Chapter 47 : Plan B
"Wait . . . wait," Emma held up her hand. "Wormtail only saw you, then, Headmaster?"
"Yes, I was his only visitor, and he thought that was to keep him hidden . . . the fewer people who knew where he was, the better." Albus nodded.
"But, you said he did die, just not like in the book and it's never explained what happened to him in the movies," added Rupert. "So, how did he die?"
"It was actually just before the Battle at Hogwarts. We were getting the younger students to safety and some of the Slytherins were trying to hide, thinking they'd be able to help the Dark Lord get into the school. As they were sneaking around in the dungeon corridors, they discovered Peter's room. He told them he was being held against his will, showed them his Mark and they let him out. On hearing what was happening, he said he knew some secret passages that could help the Death Eaters gain entry. "
"But we're getting ahead of ourselves, a bit, Harry. We need to go back to just before the Christmas holiday and Voldemort's efforts to locate my final resting place, and thus my wand," Albus reminded Harry.
"Ah, well, then Narcissa and Severus should take up the tale, as it involved them the most," replied Harry, turning to the Potions Master and Draco's mother.
X X X
"The Carrows and I have searched the grounds extensively, my Lord, but could find no evidence of a grave or other repository for Dumbledore's corpse," Severus reported, seated with the other Death Eaters. "I have gone, several times, into The Forbidden Forest but there is no trace of Magical wards or other tell tale signs of activity."
"I also searched the Shrieking Shack and it's grounds," Snape added, keeping his voice on the same level as the Dark Lord's. "My only other option is to check the lake and try to ascertain if Dumbledore arranged with the Merpeople ahead of time, that in the case of his sudden death, that they keep his body somewhere in the lake."
Voldemort waved his hand dismissively. "That's too radical even for that old coot. No, he'd want his body placed somewhere close, so he could be properly interred at a later date. And you searched Hogsmeade and especially the Hog's Head?"
"All of the buildings in Hogsmeade were gone through from top to bottom. Then we went to the Hog's Head and did an extensive search, much to Aberforth's amusement. He said he didn't allow his brother in his establishment when he was alive, he wasn't about to have him there dead . . . or words to that effect," Severus relayed, with a smirk. "However, again, we found nothing."
"And in the castle itself?" Voldemort asked, his voice barely above a whisper, indicating his displeasure at the information Severus was bringing him.
"I have personally checked every known and every secret passage, but can find no modifications that would indicate a hidden chamber or vault. The Carrows have checked all of the dormitories, classrooms, library, kitchens and greenhouses. Then I double checked them, my Lord."
"The Chamber of Secrets?"
"I do not have access to that the particular location," Severus answered, smoothly.
"But Potter does, Severus; he speaks Parseltongue . . . that might be the perfect place to stash Dumbledore's body . . .only Potter and myself could get to it. When I enter Hogwarts in the coming year, that will be one of the first things we will do . . . you and I . . . visit Salazar Slytherin's private lair." Voldemort leaned back and thought for a few minutes.
"I'm beginning to wonder if the wand is even with Dumbledore's body . . . does Potter have it with him, perhaps ?. . .or, has hidden it in a separate place. There doesn't seem to be a simple answer to this . . . do you think Potter had help?" Voldemort looked at Severus, his eyes boring into those of the Potions Master.
"I think not, my Lord. Dumbledore was quite adamant in his instructions that Potter do this task on his own. Potter didn't have a great amount of time, so it's doubtful he asked for help; one of his many faults. Whether he has confided in Weasley or Granger since then, I cannot say."
"I .. want .. that.. wand . . ." Voldemort hissed, his hands clenched, eyes narrowing as he thought what he should do next. Silence reigned for a few minutes as the Dark Lord stared at his own wand, lying before him on the table. Suddenly, he slammed his hands down on the table, "BRING OLLIVANDER UP HERE!" he yelled, making everyone jump. Pointing to Narcissa, he motioned her to go and do his bidding. She rose and went out of the room as quickly as she could.
As she descended the stairs to the cellars she whispered, "Dobby!"
'pop'
"Yes, Missy Cissa? You is needing Dobby?" the House Elf asked, even as he ran to keep up with his Mistress.
"I need you to take Mister Ollivander out of here, now. I feel he is in real danger, so let's go with Plan B."
"Yes, Missy Cissa."
Upon reaching the iron gate, Cissa opened it and ran over to the old man lying on his cot.
"Mister Ollivander, it's time to go! Dobby is here to take you away."
Sitting up, the Wandmaker smiled at Dobby, "So, it's time we're off, eh, Dobby?"
"Yes, Mister Olliwand, Dobby is taking you outside to wait for a minute or two, then after he helps Missy Cissa, he will take you to a safe place."
"Fine . . . Goodbye, Madam Malfoy, Thank you for your kindness to me. I hope we see each other soon." said the old man, as he stood.
"I'm sure we will," replied Narcissa, giving the old man a kiss on the cheek. "Here's my wand, I'll retrieve it in the not too distant future, I hope."
"I will take good care of it, my dear, have no fear."
Then Dobby took Mister Olivander's hand and 'pop', they were gone. Cissa immediately took some pillows and fashioned a body shape in the bed and put out the nearby candles. As she walked back over toward the stairs, 'pop', Dobby returned.
"Now, be quick, Dobby, and really hit me! I'll heal soon enough," she instructed the House Elf.
"Yes, Miss . . . We is talked about this and Dobby can do it, although Dobby is very sorry." Dobby answered, even as he levitated a small side table.
"As soon as you deliver Mister Ollivander, go and tell Albus to be ready to destroy one of the Horcruxes," Cissa instructed him.
"Yes, Missy Cissa, Dobby is understanding the plan and I will be ready," Dobby nodded. "I is sorry if this hurts, Missy Cissa, but Dobby will do what he must."
"Paybacks are a bitch, Dobby," smiled Cissa, as she turned her back. Dobby took a deep breath and BANG, hit Cissa on her head, back and shoulders with the table, knocking her against a support pillar, off which she ricocheted, to collapse in a crumpled heap. Dobby took a quick look up the stairs and then, 'pop', he was gone. Cissa let out a groan, "Good one, Dobby. Ow!" Then her eyes closed.
X X X
"What is taking Narcissa so long ? . . . to drag one old man up from the cellars?" Voldemort was up out of his chair and pacing.
"I'll go . . . " Lucius started to rise, but one quelling look from the Dark Lord and he sank back onto his chair.
"Bella . . . go get your sister and the Wandmaker . . . NOW!"
Without a word, Bella scooted out of the door. Lucius cast a look at Severus, who shook his head ever so slightly, warning Lucius not to move or say a word.
X X X
'pop'
"Headmaster!"
"Dobby, what is it? What's happening?" Albus turned from his temporary desk, in his bedroom nook in the Room of Requirement.
"Missy Cissa says Plan B! You must destroy a Horcrux on Dobby's signal!"
'pop'
"HARRY!" roared Dumbledore, as he strode out of the curtained area, heading for the 'Common Room' where Harry and Ron were listening to the 'Underground News'
"Yes! What is it?" Harry jumped to his feet, Ron right beside him.
"Plan B . . . Dobby was just here, Narcissa has sent Mister Ollivander into hiding, so we need to be ready to destroy one of the Horcruxes to slow Tom down a bit."
Running to a corner cabinet, Harry opened the doors and there were the gathered Horcruxes: The Diary, Necklace, Diadem, Cup and Ring. Ron was opening a similar cupboard and pulling out a Basilisk fang, which he carried over to the table where Albus was waiting.
"Cup, I think, for this one."
"Right," replied Harry, grabbing the Hufflepuff Chalice and bringing it over. He laid it down on the table, then looked up at the Headmaster.
"Now what?"
"We wait for Dobby's signal."
X X X
Bella walked slowly down the stairs to the cellars . . . something was wrong; the gate was open but there wasn't any light ahead . . . and where was . . .
"Cissa?" Bella stopped at the gate, then looking to the right she spotted her sister lying, motionless, on the floor, splintered remains of what looked to be a table scattered around.
"LUCIUS! GET DOWN HERE!" Bella yelled back up the stairs, then hurried over to her sister's silent, unmoving form. She felt her neck . . 'ah, a pulse.'
She heard footsteps hurrying to and down the stairs, so she stood and walked over to where there appeared to be a person on the cot. Bella flicked her wand and the candles lit, showing the bulky form. Kicking the cot over, she sneered as the pillows rolled onto the floor.
"Narcissa!" Lucius gasped, as he came through the gate and saw his wife lying there. Dropping to his knees beside her motionless body, he tossed aside the splintered remains of the table and gently turned her over. There was a gash on her forehead that was oozing blood, and as Lucius cradled her head, he felt a huge bump on the back of it.
More footsteps echoed down the stairs as the rest of the assembled Death Eaters followed Voldemort to the cellar gate.
"What happened?" Voldemort looked at Lucius kneeling, his arms supporting his unconscious wife.
"The old man made a fake figure on his cot and when Narcissa walked in, he must have been waiting in the corner and hit her from behind," Bella reported as she walked over to stand next to the gate. "There were no candles lit and she probably thought he was asleep."
" 'Re-enervate'," Voldemort waved his wand at Narcissa, who groaned and her eyes fluttered open.
"Lucius? What happened? I . . . ooo," she moaned, wincing, as she lifted a hand to her forehead.
"It seems you have let my prisoner escape, Narcissa," Voldemort informed her, as he stood in the doorway, the Death Eaters filling the stairway behind him. Severus was staring at her over The Dark Lord's shoulder, but when Lucius turned to look at Voldemort, he noticed Severus looking at his wife and saw him wink. Puzzled, he turned his head to look down at her.
"Lucius . . .I came down . . . it was dark, and Mister Ollivander was lying in his bed . . . I was just getting ready to light the candles, but something hit me from behind. . . .I don't understand." Cissa looked at her husband, clutching the front of his robe . . . leaning toward him to hide her face from the crowd in the door . . .and winked at him.
Lucius knew something was about to happen that could end in their deaths, but he made an instant decision to trust his wife . . . and Severus Snape . . .with his life. He nodded slightly and tightened his arms around her.
"I'm not sure, dear, but it appears Ollivander hit you from behind, there was no-one in the bed," Lucius calmly told her, then winked back. "You have a nasty lump on the back of your head and a cut on your forehead."
Bella had been looking around on the floor, using 'Lumos', but now she stopped and turned to her Master.
"Cissa's wand is gone," she informed him.
"What?" Voldemort turned and looked at the Death Eaters standing on the stairs. "Well, don't just stand there . . . go find that old man before he gets outside the wards and 'Apparates' away . . . kill him on sight if he resists."
The Death Eaters fell over each other scrambling back up the stairs and out of the front door to search the grounds and gardens of Malfoy Manor. Severus remained for a moment and then he, too, turned and ascended the stone steps.
"I am not pleased Narcissa," Voldemort said in quiet tone, although his eyes were blazing. Bella stood off to the side, leering at her sister and brother- in-law, licking her lips, waiting to see what punishment was to be handed down.
Lucius sucked in his breath, fearing that his wife was about to be tortured. He didn't know if she would survive because of her head injuries. Turning to look at the Dark Lord, he saw him raise his wand.
"My Lord, please . . ," he started to plead.
"Get away from her, Lucius, or you will suffer the same fate," Voldemort hissed.
Instead of obeying, Lucius hugged Narcissa to his chest, covering her body with his.
"You insolent fool! Very well, then both of you will pay . . . . AVADA . . .
Suddenly, the heavy iron gate swung swiftly closed, knocking Voldemort's wand from his hand and crashing into him, slamming him into the doorframe and back onto the steps. Bella screamed and ran forward to pull the gate open and help Voldemort to his feet.
X X X
There was a flash of light in front of Albus and a sock dropped onto the table.
"Now, Ron!"
Ron lifted the Basilisk fang high and plunged it down, piercing the silver cup as if lay on its side on the table. Black smoke and a horrid screech poured out, as the Horcrux gave up its bit of Voldemort's soul.
X X X
Pushing her away, Voldemort staggered, gasping and clutching his head, dizzy and in pain. Then he looked to where Lucius and Narcissa had been huddled together on the floor . . . but they were gone. He stumbled over, turning around to check in the shadowy recesses of the cellars. Bella ran around the stone support pillars searching for Lucius and Narcissa, only to return to the stairs, eyes wide and frightened.
"That's not possible," Voldemort muttered, as he walked, unsteadily, to the wall and leaned against it. "I placed the wards on these cellars myself . . . you cannot 'Apparate' from here . . . 'Accio' wand!" His white wand flew into his hand. Pushing off the wall, he walked past Bella, staggered, and then turned and looked at her. She was terrified of being blamed, but Voldemort turned and walked, unsteadily, up the stairs.
X X X
'POP'
"Dobby! Good work!" Albus greeted the House Elf, even as he walked up to the couple lying on the floor, Dobby standing over them, protectively. Lucius sat up and looked at Dobby in wonder, then bent to check on Narcissa.
"Poppy is on her way, Lucius. She'll see to Narcissa's injuries," Dumbledore assured him.
Lucius suddenly looked up at the man standing over him, stunned expression on his face. "You're alive? Or are we dead?"
Laughter coming from behind him made Lucius turn his head to find Harry and Ron walking over, grinning.
"No, Lucius, ' The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated '. Narcissa and you are safe, as is Mister Ollivander." Dumbledore reassured Lucius.
Harry held out his hand to pull Lucius to his feet even as Ron 'Levitated' Narcissa onto a nearby sofa. She moaned and opened her eyes, saw Lucius and Albus and smiled.
Dobby came over and stood next to the sofa. "Is Missy Cissa alright? Dobby tried his best."
"You did superbly, Dobby! " she answered, patting him on the shoulder.
Poppy came bustling into the room and went straight to the sofa to start healing Narcissa. Albus gently took Lucius by the elbow and steered him to a chair at a nearby table.
"Have a seat, Lucius." Albus instructed him.
Sinking onto the chair, Lucius took a moment to look around, trying to get his bearings.
"Room of Requirement, Albus?" he asked, turning to the Headmaster.
"Indeed . . . suits our purposes for the time being," Albus replied with a smile.
Turning to the young Wizards sitting there, he nodded. "Pot . . .Harry . . . Ronald. And I assume Miss Gran . . . Hermione, is in residence, also."
"Correct," nodded Harry, smiling.
"And Severus is on your side, I take it, as he seemed to know what was going to happen, as did Narcissa."
"Ah, yes, he is, as is Narcissa . . . and Draco," Harry informed him.
"How long have you all had your plans in place, if you don't mind my asking?" Lucius inquired.
"Since the Christmas holiday before we last met at the Ministry," replied Harry.
"I see . . . well . . . better late than never. . .may as well have the whole family working together; what can I do to help?"
"You're changing sides" Ron snapped his fingers. "Just like that!?"
"No. . . I've suspected for some time that there was a well organized group working to bring about the Dark Lord's downfall. When he tasked Draco with killing you, Albus, I was stunned, realizing that failure meant all of our deaths . . . that we meant nothing to him. The fact that Dobby was taking care of Narcissa and me again, in secret, was a major clue things were not as they seemed. I began watching Narcissa when I was released and could sense the subtle changes in her attitude, her constant alertness, not being just a subservient follower. And with what Harry had said to me at the Ministry, I had decided to get my family away from the Manor at the first opportunity. I could find none, but it seems my wife had things under control!" Lucius turned and looked over at Narcissa, who smiled at him.
"Well, then, let's make this family reunion complete, shall we? Dobby, please go and fetch Draco," the Headmaster instructed the House Elf.
'pop'
"I fear our disappearance will put Severus in dire jeopardy, though, Albus," Narcissa said.
"Indeed, but he's survived worse and he needs to stay close to Tom in order to give us some warning of the invasion to come." Dumbledore tried to re-assure her.
"He's planning on late Spring, Albus," Lucius informed him. "Sometime in May, before the end of the school year, as he's determined to find your wand for some reason."
"Ah, he's focused on that is he?" The Headmaster leaned back, smiling.
"He thinks your body is probably in the Chamber of Secrets, but he's not convinced your wand is resting with you."
"I see . . . very astute of him," chuckled Albus. "Well, perhaps we should put my 'double' down there . . . hate to disappoint him, walking all that way through those tunnels for nothing."
"Albus, don't be a brat," Narcissa laughed, as Poppy helped her sit up. "Thank you, Poppy."
"I'll send a potion for any headache that might occur . . . and it will! That's quite a bump you have there!" Poppy smiled at the others and bustled out.
'pop'
Dobby appeared, with Draco in tow.
"Mother!" Draco hurried to the sofa and knelt down to hug his mother."Are you alright?"
"Fine; just a bump on the head and a scratch," she added, pointing to the bandage on her forehead.
Draco stood and turned to his father, staring at him.
"Hello . . . son," Lucius said, in a low voice, as he stood to face Draco.
"Hello . . . Dad," replied Draco, who then smiled and threw his arms around Lucius, who looked totally at a loss for words, but then smiled and enveloped his son in a fierce bear hug.
"About bloody time," Narcissa observed, which caused her two men to turn and look at her, and then at each other, before bursting out laughing.