Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters and story affiliations mentioned in this fan fiction all belong to JK Rowling and legal associations. I own nothing of it nor am I profiting from it now or planning to in the future in any way. The only exception of profit is to my self for literary improvement.
Author to Reader Note: Let me start by saying this (repeated from chapter 25), no matter what opinion that has been developed from the ending of the previous chapter or along the way of this one, I do not plan to give Harry a "god like" existence or power. Rather I am striving to point out that the Orb has accelerated something that he was not prepared for at his age. Basically a too much power, too young and not ready kind of concept is what I'm aiming for.
I thought I'd never get this done. The details and the flow would just not line up the way I wanted to. Compound that with a weeks worth of writer's block. I'd sit at the computer and just stare it for an hour before I realized I was just wasting time. That plus the new semester and the hectic of work has cut time to a miniscule finite scale. But I'm not quitting unless a wizard shows up and performs an obliviate on me.
My understanding is that Port keys are not affected by the apparition charm so that is why there is mention of port keys being used in this chapter.
My email is itmonster@hotmail.com please make the subject HPatTW
Revised 10/20/03
Harry Potter and the Turmoil Within
Chapter 27
Aftermath
Part 2
"Is she at it again," spoke a girl's voice in dismissive whispers?
"Yep," answered a boy just the same, "Fifth one and the week's hardly over."
"What did you expect?" snapped another girl in loud whispers and a huff, "She thinks so high of her-self. She does all that school work so she doesn't have to lower her-self to us nothings."
At this Hermione turned in her single seat desk to speak out but laughter and the sight that greeted her halted that notion. The girl who had spoke so insultingly now stood before the group with a book open and holding her nose high, pretending to answer questions from an unseen teacher. They continued to laugh even while leaving the room, not even considering whether they had been heard.
Hermione felt they cold wetness on her face as she turned back to her book and watch the spots appear on the pages. Her sight blurred along with ink of the now doused pages and the pain cut through without end.
In a flash the days passed, each similar to the painful moment from before. Those who were her classmates, her peers, always remained at a distance no matter what was tried.
Then the day of the owl came and the letter revealing a startling secret. Following the first day in Diagon Alley and many shops, so many lined with books and the studies of magic rampant. A world in which learning was highest of priorities, a place she was sure to belong now and be welcomed accordingly. As that joy had come, it had dissipated too soon with the arrival of the new school year and the new school it-self along with those she would now call her peers.
She felt her joys crack and hopes fade from the first day. Seeing as those around were very much the same as those she had known before. Boys who sought the thrill of sport and adventure over the wondrous bounties of the untold number of books available and girls who partook in gossip circles over the enrichments the study of magic offered. There were again those groups who thought themselves higher than the rest and those who did all for fun and play. It seemed no different than the place she had been but she continued on, trying harder than she had in the past but received little result.
Some did respond to the sharing of her natural gift to learn but it was few and hardly encouraging. The professors responded but she felt it to be not enough. She tried to be helpful to two she had met on the train prior to arrival but it seemed just as useless. They too didn't seem too responsive to her but she continued on, not willing to let those hurtful things said before on many occasions be repeated.
That was until a lesson in Charms came and she followed her classmates out of the castle, only to hear a red headed boy speak. His words so much the same, those she had hoped to prevent but alas it had been futile. The tactless boy's words cut through with speed that no spell she had read of could match and the cold wetness returned with little hesitation.
Within a stall of a girls' lavatory, her loneliness returned. It had all been for nothing, no one cared for her ways and nothing had changed as she had so hoped for. There seemed to be nothing to aspire for and wondered why she even had bothered even as something foul smelling reached her nose. Eyes drained of tears along with overcoming exhaustion and hunger; Hermione stepped from her place of solitude to be greeted by a monstrosity. Now all would end and maybe it would be for the best.
I always liked how you cared so much… how you brighten at knowing the answer… the excitement in your eyes when you learned something new.
A familiar voice sounded in her mind as the end approached and she ducked into the stall. The wood around her splintered to bits as she just narrowly made it to the floor.
You have no idea what I feel when I see you reading a book and light from the fireplace glows around you.
The same person again spoke again as the wood slid away during her attempt to escape.
No… I don't think you're pretty.
Enough of the wood had moved and she saw the creature towering above her.
You're beautiful.
Hermione turned at the sound of a door slamming open and a boy she had met with the most amazing green eyes rushed in followed closely by a red headed boy she too had met.
And I don't think it… I know it.
Spoke again a voice she knew to a boy's, so close as if it were in her mind.
She watched this boy who seemed to care no more for her than Snape did for Gryffindors charged the destructive creature, drawing its attentions away from her and challenging it him-self, though no better off than she had been.
Happiness filled her again and adventurous moments flashed before her eyes. Times when her natural gifts of knowledge and study were given the tests they deserved.
As quick as those moments had come, they ended just as abruptly. Back into the darkness she found her-self but it was kept alight only by a shadowed image of a boy, his eyes burning of cold fury and red as spilt blood.
"Harry," shouted Hermione sitting up!
"Easy Ms. Granger," spoke a familiar woman next to her.
The room spinning slightly but her eyes trying to focus, Hermione found her-self sitting up on a hard wood floor. There were tables and chairs all about, with a multitude of people around. Most looked frightened, some holding children, others were being treated for injuries but a small group were gathered near what looked to be a bar in heated discussions.
"Ms. Granger," said the woman again?
Hermione turned again, her vision clearing the room, to look into the worried and inquisitive face of Professor McGonagall.
"Where am I," asked Hermione, her words raspy and throat suddenly dry?
McGonagall lifted a glass of water to her and Hermione sipped at it with her professor's aid.
"The Dungeons," answered McGonagall, "Ana said you all just appeared on the doorstep. You were passed out, Ms. Minet was injured, Mr. Weasley was still under the effects of the Dementors and the child was simply too frightened to move."
Placing a hand against her forehead, Hermione felt a dull ringing begin along with a sudden ach all over.
"Where are you going," shouted someone near the bar suddenly?
"You are not the only one to whom my attentions are required," replied some else with an aged familiar voice.
Hermione opened her eyes and turned her stiffening neck towards the bar. An older person approached in the dim light with a gray beard that was nearly stretched the length of his whole. The closer the wizard came, the more she could make of him. His aged face showed many years, bearing half moon spectacles as he slowly kneeled to the floor closer to Hermione.
"Welcome back Hermione," greeted the wizard with a trace of a sullen tone, "I wish it were under better circumstances."
It took Hermione a moment to realize she was looking into the smiling and welcoming face of Albus Dumbledore.
"Where is Harry," repeated Hermione?
The smile faded from Dumbledore as he answered, "He did not arrive here with you."
Hermione stared at him, her expression blank and her thoughts the same.
"From what we could gather from Ronald," continued Dumbledore after a second of silence, "Harry picked you up and placed you with Rela. Then grabbed the child and thrust her into Ronald's arms."
Dumbledore stopped though clearly showing that was not the end to the answer.
"So… so where… is he," stumbled Hermione?
"Others were coming," answered Dumbledore and finished with, "He used some kind of spell, like Apparition that gave him the means to send all of you here… but leave him-self behind… he has business still yet to be completed is all I can assume at this time."
Hermione just stared at Dumbledore again, letting what had been said take root in her mind and become sensible.
"I need to help him," whispered Hermione trying to stand, "We can't leave him like that... out there with them."
"I agree but we cannot move with haste, "replied Dumbledore, giving aid to Hermione along with McGonagall as she slowly stood, "I know it may seem to be an unnecessary delay… but it is imperative in ways I cannot yet explain that I know the events that led to this."
"Didn't Ron tell you, "inquired Hermione, trying to maintain her balance?
"Mr. Weasley was only able to tell us a little before he was," began McGonagall, pausing a moment, and finishing with, "Subdued by the Aurors."
"Subdued," responded Hermione surprised?
"Merely calmed with a charm to settle him down," answered Dumbledore, rising slowly as well, explaining, "It should be just about wearing off any moment… he was still under the effects of the Dementors as are you… and that with his desire to return to Harry… was making him become a bit uncontrollable… his body was repelling the effects but his mind… which is opposite for you."
Hermione understood what Dumbledore meant as her mind seemed to be the only thing functioning. If it weren't for McGonagall, she would not be able to stand still. The muscles in her legs were barely cooperating and the ache in her body had not yet passed.
"Dumbledore," stated somebody at the bar.
"I will return when I have something to contribute," responded Dumbledore in tone of authority still unfamiliar to her, "Otherwise I have given all that I can to you for the moment."
Dumbledore turn back to Hermione with a smile and with a nod to McGonagall they helped her to a nearby table. McGonagall left them and returned a minute later with milk and a chunk of chocolate. McGonagall then placed a neatly folded but wet and dirty green sweater on the table next to her. Hermione recognized it to be the sweater she had been wearing earlier in the day.
- McGonagall must have taken it off, - thought Hermione, -With it being wet and all.-
"Have a bit," suggested Dumbledore, "Then you can tell me the events."
"How long have we been here, "asked Hermione, looking at the group at the bar, sure that they were Aurors, while attempting to take a break the chocolate into pieces, "We can't leave Harry out there."
McGonagall placed her hand on Hermione shoulder and gave it a squeeze answering with, "You've only been unconscious for not much more than a quarter of an hour."
"The Aurors arrived here only minutes after you three were led into the trap," added Dumbledore, "Someone tipped the Auror division of dark activity soon to occur… and it is policy to send a small group to investigate… and so it would appear that the claim was accurate… but they have been seeking Harry out since having found the claim to be true."
Hermione stared at the Headmaster and remembered the colored lights from spells in the distance along with the shouts. The Aurors must have been ambushed as they had been led further in.
"Eat," ordered McGonagall.
Dumbledore said nothing but continued to smile weakly. Hermione picked up the chocolate piece and began to take bites at it. As the sweet mass broke down and melted in her mouth, Hermione found her-self suddenly hungry for it and finished the rest of it along with the milk. Her stomach welcomed the sweet material easily and result of it was the ringing in her head stopped and the ach of her body faded.
"Good now please begin starting at the location where the Dementors came into the picture, "spoke Dumbledore, seemingly sensing Hermione's change in health, "But do please be as detailed as possible concerning Harry's actions."
Hermione spoke quickly since that her physical self seem restored, she was anxious to get looking for Harry. She told them how Erickson led them to two others and their wands taken after Harry was separated from them. The little girl brought out and their attempt to use the Crucio but the interruption of Rela. The arrival of the Dementors and the explosion of the building in which Harry returned to them. The way the blast knocked away two of the wizards' body aside from Erickson and the other body that followed in the debris of the blown out wall. With that she finished with the arrival of three Patronuses and their unusual creation.
Dumbledore never spoke a word during the explanation and waved away anyone who came to him to McGonagall.
"After that I passed out when Harry pulled me up," finished Hermione.
"That's when what I said came into play," said a boy behind her, his tone angry.
Hermione turned and saw Ron walk towards her along with Rela, though she could have done with more color as she looked a bit worn. Turning back she watched as the aged wizard looked away, thoughts running rampant from his sudden expression and the rapid movement of his eyes.
Then he whispered to no one, "It must have been enough… for his will to overcome such influence."
Dumbledore's last comment drew curiosity from Hermione but Ron spoke before she could inquire.
"Can I go now," interjected Ron, speaking as if asking were merely a formality?
"Help him by helping me," stated Dumbledore plainly, "And we may be able to reunite all of you."
"What did you mean by it must have been enough," Hermione asked," What may have been enough?"
Dumbledore gave her a small smile and simply stated, "Enough to form the chains that bind him."
"Chains… bind," repeated Hermione and then asked, "Bind him to what?"
Dumbledore took a second to give them each a look and answered, "Not to what… but to whom."
Before she inquired further, the door to the pub banged open and people came rushing in, a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar.
Some people with children came in led by Fred in front and George in back. Bill followed next with a man hit by a jinx, hanging off his shoulders. More angry looking wizards enter as well with others held at wand point. Those held at wand point gave Ron and Hermione a very unsettling look as they passed. A woman came in; speaking a language Hermione didn't recognize but seemed quite angry. Among the last to enter was Charlie, literally dragging another wizard in by his robes.
Without care or waiting for assistance, Charlie released the wizard to the ground. The man just laid there shaking, mumbling incoherently as Charlie turned towards them will Bill and the twins coming as well.
"Ron," sighed Charlie, his face bearing a black eye," Glad you're alright."
"Where's Ginny," asked Fred and George added, "And Mum?"
"We left Ginny at the house with Daken," answered Rela, "But your mother was already gone when we got back from Diagon Alley."
"So," chimed Bill warily," Where's Harry?"
Before answer was given, the mumbling wizard being aided by a villager on the floor gave a shriek at hearing Harry's name and seemed to cringe into a fetal position on the floor.
"Still out there," snapped Ron, "Now I'm leaving to find Harry."
When Harry's name was spoken again, the wizard repeated his behavior.
"You know ever since we found him," inquired Charlie suspiciously, "He's been babbling on about something."
Attentions turned to the man on the floor. The villager trying to give aid was stopped as Charlie pushed his way past and seized the wizard, hoisting him up.
"What are you babbling about," shouted Charlie?
The wizard said nothing coherent, only babbled out meaningless sounds from an ashen and burned face. He shook like a frighten child, clutching at his arm and stared blankly at nothing.
"He isn't the only one like that," spoke a new voice.
Another man stepped in from the open door with others at his heels, looking very authoritive and stared disgustedly at the babbling wizard. His face showed marks of combat and those at the bar stood silent at his presence.
"Macnair's no better," snapped the man, "We've got him restrained… all he wants to do is tear is eyes out… screaming for his master… any idea as to why?"
Dumbledore just stood and nodded his head in welcoming, stating, "I would not know… Aurors don't answer to me."
The man scowled at Dumbledore, "I'm being told that Potter… the Harry Potter is blasting away dark wizards and witches in his path."
Dumbledore gave the man a deep stare.
"I'm also being told that Dementors are being injured if not possibly even killed by three Patronuses… one which is strangely in the form of a werewolf, " continued the wizard quite angry, "Explain to me how a boy, Harry Potter or not, is doing this? I'm even being told that magic doesn't work against him… that spells just bounce off, doing nothing."
Dumbledore thought a quick moment then asked in return, "Are you sure only dark wizards have been harmed by Harry?"
This question seemed to enrage the man further as he shouted back, "I lead the Aurors here and I am demanding an answer from you now! Or will see how talkative you are at the ministry, removed from your position."
McGonagall now spoke up, her every word seething, "Mr. Derricks… how dare you speak to Albus that way… you were barely out of the Academy when he was fighting against you-know-who!"
The Derricks was about to respond when Dumbledore snapped his fingers roughly, both stopped and waited.
"Let us cooperate… or even less will be achieved, "ordered Dumbledore speaking fiercely, "Charlie hold him still please."
It was the first time Hermione had ever heard Dumbledore be so forceful.
The Headmaster reached into his robes and pulled out an old hat. He placed his hand deep inside, deeper than the hat should have allowed and withdrew a small but old basin with an odd liquid in it. Hermione recognized it right away to be a Pensieve. Charlie set the wizard in a chair and held him in place as Ana came up to him, holding a bag of ice to his eye. Dumbledore placed his wand against the wizard's temple and a colored strand was pulled out. The headmaster dipped the strand into the Pensieve and stirred it while whispering a chant.
A misty fog as before rose up from the Pensieve and a scene illuminated within the mist. From the wizard's eyes they saw an old building and through the windows saw a fire beginning to rage inside.
"Mathews and his brother are in there, "yelled someone off to the side, "That thing will finish them off unless we do something."
The wizard, whose memories they were witnessing, shouted, "Hit the place with everything you've got… the master orders were clear in the letter… Potter finished off."
"But Mathews," countered the voice from the side, "And his brother?"
"Martyrs… now blast it," shouted the wizard!
Spells were spoken and unleashed from wands, striking the building. An explosion followed as their bearer of the displayed memory was knocked off his feet. They watched as he sat up and looked into the blaze. The building was mostly engulfed in flames, but one area that was all dark except for two blood red eyes.
They watched a wand come into view but at the sound of a hiss, the wand flew away into the darkness baring the red eyes. The bearer of the memory sat there and watched as a boy with jet black hair flat against his head stepped out. His robes were burned and shredded, patches of blood all over his clothes and menacing scowl on his face as he approached the wizard. Defenseless now, he could only watch as Harry walked up to him and seized his arm. Barely a second passed before he started screaming. The boy reached into the wizard's robes and withdrew something. The wizard continued to scream even after Harry released him, clutching at his arm. The boy brought his wand into view and all went black. The mist shrunk back down into the Pensieve, signaling the end of the memory.
"Charlie," asked Dumbledore, "Please remove his sleeves."
Charlie did as asked with a look of puzzlement and literally tore the sleeves of the wizard's fore arms off. On the wizard's right arm was the dark mark, but it was burned clear through, leaving a hole from one side to the other in the very shape of the mark.
"Well that would explain why some of them started screaming… and holding their arms," snapped Derricks, then with forced calmness, "Now do I get an answer? I've only known of one other wizard that could do some of these things but he's been dead for fourteen years. So why is Potter, his defeater, suddenly doing the same things?"
Dumbledore stared at the wizard's mark a moment then gave Hermione and Ron a hard examining look.
"I know you want an answer… and I will be glad to give it," replied Dumbledore, "But it will have to be when there is one to give… so only dark practitioners of magic have been harmed?"
"Every seriously injured person… other than Dementor we've found, "answered Derricks in gritted teeth, "Has the dark mark on their arms… so I suppose the answer is yes."
A thin smile came to Dumbledore's face as he returned with, "I do not know everything for sure… but I suspect we are seeing part of why Voldemort was unable to kill Harry as a child… the Orb he used in the Museum's fall accelerated his magical growth prematurely… and the Dementors have forced all his repressed rage to lash out… along with something else… something that was connected to that rage and may be responsible for why it was all repressed… but again much of that is speculation right now… if I wanted to be hasty I would say another Degarus has been released."
Derricks gave Dumbledore a strange glare and answered with, "That's only a legend… a child's bed time story."
"The Chamber of Secrets was only a legend as well, "stated Dumbledore, "But that has been proved otherwise… and many times in history has the same scenario been played out… one whose arises from the ruins brought on by the dark ones… how different is Harry's life in comparison to that?"
Derricks took a few steps forward, looking over Hermione and Ron then looked back to Dumbledore.
"Only the shadows littered the ground," stated Dumbledore as if quoting something, "No beast was struck by the fury unleashed."
Derricks simply turned and walked back to the door, his Aurors gathering near him.
"Let's go," snapped Alan his attitude suddenly changing, "Let's get out there and finish the job in time for tea."
Encouraged, all but one who Alan held back rushed out the door. Hardly any yelling could be heard now and the skies did not show the flashes of many spells being cast. However the storm outside still raged on without showing any sign of weakening.
"Well… out with it… what did you find," snapped Derricks?
The Auror Alan had held back gave Bill a look and whispered, "There's a definite sign of a struggle… but all we found were two dead out front."
"And," continued Alan?
"We didn't find the girl," continued the young Auror, "The two found dead… one has his throat slashed… the other one has a bite… a vampire bite."
"What girl," injected Charlie?
Derricks nodded the young Auror off and turned to Charlie.
"I sent a group to your house upon the start of this to check out Moody's story," answered Alan," So I'm talking about your sister."
"Ginny," shouted Bill, "Where the hell is Daken then?"
"I don't have those answers," replied Derricks, "But I'll look for her personally given what I know about her."
"Not without us," stated Charlie.
"Or me," added Ron, "I've got to find Harry."
"You're staying here," corrected Bill.
An angry scowl filled Ron's face and with his hands to fists, shouted back "I'm not standing off and letting Harry go at this alone… I'm going with you to find him!"
"With what wand?" snapped Charlie, "You're staying and waiting for the Aurors to bring him back."
Ron just gave his brothers a nasty look but said nothing and watched them gather a few things before following Derricks out the door.
"They are right… for now that is," spoke Dumbledore standing, "Be patient a little longer… and if there are no results… then we all shall perform our own search."
"But every minute that passes," shouted Hermione before Dumbledore cut her off!
"No," stated Dumbledore speaking with unexpected force, "Believe me we'll have better results if you all remain together… and in one place."
Ron said nothing but crossed his arms and looked away. Rela looked uncertain as to what to say or do. And Hermione fought back the urge to shout again, feeling something ach again in her chest.
McGonagall gave Hermione's shoulder another squeeze and she followed Dumbledore back to the bar of the pub. They watched their professor and Headmaster join into the conversation of the group.
"Well," whispered an angry voice near, "Are we going to listen to them."
Hermione turned to see Ron standing closer to her and Rela looking at him in surprise.
"No we're not," snapped Hermione fiercely, getting out the chair slowly, keeping her face away from the bar, "We're not at Hogwarts… they can worry about the village but I… we… need to get Harry back."
"There's a back way out of here," stated Ron plainly.
"Wait a minute," whispered Rela desperately, "I'm not trying to stop you, but you won't last a minute out there… not even you Ron… they took our wands remember?"
Ron scowled, looking away and Hermione scrunched her face in disapproving agreement, until a thought came and her face brightened a bit.
"Ron," inquired Hermione quietly, "Maybe Ana works this pub like Muggles do their own?"
Ron gave her a look and Hermione continued with, "When Muggles have a bit too much, they often have to give up their keys to their automobiles but what happens when the Magical get sloshed?"
Ron and Hermione both looked towards the bar and Rela could see they both had the same thought.
"We need a distraction," whispered Hermione, her expression showing the endless thoughts coursing through mind at the moment.
"No… we need a drink… I could go for some pumpkin juice right now, "replied Ron casually, then giving Rela a smile he finished with, "And maybe Ana could use a hand getting some for the kids in here?"
Rela nodded and smiled weakly as she walked off towards Ana as the woman was attending to a group in the corner. A minute later Rela returned and informed them Ana thought the idea to be marvelous.
Hermione waited by the table as Ron and Rela walked towards the bar, quickly joined by Ana. She watched them as Ana directed Rela to where more mugs and goblets lay and Ron to where a barrel of pumpkin juice awaited. Ana left them as she went to help another group coming in. Through the crowd, Hermione watched Ron duck under the wood of the bar and popped back up a second later. Hermione had to smile a little as she watch them walk past the group of Aurors, their professor and Headmaster, Ron easily carrying a large barrel and Rela balancing a tray loaded with as many goblets and mugs she could muster.
Ron placed the barrel on its side onto a rack and as he had done with the same ease as the wine bottle for his father, Ron slapped a nozzle into the barrel. The children apparently had been informed by Ana at some point during this as they began to gather around them. Soon enough Ron and Rela joined Hermione at the table with three goblets of pumpkin juice.
Sitting at the table, Rela looking nervous, Hermione just stared ahead until Ron, sipping casually away, handed her something wrapped in tissue.
"Cinnamon stick," asked Ron?
"You were supposed to get," started Hermione disappointed until she unwrapped the tissue and found a wand rather than a cinnamon stick.
"Now what," whispered Rela slightly frantic?
"We leave," stated Ron, nodding in a direction, "There are stairs over there by that door in the corner… Bill and I helped out here during the summer after the storm… the basement got flooded… this place sits on the downside of a hill and there's another door down there that leads out."
Hermione didn't say anything but stood up and walk briskly away. Ron followed a few seconds later but paused and looked back to Rela
"I can't… I," whispered Ron trying to say something, pausing and finishing with, "I'm not going to ask you to come… I've been through too much with him to let anything stop that now… I'm sorry."
As Ron had said, the door in the corner of the pub led to a basement with another awaiting them.
Hermione had just gripped the handle when they heard footsteps rushing towards them. Ron drew out his 'borrowed' wand and held it ready, determined to let no one stop him. To their surprise Rela descended the stairs and rushed towards them.
"Rela," inquired Ron but she interrupted him, covering his mouth with her hand?
"Is a Crucio not enough?" said Rela and kissed Ron's cheek, adding, "You promised me that you wouldn't leave me out of anything… and you're going to keep it."
Ron said nothing in return but his ears shaded. Rela withdrew her own 'borrowed' wand and Hermione pulled open the door. Rushing out, the door slammed behind them just as someone else descended the stairs.
"By Merlin's beard," spoke a woman in horror as she rushed by up the stairs?
A moment later, a slightly disheveled McGonagall appeared by Dumbledore's side.
"Albus," whispered McGonagall frantically, "They've snuck out the back."
Dumbledore closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
"Life and magic must have some strange things planned this day," replied Dumbledore with a slightly exasperated tone, "Otherwise if their patience had held only a few moments longer their quest would already be over."
"How," asked McGonagall?
Dumbledore opened his eyes and looked ahead, nodding in the direction of the door. McGonagall turned her sight and along with many shocked gasps, saw what Dumbledore had meant.
A teenage boy walked into the pub from the outside. Saying nothing, he looked around and spotted Hermione's sweater on a nearby table. He walked towards it, ignoring all those around him. One of the Aurors drew his wand but Dumbledore grabbed his arm. A female Auror approached the boy but he gave a look that forced her to stop in mid stride. The boy reached out and picked up the neatly folded but wet and dirty green sweater, letting it drape around his hand. He took another look around before turning and walked back out. Dumbledore gave McGonagall a look and they ready their wands, following the boy.
Unaware of how much time was passing, Hermione, Ron and Rela raced through the streets of the village. Ducking into stairways and alleys continuously, hoping to prevent being captured or seen. After a while they had to stop and catch their breath. At least Rela and Hermione need to where as Ron hadn't even broken a sweat.
"Bloody hell," snapped Ron, "I've lived here all my life and been in this village a thousand times but I have no idea where to go."
"Well," breathed Rela, "Maybe we should just look wherever there's any fighting?"
Staying quiet, they could hear a few shouts in the distance.
"Sounds like it close to the mayor's house," spoke aloud Ron.
With direction, they inspired to drive on. That was until they passed a narrow alleyway.
"What was that," called out Rela as she stopped and headed back?
Ron and Hermione said nothing but followed, looking down the narrow alleyway. There a red headed girl stood in the center of a junction of narrow alleyways like the one they were looking through.
"That's Ginny," whispered Ron, loudly, surprised!
Without word, he headed down the alleyway with the others close behind. His red head sister saw them and gave them a look of absolute horror. She seemed to yell something but they didn't hear her words.
"Ginny are you alright," shouted Ron with ease while Hermione and Rela drew rapid breath?
Ginny said nothing but gave them a very apologetic expression and nodded to her feet where a chain linked to a stone locked her foot. Ron was about to inquire further when Rela seized his arm, her skin paling as far as it could go. Hermione heard something to her side and turned.
"This is unexpected… a trap for Aurors instead ensnares Potter's following… I guess it's true… there is more than one way to draw out a hippogriff," sneered a wizard, stepping from a corner of dark alley way behind Ginny, "Isn't that right?"
"Oh yes… use fresh bait," chuckled another wizard sinisterly, stepping closer to Hermione's side from yet another alleyway.
"Or use one of its own," growled again another wizard, stepping into view at Rela's side.
Three wizards, wands drawn ready, surrounded them. Ginny seem to make a comment but no sound left her lips and it was then easy to realize that the dark wizards had used the silencing charm on her. Leaving her out in the open to be seen as young girl alone but not able to warn anyone away from the impending trap.
"What should we do with them then," sneered another walking up the same alleyway they had come?
Now four wizards, three with their wands drawn, and one blocking the route they had taken drew closer.
"You're a pretty one," sneered the wizard, drawing his wand level with Rela's chest and poking at the opening of her blouse, "How did you get mixed up with this lot?"
Rela's face twisted to a scowl, her eyes suddenly showed little fear if any to the wizard. The breeze had begun to pick up around them as Rela stared down the wizard.
She instead snapped back with, "I'd rather another go with a Crucio."
"That can be arranged," snarled the wizard?
Ron's hand curled to fists and there no mistaking a sudden rise in the temperature around them.
"Shut it," spoke the one behind them at the dark alleyway," We were told to hold them if we ran into this lot… only hold them."
As Hermione thought quickly as to what options they heard a low growl reached her ears and with Ron looked behind them. The wizard guarding the rear at the darkened alleyway turned and all of them could see past him to a pair of faint silver glimmers.
"What is that," inquired the wizard?
Unfortunately for him, those few words were all that could be uttered. The fabric of his robes became stretched at being seized from behind and they watched as he was pulled into the shadows. A moment of scuffling could be heard but ended quickly with silence.
The confusion drew their captors' attentions and Ron used the advantage of it. Turning with his fist drawn and ready, Ron landed a blow to the one nearest him. The cracking of something like bone was heard as the wizard slammed hard against the wall a short distance behind him. He made no sound or movement aside from sudden labored breathing.
Rela followed in suit with Ron's actions, delivering a decisive kick into the lower regions of her holder's groin. He dropped to his knees in pain uttering only a horrid moan as the color drained from his once smug face to only a look of shock. He had little time to dwell on the sudden suffering as almost as soon as his knees had hit the ground. A rock, held by the silenced Ginny, smacked against the side of his head and sent him into un-conscientiousness.
Three of their captors had now been dealt with as one remained at Hermione's side. However, unlike the prior three, the remaining wizard was quicker and Hermione couldn't use the advantageous moment to defeat him. Instead, Hermione found herself at wand point of the remaining captor.
"Hold it," ordered the wizard, his wand level with Hermione as Ron made to advance.
Ron held his place and Rela moved to his side, with Ginny following.
"What is it with you brats," he growled, "You're like nested pixies."
He surveyed them but never wavered in his position to strike down Hermione in an instant. He gave the girl before him another look over and fixated his glare. Reaching out he seized something on Hermione's robes, ripping the material as he pulled it away.
"A prefect, "he scoffed, glancing at the badge lying in his palm and snickered dismissively with, "You must think pretty highly of your-self? I once knew a girl who became prefect... she was nothing more than a tart little wench… is that how you got this?"
Strangely Hermione seemed unfazed by the threatening wand, glaring back without hesitation and made no reaction to his insinuations.
"I earned it," calmly responded Hermione, "With books… ever read one?"
"Probably not or they'd been more prepared," jeered Ron, glaring with a scowl and snickered with, "Instead of Harry knocking them about like pathetic imps."
The wizard lost the smirk on his face, replacing it with a look of disdain.
"I'll admit we weren't prepared for Potter's sudden little tantrum," sneered the wizard, gripping his wand tighter, seemingly preparing to use a spell, "But that won't stop us from putting him in his place… in the ground… with his filthy Mud blood mother… I'm so tired of hearing about Potter."
His words cultivated sudden anger in Hermione. As it happened, she felt something burst from within and flow out. It came like a crawling sensation, spreading out under the skin and breeding quickly. Rather than be worried, she felt driven in strange fashion to end the threat before her and take back what she wanted.
"You want to know what I'm tired of," sneered Hermione in an unusual darken tone through gritted teeth?
A tone not even Ron had ever heard as he turned and stared. Hermione's dirty hands clamped to fists, even her knuckles cracked and her jaw was clenched just as tight.
The wizard stared in mocked awe but quickly became worried confusion as the brown eyes of the Muggle born witch in front of him began took on a glow, snaking along the veins of her eyes.
"For four years all you lot have done is bring us grief… bring Harry grief," sneered Hermione, continuing.
The wizard took aim wand but as he prepared to speak a spell, the wood of the wand cracked from tip to handle, making it useless. Hermione, undeterred, advanced on him.
"Took his parents from him… and he had to stay in a horrible place because of that," added Hermione.
A strange silence came for a moment but ended with a low rumble. Rela stood by Ron and they both watched as the vines along the alleyway walls began to wiggle slightly.
"But it's not enough is it?" snapped Hermione, "Have to have another go at it the moment he comes back?"
The wizard dropped his useless wand and backed away. He made a motion towards the alleyway behind him but the events taking play sought to it to prevent his exit.
The ground cracked and the stone walk split, spreading from the ground up the along the corners of the buildings. The wood, brick, masonry and anything else gave way, piling into the small path, blocking the corridor with the only exit being past Hermione.
With every moment that past, Hermione's expression darkened along with her voice, she looked positively seething.
"Trolls… murderous snakes… criminals and dementors," snarled Hermione but a strong hint of a sob to her tone, "Risked the tournament… gave up a win at Quidditch… so much of that for me… for all of us… and he still deals with all of you."
Now the wizard look truly terrified, having no place to move away to and Hermione advancing like hungry beast.
"Now you have your damn master back," snarled Hermione again, this time her pains seeping heavily into her tone as a tear slid down her cheek, "But you still won't quit… not even let him have a holiday… and I wanted so badly to tell him."
Hermione didn't finish as something overcame her and she looked away. The wizard used this moment as an opportunity and lunged forward. However his attempt was cut short as something ensnared his neck, pulling him back, tightening in the process. Hermione returned her gaze, not even bother by his move and looked upon with an expression of hatred and anger that even made part of Ron twist in response.
A vine had lashed out from the wall behind him and wrapped it-self around the dark wizard's neck, moving with the motion of a whip. It pulled the helpless wizard back towards the wall with little effort. As it drew him closer, it coiled more and more around his neck. They watched as he tried to wrench the vine away but its thickness did not relent to him but only served to inspire the diligence of the gripping action.
"Maybe we've been too nice about it all," whispered Hermione, her tone strange and quiet, "Maybe we ought to take a page from your books?"
With that comment, the wizard's face stare in horror and a cracking sound followed the slowing gasps of breath.
"Hermione stop," shouted Rela grabbing her arm, "Stop it."
"Why," rounded Hermione?
Rela looked at the enraged girl in surprised and answered, "The more time you waste on him... the less we've got to find Harry."
In a strange instant, everything seemed to stop as Hermione took a breath in surprise at having been reminded of their quest.
The vine loosed, sliding off the wizard's neck as he placed one hand on the ground for support, breathing hard and desperately.
"Alright," said Hermione, seemingly snapping to, "Lets get Ginny and find Harry."
Rela drew her wand and used a spell to break the chain, holding Ginny's foot.
"Why you… little," spoke the wizard hoarsely, drawing another wand?
Ron moved but not fast enough, the wizard cast a spell of ropes around him and fell from losing his balance. He pointed his wand at Ron again and the tip began to glow green. Only a second before the spell would be cast, it faded away.
Ron's eyes went wide but not at the wand pointed at him. Rather he was looking at the pile of stones as something illuminated the area above them. With no time to question, the stone shot out and a horrible cry filled the air as their insistent captor took the brunt of the stone blasted out. For a moment, there was only the sound of stone hitting the ground as dust clouded the air. As it cleared, a pile of stone, half burying their captor lay before them.
They looked past that to someone standing in the cleared alleyway, eyes as red as spilt blood and burning still in cold fury. Before Hermione dared anything, a sound of running steps reached her ears and she turned to see Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape arrive from the side. Dumbledore stopped and held his arms outstretched, halting McGonagall and Snape from going any further than he had.
Ignoring them, Hermione turned her attention back to the person she knew baring those eyes. Sounds of small taps came as the person walked towards them and they all watched Harry Potter emerge.
Simply put, Harry was a mess. Robes covered in ash, grime and any other filthy thing that could cling. His face was still naked of his glasses. His hair still lay unnaturally flat against his head and thin lines of blood trailed from the tip of his scar to the bottom edge of his cheek. Some trails were fresh, others were dried but they had continued since starting a short while ago. Patches of blood cluttered all over the blue trousers and torn brown polo shirt Harry wore.
He walked toward them, saying nothing and with little expression. Ron was the first to act and he moved quickly towards Harry. Unfortunately Ron's movements were not so welcomed, as yet again a wand came to be point in his face but the bearer of the wand was his friend Harry.
"H… Ha…Harry," stumbled Ron in surprise, "It's me… Ron… we… we've been trying to find you."
Harry eyes glared at him and the gripped on his wand tightened.
"Ron," whispered Rela frightened, "Keep talking to him."
"Harry," started Ron, adding, "It's me Ron… Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team… your mate since that first day on the train."
Ron's words seem to having no effect and Harry seemed to be getting impatient.
"You're my best friend," shouted Ron frantically, "You're like a brother to me… Harry"
Ron stopped as Harry lowered his wand. Something in Ron's words had caught Harry's ear as the wand went back to his side. Harry took another step forward, in front of Ron and stared at him as if examining.
After a second or two of silence, Harry reached into his robes and pulled out another wand. But there was a difference as that it was a familiar wand, since it belonged to Ron. Reaching out slowly, Ron took the wand from Harry. With that Harry turned sharply to Rela, taking a second to stare, he then reached into his robes and pulled forth another wand, this time it was Rela's. Hermione remained as Harry turned to her, this time his gaze wasn't so strong in examination but it looked slightly confused. He took longer looking at Hermione and she couldn't help but feel as though he was struggling with something, given his confused look.
After untold time, Harry took a few steps closing the gap between them to a considerably shorter distance. Now only an arm's length of space divided them and Hermione felt something break within her. Harry stood before her, his eyes still the same but his actions still no different than the boy she knew that now caused her heart to stir.
Harry reached into his robes but she could wait no longer and threw her-self forward. The reaction she wanted did not come as before she could wrap her arms tight around him, Harry left off a grunting sound and pushed her back.
Shocked and pain filling in places she couldn't describe began to overwhelm her as she watched Harry place his hand on his side, looking angry again, breathing hard.
Hermione tried to approach again more slowly but after a step, Harry went still, turned his head and straightened up again. But the scary part of it was that as he did that, he brought his wand into aim again.
Frozen in place in a concoction of emotions like fear, surprise, hurt and more, Hermione could only stare back. Harry said something in Parseltongue but since she did not know the language Hermione could do nothing. Harry spoke words again but with greater fierceness and tightened the grip of his wand. But still she couldn't do anything but stare.
"Hermione," shouted Rela in horror, "Move!"
"He won't hurt me," assured Hermione, though her voice showed the opposite feeling.
"Not Harry," shouted Rela again," But!"
Rela wasn't able to finish as a flash lit up the small intersection of alley ways with a terrible green light. A crying out filled the air along with a nasty sound of something breaking.
For that moment time seem to stop. All those present became entranced as the light from a spelled faded away and a hissing smoke steamed from sizzling black mark burned into a far wall. Hermione lay on the ground with Harry rising from above her.
The rumbles of thunder and the cracks of lightning stirred everyone from their trance. Ron looked on in disbelief as Hermione laid, un-stirring, on the ground and Harry standing at her side. Ron couldn't believe what Harry had done and what seemed to have happened until he saw where his enraged friends' attentions were drawn to.
In the small alleyway behind where Hermione had stood, was someone with their wand held fast and bit of smoke escaping from the tip. His eyes taking in the scene of Erickson standing against a wall, covered in his own blood from the wounds inflicted before, his other hand swinging freely at his side and breathing in tiny gasps.
Ron's mind replayed the event over as Harry dropped his own wand and lurched forward. Grabbing Hermione, he wrenched her to the ground as the sounds of something breaking and Hermione's cry were followed by the blinding green light of a death curse.
"Well," spoke Erickson between gasps, "Missed you…got that…little wench… I won't… miss again."
Erickson readied his wand again, though it shook heavily. Harry stood and closed the distance between them quickly. Harry grabbed the wand before Erickson could finish the spell and yanked it from his hand. As before, Harry's hand snapped it and they watched it gray to ash, blowing away in the breeze.
With the wand suffering the fate like so many before it, Harry now held Erickson by his robes, pulling him away from wall bearing most of his weight. The crippled wizard hung from Harry's grip and used his wand-less hand to try and pull free but with no success.
Ron watched as Harry's other hand curled into a tight fist, now sparked with green flashes seen through the cracks of his fingers. Harry brought his fist up and drew it back, ready to strike.
Following some instinct, Ron ran forward and seized Harry's arm, holding back his fist.
"Let him go," grunted Ron, "He's finished… you destroyed his wand… let Azkaban have him."
Harry barely seemed to acknowledge Ron's words.
"You'll be no better than them," shouted Rela!
Yet again, Harry barely acknowledged anything being said to him.
"Don't," said a girl's voice and Ron looked to see Hermione sitting up, blood spilling slowly from a her leg as a piece of bone stuck out, having broken when Harry pulled her away from Erickson.
"Please don't," cried Hermione, clutching at her leg, "Don't… don't lose what you are by going any further."
The tension in Harry's arm loosened and Ron released it. Harry then released Erickson and the wizard slumped against the wall. His strength fading, he didn't attempt to stand. His breathing still came in short gasps but in burst that were slowing down every second.
"So well… planned… yet… you escape," spoke Erickson gasping, "No one… can be… that… lucky…. unless."
Erickson coughed and blood spilled freely from his mouth as he slid further down the wall. His only functioning arm slid away from his chest and fell to the ground. His eye lids began to droop and his short gasps slowed even further to where noticeable time was elapsing between strained breaths.
McGonagall began to take a step but a hand touched her arm and she looked to see Dumbledore shake his head with a sullen look.
"Not a… wizard," struggled Erickson, using the last of his strength to look at Harry, "You're right… he's like… the master… should… been… careful."
"Albus," whisper McGonagall desperately?
"He is too far gone," replied Dumbledore with a tone to match his sullen face, "Even if we could save him, what future would he have since using the death curse? His fate would be sealed."
Erickson closed his eyes and drew another breath but upon release he did not take another.
Harry grabbed the wizard and shook him, yelling something in Parseltongue.
Receiving no response, Harry released the body to slump back to the ground.
"Ronald," spoke Dumbledore with earnest, "Get his wand… quickly."
Ron lunged for the Harry's wand, lying on the ground having been dropped but he couldn't get it. The wand rolled away and shot from the ground back into Harry's hand. Leaving the body as it was, Harry walked away towards the wizard he had half buried in stone. The man was beginning to come to but Harry stopped that with a quick stun spell. Having done that he snatched the man's hand and wrenched it open, pulling something from it. Harry took a few steps towards Hermione but stopped, looking at her as Rela pressed against the wound with a handkerchief.
His faced scowled suddenly in disgust and anger seem to rise as a loud crack of lightning surged above them.
"Erickson," growled a familiar voice as Daken came running up the alleyway?
He barely had to look at the wizard before Daken could guess his condition.
Looking back to Harry, Daken raised his wand and growled, "Why you…dark wizards not enough… now you kill Aurors!"
"No," shouted Ron as stepped between Daken and Harry.
Daken let off a spell and Ron was hit near point blank. Rela nearly screamed as Ron flew by Harry's side and slammed hard against the wall. Daken turned his aim back to Harry but received a surprise as he watched a spell launch from Harry's wand. There's was no doubt from the color, it was the Reductor spell but given its intensity, the spell was at least seven times stronger than usual and it hit Daken hard. It smashed him into and through the wall of the alleyway, deep into the interior of the building.
Harry stood with his wand ready, breathing even harder now and a deep scowl on his face.
The Headmaster handed his wand to McGonagall and walked slowly towards Harry. Ignoring the danger of Harry's agitated state, the aged wizard simply smiled and continued on as though nothing worthy of worry existed, humming a quiet tune as he did. Harry stood in place, his breathing heavy and hard but made no movement only to watch the approaching wizard. Dumbledore placed his hand gently onto Harry's shoulder, never stopping his tune or losing his smile. Harry turned his head to look Dumbledore in the face and did not notice as the Headmaster swiftly dropped something into Harry's pocket. A swift swishing along with a quick breeze of wind and Harry vanished from the spot.
Hermione had barely a chance to respond at seeing Harry gone from her sight again when a crashing sound came. Broken panels of wood from a door in the junction landed nearby as Daken stepped from building Harry had just sent him through. The professors stared at him as he walked through and for once, Hermione could see the silver of his vampire eyes shine through the brown she normally had seen. Blood trailed from a deep gash above his left eye and his arm lay against his chest in way that looked very painful. Regardless of his obviously injured appearance, Daken still looked ready to fight and also extremely angry.
"Daken," began Dumbledore but the vampire cut him off.
"I warned you… you senile old fool," growled Daken, his teeth showing, four sharp points clearly visible, "Look what he's done…I told you he'd snap and turn."
"There are more details than what you know," stated Dumbledore moving slowly towards McGonagall.
Daken took a few steps and Hermione watched as the deep gash above his eye slowly seal it-self as the vampire healing magic allows for. Daken was recovering and Dumbledore's movements showed that he recognized that detail as well. Daken chuckled as his posture corrected it-self, now only his arm seemed left to be restored.
"Just as always… you still think there's hope for everyone no matter what they do," snapped Daken with a clear voice of disgust, "He killed Erickson… he'd only been here a few months… and that little bastard knows my opinions of avengement… and I won't change it for anyone… not even him… not anyone."
With speed not expected of one his age, Dumbledore snatched his wand readily available from McGonagall's hand and released a spell towards Daken. Catching Dumbledore's movement from the corner of her eye, Hermione had looked away from Daken. Following the spell release she watched it hit a wall behind Daken once had been. The vampire professor was gone from sight. Hermione remembered easily from her books that vampires' were gifted with great speed and sight which means Daken was not unaware of Dumbledore's plan.
McGonagall rushed to Hermione and mended the broken bone while Dumbledore released Ginny from the silencing spell, asking of her condition. Rela was helping Ron back to his feet, surprisingly having little trouble from the hit he had taken other than a mark on his shirt.
Dumbledore whispered something to Snape and the potions master rushed off in the direction they had come. In turn Dumbledore walked quickly to Hermione.
Before she could say anything, Dumbledore started, "I put a Portkey into his pocket and sent him off away from here but we have little time to spare before Daken determines where."
"Then where did you send him," asked Ron, his voice burning with anger but trying to remain civil?
"I cannot say," answered Dumbledore and raised his hand before Ron's protest escaped his lips, "We do not know what ears are listening."
Ron seemed to understand but his expression showed that his anger was not subsiding. Dumbledore reached into his pocket within his robes and pulled out a small sack. He reached out and picked up Hermione's hand and placed the bag into her palm.
"This will lead you to him," continued Dumbledore, his look very concerned but with a strange happiness, "But remember… the chains… the bonds… you have formed still remain… they cannot be broken by Dementors or the vile acts of the heartless… the events here clearly show that… regardless of what Harry seems to have become… he is still Harry… even this part of him that has been freed is still bound by that… bound by the emotions you each share with him… separately but also in combination."
Ron and even Hermione stared at the Headmaster in response but Hermione closed her fingers around the small bag and felt small bits of things inside.
Ron turned slightly and looked at Rela behind him but she placed her arm in his.
"Harry may not know me that well nor I him," responded Rela, "But all of you have made me feel like I'm apart of something for once… so I'm going too."
She placed a kiss on Ron's cheek and looked hopeful to Hermione.
"Then lets go," stated Hermione with a smile to Rela.
"I want to come too," shouted Ginny but McGonagall held her back!
Ron looked to his sister and stated with a touch of forced humor, "Tell mum that we're bringing Harry back for the holiday."
Turning back, Ron whispered to no one but Hermione and Rela heard him clearly, "No matter who I have to go through."
Dumbledore gave them a very pleased look and placed the tip of his wand on the bag enclosed in Hermione's hand.
"I have no doubt that help will be there," Dumbledore as he tapped the bag.
As the pulling sensations around their mid-sections came, they heard Dumbledore's last words.
"Just look around."
With that the trio vanished like Harry and McGonagall led Ginny to stand with the Dumbledore.
"What shall we do now," asked the professor?
"We'll let them handle Harry, "stated Dumbledore, "While we deal with what has happened… in the Aftermath."
Next Chapter
Into Twilight