Chapter Nineteen: Sacrifice
"Where did it all go?" Hermione asked herself as she pulled her robes tight around her body. Christmas had come and gone in a blur. But walking around campus on December 26, the memories of the previous day brought warmth to her body. It had been one of the happiest times she could ever remember. Harry and Ron were great friends, but she shared something deeper with Lily and the Marauders. She had barely missed her once best friends as she sat among her new buddies, opening presents and throwing balls of wrapping paper and ribbon at each other. It had been a perfect day. Short, but perfect.
And now they were all sleeping. Last night was a full moon; so all the guys were exhausted from their escapades. Lily and Hermione stayed up all night talking, so Lily was also in a deep slumber. But Hermione couldn't seem to sleep in. She was too happy to sleep. She had never known the friendship she found in Lily and Remus, the mischief she found in Sirius (who had adopted Hermione as his "apprentice" and was showing her the tricks of the trade), or the love she found in James. Even Peter had redeemable qualities.
Hermione worried about the future from time to time, the rise of Lord Voldemort and who would stop him if Harry didn't exist. But she assured herself that it would turn out okay. She had the drop on Voldie- she knew the future. Somehow it would all work out for good. Hermione shivered at the thought that he was probably rising to power this very minute, just waiting for the perfect time to make his first strike.
As if on cue, two people in dark robes and silver and green scarves stepped into her path. Hermione sighed. These two were getting to be quite annoying. "Out of the way you gits," she growled, pushing past Bellatrix and Snape.
"You're not getting away so easy this time, Ranger," Snape growled as he grabbed her arm. Hermione flinched; his grip was tighter than usual. And the glare in his eyes was more malicious. Before they had just been a pain, a couple bullies not unlike any other. But today something was different. They had an air of pure evil about them.
"Let go of me," her voice was not as strong as she wanted it to be. Rather, it was more of a squeak. Bellatrix, sensing her fear, grinned sadistically as she drew her wand and started walking forward menacingly
*****
James woke up with a start. Something wasn't right, he could just sense it. "Hera," he muttered, jumping to his feet and running to the door. In the process, he woke up Remus.
"James, what's wrong?" Remus asked sleepily, but the look of panic in James's eyes answered him. "Hera...is she okay?"
"I don't think so," answered James, "I can't explain it, I just feel that something is up."
Remus contemplated his friend before answering. "It could be nothing, but it won't hurt to check. Let's go to the girls' dorm."
Grabbing the invisibility cloak, they were off. As they burst through the door, their worst fears were confirmed when they saw an empty bed. James lost it.
"Lily!" He tore away from Remus, walked over to her bed, reached down and shook the sleeping redhead. She woke abruptly and started to scream. James became even more panicked.
"James!" Remus yelled from the door, where James had left him. "The cloak!" James hastily swept off his covering, revealing himself to Lily.
"What's wrong?" she asked, still half asleep. "Where's Hera?"
James's hands dropped from Lily's shoulders, and his eyes fell to her blanket. "That's what I was hoping you would tell me," he whispered.
Less than ten minutes later, Sirius and Peter were woken up, and the whole gang was dressed and ready to scour the castle. Sirius muttered sleepily as he dragged through the common room. "She probably just went for a bite to eat or a walk. I don't get what the big deal is."
"Yeah," chimed in Peter as he rubbed his eyes. "If I wasn't in my bed I doubt you guys would form a search party for me." He was quieted by James's deathly glare. Peter seethed in silence. He had been mad at them all ever since he found out that his parents were going to let him stay after all. Everyone had been so overjoyed when Sirius, James, and Remus announced they were staying for break, but when he did no one seemed to care a bit.
Feeling the tension in the room, Remus tried to speak in a calm, even tone. "It's something, although I can't say what. I feel it, James feels it, Lily feels it, and there's no explaining it. You guys know how much they hate her." He didn't need to explain who he was referring to, as everyone in the room solemnly nodded. "So here's what we're going to do. Sirius- you look in the kitchen and Great Hall. Peter- check out the library. Lily- look around the corridors. James and I are going to the Slytherin common room."
Without a word, the group started to head out, lead by Remus. He sighed deeply as he aimed to take his final step out the portrait hole before a figure darted in front of him and blocked his path.
"Stop," said Lily, crossing her arms over her chest.
Remus gave her a confused look. "Out of the way, Lil, we can't waste any time."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Boys: always jumping into things. Am I the only one who realizes that we can find Hera without even leaving the room?" She sighed at the vacant expressions. "The MAP! Hello? You guys were the ones who made it! I swear, I don't know what is going through your mind when..." Lily was unable to finish her sentence, as all four boys darted to their dorm room. "I tell you," she huffed before taking off after them.
*****
"This way."
Once again, Remus was the leader. He held the map and traveled at a pace that was half-walk half-run. The other three Marauders and Lily hurried after. Remus didn't remember the last time he felt so troubled. Seeing Hermione's name on the map right next to Severus Snape and Bellatrix Black told him that he was right to be so worried. His knuckles turned white as he grasped the map tightly, trying to maintain his composure.
James was next in line. He could only see red, and his soul thirsted to hurt someone. He had never felt this way before- so angry, so vengeful, so protective. Everything was a blur around him, all he could see was the three dots on the map leading into the Forbidden Forest.
Sirius held his wand out in front of him, as if to hex the first thing that jumped in his path. He had enough of those two slimy Slytherin gits. This was the last straw: when he got his hands on them this time...
Lily had tears in her eyes. She worried for her friend, and somehow felt responsible. She knew it wasn't really her fault, but she should have been more watchful of Hera, especially given that they were all expecting the Slytherins to pull something on her.
Peter was worried about Hera, too. She had always been nice, even if she tended to ignore him. But who didn't? His question was answered by the flash of red hair in front of him. Lily. So kind, so beautiful. All thoughts of the missing girl left his mind as he absently followed the red in front of him. He was jolted back to reality as he tripped over a root.
Lily cried out, and went to Peter's side. The others weren't quite so sympathetic. "Get up!" Sirius demanded, stalking over as if to kick Peter's form lying on the ground. "We don't have time for clumsiness."
With a look of hate, Peter got to his feet. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but was interrupted by a voice.
"Well, well, well...what do we have here?"
All five teenagers turned in unison, taken aback at what they saw before them. Snape and Bellatrix stood with smug looks on their faces, their arms crossed over their chests. In between them, with her hands on her hips and a glare in her eyes that just didn't belong, stood Hermione.
"What's wrong boys...and mudblood?" She asked mockingly. "Lost?"
Five jaws simultaneously dropped open. "Don't drool, it's not flattering." Hermione continued as she walked up to James, lifted a hand to his face and snapped his mouth shut.
"Hera..." he began, at a lost for words.
"I came to tell you goodbye," she said, not a hint of sincerity in her voice as she walked back over to the Slytherins. Standing once again between them, she linked arms with the two, sneering at the quintet of Gryffindors who were still gaping and speechless. "I have no need for you muggle lovers anymore. I've discovered a power that is much more useful." She turned to her companions. "Shall we be off? We don't want to keep him waiting." They turned away and started heading back into the forest.
Then Sirius did something. Something brash and sudden, like most of his actions were. And every time he did something like this, he always made things worse or got in trouble. But not this time. This time, it was the right thing to do.
He stepped forward, his wand still raised, and shouted, "Expelliarmus!" twice. The wands from Bellatrix and Snape's hands flew forward, and Sirius caught them. He started barking orders. "Peter, Lily, guard the two gits. Remus and James, keep an eye on Hera. Something's not right here."
Not about to question Sirius, Peter and Lily stepped forward with their wands, backing Bellatrix and Snape against trees. Remus and James approached Hermione, whose hand had been reaching for her wand. She stopped as they approached her, and stared with a look of pure hatred.
Sirius examined the wands in his hands. "Now which one is it," he muttered.
"You're mad, Black," spat Hermione.
Sirius ignored her, drawing his own wand and pointing it at one of the others he held. "Priori Incantatem!" he commanded. A small image emerged from the wand, one of Hermione. She was being controlled. "Just as I thought," said Sirius. "Deleterius," he added, and the image disappeared.
"Imperius curse!" said Remus. "I should have known. Great thinking, Sirius."
"What is the meaning of this?" Hermione demanded, shoving James and Remus away. "I want to know!"
"Hera, you've been under their control," said James, stepping up to her and raising his hand to her hair.
"Don't touch me!" she shrieked, pushing him away.
"Finite Incantatem," Sirius pointed his wand at Hermione. She froze for a minute, then collapsed to the ground. James knelt down and gathered her in his arms.
"Hera?" he asked hesitantly, afraid to be slapped again.
"James," she muttered, opening her eyes. "Oh James! I'm so sorry!"
James smiled, holding her tightly. "That's okay. It's not your fault.
Hermione smiled back, and turned to Sirius. "Sirius, thanks so much, I..." she stopped short. What was wrong with Sirius? He had a look of absolute terror on his face. Looking beyond the dark haired boy, she saw the same look on the faces of Remus, Peter, and Lily, who had dropped their wands, leaving the Slytherin duo unguarded. Snape and Bellatrix also had a peculiar look on their faces, but rather than horror it was one of triumph. "What is going on?" she asked, knowing that she'd find the answer if she turned around, dreading to look for that very same reason. She glanced behind her, seeing what she expected to see but horrified all the same.
Directly behind Hermione, glaring down at her and James, was a tall, cloaked figure. The only part not covered by the dark robes were two thin, pale hands emerging from the sleeves, the face was completely covered by the shadow of the hood. But Hermione didn't need a clear look to know who it was. She knew by the presence of evil that his figure emitted, by the cold rush of air that accompanied this man. Hermione was staring, for the first time ever, directly at Voldemort himself.
James's grip on Hermione tightened. "Get back, whoever you are!" he yelled. Hermione's breath grew short. Only she knew the seriousness of the situation, who they were really up against. This man would kill countless wizards and muggles, bring terror and distress to the whole world of magic, and murder the very man she was holding onto. This was no time to be brave.
Bellatrix, now unguarded, stepped forward. "You fool," she spat at James. "You have no idea who this is. This..." she paused for dramatic effect..."this is Lord Voldemort."
Sirius had finally regained his composure, and resumed his usual sarcastic manner. "And that's supposed to mean something to me? As far as I can tell, he's just another slimy git."
Voldemort spoke. "You ignorant callow child! One day you shall all fear my name, it will strike terror in muggle and wizard alike, there will be no man who can stand at the mention of Voldemort."
Sirius was now silent, and when good reason. Voldemort's voice had the effect that Hermione could only compare to that of a dementor. It chilled her down to the bones, made her feel like her every fear, every weakness was exposed. She wanted to run, wanted to hide, wanted to get as far away from that voice as possible.
Surrounded now by silence, Voldemort grinned. "Good. Now that we understand each other," he took a step forward until he was towering directly above Hermione and James. "Is this the girl you told me about?" he asked. Bellatrix nodded. "Get up," Voldemort commanded. Hermione didn't move. "I said GET UP!" James jerked, and pulled Hermione to her feet. "Get in line," he commanded, indicating to where Snape and Bellatrix had corralled the other Gryffindors so they stood in a line. James and Hermione obeyed.
Voldemort spoke to the group. "As I told you, one day I shall be great. Until that day I am raising support, support of wise wizards such as these two. And now I extend the offer to you." Bellatrix made an indignant noise of protest, but said nothing. "I offer this only once. I can give you unlimited power, unimaginable control. Along with me you will conquer the world. People will fear and obey you. There will come a time when you will be forced to choose sides. And mine is the winning side."
Hermione knew his words were true. He would be powerful, and inspire fear. But it was the wrong path to take. A quick glance assured her that her companions felt the same way, and didn't buy Voldie's little speech. What she didn't see was Peter's thought process. He loved his friends, yet Voldemort's words had a certain allure to them.
Voldemort sensed their stubbornness. "So none of you will accept my offer?" Peter hesitantly made a motion as if to step forward, but glanced at his friends and stepped back. "Very well," Voldemort continued, "then I shall let you go."
James squeezed Hermione's hand, Lily let out a breath, and Sirius slapped Remus's back. Hermione, however, knew better than to be convinced, as did Remus. For the first time since Voldemort appeared, he spoke. "You can't expect us to believe you." He said boldly. You're just going to let us go?"
"Yes I am," said Voldemort. "All but one, that is. I told you that all will be forced to choose sides, and you will all pay for your choice at one time or another. However one of you will pay now. Not only must I gain support of loyal wizards devoted to the cause, but I must become myself the most powerful of all. One can only become so powerful with a little...shall we say...outside help. On my own I could become big, but not big enough. For that I need to absorb the power of other strong wizards. With such combined power, one day I will be undefeatable."
He sneered at the look on the faces before him. "No fear, children. I won't kill you all, not yet at least. At this point, I can only take in the power of one wizard for a period of time, for the synthesis process is long. So then the question is...who to choose. Any suggestions?" he looked at Bellatrix and Snape.
The two looked at each other and shrugged. "It's all the same to us," said Snape nonchalantly, "pick any one and the rest of the lives will be ruined, too." He grinned sadistically.
"Well then," continued Voldemort, surveying his choices. "I'll just have to choose for myself."
"No, you don't." It was James who spoke, and he stepped forward. "I volunteer. I have great magical talent, am on the top of the class, can do any spell, and am even an animagi. I'll be best for your little cause."
"James, no!" Hermione moved to stop him but Remus held her back.
"Hera," James turned to Hermione and took her hand. "I love you. But I have to do this."
All of the other students tensed, but they seemed to agree. Hermione searched the faces around her. No one was going to do anything. Remus shook his head, letting go of the grip on her shoulder. Peter paced nervously, Sirius silently looked at the ground, and Lily stood frozen. Hermione couldn't believe what was happening. "You can't, James. I love you."
"Enough chit chat," growled Voldemort. "Cease him." Bellatirx and Snape stepped forward, grabbing James's arms from both sides. They pulled him to a circle on the ground that Hermione hadn't previously noticed. It was drawn with a red liquid- most likely blood- and surrounded by strange markings and runes. "This will be quick and painless," said Voldemort, "with a flash, you will be gone, I will be more powerful, and your friends will be free."
"No," Hermione weakly repeated, but she couldn't move. Lily reached down and held her hand, and Hermione squeezed back as she watched with horror as Voldemort slowly raised his wand and pointed it at James.
"Where did it all go?" Hermione asked herself as she pulled her robes tight around her body. Christmas had come and gone in a blur. But walking around campus on December 26, the memories of the previous day brought warmth to her body. It had been one of the happiest times she could ever remember. Harry and Ron were great friends, but she shared something deeper with Lily and the Marauders. She had barely missed her once best friends as she sat among her new buddies, opening presents and throwing balls of wrapping paper and ribbon at each other. It had been a perfect day. Short, but perfect.
And now they were all sleeping. Last night was a full moon; so all the guys were exhausted from their escapades. Lily and Hermione stayed up all night talking, so Lily was also in a deep slumber. But Hermione couldn't seem to sleep in. She was too happy to sleep. She had never known the friendship she found in Lily and Remus, the mischief she found in Sirius (who had adopted Hermione as his "apprentice" and was showing her the tricks of the trade), or the love she found in James. Even Peter had redeemable qualities.
Hermione worried about the future from time to time, the rise of Lord Voldemort and who would stop him if Harry didn't exist. But she assured herself that it would turn out okay. She had the drop on Voldie- she knew the future. Somehow it would all work out for good. Hermione shivered at the thought that he was probably rising to power this very minute, just waiting for the perfect time to make his first strike.
As if on cue, two people in dark robes and silver and green scarves stepped into her path. Hermione sighed. These two were getting to be quite annoying. "Out of the way you gits," she growled, pushing past Bellatrix and Snape.
"You're not getting away so easy this time, Ranger," Snape growled as he grabbed her arm. Hermione flinched; his grip was tighter than usual. And the glare in his eyes was more malicious. Before they had just been a pain, a couple bullies not unlike any other. But today something was different. They had an air of pure evil about them.
"Let go of me," her voice was not as strong as she wanted it to be. Rather, it was more of a squeak. Bellatrix, sensing her fear, grinned sadistically as she drew her wand and started walking forward menacingly
*****
James woke up with a start. Something wasn't right, he could just sense it. "Hera," he muttered, jumping to his feet and running to the door. In the process, he woke up Remus.
"James, what's wrong?" Remus asked sleepily, but the look of panic in James's eyes answered him. "Hera...is she okay?"
"I don't think so," answered James, "I can't explain it, I just feel that something is up."
Remus contemplated his friend before answering. "It could be nothing, but it won't hurt to check. Let's go to the girls' dorm."
Grabbing the invisibility cloak, they were off. As they burst through the door, their worst fears were confirmed when they saw an empty bed. James lost it.
"Lily!" He tore away from Remus, walked over to her bed, reached down and shook the sleeping redhead. She woke abruptly and started to scream. James became even more panicked.
"James!" Remus yelled from the door, where James had left him. "The cloak!" James hastily swept off his covering, revealing himself to Lily.
"What's wrong?" she asked, still half asleep. "Where's Hera?"
James's hands dropped from Lily's shoulders, and his eyes fell to her blanket. "That's what I was hoping you would tell me," he whispered.
Less than ten minutes later, Sirius and Peter were woken up, and the whole gang was dressed and ready to scour the castle. Sirius muttered sleepily as he dragged through the common room. "She probably just went for a bite to eat or a walk. I don't get what the big deal is."
"Yeah," chimed in Peter as he rubbed his eyes. "If I wasn't in my bed I doubt you guys would form a search party for me." He was quieted by James's deathly glare. Peter seethed in silence. He had been mad at them all ever since he found out that his parents were going to let him stay after all. Everyone had been so overjoyed when Sirius, James, and Remus announced they were staying for break, but when he did no one seemed to care a bit.
Feeling the tension in the room, Remus tried to speak in a calm, even tone. "It's something, although I can't say what. I feel it, James feels it, Lily feels it, and there's no explaining it. You guys know how much they hate her." He didn't need to explain who he was referring to, as everyone in the room solemnly nodded. "So here's what we're going to do. Sirius- you look in the kitchen and Great Hall. Peter- check out the library. Lily- look around the corridors. James and I are going to the Slytherin common room."
Without a word, the group started to head out, lead by Remus. He sighed deeply as he aimed to take his final step out the portrait hole before a figure darted in front of him and blocked his path.
"Stop," said Lily, crossing her arms over her chest.
Remus gave her a confused look. "Out of the way, Lil, we can't waste any time."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Boys: always jumping into things. Am I the only one who realizes that we can find Hera without even leaving the room?" She sighed at the vacant expressions. "The MAP! Hello? You guys were the ones who made it! I swear, I don't know what is going through your mind when..." Lily was unable to finish her sentence, as all four boys darted to their dorm room. "I tell you," she huffed before taking off after them.
*****
"This way."
Once again, Remus was the leader. He held the map and traveled at a pace that was half-walk half-run. The other three Marauders and Lily hurried after. Remus didn't remember the last time he felt so troubled. Seeing Hermione's name on the map right next to Severus Snape and Bellatrix Black told him that he was right to be so worried. His knuckles turned white as he grasped the map tightly, trying to maintain his composure.
James was next in line. He could only see red, and his soul thirsted to hurt someone. He had never felt this way before- so angry, so vengeful, so protective. Everything was a blur around him, all he could see was the three dots on the map leading into the Forbidden Forest.
Sirius held his wand out in front of him, as if to hex the first thing that jumped in his path. He had enough of those two slimy Slytherin gits. This was the last straw: when he got his hands on them this time...
Lily had tears in her eyes. She worried for her friend, and somehow felt responsible. She knew it wasn't really her fault, but she should have been more watchful of Hera, especially given that they were all expecting the Slytherins to pull something on her.
Peter was worried about Hera, too. She had always been nice, even if she tended to ignore him. But who didn't? His question was answered by the flash of red hair in front of him. Lily. So kind, so beautiful. All thoughts of the missing girl left his mind as he absently followed the red in front of him. He was jolted back to reality as he tripped over a root.
Lily cried out, and went to Peter's side. The others weren't quite so sympathetic. "Get up!" Sirius demanded, stalking over as if to kick Peter's form lying on the ground. "We don't have time for clumsiness."
With a look of hate, Peter got to his feet. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but was interrupted by a voice.
"Well, well, well...what do we have here?"
All five teenagers turned in unison, taken aback at what they saw before them. Snape and Bellatrix stood with smug looks on their faces, their arms crossed over their chests. In between them, with her hands on her hips and a glare in her eyes that just didn't belong, stood Hermione.
"What's wrong boys...and mudblood?" She asked mockingly. "Lost?"
Five jaws simultaneously dropped open. "Don't drool, it's not flattering." Hermione continued as she walked up to James, lifted a hand to his face and snapped his mouth shut.
"Hera..." he began, at a lost for words.
"I came to tell you goodbye," she said, not a hint of sincerity in her voice as she walked back over to the Slytherins. Standing once again between them, she linked arms with the two, sneering at the quintet of Gryffindors who were still gaping and speechless. "I have no need for you muggle lovers anymore. I've discovered a power that is much more useful." She turned to her companions. "Shall we be off? We don't want to keep him waiting." They turned away and started heading back into the forest.
Then Sirius did something. Something brash and sudden, like most of his actions were. And every time he did something like this, he always made things worse or got in trouble. But not this time. This time, it was the right thing to do.
He stepped forward, his wand still raised, and shouted, "Expelliarmus!" twice. The wands from Bellatrix and Snape's hands flew forward, and Sirius caught them. He started barking orders. "Peter, Lily, guard the two gits. Remus and James, keep an eye on Hera. Something's not right here."
Not about to question Sirius, Peter and Lily stepped forward with their wands, backing Bellatrix and Snape against trees. Remus and James approached Hermione, whose hand had been reaching for her wand. She stopped as they approached her, and stared with a look of pure hatred.
Sirius examined the wands in his hands. "Now which one is it," he muttered.
"You're mad, Black," spat Hermione.
Sirius ignored her, drawing his own wand and pointing it at one of the others he held. "Priori Incantatem!" he commanded. A small image emerged from the wand, one of Hermione. She was being controlled. "Just as I thought," said Sirius. "Deleterius," he added, and the image disappeared.
"Imperius curse!" said Remus. "I should have known. Great thinking, Sirius."
"What is the meaning of this?" Hermione demanded, shoving James and Remus away. "I want to know!"
"Hera, you've been under their control," said James, stepping up to her and raising his hand to her hair.
"Don't touch me!" she shrieked, pushing him away.
"Finite Incantatem," Sirius pointed his wand at Hermione. She froze for a minute, then collapsed to the ground. James knelt down and gathered her in his arms.
"Hera?" he asked hesitantly, afraid to be slapped again.
"James," she muttered, opening her eyes. "Oh James! I'm so sorry!"
James smiled, holding her tightly. "That's okay. It's not your fault.
Hermione smiled back, and turned to Sirius. "Sirius, thanks so much, I..." she stopped short. What was wrong with Sirius? He had a look of absolute terror on his face. Looking beyond the dark haired boy, she saw the same look on the faces of Remus, Peter, and Lily, who had dropped their wands, leaving the Slytherin duo unguarded. Snape and Bellatrix also had a peculiar look on their faces, but rather than horror it was one of triumph. "What is going on?" she asked, knowing that she'd find the answer if she turned around, dreading to look for that very same reason. She glanced behind her, seeing what she expected to see but horrified all the same.
Directly behind Hermione, glaring down at her and James, was a tall, cloaked figure. The only part not covered by the dark robes were two thin, pale hands emerging from the sleeves, the face was completely covered by the shadow of the hood. But Hermione didn't need a clear look to know who it was. She knew by the presence of evil that his figure emitted, by the cold rush of air that accompanied this man. Hermione was staring, for the first time ever, directly at Voldemort himself.
James's grip on Hermione tightened. "Get back, whoever you are!" he yelled. Hermione's breath grew short. Only she knew the seriousness of the situation, who they were really up against. This man would kill countless wizards and muggles, bring terror and distress to the whole world of magic, and murder the very man she was holding onto. This was no time to be brave.
Bellatrix, now unguarded, stepped forward. "You fool," she spat at James. "You have no idea who this is. This..." she paused for dramatic effect..."this is Lord Voldemort."
Sirius had finally regained his composure, and resumed his usual sarcastic manner. "And that's supposed to mean something to me? As far as I can tell, he's just another slimy git."
Voldemort spoke. "You ignorant callow child! One day you shall all fear my name, it will strike terror in muggle and wizard alike, there will be no man who can stand at the mention of Voldemort."
Sirius was now silent, and when good reason. Voldemort's voice had the effect that Hermione could only compare to that of a dementor. It chilled her down to the bones, made her feel like her every fear, every weakness was exposed. She wanted to run, wanted to hide, wanted to get as far away from that voice as possible.
Surrounded now by silence, Voldemort grinned. "Good. Now that we understand each other," he took a step forward until he was towering directly above Hermione and James. "Is this the girl you told me about?" he asked. Bellatrix nodded. "Get up," Voldemort commanded. Hermione didn't move. "I said GET UP!" James jerked, and pulled Hermione to her feet. "Get in line," he commanded, indicating to where Snape and Bellatrix had corralled the other Gryffindors so they stood in a line. James and Hermione obeyed.
Voldemort spoke to the group. "As I told you, one day I shall be great. Until that day I am raising support, support of wise wizards such as these two. And now I extend the offer to you." Bellatrix made an indignant noise of protest, but said nothing. "I offer this only once. I can give you unlimited power, unimaginable control. Along with me you will conquer the world. People will fear and obey you. There will come a time when you will be forced to choose sides. And mine is the winning side."
Hermione knew his words were true. He would be powerful, and inspire fear. But it was the wrong path to take. A quick glance assured her that her companions felt the same way, and didn't buy Voldie's little speech. What she didn't see was Peter's thought process. He loved his friends, yet Voldemort's words had a certain allure to them.
Voldemort sensed their stubbornness. "So none of you will accept my offer?" Peter hesitantly made a motion as if to step forward, but glanced at his friends and stepped back. "Very well," Voldemort continued, "then I shall let you go."
James squeezed Hermione's hand, Lily let out a breath, and Sirius slapped Remus's back. Hermione, however, knew better than to be convinced, as did Remus. For the first time since Voldemort appeared, he spoke. "You can't expect us to believe you." He said boldly. You're just going to let us go?"
"Yes I am," said Voldemort. "All but one, that is. I told you that all will be forced to choose sides, and you will all pay for your choice at one time or another. However one of you will pay now. Not only must I gain support of loyal wizards devoted to the cause, but I must become myself the most powerful of all. One can only become so powerful with a little...shall we say...outside help. On my own I could become big, but not big enough. For that I need to absorb the power of other strong wizards. With such combined power, one day I will be undefeatable."
He sneered at the look on the faces before him. "No fear, children. I won't kill you all, not yet at least. At this point, I can only take in the power of one wizard for a period of time, for the synthesis process is long. So then the question is...who to choose. Any suggestions?" he looked at Bellatrix and Snape.
The two looked at each other and shrugged. "It's all the same to us," said Snape nonchalantly, "pick any one and the rest of the lives will be ruined, too." He grinned sadistically.
"Well then," continued Voldemort, surveying his choices. "I'll just have to choose for myself."
"No, you don't." It was James who spoke, and he stepped forward. "I volunteer. I have great magical talent, am on the top of the class, can do any spell, and am even an animagi. I'll be best for your little cause."
"James, no!" Hermione moved to stop him but Remus held her back.
"Hera," James turned to Hermione and took her hand. "I love you. But I have to do this."
All of the other students tensed, but they seemed to agree. Hermione searched the faces around her. No one was going to do anything. Remus shook his head, letting go of the grip on her shoulder. Peter paced nervously, Sirius silently looked at the ground, and Lily stood frozen. Hermione couldn't believe what was happening. "You can't, James. I love you."
"Enough chit chat," growled Voldemort. "Cease him." Bellatirx and Snape stepped forward, grabbing James's arms from both sides. They pulled him to a circle on the ground that Hermione hadn't previously noticed. It was drawn with a red liquid- most likely blood- and surrounded by strange markings and runes. "This will be quick and painless," said Voldemort, "with a flash, you will be gone, I will be more powerful, and your friends will be free."
"No," Hermione weakly repeated, but she couldn't move. Lily reached down and held her hand, and Hermione squeezed back as she watched with horror as Voldemort slowly raised his wand and pointed it at James.