Muriel had often wondered, how long it would take to get to this day.
As she sat there with Hermione's most recent letter within her hands, she felt her anger simmering underneath her calm, controlled exterior.
So the truth was finally out.
At least a good portion of it.
Muriel Prewett, wasn't a fool. She never had been. Her mother had gone to school with Bathilda Bagshot, and as such—she'd heard the whispered stories of the Dumbledore family even as a young girl. She'd started Hogwarts the year after Albus had left the school, and had cursorily known Aberforth, because they were both sorted into Gryffindor.
Aberforth had always been a quiet wizard, and seemed to prefer his own company. But between the summer of his fifth and sixth year—something had fundamentally shifted in the wizard. He'd become painfully withdrawn and reclusive, and it wasn't until months into the school year that Muriel discovered the reason why.
Ariana Dumbledore had been killed, in a duel gone wrong.
And Gellert Grindelwald had been blamed for it.
Gellert was noted by many as a rather charismatic individual, who seemed to relish in the Dark Arts. But he was also fiercely devoted to his Great Aunt and it had utterly broken Bathilda's heart when her great-nephew had left Godric's Hollow, never to return.
As Gellert's infamy grew and his more notable misdeeds flourished around the world—Bathilda had been left to weather the storm alone with only Muriel's mother, (and later Muriel herself) for companionship.
Then the famous duel in 1945 occurred, and it hadn't gotten past Muriel's attention that Gellert's wand was now the wand of the Headmaster.
She had long suspected it to be the fabled death stick, but to have that finally confirmed was still a blow to the gut.
The Hallows were undoubtedly real. Muriel had no reason not to believe that the old coot wasn't still after them, even after all this time. He had the wand and now the stone—and had once been given possession of the cloak. Keeping it close whilst gaining Harry's trust was a smart, calculated move. She had to hand it to the manipulative bastard, he fancied himself some kind of chess master. However, instead of playing for fun, the tosser was playing with people's lives.
Had played with the lives of her grandson's, and now her great-granddaughter.
That simply wouldn't do, and there was no way she was going to sit idly by and let that old codger weasel his way out of another failed attempt to gain possession of the Hallows.
And possibly worse.
Not this time.
As Muriel sat in her parlour, her old journal opened in front of her. She pursued all the information she'd written down over the years—searching through clues, rumor and innuendo, until she had what was currently before her.
She'd stayed in the shadows for decades, desperately trying to connect the dots.
Now, she had a clearer picture of the truth.
Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald had joined forces to try and find the Deathly Hallows, and at some point...Gellert had found the Elder Wand, becoming its master. An old rumor that she'd written down from back during her early years in exile, had noted that Gregorovitch, the wandmaker, had once been thought to have in his possession a powerful wand whose properties were rumored to be replicated and utilized in his wand making.
So perhaps that was where Gellert had gotten said wand.
The stone however, had belonged to Tom Riddle at one time, and now Albus had that too.
The conversation with Hermione some time ago, about what she'd discovered at McKinnon Manor, had been the final piece of the puzzle.
Dumbledore needed the Hallows and access to the Manor...
But for what exactly?
Was that why he'd had the McKinnon family slaughtered?
She was convinced Dumbledore had something to do with it.
And unfortunately, Antonin Dolohov was still out there somewhere.
Peter Pettigrew hadn't been much help in determining where that wizard had gone underground to, after he'd escaped from Azkaban. Now the little rat was currently rotting away in his own cell, with a charmed collar that prevented him from escaping from the prison in his furry form.
Tapping her index finger on her journal, Muriel hummed thoughtfully to herself as she waited for her guests to arrive.
Sabbo brought them both in about fifteen minutes later.
"Hello, gentlemen."
Lucius and Thoros bowed in greeting, and she quickly waved them to their seats and offered refreshment.
Both men shook their heads in the negative, eager to get to the point of the meeting.
"I know you're both wondering why I've called you here?"
"The thought did cross our minds." Lucius drawled, while Thoros just side-eyed the man and then gave Muriel a subtle eye roll.
"Patience is a virtue, or so I've been told." Muriel snarked, causing Thoros to chuckle, earning him a scathing look from his friend, "However, it's no matter. I won't bore either of you with banal trivialities at present. I do actually, have a good reason for calling you here today."
"And that would be?"
Muriel's sharp gaze landed on the Malfoy Lord, before she handed over her journal. She watched carefully as Lucius read through all the information she'd gathered over the years, and once he was done—he handed the same to Thoros, who took his time perusing the pages with a scowl marring his aristocratic features.
"Compelling," Thoros said after a while, handing the journal back to Muriel, "but unproven."
"Yet." She was quick to clarify, before asking, "Tell me gentlemen, is there a way to circumvent Veritaserum?"
"I'm no potions Master, Muriel," Thoros offered, "so that might be a question best saved for Severus."
Waving her hand in irritation, she just replied, "I'm not talking about counteracting the potion with another potion, Thoros. I'm talking about something far more sinister."
"Which is?"
"A blood curse."
Both men blanched uneasily.
"You are aware of the Imperius curse, and how it works, correct?"
This comment was directed at Lucius with a sinister smile, and the blonde just rolled his eyes at the not so subtle dig before he replied drolly, "Obviously."
"A witch or wizard under the imperius curse, would still be susceptible to Veritaserum, unless one of two things had occurred. An unbreakable vow..."
"Which would leave a mark upon the witch or wizard." Lucius interrupted, lifting up his hand where his own mark was clearly visible.
"True," Muriel conceded with a nod, "or a blood curse. One in which the caster controls the will of the victim."
"And just whom do you think did this?"
"I believe that somehow, Dumbledore might've either himself or had someone else, curse Peter Pettigrew, to do his bidding."
"To what end?"
"To make sure that the McKinnon family, as well as anyone else he felt was a threat to his endgame, died at the hands of the enemy. He couldn't do it himself, but he could make sure it was done in such a way that he'd never be accused of the deed. And moreover, no one would ever suspect his perfidy, being the leader of the light."
Both Lucius and Thoros stared at Muriel in horror.
Was it truly possible that Dumbledore had been calling the shots all along?
That he'd used the Dark Lord's own thirst for power to manipulate things to his satisfaction?
"You both appear stunned. Let me assure you that no one knew of Riddle's nature more than Albus did. He taught the boy, watched him grow. He could've at any point, had the boy removed before he became too powerful, but he didn't. Why? It's not due to some great morality on his part. He sat back and watched your former Lord from the shadows for years, and it was only when the timing was right, that he created the Order and stood as a beacon and champion of the light. All the while, he planned and plotted knowing due to Prophecy, that Riddle would ultimately fall. He wasn't concerned with the collateral damage. I staunchly believe he helped it along to firmly bring Harry onside in the fight against Riddle, when the timing was right. Hermione has shared with me the questionable things those two got up to at Hogwarts under Dumbledore's watch."
Muriel shook her head in disgust at the thought, before she forged ahead...
"Hermione has discovered that Dumbledore has the Elder wand and the Resurrection Stone."
Handing Hermione's owl post to Thoros first, she sat back and watched both men read through the missive with disbelief etched onto their countenances.
"Salazar!" Lucius sat back and wiped his hands down his face, "He really has sat back and played us all, hasn't he?"
"Like a bloody violin." Thoros scoffed angrily.
"Do you think that he's in cahoots with Antonin?" Thoros queried and Muriel lifted an eyebrow as she too, had wondered that very thing, but Lucius just shook his head.
"No. I just don't see Antonin willingly joining forces with Dumbledore."
"Unless," Thoros mused, "the old coot had something that Dolohov wanted desperately."
All three sat there staring at each other in sudden shocked understanding.
"Marlene." Thoros whispered in horror.
Muriel nodded and offered, "That was my thought as well." She then sighed as she placed her journal back into her desk, "Pettigrew in his interrogation, told Amelia he'd broken Antonin out of Azkaban because he'd owed him a debt. What debt?"
Both wizards shrugged, not knowing nor ever hearing of such a debt.
"I think that Pettigrew somehow, was bound to Dolohov. The man was a gifted curse breaker back in his previous profession, correct?"
"One of the best. He was a notable Charms Master too."
Lucius nodded, "He invented all his own curses as well. If Pettigrew was cursed, it's likely something of Antonin's own creation."
Muriel considered this and then asked shortly, "And just what would Dumbledore have to barter with now?"
As the three of them sat there and considered the possibilities—the truth in the end, would be the one thing none of them had even considered to be a viable option.
Chapter 76: Oddity and Alchemy
Summary:
As Draco's birthday arrives, Hermione discovers some new information.
Chapter Text
"So, mate?" Blaise quipped, as he lounged back in the Slytherin common room with Draco, Daphne, Theo and Hermione. "What do you want to do for your big birthday coming up next week?"
Draco rolled his eyes, pulling his witch closer into his side and kissing her temple before replying with, "What makes you think I'll be spending the day with you tossers?"
"Draco!" Hermione playfully slapped his chest, her eyes shining with mirth, "Be nice."
"I am being nice, my love."
The groans of all of their friends, had Draco smirking.
"You two, are too much." Theo gagged, while Daphne and Blaise just rolled their collective gazes at Theo.
"How's Luna?" Hermione piped in, and everyone snickered when Theo actually blushed a fetching shade of pink.
"I'm still cross at you for outing me to my Father, cousin."
"Tosh, Theodore! Your Father wasn't angry and he did give his consent, didn't he?"
"In a roundabout way."
"Then you should be thanking her, mate." Draco drawled easily.
"Maybe," Theo grumbled, as he refused to engage about his personal life, "but back to Draco's birthday. It's on a Thursday and the final Quidditch match is a couple days later."
"You guys going to Hogsmeade this weekend?"
"Blaise and I have Quidditch practice in the morning, but after that I'm free." Draco then turned to his witch and inquired, "How about we have lunch at the Three Broomsticks?"
"That sounds like a perfect idea. I'm sure Blaise, Daphne, Theo and Luna would love to go, and Harry can bring Katie."
Draco threw his head back and groaned, but they all ignored his pouting as it was obvious he didn't really want to share his quality time with anyone but Hermione.
"Stop it!" She kissed him gently on the cheek, "It'll be fun! We'll do a pre-birthday. You'll be too busy with Quidditch for all of next week, so it will be good to celebrate now."
"Do I get a choice?"
"No!"
Everyone laughed, and then a scathing voice from behind them spoke up...
"Oh, look who we have here? If it isn't Prewett, and her little icky fan club."
Hermione gazed over her shoulder, noticing Pansy standing there with Olivia Shardlow and Therese Rowle.
"Did you all hear something?" Daphne interrupted, with a feigned confused expression on her face.
"No, I don't think I did, love." Blaise answered, easily picking up on Daphne's game.
"Oh, you both are hysterical," Pansy groused, "you both think..."
"There it is again!" Daphne looked around, blatantly ignoring the three other Slytherin girls, "Do you think someone stepped on a feral cat?"
"No, love." Blaise smirked in response, "I think it sounded more like a shrill banshee."
"Maybe we should find whatever it is and put it out of its misery?" Draco added, with a smirk of his own, "I mean, it would be the polite thing to do, wouldn't it?"
"You all better watch your..."
Hermione winked at Draco and waved her hand, silencing Pansy instantly. When she gazed back over her shoulder again, she grinned at the dark-haired witch.
"You know, Parkinson—not that I ever considered you to be an exceptionally intelligent witch, but I would think based upon what happened with Cormac and how long it took him to finally figure out the countercurse to my little spell? You might be a bit more reluctant to seek to antagonize me directly."
Pansy flinched back, as did the other two witches, who'd all had heard about poor Cormac.
The wizard had been rendered utterly mute for several months, and it was only when Ron had made the suggestion rather loudly in the Gryffindor common room, that the tosser might want to think about trying to apologize for offending Hermione, did the wanker finally get his voice back.
It had been the nicest couple of months in Gryffindor Tower, according to most of her housemates.
Even the professors were secretly pleased, in they were spared from Cormac's propensity for verbal diarrhea.
The wizard had left Hermione alone after that, and had been—if not exactly contrite...at least a bit more bearable.
Pansy just glared at her before her face broke out into a malicious grin. "I suppose I should be wishing the birthday boy many happy returns."
"I wouldn't strain yourself, Pansy," the wizard in question sneered, "I'm sure I'll survive without your tidings."
Pansy for some reason, thought Draco's remark funny as she started laughing hysterically, and the other two witches were quick to follow—leaving Hermione and the other Slytherins looking at the three witches like they'd lost their fucking minds.
But all Parkinson said, once she'd stopped snickering was, "That was funny."
And a brief wave towards Rowle and Shardlow, the three left them all alone.
"That was strange." Theo said after they'd gone and everyone nodded, as the entire encounter had been very odd.
"So, Hogsmeade?" Blaise continued on with their original discussion, "Why don't you all head down there, and Draco and I will meet you at the Three Broomsticks?"
"That sounds like a plan," Daphne nodded, "Hermione and I can go to Gladrags and Scrivenshafts and save Honeydukes for after lunch."
The rest of the evening was spent just discussing classes and plans for the summer. Hermione and Harry had hoped that Muriel had forgotten her promise to make them host an event over the summer hols, but unfortunately...she hadn't. They were to plan an afternoon garden party at Fosgate Hall the Saturday after Harry's seventeenth birthday, and it would begin in earnest once they returned home, after school was done.
Checking the time, Draco offered to walk Hermione back to Gryffindor, and she readily took him up on the offer. Waving goodnight to her friends and blowing a kiss to Theo, they left Slytherin territory and headed for the seventh floor.
Once they'd gotten to the third floor landing, Hermione decided to speak up, "I know your birthday is next week, but I can't help but wonder exactly what's in store for us."
Draco shrugged, but his expression belied his own sense of unease about the unknown. "I wish we knew what to expect, love, but I do know that you don't seem to be as unsettled. In fact, the closer we get to my birthday, the calmer you seem to be?"
Hermione nodded in agreement, because it was true.
It was as if her magic knew it'd found its mate and was patiently waiting for the inevitable to occur.
"I suppose I should feel a bit more worried, but strangely—I don't. It's like this was always meant to be, and I feel somewhat foolish for not recognizing it sooner."
"Well," Draco reached for her hand, holding on to each other as the staircase shifted to the left, dropping them off on the fifth floor landing, "I tend to suspect how I was in the past most likely had a lot to do with your reluctance in believing we might be well-suited. Which is completely understandable, love."
As they made their way towards the seventh floor landing, Draco pulled her aside to give her a heated goodnight kiss, which lasted a few minutes.
"I think," he whispered, pulling back his lips from Hermione's with an unhappy groan, "that this is going to be the best birthday ever."
"Yeah?"
"Without question."
Sighing, she leant her head against Draco's chest and felt his heart racing in time with hers, and she smiled to herself. She was always amazed by the effect she had on him.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
"Count on it." He gave her his cutest lopsided grin before placing a final kiss on her lips, and as he walked away—backwards—he winked playfully, before doing a quick turn around and heading out of sight.
Hermione just shook her head and giggled softly to herself at how adorable Draco Malfoy could be, when he put his mind to it.
Giving the password, she walked into Gryffindor and found Harry and Ron over in the corner playing a game of Wizards Chess.
"Hey." She greeted, plopping down gracelessly into the unoccupied chair next to them.
Ron glanced over and winced, "Your lip gloss is smeared."
Hermione blushed and quickly fixed her appearance as Harry chuckled—not even glancing her way. He was too busy moving his bishop across the board and taking out Ron's rook.
"Check."
Ron's head whipped back towards the game, an unhappy scowl marring his face, realizing he was three moves away from checkmate.
"That was a good move."
"I do have them occasionally." Harry reminded his best mate, who just huffed, cupping his chin in his hand as his blue eyes scanned the chess pieces, trying to find a new strategy.
"How's the dungeons?" Harry asked, and Hermione shrugged.
"Fine, although Parkinson decided to make her presence known tonight. I swear, the bint is completely barmy and unhinged. She's like a rabid dog."
"With a bone." Ron piped in before moving his knight with a self-satisfied smile on his face, leaving Harry shaking his head in bemusement.
"What did she say?" Ron asked, watching Harry for a moment before he turned his attention back to his other best friend.
"It wasn't so much what she said," Hermione admitted with a small frown, "it was her...I don't know? I can't exactly pinpoint it. Something just feels off."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it, Mione," Ron reassured, "Parkinson is about as dangerous as Fang."
Harry moved one of his last two pawns forward, blocking Ron's King from moving laterally and sat back with a nod.
"Have you heard from Aunt Muriel lately?" Harry asked, as Ron was now trying to decide it he wanted to sacrifice his Knight by capturing Harry's pawn.
"Not for a week."
Hermione fiddled with her hands. She'd been slightly worried about her Grandmother, but Muriel's last letter stated that she was taking care of some family business and would owl when she'd returned.
"Did she say where she was going?"
Shaking her head, Hermione smiled when she saw Ron move his Queen across the board and put Harry's king in check.
"What was that!?"
Ron grinned smugly while Hermione smiled at how ridiculous they were, when they got to playing chess.
"She didn't give me any idea where she was going, but she did tell me that Theo's Father was going with her, so that is something, I suppose."
"Still havin' a hard time getting used to that," Ron admitted with a grimace, "but at least she has some company. Mum said there was a time after her brothers passed that Aunt Muriel holed herself in Fosgate and didn't associate with anyone. It got worse after her daughter passed. So it's good she's getting out again, even if the circumstances are a bit strange."
"Theo said his Dad is trying to make up for the fact that he shirked his familial responsibilities to Muriel after everything that happened from before. I think he genuinely wants to make it up to her."
Ron nodded but didn't reply. Harry however, moved his bishop back and blocked Ron's Queen, causing her red-headed friend to scratch his head.
"I'm going to go to bed. It looks like you two are going to be at this for a bit longer."
Harry looked up and smiled, while Ron waved his hand silently saying his 'goodnight' without his eyes leaving the game.
As she headed for bed, Hermione realized belatedly that she hadn't gotten Draco a gift for his coming of age. Since they were intended, did she need to get him something special?
That thought persisted, as she made her way into the sixth year girls dorms and plopped down on her bed with a soft groan.
"That sounds ominous." Lavender snickered, causing Hermione to turn her head, eyeing her roommate with a glare. Pavarti and Faye were sitting on the former's bed, doing their nails.
"Sorry." Hermione said as she sat up, "I just realized with it being Draco's birthday next week, I haven't gotten him a gift. Is there some kind of tradition for gift giving that I'm unaware of?"
Shaking her head, Lavender glanced over to her other two friends and they both shrugged.
"I don't think so," Lavender admitted, "it's a bit unusual for a betrothal to happen before a coming of age."
"Why?"
"Usually because Pureblood families want to make sure the magic is compatible." Pavarti answered, and the other two witches nodded in agreement.
"That's interesting," Hermione sat up, giving the girls her full attention now, "so Draco's and my situation?"
"Is a bit unprecedented."
Hermione thought about that for a few minutes, mulling it over in her mind before she asked seriously, "Is that why there's so many of these summer parties and events?"
"Yes," Lavender nodded, "certain families look for certain attributes to add to their familial line. For the Browns, they've always been drawn to witches and wizards who value certain branches of magic, primarily Divination and Astronomy. In the Longbottom family, they pride themselves on their abilities in Herbology. The Blacks were well known for their penchant for the Dark Arts. The Malfoy's however, have never seemed to favor a particular branch of magic, but if I remember correctly—Ancient Runes, as well as Potions were highly favored. The Potters were known for being Masters of Potions and Transfiguration. The Weasleys have always had a penchant for Charms."
"That's amazing!" Hermione wondered aloud, as she considered Lavender's information and then asked, "What about the Prewett and McKinnon families?"
"The Prewett's were known for their skills in Defense against the Dark Arts."
"And the McKinnon family?"
Lavender swallowed a bit and Hermione noticed her eyes shifting back and forth, as if she wasn't sure she wanted to answer the question, but eventually she answered hesitantly, "Alchemy."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. It's how they made their fortune."
Hermione sat back stunned.
Why had no one bothered to mention that to her?
"You seem surprised?" Lavender tilted her head in confusion, "I mean, we've all heard rumors of the McKinnon vault at Gringotts."
"What have you heard?"
"Well," Lavender's gaze flew back over quickly to Pavarti and Faye, who both just looked on helplessly—but it was too late to go back now, "the vault has several unique enchantments."
Hermione nodded, "I can confirm that much."
"And the door to the vault."
"Gold."
"And does the vault door open?"
"Not exactly," Hermione shook her head at the memory, "when I placed my blood upon the golden door, it disappeared."
The three other witches just eyed each other with stunned expressions, before Lavender wagged her finger at Hermione with a hum.
"I don't think the door vanished, Hermione." Lavender admitted before changing the subject, "My Aunt, is Neville's Mum. She was tortured by the Lestrange's and is now a permanent resident of the Janus Thickney ward at St. Mungo's."
"I know, Neville told me about his parents last year after one of our DA meetings." Hermione then remembered what Theo's Father had told her not too long ago, "Your Aunt and my Mum were best friends."
Lavender nodded. "They really were. My Da used to tell me stories when I was younger about my Aunt and her friends and I also remember him talking to my Mum too, about the McKinnon family. That's how I know what I do."
"Well, thank you for telling me."
"You're welcome." Lavender smiled shyly, "I'm sure you'll figure out something acceptable to give Draco for his birthday."
"I hope so."
Chapter 77: Captured
Summary:
A Hogsmeade visit goes awry.
Chapter Text
Hermione had been thinking non-stop for the last day about Lavender's words. The other witch had made mention of the McKinnon's Vault door and then abruptly changed the subject. She'd been so surprised by how nice Lavender had been as they'd commiserated over shared family relations, that Hermione hadn't thought to question Lavender about the impromptu segue.
But now, she was thinking about it.
Unfortunately, Hermione didn't have time to dwell on the particulars, as she was already late to meet Daphne at Gladrags down in Hogsmeade.
Dressing in her favorite dark denims, boots and a tunic sweater, Hermione grabbed her bag and headed down to the village.
It didn't take her long, and when she entered the clothing shoppe, she was only ten minutes late.
Thankfully, Daphne didn't seem to be too worried.
"Hey, Daphne."
"Hermione." The blond witch smiled, but Hermione was quick to note her demeanor seemed a bit more subdued than normal.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"It's not a problem," the Slytherin witch waved her over to a row of new dress robes the shopkeeper had just gotten in, "I was looking at these. I like the blue one."
Hermione watched as Daphne pulled it off the rack and held the garment up to her body. The color was a stunning jeweled blue.
"I think you would look great in that."
"Hmm, you should try on the emerald green one."
"Really?"
"I think it would look stunning on you, and you'll need a few new sets of dress robes for the summer season, right?"
"I suppose."
Daphne picked up the item, and nearly shoved Hermione into the back dressing room, "Go! Try it on!"
Hermione gave her new friend a questioning look, but took the proffered set and headed for the fitting stall.
A few minutes later she emerged, in a very fitted set of dress robes that hugged her curves perfectly, causing Daphne to clap with enthusiasm.
"Perfect!"
She had to agree, the color of the robes did look good with her complexion and hair.
"Are you going to try on those?" Hermione pointed to the set sitting next to Daphne, and the other witch shrugged, "Nah. I just remembered I saw a set at Madam Malkins over Easter hols I preferred over these. I'll pick them up when we get back to London."
Paying for the item once she got redressed, Hermione asked the attendant to have the robes sent immediately to Fosgate Hall.
"Let's go get some tea?" Daphne pulled Hermione towards Madam Puddifoots, "I'm parched."
"Are you feeling alright?"
"Fine..fine...just didn't sleep well last night. Busy thinking about exams."
"Me too."
Both girls smiled and entered the tea shoppe, where they took a seat by the far wall, that was a bit more secluded than the rest of the tables.
The shoppe was empty, which was surprising for a Saturday mid morning.
"So, have you picked out a gift for Draco's birthday yet?"
Hermione shook her head sadly.
"Well," Daphne whispered conspiratorially, "I picked something up for you to give him. Now, you might think it a bit forward of me, but I've known Draco for a long time and have a good idea what he likes."
Hermione's eyes widened in shock.
It was a bit forward, but thoughtful too...and she really was stumped.
Nodding at the blonde in resignation, Hermione watched as Daphne handed her a small box and when she went to take it...and open it...the minute she touched the set of snake cufflinks in the box, she felt the pull of a portkey as it whooshed her away.
The swirling sensation, seemed to go on forever and when Hermione landed—she did so very hard, but before she could get her bearings—something hit her on the back of the head and the last thing she remembered, was a dark voice laughing.
Back in Hogsmeade, Daphne was sitting there in the tea shoppe, her expression passive when Pansy silently moved out from the back with Therese and Olivia. The pug-faced witch gazed around and seeing they were still alone, lifted the Imperius curse from her fellow classmate—then the three witches left out of the back of the tea shoppe, while Daphne just sat there dazed and confused. When she came back to herself, she looked around and shrugged before leaving and heading over to the Three Broomsticks, as it was almost time for lunch.
She was wondering where Hermione was, as they were supposed to meet up to go to Gladrags before lunch, but checking the time, she decided to head to the tavern as she didn't want to be late.
When she got there everyone was waiting, except for Hermione.
"Hey guys!" She smiled as she sidled next to Blaise, who was freshly showered after Quidditch Practice, "Have you seen Hermione?"
Everyone looked at each other confused, and then Draco clarified, "I thought she was supposed to meet with you beforehand?"
"I did too, but I haven't seen her."
"Where did you come from?" Harry asked, and Daphne replied, "Madam Puddifoots."
"Weren't you supposed to go to Gladrags?" Theo interjected and Daphne nodded.
"Maybe she's still there?" Harry inquired uneasily, a pit forming in his stomach.
"I'm going to go and check." Draco stood up, with Harry and Theo following him out of the tavern and onto High Street before they turned left and headed towards the clothier boutique.
When they got there, the attendant welcomed them with a warm smile.
"Hi," Draco greeted politely, "I'm looking for Hermione Prewett, was she in here recently?"
"Yes she was," the attendant replied, "she just purchased a set of robes and asked that I send them to Fosgate Hall for her."
"Was she alone?"
"No, Daphne Greengrass was with her, she helped her pick out the set."
All three wizard's stood there in shock, but Draco was the first one to rush out the door, running back towards the Three Broomsticks with Harry and Theo hot on his heels.
When Draco burst through the doorway, he nearly ran over Madam Rosemerta, whose expression was at first angry, but seeing the panicked look on the young wizard's face, turned concerned.
"What is going on here?"
Draco muttered a quick apology, allowing Harry and Theo to handle the barmaid before he spotted Blaise and Daphne up at the bar grabbing some drinks. He made to intercept them immediately.
"Daphne!" He whisper-yelled, gesturing for his two friends to follow him into the back where the loo's were located and once there, Draco set up several privacy wards.
"Mate, what's wrong?"
Staring at Daphne, Draco could see the worry etched on her face.
What the fuck was going on?
"Daph, I went over to Gladrags and the sales assistant said you were in there earlier with Hermione."
Shaking her head, Daphne was clearly perplexed, "No, I wasn't."
"She saw you!" Draco growled out angrily, panic starting to set in.
"Draco," Blaise warned, seeing his best friend starting to lose it, "if Daphne said she wasn't there..."
"But she was. The witch said Hermione bought a dress that you helped her pick out."
Daphne's gaze darted from her boyfriend to Draco, and both of them could see her becoming upset.
"Draco, I would've remembered if I was in the shoppe with Hermione."
Talking several deep breaths through his nose, Draco paced back and forth for a few moments before he stopped, turned and pulled out his wand.
"I need you to allow me to look into your mind."
"What?!?"
"Look, Daph, I need to see your memories of the past few hours. If you really weren't with Hermione, then it should be fine."
"No..no, you're right, Draco. If this is the only way..."
"It is." Draco admitted as he leveled his wand and made eye contact before silently mouthing the word 'Legilimens.'
It didn't take him long to find what he was looking for, and when he broke eye contact, he could see the horror on Daphne's face as she remembered what had happened.
"What is it?" Blaise demanded, as Harry and Theo arrived and Draco dropped the spells momentarily allowing them into the conversation, before he reset the wards.
"Oh Salazar!" Daphne cried, "What have I done?!?"
Draco shook his head in fury, "You didn't do it, Daph! You were imperiused."
"What!" All three of the wizard's standing there shouted simultaneously.
"Could you see who it was?" Daphne asked shakily and Draco shook his head, his expression hard.
"No, but I did hear the voice of the person."
"Did you recognize it?" Blaise asked, pulling his sobbing witch into his embrace.
"Yes, I did." Draco gestured for all of them to follow him out of the tavern as he waved his wand and dropped the spells surrounding them. "Split up. Find Pansy and her little cohort. I'm going to ask Rosmerta to send for my Father and Severus. If I'm right, Pansy is helping Dolohov."
"You really think that Pansy would be working with that lunatic?" Theo's expression was filled with disgust, but Draco silently nodded.
"I think we need to seriously consider it. We need to get out there and find her, and if she's hurt Hermione, I will kill her myself!"
Harry pulled out his wand and cast his Patronus. His stag appeared and he was quick to give it a command before it galloped away. He then noticed everyone staring at him in awe.
"Messenger Patronus. I taught it in the DA last year."
"Impressive."
"Who did you call?" Draco wondered, side eyeing Blaise's appreciative statement with a sneer of his own.
"I sent it to Neville, and he will let the rest of the DA know, that way we have more people looking for Pansy."
"Good." Draco nodded firmly as they walked out en masse to the main dining area. He immediately found Rosmerta, and told her what and happened. She promised to get in touch with his Father and Severus as soon as possible.
"Should I contact the Headmaster as well?"
"No," Draco shook his head emphatically, "not yet."
The older woman seemed to disagree but wisely didn't argue the point as she promised to do what she could to help.
As they made their way down High Street, they split up into three directions. Blaise went with Daphne—Harry and Theo partnered leaving Draco by himself.
When he got to the pathway leading towards the Shrieking Shack, he heard voices arguing around the bend. Casting a silencing spell, he poked his head through a small copse of trees and saw Pansy and Therese arguing with Thorfinn.
When in the fuck did he get back to England?
"Are you sure no one saw you?"
"Yes, brother!" Therese scoffed, "Do give us some credit."
"Are Malfoy and Potter in the village too?"
"Draco was supposed to meet his little cronies at the Three Broomsticks. I'm sure you'll find them all there."
"I still don't understand why Dolohov wants Draco?" Pansy whined, causing Thorfinn to glower at her.
"That's not your concern. As far as I see it, the little prick deserves what he gets. He led my sister on as well as you, Parkinson—that alone should be enough for you."
What the fuck?
Why was Dolohov after Potter and him too?
None of this made any sense!
Not sure what to do—wondering he should attack directly or wait for back up—he didn't immediately notice movement to his left, but something registered out of the corner of his eye and turning his wand towards to sound...when he saw Potter moving alongside of him.
Draco was quick to put a finger to his lips, signaling the Chosen One to be quiet. Potter nodded and then silently pulled out his Invisibility Cloak, causing Draco to smirk.
Nodding at the unspoken question, Harry mouthed the words, "count to twenty" as he pulled the cloak over himself and waved his hand in the direction to the right...indicating he was going to move to flank the three standing there.
Counting in his mind, when Draco reached twenty, he fired off a petrificas totalis right at Thorfinn but somehow, Therese moved exactly at that second into the pathway of his spell and she fell with a thud, as Pansy was simultaneously taken down by Harry.
Thorfinn shouted, "You fucking prick!"
And sent back a barrage of spells back at Draco, who desperately deflected them while Potter cast several successive incarcerous spells at the two witches lying prone on the ground.
Then Shardlow showed up from nowhere, and joined into the fray, attacking Potter.
Spells were now falling left and right, and it looked as if Rowle was finally gaining the upper hand when a cutting curse hit Draco's right arm, causing him to slump back. However, a jet of red light shot through the trees and hit the burly wizard full on—throwing him back fifteen feet and onto the ground.
Hard.
Draco turned around, and saw his Father standing there with Severus, both their wands aloft as they took in the carnage. The adrenaline from the duel had been flowing so hard, that Draco didn't even realize he was bleeding until his Uncle came over and whispered some spell he didn't recognize, under his breath...healing him instantly.
Potter leveled his wand at Thorfinn, who rolled over onto his stomach...groaning out in pain. But as Harry moved over to bind the wizard, he miscalculated the amount of distance and Rowle's hand shot out...grabbed onto Potter's ankle and before anyone could mount a defense—they both were gone!
Shite!
Chapter 78: Chaos Reigns
Summary:
Hermione regains consciousness only to discover she's more trapped than she realized.
Chapter Text
The smell was the first thing that permeated Hermione's consciousnesses, when she finally came to.
The second was the throbbing of her head, and the third was the fact that she was lying on the cold, hard ground.
The final thing as her eyes opened slowly, was the feel of a weighted collar wrapped around her throat, wrists, and ankles. Lifting her hands slowly, she could just make out the etched runes within what looked to be goblin silver. The pattern was more intricate than any she'd ever come across before and as she tried to will her magic to come to life—she gasped as she felt her stomach curling in onto itself in excruciating pain!
Was she being crucio'd?
The cries that fell from her mouth must've alerted her captor to her presence, because she heard someone laughing lowly from just out of her line of sight.
"Who's there?" She gasped out in pain.
Footsteps echoed throughout the room, probably a cellar of some kind?
Then a face emerged from the shadows...
A face from her nightmares!
"Well...well...well..." the accented voice hummed more to himself than to her, "look who finally decided to wake up?"
"Where am I?"
"Now, now.." Dolohov tsked in warning, "you're lucky you are still alive. You killed the Dark Lord, and if it were up to me, I would've gutted you by now."
Hermione paused at that comment.
Dolohov wasn't working alone?
Was Dumbledore really in cahoots with this lunatic?
"What do you want?"
The menacing grin on the wizard's face made her want to vomit.
"You'll find out soon enough, but if I were you I'd refrain from trying to use your magic. Those shackles are of my own creation and will only cause you more pain if you try and break free," the Russian's smile then morphed into something nefarious as he added, "and if that's not enough to deter you, just know that I have Potter here as well, and I'd be happy to punish him for your lack of compliance."
"You're lying!" She hissed, and Dolohov just chuckled maniacally. He waved his wand and the once empty space next to her now was visible. Hermione's heart plummeted into her throat as she saw Harry bleeding, and not moving.
She then turned her face back to the Death Eater and snarled, "You better pray he's alright or I swear on Morgana, I will turn you to ash as soon as I'm free of these."
Shaking his head, the Russian's smile was both amused and cruel, "Such a waste that you had to be born to that sorry excuse for a wizard."
"My Father was ten times the wizard you are, sobaka."
Dolohov's eyes narrowed at the insult, but before he could retaliate, footsteps approached.
Turning towards the sound, Hermione's eyes widened when Thorfinn Rowle came into view.
"We have a situation."
Dolohov glared at his comrade but nodded, and made to follow him out of the dungeon when Hermione decided to throw out a line to see if she could catch anything.
"I wonder what your Dark Lord would say if he knew you've been working with Dumbledore this entire time, sobaka." (Dog)
The older wizard stopped cold, but Rowle just appeared confused.
"What is she spouting about, Antonin?"
"Nothing!" The Russian growled.
"Didn't sound like nothing to me."
Dolohov glared over his shoulder, while Hermione just grinned like a fool.
"You didn't tell your friend the real reason for this little kidnapping?" She tsked and waggled her finger mockingly.
"You don't know of what you speak, suka." (Bitch)
Thorfinn's gaze moved from one to the other, his expression getting darker by the second.
"Antonin, if there's something you need to tell me, you'd best do it now! Therese and her friends were captured when I tried to take Potter and Draco, and while they don't know where we are..."
Dark eyes glared heatedly at the tall Viking wizard, but the younger man just stared back unafraid.
"You actually had your sister helping you?" Hermione mocked coldly, "What kind of wizard are you, Rowle? You had a promising Quidditch career, which you've just thrown away all for this one's obsession?" She tilted her chin in Dolohov's direction, and the older wizard growled again, waving his wand and silencing her.
"What the fuck, Antonin?" Rowle grabbed the Russian's forearm, before he could move out of the room, "What fucking obsession is she talking about?"
"It is nothing."
"Doesn't sound like nothing to me, so I'll ask you again? What the fuck is going on here? You told me that this was to get revenge for the death of the Dark Lord, and now I find out that there's another reason behind this? The swot is right! I can't go back now! Lucius, Severus and Draco have all seen my face! They know I'm helping you!"
Dolohov shook his head, even as he moved to get a bit of distance and before Rowle could react, the Russian cast the killing curse and Hermione watched in horror, when Rowle fell dead upon the ground.
When he was done, Dolohov sheathed his wand and smiled coldly.
"Keep your mouth shut, or Potter will be next!"
Hermione listened as he left the room, her eyes fixated on the now dead body of Thorfinn Rowle and she could feel her breathing becoming agitated.
As much as she disliked Rowle, she wouldn't have wished the wizard dead.
But the one thought that kept playing like a loop in her mind as she continued to stare at the dead body, was that she was right.
Dolohov was working with Dumbledore.
He'd never have killed Thorfinn if that wasn't the case.
Glancing over at Harry, who was still unconscious, Hermione realized belatedly that Draco was probably safe for the moment.
She didn't understand what Dumbledore wanted with Draco, or what was he hoping to accomplish?
For every answer, several more questions kept popping into her head.
Elsewhere, back at Hogwarts—the Aurors had finally arrived. Kingsley and Tonks were currently questioning the three Slytherin witches in the Headmaster's office, as all three refused to talk.
"What is taking them so long?" Draco growled for the tenth time in the past twenty minutes, "Why can't they just give them Veritaserum?"
"Because such interrogation practices must first go through the Head Auror and the Department Head of the DMLE." Lucius clasped his son on the shoulder. They were sitting outside the Headmaster's office, and Draco wasn't pleased at all with the turn of events. As soon as they'd brought the witches back to the castle and before his Father could contact anyone, Dumbledore was right there demanding to know what had happened.
His faux concern made Draco want to crucio the bastard.
"Were you able to send of a missive to Muriel?"
Lucius nodded, "She will be here shortly with Thoros. If I know Muriel, she won't wait for an invitation."
"Right you are!" The elderly witch replied, stalking down the corridor, her wand out while Thoros flanked her from the rear. "Where is Hermione?"
"Gone," Lucius replied uneasily, "along with Potter. Thorfinn Rowle took Harry and we have reason to believe that Daphne Greengrass was under the influence of the imperius curse when she gave Hermione a portkey that took her from Hogsmeade."
"And how did you determine this?"
"I did." Draco piped in, "I used Legilimency on Daphne and found the memory. Once she was able to recall it, she was devastated."
Muriel's expression darkened measurably as she headed right for the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Waving her wand in several motions, she broke down the wards and smirked when all the wizards stood there and gaped at her stunned.
"The man is consistently a fool. If he's going to continue to use the names of sweets as his passwords, then he deserves to have his office broken into...wouldn't you agree?"
They all nodded and followed Muriel as she headed up the flight of circular stairs. When she got to the large oak door, she blasted her way through it.
"What the!" Tonks wand was out in a flash, but her eyes glinted with amusement as she immediately realized whom had decimated the old oak door.
"Put down your wands!" Muriel demanded, leveling her own at the room at large before her blue eyes landed on the weathered face of Albus Dumbledore, "Dora, return to the Ministry and bring Amelia at once."
"Now, Muriel..." Albus admonished with a shake of his head, but Muriel just snarled, "Don't Muriel me, you loathsome man!" I've had enough of your machinations to last me a lifetime!" She then turned back to Nymphadora and waved her wand to the floo, "Amelia, NOW!"
Tonks just nodded, rushing through the floo, while the three younger witches stared at the Prewett Matriarch in fear.
It was about ten minutes later when Amelia came through the floo, her expression livid.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Weren't you made aware that my Granddaughter and Mr. Potter have been kidnapped from Hogsmeade not even two hours ago?"
"What?" Amelia then turned her monocled eye onto Dumbledore and narrowed her gaze, "Is this true, Albus?"
"I'm afraid so." Dumbledore's response as well as his concerned facial expression didn't fool Muriel for a second, "Unfortunately we haven't been able to glean much of anything from the accused."
He waved his hand to the three Slytherin witches, who now had differing expressions of fear, anger and smugness.
"Then perhaps you weren't asking the correct questions." Thoros interrupted with a knowing gleam in his eye.
"I've contacted the parents of the three witches." Dumbledore offered serenely and Amelia frowned.
"That was not for you to decide, Albus!" The Head of the DMLE shook her head angrily, "Once again, you overstep your authority. You are no longer Chief Warlock." Madam Bones blew out a frustrated sigh as she looked over the three witches with disdain. She then turned around to Muriel, Lord Malfoy and Lord Nott...who were all glaring at the Headmaster in open dislike.
Waving her wand and casting a silencing spell, she walked over to Lady Prewett.
"I'm sorry, Muriel, but I don't know what to do here. If Dumbledore has indeed contacted their families, my hands are tied until I can bring this in front of the Wizengamot. Which would be tomorrow at the earliest."
"Perhaps there is another way?" Lucius drawled out carefully.
"Which is?"
Lucius silver eyes considered the three witches carefully before he spoke, "Have the Aurors take them into holding at the Ministry and allow Severus to use Legilimency. We simply don't have time to waste trying to find Hermione and Mr. Potter. We know Dolohov has them both."
"Why do I think there's more to this than what you're telling me?"
"Because there always is," Muriel agreed caustically, "we both know he's not to be trusted. Edgar would agree if he were here, and you know this, Amelia."
Madam Bones expression pinched sadly at the mention of her beloved brother, but she nodded finally, "You will have one hour, Muriel. I can't allow more than that."
"That's all we will need."
Cancelling the silencing charm, Madam Bones gestured to the Aurors to take the three witches into custody. When the last of them was taken through the floo and back to the Ministry, she stopped Dumbledore from following.
"You are not part of this investigation, but I will be back to talk to you after I've interrogated these girls. If I find out you had any knowledge of this, Albus, I will see to it that you're stripped of your position!"
The Headmaster just sat back and steepled his hands carefully, but didn't reply even as his blue eyes twinkled with amusement.
"Of course, Amelia."
Lucius turned to his son and said firmly, "You will come with me."
"Mr. Malfoy still has classes, Lucius." Dumbledore's voice carried over the room, but Lucius just stared down the old coot with a glowering sneer.
"And I'm Head of the Board of Governors, and it is within my rights to remove my son from this school if I feel his life and well-being are in jeopardy."
"There is no safer place than Hogwarts."
"Tell that to Miss Prewett and Mr. Potter, old man." The Malfoy Lord then moved over like a snake waiting to strike, as he tapped his cane threateningly on the Headmaster's desk, "You best not be involved with this, Dumbledore, because if you are and I discover your complicity in this regard, I will deal with you myself."
"Now, Lucius..."
"You did make me take an unbreakable vow, did you not? Or have you forgotten?"
Dumbledore's mouth flattened, and his eyes lost their normal sparkle as he stared the blonde wizard down over the rim of his glasses.
"I haven't forgotten."
Lucius twisted his cane in his gloved grip before lifting his lips in a condescending smirk and with a flourish, he turned around and gripped his son's shoulder, leading him into the floo—not seeing the murderous expression on the Headmaster's face as they left the school grounds.