Chapter 17 – first wave
AN: last update until next week, sorry but you've caught up with my prewritten before permission to publish stuff
Word count - 4,667
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All three of them, multiple-Apparated into the Hogwarts entrance hall by touching Ron's shoulders -and where they appeared - was the first thing that set off Hermione.
"Ron apparateing directly into Hogwarts is impossible; there are wards to prevent that kind of thing," she said very irritated, trying to restrain the short-temper she had somehow acquired during her link with Ron.
"There are a lot of impossible things - that aren't anymore … to us," Was his calm reply. "Besides this is step one in the plan, remember?
"You didn't tell me any of this," Harry had complained.
"I didn't verbalize the original plan to her either; she saw it directly as she casually browsed through my memories. As for your part of the Plan - it will happen soon enough, Harry. That's all you need to know. Leave the details to me - - I mean – to us," Ron said in form of a nodded apology to Hermione who was still glaring at him.
He then turned slowly around pointed his wand at the closed Great Doors that led to the outside - - and began to chant a spell in Latin a spell that Harry didn't recognize "Scutum Maximum Arcem"
"What spell is that Hermione?
"The literal translation is 'shield castle maximum'
"So it's just a ward spell.
"Harry, Ron doesn't do average spells anymore. His shields will be a thousand times more powerful than any ward spell ever cast," Hermione said letting go of Ron's shoulder to look annoyed at Harry with the classic stance of a Pissed Off female - - exasperated look on her face, two hands on hips and a tapping foot.
"But it will cost him, I can see his hair turning grey again," Harry said his attention shifting back and forth between Ron and Hermione and that's when he noticed it. "Hey, you're not aging – I thought you two were connected?
Hermione spun around with a shocked look on her face and saw Ron literally wilting - right in front of her. - - "Ronald Bilius – what in bloody hell do you think you're doing? We discussed this! You are not to drain yourself – we are to share the burden – damnit!"
"Ms. Granger, please –your language," Ron said with a pain drenched chuckle, amused beyond words at her now more colorful word usage.
"Stuff it Ron, you did this – 'language altering thing' - to me" Hermione snarled as she rushed over to where Ron stood leaning against a wall panting in near exhaustion - - and boldly yanked up the front of his jumper and shirt - right-out of his trousers - and pressed both her hands - palms flat - against his bare skin.
"Mione, no, Get off-it," Ron protested.
"No Ron – I won't have you dying on me, you noble hearted Git. You're going to share this burden of yours - like all the other community property issues in this marriage.
"We aren't married - Ms. Granger," Ron said firmly.
"Yes we are, Damnit," Hermione spat back - swearing again. "Fleur said we were soul-bonded and I've got a part of you - under house arrest inside my head.
"I've said I was sorry," Ron said feeling horrible about the whole mess. "It wasn't supposed to happen; to go this far. All I wanted to do was save you from the fate of Frank and Alice - -
"- - I'm not complaining about the outcome; Ron and I never will," Hermione said with a heart melting smile up at him. "Just think of the time it saved me."
"But I raped your mind?
"And I raped yours, and as a result we've sorted-out loads of problem's and misunderstanding's almost instantly," Hermione said beaming up at him. "Otherwise - it would've taken me years to re-earn your trust - if at all. Now I know I still have years of probation to look forward too - trust wise. But it must be somewhat comforting to know that on those occasions when you feel a touch of jealousy, over some bloke I talk to casually at work - all you have to do is touch my hand and be reassured. I can't lie to you anymore – doesn't that soothe you a-little about my loyalty?
"Of course it does - luv. I want to trust you like did before but I can't – I'm trying - Merlin knows I'm trying. But even knowing you might have been hexed by Albus – I still have doubts – with this link we share - how can I still have doubts? - – Ron asked sadly.
"Abe can't prove Albus used an imperious curse on me and even if he did - I knew deep-down what I was doing was morally wrong. I should have resisted the urge for casual sex and waited for you. This link can be a pain in the arse at times but it also gave me a second chance with you.
"There is going to be loads of drawbacks to out link Hermione," Ron said with regret.
"I'm sure there will be, but we'll face whatever disadvantages our link brings together. You've shown me in your mind what true adult-love is – and it goes so far beyond mere sex it's scary. Is it so strange that what I saw in you – is what I want for us – I know we're both new at this link stuff - but can't you feel my love for you coming through my touch, right now – don't you feel it?
"Yes luv", Ron said with a deeply contented sigh.
"We are one - - in a relationship more honest than what even your parents share. There is no way I can have more intimacy with a life-partner than what I share with you right-now.
"That's true
"We'll sort-out the minor details like names for our first born – after the war. For right now; my love - we have to get to the first year charms classroom, you know how much I hate being late to anything." And with that said, Hermione stepped back – breaking physical contact and looking very much the same age as Ron – about thirty - she then held out her hand – instantly Ron's fingers intertwined with hers and they began to walk like a stereotypical dating couple from the entrance Hall to the charms classroom.
"So you do remember the plan now?" Ron asked ever so politely.
"Partially - Yes dear," Hermione replied in a semi-confused tone. "But there were so many side tangents – alternate possible opening moves and counters to that - - and then there are countermoves to their countermoves and so on and so forth - - and it's all up there in your head. I never realized how complicated it is to plan five moves ahead on a silly chess board.
"Chess is not a simple game.
"I realize that now, thank you dear;" Hermione replied but with a tone of admiration instead of scorn. "I have clearly underestimated you, all these years - - military strategy is so horribly confusing - it becomes hard to keep your tactical thinking straight in my mind. I'm a more of a straight-line linear thinker.
"Yes dear, I know, - but then again - that was an obvious characteristic of yours almost right from the off," Ron said clearly amused. "You are single minded and I found your memories to be equally so – organized and neatly structured with everything in its proper place. Your line of reasoning is so - -
"Stiff and ridge, yes luv, it's one of my worst faults. Your mind is far more flexible than mine. You are far-better at thinking on your feet than I am… or was. I hope our link will help you organize your thoughts better while giving me more flexibility and a touch of your sense of fun.
"But that prompts a question," Hermione said stopping suddenly and turning on Ron – forgetting for the moment that Harry was with them. "Why did you pretend to be a simple minded-dolt or homework lazy? Especially when I never connected the dots and realized that a bloke who can think ahead five chess move and make plans so complex – so carefully thought out, can't possibly have a weak-mind. I was foolish thinking that for years. After-all - you've single handily changed the course of this war.
"I didn't do all that much" Ron modestly countered – "a few carefully thought-out raids was all it took to undermine the DE house of cards. It never accrued to them that anyone would dare - hit back at their families, - the smug bastards. Besides I didn't do it alone - there were loads of others in the resistance and spies inside the Ministry feeding us Intel.
"Oh yes – you mean Percy," Hermione said in a soft whisper, fearful of being overheard. "A modern Scarlet Pimpernel - working for the DE downfall from within their midst - - it's a dangerous double-game he's playing.
"Yes and a necessary one. Snatcher patrol routes and advanced notification of DE planed raids have saved scores of lives.
"Everyone gets to do more in this stupid war than me, when's my turn?" Harry bemoaned from behind Ron and Hermione - sounding very bitter. "Dumbledore gave me the job of destroying the Horcruxes - not you, Ron. You-lot is supposed to be my helpers – and not the other-way around.
"Does it really matter who does the deed - as long as the job gets done?" Hermione said mirroring Ron's philosophy so perfectly he couldn't help but think: 'I couldn't have said it better myself'
Entering the charms classroom, the trio found one person already there - waiting for them, Neville Longbottom - - the leader of the officially banded - Dumbledore's army – the student resistance movement. "Right on time chief – Neville began in a friendly tone which changed he saw who was with his leader. "What are they doing here?"
"Nice to see you too, Longbottom", Harry sneered in a Slytherin-like tone that could have been easily confused for Draco. The hair on the back of Neville neck went-up as for the first time in his life - Harry rubbed him wrong.
"Where's Ginny, bring her to me at once," Harry ordered like a king. "Now that Granger and I have broken-up… I need to sort some things out with that silly girl.
"Ginny isn't here, and hasn't been – well - not since Halloween, anyway." Neville said, his dislike of Harry growing. "Officially she was expelled and all her school records expunged for traitorous activity. Ron and Hermione exchanged glances but otherwise remained silent.
"Headmaster Snape did that – didn't he?" Ron said finally in an Occulmency controlled monotone, withholding - for now - what he knew of his sister's true whereabouts. Next to him Hermione's face was equally blank. "I'm sorry that I couldn't provide you with more than moral support and Potterwatch re-broadcasts - Nev.
"That was enough chief, that gave us news the Carrow's and Snape didn't have, that gave us the edge we needed to survive.
"Survive – what did you have to survive?" Harry spat with dripping contempt. "Here you sat - all nice and safe, fully-fed three times a day - - warm instead of semi-freezing – no body hunting you twenty-four-seven. You've had it so easy – you've - - - -"
"- - Little man, you have no idea what's been going on here," Neville interupted getting directly into Harry's face, showing none of his first year shyness. – "Now you either shut your Chosen One pie-hole or I'll do it for you."
It was at this awkward point that the former Gryffindor seeker finally realized that he was the shortest wizard in the room, even Hermione was taller. Neville may have shown signs of bruises and a black-eye, but there were also signs of muscles that Harry hadn't noticed before.
"Stand down soldier," Ron commanded softly. "Potter and Granger have been in hiding since the Ministry break-in, they been cut off from the world. Potterwatch didn't mention the DA resistance at Hogwarts to minimize the retaliations of the Carrow's might throw against you-lot.
"Amycus and his sister Alecto Carrow were put in charge of discipline back in September; Potter." Neville explained with forced calm, no longer feeling comfortable calling Harry by his first name. "Easy going Hogwarts is now run like a reform-school …no – strike that – it's a Military school now. We march to class and meals. No one can speak in the hallways or during meals and Quidditch has once again been canceled.
"Snape has actually done a decent job of restraining those two, - as no-one has been killed – yet. - Since the Christmas holiday - old Snivelus changed the standard Cruciatus Curses for all rule breaking into detentions in the dungeon's more unpleasant cells. It's wet and dark in those cells and starvation is usually involved as well - along with other physically cruel punishments, but things have gotten loads better after the New-years eve raid on Azkaban. It was a great morale booster for the DA.
"The Headmaster won't let more DE at Hogwarts other- than the Carrow's - - thank-god. Shorthanded the Carrow's reformed an all Slytherin Inquisitorial squad to act as enforcers. This backfired somewhat as they started to bully their own house mates. Greg Goyle being a half-blood wasn't allowed to re-join the squad nor was Parkinson and they - unofficially – run what the DA calls the loyal opposition from within their house. They've helped the DA several times in the last few months.
"No Slytherin can be trusted. They are just opportunists that are playing you - in case our side wins," Harry spat his hatred thick and obvious.
"Sorry to disagree with the boy-who-lived standing high on top of MT Olympus," Neville retorted with distain. "But things aren't so black and white down here in the muddy trenches. Theo Nott and Blaise Zabini run the Carrow's bully-boys with Vincent Crabbe as their chief hatchet man, with the rest of the squad just dimwitted bullies and goons.
"Are Goyle and Parkinson to be trusted?" Ron asked softly.
"I wouldn't consider Greg and Pansy as my best-mates by any means," Neville replied after thinking on it a moment. – "But they've alibied members of the DA enough times that I'm reluctant to regard them as totally unredeemable enemies.
"So you're saying that not all snakes are bad. And you are prepared to vouch for some of them?" Ron asked for clarification.
"Yeah chief; that is, if you think my word is worth anything.
"It's worth more than Potter's, at least to me," Ron said in a monotone.
"So Hermione gets a free pass and I don't?" Harry retorted hotly.
"We haven't swapped memories Harry." Ron said with heartfelt sympathy, "Hermione and I have, - I won't deny that it still hurts to think about what she did to us, - to me - back then. But I honestly love her too much not to give her a second chance. If that makes me appear as a wimp in your eyes – too damn gullible and forgiving – then join the rest of my family - for that's what they think I am. Superhero's in commix books are perfect and unforgiving, and I'm not either.
"And to tell you the gods-truth I don't see you getting back with my sister either. Even with the benefit of our link, I know I'm holding back – a-bit – and I'm more than a little scared to try again. You and Ginny will never share the connection that Hermione and I do every day. Besides Ginny has twice my temper and holds a grudge longer than anyone else in the family. You think I'm too conservative about premarital sex – I'm a liberal thinker on sex - compared to my little sister.
"Oh Ron - Hermione said softly disappointed.
"Link – what link?" Neville asked now very confused.
"Harry can explain on the way to the dungeons. Step two of the takeover of this school starts now," Ron said firmly, - "first plan adaptation of many to current field conditions. Originally I wanted all four of us to storm the great Hall at breakfast. Both for the shock value and to let Tom know that Harry is here at Hogwarts; – however having students suffering in a dark-damp dungeon changes my priorities a-tad. You and Harry go free them and send them to their common rooms. Hermione and I will deal with the rest.
"But there are fifty DE patrolling the grounds and another fifty in Hogsmeade?
"Not your worry, just do what I ask – please?
"Yes chief," Neville said still feeling uneasy.
"Tom already knows that something is wrong here, Neville," - Hermione explained - "the floo-network shut down the minute we arrived, no owl can enter or leave. The wards Ron just put up will deflect port-keys as they slowly expand to the outer gates. That was my idea and it was pulling teeth to get the RW commander to agree.
"Killing them would have been loads easier; Mione." Ron said sounding put-upon. "Sooner or later I'm going to have do just-that, if Tommie doesn't do it for me. After all; the DE didn't stop us from getting in here and taking over - and Tom doesn't tolerate failure very well. Just ask the DE garrison at Azkaban. So delaying their execution by a few hours isn't really a kindness.
"One more thing Neville – keep an eye on Harry," Ron said in a commanding tone. "He has a special job to do and I can't afford for him to get hurt now. By-the-way Harry do you want to go get the diadem or do you want me to fetch it?
"I'll get it – but we don't have a way to destroy it – the sword is gone," Harry said as he and Neville then departed for the dungeon while Hermione and Ron – once again hand-in-hand strolled toward the Great Hall casually chatting.
"Harry's forgotten how you melted the two Horcruxes in the forest of dean," Hermione said shaking her head in regret. "Ron if you think Tom will kill them anyway, why did-you let me talk you into gently pushing them out beyond the outer-gates, Hermione asked.
"Your prospective made me adapt – my love," Ron said while squeezing her hand affectionately "Death in itself teaches nothing, but by gently pushing them out despite their best efforts to fight their way back into the castle - might be instructive for Tom –if he lets them live long enough to tell the tale. Fifty DE and a half dozen trolls is an effective force in anyone's book. Their failure to get back in - - might make Tom gather his forces before attacking instead of throwing them at us piecemeal - - and any delay helps us more than him.
With a wave of his empty hand the Great Doors to the Great Hall swung open to reveal all the students and staff standing at stiff attention awaiting the arrival of Snape and the Carrow's. On raised platforms at equal distances around the room - like guard towers in a prison yard – in crisp jet-black with silver trim Ministry of Magic uniforms - - that strongly reminded Hermione of the second world-war German Gestapo – was the now infamous Hogwarts's Inquisitorial squad.
At the same time Ron and Hermione entered - - at the far end of the Hall headmaster Snape flanked by the Carrow's swepted onto the teacher's platform.
"Step behind me Luv, and I'll need both hands free - please." Ron said with forced calm - letting go of Hermione's hand as his own began to glow white. Her own core magic was now ten ounces strong, but Hermione had no hands-on training with wielding this kind of uber power, and secretly doubted she ever would. She was a spare power reserve for Ron to use, - and besides, Bellatrix had broken her wand and none of Ron's spares had glowed for her. She was an unarmed spare battery and saw her primary role as a restraint so that Ron didn't go too far.
Hermione, stood behind and slightly off to the right of an unmoving Ron, as he waited for the first hex to be sent their way. This was yet another of Hermione's never ending suggestions and instead of being simply ignored like Harry often did; - - Ron actually discussed her ideas, some he adopted others he did not. Another difference between Harry and Ron was that Harry never explained why he rejected one of her ideas – and this new Ron did. They no longer argued, except to flirt. Serious things like battle plans - they now discussed in a surprisingly intellectually fashion - calm and rational, and that change alone - - perked her fancy for him beyond words to describe.
The stalemate was broken by Vincent Crabbe, who to everyone's great surprise shouted loudly: "CRUCIO"
A red bolt of light spat forth from the end of Crabbe's wand but when it reached five feet from its target it slowed to a stop, amazingly pausing in midair. Ron then made a circular motion with his free hand and to everyone stunned astonishment the red bolt of light turned around. Another flick of his empty hand and the bolt shot back to its caster - hitting the gob-smacked Vincent squared in the chest. Screaming in agony he fell off his guard platform and onto the Slytherin table top. He tossed and turned in indescribable pain right in front of his housemates, with several victims of his bullying revealing in his downfall.
While everyone was spellbound with Vincent screams - Ron raised his wand hand - now glowing so brightly white it hurt the eyes to look at it and shouted
'SULUM PETRIFIUS TOTALUS'
Snape and the Carrow's reacted instinctively with shouted Protego spells but it proved a futile gesture - like trying to stop and ocean wave with a spoon. Ron's hex cut through their shield charm as if they had never been cast, leaving everyone in the Great Hall frozen in-place. Another flick of his free hand and Crabbe's screaming ceased as the Crucio hex ended.
Walking slowly up the center of the Great Hall – once again Hand in hand - Ron and Hermione walked up to the three Death Eaters. He looked Snape straight in the eye for a moment before spinning about to face the student body. Lifting his wand to his neck and touching the tip to his throat Ron said;
Sonorus
"Alright listen up, the patriotic resistance to the DE tyranny of Tom Marvolo Riddle, the half-blood now known as Lord Voldemort - - hereby takes over control of this castle. This is the first step in the liberation of all of magical UK from the rule of pure-blood bigotry.
"I will next – at short intervals, release each Hogwarts house to their dormitories common rooms. The Prefects will the conduct a roll-call upon arrival; no student will leave their common room until otherwise instructed by their Head of house or members of the resistance. - Caught out of bonds will result in instant expulsion from Hogwarts and erasure of all school records.
The heads of each school house and the senior female prefect will stay behind in the great hall to hear and further explanation of this operation and instructions for all students - - which they will then pass on to you in your common rooms.
Giving you back the use of your limbs does not give you the liberty to open your mouths. So each house will be judged on how quietly they make their way to their common rooms. The teaching staff will also remain here to receive their instructions.
"As you travel to your dormitories - you will encounter member of the resistance in the hallways, you are not to brother them with questions – They have important work to do. Your Prefects and Head of House will answer any and all questions in your common-rooms within the next hour.
"No floo calls can be made because that system is shut down, and the Owlery is strictly off limits. Ravenclaw will be the first to go, followed by Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and finally Slytherin." And with that said and a brief wave of his hand Pertrificus spell the entire Ravenclaw table abruptly ended. With surprising little commotion the Raven claws filed out of the hall. As the lead elements left the hall - - Dean and his squad entered.
"You got in through the Gryffindor common-room fireplace?" Ron.
"Yeah chief – all three portals are operational. Chief - We've have a visual on spell hits on the wards - from an observation post you ordered set-up on the Astrometry tower. A nice light-show actually - but no real damage is being done to the wards."
"That's expected, and Hogsmeade?
The DE stationed there was seen joining the school garrison and have been concentrating their spell fire at the wood and stone bridge-heads. Their repeated attempts - to force the east gate - or black-smoke fly over the walls - have proven very costly, so they have withdrawn to await reinforcement's.
"Clock is ticking what else have-you done
"We did a sweep of the halls as ordered and came across an unexpected guest to the party," Dean's Cheshire cat grin was back.
"Who?
"The former High Inquisitor herself; Dolores Jane Umbridge – Dean said.
"Umbridge – here – I wonder why," Hermione asked rhetorically.
"Bring her here, it's payback time!
(End Tran)
AN: well that's it, so far - - I'm off to the biggest CW reenactment in the Midwest tomorrow before dawn, I command an artillery piece for the good-guys as compared to the winning side. I will be back late Monday, with hopes to post later in de week – stay tune.