The Blue Spark
"What's wrong? You have this odd look..." Sirius asked.
"You know, it always bothered me; I never understood why they had to hide Hermione as a Malfoy. It somehow made sense when they tried to hide the fact that she was the daughter of Lucius and Bellatrix." she used her wand to cast a spell which Harry identified as Muffeliato. "But, Narcissa could have easily said that it was her own child. We would have believed her and she could have kept Hermione to herself. However, she decided to give the baby away to muggles! That kept puzzling me until today when I looked into Harry's head."
Dumbledore stiffened. He waited for her, hoping she wouldn't utter the truth.
"I want you to know that Harry knows, so don't overreact, please." she said with a warning glare.
"Hermione, was the child of Bellatrix. However, she wasn't of neither Lucius nor Rodolphus. I have always suspected Bellatrix's marriage is nothing but a sham. Today I am sure that's the case. Rodolphus married her only for one purpose: To hide the fact that she was Voldemort's lover. There is only one reason for not hurting Hermione when they invaded the Ministry. Hermione is Voldemort's daughter."
Lupin covered his face while Sirius simply stated at her in shock.
"That is exactly what Harry told me days ago." said Dumbledore.
"So why did we get Lucius as her father when we did the heritage test?" Lucinda asked. Sirius nodded understanding what had happened.
"I see. Narcissa didn't have access to Rodolphus. She couldn't fake him as the father." Sirius reasoned. "So she took some blood from Lucius and used it to give Hermione some of his features. Then they took her to muggles and fed her a potion to make her similar to the new parents. They knew it wouldn't last, of course. They must have been really desperate to cover her heritage twice. That's why they focused on the Malfoy identity. Of course the Malfoy identity would be enough for us. We would believe it."
"Then when the time came, they sent Hermione a hair that would say she is the daughter of Rodolphus. Now it makes sense." Lucinda said.
"Are we telling others?" Lupin asked.
"No, I doubt that would be wise." Sirius said. "Molly cannot take it."
He suddenly burst into laughter.
"What?" Lucinda asked. Then she started laughing, too.
"I think Sirius has found his ideal wife." Remus said smiling at them.
"Care to share?" Harry asked. Lucinda didn't answer. She simply sent a picture to his head. Harry saw Hermione as a bride, smiling brightly at him. Next to him was Voldemort with a goofy smile. The image was hilariously comical.
Harry couldn't help laughing.
"I think they finally snapped." Lupin said, confused by their mad laughter.
"No… Huh … we're not crazy." said Lucinda. "Sirius just imagined this funny image of Voldemort and Hermione at the isle."
Dumbledore was amused by the idea. Remus, on the other hand, was horrified.
"I really don't want that in my head." he said as he shook his head.
*H*L*
It took Hermione an hour to calm down. Saying that her relationship with Bellatrix was complicated would be an understatement. Hermione hated Bellatrix as a person yet she couldn't stop that tiny bulb of happiness whenever she saw her mother.
She knew Bellatrix cared about her in her own way.
"Look who is here." said Rodolphus Lestrange. "Did you have a fight with your mother. She has got quite a temper, I tell you."
"She is not happy just like me"
"Huh… She's never happy. Your mother is hardly pleased with anything. She always demands perfection, and never enjoys what she has." Rodolphus sat next to her. "Let me give you a piece of advice as your godfather and someone who has spent many years with your mother; She is never going to be satisfied with what you do, so do whatever you want to do. That's how I operate."
"How come you are okay with me being the illegitimate son of Lucius and Bellatrix? You should hate me." Hermione asked Rodolphus.
"Well, you might be right, but I don't. I cannot hate you, Hermione, because I allowed you to be born. I knew you were not mine and I was okay with it. I didn't love Bellatrix much as a woman but as a person. Perhaps one day you might understand what I'm talking about." Rodolphus explained. "Also things are a bit different in magical families. Some forms of relationships that are frowned upon in muggle world are practiced in our society. Mr. Goyle for example had two wives. That's not unacceptable in our society. It's uncommon though."
"Miss Granger, I see that Rodo has kept you busy." said Voldemort behind them.
"My Lord." said Rodolphus and bowed.
"Come with me, Miss Granger."
Voldemort took her to an open area. No one was in the vicinity.
"You have a question." Voldemort said.
"I do. Why did you call me Malfoy during dinner, sir?" Hermione said.
"Your brother was there and you were with your family. I simply wanted to acknowledge you into the family." Voldemort explained.
"Then why call me Granger at all?" Hermione said bewildered by Voldemort's behavior.
"We agreed over summer. I asked what name would like to be called and you said Granger. That's what I will call you when it's convenient."
"Why did you change your name?" Hermione asked.
"Do you know what my name was prior to choosing Lord Voldemort?" Voldemort asked calmly.
"Tom Morvolo Riddle." Hermione whispered, unsure what his reaction would be.
"Yesss." Voldemort hissed. "I hated Tom because there were too many Toms. I hated Morvolo because he was my useless grandfather who had left my mother to her own. Riddle was the only part of my name I didn't just hate until I met Riddles. Horrible, spoiled people they were. Riddles saw me as a stain so I treated them like one. I simply whipped them out."
Hermione felt the temperature drop drastically.
"You're lucky Hermione. Your name is one of the most unique names. Daughter of Helen and Menelaus." Voldemort said dreamily.
"It would have been perfect if Harry's name was Leontes." Hermione said forgetting she was talking with Voldemort.
"Leontes and Harry Potter share nothing Hermione." Voldemort said. "Potter despite his rash and impulsive crust is quite the thinker. He would never resort to poisoning someone. He knows much better ways. Also he's not stupid like Leontes. Don't underestimate my arch enemy."
"Are you going to kill him?" Hermione asked.
"At some point. After all, there is a prophecy." Voldemort said.
"Be careful not to end up like Croesus." Hermione warned.
"I have considered that outcome, but my decision is final."
Hermione didn't disagree. She wasn't here to advise the Dark Lord.
"I intend to teach you something useful today that I didn't have the opportunity to teach during summer."
After saying that he closed his eyes and began to float. Hermione looked at him in awe. Voldemort moved up accelerating as he distanced himself from earth. He flew higher and higher until he became a small dot. Hermione had never flown that high on her broom. He descended with incredible speed and hovered twenty meters above ground.
"The key is to understand gravity is an illusion. Gravity is like a fabric keeping you attached to earth. Undo this binding force by imagining weightlessness. Imagine the fabric that held you on Earth is fading."
Hermione tried doing that. No matter how much she forced herself she couldn't float even one millimetre above earth.
"Don't force yourself. Let your magic do things for you. Like when you cast incendio." Voldemort said.
Hermione suddenly understood. It was like Fiendfyre. You didn't have to fight. You had to understand and trust. Hermione opened her hand and fell back. For a second she was afraid her head might hit the ground but it never happened.
"Well done girl. You learn fast. Severus took months."
Hermione smiled and opened her eyes. She was floating two meters above air. She guided her magic to elevate her even more and she stood on the air like there was solid ground. Voldemort looked at her in awe. It was rare that someone could surprise him. "How did you do that?" He asked.
"Can you walk on water?" Hermione asked.
"Not normally." Voldemort said.
"What about ice?"
"Yes of course."
"But they're essentially the same thing."
This time Voldemort understood. He tried to do what Hermione had done. His stance wasn't as firm as Hermione's but he managed to stand without wobbling.
"You're a really smart girl, Miss Granger. I pity those who will one day stand against you."
*H*P*
Ginny hated Fleur Delacour to the core. She despised her and when she heard that she had to spend the night with her she became livid and threw a tantrum.
"Ginny, I thought you liked girls." said Fred mischievously.
"She does. Just not Fleur." George said.
"Is that true, Ginny?" asked Miss Weasley gently.
"Yes, I do prefer them." Ginny admitted boldly.
Mrs. Weasley gave her an uncomfortable smile. "Then maybe you and Harry could sleep in one room."
"Molly, I don't think that's a good idea." said Lucinda who was aware of the situation between Harry, Ginny and Hermione.
"Nonsense. Harry is a good boy and Ginny doesn't like boys." said Molly.
"Much." Harry added quietly next Lucinda. There were times that Ginny had implied her willingness to have fun with Harry.
"Unless you want to have Harry in your room, Lucinda," said Molly innocently.
"I'm not cancelling any plans, Lucinda. If Harry's coming he's welcome to watch." warned Sirius desperately.
Harry wanted to gauge his eyes out upon hearing that.
"If we did that, Hermione would kill us." Lucinda said.
"Please don't." Harry said almost vomiting at the thought.
"Harry, why don't come out with me until they deal with the issue." said Remus helpfully.
When they were out Harry was met with an amazing sight. They were surrounded by an invisible orb shielding the Burrow from cold.
"Sirius and I made it. We thought it might make people happier if they could spend some time outside without freezing to death." Lupin said as he gestured toward a table, offering Harry to sit.
For a moment, Harry could see the separating veil between where they sat and the harsh cold weather vibrate.
"It's an air barrier. We have modified it so we can hear through it. We also added some protection for obvious reasons."
"Are you expecting an attack?" Harry asked.
"I'm sure you remember about the disturbance in wards during summer. Hermione was sure that Death Eaters were assessing our protection measures. We have added some new stuff in case something happens." Remus explained.
"Where have you been lately, Remus. You weren't with Sirius. I didn't get to see you much during summer and you didn't contact me during school year.
"I've been busy Harry. I spend most of my time underground. I mean literally." He sighed sadly. "I've been with my kind, my equals."
"I don't think most of them are your equals." Harry said. "You're much smarter. Dumbledore's request?"
"Yes, he asked. I had no other choice. I'm the only werewolf in the Order."
"You don't have to do this." Harry said with conviction.
"Harry, most of them are on Voldemort's side. It's valuable information we can't afford not having. The thing is, It's so hard to gain their trust. Living with them isn't nice either. Most of them have left society. They have no regard for morality and do practically anything. Stealing and sometimes killing are more common."
"Why are they following Voldemort? What's his offer?" Harry asked.
"They think they'll have a better life. He has Greyback, too. He's hard to be argued with."
"I have heard many bad things about him." Harry said.
"I'm sure you have." He clenched his fist. "You probably know that he specialises in biting young children. He wants to create an army and defeat wizards once and for all." he laughed bitterly. "Voldemort usually uses him as a very persuasive threat. In return Greyback will get a free pass to prey on muggles when Voldemort reigns." his fist tightened. "It was Greyback who bit me."
"When? Were you a child?" Harry asked in horror.
"Yes, I was. He had a problem with my father. He attacked me for revenge. For a long time I didn't know who had attacked me. I thought the wolf had had no control over it. I was wrong. Greyback positions himself very close to his victims to be near enough when he strikes. He cannot be reasoned. That kind of monster works on pure hatred. He believes we should destroy normal people."
"Hear hear Remus. You are normal people. You've got a little problem, that's all." Harry said reassuringly.
Lupin laughed lightly. His fist unclenched.
"I must say, you remind me of your father a lot. He used to call lycanthropy my 'furry little problem'. Some people thought I owned a rabbit or something." Lupin kept laughing, "But now that I think about it, it was Sirius who said it first. James liked it so much that it became his motto."
"Would you two like some eggnog?" asked Sirius who had come out with three cups.
"I would appreciate it." said Lupin.
"Moony, here's one for you." Sirius handed him a cup cheerfully. "Harry, don't let Molly find out I brought you some."
Harry was suddenly reminded of something he had long intended to ask them.
"Do any of you know a Half-Blood Prince?" Harry asked.
"A Half-Blood what?" Lupin asked.
"I think he said Prince. Harry we don't have Princes in magical monarchy anymore. Unless one of the descendants of Queen turns out to be a wizard or witch." said Sirius.
"Is that a title for yourself, Harry?" Lupin asked.
"It's a dope one if you ask me." approved Sirius.
Lupin frowned upon Sirius who shook his shoulders indifferently.
"No, not at all. It's just … I found a Potions book of a student who used to go to Hogwarts. He called himself Half-Blood Prince. He had a series of spells in his book. One of which is Levicorpus. I'm sure you two know why I'm asking you."
Sirius who had been shunned by Harry for quite a while over the Snape debacle understood instantly.
"Harry, your dad was Prongs and nothing more. In addition to that, he hated potions. There's no way he would write anything in a Potions book. His Potions books were thrown out brand new. Whoever this Prince is, he's not your dad." he said with great certainty.
"But the spells were most likely invented while you guys were at school. Have you got any ideas?"
"Not really, Harry. These spells could be forgotten and then resurface after sometime. They might be really old actually." Lupin said.
"Too bad. I used it a lot this year to get some really good ideas for my potion making. I hoped he was someone familiar." Harry said.
"What year was the book published, Harry?" asked Sirius.
"I should check it. It doesn't seem to be very old though. There aren't many differences with the recent text." Harry said.
"I wish you had it here. We could check the handwriting." Lupin said.
"Sorry, had to bring Moriarty's project. It took most of my space so I only have that and my Transfiguration Book."
***hp***
Harry eventually had to sleep with Ginny and Lucinda in one room. Sirius seemed depressed but accepted the sleeping terms.
Harry spent the night reading about Necromancy. It was perhaps the most distasteful material he had ever read. He eventually was too tired to continue, so he hid the book away and slept.
Next morning he woke up with an annoying wet tongue on his face. Fearing the worst he pushed the thing with red fur over. When he came to his senses he realised that the tongue didn't belong to Ginny but a red Yorkshire terrier.
"Oh, it's so sweet. And he likes, Harry." said Ginny.
"God! Sirius… I can't believe he actually did it." Lucinda said happily. "Now I feel guilty for last night." she gave Harry an evil look. "Don't you, Harry?"
"What?... why? … I mean." Harry said nervously.
"Relax Harry. Only you could spend the night with two gorgeous ladies and do nothing naughty." said Ginny giggling at his messed up hair.
"That's not funny, Ginny." Harry stood up.
"Oh you have some presents, too, Harry." Ginny pointed at the smile pile of presents.
"There's one from Kreacher." Harry said.
"Oh yes he was very excited." Lucinda said.
Kreacher had given Harry a nice fury hat.
"It's quite warm." he said happily as he tried it.
"Yes, he made it himself." Lucinda said.
The next present was from Sirius, A book titled 'How to Win Women.'
"Harry, that's from both of us." Lucinda said.
Hermione had sent Harry a card. Then Ginny gave him her gift. A very delicious chocolate bar.
"I had one for Hermione as well." she told him before they left the room.
Everybody had new sweaters but Fleur and James Moriarty who had joined them for breakfast.
"Hello, Harry." he said as he sat next to a very surprised Arthur Weasley.
"What are you doing here, Professor?" Harry asked Moriarty.
"Chasing someone who has been avoiding me recently. He should be here soon, before I empty Molly's kitchen." He responded as he helped himself to a large bacon sandwich.
"Don't worry, Professor. I intended to invite dear Tonks but she has decided to spend Christmas alone. Have you spoken to her recently, Remus?"
"He had not to my knowledge." said Sirius before Lupin could answer himself and then stabbed a potato rather ruthlessly.
Lucinda and Mrs. Weasley gave Remus an annoyed look.
Ron who in the meanwhile was trying to give Fleur some gravy almost spilled it on her before Bill prevented that from happening.
"You're as bad as zat Tonks."
If looks could kill, Mrs. Weasley would have killed Ron and Fleur by now.
Ginny sat next to Harry. "Oh there's a beetle in your hair."
She took the poor thing and threw it out of the window. Harry's face was a dangerous shade of red.
"You know, I think you and Miss Weasley should get a room." Moriarty told Harry, making him blush even more.
"Harry has a girlfriend, Jim," said Arthur.
"Ah yes, I suggest Harry, Hermione and Ginny get a room together. Better, isn't it?" he said quite seriously.
Lucinda and Sirius could hardly hide their amused smiles.
"I just remembered, Remus. Tonks' Patronus, it was an animal that I had not seen before. What is it exactly?" Harry asked.
Remus chewed his turkey a bit and swallowed it. "Well… actually her Patronus has changed …due to"
"emotional turmoil?" Helped Moriarty.
"I suppose..."
"It looked big and had four legs, could it be…"
Mrs. Weasley interrupted Harry by calling her husband.
"Look, it's Percy." she cried excitedly.
Moriarty smirked triumphantly, taking a large bite of his sandwich.
Percy wasn't alone as Harry could see. A man was walking next to him.
"Arthur, He's with Minister!" said Mrs Weasley excitedly.
When Percy entered he said Merry Christmas to his mother rather stiffly. The moment he saw Moriarty his eyes bulged out.
"uhm… Head Director Moriarty. What are you doing here?" he said rather nervously.
"Ah, come in, Percy. You're parents were kind enough to share their food with a lonely man like me. I thought I'd spend some time with Arthur." Moriarty said rather cheerfully.
Rufus Scrimgeour who hadn't seen Moriarty yet entered and froze upon seeing him.
"Oh darn it. The Minister is here, too." Moriarty said mockingly. "We have some unfinished business, Refus, don't we?"
Minister nodded stiffly.
"Come on Harry let's show the Minister the lovely garden Weasley's have."
Percy wanted to follow but Minister asked him to stay in.
Moriarty looked at Scrimgeour unpleasantly as they sat on the chairs.
"You've been avoiding my unspeakables. And here I thought you were more sensible than Cornelius" Moriarty said.
"I've been busy." Scrimgeour said.
"F*ck, you aren't busy. No more than my agents who are dealing with trolls and giants." Moriarty spat in Scrimgeour's face.
"I'm sorry."
"I want full access to all the resources for my department, Rufus. I better have that or help me God, Rufus, because I'll burn you down." Moriarty was so scary that Harry backed off and crouched behind a chair.
"You … h-have m-my word. Your ag- agents have full access f-from tomorrow." Scrimgeour was about to wet his pants.
"Good. Now you may tell Mr Potter whatever you've planned to say." Moriarty sat on a chair and looked at him patiently.
"Harry, you know all about the rumors… that there's a prophecy. That you're the 'chosen one' and all this."
"The prophecy is real, Rufus." Moriarty said. "That's the extent of information you can have."
"Surely, Dumbledore has talked to him."
"I don't know. Fudge had me suspended, remember?"
"Of course, I do. It cost him his job."
"Wait a minute. That's why he was sacked?" Harry asked, not believing his ears.
"Yes, firing him was something he couldn't do, so he did the closest thing. He pushed his luck too far; Wizengamot ruled in Moriarty's favour and sacked Fudge. I've been warned by a number of members that I might have a similar fate if I ever decided to go against him." Minister replied. "Anyway, being the real chosen one isn't important. What people believe is more important."
"I don't really get it, Minister." Harry said blatantly.
"Well to you, it is of massive importance. But from our perspective…"
"Harry, people believe what they want to believe." Moriarty said. "He wants you to help the Ministry to enforce that … uh … belief."
"How?"
"Oh it's simple. Nothing onerous. Come to the Ministry from time to time. Have a chat with Gawin Robarbs…" Minister said.
"And try to refrain from killing him while he bores you to death." Moriarty interjected.
Scrimgeour looked at him sourly and continued, "Look, he's my successor as head of Auror Office. I know you want to become an Auror as Dolores has told me. This could be a great opportunity."
"Rufus, did you have to mention her? She is the most disliked teacher in the history of Hogwarts." said Moriarty. "It's a miracle that she's still working in the Ministry."
"Well we couldn't lay her off, could we? It would be horrible after that tragic incident with centaurs."
"Look I'm sorry…"
"No one will sleep with her, Jim." Scrimgeour said. "No one wants to date her. Her husband left her."
"I get it." Moriarty said. "I was simply telling you that you're not taking the best approach."
Scrimgeour looked at Harry for a minute and then talked.
"We need you, Harry. We've got nothing in our hands. All I have is three useless arrests."
"I know. I think we both agree that Stan Shunpike makes a lousy Death Eater." Harry said.
"Will you do it for us?"
Harry looked at Moriarty. He nodded slightly.
"Very well. But no articles that pry into my private life. And you will let those who have been wrongfully arrested go free." Harry warned.
"Done. Thanks for helping, Harry." Scrimgeor nodded reluctantly.
"You're welcome, sir." Harry shook Minister's hand.
"Well, Minister, I suppose you should be going back to work then. You're so busy after all, and I'm afraid young Percy isn't exactly enjoying his time with family."
"Yes, we probably should not stay any longer." Minister agreed immediately and paced quickly towards burrow.
*H*L*
"Mother," said Hermione as Bellatrix entered her room.
"I've come to say goodbye, Rodo and I have to go and prepare for a something. So I'll be taking you back to Weasleys."
"You cannot…"
"They won't see me. I'll be gone before they know it." she assured Hermione.
Hermione looked into her mother's dark eyes. There was no sign of hatred or mischief. For one tiny moment she seemed like any other mum to Hermione.
"How was your training with the Dark Lord?"
"It was… thrilling. Yet that doesn't make him seem better in my eyes."
Bellatrix chuckled softly, "Oh, deary, I don't think that has ever been his intention. He'd rather seem gruesome and ruthless than soft and brilliant, even though that's who he truly is."
"Is that why you like him so much?" asked Hermione quietly.
"Like? That is an understatement. I adore him, worship him like a god." said her mother.
"Then that's why your fighting for his cause?"
"My cause, too. It was always my cause too create a different world. Don't look at us now. Once we have the power, you will be nagging why we didn't do it earlier."
"I don't think your older sister agrees." said Hermione despite her earlier intentions to be careful with her words.
Bellatrix grimaced, "Well, I suppose I'll quote my dear Uncle Orion, 'Not all are bestowed the wisdom to see what's best for them.' It's very true regarding Andy."
"I talked to his portrait once. He seemed dangerously persuasive." said Hermione.
"My uncle never forced anyone to choose any. He believed that people would see the truth eventually. It was because of him that I met our Lord."
"It was?"
Hermione was shocked.
"He was really… I mean even the Dark Lord respected him. We never could see him be wrong." Bellatrix smiled fondly and then she faced her daughter.
"Why don't I show you? You could see him for yourself."
It felt like a bad idea, but Hermione felt that if would help if she knew how Bellatrix's descent into darkness had begun.
She looked into her mother's eyes and felt a surge of memories and emotions. Her vision was momentarily blurred as the scene in front of her eyes changed.
Now she was in a room with a man behind Sirius's desk.
"So my lovely Bellatrix, how was Hogwarts this year?" he asked her kindly.
"It was good Uncle Orion." she said.
It felt odd because Hermione had said that but at the same she hasn't. It was like a dream on autopilot.
"I'm glad to hear that."
"If only Dumbledore was not the Headmaster."
"Don't worry, Bells," said Orion as he stood, "Hogwarts is where he should be. Where he cannot interfere with our business. Soon you'll be out and won't see much of him anymore."
He walked to the small window of his office.
"Now, today we have a very important guest."
"We do?"
"Yes and you'll like him indeed." said Orion.
There was a pop and a house elf appeared next to Hermione.
"He is here, Master." said a much younger version of Kreacher.
"Excellent, Kreacher, please guide our honorable guest to my office, and don't forget to bring us some fine tea."
Hermione looked at the door as it opened to reveal Lord Voldemort. Her father seemed much younger and dare she say, handsome.
Bellatrix jumped on her feet, so did she.
"It's a pleasure to see you, my Lord." said Bellatrix's frantically, "I'm Bellatrix Black."
Voldemort smiled at her with a charm that Hermione had never seen in her father before.
"Please take a sit, my friend." said Orion Black.
"Lord Black, it's an honor to be invited." said Voldemort as he sat.
It was, of course, all flattery. Voldemort probably needed Orion's money and he didn't have as many followers as today. Bellatrix's whole attention was focused on Voldemort, but Hermione's attention was drawn to Orion Blacks dangerously casual way of conversing with the young Dark Lord. It seemed as if he knew Voldemort well enough. Hermione's heart jumped as Orion called Voldemort Tom.
"Uncle, I'm afraid you might disrespect Lord Voldemort by calling him that dragatory name."
"I'm sorry, Old habits die hard. Forgive me my Lord." said Orion with a friendly smile.
"It's unnecessary, Lord Black." said Voldemort gracefully, "We have known each other for a long time. You helped me find my first job, after all. It is appropriate for you to call me Tom."
"Uh, no, my dear friend. I'm afraid Bellatrix is right. That is a name that I should use only in private. It wouldn't help your image that you've worked hard for."
Voldemort nodded respectfully, "Of course, you know better after all."
Hermione felt cold. Orion Black had been indeed more dangerous than Hermione had perceived him to be.
She could feel Bellatrix's surprise as well. Obviously she hadn't known about the connection of her uncle and future master.
Hermione looked at Voldemort. He seemed oddly fascinated by Orion Black's words. Listening to him as he began explaining how wonderful the future was going to be. And Hermione had to admit that Orion was very convincing. Fortunately, he had died and could no longer aid Voldemort.
"Now, as you know by now, my Lord, my niece is very interested in your work. Why don't I leave you two alone so you could know her a bit better and recruit her if you wish."
Suddenly the scene blurred out of focus and Hermione was back with her mother.
"You didn't allow me to hear your talk with Voldemort." she said.
"That's for another time." said Bellatrix evasively.
Hermione wondered if Bellatrix wanted to tell her the truth. Perhaps she was already trying to tell her.
"I'll go say goodbye to Lucius." said Hermione, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
She then ran out of the room, leaving Bellatrix behind
*H*P*
A day later Hermione's came back. Harry could swear he had seen a glimpse of Bellatrix Lestrange with her before it disappeared.
Hermione, was a bit disturbed when she arrived, but she calmed down after a few hours. When Lucinda was sure she was calm enough she called everybody.
"Attention everyone."
Harry looked at her nervously. Was she going to tell everybody about Hermione's father?
"Now that my niece is here. I want to give you all some good news." Lucinda said. "Sirius and I are getting married this summer. hopefully right after children children come back from Hogwarts, so they can be with us. Please don't go to Egypt or something."
Harry let his breath out sighing in relief.
"Lucinda knows." Harry told Hermione telepathically.
Hermione looked at him worriedly scanning through Harry's thoughts. Not only Lucinda knew, but Sirius and Lupin knew as well.
"Hermione, may I have a talk with you?" Remus said.
"Of course." Hermione walked to him expecting the worst.
"Hermione, Harry says… He said that he found this book…"
"Yeah, the one that belongs to Half-blood Prince? I don't really like it." Hermione said, happy that Remus didn't want to inquire about Voldemort.
"Is it safe?" Remus asked.
"Harry, has promised to be careful after hanging Ron from his ankle. Therefore I would say that depends on Harry."
Hermione nervously played with her wand.
"It's good that you know about it. I just wanted to make sure you know so you could keep an eye on Harry." Remus said.
"Hey what are you talking about?" asked Sirius joining them.
"The Half-blood Prince." Hermione said.
"Oh yeah. I actually wanted to talk about that, too. It seems Remus has beaten me to it. Well, any ideas who he might be?"
"Or she, Sirius. Never exclude the possibility of a female in charge." Hermione said.
"I wouldhave disagreed yesterday, but today I'm not so sure. I was thinking about it this morning and it occurred to me that there is a family called Prince, out there. I'll look in our library and you should try searching through that big library Hogwarts has." Sirius said.
"Well let me know what you find." Hermione said. "I'll do the same."
Hermione was glad no one brought up the issue of her father. She was surprised that Tonks hadn't come. That seemed to be the only thing missing.
Remus left them a day before the New Year. Arthur Weasley had an emergency call and promised to return by new year.
*H*P*
"We're back." announced Fred as he and his brother returned from the village nearby.
"You didn't go to Diagon Alley, did you?" Molly Weasley asked suspiciously.
"As promised, mum." said George.
"Good. It's dangerous to be there this time of year. You-Know-Who might be planning an attack."
"We wouldn't have the heart to go there anyway. Brings a lot of unpleasant memories." George said and Fred nodded in agreement.
"It's getting dark" said Harry. Hermione looked outside nervously.
"I hope nothing bad happens tonight." she said worriedly. "Bellatrix's said she and Rodolphus had to get ready for something."
"Calm down, Hermione," said Sirius. "Half of the order is here. Even if they attack us or anyone else, we can be ready ASAP."
Soon night fell and nothing could be seen outside. All they could hear was the harsh wind hitting the air barrier.
"What's that?" Ginny pointed to a flimsy light suddenly flickering outside.
"The wards are failed again." Sirius said.
"That's impossible." Bill said. "I've used a totally different structure this time. It took days for wards to fail last time.
"They must have done something." Sirius said as he drew his wand, pointing it at the door.
"The wards are gone." Sirius yelled.
The flickering light suddenly grew and then like a huge bulb engulfed the house.
"What is this?" asked Sirius.
"Anti-portkey ward. I'm impressed." said Bill.
The light vanished after a few seconds.
"Is it gone?" Harry asked.
"No." Bill said. "It's stabilised. That's why you can't see it.
"Bombarda." yelled a few voices.
The house shook violently but nothing broke. Even the windows were intact.
"Dumbledore's work. Impressive huh?" Sirius said to Fred and George.
"Do you hear that?" said Fred.
Harry could hear it, too. It was like the sound of bees or wasps.
"Merlin!" Bill said as he saw something like a huge termite on the window.
"I can't believe they're attacking here." Hermione said not believing her eyes.
"Yeah me, too." Lucinda said. "But they are anyway."
*R*B*
In Paris it was getting dark. The streets were filled with people. So many people that it was making Regulus distressed. He was wearing a muggle T-shirt, leather coat and a pair of light blue jeans. On his right stood a significantly older man who was wearing a nice dark grey overcoat with khaki pants and a french hat. On his left stood a middle aged man with a cream overcoat and a short walking stick topped with a blue jewel.
"Do we have to do it now?" asked Regulus.
"The more crowded the better." Dee said. "Now. I hope we all know what to do."
"Yes, we do." said Grindelwald. "I'm too old to fight anyway."
Dee smiled knowingly and moved forward. They were almost there. The nest of Nicolas and Perenelle.
"Don't underestimate Perenelle." Dee said as he cast the invisibility spell in his friends and himself.
He had spent years planning for this very moment. Flamel and his wife were at their weakest today. They had to take the elixir of life today as the moon had the least amount of influence over earth. He knew the stone would be there. This time he had a plan for it.
He was right on time. Nicolas was about to drink the elixir.
"Bonjour, Nicolas." he said as he used his wand to hit the old man in the stomach. Perenelle attacked her fist glowing brightly.
"Fire alchemy." he whispered and pointed the jewel at the woman. Her fist exploded and she screamed in agony.
"You were never good fighters, Flamels. You were only good at running and backstabbing." he said lazily as he pulled the stone out of Flamel's hand, removing the sticker he had put on it earlier. "Try something other than a portkey next time." he stick the sticker on Flamel's head and he disappeared.
Dee then did something that wasn't a part of the plan. He simply faced Regulus and pushed the stone into Regulus's chest. It went in immediately.
"I'm sorry that you had to be sacrificed, Regulus." He looked at him impassively. Regulus looked at him with surprise for a few seconds and then his eyes changed color to dark blue. "But this way no one will ever be able to track my heart down."
Nicolas Flamel had put a portkey in his wife's pocket as well. They were masters of survival after all. A minute after he landed in Hog's Head his wife followed him.
"Merlin's saggy balls." Cursed Aberforth as he saw her bloody and destroyed hand.
"They came for the stone. We barely got away." said Flamel.
"I'll let Albus know."
"They … they have the stone." Nicolas said hastily. "We need… James Moriarty."
"The young man who teaches Defense?" Aberforth was confused by his request.
"Please, Ab. Just call him." Nicolas fell unconscious.
*HL*HP*
Back in Burrow termites were eating the house rapidly.
"I don't think our last protection will be of any use if the roof falls on our head." Lucinda said. "We need to get out and force these beasts away."
"I think you have forgotten that Death Eaters are waiting for you out there." Sirius said angrily.
"They won't attack me." said Hermione.
Hermione was out of the door before anyone could stop her. As she had anticipation no one attacked her. Why were they attacking when she was here in the first place.
She used the strongest bug repellent spell she knew to make the termites go away.
She had to repeat the spell multiple times because they were so many.
Eventfully when she was almost finished some ropes appeared from nowhere and suspended her arms and legs. She fell on the ground trying to free herself but to no avail.
"Hello, love." said a familiar voice behind he.
Hermione felt magic turn her over and she finally could see the sky and her attacker.
It was Rodolphus.
"We came to wish them a happy New Year." He smirked. "I guess you get to watch us do that.
He pointed at the house and Death Eaters poured in. Hermione could hear screams. Lucinda was thrown out of the window and landed on the ground like a lifeless doll. She saw through the door that Sirius was stunned and two Death Eaters grabbed Harry's wand as the third knocked him on the ground.
"We have fireworks, too." Her mother said sweetly not far from them. She approached Rodolphus and kissed him passionately. "Happy new year, love."
Then she aimed at the house and threw flames at the house.
"We'll let them live. If only you do one little thing for us." Rodolphus said.
"Kill Harry Potter." said Bellatrix.
Death Eaters brought their captives out, lining them up. Harry was brought forward to Rodolphus. "Harry my lad, we gave Hermione a choice." He pointed his wand at Harry. "You" he pointed at the people behind him. "Or them."
A Death Eater cast Cruciatus on Ginny. She shrieked and sobbed.
Bellatrix helped Hermione stand on her feet.
"Mr. Goyle likes Ginny. Perhaps he will take her for himself." she told her excitedly.
"She'll be good sport for sure." said Rodolphus.
Hermione couldn't believe these where her godfather and mother's words.
Bellatrix gave back her wand.
"You know what to do."
Hermione aimed at Harry.
"Hermione be strong." Harry said. "I'm not afraid of death if that's what will save others."
Her boyfriend was asking her to kill him.
She looked at Harry tearfully. "I'm sorry, Harry."
Blue flames engulfed Harry Potter.
