Chapter 11

May 3, 1997

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They really shouldn't be so startled. It wasn't like she hadn't said something similar before. She wandered away from Hagrid and Dobby, passing the others in the room.

She went back to the stool she had sat on and used wandless magic to pick up the long strands of hair off the floor. She tied them magically and slipped them into her beaded bag.

That done, she finally looked up.

"Dumbledore, you should go ahead and make haste with said plans. Make time in the next day or so to make an official statement to the Daily Prophet."

"I will. But I would like to know what other plans you have for the Order. I may have wronged them but I am still one of their leaders." Quiet words laced with something that riled her up.

"Stay until I'm done. It's up to you. I'm not here to alienate you from the Order. That said, Madame Maxime, do you object to anything I've said before? I know I haven't given you a chance to speak."

The older woman sat with her hands in her lap, her spine stiff even in the armchair. "I think if I had anything to say I would have said it long ago. I don't disagree with anything you have said thus far. I'm not as sentimental as most...humans. I understand what you're trying to do. I'll help in any way I can, Miss Granger."

Good. At least somebody understood her. This was somebody she could work with.

"If there are no further questions, you three can go ahead and ready yourselves. Don't use owls to communicate. That's where you come in, Dobby. I have to ask you a great big favor. Will you be our messenger? I can't trust any other form of communication that could be intercepted by Riddle's side." Hermione spoke as she made her way back to him.

Dobby sat up straighter. "Dobby would be very happy to serve the Order in any way Dobby can. But Dob-I is working in the kitchen but Dobby can ask to be-"

Hermione was already shaking her head. "You can keep the job, Dobby. But as a side job for the Order, I need you to visit Hagrid's group while they are away. I will give you a special galleon that will let you know when they need you. It will also tell you where they are at. I know elf magic is different from that of wizardkind so I know it will work."

Dobby's eyes grew wide as she pulled out the special galleon. It looked like a regular gold galleon. Except for the odd spark here and there. It was infused with her magic. Dobby took it carefully, his skinny fingers curling around it.

"Dobby is very happy to help. Do-I will help Miss Hermione. How does it work?"

"You will feel it warm up and a message will appear on it. But you only have to touch it to know where they are. I learned elf magic from a special friend in my other world and that is how I made it work. But only yours does it."

He smiled and brought it to his chest. "I will do my best. Dobby must be getting back to the kitchens. Breakfast is coming."

Hermione nodded. Dobby looked over at Dumbledore once before snapping out of sight. Hermione walked back to the stool and sat down, this time not being able to help the wince.

Her hip throbbed once more. Her head was beginning to hurt again. She needed more rest. Molly noticed the wince.

"Are you injured, Hermione?"

"Not anymore. I fixed most of the open wounds," she saw Snape reach for something inside his robes but looked away and met Molly's worried gaze. "My hip is still throbbing but it's manageable for now. It's mostly internal now."

Aside from the black and blue bruises and her hip, she was fine. Sort of. Narcissa had luckily forgotten about healing Hermione in her haste to get back home. Hermione wasn't sure if she would have let her touch her. Eventually, she might but at the moment…

"George. Fred."

Both twins looked over at her. Both had been hunched over the prototype she had given them.

"I need you both to make emergency portkeys. Once Dumbledore is in the Ministry, you both will have legal permission to access the magic involved in making them. They will have to be small and easily concealed. Think you could do it? Both the shop and the portkeys?"

Fred looked away from her and George stepped in front of him. "We can. Lee is helping us. We have Angelina and Alice coming to help when they aren't training for their Quidditch teams. With the war gaining momentum, the games are being canceled left and right. We have time."

Lee Jordan gave her a thumbs up even as he glanced at Fred's obvious lack of interest. "I can help them keep the shop going with the girls."

"Good. Now go and rest up. Oh, and Lee?"

Lee Jordan looked back at her, he had already been making his way to the door with the twins in tow.

"Yes?"

"Go for it before it becomes too late."

He flinched back. He nervously reached for a handful of dreadlocks and pulled at them. But he opened his mouth once, twice before walking out, shoulders hunched.

George stared after the dark-skinned boy but it was Fred who stood frozen, his hand holding the wooden door open. George nudged him once, dislodging his hold on it.

Fred looked over his shoulder at her for a second before walking out with his twin. The door closed behind them, leaving a loaded silence behind. Well...she had taken a shot in the dark. She hoped Lee took his own too.

"The muggle-borns of the school and their families are the ones in immediate danger. Riddle will want to strike at them so he will go for their families first. Mr. Tonks-"

"Ted. My father was Mr. Tonks. He's still alive and I don't wish to take such a title from him."

Hermione rubbed her temple. "Right. Ted. I need you and one other to travel to their locations once the twins come up with a few portkeys. They're for emergencies only. Either they take them or go into hiding. We can't leave Order members vulnerable by leaving them with the families."

Oliver Wood raised his hand, his sharp eyes full of cool confidence. "I can help him with that. George was right about the Quidditch teams halting all games. They don't want to be away from their families."

Ted Tonks flashes his fellow Order member a grin. "I'm sure that between each other we can do this."

"Good. Even if they do accept the portkeys, ask them if they wish to have protection wards or charms set around their homes. I know some of them will offer their support so explain the danger they will be in and let me know if they still wish to help."

Nymphadora cleared her throat. "What about those that do have to evacuate? Not just the muggle families but those that are witches or wizards? Many just want to be safe."

"The best we can do is shift the ones that are more likely to be killed to safe houses. That's why I asked who had Sirius left his money and such to. I-"

Harry stirred, his body turning completely to face her.

"You are wealthy here. Or at least well off for a muggle. What did your parents to in...the other world?"

Hermione crossed her arms as she thought back to when things had been easier. Safer.

"They were dentists. They had their own practice. What did her parents do?"

Harry glanced at his father before looking back at her.

"They were Bankers. This might not mean much to those that are non-muggles. But they were extremely wealthy. They retired early so they could leave. Or at least that is what they had said to Hermione. They own many banks and hold a lot of property. They don't plan to come back or that is what Hermione had thought since they left all of it to her."

Hermione closed her eyes. Right. They had left the other Hermione behind. Those-

"Use it all. I don't know anything or even how to access such stuff…"

She wasn't even sure she wanted to but she knew they needed the resources. She needed them if she planned to stay. She opened her eyes.

Harry took a step closer to her. "She said the same. She has a box in her trunk that holds all that information. She was already planning to give it to Remus and Dumbledore to use."

"That's good. I'll look into it later. I just need two people to concentrate on finding out who is in immediate risk. I'll leave that for you all to decide."

Nymphadora shrugged. "I brought it up. I'll take care of it. James? You want in?"

James nonchalantly glanced at the pink-haired woman. "I'll help you."

Molly stood up, drawing Hermione's attention. "I'll help stock them. I'm sure I can shop for items and keep track of such stuff. Arthur could help by setting up wards and such."

"Go ahead. I'll give you access to whatever account she has."

Most of the Order began getting up, most already having a new task.

Dumbledore hadn't said a word. Which was good. He at least wasn't getting in the way. Moody was talking with Minerva, probably figuring out a way to keep the students away from the school grounds.

James Potter didn't look at Harry or Hermione as he walked out, shoulders tense and face clear of all emotions.

Hermione just didn't know what to think of the man. He ran hot and cold too fast for her to keep up. Brushing him from her thoughts, she readied herself for the upcoming conversations.

Two figures came into her line of sight within seconds as the room cleared.

Bill and Charlie.

She had deliberately left them out. As well as Neville, Frank, Harry, Ron, and Luna.

They also walked closer to her.

Hermione nodded at the other Order members as they passed her by, making their way to the door. It was good that they didn't question her about the Horcruxes.

She wouldn't tell them just yet. It was better this way.

Bill's face was serious as he faced her. Charlie didn't have such a serious face. His eyes held too much wildness in them to hold such expression.

Frank wasn't as solemn or even bothered. He actually let the younger ones ahead of him. His wife touched his shoulder before walking out.

Snape turned his back on them and was waiting by the fireplace next to Moody. Kingsley shot them a look but walked out with a very reluctant Dumbledore.

Hermione glanced at Bill, who took charge of the conversation right away.

"I'm assuming that the lack of task or order has something to do with the Horcruxes?" Bill stated quietly, his tone deep and almost soothing to the ear.

Charlie didn't say anything, his eyes never leaving her face.

"Yes. I had planned to let others come along but I think it's better if it's just Snape, Moody, and you two."

Bill glanced at Charlie but still nodded. "I see."

Charlie tucked his hands into his jean pockets. "What about Ron and the others?"

Ron and Harry were close together, both having been pressing closer even as Harry continued to stare at Hermione strangely.

Luna wasn't even standing next to them anymore. The blond girl was in the kitchen, the sound of something being poured could be heard.

"Ron."

He looked down, his height forcing him to do so. His blue eyes searching her face. For what? She didn't know. She didn't think she actually wanted to know.

"Do you still like chess?"

Bewilderment. "What? What does...yes I do. I still play against Remus when I can. Or Dean." Why?"

"Because the other Ron I knew was very good at it. But I didn't take advantage of it then. I will now. I need you to work closely with all the members of the Order who had fought in the first war. Ask them what decisions they took and what their consequences were. Especially events involving Peter Pettigrew. Find me all the information you can and help me anticipate Riddle's future plans. Because while certain events are the same...the people aren't."

Ron swallowed loudly. "I-Are you sure I'm the right person?"

Hermione nodded. "I do. I need the information soon so get started on it as soon as you can."

He glanced at his brothers first before sparing Harry a glance.

"Okay. Yes. I'll do it. But what about Harry? Can't he help?"

Shaking her head, she motioned with one hand towards Harry's head.

"He has to stick close to me. I need the connection he holds with Riddle but not until its the perfect moment. I don't know how much more powerful he is here so I have to see if the charms on the bracelet hold."

Harry touched the bracelet. "It's fine Ron. Go talk to your parents first before they leave the castle."

"Right. I'll see what I can do before it's time for breakfast. I'll see you...wait. Since you're not the same Hermione, our Hermione, will you still be attending classes? We still have a few weeks of school."

That was something she hadn't thought about. Moody's heavy footsteps made them turn in his direction.

"Dumbledore and Minerva think it's best if you are seen but unable to attend classes."

Hermione thought about it. She was in no frame of mind to even think about school. She would only be doing it...for nothing.

"I think that's fine. The other Hermione...was she a-"

Snape's terse voice interrupted her. "If she didn't have the unfortunate fate of being a Gryffindor, she would have been the top student of her year. Even so, many were and are looking forward to what she had planned for her life."

Ron and Harry stared at their professor. Neville didn't look but did nod along with what he said.

Frank Longbottom just stood there, his arms casually crossed as he leaned back on the wall. Luna walked back in, her head bent over the large mug in her hands.

Moody made a harsh sound. "Nothing was wrong with the girl who we all knew. She had a head on her shoulders and kept Potter alive all these years. I think you're not any different, are you, Miss Granger?"

A heavy laugh escaped her lips before she could stop it.

"I kept him and Ron alive for so long...too long. I had thought it over as soon as the war ended. That my use to them would not matter anymore," she declared as she stepped around the men and towards the large windows. It had been a deep-seated fear she had hidden for years.

Ever since the first time. When she saved them during their first year.

"Nevertheless, I plan to tarnish that reputation. I need them to think that I have become unstable but not insane enough to be sent to St Mungo's. I just need to be carefully contained. I'm sure Dumbledore and McGonagall will work something out with the public."

"They already are," responded Moody, his voice sounding a lot closer to her. She had a moment to register a move from the corner of her eye before her hip exploded in pain. Her teeth slid through her bottom lip, releasing a gush of blood as she swallowed her scream of agony.

She swirled with a limp and a blood-filled snarl.

"WHAT IN THE BLOODY-"

"You need to get checked out completely by the matron. Now. You are barely standing up without pain and the longer you wait the worse it will get. Magic can only heal so much, stupid girl." Moody growled as he lowered his staff.

Hermione glared, swallowing blood. Shite. She really needed to sit down. She glanced around for the stool she had occupied before but Harry was already moving, bring it to her. He sat it down gently and gestured with his hands.

"Sit. You're barely holding on. Please."

She had already planned to but decided not to argue. He moved back when Luna walked up to them. She held out the large blue mug to Hermione.

"Drink this. It won't heal you completely but it should help somewhat. I'll go get Madam Pomfrey after you tell me what is needed of me." Husky words that just didn't belong to the dainty girl.

Hermione didn't say anything and just healed the wound on her lip with wandless magic. A quick spell cleared the blood. She accepted the cup without question and chugged the contents. Bitter. It was damn bitter. But the effect was immediate.

It pushed the pain to the back of her mind. She wiped at her mouth, wrinkling her nose as the taste lingered.

Ron stepped forward, his face full of sympathy. "I'll go ahead and go talk to mum but I'll swing by and tell Madam Pomfrey to come."

Hermione was sort of grateful. "Okay. I'll see you later."

Ron slapped Harry's back. "I'll see you at breakfast, mate."

Harry shot him a weary grin in response.

The door closed quietly, leaving them in silence for a minute as Hermione recollected herself.

Moody had gone back to the fireplace, his body leaning on the same staff he had used to whack the ever-living shite out of her hip. She would bruise.

"You know, Alastor, we were friends before you died."

Nothing in those suspicious eyes. "Is that so. I can't imagine why I would befriend a girl barely of age."

"I've said it before but in case you hadn't heard me correctly, the war didn't care if I was a child or girl. I still fought alongside the Order and the Alastor I knew taught me many great things. I cried when you died. I attended your burial," she paused, placing the mug on the floor. "Payback's a bitch. That hit wasn't necessary but I suppose since I dropped your old arse earlier, it's all fair between us. Or so I would like to think."

The familiar wicked glint she had seen once or twice before showed up now. "Very well, Miss Granger."

Turning her attention back to the others, she touched her side for a second before studying Neville.

"Neville, what is your goal after you graduate?"

A frown appeared. "I-um had planned on becoming a healer. To come back to Hogwarts and take over for when Madam Pomfrey retires. She knows my intent and is waiting for me to gain experience at St Mungo's. A year or two. Why?"

"I had something else planned for you but with this new information...I have a list of spells that the Death Eaters might use and actually, one of them almost killed me two years ago. I don't want the Order losing members when they could be healed. I will give you a personal book of mine containing such spells and what I have seen them do. Research as much as you can. Ask Madam Pomfrey and consult with Madam Pince on which books will help."

She couldn't miss the flash of disappointment in his eyes. "What is it, Neville?"

"I just thought I would be doing more. Like Ron or even Oliver."

"You're still in school. So is Ron, Harry, and Luna. I'm playing you all by what strengths you have. I'm not sending you out to do something without training. I have seen the consequences of that. I won't allow that to happen again. Please understand."

The blood and carnage...the destruction still lingered in her mind. In her very eyes.

Something of that must have shown because his expression cleared.

"Okay. I'll trust your judgment."

"Thank you. Stay and listen. Or go ahead and start."

"I'll go. I have a lot to research so I'll head to breakfast first before hitting the library. Please see Madam Pomfrey, you're going paler by the second."

"I will."

Neville turned away and walked over to his father. Hermione straightened her back and forced herself to focus on Luna. Her body was still hurting and it wasn't letting her forget it.

"Luna, does your father own the Quibbler?"

Luna beamed. "Yes. He owns it. He also writes for it. I'm glad it was a thing in your old world. Do you need it?"

Hermione shook her head. "Not really. But he should get protection once he starts writing about Death Eaters or Dumbledore. They will try to kidnap you to control him. They did that before. Send word to him about it. As for what I want from you..."

She crossed her arms, fisting her hands as she did so. "I need to share everything I know with you. If I die-"

Luna shook her head, losing the smile, "You won't' die. You can't. You weren't brought here to die-"

"I can't trust anybody completely. I have to think realistically. It's a burden. A big one. But if I end up dying, I need to know somebody else has what I know at their disposal. You will know everything I plan to do. But that also means you have to be protected. When I tested every single member of the Order earlier, I realized that your mind wasn't like any of the others. Yours is as far from human thinking as one could get while being human. The charm I cast on you probably isn't needed."

Luna's face cleared of any emotion. It was eerie to witness. "I don't think you'll die. No, I know you won't die. But if it makes you and the others feel better, I'll do it."

Hermione took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Stay. We're not done just yet. Mr. Longbo-"

Lazily turning his head, he met her eyes squarely. "Frank. Frank will do. What do you have for me, Miss Granger?"

"How did you get that scar?"

He slowly raised his hand and traced the scar on the left side of his face.

"By fighting alongside James the night Riddle killed Lily."

…..0o0o0o0o0o0o0…..

Thank you for reading. Please be careful and mindful of others.

I'll be replying to comments in the next chapter. Thank you for reading.

I hope this small chapter brings comfort to those that need it.

Vanee