CHAPTER 8: Don't lose hope
A/N: Hey guys, welcome back. I bring you an extra long, juicy chapter that hopefully will provide you with some entertainment.
Without further ado...
Interior, Corridor, Auror Headquarters – Morning
John and Dave were leaning against the wall in the narrow corridor as Roman walked up to them levitating a tray of seven white cups beside him. They were filled to the brim with coffee and topped with a beautiful Florette palette.
"Oh, look who decided to show up" said John, as he turned his head.
Roman gave him a sheepish smile. "Hey guys" he stopped next to him and gave Dave a cursory nod. "Dave" he greeted with a smile.
"Roman" Dave nodded, before taking a step and lifting his right hand towards the tray. "I hope this is for us" His held his hand just a few inches from the cup closest to him before grabbing it once Roman nodded his head.
"Of course. Please."
"Cheers" said Dave, before taking a long sip. He let out a satisfying sigh and tipped his head back. "Mmmm. It's so good"
A huge grin spread across Roman's lips. "I'm glad you like it. I was worried because I didn't know anyone's preferences so I just got what I always get."
"Nah, it's great" Dave took another big gulp. "Where you get it from?"
"There's a nice little spot near piccadilly theatre. I always pop in there before work."
Meanwhile, John had grabbed a cup and took a sip. "Mmm" He arched an eyebrow, smacking his lips after gulping it down. "Well Roman, if this is your way of apologizing for yesterday then consider one box checked because this is bloody fantastic"
A wave of relief flashed across Roman's face as he beamed at his superior. "Thank you!"
"Damn, I can have three of these in a day" said John, after finishing the remaining liquid in one big gulp.
"I'll get you three tomorrow!" Roman said with a little too much enthusiasm that had John raise an eyebrow at him.
"It's alright buddy" chuckled John, giving him a light pat on the shoulder. "My legs and arms still work."
Roman ducked his head as a flush of embarrassment spread across his cheeks. A frown came over John's features before he shared quick glance with Dave who shrugged in response. John cleared his throat, making Roman lift his gaze back to him.
"Hey...umm...you know that you're not obliged to do anything except you job right." An understanding passed between Roman's eyes as John continued. "I see some of the guys ordering you around for fun and you feel like you need to be a people pleaser because you're new and all that crap. I'm telling you now that if you keep up with it, it will never stop and you'll find yourself doing their same dirty old work five years from now."
Roman turned his gaze down.
"So, take a stand and say, no. I know it's going to be hard for you but this is something you have to do yourself, alright, otherwise some other wise crack with an ego to boost who feels the world lives under his boots will turn you into one of his Muppets."
"John's right" Dave nodded his head as he leaned over and put the cup back on the tray.
Roman lifted his gaze and nodded his head. "Thank you" his voice was thick with emotion as he sniffled and hastily wiped at his eyes.
"Good" John once again gave him a pat on the shoulder. "So, where the hell did you disappear yesterday"
"Oh, it was a family emergency. My sister, she set the kitchen on fire whilst cooking" he rolled his eyes, shaking his head.
"So, she's the nut case in the family" remarked John.
"You could say that" chuckled Roman.
"All jokes aside, she alright?" he asked sincerely.
"Yeah, she's fine. She had the gas on high heat and this tablecloth next to it caught fire. She handled it but got scared so called me." he answered.
"Oh, wait, she hasn't started using magic yet? Cause it's a rarity in a magical household to use gas. A little warming charm works wonders in the kitchen. Unless you are one of those 'true artists' who like to work with their hands" he made air quotes.
"No, nothing like that" Roman smiled. "She can't do magic. She is a muggle"
John's mouth opened in a 'o' before he slowly closed it. "So, you're a half-blood"
Roman shuffled nervously on the spot before nodding his head. "Yes" A twinge of trepidation seeping into his voice.
"Hey! This isn't Hogwarts mate, we're all adults. You should be proud of who you are" John finished with a smile.
"Yeah, no, you're right." Roman chuckled, shaking his head. "It's just...never mind" he sighed, turning his gaze downcast.
John and Dave shared another brief glance before turning back to him.
"So" John cleared his throat, making Roman look up. "Mum or dad"
It took Roman a few seconds to understand what he meant as he kept staring at him with furrowed eyebrows. "Oh, umm dad"
"Hmm. Muggle or muggleborn"
"Muggleborn"
"Hmm" John nodded his head. "Yeah, I have seen plenty of these cases in a family similar to yours where one sibling turns out to be a squib" He flashed Roman a smile before thumping him on the back. "Hey, this way you get the best of both worlds so I say you're the lucky one between us"
Roman smiled shyly as he once again ducked his head.
Just then the door they were standing before that said, Interview room 1, was wrenched open from the inside before a man in his mid-thirties with golden brown hair came out of the room, trembling badly.
They all looked at him as hurried down the corridor before disappearing as he turned the corner.
They all turned their heads back to towards the door as Draco slowly walked out and leaned against the wall facing them.
"This one a bust too, sir" asked Dave.
Draco lifted his gaze towards him and nodded his head. "Yup" he sighed.
"Wait, who was that?" Roman asked, a frown marched on his face.
"Receptionist at IMA" answered Dave.
Roman's eyes turned wide for a brief second as he said. "IMA?...wh-what was he doing here. Wait, you think the murders are related to IMA" he asked.
"Not apparently" said John, folding his arms across his chest as he leaned his head back against the wall.
"Then..." Roman trailed off, shifting his eyes between them.
Dave rubbed his forehead before speaking. "We learnt that the receptionists at IMA sent out the invitations to the guests and since the invitations were never made public and the receptionists were under strict orders to not speak to anyone about who was invited, we thought maybe the killer used them to get the guest list"
"Or that any of them could be the killer" interjected John. Dave arched an eyebrow at him. "C'mon, don't tell me that thought didn't cross your mind"
"I'm not going to say it didn't but that was always the unlikeliest scenario" shrugged Dave.
"Crap, I really missed on a lot yesterday. You guys really made some headways then, huh"
"The IMA theory had been cooking in for a few days but Dave and I only told Head auror Potter about it but yeah, that's not even the sauciest bit." John smirked as Roman waited for him to continue. "We brought in Witherfield's very own personal pensieve"
"What-" Roman's eyes turned as wide as saucers and his mouth opened in shock. "But-but isn't that illegal!" he exclaimed the last word in a whisper, as he looked around that no one was around.
"You know what they say. Desperate times call for desperate measures" John shot him a wink.
Roman turned his eyes towards Draco. "You knew about this sir?" he asked, hesitantly.
Draco nodded his head before answering. "Yes, Roman"
"And you agreed to it?" his words etched in disbelief.
"Unfortunately, yes" sighed Draco. "But luckily for us the minister has given Harry full reigns so we're fine."
Roman turned his gaze down as a look of disapproval came over his features.
"Look" Draco sighed. "I know you always want to operate under the law, believe me I'm with you, we all are and in any other scenario I would never let this happen but right now we have a massive shit storm reigning on us and we need all the help we can get so if bending the rules a little here and there will help us catch this fucker faster then that's what we gotta do"
"Plus, Witherfield's dead" John said offhandedly, waving his hand. "And it's not like we're going to tell anyone what dirty little secrets he kept hidden."
"Yeah, that'll be the daily prophet" quipped Dave.
"You bet your ass" remarked John.
Roman shook his head before letting out a sigh. "I don't know it just feels wrong. I mean...those are someone's personal thoughts stored in their personal property and it just feels like we're violating that by abusing our power."
Draco opened his mouth and was about to speak when a voice that came from inside the room halted him.
"So, you think I'm abusing my power, huh"
Roman's face turned white and a sharp gasp escaped his lips. An audible gulp went down his throat as the sound of footsteps reached their ears. A few seconds trickled by as Roman waited anxiously before Harry came into view, his eyes automatically fixed on him as if he knew all along where he was standing.
"Go on" Harry urged him, slightly tilting his head down as he took a step towards him. "Tell me just how I am abusing my power"
"Harry" Draco put a hand on his shoulder and arched an eyebrow. "Let it go"
Harry brushed him off and in two long strides was standing right before Roman.
Roman stepped back until his back touched the wall. "Sir" he whispered, fear written all over his face.
"You pathetic piece of shit" growled Harry. "You have the gall to question my authority"
"No sir-"
"SHUT UP!" bellowed Harry.
Roman jumped as his breathing got heavier and tears started gathering behind his eyes.
"You want to see what abuse of power looks like" Harry arched an eyebrow as a salacious smirk formed at his lips.
Roman whimpered as he shook his head.
"Harry! Please!" Draco pulled on his shoulder, tugging his robe several times before Harry looked over his shoulder and glared at him.
"Damn it! Do you have to budge in every-fucking-time! Last I checked I'm still the head auror!" The small chitter chatter that had been flowing in from the main hall stopped. "Does that mean anything around here anymore!"
Draco took a step back and lifted his hands. "Do as you wish" he turned to Roman who was now openly crying. "Roman" he waited until Roman lifted his eyes towards him. "Don't take anything to the heart he has to say, alright. Trust me, he's just angry." Draco tried to reassure him with a smile.
Roman gave him a small nod in reply.
"Alright" Draco addressed John and Dave. "C'mon" he turned around and started walking. John and Dave followed him after a second's pause.
Harry turned back around to Roman, his jaw clenched tight.
"Where the fuck did you run off to yesterday. What, you think I wouldn't know since I wasn't around. Listen to me, very, very carefully...you pull a stunt like that again, I don't care if your mother's on her death bed, without telling me...then don't bother coming back. Do I make myself clear?"
Roman nodded his head as tears continued rolling down his cheeks.
"And, never and I mean never again ever question my methods."
"Yes sir" whispered Roman, running a hand under his nose as he sniffled.
"Good" Harry patted him back on the shoulder before taking out a white handkerchief from inside his robe pocket. He handed it to him. "Clean yourself up and be in conference room in an hour's time"
Roman nodded behind the handkerchief as he dabbed under his eyes. "Yes sir"
"Good" Harry twisted on his feet and took a couple of steps forward before stopping and looking over his shoulder.
He ran a hand through his hair. "I'm not the villain here, son. You want to make me into one, go ahead, but then you'd be hard-pressed to find any good in humanity if this is what you consider to be evil. Believe me when I tell you that I'm not the worst of them...or maybe I am." He shrugged his shoulder. "I'm not sure anymore" His mouth lifted at the corner and he shot him a wink before turning around and walking.
Interior, Head auror office, Auror headquarters – Morning
Draco tilted his head backwards as Harry walked in.
"Please tell me he hasn't resigned"
"Not as of this moment but give him some time" Harry closed the door behind him and looked around his office until his eyes fell upon the pensieve floating in a corner beside the cabinet.
"That's not funny" Draco scowled, as he got up from the chair.
"Really, I thought it was" Harry didn't spare him a glance as he kept his gaze focused on the silver basin filled with gluey liquid. "So, this is it, huh"
"Yup" Draco came to stand next to him with his hands in his pockets.
"Alright then, show me the vials." Harry turned to him. Draco shifted around him and opened the top drawer of the cabinet. He took out a rectangular glass box which was filled with small vials that glowed.
"Jesus! How many are there"
"Umm...I'll say close to a hundred"
"Fuck me" groaned Harry, putting his hands on the cabinet and dropping his head.
"Sorry mate, but I don't swing that way" quipped Draco. "Though I'll give Ron a call if you're that desperate"
A brief silence before Harry started chuckling and soon Draco joined him. Not long after they were both cackling loudly.
"Oh...Oh man" Draco sighed as he wiped the tears surrounding his eyes. "I think I'm going mad."
"Welcome to the club" said Harry.
"I think the way this is going; it's going to be my last case"
"Again, welcome to the club" Harry let out a low whistle as he arched his back. "Alright" he clapped his hands before skipping a few times. "Let's get on with it." He looked at the clock. "We have less than an hour before Chris and Rebecca show up."
"Don't forget about the press conference in a half an hour's time" Draco reminded him.
"Fuck! Alright let's get on with this"
Draco pointed his wand at the desk. "Molliare" The top of the desk glowed blue for a second before shifting back to its normal colour.
"Smart thinking" said Harry, as he opened the lid of the box and brought it towards the desk.
"Might as well take some precautions" shrugged Draco, as Harry put the box in the middle of the desk before he started counting the columns and rows.
"Twelve rows and ten columns"
"12O"
"Twenty points to Gryffindor." said Harry as he took out the vial from the far left and read the label.
Draco whacked him behind the head for his comment before joining him. "That deserved a fifty"
"Remember we are only looking for a memory that in anyway reads..." Harry trailed off as he dropped another vial on the desk where it landed safely like the surface was made out of cushions and not hard wood.
"Fishy" Draco finished off his sentence.
"Exactly"
They continued working in silence for the next several minutes.
"Proposal...Marriage...Last chat with dad...first born...The man documented every major moment in his life" said Draco, as he continued on. "Reform bill...25TH Anniversary...Prophecy..."
Harry's head jerked towards him and he grabbed the vial in his hand. "Prophecy" he whispered.
Draco stood to his full height and eyed him curiously. "Prophecy?" he asked.
Harry nodded his head, as he kept staring at the vial in hand. "Yeah. Remember I talked to Witherfield's former bodyguard's wife. Shannon Demenza"
"Yeah"
"Well, her husband Bruno served four years in Azkaban for breaking into the prophecy hall because he found out about a prophecy written about him. So, he barges into the prophecy hall but here's the thing. He doesn't confirm his name in the archive data and heads straight for the prophecy."
"That's weird" Draco mused, a frown marring his face. "Why would he do that. Unless he was in a desperate hurry but still, signing your name would not even have taken a minute"
"Or maybe he couldn't sign his name because it simply didn't exist" Draco's frown deepened as Harry continued. "Maybe there was no prophecy addressed to him"
"I don't get it" Draco shook his head.
"Bruno's wife said that he was forced to take out orders, orders given to him by his boss, one Mr. Sebastian Witherfield. But she didn't know what it was because apparently Witherfield made Bruno take an unbreakable vow. At the time I didn't think much about it but now"
He held up the vial and indicated to it.
"This may give us some answers"
"Well then what are we waiting for" Draco inclined his head towards the pensieve.
Harry followed his gaze before walking over to the basin. He pulled the topper off before pouring the silvery thread in the vial into the liquid where it swiveled. The colour of the liquid turned into a creamy texture.
"Here's hoping" muttered Draco, as he stopped next to him.
Harry turned to him. "See you on the other side" he winked, before diving head first into the pensieve.
He was falling into a dark never-ending abyss. A ball of light started forming and gradually got bigger with every passing second until it swallowed the darkness. He had to shut his eyes because the light got so overwhelming.
A few moments later he was standing in a room lit by the sunlight pouring in through the windows from the side of the room.
It was a fairly spacious room filled with shelves on one side of the wall and large cabinet at the back wall. Three large portraits adorned the walls. One was hanging above the cabinet and the other two took the space between the windows, one on top of the other.
A large mahogany desk was situated at the front with two black leather armchairs placed on one side and a red leather armchair opposite them. All of which were occupied.
A much younger looking Martin Locke was sitting on the red armchair facing the other two occupants. Harry walked towards the front and looked at the other two faces. Sebastian Witherfield and Joanna Smith.
His eyes darted towards Draco who landed on the exact spot as him. Draco's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and he nodded towards Sebastian and Joanna since he couldn't see their faces.
Harry motioned him to towards him when Sebastian's voice filled the room.
"Mind telling me what this is all about, Martin." started Sebastian, as a smirk came over his lips. "To be honest I half expected a congratulations" he chortled.
Martin glanced a quick look in Joanna's direction who had a passive and almost a serene expression on her face. However, her lips quirked a little at the corner mirroring Martin as he shifted his gaze back towards Sebastian who exuded a confident aura.
"Not quite yet, Sebastian" Martin smiled, as he leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table.
"Oh, c'mon Martin, we both know it's finished." Sebastian leaned back in his chair and crossed his right leg over the left. "The facts don't lie and they show that you've generated less than half the people in your rallies than me. Not to mention the absolute train wreck your last rally was. I told you at the beginning that your big slogan of 'freedom equals equality' will fall flat on your face and as it turns out, I was right." Martin leaned forward and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket placed on the side of the table before leaning back.
"Not to mention your idiotic belief about restarting the special squad academy. The war's finished Martin. It's been finished for six bloody years and the last thing people want is to have a constant reminder of it. There is no more Voldemort." he exclaimed.
"That's where you're wrong Sebastian!" Martin fired back. "Yes, the special squad academy did start as a product of the war but it can be turned into so much more and if you don't believe me just talk to Albus Dumbledore."
"Of course, Dumbledore would agree. He's the one who came up with it but that doesn't change the fact that it's use ended the day Voldemort died."
"No, it didn't" insisted Martin. "Look at MACUSA, or the Bulgarian ministry, or the Russians. They each have started their own variation of special squads and I bet you they are going to bring it up at the upcoming International Confederation of Wizards because they know the true value of it. They remain vigilant. Dark lords will come and go, maybe we won't have another Voldemort but that shouldn't turn us complacent.
We started it, yes, because it was what was needed and required at the time but overtime, we learnt it's true value, or rather others did because we or rather you I should say put your stubborn foot down and said, over my dead body will I let it see the light of day again."
"It's true value died with Voldemort." snapped Sebastian, glaring him down. "Check out the grade results for students at Hogwarts who were micromanaging both at the same time. It was cataclysmic. It was a time of peace and giving students the option of preparing for a war when there wasn't any seemed a rather idiotic thing to do. We lost hundreds in the war, and those were just the kids, not even 18. Giving them the option of joining the academy when there was no genocidal threat would've done nothing but given them a free pass to drop out of school because to join the academy you didn't need no OWLs or NEWTs. None of that matter to them, they just wanted to turn you into killing machines, nothing else" he finished disdainfully.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" growled Martin. "Not anyone could've joined the academy. There were protocols in place"
"Yeah, like what. Check how strong your magic is" Sebastian scoffed.
"Yes!" hissed Martin.
"It's bullshit and you know it. They made scapegoats of children and THERE WASN'T ANY NEED FOR IT ANYMORE!" He thumped his palm on the table.
"That's where you're wrong. Other ministries have been on high alert ever since, vary of one another, doing covert operations, who do you think does that. Aurors, hit wizards, no, special squad soldiers have been planted in every corner of the world, sending information back and doing missions when their ministry deems appropriate. Not to mention an army of special squad soldiers will do you wonders when another maniac rises up and mark my words it will happen. It's not nor it should be an Auror's job to handle threats that threaten our very existence or that poses a threat to a ministry"
"Again! We're not muggles, we're not constantly on the verge of a war breaking out."
"But we are! Look at the bombings in Paris, or the secret weapon the Russians are cooking up in an underground castle in St. Petersburg."
"That's just a rumor"
"Rumors more often than not turn out to be true in our profession"
"That's enough!" Sebastian lifted his hand.
"Don't forget without the academy there wouldn't have been a Harry Potter to save us." Martin spat. "And you would still have been cleaning Voldemort's shit" he snarled.
Sebastian stood up and pointed his wand at him but Martin remained calm except for the steely look in his eye.
Joanna, on the other hand appeared utterly frightened with the quick turn of events as she kept staring at Sebastian with wide eyes.
"Put it back, Sebastian" Martin leaned back in his seat and put his hands behind his head. "I'm not finished...yet"
"But I am" hissed Sebastian. "Is this why you asked me to come, huh. To make me do something stupid to sabotage my campaign" he tutted, as a smirk spread his lips apart. "I feel sorry for you Martin" he shook his head. "You finally showed your true colours, Halfbreed" he shot him a nasty smile.
The relaxed expression on Martin's face disappeared and his features hardened immediately. His jaw clenched tightly and for several moments he just kept staring at his adversary. Not a flick of emotion going through his face.
He turned his gaze down towards the desk.
"You know what is the difference between me and you Sebastian?"
"Apart from that you're an unlikeable, pathetic, arrogant and a despicable person" retorted Sebastian.
Martin let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, apart from that"
"Well, there are so many things that I'm afraid I've lost count. Care to enlighten me, Martin"
Martin nodded his head before turning his gaze up towards him. "You see, I may be all those things you just mentioned but there is one thing I'm not, and that is a hypocrite." Sebastian arched an eyebrow. "Let me explain" continued Martin. "You will never see me say or do something that I don't fully believe in. It may not be what you like or agree with but at the end of the day you'll know that it's what I believe and to me that's the measure of a man. To look into someone's eye and lay it all open for them so that they know who they are dealing with, and I may hate the person but they'll always have my respect."
"Oh, spare me this self-entitled speech and just get to the fucking point"
"But you Sebastian, I can never respect you" he smirked, before it vanished from his face leaving behind a stone-cold stare. "And those who I can't respect I have no problem bending the rules a little to deal with them"
"What's that supposed to mean" scowled Sebastian, narrowing his eyes into slits.
"I'll show you" Martin turned his head towards the door. "Come in!"
A few seconds later the door was pushed open and in walked a young woman, dressed in an old, worn out, pale blue corset that had several holes in it. Her curly black locks rained down her back and ended just before her waist. Her dark skin colour glowed in the sunlight.
Her head remained ducked as she closed the door behind her and turned around.
Sebastian looked like he had seen a ghost as his face lost all its colour. His eyes were wide as saucers and he seemed to forgot to breathe.
The young woman finally lifted her gaze and locked eyes with him. A sharp gasp of breath left Sebastian's lips and he turned his gaze down at her stomach, which was had a little bump in it.
He stumbled back a couple of steps and put his hands on Joanna's chair to steady himself. Joanna got up as he leaned heavily against the chair.
He whipped his head towards Martin who had a smirk on his face.
"Wha-how-what-" he stuttered, as sweat started forming on his face.
A full-blown grin came over Martin's face as he got up and put his hands in his pocket. "Cat got your tongue." he walked around the desk and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket. "Sebastian Witherfield" he started dramatically. "Who promises to shut down every brothel and prostitution in the dirty streets of Diagon Alley, London, Counterbrey market, Wizarding Soho and countless other places with his reelection has been not only visiting a whore house for the last fifteen years but also has a love child with a young, beautiful, innocent, naïve" He frowned and tapped his chin. "Wait what word do you always use for them" He snapped his fingers "ahh, now I remember, harlots. Wow! I can just picture the headline in the daily prophet" he chuckled.
"That-that's not true." Sebastian stammered, as he was visibly shaking at this point. "That's not my child" he pointed at her stomach.
"Is that so!" Martin turned to the woman. "Tell him sweetheart"
The woman nervously twiddled with her thumbs as she remained silent. "Go on, don't be afraid" Martin urged in a soft tone."
She took a deep breath and opened her mouth. "It's yours" she whispered, staring straight at Martin.
"YOU SLUT!" Sebastian ran towards her but found himself stuck after taking a couple of steps. He glared at Martin who had his wand pointed at him.
"Uh uh," Martin shook his head.
"She's lying!" yelled Sebastian.
"I'm not!" the woman cried. "I haven't been with anyone since your last visit. I went to the healer and she confirmed the date"
"Lies! All Lies!"
"Sorry to tell you Sebastian, but it's all true" Joanna spoke for the first time as she walked towards him. "You see, I've known about this for a long time" Sebastian grunted as he tried to move his limbs and break from the spell but his efforts remained fruitless. "In fact, it was so long ago that I almost forgot about it." She took a small pause before continuing. "I had a vision, about you, about this particular moment, about your bastard son. It was so strong that it turned into a prophecy which now resides in the hall of prophecies" she finished.
Sebastian stopped fighting against the spell and stared at her in horror. "No-"
"Yes" she nodded. "How else did you think we found about poor Rolinda over here. It's because I saw her as well, in my vision." She started pacing as she continued. "We finally found her after looking in every brothel"
"And count me surprised when we did." interjected Martin. "The seediest, dirtiest, spot in all the world. The slutty witches haven. I mean for goodness's sake's Sebastian; I never took you for a man to be so kinky. Whips, lashes, plugs, who would've thought you'd be so adventurous" he winked.
"I'll deny it. Everything" Sebastian growled. "Who do you think they'll believe, me or this whore" he nodded towards Rolinda.
"Oh Sebastian" Martin sighed. "You're missing the whole point. Rolinda is here to just to prove to you that we're not lying. We all know you can wipe her from the existence like this" he snapped his fingers. "But it doesn't matter because now I have the leverage. Rolinda gave me all her memories every time you visited her and I can have them published on the front page by tomorrow, with actual proof of pictures."
"But that shouldn't even be your main worry," said Joanna. "Your wife or maybe even the public may someday forgive you for indulging in your dirty fantasies but a child" she shook her head.
"Joanna's absolutely right" agreed Martin. "Rolinda will be under my protection from now and of course the baby when she gives the birth so you can bet I'll let no harm come to any of them, and then there's the prophecy. Now, we all know that apart from Rolinda only you can access it since it's addressed to both of you. Rolinda doesn't care for it because it's of no matter to her. But let me just warn you that my men would be on twenty-four duty near the prophecy hall and if they see you anywhere near it, I'll know, and if I know you can bet your ass you'll find yourself on the front page of the daily prophet the next morning with an exclusive interview with Rolinda, and all for what, just to look inside a glass orb. Don't forget, it's not like you can take it back home. It's always going to be there, stacked in the shelves for the rest of eternity. You're whole life will be turned upside down just because you couldn't control your urge to take a peek" he finished.
Sebastian's breathing was coming in deep breathes as he slowly moved his gaze between all three of them, a look of deep hatred etched on his face.
"It's all your doing, isn't it" he snarled at Joanna. "Because I wouldn't let your little hocus-pocus business get up from the ground"
Joanna shot him a sweet smile as she shrugged her shoulder.
The scene shifted and Harry and Draco found themselves in another room. It appeared to be another office, but much smaller than the one before.
Sebastian was standing with another man near the fireplace.
"It's all true, sir," said the man. "Your name is in the archive data."
Sebastian's face fell and he turned his gaze down. He dropped on to the chair.
"Oh Bruno, what am I going to do" he moaned, putting his head in his hands.
Bruno remained silent.
"That bastard has ruined my life"
"If I may sir" Bruno said, hesitation in his voice. "Maybe it's time you step back. You've led this country after the war and made wizarding Britain once again the leader of the world. You've done all you could and the people love you. You've brought optimism back in their lives and gave them a reason to look to the future once again. Don't let it all be for nothing. Let him have this one"
"NO!" Sebastian jumped up, his face red with anger. "Never" he grumbled.
Bruno sighed as Sebastian turned around and stared at the flickering flames behind the crate.
A few minutes passed by before he turned around.
"Here's what we'll do" he started.
"We...sir" Bruno said unsurely.
"Yes, Bruno, we" a manic gleam in Sebastian's eyes as he walked over to him. "You are going to go back to the prophecy hall but this time you're going to destroy that fucking glass orb to pieces"
Bruno's eyes turned wide as he took a step back. "What-"
"Yes, destroy it, and once that's done, you're going to kill that piece of trash slut. Then, that son of a bitch will have nothing"
"Sir, he would still have her memories," said Bruno.
"They won't count for nothing." scoffed Sebastian. "If there is no prophecy and that whore is dead then the evidence of the child is gone. And the memories can be dealt with. We can say it was all fabricated" he smirked. "The people love me, Bruno, not him but me, and who are they going to believe when he won't have the slut to back him up."
"I'm not so sure, sir. You said he's got pictures, and also that seer lady"
"I KNOW!" Sebastian screamed. "I know! I'll deal with all that later" He took a deep breath. "Right now, I need you to do destroy that prophecy, alright"
"It's too dangerous, sir. The lady that works there has seen my face. She knows my name is not on the archive data so I don't have any other reason to go."
"She didn't see your real face, remember. You cast a transformation spell. Just make some changes to it again."
"But sir, my name is not in the records! I don't have a prophecy under my name"
"Then don't sign your name and just go past her. For merlin's sake can't you handle an unspeakable!"
Bruno ducked his head for several moments before looking back at him. "No sir, I can't do that"
Sebastian's eyes glinted dangerously in the dark light.
"What did you say?"
Bruno shook his head. "I'll resign but I'm afraid I can't do that. It's-it's too dangerous. I have a newborn and my wife has taken off work. I-I can't-the risk"
"I'll kill them"
Bruno halted mid-sentence and stared at him wide eyed.
"I'll kill every single person you love. I can have it done without breaking a sweat and no one would be any wiser. Would you want that, huh?"
Tears started running down Bruno's cheeks as he shook his head.
"Good boy, then do as I say and you'd rewarded handsomely."
Sebastian tapped his cheek before pulling his right arm forward. He took out his wand. "You're going to make an unbreakable vow"
Bruno started to back away but Sebastian kept firm hold of his arm.
"No-please-no"
"Yes!" Sebastian hissed.
The scene shifted again and once more Harry and Draco found themselves standing in Martin's office, but this time it was just Martin and Sebastian. They were both sitting, albeit with very different postures. Martin seemed relaxed and laidback while Sebastian was trembling badly.
"I told you" started Martin, with a confident smirk on his face. "You ignored me and now look what has happened. But still, all is not lost." He sighed and leaned forward. "Let it go Sebastian, you've seen how big a mess this can turn into and I've not even done anything, yet. It's been all you." He pointed a finger at him. "Because of you a good man is behind the bars of Azkaban right now. Because of you his children have no father and his wife has no husband. You've literally ruined their life, Sebastian. Think about that, and all for what. For the prophecy. Even if you would've destroyed the prophecy, I still had Rolinda. You weren't getting to her."
Sebastian was sobbing by this point.
"At least you covered your bases well by binding him to an unbreakable bond. Look, I know how much your family means to you. I know you'll die for your son and wife. Do you really want them to learn your truth, forget the public. Think what it will do to them. Drop it and be with them so we can put this all behind us. Step down from the race and go live your life in peace. I promise you you'll never hear from Rolinda ever again and no one will find out about the child or the prophecy."
Sebastian lifted his gaze and meekly nodded his head.
"But if you ever think of coming back then I won't be kind enough to warn you"
The scene shifted again and Harry and Draco found themselves free-falling once more until they landed back in Harry's office.
"Holy shit!" cursed Draco, as he steadied himself, taking deep breaths.
"That's one way of putting it" Harry ran a hand through his hair as they faced each other.
"So, Martin blackmailed Sebastian out of the race because he fucked a hooker," said Draco.
"Don't forget about the prophecy. That's where Bruno comes in and he's connected to this"
"Right" nodded Draco, before a frown came over his face. "Wait, so we have Bruno, Sebastian and Joanna murdered."
"Correction. Bruno was murdered five years ago"
"Point taken"
"That means..."
"The killer is targeting people related to this mess"
'And only Rolinda and Martin are left" Draco's eyes turned wide.
Harry nodded as he leaned against the desk and folded his arms across his chest.
They were silent for a while.
"You think Martin could be behind this" Harry asked him. "We can't count him out. Yeah, sure, he has an alibi for Joanna's murder since you were with him but it doesn't mean he can't hire someone"
Draco shrugged his shoulder. "Maybe. He does have the power. But the question is why. As far as we know he didn't have any interactions with Bruno and there is no point of him killing him. Bruno was living a peaceful life with his family. Sebastian was no threat to him, I mean sure he supported Andrew's campaign but he doesn't have the same influence he used to and he isn't running for minister and Joanna, she was his number one supporter. He has always been her biggest champion. You know who wasn't?"
"Sebastian" answered Harry.
"Yeah" agreed Draco.
Harry blew a breath of air before making chirping noises. He scratched his beard and had a contemplative look on his face. "We need to speak to Martin. I think we still don't have all the answers"
"He's in Paris. A week-long meeting with the French minister. Will return the day before election day."
"Hmm"
"What about Rolinda?" asked Draco.
"Find out where she is"
'Knock Knock'
"Yeah" shouted Harry.
The door opened and a nervous looking female auror poked her head in. "Sir, Rory wants me to inform you that the press is here"
"Thanks..." Harry turned to Draco for help.
"Christina" he mouthed.
"Christina" Harry gave her a smile. "I'll be along shortly"
Christina blushed before closing the door.
"How can you still do that"
"Do what"
"Make them blush like schoolgirls"
"It's a curse I have to bear, mate. Consider yourself lucky that you weren't infected by it" said Harry, as he walked towards the door.
"It doesn't seem like much of a curse to me" muttered Draco, as Harry opened the door, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Now, getting stuck in a broom closet with Millicent Bulstrode. Whoo! Now, that's a curse"
Harry chuckled before he stopped walking and turned around. "Hey, don't tell anyone about Martin, alright. I want to play that close to the chest"
"Done"
Interior, Press Room, Third Floor, Ministry of Magic - Morning
Harry was standing on the podium as the sound of camera flashes reverberated around the square room. Reporters and journalists were huddled in the middle shouting on top of one another while pushing and shoveling to get to the front.
"Silence!" Harry's booming voice shut them down in less than a second. "One by one people. Be civil. Remember as I always say, be good to me and I'll be generous to you"
Harry smiled as soft laughter rang throughout the room.
"Yes, Colin" Harry pointed towards a man holding a camera in his hand. A quill and notebook were flying next to his head. He had curly brown hair and was short in stature.
A large smile came over his lips as Harry pointed towards him.
"Hey Harry- I mean Mr. Potter, sir" his cheeks-tinged pink at his slip.
"Go on Colin" Harry smiled.
"Colin Creevey from the Quibbler, first of all would like to welcome you back. It's great to see you, boss"
"Thank you, Colin" Harry smirked.
"I'll start with an easy one. Could you sum up the case up until now"
"Thanks Colin, alright" Harry turned his gaze forward. "As you all know there have been two identical, gruesome murders. The bodies were found hanging from the clocktower in Merlin's District, Oxfordshire" He took a small pause before continuing. "We believe the murders are linked. There are several puzzle pieces at the moment that we're trying to fit in the right place and we think we're on the right track. But I won't disclose them at the moment because I don't want to give the killer any hint of where we're at. But I will say that we have a few very prominent leads that we're trying to follow upon at this very moment and will let you all know as soon as they pan out."
"Thank you, Harry" smiled Colin, the quill beside him working furiously. "That's all from me. How about we have a few drinks later on and I'll even let you whine about your precious Puddledmore's disaster season" he shot him a cheeky wink.
"Oh, you're going there, huh" chuckled Harry. "You know what, I still feel the pain in my heart every time I hear the name of the club that shall remain nameless but drinks, I mean you know me Colin, I've never been one to say no to one and especially if someone else is paying"
The crowd burst out in laughter as Harry pointed at another reporter.
Interior, Conference Room, Auror Headquarters – Morning
Harry closed the door behind him as he looked at the team. They were all standing in a semi-circle in the middle.
They separated as Harry walked over to them.
"How did it go?" Draco asked him.
"How do you think. Charmed their bloody socks off"
John and Chris chuckled while Draco rolled his eyes.
"Alright" Harry turned to Rebecca and Chris. "Tell me you have something worthwhile"
"I think you'll be fairly pleased, sir" Rebecca said.
"Good" he clapped his hands. "Give it to me"
"Helen Rivia, nee Sparrow, married Benjamin Rivia. She was an unspeakable, worked as the keeper of the hall of prophecies. Fourteen years ago, a man by the name of Bruno Demenza stormed into the prophecy hall. Helen tried to stop him but he didn't listen, blah blah blah, they got into a tussle, he pushed her against a shelf, she accidently touched a prophecy.
Dropped to the ground, unconscious. She was brain damaged, remained in a comatose state for the remainder of her life. There was simply no cure at the time.
One more thing, Helen was pregnant at the time, like in her final stages. The baby was born in St. Mungo's but because of her state the baby remained unconscious for ten minutes. Anyway, from what we learnt it was a fairly complicated pregnancy.
Her husband couldn't keep up with the bills so he brought her home, much to chagrin of the hospital. A few months later Helen passed away.
Her husband worked at a branch of Kyle Industries. A factory in Oxfordshire that made furnitures. With wife gone he struggled to take care of his two children."
"Two?" asked Harry.
"Oh yeah, sorry, she also had a son. Charles Rivia. He was nine when she died. But we'll get to him in a bit. Overflowed with debts Benjamin took an illegal job, he was to act as a middle man between two parties dealing in Vitali drops. But as fate would have it luck wasn't on poor Benjamin's side and he got outed, by who, we don't know. His place got raided and the drops were found hidden in a box in a hole in the wall.
He was sentenced to Azkaban. Charles Rivia was twelve at the time and in his second year at Hogwarts. When he heard the news about his father, he tried to run away but was stopped. His sister was put in an adoption house in Crawley Lane, a small wizarding community in Lancashire, up on the hills. Charles was put in the same adoption house but he would only get to visit it during school break.
It seemed twelve-year-old Charles couldn't handle with the emotional baggage and got into multiple fights. One of them turned out so bad that he almost killed another student. Stated unstable he was moved to another location"
Harry, who during the entirety of her speech had his gaze targeted at the ground looked up at her. "What location"
Rebecca cast a brief glance in Chris' direction who was finding his shoes rather fascinating. "Umm..."
"What" Harry asked again, looking between them.
Rebecca cleared her throat. "Umm...we don't know"
He arched an eyebrow. "Then why are you acting like I just told you that you won't be having any candy for dinner. Good job" he smiled. "Now, go and find out where he was shipped to"
He turned to Draco when Rebecca once again cleared her throat.
"Umm...you see sir, he won't tell it to us. He said and I quote 'if he wants to know then tell him to come see me as soon as possible'. So..."
"Wait-what. Who the fuck said that!"
The hit-wizards once again looked at each other. Chris nodded his head but Rebecca kept shaking her head.
"What the fuck is going on!" yelled Harry. "Who is this motherfucker! Tell me his name so I can beat the shit out of him"
"Yo-your grandfather. Albus Dumbledore"
In a matter of ten seconds Harry's face contorted into varying expressions. "First came confusion, then shock, followed by fear which morphed into anger very fast and lastly, defeat, as he breathed a long sigh.
"Fuck me" he whispered.
"He was the headmaster at the time so only he knows the answer since he is the one who handled everything" said Rebecca.
"We got all the information regarding Charles from him as well. He was very cooperative even though he was fairly busy with his class."
Harry scratched his nose and took off his glasses to rub his eyes. He put them back on and turned to them. "Alright listen, I want all of you to look into a woman named Rolinda. Don't know her last name. Infact we don't know much about her except that in 2004 she used to work as a prostitute at The slutty witches haven."
"Right on it sir" said John.
"Alright, get out of here"
All five officers headed for the door.
"Oh and she's black" Harry added.
He turned to Draco when the door closed who was staring at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What does the old man want"
"Fuck if I have any idea" Harry ran a hand through his hair.
"You want me to come"
"Nah, you just run this joint while I'm out"
"Alright" Draco clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't forget about the party tonight"
"What party?" he frowned.
"At the burrow" Draco raised both his eyebrows. "Don't tell me you forgot." Harry kept staring at him blankly. "For the kids' arrival" he rolled his eyes. "The one we have every year, remember"
Realization dawned on Harry's face and his eyes turned wide. "Rose" he gasped. "She's coming home today" he whispered. He looked at the clock hanging on the wall. "Fuck!"
"Yup she'll already be home" said Draco.
"FUCK!" Three tables went flying into the back wall. Draco backed away a couple of steps as Harry breathed deeply.
"What the fuck, man!" yelled Draco. "What was that!"
'Knock Knock'
"WHAT!"
The door opened and Christina popped her head inside, fear written all over her face. Her eyes turned wide as she saw the state of the room.
"What is it Christina" Draco asked, giving her a reasurring smile.
"S-sir, there is a l-letter for H-head a-auror Pot-ter" she stammered.
"That's okay. Come inside"
She almost jogged over to him, handed him the letter before dashing out of the room.
Draco turned the letter around. "Here" he handed it to Harry.
Harry snatched it from him and ripped open the envelope. He took the letter out and started reading. His face turned even more red with anger and he crumpled the paper in his hand and threw it. He turned around and walked out of the room.
Draco watched him leave before turning around and looking at the paper ball near the back of the room. He walked over to it and picked it up. He unfolded it and read the two lines written in the middle.
I want you standing before me in less than ten minutes.
Don't even think about seeing her.
Interior, Hallway, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Afternoon
Hermione was standing before a closed door, looking concerned. She took a deep breath and lifted her hand before knocking twice on the door.
"Rosy, honey, can I come inside"
There was no answer.
"Rosy please, tell mummy what's wrong honey. You've barely said a word since you came back."
Still no answer.
She huffed a breath before putting her hand on the door knob.
"Rosy, I'm coming in"
She twisted the knob and pushed the door open.
Interior, Bedroom, Mars, Godric's Hollow – Afternoon
Her eyes went straight to her daughter, who had her back turned to her as she sat on the edge of the bed. She closed the door before slowly padding over to her side. She pulled the chair next to the study table and brought it in front of her daughter who had her face turned down, her wavy locks obscuring her face. She was still wearing her school uniform.
Hermione sat on the chair and brought it even closer till their knees were almost touching.
"Rosy, baby, tell me what's wrong" she pleaded. Tears were gathering behind her eyes as she placed a hand on her right knee. "Honey, you're scaring me" She lifted her other hand and brushed her hair back. "Honey, if you don't tell me how can I help you. I had so many things planned for us to do."
She put her hand under her chin and tilted it upwards. "Rosy" she gasped, seeing huge tear stains on her face. "Baby, what's wrong. Did someone say something. Was it Ian, again. Tell me and I'll make sure he never even looks at you again. Did he tease you, honey. Hmm?" she wiped a new trail of tears that cascaded down her cheeks.
Roslyn sniffled and her face twisted in anguish. "Wh-why di-did yo-you tell him" she hiccupped. "You pro-promised you nev-never would"
Hermione's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she opened her mouth to speak. "Tell who? Honey, I don't understand."
A dry sob escaped Roslyn's lips as she gasped out "Dad"
Hermione's entire face went white and she leaned back. She kept staring at her daughter's face in shock as her sobs filled the room. After a few moments Hermione got up from the chair and sat next to her on the bed.
"Honey, what happened. What did he do" she cradled her daughter's head in her arm. Roslyn inclined her neck to face her.
"You didn't tell him" she whispered.
Hermione fervently shook her head. "Honey, I swear I never told him anything. I don't know how he found out. Baby, tell me what did he do" there was an edge to her voice.
"He-he came to the school and started shouting at me in front of the whole class" she barely got the sentence out before more tears escaped her eyes.
"He what!" Hermione jumped up from the bed and faced her, a horrified expression on her face.
Roslyn nodded her head as he laid sideways on the bed.
"I'm going to kill him!" whispered Hermione, her face red with anger. "That bastard!"
Roslyn sat up and wiped at her face. "Mum, I don't want to talk to him. I don't even want to see him" she croaked.
Hermione swiped a loose tendril from her face and faced her. "Don't worry honey, you won't have to worry about that anymore"
Roslyn's forehead scrunched in confusion. "What do you mean"
Hermione sighed as she shook her head. "I swear this wasn't how I wanted to tell you but now seems like as good a time as any." She took a long pause. "We're no longer together"
"Oh" Roslyn whispered, solemnly. She turned her gaze down towards the floor.
Hermione took her spot back next to her and put an arm around her shoulder. "I thought you'd be much happier"
"Why?"
"I mean...you always hated coming back home and you said it yourself when I asked you the reason behind moving out. You said that you couldn't stand living in the same house as us, that you hated our relationship and couldn't deal with it anymore"
Roslyn started fiddling with the button of Hermione's coat. "Yeah...I guess maybe because I was expecting it for so long that it didn't come as big as a shock. But...no, I'm not happy about it, I don't think any child would be about their parents separating, I'm just...I don't know I made my peace with it a long time ago"
Hermione turned her head to the side as a pained expression came over her face and a tear rolled down her cheek.
1997
Interior, The Three Broomsticks, Hogsmeade – Afternoon
The place was bubbling with energy. Every table was full with excited and exuberant students enjoying drinks, food and constant chatter with their friends.
Hermione was sitting in a corner table filled with five other students. To her left was a boy with golden hair. He wore a charming smile on his face and had an arm around her shoulder. She giggled as he nuzzled her neck before placing a wet kiss right below her ear.
"Ewwww!" moaned Ron, pulling a disgusting face. "Stop with the PDA"
The boy with his arm around Hermione turned to glare at him. "Why Weasley, just because you can't get any you have a problem with other people showing their love"
"No! Hermione's like my sister. I don't want to hear, see or know that she even knows anything about sex let alone see it"
"Honestly Ron," huffed Hermione, rolling her eyes. "Kissing and sex are two very different things"
"Maybe not for him" teased her boyfriend. "Tell me Weasley, have you ever even been to second base." Ron's face flushed. "Thought so"
"I'm warning you, Cormac" growled Ron, pointing a finger at him.
"With what" challenged Corman. "We both know I can have you on the ground in less than five seconds. Is that what you secretly want cause that'll be the most action you'll get all year." He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table.
Rowan, who was sitting on his other side shifted a little further.
"Tell me Weasley, do you even like birds because I see you giving side eye looks to your blond-haired boyfriend whenever he's not looking."
Rowan guffawed before putting a hand over his mouth when Hermione whacked him behind the head.
"That's it!" Ron stood up.
"What's wrong" said Draco, as he came up to the table carrying a tray filled with seven butterbeers.
"Nothing out of the ordinary" Lavender said, pulling Ron down by his jacket. He kept shooting daggers at Cormac who had gone back to nuzzling Hermione's neck.
Draco shrugged his shoulders before placing one large mug in front of everyone before taking a seat. "Drink away"
"Fuck!" Rowan spat the liquid out right after he took a big gulp. "What the fuck Malfoy!" He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"What" Draco asked innocently, a little too innocently.
"This tastes like piss"
"Really, weird that you would know that" Draco smirked, before finishing half his drink in one big gulp, his eyes never leaving Rowan who kept glowering at him.
"You're dead" growled Rowan, before moving to attack Draco who jumped up from his seat.
"Rowan! Sit down" shouted Hermione, pushing Corman away to reach over for him. She grabbed the hem of his shirt and yanked him back down on his seat. "Sit" She ordered, before glaring at Draco. "Draco, stop baiting him."
"Hey, I don't know what he's talking about" he put his hands up in surrender.
"Sure, you don't" she snapped.
"Here, Rowan. You can have mine. I've only had a sip. I don't like butterbeer anyway" said the blonde-haired girl sitting in between Draco and Ron.
Rowan cast her an agitated look. "Sorry, but I'd rather die. I don't want to put my mouth anywhere near where yours have been. Next thing you know, I'll turn loony just like you" he huffed.
"Watch your mouth, Kyle" snarled Ron.
"Weasley, don't even try. Cormac may just have been playing with you but I will put you to the ground"
"I'd like to see you try"
"Fine, let's go" Rowan stood up, as did Ron.
"Boys, sit the fuck down!" yelled Hermione.
Just then the entire noise in the pub died down. They all looked towards the door and saw Harry standing there, searching for someone. He was an absolute mess; one side of his face was caked with blood, which was oozing from a deep gash on the left side of his forehead. His clothes were tattered and dirty. There was a huge hole in his trouser on his right leg which showed a long cut running diagonally over his knee.
His eyes landed on their table before he started walking over to them.
"What the hell happened to him" whispered Lavender.
"All I know is that he had special squad training today" Ron whispered back, who was sitting once again while Rowan remained standing.
Harry stopped when he reached their table and fished out a dead rose from inside his right trouser pocket. Its petals were bent at odd angles and it was pale red in colour. "Sorry" his voice was rough, as if he had been shouting. "I picked it early in the morning and had it in my pocket all day." He sniffed and wiped the blood next to his left eye. "I don't know the spell to turn it back to normal. I thought you would" he leaned over and placed it before Hermione who was staring at him in shock.
He sniffed and wiped the blood over his upper lip. "I promise to bring you a fresh one tomorrow." he nodded, giving her a small smile. "I love you. I would give you kiss as well but...you know" He chuckled, indicating towards his clothes. "Anyway, see you tomorrow" he winked at her before turning around and walking towards the door.
"Hold up!" Cormac stood up, glaring at Hermione. "This shit is still going on! I thought you said you dealt with it."
"Cormac-"
"Cause if this is this your idea of dealing with it then you're doing a piss poor job of it. He's still bringing you fucking roses and talking about kissing you. What the actual fuck, Hermione!"
"Cormac, I swear I have nothing to do with it. I've told him countless times but he simply won't stop"
"Then why didn't you tell me!" he exclaimed.
"Because I didn't want you to get in trouble"
"Then tell a fucking teacher! This is borderline harassment."
"I will, I promise" she pleaded.
"No Hermione. Now!"
"Okay yes. Now, when we get back but please sit down" she begged, pulling on his hand.
"And you!" Cormac pointed a finger at Harry. "You stay the fuck away from her or I swear I'll end you!" he threatened. "I don't care who the fuck you are!" he growled.
Harry stared at him before shifting his gaze down to Hermione who was shaking her head at him. "Please, just leave" she begged him. "Leave me alone or I swear I will tell Prof. McGonagall. You can't keep doing this" there was desperation in her voice.
Harry swiped his tongue across his bloody lip before giving her a curt nod. "Don't lose hope" he began. "It'll all turn out right at the end. Trust me" he gave her a small smile before turning around and limping towards the door.
"What the fuck does he mean by that" Cormac hissed, as he sat back down.
Interior, Head girl dormitory – Night
Hermione lay awake on her side with Cormac's arm draped around her naked chest. The bedsheet was pooled around their waist.
He was snoring softly, every puff of his breath moving the same tendril of hair over her neck.
The room was basked in the glow of the moonlight.
She slowly moved her left arm under her pillow before pulling it out, but this time there was something peeking through her fist. Something red. She opened her fist, revealing a red rose. It was beautiful, vibrant, with every petal standing in all its glory.
She stared at it for a long time before placing it back under her pillow and closing her eyes.
There was a smile on her lips as her breathing evened out.
A/N: Alright guys, as always post your comments below and let me know your thoughts and I'll catch you on the flip side.