Chapter 33: Life Begins and Ends
A birth is a momentous occasion, no matter the circumstances. However, for the mother, it is a hard, painful, and strenuous job that can span hours. Even in the best possible birthing scenarios, many complications can occur, both seen and unforeseen. Tonks was drenched in sweat, but she felt cold to the touch. Sirius felt helpless as he saw that she currently had the "shakes" that Lily had suffered so much from. While a woman's body was designed for giving birth, Tonks -while advanced in her pregnancy- was still not due to do this. As her labor began, induced by the circumstances, the army nurse started an IV drip of oxytocin. Oxytocin, if he remembered correctly, caused contractions. However, the body didn't always discriminate as to where the contractions were needed.
Tonks groaned as her legs, arms, and back muscles contracted in intervals. Sirius was trying hard not to scream. He had been there when Harry was born. Unlike James, he wasn't easily grossed out. There had been blood and other stuff but not in this amount. It couldn't be right. If he hadn't risked Remus, Dora would have stayed home safe and wouldn't be in the amount of pain she was in now, and Remus wouldn't be so hurt. It was all his fault. Remus would be so pissed at him for this if- no, when he woke up. He had to wake up. Sirius would look at his friend every few seconds. He was still see-through. The only color in his body was the fresh wound on the side of his abdomen and his hand, red from Dora's hold that could easily break it in her pain. In Tonks' second push, which also obliterated what was left of Sirius' hand, Ruki had ordered Tonks to stop pushing.
"Mrs. Lupin, the baby is breeched, and your pelvis isn't open enough yet. You must stop pushing!" Ruki exclaimed.
"I f-feel like I need to p-push," Tonks groaned, tears falling from her eyes, her head pushing against Sirius' shoulder.
"We know, but you can't," the nurse advised.
Sirius cried with Tonks. He wished there was something he could do. Anything to make her feel better. He kissed her sweaty temple and massaged her neck with his free hand.
"Mrs. Lupin, I will try to turn the baby," Ruki warned. "You need to relax your pelvic muscles so I can try to do an inversion."
"What?!" Tonks grunted.
"Your feet need to be higher than your head," the nurse said. "To encourage the baby to turn on its own."
"What? Is that even safe?" Sirius blanched behind Tonks.
Ruki stared at him with such rage that he quietened immediately. Her eyes promised payback for taking Harry's blood. Ruki levitated Tonks with her head lower than her legs. She was kept in that position for a while. The inversion failed. The baby didn't move at all. Tonks kept complaining about the pain and calling out for Remus, her mother, and her father.
"She needs to relax her pelvic muscles," Mrs. Xu peered and saw that if the baby was pushed, their shoulders would get stuck. That would be so painful and life-threatening to both mother and baby. The army nurse nodded. She was more used to the E.R. of the battlefield than Obstetrics, but still, she was very concerned.
Sirius looked at the women questioningly.
Mrs. Xu looked at him expectantly, "I am told you were a Don Juan in your day. Help her!"
"How?!" he repeated. "She's my cousin! All the ways I know to relax the pelvic muscles are not PG rated nor appropriate for these circumstances!"
Chyou could have laughed if it wasn't for Tonks' face.
"SIRIUS!" Tonks grunted against his jaw as she elbowed his ribs. "No. Time. For. Jokes!"
"Sorry, love," he grunted.
Ruki narrowed her eyes and motioned for him to massage her neck and shoulders. Sirius nodded. Noticing this interaction, Chyou did a numbing charm on her hand and replaced Sirius in Tonks's hold. Her eyes widened, and she had to bite the inside of her cheeks not to scream in pain. Sirius began massaging Tonks slowly. Luna had brought essential oils. Where she got them? No idea. He added some lavender oil to a moisturizer. Chyou undid Tonks' gown tie with her free hand. Sirius began massaging Dora's neck, shoulders, and lower back. He would have felt awkward about touching her half-naked body at any other time, but now, he only wanted to ease her pain. Sirius was good at massages, but he doubted this could help much. She sighed as he began to work on her lower back.
"T-Thank you," she whispered. "S-Sorry for p-punching you."
"I deserved it, love... You are doing so good. You are so fucking strong and brave, Dora," Sirius would alternate massages with kissing her head or dabbing her sweaty brow instead of Chyou when the teen looked like she would faint from the pain of Tonks' vice grip.
"ICE!" Tonks exclaimed with a grimace.
The army nurse offered her a spoonful of ice chips she chewed immediately.
The castle's Infirmary doors swiveled open and violently banged against the wall. Andromeda ran inside, ready to jump in. Andi looked at Sirius with such hatred that he felt it was Bellatrix herself looking at him. Ted ran in after her. Harry followed them, carrying two potion kits. He saw the scene and felt his adrenaline spike. Everyone looked to be in varying degrees of pain. He needed to help.
Harry moved around pointedly, looking away from the gory delivery space. He gave Chyou an uncapped pain-relieving potion which she gratefully drank in one shot. He handed Sirius a calming draught and pain-relieving potion for good measure too. Harry kissed his godfather's temple, "I am so glad you are okay," he whispered in Padfoot's ear. He could scold him later. Harry walked around handing grand pepper-ups to all the elves. Andromeda and Ted refused him. So did Mrs. Xu and the nurse.
Sirius stared at him and then looked pointedly at Remus, so Harry went to him. Moony was so still. His breath was shallow. His heartbeat was better, according to the healing elves. Harry kissed Remus's forehead, and tears came to his eyes. This was all his fault. On the next bed, Tonks was fighting hard to bring his godchild to the world, and Remus was missing it because of helping him with a Horcrux. Harry placed his hands on the man's heart. If he could help elves… Maybe he could help Remus too.
He sent a warning to Hermione's mind, You may want to sit down, love. I will try to do some healing on Moony.
Hermione was scared, but he could feel her full support, I am sitting down. Take as much as you need.
Harry was so glad that Hermione wasn't asking him all the questions he knew she had by now. He felt their cores align, so he took a deep breath and focused. Remus' core drank all the healing energy he could get when he pushed power out. Color was returning to his skin as quickly as it was leaving Harry's skin. Moony's breathing was deepening. He groaned. Four elves had to catch Harry as he fell to his knees, spent. He took a slow, shaky breath. He could feel pain in his side. The side of Moony's injury. There was nothing else he could do. Harry couldn't even look at Tonks. His last thought was to talk to Hermione and update her. She was probably worried sick.
[Simultaneously on the next bed]
Ruki quickly turned and disinfected Mr. and Mrs. Tonks, covering them with gowns.
"I'm here, sweetheart!" Andi exclaimed, sitting on the small stool that Ruki had just vacated.
"Thank Merlin!" Tonks groaned.
"Talk to me," Andi told Ruki as she put on the gloves handed to her by the nurse.
"We began delivery after disinfecting and numbing, but the baby is footling breech, both feet. Her pelvis is too narrow at this point," Ruki said, rushing to move out of Andi's way.
"Have you tried to turn the baby?" Andi asked, looking at the poking feet with a furrowed brow.
"We tried inversion unsuccessfully," Ruki replied.
Andi took a deep breath, "Dora, love. I need you to take a deep breath. I know it hurts like a bitch, but I need to try an ECV* to turn the baby," Andi warned. Harry offered a pepper-up while looking away from the… um… work area, but she shook her head. Tonks nodded her acquiescence. She just wanted the pain to stop. Andromeda began doing some sort of massage to Tonks' belly. Sirius gaped, and his face wrinkled in horror as he could see the ripples of the baby's shape inside Tonks' belly as it began turning. Dora's face was scrunched with a grimace of excruciating pain. Suddenly, he felt like he could never cause any woman to go through something like this. Adoption would do. He didn't make a peep because Ruki kept looking at him with promises of deadly payback.
Sirius turned to Remus and tried not to start crying again. His best friend looked… dead. He stared at Harry and then at Moony as if asking his godson to check up on Remy. Harry looked in pain when he looked at Remus and then pensive for a while. Then, he placed his hands on Remus' chest, and blinding light entered his body. Sirius stared in shock as the light from Harry's hands highlighted Remus' heart and veins as the healing Magic ran through his body.
"If this doesn't work, I will have to cut her open," Andi whispered to her husband. He moved to the head of the bed. Sirius looked at Andi in shock. Merlin, let the baby turn, please! Dora's been through enough!
"You are such a badass, baby! I'm so proud of you! We are all in this together, okay?"
Remus groaned as Harry fell to his knees. The elves took Harry away to a nearby bed.
Tonks turned to her husband and saw his amber eyes searching the room slowly, "Remus! Pull him closer!" she exclaimed to the healing elves, who dutifully pushed the bed closer.
"D-Dora… H-How are you? The b-baby?" Remus could barely whisper. His body had been put through a lot.
"Good of you to join us in the land of the living, son," Ted smiled and helped him sit up after double-checking that his injury was perfectly closed.
"Remus! W-We are n-not having another c-child!" Tonks growled.
"Yes, d-dear. Whatever y-you say," Remus gave her a weak smile.
"YES! The baby turned!" Ted exclaimed with joy.
"Sirius, scoot her over to me a bit," Andi demanded.
Sirius moved her forward with a grimace. His own back was cramping by now. Chyou and the nurse placed more pillows behind him to support him better.
"Okay, Dora, take a deep breath," Andi said. Tonks did just that. "Good girl… I'm gonna need you to push like it's your day job in three, two, one, push!"
On the island, Hermione prayed everyone in the castle was alright. As soon as Andromeda knew what had happened, she and her husband left. Lady Greengrass would stay in charge of the Infirmary. In any case, it was better to have one healer per location. It had been a while since Harry had asked her to share her life force with him so he could help Remus. Two grand pepper-ups later, she felt much better. She stood to check on things as Astoria and Draco ran to her.
"Lady Potter," she said in between pants. "My mother wants to know if the prisoner can be brought here. Lord Potter had asked to keep him in the Safe House. Still, my mom doesn't have a lot of hope for his recovery. She insists that you should interrogate him for any useful information. He's holding on to a suitcase and won't let go no matter how much pain he's in."
"Yes. I want him restrained, though," Hermione replied with a frown.
"How restrained?" Draco asked.
"He should only be able to blink. Take him to the Infirmary. No one else should be there. No one can hear our… conversation."
"Got it," Astoria ran back.
Draco lingered. Hermione looked exhausted and worried, "Hermione, you okay?"
Hermione shook her head. "Not really. Remus is seriously injured… Tonks is going through a high-risk anticipated delivery… We don't know if… Fuck."
Draco frowned and placed his hands on her shoulders, "Hey, hey, hey… If you need to leave to go to the castle, we can hold down the fort here, doll."
Hermione smiled, "Thanks, Draco. I need to start to interrogate the prisoner, though."
Draco nodded, "If you change your mind-"
"Of course. Thank you. Do we have enough veritaserum?"
"Yes, Tory and I brewed a large batch, but doll… Lady Greengrass doesn't think he will regain consciousness today."
Hermione sighed, feeling a bit drained from helping Harry help Remus, "That's… inconvenient. But it gives me time to deal with the I don't even know how many things until then… The merfolk, for starters."
Draco frowned. He heard what had happened, and that sounded very dangerous. "Do you want me to come with you?"
"Yes, please. Give me an hour. I want to see Firenze and Charlie."
Draco nodded and turned to help Lady Greengrass with transport.
"Draco, wait!"
He turned with a raised brow.
"I wanted to thank you… I know my parents touched on tough topics for you with what I'm sure were very intrusive questions. You didn't have to answer, and yet you did. It was very brave and selfless of you," Hermione placed her hand on his pale cheek.
Draco nodded, "It was… hard… but I felt relieved to speak about it and to have that help you and your parents," he blushed.
"I'm going to hug you now," Hermione warned.
"You don't need to- Oof!" Draco grunted as he was treated for the first time to a trademark bone-crushing Granger hug initiated by Hermione herself. Somehow, it was as if he felt chunks of his heart being put back together the tighter she held him. He understood why she warned him, but he still wasn't prepared. Not even his own mother had ever held him like this. He teared up and tried to add some humor to feel less self-conscious, "Granger… I know I'm irresistible, but… control yourself!"
Hermione laughed and let go slowly, "You loved it, and you know it," she replied.
Draco chuckled and nodded, "I admit I did… But if Potter sees me, I'm dead, aren't I?"
She shook her head. "Nope. We are both grateful. He won't mind."
Hermione paced barefoot on the white sands. She tried her connection to Harry, but he was so exhausted he wasn't picking up. She could feel the eyes of the merfolk in the pool glued to her the whole time. Dudley noticed she was creating a small ditch and walked toward her, "Are you okay?"
"I… Yeah. I think so. Just worried…"
"I understand…What can I do to help?"
Hermione thought for a while, "Can you please check on our weapons, protective gear, and ammunition? Get a count? We may need to go into battle either late today or early tomorrow..." she trailed off, her eyes watered. She was terrified for Tonks. They also had no idea what was happening at Gringotts or with their people there. Additionally, she feared whether her relationship with her parents would survive the war.
Dudley looked at her. She was fighting back tears unsuccessfully, "Hermione…."
She looked up.
"No one expects you to be perfect. No one expects you not to cry. It's okay. You have been through a lot."
"You think? I don't want people to lose confidence in Harry because of me," Hermione's lip quivered.
Dudley hugged her, lifting her off her feet gently, "Hey, if anyone will screw things up… it's definitely going to be Harry," he chuckled.
Hermione smiled against his chest and hugged him back tightly. She wondered if she should tell him about his parents, but she felt it had to be Harry.
No wonder Harry likes her hugs so much, Dudley thought. She hugged with her heart more than with her body, and whoever was receiving her hugs could feel that.
"I'm sure things will be fine," Dudley lowered her. She didn't look that confident. "Look. You and Harry… You have faced a lot of shit, yeah? You are smart and strong, and whatever happens, you got this. And if you don't, if you can't, if you're tired… You have an army of people and creatures ready to pick up right where you left off, no questions asked. You just holler, and I'll be right there."
Hermione felt really touched by his sincere tone. She went on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek, "Thank you. That means a lot to me, Dudley. Thanks for this and for everything else you do for us."
He blushed and smiled brighter than she had seen him smile. "It's my pleasure, really."
"We are proud of how far you've come. You have adapted to this madness we call family, and no one truly has anything but good words to say about you," she smiled.
"It's a privilege to be a part of this family," he kissed her forehead.
"Stop… You will make me cry," Hermione pressed her index fingers into the inner corners of her eyes.
"Anything else you need?"
"Yes, please count the TNT crates. They were moved to the greenhouse," Hermione said.
"You got it," Dudley smiled and walked away feeling much better than he had on the island.
Draco and Dudley stood next to Hermione. Ten elves surrounded the artificial lake for added security. Omari wanted to present a strong front, so he agreed they should do this together in Harry's absence.
"Omari," Hermione bowed over his hand. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, Lady Potter," he returned the gesture.
"I am glad to hear that. However, I am so sorry for your loss. Your guards… Have you decided how you want to dispose of them yet?"
"We will do the usual… Burial at sea. We just need you to procure cotton shrouds or sheets to wrap their bodies. We will have to leave the wards to dispose of them at a proper depth, though," Omari replied.
"Count on them," Hermione nodded. "Will your clan need security for the rites?"
"We do not anticipate that."
"Alright. I see that you are sharing a space with the other clan," Hermione said, noting all the different clan members in the artificial lake.
"Yes. We have reached a consensus."
"You have?"
"Yes," Omari replied, staring at her in a way that said, 'Don't ask now. I will tell you later,' so she didn't say a thing.
"Harry will be back soon."
"Is he alright?"
"Yes. It has been a trying day that feels like a whole week, but he's coming," Hermione smiled.
"Alright."
Hermione turned to the rest of the lake, "I want my husband's clan to listen to me." Half the creatures on the lake focused on her intently, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Lord Potter is a very kind person. He is loyal and fair. He expects the same in return. You may be aware of this already, but I am telling you directly and with witnesses so you can't claim ignorance later. Harry and I have a soul bond. If I understood my Care of Magical Creatures books well, that means I am also your Chieftainess."
Wide eyes went wider at this.
"I realize having two leaders is not natural for your kind. However, we do not plan to keep your clan hostage to our positions of power, even though you all know it is our right. Once the war is over, we will renounce the leadership. You will be free to leave and have a traditional power struggle championship where the strongest, most qualified of you can fight each other to the death to become the new Chief or Chieftainess," the eyes around her narrowed. "However, that being said… from now until then, a lot can happen."
Dudley felt cold at Hermione's tone. Draco smirked. Hermione could have been such a good Slytherin.
"I am nowhere near as kind or as forgiving as my husband. I have no qualms when it comes to protecting those I love. I don't care how I look. I don't care what anyone thinks of me. Since I was 12 years old, I have done things you can't imagine to support my husband."
Draco nodded enthusiastically and muttered, "She's a menace," under his breath.
"You don't know me, so I will briefly summarize. I have brewed illegal potions. I have set professors on fire. I have kidnapped nosy reporters. I have incited successful rebellions of both creatures and humans. I have scarred snitches for not keeping the secrets they promised to keep. I have used Magical Artifacts against their specific purposes breaking laws to aid and abet a mass murderer. I have punched noses," Hermione stopped for dramatic effect, and Draco made himself small. He could still hear his nose breaking. "I have cursed people my age and older. I escaped Hogwarts with a rebel group of teenagers and broke into the Ministry for Magic, fighting Death Eaters and leaving in one piece. I have broken many laws. I need you to be very aware that I am willing and able to maim and kill in the nastiest of ways to protect my husband and my loved ones," Hermione's stare was impenetrable and deadly serious. Murcus' old clan looked scared. The older clan members felt a surge of respect for the young woman as they could see those were not empty threats.
"As I told you before, it is in your best interest to behave," Omari added severely.
"I can promise you that we will not interfere with you if you do not interfere with us," Hermione nodded at them.
Omari turned to the lake, "I have lived here with my clan for hundreds of years. The Potters are humans of their word. The current Lord and Lady Potter are remarkable people, and she tells no lies. They have not once messed with my clan because we do not mess with them. You can live here peacefully until the war ends. We will not seek revenge on you. We will not attack you. We want you to be well while you are here and leave to go home once this period ends."
A couple of elder-looking members of Harry's clan nodded at Omari. They spoke, and Hermione was surprised to understand their screeches. "We are grateful for Omari's kindness, Lady Potter."
In Mermish, she replied, "Good. Then show it by never repeating what your old leader tried to do. If you follow Murcus' path, you have been warned of the consequences."
"Yes, Lady Potter," was the general reply. After that, Merfolk started to disappear below the surface.
Omari smiled at her with something akin to pride. "You will do well as leaders."
"Thank you. For however brief a duration, we want things to work well."
As they walked away, Draco chuckled, "You are brilliantly scary. I didn't even think Merfolk could get pale… but they certainly were."
"After what Murcus did to Charlie and the guards, a little fear is healthy and necessary. We just want them to stay in line while we can sever ties with them and take them back home."
"I still think getting them out of here will be very difficult. After all, who would want to return to dreary England after tasting the Caribbean?"
"You are not going back after the war?" Hermione stopped walking.
"No, of course I am. I meant if it was a choice... I don't really have a choice. My father is dead. I am Heir Malfoy unless he formally cast me out. I think he didn't have a chance. Had he done that, I wouldn't still have the trademark fabulous hair, would I? My mom will not want to live at the Manor with all the horror that happened there, so I must find her something we can afford."
"But you would choose to stay here if you could?"
"Not here here. It's a family property… I meant somewhere like this. Where there's an ocean that I can swim in without freezing. Where the sun and the breeze are nice. Where it's fragrant, and you never need a sweater… I don't know. I prefer this over the constant drizzles of London for sure."
"I hope you can find somewhere nice," Hermione grabbed his arm so he could help her up the hilly sand to the rocks.
"Hermione, before I forget… your parents want to see you," Dudley said. "They asked me to tell you they want to talk to you as soon as possible."
Hermione felt a surge of panic and took deep, shaky breaths. Both Draco and Dudley grabbed one of her hands to ground her.
"They didn't look angry," Dudley assured her.
"You will be fine, Hermione," Draco smiled at her.
She nodded, squeezed their hands gratefully, let go, and vanished.
It had been quite a while since Hermione heard anything else from the castle, and her nerves were on edge. Hermione paced in her parents' room. They had tried to calm her down in vain. She had heard nothing since Harry requested help to try and heal Remus. She knew half their forces were helping Anord, and Tonks had gone into labor. Her mirror vibrated. Finally!
"Hermione, hey…"
"Neville?"
"Yeah. Xeno, Luna, and I are going back."
"What? Why? How's Tonks? Sirius? Remus? Harry?"
"Hermione, breathe. Here's what I know. Tonks is still in labor. Her mom got here right on time. The baby was coming out feet first."
"Oh no!" Hermione gasped. That was very dangerous. Her parents shared a worried look.
"Andi said she may have to do a c-section," Neville grimaced.
"Fuck. Okay. Everyone else?"
"Remus was pretty touch and go until Harry… And I imagine you… gave him some magic... Sirius is lightly injured but devastated. He's serving as Tonks' birthing partner."
"Neville, tell me… What the hell happened?"
"From what we gathered, someone attacked Queen Anord in her private quarters. I think it was another traitor. Remus and Sirius were with her. She had a Horcrux for them to destroy. Someone threw a blade at her, and Remus protected her from it… The blade was silver, though."
Hermione gasped. She had to sit down, "Where?" Her mother wrapped her arms around her supportively. Emma knew a stab wound was terrible, but the clarification of it being silver made no sense to her.
"At the bank," Neville blinked, confused.
"No, Neville! Where in his body!?" Hermione asked in a frustrated tone.
"Oh, his left side."
"Bloody hell… Is he conscious?" Hermione asked, trying not to cry.
"Last I saw, he wasn't-"
"Harry's magic woke him up," Luna interjected out of frame.
"Thank Merlin. Nev… I don't feel Dharma in our bond. What happened to her?" Hermione asked, fearing the worse. So many things were happening that Harry hadn't had a chance to talk to her.
"She sacrificed herself to help Remus."
"What?! How?!" Tears fell down her cheeks. Daniel sat on the armrest and placed a supportive hand on the back of her neck.
"I don't know… All I know is she's dead. I'm so sorry, Hermione," Neville sighed.
"Poor Dharma… How's Harry?"
"He looks tired and concerned, but he's okay. He wanted to go to Gringotts, but the Changs forbade him from battle until he rested enough."
Hermione felt relieved at that, "Thank you for the update. Not that I don't miss all of you… But why are you guys coming back?"
"You are down several people with the Tonks, Sirius, and Remus here. So if some of us came here, we should go back there to be with you just in case," Neville smiled. "Do you need anything or anyone else?"
Hermione pulled her hair back, "Bring the Horcrux with you. And the sword."
"The Hor-?"
Luna answered out of frame, "I have it in my bag, Nevy... Unfortunately, we can't travel together, though."
"Why not?" Neville frowned.
"The Horcrux knows the sword can end it. So it pulls away from it."
"Shit. Okay. I'll bring the Horcrux, and you travel with your dad with the sword..."
"Neville, come with protection. Two fighting elves, at least, each of you," Hermione said.
"Yes, Ma'am," he nodded. "I have to go."
Mr. and Mrs. Granger were dizzy from all their daughter's pacing. They needed to talk to her, but she looked so tense that they didn't even know how to approach her.
"Hermione, when did you last eat?"
"Huh?"
"Have you eaten anything?"
"No. I'm not hungry."
"Your brain begs to differ," her father frowned. "You can't think well without sustenance, sweetheart. You never have."
There was a knock on their door. Hermione rushed there to find Dobby carrying a platter with sandwiches, dips, chips, and a pitcher of iced tea. "Dobby is hearing yous parents."
Hermione smiled at the elf, "Thank you, Dobby. Come in and eat with us." Hermione could tell Dobby was fidgety.
Dobby hovered the platter to the coffee table. He barely took two bites of a small cucumber sandwich while they ate the rest.
"Dobby, talk to me. I know something is bothering you," Hermione turned to Dobby with an encouraging smile.
"Mistress…" he looked doubtful.
"Is it private?"
"No… I… We… We elvesies is being scared of the box thingy," Dobby's eyes were wide, and he was blushing.
Hermione blinked. Elves were notoriously uncomfortable with dark things, but the box had been on the island for a while, "Why?"
"It's talking to us… It whispers," Dobby said, whispering himself as he looked up and around with fear.
"Huh?" Hermione couldn't hear anything.
"The evil inside is offering… things to elvesies," Dobby looked at the Grangers as if fearing to be told off.
Daniel and Emma shared a confused look but said nothing.
"What kinds of things, Dobby?" Hermione frowned.
"A better bond for bonded elves. A new bond for orphan Hogwarts' elves. It is promising power and wands to elvesies… We are all scared. Ruki is not hearings the whispers. We tell her box thingy is smart, and it is not talking to her because she is Head Elf," Dobby pulled his ears. Hermione gently pulled his hands off his ears.
"What does it want?" Hermione frowned.
"It wants to be taken to Hogwarts."
"We can't have that… Call all elves down by the beach for a meeting."
Harry? She tried him. She hoped he was awake.
Yes, love? Even his mind voice sounded exhausted.
Are you alright?
Fine. Just worried about Tonks and Remus, Harry sighed.
Did it work? Hermione asked. They had joined forces to help Remus, but after that, Harry faded away.
He is conscious. I am exhausted. The healing elves put me in bed. They won't let me get up.
Stay in bed, Harry. Rest for a while. We are not going to get to talk to the prisoner yet. Probably tomorrow, if all goes well, Hermione thought back.
She could almost feel his sigh, It never does. I can hear something is wrong. Talk to me.
Harry… Dobby says the Horcrux is trying to get elves to betray us, Hermione said slowly.
In the castle, Harry sat up quickly and regretted it. The world started to spin, What?! How?! Luna helped him lay back down. Motherfucking Riddle! How dare he try to pollute the kindest souls there are?!
Apparently, the blasted thing is speaking to them. Whispering promises of freedom or better masters and conditions, Hermione answered. I… I don't know what to do…
Harry took a deep breath. Hermione always knew what to do. To him, the answer was obvious.
She could feel him take a deep breath.
Remember when we said we would never have enough work for the elves we already have?
Yes… That's exactly the issue...
She could feel Harry sigh, We will have to get creative, then, and find work for the new ones, Harry chuckled.
Are you thinking about us having an army of kids to keep them busy?
Uh… Let me answer that question once I recover from seeing Tonks give birth, Harry groaned. I don't think I want to do that to you.
Hermione grimaced, That bad, huh?
Yeah…
Is she okay?
Much better now that Andi and Ted are here, and Remus is conscious, but it's been a long time… Harry trailed off.
Hermione sighed, I hope our godchild is born healthy…
Me too… We should offer them a bond, love. To the orphan elves, I mean. Negotiate whatever bond conditions you can agree with them that are best. Ask Dobby and Kreacher for recommendations... Maybe Molly or Lady Greengrass can advise us. Elves are too good and too pure for that filth to pollute their minds and hearts. They shouldn't have to deal with the voices. I know I hated every second of Riddle in my mind.
Okay, I will do my best and let you know… Love?
Yes?
I am so sorry about Dharma...
T-Thank you... Neville will probably leave soon with the sword. Luna and her dad will leave a few hours after that.
I thought he was bringing the Horcrux, Hermione frowned.
Yeah, but we realized the best thing to do is kill one before the other gets here. Otherwise, with our luck, the cup and the diadem will merge or something.
Do you want me to do it?
No. I'll do it. Now that my own Horcrux is gone, I should be able to do it. I am coming home in half an hour. I can't do much here other than be worried sick, and I can do that over there too.
Okay.
"Hermione?" her mother called her with a frown. "Didn't you hear me?"
She jumped.
"I've been calling your name repeatedly."
"Oh? I'm sorry. I was talking to Harry?"
"He's back?"
"No, mom… in my mind," Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath expecting yet more recriminations and complaints.
"I see… That's… Uh… convenient."
"It is," Hermione blinked at her mother.
"Dear… I want you to know that we watched Harry's memories of his first year at Hogwarts."
"Oh... I see… And?" Hermione asked. She noticed her father was behind her.
"We are sorry that we rushed to judgment," Mrs. Granger grabbed her hand.
"It is clear to us that you have both been through a lot. We want to apologize to Harry. We were exceptionally rude," Mr. Granger blushed. "Lord knows that young man has had enough rude for a lifetime."
"We are still not happy about what you did or about you being married so young, though. We have many questions and would appreciate talking to both of you and… if you are amenable to that, watching the rest of your memories, both of your memories," Mrs. Granger said.
Hermione simply stared at them. She didn't know what to say. Her eyes filled with grateful tears. She hadn't allowed herself to hope until now, "Really?"
"Yes."
"OH! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!" Hermione jumped into her mother's arms. "I can't offer the rest of Harry's memories, but you can watch all of mine, to begin with."
"Thank you. That will be very helpful."
"I will answer all your questions once you watch them, but now I have to go talk to the elves," Hermione said, hugging her father as she left. She asked Kreacher to bring her memory vials and the pensieve to her parents.
The Grangers didn't have to wait long until an elf knocked on their door with a case full of glass vials and the fountain-like device.
"Kreacher, was it?" Emma asked.
"Yes, Mrs. Granger."
"May I ask you a question?"
"Yes, you may," the elf was a bit surprised. Usually, people didn't have any deference for elves. Especially people who were unfamiliar with them. However, he realized he shouldn't be surprised at their kindness as they were Lady Potter's parents.
"Our daughter… Is… Is she… happy?"
Kreacher blinked several times. "Kreacher wouldn't presume to know his Mistress' feelings."
"I understand. It's just… We were gone for so long… and this is a war. We don't want you to guess. We just want you to tell us what you have seen. We are very worried about her. How has our daughter been?"
"Kreacher believes Mistress is doing much better than when Kreacher first came to the island. Kreacher is proud to have such a Mistress."
Daniel frowned a bit, "I… I'm sorry, but I'm confused. Are you a Potter elf or-?"
"No. Kreacher is a Black elf. My Master is Lord Black. Us elves can have masters and mistresses that we are bound to through ownership, but we can also bind ourselves to humans out of admiration, respect, and gratitude."
Daniel blinked and encouragingly moved his hand for Kreacher to continue.
"Kreacher's old Mistress… Lord Black's mother… She was…" Kreacher took a deep breath. His eyes filled with tears, "She was… m-mean. She made Kreacher hurt himself when Kreacher did things wrong and even when Kreacher did things right too," the old elf rubbed his hands together. The Grangers noticed the scars on his arms and legs. His uniform on the island was a short-sleeved shirt, shorts, and loafer-like shoes.
"Kreacher was told that pureblood wizards and witches were better since Kreacher was a baby elf. Younger than Dobby. My family has served the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black for generations."
The Grangers nodded, although they had no idea what age either elf was.
"My old Mistress was aligned to… Tom Riddle and his people. They is killing elves for fun. Torturing humans because they enjoy seeing them in pain. They… They destroyed people's homes and split families apart… Old Mistress burned Lord Black off the family tree. She hated that he was close friends with Lily Potter, who was a muggleborn, and best friends with a werewolf. Old Mistress hated that he was kind and sweet and friendly. She hated that he was everything she was not. She hurt him worst the most because he wasn't dark like her. He rebelled ferociously. The more she forbade him from doing some things, the more he would do it."
"Like all teenagers, I suppose," Emma interjected.
Kreacher nodded, "Yes, quite, but it went beyond that... Master Sirius and his mother were always like water and oil. In front of him, she often wondered how such good bloodlines produced such a wimp. My Master Regulus, Lord Black's brother, pretended to align with the dark side to stay in his parents' good graces to spy for the light side. If it came to it, to protect Master Sirius as well… He ran away to Potter Manor the day his hurting was the worst. I thought he would die. He resented me for not helping him. But he knew I couldn't. I was ordered never to intervene when my masters were disciplining their children," Kreacher grimaced.
Emma and Daniel shared a concerned look, "How bad was the abuse?"
"She used to hit him with a horse-riding crop until his skin would break, and he was bleeding, and she was… laughing. L-Laughing like a maniac while her son c-cried in desperation, begging her to stop. Then his father… he would use his fists or his knife. The day it was the worst was when he f-finally ran away," Kreacher pouted as he took a slow, calming breath. "He was barely able to escape. He was covered in blood. They dislocated one of his shoulders and broke several ribs. He could have d-died. The only reason he didn't was that Master Regulus had enough. He intervened quite f-forcefully. His parents were so shocked that he rebelled against them for the first time ever that they let go of Sirius. He dragged himself to the fireplace and got to Gringotts. As I understand, he ran into Lord Potter, who was aghast at what happened and took him to St. Mungos. Then, he did the paperwork to place Sirius under the protection of House of Potter. He never returned to his family home since then. He was fourteen years old when this happened… Master Sirius has many tattoos to cover the scars a bit."
Emma gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. She wondered about his tattoos but thought he got them in prison.
"I am sorry if I shocked you. But things are so much better now… New Mistress has been most kind to all elves… but especially Kreacher. Kreacher does not deserve her kindness. Kreacher was very mean to Lady Potter. I insulted her as my old Mistress demanded. I believed all the lies about purebloods being better. And yet, I knew it wasn't so. When I was with Old Mistress… I… I was to eat leftovers, if any. I was… I was never given my own space. I used to sleep outside. Even in London winters."
Daniel frowned deeply. From what he had seen, all the elves were the kindest, most loyal, and most helpful creatures. Why would you be so mean to them? They were willing to do anything for their humans, "But things are better here?"
"Oh, yes! The current Lord and Lady Potter are the kindest… I had been here mere days when I knew I couldn't do better than this. I was going to sleep outside, but Dobby insisted we could stay inside the house. I agreed but only in the pantry. We would be out of the way there. But when New Mistress found out, she was most upset. She gave us a bedroom… A whole human bedroom inside the house. And that same day, she gave a very hurt elf magic. It healed her in seconds. Kreacher couldn't believe it. But then Mistress turned and healed Dobby and Kreacher too. And Mistress did that while her core was not whole."
Emma and Daniel smiled. It was reckless of their daughter to do that, but the elf was truly touched.
"Is that sort of thing…. Um… not done?" Emma asked as delicately as she could.
"It hadn't been done for Nature knows how long. Most wizards and witches consider us elves… unworthy."
"Unworthy of what?" Daniel frowned.
"Anything and everything, Mr. Granger," Kreacher shrugged. "Sharing your life force -your Magic- with someone is a selfless, loving act. It has been many, many hundreds of years since most wizards and witches thought of us elves as worthy of receiving their Magic purposefully, especially Magic with healing or energizing intent."
"How does that work? I understood your magic feed from your humans' Magic, no?"
"Well, Kreacher draws Magic from Lord Black because Lord Black owns Kreacher. But Lord Black doesn't give Kreacher Magic, not consciously. In Magic, intent is essential. If Kreacher gets injured, having a good stable magic connection like the one I have with Master Black will help Kreacher heal eventually. Still, Kreacher cannot leech Magic from Master Black without his express wish and his action."
"Why is that? From what I see, it sounds like you have a relationship based on mutualism?" Daniel said. Noticing Kreacher's questioning look, he clarified, "Meaning you have a mutually beneficial relationship… They give you Magic, and you help them with everything, right?"
Kreacher nodded, "Yes. But Magic prevents us elves from pulling Magic from our masters' cores when we want. Say if we go to battle, both my master and I, my survival is not necessary, but his is… For the continuation of The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, there must be a Lord Black. Kreacher is a nobody for Magic, merely a helper, an assistant of sorts. So, Magic makes it so that my master's core focuses on self-healing and self-protection. Magic is interested in its own survival, so it does what it can to ensure that there will be healthy magical humans to reproduce to ensure the continuation of Magical lines and, therefore, of Magic itself."
Emma and Daniel nodded. It made a lot of sense, but it was unfortunate.
"Would you say you have a good mutually beneficial relationship?" Emma asked as tactfully as she could. All the information the elf was giving them was fascinating.
"Certainly. Kreacher has never… Kreacher…" he took a deep breath and tried again, "Lord and Lady Potter make sure we eat well every day… and meals that we like and are good for us. They remind us to take breaks often. We can ask for help and even things we want; they get them for us. One of the new elves asked for sewing machines. She used to work in a garment store. The next day there were three brand-new sewing machines. She made all our uniforms, and now we have new comfortable nests," Kreacher said. The Grangers seemed confused, so he explained, "Elves sleep in nests. Nests are like large pillows… They even gave us bracelets with our initials. All bracelets have a bit of a Potter family emerald," Kreacher caressed the simple bracelet with his index finger like it was the most precious thing in the world. "Kreacher has never had something that was his before. Everything belonged to Old Mistress... Kreacher came to this island wearing a dirty pillowcase. That was his only clothes… a mark of indentured servitude. But now Kreacher has his own nest, uniforms, plentiful food, powerful Magic, and he gets to live on this beautiful island where no one is yelling or insulting Kreacher or making Kreacher hurt Kreacher when he does something wrong."
"Would you say you are happy here?" Emma asked carefully with a small smile.
Kreacher pouted and dabbed tears with the back of his scarred, wrinkly hands, "Kreacher has never been this happy, madam. Kreacher comes and goes as he pleases, and Master Potter, Master Black, and Mistress Potter are most kind. Always asking Kreacher how he's doing. Asking Kreacher if they can do something to make things better… No one ever asked Kreacher if he was okay before… or if he needed anything. Elves are supposed to care for humans, but humans don't usually care for elves at all…."
"So, in your opinion, things can't be better?"
Kreacher blinked as he pondered, "Kreacher thinks things can't be any better because if they were… Well, Kreacher would have to be having a very nice dream…." The old elf took a deep breath. "Kreacher would hate to wake up in Old Mistress' house where all he knew was cold, pain, hatred, and fear. Kreacher rather likes having… a family," the last phrase gave Kreacher's eyes a special shine. He looked so much younger when he said that.
Emma smiled brightly, trying not to cry, "Well, Kreacher, I am really happy for you… and all the other elves. Hermione… We worry about her. She loves Harry a lot."
Kreacher nodded, "Yes, she does."
"We heard that… Is it true that if… Heaven forbid… If Harry dies… She will die too?" Emma asked in a whisper.
Kreacher thought briefly, "Soul bonds are very rare, Mrs. Granger. The only other soul-bound Kreacher knows is Queen Anord and the late King of Goblins. Her bonded mate was killed in the human goblin war many years ago… She is still alive and leading her kind."
"But how?"
"Very peculiar Magic. She carries her soul-bonded mate's… uh… remains with her."
"His remains?" Daniel gaped.
"Bones and vials of blood charmed to stay liquid and alive."
"And if someone took away those things?" Emma frowned.
"Kreacher thinks she would most likely die if those remains were taken away and destroyed, but Queen Anord is almost 300 years old, Kreacher thinks. In any case, she will not live past 400 years old. They never do. There is a new goblin monarch every four hundred years unless the current monarch is killed untimely like her late mate," Kreacher replied.
"I see…"
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger shouldn't worry too much. Kreacher was… a father once… Kreacher understands your concern. Kreacher wants you to know that every single elf on this island, bound and unbound, and most people here too, would die the most horrible deaths before anyone gets to kill Lord Potter or Lady Potter."
Emma saw such sadness in Kreacher's eyes when he said he had been a father that she didn't dare to ask, but she squeezed his hand, "Thank you, Kreacher. I really appreciate that… For what it's worth, we think you all do incredible work here. I can't imagine how much it takes to keep this island running with so many people living here."
"Thank you, Mrs. Granger. We try our best because our Master and Mistress deserve that. After all, that's what they give us," Kreacher smiled. "When you are done with the memories, call for Kreacher, and I will take them back to a safe place."
The Grangers nodded, and Kreacher vanished. They took a deep breath. After some back and forth, they decided to skip year one. They got the gist from Harry's memories. Hermione had always been secretive about that year and why she didn't reply to their letters for a long time. Now they would get to see what really happened.
Hermione stood before hundreds of fidgety elves, looking around as if in fear. The elves were probably hearing the voice again. She had spoken to Dobby and Kreacher and even to Charlie, who was feeling more adjusted to his new physical characteristics. Harry had been in her mind, listening and asking questions. Draco and Dudley were flanking her supportively. Both young men were a bit paranoid when they heard of the box, and since Harry wasn't on the island, they were very protective of Hermione. The witch magnified her voice.
"Hello, everyone," Hermione smiled at them.
Many elves smiled back.
"It has been brought to my attention that you are being harassed by something quite dark currently on the island. So I have called this meeting to explain what it is and to propose something to you… The horrible thing whispering to you and trying to corrupt you is a piece of Tom Riddle's soul. That's why it feels filthy and wrong."
Around the crowd, many elves shared terrified looks, gasps, and sounds of understanding.
"I am very sorry we didn't tell you sooner. It's information we share in a need-to-know basis. It was very reckless and inconsiderate of us not to think that something like this could happen. Now for the proposal, Harry and I spoke, and if you are amenable, we would like to bind all of you to House of Potter."
Dead silence. All still orphan elves blinked at her, disbelieving. Even Draco turned to her with wide eyes.
"Before you answer, though, I need you to understand that neither Harry nor myself know how to give you all tasks that will keep you fulfilled and feeling useful. However, we wouldn't want to presume what would make you feel as such, so we want you to tell us. We believe in self-determination. If you know what you want to do, just let us know. You need to know that all elves we bind to us receive a monthly payment, mandatory days off, and any medical care they may need. The expenses for your clothes, nests, food, medication, and any tools, materials, or ingredients you need to do your job will be covered by us. If you ever need anything beyond that, all you need to do is ask."
Some sniffles could be heard in the back. Dobby and Kreacher looked at her with such love and devotion that she suddenly felt she should explain further.
"We know that many of you are used to… traditional bindings," Hermione changed her wording. She almost said horrid or abusive, "And some of you may struggle with these conditions, but we are quite set on this… Before you ask, the amount of galleons will be determined with Ruki's help based on your experience and hierarchy because you get to choose a leader and build a clan if you wish to do so," many gasps followed this.
Draco's jaw fell, and his eyes were comically wide, but he said nothing. Dudley looked at Draco as if trying to gauge if any of this was normal. The blonde's pale face and shocked expression disabused him of that idea very quickly.
Hermione took a deep breath, "We are prepared to title a section of this island or a section of another Potter property of your choice to your clan in perpetuity… That territory would be autonomous, governed by yourselves and your leaders in the way you choose."
Both Kreacher's and Dobby's jaws were hanging. It was all too much. After a long silence, Hermione continued.
"Harry and I want you to be an official part of our family. We want you to be our equals. We will care for you. We will treat you with respect and kindness. Your battles will be ours. Our riches will be your riches. Your sorrows will be ours. Your joys will be ours… We will be there for your clan as long as we live and make provisions so that when we pass, you are protected, and our heirs can carry on with our wishes. We also decided that if, at any point in time, for any reason, one of you -or all of you- want to be set free… whether to work for another family or to go out there on your own and conquer the world… We will facilitate your transition and free you with all our love and best wishes."
Draco and Dudley were shocked for vastly different reasons. Dudley was always amazed at his cousin's and Hermione's generosity. It had to cost a lot of money to do that. Draco was incredulous. He shouldn't be at this point, but a bond this ridiculously generous had never been done before. He was a History of Magic buff since he was a kid. Elves had never been paid in gold because they were paid in Magic. And here were Harry and Hermione who, knowing this, were willing to pay in symbiosis but also gold, and they were even willing to allow the elves their own territory with their own leader. The elves were frozen in their seats. They were just staring at Hermione disbelievingly. Had Ruki been there, they would be staring at the Head Elf questioningly. Draco reached out discreetly and grabbed Hermione's hand. She turned to him with a confused look and deactivated the voice charm. Her whole face was asking if she had done something wrong.
He stepped closer to her and whispered, "You and your husband may have broken the elves."
"Huh?" Her brows furrowed.
"It's too much kindness all at once for all of them," Draco replied.
"Oh, right… of course," Hermione nodded with a slight blush. She did the voice magnification charm again: "You don't have to reply today. You can think about it. Discuss it with your families and with your friends and decide. Harry and I will respect whatever you choose to do. House of Potter would be proud and honored above all other Houses if it had all your beautiful souls on board. You are the bravest, most selfless, most loyal creatures we know. It would be a privilege to have you as Potter elves," she smiled. "We know that this dark object has a voice coming after you and offering you things in exchange for you to take it back to Riddle. We want you to know… That voice is his. He split his soul and saved pieces in different artifacts. While those pieces live, he cannot be killed. Several pieces were already destroyed. There are three left. One is the voice you hear, and another two are in our possession. We will try to eliminate the one here before we bring others. If that box returns to Riddle, he will have a fighting chance, and we can't afford to give him that."
The elves nodded quickly, hundreds of pairs of ears clapping with the motion.
In her mind, her husband spoke, I could have never offered this as well as you, love. You did amazing work. I'm almost home.
Thanks, Harry… I guess now we wait. I am so glad you are coming back. I miss you.
I miss you too.
"Please, once you make a decision, talk to us."
In the TNT cave, the locked-up cup was trying its best to fight the Magic surrounding it. The owner of the bit of soul within had felt its energy, and his forces, those who weren't arrested by citizens, were sent to the Caribbean. They were going around trying to find traces of Magic. So far, their attempts have been unsuccessful. Just as they were about to give up, they heard apparition sounds but saw nothing. Somewhere in this ocean, there were some wards. They had to inform their master. They dreaded talking to him. Being in his presence was always deadly, but with his recent loss… it was worse. The Death Eaters that weren't captured had rushed to Hogwarts, where Riddle applied the counter curse and stopped draining them of life force.
Their arms were constantly sore regardless of how many healing spells and salves they applied. Riddle was growing more and more desperate the more time that he had to realize that he had lost the only two humans he could have trusted with his life. One dead, the other… betrayed him. He went into the Dursleys' brains and saw with shock and all-consuming hatred how Severus' whispered curse ended his daughter's life. While his forces were trying to find two Horcruxes, he was trying to find Severus. So far, he knew the man had gone to the U.S. but had no idea of his exact location. Nagini was still missing. Voldemort was starting to feel mortal, and he loathed the sensation. At least the diadem was still at Hogwarts… Right? He surely would have felt it move. Right? Sudden fear crept up his spine, and he rushed to the entrance of the Room of Requirement.
Peeves the Poltergeist was currently cackling as he danced around the castle to no music. It had been a while since he felt this genuinely happy. Others' misfortunes always put him in a good mood. But the misfortune of those who had harmed children so horribly was especially good. He was a creature of chaos and loved to prank people no matter their age, but torture? Maiming? Scarring? Sexual assault? Hell no. It had shaken him to his core to see students getting their mouths sewn shut. Students with third-degree burns. Eleven-year-olds were terrified of walking the halls, fearing the Carrows would attack them with a Crucio or use an Imperius to make them do disgusting things for their amusement. It was too much even for him and his corrupt ways.
Peeves was progressing down the halls and corridors as he destroyed the canvas of all paintings in the castle. He knew Riddle was forcing the poor painted souls within to tell him what was happening around Hogwarts. The first one Peeves destroyed was Dumbledore's. Old Meddling Fool! Even as a painting, he was annoying as hell. If there were no canvas, the painted ones couldn't return to Hogwarts and talk to Riddle… they could leave. Leave to go where? It didn't matter. Anything done to slow, annoy, deter, and hurt Riddle was a win for Peeves. It was a shame he was not 'alive' as dying for what he did to Riddle would be a very reputable way to go. It had to be the best practical joke ever to be played on Hogwarts grounds. "Mischief Managed," he whispered as he ruined the last canvas. "Let it not be said that I didn't help the heir of the Marauders." He cackled louder when he heard the raging screams of Tom Riddle as he finally realized the diadem was lost to him.
[FLASHBACK]
It had taken Peeves creating a large distraction so Raniezi, Firenze's mate, could get into the castle undetected using hidden passages and shortcuts. Most centaurs and centauresses in the Forest had perished, but Raniezi had managed to escape with her injured foal. She found a refuge in Aberforth's cellar. He had helped her and her baby with their injuries. Once she was healed, she went back to look for Firenze, but he had been taken away by Harry Potter's people. So, Peeves, who had heard Riddle speaking of his hidden 'treasures,' called her over to ask for her help. Centaurs weren't fond of ghosts or poltergeists. However, the Death Eaters had killed most of her family, and if she could do something to hurt them and their cause, she would.
Raniezi found the diadem and put it in a bag, fastened it to her body, and rushed back to Aberforth's before any Death Eaters even suspected of the breach. While they dealt with the mess Peeves had created, Mr. Dumbledore wrote to Queen Anord and helped Raniezi get to Gringotts through the tunnels. She got there and handed the dark object to the goblins. Anord promised to get it to Potter as soon as possible and told her to stay out of the streets, so she returned to the cellar. Now that she had avenged her family, it was only a matter of time before Voldemort knew what happened, and if he somehow suspected her, she would be dead. Mr. Dumbledore was set to go to the island. She begged him to deliver a message. She felt in her heart that her mate was hurt. She would bend her knees in front of Harry Potter if he allowed her to be with Firenze.
[END FLASHBACK]
"PEEVES!" Voldemort bellowed.
Peeves laughed, to the astonishment and ire of Riddle. As usual, Tom had lost something too significant because he chose to underestimate those he thought were beneath him.
"Yes, it's gone! Yes, it was ME! No, I don't know where it is! It's not like you can torture me… or ask the portraits about it anymore, can you?" Peeves cackled. He was so glad he managed to ruin all the canvas before Voldemort came looking for him.
"You insolent-"
"What Voldypants? What are you doing to do? Kill me? I'm AMORTAL, Riddle!" Peeves laughed as he flew through the closest classroom's wall and ceiling. "Come and geeeeeeet me! Oh, that's right… You can't!"
Hermione went to check on Firenze. The spear had been removed, and he was currently resting while complicated brews and salves were applied to his injuries. Lady Greengrass had just finished dressing the wound.
"Firenze, you did a courageous thing today," Hermione sat beside him. "I have no words to thank you. He could have died if it wasn't for you. How can I ever repay you for this?"
"I promised Ruki that I would keep him safe if I could," Firenze replied in a weak voice. "Apparently, I could… Lady Potter… I want…"
"Yes?"
"If Lord Potter died… Would you want to keep on living?"
Hermione allowed herself a few seconds to imagine the scenario, and she went pale, "No, I'd say I wouldn't want to."
"I h-heard once that… in m-muggle hospitals, when a person is ill, they get to l-leave instructions so that no one t-tries to keep them alive if they are b-badly hurt or sick."
"Yes, a DNR or Do Not Resuscitate order," Hermione replied with a slight frown.
"I want it to be known that the next time I am this hurt, I want to die.."
"F-Firenze?" Hermione gasped.
"My mate and my firstborn are d-dead, Lady Potter. I have n-no reason to keep going… My clan is dead. Please, don't force me to keep on living. Next time I am hurt, just give me a deathly dose of something that will kill me quickly and relatively pain-free. I beg you. That's what you can do to repay me for this. Make sure no one tries to save my life," Firenze replied.
Hermione grimaced, but she nodded. She understood. "I will make sure everyone knows your wishes, Firenze."
"T-Thank you. Oh, and thank Lord Potter. When he k-killed Murcus, my loyalty oath to her died too. I am free now," he smiled weakly at her.
"I am so glad to hear that... If you need anything, just call for help with your bracelet," Hermione smiled back and vanished.
Harry decided to bring the sword himself. With the most recent developments, he felt he had to. So when he got to the island, before anything else happened, he apparated straight to the master bedroom. Hermione was there going over a battle tactic the twins had designed. Omari's clan welcomed Charlie with open arms as they helped each other heal, and Omari explained what would happen to the young man. As soon as the Gryffindor sword clattered against the ground, Hermione came to him like a missile. He always loved her hugs but needed one more than air now.
"I'm so glad you are home!" she kissed him gently.
"Hermione… I…" he started sobbing. She pulled him to sit down on the bed.
"Harry, what happened?"
"Right before I left… Jing sent back word… Gringotts… It was a fucking bloodbath…."
Hermione grimaced, "Casualties?"
"D-Daiyu was killed."
"NO! Oh my God! Does Chyou know?"
"No. She was s-still helping Tonks. Her f-father didn't want to pull her away," Harry's expression was so tortured that Hermione just knew there was more.
"Who else?"
"We lost two elves and four of the general's soldiers. Anord is seriously injured, as are dozens of her goblins…. And- Oh fuck. I can't… Shit… It's all my fault…." Harry started to hyperventilate.
"Harry… breathe. Who?! Tell me!"
"P-Percy… Percy is d-dead."
Hermione gasped and hugged Harry as tight as she could, "D-Does Molly-?"
Harry shook his head.
"Fucking hell!" after a long hug, Hermione said, "We will tell her together."
"No, it's my fault… I-I will tell her."
"It's R-Riddle's fault, not yours."
"It doesn't feel like it…."
"I know. I am so sorry, Harry. Should we tell Bill first? Molly's heart is in enough trouble as it is and-"
"He is s-supposed to be leaving for the f-full moon."
"Bloody hell..."
"The twins, then."
They nodded. Ginny didn't even cross their mind. Charlie had just had his life turned upside down. Fleur, who was usually very level-headed, was also very pregnant, and they couldn't have two high-risk early deliveries one after the other.
Fred and George were sitting on each side of Bill on the beach. Harry and Hermione walked toward them and sat in front of them. It was only then that they noticed the three had been crying.
"W-We know," Bill whispered.
"How?" Harry whispered back.
"Dad had a wrist v-version of the c-clock we had at home, which showed our w-whereabouts. Since he passed, as Head of the House, I've been wearing it… P-Percy's went to dead about 1 hour ago," Bill explained.
Harry tried to begin, "Bill, I have no words… I-"
"Don't. This is not your fault. I… I just… I h-have no idea what to do. Mom… She… She is not healthy enough for this. Neither is Ginny. I fear the consequences of t-telling them," Bill said, growing paler.
"Lady Greengrass, please join us by the beach," Harry spoke into the bracelet.
Lady Greengrass was brought by Kreacher straight away. "You called?"
"Yes. We received really bad news from Jing."
"Oh? Should I prepare the Infirmary?" she asked.
"No, we… we need to know how best to give Mrs. Weasley bad news without precipitating a heart attack."
Lady Greengrass frowned. She looked at the Weasleys and their reddened eyes. "Oh, Merlin… I am very sorry for your loss."
"Thank you."
"You would need to give her a strengthened calming draught a few minutes beforehand," she recommended. "However, she already had one before she saw Charles in his new body. Perhaps a mild sedative would be best. I can go check her blood pressure and decide from there."
"That would be very helpful. Thank you… And Ginny?" Fred asked.
"How can we tell her without her… um… spiraling?" George added, sniffling into his own shirt.
"We don't want to undo the progress she has made," Bill added.
"If she has been taking her potion regime as mandated, she should be able to stand the bad news as good as any healthy person could," Lady Greengrass replied. "You can give her some calming herbal tea. A calming draught could interact negatively with the potions she's on. Are you sure she's taking the treatment as indicated?"
Everyone looked lost at this except for Hermione.
"Mika," Hermione called.
"Yes, Mistress?" the dainty elf bowed low.
"I had given you a top-secret assignment. Give me a report, please," Hermione requested.
"Miss Weasley has been taking all her potions every day. She forgets one day, but Mika puts it in her soup. She is not noticing."
"Thank you, Mika."
"You are welcome, Mistress," Mika replied, bowing. All Hermione asked in exchange for saving her life was for her to make sure the fire hair girl took her medication. Mika was happy to help. She was able to remain invisible so that Miss Weasley wouldn't be upset. It was a win-win, as Harry Potter's cousin said. Mika vanished.
"I am sorry I had to do that, but she was doing so poorly that I was afraid she wouldn't follow the healer's orders," Hermione blushed, but the Weasleys thanked her. Hermione focused and connected to Kreacher. Kreacher, please make a strong calming tea for Ginny Weasley. Kreacher got working right away. "Kreacher is making the tea. Now, how do you want to do this? Separately or-?
"Yes, I will tell Mom first. Then we can talk to Gin," Bill replied. "I can't fucking believe the timing. I have to leave in a couple of hours… I really don't want to leave you alone to deal with this," Bill placed one hand on each of the twins' shoulders.
"We are not kids anymore, Billy," George said.
"We will be there for them," Fred added.
"Let's tell Charlie first, though."
Charlie had been shocked and terribly saddened by the news, but there was no screaming. They realized that his transformation into a merman didn't take entirely as he could still speak human tongues. What upset him most was that he wanted to be there for them and couldn't leave the water. So, Harry and Hermione transfigured a bucket into a plastic barrel. That way, one of them could apparate him into the house. Molly was in her room with Ginny. They were still working on the runes that came out of Harry and Hermione. So far, they had deciphered one third of the new runes. Professor McGonagall had written to Professor Babbling, who sent over a dictionary and a rare runes encyclopedia. About 40 minutes ago, she felt her heart give a terrible squeeze. She was terrified something had happened to one of her kids. That's why she started working… to keep her mind busy. She would not be able to do anything if she couldn't stop thinking the worse. Ginny was worried about Percy too. When there was a knock on their door, both jumped.
"Come in," Mrs. Weasley said, turning in her chair.
"Mrs. Weasley," Lady Greengrass was coming in with a tray. "I thought it prudent to take your blood pressure and see if your medication needs adjusting. May I come in?"
"Yes, please," Mrs. Weasley nodded. "I have been very worried about my Percy, so imagine it is quite up there."
It was a good thing that the Greengrass women were famous for their ability to not show emotions on their face. As a mother, Lady Greengrass knew Molly was about to receive such a big blow that even when she didn't know the woman much, she felt for her. The healer did the spells. It was indeed a bit higher than it should be with the medication. Ginny waited, looking concerned at the results. Malfoy had told her once what was acceptable, high, and too high. Her mother's result was between high and too high.
"Shouldn't she be in the infirmary?" Ginny asked.
"No. But I will up your dosage for a few days. Not today, though, because you already had a strengthened calming draught, and more would not help. This is a muggle mild sedative. It won't make you fall asleep, but it will keep your heart calm for 12 hours while we wait for the stronger dose, alright?"
Molly nodded. She took the pill and the glass of water her daughter fetched.
"Good. Miss Weasley, do you know how to do the spell?"
"No."
"Do you have your wand?"
"No. My mom is… keeping it for me."
"Take it so you learn how to do this. It's important," Lady Greengrass insisted.
Molly waved her hand at her bedside table, and it opened. Ginny took her wand with shaky hands. She hadn't been without a wand this long since she got her Hogwarts letter.
"Alright. This is very simple. You will have the person sitting down for at least five minutes if they were waking or moving around."
"Okay."
"Then on their arm, you will tap the bicep area, you will clearly say, or think if wordless magic is better for you, Pulsatio Mensura; then you tap the wrist, then you will leave the tip of your wand connected to her index finger like this," Lady Greengrass did the exam on herself. The reading appeared 110/70. "The good thing is that you can check others and yourself.
"Shouldn't yours be a bit higher as you didn't sit down?"
"You would think. But no. In my family, we have chronically low blood pressure."
"Oh. Can I do me now?" Ginny asked. Lady Greengrass nodded. Ginny followed her instructions. "110-69?"
"Perfectly healthy for someone your age. There are ranges according to age groups. Here," the healer took out a small notebook and tapped a page. Ranges appeared in it. "Keep it. That way, you know when to call for help."
"Thank you," Ginny made a copy to keep in her pocket and placed one on the vanity.
"I will get going… I need to check on the prisoner."
"Lady Greengrass… Who is the prisoner?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"I am sorry, but I can't tell you. That information is given on a need-to-know basis, and Lord Potter doesn't consider you need to know at this point. He will probably call a meeting eventually to explain," the healer's tone was final yet apologetic. She stood up and left, closing the door behind her.
Outside, she turned to Bill. "Done. I know nobody asked me, but as a mother, I can tell that she would appreciate having all her children-"
Hermione and Harry apparated with Charlie. The barrel splashed a lot of water out. Kreacher and Dobby were instantly there with buckets refilling it and placing it on a small, wheeled platform. Healer Greengrass nodded and left.
"Harry, Hermione, we appreciate you being here, but we feel it would be better if you stay outside… I can't imagine their reactions, and well… I wouldn't want Ginny to attack you or insult you and-"
"Bill, I understand your hesitation, but I think if they want to scream at us or blame us or anything else, they should get to do it," Harry countered. "I want to feel like I am there for them."
"If you are sure," Bill frowned.
"Bill, does Fleur know?"
"No, she's in the late stages of her pregnancy. Any shock could be very detrimental to her and the baby."
Harry and Hermione nodded. They began warding the room.
"Bill, what-?" Ginny began.
"Charlie! I thought you couldn't leave the lake," Mrs. Weasley smiled at Charlie but quickly dropped her smile when she saw that the twins came in, followed by Harry and Hermione.
"What happened?" Ginny's eyes began filling with tears.
"Mom, Ginny… W-We have some bad news," Bill began. He had to stop. There was no coming back from this. Once he said it, it would change everything forever.
"We received word from Jing. They were helping the goblins. Gringotts was under attack," Hermione explained, trying not to cry at the expression on the matron's face.
Molly gasped, "No…" She began shaking her head slowly.
Ginny's jaw was unhinged. She could feel her whole body tensing up as she struggled to breathe.
Seeing Molly and Ginny in such a state rendered everyone else speechless.
Harry took a deep, shaky breath and stepped forward. His grip on Hermione's hand was tighter than ever. Once he was in front of Mrs. Weasley, Hermione squeezed Harry's hand encouragingly, but her hand was shaking and clammy.
"Mrs. Weasley, we are so sorry. P-Percy was one of the casualties," Harry said softly.
The sounds that came out of Mrs. Weasley would haunt all those present for years to come. So much pain, so much loss, so much anger and hopelessness.
"NOOOOOOO! MY PERCIVAL! NOOOOOOO!"
Ginny fell to her mother's bed; her whole body shook with her sobs as tears fell rapidly down her face. Her eyes were wide open. Her expression one of numbness.
Harry stayed frozen while Bill moved to hold his mother, and the twins wrapped Ginny in a hug. She was staring into nothingness. Hermione pushed Charlie within arms distance of the bed, and she and Harry just sat there, looking down and waiting for the blaming to begin. It never did. It felt like hours passed before Molly opened her arms and hugged them tightly, kissing their heads. They wouldn't stop saying they were sorry, but it didn't matter. Molly didn't blame them. Ginny was still frozen. The twins tried to ask her something, but she was almost catatonic. It must be the shock, Hermione thought to Harry.
The twins tried to get Ginny to lie down, but she was stiff as a board. Charlie tried as well, as did everyone else in the room. When Harry touched her shoulder, Ginevra only stared at him with hatred, making him drop his hand. Bill was speaking to his mother about him having to leave for the full moon. Hermione tried but stopped mid-motion. Ginny looked ready to lunge at her. A knock on the door made them jump.
"C-Come in," Molly said through her sniffling.
Draco came in without a word. He hugged Molly tightly, and to the siblings' surprise, she held him too. Then, he gently rubbed a mix of essential oils that Luna had given him on his hands and rubbed them together. He placed them close to Molly's nose, and her eyes drifted shut almost immediately with a grateful smile as Bill lowered her to the bed
Draco turned to Ginny. Harry gave him a warning look.
"What's the worst she can do? Bite me?" Draco whispered with a slight chuckle.
Ginny's eyes were red and puffy, as was her nose, but she didn't resist Draco at all.
"Come on, Red," he took her in his arms bridal style and placed her on her own bed. He placed a pillow in front of her face, and she pressed it hard against her mouth, screaming for all she was worth. When she stopped, she slumped down. Draco placed drops of the oil down the part of her fiery hair and massaged what remained on her temples. Harry and Hermione were shocked that Ginny was allowing Draco to touch her at all, but they knew better than to ask any questions. Lastly, he kept his hand in front of her nose. She blinked at this, and brown eyes met steely gray. She smiled a feeble grateful smile and knew no more. He summoned a blanket and covered her with it.
"You are very... good with her," Bill commented with a slight frown. He didn't know how to feel about that.
"She deserves good… She's been through a lot. All of you have. I am so sorry for your loss. If I can do anything to help, let me know," Draco replied with a small shrug. He measured Molly's blood pressure. "Lady Greengrass was right to use a sedative. Her numbers aren't as high as they should be considering..."
"Master Harry, your mirror has been vibrating," Dobby appeared next to Harry as soon as he and Hermione left the Weasley family room. Both Hermione and him felt destroyed. Seeing Molly like that... All the Weasleys, really. It wasn't fair. They had lost three members of their family in this war so far.
"Yes?" Harry asked with a frown, expecting more bad news.
"You have a healthy, handsome godson!" Sirius announced.
Hermione let out a long sigh, "Thank Merlin! How is she?! How's Remus?!"
"She's out, the poor thing. Women are fucking fierce, son," Padfoot looked away at who Harry assumed was Tonks. "We were moved next door to the Infirmary because Andi anticipates that the warriors will need a lot of space when they got back, but they still haven't returned."
"Is Remus awake?"
"Yes. He met his baby boy but had to be taken to the full moon location once he drank like a gallon of potions. He's waiting for Bill there."
"Have you destroyed the-?"
"Not yet..."
"What? Why?"
"You haven't spoken to Jing recently, right?... We have had many losses. We were just giving the bad news to Mrs. Weasley."
"Oh, fuck no... Who?"
Before Harry could reply, they heard a woman screaming and crying somewhere near Sirius. The voice was screaming, "NOOOOOO! MAMAAAAAA!"
"D-Daiyu?" Sirius asked. His face went pale as snow.
"Oh my God... Is that Chyou?" Hermione covered her mouth with her hands. Her chest tightened painfully.
"Y-Yes," Sirius grimaced. The screaming was gut-wrenching.
"We lost Daiyu, Percy, two elves, four of the general's people…"
"Fucking hell… Pup, this is all my fault. I am so sorry."
"We will talk about what you did later... We have a Horcrux to destroy."
"Yes, of course… Do you know if Anord made it?"
"Apparently, Anord is alive, but both she and dozens of other goblins are doing very poorly, though."
"Shit," Sirius whispered. Behind him, a baby's cry could be heard. "Gotta go. I am on diaper and bottle duty so Dora can rest. Please take help with you, and whatever you do, don't let it try to turn you against one another."
"Never," Harry ended the call and took Hermione's hand. She had summoned the sword from their room, "Let's do this, love. Last three. For Percy, for Daiyu, for everyone."
Their crack of apparition resounded loudly through the well-lit hallway.
A/N: Thank you for reading and for your patience! Longest chapter yet. It took me a long time to decide where to cut it off. Please be kind to me as this was quite difficult to write. -Lux-