"Right, I'm going to drop you two back at school, and you will go back, am I understood-" Snape turned and saw he had lost both Harry and Ron.
He scanned the crowded street with narrow eyes and found them staring into a shop window, mouths hung open, staring at a broomstick.
Snape rolled his eyes, marched over and grabbed the two by their ears. There were immediate shrieks of protest.
"Be quite!" Snape hissed in their ears. "This is not a social outing."
"Dah." Ron said, but nearly screamed as Snape twisted his ear.
"No more interruptions. Understand?"
From then on, Snape made the two boys walk in front of him. They marched into the Leaky Cauldron, where Snape grabbed them by the shirts and apparated.
They opened their eyes and saw they were near Hogsmeade.
"Right, now, march yourselves up to Hogwarts." Snape dusted his robes off. "And if I hear that you didn't return straight there, then there will be Merlin's magic to pay."
Harry and Ron nodded and started walking up the hill towards the school. Before they were out of ear shot, they heard Snape apparated again.
Draco heard the sound of wind rushing past his ears. It sounded like a dull roar.
But before he knew it, a few seconds later, his back was snapping the top layers of the trees beneath them. He had his eyes closed, preparing for impact.
His back hit a particularly thick branch. He heard a loud SNAP and couldn't be sure if it was the branch or his back.
All too soon, the ground caught up to him, rather uncomfortably. Draco hit it with full force, the ground shuddered, and he blacked out, but not before he felt Hermione land heavily on top of him.
Hermione didn't quite black out, but she managed to roll off Draco, and lie next to him, her head spinning, and every inch of her body screaming out in pain. In a few minutes though, Hermione too had blacked out.
Hours later, when the sun had started to set, Draco slowly opened his eyes.
His head was pounding, his back felt broken, and he knew he had cracked a rib or two.
Slowly, and in extreme pain, Draco sat up. Well, at least his back wasn't broken.
He rubbed his eyes and looked up to see an odd oval shaped tunnel cutting up through the trees.
Our entry, He thought bitterly.
Draco looked over and saw Granger had also blacked out. She was lying on an odd angle though- her legs were drawn to a side, but her arms were spread out. Her head was facing him, with her eyes peacefully closed.
A strange flickering light caught Draco's attention. He looked to his other side.
At first, he thought half of the forest was on fire, but as his vision became clearer, he realized it was a group of torches bobbing towards them.
"Oh for Merlin's sake!" he groaned. "Cant we catch a break?"
"Granger!" he snapped, shaking her. "Wake the hell up!"
As the minutes ticked past, Draco could hear faint sounds of something yelling and grunting as it came closer.
Draco got to his feet, but he was so ridiculously dizzy, that he nearly fell on top of Granger.
Now he knew that he had broken a few bones- his chest was burning with pain as he tried to drag Granger away from the light that was coming closer.
Hermione unconsciously felt her body being dragged through sticks and leaves. Slowly, she opened her eyes and felt something continuously pulling on her arm. She shouted in pain as her ribs zapped with pain. She felt her arm immediately fall to the ground as whatever it was that was dragging her let go.
She heard something drop to the ground beside her, and looked over, only to see Malfoy, looking panicked.
"Shh!" he snapped. "Stay absolutely quiet." He whispered. "Now, just nod or shake your head, but can you walk?"
Hermione paused before nodding her head slowly.
"Okay good." Malfoy said, standing up again and helping her to her feet. Just like he had been, Hermione lost her balance continuously, but Malfoy supported her, and hobbled away from the on coming light that seemed to now be moving faster.
Both of their heads spun as they felt themselves get dizzier and dizzier as they ran further into the trees, away from the light. Hermione, who had no clue what was happening, just closed her eyes and stumbled along next to Malfoy, who had his arm around her waist, trying to hold her up, as well as himself.
Draco glanced over his shoulder and saw the torches had stopped. He looked at Hermione, then pressed his finger to his lips and pointed to a bush.
Hermione was conscious enough to know what he meant and slowly got to her feet, in extreme pain, hiding within the bush, gasping as her rips stabbed with tenderness.
Draco ducked behind her, and peered though the leaves.
They couldn't really see much from where they were- the sun was basically gone now, and the other trees and bushes blocked their view.
But from what they could make out, it seemed to be a mob of angry looking men, who looked practically Stone Age. By the looks of it, they didn't speak English, their hair was long and tangled, they wore rags, and their limbs were lanky and thin.
Draco decided he didn't want to become acquaintances.
He lightly poked Hermione on the shoulder, then nodded his head away from the torches.
Hermione nodded eagerly, was helped to her feet, and limped away, Draco close behind, making sure that she didn't fall.
"This is ridiculous." Hermione mumbled, stumbling on a rock.
Draco stooped to catch her. "What is?"
"This whole thing." Hermione grunted, straightening up.
He sighed. "Granger, we've been over this. This is just what's happening so get used to it!"
Hermione glared at the ground as they continued to move away from the lights. She breathed in deeply then frowned.
"Wait, Malfoy." She whispered, pulling on his jacket. "Where's the smell?"
"Pardon me?"
"The boggy smell! Where did it go?" Hermione murmured urgently.
Draco looked at her. "How the heck should I know? Why should I care? If I recall, it stank Granger. Why are you thinking about it?" he asked, grabbing her arm in an attempt to pull her on.
When she refused to move, he spun back around, and glared at her in the dark. "Granger, why does it matter?"
"We're heading in the wrong direction!" Hermione said, desperately looking around. She breathed in deeply, as though her nose will detect any sign of a bog. Malfoy watched her, eyebrow raised.
After a moment, when Hermione's nose hadn't picked up on any scent, Draco sighed dramatically, and walked over to her, gently grabbing her arm. "We have to keep moving. We don't want to run into the stone age men now do we?"
Hermione looked down in defeat- they had been so close. Suddenly, a disgusting whiff of something caught in her nose. It nearly made her gag, but who cares! Hermione turned, nose high, breathing deeply. "Come on!"
Malfoy watched in her alarm. She was excited because she could smell something that made any normal person nauseous? "Are you nuts?"
"Yes, now let's go!" Hermione said over her shoulder. She was sniffing deeply, and the smell was getting stronger as she let her feet be guided by her nose.
It took them twenty minutes. By then, they had both wrapped their hands around their noses and mouths, as the smell was unbearable, but Hermione took it to be a good sign. Her heart felt light, and skippy, and if she had lesser morals, she would have kissed Malfoy with glee- they were nearly there. But then, her heart would sink as a prick of a voice reminded her what awaited them when they got 'there'.
Malfoy was gagging behind her, but Hermione had pushed that noise from her ears- all she could hear now was the pounding of her own heart beat. What would happen when they got there? Would Voldermort kill her? Or would he keep her there until someone eventually came looking?
What if no one came looking?
Ever.
What if Hermione was trapped there for her entire life-
Hermione's panicked train of thought came to a crashing halt as they reached the top of the hill they were climbing and took in what their eyes told them they were seeing. Malfoy tensed beside Hermione, and she could hear his breath catch in his throat. Good. She wasn't the only one who lost her breath at the sight.
According to her eyes, about ten meters away from them, there was the Dead Lake. You knew it was the Dead Lake, simply by the stench of rotting flesh, but also its look- Hermione couldn't see the surface of the lake as it was covered with a thick mist, but she could hear the thick sloppy liquid as it lapped at the rocks on the shore. Another thing Hermione could see was a small row boat, sitting half way in the water, and up on the shore.
"Do you suppose we're meant to get into that?" Hermione asked Malfoy nervously, gesturing to the boat. The smell was enough to knock a garbage collector off their feet.
"I guess…" Malfoy's voice trailed off, and suddenly, he was pulling Hermione protectively behind him. "Who are you?"
"Malfoy, what are you talking-" Hermione's question was answered before she could even finish it.
A dark figure emerged from the fog right in front of the lake. It was tall, thin, and gangly. If Hermione hadn't known better, she may have guessed it was Ron. But that was simply impossible. Wasn't it. Yes. Hermione had already decided that she was doomed. No point holding onto the hope- after all, all you get is disappointed.
"Good evening Mr. Malfoy, Miss. Granger." The voice sounded like someone with a peg on their nose- it was thick, and nasal. "My name is Telms. I trust you had a pleasant journey?"
"Are you bloody kidding me?" Malfoy shouted angrily. He removed his hand from his mouth so he could tick items off with his fingers. "Yes, absolutely fricking peachy- the hairy beats were a ball, the little woodman was a treat, the bogs were a tea party, the cave men were fabulous…and…well I cant think of any more, but we had an absolutely spiffing time. Next time, we'll take you along."
Hermione put a calming hand on Malfoy's shoulder. The poor boy was at boiling point, and if he over loaded, how was Hermione meant to survive what was going to happen? For some reason, she needed him beside her.
Surprisingly, Telms didn't react. He just stood there, a few meters away, watching them calmly. Hermione was uneasy because the fog and lack of light prevented her from seeing his face.
"Are you finished ranting?" Telms asked patiently.
"Not even close." Malfoy growled, but he took a calming breath.
"Well I suggest you get it out of your system before you accompany me into the boat." Telms said.
"What about me?" Hermione asked, stepping around from behind Malfoy.
"Oh, someone else is coming to collect you my dear." Telms said silkily.
Hermione tensed even more, and gripped Malfoy's arm in alarm. She couldn't be separated from him! For some reason, she felt attached to him- they had gone through so much lately…
To her immense surprise, as she had half expected Malfoy to shout with gladness at losing her, he gripped her hand.
"Not so fast sunshine." Malfoy said, addressing Telms. "She and I stay together."
Telms sighed. "I am afraid that is not the Dark Lords wishes."
Malfoy had reached boiling point and had just gone over. "Look," He said angrily. "I don't care what the Dark Lord wishes- as far as I am concerned, he can stick it! I have been trudging through swamps, bogs and bushes, I haven't slept peacefully in days, I have an empty stomach, bruises all over, I've been attacked, tricked, and followed. And I have also had to put up with her," Malfoy gestured to Hermione, "Emotional break downs."
Hermione tried to smile, but her mouth didn't want to open up to the stench. Her nose had no choice- why should she punish herself?
"So," Malfoy said dramatically, looking back at Telms, "I am in no mood to be messed with. Granger and I go together. Trust me, we know the secrets of the swamp- we can hide out there for a while and find a way out."
Telms seemed to be losing his patience. "Mr. Malfoy, you are in no position to be making demands. You took an extremely long time to get here, and the Dark Lord has waited for you."
Malfoy's eyes nearly popped out of his skull with disbelief. "What? Well I'm so sorry that we didn't get here straight away- I guess we missed the bloody trail that we were meant to follow. And forgive me for leaving my damn map at home!"
Telms looked like he had stiffened. "I told you Mr. Malfoy. These are his wishes. Now, you had better learn some respect…"
"I am way passed being respectful." Malfoy growled.
Suddenly, there was a deep laughing sound. It was cold, and completely void of humor. Malfoy had heard it before. Hermione may have, but she couldn't remember. She was trembling with fear, cold, and the stench.
Out of the fog, another figure emerged. Hermione recognized this one, as did Malfoy. Unlike Telms, who was on his knees bowing, the two teenagers just stood there, not sure whether to be glad or to run for their lives.
Voldermort stared at them, standing behind Telms. "Get up you fool." He said to Telms who scrambled to his feet. Voldermort's gaze turned to Hermione and Malfoy. "Why if it isn't my two adventurers."
"In the flesh…barely." Malfoy replied coldly.
Voldermort chuckled. It gave Hermione Goosebumps. "Feeling a little prickly there Mr. Malfoy?"
"Like a porky pine." Malfoy replied. He was soo not in the mood for being polite. "You have no idea what it's like to try and sit down."
Hermione found her voice stuck in her throat. There was no way she could speak right now, let alone with cheek. Malfoy? Oh no, it sounded like he was right at home. It was like all Malfoy protocols for being a gentleman had gotten lost back somewhere in the swamp.
Voldermort didn't get angry- he didn't react like anyone would expect. In stead of killing Malfoy for disrespect, he was simply chuckling. It scared Hermione and Malfoy more then the killing Curse would have. "So, Mr. Malfoy, why is that you haven't gotten into the boat to join us properly?"
"Huh?" Malfoy said, confused.
"I am not really here Mr. Malfoy."
"Oh great, so I am hallucinating…Granger, can you see him?"
"Yes-"
"Do not worry yourself so Mr. Malfoy. Your mental state- as far as I am aware- is in perfect condition. What I meant was that I am not really here. I am an illusion…a magical copy of myself. Do you really think I would actually come out here to greet a few hot headed teenagers who are probably ready to strangle me?" The illusion chuckled again. "I do have a brain Mr. Malfoy. But no matter- by the time you reach my condo, you will have calmed down, and I can safety greet you."
"So we're back to this problem." Malfoy grumbled.
"What problem?" Voldermort asked curiously.
"Your pet here said Granger has to wait for someone else."
"As it was my wish." Voldermort said, not seeing the problem with this, as he thought, simple request.
"Yes, and my wish is that she stays with me." Malfoy said.
"How very romantic." Voldermort said flatly.
"Don't flatter yourself." Malfoy said, looking offended. "It's nothing to do with romance. You have put us both through a lot, and thus, we have seen many nasties in this Merlin-be-damned swamp. Do you honestly think I'd leave her here alone? Merlin, the last time she went off by herself, she fell off a cliff."
Hermione hated how that was true- but damn it, she could take care of herself. However, she found herself in a corner. Stay, and prove you are capable of your own welfare, but be scared beyond belief, or go with Malfoy, swallow your pride and feel safer. The odds were once again stacked against her. Hermione cursed her luck. When she got out of this, she was going get a four leafed clover, a horse shoe, find a lucky number and buy a god damned leprechaun.
Voldermort was very still. "Very well then Mr. Malfoy. She can go with you. After all, wouldn't it be absolutely tragic if she came all this way and died before her friends could see her one last time?"
With that, Voldermort disappeared and left Hermione quivering. Merlin, what had he meant by that? Was there some truth? Did he have Harry and Ron already? Hermione's conspiring thoughts were doing her head in.
Telms tried to be a chief figure. "Very well, you heard him. Get into the boat."
Hermione glanced at Malfoy as Telms turned sharply on his heel and marched to the small row boat that was awaiting them. "Do you feel better now?"
"More then you can imagine actually." Malfoy said, smirking at her. "Merlin, ranting off can really let the steam out. You should try it."
"Maybe I will when my life and possibly my friends lives aren't hanging in the balance." Hermione said as they started to walk towards Telms and the boat. A moment later, they were sharing a narrow wooden seat, facing Telms who was watching them both icily. Hermione and Malfoy had their backs to the direction they were heading in, which did nothing to unsettle Hermione's nerves. She had released Malfoy's hand when she risked a look over the edge of the boat.
No wonder it was called the Dead Lake…
Fish carcasses were floating limply in the water, up side down. They smelt terrible. But Hermione could also see other dead animal bodies- fish, eels, sea snakes…it wasn't a bog- animals actually live- lived- here. Their rotting bodies had poisoned the water and had caused the smell. An entire ecosystem was dead all because one man wanted to live here.
What an inconsiderate prick, Hermione thought.
Harry and Ron had returned to the school, against their rebellious nature. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them at the doors.
"Did he get them?" She asked sharply.
"Yes." Harry and Ron answered in unison.
"Thank Merlin…" the Professor sighed. "How did your brothers develop those ears, as a matter of interest?" she asked Ron. "Did they cut it out of someone's-"
"That's it!" Harry suddenly cried, causing Ron and Minerva to jolt in shock.
"Potter, do you mind lowering your voice?" she snapped.
"No…I…" Harry said, smiling. "I remember what I put in the letter!"
Minerva's face changed. "Really? Tell us dear boy!"
"It's nothing that can harm anyone. It really was just friends stuff…she said she had missed us, so I said I would cut that part out that said she didn't think we missed her…um…I told her about her cat and your class…and Quidditch…that was it."
Minerva was nodding. "Very well. You boys have a good day- I shall speak to Dumbledore."
Harry and Ron nodded as Minerva turned and walked briskly towards Dumbledore's office.
"Harry, I hope she's ok." Ron said softly.
Harry turned to him and put an arm on his shoulder. "I'm sure she will be Ron. You know Hermione. Always thinking before she acts. She can take care of herself."
"It's not just that Harry." Ron said sadly. He looked up at his best friend. "I want her back."
Harry nodded slowly. "I know mate. I do too."
Any one else may have hugged…but Harry and Ron weren't like that. They stood there for a moment, then headed up to the common room. Ginny seemed to be having a fit.
"First Hermione, now Harry and Ron!" she screamed, rocking back and forth on the stuffed chair. "If anyone else is going to abandon me, you can do it now…where are they?" she wailed.
"Right here." Ron said, very confused.
Ginny launched like a missile off the couch and ran at her brother, tears streaming down her checks. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a bone crushing hug. "What were you two playing at? Are you trying to kill me?"
"Ginny, take a deep-" Harry was cut off as Ginny let go of Ron and hugged him.
"If you two ever do that to me again…" she said, stepping back and wiping her face.
"Gin, what has gotten into you?" Ron wheezed, rubbing his neck.
Ginny practically fizzed. "GOTTEN INTO ME? Ronald Weasley, I woke up this morning to have breakfast, and Dean came into the Great Hall, shouting because you two had gone missing! I nearly had a heart attack. We searched everywhere for you! To answer your completely stupid question, dear brother, FEAR got into me!"
Ron was staring at her. "Sorry."
Ginny waved it away. "Shove it. Never do it again. Now, where were you two?"
"We were with Snape." Harry answered so Ron didn't dig himself a deeper grave.
"Snape? Why?"
Harry was uncomfortably aware that everyone in the Common Room were staring at them, also waiting for an explanation.
"Was it to do with Hermione?" Ginny continued unaware that she practically had her own stage show at the moment.
Harry hesitated. "Come on Gin, you need some fresh air."
Ginny refused. "Tell me what the bloody hell is going on Harry James Potter!"
Harry rolled his eyes, then turned to everyone else in the common room. "Look, to set the record acutely straight, Ron and I are clearly fine. We are back. Sorry we didn't mention we were going somewhere. Now, if you all excuse us…" Harry gently grabbed Ginny's arm and before she protested, he whispered "Not here- outside!"
Ginny rolled her eyes- dramatic. One thing after another with these boys.
They left the silent common room, and headed out into the castle grounds without bumping into anyone. Harry explained. Ron seemed to struggle using his voice. When Harry was done, Ginny was nodding.
"So they're hoping to pick some information up around the Manor?" she said as they reached the lake.
Harry nodded. "If all goes to plan."
"Then what?" Ginny asked. "We go charging in to rescue her?"
"I don't know. The plan hasn't got that far."
Ok, I know, I haven't updated…in …yonks. But here is the chapter. I really am sorry. I know it's not my longest…but it's a chapter right? better than nothing!
Thanks so much for the reviews anyway!
Aj