A/N: Another step towards the end. Still a bit to go, but we're slowly getting there. I hope you all like this new installment. Hang tight, we're about to go on another rollercoaster ride.


Chapter 39

Not Everything Is As They Seem

Life at 12 Grimmauld was not as quiet as it used to be. Order members were always coming and going at all times of the day and night. And Sirius loved it. For once, he was no longer delegated to the sidelines. He was now an active member of the Order. He took part in all Order discussions, including planning operations. Molly and Arthur came every day to check on whoever was staying over. And also to replenish their supplies and other necessities. Sirius had given Molly free rein on the running of his house, including its food budget. And he must say, it was the best decision he had ever made.

Molly's skill for making delicious treats had added some extra weight to Sirius' 5'10" body. But he wasn't complaining. He'd experienced starvation while on the run and had no intention of reliving those moments. Even Angela, always hoping for news about her son, would drop by before dinner time to sample Molly's cooking. Sirius used this time to train his long-lost cousin in offensive and defensive spells. And he must say, Angela quite impressed him with how fast she was turning into a proper Black witch. Molly even commented that at the rate she was going, she might even beat Sirius in a duel. Which made him even prouder.

Today was a slow day for the Order. Arthur had gone out with Kingsley on an errand. And Molly was, as per usual, tinkering in the kitchen, when the twins came crashing through the door. A red-faced Percy followed. An argument between the siblings was in full swing. It only stopped when Molly cast a quick silencio at her warring brood. Sirius had dropped the book he was reading when the Weasleys came in and followed them to the kitchen. The furious look on their faces told Sirius there was more than sibling squabble brewing in the air. Well, four actually, if Molly's scowl was any sign of her brewing anger.

"Now, before I lift the spell, I want you all to promise to wait your turn to speak. I will not tolerate any riotous behavior in this house. Is that clear?"

All three Weasley children nodded in agreement. With a wave of her wand, Molly lifted the spell and motioned her kids to sit around the dining table.

"Bloody hell, mum. You didn't have to do that. You don't have to treat us like kids," Fred whined, scrubbing his lips. The Silencio spell, when administered with force, made one's lips feel glued shut. Which could be irritating as hell.

"Well, stop acting like a child if you don't want me to treat you like one," Molly retorted. "What were you arguing about, anyway? If Moody had not enchanted these walls, the Muggles would've heard you from a mile away. Thank Merlin Walburga's curtain remained shut or she would've screamed her head off, too."

"These two wanted to go to Lee Jordan's in Diagon Alley. After you ordered them not to go anywhere near that place," Percy said in his most Prefect-like tone.

"No one would've seen us. We had everything planned out. Didn't we, George?" Fred said, turning to his twin. George nodded, yet he looked like he would rather be elsewhere. Miles away from their fuming mother, to be exact.

"And what's so important that you need to go to that death trap? Have you forgotten that it's now completely under You-Know-Who's control?" Molly said, her scowl deeper than it was a few minutes ago.

"That's precisely why we must go. First, we need to get Lee and his sister out of there. Second, as you said before, the place will be crawling with Death Eaters. And where better to get more information than those fools? They believe they've won, which makes them careless. Also, they're too arrogant for their own good. They think no one would dare to penetrate their circle," Fred explained.

"Fred has a point, Molly. Snivellus is, in essence, incommunicado. We need someone else to infiltrate the Death Eater ranks," Sirius said.

Molly's face turned beet red, a sure sign of her fury. "Are you telling me to let my children infiltrate that den of vipers? They will kill them as soon as they find out who they are. I will never... I can never…" Molly's words got lost in her heart-wrenching sobs. She crumpled into the nearest chair, her face buried in her trembling hands.

All three Weasley boys rushed to their mother and hugged her, mumbling words of assurance and apology. They stayed by her side until the sobs wound down into hiccups and she lifted herself up, shooing them away.

"I will pretend that you never said what you said, Sirius," she sniffed. "I will pretend that you never suggested sending my children to their deaths."

"Who said anything about sending your children to their deaths?"

"You didn't say it in so many words, but by agreeing to their plan, you might as well have said it."

"Well, yes, I think their plan is brilliant. We need someone to go into the viper's den. But I didn't mean they should do it."

"Just so I get it right. You like their plan, but you don't want to send them. Correct?" Percy said.

"If not us, then who?" Fred said.

"Me, of course," Sirius said with a smirk.

Molly threw her hands up in the air and slumped back in the chair. "As if that is any better," she grumbled.

Sirius laughed. "Oh, come on, Molly. Don't say you've grown a soft spot for me."

"Oh, for Merlin's sake. You're as delusional as these two," Molly said, pointing at her twins.

"Then is it because you don't trust me? Are you afraid I would spill Order secrets or join the Death Eater ranks for good?" Sirius said, his voice taking on an edge that made Molly turn rigid.

"Of course not! You know I trust you," she snapped, her face turning beet red again.

"What's the fuss, then? Look, I know how to blend in. Or have you forgotten about Padfoot?"

A spark flashed in Molly's eyes, lighting up her face as she slowly grinned. "Gryffindor's socks! We are all fools! How could we all have forgotten about Padfoot?" Soon, her grin had turned into full-blown laughter, which Sirius shared with enthusiasm.

Only the three Weasley boys turned to each other, looking confused.

"Who or what is a Padfoot, Sirius?" Percy said, voicing their question.

Sirius glanced at Molly as if to ask her permission. The Weasley matriarch shrugged in a silent 'it's up to you' manner.

"Ok, boys. Prepare to be amazed," Sirius said in his best circus ringmaster's voice. All four sets of eyes swiveled to him, but only one made a giant eye roll. Molly's always been a tough customer.

Sirius cracked his neck and stretched his arms and legs, getting ready for his upcoming transfiguration. But a loud crash from the foyer interrupted him. The twins jumped into action, rushing out of the kitchen to see what the commotion was all about. When they came back, both were holding on to a bloody and disheveled Gordon Fawley. Behind them, looking as beat up as Gordon, were two wizards Sirius didn't recognize.

Gordon, Dumbledore, and Moody had returned to America to help the 'rebels' inside the MACUSA. These two must be from the MACUSA as well. Judging from their appearance, Sirius had a terrible feeling. They were going to get some unwelcome news.

"Gordon! What happened to you?" Sirius said, walking over to the older wizard to help him into a nearby chair.

Gordon's face contorted with pain as he lowered himself into the chair. Sirius feared he might have internal injuries as well. "We almost didn't escape, Sirius. You-Know-Who's people had also taken over the MACUSA. This is Herbert Goldstein, MACUSA's Chief Auror. The one behind him is Peter Kowalski, who also works at the MACUSA. They helped us get out… but not before…" Gordon gasped and fell forward on the table. Molly walked up to Gordon, carrying a bottle of powerful-smelling salts. She passed it under Gordon's nose, which made the old wizard sit bolt upright.

"Good thinking, Molly," Sirius said.

"His pallor told me he would faint soon," Molly said as she stepped back.

"Sirius! Something terrible happened. We already gathered everyone who needed to leave at my townhouse. We thought we were safe, but somehow, they found us. Death Eaters surrounded the house within minutes. We barely had time to get out. Moody opened the connection between the townhouse and the Shack in Hogsmeade. Mathilda, Leo's sister, and her husband, Archie made it out, but then the Death Eaters broke through the wards. Moody had no choice but to close the connection. We couldn't risk any of them getting through the Floo network and finding the shack. Oh, Sirius, it was terrible," Gordon sobbed, his body slumping down the chair. He was unconscious again.

Molly rushed forward with her smelling salts, but Sirius stopped her. "No, Molly. Let him rest. He's had enough. Fred, George, please help him into the spare bedroom."

The twins nodded and carefully lifted the unconscious Gordon off the chair. Percy helped his brothers by guiding them out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Molly took the seat beside Sirius, her face looking grim. She seemed to share Sirius' fears.

Turning to the American wizards, Sirius motioned to the chairs on the other side of the table. "Please, take a seat. Molly, can you please-"

Before Sirius could finish his sentence, a tray filled with tea servings landed on the table. Sirius glanced at the witch with brows raised. Molly shrugged and began pouring tea into the dainty teacups. She had always tried to limit the use of magic for menial tasks, which was why she cooked food the normal way. She seemed too upset to bother with that now. The two wizards thanked Molly and took a couple of sips. They both sighed and slumped into the chair in relief.

After the two wizards got a bit of color back in their cheeks, Sirius leaned forward. "Can you please tell us what happened at the Fawley townhouse?"

The two glanced at each other, then the one called Peter sighed. He took a deep breath and launched into a tale that made Sirius' fears more real by the minute.

"As you already know, Prof. Dumbledore, Gordon, and Moody went back to Gordon's townhouse. Only because, as Moody said, it was still the safest place to connect to your Floo network. The first thing Moody did was to reinforce the wards and make the place unplottable. He was quite successful, so they used it as headquarters. They welcomed the growing resistance force in MACUSA. When Voldemort's forces took control of the MACUSA, Prof. Dumbledore wanted to evacuate us." Peter paused and turned to Herbert.

"But everything was now under the watchful eye of the New MACUSA. Including all means of travel. Prof. Dumbledore had no choice but to bring us all to the townhouse and use your Floo network," Herbert said. He, too, looked exhausted and on the verge of passing out, but he held on and continued with his story.

"Unfortunately, we didn't know that they had infiltrated us. One defector was under the Imperius curse and acted as some sort of beacon for Voldemort's forces. That's how they found us." This time, Herbert turned to Peter, looking burned out and too weary to go on. Peter nodded and turned to Sirius and Molly.

"We sent Mathilda and Archie through the Floo first. Their daughter was already in the shack with the other kids. But when Death Eaters swarmed the townhouse, as Gordon said, Moody had to close the connection. Actually, close was too mild a term. Moody destroyed the fireplace. He said it was the only way to keep the shack safe. We had to fight our way out of the townhouse. Some of the other defectors made it out but waiting Death Eaters caught them. Good thing Gordon had one of those unregistered portkeys with him. Moody and Dumbledore had one, too. Unfortunately, they couldn't use it." When Herbert paused this time, Sirius almost wished he wouldn't continue.

"Why? What happened to them?"

Sirius winced. Molly had the curiosity of a blasted cat. Sirius clenched his fists and braced himself for Herbert's answer.

The look exchanged between Herbert and Peter was bleaker than Death's stare.

"I'm sorry, but the Death Eaters captured Prof. Dumbledore after…" Peter said.

Molly gasped and grabbed Sirius' arm in a painful death grip. But even then, she still had the fortitude to ask what Sirius already knew the answer to.

"After what?" Molly said, turning as pale as the marble flooring of the kitchen.

"After they killed Moody. I'm sorry, but Moody is dead. He died defending us all."

Sirius muttered a curse under his breath. With Dumbledore captured and Moody dead, the Order was in dire straits. Voldemort might be torturing Snape by now. Or even worse, had already turned traitor to save his skin. If so, then the Order was totally buggered.

Which only made Sirius even more adamant about going to Diagon Alley. They must infiltrate the Death Eater ranks. And who else could slip through alleys and enter pubs undetected better than his alter ego?

It was time to let Padfoot roam again.


Narcissa's eyes swept the room, searching for anything that wasn't at par. Everything had to be perfect. Everything had to be beyond reproach. She wasn't preparing for the usual Malfoy Yule Ball, after all. She was preparing the Manor for the wedding of the century. It wasn't every day that the Dark Lord took someone for his bride. And Narcissa must make sure the ceremony went without a hitch. No matter how much it turned her insides. She needed to make that fateful day unforgettable. With what she had in mind, no one would indeed ever forget that day.

Guilt almost made her waver. She didn't like to manipulate Lucius. She respected and loved him too much. But her love for her son trumped even her love for her husband. She couldn't hope for his forgiveness, only his understanding. In her heart, she was sure Lucius would understand her motives in the end. Because, despite his many faults, Lucius loved his family. And what she was doing, and about to do, was all borne out of love.

Narcissa had long given up on the ancient magical arts. She found they took too much from her soul than she cared to give. It was only now that she appreciated learning about ancient magic. That rare knowledge gave the Malfoys an edge over other wizarding families. Both she and Lucius trained in the old ways. Which most of the wizarding world had already dismissed as too archaic. Only the Blacks and the Malfoys remained true to the heritage handed down by Morgana herself. The Gaunts, the Dark Lord's lineage, used to be the leading practitioners of the ancient arts. But since Voldemort didn't grow up with them, he didn't receive this knowledge. When he expressed his desire to wed his bride using the old rituals, Narcissa saw the opening she needed. It took only a few 'suggestions' to make Lucius see the advantage of this rare opportunity. She made him believe that taking charge of the rituals themselves would gain them the Dark Lord's favor. He didn't know that she would only use this wedding to put her own plans in motion.

Little did she know that Lucius was concocting his own devious plans.


Lucius glanced at the clock on his mantle and muttered a silent curse. Flint was late again. If not for the man's unwavering loyalty, Lucius would've ditched his so-called partner in crime a long time ago. But as it was, Flint was the only one he could rely on right now. Their plans were in the most delicate of stages that one misstep could lead to certain death. For them and their families. And no matter how heartless people thought he was, Lucius truly cared for his wife and son. Why else would he risk everything if not for his love for them? Why else would he turn back time if not to right the wrongs he did in their original timeline? He swore when he turned the dial on that time-turner that when he returned, things would be better.

Unfortunately, he forgot that in life, there was no such thing as certainty. Everything depended on variables he could not completely control. Take this wedding, for example. Who would've thought that Voldemort would find the other missing heir of the Gaunts? One who turned out to be as powerful as he was? Lucius should thank his lucky stars that the fool wished to use the ancient arts to bind her to him. Only his quick thinking had turned this disastrous event into an opportunity. Another chance to start anew.

With the things that had gone wrong in his plans, Lucius wanted to believe that Flint was right. He should've killed Voldemort when he had the chance. He could've done it during his prolonged sleep, it would've been easy enough. The Dark Lord was in his care for ten years. He could've contrived any reason for his eventual passing.

If not for his blasted Horcruxes! He couldn't risk killing Voldemort only to have him rise again and take vengeance on him and his family, could he? He needed to destroy them all first.

He'd learned of Voldemort's Horcruxes by accident back in their original timeline. Bellatrix told him they must keep the cup of Helga Hufflepuff safe at all costs. Bella didn't know Voldemort's true reason behind it but complied, nonetheless. She was like a loyal dog, always ready to do her master's bidding without question. He, however, needed to know why Voldemort went ballistic when he found out that someone stole the cup. By Harry Potter, no less. He needed to know why these objects were so important to the dark wizard. Especially after Voldemort almost killed him when he lost the diary. That alone compelled him to find out why these objects were so important to the Dark Lord. Before he could find out more, the battle of Hogwarts happened. The Potter boy had defeated the Dark Lord, sending everything in Lucius' world to hell. As he hid in the old Gaunt house, he realized one thing. Voldemort was mortal again when he fought Harry Potter in the Forbidden Forest. Because no matter how exceptional that Potter boy was, he could not have defeated Voldemort if the latter still had his Horcruxes.

When he turned back time, he knew he had to find Voldemort's Horcruxes. But he didn't know where to begin. Then Flint found a diary belonging to his wife's ill-fated cousin, Regulus Black. He'd heard rumors of Regulus' defiance of their master before, but he didn't give them much thought. At first, it said nothing interesting, just the random thoughts of a young man. He was about to chuck it out when he came across the Dark Lord's name. Regulus was so excited to join the Death Eater ranks. His parents heaped praises on him, the dutiful son who upheld the family honor after his elder brother turned blood traitor. A talented wizard, Regulus rose through the ranks by his own merit. Yet, as he became more entrenched in the Dark Lord's army, he saw things that disturbed him. Little by little, his enthusiasm dwindled. He started to doubt the nobility of their cause, their purpose, and their master's grand scheme. He began to see the Dark Lord in a different light. Then Voldemort used the Black's house elf, Kreacher, for some secret mission. When he returned without the elf, Regulus realized his master had abandoned Kreacher and left him to die. Regulus completely lost faith. Later, he found out what the Dark Lord hid in the cave when he rescued his elf. Regulus spent his last days learning about Horcruxes and tracking down the Dark Lord's. His last deed was to steal the locket, which he left to Kreacher for safekeeping.

This led Lucius down a different path, as well. He saw a way to defeat the Dark Lord. He and Flint spent the next five years searching for the Horcruxes. Although Regulus found five of them, Lucius still had no idea where Voldemort hid them. It was a tedious and frustrating enterprise which he had hoped to conclude before the Dark Lord came out of his enchanted sleep. Unfortunately, the dark wizard woke up before they could. Regulus wrote about five Horcruxes: a locket, a cup, a diary, a ring, and a diadem. Lucius suspected that the diary was the one he had once slipped into the Weasley daughter's cauldron before. And since in this timeline, he had not done the same, it should be where it used to be. In his library. The cup, he concluded, was the Hufflepuff cup Bella hid in her vault. And the locket was the one Regulus stole and gave to Kreacher. He doubted if he could trick the house-elf into giving it to him. He didn't even know how he could summon the creature to him. But Lady Luck was on his side. He found the old house-elf visiting his wife with increasing frequency. He went out of his way to be kind to the vile creature. After a while, he tricked it into giving him the locket. In their old timeline, Bella once told him that Voldemort went to the old Gaunt house searching for something. The Dark Lord went into a rage when he couldn't find what he was looking for. After the time shift, Lucius went back to the Gaunt house and turned it upside down. When he found the Gaunt ring, he knew it was what Regulus was referring to.

And so, now, Lucius possessed 4 Horcruxes. He still didn't know where Voldemort hid the diadem even after he used Flint's son to spy on the Mudbloods in his care. Marcus was to ferret out whatever information he could about the Order. Oh, he knew about their pathetic 'Resistance' and had suspected they were in league with the blasted Order of the Phoenix. He wanted to know if the Order was also looking for the Horcruxes. He had a vague inkling that the last Horcrux could be Ravenclaw's diadem. The Ravenclaws, even during his time at Hogwarts, believed in the myth of Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem. Tom would've known about it, too. He wouldn't be surprised if the Dark Lord found it and turned it into a Horcrux. The only question was where he hid it.

The fireplace burst into flames, pulling him from his reverie. Lucius walked up to it and found Flint's face grinning at him.

"I have good news, Lucius. You were right. The Ravenclaw diadem is the last Horcrux. And I know where he hid it," Flint said.

"And can you get to it?" Lucius asked, his heart pounding with excitement.

"I can't, but Marcus can. The Carrows might question my sudden appearance at Hogwarts. But a student roaming the grounds wouldn't look so strange, would it?"

"It's in Hogwarts?"

"Yes, my friend. Our great leader hid it in the library. Right under everyone's noses," Flint said with a chuckle.

"How did you...never mind. I promised not to question your methods as long as it serves our ultimate goal. So when can you get it?"

"As soon as you send me some of those polyjuice potions of Hogwarts students you've collected. And please, make it a boy this time? Marcus is getting tired of pretending to be a girl."

"Of course, of course," Lucius chuckled. "Does Marcus have any preference? A redhead, perhaps?"

Flint laughed. "Nothing so specific, Luci. As long as it's a boy, Marcus won't have any complaints."

"I'll have one of my house elves bring them to you within the hour."

Flint's image nodded before dissolving into ash.

Lucius felt excitement course through his veins. They were so close to triumph. Just a few more steps and Voldemort would be mortal again before his wedding day.

Now, how does one destroy a Horcrux?


No matter how many times Draco laid eyes on this timeline's Harry Potter, he would never feel the same kinship he felt with the other one. The original one, he reminded himself. This was his father's version of Harry. And even though this Harry was still the same Chosen One, he was still different. For one thing, the original Harry had years of learning under the best instructors Hogwarts had to offer. He would never admit it to their faces, but Draco appreciated every one of his professors. His father ridiculed them, but in Draco's eyes, they were the best. Especially Dumbledore. Even Voldemort feared the man. How could this Harry compete with the true Harry Potter when he only learned he was a wizard just a few weeks ago?

Secondly, their timeline's Harry experienced things this one didn't. Their Harry had come face-to-face with a disembodied Voldemort in his first year, fought and killed a basilisk in his second, threw off dementors in his third, and had gone through the most grueling tests of the Triwizard tournament in his fourth year. He fought and escaped the most dangerous Death Eaters, including Lucius.

Their Harry had destroyed Voldemort's horcruxes (with Hermione's help, of course, but he wouldn't let his mind go down that path) and eventually the Dark Wizard himself. This Harry didn't even know he was a wizard.

But most of all, he and that timeline's Harry had a history together. Their Harry gave him another chance. He offered the hand of friendship, foregoing everything that happened between them in the past. They might never be best friends, nor as close as he and Blaise were, but it was good enough for Draco.

This Harry, on the other hand, wanted to steal his girl away.

Stop it, Draco. He fell for Abigail, not Hermione. He didn't even know Abby was Hermione. Give the bloke a break, will you?

His inner voice was right, of course. He was being unfair to this Harry. All because he read the latter's hidden and innermost thoughts. It wasn't as if he went after Hermione from the get go. In fact, he didn't go after Abigail, either. In short, he didn't act on his desires because he knew Abby was already with someone. That spoke of character and decency, didn't it? He really should give this Harry a chance, just like the other one gave him.

Harry and Dobby had apparated into Draco's dormitory several minutes after the elf left to fetch him from the Shrieking Shack. Harry appeared worn out, but the fire in his eyes could stop a rampaging troll dead in its tracks. He was currently talking to Daphne, looking more like himself than he did earlier. She returned to their room right after Harry arrived to tell Draco that Astoria seemed okay and that Blaise and Theo took Sebastian with them. Theo also said Draco and Harry should hide in the alcove near the Headmaster's office and wait for their signal. The way Daphne ran into Harry's arms the moment she saw him told Draco there was something going on between the two. It came as a surprise and he felt foolish for feeling threatened by Harry.

"I actually thought you'd changed your mind about coming here. Dobby is quite prompt in doing his assigned tasks," Draco said after Harry and Daphne came up to him.

Harry sighed. "I know and I'm sorry. Lupin put up such a fuss and didn't want me to leave the Shack. He just received some terrible news. Moody's dead and Professor Dumbledore's missing. Well, not really. Voldemort's people took the Professor, but they have no idea where they're holding him. The world has gone to shite and the Order is in total chaos."

Draco's blood ran cold. This was the worst bit of news right now. Hermione's in Voldemort's lair, and Death Eaters also captured Neville. Now, Moody's dead and Dumbledore's also in Voldemort's hands. What else could go wrong? It seemed like their luck had run out. Suddenly, breaking into the Headmaster's office with the Chosen One didn't seem like a splendid idea.

"Do you think it's safe for the two of you to go to the Headmaster's office?" Daphne asked.

Despite his earlier confidence, Draco hesitated. What if the Carrows were waiting for them? But how could they be? None of them had planned this. If not for Harry he would be at the Manor right now. Still, something was nagging at him.

"Harry, how did you get hold of Ginny?"

"Well, she and Ron snuck out of the Hogwarts kitchens and made their way to The Shack. They told me everything that happened. The others are still in the kitchens. They didn't want to risk being discovered, so they set out on their own. Oh, and they had this," Harry said, pulling out a piece of parchment.

Draco thought it looked like the Marauder's Map. Hermione told him about it when Snape found them sneaking back into Hogwarts. But if it was, how did it get into Ginny's possession? Yet, when Harry unfolded it, Draco realized it wasn't the map Snape had. This one didn't appear old, although it looked much like the Marauder's Map did.

"Ginny said she swiped it from Fred's pile of products under research before term started. The twins were planning on selling this at their shop once it's finished."

Draco couldn't help but be impressed. It was a map of Hogwarts, showing the location of the person holding it and those within ten feet of him. It also showed secret passages, hidden networks, and shortcuts. Unlike the Marauder's map, though, this one didn't show everyone in Hogwarts. Hermione said it was how Harry got around without Filch catching him. It showed where everyone within the castle's walls were. But as this was still 'under research', that could probably be incorporated later on. Still, it was good enough to help someone intent on sneaking out of Hogwarts avoid getting caught.

"It is one impressive piece of magic, don't you think?" Harry said, grinning at Draco.

"I know. I suppose it could help us get into the Headmaster's office."

Harry nodded. "It's why Ginny lent it to me. A bit limited, as it's unfinished. Would've been better if it could tell us where everyone inside Hogwarts was. Then we'd be able to avoid the Death Eaters roaming the castle. Stiill, it's better than nothing."

My thoughts exactly, Draco wanted to say, wondering where Snape's Marauder's Map was right now.

"By the way, Professor Snape gave me this," Harry said, holding up a brass key. "He said it's for one of the drawers in his desk. He also said you would know what to do with it."

And he did know. Snape wanted him to show the vials to Harry. The ones that belonged to Dumbledore from their original timeline. Snape believed it would help Harry find a way to defeat the Dark Lord. But how would he explain to this Harry that he was living in an alternate reality? That Lucius Malfoy turned back time and altered everything for his own purposes? Lucius changed things so much that Draco wasn't even sure if the vials, memories of the original Dumbledore, would be of much help.

Then, they heard several explosions above them. Blaise's and Theo's signal. And they were not even where they should be, in the alcove near the Headmaster's office. Draco muttered a few curses under his breath and grabbed the map from Harry's hand.

"Let's move, Potter. We're running late as it is," he said, watching their names on the map move toward the dormitory door. He stopped mid-stride and turned to Harry. "But first, we need to disillusion ourselves. Even with this map, we can't be too careful. We can't risk running into the Carrows or their henchmen. If they get their hands on you, the war's over before it even starts."


Hermione still couldn't believe her eyes. Her parents were actually here. How did this happen? How did Voldemort find them? Then she remembered that this was an alternate reality. Here, she wasn't Harry's friend, she wasn't on the run and hunting Horcruxes. She did not obliviate her parents to protect them from Death Eaters. In this reality, she was an ordinary Hogwarts student.

No, not an ordinary student in the strictest sense. This alternate version of herself had helped Neville start the Resistance. She was still in the thick of things, albeit without Harry Potter at the center of their movement. Yet, this reality's Hermione felt safe enough that she didn't see the need to protect her parents. She didn't think it was necessary to erase herself from their memories.

"Hermione, dear, can you please help me change these sheets?" Her mother said, turning to her with a tentative smile.

She looked gaunt as if she hadn't slept in days. Hermione's heart broke as images of her mother being tortured flashed before her mind's eyes. She knew what to look for, having gone through torture herself. And the signs were all there. Someone had tortured her parents. She swallowed the pain and drowned it in her brewing rage. She would hunt them down and kill them without blinking an eye.

If Tom thought he could get away with hurting her parents, then he didn't know Hermione Granger at all. Not the one who came from another timeline. The one where they defeated him, where they obliterated him from the face of the earth. Of course, it was Harry who destroyed Voldemort in the end. But she'd like to think that she had contributed enough to the Dark Lord's eventual destruction. And she'd do it again. This time, even without anyone's help.

She put everything back in the compartments of her mind, protected behind walls even Draco or Snape could not penetrate, and walked over to her mother.

"Here, mum. I'll hold the other end," she said, grabbing one corner of the bright blue bed sheet.

Her mother was operating on muscle memory alone. This was one of her favorite household chores as she loved the smell of freshly laundered sheets and blankets. Her mind was elsewhere.

Hermione glanced at where his father sat, immobile and silent. His eyes remained glued to the window, where the sky was slowly turning purple. Dinnertime again. She had come to dread dinnertime in this house. It seemed that everything awful happened at that time. She wondered what Tom had in store for her tonight.

She spent last night tossing and turning in bed, too fired up at finding her parents in Tom's house. She wanted to get them out of here, but she knew escape was out of the question. It would put her parents in too much danger. She must channel Draco, channel the Slytherin in him. Draco. Thinking of him was too painful, so she set him back where she kept him, hidden behind layers and layers of steel and ice. Back to safety. Back to where she could pretend he didn't exist. She couldn't risk Tom finding out about him, and how he meant the world to her. She must forget him for now. Only her heart would not let her. Well, at least it was the only place Tom could not penetrate. Voldemort never understood the workings of the heart because he never knew love. Draco would be safe inside her heart.

"It's nice of Tom to let us stay in his house. He's going to make a good husband. Don't you think so, Hermione?" her father said out of the blue. He didn't even turn to look at her.

Hermione's hands clenched into fists. So, this was what Tom did to them. He brainwashed them. He would use them to convince her to agree to marrying him. As if I had any choice in the first place, Hermione scoffed. But he understood why Tom did it. With her parents in his control, Hermione would not do anything foolish. Perhaps he feared she would kill herself before the binding ceremony. She wouldn't do that now, would she? Not if it meant sacrificing her parents, too.

"But if you can get away, if you get the chance to escape, take it. We'll get out on our own. Someone will come for us. Do not be afraid. Everything is not as they seem. He will be mortal soon," his father said.

Hermione gasped, her head snapping to her father. This time, his eyes were on her. They were bright, burning with its usual intelligence. But then he blinked, and his eyes turned glassy again. He looked away and returned to staring at the night sky.

He will be mortal soon?

Did he mean Tom?

Tom's Horcruxes!

If Snape viewed the original Dumbledore's memories, then he would know about the Horcruxes. Was it Snape who brainwashed her parents? If he was, then what his father said was a secret message from him. Did it mean that he was also here? Could he really get her parents out? Hope bloomed inside Hermione. She was not alone in this hellhole. Her mind was churning with possibilities she didn't notice her mother walking up to her. She flinched when her mother grabbed her hands. She only relaxed when she saw the familiar smile on her mother's face, not the one that seemed forced and empty.

"We love you so much, Hermione. Do not sacrifice yourself for us. Find a way to get out of here. Be brave and trust yourself. You are stronger, more powerful than you think," her mother said, tears brimming in her beautiful eyes. Then, she blinked. And like her father, she was gone again. She let go of Hermione's hands and returned to fussing at the beddings.

A series of quiet knocks made Hermione turn away from her mother. Anger washed over her. She knew what the knocks meant. Tom wanted to see her.

"Yes, what is it?" she said, her voice sounding harsh and irritated. She didn't care. It would only be one of Tom's servants come to fetch her.

"Beg your pardon, my Lady. Lord Voldemort asks if you can join him in his study," the man at the door said. He looked young, almost her age.

"And if I tell you I can't, what will you do?"

The young man looked taken aback, fear flitting across his face. Tom didn't like bad news and he dealt harshly with its bearer.

Hermione laughed. It was bitter and without mirth. "You don't have a very understanding master, do you?"

With a sigh, Hermione turned to her parents and said, "I'll be back later, mum, dad." Neither looked at her, too occupied with what their wasted minds were prodding them to do.

She glared at her escort when he saw him staring at his mum as she tucked the corners of the bedsheet, muttering to herself.

"Come on, then. We don't want to keep the Prince of Darkness waiting," she said, smiling inside when the young man blanched.

She walked past him, not bothering to look if he was following behind. She already knew where Tom's study was. Hermione fought to compose herself. It would be disastrous to face Tom with a disorganized mind. She checked all her compartments and made sure the locks remained in place. The young man stepped in front of her when they reached Tom's study and knocked on the dark mahogany door.

"Enter," came Tom's reply.

Hermione swept past her escort and stepped into the devil's den, as she liked to call Tom's private rooms. She didn't know why, but this room felt colder than the rest of the house. Could it be because Tom spent most of his time here? Snakes preferred dark and cold places.

"Ah, my dear. I'm so glad you deigned to grace us with your presence," Tom said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Always happy to oblige, my Lord," Hermione said, sounding like she could die of boredom at any moment.

"How dare you speak to our Lord that way, Mudblood," a woman's voice snarled.

Hermione's blood ran cold. Bellatrix! Tom told her it was Bellatrix who found her parents. She must be the one who tortured them. The witch stepped out of the shadows and slowly walked towards her, wand pointed at Hermione's face.

"You really should watch your words, Bella. Have you forgotten that she's going to be my wife?" Tom said with a chuckle.

Bellatrix sneered at Hermione, but then put her wand down. Her eyes glowed with a mad fury that would've scared Hermione if she wasn't furious herself.

"Enough of this. Come, future wife. There's something I want you to see," Tom said, rising from his seat. He stepped beside Hermione and took her hand, securing it in the crook of his arm. "Bella, come with us. You're to play a part in this, too."

Bellatrix grinned with delight and followed behind them. Hermione pulled her hand away and stepped back. She expected Tom to get mad, but he just shook his head and chuckled.

"You should get used to this, Hermione. As my wife, I expect you to play an active role in running our...kingdom, for lack of a better word."

Bellatrix sniggered but said nothing. They continued walking in silence, with Tom leading the way and Hermione a step behind. After a beat, Tom stopped and grabbed Hermione's arm, pulling her toward him.

"You will soon be my wife, Hermione. Your place is beside me," he said.

Hermione looked up to glare at him but she gasped when Tom slammed into her mind with such force it almost knocked her down. His invasion was swift and painful as hell. He slashed through her thoughts like a scythe and Hermione scrambled despite the pain to recheck her mental locks. Yet, when Tom reached the steel walls at the back of her mind, he withdrew.

"I'll leave those for another day. I don't think you'll survive more… probing…from me at this time," Tom said, his eyes glinting with malice.

It was only then that Hermione realized she was leaning into him, her heaving chest in full contact with his firm torso. Hermione jumped back, her face burning like a furnace.

Tom laughed and pulled her to his side. Hermione wriggled out of Tom's grasp and took another step back.

"You will be my wife, Hermione. You can take your place beside me, where you belong, of your own free will, or I can force you to. Which do you prefer, Hermione?" Tom said, looking down at her with a brow raised.

Hermione didn't move. She breathed in and out and counted to ten to calm her nerves. Tom smirked and walked away. If it was a battle of wills between her and Tom, she would lose. She wanted to defy him, but it would only provoke him to do unpredictable things. Hermione sighed and started to follow Tom when a strange sound made her glance back. The stricken look on Bellatrix's face stopped her in her tracks. The witch looked devastated, as if the world had crumbled around her. Hermione recognized that look. The look of a jilted lover. Suddenly, everything fell into place. Bellatrix loved Tom! Not as her lord and master, but as a man. And she was jealous! Hermione thought of the girl who tried to kill her, and the words she spoke before she died.

Do not trust her. She will never accept you.

Was she talking about Bellatrix?

"Come, my dear. Your audience awaits," Tom said, breaking her train of thought. He extended a hand to her, but she ignored it and walked past him. Tom laughed, catching up to her in two strides. At the end of the hall, Tom turned right.

The room they entered was not huge, but it was majestic. A three-tiered chandelier of delicate-looking cut crystals hung from the vaulted ceiling, illuminating the entire space. Silver sconces decorated the walls covered in green and silver striped wallpaper. At the far end was a half-moon dais where what looked like a throne sat in its center.

This must be where Tom ruled his kingdom. For lack of a better word, Hermione thought wryly.

Death Eaters flanked the room, five on each side. They all wore intricately designed silver masks, but their hoods were down. Hermione's breath hitched when she caught sight of flowing, platinum hair belonging to the one standing nearest the dais. Lucius Malfoy. The Minister of Magic. Draco's father. Hermione pushed the thought away. She must not be distracted. Something big was about to happen. She could feel it in her bones.

They all fell to their knees when Tom walked down the center aisle. They only rose to their feet once Tom was seated on his 'throne'. Hermione didn't know where to go so she stood at the bottom of the dais. She could feel malevolent eyes on her, but she ignored them, pretending that she didn't notice. Thankfully, Tom didn't ask her to join him.

"I didn't know that we were having a meeting, my Lord. No one informed me," Bellatrix said, turning hateful eyes at Lucius.

"Oh, this is not just a meeting, Bella. It's so much more," Tom said.

Bellatrix looked puzzled, but said nothing. She bowed her head and took her place opposite Lucius.

"Nott, tell Severus to bring the boy now," Tom said to the man standing at Lucius' right.

"Yes, my Lord," Nott said before rushing out to carry out his master's instruction.

An uncomfortable silence fell over the room. The tension was so thick Hermione could almost touch it. When Nott Sr. returned, Hermione had to swallow the scream that rose to her throat. Behind Theo's father was Severus Snape, holding on to a bound and blindfolded Neville Longbottom. Nott returned to his place while Snape walked up to the dais and pushed Neville down the floor, right in front of Tom. Neville grunted when his knees struck the marble floor. He started to get up, but Snape held him down.

"The leader of the Resistance, my Lord," Snape said, his head bowed.

Hermione wanted to shout curses at Snape. Why was he doing this? Had he turned against the Order? Was he now a loyal follower of Tom? No, he couldn't be. He embedded secret messages in her parents' brains so she would not lose hope. This was just an act, Hermione reassured herself.

Not everything is as they seem.

"Thank you, Severus. Now, rise, my friend, so we can begin."

Snape rose to his feet and took his place beside Bellatrix. He didn't glance at Hermione, his eyes remaining on Neville. Was he sending messages to Neville? Hermione mentally shook herself. She must not think about such things. It would put not only herself, but also Neville and Snape in danger.

"Now, as you all must know by now, someone had the audacity to attack Hermione. She tried to kill her in my house. Fortunately, Hermione killed her first," Tom said.

Hermione couldn't tell if the collective gasp was real or if it was just in her head. When she glanced at Bellatrix, she expected to find the witch glaring at her. But Bellatrix wasn't looking at her, but at Tom. And there was fear in her eyes.

"However, I later found out that she was not acting of her own free will. Someone had used a highly sophisticated Imperio on her. And I cannot tolerate such treachery amongst my people."

Loud murmurings echoed around the room, but it was Lucius who spoke up.

"My Lord, are you saying that one of us is behind the attempted assassination?" he said.

"Yes, Lucius. One of you is a traitor," Tom said, putting emphasis on the last word.

Bellatrix launched herself at the foot of the dais and screamed, "I am not a traitor, my Lord! I did it for you. I only did it to free you of her. She doesn't deserve you. You deserve someone better. Someone who knows you, someone who appreciates you and your life's work, my Lord."

"Someone like you, Bella?" Tom drawled, leaning on his knees as he looked down at Bella with fire in his eyes.

Bellatrix hesitated before saying, "Anyone is better than her, my Lord. She's a Mudblood."

Tom leaned back in his chair and laughed. "Oh, but she is not a Mudblood, Bella. Her mother might be a Squib, but Gaunt blood flows through her veins. Thus, Hermione is also a Gaunt. Like me. She's a half-blood. Like me. Or have you forgotten that, too, Bella?"

Bellatrix cried and threw herself at Tom's feet. "Forgive me, my Lord. My devotion to you has blinded me. I will do anything to gain your trust again, my Lord. Forgive me."

Tom quirked a brow at Bella before pushing her away with his gleaming hessian boot. "Get away from me, Bella. You disgust me," Tom snarled.

Bellatrix stifled a sob and crawled back down the dais, her face almost touching the floor. Quiet murmurs droned around the room, but none spoke up in Bellatrix's defense. Not even Lucius. Hermione hated herself for wanting to laugh and dance with glee, for wanting to gloat. Serves you right, you twisted bint, she almost said. She grimaced, hating herself even more for thinking such an awful thought. What was happening to her? Why was she turning into someone evil? Was Tom rubbing off on her?

"Forgive me, my Lord, forgive me," Bellatrix kept saying, her forehead touching the floor repeatedly.

Tom clucked his tongue and sighed. "Well, I suppose I can extend a bit of mercy. You've served me well for many years, after all."

Bellatrix's head snapped up, her eyes bright with hope. "I will do anything, my Lord. Anything to prove my loyalty to you. I will give you anything, my Lord," she cried.

"Even your life, Bella? For that might be the only thing that could satisfy my anger, I'm afraid," Tom said.

Bellatrix whimpered and bowed even lower, laying her face flat on the cold, marble floor. "If that is your wish, my Lord."

Tom's sinister laughter filled the room with an eerie foreboding. "Not yet, Bella. I still need you to do something for me. Do it right and I might reevaluate your situation," he said.

Bellatrix peeled herself off the floor and slowly rose to her feet, her hopeful eyes fixed on the Dark Lord. "I will not disappoint you, my Lord."

"Good. Well, then, no point in prolonging this uncomfortable drama. I want you to torture the Longbottom boy until he's dead, or begs for death. Whichever comes first."

A vicious grin twisted Bellatrix's lips. "As you wish, my Lord," she said.

"I want you to do it slowly, Bella. Prolong his agony for as long as you can. Make it as painful as you can," Tom said, his dark eyes glinting with amusement.

Neville flinched but remained silent. Hermione had to swallow the scream forming at the back of her throat. Neville would experience hell on earth at Bellatrix's hands. She must not panic. It would not help her or Neville. But her heart was breaking into a million pieces for Neville. Tom didn't have to tell Bellatrix to inflict as much pain as possible. The witch relished torturing people out of their minds. She would've made Neville's pain unbearable even without being told. Hermione glanced at Snape, hoping to catch his eye. But he was still focused on Neville, his eyes never leaving the Resistance leader's face. Was he reassuring him that everything would be okay? That would've been cruel. No one Bellatrix tortured turned out okay.

"It shall be done, my Lord," Bellatrix said, eyeing the kneeling Neville, as if already planning his imminent demise.

I have to help Neville. We have to get out of here. But how? I don't even have a wand.

As if hearing her thoughts, Tom conjured her wand out of thin air. "I believe this belongs to you, my dear," he said, tossing the wand to her.

Hermione caught it with ease. It felt good in her hand, familiar, and comforting. Yet, although she was grateful it was back in her possession, she wondered what Tom wanted her to do. It didn't take long for her to find out.

"However, there is one caveat to your task, Bella. Did you really think I'd let you enjoy yourself after what you did? And since your crime affected Hermione, too, I will give her the chance to exact her own form of justice. Thus, every curse you throw at the boy, Hermione will throw back at you. Everything you do to the boy, she will do to you, too. Oh, and one more thing," Tom said, pointing his wand at Bellatrix. "I forbid you, Bellatrix Lestrange, from using the killing curse on Neville Longbottom or Hermione Granger." A bright, purple flame shot from Tom's wand and hit Bellatrix's chest. The witch gagged and coughed violently until she fell heaving on the floor.

"Not until I decide you've learned your lesson, anyway. Or Hermione uses the curse on you first. You better pray she hasn't reached that level of viciousness yet, as I didn't put any restrictions on her," Tom said with a chuckle.

Tom was still talking, but all Hermione could hear was the deafening pounding of her heart. And the screaming girl inside her brain.


A/N: Thoughts? Comments? Violent reactions? What do you think Hermione will do? Does she have what it takes to do what Tom expects? Will she give in to the darkness swirling inside her? What about Draco and Harry? What will they find out in Snape's room? And will Lucius discover how to destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes? Let me know your thoughts :)