Disclaimer: Certainly not mine.
Well folks after this chapter, there will be one more and that's it. I just want to thank everyone for enjoying this story, as much I have liked writing it. A great big thanks to my beta readers, Malu and Summer. I would be lost without you. Thank you everyone for their reviews, and please keep them coming. Anyway here it is and enjoy.
The Middle of Understanding
Chapter 20
Saved at Last?
(Blaise POV)
"They sure know how to pick the best locations to stay." Weasley stated staring straight across the deep dark waters. Isolated on the distant island, sat a towering castle. I dusted the sand off my robe before answering him.
"It's the evil man complex. They need something to compensate for their lack of ability to control over everyone."
"Where did you come up with that idea?" He answered, still unconvinced.
"Reading," I shrugged. "Where is everyone?"
"Over here," I turned to hear Ginny call. Peering around the large jutted stone, I saw three bodies crumpled together.
"That looks comfortable." Ron stated with a full smile across his face. I would be lying if I said he wasn't attractive doing so. Shaking that thought out of my mind, I walked over helping the entwined figures.
Finally, all standing and separated, we squinted across the sea with doubt.
"How are we going to get there?" Longbottom voiced the question in my head.
"We can swim." Potter said, trying his best to keep calm.
"Harry, look at how far that castle is. We'd drown from exhaustion." Weasley threw a pebble making it skip three times.
"I have some gillyweed." Turning from the castle, they stared dumbfounded at me.
"What do you not have under your robes?" Weasley asked astonished.
"Wouldn't you like to know," I teased, happily seeing the three boys blush.
"Blaise," Ginny tugged on my robe. "Do you have enough for all of us?" She changed the subject quickly.
"Yes," I gave them each the weed.
"There's a sewer tunnel we can swim into." Potter started taking off his robe.
"How in the world can you see that?" Weasley glared at Neville for staring at his sister.
"Its right there." He pointed out. We all squinted seeing nothing but pitch black. Shaking our heads, we agreed, since he was the only seeker out of all of us. Taking my wand, I quickly changed my robe into a wet suit.
Giving them a look of obviousness, we prepared for the long swim ahead. Before jumping in, Longbottom finally asked. "What do we do once we get in?"
(Hermione POV)
I felt my mind was torn between two voices. My own was chained in the deep, dark corner of my subconscious. Then there was that voice, which took control of my whole being. Every time the freezing pain would leave, I would hear him. I was but a puppet in his cruel game. I did what he wanted without question. I acted as another person. All power I had over of myself was gone. And when I did have those few glimpse of my sanity, I felt sicken at my own lost of will.
But at this very moment I had to act fast. They had captured a woman with dark exotic features. I searched my brain, hoping to remember who she was. Yet the only power I had left was to keep that looming voice away. Struggling, I turned my head from the over grown snakes feet and saw those wrenched death eaters throwing her to the ground.
She was in pain. Her face was filled with tears and there was a blue bruise forming on her left eye. She was screaming at them to stop them from attacking another person. Staring only at the man beside her, she pushed through the crowd of thugs beating the weakened man.
"Remus!" She cried, rocking the bloody figure in her arms. "Why? Why did you follow me?" Hearing the name, I felt something in my memory turn.
"Are you alright Hermione?" The caring Professor kneeled down, handing her handkerchief.
"I'm hiccup fine." She brushed the large tear away.
"Funny, usually when a lady cries it means she's sad." He paused intentionally. "Or maybe hurt."
"No, really Professor Lupin I'll be fine. Its nothing I'm not used to."
"Ah, I see. Well, would you like to join me for tea? Harry and Ron will be meeting me too." Eyes wide at the names, she shook her head in response.
"I have to study, but thank you sir for the invitation." Standing from the cold floor, she turned to leave the empty hall.
"Hermione," her professor called out. Stopping at her name, she listened to what he had to say. "Friends are there for all the good and fun times. But a true friend is the one who can point the wrongs and flaws and, yet still support them." He smiled sweetly towards her. "You're an amazing friend Hermione. Don't let anyone tell you different."
"Remus," I whispered to myself. Luckily no one heard me because everyone's focus on him and who I assumed was Professor Figgs.
"Tie them," the voice ordered. Fighting to be together, they strived to hold on.
"Don't even think about touching me Peter." the battered Remus said, and then spat towards Peter's small frame.
"It would be wise not to struggle Moony. The dark lord has been most gracious in not killing you on sight."
"You have no right in calling me that name. Back off!" He bit roughly into Peter's arm. Peter screamed in pain, while another figure behind quickly smacked Remus down.
"Stop! Please stop hurting him." Professor Figgs begged, crawling on her knees. "I'm here at your will. Please just stop."
"That is enough," his eerie tone commanded. "I must say cousin, you do choose the best mates. If I remember correctly, your last one died the same way as this one."
"No, please." Her body was hunched over his. "Please don't" Moving with hidden strength, Remus raised his head slowly.
"Don't beg love. He doesn't deserve such a tone." Remus looked up boldly staring at the Dark Lord's face. "You made all those I love suffer. I won't let you do the same to her."
"You are in no position to say such things." Everyone turned towards Professor Snape, who was lurking in the far corner. "Master, may I have the pleasure in killing him?"
"NO!" Professor Figgs shouted. "I'm here now. You promised not to hurt anyone if I came."
"Yes, I did say that." He directed at the professor. "Severus, not now." His face contorted in to a smile. "But for your loyalty, you may have the pleasure later."
"It is time your lordship." Another figure came from the hidden door. Gazing away from my professors, I was most shocked to see kindhearted Winston among the crowd.
"Good," his tough limbs moved from his throne. "Tomorrow the world shall see my return." With his ill long fingers, he grabbed the dagger handed from Peter's hands. Walking towards Professor Figgs, I knew I had to do something.
Pushing through the barriers of my own mind, I jolted my body forward. "NO!" I landed in front of the couple. "Leave…them…alone." I was shaking from controlling my voice.
"Hermione?" Remus asked, shocked at my appearance. My hands and knees were raw from crawling on the hard, cold stone. Bruises and dried blood were smeared across my face, while only my limp hair looked clean.
"What have they done to you?" I heard Professor Figgs whisper to her self. "You filthy, pathetic excuse of a wizard." Remus screamed, struggling to rip the rope around him. "When I get my hands I you, you'll pray that Harry finished you off."
"You're in no position to threaten me." He pointed his wand towards Remus. "Crucio."
"NO," I jumped, feeling the familiar pain impact into my body. Unlike other times, this one was shorter in period. Vision completely blurred, I could only feeling someone covering me.
Then the commotion started all around us. I could hear hexes being shot and people shouting names. In the distance, a door slammed and windows broke. The room seemed to fall apart as the conflict occurred. Finally regaining some of my sight, I turned over to see Winston trying to lift me.
"Can you move? We need to get out of here."
"You're a wizard?" I mumbled at him.
"No time for explanations. I'll tell you later." He started dragging my feet. "Come on, I don't know how long these kids can last." Kids? Before I could ask him, a flash of blue light hit us from behind.
"We don't like traitors. I will enjoy killing you." A deep voice yelled, pointing his wand at Winston.
"I don't think so. Stupfey!" I looked up to see Ron, smiling towards us.
"Ron," I felt myself smile for the first time. "What's going on?" He was lifting Winston, while trying his best to hold me.
"Mione, don't ask. Just run." Suddenly white light, flashed passed us hitting a death eater beside us.
"For once I agree with him," Blaise appeared helping me stand. "Let's go!" Swiftly we moved, towards the dead end of the room. Looking up I saw a tiny balcony, which was well hidden in the dark room. Roughly opening my mouth, Blaise shoved something into my mouth. "Chew and hold on to me," instantly I felt I was floating in the air. Gazing down, I realized I was.
"Am I dreaming?"
"Just another invention from the Weasley Twins," Blaise gripped my waist with more force. "Stick your arm out." Obediently I listened, waiting for the next surprise. Then I felt those familiar arms grasp around me. Opening my eyes, I stared straight in to pools of green.
"Harry," I murmured fearing this was another dream unanswered.
"Its me. Its really me." Crashing his lips towards mine, the tingling sensation returned in my body.
"Pull faster!" Ron cried out. Whipping around, Harry quickly helped Blaise with the rope hanging off the edge.
"Stop them!" Voldemort shouted at Ron and Winston. Quickly I ran to the edge, trying to reach for their arms. Hexes zoomed at us, barely missing our heads.
"Incendio," I heard Ginny's voice from the barricade she created from fallen stones.
"Stupfey!" Neville yelled, guarding Professor Figgs and Remus. Shifting another broken stonewall, he tried his best to protect the defenseless two.
Robes catching on fire, the usually cold death eaters screamed in fear of being burnt. While others were surprisingly dodging Neville's hexes left and right.
"Ron," I grabbed his hand with all my might. From behind, Harry covered my arms, helping me with Ron's weight. Leaning back, the three of us stared amazed at each other at being together again.
"A little help here," Blaise shouted at us. Automatically Ron took the rope, pulling Winston over the edge. We all breathed heavily from the relief of being out of harms reach. Yet the knowledge that we were still stuck was plainly evident.
"You aren't the Ministry are you?" Winston spoke clearly still shocked at their appearance.
"No, we followed them. They should be arriving soon." Harry stated petrifying a death eater who was nearing Ginny. "We need to get them out of there."
"I'll take care of that." Blaise answered confidently. "Just get everyone ready to leave."
"How are we going to do that?" I asked starting to feel light headed.
"There's a opening right there on the roof. No matter, don't let go of my hand." Harry's grip felt like iron. "Zabini, on your count." Swiftly Ron and Winston crawled towards the crack, while Harry wrapped his arm around my waist. Tapping her feet, Blaise counted out loud.
"1…" She mouthed towards Ginny and Neville.
"2…" They nodded holding on to a piece of something.
"3…!" She shouted, throwing a bomb towards the group of death eaters below us. Clouds of smoke filled the room as chaos ensued. Hearing the voices of Ginny and Professor Figgs, Harry tugged my arm gently.
"Come on, Nene." Harry started moving, but the foggy feeling started pulling me downward. "Nene…" his soft touch became misty silk, as it felt farther and farther away.
"Harry," I screamed out, begging for his solid presences. But then those freezing dry hands wrapped around my neck, forcing me still.
"I'm not done here yet, little girl." He spat into my face. Grabbing my hair, he roughly held me down bowing to his feet. "Well, well, Harry Potter I do believe you have something I want." Voldemort shouted towards the ceiling.
"I rather kiss a flobberworm than have Professor Figgs return to you." Harry screamed from the darkness of the night.
"Dear Potter, do you really want me to hurt your precious love?" He kicked my stomach, causing a sharp pain.
"Go Harry," I yelled being beat again. "Get Professor Figgs out of here." Blood dripped out the side of my mouth.
"Come cousin, help your kin become great once more." His red eyes seem to darken in pleasure as Professor Figgs moved towards the edge of the balcony.
"No, Professor," Ginny pulled her back. "Either way he'll kill Hermione, with or without you going down there."
No longer having patience for their reluctance, Voldemort pointed his wand ready to kill me. As I saw those lips moved, I prayed to God that Harry might win the future war even if this battle was lost.
"Wait," Blaise shouted quickly. Throwing a jar at Harry and the crowd, they froze exactly in place. Looking towards the group below, she shined a scary expression. "They are yours sir, for the taking."
Surprised by the gesture, Voldemort only nodded in response. Instantly they were brought down as Blaise bowed eagerly in front of the Dark Lord's feet.
"I'm sorry for earlier confusion. But they could only trust me, if I had fought bravely by their side." She smiled showing off her beautiful teeth. "I hope his Greatest will forgive me."
"I rarely forgive. And if so it is done with fitting punishment. Tell me child, why should I forgive you? Or why should I trust you at all?"
"She has been helping me Master," Professor Snape stepped forward bowing towards the man. "I ordered her to befriend Potter and his silly friends. They not only trusted her, but gain access into their little club."
"Really? So you follow the ideals of our ways? You pledge your allegiances to me and me alone? You are willingly do what I want of you?"
"Yes sir, I do whatever you wish." Blaise knelt obediently on her knees, not only shocking me but everyone else as well. No, she must be lying.
"She's lying Master! She hates our ways and those in it. Her blood is tainted with a useless Squib. My son has also told me of her ignorance of her place in society." Lucius Malfoy spoke, with utter venom in his voice. "She lies to protect Potter and their cause. She's trying to protect the filthy mudblood."
"I protect only myself!" She stood staring straight into Malfoy's eyes. "It is true sir, I had a mother who was a Squib. I rarely engage in adolescent parties and frivolous past times my peers so like to be apart of." Blaise turned to confidently speak with the Dark Lord. "I want respect. I want power. I want everyone to know that I am as good or even better than them. So forgive me sir, for not wasting my time with Lucius' son. I rather gain more knowledge and skill in beating those who oppose me, or oppose my master," She titled her head, in a sign of respect.
This is not happening. Please let this not be true. Dear Merlin let this not be true.
"Yes, you can gain more success and achievement if you ignore Lucius' son. Well done Severus, you have found me an unexpected surprise." Voldemort's smirked gave me chills at how real this truly was. "So you will not mind me killing the mudblood or any of her companions?"
"Of course not sir," Blaise happily answered. "But may I say one thing before you do?"
"There I knew she was lying!" Lucius shouted.
"Master, if you kill them now, what show will be left when the Aurors arrive? Will the world not know your fantastic power, if you kill Potter before any witness?"
"True," He stood staring at Peter. "Tie them and push them to the side. We shall continue the ceremony and show the world I am back by killing the boy who lived."
Automatically they grabbed us, wrapping us in pairs. Feeling Harry by my side, I leaned my head against his shoulder. Ron was tied tightly against Ginny, while Remus was wrapped with Neville. Winston was not so lucky, for he was being curse with the Crucio by Avery and Nott.
"Oh Harry, is this really it?" I let the tears freely roll down my face.
"Don't cry. Even if we die today, we will not go crying." He awkwardly kissed my cheek with his champ lips. "But before we do I have to tell you something."
"What is it Harry?"
"Well its…I mean to say," he stuttered over his sentence. Knowing fully well what he was going to say, I stopped him quickly.
"Don't," I interrupted his flustered face. "Don't tell me like this. I rather you never say it, because saying you love me now is too cliché."
"I thought you lived for those moments?"
"Isn't our life fictional enough?" I smiled; truly thinking this was my last day to live. "I know how you feel even if you just realized it. But promise me, if you get out of this, you keep fighting."
"You mean we'll keep fighting."
"Yes," I paused. "We'll keep fighting." Looking up, I saw Professor Snape walked over with hatred written all over his face. Kneeling down before Harry, he pointed his wand towards us, while whispering.
"Once you get free, you hide. Albus is coming soon." Suddenly we felt the rope ripe behind us. "Move towards the others," Harry's wand was carefully was placed back into his hands. Standing up, he kicked us backward impacting with the other four. "I wanted to do that for a long time."
Walking back towards the crowd, I saw him take his side beside Blaise. Slightly nodding at Blaise, she titled her head at my direction. Giving me a small smile, I saw her pull another bomb into her sleeve.
"Hermione, we're all free. We need to do something about Remus. He's badly hurt." Harry murmured breaking me away from Blaise's eyes.
"Ron, can you carry him?" I asked wondering what she was up too.
"I think so," he shifted, keeping the rope to appear it was still in take.
"Ginny, Neville you'll have to guard them."
"What do you think Snape is going to do to distract them?" Harry whispered.
"I don't think its Snape who will do the distrasticing."
"It is time," Voldemort drank the goblet set on the table where Professor Figgs was placed. Picking up the dagger, he started chanting words, unfamiliar to me.
"No," Remus screamed charging towards the circle.
"Neville, your were supposed to hold him." Ron shouted in panic.
"Kill him," the order rang through the air. Greedily raising their hands, half a dozen wands pointed at him. Before the killing curse reached his figure, Winston with his last strength, jumped before him.
"Run Hermione, get out of here!" He screamed before dieing before our very eyes. Ignoring the lost soul, they shot another curse at Remus.
"Expelliarmus," the voice of Sirius broke through. Looking up, we saw familiar faces with ready wands.
"Kill them all," Voldemort shouted at us. Lifting the dagger, he quickly tried to fulfill his wish. Before he could pierce down, Blaise threw the bomb at his direction, blinding the dark lord.
"I'll enjoy killing you!"
"Lucius, you sick rat!"
"Crucio!"
"Ron, Ginny, get down!"
"Bill, give us a hand. This guy will not stay down!"
"Expelliarmus!"
"Padfoot, get off him!"
"No way Moony, this scum bag is mine."
"Stupefy!"
"Harry, where are you?"
"Wingardium Leviosa!"
"Someone clear this smoke!"
"Well if it isn't Longbottom. Tell me how are your parents?"
"Saner then you!"
"Crucio!"
As the fog cleared, faces were matched with cries. Ron was proudly standing with his family, surrounding several unconscious Death Eaters. Sirius and Remus were beating on only a single man. It didn't take a long time to realize it was Peter, their once great friend. In the corner Lucius gagged with a sock, with Moody helping Neville off the floor.
"No!" Voldemort screamed, realizing that Blaise had stopped him from stabbing Professor Figgs. She became a shield herself, taking the dagger deep in to her stomach.
Feeling a presence behind me, a cold metal touched my neck. "I wouldn't move little girl." Bellatrix whispered into my ear.
"Let her go," Harry ordered with several others by his side. Moving backwards we reached Voldemort, shaking in anger. Up close, I saw Blaise cringing in pain while covering Professor Figgs, who was still tied up.
"Master we must leave." Nodding his head at his loyal servant, they backed away from the crowd before them. Charlie and Tonks ran to Blaise, while Sirius helped untie Professor from bondage. Professor Dumbledore appeared through the crowd, proudly standing by Harry's side.
"Come Tom, leave the girl alone. She has no use to now. You have no where to go."
"Actually Albus, she is very useful. Stay where you are, or I'll kill her. Trust me, I would do so in an instant."
"Take me instead, do not hurt the child."
"Sir, don't trust him. He's nothing but lies." Harry inched closer ignoring the earlier threat. Quickly the blade, inched closer piercing my skin. Tightly I shut my eyes in pain.
"No," Professor Dumbledore shouted. "We'll let you go. Just hand Hermione over."
"Do you take me for a fool? She stays with us and you'll let us go." Moving my eyes back and forth, I knew we were at a stand still. Neither man wanted to compromise their positions. Looking into Harry's eyes, I saw the love he had for me pouring out of his soul. Breathing very calmly, I decided a very risky choice, which only idiots would do. Luckily, I was an idiot in love.
Raising my arms, I pulled the blade across my neck, surprising Voldemort and Bellatrix. Letting go, she saw my blood on her hands. Dropping to the floor, I felt someone beneath me gently holding me. Opening my eyes, I saw Harry with horror written all over his face.
"Nene," placing my fingers on his mouth, I smiled.
"I love you Harry."
"Nene," he shouted in agony. "Someone help her!" Shuffling and stomps were heard, but I could only concentrate on him.
"Kiss me Harry, I want to go knowing you loved me."
"Don't say that. We promised not to be cliché. Hold on Nene, you're going to be taken care of."
"Please Harry," my breathing started to slow down. Reluctantly, he moved to kiss my lips, with my blood dripping on to his leg. "Take care of Blaise for me, she's not as strong as she seems."
"No, because you'll do it yourself." I felt my body being moved onto something soft. "You promised to fight with me, so you're going to do it." His hand gripped mine, while everything around me was slowly becoming dim.
"Be strong Harry, I love you," and then the world became black.