Hi All,
Welcome to chapter 24 of Little Red Bird. Thanks for showing it love.
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Disclaimer: All HP rights and characters owned by JK Rowling, and fics are created for entertainment only
5th June, 1993
Being it a weekend and just a few weeks before the end of term, the Great hall was abuzz as usual during the breakfast. Additionally, it was also the day for the last Quidditch Cup match for the season, which was set to be held between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. The result would decide if Slytherins take the cup or if it'll be Gryffindor yet again this year.
Harry sat picking on his toast nervously as Ron helped himself to a goblet of pumpkin juice. Hermione looked up from the Prophet and noticed Harry's reluctance.
"Harry!" Hermione called out, "What's the matter? You're finally back on the team. Today's the big match for you."
He looked up from his plate and sighed, "I'm nervous 'Mione! I haven't played since Christmas and it's a lot at stake if I lose the match."
"Tha's rubbish, Harry!" Ron said between bites, "Don't be mental. You're the youngest seeker in the century. You'll be fine."
"Ron, don't talk with your mouth full please." Hermione wrinkled her nose at the sprayed bits, "But, he's not wrong Harry. You're good, don't fret over it. You'll win us the match, I'm sure."
"Guys, it's not just that. I mean we're no closer to finding Slytherin's Heir, and I've got a bad feeling something's gonna happen." Harry finished quietly.
"Harry, it's okay, we'll get him for sure. Why don't you concentrate on the match for now. We can talk about the Heir later, maybe after dinner." Hermione took her bag and stood up, "I'm just heading off to the library to finish my assignment. I'll catch up with Ron in the stands. Meanwhile, eat something Harry. It's not good to go in hungry."
"Fine, but just don't be late." Harry said with a small smile.
"Don't worry, I'm always on time." Hermione quipped, turning around to leave the Hall, "Bye guys!" A pair of eyes followed Hermione as she left the Hall towards the library.
After spending almost an hour in the library, Hermione packed up her stuff and returned the books before leaving for the Quidditch stands. The hallways were empty as almost everyone was at the match.
She rushed down the corridors unaware while suddenly a pair of hands grabbed her hair and neck pulling her into an abandoned classroom.
The attacker choked her neck with her arms around in a strong grip. Hermione flailed around trying to get hold of something and spots appeared before her eyes as her foot connected the shin of the attacker causing the grip to loosen up.
She fell forth gasping for air when a foot connected with her back causing her face to smack into the floor. Hermione felt something warm flow down her nose on her face, touching it she knew her nose was busted and blood dripped down.
She felt the attacker come closer and on instinct kicked her leg into the guts of the person who fell back towards the desks.
"What the hell! Who are you?" Hermione regained her footing and stood up gingerly wiping off the blood.
"We've met before! You don't remember me, do you?" the girl in Slytherin robes replied while standing up.
"I DON'T know you. Why the hell did you attack me?" Hermione snarled, "Have you gone mad!"
"No, I haven't. Perhaps you have though. You assaulted my sister, bitch!" Astoria replied, "I've been waiting for a long time to get my hands on you. Now come on, fight me."
"Look that was a mistake, I have already apologized for that. You don't have to do this." Hermione stepped forward trying to placate the girl.
"Yes! And mistakes have consequences!" Astoria charged and threw a punch towards her face which Hermione dodged and hit the girl on the shoulder with her elbow.
Pushing the girl back, Hermione pulled out her wand ready to shoot, "I'm warning you again, Greengrass! Back Off!"
Astoria pulled out her own wand and shot a knockback without warning. The spell missed Hermione barely grazing her shoulders, while she hit the girl with her own knockback jinx. Hermione didn't miss and Astoria was blown back into the desks slamming into her spine.
She fell on the ground groaning with pain.
"I'm afraid I'll have to report you, Greengrass." Hermione pointed her wand towards her, "Petrificus To-"
"OCULO REX-ANGUIS!" a malicious yellow light shot from the Yew wand hitting Hermione in the back before she could finish her incantation.
Hermione's body fell back as if turned to stone, hitting the ground hard revealing an angry Ginny Weasley standing with her wand hanging limply from her hands.
"Ginny?" Astoria was stunned, "Wha-"
"What the hell is going on Tori?" Ginny moved towards her friend after shutting the door and putting up wards. "I told you to wait, didn't I?"
"I WAITED! I waited for a long time, Gin! How long did you want me to wait?" Astoria exploded at her friend, "I thought you would understand. But, what did you do, just asked me to wait. Months, Gin!"
"Well, you could have at least spoken to me, Tori. This is the reason you were behaving weird all these days?"
"For what Ginny! You were always telling me to keep it low. I just couldn't let her go without a punishment."
"And how did that turn out, Astoria! If Dinky didn't reach me on time, Granger would have captured you and reported you to McGonagall. Likely other attacks would have been pinned on you as well." Ginny kneeled in front of her giving a disgusted look, "You could have ruined my entire plan, Tori!"
"What plan?" Astoria asked, taking Ginny's outstretched hand and supporting herself against the desk.
"Plan to frame someone to take the fall as this facade of Slytherin's Heir and the attacks. It was perfectly mapped out, but I'll have to fast track it now." Ginny replied and called for her elf.
The creature appeared with a soft pop and bowed to her, "Yes, mistress Ginny."
"Dinky, go back to the Manor and notify them that we are going ahead with the plan tonight. Ask them to be ready, I will send for them. You know whom to tell, right."
The elf nodded as Ginny continued, "Good, before you leave. Clean this mess and once you have removed all evidence, dump this mudblood near Lockhart's office. Understood."
"Yes, mistress!" the elf bowed again before getting to work.
"Come now, Tori. We have to get to the dorms before anyone can see us. Fix your robes." Ginny said helping her friend stand up supporting her shoulders.
Astoria felt ashamed at bursting out at her friend, whom she had not too long ago promised to follow and help, "Gin! I… I am sorry. My mind was clouded by revenge. I forgot the first thing I promised, that's to always follow you. I feel so guilty. I wasn't even ready to face her, she was strong and powerful."
"It's okay, Tori! Probably not the time now, let's focus on getting you to the dorms. I have a few potions to help you with the pain. Let's go, now!" Ginny opened the classroom doors and helped Astoria down the stairs into the dungeons.
An hour later, Astoria was fast asleep in their dorms after Ginny applied salve on her wounds and gave her a dose of dreamless sleep potion.
Ginny meanwhile briefed Bella on the events before finalizing on the details of what they were attempting to do. This was an extremely dangerous plan they were going to execute, and any mistake could paramount to a long stint in Azkaban for both, especially for Bella considering she was already a wanted criminal.
"Fine, Bella! Just be ready! Dinky will get you the stuff you need. I'll prepare for the next stage of the plan and let you know how it goes. Bye!" Ginny disconnected the mirror call and went to her study desk.
With a fresh parchment and a new quill she penned a short note in unfamiliar scrawl that read,
'I know what you have done Mr Gilderoy Lockhart. I have proof to convict you to Azkaban. If you don't believe me, then you may remember Mr Eddie Fung and the tale of the banshees. And an unfortunate accident where he lost his memory, right? I hope that's enough to ensure the seriousness of the matter. Meet me at 6.30PM near the northern edge inside the Forbidden Forest, to discuss business.
PS: For your own well being, destroy the note after you read it.
Regards,
Your friend'
Ginny folded the parchment into an unmarked envelope and sealed it, before calling on her elf who prostrated herself before her mistress.
"Is everything done, Dinky?" the elf nodded in affirmative as Ginny continued, "Hmmmm, I have one more job for you. Take this envelope and deliver it to Lockhart covertly. Make sure he receives it, inform me after he opens it. I don't have to tell you that you are not to be seen or caught doing this. Understood?"
"Yes, Mistress Ginny. Dinkys be careful. Dinky not be seen."
"Good girl! Monitor the hospital wing once you're done, come and tell me whatever is going on by 5.30PM" Ginny ordered her elf who nodded and took the letter from her outstretched hand before disappearing with a soft pop.
"And now, we wait!" Ginny leaned back on her chair musing to herself.
Around 6PM, Forbidden Forest
Ginny covertly walked into the Forbidden Forest. She knew the destination, it was the same place she met Bella at Christmas. It was still dark inside the forest which helped her keep cover. After a few minutes more of walking, she reached the clearing where the beautiful big black jaguar sat regally licking her paws.
"Such a show-off, Bella!" Ginny kneeled in front of her petting the jaguar's soft furry face, "Come on change back, we have a lot of work to do."
The jaguar licked her face before turning back into her human form, "You call me a show off dear birdie, but I'm sure you'll preen around like a peacock once you find your own form. It'll be funny if you do end up a peacock. Imagine going to Cissy's manor in that form."
Ginny scrunched up her face, "I shall not be a peacock, Bella. I'll be something regal like you. Now come it's almost time for Lockhart to arrive."
"Wait up, little bird. Here, wear this cloak. Careful, it's Cissy's and she might not be forgiving if you lose or damage it." Bellatrix handed her a dark greenish almost black cloak.
"Why? I mean what's so special about this." Ginny took the cloak and tried to observe it by turning it over and around.
"It's an invisibility cloak, you have to remain near the edge of the forest. And I would like it if you remained unseen and undetected safely. Just wear it and clasp the buttons, once you pull the hood on, you'll be disillusioned. Try not to move around much as it doesn't hide the sound of your footsteps." Bellatrix remarked while pulling on her travelling cloak's hood and donning a black mask to hide her face.
"Cool! Can I keep it?" Ginny asked her excitedly, following Bella towards the forest's edge
"Well, these are extremely rare and a bit costly. Besides, it's Cissy's personal cloak. I'd hardly think she'll be happy to part ways with it."
"Oh! I really wish I had one, Potter has his dad's cloak which my brother and that mudblood use often to sneak around." Ginny replied with a dejected look.
"Keep this one safe for now and I'll see if I can arrange one. If I were not a wanted criminal dear, you know I'd gladly scour the magical world for the best one." Bella slowed down turning her head towards Ginny.
"I know, I'm sorry Bella. It's fine, I didn't mean it that way. You're doing so much for me." Ginny walked past her and stopped a few feet ahead, "This should be enough. We're almost near the edge and I can see that fool in the distance walking towards this side."
"Good, now pull that hood on and stand a little bit away from me. Be absolutely quiet! Quick, he's almost here." Bellatrix stood there stoic with her wand hidden in the holster on her wrist ready to snap out.
Ginny quickly stationed herself a few trees away and pulled on the hood to disillusion herself as Lockhart entered the forest. He walked a few metres into the dark area before he noticed a hooded person, likely a woman, standing near the thick oak tree.
"Welcome Mr Lockhart", a distorted voice spoke as he came to halt a few feet from her, "I didn't think you'd come."
"What. Do. You. Want?" Gilderoy Lockhart gritted his teeth in frustration punctuating each word.
"Come now, there's no need to be rude. Besides, I already got what I wanted." Bellatrix quipped back.
"What do you mean? I do-" Lockhart's expression changed from anger to surprise, though before he could say anything further a red spell hit him in the back. "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!" Ginny holstered her wand back.
"Oh Gin! Poor guy was saying something, it was rude to cut him off dear." Bella mocked as Ginny stepped towards his fallen body and inspected his pockets.
"No time for that Bella! Dinky!" Ginny called for her elf while fishing his pockets pulling out his handkerchief.
"Yes Mistress!" the elf bowed to both of them.
"Dinky, can you make sure you hide this inside Granger's right hand. I'm sure it was slightly curled as she was holding a wand. Make sure a part of it sticks out and anyone can see it." Ginny ordered the elf, handing over the silk hankie with Lockhart's initials embroidered. "Go now, and do it without Potter being able to see it. I know he's with her now. Report as soon as it's done, and if Potter notices it after that."
The elf bowed and disappeared with the piece of cloth.
"Dear, isn't this overkill? I mean I was going to confront them anyways, right?" Bellatrix asked genuinely intrigued while levitating his body.
"It's Cissa's plan and I agree it's better to let them have as much proof Lockhart did it as possible. Now why don't you go and change into his clothes quickly. We have a very small window Bella, move move move." Ginny tapped her foot expectantly.
"Okay, calm down, General Ginny! I'm going." Bella laughed, taking his body deep into the forest.
Dinky appeared shortly, "Mistress! Dinkys put cloth in filthy Grangy hand. Scar boy with Missy's brother is with filthy Grangy."
"Excellent Dinky! Go back and stay alert! Tell me if anything goes wrong" Ginny ordered, as Dinky nodded and disappeared with a pop.
Bellatrix came back after sometime wearing Lockhart's robes, "Ughh! Those look hideous on you Bella! You have his hair?"
"Yes, I'll scrub myself raw after it's over. I feel filthy already, Gin! Hand me the polyjuice potion." Bellatrix scrunched up her nose looking down at herself.
Ginny handed Bella the polyjuice potion and she added Lockhart's hairs before downing the disgusting potion. Within a few moments her form started to shift and filled up the robes with the body of Gilderoy Lockhart.
"You ready, Bella?"
"Yes, I am. Now, stay here disillusioned. I'll come back the same way. Don't give yourself away unless absolutely necessary. Understood?" Bellatrix responded in Lockhart's voice.
"Fine! But please stay safe, I don't want you getting caught. I already feel bad to put you in the spot." Ginny remarked with a sad frown.
"None of that dear, we'll chat later, the clock's ticking! Stick to the plan!" Bellatrix disillusioned herself and ran off towards the castle.
Meanwhile at Hospital Wing
Harry and Ron sat next to Hermione giving her company before they had to leave for dinner. None of them wanted to leave but Madam Pomfrey insisted they don't miss the dinner feast, so they just had half an hour to spend with their petrified friend. Harry was devastated to know Hermione had been assaulted during the match when Professor McGonagall cancelled the match midway. It seemed his hunch was correct and cursed himself, if only he was with her, she wouldn't have been confined to the infirmary.
"..arry! Harry, look!" Ron's voice got him out of his thoughts. "What Ron!"
"I didn't notice this before, mate. See this!" Ron pulled a purple piece of cloth with initials G.L
Harry's eyes lit up, snatching the cloth from him, "That's brilliant, mate. Hermione's a genius. She's cracked it."
"What are you saying, Harry?" Ron asked, feeling confused.
"Mate! Look, this probably belongs to the Heir, who attacked her. She would have snatched while she was being assaulted." Harry replied excitedly.
"Mr Potter, please keep it down, this is an infirmary." Madam Pomfrey chastised passing them by towards her office.
A red spell hit her in the back as her body seized up stiff letting her fall flat on her back. Harry and Ron rushed towards her trying to check on her when they heard footsteps approaching them.
"Very astute, Mr Potter! I must give you credit for that. Now, please drop your wands if you want to see your friend alive." Lockart stepped close to Hermione's body pointing his wand towards her.
"You! G.L! Gilderoy Lockhart! You are Slytherin's Heir!" Harry stood up holding his wand threateningly.
"Don't be daft, Potter! There was no heir. I was merely playing. It seems your little friend was too smart for her own good. No worries, hand me that cloth now and she'll be fine."
"You'll never get away with this, Lockhart!" Harry held the cloth out in his other hand, while Lockhart pointed his wand at the cloth and shot an incendio to burn it to ashes. Harry took the opportunity and hit him with the disarming charm. The wand snapped out of his hand falling at Harry's feet.
"Don't move now, Professor." Harry and Ron trained their wands on Lockhart and both of them moved closer to him.
"Don't do anything rash, Potter. I don't want to hurt you." Lockhart eyed the duo standing near Hermione's bed.
"Keep your hands up, Professor. We'll take you to professor Dumbledore now." Harry ordered keeping a cautious distance between himself and Lockhart.
"Fair enough! I surrender, Mr Potter." Lockhart waited for them to move closer to the bed and kicked the bed hard just as their knees were touching the sides. The sudden jerk jolted them as they lost balance as Lockhart fled the infirmary.
Harry and Ron regained their footing and rushed after Lockhart. By the time they reached the grounds, Lockhart was halfway towards the Forbidden Forest. Both of them pursued after him and Harry decided to shoot a spell when he thought he might not be able to catch Lockhart before he entered the Forest.
Harry aimed his wand at Lockhart and shot a knockback which missed the target and before Harry could shoot again, he tripped and fell tangling Ron along with him.
Lockhart on the other hand reached the forest and the moment he felt he was out of sight in the darkness, changed back into her animagus and deftly dashed towards the clearing inside to apparate back to Lestrange Manor.
Ginny, meanwhile, stood disillusioned near the forest with a satisfied smirk. A well placed tripping jinx was all it took from her to finish the plan perfectly. It was a surprise how cunning Narcissa can be when she really wants. She had planned everything to a tee, Ginny could never think Bella or herself could plan such a flawless execution. Everybody merely saw a pureblooded trophy wife, what no one saw was that she was first and foremost a A Black.
Meanwhile Harry and Ron recovered from the fall and sprinted towards the forest, however were stopped right before entering by Hagrid.
"Halt! What are ye two doin'? It's late an' dangerous inside the dark forest." Hagrid called out to Harry.
"Hagrid, it's Lockhart! He was the Heir, he attacked Madam Pomfrey and admitted to attacking the students. We've got to catch him now! Please let us go!" Harry pleaded, catching on his breath.
"No can't do, Harry! He'll be long gone before we reach him inside the forest." Hagrid replied, "Go and inform the Headmaster. It's auror's jobs, this. Ye did well!"
"Yeah, mate! We need to get help for Madam Pomfrey as well. Who knows how bad she's injured." Ron added.
"Fine, let's go then. Hagrid, are you coming too?" Harry asked, turning back towards the castle.
"No, Harry! You two inform Headmaster Dumbledore. I'll go inform Professor Sprout to help Poppy." Hagrid replied, moving towards the greenhouses.
"Fine, we'll be there with the Headmaster then. Come Ron." Harry took on a sprint along with Ron.
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