Disclaimer: JK owns HP
Fear and Self Loathing in Wiltshire
Chapter 30
Draco held his wand steady with one hand, while the other grasped tightly onto Hermione's. They were in a long corridor that looked not unlike the ones found within Hogwarts. Though it was not currently on fire, it smelled strongly of smoke; causing them to cough and choke as they walked along it.
"You're the one who grew up in huge castles like this." Hermione said as she ducked down to breathe closer to the ground. "If you were a set of stairs that could guide us to a secret study, where would you be?"
A large creak from behind them, followed swiftly by the sounds of footsteps caused the pair to turn around defensively; distracting Draco from answering her question. It was clear the owners of said footsteps were headed their direction.
It didn't take long before a group of three familiar faces emerged from the shadows; looking shaken, but also extremely determined. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as she realized it was only her longtime best friends and waved them forward to catch up.
She wanted to ask them if Bill and Fleur were alright, but her question died in her throat. Part of her didn't want to know. If she knew that they were hurt and left for dead then she might not be able to focus on the mission going forward. Unable to help herself, she looked at their gloomy faces and knew that it was definitely not time to breach the subject. Thankfully Draco's next words brought forward a much needed distraction.
"I don't know the layout of this particular castle, but based on the fact that Theo was the secret keeper and what I can currently see, I would bet money that this was his Grandmother's castle on his father's side."
If anyone in their small group had hidden knowledge of random castles owned by purebloods it was Draco. Having someone with his background on this mission was precisely why they were the ones chosen for it. There were several seasoned aurors on the force who could have been assigned, but right now what they needed was someone with a different skill set. Particularly someone who had a background closer to that of the enemies they were fighting.
"Krum said that the study Rodolphus uses is on the third floor and that the safe is behind a portrait of a woman." Harry said. "So where are the stairs?"
"There are likely two sets, but this place is huge and I don't exactly have the floorplan memorized." Draco replied, trying not to sound flustered. "But Bill wasn't kidding when he said we are running out of time." He added darkly. "And we have several places to check if we are going to find and destroy those horcruxes before my aunt escapes with them."
At those words, Harry cringed and let out an expletive under his breath. "We're going to have to split up aren't we?"
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Fleur Weasley shrieked as the vile werewolf sank his teeth into the neck and shoulder of her husband. This particular half-being had already caused her enough grief when he attacked Bill two years ago, which left him bedridden for days after. He had doubted he was good enough for her after that, and there was no way she was going to allow that to happen all over again.
She drew her wand back bravely; summoning the most powerful bit of veela magic she could channel to pair with her offensive dismemberment spell. She didn't know very much dark magic, but she had learned this particular curse with this specific purpose in mind; just in case she needed it for the final battle last year.
With a feral screech, Fleur released her attack; the purple ball of light hitting her husband's attacker in the left shoulder blade. The impact caused a popping noise, followed closely by a loud crack. Greyback's jaw opened as he screamed in pain; causing his teeth to release Bill's neck in the process.
Though she had wounded him, and likely broken a bone or two, his brutal strength and natural healing powers did not incapacitate him for long. Expecting this, Fleur drew her wand back again, ready to hit him over and over again until he dropped for good.
He stood abruptly, turning and coming toward her fast and with deadly intentions. The second spell hit him in the stomach, but he did not fall.
The third one missed.
Before she could release a fourth round of the powerful curse, he had reached her, pushing her backwards and covering her body with his. She felt her head hit the ground, and her wand was ripped from her fingers. The clatter of it being thrown to the side was drowned out by her cries as he ripped her shirt open.
Fear like nothing she had ever felt before caused hot tears to spill from the corners of her eyes. She was sure that the last thing she would remember before she died, was being violated while her brave and beloved Bill lay dying just a few steps away.
"Although having seconds of your husband was quite a rare treat, I have to say I am quite looking forward to this." He mocked her as he dragged his fingernail sharply down her chest to her stomach, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. An even louder scream tore from her throat. "I bet he was nothing compared to how delightful you're going to taste."
Fenrir dipped his mouth down to lick the blood smeared across her pale skin, causing Fleur to squirm. She tried to hit him and push him away, but he was much stronger than her and he quickly had her arms pinned to the ground.
"You should lay back and enjoy it dearie." He cooed as he swirled his tongue around in the blood that had pooled in her neck. "I know I'm sure going to."
His body was abruptly ripped from atop hers just as he was dipping his head back down; teeth bared as if he was about to sink his fangs into the side of her neck.
"Not my daughter-in-law, you son of a bitch!" Came the very loud and enraged shriek of Molly Weasley.
Dizzy, and lightheaded, Fleur attempted to push herself up into a sitting position; only to be laid back down gently. She wanted to get to Bill, or help her mother-in-law take down the monster who had just almost killed her, but the familiar sting paired with the earthy floral aroma of essence of dittany flooded her senses. She was lulled into a passive state as she stared up into the face of her fellow order member Andromeda Tonks.
Though in the background she could hear the sounds of loud and angry dueling, her mind was only on getting her husband help before he bled to death. "No, please. I am fine." She said, her french accent coming out raspy. "Please tend to Bill. He needs zat more zen I do."
The cold glass bottle was pushed into her hands. "I already gave him a few drops, love. I'm afraid you'll have to take over from here." Andromeda informed her. "Where are the others?"
Fleur clutched the vial to her chest as she tried to cover herself with the fabric of her torn shirt. "In ze castle. Bill and I stayed be'ind to 'old heem off so zey could get inside."
"Good." Andromeda replied before standing and turning toward the duel still going on between Mrs. Weasley and Fenrir Greyback.
Though Molly was doing a good job holding him back, she was no closer to taking him down than the others had been. So with a swirling motion upwards, a wispy white cord emerged from the tip of Andromeda's wand and wrapped itself firmly around the werewolves neck. Molly paused as it twisted and tightened; causing Greyback to drop his wand and claw at his own neck instead.
His face began to turn purple, and the claws of his fingers went straight through the cord; as if it was made from the same material as one of the ghosts at Hogwarts. Panicked, his sharp nails began to pierce the skin of his neck as he tried to claw at the transparent cord choking him. For once, it was his own blood that he was covered in.
Before long, Fenrir Greyback fell to the ground. Dead at last.
Without wasting a beat, Andromeda retracted the white wispy spell she used to suffocate him with, and took to the path that would lead her to the castle entrance.
"Is Bill still breathing?" She asked the other two women, who were already by his side and attempting to heal him with what little supplies they had on them.
"Yes." Molly replied, attempting to stay calm as she cradled her oldest son's head in her lap. "But his wounds look almost as bad as they did last time."
"You really should get him to St. Mungo's then." She suggested before turning to walk up to the castle.
"Andromeda, wait!" Molly called after her. "Where are you going?"
"To find my sister." She called over her shoulder. "I'm going to end her for good this time."
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After turning down a second, larger corridor, the group finally came to a grand staircase in the center of the castle. All with senses of unease, they followed one another up the steps until at last they reached the landing on the third floor. It was there, and with solemn bids of farewell and good luck to each other, that they finally split up. Draco and Hermione chose to go left, while Harry, Ron, and Ginny went right.
With their hands firmly latched together, Hermione and Draco took to the first hallway that angled right and began their search. It looked like the castle was laid out like a large rectangle, and they hoped if they followed the corridors precisely that it would eventually cause them to meet back up with the other three.
Worried that they might overlook something, the pair took to opening every door they came across in search of the large portrait Viktor had described. There was a ladies powder room first, decorated very much like Professor Umbridge's office; only luckily sans the cat memorabilia. There was also a mens bathroom which was located right next to a masculinely decorated cigar room.
After that, there were several guest bedrooms with ensuites attached. A room with lots of mirrors and a strange looking pouf, that Draco explained was used for having things privately tailored; as wealthy purebloods had their dresses and robes custom made.
As they continued down the hall, the shouts and continuous bursts of magic coming from outside became louder. At one point a small group of death eaters ran past a room they were checking, but luckily they were not spotted as the men attempted to flee the smokey hallways. Though they still did not see any actual fire, it was obvious that the smoke was getting thicker the farther on they went.
"I think we are going to have to put up bubble head charms in a minute." Hermione suggested through another coughing fit, just as Draco opened another door and pulled her inside.
The air in this room was much cleaner than in the hallway, but their eyes still burned from the exposure they had already endured.
"You're right. I'm not sure my lungs can take much more either." He agreed as they both studied their surroundings.
For once, it looked like they might actually be in the right room. There was a large desk in the center, four elegant armchairs surrounding a mahogany table, and floor to ceiling bookshelves on flanking walls. A large area rug spread almost to each corner, with fringe and tassels adorning the edges.
Though the room was definitely a study or meeting room of some kind, there was one issue that made them question if they were in the right place or not. The portrait that hung on the back wall was of a couple instead of just a woman, and the girl who was included was wearing robes of blue; not magenta.
"There's only one way to find out I guess." Draco said; obviously reading her questioning thoughts.
With a weakly cast bombarda, the painting's frame was blasted off the wall. It fell to the floor with a loud crash. As they were currently inhabiting the room, Draco did not want to destroy the artwork completely and cause thousands of splinters to rain down upon them.
Unfortunately, the wall behind the painting was blank; meaning that this was definitely the wrong room. It seemed they would have to continue on with their search after all, and venture even further into the foggy ash.
"There was a set of double doors across from this room if you want to make a run for it." He suggested as he took her hand in his again. They didn't need to waste time by discussing the disappointment that the lack of a safe hiding behind the painting brought.
"That's fine." Hermione agreed as she readied herself; meaning to hold her breath on the short run across the hall. "If we don't luck out over there I'll cast the charm before going on to the next one though."
With his wand hand, Draco pushed the door open so they could make their exit. Wanting to avoid having to take any breaths while they were out in the hall they took off at a run; making their way swiftly to the other side, where he had those doors opened quickly too. He pushed her into the unknown room first, before turning to close the door behind them. He wanted to block any smoke from following them inside.
Only, when Draco turned around to take his first glance around the room, he realized that they were not alone. Hermione stood shocked beside him. Her eyes were wide open and her wand was raised defensively again. It seemed that they had finally found the secret keeper, only he wasn't alone either.
Theodore Nott stood before them next to the window, with Pansy Parkinson by his side. They seemed to have been looking down at the battle going on outside before they were interrupted.
And next to the fireplace in a tall wing back chair sat Blaise Zabini, looking rather grumpy as he twiddled his thumbs.
"Blaise?" Draco questioned the room; looking as if he were going to be sick. "Please tell me you didn't."
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Harry, Ron, and Ginny were several rooms deep into their own search when they heard the first cackle. It was one they were all familiar with; a nightmare inducing laugh that they had all hoped to never hear again. But alas, it seemed to be coming from a few doors down from where they currently stood.
The three of them froze in place. They were in a music room; checking behind a tapestry of a girl in a purple dress. Although it had been a long shot, they figured taking a quick peek wouldn't hurt just in case.
"So, do we wait here for her to find us?" Ron gulped as a second eerie cackle echoed into the room. "Or do we go out there?"
"As much as I am not looking forward to seeing that bitch again, we can't risk her getting away with those horcruxes." Harry replied. "I'm afraid we are going to have to confront her...I just hope she's alone, and not surrounded by her husband and his brother."
Although Harry Potter was no stranger to entering into dangerous and potentially deadly duels, he wasn't exactly the chosen one anymore. When he chased down Voldemort the previous year, it had been with the knowledge that he was the only one with the power to do so and win. And while he wasn't scared to die again, he didn't exactly want to bring Ron and Ginny along for the ride if that were the case this time.
"Right, then." Ron sighed and shook his head, as if trying to rile himself up for the upcoming confrontation. "The sooner, the better I guess."
Ginny's eyes flickered between the two of them before finally settling on Harry. "Okay. I figured that was coming as soon as I heard her voice." She said exasperatedly. "So what's the plan?"
Harry stared at the tapestry blankly as he took a few seconds to gather his thoughts. "The two of you need to stay back, and let me go in first." He finally said. "I'll try to use my conversation with her to let you know if we are alone or not, and when I give the signal, follow. You'll have to stay quiet, because I think our best shot is if she thinks I've come alone."
"So we're the surprise party then." Ginny commented.
"Yup." Harry confirmed as he approached her and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Let's just hope it's enough of a shock to distract her. Even if it's only for a second, that should give me enough time to take her down."
"Okay." Ron commented as he thought through the plan. "But what's your signal?"
Ginny snorted at her brother. "Isn't it obvious? He's going to try and disarm her."
"Expelliarmus again?" Ron asked scoldingly. "Really?"
"What?" Harry asked defensively in return. "It's my signature move!"
"Yes. Yes. We know!" Ginny broke up the squabble to pull Harry in for a proper kiss. "Just be safe okay? We still have a wedding to plan."
"I know. We do." He nodded solemnly; hating to put her through this, but knowing it had to be done anyway. If they were going to start a life together he needed to make sure the world was a safe enough place to raise a family in first.
With one more kiss to Ginny's lips and a final nod to Ron, Harry exited the room into the smoke filled hallway, and turned the direction Bellatrix's laugh had echoed in from. At first, he did not know which room was the right one, but soon enough a loud creak and the sounds of several clanking objects clued him in.
Slowly, he tiptoed to the door those noises had come from. It was cracked slightly, and he could just barely make out movements coming from the small gap between the door and the moulding. Someone wearing all black was standing behind a large desk; taking item after item out of a safe. He couldn't see the painting from this angle, but he would have bet a fortune that it was of a girl in magenta dress robes.
Knowing that they didn't have much time to waste, he pushed the door open to alert his godfather's killer that she had been found. Internally, he let that leftover rage fuel the magic he knew would soon be needed to fight her with.
Bellatrix turned as the door made a loud creak, and instead of looking guilty at being caught red handed, she looked almost gleeful.
"Oh hello Harry!" She bid him with a cruel smile. "I was wondering when I'd be seeing you again."
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A/N: So a few nights ago I decided to read over my plot for the last bit of this story, and I ended up reworking it to make the ending flow better. I think I was trying to rush the battle too much because I am eager to finally have one of my 4 fanfictions finished. However, because of the rework, that means that there will actually be 2 more chapters instead of 1.
I really don't want that to take me another six months because I am bad about bouncing around to my different stories and getting sidetracked, so I have decided to stick with this one until it is finished. I plan on writing one full scene every day until it is completed. I am also going to make myself finish this fanfiction completely before writing even one more word on any of my other works. I know I have made promises before, but I really am going to stick to it this time. I even hope to have the last chapter posted before Halloween.
If everything goes as planned I should have the next chapter up in 5 days.
Fingers crossed!