Chapter 16
Thank you to katchile94 for the kind review! I saw it just before I posted this and it made me super excited. It's really cool to know that other people are reading and enjoying the story.
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Malinda gagged and held the cup away from her face instantly. "Nope. There's no way I'm drinking that. It smells like dog shit."
Snape had little pity and retorted, "Would you like me to add some cherry flavoring for you?"
Her eyes widened, "Can you really do that?"
"No, you idiot," he nodded towards Dumbledore who drank his polyjuice in one go and without complaint. "He doesn't have any issues with my brew."
"Cheers," Malinda said morosely, bringing the potion back to her lips. She drank, nearly gagging again. The potion was thick and rotten, like a milkshake made with soured milk that expired thirty years ago. As soon as she finished, Snape grabbed the cup and stepped away. Malinda fought the urge to vomit as she looked down and saw her body changing. She shrank by an inch or so, her waist and legs thinning to the slender form of Hermoine Granger. Her hands shook as she lifted them to her head, feeling her straight hair begin to shape into loose curls.
"A perfect brew, as usual Severus." Dumbledore said. Though it wasn't him who spoke anymore. Instead, Malinda found herself looking at a roguish looking redhead, short and muscled. This was Charles Weasley, the brother who she'd only read snippets about. He turned his attention to Malinda. "Are you ready to go, Ms. Granger?"
"Weird," Malinda mumbled, "So weird."
"Your wand?" Severus requested and Malinda handed hers over. She watched as he transfigured it, the wood changing until it looked like Hermione's wand, with delicate vines twisting around the wand.
"What about his wand?" Malinda frowned when Snape did nothing to the headmaster's wand. Her frown turned into a full-on grimace when she realized her voice was changed too. She sounded just like Hermione.
Dumbledore-Charlie shook his head slightly, "The elder wand will not change shape. It will not allow itself to be… altered."
"Hopefully no one notices."
Snape held out flasks to each of them and warned, "You must remember to drink on the hour. One minute late and you'll change back."
She took her flask carefully, slipping it into her pocket. Malinda wore muggle clothes today, warm pants with a long sleeve shirt. Plain, ordinary, but distinctly muggle. Even though it was such a small thing, it made her feel a bit better to be back in normal clothes. Ironic given how she'd always dreamed of wearing wizarding robes.
Dumbledore-Charlie nodded to Severus. "I will keep time. Now, Ms. Granger, if you'll take my arm?"
"Alright," Malinda took a deep breath to steady her nerves and linked arms with the headmaster. "Hey Sev?"
The potions master glared at her.
"Happy Christmas," she said with a wink and then they were gone.
…
…
The Burrow was everything and more. Malinda nearly skipped up to the front door as she craned her head to look up at the towering home. It was so different from any house she'd seen. The afternoon sun lit up the land, the fields calm and peaceful, and she looked around, hoping to find any sign of the magical gnomes that had amused her in the books.
No sign of them, but she still grinned in anticipation as 'Charlie' knocked on the door. A few moments later, Molly Weasley opened it and threw her arms up in surprise. "Oh Charlie! You're late!"
"Sorry, had to pick up someone else on the way," Charlie allowed himself to be hugged by Molly. The witch caught sight of Hermione and her happiness only grew.
Malinda felt slightly shitty for lying but she smiled back, "Hi Molly. Hope it's alright I- Oh!"
Molly gave her a tight, warm hug. "Of course, you know you're always welcome. We thought you weren't coming because… Well, erm, anyways, happy to have you here dear."
They were escorted inside and Malinda forced herself to look forward. All she wanted to do though was look around in wonder. The home was cozy and small, with a massive staircase in the middle leading up to the many floors, but the movies hadn't gotten the magic of it right. Everything here was magical, from the infamous Weasley clock to the pillows that shimmered with charmed colors.
"Arthur! Ginny! Come see who's just arrived!"
Everyone appeared and Malinda wanted to choke up as she waved and greeted the others. This was how Christmas was supposed to be. This was how being part of a family felt. Even though it was all fake, Malinda let herself believe for just a little bit that they were actually happy to see her.
"Hermione," a man with a gaunt face and unkept hair gave her a kind smile. "What a nice surprise."
"Hi Remus," Malinda looked to the witch at his side. Tonks was a wonder to behold in person. Her hair was split into two colors perfectly, one side red and the other side green, perfect for the holiday. She leaned against Remus, their love obvious and endearing. Malinda's cheeks began to hurt as she kept smiling, truly elated to see the couple. They were alive and happy, as they should be. "Hi Tonks."
Loud footsteps came from the stairway and Harry, Ron and Ginny appeared.
"Hermione!" Ginny launched herself and Malinda caught her. "You said you'd be on holiday with your parents."
"Yes, but they said it was alright if I came for a bit."
"Nice to see you Hermione," Harry said and gave her a brief hug. Malinda had never been a big hugger and began to feel a little overwhelmed. "Wait, aren't you supposed to be in Jamaica?"
"Uh," Malinda thought of a quick lie. "We pushed it back, don't leave until tomorrow. Father wanted to spend Christmas morning here first."
"Oh," Harry's smile faltered for a second, "Father? You're being awfully formal 'Mione."
Malinda nearly slapped her forehead. Of course Hermione wouldn't call her father that, he would be Dad or my dad. Damn, her pureblood housemates were beginning to rub off on her.
Ron took a tentative step forward, debating if he would hug her, but she was thankful when he stopped in place and offered an awkward wave instead. "Hi."
"Hi Ron," she replied in a cheerful tone. Her warm greeting must've surprised him because Ron gave Harry a nervous glance. "Happy Christmas."
"Happy Christmas," he mumbled back.
Right, he and Hermione hadn't spoken in weeks. No wonder Molly was so surprised to see her. Whatever, hopefully the two would reconnect after the break. Ginny, sensing her brother's discomfort, quickly swept Malinda away and began to inform her of the day's events and what gifts she'd received. Malinda stayed quiet, giving hums and answers when needed, but let Ginny lead the conversation.
She did her best to be quiet for the rest of the afternoon. Malinda knew Hermione well from the books, but still, she wasn't the witch. These were people who knew Hermione better than anyone, they were her second family. Trying not to be caught, she did her best to listen instead of speaking, trying to blend in. Every so often, Charlie would catch her eye and give a small nod. Malinda would sneak off or quickly take a swig of the polyjuice potion.
Aside from Barty Crouch JR being a complete and total dick, she had to give him credit for stomaching the sickening potion for a whole damn year. The stuff was absolutely horrid.
"You alright?" Ginny said as they began to set the table for dinner. "You seem… off."
"I'm fine."
"Is it Ron that's bothering you? Ignore him. I do."
"Yes," Malinda latched onto the excuse gratefully. "It is a bit awkward."
Her admittance seemed to appease Ginny, who nodded. "Well, don't let my idiot brother bother you. The rest of us are glad you're here."
Dinner was amazing. Molly's cooking was delicious and the company… Well, Malinda hadn't laughed this hard in quite a while. She'd never had a Christmas dinner like this before. Growing up, it was always a hit or miss with her foster families. Some were kind and included her, even giving her a gift when their budgets allowed. Others didn't bother to celebrate or if they did, left her and the other fosters out of it. Of course, there were the rare years where a friend had taken pity on her and invited her to their home for the holiday.
But this was different.
This was a true family, one that went beyond just blood. Molly took care of Harry as if he were her own son and the way she looked at Malinda… Well, she was suddenly very envious of Hermione.
Night came and Malinda grew increasingly anxious. Molly asked if she'd like to stay the night and she accepted, saying she would floo in the morning. Harry, Ron and Malinda went up to Ron's room and sat around a floating, burning paper ball. She let the boys chatter, listening and feeling somewhat bad for Hermione. Being best friends with two boys couldn't be easy at times.
There was a soft knock at the door and Ginny popped her head in, already dressed in her pajamas and a robe. "I'm heading to bed. Hermione, I set up the cot in my room for you."
"Thanks, I'll be there in a bit," she replied.
Ginny left, leaving the door cracked open. Malinda counted to ten then said, "I'm going to run downstairs for some hot chocolate."
"I'll come with you," Harry offered. "Need to say goodnight anyways to-"
A thunderous boom came and the Burrow trembled. A great orange light came from Ron's window and the boys ran over to look out. "There's fire!" Ron announced and withdrew his wand.
A black whirl of apparation smoke flew by the window.
"Death eaters," Harry snarled and went for the door. Malinda blocked it. Harry frowned, trying to sidestep her. "What are you doing 'Mione? Move!"
"Sorry Harry," she said and a jet of red flashed from her wand, slyly pointed at Harry's chest. The young wizard fell in a heap and Ron's mouth fell in horror.
"What are you doing?!" He gaped.
"They're here for him," Malinda pulled Harry towards the bed and lay him down. She pointed her wand to the windows, and they blackened, blocking anyone from looking in. "Stay with him, keep him safe."
"What?" Ron still stared in shock. "Where you are-"
"Harry! Ron!" The door flew open again and Ginny was back, her own wand ready. She gasped when she saw Harry limp on the floor. "What-"
"Stay together, keep each other safe," Malinda interrupted.
"But-" Ron began.
"Ronald Weasley," Malinda said harshly, making the redhead wince. "Stay here!"
Malinda spun in place, pulling Ginny fully into the room then slamming the door. She pointed her wand at the door and quickly set several protection charms. Ginny knocked from the other side and shouted, "Hermione! Let us out! We can help! What the bloody hell are you doing?"
"Keep him safe!" Malinda shouted back, running down the stairs.
By the time she arrived on the ground floor, the adults were already in defensive positions. They stood spread out by the windows, with Remus and Charlie by the front door.
Molly spotted her and paled. "Get upstairs! Fred, George go with her. Apparate the others to safety."
"Take the others if you want, but I'm here to help."
"No, go upstairs and-"
"Let her help," Charlie said, his voice firm. "Hermione, watch the back door with Tonks."
She did as she was told, running to the kitchen. Tonks stood there, stiff and alert. Her hair was now black, but it flashed a worrisome blue when she saw Hermione. "What are you doing here? Go back to Harry and-"
"I'm here to help," Malinda told her, leaving no room for argument. "Wards are still holding, I see."
Tonks was quiet, internally debating, then nodded. "I didn't realize their wards were so strong."
While Malinda had stayed with the family throughout the night, 'Charlie' had disappeared occasionally. It was his childhood home and the Weasleys were busy with festivities, so no one seemed to notice. Little did they know that he was reinforcing the wards, boosting them with the power of the elder wand.
A ring of fire encircled the home, pressing up against the wards. Malinda watched through the kitchen window as two figures materialized on the other side of the flames.
Bellatrix Lestrange was unmistakable. Her dramatic portrayal in the films was close to the witch before her, with her hair wild and face full of chaotic rage. Malinda's body pulsed with adrenaline at the very sight of her. She couldn't imagine having an aunt like that. An aunt who was insane and twisted right down to her very soul.
"Remus will want to kill Greyback himself," Tonks murmured. Malinda looked to the werewolf, who paced impatiently beside Bellatrix. He was massive, his broad shoulders more animalistic than human. While most werewolves hid their wolf features until forced by the full moon, Greyback obviously loved to show his true nature. HIs face was a mix of man and wolf, hairy with slanted eyes. He was a monster. A monster who purposely bit children, trying to build a werewolf army. Children like young Remus Lupin, who was now forever an outcast from society.
"Not if I kill him first," Malinda hissed, her grip tightening on her wand.
Tonks' eyes widened and before she could protest, Malinda had the door open and rushed outside.
So, Bellatrix wanted to play with fire? Malinda was only too happy to oblige her. With adrenaline and hate filling her, Malinda ran towards the death eaters and raised her arms. Power rushed through her, exploding with focus and need. The flames grew twice as tall and Bellatrix shrieked, feeling the loss of control.
Malinda's eyes narrowed and the flames came crashing down, transforming from a towering wall into a massive wave. A wave that fell right on top of the death eaters.
They apparated away, but Greyback was too slow and he howled with pain as he reappeared, massive burn marks on his torso and neck. Bellatrix sent a curse at Malinda, but it rebounded off the wards. Unfortunately for Bellatrix, the wards kept things out, but not in. Malinda sent a curse back and the death eater barely got a shield up in time.
Bellatrix's face contorted with rage and she pointed her wand directly at Malinda. "You filthy little mudblood! You dare curse me?!"
"I dare," Malinda hissed and focused on the flames again. They roared once more, sending another wave crashing at the death eaters. Greyback limped before apparating, barely managing another few feet while Bellatrix held her own. The fire collided into Bellatrix's shield.
"Hermione! Wait!" Tonks was screaming after her, but Malinda barely heard her. She strode forward, her wand held up as she stared the witch down.
This was the same bitch who tortured Neville's parents into insanity. The same bitch who killed innocents. The same bitch who would torture Hermione, etching a permanent and horrid scar into her arm. The same bitch who would try to kill Ginny and Molly at the Battle of Hogwarts.
No, Malinda thought, it would end here. The circle of flames around the Burrow pulled back, retracting into Malinda as she gathered the fire. She pulled the power towards her, harnessing it into a deadly ball of flames and just as a trickle of sweat went down her face, Malinda released it. The ball slammed into Bellatrix's shield and shattered it. The witch screamed as she was enveloped in flames.
The smell of burnt flesh hit Malinda and she fought the urge to dry heave. Her wand remained pointed and she sent a curse at the fallen Bellatrix, but a new shield appeared. Greyback was there and he growled, fangs slipping past his lips. Blood fell from his ruined clothes, blotchy and boiled burns covering him.
A curse flew at him and Tonks was at Malinda's side. He blocked it, sending a purple blast of magic their way. Malinda shielded and it bounced away. She sent another attack and another, Tonks doing the same. Greyback crouched, one arm outstretched to keep his shield up and the other scooping Bellatrix against him.
His shield cracked loudly under their attacks and just as it broke, he apparated away. Malinda ran forward but they were gone, leaving only a bloody patch of flattened and crushed grass below them.
"Damn it," Malinda crouched, her hand pressing down. It came back red, wet with Bellatrix's blood. "Do you think she survived?"
"Dunno," Tonks said a bit breathlessly then held her wand up. The tip pressed into Malinda's neck. "Hopefully she's dead but first I want to know who the hell are you?"
"Tonks," Malinda rose very slowly. "What are you doing? It's me, Hermione."
"When's the first time we met?"
Malinda's eyes closed. Damn.
"At Grimmauld Place."
"When?"
"Uhh…"
"Stop! What are you doing?" Arthur Weasley shouted as he rushed up, his wand raised in confusion. "What's wrong?"
Remus came next, limping slightly. He'd taken a nasty curse, with a large tear in his left trouser leg, blood staining the lower half. "Tonks?" He said cautiously.
"Drop your wand," Tonks ordered Malinda.
"No thanks."
"Hermione?" Arthur sounded unsteady. "What…"
"She's not Hermione," Tonks explained coolly.
Remus raised his wand, mimicking his wife. "Another death eater using polyjuice I suppose. Who are you? What have you done with Hermione?"
"Can we all please calm down?" Malinda glared at Tonks. "I fought with you, remember?"
Tonks shifted, her expression torn. "She nearly took out Greyback and might've done Bellatrix Lestrange in."
Remus and Arthur both reacted in shock.
"Problem is," Tonks' eyes narrowed in suspicion. "That she used magic way beyond that of a sixth year. Merlin, most aurors can't do what she just did."
"That is enough Nymphadora," a stern voice said. "All of you, lower your wands."
Charlie Weasly approached, not a hair out of place and looking rather disappointed to find them all at Malinda's throat. Behind him trailed Molly, Fred and George Weasley. Judging on how they followed his lead, Malinda guessed they might've figured out this was not their Charlie.
"Charlie?" Arthur shook his head. "You knew about this?"
"He's not Charlie," Fred said with a wide smile. "That's Professor Dumbledore. Look at his wand."
"Sir, you don't have to change back do you? We rather like you more than the real Charlie," George pleaded. "Better manners."
"Oh hush," Molly snapped at them. She glanced at 'Charlie' and asked, "If you're Albus then who is she?"
"Let's go inside," Charlie said with a soft sigh. "I'll reset the wards while Ms. Selwyn explains."
"Selwyn?" Tonks had lowered her wand, but the pureblood name made her wary again.
"Not my real name," Malinda said under her breath.
"Then what is your real name?" Lupin snapped, his werewolf hearing catching her words.
"Let's just go inside," she peeked at the bloody grass. "If any of them are still hiding out there, would rather they not hear or see any of this."
With another encouraging nod from 'Charlie', the group walked back to the kitchen door and went inside. Malinda sat down at the dining table and put her wand down, for all to see. It seemed to relax them somewhat and she leaned back in her chair.
"Well, this is going to sound crazy but my name is Malinda Selwyn-"
"Thought that wasn't you real name," Lupin drawled, taking the seat across from her.
"Yes, well-" Malinda stopped when thunderous footsteps came from the stairs. A moment later, Ron, Harry and Ginny practically spilled into the room.
"We heard fighting and," Harry caught sight of Malinda and looked both angry and relieved. "'Mione! Why would you do that?"
"Do what?" Arthur sounded exhausted and done with the situation. Poor bloke.
"She stunned Harry," Ron supplied, looking at Malinda in disbelief. "Stunned him then locked us all in my room."
The adults all turned and stared at her.
"Whoa, okay," Malinda held her hands up. "That sounds bad but it was for their own protection. Ronald here," she scowled at him, "Forgets to mention the protective spells I put around the room."
"Who are you?" Molly stepped forward, assessing Malinda with a new hostility. Any warmth and love she had for Hermione was gone.
Malinda turned her watch and gave a chuckle, "In about two minutes you'll know what I look like, but my name was Malinda Roberts. Merlin sent me here to help change the future because I'm uh, well I'm sort of a seer. Since I'm Slytherin and trying to pass as pureblood with a stick up my snooty ass, my name is now Malinda Selwyn and I'm supposedly from a wealthy American family with British tutors."
"What a load of nonsense," Tonks scoffed immediately.
The kitchen door opened and Charlie came in, catching Tonks' remark. He stepped forward and regarded Malinda cautiously, "What did you tell them?"
She pointed to herself, "Merlin. Seer. Fake name. Change the future. You know, the basics."
He sighed and took the seat next to her. "Tact was never your strong suit."
"Albus," Molly spoke up, "Can it really be true? Merlin is alive?"
"He is and-" Charlie halted and grimaced as his face began to morph. "Please excuse me for one moment, Molly."
Malinda leaned over the arm of her chair and squeezed her eyes shut as the change came over her too. Her very bones grew, gaining back her height and she felt her skin ripple. She opened her mouth, ready to vomit but none came and a few seconds later, the change was over. Malinda sat back up again and ran a finger through her own, natural straight hair. "That was not fun."
"You!" Harry charged forward but Ginny and Ron caught him. "What are you doing here!?"
"She is here as my guest," Dumbledore, returned to his normal body and looking extremely odd in Charlie Weasley's casual attire, said sternly. The sleeves of his shirt were too short and Malinda resisted the urge to peek under the table to see how high far above his ankles his trousers ended. "Ms. Selywn arrived this summer with the most bizarre tale, but I can assure you all, it's quite true. Merlin has sent her to help us defeat Voldemort."
"How?" Remus pressed, examining Malinda more fully with almost predatory eyes. "How can one girl change the future?"
"She has knowledge of future events and has already proven quite the asset. She's saved lives and you should know that it was her who alerted me to today's attack. In the original timeline, the Burrow is destroyed and the death eaters escape unharmed. Now," Dumbledore pointed around them with a slight smile, "the Burrow stands and the world is rid of one more death eater."
"Who'd you get?" Malinda leaned forward in interest.
"He killed Gibbon," George answered.
"Bastard nearly got Mum," Fred added bitterly.
Malinda nodded. "Good, he was supposed to die at the final battle but now works even better."
Her response set everyone on edge. An uneasy silence followed then Harry nodded, "I believe her."
"What?" Ron gaped in horror. "It's completely mental."
"It explains how she knew about my map," Harry said. "It explains why Hermione keeps defending her, saying she's not as bad as we think. She already knows about you, doesn't she?"
"Uhhh…" Malinda glanced at the headmaster for help.
He came to her rescue. "Yes, Harry. We needed Ms. Granger's cooperation. She provided her hair to Malinda for today's events."
"Blimey," Ron said.
Remus was still studying Malinda. He sat back and inquired, "It is rare to find seer blood these days. Their visions are even more rare and often not dependable. The future is constantly changing."
"You're right. I only know the timeline that I saw and if we change enough things, then I won't know the future anymore which obviously then makes my knowledge moot."
"Which is why she will only reveal information when necessary," Dumbledore warned them. "We must proceed with caution."
"You said I defeated Voldemort," Harry watched her very intensely now. "How? Tell me how to do it."
"He's defeated, but at a high cost. Not everyone in this room survives," Malinda's eyes lowered to the table and she fixated on her wand. She couldn't look at them, not when the truth was horrible. "I want to save as many people as we can, but I also have to let certain events play out. If I'm going to help, I need to keep us somewhat to the same timeline until it's safe to deviate."
"A tricky balance," Remus remarked.
Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed. Now, by changing the events tonight, we will have to wait and see how Voldemort reacts."
"Why were they here?" Ginny demanded. As the youngest, she was often excluded from Order meetings and knowledge. "Why come on Christmas?"
"Voldemort wants Harry captured, alive for the time being. It's no secret that your family cares for him so not a stretch to guess he'd be here on Christmas," Malinda answered tiredly. "Voldemort won't come out until he's in control. Until then, he's using his death eaters to run his errands."
Errands that include killing Dumbledore, she wanted to add, but bit her lip.
"Why alive?" Tonks questioned.
Remus' eyes widened in understanding. "The prophecy. Voldemort believes he must be the one to kill Harry."
Harry slammed his fist on the table and stared at Malinda. "Tell me how I do it! If you do, I can kill him now and stop the war before it even begins. No one else needs to get hurt because of me."
"It's more complicated than that, Harry." Dumbledore spoke calmly, accustomed to Harry's passionate disposition. "Even if you were to duel him this very moment, killing him will only prolong his return."
"The rumors are true," Arthur said quietly. "He is immortal."
Everyone looked to Malinda and she shook her head. "No, he's not but he's figured out a way to live even if his current body was destroyed again. Luckily for us, I know his secret."
"What's his secret?" Harry demanded.
"She can't tell you," Remus said with a humorless smile. "If we know too much, then the future will change and there will be no advantage."
Dumbledore nodded. "Precisely. When the time comes, you will understand Harry."
"So now what?" Ron pointed at Malinda, "We're supposed to just pretend that she's not a seer while we're at school? Go on about our business?"
"Yes," Malinda gave him a sarcastic thumbs up. "Go back to your glares and petty insults Weasley. Keep pretending like you hate my guts."
"That's the spirit," the Weasley twins said together.
"Shut up," Ron told them.
Ginny tilted her head, "It's what Hermione's been doing this whole time. None of us knew that she even talked to you."
"How am I supposed to go back to school when I know there's someone who can end the war today!?" Harry looked at everyone beseechingly. "How can you pretend like nothing's changed?"
"Because nothing has changed," Remus answered seriously. "We've learned that the Order has a seer on our side, a seer who only knows one version of the future. If we stray too far, then the future becomes as unknown as it was to us thirty minutes ago and she's no longer a seer."
"Unless you have another vision," Harry challenged.
"Not going to happen. It doesn't work that way," she answered with a shrug. "Sorry."
"Harry," Remus murmured, "We must trust Malinda and wait until she can tell us more. It's the only way we keep her seer advantage."
Harry's hand tightened into a fist. "If I wait, will you tell me how to kill him soon?"
"Yes."
"You swear it?"
"Yes," Malinda leaned across the table and held out her hand. "I swear to you that I will not only tell you how to kill Voldemort, I'll help you do it."
Harry scanned her face, searching for any sign of deception then took her hand. His grip was tight as they shook hands. "Good," was all he said.
Dumbledore stood up and asked, "Harry, may I have a word? There is something I need you to do for me."
…
…
Malinda awoke the next day to her door slamming open, the wood colliding loudly against the stone wall. She bolted upright in bed, her hand extended defensively, and her sleepy eyes watched as Severus Snape was lifted off his feet and pinned to the ceiling.
Even magically binded in place, the potions master glowered at her. "Release me."
"Sorry," Malinda released the magic slowly until he stood on his own two feet again. She rubbed at her eyes. "Don't come rushing in here like that. What? What happened?"
She was instantly on alert when Snape lifted his arm to reveal his death eater tattoo. The ink was dark and thick, moving wildly. "Oh," she pulled the covers back and stood. "He's angry."
"He tortured half our members last night," Snape hissed. "He kept us there for hours. I barely escaped punishment myself."
"What happened?"
"Not only did his followers fail to capture Potter, one was killed and two of his most loyal servants are gravely injured. What. Did. You. Do?"
Malinda winced, "Why are you angry at me? I nearly killed two of the worst-"
"What you have done is proven the Order is stronger than he believed. What you have done is incensed the Dark Lord beyond anything I've seen," Snape pinched his nose. "Did you think there would be consequences to nearly killing Bellatrix? She is his favorite."
"Not to mention the mother of his child," Malinda muttered.
Snape inhaled sharply. "I told you to never speak of the child, ever."
"We're in my room at Hogwarts," she pointed out. "No portraits, no one to hear."
"Your mouth will get you killed, you foolish girl."
"Whatever," Malinda put her slippers on and ran to her bathroom. She brushed her teeth and came out, feeling more awake and ready for this conversation. "Why are you angry at me? This is a good thing. Bellatrix and Greyback will probably be out for a while and-"
"He's moved into Malfoy Manor."
She froze. "What? Wait, no. It's too soon. He's not supposed to do that until-"
"You've antagonized him," Snape cut her off, furious. "You've pushed him into taking action sooner. He has made Malfoy Manor his headquarters and already makes plans for releasing his followers in Azkaban. Now that he knows the Order is strong, he wants every death eater at his side."
"Okay," Malinda thought hard and fast. "Okay, so he's moved up the timeline. We can work with that. Now that Harry gave us the locket, we have four horcruxes so we're ahead of schedule."
"Perhaps," Snape exhaled, calming down slightly. "But he has asked that Draco complete his mission by the end of term."
She frowned in confusion. "That's no different from before."
"He's vowed to keep Lucious in the cellar until Draco completes the deed," Snape told her. "And if Draco fails, he will end the Malfoy line."
"Oh fuck."
"Indeed."
"There's one more thing."
"What?" Malinda's stomach twisted. This could not be good.
"The Dark Lord has promised a sizable reward for the one who brings him Hermione Granger's head."
