Chapter 14-Meetings
Breakfast was proceeding normally Monday morning; everyone was still abuzz about the singing competition. A loud noise was heard from the Gryffindor table and all eyes were directed there, conversations hushed as they all strained to hear what the fuss was about.
Hermione slammed her fist down hard on the table and hovered over Ginny Weasley. "You little red-haired cow! I am so sick of you. You are simply jealous because I'm in love with a real man who actually loves me back. The closest you could ever come to that is by being the whore of the 'Boy-Who-Lived-to-be-a-Bloody-Menace'." She spat out sadistically.
Harry rose and opened his mouth. "No! No more, Harry. I can't stand the sight of you! You think you're so hot because you're famous, for something you didn't even do, might I add; it's only because your mother thought you were worth dying for, she should've rethought the wisdom of that action. Moreover, you think you're so cool 'cause of all the adventures you've survived and all the stunts you've gotten clean away with. You have obviously forgotten that the only reason that your sorry ass, and Ron's, have lasted this long is because of me! Because of my intelligence." She looked around, a strange gleam in her eyes. "You three don't have enough combined intelligence to suitably wipe the floor. I. Will. Not. Have. Anything. To. Do. With. Any of you! I'm done; see how well you can defeat the Dark Lord without me guarding your sorry backs! I hope the Dark Lord adds some intense pain to the mix before ridding the world of your incompetence!" And with that, she swept majestically out of the Great Hall.
Ginny made quite a show of sobbing and fleeing with Harry, Luna, Neville, and Ron running after her.
Everyone was dumbfounded and shifted their gaze to Draco Malfoy. Draco calmly shrugged and stood to go comfort Hermione. They were all unsettled. Not only had she referred to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named as the 'Dark Lord,' she had even told Harry Potter that she hoped that he would be killed painfully! Conversations for the rest of the meal were tense. This did not bode well. All the Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins, the ones who supported Voldemort in any small way, were smiling as if Christmas had come early with extra presents. The Dark Lord would be very happy to know that Draco had successfully stolen Hermione away from the 'Trio.'
The staff, the few that had been forewarned, were surprised and impressed by Miss Granger's phenomenal speech. She had mixed the perfect amount of truth with lies. No wonder she's so good at potions, Severus thought as he struggled to hold in a chuckle and stifle the surge of pride he felt at her performance.
A few minutes later in the Head Boy rooms…
The students that had caused an uproar and lots of gossip were trying to catch their breath. They were all rolling with laughter; thank God, Draco had placed a silence charm after they had all arrived. It would be something that wasn't easily explained away.
"That was a bloody brilliant performance in there," Ron choked out in between gasps of air. "If I didn't know better I would have thought you believed those things you were saying."
Hermione placed a hand under Ron's chin and brought his eyes to her. "Who says I didn't?" She asked sweetly before breaking up into giggles again.
Draco took her hand and placed a kiss on it. "Thanks, luv. Now the other informants for the Dark Lord can tell him that I am accomplishing my mission without any trouble. That means less times I have to be in his foul presence." He rose and gave her a courtly bow. "Thank you my fair lady."
They all cracked up again. It was going to be a long day if they couldn't stop laughing.
In all their classes, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to remember to shot evil looks toward each other…without cracking a smile; that was the hard part. And of course, to solidify the group's apparent hostility, dinner was another fun event.
Well, right outside of the Great Hall after dinner, I should say. As dinner ended, everyone was surprised to see that Ginny and Hermione weren't there. A few people exited then ran back in screaming "FIGHT!"
Ginny and Hermione were trying hard not to laugh as they sparred. Ginny had started training in physical self-defense with Draco and Hermione near the beginning of the year. Punches, kicks, sweeps, it was very well choreographed. Only those who knew it was coming could tell that they weren't really out for each other's blood. Jumps, tumbles, and joint manipulation. All the while, they were silent, no screaming, no expression in their faces or eyes except a seemingly malicious twinkle.
All the students (who had formed a ring around the two) shuddered when they saw this. There was a reason that most people in the wizarding world depend on their wands for protection. When someone is so angry that they make no sound, they want blood and they possess the control necessary to do serious damage. Females are even more dangerous. If a female gets to the point of forgetting she's a witch and goes physical, there will be no stopping her. At a pre-assigned part in the 'fight,' Draco and Harry both stood side by side and cast the body binding spell on the 'ladies.' They with a flick of their wands, had them floating behind them as they headed toward the Headmaster's Office. All of the students shot each other puzzled expressions. They all were left behind to silently wonder why on earth Draco and Harry were working so nicely together in the first place. This did not bode well.
Dumbledore barely had time to place a silencing charm around his office before the guilty parties collapsed into helpless laughter. The Headmaster chuckled and his eyes twinkled merrily even as he tried to look stern. "My compliments, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley. That was a frightening performance; very well done. I do believe that this will call off the heat on Mr. Malfoy and Professor Snape. There are more of his spies in this school within the ranks of the student body; I wouldn't be surprised if the said persons above were summoned sometime tonight to confirm the completion of their combined mission." His twinkling faded as he uttered these words and the students looked at him acutely from their position on the floor. Dumbledore continued, "Mr. Malfoy, please escort Miss Granger…" he broke off as Draco started writhing in pain, clutching his arm.
'Oh joy,' Draco thought sarcastically, 'good news travels fast.' "It appears Professor, that I have a previous engagement. If you would be so kind to escort Hermione to the dungeons and Harry, please escort Ginny to the common room, let the others know what's going on." Draco said solemnly as the pain eased enough to where he could stand.
The gentlemen he addressed inclined their heads and Draco took his leave.
Draco was almost to the apparation point when he received an owl.
Bring her with you…I want to see where her loyalties truly lie. Her intelligence will be most helpful. You have ten minutes maximum to get her. If you do not, the consequences of your failure will be most unpleasant.
The letter immediately burst into flames. Draco stood there horrified for a moment, transformed, and sprinted for all he was worth towards the dungeons.
The Headmaster and Hermione had just entered the potions classroom when the door flew open.
"Draco, what's wrong? Why are you still here?" Hermione asked.
Draco gasped for his breath, "Hermione, the Dark Lord is going to test your loyalty to me…tonight."
Dumbledore was stunned. "Miss Granger," he started sadly, "go with God. May He bring you back here safely."
The two young adults nodded, transformed, and ran towards the apparation point.
Dumbledore exited the classroom and headed for Minerva's office. They would wait for the return of three of their most intelligent individuals in the Headmaster's office. He silently prayed as he hurried. It would be devastating and not just to the Order if they did not return alive.
When they had arrived, Hermione stopped Draco as he was reaching for his mark to take them to the meeting. "I have an idea on how to act this out…follow my lead." And with that, she transfigured her school robes into a short black miniskirt, green spaghetti strap top that clung to her, black thigh-high boots, and she added black eye shadow with a tilt of her head.
Draco's mouth dropped to the ground. He had never seen her in something that revealing. "Close your mouth, Draco. Remember we are lovers and the Dark Lord is more than likely going to brand me if I play my cards right. That includes my choice of clothing and my attitude." Hermione snapped. She had seen this coming a mile away. If you can't eliminate an enemy, try and turn them to your side. After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.
"Yes ma'am," Draco said as they both placed an emotionless expression on their faces and stepped into each other's arms.
"My Lord," Hermione said coyly as she sashayed towards him and dropped to her knees, "I was wondering when you were going to invite me here."
Draco also dropped beside Hermione and greeted his 'Master.'
"Rise, Draco. Go stand by Severus. I am impressed with your skills, young one. I gave you ten minutes and you have come into my presence in less than six minutes. You will be rewarded well for your faithfulness."
"If you so wish, my Lord." Draco replied humbly and went to stand next to his godfather. He could tell that Sev was real nervous, he brushed his hand against Sev's arm to let him know it would be okay. The movement went unnoticed by everyone except Hermione.
Hermione was looking up slightly, her eyes hidden by her locks of hair. She felt her anger rising, but decided to put it to good use. She would manipulate Voldemort into doing what she wanted him to do. She felt him circling her, could feel his scrutiny, could almost hear the mental debate he was facing.
The Dark Lord stopped in front of her. "Why do dare to presume that I did not invite you here to be a sacrifice?"
"Because I possess many talents that you find admirable, my Lord. I have been the friend of that nasty little Boy-Who-Lived for the past six years. I know your enemy very well. Oh, by the way, my Lord, thank you for ridding me of my filthy parents, they were getting bothersome and I was looking for a way to kill them myself when you took care of that problem for me." Hermione responded flippantly, tossing her hair ever so slightly.
Draco and Severus were reeling mentally, did she not realize that no one was allowed to live after talking to the Dark Lord like that! Where in the bloody Hell was she going with this game?
Voldemort even looked shocked, but then did something that he had not done in longer than any of him followers could remember: he laughed. It was full-throated, deep, and sounded, well, almost human. His 'loyal' Death Eaters were rooted to their places by pure panic.
"Well, girl," he said as soon as he had recovered, "Prove your loyalty." He turned to all of his Death Eaters. "You know what to do."
They all pulled out their wands, pointed them towards Hermione, and yelled, "CRUCIO!"
Hermione took deep breaths, to contain her anger; she couldn't even feel the pain through the cold. 'Note to self,' she thought ruefully, 'don't lash out in anger without having my wand in my hand. Voldemort must not be alerted to the full extent of my abilities.' Out loud, she started laughing.
The Dark Lord motioned for them to cut off their casting. He was completely stunned, how could this girl be resistant to this curse?
Hermione stood, still laughing. "By your leave, my Lord," she said as she removed her wand from her skirt. Without hesitating, she turned to face her attackers, pointed her wand, and placed one hand on her hip. "Tsk, tsk. Don't you understand, in order to affect someone with this lovely spell, you have to really mean it." She sounded as if she were scolding children who had been late for dinner. "CRUCIO!"
Everyone with the exception of the Dark Lord, dropped in pain. Draco and Severus heard a soft voice in their heads whispering 'I'm sorry.' They both understood and accepted; they silently left her know that they knew her position, after all they had been required to cast the curse on her moments before. It would look bad if she excluded anyone.
"Enough." The Dark Lord hissed silently. He did not like surprises and he was suddenly glad that he had not ordered Draco to kill her. This would be most helpful with his plans. He started to laugh once more.
"Yes, my Lord," Hermione pertly replied and she lowered her wand as slowly spun around so she was facing Voldemort. She walked towards him in such a seductive way that all the males present had to suck in their breaths, not that they could breathe well after she had cursed them, but they seemed to have an extra hard time getting their lungs to work. "My darling, would you mind terribly if my mark was on my left hip? This way no one outside of this nice little club will know what's really on my mind."
The Dark Lord watched her approach with approval. She had intelligence and understood the means necessary to an end. He glanced towards Draco. "Draco, my boy, no wonder you volunteered to assist Miss Granger in coming to see the true nature of things. She is most impressive." He turned back towards Hermione. "If that's what you want, we certainly can't have Dumbledore's precious Potter suspecting anything. However, how do I know that you can bring me helpful information? Why would they accept you back after the horrible things you've done to them?" He purred in a condescending tone.
Hermione looked him up and down slowly as if to say 'you don't believe me capable? You sad little boy.' She was glad that the cold was protecting her; it would really be bad if she puked in disgust at the sight of this monster at the moment. She cocked her head and began twirling her hair with an innocent experience on her face. "I can go to them tomorrow and apologize, as long as it looks like I've been crying, and they will happily accept me back. They don't believe that a bookworm like me would be able to find any friends without their assistance and would accept me back only to do their homework for them. If you like, my Lord, you can call Draco or Professor Snape to bring me back here tomorrow night when you receive word that I was successful."
Voldemort smiled evilly. "Yes, Hermione, " he whispered as he stepped closer to her, "that seems to be an acceptable compromise. Be forewarned, little one, if you are not successful, it will not be pleasant for you."
"Yes, my Lord. Actually, I'd like to go do so now…may I steal Draco and Professor Snape from you? I have plans for them tonight…" she said suggestively.
Everyone was floored, even Bella hadn't been able to convince their Master to do her bidding in any way…this chit had even made the Dark Lord laugh. She was definitely a new class of evil, they shuddered involuntarily.
"Of course, Draco, Severus, please escort Hermione back to Hogwarts. I will see you again tomorrow night."
"Yes, my Lord," they replied together bowing and them approached Hermione.
Hermione giggled and hooked arms with both of them. "Thank you, my Lord. Until tomorrow night then." With that said, she wrapped herself around Severus and pulled Draco close behind her. She was bringing her lips towards Severus for a kiss as they winked out of sight.
As they arrived at their destination, Severus tried to pull away, his body was reacting to her closeness and he really did not want her to be aware of that fact. Hermione grabbed head and pulled him in. Severus felt a warmth flowing through his veins and not just because he felt alive while kissing her. As she broke the kiss he opened his mouth yell at her, but snapped it shut when he realized that he could no longer feel the effects of the curse. It was if it had never happened. He stood there shell-shocked.
Hermione turned and kissed Draco on both of his cheeks. By the expression on his face, her kisses had done the same for him. Severus was very puzzled. Why had she kissed him full of the mouth if kisses on the cheek would have sufficed. He thought for a moment, it make sense, she was leaning in to kiss him in front of the Dark Lord to back up her provocative statement. He suppressed the part of him that was slightly disappointed with that string of logic.
Draco was the first to recover from the shock. "Damn it, Hermione! You can't just try to play games like that with the Dark Lord! He's probably going to kill you tomorrow night! You can be so sodding ignorant at times…"
Hermione cut him off with a wave of her hand, Severus noticed that Draco was still trying to speak, but no words were heard. The chit had silenced him. "But it did work. I knew exactly what I was doing. And no, Draco, he won't be killing me tomorrow night. He will brand me with his mark exactly where I requested it. Don't ever make the mistake of underestimating me; the Dark Lord is doing that as we speak. You two are some of the very few who know the extent of my powers; do not ever underestimate me, ever again…I always know precisely what I am doing, in everything." She said coldly. "Please back off right now…I am still cold and I do not want either of you," she looked over her shoulder at Severus, "to get caught in the backlash." She quickly transformed and lopped off towards the Headmaster's office.
Draco still couldn't speak and Severus rapidly said, "Finite." They transformed and hurried after her.
The only thing running through Severus' head was, this is not good, this is really not good.
Hermione was in the potions classroom with Professor Snape completing the Wolfsbane potion when he grabbed his arm. She sent a thought to Ginny, transfigured her clothes to an outfit similar to the one she had worn the night before: tight low-rise black jeans, a revealing, clingy long-sleeve green top, and silver high heels.
Severus found her waiting patiently by the door after he had retrieved his robes and mask. She looked up and calmly asked, "Are you ready?"
"You had best know what you're doing, you silly little girl. I would hate to have to bring back your lifeless body and go through to trouble of making it look like a potions accident," he said harshly as he swept past her. Gods he was so worried for her safety…he honestly didn't believe that she would win this game.
Hermione quickly followed him, trying not to be stung my his remarks; she knew he was apprehensive about how successful she would be. 'Well,' she thought with a sigh, 'we shall see in a few minutes if my plan worked.'
Draco was waiting for them in the Forbidden Forest. They silently assumed the position they had been in when they had left last night and with a sharp crack, they were gone.
Hermione proceeded to practically make out with Severus while Draco was biting on her neck. They slowly broke away and bowed to the Dark Lord, who was watching them with amusement.
"My Lord," they said together as one, only Hermione did not attempt to sound humble. She managed to put many things into that simple phrase, humbleness was not one of them.
Draco and Severus were not happy, by anyone's definition, but they had conceded that it was imperative that they play Hermione's game to whatever end.
Voldemort glided up to Hermione, hooked a finger under he chin, and brought her eyes up to his. "So how did last evening go? My little Mudblood. Legilimens."
Hermione felt him try to enter her mind and allowed him to view the 'memories' she had created last night, she sent them to Draco and Severus, from each of their respective viewpoints so their story would be consistent.
When the Dark Lord was satisfied with the images he saw, he released her and inclined his head towards Draco and Severus. They stood and he entered each of their minds in turn.
He smirked evilly, "Well, well, well. Who would have known that Potter's precious bookworm was such a vixen in bed." He chortled softly and turned towards Hermione while motioning for the gentlemen to fall back.
Severus and Draco were both stunned by the images Hermione had sent them…she had spared no detail. Severus was completely flabbergasted that she was able to reach into his mind like that. Now, her sending information to Draco made since because of their bonding, but damn! That girl, no he corrected, that woman had one nice imagination; if only she hadn't of included Draco it would have been perfect. Severus quickly snapped his mind back to attention. Hermione was walking towards the Dark Lord.
"Come, my little Mudblood. Maybe my mark will cleanse part of the taint from your blood." Voldemort sneered with a hint of disdain.
Hermione approached with a cool, confident aura surrounding her. She lowered the waistband of the jeans she was wearing to reveal a thin silver strap and gave the Dark Lord a look that clearly said, 'come get me, do your worst.'
Voldemort placed his hands on her hips and dragged her against his body while he raspily whispered loud enough for all present to hear. "From now until forever ends, you will bear my mark." He pressed his wand against her left hip after he stood back.
Hermione stood there and let the pain wash over her, she reveled in it; her anger transforming the pain into something else. She could smell her flesh burning and smiled up at the Dark Lord. She opened her mouth and let out a full-bodied laugh that sent shivers down all of the other Death Eaters' spines. Her laugh was bursting with unpleasant things. That shiver was one of terror. They thought Lucius and Bella were bad enough, but this little mudblood had them alarmed. That single laugh, in their minds, confirmed the importance of their mission: they had to rid the wizardry world of unstable mudbloods for the safety of their families. Even Draco and Severus were shivering…they were scared too. But for very different reasons. With the intense power she had, when her anger was peaked, she could very easily go dark; from there no one would have the power to pull her back. This was not good; this was really not good.
Voldemort was astounded. No one had ever remained standing while receiving his mark…no reaction had ever been for someone to laugh. He enjoyed it when they writhed in pain and screamed until their throats were so sore they couldn't speak. The only two marks that had come close was when Severus was given his, he twitched in pain, but he didn't scream and Draco who had done the same as Severus. Hmm. This was very interesting. He drew away from Hermione and lowered his wand.
"Until next time, my dear." He hissed softly, running a fingertip along her jaw line. "Feel free to take Draco and Severus with you, they'll inform you of my big plans. Do let Severus get some sleep tonight; we wouldn't want our prized Potions Master falling asleep during some class and dying in an accident. That would be tragic. And I suppose that Draco needs some sleep for class, so do be gentle with them."
"Of course, my Lord. Your wish is my command." She noticed that Voldemort's face contorted slightly at the muggle reference, but she continued to look at him innocently and grabbed both of the 'boys.' She was not looking forward to the meeting with Dumbledore once they got back.