So I want to make note on the Corbett name. The men that marry a gifted daughter usually ended up taking the Corbett name. Obviously, Riana married Julius, and she isn't gifted so she took his name. Hermione technically is the last Corbett alive.
Chapter 37
Damien Corbett was staring more than necessary into the Fire. It was his personal method to see into the Present World. He just felt the desire to watch his youngest cousin go through uncertainties. It brought him a sense of satisfaction to know that she had troubles. He wondered if he had made the most helpful decision. It had been a moment of sheer lunacy that he had given his amulet to her freely.
He felt cursed by fate. He had been born to the wrong Corbett sister. He had been born male. Chloe had only been six years old when they realized that she would turn out very powerful. He had suffered in comparison to a six year old girl. It had made him angry, after the years of devotion to his family, his reward, to be bested by a six year old.
'Let's see how long it takes.' He smirked as he stared at the image of Hermione. The amulet was a very strategic gift. Forging that amulet had taken a lot of his essence away. It gave you a beautiful sense of protection, yet he had made it with a very special purpose in mind. Damien knew it was wrong to have given it to her without telling her the whole truth, but what was done cannot be undone.
"Do you think it wise to meddle in their war?" a female voice asked softly.
"I think it makes the game more interesting," Damien answered back.
"It's only a matter of time before the others notice what you did."
"If they were really observant, they would've noticed the moment I gave it to her," Damien replied as he stared into the flames.
"You must really want her to fall before she even begins to rise."
"You were the one who gave me this idea, Calypso," Damien replied.
"Of course I did," the one addressed as Calypso replied sarcastic.
"She shall bear it all," Damien whispered hauntingly.
She shook her head as she watched Damien stare into the fire. She usually preferred his company over the others. Calypso longed for her sisters. Calypso hated this division, but it was her fault to begin with. She had been jealous of her sister and plotted at every turn. She had been the first to be exiled because of the Dark acts she had committed against her family. The Doldrums had begun after her exile. She had been the beginning of the madness, that had slowly creep into the heart of family for the following years to come.
"You wanted to see me, Professor?" Harry asked after he walked into Professor Dumbledore's office.
"I am glad that you've arrived in such a timely manner," Professor Dumbledore replied with a smile.
"I thought it was best to come sooner than later," Harry replied taking a seat in front of the Headmaster. Harry had noticed the odd behavior that Dobby had portrayed. It was different from his normal behavior in regards to him.
"Lemon drop?" Professor Dumbledore offered with a smile.
"No thank you," he replied. "It seemed like it was an urgent matter."
Harry was patiently waiting for Professor Dumbledore to get to the root of the matter. He hated that the Professor took forever to get things done. Harry respected the man, but sometimes he wondered if he took too long to get to the point.
"For awhile the Unspeakables and a select team have been looking into the Veil in the Department of Mysteries," Professor Dumbledore began.
Harry felt extremely uncomfortable. It had taken a lot of effort to slowly resolve his issues over Sirius' death. He still felt a deep longing for his godfather. It had been a mistake that night; he had rushed in like a fool and lost something very important.
"Are you listening?" Professor Dumbledore asked noticing that Harry had gotten a look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry sir, what was that?" Harry replied, knowing that it wasn't right to let his attention stray. He had to be honest about it though. Harry was sure the Headmaster already figured out that he was not paying attention.
"I was saying that after many experiments, we've managed to fish out a person from the Veil." Professor Dumbledore stated waiting for Harry's response to his words.
"Sirius?" Harry voiced hopefully.
"Not yet, Mr. Potter, but we hope soon enough. It was a test experiment with a prisoner we sent into the veil, a year ago. We hope with the right enchantments and runes, the rod will be able to find him," Professor Dumbledore replied.
Harry was baffled at the news. He might be able to get Sirius back. "But Pettigrew is still free. Sirius is still considered a criminal."
"We'll take care of it in due time," Professor Dumbledore replied. "I wanted to give you a little bit of hope. We can all use some hope to guide us into tomorrow."
"How long did it take to get the prisoner out?" Harry wondered trying to get an idea of how long it would take.
"The process of finding within the Veil was about two months; the process of returning took about 4 months. The most important aspect of this rod is the corresponding Arithmancy equations and the personalize runes that pertain to that person," Professor Dumbledore replied. "It took them nearly 20 years of research to get this right."
"20 years?" Harry asked. He wondered what made them try to research the Veil in the first person. It wasn't very known.
"Chloe Corbett," Professor Dumbledore replied sadly, "Told me of a vision she had seen of the Veil. She had seen parts of the equations and runes. What little information she gave us has helped make this possible. She was 16 at the time. Afterwards she had asked me to Oblivate her."
Harry sat motionless. She probably knew what had happened or was going to happen. He was glad that she had thought ahead to help them. 'Thank you, for this gift.' Harry thought giving his best regards to his friend's mother.
"I hope we can keep this a secret for now. The only ones who know about this are the four Unspeakables, and two Order Members who have been working on this matter for me."
Harry nodded in agreement. "I don't know how I'll keep it from Hermione."
"Miss. Granger will not invade your mind," Professor Dumbledore stated confidently.
"What should I tell the others about this meeting?" Harry asked. He wasn't the best liar. He always seemed to get caught by someone. Harry wasn't the most subtle person around.
"Let's tell them, I've loan out the Sword of Gryffindor to you," Professor Dumbledore replied with a grin as he brought over the Sorting Hat. "It's part of the truth. This is for you; it shall come in handy I'm sure."
They continued their discussion.
"How are things on your end?" Riana Corbett-Luther asked into the small charmed ring.
"Alright, mother," Loren's voice replied slowly.
"Dear child, we've almost got all the plans worked out. It won't be much longer," Julius Luther replied.
"I know I'm doing my best," Loren replied, "I'll let you know the date."
"We're counting on you," Riana replied.
"I know," Loren stated.
Riana worried about her only daughter. No one ever wants their child to go through pain and suffering. She had asked her to do this, but a part of her had hoped that her daughter would say no. Riana sighed at Loren's stubbornness. Loren had agreed to put in everything she had into this operation. Riana wished that there was another way. This had been planned for so long.
"Ri, I have to tell you something very important," Chloe stated a little worried.
"What is it?" Riana asked as she watched Loren play softly with the magic box of mystery toys.
"You're going to have to ask Loren one day to do something really important," Chloe asked staring mournfully at her young niece.
"What did you see?" Riana asked worried.
"You're going to ask her to become a Death Eater," Chloe answered. "And she will agree."
Riana grimaced. There was no way; she would ever ask such a thing, Loren was too precious to her. She would be her only child.
"It will be to protect Hermione," Chloe stated resting a hand on her stomach.
"Please, don't ask me to do this," Riana stated, "You know I understand who and what Hermione will become."
"Loren will be one of the few that will manage to get close enough. I have seen other solutions, but this one will result in the least causalities," Chloe argued. "You know I love Loren too."
"Why?" Riana asked confused. She could not agree to this.
Chloe sighed as she pulled out a piece of parchment and gave it to her older sister. "Everything is written here, what needs to be done and how to prepare. I have already made the arrangements. What I need from you is to prepare Ri, for the worst. Prepare Loren. Prepare Hermione. This needs to be done on time."
Riana stared at the parchment. "Why is it blank?"
"The different parts will slowly appear over time. The first part will appear when I die. And over the next 18 years, everything will be explained as events unfold." Chloe answered.
"Why not give this to Professor Dumbledore," Riana pondered.
"It's something I trust only you to do," Chloe replied, "Family before anything else. Professor Dumbledore will be busy handling other matters. And I'll need you to do this when I'm not around."
Riana stared at Chloe. "You aren't going to die because I'll make sure to lock you up in this house when Hermione is born."
Chloe sighed already knowing the truth. There were so many ways that she could die. It was hard to decide which path she would choose. Either way, she would end up dead. She wanted to prepare for whatever she could in hopes that Hermione would be safe until the time was right. "It's easier to think of the worst case scenario."
"What makes you so sure that I will do as you suggest?" Riana asked almost wanting to tear the piece of paper to shreds. A part of her did not want to know.
"Because you will want to when you read what will happen if you don't." Chloe answered.
Riana sighed. "We'll see won't we."
"I need to go now. I'm meeting Sirius and the others for dinner."
"You should tell him the truth," Riana replied softly as her sister began to head towards the fireplace.
Chloe paused. "I chose him," Chloe replied simply.
"An easier choice isn't always the one you want to make. One day, he'll know," Riana replied.
"When that happens, I won't be around," Chloe replied. She stepped in and shouted her destination with a handful of floo powder.
Riana shook her head. She felt uneasy. She folded the piece of paper and placed it into the desk. She hoped that she wouldn't have to do what her sister suggested.
"You did the right thing," Helen stated trying to comfort her daughter.
"I feel horrible for using Loren as a means to protect Hermione and the others," Chloe replied as she saw what her sister was thinking about.
"Its better this way," Helen answered. "I saw it too, before I died."
Chloe nodded. "I'm sorry."
"We left Riana on her own to deal with these matters," Helen stated. "It's unfortunate that she is the only one left."
Chloe nodded. The night her mother and father had died was only weeks before she did. The most loyal of deatheaters had thought that she had gone into hiding at one of the other family residences. They had slowly approaching each family associate to look for her. Many had been tortured for information or killed. As they approached her sister's home, she couldn't do anything, but lead them away.
"Why should I tell you," Hermione stated with an annoyed look on her face.
"It's because I'm your best Slytherin friend in the whole wide world," Blaise replied with a grin.
Hermione snorted. "You're the only Slytherin friend I have right now."
"Exactly, my opinion should mean the most," Blaise retorted. "I think you should make up."
Hermione laughed. "Your opinion does not have any merit towards any decision I make. You're a bias party."
"But I understand your situation completely," Blaise replied softly.
Blaise caught Hermione's hand. He gave it a squeeze.
"You're caught in a dozen or so crossroads. One road will take you somewhere you've been before. This road will be an easy route to get to somewhere new. That road will be a difficult path. Another road will get you where you want to be, but will make you sacrifice what you want. The other road will be a complete surprise." Blaise said gesturing wildly.
Hermione nodded in agreement. There were many different paths that one could choose to walk down. Hermione had already made a decision in the one she would take. She just wanted to know what was going on with Blaise. He seemed to be conflicted in a certain manner.
"I'll let you in on the road I've taken. I decided to stay on the road I've chosen for myself. Since I'm there, it's all I can do. There isn't room for outside factors to persuade me otherwise," Blaise stated. "Of course, there were moments where I thought I would leave the path that I'm on for other…reasons. But I think I should cherish this happiness that I have."
Hermione wondered if Blaise was having doubts about his situation as a Deatheater or even Rosalyn. He always seemed to soften whenever he would speak of her. Blaise always seemed confident in the decisions that he's made. It seemed as if he was reassuring himself.
"I want you and Draco to be happy with one another. It's really all you can do. Especially in this upcoming war, happy memories will get us through the worst days. We all need a little hope that the future will be better." Blaise also added.
Hermione did remember the happy moments she had shared with Draco. She didn't want to think she had been just an assignment to him. It hadn't felt that way at the time, but Hermione had too much to do to let her focus slip away. She couldn't trust his intentions just yet. She could let him interact with her as they had previously done, but she couldn't do with a relationship right now. Hermione couldn't let her heart take precedence over her mind.
"I've decided to forgive his ill intentions because I understand why he did it at the time," Hermione stated.
"He's a git, Mione. You shouldn't be so easy going on him. It's only been almost what a month since you've found out he's been blabbing to the man. He hasn't been doing anything to earn forgiveness," a familiar voice argued from the doorway.
"Ronald Weasley, were you easy dropping on us?" Blaise asked getting up from the bed.
"Yes, that's the road I'm on right now," Ron answered. "The road to forgiveness should be a long one for that git."
"I am not going to continue any sort of romantic relation with him," Hermione corrected. "I just want to get over this fighting and awkwardness. It might be easier to talk to one another as acquaintances and coworkers."
"It's always going to be awkward," Blaise argued. "You had an almost relationship."
"Mione, whatever decision you're making we don't have much control over," Ron said. "I personally think you could do better. You do know I have several older brothers, right?"
Hermione sighed. "Yes, Ronald, I know you have several older brothers."
"I'm sure Snape, would love that," Blaise retorted.
"Professor Snape," Hermione corrected.
"I'm sure Professor Snape would love the prospect of his grandchildren with red hair," Blaise teased.
Ron growled. "There is nothing wrong with red hair. It's very Gryffindor."
"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked realizing that the dark haired boy who lived was not with Ron.
"He had to go see Professor Dumbledore," Ron informed. "Dobby caught us outside of the Room of Requirement."
"I just assumed he was with Little Red," Blaise replied with a grin.
"Don't' say it like that," Ron replied. "Ginny's probably rehearsing for the show."
"Shouldn't you check on those preparations, Head Girl," Blaise asked.
"I left Winky and a few of the other elves with specific instructions," Hermione replied.
"What? You actually told them to do something," Ron teased.
"I am beginning to respect the life that all creatures choose to live. House elves included." Hermione replied.
There was a sudden pecking noise from the window. Hermione opened the window to let the bird into her room.
The two young men watched in fascination as Hermione and the bird just stared at each other.
My Lady, I have a message for you.
What is it Faith?
It is from your Aunt.
Is it urgent?
She said it's something important that you cannot go without doing tomorrow night.
"I understand," Hermione replied out loud grasping the envelope from her claw. She offered her a treat.
I must go now. There is a matter I must attend to.
Hermione nodded as her bird companion flew out of the window.
Stay well, My Lady.
Hermione looked over to see the two young men looking at her expectantly.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"It fascinates me," Blaise replied. He often wondered what it would be like to understand all the creatures around him. It would definitely broaden his understanding of the world. It would make those creatures seem much more intelligent than what we give them credit for.
Mistress, they will never understand that we didn't give all humans the right to communicate with us.
Hermione smiled at Crookshanks who lay quietly on a pillow beside her bed.
Some will never be worthy enough.
"You're doing it again," Ron replied a little peeved.
"What?" Hermione asked innocently.
"Having a private conversation about us with your cat," Blaise stated in a matter of fact tone.
"What gave me away," Hermione said with a smile.
"You're too obvious sometimes," Ron replied. "Plus, we know what those looks mean."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "I still need to work on that."
"Hershey, don't think just because Weasley here distracted me for a moment, it mean I'll stop my plight," Blaise stated with more conviction.
"Of course not," Hermione replied well aware of the fact that Blaise was the biggest supporter of her and Draco as a couple.
'Malfoy needs to shape up.' Ron thought to himself unhappily. 'He really hasn't done anything. He won't apologize sincerely. He should've listened to me and Harry. It just proves that he doesn't care enough.'
Draco was sure he had figured out the perfect way to say what he wanted to say without saying more than he had to. He nodded and mentally prepared himself for the backlash of what this would do to his reputation.
"Dobby will gladly help since it is for the lady."
Alright folks, this is the chapter. It might not be pretty, but it's mine. I will get to the Talent Show next time…so we can move on from this portion of the story and into other plot points…I was almost driven to just say hey they all got attacked right now…and then what happens next…
I just need to fine tune some things that I left uncertain.
Please review, it gives me hope. Thanks to the one who did review the last chapter. You rock spannieren! You have my thanks, I do appreciate it.
By the way, readers should check out: Daughter of Light and Dark by Angel N Darkness. The story was inspired by aspects of this here story. I'm flattered that I could help inspire someone to write. I know it's difficult for me to write a lot.
Also, if anyone's interested my upcoming story is a crossover. I'm working on an Ouran High School Host Club and Sailor Moon crossover. It's purely to indulge myself because I don't even know if anyone would be interested in it. I've got a few chapters roughly done. I'll probably post the first this weekend. (Saturday or Sunday).
1-25-2012