A/N-
This chapter is rated Mature for blood and gore, not a lot but gonna be safe.
So 3/4 of this was written not two hours after I posted the last one then...it just stopped. . The problem was I didn't know where to end it; compared to other chapters this one is short but hopefully it does the job I want it to. This should get the main plot going; I am very excited to see what you guys think. Oh man, now I am just rambling. Anyhow, here it is, hope you enjoy it and reviews/constructive critisim would be greatly appriciated!
Stepping from the fireplace Harry was met by his boss and Hermione in the main hall of the ministry. "The Minister wants to see you; we will explain it all in his office." Robards told them. "Follow me."
Harry glanced at Hermione; she shrugged and fell into step close to him her shoulder brushing his as they walked.
This time of the night the halls were mostly empty, a few people worked late in random offices but the only sound was the echoing of their shoes as they made their way to the elevator.
"Sir, why does Hermione need to be here?" He asked his boss.
"I can't discuss that here Potter, just wait." He replied.
It's got to be Ron, something happened on the mission.
Harry glanced over at her, catching her eye, he could tell she was worried but trying not to show it. He knew her to well though, just the way she was standing told him that, her whole body was rigid and she was wringing her hands. He reached over and took one of them in his; squeezing it reassuringly even though he was just as concerned as her.
The elevator dinged and Robards strode out of it his cloak billowing behind him. They followed closely, hands still linked as they passed the Minister's waiting room; Robards stopped and knocked once before opening the door and standing to the side to let them pass.
Kingsley sat behind his desk writing quickly on a piece of parchment. Looking up he saw Harry and Hermione, nodded to them and went back to his letter. A click told them that Robards had shut the door, he walked around them and to the Minister, whispering something in his ear. The Minister nodded, scratched at the parchment one last time, rolled it up before handing it to Robards then looked across the room at two standing before him. "Harry, Miss Granger."
"Sir, what is going on?" Harry asked.
"I won't mince words; this is the time or place for that." He replied standing and coming around the desk. "We have been attacked and there are casualties." Robards smoothly left the office on whatever errand he had been sent on, the door closing punctuating the Minister's words.
Hermione stepped forward, letting go of Harry's hand. "Ron?" She asked in a small voice.
Kingsley shook his head, sitting on the edge of his large desk. "No, not that we know of is not among the casualties, however he and his team are part of why I called you here."
Harry stepped forward, placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder and gave it a squeeze; she turned to look at him her eyes full of dread. "Were they attacked? Where are they? What happened?" He asked in quick succession.
Kingsley sighed, "They didn't report back from their mission after a couple of hours, it was supposed to be a simple operation. A small time, low level suspected Death Eater had holed up in a cottage near the sea, when a local muggle girl was found dead without a trace of violence on her we obviously were inclined to believe it was him. So we sent the team out to apprehend and bring him in for questioning."
"So what went wrong, why didn't they report back?" Harry asked hotly, getting tired of the long explanations.
"I was getting to that." Kingsley replied. "When they didn't show back up we send a team out to investigate the cottage and found signs of a battle but no one was around. The team is still there trying to piece together what happened when we received an owl."
"An owl?" Interrupted Hermione.
"Yes Miss Granger, an owl and the package it brought is highly disturbing. I would like you both to take a look at it but I warn you it is graphic." Kingsley said darkly.
"Well where is it?" Harry asked impatiently. Damnit Ron, I should have been there with you.
Kingsley stood up and walked to the corner of his office where a basin shimmered and glowed. "Right here, they sent us a memory."
"A memory? Is that Pensive?" Asked Hermione coming around Harry to get a good look at the wavering pool.
"That is right Miss Granger, very odd of them to do so but once you see it I think it will make more sense. I warn you again it is very, very graphic." Explained Kingsley as Robards entered the room and nodded at his boss.
The Minister returned the nod and turned to Harry who had come to stand next to Hermione at the Pensive. "Harry I know you have used one of these before but I believe this is Miss Granger's first time?"
"Yes sir it is, but Harry explained to me how it worked." Hermione replied before Harry could open his mouth. "I will be ok."
"Alright, then go ahead the memory is already in the pool." Instructed Kingsley.
Hermione twined her fingers through Harry's and met his eyes; she was trying to be brave but was deeply frightened. Harry squeezed her hand and bent at the waist, dipping his face into the pool.
After a moment's disorientation he was standing in what looked like a large living room of a rundown old house, there were three people tied up in chairs, bags over their heads with three other hooded figures standing behind each. He noticed a presence at his side and Hermione was next to him looking around and getting her bearings. He grabbed her hand causing her to jump. Glancing over she gave him a half-hearted smile, then catching sight of the figures in the chairs she started forward. Harry pulled her back as one of the men began to speak.
They all wore Death Eater's masks so it was hard to tell who was talking but soon that didn't matter as the words washed over them.
"This is the beginning. For years and years we have been persecuted for simple knowledge, now is the time for that to end. We are many, and we are everywhere. Serving you food, walking beside you in your shops, living next door just as we always have, your neighbors and friends…until you discovered what we studied. Taboo you say, leave it be it's dangerous, forbidden. Why? Because others used it recklessly? No, because the law says it is evil, dark magic. Who are we to be governed by your laws? Laws we had no say in."
Harry shifted his feet, something about this was off. This isn't the usual Death Eater speech, what is going on?
Placing his hands on the shoulders of the man in front of him it became obvious the one in the center was the one speaking. "We do not seek to rule, the masks are familiar yes, but we do not stand for what they did. They are to merely hide our identity so you cannot track us. For track and hunt us you will. Though you have already done so. We only want to change the old ways, ways set into stone generations ago that no long apply to us. You have driven us to this point, taking us from our homes, imprisoning us without charge, torturing and humiliating us to gather information that gains nothing."
Harry looked over at Hermione, her face was drained of color and her hand was cold in his. She recognizes this, at least some part of it.
A movement caught his eye, the bags were being removed from the prisoner's heads; it was his team, Jones, Phillips and Ron. Where is Jackson?
Hermione dug her hand into his bicep, eyes glued to her boyfriend. All three of the aurors seemed to be confunded, they looked around but didn't seem to be aware of their situation.
"We only want what is rightfully ours, the peace to seek what knowledge we choose without prohibition or persecution. Your actions over the last two years have created us; we are desperate and willing to do anything for our beliefs. The blood is on your hands."
The person to Harry's left raised his wand, almost showing it off before placing the tip into Jones's back. No!
"Expulso!"
Harry flinched back as Jones chest exploded outwards, blood, bone and guts spraying the room. Hermione screamed and turned her body into his; he wrapped his arms around the frightened girl and held her tightly. Merlin…
"We are responsible to the attack at the Quidditch match tonight. That is the first of many until the laws change; we only wish to be free to live our lives as we see fit. Nothing more. We are as Legion, one from many."
The memory became hazy and faded, Harry pulled his face from the Pensive and looked to Hermoine, when she stood her eyes were large and glazed; all the blood had drained from her face. He grabbed her and pulled her close, turning he glared at Kingsley over her head. "What the hell was that?!" He said, anger and shock boiling within him.
"I apologize for showing that to you, but it was easier than trying to explain it and considering that it involved your friend I knew you would want to see it in the end." He explained, sounding tired.
Harry's glasses caught the reflection from the fire in the fireplace, flashing dangerously. "Why did he…why did he do that to Jones? He could have used the killing curse and it would have been the same!"
"For shock, they mean to show us they are serious." Robards said from across the room. "Voldemort killed because he liked it. This is different, they do it for a purpose, the purpose being to unnerve us, scare us."
"Well it bloody well did that." Harry spit. "And you didn't need to show her this! Come on!"
"If you ask her I think she may know more than you think son." Replied Kingsley an edge in his voice.
'What? What are you talking about Kingsley?" Demanded Harry.
He noticed Hermione's hands on his chest, applying a gentle but steady pressure. "I…I'm ok Harry, it just shocked me." She said softly, looking up from where she had buried her face his chest. "I think I know what he is referring to."
"Huh? What do you mean? How could you know anything about them? Their mons…no monsters isn't even the right word." He said looking down at her tear streaked face, his heart jumping to his throat.
She pushed away from him, wiping the wetness from her cheeks and taking a deep breath she explained. 'It's an argument that has been made since the wizarding world began, one I made myself in a paper last year. That's what you're referring to correct Minister?" She asked.
He nodded but kept quiet allowing her to continue.
"There have always been those who believed that it's not the magic that is inherently evil but the application of its use. Think about it, if you could make a Horcrux without having to tear your soul, would you? A safety net in case some tragic accident happened?"
"Hermione!" Exclaimed Harry, looking at his friend in confusion.
"Please, just let me finish Harry." She pleaded.
He nodded but worry was written plainly across his face.
"I am sorry, Horcruxes are a bad example." She began a weak smile of apology on her lips. "Certain wizards believe that there shouldn't be a restriction on what magic is available for study whether it is dark or not all information should be open for everyone to access. Remember how frustrated I would get when I would have to get permission to get into the restricted section of the library at school?"
He nodded. "But that was innocent stuff, you didn't want to know anything in there to take over the world, you were just curious or searching for some piece of information to help us."
"Exactly, but it's always been an academic argument, never a practical one. People know that there are certain things that the general public shouldn't have access to. But…" Her eyes grew dark and glazed over again. "Those people…they were advocating open knowledge…" She shuddered and he stepped close wrapping her in his arms again, her hair tickling his chin.
Harry looked over at Robards and the Minister while Hermione shivered against him. "Why now? And why like this? Couldn't they have just brought it up to the Wizengamot?"
The Minister glanced at Robards, a look passing between them. Robards nodded.
"They have before but as always common sense has won out." Kingsley replied. "We think we know why they have taken action now but…"
"What is it? What caused them to start killing people!"
"Harry, there are certain aspects of the Ministry that aren't everyday conversation." Robards told him quietly.
"What in the hell are you talking about?" He demanded, anger flaring.
"Watch your tone boy." Said Robards, his eyes hard and cold. "You think you know what it takes to protect people but you have no idea. You're still just a kid; I have been working in this job longer than you have been alive. Voldemort was bad, but the people we are dealing with now are even more dangerous."
Harry glared at his boss. "How could they possibly be more dangerous than Voldemort?"
"Because Harry, they believe and are willing to sacrifice themselves for their beliefs." Kingsley said softly. "Voldemort wanted to rule, therefore he wanted to live. These people…as long as their message gets across anything is worth it, even their very lives."
"Ok, so their off their rocker but I still don't get what makes them more dangerous than Voldemort." He said, stroking Hermione's hair. She had stopped shaking but her arms were still around his waist tightly.
Kingsley stood up and paced the room before turning back to Harry. "Our auror team was not the only casualty tonight. There was another, more public attack."
"What? Where I didn't hear…oh, the quidditch match." He said voice trailing off as the realization hit him. "It's Ginny isn't it?"
A strange sadness flitted across the Minister's face. "Yes Harry, one of the people; we'll call them Legion for lack of anything else, was at that match tonight. We are still investigating but there was an explosion and Ginny was caught in it. She is at ' with the rest of the injured. I am sorry."
"Is she ok?" He asked his anger for the moment forgotten.
"We don't know any details just a list of the confirmed dead and who was taken for medical treatment." Kingsley informed him.
"Oh Harry, I'm sorry." Hermione said softly, looking up at his from his embrace. Her eyes were red from crying but he could see she meant it, she felt his pain and there was such understanding in her deep brown eyes that he knew he wasn't alone and just that made the pain a little less.
She hugged him tightly then backed away, composing herself. "What did they mean by hunting them?" She asked Kingsley, her voice firmer than earlier.
A humorless grin cracked his stoic face. "I was wondering when you would get around to that. I must applaud you Miss Granger, most people after seeing that scene would not be able to dissect the speech much less focus in on the key point."
Hermione stayed silent, crossing her arms over her chest and piercing him with an intense stare.
The Minister sighed and adjusted his robes. "After Voldemort's fall we, along with the other Ministries around the world gathered to discuss how best to prevent something like this happening again. It was decided that anyone with "unhealthy" knowledge of the Dark Arts would be questioned."
"And what exactly is you definition of unhealthy?" She asked narrowing her eyes. "And why haven't we heard anything about this?"
Robards stepped away from the fireplace, "Unhealthy is whatever we determine it to be and you haven't heard about it because we haven't been public about it."
"But, how do I not know about it?" Harry questioned. "I'm an auror, I should have at least heard something."
"Why do you think we have so few people around the office right now? We took the best Hit-wizards, the best, most experienced aurors and teamed them with other around the world tracking down and interrogating people with connections to the Dark Arts." He explained grudgingly.
"So why are they angry enough to kill? You questioned them and let them go." Harry asked confused.
Silence permeated the room; Harry looked over his shoulder at Hermione catching her eye. "You didn't let them go did you?" She asked coldly.
"And just let them back out to continue on their merry way?" Robards replied, distain punctuating each word. "They need to be watched and what better way than to keep them all in one place under lock and key?"
Harry flinched at the sudden change in his normally affable boss. "But, but sir! You can't do that! If they didn't have any information then what harm can they do?"
"They themselves? Nothing. But by releasing them we show weakness to our enemies and we cannot afford that. We have to be strong and show our strength even if we step on a few toes along the way." Robards told him coldly.
"So that makes it ok? How many people actually had real connections to the Dark Arts? Or is just walking into Borgin and Burke's good enough for you to arrest them?" Hermione asked in a steely voice.
Robards eyes flared angrily and he stepped forward. "How dare you! You insolent child! You can't possibly being to understand the sacrifices we've made!"
"Enough."
Every head turned to the Minister, he stood arms crossed his eyes closed. "I have done things I am not proud of Miss Granger, but in the light of what we are trying to accomplish, they lasting safety of the entire wizarding world, sometimes…morals and ethics must be put aside."
"Minster you can't mean that!" She exclaimed, voice cracking in shock.
"I do, though it pains me to say it." He opened his eyes and leveled his gaze at Harry. "Harry I apologize for keeping this from you, I know your trust of the Ministry in the past has been rightfully hesitant, I hope I have not damaged any trust you have build recently."
"I, I'm not sure. I think right now I just want to see Ginny." He replied his anger over shadowed by his concern for Ginny and Ron. "If you hear anything else about the team let me know. "
"Of course." The Minister hesitated a moment, "Harry it goes without saying but no one can know what we discussed tonight; not even the Weasley's."
Jade green eyes flashing in the firelight Harry stared at Kingsley. "Of course sir. There is no reason why they would want to know what really happened. Not after all the sacrifices they've made." He said stiffly. "I won't say a word, sir."
"Harry I." Began Kingsley when Harry cut him off. "Let's go Hermione." He stepped over and grasped her hand tightly, a second later there was a loud pop and the two were gone.
"You think that was smart, telling them about it?" Robars asked darkly.
Kingsley turned to the Head of his Aurors. "We didn't have a choice, and better he gets the information from us than dig it up and knowing Miss Granger it was only a matter of time. We need him for this one Robards, it can't be like last time with Voldemort." He pushed away from his desk and walked to the cabinet, opening it quietly, grabbing two glasses and an aged bottle of firewhiskey. "As much good as he did on his own last time most of that was luck. We need him controlled; if they get their hands on him…"
"Understood sir."