TW: another death (A little more descriptive) some disturbing descriptions of Azkaban and its prisoners.
Flashback -
The Death Eater was crouched on a bench in front of a coffee shop in Knockturn Alley. He held a notepad on one hand and a quill on the other.
The Death Eater watched as the passerbyers went about their day as if nothing was happening. He grimaced at that thought. All of a sudden he saw blond hair going into brogan and burkes, he snickered at them. They always seemed so privileged.
He added them to the list of Death Eaters to be killed because he thought they always turned down The Dark Lord. They deserved to be on the list. The top of the list at that.
Yes, he will end Malfoy's demise indeed.
October 3, 2023
After Hermione finished her morning routine, she took the folder that Remus handed her, then walked to the Headmaster's office.
When she got inside, she was alone. She frowned.
"If you're looking for The Headmaster, he went to the kitchens, dear." The former Headmaster Dumbedlore's portrait responded with his usual twinkle in his eyes.
"Thank you, Headmaster," she smiled.
"He is not Headmaster anymore," Professor Snape's Portrait.
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Fine, I know when I'm not wanted." She clutched the folder tighter to her chest as she walked out.
This was where reading Hogwarts a History more than once paid off. Since she remembered the way to the kitchens was located under the Great Hall. Once she arrived at the Great Hall, she found the staircase, leading toward the Hufflepuff staircase and the picture of the pear portrait. She tickled the pear and the portrait opened.
After meeting Remus at the kitchens, for breakfast, Hermione and Remus headed towards the Quidditch pitch where they were meeting the Aurors.
"I assume you have some questions from the folder I gave you," Remus muttered while pointing at the folder Hermione was holding.
Hermione hummed in the answer as they were just outside of Hogwarts. "Bellatrix?" She asked then stopped to glance at him speculatively.
"Ah," Remus scratched the back of his head. "Yes, well, she went into hiding after fighting Molly."
Hermione stopped in her tracks as they arrived at the entrance of the quidditch pitch. It was filled with Aurors still taking stock of the scene.
"When did they arrive this morning?" Hermione curiously asked.
Remus shrugged. "I'd say around five in the morning."
"You'd think they already had enough information." Hermione nodded with understanding.
When she finally spotted someone familiar, she smiled softly as she walked over to her best friend. "So what have we found so far?" Remus stayed towards the entrance of the Quidditch pitch.
Harry jumped and sighed in relief when he realized it was Hermione.
"Don't scare a man who's looking at a crime scene, Hermione," Harry joked slightly.
"Sorry," Hermione winced inwardly. "Hows - " she bit her lip nervously as Harry interrupted.
"Draco? He's well…" Harry frowned. "He's a wreck, I can't get him to eat, or get out of bed. It was the first time he ate anything at the burrow. And now, he's back to not eating! He's been er, staying with me," he scratched the back of his head.
"I see," Hermione sighed. She knelt next to Harry. "So what are we looking at then?"
"You see this spec here? I am looking at the magical signature," he paused for a moment to get a good look at Hermione. "Are you sure you're alright, you're usually the know-it -."
Hermione glared at Harry and crossed her arms. "I'm fine, Harry," she hissed, then took out her wand. Hermione narrowed her eyes. "Something felt familiar about this signature, but I don't know why yet."
"I know what you mean. It seems all too… Easy…." Harry trailed off.
All of a sudden a Patronus appeared to greet Harry. "Another was murdered, and it's Lucius Malfoy, you are needed at once." The Patronus said.
Harry's eyes went wide.
"Oh, Harry!" Hermione gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.
"I-I" Harry paused to look at Hermione.
"The crime scene can wait, you go see Malfoy, first, he needs you more now than ever," She placed her hand on his shoulder.
"It looked like I have another crime scene to go to," Harry muttered.
"Didn't you hear what I just said? Go to Malfoy!"
"But -"
"No buts, go now! I'll take it from here," Hermione urged.
"Will you - "
"I'll let your team know, yes, stay safe," she whispered. She turned around to meet Remus's eyes with a frown and walked toward him.
"What was that about?" Remus asked, mentioning the Patronus.
"There was another killing, and it was Lucius Malfoy." Hermione sniffled.
Remus sighed.
"Harry was checking the magical signature before he left and something didn't seem right to me. It felt familiar somehow, but I can't pinpoint what is so familiar about the signature." Hermione said frustratingly. And it was driving her mad.
"Maybe you need a break from the crime scene and have tea with me," Remus offered.
Hermione shook her head, "Sorry, but I have to tell the other Aurors about the new murder. We might not be here when you get back, we'll have to take a look at the murder scene."
"Okay, I'll check on Teddy and see if he needs any help then or wants some company."
Hermione softly smiled and then placed a hand on his shoulder.
Lucius Malfoy owning a quidditch team was all news to her. She was told that he was sitting in the audience when the attack happened.
After she told her crew about the murder, she apparated to the murder scene. She'd forgotten about reporters that tend to linger about; they were trying to ask questions about the second murder.
It was yet another murder scene at a quidditch pitch. That has to mean something, she thought as she was investigating the scene.
Two hours later, she felt like she had not made any progress yet. She was just about to pack up when Harry had come through the quidditch pitch. He looked as though he was panting.
"How was the investigation?" Harry asked.
"No other clue, I took some of the samples of the magical signature to determine the culprit, but I can confirm that it's the same signature" Hermione sighed. "But it also happened during a quidditch match," she paused to look at her best friend, "how's Malfoy?"
Harry slumped to the ground. "Angry, scared, pick your poison," Harry frowned. "I've taken extra security measures for Draco and added bodyguards to the Manor." He rubbed his forward. "Whoever is doing this has no mercy." Harry's eyes went wide and they looked up at Hermione. "Did you say quidditch match too?"
Hermione nodded with confirmation and rushed to hug her best friend.
"You go back to Hogwarts, you're finished for the day; I'll finish up," Harry mumbled while still hugging Hermione.
"Are you sure?" Hermione eyed him.
"I'm sure, and take care," Harry said and smiled weakly.
Hermione apparated outside of Hogwarts and then walked back inside the castle. Instead of going to her quarters, she decided to see if Remus was available for tea. After knocking on the door for a few minutes, Remus yelled for her to come in.
"Ah! Hermione, I was just going to check on you," Remus smiled softly as he was packing up the chess set.
"Well, I am here now," Hermione muttered as she sat on the chair near the desk. "How was your time with Teddy?"
"We played chess," Remus shrugged his shoulders. "He beats me every time," he chuckled.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Go ahead," Remus nodded and waved his hand towards the empty lounge chair and smiled.
"It happened on a quidditch pitch once again," Hermione sighed while Remus went to grab a kettle to serve her tea.
"You'll find the answers," Remus raised his right eyebrow as he came back with the tea kettle.
Hermione eyed Remus speculatively, "You know something."
"I just know the facts," Remus shrugged his shoulders.
"And?"
"I'd go to the Ministry for the answers." He smiled softly.
Hermione's eyes went wide. Why didn't I think about it before? The Ministry could have the answers. I'd go and question people who work closely with the Dementors. But who?
"Hermione," Remus chuckled then leaned forward, "do you ever turn your brain off?"
Hermione blushed when she noticed how intimately close they were. Remus cleared his throat and awkwardly leaned back on the lounge chair.
"Well, it may be the reason why I have issues with falling asleep," Hermione reluctantly added. Her blush deepened.
"Hermione, I - "
Hermione interrupted Remus by standing up. "On that note, thank you for the advice, Remus, I'll go with Harry tomorrow to the Ministry."
Remus cleared his throat again, "Nonsense, I'm sure Harry is busy with Mr. Malfoy, I can escort you there tomorrow."
Hermione's eyes went wide. "What about your duties as Headmaster?"
"I can have one of the staff take over," Remus shrugged a shoulder as if it were no big deal.
"Alright, thank you," Hermione sighed. "I'll let Harry know."
Remus stood and looked at her seriously. "I want to do everything I can, I am outraged that something like this happened while being Headmaster of this school."
Hermione smiled softly and nodded. "You're doing a fine job as Headmaster," she patted his shoulder.
Remus gently grabbed Hermione's hands as if he was caressing her. Her eyes went wide at the gesture. She couldn't understand what was happening. "But, Hermione -"
"Good night, Remus," Hermione forcefully let go as if afraid of the touch. She looked at him with a pointed look and walked towards her guest room.
Hermione sighed as she lay down on her bed. Her emotions were running on high whenever she was around Remus. It had looked as though he wanted to confront her with something that she didn't quite come to terms with yet. She thought one problem at a time as she reached towards the desk and picked up the folder Remus gave her. Though she couldn't help but think how close they were and how utterly handsome he looked.
A wave of emotions hit her as a memory of them just moments before came crashing down. They stared at each other as if it was an hour while he knelt to pick up the folder. Those amber eyes stared back at her intently as if he wanted to say something more.
She looked at all the suspects and wondered who might be the right one. Though, none of them seemed to have been working inside of the Ministry. However, she hadn't heard from Umbridge in ages, so she might have returned there.
Even though there had been bad blood between her and Malfoy, she hoped that he was doing alright. And hoped he didn't have the same attitude that Harry has when it comes to diving in without thinking.
Then she went back to thinking about Remus. She sighed, should I have stayed with him? Hermione thought as she drifted off to sleep with the papers still on her lap.
—-
October 10, 2023
It took a week for Remus to be able to leave Hogwarts with the approval of the staff. While she understood that he had to delegate responsibilities in his absence, she was rather impatient to catch the murderer. What if they killed someone else? There was no time to lose.
The Ministry was full of energy today. It seemed that word of Lucius's death had gotten out and people were playing detective themselves. Accusations were being whispered in the atrium's corners, over steaming cups of coffee and dings of the floo.
Hermione had her list of suspects tucked in the folder that Remus had given her and cast a shrinking charm to hide it underneath her jumper.
"Where do you want to go first?" Remus asked behind her as he was surveying the area. He'd noticed Rita Skeeter up to her old tricks again, snapping to attention whenever an Auror passed, eager to get the scoop first. He sighed as he kept on following Hermione.
Hermione however, shivered as she felt his warm breath on the back of her neck. As she cleared her throat she whispered, "We need to talk to the Minister of Magic. It should be easier since I work here."
Remus nodded as they arrived at the front desk.
"Miss Granger! What a pleasant surprise!"
"Nancy, what a pleasure it is to see you! Unfortunately, it's under a sad circumstance," Hermione explained.
"Oh I know, father and son dead all in the same week," Nancy, Kingsley's assistant, said, starting to get weepy.
Gently, Hermione asked, "Can I see Kingsley?"
"I'm afraid he's rather busy with the press at the moment," Nancy scratched her forehead with a tissue.
"That's alright, we can wait. We'll just hop to the cafe around the corner. Mittens and Kittens, have you heard of it?" Hermione gently grabbed Remus's arm, as if to steer him away, however when Nancy blew her nose loudly into her tissue, Hermione led Remus directly to Kingsley's office.
"Hermione, whaaaa?" Remus asked, looking confused.
"It's alright, I do this all the time." Hermione smiled confidently.
Remus raised his right eyebrow as if he was not convinced. Something about that thrilled Hermione.
Hermione paused for a moment to take out the folder from her jumper and unshrunk it.
They arrived at the front door of Kingsley's office, and Hermione opened the door without even knocking. Old Man has gotten soft, doesn't even lock it anymore, she thought to herself.
Kingsley jumped from his seat with a look of bewilderment. "What is the meaning of this?!"
Hermione unceremoniously dropped the folder that contained the list of suspects on his desk and sat down. Remus followed suit.
Kingsley glared at the two of them. "I can somewhat understand what you are doing here Ms. Granger, but why is Mr. Lupin here?" He asked, eyeing Remus with suspicion.
"For protection," Remus glared as he answered for Hermione which made Hermione grin.
"Against who? I don't think any of this is necessary!"
"I'm the Headmaster of Hogwarts! I have every right to be here since a student died in my care!" Remus growled.
Kinglsey cowered back a little.
"Two people have died, Kingsley! One was a child! Your Head Auror is not himself!" She raised her right eyebrow. "He can feel Malfoy's pain because Harry himself has kids."
"Now, Miss Granger!"
Hermione cut off the Minister from continuing, "In those files are suspects that Remus has kindly given me. I would like special clearance to see the ones in Azkaban, please."
Kingsley cast a sideways glance at Remus suspiciously. "And how have you come by this information?"
"As I said, I am the Headmaster of this school, and I have to protect my students!" Remus yelled.
Kingsley stared at the two of them for a long moment and sighed. "Fine, I'll give you a time and - "
"I insist on seeing them now, in the order of the list I have," Hermione suggested firmly.
Kingsley stared at Hermione, his eyes locking onto hers. She wouldn't acquiesce, this was too important. If she had to, she would plead her case for hours.
"Okay fine!" Kinglsey threw up his hands in defeat. He held his head as he pressed the intercom on his desk. "Nancy, please cancel all my appointments."
Nancy gasped on the other line, "Yes, I will do that right away, sir!" She sniffed loudly before disconnecting.
Kingsley glared at the two of them and stood up. "If you will have the courtesy to follow me."
As the three of them arrived at the apparition point outside of the Ministry, both Remus and Hermione grabbed onto Kinglsey. With a barely audible pop, the trio disappeared.
Nausea kicked in as she almost stumbled over. Remus caught her by wrapping his warm hands around her waist to steady her. "Are you okay?" He whispered in her ear which made her shiver.
"Fine, apparition always made me uneasy, thanks for catching me," she blushed. Before Remus let go, he squeezed her arm for reassurance.
Azkaban was looming over them. The dark tall prison that kept the evilest wizards daunted Hermione. She shivered with a sense of foreboding. It was the first time she ever stepped foot in prison; suddenly fear overwhelmed her. She had to face Antonin Dolohov, who'd given her the scar on her chest. Hermione scratched it without thinking.
Hermione was starting to shake, she wasn't sure she could handle going in there with the screams and her past encounters. She couldn't imagine what they would be like. All of a sudden she felt someone grasp her hand in order to steady her.
"Hey, hey, now, you've got this, I believe in you. You've been through so much. I know you can handle this," Remus muttered then caressed her cheek softly. After taking a big breath of air, Remus took her hand and squeezed it. "Remember, I'm here if things get too much."
Kingsley cleared his throat.
"This way, and keep up!" Kingsley said as they staggered inside the prison.
"Weren't there more Dementors?" Hermione asked as they entered the prison.
Kinglsey shrugged his shoulders. "I don't go here often to know how many Dementors there should be."
"Reason for the visit?" The security guard asked as he looked over at the three of them.
"A private investigation," Kingsley said.
"IDs please," the security guard said in a bored tone.
Hermione had a sudden thought thinking that both she and Remus might not get in through security. However, they managed to get in with Kingsley's help.
As they traveled along the halls they heard so many prisoners yelling.
I smell a mudblood!
I smell a dirty old werewolf!
Is that the Minister of Magic I see?!
So many screams, she thought.
"Who's our first agenda?"
"A-Antoni D-D-Dolohov," Hermione stuttered. She had a sudden flashback to the department of prophecies where she was on the ground withering in pain from the curse that Dolohov cast on her. With the help of Remus by her side, she squeezed his hand tightly hoping that he didn't lose circulation. She went back to reliability as they arrived at the jail cell.
When Dolohov came into view, he looked gaunt and worn out. Perhaps from the Dementors? She thought.
"Came here for revenge, Mudblood?" Dolohov beamed with malice, although the expression didn't quite reach his eyes.
Hermione looked at him with disgust. "I haven't thought of you since the war," she lied. Remus must have seen through her though, as he laid a hand on her back out of view of Dolohov. She was suddenly overcome with gratitude that he had traveled with her, this was much harder than she had anticipated. She sounded as though she wanted to get over this conversation.
"When did you arrive in Azkaban?"
"Why, do you think I managed to escape?" Dolohov said with a hiss. "If you must know, it was around the time of the Hogwarts battle, one of the Aurors -"
Hermione interrupted and gritted her teeth, "How long is your sentence for?"
Dolohov laughed at that. "What do you think?" He spat then banged on the bars.
Both Hermione and Remus jumped. Hermione inhaled and exhaled, "Have you been granted any leave or privileges?"
"Don't you know already that I can't lie due to that stupid spell that was cast?" Dolohov muttered. What do you think? "That I can traipse around this jail like I am a guest?"
Hermione's rolled her eyes as her patience was wearing thin. "What are your opinions on the Malfoys?"
Dolohov laughed once again, "That lot is a disgrace to the wizarding world! Is that sufficient enough for you?"
Hermione turned around and glanced at the two of them. She sighed. "He's just goading me."
Remus nodded as the three of them walked to the next jail cell which was none other than Delores Umbridge.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of the Golden Trio's Mudblood?" Umbridge asked in a calm voice.
"Does everyone we meet here have a death wish?" Remus muttered.
Umbridge's eyes drifted to Remus. "Is the big bad wolf protecting the Mudblood now?" She said sweetly.
Again Hermione gritted her teeth, "When did you arrive?"
"Oh, just after you assaulted me in the woods with those centaurs!" Umbridge scowled at her.
As Umbridge crept forward into the light, Hermione couldn't help but notice that she was in a standard prisoner's uniform; this woman looked so strange without her traditional pink wardrobe. It was eery and unnatural. It certainly didn't help that Umbridge also had sickly features similar to Dolohov...
Hermione ignored Umbridge's comment about the centaurs. "Were you granted any leave or privileges recently?"
"Do you think I have many friends to sneak me out? Is that what you mean?" Umbridge asked as she was caressing the jail cell bars. "My it's a shame that gorgeous head of hair is attached to a mudblood, how I would have killed for those curls when I was younger..."
Hermione was officially freaked out by the way she was speaking and wanted to get out of there as fast as possible.
"I think we have everything we need, thanks!" She muttered as she rushed away from the cellar.
"Hermione!" Remus yelled then rushed after her and rested his hand on her shoulder gently.
"I am fine, I just needed out of there," Hermione heaved as Kingsley's reached their side.
"We have one more to see," Remus murmured. "But if we need to pau–"
Hermione cut him off, "No. I have a duty… We need to find out who is behind these murders.". She could do this. She could face her fears. She could stand triumphant in front of the woman who still plagued her nightmares: Bellatrix Lestrange
Bellatrix's cell was the last in the row on the next floor. As Hermione climbed the staircase she wondered if the woman could hear her approach... if she was warned by the other prisoners of her arrival...
Entering the hall from the stairwell was a drastically different experience than the first hall. They were met with silence. Were there even prisoners here, wondered Hermione. The only noise over their footsteps was the wind beating against the outside of the fortress.
A light flickered above Hermione as they grew closer to Bellatrix's cell.
Finally reaching their destination, they stopped in their tracks, shocked at the scene before them. Bellatrix was lying on the floor in an unnatural position, looking nothing more than skin and bones, her face caught in an expression of fear.
The guard rushed down the hall to Kingsley's shouts.
Hermione shouted, "Who did you give permission to this corridor?!"
"No one!" the guard said as he fumbled with the keys. "No one, I swear."
"Get your supervisor here now," Kingsley demanded. "We need to shut this entire building down. NOW."
Kingsley's heated words were lost to Hermione as she entered the cell - it smelled like burnt flesh and mold. She couldn't help but be entranced by Bellatrix's expression... what had this woman seen?
Remus gently pulled on her arm to direct her attention to the wall inside the jail cell, "Look, I think I found something..."
Hermione turned around and with the help of Remus showed her what looked like an imprint of some kind on the wall. It was a shadow of a person who looked to be broad shoulders and tall. She walked over towards the wall and swiped a piece of whatever was in the wall. After rubbing the dust using two fingers, she came to the conclusion she had no idea what it was.
Hermione looked at Remus with a curious expression and then back to the guard. "Are you sure you don't know?!"
"Affirmative! I must've been obliviated or something," the guard cursed.