Hi all! Thank you for the awesome reviews! I got a couple of them saying that my grammar was bad in this one…for this I apologize.
Now on to the reviews….
Hells Angel: I don't think anybody wants her to die. I have said before that there will be a sad ending, but don't automatically think that she is going to die…
Silent-Serpent: Good intuition! Yes becuz of the few reviews I had with that request for a sequel….I don't know yet.
Soul-Dead-Dragon: Thank you very much!
Claire bear: Well a lot of people are saying that and I think…well just read! And maybe there will be sequel. I am starting to lean more on the yes side.
Snufflesluver: Yes thank you for the compliments. I don't have any other story projects in mind, besides maybe a sequel. I wish there was another way then how I'm gonna write the ending, but hey what can you do?
Paprika90: Yes actually I will give a little of the plot away to answer your question…Yes someone finds out about Hermione and Harry's plot!
Power2carebears: I totally will continue! There will be an epilogue where all of you can tell me whether I should post up a sequel. Right now I have early requests for one, but I am really waiting to see how you all respond to the epilogue.
Draco's Draca: Why thank you so much! =)
Siobahn C.: I admire that you can be honest with me. I really appreciate your input. Now I don't have a beta reader though I would like to! Thank you for your interest in my story.
Elizabeth West: Now there are no guarantees! I have been telling people this for a while and I think I might just kill her out of spite! O GGGRRRR!! Naw no I won't! I can't be spiteful, but my story is already written and I won't go back on it!
Now on with the story!!
Chapter 14—Her Fight
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Those damn professors had kept him from Hermione for no real reason. All they wanted to talk about was his internship. They could have done that any other stinkin' day! Draco climbed up a staircase and into the hall that held the entrance to his room. He reached it and opened the door. He noticed right away that it was too quiet.
"Hermione? Are you bathing?" he yelled out into the room.
No response came. He entered her room and found nothing different, except that she wasn't in it. Weird. She said she'd wait for me here. Where did she go? Draco inspected the whole dorm with no sign of his girlfriend anywhere. He remembered that she had been talking abundantly with Potter. He left the dorm and directed his feet to the Gryffindor tower.
He reached the Tower and gave the password. He walked in spotting Ron. Ron was doing his homework with a rather frustrated look. He crushed the quill in his hand and cursed the parchment that contained the strenuous unfinished task.
"Geese Weasley, what did the paper do to you?" came a smooth irritating voice. Ron didn't face him for fear of loosing the last shred of self-control he possessed.
"Please tell me what you need Malfoy for I am in no mood to banter."
"Yes I plainly see that. Well then I need to know where Potter is. I couldn't find Hermione and I think she is with him."
Ron stood from the position on the ground and went to sit on the couch.
"I honestly couldn't tell you where he is. Him and Hermione have been very secretive all week. He wouldn't tell me anything except that he was busy. If I had to say what they were up to, my guess would be that they were planning something. For what purpose? I don't know."
Draco rubbed his chin in concentration. "Weasley you have been very helpful. Just tell me one other thing. Do you know how long ago they left?"
"Well uh, Harry came up here to get a bag full of something, then left about…a half hour ago. I hope that was good enough information. Malfoy if you know what they are doing, stop them. I have a feeling that you know as well as I do who it mainly concerns."
"Will do. Thank you." Draco bowed his head and turned to leave. He knew whom it concerned alright. Voldemort. How could I have not seen it? Amyris was kidnapped and I thought all this time she was doing nothing. She is a mother, she would do anything for her daughter, even go into the lion's mouth or in this case, Voldemort's lair.
He needed to talk to someone who would know what to do. Of course the only person who could help in this situation was not Dumbledore, but Mundus. Yes the King of the Underworld would help save his daughter and granddaughter. Maybe Draco could convince to send in an army or something. Whatever Mundus would do he needed to do quickly.
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"Do you think that she's down there yet? I mean he took Amyris about five days ago and the poor thing can't go to long without eating. Hermione should be down there by now."
A hand rubbed his wife's. "Don't worry Celesta she is down there and she is fine. The only one I worry for is her mate. Draco is going to be very vexed because we have yet to tell him about her. I mean I am still angry with you for just telling me!"
"Mundus what was I to do. I had that vision when Hermione was born! I thought that since she died, that vision would not come true. I was wrong I know it. He needs to know though and you should be the one to tell him. I already have one Devil mad at me, no need for two," Celesta mused to her husband.
They sat in one of the common rooms of the palace. Both were very jittery and nervous about the news they received from the Headmaster. Their granddaughter had been kidnapped and Hermione and Harry Potter had gone after her. The king and queen knew that Hermione had no intention of killing Voldemort…tonight. Their daughter's primary objective was to see to her own daughter and get her out.
Celesta was in deep thought as Mundus drank some Brandy. She remembered back to the day when Hermione was born. The midwife put the small bundle of joy into Celesta's awaiting arms. Celesta looked into her daughter's brown eyes and saw love and life all in one. The longer Celesta looked though, the more fear grew in her and that fear was from something echoing in her mind's eye. A vision as vivid as the life in her daughter, birthed in Celesta's mind…
A cold voice hissed through the air. Red eyes stared down with amusement at the battered body of a woman. Blood was running from her lip and her hair sprawled on the ground where she lay. The owner of the red eyes towered over the woman. She looked at him fearlessly, or foolishly.
"Princess, my little precious Devil," the words rolled off his tongue like silk, " it didn't have to be this way. You could have yielded to me before, saving yourself a great amount of pain. You could have ruled by my side and have lived, but no. You chose this course instead. Now your precious daughter lies dead awaiting you to join her, for you will."
Hermione spit in his face. "You murderous bastard! You killed a child. How could you? Even I didn't' think you capable of that. Even if she didn't exist, I would never have chosen you. I would rather her die and myself die than rule by filth and a poor excuse for a-"
The sound of skin being struck echoed throughout the stone room. Hermione looked up at Voldemort and felt something grow within her. A warmth coursing through her veins. A feeling of completeness. She had her inner Devil back. She smiled.
Voldemort's red eyes looked quizzically at her. "Tell me Princess what would make you smile in the face of death?"
Hermione felt her hand grow cold as she conjured ice. A dagger was held in her hand and realization struck Voldemort.
"Your death," saying so Hermione impaled the dagger in her left bosom. Blood spurted from her wound; the same was true for Voldemort. He fell to the floor and lay beside Hermione.
"Well then Princess I guess… I'll see you in hell."
"No Voldemort. I'll be where I'm needed, with my daughter."
Voldemort's eyes lost their red. His lips exhaled the last breath that would ever be elicited by his body. Hermione felt an ease over come her. She had known all along…
Mundus' warm voice interrupted her deep thoughts.
"Celesta love, are you alright? You blanked out for a minute."
She sighed and looked at him lovingly. "Yes sorry. I was just remembering the day I had the vision. Mundus you don't know how scared I was. When I saw Hermione lying on the floor dead."
Mundus crept up to wife on the couch and took her into his strong arms. "Love you don't have to worry about that this time. Things are a lot different than what happened in your vision. She took the Potter boy with her as reassurance. See our daughter is not incompetent."
"Mundus it was never about that. When I saw her in my vision, she knew, she knew…" Celesta let silent tears flow from her eyes. She, like Hermione, hated to cry. She pulled back from her husband's arms and wiped the tears from her eyes.
Green flames flared in the common room revealing a very immersed Draco. He walked up to the king and queen and bowed in respect.
"Mundus I need to talk to you, it's very urgent."
"I know. Hermione correct?"
Draco furrowed his brows. "How did you know?"
"Well because we know Draco. We know all about Amyris, Hermione and her friend Potter, and Voldemort."
"How is it that you know this? We have yet to tell you anything."
"Well Celesta had a vision. It's about Hermione. That is how we know that she is with Voldemort. Now before you get tempestuous, Hermione does not plan on killing Voldemort tonight. She just went to wean her daughter so that she could take her out of there."
"How is it that she could even get in? I mean I was to take her tomorrow night. Wouldn't then be a better time to get Amyris?"
"No. She wants to surprise Voldemort so that he is not expecting. The real question is, why tonight?"
Draco thought for a while. "There is a meeting tonight, but only for those of his Inner Circle. Mainly Death Eaters who are ruthless. Abbot, McClusters, Wireas, and Lestrange."
Mundus turned his head sharply to that last name. "Did you just say Lestrange?"
"Yes, why?"
"Well if Potter went with Hermione it is for another reason than just protection or reinforcements. Potter went there to learn of the woman who killed his only last family member."
Draco saw his train of thought. "So even if Hermione doesn't kill Voldemort, Harry can kill Bellatrix. Why tonight though? Harry knows that will all of those ruthless killers its suicide."
"Which is why he didn't go to kill her tonight. He must be apart of Hermione's plan to get in. There is more to what she planned, we can be certain of that."
"Potter must be her only link to the outside world. That would explain a lot if it were true. She is using him to get in and out. He is her contact, her ticket," Draco concluded.
"Now all we have to do is wait for him to return from Voldemort's lair. When he does then we shall question him." Mundus turned to his wife and held her tightly.
[Don't worry love, we'll keep that vision form coming true.]
Celesta clutched him tighter. [I don't think we can.] she responded quietly.
##
Harry treaded down the stairs of the long stairway. With every step knots formed in his stomach. Dread of what was to happen and what could happen formed in his mind. He had Hermione on invisible vines floating through the air. He wondered if she could hear him.
[Herm can you hear me?]
[Yes. What is the matter?]
[Well nothing except that…you're just here to get your daughter right? I mean you aren't going to kill Voldemort.]
[Yes Harry. I won't do anything until Amyris is safely out of this place. You know what we're going to do. I get in and then in two days I contact you so you can take Amyris. I then will find a way to escape. Maybe then I'll have the chance to kill that bastard.]
[Alright. I just needed assurance for you are not one to stick strictly to rules. Enough of this now. I will tell you what is going on, but do not talk to me at the same time he is. I don't' want to appear confused. I will leave you and be on my merry way.]
Hermione sensed a changed of atmosphere. [Are we in already?]
[Yes now keep quiet both mind and mouth wise.]
Harry opened the door and found that the cavern was not much more lit up than the stairway. He walked further in and saw a dim source of light, which he suspected was a fire. There were very few Death Eaters in gathered around Voldemort. The Inner Circle was obviously a very high sort of privilege.
Harry walked in as he supposed Draco would; like he owned the place. Harry came closer and as he did so the few Death Eaters that were congregated turned to looked at the coming intruder. Harry could not see faces and they could not see his for they were all shrouded.
Harry heard Voldemort talk to a man who was reporting something.
"What do you mean she won't shut up? Make her! That blasted child is making want to kill her. Her mother will be here tomorrow night so she can feed then I guess. Try to keep her entertained with anything else or try feeding her with another source of food," he hissed.
The little Death Eater nodded his head and left. Harry came closer and cleared his throat. All eyes were defiantly on him now.
[Well? How are things? What do you see?] came Hermione's anxious voice.
[As far as I can tell there are only about seven people in the Inner Circle. Your daughter has been giving them hell because they can't find what to feed her to cease her cries.]
[That's my girl! Alright now present yourself to him.]
Voldemort's cold red eyes looked upon what he thought was his newest recruit. Harry walked closer and bowed slightly. He took of his hood and waited for Voldemort to speak to him.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy? Tell me what makes you bring the Devilian princess so early," his cold voice made it's way towards Harry causing him to shiver. Harry shook it off and laid Hermione down before Voldemort.
"I thought that waiting for tomorrow would be pointless, my Lord. The child needs nourishment now and I thought it would be better for you not to have to deal with her cries any longer." Harry sounded like Draco to a T. He was respectful, but still acted as if he could never be owned.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy you do not know how much I appreciate this. The child has been acting up. But tell me, is there another reason for your visitation?"
Harry shook his head. "I just came for this."
Voldemort eyed Hermione's form that was currently lying on the floor before him.
"Yes Mr. Malfoy you may leave. I want you back here in two days time. I have much to discuss with you."
Harry bowed his head. "Yes my Lord." Without a second glance, Harry turned on his heel and marched back out of the cavernous lair.
[Hermione I'm leaving now, you're in. Make sure you let me come back with two days. You have that much time to do what you need to and call for me.]
[Fine Harry. Thank you again.]
[Your thanks is not needed, I am glad to do it. Anything for avenging Sirius.]
Harry opened the exit door and ascended the stairs. He got out and was again back in the loft area. He began to Apparate, but then he felt a warm sensation around his entire being and presently was looking at rather large throne. Puzzled, Harry walked down the hall and found a mirror. He looked at his reflection and panicked.
He was supposed to look like Draco, but instead all he saw was himself. The shimmer was not supposed to fade unless Hermione undid the spell or if…No that latter could not be true. Harry's attention was immediately directed at the sound of footsteps coming closer.
Harry tried looking for a place to hide, but brilliantly there was no place for refuge. As he looked closer, he saw what appeared to be a very pissed Draco.
##
Draco had summoned Harry to the palace after he was out of Voldemort's lair. He knew that he was already here. He felt him. He went to the throne room and found nothing but air. He looked down the hall and saw Harry staring at his reflection in one of the mirrors.
Draco walked towards Harry with anger already rising in the pit of his stomach. His footsteps must have alerted Harry for he turned his head quickly and saw him. Draco walked closer to Harry until he was no more than a few feet away.
"Where's Hermione?" No point in beating around the bush.
Harry looked around the palace and then back at Draco.
"First tell me where the hell I am."
"Well you just answered you own question, so to speak. You are in the Underworld. You are in the palace of Hermione's parents."
"You mean I am standing in the palace of the King and Queen of the Underworld!"
"Yes now where can I find Hermione?" Draco said getting exasperated.
Harry sighed. He didn't know what to do. Hermione had told him not to tell anyone, especially Draco. Although…he must suspect something by now.
"Tell me Draco, how much do you know?"
Draco looked oddly at Harry. What the hell did he mean by that question?
"What do you mean Potter? Explain."
"Alright. How much do you know about where Hermione might be and how she may have got there?"
"Fine I won't lie to you. The king and I have pieced together a theory based on vision of the queen. We think Hermione went to go Amyris. When she does have her she'll call you to get the baby. You'll bring her back here and then maybe go back. We think that you'll kill Bellatrix and Hermione will kill Voldemort. Satisfied?"
"Yes for we have done exactly everything except after the part where Hermione calls me. I just left her with Voldemort. She has two days to contact me."
"Well then I guess this you new home for the next two day because you are not leaving until she calls."
Harry balled his fists and walked closer to Draco. "You can't keep me here like a prisoner. I will come back when Hermione gives me the child. This is not your fight Malfoy."
Draco's eyes went steely gray and he stepped even closer, challenging Harry. "That's where you're wrong Potter. It involves the woman I love and I will not sit on the side lines."
"That and we will not allow you to go," came a rather melodic voice. Harry looked over Draco's shoulder to find a regal looking couple. Standing there majestically and thoroughly pissed off, were the King and Queen of the Underworld. Harry went to the floor one knee.
"Your majesties."
Celesta came forward and put a finger under Harry's chin. "Get up dear. There is no need for such formalities."
Harry stood and nodded his head. "Very well highness. I am honored to be in your presence, but I am sorry to say that I cannot stay in it."
Mundus spoke and walked up to his wife and held her. "Ah but you must. You are the only link to my daughter and grandchild. I cannot permit you to leave."
Harry sighed. He understood that they wanted Hermione back, but this is ridiculous.
"Fine I will stay, but on one condition. When Hermione calls for me, you will not go," he said pointing at Draco.
"Fine he will not go, but we will help. If our daughter is near enough to Voldemort that she can kill him…You will need help to get her back." Mundus started to walk into the throne room. Everyone followed him in there along with a questioning Harry.
"How will you help me? Everything is pretty much taken care of?"
"Potter listen to yourself. You're talking about Hermione! When have you known her not to take a hold of an opportunity?" Draco went to sit in one of the chairs besides a table.
"Look Malfoy I trust her as should you. Hermione just wants her child safe is all." Harry took a seat opposite of Draco. Harry had sounded to eager to divert the conversation away from Hermione killing Voldemort. Draco had guessed that Harry would kill Bellatrix, but not Hermione killing Voldemort. They can't know about that. There is only one way to kill that bastard, Harry thought as he saw the doubtfulness and suspicion in Draco's eyes.
"Harry please speak up for there is something that you area concealing. What haven't you told us?" Mundus was sitting on the throne with Celesta adjacent to him.
Harry shifted uncomfortably. He knew he had to tell them. He didn't like the way Hermione was going to kill Voldemort. Maybe the all-powerful king of the Devils knew a different way.
"Hermione is planning to kill Voldemort right after I pick up Amyris. As soon as I come back I get Bellatrix."
The two royals and Draco stared at Harry for a moment. Celesta put a hand dramatically to her chest.
"And how does she plan to terminate Voldemort?" The queen's meek voice made Harry afraid to utter the words. He looked into the queen's eyes and saw fear. Fear inspired by knowledge, fear that has been growing for sometime.
"I believe you already know my queen." Harry answered simply enough so that she understood. Mundus also took notice of the understanding and realization dawned on him as well.
"So she found out. Now she has an upper advantage and she's going to take it." Draco said.
Mundus was thinking hard. He had a crazy idea that just might work.
"I don't think we have to fear anything. I now of one way that might work to both advantages. Mind you it is really risky and may put the whole race in danger."
Harry looked at Mundus and was instantly reminded of when Hermione suggested the use of the Polyjuice Potion.
"Well then what are you waiting for dear? Speak already!" Celesta commanded with a grin.
Mundus nodded and proceeded with the plan.
##
Hermione awoke, though she was never really sleeping. She looked around and felt herself in familiar territory. It was the old royal chambers within Voldemort's house. She was brought here when she was first kidnapped. She heard gurgling and cooing sounds coming from her left. She looked over and saw a small basinet with some thing moving inside.
Hermione shot up out of the bed and hurried to the basinet. She peered inside and saw…her daughter! Hermione had tears in her eyes from seeing her child again. She got her and held her tightly. Amyris smiled at the sight of her mother. The smile quickly turned into a frown as the baby started to cry.
Hermione was puzzled as to why. She was answered when Amyris commenced sucking on her fingers.
"Ooh! Of course my dear you are hungry." Hermione undid her top and fed her child as God intended. Hermione kept crying as she felt her daughter against her. She looked into her daughter's eyes and saw only innocence. She was not afraid and didn't seem to be bothered by the fact that she had not seen her mother for a few days.
Hermione noticed Amyris' jaw became tired and she took her off her bosom and began to burp her.
"Oh good one honey!" Hermione cheered as Amyris let a big one go. A knock came from the door and Hermione did her blouse.
"Who is it?"
"It's Bellatrix. The Dark Lord wishes to see you at once."
"Tell him I'll be a few. I am feeding my daughter."
"Very well then hurry." Bellatrix had sounded with very little patience. Wonder if Voldemort's really mad? I hope so. Hermione finished burping Amyris and put her down in the basinet. Hermione looked at her daughter for a minute.
[Honey can you hear me?]
Hermione was surprised when her daughter smiled and sucked on her fingers as if saying 'yes'.
[Well then sweetie momma is going to go for a bit. I need you to be a good girl and put up your shield ok? Put it up to anyone who isn't me.]
As soon as Hermione walked away a silver and gold shield covered her daughter. Hermione smiled and went to face the devil.
##
She walked into his lair. He was seated on his throne and was looking at her as she walked up to the chair. Hermione stopped at a distance in which she felt was safe-which was far- and cocked a questioning eyebrow.
"Yes Voldemort what do you want?"
His spidery like fingers went up to his hood to remove it. What Hermione saw made her wish he'd put the hood back on. His face was grayish with red slits for eyes. He had almost no nose and was looking at her with those red eyes.
"Well Princess nice of you to join me. For now I only wish your company. Please I am sure you must be hungry."
"Cut the pleasantries Voldemort. What is it you need from me at the moment? I would like t get back to my daughter."
"She is fine. But as you wish we will 'cut the pleasantries' as you put it. I want you to wed me."
"Voldemort do I even need to answer that?"
"You did not let me finish. I want you to wed me or your daughter dies. I know that Devilian women can only have up to two children, you have given birth to one so you are one strike away from losing everything."
Hermione sputtered. How the hell did that thing know that fact? Only royals and the Devilians knew that. It was kept secret among the race because if wizards were to find out, there would be no more Devilians.
"How the hell did you know that? I happen to know that no one would have told you for the only people who know are Devilians."
"I told him," came a deep masculine voice. Hermione looked around frantically for the owner. It sounded so much like Draco, but deeper, colder. Lucius Malfoy stood next to Voldemort, staring condescendingly down at Hermione.
"Where the hell did you find that information?"
"My…wife. When I wanted to procreate again, she had told me that she could not. Then she later told me about Draco and the real father and…the circumstances of the Devilian women."
"You bastard."
"You bet."
"Enough," Voldemort said to Lucius. Red eyes came to be on Hermione again.
"Well princess? What do you think? Will you marry me and save your already existing child, or risk your people and your life?"
"Voldemort you should know right now that I would trade my life for my child and people in a blink of an eye, but…let me marinate on it."
"Very well Princess, you have two days. On Saturday you will be called to answer."
"Fine I will have an answer for you so long as he," Hermione pointed at Lucius, "is present for it."
"Odd conditions, but very well. You may go."
##
Hermione had paced around her room for two days. She knew what she was going to do all she need was to call for Harry. Voldemort was expecting an answer and he was going to get one. Hermione walked over to her daughter who was lying on the bed. The tiny bundle moved and kicked her little feet.
Hermione sat on the bed and just observed her daughter. My love I am sorry sweetie. I guess I had thought that I would be with you after all, but I was wrong. Forgive me for what I have to do. Hermione wiped away one tear from her cheek. It was time to call Harry.
##
Harry, Draco and Mundus had been working a rather long while on the plans to get Hermione out safely and possible kill Voldemort in the process. Celesta had watched carefully as the three men worked on a way to save her daughter. Celesta knew better. She knew that what her daughter had to do and was praying to God that she could handle the result. She looked over at the three tired men in the throne room. They all sat around the center table exhausted, but very determined.
Harry went over the plan in his head. It seemed to fit alright, but with Voldemort nothing is perfect. He was totally fatigued and he could tell that Draco and Mundus were. Harry crossed his arms over the table and laid his head down for a second of rest. He closed his eyes welcoming the sweet darkness that he had not seen in over 36 hours.
{Harry…} Harry's ears perked when he heard a silent whisper of a female voice.
{Harry, please I need you to come now. Its time.} He knew who it was and what it meant.
"Its Hermione, she says its time. Let me get the child now and when I go back…I go alone. Remember that I look like you Malfoy. So when I get there don't get confused. Just remember I'm the better looking one," Harry said adding that last part for tension relief.
Draco smirked, but did not comment. Mundus on the other hand…
"Well then hop to it! Make sure you stick to what we concocted. She cannot know what we are doing. Don't keep her waiting or she'll suspect."
"Yes sire." Harry was preparing to Apparate until a certain blonde stopped him.
"Potter."
"Yes Malfoy?"
"Take care of my girls."
"You bet."
Harry closed his eyes and concentrated hard on Hermione.
{Alright Herm beam me up!}
{Ha ha, funny butthead. All right here you go.}
Harry disappeared in a whirl of flames before Mundus and Draco. Mundus turned to the young Malfoy and gave him a serious look before speaking.
"Remember what you are to do. You will lead the army there and make sure you are not caught. Everything counts on all of you remaining stealthy. Hermione will feel the change when it happens and so will you. Remember you have exactly one hour when you feel the change to get her out of there. Understood?"
Draco nodded without speaking. He exited the throne room and went back to the Malfoy Manor. He had not seen his 'father' there so he took hold of the residency. He was feeling utterly afraid. Even though Mundus had thought up of this plan, his original fears were not yet laid to rest. He didn't know why but he felt it in his bones.
He hoped to Merlin this would work.
##
Hermione waited anxiously as Harry bundled up his daughter and left. She had used a lot of Devilian magic to cloak Harry's presence from being detected. Now she was just resting before she went out to dance with the Devil.
She walked out of her room and into the lair of Voldemort. There she spotted Lucius Malfoy to the right of Voldemort. Hermione walked until she stood before the red-eyed bastard.
His voice came like a tight whisper on the breeze. "So have you made a decision my dear?"
Hermione let her eyes flicker from Lucius to Voldemort. "Yes."
"And?"
"I have only one condition in accepting to your proposal," she said.
"And what might that be?"
Hermione smiled a victorious smile. Not to big, but not to modest. She was looked directly at Lucius when she said, "His life."
Voldemort glanced to his right slightly then back to Hermione. She could tell just by looking at Lucius that he was nervous. Would his master turn him over just for one girl?
Surely not.
"Princess, you could ask for the world if I could conjure and happily give it to you. This that you ask of me though…I also give happily. Do as you wish." His voice was still a slight whisper. Though there was much malice in it, it sounded very pleased. Let's see how pleased he is in the end, she thought.
Lucius' eyes had bugged out of his head. He slid to the front of Voldemort and knelt on his knees weeping like a sissy.
"Please Master don't do this! I have been loyal to you for many years! I am your humble servant please-"
"Malfoy if you really are my servant then serve me! Do as I say and obey her!"
Lucius had a pleading look in his eyes, but argued no longer. Good man. He turned to face Hermione and had a half smile on his face.
"So princess the least you could do is tell me why you are going to kill me?"
"No Lucius the least I could do is just kill you, but I rather you suffer like the piece of filth you are."
"What are you going to do? Take my soul away?"
Hermione smiled. "Oh you mean like how my father took my mother's because of you? The answer is no. Tell me Mr. Malfoy have you heard of the human portrayal of Hell?"
Lucius seemed a little confused, but answered. "Yes it's suppose to be of flames and suffering where the soul of a human goes if they're…naughty."
"Well then I guess you know where you're going to go. See my father destroyed my mother's soul, but yours will suffer for all eternity."
"Please how bad can it be?"
"Indeed how bad can it be if I send you there…alive perhaps?"
Lucius' eyes widened. He knelt now in front of Hermione and was begging like a first class pauper.
"Please don't send me there! My God even take my soul if you want to, but don't send me to Hell!"
"I am sorry Mr. Malfoy I have spoken. Now take your punishment like a man."
Hermione's eyes had an intense red glow. She gave a push with her mind so that Lucius was sent flying back. Her eyes now were black. Voldemort looked at this and knew what was to come; she was going to execute her punishment. Hermione levitated Lucius so that he was in a crucified pose. Hermione glanced at the floor that was under him. Lucius also saw a wide hole. He looked down and saw fingers, hands, and arms reaching for him, for his soul. He began to scream. Hermione slowly started lowering him from his pose and he sank into the pits of Hell with aid from the other lost souls.
Hermione eyes turned back to their original shade of brown. Voldemort looked at her with pride.
"That was the most thrilling thing I have yet to see."
"Don't worry you'll be joining him." She said.
"What do you mean Princess? You are to be mine."
"No I only belong to one Devil."
"And that would be me," Hermione turned at the voice and saw that it was Harry, but to Voldemort it looked like Draco.
"Mr. Malfoy? What are you doing here this is a personal matter."
"Hermione lift the shimmer."
She nodded and pointed her hand at Harry. Instantly Harry felt a cold sensation creep down his head into his limbs and finally his feet. Harry stood there in front of Voldemort without fear.
"Ah Mr. Potter…I see now."
"I have not come for you Voldemort, I came for your bitch."
"Now Harry dear is that any way to speak to your elders?" Bellatrix's voice came out from behind the throne. She appeared before Harry with her wand at the ready. Harry had also taken the same pose. Hermione waved a hand over to them and they disappeared from the room, giving her and Voldemort privacy.
Voldemort looked at Hermione with a bemused expression.
"What are you smiling at you filth?" Hermione spat.
"You wish to fight me?" he said.
"You bet."
"Dearest Hermione you don't know what you are doing."
"I think I do."
Something was happening. Inside of Hermione something felt like it was being torn out. She felt hollow or not complete…in spirit. She saw a red tint form around her then quickly leave. My Gods. NO!
"Well then Princess if you do wish to fight me, let's see what its like without your powers."
"You forget that I am still a powerful witch, Voldemort."
"Then you're not afraid to test that theory?"
Hermione took a deep breath. "No." Then suddenly she shot out the first curse. Voldemort was sent flying back, but he never left the floor. Hermione's eyes widened at the realization that a powerful spell could not send him hurling back. Voldemort had composed himself and smiled triumphantly at Hermione.
##
Draco was now at the front gates of Voldemort's mansion. He was leading the Devilian army in assistance to Harry and Hermione. When he had gotten there it seemed that Death Eaters were already expecting him. He was looking upon rows and rows of Voldemort's servants ready to die for their master. Draco looked from side to side at the army that was with him.
"Devils ready! Forward!"
Draco had commanded the army to fight. They went ahead and began sending curses and flames, whatever they could muster. Draco instantly saw many Death Eaters fall lifeless to the ground. This is going to get messy, he thought. The first Death Eater he encountered he killed instantly. The only thought that kept him going was Hermione.
The thought that they would be ok after this, that they will be together for their daughter and grow old. She had to be alright. He felt it. She would be fine. He hoped to Merlin that all of those nightmares he had were only to make him strong and to intimidate him.
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"Give it up Bellatrix! You will die tonight!" Harry shouted as he sent another spell at the already fatigued Bellatrix. She was sent skyward and landed with a loud thud. She painfully got up and pointed her wand at Harry.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted. Bellatrix's wand flew out of her reach and she stood there realizing that she might not win.
"What are you going to do Potter? Killing me won't bring back your beloved godfather."
Harry approached her with hate in his heart and fearlessness in his eyes. "No, but knowing that you're burning in Hell will make me feel a shitload better."
Before Bellatrix could utter another word, Harry said the Avada curse causing Bellatrix to lie on the floor. Harry looked at her form on the floor and breathed out a breath that he did not know he had held. He looked into the sky and closed his eyes taking in a deep breath. Sirius, wherever you are, be at peace.
Harry began walking towards the castle where the battle between the Death Eaters and the Devils was taking place, when he heard his name.
{Don't worry Harry, I am…} Harry's eyes widened just a bit and smiled. He turned back to the castle and began fighting more Death Eaters.
Harry spotted Draco and then looked at his watch. "Draco! Ten minutes left! Go in!"
Draco was having trouble locating Harry, but he had heard the message. He sped into the castle and down the corridors to get to his love. Hopefully he was not to late.
Hermione was sent flying and hit the stonewall with a sickening crack. She fell to the floor in a bloody heap and stayed there. Voldemort made his way over to her. His red eyes looked at her mockingly, his voice was a cold hiss in the silent room. He towered over her as he spoke.
"Princess, my little precious Devil," the words rolled off his tongue like silk, " it didn't have to be this way. You could have yielded to me before, saving yourself a great amount of pain. You could have ruled by my side and have lived, but no. You chose this course instead. Now your precious mother lies dead awaiting you to join her, for you will."
Hermione spat in his face. "You stupid bastard. My mother is not dead, she is very much alive. Not that you could care…but ah, you do don't you. With both royals on the throne, how can you take over? Even if she hadn't died I would never give you throne! I would rather leave the Devilian people to rot before they had filth like you-"
The sound of skin being struck echoed throughout the stone room. Hermione looked up at Voldemort and felt something grow within her. A warmth coursing through her veins. A feeling of completeness. Her spirit was one again. She had her inner Devil back. She smiled.
Voldemort looked quizzically at Hermione's bloody heap. "Tell me Princess, what makes you smile in the face of death?"
Hermione's hand grew cold as an ice dagger formed in her hand. She looked up at Voldemort with a smirk on her face. Realization finally set in on Voldemort. The link!! No! She's figured it out!
"Your death," with that said, Hermione took the dagger and impaled it into her bosom. Voldemort elicited a shriek and fell to the floor. Blood spurted out of Voldemort's chest; blood trickled slowly out of Hermione. He lay beside Hermione and spoke his final words.
"I guess I'll see you…in Hell Princess."
"I'll see Tom, but you won't see me."
Voldemort let out his final breath and the red of his eyes dissipated. His chest heaved one last time in a futile effort to survive. Hermione's vision started to grow black until she heard a shout.
######
Draco was speeding down the halls until he finally reached a loft area. He found the two doors leading in and out of his lair. He opened the door and walked down the long stairway. He felt that it had taken him forever to get to this point for he had discovered that Voldemort had put a spell on the house that kept one from Apparating.
As he finally reached the door, he felt a warmth grow inside of him. Power was growing inside of him and he knew. Gods I am too late!, he thought. He ran quicker and finally opened the door that led into Voldemort's lair.
He got there and saw Voldemort towering over his love. He saw Hermione's hand had an object in it…an ice dagger! "No!" he shouted, but was too late.
Voldemort had fallen lifeless to the floor while Hermione bleed to death. Draco ran up to her body and held her to his chest tightly. Tears were streaming out of his eyes.
"Hermione? Hermione love talk to me please." He whispered.
Her eyes opened and saw her lover crying over her. "Draco? What are you doing here?"
"Hermione your father cut your link to Voldemort off so that you could kill him easily. Why did you do this?"
Hermione looked into his gray-blue eyes and found her answer. "Because you've known all along. This is my destiny Draco. It was the only way to kill him."
He hugged her closer. "Please Hermione what about Amyris? She needs you."
"She has you Draco. You will be a great father."
"What about the throne? There needs to be a king and a queen. Soul mates remember?"
Hermione attempted to shake her head. "No you just need to love her."
Draco kissed her forehead and then her lips. "Promise me Draco that you'll find anther. Promise me."
Draco wiped away his tears and looked away. "Please anything but that Herm."
"Promise me…" her words were becoming faint.
"Herm don't go! I promise! Please don't go!"
"Draco…kiss me…" she whispered. Draco sought her lips and kissed her profoundly. He parted to take a good look at her. She smiled at him and wiped away his tears.
"Remember Draco…Devils never cry…." Her hand fell limp to her body and her head swayed to one side. Draco looked at her frantically. He slapped her cheek as he said her name.
"Hermione? Hermione?!"
When she didn't respond he shouted louder and in anger. "HERMIONE!!!!"
###
Harry walked down the hall and into Voldemort's lair. He opened the door and hear a male shout out something inaudible. He ran towards what made the noise and saw Draco with a limp Hermione in his hands. Harry stopped in his tracks. He stared upon what was before not wanting to believe for a second that it could be true. He took a step forward to address Draco, but flames had enveloped them both and they were gone.
Harry was about ot go after them when something glistening on the floor caught his eye. Right Hermione had laid, there was a round small object. As Harry approached it he made it out to be a ring, a silver one. He picked it up and tried to concentrate on where he had seen this before. Of course!, he thought. Harry looked into the diamond that used to rest on Hermione's hand.
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Yay!!! It's over…though the ending was rather depressing no?
Well there will be an epilogue. Please feel free to ask any questions of the ending seemed confusing.
This is officially the last chapter of this story, but have no fear there is sequel ahead!
Thank you all for the reviews. Hope you all liked and I hope you will like the sequel.
Flamewriter008