Author's Note
Well, here it is, `the other side of HBP'… and the less said the better.
First up: Sooooo sorry this update was soooo long in coming folks! Too many reasons to bore you with.
Once again - great gobs of gratitude to my fabulous beta, Kirsti (especially when she's extra busy at the moment!) *waves and blows kisses*
Hopefully you're all champing at the bit to find out what happens next so I won't keep you - read on!
FOUR WEDDINGS & A FUNERAL
By Lady Jane
Chapter Ten
`Oh, they'll try,' Dumbledore assured Harry, `I promise you that.'
Harry looked at the old wizard, frowning.
`But surely, Professor -' he protested, stopping when Dumbledore dropped his chin and gazed at him over the top of his half-moon spectacles.
Harry sighed resignedly and nodded. `You're right, they will try.' He looked across at Hermione. `We'll just have to make sure we're on our guard.'
Mrs Bones stood up, drawing all eyes. `Given the circumstances, I think no more should be said right now. I will obtain some Invenios Elixir for our next meeting which I would like to hold tomorrow morning, here, at ten o'clock. I'll be owling everyone that is aware of the Cautus Contego Charm requesting their presence.'
No one present objected and so it was agreed. There was little talk as they began to leave the Head's office, although Dumbledore indicated to Harry, Hermione and Neville that he still wished to attend lunch with them.
`You three go ahead and I'll meet you there shortly,' he told them before Disapparating.
Harry and Hermione both turned and looked expectantly at Neville.
`What?' asked Neville, perplexed at their scrutiny.
Harry crossed his arms. `I don't hear you berating Dumbledore for Apparating through your Protector Charms.'
Neville rolled his eyes in exasperation. `For the love of Merlin. Harry! Who in his right mind would tell Albus Dumbledore off for anything?'
Hermione laughed. `What can you say to that?'
`I say we Apparate to the Dragon's - '
`Don't even think about doing that Mr Potter!' Amelia Bones' sharp voice bit through Harry's jocular reply.
Harry's green gaze swiftly sought the Head's. `I wasn't serious, Mrs Bones,' he said in a quietly apologetic voice.
`Glad to hear it, Mr Potter,' replied the Head, fixing him with an intent look from beneath her thick eyebrows. `I'm afraid my rather meagre sense of humour tends to evaporate in the face of certain situations. You must all be constantly vigilant now. I don't believe the full implications of the current crisis have as yet hit home with everyone involved.'
"Constantly vigilant"? Constant vigilance! Harry nodded, managing to suppress the smile evoked by the memory of Mad Eye Moody's favourite warning.
Neville started to herd his two friends out of his boss's office before they could upset her any more than she already was. `Come on you two, let's get to the Lair - I could do with a drink right about now.'
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
On their arrival at the Dragon's Lair, Mr Madomo, the grey haired maitre d', greeted them effusively and in accordance with their request for a drink whilst waiting for their old Headmaster to join them, showed them personally to the dimly lit Dragon's Nest - the restaurant's bar. He then seated them in a comfortable, corner booth, snapping his fingers vigorously to get the attention of the barman and ensure quick service for them.
They'd ordered a cold Butterbeer each and as Harry raised his glass he said quietly, `Here's to truth, justice and the Wizarding way,' grinning at his companions as he repeated one of Neville's favourite toasts.
`Hear, hear,' chorused Hermione and Neville as their three glasses made a soft "chinking" noise as they touched.
`At least we know that we three are ourselves,' said Hermione, relief evident in her voice.
`How's that?' inquired Neville.
`Well, the Neville I met in the park was the impostor,' said Hermione earnestly, `and the three of us -' she indicated herself, Neville and Harry, `- have been together since Harry and I Apparated back to Mrs Bones' office. So, Neville, we know you are the "real" Neville, firstly because you're not the Neville from the park, you Apparated to Mrs Bones' office with Dumbledore - and the three of us haven't been out of each other's sight since then.'
Neville nodded. `You're right, Hermione. And we should have a way of identifying each other that we don't reveal to anyone else - I won't even tell Priscilla.'
Harry looked at Neville with admiration. `Very good, Neville. What'll we do?'
`What about,' said Hermione, frowning into her Butterbeer, `something only the three of us would know the answer to?'
`Like, with what, and where, did the three of us last toast truth, justice and the Wizarding way?' suggested Neville.
`With ice-cold Butterbeer in the Dragon's Nest,' Harry promptly.
`Ice-cold Butterbeer in the Dragon's Nest,' repeated Hermione, `and don't go making that toast again Neville. You'll have to come up with a new one.'
`So it's done,' said Neville. He grinned at Hermione. `And I'll start working on a new toast.'
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
`Well?'
That one word, spoken in the cold, indifferent, rasping voice that was now Lucius Malfoy's, struck fear into the heart of the man to whom it was addressed.
`Master, I was able to see for myself the way that Potter's new charm operates. I used the Polyjuice Potion to impersonate Longbottom and met the Mudblood in the park.'
`And?'
`It's almost instantaneous. I'd no sooner said hello to her than he was there.' The man shuddered at the memory - he'd been extremely grateful for his disguise in that park on seeing the look in Harry's eyes when he'd appeared - there was no doubt he would've been injured instantly, perhaps killed, if Harry had known it wasn't Neville Longbottom standing next to him.
This pronouncement was met with silence as Lucius Malfoy stared unseeingly at his henchman, lost in thought.
`Master?' The underling's voice was uncertain and not a little afraid.
Malfoy's icy gaze focused on the man before him. `There has to be a flaw - something they haven't thought of.'
The henchman shuddered. `What's left? The instant she's endangered he's able to Apparate to her side without even knowing where she is! We can't be certain what he's capable of once he gets there…'
There was a brief, cold, harsh sound that the henchman realised was his Master's laugh. `I know far more than you do about what Potter's capable of doing,' sneered Malfoy.
The henchman nodded hastily. `Of course, Master,' he replied soothingly, fearing retribution.
`There's no problem without a solution, Nott. It simply means we must lead the Mudblood astray without actually placing her in any danger until it's too late. Potter is not infallible.' He paused, his cold glance coming to rest on his underling. `You still have plenty of Polyjuice Potion available?'
Nott nodded vigorously.
`Good. Listen carefully - this is what you shall do…'
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Lucius Malfoy's son, at that same moment, was helping Lucius Malfoy's wife to eat her lunch.
`Mother, please, just a little more…'
Narcissa Black Malfoy shook her head with determination.
`No thank you, Draco. I do not wish to eat anymore.'
Draco dropped the spoon back into the bowl of lukewarm soup, his shoulders dropping in defeat.
His mother sat across from him, stiffly upright and staring fixedly out the window at what, Draco didn't know.
`I want to go home,' stated Narcissa Malfoy flatly. `Now.'
Unsurprised, Draco lifted his gaze to see the determined look in his mother's eyes, eyes that were now sunken with dark smudges underlining them. Ever since he'd given her back the glass roses, his mother had had a few moments where she seemed a little more clear-minded, although to Draco's despair, she remained frustratingly adamant about not eating properly and she still didn't sleep well. She was now painfully thin and appeared frail and weak. He stood abruptly, picking up the bowl of soup and moving to the sink.
`We can't,' he told her firmly as he rinsed the soup from the bowl before washing it.
`Are we prisoners here, then?'
Picking up a tea towel, he began to dry the now clean bowl and spoon.
`We're here for our own protection.'
`Protection from what?'
Draco returned to sit with his mother before answering her.
`From Lucius Malfoy.'
`From Lucius? Why would either you or I need protection from Lucius?'
Draco sighed. They'd had this conversation everyday for some time now but only he seemed to remember it. It was as though his mother's memory was reset at some point during each night.
`He's no longer truly himself, Mother. He sees me as a traitor and - well, he no longer considers you to be his wife.'
The look of confusion and hurt that now entered his mother's eyes still made Draco's heart ache, no matter how many times he saw it.
`I don't understand…' her voice trailed off and she stood slowly, moving mechanically as she walked with great effort the short distance to her small bedroom where he knew she would simply lie down on top of the covers and stare at the ceiling; he didn't know when or if she slept. He'd made attempts to get her up again many times but once she'd retired to her room, sometimes after lunch, sometimes after dinner, she simply didn't seem to hear him any longer - she didn't respond to anything he said or did. He sighed. Once again, he would go in that evening and put a blanket on her, to keep her warm.
As he sat down with a bowl of soup for his own lunch, his thoughts turned to his appointment with Dumbledore the following day; he was hoping the old wizard had found a way to help his mother.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Mr Madomo waited in the Arrival Room of the Dragon's Lair, hiding his impatience well. He couldn't wait to greet Albus Dumbledore and almost lost his legendary self-possession when the old wizard did appear.
`Professor Dumbledore, sir, please, it's such an honour - please follow me - such an honour!'
Dumbledore smiled at the wide-eyed maitre d'. `I'm looking forward to sampling your famous fare,' he told him as he followed the short, slight man through the restaurant, drawing discreet stares and muted gasps from those who saw him. When Harry, Hermione and Neville spotted him they all stood, smiling in welcome.
`I think we should go to our table, now,' said Harry to Mr Madomo who nodded, a huge smile on his face.
Once seated and their food ordered, Dumbledore looked at each of his former pupils in turn.
`How do you know I am, in fact, Albus Dumbledore?' he asked.
`Abscondo,' said Harry quietly.
`Aperio,' replied Dumbledore. `Excellent Harry, you remembered.'
Hermione and Neville both looked a little puzzled.
`I arranged this quaint little method of identification with Harry many years ago now,' explained Dumbledore, `before he left Hogwarts. Of course, it works both ways in case I ever needed to make sure Harry was, in fact, Harry.'
`How can we make certain of everyone else?' asked Hermione.
`You recall Madam Bones saying she would bring some Invenios Elixir to our meeting tomorrow morning?' asked the professor. Hermione nodded as he continued, `Each of us will need to drink some. It has no effect on anyone except those who are using Polyjuice Potion.'
Neville was frowning thoughtfully. `I remember reading about it in our manual back during training, although I've never had to use it.'
`Things are different now, I think,' said Dumbledore solemnly.
`What does it do to someone who's using Polyjuice Potion?' asked Harry.
`It negates the effects of it, they return to their own form,' Dumbledore told him.
`Perhaps we should all carry some,' mused Harry.
`I'm going to arrange it as soon as possible,' Neville said firmly.
`Good!' remarked Dumbledore. `Now, the reason I wanted to speak to you concerns Lucius Malfoy.'
The three friends immediately tensed, their unblinking gazes fixed on their former Headmaster.
`I engaged the help of the portraits of my colleagues a few weeks ago and I can now tell you that Lucius Malfoy is currently residing once more in Malfoy Manor, despite the fact the Malfoy's property was officially confiscated. Of course, he has made it appear as though the place is empty to any observers and is impervious to entry as naturally he has the usual charms in place. Not that anyone's attempting to enter - it's not visible to Muggles and it repels any witches or wizards. Only this morning Phineas Nigellus informed me that one of Voldemort's former Death Eaters, Nott, was reporting to Malfoy and while he couldn't hear everything properly as he had to hide out of sight in the closest painting, he heard mention of Polyjuice Potion and the incident in the park this morning so I'm sure our assumptions are quite right'
Harry felt ice cold tendrils curling around his heart. Lucius Malfoy was looking for a way to get to Hermione, he was certain.
`Anything else?' asked Neville tersely.
`Not much else, I'm afraid, as it is rather difficult for Phineas to eavesdrop. If he's caught, Malfoy will no doubt remove the paintings and then we'd really be in the dark. He did think he heard mention of the Death Eater that's being held in the Ministry, Jugson.'
`If it's Nott that's the impostor, he must be taking someone's place at the Ministry on a regular basis - perhaps every day - to keep up with things,' said Harry.
Neville nodded. `He's taken the place of someone although we don't know how long ago he started. What worries me is the well being of whoever he's replaced.'
`They'd have to be kept alive at least,' said Hermione worriedly. `Otherwise, it wouldn't be possible for their hair to be used for the Polyjuice Potion - it has to come from a living person.'
Dumbledore nodded. `Indeed Miss Granger, that is our only hope. They're not keeping this person at Malfoy Manor, Phineas assures me. I'm hoping we will find out more at our meeting with Madam Bones tomorrow morning.'
At that moment, Mr Madomo appeared, beaming, having escorted the waiters to the table to present their food.
Dumbledore smiled with delight and thanked Mr Madomo generously, causing the maitre d' to actually blush.
Picking up his knife and fork, the Professor looked around the table, his blue eyes twinkling merrily as he spoke. `As I'm sure your compatriot, Mr Weasley, would say if he were here: Two, four, six, eight, dig in, don't wait!'
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
At three thirty that afternoon, Priscilla ushered David Sunningfield into Hermione's office.
His tall, lean frame made Hermione feel a little dwarfed as he leaned across her desk, his hand out. Hermione quickly stood to greet him, shaking the proffered hand.
`Afternoon, Miss Granger. Good to see you again!'
After briefly shaking hands, Hermione gave him a quick smile. `And you, Mr Sunningfield.'
He rolled his eyes and groaned lightly. `Please! Call me "Sunny"!'
Hermione smiled again and nodded. `Sunny it is!' she told him. Surely, she thought to herself, he couldn't be the impostor! Had Neville even told him about the meeting that morning? she wondered. Does he know we're all under suspicion? Hermione sighed. This whole business was really tiresome.
`Rightio, Miss Granger, let's get down to business, eh?'
Half an hour later, Hermione had reluctantly relived her kidnapping while Sunny made copious notes. When they finished, Sunny congratulated her.
`You did really well, Miss Granger, you have a good memory and an eye for detail,' he told her, admiration in his voice. `It's unfortunate that Mulciber is being held in St Mungo's - we're not sure whether he'll be able to stand trial. But Jugson will.'
`What's wrong with Mulciber?' asked Hermione; she'd heard one of her kidnappers was in St Mungo's.
Sunny looked uncomfortable. `Well, I'm not sure it's my place to discuss that, I'm sorry, Miss Granger. I think my boss could tell you - you should ask him.'
`I will,' said Hermione, now very curious about the matter.
`Miss Granger?' Sunny's voice was distinctly hesitant.
`Yes?'
`I - well - could I ask you something?'
`Of course.' Hermione felt intrigued by the change in Sunny's demeanour. He'd become very uncertain and seemed very unsure of himself.
`What would you do - I mean, would you - well, if a close friend of yours seemed to change - a lot -'
`Why are you asking me this?' asked Hermione softly.
`I probably sound a little crazy - but I'm not exactly sure I can trust the other people in my department - things have been rather strange over there lately.'
Hermione stiffened in her seat. `Has Neville spoken to you today?'
Sunny shook his head. `I haven't seen the boss today. I did get an owl from the Head about a meeting tomorrow morning in her office and something about Invenios Elixir. All rather strange.'
`When you say a close friend of yours has changed - do you mean Wayne Hasluck - Lucky?'
Sunny nodded, his expression miserable. `Ever since he's been going out with Lila. I guess about three or four weeks now. Mind you, here at work he seems all right. It's just that when I see him outside work - well, I guess it's just I don't anymore. He's sort of cut me right off. Not like Lucky at all.'
`Well,' said Hermione kindly, `he's probably very wrapped up in Lila right now - are you sure it's not just that he's spending all his time with her and you feel, perhaps, a little left out?'
Sunny shrugged. `I thought about that, Miss Granger, I really did. And there's a lot of that in it I'm sure - but I still just have this feeling, you know. I just can't put my finger on it.'
Hermione studied him thoughtfully for a moment, then made a decision.
`Sunny, I want you to stay right here in my office - don't leave. I'm going to get Neville and come back here with him.' Hermione walked to the door and turned to look at Sunny once more as he sat looking dismayed and a little stunned. `Don't leave, all right?'
Sunny nodded. `I won't leave.'
When Hermione had left, closing the door behind her, Sunny slumped in his seat, his head dropping. He rubbed his forehead feeling a headache coming on and wondered what the hell was going on, whether he was imagining things and wishing he could wake up and find this all just a bad dream.
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Throughout the day, each of the people who knew about the Cautus Contego Charm had received an owl from Madam Bones in her official capacity notifying them of the meeting in her office the following morning and advising them they would need to drink some Invenios Elixir before the meeting could proceed. She also advised anyone with a partner who knew of the Charm, that it would prudent for them to arrange their own private recognition signal.
That evening saw Harry and Hermione sitting in thoughtful silence before their fireplace. They had assumed their customary positions - Harry sitting with his legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles, one hand behind his head, his left resting on Hermione's clasped hands atop her midriff; she was lying with her head in Harry's lap.
Hermione had told Harry about David Sunningfield's visit that afternoon and that when she and Neville had returned to her office, they'd given Sunny some Invenios Elixir. He was definitely Sunny. Neville had then filled him in on what had occurred that morning and told him to trust no one, but to do his best to act "normally".
`So Lucky isn't really Lucky? I'm not going crazy?' Sunny had felt relief sweep through him.
`Well, we can't be absolutely certain just yet, but in the current circumstances it definitely sounds as though something is amiss,' Neville had told him, dread trickling through him as he thought of his chat with Lucky - or who he'd believed was Lucky - only that morning. How he hoped they were wrong about this.
Hermione looked up at Harry and sighed. `Poor Neville - a traitor right in his midst!'
Harry gently squeezed Hermione's hands. `You've had quite a day, haven't you?'
Hermione smiled up at him. `We all have. You too.'
Harry returned her smile, lifting his hand and gently tracing the outline of her face
`Hermione?'
`Hmm?'
`I've been thinking about our own signal, what we should have.' Hermione frowned up at Harry as he spoke.
`As if I wouldn't know you!' she exclaimed, half in jest.
Harry looked down at her, his gaze serious. Hermione rolled her eyes. `All right. Yes, a signal. I know you're right. It's just that it feels sort of melodramatic.'
Harry smiled. `I've got the perfect thing,' he told her. `What do you think of…'
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
The following morning at five minutes past ten, the office of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement found itself extremely crowded and not a little noisy. The last to arrive were Fred and George Weasley, both sporting bright yellow dragonskin jackets, causing Ron to lean towards Harry and Hermione, commenting under his breath, `I swear those two are colour blind!'
As Ron finished speaking and Harry and Hermione chuckled, a clear, bell-like tone chimed, immediately silencing everyone.
`Good morning, everyone,' announced Madam Bones from behind her desk where she stood, looking authoritatively around the room. `Please, be seated.'
Everyone moved towards the large desk and sat in the armchairs ranged in two semi-circular rows facing the Head's desk.
`Now,' continued the Head, `we partake of the Invenios Elixir.'
All eyes dropped to the small glasses sitting on a tray on the Head's desk; there were nineteen of them in all. Madam Bones picked up a glass and drained it. Then Professor Dumbledore stepped forward and did the same. And so it went…Molly and Arthur Weasley, Bill and Fleur, Charlie, Fred and George, Ron and Luna, Ginny and Dean, Harry and Hermione, Neville and Priscilla…then as Lucky and Sunny stood to take their turn someone began knocking frantically on the Head's door, the door opening suddenly as Lila Caplo rushed into the room looking scared but determined as her eyes sought Neville. When she spotted him she walked towards him, stumbling a little.
`Sir! I'm so sorry to interrupt but one of the Aurors just arrived and he says that someone has broken into the cells and that the Death Eater, Jugson, is missing - he's escaped!'
Neville could see officers running past the now open door and glancing quickly at his boss, turned and almost ran from the office when she gave him a brief nod, Lila right behind him with Sunny and Lucky close on their heels.
`I'm afraid, everyone, that we'll have to reschedule this meeting, obviously,' said Madam Bones
wearily. `I would like you all back here at three this afternoon.'
As Harry, Hermione and Priscilla made their way back to Hermione's department, Harry exchanged a slightly exasperated look with Hermione. She knew he was thinking the same thing: of all the people in that office that morning, the one person they wanted to take the Elixir more than any of the others had not done so. They waited until they were seated in Hermione's office, alone, before discussing it, Priscilla returning to her own desk and the work that awaited her.
Hermione had, out of habit, taken her seat behind her desk, causing Harry a measure of amusement. As he sat down opposite her, smiling indulgently, Hermione realised why and quickly jumped up to join Harry on the other side of her desk, sitting herself on his lap, a cheeky grin in place.
`Much better, Miss Granger!'
Hermione laughed, her arms loosely encircling Harry's neck. `I don't do this for just anyone, you know,' she told him.
`I should hope not! I expect special privileges, you know.' Then he gently pulled her closer and kissed her, slowly and seductively. Hermione marvelled again at the effect he had on her as she felt her whole body respond to him and wishing they were anywhere and anywhen else.
Pulling back reluctantly, Hermione sighed as she forced herself to return to reality.
`Damn it Harry! You can make me forget anything!'
Harry smiled smugly. `As it should be!'
Hermione couldn't help but laugh as she removed herself from his lap. `I think it's better that I do sit behind my desk - far less distracting at any rate!'
As she sat in her chair and her eyes met Harry's, they both fell silent, their expressions becoming solemn.
`Now we'll have to wait until this afternoon to know for sure about Hasluck,' said Harry tersely. `Which I don't really like - it gives him almost a whole day to come up with something. And Jugson escaping - if Nott-as-Hasluck was in the Head's office, who was helping Jugson?'
`Do we know how many Death Eaters were left at large?' asked Hermione. `It has to be one of them. If Nott is reporting to Malfoy senior, there are probably others that have rallied to him since Voldemort's demise.'
Harry felt a familiar blackness being to descend on him as he was once again faced with memories of his final battle with Voldemort. Out of habit, he pushed them aside, refusing to dwell on them as he said, `Not many Death Eaters were left - but no doubt enough of them for Malfoy's purposes. It sounds as though he's attempting to set himself up as the next Voldemort and the last of the Death Eaters have rallied around him.'
`Which he isn't. Nor will he ever be, whatever he thinks,' remarked Hermione caustically.
`Amen,' said Harry as he stood up suddenly. `Let's get out of here. Let's go have morning tea together somewhere.'
Sensing Harry's need to be alone with her - just be with her, Hermione agreed immediately. Although neither of them had said it aloud, Hermione knew what was on Harry's mind: Lucius Malfoy was more than likely planning to use her to get to Harry.
They Flooed to Esca, the Wizarding café, taking a table in a quiet corner rather than in the sun-filled, central courtyard. After ordering their coffees, Harry reached across the small, square table and took Hermione's hands in his.
`I'm afraid,' he said simply, looking down at their clasped hands, watching as he gently ran his thumbs back and forth across her soft skin.
`I know,' she replied. `Harry?' When he lifted his eyes to hers, she continued, `I have to say that I'm now glad about the charm - if only because it should help give you some peace of mind knowing you can get to me instantly. I hate to see you so - so - distressed.'
Harry nodded. `The charm helps. But the only thing that can completely guarantee you're safe is Malfoy's capture.' Harry's green gaze hardened. `I want to get my hands on him so badly!'
`It's going to be a lot harder to trick me a second time,' Hermione tried to assure him.
`I want to stay with you every minute of every day…' said Harry in a low, tense voice.
Hermione sighed, squeezing Harry's hands, trying desperately to transmit some sort of reassurance.
At that moment, their coffees arrived and they both sat back. As the waitress, a young, pretty witch with long blonde hair, placed their cups before them she smiled shyly at Harry, obviously recognising him. Fumbling in her pocket she produced a small piece of parchment and short quill.
`Would you mind awfully signing this for me?' she asked hesitantly. `I mean, if it's not too much trouble - I understand if -'
One look at the expression Harry's face and Hermione quickly dropped her head, picking up her spoon and stirring her coffee and doing her darndest not to laugh.
She heard Harry mumble something along the lines of, `No trouble at all,' followed by the sound of quill on parchment.
With a rather breathless, `Thank you!' the waitress left and Harry spoke, his voice low, `Hermione, if you so much as smile I'll -'
With great difficulty, Hermione looked up at Harry straight faced…for a full five seconds. Then she burst out laughing.
Harry groaned. `It's not funny! It's excruciatingly embarrassing!'
`Poor Harry! Oh, I'm sorry - I just couldn't help but laugh,' Hermione reached across the table and took Harry's hand. `You know, you look sexy even when you're embarrassed,' she told him.
`Slight compensation,' smiled Harry. Then he sighed. `I suppose you have to go back to work, don't you? No chance of coming home with me until this afternoon's meeting?'
`Sadly, no. Will you come to my office first and we'll go to the meeting together?'
Harry nodded. `Of course. I'll be there around half past two, quarter to three.
They both drained their cups and Harry stood, holding out his hand to Hermione.
In that small space of time, Hermione found herself remembering so many other times that Harry had done exactly this same thing - a jumble of images tumbled over each other in her mind… the time when Harry had first come to stay with her and they'd been at Florean Fortescue's - she'd taken his outstretched hand and his touch had set her heart racing… then at her flat after dinner one night, he once again offered her his hand and had lead her into the loungeroom… and of course, the night - when Harry had asked her if she only saw him "just as friend, now and forever" and she'd barely managed to shake her head in reply before he'd Apparated them to the Dragon's Lair where later he'd stood once again and held out his hand to her, effectively leading her to a new life in which she and Harry were together...
`Hermione?'
Hermione blinked and gently shook her head as she took Harry's hand and stood up. She squeezed his hand tightly as she leaned against him. `Just some memories taking me by surprise,' she murmured.
`Good ones, I hope,' said Harry, putting his arm around her shoulders and leading her to the fireplace.
`Oh, yes,' said Hermione softly, `good ones, definitely.'
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Hermione dropped her quill and leaned back in her chair, stretching her arms above her head before dropping them to massage the stiff muscles in the back of her neck. Harry chose that moment to appear in her office doorway and she gave a startled gasp.
`You are in need of a little break, I think ', he said as he walked in, closing the door behind him, a mere ghost of a smile playing about his mouth.
Hermione rose slowly from her chair, walking around her desk to be met with an enveloping hug from Harry. Wrapping her arms around him, Hermione sighed happily. `You're early,' she murmured.
`Hmmm - sit at home alone, nothing much to do - or come and spend time with my beautiful fiancée. Wasn't an easy decision, I can tell you.' Despite the light remark, Harry's voice was tense. Hermione thought perhaps "nothing much to do" constituted sitting around worrying about the current situation - in particular, his fears for her safety.
Despite her thoughts, Hermione laughed lightly, then looked up at Harry, a happy smile on her face. `An excellent choice, Mr Potter,' she told him in a mock-prim and proper tone.
Harry didn't say anything in reply - he simply looked at her, his gaze intense; Hermione found she couldn't tear her eyes from Harry's - those green depths holding an array of emotions - she saw fear, love, tenderness, desire, desperation…
`Harry?' A whisper.
Harry's voice when he spoke was hoarse with feeling. `Hermione, you can't know how much I love you, how important - necessary - you are to me, how much I need you.' Their eyes were locked, unblinking. Hermione's whole body seemed to tingle.
`It's the same for me, too,' she told him softly.
`No.' Harry's tone was adamant. `If something happened to me, you would be devastated, I know, but eventually you'd move on. Without you, I couldn't go on. I wouldn't want to.'
Hermione felt her heart hammering in her chest as she shook her head mutely. She struggled to speak, barely managing a whisper, `You would go on too, eventually.'
Harry didn't answer. At least not with words. He dropped his head very slowly without losing eye contact and when their lips were almost touching he spoke, his voice barely audible although rough with emotion, `I would have no life worth living without you Hermione.' Then her lips were crushed beneath his and Hermione was helpless - only able to respond as she always did to this man who was almost hurting her he was holding her so tightly. Hermione felt almost dizzy as Harry's kissing became more demanding, his tongue thrusting into her mouth; the male hardness pressing into her stomach leaving her in no doubt as to what he wanted. Her. Now.
Then Harry was kissing her closed eyes, her cheeks, her neck - over and over again - murmuring her name as he did so. Harry's need seemed akin to primal lust - leaving Hermione breathless with a mixture of fear and desire.
`Harry - please, Harry -' Hermione ineffectually pushed against Harry's chest, but he was far too strong for her.
`Harry!' her voice was a little stronger this time and seemed to reach him. He straightened, lifting his hands to frame her face, his breathe rasping in his throat. `I'm sorry - I guess I got carried away.'
`A slight understatement,' said Hermione softly, still feeling a little shaky from the overwhelming display of passion and raw emotion.
With his hands still tenderly around her face, Harry gave her a wan smile. `I think I had something in the way of a panic attack, sitting at home, going over the time you were kidnapped and imagining Lucius Malfoy getting hold of you - ' Harry shuddered, his eyes closing. He dropped his hands to Hermione's waist and slowly pulled her to him, laying his cheek against the softness of her hair, inhaling her fragrance. Hermione wrapped her arms around Harry, tears welling in her eyes. She felt more afraid for him than she did for herself and vowed she'd do everything necessary to ensure he wasn't hurt.
Not too much later, at a quarter to three, a more composed Harry and Hermione were making their way to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement once again, together with Priscilla. When they arrived, they found the only person to arrive before them was Professor Dumbledore; within ten minutes though, the same group from that morning was assembled once more and once more, there were nineteen small glasses of blue tinged Invenios Elixir reposing on a tray on the Head's desk. As everyone seated themselves on hearing the chime, Madam Bones looked at Neville and gestured for him to stand.
`Would you mind, Neville, giving everyone a brief report on this morning's incident; I think most of them will be a little curious.'
`Certainly, Head,' replied Neville as all eyes in the room turned to him.
`As you heard this morning,' he began, `Miss Caplo from my Department announced in a rather dramatic fashion that Jugson, the Death Eater being held for the kidnap of Hermione, had escaped.' Neville paused, taking a deep breath. `Unfortunately, it's true.'
Hermione felt Harry tense beside her and felt her own stomach clench at this news. For a second, everyone looked at Hermione until Neville began speaking again.
`The Auror who made the discovery was actually going down to the cells to interview another prisoner altogether. He found the guards and the other three prisoners all Stupefied and the door to Jugson's cell was open, and empty. We've done a thorough check and no one saw anyone that didn't belong in the Ministry. We can only surmise that Polyjuice Potion has once again been employed in an unscrupulous manner.'
`What about -' began Harry.
Neville gave Harry a wry smile. `Oh yes, I checked the Protector Charms, Harry - all still intact. Whoever it was, left by the normal means.' His quick glance at Professor Dumbledore told Harry Neville had repaired the Charms after the Professor had Apparated into the Ministry the day before and then Harry had Apparated himself, Hermione and someone he'd believed to be Neville into Hermione's office almost immediately afterwards.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he said to Neville, `I must apologise for any problems caused by my hasty departure, Mr Longbottom. I can assure you I won't do it again unless absolutely necessary.'
Madam Bones, who had remained standing while Neville spoke, now cleared her throat.
`Thank you, Neville. Now, back to business everyone. Once again, we will each drink a measure of Invenios Elixir.' So saying, she picked up one of the small glasses and drained it.
As each of them filed past the large desk, the tense silence seemed to thicken by the second. Everyone was trying hard not to appear as though they were watching each other - no one was really terribly successful however.
Once again, Sunny, followed by Lucky, were the last two to pick up a glass. They gave no sign that they were aware of seventeen pairs of eyes boring into them as they drank.
They drained their glasses simultaneously and replaced them back on the desk. Then a collective gasp was heard around the room…
TO BE CONTINUED
Author's Note
I'm sure you'll all be glad to hear I've already started Chapter Eleven - I'm back in the swing!
xxxx Janie xxxx
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