Chapter Three: Gordian Knot
Courage is resistance to Fear, mastery of Fear, not absence of Fear.
Mark Twain
April 30, 2009
Hermione stood in front of the closed doors of The Great Hall. Hands by her side, she took a deep breath amidst what she did not know would be the last moment of tranquility. While the public let their ignorance and dogma bias them to the point where most refuse to even entertain the looming threat of inevitable, there was a collective group of individuals whose entire lives have been dedicated to ensuring the safety and peace of the Wizarding World.
The result; they were just surviving. Not thriving. Some are stuck forever in a loop as life around them goes on. Taking one day at a time not knowing whether tomorrow is to come. Continuously challenged to develop strategies, design and innovation for not only just the survival and safety of others, but also for others to thrive in the new globalizing society, there is only so much that they can give before they are exhausted. Burdened with the heavy responsibility, sometimes they have to create circumstances to allow the incalculable resources buried deep in them to make an appearance.
Time to batten down the hatches.
Turning away from the doors, Hermione observed the others gathered near the entrance to the castle, looking up into the sky, ignoring the feast laid in the Great Hall.
Waiting for the penny to drop.
It was undoubtedly an odd blend of group who despite being rallied for one purpose, hardly had any time to get reacquainted.
Upon arriving at Hogwarts, she rushed along with Harry to the Hospital Ward to tend to his wound as others convened at the Headmistress's Office hence, missing the introductory meeting. Not that she needed to be filled in, for she probably knew more than the others present, but she was told that it was a melancholic occasion even once the formalities were over. One that Hermione was more than happy to miss out, for everyone knew that they were incontrovertibly walking on thin ice.
Tension mounting thick, no amount of Calming Drought can help her.
Madam Pomfrey tended to Harry's wound while lecturing about the importance of being united as one and putting their differences to the side. Hermione and Harry shared knowing smiles over Madam Pomfrey's shoulder, for Harry and Malfoy working together, civilly, would also be implausible to the elder witch.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
The only explanation Harry offered to her when she confronted him after her unexpected guests departed. Wise beyond his years, Harry's actions spoke volume of his maturity and professionalism. He is the embodiment of everything the light stands for. Always choosing to do the right thing regardless of his own well-being, he is the lighthouse of the Wizarding World.
Rather than heading upstairs to join others, Harry and Hermione quietly trudged their way to the White Tomb near the Great Lake after declining Madam Pomfrey's offer of having some dinner delivered to the Hospital Ward.
Hermione stayed behind at a respectable distance while Harry sat in front of the tomb, head hung in silence. The weight of the entire Wizarding World resting on his shoulders once again. A man who had his childhood and innocence robbed of him. The-Boy-Who-Lived.
Weariness radiated to the surrounding as the night turned cold with the wind howling, reckoning the precipice of a storm.
"Incoming."
Percy called out, interrupting Hermione's musing, as he strode ahead and stopped at the lane leading to the castle.
Everyone's attention is drawn to the Owl flapping its wings towards them. With a hoot, the Owl nearly crashed into the ground in front of Percy, clearly exhausted from the journey carrying a huge bundle of paper undoubtedly weighing heavier than it looked. Percy hurried to retrieve the papers as Hermione couldn't help mask the shock upon seeing Nott step forward and offer a piece of bacon to the Owl.
The unexpected small act of kindness, by the usually restrained wizard creating a ripple lending credence that there is more to it than what meets the eye.
Do not judge a book by it's cover.
What a contrasting image it made as the Wizard dressed in black slowly murmured to the Owl, urging it to take the treat. Hermione looked on in contemplation as Luna stepped over next to Nott conjuring water from her wand as the Owl hooted gratefully before proceeding to make it's way into Luna's welcoming arms.
"We made the front page." Ron whistled as he skimmed the article turning the pages, drawing everyone's attention.
George let out a humorous bark of laughter as he threw his arms around his brother's shoulder.
"What did you expect, Ronnikins? It's not everyday the Order of Phoenix decides to take Old Voldy out for a stroll for a much needed dose of Vitamin D."
Ruffling Ron's hair playfully, George read out loudly.
"HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED TO BE MOVED TO ANOTHER LOCATION
-Rita Skeeter-
In what seems to be a highly unusual and not to mention an extremely short-sighted, impulsive decision by the Order of Phoenix, the public is once again gripped with fear that the supporters of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named will seize this as an opportunity to rise to power. Not only did the Auror's Office disclose this decision last night, but the coincidence with what would be the 10th Anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts makes it seem like we are sitting ducks waiting to be slaughtered. Surely they should understand the severity of the possible ramifications as this opportunity is too tantalizing to be left wasted.
The body of the darkest Wizard of all times lay in an undisclosed location all these years mainly due to speculation that his followers might attempt to bring him back to life as Peter Pettigrew did so years ago. If history has taught us anything, it is that history always has a way of repeating. It is unknown why the Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt and the Boy-Who-Lived, the Head of Auror, Harry Potter adamantly refused to destroy the body using Fiendfyre despite public's insistence for years..."
"Yes Harry, why didn't you have a barbeque and invite the Wizarding World?"
Ron interrupted George prompting a roar of laughter from those present.
"Mate, look at this."
Neville nudged Harry as he read out loudly.
"In an effort to assuage the public, the Auror's Office assured that the Golden Trio would be actively taking part in the transport of the body to it's new location. A move that is surprising given the fact that Hermione Granger hasn't been on the field for 5 years now. It is said that the decision for her to step back from the field was taken by Harry Potter, himself, in an attempt to ensure her safety as they started attending cases separately. Despite marrying Ginevra Weasley, the youngest and only daughter of the Weasley Clan, and welcoming his third child last September, Harry Potter continues to be enamored by Miss Granger. Some even speculate that his heart truly belongs to Miss Granger after all these years..."
"For God's sake! They are still on that?"
Hermione shrieked as she pulled her hair frustratingly.
It has been a great source of torment for her since 4th year. Hermione had tried numerous times to set the record straight, but all her attempts were futile. In an attempt to keep her frustrations abeyant, Hermione ended her subscription to the Daily Prophet and opted for the Quibbler instead. While it did keep her sanity intact, the stories are run on the Daily Prophet regularly which soon made it a tradition of sorts for George and Ginny to read up the most scandalous pieces of articles during the daily Weasley Sunday brunch. The most recent article speculating that she is Harry's mistress and Albus is the love-child of them, Hermione vowed last week to never be seen even eating out at public restaurants with Harry.
"Would you like to give a comment to the reader?"
Ever the dutiful reporter, Dean drew a notebook and a pen out from his pocket as he tried to keep a straight face. Eyes grinning in mischief.
"Oh yes, Harry. We will run it on the front page as well. How about some photographs as well, since you both are here?" Luna pipped in, stroking the Owl gently.
"The heart wants what it wants." Harry playfully hung his head while the Weasleys' roared in laughter.
Dodging Hermione's shove, Harry snickered as he rubbed his forehead between his brows, the only sign that he was as frustrated as Hermione regarding the situation.
Only Hermione knew the toll these articles used to take on Ginny.
To the outside world and to her family, Ginevra Potter is a head strong witch who wouldn't hesitate twice before hexing those who dared to cross the line. While she took great joy at teasing both Harry and Hermione even during the early days, her insecurities were voiced to Harry once they reached home.
The first year of their marriage was the toughest with Harry coming home to two witches reduced to tears in front of the fireplace. Hermione furiously apologizing and reassuring that nothing ever happened between them, while Ginny cried her eyes out. Deep down she knew Harry's faithfulness to her, but she cannot deny the close bond between them either. She could not help her insecurities despite constant reassurance from both of them, for she knew that she could never compete with Hermione. Next to Hermione, Ginny was always pushed to background in the public, always overlooked and ignored in her presence. Her personal accomplishments never revered or even acknowledged, Ginny had to fight tooth and nail everyday for a place in the society. Her need for validation not understood by Harry at first, she turned to Percy who stepped in to act as a mediator between the newly wedded. They fought frequently, but fairly in the early days which drove Hermione into a frenzy who sought out Percy's companionship when things got overwhelming.
Things only started getting better after Hermione moved out of the Grimmauld's Place and moved in with Padma Patil. Water under the bridge, the bond between Hermione and Ginny solidified and they became inseparable with both of them relying on each other everyday. At times, Ginny could read Hermione better than Harry which is a testament to how far they had come. Along with it blossomed an unexpected friendship and bond with Percy and them. It helped the Weasley family to heal from the loss of Fred and at the same time acted as the catalyst needed to bridge the fractured bond amongst them.
"They are here."
Nott effectively ended the conversation nodding towards the black smoke headed straight towards them.
Hermione felt her heart racing and gripped her wand tightly as she saw the familiar, yet hunting sight that surged an adrenaline rush even today.
Landing a few feet away from them, the smoke cleared as Malfoy and Kingsley marched towards them without breaking a stride, robes billowing behind them. Malfoy dressed in a complete black ensemble, which screamed of money and by extension, his status, as usual while the Minister was in his official robes. A sharp contrast to one another and also speaks volumes of trust placed on Malfoy by both the Ministry as well as the Order of Phoenix.
"Atoning."
Nott's response, last night, to Hermione's question as she inquired why they were doing this. Going against everything they used to believe in, willingly putting a target behind their backs and their families, the mere presence of the two Wizards demanded respect and gratitude from those around them.
"To the Secret Garden. Now!" Kingsley barked an order which sobered the mood instantaneously.
Something has happened.
Alarm bells rang in their ears, dread filling in as Minerva guided everyone up to the first floor, through the corridor leading from the Defense Against Dark Arts Professor's Office. Stopping in front of a seemingly bare wall, Minerva waved her wand muttering incarnation as two huge doors appeared, reminiscent of the Room of Requirement.
Ushered in, they strode fast in a heavily carpeted room which was clearly a large hall with walls covered with bookshelves. Huge tomes stacked next to one another, the bookshelf ran from the ground to the ceiling, yet there was no speck of dust visible on them. Hermione could not help, but gravitate towards a bookshelf, where the books were individually enclosed in glass boxes and chained inside, as a hand stopped her.
Snapping out of her trance, Hermione turned to Nott who gently prodded her towards a bookshelf now held open at the side of the hall, through where others had disappeared off to. Malfoy stood holding the shelf open as he peered intensely at her silently urging her to hurry on. Hermione could not help, but glance back once again at the bookshelf as a baffling urge prompted her to move closer to it. An impatient tug on her elbow and sudden interruption of her sight as Nott stepped in front of her seemed to ground her back to reality.
"Sorry." Hermione muttered and ran to enter through, muttering thanks to both Nott and Malfoy.
The Secret Garden.
A small land covered with grass the shade of every dreamer's meadow. A den of nature, filled with life in every sense and form, undisturbed by humans and thriving. Cobblestone paths leading to a fountain in the center from which water ran sparkling clear and splashed slightly to the rose plot behind. The flowers formed the backdrop of a retaining wall in front of huge shadowing trees.
A tranquil plot of nature, thriving away from humans without being manipulated. Nothing was perfect and yet, everything was perfect. Rather than being contorted to a specific design, life at its purest form flourished all around them.
Kingsley stood in front of the fountain while the rest gathered around him waiting for further instructions. Frowns marred his face as he held his hands behind his back stiffly.
"A note was delivered to my office a few minutes prior." Kingsley cut straight to it.
"How did it get past security?"
Percy voiced everyone's immediate concern.
"I believe it was delivered via a House Elf. The mail in the Ministry would only be distributed after 9am and as per the ongoing investigation findings, no mail has been dispatched or processed for dispatching yet. The wards around my office remain intact, untampered and did not notify any break-in attempts. There were no visitors permitted entrance nor any suspects waiting to gain entrance at the Visitors' counter. All floo communications are being reviewed as we speak and temporarily halted for security reasons. The only way in and out of the Ministry is through the official entrance where they will be screened by Aurors. Tasks are designated and everything is under control back in the Ministry."
Kingsley turned slightly towards Harry addressing his concerns before they were voiced out. Harry declined his head towards Kingsley, lines marred on his forehead as he interrupted Kingsley.
"The note-"
"A team of Curse Breakers verified that there were no charms or curses placed upon the parchment, nor any documented match on the handwriting. A hand selected team is assigned to look into this matter, but I presume the contents of this note takes precedence. There is much to be discussed."
Kingsley looked around those gathered, pausing slightly on Hermione. holding her gaze as he withdrew the note from his robes and handed it to Malfoy who stood rigidly by his side.
Hermione felt air rush out of her lungs under the intense gaze of the Minister. The all too familiar sense of flight and fight kicked in as her breathing fastened.
Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.
"Mr. Malfoy, if you could please?"
Malfoy withdrew his wand and murmured an incantation projecting the note into the space above them.
Pin drop silence was heard as everyone read the note silently.
"We had laid deep in the grounds for years, waiting for an opportunity to strike. Your back door meetings to bait us will not succeed. We know everything. More so than you can comprehend. Turning a blind eye to the secrets one doesn't dare to let out, is your downfall. Commiserations, Kingsley.
Your reality is crashing down. You cannot stop the rising.
Surely you heard the story of The Scorpion and the Snake?"
A sharp indrawing drew everyone's attention to Nott, Malfoy and Harry. Their faces white for a moment before Malfoy turned into a black storm and smashed straight through the wall creating a large hole behind. Harry tightened his fist around his wand conjuring a Patronus issuing orders as Nott rushed to the wall summoning a broom before zooming out to apparate mid-flight beyond the apparition wards.
"We need to get to Malfoy Manor, now! Hold my hand!" Harry commanded forcefully prompting everyone to scramble towards him.
No questions or further instructions necessary.
Hermione crashed on to the ground next to Ron who helped her up before rushing after Harry.
Smoke filled her lungs as she clambered to her feet, taking bearing of the surrounding.
The gates behind her set ablaze, fire spreading on to the grounds adjacent to it as the once green ground slowly burned to crisp. George and Percy conjured jets of water from their wands trying to control the fire from spreading while Dean and Luna conjured shields around them while scouting the surroundings.
"Go! We got this."
Adrenaline rushed through her as she threw an invisible shield before running where Ron had run off to.
Upon entering the huge doors of the mansion, she saw several members of the Order fighting off curses which seemed to come out of nowhere. Attacked from all sides drawing them into a circle, they were fighting a losing battle.
The invisible enemy.
Hermione strengthened her shield as she barely dodged a curse, the sound of a child's cry drawing her attention.
Bracing against the wall, Hermione pushed forward, firing curse after curse while making her way over a pile of rubble next to a door, barely hanging from it's hinges, leading into a study. Stepping into the room stealthily, Hermione stepped into what seemed to be like a sea of blood coming from behind the desk that stood at one end of the room. Red painted the floor of the room where there were clear signs of struggle.
"Mummy."
The anguish cry of the child prompted her forward. She turned around the desk to be encountered with the sight of a child holding on to a woman who laid limp on her side, eyes wide open. Deep gash out wound running from her neck, starting just underneath the ornate necklace around her neck, to the lower abdomen so deep revealing the organs inside. Her pale otherwise flawless skin turning slightly grey, she was still undeniably a beautiful woman.
Bile rose to her throat as Hermione took the sight in front of her.
The woman appeared to be slaughtered mercilessly as she undoubtedly protected the child next to her till her last breath. With grey eyes, blonde hair and pale skin it was obvious that he's a Malfoy.
Draco Malfoy's son.
Clothes drenched in blood, the child helplessly tugged his mother. Attention solely on her, small hands insistently pulled her face in an attempt to rouse a response as his lips trembled in fear.
A well hidden secret.
Hermione wrecked her brain trying to recall the brief pieces of information regarding the Malfoys' that appeared on the news. In fact, she could not even remember the news of Malfoy's marriage making the news which is testimony to the lengths Malfoy had gone to ensure the protection of his family. The silent, but loud resolve that his family remain inviolate from prying eyes. A conscientious resolution by the man who is constantly challenged simply due to the fact that he is a Malfoy. The once highly esteemed family fell from grace, the only son having to bear the brunt of it all.
Another blast shook the ground snapping Hermione out of her trance as she rushed forward to the child. Her footsteps drawing his attention to her, the child cowered in fear as he leaned over his mother, trying valiantly to protect her.
Her little Guardian Angel.
Hermione squatted near the child and forcibly pried him away from the body as the chandelier above them swayed precariously with each rumble.
The child, clearly no older than Albus, kicked her as he struggled to go to his mother. Clawing feebly on the arm that held him tightly, he scratched and pounded with all his might.
"Mummy!"
His wails bounced off the wall and Hermione hugged the child closely, turning him away from the lifeless body of his mother. Bouncing him in a desperate attempt to console the child, she steadily eyed the door determined to make a swift exit to get the child to safety. Despair filled her heart as his cries for his mother reminded her of yet another innocent life changed within seconds.
War is indiscriminate in claiming it's victims.
"I am here to help. Your dad sent me to help you."
Hermione told the boy which made him still his attempts to push her away.
"Daddy?"
Tears soaked his reddened cheek as he lifted his head up, turning his attention on to her.
"Yes. He sent me to help. What's your name?"
Hermione drew him close as he buried his face into her neck, clearly exhausted as he heaved loudly.
"Scorp."
The creek of the door drew her attention as she felt another presence in the room. Impulsively she shot a curse wandlessly which hit the mark as she heard the unmistaken groan of a wounded person. Quickly shooting an incarcerous, she stepped out from the room and headed towards Order members who formed a protective circle in the middle of the room.
"Daddy!"
Malfoy snapped his head around to his son across the formation, terror evident on his face, hair slick on his forehead as beads of perspiration rolled down the sides of his face. He held her gaze, his gaze conveying what cannot be put into words, as he continued to fight. Firing off curses with such a precision without even looking at the opponents, he broke her gaze as his attention shifted to take in the appearance of his bloodstained clothed child crying aguishly on her chest. Apprehension drawn into him as he clenched his jaw.
His wife was dead.
Hermione watched sympathetically as his eyes turned steel grey, cold setting in, as his Occlumency shields rose up visibly. A barely noticeable tremor ran through him as the hollowness and the void set in. Giving a slight nod to Malfoy, vowing silently to protect the child with all her might, Hermione rushed as close to Malfoy as possible, between Harry and Nott in an attempt to console the Father and Son.
Stepping into formation, her left arm wrapped tightly around the boy whose cries tore her heart, Hermione closed her eyes, power surging through her right hand, making the ground beneath her rumble before channeling it ahead as she had practiced many times.
Blast.
All fire ceased momentarily as the concrete in the room beyond their formation tipped up suddenly as several screams were heard beyond the protective circle. A haphazard circle of rocks surrounded them creating a barrier between them and the invisible opponents.
Enraged shouts were heard as curses were fired loudly, strengthened in intensity as clouds of black smoke rose above the rocks.
Thundering clash radiated through the foyer as the shield surrounding the Order members crippled. They defenselessly watched as the pieces of the shield peeled away, burnt, as curses passed through it.
Everyone drew closer together forming a tight circle as they doubled their effort to recast a protective shield.
Maniac laughter filled in the room as Bellatrix's head appeared floating in the midst of a black cloud as yellow curses flew from her wand.
Hermione staggered back being hit straight in the chest by a cursed fired and fell to the ground, sob breaking through her, as she felt the child being forcibly dragged out from her hands.
"Daddy!"
The child screamed as Malfoy roared "Scorpius!"
From where she had fallen, Hermione could see him sliced his hand before placing on the ground chanting in a foreign language as Nott joined in.
Soon enough, all the invisible charms were lifted off catching the Death Eaters by surprise as the Order members quickly bound them up, but the child and Bellatrix were nowhere to be seen.
"Where is he?"
Malfoy roared as he shot a curse at one of the bound Death Eaters while the rest of the Order scrambled to stun the remaining Death Eaters.
Menacing laughter filled the room once again, but was drowned by the sound of her heart beating as her vision turned blurry and suddenly black.
Whispers were heard as people shuffled around her. She could feel a hand stroking her hair gently as she became more aware of the erratic beating of a heart under her palm. Her whole body burned as a painful moan escaped her throat.
"Shhhh."
Hands enveloped her as she breathed in the familiar smell of cinnamon.
Harry.
Smooth circles were rubbed on her back in an effort to calm her down, but she could not help scream out as the curse seeped through her body, burning her insides out. She could feel herself arching unnaturally backwards as the surrounding seemed to rumble.
People clamored around as she let out a scream unable to contain the magic that surged from her.
Glasses shattered around her as she felt nothing, but the scorching sensation of burning.
Screams vibrated off the walls as Harry rushed towards Hermione only to be thrown back by an invisible force. Grunting as he hit the walls next to Nott & Malfoy who were also pushed back with the sudden surge of magic, he watched incapably as Hermione lay on the ground withering in pain.
Eyes shut close, her screams took Harry back to when she was tortured by Bellatrix in the Drawing Room of the Malfoy Manor.
Her clothes blood soaked, he could not help, but watch despairingly, as the wind howled roaring in their ears while pieces of broken glass swirled around creating a whirl around her. Their backs pushed into the wall behind them, they struggled with the sheer force of volatile magic that lashed around the room. The bound Death Eaters were flung to the opposite wall as Nott withdrew his wand and fired off Sticking Charms at them as a protective contrivance.
Chanting drew everyone's attention as they watched in trepidation while Malfoy stalked towards her, entering through the glass barrier, staggeringly. Hand on his eyes, as the shards of glasses tore his clothes and cut his skin. Blood dribbled out from his nose as he shook and swayed precariously with every step he took closer to her.
Hermione felt a warm hand slip into her hand, grounding her. Stopping her ascent upwards and gently pulling her down.
Warm arms wrapped around her as a wand touched her chest chanting lyrically as the pain started to dull. Numbness started to set in as she felt the familiar sensation of darkness once again suffocating her.
"You got to be kidding me! She's unconscious!"
Hermione heard Ron scream at someone as she slowly started coming about.
A cloud of fuzziness descended making it harder.
Eyes dazedly open, she turned her head to the side, vision distorted.
"We are losing time."
Nott's voice vibrated off as someone let out a soft whimper.
Tension mounted thick as no one dared to speak, clearly waiting for someone with the authority to make the call.
"She knows something. She is hiding something. You said it yourself, Potter. She hasn't been the same since she disappeared 5 years ago. The letter said-"
"I know what it said! As much as I want answers too, we cannot rush into this headfast. What you are suggesting is beyond ethical and you know it!"
Harry snapped angrily at Malfoy who stood in front of him seething, barely concealing his anger as his hands flexed closed and open. Jaw flexed tightly, the two men appeared to have a stand-off toe to toe.
"No one is attempting anything until she is medically stable. Understood?"
Harry braced his feet on the ground as he folded his hands on his chest, glaring warningly daring anyone to challenge him.
"Look, her memories were submitted to Kingsley upon her return. I viewed it along with him and I was present when the verification of the memory was determined by a Ministry assigned contractor. She was in Australia having located her parents who she obliviated shortly before the war. From what I know, she was unsuccessful in her attempt to restore their memories which had a drastic impact on her mental well-being. Her decision to step back from the field was her first step in a much needed effort of healing. It was evident from her memory that she was at her breaking point."
Percy spoke, drawing their attention to him.
"That doesn't explain why she had a personality change-"
Malfoy threw his hands up in frustration as he wheeled around.
"Grief-"
Percy started only to be rudely interrupted by Malfoy who stalked over to him.
"Do not talk about grief to me. My Wife is lying down the hall, dead while my son has been missing for an hour! You don't see me using fucking grief as an excuse-"
"We are as much in the dark as you are, Mr. Malfoy. Our objection to you prodding around her mind is since she is unconscious from an unknown curse. There are still traces of the Dark Curse in her blood, despite your use of ancient magic, with unknown ramifications. If we attempt to access her memories right now, she might never regain her consciousness, regardless of your expertise in that area. Legilimency coupled with any form of ancient magic is heavily discouraged as there are too many unknown and known variables. There's a reason why such methods of healing are rarely practiced these days and I can already detect some traces of Dark Magic in her system which is not stemming from the curse that hit her. We need to at least move her to Hogwarts, if not for St Mungo's. I might not be proficient with healing, but I know a thing or two. Her wound keeps opening up. She has lost a significant amount of blood and is actively bleeding. She needs medical attention so either let a professional in here or help us move her. I am doing everything I can, but it's not enough. "
Minerva snapped at them as she turned her attention over to Hermione jostling her slightly as she ran her wand over her. Frowning over the reading obtained, Minerva pursed her lips in deep thought.
"Has she been taking any potions on a daily basis?"
Minerva asked Harry who ran a hand through his hair frustrated.
"Calming Drought almost on a daily basis. Sleeping Potion too. I suspect she is taking a Pepper-up potion every other day, but it's a topic of conversation that she avoids like the plague. She has a heavily warded potion cabinet hidden under her pantry which is regularly stocked by The Apothecary on a monthly basis for a subscription of a total of 10 potions."
Harry offered dejectedly. With a sigh, he turned towards where Hermione lay.
"You started looking into it?" Ron walked over to Harry and asked quietly as the other occupants listened on intently.
"Two weeks now. She's-" Harry ran a hand in his hair and grasped his neck. Frustration evident in his body language.
"Yeah, I know." Ron clasped Harry's shoulder as he looked over at where Hermione lay.
"She also has a biweekly consultation at a Muggle Clinic. Ginny mentioned that Hermione takes 3 pills, but there might be more that we don't know of. I can check her place if the wards-"
Harry turned towards Malfoy as he took off his glasses, wiping it using his shirt.
"These blood wards are the only thing ensuring that no one enters or leaves the grounds. It is staying up until I know what she's hiding. If anyone has an issue, take it up with Kingsley who is scouting the Manor."
Malfoy's voice resonated through the room forcefully as he shrugged Nott's hand clasped on his shoulder and strode off towards the door.
Nott returned his hand into his pocket as his futile effort to comfort his friend appeared to be rejected. Wand in hand, Nott appeared to be fighting an internal battle while ensuring that Malfoy does not cross any lines and at the same time wrestling his own impulses as the clock chimed in the background.
Every second matters.
Steeling himself to appeal their case once again, Nott turned to Percy who was acting as Hermione's advocate and personal body guard as he stood feet braced apart widely, few feet in front of Hermione, shoulder to shoulder with Potter. How Percy handled the situation was admirable. Kingsley hardly spent a second thinking before assigning Percy to overlook this situation, as he proceeded out with Dean and Neville to check the wards, which spoke volumes of the unequivocal trust placed on Percy.
However, Nott was well aware that the longer it is delayed, the more temperamental things could get. Ever the strategic, Nott caught Percy's eye as he opened his mouth to speak only to be cut off by Malfoy who turned swiftly mid-stride seemingly deciding against storming out.
"As for the Dark Magic in her system, certain curses can only be treated with Dark Magic. The world is not black and white. When she's stable, I will remove the traces of it from her, but for now, that is what's keeping her alive."
A necessary evil.
Percy exchanged a look with Potter before stepping cautiously towards the enraged wizard only stopping a few footsteps away from him.
"My sincere condolences to your loss, Mr. Malfoy. I pledge to you to do everything in my power to assist you in finding your son, bringing justice to your family and ensuring that those who are involved are prosecuted rightfully."
Percy extended his hand to Malfoy who shifted in surprise before dipping his head slightly as he shook the offered hand, sealing the Wizard's Oath.
Tears flowed freely from her eyes as her vision became clearer.
As the sensations returned back to her, Hermione groaned weakly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.
She turned her head in a futile attempt to dodge the light shone from Minerva's wand as people gathered around her.
"What-"
Hermione rasped and cleared her throat.
Everything hurts.
Hermione felt ripped apart as she felt blood trickle out from her nose which was promptly vanished by Minerva as she continued to murmur spells to heal her. She could feel her skin being stitched together as pain blinded her.
"She is not stable yet."
Minerva snapped at whoever appeared next to her.
Heeding no attention to her warnings, Hermione felt a warm hand grip her tightly around her chin forcing her eyes wide open to stare into the deadly grey eyes.
"Legilimens."
Hermione screamed weakly as he drew into her mind, slamming against the weak defense wall she tried to conjure. Whimpers escaped her as he tore her mind desperately in search of something. She helplessly struggled as he drew closer and closer to a memory.
Fight.
A voice yelled at her subconsciously, but it was no match to the amount of power Malfoy wielded.
She felt him ram against the concrete barrier that appeared in her mind surprising her as she never employed concrete in her Occlumency shields. Hours of research on Occlumency taught her that concrete while strong is not indestructible. With sufficient force and intent, it can not only come crumbling down within seconds, but can do irreversible damage to one's mind.
Fear gripped her as she subconsciously drew up shield after shield protecting what is unknown even to her.
Who's that?
Hermione called frightenedly as the subconscious voice kept on yelling at her to keep on fighting.
Fight? Why-
What is happening?
Hermione sobbed uncontrollably as she watched a brick wall conjure up mentally.
Malfoy was insistent on his pursuit as he butchered up her last defense and struck that particular memory as she screamed in agony and clawed his hands nails digging into his flesh, but the grey eyes locked her gaze firmly.
"They have my son! Stop fighting!"
Malfoy spoke in her mind, pleading. His controlled steel voice breaking, raw filled with emotions.
"Focus."
Darkness filled her mind as she could feel blood trickle out from her nose as she gripped the hands holding her face hostage.
Even breathing felt painful as her body shook with each attempt. She could feel her wound tear up once again as a scream tore through her.
"Your memories appear to be tempered. I need you to stop struggling with me for me to recover your memories. Give in, Granger. Stop fighting me!"
She felt the burst of unintentional magic as glasses shattered around her once again.
Wind roared in her ears as she felt something unravel within her as the Gordian knot untangled.
Memories burst forth with a blinding headache tormenting her as she felt her hands go limp.
"I've got you."
2004
Hermione walked the familiar path down the streets to her home, having apparated around a corner.
Coffee in hand, Hermione enjoyed her walk past her neighbors as they went ahead with their daily life.
Choosing to live in the Muggle was more out of necessity than a choice for her. After being countlessly harassed by reporters, Hermione knew that if she ever moved out of the Grimmauld's Place, it would be back into the Muggle world where she could enjoy the simple things in life such as taking a walk without being photographed. Drawing back the curtains to let her soak in sunlight as she enjoyed a book curled onto her sofa. Sitting on her balcony enjoying nature's masterpiece painting a canvas filled with colours as she enjoyed a cup of tea. Grocery shopping without being hoarded by reporters who have millions of questions regarding her choice of products. Meeting up with friends to catch up on their lives without having to worry about someone eavesdropping their conversation.
Basic human necessities that were privileges in the Wizarding World. Constantly on the edge, living in the Wizarding World was taxing.
Following the most recent article commemorating the impending birth of Harry's firstborn, it only felt appropriate for her to move in with Padma in a bid to extend the growing family some privacy and time alone.
Padma's offer is only a temporary solution to her housing issue as her sister Parvati will be back two months later from her official trip to India, marking her first visit as the country's delegate. In fact, the offer was extended through Parvati as she did not want her sister to be alone even for a few months. Hermione happily accepted, eager to have more time to find a permanent home. One she could call her own.
War taught everyone to stick together and cherish every moment possible. Years of watching over the shoulder, everyone coordinated with each other to ensure that no one is left alone for long. This involved last minute sleepovers and unlikely friendship to blossom. Case in point, her budding friendship with the Patil twins.
"Miss Granger."
Her neighbor called to her as she stuck her head through her window.
"The postman dropped off a package for you today."
The frail lady pushed her glasses up her nose as she toothlessly grinned at her.
"Oh, thank you so much! I had been expecting a package for days now. Last I inquired, there was a mix up at the dispatch facility."
Hermione explained as she rushed in the opened doors, as she had done several times in the past few days.
With both Hermione and Padma working long odd hours, they often miss the delivery person, who started handing over their packages to her neighbor after several attempts of unsuccessful delivery in-person. Not that they received many packages through the Muggle Post, it was still a convenient arrangement for all, leading to a bond being formed between Mrs. Harris, an old lady living on her own in a house far too big for one person.
She reminded Hermione of her grandmother which explained why Hermione cherished her visits every weekend for tea. Hermione would miss her dearly when she moves.
She placed her shoes on the rack inside as she heard a thud from the kitchen.
"Mrs. Harris, are you ok?"
Hermione called out as she walked through the narrow walkway and turned to enter the kitchen on her right.
"Imperio."
She stopped on her tracks as her mind went blank.
Eyes glassy as she calmly stood at the entrance of the kitchen, she withdrew her wand from her pocket and dropped it to the side as five Death Eaters stepped into her view. Five wands drawn at her as she stared dreamily ahead, unfazed.
Hunkered down, nerve-numb,
in the carnal hut,
the cave of self,
while outside a storm
rages.
Gregory Orr
Disclaimer: Same as previous chapters.
A/N:
I will be travelling from next week so the next update will be on 3rd week of December.
This chapter is the first of many that will provide some insight into what was happening all these years and there are so many skeletons waiting to be dug out of the closet. The scene is set and I am so excited to share the rest soon. Let me know what you think.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. - Helen Keller