The sun was setting on London, shedding rays of red, orange and pink in the direction of Grimmuald Place. The beauty of the setting was lost on its occupants; for, shutters, blinds and curtains prevented scores of those striking beams from getting inside the chaotic mansion. Plans were being formulated, strategies overviewed, and the members of the Order of the Phoenix were racing around to get it all done in the shortest amount of time.
"They'll attack at near nightfall this evening," Neville said, leaning over the vast amount of diagrams and preparations that formed a sea of papers across an elongated table, "No later than nine, I'd say."
Nodding, Remus said, "All the other attacks have fell prior to ten at night."
"We go in at eight," Harry replied, "It'll be dark by then; yet, we'll have a head start on the Death Eaters' attack."
"How many teams are leaving for Little Whinging?" Fred asked, running a hand over the back of his neck at the strain it was receiving from hunching over the table.
"Six teams of five," Remus told, "You'll be going in with myself, Harry, Ron and Bill." The older man gave Fred a meaningful glance, his amber eyes silently communicating this meaning.
Fred gave an almost indecipherable nod, "Good." It didn't take a genius to figure out what every person in that bunch had in common. Those were the people who were far closer to Hermione than the others were; though, Fred was still furious at Bill's affection towards the witch. Even so, he couldn't deny the fact that Bill would be extremely helpful in locating Hermione and Charlie.
"We can't expect Hermione or Charlie to be there in Little Whinging, obviously," Harry said, "They wouldn't bring them on an attack; however, we tear down any Death Eater we come across and get information out of them."
"And with that information, we can move in on Charlie and Hermione's location," Ron agreed, "We can have a team dispatched the moment we find out."
"Yes, that would be our group," Remus said, looking around at the maps, "We must stick together. I want you four to be the people who go in with me. No others."
Fred had already gathered that from Remus' earlier look in his direction. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that it would be incredibly less problematic for them to find Hermione and Charlie, then if others went searching. "What are the additional groups?"
"Well, there will be one more group that will have the same authority as us. They will have the power to make their own commands; yet, they will not be going with us to Hermione and Charlie. They will be hanging back with the other five teams. They will, however, be our replacements if problems arise."
"Who is it, then?" Ron asked.
"Tonks, Moody, Kingsley, George and Ginny," Remus replied. "Arthur, Neville and Minerva will each take one of the other groups to lead out. Neville, I need you out of the research room for this one time. I won't ask you to do it again if you don't want to."
Neville shrugged with a energized smile, "No problem, Lupin."
"Lets gather the troops, then," Harry stood from his chair at the end of the table, "I want to be ready to leave in an hour."
No one demeaned his authority. Remus and the others simply concurred and straightened from their positions, leaving the room in order to meet with the others who would be joining them on this particular mission. There wasn't time for hesitation. Fred felt his insides turn at the thought of having Hermione back with him. He had realized days ago that he loved her. It wasn't until she was torn from his arms, that he realized just how powerful that affection truly was.
"What's my favorite animal?" Hermione asked, laughing as Charlie scrunched up his face and put a finger to his chin, pretending to be deep in thought.
"I thought these questions were supposed to get harder as they go. Not exceptionally easier," Charlie said, raising an eyebrow at her, "Though it is extremely challenging to figure this out -being that it's your animagus form-…Your favorite animal is a fox."
"Correct!" Hermione exclaimed with a broad smile, "How many have you got wrong so far?"
"One," he said. The two of them had been tossing questions back and forth for a while now. At first it was only questions about Hermione; however, she had said she knew just as much about him as he knew about her. Thus, leading to questions about Charlie as well. "But, I still don't understand how you expected me to know what color underwear you're wearing."
Hermione smiled mysteriously, "Well, there are some things you should know, and some things that you should find out for yourself," she winked playfully at him, before grinning teasingly.
"Is that an invitation to get in your pants, Sweets?" Charlie asked good-naturedly, "So, tell me. What color?"
She beamed at him. If this conversation had arose with anyone besides Charlie, she'd of been the color of a tomato moments ago. "Red lace."
The red-head nodded approvingly, "Nice."
Hermione sat up straighter and leaned closer to him as if telling him a secret. "What about you, Sweetie? Everyone wants to know…boxers or briefs?" Her eyes lit up with amusement.
Charlie threw his head back and laughed once more. She had a way of giving off this wise and grown-up manifestation to everyone, but it didn't fool him. Hermione was just as playful as everybody else. She just had been forced to become an adult too early in life. In spite of this, she let her childish nature slip through every once in a while. Charlie had figured out years ago that she let it out more often with him than anyone else.
Just as he was opening his mouth to throw another humorous retort at the woman he treasured above all others, footsteps were heard on the other side of the dungeon's door. Hermione let her head fall to rest on his chest. Charlie wrapped his arms around her protectively. He knew that she wasn't cuddling closer out of terror or protection. She was doing it just to ensure he was with her. Hermione would never cower away from her fears. She met them head on.
"That's him," she murmured, her warm breath hitting the skin just above his heart as the collar of his shirt was pulled down by her grip, "Isaac Dawson." She hissed the name, as if it stung just to speak it.
He nodded and placed his chin at the top of her head, "No worries, Sweets?"
"No worries, Charlie," Hermione assured.
"Good," he said softly.
The door was flung open, causing Hermione to squeeze Charlie a bit more relentlessly. He held her back just as tightly, pulling her up from the floor with him as he stood. He glared at the man who was standing in the doorway. The man who had took his best friend away from him and his brothers. The man who purposely caused Remus and Harry pain as well. Charlie kept an arm firmly wrapped around Hermione's waist, but moved his body slightly in front of hers. Shielding her from this despicable creature.
"Now, now, Ginger. I mean you two no harm," Isaac sneered at Charlie, moving into the room to make way for another man to join them. The other person, however, was cloaked and wore a Death Eater mask. This didn't concern Charlie; for, there laying in the man's arms was a bundle. A bundle the size of a toddler.
"James!" Hermione shrieked in excitement, racing forward out of Charlie's grasp before he could hold her back. The Death Eater moved slightly away from her and looked at Isaac as if asking for permission, "For Heaven's sake! Give me my son!" Hermione impatiently stomped over to the Death Eater. She didn't seem to care whether he was dangerous or not, she simply moved the blanket aside to see the face of her son. It really was him.
Charlie couldn't help but smile as the Death Eater relinquished the little three-year-old boy to his mother. The stranger immediately drew back, Charlie imagined that their was a disgusted grimace behind the mask. He watched as Hermione cried happily and James opened his eyes and took in his mother's cheerful face. "Mommy?"
"Yes, Mommy's here, Sweetheart. Mommy's here," Hermione whispered, "Thank you for bringing me back my son, Mr. Dawson."
Charlie surveyed the man in question as he narrowed his eyes at the scene, "You're most welcome, Ms. Granger." Hermione must not have been acting very civil to Isaac previously, he looked surprised at the gratitude. Charlie suppressed a grin before moving closer to Hermione and wrapping an arm around her.
"And who do we have here?" Charlie asked with a smile, looking from Hermione to the son that resembled her so much. James had her eyes, mouth and his face was a similar shape to hers. Their skin color was spot on. It was remarkable.
"This is James Harrison Granger," Hermione said proudly, running her hand over James' forehead and through his soft, dark brown hair. "James, this is your Godfather. Charlie Weasley."
Charlie's eye widened comically as he glanced up at her, "Godfather?"
"Yes," she smiled, "I named him after Harry; yet, I couldn't think of anyone but you who could be the perfect Godfather to James."
Hermione had balanced James on her hip with her arms wrapped securely around his body. His tinier arms were wrapped around her neck. James bared a similar smile on his face as his mother did, "Hi," he said, bashfully, to Charlie.
"Hello," Charlie replied, still getting over the bond that he now shared to this precious little boy.
"So?" Hermione cut in.
"So, what?" Charlie asked, tearing his eyes away from James'. The little boy's eyes were the same chocolate brown as Hermione's; however, there seemed to be a jade undertone when the light hit them just right.
"Are you alright with being James' Godfather?" she questioned, "I can't exactly force you to be, now can I? I know it's a little late to be telling you this but, there was never a doubt in my mind -even after three years of absence- that you were the one who should have the pleasure."
Charlie chuckled and innocently kissed her, "Sweets, you don't have to ask. I'm honored."
"Mommy," James' delicate voice broke the moment, "I wanna go home."
"I know, Baby, I do too," Hermione murmured, kissing his temple. Charlie felt his heart shudder at the duo in front of him. He felt an incredible amount of possessiveness towards them. His Sweets and his Godson.
A cold tone of voice sounded from behind them, "I'm terribly sorry to interrupt such a intimate moment," Isaac did not seem apologetic at all, "Nonetheless, I'm surprised at you Ms. Granger."
Spinning to face him, Hermione narrowed her eyes, "Why?"
"It appears that you are quite the little slut, making your way through each of the blood-traitor Weasels. I guess you aren't as bothered about your boyfriend as I originally thought," Isaac smirked cruelly before glancing at the Death Eater to his right, "Don't you think?"
Charlie growled, "Don't you dare demean Hermione. You filthy bastard!"
"Charlie, please," Hermione said pleadingly, placing a hand upon Charlie's arm, "Not in front of James. Please." She placed one more kiss to James' temple before setting him down on his feet besides her. The youngster immediately wrapped an arm around one of her thighs, resting his head against her leg.
The unknown Death Eater let out a contemptuous laugh, "What's the matter, Ms. Granger? Don't want your son to know your true colors? Not that I can blame the weasel," he sneered at Charlie, "For banging you. You really are an excellent lay."
Charlie stared at the man with a deep loathing. He didn't believe for a second what the stranger was insinuating. He was trying to get Charlie to believe that he had ever slept with Hermione. With a simple glance at the woman in question, you could see obvious disdain. "If you say one more word-" Charlie began threateningly.
"Oh, don't believe me? I can prove it to you, Weasel. Ms. Granger has a simply adorable scar on her inner thigh. It's almost the shape of a heart. She received it as child when there was a tad of a mishap in the playground behind her old house. I'm sure you've seen the scar before."
Hermione's face paled at this evidence. How could the man possibly know…? "Who told you about that?"
The Death Eater sniggered, "I've seen it myself, Ms. Granger."
Charlie was flabbergasted that the man had known all of this, "He's telling the truth, though. There is a scar on your thigh. It can't be seen while you have clothes on, however." Hermione turned on her heel to face him at this, "What?"
"How do you know about it?" She asked with narrowed eyes, "We've never slept together."
Charlie cringed, "I kind of, sort of, walked in on you undressing once and lets just say you were pretty far done with the job by then" he said. His hands were raised in innocence, half expecting her to pounce at him and cause some serious damage.
"When you walk in on someone naked, you're supposed to turn away as hastily as possible. Not observe for scars and beauty marks!" Hermione yelled in irritation.
"I know," he agreed, "But, you're really attractive, Sweets. I'm only human. It was years ago. I didn't feel as deeply for you as I do now."
If they weren't trapped in a dungeon with a Death Eater who had apparently seen the inside of Hermione's upper leg exposed, along with a psycho who wanted her powers, she'd of laughed at him. Since this was not the case, she glared, "Thanks Lizard-Git. For respecting my privacy."
Charlie shied away from her glower and leaned over to whisper to James, "I'm not always on her bad side. I'm a good guy. Honestly!"
James giggled at Charlie's actions, "No."
"No?" Charlie asked, pretending to be genuinely offended, "What are you getting at, Tyke? I'm an angel."
"More like the devil incarnated," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"So," he said, choosing to ignore her last comment, "Why does Deathy over there know about your more intimate areas, Sweets?" Charlie grinned and jumped away as Hermione moved to slap his arm, "It's a perfectly fit question, 'Mi."
The Death Eater and Isaac were lounging against one of the stone walls, watching the trio before them as if the whole situation was beneath them. "I did not sleep with this- this thing!" Hermione yelled in frustration pointing at the masked chap, "The only people I've ever slept with are Fred, Jayden, Harry and Draco."
"Draco? Draco Malfoy?" Charlie asked in astonishment, "You've got to be shitting me."
"Language, Charlie!" Hermione groaned, covering James' ears instinctively. "And yes. Draco Malfoy. We were Head Boy and Head Girl together. We shared a common room. It was destined to happen sometime. I cannot believe we're having this conversation in front of my son!"
"What about Harry? Does Ron know that you slept with Harry?"
"For the love of-" Hermione began with a frustrated sigh.
"Are you two done?" Isaac growled in infuriation from his place.
"Really, Angel, I don't remember you ever having a fondness of talking that much," the Death Eater groaned.
Hermione gasped and spun around to face the guy, "What did you just call me?"
"Herm-" Charlie began in confusion.
"No! Tell me what you just called me!" Hermione spat out at the Death Eater. She was filled with anger and obvious astonishment.
The stranger chuckled behind his mask, "What? Not happy to see me, Angel?"
"You!" Hermione shouted, wrapping an arm around James who was still clinging to her leg. She moved as far away from the Death Eater as she possibly could. Charlie glanced between them in bafflement.
"Sweets, what's wrong?" he asked softly, moving to her side and wrapping a protective arm around her waist. He looked down at James to ensure he was okay.
"He! He!" She stumbled to try to make sense of it herself. Hermione couldn't begin to understand how the man had come to be in front of her again.
"What is it, Ms. Granger?" Isaac inquired mockingly, "And here I thought you would be overjoyed with me. For this cheerful family reunion."
The Death Eater chuckled unkindly, "Yes, Angel. Aren't you happy to see the love of your life? After all these years?"
Charlie's head was spinning, "What in the name of all that is holy, is going on?!"
Hermione pointed to the Death Eater, "It's Jayden."
"Jayden?" Charlie inquired.
"James' father," she growled, "You're supposed to be dead!"
"I'm hurt, my love. After all this time…I thought you'd be ecstatic. We can finally be together. The family you've always wanted," Jayden said darkly, pulling off his mask. "James is my son, Angel."
Hermione shook her head as she took in the man before her. It really was Jayden. The dark brown hair, the lean strong body, the flawless tanned face…those irresistible emerald eyes. "You're supposed to be dead."
Charlie was not fond of this situation. For the first time in his life, Hermione looked broken with distress, "Sweets…"
"Sod off, you," Jayden growled at him, "I think Hermione can speak for herself."
"H-how?" she managed to bite out. She looked from Isaac to Jayden for information, her arm gripping her son closely. James appeared to be befuddled.
"I never died, Angel. I wasn't the Muggle you supposed I was, either. I was a Mudblood, however. It hasn't stopped me, though. I started experiencing sparks of magic at the young age of six. As, I'm sure, did you. Unlike Purebloods who can start receiving their magic as young as two years old. I'm sure James has did something so far. Both his parents, though Muggle-borns, are magical."
Hermione glanced at the little boy. She had been wondering for some time now, how it was possible for him to be coming into his magic at such a adolescent age. Now, she knew. He wasn't a Half-blood. He was a wizard from both his parents.
"Yes, I can tell by expression it is true," Jayden claimed, "I didn't go to Hogwarts. I didn't go to any magical school for that matter. I taught myself throughout the years. At the age of sixteen, I stumbled upon Dark wizards. Death Eaters to the Dark Lord. Instead of killing me, they thought of me as useful. They took over my teachings from there. I was always a bright mind, if I do say so myself. I was too open to the Dark Arts. I hadn't been taught of their toils. Soon, I was corrupted…and Merlin it felt great. That's how I found myself another Death Eater. It was at the age of eighteen that I met you, Angel. After my Lord's demise by that idiot Potter. We didn't click as much then as we did a year following. We did make some connection it seems. You still did Owl me throughout your final year at that pathetic school. You never questioned as to why I was so open to receiving the post in such a way. I didn't feel the need to mention my illegal home schooling to become a Wizard, at the time."
"You never mentioned that. Not once. Not even a hint as to why you were so approving of my powers," Hermione said. "How could you? You lied to me all those years."
"Oh, cut the game, Angel," Jayden growled, "You lied to me as well! Just because I knew of those lies, accepted them…does not make up for the fact that you did! Don't play me the bastard here. You're as much of a bastard as I am."
"I'm not a murderer!"
Jayden smirked, "Maybe I am a bigger bastard than. Ay, Isaac?"
The Hunter laughed coldly, "Maybe. "
"I didn't plan on you, Angel. Can't you see that?" Jayden told Hermione, "I wanted nothing in the world as much as I wanted to please my Lord. I didn't care about anything besides that. Then, he was killed for the 'greater good' of the world. The Death Eaters were all rogue. But, you became a solid in my life. You, an innocent woman who didn't have the slightest doubt as to my status. You thought I was perfect. You fell in love with me."
"I was an idiot," Hermione spat, clutching Charlie's arm tightly in an effort to control her anger.
"Are you sure about that, Angel. Without our relationship…we wouldn't have that little boy," Jayden said with a smirk, "Are you saying he's a bastard child?"
Hermione gasped in horror, "Of course not! James is perfect. Just like his Godfather and just like his namesake. Nothing like you!"
Charlie stepped in front of Hermione protectively as Jayden growled and strode towards her menacingly, "Stay the bloody hell away from my family!"
"Pardon," Isaac sneered "I don't recall that being your son, Weasel."
"He's my Godson," Charlie defended with narrow eyes the blue flashing, "I'll kill either of you before I let you so much as touch him or Hermione."
Hermione watched the two malicious men from over Charlie's shoulder. She ran her hand through James' hair as he fidgeted in an attempt to remain both calm and brave. "You were never James' father, Jayden. He was too young when you left. You were always running off for 'business' even before your pretend death. And now I know exactly what that business was. You chose to leave us. You set up a fake death so you could run off and be the murderer you always were. By doing so, you left us clueless. We still thought of you as a gentleman and a good person. You are nothing more than a foul immoral bastard."
Charlie laughed mockingly, "You are despicable, Deathy. You were a unsuitable, crude father!"
Isaac moved his hand to the inside of his cloak, no doubt making for his wand. Jayden beat him to it, though, "Crucio!"
Hermione shrieked in terror as Charlie collapsed to the floor in unimaginable pain, "Stop it!"
James dug his hand into her thigh, "Mommy. Mommy, what's happening?"
"Stop hurting him!" She shouted above Charlie's groans and yells. Hermione felt a burning in her veins as her anger boiled over, "Stop it!" Her voice was drowned out of her ears as a familiar energy burst from her blood. Her head pulsed as her fingers sparked and she raised her hands in front of her. Then, as if pushing on an invisible barrier she threw out her hands, palms facing outward towards the men who were causing her best friend such intense pain. A sapphire wave of energy erupted from her hands, moving faster than lightening towards Isaac and Jayden, shaking the entire dungeon.
A loud explosion echoed against the walls as the stones shifted and fell inward towards the dungeon's occupants. Hermione quickly grabbed hold of James and pulled him to the floor, covering him with her body. She could feel the weight of rocks pounding on her back as the walls around them collapsed from her energy flare. It seemed like hours before the room was engulfed in a calm silence. The rubble ceasing it's shakes and quivers. No one in the area stirred.