Emmastar; Thank you for your truthful opinion. I do not know if you are
still reading. I sincerely hope you are as this has nearly finished. I am
sorry it has not been to your taste, but thank you for reading so much of
it.
Samurai Amaya; A few people have suggested that and I have jotted down some ideas for an original fic that I MAY start t kill any free time I may have at Uni. If I do write it I will let people know if I post it up anywhere.
lullaby87, ME!, padfootedmoony, VOLDERMORT LIVES KILL H.POTTER, ayu, Kaydera, quiet-mg, mintytoothpick, monstersoftheworld, dracohermioneluver, beauty-of-asriel, BbyChick, Callie, stargazer starluver, BigRed-2006, Orchid6297, Luthein, Keliyon, mattiemalfoy, Silverbutterfly; WOW!!! So many of you. Thank you to you all a million times. I am sorry for the delay and hope you are still reading and enjoying this as much as I am enjoying writing it. Thank you again.
Miss Rhapsody; I don't think it was any shorter than usual. The Chapters are all normally around 3,000 words long. This one is longer (at 5,000) and the next one probably will be too.
juxtaposed; ha ha. I really want a personalised HP number plate. It would be so cool. Draco is indeed (to me) a mini-Spike so I am moulding him as such. Lol. He is my puppet...MINE...MINE I TELL YOU!!! MWA HA HA.
Sheilalein; Your review was wonderful. Thank you.
Rain Malfy; you get your own response simply so I can say; I proof-read (twice in as many Chapters) and so I can toast you Pirate stylee so....Take what you can, give nothing back. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
Sorry for the delay. I hope you enjoy this. It's all nearly over.
Chapter 23-The Pieces Are Set
Draco and Hermione landed deftly beside Voldemort, on top of the darkened hill where the Shrieking Shack stood, eerie and mysterious in the mists of the dawn. Below then the lights of Hogsmeade twinkled in the dark morning light as the inhabitants set up shop, unaware of the day that awaited them. Hermione moved closer to Draco, clutching his hand tightly as they watched the pretty little village.
"This is it isn't it Draco? The end."
"It will soon be over my love. This doesn't have to be the end." Draco smiled, turning to her. He was alarmed when she gasped. "At least not for us."
"Oh Gods Draco. I'm sorry."
"What for?" He asked, confused at her sudden apology.
"Your face."
Draco's hand instinctively flew to his cheekbone and there he felt a ridge; a scar, two inches long and running along his right cheekbone.
"Why didn't it heal?" He asked her.
"I honestly don't know. There is no reason for it not to."
"Ah well, now we match. You have one and I have one."
"Yes, but mine's not visible and we know why it's there." Hermione argued.
"Don't worry about love. I'm not bothered. Honestly. It will act as a constant reminder not to piss you off."
Hermione smiled weakly and turned once more to survey Hogsmeade. Draco knew she was thinking of all that they would have to do today and all the innocents that would lose their lives because of their charade.
"A prize for the taking My Lord." Ron said, breaking the silence with a smirk. Draco couldn't help the shudder that passed through his bones.
Voldemort clapped his hands and the Death Eaters gathered around him.
"In a few moments we will begin to empty that pitiful village beneath us. However, do not forget your purpose. You must enjoy yourselves; I would be concerned if you did not, but remember our real prize. Potter and Dumbledore are not to be approached until our allies arrive."
Draco knew of whom he spoke. Dementors, dragons, giants and trolls were being magicked to Voldemort's side and were due to arrive, ready for the battle in only a few hours time. Once the allies were gathered, Voldemort would send a vision of himself to Dumbledore, demanding he surrender himself and Potter or fight to the death. Obviously Dumbledore would not hand over Harry and surrender himself and so that battle would begin.
"But first," Voldemort continued, "the ritual." He held out a hand. "My dear Raven."
Hermione took Voldemort's outstretched hand and he positioned her opposite him.
"Bellatrix, the knife."
Bellatrix stepped forward and handed the Knife of Asriel to the Dark Lord. Voldemort raised the knife and spoke the ritual words;
"Great Asriel, bringer of darkness as we celebrate, possess me and allow me the power to make what is yours and your subjects my own, so that I may apply your magic to defeat those we oppose."
He motioned for Hermione to hold out her hand and she did so, biting her lip slightly as Voldemort slashed the knife across her palm, causing her blood to flow freely. Draco watched as Ron stepped forward and collected the blood in a small vial before drawing the sign of Asriel upon Voldemort's forehead with the thick liquid. Ron stepped backwards and Hermione let Voldemort's lips meet hers as their fingers entwined. The winds rose, the leaves died and fell from the trees to dance around them and the coldness of the Dark God was felt by all, and all around them a ghostly voice spoke;
"It is done."
The pair parted and Draco went to Hermione's side.
"Another scar?" He questioned.
"Probably." Hermione responded, looking at the cut and concentrating on it in an attempt to heal it. She sighed, "Yes. Another one. Come on, it looks like we're getting ready to move in."
Draco felt sorry for the beauty that stood before him; so dark but so pure. She was constantly at conflict with herself, more so than he was, for she was more than a spy, she was a tool of the Gods, to be controlled by them. Her light and dark sides were pulling in opposite directions and she was reluctant to go in either. Draco took her hand and they went to stand beside the Dark Lord.
"My dragon, I must entrust you with this." Voldemort said, turning to Draco. "I do not trust a single brain cell amongst the others and know you will do all you can to keep it safe. It will act as a tool of protection against people who wish you harm; I need you alive."
"Why do not keep it yourself for protection My Lord?"
"I do not wish to keep it about my person as I have the protection of the Dark God himself; Asriel will not allow his subject to come to harm. You must keep it to protect yourself and your betrothed. I would be most annoyed if anything should happen to wither of you."
Draco felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Snape, his eyes were dark and cold but the slight smile on his thin lips held a glimmer of hope and a silent promise of success. Draco returned the smile and found comfort in the reassurance of his mentor.
"My children." Voldemort shouted, "Begin your reign of terror. Go!"
The Death Eaters slipped on their masks and moved silently down the hill, some apparating, others prowling, each choosing their own method of attack. Draco and Hermione left the crowd as soon as possible to begin moving into the houses. They had their own plan. They saw Ron move off with Voldemort; he had no choice about that and Snape disappeared, as usual, by himself.
They slipped silently into the nearest shop; the Three Broomsticks, using Dark Magic courtesy of Draco, and headed softly up the stairs to Madam Rosmerta's room where they shook her gently until she awoke. Draco covered her mouth with a strong hand and removed his mask with the other as Hermione removed her own mask and shook free her long curls.
"Ssh." Draco hissed as the bar mistress awoke, "Keep quiet and we will get you and your guests out alive. Make a sound and you're dead. Understand?"
Madam Rosmerta nodded, her eyes wide with terror as she was confronted by two student Death Eaters.
"Madam Rosmerta, do you have a key that will open all the rooms that have guests in them?" Hermione asked, "I understand you used charm keys but they are kept downstairs and too much moving around will cause us unwanted attention."
"Yes I have the key." Came the answer, and the older witch removed a delicate key from a chain around her neck, handing it to Hermione.
"Thank you." Hermione smiled. "Now, myself and Draco will sneak you all downstairs and into the back yard, from there you will be able to apparate to Hogwarts gates. You MUST get inside and find a member of staff straight away. Any delays will cost you your life."
"It's happening isn't it?" Madam Rosmerta asked, her voice fearful.
"Yes." Draco said flatly, he couldn't be doing with any tiptoeing around at times like this; that cost lives, and they needed al the lives they could get. "And if you want to live you will go to Hogwarts, if you want to die you will stay here and if you want to fight then you can come down from Hogwarts with Dumbledore and The Order in a few hours time. But if you make any attempt to be heroic and brave now you will die. The village is swarming with Death Eaters...and we are the only nice ones." He smirked.
Madam Rosmerta nodded her head once more, only this time with more determination and the three made their way along the guest floor, awakening each of the guests and explaining the situation. Once all the guests had been collected the small company made its way down to the back yard of the pub where they began apparating to the safety of Hogwarts. Hermione took out her wand;
"Morsmodre." She whispered and the green, glittering mark of the Dark Lord rose above the roof of the student's favourite watering hole. Madam Rosmerta let out a quiet sob and a gasp before whispering "Thank you." And disappearing.
"I hope they're all that simple." Draco smiled weakly, clutching Hermione's hand tightly. She squeezed him reassuringly as they made their way through the pub to the front and he felt himself swell with love and confidence.
"We still have one problem though; bodies." Hermione pointed out. "And as much as I hate to say it there's only one thing we can do."
"Torch the place?"
"Yep."
"Won't that draw attention from the castle? Dear old Voldie won't like that."
"He won't like you calling him that either." Hermione giggled.
"Ah, it suits him; kind of cuddlier. Just like all maniacs hell bent on world domination for no reason should be. Anyway, on with the burning."
"We could change the colour of the flames. If we make them black the castle won't be able to see them and He won't think we've drawn attention to anything, and I'm sure our Lord will approve of the colour."
"Black like his heart. Ten points to you. Together then."
The pair waved their wands and the pub was soon consumed in black flames. They held hands and watched in silence as many of their school memories were consumed in the evil flames. Within minutes the magical fire had reduced the tavern to a smouldering ruin and they extinguished the blaze, pocketing their wands and turning to the next house, which still lay in darkness.
Silently Draco cast Dark Magic once more to get passed the advanced locking system and found themselves in a small living room.
"Ssh." Hermione hissed. "There's someone here."
Draco strained his ears and eyes into the darkened room and sure enough eh saw a bundle of robes leaning against one of the couches. The bundle was quietly crying. The bundle also had a mass of long, silvery blond hair.
"Ron?" Hermione braved, stepping forward and laying her hand on her fellow Gryffindor's robes.
Ron looked up and Draco saw his eyes were red rimmed from crying and he wiped his nose, most un-Malfoy-like, on the sleeve of his expensive robe. Draco wrinkled his nose in disgust.
"Y'allright Weasel?" He drawled.
"No I'm bloody not. I can't take this 'Mione. It's wrong. I've killed ten people tonight; men, women and children and I can't do it any more."
"Where's Voldemort?" Draco asked.
"He said there was one house he wanted to visit himself; some wizard family that have caused him a lot of trouble, especially the first time he was around. He told me to come in here and finish off this family."
"And have you?" Hermione probed.
"No, not yet, but I know I am going to have to."
"Leave it to me Weasel." Draco found himself saying, and he turned on his heel and headed up the stairs. He never was one for emotional breakdowns.
Upstairs he quietly searched the rooms and found a young wizarding couple and baby. Gently he shook the shoulders of the sleeping father, hushing for him to be quiet as he opened his eyes. The man was apparently stupid or deaf, but either way he still yelled;
"Death Eaters!" before frantically shaking his wife, "Morchana, wake up. It's happening, they're here. Take Imlade and leave. I'll fight him off, there's only one."
"OK," Draco drawled, "two things; one, do you think I can't hear you planning? And Two; don't you think that if I was going to kill you I would have done it whilst you whispered-is that really the right word?-to your lovely wife?"
The couple stared at Draco.
"Have I grown another head?" Draco asked, feeling his shoulder, "No? Well then stop staring. Truth is I'm going to get you out but you need to shut up and do as I tell you or you will die. All of you, including the sprog in the cot."
More staring from the man but a slight nod from the woman. The young baby began to cry and Draco instructed her to pick him up and quieten him as best as she could. Morchana did as instructed.
Again Draco ran through the ritual he and Hermione had conducted at the Three Broomsticks. He ushered the young family down the stairs, past Hermione and Ron and into the dark back garden where he instructed them to apparate to Hogwarts. The parents looked at each other nervously and then at Draco;
"What about Imlade?"
"Oh fuck! Um...give him to me."
Morchana held the infant closer to her chest, shaking her head and staring at him with eyes, wide and full of terror at handing her child over to a Death Eater.
"Look," Draco sighed, impatiently, "I will not harm him but have you got a better idea? You give him to me and I'll be up at Hogwarts soon, hopefully within two hours. I promise."
The wizard nodded to his wife and with shaking hands she handed her new born baby over to Draco, her large violet eyes filling with tears. The man placed a comforting arm around his wife's shoulder and together they apparated to Hogwarts. Draco sighed, swore to himself and looked down at the young baby in his arms; the infant scrunched his eyes up before letting out a soft sob as he inhaled an unfamiliar scent.
"Ssh." Draco cooed softly, smiling softly as Imlade gripped Draco's slender finger in his small, chubby one. Draco began to hum softly, rocking the baby back and forth, resulting in the cries dying down to a slight whimper before becoming soft breathing as he fell asleep.
Draco admired the perfect image of the small child; untouched by evil in the world; well, almost. His small head was covered in wisps of blonde fluff and his skin was a smooth to touch as a rose petal. One day...
Draco shook himself from his dreaming and took the child inside where Hermione was pulling Ron up from his position on the floor, they turned to face him.
"What the hell have you got there?" Hermione squealed.
"Is that a baby?" Ron gasped.
"No, it's a chicken." Draco answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look, what was I supposed to do? They couldn't take him with them could they; can't apparate with two people and I'm not going to leave him here for them to find. We'll have to work something out."
"Like what?" Ron asked, smoothing out the creases in his robes.
"Couldn't we make him invisible?" Draco asked. "There must be a spell that can do that that won't harm him."
"I don't think there is one. Not for a baby that young. It's more likely to damage him than protect him" Ron pointed out.
The two stared at Hermione, who had remained silent throughout this, was standing with her eyes closed and her arms by her side. Her face was serene yet she was obviously concentrating on something and, as they watched, they air around her began to glow red. She was trying to contact The Ancients. They watched for a few more moments as Hermione's mouth moved in silent words and her brow creased. Finally she sighed and opened her eyes, smiling.
"They'll help."
"Who will?" Ron asked, slightly confused.
"The Ancients and The Innocents. They said they will guard the child from view, all we have to do is secure the baby to myself or Draco with a harness and they will make it so mortal eyes can not see it."
"What if he drops it?" Ron asked, "How will we know if we can't see it."
"They'll tie it to us with a force so only we can sense it. Now come on, we don't have much time."
Hermione busied around, ripping sheets and fashioning a harness from the material and small cushions she could find. She then set about securing the baby in her creation and fastening it carefully to Draco's back.
"OK." She said, "He's safe. Now to finish the job."
The three walked outside and as Ron and Hermione set fire to the house with dark flames, Draco cast the spell to make the Dark Mark float above the once family home.
"Excellent work my children, Raven." A cold voice said behind them and they turned to face Voldemort, flanked by Bellatrix and the rest of the Death Eaters. "A family home too I believe. Oh how I love my cold, heartless killers. Although I must point out to the rest of my loyal followers that these three were the only ones to show any kind of imagination. I believe only these three actually damaged any property? Am I right?"
The gathered Death Eaters said nothing and Voldemort eyed them with contempt. "I thought not."
"We should make a break for Hogwarts." Draco whispered.
"I agree." Hermione whispered back. "But we can't leave Ron here."
"OK, we need a story. One that Voldie will believe and that can get us all away."
"How about we want to clear the air before the battle. He wants to wish us well into our new life in private. We could say we were going back to the Manor?"
"Your brilliance astounds me sometimes." Draco said, grabbing her waist and pulling his girlfriend into a passionate kiss before turning to face the Dark Lord.
"My Lord," he began, "My fiancée and I long to have a private conference with my Father and Severus before we go into battle, to clear the air completely. I believe my Father wishes to settle any conflict that may still be present and Severus is eager to give us his blessing to; being my mentor and an old friend of my Father's. With your permission we would like to retreat to Malfoy Manor for a short period of time; until our allies arrive."
"As you wish my dragon." Voldemort smiled, "I feel we will have much to celebrate soon. A wedding, a victory and, I'm sure that within months, an heir to my conquest. You may go."
"Thank you My Lord. We will apparate from the Shrieking Shack."
Snape joined them and the four made for the Shrieking Shack. Once inside Draco panicked;
"Now what are we supposed to do? We can't get out."
"Why are we here in the first place?" Snape asked, casting a frosty look over the young students. "Why didn't we simply apparate from where we stood."
Hermione concentrated again and the baby became apparent, tied to Draco's back.
"Bloody hell Draco." Snape muttered and Draco quickly explained the situation to his teacher.
"Well then my dear boy, you underestimate who you are with." Snape smiled. Miss Granger, Mr Weasley, if you would be so kind as to enlighten him."
Draco stared as Hermione and Ron opened a door on the far wall and gasped as he saw a tunnel on the other side.
"This will take us straight into the grounds of Hogwarts." Snape explained. "I will go ahead and stop the Willow."
"Willow?" Draco asked. "As in Whomping Willow?"
"The very same Malfoy; careful not to lose an eye." Ron sneered before following Snape into the darkness.
"He's only joking; well sort of." Hermione grinned before also disappearing.
Draco gave a weak smile and followed into the darkness.
----------------------------------------------
Once safely in the castle grounds the small company made their way up to Dumbledore's office where they found a very solemn looking Order. Harry stepped forward and embraced Ron and Hermione before giving Draco an appreciated hand shake.
"Glad you're alright." He said, "Really I am."
"Thanks." Draco said. "However, before we go any further I need to find the parents to this little guy. I promised I would return him."
"I'll send him with one of the House elves." Dumbledore said, taking the now crying baby, who stopped instantly. "They always do seem to like me." The Headmaster smiled, cooing at the gurgling infant.
A house elf appeared within moments and Draco breathed a sigh of relief to know that the child would soon be safe with its parents.
"And now onto ourselves." Dumbledore said, his wizened face becoming serious as he contemplated their situation. "I believe Mr Malfoy that you have been entrusted by Voldemort to guard the Knife of Asriel?" Draco nodded, suddenly nervous. "May I please have it?"
Draco stepped forward and handed the tool to Dumbledore.
"But Headmaster. The Dark Lord has already completed the ritual. Surely..."
"It didn't work." Hermione spoke softly.
Everyone except Dumbledore stared at Hermione and she continued.
"Asriel would not go to Voldemort. He did not wish for his magic to be corrupted. Although Asriel is the Dark God, his magic is pure and powerful. To be corrupted by someone such as Voldemort; neither alive nor dead and with the soul intention of destroying everything on the planet, Asriel would not go."
"How do you know this?" Mad-Eye Moody suddenly snapped.
"Because he told me. I spoke to him. In my head. He told me that although he is the God of evil and he is in conflict with The Ancients and The Innocents, he does not wish for the world to be destroyed. It was most surreal; it's as though this world, our lives, everything we know, is a development of the Gods, and Asriel does not wish to lose us. If his power were to be transferred to Voldemort, who is corrupted and impure and wishes to rule all, where there would be no light and, eventually, no life, then the gods themselves would cease to exist because no belief would subsist and they would have nothing to keep them alive; or whatever it is that they are."
"Then why did they choose you dear?" Molly Weasley spoke up.
"I don't know." Hermione answered truthfully, "He didn't say. He said that one day I would know."
"But we felt Asriel there." Snape pointed out. "And we heard him."
"A decoy." Dumbledore exclaimed, "of course, the Gods are excellent at doing such things. Anyone claiming to have spoken to the Gods, with the exception of our dear Hermione here, is actually talking to their own psyche; some very interesting conversations have been noted. It has happened numerous times throughout our written history. Legend says that very few possess the ability to speak with the true Gods. Apparently if you do your whole head implodes. Most irregular. But I am swaying from the point, please continue Miss Granger."
"So does Voldie know about this?" Draco asked, receiving a stern glance from Dumbledore for using the new nickname.
"No, he doesn't and he mustn't. As long as he believes he has my powers he assumes he can win and as long as he thinks that we have the advantage." Hermione said sternly.
"Then we have an excellent benefit which I feel we should now take use of." Dumbledore twinkled. Harry, Hermione. If you please."
The pair stepped forward and Draco watched as the ritual was performed again, only this time a very different outcome was reached. As Harry and Hermione parted from the kiss, their hands remained linked together and Hermione threw back her head, her eyes clouding over and the aura around her body frantically changing colour from red to green and back again. The air became pure white and the two were engulfed by the power. A flash of silver lightning from above and the ritual had truly taken place. The pair let go of each and stumbled backwards, panting and flushed.
"Woah." Harry said, clutching his chest. "Hermione, how the hell do you cope? It's like a million horses galloping around my heart."
"I know." Hermione muttered before swaying and falling to the floor.
Draco rushed to her side and gently supported her head as her eyes tried to focus.
"Are you OK?" He asked.
Hermione smiled weakly up at him.
"I'm fine. Honest. I just feel a little...empty."
"Will you be OK to fight Miss Granger?" Snape asked suddenly and Draco noted a confused look pass between most of the room.
"Thank you Severus but I will be fine. I do feel however that we should be going. The allies for Voldemort will be here by now and he will want us back."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Indeed, Mr Weasley take your potion. Mr Malfoy; I believe this is yours."
And Draco nearly keeled over himself as Dumbledore handed him the black, high necked coat given to him by his Father at Christmas.
"Thank you." He stuttered.
"I only advise you wear it Mr Malfoy because it was given to you by your Father and your Father is supposedly present at the moment; albeit if it is with Mr Weasley inside."
Draco put on the coat and stared at Hermione's latest attire. Her upper half was encased in a black corset with deep green panels, covered in black lace. She wore low trousers that came to rest on her hipbone, declaring her one of the Dark Lord's and along the sides of both trouser legs ran a spilt from hem to hip, where the sides tied together with black lace and green ribbons. On her feet were the ever present six inch heel stilettos and her midnight curls flew around her head in elegant disarray. Her long fingernails were blood red to match her lips and her blackened eyes flashed around the room, like a cat surveying its surroundings.
"I hope you approve." She smirked to Draco and he nodded her approval.
Draco nodded and swept her into his arms.
"I love you." He said, kissing her deeply; much to the shock of most of the room.
"And now you must go!" Dumbledore declared, waving his arms and lowering the wards.
The war had begun.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Enchantresses; Thanks for your feedback. Had to put yours down here so as not to disclose the content of the Chapter before people read it. Unfortunately (as you have just read) this isn't the battle because I didn't want to not update today for fear of people either getting annoyed or forgetting about the story (I know it happens). The battle is next. I promise.
Samurai Amaya; A few people have suggested that and I have jotted down some ideas for an original fic that I MAY start t kill any free time I may have at Uni. If I do write it I will let people know if I post it up anywhere.
lullaby87, ME!, padfootedmoony, VOLDERMORT LIVES KILL H.POTTER, ayu, Kaydera, quiet-mg, mintytoothpick, monstersoftheworld, dracohermioneluver, beauty-of-asriel, BbyChick, Callie, stargazer starluver, BigRed-2006, Orchid6297, Luthein, Keliyon, mattiemalfoy, Silverbutterfly; WOW!!! So many of you. Thank you to you all a million times. I am sorry for the delay and hope you are still reading and enjoying this as much as I am enjoying writing it. Thank you again.
Miss Rhapsody; I don't think it was any shorter than usual. The Chapters are all normally around 3,000 words long. This one is longer (at 5,000) and the next one probably will be too.
juxtaposed; ha ha. I really want a personalised HP number plate. It would be so cool. Draco is indeed (to me) a mini-Spike so I am moulding him as such. Lol. He is my puppet...MINE...MINE I TELL YOU!!! MWA HA HA.
Sheilalein; Your review was wonderful. Thank you.
Rain Malfy; you get your own response simply so I can say; I proof-read (twice in as many Chapters) and so I can toast you Pirate stylee so....Take what you can, give nothing back. Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me.
Sorry for the delay. I hope you enjoy this. It's all nearly over.
Chapter 23-The Pieces Are Set
Draco and Hermione landed deftly beside Voldemort, on top of the darkened hill where the Shrieking Shack stood, eerie and mysterious in the mists of the dawn. Below then the lights of Hogsmeade twinkled in the dark morning light as the inhabitants set up shop, unaware of the day that awaited them. Hermione moved closer to Draco, clutching his hand tightly as they watched the pretty little village.
"This is it isn't it Draco? The end."
"It will soon be over my love. This doesn't have to be the end." Draco smiled, turning to her. He was alarmed when she gasped. "At least not for us."
"Oh Gods Draco. I'm sorry."
"What for?" He asked, confused at her sudden apology.
"Your face."
Draco's hand instinctively flew to his cheekbone and there he felt a ridge; a scar, two inches long and running along his right cheekbone.
"Why didn't it heal?" He asked her.
"I honestly don't know. There is no reason for it not to."
"Ah well, now we match. You have one and I have one."
"Yes, but mine's not visible and we know why it's there." Hermione argued.
"Don't worry about love. I'm not bothered. Honestly. It will act as a constant reminder not to piss you off."
Hermione smiled weakly and turned once more to survey Hogsmeade. Draco knew she was thinking of all that they would have to do today and all the innocents that would lose their lives because of their charade.
"A prize for the taking My Lord." Ron said, breaking the silence with a smirk. Draco couldn't help the shudder that passed through his bones.
Voldemort clapped his hands and the Death Eaters gathered around him.
"In a few moments we will begin to empty that pitiful village beneath us. However, do not forget your purpose. You must enjoy yourselves; I would be concerned if you did not, but remember our real prize. Potter and Dumbledore are not to be approached until our allies arrive."
Draco knew of whom he spoke. Dementors, dragons, giants and trolls were being magicked to Voldemort's side and were due to arrive, ready for the battle in only a few hours time. Once the allies were gathered, Voldemort would send a vision of himself to Dumbledore, demanding he surrender himself and Potter or fight to the death. Obviously Dumbledore would not hand over Harry and surrender himself and so that battle would begin.
"But first," Voldemort continued, "the ritual." He held out a hand. "My dear Raven."
Hermione took Voldemort's outstretched hand and he positioned her opposite him.
"Bellatrix, the knife."
Bellatrix stepped forward and handed the Knife of Asriel to the Dark Lord. Voldemort raised the knife and spoke the ritual words;
"Great Asriel, bringer of darkness as we celebrate, possess me and allow me the power to make what is yours and your subjects my own, so that I may apply your magic to defeat those we oppose."
He motioned for Hermione to hold out her hand and she did so, biting her lip slightly as Voldemort slashed the knife across her palm, causing her blood to flow freely. Draco watched as Ron stepped forward and collected the blood in a small vial before drawing the sign of Asriel upon Voldemort's forehead with the thick liquid. Ron stepped backwards and Hermione let Voldemort's lips meet hers as their fingers entwined. The winds rose, the leaves died and fell from the trees to dance around them and the coldness of the Dark God was felt by all, and all around them a ghostly voice spoke;
"It is done."
The pair parted and Draco went to Hermione's side.
"Another scar?" He questioned.
"Probably." Hermione responded, looking at the cut and concentrating on it in an attempt to heal it. She sighed, "Yes. Another one. Come on, it looks like we're getting ready to move in."
Draco felt sorry for the beauty that stood before him; so dark but so pure. She was constantly at conflict with herself, more so than he was, for she was more than a spy, she was a tool of the Gods, to be controlled by them. Her light and dark sides were pulling in opposite directions and she was reluctant to go in either. Draco took her hand and they went to stand beside the Dark Lord.
"My dragon, I must entrust you with this." Voldemort said, turning to Draco. "I do not trust a single brain cell amongst the others and know you will do all you can to keep it safe. It will act as a tool of protection against people who wish you harm; I need you alive."
"Why do not keep it yourself for protection My Lord?"
"I do not wish to keep it about my person as I have the protection of the Dark God himself; Asriel will not allow his subject to come to harm. You must keep it to protect yourself and your betrothed. I would be most annoyed if anything should happen to wither of you."
Draco felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Snape, his eyes were dark and cold but the slight smile on his thin lips held a glimmer of hope and a silent promise of success. Draco returned the smile and found comfort in the reassurance of his mentor.
"My children." Voldemort shouted, "Begin your reign of terror. Go!"
The Death Eaters slipped on their masks and moved silently down the hill, some apparating, others prowling, each choosing their own method of attack. Draco and Hermione left the crowd as soon as possible to begin moving into the houses. They had their own plan. They saw Ron move off with Voldemort; he had no choice about that and Snape disappeared, as usual, by himself.
They slipped silently into the nearest shop; the Three Broomsticks, using Dark Magic courtesy of Draco, and headed softly up the stairs to Madam Rosmerta's room where they shook her gently until she awoke. Draco covered her mouth with a strong hand and removed his mask with the other as Hermione removed her own mask and shook free her long curls.
"Ssh." Draco hissed as the bar mistress awoke, "Keep quiet and we will get you and your guests out alive. Make a sound and you're dead. Understand?"
Madam Rosmerta nodded, her eyes wide with terror as she was confronted by two student Death Eaters.
"Madam Rosmerta, do you have a key that will open all the rooms that have guests in them?" Hermione asked, "I understand you used charm keys but they are kept downstairs and too much moving around will cause us unwanted attention."
"Yes I have the key." Came the answer, and the older witch removed a delicate key from a chain around her neck, handing it to Hermione.
"Thank you." Hermione smiled. "Now, myself and Draco will sneak you all downstairs and into the back yard, from there you will be able to apparate to Hogwarts gates. You MUST get inside and find a member of staff straight away. Any delays will cost you your life."
"It's happening isn't it?" Madam Rosmerta asked, her voice fearful.
"Yes." Draco said flatly, he couldn't be doing with any tiptoeing around at times like this; that cost lives, and they needed al the lives they could get. "And if you want to live you will go to Hogwarts, if you want to die you will stay here and if you want to fight then you can come down from Hogwarts with Dumbledore and The Order in a few hours time. But if you make any attempt to be heroic and brave now you will die. The village is swarming with Death Eaters...and we are the only nice ones." He smirked.
Madam Rosmerta nodded her head once more, only this time with more determination and the three made their way along the guest floor, awakening each of the guests and explaining the situation. Once all the guests had been collected the small company made its way down to the back yard of the pub where they began apparating to the safety of Hogwarts. Hermione took out her wand;
"Morsmodre." She whispered and the green, glittering mark of the Dark Lord rose above the roof of the student's favourite watering hole. Madam Rosmerta let out a quiet sob and a gasp before whispering "Thank you." And disappearing.
"I hope they're all that simple." Draco smiled weakly, clutching Hermione's hand tightly. She squeezed him reassuringly as they made their way through the pub to the front and he felt himself swell with love and confidence.
"We still have one problem though; bodies." Hermione pointed out. "And as much as I hate to say it there's only one thing we can do."
"Torch the place?"
"Yep."
"Won't that draw attention from the castle? Dear old Voldie won't like that."
"He won't like you calling him that either." Hermione giggled.
"Ah, it suits him; kind of cuddlier. Just like all maniacs hell bent on world domination for no reason should be. Anyway, on with the burning."
"We could change the colour of the flames. If we make them black the castle won't be able to see them and He won't think we've drawn attention to anything, and I'm sure our Lord will approve of the colour."
"Black like his heart. Ten points to you. Together then."
The pair waved their wands and the pub was soon consumed in black flames. They held hands and watched in silence as many of their school memories were consumed in the evil flames. Within minutes the magical fire had reduced the tavern to a smouldering ruin and they extinguished the blaze, pocketing their wands and turning to the next house, which still lay in darkness.
Silently Draco cast Dark Magic once more to get passed the advanced locking system and found themselves in a small living room.
"Ssh." Hermione hissed. "There's someone here."
Draco strained his ears and eyes into the darkened room and sure enough eh saw a bundle of robes leaning against one of the couches. The bundle was quietly crying. The bundle also had a mass of long, silvery blond hair.
"Ron?" Hermione braved, stepping forward and laying her hand on her fellow Gryffindor's robes.
Ron looked up and Draco saw his eyes were red rimmed from crying and he wiped his nose, most un-Malfoy-like, on the sleeve of his expensive robe. Draco wrinkled his nose in disgust.
"Y'allright Weasel?" He drawled.
"No I'm bloody not. I can't take this 'Mione. It's wrong. I've killed ten people tonight; men, women and children and I can't do it any more."
"Where's Voldemort?" Draco asked.
"He said there was one house he wanted to visit himself; some wizard family that have caused him a lot of trouble, especially the first time he was around. He told me to come in here and finish off this family."
"And have you?" Hermione probed.
"No, not yet, but I know I am going to have to."
"Leave it to me Weasel." Draco found himself saying, and he turned on his heel and headed up the stairs. He never was one for emotional breakdowns.
Upstairs he quietly searched the rooms and found a young wizarding couple and baby. Gently he shook the shoulders of the sleeping father, hushing for him to be quiet as he opened his eyes. The man was apparently stupid or deaf, but either way he still yelled;
"Death Eaters!" before frantically shaking his wife, "Morchana, wake up. It's happening, they're here. Take Imlade and leave. I'll fight him off, there's only one."
"OK," Draco drawled, "two things; one, do you think I can't hear you planning? And Two; don't you think that if I was going to kill you I would have done it whilst you whispered-is that really the right word?-to your lovely wife?"
The couple stared at Draco.
"Have I grown another head?" Draco asked, feeling his shoulder, "No? Well then stop staring. Truth is I'm going to get you out but you need to shut up and do as I tell you or you will die. All of you, including the sprog in the cot."
More staring from the man but a slight nod from the woman. The young baby began to cry and Draco instructed her to pick him up and quieten him as best as she could. Morchana did as instructed.
Again Draco ran through the ritual he and Hermione had conducted at the Three Broomsticks. He ushered the young family down the stairs, past Hermione and Ron and into the dark back garden where he instructed them to apparate to Hogwarts. The parents looked at each other nervously and then at Draco;
"What about Imlade?"
"Oh fuck! Um...give him to me."
Morchana held the infant closer to her chest, shaking her head and staring at him with eyes, wide and full of terror at handing her child over to a Death Eater.
"Look," Draco sighed, impatiently, "I will not harm him but have you got a better idea? You give him to me and I'll be up at Hogwarts soon, hopefully within two hours. I promise."
The wizard nodded to his wife and with shaking hands she handed her new born baby over to Draco, her large violet eyes filling with tears. The man placed a comforting arm around his wife's shoulder and together they apparated to Hogwarts. Draco sighed, swore to himself and looked down at the young baby in his arms; the infant scrunched his eyes up before letting out a soft sob as he inhaled an unfamiliar scent.
"Ssh." Draco cooed softly, smiling softly as Imlade gripped Draco's slender finger in his small, chubby one. Draco began to hum softly, rocking the baby back and forth, resulting in the cries dying down to a slight whimper before becoming soft breathing as he fell asleep.
Draco admired the perfect image of the small child; untouched by evil in the world; well, almost. His small head was covered in wisps of blonde fluff and his skin was a smooth to touch as a rose petal. One day...
Draco shook himself from his dreaming and took the child inside where Hermione was pulling Ron up from his position on the floor, they turned to face him.
"What the hell have you got there?" Hermione squealed.
"Is that a baby?" Ron gasped.
"No, it's a chicken." Draco answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look, what was I supposed to do? They couldn't take him with them could they; can't apparate with two people and I'm not going to leave him here for them to find. We'll have to work something out."
"Like what?" Ron asked, smoothing out the creases in his robes.
"Couldn't we make him invisible?" Draco asked. "There must be a spell that can do that that won't harm him."
"I don't think there is one. Not for a baby that young. It's more likely to damage him than protect him" Ron pointed out.
The two stared at Hermione, who had remained silent throughout this, was standing with her eyes closed and her arms by her side. Her face was serene yet she was obviously concentrating on something and, as they watched, they air around her began to glow red. She was trying to contact The Ancients. They watched for a few more moments as Hermione's mouth moved in silent words and her brow creased. Finally she sighed and opened her eyes, smiling.
"They'll help."
"Who will?" Ron asked, slightly confused.
"The Ancients and The Innocents. They said they will guard the child from view, all we have to do is secure the baby to myself or Draco with a harness and they will make it so mortal eyes can not see it."
"What if he drops it?" Ron asked, "How will we know if we can't see it."
"They'll tie it to us with a force so only we can sense it. Now come on, we don't have much time."
Hermione busied around, ripping sheets and fashioning a harness from the material and small cushions she could find. She then set about securing the baby in her creation and fastening it carefully to Draco's back.
"OK." She said, "He's safe. Now to finish the job."
The three walked outside and as Ron and Hermione set fire to the house with dark flames, Draco cast the spell to make the Dark Mark float above the once family home.
"Excellent work my children, Raven." A cold voice said behind them and they turned to face Voldemort, flanked by Bellatrix and the rest of the Death Eaters. "A family home too I believe. Oh how I love my cold, heartless killers. Although I must point out to the rest of my loyal followers that these three were the only ones to show any kind of imagination. I believe only these three actually damaged any property? Am I right?"
The gathered Death Eaters said nothing and Voldemort eyed them with contempt. "I thought not."
"We should make a break for Hogwarts." Draco whispered.
"I agree." Hermione whispered back. "But we can't leave Ron here."
"OK, we need a story. One that Voldie will believe and that can get us all away."
"How about we want to clear the air before the battle. He wants to wish us well into our new life in private. We could say we were going back to the Manor?"
"Your brilliance astounds me sometimes." Draco said, grabbing her waist and pulling his girlfriend into a passionate kiss before turning to face the Dark Lord.
"My Lord," he began, "My fiancée and I long to have a private conference with my Father and Severus before we go into battle, to clear the air completely. I believe my Father wishes to settle any conflict that may still be present and Severus is eager to give us his blessing to; being my mentor and an old friend of my Father's. With your permission we would like to retreat to Malfoy Manor for a short period of time; until our allies arrive."
"As you wish my dragon." Voldemort smiled, "I feel we will have much to celebrate soon. A wedding, a victory and, I'm sure that within months, an heir to my conquest. You may go."
"Thank you My Lord. We will apparate from the Shrieking Shack."
Snape joined them and the four made for the Shrieking Shack. Once inside Draco panicked;
"Now what are we supposed to do? We can't get out."
"Why are we here in the first place?" Snape asked, casting a frosty look over the young students. "Why didn't we simply apparate from where we stood."
Hermione concentrated again and the baby became apparent, tied to Draco's back.
"Bloody hell Draco." Snape muttered and Draco quickly explained the situation to his teacher.
"Well then my dear boy, you underestimate who you are with." Snape smiled. Miss Granger, Mr Weasley, if you would be so kind as to enlighten him."
Draco stared as Hermione and Ron opened a door on the far wall and gasped as he saw a tunnel on the other side.
"This will take us straight into the grounds of Hogwarts." Snape explained. "I will go ahead and stop the Willow."
"Willow?" Draco asked. "As in Whomping Willow?"
"The very same Malfoy; careful not to lose an eye." Ron sneered before following Snape into the darkness.
"He's only joking; well sort of." Hermione grinned before also disappearing.
Draco gave a weak smile and followed into the darkness.
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Once safely in the castle grounds the small company made their way up to Dumbledore's office where they found a very solemn looking Order. Harry stepped forward and embraced Ron and Hermione before giving Draco an appreciated hand shake.
"Glad you're alright." He said, "Really I am."
"Thanks." Draco said. "However, before we go any further I need to find the parents to this little guy. I promised I would return him."
"I'll send him with one of the House elves." Dumbledore said, taking the now crying baby, who stopped instantly. "They always do seem to like me." The Headmaster smiled, cooing at the gurgling infant.
A house elf appeared within moments and Draco breathed a sigh of relief to know that the child would soon be safe with its parents.
"And now onto ourselves." Dumbledore said, his wizened face becoming serious as he contemplated their situation. "I believe Mr Malfoy that you have been entrusted by Voldemort to guard the Knife of Asriel?" Draco nodded, suddenly nervous. "May I please have it?"
Draco stepped forward and handed the tool to Dumbledore.
"But Headmaster. The Dark Lord has already completed the ritual. Surely..."
"It didn't work." Hermione spoke softly.
Everyone except Dumbledore stared at Hermione and she continued.
"Asriel would not go to Voldemort. He did not wish for his magic to be corrupted. Although Asriel is the Dark God, his magic is pure and powerful. To be corrupted by someone such as Voldemort; neither alive nor dead and with the soul intention of destroying everything on the planet, Asriel would not go."
"How do you know this?" Mad-Eye Moody suddenly snapped.
"Because he told me. I spoke to him. In my head. He told me that although he is the God of evil and he is in conflict with The Ancients and The Innocents, he does not wish for the world to be destroyed. It was most surreal; it's as though this world, our lives, everything we know, is a development of the Gods, and Asriel does not wish to lose us. If his power were to be transferred to Voldemort, who is corrupted and impure and wishes to rule all, where there would be no light and, eventually, no life, then the gods themselves would cease to exist because no belief would subsist and they would have nothing to keep them alive; or whatever it is that they are."
"Then why did they choose you dear?" Molly Weasley spoke up.
"I don't know." Hermione answered truthfully, "He didn't say. He said that one day I would know."
"But we felt Asriel there." Snape pointed out. "And we heard him."
"A decoy." Dumbledore exclaimed, "of course, the Gods are excellent at doing such things. Anyone claiming to have spoken to the Gods, with the exception of our dear Hermione here, is actually talking to their own psyche; some very interesting conversations have been noted. It has happened numerous times throughout our written history. Legend says that very few possess the ability to speak with the true Gods. Apparently if you do your whole head implodes. Most irregular. But I am swaying from the point, please continue Miss Granger."
"So does Voldie know about this?" Draco asked, receiving a stern glance from Dumbledore for using the new nickname.
"No, he doesn't and he mustn't. As long as he believes he has my powers he assumes he can win and as long as he thinks that we have the advantage." Hermione said sternly.
"Then we have an excellent benefit which I feel we should now take use of." Dumbledore twinkled. Harry, Hermione. If you please."
The pair stepped forward and Draco watched as the ritual was performed again, only this time a very different outcome was reached. As Harry and Hermione parted from the kiss, their hands remained linked together and Hermione threw back her head, her eyes clouding over and the aura around her body frantically changing colour from red to green and back again. The air became pure white and the two were engulfed by the power. A flash of silver lightning from above and the ritual had truly taken place. The pair let go of each and stumbled backwards, panting and flushed.
"Woah." Harry said, clutching his chest. "Hermione, how the hell do you cope? It's like a million horses galloping around my heart."
"I know." Hermione muttered before swaying and falling to the floor.
Draco rushed to her side and gently supported her head as her eyes tried to focus.
"Are you OK?" He asked.
Hermione smiled weakly up at him.
"I'm fine. Honest. I just feel a little...empty."
"Will you be OK to fight Miss Granger?" Snape asked suddenly and Draco noted a confused look pass between most of the room.
"Thank you Severus but I will be fine. I do feel however that we should be going. The allies for Voldemort will be here by now and he will want us back."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Indeed, Mr Weasley take your potion. Mr Malfoy; I believe this is yours."
And Draco nearly keeled over himself as Dumbledore handed him the black, high necked coat given to him by his Father at Christmas.
"Thank you." He stuttered.
"I only advise you wear it Mr Malfoy because it was given to you by your Father and your Father is supposedly present at the moment; albeit if it is with Mr Weasley inside."
Draco put on the coat and stared at Hermione's latest attire. Her upper half was encased in a black corset with deep green panels, covered in black lace. She wore low trousers that came to rest on her hipbone, declaring her one of the Dark Lord's and along the sides of both trouser legs ran a spilt from hem to hip, where the sides tied together with black lace and green ribbons. On her feet were the ever present six inch heel stilettos and her midnight curls flew around her head in elegant disarray. Her long fingernails were blood red to match her lips and her blackened eyes flashed around the room, like a cat surveying its surroundings.
"I hope you approve." She smirked to Draco and he nodded her approval.
Draco nodded and swept her into his arms.
"I love you." He said, kissing her deeply; much to the shock of most of the room.
"And now you must go!" Dumbledore declared, waving his arms and lowering the wards.
The war had begun.
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The Enchantresses; Thanks for your feedback. Had to put yours down here so as not to disclose the content of the Chapter before people read it. Unfortunately (as you have just read) this isn't the battle because I didn't want to not update today for fear of people either getting annoyed or forgetting about the story (I know it happens). The battle is next. I promise.