It Must Be Done

lannereddy

Rating: R
Genres: Angst, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 11/11/2004
Last Updated: 13/11/2004
Status: in_progress

Hermione is on a mission for the auror department in London. While based in Budapest, Hungary, identities are kept hidden as she infiltrates a tight dark league inner circle of Voldemort's to gather information. Danger follows her everywhere and thickens as times goes by. Angst and suspense are in order and a romance brews on the job.

Chapters

1. Chapter one

2. Chapter two

3. Chapter three

1. Chapter one

Ships: Harry/Hermione, Draco/Ginny, Ron/Emily

It Must Be Done

By: Lanne aka Reddy

Chapter 1

“It must be done.”

“Why?”

“Why?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Harry, you know that this might just help us crack this war.”

Harry frowned and placed his head in his hands. Hermione just stood there with her arms on her hips. It was obvious that she was not going to let Harry get away with this.

“Harry, please, you must let me go.” Harry’s face turned bright red.

“I don’t have to do a damned thing!” he shouted at her.

Hermione’s bottom lip quivered and she shuddered as she gave a deep sigh.

“Harry, it is important for the wizarding world and all of us.” She took a step towards him and leaned over his desk. He looked up and met her gaze. She smiled and placed a hand on his cheek. “I know you worry about me, but put that aside. I could get so much information that could help us all.”

Harry got up from his chair and made his way around the desk to stand beside her. He suddenly seemed to age in those few moments it took him to walk over there. His resolve cracked little by little because he knew that she was probably the only one who could do this. No one was as brilliant as she was and she knew the safety precautions more than any one on their auror team. He rubbed his hand over his face and pushed his glasses further up on his nose to see her better. He towered over her, but Hermione did not drop her gaze, as a matter of fact, her nose went higher in the air out of pure defiance.

“Alright,” he said and sighed. “I will let you go. Be very careful.”

Hermione’s eyes tried to search his out and he let her. He opened himself up and allowed her access into the depths of his soul. He allowed her to see his fear as well as the confidence he had in her.

“I’ll miss you while I’m gone.” Harry smiled sadly and gathered her in his arms for a tight hug.

“Not as much as I’ll miss you my friend.”

**************************************************************

It is 6:00 in the evening here in Budapest on the 27th of August, 2009. You will be pleased to know that my language is getting better. For everything that I am quick to learn, language must be my slowest subject. I don’t find the Magyar language to be easy. You would think after two years, I would be able to master this…but it’s so hard! I feel so abandoned here. I miss Harry and Ron so much, too much. Sometimes I feel as if my longing for them would affect my duties here. I got transferred yesterday. I am now a governess for two children, a boy and girl. They are 10 and 7 years old respectively. When I stepped over the threshold, they ran to me and embraced me as if I was their long lost mother, which in a very twisted way you could almost say I am. Their father is a part of Lord Voldemort’s inner circle. His name is Joshua Lustendam. He is a tall man…about 6 feet, I think. He has shoulder length black hair which he usually keeps tied back and his eyes, his eyes are a piercing, coal black. They glitter like dark diamonds. It is unearthly, the captivation that those eyes are capable of. He is the first master I’ve had, to give me a uniform to wear when I am in the house. It is a calf-length slim fitting black dress made of extremely light wool with no sleeves. It is the only dress he gave me, so that means I have to somehow clean it every night. He told me straight up that I can wear whatever I see fit, to bed. The mansion is very ancient looking and huge. It reeks of dark magic and the doors have miniature skeleton heads for doorknobs. My room is very dark, no windows, with only a single candle for light, which I am writing by. The sheets are stiff, but at least they are white as opposed to the black and brown furniture. At least I have a fireplace to light a fire when I’m cold. This makes things a lot easier for me. At least, now I don’t have to sneak into the drawing room to light a bloody fire to make my times. I have not found out anything new since I’ve been on my mission. The masters of the households are determined not to have any loose information lying about the place. So, so far I’ve been unhelpful to my auror department. I wonder at times, if my idea was such a good one after all. Maybe I should have listened to Harry. Oh well, too late now. I’m in this for the long run. I better sign out now; it is almost time to see the children.

Hermione

Hermione swiped at the tears that were streaming down her face at a rapid pace. She felt exhausted. This mission had taken a lot out of her and the spark that once was in her eyes has been extinguished. At nights, she relives the murders she has witnessed and must bite back the screams that threaten to burst from within her. She can’t be weak, no; there was no space for weakness. Constant Vigilance.

She closed the book and stared at the cover that read, “Pride and Prejudice.” It was a mask for the real purpose of that book. Hermione had been keeping track of events since she arrived in Prague two, long years ago and written them all in her diary daily. She opened the wooden draw and took out a small, iron padlock. She locked the diary and muttered a sealing charm that would preserve the book and then activated the security code that only Harry knew. She ran her hands over the ‘classical novel’ that bound her secrets tightly within. It was hard each time to part with. She would only feel relieved when she received the owl from Ron saying that all was well.

Her chair scraped against the wooden floor as she got up, the book in her hands, and walked over to the fireplace. She opened her jewelry box and lifted the velvet lining of the base. Underneath this lining, was a secret storage of floo powder which she used to make her contacts in secret. Hermione took a handful and started a fire with her wand. She threw the floo powder in and stuck her head in.

“The grocer,” she whispered in the Hungarian tongue.

She watched the green flames swirl and then come to stop in the form of an image of inside a storage room where there were many boxes stacked high up to the ceiling.

“Evans!” she called out. “Evans!”

“Oi miss! I’m coming!”

Hermione’s eyes checked out the surroundings and then she sighed in relief when she saw a man with black hair walking towards her. He kneeled in front of his fire place and was now on the same level as her.

“Yes miss?”

Hermione grinned at this reference. Harry insisted on using this title for her. At first, she used to roll her eyes, but absence makes the heart grow fonder and Harry could not do anything wrong at this stage.

“I’ve got it.” Harry wiped his brow and cleaned his glasses on his shirt.

“Alright, let’s have it then.”

Hermione started to slowly pull her head out of the flame and as she did so, Harry slowly pushed his in. She could almost feel his breath on her face. It was as if he was leaning in to kiss her, but she was pulling away. Eventually, her whole head was out and he was the one controlling the flame.

She leaned back on her palms and just sat there staring at him. He did the same, only through the flame, and there were a few beats of silence.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine.” Hermione nodded and then she felt the tears welling up in her eyes.

“Don’t cry,” he said softly.

Hermione sniffed. “I know,” she said, her voice cracking.

“Don’t make me fret for you love.”

“I’m trying not to.”

“Remember what you’re doing this for.”

“I remember, Harry. I’m doing this for you.”

“Don’t do it for me.”

“I am and I will. You’re my best friend. I’ll do anything for you.”

Silence.

“Is there anything you need?”

“More powder. I am sending in an owl tomorrow for vegetables.”

“I thought you’re the governess.”

“I am, but I offered to do this and they let me.”

“Ron’s and Emily’s baby are due in a month.”

“Tell them…tell them, I’m praying for them and I love them.”

“Will do.”

Silence.

“Can I come home?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

Silence.

“I’ll make the delivery on in two days.”

“You’ll make it?”

“Yes, I want to check the place out.”

“Oh Harry! I haven’t seen in you in two years! This is exciting! I can’t wait to see you!”

“Me neither.”

Silence.

“I’m so sad Harry.”

“I’m here for you.”

“I know.”

Harry stared at her worriedly, then, in order to take her mind of things, he nodded at the book.

“Give it to me,” he said.

Hermione nodded again and placed the book in his mouth. His head continued to balance in mid-air with the book in his mouth as he held her eyes. She leaned in and extended her hand through the fire to place on his cheek. He closed his eyes and they stayed like that for a while.

“I must go,” she said after some time.

“Okay.”

“Bye Evans.”

“Bye Jane.”

******************************************************

Hermione groaned and reached above her head to touch the headboard behind her so she could stretch the knots out of her arms. She hated the mornings that graced her with a headache. Her eyes felt as if they were sewn shut and her legs felt numb. She wanted coffee so badly. Her face relaxed when a nice scent registered in her brain. It smelled like cologne.

“Open your eyes.”

That she did. She gasped and clutched the sheets around her chest tightly as she scrambled away from the man who was sitting in a rocking chair, beside her bed, just watching her. She felt like a lab experiment.

“Oh dear! Sir!” she gasped. “You scared me!”

Joshua Lustendam chuckled and pulled at the sheets she was holding on to for dear life. Hermione screamed and grasped blindly for them.

“Why cover up? You are a very beautiful woman.” He said the word, woman, with desire and his accent made the word sound foreign to Hermione. Her cheeks coloured bright red and she felt the heat make its way down to her exposed chest and stopped at the edge of the brassiere she was wearing.

“My apologies for going to bed like this,” she said meekly.

Mr. Lustendam chuckled and shrugged. She could tell he was a little embarrassed by her reaction.

“Don’t be sorry. It’s err…you’re umm, what do they call it? Privacy?” Hermione stared blankly at him.

“Yes,” she muttered. “You’re correct.” He beamed and extended a hand towards her.

“Uhh, will you please take my hand and get ready? The grocer is here.”

2. Chapter two

Chapter 2

Hermione tried to control the beating of her heart that seemed to be racing against the tick of the clock. It was unnerving how she quickly forgot about Harry coming in that day to deliver the groceries for the household. She had not seen him in two years and she had to admit that she spent extra time fixing her hair that morning. She did not want him to think that she had completely lost it. She could hear the master’s footsteps from behind. He was following her. He always followed her, of course he tried to hide this fact, but she was not a spy for nothing. She had got over her embarrassment very quickly that morning after he saw her practically in the nude, once he told her that Harry was there and waiting for her. She unconsciously smoothed her dress and straightened her shoulders. She pushed open the back door that led into the yard behind the house. There was a truck parked outside with the back facing the door and there was Harry.

Harry stood there waiting for her in an apron covered in animal’s blood. He must have been to the butcher’s. The sweat was trickling down his forehead and his glasses continuously slipped down the bridge of his nose. When he saw her step out from inside of the house, he wanted to gasp and run to her just to touch her, feel her skin against his hand. It had been too long and he missed her dearly. But then he saw a man step outside behind her. He figured it was Mr. Lustendam based on the description she had given in her diary. He saw the coal eyes taking him in and when they met Harry’s eyes, Harry focused the brilliance of his green eyes on him, just to spite him.

“Hello?”

Harry’s head snapped up at the sound of Hermione’s voice. He looked at her and nodded.

“Hello miss,” he said softly. “I’ve got a delivery for this place.”

“This place,” Mr. Lustendam chimed in, “is my home, Berlin Manor.” Harry raised an eyebrow and regarded the man coolly.

“Berlin?” he asked with a hint of doubt.

“Yes, the name Berlin was recommended to me by mentor.”

Harry wanted to snort and say, ‘Can a cold-hearted bastard like you have a mentor?’

“Fine name,” he said.

Mr. Lustendam looked pleased and leaned against the door, watching Harry and Hermione.

“Well,” Hermione began, “I gather you found the manor without problems?”

Harry smiled. “Yes miss. The directions were very clear. I’ve got your order. Can you just check it over and make sure I’ve got everything you need?”

Hermione walked over to him and stretched out her hand for the paper he was handing her. As he gave it to her, his fingers brushed the back of her hand and their eyes immediately sought out each others’. She cleared her throat and examined the list. Moments of silence passed and eventually, the master went inside to take care of some business, as he put it. As soon as the door shut behind him, Harry exhaled and looked at Hermione.

“How are you love?”

She smiled and shrugged. “I’m alright, now that you’re here.”

Harry smiled and crumpled his apron nervously. “That man seems a bit, I don’t know, umm…”

“I think he is doesn’t trust me. I can’t blame him really. I’m a new member of staff, so that must count for all the following.”

Harry frowned and straightened up. “He follows you around?”

Hermione nodded. She did not seem perturbed by the idea. “Yeah, but I am used to it.”

Harry seemed to be taking this information in and then nodded. “Just be careful.”

Hermione regarded him and then smiled. “I will Harry.”

“Well,” he began, changing the subject as she counted the bags of meat on the ground, “Seamus will deliver the next time you order.”

“Okay.”

“And…”

Hermione paused her counting and looked at him. “And what?”

“And…” Harry trailed off when he felt tears in his eyes. Hermione’s face relaxed and she stepped up beside him.

“You can say it.”

Harry inhaled deeply and ran his fingers through his hair. “Come home love. Come home as soon as you can. When you get the information, just secure it and get to the British High Commission as soon as possible.”

Hermione frowned in confusion. “Why a muggle institution?”

Harry licked his lips and glanced up at the house before speaking softly. “It is the last place wizards would think of looking for you, in case they need to. Besides, the high commission for British wizards is underground there. There is an old phone booth inside the grounds and around the back. Go in there and apparate to these coordinates.” He handed her a Euro note. “They’re written on that, memorize it then burn it. I’ll be there and we can leave the country together.”

“What about the others, like Seamus?”

“They work here. They work at that branch. Their job is to make sure people like you and me, get back to England safely.”

Hermione nodded. “Ahh, I see. How will we leave Prague once I get there?”

“I’ll tell you when you get there. For now, just concentrate on wrapping this thing up.”

Hermione nodded again. “Okay, I understand.

Harry stared at her. “Hermione, I can’t stress enough how important your safety is to me.” Hermione closed her eyes and bit her lips. “I need you back in England, safe and sound.”

“I know Harry,” she gritted out.

Harry sighed and straightened his apron. “I’m sorry.”

Hermione opened her eyes and reached out to him, but drew her hand back for fear of someone watching them. “Don’t be. It’s your part of your job as Head of the mission…”

“And as someone who has your best interests at heart.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes. “My best interests?”

“Yes Hermione. I want you to be safe for your sake, and a plus would be for me to able to sleep at night.”

Hermione smiled and blew a kiss at him. “Consider it done Mr. Potter.”

Harry returned her smile and took the money she handed him, putting it in his pocket. He helped her carry the bags inside the kitchen and he shook her hand before leaving.

“Nice doing business with you miss.”

“Thank you for dropping the things off.”

“It was my pleasure.”

He stepped inside the truck and slammed the door. She heard the truck rev and then felt a sudden sadness creep back into her heart as she watched him drive away.

*****************************************

“Why is the place called Berlin?”

Mr. Lustendam spared her a glance from the book he was reading. “I told you…my mentor suggested it.”

“It must be nice to have a mentor. Someone you can look up to is it?”

“Yes, I believe that’s the definition for the word, mentor.”

Hermione felt her insides churn and she clasped her hands together to stop the motion.

“Would you mind, terribly, if I could read the books in your library?”

Mr. Lustendam raised an eyebrow and kept it that way until he finished the page he was reading. He closed the book and threw it aside on the side table. Hermione felt her hair stand on end as he walked towards her.

“You are a very curious lady,” he said, circling her and scrutinizing her at the same time.

“That is how I learn,” she mumbled.

“Indeed.”

He stopped behind her and tentatively placed his hands on her waist. She drew in a sharp intake of breath as he leaned forward, his chest pressing against her back.

“Curiosity kills the cat,” he whispered daringly. She gulped and stepped away from him.

“It depends on what the cat is curious for.”

Mr. Lustendam raised his eyebrows at her comeback and smiled even though the gesture did not reach his eyes.

“Did you get all the food your ordered?”

Hermione was a bit unnerved at the sudden change in topic of conversation. She, however, did not show it.

“Yes sir. Everything came as I had requested.”

“Good.”

There was silence as Hermione clasped her hands in front of her and stared at him defiantly.

“You are very different from all the governesses my children have ever had.”

“I shall take that as a compliment.”

“Yessss,” he murmured, drawing out the ‘s’ sound. “You may do that.”

Hermione took the opportunity to look around the library and she could not help but marvel at the collection of books there.

“Back to my reading; may I borrow a book to read?”

“Aren’t you reading Pride and Prejudice?”

Hermione felt her jaw clench and her eyes met Mr. Lustendam’s in an accusatory glare. “You were in my room again?”

“Why, yes, of course.”

He said that with such flippancy, Hermione folded her arms across her chest and did not even disguise the annoyance in her voice.

“How dare you!”

Mr. Lustendam’s dark eyes flashed and he made one big stride towards her, stopping right in front of her. She felt like he was invading her personal space and her first instinct was to back away, but the defiance in her made her hold her ground.

“This is my house and every room in this place is under my control. I own them. I can go wherever I please. As for your personal belongings, I won’t sneak through them. They’re your things, but I can’t help if they are in my line of vision when I explore my own home!” His voice had got progressively louder as he gesticulated angrily.

“I apologise,” Hermione said meekly, even though there was still a hint of defiance in her voice.

Mr. Lustendam regarded her for a moment, then visibly relaxed.

“Accepted Ms. Charles.”

Hermione nodded and turned to exit when her master’s voice stopped her.

“You may borrow novels to read, only novels, nothing else. Is that understood?”

With her back towards him she answered, “Yes sir.”

******************************************************

“The man has been so snappy since his wife died.”

“When did she die?”

“Nine years ago.”

“Oh.”

Hermione was drinking a cup of tea with the cook. She had insisted that Hermione come join her for some tea and cookies the minute she found the numerous bags of food in the kitchen.

“Master told his wife everything. She knew that man inside and out and anything she wanted to know, he’d tell her.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, very much so. If he had any weaknesses, she was it.”

“Do you think he could ever trust himself to love again?”

“Well pumpkin, word around the campfire is that he’s interested in you!”

“In me? Whatever for?”

The cook laughed. “Oh child! Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately?”

Hermione seemed surprised by the question. “What kind of question is that?”

The cook smiled gently. “Child, you are stunning. You are young, but there is this olden beauty about you. You carry wisdom beyond your years and this makes you very attractive, even to a middle aged man such as the master.”

Hermione blushed under the cook’s scrutinizing stare. “Thank you, you’re too kind,” she murmured.

“I speak nothing but the truth.”

Both Hermione and the cook took the opportunity to sip their tea and sigh. The cook stretched out her legs and leaned her head back against the chair.

“The master holds many secrets. The staff fears him. He is powerful and we all recognize it.”

“Is that why you call him, master?”

The cook frowned and continued to stare at the ceiling. “I don’t understand.”

“Well, in this day and age, no one calls their employer, master.”

“Yes, well I see what you’re saying. But he deserves the title. He could dispose of us all in the blink of an eye.”

Hermione involuntarily shivered. “I see,” was all she said.

“With all his power, you can imagine how surprised I was to realize the other day that he works for someone even greater than he is.”

Hermione put her cup on the table beside her and leaned forward, her elbows on her knees, in interest. “He does?”

The cook closed her eyes and opened them widely. “It was such a strange moment for me. They were talking about elixirs and potions! I thought potions were used in the past centuries by witches!” she exclaimed.

Realization dawned on Hermione and she figured out at that moment that she was the only witch working for Mr. Lustendam and the other employees must be muggles.

“Did you see the man…or woman?”

“It was a man. He was sitting in chair, facing the fire. His hair was black and I saw his fingers clutching the arm of the chair. They were unnaturally long and grey. His skin looked grey, like rotting death. I was taking in tea for master and his master and when the unfamiliar man spoke, his voice was high pitched.”

Hermione felt the excitement creeping into her bones. “Did you catch his name?”

“Mr. Mort.”

“Mr. Mort?” Hermione asked in confusion.

“Yes, his first name was Volde.”

Hermione could have laughed on the spot. She had never thought of Voldemort being a first and last name.

“Mr. Mort comes by all the time to tour the manor and meet the new staff…”

Hermione cut in, “Meet the new staff?”

The cook straightened herself back into sitting position. “Why yes, he always wants to meet the new employees of master. I suppose, he’ll want to meet you too.”

Hermione felt as if a dementor had walked into the room, and part of her wished it did, just to suck her soul out so she would not have to meet the dark lord.

“Do you know when he’ll be by?” she asked softly.

“Probably in two weeks or so.”

“At the minimum.”

“Yes.”

That gave Hermione two weeks to get her information and out of Prague, out of real harm’s way.

*************************************

Hermione settled between the sheets of her bed and used that time to examine the contents written on the note Harry gave her. She studied the coordinates, committed them to memory then crumpled up the paper before throwing it into the fire that was lit in the fireplace. She took up her novel-diary and muttered a charm to unlock it before jotting down her notes for the day.

It’s 12 midnight here in Budapest on the 29th of August, 2009. Whoever said that the housekeeper, cook or whatever, loves to spill the beans on whom they work for, is absolutely correct. She gave me a very firm suspicion that I am the only witch working for Mr. Lustendam in his house, and if that’s the case, I better not lead him to believe that I am one. I am led to believe that he prefers to have muggles working for him, after all, they call Voldemort, Mr. Mort, all the while believing the goose’s first name is Volde. What a laugh! The cook confirmed that Mr. Lustendam is indeed working for Voldemort and if Voldemort is planning to meet his new employees, then Lustendam must be in the inner circle and Volde does not want anyone cook or…governess to betray the workings of the Death Eaters. Voldemort is coming here in at least 2 weeks to meet me and I must be gone by then to keep the aurors undercover as well as keep my organs in tact. I’m sure he will recognize me as the young Hermione Granger he once met, perhaps not as quickly as he would recognize dear Harry Potter, but quickly enough none the less. Apparantly, the boss is infatuated with me. This may just make my job easier, I hope. He has a reputation of spilling his deepest secrets to his loved ones. I wonder what Voldemort would say if he knew that? In any case, I feel a lot better about this. I feel as if I am getting somewhere. I must go. It is late and I have to tutor the children in English in the morning. At least they know most of the language, makes my teaching work easier. I am signing out now. I am excited to go home.

Hermione

3. Chapter three

Author’s Note:

This is just a little insert to give you some background information. It’s a chapter of notes and either a lot happens or nothing happens, depending on your perspective. Once you have read this, everything will start flowing and things will make sense as they happen. The next chapters will be longer. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Chapter three

Hermione opened the door to Harry’s office and walked in.

“Harry, your owl post came to my tray again and…”

She looked up from the pile of parchment she had in her hands and frowned slightly. She was talking to an empty chair.

“Oh,” she said. “I guess…I’ll just leave them here.”

She walked over to his desk and just as she was about to place the post in Harry’s tray, she noticed a few sheets of parchment lying face down on his desk. The one on top had TOP SECRET written in neat cursive.

“Top secret?” she mumbled to herself.

She stared at the forbidden information for a few moments before letting curiosity take over. She glanced around furtively, then quickly put aside the post before reading what was written.

Her eyes widened as she took in what was there:

To:

Ministry of Magic

Auror Department

United Kingdom

Head of London Aurors: Auror Timothy Cooke

Attention: Harry J. Potter

Graduated: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ’97.

From:

British High Commission Underground

(Wizarding)

Date: March 14, 2007.

Five wizards found dead in Cardiff, Wales:

Jonathan Goldberg

Guruyati Manestep

Robert Goldberg

Forrest Sharp

Michael Von Touché

Notes:

They were the leaders of the organization of a coup to overthrow the dark Lord, Voldemort. These five dead people were considered to be Lord Voldemort’s most trusted Death Eaters.

Rumor has it that Joshua Lustendam has taken over as the man in charge of Voldemort’s most inner circle.

Not enough evidence to take to Wizengamot.

Seamus Finnegan

British High Commission Underground

Prague, Czech Republic.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Date: April 15, 2007.

49 wizards and witches have been massacred outside of the British High Commission (Muggle). It is said to be a suicide bomber. Auror department of Eastern Europe has come in to investigate. Explosive charm similar to Peter Pettigrew’s in 1981 and a few killing curses.

Seamus Finnegan

British High Commission Underground

Prague, Czech Republic.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….................................................

April 17, 2007.

Dear Harry,

We cannot gather any evidence whatsoever to arrest Lustendam on the charges of murder, conspiracy or anything of the sort. It is not safe to walk the streets of Prague at night. Vampires are out by the dozens in the darkest corners you can possibly imagine. Muggles and magical folk alike have disappeared. The muggles have suspected something. There is a 9pm curfew for everyone, including officials. The only people working around the clock are those employed by the British High Commission Underground. We need the ministry’s support. Voldemort’s supporters are supporting the propaganda in the Eastern Europe newspapers. I have included a copy of an article that was published in The Wizarding Quarter. Harry, if we don’t nip this in the bud…it will be another great war. Unlike the U.K, there are so many purebloods here that Voldemort could wage a full war right now against us! He is coming out of his shell. The newspapers here publish whatever will create controversy. Hence the article I have sent. These stupid newspapers do not realize that they are supporting Voldemort’s cause without them even knowing it. We do not know who submitted the article to the paper, or if it is an inside job done by a Death Eater in disguise. To make it worse…the powers that be refuse to acknowledge Voldemort and that he is strong and ready to trick us all into going along with him.

Seamus

The Wizarding Quarter, Apr 16, 2007.

Lord Voldemort – He Who Must Not Be Named

A man with a vision. He Who Must Not Be Named, or Lord Voldemort has a dream to unite all wizards of true blood and heritage so that as a magical nation, a fight may be won and wizards can rightfully claim the freedom to walk without persecution!

Educated at the esteemed Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Lord Voldemort brings a vast wealth of knowledge with him to the eastern sector of Europe so that purebloods may follow him and rid the wizarding world of those who are unworthy to practice magic.

Lord Voldemort wishes to re gain the respect for the magical world and once again make the muggles understand that it is they who should fear wizards and not wizards fearing discovery by them.

“Fear of the muggles only increases cowardice and further hiding!” says a supporter of the charismatic lord, who wishes to remain anonymous.

The time has come to stand up and defend what belongs to the magical world!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Date: May 15, 2007.

Rebellions. There was an attempted assassination of the muggle British High Commissioner. That is all the public knows. The media has been pressured into staying quiet about it.

Muggles and wizards are dying each day. We need something on Joshua Lustendam. Anonymous sources say that we need to get to him as he is the financial supporter for the Death Eaters. We can buy ourselves some time if we can cut the money feed.

Seamus Finnegan

British High Commission Underground

Prague, Czech Republic.

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Date: June 15, 2007.

I have spoken with Timothy Cooke. We have agreed to get someone from our department to infiltrate Joshua Lustendam’s home. It would be a safer, personal and more secure option than to have an Auror go in as someone who wants to join the ranks of the Death Eaters. Voldemort has been smart in the way he goes around to get power. But we will do our best to shut him down. I will let you know whom we have chosen to send in. Keep up with the reports.

Harry Potter

Auror Department, Ministry of Magic

London, England,

United Kingdom.

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***

Harry blew cool air across the surface of his coffee as he headed back to his office. He stopped short when he noticed that the door to his office was cracked open. He made his way over cautiously and reached into his holster to grip his wand tightly. Using his foot to gently nudge the door all the way open, he allowed himself a sigh of relief which stopped halfway when he realized that Hermione was reading the material leading up to the top secret mission the Aurors were about to embark on.

Hermione coughed slightly and Harry watched as she gently put the parchments back on his desk, the exact way they were before. She backed up a bit, and then turned to leave. Upon seeing Harry, she jumped and screamed.

“Shh!” Harry said, scowling and moving to shut the door quickly.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He whispered angrily.

Hermione’s eyes shut tightly in guilt. “I just…”

“Just what?” Harry demanded. “Why are you even here?”

Hermione waved at the tray. “I was just dropping off some owl post that made it to my tray again,” she said softly with her eyes downcast.

They stood there in silence. Harry stood there stiffly, glaring at Hermione, with his coffee getting cold and Hermione repeatedly threw him nervous glances.

“I can’t believe you would violate my privacy like that.”

“I’m sorry…”

“No!” Harry walked over to his desk and rested his mug on the coaster before turning back to face her. “It said TOP SECRET Hermione! For someone who is as intelligent as you, you acted thick a while ago!”

Hermione’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

“I know. I really am sorry.”

Harry stared at her for just a while longer, and then sighed.

“Shit,” he muttered.

Hermione walked over to him. “I won’t tell anyone.”

“I know.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Harry glanced at her. “Top Secret.”

She placed a hand on his shoulder. When he didn’t pull away, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

“I’m sorry I read the reports and I won’t ever do it again. I wish I could help.”

Harry smiled weakly and returned the hug.

“It’s okay, Hermione.”