The Seers' Truth: Beyond the Darkness
By Lady Lestrange
Timely TrustThank you to my faithful and hardworking beta, ennui deMorte
15 reviews: I really hate blackmailing you into reviewing, but hey, I'm a Slytherin. It's in my nature, so when there are 15 reviews for this chapter, the next one will magically appear. Love my readers and reviewers. Answers to the reviews follow the story.
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter characters and the previous situations belong to JK Rowlings. No infringement is meant or implied. No money is made from this fanfic. Thanks JK
(A/N: I've been reading a number of fanfics in installments like this one myself, and find it is sometimes hard to remember exactly what has happened before-In a fic as complex as this one is, I thought having a reminder may be helpful for you. If you want to skip it, just page down.)
Up to this Point: Althernate 5th year book. Voldemort was uncertain which was the prophecy child, Samara or Ginny so he kidnapped them both. Beatrice made a mad dash after them in her animagus form. She has been since crucioed and rescued and returned to Hogwarts still in her bunny animagus form.
Harry, Ron and Hermione struggle to figure out how the prophecy might aid them. The trio travels to Hermione's house, Samara's house, the Riddle house and eventually the Snow Castle in search of the girls.
Ginny, who has a Dark Mark, is torn between the visions of Tom in her head and what to do to stay safe from Voldemort at the Snow Castle. Snape is an unexpected help to her.
Voldemort meanwhile has some unpleasant Christmas surprises in store for Harry and Neville. Neville's grandmother ends up in the hospital and the Dursley's are dead, leaving Snape as Harry's guardian.
Back at Howwarts, the trio try to ascertain how they will save the girls. They enlist Draco and Lauren's help.
Voldemort has some trouble within the ranks and sends Ethan to learn with Narcissa and Gloria. Meanwhile, the trio work out some differences with Draco, and miss a chance to save the girls. Now, Snape gives some timely advice and Harry invites Neville to their little planning gatherings. How will Neville work in the trio's mix? The Slytherins and Gryffindors learn more about each other.
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Chapter 21
Timely Trust
Severus Snape paced in agitation. "You Albus gave me that accursed Mutt and he gave me this!"
Albus looked over his half moon glasses at the beautiful dark haired girl who had prostrated herself at his feet. "Get up child," said Albus Dumbledore, but the girl did not move.
"Interpretora est!" "Get up child," Albus repeated, the interpretation spell putting the words into her own language.
She still didn't move.
"Come now," said Albus. "I said get up, child. Why are you still kneeling?
"I must kneel. I must not look upon the faces of the messengers of Allah," said the woman, her face buried in her hands, she trembled. "I am unworthy. I must not even speak, but you asked it of me, and so I spoke."
"She thinks we are the messengers of her god," spat Snape. "Idiot muggles—"
"Oh come Severus," said Albus eyes twinkling.. "You have to admit it's better than what most people have to say about you." Albus grinned. "It's one of his better gifts, actually. At least it has nothing to do with pain."
"Yes, it does," hissed Severus, turning to face Albus. "What am I supposed to do with her?"
Albus stroked his long white beard and sucked a lemon drop. "You could have her walk the dog," he suggested, looking at the animal who was curled silently at Severus' feet.
Severus glowered at him.
"It was a joke, Severus. Surely the child has a home you could return her to."
Severus began to pace again. "She said that it would be the gravest sin to be cast from heaven and she would be shamed beyond life." Severus, sighed. "I'm not sure if that means she would take her own life or not. I'm not used to dealing with this Gryffindor honor stuff, Albus, that's your department." Severus stopped, and rubbed his temples. "A well placed curse I understand," said Severus, "But this—" He trailed off perplexed, and then began again. "Albus, you know I can't have her tailing along behind me right now. I just don't have the time and it's dangerous, for her and for me."
"Very well," said Albus in a long suffering sort of way.. "Leave her here. I will see if Sprout could give her a job in the greenhouses. She said there aren't enough students to finish the weeding this year anyway. The Ministry is going to have a field day with this. Muggles within Hogwart's walls," muttered Albus.
"Gifts from Voldemort within Hogwart's wall," corrected Snape as he headed for the door, leaving the Muggle woman with Albus. He snapped his fingers at the dog who stood and followed obediently at his heels.
==
During DADA class, Harry Potter was thinking of everything but class. Since his time in the Ravenclaw chapel and pulling the Elemental Magic through himself, even with a wand, he felt restless and edgy. He tried to focus his mind on what Snape was saying, but his concern for the girls kept creeping into his mind and concern for whatever was happening in the Muggle world also plagued him.
He was trying to think of a convenient meeting place for the Gryffindors and Slytherins, so they could further plan the rescue, but finding common ground on which to meet was more difficult than he had imagined.. Harry had thought of using one of the bathrooms, but with the ghost traffic in them this year, he wasn't sure it was safe. Besides, Ginny and Samara had been taken from one of those bathrooms—Voldemort right in the school. It made Harry think about the number of times Voldemort had been in the school. Harry was beginning to feel that Hogwarts was not nearly as safe a haven as he had first thought when he was eleven, but he was no longer eleven. Although he could forgive Dumbledore for missing Wormtail, both Crouch and Quirrel had to be laid solidly at Dumbledore's feet. After all, Dumbledore hired both of them! It made Harry wonder just how competent Dumbledore really was.
He didn't mind doing Dumbledore's bidding, but not blindly—not anymore. He was tired of being a pawn in a game, when he wasn't even sure who the players were. He was tired of being used. He was a Gryffindor. He was better than that. He was going to save the girls. With Malfoy's help, he had saved Beatrice and he was going to save Samara and Ginny, with or without Malfoy, but Malfoy seemed determined to be a part of the rescue. Harry wasn't sure why. Hermione thought Malfoy was in love with Samara. Harry had his reservations. He still thought Malfoy was up to something. He couldn't help it. He just couldn't trust him. Harry's daydreaming came to an abrupt end as he heard Snape snarl at him.
"Expellarmus!"
Harry's fingers automatically clutched around his wand, as it left his pocket, gripping it tightly and following the spell with a ward to block whatever Snape was likely to send his way. Harry wasn't actually surprised. Snape usually tried to take his wand at least once during DADA class and although his curses were not usually debilitating, they were always frightening. Harry was glad he didn't get to know just what the icy feeling of the blue spell was. As Snape released his spell, Harry dropped the ward.
Snape narrowed his eyes. "Pay attention, Potter," he said, but he didn't take any house points. Actually, thought Harry, if he hadn't been a Gryffindor, he probably would have awarded house points for holding on to his wand and blocking in the next second. Harry grinned. He was beginning to get better at it. He was now able to hold on to his wand even if it completely left his pocket as long as he got the proper grip, when he grasped it, and more often than not, he could throw an immediate spell back at Snape. He had, however, never hit him with one. He decided that Snape's legilimency allowed him to anticipate Harry's spell and block accordingly. He moved entirely too fast for it to be anything else. It had become a goal of Harry's to curse him at least once before the school year ended.
As Snape went back to his teaching, Harry pocketed his wand and picked up his quill. He noticed Edward and Ethan looking at him, their lips drawn back in an identical smirk, then Ethan looked away, rubbing his eyes as if he didn't get enough sleep the night before. Harry tried to remember what time Edward had come in the night before and couldn't. He would have to talk to Hermione about keeping an eye on him. Harry didn't want him losing house points for wandering around the Castle after hours even if he did seem to think he needed a midnight snack every other night. Harry frowned. There was something different about the way Ethan and Edward looked at one another. Harry couldn't quite put his finger on what it was, but they were different since they came back from their winter holiday.
Harry looked away and went back to thinking about the upcoming meeting that he had with Hermione and Ron, and Draco and Lauren. They would have to ditch Edward, and that was getting harder and harder to do. The boy was practically like Filch, turning up at the most inopportune times. Harry wouldn't have felt so strongly about keeping Edward in the dark, if he didn't have a sneaking feeling that Edward was the reason Ginny was with the Dark Lord in the first place.
He wasn't about to put Draco's life at risk too if he could help it. After seeing Draco taking the veritaserium, Harry had a grudging understanding of the boy. It was still a long way from trust. How can I do this if I don't trust Draco? Thought Harry. And yet, I trust him more than I trust Edward. How could that happen when Edward is in Gryffindor? How can I not take the chance to save the girls, even if it puts us all at risk?
Harry was looking forward to Dumbledore using the Sorting Hat to resort the new students who were sorted by divination at the beginning of the year. He wondered if he would feel vindicated or betrayed if Edward ended up in Slytherin, not that Slytherins were all bad. He was working quite closely with two of them, if the meeting place worked out. Harry pushed his unruly hair back, and tried to take notes.
Of course, the Gryffindors and Slytherins couldn't meet in either common room. The library, they had discovered, was rather too public. In the end, they decided the least troublesome spot was simply an unused classroom. The Gryffindors and Slytherins had decided to go there shortly after their last class, Defense, and work out how to rescue the girls, but in Defense, Professor Snape asked Malfoy to stay after class.
"Don't tell me," sneered Edward, "The golden boy is in trouble with Snape for once."
"I don't think so," said Harry thoughtfully, as he walked with his friends, but he hesitated as he heard Snape say, "I see you've decided to befriend the Gryffindors, Draco. Are you sure that's wise?"
"I'll catch up," said Harry as Hermione and Ron turned to leave, Harry caught Ron's arm, whispering, "Don't tell Edward where we are going tonight."
Ron rolled his eyes as he left, hurrying to catch up with Hermione while Harry lingered outside in the corridor. He considered using the extendable ears to hear their conversation, but Snape didn't set a silencing ward, so Harry could hear without their help. Obviously, Snape didn't care who heard him. Harry had a slight pang of conscience about eavesdropping, but pushed it aside thinking he had a right to know. Snape and Malfoy were talking about 'the Gryffindors'. He had no illusions about exactly who that was.
Harry turned his attention to Snape and Draco as he heard the name Dumbledore.
"I have faith in you, Draco," Snape said.
Snape might have faith in Malfoy, thought Harry, but Dumbledore wouldn't put his faith in children unless some prophecy told him to. Why did he feel betrayed by Snape talking so intimately to Malfoy and not to him. Just because the law said that Snape was his guardian, didn't change their relationship. Snape hated him. Well, the feeling was mutual.
Snape was talking in a soft voice. "Finding evil among innocence is so foreign to his beliefs that he cannot accept the fact that children are Death Eaters, and it is children who will decide our future."
"Is this another prophecy?" asked Malfoy.
"No, just the truth. Children have always been the future. In every generation—Voldemort sees that. He sees the power of their magic and moulds it to His will, but on the other hand, His bid for immortality keeps Him in the forefront of every generation. Those who oppose Him are always trying to catch up, and He has both the wisdom of the previous generation and the old magics of the children, and now, He has the Prophecy Child."
"I'm sorry," said Malfoy. "I couldn't leave her in the Chamber of Chains."
Samara, thought Harry. He was talking about Samara. Harry heard the change in the sound of his voice, and for just a moment wondered if Hermione was right. Perhaps the prat did have some feelings for Samara.
"I know." Said Snape in the same soft tone, and then Malfoy stomped across the floor, pacing in agitation.
"But Dumbledore believes the children are all useless until Hogwarts has filled their heads with brains," spat Malfoy. "He believes they only become wizards after their NEWTS. That somehow, Hogwarts gives them their power."
Harry felt torn. He wanted to side with Dumbledore, but found he agreed with Malfoy. It was an unwelcome feeling.
"Don't discount Hogwarts," said Snape. "It is more than it seems."
Draco laughed shortly. "I've seen the power of the Chamber of Chains. I know it's more than it seems. Dumbledore has the power of Hogwarts. Voldemort has the power of His legilimency and the Mark, and I've given up the one bit of power I had. I've been so stupid to lose, my protection so completely—You were right."
"You don't know all that you have gained yet," Snape said, "And you still have your parents' protection. After all, it worked for Harry Potter."
"Ha! My father and mother won't protect me!'
"You aren't a squib Draco. You are their heir."
"They won't oppose Him."
"I know, but they won't abandon you either."
"Yes, they will." He spat, and the silence stretched, Harry feeling extremely uncomfortable, wanting to leave and yet, somehow compelled to stay, to understand something about his nemesis, but it didn't matter. "Afterwards," he said "The Hogwarts wards are not going to keep me from being summoned back. Would a secret keeper—"
"No," said Snape, "That wouldn't interfere with his summons."
"Summons," muttered Draco with a shiver. He began pacing again. "Then everything we do is for nothing. I can't hide something of this magnitude from him. He will know I was involved in her rescue, unless Potter can actually kill Him." Draco sighed heavily. "I can't trust Potter to really follow through though, can I?." Draco leaned his head against the wall. "I can't bring myself to actually trust the git. If I had some sort of assurance--"
"From Potter?" asked Snape.
"No, from Samara," said Draco with a snort. "I can't trust Potter, but Samara is different."
"Be careful," Snape warned. "You don't know how much of this is preordained."
"That is exactly why she must be released--at least temporarily and even if I am summoned back. She has to have time to work her magic, and she cannot do that if he has her gripped in the palm of his hand. Doesn't the prophecy say, whoever holds the prophecy child is will be victorious? I intend for it to be me. No one holds her closer than I do."
"True, but you're placing an awful lot of trust in a prophecy, Draco," said Snape.
"No," said Draco. "I'm placing a lot of trust in Samara. I know her," he continued. "She's worth my trust."
Snape's voice dropped to a whisper, explaining something to Draco in a hushed tone that Harry couldn't hear. He hesitated only a moment and then used the extendable ears.
Harry heard Draco ask, "Does Dumbledore know about her and me?"
"What do you think?" Snape replied.
And Draco laughed. Another silence stretched. "Do you think Potter still has his mother's protection?" asked Draco.
'No," Snape answered shortly. "I'm quite sure he does not. Potter has left childhood behind."
"Potter?" snorted Draco.
"There are other things besides virginity that signifies childhood," said Snape shortly.
"How do you know he has left childhood behind?"
"Do you think I should tell you that?"
"Probably not," Malfoy had moved toward the door, and Harry wished he had already left. If Malfoy, walked through the door now, he was caught, and being caught would undermine any trust he and Malfoy had gained. It was unsettling to think that he was the one to break that trust. It should have been Malfoy. After all, he was the Slytherin. Harry could hear Draco's words echoing in his thoughts: "I can't bring myself to actually trust the git."
I'm trustworthy, thought Harry. Right, Harry. Eves dropping is just the pinnacle of trustworthiness! Of course, if Draco were trustworthy, I wouldn't be forced to stoop to this level. You've eves dropped on Dumbledore too, the snide voice of his conscience reminded him.
"About that little outing you are planning," said Snape. "I believe, you were wondering when the wards were going to be down. This Wednesday, January 17, at 5:28 pm. . You won't have very long. Plan to be out as quickly as you can. I'll try to give you at least ten minutes."
"Ok—" Draco said hesitantly. "Thank you, sir."
"And Draco, your Mark won't burn."
"How do you know?"
"Don't ask what you don't need to know—" Snape growled.
"Right. That was stupid." Draco sighed. "Legilimens."
Harry heard the sound of Snape's movement, robes swishing, and then his words, spoken softly, in a tone, Harry had never heard from Snape before. "Draco be careful. You are walking a narrow road. You won't have a second chance. Do it right. And don't leave too much to the Gryfindors."
"Leave it to them to screw it up," muttered Draco, and Harry clenched his fists in sudden anger.
Snape lifted his head and looked toward the door. Raising his voice, he shouted, "If you're going to listen at doors Potter, you have to control your emotions or it's going to bloody well get you and your companions killed."
Harry froze. Damn it! This wasn't the first time, Snape had caught him listening to a private conversation. Of course, the first time, Dumbledore was really the one who caught him, but what suddenly occurred to Harry was that if both Dumbledore and Snape could 'hear' his emotions through the legilimency, it wasn't a far step to realize that Voldemort should have heard him in the cupboard at the Snow Castle. He should have opened the door and did Avada. So why had Voldemort missed him? Probably because he was so preoccupied with Malfoy thought Harry with a shudder.
Draco stood, saying, "I have a meeting with the Gryffindors. As you see Sir, Potter has come to collect me." He stopped before he reached the door and Harry moved back. "Worried about me, Potter?" asked Draco, slightly amused.
"Not hardly," said Harry, and Draco paused, turning back to Snape. "Are you sure about the time?" Draco asked.
"Yes."
Draco nodded. "How do you—" and then he stopped, a smirk appearing on his face as he looked at Severus. "A Slytherin always has a back up plan," he said.
"Yes, he does," replied Snape, and something passed between the two of them, but Harry wasn't sure he understood.
"Really, Potter," Malfoy drawled as he exited the classroom. "If you keep listening at doors, someone will think you're turning into a Slytherin, and where will the wizarding world be if the boy-who-lived deserts them?"
"The Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin," Harry blurted and immediately regretted it.
"Really?" said Malfoy with a raised eyebrow. "And I always had a great deal of trust for that Hat." He seemed to consider for a moment. "Of course it was Godric's Hat," said Malfoy. "How many brains could it have?"
His lips curled into a smirk. "Right, Potter," he said. "You belong in Slytherin and I belong in Hufflepuff."
(A/N: Poke to fanfic. And all the fics that put Harry in Slytherin and turn Draco into a Hufflepuff.)
Later than day, Harry and Hermione were the first to arrive in the old muggle studies classroom. It was one of the few that opened with a simple Alohomora spell. It was now used for an occasional muggle studies history lesson, but not as a regular classroom, so no teacher had personal effects in the room. It was outdated, decorated in 1930's style furniture including a sofa, table and several uncomfortable chairs, a gas stove for cooking and a few unlocked cupboards which contained several unmatched china cups without saucers. There were also many locked cupboards.
Hermione was explaining that she had insisted that Ron give yesterday's homework to Flitwick before he got any further behind. "After all, how can he expect to get an OWL in Charms if he doesn't do the work, and it is his best subject."
"No it isn't," said Harry. "Divination is his best subject," and Hermione scoffed before continuing on her tirade as Harry set about making tea on the muggle stove. "I still can't believe Ron didn't do his homework on the first day back.' She rolled her eyes. "I mean, I could almost understand turning it in a day late, but it's almost been a week now!" She paused.
"Harry," said Hermione. "What are you doing?"
"Making tea," said Harry, as he used his knife that would open any lock to unlock the muggle cupboards until he found the spoons.
"But why are you making tea?"
"I'm trying to make this as comfortable as possible, I guess," said Harry. He turned to look at Hermione. "I'm nervous.
"What do you mean?" asked Hermione.
"I told Neville to come," said Harry, biting his lip.
Hermione took a deep breath, understanding Harry's nervousness. "That's good," she agreed, just as Neville walked in the door."Hi," he said hesitantly. "Are you sure you want me here?"
"Yes!" said Harry and Hermione together.
"Sit down," said Hermione as she began pouring cups of tea and sitting them on the table. "We're just waiting for the twins and Lauren and Draco.
"Draco's here," drawled a soft voice from the doorway. "So Neville, how's your grandmother?"
Neville jumped to his feet, spilling the freshly poured tea as he yanked his wand from his robe pocket. "Furnunculus!"
Draco blocked. "Impedimenta! Sectum!"
The spell hit Neville's wand arm slicing a fine line the entire length of his forearm, but it wasn't deep and Neville didn't seem to notice blood began to seep from the scratch, where his cut robe sleeve dangled..
"First blood Longbottom," said Draco "Quit before you get hurt," but Neville screamed at Draco, "Don't you dare ask how my grandmother is when it was your parents who put her there," he shouted. "Strangulo!"
Effortlessly, Draco blocked, laughing he said, I would have expected you to do that one Muggle style Longbottom. Circling he taunted. "I don't know why you want to strangle me anyway. I wasn't there when your grandmother—"
"Why?" interrupted Neville. "Were you busy killing Harry's family? Terrorizing Hermione's?"
"Neville!" cried Hermione as Harry attempted to catch Draco's attention, but Draco side- stepped nimbly, his eyes never leaving Neville.
"Neville, that's enough," said Hermione. "He's helping us save Samara and Ginny."
Neville ignored Hermione, and Yelled "Oculis!" narrowly missing Harry who Draco shoved out of the way of the blindness spell, growling, "This doesn't concern you, Potter."
Maybe you and V- V- Vold—You-Know-Who were just torturing Ginny and Samara like you tortured Beatrice. Was that why you weren't at my house? Neville threw another spell.
Draco blocked. "You're pitiful Longbottom, just like your parents," drawled Draco. "You couldn't touch me in a million years. You're little more than a squib. You and your whole family—worthless."
"You're the worthless one, Malfoy. Samara trusted you and you betrayed her! You don't know what it's like to have a speck of decency in you—"
"Relashio," spat Draco, upping the fire of the duel.
Sparks danced over Neville and he brushed frantically at his robe before saying, "Glacius Flagella! Your whole family—" he said.
"Leave my family out of it, Longbottom," interrupted Draco.
"Oh your family is in it--in it from the time they tortured my parents for that 'Devil Snake'"
Draco froze. "What did you say?" asked Draco his voice low and dangerous.
"I said your parents are in it--up to their necks."
"No! what did you call Him? You dare speak that curse again? I'll kill you for that, Longbottom."
"Sectum!" spat Draco viciously.
This time the spell was thrown in earnest and the knife slash would have hit Neville at point blank range if Hermione hadn't dove between them catching the spell on her upper arm, which sliced through muscle and sinew to the bone. Blood spurted everywhere.
She cried out and Harry caught her, cradling her in his arms. "Hermione! Agmen Cogere!" said Harry slowing the blood loss.
"Bloody hell, you, interfering Mudblood," spat Draco. "Stay out of the way! Mother turned that curse back on you, Longbottom. It didn't negate ours, but you should have been a squib too."
"Guess your mother isn't as good as she thought," Neville taunted, eyes narrowing. "But it wasn't a curse. It was a Seeing."
"It was a curse," hissed Draco. "It wasn't the seventh generation--"
"Stop! Demanded Harry, but they both ignored him. Harry wished for Ron's help or the twins-- Surely they should be here soon.
Draco was in Neville's face, wand held inches from his nose. Blood had dripped onto the pale green floor from Hermione's arm The bright red drops contrasting with the sickly green linoleum. Harry had torn off his robe and wrapped it around Hermione's bleeding arm. She was staring at it, woozy with blood loss and perhaps going into shock. Harry tried to decide who to help. Hermione, who needed healing, or Neville, who was also hexed. Neville tried to bat something away frantically crying before Harry came to his senses and acted, tackling Draco, knocking him to the ground, and breaking his spell and releasing Neville.
It never crossed Harry's mind to use a spell. He had seen Dudley bullying the neighbor kids in this way too many times and the sight of Malfoy picking on Neville in exactly the same way, broke a cord in him. He reacted just as he had reacted a dozen times on Privit Drive.
Harry pulled back his fist to punch Draco, but Draco rolled nimbly out of the way, growling, "Get off of me, Potter."
Harry clamored after Draco, grabbing his wand arm as Draco raised his hand for a spell.
You sniveling baby," snorted Draco, eyes still on Neville. "You still have to have Potter fight your battles for you, don't you? When are you going to grow up?"
"There shouldn't be any battles," said Harry, "We're here for a purpose." Harry yanked Draco's wand arm, pulling him off balance just as Neville's spell hit.
"Horrifer!"Harry shuddered. He hadn't meant to do that. "Finite Incantum," said Harry, ending Neville's spell and standing between the two of them, trying to end this. They switched to insults, which in Harry's mind was better than curses. He started to relax, hoping they would yell themselves out soon and diffuse the tension.
"You're parents might not be in St. Mungos, Malfoy, but that doesn't make them less insane," panted Neville. "And what happened to your missing sibling, huh?"
"You know damned well what happened to her! Growled Draco.
Harry and Hermione both gaped open mouthed as Draco's voice dropped to a deadly whisper. "Old magic Longbottom. I wouldn't expect you to recognize it, but that's what it was: the curse of a desperate dying man using the last resources of his magic. It—was—a—curse."
"My parents aren't dead!" snapped Neville.
"They—should—be."
Neville's eyes narrowed, and he pointed his wand deliberately. "Crucio!"
Somehow the entire scene seemed unreal to Harry. Neville attacking Draco? Although Harry realized with Neville's grandmother in St. Mungos, it did seem as if the boy was at his breaking point.
Harry raised his own wand, "Expellaramus!" he spat, shaking Neville's wand loose from his grip. Harry put the wand on the table. He ran his hand through his already messy hair in exasperation.
"Draco!" Lauren rushed through the door and went straight to her cousin. "What did you bloody Gryffindors do?" she demanded.
"Are we late?" asked Ron as he and the twins peeked in the door. When he realized Hermione was hurt, he turned his wand on the fallen Draco.
"Don't you dare," said Harry. "Put your wands over here," he pointed at the table, "Until we have this all sorted out."
The twins joined him at the table, but no one put their wands away.
"Potter," rasped Draco. "No wands--That would put you Gryffindors at a serious disadvantage." He smirked at Harry and Harry thought how could he be sitting on the floor, downed by crucio and still smirking. It was a complete mystery to Harry.
"Speaking of wands," said Draco nastily. "I think I'll go see Dumbledore. When he checks your wand, Longbottom, he'll call the aurors and they can cart you away to Azkaban, and good riddance."
Neville seemed to just realize that he had cast an unforgivable curse. His face went pasty white, and he started to shake.
"It's not like you've never seen an unforgivable, Malfoy" said Harry, thinking of the Gryffindor Common room on Halloween. There were so many laws broken, Harry had begun to think the Slytherins thought they were a law unto themselves.
"But not by a Gryffindor, and not with a wand," said Draco with a slight shrug. "It's not my fault if Dumbledore checks and sends him off. At the very least, he should get expelled."
Neville sobbed.
"Are we to understand that Neville did an unforgivable curse on Malfoy?" asked George in amazement.
"Awesome," said Fred.
"Fred this is nothing to joke about," said Hermione as she struggled to her feet and tried to comfort Neville, sinking down beside him..
"Hermione, you've bleeding," said Ron. "We should get you to Madam Pomfrey."
"And tell her what?" asked Lauren, blocking the way, and then setting locking charms on the door. "That Draco cursed her? No. You aren't going."
"Bloody hell, Avery. She needs medical attention. What were you doing Malfoy? It's lucky that curse didn't hit her throat. She'd be dead."
"She just got in the way. Sorry Mu—Granger," said Draco tiredly. "If you'd learn to mind your own business—"
"If you'd learn to control your tongue," countered Hermione.
"I have perfect control, Mudblood," Draco growled. "You were in the way."
"Come on," said Ron, trying to get Hermione to her feet.
"She won't die," said Lauren. "Just get the bleeding stopped."
"All I did was ask after his Grandmother," muttered Draco
"It was the way you asked," said Harry.
"Merlin, Potter," said Draco. "That's the way I talk, and I'll be damned if I'm going to start talking like a lowlife to please you."
"OK, OK," said Lauren. "Let's just let it drop. Are you OK, Draco?"
"Yeah," said Draco. "Pitiful really," he muttered. "He might be able to hold his own with Nott--
Lauren glared at him.
"Without the box," Draco clarified, and Lauren flinched. "or Crabbe," Draco continued. "but anyone else, forget it. Of course for a first timer, not bad— Just-- Don't think you won, Longbottom. We're done for now, but don't think you've won, because you didn't.
"Malfoy—" Began Neville.. He looked away and then back at Draco's stormy gray eyes. "I'm—sorry."
"I'm not," said Draco succinctly. "I meant every word I said, and every spell," Draco commented venom dripping from each word.
Neville clenched his wand, glaring at Draco.
"Look, that isn't helping," said Lauren. "Whatever was said, it's over now. Let's pick up the pieces and take it from here. We're supposed to be working together, so as a gesture of goodwill, Longbottom, I'm going to save your ass."
"What do you mean," muttered Neville whose eyes were drooping with exhaustion.
"Snap out of it," Lauren demanded, smacking Neville's cheeks rather ungently "I know you're tired, but you can't go to sleep yet. My Dad says only ten percent of witches and wizards can do more than four major spells like Avada and Curcio without taking a rest and recovering their magic."
"Four—" said Neville.
"Of course it's not as debilitating to throw the curse as it is to be the recipient of it, but until you build up your power, but the first time is always the worst. It takes everything out of you.. It is the same with the first time throwing any major curse: major exhaustion. It gets better though the next time," Lauren said with a grin.
"Next time," interrupted Hermione aghast. "You've done this haven't you?"
"Now the first thing you need to do," Lauren continued, ignoring Hermione, "is a hundred spells with that wand. You can't remove the spell from your wand, but you can bury it in mediocrity. Ninety nine percent of the time, that will be enough. Fifty-two percent summoning and banishing, eighteen percent cleaning spells--"
"Eighteen percent?" said Hermione. "Ninety- nine? How do you know this?"
"My Dad worked out the numbers for the Dark Lord," said Lauren finally answering Hermione.. The aurors have only checked more than one hundred spells three times in the last fifty years of history: "my mother," said Lauren and Draco together.
The two of them grinned at each other as if that was an accomplishment, and then Lauren continued, and "Valeriana Lestrange." Before that, in the previous fifty years, there was only Grindlewald. You're pretty safe with a hundred spells, Longbottom."
"But I can't do a hundred spells," said Neville.
"They never checked Carman?" asked Draco with a frown.
"Draco," said Lauren. "In the fourties? You couldn't expect a fragile woman to do a spell as debilitating as curcio."
Draco snorted. "Carman fragile?"
"I can't do a hundred spells," said Neville again. "I doubt if I could do one, the way I feel."
"That's why you need someone to help you recover your magic, and unfortunately, it looks like it's going to have to be me for both of you," said Lauren. She looked from Draco to Neville, and then to the Gryffindors. "None of you can do Elemental magic, can you?
"Yes," said Fred.
"As a matter of fact we can," said George.
"Oh, you Gryffindors are full of surprises today," said Lauren.
"I can too," said Hermione.
Lauren's mouth fell open in surprise, and Malfoy gave a bark of laughter. "You, Mudblood? I saw your version of wandless magic. It's pitiful, and it's not Elemental.
"OK, we'll go with Fred and George then," said Lauren. "Watch what I do with Draco."
"I'm alright, Lauren," protested Draco.
"Right," she spat. "That's why you're still sitting on the floor."
"I said, I'm fine," Draco growled.
Lauren rolled her eyes.
"I am fine," insisted Draco. "I just have grown accustomed to having Samara nearby to heal me after His crucios. You know healing is one of the gifts of the Prophecy Child. I've lost a little endurance, that's all. If I absolutely had to return a spell, I could do it."
"You're so spoiled," said Lauren laying her hands on Draco, nonetheless. He closed his eyes letting her magic course through him.
When he opened them again, he asked, "Why didn't you heal Longbottom?"
Lauren wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Please," she muttered. "Let the Gryffindors do it. I'm not that altruistic." She raised her voice. "Fred and George, your magics are complementary. Twins always are. You two can feed Neville some of your magic and help him do the spells without exhausting either of you."
Fred and George nodded their agreement and moved to help Neville.
"Fred has always been the stronger wizard," said George. "Should he help Neville and I support him?"
"It doesn't matter," said Lauren. "You can share magic through Neville. A twin bond allows a lot more manipulation of the magic than simple siblings. The only thing stronger is—a shared life bond—and not many wizards and witches are strong enough to sustain that."
While she was working, Harry had meticulously knitted up Hermione's wounded arm. "I think he did as good a job as Madam Pomfrey," said Hermione in amazement. "It doesn't hurt at all."
"And there's no scar," said Lauren. "With a sectum that deep, there's usually a scar for a week or so—and it's always stiff—"
"It's fine," said Hermione, flexing her arm to illustrate.
"Remind me to come and see you Harry, next time Millicent gets her claws in me," said Lauren.
"OK," said Harry hesitantly. "I'd do my best."
Lauren sighed. "Let's get back to the job we came here to do," she suggested, while glancing at Neville who was now on spell number 56 and following Fred's coaching rather well, as George's magic kept him upright.
"We'll catch them up," said Hermione, as she followed Lauren's gaze.
Draco had picked himself off of the floor and was looking like his normal jaunty self, no worse for the curcio that had downed him a few minutes ago.
"Was that a glamour?" Ron asked him. "Draco, did you just do a glamour on yourself?"
"Shut up, Weasel, or you're going to need a glamour," said Draco testily.
Apparently Ron was the only one who saw the spell take effect, but it seemed unavoidable. No one came through a curcio, no matter how ineffectual with no visual effects. Harry realized that Draco had to have done a glamour charm, but Draco moved on as if nothing was out of the ordinary. His customary smirk was back in place. "Actually," he confided, "Longbottom didn't do half bad. No broken bones. No mess. Do you remember Lauren, the first time Samara did curcio we were cleaning up blood for week?"
The Griffindors just stared open mouthed.
"What about you, Draco?" said Lauren. "I remember your first—"
"Back to work," Draco interrupted. "We have a new plan. We can go at 5:28 this Wednesday, but this could get a little sticky," said Draco. "I mean, I don't think the Dark Lord is just going to let us waltz in and take them, and I know the prophecy says it's either you or Him, Potter, but Snape says your wand won't duel his—" Draco's voice trailed off, the rest of his sentence almost inaudible, "and plus there is the problem of my getting called back."
"Always knew you were a coward, Malfoy," said Ron and Draco glared at him, but for once didn't draw his wand or contradict him. Harry felt his own stomach clench with the insult.
"Draco," said Harry. "The Prophecy says either I die or Voldemort dies. I can't make any promises, but if I don't have to fight a slew of Death Eaters first—"
"You got balls, Potter," said Draco. "I've got to give you that. Not much brains, but balls. So what are you going to use for a wand?"
"I've got it under control," said Harry. "I just need to know that you're committed to getting the girls out, no matter what," said Harry his eyes intense, as he extended his hand to Draco.
"Hey, Harry," interrupted Ron. "I can get the girls out."
"And working with Ron," added Harry as Draco clasped his hand
"You drive a hard bargain, Potter. Next you'll be telling me I have to take the—Granger's advice."
"Couldn't hurt," said Harry and Draco grimaced.
"Draco," said Hermione.. "Are you sure about the date. How do you know it's the best time?"
"Snape told me," Draco answered, and Harry confirmed that Snape seemed to know about their rescue plans.
"Snape? Oh, that just gives me warm fuzzies," said Ron.
Both Draco and Lauren sniggered. It was almost a laugh, thought Harry. "Do you think that means that Dumbledore knows?" Harry asked.
"No," said Draco, his face immediately back into it's calm mask.. "We are his back up plan."
"Snapes'?" asked Ron. "Not Dumbledore's?"
"Ha!" Draco snorted with disgust as they parted ways, Draco heading down to the Dungeons and the Gryffindors turning toward the stairs. "A Gryffindor? Have a plan?"
Ron pulled his wand, but Harry put his hand on Ron's. It didn't seem very sporting to allow his friend to curse Draco when he knew he hadn't yet recovered from Neville's curse.
After Draco was out of sight, Hermione asked, "So what's his first plan?"
"And what are you going to use for a wand, Harry?" Ron wondered.
"I--I'm not sure, yet."
"So what are you going to do?" persisted Hermione.
"I'm going to kill Voldemort, and get the girls back," said Harry with a determined edge to his voice, "and Merlin help anyone who gets in my way."
==
Answers to Reviews:
Ammarine: Glad you liked. I like Volde's nasty side too, but that's just me…More fun, nasty Volde on the way.
Shelby: I wrote most of the book when I was fourteen. I just turned fifteen on May 4th. Same date as the Lestrange twins. LOL. Glad you like it.
Akiel: Blocks Imperio. No, sorry I won't be posting seven chapters at once. I am lucky to be posting this one. My grandparents are living with us temporarily. They are moving into a modular home on our property and it isn't done yet. Anyway, grandma and grandpa insist that I need more sun and fresh air. "No! No! mustn't leave my computer. Pleeeeeze. I'm doing the best I can and hope I won't be late to update for you guys. Some of you review so faithfully and I am grateful for you.
Harpy: Thanks. Can I have a feather for my wand, Harpy?
Ennui deMorte: Amazing you like something about Draco. What a surprise. And yes, I like the basilisks too. Thank you for your awesome betaing. Appreciate you bunches.
GreenBizkit: Well, I hope you read chapter 2. How could you stop so soon. Sigh.
Elbereth: Clueless Harry. Just trying to keep him in character. Isn't that the way JK wrote him? It bugs you that the Gryffindors have a "we 've got to go rescue the girls and be heroes mentality" ?? Wait. Doesn't that define Gryffindor? And yes, Ginny does have quite a bit of Darkness in her head. More Tom coming. I promise. I had to make you beg didn't I? After all, I am a Slytherin.
Funnybunny I like long stories. I hope you do to, but if you want, I do have some short ones.
Batty: thanks
Rosewhip2: Glad you like.
Trillium: A new favorite ending? Yes, I do like Narcissa in this one.
Black-Skylark. Thanks for the review.
Christina: Thanks for the long review. JK WAS being a smart ass by making Avada kadavra sound like Abbra Kadabbra. I can't wait till Hermione has to say it with a straight face to Moody in the Movie. That should be fun. Anyway, so you sound like both Snape and Harry Potter. That's a weird combination. And no the girls aren't the type to need rescuing. The rescue chapter is rather fun I think. Can't wait to show it to you so please review soon.
Volde's Pink Teddy: OK "The Darklord's Secret Love" is by what author? I couldn't find it. There, now I'm a walking advertisement too.
The Elemental Sorceress: Happy Birthday. I updated just for your present. LOL
Jager: Please let me know where you are confused and I will try to fix that part.
XMuted-Faithx Thank you for your review.
Silverfox1: Thanks for the review. Narcissa tries.
Kemenran: More please is here.
NOW EVERYONE PLEASE GO AND REVIEW.
Then go to the yahoo group, TheSeersTruth and discuss the chapter with our faithful family of reviewers. See if you can guess where the book is going. Decide whether or not Snape is faithful to the Dark Lord or to Dumbledore. What is his back up plan? What is his first plan? There is lots of fun discussion. Don't miss it. Go to yahoo groups, TheSeersTruth. That's
Lady Lestrange
P.S. Be patient with me. I'm not going to be online as much as usual these next two weeks until my grandparents get into their new house. I'll be getting lots of fresh air!