Disclaimer: Nope, I do not own it.
Chapter Sixteen: The Return of Loved Ones
Ron, Hannah, and Snape continued to walk through the woods until they reached the small village almost ten miles from the castle. By then they were starving and smelled horribly. When they stumbled into town, a nice old lady led them to her house. They were fed, clothed, and given baths. None of them really talked much. They were a bit surprised to find out she was a witch. She had gotten word from one of her house elves, who knew Dobby, that they might end up around here, so she had been on the lookout.
After thanking her many times over they stepped into the floo and reappeared in McGonagall's new office. The three made their way down to the Great Hall, where everyone was congregating for some reason. Upon entering they were a bit shocked by the sight they saw before them.
Fred and George were dueling Ginny and Harry. The four were moving so fast that it was almost impossible to see them. Ron's jaw dropped at seeing his brothers and sister so accomplished and it made him slightly jealous. It didn't last much longer than that, as Ginny stood over them, wand in hand, smirking at her fallen brothers. They had been knocked unconscious with stunners by Ginny. The two had focused their attention on Harry, not realizing where Ginny had moved off too.
"Hannah!" Susan cried, having turned her attention away from the match. Her eyes had gone wide and she was sprinting to her best friend. Students parted as the two girls ran to hug each other.
"Susan!" Hannah said happily as she hugged her friend back tightly.
"I was so worried. I didn't know what happened and Harry told me everything. Just look at you, you look like you haven't eaten in weeks. You're so pale," Susan fretted as she went into big sister mode.
Hannah laughed quietly at her friend. "They didn't give us much food to eat and it's very cold in the cells but I am all in one piece thankfully."
Susan easily clued into what Hannah had meant and hugged her friend tightly. "I'm glad," she said quietly. The two just held each other for a few minutes longer.
"Ron!" Fred, George, Ginny, Hermione, and Harry said as they practically tackled him.
"You're still alive!" Fred said happily.
"All in one piece we see," George said with a smile.
"We were so scared," Ginny told him.
"We didn't want to lose you," Hermione said, tears in her eyes.
"Wouldn't be the same without you mate," Harry told him.
"Sorry to worry all of you."
"I see that you three have made quite a stir, so if we could head to my office?" McGonagall said as she approached the group. The members all nodded their heads and the students released for the remainder of the day. Once in the Headmistress' office Ron, Hannah, and Snape told their stories.
"I suppose Snape, that you should go first?" McGonagall asked.
"That is fine," he said quietly. He looked paler and thinner than usual. Hannah and Ron were the only ones who knew the truth about his relationship. "It happened a few years ago. There was nothing I could really do when Voldemort found out I was a spy, he sent another in my place. I had no way of contacting anyone and telling them it wasn't me. I had pretty much given up all hope that I would escape and yet I have." He didn't really feel up to talking, as he talked about it he missed Bellatrix more and more.
The others, realizing that was all he was going to say, moved on to Hannah. "Well I had been offered to be able to be taught some more advanced magic so I jumped at the opportunity. So that's really how I spent the remainder of my summer. Ron and I were heading down the hall from talking to Dumbledore. As we were getting closer to the Great Hall we were both hit by stunners. The next thing I know I am in a cell, Ron lying unconscious beside me. We were then led into speak with Voldemort." Hannah stopped here, reliving the events that had come next. Susan wrapped her arms around her friend, who hid her face against her shoulder.
"Well you all pretty much know what happened next," Ron said quietly. "After that I hid with Hannah until we could finally escape. That's how we really ended up here."
"As interesting as this is, how exactly did you survive the killing curse?" Hermione asked. "The only known person to is Harry, so what about you?"
Hannah pulled back from her friend, her eyes trained on Ron, who was gazing straight back at her. "We were learning Old Magic and we learned a new spell," Ron started. "It's quite similar to the one that Harry's Mum used to protect Harry only it is slightly altered and doesn't have quite the same effect as hers did. I was protected because of how much the other person loved me."
Comprehension showed in Hermione's, Ginny's and Harry's eyes. "Who would that be?" George asked, confused as ever.
"Me," Hannah said in a low but strong voice.
"You?" Susan, Fred, George, Snape, and even McGonagall asked.
She flushed red, her eyes still focused on Ron's. "Yes me. Ron and I were the only ones studying with Dumbledore over the summer and we got closer then. It was Ron that protected me from the Death Eaters. He used one of the Old Magic spells that kept me from getting abused and raped. If it wasn't for him, I don't know where I would be."
"I wasn't studying with Dumbledore for nothing. I hated him as much as you all did for him wanting us to go against Harry. After Fred and George left I began to get an idea. When Hermione left I decided it was the best option. If Dumbledore needed the ones close to Harry and Ginny it meant that he was afraid that they could actually win without his help or even turn on him. So I wanted to figure out what he was up to. I could then be able to warn them if need be. That's when I met Hannah, so we worked together on it."
"They know something is up Harry, they were going to pretty much kill me to get the information out," Hannah said as she turned to look Harry in the eye.
Harry's eyes got slightly wider. "What did they say?"
"That they knew I was apart of it."
Ginny had her eyes narrowed as she looked between the two. Her suspicions grew when she felt Harry close the link between them. Fred and George sat up straighter as they caught on the conversation that was taking place.
"Fred, George?" Harry asked quietly. The two boys nodded and the three of them left the room not a second later.
When Ginny turned to look at Hannah, she could see an apology within the girl's eyes, something she hadn't expected to see. Hannah shook her head to Ginny's silent question and turned back to look at Professor McGonagall. Ginny slouched in her seat, realizing that she would never know anything about what Harry had planned.
"I believe that is enough information for the night, if you would all return to your rooms."
The remaining students and Snape got to their feet, heading out of the room and in their own directions.
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Harry, Fred, and George entered Anna's office. Sirius was lounging on the couch; Anna curled up next to him as they watched the small TV. in the office. They looked up as the three entered.
"What's wrong?" Anna asked.
"He knows, well he doesn't know exactly but he has a vague idea." Harry said annoyed. "They know that there was a meeting and that Hannah was apart of it. I am not sure how many people they know were there but it's risky now. The rest of the members need some sort of protection."
"I am sure there is something we can work out," Sirius said seriously.
"We will have to, we can't lose the rest," Fred said.
"That's true, we need everyone's help on this," George agreed.
"There is a lot we have to do then," Anna said. "We will still have to do the meetings but I doubt that they will be able to discover the spell we are going to use. As long as he doesn't know the spell he will not be able to learn the counter spell."
"Then we can only hope that things will work out for the best," Fred said solemnly. "I think I will spend the rest of the day with my girlfriend."
"I agree, " George said as he left the room.
"Ginny will be curious but I know she won't ask. I think I will go enjoy her company as well," Harry said as he left the room.
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"What is it Lucius?" Voldemort hissed.
"It is about Potter My Lord."
"What news do you have for me?"
"I have heard that he plans to kill you with a spell that will be using Old Magic."
"What spell?"
"I do not know My Lord. The young man was attacked shortly upon hearing it. Apparently Potter has plans to end this soon."
"He will not succeed. I want his girlfriend, Weasley. Bring her to me."
"I will My Lord."
"Do you have any other news for me?"
"Apparently the young woman has escaped her guards and has taken Snape with her," Lucius said in a weak voice.
Voldemort let out an outraged scream. "Why was I not informed of this sooner?"
"We did not know My Lord. It appeared that she was still in there, but she is gone. They do not know how long she has been gone."
"Bring me those guards," Voldemort snapped in a cold voice. "BELLATRIX!" He said in a loud, commanding voice.
Bella, who had been waiting outside the door, quickly hurried into the room. "Yes My Lord?" She asked as she knelt before him.
"I want you to find Snape. You will remain over him until I say otherwise. I don't care what you have to do but you will keep an eye on him."
"You do not want him Sir?"
"No, not yet. His precious Dumbledore does not run the school anymore and that is pleasing to me. You may be able to discover the whereabouts of where the old man is staying. That is your assignment and I will send word to you if I have other instructions."
"Yes My Lord," she said calmly. As she rose to her feet her husband entered the room. He had been one of the guards stationed to watch over the young girl. She gave him a cold, pleased smile as he passed her. He had been the one who had wanted a new 'toy' for his enjoyment. It made her physically sick to think of what her 'husband' would have done to the poor girl. He hated her because she would never sleep with him and still hadn't to this day. Snape and her had kept their relationship a secret even after she was forced to marry Rodolphus.
She loathed the man, despised him but was pleased to still be able to remain with Snape. Now she could hear his screams and a grin broke out on her face. "To hell with you," she whispered quietly as she headed out of the castle. Her heart was beating faster than normal. The thought of being able to watch over her love had almost made her jump for joy but had remained stationary as Voldemort had continued to talk.
The pain in her heart had been great as she watched Voldemort torture Snape. Her fists had been clenched so tightly that her nails had broken into the palm of her hand, making blood seep out. The rest of the Death Eaters had watched with smug grins as Snape withered in pain. She had to wait two days before she could finally get to him. It was then that she was allowed to cry that night. Snape had refused to tell Voldemort who he had been involved with. No matter how hard he had tried he could not get Snape to reveal the information.
Bella made it to a spot far enough away from the castle and apparated straight to Hogsmeade. With a smug grin she finally removed the glamour spell on her. Her hair was slicker, longer, and a lighter color then it had once been. She grew a few more inches in height and her body filled out in a nicer figure than she had previously had. Her face was void of all the 'battle scars' she had on her face and she was slightly darker then previously. The change in appearance wasn't great but no one would know who she was.
With another wave of her wand her outfit changed to a set of nicer robes. Then she began to head up towards Hogwarts, where she knew Snape was. As she approached the school she saw Hannah and Ron sitting on the front steps. They were talking quietly, their heads hung slightly.
They looked up as she approached. "Who are you?" Ron asked confused. He doesn't have very good manners? Bella thought to herself.
"Bella?" Hannah asked, her eyes squinted slightly.
"You're the only one who has ever figured it out, congratulations," Bella said with a smile.
"It was your necklace that gave you away. I saw it when we got Snape. What are you doing here?"
"I'm on assignment to watch over Snape. They have just now discovered that you were missing."
"They should have figured it out sooner. The spell wasn't supposed to last that long," Ron said confused.
"Well it did. My 'husband' is being punished for it. He was one of your guards."
"Which one?" Hannah asked, her curiosity getting the best of her.
"The black haired one. Kind of chunky."
"Ew! That one was the one who kept trying to attack me," Hannah shuddered as she thought about it.
"He won't ever hurt you, I promise," Ron said as he wrapped his arms around her. Hannah practically melted into his embrace, feeling the warmth his arms provided her. "You know Ginny may know a spell that might remove that mark from your arm."
"Really?" Bella tried not to act as hopeful as she felt but she couldn't help it.
"Yes, her and Hermione have been doing their best to find a way to get them off. I believe they may have come across something or are at least close."
"Thank you."
"You know you aren't as bad as I would have imagined. I remember you from the Ministry battle. You were fighting Sirius."
"I was, I had to. How is my cousin doing anyway?"
"Alive and well I'm afraid," Sirius said from the doorway.
Bella jumped and took a few steps back. "S-Sirius," she said quietly.
"I see you are back to your normal self again. What are you doing here?" He asked in a cold voice.
"I am here to watch over Snape, Voldemort's orders."
"Still working for that nutcase."
"I can't get out. As long as I still have this mark and am married to that idiot I have no choice."
"I see. Your sister doesn't seem to have that problem. It was your choice to join his ranks."
"No it wasn't," Bella snapped so fiercely that it surprised Sirius. "I would never join that…that…thing! I was forced into his services," she ground out.
"You married him," Sirius replied casually.
"It was an arranged marriage. I do not love him, I don't like him, and yet I am stuck with him."
"Would you like a divorce? I am the head of the family you know, I let your sister free."
Bella looked at him, shock visible on her face. "Y-You would do that?" She asked quietly.
"If Ron and Hannah like you then I suppose you weren't as bad as I believe you were. I would, however, suggest that you speak with Harry. He is, after all, the one who will kill Voldemort and rid the world of that slime. If Harry approves of you then I will let the divorce become final. You will never have to go back to him."
Bella stood, shell shocked, at all of this. It just didn't seem possible that he would actually forgive her. After all that she had done.
"Harry will want to see into your mind to make sure you are safe or Ginny will. Ginny is the backbone of the work, she keeps us all going, mainly Harry. She approved of Malfoy."
"I need to apologize to my sister and nephew."
"Damn right you do," Sirius said instantly. "After what you did to them they deserve an apology."
"Then I will speak with my sister first. I owe her the biggest apology. Then Draco and Pansy, who was hurt the worst from all of this. Do you know about Andromeda or Tonks?"
"Tonks is staying at the Manor and Andromeda lives in Muggle London with her husband."
"Thank you," Bella said quietly. She hadn't seen much of her younger sister and it was hard on her without contact with Andromeda. Her and Narcissa had little time to talk to each other as well. As the oldest sister she felt it was her right to protect them but had failed miserably in her attempts to watch over them.
"I suggest you go speak with our Captains," Ron said quietly.
Bella nodded her head and made her way into the castle. It was pretty late at night by now, so most of the students were already asleep. As she made her way to where she knew Harry and Ginny slept, she couldn't help but feel slightly worried about what was going to happen. She knocked quietly on the door. It took a few moments before the door opened to reveal the young red head.
Ginny's brown eyes took her in at once and her stance became guarded but open none the less. Her eyes surveyed the older woman as she would a book she was contemplating reading or not. They are right, she is the backbone of this. Bella was slightly jealous that a girl at such a young age could hold herself like she was Queen and pretty much gain the respect she deserved.
"Yes?" She asked in a calm, collected voice.
"I've come to speak to you and Harry about the possibility of freeing me," she said in a shaky voice as she revealed the Dark Mark on her arm. Ginny looked at her, tilting her head to the side.
Ginny was wary of the older woman but she at least give the woman a chance. As the war continued on she came to find that most of the pure bloods were more or less forced into the service of the Dark Lord. It made it difficult to know whether they should be forgiven for their sins or not. Harry thought it would be better for everyone to at least be given the chance. The more allies they had, the less blood would be spent during the war. While she agreed with this she was a little more cautious then her boyfriend was.
Unlike Harry, she knew what it was like to be within Voldemort's head, even if it was a younger version of the same person. It worried her that all of this could be a trick but she would at least give this woman a chance. She was, after all, Tonk's aunt as well as Draco's and both had proved to be formidable allies.
"Come in, but I am afraid Harry will not be attending this meeting. He needs to get some rest and I don't want him straining himself too much."
Bella nodded her head and entered the room. It was homey and slightly messy. Ginny sat down in one of the arm chairs, her stance even sitting exhumed confidence that she had never seen in a child before. It unnerved Bella but she took her seat despite this. If she showed weakness the girl would never so much as give her a chance.
"Now, what brings you all the way out here?" Ginny asked calmly.
"I want to be free of Voldemort and my husband. I hate where I am."
"Alright but I will have to check you out. I want to be sure that this isn't a trick."
Bella nodded her head. "I will do it."
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A/N: Well, you all had to wait a horrible two days. It must have been horrible for you all huh? I just said horrible twice, ok now three times haha I have GOT to extent my vocabulary a bit more. I suppose I might update a bit faster or I might not but here it is. So One chap done for my fourth and final story. Then I can get to work on some new stories that i have been dying to do. Well I am thinking of doing a competiton for you all and whoever wins gets the rest of the story in advance, as in the remaining chapters AND whatever chapters I have done of the fourth. Soooooooooooo I want to see who can do this the best. Now here it is, rules and deadline.
Challenge:
I just want a short scene written about Fred and George's Potion class.
Rules:
1) It can't exceed over ten pages. 2) Has to have something explode and get all over Hermione. 3) It can be humourous, completly stupid, I don't really care its just for fun.
Also whoever gets picked I get to insert the scene into my story. This goes out to anyone who wants to write it. It doesn't matter if you post on fanfic or ne where else its just for the heck of it. Deadline is on the...8th? That should give you enough time to get it done. I will only do ONE update in between this one and the deadline of the stories. So you all have till the 8th, when I will make my decision. I don't play favorites. Remember this is just for fun and its a chance for one of you to get to read the whole thing before the rest of the readers. Just submit them to me through my email account which is devilsstar007 So Wish you all the best of luck and I hope you have enjoyed my story thus far.
Your loving writer,
Seritha
