DISCLAIMER: I wish I owned Harry Potter.

Author's Note: It hasn't been two days so I was still able to fulfill my promise. When I was making this chapter, I made a lot of changes so disregard my spoilers from the previous note. This was very different from the one I planned. Haha!

My heartfelt thanks to all my dear readers. Thanks to those who find their time to review, your opinions still matter. Thanks to my dear Beta, who took time to look at it even with the busy schedule. To Eldar-Melda, this one is for you. ;)

Chapter 19: My Love is Always Here

A faint crack echoed in the snowy silence as I arrived on the designated place.

It was cold.

Everything seemed morose and sad, every house felt devoid of life. No one was walking down the streets and the stores were all closed. The village was unwelcoming.

A perfect hiding place for those who didn't want to be found.

I walked around the perimeter outside the village, trying to locate a silhouette of the little lone cottage that was supposed to be inside the mountain. Unfortunately, the thickness of the trees was enough to hide whatever was inside it. As I walked, I noticed a large tree that stood in the left part of the forest, near the entrance to the village. It stood tall and regal before the others and it gave a feeling of life to this almost lifeless land. After a while, I casted several spells near on the village, trying to detect any unwanted alarm that will tell the enemy that I am already here. A moment later, a louder crack disturbed the silence and made snow from the surrounding trees fall.

I looked at the newcomer. His hair was still as ginger as it can be, even with the dark sky. He went to get his knapsack from behind as he smiled at me and cleared his throat, signaling nervousness.

"How was it?"

"They're safe. It seemed as if Hermione tried to go home before lunch so they were still out of the house. Bloody lucky, if you asked me. They were wondering why she didn't come but I was able to make a good excuse. I also asked the others, they haven't seen any skin nor hide of Hermione's that they even thought I was mental when I asked."

I gripped the bracelet that I tightly held in my left hand. My heart was now beating faster. We're finally here. Ron seemed to notice my discomfort and kept silent. After a worthwhile task of checking the place from the outside, he looked at his knapsack and took out my invisibility cloak.

"Thanks."

Ron smiled and turned his attention to the village, producing a shiver as he did. "Creepy. No wonder they loved this place. It looks like a ghost town."

I looked at him silently, suddenly realizing that there were more pressing matters that we have to do. I raised my wand and muttered several enchantments, hoping to find any flaw in their plan. When I found none that can betray our presence, I looked at Ron and nodded.

I muttered some spells on him, trying to keep him hidden will be the greatest asset we can have. Finally, I asked him to wear the invisibility cloak. Now, I look as alone as I can be.

We finally walked inside the village, looking here and there for signs that there were at least some people living here. The wind was bitter and foreboding, like it already knew what was going to happen. I put the jacket around me tighter, trying to get as much warmth as I can.

"It's a brilliant hiding place, actually. It is no wonder Aurors can't find them, they perfectly disguised themselves. I never even found any ward or enchantments guarding the place. "

"Bloody hell. This place is dreadful!"

I looked around. My wand was at the ready in case any ambush was set. I examined every building that surrounded the cottage, looking for any possible ways for us to launch the mission without encountering any dark wizards. I poked my head in windows, trying to find a source of life. I found a few but none of them looked like they could help us, instead, they looked like they needed help.

There was no sign of hope left for this place, not even for its inhabitants.

"This place looks so abandoned. I can hardly think how they can stand living here."

"Was it them who did this?"

I shook my head silently, a grim line set on my face. Judging from the appearance of the place, it was safe to say that it has been like this for a while. And while some of the houses have occupants, others have already been left behind. There was snow and dust on the inside of some buildings. It felt so cold here.

I sighed. I still haven't figured out what they were planning to do or what they wanted. I checked my watch and put the bracelet inside the inner pockets of my jeans. I signaled Ron from behind. The sooner we can get this over with, the better. My heart raced inside my chest, it was time.

"Remember the plan. Stay close to me."

Ron grunted. We already had this discussion before we went here and I didn't back down when I told him what we needed to do.

They will be ready, we just have to be smarter.

A few moments of poking here and there and I finally found a path that went deeper inside the forest. I tried to hide and looked around; casting spells just to make sure that there were indeed, no wards.

I don't know if it was luck but they did not bother casting anything. Were they that confident that they will never be found in this place?.

We climbed deeper into the forest. It was dark and cold, much like the village underneath it. All the while, I felt chills down my spine as I await the encounter. My mind wondered, trying to find solace in believing that it will be over soon.

I will rescue her, even if it was the last thing I will do.

After a few minutes of searching, different set of lights shone from somewhere ahead. When we got inside the source, a pale, stubby cottage made up of clay appeared in our sight, surrounded by a few tents. There were faint murmurs and someone was shouting. This was it then, there will be no turning back.

I tried to signal Ron, hoping that somehow he will see it.

A spiky-haired man with a little stubble went towards my direction, his eyes wide with apprehension. He was wearing a tattered dark cloak; a wand was at his skinny hands. When he seemed satisfied, he flashed a toothless smile at me and shouted on his back. "He's here! Harry Potter has arrived!"

Some people jeered towards our direction as he lit his wand and gestured me towards the shack. I can hear faint murmurs in every direction, some of them were even terrified as they tried to retreat back into the trees.

Finally, a man stepped out. He had dark-blond hair which hid half of his face, held together by a ponytail. A long, sordid scar started from his right cheeks and ended on the left part of his neck. I recognized him as one of the Death Eaters we fought inside the Department of Mysteries and someone who we came across while we were trying to infiltrate the Ministry. His blue eyes pierced mine as an unpleasant smile suddenly erupted from his features.

"Like what you see, Mr. Potter?" He bowed at me and looked at the direction of the cottage. "Antonin, he's here."

Another man followed him. He was burly, with a shoulder-length, raven hair that didn't do anything to hide his pale, twisted face. He went towards the man, Yaxley, I presume, and guffawed. "So, the brave Mr. Potter decided to make an appearance. I presumed that after that scene we had with the Dark Lord that you would indeed, come."

He walked passed Yaxley and looked around, limping. His face was set into a thin line while he ordered incoherent words to people around, probably to search if there was someone else with me. When he returned, his face was already wearing an insane smile.

I stared at them, ready to cast a spell if needed. Antonin Dolohov seemed to notice my apprehension and gave another one of his maniacal laughs. "You would want to take that away if I were you, we're here to negotiate as grown men."

Somehow, what they were doing was only making them more dangerous to my eyes. "Like I would believe in you."

Yaxley looked at me, his expression grim and wounded. "Ahhh, you hurt us with your words. Come inside and have some tea. I'm sure that our hospitality will make you take back your words."

He flashed another one of his bizarre smiles that it sent chills down my spine. If Dolohov's twisted smile was scary, his was dreadful. He ushered me inside, mimicking the body movements of a perfect gentleman as he did so that I've no choice but to let myself in. The inside of the house was almost bare, but well-kept. Few crucial furnishing were present here and there and only a kitchen was present apart from the three rooms that I passed.

I never knew that Death Eaters were this clean.

I followed them as they led me to what it appears like a living room. It was a wonder for me how they were able to make the house presentable, but I didn't care. Instead, I took a seat on one of the chairs. They copied my action and took a seat, while Dolohov called and ordered someone to come here.

I never thought that I would see very hospitable Death Eaters in my whole life, not when the last time I was in the home of one, they tried to hit me with spells, non-stop.

Yaxley took the teapot in the table that was in front of their couch and poured a drink in an empty cup. "I hope you'll enjoy this. This is a nice brew from China, made from the famous Camilla Sinesis. We were enjoying this tea before you came."

Another laugh echoed the room as Dolohov barked while patting Yaxley on the back. "Yaxley's a fan of herbal teas, must be due to old age."

I nodded at them while Yaxley handed me the cup, even telling me to be careful. Looking at the tea in my hand, it smelled delicious and the heat was soothing, perfect for my cold, numb hands. I never thought that I would have a tea cozy with the most dangerous Death Eaters.

"Don't worry. It's considered unforgivable for us to poison our guest, especially if we haven't made the arrangements for our deal. I am also sorry that one of us was unable to. . .join us for this momentous event." I gulped at his words. Who was that person who they were talking about? I tried to drink from the cup. It was soothing in my throat.

A few seconds later, the man whom Dolohov gave orders to appeared with another one. . .trying to support an semi-unconscious woman in their shoulders. Hermione!

She looked at the scene ahead of her and was shocked when she saw me. She wearily looked at me, struggling to set free from her captors. "What are you doing here?"

I stood up, startled. . "Ah, ah, ah. It wouldn't be nice to fight in a negotiation Mr. Potter. Calm yourself and sit down so we could talk about the arrangements. If you don't, I can't say I would be too glad to get rid of the girl."

Hermione tried to free herself from her captors who settled themselves behind the two. "Let me go! Harry, don't listen to them! Get out of here NOW!"

The person in her left side put a knife in her throat, alarmed, I quickly resumed to my seat. I looked at her, worried, and tried to produce a faint smile. She looked so pale and thin, like she hasn't eaten for weeks now. Judging from the state she was on, she was very weak. "Why did you have to involve her on this? She was innocent!"

"We had to try and get your attention, Potter. Or else we will have to spend our days locked up in an almost abandoned muggle village."

"You see Mr. Potter, we had to sacrifice using magic while we went into hiding among the muggles or otherwise, we were as good as dead. We but ask you one simple request."

"Go on then."

"Help us gain back our freedom from the Ministry or join us."

I laughed. Certainly, they never expected me to do that? It was downright mental. Dolohov hissed at me and I knew that he only agreed to this compromise because Yaxley made him. I carefully put my wand arm in my pockets. "JOIN you? HELP you? What makes you think that I would that?"

"This was a fairly equal deal for all of us Mr. Potter. See, if you would help us, Miss Granger here would be able to go home, unharmed. You can also follow her, but not after you receive the mark and do your side of the bargain. Do our bidding and we'll both set you free, both sides will be . . .happy."

"Harry! Don't do this, please. They will just kill me after you signed the deal. Please go now!"

I looked at her, sadness radiating from my face. "Would you let her go unharmed and alive?"

Yaxley nodded, looking smug as both of them quickly stood up. Yaxley offered a hand for me to shake, signaling the deal while Dolohov took out his wand, ready to perform a binding spell. I stood up, carefully trying to weigh my decisions. Even if I refuse, it would do nothing but cause our deaths. Carefully, I extended my hand, a whirl of emotions playing inside my head. Slowly, slowly, the hand extended.

Slowly.

Slowly.

.

.

.

Reducto.

The area between the five people exploded, starting a complete chaos inside the house. Ron suddenly appeared from the invisibility cloak, grabbing Hermione and trying to signal me to retreat. He went towards the direction of the door. Shouts and screams were heard while spells were fired in every direction.

I casted spell after spell while I threw a Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, trying to divert their attention while I went towards Ron's direction. I strived to run as fast as I casted, pains from different sides of my body were suddenly making themselves known. I had to escape now.

But Dolohov already was guarding the door.

"Clever trick Mr. Potter. But you should have known that we were ready for this."

Yaxley suddenly appeared from behind, holding an unknown item in his hands as the effects of the detonator vanished from sight. Someone grabbed my hands from behind while Dolohov grabbed my neck, making me look at his insane appearance and his dark eyes penetrated mine. "You should have known that what you have done has only caused the deaths of those two."

I tried to break free from his grip as I can but to no avail. Someone took my wand while they made me sit again in the couch, like nothing happened. They held me in place, making sure I didn't try to escape.

Dolohov put his hands on the back of his head and Yaxley sat and held his teacup; they were completely calm, even after the situation that took place. "Told ya those brats were bad news. Look at what they did!"

He turned towards the direction of the damaged floor. Yaxley looked at him and laughed. "Ahhh but you see, we can always repair what has been damaged in our little abode. And even with their escape, note that some of us were already guarding the forest. They were bound to be captured soon."

His words were enough to cast another blaze. No, they're not captured. "You're lying!"

Dolohov grunted. "Don't we have any bottles of Firewhiskey? That scene made my throat hurt."

"I think we still have a bottle or two in that muggle cooler. Funny thing that muggle object, it doesn't even cool the drink. Don't you think so, Mr. Potter?"

I spat at them, giving a deathly glare. Dolohov barred his teeth on me as he stood up. Yaxley just looked amused as he settled again into the couch and took another sip at his cup. "You should try to avoid moving too much, those wounds could be fatal."

Suddenly, a smile tug his lips as he looked at me with an amused expression, like trying to remember a story to tell an old friend. "After the battle, a lot of Death Eaters tried their best to escape. Sadly, not everyone became lucky as we have. I had two accomplices who helped me drag my unconscious comrades out of the place, before the Aurors came. We went from village after village, using Polyjuice Potion to disguise ourselves and hiding our wands so that we won't be detected. It took almost a year for some of us to recover."

His eyes seemed so far as he tried to recall his story. I didn't really listen that much, desperate to find a way to escape.

"After that, we have been trying our best to live. It was disconcerting for us, especially when we were humiliated. Ha! The darkest, most powerful wizard in the world, defeated by a young boy! Tell me boy, what do you possess that made you able to defeat my master?"

I stared at him, trying to ignore the pain by keeping an impassive expression, my lips set on a thin line. "Even the most powerful wizard has his weakness."

"True. But that doesn't mean that the most powerful of wizards can be defeated by seventeen year-old boys."

"Don't sweat it, Yaxley, the boy have nothing to do with it, the old man did. His brain was something you can be scared of."

"Maybe. But he can still help us."

"Just cast an Imperius Curse then. It would be better than trying to persuade him."

Dolohov sat down again as Yaxley pondered on what he said. "We would, but you already know that that drat of a Weasley already invented a device that can detect that curse, it will be of no use to try and infiltrate it, even if we had Potter."

"Let me kill him then. Those Weasleys always have been the cause of problems."

"Even if you did, we cannot undo what he has already accomplished."

A knock suddenly interrupted them as a person suddenly entered the door . . .all I was able to do was hope that it wasn't a bearer of bad news. After a while, the door creaked open as a hooded figure stood up with a wand.

Yaxley looked at me, confident of my defeat. "Ahhh, what good news do you have for us?"

Petrificus Totalus. The Death Eater behind me was knocked back, rendering me completely free. The voice made me smile as I tried to massage my hands.

He suddenly drew his wand to Yaxley's throat and a knife on Dolohov's side when both of them tried to move. They raised their hands in defeat, a grim and fuming expression in each of their faces.

"Let us go and you will be able to live."

Yaxley tried to move, causing Ron to plunge his wand further on his throat. I immediately stood up and looked for my wand from the fallen Death Eater. I pointed it to their direction while ignoring as the pain shot from my body.

"As you wish."

Ron removed his hood and frowned at them before he looked at me, gesturing me to go outside. I ran and he followed, supporting me as we both went away as far as we could. When I thought I was finally out of their reach, I stopped. "That was a close one mate."

I laughed at him as I finally let myself relax at the thought that we were safe. When I tried to motion him to move so that we can finally go home, he just stood there, a grim expression in his face. I frowned at him and looked around.

"Ron, where is Hermione?"

"Harry, look –"

I went towards him and shook his shoulders. ".SHE?"

"She got taken by an unknown Death Eater. We were trying to escape when she was suddenly struck by a curse and was taken. I was also captured but I tried to set myself free. They already got away before I got to subdue my captor. Got lucky so I went to find you first. Both of your captors didn't know that she was taken."

I jerked my hands off of him as I tried to think logically in this situation. I felt so weak that I thought I would collapse any moment. She was the only reason that I can still stand right now. I tried to think that if both of us went towards the direction of the captor, we can fail. . .

And I know nothing would stop me from saving her.

"Ron, I want you to go and alert Kingsley and the others of the situation. I will try to follow them and save Hermione."

Ron looked at me with wide eyes. This time, it was his turn to shake my shoulders. "Are you barking mad? You're already badly injured. Don't tell me you want to go to your death?"

"It's our only chance. If you go, there will still be a possibility that Hermione and I will be saved. The Death Eaters need me; they will do everything to keep me alive." I stared at his blue eyes, which looked so defeated and uncertain. I cupped his chin, urging him to look at me. "We can't afford to lose to them, Ron."

Finally he nodded at me. "Promise me you will go back with her, alive."

I laughed non-comically at him, trying to produce humor. I was doubtful, even in this plan. "Even these wounds won't be enough to stop me."

But his face was serious, ablaze. "Promise me."

I sighed. Sometimes, it is difficult to refuse the request of one Ronald Weasley. "At the left side of the forest, near the entrance to the village, there's this huge tree. You will not miss it, meet me there."

"Be careful, Harry."

I nodded. And just like that, he apparated away.

I sighed again as I took out the bracelet out of my pocket. I looked at the figures which symbolized everything that I had once hoped to say to her. It took me many months to make this, having advanced Transfigurations lessons with McGonagall perfected each detail when I asked her to help me. Unknown tears fell as I kissed the bracelet. I clung unto it as I looked at the forest with determined eyes. My goals were set, my mind was clear of any doubts. I only have one purpose, failure was not an option.

I turned to the direction that Ron gave me and scouted deep inside the forest. It took me a few minutes to find a source of hope after so much wandering.

But it was there.

A firelight, glinting from the darkness. There were also two shadows. I silently hid in a nearby tree, hoping to find out what they were up to.

A faint male voice, hoarse and strong, rang in my ears. "We already sent Gordon to tell them that we got the girl. I don't know the situation inside the camp but the last thing I saw, the Weasley brat and Potter were already captured."

Another voice, this one, strong and commanding responded. "Still, it would be better if we're well prepared. They nearly escaped us, good thing Yaxley has it all figured out. How's the girl?"

"The effect of the curse was still upon her. I will guard her until reinforcements arrive."

"Good. I'll stand watch."

I carefully climbed down the slope and took out my wand. A smile tugged my features as I realized that this will be an easy task. There were only two of them versus an injured Harry, but I have the upper hand. Disable the brain and you will disable the body. I had to move fast, stealth was the key.

It took me a while to climb down. It seemed as if my injuries were finally taking their toll on my mangled body. I didn't even have to look at them to know that they're already worse. When I was finally at the tree closest to the person guarding the camp, my heart beat faster as I tried to summon all anger and pain I possess.

Imperio.

I heard the person sigh as he slumped on the tree where I was hiding. I felt like I was controlling a puppet again as I tried to produce the thoughts that would render him to free Hermione from the curse she was set in, without it looking too fishy.

"Rowle, free the girl from the curse." I tried to deploy my commands as strictly as I can while I made him mimic a natural gesture of Yaxley.

"But Rodolphus, it would be unwise to do such thing!" Bloody git, listen to this fool. I never thought I was this difficult to try to copy a Death Eater. Now I know how Hermione felt when she tried to copy Bellatrix. I closed my eyes again, but a haze of pain interrupted my line of thoughts.

Then again, I had to try.

"Free her, we don't want Potter to cause anymore harm to us, it would ruin our plans."

"Surely, there is another way? I mean, the effect of this particular spell was only to give her nightmares at a certain level, it wouldn't do her any harm."

I tried to think of a lie. A spell that can cause nightmares? "The girl is already weak from the previous encounters; she will not wake up even after the spell is released."

The man sighed, cursing as he walked towards Hermione's direction. I smiled at myself, I'm a lucky bastard. Finally peeking out of the tree, I tried to find where she was. The man casted the counter curse but Hermione didn't even twitch. She just laid there, unmoving.

When the man was finally moving towards our direction, it was time to make my move.

Stupefy. The man flew into the tree and landed with a thud. I went towards his direction and checked if he was unconscious. I recognized him as Thorfinne Rowle, as the Imperiused Death Eater called him. He was the Death Eater we saw with Dolohov at the café after escaping from the attack at Bill and Fleur's wedding. I tried to look at his collapsed form, even in sleep, he still looked menacing. Casting one last glance at him, I went to the direction of the person I casted the Imperius Curse with.

He wore this blank stare, even with the Imperius. Sighing, I didn't recognize his appearance at all. Rodolphus? Even the name was strange. Petrificus Totalus.

After a few minutes, I left the camp. I put the two Death Eaters into a tree and left them tied. I carefully supported the sleeping Hermione by putting her hands in my shoulder before forcing my will and the last of my strength to apparate us away.

The snow fell as I landed near the tree; a smile erupted from my features after what I have just accomplished. I tried to stand up, but failed many times. So I just sat down and hugged Hermione while I dragged myself into a bark.

After a few minutes, I was able to pull myself and settle into the tree's trunk. It was cold, so cold that my wounds were already numbing. I looked at Hermione's sleeping form, glad that we were both safe. She was shivering and her face was contorted in pain. I tried to relax her by rubbing my hands in circles over her back. I took out a handkerchief inside my pocket, determined to wipe away the dirt and snow that accumulated in her features and make her more comfortable before removing my jacket to put it into her sleeping form.

It took me a while to realize the amount of blood caked in the jacket. When I looked at where we landed, blood was also scattered in the snow. Was it that bad?

I ignored it, after all, the cold already made me numb from the pain.

Suddenly, Hermione jerked awake, muttering incoherent words while crying. "Ssshhh, Hermione, love, you are safe now."

I tried to rub my hand on her back again as I held her closer. "Sshhh, everything's ok now. No one will harm you."

But that didn't stop her from thrashing and shouting. I held her tight, trying to find a way just to make her stop. I carefully took out the bracelet out of my pockets and held it tight with my hand.

She suddenly opened her eyes and stared at me. I smiled at her as I caressed her face. "H-ha..rry? Please don't leave me."

"I'm here. Go back to sleep. I'll be here with you."

And then, I started to sing. I sang because it was the only way to express my feelings to her as I held her.

Oh sleep, sweet babe. Though the storm is violently around. I remembered the song clearly because I have repeated it many times when I was in Hogwarts. Even with that, It never failed to warm my heart.

Just sleep, Dear babe. Though the wind's a keen and icy sound. This song was always present in my evening discussions with Luna when we're inside my room. And it was also the song that played whenever Hermione comes, she would always be the one to play it while she studied.

Oh hush, sweet babe. There is nothing you should fear. It took a while but she finally settled in my arms. Her breathing became normal again as she snuggled closer to me. I held her tightly as tears tried to escape from my eyes, I held them back and I looked at her. She fell asleep again, her face twisted with a frown. I never thought she would look so fragile.

Just hush, dear babe. Oh, my love is always here. A lone tear tricked down my face as I felt my body weaken with every minute that passed. My breath hitched as I tried to put the melody into words. I was feeling it now, all those times that I have ignored the pain, it came sharp and painful as I sang. But still, I continued to sing the lullaby.

I lightly hold you safe in my arms. Sun or rain will not touch you, will not come to harm. My eyes felt heavy as I struggled to stay unconscious. I looked at the sky. The snow sparkled beautifully as they fell on the ground that even the chilly wind was forgotten. I looked at the hand that held the bracelet and used it to caress her hair. It was so peaceful now.

Lay calm, dear babe, now the night is nearly through. As the ending of the song became nearer, I looked at her sleeping form and smiled.

Lay calm, sweet babe, there's a world waiting here for you. It was all I could ever ask for, for her to be the last thing I saw before I sleep.

"Sleep well. . .love. Remember when you asked me to sing for you back when we were still at Grimmauld? I already fulfilled my promise and sang you a lullaby." I tried to force a laugh. It was becoming harder and harder to stay awake as time passed.

"Sorry I came late. It's just that, those blokes were really hard to get rid of." I smiled as I tried to forget what happened today and remember those times I spent with her, they were always so peaceful but everyday was an adventure. But then, every time I spent with her was an adventure, be it defeating a full-grown troll or the horror of removing poo.

Hermione. It was all I could ask for; spending time with you, knowing you. . .loving you. I never thought anyone could feel this special. Our fights, flaws, smiles, laughter. . .everything, every moment was brilliant. Meeting you was a pleasure but loving you probably one of the greatest moments that happened to me. I would never know how to put these into words.

"Eve..ry…day…I spent…with…you…was ma..gi..cal." I smiled at myself, who would ever thought I was still capable of speech even if I was this weak? I was slowly losing the functions of my numb body, but my mind was still able to think, albeit vaguely.

Ron, I am sorry. I got what I ask, she was already safe. I looked at the sky with a smile. . .but nothing felt better than looking at the girl in my arms. I weakly went to get her arms and tried to kiss her forehead before I settled my head in hers. The melody of the song kept playing on my mind as my eyes suddenly felt very heavy for me to fight off. I tried to blink, but all I could see was white light as I finally closed my eyes.

My lips moved as I tried to produce one last set of words.

"I…love…you."

I know, still haven't decided on the next few chapters so just wait for them. Haha! This will be one of my favorites. How was the action scene? Did you enjoy? Haha! Tell me what you think. :)

And also, listen to the song "My Love is Always Here" by Alexandre Desplat if you want to hear it. It was on the soundtrack of Deathly Hallows 1. :)