CHAPTER 5: I promise you
A/N: The two timelines begin. Without further ado...
Interior, First Floor, Bedroom, 11 Raptors Lane – Night
Harry closed the door behind him. He had a white towel wrapped around his waist as he padded barefoot towards the single bed aligned next to the window. The room was fairly small, structurally built with nothing but timber.
There was a small cabinet with three drawers set adjacent to the door he just exited. He dropped the towel on to the bed and grabbed the blue set of pajamas before putting them on. The top ended just above his navel and the lower reached the middle of his calves. Ponting his index finger at the top, he muttered "Engorgio" It expanded till it fit him perfectly, even expanding around his arms where it was really right. He repeated the spell to the pajama bottom before tying the knot.
He picked up his wallet sitting on the edge of the bed and his wand before heading over to the cabinet. He opened the first drawer, it was empty, and placed them both inside. Turning around he looked at his trouser which was deposited on the floor near the leg of the bed.
"Accio" his voice came out in a gravelly whisper. The item of clothing came flying towards him before he caught it in the air. Twisting it to get it upright in his hands he took out the silver metal box of cigarettes before depositing it alongside his other items inside the drawer before closing it.
He walked over to the back wall and hung the trouser on the hook shaped like a deer.
He turned around at the sound of the knob turning before the door was pushed open. The man walked inside leaving the door open. He stopped after a couple of steps and stared at him, his hands folded behind his back.
"Good to know I still know your size" he looked him up and down.
Harry scoffed as he watched him walk over to the bed before sitting on the edge. "Yeah, it would've fit perfectly if I was fifteen"
"Not my fault you had to grow the size of a troll. You were already born with the brain of one."
"Funny man." Harry said dryly as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms across his chest.
"Actually, it makes sense because the last time I dressed you was when you had just joined the camp, remember I stayed with you those first couple of weeks. So, it makes sense I remember your size from back then." He let out a half chuckle, it died before it even made it past his lips. "Funny the things your mind remembers"
"Firstly, it was only one time, no fuckin last time shit, alright, and secondly, no one remembers this kind of stuff so don't even try and make this sound normal like it's a universal thing, it's just you which means it's automatically weird and now you made it even more by giving it a nice little back story"
"Oookay" he drawled, shifting a little on the bed as he leaned back on his elbows. "So, that's how it's going to be. Alright, now that I know what Harry I'm dealing with care to tell me what brought you here and more importantly, why were you half-dressed and for the love of merlin don't say new year's night"
Harry's lips curled at the corner as he arched an eyebrow. "No and really...new year's night. It happened once and that was more than twenty years ago. When am I ever going to live that down"
"Never, but that's beside the point." he quipped back.
"Of course, it is"
"I was kind of hoping it was something related to that actually...even though I would have beated you to an absolute pulp if that would've been the case, the alternative scares me more...Harry" he added when Harry turned his gaze down. "Tell me I shouldn't be scared" his voice remained firm but there was a hesitancy to it, a vulnerability.
Harry took a deep breath as he ran a hand through his hair. "I need a place to stay till I'm on this case. I got my hands full at the moment so searching the paper for apartments isn't on the top of my list. Once it's done, I'll be gone" He looked up as he finished.
"That's not what I asked and yes of course you can stay for as long as you want. I should slap you for even asking me that"
"Thanks" Harry pushed himself off the wall and walked towards the edge of the bed.
"Harry..." he stood up, his robe swishing extravagantly as he did so. "What's the matter. Tell me-"
"Severus" Harry gritted out as he stopped and faced him. His gaze was hard as he stared him down, his jaw clenched tightly. "Leave it." his voice sounded scratchy.
Severus looked at him for a moment before nodding his head. "Fine." He looked around the small room as he shifted his weight slightly on his right leg. "Well," He cleared his throat before looking back at him. "If you need anything let me know. I'll prepare breakfast before I leave. It'll be on the table."
Harry nodded his head.
"Well...I suppose you better get some rest" he walked the couple of steps towards him and patted him on the shoulder before ruffling his hair. "You need to cut this. It's a mess"
"Says you" Harry remarked, indicating towards his own hair.
"Mine suits me. It's a part of who I am" Harry raised an eyebrow as he continued. "Plus, I've had it all my life so I know how to maintain it. Yours become a nest, not to mention with that ridiculous beard you look like Greyback's long lost brother"
"How do you know I'm not him" a small smirk made its way over Harry's mouth.
"Because I saw the light leave his eyes as I stood over him" he drawled.
Harry scoffed as he scratched the side of his beard before nodding his head. "Alright, I'm going to hit the bed. See you in the morning"
Snape stared at him impassively for several moments before reaching his hand out and gently laying it on his shoulder as he turned around before walking towards the door.
He closed the door behind him as Harry dropped on to the bed with a heavy sigh and rolled onto his back. He curled one arm under his head while the other laid across his midsection.
His breathing slowly got heavier as he kept staring at the ceiling. His face was slowly turning red and his nostrils flared in anger.
"FUCK!"
Interior, Ground Floor, Main Bedroom – Night
Severus was monotonously staring in front of himself as loud shouts of expletives kept coming out of Harry's mouth one after the other. The noise was somewhat muffled through the door and lost most of its impact because of the distance but didn't lose any of the passion, the anger, the rage, and, the pain.
"Fuck! AAAH! Fucking CUNT! Bitch! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! AAAAAH!"
His gaze was hollow and his entire aura reeked of misery.
He shut his eyes for a brief period of time when the cracking of the wood under the fire could be heard once again. He opened his eyes and his gaze sought out the shelf hanging above the chimney, upon which stood three frames.
He got off the bed and slowly walked over to it. He stopped before it and traced his finger across the one on the right. Four boys, in their late teens stood shoulder to shoulder with their arms around each other.
On the far right was a boy with shabby brown hair that covered most of his forehead. He had a wiry frame and stood slightly with a bent back, mainly because he was also the tallest in the group. A hint of facial hair covered his smiling face.
To his left was a boy with curly black hair that reached his shoulder. There was a smirk playing on his lips and mischievous glint in his eyes as he tried to and succeeded in plucking the hair of the boy on the far left.
Though the picture dated back decades there was no mistaking that the boy who was the victim of the prank played by his friend was none other than the man staring at his past. His younger self, with the same hair though unlike him there wasn't a speck of grey on his head, turned his head and scowled at his friend before moving around the boy standing between them and kicking him in the shin.
The boy standing between them had raven black hair swept to the right. He wore glasses that were a little crooked. He put his arms out and separated them immediately before the fight could escalate and held them by their shoulder. He raised a challenging eyebrow when they still wouldn't stop and were trying to shove past him.
A few seconds later he rolled his eyes and pulled them both by the scruff of their necks and had them in a headlock before turning his head back at the camera and flashing a grin while doing a thumbs up. The boy with shabby hair ran behind him and jumped on his back which resulted in them all dropping to the ground and rolling on the ground in laughter.
The scene started back all over again.
He skipped over the middle frame and turned his gaze towards the one on the left. An instantaneous smile came over his lips as he looked at the happy couple dancing slowly with their arms around each other.
It was their wedding. The bride had her arms around her husband's neck while he held her by the waist. She had thick bushy brown hair that cascaded down her waist while his raven locks had a mind of their own as they stuck out in every direction. His face bore very close resemblance to the boy in the other frame but unlike his square framed glasses his were round, not unlike the man who was screaming in anguish a few moments ago.
The blissful couple's eyes were boring into each other as they were lost in their own little world but there was a hidden smile playing at their lips as if a silent conversation seemed to be going on between them.
Their feet moved at a leisurely place in circles on the platform.
The scene wasn't as long as the previous one, nor was it as eccentric or portrayed a comradery of love between brothers in everything except blood but, it portrayed a different kind of love, the kind that had no meaning, made no sense, had no limits, would cross every universe to reach its counterpart, something mystical, something magical.
Finally, he turned his gaze toward the frame in the middle and the smile that had been on his face dropped like a ton of bricks as his eyes turned moist. He picked up the frame and touched the face of the woman sitting on the chair. She had straight black hair that were tied in a ponytail. A boy, no older than ten, was sitting on her lap with his head resting against her chest. His eyes were glued to the book the woman had opened with her right hand while her left hand was rubbing slow circles on his messy mop of hair.
She stopped her hand movement on his head and pointed her finger at a spot in the book that had her son frowning as she explained something to him. As she were doing so her gaze flicked right at the camera before she winked slyly.
A teardrop landed right on where her face was before Severus wiped it away. He brought the frame to his lips before softly pressing his lips to it.
Interior, Living room, 11 Godstow Rd, Oxfordshire – Day
Harry was standing next to the window, staring down at the street below that at the moment was fairly empty except a few people walking on the footpath. It didn't help that it was a very bleak day with dark clouds creating a looming shadow on every inch of the surface.
He closed his eyes and covered his mouth with his hand as a loud yawn escaped his lips.
"Just tired or not enough sleep"
He turned around as his mouth quirked at the corner. "Both"
The woman chuckled as she sat down on the armchair. Harry's gaze flicked towards the plate of cookies and a rimmed filled glass of pumpkin juice. "So, it is true" he murmured.
"Sorry, what?"
"No, nothing" he fumbled, realizing that he said that aloud as he walked over and took a seat on the sofa.
"Please" she inclined her head towards the table.
"Thank you" he picked up a cookie and almost gulped it all in one bite. "Mmmm...very good" he nodded appreciatively. "In fact, very, very good" he picked another before popping it into his mouth.
She was looking at him with slightly raised eyebrows and a small smile playing at her lips. "Thank you." She cleared her throat. "I hope you don't find me rude but did you have anything for breakfast"
He waived his arm before answering. "Toast on butter" He frowned. "or is it the other way around" She giggled as he continued. "Anyway, doesn't matter. What matters is that it was and please excuse my language, absolute shite."
"Oh, I'm sorry" she said through her giggles as she wiped at her eyes.
"Don't bother." he said after finishing another cookie. "You know you would think that a man who has been cooking for the better part of twenty years would've gotten better. Turns out...not the case with my godfather"
"Really!" she arched an eyebrow.
"Hmm" he was about to nick another cookie when he halted mid movement and faced her. "Fuck! I must come across a troll. Sorry about that. You would think I've been starved all my life and have no table manners"
"Oh, no, please!" she pushed the plate towards him. "Have as many as you want. I was about to make another batch anyway for the kids"
"Hogwarts?" he asked, as he grabbed two cookies.
"Yes" she smiled.
"What year?"
"Third and first"
"Nice, you still have a little time"
"I'm afraid I don't understand"
"Means they still have some innocence left, which in turn means your life hasn't yet turned to hell"
Her eyes turned wide for a brief moment in surprise before a fresh burst of giggles left her mouth.
"I'll be extra wary now that you've warned me" she smiled, before taking a sip of her juice. "You haven't touched your juice" she motioned towards the glass that remained untouched.
Harry darted his gaze at the drink before his face grimaced in disgust. "Allergic" he said with a forced smile.
"Oh...would you like anything else"
"No!" He cleared his throat as her eyes turned wide at his little outburst. "Sorry...I'm fine, thank you"
She mutely nodded her head.
A few seconds of silence past between them as Harry demolished the entire plate of cookies while she took little sips of her juice. He sucked his fingers after he finished before shifting a little in his seat.
"So...Miss Demenza"
"Please call me, Shannon"
"Alright, Shannon. Are you aware of why I'm here, today"
She looked at him for a few moments before nodding. "I may have an inkling"
"And what does it tell you"
"That it's because of Sebastian's murder."
"Bingo"
"Bruno worked for him"
"I know"
"But I don't see how I can help you. In case you didn't know my husband has been dead for five years" there was a slight bitterness to her voice.
"Shannon" Harry paused. "First of all, I'm sorry, and secondly, I'm only here to ask you a few questions. Ten minutes, tops"
She let out a deep sigh before nodding. "Okay"
"Good. Now, feel free to stop or correct me at any moment you feel like." At her nod he continued. "Your husband was found murdered on Saturday, February 7th, 2013, correct?"
"Yes"
"It was on the first floor, correct?"
"Correct"
"And you were the one who found him"
"Yes" her voice cracked a little.
"Now, I want you to think very carefully about this. Were there any similarities between his murder and Mr. Witherfield's"
"Yes" she answered right away.
"Are you certain"
Her gaze hardened and he held his hands up in defense. "What I mean is-"
"I know what you mean" she snapped.
"Shannon, I just need you to be sure. We can't-"
"I don't need to think about for a good while to be sure, Mr. Potter. Not a day has gone by that I don't think about it. Every night I wake up in sweats because of the nightmares...and they are always the same...I see him...or what was left of him" she barely got the word out before she broke down.
"Fuck" Harry whispered, as he looked away, shaking his head. He rubbed his temple as her crying got louder.
He chewed the inside of his mouth as he stared out the window.
It was good five minutes later when her sobs finally quieted down. "Sorry" she sniffled.
"No, don't be. It's good to cry, trust me. The ones who can't leave a much depressing existence"
She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief. "I'm okay, now. Thank you for cooperating"
"I should be the one saying that" he chuckled. "But anyway, back to what you were saying. Can you explain why you thought there were similarities between the murders. If it's not too much" he added.
She nodded before speaking. "It was everything about it that reminded me of the night Bruno was murdered. The torture, the curses, limbs cut off. Call it a woman's intuition or a wife's, whichever you prefer, but I have never been more sure of anything in my life than this. If I'm wrong, then you've got one hell of a copycat on your trail"
"Ms. Turner, Mr. Witherfield's ex, said that Bruno spent four years in Azkaban. What did he do?"
Her eyes, which had been staring down at her lap, whipped up towards him. There was rage behind them as she glared at him. "That bitch!" she hissed, making Harry's eyebrows reach his hairline.
"Excuse me"
"She is feeding you lies." she shot up. "Bruno didn't do anything...not of his own choice, anyway. He was forced to take out orders, orders given by none other than her husband. He didn't want to, even threatened to quit but Sebastian manipulated him, offered him an amount of money he couldn't say no to. Zoey, our second, had just been born. I had taken off work for several months so we were barely making do.
Sebastian knew this, so the bastard knew which strings to pull. In the end, Bruno accepted. But Bruno never hurt anyone. It was an accident and that bastard threw him to the pump to save his own skin"
Harry stood up as well, a contemplative expression on his face. "What exactly happened? I read Bruno's file. It says that he went into the prophecy hall that was run by a witch name, Helen Rivia. She was the keeper of the hall. Apparently, Bruno found out about a prophecy made about him and went stormed inside the room without confirming his name on the archive data.
When Helen tried to stop him, he threw her against a shelf stacked with orbs, one of which she touched accidently. She started shaking violently as the alarms went off and Bruno got captured. He was sentenced to Azkaban while Helen Rivia suffered brain damage. She died a few years later." He pauses before adding. "What exactly happened, Shannon"
She shakes her head. "I don't know"
Harry scrunches his eyebrow in confusion. "What do you mean"
"I mean I don't know!"
"You're lying!" he growled.
"I'm not!" she yelled "Bruno never told me. He couldn't."
"What do you mean he couldn't"
"Why do you think, detective." She clenched her jaw as she held his gaze.
"Unbreakable vow" he whispered.
She scoffed. "Yeah, unbreakable fucking vow. Those bastards covered all their bases." Her face screwed up in agony as more tears gathered behind her eyelids. "He wanted to...so badly. Every night we went to bed he wanted to tell me...to clear his conscious...to confess...to tell the truth. I knew it was eating him inside but he couldn't." she sniffled, wiping at her eyes. "Look" she sighed, staring up at him with tired eyes. "I told you everything I knew. Whether you believe me or not is up to you but I'm afraid you've overstayed your welcome so please, leave"
Harry gave her a curt nod before walking past her.
"Mr. Potter" he stopped and turned around. "I don't know if this is information you may find helpful but, Bruno once mentioned that Sebastian always used to store his important memories in his Pensieve."
Interior, Conference room, Auror Headquarters - Day
"Alright, listen up!" Harry stormed into the room, startling everyone out of their seats as the door banged against the wall before bouncing back.
In less than ten seconds all four officers were standing in a straight line with their hands behind their backs.
"New orders" he barked. "I want a full background check on Helen Rivia and her family. Every little detail." He uttered, as his eyes roamed left to right. "Wait a minute" he frowned. "Where the fuck is Draco and Roman?"
"Locke's giving a speech at Diagon Alley today sir." said Ritkins. "Giving his campaign a last big boost. Heard his bringing in all the big guns today."
"You mean his loyal companion and the one and true seer, Joanna smith" snickered Chris.
"Oh my god, I hate that bitch. She's so phony" Rebecca stuck her tongue out in disgust.
"Yeah" John rolled his eyes as he continued. "Anyway, apparently Locke is still badly shaken by the Witherfield murder so he wanted to up the security which is why he asked Deputy Head Auror Malfoy to run the guard today. Roman volunteered like a good loyal dog."
"Fine, whatever" Harry rubbed his temple before looking up. "Chris, Rebecca, bring me all the information regarding Helen Rivia by tonight"
"Done sir" they responded in unison.
"Get out of here" he ordered, before they made their way towards the door before walking out of the room.
"Have you found anything useful about Witherfield's whereabouts?"
John shared a small glance with his partner, Dave, before turning back to Harry. "We may have come upon something interesting"
"Good, show me"
"Right this way, sir" he turned around and walked towards a round table situated at the back that was littered with a dozen newspapers.
"This is every time Witherfield was seen in a public place after he started making appearances." Harry stood in the middle with his hands in his pocket as Dave levitated one newspaper after the other while John continued. "His first appearance was four months ago when he came to support Andrews during his third campaign speech in Godric's Hollow. After that he was seen on a few late-night dinners in Adrienne, a French wizarding restaurant in the heart of Paris' magical community, again accompanied by Andrews. Apart from that he was seen on a few morning walks with his dog accompanied by his bodyguard."
"I don't want a day-to-day report of when he took his next shit, Ritkins. Don't tell me this is what you were referring to as interesting because if it is just get out my sight now before I do something we'll both regret" Dave let out an audible gulp and even Ritkins chuckled nervously.
"I'm getting there, sir"
"Then get to it right now, dammit! What's the fuckin point of this anyway. I want something substantial"
"Yes, sir" Ritkins squeaked, before clearing his throat. He motioned Dave to drop the newspaper that he was levitating in front of Harry's face. Dave, whose hands were shaking did so after a few tries before backing away a couple of feet.
Harry ran a hand through his hair before training his eyes towards John.
"What I was getting to sir, is that there wasn't a pattern or enough evidence for the killer to feel comfortable about when and more importantly where Witherfield would make his next appearance. A couple of late-night dinners in foreign countries and a few morning walks that too accompanied by his bodyguard didn't offer him much flexibility in case things went sideways."
"Not to mention that Andrews never promoted any of his future visits until a day before which didn't leave him with a lot of prep time" added Dave, still standing a few meters away.
Harry nodded his head with a small frown creating lines on his forehead.
"Our point being that it only left him with the option of the inaugural event"
"Which your wife so thoroughly deserved" Dave's voice broke several times as he finished off the sentence in a hurry.
Both Harry and John raised an eyebrow in his direction. Dave chuckled nervously as he caught John mouthing 'What the fuck!' to him as Harry's head remained turned towards him.
"Sorry" he whispered, taking out a handkerchief and swiping it across his sweaty forehead. "I've always admired her" he squeaked.
"I'm sure Mr. Potter appreciate your admiration for his wife but could we get back to work, Dave" deadpanned John.
"Yes" Dave vigorously nodded his head as he nervously started tapping his left shoe. "Please" It almost came out as a plea.
"Thank you" John shot him a brief glare before facing Harry as he turned back towards him. "As I was saying sir, the ceremony presented the only option to the killer. As Dave said with Andrews never announcing his campaign visits ahead of time, even if Witherfield accompanied him to all of them, now that we know how much planning went in to his murder the killer couldn't have taken him out at any of the campaign promotions."
Harry's eyes turned wide as a spark of realization spread across his features.
"The invitations were never made public" he murmured.
A smile came over John's lips as he nodded his head. "Correct, sir. They weren't, which meant-"
"He either works at IMA or knows someone who does." finished off Harry.
"Correct, sir, and we just confirmed it with a friend who handles the entire security operation at IMA that the invitations were kept 'mum'. During break time him and a couple of mates play a game of chess and one of them works as a receptionist. It was their department that sent out the invitations and no one but them except Mr. Kyle, who I presume gave out the orders, and his assistant knew about the invitations and he said they were under strict orders to not divulge the information."
Harry stroked his beard as his feet moved at a slow pace.
"I mean how else did the killer know Witherfield was supposed to be at the party. We know now that he is a planner, and the invitation were given out two weeks before the actual event which gave him plenty of time to prep and execute."
"Not just to plan the murder but the leading up to it as well. He had to know who else was going to be there as well so he could pick his target and through them ease his way into the party." added Harry.
"Julius Hitchview" said Dave.
Harry snapped his fingers.
"What do you think, sir" Ritkins asked, as Harry continued to walk in slow circles. "You think he works there or somehow heard about it and then got the information out from one of the employees, would've been a piece of cake compared to what he had to do to get to Witherfield"
"I don't know, John" said Harry, his head tilted down.
"That seems like too much of a coincidence." started Dave as they turned their gaze towards him. "I mean if as you said that he heard about it somehow. Like, overhearing a conversation in a pub where these reception workers were hanging out...I mean it doesn't match with what we know about him, or her. Let's not forget it could be a she."
"What do you mean" asked John.
"I'm just saying that we know how meticulous he or she is with their planning and then just to stumble upon information like that... I don't know, just doesn't add up, I suppose." he shrugged his shoulder.
"Nah, I think you're right" agreed John, before he turned towards Harry. "What's the next move, sir"
Harry stopped walking and faced him. His jaw was clenched tightly as he said. "I think it's time I have a meeting with Rowan Kyle"
Exterior, Ripper Street, Diagon Alley – Day
The entire street was packed with people of all ages. Up ahead standing on a platform dressed in a dark grey robe was Martin Locke whose booming voice reached to the very edge of the street. There were large banners and posters hanging in the air with his face painted over them.
On the platform, behind him sitting on chairs were several people, all dressed amicably in expensive robes. One of them was a woman wearing a burgundy dress robe over a black coat and a matching hat. She had golden blonde hair and was continuously waving to the crowd below even when there was anyone hardly paying her any attention.
Hordes of aurors surrounded the platform with their wands in their hands. Some were scattered in the crowd and were always on the alert as their eyes kept roaming for any sign of trouble.
Draco was the only officer on the platform. He was standing near the edge, his eyes moving across the passionate crowd who were hanging on to every word coming out of Minister of Magic's mouth.
"...and I assure you that there will be more opportunities for those struggling to run their business and also for those struggling to find a job once the expenditure is complete. You all know I'm a man of my word and I promise you that if you give me your trust and faith, I will bring you fortune" Locke's words thundered in the air as the crowd let out a deafening cheer.
"I have one more surprise for you. My dear friend Joanna Smith has agreed to open a brand-new branch of 'Your one true seer' right here in Diagon Alley early next year" The crowd cheered again as the woman who had been waving her hand stood up and gave an elegant bow before taking her seat. "We all know how much business that will bring to this beautiful community and Joanna has promised that in the mean time she will open up a small school right here in diagon alley so that anyone between the ages of 18 and 25 can come and learn the craft because, and this is her own words, she wishes to only employ those who belong to this community, who were born here. This is her way of giving back to the community and we couldn't be happier"
The crowd roared, with many jumping and punching in the air.
'Joanna, Joanna, Joanna!" The crowd chanted.
Martin looked over his shoulder at Joanna who shot him a confident smirk.
"Alright, alright. Calm down. I have one more thing to say" he chuckled. "Diagon Alley is not only one of the oldest communities of our world but it is also one of the if not the most prominent. But we need to be flexible and not be stubborn in our views. I promise you this community will thrive on tourism and it will open up countless opportunities which in turn will help you all."
Another resounding cheer followed his statement.
"I also give you my word that-"
BANG!
His voice ceased immediately, along with the cheering crowd as a loud explosion erupted in one of the shops in the middle. Shattered glass, along with large chunks of stone and bricks went flying everywhere over the screaming crowd who were pushing and shoving everyone to get away.
BANG!
Another equally loud and destructive explosion blew the shop window adjacent to the platform.
Draco immediately ran over to martin who was rooted to his spot, his face white in shock. "Minister! Get down" Draco lunged at him, sending him to the ground and putting his body over him as an all-out hell broke loose.
The explosion sent the people who had been sitting in chairs on the platform a few feet flying in the air.
Aurors were flanking orders but people paid them no attention as flocks of groups started disapparating on spot. There was smoke everywhere and one could hardly see a few feet ahead of them.
It was absolute chaos.
Three aurors came over to Draco's side and pulled him up alongside the minister. "Sir! we need to get out of here, right now"
"Minister! I'm going to apparate you right now. Don't let go" Draco shouted over the commotion. Martin dumbly nodded his head before Draco looked at his fellow officers. "I want you all to take every member of the minister's team back to the ministry. I don't want anyone left behind"
"Yes sir"
"Sir!" Draco turned his head as Roman came sprinting towards him. One side of his face was covered in smoke and he was coughing badly. "Sir, I can assist with that" he barely got the words out before he was coughing again.
"Okay" Draco gave his shoulder a squeeze before he disapparated on spot with the minister.
"Alright, you heard his orders!" shouted one of the ranking officers.
Roman nodded his head before he ran off to help an old man who was struggling to get up near the back of the platform. Next to Roman, Joanna groaned as she lifted her head off the ground before pushing herself into a sitting position.
"Don't worry, maam. I'll be with you in a second"
She ignored him and stood up on shaky legs before walking down the platform and merging herself into a small horde of people making their way through a narrow gap between the platform and the wall.
"Maam!" he shouted, but she was already lost in the crowd.
"Get the fuck away! Move!" She pushed and shoved her way through before coming out on the other side.
Joanna was swaying from left to right as she continued walking. She braced herself against the wall to steady her momentum. She brought her hand over her forehead and wiped away the blood on her left cheek where a large cut had slashed her skin.
She pushed off the wall and turned into a narrow alley before taking out her wand. She closed her eyes.
"Woah, woah! You can't apparate. Not in your state. Here, let me help you. I'm an auror"
A relieved expression came over her face as she opened her eyes and turned her head towards the voice. "Oh, thank merlin. Please, get me out of he- AAH!" She screamed when her eyes landed on the masked man quickly approaching her.
In less than a second, he was right next to her. "Let's go for a ride, shall we" his gruff voice whispered next to her ear before he disapprated them into thin air as Joanna let out one more ear-splitting shriek of terror.
Interior, Auror Headquarters – Evening
People were bustling every which way as a tense atmosphere surrounded the room. Orders were shouted from one corner to the other as everyone moved at a rapid pace. Every face had an anxious expression as Harry walked in.
They all stopped what they were doing immediately as they faced him. He shook his head. "Continue"
The commotion started back up as he made his way through the cubicles before turning left. He stopped when he reached the door to the deputy head office before pushing it open and walking in.
Draco was sitting in his chair with his head between his hands and his elbows resting on the table. He looked up as the door closed behind Harry.
They stared at each other for a moment before their lips lifted at the corner in a wry smile.
"I take it back" began Draco. "I now wished you didn't come back"
Harry scoffed as he took a seat opposite him.
"Should've known you would only bring trouble"
Harry leaned back and angled the chair a bit as he propped his feet on the edge of the desk.
"What's going on, Harry" he whined, dropping his head against the table.
Harry took out a handful of pistachio from his pocket and popped one into his mouth.
"Well," Draco lifted his head and widened his arms. "Say something!"
Harry shrugged his shoulder as he continued munching. "What do you want me to say?"
"I don't know" Draco exclaimed incredulously. "Anything!"
"Anything"
Draco barked a laugh as Harry shot him a wink. "Dickhead"
"Look, to be honest this doesn't surprise me much. A failed assassination attempt right before a ministry election, I mean c'mon. We have seen plenty of them. They date back to the fuckin origin of time" he threw the remaining nuts in his mouth before dusting his hands.
"But, why now?"
"Why ever" Harry arched an eyebrow.
"But how did it happen. We had all the bases covered. We double checked every shop for stuff like this and found nothing"
Harry shrugged his shoulder. "Don't work yourself too much over this. It was a one and done."
"How can you be sure. We didn't catch anyone"
"Trust me. I know the fuckin mentality of these terrorists. Their main goal is to make a point. Locke isn't leaving his own house let alone making another public speech and I am equally certain about Andrews"
"Let's hope you're right"
"I am. Trust me. So, stop moaning over it and focus back on the Witherfield case"
Draco lifted his chin which had been resting in his palm. "You could at least pretend to not come across as selfish. I mean, merlin Harry, seven people were killed. At least show them some respect"
Harry turned his head to the side as he swiped a tongue across his lips. "We all have to die someday, mate"
Draco stared at him in shock before shaking his head.
Interior, somewhere in London – Night
Blood was seeping from Joanna's eyes before trailing across her forehead and dropping to the ground. She was hanging upside down, held in place by some invisible force. Her legs were spread eagle, as were her arms. A white towel was tied around her mouth, her teeth sinking into it as saliva dripped from the corner of her mouth. Tears were continuously leaving her eyes as she made low whimpering sounds.
A long metal chain was woven around her neck and around her torso. A hook was attached to both ends of the chain and were pierced through her nipples. A large cut in the shape of a cross was marked into her stomach.
Two purple plastic clips were clamped on her outer vagina lips. Her entire nether region was red due to the stress.
Two railroad spikes were pierced through her feet, each a foot in length.
Blood was slowly trailing down her thighs, some even making its way into her cunt.
"123...321...C'mon pet, tell me why are you so...wet" a low throaty chuckle filled the dark and damp walls of the room. The ceiling looked like it could come down any moment. There were dozens of cracks and little holes in it. As if it was magic itself holding it all together.
The man wearing the metal mask and a red onesie raked his nails through the white wallpaper, creating a screeching sound as his nails made contact with the plaster.
"Oh Joanna, Joanna, Joanna...JOANNA!" He started cackling madly as his knees hit the ground and he rolled onto his back.
A muffled sob escaped Joanna's lips and he whipped his head towards her. His eyes narrowing immediately behind his mask. "WHAT DID I SAY ABOUT CRYING, HUH!"
He leapt up from the ground and made a downward slashing with his wand. The hooks piercing through her nipples pulled at her skin with such force that they took out the brown buds from her breasts.
"AAAAH!"
"Incendio" a jet of flame shot through his wand as he walked over to her and pointed it right over her cunt.
Joanna's eyes rolled back as she started shaking ferociously.
"THIS IS WHAT YOU GET YOU FUCKIN BITCH." He hit the ground and moved his mouth right next to her ear. "Don't worry there'll be others joining you, soon." a devilish smirk curled his lips apart as he added. "Plus, you've already got some company waiting for you so you won't be alone. See, I told you I'll take care of you" he dropped on his back and started rolling on the ground laughing maniacally as Joanna's body went complete still.
Interior, Study, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Night
Hermione was curled upon the couch with her hands resting under her head as she kept staring at the fire burning under the crate with a lost expression on her tear-stained face. She sniffled as her face screwed up and fresh tears pooled under her eyelids.
She lost the battle of keeping them at bay as they rolled down her cheeks and onto the pillow.
She sat up right at the sound of the floo coming to life. Her eyes turned wide as she remained shell shocked for a moment before throwing the blanket off and hurriedly putting on her slippers before running out of the room.
She ran down the hall and halted as she reached the living room. Her eyes immediately going over to the floo where a man was dusting himself off with his back to her.
The slight hopeful look in her eyes that had come at the sound of the floo died immediately even before the man turned around to face her.
"Rowan?"
"There you are!" he exclaimed happily. "I was starting to get worried" he walked over to her and brought her in a hug.
She didn't hug him back as she pulled back immediately.
"Hey, what's wrong" he frowned.
"Nothing" she pushed back a tendril, keeping her gaze to the floor.
"Then why didn't you go to work today"
Her gaze shot up and her eyes narrowed into slits. "I'm sorry but I wasn't aware that I had to ask for permission" she snapped.
"I didn't mean that" he took a step back and lifted his hands. "Hey, what's wrong"
"Nothing's wrong!" her shrill voice echoed off the walls.
"Okay, okay. Fine. Nothing's wrong" he said slowly.
"Look, I didn't mean to snap" she sighed tiredly. "Why are you here"
"I came to your office but you weren't there. Your assistant said that you took the day off so I wanted to know why. I thought about calling you through the floo but really wanted to see you and was about to apparate since I know you keep your floo closed unless expecting someone. But remember I told you we have been working on this new charm that tells you whether the person you wish to visit has their floo open or not. Well, I tested to see if it would work and count me surprise when it said that your floo was open. I honestly thought the spell didn't work but thought why not and voila, here I am" he grinned.
She seemed more agitated than impressed by his long answer. "That's brilliant, Rowan, but why are you here"
The grin left his face and he suddenly appeared nervous. He rubbed his hands together before scratching the back of his neck. "Well," He cleared his throat. "I thought we could talk...you know...about...that night"
Her eyes turned wide in surprise as a guarded expression came over her face. "I don't know what you mean" she murmured with her head down.
He arched an incredulous eyebrow at her before letting out a scoff. "C'mon Hermione, don't do this to me...not now"
She lifted her head and glared at him. "We said we would never talk about it again...ever."
"No, you said we would never talk about it again but I made you promise that we would, remember"
"Look, we were both drunk. It was a mistake"
"Oh, please don't give me that. You're better than that" he rolled his eyes.
"I don't know what else you want me to say!"
"Say what you said that night!" he shouted before taking deep breaths. "That you were going to leave him. That you had a crush on me"
"Yes, when I was in school!"
"That you wanted to know what it would feel like to kiss me"
Her breathing was coming in shallow spurts as she glared daggers at him. "I was drunk...and..."
"And what, huh." He took a step closer to her. "We always tell the truth while drunk. You know that...and we always try to brush over them and call them a mistake when sober because we're afraid it can't be that good. It must've been in the moment. But I'm here to tell you it can be that good. If only you give it a chance. Give us a chance." he whispered the last part as he took another step towards her.
"No" she whispered, shaking her head.
"Please, Hermione" he tilted her chin up. "I've loved you from afar for so long. In fact, I've loved you all my life but I was a coward not to take my chance and then...well you know what happened then. But now is our time, I know it... and I know you know it"
A lone tear rolled down her cheek which he swiped away. "I can't Rowan. I've already destroyed one relationship. I don't want ours to suffer the same fate"
"It won't!" he insisted.
She shook her head as she took a step back from his embrace. "I can't, Rowan, not at the moment"
"That's fine. I can give you time and space, as much as you want. As long as you promise you won't go back to him"
She scoffed as she wiped a thumb under her eyes.
"Promise me, Hermione."
"I think that road has been closed...forever" her face twisted in agony but this time she held her tears at bay.
"Good" he fist pumped the air, which she missed as her head was still turned down. "Then, how about you let me date you. Just once a week."
She lifted her head and sighed. "Rowan-"
"Look, listen to me. We won't do anything except I'll take you to fancy restaurants and treat you like a queen and then bring you back home safe and sound. Just one night, once a week. It'll also be therapeutic for you. Trust me, from someone who has gone through his fair share of break ups, sitting inside locked up in your room will only bring you more misery. Plus, Rosie will be here in a few days. You don't want her to see you in such a sad state, huh. C'mon, it'll cheer you up"
Her gaze remained impassive even when he stuck his bottom lip out.
"Pretty please" he said in a girly voice that finally brought a smile to her face. "Oh, there it is. I see it. I see it. Say it. Say it. Say it" he started clapping his hands.
"Fine!" she exclaimed.
"Yay!" this time she did see him fist pump multiple times and rolled her eyes.
"But only once a week and nothing except dinner"
"Yes, absolutely" he gave her a tight hug before separating.
She arched an eyebrow when he kept staring at her awkwardly.
"So, I should probably go" he motioned towards the floo.
"I think you should"
He nodded his head before turning around and walking over to the floo. She didn't even stay to bid him goodbye but turned around and walked the same way she came from.
The sound of the floo indicated his leave as she reached the study. She plopped down on the couch with a heavy sigh before putting her head in her hands. She raked her hands through her hair before opening her eyes and turning her gaze to the ground.
Her gaze landed on a photograph lying upside down next to her feet. She bent low and picked it up, turning it in her hands.
Her eyes welled up immediately as she brought a hand over her mouth to the stifle a sob. "Why?" she whispered. "Why couldn't you keep your promise" a tear rolled down her cheek and landed on the face of the boy in the picture.
He was levitating in the air on a broomstick wearing a red jersey. His raven black hair was flying in every direction in the wind. He had one hand on the handle and a small golden ball in the other. He brought the ball to his lips and pressed a kiss to it before winking right at her.
Hermione whimpered as more tears rolled down her cheek. She laid down on the sofa and tucked the picture over her chest, right over her heart.
1997
Interior, Great Hall, Hogwarts – Night
The entire hall was packed with students occupying the four long tables that almost ran the entire length of the hall. Teachers and other staff members were seated at the front behind an equally long table but unlike the other four, this was set horizontally and its edges were only a few feet apart from the west and east side.
A wooden stool was set before the staff table, upon which an old, battered, pointy hat with a mouth was sitting.
Facing the hat and standing right in the middle of the hall were a horde of young students, who were staring in awe all around them. Their mouths were hanging open in shock, except one.
This student was a little different, not only in stature as he was more than six feet tall standing in the middle of students who didn't even reach five feet. But he also had a dull expression on his face, like he couldn't give two shits about anything. He wore round glasses and had long, raven locks which were sticking out in every direction. If that wasn't odd enough, then the scar on his forehead surely was, as it was also the main reason why the entire hall was shunned in silence as every eye in the hall was trained upon him, and more specifically on his lightning bolt scar.
Even the teachers had their mouths open as if they couldn't believe what they were looking at.
A clinking of glass broke everyone out of their reverie and turn their attention towards the front where a man seated in the middle of the staff table on the largest chair stood up. He was extremely tall and had a white beard that reached the bottom of his neck. He was wearing half-moon spectacles that were hanging loosely over his nose.
"As I'm sure you're all aware by now we have a transfer student who'll be joining us for his seventh and final year. By the looks on your faces it would seem that you're already aware of who he is but alas, it is my duty to inform you. Please, join me in welcoming, Harry Potter"
It was like a spell had been lifted as the hall erupted in cheers with some students even standing up and clapping.
"What the fuck" Harry mouthed towards the headmaster who winked in return. He rolled his eyes as he let out a long breath.
"Silence!" The headmaster's voice boomed across the hall, putting an end to the commotion. "Thank you. Now, we will begin the sorting ceremony. Mr. Potter, since you're an anomaly could you please take the first turn" the headmaster's eyes twinkled behind his glasses as Harry once again rolled his eyes.
As he walked towards the stool his gaze shifted towards Severus sitting on Dumbledore's right. Harry's lips quirked up as Severus gave him a little wave.
A woman dressed in green robes was standing next to the stool. She was thin and tall. Her hair was tied in a bun and her face had a no-nonsense expression on her face. She lifted the hat as Harry reached the stool.
"Try and behave, for once" she said.
He gave her a smirk. "I'm going to make your life a living hell. Just you wait and watch"
She shook her head as a small smile came over her lips. "Sit, you dolt"
Harry turned around and took a seat as she laid the hat on his head.
"Mmmm, what have we here" the hat spoke.
Harry roamed his eyes across the hall a couple of times before he did a double take and snapped his gaze to the table on the far left. Students sitting on this table wore robes with a lion embodied on the front.
But his gaze was locked on to one specific person.
"Why is he looking at me" the girl said to her friends with a frown on her face. She had bushy brown hair tied in a ponytail.
"Maybe he is looking at me" said the girl sitting next to her. She was staring at Harry with gooey eyes.
"Who cares. He thinks just because he is popular he can stare at whoever he likes" said the boy sitting on the bushy haired girl's other side with his arm around her shoulder. He had short spiky black hair and was lazily drawing patterns on the table with his finger.
Two boys sitting opposite Hermione looked at each other and rolled their eyes in amusement.
"Please, you're just jealous he is going to steal all your thunder" replied the girl.
"Hey, watch it, Lavender" he pointed a finger. "No one, and I mean no one steals Rowan Kyle's thunder" he said arrogantly.
"You do realize how much of a jerk you just sounded right" she retorted.
"Guys! Not now" the bushy haired girl shot them both a glare before turning her head back at Harry with curious eyes. "Maybe we've met before" she murmured.
"Oh, c'mon Hermione" Lavender groaned. "Stop over analyzing for once in your life and just enjoy the attention for once"
"Shut up, Lavender" said Hermione without looking at her.
Harry had not once taken his eyes off her as the hat kept talking. "You do have the cunning streak in you which will turn you into a great wizard in Slytherin"
"Gryffindor!" Harry all but shouted.
"Gryffindor?"
"Yes! Put me in Gryffindor"
"But-"
"Listen to me you old piece of shit. I swear to you that if you don't put me in Gryffindor, I'm going to end you in ways worse than I even have planned for Voldemort"
"Gryffindor!" the hat shouted.
Harry jumped up from the stool and all but ran towards the cheering Gryffindor table. The hat dropped to the ground and the teacher rolled her eyes as she levitated it towards her with a flick of her fingers.
Harry walked around the table and stopped when he reached Hermione. He looked down at the two boys who were seated opposite her.
"Move"
"Sorry?" said the boy with white blond hair.
"I said move" Harry arched an eyebrow as he looked between them both.
"May we know why," said the other boy. He had fiery red hair and a dozen freckles spread over his face.
"I need to speak to her for a minute. Don't worry, you'll get your seats back"
Both boys looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "Maybe we'll talk about this moment when we're old and can't walk anymore," said the red-haired boy.
"Speak for yourself, mate. I plan to use my feet for as long as I breathe" replied his friend.
They got up from their seats and motioned for Harry to take the seat. He did. His gaze never leaving Hermione who was nervously glancing around her as the entire hall was silent once more as everyone's eyes were upon them.
Harry didn't pay it any attention, nor did he seem aware of it.
"I'm Harry" he thrust his hand forward at her.
She stared at it for a moment before timidly shaking it. "Hermione" she whispered.
"Beautiful name. Just like you" a blush came over her cheeks as he smiled.
"Alright, here it goes sweetheart." Her eyes turned wide at his use of endearment as he continued. "I just saw you when I had that piece of filth hat upon my head." Lavender chuckled but put her hand over her mouth when Harry flicked his gaze towards her before turning back to Hermione. "You are the most beautiful creature I've ever laid my eyes on. Bar none, no one comes close. That's a fact and you can take it to the bank. Moving on...I love you"
Hermione's eyes turned wide at his statement.
"I know what you are thinking, 'he's crazy. We've never met, never dated, never kissed, never had sex, and he said he loves me.' Yes, I do. My dad did say that it would hit me like a ton of bricks when it happened and boy did I feel the fucking wind get knocked out of me. Look, this is a first for me too. But that doesn't matter because I've never felt like this, ever.
I know you don't feel the same, well not at the moment but you will because I'm going to love you so much that you won't be able to resist, not that you'd want to. We're going to get married, have two beautiful kids and live a long and happy life. I promise you that.
So, you can stop worrying about your future because I just told you that it would be filled with nothing but happiness. Our love is going to be legendary, just you watch. People are going to talk about it for ages. Harry and Hermione" he sighed wistfully. "It even rhymes"
"No, it doesn't!" Rowan interjected.
Harry faced him. "Who are you"
"I'm-"
"Doesn't matter. Even if you're her boyfriend it doesn't matter" he turned back to Hermione who by now looked like was about to faint any second. "Because she is going to be mine." he reached across the table and pulled her hand to him as he leaned over. He winked at her before brushing a kiss to her knuckles. "I love you. I'm going to say these three words to you every day until you say it back to me." he stood up and lifted his legs over the seat.
"We're going to live a life filled with nothing but love. I promise you" he inclined his head before walking away.
Everyone except Hermione watched him walk out of the hall. She pulled her hand back as everyone turned their gaze towards her. But unlike before when she was conscious of every person in the hall when Harry first sat before her, now she didn't even spare them a glance as a small smile came over her lips.
A/N: As always guys post your comments and let me know your thoughts and I'll catch you on the flip side.