Chapter 37
(New Years)
.
.
.
Heidi placed the casserole in the middle of the table and glanced up at Hermione.
"Call them. I think the boys are outside and the others are scattered around the house."
Hermione nodded and dried her hands before heading out. The 'boys' were outside. Fighting over logs of wood. Severus was standing there, arms crossed while Dimitry was gesturing wildly around. Theo was agreeing to whatever the male idiot was saying while Marcus was standing slightly behind Adrian with a scowl on his face. Gabe was standing on one of the logs, pointing at it but nobody paid him any mind. Harry was perching on a random log, face alight with fascination at the quarrel taking place.
"Foods ready."
Heads turned at the sound of her voice. Hermione smirked and turned to go back in. They continued to argue even as they shrugged off their cloaks. Harry came up to her, his own smirk set in place. "I'll leave after dinner. Sirius doesn't think anybody will be stopping by so I can stay until then."
"That's fine. I'll be seeing you soon enough anyway. Now, go wash up and come eat."
After the meeting the night before, Harry had asked to stay with her. She hadn't seen any problem with that. Percy had been the last to leave the night before. He hadn't understood why she wanted Charlie involved. She hadn't gone too far into detail but had given him one thing. That had seemed to satisfy him to some level. Harry had overheard their conversation. He hadn't questioned her. He had already figured out why she had needed the dragon expert.
Dimitry came in last and clutched his arm. He met her eyes and shot her a tight smile. He was being called in. Just him? He closed the door and Hermione felt him leave soon after.
Now, she sat down next to Severus, who was staring at the plate of fruit with disgust. She smirked and plucked a slice of peach. "You really don't like fruit?"
"It is either too sweet or not sweet enough."
Hermione shook her head and ate it. The man had some weird kinks. Gabe came in with a large armchair. He noticed the looks he got and shrugged. "I will eat like a king tonight. It's only fair to sit like one."
That made many of them burst into laughter. Heidi smiled ruefully on her husband's behalf and sat down next to him. Unlike him, she had a regular chair. Everybody dug in, laughs and jeers erupting left and right. Hermione joined in occasionally. It wasn't until they were done that Dimitry arrived. She stood up with a grin but it vanished when she saw the grim face he wore.
"He left a few hours ago. Called Narcissa in for a late holiday gift."
Hermione walked around the table slowly, never taking her eyes off him. "What did he give her, Dimitry?"
He laid both hands on the table and leaned forward. "He gave her… Bellatrix Lestrange back. Her sister along with six others."
Severus stood up and the others followed. Shocked silence filled the room. Bellatrix was supposed to be in Azkaban. With her husband and brother-in-law. Hermione rubbed the skin by her temple with her fingers and began to pace.
"You're telling me that Riddle has broken out seven people from prison. This was probably the result of his rage, correct?"
Dimitry bowed his head. "He left in cold rage. But returned with them in tow. This changes the inner circle. I was given a permanent seat for the task I completed but the others will have to prove themselves."
Right then, Severus hissed and quickly left the room. Hermione let him go. Dimitry gripped his arm just as suddenly. Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Go and be safe. Send word to the others if we are gone by the time everything settles down."
Severus came back with his robe and mask in hand. Hermione turned to him and pulled him down for a kiss. She drew back after a few seconds. He stared down at her, face already melting into one that was familiar yet not. "Keep each other safe okay."
He caressed her cheek and walked out with Dimitry.
Hermione turned to the others. They were all staring at her. But known shown fear. "There isn't much we can do with what we have just learned. But I want everybody to be on standby. Many of them will want to prove themselves now that more have joined."
Things had just gotten a lot more interesting.
o0o
The train was moving swiftly back to Hogwarts. Instead of the usual chaos, the train was silent. The news had hit early in the morning. Mass Breakout was printed on the front page of the newspaper. Hermione had her personal copy in her bag. She sat in a compartment with Harry, Ron, Ginny, Luna, and Neville. The twins were with Lee and Angelina. Marcus had walked by with Malfoy and Theo. None of them had looked at her but Marcus had spoken to her.
"They won't leave me alone."
"I asked them to follow you around."
He growled at her before disappearing. Hermione leaned her head back and stared out the window. Reflected on it was the faces of Ginny and Ron. Hermione felt bad over the fact that Ron was left in the dark. He was their friend and yet… She would have to find a way to include him but how? Harry touched her knew then.
"We have to change."
Hopefully, she would find a way to bring in the last member of their trio.
o0o
The welcoming feast was in full swing when Hermione finally arrived. She had done her duties as a prefect and now walked inside the Great Hall. Malfoy was a few feet behind her. Ron had left way before her and was already sitting at the table with Harry and Ginny. She walked steadily towards the table and just barely noticed the stares. Many males were staring at her with wide or… appreciating eyes? She would have flattered but forced herself to ignore the stares.
He spoke up, his voice rolling with dark amusement.
"It seems like the males of the school are just now noticing the fact that you look like a woman. A fully grown one," he growled the last part. It made her want to smile. He wasn't jealous. Not over the looks, she was receiving. But probably the thoughts running through their brains.
"They can stare all they want. I'm spoken for."
He gave a husky laugh in return. She hid her smirk and sat down next to Neville. He looked up at her and smiled. But his eyes traced her face a little too long. Hermione arched an eyebrow and he coloured. Shaking her head, she poured herself some pumpkin juice and drank it gratefully. Over the rim of her goblet, she watched Dumbledore. He wasn't eating but instead seemed to be lost in thought. Hermione dropped her goblet and reached for a slice of garlic bread and listened to all the whispering.
"My mother didn't want me to come back." - Lee
"Father wants me to write to him every day. He's worried that something will happen to me even here." - Lavender
"Harry was right all along." - Seamus
More and more people began to stare at Harry now. They all knew that it was too late to say anything. They had all turned their backs on him. Seven escapees that were well known to be Death Eaters were back out there. Everybody was fearing for their own safety.
It wasn't long until Marcus was introduced as Slughorn's apprentice. He needed the experience to get a job with Durmstrang. He would be here for the rest of the school year. The Slytherin table was the loudest in their clapping. Hermione clapped just as loud as the Griffyndors.
Hermione stood up with the others right as the clapping stopped and helped the prefects with wayward students.
That night, the first murder happened.
o0o
Breakfast was a quiet affair. Many had already seen the Quibbler and the Daily Prophet. Amelia had sent her a note in the early hours of the night. Three families had been sent to the Ministry with the letter M burned onto their necks and back. They had done vile things to the women and children. The men were another matter.
Hermione had seen the pictures that Dimitry had sent. Dimitry had said that it was work of the Lestrange brothers. They were known to get physical with their victims. This time they had chosen a muggle family that had been ready to send their muggleborn child to Hogwarts the upcoming year.
Hermione had allowed Rita Skeeter to work on the front page as long as it was approved by Percy and Amelia. That was also why Dumbledore wasn't present. Hermione picked up the Quibbler and noticed the list of names.
The escaped prisoners.
Bellatrix Lestrange
Rodolphus Lestrange
Rabastan Lestrange
Antonin Dolohov
Augustus Rookwood
Travers Golden
Mulciber II
She caught something in the corner of her eye. Neville was staring down at his plate of food, face washed in fear. She stared hard at him. He must have seen the name at the top of the list. Hermione reached over and grasped his hand that lay clenched on the table. He gazed up at her, startled. But the stark terror in his eyes was clear to see. Hermione leaned over and whispered into his ear.
"Use that fear to strengthen yourself. Don't become prey. Prey don't live long."
Something flashed across his eyes too fast for her to read but he still nodded. He understood what she was trying to say. This was a shock to him as much as the others. Knowing the names was completely unsettling.
She let go and looked up. Ron was staring at her. He quickly caught himself and flashed her a wide smile before reached for more sausage. Hermione narrowed her eyes.
She was missing something. But what?
Shaking off the weird feeling, she picked up the Daily Prophet. Fudge was out and Amelia was in. The new Minister of Magic had half of the front page. Amelia's face stared up at her, a half-smile on her face as she nodded. Hermione smiled and left the table. Out in the corridor, she felt the others following her. She walked out onto one of the empty courtyards and stood behind a large alcove.
Marcus and Theo appeared seconds later.
"The attack will help Amelia cement her place. For now, she has Malfoy. That is what she will concentrate on. Many people fear Lucius so they will have a margin of peace knowing he is behind bars." she stated. Her eyes tracked the birds on one of the pillars, but her mind was working, making plans and improvising the old ones. "I will be meeting Charlie Weasley next week. By then, we will have taken care of some of the underlyings that Mashh and Cane will give us. You are to meet Adrian at the villa tomorrow night to help with older followers."
Marcus leaned back and pulled out his wand. "When will Slughorn ask you to help me in the Library?"
"After dinner. Or whenever you have a chance. He has already 'asked' McGonagall for permission."
Theo spoke up next. "I will, of course, spend more time in the Library. I will be reading and casually make conversation with Marcus."
"I always knew you were smart, Theo. But sometimes… I just want to stab you." she said, her fingers suddenly holding a dagger. Theo yelped and jumped back. Marcus burst into deep laughter.
Hermione smirked and sauntered away. Theo yelled something at her and was shut up by a loud smack. He should know better than to say something about her in front of Marcus. Or Adrian.
Especially not Severus and Dimitry.
The day slipped by with mundane work.
After lunch, she received her 'note' on Marcus Flint. Hermione drew Luna with her to the Library and asked Harry to take care of Ron. Luna gave her a flower as they walked in.
Hermione's eyebrow rose. "Pretty. But why?"
"Because you made him show me a side of him I've never seen before. I might consider keeping him."
Surprised into a genuine smile, she walked further in, passing Madam Pince, and found Marcus already sitting with Theo. There were no other students around but one couldn't be too sure. She quickly cast a charm and sat down in front of Marcus. Theo didn't look up from the tome he was reading and Luna sat on the table.
For two hours, they 'spoke' of nonsense.
For the next four days, they did the same. Always after lunch and dinner. Eventually, people began to notice. Whispers followed her. Harry calmed Ron down from tantrums and Luna began to pop up everywhere she went. It wasn't until Saturday morning when the news came of Lucius Malfoy being imprisoned for several crimes that the gossip topic shifted. Narcissa Malfoy and Draco were now officially cleared of any involvement in his crimes.
Harry made no comment but Ron was going on about certain things Malfoy had done over the years.
The Daily Prophet had covered that story but the Quibbler had covered one that was by far more interesting. Two men that were given the truth serum had been dumped at the Ministry, been taken in by Percy Weasley and Bill Weasley. Both men had confessed to their crimes and allegiance to the 'Dark Lord' and one even tried to attack the new Minister of Magic when Amelia Bones had tried to speak with them personally. Thankfully Alastor Moody had been able to stop the attack.
Hermione passed the paper to Ginny. She was satisfied with the outcome. The twins left and she stood up a minute after them. She found them on the third floor. Both were standing by an empty classroom and walked inside when they saw her coming. She glanced around casually and slipped in after them. They both turned to look at her and Fred handed her a piece of paper.
"That is where they seem to be located according to the map." Hermione nodded. This catch would be what she needed to send Riddle into a rage. "Send them to Amelia. She will send Moody after them."
George came closer and slung an arm around her waist. "So, know any Slytherin females that would like to try out a ginger block?"
Hermione smirked and leaned forward. "Malfoy is pretty enough to pass for a female. Does he count?"
The horror of said fact made him lose colour, forcing his freckles to stand out more. He gasped. "Hermione!"
o0o
That night, Harry asked the older students to attend a meeting. Only fifth years to Seventh years could attend. Many came. Hermione stood to watch from the other side of the two-way mirror and observed them as they listened to Harry's reasons.
"We will have to fight. The adults have their hands full and none are paying any attention to us. What they don't seem to realize is that we go to school with the children of Death Eaters. We are as much in danger here as we are outside of these walls. We need…"
"How hard is he going to push them?" Malfoy asked quietly. Hermione didn't turn to look at him as she continued to watch Harry but still answered in an even tone. "Not as hard as I plan to train you and the others."
He didn't say anything else. They were waiting for Theo and Luna. Seconds passed and the door opened to allow them in. Both were dressed for the upcoming lesson. Marcus had to step out for summoning reasons and Greengrass was watching the Slytherins. Just because they were children didn't mean they weren't dangerous. Hermione turned to face the others and dropped the smoke bomb that she had been playing with.
"Defend yourselves."
A cloud of black smoke swallowed their bodies. Hermione instantly saw through it and quickly attacked.
o0o
The shadows cast by the trees made them seem like claws and fingers reaching for her. The Forbidden Forest was home to dark and dangerous creatures. She shared her soul and magic with one, she was one of them. The forest was safe for her. Charlie Weasley was safe for a whole other reason.
"It's because he carries their scent too."
The soul that was tied to hers whispered across her mind the instant she came across Charlie. The man in front of her was nothing like Bill's rough image or Percy's uptight look. Charlie was similar to Severus. Tall, lanky, and all in black. He blended a little too well with the dark.
The dark cloak he wore looked to be made of leather, the shape of it familiar. Severus had one just like it but rarely used it. A dragon skin cloak. The boots matched the material of said cloak. Something she picked up in the dark. With a deliberate step on a branch, she made herself known. Charlie didn't startle. But he did causally turn so that his back was protected by a cluster of thick trees. He flashed a crooked smile, eyes glinting with amusement.
"Hermione."
"Charlie."
He moved closer but still kept his back to the forest, stance relaxed yet not. Hermione walked forward and almost winced when snow fell inside of her boot. She careful used magic to fix that slight problem. As she moved, her eyes never strayed from her target.
The shadows seemed to move around them. Charlie noticed but didn't show any hint of nervousness. Hermione stopped when she was about a foot away from him. They stood in silence for a few seconds, listening to the night breath. He brushed his hair back with a gloved hand, eyes roaming the night.
Hermione pulled out her umbrella, the colour of it standing out against the snow on the ground. She opened it and held it up, blocking the snow that started to fall. He raised an eyebrow and moved forward until he was standing under it.
"Now, why are we standing out here in the cold, Hermione?"
"Well, I have a story to tell you but not here."
"I can't go inside the castle, Hermione."
"That's not what I had in mind. Want to come with me somewhere else?"
"Anytime, darling."
Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she laid a hand on his arm and activated the portkey. The umbrella lurched them, pulling their insides apart. They landed outside the boundaries of the villa. Charlie grunted and took a deep breath, inhaling the cold air around them. Hermione didn't waste time and quickly fixed the magic in the wards to allow him in. She made quick work of it and was soon followed in. She glanced around once and noticed the soft light coming from the kitchen window.
They knew not to wait up. She had only told three people to attend said meeting. Charlie didn't speak. Just stared at the villa with a bit of suspicion. Hermione went up the stairs and opened the door. Warmth caressed her face as she stepped inside. Charlie came in right after her and shook some of the snow from his hair.
She shrugged off her cloak and slipped her boots off. He took his cloak off as well and set it on one of the hooks by the door. She looked up when she felt another presence.
Percy and Remus stood by the kitchen entrance. Both were dressed in black. Percy, unlike his brother, wore a black suit and shiny shoes. Remus had on dark jeans and a black jumper. It looked like the one that Sirius had worn…
"Percy?"
"Oy."
Hermione smirked and walked over to them. This was going to take a while.
o0o
Albus Dumbledore stared at the Hufflepuff Cup and Ravenclaw Diadem. Both had arrived in his care within days of each other. He had suspected that Tom had created more than one… But to have created more than three?
The ring. The cup. The Diadem.
Heidi and Gabriel Black both were coming to him with the items. But who really was hunting the Horcrux. It wasn't them. They weren't smart enough. So, who was it?
The door behind him opened. He turned to see Alastor. The man limped forward, face set in harsh lines.
"I have found a lead."
o0o
Voldemort hissed like a snake and killed the man at his feet. None of them could find out who was kidnapping and raiding their members. He had the prophecy but it wasn't important anymore. He would have walked out but Dimitry came in. He levitated a body in front of him. It was one of the last werewolves that served him. Dimitry dropped the thing on the floor.
"He knows more than he thinks, my lord."
"Is that so?"
It took less than a minute to find out what he knew.
"It seems like the third party to this...He has decided to show himself. To Take me to where you found this one."
Dimitry bowed and led the way.
o0o
Hermione cast a warming charm on herself and tried not to sigh in relief. It was late at night, the temperature as low as it would get. Hermione winced when snow slid off a branch and splattered on her hair. She shook it off and stared down the hill towards the cluster of homes situated across the land.
But only the house closest to her was the target. Hermione nodded once at Severus. He was standing a few feet from her, a shadowed figure blending with the night. He raised an eyebrow in return.
They were on the outskirts of Newcastle, using a remote home that belonged to Amelia as bait. The woman herself was safe in the Ministry. Nymphadora Tonks wasn't. The young Auror was inside, under orders of Kingsley Shacklebolt, disguised as Amelia.
Moody had done exactly as Hermione had planned. The old fool had gone to Dumbledore with a shortlist of suspects. On that list were Amelia and Remus. Moody had taken it upon himself to look at everybody and everything. That included those in the Order. Amelia was understandable but Remus was another matter. It was prejudice on Moody's side that drew attention to Remus.
Remus had been followed by Moody. But he hadn't seen anything. Nothing incriminating that is. Remus had snuck out of the house once to meet with Percy since Ron and Bill had gone over to see Harry. But that was okay. Hermione had prepared ahead once she had been told of Moody's list. Severus had mentioned a decoy kind of fail-safe. But now, it served a whole different purpose.
The story had been served on a silver platter to Moody by Remus. Amelia was worried for her safety so Kinglsely had asked Tonks to disguise herself as Amelia and be seen by a lot of people leaving and mentioning the said location as a place to clear her head.
Percy had 'heard' and had gone to Remus with said information. Moody had overheard the conversation but hadn't seen the person delivering the warning. Voice enchantments worked wonders that way too. Moody hadn't wasted time and had reported back to Dumbledore with his findings.
Yet, that wasn't all.
Hermione nodded once in her beloved's direction and got into position. He disapparated the next instant. Remus appeared next. "I made sure to be seen leaving. I left Sirius and Harry with a 'vague' idea of where I was going. Moody already knows about it so he will be arriving shortly. Are they...coming as well?"
She brushed the snow on her shoulder and nodded. "Dimitry is heading this way too."
Remus turned to stare at the house and made a huffing sound low in his throat. "Do we have to walk all the way down there? They'll see us maybe about halfway down. What if they attack?"
"They won't. But if they do...We'll be ready. The question is… Are you?"
"It's the start. Plus, I fit in with the said plan."
"That you do."
o0o
Down the slope, Dumbledore apparated in silently. Moody and a few other Order members intermingled with Aurors. They moved as one towards the home that belonged to Amelia Bones.
But they paused when several other figures apparated in a few yards from them. Dumbledore raised his wand and pointed it at the tall figure leading the others. The being before them wasn't human. The pale almost grey skin and blood-red eyes were off-putting and intimidating. Many of those standing behind Dumbledore flinched back. Riddle smiled, revealing teeth a little too sharp.
"Dumbledore, what a surprise."
"Tom. Or is it Lord Voldemort?"
"Ah, yes, the name. Well, use either since it's the last time you'll address me. It seems like somebody figured out who I planned to strike at. Very smart of you, Professor."
The mocking tone in his voice made many stiffen. But Dumbledore only smiled cooly. "I have my ways, Tom."
Moody growled his disapproval, drawing Riddle's eyes. They flashed with hatred. It was equally returned. Riddle clasped his hands in front of him even as those that stood behind him began to spread out. The Aurors did the same. Riddle smiled once more, the corners of his mouth split unpleasantly. "If not one of my followers who gave you this...location. I'm curious as to who did."
Remus appeared first, his steps almost silent. Which was deliberately on his part. Dumbledore drew back, Riddle turned slightly to stare up at the wolf.
Hermione moved silently a few steps behind him, cloak drawn up, hood secured with a spell of her own. Remus spoke up, voice completely void of emotion as Dumbledore called out his name in apparent shock. Bogus shock. Moody had brought them here. For Remus.
"The third person is somebody that doesn't belong to either one of you. She came to me with the truth. She asked me to listen and so I did. She asked for my advice and I gave it. Now I bring her to you."
Now, everybody was staring at her. Many began to light up the night with the tips of their wands. But they wouldn't be able to see her. She came to a stop after reaching Remus and laid a hand on his arm. She didn't speak out loud, making it obvious that she could communicate by other means. Remus flexed his muscle as she began to caress his arm. The display of such touch drew the eyes of many.
"Those with the curse, the ones that have been loyal thus far, join us."
Riddle's red eyes filled with bright fury. Dumbledore was too busy staring at Hermione. Trying to meet her eyes even as they lay in the shadows. But the words Remus had spoken began to sink in. Dumbledore's side didn't move. But two did from Riddle's side. Mashh and Cane left the ranks. Dimitry slipped back, his wand lowering. The pair of wolves moved quietly and swiftly, breaking away from Riddle. Their Lord snarled and bared his pointy teeth.
"You! It is you who has been killing my followers!"
Hermione let Remus go and stepped in front of him. She was the centre of attention now. Mashh and Cane were forgotten.
She used her altered voice, chuckling. "I have been doing stuff. To both sides. But only because you both make it so easy. Yes, Tom, I have been poisoning your men. Yes, Dumbledore, it is I, who has sent Heidi to you with those...gifts."
Both of them drew forward, their intent clear as daylight. Hermione smirked, stopping them in their tracks. One just didn't expect an enemy or unknown foe to smile while being looked at by two very powerful beings. Unless said foe was just as powerful. Or a fool. Thank Merlin she wasn't a fool. Her smile probably hadn't been seen by the others because they did attack.
Foolishly.
Several Aurors and Death Eaters raised their wands. It only took one person to set off the rest. She had to give Remus credit for not flinching under such assault. The wolf played his part well.
He stepped forward just as her beloved deflected all of the spells with a simple wave of his wand. Severus's entrance changed it all. The rage and shock from earlier wasn't nothing compared to what flashed across their faces now. Dumbledore lost whatever facade he had been using and now stood with his face turning red. Riddle actually swept his arm out and many of his followers flew back, many landing on top of each other. Dumbledore didn't to that but he didn't have to. Moody held his walking stick up and pointed it at Severus, who now stood directly in front of her body.
"How dare you stand there! What kind of bloody traitor are you!" Moody shouted, eyes blazing in rage.
Riddle made a hissing sound and turned his body so that it faced them. He held his wand up. Hermione caught his eye as she slipped right up against Severus.
"Do tell dear old Alastor what you're doing with me, Severus." She whispered huskily into his ear, making sure to press herself completely against his hard body.
The whisper carried itself to their audience. She slipped her arms around his waist, slowly dragging her fingertips up his waist to his chest. The tension under her fingers gave way, leaving behind the touch of desire fueled by adrenaline. He lifted his arm and grabbed one wondering hand. He drew her forward, keeping his eyes on his former Masters. She didn't draw back the hood of her cloak but instead twirled in front of him silently so that her back was to the enemy.
A bold move that drew the eye. Even those angry angry eyes of the snake. The eyes of the old. Hermione tilted her head up, her eyes taking in the sharp jawline that just beckoned her mouths touch. She lifted her free hand and traced his cold lips.
"Tell them."
The wolves at his back were suddenly closer, their shadows falling upon them. Severus finally looked down at her and smiled darkly. She returned it and reached up and met him halfway. Their lips touched, shocking the others beyond endurance. The snow on their shoulders went up into the air as they all disappeared together. It fell down slowly in their absence. The last thing they heard was the roar of angry cries and the sounds of fighting.
But that was not all.
The others vanished too.
…..0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o…..
Thank you for reading and hope you all love this chapter!
Vanee