Soul of the Enemy

By Willow Spirit

Disclaimer: I only own the plot. Everything else belongs to the wonderful J. K. Rowling.

A/N: Thanks for the reviews. WARNING! There is a bit of harsh language in this chapter. Sorry if that offends people, but I don't think it's too, too bad.

Also FYI, the next few chapters will be covering this same day in the story. Yeah, it's a long day and a lot of stuff happens. You will be treated to nice, long chapters over the next few weeks.

By the looks of things from my notes, this story will probably make it to 30 or 31 chapters. It all depends on how things go towards the end. Just wanted to let you know.

Chapter 22 - The Claws Come Out

A full week went by without any word from Hermione. Harry and Ron hoped that everything was okay. They knew that Hermione's relatives were all Muggles, so maybe she was keeping her witch status fairly low-key. Regular correspondence via owl would have been highly suspicious. So they kept waiting patiently, trying their best to keep track of the assignments she was missing and struggling to do their own work (which was naturally more difficult without Hermione's help.)

Classes came and went on the eighth day of Hermione's absence. Harry, Ron and Alex were lucky enough to have a free block right before supper. They decided to go back to the common room for a bit of a break, as no one in their right mind would start their homework so close to supper time. The trio strolled through the halls, which were fairly empty at the moment. At one point, they rounded a corner and stopped dead in their tracks. They found the very last thing they had expected to see: Hermione coming down the hallway towards them, accompanied by Remus and Mad-Eye Moody. Hermione's face lit up when she saw them.

"Harry! Ron!"

Harry would have called out in return, but before he could he heard Alex next to him curse forcefully underneath her breath. He turned just in time to see her take an involuntary step backwards. By the look on her face, it seemed like she was suddenly afraid. Her eyes were wide and locked on the three people who were swiftly approaching. She glanced frantically from side to side, as if seeking some kind of escape.

"Sorry, guys. Got to go," Alex backed up another step. "Err…I need to visit the library before supper."

And without waiting for a response, Alex turned and disappeared so quickly around the corner, it looked like she had Apparated away. Harry and Ron both glanced at each other and gave a little shrug.

"I've missed you all so much!" Hermione exclaimed as she launched herself into Harry's arms, then into Ron's. When she pulled away, they could see her face quite clearly. She didn't look too bad, actually. A bit tired and slightly worn looking, but there was a hint of hope and a small smile. "I'm sorry I didn't write to you but things were so busy and it would have been really awkward. Most of my family doesn't know that I'm a witch, so I just thought…considering the circumstances…"

"That's okay," Ron waved his hand casually. "We're just glad that you're back."

"You look…better," Harry tried to search for an appropriate word.

"I'm starting to feel better too," Hermione sounded very relieved. "I really needed these past few days away. There was so much to do and go over, it was unbelievable. I think it also gave me time to get used to the idea. Not that I'll totally get used to it but now I can start moving on."

"And what are you doing here?" Ron turned to Remus and Mad-Eye.

"We both decided to bring Hermione back," Remus said, exchanging a significant look with Hermione. "There's lots more behind this story, but I think Hermione can fill you in on the details."

"Who was that girl with you, Potter?" Mad-Eye asked in his gruff voice. Throughout the entire conversation so far, he kept staring at the corner around which Alex had disappeared.

"Oh, that was Alex," Harry said. "Alex Reid. I don't know if Dumbledore talked to you about her. She's the one we rescued from the lake back in January. She's been staying with us for the past four months."

"I believe Dumbledore did mention her before," Remus recalled.

"Yeah, briefly," Mad-Eye said slowly, like he had a lot going through his mind. "Reid, eh? Where exactly does she come from?"

"We don't know, really," Harry hesitated slightly. "We don't know much about her at all."

"There's something about her," Mad-Eye narrowed his eyes in concentration. "Got a funny feeling that I've seen her before…"

"Now that you mention it…" now Remus was also looking at the corner with interest. For a brief second, Hermione and Ron's eyes met. She raised her eyebrow, indicating her interest in where this conversation was headed but Ron shook his head firmly, yet ever so carefully, indicating that this wasn't the time or place. No one else seemed to notice their silent exchange.

"So," Harry was suddenly eager to change the subject. "It'll be time for supper in a bit. We could head down early and use the time to catch up. Will you two be staying for a while?" Harry directed his question to the two older wizards.

"I suppose so," Remus smiled. "I'm sure we'll have lots to discuss with Dumbledore after a good Hogwarts meal."

"We're not going anywhere right now," Mad-Eye agreed.

"Great," Harry said. So the five of them set off towards the Great Hall, the three students talking to each other the whole way.

"It was pretty tough," Hermione described the past week to her friends. "The funeral was a large part of the planning. I was right, though. Mom and Dad did have some kind of arrangement. They'd laid out very clearly exactly what they wanted, so it wasn't too hard to carry everything out."

"You had mentioned 'other circumstances' before?" Ron asked.

"Yes," Hermione bowed her head and tried to look as unaffected as she could. "Apparently, it definitely was a Death Eater attack. There was a…a dark mark, too. A lot of my neighbors had their memories modified, being Muggles."

"Were any other houses attacked in your neighborhood?" Harry asked softly. Hermione shook her head and took a deep breath before she continued on.

"No," her voice shook with emotion. "I talked briefly with people from the Ministry one day last week. They believe, and I agree, that it wasn't just a random attack. The whole situation seemed to suggest that my parents were specifically targeted…maybe even attacked by Voldemort himself."

"Why?" Ron was so shocked, he forgot to flinch at the Dark Lord's name.

"Because…" Hermione didn't look like she could continue, tears had already filled her eyes.

"Because you're Hogwarts' Head Girl and best friend of Harry Potter," Harry felt like someone was twisting his insides into knots. It was his fault Hermione's parents were dead! Voldemort had done it to get to him!

"No!" Hermione cried, as if she could read his thoughts. "Don't blame yourself, Harry. I'll always be your friend no matter what. If I had really wanted to protect myself and my family I would have left you guys years ago. You aren't getting rid of me that easily, you know. We're in this together."

"She's right," Ron nodded.

"Thanks guys," Harry mumbled. It was good to know that you could always count on your friends. They were a team, and a damn good one at that.

"Oh look, they're here," Remus called to his former students. The trio looked up as they approached the Great Hall and saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley waiting near the double doors.

"Mom, Dad?" Ron looked very surprised. "What are you doing here? Is everything alright?"

"Everything is fine," Mrs. Weasley said as she immediately hugged her youngest son. "Or at least as fine as it can be at the moment. We wanted to stop by and see dear Hermione and the rest of you all while we're here. How are you doing there, sweetheart?" Mrs. Weasley had swapped Ron for Hermione in an instant.

"I'm doing better, thank you," Hermione said as she returned the hug.

"That's wonderful! Arthur and I couldn't believe it when we heard the news."

"Your parents were fine people," Mr. Weasley said solemnly. "I don't think I've met a nicer couple of Muggles in all my life. It was an honour to have known them."

"Indeed, indeed," Mrs. Weasley finally moved onto Harry. "Goodness, gracious, Harry dear! You are getting so tall now, I hope you've been eating well. I know I don't have to worry about that when you're here at Hogwarts. So, Hermione," she flipped her attention back to the brunette. "Have you got yourself a place to stay once school is over? You know you're always welcome to stay at the Burrow for as long as you like. I know it can be a bit crowded at times but…"

"Actually…" when Hermione stole a quick glance at Harry and Ron, they all knew something was up. "I was getting to that part, but I didn't have a chance to bring it up yet. When I was home, I also had to figure out what to do with the house. Apparently there's only a few more years of payments on it, and then I would own it, that is, if I want to keep it. I haven't exactly decided what I'm going to do. It would be very expensive if I lived there alone…though if I had a few roommates…"

"You mean you'd want to share your house with us?" Ron seemed at bit undecided with the idea.

"Only if you'd want to," Hermione shifted nervously under everyone's gaze. "It's really a nice house. It has three bedrooms, four if I convert my father's study back into a bedroom. I don't think I'd want to keep it forever, but I don't know if I could sell it right now."

"I don't know, Hermione," Harry shook his head seriously. "With everything going on right now, I don't really feel comfortable making big plans like this. I'd rather just wait and see what happens first."

"I sort of agree with Harry," Ron mumbled, bowing his head apologetically. "I have no idea what I'm doing after graduation."

Hermione bit her lip and tried to keep the disappointment she was feeling from her voice. She was also a bit confused. Wasn't Ron the one harping about wanting to stay together after Hogwarts? "That's okay," she said, a bit over cheerfully. "It's a big decision. I shouldn't have surprised you with it. I don't have to settle anything right now, though. It can wait a little while."

"We'll see," Harry said, without much hope in his voice. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were staring at him and Ron like they had two heads each. Harry, however, just looked right back at them and slipped them a very quick and extremely subtle wink.

-----

Alex had retreated to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. There she had found a private spot to hide out in between the large roots of an enormous tree. The trunk of this tree was so wide, Alex wouldn't have been able to wrap her arms around it.

She desperately needed to talk with her friend, as she sometimes did when she was distressed. Luckily for Alex, her friend was there this early evening. It was like he knew she would be coming, so he was waiting patiently for her. He raised his head as he sensed her approaching.

"I could sense your anxiety from very far away," he said, as Alex settled herself down.

"Oh, I am more than anxious!" Alex nearly shuddered. "I am so many damn things right now, I feel like I'm going to explode! I just had to get out of that castle."

"Why, what has happened?" he asked with concern.

"Everything!" Alex cried. "It's all starting to fall apart. I don't know what's going on. I have no idea where I went wrong. I thought I was doing everything that I was supposed to but…"

"Why don't you tell me everything that happened today," he suggested.

"Oh the day started out just fine," Alex said in exasperation. "It's now that's the problem. Just a few minutes ago, everything nearly went to Hell. Potter, Weasley and I were walking to the common room and then suddenly Granger was there, flanked by two members of the Order! The bloody, shagging Order of all things! Well, I pretty much froze, I didn't know what to do. Worst of all, Moody was one of them and I could see him staring at me with that spooky eye of his. I could tell he was trying to see right into me. Then I panicked. I knew I couldn't stay there."

"Why not?" he asked. "You have managed to convince other people of your alter ego, many other stronger people, I might add."

"It was really not possible," Alex said. "Moody and Lupin never got the chance to see poor little Alex Reid recuperating in the infirmary back in January. I didn't earn the sympathy points from them back then. No, these wizards had no idea who Alex Reid was. I would have been too new to them. They would have asked the questions the others had long forgotten to ask. I would have been too suspicious to them."

"And yet you ran away from them, still managing to draw attention to yourself," he mused.

"What else was I supposed to do!" Alex exclaimed. "If I had stayed I would have faced a near interrogation. Granger's return caught me so off guard, it would have been Hell trying to answer so many questions without slipping up. I did the most logical thing I could think of."

Alex leaned back against the trunk and closed her eyes. She really needed to calm herself down a bit. Her friend gazed upon her with sympathetic eyes. He had never seen Alex so frazzled before. This was, by far, the worst state he had seen her in. He hoped that he could eventually calm her down just by talking with her. Alex needed to regain her focus before anything else.

"I see how hard this is on you," he said. "Could some of these feelings be guilt from the death of Miss Granger's parents?"

Alex opened her mouth a bit too quickly, like she was ready to deny such questions. Then her mouth clamped shut. Maybe he had a point. "I never expected it to feel like this," she admitted quietly.

"I think you are beginning to form attachments," he observed wisely. "You have been living with these people for four months now. You are, of course, becoming closer to them."

"But I can't," Alex said. "That's not part of the plan. It was just so hard on the day it happened. I mean, I knew they were going to die. It was all part of the plan, too. Then it happened and I got this sick, twisting feeling in my stomach. But I can't feel anything for any of these people, not when I have a job to do."

"I agree with you," he said. "You must remain on your side of this."

"Yeah," Alex fell silent for a moment, then suddenly was off on a tangent. "God, I hate this whole thing! Why did I ever agree to do it in the first place? Well…of course I know why but still…"

"You must be patient," he said in a commanding tone.

"I'm tired of being patient!" Alex slammed her foot against a tree root. "I can't take it anymore. I certainly don't belong here. It's like you said, I've been here for four months and I'm starting to go mad. Do you know how hard it is, sitting next to these people day after day? There are so many things I'd like to scream and shout at them, but I can't. Time here is going way too slowly. I can't believe it's only mid-May. I just want the others to get here so we can start this bloody war, then I can finally go home!"

"It would be too dangerous to deviate from the plan now," he warned. "Everything must go according to the plans. You know the others won't be here for another few weeks."

"Yes, I know," Alex clenched her hands into fists and took a few deep breaths. "I have to stick to the plan. I've already messed it up enough as it is. The others are counting on me and I won't let them down."

Alex's friend nodded in silent approval, glad to see that her state of mind was getting back on track. Alex felt her heart rate returning to normal. This was a very good thing. She really needed to stay in control of her emotions.

"Feeling better?" he asked.

"Much better," Alex agreed. "I can't afford to lose it now, not when I've worked so hard to get here. If my true identity is revealed, then that's it for me. I could very well end up dead if they find out who I really am."

"I hardly think that would happen," he said skeptically.

"It could," Alex said. "But I don't want to test that theory. I have a job to do and I will see it through, no matter what. And nobody is going to get in my way. Not Potter and company or anybody else from the Order. I will personally make sure that the little bugger is good and dead."

Alex paused for a moment, enjoying the comfortable silence between herself and her friend. "I'm ready," Alex said after a while. "I'm ready to do this and anything else I have to do. I don't think it would've been possible if it weren't for you. You've been my lifeline through this all, you know. If I didn't have you to talk to I'd probably be a psycho by now."

"And we wouldn't want that now, would we?" he joked. The two friends laughed.

Then, all of a sudden, Alex's friend became tense and alert. Alex frowned as she watched his head turn back and forth.

"What is it?" Alex asked.

"Someone was near," he said with concern. "I can sense another human."

"Shit!" Alex swore as she scrambled to her feet. She scanned the nearby trees and school grounds but she couldn't see anyone. Whoever it was must have taken off. "Where are they? Which way did they go?"

"Towards the school, I believe," her friend said.

"Oh, God no," Alex sprinted for the school, hoping she could find whoever was eavesdropping in on her. She had to find them or this would be the end of everything.

-----

Harry, Hermione, Remus, Moody, and the three Weasleys were still outside of the Great Hall when they all noticed Draco Malfoy passing by. He was moving at a brisk pace and seemed very distracted, so much so that he didn't even notice the small group standing there, or some of the nasty glares he received. He just continued on, obviously on some kind of mission.

Not a minute later, Alex came tearing through the hall. She quickly noticed the group, but didn't take the time to stop. "Can't talk now, Potter," she shouted as she increased her speed even more. "Later!"

"I thought she was in the library," Ron frowned and turned to Harry.

"So did I," Harry said grimly. Something strange was going on around here. Warning bells were going off in Harry's head.

The four adults were looking slightly confused. The three students, meanwhile, were silently communicating with their eyes.

"We'll do this together," Hermione said. "Something is obviously wrong with her today. Three against one is better odds, anyway."

"You make it seem like we're going to fight her," Harry sighed.

"We'll be back," Ron said to the grown ups. Before they could ask any questions, the trio had already left.

"What is she up to?" Harry ranted as they tried to follow Alex's path. "Why would she lie about going to the library?"

"It almost seemed like she was afraid when she saw Lupin and Moody," Ron added.

"I don't like this," Hermione shook her head. "I've got a really bad feeling about this."

"Come on, Hermione," Harry nearly snapped at her. "You're not being very helpful here. Alex is our friend and it looks like she's really worried about something. She needs us right now."

Harry was so concerned with finding Alex, that he didn't hear Hermione's muttered reply, something about denial and a river in Egypt.

-----

Alex ran through the halls, desperately searching. She hoped that Potter wasn't following her, but she had bigger worries at the moment. She raced passed a few people, though Alex knew they weren't the ones. Whoever had been listening to her conversation wouldn't be lounging casually around the halls.

As Alex rounded one corner, she almost ran into someone standing in the middle of the hall. Screeching to a halt, Alex found herself face to face with Draco Malfoy.

"Whoa, easy there, Reid," Malfoy reached out and grabbed her shoulders to steady her. "What's the hurry?"

"Go screw yourself, Malfoy," Alex forcefully removed his hands. "I don't have time for idiots like you right now." Alex tried to step around him, but Malfoy simply moved to block her.

"But why not?" Malfoy asked smoothly. "How about it, Reid? Maybe it's time that you and I settle our differences. We could be friends, you know."

"I don't have anything to settle with you," Alex was growing impatient. He still wouldn't let her pass. The little eavesdropper could be getting away!

"Maybe you do," he gave her a suggestive look.

"Oh my God," Alex said. "What, you're tired of tormenting me now so you're trying to get into my pants again? I don't think that really worked too well the first time around. Besides, I'm pretty sure your 'equipment' is too small for the task."

"You'll never know for sure unless you find out for yourself," Malfoy replied. Alex just stared at him, like she was seeing him for the first time.

"You're disgusting!" she exclaimed. "But most importantly who are you and what have you done with the Malfoy I love to hate? Wait, don't answer that, I don't need to know." Alex finally managed to get past Malfoy, but he, for some reason, had stepped aside to let her go. She gave him one last strange look before she continued on her search.

"Seems like you're looking for someone," Malfoy called to her as she walked away.

"Can't say that's any of your business," Alex called back.

"Are you sure about that?"

Alex froze. There was something in his voice…she spun around and marched right back to him. "What do you know?" she asked, concealing her concern.

"More than you realize," Malfoy sneered. He was back. The cold, manipulative Malfoy was back.

"Tell me what you know," Alex commanded.

"Not much," now he was casually examining his finger nails. "Only that I overheard the strangest conversation just a few minutes ago. It took place outside, near the forest. It sounded very interesting."

"No," Alex whispered, the blood draining from her face.

"Oh, yes," Malfoy smirked. "What amazes me is that you were able to keep this whole thing a secret…at least until now."

"You aren't going to tell anyone, are you?" Alex asked.

"I don't know," Malfoy seemed to be thinking it over. He obviously enjoyed being in such a powerful position. "I might be able to benefit from this somehow. This information could be very useful."

"You will not tell anyone," Alex ordered.

At that moment, Harry, Ron and Hermione appeared from around the corner. They were shocked to see a smug looking Malfoy and Alex, who looked like she wanted to strangle him. The two were just standing there, facing each other in a silent standoff.

"Alex?" Harry asked softly. "What's going on?"

"I'll bet you Potter doesn't even know," Malfoy said gleefully. "What would he say if he found out…"

"SHUT UP!" Alex roared, causing Malfoy to step backwards.

"Careful, Reid," Malfoy warned. "You don't want to mess with me."

"You!" Alex exclaimed. "You won't be telling anyone about the things you heard."

"And just how are you going to stop me?" Malfoy challenged. His hand was reaching for his wand in his pocket, thinking that they were going to duel. Alex, however, had other things in mind.

Her eyes narrowed dangerously, and before anyone knew what was happening, Malfoy was thrown into the nearby wall.

"Alex!" Harry called out to her but apparently she wasn't listening to anyone. As Malfoy slid down the wall, Alex marched over to him and hauled him up by the front of his robes.

"I will stop you if I have to," she hissed in his face.

"I'll tell!" Malfoy screamed hysterically. "Touch me and I'll tell."

"You're pathetic!" Alex pulled back her fist and punched Malfoy in the face. He would have sunk down to the floor but Alex held him up for another punch. "You pathetic little weasel!"

"Alex!" Harry tried again, but it was no use. He tried to get to her but there was some kind of barrier shielding her and Malfoy.

Alex finally released Malfoy, only to let him sail across the hall and crash into the opposite wall. Again he slid to the floor. This time Alex settled for kicking him violently in his ribs.

"You are a weakling!" Alex cried. "You don't know anything. You'd run from danger if you came face to face with it! You're a sorry excuse for a wizard and a disgrace to your family!" With each insult came more kicks.

"Alex, stop it!" Harry called as he pounded on the barrier. Hermione and Ron were trying to find a way in but nothing seemed to work. To make matters worse, a small crowd had formed due to the noise and commotion. Many were staring at Alex in awe as she continued to attack Malfoy. By now, Alex was straddling his stomach and was repeatedly punching his face.

"You will never tell!" she screamed down at him. "You hear me? I've had it with you! You'll never tell!" By this time, Alex's hands and the front of her robes were covered in Malfoy's blood.

"Hermione, can't you do something?" Harry exclaimed.

"My spells aren't working!" Hermione cried. "I'm trying every one I can think of!"

"It looks like she's going to kill him," Ron said, his face very pale.

"ALEX!" Harry bellowed her name with as much force as he could muster. And just as suddenly as she had started the attack, Alex finally snapped out of her violent rage. She paused mid-punch, as if she were frozen. Then she looked up at the others. She stared at everyone for a second, like she was trying to figure out what was going on. When she looked back down, she finally seemed to realize what she had done.

In the blink of an eye, Alex was off Malfoy, backpedaling away from him on the floor. The horror over what had happened was written clearly all over her face. She stumbled to her feet and without any backwards glance, she took off down the hallway, leaving behind the still, blood covered body of Draco Malfoy.

-----

A/N: So...I'd say that if you haven't submitted a review by now, this is you chance. What are you waiting for!

Next Chapter:

"You are working for the Dark Lord, aren't you?" Snape accused, quickly jumping in for the first opportunity to strike.

"So what if I am?" Alex smirked.