CHAPTER 40: THE GATHERING STORM

He had to convey this information to his master; it was vital that he knew. The urgency gnawed at him like a relentless beast. Every second that passed felt like a step closer to his own demise if someone else delivered the news first. His mind raced, knowing that while the information he had was incomplete, the implications were too significant to ignore. The balance of favor with his master was precarious, and this could tilt it in his favor—if he played his cards right.

As he approached the door to his master's chambers, a wave of dread washed over him. His heart pounded so violently he feared it might give him away. This door was more than just an entrance; it was a gateway to judgment, and the penalty for disappointing the Dark Lord was a fate worse than death. He knew all too well that many who had entered before him had never returned.

Just as he raised his trembling hand to knock, the door creaked open slightly. His breath caught in his throat as he saw Nagini, the Dark Lord's serpent, slithering out. Her emerald eyes fixed on him momentarily before she recoiled back inside, as if acknowledging his presence. He was certain she could sense his fear.

Before he could muster the courage to step back, a voice as cold and piercing as ice called out from within, "I know you're there. Enter."

His legs felt like they were made of lead, but he forced himself to move forward. The room was dimly lit, with only a few flickering candles casting eerie shadows on the stone walls. The air was thick with tension, the kind that made it hard to breathe.

"I hope, for your sake, that it's important," came the voice, filled with a subtle threat that sent a shiver down his spine.

He swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. "I... I believe it is, my Lord."

"Speak, and do not waste my time with trivialities," Voldemort hissed, his patience visibly thinning.

Gathering every ounce of courage, he spoke, trying to keep his voice steady. "An infiltrator in the Ministry has uncovered something—something that might interest you, my Lord. It's related to Harry Potter."

At the mention of Potter, the Dark Lord's attention sharpened. With a fluid motion, Voldemort turned the battered armchair he had been occupying to face the trembling Death Eater. His red eyes glowed with an intense, predatory interest.

"You have my attention," Voldemort said, his voice now a low, dangerous whisper. "What have you learned?"

The Death Eater's hands shook slightly, but he pressed on. "Apparently, there are documents in the Department of Mysteries concerning Harry Potter. They are kept under the highest security, with access restricted to only those within the department."

Voldemort's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing to slits. "And what do these documents contain?"

"Master, I... I don't know. No one outside the Department is allowed near them," the Death Eater stammered, his fear mounting as he saw the anger flickering in his master's gaze. "Our informant tried to get closer, but he was nearly caught. They're investigating him now, trying to determine if he's connected to us."

Voldemort's silence was more terrifying than any words could have been. The Death Eater could feel the weight of his master's displeasure bearing down on him, suffocating him.

"So," Voldemort finally spoke, his voice dripping with venom, "you come to me with nothing but whispers and conjecture? You dare to waste my time with your incompetence?"

The Death Eater's heart plummeted. He knew he was walking on a knife's edge. "My Lord, I thought it important to inform you... Perhaps if we could find a way to uncover more—"

"THEN DO IT!" Voldemort's voice exploded with fury, making the Death Eater flinch. The walls seemed to vibrate with the force of his rage. "Do not return to me unless you have something of true value! And if you fail again... You will not leave this room alive."

The Death Eater's fear reached its peak. "Yes, my Lord! I won't fail you!" He turned quickly, desperate to escape the oppressive atmosphere. As he backed away towards the door, he dared not look back, fearing that his master might decide to end his life on a whim.

"Leave!" Voldemort snarled, his voice echoing in the chamber.

The Death Eater practically fled, his heart still pounding, the weight of his task pressing heavily on his shoulders. He knew that success was his only option, for failure meant certain death.

As the door closed behind him, Voldemort leaned back in his chair, his mind already plotting the next move. He would not rest until every secret about Harry Potter was laid bare before him. The fate of the wizarding world depended on it.

And he would not be denied.

The Death Eater didn't think twice; as soon as Voldemort dismissed him, he bolted out of the room. His heart raced with the weight of the task ahead. The ominous threat of failure hung over him like a dark cloud. If he couldn't uncover what was hidden within the Ministry, he knew his life would soon be forfeit. The Dark Lord's wrath was a fate he had no desire to face, and the urgency of his mission became his sole focus. He would have to act quickly and with utmost caution, for his life now hung by a thread.

Meanwhile, at Hogwarts, the students were returning to their regular routines. The new term had begun, and there was an air of excitement in the castle, especially for Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The trio had been eagerly anticipating their upcoming Animagus lessons, a subject that had sparked their curiosity and determination. Harry, in particular, had shown remarkable progress. Professor McGonagall was astonished at how effortlessly he could move objects with his wandless magic, a skill he had honed significantly over the holidays. The trio had also become quite adept at non-verbal spells, mastering a variety of moderately difficult incantations that went beyond the basics.

The next day, they were to have their first official Animagus class, an event they had all been looking forward to for weeks. But that night, something else was on the agenda—an urgent meeting of Dumbledore's Army (D.A.). Colin Creevey had called for a gathering, insisting that everyone needed to hear what Daphne Greengrass had to say. According to Colin, Daphne had crucial information that could be vital to their cause.

After dinner, as the hour grew late, the members of the D.A. began to assemble in the Room of Requirement. The room had transformed to suit their needs, providing comfortable seating for everyone and a slightly raised platform in the center where Harry, Colin, and Daphne stood. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the students settled in, curious about the unexpected meeting. Ron stood by Harry, ready to support him as the leader of the D.A., while Hermione observed with a watchful eye.

Once the last member had entered, Ron gave Harry a small nod. Harry took a deep breath and stepped forward, his voice commanding as he called for attention. "Silence! We're here because Colin Creevey has something important to share with us." He gestured toward Colin, who stood beside him, looking slightly nervous but determined.

Colin cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the room as he spoke. "Thanks, Harry. I know you're all wondering why Daphne Greengrass is here with us tonight." He paused, sensing the tension in the room, especially as a few murmurs rose when Daphne's name was mentioned.

Zacharias Smith, ever the skeptic, pointed a finger at Daphne. "What's she doing here? Why should we trust her?"

Before Colin could respond, Daphne stepped forward, her expression serious. "I'm here because what I have to share concerns all of you. My mother sent me a letter—it's important, and it affects us all."

The room fell into a hushed silence as Daphne's words sank in. Colin continued, backing her up. "Daphne has been risking a lot to get us information. Her mother's letter says that the Dark Lord knows there's a spy within his ranks."

A ripple of unease spread through the group, students exchanging anxious glances. The implications of this were severe, and everyone knew it.

"My father," Daphne added, her voice steady but with a hint of underlying fear, "has been tasked with finding the traitor. If he fails, the punishment will be his life. If he succeeds... well, it could be mine."

The students began to murmur again, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on them. Lavender Brown, her voice trembling slightly, asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "Would your father... would he really hand over his own daughter?"

Daphne hesitated, the vulnerability in her eyes apparent. "He's loyal to the Dark Lord. He might not have a choice. The punishment for failure is death, and that's a risk he's not willing to take."

Ron spoke up, his tone grim. "So it's either you die or your father does."

Daphne nodded, her face pale. "I've already tried to deflect suspicion. I told my mother that something slipped near some Gryffindor boys, something small, without me realizing it."

"You actually said something like that?" Neville asked, incredulous.

"No," Daphne admitted, shaking her head. "I made it up. I didn't say anything incriminating, but I needed to cover my tracks somehow. I had to make her believe it was just a mistake."

Hermione, ever the pragmatist, leaned forward, her brow furrowed. "What did your mother say in response?"

Daphne's voice dropped to a whisper, as if she were still processing the implications herself. "She told me to be careful and that she would do what she could to protect me. But I know she's just as scared as I am. The Dark Lord's not one to show mercy."

The room was silent, the weight of Daphne's words hanging heavily in the air. The reality of the situation was stark and terrifying. The war outside the walls of Hogwarts was creeping into their lives, affecting even those who tried to stay neutral.

Harry looked around at the faces of his fellow students, seeing the determination and fear in equal measure. "This isn't just about Daphne or her family. It's about all of us. We need to be careful, more vigilant than ever. And if anyone has information, anything at all, you need to share it. We can't afford to be divided now."

There was a collective nod among the students. The message was clear—trust and solidarity were their strongest weapons.

As the meeting drew to a close, the members of the D.A. dispersed, leaving Harry, Ron, Hermione, Colin, and Daphne standing together. The night had grown darker, and with it, the realization that the challenges ahead were more dangerous than they had ever imagined.

Daphne looked at Harry, her eyes full of uncertainty. "Thank you for letting me speak. I know I'm not exactly trusted here, but... I want to help."

Harry gave her a reassuring nod. "We're all in this together. Just be careful."

As they left the Room of Requirement, the weight of the situation lingered heavily on everyone's mind. Each step they took felt like moving closer to the edge of a precipice, where the next move in the ongoing battle against Voldemort could determine their fate.

Daphne Greengrass hesitated for a moment, then spoke up, her voice quiet but firm. "My mother... she's not like my father. She was forced into the fold. She doesn't bear the Dark Mark and has limited contact with the other Death Eaters. But she's still seen as sympathetic to their cause. She warned me that if I dared to reveal anything, it would be the same as signing my death warrant. She told me not to tell anyone, not even her, ever again."

Hermione looked concerned. "But in that case, your father..."

Daphne's expression hardened, pride and defiance flashing in her eyes. "He wants to force me to serve his master, to become something I despise. But I refuse. Above all, I am a pure-blood, and I will not kneel before anyone if I don't want to!" Her words hung in the air, and several students shifted uncomfortably, their expressions a mix of offense and unease.

Sensing the tension, Daphne softened her tone. "Please, don't misunderstand me. I'm not the same person I was before. I'm dating Colin now, and he's helped me see everyone as equals. But that doesn't change the fact that I still take pride in who I am. That's not something I can easily let go of."

Zacharias Smith, ever critical, couldn't resist a retort. "You haven't changed much if you're willing to leave your father to his fate."

Colin stepped forward, his voice rising in defense of Daphne. "What would you do if your own father led you to the slaughter, if he forced you to become something you loathed? Would you really throw away your life for someone who has already chosen their path?"

Daphne's voice trembled slightly, but she held her ground. "My mother told me to think of no one but myself. My father made his choice a long time ago. It's not fair that I should be forced to sacrifice my life for his decisions."

Harry, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "What do you plan to do, Daphne? After the holidays, your father is likely to become suspicious."

Daphne exchanged a glance with Colin before answering. "We've already spoken with Professor McGonagall. At the end of the year, I'll stay at Hogwarts as an assistant to Madam Pince. That way, I can avoid my father and stay close to Colin. It's the safest option."

Zacharias wasn't satisfied. "Don't you think you're putting too much trust in her, Colin?"

Colin met his gaze without flinching. "It's not about trust; it's about certainty. I don't just trust her a little—I trust her completely."

Hannah Abbott, curious and concerned, asked the question on everyone's mind. "Why are you so sure about her?"

Colin and Daphne exchanged another look, and after a moment, Daphne nodded. Colin took a deep breath before revealing their secret. "During the holidays... we made the Unbreakable Vow."

A collective gasp filled the room, followed by shocked exclamations. "YOU'RE CRAZY!" shouted several voices in unison. "It's forbidden at your age!"

Colin stood firm. "I was the one who initiated it. I'm already seventeen, legally an adult in the wizarding world, and fully capable of performing the spell."

Harry's eyes narrowed slightly as he stepped forward. "What did you promise each other?"

Both Colin and Daphne blushed deeply, their earlier bravado giving way to vulnerability. Daphne answered, her voice barely above a whisper. "We vowed... that we would get married after we finish school."

The room fell into a stunned silence. No one moved, no one spoke, as they all tried to process the gravity of what Daphne had just revealed. Hermione was the first to recover, her face a mix of shock and concern.

"That's practically a magical contract," she said, her voice tense. "You realize that if you don't go through with it... Daphne, you'll..."

She didn't need to finish. Everyone understood the deadly consequences of breaking an Unbreakable Vow. If Colin failed to marry Daphne after their time at Hogwarts, she would die. The weight of the vow was immense, and the responsibility was as binding as it was terrifying.

Colin's voice was steady as he spoke. "This is why I trust her completely. She's entrusted her life to me. And I love her. As soon as we finish our studies, we will get married."

Harry, breaking the heavy silence that had fallen over the group, stepped forward and offered a smile. "After all that, I only have one thing to say: Colin, Daphne—congratulations in advance. I hope you'll be very happy together."

A wave of relief and happiness swept through the room as Colin and Daphne stood together, their hands intertwined, signaling a bond that had become unbreakable in more ways than one. The dark cloud of fear and uncertainty seemed to lift, replaced by the glimmer of hope and the promise of a future they could build together, even amidst the looming threat of war.

Several of the girls, from various houses, approached Daphne to congratulate her, a Slytherin, with an unexpected warmth. Meanwhile, some of the boys offered their congratulations to Colin, recognizing the courage it took for both of them to take such a bold step.

But not everyone was as accepting. Zacharias Smith remained at a distance, his expression unchanged, reflecting his lingering skepticism. "I still don't fully agree with giving her more trust than necessary!" he declared, his voice carrying an edge of suspicion. The room quieted, all eyes turning toward him.

"It's true that she has changed in some ways," Zacharias continued, undeterred by the attention. "But the Unbreakable Vow can be avoided very simply. She could say whatever she wanted, knowing that when the time came, she could find a way out."

Curiosity flickered across the faces of the students, and someone asked, "How can it be avoided?"

Hermione, always quick to answer, stepped in. "If Colin dies, the vow couldn't be fulfilled—not because she wouldn't want to, but because one of the members of the vow would no longer exist."

Zacharias nodded, as if confirming his point. "Exactly. It would disappear as if it had never been made."

A tense silence followed, broken only by Harry's voice, calm but firm. "Daphne." His use of her first name drew attention, marking a subtle shift in how he regarded her. "We know what you mean. I believe you." Daphne's eyes softened with gratitude. "But you must understand, trust has to be earned little by little. Until recently, you were on the opposite side, and that can't be forgotten overnight."

Daphne took a moment to absorb his words. "I understand. It's only fair. I accept that I'll have to prove myself, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to show that I've changed—and that I'm still changing."

The atmosphere lightened, the tension dissipating as the group seemed to reach a mutual understanding.

Later, in the Gryffindor common room, the four friends gathered around the fireplace, the flickering flames casting a warm glow on their faces.

"Do you really think she's changed?" Ron asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and doubt.

Harry nodded. "Yes, Ron, I do. She's been proving it since she came to us before Christmas."

Hermione chimed in, her voice thoughtful. "I agree. No one could lie like that, especially not with the risks she's taken. Besides, I've noticed she doesn't seem as arrogant as before."

Ginny, who had been listening quietly, added her own observation. "I saw her in the library the other day. A younger student accidentally bumped into her, and Daphne apologized. To me, that shows she's sincere."

Harry, thoughtful as always, concluded, "I'm giving her a vote of confidence. It's up to her to keep it or lose it."

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