which would land them in Azkaban with a life sentence. However, given the age of both adolescents, it must be noted that this claim is just that – a claim. It bares no evidences of such happenings.
With an air of surprised Hermione looked up from the book and over at Ginny, who sat there, mouth open, in shock.
"You don't think…" she began
"I don't know" Hermione replied, "I mean – Well he just doesn't seem the type"
Ginny pulled her jumper around her more tightly. She'd gone pale and her breaths were coming out rattled and shaky,
"I thought that finding out more about Arion was going to reassure us. I thought we'd prove the boys wrong and that would be that. But to think that – To have the face the idea that we – I – I just don't know 'Mione. How do we know the truth?"
Hermione looked around the dark, mouldy library as if one of the books was just going to jump off the shelves and tell them what they needed so badly to know or at least to tell them the truth but the books did neither. They remain cold and still in their places,
"Well we could do some more research? See if they are mentioned in more recent books" she suggested.
"And if they're not? It was so hard to find anything on them at all this time! What makes you think we'll have any luck with more recent books"
The same thought had occurred to Hermione. What if they couldn't find any more information on the Verrills? What did they do then?
"We'll have to ask the boys," said Ginny as if she'd read her mind.
She nodded begrudgingly, "But I want that to be the last resort. You know how they feel about him and asking them is only going to open up a whole new can of worms. There's got to be a reason they didn't tell us this"
This agreed upon they each grabbed a new book and continued their search for answers. Both desperately hoping that what they'd just read remained as 'claims' and that this boy that they'd come to know was simply a victim of an evil pureblood family. That he'd strayed off the beaten path where breeding was concerned and had perhaps chosen a life of good instead.
Xxxxx
"I'm going to rip your fucking spine out I swear if I ever see you near those girls again" snarled Draco.
They were down in the dungeons, a long way in where hardly anyone dared to venture. Beside him and looking just as treacherous was Blaise. With a growl of frustration Draco shoved Arion up against the wall once more,
"Do you understand me scum?"
"We were easy on you the first time Verrill" Blaise hissed, "Nott and Vaisley? They weren't going to do you too much harm but you'd be foolish to think the same of us"
"Easy on me? Easy?" Arion scowled at them, "They beat me to a bloody pulp!"
"You needed a warning that would stick," replied Draco with a smirk.
"Although apparently you didn't completely understand it because otherwise I know you would never have been as unwise as to be seen conversing with girls that you know are involved with us" Blaise sneered.
"Oh so that is what this is all about" laughed Arion, "You two love sick puppies have come here with the intention of threatening me, hell bent on keeping me away from your girls, all in the name of love…how sweet"
Draco growled and swung at him, socking the boy right in the jaw.
"If you can't keep your fucking mouth shut then I promise you I'll break your fucking jaw"
However, the boy had put up with this long enough. With a great strength he shoved Draco off of him and stepped forward menacingly,
"What happened to the two of you?" he hissed, "When did you become so…pathetic?"
Blaise started towards him but Draco held out his arm,
Arion raises an eyebrow at him mockingly, "A minute ago you were going to rip out my spine and now? Now you won't even let him attack me"
When he got no response the boy's face darkened with anger as he continued speaking,
"Now listen up" he growled, "My business here is my own. I will tell you, however, that I do not wish to be here any more then you want me here. But that, it would seem, is a problem either of us can fix. So I'd advise you to stay out of my way, you no longer have any idea what I am capable of"
He turned to leave but Blaise, having been released by Draco, shoved him against the wall once more,
"Do you feel powerful standing there with your empty threats Verrill?" he snarled, "Does it comfort you to know that, for now, mummy and daddy can't find you? That you're safe with Dumbledore tucking you into bed every night?"
Arion laughed, "Do you think I am the only one here hiding from their parents? If I'm not mistaken Blaise didn't your father curse Draco's little sex toy? What do you think he'd do to you if he could find you?"
SMACK
Arion crumpled to the floor. Blaise had hit him right in the eye,
"You have no idea who you're pissing off" he growled, "Don't be foolish enough to misunderstand the power we have here"
Draco moved forward and bent down to the boy's level,
"Stay. Away. From. Those. Girls. Because if you can't then you're going to learn the true meaning of the word pain and nothing would give me greater pleasure then to be the one who gets to teach you"
With a swish of his robes, the blonde turned to leave,
"Come on Blaise" he said, "Wait until he fucks up enough for you to properly enjoy it"
He turned, his friend who had not responded to him, was still standing above Arion. Fist held high and a vicious look in his eyes,
"Blaise!"
"When you fuck up" the darker boy growled, "I'm going to bash you to within an inch of your life and I won't even need my wand to do it"
He turned sharply and stormed down the dungeon corridors. Draco smirked down at the fallen boy,
"I think he might be serious Verrill. And as Head Boy and role model to Slytherin house I'd advise you heed his warning".
Xxxxx
At 6pm that evening Mrs Weasley's voice echoed around the Order's Head Quarters announcing it was time for dinner. At that very moment Harry and Ron, who had been sitting in Harry's bedroom at the time, had just begun to wonder if the wonderful smells wafting through the household meant that dinner was not far away. At his mother's declaration Ron bounded off the floor and scrambled to the door.
"Hurry up Harry I'm bloody hungry you know" he nagged.
Harry pulled himself up from his bed and pulled on a jumper. He seemed to find the kitchen one of the coldest rooms in the entire house.
"Where are Hermione and Ginny?" he asked Ron
The lanky red head shrugged, "You know come to think of it I haven't seen them since this morning"
They began their decent of the stairs, Ron taking them just a little quicker then his friend. They had to slow down on the next landing in order to pass the covered portrait of Mrs Black quietly. To set her off at this time of the evening would only serve to annoy Mrs Weasley and a grumpy Mrs Weasley made for a dangerous atmosphere.
Ron's mouth was practically watering, "Mmm French Onion soup! I can smell it from here!"
As they entered the kitchen they noticed the presence of Dumbledore, Tonks, Kingsley and Arthur as well as Hermione and Ginny.
"Where have you two been all day?" asked Harry
"Library" Hermione answered through a mouthful of soup.
"Well we never would have guessed that," said Ron mockingly.
Hermione made a face at him and continued with her dinner. There was something different about her Harry decided. She'd changed. Her mood seemed to be more carefree and relaxed – definitely unlike the Hermione he had seen this morning. Her depression, he decided, seemed to have lifted and left them with the old Hermione. One who seemed to have had her fill of knowledge today and was still floating around on the high of it all.
"Will you hush up!" Ginny hissed at her brother.
They all turned to stare at her sudden out burst only to realising that she appeared to be concentrating very hard on the conversation happening further up the table.
"So Albus what happens now?" Molly was asking worriedly.
The Professor took his time in answering, first taking a couple more mouth full's of his soup.
"Well it is imperative that their community be warned"
"Whose community?" Harry asked confused.
The other end of the table turned to took at him as if surprised to see he'd been listening all except Dumbledore who smiled warmly,
"I do beg my pardon" he chuckled, "I appear to have forgotten to invite the rest us our table guests to take part in our conversation. I am talking, of course, about the werewolf community"
"What do you need to warn them about?"
"They must be warned about this cloaked killer" provided Kingsley, "If they are being targeted then they must be informed"
Molly looked concerned," Will it be safe though?"
Once more Dumbledore smiled at her warmly and nodded his head, "I will be at no risk I believe. A lot of them after all have swore their loyalty to me"
"But what about Greyback?" asked Tonks quietly
"I do not believe he will be within the community. It would seem that Lord Voldemort has him quite busy with a number of different tasks which, I am sure, are providing him with a lot more flesh then the community could"
A silence fell upon the table as each person contemplated this. Hermione felt sick. Greyback was a monster in every sense of the word and she hoped that she'd never have to meet him.
"Can I come with you?" Harry asked suddenly.
A gasp flew around the table as every eye once more fell upon him but Dumbledore shook his head,
"Not this time Harry. While I do not discount that having you accompany me would be highly beneficial I must remind you that it is me to whom some have sworn loyalty. I fear that to bring the 'Chosen One' into their midst would be too great a temptation. Some of them would view turning you as an honour and one I do hope that is one honour you have the great luck of avoiding".
Slowly, Harry nodded his head. He understood.
"Besides" Molly piped up, "I thought that perhaps tomorrow we should all venture off to do our Christmas shopping. I, myself, am quite behind this year. Christmas is only a couple of days away after all"
Dumbledore beamed at her from across the table,
"An excellent idea if I do say so myself. It is most definitely time that we begin remembering the jolliness of the season"
"So its agreed then" said Arthur looking cheerful for the first time in a few days, "tomorrow will be devoted entirely to getting ready for Christmas".
As dinner came to an end and everyone sighed with the contentment of full bellies, Harry leaned across to his Headmaster and asked quietly,
"When will you leave sir?"
"I do believe I will depart within the hour Harry. I am sorry that you are unable to come with me"
Harry nodded once more,
"Sir?" he asked
"Yes Harry"
"Will you come and tell me about it when you come back? Its just –well I'm trying to stay on top of everything that is happening"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he answered, "I do believe that is a good idea and I give you my word I will come and provide you with the details of my journey the moment I return"
With this Harry was satisfied. He was disappointed that he must remain at the Head Quarters but this did not detract from his understanding that now, more then ever, the Order felt that he must be kept safe. However, the thought of an unknown killer on the loose who had not yet been identified as fighting for good or bad was concerning. Harry could tell that it did not just bother him, he saw the worry in the eyes of all the Order members and he knew this was not good. Perhaps the cloaked man had been acting as a third party? He had not heard of vigilante's in the last war but perhaps he would ask Hermione about it when he next got the chance. Either way, a war was coming and now, more then ever, Harry was feeling the need to understand everything. If not for his sake, then for his friends because when the time came to fight he did not want to be caught unawares. Now, more then ever, his fear that another person may loose their life due to his cause engulfed him and he wanted to be prepared to do everything in his power to stop another child growing up without a parent.
