Author's Note: Wheee! Look, a fifth chapter! Amazing. Well, we're finally getting into the thick of things. Please review and tell me what you think.
A great big THANK YOU to Haggridd, who is my beta reader. He is absolutely brilliant. A lot of credit belongs to him.
What A Good Girl - Chapter 5: Containment
"Record and play, after years of endless rewind
Yesterday wasn't half as tough as this time
This time isn't Hell,
Last time, couldn't tell
This mind wasn't well
Next time, hope I'm..."
- Barenaked Ladies, "Too Little Too Late"
Hermione's arrival at the Ministry was drastically different from her previous two. It was evening when she Apparated in the Apparation area at the foot of the Ministry steps. Clutching her suitcase, she climbed the steps and entered the building. The moment she pushed through the doors, three guards descended on her.
"Pardon me, Ms. Granger, may we have your wand?"
Grim-faced, Hermione handed it over without comment. While the guard took it to the reception desk, the other two kept her under constant observation. The blonde guard nodded to her. "We're under orders to take you to the Containment Dungeon. Follow us, if you please."
Nodding, she fell in step behind the blonde wizard, with the brunette following her closely, Hermione's suitcase in hand. The quickly went to a levivator and went down -- and down, and down, and down -- much lower than she had when Ms. Silvers and Mr. Quentin had first questioned her.
Finally, the door slid open and Hermione immediately saw why they called it the "Containment Dungeon". They were in a dungeon; the corridor before was made of a coarse rock with candles on the walls lighting the way. It reminded her distantly of Snape and Potions class. Hermione and her two guards left the levivator and began to walk quickly along its many twists and turns, passing only the occasional Auror, who stopped them and asked the guards for some kind of password - each one different, as far as she could tell. Only then would the Auror allow them to resume their progress.
Finally they stopped. "In here Ms. Granger" said the blonde, who pushed the door open. A little amazed by the security measures, Hermione entered.
She stepped into a small anteroom, with another door at the far side, and two guards flanking it. At a severe metal table sat Guenivere Silvers, AIC, rubbing her eyes in exhaustion. She fixed those tired eyes on Hermione. Despite herself, Hermione felt pity for the witch. She looked as if she had been awake for several nights.
"Ms. Granger, you are the second to last to arrive." Ms. Silvers gestured to a chair on the other side of the table, and nodded to Hermione's guards, who left the room. Hermione gingerly took her seat, quite certain she already knew what she was going to hear.
"I assume that this isn't going to be just a quick visit," Hermione began, as she folded her hands in her lap.
"Hardly. You are to remain here for now, Ms. Granger. Unfortunately, it is too dangerous for you to be out and about. This last murder escalated things a bit." Ms. Silvers smiled slightly. "The Prophet has finally picked up that the past murders were connected, and will run the story in the morning edition. We want you in custody not only for your protection, since the murderer or murderers are likely to become nervous soon, but also to keep you away from the media hoopla. They will fan the fires quite hot enough without your ready presence." The witch paused and took a deep breath. "We also need to question you further."
"More questions?" burst out Hermione. "How many more questions can you ask?"
"Well, we're not going to just ask you questions." Ms. Silvers turned her gaze to the tabletop. "Some of the answers given by you, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Potter were not sufficient enough for our needs. We need complete answers without hesitation. We will therefore administer Veritaserum before the interrogation."
Hermione sat upright in shock. Veritaserum. Rumor has it that Veritaserum could make you reveal truths you didn't even know you possessed. "You can't do that!"
"In normal times you would be correct, Ms. Granger. Personal privacy is still respected by the Ministry, but these aren't normal times. The situation is getting more desperate. The Minister is frantic over the news story breaking tomorrow. There are still many who blame the Ministry for not acting sooner during Tom Riddle's second rise." The AIC frowned slightly. "He's well aware that if this is not ended quickly, he won't likely be appointed Minister next term. He wants us to apprehend the murderer now. The Bureau have been given carte blanche, and we are to obtain all necessary answers through whatever means necessary." Ms. Silvers looked back up from the table and into Hermione's eyes, a tinge of sympathy in them. "If it is any consolation, only Mr. Quentin or I will be present during questioning. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter will not be there."
Hermione fought the urge to laugh bitterly. It never ends, does it? And not a bloody thing I can do to change the situation. "Some consolation. So. Do we start now?"
"Oh no. We are not ready just yet. You are in for a bit of a wait, I'm afraid. You're not the only one to be requestioned. Mr. Potter has not yet arrived, though Mr. Weasley is already here waiting with the others."
"Others?"
"Yes. Several other Hogwarts alumni and some professors." Ms. Silvers indicated the guarded door at their left. "You'll see them all in a second. I just wanted to let you know the situation."
Wondering whom else the Ministry had dragged in for questioning, Hermione sighed. "I have no choice, do I? Have you any idea how long I will be here?"
The Auror's lips thinned into a straight line. "Until the murderer is caught."
"Ah, yes. Of course." Resigned, Hermione shook her head and stood. "I suppose I should go in and wait."
"That will be fine Ms. Granger. Mr. Quentin is in there as well, making sure there is no…trouble. Try not to worry too much about the Veritaserum."
Wondering vaguely what "trouble" there was for Mr. Quentin to stop, Hermione strode over to the door to the holding room and one of the guards pushed it open.
She blinked as almost all the heads in the room turned to look at her. She took a step forward, and the guard let the door swing shut behind her. Hermione's eyes swept quickly around the room. Mr. Quentin, Ron, Professor Sprout, Professor Sinistra, Lisa Turpin and two boys she couldn't recall studied her with guarded eyes. Good. Even if I can't talk with Ron, I will have no problems with the others. However, as she turned her gaze on the last person, it was suddenly clear what Ms. Silvers meant by "trouble".
"Well, if it isn't Mudblood Granger," drawled Draco Malfoy. He was sitting by himself, utterly alone. All others in the room, save for the Auror, seemed to ignore his presence completely.
"Draco Malfoy," Hermione said calmly. I am twenty years old. It will take more than Malfoy calling me Mudblood to make me lose my temper.
"I'm not surprised to see you, Granger, especially since Weasley is here. I understand he's in trade, hawking rubber chickens or some such rubbish. No class at all, but not such a pauper as he was. Still joined at the hip, are you? And after all these years! Don't you three have lives besides one another?" Draco's eyes glittered with malevolent delight.
Hermione paused a second before replying, then decided that no answer was best. He certainly didn't deserve the time of day. She merely lifted her chin, picked her way across the room and sat by Lisa, who smiled broadly, then hurriedly looked away.
"Cat got your tongue? Granger without an answer for once?"
"Mr. Malfoy, stop baiting Ms. Granger, if you please," said Mr. Quentin tiredly, not moving from his place at the table.
Draco glared at him. "Well, I do not please. It does not please me to be here. I thought you wanted me to talk. If you don't, then please let me go!"
Mr. Quentin just sighed.
Draco turned back to Hermione. "I must say, Granger, the years haven't treated you at all kindly. You still have that rat's nest you call hair? No wonder Weasley is all the way over there and not over here. He's probably afraid to be seen next to you."
Hermione gritted her teeth. Don't say anything! I am better than Malfoy! I am no longer eleven years old. I won't allow him to bug me like he did.
"Do tell me where Potter is? Was he thrown out of the little ménage a trois? I'm not surprised. He was always a thin reed. Not that Weasley isn't, but he does have that poor little whipped puppy expression. Some find that attractive, they say."
Hermione sneaked a glance at Ron. He held himself rigid and showed no indication of looking up from his parchments, but a blush was already spreading across his face. She was surprised that he hadn't reacted to Malfoy's baiting. Well, I suppose he's not eleven anymore. Even wizards have to mature sometime. Not Malfoy, though.
"So. Dominatrix Granger? I can appreciate that. In fact, if you would like to come to my mansion after this little…"
That does it. "Shut up, Malfoy!" snapped Hermione, turning to face him. "You're just a pale washed-out wanker with too much money for his own good. Some find that attractive also, they say."
His gray eyes twinkled, delighted that Hermione had risen to his bait. "More than are attracted to Weasley's bank account, it would seem-- or to yours, for that matter. Hard times on the streets, Granger? Employers don't want an insufferable know-it-all around? Well, if you change your mind, come up to the mansion-- to the rear door, please."
At the last insult her face hardened. "You insufferable little git."
"I'm wounded, Granger, truly I am. I thought for a moment that you might have had a change of - heart?" Malfoy snickered.
As Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but Lisa tugged on her arm and whispered, "Don't listen to him, he's an idiot."
"Oh, and you're a bloody genius?" sneered Malfoy. "Pardon me for not knowing your name."
"Mr. Malfoy, if you don't shut your gob and the Aurors don't make you, I will come over and shut it for you." Apparently Professor Sinistra had apparently gotten tired of all the bickering. She sat in the back of the room, clutching a Muggle book in her hands. "I'm trying to read, if you don't mind, and your incessant barbs are driving me to distraction."
"Oh, Professor, I didn't know you cared!" Draco smirked, but he nevertheless settled down. He was happy in the thought that he had annoyed Hermione enough -- for the moment.
After this outburst, everyone was quiet and the time slowly crawled by. Hermione quickly became bored, having left any reading material in her suitcase, which the Aurors had. For lack of anything else to do, she spent the time further scrutinizing her fellow "prisoners".
Hermione remembered Lisa Turpin from her days at Hogwarts. They had partnered several times in Gryffindor/Ravenclaw classes. While they hadn't become good friends, they had become friendly acquaintances. At the time, Lisa had dark brown hair that fell smoothly to her shoulders, calm hazel eyes, and a shy but welcoming smile. Not much had changed since then. Lisa had let her hair grow out to her mid-back; today, she had it styled in a long braid. Dressed in plain robes, she now wore glasses that served to make her look even more studious than before. At the moment, she was greedily reading a thin, worn book, the title of which Hermione couldn't see.
Hermione had had Professor Sinistra for Astronomy. She had been a preoccupied teacher, more intent on gazing at the heavens then making sure her students were following her lessons. She was still tall and thin with frizzy shoulder-length black hair with streaks of white through it. The witch was hunched over, nearly folded in two, reading a book. From what Hermione could see, it seemed to be a muggle one about astronomical superstitions. Occasionally the professor would smile, as if she had found something particularly funny.
Professor Sprout was a welcome sight to see. While Hermione had had Sinistra just occasionally, she had had Sprout every year at Hogwarts. Her gray hair fell into cheery blue eyes set in a plump face. A quick look at her hands proved that she had been a Herbology professor; the ends were slightly brown. She had always reminded Hermione of a kindly grandmother. Hermione wondered if she was still teaching at Hogwarts.
Draco Malfoy was a surprise to Hermione. As a student at Hogwarts, he had been quite sought after. The white-blonde hair and silvery gray eyes had been a novelty. However, his looks hadn't improved much within the past three years. His hair was now completely white. It was grown to his shoulders and was tied by with a band. His skin was still pale, almost translucent. It was clear that he had grown a bit, and had put on some muscle as well. Dressed in costly dark gray robes, his face still held the expression of someone who felt they were far superior to the people around them.
The remaining two boys whom Hermione couldn't place seemed to know each other. The one with light brown hair, almost the color of Hermione's, she could almost swear had been in Hufflepuff. The other one with dark blonde hair, she didn't remember at all.
Hermione took a quick look at Ron. He seemed the same as he had before. His brow furrowed as he studied a sheaf of parchment in his hand. She guessed that he was reading sales reports for Weasley Wizard Wheezes.
After an hour and a half hour of silent waiting, the door to the outer room finally opened. Harry stepped inside looking annoyed and rushed. Hermione winced as Draco sat up eagerly.
"Potter! So glad you could join us. One would think that you didn't want to see your old schoolmates." Draco said with false glee.
Harry came to a full stop and stared at Draco. "Malfoy," he acknowledged, his pale eyes going flat with distaste.
"Just 'Malfoy?' Nothing else for your longtime pal? Oh, Potter, where have your manners gone? Perhaps the same place as your hair?"
Harry took an angry step towards Draco as Ms. Silvers entered the room. She reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him back. "Please sit down, Mr. Potter. If Mr. Malfoy bothers you so much, I suggest you take a seat away from him."
"Ooo, yes, follow her advice Potter. Don't want to start fights, no we don't. You might lose this one."
Harry took a seat in the back of the room near Sinistra as Ms. Silvers took a position at the head of the room. She surveyed them all silently for a moment, nodded at Mr. Quentin, and began to speak.
"First let me say that the Ministry is pleased that everyone could come." Ms. Silvers held up a quick hand, forestalling any outbursts. "We know that you are all here under Ministry orders. However, Mr. Quentin and I are particularly gratified that everyone responded so swiftly and with minimum of argument.
"As is obvious, there has been another murder. Murders, in fact. The Ripping Curse was cast in Diagon Alley, killing dozens. Only because of the quick thinking of an Auror on the scene was the death count not hundreds." Ms. Silvers frowned, her eyebrows drawing together. "Due to its especially vicious nature and due to the fact that the press has finally realized that the recent murders are connected, we have assembled you here. While we have been questioning all of you off and on these past two weeks, things have taken a serious turn.
"It has become imperative that we find the murderer as soon as possible. While the murderer most likely does not have a legion of Death Eaters to terrorize the populace, the mere existence of someone copying the murders of Tom Riddle is enough to throw the wizarding population into a panic.
"We think it is therefore obvious why Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Ms. Granger are here. As those instrumental in Tom Riddle's death, they have the most information to offer - and are most in danger. We are restricting them to the Ministry grounds for their own safety.
"Professor Sprout and Professor Sinistra are here because they were professors at Hogwarts during the second Downfall of Tom Riddle. Since the school was a particular target at the time, their views and opinions concerning that time will be invaluable.
"Ms. Turpin, Mr. Ackerley, and Mr. Whitby are here because as students at Hogwarts during the Downfall, they might have seen or hear something that others might not have. Furthermore, since they were in different houses, they might have differing recollections.
"Mr. Malfoy." Ms. Silvers paused here and looked at the smirking Slytherin. "Mr. Malfoy, you are here because your late father was a close confidant of Tom Riddle. You might know something about the character of Tom Riddle that will help us find the murderer."
Draco snorted but didn't make a comment.
"Normally, only Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Potter would require protective custody, but because of the nature of the investigation - and the impending media frenzy - we are restricting all…"
At that, everyone began to murmur. Sitting beside Hermione, Lisa Turpin muttered, "They can't do that! I can't be cooped up here. I thought it was only going to be for a few days…"
Ms. Silvers waited until the noise had subsided. "I wish I could say that you have a choice in this matter, but you have none. The Minister of Magic has given the Department of Magical Law Enforcement full power to close this case as soon as possible. As a result, they have granted the Wizarding Bureau of Investigation, and therefore Mr. Quentin and me, authority to do nearly anything necessary, including restricting your movements. If you have concerns, please address them to Mr. Quentin or myself.
"You will stay here at the Ministry until the murderer is either caught or proved to be deceased. Most of your days will be spent in this room. As the investigation progresses, we may require you to answer questions, we therefore need you ready at hand. During the evening you will be permitted to visit different areas of the Ministry. You will be told which areas tomorrow morning. If anything is needed from your places of residence, let us know and we will send an Auror. For security purposes, we must insist on no further contact with anyone outside the Ministry.
"As for the questioning, we must inform you that 'nearly anything' includes authorization for the use of Veritaserum."
Hushed muttering broke out again across the room. Hermione had already been warned of this possibility. A quick glance told her that Harry and Ron weren't surprised either. It seemed to be news to the others, however.
Ms. Silvers didn't wait for the muttering to die down this time, just raised her voice above it. "Mr. Quentin is fully qualified to administer the Veritaserum. He has been trained in its effects and how to question one under its influence. He will only ask questions pertinent to our investigation. Furthermore, a Quick-Quotes Quill will be recording the session as protection for both you and for him that he has asked no questions that he should not have asked. There is no need for alarm.
"For the rest of the evening you will remain here for the questioning. I will be elsewhere, dealing with other matters pertinent to this investigation. Should you have any further questions, I suggest you ask them of Mr. Quentin. That is all." Ms. Silvers gave another brisk nod, turned on her heel, and left the room.
Before anyone could say a word, her partner stood. "We are now ready to begin interrogation. I would like to begin with Ms. Granger. Ms. Granger, if you would please come with me?" Hermione nodded cautiously. "While we are gone, another Auror will be here to make sure there are no difficulties." The wizard cast a sardonic eye on Malfoy in particular.
Hermione stood and joined Mr. Quentin at the head of the room. As they left, she took a quick look at the occupants; only Lisa and Draco met her eyes. Lisa silent mouthed "Good Luck". Draco made a rude gesture.
Hermione followed the AIC into the outer room and then back into the hall. The minute they stepped out, two guards began to follow them.
Hermione pulled even with Mr. Quentin. "Is this really necessary?" she said while motioning to the two expressionless guards behind them.
He looked at her briefly. "It is standard procedure for situations like this Ms. Granger. It is for your safety as well as mine. They are Aurors in training and this is valuable experience for them."
"Oh." Hermione silently walked with Mr. Quentin. They didn't head back to the levivator, but continued through the maze of hallways. Eventually, Mr. Quentin came to a halt outside a plain door.
"Veritas. Quentin." The door opened immediately. Mr. Quentin motioned Hermione inside.
It strongly reminded her of the room in which she, Ron, and Harry had been questioned originally. It was plain, with candles on rock walls. There was a small square table in the center, with two chairs. On the table was a small vial filled with a clear liquid. It had to be the Veritaserum.
As Hermione sat in one chair, Mr. Quentin took the other and pulled out the familiar Quick-Quotes Quill and parchment. Activating it, he said, "Quentin, AIC, questioning Subject Granger.
"Now Ms. Granger, I am going to administer the Veritaserum. Before I do so, I will perform a Binding Charm on you. This is done mainly for my safety. Some people while on Veritaserum try to run away, to escape. Some people try to hurt the questioner. Since you do not want to suffer the consequences should either event actually happen, I assume you will submit without objection?"
Hermione looked at the Auror's deceptively mild expression, and swallowed. This is not good. "Yes, I do."
Mr. Quentin met Hermione's eyes calmly. "Ms. Granger, there is nothing to fear. You are not on trial; you are not a suspect. I will not ask you anything not relevant to the events of the night of Tom Riddle's death. I merely hope that while under the influence of the Veritaserum, you will provide information that will be useful.
"A final warning. Veritaserum is not a pleasant experience. I know, for I have been subjected to it myself. I suggest that you relax and not fight it."
Hardly mollified, Hermione nodded.
The Auror stood, pulled his wand out of his robes, and pointed it at her. "Petrificus Totalus Sed Non Caputus!"
Instantly, Hermione could move nothing below her head. Mr. Quentin picked up the potion. As he rounded the table, Hermione couldn't forestall the feeling of dread that washed over her. Mr. Quentin uncorked the vial and held it out to Hermione's mouth. "If you would, Ms. Granger, please drink."
Knowing that he would not appreciate it if she tried to knock it away, Hermione obligingly swallowed the Veritaserum. It tasted of nothing but ice. The liquid was freezing, chilling her tongue and frosting her throat. It slid all the way to her stomach where the cold promptly spread to her extremities. If she hadn't been under a Body Bind, Hermione would have started shivering.
By the time she had become accustomed to this new presence in her body, the AIC had sat back down. "State your full name." It was clearly an order.
"Hermione Aerina Granger." She was surprised to discover that she didn't stutter.
"Ms. Granger, where were you on the night of the fourth of May, 1998."
"I was in Voldemort's castle." The answer came easily enough. For a moment, Hermione wondered if the Veritaserum was working. Maybe all it did was chill the victim into not caring what they said.
"State completely what events transpired on the night in question."
"I awoke on the floor of my cell. I was dressed in a white robe. I don't remember putting it on. I stayed there for most of the day. A Death Eater came into my cell, grabbed my arm, and dragged me out of the room."
"Stop." Hermione became silent. "Did you recognize this Death Eater?"
Hermione opened her mouth to say no when, to her surprise, she said, "He looked similar to Vincent Crabbe." Surprised, she closed her mouth with a snap and stared at Mr. Quentin. "He did. Why didn't I realize that before?"
Mr. Quentin nodded. "Veritaserum makes one tell the truth. You probably knew that fact before but never really thought about it. In a sense, your subconscious is also in attendance right now, Ms. Granger. Now, continue with the events of the fourth of May."
"He pulled me upright and demanded that I follow him. I did. We went straight down the hallway, turned right, went up a staircase, went straight…"
Mr. Quentin interrupted her recitation. "Ms. Granger, where did you end up?"
"I ended up in a room that looked like the Great Hall at Hogwarts. It was full of wizards and witches in black robes. The ceiling was like the one at Hogwarts. Lightning flashed across it. There were no floating candles. I could see because of an illumination in the center of the Hall."
"What did you think the light was at the time?"
Hermione blinked. "I thought it was a fire set on the floor. I couldn't think of what else could give off the light."
"Continue."
"The Death Eater pushed me forward. The other people in the room parted in front of me and I was prodded to the center of the room. I saw then that the light didn't come from a fire, but from a crystal."
"Stop. Describe the crystal."
"It appeared to be made of raw quartz. It floated six feet off the ground and pulsed with a strong white light. I didn't see any flaws in the crystal facets."
"Continue."
"Three others stood around the crystal: Harry, Ron, and Voldemort. Both Harry and Ron were wearing white robes as well."
"Describe Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter."
Hermione didn't want to say anything, but the Veritaserum forced her to answer. "Ron looked as if he didn't know where he was. I suppose he was in a catatonic state. Harry looked as if he were already dead. His eyes were flat but they recognized me. I knew…" Suddenly Hermione did know. "…that he hated me."
"After you arrived in the center of the Hall, what happened next?"
"Voldemort began to speak. He said, 'My Death Eaters, did I not promise you glory? Did I not promise you power? And did I not promise you Harry Potter and his supporters brought low? Look at them, able with a few movements and a word to destroy me utterly. But I have destroyed them first though they breathe. I have destroyed them by cracking their bond of friendship. They will never ever recover.'" Hermione stopped, her eyes widening at the words that were spilling out of her mouth.
Mr. Quentin nodded. "Continue."
"He…he grabbed Harry's right arm. He lifted it and said, 'See how he doesn't react. He's as good as dead inside his mind. There isn't always need to hurt physically; mentally and emotionally do just as well!' He then let Harry's arm fall and said 'And today, Death Eaters, today you and I will finally have what is rightfully ours. Our power will rise above all others and we will crush the world to our feet. My followers, we will be gods and nobody, nobody, will be able to stand in our way.'"
"Confident bugger, wasn't he?" Mr. Quentin muttered under his breath. "Continue Ms. Granger."
"He said, 'Each murder that you have performed in these past month, each drop of blood you have spilt has not been wasted. All the power released from those deaths has been carefully stored. The Mortifer crystal is holding the released powers of more than a hundred wizards and witches! With that power, we will be able to take over England's Ministry of Magic easily. From there, it will be a short distance to enslaving the world!'"
Mr. Quentin leaned forward, excited. "Mortifer crystal, you say?"
"Yes," said Hermione confused. "He said, 'The Mortifer crystal is holding…'"
"Stop. Continue where you left off."
"He said, 'Death Eaters, here and now will we destroy all who oppose us, symbolized in this boy, whom the wizarding world fondly call The Boy Who Lived. His blood will be the gateway to our power, his friends the funnel through which we will receive the power. Their blood, poured on the Crystal, will lift us all!' Then he drew a knife…"
"Describe the knife."
"It was silver, about a foot long. The blade itself was formed in a zig-zag pattern."
"Zig-zag, hm." Mr. Quentin thought for a moment. "Did you see any characters inscribed upon it?"
"No, there were none."
Mr. Quentin sighed. "Continue."
"Voldemort went over to Harry, closed his eyes, and lifted the knife with his left hand. He said, 'And now we will kill them. We will take the power that is ours and I will lead you ahead of the legions of the Dark!' However, before Voldemort could slash downwards, I jumped forward and stopped his arm before it could fall. Harry grabbed Ron and I grabbed Harry's hand. We shouted, 'Erradico Schelus'. The crystal cracked and a great fire sprang up. And then, I blacked out." Hermione ended with a shuddering sigh.
Mr. Quentin was silent as he considered all of this. "Ms. Granger, why did you jump forward and stop Voldemort from killing Mr. Potter?"
"Because if I didn't, it wouldn't be possible to activate the spell."
"How did you know that Mr. Potter would say the spell?"
"I didn't know for certain, but I hope he would because I asked him."
"Ah." Mr. Quentin's eyebrows rose. "The elusive telepathy that you spoke of before. You spoke to him through your eyes?"
"Yes."
"Mr. Potter believes that the Iunctura bond was aiding telepathy. Do you believe this?"
"I don't know." And she truly didn't. "If I were to make a guess, that would be it."
"And, Ms. Granger, why did you ask Mr. Potter to help you destroy Voldemort?"
She didn't have an answer. She couldn't have an answer. She didn't want to have an answer! Hermione clamped her lips shut, but the Veritaserum forced her mouth open. "I asked him to care because it wasn't right to allow the whole world to be enslaved; because even though I didn't care if I died, I didn't want the rest of the world to be tortured; because even though Harry and Ron hated me and I them, I didn't want them to die; because I hated Voldemort and did want him to die; because I have always done what is right, I couldn't not do so!" The last bit came out as a wail. Hermione was horrified to realize that tears were coursing down her face.
Mr. Quentin was silent as he watched the tears fall. "Let me say Ms. Granger, that I am most glad that you did what was right that night. If not, I would certainly be dead. As many others have said before me, 'What is right is not always easy'. Not many wizards or witches could have found the strength of character to break through their apathy."
"I'm glad that you're so grateful," sniffled Hermione. "Is there any possibility that you could wipe my nose?"
Solemnly, the Auror retrieved a handkerchief from within his robes, leaned across the table, and wiped the tears from Hermione's face. After wiping away the tears, he settled back. "Ms. Granger, do you remember recognizing any faces of the Death Eaters in the Hall?"
"Peter Pettigrew. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Macnair, who almost decapitated the hippogriff during my third year at Hogwarts. Someone who looked like Gregory Goyle. Those are all I can recall."
The AIC sighed. "Ms. Granger, I thank you for your patience and your time. I know this entire ordeal has not been easy for you. I believe that we finally have all the information that we need from you."
Hermione merely nodded.
Mr. Quentin checked his watch. "This version of Veritaserum lasts approximately one hour before its effects wear off. I will go now to inform Ms. Silvers about our conversation. When I get return, you should be able to tell lies again, if you so desire." He smiled for the first time since they entered the Veritaserum chamber. He rose from the table, deactivated the Quick-Quotes Quill, and took the parchment on which it had recorded the transcript of the interrogation. He opened the door to the chamber and motioned in the two guards standing outside. Only when they had assumed their new stations did the Auror leave.
Hermione sat, not looking at the guards who watched her steadily. Instead, she thought about the Veritaserum. It's so dangerous. The way it can make you say things that you don't consciously remember. If she could have moved, Hermione would have shuddered. I would not want it in the hands of my enemies -- or of my friends, for that matter. There are times when the absolute truth will do nothing but destroy. Thank goodness Veritaserum is not all that common and incredibly difficult to brew.
And the things it made me say! I don't even remember anything about a Mortifer crystal or that Crabbe's father removed me from my cell. It can truly make you remember things that you have forgotten.
I wonder what the Aurors will ask the others when they are brought in here. I wonder what they will answer. I'd love to be in here when they questioned Malfoy! Hermione smiled involuntarily. I'd love it even more if I could ask some of my own questions! I bet I could wipe that smug, sanctimonious smirk off his face. I wonder if he has ever told anyone the truth about anything.
Hermione thought back to some of her answers extracted from her by the Veritaserum. I hate Ron and Harry. Well, I suppose I knew that all the time. I just never really said it before. And they hate me. It is difficult to believe that hate could come out of seven years of friendship. And it is certainly true that I've always done what is right. Hermione's thoughts turned slightly bitter. Strange, isn't it? That someone would want to do what is wrong. But a part of me wants to do exactly that. Hermione sighed. Completely illogical but there you go. I suppose I am just so…tired of being the one who has to do what is right.
Her inner dialogue was cut off abruptly as the door opened. Mr. Quentin entered without the parchment he had left with. "Ms. Granger? How are we doing?"
Surprised, Hermione realized that the icy coldness that had flooded her was receding. "Better, I think."
"Why don't you try lying to me right now. Try to tell me that you are thirty years old."
"I am…" Hermione struggled against the compulsion to say twenty, "I am…am…th-th-thirty years old!"
Mr. Quentin nodded. "Close enough. In a half hour, you won't even stutter." Pulling his wand out of his robes, the Auror pointed it at Hermione. "Finite Incantatem."
Able to move again, Hermione massaged her upper arms, which had grown a bit stiff. As she did so, Mr. Quentin advised her. "It is now ten o'clock. The others have been taken to their temporary quarters. We have put Lisa Turpin and you in the same room, since you are both witches of similar ages. The guard will escort you there. In all probability you will be awakened early tomorrow morning. I suggest that you go to bed directly when you arrive. I thank you again for your participation and for your patience today Ms. Granger."
Once she felt as if she could move without falling, Hermione stood and walked to the door. One of the guards held it open for her as she left, and said, "Follow me, Ms. Granger" and they set down the halls of the labyrinth called the Containment Dungeon.
After many twists and turns, her guards abruptly stopped. There were outside another room, watched with yet two more guards. "Here's your room Ms. Granger. Good night." One of the guards opened the door and Hermione slipped inside.
Lisa looked up from the book she was reading by torchlight. "Hermione! How…how did it go?"
Hermione smiled tiredly. "It's over, thank goodness."
"And the Veritaserum?"
"It wasn't so bad. Don't try and fight it, though, it's useless. Just speak as fast as you can and it'll be over." Hermione went to the small bed that was pushed up against the wall. Opening her suitcase, she pulled out a nightgown, toothbrush, and toothpaste. "Where's the bathroom?"
"Down the hall. Ask the guards outside to show you where it is." Lisa grimaced briefly. "Just a warning, they'll follow you. They won't go in with you, which is a bloody relief, but it's disturbing enough to have them escort you everywhere."
Hermione just sighed. "Thanks for warning me. I suppose the guards are for security, but their shadowing gets tiring quick."
After changing into her nightgown and brushing her teeth, she went back to the room. She entered into darkness; Lisa had gone to sleep. Relieved that she wouldn't have to chat, Hermione stumbled over to the bed and fell gratefully into it.
*******
Recently, I've decided to move my writing to a wonderful Harry Potter website called FictionAlley. However, to be fair to my readers on ff.net, I will continue to post the rest of this story's chapters here but future stories will be posted exclusively at FictionAlley.
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