Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to the goddess, JKR, with many thanks. Chocolate truffles go to Tessie and Amy for being the best beta-readers I could ever have asked Santa for.
Chapter Seven: Deadly Intentions
They had rushed into the castle, looking for Albus, who had been taking a short walk in the corridors near the portrait door entrance to the Gryffindor common room. Sirius had been ushered up the revolving stairs to the Headmaster's office, leaving Remus and Hermione downstairs in the waiting chamber. After a seemingly brief conversation, Albus had emerged, ushered both professors in quickly and then called Severus and Minerva to join them.
The silence in Albus' office was palpable. Hermione looked at the stunned faces around her and thought that the news Sirius was bringing them could not possibly be good. She forced her own fears down and tried to remain calm. She was not going to be of much use to anyone if she panicked. She tried to catch Remus' gaze but he looked too pensive…too lost in his thoughts.
"Why does it always have to be so difficult for us?" she thought wistfully and then felt guilty for being so selfish. There was a great deal more at stake. Her little problems really did not amount to much.
"You have taken a great risk in coming here, Sirius," Minerva commented. "You could easily have been followed."
"I took the necessary precautions," Sirius replied, the barest hint of a growl in his voice at the unspoken rebuke.
"Perhaps, but you should not have shown your true form until you were within the walls of the castle. There are many beings in the Forbidden Forest who are not entirely friendly to our cause. They might have recognized you," Minerva persisted, her lips tight with suppressed anger.
Sirius' eyes blazed. "I have never felt the need to skulk around the grounds of Hogwarts and I have shown my true form here before. I did not want to frighten Hermione…I wasn't certain she would recognize me in my animagus form and, after the incident earlier in the year, I did not want to take any chances."
Hermione wondered how Sirius had found out about her terrifying encounter but then realized that he was in constant contact with Albus and Severus so it was therefore inevitable that he would know at some point.
"It was still imprudent," Minerva sniffed disapprovingly.
"I came here to speak with Remus. I did not ask for an audience with Hogwarts faculty. The Headmaster was of the opinion that this was necessary. I do not agree. What I have to say is for Remus' ears only…and perhaps yours, Headmaster…but certainly no one else," Sirius snapped, eyes now flashing angrily.
"Sirius. Minerva. Stop behaving like small children fighting over the last licorice wand in the store. Minerva, you are, of course, aware that Sirius has been living as a fugitive for years…I would have to think he knows best how to travel without being seen or recognized. Sirius, you will show a little more courtesy and respect to everyone present. What you have to say to Remus can be said in front of all of us and, since it does concern Voldemort and his plans, it is best that everyone is aware of the latest developments," Albus' voice held a note of quiet authority that no one dared contradict.
"My apologies, Albus," Minerva answered humbly.
"Sorry," was the only word Sirius uttered but his face showed that he was thoroughly chastened by the Headmaster' words.
"Why have you come here, Sirius?" Hermione asked, her voice tight with anxiety. "What is so important that you had to risk discovery in order to tell us? Are we in danger? Has there been another attack? Is Voldemort still trying to discover Harry's whereabouts?"
Sirius looked at her sadly and his shoulders sagged somewhat as he half-fell into a nearby chair. He placed his head in his hands and took several deep breaths as if to steel himself for what he had to say. No one said a word. They simply waited.
"Would you like something to drink, Black?" Severus asked, somewhat concerned at the bleak expression in the other man's face…something he had not seen since that fateful sentencing so many years ago.
"I wouldn't say no to some Ogden's Old Firewhiskey. My nerves could use a bit of settling," Sirius admitted, lifting his head and looking at Remus in a way that made Hermione even more nervous.
Albus went to a small cabinet, unlocked it and took out an exquisitely carved crystal decanter and a small glass. He liberally filled the glass with the smoking amber liquid and presenting it to Sirius. With murmured thanks, the younger man downed the drink in one gulp.
"Now, Sirius, please tell us what news you have. It must have been important for you to risk so much in coming here directly," Albus encouraged, refilling the empty glass.
Sirius looked at the glass in his hand and put it down on the desk without even a sip. Hermione noticed that he looked very tired…a look reminiscent of when she first saw him in the Shrieking Shack so many years ago …haunted…driven…desperate.
"As you are well aware, Voldemort has begun a new campaign of terror and destruction in the Muggle world. He has several operatives working in the Middle East and in various politically unstable countries in Africa and South America. The death toll has been catastrophic…the atrocities on par with what was happening a generation ago before…before he disappeared," Sirius began, running a shaking hand through his unkempt hair. It was obvious that he was reliving memories best left undisturbed and Hermione felt a pang of pity for this man who had lost so much and was in danger of losing so much more.
"We have seen how…effective…the new campaign has been," Severus remarked gravely. 'The death toll has been catastrophic and it does not show any signs of abetting anytime soon. He has been keeping the plans to himself for the most part. I believe the only other ones who have such knowledge are Wormtail and Lucius who, since their rather remarkable escape from Azkaban, have been the Dark Lord's closest confidantes. I myself have been unable to glean much information and that which I have been able to obtain has not been particularly useful," Severus remarked rather angrily. Hermione was not surprised at the tone of self-hatred in his voice.
Sirius nodded in agreement. "Harry and Ron are part of a covert operation in the Middle East. They are involved in an area that is experiencing extreme turmoil at the moment and are trying to determine Voldemort's role in this. Lucius Malfoy, if you believe the rumours, has been running that particular operation. Percy Weasley is coordinating our efforts along with Mundungus Fletcher and Amos Diggory. This is being done without the consent of the Ministry…they are still denying that Voldemort has returned…that we all have a hidden agenda to undermine the Ministry's authority."
"Lucius is going to be a difficult one to find…more slippery than a slime-covered toad," Severus muttered angrily. Hermione could tell there was no love lost between the former and the current Death Eater.
"I agree," Sirius replied, " but that is the least of our concerns at the present. There is a new twist to his plans that has just come to light and it is rather frightening to say the least. Voldemort is gathering a group of assassins. A group of bloodthirsty, remorseless killers who will willingly destroy any innocent human, Muggle or wizard, without a second thought."
Again, the room was thick with silence. Hermione glanced at Remus, who now looked decidedly ill.
"Are you suggesting what I think you are suggesting?" Minerva asked, concern etched clearly on her face.
"Yes," Sirius sighed, "Voldemort is on a campaign to round up all the known werewolves in order to use them as…executioners."
"This is a most unfortunate turn of events," Albus shook his head as he walked slowly around the room.
"I don't understand," Minerva ventured. "Werewolves are only a danger when they are in their transformed state. When they are in their human state, traditionally, they are quiet, reserved, very intelligent and very compassionate. I have never known one to relish their unfortunate circumstances."
Hermione saw that Minerva glanced at Remus with warm understanding in her eyes. This was not surprising as the older witch was the epitome of fairness and never let prejudices cloud her judgment of a person's individual worth.
"You misunderstand," Sirius corrected. "He is taking every known werewolf prisoner…binding them in magical cells so strong that they cannot break out. When they are due to transform, an "undesirable" is placed nearby. You can imagine the result. Sometimes, the Dark Lord simply allows the werewolf to bite the victim, thereby gaining another werewolf."
"That is horrifying!" Hermione exclaimed.
"The most horrifying aspect of this is that the werewolf is allowed to return to his or her normal form and witness the result of their actions. This is how Voldemort is able to keep them…they fear that they will be killed themselves in the outside world and yet they hate what they are forced to do…although, in reality, they have little choice in the matter. Sometimes, they commit suicide…they simply cannot bear to be used in such a heinous manner," Sirius muttered, a sorrowful look on his face.
"How did you manage to get this information?" Severus asked, his face ashen.
"I followed Lucius Malfoy to a meeting and listened in while in my animagus form. The stupid dunderheads didn't think of putting up any wards or perimeter spells. They figured that no one would be stupid enough to come near Malfoy Mansion without a good reason," Sirius responded gruffly.
"And you were," Severus could not resist the jab at his one-time foe.
For a moment, Hermione watched Sirius' face grow red with anger but it was short-lived and he chuckled somewhat.
"How do they know where to find the…I mean, them?" Hermione asked, blushing somewhat.
"Werewolves are obligated to register in the cities they either work in, reside in or travel to on a regular basis. Failure to do this results in rather harsh punishments," Albus explained, resting a hand on the mantle of the fireplace and staring deeply into the flickering red-gold flames. "I never thought it was a good idea. Information like that, in a single source, can be dangerous in the wrong hands."
"Are there really that many werewolves?" Hermione asked, blushing somewhat. "Forgive my ignorance on the matter but I had always thought that it was quite rare."
Albus turned to her gravely and Hermione felt quite awkward at having asked the question. He sighed deeply.
"The condition itself is somewhat rare but, in many cases, the afflicted individual is hunted down and killed, more often than not, by someone within their own family," the Headmaster said heavily.
Hermione could not suppress a gasp of horror and her eyes flew to Remus in sudden fear.
"I am so sorry…Remus…I had no idea…" she stammered.
Remus shook his head. "My parents were always kind with me. I did not suffer any hardship from them."
Hermione noticed that Severus fumbled with his robes in an awkward fashion. She felt that there was more to Remus' words but did not dare to ask. He looked as if his heart would break and there was a desperation in his expression which she did not like…not one bit…
"What will we do?" Minerva asked, grim determination in her face.
"The most important thing," Sirius stood up and walked over to where Remus sat, pale as death, "is that we protect Remus. Remus has never taken a human life. I do not want to change that."
Hermione glanced sideways at Severus, half-expecting him to make a comment about how close he came to becoming werewolf fodder back in his school days at Hogwarts but he said nothing. Instead, he nodded grimly at Sirius' words.
"There are many things we must do in order to ensure that Remus does not become a victim of Voldemort's insanity," Dumbledore began, turning away from the fire so that his form was outlined in light, casting his features into shadow. "First of all, I cannot allow you to leave the protection that Hogwarts offers you, Remus. I sincerely regret that I have to do this but it is for your own good."
Remus nodded absently. Hermione wasn't entirely certain he had heard the Headmaster's words.
"The next thing is immensely more difficult. Severus and Hermione…you must work together to determine whether or not there is some way to alter the Wolfsbane Potion so that it is not simply a control for the affliction but a cure. If we can somehow cure lycanthropy…Voldemort's plans would be scuttled."
Hermione looked at Severus…at the pensive expression on his face. She could tell that he was already scrolling through the various ingredients of the potion in his mind…analyzing properties individually and in combination. Between his skill and her intuition…they just might succeed.
"We will begin immediately, Headmaster. Hermione, please join me in the main laboratory after you are done," Severus stood up and walked over to the door, pausing in front of Remus to place a hand on his shoulder. "We will find a way, Remus. You have my word that we will do everything in our power to find a way."
Remus placed a shaking hand over Severus' and nodded. Severus gently extricated his hand and quietly exited the room, closing the door behind him.
"Minerva," Albus turned to his Deputy Headmistress. "You must contact Arabella Figg. The two of you will go to the Ministry of Magic and work together with Arthur Weasley. Find the werewolf registry and determine how many you can account for. Any that are missing we must assume to be in Voldemort's clutches."
"I will contact Arabella by floo powder and meet up with her at the Ministry offices. You will be kept apprized of any progress we make," Minerva stood up and left the room as well.
"Sirius," Albus walked over to where the younger man stood, "I need you to stay here for the present. Your knowledge of the Dark Arts will prove invaluable, as I need you to set up special perimeter spells around Hogwarts in order to conceal Remus' presence. We will then work together to determine where Voldemort is keeping the werewolves prisoner. If we can find them, we can rescue them."
"I will do everything I can to protect him," Sirius affirmed and then, with a nod to Remus, left the room as well.
Remus stood up and drew his robes around himself tightly, as if he were suddenly cold.
"Headmaster," he began, "if we are done, I would like to return to my chambers. This news has troubled me greatly and I am very tired and in need of rest."
The Headmaster looked at Remus with deep compassion.
"Of course, Remus," he replied gently. "Take all the time you require…although I would prefer if you ate something first."
"I am not particularly hungry," Remus whispered, a painful look coming into his eyes.
"You know we will do everything we can to protect you," Albus walked over to the younger man who was now beginning to shake.
"Yes, I know that," Remus mumbled.
"Perhaps you should stop by the infirmary, Remus. I know that Madame Pomfrey has made a new batch of Pepper-Up Potion that will help you feel better."
"I don't think so, Headmaster. I think I will simply…rest. If you will excuse me," Remus left the room without another word.
Hermione got up and walked over to where the Headmaster stood, arms crossed, with the fingers of one hand drumming on the other arm quietly.
"His reaction disturbs me, Hermione," he commented softly.
"It disturbs me as well, Headmaster," she replied as she glanced towards the door. "I fear for him…he has always been so self-conscious…so sensitive. This may encourage him to do something…drastic."
"Agreed," Albus tapped his chin thoughtfully and turned to her suddenly. "Hermione, before you go down to begin your work with Severus, please check that Remus is all right. Perhaps we are simply over-reacting but it is better to be safe. I do not want anything to happen to him."
"Nor do I, Headmaster," she practically whispered and hurried out the door before he could ask why her cheeks suddenly flamed.
Feeling as if each second would make the difference, she ran down the corridors towards the professors' residences. She stopped in front of Remus' door and listened carefully.
She could hear movement…footsteps…items being moved. She thought she heard the scraping sound of something…perhaps furniture…being dragged across the hardwood floor.
"Remus," she called quietly.
"Please go away, Hermione," came the shaking reply.
"Remus, please let me in."
"Just let me be, Hermione."
"Remus. I am very worried about you."
"I don't need your sympathy. I don't need anything. Not now."
Hermione felt the twinges of panic settle on her stomach but fought to keep her voice calm and steady.
"I know you don't need sympathy. I am not here to give you sympathy."
"Please…I should never have tried…I am so sorry to have forced myself…"
"Remus, you do not need to apologize…not to me. I was there too. I know what happened. You were not the only one who wanted…who felt…"
"No, Hermione. I was wrong. I should never have done that to you. I should never have thought that you might…you will only end up getting hurt…I could not live with that…"
"Remus, please…you have to come out. We need to talk about this."
Hermione heard nothing except the sound of footsteps pacing back and forth in his room. She began to knock on the door in earnest.
"Let me in, Remus!" she yelled, truly worried now that he would do something in desperation.
"Hermione, Severus is waiting for you."
"Severus be damned! You mean more to me than he does. He can afford to wait!"
There was silence.
And then there was a slight moan…of someone in pain.
"Remus!"
Still silence.
She began pounding on the door furiously.
"Remus! Open the door this instant!"
She listened intently but heard nothing.
Heart pounding, she pondered her options when she heard a dull thud…a noise that sounded suspiciously like a body falling to the floor.
Thoroughly frightened now, she pulled out her wand and aimed it at the door handle.
"Alohomora!" She yelled.
Nothing happened. Evidently he had taken the precaution of spell-protecting the entrance to his chambers.
"Incendium!" She screamed impatiently and hastily covered her face with her arms as the door exploded in front of her, sending pieces of wood flying into the corridor and hitting her with enough force to make her gasp in pain.
Ignoring the cuts on her arms, she rushed through the gaping opening and stopped suddenly in absolute horror as she surveyed the scene in front of her.
There, on the floor, lay Remus, semi-conscious, two rivulets of bright red blood streaming from the deep cuts on his wrists…