Chapter 147
Search for the Tomb
Note from J.M. Jackson: I want to dedicate this chapter, and the story, to a friend of mine Morgan, who I learnt the other day passed away in September. They were an amazing person, kind and caring, and wanting to help those who they could. I will always be thankful for their being in my life, and for accepting me as their friend. Until we meet again, I will always miss you, my friend.
Reaching Pendle Hill hadn't been a problem for Lily and her friends, and thanks to Merlin, getting in hadn't either. The necklace had begun to pulsate when they had reached the bottom of the hill, leading them to a large rock, much like the one they had found at Merlin's tomb.
"Careful, we don't know what to expect when we get down here," Scrimgeour said, leading the way down a dark staircase, lighting the way as he went. Fawkes was flying with them as well, helping to keep the path lit.
"You really spoke to Merlin? The Merlin?" Nagini asked, clearly impressed with the group.
"Oh yeah, it was him. It was interesting, that's for sure," Draco told her. "You should get him to teach at Hogwarts if it's possible, Minister."
"Well, speaking to him is going to be my first task, but he could definitely be an excellent teacher for so many. I'm still processing everything you've all done so far this year," Scrimgeour replied, chuckling.
"Yeah, it's been a weird one so far," Lily agreed, as they all reached the bottom of the staircase, finding themselves in an area that reminded Lily of the outside entrance to Hogwarts. "What is this?"
"Legend has it that Slytherin wanted a home for pure bloods, somewhere he could teach only those he felt were worthy of being taught," Crouch explained. "It was dismissed as just a myth, but it looks like that was wrong."
Lily held her old fashioned torch up as she looked around, with Ron using the Deluminator to send hovering balls of light to different locations around them.
"This place is giving me the creeps," Lily said, seeing that they were standing above what looked like a crumbling, ancient town, with a Castle at the back. "Looks like this place hasn't been lived in for a long time."
"Well, if it wasn't for witches and wizards having children with muggles, our kind would have died out long ago. Chances are, that's what happened here," Remus said, looking around slowly as they walked down the next staircase together.
"I don't understand why some people are so obsessed with blood purity," Lily admitted.
"Well, you've got to remember Lily, that for some, they believe magic is only strong between pure bloods," Draco pointed out. "It's why so many people marry their first or second cousins, to keep their blood lines pure. I used to think that muggles weren't worth a damn, but now, I've seen how impressive they are. Speaking of which, what's happening with the muggle prime minister? He still able to help us when we're ready?"
"He is. He's got a group of his armed forces ready to fight, and I've managed to get a few people training them, helping them to learn to fight with us," Rufus replied. "Fred and George Weasley have been a huge help there with their shield clothing."
"And to think I always berated their inventions as childish behaviour," Molly said, chuckling.
"They just needed to know what they wanted to do, and focus on that," Sirius said. "I know Lily saw their potential, but at the same time, they didn't exactly try to reassure you Molly. They kept playing their pranks and such, but if they'd have explained their ideas and plans with you, I'm confident you'd have listened, you and Arthur both."
"I like to think so," Molly agreed. "They always seemed like they didn't want to grow up, but seeing them run their business, I was so proud of them."
"And the second we've won this war, their shop is going to be given a priority in rebuilding," Scrimgeour promised. "They're good men, and you and Arthur raised them both wonderfully."
"Thank you for saying so, Rufus," Molly smiled at the man. "I appreciate that."
"It's just the truth, Molly," Scrimgeour smiled back at her. "You are one of the strongest women I've known."
"Oh, for crying out loud, just kiss her already, will you?" Ron said, rolling his eyes, causing Bill, Charlie, and Percy to burst out laughing as they reached the town below.
"Ronald Billius Weasley!" Molly exclaimed.
"Mum, we all know," Bill said, still chuckling. "You're not exactly stealthy."
"I… that is to say…" Scrimgeour began, clearly blushing.
"Mum, we get it, Rufus is a good man, and Dad would be happy knowing you're finding some happiness," Charlie said, taking Molly's hand.
"We already discussed it last week; we approve," Percy added. "We miss him too, but just because he isn't here, it doesn't mean you have to be alone for the rest of your life."
"You all do your father proud," Scrimgeour told them, with a tear rolling down his cheek. "I worked with him for a few years, and honestly, I know you are the embodiment of everything your father stood for. Please know that I have no intention of replacing him."
"We know. Mum deserves to have someone with her, even if all you do is talk and kiss. So many people don't understand companionship and relationships," Charlie said. "Since Tonks fell pregnant, I've been thinking a lot about the nature of love, romance, and partnership."
"I imagine anyone would do the same, in your position," Scrimgeour said, as he took Molly's hand and kissed it.
"I'm glad we're feeling happy, but we should focus right now. We've got a lot of ground to cover," Remus pointed out.
"I'm thinking the tomb will likely be at the castle," Scrimgeour replied.
"Maybe, but I wouldn't guarantee it," Lily said. "I doubt he'd want it to be so simple, and if he cared for these people, then maybe he'd want to be near them, and he wouldn't want to be found so easily."
"As much as I hate to admit it, that's very logical," Crouch replied, looking around at the run down houses. "Just be careful; we don't know what we'll find here. Split into teams of four, and as soon as you find something, fire up red sparks."
"And no heroics," Lily added, looking at everyone. "We're not going to win without every one of us. We need to destroy the Horcrux, and we need to make sure that Riddle doesn't know we were here."
"Don't worry, we got this," Bill said, as he headed off with Charlie, Percy, and Molly. Lily looked at Hermione, who nodded, with her, Fleur, and Ginny joining Lily as they went off in a different direction.
Lily opened the door of a house, and walked in, seeing piles of dust everywhere, covering everything. Lily waved her wand, with the dust vanishing. It was almost as though the house had been cleaned every day, with no evidence of the dust ever having been there.
"You know, this is gonna make cleaning the house a lot easier," Ginny quipped, as Fawkes sat on her shoulder.
"Yeah, but we shouldn't always rely on the magic. If we do, who knows what happens. Sometimes, depending on one thing too often is a bad thing," Lily commented. "I mean, look at Riddle. His dependence on Magic has left him weak, without him knowing it."
"Zat is a very wise attitude," Fleur complimented. "Do you think he will realise his mistake?"
"I doubt it; he keeps making the same mistakes, so no matter what happens, he'll lose. It's why we're still alive. He won't realise how we're hiding ourselves, and he won't think about the allies we have," Lily said, picking up what looked like an old diary. She opened it, seeing writing in Latin. She waved her wand again, with the words translating into English.
"What's that?" Hermione asked.
"A diary of someone who lived here, a kid I think," Lily said. "I saw Master Salazar today; he taught our lesson on using our powers against our enemies. He was so passionate, and determined, and said we could be just as powerful if we let go of the weaknesses holding us back. Mum says he's right; we have to be strong if we're going to survive against the filth taking over the country, but sometimes, I wonder if there isn't another path," Lily read out.
"So even Slytherin's little village had its dissenters," Hermione commented, looking at the diary.
"Guess so. More mistakes that people don't learn from. I bet Riddle didn't even bother looking at these buildings when he got here," Lily agreed. "There's always another path; there has to be, right? Otherwise, what's the point of even trying?"
"Can't disagree with you on that," Fleur said, smiling. "I can see your influence on Hermione every time we are talking before bed."
"She's helped me a lot more than I've helped her," Lily replied. "From day one on the Hogwarts Express, she's been an amazing friend."
"You and Ron saved my life in our first year, I haven't forgotten," Hermione said.
"Ah, yes, ze troll that Quirrell let into the school," Fleur said. "I have been told zis story; it shows great courage and strength."
"We've always been there for one another," Lily said. "Even Ginny helped save our lives; I know my life wouldn't be the same without her."
"And don't you forget it," Ginny teased, before kissing Lily. "Let's keep looking, shall we?"
"We'll likely be here all day, if not for a couple of days, with the size of this place," Hermione said. "Isn't the necklace glowing anymore?"
"No, it stopped as soon as we entered. I'm guessing the power only worked to lead us here," Lily sighed as she looked at it. "No, we're going to have to do this the hard way."
"Then let's get going," Ginny said, leading the way out of the house.
"I dunno, it seems like it'd be kinda peaceful, away from the worries of the world. Mind you, I'd want a television and games console," Ron said, chuckling as they walked past several houses. "Though I can't imagine gardening wouldn't be easy down here."
"Well, a couple of spells, and you'll have the sunlight needed," Draco pointed out, indicating what looked like a very overgrown brush area covering several houses. "Looks like these would have been apple trees or something."
"Not alive anymore though; without some form of magic to give them sunlight, they'd have died quickly," Pansy said. "You thinking of doing some gardening when this is all over?"
"Thinking about it, yeah. Aunt Sofia always showed me gardening spells when I was younger; that way we could be more reliant on magic than on muggles. Still, seems like even pure bloods need muggles, even if they don't admit it," Draco answered.
"Agreed. We know we can't make food out of nothing, so we'd need to get food somewhere, and even the magical shops would need muggle help in getting their food, even if they just got some items and multiplied them," Pansy said.
"I always figured that's what they did," Lavender said, looking around carefully, using her wand to clear some branches out of the way. "I mean, it's not like many wizarding families run farms."
"It's funny, but as a kid, I never thought of things like this," Draco admitted. "Did anyone?"
"I didn't; I always thought mum just made it. Never wanted to know how, all we cared about was how amazing it tasted," Ron admitted.
"Good think your mum's been helping teach us how to cook then," Lavender said, rolling her eyes.
"I was gonna say the same thing; Mrs. Weasley is an amazing cook," Pansy said. "She's been helping me a lot."
"That's kind of her," Draco said. "I'm thankful for everything all of you have done."
"Hey, you've helped us mate," Ron said. "Speaking of which, I've been thinking, as much as I love my brothers, I want you as my best man."
"Wait, seriously?" Draco asked, freezing. "You… me?"
"Yeah, well, you're one of my best friends Draco. You and I have become damned good friends, and I like hanging out with you," Ron said, smiling. "So yeah, I want you by my side when I get married."
"It'd be a genuine honour, Ron," Draco smiled, embracing Ron in a hug. "I won't let you down."
"I know, bro. I know," Ron told him, smiling as he patted Draco on the back.
"We should think about meeting with the others and setting up camp; it's getting late," Pansy suggested.
"Good idea," Draco agreed, sending up blue sparks, the signal for wanting to rest. "Let's go find the others."
As Lily sat in front of the campfire, taking a sip of her juice, she sighed. "Definitely been a long day," Lily said. "Anyone find anything?"
"Nothing so far," Sirius replied. "It's been a long day, but we've at least managed to cut out a good section of the area."
"Yeah, but how much longer are we gonna have to explore?" Ron asked, munching on his panini. "Let's be glad Riddle's not smart enough to have left charms here to warn him that someone's here."
"There's a lot he's not smart enough to do, thank Merlin," Remus said, chuckling. "We'll find that tomb tomorrow, I know it."
"Yeah, let's hope so. I'm tired of this, and I want this to be over sooner rather than later," Lily said.
"You and me both. I want us to be able to live happily, together, without any problems," Ginny said. "And no one is going to take that dream from us."
"I know. We've got a long road ahead, but we'll take him out," Lily promised. "I love you, Ginny, and nothing will stop us from getting married, settling down, and having a family. I'm thinking we can adopt a few kids."
"Actually, I didn't tell you yet, but we have something better," Remus replied. "I was working with Horace Slughorn on a potion that, when taken, will let you use your abilities, and you'll be able to… have children with Ginny."
"Wait, are you serious?" Lily asked, her eyes widening.
"We wanted to wait, but hey, you deserve some damned good news," Sirius said, smiling. "I want you to be happy, we all do. And we'll do whatever it takes to make sure you get that happiness."
"I don't know what I did to deserve having you in my life, but I'm thankful for the day you went to Hogwarts and saw my dad," Lily said, tears rolling down her cheek as she held onto Ginny.
"He was an amazing man, and if he were here, he'd be as proud of you as I am," Sirius said.
"As would your mum," Molly added. "I knew her, and I wish I'd known her better. She was ten years younger than we were, and so sweet. She and your father were so in love; I see the same look in your eyes when you look at Ginny as she did when she looked at James."
"It was an amazing love. They were so happy, and when Lily finally fell in love with James, or rather, let herself stop seeing him as an idiot, they were happy. I just wish they'd had more time. Snivellus wasn't happy with that, but he lost every chance he had when he called your mum a Mudblood," Sirius said. "But the best thing is that you were born. When I was asked to be your godfather, I was thrilled. I absolutely adored you as a baby, and when I got to see you as a newborn, you were so beautiful."
"I'm glad you did get me. I don't know how I'd have been if I'd been forced to live with those muggles. I looked into them, and right now, they're living in Surrey, with their son who's nothing but a bully," Lily said.
"I know; I have someone keeping an eye on them, just in case Riddle decides to try and use them against you, though I doubt he will. Pretty sure there are only one or two people who know of them," Remus said.
"Good. As much as they aren't nice people, they're still family," Lily said. "I just want to make sure we deal with this."
"We will. Come on, let's get some sleep," Sirius said. The others were already in their tents, and as Lily stood up with Ginny, they headed to their own tent. It didn't take long for the two of them to get ready for bed, and as they climbed into bed together, Lily smiled at Ginny.
"I love you so much, Ginny. I'm just glad that no matter what happens, I've got you," Lily said.
"You always say the sweetest things," Ginny smiled at her. "I love being here with you."
"Likewise. What did you think about what Remus and Sirius said?" Lily asked.
"About us having kids? I mean, it's exciting… but I never thought about it if I'm honest. I mean, I knew I'd want kids one day, but when you began your transition, I figured we'd have to adopt. Now we're being told we can have our own kids… it's hard to process I guess," Ginny said. "It's exciting, though, because I love the thought of our kids."
"So do I," Lily agreed. "So, you want to do this one day? Have kids?"
"I do, one day, when we're ready," Ginny said, taking her hand. "I know you want to wait until we're both legally adults, which is my birthday this year, and I'm happy to wait. I just want to be with you, always."
"Likewise. I know some people don't understand why or how we're in love like this, being young and falling in love so quickly, but whatever this is, I know I'm happy," Lily said. "You always made me feel better, even when I didn't feel like I deserved it."
"You always deserved to be loved, Lily. You've fought Riddle, Umbridge, Lestrange, and even Depression. You've done so much, and honestly, it just shows how determined you are to not let the darkness win, and I'm proud of you," Ginny smiled.
"That means everything to me, love. Just being with you… I just love being here, and whatever happens, I'll always be here," Lily promised. As she and Ginny kissed, cuddling up to one another, Lily was determined to give Ginny the happy ending she deserved, whatever the cost.
"My Lord, My Lady, we have a problem," Yaxley said, walking into the office where Lord and Lady Voldemort were both speaking, and trying to find someone's location.
"What kind of problem?" Lord Voldemort asked, turning and facing Yaxley.
"My Lord, I've been doing investigations at the Ministry, to try and weed out any spies that might be there, working for Potter," Yaxley said. "There were two people asking questions, specifically about removing a darkness within a person, which was placed by a curse. It's exactly the kind of questions you told me to be alert for."
"Who was asking?" Lady Voldemort demanded.
"Someone from the Auror Office, Cassius Evandor, who has been questioned. It seems he was asking questions on behalf of Sofia Rathmore. A little research told me that she is the great aunt of Draco Malfoy," Yaxley said. Lady Voldemort looked at Lord Voldemort.
"I think we should have Bellatrix pay their cousin a visit," Lady Voldemort suggested. "If Sofia Rathmore has forgotten who is in charge, then she needs reminding."
"Agreed. Yaxley, you will have Bellatrix visit Sofia Rathmore and question her. But tell Bellatrix that she is to be left alive, at least long enough for Draco to find her. He needs to be reminded where true power lies, and the dangers of betraying us," Lord Voldemort ordered.
"It will be done, my Lord," Yaxley said, bowing, and leaving the room. Lady Voldemort turned to her counterpart.
"That should give us something of a distraction to ensure that Potter and her friends don't interfere with our new plans," Lady Voldemort said. "Though I confess myself slightly concerned. If Potter knows what is within Nagini, then perhaps she is trying to destroy it. And if she is aware, then she might know of the others."
"Unlikely, but we can't afford to delay our search," Lord Voldemort said. "Once we find it, Potter will not be able to stop us."
"Agreed. Even if Potter is aware, she will not be able to find them," Lady Voldemort agreed. "We are ready for you to head to question him."
"Once I have his knowledge, we will have everything we need to complete our takeover," Lord Voldemort said, smirking as he turned and swept from the room. Lady Voldemort watched him leave, knowing that her own plans would require her to get what they needed, before Lord Voldemort did. Everything depended on it.