Chapter Two: The Prelude
The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do
Michael Porter
April 26, 2009
Events take place continuously. The sign of life. Everything occurs in a sequence. An order of it's own, for there will be chaos without order. It is truly remarkable how despite the sequence in time, events find their own order in accordance to their significance to one. The continuous thread of revelation. It is what shapes the present, the future and the past. It is the things that are often overlooked, silently causing tiny ripples over time, slowly building momentum to finally present as something undeniably and unquestionably significant. We only see what we want to see. It is the human nature.
Ignorance is bliss. We often subconsciously seek comfort of the picture perfect image which is far from the truth. It is a skillfully crafted masterpiece that is hypnotizing. A distraction and a delusion until it is shattered and the eyes are cleansed with tears.
Realization is nothing new; just obstructed by a screen of thoughts. An unexpected awakening from the past. And just like that, nothing will ever be the same again.
A dilemma.
Hermione took a deep breath and observed the three men standing in her living room. Each a sharp contrast to other.
Uncomfortable silence enveloped the normally chatter-filled room. Understandable given the history among them.
Harry and Hermione testified on Malfoy Family's behalf which saved both Narcissa and Draco Malfoy from a lifetime of prison while Lucius Malfoy was sentenced to a lifetime in Azkaban where he remained, till date. Following a terse "thank you", Malfoy all but dragged his mother back to the Manor as soon as their sentencing was announced. An year of probation followed by routine investigations by the ministry until the Minister is convinced that they are no longer a threat to the community. A sentencing that caused a major uproar among the Wizarding World. It was the general opinion that the Malfoys deserved a lifetime behind the bars. Everyone were against them. The public, for his actions in the Sixth Year which eventually led to the loss of one of the greatest wizards of all time. The Death Eaters, for they were blood traitors. Regardless to say, both sides demanded justice and retaliated. Multiple attempts had been made over the course of years, some causing unimaginable harm, that led to the Malfoy Manor being one of the most heavily guarded residence. In fact, majority of the Auror Department's funding is courtesy to the extensive security details provided to the Malfoys.
Same could not be applied for Theodore Nott. His father was sentenced to Azkaban only to escape soon afterwards. His trial was a memorable one, for Hermione had never seen such devotion to Voldemort from anyone else apart from Bellatrix Lestrange. He boasted about his efforts in propagating and implementing the Dark Lord's vision and disingenuously claimed as his most faithful servant. Instead of pleading his case, he spent hours issuing threats that made everyone's skin crawl. The Wizengamot audibly sighed in relief after his hearing was concluded for it was not only traumatizing, but also horrifying. Had the Dementors were still employed at Azkaban, he would have undoubtedly been given The Kiss by now.
The sins of the father is his own and no one else's. The son shall not bear any consequences for the father's iniquity and is only accountable for his own actions. As such, it is agreed that there is no formal inquiry into any threat posed by Theodore Nott or any circumstantial evidence of wrong doing, brought to attention, that requires further investigation. Therefore, The Wizengamot unanimously agrees that he does not pose a risk to the community and is as much a victim in this war as are the others. The remainder of his sentencing was drowned out by an uproar which resulted in the hearing being changed to a private one that Hermione was not in attendance at.
Hermione heard little of them afterwards which left her wary of her present situation. She knew them and at the same time didn't really know them which led to the unease at hand. There were a million of questions she wanted to ask, but wisely held her tongue for it was not the time for it.
Harry shuffled and huffed for the umpteenth time before looking at Hermione who only raised an eyebrow in response. Rolling his eyes, Harry cleared his throat and gestured to the sofas. "Shall we?"
Nott who spent the entire time scanning and mapping the surrounding within his visual field tilted his head towards Harry before proceeding to walk towards the offered seat only to turn around, and look expectantly at Hermione.
"Umm you can take a seat", Hermione mumbled uncomfortably not understanding the attention on her.
A soft scoff made her turn towards the man who stood blended into the shadows. Silent, but his presence demanding attention. Impossible to ignore.
Silent men, like still waters are deep and dangerous. An apt description of the man who loomed in the shadows.
Narrowing her eyes, she asked scathingly. "Problem? Is it not good enough for your-"
Her defensiveness a retort to certain opinion still held highly among the Wizarding population. If not for Pureblood Supremacy, it was that Wizards are far more superior to Muggles. A battle that Hermione faced everyday.
"It is customary to wait for the lady to take her seat before men take theirs." Nott interrupted her dousing the flame that ignited within her.
Manners and etiquette. Drilled into their bones, perfected over time and practiced forever. An elaborate courtesy.
Harry winced, mentally berating himself, for forgetting hours of lectures given by Andromeda. It is just one of the many contrasts between the Muggle World and Wizarding World. Hermione even agree that the basic formalities in the Wizarding World are quite something indeed.
Hurrying to rectify his lack of conduct, Harry ushered Hermione to the opposite sofa while Malfoy took silent measured steps towards where Nott stood.
Once everyone was seated, Harry called Kreacher to bring some tea as Hermione pursed her lips displeasingly, but the silence was broken.
Eager to get this started, Harry cleared his throat, turning slightly towards Hermione. "My hands are tied in this matter."
Not the best way to start this conversation. Hermione could feel her defenses rising up, preparing for the inevitable, but unknown strike. Clashed between the fear of unknown and dread of what is to come.
"As you have figured out by now, I have been working closely with both Malfoy and Nott in every step of the way. Truth to be told, they are the reason why I am able to do my job the way I am doing. Despite our past, our plans wouldn't have succeeded if not for them. They are instrumental in every success we have achieved over the years."
Harry tilted his head at the two men sitting across them, giving credit when it's due. They both dipped their head in response as Hermione starred at Harry, shock evident on her face. From that interaction alone, it was evident that they have interacted abundantly over the past few years. Harry nodded understandingly and continued.
"I have tried my best to act as a liaison, not only for security reasons, but it isn't enough. Not in this plan. Kingsley and I agreed that it is time we sat together and discussed the recent adaptations and smooth out the fine details. We don't have much time."
"Recent adaptations? I thought we were proceeding as discussed." Hermione felt the exhaustion steep into her bones. Mentally drained from everything that happened recently. Burn out.
"Following the events of this evening, we unanimously decided to adapt and improvise. The previous plan left too many variables unknown and unaccounted for. Careless is inexcusable and merits inevitable sequence." Theodore broke his silence after taking a sip of his tea. Leaning back in his seat, he starred straight into Hermione's eyes as he continued.
"Following your concerns earlier today, we have changed our play. This is your chance to step back if you want to, for once you agree to continue this conversation, there is no going back."
"Step back? What do you mean? My contribution has been limited, but I was assured that it was acceptable." Hermione couldn't understand what was happening. Was it her obsessive fixation on minute details that finally crossed the line or was it her busy schedule that made her more of a burden than an asset? Stretched thin, pulled into different directions, she had given everything and more to this.
Some times good isn't good enough. Tears threaten to fall as she tried to pull herself together.
Reaching over, Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. "No no. Not that. What we are trying to say is that we would like you to take a more active role in it. Not just the planning, but executing."
"No." Hermione pushed back on her seat and whirled around to face Harry. This was something non-negotiable.
"I haven't been at field for 5 years Harry! I will be more of a liability than an asset!"
"That is not true and you know it. Even though you haven't been active at field, you spend hours training the Aurors every week. I have respected your decision to step back from actively participating in the missions, but the fact remains that you are one of our best fighter." Harry withdrew his arm and fisted his hands as though refraining from continuing. Tension mounting through him, he ran a hand through his hair twice, he grimaced before asking what he had wanted to for the past five years.
"Why did you step back in the first place? You never gave a reason. We searched everywhere! You just left! You disappeared for a week only to return and have a two hour closed meeting with Kingsley before proceeding to head home warding everyone out of here. Kingsley never gave us an explanation, just commanded that we leave you be and that you will return soon."
Harry's voice rose as he pushed himself off of the sofa and stalked towards the window. His hands flexing and unflexing as he stood rigidly starring out into the night. Hermione knew him well enough that he is too angry to listen to her explanation right now.
Not that she was willing to give one either. Kingsley's action spoke volumes of the trust he placed on her. He had listen to her make her case assertively and respected her decision. It was what allowed her to protect the inner core of who she was and allowed a certain degree of freedom that others are envy of. Most consider it as favoritism which Hermione could deal with rather than having the truth out. She spent years avoiding and deviating conversations from that topic. Choosing to lock it far in her mind hoping that it would help her move on. A year later, she begrudgingly accept the indisputable.
Secrets are dark things. They don't exist in light. They glow faintly in forgotten corners, in mysterious mind nooks, in lost memory maps. Secrets are the shadows of the soul.
Weaving her fingers together, Hermione tried to control the hysteria threatening to escape. She could feel Nott and Malfoy starring at her, but she refused to look up at either of them. Blinking back tears, she focused more on her breathing. The only sound audible until Harry shifted and spoke.
"We have much to discuss. I don't have the capacity to go into the depths of our issues, but we need you. If my actions speak, you know I wouldn't have asked if there was any other way. What would it be, Hermione?"
Hermione grimaced before accepting that it is true. Specially with Kingsley's backing, she knew that she couldn't simply expect them to respect her wishes when she declined. Not without giving a valid justification which she had been avoiding herself.
A flash of sea crashing to the rocks flashed her mind as she jolted visibly on her seat. No! Do not think about it. Hermione mentally chastised herself and focused on her breathing.
Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.
Nott crossed his legs and drummed his finger on his thighs as he turned his head towards Draco, both of them having a silent conversation of their own.
The time has come. She needed to move on.
"What do you need me to do?" Hermione spoke after some time, her voice sounding both defeated and yet, determined at the same time.
It appears that this seemed to be what they were waiting for as Nott took his wand and started casting several charms around the room while Harry started to fill her in.
April 28, 2009
Hermione was lounging on her bed, unable to drift off to sleep after an exhausting day at work. Suffice to say things between Harry and herself were tense with prodding eyes trying to catch her attention which she avoided cowardly. It was only a matter of time before Harry brings it up again, now that it has been addressed once.
Groaning into her pillow, Hermione debated on whether or not to take a Dreamless Potion. Sleep eluded her since the night Harry brought Nott and Malfoy over to discuss the plan. Harry did most of the talking with Nott interrupting every now then to add in while Malfoy did not utter a single word during the entire conversation. Choosing to stay mutely, but still actively taking part in the discussion while projecting the necessary information from his wand on to her wall in a display of impressive magic that Hermione found deeply intriguing. If not for the circumstance, Hermione would have inquired more regarding the spell work, but time was of essence.
Time. Time heals all wounds. Hermione scoffed mentally. She has physical and mental scars that proved otherwise. So did others. The wounds remain. In time, the mind. protecting it's sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it's never gone.
Time. It's a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time, it has a disobliging habit of speeding up.
In the absence of sleep. her restless nights have been fueled by her overactive imagination, weaving waking dreams into the canvas of conception. Frightening clarity follows acting as a beacon to the dam threatening to burst open. All in tune with the stirrings of the heart.
The inconceivable retaliation that plagues her mind, setting chill into her bones and the reason behind her sleepless nights. Her inner musings were interrupted as she heard Ginny arrive by the Floo. Minutes later she heard her door open and felt the bed dip and hands dug into her back, slowly massaging the tense knots present.
"Harry said you had a tough day." Ginny offered as an explanation as she set to work on Hermione's back. Soon her tension flowed away from her and Hermione turned on to her side pushing her hair out of her face.
"How much do you know?" Hermione asked wondering how much she could divulge without facing the consequences of her own creation.
The double edged sword.
Ginny flopped back on the bed next to her and starred at the ceiling. "I am the back up back up plan."
Hermione shot up in surprise for she did not expect it.
"What about the kids?"
Ever since Ginny had James, she focused all her attention on her family, choosing to quit a successful and promising Quidditch career well before her prime. Being a mother was and is the most important job for her. More so now that despite Lily being only 7 months old, as there has been 5 different occasions, since she was born, where they had received threatening letters. Each one more sinister than the previous. Promising a carnage.
Ginny who normally holds herself brave and composed gave a look at Hermione which spoke volumes about the turmoil behind her eyes. The ineludible gravity of the situation.
Nothing ever goes as planned. In this reality only pain, suffering and futility exist.
"I cannot say." Ginny offered apologetically while hugging herself seeking comfort.
Hermione nodded understandingly. She laid down next to Ginny holding her hand as they both pondered over their worries silently. Each seeking strength and comfort from the other in a storm in which they all are lost.
"When do you leave?" Ginny asked just as Hermione was about to drift off to sleep.
"Tomorrow evening. I will take Albus in the afternoon." Hermione whispered before finally answering the call of sleep.
April 29, 2009
Hermione rushed around her room, stuffing item after item into her beaded bag while Albus Potter sat on her bed, blinking at the sight. The 2 year old sat on the bed, head tilted to the side observing her.
"Auntie Mione!" Albus shook his book at her insisting that she read him the story as promised.
"One minute love. I am almost done now." Hermione opened her wardrobe and grabbed two coats and a shoe before stuffing them into her bag.
Albus frowned in wonder as half her hand disappeared inside the bag before Hermione shut it. Satisfied that she had everything she needed, she rushed to scoop Albus into her arms. Albus shrieked and struggle to get away as she smothered him with kisses.
"Noooo." Albus cried out while laughing. Hermione loosened her hold on him as she picked up the book on her bed.
"Which book did you choose today?"
"Caterpillar!" Albus bellowed loudly while pointing to the front cover of the book. The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
Hermione felt a sense of pride fill her as Albus started telling her the story clearly remembering it from the time she last read it to him. Unlike James who despises books, Albus loves them so much that everyone knows that it is clearly Hermione's influence on him.
With the difficult pregnancy Ginny had with Lily, Hermione stepped in regularly to babysit the kids whenever possible. James preferred playing with Teddy who moved into the Potter residence along with Andromeda shortly after Albus was born. Purely for convenience purpose and at the time a temporary arrangement which turned out to permanent, soon after, mainly due to the close bond between Teddy and James. Hermione also knew that Harry slept better and worried less when his Godson is under the same roof as his family. It was his way of fulfilling his promise to Remus and Tonks.
Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.
Harry's promise each day to the kids before proceeding to work. A routine developed after the incident where Teddy overheard a conversation regarding substantial threats against him. The child of the animal. Having only heard snippets of the discussion, he worked himself into quiet a state assuming that Harry would relocate him in an effort to protect his family. Locking himself in his room using accidental magic, Teddy all but refused to open the door and spent hours crying while Harry diligently and patiently talked him through the door, coaxing him to open it. It broke everyone's heart, but it was the beginning of a new tradition in the Potter household.
Hermione was humming Albus to sleep when she heard the Floo activate followed by heavy footsteps.
"You would make a wonderful Mother." Ron spoke quietly startling Hermione. Giving a tentative smile, Ron pushed himself off from the wall he leaned against and walked towards her. The transfer of Albus to Ron was smooth with only a slight protest from the sleeping child. Ron raised an eyebrow at Hermione as she gave him a pained smile.
It has been years since she finally broke up with Ron. Their split amicable, but there is an unease at times like this. They are no longer in love with each other, but still have a lot of love for each other, wishing nothing but the best for one another. Regardless of how their relationship concluded, Ron still knows her better than anyone else.
Shaking her head slowly, she summoned Albus's bag and handed it over to his uncle.
"He ran around the house today and skipped his afternoon nap so he would probably sleep past dinner." Hermione rubbed her shoulder unable to meet the warm gaze on her. She had been at the receiving end of that expression at many instances and yet, never used to it.
"How are you doing?" Ron asked earnestly as he swung the bag on to his shoulder, slightly jostling Albus, but did not wake him up. Both sighed in relief.
"Am fine."
Ron snorted. "You know I know you better than that."
Hermione took a deep breath and ran her hand through her hair. "Ron, please. Don't do this." Hermione pleaded softly, her voice shaking with emotions.
While she cherished the time spent with the kids, it usually left her longing for a family of her own. Well aware that she's not getting younger, Hermione would have put in more effort to date someone, but she simply did not have the time. She also was still on a journey to discovering and healing herself, a step she considered essential before starting her own family. In a moment of weakness in the past, Hermione admitted her yearning to Ron who had simply given her a tight smile and replied, "I know."
He never prodded her about it, but every now and then he would make a remark that puts Hermione at edge. Needing to validate her feelings for the sake of not appearing vulnerable. Defensive devaluation.
Ron nodded his head, lips pressed tightly and proceeded back to the Floo to deliver his nephew to his sister. Pausing near the fireplace and without turning, Ron spoke loudly.
"Hermione. Life can't give to you if your hands are closed."
"It's time. Activate the Portkey after 5 minutes." A silver stag burst into her room just as she finished dressing.
Hermione quickly gathered everything she needed before rushing to the kitchen where a toothbrush lay on the counter. It's time.
Grabbing the Calming Drought placed on the counter, she uncorked the vial and tipped back the contents.
"Portus."
Hermione grabbed the toothbrush as it started glowing and disappeared with a pop.
After what it seemed like minutes, her feet touched the ground and a hand grabbed her from falling on to her face. She swayed precariously on her feet as the hand on her arms steadied her. Taking deep breaths to assuage her nausea, Hermione closed her eyes and focused on not spilling out the dinner she had barely an hour ago.
"Granger."
Hermione opened her eyes slowly to be met with a black shirt. She slowly tilted her head back to meet the man she met three nights ago, but didn't speak a word. He sounded older, cautious and restrained, but still very posh. His voice deep and low. The man starred at her with a blank expression as Hermione slowly gathered her bearing. As her eyes grew wider realizing their proximity, he removed his hold on her and returned his hands to his sides. Stuffing one hand into his pocket, he tilted slightly to his side, gesturing with both his head and other hand towards the door few feets behind behind them.
"They are waiting."
This prompted Hermione to walk ahead, cautiously sneaking off glances at the silent man who fell into steps beside her.
Soon enough, they reached the black door with an ornate handle, each reaching over to open the door at the same time only to experience the lurching sensation of being transported elsewhere.
Panic grappled her, but she soon fell on to the cold hard ground next to Malfoy who let out a soft groan while firing off a spell defensively before hurry onto his feet. Smell of wet grass filled her nose as she too grabbed her wand defensively. Raising her throbbing head, she looked up to see Harry crouching in front of the familiar castle where it all began. Home away from home.
"Fuck, Malfoy!" Harry shot daggers at the man who in turn was shooting glares at him. Blood poured out from Harry's left leg as he cursed Malfoy under his breath.
Pushing himself up, pain evident on his face, he growled out. "Was this necessary? Not everyone in the field are you opponents!"
Malfoy raised an eyebrow as he slowly made a show of righting himself up as pulled at his cuffs while wandlessly disappearing all the dirt on himself and her.
"If I am Port keyed to a place without any prior notice, yes Potter! If not for your unruly hair that gave your identity away, you would have been unconscious by now. If that isn't your first response, roles reversed, you would be dead by now. There is no human action or decision that cannot be made to look flawed and less sensible in the misleading light of hindsight."
Hermione could not help, but agree on this silently.
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.
with corners lost in response
from erosion of the mind
the sanity that seems steady
demands a peace beyond the grave
perhaps the storm asks too much
another turn from dark to dark
the sleep outside repeated days
is the time sadly faced
Poetry Accident
Disclaimer: Same as last chapter.
A/N:
Posting a bit earlier as I will be busy next week.
The nature of Draco and Theo's position will come to light as the story progress, as would Hermione's secret.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter as well. Let me know what you think.
Thanks to those who reviewed the previous chapter.
Next update: 17/11
Below are some quotes used either as it is or modified slightly.
Careless is inexcusable and merits the inevitable sequence - James Anthony Froude
Secrets are dark things. They don't exist in light. They glow faintly in forgotten corners, in mysterious mind nooks, in lost memory maps. Secrets are the shadows of the soul. - Sukanya Venkatrghavan
The wounds remain. In time, the mind. protecting it's sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it's never gone. - Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
It's a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time, it has a disobliging habit of speeding up. - JK Rowling
Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. - Lilo and Stitch
Life can't give to you if your hands are closed. - Louise Hay
Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity - Martin Luther King Jr
There is almost no human action or decision that cannot be made to look flawed and less sensible in the misleading light of hindsight- Anthony Hidden
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