River Styx

by Kiotary

Harry chose to join Voldemort and is now known as Filldeserp, his most loyal follower and heir. Years later, can Neville and the remaining of the Order of the Phoenix have the strength to fight two powerful Dark Lords? PreHBP. Translation of the fic by Parvati-Blossom.

6. Chapter 6

Disclaimer: This story does not belong to me. The characters belong to the amazing J. K. Rowling, and the story originally belongs to Parvati-Blossom, who has wonderfully agreed to let me translate it. If able, you should really consider reading the original version in Spanish.

Warning: Some chapters may contain very strong language and images. Torture is a common occurrence in the dark side, please keep that in mind.

I want to let you know in advance that I will most likely not publish new chapters during December. It is a very hectic month for me and I probably won't have time to write, or translate in this case. I will return to the two-week schedule the second week of January. And of course, I will continue posting throughout this month!

Answering Universal-Public-Cockblocker's question, Filldeserp's name comes from Catalan and it means Son of the Serpent. Was anyone able to guess that?

I hope some of your questions and theories have been answered, and that you are formulating more and more.

Thank you for reading! And thank you to everyone who left reviews (please keep them coming)!

---

I am the son and the heir of a shyness that is criminally vulgar.

I am the son and heir of nothing in particular.

---

Chapter 6

August 10th, 2004

She remained silent while Filldeserp exchanged in whispers some last words with the Dark Lord before leaving with her toward her chambers, where they would have their first lesson. Hermione did not really know how to feel about what was happening. When she was kidnapped, she thought she would die and she had felt relieved knowing she would leave behind the life that had hurt her every day. Nevertheless, Voldemort's plans had changed and there she was, baptized as the protégée of the man who used to be her best friend.

Although she knew that there was nothing left of her best friend in that cold person with merciless green eyes. She remembered the authentic glow they once had… they had moved every person that had seen them. None of that warm feeling remained in them… or in his essence. He had not seen him long enough to judge him, but he rarely smiled… and if he did, it was a mere shadow of the past, more like a contemptuous grin.

She walked behind him, submissive, feeling self-conscious and suffocated by the immense walls in the Fortress. The hallways were empty and that made her feel even more intimidated. There was nobody there to help her. There was nobody there to listen to her screams or desperation. A thousand questions were formulating in her mind every second, but she did not dare ask them out loud. Besides, the information was overwhelming her and she needed time to reorganize her thoughts. Once more.

Filldeserp's aura made her feel afraid. All of him made an impact on her, specially her aristocratic looks. He was imposing, and she was weak… She remembered her impressions in Diagon Alley and realized that she had only seen a slight part of his power there. Now that she had him close and she was behind enemy lines, the effect he had over her doubled.

She wondered how different reality would be if Harry had not switched sides. Would he had become so powerful? She had never seen him so confident of his powers when they were together at Hogwarts, so she guessed that realities would be very different. But… examining his cruel acts, all his progress turned dark. She could never congratulate someone who abused power to kill people. To torture them without mercy. Manipulating innocent people…

Manipulating… would she also be under his control? After all, she did not have many options other than obeying the orders of both Dark Lords. What would they teach her? With what purpose? They had not even brainwashed her to change her loyalties from the side of the Light. Then, why would they put effort in teaching her when they did not know if she would turn against them? She was rambling. She could do nothing against Filldeserp and Voldemort, together. She was only a star auror. However… she had to at least try to escape. She had nothing to lose, even if her abilities were minimal, if not scarce. Nobody had escaped from the Fortress once captured, but… there was always a first time for everything. What if she managed?

Filldeserp pulled her out of her thoughts when they arrived to the door to her chambers. He made a series of odd hand motions, combined with some words that Hermione did not hear. Immediately, the door opened, giving them entrance. Potter turned to see her and motioned to let her in first. Hermione bit her lower lip and followed the silent command. He followed her, closing the door behind him.

Locked again.

Now that she was more relaxed, she noticed how cozy the living room was. There were a couple of couches and a small table in the center, close to a big fireplace. On one of the walls was a bookcase with thick and appealing books, which their contents, she guessed, were dark arts. There were two doors other than the exit, one which took her to the bedroom and another that she had not seen before because of the morning's chaos.

She was surprised to find Filldeserp patiently waiting for her to finish observing what would be her private chambers for the indefinite time she would remain there. She blushed slightly because of her distraction, provoking a smirk on the face of her previous friend, who then walked to the mysterious door.

"This door will take us to the training room." Filldeserp explained, ending the silence. "For you to get an idea, it works like the Room of Requirement."

"Does it change according to need?" Hermione asked and he nodded.

Voldemort's heir opened the door after a moment of concentration. Hermione entered behind him and was surprised by what she saw, although she composed herself quickly realizing that it was nothing to be surprised of coming from the Dark Lords. The training room had a round table and a couple of chairs on one of the corners. On the other side, on the walls, there were countless amount of weapons and tools that would work for physical combat.

It was the room of arrogance. It inspired her a troubling feeling… as if it kept many secrets, a lot of knowledge… that would not be possible to all be revealed even in a million years.

"It is clear you will not be able to enter this place on your own. Only the Lord and I have access. The consequences would be serious if you tried by yourself."

Hermione did not need Filldeserp to explain more to understand his point. Besides, with the threatening look he gave her, she had the warning clear in her mind. It was obvious he would not let her enter the room on her own. She could use the weapons to defend against them, even attack them if the situation aroused. But she doubted she would accomplish much. She had seen Filldeserp doing physical combat… she was not even close.

No. Perhaps they did not want her to use those weapons to hurt herself. Even though she could do it with simpler methods… but if it came to that, there were many reasons for which they were not going to grant her access.

In the end, she sighed with resignation. She was a prisoner with some privileges, but a prisoner. Everything she did would be watched by Voldemort and Filldeserp, and she needed to get used to the idea. The Dark Lord had said that she was Filldeserp's protégée, with Everything that it entitled.

Now that she thought about it… Perhaps Harry had already followed the orders of the Dark Lord the night before… orders to take care of her after the torture she had suffered. Had it definitely been him?

She watched how Harry sat on one of the chairs and noticed he was waiting for her to do the same. She did not want to imagine what it would cost her if she abused his patience. She sat on the opposite side of him, confronting him. It was harsh seeing Filldeserp… and Harry at the same time on those emerald eyes. He showed an expression of disgust and she tried to focus on reality. There was no point on focusing on the past.

"Let us see… on the first lessons we will cover the key points in the history of dark magic, in particular the great characters that symbolized change in the ideals of the dark side, since, as you know, the battle between good and evil goes back to ancient times." Hermione noticed the irony on his last words, but Filldeserp did not give him time to say anything.

"This will help you understand better the current situation in the Magical World, and in particular the war we are living. There is a Japanese proverb that says: 'If you want to know the past, look to the present, which is its direct result. If you want to know the future, look to the present, which is its cause.' Despite it being muggle reasoning, is quite accurate. And in that the study of history is based."

"Since when are you familiar with Japanese muggle culture?" Hermione asked not able to stop herself. After all, she was an insufferable know-it-all.

Filldeserp raised both eyebrows in an uninterested manner and she thought he was not going to respond, but to her surprise, he did.

"Muggles have an odd reasoning on life, Granger. Despite being as insignificant as they are, certain points can be rescued from their… how should we call it? Intelligence? Philosophy?" He responded mockingly.

"Not all muggles are insignificant." Hermione countered, irritated.

"Oh, but most are, right?" An evil smile appeared on the face of Voldemort's heir, but it soon vanished. "They are humans, and that species tends to always do the wrong thing."

"You talk as if you are not human, Harry." And she slowly emphasized the Harry, which made Filldeserp cluck his tongue in disapproval.

"Perhaps I am not." He smiled mysteriously. "Who knows?"

"What do you mean?" Herm paled slightly to the idea.

"After years of training, of practicing rituals and an incredible variety of dark magic, who knows whether I am still human?" His voice was full of sarcasm, but Hermione did not give in.

"Because you still feel. Because somehow… you still smile." She lowered her gaze to her lap. She should not confront those green eyes. She did not want to see the inhumanity in them… she wanted to still believe that Harry lived behind all the shadows.

The cold hand of the one who once was his best friend took her chin and raised her imperiously. His eyes flashed dangerously.

"What did I tell you about posture, Granger? You have to show determination and pride, or you will end up treated like a slave."

"I…" Words did not want to come out. Harry's hand exercising pressure on her neck began causing her pain.

"Allow me to doubt being human, since I do not feel. I do not care about feeling. It is unnecessary and stupid. Feeling is what condemns you." The coldness in his voice penetrated Hermione's mind, and without being able to help herself, her brown eyes shined because of tears.

"That's not true!" Hermione exclaimed, though she began finding it hard to breath. "To feel is a great virtue… it gives you courage. The desire to protect others, people whom you love, is what gives you energy to live. You always said and believed that. When I met you, I also began believing in it and that is why I am now alive. Do you think that's stupid? Wrong?"

"I think that before beginning today's lesson, it would be better if we clarify certain factors." He let go of her, sitting correctly on his chair. "Let us begin. Harry Potter is dead. Dead. Do you understand? I know very well what goes through your head every time you look at me… the Harry you look for is gone."

"You lie!" Hermione shouted, standing up and glaring at Filldeserp. Something she was not going to allow was him erasing her memories…

He also stood up, with his face resembling a perfect mask, and Hermione noticed how much he had grown. Added to his powerful aura, she almost bit her tongue and sat again, but she did not let herself be intimidated. Not for the moment.

"Harry Potter is dead, Granger. That your stubborn mind does not want to understand is not my fault."

Hermione held back a sob. Those words would haunt her for months. She knew they were true, Ron and Neville had repeated them to her over and over throughout the years, but she had not wanted to believe them. And she did not want to believe Filldeserp either, but his evil gaze made all her beliefs inevitably crumble. Even though… even though… She did not want to give up. If Harry was still alive amongst the shadows, she could be the one to bring him back… who would help him be human again.

But she was losing strength. With every word she heard coming out from Filldeserp's lips, her illusions were breaking. She was embarrassed of her ingenuity and her devote trust; nevertheless, she wanted to try.

"The past does not exist. Forget the Order of the Phoenix. You should not feel guilt when you should be focusing on what you are being taught, because I assure you it is a unique opportunity… It has been a long time since the Lord asked me to train someone. If you want to dramatize the situation, do it, but you should be aware of the consequences. The fact that you are my protégée does not mean that I will keep you from your nightmares at night. I might even encourage them…"

"What does it exactly mean that I am your protégée?" The Gryffindor found the courage to ask.

"You are under my care, which means you will obey all orders and instructions that I give with complete disposition. If I want, I can punish you without reason as the Dark Lord will not interfere. It also means that I have to take care of all your wounds. For that same reason I healed you last night."

Hermione blushed slightly to what that meant. Every part of her body had been seen to, and all her wounds had been healed…

"If I saw you naked, it was for professional reasons. So do not create any fantasies." He paused for a moment before continuing. "And last, you will exclusively work on your lessons. There are many topics in which you need to improve, and that is why you are given time to practice such skills. Take it seriously or this will end."

She wanted to yell at him, hit him, or insult him. To vent all the anger and frustration she was feeling. She had never felt so empty. She had to forget a past she loved, that had protected her for years. She had to change and obey the orders of that person who repeated over and over through his cruel eyes that her Harry was dead. Every warm feeling vanished from the room at that moment. She felt vulnerable, alone. She began silently sobbing, covering her face with her hands, wishing nothing more than a protective hug, a chest where she could take refuge and get rid of all the suffering.

But the only thing she got was a rude slap on her left cheek, which made her wake up from her reverie, and return to the cruel reality. Filldeserp was looking at her with hatred, almost with disgust, standing next to her. And because of the impulse and the shock from the hit, she was now miserably lying on the floor, shaking and almost feeling how her heart shattered in pieces.

"Damn mudblood. You are weaker than I thought. Disappointing. To be honest… I expected more from the insufferable know-it-all." The tears increased, and with them, embarrassment. "Stop crying, stupid!"

"Shut up!" Hermione yelled at him, closing her eyes tightly and putting her hands on her ears, as if that would stop her from listening to his voice.

She did not see the anger on his eyes, nor knew how or when, but she found herself against a wall, pathetically standing, being threatened by Filldeserp's wand on her neck. She did not want to open her eyes. She really did not want to, but he forced her.

She never felt more terrified in her life. His eyes did not show any warmth, or patience. Not even disgust. They were full of hatred, overwhelming and out of control. The green in his eyes seemed lost, overtook by a metallic black that even appeared to have a slight hint of red. She knew then he was not human, and that he was without a doubt… Voldemort's heir. Under his evil gaze, every part of her shivered in fear. There was no one more dangerous in the world than the person in front of her.

"Never, and I repeat, never dare to disrespect me. You are not capable of imagining in how many ways I can torture you, and I assure you that with the weakness you are showing, you would not stand even the lightest of them."

Hermione fell on her knees when he pulled his wand away seconds later, and she took a deep breath to try to control her body and clear her head. It took her several minutes to compose herself; however, when she did, no tears showed in her face and she could almost see a hint of pride on Filldeserp's expression.

They went back to their seats and this time she made sure to keep looking up.

"Alright. We were talking about the insignificance of muggles." He began. She remained silence. "But before that, we had been talking about history and with it we shall begin.

"Although our story goes back to much before, I think it would be ideal for us to begin with Salazar Slytherin, as he had a great influence on current ideals, is that correct?" Hermione slightly nodded. "Have you ever questioned why he hated muggles and mudbloods so much? Since, he was one of the first and main promoters of such discrimination."

"I always thought that it had always been like it is now, hatred without reason, in a belief of superiority and having power over them."

"And you never questioned from where that hatred first came from? The first wizard most likely had his reasons, do you not agree?" After slight hesitation, she nodded. "Salazar Slytherin had good reasons, in fact." She leaned forward slightly, interested in the story that no book told.

"Imagine that when Hogwarts was built, wizards and witches were hunted by muggles, to be burn at the stake or through other torturous means. Adults, obviously, had enough training to defend themselves and escape. What happened to children, then? In some lucky cases, they could have survived thanks to their accidental magic. But most of the time… they did not have how to protect themselves. They died with not real alternative. That happened to Slytherin's children." Filldeserp finished. Hermione opened her eyes wide because of the surprise and covered her mouth with her hand instantly.

"But… But… how can there be a descendant of Slytherin then?"

"Just imagine he had many children. Something normal at the time. The oldest had enough training to escape, if the situation was given (although they were very careful to insure it did not come to that). But the rest died burned, right in the eyes of Salazar and his wife, who could do nothing to save them."

"Why couldn't they?"

"Imagine that despite everything, muggles were not stupid, Hermione. Besides, their numbers were larger than ours. It is not a fact that has changed much in the present, but at least we are better balanced. Muggles tried to stop Slytherin for long enough so that it was too late. In fact, he arrived just in time to watch the… show. I am sure you will understand the pain of a father…"

"Then… then… Slytherin hated muggles because of that. And muggleborn because…"

"No, he did not hate muggleborn. He did hate their parents, but he actually wanted to protect them from the same pain his children had to suffer. He feared that their parents would turn them in and accused them of witchcraft. He wanted to avoid repeating history. Though with time, he realized that mudbloods were not keeping well the secret of Hogwarts… many students ended up at the stake because of their classmates, who were too comfortable with the ideals given to them by their parents, betraying their own magic. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw had different opinions about it, and misinterpreted Slytherin when once, on an impulse, he expressed his wish of not having any muggleborn in the castle, to avoid such events. His students did not take long finding out his opinion and adapted it. As such, Slytherin decided to leave, outraged because of what was happening, leaving behind the Chamber of Secrets. His ideals wasted."

"What do you mean by 'his ideals wasted'?" Filldeserp sighed.

"The thirst for revenge, Granger. Slytherin discovered new types of dark magic, and the experiments he made throughout his life were magnificent, but greatly evil. Dark magic tends to do that. It consumes even the strongest willpower. His ideals were corrupted. He abandoned everything he had at Hogwarts. His wife died some time before, overcome by chronic depression, and his son had disappeared from England. He had nothing to lose. And that made him become one of the darkest wizards of his time."

"A Dark Lord?" He shook his head in response.

"He could have gotten that title and more, but he was not known as a serial killer. He tortured muggles and experimented with them as if they were lab rats, yes, but he did not begin any wars or revolutions. His greed did not take him to extremes, nor did he want any recognition. He did not need it."

Hermione analyzed the information she had received. The story made sense, even if it was full of malicious ideals and revenge. She could easily imagine the muggles discovering the secret of Hogwarts and killing little children because of the prejudice they had toward wizards. She could also understand the pain and loneliness that the founder of the house of snakes felt when he lost his children and his wife. But nothing justified the discrimination against muggleborn in the present.

"Do you believe Slytherin ideals? Do you think that we, muggleborn, are treacherous? Slander on magic?" She asked Filldeserp. She thought she might have seen a hint of surprise in his eyes, but she might have imagined it.

"Many muggleborn betrayed magical society." He said. Silence followed his statement, and when Hermione began thinking that he would not say more, he continued. "And many pure bloods also betrayed society."

Hermione smiled internally. Even if that was not a response that the Harry from Hogwarts would have given her, it was also not Voldemort's. And that reassured her slightly.

"Blood does not matter. Neither does social or economical status. People betray because of their ideals, their background, their loyalties… Ignorant people who do not know what power is, or how to handle it. They are blinded by it… and they are not worried about dying for a little acknowledgment. They do not care to die so long as they do it for a just and noble reason. But… is there such a thing that makes it worth it? That has such characteristics?"

"Not everyone is like that." Hermione said. "Not everyone wants to die like that. Not everyone wants power. Not everyone betrays…"

"No?" He asked. The determination in his eyes made her doubt.

"No. There are people who always remain firm in their convictions."

"Perhaps one day you will face the fact that such humanity does not exist. It is a fantasy created by men. If there was not someone who believed in loyalty, there would not be treasons, right?"

"It is not a fantasy!"

"The world is rotten, Granger."

"It can change, it can get better."

"Ah." He muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Hope. Tell me, Hermione… was it not Hope what made people believe in me?" She did not respond because she knew what his point would be. "What happened to that 'Hope'?"

Hermione closed her eyes with sadness. She still had in her mind the expressions of pain, of desperation, that the Magical Community had shown with the news of the betrayal of the Boy-Who-Lived. The Boy-Who-Lived-To-Betray. To Kill. To Become the One whom he was supposed to be destined to defeat.

If he, a seventeen year old boy with tremendous potential and willpower, had fallen to the dark and had lost hope, what was left for them, the common and unskillful wizards…? What faith could they have? What ideals could they defend?

"The world is hypocritical. History has more than once told us the great feats accomplished by great characters… heroes. But those feats are trash, mere deceit. There are no heroes. Worthy people easily blend within the rest. What can you wait for? A change, perhaps? But… are changes good or bad? When the events that changed humanity occurred, did those changes help? How can you tell if change is totally good or bad?

"Nothing is absolute in this world." He continued. "What might be good for you could be bad for me. That balance between good and evil is necessary for the world. But… what would happen if it broke? If there was no more balance?"

"There would not be evil… or good." Hermione whispered. Filldeserp nodded.

"What would there be?"

"Someone who Dominates."

"Power." He corrected. "If balance disappeared, if one of them ceased to exist, the other would dominate. It would have absolute power."

"But there would also be someone who doesn't have it. Someone who would be too weak to possess it." Hermione added.

"Exactly. And how do you know when the change happens? When do you know if either good or evil have ceased to exist… to transform into power and weakness?

"When change is inevitable… necessary." She said, after seconds of thought. "When there is nobody who wants to fight… or when there is no more hope."

"When good and evil are gone, there will not be a reason to fight." Filldeserp said calmly. "And why Hope when it has no foundation? When there is no chance for balance?"

"Hope will always live. It does not need a reality to be tied to, the spirit of man is instinctively bonded to such Faith. No matter how dark it is… there will always be the illusion that a light will guide the way."

"That is what makes this world so hypocritical. They hope for too many things…but not do much."

Hermione remained silence. Perhaps Filldeserp was right. Maybe… Hope did not consist on her bond with the man, but with the fulfillment of such bond. To achieve the triumph of such Faith. The will of fighting was something very unstable. In a second, her world could crumble and there would be nothing for her to lean on, there would be no dreams. Just a Gigantic Void. Easy to Manipulate. Hard to fill again.

Were there things such as Good and Evil? After all… only an action was needed, in a short amount of time, for beliefs to lose meaning. Constant Balance would be broke one day. It would lose its role. It would not even be needed. There would be someone who would dominate. But in the mean time… there would be rebellions. Wars. And deaths.

And if there was such thing as Good and Evil, why did they do it?

"Sometimes… maybe there was just Good… or just Evil… but absolute domination died, right?" Hermione whispered. Filldeserp put a sour face.

"The man had and will always have a dark side. We can assume that before surpassing animal intelligence they were innocent beings. They might have killed, but only to survive. At least they had an excuse. But the time came when… they did not need excuses. The pleasure of the action… of feeling that you have in your hands the lives of people who are incapable of defending themselves; who cannot run. Who made a serious mistake or simply… were at the wrong place. You are an auror, are you not?" He did not wait for Hermione's answer since he knew it beforehand. "Most likely, in some mission, you had to kill death eaters. Is that right or wrong?"

"It is neither right… or wrong…" She answered, thinking every word. "It's… survival."

"And at the time of survival, 'the end justifies the means.'" With a satisfied smile, Filldeserp waved his hand and on the table appeared three thick books. Hermione observed them with interests. "For tomorrow, you will read these books and tell me its contents."

"But…" Her brown eyes open widely to the surprise assignment. It was impossible to read such books in less than twenty-four hours!

"Class dismissed." Filldeserp said dryly, stopping all complain.

---

A woman walked with pride through the hallways of the Fortress, hallways that she knew very well. Her evil smile reached her blue eyes, which had a particular shine on that summer afternoon. No death eater dared look at her. Being a member of the Dark Lord's Inner Circle had those benefits. She was also the unofficial girlfriend of one the most influential wizards in ancient and contemporary Magical Community, so none of those cowards would dare lay a finger on her. Not even their eyes. Only One of those dark wizards had done it. And just remembering made her smile with pleasure. Alice Kolberg was a beautiful woman, with her silver blond her and her fine features. Another characteristic that made her powerful was her pureblood. No muggle or squib had ever been part of her family. There was no greater honor. She was originally German, although she had lived in England for most of her adolescence. Enough time for her to determine where her loyalties lay.

She stopped in front of the door to the meeting room. She mentally made sure everything was in order before knocking softly and waiting with patience for her Lord's answer.

"Come in."

She entered the room full of black and green color. In her opinion, there was no better combination than that. Except perhaps for some red… in representation of spilled blood.

Voldemort was sitting behind his desk with his usual inexpressive and intimidating features. His attention was on a report that one of the low rank death eaters had turned in on the last movements of Gringotts. Something that the Dark Lord had not achieved was monetary control over the Magical Community. Mission that could not take long being accomplished, unless they wanted to give a small opportunity of success to Dumbledore.

She remained quiet during all that time. She had learned during her first years as death eater that insolence would take her nowhere, except to a long session of cruciatus.

"Alice, dear, take a seat." Voldemort asked, although his tone let known he would not take no for an answer… and the sweet tone he had used to talk to her was an inside joke in the Circle.

"My Lord." She greeted him, bowing and then sitting down.

"What brings you this peaceful afternoon to the area?" He asked, putting aside the report and focusing his attention on her with a malicious smile.

"I bring you my report on this year's activities at Hogwarts and… a request, my Lord."

Alice was the potions professor at Hogwarts since the death of the traitor Severus Snape, who was one of the first victims of Filldeserp at the beginning of the Dark Age. Dumbledore had always wanted her to join the Order of the Phoenix since she was a Potions Master, which was a skill highly in demand in Europe. But Alice skillfully eluded his interest, insinuating non-existent neutrality. She had a perfect excuse: the war was not in her country, and she worked at Hogwarts because of the excellent job it offered. Nothing else.

The Old Geezer was comfortable with knowing that she did not support the Dark Side…

"What kind of request?" The Dark Lord's red eyes observed her with mistrust.

"My Lord, I am sure that it has come to your attention that Draco Malfoy has been arrested by the Ministry, and that he is currently waiting to be interrogated…"

"Actually, he has already been interrogated." Voldemort interrupted. Alice was about to lose her stance, though she did not, only letting her eyes show her confusion. "The Order of the Phoenix was in charge of interrogating him before the news of his capture reached the ears of the Ministry. However, one of my trusting sources has assured me that they did not have enough time for questioning him. The questions they asked were misdirected, so they did not find out anything of importance. That is why they decided to hold another session of questioning, before sending him to prison."

"And what are your plans about it, my Lord?"

"Easy. Eliminate him. I just need to know where he is located. We know he is not at the Order's Headquarters, nor at the Ministry…"

"Could you accept my request when it is time for his elimination?" Her question was full of intense cruelty.

"And what is the request, Alice?" Voldemort said, knowing where the death eater was going.

"To make him pay for everything he has done." She answered.

"But Alice, dear… he has done nothing to you… You are the one who should pay for treason…" The Dark Lord commented mockingly.

"He will pay for dishonoring me." Her blue eyes were ice. "For not fulfilling his expectations, my Lord. For failing on a key mission for you. But above all… for not fulfilling my expectations."

The only thing that Voldemort could do was laugh with pleasure to the Machiavellian mind of his subject.

---

That night, a house elf apparated in Hermione's chambers to inform her that both Lords were waiting for her in the dining room for dinner. She, knowing that there was no way out of it, got ready and five minutes later found herself in front of the door that separated her from them. She took a deep breath before slowly opening it and entering.

This time the large table was set for an abundant meal. By the aspect of the food, Hermione knew that it was prime quality food, and her stomach seemed rejoiced with the news. She had not eaten since noon, and it had only been a light lunch that she had requested from one of the elves. At that moment she had not been too hungry, focused as she had been on reading the books that Filldeserp had assigned. Her brain was overwhelmed by the information, and she still had a book and a half left to read… and only a few hours left.

She paid more attention to her surroundings and was surprised when she noticed Filldeserp's absence at the table. She sat down in silence on the seat set for her, next to the oddly empty chair. She patiently waited until Voldemort had finished analyzing some reports, thinking over and over about what she had read: the great characters in history, the experiments on magic, massacres… of both muggles and wizards. She had stopped several times in her reading because her crying had clouded her sight. She was afraid that such wars would repeat again, that the many innocent lives would be taken away in such a brutal way… and There, in front of her, was the transmitter of the current war. How should she react?

"Good evening, Hermione. I trust you had a nice afternoon." Voldemort said, vanishing his reports and fixing his red eyes on her.

Hermione was only able to nod with shyness.

"Filldeserp went out this afternoon on a quick mission. He will not take long in joining us."

She nodded again, but this time countless images of cruel tortures appeared in her mind, wondering what Filldeserp could be doing. She could not hold back an anxious moan, which caused the Dark Lord to look at her inquisitively, something she deliberately ignored. Despite the many years it had been since Harry's betrayal, she still had not assimilated the idea… much less now that she was coexisting with the two most powerful (and dark) wizards at the time, when she constantly breathed air full of a smell that could only come from Cruelty and Death.

Why had Harry agreed to be part of it? How had the innocent, brave, and carefree boy arrived to such reality? To transform into the heir of such Evil kingdom?

Perhaps she should pay attention to Filldeserp… perhaps she should stop thinking of the past, to assimilate the idea that the Harry she had once met, had died, and that nothing was left of him… Only a being that had inevitably similar features.

"What did you think of your lessons today?"

If she had not been in a reality so upsetting and authoritarian, Hermione would have been offended to the careful tone Voldemort had used, or perhaps she would have laughed because of the irony. It made her imagine a father asking the same thing to his small child. Shame there was not even a distant connection between both situations, and that in reality the Dark Lord's question had a double meaning… just as every damn question the bastard asked.

"Interesting." She simply said, with her eyes set on an elegant painting on the wall.

During the silence that followed her answer, she could feel Voldemort's eyes analyzing her frivolously. She shuddered. She knew she was completely vulnerable to Legillimency attacks. Actually, she knew that the Dark Lord could guess any of her thoughts after the torture she had suffered the night before. Just remembering made her feel weaker and cornered… that feeling… knowing that death was near, that there was no way to avoid it…

Now the situation was perhaps worse. She was being manipulated by two sinister minds, which every day advanced further on their plan of destroying the magical world. What role could she play in all their games?

"It is a nice painting, is it not?"

Hermione was startled and looked at Voldemort not understanding what he was referring too, until she remembered she had been pretending to admire the painting in front of her. And yes, now that she observed it, she had to admit it was beautiful. So beautiful she did not know what it was doing in the Fortress of the Dark Order.

A painting of unicorns. Free, with colors so alive… so pure. They were surrounded by welcoming vegetation that almost made her able to smell the fresh air. How fond was Voldemort of sarcasm to place in his dining room such painting? It was an element worthy of Dumbledore's office, or of someone from the side of the light, but… Voldemort?

"Wouldn't a painting of snakes be more adequate?" The words came out of her mouth automatically, without her thinking them first.

"But, Hermione…" He answered with a sweet voice. "Do you not appreciate such valuable criatures, perhaps the key immortality? Those beings that may seem so white… but are actually so neutral? They support Life, do they not?

"It still makes no sense." She answered back.

"Of course it does not." Voldemort smiled. "Where would the fun be if it did? I just do not think that the dining room is a place for agony… but for a little tranquility. Do you not agree?"

She was not in the mood to argue with the Dark Lord and his ideas on how it was best to decorate his home, so she did not respond. It was not necessary, as in that same moment the door of the dining room silently opened and from it entered Filldeserp, with his typical serene and cold expression. Hermione could not help notice how skillful Voldemort's heir was, as he entered the room without making any noise. It stood out that he often went on spying missions… He was a real expert on the subject.

"Filldeserp." Voldemort said with a knowing smile.

"My Lord." Harry made a slight bow before sitting next to Hermione, not even laying his eyes on her, something that strongly upsetted her.

"Do you not greet your protégée?" Voldemort mocked him. Filldeserp smiled in response.

"How rude of me." His words were empty of shame.

He slowly leaned toward Hermione and, to her surprise, took her right hand and kissed her with gentlemanliness. Her cheeks took some color and she turned her eyes instinctively. That situation felt wrong… Very wrong.

"How about we begin with dinner?" Voldemort, who seemed greatly amused by the scene, suggested. Fillseserp nodded, but Hermione was not able to do so.

During the first few minutes, they ate in silence and Hermione was infinitely thankful. She was able to calm herself and at least slightly clear her mind of all her problems, the terrible books she was reading, and of the two Dark Lords present. She focused on her own world, where nothing could hurt her… except Reality.

"How was the mission?" Voldemort asked.

"Very well." Filldeserp answered. "Even if the death eaters made the same mistakes as usual, it was nothing that could not be fixed. The spread is being done successfully." Voldemort smiled satisfied before continuing.

"I have found the location of… Malfoy's prison." Filldeserp raised both of his eyebrows, very interested on the news.

"Oh, really?"

"Alice took care of finding him for us." He said with a cruel smile. "Will you be available tomorrow, Filldeserp?"

Because of the tone which he used, Hermione imagined he was actually asking him, and not just demanding his availability. However, knowing Voldemort as she knew him, she knew it was merely an indirect order.

"You know that for Malfoy I am always available, Tom." Harry laughed, leaving formality on the side.

Hermione felt more uncomfortable as the conversation went. The manner between both Lords, as she had noticed with not many details during breakfast, was too personal. They really… appeared to be like father and son. Lord Voldemort and Harry Potter… who would have thought that the story would end like that?

"Perfect. Though this time, I would prefer you were not alone. It is one of the most dangerous enemy territories, and we are not in condition to suffer any more loses."

"Of course. Nagini will come with me." Filldeserp nodded; nevertheless, Voldemort shook his head with a mysterious smile on his lips.

"You can take Nagini, obviously, but… I think some action would do well for you protégée, would it not? And she would also learn our strategies in cases like this…"

A knife fell to the floor, making a noise that abruptly cut the silence. Hermione's hands were shaking while she looked terrified at Voldemort and Filldeserp. The first seemed to be rejoiced by her terror, and the second was deliberately ignoring her, with his gaze set on his mentor, as if trying to decipher something invisible on his unemotional face.

Her? On a torture mission?

"No." Hermione shook her head stubbornly. "I won't go."

"And who said you could decide?" Filldeserp asked, setting his green eyes on her, with a force that stunned her and instantly broke her.

She could hear buzzing in her ears, the screams of the victims of such Cause. She could smell the blood, running through poisoned bodies… Would she be capable of staining her innocent hands with their blood? Could she carry the guilt of being the cause of their suffering? However, she had no choice. They were manipulating her… and she had no way of escaping. Even if she eternally carried the guilt of her actions, she had to do it. She knew they would not give her death, as instead of punishment it would be a reward. She would be forced to watch… to be a protagonist of such horrendous moments… until they broke her.

Weeks before, she had killed death eaters. But they were not the same circumstances. At that moment, she had a different perspective of the world. Now… everything seemed so confusing. It escaped her understanding. What purpose did it serve the Dark Order that she went with Filldeserp? How could it be useful?

"NO! I won't go!" She tried to stand up and run away, but Filldeserp had decided to stop ignoring her.

His eyes flashed and she could almost see an angry fire in them. With disturbing speed, he turned to her and grabbed her arm, stopping her with roughness, and pulling her toward him. He grabbed her with such strength that Hermione felt a sharp pain on her arm. She closed her eyes, trying not to remember what had happened that morning; trying not to repeat the same embarrassing scene.

"It is the last time that I will tolerate your misbehaviour." Filldeserp whispered on her ear. She could taste the poison in his voice. "You will come and, for your own good, I hope you will not be a bother."

When he let go of her, she could not stop herself from falling down. She had felt too close Filldeserp's turmoil… on two occasions on the same day. She did not want it to happen again, but she felt overwhelmed. All her problems, the history books she had been reading, those images of horror, her own broken ideologies, the manner between the two people who were the main characters of the chaos in the current Magical Community… All her desperation, her impotence, her pain… had filled her tolerance. Too many things kept inside of her… And at that moment, the prison of her emotions opened, asking permission from her, which in her disturbance, she gave.

A flash of power came up suddenly from inside of her. It made her momentarily forget her Reality, made her sleep in a world where none of her worries existed. Such delicious power… because there was no need to deny it, it was pleasant, and it helped her calm herself. But at the same time, for the first time in her life, she made known the power hidden inside of her.

Gusts of wind shook the large windows in the dining room. In an act of reflex, Filldeserp conjured a shield that protected him and Voldemort from the violent wind that appeared to focus on Hermione, surrounding her and shielding her. It had been some time since Filldeserp last had seen an inexperienced elemental displaying their power and he had almost forgotten how intimidating that could be. An unusual power in their time that allowed them to dominate something beyond ordinary: Nature itself. Only one thing could save Hermione from being consumed by her own power, and that was another elemental.

He frowned while he increased the power on the shield. He knew Voldemort was next to him, waiting to see what he would do and trusting his judgment and power, so he did not bother asking him how to proceed. He knew it already. He observed the wind that 'dominated' Hermione for a moment and then clapped, producing a dry sound. Immediately, flames went through his shield and reached Hermione, going through the gusts of wind. Just touching her, all her power vanished. The same thing happened to the fire. Calm reigned again.

"It would be best if you treat that burn you caused her, Filldeserp." Voldemort suggested with his eyes shining in a particular way that Harry knew had something to do with his mind formulating a clever plan.

"Did you know about this?" Filldeserp asked. Voldemort shook his head, smiling.

"Fate is very interesting, is it not, Harry?

However, the young man did not give an answer; he just took Hermione on his arms and left the dining room, dinner completely forgotten.

---

Silence had been reigning in the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix for several days. Albus had called most members to a meeting where they would discuss the main and most urgent issues, like Malfoy's declaration and the current standing of the investigation on Hermione's kidnapping.

Neville and Ron had barely spoken in days. Their closest friends were extremely worried because of their reactions to Granger's absence, but the Order did not comment anything about it as both aurors were working twice as hard in their activities against death eaters, and that exceedingly helped, even if the cost was high.

Dumbledore sat at the head of the table when all the members were on their seats. All eyes were heavily on him.

"Good afternoon. Let us begin with the meeting."

Those words had been repeated too much lately. Meetings of the Order were called constantly because of a need of organization. The Dark Order was back in action after a few months of relative peace, and anxiety was back in the hearts of the members of the Magical Community. Fear reawakened after Filldeserp's public appearance, reminding them of his stance as Voldemort's heir… and who had clearly being training hard all that time. They did not know exactly the limits of his power, but Dumbledore suspected that if he had not surpassed Voldemort, he was close to doing so.

And that worried him. He could fight one Dark Lord, but two together… and with such connection, it exceeded his ability. That was why the Order was looking for more members, and preferably, capable of fighting the threat hanging over them. Although, personally, the Hogwarts headmaster looked with hope at Neville Longbottom, the second option of the prophecy. Since the attack at Diagon Alley and Hermione's kidnap, Neville's progress in the training that the Order provided daily for its members was clearly obvious.

Although another interesting case was his friend Ron. Ronald Weasley, son of two great members of the Order, and brother of great influences in current society. He was a great influence himself, being a member of the Fantastic Trio of Aurors… and previous best friend of the traitor, Harry Potter. He and Hermione, the only close witnesses of the complete change his friend had. The curious thing about him was not his intense desire for revenge, or the constant change of mood he experienced, but how he was capable of focusing on the most daring situations and finding the most relevant solution for his interests and those of the Order. It was disconcerting how he could go from being totally impulsive to having a cool head, which could evaluate the situation with indifference, as if they were not dealing with an actual or real war… as if he was not worried about the lives he was using.

"There are many issues for us to discuss today, but mainly we need to focus on the statement given by Draco Malfoy, the death eater captured by Neville last night.

"During the investigation done after Cornfoot's murder, Malfoy was interrogated and given Veritaserum. I personally asked him if he was a death eater and he deliberately denied it, which confirms that Voldemort has found a way to overcome the truth serum."

"How did you get Malfoy to give a statement then? No death eater tends to willingly talk." Tonks asked.

"Malfoy accepted to share certain information if we did not take him to the ministry prison, where he knows Filldeserp (who we now know was Cornfoot's murder) can enter and kill him. He has requested better security, which surprised us as… if he did not declared he might be saved by Voldemort, instead of being murdered by him." Neville informed.

"Which makes us doubt his words." Ron reasoned. "If the potion and truth charms do not work on him… he could be given false information to lead us to a wrong clue."

"That is correct." Dumbledore nodded.

"He listed several names from high rank death eaters, although none that we were not suspicious of before." Neville began sharing. "He told us that the plan with respect to Hermione was to merely kill her, and nothing more. He wanted to give us some information on future plans of the Lord, but there are certain secrecy spells on him that did not allow him, so we need to break those… and wait until the declaration in the Ministry."

"We need to make sure that Malfoy survives until then, and that he is able to give us important information." Dumbledore pointed out.

"And what if he doesn't?" Kingsley asked.

"We will be left with nothing." Neville answered with concern. "And we can't let that happen. We can't let one person with such vital information escape from our grasp. Hermione's life depends on this…" A short silence followed his words.

"And where will we take Malfoy?"

"He will be kept in the safest place we have under out protection… I have already chosen it."

"Headquarters?" Ron asked.

"No. Something better…"

Hogwarts.

---

August 11th, 2004

Time: 1:00AM

It was a cold night, terribly cold. The waning moon shined over the grounds, accompanied by dense clouds that darkened the stars in the sky. In the forest reigned a disturbing peace. The graze of the wind on the grounds could be easily heard, but the animals that inhabited the area appeared to have disappeared. Or perhaps they had decided to hide from the Threat hanging over the castle.

Yes, the castle. It was still there, in front of him, as imposing as always; with its singular magic surrounding it. It was also as false and full of illusions. It was a vessel of lost hopes, of a youth without future… the place that many adolescents considered their second home, or in his case, his only home. How naïve he had been then to let himself be caught in stupid beliefs, on such promises of tranquility and happiness. However, what else could he have believed in? The Dursleys? Perhaps he should have listened to them when he turned eleven and should not have accepted his place at Hogwarts. He should not have accepted his place in the Magical World, should have rejected his responsibilities, lived as a muggle…

Hogwarts had not changed. And it should not have. It was still under the care of the same headmaster. Albus Dumbledore, the same insufferable old geezer who had so many faces. With those damn twinkling blue eyes that at first seemed so charming. And he did not doubt it. After all, where would Dumbledore be without his charm and power? He would have never risen so high. Although, he would not deny that he was a smart old geezer, or that he had been brilliant in his youth. Those were facts that not even Lord Voldemort would deny. But that did not mean that he was the best person to lead the beliefs of the Light. Not like there were many options.

However, it was not the moment to think over such matters. It had been years since he had made his choice, and he had never regretted it. Lord Voldemort had given him more things in his life than Dumbledore ever had. And perhaps it was then one would understand how he could face the memories that appeared on his mind whenever he was at the place where everything had begun… and where his past had been buried.

Next to him was a trembling Hermione. She seemed to also be reliving such memories, although Filldeserp was sure that at some point, during those six years, the young woman had returned to the castle. Nevertheless, it was one of the first times Filldeserp returned. And by his expression, he was indifferent to the fact.

"Tom has crazy ideas. And I am afraid to say, every day they seem to get worse." Nagini hissed. Filldeserp smirked.

"You are lucky he is not here to hear you say that, Nag. But given the case, we both know that despite his insanity… he is a genius."

"I will only admit it and accept it when Dumbledore does."

"You will not have to wait long for that, Nag." If she had been able, the snake would have laughed.

"What are you planning to do about the Granger girl? She will be a complete nuisance."

"If it was not because I know you, I would say you seem jealous by the presence of another female in the mission."

"It has always been you and me! You cannot deny me some possessiveness over the so called Heir of Voldemort, can you?"

"I would not dare."

"Good to know."

Despite her threatening appearance, Nagini was not a snake as frivolous as many assumed. Even if at the time of action on a mission it was better to avoid her path, she was an extremely clever and perceptive snake. Her scales were black as dark as night, except at some parts where a dark green mixed with it. She was of great size and, despite of that, great agility. Her eyes were yellow, a cold yellow that made anyone who dared look at her shiver.

"This will be a fun night." Nagini hissed with real joy in her voice.

"Of course it will be, beautiful. Tonight will be the night when Draco Malfoy will learn that he should have never crossed paths with me." The snake slithered with more speed on the ground, very excited.

"How I wish I could see it…!"

Hermione felt deliberately ignored. And she had plenty of reasons for it. Not only did Filldeserp not seem worried or acknowledged her presence, but he was also speaking parseltongue (a language she definitely did not understand) with a snake she knew did not really like her. Besides, they were walking calmly on the grounds around the edges of the forbidden forest, as if he was waiting some sort of signal or something that would allow them entrance. If anyone asked Hermione, she could not wait for that ill-fated night to be over.

She was back at Hogwarts. There again… with Harry, but not in the way she had imagined years before. Hogwarts did not seem so welcoming anymore. Not when she was fighting so many painful memories, so many moments that she needed to forget if she wanted to survive with her sanity intact. She remembered herself when she was twelve, discussing with her recent friends Ron and Harry how interesting classes were, wearing Gryffindor colors with pride, not completely understanding why she belonged in that house. Later she understood. She remembered herself when she was fourteen, fighting with Ron about any stupid thing and trying to be Harry's conscience during those dangerous times, with the hanging threat of Sirius Black over her friend…

Sirius… What would Sirius say if he saw his godson? What would he say when seeing the son of his best friend turned into a killer? Maybe, seeing him from another point of view, it was good that Sirius was dead, because if he had not, he would die again.

She wished she could cry, but she did not have any more tears to shed. She had cried enough that day. More than in her entire life, she felt.

Filldeserp stopped and Hermione almost tripped on him in her trance. They had over them charms that prevented them from being seen, heard, tracked, or felt, among many other kinds of spells. Filldeserp had told her that he frequently did not apply on himself so many spells since they lowered his magical power while under them, but he had made an exception for her on that occasion. Nagini, as Hermione understood, had its own method of invisibility. Not that it comforted her.

Voldemort's heir watched with calm how the big doors of the castle opened extremely slowly, or so Hermione thought, as for her every second intensified her anxiety. A soft light shined over the area around the entrance and a dark figure came out of the castle. To Hermione's astonishment, Filldeserp walked toward the figure. As they got closer the young Gryffindor girl began distinguishing the traits of the person they were meeting.

She was a woman wearing elegant black robes, and with her silver long hair falling gracefully over her shoulders. Even in the dark of the night and with barely any light, Hermione could see her blue eyes, with a deadly glow on them. Her gaze was so challenging that it made Granger shiver.

"My Lord." She whispered when Filldeserp, Hermione, and Nagini were close to her.

"Good evening, Alice." Filldeserp greeted her with a polite smile.

"Up until now everything is working out, my Lord. Dumbledore does not suspect anything."

"Excellent work, Alice. Always so helpful." He said with a smile. Alice returned the smile with her eyes flashing with excitement.

"Pardon my interruption, my Lord, who is the woman who accompanies you? I don't remember ever seeing her at a meeting…"

Despite the politeness in her words, Hermione noticed certain aversion toward her. She wondered why, as she did not remember ever crossing paths with Alice, although her face seemed familiar… but it was impossible for them to know each other. Then, why did the pale face of the death eater seem so angry?

"Although she kind of reminds me of…" Alice continued, however, she stopped to observe Filldeserp's face, which as usual did not show much, not even enough to try to guess what he was thinking. "But it can't be…"

"It was the wish of the Lord to keep her alive." Filldeserp said coldly. Her blue eyes showed the surprise the news caused.

"But she's a mudblood!"

"It will be better if Tom does not hear you criticizing his decisions." Filldeserp muttered, although his tone was less threatening than expected. The death eater kept silent, although she did not lower her gaze as a sign of regret at any point.

Filldeserp walked to her until he was only a few inches from her. With seductive skill he caressed Alice's cheek, who blushed with arrogance to the gesture. Hermione, the only witness of the scene, frowned, not understanding the exchange between Harry and the death eater. Next to her, Nagini hissed with anger, trying to recover Filldeserp's attention, but he ignored her, too entertained on whispering some words on Alice's ear.

The death eater's soft giggle gave Hermione the creeps, and she could not stop watching how familiar they were to each other. She almost felt jealous seeing how a woman seemed to be getting Harry's attentions, and that such woman was not her. Nothing similar had ever happened while at Hogwarts. After the Cho Chang fiasco, Harry had never gone out with another girl, making Hermione his only female companion. Perhaps she had thought it would continue that way, after six years… But Filldeserp, being Voldemort's heir, would obviously have plenty of pureblood women after him. Why would he choose her?

She immediately put aside such thought. What the hell was she thinking?!

"It would be better if you continue your mission, my Lord, before Dumbledore realizes the disruption in the barriers." Alice whispered against her instincts. Filldeserp only nodded, retaking sensible distance between them.

"The mission, Harry!"

"I heard you, Nagini."

"It does not seem like it."

"Always ruining my fun…"

"You know how I feel about that."

"Do not get too angry. Otherwise, you will not have how to release it."

"If you do not start moving, it will be with you." Filldeserp laughed after the words of her friend.

"You need to continue your rounds, Alice, or someone will get suspicious." Filldeserp suggested before walking again toward the doors of the castle.

Nagini and Alice followed him, but Hermione remained on her spot, considering everything she had just seen.

"Is there a problem Granger?" Asked the death eater mockingly, turning to her. Remembering where she was, Hermione shook her head and followed her, noticing the angry look Alice gave her.

---

Accepting Filldeserp's suggestion, Alice went back to her rounds as Hogwarts professor, to reduce any suspicion on her person when the corpse of Draco Malfoy was discovered. Meanwhile, Nagini and Filldeserp had set their infiltration plan in motion, deciding to separate in two teams. Filldeserp and Hermione would take care of Malfoy's death, while Nagini would insure there were no interruptions, and if there were, to eliminate them.

Thus, Hermione found herself walking the empty hallways with Filldeserp. They ran less of a risk since the students were on vacation, and fewer professors remained at the castle. Although, Filldeserp knew well there were at least a dozen aurors patrolling, trying to protect the death eater from possible revenge. Hermione had to admit that their efforts would be in vain. After seeing Harry fight in Diagon Alley, she was sure that not even a dozen professional aurors together could stop him, even less with Nagini covering his back.

"Where is Malfoy?" Hermione whispered, not completely sure if she had done right by speaking. However, with a short warning look from Filldeserp, she knew she could, though with discretion.

"He is in one of the most inaccessible dungeons in the castle." He answered.

"Have you ever… been there?" Filldeserp raised an eyebrow skeptically to her question.

"Obviously. I was the one in charge of registering every corner of Hogwarts at one point."

"What for?" She asked with authentic curiosity. He smiled mysteriously.

"To create an improved Marauder's map."

In the seconds that followed his statement, Hermione tried to guess whether Filldeserp was joking or if he had spoken the truth. After all, a map with such characteristics would be extremely useful for Voldemort to keep an eye on his enemies, besides creating plans of attack without the need of great research. In reality, it would not surprise Hermione if the Dark Order had maps like that of the Ministry, Saint Mungo's, Diagon Alley, and places with similar importance for the Magical Community. It would explain the knowledge Voldemort possessed before his spies informed him. It was even a way to make sure the death eaters were telling the truth.

For several minutes they walked through the dungeons, walking deeper inside of Hogwarts. Hermione had never set foot so deep inside the castle. Those areas seemed deliberately forgotten… not even the house elves seemed to worry about cleaning a little. All the torches were extinguished and rusted. No light could get in through the small cracks high on the walls. She could see her way thanks to the lumos that Filldeserp kept. Otherwise, Darkness would be thorough.

They stopped in front of a door that, at first glance, Hermione could tell it had recently been installed; otherwise it would be as damaged as the rest of the doors in the hallway. She could feel the presence of several security spells; nonetheless, she was sure that they would be a joke for Filldeserp. She could see it in his eyes.

"All according to plan." Filldeserp hissed in parseltongue and only then Hermione realized that Nagini had been behind her the entire time.

"Understood."

Voldemort's heir took a deep breath before focusing his magic on his hands, which he firmly placed on the door's surface. For an instant they were blinded by a white light which was followed by a loud 'crack.' The door obediently gave in, creaking the entire time. With a slight nod from Filldeserp, Hermione entered, followed by him. Right after, the door closed again with magic, although this time with darker and more rigorous spells.

Nagini remained on the other side, keeping watch.

Filldeserp snapped his fingers with elegance and immediately all the torches lighted with an intense blue flame, allowing them to see inside the dungeon. However, Hermione would have preferred not to, as the view was unpleasant. Hundreds of rats were walking all over the walls, accompanied by spider webs. The smell coming from the place was disgusting. And among all that terrible view, in the middle of the dungeon, was sitting with his usual arrogant stance, Draco Malfoy.

His aspect was definitely not the same from the week before. However, after being inside that place for a couple of days, Hermione admired that he was still sane, or able to show the arrogance that had led him to his fall. His blond hair was dirty and lacking of shine and the same was the case with his fancy clothes, which were ripped in many places. His appearance barely resembled his ego.

"Draco. I trust you had a nice and entertaining stay in the castle." Filldeserp greeted him, indifferent to his appearance.

"Of course, my Lord. I had never been so well attended or slept surrounded by so many luxuries." Draco answered, his vengeful grey eyes staring at his speaker.

"I am pleased to hear that. I have always admired Dumbledore's generosity toward his guests. Or well, his prisoners…"

"Stop making fun of me, Filldeserp." Malfoy threatened, trying to stand up, but the magical handcuffs stopped him, aside from the barriers Filldeserp had set previously around him. "Everything is your fault. I swear you will pay for it."

"Oh, really?" He asked with a casual tone. "And could you explain how you are going to fulfill that promise once you are dead?"

"You are killing me?" Draco challenged, raising an eyebrow.

"Take it for a Fact." Harry gave him a wicked smile. "After all, I have a promise to keep to a lady."

"What promise?"

"Alice. I am sure you know her, right? She is a death eater well placed in the inner circle. Besides having a seductive figure… Those are notorious characteristics…"

"What about her?" Draco asked, narrowing his eyes.

"She is a charming woman, don't you think? It makes her even more tempting…"

"I am not a pathetic Gryffindor. I will not fall so easily in your games, Filldeserp."

"You think this is a game? Has Alice ever told you about her 'games'… when she entered the Dark Order?"

"What are you talking about?"

Hermione went pale as the conversation kept going. Her sharp mind put the pieces of the puzzle together and she felt her heart falling to the ground. It could not be…

"Your dear Alice, Draco, was never really interested in you." Harry smiled. "Although I think you are aware of that. But what you do not know is that she sold you. She sold your location just for a higher rank…. Have you ever wondered why she has always wanted to stand out so much? To satisfy the Lord so much?"

"She is a death eater loyal to the Lord." Draco muttered. "There is no other reason." Filldeserp's eyes shined with delight.

"Have you ever kissed every inch of her white skin to the point of feeling her completely yours?" Malfoy's usually pale cheeks turned a bright red color of mortal anger toward Filldeserp.

"You…"

"You are a Traitor, Malfoy. You should have followed Alice's example…"

"What about the mudblood you are escorting? Why is she still alive?" Malfoy interrupted him. Perhaps looking for some time, or because he was truly interested in the answer.

"That is none of your business during this critical time in your life, Malfoy."

"Of course it is my business. She and you are guilty for my being here today. How can the Lord allow an impure person like this to live and not forgive a small indiscretion from one of his most loyal death eaters?"

"Maybe because this impure person has more to offer than this loyal death eater." Filldeserp answered, as if it was a universal truth.

"Allow me to doubt that."

Hermione did not know what stance to take on the dialogue centered on her. On one side, she could choose indignation, after all, Malfoy was judging her as useless and she was everything but that. She could also be indifferent as… she should not care whether Malfoy or Filldeserp thought of her useful or not. She was only a prisoner, and she had to do what she was told, did she not? But… why would she, an auror that her entire life had been against the ideals of the Dark Lord, be allowed to live? What could she bring to the Cause?

However, she knew she did not feel like that, but happy. Filldeserp had just defended her. Subtly, perhaps without intending to, but he had done so. He might not have used warm words, but there he was, in front of her… not allowing Malfoy to completely degrade her. And her dim mind associated that image with the old Harry, who would impulsively jump to her defense every time a Slytherin called her a mudblood…

"I normally would not, but… since it is your last wish… now, the sentence. We need to do it as if it was legal, right?" Filldeserp said, and after that he took a posture of sarcastic solemnity. "For releasing substantial information, cooperating with the enemy to your convenience, betraying the Dark Lord and the pact you had sealed with him; you are condemned to a slow and painful death. A death that you will wish you never had. It has been a real annoyance meeting you."

---

Meanwhile, the prestigious Hogwarts headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was sitting behind his desk, going over some reports that one of his aurors had recently sent him about one of the most important missions the Order was doing at that time. During his reading of the long pages with essential information, he was playing with a lemon drop with his fingers. When he finished reading and was about to eat the candy to ponder over the new information, the alarms went off.

The lemon drop fell to the floor and broke, scattering in small pieces.

Dumbledore immediately stood up and simultaneously, the door opened and through it entered Neville Longbottom, one of the aurors who had been patrolling the castle that night. He seemed pale and agitated.

"The alarms went off. Did something happen?" Albus asked with urgency.

"We have not seen anything. But… if the alarms went off…" Neville answered nervously.

"I will call Headquarters for reinforcements. We cannot do anything against him on our own…" The headmaster determined, walking toward one of the instruments hanging on the wall that would allow him to communicate with the Base.

"How do you know it's him?"

"Who else could know Hogwarts so well to avoid all the guards… and letting the alarms go off?"

"Albus…? Do you think… he did it on purpose…?"

"I am certain of it." Once he asked for reinforcements, Albus turned to Neville, and after a tired sigh, he said: "Let us go."

---

Filldeserp distanced himself a couple of steps from Draco and extended the isolation barriers, not giving him time to react to the provocation. He then snapped his fingers and to his command, all the rats that Hermione had been horrified of after entering the dungeon moved toward Malfoy, able to enter the barrier. The young woman was then able to understand the purpose of the barrier: entrance but no exit.

Malfoy, sitting without a choice on a chair similar to those used for trials at the Ministry, watched with horror how each one of those creatures reached him and climbed the chair at a terrifying speed. Their tiny eyes were red, bloody red, an effect of the control Filldeserp had over them. They shined with hunger. Hunger that would be satisfied with Draco's flesh. He would be eaten alive.

Hermione gasped when the first rats began boring into the death eater's legs. Draco, despite his enormous effort, could not help but moan in pain. A pain that increased every second, and that greatly pleased Filldeserp.

The first drop of blood was spilled. And it would not be the last on that night.

Making grotesque noise, the rats began delving into his skin, not only on his legs, but also on his arms. Draco's painful moans evolved into screams and he lost control of his body, beginning to convulse. He fought, kicked, begged, but the rats did not give in, and neither did Filldeserp.

"Draco, my Little and Prideful colleague. Do you see how being the Dark Lord's protégé does mean that I am better than you? I bet you are not bored anymore… but just in case, it would be better if I intensify the fun, would it not?"

Filldeserp's merciless words froze Hermione's blood. They were full of immeasurable hate, of indescribable satisfaction… and of a cruelty that she never thought would be possible in him. Hermione remembered the fights Draco and Harry had throughout their time at Hogwarts. She remembered them very well. But she never, ever imagined that they would both be consumed in such destructive hatred. So blind. And she cried, she really cried for their souls.

The rats stopped digging and they began eating. Slowly, enjoying every bite of the delicious flesh, of the flavorful blood. And between every bite, Draco's screams could be heard, though only for those inside the room. And there was nobody there who could stop it… Nobody… except for her.

"Stop! Stop them, please!" Hermione begged running to Filldeserp and holding herself to his left arm.

He lowered his gaze until he met hers and hit her so hard she fell to the floor on her face. Weeping, she turned and slowly tried to stand up.

"Stop it, Harry! Why are you doing this? Kill him, have some mercy!"

"Are you not one of the people who defend the lives of others, Mione?" Filldeserp asked completely calm.

"Death is better than all this suffering!" She yelled.

"It is the Price that traitors must pay, Mione." Harry explained with shocking insensitivity.

"Don't call me that! You… you… are a monster."

You talk as if you were not part of humanity, Harry.

"What else is new, Mione?"

Hermione stood up completely, angry, and threw herself at him, willing to hit him with all her strength. She did not measure her abilities, nor against who she was charging. She only followed the impulse worthy of a Gryffindor, and attacked.

But this time, Filldeserp had lost his patience. He took Hermione's arms and held her with force, causing superficial wounds on her wrists. He then threw her again to the floor and pointed his wand in her direction.

"What did we say about your behaviour? Crucio!"

Hermione had experienced many cruciatus in her life; however, it had never been as intense as that one. She could feel all the hatred, the thirst for revenge… all of Filldeserp's pain and anger focused on her body, hurting her, piercing her, shaking her… and torturing her. And, at the same time, she could see his dark green eyes crying deep down… slowly dying.

You aren't cold anymore, right?

Tears covered the face of the young woman; lonely tears that were not dried by anyone.

---

Twenty aurors, plus Dumbledore and some professors who were staying at Hogwarts, being one of them Kolberg, followed a strategy to surround Malfoy's cell, which was the place where the intrusion had been detected. They did it with absolute care so there would not be any way for escaping, and they were slowly approaching the cell until the main group, which included Dumbledore and Neville, found itself at the entrance of the cell. There was only one obstacle in their way… Nagini.

All the aurors pulled out their wands and pointed at the temperamental snake, who hissed with excitement and slightly leaned toward them, causing the weaker and more nervous aurors to take a couple of steps back. Others lost control and began throwing spells in every direction, though none had an effect on Nagini. Her scales had a special property that protected her from offensive magic; ideal for a predator snake.

The aurors who kept their judgment turned to Dumbledore, waiting for directions.

"What can we do?"

"We have no other option but to take it out of the way in order to access the cell." Dumbledore said. "It does not matter how, knock her out."

However, Nagini had other plans in mind. If she could have smiled, those humans would have seen the most evil smirk a living creature could express, and much more.

"Tom will be so pleased with me. Although I think he will envy me because I will do what he could not in all these years. If only Harry could see this…!"

And hissing more incomprehensible words for the aurors, she slithered on the floor, getting as faster and close to them as possible. Some cowards decided they rather live than be useful to the Cause they were defending, and ran away from there. Others held their wands, ready to defeat her. But the rest remained in silence, not knowing what to do.

"How pathetic. How I would love to eat them! But I think that will get me indigestion… And I do not want that, do I?"

Her hissing caused more aurors to run away, although this time some preferred to slightly conceal it and slowly took steps back. But Neville continued at the front, with his brown eyes set on her and analyzing each one of her moves, thinking he could predict them like Filldeserp had done weeks before with him.

"You still have a long way before catching up to Filldeserp, darling. Actually, he is unreachable for you."

If only she could laugh…

---

Smirking, Filldeserp walked toward Draco, crossing the barrier. The blond had already lost a leg and an arm, and was about to lose his other two limbs. The rats were now going for his face. He was barely conscious, closer to death than anything else. To their leader's command, the rats stopped their meal for a few minutes; the last minutes before being allowed to finish.

"Eaten by rats… this must be eating your pride, is it not, Draco?" Filldeserp whispered on his right ear.

The death eater remained with his eyes closed, breathing with difficulty and cursing Filldeserp in his head, among all the pain clouding his sanity. He had lost track of his body and reality, the only way he had managed to stay sane and with life until then. He had been under torture for half an hour, even if he did not know it. He was bleeding to death, and it hurt; it really did.

"Too bad your path ends here today. You could have become someone powerful, you know? Pity you chose pride over what was better. You were consumed by your own greed. There are things that go beyond your interests, Draco. For example, the interests of your Lord. But it is too late for that. It is too late to fix your disloyalty. Is your promise still standing?"

Malfoy could only nod; he had lost his voice screaming. But at least, he could express his will. Filldeserp smirked at him.

"I will see you in hell, little Draco."

And Voldemort's heir gave the last order to the rats, giving them as a present the rest of the body. He only kept one part of the death eater.

His heart.

---

Nagini had been playing with the aurors for over fifteen minutes. She was having a lot of fun with them. She had hurt some, and killed others. She had decorated the hallways of the dungeon with great amounts of fresh blood. From her point of view, it went perfect with the black on the walls. However, she was getting bored. Those humans were too predictable. There were only two people who deserved her interest and they continued standing, they would be her last victims before her grand exit.

The problem was that she did not have much time left and she needed to finish the quickly. She had on her favor that there were not many on her way, so she had free way to do what she wanted with them and there would not be anyone to defend them. That idea excited her more.

"Longbottom. Victim number 21 in the month of august."

The boy was agile, she could not deny it. But she had trained all those years to the limit with Filldeserp, so his speed was nothing in comparison to what she was used to. He had great knowledge of white magic, but nothing too impressing. What did Dumbledore see in that auror to name him the hero who could replace the void Harry Potter had left on the Magical Community?

Greatly disappointed with Longbottom after three minutes of fighting, she gave him an almost deadly hit on the kidneys with her hard tail, crushing him against the opposite wall. He fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Dumbledore. Victim number 22 in the month of august."

If she had been disappointed by Longbottom, she certainly did not think the same of Dumbledore. The old geezer in his best time had definitely been a worthy rival of Voldemort, and despite having lost some skill with the passing of years, she could still tell his expertise in some of his movements. His knowledge of magic was varied and accurate, and his movements were slow though well thought. She had always understood the reason why Voldemort did not underestimate Dumbledore, and she understood it better now.

She did not have much time, so against her wishes, she decided to hurry the fight, slowing Dumbledore down even more by wrapping herself around him.

Finally, Nagini pierced her very poisonous fangs into the skin of the veteran professor, letting the poison enter his veins.

"Check mate."