The Deathly Hallows
Arthur found himself falling, panting, onto grass and scrambled to his feet right away.
They were now in the corner of a field at dusk with Chrys already running in a circle, casting various protective enchantments.
"Protego totalum… Salvio hexia…."
"That treacherous scumbag!" David growled as he emerged from beneath the Invisibility Cloak, throwing it to Arthur, and Mike got to his feet. "Chrys, you're truly a genius!"
"Cave inimicum… we warned him that was an Erumpent horn! And now his house is blown apart!"
"Serves him right." Mike hissed as he rubbed his neck. David was also examining his torn jeans and the cuts on his leg.
"What will they do to him?" David asked.
"They better not kill him." Chrys groaned. "It's why I made sure the Death Eaters caught a glimpse of Arthur before we left, to see that Xenophilius wasn't lying!"
"And you hid me because of my cover story?" David asked.
"Yes. They kidnapped Luna because her father supported Arthur. What would happen to your family if they knew you were travelling with him?"
"Fair point." David shrugged.
"But what about Luna?" Mike asked solemnly.
"They won't kill her. It would be pointless to do so, especially if they wanted her father to cooperate." Arthur reasoned. "And I don't think they'll hold her in Azkaban. I believe they'll hold her up wherever Riddle's headquarters is."
"But where the hell would that be?" Mike questioned. "There's plenty of places he'd use as his headquarters. Including homes of Death Eaters."
"I'd take a good guess with Malfoy Manor. Probably a way to punish Lucius further and emasculate him. Especially if he did use his wand when he attacked you on the way to the Tonks'." David theorised. "He may also have Ollivander there, as well."
With that grim thought, they put up the tent and retreated inside. It was David's turn to make tea.
After that narrow escape, the chilly and musty old place felt like home, somewhere safe and familiar.
"I'm starting to think that what he said about the Deathly Hallows was all made up, just to keep us talking until the Death Eaters showed up!" Chrys groaned after a few minutes of silence.
"I don't think so." David shook his head. "It can be hard to make something up when you're under stress. I know, because I was like that when the Snatchers caught me. It's easier pretending to be someone you've at least heard of in comparison to making someone up entirely. Lovegood was under a lot of pressure, trying to make sure we remained. He was being truthful about the Hallows."
"Okay, then. But why would Dumbledore want us to know what the Hallows are?" Chrys asked.
"I think because he and Grindelwald were after them as well." Arthur said.
"That makes sense, Dumbledore did use the symbol as part of his signature and Grindelwald carved it at Durmstrang." Mike remembered.
"And considering their plans for world domination, it would make sense for the Hallows to be what drew them." David added.
"Well, does Dumbledore's diary mention anything about the Hallows?" Arthur then asked.
Chrys pulled out the diary from the beaded bag and opened it up, scrolling through some pages until she stopped and placed it on the table for all of them to read:
I cannot believe what Gellert told me from his research.
The Deathly Hallows, such fascinating and incredible items. It would make his suggestions of dominating over Muggles more enticing.
Of course, there is still the difficulty in finding these Hallows. It would be a hurdle we'll have to deal with when we finally travel to gather followers and go forward with our plans.
I do hope that we find the Resurrection Stone, in particular. This is so that I can bring back my parents and let them have the responsibility they left me with, to take care of Aberforth and Ariana. They truly hold me back.
The Invisibility Cloak isn't as important for either of us, all that mattered was that it can make us the masters of Death.
And the Elder Wand, Geller told me that he's heard rumours that a wandmaker has it, to bring in customers. If that's true, then it will be easy to find it and start our search and our goals.
His ideas may be radical, but I believe I can refine them and have them be for the greater good.
The four sat in silence once they finished, seeing concrete proof from Dumbledore's diary that the Deathly Hallows do exist.
"He truly was swept up by Grindelwald's words." Chrys whispered, finally breaking the silence.
"And for him to desire the Resurrection Stone to bring back his parents, not knowing how it works… he really did seem bitter and resentful." Mike said, shaking his head with sadness.
Arthur was thinking about Grindelwald and Dumbledore's obsession with the Hallows and he thought back to the Horcrux ring with the symbol on the stone.
"Remember the ring that was passed from the Peverell's to the Gaunts?" He asked, making all three nod. "Dumbledore's hand was cursed around the time he found it. This may be far-fetched, but I think he put the ring on because the stone on the ring was the Resurrection Stone itself."
They were all wide eyed. The first to speak was David.
"Of course! He would've still been obsessed with the Hallows later in life. His obsession must've clouded his judgement and put the ring on to try and use the stone, but he was cursed and injured from the Horcrux's defences."
"So, what would he have done with the stone after destroying the Horcrux?" Mike asked.
Arthur thought about it when he recollected the Snitch.
"It just might be in the Snitch!" He gasped.
"Merlin's beard!" David gasped as well. "Then what would 'the close' be for you to open it?"
"I still don't know, but at least we know where it is." Arthur said.
"Then what about the Invisibility Cloak?" Chrys asked.
"I'm sure that Arthur's is in fact the Cloak of the Hallows. David said it, it's just simply perfect." Mike said.
"And… Dumbledore knew it as well." Arthur said, remembering his mother's letter, now standing and walking back and forth in front of the table. "He had the Cloak to examine it, no doubt because it's the very Cloak that is part of the Hallows."
"Arthur… you do realise that you're a descendent of the Peverells because of this, right?" Chrys pointed out.
"How?" Arthur asked, stunned by this revelation.
"Because I read Nature's Nobility: A Wizarding Genealogy, which Kreacher let me borrow. I found the Peverell name inside it. It said that the family was extinct in the male line, meaning that a member of the female line inherited the Cloak and it entered the possession of the Pendergast family." She explained.
Arthur had to take a moment to realise that he was actually related to the very people who created the Deathly Hallows, but then he frowned as he came to another realisation that left him disgusted.
"What's wrong?" Mike asked.
"If I'm descended from the Peverell family, then so is Riddle."
"Then that means… you and he are related." David cringed. Mike shuddered in disgust at this fact.
"Now that's just so wrong." Chrys shook her head.
"Moving on… with the Elder Wand." Arthur decided to not have them all focus on his relation with Voldemort.
"Based on what Dumbledore wrote in the diary, a wandmaker must've had the wand." Chrys said.
"It's Gregorovitch. That's who Ollivander told Riddle to go find. Because he had the Elder Wand. Until it was stolen by Grindelwald." Arthur connected the dots, his eyes widened as a certain conclusion came to him, one that the others came to as well.
"And since Dumbledore defeated him, then he must've won the Elder Wand from him! And it's buried in his tomb!" David shouted, now standing up.
"Then Riddle is wasting his time trying to find Grindelwald!" Mike said, looking back and forth between Arthur and David.
"And it's inevitable he'll grab the wand for himself. Let's just hope he doesn't find it for a long while." Arthur said grimly.
"Thing is, why didn't Dumbledore tell you about the Hallows himself? Why did he make us learn of them ourselves?" Chrys asked.
All four thought about that question and Mike came to a conclusion.
"I think he was trying to warn Arthur, in particular, to not go after the Elder Wand. It has a bloody history, after all."
"I don't even care about having power." Arthur pointed out. "And I'm more concerned with finding the remaining Horcruxes and killing Riddle."
Soon, Chrys took first watch, sitting at the tent entrance, allowing the three boys to rest.
As Arthur lay in his bunk, he was thinking back on Luna and Ollivander. How they had to be locked up in Malfoy Manor.
He started pondering about who else was there, and not as prisoners. And considering that they had the sword of Gryffindor with them, that alone could draw their attention, since they believe it's in a vault at Gringotts.
Already something was forming in his mind, but he had to think it over for a while.
They all packed up the tent the next morning and moved on through a dreary shower of rain.
The downpour pursued them all the way to the coast, where they pitched the tent that night, persisting through the whole week through sodden landscapes, which were all bleak and depressing.
During this time, he kept thinking of his developing thoughts and started formulating.
As the weeks went on, Arthur's thoughts were more and more developed and started becoming a plan, one that he knew the others would think was crazy, but if they succeed, then they'd gain some info and save Luna and Ollivander. But he was yet to figure out one key thing.
Meanwhile, the four continued thinking about where Hufflepuff's cup is, ruling out Diagon Alley, the Riddle House, Borgin and Burkes and Albania, places that Tom Riddle lived in, worked at, visited and murdered.
David even suggested visiting very unlikely places, just in case.
"There's Upper Flagley, it's a wizarding village. He may have wanted to live there at some point. So let's go look around."
Such frequent forays into wizarding territory made them within the occasional sight of Snatchers.
"Some are apparently as bad as Death Eaters." David said. "The ones that got me were just pathetic, but Rob says some are really dangerous. They say so on Pendergast Watch."
And speaking of that programme, David would spend evening after evening using his wand to beat out various different rhythms on top of the wireless while the dials whirled. They'd occasionally get snatches of advice on how to treat dragon pox, and once, a few bars of 'A Cauldron Full of Hot, Strong Love'.
David would try to hit on the right password, muttering strings of random words under his breath.
"They're usually something related to the Order." He explained. "Rob had a knack for guessing them, I'm bound to get one soon."
As he continued, Arthur came to a realisation: if Lucius was entrusted with the diary by Voldemort, then he may have entrusted Hufflepuff's cup to Bellatrix, who was one of Voldemort's most trusted and loyal supporters during the first war, placing it in the Lestrange vault.
But he needs confirmation, hence another part of his plan.
Soon, it became March and David had luck on his side.
Arthur sat in the tent entrance, on guard duty, staring at a clump of grape hyacinths that forced their way through the chilly ground, when David shouted excitedly from inside the tent.
"Arthur, I got it! The password was 'Albus'! Get in here!"
Arthur instantly rushed inside the tent, finding the three all kneeling on the floor beside the radio.
Chrys was polishing the sword of Gryffindor, just to do something.
Soon, a very familiar voice spoke from the tiny speaker.
"...apologies for our temporary absence from the airwaves, which was due to a number of house calls in our area by those charming Death Eaters."
"Lee Jordan?" Chrys gasped.
"I know!" David beamed.
"...now found ourselves another secure location and I'm pleased to tell you that two of our regular contributors have joined me here this evening. Evening, boys!"
"Hi."
"Evening, River."
"They use code names." David explained.
"But before we hear from Royal and Romulus, let's take a moment to report those deaths that the Wizarding Wireless Network News and the Daily Prophet don't think important enough to mention. It is with great regret that we inform our listeners of the murders of Ted Tonks and Dirk Cresswell."
Arthur felt his stomach lurch as he and the others gazed at one another in horror.
"A goblin by the name of Gornuk was also killed. It is believed that Muggle-Born Dean Thomas and a second goblin, both believed to have been travelling with Tonks, Cresswell and Gornuk, may have escaped. If Dean is listening, or if anyone has any knowledge of his whereabouts, his parents and sisters are desperate for news. Meanwhile, in Gaddley, a Muggle family of five has been found dead in their home. Muggle authorities are attributing the deaths to a gas leak, but members of the Order of the Phoenix inform me that it was the Killing Curse - more evidence, as if it were needed, of the fact that Muggle slaughter is becoming little more than a recreational sport under the new regime. Finally, we regret to inform our listeners that the remains of Bathilda Bagshot have been discovered in Godric's Hollow. The evidence is that she died several months ago. The Order of the Phoenix informs us that her body showed unmistakable signs of injuries inflicted by Dark Magic. Listeners, I'd like to invite you now to join us in a minute's silence in memory of Ted Tonks, Dirk Cresswell, Bathilda Bagshot, Gornuk and the unnamed, but no less regretted, Muggles murdered by the Death Eaters."
Silence fell and all four didn't say a word.
Arthur was saddened to hear that Tonks' father was now dead. It made him now determined to start what he planned today.
"Thank you." Lee Jordan said after the minute long silence. "And now we turn to regular contributor, Royal, for an update on how the new wizarding order is affecting the Muggle world."
"Thanks, River." The unmistakable deep, measured and reassuring voice said. Arthur's eyes widened to hear that Kingsley Shacklebolt was okay.
"Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties." Shacklebolt said. "However, we continue to hear truly inspirational stories of wizards and witches risking their own safety to protect Muggle friends and neighbours, often without the Muggles' knowledge. I'd like to appeal to all our listeners to emulate their example, perhaps by casting protective charm over any Muggle dwellings in your street. Many lives could be saved if such simple measures are taken."
"And what would you say, Royal, to those listeners who reply that in these dangerous times, it should be 'wizards first'/" Lee asked.
"I'd say that it's one short step from 'wizards first' to 'pure-bloods first' and then to 'Death Eaters'. We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same and worth saving." Shacklebolt said.
"Excellently put, Royal, and you've got my vote for Minister for Magic if ever we get out of this mess." Lee said. "And now, over to Romulus for our popular feature: Pals of Pendergast."
"Thanks, River." Another familiar voice said. One that caused Arthur's eyes to widen, surprised he didn't guess it was Lupin, considering his code name is linked with his actual name.
"Romulus, do you maintain, as you have every time you've appeared on our programme, that Arthur Pendergast is still alive?"
"I do." Lupin said firmly. "There is no doubt at all in my mind that his death would be proclaimed as widely as possible by the Death Eaters if it had happened, because it would strike a deadly blow at the morale of those resisting the new regime. The 'Boy Who Lived' and the 'Heir of Gryffindor' remains a symbol of everything for which we are fighting: the triumph of good, the power of innocence, the need to keep resisting."
Arthur was relieved to see that not only did Lupin realise how he's been acting, but also that he forgave him if he's saying all this.
"And what would you say to Arthur if you knew he was listening, Romulus?"
"I'd tell him we're all with him in spirit." Lupin said before he hesitated slightly. "And I'd tell him to follow his instincts, which are good and nearly always right."
Arthur looked at Chrys, whose eyes were full of tears.
"I forgot to mention." David said, smacking his forehead. "Rob told me that Lupin's back with Tonks! And she's getting pretty big too!"
"...and our usual update on those friends of Arthur Pendergast's who are suffering for their allegiance?" Lee said.
"Well, as regular listeners will know, several of the more outspoken supporters of Arthur Pendergast have now been imprisoned, including Xenophilius Lovegood, erstwhile editor of The Quibbler -" Lupin said.
"At least he's still alive!" Mike muttered.
"We have also heard within the last few hours that Rubeus Hagrid -" All four gasped, nearly missing the rest of the sentence. " - well known gamekeeper at Hogwarts School, has narrowly escaped arrest within the grounds of Hogwarts, where he is rumoured to have hosted a 'Support Arthur Pendergast' party in his house. However, Hagrid was not taken into custody, and is, we believe, on the run."
"I suppose it helps, when escaping from Death Eaters, if you've got a sixteen foot high half-brother?" Lee asked.
"It would tend to give you an edge." Lupin agreed gravely. "May I just add that while we are at Pendergast Watch applaud Hagrid's spirit, we would urge even the most devoted of Arthur's supporters against following Hagrid's lead. 'Support Arthur Pendergast' parties are unwise in the present climate."
"Indeed they yare, Romulus, so we suggest that you continue to show your devotion to the man with the lightning scar by listening to Pendergast Watch! And now let's move to news concerning the wizard who is proving just as elusive as Arthur Pendergast. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumours circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent: Rock."
"Hello, all." Yet another familiar voice said and all four cried out together: "Jack!"
"Could you please give us your take on the various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?"
"Of course, River." Jack replied. "As our listeners know, unless they took refuge at the bottom of a garden pool, You Know Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is a nice way to start panic. And if the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we'd have around nineteen You Know Whos all over the place."
"Which suits him, of course." Shacklebolt said. "The air of mystery is creating more terror than actually showing himself."
"Exactly." Jack said. "So why don't we try to think and be calm for a second? Things are already bad enough without inventing stuff up. For example, this notion that You Know Who can kill with just a glance from his eyes. That's a Basilisk, people! And You Know Who doesn't have the body of a snake! So it's safe to look him in the eyes, though if it is You Know Who, it may be the last thing you'll ever see."
Arthur actually found himself laughing.
"And the rumours that he keeps being sighted abroad?" Lee asked.
"Well, firstly, do not get lulled into a false sense of security, people." Jack said. "Perhaps he is travelling out of the country, but he can still move faster than Seveus Snape if he's confronted with shampoo, so don't count him out as being a long way away if you're planning to take risks. Your safety is what's important!"
"Thank you very much for those wise words, Rock." Lee said. "Listeners, that brings us to the end of another Pendergast Watch. We don't know when it will be possible to broadcast again, but you can be sure we shall be back. Keep twiddling those dials: the next password will be 'Mad-Eye'. Keep each other safe: keep faith. Goodnight."
The radio' dial twirled and the lights behind the tuning panel were out.
All four were beaming, because hearing familiar voices was like a tonic. They were so used to the isolation that they nearly forgot that there's other people resisting Voldemort.
"That was just brilliant." Mike said.
"And brave." Chrys said admiringly.
"It's a good thing they keep on the move, like we do." David replied.
Arthur then remembered about his plan and, even though he didn't want to ruin the good mood, he felt like he had to, as he felt now was the time to take action.
"Guys, there's something I need to tell you, and you may not like it."
The three all turned and had confused and concerned expressions.
"What is it?" Chrys asked.
Arthur took a deep breath before saying "We must let ourselves be captured and taken to Malfoy Manor."
They all stared at him for a moment before they exploded.
"WHAT?"
"ARE YOU MENTAL?"
"WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT?"
"BECAUSE WE CAN SAVE LUNA AND OLLIVANDER AND LEARN IF A HORCRUX IS IN A VAULT AT GRINGOTTS!" Arthur shouted over them, making them fall silent.
"Think about it, Riddle entrusted the diary to Lucius, he just might've entrusted another Horcrux to Bellatrix and hit it in the Lestrange family vault, but in order to get any confirmation of this, we have to meet her directly, which means we have to go the Malfoy Manor. And there's the fact that we can also save Luna and Ollivander in the process." Arthur explained.
"But how do we make sure that they don't just call Riddle the moment we show up?" Mike asked.
"Well, I was thinking that something can be done to my face to make it so that Snatchers aren't too sure but have enough to suggest they may have Arthur Pendergast."
"Like a Stinging Jinx?" Chrys suggested, making Arthur snap and point at her.
"Exactly!" Arthur said.
"And what about the sword?" David asked, pointing at said item.
"We're gonna have to leave it out. Since Bellatrix thinks she has the real thing in Gringotts, she'll freak out and demand an explanation." Arthur explained.
"Then… she'll interrogate Chrys first. She'll want to torture a Muggle-Born." David snarled protectively, wrapping an arm around Chrys, who looked worried, but determined.
"But if it helps us with our mission to hunt down Horcruxes, I'll do what must be done." She said.
"Just one question, how do we escape from Malfoy Manor?" Mike asked.
"I've yet to figure that out, but I'll think of something." Arthur replied, as this was the thing he was struggling with.
The three exchanged glances, ones filled with uncertainty.
"Alright, let's get ready." Arthur said grimly.
All four of them took a moment to steel themselves and once they did, Chrys took out her wand and pointed it at Arthur's face while David used the Delluminator to put out all their lamps.
"Voldemort." Arthur said aloud and Chrys then shot the Stinging Jinx at Arthur.
There was a bang and a burst of white light before he buckled in agony, feeling his face swell rapidly in his hands.
As this happened, they all heard the Sneakoscope light up and spin on the table while there were rough and excited voices coming nearer and nearer.
"Come out of there with your hands up!" A rasping voice said through the darkness. "We know you're in there! You've got half a dozen wands pointing at you and we don't care who we curse!"
Different way for them to get to Malfoy Manor, but it's the only way I can think of without making them look like idiots, since they've been aware of the Taboo since they've been on the run.