March 10th
Daily Prophet
Harry Potter to be Forever
Immortalized
The office of the Minister of Magic has announced
that the Harry Potter Memorial will be dedicated on the Quidditch
pitch of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry on the 21st of
the month. As previously reported, the monument will depict the late
Harry Potter clutching the sword of Godric Gryffindor, while standing
in victory over the Dark Lord. Harry Potter will be forever
immortalized in gold and silver watching over the future students of
Hogwarts. Attendance is expected to be by invitation
only.
"Professor, how can you release that statement, Harry is only awake maybe two hours a day, he can't possibly fight Riddle?" Hermione asked Dumbledore in the dining hall of Potter Castle.
"Hermione, the trap still needs to be set, Voldemort still needs to be stopped, and I have a few tricks of my own to throw at him." Dumbledore said smiling.
"I'm sorry Professor, it's just that I feel there's more we could be doing but I don't know what." Hermione apologized.
"There is no need for apologies Hermione, just hold on to that faith and keep working hard, Harry, Arthur and Sirius are in good hands." Dumbledore consoled her.
Hermione and Snape were working late that night; they had moved their laboratory to the castle to simplify the testing process. Hermione had been working on synthesizing the poison to work in reverse. She had tested her sample on several laboratory rats, but to this point, nothing had worked.
It was nearing midnight, Snape had passed out on the couch Ron had provided the day before, but Hermione kept working. She was reading from a muggle medical textbook that discussed the inner working of viruses, and how they were spread.
"Maybe I'm going about this all wrong, maybe I should transfigure a living virus to attack the remnants of the poisons in their bodies." Hermione thought to herself.
She continued reading and found a simple virus she could replicate and transfigure. She followed the textbook to the letter, and purposefully infected one of the rats. The virus, which was a simple flu virus, immediately took effect, and the rat was displaying the flu symptoms.
While Hermione kept an eye on the rat, she turned her attention to transfiguring the very same virus to attack its prior form, and injected this version into the rat.
The effect was just as instantaneous; the rat began to act as if it had never been infected at all. "Ok, this was just an easily combatable flu virus; now let's try it on more complex viruses and poisons." She told herself.
March 11th
It was already three in the morning, Hermione was still working on a moderately complex poison, but her makeshift virus was seemingly doing the trick. She had decided to attempt it on the actual poison that Harry, Arthur and Sirius had been infected with. She took one of the comatose rats, and injected it with the virus.
Hermione had apparently fallen asleep; because Snape was rousing her awake.
"Hermione, wake up, it's six o'clock." Snape said loudly.
"What?" She responded shortly.
"Isn't that rat, one of the ones infected with the poison?" Snape asked, pointing to a particularly disheveled rat running around a cage.
"Oh my God," she screamed, jumping out of her chair. "It worked!" She exclaimed and began dancing around the lab.
"What worked, what did you do?" Snape asked expectantly.
Hermione began explaining what she had done and how she came up with the idea.
"So, you're fighting fire with fire, or in this case poison with poison." Snape deduced.
"Exactly," Hermione exclaimed, happy someone actually understood her.
"At what time did you give the rat the virus?" Snape asked.
"It was about three this morning." She answered.
"Three hours, if it took three hours for the rat, I estimate twenty four hours for the humans, do you concur?" Snape asked Hermione.
"No sir, I would say about thirty for a full recovery, but they'll be awake within eight." Hermione corrected him.
Snape thought for a moment. "I concur." He said. "I'll run the tests on the rat; you prepare a dosage for the patients." Snape added.
"Yes sir," Hermione said smiling.
At eight o'clock that morning, Hermione and Snape went to the makeshift infirmary where they knew all three patients would be. They carefully injected each and every one of them, then sat and waited.
"Do you think this will work on Harry?" Hermione asked.
"It will work; the problem is that since the poison was still spreading in Harry, it may take longer to heal him." Snape answered, wiping the sweat from Harry's forehead revealing his famous scar.
"What about his animagus transformation, won't it also take longer because he's a magical creature? I mean if the poison took three to four times longer to affect Harry, won't the cure also take three to four times longer to heal him?" Hermione asked.
Snape furrowed his brow and thought for a moment. He hadn't thought of that fact, would it take longer, or more importantly, would it take longer than even Hermione suspected?
"Actually Hermione, it will take thirty to forty times longer in Harry, you have to multiply the time by ten because of the way his body reacts to outside stimuli." Snape corrected.
"But that would mean Harry won't be well enough to fight Riddle." Hermione stated the obvious.
"Worse, I can't even guarantee he'll be awake for it." Snape said nervously.
"Do you think Dumbledore has any chance of defeating Riddle without Harry?" Hermione asked tentatively.
Snape surveyed Hermione for a moment. "The Headmaster can possibly defeat the Dark Lord in an open, one on one battle, but he won't be coming alone, the Headmaster will have to concern himself with them all, no Hermione, I don't think he can win without Harry." Snape answered honestly.
"Even with all the Dark Aurors to fight the Death Eaters?" Hermione asked.
"It's not just the Death Eaters I'm concerned with, it's the Dark Lord's added followers, the giants, the vampires, and I've even heard many werewolves have joined him too. With all due respect to the Dark Aurors, they can't fight such insurmountable odds and expect to survive." Snape said.
"I hadn't thought about them. Riddle would certainly bring everything he had to this final battle; I hope we're wrong about Harry." Hermione said hopefully.
"So am I Hermione, so am I." Snape agreed.
Tonks and Cho had been traversing South America for the last two weeks, following leads presented to them from the other Dark Aurors. To date, they had been to twenty-two different magical communities with little or no prospects of finding Remus Lupin.
The latest lead was high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, a young wizard had informed the Dark Aurors that a werewolf had been seen several months before, and then vanished. The young wizard, who was hoping to be a Dark Auror after school, was to meet the two women just outside of the village.
When Tonks and Cho arrived in Peru, they found a young man in his middle teens pacing back and forth; they assumed that he was their contact.
"Hello there, are you Pedro?" Tonks asked.
"Si senora, I am, are you the Dark Aurors from England?" He asked back.
"Yes, I'm Tonks, and this is Cho Chang." She introduced them.
"I am Pedro Garcia, I've been expecting you." He said, motioning them to follow. "Tonks, that's a strange name, what does it mean?" Pedro asked curiously.
"Nothing, it's just my sir name, I don't care much for my given name." Tonks explained.
"What's your given name?" Cho asked, amazed she never knew.
"Nymphadora." Tonks said downheartedly.
Cho fought with every fiber of her being, not to laugh.
"This way," Pedro said, ignoring their conversation and pointing to a cave halfway up the mountain.
"Your English is very good, where did you learn it?" Cho asked, trying no to think about climbing a mountain.
"America, I have been living and going to school there for the last six years." Pedro explained.
"And how did you hear about the Dark Aurors?" Tonks asked.
"The Internet, do you know what the Internet is?" Pedro asked, not knowing if they were familiar with muggle computers.
"I do," Cho answered.
"I don't, what is it?" Tonks asked Pedro.
"It is a way to get a lot of information without having to leave your desk." Pedro explained simply.
"And the Dark Aurors are on the Internet?" Cho asked.
"Yes, and they have a website, its Pedro answered.
"Wow, we're on the Internet, how cool is that?" Cho said proudly.
"We are here." Pedro announced, bending down to enter the cave.
Tonks and Cho lit their wands, and followed Pedro in. He took them to the very back of the cave where a camp bed and a small trunk lay; collecting dust.
"Here," he motioned to the bed and trunk.
Tonks handed Cho her wand, and opened the trunk. Inside there were various tattered clothing, some dark magic detectors, and a journal. Tonks took out the journal and looked at the front cover.
'R J Lupin', was written on the cover.
"Cho, it's Remus' journal, it's a real clue." She announced.
Tonks took the journal outside, and began to flip through the pages. Remus had apparently documented everywhere he had been, all the people he spoke to and even the rumors he had heard along the way.
Two months into his travels he had evidently encountered several Death Eaters recruiting for Voldemort. He began to travel inconspicuously, talking to as few people as he possibly could and still accomplish his mission.
"Hey Cho, listen to this; 'the Death Eaters are catching up to me, I've decided to hide in a cave in the Andes Mountains for the time being, hopefully they won't be able to track me.' He knew he was being followed." Tonks told Cho.
"What's the last entry say?" Cho asked inquisitively.
"It says; 'The South American version of the Death Eaters are even more cruel than ours, I watched them commit such atrocities on the local residents that I just can't take it anymore, I'm going to attack their hideout tonight, if all goes well, those slimy bastards will never be able to harm another person again.' He must have been captured when he attacked." Tonks surmised.
"Does it say where the hideout is?" Cho asked.
Tonks flipped back a few pages and read to herself. "Yeah, on the top of this mountain, apparently there are wards on the camp site that keep muggles from wandering in. I think we'd better report this to Ron." Tonks added.
Both Tonks and Cho touched Pedro's arm, and they apparated back to the DME.
Ron was sitting in the Gryffindor common room; he had just finished teaching potions to a group of Beaubaton students.
"Another week of this, and I'm going to pass out." Ron declared to Neville.
"It could be worse; it could be a lot worse." Neville pointed out.
Ron was about to argue, when Hermione apparated in.
"Hey guys, what are you doing?" She asked, giving Ron a kiss on the lips, and Neville a kiss on the cheek.
"Are you finally taking a break?" Ron asked shortly.
"Now Ron, no need to be snippy," Hermione said, not sounding at all upset.
"How's the cure searching going?" Neville asked.
"Not bad, Sirius seems to think we're taking too long, but I'm hopeful." Hermione said smiling.
"You're always hopeful…" Ron was cut off by Neville.
"Did you say Sirius?" Neville asked.
"Yeah, he seems to think we should have found the cure sooner." Hermione said almost laughing.
"You found a cure?" Ron asked excitedly.
"Well look who just caught on." Hermione said, now outright laughing.
"Is my dad awake?" Ron asked, now bouncing up and down on his chair.
"He was awake for a few minutes, then fell back to sleep, but he'll be completely cured by tomorrow." Hermione said proudly.
"And Sirius and Harry too," Neville asked, almost as excited as Ron.
Hermione's face turned grim. "Sirius yes, but Harry is going to take some time. Severus and I estimate it will take over a month for Harry to be cured." Hermione explained.
"But that would mean he wouldn't be around for the final battle." Neville whispered.
"We know Neville, we did the math first, remember." Hermione said sadly.
"What are we going to do?" Ron asked.
Hermione looked determined. "We're going to fight, and we're going to win." She said resolutely.
"Damn right," Neville agreed.
"I'm ordering a meeting of all Dark Aurors, not currently on assignment, in the DME headquarters at eighteen hundred hours tonight, spread the word." Ron commanded Neville.
"Yes sir," Neville said standing and saluting.
"I'll see you at six." Hermione said standing and apparating back to Potter Castle.
Ron dressed in full Dark Auror uniform and apparated immediately to DME headquarters even though it was only five o'clock.
Ron found a group already starting to assemble in the conference room. Standing in the bend of the U shaped table was Tonks, Cho and a young boy.
"Commander," Tonks greeted Ron. "We have a definite lead, we found Remus' journal." She reported, handing Ron the book.
"Who's this," Ron asked referring to Pedro.
"This is the young man who helped us find Remus' Journal. His name is Pedro Garcia, he's a Peruvian student wizard trained in America." Tonks answered.
"Commander, Pedro is very interested in joining the Dark Aurors after he finishes school." Cho added.
Ron surveyed him authoritatively. "Why do you want to join us?" Ron asked Pedro directly.
"Because sir, the Dark Aurors are the best of the best." He answered definitively.
"Good answer Mr. Garcia, how much longer before you graduate?" Ron asked.
"This is my last year." He said.
"Consider yourself in our training program, but no promises." Ron said, sounding more and more like the Commander and Chief of a paramilitary organization.
"Thank you sir, you won't regret it." Pedro said excitedly.
"I'd better not." Ron said, sitting to read the journal.
Before he had a chance to start, Hermione entered and sat at his right hand.
"Remus' journal, read it for me, I need to address the group in a few minutes." Ron said, handing Hermione the journal.
When the room was filled with Dark Aurors who weren't otherwise occupied, Ron stood to address them.
"A battle is coming; the final battle and we have to be ready. So to that end, I'm ordering you all to be specially trained in the following two areas, the first is battling giants, the second is wandless summoning and repelling. Colonel Longbottom will be responsible for accomplishing this task. I want you all trained and ready in two weeks, we don't know when the battle is to occur, but we know we have to be ready. Riddle will not just come alone, or with just Death Eaters, he still has a few Dementors, he has giants, he has vampires," Hermione whispered in his ear. "And apparently he now has werewolves as well. I want you all ready, so if you'll please see the Colonel for your training assignments, I'll let you all get back to work." Ron said sitting.
"We may have another mission as well. Remus' last entry in the journal talks about a band of Death Eater types worse than the ones we have here, I think we need to attack their hideout and see if they have or know about Remus." Hermione explained.
"How many Dark Aurors do we need?" Ron asked.
"Well, according to the journal, Remus counted five hundred the week before he disappeared." Hermione said.
"That would require a hundred Dark Aurors; I don't know if I can spare them." Ron said nervously.
"Actually, I was going to recommend two hundred and fifty." Hermione clarified.
"Since when do we need one Dark Auror for only two Death Eaters?" Ron asked indignantly.
"These aren't regular Death Eaters, they're monsters, and we need to be careful. Besides, if we rid the continent of them, we may be able to get allies from the various countries to help in the battle." Hermione pointed out.
"Please Commander Sir, they torture and kill my people, muggle and wizard alike." Pedro said, obviously overhearing the conversation.
Ron stood again. "May I have your attention?" Ron waited for the room to quiet down and for everyone to retake their seats. "There has been a temporary change of plans, before we begin training; there is a battle that needs fighting first. In South America there is an evil that is worse than our own Death Eaters, we know where these wizards and witches are held up, we will storm their stronghold at dusk tomorrow. I do not expect that you go there with the intention of killing anybody, but I am telling you to protect yourselves utilizing extreme prejudice. Meet back here precisely at 1600 tomorrow, and then you will be given specific instructions. Dismissed," Ron commanded.
"Pedro," Ron called the Peruvian.
"Yes sir," he responded.
"Do you know the area?" Ron asked.
"Yes sir, very well," he answered.
"Tonks, Cho, take Pedro back to the mountains and scout out the compound; I want to know everything that goes on there. When you have enough information, come back to the castle and tell me, that's where I'll be." Ron ordered them.
"Yes sir," Tonks answered for the three.
"We may end up needing this warm up exercise; the battle with Riddle will be that much worse." Ron said quietly to himself.
"What was that Ron?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing, let's go see if my dad's awake." Ron said smiling.
Arthur was sitting up talking to Dumbledore about all that had happened during the time he was asleep.
"And the French Minister wanted me to pass along his best wishes; he's become very amiable since his experience with Harry." Dumbledore reported to Arthur.
"Thank you Albus, I appreciate all you did, I know how much you dislike the position." Arthur said smiling.
"It was a pleasure Arthur; I just hope Harry will recover quickly." Dumbledore said looking towards Harry's bed where he lay motionless.
"As do I Albus, as do I." Arthur agreed.
"He'll be fine; he's stronger than all of us put together." Sirius said from the other bed.
Ron and Hermione appeared next to Dumbledore.
"Dad, Sirius, how are you?" Ron asked, embracing his father then Sirius.
"We're fine son, how have you been?" Arthur asked back.
"Not as busy as Hermione and Snape, but busy none the less." Ron answered.
"And how about that errand I asked about?" Sirius asked.
"We have an excellent lead, and we'll be following up on it tomorrow." Ron explained vaguely.
"What errand?" Arthur asked.
"I asked Ron to search for the real Remus Lupin." Sirius answered.
"And why are you being vague?" Arthur asked Ron, who suddenly looked uncomfortable.
"Because we're storming the compound of wizards that make the Death Eaters look like choir boys." Ron said icily.
"Son, that's too dangerous, we have enough homegrown problems to worry about problems elsewhere in the world." Arthur said.
"Dad, your wrong, evil is evil, and if we can stamp it out there, maybe they can help us stamp it out here." Ron said angrily.
Arthur looked abashed. "I'm sorry son, you're right, is there anything I can do to help?" Arthur asked apologetically.
"No dad, I have everything covered." Ron said smiling.
"Don't worry Arthur; I'll be next to him the whole time." Sirius said suddenly.
"You shouldn't Sirius; you're still as weak as I am." Arthur argued.
"You'll both be fine by tomorrow afternoon. But Sirius, no disrespect intended, but you're not as highly trained as we are, you might get hurt." Hermione said.
"Remus is the last of my best friends, I'm going." Sirius said standing.
"Sirius, maybe you should listen to Hermione." Dumbledore added.
"No, I'm going." Sirius yelled.
"You can go; I'll send someone for you at 2100 tomorrow." Ron said, shaking his hand.
"That's better," Sirius said, lying down.
"I thought we were going at dusk?" Hermione whispered to Ron.
"We are," Ron answered smiling.
March 12th
"Professor, the Dark Aurors and I are taking a leave of absence from school for the remainder of the month of March." Ron told Dumbledore handing him signed parchments from all the Dark Aurors who were of age.
"I see, and there's no way I could talk you out of this?" Dumbledore asked.
"No sir, but we would appreciate the opportunity to return once the crisis is over." Ron added.
"Of course Ron, I will not prevent any of you from returning in April, but I would really appreciate it if you would think about what you're doing." Dumbledore explained.
"No sir, we all discussed it last night, if we're going to fight; we're going to focus completely on the impending battles, or we may actually die." Ron said in no uncertain terms.
"Very well, just make sure you're all here for the equinox." Dumbledore said shaking Ron's hand.
Ron returned to the war room at Hogwarts. All the Dark Aurors were waiting expectantly.
"Well," Semus asked when Ron walked in.
"He agreed, we can all take a leave of absence and return after." Ron announced.
The group cheered.
"Now on to more important things, Hermione and I have outlined the attack strategy. We will attack from all four sides. First, I will lead the attack from the east, when the enemy commits their forces, Hermione will lead the attack from the west, dividing their forces. When the forces are divided in two, Neville and his group will attack from the north and Tonks and her group will attack from the south." Ron outlined.
"Hey, what about me," Draco asked feeling left out.
"Actually Draco, I'm saving you for last. When the attacks are fully in place, Draco will lead the remainder of the Dark Aurors on a search and rescue. You will apparate inside the compound, they won't expect it because of the anti-apparition charms, and you will search every building, every tent, every cave, and even every corner. Any hostages you encounter, you are to get them out of there immediately. Remember, we are looking for Remus Lupin, but we will save anybody who needs saving. Tonks and Cho will meet me elsewhere to report their recognizance; we'll meet as we had planned, at 1600 in the DME headquarters. Any questions," nobody spoke. "Then go to the training room and prepare." Ron commanded.
Severus was hovering over Harry in the infirmary of Potter Castle, Arthur; who was almost completely healed, was watching him intently.
"Anything," Arthur asked Snape.
"He's healing extremely slowly, he might be somewhat conscious by the equinox, but I wouldn't get my hopes up Minister." Snape said.
"You know, I am your father in law, you can call me Arthur." Arthur pointed out.
"I know Arthur, bad habits die hard." Snape said smiling.
"How much have you seen Peggy since this all happened?" Arthur asked.
"Not much, but she understands, let's face it, it's her father I was trying to help." Snape said with a small laugh.
"Go to her Severus, she's going to need you now, she understands what's at stake, Harry isn't going to change anytime soon." Arthur suggested.
"I know; I'll go see her now." Snape said leaving.
Arthur was about to lay back down when Ginny came storming into the room with Cindy and Gabrielle in tow.
"Ginny," Arthur exclaimed happily.
"Why hasn't anybody told me you were healed?" She demanded, hugging her father.
"Probably because of Harry, he's going to take longer to heal." Arthur said, soothing his youngest child.
"But he will be healed?" She asked.
"Yes Ginny, Harry will be fine." Arthur said smiling.
"Hi grandpa," Cindy said, jumping into his lap.
"And how are you, pumpkin?" Arthur asked Cindy.
"I'm ok; I get to go to Hogwarts every day." She said excitedly.
"Really, are you having fun?" Arthur asked, smiling at her enthusiasm.
"Oh grandpa, it's so much fun, I get to learn all new magic, and eat with the other students, I'm so happy." Cindy said, hugging Arthur again.
"And how are you Gabrielle?" Arthur asked her.
"Very well, thank you." She answered.
"Your English is improving." Arthur complimented her.
"Thank you Minister." She said blushing.
"Daddy, do you know why I can't seem to find Ron and Hermione?" Ginny asked him, returning from Harry's bed.
"Haven't they told you, they think they may know where Remus is, I think they're going to go check." Arthur said without revealing too much.
"Oh, you'd think they would have at least told me where they were going." Ginny said huffily.
"I'm sure they'll be back soon, why aren't you in school?" He asked Ginny, trying to change the subject.
"I came home for lunch, and Winky told me you and Sirius were awake. Where's mum," Ginny asked.
"She's making a public appearance about my condition; I think the public is starting to wonder about me. She'll be back by dinner, don't worry." Arthur said.
"Are you feeling all right though daddy? Do you need anything?" Ginny asked in a motherly tone reminiscent of Molly.
"No sweetheart, I'm fine, I just want to sleep a little, I'm still not a hundred percent." Arthur said, lying back down.
"OK daddy, I'll take the girls to go eat." Ginny announced, kissing her father on the cheek.
Ron, Hermione and Draco were meeting with Tonks, Cho and Pedro. Tonks was discussing the layout of the compound.
"There are a lot of wards around the compound, but nothing we can't penetrate. There are ten barracks for fifty, aligned on one side of the compound, and two buildings with bars on the windows on the other. I managed to sneak into the buildings with bars on the windows, I didn't see Remus specifically, but I did see two hundred people huddled together in conditions unfit for animals. There are a hundred males in the one building with only one loo, and a hundred females in the other building with only one loo. There is no furniture in either building; no blankets, no other clothes than what they wear on their backs, everyone sleeps huddled together for warmth. It's revolting. I have never had such a desire to kill someone than I have with these, what did you call them Pedro?" She interrupted herself.
"Los Diablo's." Pedro said.
"That's right, these Los Diablo's." Tonks finished.
"Who are the people, did you get to figure that out?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, I know who they are, and why they're there. They are the local witches and wizards from villages the Los Diablo's have pillaged. They keep a supply of them in the compound to practice killing and torture spells." Tonks said with an anger none of them had ever heard from her.
"Calm down Tonks, they will get theirs, make no mistake." Ron told her.
"Anything else," Draco asked.
"Yeah, I heard that compound is one of three in South America. These Los Diablo's also have one compound in Brazil and one in Argentina." Cho answered.
"Same amount of wizards?" Ron asked.
"We don't know, but we will find out." Tonks said emphatically.
The Dark Aurors began to arrive in the conference room and by four o'clock Ron called the meeting to order.
"General Granger has your specific assignments, but I'll break it down for you quickly. Fifty of you will go with me and attack from the east. When they have alerted all their company, fifty of you, led by General Granger will attack from the west. As soon as the forces are divided, Colonel Longbottom with fifty more of you will attack from the north, at the same time, Major Tonks and fifty more will attack from the south. Those of you that remain," Ron asked Hermione a question, then continued. "Twenty two of you will be led by Major Malfoy, you will apparate inside the compound and rescue approximately two hundred prisoners being held in two buildings, both buildings have bars on the windows. Each team leader will have specific assignments for you. Are there any questions?" Ron asked.
"I don't have a question, but I'd like to address the group." Tonks said to Ron who motioned his approval. "I've seen what kind of monsters we're dealing with; do what you have to do to survive. Don't trust them; they will kill you without thinking. Be safe." Tonks said addressing all the Dark Aurors.
Ron stood again. "We will be apparating in approximately forty minutes, get your assignments and remember; you are Dark Aurors, the best of the best!" Ron exclaimed, causing the group to stand and cheer.
"Hermione," Ron said to her quietly.
"Yes Ron," she asked.
"In case something happens, I wanted to say something." Ron said vaguely.
"What," Hermione asked again.
"I love you; I've loved you since the moment I saw you on the Hogwarts Express our first year. I just wanted you to know." Ron said blushing.
"Ron, I love you too." She said kissing him deeply. "And nothing will happen, I promise." Hermione added.
Ron turned to the group of Dark Aurors.
"This is what you're trained for, this is why you make so much money, let's go out there and make the Ministry proud!" Ron exclaimed as he apparated away.