A/N: Hope y'all like the action. We're getting down to the end, where the action will take over for a bit. But never fear! The romance will make a come back!
I don't consciously channel Indiana Jones into this story, I promise! I am a HUGE fan, however. My favorite is Last Crusade. The back and forth between Connery and Ford is amazing…but all three movies really great.
Chapter 31- Waiting for the Hammer Stroke to Fall
We shall not fail or falter; we shall not weaken or tire…Give us the tools and we will finish the job.- Winston Churchill
MINISTRY SECURITY BREACH
While the rest of the Wizarding World heralded the coming of a new year, security at the Ministry of Magic in London was breached. No details are being released at this time as to where the break-in took place or what, if anything, was stolen or tampered with.
"The perpetrators got away from us this time," said Deputy Head Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt. "The Minister has already approved increased security in and around the building to protect contraband and other various artifacts from falling into the wrong hands."
Opinions about security among other people are somewhat mixed in the wake of the Minister's decision. Percy Weasley, undersecretary to the Minister, had this to say.
"Of course we're concerned about the breach. The Minister wants to reassure the Wizarding community that everything is being done to keep this kind of thing from happening again. Minister Scrimgeour is dedicated to improving security everywhere." (story ctnd. on page 3)
"Arrogant prat," growled Harry as he tossed the Prophet towards Samantha. "At least they didn't give out any details."
"Some good news from the Prophet for once," said Severus as he set a plate of pancakes on the table. "You know, Sam, this cooking business isn't really all that bad."
Samantha laughed at him. "No, it isn't. Just takes a little practice is all." She winked at Harry's smirking face as Severus turned back to finish the bacon. Samantha flipped idly through the paper. Harry was taking a drink of his coffee when Remus's white wolf patronus jumped through the wall, startling him. He swore as hot coffee sloshed in his lap. He set his cup back on the table and waved his wand over his clothes as Samantha touched her wand to the patronus.
"Remus said Tonks is finished with the wards around his house," said Samantha. "He says that she was only able to put up detection charms and weak protection wards. Tonks says the Ministry would start asking weird questions if they detected high level Auror wards around his house."
"Well, something is better than nothing at all," said Severus as he sat the plate of bacon on the table and handed a plate to Samantha and Harry. "He'll just have to be quick about getting out if the alarms go off." He sat and served himself some pancakes. "Lupin will be fine. The girls will be here in a little while, so we need to eat. Hopefully they can help us a bit with our research."
Weeks passed in a flurry of heavy training sessions and research. Rachel and Ginny came over every couple of days, training extensively with Severus and Samantha. Harry and Severus worked on advanced curses and Occlumency after the girls would leave, with Draco joining them infrequently. In their spare time, Severus, Samantha and Harry would do research, trying to find a spell to destroy the chest.
They were sitting at the table in the library one night when the front door open and shut quickly. Harry and Severus stood up quickly, wands drawn and pointed down the hall through the open door. Draco appeared from underneath his Disillusionment charm and raised an eyebrow at them.
"A little jumpy, aren't we?" he said with a smirk. He shrugged off his thick winter cloak and hung it on the rack next to the door. He walked towards them, unshrinking several books from his pocket as he entered the library. "I come with gifts for thee. I was at Gringott's and thought we could use these."
"Excellent," said Severus as he took the proffered books. "We've just about exhausted all of our options here."
Samantha rubbed her face with her hands and yawned widely.
"I think I'm going to turn in early," she said, rising slowly from her chair. "My eyes are burning." She kissed Severus on the cheek. "Goodnight boys."
"Night, Mum," said Harry.
"Night," said Draco as she walked past him out of the room. Severus opened one of the books Draco had given him and began to pour over the pages. Draco sat calmly in one of the chairs, reaching over and pulling a book towards him.
"Yaxley was in the Square when I arrived, just so you know," said Draco. "He's been reporting to me on anything he finds, which has been nothing. I've got Crabbe and Goyle tailing any Weasley they see. Mr. Weasley and Ginny have been letting me know about the times he's seen them. Wormtail's been trying to follow Lupin, but I told him to back off and that I would take care of Lupin. I don't if he'll actually listen."
"Things are going well, then," said Severus as he looked up from his book. "How are your reports being received by Voldemort?"
"I think they're going well," said Draco. "He seems pleased with the progress I've made. I haven't told him about Lupin being Secret Keeper yet, but I've dropped hints. We'll see how things keep going. The Dark Lord is stepping up his plans for the attack on the school. He told the three of us in the Circle that he plans to tell the rest of the Death Eaters at the next full gathering, which should be in a week or two. He's thinking sometime in March for the attack."
"And it will probably be earlier in the month rather than later," said Severus. "He's dreamed of attacking the school for years, but never dared to do it while Albus was still alive. Voldemort is not a patient man. He will rush to complete his plans, which will work in our favor."
"A month," muttered Harry. He sat back, tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair. Draco slouched in his seat, putting his hands into his trouser pockets. He sat up suddenly, pulling out another miniature book. He tapped it with his wand and opened it, flipping idly through its pages.
"Here's something interesting," said Draco as he set the book down on the table. "The Soul-Siphoning Spell."
Severus's head jerked up.
"What?" he whispered.
"The Soul-Siphoning Spell," read Draco. "Expressly banned by the Ministry of Magic, circa 1874. Similar in effect to the Dementor's Kiss, the Soul-Siphoning spell is both dangerous to the object being attacked with the spell as well as the caster themselves –"
"That's it," said Severus as he snatched the book from Draco. "That's the spell that Albus used on the ring. I've been racking my brain trying to remember it."
"Hang on," said Harry. "Are you sure we can do this spell? We don't need anyone charring their limbs off."
"Yeah," said Draco, inspecting his hands. "I like my skin this pasty white color, thank you very much."
"That's why neither of you will be doing the casting," said Severus as he continued to read the passage on the spell. "I will destroy the chest tomorrow afternoon."
"WHAT?" cried Harry and Draco.
"What do you mean, 'neither of us will be doing the casting'?" asked Harry angrily. Draco's face was pale with fury.
"I meant just what I said," said Severus sternly, giving each of the boys a hard glare. "We cannot afford to lose either one of you or have you weakened in any way at this juncture in time. I will get rid of the chest tomorrow afternoon. Albus told me what happened when he cast the spell on the ring. I am sure that I can avoid being injured this time."
"I still think we should help," said Draco. "What if something goes wrong with this one that didn't go wrong last time? We can't afford to lose you either, you know."
"This is not up for discussion," said Severus as he stood from his chair. "Good night to both of you." He waved his wand at the pile of books, directing them to their proper places on the shelves behind him. He picked up the book containing the spell and swept out of the room. He climbed the stairs silently and entered his room. He opened a drawer in his desk and placed the book inside. Shutting the drawer, he warded it three times, not trusting the boys not to come look for it. He undressed and slipped into bed next to Samantha. Her eyes fluttered open and shut again as she shifted to rest her head on his chest. Severus smiled softly to himself as he closed his eyes, running his fingers through her long hair.
The next day, the atmosphere around the kitchen table was tense. Samantha was sipping on a cup of tea, smirking at Severus. Draco stood in the corner, still wearing his cloak, with his arms crossed over his chest. Harry stood next to him, drinking the last of his pumpkin juice and munching on an apple. Severus sat at the table, ignoring the glares the boys were shooting at him, leisurely eating his lunch. Right as he stood up, the floo flared green. Severus stepped between it and Samantha, drawing his wand. Draco and Harry did the same as Remus fell out of the grate covered in ash and blood.
"Lupin!" cried Severus. He made to reach for him, but Harry stopped him with an outstretched arm. Remus groaned as he tried to hold himself up with one hand, the other on his bleeding side.
"What was my father's nickname in school?" said Harry quickly, his wand still on Remus. Remus smiled as he gritted his teeth.
"Prongs," gasped Remus.
Harry released Severus as he resheathed his wand.
"What happened?" asked Draco in shock. Samantha quickly healed the wound as Severus summoned a vial of blood replenisher from the potions lab.
"I was in my kitchen eating when I heard a noise," said Remus weakly. "I walked out into the hall and found Wormtail trying to dismantle the wards from inside the house. He got a shot off before I could get to the floo. Must have slipped through the wards in his animagus form."
"Bloody hell," said Draco. Severus caught the vial of red liquid and handed it to Remus, who drank it immediately.
"Draco, you need to go back to your apartment. Now," said Severus quickly. "If you're summoned, tell Voldemort about Lupin." Draco nodded as he ran out of the room, his cloak billowing behind him. Harry helped Remus stand back up.
"I thought we were going to wait to tell Voldemort," said Remus. "Did something happen? Well, other than my house being broken into." Samantha bit her lip, looking to Severus. Remus frowned.
"What is going on?" he asked. "There's something you're not telling me. Something big."
"Oh, it's big alright," muttered Samantha.
"I think it's time I told you the truth, Remus," said Harry. He looked to Severus, who sighed and nodded.
"You'd probably be safer in the drawing room," said Severus. "I'll be back as soon as I'm through."
"Through with what?" cried Remus. "What the hell is going on?"
"Come on, Remus," said Harry. "I promise everything will be explained." Severus followed them out, ignoring the daggers that Remus was shooting at him. He went back upstairs, retrieving the book out of his desk drawer. He sat on the stairs, rereading the passage on the spell. He mentally rehearsed the incantation and wand movement, making sure he could perform them flawlessly and without hesitation. Walking back down to the room where he stored the trunk, he paused outside of the door to put up Occlumency walls. He opened the door and walked inside, shutting the door behind him.
He drew his wand, eyeing the chest cautiously. Taking a deep breath, Severus began the incantation, moving his wand in precise movements around the chest. The trunk began to glow a dark green, the light becoming stronger and brighter as he continued the spell. A white smoke emanated from the crack where the lid met the main part of the chest, coalescing into a ghostly resemblance of a face with hollow eyes and a thin mouth. Severus completed the spell, casting the strongest shield he knew as the white essence shattered and forced him to the floor. A loud wailing filled the room as the white mist tried to break through his shield. Severus held his wand with both hands, gritting his teeth at the screeching. As suddenly as it had started, the screaming faded into silence as the mist dissipated. Severus panted as he carefully released his shield charm. The chest sat dully in the middle of the room, the green glow nowhere to be seen. He closed his eyes, lowering his Occlumency walls slowly, waiting to see if his Mark burned. He felt nothing. Smiling softly to himself, he stood on shaky legs and made his way down the hall to the drawing room.
He walked in to find Remus a sickly shade of green. Samantha was sitting across from him, while Harry stood in front of them.
"Severus," said Remus, his eyes wide. "I - I don't know what to say."
"Then say nothing," said Severus softly, his tone lacking its usual bite. Remus shook his head and gave the man a small smile.
"Amazing," whispered Remus, looking to Harry and sitting back in his chair. "Simply amazing. Only Albus Dumbledore would plan his own death. Who else knows about these Horcruxes besides you three?"
"Draco knows, obviously," said Severus.
"Ron and Hermione knew," said Harry softly. "Elias told Ginny and Rachel after the funerals."
"And those are the only people who know," said Severus. He gave Remus a stern glare. "We'd prefer if you didn't go blabbing this to everyone in the Order just yet."
"We're going to have to tell them soon," said Harry. "Before the attack on Hogwarts, they're going to have to know."
"Attack on Hogwarts?" said Remus. "What are you talking about?"
"Draco has heard rumors of an attack on the school for next month," said Severus wearily. "We don't have any details on it yet, as Draco is still not a part of the Inner Circle. Hopefully, telling Voldemort you're our Secret Keeper will get him into the Circle. It will also get Pettigrew in some trouble, as he tried to kill you." Severus smirked.
"If we only have a month, we should start working on the details we do have," said Remus. "We can at least do that much while we wait for Draco to get into position." Severus nodded. He walked over to the desk, grabbing several rolls of parchment, quills and ink.
"Come with me," said Severus. Samantha raised her eyebrows at Remus as they and Harry followed him to the kitchen. They all sat next to Severus at the table, eyeing the rough sketches that he was hastily drawing. Severus handed one to each of them
"I need you to mark every single secret passageway or entry point that you can think of for each of those sections of the castle," said Severus. "If Voldemort sends his entire legion of Death Eaters attacking at once, we need to watch any obvious entryways carefully."
"Don't forget, we'll have the Map as well," said Harry as he began to mark on the parchment. "Every single one of them will show up as soon as they step onto the grounds."
"The Map could be fooled," said Severus.
"Not very easily," said Remus. "We made it to catch most disguises."
"It knew that the person we thought was Moody was really Crouch in my fourth year," said Harry. "It also picked up Pettigrew in his animagus form my third year."
"Merlin," breathed Severus. He turned to Remus. "That thing must've taken you months to create."
"Try years," said Remus as he placed another black X on his parchment. "We had to modify a lot of charms and spells to get that thing to work properly. We even got Lily to help us, although she never knew why we asked her about certain things."
"Yeah," said Samantha. "Lily asked me if I knew anything about what you were up to, but I never did find anything out. It bothered us for the longest time to not know what you were doing." She handed her parchment to Severus. "I'll be back in a little while. I want to let the girls know what happened." She grabbed a few sheets of parchment and left the room.
Remus grinned as he handed his parchment to Severus. Harry flicked his eyes over it and took it from Severus's hand, placing a large X over a bathroom on the second floor.
"That one's not on the Map," said Harry with a rueful smile. Severus smirked and set the parchment back on the table.
"What are you talking about?" said Remus as he leaned over the parchment. "The second floor girls' bathroom? The only thing in there is Moaning Myrtle. She's hardly a threat."
"But the reason she haunts that particular bathroom is," said Severus.
"That's where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is," said Harry casually. "I don't know that Voldemort can get to it from the outside though."
"Oh," said Remus softly. "Right. Good job, Harry." He stood from the table, walking over to the window and gazing out over the deserted street. "How long will it take us to plan a counterattack?"
"A while," said Severus as he spread out the parchments on the table. "We won't have any specifics until I hear from Draco. But we will need everybody we've got and then some."
"I can try and contact Neville and Luna," said Harry. "They would be willing to help us. Maybe McGonagall could talk to Neville's grandmother, too."
"Yes," said Severus thoughtfully. "Augusta Longbottom was head of MLE before Amelia took over."
"She retired when Frank and Alice were attacked," said Remus quietly. "But she was an excellent Auror in her day before she was head of the department, from what I've heard from Moody." He paused in thought, staring out the window. "Harry, are there any others from the D.A. that might be willing to help us?"
"Not any that have actually fought in hand-to-hand combat," said Harry. "Neville and Luna were with me at the Department of Mysteries and fought the Death Eaters in the castle the night Dumbledore died. They're the only ones I would trust to keep a cool head. Maybe Fred and George can talk to Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson. Ginny says they've all been dating on and off since the girls graduated." Remus nodded.
"We're going to miss Ron and Hermione," said Remus softly. Severus nodded in agreement.
"Rachel and Ginny are ready now," said Harry. "We can get a hold of Charlie and any of his friends that he can convince. Who else?"
"Flitwick," said Severus. "He was at the attack on Hogsmeade in the fall. Even then, we're still short on people." Severus sat back in his chair, tapping his lips with his finger. "We may have no choice but to call in Auror reinforcements from outside the Order."
"No, no way," said Harry angrily. "We cannot rely on the Ministry to believe us, especially considering our source for the information. Besides, what would happen if you and Elias are arrested?"
"We'll wait until the battle has already started," said Remus. He turned to meet Severus's gaze, sharing a look of understanding and resignation. "Kingsley can easily call them in, if they don't immediately show up when the wards are breached."
"And if we're arrested," said Severus. "We would have to rely on the testimony of others to save us from a life sentence. Perhaps Draco and I can bargain with them for detailed testimony on the other Death Eaters."
"Mum's not going to like this," said Harry.
"Not going to like what?" asked Samantha as she came back into the kitchen with a vial of Invigorating Draught for Remus. She stopped upon seeing Remus and Severus's grave expressions. "What's wrong?"
"We were discussing the possibility of having to call in outside enforcements for this attack," said Severus. "And what would happen should Draco and I be arrested." Samantha's face paled. She grabbed the back of Harry's chair tightly.
"We'll have to get you both out of there before the Aurors arrived," said Samantha. "We could then work on getting your names cleared. Minerva was appointed to the Wizengamot at the beginning of the year. Maybe she can help us."
"Possibly," said Severus. "She would be of great assistance to us." He turned back to Remus. "Call an Order meeting for next week, Lupin, preferably later in the evening if you can. I need Draco to be here if at all possible." Remus walked towards the fireplace, grabbing some floo powder off the mantle.
"See you all next week, then," said Remus. "I'll be at the Hog's Head since I can't go back to my house. I'll go back now and pack all my personal things." He threw the powder into the grate, disappearing in a flash of green flame. The room fell silent, the clock on the wall ticking loudly. The three of them sat quietly, and jumped slightly when Draco's panther patronus shot threw the wall. Severus touched his wand to the patronus quickly, grabbing the parchment that shot out.
I've been officially promoted. We start planning for the attack this weekend. Will keep you posted. I will not be able to be at the 12 much before the attack, but will do my best to drop by. Give my love to Mum and James.
Elias