Author's note: When I posted chapter 15, I only had to type 1 to 2K, give or take, to finish chapter 16. A single writing session easy. Alas, getting uninterrupted time to do said session was easier said than done. No matter, here's chapter 16, and I give up trying to guess how long it will take me to write the next chapter.

As always, thanks for reading! Special thanks to those of you who have reviewed or messaged me. I love reading your thoughts, so continue letting me know what you think. Your review might inspire something great in future chapters. :)

-o-o-

Chapter 16

Hermione's desperation

-o-o-

Luna chose the Gryffindor table for lunchtime on Friday. Before when this happened, Hermione and Ron made a point to sit far from where Harry and Wednesday would no doubt join the odd Ravenclaw. This time, they carefully sat close enough where they could overhear any conversation, but not so close that they might have to interact with them.

"I don't get it." Ron whispered to Hermione. "It's a bloody severed hand, how come no one thinks that's creepy?"

"From what some of the other girls have said, I think everyone believes it's a magical construct, like something your brothers might make." Hermione answered, keeping her voice low.

Ron looked thoughtful. "I hadn't thought of that... You think that's what it really is?"

"Of course not. You remember what that girl told us about her family... I wouldn't be surprised if it's closer to an inferius." Hermione whispered as she watched the hand in question out of the corner of her eye. "Whatever it is, I'll bet it took dark magic to create."

As Ron and Hermione debated Thing's origins, Luna had a seemingly one sided conversation with him. She had long since forgiven Thing for his lapse of good judgment the other day, but still kept him within arms reach at meal times.

Eventually, Harry and Wednesday joined their blonde friend, and the trio enjoyed their meal with scattered conversation. Occasionally Neville or Katie would throw in their two cents about whatever topic came up.

"I have to admit, from what you two said, I was expecting Professor Hagrid's lesson to be far more entertaining." Wednesday voiced her disappointment.

"If by entertaining, you mean dangerous, then yeah." Neville agreed. I heard that under Headmaster Tofty, Hagrid's pretty much on probation. He's been told that if he crosses a line this year then he's out. He knows more about some creatures than most of the ministry's experts, so they wanted to keep him, but only if he can prove that he can keep his class safe. Either way, I'm glad I don't have to take his class anymore."

"We could probably go talk to him outside of class. Even if his hands are tied and he can't help you directly, I'm sure he'd let you know how you could find a good pet yourself." Harry suggested. "In fact, why don't we go right after lunch?"

"I thought we had plans already?" She pointed out.

"It's no big deal, how long can it take to ask him a few questions?" Harry thought for a moment. "Why don't you go talk to Hagrid, and I'll get things ready. When you're done we can play."

Katie smirked and leaned forward to make eye contact with Harry. "Going off somewhere to play? Naughty naughty."

Harry shook his head. "Not that kind of playing."

"No? So I can't ask to join in whatever sexy game you two have planned?" Katie joked.

He took a moment to stare at Katie's grinning face questioningly. "Where was this Katie the last six years? You've never been this outgoing."

Katie sighed. "I miss Angelina and Alicia, and without them I'm bored. It's my last year here, so I figured I'd have fun. Unfortunately, NEWTs are taking up most of my time, but at least I can act like I'm cutting loose."

"So much has changed this year, I wouldn't be surprised if more people try to reinvent themselves." Neville said, then pointed to himself. "Heck look at me. I've lost weight, gained some confidence, and I haven't screwed a spell up all week."

"You have a point." Harry agreed. He turned to Luna as he thought of one of the bigger changes. "This is your OWL year, so you have to be taking History. What's it like with Binns gone?"

Luna cocked her head to the side. "He isn't gone. He still shows up and lectures every day."

"That can't be right. What about Professor Croaker then?" Neville asked as he turned to confirm that the Unspeakable was there at the head table. The professor was indeed there, and talking with his Gran as well.

"Well, at first he tried to get Professor Binns to go away, but he was ignored. Then he tried to talk louder, but nobody could understand anything with two lectures going at once. He even threatened to call in the spirit division of the ministry to exorcise Binns." Luna looked off into the distance. "I think he was bluffing though."

Everyone was silent, waiting for Luna to continue. When she continued eating instead, Katie started motioning with her hands for Luna to finish.

"Well?" Katie asked impatiently.

"Hmm?" Luna looked confused. "What?"

Katie theatrically slumped forward and hit her head on the table. "What did Croaker wind up doing about Binns?" She asked in exasperation.

"He moved everyone to a new classroom of course." Luna replied while still appearing confused. "I thought that was obvious."

Katie eyed Luna critically, then looked to Harry. "Did she do that on purpose? Is she screwing with me?"

"I have absolutely no idea." Harry said with a smile. "She isn't wrong though, it is the obvious answer."

Katie just glared at Harry before continuing to eat, pointedly ignoring him out of spite for the rest of the meal.

-o-o-

Hermione stood in her robes that she had charmed to be Hufflepuff black and yellow, staring at the four potions laid out before her. A will strengthening solution, a wit-sharpening potion, the small phial of felix felicis, and the polyjuice potion that she'd 'borrowed' from Professor Slughorn. Ron had his eyes glued to the Marauder's Map, keeping an eye on both Harry and Wednesday.

"Just like we overheard, she's heading down to Hagrid's hut, and Harry's still in the castle." Ron looked up. "I think now is going to be our best chance."

With a determined nod, Hermione took a measured sip of the felix felicis.

"Well, feel anything?" Ron asked hopefully.

Hermione smiled, a bright cheerful smile that looked entirely out of place considering the seriousness of the situation. "This is going to work, I just know it will. By this time tomorrow, I'll be Harry's best friend again."

"You mean we'll all be friends again right?" Ron said, a twinge of jealousy flaring that he ruthlessly stamped back down. He was Harry's best friend. Hermione was a close second though, so it wasn't worth getting upset about. Not now anyway.

Instead of replying, Hermione dropped a long black strand of hair into the polyjuice, and the potion bubbled and fizzed as the hair was absorbed, turning the potion an inky black. Without hesitation, she held her nose and downed the potion. Her cheery smile faltered, and turned into a grimace.

"Ugh, this tastes worse than I remember." She croaked after swallowing. Soon she doubled over, in clear agony. Falling to her hands and knees, she began to retch.

"Hermione!" Ron abandoned the map to hover over his friend, holding her hair back as she vomited onto the floor.

"It's okay... really... she just tastes vile, that's all. I just hope I didn't throw it all up." Hermione gasped as the potion began to change her.

Ron watched as Hermione's wild, chestnut hair straightened itself, lengthened, and turned pitch black. Her frame seemed to collapse in on itself as she grew thinner, and her skin paled significantly. Gasping for air, she clenched her now petite fists. Not knowing what else to do, Ron just waited as the potion finished it's transformation. Finally still, Hermione slowly stood back up, looking exactly like Wednesday, save for her pained expression.

"Blimey 'Mione." Ron exclaimed. "I don't remember it being that bad when we did this in second year. Are you alright."

Taking a deep breathe, Hermione smiled with Wednesday's face. "Everything's perfect Ron, now..." She stilled her featured, and allowed her face to relax completely. "How do I look?" Hermione asked in Wednesday's monotone.

"I don't know what's worse, seeing her face smile like that, or seeing you look and sound just like her." Ron said as he took an involuntary step back. "Let me double check the map."

"Don't worry." Hermione said as she pocketed the remaining potions. "I'm just going to go to the bathroom."

"Bathroom? Hermione, we don't know how much time you'll have, you need to hurry." Ron urged. "Why didn't you go before we started all of this?"

Hermione started walking away. "I don't need to use the bathroom Ron. I just need to go to the bathroom."

"Bloody hell, this isn't going to work. The polyjuice was a bad idea, she's gone nutters because of that evil girl's hair." Ron swore as he shook his head.

After gathering everything up, and vanishing the vomit, he remembered he was supposed to be watching over the map. Ron started to swear in earnest as he searched the map. Harry and Hermione weren't anywhere on it, and Wednesday was heading back into the castle.

-o-o-

Hermione walked with purpose toward a particular girls bathroom. As she approached the door, she could hear Harry talking with Moaning Myrtle. Feeling the felix felicis guiding her, she pushed open the door as she walked right in.

"Looks like Wednesday's here Myrtle, so I'll have to cut our conversation short for now." Harry said to the ghostly apparition.

Pouting slightly, Myrtle looked at Hermione with jealousy apparent on her face.

Noticing that Myrtle was preparing to throw one of her self-pity tantrums, Harry quickly spoke up. "I promise, we can talk later. Wednesday and I just have something to do now. Okay?"

"Okay Harry." Myrtle smiled as she fluttered her eyelashes at him. "Don't forget, if you accidentally die down there, you can always stay with me, and share my toilet."

"I'll remember that." Harry replied noncommittally as he moved to stand in front of one of the sinks.

Hermione watched, hiding her fascination, as Harry spoke at the sink in parseltongue. Before her eyes the sinks moved out of the way, and a passageway opened up. Another few words in parseltongue, and a smaller passage opened just inside the first.

"After you." Harry said with a grin as he bowed low, waving his hand toward the smaller passageway.

Trusting in felix, Hermione stepped onto the stairway, and walked confidently downward into the darkness. She heard Harry say goodbye to Myrtle, and follow behind her. After a moment, the passageway closed, and what little light there was, disappeared. Panic slowly started to seep in, despite the sense that everything was as it should be.

Suddenly torches flared to life, illuminating the stairs, and chasing away her doubts. At the bottom of the stairs, Harry moved forward to walk alongside her, taking her hand in his own. They moved through the chamber in silence, until finally reaching their destination.

It took every ounce of willpower for Hermione not to gag. In the center of the fabled chamber of secrets, there was a thick wooden post. Crucified and hanging there limply, was Peter Pettigrew. The traitorous marauder's wrists were bound high above his head with thick rope. The only thing keeping his abused wrists from bearing his entire weight, was a small ledge that was just large enough for him to stand on the toes of one foot.

What really tested her ability to not react, was that Pettigrew was missing strips of flesh all over his body. His bleeding, softly weeping form was covered only by a filthy loin cloth. Below the broken man writhed, what looked to be, hundreds of snakes. A single snake broke away from the mass, and made its way over to Harry, hissing as it reared up.

Harry hissed back at the snake, and turned to Hermione with a smile. "The've found plenty of food down here. Apparently there's an enchantment that draws mundane rodents to this chamber. I guess that's why there's never been a mouse problem in the castle, they're all drawn to here."

Hermione had been desperately trying to figure out the best way to get Harry to take the potions in her pockets, but something told her to simply offer them, without explanation.

Harry looked at the two flasks that Hermione had in her outstretched hands. "What are these for?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow instead of replying.

"A surprise huh? Fair enough." Harry said as he took the flasks, and unstoppered them. "I'm looking forward to what you have in mind for Peter today. I'm sure he is too." Harry smirked before downing the potions."

"Now close your eyes, I want to try something." Hermione ordered as she gripped the luck potion in her pocket, surprising herself with the forcefulness in her voice.

Harry laughed. "Really? Well, who am I to say no? Be gentle now." Harry joked as he licked his lips and closed his eyes, his mouth slightly open in anticipation of what his girlfriend had in store for him.

Hermione quickly poured the rest of the liquid luck into Harry's mouth, and whispered, "It's up to you now Harry, I believe in you."

Harry's eyes flashed open, and he narrowed them as he stared at Hermione. Before she could step away, he had gripped her arms tightly, pinning them to her body. His grip was like iron, and Hermione couldn't stop herself from whimpering.

"Harry, you're hurting me." She pleaded.

Harry's expression turned furious, and he hissed loudly, ordering the snakes to clear a path to the post. Then he roughly shoved Hermione toward the back of the post that held Pettigrew. Forcing her hands into the air, he held both arms tightly with one hand while he drew his dagger with the other. He then pushed her against the back of the post, and drove his dagger through her palms, pinning her hands firmly to the rough wood.

"Who are you, and where is Wednesday?" Harry demanded as he held Hermione's face tightly with one hand, lifting it so that he could look her in her eyes.

Tears flowing freely, Hermione pleaded with Harry through the pain. "Please! You can break free, I know you can Harry. Nobody can control you, don't let them win."

Feeling the tug of the felix felicis now in his system, Harry sneered, then turned away and ordered the snakes to keep her from escaping. Nearly running, he made his way back to the chamber entrance.

-o-o-

"How did you get back up here?" Myrtle asked as she tilted her head to look at Wednesday. "I thought there was only one way in and out."

Wednesday tilted her own head to line up with Myrtle's. "I've only just arrived Myrtle. I'd ask if you were well, but I doubt ghosts can get ill."

The chamber entrance opened, and an agitated Harry stepped into the bathroom. He let out a breath once he noticed Wednesday talking with Myrtle. "Change of plans. Come on." He said simply, and disappeared back down the stairs."

Intrigued, Wednesday said goodbye to Myrtle, and followed Harry. She didn't bat an eye when the chamber sealed itself behind her.

She stepped down off of the final step, and felt Harry's arm hold her tightly as he jabbed the tip of his wand painfully into the soft underside of her chin.

"Give me a reason not to use the cruciatus on you." He punctuated his statement by pushing his wand deeper into her flesh.

Wednesday gave an involuntary shudder, and moaned softly. "If I knew that's what you had in mind, I would have worn nicer underwear. I thought we were playing with Peter today, but if you want to torture me instead, I won't complain."

Harry let her go, and tucked his wand back into his robes. "Sorry to get you excited, but I just had to make sure it was you. Someone polyjuiced themselves to look like you, and tried to 'free' me."

"Peter can wait." Harry said with a frown. "I want to kill whoever is wearing your face."

-o-o-

Hermione never heard Harry and Wednesday approach. She was too absorbed in her own misery, lamenting her failure, and trying to understand how the felix felicis led her into this situation.

"So that's what I would look like if I cried." Wednesday said clinically. "I think I'll pass. Tears don't suit me at all."

Harry lifted Hermione's chin with the tip of his wand. "Who are you? Did Dumbledore send you?"

Hermione sniffed, and blinked away the worst of her tears. "It's me Harry, It's Hermione, your best friend. Why won't you fight them? I gave you the tools you need to free yourself, you can do it, they can't control you if you don't let them."

"What were those potions you gave me?" Harry snarled, growing more furious.

"A w-wit sharpening potion to clear your mind, and a will strengthening solution to help you throw off their control." Hermione fearfully explained. "A-and half of my felix felicis to give you the best possible chance to succeed."

"I don't know why it's not working!" Hermoine wailed. "I couldn't find anything that they could be controlling you with that you shouldn't be able to throw off with your own will!"

Harry gripped Hermione's hair tightly, holding her head upright as he put his wand away. "I told you before. I... am... not... being... controlled." He said coldly as he balled up his fist and prepared to cave her face in.

Wednesday held Harry's wrist, preventing him from punching Hermione. "Let me ask her something first."

Reluctantly, Harry backed away to let Wednesday confront Hermione.

"You took the felix felicis, thinking it would help you take Harry back, didn't you." Wednesday asked calmly.

Hermione nodded as she choked back another sob.

Wednesday shook her head in mild amusement. "And you were best friends with him back when he was under Dumbledore's control, weren't you?"

"She was, and I gave her a chance to become friends with me again." Harry said coldly. "She burned that bridge, not me."

Wednesday gently lifted Hermione's head back up. "You see, your problem was that your goal was literally impossible. It doesn't matter how lucky you are, you can't free Harry, because he really isn't being controlled." She jammed her own dagger into the post just above Hermoine's head, and tied the girls hair to it, forcing her head to remain upright. "There's no sense wasting that potion though, let's see just how lucky it makes you."

"What do you have in mind Wednesday?" Harry asked, slightly calmer, but still fuming.

"She so badly wants you to be her friend again, let's give her that opportunity." She explained as she pulled her razor out of her robes, flicked it open, and drew the blade across her wrist.

Curiosity replaced anger as Harry moved forward to watch. Wednesday set her bleeding wrist against Hermione's mouth, and used her other hand to force the girl to drink. "There is very little chance that you'll survive the magic in my blood, and I'm curious if that little potion will work to keep you alive. If not, I've been wondering just how someone would die from Addams blood. I hope it's suitably gruesome."

Hermione coughed and thrashed wildly, but Wednesday held her firmly. Eventually, she was forced to drink a full mouthful before Wednesday let her go. She tried to spit out the blood, but only succeeded in coating her chin with her red tinted saliva.

"You're insane, absolutely insane. I can't even b..." Hermione's words were cut off as they caught in her throat, and her eyes widened in fear.

Harry's would-be rescuer started to convulse. Her whole body began shaking, and her eyes rolled back into her head. Hermione tried desperately to scream, but the only sound that emerged was gurgling and coughing. Hermione's hands strained against the dagger restraining them, which only served to exacerbate the wound, and blood ran down her arms as she thrashed wildly.

Finally Hermione stilled, and she hung limp by her hair and pinned hands. Her eyes were glassy and unfocused, and her jaw was slack. A trail of drool ran from the corner of her mouth, cleaning a trail across her blood stained chin.

"That was... disappointing." Wednesday lamented. "I was hoping for something more... visceral."

Harry stepped forward, and leaned in to look into Hermione's lifeless eyes, which slowly began to shift back to their usual chocolate brown. Her whole body slowly reformed itself, and soon Hermione looked like herself again, albeit less alive.

-o-o-

Gomez strolled through the lobby of Gringotts, his lovely wife glided along beside him with an almost unearthly elegance. Much to the annoyance of the several witches and wizards who waited in line, a young goblin ran forward to greet them, and led them away from the main lobby.

"Now just what is the meaning of this?" An elderly wizard waiting behind three other people demanded. "I've been told time and again that my name and wealth meant nothing, and I would have to wait in line like everyone else. How is it that they get prompt attention and respect? By Merlin's beard, they're even dressed like muggles. This is an outrage!"

Around the lobby, various people voiced their agreement with the angered wizard.

The head teller frowned, and motioned to one of the guards who slammed the but of his axe on the ground to draw everyone's attention.

"If you desire the same respect shown to the two humans who just passed through, you must earn it the same way they have. We don't care how important you are among your own kind." The teller sneered as he looked down at the frustrated humans. "You're all equally worthless in our eyes."

Ted Tonks, who was having some galleons converted to British pounds, politely questioned the teller who was clearly amused at the display. "How does one earn your respect? I think I've been polite, and I've tried to treat goblins with the same respect I show wizards."

"And that is precisely why you don't have our respect." The teller's amused grin faded to be replaced with disgust. "Take your muggle money and get out."

-o-o-

Gomez and Morticia were led to Grabnach's office, where the account manager stood to greet them. Gomez offered his hand to his wife, who used it to lower herself gracefully into one of the chairs. Before Gomez sat down as well, the name plaque on the desk caught his eye.

"Sharpclaw?" Gomez read aloud the inscription on the plaque as he picked it up. "I can't say it's not a fitting name old man, but why the change?

"We have crossed blades Mister Addams." Grabnach, now Sharpclaw, explained. "Not only did I survive the experience, but I spilled your blood as well. Because of this, I have been honored with a new name."

"You did fine work Sharpclaw. Gomez was nearly disemboweled, and his wound developed an infection that had him delirious for nearly two days." Morticia smiled gently. "Please, I insist you call us by our given names. There's no need for such formality when you've come so close to killing my husband. Why, you're practically family now."

Sharpclaw gulped imperceptibly. Thanks to the Addams account, he'd gained respect, honor, and station at a nearly unprecedented pace. He just hoped that he'd live long enough to take advantage of the power he was gaining.

"You honor me." The goblin said with a nod. "I've asked that you come here today for a slightly different reason. Gomez, Mister Black informed me that while he was attending Hogwarts, you were to be given the authority to make decisions regarding his account. Something has come to light which directly affects the Black estate, but considering the circumstances, involves your family as well."

Sharpclaw sat down, and opened one of the drawers in his desk. "We have recently learned that your current residence had its wards breached, and a group of wizards forcibly entered with the intent to spirit away Mister Black."

"Yes, we remember. That was a particularly entertaining afternoon, though Puglsey was upset that he missed the fun. I also believe that Dementia was quite annoyed at having her time with Fester interrupted." Morticia recounted, smiling fondly at the memory.

"Yes... Well, we have learned that one of our cursebreakers gave information that allowed the breach to occur. His employment will of course be terminated, and punishments enacted as per the standard contract we have with our human employees." Sharpclaw set a file in front of the couple, with a picture of Bill Weasley giving a half-smile, and occasionally running his hand through his hair. "I felt you would be interested to know who was responsible for the ease of the break in. Department head Ragnok would also like me to assure you that without this human's knowledge, your wards would have not fallen so easily. For a reasonable price he is willing to completely redo the defenses on the Black family home to make up for this unfortunate event."

Gomez picked up the file, and flipped through it casually. "I don't believe that will be necessary. We had a grand time, and hope they stop by again some time."

"What are the standard punishments?" Morticia asked with interest.

If asked to describe the grin that Sharpclaw gave in response, Gomez or Morticia may have used the word 'warm' or perhaps 'playful.' Your average wizard on the other hand, would likely have needed to change their robes after being subjected to it.

"The contract we hold with our human employees is something of a joke among our people." Sharpclaw said with mirth. "Normally we confiscate all assets, and then fine them an exorbitant amount; however, the wording of the contract allows so much more. There is almost no punishment we cannot enforce, so long as we do not overstep the bounds of the treaty we have with the Ministry of Magic. Out of curiosity, what punishment would you suggest?"

"Punishment?" Gomez looked thoughtful. "It's the bank he's betrayed, so it really is up to you. From our point of view... I'm not sure there's much worth punishing. Although... is this address up to date?"

"Until Ragnok fires him, at which point he will become homeless." The goblin nodded.

"Gomez, are you suggesting we pay him a visit ourselves?" Morticia asked with an amused smile.

"Why not? We could thank him in person that way." Gomez asserted.

The corner of Sharpclaw's mouth twitched upward. "You would thank the wizard responsible for an attack on your family?"

Sharpclaw felt it was a shame that he couldn't hide what his bet was for the Addams/Black response to Cursebreaker Weasley's actions. He would have made substantially more money if so many hadn't placed their bets alongside his own. Still, many others had felt they would be after the wizard's blood, so Sharpclaw still had a tidy sum coming his way.

"For the thought anyway." Morticia answered. "It wasn't a very good job. Perhaps they'd like to try again sometime soon? Pugley would adore the chance to play."

-o-o-

Hermione's life flashed before her eyes. She was smart, almost always smarter than those in her age group. Unfortunately, despite her intelligence, she had very little in the way of social skills. Since her parents and teachers would always praise her for her knowledge, she would try to use what she knew to impress those around her. It never worked. She always came across as a know-it-all or overbearingly bossy.

For most of her childhood Hermione was lonely, the very thing she was most proud of served to alienate her from the other children. Instead of trying to change her approach, she turned in on herself, and found companionship with her books.

Discovering that she was a witch was the happiest moment of her life. She figured that this must be why she couldn't make friends, and once she met other witches and wizards, she wouldn't be lonely anymore. That illusion started to fade on the train ride to Hogwarts.

Eventually Hermione realized that it didn't matter whether they were magic or not, other kids didn't like her. One fateful day when she was twelve, everything changed for her. After spending hours in the loo crying her eyes out over her inability to get anyone to like her, a mountain troll of all things nearly killed her.

Like a hero from one of her books, Harry Potter appeared from nowhere, and bravely fought the troll to protect her. Then Ron Weasley, the very boy that had said the cruel words that had her crying all day, managed to get lucky and knock out the creature with its own club.

Those two boys risked their lives for her, and just like that something changed inside of her. She was still the same bossy know-it-all that irritated others, but with those two she tried her hardest to be a good friend. She finally had friends, and she vowed she would do anything to keep them.

Their friendship grew and changed, as did the three children, but Hermione tried to keep true to her vow, working to not let her friends slip away. Then the unthinkable happened, and Harry Potter was torn away from her. In desperation, she clung tighter to the friendship with Ron Weasley as she wracked her brain trying to get her best friend back.

Viewing her life from the outside as she felt herself dying gave her an objectivity that she'd sorely lacked. Taking everything into account, she was an idiot. An intellectual genius perhaps, but an idiot all the same. The blind devotion she placed in authority figures, and her books was outright stupid. That blindness also extended to her so called friends.

Harry was her friend. She couldn't argue that, but looking back at everything, she noticed that he was always... a little off. As if he was constantly adjusting a mask that he didn't even know he was wearing. Ron on the other hand really hadn't been her friend, at least not the kind of friend she had always thought he was.

If only she had another chance, she thought as she felt her heartbeat slow to a crawl, and stop.

As if struck by lightning, Hermione felt magic course through her veins. Her heart started beating again, and picked up speed until she felt it pounding like a jackhammer. She felt more alive than she ever had before as the darkness receded from her vision. Every sense she had felt so sharp and clear.

Her vision sharpened, and she swore that could see the intricate details carved into the stonework of the chamber. Torchlight flickered and danced, causing her eyes to dart back and forth as they followed every movement.

She felt the roughness of the wooden pillar behind her, and every hair follicle as her hair supported the weight of her head; however, the dagger wound in her hands demanded almost all of her attention. The pain was so intense. Every little motion sent a sharp signal that began to stop registering as unpleasant. She wouldn't say the agony felt good, but given enough time, she felt that might change.

A cacophony of odors assaulted her nose. From the stagnant water all around to the fear of Pettigrew on the other side of the post, every scent was so strong. The part of her that loved random minutia wondered if this was how pregnancy affected the ability to smell.

A single flavor dominated her sense of taste. Wednesday's blood still lingered in her mouth, and it tasted like freedom. She didn't know why or how, but Hermione knew that the pale girl that she had hated so much, had given her a gift like no other.

Over the whimpering of the rat animagus behind her, Hermione could hear Wednesday and Harry discussing what they would do to the crucified man next. Harry's voice echoed in her mind, crystal clear, and she focused on him.

The sharpness of her senses began to fade, but she concentrated on Harry's voice as if it were her lifeline.

Why did she stop being his friend?

So what if Harry had changed, she wasn't losing him. This version had freely offered his friendship, and all she needed to do was accept him for who he was. Try as she might, she couldn't quite place why she couldn't do that before.

-o-o-

"There is something I've always wanted to try with a bottle opener." Wednesday suggested. "We haven't touched his teeth yet."

"But do you have a bot..." Harry turned to look at the post. Pettigrew was motionless, save for a slight tremble. He moved a few steps over to bring Hermione into view. "Huh, will you look at that."

Wednesday joined Harry as they circled back around to find Hermione tugging ineffectively at the weapon that secured her to the post. She had no leverage, so all she succeeded in doing was widening the holes in her hands further.

"Apparently that liquid luck works pretty well." Harry pointed out as he walked up to look into Hermione's no longer lifeless eyes.

"Harry, can you please let me down?" Hermione asked calmly. "I think I can fix my hands as they are, but if I do too much more damage I'll have to see Madam Pomfrey. I don't really feel like making up a reason for my hands to be quite so torn up."

"Looks like you two get your friendship back after all." Wednesday commented as she pulled a bottle opener from her pocket, and turned to eye Pettigrew critically.

-o-o-

Author's note: A reader pointed out that, considering the occasional subject matter of my story, some people might become interested in trying bondage or pain play of some sort. Considering there are literally thousands who read this story, I find this a distinct possibility. There is a right, and a wrong way to do things, so please do some research if you do decide to try it. evilmonk org/A/ (add a period where appropriate) appears to be a decent resource for those who may be interested. My story (obviously) does not portray anything remotely like a healthy relationship, so for the love of (insert deity here) don't try anything Harry and Wednesday do.

On a related note, ShayaLonnie is writing an excellent story called 'Safe Word is Devil's Snare' if you're interested in reading a fine example of a healthy BSDM relationship. It has an actual plot too, so all in all it's a good read, and I highly recommend it.

To Guest reviewing chapter 15: I've already stated my thoughts on the nature of good and evil, but if you get an account and PM me, I'll be happy to debate our differences of opinion. Reviews and responses aren't really the place for such a discussion.

To Jiggly Joe reviewing chapter 7: Of course it's absurd. How can it be the Addams Family, and not be absurd on some level?

Manipulative Dumbledore is a tried and true concept. I like to think that I've put my own spin on it though. :)

Draco really isn't handling things too well, he's scared and upset with the whole scenario. He's going along with things, but he really hasn't been given much choice.

Narcissa has very little canon character development. The only thing we really know for sure is that she will do anything, including betray Voldemort without hesitation for her son. With that in mind, I can really write her any way that fits the story.

To Jiggly Joe reviewing chapter 11: Delightfully insane is a nice way to put it, I like that.

To Jiggly Joe reviewing chapter 13: It's a basic rule of being an evil overlord: NEVER leave a survivor to grow up, gain power, and take revenge for a slaughtered family.

I don't know, nor do I want to know, how much force it would take to render someone sterile. I *think* that Selwyn can still have children, but if he makes any further moves against Luna or the others, that could change.

Cormac does not know when to back down, so his future doesn't really look too bright does it?

To Jiggly Joe reviewing chapter 14: According to JKR, if most dark wizards attempt to cast a patronus, maggots will come out instead, and devour the dark wizard. … … Why, just why?

To Jiggly Joe reviewing chapter 15: As you have read this chapter, the felix felicis managed to keep Hermione alive. Without the luck potion, I doubt she'd have survived Harry's initial ire. That boy still has a bit of a temper.

To Guest reviewing chapter 15: As you have read, Hermione and Ron didn't really have any chance of getting their Harry back.

The whole ropes lesson scene was rather sitcom-like, but I couldn't help myself. I'm glad it seems to have gone over well.

To reviewing chapter 15: I have an ever-growing list of suggestions for Harry's patronus, but I really haven't put any thought into it myself. When it becomes relevant I'll decide, but until then I'm not really thinking about it.

To Gizmo reviewing chapter 15: No madness needed, those two are dating. :)

To Spuffylover19 reviewing chapter 15: Thanks! I hope this chapter was worth the wait too. :)