Chapter Eight
Malfoy, Malfoy and, Who?
September 16-Early this morning we went over a plan in case something went wrong. Basically we would stay in groups off two today, no matter what, and if we got caught. Fight and run like the wind.
That's about it. Sad. But that about sums up all our plans right now.
Me and Ron took yesterdays disguise of course. Hermione stayed the same height, but her long hair, which reached her waist was straight and blond. Her eyes, she turned a light blue, made her nose a little bigger and straighter. Too top it all off she made her mouth and teeth smaller.
Ginny was tall, 5' 8' with short black hair. Void of any freckles, her skin became a nice ebony. With a long forehead and regal posture she looked reverently.
I shut my eyes to try and stem the turmoil in my mind. This will go correctly to plan. We will leave this house alive, with the hairs needed. It will be Ok. I had adopted those phrases as my mantras.
We were now standing outside a tall gate. It was intricately designed with the word 'Malfoy' in big capitol letters in the middle, where it would open to allow passage. I scoffed at the blatant display of wealth. And the obvious stupidity.
"If I didn't know where to find them, I would now." I said, my left arm around Ginny's waist. Behind my Hermione and Ron had mirrored our posture.
We had arrived via brooms, my catchy firebolt in the hands of Ginny.
We hoped it wasn't too obvious…I had owned a firebolt, but a girl was riding one here. Besides, we looked nothing alike our school selves. We argued over the firebolt, but I told them that it would save money since we would have to buy another one if we refused to use my broom. Besides, I don't think there brains would think that illogically.
Who in there right mind would assume Harry and his friends, looking nothing like themselves would ride willingly into Malfoy Manner?
My point exactly.
Now, we had no clue how to find Malfoy Manner. I pointed out that we should just ride around England until we found the biggest house and fly to it. Hermione wasn't happy. It would take too long. So we were stuck on how to find the house…until Ron had the brilliant idea to turn the paper over in a desperate attempt for hidden information.
The location was on the back.
The gate opened leaving the 'Mal' on the left side and the 'foy' on the right as we pass through. There was a man waiting there to take us inside. I haven't seen him before.
"This way" was all he said before he turned and walked down the short pathway leading up to a door.
The house was impressive. From what I saw of it before we were ushered in. The door slammed shut behind and we were alone. Wisely, no one said a word. Who knew who could be listening. So instead, we waited in silence.
Not 5 minutes had passed before another man opened a door to the right and held it open for us to pass. He led us down a long hallway with marble floors. The walls were stone and covered in paintings and tapestries, every few feet. Our footsteps become muffled every once in a while by expensive carpets.
Our guide stopped and opened a door motioning us to enter. Since my scar hadn't started to burn I assumed Voldemort wasn't on the premises and enter first. There were three people in the room all sitting on dark high-backed chairs facing us. Malfoy, Narcissia and, Snape.
Ron gasped but with an elbow from Hermione he quickly covered it with a cough.
Malfoy motioned to the empty four chairs with the backs to us. "Have a seat."
So we sat.
Malfoy smirked before he announced "Rick MacGrier," waving a hand at me, "Steve Smith" this time motioning to Ron. "And…"
"Harmony Smith." Hermione offered.
"Sue Flither" Ginny concluded.
Snapes eyes narrowed, like he smelt a lie, and he asked "Sister or wife?"
With a deadly smile Hermione answered, "Wife"
Snape's eyes became smaller.
Narcissia cleared her throat, catching her husbands attention.
"Ahhh, yes…I am the master of the house, Luciuis Malfoy, my wife," he casually waved at the women beside him "Narcissia Malfoy, and" he smirked, "An old friend, and accomplished" he added emphasis to this word, like he was warning us not to lie. "occlumens. Severus Snape"
Thankfully were all were accomplished occlumens too.
Snape sat forward--I swear he was trying to peer into our minds--while Malfoy continued "I just have a few questions to ask. Then later maybe we can get together again…Tea? Biscuits?"
Hermione's eyebrow raised as she declined.
I hadn't noticed the table and refreshments before. I wonder if one of them conjured it just then. My bet would be Snape. He couldn't peer into our minds and decided vertaserium would be best…
I couldn't take the chance of declining…I t might make me seem petty, and I couldn't accept it there was a chance it was vertaserium…So I pulled an Umbridge.
Thankfully were all were accomplished occlumens too.
I reached for the cup handed to me. Ginny accepted after my stern glance. I tried to put all my fears into it. She seemed to understand. Ron looked like he would like to accept a biscuit, but at Hermione's elbow in his stomach, he declined.
I noticed neither of the three across form us had taken tea themselves.
I took a sip while keeping my lips tight together. Then another one.
It came to no surprise that the questions were directed at me.
It was Malfoy who broke the silence. "So. Tell me. When did you decide you wished to join the Dark Lord?"
It seemed an innocent enough question. So I answered before anyone else could. Though I doubt they would have been allowed.
"For as long as I can remember…"
Malfoy's eyebrow rose in a silent question
I sighed, I'm going to have to elaborate.
"When I was around 8 I remember hearing tales, listing as the adults read from the Daily Prophet. All his feats, his cause, the way he does it. I can't stand muggles" I spat the last word, remembering the Dursleys, not that I hate muggles per say, just want to give the right effect. "or mud bloods" I whisper the last part. I feel dirty. I can't believe I just said that word…
Ginny surreptitiously squeezes my hand.
Narcissia nods in agreement while Malfoy leans forward. He seemed satisfied.
"Why do you want to join the Dark Lord…? Power? Money?"
I shake my head. "Not money, I don't have much, but I still have honor." I laugh inwardly at the paradox. How can you have honor and yet still wish to kill people? "I don't want to be bought." I continue "Now if I come across it during my troubles, it wouldn't be unwanted. Power would be nice. New curses and jinxes are always welcome. And I'm sure I would come across them." I laugh, "Though I really just don't like mudbloods" I finish. I cringe. I really hate that word.
Snape leans back and looks confused. He leans across Narcissia and whispers something into Malfoy's ear. Malfoy frowns and beacons for Snape to proceed.
Snape smirks and asks, "And why should we trust you?"
I freeze. There is an odd glint in his eyes. Is it fear? Or complete and utter glee…? I was sure there was a flash of recognition in his eyes a minute ago…
I curse myself for loosing control and cringing at the end of my last answer. Despite wanting to look at my friends I continue.
Honestly though, if there was one person I would expect to figure this scam, it would be Snape. He always assumes everything is me…and he's usually right.
"Why should you trust me? Or all of us?" I try to gain time by asking another question.
"Just you." Snape sneers. He is still wearing that infernal smirk.
I want to yell why should we trust you, instead I sneer, "Why not. It's not like I haven't lost things in this…" I raise my eyebrows in derision "'war'…-- is it?--" I drop the condescending tone and continue with a softer, more pleading air "I used to have money…but the 'good'-- or is it now the 'light'?-- took it. Said we had 'Death Eater' connections."
At their confused looks I quickly add
"We didn't, mind you. We weren't rich, really, my parents still had to work, but we had enough to live more then comfortably. But they took it. I want revenge. I have to uphold my family's honor."
I really hate the honor thing. But in doubt, when dealing with purebloods, always bring up a family's honor. It's something they can understand.
This seems to placate the Malfoys, and Snape sat back, though he looked pensive.Snape, again, leaned over Narcissia and whispers to Malfoy. Malfoy looks angry but he agrees. He then gets up, motiones to his wife and they both leave the room.
Snape on the other hand looks livid. He leans forward and pulls out his wand
I tense and ready my wand in my sleeve. Just in case he pulls some trick, instead he waves it and all four of our chairs shoot forward.
When they stop they are within a foot of his chair, just enough space for our legs.
If looks could kill, Snape's glare would have killed me.
He whispers, so low I could barely hear him, and there is a deadly ring to his words. "Potter" he hisses, "What" he spat "in the name of Merlin are you doing here!"
I pale then, unwisely, get defensive. "What do you mean? Me? Potter?" I laugh
"You never were a good liar, Potter. Or a good occlumens…" he looked pensive and some of the glare left his eyes, "though your friends, with the exception of…Mr. Smith is it…? He's as bad as you." his tone became icy again. "Again. I ask you . What. Are. You. Doing. Here."
I pale even more.
Yep. That git figured it out. Figures. Though I can't believe he didn't just tell them right away who we were…maybe he thought they wouldn't believe him…
Snape raises an eyebrow. "Good transfigurations Hermione And they wouldn't believe me if I did. Your ill answered questions must have satisfied them…but I'm not as stupid." Snape paled. "I mean," he quickly rectified at my laugh, "They aren't as used to students who don't follow the rules…" he finishes lamely.
I laugh again. Then sober quickly. "You don't like them do you! Ha! And your stuck having to pretend you do!" I narrow my eyes and my voice lowers "You killed Dumbledore you traitor! I hope it was worth it!. Next time I see you I will kill you!"
Snape took on a condescending air. "You, Potter, are in no position to threaten me. But… what are you doing here?" He finished curiously.
I legilmened him. And he seemed honestly curious. And, weirdly, he either didn't know I had done it, or he actually let me!
Sputtering I glanced at my companions. All three of them looked
confused and shrugged. I assume they came to the same conclusions. I
just growl.
Hermione was the one who answered. She never could say no to a professor…or former professor.
"You know we ran from school?" At his surprised look she continued. "We got fed up at the Order. Now we are working on our own." she shrugs and looks to me as if to say 'he knows this much…should we just tell the rest? We're caught anyways…'
I growl but continue through clenched teeth.
"We ran away, and now we need to get close to Voldemort for our own reasons…And they aren't yours to know…Though we're already dead…" I mutter the last bit.
Snape smiles. The first actual smile I have seen on his face and he says.
"How do you know?"
"Know what?" I answer, confused. And I little surprised.
"Know that your dead...or caught?" He cocks his eyebrows, "If you tell me what you are so foolishly doing here. I just might help…" He trails off.
My jaw hit the floor.
Who knew Snape could smile…I wonder if he is being so nice to put us off guard…or if he really wants to help…I really hope he's putting us off guard so when we have to duel are way outta here I can accidentally kill him…erm…I mean duel him…
I cast a startled glance around me. All three of them wore similar expressions.
Ginny was the first one to find a voice. "What do you mean exactly…?"
Snape frowned. "I thought I made that quite clear."
I growl, "You killed Dumbledore. Why should we trust you?"
"And who was it that told you that?" Snape demands.
"I saw it! I was there! Under an invisibility cloak!"
Snape snaps. "You dolt. If you were there then you would have noticed how we looked at each other. In the eyes" he added emphasis to the last phrase, "Before I" he hesitates then whispers "killed him…" he gained his condescending tone "And you call yourselves occlumens."
Hermione gasps. I turn my head and look at. I'm just a little confused. She has a weird twinkle in her eyes, and her mouth had formed a small satisfied smile.
"Your point!" I growl. I just want to get out of here. With or without the hairs.
"You were communicating with him! Oh My God!" Hermione whispers. I turn my head fast. That was one of the first times I have ever heard Hermione swear. "He asked you to kill him!"
"So Draco wouldn't have too…" Ginny finishes in a whisper.
Snape just nods. Then sighs. "Unfortunately, that potion he drank, and yes Potter," He added at my disbelief "he told me the story…though…" his looked confused, "Not why…" he shook his head, "That potion," he continues, "Was killing him. There was no cure. And his hand…it was decomposing. It started at his finger…It would have ran up his arm…then the rest of him…until he was dead…" his voice got softer "He knew--he knew that he would die that day…be it by my hand…or the potion." he cringed. Like it hurt him to say the next part. "It wasn't your fault Harry."
I was stunned. He used my name…My open jaw must of disgusted him, because he sneered.
I refuse to believe it... I refuse to believe it…I refuse to believe it…
"Your plans…and hurry" Snape asks hurriedly.
I look at my friends and they all motion to me.
I roll my eyes, how do I always get stuck with explaining everything?
"Voldemort has Horcruxes."
Snape gasps and his eyes go wide. Apparently he didn't know.
I continue in a hurried whisper. "Dumbledore assumed he has seven of them. He said that he only told me of this" I add at his questioning look, "That means no one else in the Order knows. He said that they were most likely at places of great significance to him. Dumbledore already got one, the Marvolo heirloom, the Slytherine ring, and I got one too. The Riddle Diary." here Ginny gasps, "That leaves five."
Snape is pale and he whispers "Five…"
It's my turn to sigh. "Yes. Dumbledore and I went looking for a locket, right before you killed him," I glare at Snape, though he doesn't notice. He's very intent on our story. "But we just found a note by a person named R.A.B."
I chance a glance at Snape. Something passes by his eyes.
"Know who it could be? We have no clue…"I sigh
"Maybe" was Snape's strangled answer.
I nod and Hermione looks hopeful. I swear she was making a mental note to ask him later.
"So we know one is a locket, but we have no clue where it is. Dumbledore also thinks his snake, Nagini, is one. That just leaves three. Dumbledore thinks--thought--" I correct myself, "That the other three are most likely relics from the other founders. In fact he showed me a pensive memory with Voldemort, before he was the 'Dark Lord' " I said the last part mockingly, "When he was still working at Borgin and Burkes." I hesitate at Snape's surprise at my knowledge.
Then I continue "A women showed him a golden goblet that once belonged to Helga Hufflepuff. She died soon afterwards. Though I have no idea what he would use that belonged to Ravenclaw…And the only Gryffindor relic was the sword and it was safe…So you see, we're a little stuck…" I finish lamely.
Snape's mouth opens and closes a few times before he stammers, "And you're here because?"
This time Hermione speaks up, "We need to get a hair from several Death Eaters. We have a polyjuice potion brewing…we need to get close to Voldemort…Close enough to cast a spell…"
Snape goes pale then starts laughing hysterically. "And you think you
can? What…Why? In your right minds would you think this…it can never
work…"
"Why" hisses Ron, "Because you'll tell this all to your master?"
Snape shot Ron a deadly glare. "No. Because you'll need help…" he waved his wand and the chairs flew backwards. "I'll owl you…" then he waves his wand at the door. Silencing spells I didn't know were placed turned off and the doors opened. He motioned to the door, where another man was waiting. "You may go…"
I can't believe I just told Snape…SNAPE! what I refused to tell the Order. I hope he doesn't tell Voldemort…Oh, who am I kidding. I just performed the equivalent of suicide….DAMN!
After we left the doors I nod to Ron before I turn the opposite way
down the hallway. I hear a muffled word then a soft thump. Looks like
the guide hit the carpet.
We hurried down the hallway and up some stairs. We were looking for a bedroom. Lucius and Narcissia's to be exact. We still needed the hairs…
We opened random doors. A bathroom, a closet, a bedroom. Taking a quick glance it just looked like a guest room, no possessions. So we check the next door. Another bedroom.
"This looks like Draco's…"Ron whispers. I could hear his joy oozing in his words. "Just a quick peek…"
He was halfway in the room before he finished his sentence.
I shrug and follow with Ginny trailing close behind. Only Hermione stayed for a look out.
Ron was rummaging through a chest on the far wall while I was looking through his drawers. Ginny was jumping on his bed.
"Comfy…" she said between pounces.
"You do realize, Ginny," I said with a laugh, "That Draco's a guy and that's his bed…" at her confused look I add "his private room…god only knows what he does in his bed…"
She squeals and Ron makes fake barfing sounds. I laugh as I continue through his drawers.
"Hmm…clothes--Ginny" I call, my head over my shoulder, "You might like this one," I say as I pull it open, "Underwear…" at her disgustful glare I go to close it when I laugh even harder. Cringing I reach for something in the drawer and hold it towards Ginny and Ron.
I decided that disgust was overruled by the fact that it was just to funny to pass up. It will be fun to let it slip to Draco some time…if I ever see him again. I do hope so!
"Look. Pink." they turn and break out laughing.
By my thumb and pointer finger I was holding a pair of pink frilly, lacy, underwear.
"How do you know they're his…" Hermione points out from the door.
I laugh harder, "They have his name sewn on the band."
Even Hermione Laughs
A few minutes later we were in the hallway again having found nothing of interest. Two doors down we came across the older Malfoy's room.
"Here it is…Remember, look for brushes. They always have hair…and" I sent a mocking look to Hermione, "there is a small chance that it'll be from an animal…" I smile to show I was kidding and everyone laughs.
Ron enters a door that was in the room while I search the vanity with Ginny. I spot a brush and pull out a handful of hair. I hand some to Ginny
"Does this look like people hair? It sure is long enough…"
Ginny nods, "It looks about as long as Narcissia's…"
We both pocket some.
A few minutes later, which we spent looking through their things, Ron and Hermione emerge with a handful of hair from the bathroom.
"Here, we got some form two different brushes…But…" Ron trails off, looking a bit mad, "I just wish they both weren't blond…this is going to make telling the hair apart hard…they both have long hair!" he finishes indignant.
After we got back to the apartment and removed the transfigurations Hermione was jumping for joy. Supposedly Snape was going to help us. Supposedly he didn't kill Dumbledore for Voldemort. And supposedly he wasn't a traitor…
I wasn't too happy.
What in the name of Merlin possessed us to tell him our plans! I hope he doesn't tell Voldemort. But we were cornered…We really didn't have much choice…Damn it. I'll just keep telling myself that…
On the plus side we have some hair…now all we need is Crabbe and Goyle senior's hair…
A/N: This was a longer one. I hope you liked it. I think the part with Snape is a little anticlimactic...but I couldn't think of another way to do it...Sorry. And I hope for you Snape fans, having him in the 'loop', so to say, again is making you happy. And all of you glad that Snape was gone, sorry. I personally like Snape and was sad...well, in shock really, when he became a traitor...But since I'm playing with her characters for my own enjoyment...
Please Review.
Next chapter:Hair, Secrets and, Owls-This
one will have a major fluff moment...so I apologize in advance...or I
am the bringer of good tidings...depending on your preference...Also,
Ginny and Harry get some alone time. And another trust factor is
brought up, along with a few very important letters.
