Scars of the Future
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, both Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Theywere created by the amazing minds of J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien.
A/N: This fic was not created by myself alone. It was done inscript format over Instant Messenger by myself and Animagus-Spirit. This fic and most of the events in it are her brilliant ideas, I have just taken the task to write it. Therefore, this fic is dedicated to her. I would also like to thank my beta, Inwe Telemnar. You guys are the greatest!
I decided that since I promised to post this chapter within 5 days after posting the18 and didn't (Computer trouble, I'm really sorry guys) that'd I'd give you a double update. Besides, this chapter's pretty short. And here's the big surprise: Chapters 21 and 22 will also be posted at the same time! Getting close to the end now...eep! Anywho, thanks to all who reviewed. Happy Double Update January 23rd Day! Consider it an early Valentines Day gift.
Chapter 19: Voldemort's Decree and Frodo's Discovery
Frodo gazed up into the menacing, scarlet eyes of his enemy, and then bowed his head.
"I am truly sorry, My Lord. If it had been possible, I would have returned to you immediately."
Voldemort flicked his wand and the chair slid across the floor and spun around. Voldemort lowered himself into it.
"You are a fortunate favorite of mine, Baggins. Explain, and if your answer satisfies me I will not punish you."
Frodo moved into a kneeling position, being careful to make himself inferior to Voldemort. "When we were underneath the cemetery, you ordered me to retrieve Harry and bring him to you. I made to do so but was interrupted by several members of the Order. They prevented me from doing so and though I refused, tried to drag me away before the tunnel caved in. I managed to slip away, but something hit my head and I fell unconscious. When I came to a dog was digging us out of the rubble, and I assume he dragged me back to the Order's Headquarters."
"Who were the Order members that infiltrated the tunnels?"
Frodo had hoped he wouldn't ask that question, but as it was he had no choice. "Remus Lupin, Ronald Weasly, Hermione Granger, Aragorn son of Arathorn, my cousins, and Sirius Black."
Voldemort laughed. The sound caused shivers to run down Frodo's spine. "Sirius Black? Sirius Black is dead! I have a metamorphmagus locked away for the very purpose of impersonating him for my own uses!"
Frodo shook his head. "I beg your pardon, My Lord, but he lives. He was killed, yes, but he lives and breathes as if he had never died."
Voldemort looked surprised and angry. "Tell me, Frodo, how did this happen?"
"Ethereal beings were said to have given him a second chance."
"Very well. Continue."
"It took me awhile to recover once I was back at their Headquarters. While there I tried to gain any information I could, but I'm afraid I have none other than what I have just told you. A meeting was held to determine the next course of action, and they sent me as a spy."
"How did they locate this place," Voldemort asked.
"I'm afraid I don't know, My Lord. They refused to tell me anything. I believe perhaps you may have a traitor in your midst."
Voldemort seemed to consider what Frodo had said. "Your tale is believable enough, but Frodo, is there anything you wish to tell me?"
Voldemort's eyes seemed to bore into Frodo's and read his mind. He knew he had to think of something quick. "Wait, I do remember something," he said. "Before I left, I was walking down one of the corridors when I passed Harry Potter's room. He was speaking with Weasly and Granger. Harry and I have become close, and I believe he intends to follow me here."
Voldemort sneered. "You are sure of this?"
"Positive. He will most likely arrive within the week when he has a chance to slip away. I'm sure he has learned of this location." Frodo prayed that no harm would come to Harry on his behalf, and swore to prevent it in any way possible.
Voldemort's sneer dripped in malice. "Well done, Baggins, you have served me well. I give you leave to do as you wish until I summon you. I must make my plans."
Frodo stood and bowed. "As you wish, Master. My life for you." He walked backwards out of the room, closing the door behind him. He didn't let out his breath until he was at the bottom of the spiral staircase, where he sagged against the wall, amazed at how simple it had been.
He knew he had to contact Sirius, but first needed to find a private place to do so. Remembering the tunnels he had entered through, he began retracting the steps Nott and Goyle had taken. Though he lost himself amongst the labyrinth several times, Frodo eventually found his way. He unlocked the cellar door from the inside and stepped through. The dank tunnels were lit with torches that hung on the walls. He found his way to the fork and upon instinct took the left. It had more turns than the main tunnels, and rose and fell more than a few times, but he soon found himself in another hallway lined with prison cells identical to those that had been under the cemetery. It surprised Frodo that no guard was on duty, but didn't see any prisoners, either.
He walked along the empty cells until he came to the end. In the far cell, huddled in the corner, was the form of a young woman. Frodo gasped as it occurred to him who she was.
The bars of the enclosure were not made to contain children or hobbits, and he easily slipped through and walked over to her. He reached out a hand and touched her arm. The woman lifted her head and gazed at him with bleary eyes. Frodo took note of her condition. She was thin—too thin—pale, and had dark circles beneath her grey eyes. Her mossy brown hair was slick with grease.
"W-what?" she said, voice raspy from lack of water and disuse.
"Are you Nymphadora Tonks?" Frodo whispered.
She smiled feebly. "Just Tonks…you look familiar."
He nodded. "You've seen me before, but this isn't the time for explanations. Do you know where you are?"
"Somewhere…Voldemort…"
"Good," he said, smiling in reassurance. "A plan is being put into motion right now to stop him and to free you. Can you hold on a little longer?"
"Yeah, I think I could do that."
Remembering the water flask he carried, Frodo took it from his shoulder and held it out to her. "Here, drink."
Tonks took the flask and drank from it in small sips. "Who are you?" she asked him.
"Frodo Baggins, at your service and your family's," he said, bowing.
"People call me Tonks."
Frodo frowned; concerned that she didn't appear to remember having just told him that. He noticed for the first time that heat seemed to radiate from her skin. He wanted to give her his cloak, but new it would be fatal if any Death Eater saw her wearing it. Instead, Frodo removed the star-shaped pendant from around his neck and placed it in her hand and closed her fingers around it.
"This will give you strength," he said. "But don't let anyone see it."
She nodded. "You're not leaving, are you?"
"I'm afraid I must, I have to report to the Order and I can't be found. I will return if I can. Don't worry; it won't be long until you're out of here."
He kissed her hand, took the now empty water flask, and slid out between the bars. He walked back the way he came and found a small inlet in the wall. He ducked into it and pulled out the two-way mirror. Looking into its surface, he said, "Sirius."
Fog swirled across the surface and then Sirius's face appeared, looking anxious. "Frodo!" he said. "It's about time; we've all been sitting here waiting since you left. Are you alright?"
Frodo nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. Did Gandalf and Sam return without trouble?"
"Yeah, there were no problems. Sam and your cousins have worked themselves up quite a bit worrying about you though. How went the confrontation with Voldemort?"
"It was almost too simple. Voldemort did not harm me, and he accepted my tale without many questions." Frodo quickly recounted all that had occurred in Voldemort's tower.
There was a pause while Sirius turned to speak with the others presumably gathered in the room. He turned back to Frodo. "I don't like it, and neither does anyone else. Even with that quick thinking you came up with about Harry—which I wish you hadn't done, though it was necessary—it seems unrealistically easy. Keep your guard up, I don't like it at all."
"I agree. Sirius, there's one more thing I must tell you, Tonks is here. Voldemort has her locked in his prison hold."
"How is she?"
"Weak and more than half starved. I spoke with her and gave her some water, but there wasn't much else I could do. Her condition is grave. We have to act quickly to finish the task and free her from this place," Frodo said.
"I agree. Your cousins will be arriving this afternoon, and the rest of us tonight. Be ready, Frodo."
"I will. Give the others my blessings."
"Take care," said Sirius, and his face vanished. Frodo stood and tucked the mirror back into his pocket, then walked out into the hallway. He made his way back to the house and after a few wrong turns located the kitchen. There wasn't much by way of a meal, but he ate a slice of cheese and some bread. He considered taking some to Tonks, but worried that if the main tunnels were being watched he would be seen going to the same place repeatedly. The last thing Frodo needed was to draw attention to himself.
Having eaten, the hobbit wandered aimlessly through the Riddle House, accustoming himself to the passageways. He soon was able to find his way without trouble from the cellar door, to the kitchen, and to the spiral staircase without trouble. He figured knowing at least that much would help the Order greatly in the end.
He was retracing his steps to the cellar door when he heard voices ahead of him. Thinking fast, he ducked behind an umbrella stand.
A group of Death Eaters strode by, one of which Frodo recognized as Avery. They were snickering in something like a gruesome delight and seemed very pleased with themselves. Frodo peered at them suspiciously and then gasped.
Being carried among the group, bound and gagged, were Merry and Pippin.
TBC!
