Disclaimer: All characters and places mentioned except Charles and Zargot belong to the inspirational J. K. Rowling.
Harry Potter and the Body Snatcher, Chapter 3;
"I want to thank you all once again for honouring my invitation," Dumbledore announced to the solemn gathering, "I'm sorry we couldn't have met at a more…convenient venue,"
A snort was heard, but at among the tightly wedged crowd in the small living room of the Burrow, its source could not be identified.
"But secrecy must be ensured, and besides, it is not wise for certain members of our group to be spotted in public." All eyes fell on Harry Potter.
Cornelius Fudge cleared his throat loudly, a few dirty looks came his way; he was the only one apart from Dumbledore sitting comfortably in his own chair.
"Really Dumbledore, I don't see the need for all the 'secrecy'. What I want to know is why the entire ministry workforce is present at this-" he paused and casually glanced at the cobwebs, "-humble abode."
"A suitable question. I think it is about time that certain matters must be addressed." Fudge's face immediately hardened, "Albus, for the last time, the Dark Lord has not risen!" The atmosphere was suddenly very tense.
Dumbledore let out a long sigh, but Fudge continued, "The testimonies of a deranged convict, incompetent teachers, misguided minors and a series of unfortunate events cannot and will not lead me to believe other than the obvious."
"I have said it once and I will say it again; you are blinded by your love of office," Fudge flushed red, " And since you will do nothing to protect us, I have taken it upon myself."
The gathering had evidently divided, one group squashed around Fudge; they looked, confused and desperate, desperate to believe that the dark days were not upon them once again.
He other group crowded around Dumbledore, they were angry, angry that they were once again heading straight into the arms of the evil one.
"I will pretend I didn't hear that," whispered Fudge, breathing heavily, " I would however, like to know what resources you are squandering on this futile mission."
"I can't, of course, disclose certain things-"
"I'M THE MINISTER OF MAGIC, DAMMIT!"
"-But what I can say is that a hand of friendship is being offered to the giants."
Fudge took deep long breaths, as if to steady himself.
"So you embarked on this venture even though you were under strict orders not to do so, and put lives in danger in the process."
"I have received no official notification restricting me from approaching the giants," smiled Dumbledore.
"I can see this is going to be a futile debate, " sighed Fudge, "Let's put it to vote."
"That's an excellent proposal, all those in favour of protecting life from this evil, please say I."
There was a moment's hesitation, then almost the whole room muttered, "I."
Fudge glared around, as if accusing them all of treachery.
"I cannot take any more of this!" he burst. He snatched his lime-green bowler hat, a few people also gathered their belongings and fled before him.
"Just let it be recorded in history that I took no part in this scheme to disrupt the peace of our society!"
"I can assure you that you'll regret saying that."
"And as for you!" he spat at the people huddled around the headmaster, "You can forget about coming to the headquarters, I'm sure there are more competent people."
There was a barrage of cursing. Fudge looked pleased with himself, "Already regretting, aren't you?" He glared around the room again.
"You shall receive your months salary in a days time." He announced, and then marched out.
Dumbledore sighed once again, as people begun congratulating each other for finally seeing sense and giving general encouragement.
"It's begun…"
Hermione entwined her fingers nervously as Charles finished bandaging Zargot's arm.
"Iz he going to be able to fly again?" asked Krum, "Yes, sir. Just after a few days rest." He carried the unconscious owl away.
"Zo! (So!)" He exclaimed and stared at Hermione, "Vot was the alibi?"
"Victor, this wasn't intentional."
"Vot?" Krum exploded, jumping up. Hermione had never seen him so angry. "Zargot was obvoizly azolted! Izn't it obvious? Veasley did it because you are here with me."
"Nonsense, Victor!" Hermione laughed, "Ron wouldn't hurt a fly! Okay…maybe a spider… but he is incapable of doing such a thing. Besides, there isn't even anything going on between us."
Krum suddenly became quite rigid. "I'm tired he said, looking very hurt, "Why? Are you not feeling well?"
"No, just tired."
Krum slouched out of the room, leaving Hemione savouring a cup of mint tea.
How could she zay that? Krum thought to himself as the wind whipped against his face.
After all that I've given her, all that I've done for her, why can't she see it? He deftly winded his way through the forest he was flying though.
The mansion came within sight and he steered his broom through his open bedroom window. He decided to rest after a quick shower.
He thought as he lay on the bed his hands tucked under his head. Why couldn't Hermione figure it out? Did he have to spell it out for her? The thoughts continued whizzing through his head as sleep overtook him. At that moment, something resembling a shadow crept towards him.
Hermione took a note from her book when Krum walked through the door. He looked like he had been to hell and back.
"Victor!" she gasped, "What happened to you? Did you get into a fight or something?"
He casually brushed her hands away from him.
"Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked, Krum suddenly smiled.
"Yes!" he whispered, grabbing her by the arm, "By tasting good."
Hermione screamed and tried to tear away from his painful grasp. "Victor! What's wrong with you?" she cried.
Krum ambled towards her, licking his mouth hungrily. He smashed her face into a wall, Hermione felt the warm blood trickle out. Krum slashed at her repeatedly, causing bloody wounds to appear.
In blind fear, Hermione reached for a vase and crashed it into his face. That stopped him for a few moments. She took the opportunity to run out of the room.
She reached her own room and spotted the fireplace. A jar of floo powder stood on the mantelpiece. She through the powder into the flames and practically fell into them. Hermione thought of a place where she could be safe, anywhere away from him. "The Burrow." She whispered as Krum broke the door down and lunged towards her.
A/N: Well, what do you think? I found it a bit hard to portray her horror and dilemma. Tell me your views when you review.