Chapter 10
Harry was relieved when the aurors finally left.
Amelia Bones assured Tracey that she would not face any repercussions for Pansy's death, since it was not intentional. Tracey squirmed at that; she was not certain herself just how much damage she'd meant to do.
"They planned to kill us," Fred consoled her. "Self-defense, I make it."
"They belong in Azkaban!" Ron insisted.
"But they are underage," Hermione pointed out. "Let the Wizengamot deal with them. As long as they're expelled, so we don't have to deal with them!"
Dumbledore seemed about to speak, but subsided.
Harry wasn't sure how he felt. It was Fred, not George, who'd lost an ear, and so far both twins survived. That seemed to bear out Daphne's view that chance ruled them all.
Yet Dumbledore was still suffering from a withering curse that might, or might not, claim his life eventually.
The following night, two things happened: Voldemort was finally identified in an attack that killed Amelia Bones.
And Albus Dumbledore died of his wounds.
The headlines screamed the news of Voldemort's return, and panic began to escalate, especially once it was revealed that Dumbledore was dead.
"I've got to take him out before he gains control of the Ministry, " insisted Harry. "First, I need to kill the snake!"
"If only we knew where he is," complained Daphne. "Probably at some Death Eater's house."
"In the past, it was Malfoy Manor," said Harry slowly. "I think maybe…it's time to make a deal."
No one, Harry decided, had ever looked more out of place in the Shrieking Shack than did Narcissa Malfoy. Her back straight, her pureblood pasture perfect, she stared at Harry with hostile eyes.
"You said you could help my son; why would you do so? You've already disowned us from the Black family."
"Yes, I'm certain you resent me for that. However, I might be able to keep him out of Azkaban, as well as out of Death Eater Circles."
Something flickered in her eyes. "How? With Dumbledore gone?"
Harry nearly retorted that Dumbledore had been gone the previous time, but caught himself.
"I can manage without Dumbledore….with just a little help from you. In exchange, I will do what I can for Draco."
Narcissa laughed harshly. "Oh yes! You will help Draco. And all I must do is betray my husband!"
"No. All you must do is decide who matters more…your son, or your sister?"
That surprised her. "Which sister?"
"Bellatrix, of course."
Her beautiful face took on an expression of resignation. "Tell me."
"You trust Narcissa Malfoy?" Daphne was shocked. Her tone made it clear she questioned his sanity.
"All I asked was that she tell me the location of the Lestrange House; I already know where Malfoy Manor is," Harry assured her.
"She could be setting up an ambush!" Daphne shrieked.
"Who?" Hermione scurried into the room, followed by Ron, Neville, and Tracey.
Harry hastily cast Muffliato. There was no hope for it now, Hermione would demand answers. He filled them in on his conversation with Narcissa, and Daphne expressed her fear that it would prove to be a trap.
"Bound to be," Ron confirmed.
"Even if it isn't," Hermione said, "surely you were not intending to go alone, Harry?"
His mouth set in a stubborn line. "Bellatrix killed Sirius."
"So, this is for revenge?" Tracey inquired. "I'm on board with that."
Neville stepped forward. "Harry," he said urgently, "I have to go with you! Please? I have to!"
Harry considered. He understood Neville's feelings, and nodded in agreement.
"We'll do this together, Nev."
"Not without me, you won't!" Daphne folded her arms and glowered.
"And me," insisted Hermione, her mouth set stubbornly.
"'Course we're going, the place is probably packed with Death Eaters." Ron's expression left no doubt he was spoiling for a fight.
"This is what comes from hanging around with Gryffindors," lamented Tracey. "If you're all going, so am I!"
There were six, Harry noted…just as there'd been six last time. A somewhat different six, but…"
"Right," Harry conceded. "We'll go tomorrow night."
"Will you be needing any thestrals, Harry?" Luna asked him at breakfast. "For later?"
"Er, no. It's fine, I have a portkey." Harry had long since stopped being surprised by the things Luna knew.
She merely nodded, and resumed eating her porridge. She did not mention it again, but that night, when they all gathered just outside Hogwarts' wards, Luna was ready and waiting.