There For You
Chapter 16: Explanations
Author's Note: Thank you for not complaining about the cliffhangers! Some even agreed with me about how great they are! Sorry to you cliffy haters. Anyway, I'm glad you all liked the chapter so much! It was very fun to write! This sin't the most thrilling chapter but it explains a lot, hence the title, 'Explanations'. Couldn't think of anything better. Another fast update! Just thought I'd mention that since I have had a few long waits before between chapters. Ok, here we go!
Harry felt himself losing power. He had to fight the burning in his head, keep hold of Ginny, and think of a way out of there. Two fully-grown wizards blocked the doorway and Ginny couldn't walk. 'Think, Potter, think!' But where were Ron and Hermione? The noises downstairs had desisted and no Death Eaters were coming back to the room. Were they ok? Had something happened? His mind reeled and Voldemort seemed to find this amusing.
"Problems, Harry?" His low laugh made Harry's skin prickle. Bellatrix gleefully rubbed her hands together, her dark, beady eyes staring at him evilly. "I hope not. I am very glad you could make it. I began to wonder when you took so long. The young girl has been present for hours." Harry squeezed Ginny protectively. Her weight, though she wasn't heavy, was beginning to pull him down.
"Please, put her down. You will be here for a while. Holding her will not help. I will not touch her." Harry knew he couldn't carry her much longer. He moved to the side of the room and gently placed her on the hard floor, wrapping the robes tighter around her small body. A groan escaped her lips. Swallowing dryly, he smoothed back her hair and turned to Voldemort. Bellatrix stepped toward Ginny but Harry stuck his wand in her face.
"Leave her alone!" Her eyes lowered into slits and she chuckled softly.
"What will you do about it, little boy? I bet you could barely give me a nose bleed!"
"Be patient, Bellatrix, be patient," Voldemort commanded calmly. She looked to the floor and stepped back solemnly, occasionally glancing at Harry's angry face. "I have business to discuss with Mr. Potter; business regarding our meeting last year. What do you know about the prophecy that was lost in the Ministry of Magic?" Harry stared at the wall nervously.
"I-I don't know anything."
"Do not lie to me! What do you know?!" Voldemort's calm demeanor had vanished, replaced by fury and annoyance.
"I don't know anything!" Harry yelled back.
"Crucio!" Harry felt knives, the sharpest, most jagged knives stabbing his skin repeatedly, and his head close to exploding. It finally stopped and he stood up as quick as his body would allow. Ginny tried to crawl to him, tears streaming down her face. The effort was too much and she slid unconsciously down to her face. Still keeping an eye on Voldemort, Harry felt her upper chest to find she was still breathing. He pushed her back to the wall and turned around, legs wobbly and unstable.
"I have lost my patience, Harry. You will tell me what information Dumbledore has given you about the prophecy, as I am sure he knows it's contents, or my promise to not touch the girl will mean nothing," he told him icily. Harry had to distract him, make him think about something else.
"I have a few questions for you, actually." Voldemort's lip curled upward slightly.
"And what would those be?"
"How did you get Ginny here? And how was her bracelet made into a portkey?"
"Ah, that is a fairly long story. I suppose we can take a few moments to discuss it before you reveal the prophecy. It all starts with the break in to Azkaban. I assume you heard about it. I could not go, as it would cause too much alarm and complications. Wormtail, as you know, is an Animagus and can turn into a rat. This proved very useful in releasing my Death Eaters. He crawled into the prison with his wand shrunk and tied to his tail. Once inside, he returned to his human form and killed the Aurors guarding the prisoners. The dementors assisited him in this task as one wizard cannot kill fifteen Aurors, especially when it is an inept wizard like Wormtail. After attacking an Auror, their wand was confiscated and used on the next one. It worked very successfully. So, I now had my Death eaters back at my disposal. But what to do next? Why, see Harry Potter. Although the prophecy was lost, who would know what it held other than Dumbledore, the man you were near every day? I decided I must find a way to bring you to me. However, I had taken residence here, a place you knew nothing of."
"And what is this place?" Harry asked. Voldemort had grown up in an orphanage so why was this called the Riddle House?
"This was my father's home with his parents. (Am I right in saying this? I think so but correct me if I say something wrong!) I killed him years ago, unable to allow him to live any longer. He was a muggle and did not care for my mother after discovering she was a witch. I believe you already know this tale though, so I will not elaborate. (Harry did already hear this didn't he?) As it was empty and all the inhabitants of the nearby town fear it too much to come up anymore, it stood as my perfect hiding place. To my knowledge, Dumbledore is not aware of its existence and therefore could not come when I brought you here. After the loss of your godfather, I wondered whom else you would follow to save. How could I find this out? Lucius Malfoy helped me determine this. These past few months his son, Draco, has been of great assistance to us. We asked him whom Harry Potter would miss the most. He observed you and your friends for a while and concluded that this young girl here was your greatest weakness. You were in love with her and would die for her. This sentiment sickened me greatly. You should have learned Harry, love and devotion do nothing. They only bring pain and sadness. Your parents loved you, your godfather loved you, my mother loved my father, and look where we have ended up. Nonetheless, this love brought you here so I have a small amount of tolerance in knowing of it." By this time, Harry's head was spinning. Voldemort had planned all of this. He had planned on taking Ginny from him. Malfoy had helped. It was Malfoy's fault Ginny was here.
"Now, how to bring the girl to my hideout? Lucius happily volunteered. He could not, however, walk up to Hogwarts and excuse her from class. This took careful consideration and planning. Draco also informed us that a Remus Lupin was now employed as a professor there, and was a friend of your father and godfather. Wormtail as well, though he made little comment about this fact."
"Wait, how was Malfoy telling you all of this? Draco, I mean," Harry asked.
"His mother sent him letters she had received from Lucius and in turn owled his responses to his father. No one had any idea they were in contact. So, we devised a plan to make Lucius take the place of Remus Lupin long enough to take the girl and bring her here. Draco managed to collect an amount of hair from Lupin and sent it to his mother, which was passed on to us. The Death Eaters created a Polyjuice Potion and readied it for Lucius to take with him to Hogwarts. A portkey was made and he arrived in Draco's room early in the morning. Lucius went to the Defense classroom with the assistance of his son. When Lupin left his office today, he was promptly stunned and locked up by Lucius, who quickly took the Potion and went to eat breakfast. Apparently, Miss Weasley caused a disturbance in the hall this morning and walked out, giving Lucius the perfect opportunity to take her to his office to speak with her and discuss her 'detention'. He stunned her, made a portkey, and sent her here. Lupin would have been suspicious of foul play even if his memory had been modified so Lucius remained at the school until classes ended. He said you even came looking for her soon after she had been sent to us." Harry thought back to that morning. Lupin had seemed a bit unlike himself and confused but Harry had been too preoccupied to inquire to his behavior. This was the answer. It had not been Lupin at all, but Lucius Malfoy.
*
Ron and Hermione sat outside listening to the explanation from Voldemort in shock.
"Ron," Hermione whispered. "I-" she winced and clutched her stomach. "I have a plan."
*
"Classes ended and Lucius modified Lupin's memory before leaving so Dumbledore would not know anything had happened," Voldemort continued. "Lucius had removed that silly piece of jewelry from Miss Weasley to make a portkey that he transported to her bed. Draco was to be in easy view so hopefully; you would realize he knew something. He did not know all the details, however, and was limited on the information to come here, save the silly jewelry. He did not know what it was or where to find it. He was already prepared to tell you where she was and how to come here. When she arrived, the Death Eaters took over and kept her company until you arrived. She was not tortured all day. We could not have her die before you came. You had to believe she was savable. Wormtail waited downstairs in his rodent form for you and informed Bellatrix of your arrival. She has been hiding in the hallway to come to me when she saw you. I am not sure what has become of Wormtail. So, that is the end of the story. Now, all I need is for you to tell me about the prophecy."
"No.I-I haven't been told anything."
"I tire of your stalling! Imperio!" Harry had learned how to throw off the Imperius Curse in fourth year and was unaffected by it. Voldemort stared at him in surprise.
"It has done nothing."
"Moody.er, Crouch put me under the curse until I could throw it off completely."
"I see. No matter. If doing you harm will not make you talk, perhaps a final curse to Miss Weasley will open your mouth." Harry stepped forward as Voldemort raised his wand. Suddenly, the light went out, leaving the room in total darkness.
Author's Note: Same thing about the cliffies, don't bug me please. SO, this wasn't as long of a chapter but it had a lot of explaining in it so I'm satisfied with the length. K, tell me what you think and if what I came up with was logical at all! Lol!
Individuals:
Loli-chick336: Thank you very much! I know, when I pictured Harry trying to wake Ginny in my head, it made me feel a bit teary, lol. I originally had hardly any fighting with Ron, Hermione, and the Death Eaters but added it in later because it sounded bad. Glad you liked it but I think I could have made it better. Maybe later I'll add to it. Don't worry; I'm just glad you reviewed.
Hp/charmed obsessed: Lol, it just means you're creative!
Potterweasly: Hey, how are you? Thanks, I'm really glad you liked it so much! Lol, the action/angst won't last too much longer. I prefer writing happiness and fluff but this has been fun too. Hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
HermioneClone: Lol, glad you liked it!
Bballgirl02: Lol, was that quick enough?
Iced1: Lol, you may be right. Oh well. True, Harry should have just taken her and left but I had to have the touching moment in there. Plus, they couldn't leave that quickly! Not sure if I'll be snuffing Bellatrix but I'll definitely think about it!
Missprongs: Well, at least I hurried! Lol!
Goldfish r yummy: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
Shortywithbrains: Lol, yep I did it for you! Or because of you, whatever. Someone put something in their fic because of a comment I made one time and I felt very special too! Well, I'm not totally sure what I'm going to do when this story is finished. I don't even know how it will end. Lol, I'm kind of going chapter by chapter on the plot. I've thought about an after Hogwarts fic that would be continuing relationships made from these two fics and I have what would happen at first worked out but no idea where it would go. So basically, I've no idea!
Magnolia Lane: You're right, poor Ginny! She does get a lot of problems! Can't tell you about Hermione yet. Don't worry too much. I'm not one to kill off characters. I read your first chapter! Loved it! That is funny. Your fic could be a sequel to this one and the spell could have prevented her from getting pregnant! Mmm, peanut butter and chocolate, like Reeses. I love Reeses, with a passion. Now you've gone and made me hungry! Lol, thanks!
Joots: Now, 'yikes, a cliffhanger' I can handle! At least you didn't complain about it! Thanks!
Penelope Richmond: Hello! Thank you! Yeah, my action was pretty low at the beginning but now I have it like every chapter!
Bellalovesron: OMG! Lol, you're so funny! I know, aren't cliffies great? I personally love them but so many people hate them! Oh well, I'm not stopping! Glad you liked it so much!
Ron's Best Mate: Of course I mentioned you! I answer all of my reviewers without fail! I'm glad you like cliffies too because I love them! It just makes the story sound better! I read 2 of your 3 fics and love them both! Thank you!
Tom-Feltons-Hot: I know, cliffies are great! Lol, thanks! I can't tell you if anyone dies! You'll just have to keep reading! Thank you!
Mione Weasley: Lol, thanks! Glad you liked it! But don't feel too bad! At least you haven't abandoned your fic like some do! I know you will eventually so I'm not worried.
Chapter 16: Explanations
Author's Note: Thank you for not complaining about the cliffhangers! Some even agreed with me about how great they are! Sorry to you cliffy haters. Anyway, I'm glad you all liked the chapter so much! It was very fun to write! This sin't the most thrilling chapter but it explains a lot, hence the title, 'Explanations'. Couldn't think of anything better. Another fast update! Just thought I'd mention that since I have had a few long waits before between chapters. Ok, here we go!
Harry felt himself losing power. He had to fight the burning in his head, keep hold of Ginny, and think of a way out of there. Two fully-grown wizards blocked the doorway and Ginny couldn't walk. 'Think, Potter, think!' But where were Ron and Hermione? The noises downstairs had desisted and no Death Eaters were coming back to the room. Were they ok? Had something happened? His mind reeled and Voldemort seemed to find this amusing.
"Problems, Harry?" His low laugh made Harry's skin prickle. Bellatrix gleefully rubbed her hands together, her dark, beady eyes staring at him evilly. "I hope not. I am very glad you could make it. I began to wonder when you took so long. The young girl has been present for hours." Harry squeezed Ginny protectively. Her weight, though she wasn't heavy, was beginning to pull him down.
"Please, put her down. You will be here for a while. Holding her will not help. I will not touch her." Harry knew he couldn't carry her much longer. He moved to the side of the room and gently placed her on the hard floor, wrapping the robes tighter around her small body. A groan escaped her lips. Swallowing dryly, he smoothed back her hair and turned to Voldemort. Bellatrix stepped toward Ginny but Harry stuck his wand in her face.
"Leave her alone!" Her eyes lowered into slits and she chuckled softly.
"What will you do about it, little boy? I bet you could barely give me a nose bleed!"
"Be patient, Bellatrix, be patient," Voldemort commanded calmly. She looked to the floor and stepped back solemnly, occasionally glancing at Harry's angry face. "I have business to discuss with Mr. Potter; business regarding our meeting last year. What do you know about the prophecy that was lost in the Ministry of Magic?" Harry stared at the wall nervously.
"I-I don't know anything."
"Do not lie to me! What do you know?!" Voldemort's calm demeanor had vanished, replaced by fury and annoyance.
"I don't know anything!" Harry yelled back.
"Crucio!" Harry felt knives, the sharpest, most jagged knives stabbing his skin repeatedly, and his head close to exploding. It finally stopped and he stood up as quick as his body would allow. Ginny tried to crawl to him, tears streaming down her face. The effort was too much and she slid unconsciously down to her face. Still keeping an eye on Voldemort, Harry felt her upper chest to find she was still breathing. He pushed her back to the wall and turned around, legs wobbly and unstable.
"I have lost my patience, Harry. You will tell me what information Dumbledore has given you about the prophecy, as I am sure he knows it's contents, or my promise to not touch the girl will mean nothing," he told him icily. Harry had to distract him, make him think about something else.
"I have a few questions for you, actually." Voldemort's lip curled upward slightly.
"And what would those be?"
"How did you get Ginny here? And how was her bracelet made into a portkey?"
"Ah, that is a fairly long story. I suppose we can take a few moments to discuss it before you reveal the prophecy. It all starts with the break in to Azkaban. I assume you heard about it. I could not go, as it would cause too much alarm and complications. Wormtail, as you know, is an Animagus and can turn into a rat. This proved very useful in releasing my Death Eaters. He crawled into the prison with his wand shrunk and tied to his tail. Once inside, he returned to his human form and killed the Aurors guarding the prisoners. The dementors assisited him in this task as one wizard cannot kill fifteen Aurors, especially when it is an inept wizard like Wormtail. After attacking an Auror, their wand was confiscated and used on the next one. It worked very successfully. So, I now had my Death eaters back at my disposal. But what to do next? Why, see Harry Potter. Although the prophecy was lost, who would know what it held other than Dumbledore, the man you were near every day? I decided I must find a way to bring you to me. However, I had taken residence here, a place you knew nothing of."
"And what is this place?" Harry asked. Voldemort had grown up in an orphanage so why was this called the Riddle House?
"This was my father's home with his parents. (Am I right in saying this? I think so but correct me if I say something wrong!) I killed him years ago, unable to allow him to live any longer. He was a muggle and did not care for my mother after discovering she was a witch. I believe you already know this tale though, so I will not elaborate. (Harry did already hear this didn't he?) As it was empty and all the inhabitants of the nearby town fear it too much to come up anymore, it stood as my perfect hiding place. To my knowledge, Dumbledore is not aware of its existence and therefore could not come when I brought you here. After the loss of your godfather, I wondered whom else you would follow to save. How could I find this out? Lucius Malfoy helped me determine this. These past few months his son, Draco, has been of great assistance to us. We asked him whom Harry Potter would miss the most. He observed you and your friends for a while and concluded that this young girl here was your greatest weakness. You were in love with her and would die for her. This sentiment sickened me greatly. You should have learned Harry, love and devotion do nothing. They only bring pain and sadness. Your parents loved you, your godfather loved you, my mother loved my father, and look where we have ended up. Nonetheless, this love brought you here so I have a small amount of tolerance in knowing of it." By this time, Harry's head was spinning. Voldemort had planned all of this. He had planned on taking Ginny from him. Malfoy had helped. It was Malfoy's fault Ginny was here.
"Now, how to bring the girl to my hideout? Lucius happily volunteered. He could not, however, walk up to Hogwarts and excuse her from class. This took careful consideration and planning. Draco also informed us that a Remus Lupin was now employed as a professor there, and was a friend of your father and godfather. Wormtail as well, though he made little comment about this fact."
"Wait, how was Malfoy telling you all of this? Draco, I mean," Harry asked.
"His mother sent him letters she had received from Lucius and in turn owled his responses to his father. No one had any idea they were in contact. So, we devised a plan to make Lucius take the place of Remus Lupin long enough to take the girl and bring her here. Draco managed to collect an amount of hair from Lupin and sent it to his mother, which was passed on to us. The Death Eaters created a Polyjuice Potion and readied it for Lucius to take with him to Hogwarts. A portkey was made and he arrived in Draco's room early in the morning. Lucius went to the Defense classroom with the assistance of his son. When Lupin left his office today, he was promptly stunned and locked up by Lucius, who quickly took the Potion and went to eat breakfast. Apparently, Miss Weasley caused a disturbance in the hall this morning and walked out, giving Lucius the perfect opportunity to take her to his office to speak with her and discuss her 'detention'. He stunned her, made a portkey, and sent her here. Lupin would have been suspicious of foul play even if his memory had been modified so Lucius remained at the school until classes ended. He said you even came looking for her soon after she had been sent to us." Harry thought back to that morning. Lupin had seemed a bit unlike himself and confused but Harry had been too preoccupied to inquire to his behavior. This was the answer. It had not been Lupin at all, but Lucius Malfoy.
*
Ron and Hermione sat outside listening to the explanation from Voldemort in shock.
"Ron," Hermione whispered. "I-" she winced and clutched her stomach. "I have a plan."
*
"Classes ended and Lucius modified Lupin's memory before leaving so Dumbledore would not know anything had happened," Voldemort continued. "Lucius had removed that silly piece of jewelry from Miss Weasley to make a portkey that he transported to her bed. Draco was to be in easy view so hopefully; you would realize he knew something. He did not know all the details, however, and was limited on the information to come here, save the silly jewelry. He did not know what it was or where to find it. He was already prepared to tell you where she was and how to come here. When she arrived, the Death Eaters took over and kept her company until you arrived. She was not tortured all day. We could not have her die before you came. You had to believe she was savable. Wormtail waited downstairs in his rodent form for you and informed Bellatrix of your arrival. She has been hiding in the hallway to come to me when she saw you. I am not sure what has become of Wormtail. So, that is the end of the story. Now, all I need is for you to tell me about the prophecy."
"No.I-I haven't been told anything."
"I tire of your stalling! Imperio!" Harry had learned how to throw off the Imperius Curse in fourth year and was unaffected by it. Voldemort stared at him in surprise.
"It has done nothing."
"Moody.er, Crouch put me under the curse until I could throw it off completely."
"I see. No matter. If doing you harm will not make you talk, perhaps a final curse to Miss Weasley will open your mouth." Harry stepped forward as Voldemort raised his wand. Suddenly, the light went out, leaving the room in total darkness.
Author's Note: Same thing about the cliffies, don't bug me please. SO, this wasn't as long of a chapter but it had a lot of explaining in it so I'm satisfied with the length. K, tell me what you think and if what I came up with was logical at all! Lol!
Individuals:
Loli-chick336: Thank you very much! I know, when I pictured Harry trying to wake Ginny in my head, it made me feel a bit teary, lol. I originally had hardly any fighting with Ron, Hermione, and the Death Eaters but added it in later because it sounded bad. Glad you liked it but I think I could have made it better. Maybe later I'll add to it. Don't worry; I'm just glad you reviewed.
Hp/charmed obsessed: Lol, it just means you're creative!
Potterweasly: Hey, how are you? Thanks, I'm really glad you liked it so much! Lol, the action/angst won't last too much longer. I prefer writing happiness and fluff but this has been fun too. Hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
HermioneClone: Lol, glad you liked it!
Bballgirl02: Lol, was that quick enough?
Iced1: Lol, you may be right. Oh well. True, Harry should have just taken her and left but I had to have the touching moment in there. Plus, they couldn't leave that quickly! Not sure if I'll be snuffing Bellatrix but I'll definitely think about it!
Missprongs: Well, at least I hurried! Lol!
Goldfish r yummy: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
Shortywithbrains: Lol, yep I did it for you! Or because of you, whatever. Someone put something in their fic because of a comment I made one time and I felt very special too! Well, I'm not totally sure what I'm going to do when this story is finished. I don't even know how it will end. Lol, I'm kind of going chapter by chapter on the plot. I've thought about an after Hogwarts fic that would be continuing relationships made from these two fics and I have what would happen at first worked out but no idea where it would go. So basically, I've no idea!
Magnolia Lane: You're right, poor Ginny! She does get a lot of problems! Can't tell you about Hermione yet. Don't worry too much. I'm not one to kill off characters. I read your first chapter! Loved it! That is funny. Your fic could be a sequel to this one and the spell could have prevented her from getting pregnant! Mmm, peanut butter and chocolate, like Reeses. I love Reeses, with a passion. Now you've gone and made me hungry! Lol, thanks!
Joots: Now, 'yikes, a cliffhanger' I can handle! At least you didn't complain about it! Thanks!
Penelope Richmond: Hello! Thank you! Yeah, my action was pretty low at the beginning but now I have it like every chapter!
Bellalovesron: OMG! Lol, you're so funny! I know, aren't cliffies great? I personally love them but so many people hate them! Oh well, I'm not stopping! Glad you liked it so much!
Ron's Best Mate: Of course I mentioned you! I answer all of my reviewers without fail! I'm glad you like cliffies too because I love them! It just makes the story sound better! I read 2 of your 3 fics and love them both! Thank you!
Tom-Feltons-Hot: I know, cliffies are great! Lol, thanks! I can't tell you if anyone dies! You'll just have to keep reading! Thank you!
Mione Weasley: Lol, thanks! Glad you liked it! But don't feel too bad! At least you haven't abandoned your fic like some do! I know you will eventually so I'm not worried.