Bad Love Keeperoliver Chapter 13
Poppy had kept Charlie sedated for two days to make sure the work the girls had done would hold. It would not do for him to wake up in a strange environment and panic to the point of hurting himself.
During that time, two people were with him at any given time to make sure there was a familiar face to calm him down should he awake. Now with Poppy stopping her sedatives, it would be soon that he would wake up and they would finally get the story of what happened at the reserve. This was what worried them the most. They knew Charlie was going to make it, but what of the rest of the handlers and the Dragons. If it was the DE's, and they got the Dragons, then they would be used against the light, and they wouldn't stand a chance against an army like that.
The entire family was sitting around Charlie's bed when he began to show signs of coming around. His groggy state blurred his vision so that he did not recognize who sat around his bed. However, when he was pulled into the best hug he felt in years, he knew who it was. "Mum, it is so good to see you. I never thought I would get to see you again. How did you know we were attacked? We never got word out to call for help."
"We didn't know. You showed up on our front gate laying on the back of a Dragon. Oh Charlie we thought you were dead. If not for some special people, you most likely would be." Molly continued to hold Charlie in her arms, keeping the rest of the family waiting.
"Molly dear, there will be time for explanations later. Right now, the rest of us would like to say hello to Charlie." Arthur told her while rubbing her shoulders. Molly released her hold on him and got up for the others to say their greetings. This went on for about fifteen minutes, and then Charlie asked, "You say I would be dead if not for some special people, mum. Who are these special people?"
"Harry, would you bring them forward please?" Molly called out.
The crowd around the bed parted, and Charlie saw a dark haired boy walk forward surrounded by three beautiful girls. "Hello Charlie, we haven't met yet. I am Harry Potter, and these are your special people. First there is Fleur DeLacour, Bill's fiance. Next to her is Luna Lovegood, who I think you met. Finally, the last one is Celia Lovegood, Luna's adopted sister. Technically, we all have adopted her, but she took Luna's last name."
Charlie smiled at the three, "So, Harry Potter has three angels at his side, and they healed me when I thought I would die. It seems I owe Harry like the rest of my family does. All I can say is, Thank You Harry Potter for being the person you are. Now, what is this about my big brother having a fiance? Bill, where the hell are you, and why aren't you with Fleur?"
"Because I didn't want to steal the lime light from her dear brother. I had nothing to do with saving your Arse, although I would have if I could. And don't you go getting any ideas either Chuck, she's mine."
"Wouldn't think of it Bill. Well, actually I probably would, but now that you said something, I won't. Besides, there are two other angels I could go after, and they are just as good looking as Fleur. No offense Fleur."
"Not to worry Sharlie. I quite agree wiss you. But Luna ees also spoken for. Correct Luna?"
"I am afraid so Charlie, but Celia is free at the moment, but I can't say for how long. She has been getting quite a bit of attention of late."
Celia stood there looking between her friends and Charlie wondering what they were talking about. "Luna, who has been sharing their attention with me? I think I would know if someone was paying attention to me."
"Celia, I never said they talked to you, although there is Neville. But well over half the male students have taken notice of you. I have heard some talk going around about how some would like to get to know you better."
"And you are just now telling me? I thought we were friends?"
"Yes and no. We are friends, but also sisters. As a sister I am committed to staying out of your personal life. Besides, what they say among themselves is none of my business, unless they mean to harm you. There are none here that would wish that upon you."
Charlie cleared his throat to get their attention. "Excuse me, but do you think I might be able to make a statement? Angels, I appreciate everything you did for me. Like I said, I thought I was going to die. I don't know what happened after I was caught in that blast at the Reserve. I don't know about getting on the back of a Dragon or how I got there. All I do know is that the Reserve was attacked by someone and the tent I was in, along with five other handlers was blasted on all four sides. I remember seeing a bench come flying across the room to hit me from behind. I didn't have enough time to move or defend myself. I did see my friends all bloodied and twisted. I don't think any of them made it. I do know that who ever it was would not get the Dragons. They were trained to leave should anything go wrong. The only problem we saw with that were The Chinese Fireball and Norbert."
Hermione was the only one to register right away the name Norbert. "You mean Hagrid's dragon Norbert?"
"Yes, that one. Hagrid is a good man, but he is a terrible name picker. Norbert is a female, but when we tried to change her name, she would not answer to anything but Norbert. Anyway, her and the Chinese Fireball we called Alfred I think were in love."
"How many Ridgebacks did you have on the Reserve Charlie?" asked Ron.
"Just Norbert, why?"
"Because that is who brought you to us. I guess I should have known who it was. Had to be familiar with school to bring you here." Ron answered.
"If that is the case then where is Alfred?"
"I CAN TELL YOU WHERE HE IS. HIM AND ABOUT THREE OTHERS LANDED HERE TWO DAYS AGO!" Hagrid shouted out. "I have been so busy trying to get them settled, I haven't been in to tell anyone they were here. Bloody things ate me sheep and a couple of cows from the neighboring farms. I believe we may be getting a bill from them in the near future Professor Snape."
"We'll address that when the time comes Hagrid. For now we have to find a secure place for the Dragons that will keep them protected and out of sight. If the Dark Lord knows, or learns they are here, the attack will be sooner than we anticipated. We are not yet ready for that. Harry, we must learn the locations of your targets quickly. It is our only hope of surviving. Hermione, have you and Daphne learned anything yet of the possible locations?"
"I'm sorry Professor. I don't know how we can do this, without a clue to work with. They could be anywhere. Daphne and I are at our wits end trying to come up with an answer. If only we had a lead to work with. Someone or something that could give us a starting point."
"I understand Hermione. I wish I could help you, but Albus was very secretive about what he knew. There has to be someone that knows something about at least one of the items? We just have to find that someone and pry the information out of him or her. In the meantime, maybe you could get help from one of the elves to do some long distance searches for you."
"They are so busy with everything else going on, we hate to add to it by keeping them away for too long. They are needed here for our immediate needs."
"I know this Hermione, but we need to complete this task as it has a far greater possibility of ending this war than building a place to keep everyone safe. We will never be safe as long as the threat of attack looms over our location. It will only be a matter of time before they find our sanctuary."
Sirius offered a solution to the problem, "Hermione, maybe Kreacher could help you with your research. He isn't doing anything around here other than tending for my and Marie's needs. He is obstinate and contrary, but he is also very resourceful and cunning."
"Do you think he would help us?"
"He will if I tell him to."
"No, Sirius. He has to want to help us for it to work. If he thinks he is being forced to help us, then he will not be as much help and maybe even miss things that he needs to tell us about. I tried to get Dobby to help, but he has been gone so much that he is hard to corner and ask. If you could ask Kreacher if he would help us, then he might be willing to do it. If you like, Daphne and I could ask him for help."
"Whatever you think is best Hermione. Kreacher, come here if you would."
POP! "What does Mastif want with lowly Kreacher?"
"That's master Kreacher."
"Of course Master, please forgive Kreacher for his mistake. What does lowly master wish of poor Kreacher?"
"To talk with Miss Granger and Miss Greengrass and if you so choose, to help help them."
"Why would Kreacher wish to help a mudblood and blood traitor?"
Before anyone could respond to Kreacher's remark. There was another POP, and Kreacher was forced to the ground and was being pummeled by a very excited Dobby. "You will never say those words again when referring to Miss Hermione and Miss Daphne. They are kind and beautiful people that deserve respect. This is something you know nothing about. You are the worst excuse of an elf there is."
Kreacher was kicking his legs around, trying to get Dobby off him, but Dobby was too irate to be pushed aside by the elder elf. Dobby had Kreacher's ear in his mouth, biting it. His hands had Kreacher pinned to the ground, and his feet were wrapped around Kreacher, to maintain his advantage. Kreacher was powerless to fight back. He finally gave in to Dobby's attack, and would listen to what Hermione and Daphne had to say.
Daphne stepped forward and caught Kreacher's attention, "Kreacher, you don't have to help if you don't wish to. You may be going places that will threaten your health and even your life. However, if you do chose to help, it will help bring an end to the evil that surrounds us all, and finally bring peace to the land. It's up to you what you do for any of us here. I do have to tell you that even if you don't help us, you will have to start helping the other elves with their work around the castle."
Dobby got off Kreacher and went to Daphne, "Why does it have to be Kreacher to help you Miss Daphne? Dobby can help you and Miss Hermione with what ever you need."
Kreacher laughed at Dobby, "Miss Daphne asked Kreacher for help because she knows who is best at helping out when assistance is needed. Kreacher will help with their wishes. Dobby can stick to scrubbing pots and pans. Or better yet, cleaning up after the Dragons. Yes, that will do for one such as you."
Dobby's ears began to turn red. If they got any warmer, steam would start coming out of them. Every one could see that another fight was about to break out when Hermione stepped forward, "Stop it, both of you. Kreacher, Dobby has been of so much help, it would do you well to leave him alone. Dobby, You have been so busy lately, that Daphne and I have not even seen you around. We wanted to ask you, but we could not take you away from what you were doing. However, if Professor McGonagal can see fit to release you to us, we could use you both."
It was settled that they would both assist the ladies, as it was the best chance for their survival.
BL-}
"Is everything set for the attack, Bella?"
"All is in order my Lord. The spells have been set, and I have fourteen men ready for the mission standing by for the command."
"Excellent. You may begin after the men have eaten. A night attack will be the best time for this to work. It should catch them unaware and thus make it easy to defeat them. 9PM should a good time to advance."
"As you wish my Lord." and Bella backed here way out of the room. Once she was through the door, she turned and made her way to her attack force and tell them of the plan. She feared when Voldemort questioned her about using so many men to attack two people, especially when one of them was an injured female. She answered the question honestly. "Our report about it just being two people could be inaccurate sire. It is best to attack with a force that is large enough to handle ten or fifteen defenders, yet small enough to escape detection." Voldemort agreed to this assessment.
What Bella didn't know was that Kingsley was smart enough to place a small charm that would go unnoticed yet would alert them to any change to their shields. When the anti-port key, anti-floo and the anti-apparition spells were put up, it warned Kingsley that something had been done. However, it also made it impossible for them to leave Amelia's home. Kingley had to think what to do for only a moment. He cast a Protonus charm and gave a message to the Iguana Patronus sending it to Minerva.
No one outside the school knew about Severus being put in charge, and that was the way everyone wanted it. If everyone thought that Severus was under house arrest, put there by the Headmistress, Then Severus was free to help with the cause that he swore to himself he would do for Lily.
When Minerva received the Iguana Patronus, she was in a meeting with the section heads. The Patronus spoke out, "House is spelled against us leaving. Attack immanent. Need help quickly. Amelia is fine, but weak."
Sirius got help from Arthur, Bill, Percy, Remus, Fred and George, and Filius. Once they arrived outside of Amelia's home, Bill began work tearing down the charms. It took a few minutes, but he finally got them down. While he was doing that, they were joined by an unexpected visitor. Hagrid was on the back of Norbert. "I thought you might be able to use a little help. Norbert here wanted to spread her wings for a bit. Whoa, I didn't know we had someone following us!" Norbert was joined by Alfred. He walked up to Norbert and began running his neck against hers, and she returned the affection.
"Can't keep these two away from each other. Well, what can we do to help, Sirius?"
Sirius thought on it a bit, then smiled, "Hagrid, are these friends of yours house broken?"
"What kind of talk is that Sirius? You know they can't fit in a house."
"Of course they can Hagrid, with a little help from their friends. What do you think Bill?"
"I think with a few adjustments, we could make it work. Fred, George, did you bring any of your better pranks with you?"
George looked insulted, "Who else is going to ask us that. When is everyone going to learn that we don't leave home without them. Yes Big Brother, we brought some very interesting hardware. What do you need?"
"How about your hidden bottomless holes? Or your instant swamps?"
Fred answered, "Got them both right here. We also brought our attacking Dragon fireworks should you need them."
"Brilliant. That will do nicely. Once we are on the grounds, set the holes and the swamps up around the house, and the fireworks outside the front door, for the dragons to lite before they depart. Hagrid if you would please bring the dragons with you when we enter the grounds, we can find a place for them. Remus, Filius, once we are in the house, you take Amelia back to the palace. Kingsley will want to be with us for the encounter. I wouldn't want to take away any of the fun we are going to have."
Once everything was done, and Amelia was removed from the battlegrounds, the Dragons were magically place in the house. Everyone knew there was no chance for the house to be spared, so it would become a booby trap for the attacking forces. Once the Dragons fired up the fireworks, they would blow off the roof of the home and make their escape.
Sirius, Arthur, Percy, Bill, Fred and George took a stand outside of the wards to make it look good for the upcoming attackers. They were soon joined by Remus and Filius. It took quite a bit of talking, but Remus finally convince Sirius to return to the castle, since no one knew he has returned from the dead.
It was another two hours before the attackers arrived. Bella felt the presence of the Order members, and missed the fact that the charms had been taken down at first. Once the fight began, she knew they were down when the defenders backed their way onto the grounds. "Don't let them escape, The charms have been taken down." Her crew acknowledged this with nods from them all. However, it did little good, as the defenders made their way into the home and from there, Apporated back to the castle. Hagrid stayed with the Dragons to make sure they made it out alright. He was on the back of Norbert, where there was more protection. She would not allow anything to happen to him. Hagrid watched as the attackers fell prey to the traps the twins had set. Even Greyback found a bottomless hole to fall in. In all, Bella lost seven men to the traps. The swamps took the most as it took five men. It seemed the twins had added quicksand to the bottom of the swamp. Still with seven men, Bella made their way to the house where the defenders would make their stand.
About ten meters from the home, the Dragons let loose their flame, and the fireworks began. Three very large dragon shapes were attacking the Death Eaters, setting their clothes on fire. While they were busy fighting these, Hagrid and the real Dragons made their escape and without any of the attackers even being aware of their presence.
Bella had lost most of her hair, and most of her clothes. Her skin was blackened and blistered from the fireworks. Her men were not much better off. Her biggest worry was what would happen to her when she returned with yet another failed attempt at completing Voldemort's wishes. Then she remembered losing Fenrir, and all of a sudden the future was beginning to look bleak.
Her worst fears had been justified. The punishment she received from the Dark Lord was severe. So severe that she was one crutiatus away from being killed. Her recovery would take quite a while to be complete.
Voldemort, in his rage, had lost two more members of his inner circle. His most trusted members were now down to eight. His most efficient member was now recovering from wounds he himself had administered.
BL-}
As Remus had suspected, Sirius was in the foulest mood he had ever seen him in. Even Marie could not calm him down. The first chance he had to get even with his cousin, and he was sent home because they didn't want them to know he was back. Even worse was the story told by Hagrid of what happened to Bella and he men. Seeing her bald and in her skivvies would have given him pleasant dreams for many years to come. In order to bring order back to the group, Severus took the vision from Hagrid's mind and planted it in Sirius' mind. This very nearly backfired, as Sirius was now laughing so hard it became contagious. Others began to laugh, as he explained in detail what he was seeing, leaving nothing to the imagination. He even had Remus and Severus laughing. Once Charlie was told of the mission, he too joined in with the laughter. He laughed so hard, he very nearly undid all the healing work that had been done. Celia held his hand to calm him down. This had an alarming affect on him. Charlie fell asleep almost at once, with a smile on his face. No one was sure whether it was the story or Celia that put the smile there. None the less, that was the way he slept the rest of the night.
The next morning, Daphne and Hermione began to work on the rest of the Horcruxes, and right from the start the help of Dobby and Kreacher was noticed. Kreacher was first, when Hermione brought up the locket of Slytherin. Once she drew a picture of it, Kreacher knew immediately what it was and where it was. He told this to Daphne, and she asked him to get it. He was back not a moment later holding the locket in his hand. Daphne could see where it was starting to burn the elf's hand so she had him drop it. Once he did, it stopped glowing.
No magic could be used to move it, and once it was touched, it burned whoever it was that tried to pick it up. It was Dobby that thought of how it might be picked up, and destroyed as well. "Does Miss Granger think the Sword of Gryffindor might work on the Locket?"
Hermione ran across the room and picked Dobby up and Kissed his nose, "Dobby, you're brilliant. Of course it will. The Basilisk venom the sword absorbed will protect the wielder. Thank You so much. And Kreacher, if not for you we would still be looking for the locket and not knowing where to begin." She did the same to him, which gave Kreacher the shakes. He had never been shown emotion before, and it caused him to break out in a sweat. However, he felt he wouldn't mind feeling emotion again, as it felt very pleasant. He was beginning to like working for Missy Daphne and Missy Hermione. He would do everything he could to keep them happy.
After it was retrieved, the sword was used to pick up the locket and it was brought to a stone that was being used as a table. After it was placed on the stone, Harry asked Ron if he would destroy the locket, but Ron refused saying, "I can't Harry. After seeing what the diary did to Ginny and knowing what it was later just makes me scared. I'm sorry, really I am."
"No Ron, Don't be, I understand, and I don't blame you. It's just I think it would be best if a different person would destroy each horcrux. Like you said, they are too powerful with black magic for one person to try and destroy them all. I will find another person to destroy it."
Draco stepped forward, "Potter, I would like to give it a try. It's the least I can do, after what Voldemort did to my father and mother. Just tell me what I have to do."
"Thanks Draco. Well, after I open the locket, you have to strike it with the sword to destroy the magic it holds. It will also destroy the locket, but I don't think that matters, unless someone wants it?"
No one answered, so Harry used his Parstletongue to open the locket. When Draco stepped forward to strike at it, a vision began to come out from the locket. It took the form of Voldemort and it began to speak. "So, the young Malfoy has found some courage. Pity you didn't show it when your father sacrificed himself to save you and your mother. I don't think you have it in you to do it now. You're a weak pathetic coward Draco. You would never have made a good Death Eater. Just like your father, you would falter at the first sign of resistance. Just like you are doing now."
"Draco, don't listen to him. You are strong and you can do this. Just bring the sword down on the locket and be rid of the vision. That is all you have to do." Harry did his best to help Draco through the ordeal by giving him the strength to complete the task.
Sweat was beading on Draco's forehead and getting in his eyes. He tried trying to wipe it away but all it did was sting and blur his vision. He picked the sword back up over his head attempting to ignore the vision and it's speech. Again the sweat blurred his vision, and he was beginning to lose the will to strike, when the vision said, "You can never do it boy. Soon you and your mother will be back with me, and I will show you what strength is all about. Your mother will be mine, and you will become my own personal servant. How does that sound boy?"
It took everything he had, but Draco finally brought the sword down on the locket, destroying it and the magic it contained. The blast from the locket being destroyed sent him flying backwards into a bench. He knocked himself out, but he wasn't out for long, and when he revived, he felt relieved that his father had been avenged with this act against Voldemort.
Astoria was by his side, holding him after the event was over. She leaned forward and kissed him on the lips. He put his arms around her to keep her there for a longer and well deserved kiss.
Later, after the dinner meal was finished, Hagrid told Charlie a story about the Fireball. "Charlie, don't know if you know it or not, but a Fireball has a way of communicating his thoughts to a person who is receptive. Very few are able to do this, but I do have the ability. Anyway, Alfred told me what happened that night. He said Norbert and he were snuggling when there was a loud noise coming from the forest. Then about twenty men came silently into the camp and surrounded the tent where the handlers stayed. They took positions on all four sides and began to destroy everything that stood before them. The same had been done to the kitchen and the office areas. After they destroyed all the buildings, they came after the Dragons, but they all took off for the sky and could not be caught. The attackers then left, and Norbert came back to the compound to look for survivors. All she found was you. Alfred had followed her down, and he picked you up and placed you on her back. She left and Alfred went looking for the other Dragons to bring them with him to wherever Norbert was taking you."
"I was wondering how I ended up on Norbert's back? Sirius, didn't I tell you that the Dragons would never allow themselves to be taken. They are loyal to those who care for them. Do you think we could use them in the upcoming battle?"
"Charlie, you didn't suffer any brain damage did you? We have five Dragons here that are loyal to you and Hagrid. There are no stronger beings in the world then Dragons. And you ask if we can use them in a battle? Of course we can use them, but only if they allow it to happen."
"Well, all we can do is ask. I think we stand a FIFTY/FIFTY chance."
"Not the best odds in the world, but a chance is better than no chance."
The rest of the night was spent going over what was accomplished, needed to be accomplished, and what else they could think of that they could do to make it easier for everyone that was yet to come. Dobby and the elves were sent out to find families that needed shelter and aid. The numbers in the chamber were growing every day, and space was becoming harder to maintain for the families. Over three thousand people were now being sheltered. Even the hospital space was shrunk down in order to house people. But still they came with the help of the elves. There was no other way for them to gain entry.
Hogwarts itself took a measure for protection by placing a spell that would keep any who wished harm to one of it's tenants, out. With quite a bit of force. It was such a powerful spell, that it would take a curse breaker hours to be rid of it. This would give the defenders time to prepare a defense.
The time was coming close for the final showdown, but much still needed to be done before an end could be seen.