An Ace In The Hole
Chapter Seven: Halloween Games
Hermione walked through the corridors of Hogwarts – heading to the Great Hall for breakfast. Normally, she was not seen outside the company of Harry or Neville, but this morning she was alone. She had forgotten the essay that she had started on in Charms class and had decided to fetch it before she went down to start the weekend. Luckily for her, Professor Flitwick had been using the morning to catch up on some grading while he prepared for the evening's celebration and was in his classroom.
Hermione was just about to the Grand Staircase when a sneering voice caught her attention.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the insufferable know-it-all herself." said Draco Malfoy, leaning casually against the wall; flanked as always by Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle.
Hermione had to shove the book that she was carrying at little higher up in her arms to hide her devilish smile. Harry had been working with her on how to 'remain innocent' until it was time to 'change'. Unfortunately, she found it harder to remain the 'bookworm' around certain people when she so desperately wanted to 'play'.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" snipped Hermione in her stuffiest tone.
"Never see you anymore without Quinn or Longbottom." sighed Malfoy. "What's the occasion? Have they finally gotten tired of you as well? Realized how dull you really are?"
"Harry and Neville are waiting for me in the Great Hall for breakfast, Malfoy." retorted Hermione. "Unlike you, I don't need to be escorted around everywhere I go."
Gregory almost smiled, but bit his lip to prevent any slip up. Draco was too focused on Hermione to notice; scowling at her arrogantly.
"You think I need protection?" hissed Malfoy. "You think I'm scared of your new boyfriend… or is it boyfriends? Is that why they keep you around? Are you just the wet middle?"
Hermione lowered her book slightly, so that Malfoy could see her face. Her smile was no longer devilish. It had been replaced by a more feral grin – laced with malice. Malfoy's eyes widened and his body tensed upon seeing her face. She slammed her book down at Malfoy's feet before stepping up on it so that they were eye level; faces only inches apart.
"Patience, Malfoy." purred Hermione, tilting her head to one side; her smile widening. "You'll find out soon enough just why Harry keeps me around."
Malfoy stumbled backwards – his face contorting as he tried to comprehend what was happening. Finally, he regained his composure.
"You're nothing but a mudblood and a freak, Granger." spat Malfoy.
Hermione stepped off the book, rolling the spine up onto the top of her shoe, then launched the book up into the air. She reached out and snatched the book out of the air with her left hand and pulled it back to her chest.
"You say that as though it's a terrible thing." retorted Hermione; smiling broadly as she turned and walked away.
**** ACE ****
Harry watched as Hermione entered the Great Hall. Immediately, he recognized the look on her face. It was the same look he saw in the mirror when he had just restrained himself from going too far. Hermione took a seat next to him at the Gryffindor table; tucking her book into the satchel that Harry had carried down for her.
"Thinking of doing something wicked?" asked Harry casually, taking a sip of juice.
Neville, who was sitting across from Harry, stopped in the middle of a bite of sausage and looked at Hermione; not bothering to mask his concern.
"Ran into Malfoy on my way back from Charms class." breathed Hermione. "He was his usual prat self."
"Breathe, Hermione." said Harry, placing a hand on her shoulder and looking her directly in the face. "Just as we've practiced. You've came up with a great plan. Right now, we need Hermione. It's not time yet to 'play'."
Hermione breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth several times. Harry watched her eyes soften, bringing a smile to his face.
"Feel 'normal'?" asked Harry.
"Never." whispered Hermione, smiling. "I feel like Hermione and I feel like a 'freak'."
"What did Malfoy do?" asked Neville.
"Do?" repeated Hermione. "Nothing. His simple mind had something to say. That's all."
"Leave Malfoy to me, Hermione." said Harry, a devilish look crossing his face. "Gryffindor's first match is against Slytherin and I'm going to have some fun."
"Have all the fun you like, mate." said Fred sitting down to the left of Neville.
"Long as we beat Slytherin." said George sitting down to the right of Neville.
"Then, you can bury Malfoy." said Fred.
"In the middle of the pitch." said the twins in unison.
"Not again." growled Neville. "Why do you two keep doing this?"
"Sorry, mate." replied Fred, slapping Neville on the back.
"Harry's orders." replied George, shrugging.
Neville looked across the table in disbelief at Harry.
"You agreed, Nev, that you need to work on your focus." said Harry, tilting his head to one side. "What better way to practice focus than to be surrounded by the twins?"
"You'll definitely gain focus, Nev." said Hermione. "Unless they drive you insane first."
"Insane people can be focused as well, Hermione." said Harry defensively before breaking down into laughter.
Hermione, Neville and the twins joined Harry laughing as other Gryffindors looked on.
"Why are you always laughing?" asked Ron, looking at Harry; thoroughly annoyed.
"Well Red," said Harry, snorting himself back somewhat sober "what can I say – I find life amusing."
"What's so amusing this morning?" retorted Ron, squinting at Harry.
"Why me, of course!" exclaimed Harry, spreading his arms wide. "I'm always good for a laugh. Besides, it's Halloween – my favorite holiday! It's time for me to have fun, to laugh and to just be myself."
Seamus and Dean, who were sitting near him, exchanged nervous glances. Harry knew that they were thinking about what he meant by being himself. The thought brought a broad smirk to his face that made Ron flinch. The stage was almost set. Soon it would be time for the curtains to rise.
****ACE****
The sun was beginning to set in the sky above as six hooded figures casually strolled down the moderately busy Diagon Alley together. The group walked in sets of two, so to easily navigate the many shoppers that were making last minute purchases before heading in for the night. It was a cold evening in London, but there was an extra chill to the air as they passed by, causing many in the alley to pull their cloaks tighter about themselves.
The group did not break step, even as a merchant offered them the latest copy of Witch Weekly, until they reached their destination; Gringotts. They paused for a moment as a couple within their ranks took in the impressive and foreboding structure. They then proceeded into the bank where they were greeted with even more impressive sights. One in their group approached the first goblin that they saw and whispered something to them. Immediately, the goblin motioned for them to follow him to a side room; closing the doors behind him as he left to fetch another goblin.
"What did you say to him?" asked Narcissa, staring at Sirius as she pushed back her hood.
"I told him that we requested Goblin Sanctuary." replied Sirius grinning, removing his hood as well. "Remember, cousin, goblins don't recognize wizard law within these walls."
"They never have a problem storing our treasures." sneered Narcissa, examining the room with her eyes. "Besides, they give me the creeps."
"They are a tad bit disturbing to look at." mused the Joker, tossing the hood of cloak back and looking about with mild interest.
"Look in the mirror much, Chuckles?" scoffed Frost, kicking the bottom of her cloak to one side as she sat down in one of the arm chairs that lined the room.
Frost had taken to calling the Joker, Chuckles, ever since she had heard Sirius refer to him that way. Ivy laughed in amusement, clearly thinking the same thing while Harley simply snorted her disapproval.
"How might we assist you, Lord Black?" asked a goblin, appearing from seemingly nowhere.
"Lord Black." scoffed Sirius, bowing to the goblin. "I do not believe that title has been passed to me yet, due to my residence of the last twelve years."
"Lord Black," said the goblin, bowing "I am Slashtooth, the Black account manager. We goblins do not recognize the laws of wizards inside this bank accept those that we agree upon. At the passing of your father, the title of Lordship passed to you. All that belongs to the Black family within the walls of this bank belong to you, providing you pass the blood test."
"Of course, Goblin Slashtooth." said Sirius, inclining his head. "When you are ready, please feel free to proceed with the test."
"Stretch out your right hand, palm open." instructed the goblin as he extracted a green object from his suit pocket that looked like a pen.
"How does the test work?" asked Frost, watching with mild curiosity.
"I will prick Lord Black with the tip of this pen, madam." explained the goblin. "If he indeed be Lord Black, the pen will glow gold. If he is an impostor, he will die."
"That's effective." mused the Joker, his eyebrows lifting as he watched.
Without hesitation, Slashtooth pricked the palm of Sirius' hand. Immediately, the pen glowed gold before turning back to green. Sirius withdrew his wand and waved it over his hand; healing his palm.
"Ohhhh, you're just full of surprises." cooed Joker, grinning broadly.
"You have no idea, Chuckles." smirked Sirius darkly.
"What can I assist you with today, Lord Black." asked Slashtooth, pocketing the pen.
"I would like a tally of all Black accounts and I will need to withdraw several hundred galleons and convert them over to Muggle currency." said Sirius, bowing to the goblin.
"As you wish, Lord Black." said Slashtooth, returning Sirius' bow. "If you, Mrs Malfoy and your companions would please follow me." The goblin raised a long finger towards the far wall, causing a door to appear. "We shall go this way to my office to avoid prying eyes."
Sirius nodded then extended an arm to Killer Frost; who to his delight, accepted the offer.
"I'll try not to give you frost bite." cooed Frost icily.
"I cast an enchantment upon myself before we left to keep me warm." said Sirius, smirking and earning raised eyebrow from his icy companion. "Works with or without clothes." He added in a whisper, winking.
A wry smile curved Frost's face as she retorted, "We'll see… later."
****ACE****
As the whole of Hogwarts gathered in the Great Hall for the Halloween, Harry stopped in the doorway to take in the decorations. Hundreds of Jack O Lanterns floated in the air above the tables, their candles flickering eerily and casting shadows as bats flew in swarms around and above them. The tables were elaborately adorned with skulls, pumpkins and miniature witches on brooms that would fly around the table then land again if you touched them. The enchanted ceiling was a curtain of black clouds; the moon peeking through. The walls were lined with candelabras that flickered as a breeze blew gently about the great room. He couldn't recall ever seeing that many candelabras at once before in his life; even during Christmas.
"Where are the ghosts?" asked Harry, taking a seat at the Gryffindor table.
"Oh, they have a party of their own to attend." said Hermione, taking a seat next to him. "They'll be up later. The Headless Hunt always makes an appearance."
"Yeah." agreed Neville, taking a seat on the other side of Hermione. "I think they look forward to this holiday as much as you do."
"Too boring for the likes of you?" asked Angelina Johnson, taking a seat across from them.
"Not at all." replied Harry, shaking his head. "Just not wanting to miss a single thing."
"How come you're not sitting at the head of the table, like normal?" asked Neville conversationally.
"You hang around with Harry Quinn." retorted Angelina, chuckling. "What do you know about normal?" She glanced at Harry then quickly added, "No offense."
"None taken." mused Harry, leaning on his elbows as he grinned at the older Gryffindor; making her look very uneasy. "I presume that you're waiting for the twins and –"
"No." interrupted Angelina, flushing slightly. "I mean, that… well I just don't want to spend the holiday listening to Wood go on and on about our upcoming Quidditch match. I want to beat Slytherin and all, but there'll be plenty of time to practice between now and the match."
Harry continued to smirk at Angelina who fell silent; realizing that she was rambling.
"What's to stop Wood from joining you down here when he spies four members of his team sitting together?" asked Seamus, who had been sitting only one seat down from Harry on the bench; listening to their conversation while waiting for Dean and Ron.
"Harry, of course!" said the twins in unison as they joined the Gryffindor table; sitting to the right of Angelina.
Harry was finding mild amusement at Angelina's reaction when something more interesting caught his attention. Dean and Ron had just joined Seamus and he noticed that Luna's friend and Ron's sister, Ginny, looked as though she was trying to talk to her brother about something that he clearly had no interest. What captivated him was the mixture of rage and fear that was on the girl's face. She saw him watching her and turned pink before giving up on Ron and heading down to sit alone at the table.
"Hey, twin one and twin two." said Harry, not taking his eyes off their sister until he had their attention.
"Yes, oh sadistic one." said the twins, inclining their head to him before smirking.
"What's wrong with your sister?" asked Harry, glancing back down the table at Ginny.
"She's having a rough first year." said twin one (Fred).
"She's become very withdrawn." said twin two (George).
"And moody." said the twins in unison.
Before Harry could ask anything else, Professor Dumbledore cleared his throat from the podium and called the feast to order. Serving platters and bowls full of food appeared on the table with pitchers of pumpkin juice. As everyone began to dig in, Harry snorted in disgust as Ron piled far too much food onto his plate.
"Guy could rule the world, but would rather eat it instead." muttered Harry.
"You referring to our ickle brother Ron?" quipped twin one, noting that Angelina was lost in conversation with sixth year girl and not paying attention.
"Surely not." snorted twin two.
"He has rage, a desire to be great and magic." explained Harry, laying his fork down. "His weakness, like many here, is his willingness to play by the rules."
The twins looked down the table at their brother then looked back at Harry and quipped in unison, "Never."
"You'll have to overlook Harry." interjected Hermione, a devilish look crossing her face. "He can't help but see the potential in everyone."
The twins were about to retort when Professor McGonagall cleared her throat from the podium. A wide smile curved Harry's face as he turned to see that Luna stood in front of Professor McGonagall; holding a parchment of paper.
"The curtain rises." mumbled Harry, smirking broadly.
"Before the Headless Hunt makes their arrival, Professor Flitwick has informed me that Ms Lovegood has written a holiday poem that she would like to share."
There was a smatter of applause from the house tables, followed by whispering.
"I trust that everyone will give her their full attention." continued Professor McGonagall. "Ms Lovegood, you may begin."
Luna inclined her head to the Deputy Headmistress before clearing her throat and reading aloud.
"There once was a spider that lost his cider, which made him very sad;
The cider had kept him warm and cozy, when the weather was blustery and bad.
One day the spider set out to find his cider, though unsure of where to look;
When saw a young lad drinking his cider, while reading a heavy book.
The spider asked the boy to return his cider, that kept him warm in his little nook;
But the boy laughed and made to squash the spider, swinging his heavy book.
The spider didn't holler as he dodged the novel, though it did give him a fright;
He bit the lad's hand that followed the novel, and waited for him to fall like lead.
It did not take long until the boy was gone, the poison too much for him to withstand;
Then the spider made for home with his cider, never to be cold again."
"Thank you, Ms Lovegood, for that interesting poem." said Professor McGonagall, giving Luna an odd smile.
While most of the Great Hall merely clapped, clearly not appreciating the dirty blonde's poetry, Professor Dumbledore gave her a standing ovation. Slowly, the rest of the staff table rose to their feet, as did the Ravenclaw table. Harry clapped loudly, smiling brightly at Luna as she returned to her table, while the twins whistled a few times. As she sat back down, Terry Boot stood up and left the Hall in a bit of a hurry; gaining only a mild look of interest from Professors McGonagall and Flitwick.
When all had settled back down, the Headless Hunt made their dramatic appearance. Harry watched the ghosts canter around the Great Hall on their ghostly steeds to the applause of the students. A slight rumble of thunder echoed in the Great Hall as a streak of lightning crossed the enchanted ceiling. The students oohed and awed in appreciation, only to cringe and shriek as a much louder booming rumble of thunder rocked the walls of the Great Hall.
Professor Dumbledore rose to his feet and pointed his wand at the ceiling – and that is when the entire world around them descended into utter chaos. At that exact moment, every floating Jack O' Lantern began to explode like small bombs; sending pieces of pumpkin flying in all directions. The whole of the student body made a run for the doorway; shrieking and yelping as bits of pumpkin struck them in the face and head. The candlesticks in the candelabras started shooting up into the air; exploding like bottle rockets and sending wax everywhere. The ghosts that were present watched in awe as candlesticks and pumpkin pieces whizzed through their torso and ghostly steeds at blistering speeds.
Professor Dumbledore attempted to call for silence, but was interrupted by what sounded like a thousand whoopee cushions being set off at once. Harry paused on his way out of the Great Hall with the rest of the hoard to see Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick and Snape staring at one another in total shock. "End of Act One." whispered Hermione into Harry's left ear, sending a shiver of delight up his spine.
****ACE****
Terry Boot shook his head back and forth as he came to. He was sitting in a dimly lit classroom; his wrists and ankles tied to the chair. He struggled against his bindings as he tried to remember how he had gotten there. The last thing he could recall was feeling nauseous at the Halloween feast and heading to the lavatory.
"You can stop struggling." said a familiar voice from the shadows; though his mind couldn't place it. "The ropes are enchanted."
"Who's there?" demanded Terry, trying not to sound scared. "Where am I?"
"You… are in Hogwarts Castle." replied the voice silkily from the shadows. "This… is an unused classroom. I… you know by another name… but tonight, you can call me Red."
"WWWhere are yyou and why am I tied to this chair?" retorted Terry, stammering slightly as he peered into the shadows; looking for signs of his captor.
"Excited to see me?" retorted the voice playfully. "Only a little longer… I promise."
"If you don't let me go – I'll start screaming at the top of my lungs." warned Terry, struggling harder against the ropes.
"Silly boy," mused the voice "I'm counting on you screaming… till your vocal chords tear from the strain."
"They'll be looking for me, you tosser!" shouted Terry in desperation.
"No one will be looking for you." giggled the voice. "Not as long as you're sleeping in your bed."
Terry began to shake as a figure began to emerge slowly from the shadows; the sound of heels clicking against the floor echoing throughout the room. Blood red high heeled boots could be seen just beneath dark school robes as the figure walked into the light that only a single candle provided. Next Terry could make out a white blouse, Gryffindor neck tie, then – he screamed. Her face was pale white with ruby red lips, red mascara, dark red eyes that almost glowed and curtained by reddish-brown hair. Her cheeks were streaked with what looked like red lightning coming from her eyes.
"Gra… Gra… Granger?" choked out Terry, fear numbing his senses.
She reached over and gripped his face, her red nails scraping his skin, as she leaned so close that he could feel her breath on his face.
"I've already told you… Tonight… you can call me Red."
"PPPPlease!" whimpered Terry. "I didn't know what I was doing!"
"I believe you… Boot," breathed Red (Hermione), her breath filling his nostrils with the smell of cinnamon "unfortunately… that doesn't matter anymore."
"LLLListen," whimpered Terry "if Quinn is forcing you do this – yyyou can just lllet me go and I promise I'll tell him that you tortured me."
"Forcing me?" repeated Red, smiling. "Oh no… he's allowing me to do this."
Terry squirmed in her grasp, struggling again as he tried to get away; fighting his hardest not to cry.
"Keep listening to the voice in front of you." hissed a voice behind him from his nightmares. "Focus on the voice and never look around. Forget your surroundings and believe that you're alone with the demon before you." Terry shook as another figure knelt beside him; hands folded in front of his face as if in prayer. "It's always the same… easier to believe that somehow there's a way out."
"Qu… Qu… Quinn!" squeaked Terry as Red released his face and squatted down in front of him.
"Quinn's not here right now, Boot." hissed the figure. "Feel free to call me Ace."
"You're tossers! Both of you!" shouted Terry, fear cracking his voice. "Do anything to me and I'll –"
"You'll tell Professor Flitwick?" interrupted Ace. "Or how about the Headmaster himself? Do you really think that you can whisper our names without us hearing?"
Terry started to scoff, but choked instead as several masked figures stepped out from behind him and into the light.
"You see… that madman called Voldemort…" continued Ace, staring into Terry's eyes "the one that murdered my parents. Well, surprisingly enough, he and my mentor, Mr J, share a similar belief. The strongest wear the war paint while the weaker wear the masks. The mask makes us stronger. Makes us capable of doing things that we normally couldn't. The mask can be removed, thus allowing the wearer to walk about undetected – weaker, but unknown. 'Freaks' like me walk the halls of Hogwarts, unnoticed by the 'normal' people like you."
"You were concerned moments ago about someone missing you, Boot." cooed Red. "What you misunderstood is that it's because the 'freaks' go unnoticed is why you'll never be missed. See… Luna Lovegood is one of those 'freaks'. Right now, she is turning in this very moment in the boy's dorm of Ravenclaw Tower – wearing the face of Terry Boot… thanks to a special potion."
"Luna's quite the curious kitten." sighed Ace. "I told her not to let her curiosity get the best of her tonight, but I cannot guarantee anything. Don't be surprised if you're told you acted odd tonight."
"YYYYou're going to let me live?" asked Terry, a breath of relief escaping his lips.
"Of course, you're going to live." mused Red. "You won't want to before the night is over, but you'll definitely live."
"What are you going to do to me?" whimpered Terry, his eyes darting between Ace, Red and the masked figures that loomed between the shadows and the light.
"In your midst tonight is a mixture of Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, Hufflepuffs and even Slytherins." said Ace, waving his hand about the room. "All talented, and yet all 'freaks'. Amazing how near-sighted the 'normal' people truly are."
"One is an extremely talented healer." said Red, an evil smile curving her face. "That means that I can do this," She jabbed a short knife into his leg, causing him to scream in pain "as many times as I want without hesitation. It's an enchanted blade, so it's always razor sharp." She twisted the knife causing him to scream louder; feeling as though he might vomit from the pain that shot through his body. "Now," continued Red, a feral growl to her voice "you're going to answer every last one of our questions and do whatever we say."
"STOP! PLEASE!" screamed Terry. "I'LL DO WHATEVER YOU SAY!"
"Good boy." cooed Red, extracting the knife from his leg.
Terry watched through tear-filled eyes as one of the masked figures raised a wand and pointed it towards his leg. Suddenly, a warm feeling spread over his leg and the pain stopped. Before he could say thank you, Red jabbed the short knife into his forearm; sending a blood curdling scream through the room.
"Unfortunately for you…" growled Red "your suffering has just begun… and will only end when I wish it to!"
Red stood up then moved to Terry's right before twisting the knife in his forearm; snapping the smaller bone and causing him to vomit from the sharp, shooting pain. The masked figure waved their wand as Red removed the short knife; healing the break, the wound and clearing the vomit.
"Ace, if you would be so kind as to remove Boot's trainer…" cooed Red, smiling.
Terry struggled against the ropes and begged his captors helplessly for mercy as Ace removed his right trainer – then his sock. He watched as she knelt down then felt something wet and sharp against his smallest toe. "I've always wondered." he heard her mutter, before his own screams filled the vacant classroom once more; as his toe was severed from his foot in one swift slice of the enchanted blade.
How long his torture went on, Terry could never remember. The only thing he could remember was the pain and the laughing; the dark hideous laughing from the students that Hogwarts deemed the 'Bookworm' and the 'Boy-Who-Lived'.
A/N: Hope that you enjoyed the chapter! I know that it's been a long time, but I'm finally jumping back in. Please review and let me know what you think. Special thanks to Dark Lord Holmes for being beta.