"To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time."
Leonard Bernstein
VIII
The sun was high in the sky, casting bright rays over the ancient castle. Hermione couldn't help but feel a surge of suspicion as she bid farewell to Dumbledore. Regardless, she was determined to track down Tom Riddle, who had mysteriously disappeared after working at a shop notorious for dark magic.
Fully aware of the dangers that lay ahead, the young woman took a deep breath and apparated to the Leaky Cauldron, seamlessly blending into the bustling crowd of witches and wizards. Navigating her way to the back entrance, she sneaked in Diagon Alley.
Walking briskly along the cobblestone streets, Hermione passed by a multitude of shops and stalls, purposefully ignoring the captivating displays of books, robes, and wands. Her focus was solely on reaching her intended destination. When she spotted a shabby plaque labeled "Knockturn Alley", Granger turned left and entered a somber alleyway. It was there that she noticed a banner that sent her heart racing: "Borgin and Burkes".
Steeling herself, Hermione pushed open the door and stepped into the dimly lit shop. She hoped to uncover a clue that would lead her to Riddle, but at the same time, she couldn't shake the fear of what she might find there. Upon entering the shop, the witch found herself immersed in a enthralling world of intriguing artifacts and peculiar oddities.
Masks, skulls, daggers, rings, and various other items exuded an aura of dark magic. A chill ran down her spine as she sensed the presence of something ancient and sinister. Her attention was captivated by a particular mirror. It stood large and ornate, adorned with a golden frame and a black surface. Instead of reflecting her image, it displayed a scene of a dark forest where a hooded figure conducted a ritual with a snake. Curiosity surged within Hermione as she pondered if this mirror had any connection to Tom Riddle.
Suddenly, an elderly man approached her. He possessed a gaunt face, a hooked nose, and was dressed in a black suit with a bowler hat. Introducing himself as Wolfgang Burke, the shop owner, he greeted her with a polite smile and inquired about her intentions.
The witch replied, "Hello, Mr. Burke. I'm Hermione Granger, a researcher from the Department of Mysteries. I'm particularly interested in some of the items here, especially this mirror. It's quite fascinating. Could you provide more information about it?"
Wolfgang responded, "Ah, yes, the Mirror of Daerd. It is an exceedingly rare and potent object, Miss Granger. It reveals one's deepest fears. Yet, exercise caution, for this mirror can also deceive, leading one astray with its illusions. It is not for sale, nor for study. It is far too dangerous."
Understanding his warning, Hermione assured him, "I understand, Mr. Burke. I have no intention of purchasing or removing it from your possession. I am simply curious. Curious about many things, such as Tom Riddle. Are you acquainted with him? Do you know his whereabouts?"
Burke's smile faded, and tension filled the air. He inquired, "Tom Riddle? Why do you inquire about him? What do you know?"
The witch replied, "I know that he used to work here. I know he was a brilliant and charming young man with a keen interest in the dark arts. Please, Mr. Burke, share what you know of his whereabouts after he left the shop."
Reluctantly, Wolfgang responded, "I'm sorry, Miss Granger, but I cannot disclose any information. Even if I could, I would not. Valuable information comes at a price, a price you cannot afford. So, please, leave me be."
Attempting to brush her off, he pushed her toward the exit. Undeterred, Hermione reached for her wand and aimed it at Burke. Taken aback, he exclaimed, "What are you doing? Are you threatening me? You are making a grave mistake, indeed."
As the witch raised her wand to cast a curse, Wolfgang quickly reached for his own wand. He hoped to defend himself and strike back with a powerful spell. But before he could do anything, a new figure appeared in the doorway of the shop. It was Draco Malfoy, the heir of the Malfoy family, a notorious and wealthy clan of dark wizards.
Draco had changed a lot since he was a haughty pureblood at Hogwarts. He had grown more mature and humble during his years of studying Alchemy with Hermione at Salem's Institute in Massachusetts. Their connection had deepened into friendship and even romance. All the same, they decided to end their relationship when Malfoy embarked on further studies in elemental transfiguration in Wallachia, while the muggleborn pursued a career in the Department of Mysteries. Thus, it came as a surprise to the wizard to encounter the brightest witch of their generation in the unassuming setting of Knockturn Alley.
Sensing Wolfgang's hostility, Draco rushed to Hermione's aid, addressing her affectionately as "my dear" and displaying his charming demeanor. He said, "Hermione, my dear, what a delightful surprise. What brings you to this dreadful place? And what is this quarrel? Surely, there must be some misunderstanding. Mr. Burke, I presume you are aware of who this is. This is Hermione Granger, a dear friend of mine. I do not appreciate your rude treatment of her."
Malfoy looked at Wolfgang with confusion and wondered what was going on. Burke felt embarrassed and admitted that he couldn't answer Hermione's questions. He apologized and explained, "I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy. I didn't mean to offend you or cause harm. I was just startled. You see, Miss Granger asked me about Tom Riddle, and I didn't know how to respond."
Realizing time was running out, the witch knew she needed to act quickly. She had found some clues in Little Hangleton, but they weren't enough. She needed someone with connections to the old wizarding families, someone like Malfoy.
Draco accompanied her to the Dragon Den, a discreet establishment located on Tangent Corner. As they walked through the dim and narrow alley, the muggleborn couldn't help but feel anxious. She wondered if she was making a mistake by trusting a Malfoy. The witch knew he had changed since their time at Hogwarts, but she also knew he had a complicated past and a possible link to Tom Riddle.
"Are you sure this is the right place?" Hermione asked nervously, clutching Draco's arm.
"Yes, Granger, I'm sure. Don't worry, I've been here before. It's safe, as long as you don't draw attention to yourself." He replied, sounding confident but slightly annoyed.
They arrived at a small, barely visible door in the shadowy alley. A sign with a dragon's head indicated the name of the bar. Curiosity mixed with apprehension surged through the witch as she wondered what awaited them inside and who they would encounter.
"What is this place, Malfoy? And why did you bring me here?" Hermione whispered, as Draco knocked on the door.
"It's a bar for people who want some seclusion. And I brought you here because we need to talk. In private." The wizard explained, as the door opened and a burly man with a scarred face greeted them.
"Malfoy, good to see you again. And who's this lovely lady?" The man said, eyeing Hermione with interest.
"She's a friend. We're here for a drink." Draco answered, pushing Hermione inside.
The bar was filled with captivating dragon-related objects, such as paintings, sculptures, maps, and books. Malfoy led her to a secluded table away from the crowd and ordered two butterbeers from a suspicious-looking waitress who eyed her with disgust.
Feeling out of place and vulnerable, Hermione wished she had her wand with her. Yet, Draco had advised her to leave it behind for safety reasons. He had pointed out that they would be searched at the door, and any sign of magic would alert the vampire owner. Reluctantly, the witch had agreed, trusting his judgment and hoping he was right.
"Malfoy, what is going on? Why did you ask me to meet you here?" Hermione demanded, as soon as they were alone.
Draco sighed and looked at her with a serious expression. "Granger, I need to ask you something. And I need you to be honest with me. What are you planning to do with Tom Riddle?" He said, his voice sounding tense and cautious.
Surprised by his question, the witch wondered how much he knew. Deciding to be honest, she told him everything. She revealed her discoveries in Little Hangleton, the artifacts she had found, and their connection to Riddle's quest for immortality. The witch also explained the concept of the Deathly Hallows and the urgency she felt to uncover the truth.
Draco, visibly tense, looked around to ensure their conversation remained private. Meeting Hermione at the Dragon Den was a risky move, as it served as an alternate gateway to the wizarding world. Yet, he knew the witch was the only person who could help him stop Riddle, the dark wizard who had destroyed his family.
"Granger, you're playing with fire. Riddle is not someone you can mess with. He's dangerous, powerful, and ruthless. He won't hesitate to kill you if he finds out what you're doing." Draco warned, his eyes flashing with fear and anger.
"I know, Malfoy. I know. But I can't just sit back and let him get away with his crimes. He has to be stopped. And I think I know how to do it." Hermione said, her voice firm and determined.
"How? How do you plan to stop him?" Draco asked, leaning closer to her.
Hermione hesitated, unsure if she should tell him her plan. She looked into his grey eyes and saw a mix of curiosity, concern, and something else. Something she couldn't quite name. She decided to trust him, hoping he would understand.
Malfoy finished his butterbeer in silence, still visibly tense. Then, he began to divulge the dark history of his family and their loyalty to Riddle, whom they referred to as Lord Voldemort. He said, "You have no idea what you're getting into. the Dark Lork is not just a man, he's a monster. A monster my father and grandfather worship. They are his followers, calling themselves the Death Eaters."
Pausing to take a deep breath, Draco continued, "They tried to indoctrinate me, manipulate me, and control me. But I resisted and rebelled. I chose a different path."
Looking at him with compassion and admiration, Hermione said, "I understand. Breaking free from your family's influence must have been incredibly difficult."
She reached out and gently touched his hand, asking, "Do you know where Riddle is now? Do you have any clue about his whereabouts?"
The pureblood heir nodded slowly, replying, "I overheard my father mention that Voldemort had returned to Albania. He had a new plan, a vision of a new world order that would last forever. Lucius believed he would return soon and make us all pay for my betrayal."
Shuddering and looking away, the wizard added, "But that was years ago, and no one has seen or heard from him since. He's gone, Hermione. He's vanished."
Frowning, the witch stated, "That's not good, Draco. It means he's up to something dangerous and evil. We have to find him and stop him before it's too late."
Shaking his head, Malfoy replied, "That's crazy. It's suicide. You don't know what he's capable of or what he has planned for us. He's too powerful, too ruthless. We can't face him alone. We need a plan."
Locking eyes with Hermione, he felt a mix of fear and affection. Sighing, he said, "Alright, alright. I'll help you. I'll help you find Riddle. But promise me one thing. Promise me you'll be careful."
Smiling, the witch replied, "I promise." Leaning in, she softly kissed his cheek, and he wrapped his arms around her. They held each other, feeling a spark of hope in their hearts.
Days stretched into weeks, the passage of time bringing no sign or clue of Tom Riddle's whereabouts. It was a seemingly endless waiting game for Hermione. Just as she was about to lose hope, a letter arrived from her friend, a diplomat stationed in Tirana, Albania. She eagerly tore open the envelope and quickly scanned its contents.
"Finally, some news!" she exclaimed.
Draco, seated beside her on the couch, looked up from his book. "What does it say? Any leads on Riddle?" he inquired.
The witch nodded and began to read aloud. "Viktor has resigned from his career and claims to have uncovered clues about Riddle's hiding place."
Malfoy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Viktor Krum? The quidditch player? What does he have to do with Riddle?"
Granger proceeded to explain that Krum's father, Ivan, had been a Death Eater who died under mysterious circumstances. Viktor suspected Tom's involvement in his father's demise and had been investigating him ever since. He had recently discovered that Riddle was apprenticing under a dark wizard named Almir Dalmat, the last known descendant of Godelot, the infamous author of the dark magic book known as Magick Moste Evile.
Draco visibly shivered. "Godelot? I've heard that name before. That book is filled with dark magic."
Hermione agreed, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. She stated that they needed to travel to Albania and meet with Viktor, as he had offered to share his findings with them. The two discussed the logistics of their trip, a burst of green flames erupted from the fireplace.
Emerging from the floo, Harry Potter brushed off his robes and cast an inquisitive glance at them. "What's happening here? Planning a secret mission?" he inquired.
"Harry! You startled us," Hermione exclaimed. She quickly hid the letter from her friend in Tirana, who had given them a lead on Tom Riddle's location.
Potter glanced at Malfoy, who was seated beside Granger on the couch, and furrowed his brow. He moved closer to his friend and fixed a hostile gaze on Draco. "Malfoy, stay away from Hermione. I don't trust you," he said, his voice filled with coldness and suspicion.
The pureblood smirked and reclined, crossing his arms. "Potter, you're always so overprotective. I can assure you, I'm here to assist, not harm her," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
The wizards engaged in a heated exchange, each accusing the other of having hidden motives. "You think you're the only one who cares about her? I've been aiding her all along," Draco declared. "Aiding her? Don't make me laugh. You're just trying to save yourself," Harry retorted.
Hermione grew tired of their quarreling and raised her voice. "Enough! We must focus on locating Riddle, not fighting amongst ourselves. Draco is here to support us," she said, attempting to pacify them.
She then disclosed to Harry that she believed Tom and his Death Eaters were responsible for the recent attacks on muggles and muggleborns all over Britain, including their mother's tragic death. The witch also revealed that she had been researching Riddle's history and activities, uncovering evidence that connected him to a dark wizard named Almir Dalmat.
Taken aback and bewildered, Harry turned to his childhood bully and inquired, "What are you doing here? How are you involved in this?"
Walking into his sister's apartment, Potter had expected to find her alone. However, he was shocked to see Malfoy sitting next to her on the couch, holding a stack of papers.
Hermione, noticing Harry's surprise, looked up and smiled nervously. "Draco has been assisting me in gathering information. We need all the help we can get," she explained, attempting to sound calm.
Malfoy, with a snort, added, "Potter, you're not the only one concerned for her safety. We all want to stop Riddle."
Interrupting the tension, Harry remembered the reason for his visit. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I have bad news. Dumbledore is dead. He was found in his office, under a compulsion spell. His wand is missing."
Hermione gasped, covering her mouth in shock. "Dumbledore? Dead? How?" she asked, her eyes widening.
Shaking his head, her best friend replied, "I don't know. No one does. They couldn't find his wand anywhere."
Concern etched on her face, the witch frowned. "His wand is missing? That's not a good sign. It must be important."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Potter nodded. "Without the wand, it's going to be difficult to trace the killer."
Glancing at Draco, Hermione's eyes filled with worry. He wore a grim expression and cursed under his breath, saying, "This complicates things even further. We need that wand to find the truth."
Confused, Harry questioned, "What do you mean? Why is a wand so important?"
The witch shared her research findings with him, suggesting that Riddle was likely responsible for Dumbledore's death and now possessed all three Deathly Hallows.
Dismissing sister's words as mere fairytales, Potter shook his head. He didn't believe in the Hallows, the legendary objects said to grant mastery over death.
Malfoy, having spent months researching the topic, disagreed. Leaning forward with urgency, he asserted, "Whether the Hallows are real or not, Riddle firmly believes in their existence. That makes him even more of a threat." He looked at Harry, hoping to convey the seriousness of the situation.
Recognizing the futility of arguing with her brother, Hermione sighed and shifted their focus to the next course of action. She opened the map they had been studying, tracing the route to Albania with her finger.
"Tirana appears to be our most promising lead. We need to meet with Viktor and gather more information from his former teacher. It's our best chance to understand Riddle's plans," she suggested, hoping for agreement from Harry and Draco. She knew that finding Riddle was crucial to preventing him from unleashing his dark magic upon the world.
Feeling uneasy about the idea of going to Albania, Harry frowned. He had heard stories of the atrocities committed by Grindelwald in that country, and he was reluctant to face any of his remaining followers without a solid plan. Voicing his doubts, he called the idea insane.
Yet, Draco, who had grown more determined and courageous over time, argued that doing nothing would result in their downfall. Clenching his fists and with blazing eyes, he asserted, "We cannot afford to sit idle. Riddle poses a threat to all of us." He challenged Harry and Hermione to join him in the quest.
The following week, the trio packed their bags and departed for Albania. Potter utilized his connections and influence to secure their travel clearance, which was no easy task due to travel restrictions imposed by many countries amidst the attacks on muggles and the rise of Grindelwald's insurgents.
With only a week to find Riddle and stop him, they were aware that the task would not be simple. Hermione checked their documents, ensuring they had everything they needed.
Addressing Harry and Draco with calm confidence, she pressed them, "We're leaving for Albania tomorrow. We have limited time to gather information."
Malfoy nodded, double-checking his wand and bag. His voice firm and resolute, he stated, "We need to be prepared. This won't be an easy undertaking."
Harry smiled, feeling a surge of adrenaline and confidence. "We'll do whatever it takes. Riddle won't get away with his crimes."