Author's Note: Hi folks, sorry it took so long to update, R/L got a bit overwhelming. Big thank you to Erin for betaing this chapter! Thank you so much for everyone who reviewed, your thoughts and comments mean the world to me. There will be the teeniest bit of a crossover over the next few chapter with Labyrinth.

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all it's characters belong to J K Rowling. The Goblin King and the Labyrinth belong to The Jim Henson company and Lucasfilm LTD. Not mine!

WARNING: Minor character death in this chapter, a bit gory. Self harm also addressed.

Chapter Eleven – Truth and Consequences.

"Hello Severus…"

His heart seemed to skip a beat as he realized the implications of the visit. He drew his wand and tried to sense if there were any others present. Well, it didn't seem as though his guest was here to ambush him. He relaxed his stance and his eyes narrowed in confusion.

"Why are you here?" He asked steadily.

Hermione smiled and then drew her wand and placed it on the table in front of her.

"You're a very difficult man to track down Severus Snape, but I finally found your home address in the old record books at the school. I'm here to let you know that I am to be your contact with the order and bring you up to date on a few things."

"I see, and when did you find out I was still a spy?" He didn't look her in the eye then, and his too carefully blank expression clearly showed how hard he was trying not to show any emotions.

"I knew from the beginning. When I first heard the news that Dumbledore was dead, I admit, I did wonder if you were guilty, wondered if I could be so wrong about you. But even as those doubts formed in my mind, I knew you couldn't possibly have done it. It is not who you are." Her words were strong with conviction.

He sat across from her and then looked up, his face was completely unguarded. Hermione caught her breath, again she found that time had once again been suspended. She was looking right into his soul. She could feel the wealth of pain and grief and most of all thanks that she had believed in him. Compassion welled in her heart, comfort reached out to sooth his soul, and she willed him to feel what her heart was telling.

"Thank you Hermione. You don't know how important it is to hear you say that."

Their eyes held each other. I believe in you, I always will she thought. Severus rewarded her with a rare smile.

"And the rest of the Order?" He asked quietly, almost afraid of what her answer might be.

"Only Narcissa, Luna and I know and I'm certain that Dumbledore bound Cissa from speaking about it to anyone else. Dumbledore sent the sent me a letter and a box with some memories. He has trusted me with giving out information as I find it necessary and suggested that I talk to Remus."

"You trusted Miss Lovegood with this information?" His voice surprisingly held no condemnation.

"Not exactly, she guessed. She is frighteningly perceptive, I didn't see the point in lying to her, and she's been a great help to me. I do trust Remus, but I wonder if I told him that he might let it slip to Harry. I don't want to take the chance of exposing you." She answered truthfully. No lies will I tell him, she thought decisively.

"A wise decision, but if it comes to it you will need him on your side. He is very influential in the order, and you may find that he will suspect where the information you are bringing is coming from. Now fill me in quickly on the news, you must leave soon, it is not safe for you here." He seemed reluctant to have her go, but his tone was urgent; he didn't want to risk her being found here in his company.

"I know, but I was careful. No one saw me arrive, I apparated directly here, didn't turn on any lights, and I've been waiting for hours; but, I must get back soon before I'm missed."

I'd stay here forever if I could, I don't want to loose you, she thought sadly.

They talked for half an hour. Hermione explained about the move into Headquarters that the search for the Horcruxes had only turned up the locket they had found it Kreacher's old nest. It had already been deactivated. R.A.B had been discovered as Sirius's brother. They were still looking for leads on the other missing items, but so far all of their leads had brought them to dead ends. She told them of the planned trip to Godric's Hollow and the hope that it might turn something up and he informed her of the next planned attacks, and the trouble in Lancashire, which she hadn't known of.

Then she realized she could hold off no longer, there was one more thing he must know of.

"There is something that Dumbledore did not tell you, but before I say anything is it certain that the unbreakable vow has been fulfilled?"

"Yes, I felt it lift when I killed him." He looked away again, sorrow and anger lingering in his words.

"I think he may not be dead," she said quietly.

Silence descended on the room like a blanket. She watched his face, trying to discern the emotions flooding across his features.

She winced in sympathy, as the implications of such an occurrence finally seemed to sink in.

"What do you mean?" He finally choked out. Unsure of whether anger or shock caused this she tried to be as impartial as possible as she relayed the information.

"He left me a letter. The potion he drank that night to get to the fake Horcrux was one that may have killed him but kept his mind and soul inside his body. If it worked before the Avada hit him, then he's lying in that tomb, dead, but not dead."

He stood, trying to pace, he always paced when he was agitated or had a particularly difficult problem to solve. She admired the grace and elegance of his movements as his lithe body stalked the living room. His brow was creased and he muttered under his breath as he ran long fingers through his hair, almost as though he could physically pull the answers from his mind. She saw the thin line of his lips, as he seemed to find an answer. One she could tell he did not like at all.

"The Draught of Living Death… or more precisely a variation on it. That is the only way it might have been possible. If there were some way of bringing him back then I'd have try and find sample of the potion in order to create a counter potion. Damn it! He could never do anything in straightforward manner, dead but not dead, and top it all off he fell off the tower. Even if we're able to counteract the potion, the minute we did so he would die from his injuries. I'll have to think on it some more." His voice was quiet and calm. She could tell how much he was holding back. He wanted to explode, to kill something probably.

There were times, she thought sourly, when a 'how to handle the prophesied love of your live, who happens to be a death eater and spy with a legendary temper and murderous inclinations' Guide, would be a distinct advantage. As it were, the thought of anyone handling Severus Snape was laughable; however, in this case she was going to have to try.

"Couldn't we heal the injuries before using the counter potion?" She asked him.

"No, think about it, Draught of Living Death, what are the side affects?"

Hermione thought for a moment and her face fell.

"It's a stasis spell, nothing can be processed by the body, so any healing potions or salves we administered would be rendered ineffective by the stasis field. We'd have to find a way to treat all his injuries in the first minutes after he wakes. And the longer he's dead, the less effective healing magic will be because the potion itself will have built up an unnatural resistance to magical healing."

"Exactly… however, we have time. Do you think that you could get a hold of the fake locket? There might be some residual of the potion still on it."

"I'll see what I can do, but Harry's been hanging onto it like some sort of morbid talisman. I really don't know how to get through to him, but something has to, after all in the end it's going to be up to him." Hermione sighed in exasperation. Harry's mood had become more and more isolationist in the past few weeks. He blamed himself in some way for Dumbledore Sirius's death, but there was nothing that seemed to penetrate the high wall of calm determination surrounding him. Even Ginny had been unable to snap him out of it, if fact it was Ginny that he avoided most.

"The boy has been coddled; he is still too headstrong for my piece of mind. Perhaps someone else might pull him out of it. I think Miss Lovegood, might prove to be helpful in that regard. She always struck me as being quite level headed." He said thoughtfully to her.

"You, know," she said equally thoughtfully, "I think you might be right. I'll get Luna to have a chat with him soon. I had better get going, if you need to contact me use this."

She handed him a silver pocket watch. Popping open the back there were numerals inscribed in the casing.

"When you want to set up a meeting or I want to see you, it will heat up, I have a corresponding item. Use the protean charm to change the serial number into the date and time. It's also a portkey, hold the watch in your hand and use the password, 'tempus fugit', it will bring you to the cottage my mother left me in Devon. I think we will be safe from detection there. Oh I almost forgot, when Lucius contacts you bring him to me immediately, use the portkey and take him there until I can get him to Grimmauld Place."

"Very well, I think all these arrangements are satisfactory." He nodded, pride creeping into his heart at how she was managing to keep on top of the information and responsibility she had to bare.

Readying to leave, Hermione and Severus walked to the back hall where she would apparate. Hermione looked up at him, tears forming in her eyes. She had known the moment she had saw him tonight that the question Luna had asked her about loving him was definitely a yes. At the time she felt she had answered automatically as she had been caught off guard by her friend, but as she stood here with him now, her heart was making quite clear just how much she had grown to love him without even realizing it.

She loved him for his bravery, for his mind, and for the way he tried to do the right thing even when it hurt him; she even loved him for trying to push her away. She didn't want to leave him here alone. He stared at her intensely and a small smile formed on his lips. The distance between them seemed to shrink as each leaned towards the other. Without warning she was in his arms, clutching him tightly. His arms wrapped around her holding her close. He tucked her head under his chin and stroked her back soothingly. She burrowed her face into his chest, inhaling his scent deeply. Parchment, ink and cut grass assailed her senses, she felt so safe here with him holding her. She never wanted this to end. Crying softly, she felt him brush the tears from her eyes.

"Oh Severus, I have missed you so much. I can't bare the thought of you in such danger."

"Hush, I will survive, after all there is still a prophecy to fulfil." He said almost questioningly.

She smiled at him through her tears, confirming that she knew of it.

Cupping her face gently in his strong hands he soothed her.

"We will be together, trust in that." He stopped for a moment and then seemed to make a decision. Brushing her hair from her face he drew her even closer and softly kissed her lips.

This was their first proper kiss. The last two were done for different reasons. Here and now it was only for each other. She sighed with joy as his lips touched hers, waves of pleasure washing over her. Their magic seemed to spark around them and she felt a rush as the power of her magic connected with his; it was as though they both were now whole. The kiss was about need and desire but most of all it was about love. His lips were gentle, seeking her response.

With a smile she opened her mouth, deepening the kiss further. Twining her hands round his neck, she finally had the opportunity to do something she had wondered about for a long time. Slowly as heat built in the pit of her stomach she ran her fingers through his hair. He seemed to growl low under his breath at that and she did it again, the noises he made sending shivers down her back. His arms came around her tightly, fitting her body to his; she moaned into the kiss as she felt his desire for her pressed against her hip. Their kiss turned desperate, each hungrily longing for more. She pressed herself more firmly against him needing to be part of him; she just wanted to melt into him and never stop. She could feel the heat of his body through their robes and nearly purred in contentment at the warmth that seemed to seep into her very bones. When they broke apart, each breathing heavily, she felt as though her heart was being ripped in two.

For what seemed like an eternity they looked into each other's eyes, there was no need for words between them, all their emotions had been communicated to each other in their mind.

"I love you", they had both spoken the only important words left to say at the same time.

Stepping back from him, she gave him a weak smile before disappearing with a crack.

Severus stood staring at the place she had been only moments ago, marvelling at the changes in her in only the last few months. She was no longer a schoolgirl, she was a woman, one who had dealt with more horror and responsibility than some twice her age and she was doing it with grace dignity and with rapier sharp intelligence. There was no denying that she was his match in every way. She was the light to his dark, a mind that equalled his, and most of all the capacity to love, as he could not. A perfect balance.

The kitchen at Grimmauld place was warm and inviting, the flames danced happily in the hearth and Molly bustled about readying dinner for everyone. She was thinking about Hermione again, just as she had been for the last few weeks. Bill and Fleur had been married two days ago and now they had all moved back to the headquarters. The only time she had seen Hermione had been at the wedding and that had not been the right time to bring the whole thing up. Before that Hermione had been with Harry and Ron at Harry's aunt and uncle's house. She knew it was only a matter of time before they ran into each other and she understood that Hermione would probably want to wait until she was ready to speak with her. Patience was not one of Molly's strong points, however she respected her niece's right to have the time to adjust and wanted desperately to comfort the girl, and all this must have been a shock to her too. What she wondered the most though was what Hermione thought of her? She hoped Hermione would come to her soon.

"Molly?" Molly's head snapped round then, Narcissa had just entered the kitchen. To be honest with herself, Molly didn't really know how to think of her former enemy's wife. She was tall and slim with long blonde hair; the very picture of elegance and beauty. In short Narcissa Malfoy was everything she was not. At first she had thought she would hate the idea of living in the same house as her, but after she had arrived yesterday she had been surprised that the other woman had been so … well nice was the only word she could think of to describe it. Surprisingly the house had been clean and in order, waiting for everyone's arrival. It was strange to realize that Narcissa and Draco had cleaned the place themselves, since Kreacher was no longer around.

"Sorry, dear, I was just day dreaming. Can I help you with anything?" She asked.

"No, I was just wondering if you required any assistance. Cooking for everyone can't be easy, I wanted to help." Narcissa replied with a wry smile.

"Heavens no, it's fine, you sit yourself down. I'm used to cooking for a full house." She said trying to keep the scepticism out of her voice. However she obviously hadn't quite managed it. Narcissa's expression was pinched and she let a little sigh of irritation out.

"Honestly Mrs. Weasley, I do know how to cook and I'm not beneath cutting some vegetables or peeling potatoes, so what needs done?" She asked impatiently.

"Well, I suppose I could use some help. Could you shell the peas please?"

"Certainly." Narcissa collected the peas, a bowl of water and a conjured a bag to hold the shells. Seating herself she delicately snapped peas with precision and competence. Molly's brows rose in surprise and the other woman offered her a small smug smile.

This was how Hermione found them when she entered the kitchen. She stood in the doorway, nervousness warring with amusement. Was there nothing Narcissa Malfoy could do without looking like she had just walked out of a magazine cover?

Narcissa saw her first and smiled, genuinely pleased to see her.

"Hello Hermione how was your day?" She asked, the subtext being did you find him?

"It was good, thank you Cissa" she replied, he's fine, made contact.

Hermione then turned to Molly, still a little uncertain of what to say to her aunt. She had been putting this off for a while now and she felt rotten about it. Molly had always been kind to her. She deserved to know the truth, but Hermione was afraid that Molly might expect too much from her. Although she was managing to cope with all the responsibility Dumbledore had thrust upon her, the last thing she could deal with right now was someone else's emotional fall out. She still hadn't been able to come to terms with her parents' deaths, even being back here now reminded her of the first picture she had seen of her mother and father, and Moody's story of how they had died. She felt tears threatening to fall and looked away from Molly's concerned expression.

"Hello Aunt Molly." She said quietly, her voice almost breaking from the strain.

Molly promptly burst into tears and then rushed to pull Hermione into a hug.

Before she had realized what was happening Hermione was also in tears. How long the two held each other crying they weren't sure. Eventually their tears turned to hiccupping sobs and Molly released Hermione from the strangle hold she had held her in. Sitting down at the table Narcissa gave them each a cup of tea and then took over what Molly had been cooking.

"Oh Hermione dear, you have no idea how happy I was to find out about you. I want you to know I think of you as family if you ever need us, any of us, we'll always be there for you." Molly said clutching her niece's hand.

"Thank you Aunt Molly, I think of you as family too. Have you told anyone else yet?"

"Not yet, I thought I would wait until you were ready."

"Thank you, but I guess they had better know sooner rather than later."

"We can tell them tonight then, after the meeting."

Hermione agreed and then the two talked and listened to each other as both told about their lives and memories.

Narcissa smiled sadly at them, glad that even in the horror of Voldemort's terror people could find each other and be happy. She only wished her own life might have such an ending. Lucius was still missing and Draco, Draco was not well at all. He had not left his room in days and she didn't know how to get through to him. She had never been allowed to be the mother she had wanted to be for him and now she wondered if it was too late.

Ginny was pissed off. In fact the seething rage and anger boiling in her veins was just about to hit danger levels. She'd accepted it when Harry asked her to stop seeing him. She had understood his reasons and been mature about it, but he was being a complete and utter wanker; there was no other word she could think of to describe it better. He didn't speak to her, didn't look at her and avoided her at all costs. Sure he was going through a lot, but this was ridiculous. She didn't expect them to be together as boy and girl friend but she had thought he would still be there for her, it seemed she was wrong.

To top it all off, she had no one to talk to about it. Hermione kept disappearing on errands and her mother was too stressed with everything that was going on. Then of course there was the fact that Draco Malfoy was in the room next to her. True she hadn't seen hide nor hair of him since arriving the day before but she knew he was in the room across the hall from her. Although she was loath to admit it to herself she was curious about him. He had stood ready to kill Dumbledore and then couldn't go through with it. What did that say about him? Was he a coward who couldn't kill? Or was he struggling with some sort of moral dilemma on top of the tower? Was he one of the good guys? Or one of the bad? It seemed her questions were endless.

"Ginny!" Her mother was shouting on her.

"Yes mum?" She shouted back from the top of the stairs.

"Dinner's ready."

"Ok, I'll be right down." She called back. She stared at Draco's door wondering if she should tell him.

"Draco?" She knocked on the door. No answer. Maybe he was sleeping. Huffing with annoyance she decided to leave him. He could always eat later.

Rhiannon held her head high; her long red hair was braided down her back, reaching almost to the back of her knees. Her green eyes flashed with dislike at Karithal. They had been in meeting now for weeks, trying to come to a decision about their prisoner and his request.

"We are wasting time here. We must make a decision soon."

"I know that Rhiannon, but still the question of this mortal's loyalty lies in question. We can't possibly become entangled with this without knowing what we're getting into. The warning was clear in the call. We must unite and help them, or our existence here falls into danger."

"I know, taking sides should be easy though, but we may not be able to trust this mortal man. The call said that 'battle would decide, in who to confide'. I may have an idea as to how this helps us." Rhiannon told him, an idea lighting her face.

"How pray tell do you suggest we do that my Lady?" Karithal asked sourly. It would be insane to ask the mortal to battle one of his people or even one of hers. It would be kinder simply to kill the wizard.

"The Labyrinth." Silence met this answer. But a small smile of amusement wound its way across the Vampire's features.

"It would all be decided within thirteen hours, but would Jareth agree to this?"

"For a price perhaps." Rhiannon answered thoughtfully.

"What price do you think he will ask?"

"Jareth has always been bound by a set of rules governing his interaction with the mortal realm. He was bound more deeply than the rest because he was… darker. I think he might be willing to let the mortal run the maze if we loosen those bonds."

"Very well, should the Goblin King agree, the Wizard known as Lucius Malfoy will run the Labyrinth."

Hermione sighed as she made herself comfortable in the overstuffed couch in the sitting room of Grimmauld place. Every bone in her body seemed to ache. It was unbelievable how much had transpired in the last few weeks. Everyone had a job to do and was doing their best to carry it out. Now she had some information to give to the order about Voldemort. How to give it to them without arousing suspicion was going to be the hardest thing to do. Although Dumbledore had informed her that she could trust Remus, she was still wary, after all he disliked Snape as much as everyone else. The main cause of her worry though was his constant worry and discussions with Harry; it would not be inconceivable that he might let it slip to Harry that Snape was still with the order. Apart from the fact that Voldemort might pick this up from his mind, Harry himself would be unlikely to believe it and would no doubt go off half cocked to kill Snape. It was hard enough getting him to stay in the same house as Narcissa and Draco.

Thankfully Draco had yet to come out of his room since they had arrived. Apart from a few glares in the direction of Narcissa things had started out smoothly, all things considered. That is if you ignored the gapping hole in Harry and Ginny's relationship, and the complete disorganization and the number of secrets and lies that were swirling madly around them all. However, it seemed that she had a war to plan without the help that she really needed.

Shaking her head in exasperation she reached for a quill and parchment. When in doubt, write lists, she thought sourly.

Lupin- Strong Points- werewolf contact, defence instructor, loyal, intelligent.

Weaknesses- werewolf too laid back, follower (not leader), tries too hard.

Looking at his list, she did a few mental calculations then noted that he would have to get more information for them soon. Perhaps it would be a good idea for him to hold some sort of classes every day for a few hours in defence.

Minerva- Strong points- Headmistress, determination, holds the Order money. Frighteningly good at transfiguration.

Weaknesses- emotionally involved, can't shield her mind, acts first thinks later.

Hmm, she'd have to talk with Minerva about the money side of things, find out about gaining new allies and support. She made a note to ask Minerva about defensive transfiguration. Perhaps it would be a good idea to try and give her Occlumency lessons.

Harry- Strong Points- The Boy who lived, very strong magic, improviser, good at thinking on his feet.

Weaknesses- Ginny, Snape, easily provoked, even now when he tries not to be that way. Still linked to Voldemort.

Making more notes beside Harry's name she suggested that he needed to concentrate on spells and focus on not letting his anger get the better of him. It was imperative that he learn Occlumency; as long as the link with Voldemort was there, every plan was risked.

Ron, Strong points- strategist,

Weaknesses- hot headed, arrogant, holds a grudge.

Hermione sighed and put down her quill, she just couldn't concentrate on this right now. Her mind felt as though it were full of cutlery, every piece clashing with the other and hardly any room to move. Thoughts did that some times, overwhelmed you top the point where you ceased to be able to function. Right now she wanted nothing more than some hot chocolate and a warm blanket and absolutely nothing more strenuous to think about than what to have for breakfast. She rested her head on the back of the sofa and tiredly wiped her stinging eyes. A few minutes rest than she would get back to work she thought as she descended into the darkness of sleep.

Harry, Ron, Ginny and Remus were left at the table while Molly bustled about cleaning up. The rest of the Order would arrive in an hour for the meeting.

Ginny lifted her eyes to look at Harry. For a moment he looked back at her, tentatively she smiled at him and for a moment she thought he might smile back. Then all his shields came down shutting her out. His eyes glazed for a moment as though he couldn't see her and turned back to Ron. She scowled furiously at him. Really this was it! If he wanted to lose her forever he was going about it the right way. Maybe she would find someone else to love her, but it was doubtful he would even be jealous. Thinking of Draco, she grabbed some bread and cold ham to put on a plate and left the kitchen.

She stood staring at the white door again. She knocked on the door and waited hoping for a response.

"Draco?" She knocked a little harder this time. Ginny frowned wondering what to do. It wouldn't hurt to leave the food in his room, she thought reluctantly. Turning the handle of the door, she stepped into the room and into a hell from her worst nightmares.

Her breath caught in her throat as she surveyed the scene in front of her. Draco lay half naked on the bed. His pale skin was paler than she had ever seen it before. Long lines of blood and scars ran over his whole torso, four were fresh and had from what she could tell, bled more than he had probably expected. The knife in his hand made it perfectly clear to her what this was about. He's been cutting himself, repeatedly from what she could see of the many scars that ran across his painfully white skin. Fighting the urge to shout for help, she closed the door behind her and cast a Lumos spell to light the candles.

She set he plate down on the dresser and crossed to examine Draco more closely. Willing her wand hand to stop shaking, she whispered healing spells pouring as much of her magic as she could into them. As the wounds slowly healed she ran one finger lightly over the scars that were left in their place. To be on the safe side she cast a blood replenishing charm that would replace small amounts of blood lost. He had maybe lost a pint from the way the sheets looked. Casting a stinging scourgify, the sheets and Draco both were clean again. Thankful of the time she had spent with Madam Pomfrey last year she checked his life signs to ensure she didn't need to call for further assistance and then sat by his bed, waiting for him to wake up.

She understood the reasons he might have for taking such extreme steps, understood the self destructive emptiness that insisted payment in blood and flesh for just a small feeling that yes, your life was your own, that you could control it, that events and other people didn't have the hold over you that they did; the need to feel something other than guilt and rage and despair every time you were left to your own thoughts and the need to reach out for something real and tangible when everything else seems lost and your own soul forgotten.

She understood the rush of adrenalin and power you could feel when a blade took that first sharp bite into your own soft mortal flesh, the reality of pain that you could trust to be real and to know it was your own choice to feel it, that it was solely your own actions that caused it.

Yes she knew what it was like to look into the abyss and feel it looking back at you and dive into it with full knowledge that nothing would ever be the same again.

Right now and in this moment she knew that nothing would be the same again. Although Draco didn't know it yet, he and Ginny now shared a connection deeper than he would have dreamed. Ginny Weasley was a determined and stubborn young woman and she now knew exactly what sort of person Draco was. He was just like her, frightened and confused and dreading what his life had become. Silently she welcomed this moment; it gave her purpose and focus. She would throw her whole self into this now. She would pull Draco kicking and screaming out of the abyss whether he liked it or not and she would do it without sacrificing the last remaining thing he had left, his pride. Watch out Draco love, I'm coming to get you, she thought silently.

Lucius straightened his robes and brushed an imaginary speck of dust from them. A few hours ago he had been hauled from his cell and given fresh clothes and his wand back. He'd been told that Karithal and Rhiannon had decided to see him but that he had to clean himself up first. If nothing else, the past six months spent in the rat hole of a dungeon had taught him when to hold his tongue. Biting back on his animosity for the sneering vampire guards he had done as requested.

Loath though he was to admit it, he had been thankful to at last be free from his prison. It seemed to take forever to wash the dirt and filth and blood from his body and hair. Vanity it seemed would always hold him in its clutches. As shallow as it was, Lucius had always prized his looks and especially his hair. More than one woman would kill to have it and the rest would kill to run their fingers through it. Refusing to hack off the length of ice blond hair, which had become grey and matted with knots to the point where any sane person would have cut it, he had laboured for an hour washing and rewashing it until it gleamed in the candle light. Satisfied with it he had finished his bath and dried himself off.

There was a mirror in the corner of the room and he walked in all his naked glory towards it, almost reluctant to see his reflection in the mirror. Dropping the towel and critically praising his reflection he sighed with resignation. His face was much thinner than it had been before, the planes and angles sharper, his eyes seemed bigger and haunted by what he had endured. His arms and shoulders where thin and skeletal like the rest of his body, the skin white grey where there were no scars. His torso was a patchwork of art that he thought only his sister in law Bella could rival. The muscles in his arms and legs had atrophied and he wondered if he would ever walk as straight and proud as he had before. He hadn't been able to stretch in months kept in the crouched position his shackles had allowed. However he had forced his body to obey him and painfully pulled himself up to his full height. The screaming agony of protest from unused muscles from his curved spine could not bend him back. Shedding no tears for his body's lost beauty he had dressed and awaited his audience.

Steeling his resolve he ignored the pain and with increasing difficulty walked from the room to meet the leaders of the Fae and Vampire. It was time to face the music and see if he could get out of here alive and hopefully with help.

Rhiannon watched the wizard as he entered the room. Hundreds of years of practice had ensured that no flicker of emotion was ever present in her face when she wanted it. But the sight of the man before her shook her deeply. Lucius Malfoy, a mortal wizard with the beauty of the fae. His looks reminded her of her grandson. The grey eyes and ice blond hair, there could be no mistaking the very apparent fae blood that must run through his veins.

Karithal stood and held his arms out requesting silence. The two courts faced one another silent in their joint respect for their leaders.

"State your business with us mortal." Karithal dictated imperiously.

Lucius surveyed the Vampire before him. He was tall, but heavily built. Dark hair and eyes that seemed as soulless pools coolly appraised him in return. Dredging up every memory of his etiquette lessons with his great aunt, Lucius ordered his aching muscles to complete a courtly bow, bending from the waist, head kept low. Keeping as still as possible he waited, wondering if they might be tempted just to cleave his exposed neck and take his head from his body rather than suffer his presence among them.

Rhiannon, Queen of the fae spoke to him.

"You may rise mortal, and speak freely in our presence." She intoned almost kindly Lucius thought.

"Lord, Lady, I come on an errand of peace from Albus Dumbledore. He sends greetings and wishes of prosperity for the mighty Clan of Half Moon house. He sends wishes for truth and beauty to Rhiannon Queen of the fae. I represent the light, I walk in the shadows, and I see through the darkness and bring news of great evil.

The Lord Voldemort has risen once more and brings terror and destruction to all mortal and immortal creatures. We beg for your help in freeing the bound magic of our kind. We beg that you will release those of us who carry your blood. I brought message crystals for each of you, but I no longer possess them."

"We have viewed these crystals; we agree to unbind the magic of your kind that is connected to ours. Is that all you ask of us?

"It was all I was instructed to ask of you, but I would risk myself to speak freely here."

"Speak then and we shall decide upon you request."

"I do not believe that we can hope to defeat Voldemort on our own. He has called powerful allies to his sides. He has the Giants on his side, Banshees, Ghouls, Dementors, Inferi; the list is endless. He builds a veritable army of creatures that one wizard or witch alone could not face and win unless they were very powerful. If we are to win this war we need help from the older races. So I ask, the Umbra Iuguolo and the Tuath de Dannan, give as aid; help us now in our time of need. That is my request."

Rhiannon and Karithal shared a look and a nod was exchanged.

The Queen of the Fae stood tall and then spoke words no witch or wizard would ever repeat.

"I wish the Goblin King would come here right now"

Lucius felt the blood chill in his veins. The Goblin King was a name that was never spoken out loud by any witch or wizard. They knew the danger and the reality of his task. Call his name and he will hear it, never wish anything from the Goblin King and never, never wish your child away, no matter how trying or difficult they can be never wish your child away, for he will get them and keep them in the underground forever; While you battle the Labyrinth to get them back in vain. For a moment he wondered just what he was getting himself into.

The Goblin King Jareth appeared before them, lounging on top of the high table. He smiled sardonically at Rhiannon, crystal spheres spinning in his hand.

"My my, what a gathering my Queen. To what do I owe this dubious pleasure?"

Rhiannon's breath hitched in her throat as her eyes met his. The mismatched colours disorientating her for a moment.

"We have a proposition for you Jareth." Steel forming in her tone. "We want this wizard to run the Labyrinth, in return we will unbind you for the thirteen hours he has within the Underground."

Jareth's eyes flashed with surprise. A sly and frightening smile gracing his lips.

"Done!" He cried.

The world seemed to fade around Lucius at this and then he saw the Labyrinth spread out before him. A maze of danger and terror, waiting his run.

"You have thirteen hours to prove yourself. Make it through the Labyrinth and the fae and vampires will give you aid. Fail and you will never return." The Goblin King told him before disappearing with a crack.

Cursing every god he could think of, Lucius make his way into the Labyrinth.

Seven red heads sat in the sitting room, looking at Molly in stunned surprise. Arthur was the first on his feet pulling Hermione into a bear hug.

"Welcome to the family Hermione! I'm so glad that we've found you." He told her sincerely.

En-mass the Weasley family hugged and joked with their new cousin. Overwhelmed with emotion, Hermione cried and laughed trying to keep track of the voices and comments, but she looked in vain for one particular red head. She caught a glimpse of the door as it swung shut. Sighing she tried to hold back the tears of hurt that welled in her eyes.

Molly seeing her distress put a comforting arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry about it dear, he'll come round. Just give him time."

Nodding, she only hoped that Molly was right.

Luna clutched the portkey tightly and stumbled a little as she landed at the bottom of the path. Her Aunt Julie had just sent her home and she was looking forward to seeing her father again. She missed him a lot when they were apart. Ever since her mother's death they had become closer than she thought possible. He tried hard to be both mother and father to her. He was her whole world.

The sun was just setting behind the house and she smiled dreamily at the picture. Their cottage was thatched and had a very medieval feel to it. Honeysuckle and briar roses twined themselves over the walls of the house turning it into a living entity. The smell of the flowers and of cut grass and warm sunlight rose from the garden around her. Humming away to herself she made her way up the path stopping to gather poesy of flowers for the kitchen table.

Reaching the front door she stopped, a sense of dread rushed over her skin, it felt as though someone was dancing on her grave. Trying to quell the underlying panic from the sensation she placed her hand on the door handle and pushed down. An eerie quit seemed to envelope her then. A silence that permeated the home they shared here. Her hand clutched and crushed the delicate stems of the flowers she held. She knew even as she stepped over the thresh-hold that there was something very wrong, the whole house felt alien and unfamiliar to her. The grandfather clock stuck the hour hollowly; the noise seemed to be devoured by the empty silence.

Luna felt her eyes start to sting, a lump wedged itself in her throat, painfully reducing her ability to breath, but she didn't stop, didn't turn and run, didn't scream or wail or cry. She simply stood in the kitchen doorway, unable to tear her gaze from the mutilated remains of her father.

His silver framed glasses lay broken and smashed at her feet. His arm hung limply from the kitchen table, the soft wet sound of blood dripping from his fingers seemed to lodge itself in her mind, a sound she thought would live an eternity in her mind. He had been stripped to the waist, and gutted. Bile tried to force its way to her throat but the hard lump of grief and pain stopped her from being sick. A tangy smell of blood, urine and faeces lay heavy in the air, and still it hadn't been enough for them she thought faintly, trying to detach from the harsh and brutal reality in front of her. The gleaming ivory of his ribs lay exposed where his chest had been cracked and wrenched open, the pink tissue of his lungs bubbling with blood. The empty cavity where his heart had beat with life and love seemed to burn its image into her soul.

Luna fell to her knees unmindful of the pool of blood she was sitting in. She stared with fascination and disbelief at the heart sitting in the cats bowl.

"No…no… no it's not meant to be this way, you weren't meant to leave me too." She whispered brokenly. Tears burned a path down her cheeks filling her eyes so she could hardly see. She laid the crushed flowers by the bowl and got unsteadily to her feet.

"Good bye Daddy, I love you…"

TBC

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