Part 4
Ilvermorny Bound
Draco had been confined to his room. Neville was resting in his and Harry was still unconscious when Sirius himself at carried him through the apartment and put him to rest on his bed. Leaving Harry in Tonk's capable hands to be healed, Sirius turned from his godson and stopped only to look at a picture of Harry and Hermione. The two were so young and yet to Sirius' eyes, the pair were more grown-up than he could have believed. He had never seen two people so young be so intricately connected. He had witnessed it himself during the last few weeks he had spent with Harry. He had watched when Hermione first came to stay with them, seen how difficult it was to keep them separated for too long. He would have said the pair were like magnets always pulling and moving together but it didn't feel like a strong enough description.
Fearing what was to come for his godson, Sirius left the room and closed the door behind him. He made his way down the corridor, passing Draco's room as he did and entered the lounge. Inside, were gathered Remus, Lily, Hestia, Severus and Albus Dumbledore. Remus had gotten it the worst and was being treated by Hestia for a few deep gashes. Severus was tending to a wound on his leg. Lily and Dumbledore had been together when the attack started, and their combined abilities left them looking as though they hadn't fought at all. Dumbledore was staring intently into the fireplace, while Lily sat, a look of worry, fear and panic on her face.
"Tonks is taking care of Harry," Sirius told them when they all looked up. He closed the door and stepped further into the room.
"His injuries weren't too bad," Said Severus, "From what I managed to get out of that Webber girl, he was the last one standing before Grindelwald fled,"
"You really think he fled?" Remus asked, his chuckle hollow as he waved off Hestia, "You only run if you lose a fight, not if you win one, Severus."
"Harry managed to get through all of that, when none of us could?" Asked Hestia. The affection for Harry on her face only showed how much she cared for him, "Typical," She muttered, crossing the room and sitting next to Lily.
"What happened?" Asked Severus, looking directly at Sirius, "I was on my way out when the attack started. Kingsley and I both attempted to fight our way back but there were just too many of them."
"It was the same everywhere," Sirius told him, "Remus and I were overwhelmed the minute we tried to get Harry and Draco out of there. It was all we could do to stop them killing Cedric and believe me they tried,"
"Once we realised, we couldn't get through the curtain to pull the boys out of there," Said Remus, sitting up in his chair, "We tried the other way, instantly finding our path blocked. By the time we fought our way free, we found Draco sitting by himself trying to protect Cedric from two more Grey Cloaks,"
"He held his own against them?" Hestia asked.
"Barely," Sirius told her, "The boy is good, but he was half cut at the time and simply holding up a shield spell to keep them from getting at Cedric. It was only after that, we found out Harry had gone to the Runes alone."
"I don't think we expected him to go anywhere else, that's where…" Hestia fought back the urge to say Hermione's name. She glanced at Lily who shivered against the thought of Hermione, and took Lily's hand, hoping to comfort her.
"We tried to give chase but ran right into a battle between Kendra and Arthur," Remus continued his story, glancing at Lily with concern.
"Quite a surprise, having them turn up," Said Severus, "I had thought of signalling them but to know they were already aware of the attack, concerns me,"
"They weren't working together," Sirius told him, "The animosity is still there. Arthur was still calling them traitor as he tried to kill some of them."
"They didn't stay though, they left the moment Grindelwald left with…" Remus paused, avoiding saying the name as well. However, when his eyes met Lily's, she was at the end of her tether.
"Hermione!" Lily snapped. She got to her feet and Sirius stepped backwards as she approached him, walking past and going to Dumbledore, looking straight up at him. "Her name, is Hermione Granger and I want to know why that treacherous old bastard wants with her, now!"
The room was tense with Lily's angry voice echoing in the backs of all their minds. Dumbledore continued to stare at the fire a little longer before standing up to his tallest, meeting Lily's furious glare and simply sighing. His face was defeated and lost, his eyes tired and weary as they had been for as long Sirius had seen them since his return.
"I cannot say," Dumbledore told her.
"You're an extraordinarily clever man, Albus!" Lily snapped at him, "Put a bit of thought in it, take a guess, make a wager, give me a good enough excuse to give Hermione's parents when they ask me why their daughter has been kidnapped by Lord Grindelwald!"
"We're not going to tell them anything," Said Sirius, taking a step towards Lily, who, was now glaring at him.
"Excuse me?!"
"Look, as far as they're concerned, Hermione is attending Ilvermorny this year. That gives me a year to find her," He explained, stepping closer and placing a hand on Lily's shoulder. She shrugged it off and walked away from him. Sirius looked up to Dumbledore, "We can track him, find out what we need and go after Hermione, you know we can,"
"It's possible," Albus nodded. He turned to address the whole room, "We were unprepared for this. I thought Gellert would come alone or with a few of his followers, not the numbers he brought with him."
"That's a thing I want answered," Hestia said, "Where on earth did he get an army that big in such a short time?"
"It's possible that whoever set him free had been recruiting this whole time," Severus suggested, "I recognised more than a few old faces among those who I fought with, including some ex-Death Eaters."
"Kendra was one of Voldemort's most loyal before she met Grindelwald, it's possible she has been recruiting this whole time," Remus also suggested.
"We're forgetting someone," Lily growled. When she met Sirius' eye she practically spat the name at him, "Erica,"
"I don't believe for a second she would condone what happened tonight," Said Sirius. He was determined to keep his cool and it was tricky knowing that Lily looked like she was about to blame Erica for everything that took place tonight, "What happened tonight, it doesn't make sense. This was never Grindelwald's style,"
"That is very true," Dumbledore agreed. He drew in a deep breath and walked to the middle of the room, "Grindelwald is many things but a murderer of magical lives he is not, I don't know what has driven him to do this but I suggest finding out as quickly as possible,"
"I'm going after Hermione," Sirius told him, "With or without your permission,"
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Dumbledore told him.
The door opened and Tonks stepped through, her face pale and sad as she closed the door behind her. When she saw Sirius and Lily looking at her expectantly, she smiled a little and nodded.
"He will be fine," She told them, "Physically anyway." Sirius sometimes hated that others knew Harry so well. He could only try to fathom the emotions that Harry would be feeling when he woke up and yet Tonks would know exactly what those emotions were because of how long she'd known him.
"I can't hold off on not telling Hermione's parents for long," Lily said. She took a deep breath and glanced at Severus, "You're going as well,"
"I am?" Asked Severus, standing slowly to glance at Sirius then back at Lily.
"He is?" Sirius questioned. He felt insulted that she would ask someone else to go with him, as if she didn't trust Sirius to do this for Harry.
"I know you care for him Sirius, but you can't do this alone," Lily told him. She sighed and looked at them both, "I need you both to work together, you're the only two I can trust to get her back for him,"
"Feeling insulted here," Remus said, getting to his feet. He was about to offer his services until Lily shot him down.
"You're going nowhere," She growled at him, "You've got a baby to prepare for and we're going to need all the help we can get back home, you saw how large the Death Eater numbers still were, if they're out in force it means Voldemort is close to his goal of a return." She turned her attention back to Severus and Sirius who were eying each with slight disgust, "I need you two to work together, you both care about Harry, you both want to protect him and I know you will keep Hermione safe. You're the only two I can rely on because I know you don't want Harry to get hurt,"
"You don't think he'd tried to hurt himself, do you?" Tonks asked, fearfully.
"No," Said Lily, "But you find me one person on this earth that is going to stop him going after Grindelwald."
"He will go to Ilvermorny with Draco and Neville," Dumbledore said, knowingly. For the first time that night, Albus found himself smiling. This smile caused by the questioning looks on all their faces. They were questioning his sanity. They all knew that Harry would find some way of going after Grindelwald. It was just a matter of how and when.
"We've been trying for 3 years to prevent him, Draco and Neville from getting themselves killed, what makes you think you can get them to go to Ilvermorny with Hermione kidnapped?" Lily demanded.
"I'm simply taking a guess at this stage," Replied Dumbledore. He stepped forward and the whole room shook of the looks of disbelief, "Under no circumstances should those three boys be separated, I've already made sure that Abigail will put all three of them in Thunderbird. From there, I trust the three of them to cause as much havoc as possible."
"Are you even going to tell us why?" Sirius asked.
"No but I would suggest getting to Grindelwald first," Replied Dumbledore. "If your plan is to seek out Hermione then I can't stop you but know that you will have to do it without my help. If the Death Eaters are gathering their forces then I must be in Hogwarts when it happens."
"Hestia and I will make sure the boys make it to Ilvermorny," Said Lily, looking to Hestia who simply nodded her support for her lover.
"I shall endeavour to send you some help," Dumbledore told her, "I suggest leaving Harry for the moment, let him come to you when the time is right."
"I don't even know what to say to him so that will be easy but what about Hermione's parents?"
"I can forge some letters," Tonks suggested, "I know enough about Ilvermorny that I can make it look like she's there studying."
"And," Remus sighed, "It would seem…that I am…"
"Growing up," Sirius chuckled, patting his old friend on the arm, "It's just this once, after this we'll have more dangers to face together,"
Once it was made clear that Sirius and Severus would face the task of tracking down Hermione and bringing her home, they departed without a single word. Sirius did ask Lily that she tell Harry of what he was doing and that he swore he would bring Hermione back to him. He didn't know if this were the right thing to do, he feared it would only spur Harry on to a greater feat of bravery, but he had to hope that Harry trusted him to do this. Remus and Tonks would leave with Dumbledore, their mission to learn all they could about the Death Eater resurgence. This would leave Lily and Hestia, alone in the lounge in each other's arms with Lily fearing what state her son would be once he woke up.
O
Draco had not slept well the night before. True to his word, he had stayed in his room and not come out. Not even when Harry woke up. As far as he knew only Lily and Hestia stayed and the others had gone. From the shouting, yelling, pleading and hour long arguing between Lily and Harry, he had pieced together some information. Sirius and Severus were making the rescue attempt to find Hermione. Dumbledore was going back home with Remus and Tonks and it would be for Lily and Hestia to try and learn of Hermione's whereabouts while staying on course with the original mission. They were still expected to attend Ilvermorny.
What that mission was now, Draco didn't care. All he cared about was finding out how Harry was. He wanted to find out how Harry was doing and then commit to whatever plan his best friend had for finding Hermione. It would start with breakfast.
"Draco," Hestia greeted him when he stepped into the kitchen. There was a small breakfaster prepared, one that Draco accepted, simply because he hadn't eaten the night before and was starving. Hestia looked exhausted. "How are you feeling?"
"Physically, fine," He told her. Draco hadn't gotten to know Hestia in the same way Harry knew her. To him, she was still an outsider. Yes, she was a member of the Order of the Phoenix, but Draco wasn't sure who to trust right now, "Have you seen Harry?"
"Only during the arguing," She told him. She smiled a little, her face worn and tired, empty and unable to express emotion, "I never knew they could fight like that,"
"I only heard the end of it," Said Draco, taking a few bites of toast and jam. He chewed for a longer time than needed and swallowed loudly to fill the silence, "Where is Lily?"
"Resting," Replied Hestia, "I convinced her to get some sleep before we leave tomorrow,"
"We're going home?" Draco asked. He did so innocently but it didn't look as though Hestia was fooled.
"Draco, it might be hard to understand but right now the best thing to do is…"
"Leave?" Draco smirked. He shook his head and leaned back in his chair, "On whose orders?"
"No one is ordering you…"
"Then we stay in New York and try to find Hermione," He interrupted, "You already know she could still be in the city. Sirius and Severus are good, but they can't search the whole place in a day or before Grindelwald decides to take off."
"Dumbledore believes that going to Ilvermorny is the only key to finding Grindelwald and therefore finding Hermione." Hestia said. She heaved a great sigh. She had, had this conversation too many times.
"Well, we'll see what Harry says about that," Draco said. He scraped his chair along the floor and grabbed another piece of toast, "If there is one thing I know is my best friend and he will not be leaving this Apartment, no matter what Dumbledore wants."
And with a sure confidence in knowing that he would soon be on his way to battle one of the greatest dark lords of all time, battling countless Grey Cloaks, facing untold dangers and eventually saving the girl who stole Harry from him, Draco sauntered down the hall, toast in hand, reached Harry's bedroom door and burst through it, ready to give his best friend all the encouragement he needed.
"Right, what's the plan, when are we going into the…holy…mother…of…"
"Morning, Draco," Said Neville. He was sitting on Harry's bed nursing a wounded arm that was done up in a sling. At his feet were scattered papers, at his side a book on what looked like extremely complicated Runic magic. Behind him was Draco's kitten, Pawfoot, who was busying herself by chewing on a bit of string that hung down from Harry's very packed and ready to go trunk. But this is not what Draco was staring at.
Harry was stood in the middle of the room. All the furniture had been piled up out of the way and the massive wall on the left side of the room was exposed. It was also covered in a mass amount of writing, detailing everything from the Gala attack, what was in the current papers, suspects that started with an old picture of Grindelwald, also detailing what information they had on him and next to it, a picture of a handsome young man that Draco had never seen before but resisted the urge to swoon as he saw the name 'Tom Riddle' written beneath the picture. The lines that connected away from Grindelwald were attached to a picture of Erica Black, next to that was a picture of a woman that Harry had written 'Kendra Lestrange' underneath. There was a neatly sketched picture of a Grey Cloak and a symbol beneath it marked as 'The Deathly Hallows' this then connected to the Death Eater symbol and worked its way up in a circle, starting with the Death Eaters, then to Yaxley, the Weasley family and finally back connecting to Tom Riddle. In the middle of this circular bevy of information that had been scraped, scribbled and written on the wall, sat a picture of Hermione. Beneath the circle were several pictures. Draco recognised Bella and Charles Swan, along with Cedric who was also connected to a picture of his cousin, Edward Diggory. The man in the middle must have been Cedric's father. Each of these pictures were circled with red ink and marked as Suspects.
"We're going to Ilvermorny," Draco said, stepping forward to stand next to Harry.
"Yes," Replied Harry.
Draco couldn't describe how Harry's voice sounded. That one 'yes,' was so hollow that it left a chill down Draco's spine to hear it. Upon closer inspecting, it was clear that Harry not slept at all. His eyes were wide, crazed and scanning every piece of information that was written on the wall. Draco had seen something similar to this before but never on the scale in which Harry had used his unique method of investigation.
"We're going to find her, right?" Draco asked him, "We're going to go and find Hermione,"
"Yes," Harry nodded. His eyes then met Draco's, "And then I'm going to kill Grindelwald and anyone who gets in my way. No matter who gets in my way."
"Our way," Draco corrected him, "You, me, Neville, all three of us, together. Right?"
"Yes, of course," Harry's smile was just as empty as his words. He glanced back up at the wall and indicated the picture of Hermione.
"Alright. So, where are we in the grand scheme of things?" Draco wanted to avoid making Harry speak again. So, he directed the question at Neville.
"So far what we've pieced together is that there is a war going on between the Grey Cloaks and the Death Eaters. That information is new and arrived half an hour ago in this letter," Neville replied. He reached across to the table that had been put in place, picked up a piece of parchment and handed it to Draco for reading.
Dearest Harry.
I already know that he's taken Hermione and for this, I am eternally sorry that I couldn't stop it from happening. I do know that he wouldn't risk hurting her. If there are one thing Grindelwald values, it's intelligence and he'd rather use her than harm her.
I want you to know that I had nothing to do with Grindelwald's escape from Nurmengard. I know you might not believe me, but I had planned on leaving him there once the stories of his condition reached me. It would seem his time in prison has not been kind to him and mentally, he is not the man I once knew. I know that will seem like a poor excuse to you but the man I was once served is gone and I don't know why.
So far I know this.
The Grey Cloaks aren't who they appear to be. Their hatred for Death Eaters is stronger than anything I've seen. Kendra Lestrange, her sister Bellatrix was and still is the right hand of Voldemort. Kendra I believe, wants my old position. I would go so far as to guess it was she who broke Grindelwald out, despite knowing how unstable he's become.
Secondly, I know that Sirius and Severus are hunting down Grindelwald, but they won't find him. The real answers are in Ilvermorny. The key to finding Grindelwald is there.
Lastly.
I believe that Grindelwald has a spy inside the Order of the Phoenix. It's likely this person will have told Grindelwald when to make his move. Find out who else was at the meeting with Dumbledore in the Gala. Find them and you will find Hermione.
I plan to see you very soon. Keep safe and good luck. I know you will find her.
Love.
Erica.
"A spy?" Said Draco, reading the letter again and turning it over for any other bits of information.
"The first thing Harry said," Neville nodded, "If someone in the Order is working for Grindelwald, then it's them who told him where Hermione would be, it's them who made sure to attack you and Harry in the Duellist Tent, to find Sirius and Remus. Where Dumbledore and Lily were."
"That would explain why they were able to overwhelm us so easily," Draco sneered at the letter and tossed it down like it was something dirty, "Grey Cloaks and Death Eater's at war with each other. Why? It would seem to me like they have the same goals."
"They're victims," Said Harry. Reluctantly, Draco met that cold, empty stare and couldn't help being curious. Harry faced the wall again and pointed to Kendra Lestrange, "Her husband was a traitor to the Death Eaters. Belletrix Lestrange killed the man herself."
"Wow," Draco breathed.
"Over here," Harry said, picking up a list of names and pointing to the first, "Eric Downey, his parents were murdered in a Death Eater raid. Jessica Rollins, her family tortured into insanity. Martin Price, children murdered by a werewolf named Fenrir Greyback."
"Charles Swan," Draco said, reading the name from the bottom of the list, "Wife murdered by Voldemort." Draco was quickly making connections in his head, "That's how Grindelwald has so many followers. They all think he's the key to getting their revenge?"
"Or they're just devoted to him under the delusion that he's going to prevent Voldemort coming back," Neville suggested. He got up from the bed and walked over to the wall, pointing directly at Arthur Weasley, "Best we can tell, someone warned him that the Grey Cloaks were coming last night, he gathered every single Death Eater that wasn't in Azkaban and came to fight. They left the second Grindelwald had taken off."
"Well, yeah, the Ministry would have arrested them on sight," Said Draco, "That's nothing new."
"But, it's a lead on Ilvermorny," Neville said with enthusiasm, "There was only one member of the Ministry there that night who was a former Death Eater,"
"Jeremy Diggory," Harry nodded.
"Alright, I'm seeing a reason to go to Ilvermorny now," Draco sighed and nodded his head, "Bella and Cedric. They're the key that Erica mentioned in her letter?"
"Even if they don't know where Grindelwald is," Harry said. His voice quickly becoming dangerous, "There has to be a means of getting to Charles and Jeremy, to know if they had something to do with last night."
"And if they did?" Draco asked, fearing the answer.
"Then the American's will need a new President."
O
Harry walked alone as they approached the car. He had been thinking about what was to come and how he would achieve it, knowing full well that his mission had changed, he couldn't help but feel that he was somehow going to carry out Dumbledore's wishes whether it was Harry's intension to or not. His thoughts as ever were on Hermione. It had been almost two weeks since she was taken and there had been no word. Sirius and Severus hadn't reported in, there had been no more attacks, no sign of anything. Harry didn't know if he was meant to take this as good news or bad but the not knowing was what killed him the most.
He wondered if Grindelwald would treat her well. He didn't try to think about what Grindelwald would have wanted with her in the first place, why of all the people on this earth had he chosen to take Hermione. He couldn't help but wonder if he would be going to this much effort if it was Neville or Draco that had been taken. Feeling guilt for even having that thought, he knew he would. He just knew it would hurt less to think about.
Harry knew there was no point wallowing in self-pity and so, he only committed one day to feel the guilt of having lost Hermione. His soul determination now was to get her back and make Grindelwald regret ever stepping foot outside of his cell in the first place. Doing so was going to require a great deal of sacrifice on Harry's part. He would have to do things he never thought he would and when he reached out to Ron Weasley, he knew there wasn't any place low enough he wasn't willing to sink.
Potter
Forgive the lateness of the reply but thanks to you my entire family is on the run. Yes, I was able to speak to my father and he surprisingly shares your concern over the mudblood, Granger. No, he has no idea why Granger would have been taken but he has suggested that you focus on the Swan girl. I suggest against it. Not because I like you but because there is still one member of my family that does. And she suggests that you look into the history of Ilvermorny. Specifically, the myth about another Chamber, one the lies within the walls of Ilvermorny. Her mind might be slipping further and further away but she knows Tom Riddles secrets better than anyone. It is possible that he once visited Ilvermorny. What he hid in this Chamber is unknown, but I don't think she would ever steer your wrong.
I personally hope that if it does exist, whatever inside kills you and those blood traitor friends of yours.
Signed.
Ron Weasley.
P.S Ginny sends her undying devotion and love.
As much as it concerned Harry that Ginny was still of sound mind enough to claim she still loved him, he was very appreciative of her help. He was also surprised by Arthur's willingness to help but that could have been down to the hope that Harry or the Order could inflict some kind of damage on Grindelwald's forces. For all his talk of killing those responsible for Hermione's capture, there was one slight issue with that. Hermione wouldn't want Harry to become a mass-murderer of her. And so, he would do his best not to kill anyone in his endeavour to rescue her when the time came.
Along with the letter came a book. At first, Harry had mistaken it for Tom Riddle's Diary. The black leather-bound novel detailed the life of a man named Mortavious Riff, who was the only known and willing Parseltongue who wrote a translation and pronunciation guide. If there was another one of Voldemort's chambers inside Ilvermorny, it was likely that this book was sent by Ginny. This brought him some comfort because he imagined that this act by her was essentially an act against Voldemort himself. He would find a way to pay her back.
Setting aside everything for a moment. There was one thing Harry had to do before leaving for Ilvermorny.
"Mum?" Harry spoke softly, knowing that she had become accustomed to his bad temper of late. He felt awful for the way he had acted the night she told him he wasn't allowed to go back home or stay in New York. He knew it wasn't Lily's fault that Hermione was gone and apart from only a few minor conversations, they had not really spoken since they'd fought.
"No," Lily said, holding her up to silence him and then wrapping her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug, "We're not going to apologise for loving Hermione. We should never apologise for that."
"I was a brat, I shouldn't have…" Harry tried to say, but Lily was having none of it.
"I've spoken with Hestia and she agrees that she and I won't be needed in Boston," She told him. Harry could feel himself filling with affection for his mother, "We're going to go back to New York, track down Sirius and Severus and then we're going to after Grindelwald,"
"What about Dumbledore's orders?"
"Albus Dumbledore is welcome to play his silly schemes and hope for the best but the only way that girl of ours is coming home, is if her family are the ones going after her," She replied. Harry grinned and felt happier than he had done in two weeks. He was finally beginning to understand where he got his rebel streak from, "I want you, Draco and Neville to do whatever it is you're going to do but keep safe at the same time,"
"We will," He promised her, "Any advice for before I go to a new school?"
"Yes," She nodded, smiling and pressing her lips to his forehead, "Show them why you're the best wizard of your age,"
"I love you, Mum."
"I love you to, Sweetheart,"
Strange as it was to feel happy, when Harry climbed into the back of a long limousine with Neville and Draco sitting on seats opposite him, Harry couldn't help feeling more positive. If Sirius, Severus and now Lily and Hestia were going to be chasing down Grindelwald, then it would triple the chances of finding her before it was too late for anything bad to happen. The only worry in the back of Harry's head now, was a minor issue of being underage.
"I've looked into the trace and while the Ministry would like us to think it was completely unbreakable, that's not entirely true," Draco was looking over a book that detailed the rules and law of the Ministry, "You see, there are different forms of the trace and a student has to be added to them,"
"Added to them?" Neville asked him. Neville was sitting reading a letter from his Gran that he'd gotten early this morning before he joined the conversation. He had placed it neatly and safely into his jacket pocket for safe keeping. Harry felt bad that he noticed this because it was likely that Neville was really starting to miss home. He could understand that feeling but home wasn't going to mean anything if they returned to it one member short.
"Yes," Draco nodded, putting the book down and looking at the two of them, "Back home, the trace is added the day we step through the doors of Hogwarts. One of the teachers do it and we don't even notice it happening."
"I feel violated," Harry joked. It showed Harry how low he'd been lately that Draco and Neville both looked shocked by the joke itself, "That bad?"
"Sorry, mate," Neville smiled a little, "But it's good to see being positive,"
"Yeah, simply wonderful, now can I continue to be extremely clever?" Draco asked, sarcasm dripping through his voice.
"It's about time you stepped up," Harry grinned, earning a punch on the arm from Draco, "Continue, Mr Granger," he joked again, this time earning a few chuckles.
"Anyway," Draco said, giving Harry a glare, "It's also geographical, meaning that the improper use of magic office back home can't track us here."
"That would explain why I didn't get in trouble for underage magic when trying to save Bella from the chuckle brothers," Harry said. He'd also written to Wayne and Tony, thanking them for their helping during the Gala. Wayne had been the one to reply back with a thank you letter and a promise that he and Tony were going to help find Hermione. It felt good knowing he had allies in the American Ministry as well as the UK one now.
"Because the trace can't track us here," Neville said, finding some pleasure in that, "But how does the trace work here?"
"Well, right now there isn't a trace on us and frankly," Draco said, reaching into his pocket to pull out his wand, "I plan to keep it that way,"
"How?" Harry asked, eying the wand curiously.
"The trace is added to Ilvermorny students when they're sorted into their houses, it's only a minor charm and that's going to take place in the next half hour, most shield charms last days with the right amount of protection,"
"Won't they detect a spell like that?" Neville asked, suddenly looking very worried.
"Pfft, nope. The defences around Ilvermorny only protect against malicious spells, if someone is shielding themselves it won't get tracked." Grinned Draco.
"Wicked," Harry approved, "If we use Protego, it should prevent whoever is casting the charm from putting the trace on us,"
"We'll have to leave the Castle to make sure it works but yes," Draco nodded.
The rest of the car journey was spent sharing different bits of information that they'd gathered separately. Draco had impressed Harry beyond belief by going to great lengths to study the history and myths of Ilvermorny Castle. There were plenty of rumours about a Chamber of secrets being built by anyone, it would be the descendant of Salazar Slytherin and who would be one of the founders of the school Isolt Sayre. This gave some hope but made Harry wonder why a blood traitor would allow such a thing to be built in her school. It would make sense that it was Isolt that built the Chamber and also why Ginny had sent Harry the book that would teach him to speak parseltongue. Harry himself had been reading up on the Swan and Diggory family. He had thought about sending a letter to Cedric's cousin to whom he had a good friendship with but now knowing that Cedric is connected to Death Eaters, he didn't know if he could trust Edward. The history of the Swan family bothered Harry. Charles might have been a star Auror and become the President of magic but his ties to Grindelwald were deep. Even if the President had nothing to do with the Grey Cloaks, he would know exactly who would look out for and might even know how to track down Kendra Lestrange. Bella was proving to be a strange girl. Harry would have described her as 'overly talented for her age' her abilities and accomplishment matched that of not just Harry but Draco, Neville and Hermione. One thing that did spark Harry's interest were Bella's alliance with the Quileute Wolf pack of Forks Washington and her known ability to Duel-wield wands, often being known for using hers and her mother's wand in duels when occasion called for it. To his disappointment, Neville had also been given the task of help Harry to source out any information on Grindelwald. Unfortunately, the only thing Neville could bring back was what Harry himself had already found. Surprisingly though, he had learned about Jeremy Diggory's involvement with Voldemort. Diggory had acted as a go between for the Death Eaters across the world, often travelling with many secrets in his head. This made Cedric more of a prime target in the war against Voldemort, but the former Dark Lord wasn't a threat in his current state and so Harry had only kept this information if Voldemort were to make a grand return.
"And if you gents would take a look on your window, you'll be gifted a truly marvellous sight," The drivers voice echoed through the car.
Harry, Draco and Neville all opened their windows and looked out together. In the distance and getting closer was a pure white alabaster castle that was surrounded by tall trees that stretched out across the mountain top to form a wide forest. The sun danced across the clear sky and made the whole building sparkle with a strange magic that Harry found familiar and homely. He never thought he'd feel the same way he did when he first saw Hogwarts 4 years ago and yet, looking up and Ilvermorny, he could resist feeling that sense of wonder fill him again. He only wished Hermione could be here to see it.
When Harry and the others saw the car veer off-road and begin driving towards the base of the mountain, they all pulled their heads in and closed the window. They knew this part of the journey was coming and it would be the perfect time to cast their protective enchantments. Neville had showed some resistance, fearing that they would get caught but with a little arm twisting (Literally) from Draco, Neville conceded, and he also cast the protection spell over himself. This all went on as the car itself drove through the rock and onto a smooth road within a dark tunnel that wound its way around the inside of the mountain. This leg of the trip lasted a good few minutes until sunlight filled the car again and three boys were able to gaze at the forest beyond the windows.
"Have to admit," Draco said to no one in particular, "This place is amazing,"
"You can say that again," Neville muttered. He was pressing his face against the glass just to get a closer look.
"It's a lot bigger than I thought," Harry said. Only Draco noticed the frown on his face and Harry knew that Draco was now thinking the same thing as Harry was. The castle itself was monumental in the same way that Hogwarts was enormous. The difference with Hogwarts was that there, Harry had a map that showed him every square inch of the castle that his Father, Remus, Sirius and Peter had all visited in their youth. Harry's task suddenly felt even more impossible than it already did.
Speaking of what Harry considered impossible, he was about to face an entire school where he knew a grand total of five people who went there. When the car pulled to a complete stop outside the gates of Ilvermorny, Harry was quickly reminded of the fact that the school itself had already been in session for a whole week now. The school was getting prepared for Harry, Draco and Neville's arrival. The excuse that only three students were arrive was because Hermione had become extremely ill. Harry would appreciate this story because he didn't want to be answering questions from strangers on Hermione's kidnapping. It was also clear to Harry that the school was very prepared to accept Harry and his two best friends. Because they were all waiting for them on the other side of the car.
"Why is the entire school out here?" Neville asked. His face was very pale, and he was sweating, breathing faster and pulling away from the window.
"I'm guessing they're here to welcome us," Draco said, quickly finding the nearest reflection to begin fixing his hair and clothes.
"Get into your robes, quickly!"
There was a mad dash to strip out of their current clothing and slip, slide, stumble and pull themselves into the red and blue Ilvermorny robes that Lily and Hestia had bought for them. The intention had been to arrive just as themselves, but the sudden appearance of the entire school made Harry remember that he wasn't just here to save his girlfriend from a terrible fate. He was here to represent Hogwarts. The idea had seemed so trivial to him before arriving but now more than ever he was seeing the importance of fitting in. It was going to be key to helping get what he wanted and if he appeared as the model student, it was going to go a long way to making his move easier.
"Are we ready?" Harry asked Draco and Neville.
"Sure, why not," Draco chuckled.
"No," Neville huffed, "Alright, let's do this,"
Harry led the way in what he felt was a brave move. He pushed open the car door and slipped out, instantly receiving a huge applause and cheer for the effort. There was a never-ending stream of smiling faces from each of the pupils, though Harry was quick to notice a few less enthusiastic faces. A music band was playing loudly and when Draco and a terrified Neville stepped out to join him, sparkling explosions of the Hogwarts colours appeared of their heads.
"This is some turn out," Draco noted, then muttered to Harry, "Ever get the feeling you're being shown off to,"
"Just go with it," Harry whispered back, "Once we're in, they can regret it later,"
"Don't screw this up," Neville hissed, "Try to remember we're here to represent our school!"
Rolling his eyes at Neville, Harry stepped forward, heading towards the gates where a woman in a long flowing blue robe, white hair and spectacles stepped forward with a kind smile on her face and held out her hand.
"Mr Harry Potter, welcome to Ilvermorny school," She said. The crowd went completely silent the moment she started talking, "I am Abigale Fontaine, Principle or," She chuckled lightly, "Headmistress of Ilvermorny,"
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor Fontaine," Harry replied, doing so in his most charming of voices, "Your school truly is lovely,"
"Your words are more than kind my young friend," She said warmly, "Albus speaks very highly of you. All three of you in fact," she turned her eyes on Draco and Neville, shaking their hands as well, "You will all be a fine addition to our school this year and I hope we can help share some of our secrets with you,"
"That's the hope," Draco beamed, giving Harry a sly wink when Fontaine turned her back for a moment and joined the other line of adults.
"Allow me to introduce your professors," Fontaine said, gesturing to each, "You've met Professor Strom, I believe,"
"Good to see you again lads and there's the Herbologist!" Professor Strom boomed, giving a hearty laugh when Neville jumped, "Looking forward to having you in my class!"
"And there is the other Professor Strom and Head of Thunderbird, Gwen who is our Charms teacher," Fontaine indicated a skinny little woman, with a long nose, kind face and yellow robes.
"It's a pleasure to have you in our school, Marcus tells me you're quite the talented bunch, I too look forward to seeing this," She told them.
"Our creature care professor and head of Pukwudgie, Tarrant Green," Fontaine pointed to a tall, lanky man with wide eyes, skinny frame and nerdy look about him.
"Welcome gentleman," He said in a stoic voice.
"Our potions master and head of Horned Serpent, Professor Logan Dale,"
"Stock from Severus Snape himself, it should make my classes more interesting," Logan, a man with blond hair and looked the exact opposite of everything that Severus Snape was. For one, he genuinely looked happy to be a potions master.
"And lastly, our new Transfiguration Professor…"
When Fontaine indicated the young woman that stood on the end of the row of teachers, Harry felt a familiar tingle going right through his stomach. She was young and lovely, with brown hair, soft tan skin, full-lips and beautiful blue eyes and smile that would make most, if not all hearts melt at the sight of it. She wore a lovely white summer dress that clung to the curves of her body. Harry wasn't surprised to see many of the young male students gawking at her with looks of longing.
"You're seeing that, right?" Draco whispered to him.
Harry only nodded and waited, listening specifically to what this Professor, "Salena Mendez," Had to say.
"It is such a pleasure to have all three of you're here, I look forward to assisting in your education," Professor Mendez said. Her voice was like the shimmering ocean as it weaved so easily through Harry, Draco and Neville's ears.
"Typical," Harry Muttered.
"What was that, Mr Potter?" Fontaine asked, politely.
"Nothing," He said, giving her a warm smile. He glanced at Salena and she smirked at him. He resisted the urge to say anything and focused on what he was doing right now.
"Very well," Fontaine said, clapping her hands together, "Follow me gentleman, we shall sort you into your new houses."
Harry stole another glance at Selena before following his new Principle down the line passed the hundreds of students that were all staring at Harry curiously. As he walked, the huge double doors of the castle opened and when reaching the high steps, he saw Bella standing with her friends, smiling at him softly. The look of concern in her eyes was to be expected for she would know that Hermione wasn't here because she was sick. Although the concern was nice it didn't distract Harry from the possibility that Bella might be the key to finding Hermione. With that in mind, he focused on getting the next few days out of the way and finally starting the toughest challenge he had faced yet.
O
Hermione opened her eyes slowly. Sitting up she would see the beautiful decorated room that she had been kept in ever since she had been brought to the place she had no name for. She didn't know how she manged to find sleep, but it had come. She didn't know what time it was or even the day to gauge how long she had been in this place. The windows were blocked to prevent her seeing outside, the doors had powerful enchantments on it and her wand was no where to be found. She dressed in the fresh clothes that had been laid out for her and scanned the bookcases finding nothing except large volumes on dark magic. Eventually, she heard someone approach the door and she backed away slowly. When it opened, a small house elf, a female one entered carrying a tray of food and placed it on the table. The creature stood there for a moment and in walked Grindelwald with a warm smile on his face.
"Well, then," Grindelwald said, looking at Hermione kindly, "I think it's time you learned why you are here." He indicated the table where her food had been sat and he took the seat on the other side. Hermione thought of running for the door, but two Grey Cloaks stepped in to bar her passage and she had no choice but to sit down. She was hungry, starved and was smart enough to know that if Grindelwald wanted her dead, it would be by poison that it would happen, and she would have died by now. "Tell me, Miss Granger," Grindelwald leaned forward, "Have you ever heard of such a thing as a Horcrux?"