Hey guys! Yes, I'm alive! sorry it took this long! but another chapter will be up soon, so I hope that makes up for the delay ;) Enjoy!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sitting in front of her family's kidnappers, cold sweat ran down the back of her neck. They were the ones who had kidnapped and terrorised so many innocent families, They had been close company and servants of "He Who Must Not Be Named" and currently, they were discussing her fate that laid in their hands, like their very own property.
-"She could get closer to the Order to figure out their routine." Rabastan Lestrange told his brother. Rodolfus contemplated on the idea for a moment, then said:
-"No, there should be another way. She shouldn't get exposed."
-Then what do you suggest brother?
Rodolphus stood up and walked to the fireplace, picked up a photo from the mantle and stared at it, silently gripping his drink in his hand. The photo, Marietta noticed, was one of a woman, but she wasn't able to get a clear view of her face since Rodolphus put it back on the mantle and turned his attention to her.
-"How well do you know Harry Potter?"
-S-sorry?
-You heard me; How well do you know Potter? Do you know where he lives? Who keeps him company? Tell me all you know about him.
Marietta, confused and terrified, had both of her predators' eyes on her, so she decided to co-operate.
-Well, I... I know his friends, but I don't know where he stays. I've heard that he used to stay with his muggle relatives, but I don't know if he still lives there.
Rodolphus took a moment to consider the information, then called:
-"Anthony!"
He walked in quickly.
-Yes sir.
-How many servants have we got left?
-Only Three sir.
-Worthless cowards. They left the first opportunity, didn't they? No matter now, they will pay in their own time. Gather everyone and go look for Potter. He seems to live with his relatives, you know, the muggles...
-"But Brother..." Rabastan interrupted cautiously: "Wouldn't that be an obvious choice on his part? He might be staying with a member of the Order or the house of a friend maybe."
-"Right, we should check everywhere. Girl! Who are his friends?" He asked, turning the question on her.
-W-Weasley... Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom maybe, and... Dean Thomas? Seamus Finnigan... I don't know, I've seen him hang out with all of them, but mainly Ron and Hermione.
-"Weasley you said?" Rodolphus asked. the change in his demeanour was conspicuous; his head turned so fast in her direction, he surely gave himself a whiplash and his back stiffened notably.
Marietta knew instantly that she shouldn't have said anything, but she was scared for herself and her family's lives.
-Anthony, check the muggle's and the Weasley's house; Granger's house was checked before. No one lives there.
-"Yes sir."
Anthony left and silent fell amongst the two brothers. Marietta was afraid they would snap at her if she made a sound, but she was restless.
-Can I get my family now?
Both heads turned in her direction, expressionless faces staring at her.
-"No." Said Rodolphus.
-But I told you all I knew! I just want to get them and leave; I swear I wouldn't...
-"I said No!" Snapped Rodolphus. "You do what I tell you and you do it perfectly and then, I might consider it."
A lump rose in Marietta's throat as she asked: -"Can I at least see them?"
-"No."
Rodulphus said with a tone of finality in his voice. He walked to the fireplace again and then commanded:
-"Rabastan, take her back to her room. Make sure she stays there."
As they walked back upstairs, Marietta thought of how her mum and sister might be feeling. They must be so scared right now; They could be cold or hungry. She would do anything to have them back. Then she thought of her father; He was probably lying in a comfortable bed somewhere, blissfully unaware of what was happening to them. She rememberd the last time she was this scared.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The quarrel had been going on for an hour now. The frightened, lonely child on the stairs, pulled her knees to her chest as she listened to her parents fight.
-I'm telling you, the money isn't enough! I've been working 2 shifts aday and it still doesn't pay off your debt. Take some responsibility Mark! Find a damn job!
-I told you, I do have a job...
-Oh, do you? you gamble for a living?
-Don't push me Chris! Shut the fuck up already!
-We've got two kids and yet you come back home every night stinking of liquor, God knows who you spend all day with, is it that slut I saw you with the other day? Or perhaps...
SLAP
Marietta shuddered when she heard the sound. She hugged herself still more tightly, hoping it would be over soon.
-Look what you made me do! Didn't I tell you to shut your mouth woman?
The sound of slaps and punches and shouts echoed through the dark staircase, terrifying the five-year-old sitting behind the closed doors.
-Mark, please! Don't... Mark, stop! Don't do this, Mark...
Marietta couldn't take it any longer. She ran into the bedroom, grabbing her dad's arm that was going for another punch.
-Daddy, No! Daddy, please no more, please!
Her father looked startled to see her, but before he could say a word, her mother pulled herself off the ground.
-Didn't I tell you to stay in your room, Mary?
She scooped Marietta up in her arms and took her to the other room. She sat on the bed, Marietta clinging tightly to her neck, crying in her shoulder.
-Mummy... please, mummy stay here...
-Shh... look at Hailey. She's asleep. You shouldn't wake your sister. Come on honey, go to sleep now.
-No! Don't go up mummy!
-Shh... it's all over now, Mary. Don't worry, don't cry. shh... I'll be back soon.
Her mother left, but Marietta didn't go to sleep. She waited a few minutes before she snuck back up and listened closely as her parents spoke, this time in hushed voices.
-Mark, What's with the suitcase? Mark... where are you going?
-Get out of the way Chris. It's for the best.
-Mark, are you... are you leaving us? leaving your children?
-Chris, let go... Goodbye.
Then her father opened the door and walked out of the room. Marietta looked up at him apprehensively and he stared back at her for a moment, then hung his head and... left.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Marietta was so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't realised she was sniffling loudly.
Rabastan faced her and calmly said:
-"Stop crying. You'll see your family, just do as you're told. Now go back to your room and stay."
He locked her in the room again and left her be.
3 days later, Marietta was sitting with her captors once more, where Anthony was reporting to the two brothers.
-The muggles' house was abandoned, apparently no one's been there for a while; We wanted to check the Weasley house, but we couldn't catch a sight sir, their wards are too strong.
-"You idiots!" Shouted Rodolphus. "You should have kept guard for a few more days to see who lives in the house!"
-But sir, it was too dangerous, the bloody aurors are everywhere, if we had stayed there, they'd catch us in a blink.
A few seconds later, one of the other servants entered the room.
-Sir, one of the men at the ministry saw Potter and Arthur Weasley enter together, but he couldn't chase them for long, he had to leave before getting caught. We think he is staying with the Weasleys.
-"Fine, get out, both of you." Commanded Rabastan.
-It's just as I predicted Rodolphus. He is staying put for now and doesn't leave the safety of the words much, so we need to get inside somehow.
-"Yes, I see." Rodolphus contemplated for a full 15 minutes before turning to Marietta. Her heart was actually beating in her throat.
-Girl! Next week a funeral will be held at the Weasley house. You'll be taking a polyjuice potion and you will enter the service as stranger to pay your respects. Are you familiar with the potion?
Though confused, Marietta nodded.
-Good; Once there, I'm gonna need you to watch Potter and his friends closely. keep an eye on Arthur and Molly Weasley as well. I need to know what they're doing, any minor detail can be vital. You'll introduce yourself as Helena Dawson and you work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and you offer them your help on behalf of the department. We might need you to interact with them again.
-"Does a Helena Dowson even exist?" Asked Marietta.
-She did, she is dead now.
Marietta didn't dare ask how she had died. Some part of her already knew.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On May 11th Marietta stood in a formal black suit behind the massive crowd who were there to pay their respects and say goodbye to Fred Weasley. Helena Dawson was a tall woman with shoulder length blonde hair and light brown eyes. She observed the Weasley family as they sat on the front row: Molly Weasley was crying her heart out on her husband's shoulder, Ginny Weasley, her daughter, was trying to calm her and next to her were Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and some other family members she didn't recognise. When it was time for the family to say their final goodbyes, Ron Weasley looked at Hermione Granger beside him, who gave him an encouraging nod. Hermione and Harry stood back to give the family some privacy. Marietta got close enough to hear their conversation:
-No Harry, stop doing this. How can you be strong for Ron and Ginny if you keep blaming yourself? For God's sake, snap out of it!
-I just thought everything is going to be fine now that he's gone and look at us. We're still miserable...
-Of course we are! No one said everything was going to be fixed in a matter of 10 days! It's going to take time.
Harry Potter nodded and changed the topic at once.
-"So... you're leaving."
-You know I am Harry; I have to.
-Yes, but it's still too soon, don't you think? Australia can wait for another week or two.
-We'll see about that.
"Australia? Why would she go there?" Thought Marietta.
-"You know how much I miss them." Hermione was saying. "They are my parents. I need to get them.
-"I understand Hermione, I really do, but just a few more days? For Ron?" Harry pleaded.
-"Are you sure it's not because you don't want to have to handle everything alone for a change?" Asked Hermione humorously.
-"That too." Said Harry, chockling softly.
So Hermione Granger was going to Australia after her parents. They must have gone into hiding during the war. As Harry walked away Marietta decided to approach Hermione.
-"Ms Granger?" She said in a fake formal tone. Hermione turned to look at her, smiling politely, probably presuming she was a guest.
-Oh, Hello Ms?
-"Helena Dowson, from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement." Said Marietta, shaking her hand. "I'm here on behalf of the department, to offer you all our condolences and services; After all, our world owes you and your friends a great deal."
-That's so kind of you ma'am, thank you. Why don't you have a seat?
Hermione turned to take her leave but Marietta couldn't let her go now, she had yet to get information out of her
-The Weasleys are a generous family, as a matter of fact, I assume you and Mr Potter live with them at the time?
-Well... just for the time being.
-And what about your family? Aren't they around?
Too much! She had made her quite suspicious she could tell Hermione was skeptical to give away any more information, so she added quickly:
-"Sorry for all the questions Ms Granger, I was only curious because our department has been dealing with many cases of missing families as of late; Just making sure yours is doing alright."
Hermione smiled with relief and replied:
-"They are quite alright, thank you for asking though."
-You are very welcome, How are you all dealing?
-As well as we can, I guess; I mean it's tough at times, but we're all getting by. We are also helping to rebuild the school and it helps distract us a bit.
An idea sparked in Marietta's brain, the spark was weak, but if the idea worked, she could have Hermione wrapped around her finger and get any information out of her, but first she had to check.
-You know miss Granger, now that you've put all this behind you, you might want to start thinking about a career. I have heard that your school results are very promising.
A definite blush appeared on Hermione's cheeks, she was obviously excited to discuss her education.
-Oh, I should probably go back to school to earn my NEWTs results if I want to start anything out.
-That's a wise decision, but perhaps not necessary. There are departments that would accept you without needing those results; with an intelect like yours, as a matter of fact, department of magical law might consider that. Do you have any interest in law?
-I don't know, I mean, I once swore to someone that I would never join that department...
She laughed awkwardly at her own attempt at making a joke and wrapped her arms around herself. She then continued:
-"I don't know if I am qualified for law but I might be able to do a lot of good by joining in."
-Oh, you sure can, of course I need to discuss this with a few colleagues of mine before promising anything, but I reckon we could fix an interview in a week; what do you say?
-Oh in a week? But I won't be in England by then. I will probably leave for a trip to Sydney by 16th, but I can make it back quick!
-No worries; I'm sure we can arrange something. I'll owl you. It was a pleasure meeting you Hermione.
-The pleasure is all mine Ms Dawson, thank you for everything.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Rodulphus was absent from the room that evening and for some reason, Marietta felt more at ease in the presence of the younger brother.
-"Is that all you got out of her?" Quizzed Rabastan.
-It is, but I have a plan.
-"Getting creative, are we? You wanna join the ranks? I can arrange for you, you know. You can put that Ravenclaw brain of yours into good use." His tone was sarcastic and... what was that something else? Something that also glinted in his dark eyes. Was it..?
-"I assure you, I am only doing this to get my family back as fast as possible." She spat with extra rage in her voice. "Before anything, I need a ticket to Sydney, on Saturday."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Here she was, in Australia, with two men to accompany her, making sure she didn't run away.
-"Alright, I need you to find out where she is staying, can you do that?"
-"I will." Snarled one of the men. "You, stay inside your room, don't attempt to run away or I'll send you right back to Rodolphus."
-"Fine!" She clipped.
A few hours later, the man returned with a hotel address, where Hermione was staying.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sitting in the cafeteria of the hotel, disguised as Helena Dawson, Marietta was waiting for Hermione to make an appearance. 2 hours and still nothing.
She wondered about what she was actually doing; Sure, she was trying to save her family... for the most part. A very small part of her though, so tiny to even count, didn't mind this. It excited her actually, doing something important, no matter how wrong it was, there was no denying the anticipation, or the tingle in the boils on her face the first time she saw Hermione at the funeral.
She was starting to think that those two idiots had given her the wrong address, when suddenly, Hermione made her way in to order a coffee. Marietta quickly busied herself with an Australian magazine, but made sure that Hermione could see her face and it worked!
-"Ms Dowson?" Hermione asked, approaching her.
-"Hermione! What a coincidence!" Marietta gave a fake gasp at the sight of her.
-Sure... uhm, what are you doing here in Sydney?
She noticed that Hermione was looking slightly suspicious again, so she quickly offered:
-"I'm on a business trip here; now that I think about it, you had told me something about coming to Australia; for a vacation I presume?
Hermione sighed and sat herself down.
-It's anything but a vacation. I'm here to find my parents actually; I sent them here to keep them safe from the war.
-Oh my! So why aren't you staying with them?
There was that a sceptical tone again when Hermione answered:
-"Oh, no reason! just..." Hermione was wringing her hands in her lap and mumbling quiet nonsense.
-Hermione, if there is anything wrong, you need to let an adult in on this. You can trust me.
-What I've done is a bit illegal, you see...
It was truly shocking; As Hermione proceeded to tell her the story, Marietta realised all over again how clever she was. For a moment, Marietta wondered why she wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw.
-I don't judge in any way Hermione; it must have been hard for you. I admire your courage. Would you like me to accompany you to their house?
-"No, no, I'll be fine, thank you." Said Hermione, pinching her nose and by her choked voice Marietta could tell she was trying hard not to cry.
-I can't possibly let you go alone like this. I'll go with you; at least for my peace of mind.
-Ms Dawson, you have been too kind to me. I... I don't even know what to say.
-No words needed Hermione, and it's Helena to you. Now shall we?
So she and Hermione apparated to a house, located on the outskirts of the city.
-Is this the right house Hermione? Do you want me to go in with you?
-This is the right house, but I think I'll be alright from here. Ms Daws... Helena, I'm really grateful for everything, I guess I'll see you back at the hotel, right?
-Of course; now I'll just wait here until you're inside.
Hermione nodded and approached the house. Marietta watched cautiously as she brought down the wards around the house and went inside and quite simply, she knew her wards.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Throughout their stay in Australia, Hermione and Marietta met many times. It was safe to say that Hermione was feeling quite friendly towards Helena; she spoke more confidently in her presence. She told her about how her parents had been quite angry with her for the first couple of days and how they had to stay in Sydney for a few more months to make an arrangement for their jobs, while she would be returning to England. Finally after 3 weeks, Hermione returned to England; Marietta followed after her in 2 days.
She was escorted right back to the Lestranges. Rodolphus was once again absent upon her arrival, which lifted her mood a bit. The man creeped the daylight out of her.
-"So, How did your plan go?" Asked Rabastan.
-"Very well; I know where her parents live, how to lift their wards and how long they'll be staying in Australia; More importantly, I know she trusts me, or Helena, enough to stay in touch." Explained Marietta.
-"Touche." Said Rabastan with an impressed tone. "You are indeed a Ravenclaw, I say you deserve a reward after this."
-"A-a reward?" Marietta stuttered, completely taken aback by the praise and her cheeks heated up.
-I am not somebody who disregards intellect or obedience. Follow me.
So she did. They walked down the staircase until they reached a cellar. It was dark and creepy and Marietta didn't like it one bit.
-Wh-why are we here?
Rabastan didn't answer, but pushed a metal door open and motioned for her to get in. She tried to turn around and run back upstairs, but Rabastan pulled her forward by the waist, pushing her inside. It was too dark to see anything. She flourished her wand to conjure a little flame and have a look around. When she did, the air left her lungs.
-"M-mum? Hailey? Oh my God! It's you!" She screamed and ran towards her mother who was huddled on the floor with Hailey with their eyes as wide as saucers.
-"Mary? Mary! My Darling!" Her mother smothered her face with kisses while her sister gave her a tight hug.
-"Oh Mary, they caught you too, didn't they? Those horrible people!" Wailed Hailey, not letting go of her shirt.
-No, no... they haven't caught me, I just need to do something for them and then I'll get you both out, I promise.
-"Do what? What are they making you do?" Asked her mother as she squeezed her hand in pure panic.
-Mum, it's not a big deal. I'll be safe and so will you.
-No Marietta! You don't have to do anything for these people, just run away! Do you hear me?
-Mum, It's alright I...
-No!
-Mum, please, I'll be okay, I promise. I'll come get you soon, Hailey please don't cry!
-"Times up!" Said Rabastan's voice from behind the metal door.
-"Mary, please be careful." said Hailey in a small voice as she was shaking head to toe.
Marietta pulled both of them in a hug and said:
"I will be, don't be scared. We'll go back to our home soon. I love you so...
-"Time to go!" Shouted Rabastan.
-"It's just a short goodbye, ok?" Marietta reassured her family one last time and left the cell.
No sooner than she set foot in the corridor, she dissolved into a wave of uncontrollable sobs. She had trouble even breathing and she was completely unaware of the pair of arms that lifted and carried her back to her room. A few minutes later, she was in the room given to her and Rabastan was shoving a glass of cold water into her shaking hands.
-W-why are you doing this? what... why? How can you people be so cruel?
She wasn't expecting an answer, but Rabastan rubbed his face in his hands, stared at her for a few second, sat himself down at the end of her bed and then started talking:
-"My brother and I were loyal servants of the dark lord; We spent more than 13 years in Azkaban, waiting for him to return. Never once had our loyalty wavered and then he returned and freed us from the prison. We were his most prized followers, the only people to have stayed faithful to him since he first disappeared. Our gain from defeating Potter would have been greater than any other; Gold, power, command, respect... things we lost years ago and here we are now. All we were hoping to attain is destroyed once again by Potter. So consider this our revenge against him, but my brother's grudge against the Weasley family goes back to May 2nd."
Marietta was listening cautiously to the untold story of the Lestranges, her tears had dried on her pink cheeks and her breathing had finally gained a normal pace.
-The day of the battle, you mean?
-Yes; My brother's wife was killed that day by Molly Weasley. Now, not many people know this, but my brother's marriage to Bellatrix Black was more than an honourable deed to bond two pure families, more than an arrangement. Bella and Rodolphus met at Hogwarts. He was a few years older and not long past before he fell for her. No one knew but me. She had him wrapped around her little finger. He would kill if she asked him to; So our families decided to bond by this marriage. Rodolphus actually worshipped her, it was scary, the things he would do for her. When the dark lord fell for the first time, Rodulphus tried to send her abroad, but they got caught. After 13 years spent in Azkaban, I could tell that Bella was completely demented; she had lost her mind, but my brother still loved her. On May 2nd Molly Weasley killed Bellatrix. With Bella gone, Rodolphus lost everything. Nothing is more dangerous than a man who's got nothing to lose. Rodolphus wants revenge. He wants to inflict the Misery Molly Weasley has brought on him back on the Weasley family. "An eye for an eye" He says. He wants to kill Arthur Weasley.
By the end of the story Marietta was speechless. She didn't want to help kill somebody. Someone innocent. Rabastan's face was void of any emotions, his pointed features hadn't wavered once while he talked about the plan to murder an innocent man. He had no problem with killing.
-B-but Arthur Weasley hasn't done anything to him! I don't want to be responsible for a Murder!
-Do you not want to see your family again?
-Yes of course I do, but...
-No buts then. This is their only way out.
He was about to take his leave when Marietta asked:
-"Are you really going to give me back my family or is this just a trick?"
Rabastan stared at her for a second and just when she thought she saw a flicker of sympathy in his coal black eyes, he looked away, then said curtly:
-"Just stick to the plan".
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
AN: Creepy things happening right? And is Marietta seeking just a little bit of a revenge too??? I'm waiting for reviews:)