Chapter Twelve

Trusting A Slytherin

Just as he said, Tony was waiting out on her front porch. He didn't hold a book or any such recreational material. She guessed that he was a very patient man, and she felt worse for keeping him waiting. Still, she couldn't help but remember when he was younger, how impatient he was then, how his leg would bob up and down, a furious glare to the world.

When she was in front of him she started apologizing again. "Tony, I'm sorry -"

He waved his hand, "no need. It was worth the wait."

She wasn't sure what that meant but it made her blush. She fumbled with her key to let them in.

It was lucky that although she forgot about their dinner, she had cleaned. At least in her insomnia proved a purpose. There was not a speck of dust to be spotted.

"Make yourself at home," she welcomed as she led him into the kitchen.

"You have a lovely house."

"Thank you. Take a seat and I'll get dinner started."

As she bustled about they caught up. She learned everything about him. His parents died long ago in a car accident, him being raised by his aunt. That made her sad, as she thought about how sweet and welcoming his parents were. They had made them fresh lemonade from their own garden where Hermione frequently helped.

He had a good job as a book-keeper in a Muggle library. They talked of the trips they'd both taken, their friends and school, their careers. They talked all the way through dinner and while he helped her wash the dishes, playfully popping a lemon-scented soap bubbled that landed on her nose.

That irking feeling remained. Her mind screamed that he was a good man, an old friend. Why did she feel as though she needed her wand in hand? The ringing of her mobile made her jump a good foot.

Drying her hands on the dishtowel she took it from her pocket. On the i.d. she saw that it was Harry. "I have to take this." It could've been news on Malfoy's case.

"Go on, I'll finish up here."

She smiled in thanks and slipped out to the lounge for privacy. She answered, not wanting to take too long. Tony had insisted on assisting her, she didn't want him to finish up alone.

"Hello?"

"Hermione, I did a little research on your friend Tony."

She felt herself burn. "You did what?!"

"Before you take my head, listen! Tony Carr doesn't exist in the wizard database. He's a fake! I have Ron on alert, he's on his way, so am I. Stay there!"

"Harry, he's lived with his Muggle aunt, he works in a Muggle library, maybe he faded out of the database. It's happened before, when a wizard doesn't' use his wand for a -"

"Hermione, I know about all that! You don't have to tell me! Isn't it better to be safe?"

"The war's over!"

"This isn't abut a war!"

"You're being ridiculous. There's nothing bad about him."

"Wa -"

She shut her phone, irritated. He was clearly trying to help; his intentions were good, but he had overstepped his place. Hermione was an adult, the war was over. She didn't need to be protected. She could take care of herself.

Most of all, she didn't want to be wrong. Sure, Tony seemed different, but everyone changed especially after all they had been through. It was normal, expected. She wasn't wrong.

She turned to go back to the kitchen, but she halted, her heart stopped. Stupidly she froze, just like her insides.

Tony stood as a barrier in front of the door, a twisted grin over his lips, his wand pointed directly at her. He cocked his head to the side as if he was simply amused. "You made this far too easy."

"Tony -"

"My name isn't Tony. I'm not your little mudblood friend." He said the words with menace, though it was Tony's voice it didn't sound like him.

Her hand itched for her wand in her back pocket hidden under her shirt, but he "tsked" at her.

"Wouldn't do that if I were you. I have a head start here."

He was right. She had to keep him talking until she came up with a way to escape or someone came to save her. Would Harry come after her anger? She couldn't blame him if he didn't.

"Who are you?"

"One day you'll find that out." He was gleeful, his fingers loose on his wand. He wasn't frightened in the least. "First, I want the Horcrux book that I know is in your possession."

"I don't have it," she lied too quickly.

"Don't make me hurt you," he said in mock representation of being put-out. "I'll leave you unharmed. I don't want a fight."

She looked to the fireplace without thinking.

"You let me in. I've set up wards against everyone. Your Gryffindor friends aren't coming to save you."

If she could duck and run maybe she would be able to get the Floo powder and escape. She didn't know who he was, she had never seen him fire a spell. She didn't know if she could be quick enough.

"What about her Slytherin one," a different voice suddenly asked.

Hermione squeaked in surprise and both her and whoever was impersonating Tony, spun to the front door.

Nott leaned casually on the frame holding his wand and a small clip. "Know your enemy, mate. Those wards you chose don't work on Muggles." He waved the clip that he apparently used to unlock the door. With the roaring in her ears it was no wonder that she didn't hear it.

"Think you're going to stop me? You're a bloody traitor!"

"That's correct. On both accounts."

Tony gripped his wand tighter. "Go away, Theodore. This is none of your business. I won't hurt you. I'll share the book even."

"They say those who bargain know they can't win." Nott glimpsed to her. "Run, Granger."

She didn't waste any time. She threw herself sideways on to the floor as sparks exploded above her. They cracked like lightening, bursting like fireworks.

She crawled to the hallway before she stood and ran. She looked back only once, Nott and Tony immersed in green and gold lights, their arms swinging madly. She kept running until she made it to her study. There was one thing on her mind; she must get to the book.

Hermione knocked six books to the floor, crash after crash by her feet, wrenching out the box they revealed. Hurriedly she stuffed it into the pocket inside of her robes, continuing to listen to the racket in her lounge. She could hear the sound of breaking glass and wood, the yells and grunts of effort.

She seized her wand out of her belt loop, preparing to go and help when the banging became louder and louder. Then, the two dueling men barged into the room.

"Nott," she called, "get out of the way!"

He did as she commanded, and for a second only Tony and her eyes met. In that second she marveled at her blindness. It was shameful that she couldn't see the coldness before.

"Expelliarmus! Levicorpus!"

Tony's wand flew from his grasp and landed with a clatter somewhere in the corner. In the next moment he was hoisted into the air by his ankle, dangling there helplessly. He yelled, his face red from outrage.

Nott grinned. "Way to go, Granger! Now, put him down - don't be gentle, mind you. Lets go."

"I can hold this," she told him. "Go get Harry and Ron."

"These are powerful wards. You can't hold him there that long." He fetched Tony's wand. "We have more important things to do. Come on!"

She ignored him.

"Granger! Trust me."

Trust. Trusting a Slytherin, trusting Nott, an ex-Death Eater. Malfoy's best friend. "Okay," she agreed. She had trusted him thus far, why not keep going? Keep going until she was as dead as Malfoy.

Just as she was about draw the spell back though, something happened to Tony. His hair was turning darker, his body wider and bigger. He was changing in front of her eyes. She gasped as the Polyjuice Potion wore off and reveled the real man.

It was the last person she'd ever expect... How? It was impossible! Even in her mind she was stuttering to make sense of it.

Hermione dropped him, his head making a sickening crack. She ran after Nott, leaving the shrieking man behind. Through the hallway to the lounge.

Nott dumped the rest of the powder (half a pot full) into the fireplace. It was too much and the flames nearly exploded, reaching out of the hearth to lick the mantle. He leapt in seizing her hand and pulling her with him. Her mobile slipped out of her pocket and broke, the little pieces flying.

A/N: Any guesses as to who the man is? I'd love to hear them!