Driven by Challenges

Lady Countryrose

Ch. 17

Hermione felt Sirius sitting next to her, after classes were done. Only to feel a nudge. She knew that he was trying to get her to talk for a while. Ever since lunch, she had been leery of those around her.

"Kitten," she heard him whisper. "What's going on? You have been quiet since lunch. Did something happen between you and Yaxley's sister?"

Hermione shook her head. "No, but I am going to need to sneak away soon." She turned to him with a meaningful look in her eyes.

"Do you need someone to go with you," he asked softly.

Hermione shook her head. "No, but watch what you say around Peter."

Sirius nodded his head. Just as she noticed, Peter Pettigrew had gotten up and slipped out of the Gryffindor Common Room. With a couple of spells that she threw on herself. She was equally invisible and soundproof. Then she hurried off to follow Pettigrew.

It had taken her a couple of quick made her way after him. But managed to follow him down into the dungeons. Where Peter was dragged into the shadows by a mysterious hand, before her. Only to find, not just Avery. But also a few other Slytherins and a Ravenclaw.

Hermione saw that it was Evan Rosier that was holding the meeting. With Lucius Malfoy next to him.

"We have word from the Knights of Walpurgis that our lord wants to talk to the Dumbledore girls. But they haven't been caught by themselves, Pettigrew, why is that," asked Rosier.

Peter stuttered, "I…don't know. Sirius wouldn't leave Hermione alone, and Remus is equally protective of Lyra."

'Well, he isn't lying. Those two have been very protective since we got here.'

Malfoy glared at Peter. "Next weekend is Hogsmeade weekend. Our esteemed lord will be coming. Find a way to stir your Gryffindor friends away from them. Or you can find your mother dead, just like your father."

Hermione wanted to attack Lucius Malfoy. She had no idea that the Death Eaters had killed Peter's father. Then have his own mother under the order of death. Just so they could have a spy.

'Where is Peter's mother?'

"Please," quivered Peter. "I'll…find a way. But leave my mother alone. She has done nothing!"

Rosier crossed his arms over his chest. "Only to have a spineless son."

The group then decided to beat Peter Pettigrew for good measure. Then they had left to go on their ways. Once they were gone. Hermione canceled all her spells and kneeled next to Peter.

"Peter," she called softly. "I could have helped you."

He groaned, "Not even the Headmaster could help, Dumbledore." He could barely open his eyes. "The bad part is the pain I had caused my mother. By not stopping them from killing my Dad, this last summer."

Hermione shook her head. "You're just a student, Peter. There was hardly anything you could do."

He pushed himself up, giving her a sad smile. "So, now you know…"

Hermione helped him onto his feet. "I will fight them," she growled out. "I will fight them all."

Peter sighed, "There is nothing to stop Him. He is an immortal."

Hermione laughed darkly. "No, he isn't, and I know how to destroy him. I will not tell you how, since you're compromised."

Peter nodded his head. "Yeah, I can't be trusted right now."

Hermione had managed to get him to the Hospital Wing. After she had placed him on the bed. She sent out a patronus for getting the Headmaster to get to the Hospital Wing. As soon as she had gotten Madam Promfry to look over Peter. Headmaster Dumbledore came into the room.

"What's going on, my dear?"

Hermione had taken a deep breath. She told him everything that she had found out. Along with those that hit Peter.

"My," he gasped. "He has managed to get into the school, has he?! Not only that but use fear in the worst way imaginable."

Madam Promfry sighed, "He is going to need to stay here for a couple of days. You could try to get Mrs. Pettigrew to come."

Albus Dumbledore nodded his head. "I think I can." He turned to Hermione with a smile. "I think Alastair Moody can be the man for the job." He winked at her and then left the wing.

Madam Promfry huffed, "That man has his way, when it comes to power."

"You have no idea," stated Hermione. Before she left to head back to the Gryffindor Common Room. Everyone had nearly jumped at her, when she walked into the Tower.

"What happened," asked Lily.

Hermione had taken a deep breath. "Found out something that I didn't know from my time. The Death Eaters had killed Peter's father. They had threatened to do the same with his mother. If Lyra and I don't meet up with Voldemort on the Hogsmeade weekend."

"What," growled the three teenage boys in anger. "So, he has turned," stated James harshly.

Lily gaped, "But, he was doing this for his mother."

James turned to her with sorrow. "How do we know that she is still alive. They may have already killed her, while he was in school. They don't just keep someone alive and hope that aurors hadn't heard about it. Why do you think they slip away so often? They don't leave survivors alive for long."

Hermione nodded her head. "Sadly that's true."

Lyra sighed, "Sounds like we need to move up on a few things. We're going to have to talk to grandfather."

Hermione couldn't help but agree. "Yeah. Luckily, this is Friday."

The group then decided to make it to the Great Hall. Where they tried to enjoy some dinner.