Chapter 38: Preparations and Risks
Walking at a brisk pace, Daphne Greengrass made her way through the crowded Muggle Street.
Carefully concealed under another of her brilliant disguises, she did not bother to take the Polyjuice Potion this time, but rather relied on her own enchantments.
For good measure, she also applied several other spells, in case someone should try to unmask her. True, they wouldn't mask the simple presence of spells and enchantments on her, but they would at least give her time enough to either disappear or talk herself out of a predicament.
"I can't allow a mistake to happen. Not now - definitely not now!" she thought as she made her way through Muggle London.
Though she was on a small spying mission for the Incompliable, it was only an excuse that hid the REAL reason for leaving the hideout.
Today was a meeting, a most important meeting indeed.
She was very well aware, that after today she would no longer be able to rendezvous with her fellow Death Eaters, or even her beloved master. Communication too would become all too risky.
The final phase of her plan was about to start... and the one that would most certainly be the longest - several months, by her estimations.
This would also require a measure of teamwork and trust between her and the other Death Eaters... which was what this meeting should be about.
There was only one problem.
She was looking forward to be reunited with her Lord, master and secret love for one last time before being apart from him until his rebirth.
But sadly... it was not to be.
Barely two hours ago, she received a message from him through the little communication orb he had given her.
Will not attend the meeting. CANNOT take possession right now. Barty has instructions."
The message left her hurt to some measure... but also... she was scared for him. It sounded as though he had as little time as possible to compose the message.
For the smallest of moments she was actually scared that Potter and Dumbledore might have actually found some way to extract him from Longbottom. She had double-checked her Dark Mark several times before realising that Longbottom would definitely be better watched now...
Also... her Tom wasn't stupid. He would definitely NOT allow that to happen.
With that thought in mind, she made her way towards the Leaky Cauldron.
Instantly, she was greeted with a sight she would not have expected to see.
The famous Wizarding pub was being transformed... witches and wizards were moving around, busily reorganising and redecorating the interior.
Her jaw almost dropped, when she saw WHO this lot WERE!
"RON! Stop slacking off! And stop eating those! They're for the party!" came the voice of a bushy-haired witch, she had no trouble in recognising.
"M' hungry. And besides, one or two won't hurt." said the blood-traitor best friend of the Chosen One, as his wife took the small bowl of what appeared to be chocolate-balls from his hands.
"What the hell are THEY doing HERE?!" she thought numbly, as she watched the pair of them starting to bicker.
Just as another of her enemies - Susan Bones... wait... Lennox now... came in and disrupted the bickering, she felt a hand on her shoulder.
She turned slowly, one hand discreetly going for her wand, only to come in eye-contact with old Tom - the landlord.
"Very sorry, young Madam... but the pub is closed for today. Only the passage is open, I'm afraid."
She found herself nodding, but looked around the place again.
Instantly, she recognised several members of the Weasley family, Caractacus and Melania Slughorn, the young Macmillan couple... even Marvolo Flint, Bertram Shafiq and the Carrow twins.
"What's going on in here?" she asked, as she turned her sights on the old landlord.
Tom looked towards all the others working there and smiled warmly.
"Well... as you know, the Ministry along with the Grand Noble Traditionalists are arranging their New Year's Party here in Diagon Alley. The Grand Noble Opposition also decided to make one, and they booked the Leaky Cauldron along with a small section of the street in front of it."
She struggled to rearrange her face into one of mild surprise.
Of course, she expected the Oppositionalists to respond to it... but she would have never expected to see Nobles... members of the Noble families to actually prepare the damn thing!
As she was struggling to find a suitable response to this, two wizards brandishing cameras were ushered past her by none other than Sirius Black and James Potter.
"Sorry, chaps... you heard Blaise - no peeking. You will get the chance for a decent interview once the party starts." said James Potter brightly, leading one of them by the shoulders.
"Bingo. You lot do have to give us a chance – we're trying to surprise you all, you know. So please... until that time comes - noses out and lots of patience." added Sirius Black, his tone copying that of his companion as he led the other one in the very same fashion.
"B-but Mr Black, Mr Potter... only a small comment..."
"Nah-uuuuh!" responded the pair of them childishly, as the four of them disappeared towards the passageway leading to Diagon Alley.
She turned her head to see that old Tom's smile grew, if possibly even warmer... urgh... it made her want to throw-up!
"Well... there you have it, Miss. Besides the passageway, the pub is off-limits for the day. You are however most welcome to come by, at seven – that's when the party starts. And while I myself have no idea, of everything these great people have come up with, I think that it will be a most interesting party indeed."
She nodded dumbly, not being able to think of another response and allowed herself to be led by the shoulders.
As they walked past, she caught glimpses of what was going on.
The pub was being magically expanded - something she was sure, that they must've gotten an official permission to do... food and drinks were being prepared, and also there were several tables, where many (younger ones mostly) were working on things that seemed like small badges and banners.
"Tom!" called a voice that made the old landlord stop... and made a sense of dread come over her!
Walking towards them was Blaise Zabini, along with an old man she did not recognise.
Playing her role perfectly, as well as keeping her Occlumency shield up at maximum, she nodded in greeting to the pair of them.
"Very sorry to trouble you, Tom. But Grandad Albert here has had the most amazing idea on how to decorate the main area. However, we DO need to ask of your approval of the plan." said Zabini in his sickening, ever-polite voice.
"Oh, naturally dear boy. You have my permission to do whatever changes you require."
She REALLY had to suppress the need to throw-up, as she heard that warm reply. She could NOT wait to exit the Leaky Cauldron - her iron self-control was really... really being placed to the test here! And she was no longer sure, if it would - or COULD - hold.
"Please, Tom... you are the landlord. The right thing to do is to first discuss the plan with you, before we do anything else."
She would not be surprised, if her eyes actually flashed red at hearing Zabini's reply.
"How the HELL can he stoop so LOW?!" she thought furiously, not able to understand how could someone with ANY measure of power have the NEED to ask a lowly servant approval for ANYTHING!
She could tell, very easily that this had nothing to do with the Art of Placation. No one is that good of an actor - not even HER!
"Very well then. In that case, I shall get back to you, once I have escorted this young miss."
"Oh, there is no need to bother. I will see myself out." she responded quickly, and as brightly as possible.
The three men nodded, thankfully not noticing anything.
"Very well then, Miss. I do hope that you will join us for the New Year's Party here." said Zabini, smiling pleasantly at her.
"I... I may do that..." she said, bowing a bit and struggling to keep her Occlumency-shield from revealing, that she would rather have responded with a Killing Curse straight into that stupid, smiling face.
With that she took her leave, intent on simply getting the hell OUT OF THERE!
As she walked, she could not help but notice all the stupid laughter, the smiling faces and the damned happiness on the faces of those present there, as they worked.
Another thing reached her ears, that definitely didn't help!
"Is this... bloody Muggle MUSIC?!" she screamed in her mind, having heard WAAAY too much of it at the Incompliable hideout.
Indeed it WAS... and indeed it made her blood boil!
She scampered towards the exit, running past Potter and Black, who were returning... quickly... before her self-control went to pieces...!
However, as she reached the exit, something even worse appeared, making her stop in her tracks.
Her SISTER - her stupid, infuriating, repugnant sister - was walking through the gateway, along with her traitorous husband. Both were carrying boxes of who-knows-what and laughing... correction - blushing and giggling, as though they were a pair of lovesick second-years.
If she EVER wanted to cast a Killing Curse - it was NOW! And she was sure, that it would be one so powerful, it could kill a dragon!
She quickly moved out of their way, and almost breathed a sigh... luckily the two abominations of wizard-kind were too preoccupied with each other to notice.
She literally leant against the cold wall, in an effort to get her raging emotions under control...
"Come on, Nev." came another voice from the passageway, that made her freeze.
Sure enough, the form of Neville Longbottom passed through, also carrying some box.
However, along with him passed another form, a really dreaded one in this situation - Harry Potter!
Right behind them was the blood-traitor Weasley-girl, ushering the pair of them forward.
"Awww... come now, Ginny. I'm sure the others can wait for these for a few more moments." said Potter, suddenly whining like a bloody child.
"Oh, no you don't, mister! The others need those. And they need them right now!"
She had instantly understood, why her Master said that he could NOT take possession of Longbottom's body for the meeting today.
And also... she understood that she had to get the hell out of here - NOW!
Potter's green eyes turned towards her, not failing to notice another person before the passageway.
"J-just passing... sorry..." she uttered quickly, moving as fast as she could.
Before she could exit however, she could not help but notice that the Weasley-girl had sniffed the air and turned towards her, quirking her eyebrow.
To her horror, Potter had also quirked an eyebrow at his wife.
"Something the matter, Gin?"
Her hand was quickly and discreetly moving towards her wand, even as she moved through the passageway... but feeling a sense of dread gripped her - she knew, that while her Lord would probably hold Longbottom in place, and that she could take-on the Weasley-girl with ease... she would not be able to overpower Potter!
"No... just my imagination, I guess." she heard, as she finally found herself on the street of Diagon Alley.
A few moments later, after getting her breathing under control (but certainly NOT her temper), she approached the pro-Ministry area, where the Ministry party was supposed to take place.
In contrast of the Leaky Cauldron, the surroundings where their party was supposed to take place were sectioned off by a large, brilliant-red rope that was floating in mid-air. Here and there, the rope carried an official Ministry sign that said "CLOSED FOR PREPARATION FOR THE NEW YEAR PARTY", and instead of one simple pub, it surrounded an area of three buildings.
Right in front of the one that was the nearest, was a large podium that was obviously constructed for the occasion.
She knew that the podium was to host many speakers for the evening, culminating with Cornelius Fudge himself.
Many witches and wizards were walking around outside the rope as well. Most were the simple, curious people... but she could also see several Ministry workers, as well as several who were wearing the now-easily recognisabl badges.
"Oiy! Where d'you think YOU'RE goin'?!" came the gruff voice of one of them, as she came close to the rope.
Once again, she would not be surprised if her eyes flashed red, as a wizard (not much older from her) had approached, his wand already out.
She narrowed her eyes - this idiot was certainly NOT doing himself any good! Especially when she was so angry...
"Ya hear me, Missy?! I asked, where d'you think you're goin'?!"
"I have an appointment here..." she answered, her voice shaking a bit... but shaking from suppressed rage rather than the fear this moron was obviously expecting.
The wizard gave out a sneer.
"A likely story. Now - unless ya can read, ya might want to know that this part is closed. Get away from the rope."
She instantly started to shake, not being able to keep her emotions at check any longer.
"I repeat - I have an appointment here."
He roared in response, only furthering her rage.
"Yeah, righ'! And I'm the next Minister for Magic! I repeat - get away from the rope!" he roared, grabbing her arm roughly.
Her other hand instantly went for her wand - THAT does it!
"Highly unlikely, Wilkins. And you would do well to unhand her." came another voice.
The wizard let her go at once and turned to the person who said it, a tall wizard on the other side of the wretched rope.
"M-Mr Thicknesse..."
Wormtail's puppet smiled dreamily, as though nothing whatsoever happened.
"I'm afraid, the lady is right - she DOES have an appointment here. Now... I suggest, you let her pass."
The wizard instantly eyed her, before nodding like the stupid monkey he was.
"Y-yes, sir. At once, sir."
At a wave of his wand, the red rope (a small part of it) levitated a bit higher, obviously making an opening in the numerous wards placed around.
Thicknesse offered a hand, in a gesture of invitation.
"Come. The others are waiting."
She nodded and passed the barrier. But she stopped at level with Thicknesse.
"I wonder, if you could spare... um... Wilkins, did you say? For a few moments." she asked.
Thicknesse smiled pleasantly at her, nodding - she knew, that Wormtail's Imperius Curse made him obey HIM, Barty, or HER without question.
"But of course. Wilkins, accompany the Miss inside. I am sure, that she wants a word with you."
Wilkins gulped visibly. Through her Legilimency, she could sense that the man had realised, that he had crossed the wrong person.
"And you have no idea, how wrong..." she thought maliciously.
The man obeyed, but was now obviously nervous about what awaited him.
She did not wait for him to accompany her, but instantly walked towards the very far building, instead of the building around which everyone else was working.
At a wave of her wand, the door opened and they walked inside a dimly lit building.
"Look... I..." started the poor excuse of a man, but her wand already turned on the door, shutting it closed and sealing it.
"Expelliarmus"she roared, disarming him before he could make another move.
The idiot fixed her a startled look, definitely not expecting anything of the sort.
"SILENCIO" she roared, pointing her wand at the door.
"What d'you think yer doin'?!" he stammered, his eyes wide with terror.
But too late...
"CRUCIO!"
In an instant, the stupid, wretched monkey was on the ground, twitching and roaring in pure pain.
Several people ran down the stairs, their wands raised with Barty Crouch and Bellatrix Lestrange in the lead, and Wormtail in the very back.
"Daphne?! What are you doing?" exclaimed Barty, recognising her at once and gesturing for the others to lower their wands.
She turned and fixed him a sweet smile, as she released the Curse, leaving the man lying on the ground and gasping for breath.
"Oh, just calming myself a bit... and settling a small score at the same time, Barty." she said, starting to feel better already.
As Barty looked at her in confusion, she raised her hand and fixed him another smile.
"Just give me a moment, please..." she said, as if she were asking of the most casual of things.
She turned her sights at the scum that was starting to crawl towards his fallen wand.
"Oh no you don't. Crucio" she said, almost sweetly.
The man was instantly roaring with pain again. She repeated the Curse again and again... and again... pouring all the anger she felt since morning into it, and positively basking in the sound of his cries of pain.
She was dimly aware of the stares she was getting from her fellow Death-Eaters. Aware of the fact, that besides Barty, Wormtail and Bellatrix, the others were looking at her, as though they could not believe their eyes.
After a last, rather long Cruciatus Curse, when she felt that it were enough, she took a long deep sigh of relief that was punctured only by the man's whimpering sobs.
"Ahhh... that's better..." she breathed to no one in particular, finally feeling relieved.
Even Dolohov's jaw dropped, but she could see that Bellatrix quickly elbowed him in the ribs.
"Get a grip on yourselves, fools! Didn't you ever see a girl cast a Cruciatus Curse before?!" roared Bellatrix, as though something of the sort was an everyday occurrence.
It certainly made Barty and Wormtail roar with laughter, and even she could not help but giggle a bit.
"Awww... looks like someone's getting a bit jealous around here." she teased slyly, once more making Barty and Wormtail laugh.
Bellatrix fixed her a glare, but she directed her attention to her prey.
"Obliviate" she said smoothly, pointing her wand at him again.
Wilkins' eyes slid out of focus for a bit, and after a moment he started to shake his head.
"Wha' happened? Why do I ache all over?" he muttered, still clearly out of it.
Smiling sweetly, she turned to him and started to help him off the ground.
"You just took a nasty fall from the stairs - it's all right." she said as though speaking to a child.
Several of her fellow Death-Eaters started to snicker.
With a wave of her wand, she opened the door for him.
"You should get some air, dear. It should help." she advised, in the very same sweet voice.
Wilkins nodded dumbly before exiting. But not before...
"Thanks very much."
"Oh, believe me... it was my pleasure." she said, as the door closed with a snap.
The Death-Eaters roared with laughter, and started to applaud her openly as she made her way to them.
"My best student." said Barty proudly, as he placed his arm around her shoulders.
"Nice one, Daph." exclaimed Dolohov, clapping her back lightly.
"Very good." nodded Rowle.
"You tortured the bloke so much, and he even thanked you for it." chuckled Avery, shaking his head in awe.
"I gather that these are the tactics you employ with those Incompliable-Mudbloods." said Yaxley, looking highly approving.
"No wonder, the Dark Lord chose you for such a mission – you're a natural." boomed Rookwood, to general agreement.
She caught Barty's eye and had to suppress a grin.
Their Master had made it look to the others, as though the entire plan was HIS, rather than HERS.
She did not mind it one bit. After all, the plan was for HIS sake.
It was also a useful cover-up, in case the others would get ideas of their own... and needless to say... the reward for its success will be only too sweet...
For a second, she had to fight down a blush and keep her Occlumency shields up, as she remembered the memory he had shown her - his sixteen-year-old self... so handsome... and he would return in that form...
"You could take off that disguise of yours though - you look like a filthy Muggle." sneered Bellatrix from somewhere behind.
"Maybe. But disguises are powerful weapons. And I certainly know how to use them. After all..." she said, looking at Barty smilingly, "I've had the best teacher in the world."
The others laughed, and even Barty chuckled in appreciation.
"All right. Let's start the meeting, while Wormtail's puppet is keeping everyone busy. As you all know, the Dark Lord left me - his right hand - in charge, until he comes back. Also, Daphne - we will need your briefing on the Incompliable, before your kick-off action today starts..."
...
Ginny still couldn't get rid of the feeling, that she had overlooked something important.
The smell, she had sniffed as that unknown girl passed them by in the passageway of the Leaky Cauldron was one, that she felt, she had recognised...
But for some reason... she wasn't able to place it... or rather connect it to anyone she could think of.
However, she had the most distinctive feeling, that she knew that person from somewhere.
"Are you sure, you're alright, Gin?"
She turned her head to face her father-in-law, who eyed her in mild-concern.
She couldn't help but smile, as he placed his arm around her shoulders protectively.
"You've been quiet for quite a while. For a second there, you looked just like our little old snakie, when he's in his working-mode."
She giggled earnestly, leaning into the warm embrace.
"Sure, I'm alright. It's just, that these teachings of yours had left me with a few rather confusing abilities."
James' face instantly took on a mischievous grin, knowing full-well what she meant.
"Teachings you've carefully concealed before your darling husband. I hope... otherwise... I'm sure he'll have my head for this!"
She giggled again, hearing James' mock-frightful tone - positively loving her father-in-law's sense of humour.
"Awww... there, there James..." she cooed, hugging him lovingly, and playing along with his joke.
"Ginny will protect you from our family Head's Imperial Wrath."
James laughed, returning the hug very lovingly.
"I feel safer already, our family's mighty second-in-command."
As the pair of them laughed together in their embrace, they suddenly heard a new song being played.
A very different Muggle song... one that suddenly made them both shiver.
There was no doubt in their minds, WHO played this... this...
"James... your son's taste for creepy music is showing itself again." she muttered, knowing that if Alice were here, she would already dash after her brother, insisting on him shutting the damn thing off.
"Never could understand it myself, Gin... must be a Slytherin thing..." he muttered, shaking a bit in the wake of the slow, creepy tone the song was playing.
"You would do well NOT to blame your son's taste of music on the Slytherin House, James." came a cool voice from behind them.
James turned his head and flashed a sheepish grin at his son's Godfather, who was dressed quite plainly for the occasion and was fixing him a neutral look.
"I'll have you know, that very few Slytherins have this strange... taste for chilling sounds." said Severus Snape, folding his arms as though he was scolding him for his son's musical taste.
Ginny grinned, already being able to tell, that Severus was being playful about this despite not being a fan of the music himself.
"I daresay that our dear Head of House is underestimating his young charges." a voice behind the Head of Slytherin House hissed in a most snake-like fashion.
Severus turned around instantly, facing his smirking Godson who was pointing to the side of the room.
Looking there they could all see, that several people seemed to be very appreciative of this creepy music indeed.
They could see the younger Slytherins - Bertram Shafiq, Marvolo Flint, the Carrow sisters, Astoria Malfoy - dance around and positively twirling with the tune, even singing along with the lyrics.
Not a moment after the music took on a faster pace, they were joined by Draco (who instantly started to dance with his wife), Angus and Susan Lennox... and even Melania Slughorn who brought her husband over for a dance.
Severus snorted, shooting a mild-glare at Harry.
"Is THIS what you youngsters call "having a good time"?!"
Harry locked eyes with his Godfather, the Slytherin poker-face firmly on his face.
"Certainly, Professor Snape. You see... us... er... youngsters... have grown to appreciate music with a spooky beauty - we have found a way to have a good time and enjoy what the old may find creepy."
She suppressed a giggle at her husband's obvious teasing, seeing that Severus' face took on a scowl.
Before he could say anything however, Harry grabbed both of her hands.
"Come on, Gin – let's leave the old-ones alone." he said cheerfully, suddenly sounding like an eager little boy.
She giggled at her husband's tone, as he pulled her after him.
Her giggle only compounded, when she looked over her shoulder to see that James and Severus turned at each other.
"This is all your fault, you know!"
"MY fault?! You're his Godfather - it's YOUR fault!"
She laughed, feeling positive that the pair of them were only mock-arguing, and that they had no problem with the arrangement whatsoever.
Allowing herself to be led to the place which was reserved for tonight's dancing contest, she joined in happily and danced along her husband to the creepy Muggle song.
She found, that once you get past the initial "creepy" stage, one could easily come to appreciate the pace, lyrics... and even the sense of power one could feel from it.
Harry suddenly looked a fair few years younger (as though he were that adorable first-year again) as they danced, sang and twirled along... it was a sight that was all too appealing to her.
In contrast to the traditional Noble dance, dancing to this music really gave one a feeling of liberation - you could dance in any possible way you want... no stupid rules, paces... no... anything... this dance - Ginny realised now - was something that was supposed to come OUT of you!
It was all-too easy to get used to, and after a moment she started to dance in her own fashion, oddly enough still matching-up her dance-partner despite the chaotic way they danced.
What was even MORE appealing... well... forget appealing - it made her purr with never ending affection - when he spun her around in mid-air at the very end of the song and made sure, that she ended up in his arms with her lips locked firmly onto his... something she could hardly complain about.
"Oh, you... you're such a little kid sometimes..." she purred as soon as they separated.
The mischievous smirk, as well as the way he wiggled his eyebrows really... REALLY warranted another kiss - scratch that... a passionate snog in the back-room... he was just TOO adorable like this!
"Oh, come ON you two! This is not the time for such things!"
Ginny almost groaned at the sound of her best female friend's voice...
"Seriously... Hermione has almost as bad timing as RON in these situations!" she thought, as Hermione reached them, unsurprisingly holding a parchment in her hands.
"There are more important things to do here right now! Also, Harry - Blaise and Mr Shard were looking for you."
"And what's worse... Hermione always gets so bloody imperious whenever the issue of organising is concerned. Really now... in the wake of her working-streak, no one is safe!" thought Ginny, very thankful of the fact that Hermione, couldn't perform Legilimency.
She could see Harry roll his eyes, but nod.
"All right, Mione – I'm going."
Hermione instantly narrowed her eyes.
"Don't you roll your eyes on ME, Harry Potter! And Ginny, there are a few things I could do helping with."
Harry turned to Hermione with his green eyes flashing, his hand still holding hers.
"No way, Mione! Ginny is staying with me!"
She suppressed a grin as Hermione shot him a stern look... one almost like those, which Professor McGonagall usually gives.
"Harry James Potter! Enough of this nonsense! They need YOU there to take care of the planning. And I need Ginny, so she can help me with..."
"No! Ginny is coming with me, or I'm not coming at all!" said Harry, stomping his foot and turning his face away, like a stubborn child.
Ginny was torn between the urge to giggle or purr - his face was sporting the most adorable pout she had EVER seen.
Gaping at her brother-in-law for a second, Hermione fixed the pair of them with an angry look, but...
"FINE! Have it your way, then! We have so much to prepare and there's nothing done around here...! Unbelievable! Everyone is just slacking off... What do they expect?! That things will get done by themselves?!" she ranted, positively stomping away angrily.
Ginny giggled despite herself, watching on as Hermione left.
"My hero." she cooed, kissing him on the cheek.
Harry chuckled and shook his head, his eyes tracking their retreating sister-in-law. They saw her reach Ron, who was trying to steal away a few more of the already prepared sweets, and positively drag him after her, no doubt ranting at him too...
"No wonder Ron fell in love with her - that imperious, working side of hers is just like Mum Weasley's." Harry chortled, as they watched Ron putting up only minimal resistance and simply allowing his wife to pull him after her.
She laughed, not even needing to voice that her opinion was very much the same... after all... unlike Hermione, her sweet, lovable, prat of a husband COULD use Legilimency.
"Gin... I'm not a prat..." said Harry in a hurt voice.
She gave him a big, radiant smile.
"Oh, yes you are." she said, grabbing his head and gently guiding it towards hers.
"But you're MY prat." she breathed, locking lips with him lovingly, her husband returning the kiss happily.
A series of coughs made them separate and look towards a small table, where Blaise was standing with old Albert, both smiling cheerfully.
"Very sorry to trouble you, old bean... but we really need you here."
In contrast to Hermione's way of distributing them, Blaise's was so polite that they couldn't possibly take any offence to it, even if they wanted to.
Hand-in-hand, the two Potters made their way towards the pair of them.
"Didn't want to disturb you two, Ginny... but I seriously need Harry's instructions on this." said Blaise, bowing his head in mild apology.
Harry groaned and fixed a look on his dear friend.
"Instructions?! Come on, Blaise. I've told you, that this is YOUR party... YOU are the one leading the Oppositionalists and I leave it up to YOU to make all the necessary decisions."
Both Blaise and Albert smiled at the sincere tone, but Blaise shook his head.
"All the same, my friend... you know, that I think very highly of your opinions and ideas. And that I would very much appreciate your help..."
Harry's grin instantly mirrored that of Blaise's.
"THAT'S different. Show me what you need helping with..."
With that, the two friends took to the plans on the paper... eagerly going over the ideas and working with each other, casually joking here and there.
Old Albert placed an arm on her shoulder, as he chuckled.
"These two... it is always a nice sight to see them work together."
Ginny grinned, recalling the scenes from Harry's Diary and thinking that there was absolutely NO difference between what she was seeing here, and what she had seen in the memory of the Malfoy garden's arbour before their second-year at Hogwarts.
"Yes. But as I understand it, these two have also been working you ragged lately."
Old Albert Shard chuckled, and shook his head.
"Oh no, Ginny... not at all. In fact, I have taken to this work with much enthusiasm... it truly is a project, that took me over."
She grinned, leaning into him.
"I know. I saw the Opposition's emblem you've created - its really amazing."
Indeed, Harry had proudly shown her Albert's emblem for the Grand Noble Opposition just yesterday. It was a circular emblem, showing all four signature animals of Hogwarts, but unlike the Hogwarts emblem, the animals were all together and posed to show unity, rather than being divided.
The thing she particularly enjoyed was the sight of the Gryffindor lion, encircled by the Slytherin snake.
She could feel the old man cringe a bit, but he fixed her with a smile.
"Thank you. It... it really is a very long time since I had worked on something similar..."
Albert looked to his feet for a moment, a very sombre expression on his face, before once more looking at Harry and Blaise, who were busily going over a series of plans. His expression quickly turned into a gentle smile.
"Well... this time I hope it will be put to some good use, rather than what the earlier work had been used for."
Ginny raised an eyebrow and was about to ask, what he meant by that but...
"Hello!" called two identical voices at the same time, seemingly out of nowhere.
Both she and Albert jumped, and she instantly shot a death-glare at the twosome, who appeared out of thin air and were giving them their biggest grins.
"PRATS! STOP SCARING US! AND WIPE THOSE PROUD GRINS OFF YOUR FACES, BEFORE I HEX YOU!" she roared, facing her twin brothers.
Fred and George at once rearranged their faces into looks of mock-guilt.
"Sorry, sis." they chanted, sounding like guilty first-years.
An animalistic growl came over her - it was one thing when her Harry does it, but these two were clearly another story.
Her hand was itching to go for her wand...
"Ah, you're back already?" asked Blaise, beckoning the pair of them to the table.
Fred and George instantly joined them.
"Thanks for letting us borrow this, Harry." said Fred, handing Harry something.
"Dead useful, mate." nodded George.
On closer inspection, Ginny could see that it was the Invisibility Cloak.
"Your mission was a success then?" asked Harry in a business-like voice.
The twins instantly sprang into a salute.
"Yes, your Noble snakiness." replied George.
"Smashing success, really." nodded Fred.
"Very well. You know what to do, then." said Harry, sporting the predator-smile.
Blaise nodded, smiling at them radiantly.
"We are leaving this operation in your most capable hands."
Fred and George saluted the pair of them again, looks of complete glee on their faces.
"You can count on us." they declared proudly.
Blaise nodded, and Harry made a gentle, but dismissive gesture.
With that, the twins made their way past Ginny and Albert again.
"So sorry, we can't stay and chat, sis." started Fred.
"Right, duty calls." sing-songed George, before they positively dashed away.
"Prats!" Ginny huffed, turning her head away and quickly moving to the table to join her husband.
Albert chuckled to himself, before approaching the table as well.
"What did you task them to do?" asked Albert, eying Harry and Blaise curiously.
"Oh, merely assure that our celebration will certainly be one to remember." answered Blaise neutrally, with a straight face.
Ginny caught Harry's eye, and noticed the mischievous wink he shot at her.
She stifled a laugh. Old Albert didn't know a thing about Fred and George's secret mission, and she wouldn't be surprised if besides her family no one else knew. The boys were clearly up to their old Slytherin tricks again.
"Grandad! Blaise!"
All four of them turned to see, that Luna and Callidora were rushing to them.
Harry's and Blaise's jaws fell, and old Albert heaved a small sigh, as they saw what the two Zabini ladies were wearing.
They were dressed, not in ordinary robes, but in matching work-robes usually worn by maintenance wizards. Both had bandanas on their heads (Luna's was dark-blue, and Callidora's deep-red), their long hair was sticking from under them, and one could easily see, that they were paint-marks all over their robes.
A few drops of paint could even be seen on their faces as well, but neither seemed to mind though. On the contrary, both were smiling radiantly, and for some reason looked very proud of themselves.
"My, my... what's with the work-robes, you two? " asked Ginny smiling, and clearly was trying not to laugh at the boys' reactions.
"Well... all this organizing and preparations gave us an opportunity to do some mother-and-daughter bonding." said Callidora happily, pressing Luna to herself very lovingly.
Blaise chuckled weakly, as his mother and wife giggled like schoolgirls.
"That is... good."
"And... like you always say, Grandad... people bond best when they create something together." said Luna happily.
Old Albert's chuckle matched Blaise's almost exactly.
"Q-quite right, sweetie." he answered, his voice shaking a bit.
"So... to help today's party, me and Luna thought that we should create something for the occasion." said Callidora proudly.
Both Blaise and Albert cringed, just barely masking their true feelings - which were undoubtedly ones of horror!
"Come and see, all of you. Come, come, come..." said an ecstatic-looking Callidora, reaching for old Albert's hand.
Luna reached for Blaise's and both Zabini women started to drag the two after them. Harry (who had a wary, but curious look on his face) followed hand-in-hand with Ginny.
They walked past the entire room, seeing the numerous others hard at work. Nearing the entrance to the place, where the numerous guests were to sit down and listen to Blaise's speech, they could see Hermione sitting on a nearby long-chair, holding a hand to her forehead and actually moaning.
Sitting right beside her was Ron, who was running his hand on her back soothingly and clearly fighting the urge to laugh.
As he spied all of them walking towards the entrance, he wasn't able to mask a snicker.
"Uh-oh - danger-sign." thought Ginny, and Harry instantly shot her an alarmed look.
"And here we are..." sing-songed Callidora as they entered the room.
Ginny quickly slapped a hand to her mouth, while Blaise, Harry and Albert stopped, apparently petrified.
The would-be conference room was transformed beyond ANY recognition. The only thing that remained in its place were the tables, chairs and the podium.
There were colourful ribbons on EACH side of the walls, each wall was painted with different (and rather crudely done) symbols and animals, flowers were placed here and there on the tables, and though it all looked sweet, colourful and... adorable in a sense... the room looked more appropriate for a five-year-old's birthday party, rather than an official party of a Noble political body.
Quite like her brother, Ginny really had to fight-down a laugh... especially when looking at the boys' reactions.
Harry was looking around, his eyes going all around the place, while his face was set NOT to express his true emotions. But he was stiffed, and standing perfectly still, as though one single movement on his part could trigger an explosion.
Old Albert was walking around, looking from one place to another and his face expressed nothing but numb disbelief.
Blaise on the other hand, looked rather weak in the knees, his face twitching a bit and sporting a smile that was threatening to fall apart at any second.
"What do you think? Really artistic, isn't it?" asked Callidora, looking very proud of their work.
Old Albert fixed her with a strained, but warm smile.
"M-most artistic indeed..."
"We really wanted this place to stand out. " said Luna dreamily.
Harry instantly shot her a big grin, as well as a thumbs-up.
"A-and stand out, it definitely does."
Ginny doubled the pressure of her hand against her mouth - that urge to laugh was becoming uncontrollable.
Luna and Callidora now looked expectedly at Blaise, who swiftly gave them a small, gentle smile.
"A-astounding. I... I – I've never seen anything similar."
"And all of it is for your big speech today, sweetheart." said Callidora, reaching her only son and hugging him lovingly.
"T-thank you, Mum..." he muttered, hugging her back as Luna approached the pair of them.
"N-nevertheless... me, Harry and Grandad have had a few ideas, which could still become useful in this room." he said, as soon as he stepped out of his mother's embrace.
Callidora and Luna looked at each other for a moment, and then sighed, looking at the floor.
"You don't really like it, do you...?" muttered Luna, still looking at her feet.
Both Blaise and Albert almost jumped. Ginny could easily tell (and she knew, that Harry could as well), that no matter how the room looked, the last thing they would want was to hurt their feelings.
"Oh, no-no-no-no... on the contrary, we like it very much..." stammered Albert quickly.
Blaise nodded just as quickly, reaching for both his Mum, as well as Luna.
"Indeed. Mum, Moonbeam... we really appreciate, that you have worked so hard to bring this masterpiece about. On the other hand, WE have also worked tirelessly on our own masterpiece, and we would really hate to simply discard the idea we have put so much time into."
Both Luna and Callidora nodded at the gentle explanation, though they were still looking down, rather than on Blaise.
"Harry, Grandad... would it be possible to merge our design with this amazing work?"
Both Zabini women looked up at Blaise, with a hopeful look.
"Most certainly." nodded Albert with a smile, that reached his eyes.
"Sure thing." added Harry brightly.
Nodding at the support, Blaise fixed his wife and mother a genuine smile.
"In that case, let us all work on a grand masterpiece, the likes of which no one had ever seen before."
Ginny smiled brightly as Blaise hugged Luna and Callidora tightly. Both returned it with equal force, Callidora even let out a little squeal of happiness.
She squeezed Harry's hand and turned to gaze into his eyes.
"I don't agree with Hermione on these things often, love... but she is right - its time to stop slacking off and get some serious work done in here."
...
"A - CHOOO!"
Alice giggled despite herself and fixed a sly look at her companion - a tall, but very thin wizard in her years, who looked very comic in his bulky robes.
"B-bloody winter." he muttered, shivering like crazy.
"Awww... come now, Benjy. It could be worse..." sing-songed Alice cheerfully.
In all honesty... it was hard to imagine the current assignment to be worse.
Nightfall had come exceptionally early even for the final day of the year, and the weather was picking up accordingly. It turned even colder, started to snow, and icy winds were blowing relentlessly.
And they were in one of the worst possible places imaginable during such conditions - on the coast of the Northern Sea!
McLaggen had separated the assignments for the Auror trainees very vindictively this morning, allowing his favourites the less-unpleasant jobs, while Alice Weasley and her friends had been assigned to assist Auror Savage and a few members of the Reinforcement Act Patrol with guarding the coast that separated the mainland from Azkaban prison.
"Totally useless assignment, if you ask me." complained Benjy.
"Even IF someone wanted to break-in again, there are bloody Dementors roaming the entire island. It's not like WE can make any difference here."
Alice nodded, even as another blast of icy wind hit them from the sea.
"I know. But you read, what our prat- er, I mean HEAD of Office had said to the papers. He wants to make sure, that Azkaban will not suffer another breakout."
Benjy rolled his eyes, but before he could say what he wanted, he sneezed again.
"Bless you. Anyway Benjy... let's just be glad, that he didn't assign us ON the island itself." said Alice, looking into the distance, where one could just barely see the prison itself.
Benjy shook uncontrollably at the very prospect. He was instantly convinced, that the current situation really wasn't so bad.
"Weasley! Rockwell!" barked a sharp voice that could easily be heard even through the heavy wind.
They turned and sure enough, their superior for the day, Auror Savage was walking towards them, reaching them almost instantly. Even in the dim visibility, one could easily see that he was clearly not happy.
Both trainees sprang to attention, setting their wands across their hearts - a strange kind-of-salute expected from every single Auror as well as Trainees. One of the new rules, which had been set by the new Head of the Auror Office.
"I believe that you were assigned here to assist with patrolling the coast. NOT for simple strolls and leisure chats!"
"Well, we just finished the rounds around our area. And there is nothing to report." said Alice in a calm voice, though slightly raised to be heard over the rushing wind.
"Silence! All you trainees seem to be under the impression that you are here for an easy assignment! The RAPs stationed here are doing a much better job, because unlike YOU, they are taking the task seriously! You will repeat your rounds, and report back in the cabin straight after that. And I assure you, if I find, that you are slacking off like this again, I will have you patrolling outside until morning!" barked Savage, before turning on his heel.
Alice held in a growl, really wanting to say her mind, even though it was definitely not wise at the moment. Benjy also looked, as though he wanted to respond to it as well, but...
"A-A-A - CHOOO!"
Savage turned and instantly fixed him a glare.
"Do something about that wretched sneezing of yours, Rockwell! I could hear you all the way from the cabin thanks to that!" he roared, turning back and walking away into the darkness, following a small simple light, that came from the far-away, single wooden cabin.
The said cabin, which to ordinary eyes during daytime looked very run-down, was actually magically expanded from the inside and provided warm comfort that was a world different from the conditions outside - light and warmth being only the basics of these comforts.
"Ruddy git. Don't remember him being so strict when your Dad ran the Aurors." said Benjy, once Savage was out of earshot.
"Yes, well... but you do know, that lately he spends his days in the Office kissing McLaggen's arse..."
Benjy's reply came in the form of a yet another, powerful sneeze.
"But I suppose, he IS right about one thing, Benjy. We really should do something about your sneezing of yours. Before you catch a real cold... here." said Alice, pulling a small hip-flask out of the pocket of her winter-robes.
"Firewhiskey?" asked Benjy happily, quickly seizing the hip-flask and helping himself to a generous gulp.
As soon as he did, his face turned bright red and a small jet of steam gushed out of his ears, making Alice giggle.
"Pepperup Potion, you dunce. Fred made it for me, just in case if we were patrolling outside."
"Should've known. But on the other hand... thanks. It really DID help - I feel better already." he said gratefully, handing the hip-flask back to her.
Alice nodded smilingly, as she placed it back into her robes.
"You're welcome. Now... let's get back to patrolling, or that idiot will really leave us here all night."
With that, the two Auror trainees walked away, back on the route they have previously went through. Both were completely unaware, that not far from where they were standing... something had just moved.
Something, the outlines of which could be only barely visible when it moved, protected by the darkness of the night.
"Phew... that was close." came a voice from apparently know-where.
"Don't worry, Dean. These Concealment Blankets are perfect for these conditions. Plus, I've charmed all of them, so that they cannot be detected by other spells." said another voice from under it.
Dean Thomas nodded, his eyes still tracking Alice, as she and her fellow trainee disappeared in the darkness.
"Well... let's move out then, Owen."
Concealed under the blanket and aided by the darkness outside, they manoeuvred their way towards the far edge of the cliff, dodging a few patrolling RAPs, as well as another pair of Auror trainees.
Once they were sure, that they couldn't be seen, they pulled the blanket off themselves, becoming visible.
"NOW!" exclaimed Owen, as soon as another blast of icy wind had past.
Both gripped their wands in their hands and jumped off the cliff.
They free-falled at a gathering speed, falling towards the narrow, rocky coast, on which the waves of the raging sea crashed mercilessly.
"Arresto Momentum" both of them exclaimed, casting the Charm that instantly saved them from a lethal fall.
Suspended in mid-air, and mere inches from the rocky surface of the ground, both scrambled to their feet just before another blast of wind could hit.
Though they kept themselves from being blown onto the wall of the cliff, a stream of ice-cold sea water that crashed onto the rocks nearby had splashed them from head to toe.
Both sputtered and instantly started to shake like crazy.
"D-Damn it!" exclaimed Dean.
"S-sorry... forgot that could happen." said Owen.
A loud laugh rang from somewhere behind them, and they turned to see a very familiar person appear seemingly out of nowhere.
"For being a genius, Owen... you sure can overlook the simple things." said the older man, who had his arms crossed and an unmistakable smirk on his face.
"S-shut up, Ambrose."
Ambrose Gillis snickered again, but gestured the pair of them after him. Still shivering a bit, they followed, carefully treading on the rocky surface.
After a small while they watched Ambrose walk on, and suddenly disappearing from sight. Another blow of wind had revealed the outlines of some-kind of a tent - no doubt, Ambrose had placed a Disillusionment Charm on his tent, which he had prepared yesterday at the Incompliable hideout.
And it was certainly not the only Charm on it.
Both could see that quite clearly, as they entered the tent.
It was magically expanded, and so large that it looked like an overgrown garage. Light was provided magically by shining glass balls, which were placed randomly all around the tent.
It was also nice and warm inside, something which was certainly a relief to both of them. In the very middle of the place were piles of wooden parts of some-kind of a ship that was disassembled.
And there were no less than ten other people inside, all of whom had greeted the pair of them very warmly indeed.
"Dean, Owen... you looked drenched, what happened?" asked Michael Corner, coming closer to them.
"Oh, nothing. Owen just miscalculated a little bit." said Ambrose, snickering again.
Both Dean and Owen glared the older man, but Michael quickly pulled out his wand, drying their clothes with a simple wave.
Ruth Easterbrooke also made her way to them, with two cups in her hands.
"Here, boys. Have some Pepperup Potion. You'll need your strength. The last thing you need right now, is to catch a cold." she said warmly.
Dean and Owen took the cups gratefully, drinking it all in one. At once they felt the cold feeling evaporate, replaced by pleasant warmth, even if their ears did gush out a jet of steam.
As the pair of them thanked her, Ambrose checked his watch, his face turning serious.
"All right, everyone. It's almost seven... the party in Diagon Alley will start soon. Better get everything ready. Owen - do your thing."
Owen nodded, and made his way to the wooden parts, wand in hand.
"This will take a while, though."
As he busied himself, casting a spell here and there with the others watching on, Dean saw Michael fidget a bit beside him.
"Still can't believe, what we're about to do. Besides You-know-who, who had the Dementors ON his side... no one has EVER done this before... I can't help it... but I'm a little scared."
Dean fixed him a small smile and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I know, Michael - we all are."
"But you heard Brian - this HAS to be done." said Ambrose, not far from them, his expression turning fierce.
"And it WILL be done. I will make sure of that. Remember, Corner - I was an Auror... I know the place. Come on, all of you. While Owen works on the underwater ship... or whatever he calls it, let's review the plan for one last time. Don't want anyone on the island not knowing what to do." he said, gesturing to the side of the tent, where a table with several parchments on it was.
"And never forget everyone..." warned Ambrose, as everyone followed him to the planning table.
"One single slip-up... can cost you your very SOUL...!"
...
It was almost seven o'clock... and Diagon Alley was already packed full of people.
Witches, wizards, and children of all age-groups were in the streets, eagerly walking around and very much enjoying what was about to happen.
Ministry Officials had surrounded all of Diagon Alley, and about an hour ago, had cast a massive Anti-Disapparation Charm on the entire perimeter.
The entrance to Diagon Alley was being controlled by both members of the Magical Law Enforcement, as well as their helpers from the Reinforcement Act Patrol. They were checking everyone as much as possible, before they allowed them entrance.
Little did anyone of the Ministry idiots know, that everyone they were out to detect was ALREADY present... and has been since noon.
On the rooftop of one of the tallest houses in Diagon Alley, overlooking everything stood Brian Reeves.
Smoking his cigarette (at least his sixth in the past thirty minutes) his eyes darted the streets.
He heard someone enter the rooftop as well, and felt the person approach him.
Turning around, he smiled gently as he recognised Misty Ross who was coming to him with a cup in her hands.
"I brought you some hot cocoa. You've been out here for quite some time now." she said, joining him.
He took the cup from her gratefully, not bothering to check the cocoa - he trusted Misty that much. He sipped the cocoa quietly, his eyes still tracking the people in the streets.
They both stood side-by-side quietly, simply watching for a while.
"It's going to start soon... right?" she asked.
Reeves turned his head to her and nodded.
"Yes. The first minutes of the New Year will be the beginning... the beginning of the end for Fudge and his cronies, that is."
Misty surveyed the street bellow, seeing the numerous Ministry wizards move around the large podium that had been prepared for the speeches.
"We're really going to do this... We've talked about this so many times since November... and now..."
Reeves shot a sympathetic look at her over his mug of hot cocoa.
"I know... I'm a bit scared too."
"Not just about that, B! I'm scared for the others as well! I mean... Azkaban..." Misty exclaimed, her sudden shaking having nothing to do with the cold outside.
Reeves nodded, but his face was set.
"It has to be done, Mist. Those people have to be set free. It will show these morons, that we will no longer play by their rules."
He placed a hand on her shoulder, fixing her a gentle smile.
"I know, that you're very worried about Owen. But he's not called a genius for nothing, you know."
Misty gave out a feeble chuckle and shook her head.
"Yes... but in the wake of his brilliance, he always seems to forget the obvious things."
Reeves chuckled as well. It was indeed one of Owens's signature traits - one that really becomes apparent once you get to know him.
"Don't worry. That's what Ambrose and Dean are there for. I'm certain, that they'll be able to do it, when they all work together."
Misty seemed to be ease somewhat after hearing that. She nodded and returned her sights to the streets.
"By the way... I'm grateful to you, for teaching us the Patronus."
Reeves nodded with a smile. He had been teaching her, Owen and Ambrose the Patronus Charm all last week, and just yesterday, it produced results. Not a moment too soon, he'd say. Also... there was another trump-card for the Incompliable in play.
"And I'm grateful to you for persuading Owen to use his little discovery." he said, truly grateful as well as astounded that Owen had actually made a discovery like THAT.
"Oh my pleasure, B. It's high time it was put to some use. I've been trying to talk some sense into him, since he had graduated... but no... he insists that it's not ready, that it's not good enough. Time and time again, me and even my mother tried to persuade him to approach the Committee of Experimental Charms, or go straight to the Department of Magical Transportation with it."
Reeves grinned and shook his head.
"Well, I'm glad he didn't. This is a serious trump-card for us - a means of magical transportation that surpasses that of a Portkey. We tried it two days ago, you know. It works, even in the presence of Anti-Disapparation fields."
Misty grinned, hearing how excited her leader was about this particular invention of Owens's.
"Still... I wish he thought of a better name for it." she said, still giggling at the ridiculous name Owen had come up with.
"Starfall? I like it - it has a nice ring to it." replied Reeves, pouting a bit and making her giggle even more.
"Boys. Honestly..."
"There you are." came another girl's voice from behind them.
Fay Dunbar made her way to them, a mock-stern look on her face.
"It's almost time, you know... I'm surprised at you, Brian. The others are waiting for your final orders, and here you stand... slacking-off."
Misty giggled again, but Reeves crossed his arms, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I'M the one, who's surprised. I expected Amanda to come and tell me off for slacking, not you."
The three shared a small laugh, and Reeves felt Misty grab his arm with both of hers.
"She's right, though. Come on... the others need you, leader."
Reeves gave a groan of protest, but allowed her to pull him back towards the door with Fay leading the way.
They walked down a staircase and entered a large room, which was simple and run-down. Several tables were placed randomly here and there, and all the chairs have been moved to the side of it.
Over thirty people were there, all of them busy with something. Either discussing among themselves over a small plan on one of the tables, working on their disguises which were to allow them to mingle with the crowd, or filling small vials with a Potion, a cauldron of which was set in the very back of the room.
Reeves' eyes widened at the sight of the cauldron. With the two girls hot on his heels, he made his way to it and looked at the Potion itself.
It was so transparent, that one could easily see the bottom of the cauldron, even as it was still emitting steam.
Curiosity gripping him, he moved closer to examine it. One single sniff was enough to make his head spin, and he quickly stepped back from it.
"Woah..." he muttered, his hand going for his forehead instantly.
"Be careful." said a witch in her thirties, at once going to them.
Even with his head spinning, Reeves recognised her as Beatrice - one of the St Mungo's Healers, who had joined their side.
"Sincere Somnia is an extremely powerful Sleeping Potion. One has to be very cautious around it." she warned.
Reeves nodded, shaking his head as it stopped spinning.
"Is it used often?" he asked in genuine interest.
Beatrice smiled and shrugged.
"Sometimes, but not very often. See, there are other - simpler - Sleeping Potions that work just as well..."
"But they can't kick-in at a precise time, right?" asked Fay, who had watched Beatrice brew it.
"Correct. Most Sleeping Potions act-up straight away. With this one, one can time its effect. Which is why it needs many more ingredients, and takes so much time to prepare. In three phase's actually." nodded Beatrice.
"That's why it took you three days..." breathed Misty, remembering her brewing it in the hideout.
"And let me guess - disastrous, should you get it wrong." added Fay, looking at the Potion.
"Yes. Fortunately, there is a fairly easy way to know if it had been brewed correctly or not. It has to be completely pure. If you can see the bottom of the cauldron, then its brewed right." said Beatrice with certainty.
Reeves nodded, before checking his watch.
"Excellent. Right... its five minutes to seven. Everyone - ASSEMBLE!" he exclaimed for the entire room to hear.
Everyone instantly stopped doing what they were doing.
Reeves moved to the very back of the room, where a long table was set as close to the wall as possible... resembling a podium. Misty followed him, and Amanda too was making her way towards the long table.
He stood up at the table, looked at the people assembling in front of him, eager to get as close as possible with Amanda and Misty facing them.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cigarettes and an old-fashioned Muggle lighter.
Both Misty and Amanda fixed him a glare over their shoulders as he lit the cigarette. He winked at them in response, just as he replaced his cigarettes in his pocket and let out a stream of smoke. He then directed his gaze on his followers...
"Heh... followers... Who'd ever thought, I'd ever have followers..." he thought, as he took another healthy dose of nicotine.
"Right. The time has come. Tonight, at midnight... we'll show these morons, that The Incompliable are a force to be reckoned with. At midnight, we declare WAR!"
The people erupted into cheers and applauses. Reeves let the cheers sound for a moment, let out another stream of smoke and signalled for quiet.
"But before midnight... there are still a few risky preparations we must do. And not just here in Diagon Alley. Our fellows are preparing their own hits around the country as we speak. And also... our most capable are already starting their mission, to free those who have been imprisoned by that stupid act. They'll break them out of Azkaban!"
Another cheer rang through the room. Reeves could see, that there was no doubt in anyone's mind, that the Azkaban mission will be a success.
"Now... it's up to us here in Diagon Alley to make our mission a success as well. Amanda has divided you into groups. Each group has been assigned a task to perform before midnight." he said, his left hand gesturing here and there.
The various followers, young and old nodded - everyone knew what to do.
"One group is in charge of placing the Potion into the Rap's drinks, also try to get as many Ministry wizards as possible. Another is in charge of manipulating Lockhart's fireworks - you know which words to use and what symbol to project..."
The respective people all nodded.
"The rest of you simply mingle with the crowd... BUT do nothing to attract attention. NO ONE returns to this building once we move out - Me, Misty, Amanda and Beatrice will cover all tracks here before we set out into the street." he said, gesturing to the said girls.
"When midnight approaches, everyone will assume their positions. When the fireworks start, everyone will drop their disguise - let our uniforms be shown to everyone."
At the very mention of the uniforms, there was another roar of applause - clearly, everyone liked his and Dean's design very much.
"Then use Barrier spells to make sure, that no bystander can get in the harm's way, should the Ministry morons try to attack. And IF they do... remember... defensive magic - no lethal or harmful jinxes or curses. Merely stunning and disarming."
His one fear had been put to ease, as he saw that everyone was nodding their heads, complying with the order.
"And... once everything is over... use the objects we have given you to return to the hideout. Remember - do NOT lose them, or let them fall into anyone's hands. The Starfall is our treasure and every Incompliable must protect it - at ALL costs!"
He could see, by the fierce expressions on everyone's faces, that everyone felt the same way. He blew out another wave of smoke, seeing that his cigarette was almost finished.
"Very well. Good luck to all of you. Meet you on the street at midnight. Let's move out NOW...!"
Pulling out his wand, he blew out a last, rather large stream of smoke and jumped from the table. He threw the nearly burnt-out cigarette into the air and vanished it with a simple wave of his wand.
He waved his wand again, this time on the smoke he had blown out and it instantly started to take shape.
"With the first seconds of the new year... our revolution will begin!" he roared, his wand still pointed on the smoke.
The Incompliable sprung into a loud cheer, as the smoke had taken the shape of a symbol. The symbol, Dean Thomas had made a few days ago - a simple pair of spread bird-wings with a large letter "I" between them...
The symbol of The Incompliable.
...
In a building on the opposite side of Diagon Alley, another leader was double-checking the time and giving orders to his troops.
"So... we use just these Mirrors? And nothing more?" asked Amycus Carrow, clearly disappointed.
"Not even fightin' anyone?!" exclaimed Goyle, sounding even more disappointed.
Barty Crouch let out a sigh, exchanging a look with Dolohov and inwardly regretting that he had kept these two idiots here for the mission.
"No wonder little Gregory is so slow... runs in the bloodline alright." he thought, remembering that Gayle's son had once or twice asked something similar in such missions.
"Our mission for tonight, I repeat Goyle - is simple. We move quietly in the crowd... and use these mirrors to weaken the members of the Ministry."
Dolohov nodded, taking a place at Barty's side.
"The mirrors are set. You simply point them at your target. Once - and ONLY once, you two." Dolohov explained, narrowing his eyes at Amycus and Goyle.
"They will weaken the target slightly. So slightly in fact, that the target itself will be unaware of it."
"We ain't takin' 'em out, just weakenin' 'em?! What good is that for?!" exclaimed Amycus.
Dolohov slapped his forehead.
"Seriously... did you sleep through the bloody meeting?!"
Barty gave a snort and fixed Amycus a look.
"It seems, you've missed a few pointers, when we were going over the plan for tonight with Daphne. I expected as much, since you've been so busy cackling with Alecto there." he said, crossing his arms.
Amycus for his part, at least had the decency to bow his head.
"So... to fill you in - me, Bella, Wormtail, you, Goyle and Dolohov remained here in Diagon Alley in order to weaken the Ministry members, who could possibly give the Incompliable some real trouble. The mirrors will drain a tiny portion of their magic, which will weaken them for a while... as well as aid our Lord in his resurrection."
Amycus and Goyle looked at the little mirrors in their hands with matching looks of confusion.
"I don't get it - how can this help our Master?"
Barty rolled his eyes at Goyle again.
"You're not expected to understand, Goyle. You are expected to carry out your mission... or suffer under my Top Right!"
Barty suppressed a grin as both Goyle and Amycus gulped visibly. Both knew very well, what it meant to be subjected to his Cruciatus Curse.
He turned to Dolohov, Wormtail and Bellatrix.
"I trust that unlike these two, you know what to do."
While Dolohov and Wormtail nodded, Bellatrix rolled her eyes and snorted.
"Naturally, I know. But I'm not happy about the disguise part... dressing-up like a filthy commoner!" she said, her face showing utter disgust at the very idea.
He raised his eyebrow at her, but she raised her hands in mock-surrender.
"But if it's for the Dark Lord, I will gladly do even THAT." she said in a definite voice.
Barty nodded.
"Very well. Off you all go then. We shall meet here before midnight and watch the New Year's show."
His fellow Death Eaters all nodded and turned to leave.
He watched them exit the room and then turned on his heel. He entered the balcony, stepping out into the cold December night.
For a moment, he watched the people outside, underneath the Ministry-controlled area, and the grandiose podium. He double-checked his watch - it was now precisely seven o'clock. The party was beginning.
He let his thoughts wander for a moment... thinking back to the private conversation he'd had with Daphne, a short while before the meeting had begun. He had stressed to her the risks that this direct operation would present... and was still not sure, that these Incompliable would be able to come through.
"If the Incompliable's strike on the Ministry's Party fails..."
"Trust me, Bart. They're capable of much more, than we give them credit for. I really think that all this energy of theirs is better directed working FOR our cause, rather than against it." Daphne replied, looking completely sure of this.
"I DO agree with that. However... it's simply too risky for them, Daph. You are basically betting EVERYTHING on this one, single operation."
"Exactly."
Daphne's reply left him startled for a moment, but Daphne's face was showing complete and absolute determination.
"There are times, when you simply have to risk everything, in order to achieve what you want. But believe me... that risk will pay off handsomely."
He couldn't argue much there. After all... he HAD risked everything for the Dark Lord during the Triwizard Tournament, and it was a small miracle, that he was still alive - he had only barely been spared of the Dementor's Kiss, courteousy of Fudge who simply took him for a madman and did not want to believe, that the Dark Lord has really returned.
But THIS was an entirely different matter...!
"I just need a little discreet help from the shadows. The rest will be up to the Incompliable." she assured him.
It still made him uneasy.
Even when the Dark Lord himself had commanded him to comply with this in the instructions he'd send him - and the Dark Lord's word was LAW!
He was worried... actually worried...
Daphne was his best student, his protégé in the Death Eater ranks... his... his little-sister of sorts... a kind of a sibling he'd always wished to have...
Nevertheless...
"I trust you, Daph." he muttered, looking at the lighted street in front of him.
"Well... the game is on - its time to see, how well your plan had worked. Let's see, if your gamble had paid off. Let's see, what the Incompliable are capable of."
...