Story: War
Chapter: 24
Rating of Chapter: R
My other Fics: Stress, Wake Me From This Nightmare, Psychokinesis, Forlorn
Live Journal: Live Journal
Beta: Cheryl
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. The only things I own are the plot, any characters, spells etc that you do not recognize.
Author Notes: Very revealing and heavy chapter here. Read on guys, and I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 24: Décédé
It was late when Harry and Sirius made their way back to the castle from Hogsmeade. After saying their goodbye's, Harry left Sirius in the Great Hall. Harry didn't immediately return to the common room, he wandered around, a bit lost in thought. He realised he was going to have to come clean with Hermione.
At about 9:00pm Harry finally made his way to the Gryffindor Common Room. He was surprised to step into a semi dark room lit only by blissful moonlight creeping through tall windows. He stopped, there she was, curled up in a ball on the sofa, her chest rising and falling in a peaceful gentle sleep. The site of a sleeping Hermione always took his breath away.
Harry carefully approached his sleeping beauty; her cloak was draped over her delicate figure. He cautiously pulled the cloak up to cover Hermione's neck. However, he failed in his attempt to not disturb her slumber. Hermione suddenly whipped her arm out and tightly clenched at Harry's forearm in a defensive reflex. He held still, silently cursing himself for waking her. As Hermione's brown eyes locked with familiar green ones, she softened her grip, gently whispering, "Harry, where were you? I've been so worried." Harry smiled and took a seat next to Hermione as she repositioned herself on the sofa.
"I've just been thinking about stuff." Harry knew what was coming next and answered before she could ask. "It's okay Hermione, don't worry about it."
"I love you Harry, of course I'm going to worry. Tell me what's wrong, please?" Harry sighed before beginning.
"The Prophecy…" he started to explain, Hermione's brow furrowed, "Well…more what the Prophecy is." Harry continued, "I should have told you as soon as it happened at the end of fifth year. There was just so much going on, with Sirius and Voldemort…anyway…the Prophecy…well…" Harry paused `why is this so hard?' he took a deep breath, " In order for one of us to the live the other must die." `There, I said it.' Hermione looked on expectantly, Harry finished, "At first it was hard to take in, but it has sunk in now. Basically, the next time Voldemort and I meet, only one of us will be left alive."
Hermione bit her lip hard at Harry's last statement. She was desperately trying to regain control of her emotions. She had been in turmoil all evening, upset that Harry hadn't been there when Felipe attacked. Hermione pushed those feelings aside as she fought back her tears. Harry had so much to deal with that her earlier distress now lost meaning. Hermione realised that she needed to be strong for Harry.
The room stayed quiet as Hermione continued to bite her lip, Harry eyed her anxiously. "Say something, please?" he pleaded softly. Hermione didn't look up, she couldn't. If she did she would cry instantly when she saw his pained expression.
"Harry, you will defeat Voldemort. I know it," stated Hermione. Harry couldn't reply and Hermione took this as a bad sign. "You're not sure are you?" she asked hesitantly, still unable to make eye contact.
Harry gulped his heart rate suddenly beating at an unusual pace, as he responded, "No, it's not just that. Truth be told, I'm worried. I have no idea what Voldemort has planned, or even where he is. I have to duel with him, I have to beat him, and there is no alternative. The next time will be the last. I want the oppression to end; I want the Wizarding World to be cheerful and pleasant again. I want you to be able to live a peaceful life…with or without me."
Hermione could not contain herself anymore; she wrapped her arms tightly around Harry's neck. Her embrace warmed Harry. Eventually they pulled apart gazing into each other's eyes. "I've said it before and I'm saying it again. Hermione, I will do whatever it takes to defeat Voldemort. If I don't survive-" Scrunching her eyes tight Hermione looked away. Harry lovingly placed his hand under her chin turning her back to face him. She reluctantly opened her eyes as Harry continued, "If I don't come back, I need you to enjoy your life. Don't stop living because of me. I need you to move on, find a loving husband, start a family and be happy in your own beautiful home with a fresh green garden where the only distraction is the hum of the birds in the trees."
Deep painful sobs burst from Hermione's already aching throat as tears streamed from her red sore eyes. Harry moved his hands to caress her heaving shoulders. With all his focus on Hermione, he added, "I promise you now. I will do everything I can to come back to you. I plan to. I intend to be here for you. But if the worst should happen…I will still be with you, I will never completely leave you."
Harry leaned over and gave Hermione a very soft and gentle kiss. Hermione pulled back and glanced at Harry. He wrapped his arms around her neck and brought her down on top of him, now sandwiched between the sofa and Hermione. Harry sensed something more was wrong; Hermione was pre-occupied and lost in though. Concerned Harry asked, "What is it? Did something happen?"
"Something did happened today," she began. Harry sat up and listened intently. "I was scared that you weren't there for me. I have come to expect you to protect me but I now realise that you have other things on your mind-"
Harry cut her off. "Hermione tell me what happened? Did somebody hurt you?" he asked, his voice growing a little frantic with every word.
Hermione closed her eyes to respond, "I was attacked in the hall today." As she spoke her words Harry reacted as if he were a sparked firework lit, he eyes raging with fire.
"Who? I'll kill them," he muttered.
"Harry wait!" Hermione called to him, while clinging on to his hand as Harry abruptly stood. He looked down at her, trying to level out his breathing. She pleaded, "Just listen to what happened, this is important." Harry returned to his seat. "Felipe's father pulled me into a dark room and tied me up. Then Felipe appeared and said that he needed me because I'm…Muggle born. Apparently I can take away his "pain" forever. Anyway, he was about to…I called for help and Draco heard and came in. But Felipe got away, he used a Portkey and vanished."
"Are you hurt?" Harry asked hurriedly checking her out for injuries. Hermione shook her head.
"Physically no, mentally - a little…there's more. When he was close to me and-…he started to transform or something. His face was all wrinkled and mouldy." Hermione finished. Harry ran his fingers through his hair and arose from his seat again.
"I-I don't understand, how can this be?" Harry asked and Hermione simply shrugged in reply. "I'm going to find out why he is so fixated on you. Are you coming?" Harry asked and this time Hermione nodded in reply. He continued, "I'll get my invisibility cloak, even as a prefect I'm not trusted."
As Harry returned from his dorm room Hermione asked where they were going. "The library of course, there has to be something about drastic ageing there," he replied. Hermione grabbed Harry and kissed him soundly, he couldn't help but respond. They stood in the entrance for a few minutes lost in each other, when Hermione suddenly pulled away and said, "Right, the library. Good idea."
*
Harry and Hermione had a successful trip to the fourth floor, home of the library; it became easier to sneak around the castle after seven years. Of course the Marauders Map helped things along. As they tiptoed into the library Harry pulled to a sudden halt "Harry," gasped Hermione.
"Sorry, I want to show you something." Harry made his way down a small corridor branching off from inside the library. He led her in and Hermione looked around the room, a little puzzled.
"Harry, what are we looking at?"
"This is where the Mirror of Erised was, before it was removed. I saw my parents, at the time…it almost seemed real. I'll never forget it. I only wish that you could have seen." Hermione took a step nearer to her boyfriend and her fingers locked with his.
"The important thing is that you saw Harry," she whispered in his ear. Harry smiled and nodded; she could see that this was emotional for him.
"Come on, let's get to the library," he said, pulling the cloak back over them.
They proceeded into the library and managed to get inside without any mishaps. As they entered Harry used the Marauders map to be sure they were alone before removing the cloak. But they weren't alone. Harry glanced at the map and spied the name `Draco Malfoy' just a few bookshelves north of where they were. Harry continued towards Draco with Hermione by his side, the cloak still wrapped around them. As they turned the corner, so did Draco. With a thud all three of them fell to the ground.
"Couldn't get any peace in the common room?" mocked Draco.
"Ha ha, what are you doing here?" asked Hermione.
"Having a pee, what do you think?" he responded with his usual sarcasm. "Actually I'm looking for information."
"On who?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Your little French buddy," Draco grinned and Harry answered.
"You too huh? Found anything?"
"Nothing I don't already know." Harry took a step closer to Draco.
"What do you know?" he demanded. Draco shrugged.
"What's it to you?"
"Tell me!" Harry snapped a little too loudly. "Hermione was hurt today and I want to know why."
"Alright, keep your glasses on. Sit down." Draco ushered him towards one of the many chairs at one of the many tables. All three of them sat down together while waiting for Draco's story.
"Well, first off the Dupree family are, or I should say, were death eaters. About two years ago Felipe's father, Franck tried to leave the Dark Lord's service. Franck disagreed with the intended use of a spell he had discovered. Of course, one does not leave the Dark Lord intact. Felipe became the target of the Dark Lord's wrath and was hit with a dark spell. I just happened to be a witness to this event. I swear I saw Felipe's facial expression change after the Dark Lord cast the spell. Earlier this evening my suspicions were confirmed when I discovered Felipe molesting Hermione. But, I have to back up a bit, I need to fill you in on a few more things…" Draco stopped to gather his thoughts to proceed.
"Hurry," said Harry quickly. Draco raised his eyebrows.
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. As I was saying, Felipe and his father had been missing for about two years, when earlier this year Felipe turned up at Beauxbatons. Coincidentally with his arrival several students and even a professor either turned up dead or disappeared." Draco paused and Hermione furrowed her brow. He continued emphasising, "All female too."
"What about Lizzie? She was with Felipe and then she was found dead? Hold on." Hermione walked quickly behind a bookshelf.
Taking up the opportunity of Hermione's absence, Harry leaned in towards Draco before speaking. "I wanted to thank you for being there for Hermione earlier." Draco waved his hand.
"It was a case of being there at the right time. Forget it." Harry nodded before watching Hermione return with a thick book.
"Draco, what else do you know about these deaths?" she asked.
"There was one every month or something like that, according to my source." Harry raised an eyebrow. "Luna Lovegood, the Quibbler covered the story." Harry couldn't help but be impressed by Draco's puzzle solving.
Hermione brushed through the pages of a magazine labelled "The Quibbler - A year in Review." "Listen to this. `In the course of the year six deaths occurred on the 24th day of every month from May to November, the exception being the two summer holiday months. Considered as a curse inside the castle walls this tale will never be forgotten.'" Hermione glanced up at Harry and Draco who were wearing the same foggy expressions.
"That had to be the times Felipe was at Beauxbatons," stated Draco. Harry thought for a moment, and then it hit him.
"Lizzy died on Christmas Eve, the 24th of December." The three exchanged nervous expressions and Hermione spoke again.
"Apparently Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil heard some loud thumping and moaning noises coming from a room Felipe and Lizzy entered."
"You mean Felipe kills by snogging?" Harry said uncertainly.
"I can only assume."
"Actually, I think there is more to it than just snogging. Shagging must be his cure or something. Maybe it makes him feel younger," Draco attempted a laugh but it didn't seem to be working.
"Maybe not feel," questioned Hermione. "Think about it, he needed me earlier today, he was ageing. Sex must keep him young so he doesn't die." Harry nodded; suddenly this was making much more sense.
"That's not all. Today is the 24th of January," stated Harry. He exchanged a worried glance with Hermione before they both looked towards Draco, but he was gone. "Come on."
Harry and Hermione swiftly pulled on the cloak covering both them and exited the library. They didn't really know where they were heading, but Draco new something and they were determined to catch up with him. They must have moved through nearly every corridor inside Hogwarts when it finally dawned on Harry. Where do students go to snog/shag…the Astronomy Tower! Quickly the pair headed toward the infamous tower.
*
Earlier that evening in the Astronomy Tower…
A very flushed Ron Weasley couldn't believe what was happening, he was in the Astronomy Tower snogging with Susan Bones…and she liked it. Their relationship was progressing rather rapidly, just a month ago they had gone on their first date.
Ron was marvelling in his good fortune when suddenly he felt something tugging at his trousers. `Oh my Gods' he though `what is she doing?' Ron then felt a gentle hand stroking his arousal through his boxers. He thought he might faint, "Susan?" he managed to squeak. "I want you Ron, now" demanded Susan huskily. This was too much for Ron, not really believing he was going do what he was about to do, he pulled away. Looking deeply into Susan's eyes, "Susan, I respect you too much, it's too soon. I think we should wait…get to know each other better." suggested Ron while his conscience screamed `you wanker, she wants you!'
Stunned by his rejection Susan stared at Ron then whispered, "You don't think I'm pretty enough? Do you?"
"No…NO, you're beautiful, I'm the luckiest wizard alive to have you. This is just really sudden…I've never…you know…before. I just want everything to be perfect when we do…you know. I think we should wait." Ron replied and his conscience stated `you're a bloody prat.'
"Oh," was all Susan could say.
"Its just that Harry and Hermione…they are in love. I want what they have-" explained Ron but Susan cut him off.
"Its always about bloody Harry Potter and his perfect girlfriend Hermione Granger! I hate them! Go away Ron! Leave me alone!" cried Susan.
Ron was taken a back; he put his arms around her, "Susan, I'm-"
Susan cut him off again, "Just get out of here Ron!"
"Let me walk you back to your common room at least." pleaded Ron.
Susan turned wand in hand pointed directly at Ron's chest "Get…away…from…me…now!" she demanded. Ron opened his mouth to speak, but Susan started to mutter a hex. Defeated, he sighed, "If that's what you really want."
"Yes." she replied coldly and Ron very reluctantly turned to leave, departing he quietly stated, "I really like you Susan…I'm sorry."
Susan was about to call Ron back, when out of the shadows stepped Felipe. A startled Susan asked, "What are you doing here?"
"I have a problem and I think you are just the witch to help." smirked Felipe as he glanced at his watch it was 11:50pm.
*
12:20am: The entrance to the Astronomy Tower
Harry glanced through the door; the room appeared to be vacant. Harry slowly moved through the doorway. He walked ahead holding Hermione protectively behind him. A bizarre jilt arrived in his stomach. Harry turned to Hermione a grim look in his eyes.
"What is it?" she asked. He gulped hard.
"Hermione…get a Professor, the first one you can find. Get Madam Pomfrey as well." Hermione didn't question and hurried down the corridor.
Harry stepped fully into the room. Before him lay a girl curled up on the ground beside her a familiar boy lying in a pool of blood. The girl's clothes were torn and her skirt was hitched up around her waist. Harry placed two fingers at her neck, there was no pulse she was dead. He carefully turned her over and he leaped back in horror. It was Susan Bones. Jumping back Harry bumped into something, instinctively he whipped around wand in hand to face the unknown person.
Harry looked a little harder and realised that the person was Draco. He simply stared at him for minutes without saying a word. "I know what you're thinking," said Draco cautiously. "But it's not true, I came here looking for Felipe, I know he comes here often. When I arrived she was dead on the floor and so was he."
"I believe you, I'm just a little shocked." Harry lowered his wand and let Draco move.
"I don't think he got to her in time. Did you notice his wrists?"
"Yeah Draco, it looks like she put up quite a fight. See her broken wand? He must have killed himself when it turned midnight." mused Harry. Upon hearing footsteps approaching, Harry and Draco moved quickly out of the room. It was Hermione accompanied by Madam Pomfrey and of all people Professor Snape. Harry met Hermione at the door taking her hand and leading her away from the horrific scene. "Don't go in Hermione."
"Why not?" she pleaded as he sat her down on a bench down the corridor.
"Trust me, you don't want to see." He got up to leave but Hermione took his hand.
"Your scaring me Harry, What did you find?" Harry's determination not to tell her broke when he met her soft expression.
"Susan is dead, and so is Felipe." Hermione's bewildered expression didn't do much to sooth Harry's guilt. `If only we had got there in time and Ron...' he wondered. He didn't have time to ponder for long as Snape exited the room with Draco at his side.
"You two off to bed now, while I take Mr Malfoy for a little chat," he said firmly.
Author Notes: First off, huge thanks to my beta, Cheryl for excellent help with this chapter. You really are the best!!
Well, this was originally scheduled for another chapter, but instead it appears here. In the next chapter, which was originally scheduled for this chapter, there will be another death to a rather significant character. I won't say anymore for two reasons. 1) My wrist is on the verge of cramping up. 2) I want you to speculate. ;)