Note: Hey! Surprise!
So, yeah, I still haven't finished writing the story, but I'm updating so you can remember that this story exists and it's not abandoned!
I hope you enjoy this chapter!
And if you're used to AO3, you can find me there under the same username! I'm enjoying it a lot more than FFnet. But don't worry, I'll be posting in both simultaneously.
(Title: Hush Hush - Klergy, Mindy Jones)
June 1st, 2006
Ministry of Magic
"So, we finally have something concrete." Hermione says to the others inside the meeting room.
They're all sitting around the table, Harry is by her side - they don't care anymore - their feet touching, their legs rubbing. Which is a bit distracting but she's keeping her cool. He's having a harder time, she can tell by his breathing.
"Yeah, this time we used Legilimency. It was a mistake letting them go so fast when we interrogated them the other time." Ginny says. Her and Draco at last found the rings' users they had lost the lead on. Since Harry and Hermione had been to that house, it's been more difficult to find Moritz's users. They even stood outside the house for a whole day, but people are surely using some kind of spell to conceal themselves.
Hermione nods.
"We need to check the locations they gave us."
She magically moves her wand and, to her relief, the simple spell doesn't fail. A map appears above the table, everyone can see every little detail. According to the couple, Moritz has other three houses apart from the one in Germany - in Berlin - and the one in London. One in Beijing. One in Lisbon. One in Paris.
It's less than what she imagined at first. Now she's sure that Moritz sells to other magical pubs and night clubs, he probably has a dealer in each one of them, but houses like the one they entered is a different matter. He needs to have a… boss in each one of them or else it becomes messy. Ludwig was the boss in Berlin.
But where Moritz himself might be she has no idea.
None of them have. The interrogated couple never saw Moritz and Hermione believes them. The Alchemist is smart and he'll hide his face for as long as he can.
"We should strike at the same time." Harry says, his eyes on the exact locations the houses are. "Divide the team and end this whole operation. Maybe if we make a hole in his profits he'll… appear."
Hermione moves her leg up and down on his, turning to face him. There's a glint in his eyes. He'll make her pay for this teasing later. She can't wait.
Clearing her throat she says, "It's a good idea, Head D'Angelo." Her voice drags with a hint of provocation. He squints. Hermione can see Chiara rolling her eyes with her peripheral vision. She suppresses a laugh. They all keep saying that her and Harry are horny teenagers. She agrees, and even though sometimes they are too blunt, it's like they can't hold it back. "I know we considered barging inside, but since our numbers aren't that high, I don't think it's the best approach. We need to get in and discreetly take over the place. We don't want to be noticed."
"So," Harry looks at the others, "we have in this room eleven Aurors. Four pairs and one trio."
They continue to discuss the division. Hermione wants to be with Harry, she wants to go to the house here in London. But she lets the others talk about their ideas. Ginny gives her a pointed look. Hermione knows she doesn't want Draco participating. It's been years since he last indulged in magical drugs, but a mission like this can be a huge trigger.
"In fact," She cuts the others, her voice firm, "I'll excuse Auror Malfoy from this mission." She looks at Draco. There's gratitude in his eyes. "He'll stay here in case anything goes wrong. Not just that but we'll need someone to manage things from outside. Is that clear? So, five pairs."
The others agree. She would leave Ron out of this too because of his pregnant wife, but they don't have that many Aurors to spare. She shares a look with her best friend and he winks at her, he knows what she's thinking. He understands her decision.
And they divide themselves like this: Chang and Ginny in Beijing; Ron and Fleur in Paris; Chiara and Elias in Berlin; Rafael and Martim in Lisbon; Her and Harry in London.
They'll act simultaneously. They'll enter the houses with rings, taking down the bodyguards one by one until they reach the bosses. The idea is to arrest them and shut down these houses for good by gathering as much proof as they can. Hermione is also eager to put her hands in some powders. She's had enough of not being able to study them better. And they desperately need to. It might be key in finding the samples Asmodeus is hiding.
She inhales discreetly, deeply. Hermione trusts they're all very capable of pulling this off, so, she's eager to go through with this as soon as possible.
"In two days." She states. "Prepare yourselves."
Harry ends the meeting and the rest of the Aurors leave the room. She stays inside with him. Immediately his hand goes to her inner thigh under the table while he leans closer to speak to her.
"I want so much to have my way with you."
She opens a devious smile, her hand meeting his on her thigh, pulling it up to her sex. His eyes darken.
"So why don't you?"
He bites on his lower lip. She's wearing the uniform, so, it's not that easy for him to have access- His thumb finds a sweet spot close to her clit through the fabric and she purses her lips, squinting. It's a delicious pressure. Harry raises an eyebrow. She opens her legs a bit more, making things easier for him.
The meeting room is no place to be doing this. Do they care? No.
Harry groans deep in his throat, frustrated that there are so many pieces of clothing separating them. She closes her eyes, lowering her head, trying not to react when he murmurs a spell that allows his fingers to touch her without resistance, without barriers. But it still looks like she's all dressed and she has no idea which incantation he used but she's glad it exists.
He moves his chair closer to hers. "Look at me." He says hoarsely.
Their eyes meet and Hermione thinks she might reach her orgasm the fastest she ever did in her life. They've been on this provocation since the meeting started and she can't lie that every now and then memories of them fucking invaded her mind-
He curls his fingers inside her and she holds back the involuntary jerk, biting hard on her lower lip, their eyes locked. Harry has the clarity of mind to lock the damn door - which she completely forgot about - then his thumb finds her clit and she lets out a soft moan, low. His other hand squeezes her thigh.
"Does it turn you on?" He asks in a husky voice. "To imagine that anyone can walk in at any minute?"
Her hand grips his forearm, her nails digging into his skin. "Fuck, yes."
Harry exhales heavily, stimulating her just right-
The orgasm takes over her body in a powerful wave and she opens her mouth in a silent 'O'. He smiles while he keeps stimulating her oversensitive body now. It's sheer pleasure and she jerks, feeling her legs numb, her abs almost cramping-
Taking a deep breath she moves away from his reach, winking. She's trembling a bit.
Harry opens his mouth, outraged. She can see the huge bulge inside his pants and she licks her lips, crossing one leg over the other, resting an elbow on the table and holding her head with her hand, facing him on her side. He mimics her and narrows his eyes, one of his hands going to his cock, stroking above the fabric.
"I wanna watch you do it." She says in a serious and provocative tone.
Harry sets his jaw. She's feeling extremely hot, it's almost like a fever. She knows they shouldn't, but now there's no way they're going to stop.
And indeed, he keeps stroking himself, looking at her, his eyes roaming her entire body.
"Imagine I have you in my mouth." Her words hit him like a lightning and Harry actually moans, closing his eyes, his ministrations faster. "Put your hand inside your pants, Harry."
He opens his eyes, breathing hard. And he obeys her. Hermione purses her lips and thighs, she can feel a faint throb between her legs.
"Slower." She commands. He grits his teeth but does as she says. "Yes, like that." She's also having a hard time breathing properly. His sleeves are rolled up and she can see his veins, his perfect skin and muscles. The only thing missing is the tattoo. "Faster." He throws his head back, increasing the rhythm. "Stop."
He groans. He could disobey her, but she's aware that he won't. Harry stops and she knows his cock is throbbing in his hand, ready to burst, his muscles tense.
She rises from the chair and takes two steps to him, leaning to speak into his ear.
"In my office, D'Angelo, two minutes. Don't you dare finishing this alone."
Hermione leaves a gentle kiss on his cheek and walks out.
He's probably complaining, thinking about how the hell he's gonna hide his erection to walk to her office. And she can't help smiling. They've been incredibly horny since they visited Bellaverde. The hope the Dragon filled them with is like the finest aphrodisiac.
She barely notices the other Aurors while she goes to her office, her mind is taken by Harry. She wants him to fuck her properly-
When she opens the door, her heart quickens and she snorts.
He's already inside, sitting on the couch. She closes the door and tilts her head in question. He shows her the coin they share and she understands what he did. After all, these coins are small portals.
Smiling, she goes to him.
In a second she's straddling him, the door locked, her office way more secure than any other room on this floor. Their lips meet and Harry loses no time in magically getting rid of their clothes from the waist down.
They moan together. She knows this will be fast. And when she stands up, he complains. But soon he understands what she's doing. He opens his legs and Hermione lowers herself on him, her back to him, her sex taking all his length, her walls closing around his cock. He holds her by the hips and with her hands on his thighs, in a frenzy, she moves, up and down fast, then she rocks her hips, repeating.
Harry reaches his orgasm before she does. But he keeps moving, his fingers finding her clit.
Hermione closes her eyes and bites hard on her lower lip. Her second orgasm is intense and so damn good. So satisfying. She goes numb, leaning back onto him, relaxing. Harry closes his arms around her, kissing her neck. She chuckles softly. Being with him physically always makes her walk on clouds.
"Love you." He says softly, squeezing her even more.
She turns her head and kisses his cheek.
"Seven days." She whispers.
Seven days to the full moon.
Seven days for them to go to Bellaverde and try the ritual. They can't stop talking about this. Hermione is literally counting the minutes. And Harry is just as anxious as she is. If this works it will… change everything.
He sighs. "Seven days."
Then Harry moves his wrist, cleaning them and dressing both. But they don't move from the embrace. She turns on her side and he holds her.
"Your thoughts on the mission." She says after a while.
"I don't care what we do, you stay with me the entire time." She snorts but agrees. Since she didn't take any more potions and her spells keep failing, she doesn't want to worry Harry or put them in unnecessary danger. They need to be together.
"Do you think we're gonna find Moritz?"
"I hope we do. We have to."
"What if we find Ludwig instead?"
Harry sets his jaw. "We'll arrest him the same way we're going to do with anyone who might be in charge. But my guess is that he's going to be in Berlin." She nods and he inhales deeply before saying, "I- maybe after the mission you can… see the rest of Matteo's memory."
Hermione looks into his eyes. "Are you sure?" They avoided anything related to Matteo these last days. Harry didn't share anything with the others either. Except Chiara. He told her about his grandfather but not about the myth of the phoenix and the fire and such.
"Yes, love." He kisses her softly. "We need to know and if you're still up to it I really want you to."
She smiles, it won't be an easy task, but she's glad he's less hurt about what happened with Matteo.
"Okay." She cups his cheek, her thumb caressing his face.
Harry touches her forehead with his. And then, he changes the subject, "So, your first class at the Palace tomorrow, huh?"
She inhales deeply, "I'm a little nervous." He tilts his head. "What if they don't like me?"
He snorts. "Oh, please. They're gonna love you."
This brings a sincere smile to her face, but even so, she can't help dreading Petunia's reaction. Hermione has no idea if Harry's aunt is gonna be there, if she's gonna watch the class or not, but the idea makes her nervous nonetheless. She feels like she has a lot to prove to Petunia. Reality is… she really wants the woman to accept her.
"I hope so." She says to Harry.
He nuzzles her neck. "You don't have to be nervous because of my aunt." It's like he can read her mind. "I- I never asked what happened between you two but I know it wasn't pretty." His tone is serious and Hermione searches his eyes with hers. "But I'm sure that if she gets the chance of really knowing you, she'll love you."
She sighs and smiles. Then, she stands from his lap. Harry runs a hand through his hair when she's already sitting behind her desk.
"We should do some actual work since we're here, right?" She says in a playful tone. They joke that since they became a real couple they've been lacking a lot in their professional lives.
"Yeah, yeah, fine." He stands from the couch and winks at her.
Harry leaves the same way he got inside - through the coin.
The smile lingers on her face.
June 2nd, 2006
The Palace
He watches from the back of the room. Hermione is totally nailing this. If she weren't such a badass Auror she should be a professor. This is perfect for her. It's like she was born to pass on all her knowledge.
She's giving a practical class on Transfiguration. There are students of all ages paying attention. So far her spells haven't failed and Harry is extremely relieved about it. He hopes it continues that way.
Ron, Gin, Draco, Luna and Chiara are also there. Oliver and Sam too. Snape. It hurts a little that his aunt isn't. She didn't even greeted them the moment they arrived.
"Oh, well, she's putting my classes to shame." Snape whispers to him, a discreet smile on his face.
Harry feels his heart swelling. It's amazing how every day he finds new motives to love Hermione. And the way she deals with the kids… she's going to be a wonderful mother. This thought doesn't hurt. It brings him joy. Six days. Maybe they shouldn't be this hopeful, but it's impossible not to. He trusts Bellaverde, he knows they'll be able to do this.
And their children are going to be the cutest little babies in the world.
"Oh, if you could see yourself." Chiara mumbles on his other side.
He turns his head to her. "What do you mean?"
"The way you're proud of her is practically exuding from your pores. You look hypnotized. And ridiculously in love."
He bumps his arm into hers and Chiara chuckles softly. He knows he behaves like THE fool in love. But he doesn't care. After all, it's true. He doesn't think he'll ever feel anything else remotely close to this love he feels for Hermione.
It's everything to him.
His attention goes back to his soulmate. She has a huge smile on her face while she shows the kids how to perform a few key spells. It seems so simple when you watch her, so effortless. There are a few spells that Harry remembers having a difficult time learning. He's sure she did it on her first try, though.
He sighs, his eyes falling to the little head that's at the front, completely bewitched by Hermione: Victor. The boy has been following her around since they entered the Palace. Harry knows they formed some kind of connection that day when Hermione lulled him. It was like she understood him viscerally. And thoughts of… adopting the boy come back to him. He wants to talk with Hermione about this, wants to know if she's… open to the idea. He doesn't even know if they can legally do that but-
It would be incredible.
She's about to finish the lesson when a strong thunder strikes.
A storm is coming.
Harry closes his eyes briefly. He absolutely loves the rain. It calms him. He loves the smell it leaves on the wet grass and dirt. The smell of the wind coming from miles away. The way it awakens a deep desire to… live.
He looks at the window. The first drops are falling heavy.
A thunderstorm.
A small shriek comes from the front of the class and he looks at Hermione to see Victor hugging her middle, scared. Their eyes meet. Hers are soft when she puts both hands around the boy, whispering reassuring words.
The class is over and many students want to talk to her. Hermione gives them her full attention and Harry moves, stopping by her side, one of his hands goes to Victor's shoulder.
"Hey, mate." He crouches to look at the boy. Victor turns to him, his eyes full of tears. "Hermione needs to talk with the students, okay? Come with me, the rain won't hurt you, I promise."
There's no hesitation when the boy takes Harry's hand. He shares another look with Hermione. She has her eyes on the way him and Victor are holding hands. Harry winks at her and sits down on a chair with Victor nestled in his arms.
It's a bit unsettling how afraid the little boy is. Shaking from fear.
"Are you afraid of the rain or-"
"The thunder." Victor whispers. "Is too loud. Too… powerful." Harry nods to himself, "And-" He waits, "My father didn't like when it rained. He-" Victor sniffs, "He used to say it was my fault. He hit me then."
Harry raises an eyebrow. The sudden anger that takes over him is overwhelming and he has to take a deep breath before talking.
"Well, the rain is not your fault, Victor, okay?" The boy barely nods. "And no one is gonna hurt you here, you're safe."
"You sure are." Harry raises his head to look at Hermione. Her voice is firm and grave. Victor looks up at her too, his eyes shining. She smiles.
"See? We won't let a thing happen to you, Victor." Harry says this to the boy but his eyes are glued on Hermione's.
She gets what he's saying. She understands his insinuation. Her expression changes slightly and she raises an eyebrow as if asking 'are you sure?' He nods once in answer. She inhales deeply, her chest moving up and down fast. Then she wets her lips and gives him a look that says, 'we'll talk later'.
"Do you trust me?" She asks Victor.
The boy nods and leaves Harry's arms, taking the hand she's offering. Rising from the chair, he follows them out of the classroom. Hermione takes the stairs and they reach a big arch that leads directly to the rain outside. Victor clearly tenses, hugging her middle again.
Harry stops by her side and she gives him a kiss on the cheek, her hand caressing Victor's hair.
"Look, Victor, Harry is gonna show you that there's nothing to be afraid of."
Harry shakes his head and smiles. Then, he takes a step into the rain. It's cold and perfect. Revitalizing. He closes his eyes and enjoys the way the water hits him.
After a while, he chuckles. Many students are watching from the many arches, curious to what they're doing. Hermione laughs when Harry dishevels his hair, throwing water everywhere.
Another thunder cracks loudly. Victor whines and buries his face on Hermione's stomach. Harry watches while she crouches and says something to the boy. Her eyes are soft and there's a fierce protection reflected in them that he's sure comes from a motherly instinct inside her.
Then, she moves her hand and performs a drying spell around both. Harry squints. He's already drenched.
Hermione takes Victor's hand and they step outside, the rain not touching them while they slowly walk to Harry. The boy is still hesitant but loosening up at each step.
"See?" Hermione asks when they're close to him. "Nothing to be afraid of."
"I-" Victor widens his eyes, "Will I be able to do this too?"
He's talking about the spell. Hermione smiles.
"You will."
The boy chuckles innocently, fascinated. Then, he opens a huge smile at them, excited. Without any kind of warning, he lets go of Hermione's hand and starts to run around them, laughing.
Hermione presses her lips together, her eyes finding his again. Harry brings her to him by the waist and she ends the spell around her, getting wet with him.
It's contagious. They start to laugh together and Victor yells that he wants to get wet too.
In a blink many more students are out in the rain with them, playing with each other and shrieking excitedly, testing spells.
It's satisfying to see Victor acting so joyously.
Hermione puts her arms around Harry's neck, the rain pouring down on them. She kisses him gently and they hug. The students cheer and tease them.
Harry laughs sincerely. Hermione blushes a little and they hold hands while they go back inside. Victor stays with the other kids, playing and jumping from one little pool of water to another. The strong thunders keep cracking up there between the clouds, but the boy doesn't care anymore.
When they're finally safe from the rain, Harry uses a spell to dry them and kiss her softly. Hermione smiles, hugging him.
"It was a fine class."
Petunia's voice makes them separate fast. Like they were doing something wrong.
Hermione clears her throat, looking down, a faint blush taking over her neck.
"I- Thank you."
Harry squints at his aunt, she was certainly watching everything from the shadows, hidden somewhere, not wanting to show Hermione that she was present.
"Considering the children's necessity of a good education since they were denied this in Hogwarts-"
"Aunt-"
She raises a hand to stop him. Harry squeezes Hermione's hand.
"It would be nice for them to have a professor like you." Petunia continues. "I do hope you find the time to come more often." Harry raises an eyebrow and Hermione's whole face lights up. She opens a gorgeous smile.
"That- I- Yes, of course. I would love that."
Petunia stares at Hermione intensively and Harry chews the inside of his cheek, nervous. But without another word, his aunt walks away and leaves them.
"Wanna stay for dinner?" Harry asks, kissing her hand.
"Yeah."
They share another kiss and seek out the others, both feeling good.
House by the lake
Hermione is waiting for Harry to finish his shower. But her mind is far away from the moment.
Sitting on the armchair in the room, she looks at her own hands. She's thinking about Victor. Thinking about what Harry discreetly suggested. Thinking that she never felt so serene like she did when teaching those kids. Thinking that Victor was tortured by his parents because he wasn't what they expected-
She closes her eyes, letting out a huge breath through her mouth.
They have an important mission tomorrow and the only thing she can think about is that the ritual with Bellaverde can't come soon enough. Or that she does want to adopt Victor. It crossed her mind when she was lulling the little boy the first time they met. Then Harry told her about how they found him in that orphanage and-
She didn't mention it to Harry because she thought she was crossing a line, but it turns out that he was thinking the exact same thing.
And this brings out another thousand questions. Can they even do that? Victor's parents are alive. How are they going to take care of a child with their crazy lives? The moment is not the best. They're trying to take down a powerful wizard and things could go to shit real fast.
Maybe if we survive all of this.
The thought is not the best one, but it's the closest to reality. Of course her and Harry never mention this, but what they're doing is dangerous and they might not reach the other side alive.
But… if things do turn out how they want to-
Harry kisses her cheek. She smiles.
"What is it?" He asks in a low voice, only in his boxers, pulling her to share the bed with him.
"I'm worried." She murmurs while they lie down, Crookshanks climbing the bed, nestling himself close to Harry. "With the mission, with everything, really."
"It's going to be fine." He pulls her to him, kissing her temple. She relaxes. "I mean, I'm confident we'll finally catch Moritz."
She kisses his chest. "I hope so. I really do." Then, inhaling deeply, she says, "Harry, about Victor-"
"I know." He cuts her softly. "I know it's a big responsibility and we need to think about this, but… I- I feel a connection to the kid. And he's obviously crazy about you."
She smiles. "I feel a connection too, but our lives are not exactly stable for us to take care of a child right now."
He moves to look into her eyes. "Promise me we'll talk about this when the time comes, then."
She gulps. "We'll."
Harry kisses her, his hand on her cheek. "Okay."
"Okay."
Her hand goes to his hair and they share an intense make out session. Hermione only pulls back when her lips are a bit numb. There are huge smiles on their faces. She would take this further but Harry is clearly exhausted and she kisses his cheek.
"Sleep well, love, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
June 3rd, 2006
In front of the house in London
He can't deny that he's nervous. He knows he stopped Hermione from taking those potions, but at the same time he's aware that having her one hundred percent confident and able of performing her perfect spells would ease his mind immensely. But he couldn't let her, no. The price is too steep. Her sanity is too precious for him to watch idly while she ruins herself with drugs.
Hermione has a cold expression on her face. She's watching the house. They were able to use the correct counter spell to see the clients entering the house thanks to the interrogation Draco and Ginny did with the couple. Many are entering, very few are leaving.
They've already seized a couple, their rings now in their possession. Hermione obliviated them and Harry kept watch.
Now they're just waiting. They all agreed on a certain hour to strike and with the time differences around the world, he and Hermione will enter the house in ten minutes. She's quiet and he knows the whole issue with her spells is weighting on her nerves.
"It's going to be fine." He whispers close to her ear.
She only nods.
They're dressed casually. Not like obvious Aurors but not with fancy clothes either. They need to be able to move freely without drawing attention to them. Again, they're obviously charmed, disguised.
And as the minutes tick by, Harry thinks about what he asked Hermione to do when this mission is over. The memory. What Matteo found inside that room… he moves from one foot to the other, uncomfortable.
Sensing his distress, her left hand comes behind her back, asking for his. Harry takes it and the bond engulfs them. It's truly sensational. It eases his mind and it gives him clarity.
Even if the mission is not that simple, he knows they'll succeed.
"It's time." She says coldly.
Harry takes one step forward but she stops him, their lips meeting.
"Let's do this, love." He says when they separate.
Walking calmly, they reach the front door. Hermione presses her hand on it and the ring allows her inside. Harry does the same.
Differently from the house in Berlin, this one doesn't have a long hallway in front of them, instead, it's a slide. A slide that seems endless.
They share a look.
"Together." Harry whispers, taking her hand.
The hole in the floor is so immense that they fit side by side and, practically hugging her, Harry moves for them to slide.
It's… fun.
And endless.
At a point Hermione starts to laugh and he laughs with her, partially glad that something is easing their apprehension.
But, after five minutes - he counted on the watch - they land on a hard surface.
The loud music immediately invades their senses and Harry can tell that the atmosphere is exactly the same as the one they found in Berlin.
He takes Hermione's hand and they walk in a steady pace, nonchalantly. But when they enter the Saloon, Harry holds his breath.
The red light is there, and the… orgies.
He brings Hermione closer to him by the waist while they avoid touching anyone. They need to reach the center of the dancefloor, they need to be approached by the bodyguards. It would be easier if Harry was inclined in letting go of her, but he's really not. He doesn't care that separated they could take the wizards down more easily.
Stopping, they sway sensually, his hand squeezing her ass, hers on his sides, their eyes scanning the people around them. He's making mental notes on everyone he sees, just like he knows Hermione is also doing.
Harry can see the counter with powders placed almost on the same spot the one in Berlin was. The house inside looks the same and he can't help wondering when the bodyguards at each corner will come to them. Because they will, won't they?
"The same four." Hermione whispers, her mouth close to his ear, her arms around his neck now.
"I don't see-"
He stops talking when a man approaches Hermione. Totally ignoring Harry's presence, he glues his body on hers, his evident erection touching her butt. Hermione stops moving and Harry has a brief second to think.
Then he punches the man.
"Get away from her!" He hisses, blind by the jealousy and disrespect.
"Oh, come on, mate!" The other man says, laughing. "Don't be selfish! A beauty like this must be shared!"
This time is Hermione who punches the man.
"In your dreams." She says in a low voice.
And of course now they have everyone's attention.
One bodyguard begins to walk to them. Harry and Hermione share a look and distance themselves from the man and the confusion, searching for a more secluded spot. They know the bodyguard is following, so, Harry steers Hermione to one of the round couches around the place - that's miraculously empty. They sit together and she purses her lips. Another bodyguard is coming, this one a woman.
"You won't like my idea." Hermione whispers.
He sighs.
"I trust you."
She nods and on the next second the bodyguard is in front of them.
"Excuse me." The man says. Hermione looks at him with a… seductive smile. Harry already hates whatever plan she has in mind. "No violence. It's the policy of the house."
She exhales heavily and her hand goes directly to Harry's crotch. He widens his eyes a bit, gulping but following her lead. That's the moment the woman stops in front of them.
Hermione totally ignores what the man said.
"I was wondering," She begins. "Can we put up some curtains around this couch? Make it more private?"
The man doesn't care that she's stroking Harry's cock, this is a normal night for the guy. The woman also is very unfazed by it.
"Answer me." Hermione says harshly, the bossy tone overflowing and hitting the man. Even if they had a little problem on the dancefloor, they're clients here… not to mention that Harry can feel the slight hint of an Imperius from her.
"I-" The man clears his throat.
"We have rooms." The woman says, "If you want more privacy."
"You see," Harry cuts her, "We want our privacy while we watch the others." He shrugs, his hand going over Hermione's on his cock. He's getting hard… which is not ideal. "Is that possible?"
The bodyguards share a look. Harry notices the other two are watching them from afar.
"Yeah, sure." The man says and performs a spell himself. A black curtain surrounds the huge couch.
"That's so gentle of you." Hermione says, dragging her voice… "Do say, are you allowed to join us?" And she licks her lips, her eyes on the man's body.
Harry sets his jaw, jealous, but immediately understanding her train of thought. He moves a hand to her thigh, squeezing. The bodyguard is still thinking of an answer and he shares a look with the other woman-
"What about you?" Harry asks the woman, opening a seductive smile. Hermione's nails dig into his forearm. "You're so pretty, it would be a shame…" He raises an eyebrow, spreading his legs more, inviting her to his lap.
They keep waiting for an answer…
"Hell, why not?" The man says.
Harry uses all his self control not to stupefy the man when he moves and his mouth touches Hermione's. But on the next second the woman is on him, also kissing. This is far from what he wanted but he plays along. The fact that Hermione is kissing another man bothers him so much that he's barely moving his own lips. Which is not something the woman cares. She keeps kissing him, her hands all over him. He tries not flinching away-
Hermione murmurs a spell and the curtains around them close tightly. It's insanely dark now.
But he knows what she's thinking.
Both put the bodyguards to sleep simultaneously. And he utters a spell to illuminate their private space.
Harry groans, angry. The man is on top of Hermione and he shoves the woman to the side to help her.
"Fuck." He complains.
She makes a face. "I'm sorry."
He says nothing in answer. The notion that this filthy man touched her is so damn infuriating.
She touches her forehead on his and they take a moment to breath. "I know." He whispers. "I know. It's fine."
"Okay." She exhales heavily. "We need to tie them up and send them to the spot where Draco is waiting."
All bodyguards must be sent to the same location so Draco can arrest them. Hermione moves fast while she takes out a Portkey from her purse. They have four to use and she doesn't waste a second. In no time they're alone again.
Harry moves closer to her, squeezing her flesh and kissing hard. He's still very angry. Hermione corresponds, meeting his hunger.
"The others will come. I'm sure." She says when he moves to kiss her neck, one of his hands on her breast. Her hand goes to his cock and he knows that she's very shaken with what happened.
He entertains the idea of making love to her right there, but-
Someone pokes on the curtain, moving it.
"Excuse us."
They share a look. The other two bodyguards, for sure.
Hermione moves fast, opening the curtain slightly and licking her lips.
"Join us." It's a command. The other two men have no choice. She pulls both by the shirt and even before they can blink, Harry puts them to sleep.
They fall heavy atop of her and she grunts, annoyed. Harry moves to take the second Portkey from her and after tying them up, he sends the two bodyguards to Draco.
Both breathe relieved.
Harry cups her cheek and she smiles, murmuring a spell to clean his face from the lipstick the woman left there. Then, also putting herself together, she squeezes his left hand in hers.
"Do you think there are more?" She asks.
"No. I think we should head to the office right now."
"Let's stop by the counter first. The wizard or witch responsible for explaining how the powders work should also go to jail."
He agrees. Then, Harry vanishes with the black curtain and in a moment they're on their feet, walking together to the counter. The place is packed and they have a difficult time walking around, but they do manage.
They stop there, waiting. There's a glint in Hermione's eyes. She wants to take the powders but they can't. This could be a huge alert and they have no idea who's inside the office. Giving him a pointed look, she discreetly takes the third Portkey from her purse.
When a woman appears to explain how the powders work, Harry takes the Portkey from her and approaches the witch. This one will have to be done in the middle of everyone.
But he's fast. In a swift motion he smiles at her and leans over as if he wants a kiss, catching her unaware. The woman falters and he murmurs a sleeping spell, the he touches the Portkey on her and activates it.
She's gone.
Hermione takes his hand and they don't stop. There are no other bodyguards there. And the rest is not minding them at all. So, they head to the side of the room where they think the door to the office might be. There's no way of knowing for certain, but since everything else is just the same as in Berlin, chances are high.
The wall seems to be a normal wall, like any other… however-
Hermione moves closer, her eyes on a dent. "It's here. It has to be."
Harry is behind her, his left hand on hers. They'll need to perform a spell to open this. "Okay, ready?"
She nods. They concentrate on the spell, but Harry can feel Hermione's magic failing. He tries lending his but what comes from her is like a void and she lowers her head, releasing his hand.
"Fuck." She whispers.
"Let's try again." He gulps, ignoring the terrible sensation he felt just now. For a spell not to work like that- it felt like she had no magic at all. He squeezes her hand, feeling her magic, making sure it's there. "Come on, love. You can do this."
She inhales deeply and on the next second her magic flares. The spell works perfectly.
The door reveals itself for them. Harry and Hermione cross it without a second thought. He closes it behind him and they walk fast to the office, silently, their wands ready.
But there's no one there, it's empty, apart from… two women sleeping on a bed.
"Hey, hey!" Hermione screams at them. They open their eyes, lost and scared. "Out, now."
They don't even consider disobeying.
Harry doesn't stop to watch them go, he walks directly to the cabinets where he found the powders in Berlin. Because the place is exactly the same. As everything else.
He destroys the few protective spells around it and whistles when his eyes land on what's inside. Hundreds of powders.
"Fucking shit." Hermione whispers. He's already taking everything, putting in the bag. "We'll have to wait. We can't leave without the boss."
He nods. "I know. But I think we have enough evidence to already shut down the place. The powders and the bodyguards, it's more than enough-"
The door opens.
Harry immediately raises a shield around them. Both murmur a spell able to undermine the effects of a powder they might inhale.
But they were not expecting… Ludwig.
"What the fuck." Hermione says, angry.
"Oh, look, my favorite couple." He walks inside the room. His hand on his golden watch in his pocket. "I see you've healed your knees, Harry. And you recovered from that knife, huh? Impressive."
Even with her spells working like crap, Hermione positions herself in front of Harry.
"It's over, Ludwig." She says in a low voice, controlled.
"Is it, Riddle?" He squints. "You see, it's very cute how you think you… know things."
"What do you mean?" Harry asks, watching every little movement the man is making. He's taking a few steps closer to them.
"Well, for starters you think this is the end. You think closing this house is going to ruin Moritz and his profitable business. You think he'll turn himself in because you're ruining his life." Ludwig jokingly pouts. "And you also think you're a big deal, don't you, Hermione? Just because you're Riddle's daughter."
She fists a hand. "You have no idea who I am-"
"Oh, that's where you're wrong. So wrong." He lowers his voice. "I know everything about you." His posture changes and his eyes get a glint of madness. "You have no idea how many lies have been fed to you your entire life." She's shaking. "No idea of what's happening or which game you're playing. You think catching Moritz is the solution to anything? You're a romantic idealist. A fool. And let me tell you this, in this game we're playing… you're losing. Both of you."
"Are you done?" Harry asks, fed up.
However, Hermione is frozen.
Ludwig laughs and keeps talking to her.
"Did you like the illusion I arranged for you? I mean, I have no idea what played out in your mind but I'm sure it was something amazing. You even stabbed yourself, it was fun to watch-"
Harry utters a Sectumsempra and Ludwig falls down, bleeding. The man is groaning in pain on the floor. Not with the slightest pity, Harry takes a few steps to him.
"I hope you rot in Azkaban." Harry says.
But when he raises his wand to tie Ludwig, the man on the floor starts to laugh hysterically.
"You're a fool!" Ludwig widens his eyes and apparates.
Harry turns around fast, already knowing what's about to happen, his heart squeezing inside his chest-
But Hermione's spell doesn't fail, and the moment Ludwig appears behind her she stupefies him. The man goes flying to a corner, hitting the wall and crashing on the floor.
Harry has no idea how, but Ludwig disappears again, so fucking fast. Without a word he and Hermione gravitate close to each other in wide and precise steps. Now they're back to back to fight Ludwig, just like they did when they were attacked by Lucinda Summers. An eternity ago.
Ludwig won't run from this confront. He already tried bringing them down and didn't succeed. He won't waste another chance.
So, they wait. They won't flee either.
Hermione's left hand finds his. The bond is so strong. Each day they spend together, or each time they use magic together, it feels more powerful. Harry wonders if this has a limit. He wonders if this has anything to do with the whole Phoenix thing-
Ludwig appears fast, throwing a spell at Hermione. It bounces on the shield around them. He disappears again.
They're in a disadvantage. This game of hide-and-seek can only benefit Ludwig.
Minutes go by. They're barely breathing, tense. And Harry can feel Hermione's magic wavering. He lends her all he can. She squeezes his hand, thankful.
The next strike from Ludwig comes from another corner, this time directed at Harry. It bounces on the shield again.
They can play this game for as long as it takes. Harry is determined to leave with Ludwig tied up and knocked out. He's certain Hermione thinks the same.
Another flash appearance from Ludwig sends a Cruciatus at Hermione's direction. Again, it hits on the shield and dies away.
"That's no fun!" Ludwig yells, invisible to their eyes.
Harry wets his lips, there's a growing anger inside him. He can feel it seizing his entire body, messing with him and troubling his magic. Hermione gasps. She's probably feeling-
Ludwig appears in front of Harry and he's fast enough to dodge a punch. Releasing Hermione's hand, he tackles Ludwig.
They start to punch each other in a frenzy. It's like both are possessed by a dangerous bloodlust. Harry is already bleeding, his jaw probably dislodged. But he doesn't care. Ludwig is also bleeding under him.
It's Hermione who makes them stop. She grabs the golden chain hanging from Ludwig's pocket. Instantly Harry feels how it weakens the man and he stops punching him.
Hermione magically ties him up but when she tries putting him to sleep, her spell fails. Harry does it then.
It all happens fast.
They share a look.
Ludwig is unconscious on the floor. In silence Hermione takes the bag and seizes the Portkey. Harry touches her leg and grabs Ludwig's shirt.
Ministry of Magic
She's again leaning against a wall inside the dungeons, looking at a cell. But this time she has Ludwig in front of her. He's still knocked out. Hermione believes that not only from the sleeping spell but also from Harry's punches.
She sighs.
Harry lost his shit. She felt it in their bond before he released her hand. A darkness. Power. So much power. It gave her chills. It burned her inside - a delicious fire, yes - but still… dangerous.
He only noticed that he went a bit too far when he realized how his hands were. Bleeding, the skin peeling off. She thinks he didn't disfigure Ludwig only because of the golden watch. The watch that she's holding right now.
She can feel the magic in it. Strange. Different. But it looks like a regular watch. There's nothing to it that suggests its power. A clever disguise. She tried sensing a magical signature, but there's none, which she's almost sure is the result of a powder concealing it.
The elevator dings and she moves from the wall. Could be anyone, so, she hides the watch. She wants to keep it for now. Wants to analyze it better.
But it's Harry. She smiles when she sees him. He smiles too. They're both tired.
He stops by her side. "So, success." They were the last ones to arrive at the meeting point. Hermione didn't want to waste a second so she dragged Ludwig to the cells. Harry stayed with the others to get a full report on how things went for them. "All bodyguards and bosses are under custody. They're in the cells downstairs." There's another set of cells under them. She wanted Ludwig to stay alone. "We have enough proof to shut down the houses. I've contacted the IWO and they'll take over. Many Aurors from the countries involved are going to take things in their hands. Ludwig is ours, though."
She nods, exhaling heavily. "Good. I sense a but…"
He clears his throat. "All the powders… they're ashes now. The vials and everything. All gone."
She closes her eyes and lowers her head. "Fuck." Hermione says under her breath. Harry doesn't move. He's standing by her side with his arms crossed. She knows he's a bit ashamed of how he behaved. He knows she felt his magic and anger- "Let's wake up this idiot."
She waves a hand and a bucket of cold water almost drowns Ludwig. He rises from the bed choking and coughing. It takes two breathes for him to understand where he is and… he smiles.
"Head Riddle." He says with disdain. "It's so nice waking up next to you." He licks a bar from the cell, his eyes on her, undressing her.
Harry tenses.
"You should mind your words, Ludwig. You don't have your watch anymore." She says in an even voice, showing him the golden chain. Some fear passes through his eyes. There's no doubt left for her, whatever great power Ludwig possess is in the watch, without it he's just… a common wizard. "I want answers."
"Wow, just like that? You have to lube me first, gorgeous." Harry takes a step forward, his hand fisted, his jaw set. Ludwig laughs. "Ah, yes, your bodyguard. Let me say, Hermione, it's easier to take a potion than to tag along with him all the time. I could give you some strong shit-" Harry strides fast to the cell and bangs a hand on the bar in front of Ludwig.
"Shut up." He says between his teeth. "I don't know who you think you are or how you know so much about us, but I've had enough of you. Believe me, killing you wouldn't bring me any remorse."
Ludwig clicks his tongue. "Uh, what a killer." He shakes his hands in front of him, mocking Harry, pretending that he's scared. Then, he snorts a chuckle. "You're pathetic." He spits on Harry's face.
Hermione widens her eyes, but she doesn't move, she doesn't try to stop Harry. She can see his fisted hand and feel - she's feeling inside her - his anger, his fire. A small spark of fire begins to rise from the back of his leg-
"Harry." She calls to him, wanting it to stop. Ludwig can't see this, no one can imagine the kind of power Harry has. Not yet. Not until they learn more about it.
He turns to her and calms down, walking back to stay by her side, cleaning his face.
"Why are the powders ashes now?" She asks.
Ludwig sneers. "Moritz is intelligent, Hermione. He has a perfect system. If the vials from the houses leave its premises, they turn into dust." He winks at her. "You never stood a chance. You'll never catch him."
"Are you close to Moritz?" Harry asks, back to himself. Back to the amazing Head Auror he is.
Ludwig tilts his head. "You can say that, yeah."
"If you give us Moritz's location we can negotiate your… future." Hermione says very slowly, letting the words sink.
"I won't tell you a thing. Don't even try. I won't drink Veritaserum either. And you'll find it very hard to read my mind, gorgeous. Besides, I'd rather kill myself than submit to your wishes." He's talking through his teeth.
Hermione frowns. "You talk in a way as if this is personal. I don't even know you, Ludwig."
He presses his lips together. "Indeed."
"What game were you talking about?" Harry asks. "The one we're supposedly losing?"
"If you're losing I'm not about to give you the hints on how to win, am I?" He laughs loudly. "Oh, how you wished so. You desperately want a lead, a path to follow, a light at the end of the tunnel to find a way of setting Hermione free from her wedding…" He shrugs, stopping.
Hermione feels her heart beating faster. From fear that he knows so much. And from… hope. Because he knows so much.
"Do you know where the samples are hidden?" She asks bluntly, not caring anymore.
"Hermione." Harry whispers her name in a warning. "Don't listen to him."
"Do you?" She asks a bit louder, ignoring Harry.
Ludwig laughs and claps his hands.
"You're even more desperate than what I imagined, Riddle." She purses her lips. "But I'll be nice this time and answer your question. Yes, I do know where the samples are." Hermione might not even be breathing right now. "But if I were you, I would simply give up, you're never going to find them."
She's so angry now. Her chest is moving up and down heavily. Fisting both hands, she walks closer to the cell. Harry doesn't move. She can feel his phoenix fire inside her. Burning. Wanting to destroy everything in sight. Wanting to kill Ludwig.
She doesn't give him a heads up or anything. Swiftly and with a clean spell, she invades his mind.
It's a dark and foul place.
She scrunches her whole face, trying to comprehend a thought, trying to see a memory. Ludwig is fighting her. His mind is way stronger than it seems. Well trained. So much that- She gasps, prodding more, entering the stinky and dirty places inside his head. She can see flashes of him inside the houses, mixing powders, having sex, torturing people- the images change and she tries to search for Asmodeus. She tries to search for the samples. At the back of her mind she can feel that it's getting harder to breathe. She's aware that her throat is closing, aware that her heart is beating faster.
But she can't stop.
She won't.
Finally she breaches through and sees Asmodeus' face in Ludwig's eyes. They're talking inside a house. Inside the office. But she can't comprehend what they're saying. It's hard to understand. The image changes and transforms and now they're only shaking hands, sly smiles on their faces.
But it's fast, and when Ludwig seizes her mind, there's nothing Hermione can do about it.
She's trapped. Not breathing at all. And he's looking at her memories- childhood memories. Her and Tom Riddle. Her training, the torture, the beating-
She grasps for air like a drowning woman. Her hand goes to her throat-
Harry is there. He's calling to her, his hand on hers, a magic flaring into existence and shoving Ludwig out.
Hermione breathes. She was so out of air that her lungs burn when she finally inhales. She's crying and Harry is holding her. Tightly. In one motion he takes her in his arms, carrying her from there. Her eyes briefly scan the cell. Ludwig is passed out on the floor, blood coming out of his nose.
She doesn't care if he's dead or alive. She buries her face on the crook of Harry's neck and closing her eyes, she lets him take her out of there.
Inside her office, he settles her on the couch. Harry is relieved that it's the middle of the night and all Aurors are already gone, but he wouldn't have cared if the entire floor had seen him carrying Hermione.
She's truly shaken. Whatever she saw, whatever happened… was too much.
Her trembling hand finds his and he sits by her side, kissing her temple, hugging her, taking care of her.
"It's fine. I'm here."
Hermione is crying. "Terrible things, Harry." She whispers between sobs. "A-" She moves one hand in front of her chest, "An awful feeling." She shuts her eyes with force and he inhales deeply.
He wants to kill Ludwig. He wants to watch him burn. Wants to hear his screams. See his skin melting-
She digs her nails into his forearm. Harry is more than sure that Hermione can also feel what he's feeling. The blind bloodlust. Their bond is-
"I saw him with Asmodeus."
He widens his eyes. "Fuck." A hopelessness fills him. But- "Doesn't matter. We'll find the samples. We still have time. And now we have Ludwig behind bars. We can interrogate him whenever we please."
Hermione shakes her head. "Asmodeus can't go down there. They're accomplices, Harry." He nods. And she moves from his arms, already sending out a memo to prohibit Asmodeus from entering the dungeons. "I- I'm not sure what we should do now. I never- never encountered a mind like his. It's almost impossible to find something-"
"Almost impossible." He also rises from the couch, his hands finding her arms, soothing her. "We can do it. We'll discover whatever he knows. We'll understand who he is. What he wants."
She hugs him, exhaling heavily.
"I don't want you near him." She whispers.
He makes a face and moves back to look at her.
"Hermione, I can handle Ludwig."
"It's not that." She gulps. "I- Harry, I'm feeling what you're feeling. I can see the many ways you want to murder him. Not to mention you almost catching on fire right before his eyes. It's too risky. He can't know the true power and magic you have. No one can."
He leans closer to her, his forehead on hers.
"Then you'll be there with me. With you by my side I know nothing can go wrong."
He kisses her softly. Hermione is not convinced, though. And he can tell there's a little fight coming up, so, he changes subjects.
"Look. We're knackered. What about a bath and then I can fuck you very slowly?" He nibbles on her lobe, his hands on her ass. "I'll make it last for hours."
She snorts, shaking her head and kissing him. There's a hint of a smile on her face and it eases his heart.
"How many hours?" She asks playfully, her hands also on his ass.
"Hm, let me see." He glances at his watch. "Maybe three?" She chuckles. He winks at her. "Let's go home, love. We'll think about our problems in the morning, okay?"
"Okay."
June 4th, 2006
House by the lake
Again, when he wakes up, she's not on the bed. And he sits in one go, his heart beating fast. Harry had a nightmare. He has no idea when was the last time he'd had one. But it doesn't matter, he can't even remember it.
He rubs his eyes, yawning. It's early. The clock shows him it's 6:30am.
Where is she?
She left her coin on the nightstand. It's laying there with his. He frowns. It's rare for her to leave without the coin.
His pulse quickens.
But then he sees it. A little note on the armchair:
Had to go to my other house.
Apparently my father decided to visit me. Didn't want to wake you up.
See you at the Ministry.
Love you. To the moon and back. And then to the moon and back again.
He opens a tiny smile, then he makes a face. If she thinks that a note saying that Riddle wanted to talk with her is going to ease his mind…
In record time he's ready to leave.
Harry apparates.
Ministry of Magic
He chews the insides of his cheeks madly, his eyes on the clock on the wall.
It's 10:30am.
No sign of Hermione.
He doesn't want to send out a Patronus. What if she's still with Riddle? From what Harry gathered, the Minister didn't show up either.
His office's door opens and he stops pacing inside. Ron, Ginny, Draco and Chiara are there.
"Harry, what's wrong?" Ron asks, closing the door. "Where's Hermione?"
He swallows hard. "I don't know. I- I woke up this morning and she was gone. She left a note saying that Riddle wanted to talk with her on her other house."
They all tense immediately.
"Asmodeus also didn't come to work." Draco says, making a face. "And not one single counselor showed up either."
Harry can feel the anxiety inside him rising. He closes his eyes, trying to calm down.
"Send her a message, Harry." Chiara says. "I'm sure she's fine."
"She didn't take the coin."
A silence settles. They all exchange nervous glances.
"I'll send her a Patronus." Ginny says and Harry nods.
He can only watch while Ginny does it, asking if she's fine and wondering at what time she's arriving for them to proceed with the investigation.
"Maybe I should occupy my mind interrogating Ludwig." Harry whispers.
"You can't." Ron states. Harry raises an eyebrow. "Yesterday- Hermione, she- she sent out a memo prohibiting everyone from going to the dungeons without her consent. There's no way of interrogating him. No one can go down there without her." Harry closes his eyes. The memo wasn't just to prohibit Asmodeus.
"Fuck!" He snaps. And the ink bottle explodes.
"Calm down, mate." Draco says.
"I can't!" He exclaims, losing the little control he has left. "She's been gone for more than four hours! And as always she found a way of leaving me out of her plans!" He may be overreacting but-
A knock sounds on the door. They all stop.
Harry rushes to it, his heart beating like crazy.
Please, be her. Please.
But it's not her.
It's Bellatrix.
"Harry." Her voice carries… a lot of sadness and some anger. He has to grip on the doorknob to steady himself. Bellatrix enters the room and sighs. Harry closes the door. He's shaking. "I'm afraid I don't have good news."
No one dares saying a word. Harry closes his eyes.
"Say it." He whispers, his heart hurting. If something happened to Hermione, if-
"Riddle took her." Bellatrix says the words slowly. "He-" She stops.
"What? Auntie Bella, what?" Draco asks, anxious.
"He took her to the Mansion by the sea." Bellatrix looks down and then her hand finds Harry's. Their eyes meet. "He's forcing her to marry Asmodeus. In five days."
"What?" Harry's word comes out like a whine. The others are barely breathing.
Bellatrix is about to cry. "I tried to stop it, Harry. But it was Sarah Pettigrew who told me. She walked inside the Manor and said that everything was set for the celebration. Tom is keeping all of us there for these days, like prisoners. Hermione can't leave the premises and it's impossible for someone from the outside to talk to her. Asmodeus is already there and the guests are arriving." She turns to the others. "You'll probably receive an invitation this afternoon. And this time there's no way of getting inside without it." She turns to Harry again. "I'm so sorry." She squeezes his arm.
He has no words. He- he's not even thinking properly. This must be a joke. The cruelest joke.
Harry is losing his fucking mind, but he takes a deep breath and says:
"We have five days to stop this wedding." Bellatrix widens her eyes a bit. The others perk up. "We'll look for the samples. Everywhere. I don't fucking care. We'll find them. And if we don't…" He looks down. "She's not marrying him. I won't let her."
Ron clears his throat. "You're right. Five days." They all nod. "We can… organize ourselves in case we don't find the samples. We need to be ready. Maybe the time has finally come."
Harry shares a look with Ron. Then with Ginny. And Draco. Chiara is nodding, understanding what he's saying. His eyes stop again at Bellatrix.
She cups his cheek.
"I couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law." He opens a discreet smile. "Time to plan, then. We have a wedding to ruin."