Anyway, back to the story...one reader commented that the band sounded like Metallica (is it that obvious that I love that band? hehhehe) so I tried to find another "less dark and heavy" song by other bands. Unfortunately, I couldn't seem to find any so I'm back to Metallica - Whenever I May Roam....hope you enjoy ;-)
JimmyPage: Linkin Park?!? Don't worry, it never even crossed my mind. I apologize to those who like that band...it's just that I'm not into rap.... ;-)
Black Vampire Mistress: Thanks for giving my story a chance...by the way, it's a Harry/Hermione fic. Draco will have a lovelife too later but I'm still in the process of convincing myself that he and the girl I had in mind would be perfect together )
Chapter 19 - Voldemort makes his move
"LET THE ROCKING BEGIN!!!"
And the four band members excitedly ran back to the Great Hall, dragging a surprised Neville with them, their guitars swinging from side to side while the drum set was being carefully levitated by Matt towards the stage. They could hear muffled whispers following their every move but they deliberately ignored them....Let them wonder... A little mystery won't hurt...
"Wait, what about the DA?" asked Neville when they reached the stage that the professors have prepared for them.
"What about it?" asked Harry in surprise. He had assumed that particular discussion was over and done with.
"I can't possibly do it. I don't think I'm good enough." Neville replied simply, like he was merely stating a fact and not something of debatable nature.
Harry stared hard at Neville and gave him what he considered to be an encouraging smile. "You can do it, Neville. Being the leader doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to do all the work. Besides, I'm sure Ron and Hermione will help you. It just so happened that you don't have other responsibilities right now so you have more time for that." explained Harry patiently while tuning his instrument. He looked back and noticed that his band mates were almost finished setting up their equipments which were now powered with magic instead of old-fashioned electricity.
"B-but---" Neville blurted uncertainly, his face belying the faintest trace of panic.
"But what? You're one of the best members of the club. You learn the spells faster than most. The members respect you and you've grown. You're not the clumsy kid in first year anymore. You just have to believe in yourself sometimes." Harry patted his friend's back. "Come on, you can do it. I'll talk to the others about it later, all right?"
"Oh, okay." Neville mumbled more to put a halt to the conversation than anything else.
"Thanks, now why don't you go find a seat and let us ease your worries for a while?"
Neville nodded reluctantly and sat at a nearby table just as Billy was introducing their first song.
"Hey guys! I'm sure you're all wondering what the hell are we doing here...but don't you fret....you're going to have a better treat than those who've just left... This is for all of you so better appreciate this....grins.... Our first song's about our previous life as wanderers...something that helped us become strong and determined in everything that cruel fate has thrown upon us...Ladies and gentlemen, I proudly present to you our band --- VOLDIE's DOWNFALL!!!"
As expected, the audience had extreme reactions about the band's name. Some screamed their approval (most of them Gryffindors, of course), some glared maliciously at the band but dutifully remained on their seats while others were perfectly contented with being neutral and pretending that it was just another ordinary name.
But the pandemonium that erupted was soon hushed as the band started to play another haunting melody followed by Billy's compelling voice resonating around the hall. One could almost feel the anguish and desperation with every word that escaped through his lips...
And the road becomes my bride
I have stripped of all but pride
So in her I do confide
And she keeps me satisfied
Gives me all I need
And with dust in throat I crave
Only knowledge will I save
To the game I stay a slave
Rover, Wanderer, Nomad, Vagabond
Call me what you will
But I'll take my time anywhere
Free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll redefine anywhere
Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home
At this point, most of the audience were already captivated by the song and were banging their heads in time with the beat. Girls were literally swooning and the boys were noticeably ogling the guitarists as if they were attempting to memorize the way the song was being played but failing miserably since the hand movements was too fast....especially the lead part.
"Merlin, is that really Harry? Forget Voldemort and Quidditch, he could be great just by playing the guitar..." commented one pretty third year student who had been praising the high lords above that they had been banned from going to Hogsmeade.
"Gosh! Who could say that the saviour of the wizarding world could be so cool!" yelled another admirer.
"What do you reckon? Will they teach us how to play those instruments if we ask?" A fifth-year boy from Ravenclaw asked his companion who was as entranced as he was with their playing.
"We won't know unless we try."
"Forget saving the world, I'll be happy to take him as he is!" exclaimed another excitable teenage girl.
"Don't even think about it....I've heard he's going with that Granger girl."
"No, he's not!"
"Hey, look at that gorgeous vocalist! What a lovely voice...ooohhh!"
The professors, however, paid more attention to the lyrics and McGonagall pursed her lips in obvious disapproval but was too pleased that the students were enjoying themselves to say anything against the song. Madam Pince, the librarian, appeared to agree with her. Apparently, the music was too loud for her sensitive ears or maybe it was just the effect of being surrounded with books for much too long. Surprisingly, the intimidating Potions Master seemed to identify himself with the song and was occasionally caught tapping his fingers into the water goblet he was holding.
And the earth becomes my throne
I adapt to the unknown
Under wandering stars I've grown
By myself but not alone I ask no one
And my ties are severed clean
The less I have the more I gain
Off the beaten path I reign
Rover, Wanderer, Nomad, Vagabond
Call me what you will
But I'll take my time anywhere
Free to speak my mind anywhere
And I'll redefine anywhere
Anywhere I roam
Where I lay my head is home.
Just as the song ended, Harry's right hand immediately reached for his scar while the other three gripped their wrists tightly. All of them immediately stopped playing and their captive audience stared at them in confusion. 'Why the hell did they stop?' seemed to be the unspoken question in everyone's minds as they eyed the band staring enigmatically at each other on the stage...their wands drawn as if readying themselves for battle...
Harry was still clutching his scar and the other three were trying very hard to control themselves. Their anguished faces creating an aura of tension among those who could witness their every move.
For the band, the pain was tolerable...thanks to their constant practice of mind control....however, what the pain signifies was the one causing their distress. For them, the pain was synonymous to danger and where danger was lay the possibility of suffering, destruction and even ... death. But where was the danger? The answer immediately clicked on their minds as if it had just been waiting for the right time to pop in their heads.
!!! HOGSMEADE !!!
...The place where the sixth and seventh year students of Hogwarts have gone that morning...Of course, a very strategic place and time to attack...
'HERMIONE!' Harry thought in alarm as he felt a burning sensation inside his pocket. In a flash, he withdrew the piece of parchment from his left-side pocket. It was a duplicate of the parchment he had sent to his friends when he was still in hiding. Neville and Ginny didn't bring their part then that's why he wasn't able to help them that time but now, as he stared at the blinking parchment before him, everything else be damned if he wouldn't do anything to help his friends.
!!! HERMIONE, RON, GINNY -- HOGSMEADE --- DANGER !!!
Harry showed the paper to his friends then hastily got off the stage, earning strange ooks from the students. Chuck and Matt quickly followed suit, not even bothering to ask nonsensical questions or pack their stuff. Sensing the necessity to inform someone of their destination, Billy raised his right wrist as a signal to his uncle who he knew would figure out his message. After noticing the slightest hint of recognition from the older man, he too followed his friends to wherever they were going.
The other professors were too stunned to react instantaneously. By the time they were able to regain their senses, the four were already gone.
"Do you have any idea what it was all about, Severus?" a concerned McGonagall asked her colleague.
"I think something has happened at Hogsmeade and they are going to help defend the students." replied Severus evenly, gritting his teeth firmly as he felt the searing pain from his mark once again. The dark lord was calling...he had to go or else...But Severus did not wish to find out the consequences...There was just simply too much at stake. With a sinking heart, he stood up and with an elegant swish of his robe and a seemingly innocent hand movement to Professor McGonagall, he left the school.
000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
"Little brother, not to be rude or anything but are you sure you know the way?" asked Billy as they all passed the one-eyed witch and were currently following a dark and narrow path to heaven knows where.
"Of course, I've traversed through this path for almost a hundred times since third year...and don't call me little brother. In case you haven't noticed, I'm not exactly little anymore." replied Harry indignantly then froze in his tracks as he realized what he had just said. He glanced at his friends and from their expressions, its implication was not lost on them too.
"Well, well...how come you didn't tell us?" asked Chuck after a few seconds.
"Tell what?" replied Harry nonchalantly.
"That you already broke through the memory charm." came the quick reply.
Harry let out a huge sigh as if what he was going to say was very hard for him. "Oh, that... I reckoned it was a strategic thing to do. Anyway, we're here so you better stay alert." whispered Harry as he lifted the trapdoor to Honeydukes.
"So, we can finally ask you the question everybody else seems dying to ask --- is Hermione your girlfriend or not?" asked Billy mischievously.
Harry stayed silent, carefully considering the question. "Well, actually, she is not officially my girlfriend...yet... but..."
"But you would like her to be, right?" pressed Billy, his lips twitching slightly in an effort to keep himself from laughing at Harry's expression.
"Yeah, of course...who wouldn't?"
"I guess you owe both your friends some apology, especially the red-headed guy. You seem ready to clobber him before."
"I guess so..." whispered Harry. Peering inside the sweets shop, he immediately noticed something peculiar for the normally crowded and noisy store. It was eerily quiet and the usual hustle-bustle of impatient customers were noticeably absent. In fact, as Harry courageously climbed out, there was not even a single soul in sight. Sensing no imminent danger, he urged the others to follow him.
"WHOA! What is this place?" asked Billy, briefly overlooking the fact that they were not there for leisure.
"I think we should ---" began Chuck when a red spark suddenly passed through the window, missing him by mere inches. Everybody else docked out of the windows' periphery to avoid any stray spells. "Oops, that's a close one. As I was saying, we should get out there and teach those death-eaters a few lessons in timing... Imagine, attacking students during a well-earned trip! How inconsiderate!"
"What about your connection?" asked Harry, concern etched on his young face.
"Don't worry, we'll manage. It's not yet completed so he doesn't have full control of us...yet. " replied Matt, his voice faltering at the last word. It grimly reminded them of the journey they're going to make in a few days time and the horrible repercussions should they fail on their task.
Before they could wallow in misery, Harry wisely led the others into the chaotic street outside. Spells were flying and people were struggling to be as far away from the place as possible. It only took Harry a few seconds to note that none of those running around were from Hogwarts so where were they? Trying to trace where the spells were coming from, the four rapidly made their way to the center of the village which appeared to be saturated with magical energy.
But doing that was very difficult. They had to maintain strong shield charms around themselves to prevent stray curses from knocking them out even before they have joined in the fight. Not to mention the irritating pain from the three's wrists and Harry's scar that seemed to steadily increase in magnitude as they approached the place.
"There they are!" yelled Chuck as he saw the throngs of cloaked figures preoccupied with hurling hexes at one another.
The four young men darted towards the raging battle, throwing their own curses along the way but careful not to hit anyone who did not resemble a death-eater. They were only a few blocks away from the combatants when all of a sudden, the commotion stopped. It was as if a horde of angels walked through the path. Everything seemed to be in slow motion as the conflicting forces parted ways, revealing the confused faces of the light forces and the triumphant smirks from the dark-robed figures. In a swift assessment of the crowd, they were relieved to notice that no one was seriously hurt but they were puzzled by the death-eaters' behaviour. They did not seem to be taking the fight seriously. It even appeared that they were just playing games.
"See? As we have told you...they have come...just like what our master had said." declared one dark-cloaked figure, motioning one silver finger to the new-arrivals' general direction.
Harry glared at the filthy rat who had cost him a lot of misery. Yes, Wormtail was in his human form but in Harry's eyes, he would forever bear the stigma of a traitorous rat. "We came here not for your insecure master but to help our friends." He spat the words angrily then he raised his wand to hex the rat with anything. He hadn't decided what curse to use yet but he wasn't that fussy...even the killing curse would be preferable in his current state of mind.
Wormtail only leered at him. "Actually, we didn't come here to fight. We just needed to do that to draw you here." He stated almost lazily. The crowd was still immobile, just silently watching the curious exchange before them. But all had their wands poised in mid-air as if readying themselves for an immediate attack if necessary.
"We're here now. What do you want?" asked Billy sullenly.
"We were sent to give you a message." came the curt reply.
Harry smirked. "If that's the usual threats and warnings blah-blah-blah then you're just wasting your time. We're not interested."
"Oh, really? Then perhaps telling you that SSPEW had been destroyed a week ago would be useless, isn't it?" One figure who had a slightly different style of cloak butted in. He appeared to be the same age as Harry's new friends.
"W-what?!?" exclaimed both Chuck and Matt at once, focusing more on what the figure said and not his identity.
Billy's eyes immediately widened. "You!" he yelled while pointing an accusing finger at the figure. He frantically searched the dark-cloaked figures and nervously licked his lips when he saw several others wearing the same style of cloak -- dark green, leather, with innumerable pockets to hide smaller weapons, and silver snakes etched on the edges -- no question about it...definitely the official SSPEW cloak. 'Damn!'
The man took great pleasure in seeing his distress. "Yes, our dear brothers. In fact, we were the ones who destroyed it. The castle was totally eradicated...you don't stand a chance now."
The three stared disbelievingly at their former schoolmates then upon sensing the truthfulness of their words, they slowly crumbled to the ground as if that piece of information had drained all their energy away in one swift motion.
"Y-you're lying." murmured Harry softly, afraid for his friends's sake.
"No, truth cuts more deeply so why should I lie?" replied the man who had such a curious effect on his three friends.
"Damn you! What's the message then?" asked Harry through gritted teeth.
"I thought you're not interested?" asked Wormtail innocently, intervening before the situation got out of hand.
"Fine. Don't say it then. Just don't blame us when your so-called master punishes you for a well-botched job." declared Harry impatiently. He was not in the mood for games.
Harry's last statement seemed to have done the trick. Wormtail immediately paled. "Our master awaits your arrival in his humble abode in a week's time. He said you could all apparate to his place due to your connection. If not, consider the offer nullified and he would attack Hogwarts right after the agreed time." With that said, the enemies immediately vanished into thin air, leaving the four young men angry and frustrated while the crowd seemed perplexed about what had really transpired.
A tap on his shoulder suddenly jolted Harry away from his reverie. "Jeric, are you all right? What was that all about?"
Harry looked up, pleased to see Ron and Hermione staring at him with a concerned expression. "We're fine. We'll tell you about it once we're back at the castle." he looked around and noticed that the professors were not around. "Hey, where's Professor Dumbledore?"
"Oh, Dumbledore and the other teachers had scattered to warn and help the others." replied Hermione.
"And some had gone to the Ministry of Magic to ask for help." said Ron, scowling at the thought. He did not seem too keen on that idea.
Harry frowned at that. "Then I think we better round up the others and head back to the castle. I'm not in the mood for another encounter with Fudge and his equally moronic minions."
Back at the Headmaster's Office
Harry had just finished narrating the events that had transpired since they arrived at Hogsmeade. Aside from the four band members, only Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, Snape, Ron, and Hermione were present at the meeting.
"So, you see Professor, if they have really destroyed the school, then we won't be able to counteract the effect of the SSPEW mark." stated Harry worriedly.
"Yeah, the journey would be futile and we cannot fight its effect much longer. Is there no other way?" asked Matt despondently.
Dumbledore considered the situation carefully but said nothing. Instead, he turned his attention to the potions professor.
"Severus, do you have some news for us?" he inquired politely.
Snape stared reproachfully at the Headmaster. "We should have let them leave earlier. The dark lord is now so confident of his victory that he can afford to be complacent. Should they decide to attack Hogwarts, the school wouldn't stand a chance. He has a large number of very powerful new recruits -- all from SSPEW and from what I've heard, you already know some of them." The last statement was meant for Billy, Chuck and Matt.
"Yeah, unfortunately, we know them. They are really skilled both in armed and unarmed combat. Our elemental powers may be stronger but we couldn't hold our own against them given our predicament." stated Chuck grimly.
Lupin was visibly startled at his words. "Predicament? What do you mean?"
Snape immediately pulled up his sleeves to reveal the ugly mark that he had hoped would be gone forever. He signaled the three older band members to show their tattoos too. "Here. Look at these marks. See any resemblance?"
The others who were not yet aware informed gasped as they took an earnest look at the marks before them.
"Merlin! Is that also Voldemort's mark? And here I thought those cool tattoos wre just for decoration. " sputtered Ron, flabbergasted at the sudden discovery.
The three young me shook their heads grimly.
"No, this is not Voldemort's mark. It's the official SSPEW emblem, much like the Hogwarts crest, only it was etched on our skin instead of on our uniforms. According the SSPEW: A History, this mark was created and ulitilized by Salazar Slytherin to summon all the students in times of emergency or whenever he has something to announce to all. Sometimes he uses it to call on a particular student or professor without alerting the others about it. He was very secretive and that method saved him a lot of trouble." stated Matt then paused for breath before he continued with the tale.
"After his death, history became a little hazy since it was just passed from generation to generation through word of mouth and we all know how unreliable that is. Anyway, we have heard that the control of the SSPEW mark was passed through the headmasters until the time when Voldemort came to conquer the school. Rumours stated that he never really found the beacon but he mimicked Slytherin's idea to create the dark mark. Somehow, he discovered a way to link the dark mark to the SSPEW mark. I don't know how but one thing's for sure. We're doomed."
"Wait! Since Voldemort did not find the beacon then the most he could do is summon you, right? He won't be able to control you or anything." remarked Hermione excitedly.
"He can summon us, then use the Imperius Curse to control us. We're not immune to that, you know?" replied Chuck sarcastically.
"But what if the beacon was not destroyed?"
"Knowing our schoolmates? We'd be lucky to find any trace of the school at all. For them, destroy usually means remove from the face of the earth." stated Billy bleakly.
The whole group fell into a pensive silence. Everyone seemed to be at a loss for ideas when suddenly, Harry's eyes lit up with a glimmer of inspiration.
"Remove from the face of the earth you say? What if the thing we're looking for could only be found UNDER the face of the earth?" he exclaimed elatedly. Slowly, the others broke into tentative smiles. It was a long shot but Slytherin was known for his passion for building secret underground chambers.
"What's the big deal about the beacon anyway?" Ron asked curiously.
Snape rolled his eyes as if it was a very stupid thing to ask. "Mr. Weasley, not only can we counteract Voldemort's control over the SSPEW mark, but we could also us it's link to the dark mark to our advantage. Say summon them all to Azkaban, for example."
"Oh." commented Ron in comprehension.
"There's no time to waste. I would create portkeys that would bring you to a place that I know is nearest to your destination but from there, you're on your own. I'd also provide each of you with portkeys that would immediately send you back here if things don't go as well as planned. You may leave after dinner." said Dumbledore finally, albeit reluctantly. He chose some funny looking objects inside his office and turned them into portkeys. Then he handed them to each of the four young men who were about to go through an uncertain journey.
After a while, the meeting was adjourned and they all headed to the Great Hall.
Signaling to his three older friends, Harry deliberately walked slowly, chatting with Ron and Hermione about school stuff along the way. As soon as they were out of anyone's hearshot, Harry stopped his friends from advancing any further.
"What's wrong, mate?" asked Ron while Hermione only eyed him quizzically.
Harry drew a huge breath before speaking. "Umm...I have to apologize. I know this is long overdue but I want to say it anyway..."
"What for?" asked Hermione curiously.
"For the misconceptions. I mean...I accused both of you with things that are not true...I almost hurt Ron and well...ummm... I'm a little ashamed of my earlier actions...and uh--just want you to know that I-already-broke-through-the-memory-charm. " The last part was stated so hurriedly that it took a while for the two to process the given information.
"You mean you can remember everything now?" queried Hermione, her eyes lighting up expectantly.
"That's bloody awesome, man! So does it mean, we could hate Draco in peace now?" Ron plainly thought that once Harry recovered, he would not wish to have anything to do with the slytherin.
Harry's eyes narrowed a little but chose not to make a big deal out of it. Some things really took long to change. "I'm still cool with Draco. He's different now. Give him a chance."
"That's wonderful...getting your memory back and all but... is that all?" pressed Hermione, her eyes probing Harry's for something he couldn't quite define but he had an idea on what she wanted him to say.
Harry smiled inwardly at Hermione's persistence. 'At least no one could blame her for giving up on me that easily...' he thought but he'd rather talk about it without Ron's embarrassing presence. "Yeah...That's about it. I think we better head to the Great Hall before all the food disappear." he commented casually. He knew Ron's appetite would surely work to his advantage this time.
"Bloody hell! I almost forgot about that! Come on, guys, let's run!" shouted Ron as he sprinted to the hall way to reach the great hall at the least time possible leaving Harry and Hermione without even a backward glance.
Harry smiled at Ron's antics. He really missed goofing up with him but for now, he still had one thing to settle. Before Hermione could open the door to the hall, Harry quickly pulled her to his side.
"Hey!" exclaimed Hermione in surprise.
"Sshh....can we just talk for a minute?" asked Harry, quickly checking the corridors for any intruders or gossipers.
"Sure. What about?" replied Hermione though her voice was still a little dull.
"About what you were asking earlier...I ummm... I r-remember about the you know -- the night you visited me... I seem to recall you saying that 'it' was something to make me come back..." Harry was almost afraid to look at Hermione but he forced himself to see her reaction. However, instead of the disdain or mockery he was expecting, he found himself staring at Hermione's brown eyes, filled with an emotion that he could not define. "I h-have come back... D-do you think we could give it a try?"
Hermione was at a loss for words.
"Well, I'd fully understand if you don't want to. I mean... I just ---- "
Hermione suddenly broke off from whatever trance that seemed to overwhelm her and threw her hands around Harry at once. "Stop! Of course, we would give it a try, silly.... We've been trying for a long time... I think we could work things out."
"Really? I'll be leaving tonight again. Can you wait for my return? I promise we'd a proper couple as soon as possible." Harry stated hopefully.
"I will.. I will. Don't worry about me. I'll wait. Just be careful, okay?" inquired Hermione then was immediately cut off from any other words that she wanted to say when Harry lowered his lips to meet hers in a long and langurous kiss.
After a few more passionate moments, Harry reluctantly let go of Hermione. "I think we better go before someone sends a search party for us."
Hermione only smiled and hand-in-hand, they headed towards the great hall....
...only to be greeted by an unwelcome sight....
There, in the middle of the great hall, in all his stupid glory, was Fudge ranting about something once more....surrounding him were fully-trained aurors who seemed very loyal to the must-be-impeached-minister-of-magic.
"Fellows, don't be blinded by this boy's prestige. Didn't you hear what the enemies had stated? Our master awaits you..." Fudge paused slightly and waited for his words to sink in. Then noticing the appalled expressions of his listeners, he continued his tirade in a more confident manner. "It is very clear that this boy and his equally questionnable companions are in cahoots with the dark lord himself...They are undoubtedly dark wizards, therefore must be arrested to secure the welfare of the wizarding community."
Harry clenched his fists in barely suppressed anger. He had been restraining himself for too long. Wasn't it enough that the minister attempted to discredit him in his fourth and fifth year? Even went as far as declaring that he and Dumbledore were both insane and attention-seeking perverts? Hadn't he fought against the urge to hex the man when he had so arrogantly tried to arrest his friends just because he somehow discovered their link to SSPEW?
"...and now that glutton for fame was trying to fool us once more by pretending that he lost his memory." The minister smirked at Harry. "Merlin, he must be laughing about it with you-know-who when our backs are turned."
The chandeliers that had been dangerously swaying from side to side suddenly fell down in a violent crash. Glasses had scattered everywhere and everyone rushed to shield themselves from the hazardous splinters but Fudge went on with his mad rantings. Like a mad man so obsessed with hearing his own voice that he failed to notice his surroundings.
Harry had enough. Fudge must learn to pay the consequences of his greed for power.