Disclaimer: Definitely not mine.
Hello everyone! Sorry if this has taken me forever, but I've been so busy. I decided to take summer courses and work at the same time. To top it off, my mom started having back problems again, which led me to take care of all the house work. Anyway I hope you like this chapter, because were almost towards the end. I think I'll be done within 2 chapters. Then I might work on some other things, and see if I should write a sequel. Big thanks to my beta readers and those still reading this story. Hope you like!!!
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 18
Discoveries
(Previously Hermione's POV)
Tick…Tack…Tick…Tack…Cling…Tick…Tack…Tick…Tack…Cling
What is that noise? "Lavender, did you forget to turn off the faucet? Lavender? Parvati?"
"You're not at Hogwarts anymore child." A gentle voice called from the dark corner of the laboratory. I thought it was all a bad dream. I felt the soft velvet beneath, which felt like a small cot. "Where am I? And who are you?" She stepped closer into the light revealing gray hairs and a weary smile.
"You're in the Dark Lord's home." She paused adjusting her plants. "And my name is Adelaide Gustoven."
"You're helping him. That's why your husband returned to Spain." I tried to move but my body would not listen to my brain. "Why can't I move?" I asked with a panic.
"I believe the muggle term is drugged." I noticed her rough cotton dress move as she came closer towards me. "Here drink this, it'll help you feel better." She opened my mouth as the cold liquid passed down my throat.
"Why are you helping them?" I felt tried again for some odd reason.
"I have no other choice child." I sensed her sitting down with her sudden weight on the bed.
"We all have choices." I yawned again.
"They have my nephew. If I didn't cooperate, he will die." Her eyes shed silent tears.
"He would kill anyone even if he promised not too." She turned with a look that surprised me. It was a look of hope and even…faith.
"Then I gave Peter a second longer in life." Her pale lips curled into serious smile. Does she mean Peter Kingston? "Stay strong child. If I couldn't be, I hope you will." With quickness she did not have earlier, she left me tired and alone in a place where nothing was like home.
(Present Day Blaise's POV)
"I'm his cousin." The room stood silent as her words pierced through the air. Great people had died, families torn apart, and chaos created all from a demon she called cousin. She had been the missing link. Her presence was under all our noses. She tricked us all. Not bad Professor Figgs, even a Slytherin like me is impressed.
"So what does he want you?" Bones asked bravely. Dear Merlin stop staring at me. Do I have a big sign saying LOOK AT BLAISE! It's bad enough with Professor Snape stocking me. Do I need a Hufflepuff's sympathy as well?
"They need my blood." Professor Figgs took a long breathe. "He needs me." She finally dared to look up with dull hollow eyes. "Hermione and Blaise were right about him looking for his kin. Maria Lupe is a distant cousin of Tom Riddle. And I'm his direct cousin on his mother's side. His Death Eaters have been trying to track me down since his first fall. These last two years I've been receiving letters calling for me to join him. Lucky Albus has kept me safe from them. But with all these years of hiding, I never expected them to take someone else…for me." She broke down crying with so much grief, it hurt to listen.
"But you can't go to him." Ginny spoke in trembling state. "He'll kill you. It doesn't matter what he says or does. He has no soul."
"Then Hermione will die instead!" Weasley's voiced raised a higher octave. I didn't know Sparky had it in him.
"What would they do to you?" The boy wonder finally said. Merlin he looks like hell.
"They already have all the components listed in the poem. All they're missing is her blood." I spoke directly to Potter.
"We know that! What will actually happen to her?" He stood trying to imitate me.
"Sit down and let me continue!" I looked around the room; surprised by the attention I was receiving. "In ancient Chinese Mythology there once was a god who killed himself out of anger towards everyone around him. After his suicide, his soul was left wondering the world. His mother begged and pleaded a great sorcerer to allow her son a second chance to live. After many pleas, he conceded. From the sorcerer's great magic and skill, he was able to transfer the lost soul into a human formed lotus roots."
"I remember hearing that story from my mom." Chang's forehead wrinkled in thought. "Yet I don't remember hearing anything about blood. It supposedly was from the water of life that allowed him to be human again."
"Our human body is 75% water. And without blood we couldn't function." I quickly answered.
"How do you know all of this?" One of the Weasley Twins asked with suspicious. I lifted Hermione's book in the air. "She was only two chapters away from reading the story. From the myth and poem, it was pretty much putting the puzzle together."
"So what are we going to do now?" Mr. Black asked.
"Give them what they want?" Potter seriously spoke.
"Harry, how could you suggest that!" Mr. Lupin shouted.
"How else are we going to get Hermione back. I mean if we at least send Professor Figgs back, we could save Hermione. If not she dies, and they still chase after you Professor." Potter's eyes seem to be holding back unshed tears.
"We could keep a tracker on her." Sparky voiced in.
"I can't believe we're even considering this." Mr. Lupin responding in a flat manner.
"Moony calm down." Mr. Black stood wearily with Professor Sprout helping him stand. Soon chaos filled the room with people screaming and shouting. If I wasn't so tired and depressed, it would have been funny.
"Silence!" The usual gentle voice boomed through the room. "I believe this is not a matter we can decide, expect for you Arabella." Professor Albus turned towards her. "The choice is yours. We will support any decision you make." His eyes twinkled showing love and respect.
"I…I will go." Her voice creeped through the silent room. "And we'll save Hermione." She glanced towards Potter then me. Hold on Hermione, we're coming for you.
(Present Day Hermione's POV)
"Wake her," I heard an eerie voice called out. Soon shuffles and murmurs followed the vile sound.
Whack!
My face jolted aside as someone slapped me hard across the face. Numbly I opened my eyes to see dark figures surrounding me. "You're finally awake. I had more interesting ways of waking you." He slowly inched closer to my exhausted body.
"Sorry, I don't entertain psychotic idiots." I barely was heard through the crowd. Why am I so weak?
"I can think of the perfect entertainment you can do for us." His large hands grabbed my arms, pulling me only inches away from his ugly face. Oh Harry where are you?
"Avery, put the mudblood down. You were told to bring her to the Dark Lord unharmed." The chilling voice sneered. "Besides I didn't think you would stoop so low for an easy thrill." Hollow laughter followed his comment, while Avery's face scrunched in anger.
"Lucius, you certainly are not in the position to lecture. I know you were thinking the same thing." Avery's smile made my body shiver and stomach turn.
"Yes, but I know when to work and when to play. Right now she goes to the Dark Lord, later she'll come to us." More laughter filled the room, and I was the only one who felt like crying. Yet as helpless as I felt, I still had hope that I would be saved.
After being dragged for several minutes, I found myself shoved into an empty room. The fire was burning leaving shadows to flicker back and forth. I was spread across the wooden floor inches away from a green velvet throne.
"I always enjoyed the idea of mudbloods groveling at my feet." The voice that haunted every magical being was speaking directly at me. "I must say, you are an interesting girl. Not many people could stun two of my followers." What is that hissing noise? "In fact not many people could even think in my presence." I felt scales brush along my side bringing me closer to his voice. "Come, let me get a good look at you."
Red emitting eyes were glowing so much power at me that it was frightening. Though in his physical state was rather sickly with his pale olive skin, he still had a dark luring aura. But he was still human. If Harry could defeat him, I can stand against him as well. I need to be strong. I will be strong. His bony finger lifted my weary head, while pulling me towards his knees.
"I see you do not fear me…yet. How amusing that Potter had effected you so."
"You're nothing but a pompous greedy man." I tried to shrug away from his grip. "Let go of me!" I some how willed myself, causing me to fall hard onto the floor.
"Interesting…you have a high degree of brain power and will." His smile was very unnerving. "I had different plans for you but I have decided to change them." He started pacing around me. "You will be please to know, that I will not kill you." His slow steps where distracting my concentration. Will you please stop?
"Shall I jump for joy?" I muttered more to myself with sarcasm. But he crouched down hearing my comment about him. What is he doing?
"You should, for I could do things even worst than death." He paused with an evil grin. "Or I could give you to my servants." The image of Avery appeared in my head. No I don't want that. I unconsciously shivered, allowing him the privilege to see me vulnerable. "Yes, I'm quite proud of their abilities. They have served me well." He grinned in pride.
"Killing innocent defensiveness people, is a great way to win their hearts." His hand trailed down my cheek. Stop it please!
"I must say my Death Eaters underestimated you."
"And you're over estimated." Please just go away. I don't want to be near you at all.
"I'm sensing fear." He chuckled. "Good." His hand coiled around my neck. Just go away. Harry…please take me away.
"I'm…not afraid." I stuttered feeling his cold hands, causing goose pumps up and down my body.
"I'm glad you said that." Instantly his wand was pointed at me with the word Crucio at his lips. I withered in pain, uncontrollable moving in every direction. I screamed with hot tears running down my face. The worst part was his freezing hands. He just wouldn't let go of me.
"Please," I cried out in agonizing pain. "Stop," I saw a fuzzy appearance of a pleased grin. Help! Please make it stop! Harry…please…where are you?
"One more thing, before we end this training session." The buzzing in my ears blocked the sound of his voice. But then it stopped. The burning inferno and shards of stabbing ice stopped. I opened my eyes dizzy but slowly regained my breath. "From now on, you will listen only to me. Wherever I go, you follow. You will not fight, curse, or hate me. I am your master. Do you understand?"
Yes, I understand. Then why does a part of you feel like its not right. Maybe because it isn't? But you were told to do it. Yes, I was. Wait its Voldemort you told you to do it.
"I said, do you understand?" Suddenly all I heard was his voice, and his memorizing red eyes.
"Yes, master." He smiled at my obedience.
(A week later, Harry's POV)
Torture, this was pure bitter torture. I wonder how you are? Are you sick? Are you hurt? Why couldn't they take me? Will I ever see you again? Oh Nene, I need you here with me.
"We'll find her Harry." Sirius calmly spoke, breaking my grieving silence. "And she'll be in your arm's safe and sound." He locked the doors so no one would intrude on us in the empty Tower. I lazily glazed back into the bleak horizon. It was still dark out, but hints of light were raising into the earth. It was mysteriously beautiful. She would have loved to see this. I sighed seeing her image in my head…again.
"I miss her not being here. I miss her laughing besides me. I miss her scent of dry ink and pumpkin cinnamon. I miss when her simple touches smoothes all my worries away." I paused watching the sun slowly rise above the distant forest. "I miss her so much, its hurts when I don't think of her." I felt him besides me with a far away grin.
"She'll be back Harry." He placed his arm on my shoulder. "We're going to find her and the first thing you will do is kiss her senseless."
"Or cry for her forgiveness." I shrugged away from his sensitive touch. "This was why I didn't want to be so public about us. I knew they would try something. I should have never went there in the first place."
"And ignoring your heart for eternity is always the right choice."
"I'm serious." I glared at his horrible timing for humor.
"So am I. It's not your fault Harry." He turned towards the window with a distant gleam. "You love her Harry. Even if you didn't visit her this summer, you would still love her. Even without the hugs or smiles, you would still have that lovesick grin. Even without any of the dangers or never ending doom, you would still love her. Because she is love. She is so utterly and amazingly what you need and want." He moved to lean against the windowsill. "She loves you Harry. She loves you for everything you are and everything you will become. I realized long ago, that I couldn't promise you safety. But I would be tossed into Azkaban ten times over, if I didn't point that out to you. I want you to be happy Harry. That's all I really want for you." I felt tears slowly slide down my face.
"She makes me happy." I said in a weak voice, muffled by Sirius' tight embrace.
"I know son. We'll get her back." Gratefully I pulled him closer, feeling a sudden rush of comfort.
"Thanks Sirius, you gave me hope again." I sniffled breaking away from him.
"That's Hermione's job. I just reminded you of what you have." His hands patted my back. "It's getting late. You have class soon and I need to see Remus."
"How is he?"
"Better, he's in the library finding anything that will help Bella when she meets them."
"I'm glad to hear that. I thought he would be mad forever."
"He's not over it, but he understands." Sirius stated in a brisk manner.
"If its any consolation, I understand how he feels." I turned the unlock door.
"I know you do son. Now off to class before you're late." He smiled oddly at me. "Harry."
"Yes," I paused at the doorframe.
"I'm proud of you." He thought for a moment. "They would be proud as well."
"Thanks Sirius. Even if they're not here, I'm happy that you are." Then I left, not knowing what else to say. The past week have been anything but pleasant. Between everyone's horrible depression and fear, the tension was unbearable. The worst part was the letter I sent to the Granger's who had not written back. I wonder if they're okay? I hope I hear from them soon. Oh Nene, where are you? If you were here, everything would be all right. I could save the world with you by my side. How do I do it now, when I can't even find you? Blinking away silent tears, I slowed my pace to class. Transfiguration isn't for another 15 minutes. I still have time.
"Harry," I stopped aware of Ron's voice behind me.
"Hey," his eyes were red, showing signs of sleepless nights.
"Hey," he replied quietly. With a quick swing, his right arm was around my shoulder, while he held a muffin in front of me. Wordlessly I smiled taking the pastry with Ron supporting me along the way.
"Why it's the golden trio. Opps, I mean the golden duo. I wonder where the third brat is?" Malfoy called out in the hallway.
"Call her a brat again, and I'll personally make sure you disappear." Ron shouted back with his fists ready and willing.
"A little sensitive aren't we Weasel. If I didn't know better, I would think you were dating her." His goons quickly stood by his side.
"Leave Malfoy, I'm not in the mood." I grabbed Ron's arm turning to leave.
"Oh poor Potter! He feels lost without his bossy chipmunk." A small crowd started to form around us. "You shouldn't waste your time thinking about her, I'm sure they disposed of her as quick as they can. Or maybe she realized how unimportant she was to everyone."
Whack!
I hit Malfoy's nose with all the pent up frustration I had. Instantly his dimwits grabbed and tossed me to the floor. Ron used his book, hitting Goyle from behind. With a thud, he fell to the ground. This left only Crabbe and me to wrestle gripping with all my might. I heard Ron shouting at Malfoy with kicks and punches.
Whack…Bam…Wham
"What is going on here! Mr. Weasley let go of Mr. Malfoy this instant. Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Potter you better stop before I freeze you both!" Professor McGonagall bellowed towards us with a ferrous cry. The hall was silent with only the sounds of her echo. "Ms. Brown go to the infirmary and fetch Madame Pomfrey." She turned at the crowd. "I suggest you all get to your class before I decide to give you all detentions." They shot us sympathetic looks before scattering in every direction.
"Professor they…"
"Mr. Malfoy, I would remain quiet if you know what is good for you." Her glare did not resemble anything near mercy. "I have never been more ashamed of my students for all my years of teaching. To think that fifth year students would actually behave so irrational is beyond my imagination. What is even better is that one of you is a prefect." She paused allowing me a chance to speak.
"But Professor," I spoke wiping the blood off my lips.
"I do not want to hear it." She sighed noticing Madame Pomfrey arriving. "Madam would you please take Mr. Goyle, Crabbe, and Malfoy to the infirmary. I will be there shortly." With a simple nod and flick of her wrists, three stretchers appeared before us. Soon they felt following the mumbling nurse, about student behaviors. "Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter I want you to go to the Headmaster's office immediately. And be certain, that you will be discussing your actions with me later." Then with a hard shove, she left us to walk to the familiar office.
"Ron are you all right?" I asked seeing him squint out of his new black eye.
"Never better," he grinned with satisfaction. "I don't care if I get detention or 100 points deducted. It felt great to hit Malfoy in the face." And for the first time in a week, I truly smiled.
"Thanks for the help."
"Anytime mate."
We reached the gargoyles and anxiously neared the familiar wooden doors. Before I knocked, Ron quickly fixed his shirt. Its hard looking neat, when your shirt is torn with blood stains on it. With a deep breath, we entered into the room.
"Harry, Ron someone is here…"He paused at our appearance. "Well I can see you were sent here for another reason." His usual bright eyes twinkled with awareness.
"We got in a fight with Malfoy and his friends." I said plainly. "They went to the infirmary with Professor McGonagall. She then sent us to you sir."
"But he started it sir," Ron interrupted. "He was making fun of Hermione."
"We shall deal with that matter later." He waved his hands towards the couple I hadn't seen earlier. "We have visitors who I assumed you two would like to see." What are they doing here? "Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I believe you know Harry." My eyes widen in shock. "And this is Ron Weasley."
"Hello Harry, Ron, its good to see you both. Though Belle and I would have like it in better circumstances." Doug said looking tired and worn out.
"What are you doing here? I mean I wrote about a week ago. I didn't receive anything from you." I moved closer to them.
"We were informed by someone else." Belle adjusted her sleeping child.
"Who?" Ron and I asked together.
"I think you will find this information very interesting." Professor Dumbledore handed us a letter. Eagerly we both read the words written on the single page. As we let the meaning sink in, I couldn't help but feel lightheaded. Oh Nene, we're coming for you. And I will definitely have you in my arms again.