A/N: I did not make it clear in the last chapter that Harry, Dudley, Draco and Mercedes were taking a really long time, taking the really long way and stopped several times. I also, forgot to mention some talking as they made their way through the castle. I will try and add it in, in this chapter; although I am not sure that it will matter much…we shall see what happens. My apologies for this…fumble.
Anyway…on with the story…
Sirius quickly made his way to the Headmasters office. He had no doubt that Narcissa was a nervous wreck. Sirius wondered what Narcissa had been told so far. Sirius wasn't going to have to wonder much longer as he had reached the gargoyles. By this point, Sirius realized that he did not have the password to give to the gargoyles. Sirius was quite startled when the gargoyles leaped aside and the doors opened revealing not only the spiral staircase but Albus as well.
"Ah, Sirius, the elf Muri found you I see." Albus said with relief evident in his voice that.
"What has Narcissa been told so far?" Sirius asked with concern in his voice.
"Severus tried to explain it all but at just the mention of it having to do with Lucius…well, I'm sure that you can figure out how your cousin reacted. The insistence on you being present only came about once Narcissa had calmed."
"Shall we head up then? Narcissa has waited long enough and I do not want her to have to wait much longer." Sirius hastily said as he was obviously worried and concerned.
Albus nodded in agreement and took a few steps out of the way to make room for Sirius. The two wizards remained silent as the staircase spiraled up. Though Sirius thought and wondered if the staircase was moving faster than he recalled as a child, he did not ask.
"Sirius." Narcissa choked out the instant she saw Sirius.
Sirius instantly noticed the overly paleness to Narcissa, the faint shaking from trembling, the red and slightly puffy eyes but mostly the fear, terror, anxiety and stress. There was no doubt in Sirius' mind that Narcissa had been going through a variety of scenarios that were horrific and rather depressing. Sirius knew that the scenarios were Narcissa's way of trying to prepare herself for what she may hear. Not assuming what was to come but expecting the worst possible outcome. It was understandable with everything she had gone through. Sirius quickly pushed all thought out of his mind knowing that any longer and Narcissa would try to close the gap between them on her own and that is not what Sirius wanted. As Sirius made his way to his cousins' side he gave Severus a questioning glance.
"No offense taken Sirius you are family and you have been able to be there for Narcissa when I could not be. I am a good friend and I understand that at a time like this Narcissa needs family." Severus reassured the anxious man.
"Sirius…what has happened? Has he..?" Narcissa asked frantically.
"Narcissa…Draco is well, whole and uninjured." Sirius reassured his cousin. "I…recommend that you are sitting down when things are explained to you." Sirius said calmly hoping he had not caused his cousin more worry with the use of the word 'recommend'.
Narcissa shakily sighed in relief at hearing that bit of information and slowly sat back down on the seat. Sirius sat next to her on her left side and motioned for Severus to sit on her other side.
"Severus with what Narcissa will be informed of today…I strongly suggest that you sit on her other side. You and I are the only adult family she's had all these years…she should have both." Sirius urged his childhood rival.
"Merlin." Severus whispered as he moved over to sit next to Narcissa. "There's more than..?"
"There is more than what you knew of when you left earlier." Sirius answered with an odd tone to his voice and an odd look in his eyes that no one could put their finger on.
"Now, that Sirius is here, Severus would you like to continue informing Narcissa of what has been discovered." Albus urged.
"I think that it would be best for Sirius to explain." Severus said flatly as he once again pushed down his desire to insult his friend's cousin.
Sirius sighed, looked Narcissa in the eyes and took a deep breath before saying anything.
"I do not mean to be insensitive but I will be blunt and straight to the point." Sirius explained. "The individual that we have been encountering the past thirteen has been using polyjuice potion while your husband was being held captive somewhere in Malfoy Manor." Sirius said in one breath not wanting to drag it out.
Narcissa was speechless and in shock at what Sirius had said. The information was still processing in Narcissa's mind. As the information processed Narcissa's coloring began to fade, her eyes opened as wide as they could as tears began to spill from her eyes. Many things went through her mind all at once.
"Wh-who..?" Narcissa choked out.
"Amon Velius." Severus replied knowing what Narcissa was meaning.
"A-mon V-elius." Narcissa said with a bit of horror and terror in her voice. "How can that be?"
"Unfortunately, that we do not know." Severus replied giving away no sign of his emotions.
"H-how do you know that A-mon has been impersonating my husband?" Narcissa asked in a soft, shaky tone as her voice cracked.
"My Godson, Harry, is the one who discovered this fact." Sirius explained in the simplest way possible.
"H-how?" Narcissa said with confusion clearly present in her voice and eyes and on her face.
"I will let my Godson explain that part as he is the one that discovered Amon impersonating Lucius." Sirius said in tones that screamed at how proud he was of his Harry for discovering the renowned and highly dangerous Death Eater without being discovered. "More importantly is the location of your husband…"
"Wh-where is he? Is he still somewhere in the Manor? Has he been found? Is he alright?" Narcissa fired off question after question rapidly.
"He's…" Sirius began to say that Lucius was fine but that was not exactly true.
"Lucius has been found and is in the safest place for the time being. Lucius is…recovering." Severus quickly explained in a reassuring tone of voice.
"Where? With A-mon running around…please do not tell me that my husband has been stashed away in a Muggle hospital or something. I don't mean anything bad about Muggles…I just…"
"We know that. No, Lucius is not in a Muggle hospital or anywhere near Muggles. Lucius is here at Hogwarts in the infirmary with security measures." Severus quickly reassured Narcissa.
"My Godson enlisted the help of Dobby to find Lucius and have your husband brought to Hogwarts." Sirius briefly, vaguely explained.
"We are doing all that we can to keep this quite for as long as possible. There are reasons that I am not going to divulge the details of." Albus said in a firm yet calming tone.
"When this does come to light to the Wizarding World…preferably on our terms, but regardless there are going to be some within the Ministry of Magic that are going to question how you could not have known." Severus said as sympathetically as he would allow. He did not want Sirius to think he was weak.
"It was not unusual for Lucius to be in a right mood or state after a meeting with The Dark Lord. The more upset the Dark Lord was at the meeting would put Lucius in a worse mood that would fade and he was never violet towards any of us. I didn't think anything of it, not even after several months. I was more worried and concerned for my children's safety than anything else. It never once crossed my mind that it was not Lucius that dreadful day. Everything happened so fast and spiraled out of control. The only thing that kept me grounded and sane were my children. After giving up my baby girl…between worrying about Draco and wishing that I could know something about my baby girl…" Narcissa growled defensively, softly sobbing.
"Narcissa, we didn't even realize it so we do not think that you could have known. Especially when factoring in that you had children to take care of and the whole situation surrounding your baby girl." Sirius said as reassuring as humanly possible.
Albus nodded in agreement. Not one of them caught that Severus had not agreed.
"I do believe that Lucius has been asking for his family." Albus said.
Narcissa stood to leave for the infirmary but stopped as she realized there was more.
"Sirius, what else is there?" Narcissa asked with trepidation in her voice.
"If you want to know now, you will have to be seated." Sirius said seriously. "Albus it would be best if you were sitting as well." Sirius added.
Albus conjured a chair and sat down in it while Narcissa resumed her seat between Sirius and Severus.
"What is this concerning?" Narcissa asked quietly as she was not sure if it was good or bad news.
"Your daughter..." Sirius said as sensitive as he could. "She's here at Hogwarts."
All three reacted at once making it impossible for Sirius to understand what they were saying as well as answer any questions if any had been asked.
Several minutes later it was quiet allowing Sirius to explain more.
"Harry, again, discovered this. It has been a while now, but when I declared myself as the Head of the House of Black the family tapestry repaired itself of the damage my mother had inflicted upon it. The tapestry not only added all those that my mother had blasted off but also added a few other witches. The tapestry added Ruby and our daughter…that will be for another discussion. The tapestry also added a witch next to Draco, indicating that the girl had been adopted out. The only reason why I am even here at Hogwarts at this hour is because I had to speak to Harry. The small picture representing you daughter on the tapestry began to flicker, shimmer of some sort." Sirius explained with the long version as to also explain why he had not said anything previously.
"Her…her name?" Narcissa asked after half an hour once she had calmed down.
"Mercedes Johnson." Sirius replied. "She was sorted into…" Sirius began but could not finish.
"Ravenclaw." Severus said in an amused tone and a faint smirk on his face.
Narcissa sat there letting the fact that her daughter had been sorted into another house that was not Slytherin. At first it was not an easy thing to accept, but then she realized that since Mercedes had not been raised by her.
"Harry has informed both Draco and Mercedes. I am sure that they are headed for the infirmary if not already there." Sirius said as it had occurred to him.
"I will let Poppy know that you are on your way." Albus said faintly as he was still in shock.
No one responded in any way. Sirius was more focused on his cousin as she was still in shock with everything she had heard. Severus also was concerned about Narcissa as it was a lot to take in and process. Severus, also was still in shock though he did not let it show as much.
Albus had sent word to Poppy to let the nurse know that Narcissa and two other's would be arriving shortly.
After quite a bit of time, Narcissa stood and headed to the door of Albus' office before stopping and looking back towards Sirius and Severus.
"I need both of you with me. I am a strong witch, but I need you both. And I know that Lucius needs you, Severus." Narcissa said with a hint of desperation in her voice.
Both wizards stood as though to follow Narcissa out of the office.
"Poppy has opened her floo connection so that the three of you may get there as soon as possible." Albus informed Narcissa, Sirius and Severus. "It seems that Lucius is being rather difficult and insisting on see his family." Albus added with hint of laughter in his voice. "I will be there shortly as I have some other business to attend to first."
"The lock down enchantments." Sirius and Severus said in a matter of fact tone rather a question.
"Correct. I will be removing it but not informing the rest of the staff until after I know that the four students not bound by the lock down are in the confines of the infirmary." Albus confirmed and explained. "I suggest you all get going, Poppy is awaiting your arrival."
Severus went through the floo first, Narcissa followed next with Sirius going last.
xxxXXXxxx
After Albus let Poppy know that Severus, Narcissa and Sirius would be on their way, the Medi-witch glanced in on Lucius before quickly retrieving some potions from her stores. Poppy had barely returned to Lucius and gave him the potion when the silent alarm went off indicating that there were people in the infirmary. Poppy quickly slipped out of Lucius' room and around so that it looked as though she had been in the back doing inventory of her stores.
"Poppy." Narcissa said worriedly.
Before Poppy could say anything Albus stepped through the floo.
"I am sure that young Mr. Malfoy and Miss. Johnson along with Mr. Potter and Mr. Evans will be here shortly." Albus informed.
"I understand Mr. Malfoy being on his way. But the other three?" Poppy asked.
Poppy then looked to Sirius since everyone else had turned their attention to him.
Sirius first explained about Mercedes being the baby girl Narcissa had given up years ago. Sirius then explained why Harry was on his way to the infirmary instead of Gryffindor House as well as what he believed to be why Dudley was also on his way to the infirmary.
Poppy was at a loss for words. The medi-witch had no idea that there had been a female born to Narcissa and Lucius thirteen years ago. Though Poppy did not know all of the details surrounding why Narcissa had given up the baby girl, she was not about to ask. Poppy had a really good idea and that was enough. Though she didn't show it, Poppy was worried about Miss. Johnson. Worried about how the young witch was dealing with and handling the news. The medi-witch knew that she would have to wait for the witch to seek her out to talk if Miss. Johnson should chose to do so. In the meantime, Poppy had a patient that needed her.
"Poppy…" Narcissa began with a tone of fear in voice. "How…how is my husband?" Narcissa managed to ask in a shaky voice.
Sirius and Severus moved a bit closer to Narcissa, one on each side. The immediate silence that fell in the infirmary did not translate into anything good. Not necessarily bad, just not good.
"Lucius has improved a great deal." Poppy began in a positive tone. "Though Lucius would be better off in the care of the Healers at St. Mungo's, I will not transfer him there as it is too dangerous for him. I can help...I can get Lucius back on his feet. It will take a while, a long while." Poppy said delaying what she had to say as it was not good news. "Lucius is severely malnourished, he is extremely exhausted…mentally, physically and magically. Yes, Albus worse than Miss. Granger had been." Poppy said with as much compassion as she could though in a grave tone. "Narcissa, your husband's magic is nearly depleted…almost completely."
"You mean…"
"Narcissa it is not a permanent thing. Lucius' magic will return in time, with rest and not using magic. If he does use magic it could very well drain him of all magic if not finish him off. I apologize for the bluntness of my last statement, but there was no other way to explain it. There is so much damage…damage to his magic and his being is quite severe and I have to admit that I need help with Lucius' care." Poppy managed to explain without choking up. "Not what you are thinking Narcissa, though it is appreciated and I feel that it would help some. What I was meaning is that…I know a Healer at St. Mungo's, she is more than qualified enough and is trustworthy. I know she will have no problem with making a magical binding contract preventing her from speaking about any of this. The only individuals she will be able to discuss anything to about Lucius' care will be myself any those I authorize to be privy of the status of Lucius. Also, she will be willing to sign a magical binding confidentiality contract." Poppy explained in a reassuring tone.
Before anyone could react or comment the doors to the infirmary opened and a small group of students entered. The adults barely had time to hide their facial expressions and or reactions to what they had been informed of seconds prior.
Narcissa somehow kept her facial features schooled though a soft gasp escaped her. Narcissa had to admit that it was a strange sight to see. Not that her son was walking in the infirmary with Harry Potter, but the girl…Mercedes Johnson…Malfoy by blood. The young witch seemed to be flickering in a way. The closer the kids got the more the flickering or shimmering, to be more precise, became more erratic. Narcissa kept her reaction inside herself as she did not want to get on the wrong foot with the girl.
The group of nine witches and wizards just stood there in silence, staring at one another for several minutes.
"Well, a reunion, an introduction and questions to be answered are to commence…I shall take my leave now." Albus said breaking the silence that fell and left within a few seconds.
Mercedes was nervous, confused, conflicted and scared. She was quite aware of the shimmering that was going on and this is what confused the girl the most and partially the reason why she was scared. Mercedes had become to start to get to know Draco and the foundation of a friendship. The young witch pushed the information that a wizard she considered a friend was actually her brother. Mercedes did not want to think about it yet, she needed time and space to think about it to deal with it and how to proceed and move forward. She was determined to get through the introduction with Draco's father who he himself did not know. Mercedes was going to stay as long as she could without being rude or acting like a small child. She could use the time to figure out how to let everyone know that she needed time and space to figure things out in a way that was not rude or childish.
"I will allow all of you to enter Lucius' room. Mr. Potter and Mr. Evans I must insist that neither of you stay long as it is late and a family is reuniting after many years. Sirius I know you are family by blood but I must also insist that you do no stay long but you may remain longer than your Godson and his cousin. Severus…"
"No need to say it Poppy, I know." Snape borderline snapped at the medi-witch.
"Severus there is no need to be so short tempered with Poppy." Narcissa gently chided the wizard.
A few seconds passed in silence before everyone went on in Lucius' private and secure room. Entering the room did take some time as the security wards were being adjusted to recognize the visitors and allow them to pass through without any problems in the future.
Mercedes was the last to enter the room. It was difficult for everyone to suppress their reaction. The shimmering was so rapid that Mercedes was in a blur. And then a cracking and snapping sound could be heard moments before what looked like a magical explosion had occurred. Once the brightness faded and the eyes of those that watched had adjusted a reverberating gasp could be heard. Standing in the room before them was a replica of a younger Narcissa.
Draco was stunned and shocked to see the Malfoy skin coloring, hair and eyes as he had not had time to think about what Mercedes really looked like without the glamor. Lucius was in shock and looked from the girl before him and to Narcissa several times. Lucius was beginning to think that it was the start of him losing his mind. It was an odd feeling for him to be seeing his wife as she was now and when they had been in school at the same time. Severus and Sirius were having a déjà vumoment and Narcissa was doing what she could to not burst into tears but could stop a few stray tears from falling. A Second later, Narcissa quickly replaced the glamor she had placed on the girl as a baby. Narcissa replaced everything but a bit stronger and without the notice-me-not part of the glamour.
After a quick flash of light the same girl stood before them but looked quite different. Mercedes now had long, wavy chestnut hair, deep blue eyes and an olive complexion. No traces of any kind of Malfoy heritage could be seen by anyone except for Narcissa.
Lucius had kept his eyes on the younger looking version of his wife though was full aware of his wife doing something with her wand. The next thing Lucius knew was that the younger witch looked strikingly different.
"Would someone please tell me what the bloody hell is going on?" Lucius asked with confusion in his voice and on his face once he found his voice.
No one said anything for a while. Narcissa was not sure if she could say the words without her voice catching and looked towards Harry. Mercedes was feeling uncomfortable enough and trying to hold on to waiting a while before processing the information for her own state of being. Draco was feeling about the same as Mercedes was and Dudley just didn't feel right being the one to answer the question plus he was not the one to have found out that Mercedes is the Malfoy daughter that Narcissa had given up for the girls sake and safety.
"This is Mercedes Johnson and by blood she is a Malfoy. The baby girl your wife gave up to protect the child's life." Harry replied in the simplest and most direct way but now without sensitivity.
Lucius could find the words to say. The answer he received was not at all what he thought it would be. He did know that Narcissa had given their baby girl up and had told him why, but it did not occur to him that the young witch in his room could possibly be that baby girl, not even when seeing her look like his wife when they were at school. It was going to take some time for the information to sink in and for him and the rest of his family to adjust to if it was even possible for Mercedes to do so.
"Maybe it would be best if we wait for the rest of the questions to be asked and answered for another time." Narcissa gently suggested for Lucius' and Mercedes' sakes.
Through all this Mercedes took her leave as she could not wait any longer and her fears as to what the Malfoy's wanted from her and her family that she had known all her life. It didn't help Mercedes that her mind began to replay several articles and news casts about people giving up their kids for a variety of reasons and when finding them the adults wanted their kids back since the situation was no longer there. Some had even gone to the point of taking the adoptive family to court and awarded custody back no matter what the children said.
Mercedes departure was not unnoticed. No one mentioned anything about it as they were not sure what to say about it if anything at all. Draco was feeling as though he was being pulled in two different directions. He wanted to stay and to get to know his real father but then there was a friend of his that had received some shocking news and Draco wanted to go after her to make sure that she was alright.
"I know that each of us wants to go after Mercedes, but we need to give her some time and space. Your family has received news that you've been wanting hear, wanting to know. Mercedes has always known that she was adopted but really hadn't thought about the family that gave her up for adoption. I can only imagine what is going through her head right now." Harry said in a way that warned those listening to do as he said.
"Giving her time and space will also avoid making her feel as though she's being pressured into something that she's not quite ready for." Narcissa added knowing what Harry was meaning. "I do not want her feel as though I expect a mother/daughter relationship instantly or cause her to feel that she should or has to leave the family she has known, the family that has raised her, that loves her and she loves in return." Narcissa added feeling she had to, but as though she felt she had to explain further. She just had to say it out loud for herself.
Severus and Snape really could not think of what to say therefore remained silent. They did agree that Mercedes should be given some time and space to think, to process, to figure out what happens now.
"Dudley and I should get going before Madam Pomfrey chews us out for staying so long." Harry said politely as he left. He wanted to give the Malfoy family time alone to discuss things.
"Draco, wait as long as you can before trying to contact Mercedes. I suggest that for when you do contact her do so by owl. Also, focus more on the friendship that has formed. I'd say more but you are not daft." Dudley said just before leaving the room.
Severus said nothing as he left shortly after Harry and Dudley. Severus knew he had to get out of the room. Though he knew he was considered part of the Malfoy family, Severus felt that it was time for blood family to connect. There were other reasons why he felt he had to leave, reasons he was determined to keep to himself.
Once Severus was in his private quarters he poured himself a good measure of Ogden's finest in an attempt to not think about what his extended family was going through. It worked for all of ten minutes and though Severus was tempted to drink more he didn't. Instead Severus paced his miniscule living room. He kept thinking of how to his best friend could be healed at a faster rate.
Severus was no idiot, he knew that there was more to it than what Poppy had told them and she had her reasons for not saying all of what was wrong with Lucius. Having had enough, Severus floo called Poppy.
"Severus this had better be good." Poppy said as she stepped through.
"What is it that you are not saying about Lucius' condition?" Severus asked point blank.
"I should have known that you of all people could see more than meets the eye." Poppy replied as though she had expected to be asked the question that Severus had.
"You are trying to buy time, Poppy and that can only mean it is worse than you summarized earlier."
"I had been contemplating on how much to tell before I could finish deciding the four students walked in. I did not want to be precise in Lucius' condition in front of the children, especially in front of young Malfoy and Miss. Johnson as of yet that is." Poppy explained in a defensive manner.
"Poppy how bad is Lucius' condition?"
"I will tell you." Poppy promised. "But first, Severus, you will be sitting." Poppy ordered.
Severus knew it was as worse as it could be and fairly quickly took a seat in his favorite chair.
"I will be blunt Severus; I do not know how much time Lucius has left…"
"Why haven't you contacted this Healer you were speaking of?" Severs asked doing his best to not react much to what Poppy had just said.
"I am waiting on the Malfoy family's willingness to allow yet another individual know the whole story." Poppy answered knowing full well what Severus was doing.
"I can assure you that they will be willing to let a Healer in on what is going on. I have known Lucius, them for years, Poppy…"
"Severus, I understand what you are saying and I do not doubt it, but the Healer in question will want to know if they are okay with it."
"Poppy…"
"Severus, I wish I could be more precise in how much time there is for Lucius. It could be days or years. The group of Malfoy's in the infirmary and Mercedes are the only Malfoy's alive today. So, far I do not see any of them being strong enough of or powerful to magically aid Lucius' care. Also, they have been separated for about thirteen years. Narcissa, Draco and Mercedes would have to connect and strengthen their familial bond. Narcissa and Draco might be able to succeed with just the two of them. It would be best if Mercedes is included, but I she is clearly not ready for something like what would be required, if it were to even possible for them to do so." Poppy said genuinely sincere and decided to drop the formalities in regard to Draco and Mercedes as they were not around. "I need to get back to the infirmary and ensure that Lucius is comfortable and not in any pain." Poppy said with a hint of regret for having to leave Severus so soon, but the medi-witch had a stronger obligation to Lucius and left.
Severus remained in the chair for a while as what Poppy said sunk in. Several minutes had past when Severus stood gain and resumed pacing. Everything Poppy had said replayed in his mind. The last Poppy had said before leaving seemed to ring a bell for Severus. Something about magically aiding another stuck in his mind and the next second it hit him. Severus stopped pacing and stood there. He was consumed by a though, a wish that he wanted more than anything to be a possibility, to be more than a possibility. He was so consumed by this wish that he was not aware of someone else's reaction.
xxxXXXxxx
Sirius left shortly after Severus so that Narcissa, Lucius and Draco could spend some time together alone. Sirius made his way to Albus' office as he wasn't quite ready to return home yet. It was no surprise to Sirius that as he was a few feet away from the gargoyles that he saw Albus standing in front of the gargoyles as though waiting for someone to show up.
The two wizards nodded in acknowledgement of each other and silently stood on the staircase as it rose up. Not a word was said until they were securely in Albus' office.
"Albus, would it be too inconvenient to provide accommodations for me to stay one night?" Sirius inquired in a tired tone.
"Not at all Sirius." Albus replied.
"I guess the question now is, where for me to stay? I would not to impose on you or other staff members, Severus is out of the question and I do not fancy staying in the infirmary."
"Understandable, though I must say that there would be no imposing. I believe that the temporary quarters for Miss. Granger and Mr. Potter can still be used. With Poppy no longer needing it for medical purposes I will be able to access the room and set it up for you for the night." Albus said with a small smile on his face.
"That is acceptable." Sirius said in an even more tired tone.
"I think flooing to Gryffindor House would be wise with how tired you are." Albus said with a faint chuckle.
Sirius nodded with a half assed frown on his face at Albus' amusement.
Without much more time passing the two wizards flooed to the Gryffindor common room. The few students that were still in the common room were given a slight fright at the floo activating and to see the Headmaster step out with a very tired Sirius Black.
xxxXXXxxx
Harry and Dudley stood out in the hallway in front of the doors to the infirmary for a few minutes. Both wizards were contemplating on seeing if they could find Mercedes. It did not seem likely that the witch would feel any pressure as neither had not familial ties to the Malfoy's in any way. Thinking more on it, they decided on just leaving Mercedes alone for now on the off chance that their friendship with Draco might cause the same reaction in Mercedes as it would if one of the members of the Malfoy family were to approach the witch in the next twenty-four hours.
The two young wizards bid each other a good night and went in different directions in order to reach their respective houses.
Dudley entered an empty Slytherin common room, for which he was grateful for as he had no intention on explaining where he had been where Draco currently was. Harry on the other hand found the rest of his friends waiting around for his return. The one exception being Hermione who was working on something that Harry feared was some kind of holiday assignment for school.
"So, how did it go with the informing Lucius?" Ginny asked hoping that it went alright.
"I'm not sure to be honest." Harry answered as he made his way over to the couch where she was sitting. "I can say that it did not go as we would have thought or hopped." Harry continued as he sat next to Ginny.
"What happened?" Hermione asked as she redirected her attention.
"Well, once we were all in Lucius' room Mercedes glamor broke and I mean completely broke. The impression I got from Lucius' reaction and a Sirius' as well as Snape's reaction, Mercedes looks exactly how Narcissa did at the age of thirteen."
"How is Mercedes taking it?" Neville asked.
"Harry…the glamor…this not good…" Ron stuttered.
"Narcissa reacted quickly and replaced the glamor on Mercedes though I am sure stronger this time as it held. Mercedes did take off and in a hurry." Harry replied covering both Neville's question and Ron's concern.
"Is she alright?" Hermione and Ginny asked concerned.
"I think that she just needs time and some space. She has known all her life that she was adopted but not why and not having any idea if she had and brothers or sisters. As much as I want to find her see how she is doing I am going to give her the time and space she needs." Harry answered as best he could since he had no way of knowing for sure how Mercedes was doing.
"I can't imagine what it must be like for her." Fred muttered.
"As Harry said, Mercedes just needs some time and space and we are all going to give her what she needs." George added.
"We can't just sit by and wait for Mercedes to track us down. I don't want her to think that her friends have abandoned her." Ron said aloud what they all were thinking.
"I will refrain from contacting her for twenty-four hours. If she acknowledges me I will not ignore her. After twenty-four hours I will hold off for as long as I can, but when I do contact her I am pretty sure that it will not be face to face." Harry stated as he suppressed a yawn.
"That is a good idea." Fred agreed.
"But, we need to be careful so that we are not bombarding her with owls." George added.
"We definitely do not want to do that." Fred agreed.
"I agree that we should wait the stated amount of time and not to bombard Mercedes with owls. Ginny, Violet and I…and Luna…it's different, we can approach Mercedes." Hermione said in a faint tone of superiority.
The boys went right into discussion about how unfair it was though they knew what Hermione said was true. Ginny and Violet defended what Hermione had said and tried to explain it to the boys.
Hermione remained silent, listened and watched her housemates. The very next second Hermione softly gasped. A look of surprise and confusion washed over her features unnoticed by her friends. With a frown on her face, Hermione started to look around. Shaking her head when she didn't see an extra witch or wizard in the common room Hermione thought that she imagined it. A second later she heard the same quiet voice as before.
"This isn't right." Hermione muttered as she again looked around for anything out of the ordinary.
"Hermione are you alright?" Ron asked once realizing that Hermione had been rather quiet and the confused frown on her face.
Hermione did not respond as she had realized that whatever she was hearing was in her head. It was a bit frightening to admit that she was hearing a quiet voice in her head. It happened again and was starting to frustrate Hermione mainly since she could not really get a lock on what was being said. She then wondered if she wasn't necessarily hearing a voice in her head but thoughts instead. Hermione's eyes opened wide as a thought, of her own, occurred to her.
"Hermione…" Ron said concerned and a little worried.
"Shhhhh." Hermione said annoyed. She knew whatever it was she was hearing would happen again and she wanted to hear it and know if her suspicion was dead on or not.
Hermione was not let down.
'If only the Malfoy's could for Lucius what Miss. Granger, Mr. Evans and Miss. Evens did for Mr. Potter. Lucius just got his family back and now they no longer have to wonder about their second child, it would be so cruel for them to lose Lucius. If they all can reconnect…Merlin there has to be a way for this to be possible. Not just for me, not just for so many other's and not just for them but for Mercedes as well. Mercedes needs some healing of a different nature but all the same. Could it be possible for the Malfoy's to do what was done for Mr. Potter? '
Hermione knew without a doubt that she was hearing Snape's thoughts. Hermione also knew that Snape was wishing, hoping with such intensity that it was passing through the connection they shared. A moment later it hit Hermione like a ton of books. The wheels in her head began turning rapidly with an idea that could work and help the Malfoy family. Hermione stood and at sprinted up the stairs to the dormitories without a word to her friends.
"What the bloody hell was that all about?" Ron blurted out.
"Nothing to worry about I can assure you. No, I do not know what that was about, but I do know that she is on to something more than when she helped me." Harry reassured and explained.
"Do you think that maybe she found a way to speed up Draco's fathers' recovery?" Violet asked.
"It is possible that she has. Although, I get the feeling that it's more than just that." Harry said thoughtfully.
Before anyone could say more the floo activated and Albus and Sirius stepped out into the common room giving them all a fright.
"Our apologies to you all." Albus said sincerely. "I did not realize that anyone would still be up."
"No problem." Harry said as calmly as he could.
"We'll be off to bed…" Ron began.
"Not necessary Mr. Weasley. You are after all in your house and it is the Christmas Holidays. I am just escorting to Sirius to the small quarters that Mr. Potter and Miss. Granger once used. It seems this one here is too tired to return home and will be staying the night at Hogwarts." Albus said a bit too cheerily for everyone else. "Well, we will be on our way now." Albus said as he gently steered Sirius towards the portrait hole.
"Why didn't they just floo to the quarters you and Hermione had used?" Ron asked once the elder wizards had left the common room.
"Probably because the temporary quarters have been vacant for a while now and may not still be linked to the floo network. They flooed here as a precaution, you know a safety measure." Ginny replied as though it should have been obvious.
"I'm going to retire for the night." Harry said quickly. "I suggest the rest of you do the same." Harry said as an afterthought as he stood and headed for the staircase.
As much as Ginny wanted to argue further with her brother she instead followed Harry.
"I for one am going to stay down here for a bit longer." Neville muttered.
"I know what you mean." Violet commented.
"What are the two of you getting at?" Ron asked ready to defend his sister.
"Just that Harry and Ginny haven't had the opportunity to spend any time together lately." Violet replied in an offended tone of voice.
"You really shouldn't jump to conclusions or assume something or the worst possible scenario." Neville added supporting Violet.
"An hour should suffice." Fred stated aloud.
"I agree that an hour should be enough time." George added.
"Ron, do you trust Harry?" Violet quickly asked.
"Yes." Ron mildly growled.
"Do you trust Ginny?" Neville asked catching on to what Violet was doing.
"Yes." Ron growled again.
"Then what is the problem?" George asked.
"You trust both of them and yet you look as though you are about to run up the staircase." Fred purposely thought aloud.
"If you trust them then there is no need to check up them." George added.
"Or act like a chaperone." Fred said in an accusatory kind of tone.
Ron could not think of anything to say and sat down in the nearest armchair.
xxxXXXxxx
Mercedes made a mad dash through the castle to only pause for a moment to do what she had to do to gain access to Ravenclaw House. Once through she was relieved at seeing an empty common room and realized that it was quite late, later than she thought and therefore everyone was in bed and asleep. As Mercedes made her way through the common room and on to the second year girl's dormitory she realized that she had let her emotions and fears get the better of her when she abruptly left the infirmary and was starting to feel bad about how she left. She had been raised better than that, she had been raised to always be polite to others and even when you feel the need to leave you politely apologize and excuse yourself. Mercedes had just left without a word.
Mercedes shook off the feeling of disrespect and quietly made her way to her trunk and retrieved a few items. She left just as quietly and as quickly as she had entered so that she did not disturb her house/roommates. Mercedes wanted and needed some time alone to think, to try and push her fears aside so that she could put her thoughts together, but mostly Mercedes wanted to go to her mum and talk to her about what had been discovered and what could happened. Again Mercedes had to push thoughts from her mind so she could pay more attention to where she was going. It would be no good to end up injuring herself and ending up in the infirmary with her whole house awake.
With a semi-contended sigh, Mercedes crossed the common room to a small alcove of sorts that was designated for quite studying. She walked around the table so that her back was facing a corner and enabling her to be able to see anyone that could enter the common room by any means.
After setting the parchment, quill and inkwell on the table Mercedes, for the next several minutes, stared blankly at the items she'd retrieved from her trunk. Mercedes blinked several times before resting her arms on the table and crossing them. She leaned towards the table and rested her chin on her arms trying to think of how to word the letter to her mum. Though she'd rather be in her mum's arms, Mercedes was willing to settle for sending her mum a letter.
With an idea in mind, Mercedes began to sit up to start writing the letter and then everything flooded her mind. The knowledge of her birth family, the looks on the faces of everyone in the private, secure room in the infirmary replayed over and over in her mind. She froze and tried to make it all stop. Before she could achieve the concentration to do so, her fears and worries started to creep in. In a matter of seconds the fears and worries had dominated everything else and consumed Mercedes to the point of breaking down and crying. Mercedes head dropped on her arms that were still on the table crossed, cushioning her head. As the seconds ticked past, the fears and worries had increased along with the knowledge she'd received the looks on the faces of others would flash through in a slide show manor alternating with her emotions and feelings. Wanting it all to stop Mercedes did the only thing she could to make it all stop, the one outlet she knew was failsafe and effective. The witch allowed herself to finally sob.
Mercedes body shook mildly violent and the tears poured like a waterfall. Faint screams bounced off the walls all around her. After a good hour Mercedes began to calm down, the tears slowly stopped the sobbing easing to silent soft crying and though Mercedes' body still shook it wasn't as severe.
Mercedes did not become aware that she was no longer alone until the sound of someone clearing their throat filled the small, nearly silent area. Mercedes head popped up as did her wand arm with wand tightly clenched in her hand. Mercedes relaxed at the sight of Luna Lovegood being the one to have found her, to have seen her crying-sobbing. Mercedes was relieved that it had been Luna since Luna was the only one in her house that would not incessantly ask questions to the point of badgering until the answers were given to the satisfaction of questioner.
"Are you okay?" Luna asked concerned.
"S-sorry if I di-disturbed you." Mercedes stuttered.
"Not at all." Luna said in a dreamy tone. "I saw a glimpse of the look on your face as you left the second year girls' dormitory." Luna explained. "You're surrounded by Weimentors."
"What's that?"
"Weimentors are harmless creatures that appear and surround those that have received unexpected news and consumed by fear. With humans any way."
Mercedes did not know what to say so she gave Luna a small smile.
"Are you okay?" Luna asked in again still concerned. "It's okay that you don't want to talk to me about it. I understand."
"I don't want to talk to anyone about it. I would feel horrible if you take it personally."
"Why don't you want to talk to anyone about what is troubling you?" Luna asked confused.
"I…I need time to get a handle on it myself before I talk to anyone. Too much is going through my mind…I can't get a lock on anything."
"Is there anyone that you would feel talking to about whatever it is?"
"I was going to write my mum but…"
"Try writing it down first like you're writing notes down in class. It doesn't matter if it's in order or not. Once you've written down whats going through your mind you can then organize it. It's what I do and it helps me."
"Thank you Luna. I'll see if it will work for me too." Mercedes said sincerely and gratefully with a smile on her face. "I'm okay, Luna, I'm just…I haven't dealt with something that I found out about. Everything went kinda fast and my mind…" Mercedes quickly stopped herself from starting to ramble and quite possibly preventing herself from blurting out the details. "I'll try your suggestion."
"Well, I'll go…"
"Luna, wait a second. Why do or did you think that I wouldn't want to talk to you?"
"No one wants to 'Looney Lovegood'."
"Luna that's horrible. What would possess them to call you that?" Mercedes asked in an outraged tone.
"I can see things that they can't, and what they can't see doesn't exist."
"That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard." Mercedes growled out. "I exist and always have done so, even when they couldn't see me when I hadn't made my presence known."
"You have solid point there, Mercedes. There are a lot of reasons why they think that I am as loony as a loon or more so but that would take too much time to go over all of the reasons. They talk about me like I am not there or cannot hear. I just tune them out like you have." Luna said in a dreamy, cheery tone but there was sadness in her eyes. "I will go so that you can organize what has been going through your head and write your mum. Someone will be roaming around and I would not want you to be treated the way I am just because you were talking to me." Luna said as she stood and made her way back towards the dormitories.
"Luna..." Mercedes called after the witch but did not get a reply in any form.
With a heavy sigh and feeling furious at the student body, Mercedes turned her attention to what she had originally intended to do. It was no easy feat to accomplish with being furious, but after an hour or so Mercedes had finished the letter to her mum. With a soft smile yet worry clearly present in her eyes, Mercedes stood with her personal items and returned to her dormitory.
Once she had put everything in her trunk, Mercedes changed for bed and climbed in. Not long had past and sleep had consumed the young witch.
xxxXXXxxx
Hermione did not stop or slow down until she was in the hallway of the girls' dormitories. It had occurred to her that she did not know exactly what she was going to do. It was late so there was no leaving Gryffindor House and even if she could what would she say or do. Hermione knew that there was no way she could talk to Professor Snape about what she had just experienced, at least not right then. It also occurred to Hermione that she did not have the book she wanted and needed, the original was safely in Potter Manor and the copy was with Snape. Hermione knew that she will have to tell friends what happened eventually, but that explanation could wait as there was something more important that needed her attention.
'I need a copy of the book without making another copy or talking to Harry. Harry will have a bunch of questions that I don't have the time to ask. Snape…he is not the type to ask a string of questions outside of class or when it has nothing to do with a student trying to worm his or her way out of trouble. Okay, so, I need to send a request to Snape for the book and then get to work once I have it.' Hermione thought to herself as she paced.
With plan figured out, Hermione went straight to the fourth year girl's dormitory and quietly pulled out what she was going to need to write the request to Snape for the book. Not wanting to return to the common room or to risk precious time with bumping into her friends, Hermione casted silencing charms around her four-poster bed, got comfortable and began writing the letter.
'Professor Snape,
This is going to be an odd request, but I need the book you are holding for Harry. Also, I have to request that you not ask me why I need the book. I will explain myself in time as I am sure that I will need help or at least some input on what it is I am going to be working on. It is not dangerous in any way, I might add. Also, I have to talk to you about something but what I have to talk to you about will have to wait as I feel there is something that is more important than what I have to you about. I am not saying that it isn't important because it is. You will understand once I tell you everything.
Thank you in advance,
Miss. Hermione J. Granger'
Hermione wasn't as thrilled with the letter as she would have liked but did not feel that there was the time to write the perfect request letter. Though not thrilled, Hermione was satisfied with the letter and folded it up. She then addressed the front of the letter and sealed the back before putting away the extra parchment, quill and ink-well. Hermione decided to call on Dobby for his help. Hermione was clear that Dobby wasn't to deliver the letter to Professor Snape until the following morning an hour or so before breakfast.
After Dobby left, Hermione changed her clothes and went to bed.
xxxXXXxxx
Ginny could hear what was being said and as glad that they had spoken up as she just wanted to spend some time with Harry or at least make a date to do so. Ginny quickened her pace as she saw Harry slip through the door to the boys dormitories.
"Harry." Ginny called out a little breathless from running to catch him before he had gone to bed.
Harry stopped dead in his tracks and turned around. A smile spread across his face as his eyes fell on Ginny. He quickly glanced behind her to see if anyone had followed her.
"No one followed. Everyone distracted Ron beautifully." Ginny said with a grin.
"Ginny…I am so sorry. It has been so crazy and I haven't had time to think. I meant to make some time for us…"
"Shhh." Ginny said cutting Harry off as she reached him. "I understand silly. I just wanted to catch you before you went to bed to see if we could ditch everyone the next time we are allowed to go to the village."
"Absolutely." Harry said with a smile.
"I will completely understand if you don't feel it would be a good idea, but you could always slip in and grab your invisibility cloak…"
"Ginny…I don't…"
"Just hear me out."
"Okay."
"You could slip into the dormitory, grab the invisibility cloak and come back out. Both of us under the cloak we could make it out of the common room and then go to the Room of Requirement. I just want to spend some time with you and I give you my word as a witch that I will behave."
Harry smiled and thought about it for a second, or more like mock thought about it before winking at Ginny and then slipping into the fourth year boys' dormitory to only reappear seconds later with cloak in hand.
"Are you sure that we'll be able to get out of the common room with your brother's, Neville and Violet still there?" Harry asked nervously.
"Positive." Ginny said with a playful smile on her face. "They all told Ron that we haven't spent much time together, just the two of us and clarified that he trusts us. Trust me when I say it is simple."
"I trust you completely Ginny." Harry said with a mischievous gleam in his eye just before he kissed Ginny softly.
Ginny smiled and then explained to Harry how they were going to get out of Gryffindor House.
Harry smiled really appreciative of the mind Ginny had.
"I agree to your plan, but just one second. There is something that I have to do before we put this brilliant plan of yours into action." Harry said just before slipping back into the dormitory.
As Harry emerged from the dormitory Ginny was giving him a curious look.
"I promise to explain once we get out of here." Harry said as he threw the cloak over the two of them.
Harry quickly casted some silencing spells and charms on them before they made their way back to the main door that let to all the dormitories. After a quick glance and smile at each other the plan went into action.
The plan was nothing like what Fred and George Weasley would have come up with, it was a simple plan that would do what was needed for the two to sneak out.
xxxXXXxxx
The small group of Gryffindors that were still down in the common room remaining in silence continued to wait and then what seemed to be out of nowhere Ginny's and Harry's voices could be heard bidding each other a good night.
The group slowly made their way up the staircase as they were really tired and a bit exhausted.
Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary to Ron as he entered the fourth year boy's dormitory. He just figured that that Harry was as tired as he was if not even more so. To Ron it looked as though Harry was already asleep. Ron feeling too tired to say anything to his best mate went straight to his four-poster bed. He was too tired to really change into bed clothes so he stripped down to his boxers without magic. Ron felt that it would be safer to undress without magic though it took longer, with how tired he was magic would have been way too potentially dangerous. The same was true for Neville.
Within seconds of Ron climbing into bed he was sound asleep.
xxxXXXxxx
Once Harry and Ginny had reached the main door to the dormitories they bid each other good night loud enough to be heard but yet not sounding like they were at the door. They then walked through the door and stood to one side and waited for their housemates to pass by before leaving. Once their housemates had gone by, Harry and Ginny headed on down the stairs and did not stop until they had to in order to gain entrance to the Room of Requirement. Harry trusting Ginny let her create the room.
Harry was caught off guard as he entered the room. The lighting was dim bordering on the side of romantically dim; there was a fireplace with a small fire burning, a small coffee table, a few end tables, a few plush chairs and a plush couch.
Once the door shut, Harry pulled the cloak off them and they made their way to the couch. Harry sat on the couch first and was a little surprised when Ginny sat next to him and leaned against him. Though harry trusted the witch completely and she had given her word as a witch that she'd behave, Harry still expected her to sit on his lap with how she had created the room from her request. With a smile Harry put his arm around Ginny pulling her a little closer.
"Harry…" Ginny gasped in shocked amusement.
"You may have given your word to behave, but I did not." Harry said with a mischievous look in his eyes and with a teasing tone of voice.
"So, what was it that you had to do before we put my plan in motion?" Ginny said ignoring what Harry said but with a slight frown on her face.
"I just made it look like I was in bed asleep." Harry said with a humorous look on his face and in his eyes.
"Harry…" Ginny began with a worried tone to her voice.
"I know if Ron realizes I will hear it from him. I don't care though." Harry said defending what he had done.
"Harry you should care. I know that Ron is trying, but…"
"It will be all worth it since I will have spent some quality time with you." Harry said sincerely with a broad smile on his face.
Ginny could not think of anything to say to that. She still worried about what her brother's would say and or do for should they find out that they'd been sort of tricked not that it would matter being sort of tricked. Though Ginny was worried she did not let it take hold and pushed it aside. She wanted to spend some time with Harry and enjoy it even if it was just sitting as they were in silence.
"Harry…" Ginny started but stopped.
"Yes?"
"I…do you think that Mercedes will be alright?"
"I think that right now she's kind of freaking out and wondering what the Malfoy's want from her. Once she calms down or someone manages to get through to her, she'll realize that she won't know what her birth family want from her as far as a relationship goes."
"I just can't imagine what she's going through. I do hope that she'll be able to handle it without it taking a long time. And hopefully it won't damage the friendship she was developing with Draco."
"I feel the same way."
"I'm sorry for bringing it up as it seems to have ruined this. How about a subject change?"
"Nothing has been ruined Ginny." Harry said reassuringly. "Have you told your mum that you will be attending the Yule Ball with me?" Harry asked obliging Ginny's request to change the subject.
"Not yet." Ginny said with a smile on her face for the change of subject. "I wanted to wait and see what will be available in Hogsmead first. The notice should be posted soon as to when Hogsmead will have dresses and dress robes. If I don't find anything then I will owl mum, she'll still have enough time to find something for me."
"Out of curiosity, why are waiting to let your mum know?" Harry inquired.
"I know mum and I know she means well, it's just…the selection that Hogsmead will have might have something that I would like to wear. Something in my taste and not my mum's. I don't mean to be mean or disrespectful but…"
"It makes sense."
Harry and Ginny fell into a silence after talk about the Yule Ball. As the time past there were moments of silence in between times of chatter, but they did not bring up the most recent events as there would be plenty of time to reflect on them at a later date and time. All the while both were becoming more tired by the second. The young couple was about to pass out when the couch they were sitting on transformed into a bed. Falling backwards onto a very comfortable bed did not even jar them more alert. Within a few seconds Harry and Ginny were asleep with Ginny curled up to Harry and Harry's arm around her.
xxxXXXxxx
Ron woke up fairly early and was not real happy at first as he was not a morning person and with it being the Christmas Holiday it was even more disturbing to him. Once realizing that he had stripped the night before and was only in his boxers he was relieved that no one else was up yet. After a quick look around to be sure he was still the only one awake, Ron jumped out of bed and grabbed a change of clothes before heading off to the bathroom to shower.
After showering, Ron returned to the dormitory to find his housemates rising. The only one that wasn't sleepily clamoring out of bed was Harry. Ron became concerned and headed straight to his best friends bed.
"Harry, you awake? Harry…" Ron trailed off at seeing that there was no one in the bed and instead a bunch of pillows that were quite possibly conjured to make it appear that someone was there.
Anger began to rise in Ron but instead of coming unglued like usual, he put all of his strength into keeping control and to calm down. Once calm the wizard realized that Harry could have very well have taken off alone to think. It occurred to Ron that even though the Yule Ball was still a little ways off that Harry could be trying to prepare for the Ball. With that in mind Ron followed his housemates out of the dormitory and on down to the common room without a second thought.
Ron and Neville joined Hermione, the twins and Violet where they were sitting off in a corner.
"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Dunno. He didn't sleep in his bed last night. I figure that he just wanted to be alone for a while, I mean you can't blame him after all that has happened." Ron answered.
"You're probably right. I just mean that it makes sense. I mean what else could it mean?" Hermione said hoping that she had not upset Ron or that he was thinking she disagreed with him.
Nearly all of Gryffindor House was in the common room when a third year witch inquired as to the whereabouts of Ginny.
"What do you mean by 'where's Ginny?'" Ron asked somewhat harshly.
"She's not in bed and it doesn't look like she slept in it last night as it is perfectly made." The third year witch replied.
"Ginny isn't really an early riser unless she has to be up." Fred commented.
"And with it being Christmas holiday and all she doesn't have to be up at any set time." George added.
"Hold on…Harry's not…didn't sleep…Ginny didn't sleep…not in her bed…both…they…" Ron stammered out and stopped speaking as he becoming rather angry.
"Ron don't go assuming…" Hermione began but stopped as she spotted Harry and Ginny entering the common room holding hands the invisibility cloak draped over Harry's left arm.
"This is not good." Neville muttered.
Ron spotted his sister and best mate enter the common room the same time Hermione had. Ron had to put all of his energy on staying where he stood and to keep from exploding as he is known to do.
The whole of the Gryffindor common room was completely silent, waiting for the fall out, expecting an explosion of some sort. Harry and Ginny though were not showing it, were both rather worried with a dash of terror as to what was to come.
Ron made his towards his sister and best friend silently, but he was clearly not happy. Though several Gryffindor's tried to stop Ron it was of no use. Once standing in front of the two, Ron looked from one to the other and back again several times as his hands closed into fists and opened.
"You didn't violate my best friend, did you?" Ron growled at his sister.
A/N: I apologize for the delay with this chapter, I injured my middle finger on my left hand (possibly broken or dislocated) so it has been a process typing this chapter. It will probably be a while for the next one…
