CHAPTER 3 Looming Danger
Ron sat crouched on the cold tiled floor of St. Mungo's Rockharrow ward, holding the shaking form of Hermione, his sturdy arms wrapped around her, as she buried her head in his shoulder. From time to time Ron thought he heard faint sobs coming from Hermione, which frankly scared him quite badly. He had never seen Hermione break down like that after being attacked, she was the strongest woman he knew, and when you were raised by Molly Weasley, you develop quite high standards for that kind of person. Death Eaters had attacked Hermione often enough while they were fighting against Voldemort in their school days, and while it might have frightened her a little, she had never reacted like this. Something was amiss, and Ron could sense it. The Aurors were rushing past him and Hermione by, and for a strange second Ron had the feeling of being trapped in time while the world passed him by. That feeling vanished as Kaylee came up to them, and crouched down to check up on Hermione.
"Is she okay?" the concern in her voice was evident as she creased her brow. Ron shrugged his shoulders in reply, for in reality he had no idea. Hermione must have heard another voice, as she calmed down considerably, and her shaking stopped. Quickly wiping a few stray tears away with the sleeve of her jumper, she looked up at Kaylee and smiled.
"I'm okay, it's nothing, just a fright" Hermione replied evening out her breathing and looking determinately at Kaylee and then turning her glance on Ron. "If you could help me up Ron, I think we're in the way and we have work to do!"
"Hermione", Ron replied unsure, quite startled with this strong calm composure of Hermione, so starkly different to the crumbling wreck she had been only moments before. "I don't think that is such a good idea for you. You were…"
Ron never had time to finish that sentence, as Hermione set her blazing sight on Ron, annoyance and irritation burning in her intense eyes. "What are you saying Ron?"
Now Ron was quite afraid, returned had the bristling anger that he had so been used to back at school and it always boded badly for him.
"I'm saying Hermione", Ron replied looking her squarely in the eyes and mustering as much courage as he possessed, "That you were just crying and shaking in my arms a few minutes ago. I think you should take it easy and if you won't listen to me, at least let a Healer examine you because you were hit by some pretty nasty curses!"
"I said I'm fine Ron!" Hermione retorted coldly. "Now will you let me get up?" Kaylee looked to Ron, even more anxious at Hermione's confusing behaviour, but Ron just shrugged and helped her get up. Hermione was still a little unsteady on her feet, but she refused the arm Ron offered her, deciding instead to slowly make her way over to Bill and the group of Aurors deep in some discussion.
"Will she be okay?" Kaylee asked turning her attention on Ron.
"I'll talk to her later on, see what's wrong", Ron assured her and Kaylee nodded in reply making her way over to Hermione and Bill who were discussing the scenario that had just occurred.
"Shaklebolt, it was good of you to come!" Kaylee smiled standing next to Hermione and Ron.
"We couldn't have come at a better time by the looks of it" Shaklebolt replied examining Kaylee closely. Ron turned his attention on her as well and wondered why he hadn't seen the long deep gash running across her right cheek, or for the matter that she was standing at an awkward position, leaning slightly to the left, as if her right side had been injured.
"Just a little bruised and sore, nothing I'll recover from. Did you manage to track any of the Blood Kindred?"
"No, they Disapparated too fast, we didn't even have time to put a tracker charm on them", another Auror with raven black hair replied.
A burly male Healer made his way over to their group holding his hand out which stopped all conversation as the three Aurors, Ron and Hermione turned their attention on him.
"I'm Healer Hubert Gideon and I think you should all get checked up. Now I don't want any protests from you Aurors, injured Aurors won't be able to catch the Blood Kindred. Go and sit yourselves down on the beds and I'll get to everyone of you!" He had a commanding and authoritative voice and presence, that none of the Aurors decided to protest against so they all crossed the room and made their way over to the empty beds. Hermione was about to protest, when the Healer took one good look at her and gently led her to the bed next to them, pushing her back until she sat down.
"You don't look too good at all. What happened to you?" Healer Gideon asked, fixing her with a piercing gaze, which Hermione matched and returned. "I just got hit by a few curses, I'm fine!"
Ron walked over next to the bed and looked worried at Hermione.
"Young man, what happened to her?" the Healer turned his attention on Ron, who gazed quickly at Hermione and then back at the Healer.
"She was hit by the Crucatius Curse among with a number of other ones and when I got to her she seemed in a pretty bad shape", Ron replied diverting his gaze from the glare that Hermione was giving him.
"Alright, Miss", Healer Gideon spoke up, pulling out his wand and lighting the tip of it with a simple Lumos charm. "I want you to look into the light". He examined her eyes and performed another light charm on her, all the while muttering quietly under his breath. He held out his left hand, waved lightly with his right and conjured up a beaker containing a lilac potion which he held out for Hermione to take.
"I want you to take this potion and sit here for a few minutes. The potion will calm your nerves and ease the pain and stiffness in your muscles. I'm going to go deal with the Aurors and I don't want you to move from the spot!" Healer Gideon warned lightly, setting his gaze on her until Hermione took the beaker and nodded her head. She began sipping the sickly sweet potion as the Healer crossed the room to deal with the Aurors.
It took quite a few more hours until the Healers were satisfied that everyone was reasonably cured, and while some promised to return for a further check-up, most ran out of the ward as soon as they could possibly manage. The Weasleys, it had been decided, were quickly escorted by some of the best Aurors back to the Burrow for their own safety, as they had no idea who the Blood Kindred had planned to attack. Ginny protested fiercely at having to be removed, and she actually put up quite a fight, until Molly Weasley grew quite angry at the young woman, and she let herself be taken by the Aurors back to her University dormitory in a sullen mood. Shaklebolt and Kaylee had also agreed upon placing Harry under armed guard at all times, since he seemed the most likely target and two Aurors were left behind to make sure he was in no more danger.
Hermione and Ron were meant to be escorted home, but Hermione was determined not to be excluded from things and appealed to Kaylee's better side, who let them come back to the Ministry. Ron of course came along too, he was still far too worried about Hermione to let her out of his sight, and he argued he had just as much right to be involved. It was for this reason, that Ron, Hermione and Kaylee were all sitting around Kaylee's desk in the Auror department of the Ministry of Magic, discussing what had happened that morning.
"The fact remains, no matter what way we look at it, we have no real idea who the attack was planned for. All we do know, is that is was well executed and they must have had good Intel to know we were all going to be there!" Kaylee sighed shaking her head. She picked up a few parchments that were scattered across her table, picking one up and reading its contents. "Everyone we questioned agrees that the attack felt planned. Heck Bill and Charlie even added that there was no doubt it was meant for us!"
"Then what are we missing?" Hermione groaned, dropping her head into her hands, rubbing away at her tired eyes.
"How about we backtrack and start again from the start", Ron yawned, pulling out a blank parchment from underneath the messy pile.
"They knew where we were and at what time, that tells me that they either have a very effective way of gathering information, or they have an insider. Either possibility is quite scary right now!" Kaylee replied. "I don't think there's any point speculating on anything else right now, we know too little of this Shadow King or his group the Blood Kindred. It's probably best if we stick to finding out how they gather information first". Kaylee let out a loud yawn, stopping momentarily to rub her eyes, before she set them to concentrate on the words in front of her.
"I'm sorry you guys, I'm really tired and its getting pretty late", Kaylee added, looking at the miniature wizarding clock perched messily on top of a large bundle of old files on her desk. "It's coming on to midnight. We have been at this for the last ten hours straight!" Kaylee was shocked at this realisation. "Seriously I need to get me a life! It probably doesn't help my boyfriend is in a coma".
"I have to agree with you Kaylee", Ron replied, adding quickly, "with the whole it's being too late, not you needing a life or about Harry!"
"I'm not quite sure I'd rather like to get to work on finding where they get their information. If it's a spy I'd like to rule out the Ministry first off" Hermione said, intent on continuing their investigations.
"Hermione it's late, let it wait until tomorrow when you're wide awake and can concentrate better. You're yawning like the rest of us", Ron replied, turning to face her. He was hoping her firm resolve had crumbled somewhat since that morning, but she was as stubborn as ever.
"Ron's right Hermione. It's far too late. Go home and I can send someone over tomorrow with the employee files. You heard what the Healers said anyway, you and I shouldn't even be working, we have sick leave and I for one am under the impression a day or two of relaxation would do us very well. Don't you agree Ron?"
Ron nodded his head and looked at Hermione. She held his glance for a minute, before nodding her head and replying, "Okay, you're probably right. I don't feel myself anyway". Ron relaxed at that statement, letting out a quiet sigh of relief as he saw the old Hermione returning to him.
They did not stay long after this, making their way to the elevator and saying their goodbyes in the Atrium, before each took their respective way home. Ron and Hermione decided on the slightly messier form of transportation, the Floo Network, as they were both too tired and exhausted to concentrate on Apparition.
Once they landed on the thick rug that lay in front of the fireplace of their shared apartment, it seemed like things were back to normal. Ron was quite surprised at the transformation on Hermione's features as she realised she was home, she seemed more relaxed and even managed a smile. Ron grabbed both of their coats and went to hang them on their usual racks in the hallway, stopping on the way to switch on the light in the kitchen and setting the kettle that was still half full with water, back to the boil. Of all the muggle contraptions that Hermione insisted they have, this was the one he was most used to. Within two minutes the water had boiled and Ron rummaged around in a cupboard looking for two mugs and tea bags. He began the process of making a strong cup of tea, stopping only to add a small shot of Firewhiskey to one cup, before he returned to the living room. He found Hermione curled up on the sofa, a small blanket lying neatly on top of her, while her shoes were neatly lined up next to the coffee table. Ron smiled at Hermione's quirkiness such as insisting to take off her shoes when sitting on the sofa, and he walked over to her, handing her a cup of tea. She scooted over on the sofa to give him some space and readily sipped the hot tea.
She quirked up a delicate eyebrow at Ron and added, "There's alcohol in this tea Ron. In fact it tastes quite like Firewhiskey!"
"I'm surprised you know what Firewhiskey tastes like" Ron grinned.
"Well what can I say, one bad night and you never forget that taste. Especially when you throw it up again", Hermione said sardonically. "Now about the Firewhiskey?"
"You look like you need it and it works just as well as a Sleeping Draught and I know how you love to take them. Just meant to calm your nerves".
Hermione nodded her head. "Alright", she said taking another sip, before setting it down on the coffee table.
"Come here 'Mione", Ron said, holding his arm out so Hermione would cuddle in closer. She obliged and leant her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart.
"This is nice", she murmured into his soft chest, cuddling closer. Ron was absentmindedly stroking her bushy hair with one hand, while holding his mug of tea in the other.
"Are you feeling better from this morning?" Ron queried, momentarily stopping the stroking of her hair, while he waited for an answer.
"Yeah, I'm okay" she replied into his chest.
"You had me worried. I've never seen you react like that. Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" Ron asked. He waited for her answer, but after a minute it never came.
Hermione?" He gently lifted her chin with his fingers to as to look into her eyes and ascertain her feelings. She would not look him readily in the eye, but when she eventually looked up at him, her reply was determined.
"Ron, I'm fine and nothing's wrong. It was nothing". Ron sensed the change that came over her, she had clammed up again, and he had no idea why. He knew from past experience when Hermione didn't want to talk, forcing it out of her would never work and would only result in a nasty fight afterwards. So he tried a different tact.
"You should drink up your tea, it will relax you and should give you a good night's sleep".
Hermione murmured something incoherently into his chest, which Ron could not hear. Hermione shifted in her seat, turning her body and her attention fully on the redhead sitting next to her. With a mischievous smile she jumped him unexpectedly, quickly straddling Ron, both arms against the back of the sofa, trapping Ron in his position. She leant in ever so closely, whispering lightly into his ear, her breath tickling his senses.
"Hello you" she murmured, her words and her breath instigating shivers that ran down Ron's spine as he tingled with this new sensation.
"Hello you too!" he growled, his tenor visibly lower than usual. Hermione decided not to respond, choosing instead to leave a trail of light kisses from his ear around his jawbone that made Ron shudder.
"Stop a minute Hermione", Ron panted slightly placing his hands on her shoulders and lightly pushing her away. He needed to talk to her rationally and he needed distance for that.
"I'm worried about you. Your breakdown this morning and now you're acting like nothing happened to you"; Ron spoke softly, gazing into her hazel eyes. For a moment Ron saw fear and doubt in her eyes, but a second later it vanished to be replaced by a tranquil look that made Ron wonder if he hadn't imagined it.
"Shhhh!" she spoke softly in reply, placing a delicate finger on his lips, gazing serenely into his blue eyes. Ron smiled slightly and relaxed. Hermione didn't seem to be afraid or in pain, he might have just over-reacted and he shouldn't worry without knowing everything. Really he was turning into Hermione! She probably was all right.
Hermione slowly removed her finger from his lips, where they had been delicately tracing the contours of his lips. She leaned in and lightly kissed him, deepening the kiss as Ron readily opened his mouth. The kiss, which had been such a simple and chaste one quickly, turned passionate. Ron wrapped one hand around her back, drawing her closer to him and keeping a firm hold on her body, while the other intertwined themselves in her luxurious wild hair. A deep growl from Ron conveyed his desire and with a surge of energy he stood up, wrapping his second hand around Hermione's legs as her arms flew to his neck, holding on tightly. With a squeal and a giggle Ron carried Hermione to the bedroom, all the while kissing her fervently, somehow miraculously managing to steer and walk at the same time.
The breeze was gently brushing against Hermione's body, lifting her wavy hair and brushing it against her face. The long skirt she was wearing was fluttering in the wind, much like the kite she used to fly when she was a child and the breeze was causing goose bumps to creep up her exposed arms and slight chills to run down her spine. Hermione turned around to face the wind, and saw she was standing at the edge of a large green pasture, much like those she used to play on when she younger. In fact, as she examined the clump of deciduous trees, she had the distinct feeling of having been her before. Above the whooshing of the trees in the breeze, Hermione could hear the trickling sound of a small stream curling around the large moss-covered rocks that sat in the riverbed. She smiled in delight as she recognised her old haunt, where she would play endlessly for hours as a child. She tread ever so lightly towards the riverbed, her bare-feet sensing the dampness of the lush, lengthy grass. Upon approaching the riverbed, she darted in between the thick briars that were growing on the riverbed's edge and jumped lightly onto a moss-covered rock to examine the water. She bent down and cupped her hands, bringing up some crystal clear and icy cold water, taking a sip and delighting in its refreshing taste. She smiled in delight, her senses tingling with a repressed excitement at being back here. She realised she couldn't hear the wind anymore, and Hermione slowly stood up, balancing delicately on the rock in the middle of the stream, looking about her, a frown forming on her face. She could sense the air around her had changed and Hermione was cautious, if not a little curious. She jumped back onto solid ground and walked towards the middle of the pasture. When Hermione turned around, she realised with rising fear that the clump of trees and stream had disappeared into a thick fog that had come out of nowhere. There was electricity in the air that terrified Hermione, and the thick fog was spreading quickly, it's substantial mass giving off an ominous atmosphere. Hermione, perturbed, started backing away slowly at first, but when the fog started advancing menacingly Hermione began backing away quickly. Hermione's breathing accelerated as the fear and adrenaline pumped through her body. She hoisted up her long skirt and ran in the opposite direction, away from the menacing fog. She sprinted as fast as her bare feet could take her, jumping over stones and ditches in her way, her breathing heaving due to a stitch forming in her side, but she ran on. One glimpse behind her told her, the fog had gained in its acceleration. She gulped and ran on, only to stop suddenly.
Standing in front of her was a tall figure dressed in black clothes that seemed to swallow up the light, and Hermione realised it was growing steadily darker. A gold mask that made him look even more fearsome hid his face.
"No, get away", Hermione cried out, backing away slowly. She stumbled on a rock that was behind her, and fell to the ground.
"You cannot get away from me. I will always be here and you cannot get away", the voice of the tall figure was as threatening as his presence. He started advancing on Hermione slowly, laughing a cold and terrifying laugh that made Hermione cry out in fear.
"No, get away from me. Get away from me!"
Hermione jumped up in her bed, her breathing heavy and labouring, sweat trickling down the side of her face. She sat up in her bed, pushing away the covers from her. She was hot and sweating, taking a deep breath and taking in her surroundings.
Ron sat up next to her, and put an arm around her shoulder, asking her, "What's wrong Hermione?"
Hermione slowed down her breathing, taking another deep breath and when she was sufficiently calm, she turned to Ron and smiled at him in the darkness.
"Nothing's wrong Ron, everything's fine". She gave him a light kiss and added, "Let's just go back to sleep". Ron nodded his head and lay back down, letting Hermione snuggle in close to him, and she fell into an uneasy sleep again, listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart.
The next morning found Ron, relaxed and refreshed, sitting at the kitchen countertop, an empty breakfast plate sitting in front of him, while a half empty mug of coffee stood next to it. Ron had been perusing the sports section of the Daily Prophet for the last half hour and at times he would let out a low whistle if he read a surprising score in a Quidditch League match or alternatively cry out in anger which was accompanied by a swearword or two if he read an article that wasn't to his liking.
He was deeply engrossed in an article of a fellow Quidditch player's shock retirement, when the doorbell went off, the low buzzing catching Ron's attention. He jumped off his high stool and padded to the door in his socks and upon opening the door was surprised to see Kaylee standing there.
"Morning Ron", she said a little awkwardly for the two had never really talked or gotten to know each other.
"You too Kaylee", Ron replied opening the door wider. He relaxed a little, quite surprised at how wound up he had become, and smiled at her. "Unusual seeing you here, can I help you with anything?" he added.
Em, yes", Kaylee replied, pulling out some folders from her sling bag. "I've got the folders of the Ministry employees she wanted to look at".
"Well come on in", Ron said stepping aside so Kaylee could enter the apartment. "She's just in the study. I'll show you the way". Kaylee smiled and said her thanks, following Ron down the hall to where he had opened a door to his right. Inside he spotted Hermione sitting in a small, but cosy study which was filled with wooden bookshelves to the ceiling, crammed full with an assortment of old and new books, loose sheets of parchment and old copybooks filled with notes. A sturdy oak table stood against the only wall where a bookshelf was not leaning against, the only wall that had a window, where Hermione sat with her back to the both of them. Her hair had been tied securely to the back of her head using a hair-band and she sat upright on her swivel chair, a multitude of books lying open on the table, while she held up a sheet of filled parchment that she had been reading quietly.
"'Mione", Ron called out, standing at the open doorway, a smile on his face as he watched her work diligently away in her study. Hermione turned her swivel chair around to face him and smiled in return, and upon seeing Kaylee standing rather awkwardly next to Ron, she got up of her chair and walked towards them.
"Hello Kaylee, it's good to see you. How are your shoulders?" she queried, standing next to Kaylee.
"Oh you know, bruised and very sore. How's your head after the attack?" Kaylee enquired, instantly relaxing now that they had gotten into a dialogue.
"It's doing good, they're good Healers at St. Mungo's you know!" Hermione replied laughing slightly.
"Oh I'd know that very well, considering I'm in there every week. Occupational hazard you know. The Healers all know me by name now and I have to say they must get getting quite tired with seeing me come in with broken bones and the weirdest spells put on me!" Kaylee laughed to which Hermione had to laugh in reply.
"Yes, Harry is somewhat like that too, only the man is a little too stubborn to go in for his own good. I daresay the Healers will be wishing to see more of him!" Hermione chuckled.
"I'll take care of that", Kaylee mused, smiling. Her face straightened when she remembered Harry's condition and she looked down at the folders in her hand.
"I'm sorry Kaylee, that was insensitive of me to bring Harry up. I forgot", Hermione muttered, looking abashed.
"Hey it's okay!" Kaylee replied adamantly, raising her eyes to look up at Hermione. "I'd forgotten too. Please don't tread on eggshells around me on that subject. Everyone else does!"
"I won't" Hermione smiled in return. "So do they need me in the Ministry today?"
"Actually no", Kaylee began, knowing full well Hermione won't like the idea of being told to stay at home. "Mr. Hodgkins your boss told me to tell you since I was coming this way anyway, that St. Mungo's had sent him a request asking that you and I and everyone else that got injured at St. Mungo's yesterday stay at home for a few days on sick leave. I was just in the ministry to give you these folders of the Ministry employees you wanted to look at. Just don't tell anyone I took them".
"No problem", Hermione replied grinning at her. "So they told you, you had to take this sick leave too?"
"I got forced to leave the Auror's Headquarters. I'll tell you something Kingsley Shaklebolt might be getting old, but that man still has a lot of strength and power in him!"
"Oh poor you", Hermione laughed. "Well come on into the study and we can start work on this. I wanted your help on figuring out what happened to Harry".
"Well you two seem to be all good. Hermione, I'm going to head in to work, get a few hours of training in, then I'm going to stop by in Diagon Alley visit Fred and George. Do you need anything?" Ron asked, still leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed in front of his chest and a smile on his face. Hermione and Kaylee had just walked into the study and Kaylee was pulling away the messy pile of parchments that were on the old sofa seat in the corner. Hermione turned to Ron and walked up to him, kissing him lightly on the lips.
"Have a good day training and don't let Angelina bully you around too much". She grinned up at him, frowning a little as she thought of what she needed, then added. "I could use new parchments and I've almost run out of black ink to write with".
"I'll get that for you later, 'Mione", Ron replied wrapping his arms around her, "And I'll tell Angelina to lay off. I would ask Fred for help but he would hold it against me for the end of time", Ron laughed satirically at the prospect of asking his older brother to get his girlfriend to lay off him.
"What time will you be home, so I can know when to start on dinner", she asked looking up into Ron's eyes.
"I should be home about four, but not much later than that", he smiled down at her, kissing her nose. Hermione nodded her head and smiled up at him.
"You had better go then", she replied, disengaging herself from his arms and stepping away.
"I'll see you later. Kaylee you're always welcome here and I hope you and Hermione find what you're looking for".
"Bye Ron", Kaylee called out cheerfully, from behind the stack of parchments she had in her hands. Ron nodded his head at her and turned and walked back down the hall. A few minutes later Hermione could hear the distinct click of a door shutting and she turned her attention back on Kaylee, who had made herself comfortable on the sofa seat.
"So where shall we start then?" she asked cheerfully, backing into the study again and closing the door behind her.
A few days later, Ron and Hermione jumped smartly out of a fireplace that were scattered across the wall in the Atrium, brushing the soot and dust off their clothes. Ron rubbed the last soot of Hermione's robes and they walked on towards the golden grilles where the elevator was located, bypassing security when Hermione showed the wizard her ministry identification. They made their way to the elevator and waited for the golden grilles to open as the elevator descended to their level.
"Are you sure you want to come with me. You might find it boring and Kaylee and I could be busy for quite some time", Hermione said, turning to look up at Ron.
"Hermione, don't worry I'll be fine. I wanted to drop by Dad's office anyway and ask him some things and I can run by the British Quidditch League Headquarters", Ron replied, leaning down and giving her a light kiss. Hermione was quite surprised by his public display of affection and looked up at him with wonder on her face. She was about to ask him about his very affectionate kiss, when the grilles opened and a Ministry witch walked out, causing them to split up and move out of her way. They smiled apologetically at the haughty witch and entered the elevator, Hermione pushing the second level button. When the elevator stopped at the second level, they stepped out and made their way to the Aurors Headquarters, where they found Kaylee sitting at her desk, writing up a report of the night before.
"Hello Kaylee", Hermione beamed at her.
"Ron, Hermione, what a surprise to see you here!" Kaylee replied startled, jumping up and bringing two seats to her desk. "Sit down, what can I help you with?"
"We've found something you might be interested in knowing about", Hermione said taking a seat and pulling out the same folders of Ministry employees Kaylee had given to her a few days earlier.
"Well you'd better tell me what you found", Kaylee replied, leaning towards them in her seat.
"Well there's this Ministry employee, he works in the Broom Regulatory Control on Level Six. Called Malachai Kittler. He's got a bit of a shady past that is worth looking into. He was accused of being a Death Eater ten years ago, but was acquitted on shady grounds", Hermione said, pulling out one folder from the pack. "It's a wonder he's still working here! He could be the Ministry spy we're looking for".
"Let me have a look at his record, I can pull up some more information on him. Check his background", Kaylee replied holding a hand out so Hermione would give her the folder, which Hermione diligently done.
At that moment a Ministry official, a woman in her mid thirties with ash blonde hair and purple robes came running into the Auror Headquarters, and when she spotted Kaylee came rushing over to her.
"Miss Griffinstock!" she panted, stopping at Kaylee's desk. "Thank god I finally found you! The Minister of Magic has just been assassinated by the Blood Kindred!"