Chapter Five: Tale As Old As Time
In the end, we'll all become stories.
-Margaret Atwood-
April 30, 2009
The hushed conversation reached her ears as she mumbled incoherently, trying to clear the fog that had descended. Stuck in a limbo between dream and reality, she could feel her anxiety spiking up as memories flooded her mind once again. Her heartbeat erratically as she recalled the numerous conversations she had heard over the past 5 years.
They had been overconfident that she would never break free from their grasp. So much so that they freely discussed their plans in her presence. Always in hushed tones, but not quite enough. They leered in her face and whispered promises of destruction in her ears.
Mulciber particularly took great pleasure in taunting her daily. "The Greatest Witch of her age at her knees." He would jeer in her face as he lean over her ensuring that she is properly drugged every night. A task he took great pleasure in.
In short, she was their gateway to a new world.
A happy twist in their plans no one expected, but everyone celebrated.
Lying low, they gathered their troops and were preparing to charge, barely able to contain the anticipation for the day the Dark Force emerges with Hermione Granger on the front lines. The shock to the Wizarding World will serve as the upper hand to their path to victory.
Not anymore.
Hermione cracked her eyes open and peered around instantly spotting the huddled figures on the couch in front of the fireplace. The ruffled jet-black hair sticking in all directions caught her attention.
"Harry." She cleared her throat only to wince with pain. Her voice was so faint that she doubted anyone heard her.
"Here! Slowly now." A glass of water was pressed to her lips as she blearily gazed at the comforting face of Luna. Murmuring her gratitude, she gulped down water hungrily only to have it snatched away within a few seconds.
"Sorry. You cannot have much. Healer's orders." Luna explained as she helped Hermione settle back down on the bed.
Weariness sunk into her bones as she struggled valiantly to stay awake. Unable to voice in protest to another potion slipped down her throat as Luna cast some charms on her.
"Hush now. Off you go. We will talk again soon." Hermione heard faintly as she slipped into darkness once again.
"Harry!"
Hermione shot upright as she screamed for Harry, startling the silence that permeated through the huge manor.
"What in god's name?"
Ron's voice floated into the room as he poked his head inside squinting in the dark to make out a figure trying to get up from the bed.
"Shite!"
Ron hurried over to the bed as he lit the room.
"Oh god!" Hermione staggered back, covering her eyes as her vision distorted even more due to the sudden light.
"Ron! Harry? Where is he?"
Black spots blinded her as Hermione dug her fingers into his shirt in a feeble attempt as Ron maneuvered her back under the covers.
"Hermione, calm down. He's downstairs. Just stay in bed while I go get him, okay? We have everything under control."
"No! No!"
Hermione screeched loudly, pushing against the arms that held her tightly. Time was of the essence. Despite being under their control, Hermione made note of every peculiar detail. Every snippet of conversations she overheard. Everything. The amount of information she had surpassed any intel the Auror Office gathered over the past 5 years. Despite being bent to their will, she was also handed the road map to their plan.
She was determined to spend every waking minute to ensure they got what they deserved.
Retribution.
Justice is the conscience of the whole of humanity without which there would be no basis for human hope.
Holding on to that single thread of hope that was her pillar, she stood her ground. The insurmountable obstacles in her path did nothing to deter her from achieving her goals. Nothing or no one is going to stop her.
"Stupefy!"
Ron fell in a heap narrowly missing Hermione who scrambled out of his hold just in time. Murmuring an apology to his still form, she snatched her wand from the bedside table and stumbled out of the room, hand-pressed onto her wound that burned with the sudden movements. Gritting her teeth she proceeded left, after casting a disillusion charm, ignoring the footsteps signaling the arrival of others from downstairs.
The corridor to the West Wing was hardly ever used, nor maintained judging by the dust that accumulated over the carpets, windows, and the lamps. Cobwebs covered the chandelier that stood eerily still, trapping flies and bugs both alive and dead. Nothing escaped from the dust that lay thickly like the winter's first snow as it swirled in the dry air and made its way into her lungs. The wall decorated with empty frames of portraits with faded paint indicated that no recent upkeeping was done to this part of the Manor. A plume of particles rose with each step she took as she left a trail of footprint behind her.
Intentional?
As part of the illusion, perhaps?
Stopping in front of the huge doors that would more appropriately be described as gates, Hermione hesitantly raised her hand and swiped a finger over the handle. An even layer of dust coated her finger as she felt the tingle of wards warningly, but not threateningly.
Interesting.
There was a slight shift in the air as she whirled around, gripping her wand threateningly. Eyes darting across the faintly lit corridor, she held her breath in trepidation, waiting.
"I know you are there," Hermione called out, her voice weak, barely a whisper. Clearing her throat again, Hermione stepped forward bravely as she scanned the shadows seeking the person she somehow knew that was hidden in the shadows.
"Granger." Malfoy drawled from her right as he stepped into the faint light. Much closer than she expected.
Had he been following her all this time or did he apparate here? Had she somehow tripped a ward notifying him of her presence here or had he been waiting here, knowing she would turn up?
His eyes cut to the wand directed at his chest as he took another measured step towards her. Taking in her protective stance, Malfoy seemed to appear contrarily relaxed as he raised his eyebrow at her in question. A contradiction to what was expected for had it been her in his place.
"Of all the places in this Manor, why have you chosen this particular wing to explore?"
Hermione said nothing in response, rather tilted her head slightly to a side as she stared back at the man who was nothing but an enigma.
The man placed a target on his back and moved with the shadows.
Lurking patiently.
Draco Malfoy was considered a lot of things, but the most surprising of them all was what he means to the most deranged witch Hermione knew in Wizarding history. Shivers passed down her spine after seeing Bellatrix's expression when she learned that he was the one responsible for crippling what is left of the Dark Force. The howl that left Bellatrix as she tortured Hermione after Malfoy and Nott left her house showed that this betrayal was personal. Who would have expected the demented witch to hold any ounce of affection to anyone?
It was common knowledge that Bellatrix was instructed to train Malfoy following his induction as a Death Eater. An abhorring task for which she made her feelings well known. The resentment gradually simmered down as she witnessed and grudgingly admitted the potential in him. The progress he made impressed her. Nothing prepared her to see the Malfoys defect publicly in the Battle of Hogwarts, but Malfoy's current involvement had been a much staggering blow to her.
Had it not been for Rudolph, Bellatrix might have apparated into her house that night and ended it all. With the element of surprise on their side, it could have turned the tides and unbalanced the scales.
The door behind her was the answer to her questions of why Bellatrix exerted some willpower. A rare occurrence and one that required further investigation.
What lay behind that door is instrumental for the Dark Force. One they believed up until recently, was protected by Draco and hence, left as it is, for they believed that Draco would follow his father's footsteps till the end of time. Regardless of many voicing out their hopes that Narcissa Malfoy suffers a painful, slow death, Bellatrix seemed confident that the Malfoy heir would obey his Father till the end of time, as had the previous Malfoys done. She like the others believed that as long as Lucius Malfoy was alive, his son would never dare to do anything that Lucius would not approve of. It was well known that Draco Malfoy feared and respected his Father. Being the strategist he was, Lucius Malfoy surely had and has ways to reach out to his family to ensure that their loyalty is in alignment with his.
Why would she not, as the resistance being executed by the Dark Force was mapped out by Lucius Malfoy, himself?
Despite the Malfoys' public defection, they all deemed it all part of the greater plan.
The first step to setting things in motion.
For years they were under the impression that Draco Malfoy was lying low paving his way to their good graces, seeking forgiveness for his actions. One that they would grant eventually, not that they would have much say in it. With the Dark Lord gone, it will be Lucius Malfoy's regime. Not many are pleased with it, but no one dared to question the decision of their Dark Lord.
"Why are you here?" Hermione jutted her chin out as eyed him suspiciously.
War taught her many things and one of them was that everyone has their agenda. One cannot fight this long without a purpose. The need for peace alone isn't enough to drive one to watch over the shoulder every day and put their necks out in harm's way constantly.
No.
There is always a story. Tale as old as time, the Malfoy line has always been one that championed and propagated Blood Supremacy. Always at the top of the hierarchy regardless of the time. With their stance on matters well known, they continue to hold a prominent position regardless of everything. The atoning power of money is astonishing and the Malfoy vaults run deeper than ever. Many owe a great deal, and by extension, their loyalty to the Malfoys.
The perfect setting to do his Father's bidding.
From the moment they were reacquainted, Hermione found her mind wandering to him. Of course, she was always told to focus on other things almost immediately, but it was a thought she visited often. No longer under the influence of someone dictating where what or whom to focus on, she regarded him with caution trying to decipher the man standing in front of him. He was indeed a powerful wizard, which makes him a greater threat than she ever anticipated. Having seen him in action, he knew a lot more than she does. Her introduction to new spell works under the watchful eyes of the Dark Force seem rather amateur now.
"You have left your friends in a frenzy rushing out like that. They are scouring out the Manor trying to find you even after you attacked one of your best friends. Just hours ago, you were on the brink of death and here you are, ready to strike when you can hardly stand on your feet. Seeing as this is my house, I believe you owe me an explanation as to why you are here of all the places."
Malfoy spoke as he tried to catch her eyes, noting every twitch of her fingers. He seemed to be combing every minuscule detail of her and the surrounding.
"Did you touch the handle?" Malfoy asked abruptly as he stalked past her to observe the fine clear line on the dust-speckled handle.
"Granger! Show me your hand!" Malfoy demanded as he stepped into her personal space causing Hermione to dip her head back.
His cool demeanor faded away as visible signs of agitation and frustration appeared in his body language.
"For fuck's sake, Granger!" Malfoy growled as he grabbed both her hands and forced her palms open. Caught off guard with his sudden forceful movement, her wand clattered to the ground as Malfoy brought the hands closer to his face, turning the palms as he muttered under his breath.
He soon pushed her to the adjacent wall, holding her captive as he pressed his wand into her neck warningly.
"I am trying to give you the benefit of the doubt Granger, but if you don't start talking right now, I will not be responsible for my actions." He seemed unaffected by her weak struggles to free herself as he tightened his hold on her. The blows on his chest were so weak he hardly flinched as he growled shaking her.
"The Order will not take it lightly if you so much as put a finger on her. She is trapped here as the rest of us. Let her go, Draco." Hermione sighed in relief as Nott stepped out of the dark. Her relief however was momentary as Malfoy pushed her into the wall again demanding her attention, unbothered about the consequences of his actions as he held her jaw and forced her to look at him. Familiar with what he intended to do, Hermione shut her eyes tightly as she trashed against him harder.
"Malfoy! Let me go or I will scream!"
"What are you doing here?"
"Let me go, you bastard!" Hermione spits in his face angrily as he swore, thrown off guard by the action.
"I am many things, but my parents were married when I was conceived." He laughed humorlessly as his fingers dug into her jaw.
"I won't ask again. What are you doing here?"
"Why, are you the only one who is allowed to visit your Daddy dearest?" Hermione growled back at him as she craned her neck trying to loosen his grip on her jaw. She felt him go still in response. Curiosity got the better of her as she cracked her eyes open slightly taking in the form of who seemed to be paler than usual if it was even possible.
Hermione stared in disbelief at the wands drawn at her as she was pushed into an armchair by Malfoy. His hard grip surely added to the bruises in her body.
"Start talking Granger or we are going to talk a walk through your mind." Malfoy sipped the brandy Nott offered to him. His body is tense and ready to recoil as he whirled his wand in his left hand threateningly.
"No, you are not!" Harry announced as he walked into the room unfazed by the threatening stance of those surrounding Hermione. He seemed it necessary as he conjured a chair and sat in front of her, mouth pressed to a line ignoring the pleading look on her face. She knew then that she wasn't talking to her best friend, but the Head of Auror.
"Now then. What were you doing there?" Harry crossed his arms on his chest, his intentions were quite clear. They are going to be there until Hermione tells him everything and he was going to get it out of her. One way or the other.
"I- I've heard that Lucius Malfoy is living in the West Wing of the Manor. That it's where he is hiding until when the Dark Force comes to fetch him." Hermione bit out angrily at their audacity to treat her as an enemy. Years of loyalty were cast aside even after they knew what she had been through.
"How do you know this?" Ron asked as his hand shook wearily debating whether or not to lower his wand.
He isn't the only one in a dilemma.
"I have heard them discuss it several times. They knew that the West Wing is the one belonging to Abraxas Malfoy. The one with impenetrable wards even to Voldemort. Only the Lord Malfoy can modify the wards making it the safest place for him to lay low as the troops did his bidding."
"Impossible!" Malfoy slammed his glass on the table beside him.
"There has been only a handful of people in this Manor and he is not one of them!"
"Well, let's take a look then." Harry got up as he trained his wand at Malfoy.
"Start walking. Hermione, follow him." Harry barked his orders as others fell into position. The position to escort prisoners. Hermione could not help muffle the sob that broke free from her as others refused to meet her eyes.
Malfoy simply let out a scoff before heading out of the room as Nott pushed Harry out of the way and followed him, walking slightly turned, his wand directed at Harry in a clear display of where his loyalties lay. Hermione bitterly admitted that it was rather courageous and foolish of Nott to blatantly threaten the Head Auror, but commended his loyalty.
No one spoke as they strode through the corridors reaching their destination sending a vortex of dust into the previously stagnant air.
"The door is warded. It burns the skin right off of anyone who touches the handle. That is anyone except Granger." Hermione's protest died as Malfoy placed his hand on the handle only to pull back and show the burn on his fingers. Harry looked unconvincingly at Malfoy before turning to Nott and tilting his head towards the door. Without a word, Nott did as asked only to have the same happen to his hand.
"Hermione." Harry did not even bother to turn as he issued his order.
"Go on then." Ron gently poked his wand into her back causing her to take hesitant steps towards the door. The tension mounting high, everyone held their breath as Hermione touched the handle and twisted it causing the door to crack open.
Loudly.
Soft gasps were heard as everyone started murmuring as Hermione wrung her hands not understanding how this could happen. The all too familiar feeling of helplessness arose as the voices behind her droned out.
"I will be taking this." Harry plucked her wand from her pocket as he pressed his wand into her back.
"Start walking."
"Harry, I swear-" Her words died on her lips when she saw his expression. Tears welled up, quivering in fear, Hermione pleaded silently only to be met with stony expressions. Not an ounce of sympathy extended from anyone, she realized how truly alone she is.
Everything has changed and nothing will ever be the same again.
"I am going down first." Malfoy broke the staring contest as he deftly stepped in front of Harry, next to Hermione. "This particular ward is not for Muggleborns and since you are sending her unarmed, she would very likely be dead on the floor in a second."
With that everyone silently made their way into the wing, wands lit.
"Twice in one week, Shacklebolt. My, my. I can smell the desperation." A smug voice carried over to them as they opened the door at the end of the corridor.
Several things happened at once as Malfoy dragged Hermione behind him and Nott bodily pushed through the group to stand shoulder to shoulder with Malfoy.
"Blimey! Is that-" Ron exclaimed from behind only to be quietened by Neville who covered his mouth immediately.
"Dean. Keep an eye on Hermione." Harry pushed her back towards Dean who dragged her to a side, tucking her into a dark corner before standing in front of her.
"On my count." With that, they fell into position as Hermione watched Neville take her usual place in the formation. Everyone except Harry cast disillusion charm on themselves as before rushing inside on Harry's signal.
Hermione sat on the stairs, lost in her thoughts, eyes unfocused as fireflies put on a spectacular display for her.
Trust is like a mirror. Once broken, will never be the same again.
Tears fell on her cheeks as she recalled the events of the day. She was a puppet as the sun rose, nearly on her deathbed when the sun was the brightest, a suspect at sunset, and now, she's just a broken person trying to keep afloat. With no ally by her side, she was a lone traveler lost in a troubled sea. Not bothering to listen to Harry interrogate Kingsley, regarding the recent developments, after he mumbled an apology to Hermione, she darted out of the Manor ignoring the calls for her. She could feel eyes boring into her back, but whether it is a friend who is concerned or a guard assigned to look over her, she did not know. The lines became blurred throughout the day and while she agreed that their actions were logically justified, it still hurt her deeply for she would never treat anyone in such a detached manner.
"Oh, my dear." A heavy blanket was wrapped around her as Minerva sat next to her and pulled her into an embrace opening the floodgates as the dam that was on the cusp of breaking gave away. Murmured words fell deaf on her ears as she cried her eyes out, letting go of the whirlwind of emotions in her.
"Well, it is as if she hadn't suffered enough. She howled like a wounded creature as she fell apart in my arms. Numb in pain, she didn't even realize that her wound was open even." Minerva hovered near Hermione's bedside as she gently pressed a hand to her forehead.
"Though surprised of Mr. Potter's actions, I am impressed with it too." Narcissa interrupted Minerva's train of thoughts.
"Impressed? Mrs. Malfoy, dare I ask what is so impressive about treating an innocent person in such a cold-hearted manner? Not just any person. Someone who stood by himself his entire life?" Minerva strode over to take a seat opposite of Narcissa who sat primly on an armchair in front of the fireplace.
"Narcissa, please. I believe we spent enough time together to be comfortable with the use of the first name, don't you think?" Narcissa floated over a cup of tea to the witch who seemed to be throwing daggers at her. Amused by the protective display, Narcissa schooled her emotions as she enjoyed the moment of silence.
"Mr. Potter has the whole weight of the world in his shoulders so when it comes to even the slightest bit of suspicion, he should follow it up keeping his emotions aside. Something he has displayed admirably throughout the day. I believe that the Wizarding World is at the hands of an honorable, brave, and strong person who puts safety first over everything else. A rare trait and surely, not an easy one for himself either." Narcissa raised a finger to stop Minerva's interruption as she proceeded.
"We have all taken a seat in the chair today. My son questioned me with the same indifference as the rest and you don't hear me complain about it. Would I have wanted some compassion? Yes, I do, but I don't condemn him for doing his job. This is a time of crisis and in times like this, we must put aside our feelings. When the tides smooth over, we can heal together and mend the bridges, but until then we must give our support in whatever way possible to let them do what needs to be done."
Minerva huffed as she poured more tea for herself. "So you are saying that you are perfectly fine being bound and shoved into a seat, your mind rifled and having Veritaserum poured down your throat by your son?"
The only visible sign of irritation that appeared on her face was a twitch in her left eye as Narcissa folded her hands on her lap. "I never said I was. Draco knows exactly how I feel with my treatment, but as I have told him and others, I am merely a puppet too. The Minister had me under the oath to never utter a word about my husband's location to any living soul without explicit permission from him. Had it not been for the charms on my wedding band, it wouldn't have been necessary. Malfoys are never one to leave anything to chance. As long as he lives, he can track down where I live, whom I live with, and can make his displeasure known, should he desires to. A task which is more effective in closer proximity."
"You mean to say he hurts you?" All signs of irritation disappeared on Minerva's face as it was replaced with concern.
"Well, if you think that pain is the sole form of expression of displeasure, you are innocent of all the world has in stock. Suffice to say he is quite creative in doling out my punishment for my actions. The strength of which is stronger when he's closer, which is why the Minister needed to secure an oath in the first place. I would have done the same too, roles reversed. I cannot think of any other means to contain it."
"Anyways, enough about that. I do abhor discussing the actions of the past, for it is the actions of today that matters. I believe Mr. Potter's first step in apologizing is to be executed within the next half an hour."
Minerva sat up straighter in her seat taken back by surprise with the latest development. "Am I privy to this information or is it need to know basis?" She could not help hide her irritation in being left out regardless of how common of an occurrence it had become.
"Need to know basis," Narcissa replied smugly.
"And you know this how?" Like a dog with a bone, Minerva hounded for information for there is nothing worse than being kept in the dark.
"So we agree?" Harry clasped his hands as he surveyed the room.
"Mr. Potter, I do not believe this is the best course of action. You do not negotiate with criminals. It might seem inconsequential at the time, but it can cause a ripple setting in motion a cascade of events that could tip the delicate balance." Kingsley spoke from his chair, drawing everyone's attention to him.
"Kingsley, let me tell you what is at stake here. Hermione will die a slow painful death because of the Dark Magic seeping through her if it isn't removed soon. A small child's life is in danger. If that isn't enough for you, let me remind you that had it not been for your interference, the house-elves could have finished scouring through every nook and cranny of this estate and found the child and his captors by now! Are you so delusional and stubborn to realize that your ill-judgment led us to where we are today?" Harry rolled his sleeves as he spoke in a clipped tone.
Hearing no further response from the brooding figure slumped in his chair, Harry glanced around silently challenging anyone to voice out their opinion.
"Right then, he has asked for a meeting with his wife in exchange for transferring the complete ownership of the estate and the house elves to Malfoy. He wants an unsupervised meeting with Nott in exchange for his assistance in removing the Dark Magic from Hermione and he is demanding an hour of the company with his grandson every week in exchange for his assistance in locating the child. I believe his demands are reasonable, though surprising and suspicious given the fact that he neither tried negotiating his release nor the return of his magic. He has his agenda which we will uncover in time, but tonight is not the time for it. By a show of hands, anyone objecting with proceeding the negotiations?"
"Right then, we shall begin."
"Mate, what do you think is his game?" Ron nudged Neville who stood next to him, wands trained steadily at the closed door in front of him. It has been almost an hour since Narcissa Malfoy walked through those doors with her head held high up. Not a trace of emotion cracked through her indifferent mask as Harry ran through the formalities with her warning her about the consequences if she so much as stepped a toe out of line.
"Beats me mate. I am still trying to wrap my brain around everything that has happened. I am not sure what to make of the Minister's decisions, but I see his side too." Neville nodded in response to the disbelief look on Ron's face.
"Think about it. While I do agree that carrying a vial of Hermione's blood with him is grotesque and creepy, it makes sense. Blood wards are impenetrable and who would have expected the blood of a Muggleborn to be used to guard the prison of Lucius Malfoy? No one could have guessed it. Brilliant, I would say though highly unethical since Hermione herself was unaware of it. Then again, it was probably for the best since Hermione had been under their control."
Neville sighed loudly as he shook his head lost in his thoughts for a while.
"Bizarre isn't sufficient to describe today. Yes, the actions of some led to this day, but at the same time, had it not been for those actions, things could be darker than it is right now."
No further words were exchanged between those two as they pondered over the words. Neither willing to say more out loudly, but the silence speaks volumes.
"It's time. Where is Hermione?" Harry asked Luna who sat on an empty bed, with covers rumpled to a pile near the end of the bed.
"Outside. She requested to be left alone." Luna nodded towards the slightly ajar door sadly. "Minerva gave her the potions and put her to sleep, but she was restless throughout. She woke up in fright and rushed outside. Please be kind."
Harry hovered near the door with his head bent as he nodded to Luna. Sighing he tucked his hands into his pockets as he took the scene in front of him.
"Harry." Luna interrupted his musing as she joined next to him, both of them looking at the crumpled figure of the witch that lay on the balcony. Knees tuck to her chest, lying on her side, her body shaking undoubtedly due to both the cold and emotions. Utterly broken, her despair was palpable even from the distance.
"Why did they do it? Why her, of everyone?" Luna voiced the question that plagued her mind the whole day.
"She just happened to be at the wrong place at the right time. It was a scouting mission that Ron needed to head. He came down with the flu and Hermione stepped in for him at the last minute. Even I was notified after they were dispatched and honestly, I did not give it much thought afterward. Their target was either Ron or Ginny, but when Hermione walked in, it was too good of an opportunity for them to lose. They needed to know exactly what we are planning and when. Who would know it better than her? They planned and plotted every move with the utmost care until today. Bellatrix probably jumped the gun, fueled with betrayal by Malfoy. She set out to hurt him despite the risk of their cover being blown. They must have assumed that they could get in and get out with little to no resistance or else they wouldn't have sent the letter so soon. From what we gathered from the portraits, Astoria gave them quite a challenge."
"Do you think he would try to hurt her? Lucius Malfoy?" Luna whispered as tears rolled down her face freely.
"He cannot. We aren't giving him a wand and trusting him to do the deed per se. Malfoy and Nott are placing him under Imperius and he would be using one of the borrowed wands we use during combat. It will not be as efficient as his wand so there is little chance for foul play. Is it wise? Probably not, but I don't see any way around this. The least I can do for her is help her with this. I betrayed her today, job or no job."
With that, Harry pushed the door open slightly and cast a sleeping charm on the witch before carrying her downstairs in his arms.
May 3, 2009
Hermione woke up to the feeling of being watched by someone. Glancing around, she was surprised to find herself back on the bed again as the last she recalled, she rushed out to the balcony ignoring the feeble protests of Luna.
Pop.
A house-elf appeared at her bedside with a tray far too huge for her to carry. "Miss is awake. I is bringing you breakfast. Mistress says Miss is to rest today and Polly is to help. Not the late Mistress though. Polly never met the late Mistress. The elder Mistress, but Polly is not meaning she is old. No, no. Polly isn't being impertinent. Polly apologizes for it. Polly is sorry. Polly is sorry for talking too much. Mistress said Miss might be having a headache. Polly will keep quiet now. Would Miss like to have breakfast?"
The elf peered at her with big eyes filled with tears, but eager to serve.
"Miss, breakfast? Polly only has fruits and sandwiches, but Polly can bring something else if Miss likes. Polly can make good pancakes. Miss likes pancakes?"
"No, no. This is fine." Hermione scooted back at the elf levitated the tray onto her lap and stared back at her with the most hopeful look on her face. Not wanting to damper the elf's spirit, Hermione took a bit of the sandwich and swallowed it despite her stomach's protest against it.
"It is really good."
The elf clasped her hand in happiness as she bounced in excitement.
"Oh, Polly is so happy! Polly wished for this day. Well, Polly wishes for the day that she can serve her Mistress, but Polly is so happy that Miss enjoys Polly's cooking. Polly heard so many things about Miss and is honored to meet her. Others will be so jealous of Polly." The elf rambled on as she jumped off the bed and drew the curtains open, letting the sunlight into the room.
"Others?" Hermione asked as she placed the barely eaten sandwich on her plate, exhausted by the simple task.
"Oh yes. Polly used to work at Hogwarts and the house elves there speak about Miss all the time. We came back two nights ago when the Minister handed us over to Master. He shouldn't have ever done it in the first place, but Master forbade us to speak ill of him. Of course, we will never do what Master forbids, but Polly feels like if we were here, we could have found Little Master now. Oh, how Polly wishes she gets to meet him soon. We knew the moment he was born, but we were never allowed to visit here. Polly went to see if Polly could see the little Master from the cave, but Polly couldn't see anything either."
"The cave?"
"Yes, Miss. Master was told that little Master might be in the cave, but Master can't see him. Master can't enter the cave either. We all tried to enter, but we couldn't. We tried and tried and tried. We were doing so as soon as the sun was up until Master finally sent us back to prepare breakfast for everyone. We are going to pay our respect to the late Mistress again before starting with Lunch."
"Miss. Miss shouldn't get up. Miss, please stay in bed." Polly abandoned fluffing the cushions on the armchair as she ran to the bedside to stop Hermione from getting up.
"I just need to use the loo." Hermione groaned into her hands as the sound of the elf made her head pound harder.
"Oh yes. Polly is helping." With a wave of her hand, she levitated Hermione into the bathroom and gently set her on her feet near the toilet seat. Not waiting for further instructions, she started to draw a bath for her as she flitted across the bathroom, making the necessary arrangements. When she disappeared into the room, Hermione quickly relieved herself and sank into the tub before she returned.
She looked at bruises on her body, tracing each separately recalling how she got them. Some she remembers, some she does not. She absently touched her chest on the silver scar that was wider than her handspan, surprised to see it healed so well. Last she knew, it gaped open periodically and had a jagged appearance.
May 7, 2009
Polly proved to be a valuable asset as Hermione caught up with everything that took place over the past few days. She slept blissfully unaware of the verbal sparring that took place downstairs as decisions were made regarding their strategies. After extensive research, they were able to modify the wards, to permit entrance to specified individuals and establish a secure Floo connection for departure and communication purposes at the expense of some unauthorized individuals successfully disapparating taking advantage of the wards being momentarily down. Luckily Malfoy's blood wards ensured that his son remained on the estate grounds which was a source of both relief and anxiousness for everyone.
The wizards, witches, and house elves scouted hundreds of acres every day, leaving no stone unturned until they came across the cave hidden amid trees at the edge of the estate. Facing the town ahead, the wards placed on the cave were like no other, stumping even the brightest and best Curse breakers as they worked around the clock unsuccessful in dismantling even the first layer. Bill flew in a day before, stopping only to give a hug to Hermione as he was ushered away by a house-elf who trailed behind him sobbing about the little master.
The house-elves loyalty to the Malfoy family surprised Hermione given the fact that Dobby was mistreated. Upon many discussions with Polly, Hermione came to know that while Lucius Malfoy was a terrible man, his wife and son showed them kindness from time to time when he wasn't around. No longer having to cower behind his Father, Malfoy explicitly forbade all house-elves from harming themselves, regardless of the situation. One of the many things that left everyone surprised.
Hermione particularly owed a great deal to him. Not only did he heal her, but he also helped others understand the person she was.
Many were in a dilemma as to who Hermione Granger was today, for they were not interacting with the real her for the past years. While her actions and words were controlled, the words were not always put into her mouth. Her reluctant vocalization was attributed to her thoughts being approved before they were allowed to voice out. Hermione could only explain it as someone going through every word she's about to say, before being able to say it. Not having seen anything like it before, her memories were collected and reviewed daily as people questioned her constantly about everything.
In short, she was merely an object of fascination to most; a rare specimen to be studied and evaluated. More than once, Nott stepped in to put a halt to the ongoing discussions granting her the reprisal she desperately wished for.
As soon as she was allowed to leave her bed, she holed up in the secluded corner of the Malfoy Library as she did what she knew best.
Research.
That and avoid Harry and Ron who had tried more than once to apologize to her. It simply isn't a simple task to say it was ok when it was not. She does not have the energy to dissect the situation for her and them, so she chose to put some distance as she processed things at her own pace. Bombarded with a plethora of updates, she struggled to simply keep up.
Her physical wounds healed slowly, but surely giving a false sense of everything resorting back to normal when it was far from reality. Constantly in a battle with herself, she struggled to reach a level of stability as the element of discomfort, hurt and pain overpowered all senses leaving her vulnerable and exhausted. Simple tasks drain her, but sleep eluded her. More than once, she had resigned to taking a sip of Dreamless Potion to escape from the thoughts that haunt her. A momentary relief that is shattered every morning as the papers roll in, reminding that life goes on.
The newspapers speculated tale after tale as the public panicked over the Influenza outbreak. A clever cover story the Order devised to both cancel the annual celebration and explain their absence from the public, but in turn, it created chaos in the Wizarding community. While some papers sprouted off inaccurate and insensible information regarding the disease, others called it a diversion tactic to discourage further inquiry into what occurred in the Malfoy Manor. According to the Ministry, the uproar in the Malfoy Manor was a mishap during the confiscation of some dark artifacts, after years of research into how to dispose of those effectively. Surprisingly, many bought the tale, but a curious few reporters were digging around still, all of whom were being handled by both Luna and Dean.
Everyone had designated tasks except her. Offices were set in different rooms as most temporarily resided in the Manor for convenience. Though they were still unable to confirm that the child was in the cave, they were able to find out that elves can use elf magic to send in different items into the cave but were unable to retrieve those back. Using it to their advantage, they sent in food and other items regularly in a desperate attempt to ensure that the child was alive and had some sustenance, but as days passed by, their worries mounted high. He was far too young to be able to fend for himself making his chance of survival slimmed-down day by day.
May 12, 2009
Hermione took slow steps towards the figure that stood in front of the cave. Not wanting to admit that Polly was right, she gritted her teeth as she pushed herself ahead ignoring the cries of the house-elf who begged her to stop. Hermione winced with every wail the house-elf let out but was determined to help. As her father used to always tell her, "You have two hands. One to help yourself, the second to help others."
Her mantra every day.
Hours after scouring the journals from Malfoy Library, she stumbled across the journal of Lucius Malfoy I and knew instantly that this is the key. Not wanting to face Harry still, she knew that Malfoy was her best option as others were otherwise engaged. Despite the protests from Polly, she commanded to be taken to Malfoy which the house-elf did, grudgingly.
"Granger, I did not expect you of all people to be the one causing such distress to my house elf. Why are you here when you shouldn't even be on your feet?" Malfoy turned from his spot as he watched the witch stumble stubbornly towards her as the house-elf sobbed into the back of her coat.
Hermione had a feeling that Malfoy purposely avoided her as much as she avoided him in the past few days, not knowing how or what to say to someone who had gone from being her childhood bully to the man who knew more about her than her closest friends. He treated her in the same cold manner as the rest, only conversing when necessary, while others stammered and tried their best to fill up the uncomfortable silences.
They all pitied her and were wary of her at the same time. Hermione had an outburst when she found out that some were even assigned to keep an eye on her. Not because they were suspicious of her, but because they were worried about her. Harry did not appear remotely sorry when confronted about it, citing his reasoning as him ensuring her wellbeing especially as she deliberately avoided interacting with everyone. Despite her arguments, Polly trailed behind her everywhere as per Harry's wishes that someone is with her all the time.
Polly did more than that. Not only did she fuss over Hermione constantly, but she also acted as her bodyguard, reprimanding anyone who disturbed Hermione. She followed her chiding Hermione on everything, from not taking enough rest to not eating well. She also resolved to burst out into tears when everything else fail, for she knew Hermione would eventually give in when she cries.
A trick that she had been employing as soon as she requested to be taken to Malfoy.
"Polly, please stop crying. I am only trying to help." Hermione begged the house-elf who simply burst into tears louder. Mumbling about emotional blackmail, she turned to Malfoy looked annoyed with the disruption. He must have spent another sleepless night waiting in front of the cave, as he had done the nights before.
"Look Malfoy. I think I found it. I was going through the journals and came across this posthumous anonymous entry stating this:"
"Though hotly denied by subsequent generations, there is ample evidence to suggest that the first Lucius Malfoy was an unsuccessful aspirant to the hand of Elizabeth I, and some wizarding historians allege that the Queen's subsequent opposition to marriage was due to a jinx placed upon her by the thwarted Malfoy." Hermione read it out, squinting at the looped handwriting.
"Do you see?" Hermione asked eagerly as she handed the journal to Malfoy who seemed more interested in staring at her than checking her discovery.
"Polly said that this area of the Manor was purchased by him and that he spent a vast majority of his time here."
"Polly is only telling Miss what Polly heard." Polly wailed interrupting her rambling.
Running her hands in her hair, Hermione willed herself to not growl out in frustration as the last shred of her patience was pulled tautly.
Closing her eyes, she took a couple of breaths before continuing.
"It has been said that the Queen had regular rendezvous with a Man of mystery and that she seemed to be able to evade her guards and disappear for hours. Of course, none of it is confirmed, but there are various accounts from her guards and staff to verify things that cannot be explained. Things that can only be due to Magic. So what if this is the place? Don't you see? With your ancestors' view on Muggles and Muggleborn, he might have placed wards in there to ensure that she is not seen to them. It means that there might be enchantments in place so that only specific people could see! Perhaps like Hogwarts. After all, many of the enchantments surrounding Hogwarts came from the Malfoy Family. I have heard that none of you could even see the inside of the cave. What if it was designed so that only Muggles could see it and enter?"
Walking back and forth rambling on, Hermione wondered out loud.
"With Scorpius being so young and since he has not yet done any accidental magic, he could enter the cave. Mrs. Malfoy told me that his magical core is very strong, so he's not a squib, but his magic is lying dormant right now. It could explain how he can enter the cave. I was wondering, well, I mean it is worth a try. What if-"
"You try. Since you are a Muggleborn." Malfoy interrupted her, his eyes calculating.
"Yes. It is a long shot, but so far no one has seen anything and everyone here is either Purebloods or Half-bloods. I am the only Muggleborn here and I doubt that Lucius Malfoy I would have ever anticipated a Muggleborn to set foot on the Malfoy Estates so it is something that he probably would never have even considered?"
Even through adversity
Through the most difficult of times
Life finds a way.
Through the tangled thorns
Through the wildest woods of time
It winds its way, searching
Through dimness
Through the bog, to find light
Life finds a way.
Through the darkest of hours
Through the sorrow
It seeks a better tomorrow
And life does find a way.
Della Perry
Disclaimer: Same as previous chapters.
A/N:
I am so sorry for the delay. I underestimated my workload this semester, honestly. Procrastinating too much so I am paying the price.
I hope this chapter is as enjoyable, if not more than the previous ones. Can't wait to hear your thoughts. Thank you for your lovely reviews! XO
Darkcarnage721