The chilly air of the night washed over Fred's face as he hid beneath the shelter of his cloak. Trees scraped against each other with each sway, and the creatures of the night clambered over their branches. The other guards were making no effort to pass time with any distractions. There was complete and utter silence from one and all. Every hoot of an owl, creak of a twig, rustle of a field mouse….every sound of nature could be heard. It was as if the guards were slowly blending into the earth.
Fred's heart refused to relax into a similar serenity. His nerves were boiling over. Hermione had ran off merely ten minutes ago; yet, he felt the unease burning through his veins. Many of the guards had placed their hoods up, making their bodies completely invisible. Harry, Ron and George were the only others- besides himself- that hadn't. They, too, looked concerned. Notably, Ron and Harry.
Fred was sitting no less than three feet away from the trio and he glanced at his twin. George was staring off into the surrounding forest with furrowed eyebrows and a firm gaze. He was thinking hard about something, Fred figured.
Harry lifted his stare away from the soil below and looked directly at Fred. He appeared to want to say something. Perhaps to reassure Fred; however, before he could even open his mouth to have a word, a tortured cry was heard in the distance. All the other guards whipped their hoods off in alarm. Fred felt his blood turn to ice. All rational thought gone astray.
"Hermione!," Harry shouted in panic.
Fred yanked the chain from under his cloak and stared in horror at the All-Seeing-Eye. The pupil was no longer the dim black void that it earlier had been. Now, it was crimson. Fred released the pendant and took off at a dead sprint. He knew for sure that Harry and Ron wouldn't be far in his wake.
He ran through the trees in the direction he presumed the chilled yelp had come from. The iced air didn't feel nearly as bad as his insides did. His heart was beating in overdrive. Every pulse sent stings down his arms to the tips of his fingers. Everywhere on him, ached. Fred rounded into a clearing where there stood a large house. It looked like the perfect setting for one of those '80s muggle Horror films.
To Fred's dismay, the clearing was empty. He had been so confident that this was the direction of the wails. He didn't know where else to look. Footsteps came up behind him and a panting Harry and Ron halted at his sides.
The moonlight hit the clearing vibrantly. Thank Merlin tonight was not that of a full moon. At least for the sake of Remus and Bill. Though, Bill never transformed being that he was only half-werewolf, and Remus always took his potion, but they still got really irritated when the full moon came around. Remus and the others had just caught up, taking in the sight of the three wizards who all of a sudden stared down at the ground a little to the fore of where they stood.
"Is that," Ron began skeptically with a tinge of dread, "Blood?"
Remus took a step closer, not seeing what they were on about. Once he was at Harry's right side, he saw it too. The moonlight had perfectly illuminated a tiny puddle of what appeared to be a murky black liquid. He took another step closer, feeling a wave of fear rush over him as he did so. Still keeping a good distance, he nodded, "It is. It's not necessarily Hermione's though."
"Who are you trying to fool, Lupin? You heard it. That cry was an animal's and it came from the direction that Hermione had set off in!," Fred growled out, already feeling the pain of knowing she wasn't out of harm's way.
"Calm yourself, Fred," Bill defended, "There is still a slight chance it isn't Hermione's. We'll have to take a closer look."
"Even if the blood wasn't hers, she's still in danger!" Fred declared.
"We don't know it for sure, mate," George said.
Harry nodded, "Remember? Be optimistic."
"That's bullocks!" Fred bellowed, "The eye is red."
"Eye?" Moody grumbled, "Weasley, you aren't making sense. And they call me mad!"
Fred nearly cried in frustration, "I'm not mad! Here, look." He held out the pendant for all the watchful guards to see.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise, "Hermione gave this to you? She always wore it under her clothes. Ever since she first got it at the end of seventh year."
"Well, by that you mean before she disappeared with her muggle. We can't be sure she was as religious at wearing it after that," Ron said, "Though, I'm fairly positive that she never planned on taking it off."
"What is it?" Charlie asked in confusion.
"That's the All-Seeing-Eye, that is," Bill said, "We see it all the time in Egypt."
"Hermione gave it to me last night. Said it would help my nerves," Fred conveyed, "The pupil glows red when Hermione is in grave peril."
Moody was eyeing the pendant is skepticism, "Are you sure its not cursed, boy?"
Tonks stepped up next to Remus and looked at Moody, "I'm sure Hermione would not have given Fred a cursed necklace, Alastor."
"Constant vigilance, Nymphadora," Moody growled.
Tonks cringed, "Don't call me that, please."
George made a sound of displeasure, "Stay on task. Merlin! And people always call Fred and I immature."
Fred was watching his oldest brother bend over the blood. Bill had always been his role-model of sorts. After he had been bitten by Greyback, though, Bill hadn't really been the same. Yet, he still would always put family above all others, including himself. Fred knew Bill, along with all the other Weasleys, thought of Hermione as family. Bill lifted his chin slightly, literally sniffing around. "The blood vaguely holds Hermione's scent. Only vaguely, most likely due to her being in the animagus form. It has to be hers, though, Remus."
Remus nodded and moved closer to his fellow werewolf, "I'm afraid you're right. If that wasn't proof enough, there is also a patch of hair besides the blood. You see?" Remus pointed to the left of the puddle, "It's the same color as Hermione's coating."
"Whoever took her didn't see her in her human form," Kingsley Shaklebolt observed, going into auror-mode and getting into the investigation.
"How can you be so sure?" Harry asked, still trying to take in the danger that they'd got Hermione into by allowing her to come.
"Well, we're all standing in mud," Remus said.
"Oh."
"Yes. So, all footsteps are shown," Kingsley said, "Luckily, we haven't made any over the already existing ones."
Fred looked carefully at the mud around the blood, "Paw prints."
Bill nodded, "Yeah, and there are human prints coming from the north. They must be from her attackers." It was really no wonder the ministry had always wished Bill to train as an auror. Even before he became half-werewolf he had amazing tracking skills. Kicked arse at hide and seek as a kid, "There are two sets. Two attackers who paused here," He strode over to the direction of the prints, "They seem to have started circling her instead of advancing. Probably cast a spell and were checking to see how she faired."
"She must not of faired well," Remus said grimly, "The paw prints stop suddenly and there is an indent in the dirt. She, in all likelihood, collapsed."
"I don't get it," Ron admitted, "Why the bloody hell would anyone grab a fox? I mean, you said they didn't see her in her human form."
"Sport?" Ginny put in.
"Nah, if that were the case they'd probably of chased her more. Let the fox know that it was being hunted. Played with its mind. Even if Remus told Hermione to stay in her animagus at all times, she'd of transformed out and attacked back if she'd known she was been hunted," Kingsley explained, "You know how Hermione is. Stubborn as hell."
Fred had to agree with that, "Yeah. She wouldn't have gone without a fight."
"They must have snuck up on her in a moment of vulnerability," Remus said, always thinking logically.
"The scent of blood that is pouring from that house is awful," Bill voiced, "Even I can hardly concentrate on anything other than the odor. She must of went snooping and while her senses were completely absorbed, the people attacked."
"Is the pendant still glowing?" Harry asked Fred.
Pulling the eye, once again, from his robes, Fred nodded, "Yes, its still red."
"Would it still glow if she was…" Tonks trailed off, not wanting to say the word.
"Dead?" Charlie finished for her. He whispered it, as if not wanting to offend anyone, especially Fred.
Ron turned red at the thought, shaking his head as if it wasn't even a logical concept. Fred, George and Harry all held similar expressions. Sighing, Bill said, "If what Fred told us about the pendant, is true. If it really shows when Hermione is in life-threatening danger. Then, she is connected completely to it. Therefore, if her soul died the pendant would too. We'd know if she wasn't alive."
Tonks looked at Bill, "But, what would happen to the eye if it died? I mean, if it just turns black…that doesn't necessarily mean she's dead. It could mean that she isn't in danger at that moment."
"I don't know. I'll have to research it back at headquarters," Bill said, "I'll figure it out. But for now, Fred, if the pupil turns black…don't think pessimistically. It could just mean that she's safe for the time being."
Fred nodded, but couldn't help but put his face in his hands, "I knew we shouldn't of let her come."
"She wanted to. It isn't any of our fault, mate, she wouldn't of had it any other way," Ginny went up to her brother, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"But-" Fred started.
"No, Fred," Harry interrupted, "It wouldn't of been fair to her not to allow her to come. As much as we wish she hadn't been stubborn about it. So, even though this has all gone shitty we can't looked down on her decision. She is the brightest witch of the age."
Fred sighed in defeat at Harry's reasoning. After all, he was completely right. Hermione is the cleverest witch of their time. Though, it's most likely what had gotten her into this jumble to begin with. Looking around the group, he grumbled, "SNAFU."
Bill concurred, "Definite SNAFU."
The air was murky and freezing. Distantly, a light trickle of water echoed all through the chamber. Hermione felt consciousness returning, but not without an excruciating headache and a minimal stinging in her side. Her entire body felt a hundred pounds heavier than it truly was. Making an attempt to lift her head from the cold, stone floor, she groaned. Unexpectedly, the sound that came out wasn't human. It was canine.
Her eyes flew open in shock, the darkness allowing them to adjust without ache at the haste. She was still in her animagus form and she was lying on her side in what only could be compared to a dungeon. Hermione felt fear consuming her whole body, especially when she caught sight of a huge pooling of blood. A pooling of blood that she was currently bathing in and that was pouring from the opposite side of her body than the one which was pressed against the cold floor. Suddenly, the slight numbness she had felt to that pain, vanished. Gasping at the incredible stinging sensation that suddenly hit her full force, she yelped. Shivers racked her body and her head spun with the realization that she was dying.
Hermione's mind was muddled. She couldn't bring herself to even remember how on earth she'd received the horrifying wound or ended up in this eerie chamber. The corners of her eyes were starting to blur with a hazy mist. She tried to remain calm, to stop the shakes and shivers of uncontrolled panic. Knowing the movement would not help. Involuntarily, moans were sprouting from her fox's muzzle. They echoed throughout the room.
Hermione closed her eyes, trying to sink into the iciness of the floor. Finding the coldness slightly soothing to her shudders. Suddenly, a noise intruded through her heightened hearing. Footsteps. Drawing closer to the doorway that could vaguely be seen through Hermione's clouded vision. Her heart picked up painfully and she found herself wishing for an end to the hurt. Praying death would come quick. The thought momentarily surprised her. How dare she think that? She had her son and boyfriend to think of. No, death is not welcome. She needed to survive. If not just for herself, than for her entire beloved family. Desperately, she attempted to summon some true Gryffindor bravery.
The door creaked open on the other side of the room, presenting a tall cloaked figure. Hermione tried to catch a good look, but her eyes weren't sharp enough for it. Unconsciousness was slowly consuming her once more. She tried with all her remaining strength to fight it.
A ghostly chuckle filled the chamber, "Oh good, you're awake. How's it feel?" Hermione couldn't understand why she wasn't already dead yet. After all, she was in the form of a fox for some reason. Who hunts a fox and then throws it into a dungeon? Also, who asks how their victim feels? Especially when the victim is an animal. Unless…
"Painful, isn't it Ms. Granger?" The man's voice was deep and sent more shivers over her body. How did he know… She couldn't bring her mind to even begin to think of the reasons. She was still trying to remember how she had ended up in this situation. All she knew was that a mysterious man, who's face couldn't be seen in the shadows and who's voice was unidentifiable, was staring at her with a frightening smirk. "How does it feel to be within the grasps of death? I wouldn't know. I've never died." He took a step closer to her, closing the door behind him. "You'll be pleased to know, you won't be dying either. You're no good to me dead."
Hermione's eyes begin to close as the shivers began to get more forceful. She didn't understand what he meant by anything he was saying. She was minutes from death already. The footsteps leisurely came closer, as if the man had all the time in the world. Despite the fact that she obviously did not. She wished she could of summoned the vigor to growl.
"Episkey," the same rumbling voice broke through her current thought. Suddenly, there was a tugging in her wound. At first it caused her to admit another canine squeal. The pain just intensified. Then, within seconds, the pain began to dull instead. "Stop moving!," the stranger commanded.
The prodding at her gash continued. She distantly recalled a similar feeling when she had fell off her bicycle at the age of eight, and needed to go to the doctor. Of course, she had been a mere muggle at the time, so they had to stitch her up the muggle way. The sensations that she felt currently were comparable to those felt when the doctor had stitched her up. Startlingly, the feeling stopped. Immediately, she felt her strength returning. It confused her to no end.
"Now, doesn't that feel better?" The man asked, "Usually that spell doesn't quite work for injuries such as the one you endured. Nevertheless, it's easier to fix up animals and it's simple magic for one such as myself." Even though her mind was still unclear, it was hard to not hear his haughtiness. "Let's clean you up, shall we Ms. Granger?" Without waiting for even the slightest go ahead from the fox, he muttered, "Scourgify."
The blood that had layered into Hermione's coat and around her body, began to disappear until there was none left. Her fur was groomed and spotless. "Now, Ms. Granger," he advanced towards her; however, now she felt complete and utterly rejuvenated. The memory of that night invaded her mind. The Order, the mission, the abandoned house, the spell that had sliced her like a sword and rendered her unconscious. She jumped to her feet- all four of them- and backed away. She threw a menacing snarl in the man's direction. "Come now, Ms. Granger, is that any way to act towards your savior?"
Hermione knew she couldn't use her wand unless she changed back into her human form. The wand was tucked into the back pocket of her jeans, under the cloak she had been wearing before transforming. The man was still staring at her, the only feature she could make out through the shadows were his lips. The lips that were graced with a maddening smirk of amusement. Hermione growled once more at him before she turned back into a human. However, her reflexes didn't seem to have been slowed by her prior injuries. She was able to snatch her wand from her back pocket and raise it at him in a flash. The cloak still held it's Invisibility Charm; therefore, he hadn't noticed her motions until she already was in a defending stance.
Instead of being alarmed at the fact that her whole body- besides her head and arm- were invisible and there was a wand pointed directly at his face, the man chuckled, "I see your precious Order has taught you well."
"Who are you?" Hermione asked, eyes trained on the man's every motion. Her instincts taking over. How did an outsider come to know of the Order of the Phoenix?
"Isaac Dawson."
"Why am I here?"
"Because you are of a great value to me," Isaac said, raising an eyebrow at her, "I'll answer whatever you throw at me. I've nothing to hide, my dear."
"I don't understand. I've never even heard of you," Hermione said. "Are you a Death Eater?" Her arm was firm as her wand remained aimed at Isaac's hooded head.
He let out an amused snigger, "I'm far more powerful than a simple Death Eater. I'm quite hurt, actually, that you've no knowledge of me. Perhaps you'll be more in tune to my nickname?"
Hermione's brain began its usual battle for the knowledge. Not liking the blank she had first drawn. Then, the answer hit her like a bolt of lightening, "The Hunter."
"By George you've got it, Ms. Granger," Isaac said, "I see my reputation has not failed me."
"The knowledge of who you truly are is just more incentive for me to kill you now, Mr. Dawson," Hermione growled out. Her eyes were hard as they bore into him.
"You're not the type," Isaac said simply, "You don't have the motivation for it."
"I have plenty motivation," She sneered, "You kidnapped James."
This received a smile from Isaac, "Oh, yes. Your precious little boy. He really is a perfect darling, Ms. Granger."
"Don't speak to me of him!" Hermione roared, "You have no right to talk about something as pure as a child. Not with your wretched voice."
Before she could blink, Isaac had pointed his wand at her and hissed, "Incarcerous!"
Hermione gasped as she was flung back against the stone wall, suddenly bound in place by thick ropes. Her body was instantly immobilized. Her wand fell from her grasp as the breath was knocked from her body in the shock of it all. Abruptly, Isaac was before her. His hood no longer concealed his face. She took in his wavy, medium-length, black hair and his bitter, indigo eyes. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he really was. Instead of being more on the aged side, she found that he was nothing more than five years her elder. At least by appearance.
"Aparecium," Isaac growled, causing Hermione's cloak to no longer hold its invisibility. His breath was hot against her face as he leaned towards her threateningly, "Do not push me, Ms. Granger. Unlike you, I do not need incentive to kill. It comes naturally to me," he forewarned, "I'd be careful if I were in your position. It's best not to provoke someone who so utterly holds your life in his hands. Your life…and your son's."
Hermione glared, "I hope you don't expect me to bow down to you, Mr. Dawson. Apologies, but threats will get you no where with me."
Isaac chuckled darkly, "I see you still have your Gryffindor bravery," he said, "Yet, sometimes bravery can be rendered into foolishness."
"Some of us don't need sheer bravery to be a threat," Hermione whispered with certainty.
"What? You expect dim confidence will get you anywhere, Ms. Granger?"
"No. I expect my other traits to get me somewhere, Mr. Dawson. If you are The Hunter, than I suppose you already know of them."
Isaac nodded flippantly, "Oh, of course. I've heard all about the fearsome, Harry Potter's, side-kick. Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of the age. Saving the lives of her two foolish best friends since the age of eleven as a mere first year at Hogwarts. Where would the notorious Boy-Who-Lived be without you?"
"Is that what you think? By ridding Harry of my assistance in this second war you'll prevail? Harry is perfectly capable of killing the likes of you even without my help. You are no more of a threat than Lord Voldemort was. You'll meet the same sticky ending." Hermione smirked at the thought.
Isaac stared at her, "You know, you are well known within the Death Eaters. The mudblood who somehow was born with unbelievable power. A few of your old school mates have put in plenty of good word about you."
Hermione glared, "Really?"
"Oh, yes," Isaac completely disregarded her sarcasm, "After all, you are a rather fascinating creature, my dear."
"And why is that?"
"The self-possessed courage of a true Gryffindor, the astuteness of a wise Ravenclaw, the affection of a compassionate Hufflepuff- though I have yet to have the pleasure of witnessing that characteristic for myself- and the cunningness of a Slytherin," Isaac finally leaned away from her, the cold of the chamber hitting her face in the stead of his breath.
Hermione watched as he backed away a few steps, "What's it to you? Some people are more then just vile, slithering, snakes."
"Now, no need to have such a sharp tongue with me when I was merely offering compliments," Isaac raised a dark eyebrow at her, "I can show you the danger of a real snake. Perhaps to make you see my humanity more vividly."
"I don't fear snakes," Hermione said confidently, masking her lie.
"Really?" he said, running his eyes over her face searchingly. He cocked his head to the side before shrugging, "Then there will be no harm putting that to the test."
"What-?" Hermione didn't get a chance to finish her question before being interrupted.
"Serpensortia," Isaac hissed.