Ch 29: Things that Go Bump in the Night
"I couldn't stop, I couldn't…he tried to stop him, he tried…he followed me and they fought and then a monster and there was light and blood everywhere! And more fighting! Then I ran, he told me to, and I could, and I did, I ran…I ran. But the blood, the blood, and the teeth and claws…Ohhh!!! So much blood! I ran, I couldn't stop, I couldn't…"
Fleur Delecour was on her knees at the bedside, trying to hold Gabrielle still as she thrashed wildly on the bed, screaming the same phrases over and over. Hermione and Professor McGonagall were on the other side, trying to help as well. Madame Pomfrey had just finished mixing a Sleeping Draught while Dumbledore, Samuel, and Harry watched and listened in growing frustration.
"That's all she's said since I found her five minutes ago. She just keeps repeating it over and over. It will be easy enough to follow her tracks in the snow back into the forest-I saw them headed back that way. I say we follow them and then track down whatever it was that attacked her-tonight, before we lose the trail. I'll ask Hermione to wake up Hagrid for us and Hunt and I will go with him and find whoever or whatever did this."
"An excellent idea, Harry, except that I will be accompanying you as well," added Dumbledore.
"Ready then?" asked Harry. Seeing them both nod in the affirmative, Harry grasped their arms and glanced at Hermione before they disappeared.
"Mione, could you wake up Hagrid and tell him we'll be at his door in a moment?"
"Of course, Harry. Be careful."
--
"I'm comin'! I'm comin'!" bellowed Hagrid's deep voice as his heavy footsteps approached the heavy door. Hagrid threw his heavy coat over his shoulders, picked up his crossbow, and joined the other three wizards in the moonlit yard.
"Let's go," urged Harry. "I found her just over there." A few minutes later Harry waved his hands signaling them to stop. "Let me and Hunt look at the tracks first, before we head into the forest.
Samuel knelt down in the snow, and carefully examined the single set of tracks that led from the Forest. Harry was right beside him, studying the ground closely.
"What do you see?" he asked Harry.
"She left by herself, nobody was pursuing her, but her uneven steps, and the fact that some of them are turned to the side indicate she feared she was being chased. She did not run in a straight line, or at a constant pace, indicating either fatigue or confusion, or both. There's very little blood here where she fell, so she's probably not badly injured-if she had been, this much running would have opened the wounds. Most of that blood on her was dry and was probably from someone, or something else."
"Good. How long was she lying here in the snow?"
Harry looked closely at the spot, poked at the snow, then shook his head. "I don't know. I would guess maybe half an hour, I don't know for sure."
"Probably over two hours. See here where the snow has been partially melted and then has refrozen? Compare that spot with another spot where her body heat didn't melt the snow."
"All this mi' be interestin' to yer, but we need ter find what hurt the poor girl, not stand here talkin' bout the snow n' ice, Samuel," growled Hagrid.
"Hagrid, by examining these tracks, we learn some valuable clues, including the fact that whatever did this has a little over a two hour lead on us. Now we can go. And Hagrid, please keep your oversized clown feet over there, off to the side of the tracks. We don't want you stepping in the tracks. You too Dumbledore." Samuel didn't look to see if his suggestions were being followed, but bent his head and began jogging alongside the tracks towards the Forbidden Forest. Harry glanced at the two moving away from the tracks, and then followed on the other side of the tracks slightly behind Samuel.
Fifteen minutes later, they were deep into the Forest where the trail was harder to follow. But Samuel and Harry were up to the task. Another ten minutes of tracking led them to a small clearing.
Hagrid exclaimed, "Thar's a body!" and moved forward before Samuel grabbed his sleeve and tried to restrain him.
"Wait Hagrid. Let me look at him first. Stay here." Samuel stepped lightly and quickly to the body, checked for a pulse, and shook his head sadly. "Harry, help me look at these tracks. Dumbledore, have a look at this body, would you? Harry will show you where you can step. Hagrid, stay put."
Harry led Dumbledore to the body, that of a middle-aged man whom Harry didn't recognize. Dumbledore didn't either, but the body was covered with bloody wounds and was nearly naked. While Dumbledore examined the body more closely, Harry began moving away from the body, looking for signs to reveal the story of what had happened. On one side of the clearing he found a pair of large, narrow footprints-nearly human, except they had claw marks in addition to toe prints. They were heading into the clearing. He also found a set of broad, deep paw prints, and they also had claw marks. Other than that, they appeared to be those of a large cat. But cats had retractable claws and didn't leave claw marks. And the tracks were a little larger and deeper than he would have expected, but he recognized the track as a sick feeling rose in his stomach. That sick feeling only grew worse when he found significant traces of blood in several of the tracks, as well as outside of the footprints themselves. Then Samuel called him over to the other edge of the clearing to look at something.
Samuel was pointing at three sets of footprints, nearly overlapping. Harry recognized the smallest set as those of Gabrielle. One set was about the same size as his, the other was several sizes larger.
"Harry, did you see any other tracks headed back to the castle? It appears that this middle set of prints left over there in the direction of the castle. But I haven't found where the other student, if it was a student, left."
"I didn't see any at the castle, but then I didn't look. And since I teleported, I wouldn't have seen any tracks closer to the door. I'll check." Before Samuel could protest, Harry had disappeared. Closer to the front gate, he found Hagrid's large bootprints headed out of the castle towards his cabin. He also found Gabrielle's footsteps leading out, side by side with the prints about his size, and the larger footprints following behind. Of all the footprints leading out, there was only one set leading back in-those of the middle sized footprints. He returned to the clearing and informed Samuel.
"So someone besides Gabrielle might be able to tell us what happened here tonight. Probably all three were students, then. But we still don't know who the second or third one was."
Staring at the ground, Harry miserably announced, "I think the one with big footprints was Ron."
"Are you sure Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
Harry sighed. "I'm pretty sure. Three sets of human tracks in. One set of dog prints in-I'm guessing the dead guy over there was a werewolf. Two sets of human tracks out. One set of cat-like tracks out. A big tiger, I would say-Ron's animagus form. The bites and slashes on the body definitely look like Ron's work."
"Is there anything else you wish to share, Harry?" prompted Dumbledore when Harry paused.
Harry stared at the ground.
Samuel added, "Potter, we need to know everything possible about what happened here tonight. Every bit of information is vital."
"I know, I know," snapped Harry. Then he paused before adding sadly, "Ron was talking to Gabrielle earlier tonight. I saw them leave the Great Hall together about half an hour before the dance was over."
"I don' believe it! Yer mus be mistakin' Harry! Ron would ne'er do somthin' like this!" protested Hagrid.
"Let us not jump to any conclusions. We still do not have all the facts. And I refuse to make any judgments until I hear all of the sides, including Mr. Weasley's. What we need to do now is to find both him and the other student at Hogwart's to determine exactly what happened here tonight," explained Dumbledore. "I too, do not believe that Mr. Weasley has done anything out of character here tonight. What is your best guess of what happened here tonight, Samuel?"
"Well, I'd say that three of your students wandered out here and were attacked by a werewolf. Two returned to the castle, the third is still in the forest somewhere. By the marks on the trees, it looks like at least one, probably two, of the students got off some pretty powerful spells. Any idea what they might have been or who cast them Dumbledore?"
"Not without the specific wands, no. They were powerful offensive spells, but beyond that, the remaining magical aura is too faint to be more specific."
"So let's go find Ron," suggested Harry. "Hermione says that Gabrielle is finally resting quietly. Pomfrey said she didn't have any serious injuries. She is treating her for shock and hypothermia."
"Tell them to make sure that they check for any bite wounds. If they see anything even remotely suspicious, have them contact Snape so that he can begin brewing the Wolfsbane potion," directed Dumbledore. "Samuel, did the second student have any traces of blood?"
"No."
"Ron's did," said Harry quietly.
"Then have Hermione wake up Snape immediately to begin working on the potion. It shouldn't be too late, Harry, but we must find him quickly. And have Minerva get in touch with Arthur. We will have to wait to notify Remus until tomorrow morning."
"Yes sir." As Harry and Samuel began following Ron's tracks through the forest, Harry informed Hermione of everything they had learned so far.
"Please be careful, Harry."
"I will."
"And don't worry. I'm sure Ron will be fine."
"I hope so. Thanks, Mione."
Twenty minutes later, Harry and Samuel paused for a brief discussion as the tracks headed south out of the forest. "We're falling behind Hunt. We're at least three hours behind him now. We're not going to catch him at this rate, not until after daybreak when it's easier to find the tracks anyways."
Samuel glanced at Dumbledore and Hagrid, who were both breathing heavily in the frigid early morning air. "So do you have a better idea?"
"Yeah, I do. I think I know where he's headed. I'll teleport ahead in short jumps until I find him."
"Harry, I don't think it's not a good idea to split up. Your friend is still in his animagus form, and he's hurt and running scared. I've known Animagi who got hurt so badly in battle they forgot their human side, and their animal side took over. It can be tough to bring `em back and remind them of who they are."
"He's my best friend. I'll take my chances," replied Harry in a flat tone of finality that indicated he thought the discussion was over.
"Potter, wait…" but Harry had already disappeared. "I hate it when he does that," complained Samuel to Dumbledore and Hagrid. He threw his hands up in exasperation, "If he would just listen to me once in a while instead of running off and doing whatever he thinks…"
"He listens Samuel, but then he makes up his own mind. That is simply Harry being Harry," chuckled Dumbledore while Hagrid guffawed and sat on a nearby stump.
Hagrid clapped his hands together and warmed them over a small fire Dumbledore had conjured to keep them warm while they waited. "Harry's a great wizard and a good boy, but neve' taken much stock in rules or bein' told what to do, Samuel."
Samuel snorted and squatted near the fire. "Well, I hope he doesn't regret not having some help if he finds his friend."
--
Ten minutes and five teleport jumps later, Harry caught sight of a large figure loping easily along in the dark countryside. In his dragonform, he teleported about 100 yards ahead of the tiger and landed before transforming back to his normal form. As the large tiger slowed his run, Harry waited quietly with his hands out. A few paces away from Harry, he realized there was something radically different about the tiger in front of him. Ron's tiger had been large, but the beast in front of him was enormous. It was at least a hundred pounds heavier than Ron's normal tigerform. Besides the ragged slashes and gaping wounds on the neck and shoulders, Harry saw a rage and pain bordering on madness in those huge yellow eyes. As the tiger growled deeply and crouched as if to spring, he wondered for a moment if this wasn't one of those really bad decisions he might later regret. If he lived to regret it.
"Ron," he said quietly, trying to hide any anxiousness or fear he might feel. "Ron, I know you're in there. I'm here to help you. I want to help you." He watched the tiger's motionless eyes as he lifted his hand slowly in front of the tiger's massive jaws. The tiger roared suddenly, revealing razor sharp teeth, several still dripping with blood. Harry froze, realizing if he moved he might lose his hand or his life. He also feared that if he teleported away, he might lose his only chance of helping Ron. The tiger closed its mouth and sniffed Harry's fingers while Harry stood as still as possible. He even tried to stop breathing.
Breathing heavily, the tiger dropped to its belly, and laid its head on its front paws. In relief, Harry exhaled and fell to his knees in front of the tiger and looked deeply into the eyes again. The pain was still there, but the madness had left. "Ron. Ron, can you transform back? I'll take you back to Hogwarts, back to Madame Pomfrey, she can patch you back up good as new. They're working on a potion to take care of the werewolf bites. Don't worry, everything will be fine, Ron. But I need to take you back. Can you hear me Ron? Ron…"
Slowly, Harry watched as Ron transformed. Most of Ron's clothing was torn and shredded and matted with blood. But what was most surprising to Harry was that even sprawled on the ground, he was pretty sure that Ron was several inches taller and at least fifty pounds heavier than he had been last night. Ron started shivering and shaking as Harry put an arm around one of his shoulders, lifting him to a sitting position. "Come on Ron, let's go home." And they disappeared.
--
Harry reappeared in the clearing where he had left Dumbledore, Samuel, and Hagrid. "I found him. Pomfrey's looking after him right now-he's in pretty rough shape. Come here and I'll take you all back to the castle."
When they reappeared in the infirmary, Arthur and Molly were sitting near the bed where they had laid Ron, who was tossing and turning, thrashing wildly on the bed. Hermione quickly moved to Harry's side and they walked over to Ron's bed.
"No! Leave her alone! Protego! Reducto! Ahhhh, my leg! What is that!? Help me! Incendio! No! Get away from her! Run! Get help! RUN! AhhhhhrrrRRRRRR!"
Molly was leaning heavily on Arthur, her shoulders shaking with sobs as Arthur looked hopefully towards Madame Pomfrey and Dumbledore. "Is there anything more we can do for him?" he pleaded.
"Beyond a Sleeping Draught to calm him down and Wolfsbane to prevent him from turning into a werewolf, I'm afraid there is not much more that we can do except wait. And pray," replied Pomfrey sadly. "Once he is resting, I can finish dressing these wounds-they're serious but not life-threatening. Luckily, he hasn't lost too much blood."
"Arthur, Molly, with your permission, I would like to have Hermione try to read Ron's memories. I would not ask except there is still another student who may need help and she has already tried with Miss Delecour without luck. It seems some of her memories have been partially erased. Ron's memories of what happened in that clearing may be the only chance we have to find this third student."
"Of course, Albus. Anything we can do to help."
Dumbledore nodded to Hermione who moved closer to the bed. She rested her hands lightly on the side of his head and concentrated intently. Ron seemed to settle down slightly at her touch.
Hermione found herself in a thick, dense jungle. She slowly pushed her way forward through the clinging vines and undergrowth, trying to make sense of the landscape around her. She finally stumbled into a clearing with a small pool. She approached and looked deep into the waters. She saw flashing images of classrooms at Hogwarts, of the Quidditch pitch, and of the Burrow.
She brushed the still waters with a fingertip, setting off a small series of ripples and the images seemed to slow down. She tapped the water again, and the images seemed to run backwards in time. Recognizing the patterns of the pool, she tapped the water twice more and observed closely the images playing before her in the pool.
--
Once again she was at the Halloween Ball, but not with Harry. There were nearly a dozen other boys, all puffing out their chests and telling outrageous stories about things they had done, trying to impress the beautiful French girl with long silver hair who stood in their midst, giggling at some of the more unbelievable exaggerations. She leaned over and whispered, "Would you like to go for a ride on a real Firebolt?"
Gabrielle laughed and replied, "I'd love to, but I only know of one Firebolt here at Hogwarts."
"I'm seeing everything through Ron's eyes," realized Hermione.
"Don't worry, Harry will never miss it."
"I wouldn't bet on that Ron," thought Hermione.
Gabrielle laughed and whispered softly, "Come on then Ron," and led him towards the front doors.
Hermione cringed, then she remembered the condition Harry had found her in and she immediately regretted her feelings of jealousy and bitterness towards Gabrielle.
She followed Gabrielle out of the Great Hall and through the hallways until they were at the foot of the stairs leading up to the Gryffindor Common rooms. "Wait here, I'll be right back in a minute," she heard Ron say. Then she raced up the stairs so fast she got dizzy.
"Boys!" she muttered to herself.
Ron shouted out the password, burst through the portrait, and sprinted up the boys' stairs. Ron muttered the password that disarmed the warding spells on Harry's broomcase, reached in and pulled out Harry's most prized possession. He turned to leave, then grabbed two heavy sweaters with hoods and a blanket off his bed and ran back down the stairs.
"What a romantic…"
She jerked to a halt on the last step and stared at the sight before her. Gabrielle was laughing and talking with none other than Draco Malfoy.
"Weasel, what on earth are you doing? Going for some late night Quidditch practice-well, don't let us stop you. We all know you can use it." He laughed and so did Gabrielle.
"I am the captain, maybe you'd like to make the bench your permanent home, Ferret boy."
"Weasel, you are so pathetic. We all know the only reason you're the captain and I'm not is that once again, Potter saved your pathetic arse. Hey, isn't that Potter's Firebolt? Merlin, Weasel, you are pathetic. With friends like you, I'm not sure Potter needs any more enemies. Come on luv, let's go."
Gabrielle laughed and hooked her arm around Malfoy's and whispered sweetly. "Sorry Ron, maybe some other time. Draco had a much better idea than freezing to death on a broomstick tonight. It looks pretty cold out there." Then they walked away, laughing and talking.
"Oh Ron. I am so sorry she treated you like this."
She retraced her footsteps slowly up the stairs and replaced the blanket, the sweaters, and Harry's Firebolt. Then she walked over to the windows and saw the tired, sad face of Ron reflected in one of the large panes. As she walked closer and leaned her forehead against the cold glass, she noticed movement outside in the snow by the castle walls. In the clear moonlight, she could see two figures, one with short silver blonde hair, and the other with long, shiny silver hair. But something about them seemed odd, something about the way they moved seemed wrong. Before she knew what was happening, she had grabbed one of the sweaters and was sprinting back down the stairs and towards the front doors. The cold air slapped her sharply in the face as she pulled on the sweater, still running towards the front gate. Outside the walls, she turned left, running behind the twin trail of footsteps in front of her. The tracks led straight into the Forbidden Forest and she plunged headlong into it.
Suddenly she noticed that her perspective was much lower to the ground, and that she could see much better as well. And her hearing and sense of smell were much sharper as well.
"He shifted to his Animagus form!" she realized.
Amidst the many scents she detected on the cool night breeze were two that definitely did not belong in the Forest. A light, flowery scent of mild soap and perfume distinguished the girl. The sharper aroma of musk and damp stone identified the Slytherin Ron hated. She padded silently through the forest, occasionally spotting a track, but mostly following their scent deeper into the dark forest. After a few minutes, she spotted an open clearing with two human figures. She could easily hear the angry voices in the clearing.
"Stop fighting it, you tramp. You are not strong enough to throw off the Imperious curse."
"Draco, please…please…why are you doing this? Please, just let me go…I won't tell anyone…"
"Of course you won't. Memoria!" Then he slapped her hard across the face. "And don't you dare call me Draco again. Imperio!"
Hermione could feel a knot tightening in her stomach, she wanted to throw up as she watched the girl's eyes glaze over and Draco smile broadly.
"Now kiss me," he commanded and she immediately leaned forward.
Hermione wanted to turn her head in anger and disgust. Instead she leaped forward and screamed "No! Leave her alone!
She hadn't realized she had transformed back to Ron's human shape or that he had drawn his wand.
"Weasel! Once again, you have stuck your freckled nose where it does not belong. But what if, yes, that will be even better-Slicio!"
"Protego!" shouted Ron just in time to deflect the devastating cutting charm.
"Good, good, Weasel. Nice to see all that training with Potter and Snape allowed you to survive at least one spell." He then nimbly rolled to one side as Ron shouted "Reducto!" before he countered with "Corpus Immobolis!"
Suddenly Hermione felt her body freeze in place, unable to move. Apprehensively, she watched as Malfoy stepped closer with a terrible grin on his face.
"Oh, and for being a Weasley, Crucio!"
Hermione tried to scream, but her voice refused to cooperate. Pain beyond anything she could imagine wracked her body, yet she could do nothing. She was only experiencing Ron's memory of this brutal attack, she couldn't imagine how much more painful the real experience had been. Finally, Malfoy lifted the curse and laughed.
"Still with us Weasel? Good. That will make all of this so much sweeter. You can watch while I finish with her. Of course, you won't remember any of this, I will have to alter your memory as well. You will actually believe you killed her and will confess. And I will be the hero that brings you to justice-too late to save her unfortunately. Your family and friends will be devastated, and they'll run your father out of office in a heartbeat. Imagine, the son of the Minister of Magic a murderer-no they'll sack him within the week. Of course, you'll get to spend the rest of your life in Azkaban-a most disagreeable place, let me tell you."
With growing horror, Hermione watched helplessly as Malfoy turned back towards Gabrielle.
"Draco, please, don't do this!"
Malfoy slapped her again, rocking her head from side to side and then raised his wand again. "I warned you…"
"NO FATHER! I won't let you do this! I won't let you hurt her anymore!"
Hermione stared in shock as Draco screamed out loud and fell to his kness, dropping his wand and gripping the sides of his head with both hands. With a trembling hand, he reached out again for his wand and raised it slowly.
"Finite Incantatum."
"Nooooo! Draco, you foolish boy. Once I am finished with these two, I promise you, I will deal with your betrayal."
"Run Gabrielle! I can't fight him off much longer. RUN!" But she stood there in shock.
Agony shot through Hermione's leg as sharp teeth sank deep into her left calf muscle. She could feel the pain and raw animal fury building within her. Ron had continued to struggle against the paralyzing charm to no avail. But she could sense the spell weakening against this new surge of rage. "Ahhhh, my leg!" she screamed, breaking free of the curse. She half turned and shouted "What is that!?" at the sight of the large creature to his side. Backing away, she yelled in vain, "Help me! Incendio!" Flames shot out from Ron's wand and singed the fur of the werewolf, causing it to scream in pain. It leaped away from Ron and closer to Malfoy and Gabrielle. "No! Get away from her! Run! Get help!"
Malfoy, his eyes wide with fear, backed away slowly as Gabrielle remained frozen in fear, watching the approaching werewolf. "Slicio! Incendio!" screamed Malfoy. Its chest bleeding, and its hair singed again, the werewolf howled in agony. But it avoided the pain causing wizard and turned towards the frozen witch. Malfoy laughed evilly and turned and ran off into the forest as the werewolf crouched, preparing to leap on the frightened witch.
"RUN!" screamed Hermione as she ran towards the werewolf, transforming as she moved forward. "AhhhhhrrrRRRRRR!" she roared as she launched herself at the beast. As she rolled around with the werewolf on the ground, biting, tearing, and slashing, she noticed that Gabrielle finally ran off in the direction of the castle. A few minutes later, the fight was over, and she watched as the werewolf slowly returned to its human form in death. But she could sense the battle rage and confusion continuing in Ron's mind. Unsure what to do, she left the clearing. After several minutes, following instinct, she headed south towards the Burrow.
"Mione! Mione! Are you OK?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Did you find out what happened?"
"Yeah," came the weary reply. In a flash, she shared with Harry everything she had just seen.
"Miss Granger? Are you alright? You gave us quite a shock," asked a concerned Dumbledore as she opened her eyes and moved back from Ron's side.
"You started shaking and screamed a few times," explained Harry to a confused looking Hermione. "And I couldn't reach you through our mental link."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry anyone. And yes, I found out what happened." As she explained what had happened in the clearing, Harry pulled out his Marauder's Map and began examining it closely. When she finished, she looked at him and asked, "What are you doing?"
"I'm looking for Lucius. I don't know what he's done to Draco, but he's got to be here somewhere. He left both of them to be killed by the werewolf-he'll think he's gotten away with everything. I know he's still here somewhere. He's up to something and I'm going to find him. I just can't figure out where he's hiding-I've been watching Draco for weeks and I've seen no trace of Lucius Malfoy on the map. Maybe he's left already, though he couldn't have Apparated away. He could have used a portkey I suppose, but he wouldn't want to leave his wand behind. What am I missing?"
Hermione thought quietly for a minute. "Is the Chamber of Secrets on your map?"
"I doubt it or the twins would have said something about it in our second year when they had the map. Wait, here it is right here. I'm sure it wasn't there before," said Harry thoughtfully.
"So that is how you acquired that unique map," commented Dumbledore.
"What about the Head Girl's room?" continued Hermione.
Blushing, Harry protested, "Mione, you know I've never been in your bedroom."
"Just look for it on the map," she insisted.
"Nope, nothing there," answered Harry. Then he began rapidly refolding the map. "And no Head Boy's room in the Slytherin dungeons, either. That has to be where Lucius is hiding. Brilliant Mione," said Harry, his eyes flashing as he stood. "One more thing Mione. I need to borrow the sword."
"Harry, this isn't about revenge. Don't drop to his…"
"I know. But Lucius has escaped more times than I can count. I want to make sure he doesn't get away again."
"Then let me come and help."
"No, you should stay here and help Ron and his parents."
"You're just trying to keep me out of harm's way."
"I know."
"Harry, I'm coming with you."
With resignation, Harry replied, "Fine." Harry kissed her forehead after she passed him the beltloop. He then straightened up and turned towards the doors.
"I'm right behind yer, Harry," boomed Hagrid.
"I'd love the help Hagrid, but I'm not sure you'll fit through the Slytherin portrait door,"
"And how would yer be knowin' that, Harry?" asked Hagrid in amusement.
"Mione told me it didn't take long to glue their door shut as a prank," replied Harry with a completely straight face. "But if we need some help, I'll come back for you in the blink of an eye Hagrid, I promise." Then Harry turned to leave again as Dumbledore chuckled.
"Harry, I believe I will be joining you as well. I am still the Headmaster of this school, after all."
"I'd appreciate the company sir." Harry reached for his sleeve and Hermione's shoulder but only Harry and Dumbledore disappeared from sight.
"HARRY!" screamed Hermione in frustration.
Hermione stared at the empty spot for a moment and Hagrid reached over and tried to pat her lightly on the back, attempting to comfort her but nearly knocking her from her chair in the process. "Don't be too upset with him, he's only tryin' to keep yer safe is all. And don't ya worry, now. There's nothin' nor nobody the two of them together can't defeat. Not even a dark wizard as nasty as Lucius Malfoy," spat Hagrid.
"I know," replied Hermione, sitting back in her chair. Her anger slowly ebbed away as she looked sadly at Ron and his worried parents.
--
When they appeared in the middle of the Slytherin common room, they startled several students lounging around on the couches and chairs.
"Have any of you seen Malfoy tonight?" asked Harry. "Answer me!" he added angrily.
"He left the dance early, nobody's seen him since," stuttered one of the startled students.
"It is very late, I believe you should all head upstairs to your rooms," suggested Dumbledore in a quiet voice. Harry and he were alone in the room within ten seconds.
Harry whipped out his map again and studied it closely in the flickering firelight. With a finger he tapped part of the map. "Where would the Head Boy's room be? Is Draco still using it?"
"It would be over there, behind that tapestry. But Draco was moved back to his room with his classmates when I stripped him of his Head Boy privileges. And Professor Snape would have changed the password."
"Maybe he figured it out…" Harry stood in front of the tapestry and muttered softly holding his wand aloft. "Wow. It looks like Lucius knows some pretty nasty defensive wards."
"Quite right, Harry. These should only take a moment or so to remove and then…"
"But won't he know that we've removed them as soon as we do that? I'm sure he has at least one of them trapped to set off an alarm…"
"Then it might take me a few more minutes to remove them…"
"While you're working on that, I'm just going to pop in and…"
"No, Harry, wait and we'll…" Dumbledore sighed heavily as Harry disappeared, "go in together. Ah, impatient youth," he muttered as he began removing the defensive wards very carefully but as quickly as he could.
On the other side of the wall, Harry's luck held briefly. It was always dangerous teleporting into an unknown area, one hoped not to find oneself reappearing in the middle of a wall or piece of furniture. He hadn't done so this time, but Harry's luck ended there. He found himself in the middle of a dark circle, drawn on the floor in what appeared to be black chalk. And he found himself completely unable to move. His shock turned to dread when he realized that he couldn't teleport, either.
"Ahh, so good of you to finally join us Potter. As you can see, I saved you a very good spot to watch the end of this little ceremony."
Harry would have gasped in horror had he been able to move. Black candles throughout the room lent the dark room an infernal, hellish atmosphere magnified by the various bubbling potions and chalk drawings everywhere in the room. On a bed to his side lay the still body of Lucius Malfoy, his chest naked and with blood oozing slowly from a series of runes etched into his chest. And before him, holding a bloody knife, was Draco who slowly stood up from his work on his father's chest. He then pulled off his own shirt as he spoke to Harry.
"Don't be so surprised-I've had this little trap waiting for you for some time. I'm surprised the Mudblood hasn't warned you that there are not only spells to prevent teleportation, but spells to trap teleporters. Maybe she's not as clever as she thinks. No matter. But it is a shame that the werewolf didn't finish off the Weasel and the girl-I'm assuming one of them survived and that's how you found me. I should have just killed them both and finished it myself. I didn't realize veela were highly resistant to mental spells-otherwise she couldn't have fought off my Imperious and memory charms for so long. And the Weasel's temper-it takes a lot of energy to break one of my binding spells."
As he was speaking, he had reversed his hold on the dagger so that its point was aimed at his own chest. Gritting his teeth, he began carving similar runes on his own chest that had been cut into his father's chest. Meanwhile, Harry was focusing intently with his senses, desperately looking for some means of escape.
Draco chuckled as he walked over to grab his wand from a table. "Your precious Headmaster won't be able to save you in time, Potter. It will take him too long to undo the defensive wards and he won't dare risk the lives of the Slytherin students, especially with those nasty explosive wards I added. And as soon as I finish the incantation, I will kill you." He stopped to look at Harry for a moment. "It's too bad I won't be able to keep my body, but with everyone looking for me, it seems more convenient to continue in the body of my son. I am looking forward to restoring the pride of the Malfoy family with it. I should thank you for rescuing me from my father, once again you'll get to be the hero-don't worry, I'll tell everyone how you sacrificed your life for your longtime rival and enemy. The papers will eat it up. It's a terrible pity I can't take your body, but if you had the willpower to defeat my Master, I am not so foolish as to try and best you in a contest of wills. No, I believe the killing curse will do just fine. You know, if you hadn't fought so hard at the trial, you might have lived a very long life in Azkaban. But before you die, Potter, know this. I will continue killing those closest to you. If the weasel is already dead, I guess that moves the Mudblood to the top of the list. Now watch closely, Potter, and witness my final triumph before I kill you."
Raising, his wand in one hand, he raised the bloody knife in the other and began chanting in a low voice. His voice slowly growing in volume, he pointed his wand at the body of Lucius. Then his wand exploded, knocking him across the room. He slammed into a wall and several candles fell on his shoulders, the burning wax searing his skin. "Ahhhh!" he roared and glared at Harry. Meanwhile, Harry focused on a small pendant hanging from a hook which Harry had sensed was a portkey, probably Malfoy's means of escape. Harry had realized that if Lucius was really able to take over someone else's body, then he wouldn't be worried about taking his wand with him. As Harry concentrated, it too exploded in a shower of glass and metal chips. "Potter!" came Malfoy's agonized scream again. Harry saw Malfoy step within his line of vision again. Raising his dagger high, he charged towards Harry. As he approached, a small breeze blew some of the black chalk from the circle. As Malfoy charged, Harry spun and launched a vicious spinning kick that caught him on the side of his face and sent him staggering back to the bed which he then fell back on.
"I will kill you Potter!" screamed Malfoy as he reached again for the bloody dagger. He found the dagger and then paused as Harry approached. "No, Draco, no!" Harry saw Draco's arm jerk hesitantly upward, and then plunge downwards into the chest of his father lying on the bed. "What have you done?!" The dagger still held in one fist, Malfoy tumbled to his knees and began rocking back and forth, as if some great internal struggle was taking place within his body.
"Fight him Draco! Fight him!" shouted Harry as hesitantly stepped forward, looking for a way to help.
Suddenly Malfoy stopped rocking and slowly rose to his feet.
"Are you OK, Draco?"
"Yeah, I think so. Thanks, Potter." Then the dagger shot forward, aimed at Harry's stomach. Without thinking, Harry stepped sideways and lowered his arm to block. But instead of blocking Malfoy's wrist with his forearm, the dagger sank deeply into his arm. Harry screamed as it easily sliced through muscle and then lodged between the two bones of the arm. With a twist and another scream of pain, Harry wrenched the dagger from Malfoy's grip where it stayed embedded deep in Harry's forearm.
"I'll kill you with my bare hands if I have to!" shouted an enraged Malfoy, nearly insane with fury as he tried to grasp Harry's throat with both hands. Harry twisted to his left and threw his unwounded right arm over the top of Malfoy's, then brought it down on the elbows, breaking Malfoy's grip on his throat. As Malfoy tumbled towards him, Harry snapped his head forward, smashing Malfoy's nose and stunning him momentarily.
"Draco! I know you're still in there! I can help you fight your dad! Don't let him win!"
"Saldar! Can you help me get into his head? I need to help Draco fight off his dad!"
Suddenly Harry found himself in a large courtyard crowded with weeds. A few hundred yards away stood an enormous mansion in obvious disrepair. All around him were dead bushes and plants. And in front of him were two figures he recognized as Draco and Lucius, dueling with wands. Off to his side stood Saldar. Harry nodded to him and drew his own wand. Suddenly Draco fell, hit by what looked like the Cruciatus curse as Lucius laughed. Harry launched a stunning spell and Lucius turned aside just in time. Harry quickly followed it up with a flame charm, and then Draco hit his father with a Cruciatus curse.
"Draco, that's enough! That's enough!" shouted Harry.
"It will never make up for what he's done to my mother and me. Never!"
"Draco! I didn't come here to kill your father. I came to save you. Now I can help you get him out of your mind, so he can't possess you, but you're going to have to help."
"He's not just trying to possess my body, Potter! He's trying to swap our souls!"
"Well then let's put him back where he belongs."
Together, the three of them bound Lucius and then they simultaneously cast a banishing charm on Lucius.
"It's not working!" screamed Draco.
"Keep focusing!" shouted Harry. "Spells work differently here, it's your force of will that really matters. You have to will him out of your body!"
Suddenly Harry found himself flat on the floor of Malfoy's room again. Dizzily, he tried to stand and saw Draco slowly climbing to his feet as well. They stood, looked at each other, and then turned towards the raspy, labored breathing on the bed. Lucius still lay on the bed, his chest now soaked with blood from the deep stab wound that Draco had made with the dagger. Lucius turned and coughed up some blood, then began cursing his son.
"How could you betray me Draco? You are a Malfoy," he hissed angrily.
"You tried to kill me, father. And you nearly got Mum killed. She's as good as dead. And if this is what it means to be a Malfoy, then I am no longer a Malfoy." In disgust, Draco spat in his father's face. "I will create a new name for myself among wizards, one that people will honour and respect, not fear and loathe." Leaning closer Draco sneered, "I hope you burn in hell with your accursed Master." Then Malfoy turned away from his dying father.
Lucius' eyes flicked to Harry's for a moment. "You…" he started, then began coughing again. "You will…" But Lucius never got to finish his last threat. Harry watched the dead eyes for a moment, then turned away to look for Draco. Draco was near the door dispelling some of the defensive wards. Harry helped and a few minutes later, the door opened and in rushed Dumbledore.
"Draco! Harry! Are you two…" Dumbledore's eyes quickly took in the room and noticed the dead body of Lucius. "The two of you need to go to the infirmary immediately. I'll…" But that was all Harry heard.
--
Harry woke up staring at the all-too familiar white ceiling and smelling the strong, clean aroma of the infirmary. He raised his bandaged arm to scratch his head and slowly sat up as the first rays of morning light penetrated the infirmary's windows.
"How are you feeling, Mr. Potter? That was a nasty little knife I had to pull out of your arm," commented Madame Pomfrey.
"I'm sure it will heal. I think my new scar should complement the one from the basilisk fang rather nicely, don't you?"
"You're going to have to hire your own nurse after you graduate Mr. Potter-assuming you survive that long of course. I keep telling Dumbledore that he needs to hire me an assistant in here-one of us can take care of you, and the other can take care of the hundreds of other students in the school who are less accident prone," she complained as she leaned over to examine his bandages.
"How's Ron doing?"
"I believe Severus just finished brewing the potion. He'll be giving it to the four of you in a moment."
"What?" he asked, but she had already turned away. "Help me up," asked Harry. "Please? I'm sorry Hermione. I was just trying to protect you."
"I know Harry. But when are you going to realize I can protect myself?"
"Mione…"
"We can finish discussing this later," she finished and extended her hand. With Hermione's help, he stood rather shakily and made his way down the aisle to Ron's bedside. He could hear choking and gagging coming from beds elsewhere in the infirmary.
As Snape walked over, carrying two small glass flasks, Harry asked, "What is going on?"
"That, Mr. Potter, is the sound of the Wolfsbane potion being administered. And here is yours."
"What?! But I didn't get bit, I told you."
"But you were stabbed with a dagger that had Draco's blood on it."
"But he wasn't bit either."
"And you've been in contact with Mr. Weasley, who was bitten," continued Snape.
"It is for your own safety, Harry," explained Dumbledore
"Drink up," grinned Snape with malicious humor as he handed him a flask.
Harry grabbed the flask hesitantly, popped the top off and nearly gagged. He threw his head back quickly poured the thick liquid down his throat, trying to swallow the nauseous concoction as quickly as possible. It tasted foul and burned as it slid down his throat. Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, Harry grinned at Snape. "Hah, that wasn't so b…"
Harry dove for the bucket by Snape's feet and emptied his stomach with gagging, wracking heaves.
"Ahh, very good Potter. Get it all up."
Harry looked up angrily at Snape. "Are you sure you mixed it right, Professor? I mean, isn't the whole point of drinking a potion to keep it down so it can do its work?"
"Obviously, I was too generous in grading your Wolfsbane essay, Potter. As you should recall, the Wolfsbane potion reacts with the saliva from a werewolf's bite that causes the transformation. If administered within twenty-four hours of being bitten, the potion will give you a slight fever as it burns up any saliva it finds within the bloodstream and prevents it from infecting the nervous system, the muscles, and the organs. The fact that you just threw up the potion is a good sign-it means that your body doesn't have any of the saliva from a werewolf that will give you lyncanthropy. If instead of throwing up, you simply relaxed into a light sleep, that would indicate it was administered too late-the transformation had already taken place. The potion would then not cure you, it would only help treat the symptoms."
With a slight smile as Harry finished heaving his guts, Snape added, "The Wolfsbane potion is intended for werewolves, humans can't stomach it."
"Funny, Snape," muttered Harry as he rinsed his mouth out with some water that Hermione had brought him. Snape then turned and gave Ron the antidote while Hagrid and Arthur held him still. Harry looked up to watch as did everyone else did, waiting for Ron to begin throwing up. Instead, Ron calmed down and drifted off to restful sleep. Arthur put an arm around Molly, who had put both of her shaking hands over her face. Harry looked at Hermione as Madame Pomfrey spoke quietly.
"Professor Snape, does…does this mean…"
A sad, quiet voice spoke from behind the group. "I'm afraid it means that Ron has become a werewolf…like me." Everyone turned to look at a thin, very mournful Remus Lupin, who looked sadly at Ron and his parents who were now trying to comfort each other as Molly cried.
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Next Chapter: Charming the Beasts
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