~*~*~
Chapter 7: Tom Riddle
Disclaimer: If you think I own Harry Potter, then you need help ^-^
Thanks: Draco-Is-A-Sex-Bunny (HAHA I think you reviewed enough ^.^),
Melissa Pitt, HalfSlytherin/HalfAngel, Elenora, HermionesTwin, pupulupk,
April, PsYcHoJo, Alivia, Emerald~*~*~*~ (Pretty sparkles ^_^), Draco-luver,
PassionPolice237 (nice long review, thanks I love those!), AiRFiRe, b.b,
Samantha, dragonz-lil-baby16, Lauren, urbabyangelxo, nina217, Krissy and
Faerie Lover ~*IF I FORGOT ANYONE YOU CAN SLAP ME _*~
A/N: OMG! You guys are the greatest! I feel as if there is absolutely no
pressure right now! A BIG thanks to all of you!!!! You guys just totally
rock! ~*squee*~ I hope you enjoy this chapter which is dedicated to a
friend of mine: Draco-Luver! (Big hugs and glomps to you ^_^)
Also be sure to note that I am leaving the A/N there for people
who read this later on ^.~ NO OoTP IN THIS FIC! That means no spoilers for
the book either ^_^
~*~
Hermione was extremely restless for the past few days. There was no doubt
that Arabella had informed the other adults of the Death Eaters. They all
seemed to be more on the alert then ever, and they were constantly out of
the house as if they were investigating the Death Eaters' location. This
was a bit depressing, because no one seemed to keep a good eye on the
house.
Draco seemed to be improving slightly. Hermione always spent time with him,
and never wanted to leave his side. Draco was currently complaining about
having to stay in bed, "Hermione, this is ridiculous! Can't I go outside,
and play Quidditch with Potter and Weasley? I want to beat their sorry
arses."
Hermione chuckled and shook her head, "No. I know that you really want to,
but until you are recovered, you have to stay in bed."
Draco's blue-gray eyes became full of anxiety, "And when exactly will I
recover, Hermione? It feels like I have been in this bed forever. I don't
see what the big deal is."
Hermione lowered her eyes to the floor, "Well, I can't exactly say-"
"Hermione? What is it that you are hiding from me?"
"N-Nothing, Draco. Absolutely nothing."
Draco raised an eyebrow as though he really doubted that, but he decided
not to press the subject. They instead talked about what they would like to
do when they got back to school. Draco laughing, "I would love to hex Goyle
and Crabbe. Some friends they have been. Not writing or anything."
Hermione smirked, "I thought you told me they didn't know how to write?"
"Maybe I did." Draco replied, "I wonder how the other Slytherins are
doing..."
Hermione snorted, "I am sure they are just fine. After all, they were
spared. I am concerned about the Gryffindors! And the Hufflepuffs and
Ravenclaws."
Hermione and Draco sat in silence for a while. They were both thinking the
same thing. What was Voldemort's plan at Hogwarts, and what happened to the
students?
~*~*~
Arabella grabbed Severus's arm and whispered, "Hurry. Over here. It's our
friend, Avery. I wonder why he is acting like that?"
Severus looked over to where she was pointing and frowned. Avery was a
fool. A most pathetic fool. There he was in broad daylight dancing around
like an insane convict from Mungo's, in the middle of Ginvol Recag. His
green eyes were glittering, and he was talking about random stuff to random
people. Arabella shook her head, "He is being rather stupid. Isn't he at
all worried of the consequences if he gets caught?"
"Gets caught?" Severus replied in disbelief, "You're kidding right? No one
would ever believe that this idiot would be a capable Death Eater. They
probably think he is some mentally disturbed-"
"I guess you're right." Arabella interrupted, "So now what? Do we confront
him here or-"
Severus smirked, "Leave this to me. I have a bit of an idea. And if I plan
right this idea will lead me right to our friend Lucius."
Arabella shook her head, "Are you kidding me? What if Avery recognizes you
Severus? Or even worse what if Lucius recognizes you! He was able to
recognize, Hermione, and he barely knew her. Avery went to school with us.
He is going to know who you are. And Lucius? He was your best friend! You
can't just walk up to them like this!"
Severus rolled his black eyes, "Do you really think I am as dumb as Avery
is, Arabella? I brought with me this one little sample of Polyjuice
Potion."
Arabella pursed her lips, "Is that so? Just may I ask who are you going to
turn into?"
Severus shook his head his smirk broadening, "I would rather not tell you.
That would take a lot of explaining, and-"
"Severus." Arabella said warningly, "You better not have done anything
illegal."
"Come on!" Severus replied loudly, "It's not that big of a deal. I mugged
some dim-witted drunk at the Pub last night, and took some hair of his.
Okay? Now, please let me go somewhere and transform, and keep your eye on
Avery."
"Gotcha." Arabella muttered as she watched Severus head for a dark
alleyway, "A drunk eh? Well, good luck."
~*~*~
Severus felt confident in his disguise. There was no way now that Avery
would know who he was. Instead of having dark hair, and dark eyes, Severus
now had red hair, and gray eyes. Severus was now much shorter then before.
**I look like a Weasley, but it's better then nothing.**
This plan could not fail. Severus looked over and saw him. Avery. **Time to
have some fun** Severus thought confidently, as he approached Avery.
Avery was about to head into one of the pubs when Severus said loudly,
"Excuse me, I need someone who knows their way around, and you seem to be
the intelligent type who can help me."
"Huh?" Avery spun around frantically. He looked at Severus and took
everything in. Severus continued to smile, "Yes, I was talking to you! Do
you think that you could help me?"
"Excuse me, but I really haven't been here before. Actually this is only my
third day here." Avery said softly, "No, you would be better off asking
someone else.."
Severus put on a fake smile of disbelief, "Wow, and to think that I thought
you were one of the locals. Must have been my mistake, sir."
Avery chuckled, "Oh no. And I shouldn't be here much longer, I hope. I miss
England. I would rather be there right now, but my companion seems kind of
hung up on this whole business. I dare not say anything. He can be pretty
scary, you know."
Severus thought to himself, **Wow, you really are stupid.** But to Avery he
said, "Business. That sounds interesting."
Avery nodded, "Oh yes! It is very much so. You seem like a nice person.
What is your name anyway?"
Severus grinned, and thought of a great name. **Time to press my luck.** he
thought mischievously.
"Call me, Nilam. Just Nilam."
Avery suddenly frowned, "Nilam, you say? I remember I used to know a guy
named Nilam back at Hogwarts. He was some kind of prefect or something.
Then in his seventh year, he was Head Boy. Kind of 'stuck up' too, if you
ask me. It's a bit odd that someone like you has that name. It's not very
common."
"Wow! That is such a coincidence." Severus replied, "Was this Nilam a
friend of yours?"
Avery scowled, and snarled, "No! He was not the nicest guy. He was always
fascinated with odd things. We never got along! He was also such a jerk and
I remember once he-"
"AVERY! Who is it that you are chatting with? Not another prostitute I
hope. Get back inside!"
Severus could recognize that voice anywhere, **Here he is. My best buddy.**
Avery spun around, and waved to Lucius, who was looking irritated "Oh, just
someone. His name is Nilam, Lucius!"
Lucius's eyes grew wide with shock as stared at the redheaded stranger in
front of him, "What did you say your name was?!?" he demanded vociferously.
Severus tried his best to keep from laughing out loud, "My name is Nilam.
Nice to meet you, sir."
"N-N-Nilam?" Lucius said in disbelief, "You are Nilam?!"
Severus couldn't help but press his luck even further, "Why is it that you
seem so fascinated with my name, sir? It's just a name after all. Sir, are
you okay?"
Lucius sighed and looked at the ground, "I had a brother named, Nilam. It
is just weird calling someone else that. He was the only Nilam I knew
anyway."
"Really? And why the 'had?' Where is he?" Severus said in a sickeningly
sweet voice.
Avery was about to speak, but Lucius cut him off, "He's dead if you wish to
know. He's been dead for quite awhile, and I really don't like talking
about him. We were never close, even as children. Long story."
**Because you murdered him** Severus thought bitterly, but he said, "Oh, I
am so sorry to hear that. It must be tragic!"
Lucius shrugged, "Don't worry about it. He's not the only relative I have
lost. Sometimes I-wait a second. Why am I telling you this?"
"Lucius. Avery." It was voice of a teenage boy, and from the voice he
sounded not much older then Draco. "Who is it?"
Severus looked up. There was a teenager in fact standing there, behind
Lucius. He had unruly black hair, and dark piercing eyes. He was also
wearing dark colored robes. Everything about him seemed to give off an aura
of coldness. Lucius turned around and muttered, "This is..Nilam."
"I see." He snapped coldly, "Well I suggest that 'Mr. Nilam' should go and
continue his business elsewhere. You two shouldn't be out here anyway. How
many times do I have to tell you? Lucius I thought you had more sense, and
Avery.well."
"I was going to get Avery." Lucius snapped, while Avery was chuckling, "And
stop laughing Avery!"
Severus smirked, "No reason to get angry...I will go." But he thought to
himself **Who the hell is this kid, and why is he with two Death Eaters?**
~*~*~
Ginny was bored. Extremely bored. She was sitting on the porch, and was
twirling her red hair idly. Ginny sighed, and looked up as Harry and Ron
played Quidditch. She had a strong urge to go join them just to get rid her
boredom. Then she heard footsteps.
Pansy slowly came out of the back door. Her blonde hair was pulled back,
and her blue eyes were red. **Probably from crying again** Ginny thought.
Ginny smiled in an effort to console Pansy, "What's up?"
"Draco." Pansy muttered sadly, "I don't know what I can say to make him
feel any better. Hermione is doing all that she can, but that is only so
much. I mean, he is going to die. He is so young and everything. I can't
help but wonder what the hell happened."
Ginny nodded, and sighed deeply, "I wish I could answer that for you. But
the only thing that Draco said happened was that he heard a voice. I don't
know what that is about but-"
Ginny suddenly stopped talking. She had a feeling that there was someone
watching her. Ginny spun around, but she saw absolutely nothing. Pansy
looked confused, "Something wrong?"
Ginny trembled, "I have this weird feeling that something is going to
happen to me, Pansy."
"Really?" Pansy said loudly, "Ginny are you sure?"
"Yes." Ginny replied firmly, "Someone is watching us, Pansy."
Pansy let out a yelp, and said, "We better go inside then, if you feel so
strongly about it! Come on!"
Ginny protested, "Just give me a second!"
Pansy watched as Ginny walked to the other side of the garden. She
shrugged, and walked back inside the mansion.
~*~*~
Lucius mumbled as he glared into Severus's eyes, "Listen, Nilam. I better
head inside. I don't want him getting pissed."
Avery pushed Lucius aside, and started dancing in the pub's main lobby, and
then he slowly followed the mysterious teen. "WAIT FOR ME!!!"
Severus still couldn't believe a measly kid would be hanging out with two
very dangerous people. And the fact that Lucius seemed a little scared of
this kid made it even more unbelievable. Severus had to think fast. He
needed to get information somehow, "I bet it feels really funny calling
someone like me Nilam huh?"
Lucius shrugged, "Yeah, quite a bit. Is there anything else I can help you
with? Because I don't want to get into anymore trouble."
"Maybe you can." Severus said quickly "Ummmm ergh-"
"Listen, I need a favor." Lucius said as he watched Avery getting screamed
at by the dark haired teenager.
Severus stared at Lucius blankly. Whatever answer he was expecting, it
wasn't that. Why the hell would Lucius Malfoy ask some random drunk for a
favor? Severus raised his eyebrows, and glared harshly, "It depends on
EXCATLY what the favor is."
"No need to get indignant." Lucius said defensively, "It's just that I
really need to get this done, and I-"
"LUCIUS! Get your ass in here!" the teenager shouted angrily, "What are you
doing? Flirting with this person? GET INSIDE!"
Severus was shocked. Lucius was a horrible Death Eater, and no one ever
spoke to him like that. Especially a kid. This man murdered his own
daughter for goodness sake. What happened next surprised Severus even more.
Lucius shook his head, and he didn't seem at all angry that he was just
berated, "Listen! I really have to go. Maybe we can talk some other t-t-
time. Meet me. Tonight at around nine at Rabety Lane. Bye Nilam."
~*~*~
"Do you think he cracked up?" Arabella asked stunned to hear the news, "You
better NOT meet him, Severus. What if it is a plan to kill you?"
Severus looked out the window, "Why would he kill me? He has no clue who I
am!"
"STILL!" Arabella protested as she squirmed nervously in a plush armchair
with golden embroideries "It is a bad idea!"
Severus shook his head, "I really don't know about that. It is a way to get
more information, and I have little bit of Polyjuice Potion left. And to
answer your earlier question: I thought Lucius was already crazy. But don't
you think it is odd how they have some kid with them. I wonder what is
going on. They have an evil plan, no doubt about it, but-"
The two were back at Desdemona's mansion, and they were no closer to
finding out what the Death Eaters plans were. They were in the dark, and
were utterly clueless. If they only knew what was to happen next. Severus
was certain that he should meet Lucius. If Lucius was careless enough, he
would let something slip, and then it would make their job a hell of a lot
easier. But Arabella refused. "It is dangerous!" she kept saying whenever
Severus brought up the idea.
"Why the fuck did HE ask ME to do HIM a favor?!" Severus suddenly snapped
loudly making Arabella jump.
Arabella was about to answer, but she was interrupted. Harry burst into the
room. He was looking terribly shaken and upset as though he had witnessed
something horrible. Severus rolled his eyes impatiently, "What is it
Potter?"
"G-G-Ginny is gone!" Harry screamed shrilly, "We looked everywhere, and no
one can find her!"
~*~*~
Hermione was panicking and was pacing around Draco's room. How could this
happen? Draco noticed that she was really upset and wasn't too sure of what
to say to her. "Hermione? Honey? Are you okay?"
Hermione tried to smile, "Y-Y-Yes, I'm just fine."
"Don't lie." Draco snapped, "You are far from okay. Something is up. I am
not a dumb ass. I know when something is wrong."
"Nothing is wrong." Hermione growled angrily, "You don't have to worry
about a thing."
"Quit treating me like I am two!" Draco retorted, "What is the matter with
you people? You won't let me leave this room or tell me anything that is
happening. I have a right to know."
Hermione lowered her eyes, and her lip trembled. He was right and she knew
it. Hermione sat on the edge of Draco's bed and stared right into his eyes,
"Ginny Weasley is missing."
Draco gasped, "SHIT! Are you sure? Have you checked everywhere?"
Hermione nodded, "I am sure. Desdemona sent the House Elves to look
everywhere. They came back empty handed except for one note. It was in
Ginny's handwriting, and it said something about her feeling depressed and
now she was never going to come back. It seemed like a suicide note."
Draco immediately hopped out of bed and was marching out the door, "That is
complete bullshit! Ginny would not say something like that. This is my
father's doing! I know it! Come on, Hermione!"
Hermione sighed deeply, and followed Draco down the hall. They walked in
complete silence until they reached the main parlor. Everyone was gathered
around Desdemona who was speaking to a tiny House Elf. As soon as Draco and
Hermione entered, Desdemona spun around and snapped at Draco, "You! You
should be in bed! SHOO!"
Narcissa glared, "Oh, shut up, Desdemona! He has just as much of a right to
know what is going on as any of us. Why don't you keep asking the witness
questions."
Desdemona clenched her fists, but muttered, "Very well. This House Elf,
Freya, is the only actually witness I could find. She believes that she saw
the kidnapper involved with Miss Weasley's disappearance."
"Kidnapper!" Hermione cried.
Freya was trembling and her big brown eyes were a sparkle with tears. The
poor elf seemed frightened out of her wits. Hermione whimpered, "You poor
thing."
Ron was sitting nearby Freya, and he said in a shaky voice, "W-W-What
happened to my sister?"
Freya took a deep breath, stared at everyone, and started her story, "Well,
Freya was in the backyard making sure Mistress's flower garden looked
perfect for spring. Then as Freya was double checking the roses, she saw a
tall young man walking toward Miss Weasley."
"What did he look like!" Draco demanded immediately, "Did he have hair like
mine? How about gray eyes?"
Freya shook her head, "None of those qualities, sir. Actually, he had very
dark hair. More like his."
Freya pointed at Harry, who was looking even more shocked. Freya nodded,
"Yup, he looked a lot like you, sir. He was about your age too. Well, Miss
Weasley put up quite a fight. It seemed that she couldn't believe her eyes,
but she also seemed to know the person. Freya heard her say, 'Tom! Is that
really you?'"
Harry suddenly stood up and shouted, "DID YOU JUST SAY TOM! You can't mean
Tom Riddle!"
"Freya did, sir," Freya replied coolly, "She said 'Tom' loud and clear. But
after the shock Miss Weasley put up quite a struggle, but it was too late.
As soon as Freya got the feeling back in her legs, Miss Weasley, and Sir
Tom were gone."
Everyone was sitting in silence, except for Harry who continued to freak
out, "You know what this means! It's Tom Riddle! He's here! How I don't
know, but he means harm to Ginny!"
"Harry, calm down." Remus said softly, "We will figure something out, and
Ginny will be safe."
"How am I supposed to calm down?" Harry snapped as Pansy burst into tears.
"What is the matter with you, Miss Parkinson?" Desdemona said coldly, "If
you can't control yourself, leave!"
Pansy was shrieking loudly, "It's all my damn fault! I could have stopped
him! I should have just stayed outside with Ginny! Why am I so stupid!"
Ron went up to Pansy, and put his arm around her in an effort to comfort
her. "Pansy, nothing is your fault. Even if you did stay with Ginny I
sorely doubt that you would have been able to stop Tom. He could have even
killed you."
The nearby clock chimed loudly. It was eight thirty. "Shit!" Severus
grumbled, "I have to go into town!"
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "What for? This is an emergency!"
Everyone stared at Severus as he muttered, "I-I-I have to pick something
up. I won't be long, I swear! Bye!"
He the room quickly, and Arabella shook her head, and thought **He's insane
Next he will be hurt and the last thing we need is more problems.**
Desdemona pursed her lips angrily, "Well, go back to where you belong
Freya. We will try to sort this out. WE being the ADULTS! You kids go find
something to do with you time."
Draco glared, and retorted, "I believe it is our business TOO!"
But Narcissa raised her hand, and Draco knew it was not worth arguing
about. Draco scowled, and walked out of the room. Hermione followed him,
and so did everyone else. As Sirius, Narcissa, Remus, Desdemona, and
Arabella were discussing what happened, Draco thought of something. "Let's
all head back to my room. We will figure something out."
~*~
~*WOW! That was long!!!! LOL! I hoped you liked it! Reviews are DEEPLY
appreciated ^_~ I WORKED REALLY HARD ON IT! (Two hours it took me!)
~*Sophiebabe
Chapter 7: Tom Riddle
Disclaimer: If you think I own Harry Potter, then you need help ^-^
Thanks: Draco-Is-A-Sex-Bunny (HAHA I think you reviewed enough ^.^),
Melissa Pitt, HalfSlytherin/HalfAngel, Elenora, HermionesTwin, pupulupk,
April, PsYcHoJo, Alivia, Emerald~*~*~*~ (Pretty sparkles ^_^), Draco-luver,
PassionPolice237 (nice long review, thanks I love those!), AiRFiRe, b.b,
Samantha, dragonz-lil-baby16, Lauren, urbabyangelxo, nina217, Krissy and
Faerie Lover ~*IF I FORGOT ANYONE YOU CAN SLAP ME _*~
A/N: OMG! You guys are the greatest! I feel as if there is absolutely no
pressure right now! A BIG thanks to all of you!!!! You guys just totally
rock! ~*squee*~ I hope you enjoy this chapter which is dedicated to a
friend of mine: Draco-Luver! (Big hugs and glomps to you ^_^)
Also be sure to note that I am leaving the A/N there for people
who read this later on ^.~ NO OoTP IN THIS FIC! That means no spoilers for
the book either ^_^
~*~
Hermione was extremely restless for the past few days. There was no doubt
that Arabella had informed the other adults of the Death Eaters. They all
seemed to be more on the alert then ever, and they were constantly out of
the house as if they were investigating the Death Eaters' location. This
was a bit depressing, because no one seemed to keep a good eye on the
house.
Draco seemed to be improving slightly. Hermione always spent time with him,
and never wanted to leave his side. Draco was currently complaining about
having to stay in bed, "Hermione, this is ridiculous! Can't I go outside,
and play Quidditch with Potter and Weasley? I want to beat their sorry
arses."
Hermione chuckled and shook her head, "No. I know that you really want to,
but until you are recovered, you have to stay in bed."
Draco's blue-gray eyes became full of anxiety, "And when exactly will I
recover, Hermione? It feels like I have been in this bed forever. I don't
see what the big deal is."
Hermione lowered her eyes to the floor, "Well, I can't exactly say-"
"Hermione? What is it that you are hiding from me?"
"N-Nothing, Draco. Absolutely nothing."
Draco raised an eyebrow as though he really doubted that, but he decided
not to press the subject. They instead talked about what they would like to
do when they got back to school. Draco laughing, "I would love to hex Goyle
and Crabbe. Some friends they have been. Not writing or anything."
Hermione smirked, "I thought you told me they didn't know how to write?"
"Maybe I did." Draco replied, "I wonder how the other Slytherins are
doing..."
Hermione snorted, "I am sure they are just fine. After all, they were
spared. I am concerned about the Gryffindors! And the Hufflepuffs and
Ravenclaws."
Hermione and Draco sat in silence for a while. They were both thinking the
same thing. What was Voldemort's plan at Hogwarts, and what happened to the
students?
~*~*~
Arabella grabbed Severus's arm and whispered, "Hurry. Over here. It's our
friend, Avery. I wonder why he is acting like that?"
Severus looked over to where she was pointing and frowned. Avery was a
fool. A most pathetic fool. There he was in broad daylight dancing around
like an insane convict from Mungo's, in the middle of Ginvol Recag. His
green eyes were glittering, and he was talking about random stuff to random
people. Arabella shook her head, "He is being rather stupid. Isn't he at
all worried of the consequences if he gets caught?"
"Gets caught?" Severus replied in disbelief, "You're kidding right? No one
would ever believe that this idiot would be a capable Death Eater. They
probably think he is some mentally disturbed-"
"I guess you're right." Arabella interrupted, "So now what? Do we confront
him here or-"
Severus smirked, "Leave this to me. I have a bit of an idea. And if I plan
right this idea will lead me right to our friend Lucius."
Arabella shook her head, "Are you kidding me? What if Avery recognizes you
Severus? Or even worse what if Lucius recognizes you! He was able to
recognize, Hermione, and he barely knew her. Avery went to school with us.
He is going to know who you are. And Lucius? He was your best friend! You
can't just walk up to them like this!"
Severus rolled his black eyes, "Do you really think I am as dumb as Avery
is, Arabella? I brought with me this one little sample of Polyjuice
Potion."
Arabella pursed her lips, "Is that so? Just may I ask who are you going to
turn into?"
Severus shook his head his smirk broadening, "I would rather not tell you.
That would take a lot of explaining, and-"
"Severus." Arabella said warningly, "You better not have done anything
illegal."
"Come on!" Severus replied loudly, "It's not that big of a deal. I mugged
some dim-witted drunk at the Pub last night, and took some hair of his.
Okay? Now, please let me go somewhere and transform, and keep your eye on
Avery."
"Gotcha." Arabella muttered as she watched Severus head for a dark
alleyway, "A drunk eh? Well, good luck."
~*~*~
Severus felt confident in his disguise. There was no way now that Avery
would know who he was. Instead of having dark hair, and dark eyes, Severus
now had red hair, and gray eyes. Severus was now much shorter then before.
**I look like a Weasley, but it's better then nothing.**
This plan could not fail. Severus looked over and saw him. Avery. **Time to
have some fun** Severus thought confidently, as he approached Avery.
Avery was about to head into one of the pubs when Severus said loudly,
"Excuse me, I need someone who knows their way around, and you seem to be
the intelligent type who can help me."
"Huh?" Avery spun around frantically. He looked at Severus and took
everything in. Severus continued to smile, "Yes, I was talking to you! Do
you think that you could help me?"
"Excuse me, but I really haven't been here before. Actually this is only my
third day here." Avery said softly, "No, you would be better off asking
someone else.."
Severus put on a fake smile of disbelief, "Wow, and to think that I thought
you were one of the locals. Must have been my mistake, sir."
Avery chuckled, "Oh no. And I shouldn't be here much longer, I hope. I miss
England. I would rather be there right now, but my companion seems kind of
hung up on this whole business. I dare not say anything. He can be pretty
scary, you know."
Severus thought to himself, **Wow, you really are stupid.** But to Avery he
said, "Business. That sounds interesting."
Avery nodded, "Oh yes! It is very much so. You seem like a nice person.
What is your name anyway?"
Severus grinned, and thought of a great name. **Time to press my luck.** he
thought mischievously.
"Call me, Nilam. Just Nilam."
Avery suddenly frowned, "Nilam, you say? I remember I used to know a guy
named Nilam back at Hogwarts. He was some kind of prefect or something.
Then in his seventh year, he was Head Boy. Kind of 'stuck up' too, if you
ask me. It's a bit odd that someone like you has that name. It's not very
common."
"Wow! That is such a coincidence." Severus replied, "Was this Nilam a
friend of yours?"
Avery scowled, and snarled, "No! He was not the nicest guy. He was always
fascinated with odd things. We never got along! He was also such a jerk and
I remember once he-"
"AVERY! Who is it that you are chatting with? Not another prostitute I
hope. Get back inside!"
Severus could recognize that voice anywhere, **Here he is. My best buddy.**
Avery spun around, and waved to Lucius, who was looking irritated "Oh, just
someone. His name is Nilam, Lucius!"
Lucius's eyes grew wide with shock as stared at the redheaded stranger in
front of him, "What did you say your name was?!?" he demanded vociferously.
Severus tried his best to keep from laughing out loud, "My name is Nilam.
Nice to meet you, sir."
"N-N-Nilam?" Lucius said in disbelief, "You are Nilam?!"
Severus couldn't help but press his luck even further, "Why is it that you
seem so fascinated with my name, sir? It's just a name after all. Sir, are
you okay?"
Lucius sighed and looked at the ground, "I had a brother named, Nilam. It
is just weird calling someone else that. He was the only Nilam I knew
anyway."
"Really? And why the 'had?' Where is he?" Severus said in a sickeningly
sweet voice.
Avery was about to speak, but Lucius cut him off, "He's dead if you wish to
know. He's been dead for quite awhile, and I really don't like talking
about him. We were never close, even as children. Long story."
**Because you murdered him** Severus thought bitterly, but he said, "Oh, I
am so sorry to hear that. It must be tragic!"
Lucius shrugged, "Don't worry about it. He's not the only relative I have
lost. Sometimes I-wait a second. Why am I telling you this?"
"Lucius. Avery." It was voice of a teenage boy, and from the voice he
sounded not much older then Draco. "Who is it?"
Severus looked up. There was a teenager in fact standing there, behind
Lucius. He had unruly black hair, and dark piercing eyes. He was also
wearing dark colored robes. Everything about him seemed to give off an aura
of coldness. Lucius turned around and muttered, "This is..Nilam."
"I see." He snapped coldly, "Well I suggest that 'Mr. Nilam' should go and
continue his business elsewhere. You two shouldn't be out here anyway. How
many times do I have to tell you? Lucius I thought you had more sense, and
Avery.well."
"I was going to get Avery." Lucius snapped, while Avery was chuckling, "And
stop laughing Avery!"
Severus smirked, "No reason to get angry...I will go." But he thought to
himself **Who the hell is this kid, and why is he with two Death Eaters?**
~*~*~
Ginny was bored. Extremely bored. She was sitting on the porch, and was
twirling her red hair idly. Ginny sighed, and looked up as Harry and Ron
played Quidditch. She had a strong urge to go join them just to get rid her
boredom. Then she heard footsteps.
Pansy slowly came out of the back door. Her blonde hair was pulled back,
and her blue eyes were red. **Probably from crying again** Ginny thought.
Ginny smiled in an effort to console Pansy, "What's up?"
"Draco." Pansy muttered sadly, "I don't know what I can say to make him
feel any better. Hermione is doing all that she can, but that is only so
much. I mean, he is going to die. He is so young and everything. I can't
help but wonder what the hell happened."
Ginny nodded, and sighed deeply, "I wish I could answer that for you. But
the only thing that Draco said happened was that he heard a voice. I don't
know what that is about but-"
Ginny suddenly stopped talking. She had a feeling that there was someone
watching her. Ginny spun around, but she saw absolutely nothing. Pansy
looked confused, "Something wrong?"
Ginny trembled, "I have this weird feeling that something is going to
happen to me, Pansy."
"Really?" Pansy said loudly, "Ginny are you sure?"
"Yes." Ginny replied firmly, "Someone is watching us, Pansy."
Pansy let out a yelp, and said, "We better go inside then, if you feel so
strongly about it! Come on!"
Ginny protested, "Just give me a second!"
Pansy watched as Ginny walked to the other side of the garden. She
shrugged, and walked back inside the mansion.
~*~*~
Lucius mumbled as he glared into Severus's eyes, "Listen, Nilam. I better
head inside. I don't want him getting pissed."
Avery pushed Lucius aside, and started dancing in the pub's main lobby, and
then he slowly followed the mysterious teen. "WAIT FOR ME!!!"
Severus still couldn't believe a measly kid would be hanging out with two
very dangerous people. And the fact that Lucius seemed a little scared of
this kid made it even more unbelievable. Severus had to think fast. He
needed to get information somehow, "I bet it feels really funny calling
someone like me Nilam huh?"
Lucius shrugged, "Yeah, quite a bit. Is there anything else I can help you
with? Because I don't want to get into anymore trouble."
"Maybe you can." Severus said quickly "Ummmm ergh-"
"Listen, I need a favor." Lucius said as he watched Avery getting screamed
at by the dark haired teenager.
Severus stared at Lucius blankly. Whatever answer he was expecting, it
wasn't that. Why the hell would Lucius Malfoy ask some random drunk for a
favor? Severus raised his eyebrows, and glared harshly, "It depends on
EXCATLY what the favor is."
"No need to get indignant." Lucius said defensively, "It's just that I
really need to get this done, and I-"
"LUCIUS! Get your ass in here!" the teenager shouted angrily, "What are you
doing? Flirting with this person? GET INSIDE!"
Severus was shocked. Lucius was a horrible Death Eater, and no one ever
spoke to him like that. Especially a kid. This man murdered his own
daughter for goodness sake. What happened next surprised Severus even more.
Lucius shook his head, and he didn't seem at all angry that he was just
berated, "Listen! I really have to go. Maybe we can talk some other t-t-
time. Meet me. Tonight at around nine at Rabety Lane. Bye Nilam."
~*~*~
"Do you think he cracked up?" Arabella asked stunned to hear the news, "You
better NOT meet him, Severus. What if it is a plan to kill you?"
Severus looked out the window, "Why would he kill me? He has no clue who I
am!"
"STILL!" Arabella protested as she squirmed nervously in a plush armchair
with golden embroideries "It is a bad idea!"
Severus shook his head, "I really don't know about that. It is a way to get
more information, and I have little bit of Polyjuice Potion left. And to
answer your earlier question: I thought Lucius was already crazy. But don't
you think it is odd how they have some kid with them. I wonder what is
going on. They have an evil plan, no doubt about it, but-"
The two were back at Desdemona's mansion, and they were no closer to
finding out what the Death Eaters plans were. They were in the dark, and
were utterly clueless. If they only knew what was to happen next. Severus
was certain that he should meet Lucius. If Lucius was careless enough, he
would let something slip, and then it would make their job a hell of a lot
easier. But Arabella refused. "It is dangerous!" she kept saying whenever
Severus brought up the idea.
"Why the fuck did HE ask ME to do HIM a favor?!" Severus suddenly snapped
loudly making Arabella jump.
Arabella was about to answer, but she was interrupted. Harry burst into the
room. He was looking terribly shaken and upset as though he had witnessed
something horrible. Severus rolled his eyes impatiently, "What is it
Potter?"
"G-G-Ginny is gone!" Harry screamed shrilly, "We looked everywhere, and no
one can find her!"
~*~*~
Hermione was panicking and was pacing around Draco's room. How could this
happen? Draco noticed that she was really upset and wasn't too sure of what
to say to her. "Hermione? Honey? Are you okay?"
Hermione tried to smile, "Y-Y-Yes, I'm just fine."
"Don't lie." Draco snapped, "You are far from okay. Something is up. I am
not a dumb ass. I know when something is wrong."
"Nothing is wrong." Hermione growled angrily, "You don't have to worry
about a thing."
"Quit treating me like I am two!" Draco retorted, "What is the matter with
you people? You won't let me leave this room or tell me anything that is
happening. I have a right to know."
Hermione lowered her eyes, and her lip trembled. He was right and she knew
it. Hermione sat on the edge of Draco's bed and stared right into his eyes,
"Ginny Weasley is missing."
Draco gasped, "SHIT! Are you sure? Have you checked everywhere?"
Hermione nodded, "I am sure. Desdemona sent the House Elves to look
everywhere. They came back empty handed except for one note. It was in
Ginny's handwriting, and it said something about her feeling depressed and
now she was never going to come back. It seemed like a suicide note."
Draco immediately hopped out of bed and was marching out the door, "That is
complete bullshit! Ginny would not say something like that. This is my
father's doing! I know it! Come on, Hermione!"
Hermione sighed deeply, and followed Draco down the hall. They walked in
complete silence until they reached the main parlor. Everyone was gathered
around Desdemona who was speaking to a tiny House Elf. As soon as Draco and
Hermione entered, Desdemona spun around and snapped at Draco, "You! You
should be in bed! SHOO!"
Narcissa glared, "Oh, shut up, Desdemona! He has just as much of a right to
know what is going on as any of us. Why don't you keep asking the witness
questions."
Desdemona clenched her fists, but muttered, "Very well. This House Elf,
Freya, is the only actually witness I could find. She believes that she saw
the kidnapper involved with Miss Weasley's disappearance."
"Kidnapper!" Hermione cried.
Freya was trembling and her big brown eyes were a sparkle with tears. The
poor elf seemed frightened out of her wits. Hermione whimpered, "You poor
thing."
Ron was sitting nearby Freya, and he said in a shaky voice, "W-W-What
happened to my sister?"
Freya took a deep breath, stared at everyone, and started her story, "Well,
Freya was in the backyard making sure Mistress's flower garden looked
perfect for spring. Then as Freya was double checking the roses, she saw a
tall young man walking toward Miss Weasley."
"What did he look like!" Draco demanded immediately, "Did he have hair like
mine? How about gray eyes?"
Freya shook her head, "None of those qualities, sir. Actually, he had very
dark hair. More like his."
Freya pointed at Harry, who was looking even more shocked. Freya nodded,
"Yup, he looked a lot like you, sir. He was about your age too. Well, Miss
Weasley put up quite a fight. It seemed that she couldn't believe her eyes,
but she also seemed to know the person. Freya heard her say, 'Tom! Is that
really you?'"
Harry suddenly stood up and shouted, "DID YOU JUST SAY TOM! You can't mean
Tom Riddle!"
"Freya did, sir," Freya replied coolly, "She said 'Tom' loud and clear. But
after the shock Miss Weasley put up quite a struggle, but it was too late.
As soon as Freya got the feeling back in her legs, Miss Weasley, and Sir
Tom were gone."
Everyone was sitting in silence, except for Harry who continued to freak
out, "You know what this means! It's Tom Riddle! He's here! How I don't
know, but he means harm to Ginny!"
"Harry, calm down." Remus said softly, "We will figure something out, and
Ginny will be safe."
"How am I supposed to calm down?" Harry snapped as Pansy burst into tears.
"What is the matter with you, Miss Parkinson?" Desdemona said coldly, "If
you can't control yourself, leave!"
Pansy was shrieking loudly, "It's all my damn fault! I could have stopped
him! I should have just stayed outside with Ginny! Why am I so stupid!"
Ron went up to Pansy, and put his arm around her in an effort to comfort
her. "Pansy, nothing is your fault. Even if you did stay with Ginny I
sorely doubt that you would have been able to stop Tom. He could have even
killed you."
The nearby clock chimed loudly. It was eight thirty. "Shit!" Severus
grumbled, "I have to go into town!"
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "What for? This is an emergency!"
Everyone stared at Severus as he muttered, "I-I-I have to pick something
up. I won't be long, I swear! Bye!"
He the room quickly, and Arabella shook her head, and thought **He's insane
Next he will be hurt and the last thing we need is more problems.**
Desdemona pursed her lips angrily, "Well, go back to where you belong
Freya. We will try to sort this out. WE being the ADULTS! You kids go find
something to do with you time."
Draco glared, and retorted, "I believe it is our business TOO!"
But Narcissa raised her hand, and Draco knew it was not worth arguing
about. Draco scowled, and walked out of the room. Hermione followed him,
and so did everyone else. As Sirius, Narcissa, Remus, Desdemona, and
Arabella were discussing what happened, Draco thought of something. "Let's
all head back to my room. We will figure something out."
~*~
~*WOW! That was long!!!! LOL! I hoped you liked it! Reviews are DEEPLY
appreciated ^_~ I WORKED REALLY HARD ON IT! (Two hours it took me!)
~*Sophiebabe