Disclaimer: Not mine.
Hello! I'm sorry this took forever for me to get out. My life literally went upside down these past few months. Luckily things are getting better, so I can write my stories. Special thanks to Summer and Malu for beta reading. Would be lost without great betas like you. I hope you like this chapter. I apologies if there isn't much action. But I promise you get pages of them next one. After I'm done with TMOU I might work on my other stories, like Unexpected. Please read if you haven't read it yet.
Anyway I hope you enjoy and I anxiously await your reviews and comments. Enjoy!
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 19
Rescue Ahead
"Everything is ready, Master." I watched as my master's servant bowed obediently down. "I have sent the portkey."
"Do not fail me, or there will be punishment." His Lordship spoke with power, pulling his hand away from my hair. "Soon we shall see my dear cousin and your Harry Potter." His fingers lingered near my neck.
"Harry Potter sir?" Wormtail shivered in fear.
"Of course," Master smirked, leaving the crowd. "Come girl, there is much to do." Faithfully I followed him down the corridor.
Flashback
The library was quiet, with only a few older students working diligently at their tables. Passively, the eleven-year-old girl weaved through, looking for her favorite spot. When she reached the seclude area, she found a figure shivering on the floor. The girl seemed completely unaware of the person behind her.
"Are you all right?" She was surprised to hear so much concern in her voice. Startled by the noise, the bushy hair girl looked up with tearful eyes.
"I'm...fine. I'm sorry. I'll move out of your way." The sad girl leaned away from the heavy bookcase.
"You're not in my way." She lifted a clean green handkerchief, "here."
"Thanks," the girl smiled, revealing large front teeth. Shifting her eyes, the sad girl saw the familiar title on the book spine. "Hogwarts A: History."
"Yes," she twirled her long blonde hair. "It's my favorite book."
"Me too!" Pausing to brush aside her frizzy hair, "Hermione Granger."
"Blaise Zabini," A genuine smiled spread across her face. "Have you read about the apparation wards placed on Hogwarts?"
"Yes, I just finished it. I'm starting the chapter when Professor Dumbledore starts as headmaster." Soon the two young minds drifted off into a comfortable discussion of nothing and everything in between. As the hours passed by, neither noticed the man cheerfully observing them. Finally clearing his throat, his soft-spoken voice interrupted their conversation.
"Good evening ladies," the Headmaster's eyes seem to twinkle in mirth. "It's approaching your curfew. I believe you should return to your Common Rooms, before it's to late."
"Yes Professor," Hermione blushed absolutely forgetting the time.
"Good night sir," Blaise grabbed the other girl's hand, sprinting off towards the door. Adrenaline rushed through their heads, quicken their pace down the corridors. Finally reaching the fork between Gryffindor and Slytherin, they stopped to catch their breaths. Still panting with exhaustion, Blaise spoke unevenly.
"Not bad Hermione," she drawled purposely. "Usually people can not keep up with me."
"What happened to Granger?" Hermione teased, raising her eyebrow.
"I don't know." Blaise honestly answered. "You're a good person Hermione Granger."
"Thank you Blaise Zabini, you're a good friend."
"Am I your friend?" Doubt evident in her voice.
"I hope so, unless me being a Gryffindor bothers you."
"As long as I don't have to giggle and braid your hair." Hermione grinned at the comment and thrusted her hand forward.
"Friends?" Taking her hand, Blaise squeezed tightly.
"Friends."
(Present time Blaise POV)
"Ms. Zabini," I heard the familiar command behind me. Turning away from the waking Giant Squid, I greeted my Head of House.
"Professor," I kept my tone indifferently. No need for him to feel sorry for me. I've spent 5 years in the shadows; hopefully I can keep it that way.
"Ms. Zabini, I will be blunt with the matter I wish to discuss with you. As your Head of House, I presumed if you dealt with any problems, you could confide with me." He stated, towering over me and continued in his vex manner. "I have reports from Madam Pomfrey of injuries you have suffered these last five years. And I gathered information from a 3rd year, who described your living status."
Folding my arms over my chest, I inched away from his imperious posture. "That sir, is my own private matter." I said in my most brash voice.
"Child, you are under my care. I will not have you used or abused."
"You should know where my place is in the Slytherin house." I downcast my gaze away from his intense stare.
"I wouldn't care if you were Hagrid's spawn. It's my responsibility to keep you safe." He tightly grabbed my arms, commanding me to look at him. "You can trust me." That awful sneer was gone, replaced with a face so honest, it twisted my heart aside.
"I...I don't know how." I felt my guard slowly falling.
"You trust Ms.Granger," the resentment was clearly heard.
"We have each other. We're equals."
"Not everything in life is give and receive. Contrary to Slytherin beliefs, we can do things without a motive." Professor Snape tucked my loose hair behind my ear. "Just trust me. I will not hurt you." Somehow those simple words broke the barrier I had for so long.
"Promise," the tears streamed out my eyes, making my voice but a whisper.
"I promise Blaise." Suddenly I felt his arms around me, allowing me support from the rough ground. My knees wobbled, while my teeth rattled. It seemed like years of pain flooded into the poor man's embrace. His comforting warmth smoothed my hiccups, which I hadn't even noticed. Instantly I rubbed my head against his chest, remembering a time when I did the same with my mother. She was the world to me. Merlin, I missed her every single second.
Having that racking twitch whenever I thought of my mother, I pulled away from Professor Snape's grasp. Using my sleeves, I tried wiping the evidence of my sorrow. Knowingly, he generously handed me a black handkerchief. Is everything he owns black? I couldn't help my chuckle at the idea. Curiously, he cocked his eyebrow in question.
"What is so amusing?" That nasty snarl returned.
"Nothing sir."
"Professor! Professor!" We both turned, hearing the urgent calls from the running 1st year.
"What is it Mr. Richards?" Professor Snape impatiently said.
"The headmaster wanted to see you right away sir." He huffed repeatingly, "And Blaise too." His wondering eyes asked what I did wrong. Ignoring his curiosity and the rumors that this would definitely start, I followed Professor Snape towards the castle.
"Severus, Ms. Zabini, come in," Professor Dumbledore gesture for us to close the door. "Charlie has just sent for Moody and the others. We have gathered very positive information."
"About what?" Professor Snape asked, ignoring the figures beside him. Potter and Weasley appeared weary, but their eyes were brightening with hope. I observed closer towards the two adults' exhausted complexions, realizing they were Hermione's parents. I felt something in my heart clench with unrelenting pain.
Growing up, I had dreams of my father being in love with my mother. I would create this fantasy that they had this grand enchanting affair. That it was the effects of some disasters that separated them, which left me so alone in this world. Yet like all dreams, they are just wild imaginations we indulge our self's in. My father was never in love with my mother. And they separated because it was a doomed relationship to begin with.
But I did spend the best seven years of my life being Blaise Tong. I was just a plain muggle with my happy mother. We had tea parties and nightly story time. Though sometimes I would do indescribable things, she still loved me. When kids picked on me, she embraced me. When I made my dolls dance, she'd twirled me around as well. When I cried during her favorite movie, she laughed because I understood how she felt. She loved me for every thing I was. She loved me because I was her daughter.
Then she left me, to them. She let that evil disease take over and control her fate. She died too quickly. She cried too quietly. She loved me no more. I was alone. I was abandoned. My destiny was sealed to a Father who knew nothing of my life and where no one would appreciate me. I grew up bitter. Not towards my father. Not towards my revolting stepfamily. Not even the society I had to associate with. No, I was bitter towards her. She promised me the world, while knowing full well she could give me nothing. She taught me to love, with no one else to fill it when she was gone.
Why do Hermione's parents evoke so much repressed memory? Why did these emotions so well hidden, come rushing back? What about this moment started such intensity? Simple because of their faces.
Their eyes were hollow, not from sleepless nights, but underline despair of what may have happened to their child. They clung to their unaware baby, praying the same fate would not fall upon him. They were struggling. They were fighting with the world and its unknown destiny. They were parents who were not ready to lose their little girl. And maybe just maybe, my mom was never ready to let me go either. But I just wasn't as lucky as Hermione was. Glossy eyed, I watched her younger brother open his small mouth, yawning. It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen.
Kneeling before them, I spoke with all the conviction I could muster. "I promise we'll get her back.
Bewildered by my sudden actions, the current conversation behind me, paused with interest. Taking my hand, Ms. Granger kissed it slowly, reminding me of my mother's warm touches. Then she reached out, smoothing my hair, and answered in a soft voice. "I know you will."
As Professor Snape was about to approach my position, he lunged forward in pain. Grabbing his left arm, his eyes locked with the Headmaster.
"Its time." He managed to choke out between agonizing grunts.
"But we haven't made plans yet," Weasley shouted in fear. I quickly supported Professor Snape to the closest chair. Seconds later, Mr. Lupin came rushing in to the office.
"They sent Bella a portkey!" Feeling my head buzz, I grabbed a bundle of the Professor's robe.
"I must go. He is calling me." His dark eyes seem to blank in pain.
"You have no clue what we will do." Weasley stressed, while Potter's gazed burned into Professor Snape's.
"Its better I don't." He turned towards the headmaster. "Good bye sir," his fingers gripped mine, pulling them away. "Be strong girl," he spoke barely audible but for my ears alone.
Looking like a man who has lived a century, the wise old man ordered fatherly. "You come back son. No matter what, you come back home." Nodding at the man's command, Professor Snape bravely walked towards his unknown journey. But was stopped as Potter stood unemotionally before him.
"You still owe me a lesson sir, even if it's remedial potions."
"Potter, I know you don't not care for my lessons."
"No, but you keep you're word. So be prepared to do it." Puzzled at their conversation, I watched as their faces contorted into an unknown expression. If I were to describe it, it would seem to be called final understanding, it's a conclusion that not all things are what they appear to be. That maybe we did have to look deeper to have a better understanding, instead of jumping to conclusions between it all.
"Watch out Potter, you will be regretting those words."
"I'm sure I will."
(Harry POV)
Crack Crack
"Ron, I really don't want to talk right now."
"Good, I don't either," I whipped around after hearing Mr. Granger's voice.
"Sir…um…I should go." Grabbing my robe from the ground, I tried to leave his sight. Bangs of guilt would hit whenever I looked at him. His usual jovial composure was haunted by his fear. I could see the wrinkles lined across his face with purple hues beneath his eyes. His dashing smile was gone. The best thing about him was his never-ending smile. Whether rain or shine, it was there because he was just that type of guy. But I took that away from him. I caused this grief that was soaring through all of us.
"Harry," Doug called out with my back facing him. "You don't have to go. I would actually like some company." He gestured towards the flattened grass, stretching his legs out.
"Are you sure?" I looked everywhere but his face.
"Yes," he answered softly. Reluctantly I sat beside him, quietly observing the world before us. It was late afternoon, causing the shadows to dance along the ground. Budding trees waved their branches, swinging with the breeze. Even the Forbidden Forest seemed tranquil in this pain-staking wait. The cruel world seemed to know we were searching for justice, so it calmed itself for us.
"It's funny isn't it?" Doug suddenly spoke making me recoil from thought. "I should be furious. Or maybe screaming at everyone I meet. Yet I'm not. Instead I feel every nerve in my body is numb. I say things without thought. I do things with no reason. My heart beats because it has too. I breathe because I need too. But it does nothing for me." The resign in his voice was like spurts of needles pricking me.
"I'm sorry. If it wasn't for me, she would be much safer." Turning his head, he really looked into my eyes for the first time since his arrival.
"The reasonable side of me should say it isn't. That none of this has anything to do with you. She would have been in the same predicament with or without you. But I don't believe that." He broke the lanky twig he was holding. "Hermione's been in the limelight since the beginning. When you two started dating, it just made the choice easier between Ron or her."
"I know. I know." I murmured over and over again.
"No you don't know. She's my daughter." The rage in his tone was clear. "The first time I saw her, I knew she was an angel. Her giggles are forever imprinted in my heart. That amazing smile she gives whenever she learns new things can make brutes melt. How she would cuddle with me when thunderstorms roared in nights. Those
Millions of facts she can spill about spells and potions makes me proud. I know nothing about your world, yet Hermione can weave it into a novel for me. So Harry you don't know, how I feel. I'm suffering of the memory of each detail or mundane gesture she does. You have no idea about a father's love."
"But I do know what love is." I retorted. "I love Hermione. She may be your daughter, but she's my world. I can deal with you thinking it's my fault. I can understand why you're in pain. But please don't doubt that I love her with my entire being."
"You're both to young Harry. My wife may think it's a fairy tale romance, but I don't. Many things will change between you two. I mean you haven't even seen what's outside of London. Once you meet other people, your emotions now will seem completely different."
"I don't need too." I stood angrily. "Yes, we are young. Yes, I have never been on a plane or travel on the Euro star. I probably will meet lots of other people who may make me feel several of emotions. But no one can ever replace Hermione. She is the only constant thing in my life and I will fight time if someone takes that away." I paused scanning the dark forest. "I do agree with you sir. Our love isn't some fairy tale fiction. We have our ups and downs. And sometimes we just drive other insane. But no matter the time or place, we will be in love. We love each other because we are love for one another. So if you like it or not Mr. Granger, I love your daughter. For now and until my last breath in time." When I stopped I realized I was shouting and creating echoes in the wind. Hearing my rapid heartbeat, I watched, as he was about to respond.
"Harry!" Doug closed his mouth at the interruption behind us. Squinting at the figures, I saw Ron and Mrs. Granger coming towards us. "Professor Dumbledore said we should head in." Ron tugged his ear nervously.
"Okay," I mumbled. "Where is Dante, Belle?"
"Ginny is watching over him. She is very good with children." She said motherly.
"She's a Weasley." Ron shrugged knowingly. "Mr. Granger my dad wants to speak with you. Want to have warning of what not to say?"
"Sure," Doug grinned gratefully. "We can finish this later." He directed his attention at me. Nodding lightly, he left with Ron rapidly talking beside him.
Slowly I walked with Mrs. Granger, fully noticing the glances she was giving me. Finally tired of the tension, she looped her arm through mine, and leaned gently next to me. At first the contact made me jolt in uneasiness, but her uneven pats relaxed the stress I was carrying. Soon we reached the castle, while pausing for her to take a good look at the stone walls.
"It really is amazing. I see why Hermione or anyone would love it so much."
"She makes it better." Belle brushed aside my hair. It felt exactly the same way, as Hermione would do.
"We will have her back in both our worlds. And then you can tell her how much you love her."
"Do you believe I love her?" I couldn't help but wonder if she doubted me.
"Do you?" She stared deep into my eyes, searching for the answer.
"Yes," slowly giving a small smile, Belle kissed my forehead.
"Then you love her," I grinned for the first time that day.
"You're a lot more understanding than Doug."
"He understands Harry. He's just the logical one. In this century, love at 15 seems like a fleeting moment. We see so much more and live a lot longer. It would be unbelievable for many to say they found their one true love." She pressed her finger against my lips, not allowing argument. "But I'm an idealist. Love conquers all. There are no boundaries, time, space, or whatever description you use for love. Nothing can compare to love. So actually I do understand you more because I'm a dreamer. But Doug, he understands the real thing. He knows when there is genuine love. He can see."
"Do you think he does see it?"
"If he didn't, you wouldn't have entered into our house."
"Thank you Belle," I kissed her cheek.
"No, thank you Harry. You gave the best thing a mother could ask for. You gave my daughter love when she gave it out willingly to you as well."
(Ron POV)
"What do you mean, we can't go!" Harry screamed as the Order crowded around us. We had finally assembled together, while the adults planned to save my best friend. They took charge of the situation, deciding it was out of our hands. We were too young to go on this mission. All the work we did this past year was nothing to them. Our sweat, our labor, our yearning desire to fight, was being suppressed. They wanted us to stay. They believe it was too dangerous. They thought we were unable to protect ourselves.
"Harry calm down," my dad placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. Flinching the touch like fire, he glared directly at the man I adored so much.
"Potter, stop with the whining. You're staying!" Moody stood ready to leave.
"But," Harry started to chase the leaving Order. Pushing his hand out, Professor Dumbledore stopped him.
"They are right Harry. It is too dangerous. Let the Order and Aurors handle it. Hermione will be back." Turning to Professor Figgs, he lifted his hand gently. "I believe it is time Arabella, Remus. May you all be safe." Then in a blur, we were felt alone in the safe Hogwarts halls.
"I can't believe this!" Harry shouted, causing an echo down the corridor. "We need to go."
"But we have no clue how. I mean, they didn't tell us, where the portkey was going." Ginny said, trying her best to keep up with Harry and I. Poor Neville was dragged behind her, without the knowledge of how ready we were to fight.
"We could follow them." I voiced, hoping to help some how.
"Ron!" Harry's eyes gleamed. "You're a genius."
"We can follow Mundungus. He said he needed to fly back with Tonk's." Ginny added with delight. "I wonder where Blaise is?"
"Who cares," I grunted.
"She's the one saying how much we needed to save Hermione. But I don't see her anywhere. I knew we couldn't trust her." Harry huffed.
"Umm…how are we going to follow them?" Neville asked, with his face paling at the idea.
"With our wings," I spat. "Neville, we are wizards. We can use our brooms."
"Come on," Harry led the way. "Before they leave." Soon we found ourselves running for the Quidditch broom closest. Anxiously we swung the doors open, revealing nothing but a scrape of paper. Bending down, Harry read the note out loud.
Harry, Ron, and whoever follows their stupid schemes,
As much as we know you want to help, you cannot go. He's doing this to hurt all of you. We are not going to make it easy for him. Hermione will be back. We promise on our honor.
Remus and Sirius
"Argh!" Harry threw the letter, crumbled on the ground.
"What do we do now?" Neville voiced meekly, receiving glares from Harry and I.
"First, you don't listen to Sparky and his wild ideas." We turned to see Blaise smirking with her arms crossed before her chest.
"And we listen to you?" Harry retorted before I could.
"Yes, because seriously this idea was pathetic." She waved at the empty closest.
"Well at least we were thinking of something. What have you been doing? Nothing, but sulking!"
"At least, I'm not whining around like the world owes me favors!"
"Look!" I shouted, wondering if this is how Harry felt whenever Mione and I fought. "Could we get to the part where we help save Hermione?"
"Certainly," she pulled out a small box, proudly. "We have a portkey."
"What!" We all asked in unison.
"Unlike you Gryffindor's, I went for the simplest method."
"How did you get it?" Ginny observed it closer.
"I copied the one they sent Professor Figgs. While you all planned to save her heroically, I decided to go for more reassuring plan."
"That's dark arts," Neville gulped.
"Yes it is." Blaise glanced at us. "Are you scarred to use the dark side's ways?"
"Why should we trust you?" I sneered.
"As hard as it is for you to comprehend this, I will explain again. I am Hermione's friend. I do not care if she's a muggleborn Gryffindor. I care for her. I promised her parents I would get her back. So either, you can get off your high horse and help me, or I can take all the glory myself."
"Rather Gryffindor of you." Ginny teased lightly.
"Call it Slytherin selfness. I do what I want."
"All right." Harry spoke evenly. "We do this together. We save Hermione as a team."
"Good," she placed the object in her robe. "Let's go."
"Where?" I asked amazed how quickly she could walk.
"We need to know when Professor Dumbledore leaves for the Ministry. Then we can use the portkey."
"Why not now?" Abruptly she stopped, with Neville and Ginny impacting into me.
"We can not use the portkey without the headmaster's permission. Like apparation, you can not do it in or out of Hogwarts." Resuming her pace, she seethed angrily. "Honestly does no one in this school read. Its in Hogwarts A: History!" Her tone reminded me of Hermione so much it hurt.
"No, just bookworms." I battered loudly.
"I see why she thinks you're so funny." She grinned sarcastically.
"Why thank you Blaise, you actually sound nice."
"Hardly," she rolled her eyes. Finally we reached the Headmaster's office in minutes. Pulling out an orange vile, Blaise threw the bottle at the wall. Slowly the stone melted away, leaving a glass like material. In front of us stood the headmaster and deputy headmistress. They appeared unaware of our presences, even though we could see them clearly.
"What was that?" Harry whispered sounding very amazed at her skills.
"It's a little something I picked up." Her eyes gleamed in mischief. Reaching into her pocket, she clutched an Extendible ear my brother's had made.
"Where did you get that?" I felt my eyes bulged out.
"I readjusted a potion your brother's were working on," she pressed against the wall. "Now shut up." Awkwardly we sat around waiting for her to explain her actions. Minutes seem to pass before Blaise finally spoke.
"Potter, when you see Professor Dumbledore apparate, touch the box." I suddenly felt Blaise grab my hand. "Everyone hold hands!"
"But you said no one could apparate out of Hogwarts." I ignored the tingling sensation, she sent me.
"Why are we holding hands?" Harry stated confused.
"Because the portkey is made to active at one person's touch. Since you're the strongest one here, we follow your lead."
"But," before I could continue, Harry scrambled when the professor disappeared. Feeling that harsh tug, we tumbled forward into the unknown. Merlin! Hermione here we come.