Author's Note: FINALLY!!!! It's been, what, a month since I last updated?
I'm so sorry for the major delay but this chapter was so difficult to
write. I rewrote it over, and over, and over, and over again, and I
*still* think it's one of the worst chapters EVER! So I'm terribly sorry
for the long wait and the crappy chapter. Hopefully you don't think it
sucks too much. Oh, and I'm working on a one-shot ficlet called The
Meaning of Love to redeem myself for making you guys wait so long. Keep an
eye out for that and please review for this one!
*Twisted Angel*
Chapter Nine * Veritaserum *
"Phone," Harry and Hermione murmured as the sound of the telephone ringing drifted up to their room.
"You get it," Harry mumbled, as the rings seemed to get louder and more obnoxious by the second.
"No, you get it," Hermione replied, pressing her ear against the pillow to stifle the loud sounds.
"Okay, we'll both get it," Harry replied, turning on his back without opening his eyes. "On the count of three, then."
"Fine."
"One ... two ... three!"
They both made a move to get up but then stopped to see if the other were up all ready. "That's the stupidest trick in the book, Harry," Hermione said, falling back on the bed and shutting her eyes.
"Hey! You tried it too!" he cried, defensively, laying next to her. They both groaned as the rings continued.
"This is ridiculous."
"I know. Come on," Hermione relented with a grumble. "Who's calling so early anyway?"
As they headed downstairs, the ringing stopped, causing the cheerful voices of Harry and Hermione to tell the caller that they weren't in right now and to leave a message.
"Oh sure! Now it stops ringing! Once we're actually downstairs ...." Harry grumbled, as he and Hermione slid onto the stools by the counter. They waited to hear who they had to call back.
"HARRY! HERMIONE! WAKE UP, LOVEBIRDS!" came the very loud voice of Ronald Weasley.
"Oh no ..." Hermione groaned, covering her ears. "He's trying out his new phone ..."
"You'd think after all these years he'd learn not to yell ..."
"WELL, SINCE YOU GUYS ARE PLAYING ..." he trailed off. "What's that Muggle Disney movie?" they heard him ask Lavender, who replied with annoyance. "... SLEEPING BEAUTY, I'LL JUST HAVE TO TELL YOU GUYS OVER THIS ... MACHINE ... THINGY ..."
"Ron, you don't have to yell into the telephone! You'd think you'd learn by now ..." they heard Lavender exclaim with a very exasperated sigh.
"RIGHT YOU ARE, LAVY!" he shouted into the receiver. "ANYWAY, AS I WAS SAYING, I HAVE SOME NEWS FOR MY FAVORITE NEIGHBORS. BUT FIRST ... OUR WEDDING REHEARSAL IS TO BE ON THE SUNDAY OF THIS WEEK AT 3 P.M. SHARP! DON'T BE LATE! I'M SAYING THAT MORE TO YOU, HARRY 'OL PAL, THEN TO YOU, HERMIONE. WE ALL KNOW HOW PUNCTUAL YOU ARE ... BOY DO WE KNOW ..."
"Ron! I wouldn't be surprised if they disconnect their phone after this ... not to mention lock up their windows and doors so your crazy owl won't get in ... I would," Lavender told him.
Harry and Hermione laughed at this. They were getting more of a conversation out of this than the actual message.
"DON'T LISTEN TO HER, YOU TWO. IT'S THE HORMONES TALKING. ANYWAY, THE ACTUAL NEWS IS FOR HARRY. REMEMBER HOW YOU ASKED ME ABOUT ANY MAGICAL REMOTE ISLANDS? WELL, A FRIEND OF MINE ON THE TEAM TOLD ME ABOUT ONE IN JAMAICA. IT'S OWNED BY AN OLD COUPLE AND IS UNKNOWN TO THE MUGGLES. IT'S QUITE POPULAR IN OUR WORLD THOUGH. YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK IT OUT. SEND AN OWL TO ERIC WEATHERBY ... I THINK YOU'VE MET HIM. HE WAS THE ONE WHO GOT SO DRUNK ONE NIGHT HE ENDED UP SINGING "BORN TO BE WILD" ON TOP OF THE BAR NAKED. REMEMBER? NOT A BAD VOICE ...
"ANYWAY, LET ME KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. I BETTER GO, LAVY DOESN'T SEEM TOO HAPPY THAT I GOT HER OUT OF BED TO TRY OUT OUR NEW TEPHYLONE -"
"Telephone!" Lavender's voice shouted.
"RIGHT, TELEPHONE. SEE YOU LATER." And with that, there was a click and then silence.
Harry and Hermione looked up at each other and smiled. Poor Lavender!
"Well, come on then, love," Harry sighed, getting off the stool and offering his hand to Hermione. "Might as well go back to bed. We have some things to talk about first, don't you think?" he asked, as they slowly climbed the stairs.
Hermione nodded absentmindedly, seeming deep in thought. Harry glanced sideways at her. "What's up, 'Mione?"
Hermione's head snapped up, startled at the sound of his voice. "Hmm? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about that Eric person Ron mentioned. 'Born To Be Wild?' Was he serious?" she asked.
Harry looked mildly surprised. "Yes, for once, our dear friend was serious. I was surprised at his voice, making sure to keep my eyes averted in fear of getting scarred for life."
Hermione laughed. "Bad singer?" she asked.
"No, quite good, actually. That's what surprised me," he answered with a sly smile.
They crawled back into bed, under the covers, and into each other's arms. They were silent for a few moments, each wondering which subject to broach first. Finally, Hermione spoke.
"So is the spell broken?"
"Yes, it is. You did it again," Harry replied, awe evident in his voice.
"But how? Only the person who cast the spell could undo it," she said, her brow furrowing in thought.
"We don't know for sure but my biggest guess is that you fought it so hard that it was broken by lack of fear. The whole point for those nightmares were to frighten you so much you would lose sense of reality and eventually lose your mind. I don't think Voldemort or Parzatti expected you to fight back, they probably didn't even know you could fight back. How did you do it?"
Hermione shook her head. "It started out like a regular nightmare. This time I had killed you and Anthony was taunting me. Instead of believing him like I usually ended up doing I knew he was lying. I also realized that I had control. Usually, I can't wake up until it lets me but I realized this time that if I had wanted I could have woken up at any minute. Instead, I took advantage of that and started screaming at him, telling him that I had had enough and that I wasn't scared of him any longer. The funny thing was he seemed to be shimmering away the stronger I got until he vanished all together," Hermione finished, tilting her head up to look at Harry's face.
His expression was thoughtful. "I don't know what to say except that you're amazing."
Hermione smiled at him then let her head fall back against his chest. She shut her eyes, relieved to be rid of the nightmares that had made her afraid to go to sleep every night.
"I'm worried though, that there is a side effect to this that we don't know about," Harry said slowly.
"I don't think there is. I remember reading about it once and it didn't say anything about side effects or anything like that. I also think I would have felt something by now but all I feel is relief that it's finally over."
Harry nodded, glad it was over also. He still wasn't sure about the effects of the spell but knowing Hermione, she was more than likely right. He ran a finger up and down her arm, letting his chin rest on the top of her head. His eyes fell shut and he felt peaceful for what felt like the first time since the nightmares had begun.
"I'm sorry," she whispered after a while, startling Harry out of his half sleep.
"For what?" he asked, surprised. "You have nothing to be sorry for," he told her as she looked up at him.
"Yes, I do," she said, her voice shaking a bit. "I've been pushing you away and I know I said this the day of Clara's party but I haven't been treating you the way you deserve. I've been more distant, even colder towards you even though you just wanted to be there for me. You know, Harry, I really believe that if the dreams had continued I would have gone crazy. For some fleeting moments right after I would wake up from them, I would actually believe Anthony. I would be angry at you for something you never even did and I felt so ashamed."
Harry wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "You had no reason to be, love. It wasn't your fault." He kissed her forehead tenderly, then smiled reassuringly. "Look at you now though. You were strong enough to stop it. I'm so proud," he said, making Hermione scrunch up her nose.
"You sound like my dad!" she said, laughing.
"Well, I am. And people say I'm always the brave, strong one. You're much stronger than I am and you've proved it so many times."
"Well, I've had you there to help me through everything."
"And vice versa," Harry added to her statement. "See, we are so meant to be!" he squealed, his imitation of Lavender and Parvati during their Hogwart's days uncannily the same.
Hermione laughed and snuggled closer, glancing at the clock on the small dresser next to the bed. "What time do you have to be at work?" she asked Harry, hoping it wasn't till later. They hadn't spent time like this for a while.
"Not until ten," he answered, glad he had about three more hours until he had to leave for the office again.
"Did you get to question that Death Eater last night? Or did I lure you away?" she asked, smiling sheepishly.
"You lured me away and I was glad you did. Though you were sound asleep when I got home."
"So you didn't get any information out of him? Or is it a her?"
"It's a he. Name's Duffy Ashby and he's a nasty one. Well, they all are, Death Eaters, but this one is young and naive. Probably dropped out of school before he learned anything to give him brains. He wouldn't have given me anything anyway. Remus sent word to Dumbledore to get Snape to make a strong Veritaserum potion for us to use on him. That's the only way to get anything out of him."
"Think Snape'll do it?" Hermione asked, amusement in her tone.
"He has to, has no choice," Harry replied with an evil smile. "It feels good to be able to boss him around."
Hermione laughed then stopped abruptly. "Hey Harry ... if Voldemort has returned to full power Snape would have known, right? Because of his mark ... it would burn black if Voldie has risen, wouldn't it? And your scar ... I'm sure you would have felt something ..."
Harry nodded his head. "That's how we know he hasn't regained full power. He's using his followers to do everything he can't do until he regains his strength back."
"Well, from what you've told me, it seems like he doesn't want to attract any attention to himself until then."
"That's what I think, too. We can't do much until he does show his face, so to speak."
Hermione moved over, laying next to him, so she could look up into his face. Harry shifted to his side, his arm holding up his head as he looked down at her. "You'll catch him, Harry. I'm sure of it."
"How?" he asked, quietly.
"Remember that prophecy Dumbledore explained to you in our fifth year at Hogwarts? One of you will have to die for the other to live. I know you'll live because good always overcomes evil. It's a common known fact."
"You hold a lot of stake on that, don't you?"
"It's you, Harry. I trust you with my life."
Harry smiled down at her, loving her for her faith in him. "Thanks, love," he said, lowering his head and kissing her softly. He slowly pulled away, trailing a finger on her exposed stomach.
"Your very welcome," she said, shivering slightly at his touch.
Feeling her shiver, he ran his finger higher up, lowering his head to brush his lips with hers. She grabbed a handful of his robes and pulled him down on top of her, sliding her hands up his back. "how long do you have until you have to leave for the office?" she asked, as they broke apart for air.
"Not for another three hours," Harry answered, his breath tickling her ear as he planted kisses down her neck.
"Good," she murmured as he brought his lips back up to hers.
"I will give you one more chance to give us information on Voldemort's whereabouts on your on accord," Harry supplied, four hours later, coming to a stop in front of Duffy, who was looking torn between insolence and fear.
"Of my own accord?" he repeated, stupidly.
"Yes, you know, of your own free will?"
Duffy continued to stare at Harry as if he had just sprouted off a very complicated formula.
"Either you tell us what you know or we will force a truth potion down your throat. Got it?" he said, exasperated. Didn't this kid know anything?
The Death Eater blinked, as if coming out of a trance. "Oh! Never!" he spat, finally understanding his choices. "I will never betray my Master! And how dare you say his name like that!" he added as an afterthought.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Fine. Suit yourself." He turned around to face his team, who were aligned around the small cell. He nodded to three men in the corner and reached out to take the Truth Serum from Remus. As Harry turned back around, Ashby began to stand up, trying to pull free from the chains holding him.
"No! I won't take it!" he shouted, but just as he began to move, the three men appeared on either side. They held on to the younger wizard's arms, keeping a strong hold of him.
"Ready?" Harry asked them, as he stepped closer so there was no space between them. They nodded and Harry grabbed a hold of Ashby's chin, holding him firm. "We gave you a chance. You had a choice and you've made the wrong one," Harry said, opening Duffy's mouth.
He tried to move but Harry's grip was too strong for the young wizard. Harry dropped three drops of the potion into the Death Eater's mouth and instantly, he stopped struggling, his eyes were blank.
They slowly released their hold on him and back up as Harry kneeled in front of Duffy. "Can you hear me?" he asked, softly.
"Yes," he muttered.
"How old are you?" Harry asked, for starters.
"Seventeen," he answered.
"I want you to tell me where Lord Voldemort is hiding."
Duffy was silent for a moment before answering. "I don't know."
Harry glanced around at Remus who looked as puzzled as Harry felt. "You don't know where Lord Voldemort is hiding?" he repeated, pathetically.
"No. When I first decided to become a Death Eater, Anthony Parzatti had told me it was better if I didn't know where our Master was hiding. That way, if I was ever caught I wouldn't be able to accidentally let it slip," he said in a flat, expressionless voice.
Obviously, Voldemort doesn't trust this one, Harry thought, grimly. Switching tracks, he asked, "What is Voldemort's plan?" though he knew the answer before it left the Death Eater's mouth.
"To kill Harry Potter and rule the world once again."
"And how is he planning to do this?"
"He was going to use that Mudblood Hermione Granger, but his Dream Charm didn't work as he thought it would. She fought it before she was turned against Potter. But he knows how to get her. And this time it'll work."
Harry's blood had been boiling at the mention of 'mudblood' but it ran cold at Ashby's last two statements. He cleared his throat. "And how is he planning to get to her this time?"
"I can't tell you. I don't know, he hasn't told any of us except Parzatti."
"Why has he only told Parzatti?"
"Because it involves him. The Mudblood is terrified of him, you know. Almost more than Lord Voldemort himself," he answered, almost looking happy.
"What is Parzatti planning on doing?"
"I don't know. He's only told me that it will get her back good for what she did to him. Serves her right; I hope she suffers."
The Potion seemed to be wearing off so Harry made his next question quick. "Who are the main Death Eaters?"
"Parzatti, Malfoy, Avery, Johnson -"
"Wait, Johnson?" Harry interrupted. He knew there were plenty of Johnson's but something told him it was the same one who had been at their house only a day before. "What's the first name?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Duffy snarled, blinking rapidly. The Potion had apparently faded and he had answered without knowing what the question was.
Sighing, Harry stood up. "Thank you, Ashby. Your information was helpful."
"What? No! My Master will be so angry ..." Duffy cried, suddenly looking frightened. "What are you going to do to me now that you have everything you need?" he asked, glaring at them.
"Where do Death Eaters who are caught go, Ashby?" Harry asked, turning his back on the young wizard.
"A-Azkaban," he answered, fear now evident not only in his face expression and voice, but in the way he began to tremble.
"Exactly."
"Hermione! Are you home?" Lavender let herself into the spacious house, shutting the door behind her.
"In here, Lav!" Hermione's voice drifted from somewhere inside the house.
"Where?"
"The Library!"
"Of course," Lavender muttered with a fond smile on her face. She made her way through the living room, past the kitchen and dining room, to where the Library was, underneath the stairs. "Wow, what are you doing?"
The floor, chairs, couch, and tables were littered with books. Hermione was standing on a ladder in the middle of all this, her head lost inside one of the book shelves where she was reaching for one particular out-of- reach novel. Her head appeared and she smiled. "Hey, Lav. Thought I'd clean up a bit since I'm not working and I'm by myself."
"Oh, I see. For a second I thought you were trying to find a good hiding place."
Hermione laughed as he carefully descended down the wooden ladder. "Want some tea?" she asked as she walked over to Lavender and hugged her.
"Sure."
"So how are you feeling?" Hermione asked over her shoulder as Lavender followed her to the kitchen.
Lavender rolled her eyes. "I'm so sick of that question! Ron asks me that every five minutes. I swear, he acts as if I'm dying instead of going to have a baby."
Hermione laughed. "Sorry, I won't ask you how're you doing ever again."
"Good. But, I think Hermione, that I should be asking you that question," Lavender said, sitting down at the round table as Hermione busied herself with the tea.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" she said, not making eye contact.
"You know very well why I'm asking you, Herm."
Hermione finally sighed and sat down opposite of Lavender. "The nightmares?"
Lavender nodded as Hermione flicked her wand and two cups of steaming tea landed in front of them. "They're gone, right?"
"Yes, they've finally stopped. Suppose you know how?"
She nodded again then looked at her friend in puzzlement. "You don't seem too happy about it."
"Oh, I am happy. Too finally be able to sleep without being terrified I'll see Harry die at my own hands is a major relief but it's just ..."
"What?"
She picked up her cup and took a sip of the hot liquid before answering. "Well, Harry said there might be a side effect of some sort that we aren't aware of."
"Do you think so?"
Hermione shook her head, looking as if she were thinking of something entirely different than the conversation at hand. "No, no I don't believe there is a side effect. I've read about it once and I don't remember reading anything about effects except the part where you eventually go crazy. So, no, I'm not worried about that."
"Well, something is worrying you."
She nodded absentmindedly as she took another drink. "Lavender," she said suddenly, putting her cup down. "Do you ever feel like life is going too great for comfort?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, leaning forward in her seat, elbows on the table and tea forgotten.
"Well, things with me and Harry are going great. It's better than I've ever imagined. I can't wait for the wedding and all but it just feels like things are going too great. Know what I mean? For twenty-years, ever since we started Hogwarts, it seems like the threat of Voldemort has always loomed above us; especially for Harry. I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop, the thing that will come unexpectedly and will ruin everything we've built so hard at. I just ...."
"What, Hermione?" Lavender understood now. Hermione was scared that in one moment when they weren't on guard, everything would fall apart.
"I just want to have a normal wedding. A normal life. I want to be able to plan my wedding with my fiance without worrying about Voldemort making himself known at that moment. Or questioning if we should have kids in case Voldemort finds out and uses them against us. I'm just so tired of being on alert all the time," she finished looking slightly ashamed yet glad she had let all that off her chest.
Lavender took her friend's hand in her own. "Have you said all this to Harry?"
Hermione shook her head, averting her eyes.
"Well, you need to tell him that, not me. He'll understand, Hermione."
"I don't want him to start blaming himself because it isn't his fault. I don't want him to get the idea that it would be better if he left me, again," she whispered. The day Harry had found out Sirius had died in their seventh year at Hogwarts, Harry had told Hermione it would be better if they had broken up. That way Hermione would be able to move on and live a normal life, away from The-Boy-Who-Lived and his deadly enemy. Hermione had refused, of course, and she also hadn't told anyone.
"What? Harry would never leave you."
"He had suggested it once, a while ago." At the confused look on Lavender's face, Hermione told her the story.
"See? I don't want him getting the same idea," she finished.
"Well, just tell Harry. He'll understand."
"Tell me what?"
The deep voice that suddenly filled the room startled both girls, making them jump. "Harry! You scared us half to death! Don't ever do that again!" Hermione cried, her hand at her heart.
Harry smiled sheepishly at them. "Sorry."
Lavender rolled her eyes, accepting a kiss on the cheek from him. "How's the mother-to-be?" he asked.
"I-" she began, looking annoyed.
"Don't bother asking her that, Harry. Ron has worn that question out," Hermione told him, standing up as Ron came into the room.
"Hey all!" he greeted, cheerfully. He bent down to kiss Lavender and ran a hand gently across her stomach. "What's everyone up to?"
Standing up, Lavender grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the doorway. "Nothing, babe. We should go though." At Ron and Harry's confused expression she said, "Let's go make dinner."
As Ron finally agreed to leave, saying good-bye to Harry and Hermione and walking out, Lavender gave Hermione a look that clearly said, "Tell him," before disappearing after Ron.
"What was that all about?" Harry asked, not having missed the look between the two girls.
Hermione picked up the cups and went over to the sink, ignoring Harry's question. "So how was work? You came home early."
He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. "It went all right. I know you're keeping something from me. You might as well let it out, love."
Sighing, she put down the towel and turned around in his arms to face him. "Okay, but you promise you won't come up with any crazy ideas?"
Harry frowned. "What?"
"Just promise me."
"I promise, I promise."
Taking his hand she lead him over to the couch. They sat down and faced each other.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Well, Harry ...."
"You thought I was going to suggest that I leave, right?" Harry asked, half an hour later, after she had told him her worries.
Hermione nodded, biting her bottom lip. Harry smiled at her, taking her hands in his. "I thought that was the only way back then. But I came to realize that I can't live without you even if I tried. So there is no way I would ever try that again. All right?"
She nodded again, smiling. Leaning forward she kissed him softly. "So you aren't mad at me?"
Harry looked shocked. "Mad? Why would I be mad?"
"I don't know ..."
"Actually, I've been worried about the same thing. I just want to live my life with you without having to worry about old Voldie hovering over our heads. But don't worry, love, we've come closer. I'm sure that he'll never get the chance to use our children against us."
"So you do want to have children?" Hermione asked, broaching another subject that had been bothering her.
Harry smiled and leaned in for a kiss. "With you, I would have a million children."
"If you want that many than you can carry them for nine months and give birth to them," she snorted.
Harry laughed. "Deal."
"So did you get all the information you needed out of him?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Pretty much. He didn't tell us where Voldemort is hiding because he didn't know."
"Must not trust him much, huh?"
"That's what I thought," Harry replied. He was trying to get the courage to tell Hermione that Marie Johnson could possibly be a Death Eater, but since they had become friends and Hermione loved Clara so much, it wasn't an easy task.
Clearing his throat, he tried to ease it into the conversation. "So have you heard from Marie lately?"
Hermione shook her head, nonchalantly. "No, after all she was with us all day yesterday."
"Oh, right," he mumbled, cursing himself. So much for easing it in.
"Oh!" Hermione said suddenly, jumping up.
"What is it?"
"I was cleaning up the library when Lavender showed up and never quite finished. Want to help?" she smiled sweetly at him
Harry stood up with a sigh. "Like I could ever say no to you," he mumbled, causing Hermione to smile triumphantly.
She grabbed his hand and they headed off in the direction of the library. Secretly, Harry was glad to be spending the afternoon with her, even if it was organizing books all day.
Hermione pushed open the library door and Harry saw the room cluttered with books in every corner and shelves empty. As he let out a groan, the thought of Marie being a Death Eater ran out of his mind as it prepared him for the task ahead of them.
*Twisted Angel*
Chapter Nine * Veritaserum *
"Phone," Harry and Hermione murmured as the sound of the telephone ringing drifted up to their room.
"You get it," Harry mumbled, as the rings seemed to get louder and more obnoxious by the second.
"No, you get it," Hermione replied, pressing her ear against the pillow to stifle the loud sounds.
"Okay, we'll both get it," Harry replied, turning on his back without opening his eyes. "On the count of three, then."
"Fine."
"One ... two ... three!"
They both made a move to get up but then stopped to see if the other were up all ready. "That's the stupidest trick in the book, Harry," Hermione said, falling back on the bed and shutting her eyes.
"Hey! You tried it too!" he cried, defensively, laying next to her. They both groaned as the rings continued.
"This is ridiculous."
"I know. Come on," Hermione relented with a grumble. "Who's calling so early anyway?"
As they headed downstairs, the ringing stopped, causing the cheerful voices of Harry and Hermione to tell the caller that they weren't in right now and to leave a message.
"Oh sure! Now it stops ringing! Once we're actually downstairs ...." Harry grumbled, as he and Hermione slid onto the stools by the counter. They waited to hear who they had to call back.
"HARRY! HERMIONE! WAKE UP, LOVEBIRDS!" came the very loud voice of Ronald Weasley.
"Oh no ..." Hermione groaned, covering her ears. "He's trying out his new phone ..."
"You'd think after all these years he'd learn not to yell ..."
"WELL, SINCE YOU GUYS ARE PLAYING ..." he trailed off. "What's that Muggle Disney movie?" they heard him ask Lavender, who replied with annoyance. "... SLEEPING BEAUTY, I'LL JUST HAVE TO TELL YOU GUYS OVER THIS ... MACHINE ... THINGY ..."
"Ron, you don't have to yell into the telephone! You'd think you'd learn by now ..." they heard Lavender exclaim with a very exasperated sigh.
"RIGHT YOU ARE, LAVY!" he shouted into the receiver. "ANYWAY, AS I WAS SAYING, I HAVE SOME NEWS FOR MY FAVORITE NEIGHBORS. BUT FIRST ... OUR WEDDING REHEARSAL IS TO BE ON THE SUNDAY OF THIS WEEK AT 3 P.M. SHARP! DON'T BE LATE! I'M SAYING THAT MORE TO YOU, HARRY 'OL PAL, THEN TO YOU, HERMIONE. WE ALL KNOW HOW PUNCTUAL YOU ARE ... BOY DO WE KNOW ..."
"Ron! I wouldn't be surprised if they disconnect their phone after this ... not to mention lock up their windows and doors so your crazy owl won't get in ... I would," Lavender told him.
Harry and Hermione laughed at this. They were getting more of a conversation out of this than the actual message.
"DON'T LISTEN TO HER, YOU TWO. IT'S THE HORMONES TALKING. ANYWAY, THE ACTUAL NEWS IS FOR HARRY. REMEMBER HOW YOU ASKED ME ABOUT ANY MAGICAL REMOTE ISLANDS? WELL, A FRIEND OF MINE ON THE TEAM TOLD ME ABOUT ONE IN JAMAICA. IT'S OWNED BY AN OLD COUPLE AND IS UNKNOWN TO THE MUGGLES. IT'S QUITE POPULAR IN OUR WORLD THOUGH. YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK IT OUT. SEND AN OWL TO ERIC WEATHERBY ... I THINK YOU'VE MET HIM. HE WAS THE ONE WHO GOT SO DRUNK ONE NIGHT HE ENDED UP SINGING "BORN TO BE WILD" ON TOP OF THE BAR NAKED. REMEMBER? NOT A BAD VOICE ...
"ANYWAY, LET ME KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. I BETTER GO, LAVY DOESN'T SEEM TOO HAPPY THAT I GOT HER OUT OF BED TO TRY OUT OUR NEW TEPHYLONE -"
"Telephone!" Lavender's voice shouted.
"RIGHT, TELEPHONE. SEE YOU LATER." And with that, there was a click and then silence.
Harry and Hermione looked up at each other and smiled. Poor Lavender!
"Well, come on then, love," Harry sighed, getting off the stool and offering his hand to Hermione. "Might as well go back to bed. We have some things to talk about first, don't you think?" he asked, as they slowly climbed the stairs.
Hermione nodded absentmindedly, seeming deep in thought. Harry glanced sideways at her. "What's up, 'Mione?"
Hermione's head snapped up, startled at the sound of his voice. "Hmm? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about that Eric person Ron mentioned. 'Born To Be Wild?' Was he serious?" she asked.
Harry looked mildly surprised. "Yes, for once, our dear friend was serious. I was surprised at his voice, making sure to keep my eyes averted in fear of getting scarred for life."
Hermione laughed. "Bad singer?" she asked.
"No, quite good, actually. That's what surprised me," he answered with a sly smile.
They crawled back into bed, under the covers, and into each other's arms. They were silent for a few moments, each wondering which subject to broach first. Finally, Hermione spoke.
"So is the spell broken?"
"Yes, it is. You did it again," Harry replied, awe evident in his voice.
"But how? Only the person who cast the spell could undo it," she said, her brow furrowing in thought.
"We don't know for sure but my biggest guess is that you fought it so hard that it was broken by lack of fear. The whole point for those nightmares were to frighten you so much you would lose sense of reality and eventually lose your mind. I don't think Voldemort or Parzatti expected you to fight back, they probably didn't even know you could fight back. How did you do it?"
Hermione shook her head. "It started out like a regular nightmare. This time I had killed you and Anthony was taunting me. Instead of believing him like I usually ended up doing I knew he was lying. I also realized that I had control. Usually, I can't wake up until it lets me but I realized this time that if I had wanted I could have woken up at any minute. Instead, I took advantage of that and started screaming at him, telling him that I had had enough and that I wasn't scared of him any longer. The funny thing was he seemed to be shimmering away the stronger I got until he vanished all together," Hermione finished, tilting her head up to look at Harry's face.
His expression was thoughtful. "I don't know what to say except that you're amazing."
Hermione smiled at him then let her head fall back against his chest. She shut her eyes, relieved to be rid of the nightmares that had made her afraid to go to sleep every night.
"I'm worried though, that there is a side effect to this that we don't know about," Harry said slowly.
"I don't think there is. I remember reading about it once and it didn't say anything about side effects or anything like that. I also think I would have felt something by now but all I feel is relief that it's finally over."
Harry nodded, glad it was over also. He still wasn't sure about the effects of the spell but knowing Hermione, she was more than likely right. He ran a finger up and down her arm, letting his chin rest on the top of her head. His eyes fell shut and he felt peaceful for what felt like the first time since the nightmares had begun.
"I'm sorry," she whispered after a while, startling Harry out of his half sleep.
"For what?" he asked, surprised. "You have nothing to be sorry for," he told her as she looked up at him.
"Yes, I do," she said, her voice shaking a bit. "I've been pushing you away and I know I said this the day of Clara's party but I haven't been treating you the way you deserve. I've been more distant, even colder towards you even though you just wanted to be there for me. You know, Harry, I really believe that if the dreams had continued I would have gone crazy. For some fleeting moments right after I would wake up from them, I would actually believe Anthony. I would be angry at you for something you never even did and I felt so ashamed."
Harry wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "You had no reason to be, love. It wasn't your fault." He kissed her forehead tenderly, then smiled reassuringly. "Look at you now though. You were strong enough to stop it. I'm so proud," he said, making Hermione scrunch up her nose.
"You sound like my dad!" she said, laughing.
"Well, I am. And people say I'm always the brave, strong one. You're much stronger than I am and you've proved it so many times."
"Well, I've had you there to help me through everything."
"And vice versa," Harry added to her statement. "See, we are so meant to be!" he squealed, his imitation of Lavender and Parvati during their Hogwart's days uncannily the same.
Hermione laughed and snuggled closer, glancing at the clock on the small dresser next to the bed. "What time do you have to be at work?" she asked Harry, hoping it wasn't till later. They hadn't spent time like this for a while.
"Not until ten," he answered, glad he had about three more hours until he had to leave for the office again.
"Did you get to question that Death Eater last night? Or did I lure you away?" she asked, smiling sheepishly.
"You lured me away and I was glad you did. Though you were sound asleep when I got home."
"So you didn't get any information out of him? Or is it a her?"
"It's a he. Name's Duffy Ashby and he's a nasty one. Well, they all are, Death Eaters, but this one is young and naive. Probably dropped out of school before he learned anything to give him brains. He wouldn't have given me anything anyway. Remus sent word to Dumbledore to get Snape to make a strong Veritaserum potion for us to use on him. That's the only way to get anything out of him."
"Think Snape'll do it?" Hermione asked, amusement in her tone.
"He has to, has no choice," Harry replied with an evil smile. "It feels good to be able to boss him around."
Hermione laughed then stopped abruptly. "Hey Harry ... if Voldemort has returned to full power Snape would have known, right? Because of his mark ... it would burn black if Voldie has risen, wouldn't it? And your scar ... I'm sure you would have felt something ..."
Harry nodded his head. "That's how we know he hasn't regained full power. He's using his followers to do everything he can't do until he regains his strength back."
"Well, from what you've told me, it seems like he doesn't want to attract any attention to himself until then."
"That's what I think, too. We can't do much until he does show his face, so to speak."
Hermione moved over, laying next to him, so she could look up into his face. Harry shifted to his side, his arm holding up his head as he looked down at her. "You'll catch him, Harry. I'm sure of it."
"How?" he asked, quietly.
"Remember that prophecy Dumbledore explained to you in our fifth year at Hogwarts? One of you will have to die for the other to live. I know you'll live because good always overcomes evil. It's a common known fact."
"You hold a lot of stake on that, don't you?"
"It's you, Harry. I trust you with my life."
Harry smiled down at her, loving her for her faith in him. "Thanks, love," he said, lowering his head and kissing her softly. He slowly pulled away, trailing a finger on her exposed stomach.
"Your very welcome," she said, shivering slightly at his touch.
Feeling her shiver, he ran his finger higher up, lowering his head to brush his lips with hers. She grabbed a handful of his robes and pulled him down on top of her, sliding her hands up his back. "how long do you have until you have to leave for the office?" she asked, as they broke apart for air.
"Not for another three hours," Harry answered, his breath tickling her ear as he planted kisses down her neck.
"Good," she murmured as he brought his lips back up to hers.
"I will give you one more chance to give us information on Voldemort's whereabouts on your on accord," Harry supplied, four hours later, coming to a stop in front of Duffy, who was looking torn between insolence and fear.
"Of my own accord?" he repeated, stupidly.
"Yes, you know, of your own free will?"
Duffy continued to stare at Harry as if he had just sprouted off a very complicated formula.
"Either you tell us what you know or we will force a truth potion down your throat. Got it?" he said, exasperated. Didn't this kid know anything?
The Death Eater blinked, as if coming out of a trance. "Oh! Never!" he spat, finally understanding his choices. "I will never betray my Master! And how dare you say his name like that!" he added as an afterthought.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Fine. Suit yourself." He turned around to face his team, who were aligned around the small cell. He nodded to three men in the corner and reached out to take the Truth Serum from Remus. As Harry turned back around, Ashby began to stand up, trying to pull free from the chains holding him.
"No! I won't take it!" he shouted, but just as he began to move, the three men appeared on either side. They held on to the younger wizard's arms, keeping a strong hold of him.
"Ready?" Harry asked them, as he stepped closer so there was no space between them. They nodded and Harry grabbed a hold of Ashby's chin, holding him firm. "We gave you a chance. You had a choice and you've made the wrong one," Harry said, opening Duffy's mouth.
He tried to move but Harry's grip was too strong for the young wizard. Harry dropped three drops of the potion into the Death Eater's mouth and instantly, he stopped struggling, his eyes were blank.
They slowly released their hold on him and back up as Harry kneeled in front of Duffy. "Can you hear me?" he asked, softly.
"Yes," he muttered.
"How old are you?" Harry asked, for starters.
"Seventeen," he answered.
"I want you to tell me where Lord Voldemort is hiding."
Duffy was silent for a moment before answering. "I don't know."
Harry glanced around at Remus who looked as puzzled as Harry felt. "You don't know where Lord Voldemort is hiding?" he repeated, pathetically.
"No. When I first decided to become a Death Eater, Anthony Parzatti had told me it was better if I didn't know where our Master was hiding. That way, if I was ever caught I wouldn't be able to accidentally let it slip," he said in a flat, expressionless voice.
Obviously, Voldemort doesn't trust this one, Harry thought, grimly. Switching tracks, he asked, "What is Voldemort's plan?" though he knew the answer before it left the Death Eater's mouth.
"To kill Harry Potter and rule the world once again."
"And how is he planning to do this?"
"He was going to use that Mudblood Hermione Granger, but his Dream Charm didn't work as he thought it would. She fought it before she was turned against Potter. But he knows how to get her. And this time it'll work."
Harry's blood had been boiling at the mention of 'mudblood' but it ran cold at Ashby's last two statements. He cleared his throat. "And how is he planning to get to her this time?"
"I can't tell you. I don't know, he hasn't told any of us except Parzatti."
"Why has he only told Parzatti?"
"Because it involves him. The Mudblood is terrified of him, you know. Almost more than Lord Voldemort himself," he answered, almost looking happy.
"What is Parzatti planning on doing?"
"I don't know. He's only told me that it will get her back good for what she did to him. Serves her right; I hope she suffers."
The Potion seemed to be wearing off so Harry made his next question quick. "Who are the main Death Eaters?"
"Parzatti, Malfoy, Avery, Johnson -"
"Wait, Johnson?" Harry interrupted. He knew there were plenty of Johnson's but something told him it was the same one who had been at their house only a day before. "What's the first name?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Duffy snarled, blinking rapidly. The Potion had apparently faded and he had answered without knowing what the question was.
Sighing, Harry stood up. "Thank you, Ashby. Your information was helpful."
"What? No! My Master will be so angry ..." Duffy cried, suddenly looking frightened. "What are you going to do to me now that you have everything you need?" he asked, glaring at them.
"Where do Death Eaters who are caught go, Ashby?" Harry asked, turning his back on the young wizard.
"A-Azkaban," he answered, fear now evident not only in his face expression and voice, but in the way he began to tremble.
"Exactly."
"Hermione! Are you home?" Lavender let herself into the spacious house, shutting the door behind her.
"In here, Lav!" Hermione's voice drifted from somewhere inside the house.
"Where?"
"The Library!"
"Of course," Lavender muttered with a fond smile on her face. She made her way through the living room, past the kitchen and dining room, to where the Library was, underneath the stairs. "Wow, what are you doing?"
The floor, chairs, couch, and tables were littered with books. Hermione was standing on a ladder in the middle of all this, her head lost inside one of the book shelves where she was reaching for one particular out-of- reach novel. Her head appeared and she smiled. "Hey, Lav. Thought I'd clean up a bit since I'm not working and I'm by myself."
"Oh, I see. For a second I thought you were trying to find a good hiding place."
Hermione laughed as he carefully descended down the wooden ladder. "Want some tea?" she asked as she walked over to Lavender and hugged her.
"Sure."
"So how are you feeling?" Hermione asked over her shoulder as Lavender followed her to the kitchen.
Lavender rolled her eyes. "I'm so sick of that question! Ron asks me that every five minutes. I swear, he acts as if I'm dying instead of going to have a baby."
Hermione laughed. "Sorry, I won't ask you how're you doing ever again."
"Good. But, I think Hermione, that I should be asking you that question," Lavender said, sitting down at the round table as Hermione busied herself with the tea.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" she said, not making eye contact.
"You know very well why I'm asking you, Herm."
Hermione finally sighed and sat down opposite of Lavender. "The nightmares?"
Lavender nodded as Hermione flicked her wand and two cups of steaming tea landed in front of them. "They're gone, right?"
"Yes, they've finally stopped. Suppose you know how?"
She nodded again then looked at her friend in puzzlement. "You don't seem too happy about it."
"Oh, I am happy. Too finally be able to sleep without being terrified I'll see Harry die at my own hands is a major relief but it's just ..."
"What?"
She picked up her cup and took a sip of the hot liquid before answering. "Well, Harry said there might be a side effect of some sort that we aren't aware of."
"Do you think so?"
Hermione shook her head, looking as if she were thinking of something entirely different than the conversation at hand. "No, no I don't believe there is a side effect. I've read about it once and I don't remember reading anything about effects except the part where you eventually go crazy. So, no, I'm not worried about that."
"Well, something is worrying you."
She nodded absentmindedly as she took another drink. "Lavender," she said suddenly, putting her cup down. "Do you ever feel like life is going too great for comfort?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, leaning forward in her seat, elbows on the table and tea forgotten.
"Well, things with me and Harry are going great. It's better than I've ever imagined. I can't wait for the wedding and all but it just feels like things are going too great. Know what I mean? For twenty-years, ever since we started Hogwarts, it seems like the threat of Voldemort has always loomed above us; especially for Harry. I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop, the thing that will come unexpectedly and will ruin everything we've built so hard at. I just ...."
"What, Hermione?" Lavender understood now. Hermione was scared that in one moment when they weren't on guard, everything would fall apart.
"I just want to have a normal wedding. A normal life. I want to be able to plan my wedding with my fiance without worrying about Voldemort making himself known at that moment. Or questioning if we should have kids in case Voldemort finds out and uses them against us. I'm just so tired of being on alert all the time," she finished looking slightly ashamed yet glad she had let all that off her chest.
Lavender took her friend's hand in her own. "Have you said all this to Harry?"
Hermione shook her head, averting her eyes.
"Well, you need to tell him that, not me. He'll understand, Hermione."
"I don't want him to start blaming himself because it isn't his fault. I don't want him to get the idea that it would be better if he left me, again," she whispered. The day Harry had found out Sirius had died in their seventh year at Hogwarts, Harry had told Hermione it would be better if they had broken up. That way Hermione would be able to move on and live a normal life, away from The-Boy-Who-Lived and his deadly enemy. Hermione had refused, of course, and she also hadn't told anyone.
"What? Harry would never leave you."
"He had suggested it once, a while ago." At the confused look on Lavender's face, Hermione told her the story.
"See? I don't want him getting the same idea," she finished.
"Well, just tell Harry. He'll understand."
"Tell me what?"
The deep voice that suddenly filled the room startled both girls, making them jump. "Harry! You scared us half to death! Don't ever do that again!" Hermione cried, her hand at her heart.
Harry smiled sheepishly at them. "Sorry."
Lavender rolled her eyes, accepting a kiss on the cheek from him. "How's the mother-to-be?" he asked.
"I-" she began, looking annoyed.
"Don't bother asking her that, Harry. Ron has worn that question out," Hermione told him, standing up as Ron came into the room.
"Hey all!" he greeted, cheerfully. He bent down to kiss Lavender and ran a hand gently across her stomach. "What's everyone up to?"
Standing up, Lavender grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the doorway. "Nothing, babe. We should go though." At Ron and Harry's confused expression she said, "Let's go make dinner."
As Ron finally agreed to leave, saying good-bye to Harry and Hermione and walking out, Lavender gave Hermione a look that clearly said, "Tell him," before disappearing after Ron.
"What was that all about?" Harry asked, not having missed the look between the two girls.
Hermione picked up the cups and went over to the sink, ignoring Harry's question. "So how was work? You came home early."
He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. "It went all right. I know you're keeping something from me. You might as well let it out, love."
Sighing, she put down the towel and turned around in his arms to face him. "Okay, but you promise you won't come up with any crazy ideas?"
Harry frowned. "What?"
"Just promise me."
"I promise, I promise."
Taking his hand she lead him over to the couch. They sat down and faced each other.
Hermione took a deep breath. "Well, Harry ...."
"You thought I was going to suggest that I leave, right?" Harry asked, half an hour later, after she had told him her worries.
Hermione nodded, biting her bottom lip. Harry smiled at her, taking her hands in his. "I thought that was the only way back then. But I came to realize that I can't live without you even if I tried. So there is no way I would ever try that again. All right?"
She nodded again, smiling. Leaning forward she kissed him softly. "So you aren't mad at me?"
Harry looked shocked. "Mad? Why would I be mad?"
"I don't know ..."
"Actually, I've been worried about the same thing. I just want to live my life with you without having to worry about old Voldie hovering over our heads. But don't worry, love, we've come closer. I'm sure that he'll never get the chance to use our children against us."
"So you do want to have children?" Hermione asked, broaching another subject that had been bothering her.
Harry smiled and leaned in for a kiss. "With you, I would have a million children."
"If you want that many than you can carry them for nine months and give birth to them," she snorted.
Harry laughed. "Deal."
"So did you get all the information you needed out of him?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Pretty much. He didn't tell us where Voldemort is hiding because he didn't know."
"Must not trust him much, huh?"
"That's what I thought," Harry replied. He was trying to get the courage to tell Hermione that Marie Johnson could possibly be a Death Eater, but since they had become friends and Hermione loved Clara so much, it wasn't an easy task.
Clearing his throat, he tried to ease it into the conversation. "So have you heard from Marie lately?"
Hermione shook her head, nonchalantly. "No, after all she was with us all day yesterday."
"Oh, right," he mumbled, cursing himself. So much for easing it in.
"Oh!" Hermione said suddenly, jumping up.
"What is it?"
"I was cleaning up the library when Lavender showed up and never quite finished. Want to help?" she smiled sweetly at him
Harry stood up with a sigh. "Like I could ever say no to you," he mumbled, causing Hermione to smile triumphantly.
She grabbed his hand and they headed off in the direction of the library. Secretly, Harry was glad to be spending the afternoon with her, even if it was organizing books all day.
Hermione pushed open the library door and Harry saw the room cluttered with books in every corner and shelves empty. As he let out a groan, the thought of Marie being a Death Eater ran out of his mind as it prepared him for the task ahead of them.
