Chapter Seven: The Phoenix and the Serpent
Written by Elluxion
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More yummy Hermione/Draco bits in this one. ;) Review, onegai! People - I need a beta. Desperately. ^^; If anyone's interested, please e-mail me! Oh, and I forgot: the word 'Patronus' signifies a singular noun and a plural noun. At least in my fic it does. :P Dedicated to blueberry girl, or one of the sweetest people on the face of this planet. *huggles* Merry Christmas, Nattie! Oh, and people are beginning to notice the chemistry between Hermione and Draco, by the way. Look for the subtle hints embedded in their expressions and whatnot. :D Keep Sirius and Cho under close surveillance, especially, they've picked up on the chemistry pretty fast. I think. Hugs and cookies, -Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. The earth was reassuring and steady under her feet. Hermione felt like collapsing down onto the ground with relief. As it was, her knees were shaky from the sudden change from dangling in the air to supporting her weight on the ground. Draco, she marvelled, looked completely unaffected. She hefted up her broom and poked it into the dense shrubbery that lined Azkaban, surprised that the barrier had been the only obstacle blocking their way. Draco followed suit, and it was he who led the way deeper into the island. Hermione already had her wand out and she was on guard. The darkness was a cover for them, yes, but for their enemies as well. They plunged into the dense forest. Thorns and brambles scratched Hermione's bare legs as she hiked through. Draco had thoughtfully tried to break the pathway through the jungle, shoving bushes and plants out of their way, and Hermione was grateful for that. Fifteen minutes of mindless tracking passed before Draco drew to a stop. Hermione nearly crashed into his back. She opened her mouth to complain, and he shushed her by putting a finger to her lips and pulling her gently down. Leaves closed above their heads. Hermione could feel Draco's warm breath on her cheek, and a slight flush was on his face. She assumed it was the exertion of flying and then being the trailbreaker. Her leg muscles complained as she carefully shifted position to kneel instead of squat. "What's wrong?" she asked urgently, lowering her voice. "The Dementors are about twenty-five feet off," Draco whispered. His voice seemed to linger over her ear. Space was limited and they were pressed together. "They sense us." She tensed instantly, feeling herself stiffen with wariness and fear. In response, she could feel Draco's body tightening as well. "What do we do?" "They sense one witch and one wizard, both healthy, approaching them." "How do you know?" asked Hermione skeptically. He didn't look at her. "I work with them, remember?" Hermione's lips parted in horror as the thought knifed its way into her mind. "They are assuming we are from the Ministry," Draco hurried on. "They aren't happy about it. They want to rebel." "Which should make your work easier," Hermione said bitterly. "No. Not yours, either," he replied sharply. "Well, what do we do?" "Summon a Patronus." When she looked at him in amazement, Draco rolled his eyes and pulled out a trick he knew worked with her: insult. Gryffindors always had a certain measure of pride, and this one had plenty. "Look, Dumbledore hails you as one of the most brilliant students Hogwarts has ever had. Seems that the old man is wrong." "I'm not stupid!" she hissed. Draco suppressed a smile. Right on cue. "It's just that I've never had to do it before!" "You know the spell, Hermione." Draco was speaking faster now, more urgently. Time was running out. "You know the words, don't you?" "Yeah. I do," she huffed indignantly. "Listen to me, Hermione. You're a Muggle-born, and I'm a pureblood. If combined, the two will be powerful - have you read that before?" At Hermione's nod, he plunged on. "The Dementors will not stand a chance. My power will channel through yours and yours mine, and the mix will be devastating. You're a strong witch, both physically and mentally, and hopefully - so am I." "You are," she said quietly. "Then it'll be easy to get past the Dementors. Commanding them will be a bit harder. Once inside, don't split up, not yet. Don't break the bond. You will have to help me by using your Patronus to round up stray Dementors. I know you hate to do this - but you have to help me, first. Then we can embark on what we really came here for. I will keep the Dementors busy. Remember: the Imperius curse must be done quietly. I can explain to Voldemort about the Muggle-descent and pureblood bond, so we don't have to worry about that - yet." He saw the worry in her eyes. "I'll do the killing," he said simply. "Thank you," she whispered. Her cheeks were unnaturally pale. Draco would not show it, but he worried about her. She was strong, yes, but he hadn't seen her in combat before. A passing thought flicked through his mind - what if she broke down? He nodded and reached out, taking Hermione's hand in his. The slender fingers tightened around his. Her skin was milky and soft, and he gripped her hand gently. It was a relief, in a way. He wasn't alone any longer. He could count on her. Draco's smile was ironic. He trusted only two people in the world. They were both from Hogwarts. They were both beautiful and courageous. But the difference lay in how they made him feel. Cho Chang made him feel good, made him feel like he could tell her everything and she wouldn't judge or belittle him. Hermione Granger... she made him feel... inferior, somewhat. She made him self-conscious. And strangely enough, her presence was enough to force Draco to reach for his limits and chuck them aside, was enough to fuel Draco to do things he never thought possible. He helped Hermione up, still holding her hand. He saw determination mirrored in her eyes. Her presence gave him hope. ~*~ Blood. From young, Cho Chang had never really been afraid of blood. Not even when it was on her. Now twenty-seven, she still felt the same way. It was just a strange crimson liquid that flowed from wounds. She held the Mirror protectively. It had saved her life, that mirror. She could remember everything clearly. She could remember how the Mirror had reflected Robin's magical assault. She could remember his howls as the room lit up and ruffled with terrifying, magnified magic. She could remember how Julius's face crumbled in fear as the magic seeped through the cracks and killed him. And now she was lying in a pool of her own blood, too tired and weak to move. Cho wanted to close her eyes and just let her life seep away from her. She didn't know what she was fighting for, but she did know that she was battling impending death. Cho also knew that she would lose the battle if she lay there, unmoving. Cho Chang was a fighter. She hated losing. She rarely lost, and on the occasions she did, well, Cho didn't like it. If was defeated, she went back again, and again, and again, until victory was in her hands. She couldn't lose this battle. With a groan, she pulled herself up from the ground, dragging herself upright and forcing herself to remain there. Shaking her head, trying to free herself of the headache that wracked her, Cho staggered to the door, her footsteps slow and unsteady. She employed the old technique, the basic rule of survival: keep on moving. She didn't know where she was going. She didn't know how long it would take. She would take one step, then stop and gasp for air. It was a nightmarish walk, navigating through bookshelves she could faintly make out through a red mist of exhaustion, stepping over bodies and random body parts she didn't want to focus on. Finally, painfully, she was at the door. It was heavy. Cho leant on the wood, panting, gasping for air. She glanced down at the Mirror and saw with horror the blood that was covering its surface. Blood that belonged to her. Her clothes were saturated in red, and it felt cold and sticky, especially at her back. Cho wondered how deep the wounds were, to be letting out so much blood like that. Cho clutched her scythe so tightly her knuckles turned white. Its blade was dripping blood, too. Dried gore clustered on the face. She was satisfied just looking at it. The blood wasn't hers, for once. It belonged to someone else. I want to go home, she begged the door silently, trying to push it open, knowing that she wasn't strong enough to even twist the handle. Please let me go home. It was then she could feel magic warming the cold, dark wood. With a cry, she stumbled away from the door, not daring to touch it. It wasn't pleasant magic. It was magic of the Dark Arts. She watched, wide-eyed, as a portal opened in the door. Enter, Cho, hurry! The voice was familiar. It was filled with compassion and tenderness and concern, perhaps even pride. Cho knew the voice well. She took one step, immersing herself within the portal, holding her scythe and the Starflower Mirror close to her. The portal closed behind her. Leaving a bloody trail behind. ~*~ His grip was reassuring. Hermione tossed her head, throwing her hair back from her face. She should have tied it up, she berated herself, bound it back so that it didn't hinder her in battle. Together they advanced on the two Dementors guarding the one and only entrance in - and out - of Azkaban. They went rigid at their approach, drifting closer together, blocking the entrance with their bodies. And, suddenly, so abrupt that Hermione had no time to respond, a wave of shattering iciness cascaded over her head. She recoiled physically, instinctively curving into a ball, seeking cover and finding none. Only Draco insistently tugging at her hand stopped her from doing so. Her heart drummed against her chest in fear. The coldness was like a mist, a fog that wrapped around her firmly and tightly, offering no means of escape. Desperation reflected in her eyes. Hermione felt like fighting - but fighting what? It was confusing, frightening, unnatural. Blindly she stumbled forward, only a few meters away from the hooded, menacing forms. Again, Draco's touch was like a beacon in the darkness. He guided her, and finally he spoke, voice breaking the spell the Dementors had her in. "Hermione?" She gasped, shaking her head, and felt a certain amount of warmth return to her. It was then she realized that they had stopped, and that the Dementors were swiftly moving toward them. The witch entwined her fingers even more unyieldingly over Draco's, knowing that his cool flesh was the only lifeline she had through the cold. His face was pale, and he endured the same turmoil of feelings Hermione was going through, but Draco was used to it and better equipped for the shock. "Now," he whispered. Hermione immediately centered her thoughts around something happy, something that brought her joy. She thought of... the Hogwarts library? Yes. A warm, comforting place, filled with the smell of parchment, the power of knowledge. Hermione thought of the books neatly shelved, of the fact that practically the wizarding world was at her fingertips. Joy spread through her, just thinking of that place, knowing, that she had found many answers to the baffling questions the three of them - Harry, Ron, and herself - faced, there. It was a place that she felt certain and sure in, in control. It was a place where she found serenity and calm. "Expecto Patronum!" She was surprised at the strength in which her voice rang out. Instantly something erupted from the tip of her outstretched wand, something ethereal and seemed to be made from ether itself. It was silvery, more a hint than a presence, a creature that was beautiful and terrifying all at once. It was... Hermione gasped. A phoenix? The bird did not make any sound, but it held its head high and regarded Hermione. She stared back wonderingly. The phoenix seemed to think that she worthy for it to serve as a protector, as it winged high into the air. Its feathers ruffled in the breeze, and it stayed gracefully in the sky, a formidable outline against the moon; the only sound that came from it was a calm rustling of its wings as they flapped gently up and down. The phoenix was large - she could have ridden on its back easily. She glanced quickly to her right, searching for Draco's Patronus and finding it instantaneously. It was a serpent, made of the same unearthly substance that composed her phoenix. It was positioned in front of them protectively. It resembled a Basilisk, but more slender, its movements more lithe. It turned its head, and Hermione was surprised at its eyes as they shone on her. They were large and gentle, more like that of an innocent child's than a poisonous serpent's. She couldn't help but smile at the serpent, and its eyes seemed to sparkle at her. Without warning, Draco grunted and seemed to go rigid. Hermione raised her head to look at him - and she felt the magic rip through her. She let out a cry herself. The intensity was amazing. She could feel Draco's aura toy with hers, their hands serving as a connection for both their magic. It pulsed inside her, a rush that could not be explained in words. Lights seemed to play in front of her eyes. The coldness she had experienced was wiped out entirely, and she felt like she was levitating, floating, in a place of bliss and tranquility. Finally the diverse powers melted into each other... and at that point, Hermione knew she would be connected to Draco in a way she had thought impossible. Her skin tingled dangerously and she could practically smell the magic in the air. It was then their respective Patronus attacked. The phoenix swooped low and seemed to pass a wing through one of the Dementors. A tense moment of stillness elapsed, and the Dementor just melted away, disappeared in a snap and a crackle. The serpent took care of the rest. It swept its tail through the remaining two, and they too vanished without a trace. "Easy enough," Draco muttered. But he too felt the connection drawing himself closer to Hermione. She pressed against him, against his shoulder. She could feel the light shimmering down now, the magic settling deep into her heart, and she felt a little more comfortable with moving. The initial shock had passed, and her body was quickly adjusting. Hermione noticed that the Patronus seemed to pulse with a light that was purer than the one before the magic had rushed through her. Their silhouettes were more prominent; expressions more detailed. The serpent led the way confidently, into the maze of cells, and the phoenix followed above. They seemed to take comfort in the presence of the other. Draco and Hermione followed cautiously behind. ~*~ Cho gave a gasp and was thrown onto the ground. The portal coughed unpleasantly behind her and glistened weakly before dissolving back into the air. "Are you all right?" the tone was concerned - rarely heard. Cho pulled herself to her feet. Her scythe and the Starflower Mirror lay by her side. "I'm sorry, Master," she said, risking a glance at Voldemort, her heart sinking. He gave a harsh laugh. "I treat you as a daughter of darkness, Cho Chang. You know that I favor you. I don't want to lose another Death Eater, particularly one as competent as you." "Another Death Eater?" The cloaked figure heaved a sigh, voice dripping with bitterness. "Vincent Crabbe. He was caught and killed by that Auror - Dean Thomas." "If I may say so, Master, you're well rid of Crabbe." "No doubt," he replied flippantly. "But that's one Death Eater less. At any rate, Cho, that portal was a healing one. How do you feel now?" She examined her body, her eyes widening. She was no longer hurt or scarred in any way. The pain, the ache, the blood... they were gone entirely. "I'm fine, Master. I am indebted." "You can start paying off that debt by going over to Azkaban. I have only a few minutes ago mastered the magic of portals and I will send you over to join Draco. Help him in his quest." "Certainly, Master." She perked up. "It will be fun." ~*~ Draco dashed into the maze, following his serpent and Hermione's phoenix, paying heed to where they were going so that if he and Hermione separated and the Patronus disappeared, he would know how to get out of there. Their Patronus herded Dementors ahead of them. A few moments ago, Draco had given them the order to start rounding up all the Dementors. Hermione tugged at his hand. "I have to go, I have to start on my part." Her eyes searched his. Draco didn't want to break the bond that united them, but he agreed wordlessly. He let go of Hermione's hand. A bitter emptiness replaced the void which Hermione's magic had filled before. Draco tried to shake it off as he gestured at a series of cells that branched off. Hermione took off down them. His serpent seemed to feel the disconnection as it shivered slightly, the light dimming. Hermione's phoenix remained, understanding the orders Hermione had issued - for it to stay and round up the Dementors. Draco systematically checked the entire Azkaban. The wizards entrapped behind bars were yelling, screaming for him to save them as he swept past. Their pleas fell on deaf ears. The Dementors were more than willing to follow him, but his command on them would be nonexistent if he hadn't a couple of Patronus guarding him. They were disgruntled that he had snatched away their reins of authority so suddenly. Hermione sprinted down the corridor, dark eyes sweeping from cell to cell, frantically seeking for a well-loved man. She turned sharply, heel pivoting, and raced down the next corridor, and the next, and the next... "Hermione!" The shout was incredulous, shocked, and the voice was hoarse. She skidded, nearly falling over in her anticipation, and turned to look into Sirius Black's coffee-colored eyes. "Oh my God, Sirius," she breathed. The eyes, the gaunt face, the physique; she scanned them all. Indeed, it was Sirius Black, once again wrongly accused, Harry's godfather. She reached out and held his hands through the cold metal bars. "What the hell are you doing here? With a Malfoy?" Sirius's eyes ticked back and forth, distressed. He drew a sharp, pained gasp. "You're not - " "Are you mad?" Hermione asked vehemently. "Of course not!" "God, Hermione, you've grown." "No time for that now," she said briskly. She stepped back and tapped her wand on the lock that deluded Sirius of his freedom. "Alohomora!" The bolt sprang open and she yanked the door open. Sirius stepped through and gathered her into a hug. "I've missed you, Hermione, I've missed Harry as well; and everyone else." Hermione hugged back tightly. "I understand. Right now I have something to attend to." "What is it?" Sirius asked in a strained voice, following Hermione as she ran back the way she came. "I'm here with Draco Malfoy," she said in a rush. "Do you remember him?" "Yes, the ferret." Sirius's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I kept in touch with Moody." "I'm not a Death Eater, but I'm here to place all dark wizards under the Imperius spell and lead them to Draco, who will get rid of them. I'll be releasing the wronged wizards and I need you to tell me who. If Voldemort asks, Draco will say that the dark wizards died through the Dementors. Voldemort doesn't need to know about the wronged wizards and witches who're being released." "Not many, at the most five." Hermione pulled out a wand and tossed it to Sirius, who caught it easily. "Closest I could find to your old wand. Tell me where to go and start releasing the wronged wizards yourself." Sirius reeled off a list of names and where they were locked up in. Hermione stored the information away in her memory and set off. ~*~ Draco wanted to scream or throw up. His speech to the Dementors had been made and they were more or less agreeing to serve Voldemort. He just hadn't expected Voldemort to be there. "Master," he said quietly, bowing his head to the cloaked, hooded form. The crimson eyes blinked back at him. "Yes, Draco, you're doing a fine job. We came here by way of a portal." Voldemort gestured at a pulsing opening behind himself and... Cho? The Dementors seemed to understand the exchange that was happening. In scattered groups of ones and twos, they stepped through the portal and were transported elsewhere. "I hear you have a Mudblood with you." "For the Patronus bond, nothing more." "Who is he? Or she?" "She, Master. Hermione Granger." "Ah, a spirited Mudblood. I assume you're going to get rid of her?" "Y - yes, Master. But I think she got caught in the fray, back there." Draco's eyes were fixed on Cho's. Cho caught the lie immediately. She raised her eyebrows at Draco, frowning heavily. "If she hasn't, I would enjoy watching her writhe. Perhaps the Brekcious curse should be practiced?" "I have been doing so, sir," Draco forced out, feeling nauseated. "Excellent." ~*~ Hermione caught Sirius's arm, startling him to a stop. Behind them, the four wizards and one witch halted behind them. "What is the matter?" the witch whispered, silver hair falling over her shoulders. A slight French accent curled and misted over her words. Hermione could not help but stare at the witch for a while, feeling compassion wash over her heart. Gabrielle Delacour was so young, only twenty, and already the Death Eaters infiltrating the Ministry had landed her in jail. Gabrielle had been a very promising Auror and already she had apprehended five Death Eaters and Voldemort supporters in one year of her career. She had been jailed for nearly six months, but her spirit was undiminished. "Voldemort," hissed Sirius venomously. Hermione tried to stifle a giggle as the five people behind them flinched. Harry's influence had been great, and nearly all the lives that he touched were accustomed to using the Dark Lord's name freely. Hermione cursed violently, letting her eyes assess the situation. She could see the tall, spindly-thin back of Voldemort, wrapped in a black cloak. Behind him, back facing them as well, was the lithe figure of Cho Chang. Positioned in their direction was Draco Malfoy, watching coolly as the Dementors disappearing into the portal. "How are we going to get out?" asked Gabrielle softly. "That is the only exit, in and out of Azkaban." "Apparating, Portkey, flying, swimming... " Hermione ran through all the possibilities under her breath. Something clicked. Her Patronus - where was her phoenix? If only she and Draco could touch again, could strengthen the bond between Muggle-born and pureblood, Hermione was certain that it could carry them all out of Azkaban. Not even Voldemort could stand against something so pure, so powerful... could he? She saw it. The phoenix was perched gracefully at one end of the corridor, features twisted in an expression of distaste. Its sharp eyes flicked over at her, and it hissed, expressing something along the lines of disappointment and disgust. At its feet was the serpent, eyes closed; apparently it could not bring itself to watch the wizard who had conjured him. It isn't my fault. Hermione tried to convey the message by looking at the phoenix, looking at it hard. I did not want this to happen! The mystical aura that surrounded the Patronus shivered coldly. After a moment that seemed chained to eternity, the phoenix nodded once. Hermione's heart rose. It believed in her still, even after the evil things it had been forced to do. "Hermione," breathed Sirius. "Is that... your Patronus? The phoenix?" She nodded, parroting the phoenix's graceful incline of the head. "What of the serpent?" asked one of the wizards - Hermione thought his name was George Figg. "Draco's." "The Malfoy's?" George's tone was skeptical. "A serpent that is pure and untainted enough to have such innocence?" "The serpent," Hermione said quietly, feeling rage bubble in her. "Is Draco's. Not 'Malfoy's'." She didn't see Sirius whirling around to stare at her incredulously before his indigance melted away and was replaced by realization, astonishment, disbelief, and a certain resignation. Hermione lifted her hand, a signal of attack. The serpent uncoiled and hissed violently, spurred onto action by the phoenix, which was already circling around Voldemort, Cho, Draco, and the last of the Dementors. ~*~ "What is this?" snapped Voldemort, drawing his wand in one smooth arc. Draco already had his wand out, but he had no intention of harming the Patronus. "They are the Patronus, Master," said Draco quietly. "The serpent is mine, the phoenix is Herm - Granger's." "The Mudblood's?" Draco nodded, not trusting himself to speak. Voldemort scowled and pointed his wand directly at the bird, whose song then was harsh and unforgiving. "Avada Kedava!" The blinding green light went directly through the ghostly creature. It seemed to have no effect at all; but Draco knew better, watching as the phoenix dipped a little lower; flapped slightly weaker. Draco's Patronus seemed incensed at the attack on the phoenix. It lunged forward at one of the Dementors - at its touch, the Dementor dissipated and disappeared. Voldemort howled with rage. "Malfoy, control your Patronus!" A flash of silken brown hair caught his gaze, and he gaped as Hermione darted down the corridor, with five wizards and a witch in tow. She stopped next to him, and motioned for the others to careen onward. The witch led the barrage, bringing her wand out and waving it at the Dementor that blocked their way. The threat seemed harmless enough, although she was yelling like a banshee, but the Dementor hastened to move to one side of the corridor, looking entranced at her silver hair and strange prism eyes. Veela, every molecule of Draco's being screamed at him as he gaped at the Dementor in wonder. He'd never seen the guards of Azkaban back down before. Sirius Black halted at Hermione's side. "What the hell are you trying to do?" Draco heard him shout in horror. "Go on, Sirius," Hermione nearly shrieked back. Her tone was urgent. "Go, before I hex you!" She shoved him toward the door and beckoning freedom. Sirius Black stumbled to the unprotected exit, and Hermione and Draco were left alone with Cho and Voldemort. The Dark Lord was batting at the phoenix and lashing out at the serpent. It was not often that he lost his composure, but it was jarring to see two translucent forms sweeping on you. "Curse you, Patronus!" shrieked Voldemort in a rage. He was cursing and hexing fiercely, but they seemed to have no effect at all on the Patronus. Cho grabbed at the last rational thought that invaded her mind. She backed off down the corridor, her wand spewing out red sparks, trying to lure one of the Patronus toward her so that Voldemort would be less distracted. The tactic was not working; the Patronus seemed too fixated on Voldemort to notice anything else. Exasperated, Cho shot a stream of red jets through the serpent. It turned its head to regard her. Hermione snatched wildly at Draco's free arm, and the magic came smoothly this time. The Patronus appeared rejuvenated - they were more clearly outlined, and the serpent lost interest in Cho. After a while, Draco allowed his wand hand to fall from his side, not trying to keep up a pretense any longer. Voldemort was too busy with the Patronus to realize that one of his right-hand men was making no move to aid him. But Cho did. She stared at Draco, her best friend, her eyes widening in horror. Slowly, methodically, she glanced from Draco to Hermione, intent on their pale faces, their touch. She drew a future then, tugging it out from their movement and expressions bit by bit. She saw, in misty shapes and figures, what the future held for them both. Cho realized that she wasn't that dark a seer after all. Bloody hell, Draco. You're going to fall in love with her. Cho has a nice side! Yay! *slaps self* Stupid Elluxion. I keep forgetting this is supposed to be a dark fic, but I love H/D so much. *sappy smile* I found that this chapter was a little draggy, a little repeating, and maybe a tad awkward as well. It's also the longest chapter I've ever written. *sighs* Should start cutting the length, really. Sitting in front of a computer monitor for 2 hours daily can't possibly do any good to your health. All right, all right, 6 hours daily. For the first time ever, I copied the entire 16 pages into Microsoft Word and ran it through Spellcheck. It was then I realized that 'indigance' isn't even a word... or is it? 0.o;; Elluxion |