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steflegan · 03-11-2011, 01:42 AM

New chappie! Oh and a HUGE thank-you to whoever rated my ff 5-stars!!! I am so touched. Thanks to everyone who's been reading my story; I really appreciate it!

Chapter Eight: Christmas

25 Dec.

The Weasley home was littered with boxes, wrapping paper, and knitted sweaters. It was also packed with happy friends and family: eight Weasleys (minus Percy), Harry, Tonks and Remus Lupin. Laughter filled the home and drifted out the window, mingled with the delicious aroma of Christmas dinner. “Happy Christmas to you all, the family I have and the family I’ve gained,” smiled Arthur, looking first to his own family and then gesturing to Harry, Remus, and Tonks. “Happy Christmas!” they all said in unison.

Hermione snuggled up with Crookshanks next to the fire in her home. Her parents and extended family were relaxing in the family room. “That was a lovely church service, don’t you think?” commented her mother, Jean. Presents were passed around, and Hermione opened a small red box. Inside was a beautiful gold locket, delicate designs painted on the front and an inscription on the back: “Hermione, you are our greatest gift. Love, Mum and Dad”. Hermione opened the locket and found a tiny picture of herself as a newborn on one side and her parents on the other. “Mum, Dad,” she began, tears sparkling in her warm brown eyes, “it’s so beautiful! Thank you so much!”

Luna and her father sat cross-legged on the beach at Inis Meian in the Aran Islands, looking out at the deep blue water. “Your mother and I came here often; do you remember when we brought you here?” asked Xenophilius softly. “I remember, Dad,” Luna smiled. “I was four, and we decorated half of the beach with shells and rocks and Mum made them change their colors and patterns. It was quite beautiful”. “She was quite beautiful,” Xenophilius smiled, “and so are you, my Luna”.

The terminal ward at St. Mungo’s hospital was decorated cheerfully, with enchanted ornaments changing places on the Christmas tree and real snow falling upon it. Frank and Alice Longbottom were in the back of the room near the tree. Frank was staring at the ornaments, his partially-focused gaze following their movements. Alice sat on the side of her bed, repeatedly saying, “Oh yes, it’s a good day. Lovely, isn’t it?” Neville held his mother’s hand and patiently responded “Yes, it’s lovely, Mum” each time she said it. His grandmother sat stiffly behind him; she never let on that her heart broke every time they visited. They stood to leave. “Oh wait! Wait!” called his mother. “I have a present for you!” Neville paused and opened his hand, waiting for the bubblegum wrapper she would give him as she did each time he visited her. He hugged her close. “Happy Christmas, Mum”.

The dinner was exquisite. Exotic foods and drinks were served to the guests by an army of house elves. There was light chatter and bursts of well-cultured laughter, and the atmosphere itself exuded elegance and grandeur. The Malfoys were gracefully entertaining about 70 of their closest friends. Pansy, Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle-along with fellow Slytherins Millicent Bulstrode, Violet Downing, and Duncan Burke- were lounging in a room just off the dining hall. They were a fashionable group to look at, the girls wearing chic jewel-colored dresses and the boys in their tuxedos and dress robes. They sat around the room, really having nothing to do except demand that the house elves bring more firewhiskey while their parents weren’t looking.

None of them, save for Draco, even saw their parents for more than a few minutes once dinner had finished. But Lucius practically paraded Draco around, showing off his son and accepting congratulations for raising such a talented young man. “It’s in his blood,” Lucius boasted, “He is living up to the Malfoy lineage”. Draco basked in the praise that came from his parents and the guests; he felt important, admired, even envied. The feeling was positively addictive. He rejoined his classmates, sauntering in as though he owned the world. “Well-the crowned prince has finally graced us with his presence. Should we be bowing to you?” cracked Duncan. Draco smirked. “Shouldn’t you have been doing that all along?” They all laughed- Blaise rolled his eyes. Millicent gave Draco an alluring smile and questioned him with her eyes. His angelic-looking face broke into a wicked grin and he mouthed back to her “Two hours. My room.” She understood and nodded, looking pleased with herself. Pansy, always a little slow on the uptake, noticed her.“What are you nodding for, Millie?” “Oh, nothing,” she replied with a sugar-sweet smile.

Two hours later, the Imperturbable charm kept the noise contained in Draco’s room. Millicent’s hair was plastered to her forehead and Draco’s skin was slick with sweat. “My my,” Millicent giggled, “What would your dear Pansy say?” Draco snorted. “Please, you know she’s my girlfriend for our parents’ sake. She's my trophy, but you are my jewel.” He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. And I’m much more creative in bed, she thought smugly. Draco and I have done things that would blow prissy Pansy’s mind. He pulled her closer, his hands lazily caressing her curves. She snuggled into his warm, bare chest and wrapped herself around him. She didn’t mind being his “mistress”; their year-long affair behind Pansy’s back had to mean she was special to him, didn’t it? She knew that as long as she played it cool and never let on how much she really loved him, she could keep him from pushing her away. Commitment wasn’t exactly his style. For now, she was content with her fantasy. “Happy Christmas, Draco.” “You too, love."

Hera · 03-11-2011, 01:56 AM

ok..................... BRILLIANT POST!...
I love this post! seeing all the characters and how they celebrate Christmas differently.
Draco and Milicent.... interesting

I always imagined her as rather large and macho though... so I'll have to adjust to that.
PAMS!!!

steflegan · 03-11-2011, 05:04 AM

Thanks, hon! I actually had a hard time writing the part about Neville and his parents.

As for Millicent- I think her last name sounds kinda manly; but I've always pictured her as this fiesty little redhead with green eyes who's slept with half of Slytherin but has an unspoken soft spot for Draco. Isn't the imagination great?

Glad you liked the chapter- it's been one of my favorites to write. More coming soon!

P.S. I'm keeping an eye on your ff- PAMS there too!

steflegan · 03-11-2011, 08:59 PM

Here's another chapter- I can't stop writing, it seems! This one's definitely darker than the previous few.

Chapter Nine: The Second Training

31 Dec.

His tousled, white-blonde hair was barely visible under the covers. “Young Master,” spoke Mimsy tentatively, “You must wake up”. A muffled “Mmmhmmhm” came from the bed, the head of hair disappearing completely. “Begging your pardon, but Mimsy must wake Young Master up- his father is expecting him downstairs”. Draco groaned and pulled the covers off his face. “What time is it?” he asked, his voice thick with sleep. “5 o’clock in the morning”, she replied. “Ugh- you’ve got to be kidding me,” Draco sighed irritably. “Mimsy is not kidding the Young Master.” “I know, Mimsy, it’s just a figure of- never mind. Tell him I’ll be down as soon as I’m dressed”.

Draco yawned widely and forced himself out of bed. He stripped off his boxers and turned on the shower. He let the hot water run down his body to wake up his muscles, and worked to shake the sleep from his head. Just before he finished, he muttered “Algesco” and immediately the water turned ice-cold. The shock of it made him gasp, but now he was definitely wide awake.

Groomed and dressed, Draco met his father in the dining hall. “Good morning, Draco,” Lucius said pleasantly, “We have an early start to your training today- a blood traitor by the name of Caverty has been captured and is being held at McClellan Manor. You’ll have a prisoner on which to practice your new skills.” Eager as he was to impress his father again, Draco was taken aback by the news. It was one thing to practice dueling, quite another to use what he’d learned on a real person. He took a deep breath and swallowed hard; “O-of course, father. I’m ready.”
*******************************

McClellan, Yaxley, and Bellatrix were already waiting for them in the training room. Draco looked around, his gaze stopping on the center of the room. A man was there, bound hand and foot to a chair. His face was already bruised, dried blood caked to the side of his head. He looked exhausted and terrified. “Please,” he croaked, “I’m no traitor! I’ve been telling you-” he was cut off by a sharp slap to his face. “I told you to keep your lying mouth shut! Do I have to cut out your tongue to keep you quiet?” barked Bellatrix. The man whimpered and kept silent. Draco felt his body go numb and his heart start to pound. I can’t do this, I can’t do this!

Lucius took him by the arm. Draco’s legs felt rooted to the spot, but he forced himself to walk over to the man. “How fortunate that you should join us today, Caverty,” mocked Lucius, “You’ve made yourself an excellent target for my son’s training”. Caverty’s eyes grew wide, his gaze shifting from Lucius to Draco. Their eyes met and Draco felt his resolve crumbling rapidly. Beads of perspiration blossomed on his forehead and he began to feel very, very sick. He struggled not to show it, but when Lucius ordered him to take out his wand he couldn’t keep his hand from shaking violently. He was breathing heavily, on the verge of hyperventilating. He looked down at his feet, ashamed of his weakness.

Bellatrix moved behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders. “I know, Draco, it feels… uncomfortable at first, but think of the power you hold this very moment. This is not a man to feel sorry for; he’s a traitorous coward who gave damaging information about our cause to the Ministry of Magic. He could have brought danger to our family- to you, to your mother. He deserves to be punished, the lying scum,” she murmered.

As she continued to speak, her voice became softer and softer until it was just a whisper in his ear. He closed his eyes and felt his mind give way to her words. Her silky voice was hypnotic, kindling a fire of hatred within him that rose closer to the surface with every word she spoke. He could sense a wall being built around his heart, and all his fear subsided. All he could feel now was the burning desire to make this man hurt.

Draco pointed his wand at the cowering man. “Apnea!” he shouted. Immediately, Caverty’s airway constricted and he couldn’t breathe. He flailed wildly against the ropes in his chair, his face turning ghastly shades of purple. Draco watched him coldly, and only lifted the spell when his father touched his wand arm. He was drunk with the power he’d just felt, the power of holding Caverty’s very life in his hands. “Excellent,” crooned Lucius. “Shall we try another one?”

“Please! NO!” begged Caverty, his voice hoarse. Lucius whispered a curse in Draco’s ear. “Doloviscum!” commanded Draco as he pointed his wand at Caverty’s chest. Intense pain shot through the man, mimicking a crushing heart attack. His screams filled the room and shattered Draco’s concentration; immediately the spell lost its strength.

“Focus, focus,” whispered Lucius. “Ignore the sounds you hear. Channel your hate, your strength, your power, straight through your wand. Make him pay for betraying our family.”

Draco felt the wall around his heart become solid, impenetrable, and he sharpened his focus. He pointed his wand at Caverty’s ribs and hissed, “Affligossis!” There was a cracking sound as several bones in Caverty’s ribs snapped, and he howled in pain. This time, however, his screams had no effect on Draco. He pointed his wand at his victim’s knee- Caverty’s kneecap splintered and he bawled in agony. Lucius stepped back and let his son continue the torture, breaking Caverty’s wrist, right arm, and collarbone. Then he halted Draco’s attack.

“Enough, Draco. Back away now. You aren’t quite ready yet for this.” With that, Lucius pointed his wand at Caverty. “Avada Kedavra!”

steflegan · 03-12-2011, 08:47 PM

Short one this time- Draco is just a poor, hot mess... back to Hermione in the next chappie!

Chapter Ten: Growing Pains

2 Jan.

He hadn’t been the same since the training. The rage, the coldness, the malice he felt would not subside. Adrenaline pounded through his body at an uncontrollable rate. “This is a normal reaction to the first use of your powers at this level of intensity- it will pass,” Lucius assured him. “In time, you will be able to control your feelings and access them only when you need them.”

Draco nodded, but his muscles remained tense and his fists were clenched. It was a horrible feeling, but he was completely at its mercy. He’d spent the last few days suffering through uncontrollable bursts of anger; the knuckles of his hands were bruised and bloodied from punching the walls repeatedly. Even his mother couldn’t get near him to try to calm him down. He couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep. His mind was tortured with frightening images of violent acts, ones he knew he was now capable of. He lay on his bed when he could force himself to do so, his breathing rapid and shallow and his heart slamming painfully in his chest. Make it stop, he pleaded with himself, please make it stop. It hurts so much.

Lucius knew that he couldn’t endure much more. He restrained him when he lashed out again, cursing and fighting to break his father’s hold. Bellatrix cast a calming spell. “Mollio mentis, sereno” she chanted over him, quieting him long enough for his mother to administer a sedating potion. Narcissa felt his muscles finally relax and he went limp in her arms, falling at once into a deep, dreamless sleep.

steflegan · 03-13-2011, 06:36 AM

Next post!

Chapter Eleven: The Trip to Diagon Alley

3 Jan. (morning)

Hermione’s eyes fluttered open as she woke up from a restful night’s sleep. The Christmas holiday had been wonderful so far; she couldn’t believe nearly two weeks had already gone by. She padded down the stairs in her fluffy pink robe and slippers and went into the kitchen. Her father was getting ready to leave for work and her mother was filling his thermos with coffee.

“Hey, sweetie,” he said, “Gotta go- I love you!” He grabbed his coffee, kissed his wife and daughter and headed out the door to the garage. “Morning, honey,” said her mother. “Hungry?” “Just tea and oatmeal with strawberries,” Hermione replied. “Do we have strawberries?” “Yes hon," smiled Jean, "go get dressed while I fix it”.

Hermione ambled up the stairs and pulled on a burgundy sweater, jeans, and black, calf-high boots. She put on her locket and ran a brush through her tangled hair. Frowning in the mirror, she pulled her hair back into a low ponytail and decided that was the best it was going to get today. “Breakfast is ready,” called her mother. “Coming!” she answered and ran down to the kitchen table.

“Were you planning to go to Diagon Alley today?” asked her mother. Hermione sighed, “Yes. I need more ink and another quill, and possibly some more potions ingredients. I don’t want to wait until the last day before we go back; it’ll be so crowded.” “Would you like me to come along?” smiled her mother. “Oh yes, Mum- could you?” Hermione said excitedly. She nodded. “I can rearrange a few things on my schedule; we can have a girl’s outing and go to lunch!”

They bundled up and left the house around eleven-thirty, arriving at Diagon Alley shortly before noon. Breakfast had worn off so they enjoyed some delicious potato soup and warm butterbeer at the Leaky Cauldron. “Ok,” said Hermione, scanning her list. “First, to Scribbulus Writing Instruments and then Slug and Jiggers Apothecary. Ooh, and maybe we can stop at Flourish and Blott’s? I might want to pick up a book or two. And we must visit Fred and George at their shop and of course we should also pop into-” “We can do all of those things,” her mother laughed, “But how about one thing at a time?” Hermione smiled bashfully. “Sorry- just excited. Let’s start at Scribbulus, okay?”

They purchased Hermione’s writing supplies and then replaced her stale potions ingredients with fresh ones. Flourish and Blott’s was nearby and Hermione pulled her mother toward the bookshop. “You’re going to get lost in there, aren’t you?” her mother teased. “Only for an hour or two,” Hermione kidded back. “Tell you what,” said her mother, “I’m in the mood for some nice hot tea. I’ll go back down to the Leaky Cauldron and get us some and bring it back here. That way you’ll have to come out quickly or it will get cold!” “Okay, okay!” laughed Hermione. “Can you get me mint tea?” “Sure thing- I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she called as she walked off.

If Hermione’s mother had any idea what was about to happen, she would never have left her daughter’s side.

Hera · 03-13-2011, 07:36 AM

EEEeeekkk! just caught up....
1) poor Draco... again...
2) poor Hermione! hope she doesn't get kidnapped!... and taken to McClellan's... but... if she does maybe Draco will protect her?? fall in love with her??...
oh dear.

PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS!

steflegan · 03-13-2011, 05:46 PM

Mwahahaha! All will be revealed in time!

(But you're getting warm...)

Thanks hon- always great to hear your reactions!!

steflegan · 03-14-2011, 11:37 PM

Chapter Twelve: The Snatchers

They were on the prowl, looking to spot anyone on their list. They had pictures of some of the most wanted. The Snatchers searched carefully, hoping to catch an undesirable and turn him in for a hefty reward. They muscled their way down Diagon Alley, a motley gang of thugs and ex-convicts, grabbing a few unlucky individuals along the way. None of the people they “snatched” were anyone of interest, so they pushed on, peering into the shops as they walked past.

They started past Flourish and Blott’s. A shop patron opened the door as they walked by and their leader, Scabior, scanned the inside of the shop. His eye caught a young girl, probably about 16, intently reading a large red book. “Half a minute,” he said, stopping in his tracks. He grabbed the stack of pictures from another Snatcher and began hastily rifling through it. He pulled out a picture of a girl who looked strikingly similar to the one in the shop. "Says here she's Hermione Granger, Muggle-born witch." The group's collective appetite swelled at the mention of her blood status. "A Mudblood!". "And listen to this: she's friends with Mr. Harry Potter himself. Good friends. The price on her head is- bloody hell, five thousand Galleons! We don't take this one to the Ministry, mates. She goes straight to Malfoy Manor."

“Gentlemen,” Scabior announced with a grin, “We’ve just hit the jackpot.”

**********************

Hermione walked out of the shop with two new books in hand. She sat down on the porch step to the side of the shop and opened her new book, “The Ghosts of Hogwarts”. She had just begun reading little-known facts about the Gray Lady when a voice called, “Hermione”. She looked up at the sound of her name; a seedy-looking man was standing over her. He held up her picture; “Is this you, sweetheart?” he questioned, a sinister smile creeping onto his face. Hermione leaned back nervously and thought about drawing her wand. She stood up and replied more bravely than she felt, “Where did you get that? Who are you?” He smirked. “Let’s just say I’ll be your escort on a little trip we’re taking.”

With that, he grabbed her hard and pulled her into the darkened space between the bookshop and another store. Her books fell and landed sprawled on the snowy ground. She whipped her wand out of her coat. Before she could cast a spell, however, her arms were pinned behind her back and felt the wand being wrenched from her hand. She tried to scream but a strong hand clamped over her mouth. She fought as hard as she could, twisting and kicking at her captors. She felt someone grab her hair and yank her face upward; tears were streaming from her eyes now, panic taking hold of her. As they dragged her toward the back of the shops she kept kicking until Scabior grabbed her by the throat. She felt something pull and break around her neck as Scabior squeezed tighter. “Now, now, missy- we’ll have none of that behavior. Be a good girl or you’ll regret it.” The Snatchers quickly carried her away toward Knockturn Alley.

*******************************************

Mrs. Granger trod back up the street, carefully carrying two cups of piping-hot tea. She took her time, stopping to say hello to some of the witches and wizards she recognized. She knew she needn’t be in any hurry- Hermione was sure to be buried under a stack of books in the shop. She arrived at Flourish and Blott’s, scraping the snow off her boots and going in the front door.

She looked around the first floor but didn’t see her daughter. She walked up the stairs to the second floor; Hermione wasn’t there either. “Where is that girl?” she mused. She took one more lap around the shop, and then went over to the clerk. “Have you seen a girl about 16, curly brown hair, brown eyes, wearing a grey and red pea coat and a red scarf?” she inquired. The clerk replied, “Why, yes. I just checked her out a few minutes ago; she bought two books and left the store.” Jean frowned. “Hmm. Well, alright then. Thank you.”

She walked back out onto the porch, scanning the street for any sign of Hermione. Would she have gone next door? she wondered. She stepped down from the side of the porch and nearly tripped over a red book lying on the ground. Who would leave a book on the... An inexplicable feeling of dread came over her, an intuition that only a mother has for her child. She looked down at the book again, and her eye caught something shining in the snow.

A gold locket.

Hera · 03-15-2011, 03:22 AM

Eeeekk! Nasty snatchers!!!!
PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS PAMS x10000000000000000000000000000000!

Brilliant post btw.

steflegan · 03-16-2011, 01:49 PM

Chapter Thirteen: A Mother’s Worst Nightmare

Trembling, she reached down and picked up the locket, willing it to not be her daughter’s though she knew in her heart it was. She saw the inscription in the back and frightened tears sprang to her eyes. Her heart was pounding, she was panicking. Thoughts raced through her brain: Oh my God, where is my baby? What do I do? I’ve got to call Tom, I’ve got to find help. Who do I ask?! Calm down, you can’t panic- it won’t help her. Oh God, Hermione! What’s happened to you, where are you baby? Hang on- I’ll find you!

Grasping the locket, she broke into a run down the alley. Reaching the end, she looked frantically left and right. Nothing. She couldn’t help but panic. Looking down at the snow she noticed that the street to the left had a path more trampled than the one on the right. She took off in that direction, her head whipping back and forth for any sign of Hermione.

She followed the trampled path around a corner and found herself on a street she’d never seen before. Wizard shops lined the road on both sides but these looked darker, more threatening than those on Diagon Alley. The clientele bore an eerie resemblance to the shops and many of them looked up at Jean as she stood there. Scowls appeared on many of their faces. “Muggle scum! Get out of here! This is no place for the likes of you! Damned filthy muggle, get out before we throw you out!” Jean was afraid to pass by the angry crowd, but her daughter was here somewhere and that fact drove her onward. Some of them spat at her, others tried to grab her but she shoved them away. “HERMIONE! HERMIONE! CAN YOU HEAR ME?! HERMIONE!!” she screamed.

She couldn’t follow the snowy path anymore; too many people had obscured it with their boots. She looked desperately through the grimy windows of the shops, between them, down dark curving alleyways, continuously calling her daughter’s name. There were too many places she could be, too many shops, too many alleyways. Jean was losing her grip. Tears blinded her as she ran down the street, and a terrifying helplessness seized her. She paused for a moment, panting and crying, ignoring the stares and nasty remarks she was getting. She looked up from the direction she had come; nothing looked familiar. Did I turn down an alley? I don’t remember! Oh God, please don’t let me be lost- I don’t have time for this!!

She raced back up the alley and didn't hear the man calling her name. As she hurried, his voice finally reached her ears: “Mrs. Granger! Wait!” She wheeled around and saw an enormous man rushing toward her. She ran to him and grabbed the front of his massive coat, sobbing and speaking a mile a minute. “Hagrid!! It’s Hermione! She’s gone! I don’t know where she is! Please, something’s happened to her!” “Alright, calm down Mrs. Granger. I can’ understand what yer sayin’.” Jean repeated herself, forcing the words out more slowly. She held up the locket, and burst into fresh tears. “Please, you have to help me!!” she cried, her eyes wild with fear. “O’ course, o’ course I’ll help ya- we’ll find ‘er, alright? We will!”

He took her back down the alley, pausing to ask many of the patrons if they’d seen Hermione. No one recalled, though it was questionable as to whether they were telling the truth. “Please, she’s my daughter!! A girl, 16, red and gray pea coat, brown curly hair…” cried Jean. “I told ya I haven’t seen no one like that,” answered a witch in a gray cloak that looked like it was made of spider webs. She didn’t fire any nasty remarks at Jean this time, not with a half-giant next to her. “Alright then,” said Hagrid, disgruntled.

He walked her back over to Diagon Alley so they could question everyone there. No one had seen Hermione. Word spread quickly through the alley and concerned shop owners and patrons offered to look for Hermione as well. “Sounds like it might be Snatchers”, commented a wizard with purple robes and a matching hat. “Snatchers, what are Snatchers?” Jean looked at him fearfully. “Oh, they’re a nasty bunch of ne’er-do-wells who work for the Ministry, rounding up witches and wizards with questionable blood status for a price. Your daughter is Muggle-born I presume, or a Half-Blood?” he asked. “Yes, Muggle-born,” said Jean.

A wizard walking by overheard the conversation. “Snatchers? Yes, they were here earlier! I saw them looking in the shops from the street.” Jean felt a pinpoint of hope. “So she could be at the Ministry?” “How do I get there?!” “I’ll take ya,” said Hagrid, guiding her toward the Leaky Cauldron. When they passed through to the Muggle side, Jean made her frantic call to Tom. “He’ll meet us at the Ministry- can you tell him how to get there?”

Hera · 03-16-2011, 02:01 PM

yay Hagrid to the rescue! Great post!
Can't wait to read more.
Pams!

steflegan · 03-18-2011, 01:13 PM

Short New Chapter- Warning!! There is a serious "Ewwwww!" moment in here, but it's necessary.

Chapter Fourteen: Abducted

Rough hands continued pushing her down a dark path off the main street in Knockturn Alley. “Hermione! Can you hear me? Hermione!” She heard her mother’s voice from not far away. She fought with new strength, trying to free her mouth so she could scream. The hand clamped tighter on her face and a rasping voice whispered “Shut up, girl!” She was sobbing, terror exploding in her mind. This was her last hope, she knew it. Mummy, please! I’m here; help me, find me!! The men moved more quickly now, dragging her down the path; she couldn’t even get a foothold in the snow to slow them down.

They pulled her into a small, dingy shop that sold the mummified remains of animals and humans. She nearly gagged at the smell; a sickly-sweet incense permeated the room, unsuccessfully masking the stench of rot and formaldehyde. A house-elf tottered toward them, gnarled and bad-tempered. “What do the snatchers want this time?” he remarked with a scowl. “Watch your mouth!” warned Scabior. At that, an old man appeared in the doorway. “Rancor! Hold your tongue!” he snapped. “Ah, Scabior. What may I do for you today” he said politely, though his undertone hinted at a wary distaste for the man. “We need your elf to apparate us to Malfoy Manor. Got a little present to deliver.” Scabior gestured to Hermione.

The old man moved closer to her, inspecting her as if she was fascinating exhibit. “A pretty thing,” he remarked, “very pretty. Is Master Lucius in need of a special companion tonight? My, he does like them young, doesn’t he?” Hermione’s stomach turned over and she started to shake. Oh God, please no, this isn’t happening! I’ll kill myself! “Not this time, “replied Scabior. “It's official business for the Dark Lord.” Her heart stopped. If anything could have been worse than what was said about Lucius, this was it. She felt herself start to faint; what…would…he…want…with…me? A thought dawned on her. Oh my God, this must be about Harry! They must know I’m his best friend! Oh God, what if I’m questioned? They could all be killed.

She tried to scream, but the horror of her thought had left her incapable of speech. She felt her legs buckling and willed herself to stay conscious. “Very well,” said the old man, shuffling behind his desk. “You know the price”. Scabior stepped forward and tossed 10 galleons on the desk. The old man turned to his elf. “Rancor, take them now.” Rancor held onto Scabior’s arm, and the group disapparated with a pop.

steflegan · 03-21-2011, 02:02 AM

Here's the next one!

Chapter Fifteen: Malfoy Manor

3 Jan. (evening)

Draco had slept for 32 hours. When he finally woke the following evening, he felt as though he’d broken through a high fever. He pulled himself slowly out of bed, gripping the headboard for balance, and realized he was still wearing his clothes from the day before. He didn’t even bother looking in the mirror; he was sure he looked like hell.

He moved gingerly down the stairs and entered the dining hall looking pale and disheveled. “Draco!” cried Narcissa, “Oh sweetheart!” She ran to him and embraced him fiercely. “I was so worried about you. Sit down! Don’t stay standing for Merlin’s sake! You need something to eat. Mimsy!” she called loudly. Draco winced. Through a hoarse voice he answered, “I’m okay mum- could you please stop yelling?” A hangover-like headache was throbbing in his skull and the sound of his mother’s voice felt like an ice pick in his temple.

Mimsy appeared with a tray of Draco’s favorite breakfast that Narcissa had prearranged for whenever he woke up. The elf placed the tray in front of him; appetizing smells of a vegetable omelet and toast with blueberry-pomegranate jam greeted him. A glass of fresh orange juice and some ice water stood beside the food. Inhaling the aroma, Draco's stomach growled with hunger. He took a huge gulp of his orange juice- and promptly spit it all over the table.

“Augghh! What is that?!” he exclaimed, shuddering at the nasty surprise. “It’s a potion to counteract the effects of the sedating draught I gave you yesterday. It will give you a clear head and bring back your strength.” “It’s disgusting!” moaned Draco. “I’d rather keep the headache and the weakness, if it’s all the same to you!” He downed his glass of water, hoping to wash away the vile flavor, and took a huge bite of his toast. Mimsy was busy cleaning up the mess on the table. Narcissa sighed. “I’m sorry sweetheart, but you really should try to drink the rest of it; you’ll feel much better, I promise.” “Not bloody likely!” scowled Draco.

“Draco, don’t speak to your mother like that.” Lucius entered the room and walked briskly over to his son. “How are we feeling?” he asked. “Aside from the fact that I nearly died from that poison Mum gave me, I feel fantastic,” Draco answered sarcastically. His father ignored the comment. “Eat your food and then go upstairs and put yourself together. You look a mess.”

Draco showered and shaved after finishing his food (he refused to take another sip of that horrible potion) and was getting dressed when he heard a commotion from downstairs. Raised voices- men’s voices, his aunt’s voice, the voices of his parents- and a girl’s voice that sounded hysterical. What in the hell? He quickly finished dressing and headed downstairs toward the noise. He recognized the Snatchers immediately; they’d been to his home many times. Bellatrix appeared to be arguing with them about who would take the credit for capturing “her”. His parents had their wands drawn and pointed at the floor. Draco came round the side of them to see who was screaming at their feet and gasped, his eyes wide with shock. Hermione Granger?! he exclaimed in his head while his mouth hung open.

Hera · 03-21-2011, 10:19 AM

ooohhh here it comes!!!
DRAMA!
Great posts your FF is Fantastic! ... pun very much intended.
PAMS!

steflegan · 03-22-2011, 04:28 AM

Short new chappie, but I'll have a longer one ready tomorrow.

Chapter Sixteen: Hermione

She didn’t appear to be hurt, but she was clearly terrified beyond reason. Draco tried without success to understand what he was seeing. “You’ll get your pitiful reward, you slimy insects,” Bellatrix hissed, “but it is our privilege to call the Dark Lord. Now get out!” She brandished her wand at them and they all hot-footed it to the door.

She leaned over the cowering form on the floor in front of her. “Look, it's Harry Potter’s little girlfriend! You’re going to be very useful to us. We’re going to have us a little chat, aren’t we?” Hermione went white as a sheet: “Please, no, please-I don’t know anything! Please just let me go!” She was crying uncontrollably, looking up at Bellatrix with eyes full of horror.

“Let you go?” repeated Bellatrix with mocking laughter. “Oh no, sweetie, I wouldn’t dream of it! You’ve just gotten here, and I have so much planned for you. Surely you won’t spoil my fun, will you?” Hermione could barely breathe between sobs; she closed her eyes and shook her her head, muttering “Please, please,” over and over.

“Take her to the interrogation room,” instructed Bellatrix. Lucius bent down and grabbed her by the arm, pulling her to her feet. She couldn’t stand; her legs were too weak from fear. “Draco, take her other arm,” ordered Lucius.

He complied almost robotically, his mind still absorbing all that was happening. He put his hand on Hermione's arm. “Draco, please! Don’t do this! Please, Draco!” She gripped his arm, pleading with him as he and his father began dragging her away. He couldn’t look at her; he kept his focus straight ahead as he pulled her along. She was struggling frantically. He heard her shrieks of protest, felt her pulling and thrashing under his grip.

Draco suddenly became very afraid, and he didn’t know why.

Hera · 03-22-2011, 04:32 AM

I know why!!!...... *drumroll*.......... because he loves her!!!

Looking forward to your next post!

steflegan · 03-23-2011, 05:16 AM

Next Chapter- a dark one.....Bellatrix is a meanie.

Chapter 17: Interrogation

They dragged her down the stairs, past the dungeons, and threw her on the floor of the interrogation room. When he was 13, Draco had snuck into the room when it was unoccupied, out of curiosity and the fact that he’d been forbidden to go in there. It unnerved him then, and the feeling was just as fresh as he stood there now.

It was a small, square room with dark stone walls and a stone floor. There were sconces placed evenly around the room; the candles within them provided the only source of light. Various types of restraints were bolted to the wall, chains and shackles and leather straps. There was a crude sort of table in the middle of the room with restraints built at its four corners. The table, as well as several spots on the walls and floor were stained a deep brownish-red. The room itself oozed fear from every crack and crevice.

Draco took several steps back. He wanted to move as far away from Hermione but was careful not to let his back touch the filthy wall. Bellatrix addressed Hermione. “This is a fairly simple interrogation, and I’m sure you’ve figured out the most obvious question: Where, my dear, is Harry Potter? The Dark Lord would love to know.”

Hermione’s heart went into her throat. What am I going to say?! “I don’t know; h-he won’t tell any of us!” she lied quickly. Bellatrix didn’t buy it. “Oh I’m sure he would have told his girlfriend where she could find him,” she said with a menacing sweetness.

“I’m not his girlfriend! I swear I don’t know where he is!” cried Hermione. “Please, I really don’t know anything!!” Bellatrix glared at her. “You know, I’m getting a little irritated with you. I don’t like having to repeat myself, so I’ll ask you just one more time: Where is Harry Bloody Potter?!” Terror seized Hermione; she knew she would never reveal his whereabouts. She uttered a desperate prayer in her head and braced herself. “I…don’t…know.”

“You stupid girl,” she hissed, and grabbed Hermione by the hair. Hermione cried out in pain, grabbing Bellatrix’s hands as she was dragged over to the wall. Bellatrix pulled her up by her hair and used her free hand to thrust one of Hermione’s wrists into a shackle. She cast a silent spell to close the shackle tightly. She did the same to Hermione’s other wrist. Hermione was hysterical as she struggled helplessly against her restraints.

“It seems you need a little motivation to loosen your tongue,” spat Bellatrix. She pointed her wand at Hermione. “Crucio!”
Instantly, Hermione let out a blood-curdling scream and doubled over. She thrashed against the shackles, kicking and twisting and shrieking all the while. The pain was indescribable- she couldn’t think, couldn’t cry, couldn’t even hear her own screams. She could only feel, and every nerve ending in her body was on fire.

Draco looked on in shock. His aunt’s eyes were shining with malice. He turned to his father; Lucius was simply observing the torture, his face completely impassive. How?! He turned back to Hermione, stunned by what he was seeing. Bellatrix lifted the curse and Hermione slumped against the wall, her arms suspended by the shackles. Her body still twitched and she was crying softly. Why is she putting herself through this?! God, Granger, just tell them where he is! Are you insane?!

“Was that enough persuasion?” growled Bellatrix. Now, you filthy Mudblood child, WHERE THE HELL IS HARRY POTTER?!” Hermione lifted her pale, tear-stained face. “I…DON’T…KNOW.”

Bellatrix gave her a hard slap to the face. “You’re going to be stubborn? You don't want to screw with me, little girl- I will cut you to pieces!!” She slapped Hermione again, leaving behind a bright red handprint. “I’m going to let you think about your attitude for a few moments; try to imagine the amount of suffering that’s in store for you if you don’t start cooperating. You’d better have a change of heart before I get back. Otherwise, you’re going to see just how many creative ways I have to make you talk.”

With that, she turned on her heel and marched down the hall, leaving a sobbing, terror-stricken Hermione chained to the wall. Lucius gestured to his son and Draco followed him, confusion and distress etched in his pale face.

Hera · 03-24-2011, 01:41 PM

Hermione is a brave brave woman.... and Bellatrix is psychotic...

Come on Draco! save her! He knows its wrong!

PAMS

steflegan · 03-24-2011, 06:53 PM

We WANT Draco to save her!!! But Draco has been known to be a coward in the past...hmmm......

Keep in mind: Hermione's "night" has just begun. And it's always darkest before dawn.

All will be revealed in time. Hang in there!!!

xoxoxoxo

Ruby85 · 03-28-2011, 05:53 PM

evil!!!!!

steflegan · 03-28-2011, 08:22 PM

Very Very Evil!!!!!

More evil to come, I'm afraid, but as I used to work for Disney I like happy endings. Hopefully the happy endings in this story will not be what you expect at all- that's the fun of it!!

So great to hear from you, Ruby85! I can't describe how good it feels to read my fellow SS's comments. Thank you!!

Tell your friends to come read and post what they think too!
Next chapter coming up!!!

steflegan · 03-28-2011, 11:53 PM

Next chapter- long and dark. But, as I said, it always gets darker before dawn.

Let me know what you think!

Chapter Eighteen: Fall from Grace

He didn’t understand her, couldn’t comprehend why she would willingly suffer so much for someone else. Was she suicidal? But he'd known her for years, known she was smart and strong and fiercely loyal. He couldn’t stand her, but he at least had to admit she had those qualities. The ones he secretly envied. The ones that made him hate her more because he didn't possess them. Watching her under the Cruciatus Curse, though, he was surprised at how disturbed he'd felt. He’d seen it used before on prisoners in the dungeon; of course that was only because he’d snuck down to watch. His mother was very adamant about sheltering him from the uglier side of the business.

Why did he care? Was it because he knew her? Because she was a girl? Because she was the same age as he was? He didn’t know but his insides screamed that what was happening to Hermione was wrong, terribly wrong. He sat at the table, tormented by the conflict that threatened his comfortable indifference to the world.

But she’s a Mudblood, he said to himself, and Mudbloods should be wiped off the face of this earth- they poison our pure blood lines and ruin the gift meant only for us. He believed the party line- after all, it was what he’d been taught his entire life. However, he was hit by the disconcerting fact that he was merely repeating his father’s words, as if he wasn’t capable of his own thoughts.

“All right,” said Bellatrix, “She should have had enough time to come to her senses. Draco, let’s go.” His head snapped up. “Me?” “Yes you,” she said, rolling her eyes. “No, absolutely not you!” It was his mother’s voice.

She strode into the room with anger and determination. “Narcissa-” his father began. “No Lucius, I’m putting my foot down! There is no way I will allow my child to witness an interrogation. He isn’t old enough and he’s not prepared for what he’ll see. I absolutely forbid it!”

Bellatrix intervened: “Cissy, you didn’t see how well he handled himself with that blood traitor Caverty. And I think he deserves to watch the little Mudblood suffer; she’s the one who causes him so much trouble at school. He should be allowed some revenge.” “I don’t care who she is, Bella!” Narcissa shouted.

Draco just sat there, wishing with all his might that he could be anywhere but where he was. His father stood up and moved quickly to his mother. “Narcissa- No, don’t interrupt me! Draco has already started his training and is more than ready to take the next step. War is coming and he needs to be capable of the activities that war requires. He will be accompanying Bellatrix downstairs, and he will get his hands dirty! That is my final word on the subject.”

Narcissa was furious. “No! I won’t let you do this! Draco is just-" “THAT’S ENOUGH, NARCISSA!” Lucius roared. Draco jumped in his seat; he’d never heard his father dominate his mother that way. Narcissa blanched, stunned and speechless. Her eyes darted to Draco, who returned her frightened gaze with his own. He knew she wouldn’t go against his father-she never had before. In his whole life she’d never actually stepped in and protected him; she just showed up afterward to pick up the pieces.

Narcissa’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at her little boy. Then, her face hardened and she turned to her husband and sister; “Remember one thing,” she said, her voice deadly cold. “If anything happens to my son, I will kill you both. Don’t think for a moment that I wouldn’t.” With that, she marched out of the room. Draco heard her start to cry as she went up the stairs.

“Well, that was pleasant,” quipped Bellatrix. “Draco-come with me.” Draco stood up with his heart in his feet and reluctantly began to follow her. “Today, Draco!” Lucius followed behind his son with a firm hand on his back. They walked down through the dungeons again and Bellatrix opened the door to the room. Hermione’s head snapped up and she pushed herself back against the wall, as though she could pass through it and come out safe on the other side. “Have you had time to think? Decide to be a good girl and cooperate?” taunted Bellatrix, “or do you need another lesson in good manners?”

Hermione had been thinking; she’d been thinking up a more convincing lie to tell. “Look, I-I’ll tell you what I know,” she stammered. “When we all g-go home for holiday, H-Harry never lets us know where he’s staying. He feels that by doing so he keeps us out of danger. That way w-we can’t give out his location because we don’t know it ourselves. Even if we send him an owl, he won’t respond. He does it every time to protect us. Please, you must believe me! I truly don’t know where he is!!”

Bellatrix paced slowly around Hermione, her eyes narrowed. She seemed to be pondering the truth of Hermione’s statement. “Hmm- but it didn’t keep you out of danger, did it?” she mused. “Well, not to worry- I have lots of other questions for you. Here's one: you were there the night that Harry Potter discovered his prophecy in the Department of Mysteries. You heard the prophecy yourself. What did it say? Tell me exactly what it said! If you answer my questions well, you may actually leave here with all your limbs intact. If you don’t-you’ll beg for death before I’m through with you.” she said matter-of-factly. “Oh, and keep in mind that I already know parts of the truth, so I wouldn’t try to lie if I were you.”

Hermione didn’t have time to craft a compelling lie for the question anyway. Hermione tried to look indignant “I'm not going to lie! I didn't hear what it said. I couldn't. The voice was… rather soft and I wasn’t standing near enough to Harry. I certainly couldn’t make it out from where I was.” She forced herself to look Bellatrix confidently in the eyes and prayed couldn’t see through the lie.

Bellatrix frowned. “Oh dear, you’re not very much help at all,” she mock-pouted. “But I have to hand it to you- your performance was compelling. I’ve heard you're one of the cleverest witches of your year,” she said acidly, “but not quite clever enough.” She thrust her face just inches away from Hermione’s and replied in a voice both soft and deadly, “Want me to tell you how I know you just lied to me?” She watched the blood drain from Hermione’s face.

“Don’t you remember? Lucius and I were there at the Department of Mysteries that night. Your little group didn’t realize how long we’d been watching you before we made our presence known. From our distance we couldn't hear the prophecy, but we did see you. Standing right next to Harry Potter. Paying very close attention to that little globe. Now, call me crazy, but I’d bet my right arm that you heard every single word. Isn’t that right you LYING LITTLE TRAMP!!” She shook Hermione like a rag doll then struck her repeatedly, using punches to accentuate her words: “HOW DARE YOU LIE TO ME?!!” Bellatrix began to laugh, a psychotically gleeful laugh. “Oh, you’ve done it now, Mudblood! I’m going to ENJOY punishing you!” She kicked Hermione in the knee with her steel-tipped boot, causing her to cry out in pain.

“Bella,” floated Lucius’s sing-song voice, “shouldn’t we let Draco have some of the fun? You are supposed to share, are you not?” Bellatrix calmed her laughter down. “Oh of course I am! Draco, darling, come over here please, and take out your wand.” Draco felt his heart start pounding as fear gripped him like a vice. “N-no…um…that’s ok…I’m not ready… I-I-I don’t want to.” His father took his arm: “You are ready, and you are going to, so get up there.” He gave his son a rough shove forward.

Draco slowly moved toward his aunt, taking as long as he could to close the small gap between them. “You’ve never cast the Cruciatus Curse before, have you?” she asked. His eyes grew wide. “N-no,” he managed to say, “But Auntie, please, I-” “Well then, you’re in luck!” replied Bellatrix as cheerfully as if she’d told him he won the last ticket to the Quidditch World Cup. Her eyes glowed with maniacal delight. “Point your wand, dear- I believe you know the word.”

Draco slowly, unwillingly raised his wand to Hermione’s chest. He couldn't look her in the eye. He tried in vain to block out the sound of her cries. “Please, Draco! For God’s sake, please don’t do this to me!” His wand arm was shaking too violently to cast the curse, and he felt his knees threatening to buckle under him. He couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t escape- he couldn’t do anything but stand there frozen in fear. “Damn it, Draco, cast the curse!” shouted his father, “Do it!” He recoiled at his father’s words but just couldn’t force himself to comply.

But again, as she did with Caverty, Bellatrix put her arms around her nephew and began whispering in his ear. “It’s alright, darling. You can do this. She deserves it,” she murmered. She spoke each word slowly and deliberately.

“All those times she outdid you in class and made your father ashamed of you? All the condescending comments, the self-righteous glares, the audacious insults she’s thrown at you? She’s humiliated you; she punched you in the face while her friends looked on and laughed. Laughed at you, Draco Malfoy! That filthy little Mudblood, who isn’t fit to lick the dirt off your shoes, speaks to you as if you were beneath her! Are you going to allow that? Are you going to let her, of all people, disgrace the noble name of Malfoy because you were too cowardly to put her in her place? Maybe you’re afraid of her- how pitiful that would be. Maybe you belong beneath her.”

He felt his mind twist hard at his aunt’s voice; he felt the heat rising inside him again, boiling pure hatred in his veins. Beneath her?! Like hell!! In that moment he despised Hermione; he wanted to hurt her, to make her pay. He was no damned coward! He was ready to shut that big mouth of hers for good.

His wand was raised, his face stony. Now he looked her in the eyes. Hers were pleading and tearful; his were cold and merciless. He could see her mouth moving but couldn’t hear her begging him. Summoning all the strength he had, he channeled it straight down his arm and into his wand. “CRUCIO!!” he roared, throwing every ounce of his hatred into the word. He felt an explosion of pure power blow through him, charged with electricity. It was the most intense feeling he’d ever experienced.

The curse hit her so hard, Hermione couldn’t even scream. She felt as though she’d lost consciousness, except for the fact that her body was overloaded with agony. There was no sense of time or space; there was only pain- relentless, searing, white-hot pain. She was unaware of when she found her voice again and began screaming at the top of her lungs. She wasn’t even aware that she was slamming her head over and over into the stone wall as she convulsed from the pain. Blood was flowing from the back of her head and down her neck; she hit her head a final time and knocked herself unconscious.

Still, Draco didn’t stop. The power was too strong; he ceased to control it and it began to control him. He kept his wand aimed at her and continued to focus on the curse. Lucius grabbed him from behind, wrenching his wand arm back and breaking his connection to Hermione. Draco felt the power abandon him in a rush, driving the air out of his lungs. He collapsed on the ground, panting and light-headed. Bellatrix stared at him with an ecstatic sense of awe. Lucius sat behind him, took the wand from his hand and leaned his son back against his chest. “That’s enough for now,” he breathed.

Hera · 03-29-2011, 01:47 AM

that was..... horrible... but your writing is good

this is so intence... I hope the guilt will eat him up. Once he realises what Hermione means to him.

Pams!

steflegan · 04-01-2011, 12:49 AM

How are Hermione's parents handling her abduction? Hagrid seeks help.

Chapter Nineteen: The Ministry of Magic

Same day(several hours earlier)

It was killing Jean to wait outside; she knew every moment they lost was precious. She stood with Hagrid outside the Ministry and waited for Tom to arrive- come on, come on! While she stood there, she prayed. She begged God to save her little girl, to comfort her, to send angels to create a heavenly hedge of protection around her. A screech of tires caused her to look up. Tom’s silver Jaguar was racing toward them; it slid into a nearby parking space and barely missed the back end of another car. He hurried across the street and caught Jean as she flung herself into his arms. Fresh tears spilled from her eyes as she quickly explained everything she knew.

Hagrid politely interrupted them: “Mr. n’ Mrs. Granger, we’d best be goin’ in now- let’s see what we can find out.” He took them around the back of the building to a rusty, paint-spattered wall. Most Ministry workers didn’t even know that an enchanted door existed there, but Dumbledore had created it long ago. He loved to say, “One can find his way into any place so long as there are enough doors." It was a good thing, too, for Hagrid couldn’t fit into the telephone box visitor’s entrance.

He pulled out his pink umbrella and, using the tip, tapped repeatedly on the wall in the pattern of a capital letter D. Tom and Jean stepped back in amazement as three cracks appeared in the wall which looked very much like the outline of a door. Hagrid pushed and the door appeared. “Here we are,” he said, and led them through the back hallway leading to the Ministry Atrium.

Even in their haste, Jean and Tom gazed at the magnificence of the Atrium-the beautiful ceiling, the lines of workers appearing in the green fire of the floo’s, the glorious gilt statues surrounding an enormous fountain. Hagrid led them over to the security desk where a serious-looking wizard was depositing the wand of a young witch into his drawer. “He took her wand?” Tom asked. “Normal procedure fer visitors to the Ministry; she’ll get it back when ‘er business ‘ere is done,” replied Hagrid.

They arrived at the desk; “State your business and present your wands,” said the security wizard. Hagrid cleared his throat: “Uh, hullo. Rubeus Hagrid, and these are Mr. an' Mrs. Tom an' Jean Granger.” “We’re here to find out where my-” began Tom when Hagrid clamped his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “Here to find out where 'is, um, Muggle…things are bein' held. We’re here tah see Arthur Weasley in the Department for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts.”

The security wizard eyed them skeptically. “Wands?” he repeated, gesturing to his desk. “Oh we don’ have wands; they’re Muggles and I’m just the groundskeeper at Hogwart’s.” The wizard snorted a “Hmph,” and led them to the side of the desk. A second wizard ran his wand around each of them and uttered “SpeRevelio”, looking for recent activity of any concealed wand. “They’re clean” he said, and the security wizard handed each of them a silver badge. “Department for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts is part of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Level 2. Elevators are through those gates.”

Hagrid, Tom, and Jean walked quickly toward the golden gates. Hagrid paused for only a moment to retrieve the pink umbrella he’d hidden behind a bench. He ushered them into the first elevator: “Ya might wan’ tah hold on- the first dip’s a doozy!” Tom and Jean grabbed the overhead handles just before the elevator plummeted six floors.

Looking unnerved and slightly green, the Grangers stepped off the elevator and followed Hagrid down the hall to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office. They entered the door and were greeted by a stumpy old witch with a bad temper. “What do you want?” she scowled. Tom and Jean looked at each other, a thousand questions between them. “We’re here tah see Arthur Weasley- he’s expectin’ us; tell ‘im Rubeus Hagrid is here.”

With a grunt and considerable effort, the old witch toddled over to the door behind her. “WEASLEY!” she bellowed, “Man named Ruby Haggis is here!” “WHO?!” Hagrid rolled his eyes and shouted “Arthur, it’s me. Hagrid. Need tah see ya right away!” Arthur appeared in the doorway, holding the dismantled pieces of a kitchen timer. He ushered them in immediately. “Please forgive my secretary- she’s the only temp we could find while my actual one is at St. Mungo’s, healing from a bad experience with a bubotuber.”

“Hagrid, shouldn’t we be where they hold…prisoners?” Tom asked impatiently. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” Arthur exclaimed, “Hello again Mr. and Mrs. Granger, lovely to- wait, holding prisoners?” Jean burst out, “Arthur, someone has abducted Hermione! We were told that perhaps those Snatcher people brought her here.” Arthur paled. “Hermione? Good Lord! Sit down and tell me everything.”

“Well, it certainly is a possibility,” remarked Arthur once he heard the whole story. Jean interrupted. “Please, I don’t mean to be rude, but how is it that you can help us, and why are we wasting time in this office when my baby could be somewhere…in this building…all alone,” Jean collapsed into heaving sobs. Tom held her tightly, throwing an anguished look at the two men.

Hagrid replied, “Ya see, Arthur knows everyone in the Ministry as well as wha’ goes on here, an’ he’s one o’ the few people here ya can truly trust.” “And I promise you that I’ll get to the bottom of this. I know the right people to talk to,” said Arthur. In a hushed tone he whispered to Hagrid, “We’d better alert the Order too- this may not be a simple case of snatching, I fear.” Hagrid nodded and excused himself from the group. “Arthur’ll take good care o’ ya from here- I’m goin’ tah pass the word along tah some other friends, alright?”

Arthur led them out of his office and down the hallway, stopping at the main office of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. “Let’s see who’s working today,” Arthur said brightly but quietly. He went up to the secretary’s desk. “Good morning, Virginia! Is Reggie in today?” “He’s in a meeting with Mr. Thicknesse at the moment, but they should be done in the next few minutes. You’re welcome to wait, Arthur. Oh, you have guests? Hello, I’m Virginia Cottonwood,” she replied sweetly. “Uh, Virginia, yes. These are my…cousins, from Surrey. Percy and Penelope Clearwater,” Arthur smiled nervously. “Pleasure to meet you,” chimed Virginia. Tom and Jean managed a week hello- “They’re just getting over the flu, poor things,” chuckled Arthur as sincerely as he could manage.

A far door opened and two men stepped out, obviously finishing their conversation. Sighing with relief, Arthur called out, “Reggie, old chap!” Reggie smiled broadly and strode over to his good friend. “Arthur! What brings you down the hall?” He looked past Arthur at the Grangers, and his smile faltered a little. “My cousins, yes, from Surrey- look, Reggie, can we find a place to all sit and chat a bit?” Arthur kept his tone light but Reggie caught the serious look in his eyes. Taking his cue, he replied brightly, “Of course, mate! Let’s all go and grab a bite to eat. Virginia, take messages for me, not sure when I’ll be back.”

He escorted Arthur and the Grangers out of the office. Tom opened his mouth to speak but Reggie quickly cut him off with a whispered “Not here, not yet” as he continued to smile at coworkers they passed. They followed him to a set of stairs in the back of the building. “Sorry about the climb, folks,” he said as he led them up six sizeable flights to the ground floor. They exited the Ministry and hurried down the street; across the way was a quiet lake lined with trees and park benches. “We can talk when we get there,” said Arthur.

Reggie listened intently at their story, his face grave. “Well, it should only take me a few minutes to find out if she’s been brought here yet.” “Yet, what do you mean ‘yet’? She was taken over three hours ago!” cried Jean. Reggie chose his words with care. “Sometimes, Snatchers will collect a few victims during the day and wait until the end of the day to turn them all in.” His words were true, but he couldn’t let on that the Snatchers may have other reasons for not immediately turning in a pretty teenage girl. He buried the thought quickly.

“Should you, or we, speak to your boss?” said Tom anxiously. Reggie and Arthur exchanged looks. “We have…reason to believe that Pius Thicknesse may not be a trustworthy source,” Arthur replied slowly. “In the last few months he’s been spending increasing amounts of time with Lucius Malfoy; in that time, we’ve noticed changes in his behavior, enough so that the Order is keeping a close watch on him now.”

“The Order?” said Tom, frowning. Arthur looked around and then leaned in close to the Grangers. “The Order of the Phoenix is a very special group of witches and wizards sworn to stop the advances of You-Know-Who and his followers. Dumbledore began it when You-Know-Who first came to power nearly 17 years ago.” Reggie reached over and clapped Arthur on the back. “If help is ever needed, there are no allies better to have on your side- Arthur and his wife Molly are members. That should tell you something about the character of the Order.”

Arthur smiled grimly: “Hagrid went to alert the Order about Hermione’s disappearance- finding her will be the top priority.” “But- finding her? Don’t you think she’s at the Ministry?” Jean asked, the pitch of her voice rising with fear. Reggie put his hand on hers. “She may very well be, and that’s the first place we’ll scour from top to bottom. But we’d like to set up a larger perimeter in which to search for her, just in case.” “You don’t really believe she’s here,” Tom said flatly. Arthur sighed heavily: “We can’t be sure, and we're taking no chances."

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