Chapter: 11/15
Sad eyes follow me
But I still believe there's something left for me
So please come stay with me
Cause I believe there's something left for you and me
~One Last Breath, by Creed
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Chapter 11- Into the Shadows
Severus Snape slowly walked in a small circle around Dennis Creevy. He had been literally torn from his bed and hauled downstairs into the kitchen. Snape had adopted his most ferocious look and had been staring heatedly at the poor fourth year for almost ten minutes. Sitting at the kitchen table were the hastily summoned Order members- Amara, Minerva, Albus, Flitwick, Tonks, Applegate, Stoat, Fletcher, Shakleton, Moody and Walker. Their faces were for the most part grim, save Tonks, who looked worried.
Snape fixed Dennis with another piercing glare. The fourth year obviously knew where his comrades had run off to. Truth be told, the Order members were almost sure of it themselves. Potter had never mentioned anything about this 'end of summer party' that both Dennis and Amara talked about. Thoughts of his best friend caused him to look in her direction. She was sitting very tall, her face blank for the most part, save the tightness around her eyes that gave away both her worry and her irritation. Snape turned back to Dennis, who had now begun to sweat. Silence was most definitely the best questioner. Snape had been chosen to question the only remaining child in light of the facts that most students under fifth year wet their pants if he looked at him the wrong way.
"So," he finally breathed, voice not above a whisper. "So."
"Professor, I-" began Dennis, but Snape quickly broke in.
"You tell me, Creevy, that you borrowed this book from Miss Granger," he said slowly, announciating each word clearly and deliberately.
"Thats right, sir," nodded Dennis. Snape paused, fixing Dennis with another calculating stare. He looked fairly beaten, but there was a hint of his spirit shining in his eyes. Trust Potter to leave behind the one student who would do anything for him, even face a show down with a teacher who most definitely gave him nightmares.
"Could you please tell us again where your comrades have gone?" Snape instructed, putting a chill hint of politeness into his tone.
"I've told you at least three times!" Dennis protested.
"Although this is true, I would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to refresh my memory," Snape growled. "You do understand, Professor Flitwick is getting on in his years." An indigant snort from Flitwick clearly demonstrated what the elderly Charms professor thought of that notion.
Dennis took a deep breath before answering. "Harry and the others have gone on a mad drinking binge and plan to ignite several defenseless gnomes and possibly house elves on fire whilst making arses of themselves."
His absurd declaration fell on wearied and disbelieving ears. He had said the same thing three times, using the exact words. It was unthinkable that Hermione Granger would drink or set fire anything, particularly house elves. Even the staff were aware of her rather doomed SPEW campaign. "Would you mind telling me the motive behind Potter and the others' rather careless and uncharacteristic actions?" Snape inquired.
Dennis frowned, as though he was not expecting the question. "I don't know," he answered. "I suppose they want to relieve themselves of some sorrow. You know about Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, don't you? Well, I think quite a lot of them are grieved about one or both of their losses."
"Ah, Remus Lupin," Snape said, latching on to the one thing he had been hoping Dennis would mention. "What an interesting man, don't you think? A genius, really." Snape forced himself to continue singing Remus' praises, even though he was sure the words would burn away his tongue. "Loved by his students, they would do anything to save him. Don't you agree?"
"Yes, I suppose," Dennis said shortly. "Now, can I go? I don't know anything, besides the fact that they wouldn't let me come along because I'm supposedly too young!"
Snape paused, carefully contemplating his next question. "Dennis, what year were you in when Professor Lupin came to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts?" he asked coolly.
"My first year," replied Dennis. "I had Lupin for my first year."
"Then, you are, of course, aware of the fact that Professor Lupin is a werewolf?" prodded Snape.
Dennis blinked, obviously wondering what any of this had to do with the former questions. "Yes, of course," he answered. He paused, then continued more bravely. "You know that, Professor Snape, as it was you who spilt the beans on him."
"Yes, well," Snape said icily. "Lupin almost attacked a student. I thought it was time the knowledge was made public. Could you tell me, Dennis, where the three hundred missing werewolves are at this moment?"
Dennis answered quickly, eager to show he wasn't a halfwit. "Why, in Azkaban, Professor, being held captive by You-Know-Who and his followers."
Snape grinned, sensing victory. "And how amazing that you are aware of that, Mr. Creevy!" he exclaimed. "I was in the mind that only a select few knew that information, as it had not yet been released publicly. Would you mind telling me how you came across that juicy tidbit of news?"
"Why, Harry Potter told me," he answered gibbly. "He knows because his best friend was living with Remus. She'd do anything for Remus, and Harry would do anything for her, so of course he knew. How else was he to rescue him?" As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Dennis blanched, realising his fatal mistake.
"Merlin help us!" breathed Minerva. "Then its true. I didn't want to believe it, but..."
"Dennis Creevy, do you care to tell us the truth about where your classmates are?" Snape asked, his tone ringing.
Dennis, realising he was defeated, sighed heavily. "On their way to Azkaban to rescue Lupin and the others."
"Thank you, Mr. Creevy," Dumbledore intervened before Snape could openly mock the fallen Gryffindor. "You may leave now. We have to discuss what to do with your wayward classmates."
Dennis stood and shuffled off, clearly appalled at his betrayal of Harry and the others. Just before he reached the door, he turned to face them, his face strangely fierce. "Well, maybe Harry and the others are being foolish and reckless going into Azkaban and maybe they are risking their lives!" he admitted, his voice heated. "But Harry's got more bravery in his fingertip than the whole lot of you! He's not even a full grown wizard yet, but he and the others went after their friend, no matter the cost to themselves. Not like you lot! You just sit here on your arses and let your friend and coworker rot in prison!" Having finished his speech, he turned and fled, leaving the Order in speechless silence.
"He's right, you know," McGonagall said, voice shaking a little. "Those children are doing what we didn't dare. They are not only more brave than us, but more noble and self-sacrificing."
"What are we to do?" wailed Tonks, looking frightened now. "We can't let those kids go into Azkaban. I agree now we have to save Remus, but we can't let them do it!"
"You are completely right, Nymphadora," agreed Dumbledore, whole heartily. "We must go after 'Dumbledore's Army,' and then rescue the werewolves ourselves. There is no time to summon any of the others, we must leave immediately. They have almost seven hours on us. We must move quickly!"
The Order quickly gathered around their leader, awaiting his instructions. "We will take a Portkey to a shore I know of, near Azkaban. There will be boats there, I hope."
"What do you mean, you hope?" frowned Flitwick. "Either there are boats or there aren't."
"The shore is well known to wizards," explained Dumbledore. "It is likely this was where the students headed in the first place and have taken the boats. In that case, we will have no choice but to construct boats magically. Time consuming, true, but not as much as a swim."
The Order members exchanged worried glances. "Shite," drawled Fletcher. "'Ow in the bloody 'ell did those kids get up the courage to do this? I feel like pissin' meself and we ain't even there yet!"
"As always, you are as tactful as the Queen herself, Fletcher," snarled Showna, looking rather pasty.
"Enough," Dumbledore said crisply, picking up a fruit bowl that had been resting on the kitchen table. "It is high time we were on our way." He pointed his wand at the fruit bowl. "Portus." The members all got a firm grip on the bowl, fierce determination evident in all of their faces. Dumbledore pulled out his odd pocket watch and studied it. He slipped it back in his pocket and offered his Order an encouraging smile. "Three...two...one..."
Harry grasped frantically at the cliff face. There were many nooks and crannies to place feet and hands in, but it was still unnerving being up so high, even roped together as they were. Lee Jordan, who had done quite a lot of rock climbing on his trips to Sweden, lead the way. Luna, Ginny and Harry, who had never rock climbed in their lives, brought up the rear. They had been clinging to the cliff, attempting to ignore the beating winds and rain as they inched upwards for almost two hours. Harry's arms were aching and a part of him longed to just let go and plunge into the stormy sea below. He knew, of course, that the plan was truly unthinkable and that no matter what, he must hold on. He shivered in the wetness, fearing the dampness would never go out of his clothes. He could no longer see any hope for this fool's mission he had devised. He hoped desperately that was just the atmosphere around Azkaban and not his common sense deciding to kick in.
Finally, after what seemed an eternity, Lee topped the cliff. He pulled Alicia up after him and then, one by one, the members of Dumbledore's Army were rescued from the perlious cliffs. Harry shook hands heartily with Fred Weasley, who helped him up, thankful to have solid ground beneath his feet, even if it was the tainted ground of Azkaban. He glanced around at his army. They were all soaked. The girls had pulled their wet hair back to allow for better vision. Luna was sniffling and Hannah was definitely having second thoughts. Fleur and Hermione looked as determined as ever, and none of the others showed any signs of wanting to turn back. Fred, George and Lee were looking around them, obviously feeling out their ground. Dean and Seamus were whispering hastily, while Ernie, Neville and Colin looked at him expectantly. Ron clapped him on the shoulder. "We've come this far with you, mate," he said firmly. "We're not turning back."
Harry smiled gratefully at him and finally managed to make himself look at what he had been trying to ignore. Azkaban. The great castle was made completely of large black blocks. There were several straggly bushes planted around the prison. Harry pointed them out and the Army took refuge under them. It was a little bit drier under the foilage and Harry felt safer from prying eyes. He studied the map, taking in every little detail. Around the barge where he would soon be sending some of his soldiers were black tiny dots labeled 'Avery', 'Crabbe', 'Goyle', 'Petersberg', and 'Geena'. Only five and he was sending six. He sized up Ernie, Hannah, Fred, George, Lee and Fleur. That was four full grown wizards and witches, plus Ernie and Hannah who had been very productive at their meetings. He thought they could take them.
The prison was practically swarming with dots. He could pick out instantly where the werewolves must be. They were on a diagonal slant from the house elf quarters. Harry almost cried out in dismay when he realised to get to the werewolves they would have to pass directly through the Death Eater's dorms. There were a least fifteen dots directly in the quickest path. This was not going to be easy. Outside the werewolves' cell were four dots- 'Marcus Flint', 'Peter Pettigrew', 'Narcissa Malfoy' and, bringing an audible snarl to his lips- 'Bellatrix Lestrange'. 'I will make you pay for what you did, Bellatrix,' he thought vehmently. 'Make no mistake.'
He continued studying the map. He was relieved to see that Voldemort, although in the Death Eater's dorms, was no where near their path. He breathed deeply. This was it. It was beginning to look even more impossible by the second, but he had brought them this far, he wouldn't turn back now. He stood up and gazed around at his soldiers. They looked back at him, determination and pride in their grim faces. "Well, Potter?" questioned Alicia. "I doubt we're going to save any werewolves cowering in these bushes!"
"You're right, of course," he acknowledged. "But, I have to admit. This is going to be more difficult than I expected. There are only seventeen of us and twenty seven of them- including Voldemort. We can turn back now, if you want. I wouldn't blame any of you if we decided to go back."
"Harry, don't be foolish," Hermione said tensely. "We know this is going to be dangerous, but you said it yourself. If Voldemort lets the werewolves out, there will be no stopping them. We have to do this."
"Hermione is right," agreed Katie. Many people nodded approvingly as Katie continued. "We've come this far, Harry. You're our leader. You'll find a way, I know it." Harry felt a strange choking emotion rising in his throat as he glanced around at them proudly. From the beautiful fierce Fleur to the dreamy Luna to the humourous twins, they were all ready to follow him to the death. He couldn't let any of them be taken, he promised himself. No matter the cost to himself. They were all coming out alive.
"We are with you, 'Arry," agreed Fleur, fishing her wand out of her robes. "We all agreed on zat early on. Let us begin what we 'ave come 'ere to do."
"All right," agreed Harry, taking out his own wand. He stared at it momentarily, drifting back six years ago to the day when he had first held this wand. 'I think we can expect great things from you, Mr. Potter,' Mr. Ollivander had said. It was about time he lived up to everyone's expectations. Everyone seemed to think he was some tragic war hero, scarred for life by his wounds. Well, perhaps he was not tragic, and perhaps he wasn't scarred for life, but Voldemort was about to find out exactly what Harry James Potter was made of. "Now, listen closely..."
Fleur crept along, hiding in the shadow of the mighty prison. She could not remember seeing a more frightening sight than that prison, not even the dragon she had faced in her seventh year during the Triwizard Tournament. The oppressing feelings of sorrow and hopelessness still weighed in on her, but there seemed to be a burning fire lighted within her heart and nothing the Dementors came up with could smoulder it. She saw a fire of similiar nature reflected in the faces of those she now lead. Fred and George Weasley looked far older than their eighteen years. She vaguely remembered them from Hogwarts. Back then they had been practical jokers, and at times, downright annoying to someone attempting to win the first Triwizard Tournament in almost fifty years. Now however, there was no hidden jest in their eyes. Hannah Abbot and Ernie MacMillian looked ready to fall on their faces in fear or anticipation, Fleur could not decide which. Hannah's wand hand was shaking, but she kept a good grip on her wand and was murmuring hexes to herself. Ernie's hand gripped his wand so tightly his knuckles were turning white. Lee Jordan brought up the rear, muttering to himself and peering around darkly.
They walked for about fifteen minutes before finally coming into view of the barge. It was a large ferry, connected to the main land. Fleur estimated that it would hold about one hundred people a trip, at the maximum. That meant they would need four trips to get everyone back to the mainland. She wondered how long it would take for the Death Eaters to realise that the werewolves were gone. She guessed that if all went according to plan they would be able to get one load of werewolves off to shore and have a second on its way before the Death Eaters rushed them. She thought that if during their time there they could break the Death Eaters down to twenty, they might stand a chance, particularly because the underage wizards would then give their wands to more capable, full grown wizards. However, if Voldemort arrived....Fleur broke off her thoughts. It was no good thinking about that, as there would be nothing they could do then.
Her small group pressed themselves against the prison's wall, risking occasional glances at their opponents, who were, as yet, unaware of their existence. Fleur had spent quite a while thinking about what to do in this moment, and now that she was here, all that remained was to size up their enemies and decide who would match up with who. Harry had given her discriptions of the Death Eaters he knew and what their ability level was. She decided a lanky, black man was Avery, the two stout men- one with a grey fringe, the other with no hair at all were Crabbe and Goyle respectively. The only female of the group, a darkly pretty thing with dark brown hair with golden streaks and piercing green eyes was, of course, Geena, leaving the last man- salt and pepper hair with clear blue eyes to be Petersberg, one of the two who had captured Remus Lupin.
Fleur reckoned she was probably the best dueler amongst them, being the oldest and the only one to ever take professional dueling lessons- something only Beauxbatons offered among the three great wizarding schools. She would take Avery- the leader of their party. Harry had told her all she needed to know about Crabbe and Goyle. 'I go to school with their sons. Vincent and Gregory are the biggest baboons I've ever met and from what I saw at the Death Eater meeting when Cedric died...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. They'll be slow and probably an easy catch.' She thought George, who admitted he was not incredibly adept at dueling could take Goyle, while Hannah and Ernie would pair up against Crabbe. Fred, who had proven in Quidditch he didn't have any problems attacking females would be paired off with Geena, leaving Petersberg for Jordan. Fleur quickly explained her newest conclusions to her partners in crime. They nodded stotically, most too frightened to talk.
"We must do zis as quickly as possible," she instructed. "'Arry and ze others could be zere in twenty minutes, or zey could be three hours. But, whatever ze case, we must be zere where they come outside with ze werewolves! Show zem no mercy, for zey will show you none. Remember, in the first war against You-Know-Who, Aurors were allowed to use ze Unforgivable Curses. If you are in a tight spot, I suspect even ze Ministry would allow you to use ze Cructacius Curse, or...others." She let them guess what 'other' she was talking about. If the only way to survive was to use the Avada Kedavra curse on a Death Eater, then she would be damned if she let a law get in her way.
"Are you all ready?" she asked, careful to whisper. The element of surprise would be highly useful in this case. They all nodded and exchanged breathless 'good lucks' and 'Merlin bless yous.' "On ze count of zree," Fleur whispered, her eyes already locked on Avery. "I will cast a spell of fog to confuse them, then we attack. One...two...zree!" She brought her wand up in an arch and within a few moments, a fog as thick as pea soup had rolled in, almost hiding Avery and the other Death Eaters from her. Her comrades melted away, their paths set on their quarry. Fleur slipped off as well, careful to go quietly.
She soon made out a black figure whose height gave him away as Avery. He was cursing to himself. "Damn it all," he said angrily. "What in the devil's name is this enchantment?" He raised his voice. "All of you! Be wary. This is no ordinary fog! I fear we are not alone."
"You are wise," Fleur said behind him, digging her wand into his back. "Besides, of course, ze bad choice you made in becoming a Death Eater. You will live to regret it, I fear."
Avery stiffened, a common reaction to anyone faced with a dangerous weapon being driven into the small of their back. However, he was intelligent and instead of telling her to let him turn and face him like a man, he shouted to his companions. "Be on you guard, fools! This is an attack. I would stake my life it is Dumbledore's doing!"
"You should not have said zat," Fleur said mockingly. "Stupefy!" She could hear echoes of spells now being shouted in the fog as Avery collapsed. She knelt by him and dug in his robes. She quickly found his wand and pocketed it. They would need as many wands as they could find when the werewolves were released. She sank down into the ground as she heard someone stumbling towards her. She could not be sure of the fate of her comrades and anyone could be an enemy. She recognised the squat form of Crabbe as he came closer. She quietly rolled away, hoping to go unnoticed until it was too late. He almost tripped over Avery in his haste.
"Curse this fog," he growled. "I can't see a thing. Avery, mate, is that you?" He knelt beside Avery and raised his wand, clearly planning to awake him. "Enn-"
"Distraho!" hissed Fleur. It was a nasty little spell she had learned from Viktor Krum. The spells at Durmstrang were quite a bit darker than that she would have learned at Beauxbatons and she couldn't help but cringe when she heard the sound of Crabbe's arm breaking. He shouted an obscenity, and then, to her amazement, clutched at his arm, blubbering like a child. It appeared Harry had been quite correct in his judgement of Crabbe. She rolled her eyes, more than a little disgusted, then raised her wand once more. "Stupefy!" Crabbe fell to the ground.
She stood up and narrowly missed being hit by a wayward spell. Another dark shape came rushing through the mist- Geena. Fleur raised her wand to Stun her as well, but Fred Weasley ran after the female Death Eater before she could say anything. "Immoblius!" he bellowed. Geena stopped, frozen in her tracks. Fred grinned triumphantly and hurried over to her, fetching her wand. Evidently, Fred was as quick a thinker as Fleur herself.
"All right, Fleur?" he asked.
"Yes, I am perfectly all right," she answered. "Yourself?"
"Right as rain," he replied cheerfully. "Some fog you've made. We wouldn't be having such an easy time of it if it weren't for it. Now, what do we do with these gits?" He pointed at Crabbe, Avery and Geena.
"Simple," Fleur smiled. "My Defence Against the Dark Arts professor taught us we should never leave an enemy unbound. Eventually zese spells will wear off and zey will be 'ot on your tail. Observe." She pointed her wand at Avery. "Marito!" Thick cords snaked out of her wands and bound him hand and foot, a handkerchief appeared as well, muzzling him. Fleur performed the spell next on Crabbe, not caring that she could possibly further damage his arm by dragging it behind his back. The foul wizard no doubt deserved all the pain she could give him. "Now you try," she suggested to Fred.
Fred performed the charm on Geena perfectly. Fleur smiled, a little amazed at his talent. "Where are the others, do you reckon?" he asked, peering around the fog.
"I do not know," admitted Fleur. "Its gotten fairly quiet though." It was true. Shouts no longer rang out in the fog. "I think it would be save to disperse of ze fog, don't you?" Fred nodded and Fleur whispered her next charm. "Finite Incateum."
Within moments, the fog was gone, revealing her comrades. The battle had taken place over a very short distance of land, George, Lee and Ernie were a mere ten feet away, just pocketing Petersberg's and Goyle's wands. Hannah was lying motionless on the ground, obviously Stunned. That would explain why Crabbe had managed to escape. "Is 'Annah quite all right?" inquired Fleur worriedly.
"I'm sure she'll be fine as soon as someone brings her around," Ernie said, though his voice quivered a little.
"Don't worry about it, MacMillian," George said confidantly. "I said I'd wake up your girlfriend as soon as I got these blokes' wands, and now I will."
Fleur, Lee and Fred left them to it and walked over to the barge. "Does anyone actually know how to work this thing?" Fred asked doubtfully.
"Yes," Lee answered. "My da's got a bit of a weakness for boats. He taught me all he knows. I can manage this baby no problem."
George and Ernie joined them, supporting a rather shaken Hannah. "I'm so sorry, guys," blushed Hannah. "I could have ruined everything. I got a little confused in the fog and before I knew it, Geena was behind me and the next minute I was waking up."
"Its all right, 'Annah," Fleur assured her. "I am sure you did your best. I believe we will all prove ourselves many times over before zis is done. Remember, ze worst is not yet over. 'Arry and the others will 'ave far more Death Eaters to contend with then we did 'ere."
Hannah exchanged weak smiles with Fleur, but her words rang true. The battle had barely begun. "Well, lets get on with it, then, shall we?" asked George, stepping onto the barge. The others followed. Hannah remained behind only long enough to cut the ropes and then hop aboard. Lee untied the ropes that were used to fasten the barge to shore so they could go out of their path if necessary. George and Fred thrust out the oars and began to row. Thankfully, they were going in the direction of the wind, so there was little real work to be done. Lee and Hannah sat in the bow, directing Fred and George's strokes. Fleur however, made her way to the stern, watching uneasily as the dock faded into the fog. Her own words were making her understandably worried. 'Ze worst is not yet over. 'Arry and the others will 'ave far more Death Eaters to contend with then we did 'ere!'
She could not help but wonder if there would be anyone to meet them when they came to the secret exit outside the house elf quarters or was her small group already all that remained of Dumbledore's Army?
Hermione glanced around her nervously as Harry lead them around the side of Azkaban. The castle was huge and forbidding. Little grass grew around it, save the straggly plants they had hidden in upon arriving. After only a few steps, those following Harry had left all chance of circumspect behind. If anyone was to look outside a window, they would be clearly visible. Clearly, other soldiers were having the same thoughts. "We're in plain view to all the world," Lavender complained.
"Lavender is right," Seamus nodded. Lavender's face lit up, taking great heart in Seamus' agreement. "If anyone sees us, it will be over."
"It was over before we began," Dean said disconsolantly.
"Now, now, we'll have none of that," Alicia said sharply. "You remember what Harry said. The minute we believe it can't be done is the minute our mission fails."
"Alicia's right," nodded Katie, offering Dean an encouraging smile. "Try to keep your chin up."
The walking party fell into silence. A heavy rain began to fall, soaking them thoroughly. If possible, their faces became even more miserable. Hermione's clothes were sticking to her body and the raindrops had taken to performing a constant drip off the bridge of her nose. She began longing for the warmth she knew would be awaiting them in the house elf quarters. Surely they would have cooking fires in there. It would be lovely to warm her numb hands by the fire. She shook her head, trying to stop thinking about such nonsense. They would not linger in the house elf quarters. Their only hope was in secrecy and speed. An eager grin was twitching at her lips and her stomach was flipping over in anticipation. She would soon be seeing Remus again.
So distracted by hopeful thoughts of her future life with Remus, she didn't notice when Harry called a stop. She rammed right into the back of Ron. "Oh, I'm sorry, Ron," she apologised profusely. "I was a little distracted."
"By what?" he said grimly. "I'm trying to stay away from my thoughts...can't stop thinking about the day I found out Dad was being fined on my account and the day Sirius died."
Hermione squeezed his arm sympathetically. "Ron, how can I help being happy?" she inquired. "I'm going to see Remus again!"
"Maybe," Ron said doubtfully.
Hermione opened her mouth to contradict him, but fell silent when Harry began talking. "All right, everyone," he said in a soft voice. "Now, we've reached the enterance. I've checked the map and there aren't any Death Eaters inside, but, still, the house elves are going to be alarmed. I'll go in first and smooth everything over so they don't dash off and sound the alarm. Dobby, Winky, you'd better come too. We don't know where their loyalties lie and they might be more willing to listen to their own kind."
"Good luck, Harry," breathed Hermione. Ron clasped his shoulder for a second, an expression of brotherly love and the fear of losing a friend clearly painted on his face.
Harry began opening the door, but before he could enter, Ginny threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. She was crying shamelessly. "Oh, be careful, Harry!" she whispered into his ear. "Come back, please don't make me lose someone else."
Harry appeared bewildered for a moment, but quickly responded by wrapping her in his arms. "I'll be back," he promised. He unpried her arms and then looked for a moment at Dean, face expressionless, before disappearing into the kitchen.
Hermione crossed over to Ginny, who was staring at the place where Harry had been mere moments ago. Dean had also gone to her, but Hermione beat him to it. She locked elbows with Ginny and pulled her off to the side. "Ginny, what was that?" she demanded. "I thought you said you were quite over Harry! You went out with Michael, and told me you were completely smitten with Dean!"
Ginny still looked quite distraught. "I thought I was, Hermione, I really did," she admitted. "But...I just don't know anymore. I don't know what I'd do if I lost him."
Hermione sighed heavily, not really wanting to lay Ginny's worries on top of her own mound of worries. She met Ron's eyes. He shot her a shaking smile, then returned to his viligance over the door. "Neither do I, Ginny," she said softly. "Neither do I." She was not sure she knew which of her best friends she was talking about.
Before she could talk anymore, Dean came over and stole Ginny away from her, enveloping her protectively in his arms. Hermione wanted to go intervene. Ginny was rather easily persuaded, she had come to realise in the past few years. She almost thought that Ginny's getting over Harry had been mostly her doing. Hadn't she been the one to tell Ginny she and Harry were never meant to be and that Harry wasn't really interested in her? Had she ever really gotten over her three year long crush, or was it just a facade to keep her from getting hurt? Before she could think more of it, the secret door opened to admit Harry. Ginny gave a relieved gasp and Hermione half suspected that if she hadn't been in Dean's arms, she would have thrown herself at him once again.
Hermione walked over to Ron and they were shortly joined by Luna, Colin and Katie. Angelina and Alicia sat up as well, anxious looks on their faces. Lavender, Seamus and Neville looked up expectantly from their conversation. "So, Harry?" frowned Ron, an eager glitter in his eyes.
Harry gave them all a relieved smile. "Its better than I could have hoped for," he replied. "The house elves are on the very edge of rebellion. They've never been very happy in Azkaban from what I can see. They'd heard of Dobby and Winky. Apparently they all look up to them- not like the Hogwarts' house elves at all. Whats more, they are more than willing to help us do anything that will hurt Voldemort. They say he's not their real master- they are loyal only to Cornelius Fudge. They've agreed to cause a large distraction after we've left that will draw some Death Eaters out of the dorms, make it easier to get around."
"Where are Winky and Dobby?" inquired Neville, just as Hermione declared; "Oh, how wonderful, Harry! They could be the cover elves for SPEW!"
"Winky and Dobby are still inside, helping the house elves prepare the distraction," Harry answered. "As free elves, their magic is quite a bit more powerful than the enslaved ones. They're still coming with us, and I've got something even better!"
"What could possibly be better?" Ginny asked. "You've done quite a lot in just a few minutes, Harry."
"I agree," Seamus put in eagerly. After the slight revolt last year, he had been more eager than ever to prove to Harry that he was his mate. "What more have you done for us, mate?"
Harry grinned, the first true grin Hermione had seen on him since Sirius' death. That it should come in this place where he was surely reliving Sirius' death over and over again in his mind, was proof of how wonderful this new news must be. "I've found us a guide!" declared Harry. He opened the door, and indicated they should go in. In pairs, they entered the house elves' quarters. Hermione took a deep, calming breath as Dean closed the door behind them. It seemed to shut with a loud, clanging noise. They were in, for good or for ill.
"Everyone, meet Mitsy," Harry smiled, ushering a small female house elf forward. Hermione glanced around the house elf quarters. The power of the Dementors was not quite as strong in these quarters, as the monsters were never allowed to enter whilst Azkaban had been under the rule of the Ministry. Even Voldemort could see that if he allowed the Dementors amongst the house elves, they would be far too depressed and frightened to perform their tasks. The house elves each wore a black tea towl with a red badge on the left shoulder, the words 'Azkaban' written on it in gold.
The kitchen was large with no less than five glowing fireplaces. A few house elves clustered around the group of youths that had entered their kitchen, but mostly the elves had returned to their works the moment Harry had gained their trust. Azkaban had more prisoners than ever before. Despite the fact that they were causing a large rebellion, the house elves honestly believed that their duties had to be performed. Hermione supposed it was for the best. This way, none of the Death Eaters who would come to investiage the distraction, would notice anything amiss.
"We can't stay long, Harry," Katie said, firmly. "We have to get moving. Take a look at that map of yours and lets get on with it!"
"I've already studied it, Katie," Harry grinned rather insufferably. "There are only four guards on the werewolves' quarters. Currently, there are eleven Death Eaters in the dorms. Most of them are uncomfortably close, so they'll probably all come running. Even if they won't admit it, they're terrified Dumbledore is going to come bursting in here. Voldemort, on the other hand, is relatively far away. The Death Eaters will be loath to confess any hitches in security, so its unlikely any of them will go running to him. I think we're safe from that trouble for a while. Now, if you'll look closely, there's a corridor down here that doesn't lead to any of the halls the Death Eaters are in. We'll hide in there until the house elves cause a distraction, then follow Mitsy to where the werewolves are. Once there, will fight and, hopefully, free the werewolves."
"Sounds like a plan," breathed Angelina, obviously still in shock that so far their plan had been successful.
"Thats what I'm hoping," Harry nodded. "Look, you've all been brilliant so far. I know for a fact you are all going to make Dumbledore extremely proud today."
"Yes, you mean if he doesn't expel us," Seamus muttered.
"Don't be foolish, Seamus," tutted Hermione. "Of course I made sure he would have no grounds to do so. As long as this little expedition doesn't stretch into the school year, he can't expel us for what we do on our summer holidays."
Lavender and Seamus stared, flabbergasted at their classmate. "You know, Hermione," Lavender teased. "I've gone to school with you and slept in the same room with you for five years, and sometimes your brains still even shock me."
"I'm one of her best friends, Lavender," Ron said, in complete agreement. "And I see her most summers and she still shocks me."
Before anyone else could comment, Dobby popped up in their midst. "Harry Potter, sir!" he piped up. "The distraction is ready just as you instructed. Dumbledore's Army must hurry on their way. Dobby and Mitsy will be coming with you, but Winky says she will stay behind to help the other house elves."
"Good," Harry nodded. "I'll be thankful if one of the house elves has the power of a free house elf." He clasped Dobby's shoulder. "Thanks, mate. We couldn't have done it without you."
Great, fat tears welled up in Dobby's eyes. "Harry Potter is too kind to Dobby," Dobby blubbered. "Dobby is only doing what he can for his master."
"Yeah, well..." Harry trailed off, completely at a loss for words. He turned to his 'army'. "Well, gang, this is it. Mitsy?"
Mitsy popped up beside Dobby. "Mitsy do be ready to lead you, Harry Potter, sir," Mitzy squeaked. "Mitsy will take Harry Potter where ever he needs to go!"
"Thanks, Mitsy," smiled Harry. "I really appreciate it. Take me to the werewolves."
Trying not to breath, Harry leant back against the wall after getting his first glance of the guards. It had taken every piece of will in him not to charge out and attack Bellatrix. She was leaning lazily against the jail cell she was guarding, her black hair looking perfectly in place, her black eyes glaring around at the werewolves mockingly. Beside her, Narcissa Malfoy, her pretty features still contorted by the smell of something foul under her nose, looked downright good-natured. Marcus Flint was pacing restlessly around the jail. Harry could hardly believe that Flint was here amongst Death Eaters. He had played Quidditch against a Death Eater! Peter Pettigrew was further down, talking to one of the werewolves. There was a sickly grin on his face and Harry was almost sure he saw his lips form the words 'Sirius' and 'Padfoot.' No doubt that was Remus' cell. Not for the first time, Harry regretted halting Remus and Sirius from killing Pettigrew three years ago.
He turned to his soldiers. "All right," he whispered. "This should be easy. We easily outnumber them. Wands out, and spells at the ready. Attack on my word. Don't let them get away or they'll alert the others, or even worse, the Death Eaters. But most of all, remember, Bellatrix is mine!"
The faces he had begun to trust and love nodded back at him, a few of his soldiers managing weak smiles. He turned to the house elves. "I know you guys can't exactly duel with real wizards, but can you give them a little shock for us?" he inquired.
Dobby and Mitsy exchanged downright sinister grins. "Oh, yes, Harry Potter, sir," nodded Dobby.
"Mitsy has just the spell for it, Harry Potter," smirked Mitsy in a very un-house elf like manner. Hermione had already declared in their short time with the house elf that Mitsy would be the new SPAM spokes-elf. The journey to the werewolves had been largely uneventful. The moment they had reached their intended corridor, a large exploded from the kitchen. Within moments, Death Eaters were running towards the kitchens. Harry was sure the dorms had emptied themselves. Not waiting around to see what the house elves had done, Dumbledore's Army had fled blindly through the Death Eaters' dorms, following Mitsy and the Maurader's Map. Harry was almost positive they had gone undetected- more than he had ever hoped for.
"All right, Mitsy, Dobby," he began. He was halted when Ginny threw herself at him, yet again. He found himself wondering how many more times she was going to do this. Not of course, that he wasn't enjoying it immensely...no, had he actually thought that? He shook his head. He needed a clear mind for this task. All around him, couples were saying goodbye. He could see Ron and Hermione exchanging soft words. It was about time those two started realising they were crushing on each other. Harry had figured on it since the Yule Ball in their fourth year.
"Good luck, Harry," Ginny whispered, clinging tightly to him. "Be careful."
"Good luck to you too, Ginny," Harry replied. "Don't you think you ought to get back to Dean, though?"
She broke away from him, blushing furiously. Without another word, she went over to her boyfriend, and captured his lips in a fierce kiss. Harry tried to stopper the jealously in him. He had told her to go back to Dean. She just didn't need to look so happy about it!
"Okay, if we're all ready?" he inquired, getting a little impatient. "Mitsy, Dobby, proceed." The house elves threw their arms over their heads and then brought them down with a crack.
All four Death Eaters suddenly fell to the floor. Pettigrew leapt up, his watery eyes darting around quickly. "What was that, Bellatrix?" he asked worriedly.
"How the hell should I know?" she hissed, walking towards the very place where Dumbledore's Army was concealed.
"NOW!" shouted Harry. Eleven wands came flashing down, and elven spells shot out at the Death Eaters. Barely any of the spells hit their marks, but they were sufficient enough to startle the Death Eaters, giving Dumbledore's Army time to spread out, isolating the Death Eaters from their comrades. Neville, Dean and Ginny encircled Marus Flint. Luna, Katie and Angelina took on Narcissa Malfoy, with Alicia, Colin and Ron on Pettigrew. Harry didn't have anymore time to think of his comrades, as he found himself facing Bellatrix Lestrange along with Hermione.
"Ah, Harry Potter," smirked Bellatrix. "I should have known you might pull something like this. You were always insufferable...not unlike my dear, late cousin. Tell me, Potter, do you weep at night over him? Are you grieved by his loss? Did my cousin finally manage to make someone care about his worthless hide?"
"Shut your mouth, you bitch," Harry growled. "You have no right to talk about Sirius like that!"
"Whats more, you're wrong," Hermione snapped. "Many people cared deeply for Sirius, myself included."
"Perhaps," Bellatrix shrugged, as though the matter was of little importance. "But there was only one person who loved Sirius and he's standing here in front of me...a lust for revenge clear on his face." She took a step forward, making her first mistake.
"Vexatio!" Hermione cried, sending a huge electrical charge through Bellatrix.
"Flagellum!" hollered Harry. Bellatrix screamed in pain, but she still somehow managed to raise her wand. To Harry's horror, she aimed, not at him, but at Hermione.
"Rigui!" she screeched. Hermione froze, trapped by the spell. Bellatrix grimaced at Harry, trying to grin through the pain. "Now its just you and me, Potter, just as it was just Sirius and I. I don't suppose I have to tell you the end of that story, do I?"
"Lax Lucis!" cried Harry, pointing his wand at where her Death Mark would be. She fell to her knees, clutching at her arm in pain. Sirius had taught him the Light spell. When cast at a Death Mark, it would cause the Death Eater pain- to be touched by something so pure, whilst they were so tainted.
However, the pain was not enough to stop Bellatrix. "Imperio!" she said through gritted teeth.
The hazy, floating feeling overtook Harry, erasing his worries. "Give me your wand," said Bellatrix's voice.
Harry raised his hand, but suddenly tore it away from her. Anger coursed through him. How dare this wench talk to him? How dare she mock Sirius? How dare she...his sanity seemed to snap and he knew he would kill Bellatrix that day. Hate such as he had never known coursed through him, defeating even that of his hate for Voldemort. She had told him you had to mean the Crustacis Curse, well, he certainly did now.
"Crucio!" he screamed. Bellatrix convulsed, a scream of agony ripped from her throat. Harry stared at her mercilessly as she withered on the ground. She was the reason he no longer had Sirius, she was the reason the father he had longed for was gone. She deserved death, deserved death and more. He raised his wand again. "CRUCIO!"
Her screams escalated and now there was blood pouring from her nose. "Harry, no!" screamed Hermione, the spell on her just recently broken. She grabbed his arm and tried to halt the spell. "Harry, stop it! You're killing her!"
"Thats the point, Hermione," he said coldly. "She killed Sirius." Despite his words, he ended the spell. Bellatrix collapsed. He raised his wand. "Avada-"
"NO!" shouted Ron, grabbing his arm and applying far more force than Hermione had. "No, Harry, not this! Don't you remember what you told Sirius? 'I don't reckon my dad would have wanted his two best friends to become murders.' Sirius wouldn't want you to become a murder! Stun her, Harry, she'll get the Kiss. Merlin knows she deserves it. Just don't become a murderer."
"Please, Harry," Hermione said through her tears. "Please, don't kill her. Have mercy for our sakes, if not hers."
Harry lowered his wand and allowed Hermione to throw her arms around him. He found himself leaning heavily on his best friend. Ron clasped his shoulder. "St..stun her and then have her bound," Harry said, voice shaking as he allowed Hermione to help him to the floor.
"Stupefy!" shouted Ron. Bellatrix's pitiful movements ceased. "Marito!" Ropes tied around her. Ron bent down to admire his handy work, and Harry took in his surroundings.
It was done. Numbly, Harry acknowledged that they had captured Pettigrew. Sirius' name could be cleared. Dumbledore's Army were not without their casualties. Angelina was trying vainly to staunch a flow of blood from her arm and Colin was walking with a limp. Both Neville and Dean were being ennervated by Seamus and Lavender was wincing in pain as she cast the binding spell on Narcissa Malfoy. "Wait," frowned Harry. "Where are Ginny and Flint?"
Ginny fell to her knees in a successful attempt to dodge one of Flint's spells. She grudgingly admitted he was better than they had suspected. He had already taken out Dean, and Neville looked like he was ready to give up. "Distraho!" snarled Flint, pointing his wand at Neville. Neville's face went white as, to Ginny's horror, his leg broke. He fell to the ground. "Stupefy!" Flint hissed.
He turned and took in the scene. His comrades had not done as well as he. Already Pettigrew was done, and Narcissa was backed into a corner. He turned and fled. Ginny remembered Harry's order. 'Don't let them get away!' Without a second thought to the dangers to herself, Ginny ran after Flint.
He was frantic, she could see that much. His worry and haste made it easy for her to follow at a safe distance. However, just before he reached a crossroads, Ginny tripped. By the time she had jumped to her feet, Flint was out of sight. Cursing to herself, Ginny randomly chose a tunnel. She knew the moment she ran into a woman, she had made the wrong choice.
"Well, well, what have we got here?" smirked a voice. Ginny looked up fearfully at the woman. She recognised her from Hermione's discription- this was surely Elizabeth Markle, the Auror traitor who had kidnapped Professor Lupin.
"Let me go!" demanded Ginny.
"Oh, I don't think so," smirked Markle, plucking Ginny's wand out of her hand. "Don't you want to have the grand tour? I'm sure you'll find the atmosphere very pleasing. Or at least I hope so. You'll be staying here for quite some time."
Icy fear flooded Ginny as Markle roughly forced her along, both wands pointed at Ginny's back. It was a fairly short walk to the holding cell where Markle took her. For the entire way, Ginny thought desperately of a way out, but she could not find one. Still, she kept her pride and did not allow Markle to see her fear.
It was not until Markle had carelessly thrown her into the damp, small, dark cell and the iron doors had locked her in, did the tears begin to course down her cheeks. 'Oh, Merlin help me,' begged Ginny silently, for the first time truly feeling what it was to be in Azkaban. 'Help me, Harry, please! Anyone!'
It was in that dispairing moment, that Ginny noticed the black shaggy dog curled up just outside her cell. She edged closer. "Hey, doggie," she whispered, going to pet him. She gasped in fright as her hand touched his fur.
Her hand had passed right through him! "No," she said hoarsely. "No, it can't be...Nick said Sirius hadn't chosen to be a ghost." She thought quickly. 'But what happens to his Angimagus form? Don't all dogs go to heaven as well, or...' Breathing deeply she called out. "Padfoot...?"
The ghost dog's ears pricked up and she could have sworn he had grinned.
Sorry, no author's notes this time around...I'm simply too tired. Probably next time around! Thanks for all of your reviews!