A/N: And this is why I'm good...
Chapter XLII: Masters of Magic
Reality fell heavily back on the Golden Trio the following morning. As joyous as Harry was over the very positive recent developments, the business of putting an end to Lestrange came back to the forefront. As it was still early, about seven, he rolled over and tried to fall asleep for another hour, but without success. Glancing over at Hermione, he reached and placed a loose lock of hair behind her ear. She certainly looked beautiful when she was sleeping...
However, he could either stare at his wife, or plan the day's events. As much as he wished to do the former of those, he charmed the intense headache rocking his temples from existence, and sat up on the bed.
Something told him he would really have to try to keep his mind in focus today - the party the previous night had been very, very wild...
So he tied his robe around his waist, and set off down the stairs and towards the kitchen, as was his customary routine on responsibility-filled mornings such as this one.
He opened the door while letting out a big yawn, and then noticed his best friend already sitting, still half-awake, staring dazed at his steaming cup of tea.
"Morning, mate," Harry croaked. "Why, in hell, are you up so early?"
Ron cracked a tired smile. "I could ask you the same question. And please don't shout...my head is still ringing."
Harry took out his wand and aimed the same charm at Ron that he performed on himself minutes earlier.
"Better?"
The redhead blinked a few times and shook his head. "Actually, yes!"
"Great. Now to make me a cup of coffee before I pass out on the floor."
"You do that," Ron took another sip of his tea.
"I have an idea," Harry said once he sat down. "Today, we'll go to Knockturn and Diagon Alley. Just send some of the Order in the field to see what we can dig up."
"Avery and Demetris have quite a few friends in those circles too," Ron pointed out after yawning profusely.
"We'll take the lead from what they uncover. I think our Marauders can take on a part in the mission, no?"
"I'd encourage it," Ron nodded. "They're definitely valuable to the Order, we know they're extremely capable..."
"Alright. In the meanwhile, Ministry is back in session, and I'll tell Draco to keep the MLE on alert as well."
"What about the Aurors?"
"I don't think there's need to alert them yet," Harry shook his head. "We're only going to gather intelligence."
"That's true," Ron agreed, "but some of the best agents are within my department. I think it's worthwhile to send a detachment undercover, but keep each group unknowing of the presence of the others..."
"Hey, it's Ginny's department now," Harry reminded him. "And yes, that is a better idea for sure."
"What about my department?" Ginny stumbled in, still groggy.
"Morning to you too," Harry said. "We're just talking about today's assignments."
"Oh?" Ginny's eyes widened. "Already?"
"Yes," her brother affirmed. "And where you come in, is that you'll need to assemble a crack team of spies to work around Knockturn Alley over today and tomorrow to see what Lestrange may or may not be up to."
"Done," Ginny nodded. "I'll organize them the moment I make it to my office in two hours...or as soon as this headache stops."
"Harry?"
"On it," the black haired wizard nodded.
Within a moment, Ginny's hangover was gone.
Draco and Luna were the next to come in the kitchen. They also looked very unwilling to go to work this morning, but unfortunately, they had to attend to responsibility...
"Seems we aren't the only early risers today," Draco commented. "Maybe partying so late wasn't the brightest idea when we have a world to save..."
"You make it sound as if Bellatrix is really the huge threat that she was actually before," Luna told him.
"She's still dangerous," Draco defended himself. "How should I know what she might or might not pull out?"
"You're right," Luna ceded before the argument escalated further. "We should take her more seriously."
"Enough," Harry said. "The best we can do now is try to work out what's going on and stop any threats in their infancy."
Coincidentally, the clock on the wall showed that it was already time to go.
"Everybody knows their assignments."
With those words, the impromptu morning conference disbanded, and each Order member set about their tasks for the day.
**
"How is the recruitment progressing?" Bellatrix asked her newly appointed lieutenant in the matter of attracting new members.
"We have agents in every part of the Isles, Mistress," he answered respectfully, bowing as he did so. "Recruitment is stable and growing."
"What is it in numbers?"
"So far, five thousand and four hundred Death Eaters are either being informed or branded with the Dark Mark as we speak," he recited.
"Excellent," she leered. "The plan goes as scheduled, and we attack the Ministry tomorrow. Have regional groups set up to control any unrest when the Ministry falls."
"I'm not sure -"
"Crucio!"
The unfortunate man was struck by the merciless curse and writhed painfully on the ground, while his screams of agony pierced the air. Lestrange did not flinch in the slightest.
"When I request something of you," she said, very calmly, "I expect full obedience."
She lifted the torturous spell. "Yes, Mistress. Forgive me," the Death Eater paid his respects, and still fidgeting from the illusory pain, retreated towards the door.
"Have this job completed by tomorrow, or your head will pay the price for your incompetence," she informed him. "You may go."
"Yes, Mistress. Thank you, Mistress."
Quite probably frightened beyond comprehension, the Death Eater stumbled through the doors, and almost ran the length of the ghastly hallway that led to Lestrange's chamber.
At the end of it, his associate was already waiting eagerly to hear of the proceedings.
"You're still alive," he commented. "So far, so good."
"One more day, at least," the other said, "she is mad."
"Tell me, what happened?"
"The witch Crucioed me," he rejoined. "You'd think I would be used to that damn curse by now."
"Are you nuts? Nobody can ever be immune to it. People have gone mad...remember the Longbottoms?"
"I do," his companion reminisced for a moment. "They were good people."
"Jack, look, we have to focus here. If we can organize all of this crap by tomorrow, maybe we can tip off the Order of the Phoenix somehow. You know, they're bound to have agents out and about snooping..."
"Keep it down, damn it," Jack said. "We don't need everyone to know. The walls have ears here."
"Whatever," the other one replied impatiently. "We have to do what we have to do."
"Doesn't matter, Paul. What, you expect Harry Potter to take a stroll in Knockturn on any day?" Jack asked him sarcastically.
"You don't read the paper, do you?" Paul objected with frustration. "Hermione Potter and Ron Weasley - they're two other public members. We don't know who the rest are, but it's possible to keep a look out for them."
"Think about it, you idiot," Jack almost smacked him in the back of the head. "Potter's at the core of that order. They will probably know we're Death Eaters. We'll be dead before we even touch him."
Paul thought for a moment. "Have you heard anything about Snape or Avery?"
"The official story is they're dead," Jack recalled. "But that's not what they say on the streets."
"What, that they were killed along with Dolohov?"
"If you know Lestrange's story, why are you asking me?"
"No, you're not understanding me," Paul said quickly. "What are they saying in the streets?"
"That they managed to defect to the Light without a scratch on them. Apparently fighting for the Order now. I know it's all rumour, but the wildest one is that Snape was actually loyal to Albus Dumbledore for all the years he stayed here...and that was before you, or me, in the early days of You-Know-Who..."
"Where did you hear all this?" Paul's mouth was slightly agape with amazement.
"Out and about," Jack told him somewhat evasively. "Now, I have to spend the rest of the day in London looking for recruits, and I hope one of them agents bumps into me."
"Alright, and what about me?" Paul said.
"You'll be my eyes and ears. Shadow me, let me know if anything of interest happens. We'll do what Lestrange wants, and also make sure you apparate back and forth between the main regions to ensure that those structures she wants are established."
"Fine, I'll do that. I hope all they last for is a day."
**
"What are you thinking, Harry?" Hermione came up behind him.
"Just a feeling," Harry said. "That something bad is going to happen very soon."
"Don't worry about it," Hermione smiled, as she embraced him from behind. "You have a lot of reasons to be happy."
"I know, I know," he agreed with a hint of exasperation. "It's about Lestrange. Something doesn't feel right."
"What are you talking about?" Hermione queried curiously.
"I can't place it. Last time we met at that protest, she seemed ready to pull off something big. I don't know what it will be, but many people will die - of that I can be certain."
"Death is her business, Harry," Hermione rejoined solemnly. "We can't do anything to change her, but hopefully we can foil her plans."
"I don't know how much we'll gather from the missions today," he was not optimistic. "It's bound to be secretive, whatever it is she is planning."
"Well then, when do we launch the Order's mission?" Hermione asked.
"In the next half hour," Harry said. "And you're staying put."
"What do you mean? I'm coming!" she protested.
"Hermione, it's too great of a risk. You're carrying our child. Until it's born, I don't want you taking any unnecessary strain upon yourself," Harry explained his fears to her, the ever considerate person that he was.
"Harry, it hasn't been too long in the pregnancy. I can handle this," she tried yet again to convince him otherwise, but inwardly knew the fight was already lost.
"Hermione, I can't stand it if anything happens to you, or our child. It would drive me insane. I'd even kill myself and not want to be brought back. I have enough of a worrisome mission today, and I want to at least know for certain that you will be safe."
She conceded the point. "Fine, I'll stay, but that does not mean I'm happy about it."
He smiled, and kissed her on the head. "I love you."
"I love you too," she hugged him. "Be safe."
"You know I will."
With that, Harry went off to find Ron, the Marauders and the Weasley twins. He didn't have to look far - all of them were already assembled as per an earlier request in the living room.
"Are you ready?"
A circle of positive affirmation was returned to Harry.
"Now, this mission," he went on, "is dangerous and requires the utmost focus to maintain our secrecy and gather the intelligence we need."
"Where are we going?" Fred was the first to interrupt Harry.
"London's criminal magical underground - Knockturn Alley and the surrounding areas," he answered. "This is the main reason the mission is so dangerous. The Death Eaters will most certainly have operatives in the area, so whatever you do, trust nobody."
"Next, we're looking to eavesdrop on any conversation that mentions or centers on any potential moves by Lestrange and her worthless goons. The general feeling is that it will be something big, but nobody is certain what it will be, or when it is going to occur. As a result, mind your communications, primarily listen, and don't become a prisoner."
"Any questions?"
Remus looked around, and then spoke up. "The Aurors and MLE are mounting similar missions, right?"
"That's correct," Harry nodded. "Today is crucial for the job, and we will compare findings at the end of the day."
"Right then," Ron stood up. "Avery, you and Demetris will take the lead in this mission."
"Why us?" Avery was mildly surprised.
"Because we have the most experience and connections," Demetris answered instead of Ron. "Think about it - we have allies among the Death Eaters right now."
"What are you talking about?" Avery objected. "We barely escaped with our skins!"
"That's because the core around Lestrange is too powerful. Everyone else is expendable and interchangeable."
Avery took a second before he answered. "We never made the core."
"That's why we're interchangeable," Demetris smiled.
"Fine then," Harry summed up the discussion. "You know where to look. Everyone else, including Ron and I, will follow your lead."
"Right then," Demetris rose to his feet. "That would make me in charge of this mission simply for the fact I'm older than Avery and it's thanks to me that he's still alive."
Avery scowled at him, but did not say anything. He knew the old man was right about that...
"Harry, you and Ron should go to Manchester," Demetris instructed. "It will be a hotbed for recruitment, and many prominent Death Eaters in the organization did come from there. If Lestrange is planning anything significant, big or small, she will resort to Manchester."
"How do you know?" Ron asked him sceptically. "London is by far a more significant city."
"That may be, Ronald," Demetris agreed principally. "But Lestrange is about operating in ways that aren't obvious. She's emulating Voldemort in that regard, and it is that which makes her so predictable."
"Don't say the blasted name," Ron muttered. "Fine, we'll take Manchester. Do you want regular reports, or just one big briefing tonight?"
"I'm hoping we can extend this particular mission over tomorrow as well," the old wizard revealed the inner depths of his plan. "The Ministry departments are pressed for time and results, so they don't have the luxury of drawing their assignments out a bit more for additional intelligence. We, on the other hand, can do that."
"Two days?" Harry echoed him. "What if she strikes before?"
"I doubt it," Demetris shook his head. "I realize we are taking on a significant risk, but it's one we are going to have to accept. For the sake of knowing what's going on and where to strike her."
Uneasy glances were shared around the room.
"What about us?" George inquired.
"Good, you reminded me," Demetris said. "You two will be going to Belfast. It's not as intense in terms of Death Eater activity, but it's not isolated either. The most secretive of dealings take place there, simply because it's out of the way, it's low-key and allows for easier movement. Do you think you can handle it?"
Fred grinned. "Of course. And as an added bonus, it's an opportunity to test out some new spy products we have been developing..."
"Good thinking, Fred," his brother smiled. "Read your mind on that one."
"So that's all set," Demetris affirmed. "James, you, Sirius and Remus will be going to Hogesmeade. The situation there is an amalgalm of Manchester and Belfast. Enough activity to keep you occupied and alert to bring back valuable information."
"Our old haunt," James smiled on his own turn. "Be nice to visit again, eh, Padfoot?"
"Of course," Sirius exclaimed. "Can't wait!"
Remus only shared a glance with Lily and shook his head at his two best friends.
"Excellent. That leaves me, Avery and Lily. We're going to be venturing into London. Knockturn Alley will be only one of the stops along the way."
"Why can't I go with James?" Lily rejoined.
"Because your charm will be invaluable to our end of the mission. Lily, you're smart and beautiful. The spells you know, cast under your presence will make an unwilling Death Eater sing."
She didn't know whether to be flattered or insulted. "Thank you," she chose neutrality.
"Any last questions?" Demetris looked around, but nobody said a word. "Then let's go!"
As Harry walked out of the front door with Ron and disappeared into thin air almost immediately after, he hoped nobody would be compromised today in such a high stakes mission...
**
The Auror and MLE teams had been instructed to recognize Demetris Snape, and take their cue from him without direct contact. Avery and Lily were not to be touched under any circumstances, even if one could be prosecuted, while the other was legally still dead.
Without second thoughts, Demetris had delved right into Knockturn Alley to begin his investigations. Judging by his expression, Lily could tell he knew a considerable number of the regular shady visitors to the place.
It didn't take long for him to open his tab of communications. Fixing on one particular cloaked man outside what seemed to be an eerie recreation of a sidewalk cafe, he moved to sit beside him on the adjacent chair by the table. He discreetly motioned to Jonathan and Lily to conjure up their own means of sitting down and joining him.
"Good to see you, Butchard," he greeted the cloaked gentleman. "How are you?"
The man didn't even bother to reveal his face, and his only sign of acknowledging Snape was turning his cloaked face ever so slightly towards him.
"Demetris. It has been a long time."
"I know," the old man agreed. "Tell me, are you still with Lestrange?"
"Do I have a choice?" Butchard said with a hint of irony. "After the success of that Merlin affair we undertook together, she made me a member of her inner circle. Why she left you out, I still don't know..."
"That'll be a story for another day, I assure you," Demetris nodded patiently.
"How are you fairing after your cowardly betrayal of the Dark Side?" Butchard asked the question with surprising calmness.
"You know, Butchard, I was never a part of the Dark Side," Demetris took it upon himself to clarify the matter. "And quite well, thanks."
"The official story is that you're dead," Butchard said. "Of course, those of us more enlightened than the rest know the truth..."
"Yet the supposed truth is fiction as well," Snape echoed his thought. "Remember what I told you - keep an open mind. Don't let the ideals of the Dark cloud your judgement."
"Ideals, ideals," Butchard rejoined impatiently. "Let me remind you of what Voldemort said - there is only power. No good, nor evil."
"What Voldemort said does not negate my advice, my old friend," Demetris shook his head.
"This is irrelevant," Butchard changed the course of the exchange. "I don't think you troubled yourself to come all the way here to find me, and only for the purpose of idle conversation."
Demetris took a breath. "You're right. So much for the consideration for an old friend. I came to you with one specific question."
"Well, go on," Butchard prompted him when Demetris fell silent for a moment.
"What is Lestrange planning?"
The directness of the inquiry caused Butchard to inhale deeply - he did not expect such boldness on part of his former brother in trade...
"It is in my interest to remain silent," he replied evenly. "Why would you want to know?"
"This information is not for my personal use," Demetris affirmed the lack of personal ambition in his request. "It is for the sake of the Order of the Phoenix."
"What is the Order going to do about this?"
"It is more widespread than you can conceive, Butchard," the old man continued. "I'm sure you know - the current leadership of the Ministry is all a part of the Order. We call the shots, you see. Lestrange is not as strong as she used to be, and you know this. It is a question of time before she is brought down. The only intent is to do it with the least amount of casualties. Ideally, none."
"And what do I care of the innocent people? They are only pawns in the grander scheme of our confrontation," Butchard raised his head a little bit, but still did not reveal his face. Lily suspected quite strongly there was an ugly smirk on his lips this very moment...
"Innocent people will always die," Demetris agreed heavily. "The better question - do you want to end your own life by staying on with a sinking ship? Or would you rather jump off, release a lost cause, in favour of a new, safer life. You also do know, Lestrange can expunge her inner circle without notice. Does that insecurity suit you?"
"I've lived with it for years. I'm used to it," Butchard said. "And how can you support your claim of a sinking ship?"
He did not sound very certain any more, and even if he remained cool, Demetris knew he was slowly penetrating his old friend's defences...
"The walls have ears here, Butchard. The mere fact you're talking to me in the presence of another traitor and a resurrected Lily Potter is more than enough of a reason for Lestrange to have your head the moment this meeting is over."
"You're a fickle one, Demetris," Butchard returned. "But I'm more than certain of my safety."
"Do what you will," Demetris told him. "I am only here for the information I requested of you earlier."
Evidently agitated, Butchard leaned forward. "There is only one way I can tell you. It will take no more than a minute, but what I request of you on my own turn, is that you will guarantee my freedom when Lestrange is dead and the Death Eaters no more."
"You will be offered residence in exile and officially counted for dead. This will guarantee your anonymity. Prepare a new name, we will arrange for a new wand, and pick your destination. Far from Britain."
"I will hold you up on that deal, Demetris. You and the entire Order," Butchard said.
"I expect nothing less," the old wizard nodded. "Now, hold up your end of the bargain before I do so with mine."
"Fair enough," Butchard agreed. "As you know, the suspicion and mistrust that exists within the structure of the Dark Side is a potent weapon, but is also its greatness weakness. To be more precise, even the inner circle is purposefully kept confused until the plan is underway and ultimately, complete. What I know is that there is one of two possible scenarios - a targeted assassination, or a massed assault. Each requires elaborate organization, and from where I'm situated, I can tell you nothing more."
"What is your role in all of this?" Demetris asked.
"Sort out the most promising new recruits and channel them into the Manor for them to be trained and briefed on their part of whatever this assignment will be."
"Are you doing any of the training?" Demetris went on with the interview.
"I may be, at a later stage. So far, I don't know what I will be doing."
"And maybe just one more - "
"That's enough," Butchard cut across Demetris. "It is dangerous enough that I'm meeting with wanted traitors in broad daylight. I'm afraid this is all I can tell you. I know it's not much to go on, but I hope it's a start. I can rest easy that you will carry through your promise of our arrangement, Demetris. I trust you."
"Fair enough," his counterpart said. "In the meanwhile, you stay alive."
"Don't worry about me. Focus on Lestrange."
Those words concluded the rather lengthy exchange and the trio rose to leave this mysterious individual alone.
"What did he basically say?"
Lily's curiosity could not be put to rest without a proper analysis.
"That's all he knows," Demetris told her. "I was hoping for more from him."
"What was that Merlin project he mentioned?" Avery also tried to find out more.
"Something I'm not proud of and I don't think I will ever reveal it to anyone. Don't ask him either, it's useless."
The mystery around the persona of Demetris Snape had only deepened.
"Alright, so what do we have on Lestrange that's conclusive? Aside from the fact she's definitely planning something."
"Absolutely nothing," Demetris shook his head. "Anyone from the Order could be a target, and she knows a little bit more than the public."
He was about to say something else, but the words stopped at the tip of his tongue, as something else caught his attention.
"Do you see those two over there? The short, stubby ones."
He was pointing out two rather well rounded young wizards that looked very much out of place in Knockturn Alley.
"The easily expendable type," Avery commented. "Those would be the first line in any attack they carry out."
"Well, she's certainly active in the recruitment department," Lily pointed out. "Why them, though? They wouldn't know much, would they?"
"No," Demetris agreed, "but they will provide a more concrete insight into the aims of the mission. The way these are taught...they are told one objective before they go off on some suicide assignment. We find out who or what they're supposed to be after, we may form an idea of the location."
"And how do you propose we do that?"
"Through you, Lily. You'll play the part to seduce them to come to us...from there, Avery will launch the memory modification charms, and I will do the questioning. Simple as that."
"Oh, how nice to be the tart," Lily said dryly. "You know I have other talents."
"I'm not denying it," Demetris smiled.
However, they had assumed wrong that Lily would do little more than go over and bring the two targets back.
She took purposeful, quick steps to approach them.
"Hey!"
The two thugs turned. "Oy, John, lookie here!"
His friend leered. "Up for a little game, pumpkin?"
"I'll give you a game," Lily's eyes flashed, and before either of her opponents realized what had happened, she immobilized them in their positions - from a distance, nothing out of the ordinary was happening.
"I can't move," one of them stated pointlessly, but those were the last conscious words he said before all four eyes glazed over into empty stares...
"Tell me now," Lily began, "what are you here for?"
"Recruited by the Death Eaters," came a bland reply. "Kill Harry Potter."
"Who else besides Harry Potter?" Lily could not help but be even more stern when the life of her own son was concerned...
"Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger."
"How are you supposed to kill them?"
"Assassination at the Ministry."
Lily breathed in from shock. "Assassination?"
"That's correct."
"That's horrible!" she exclaimed.
"Death makes us happy."
"Oh, I'm sure it will," she seethed. "Who ordered this mission?"
"Inner circle."
"Who exactly?"
"I don't know."
That was the extent of what she could squeeze from these goons. An assassination mission into the Ministry to kill the trio.
Something did not fit in this scenario, and she was anxious to find why she felt that way. Releasing the confused aspiring Death Eaters, she made her way back to Demetris and Avery.
"What happened?" Avery was the first to express his alarm. "Why didn't you follow the plan?"
"Screw the plan," Lily snapped. "I got the job done."
"I knew you would," Demetris remarked patiently. "What came of it?"
"All in all, they're planning an assassination attempt, but it doesn't feel right," Lily explained.
"Why?"
"They said they were to kill Harry, Hermione and Ronald," she said. "Only, Lestrange knows they're at the core of the Order, and any attempt by those goons to go in is a suicide mission. That means this is a cover. There must be something else going on."
"How can you assume it's a cover?" Avery said. "Could be just one of many diversions. It's a practice of the Death Eaters to create diversionary attacks with an expendable outer layer of members."
"My point still stands," Lily replied impatiently. "What do we do then? How do we find what the real plan is?"
"We can only hope the Auror and MLE teams uncover more information. In the meanwhile, we can only continue our search and with luck, uncover what we're looking for."
The three of them shared one last look and focused their energies on the possible tasks ahead - anything to find a stronger lead into the secret plan that was forming between Lestrange's ears...
**
Harry and Ron had established their operations in Manchester, and despite Demetris' assurances that it would be a fertile ground for intelligence, their efforts were surprisingly slow.
"He said some of their best recruits came from here," Ron was growing gradually more impatient. "Why don't I see any Death Eaters?"
"Because their plan might involve being more secretive than you're willing to admit?" Harry tried. "Just be on the lookout. We don't see them, but that doesn't mean they aren't here."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," Ron said.
"And besides, you're the head of the Aurors...this should be little better than a training run for you," Harry jabbed at his best friend.
"I know how to handle this, Harry," Ron was not impressed with the humour. Oddly, he seemed more on edge than usual...
"What's wrong, mate?"
Harry asking that question seemed to be the outlet Ron had been looking for to release his Death Eater related worries.
"I know they're planning something massive, Harry, I just know it!"
"Relax, will you? That's what we're here to find out."
"No, you don't understand. When they attacked the rally, over a hundred were killed. Trust me, I know when this happens. It's a prelude to something much bigger."
"You're too worked up about this," Harry tried to allay him. "You know when we work together, nothing can stop us."
"Yeah, whatever you say, mate," Ron tried to sound convincing on his own turn. "Let's turn up as much as we can.
Both friends fell quiet as they walked down the street. The surroundings were strangely silent, save for a few souls wandering up and down the sidewalks.
"Where is everyone?" Harry asked rhetorically at one point. "Every other time I've been to Manchester, it's much more lively than this..."
"The Death Eater convention is in town," Ron smiled darkly. "You kind of expect doom and gloom to be around."
Harry chuckled mirthlessly. "Of course."
"Let's go grab a bite in here," Ron pointed out a small eatery to the side. "I'm starved."
The two of them entered the establishment, and went up to the counter to purchase the much needed nourishment.
The eatery itself was empty, save for another four customers, two of whom were huddled at a table and talking quietly.
Sharing a glance, Harry and Ron sat close by, not to cause any undue attention, but simply to manage to salvage their mission from failure. As adept as he was in wandless magic, Harry cast a clandestine spell to make the strangers' words more audible to them.
"Enjoy the soup, Ron," Harry told him.
"I will," the redhead nodded, giving his best friend a pointed look.
They focused on their meals while the two mysterious people beside them were seemingly involved in an interesting conversation...
"What of Nordstrom?"
"Nothing yet. Apparently the plans in London are going according to plan."
"Is it true that vulture Snape is out and about there?"
"That's what they say. I don't know why he's out of hiding. Somebody is bound to kill him."
"What if he has supporters?"
"If he did, they would be dead by now. You know there's no way to fool Lestrange."
"Fine fine," his companion was growing impatient. "How are the preparations going here?"
"Well, most of it happened while you were gone. We have two secret divisions to infiltrate the MLE and the Auror offices. Once we take them over, the rest will be easy."
"How well prepared are they?"
"Best I've seen in a while. All the training has been rigorous and demanding. About half of the initial number didn't make the cut. Twenty men per division should be sufficient."
"Isn't that too small? You know those departments are well guarded."
"We'll just pull a Merlin on them," one of them said with a trace of humour.
The other smiled. "That devil Snape. I have to admit, that was a mission for the textbooks."
"They won't know what hit them. Wasn't Malfoy the head of the MLE?"
"He is, yes," the second one affirmed. "He should die first, for his betrayal."
"The Malfoys were weak. His father was a lying scumbag."
"Well, he was pure-blooded. That was what kept him alive."
"Enough reminiscing. When are the squads going to be completely ready?"
"Within the day. They are undergoing the last of their training as we speak."
"This plan is foolproof. I can't wait to see those stooges of Potter's dead. Especially his wife. I am going to ravage her myself."
Harry's fist curled of its own accord, but Ron was quick to notice his reaction and shoot him a warning glance. "Stay calm," he mouthed.
The soup sat forgotten, while the two friends continued to listen intently...this was a complete stroke of luck! No wonder the place resembled a secret military base....it almost was.
"How exactly is the Merlin part of this operation going to work?"
"Well," the other contemplated his answer. "it was too risky to send in an agent. We don't have time to make him trustworthy and ingrained with the system enough to help us when the time came. That's why we're resorting to the Imperius curse. Each squad has a specialized curse wizard, to implement and break the necessary magic...in this case, each will be busy picking out a vulnerable target to assist in the penetration of the departments..."
"Imperius curse? This is what you're going to rely on? It is possible to overthrow it, you know."
"We have had a week to prepare. Thinking on your feet does not allow for long, elaborate plans," his companion replied coldly.
"Fair enough," the first one conceded. "Question is, what time is the strike supposed to begin?"
"I don't know that, yet."
"When will you know?"
"Soon I hope. Whenever Lestrange gives us a signal."
"And you're sure this will work. That nobody will notice. The Order could be out and about snooping for our plans."
"Don't worry about it. They're way too small and the confusion is too great for them to handle. This is a country-wide operation."
Ron's eyes widened. "Countrywide?" he whispered to Harry.
Harry clenched his jaw to indicate to him to stay quiet.
"How do you manage to do it country-wide?"
"Trust me, it's a headache," the other one shook his head. "We're thinking the Order and the Ministry will be focused on London. Naturally - it's the biggest city, lots of activity is focused there...this will be our distraction. Diversionary attacks to occupy and confuse their defences. We use that as our cover to sneak in and take out the pillars. After that, Lestrange and the core come in from Hogesmeade. They take care of any Potters, Weasleys and the such...after that we proclaim a new order....that of the pure bloods."
"That simple? You're letting quite a bit ride on chance."
"You don't take a risk, you can't win."
Ron was rhythmically eating his now cold soup, and not daring to look up. Harry was in equal disbelief. The fact that this confluence of coincidence allowed them an insight into the intentions of the Death Eaters, and Lestrange herself...
Was she going to kill them personally? Harry knew she might not match him in strength, but she certainly matched him in skill, and in some respects, was even better. He could be killed...and if she reached everyone else, the last hope of salvation would die with the Order...especially if she gained access to those dangerous spells...
"Let's go," Harry whispered to Ron. "We've heard enough."
"I think so, too," Ron replied sternly. "The sooner we leave, the sooner we prevent this from happening."
Rising casually from their seats, Harry and Ron, still keeping the hoods over their faces, walked out of the eatery. The two Death Eaters did not even bother to look in their direction.
**
Right before they had departed for Hogesmeade, Demetris had warned the Marauders that they would be entering the most dangerous portion of the Order's mission. He told them he strongly suspected Lestrange of being holed up in the charming village.
James, Sirius and Remus had found Hogesmeade to be as they remembered it - still magnificent, welcoming and the setting for many fond memories from their school days, and even afterward...
"So, what's the plan?" Sirius asked the other two. "Apparently we have to sniff out Lestrange before she sniffs us out."
"We're at an advantage," said Remus. "We have the dog."
"And the werewolf," James smiled.
"Hardy-har," Remus rolled his eyes. "Time to be serious, mates."
"Right," James agreed, all traces of humour gone from his expression. "We can split up - that way we'll cover more ground, but one of us could be compromised. Her best fighters are here."
"First we have to make sure she is here," Sirius pointed out. "And the village isn't very big, so we should stay together. Better chance of survival if we come across Death Eaters..."
"Listen to Sirius," James turned to Remus. "We stay together."
"Well, now that it's established," Sirius continued. "How are we going to ferret her out?"
"Any provocation could end with our demise," Remus reasoned. "If she is indeed here, we're hopelessly outnumbered."
"Then what do you suggest?"
"Do it as we always did - behind the scenes. Find out what we need to know," Remus smiled.
"Three Broomsticks?" James asked the rhetorical question.
It was unanimous. Anyone who wanted to know anything went to that pub.
The place was packed as usual. Wizards of every walk of wizarding life were inside, drinking, talking and socializing. To someone without suspicions, it would be the typical idyllic atmosphere that perpetuated itself in Hogesmeade.
"One more round on me!" a voice shouted above the crowd, and that was the cue the Marauders needed to know they were in the right place.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Sirius said out loud, consecutively turning his eyes from James to Remus with a mischievous smile.
"I believe so," James nodded. "Padfoot, you know how to work them better than I do. Remus - you know what to ask. I'll be the charm and good looks."
"Don't flatter yourself, Prongs," Remus said. "This is a team effort."
"Of course," James agreed, "but we need an introduction. Sirius is the master of the craft, and you know it. Random useless facts don't impress Death Eaters...."
"Fine, you've made your point," Remus was beginning to grow impatient. "Let's go before we lose the focus."
Sirius was quick to find his bearings on a dodgy group of wizards who sat around a table in a corner, and were conspicuously not taking part in the general joyous atmosphere. They tried to blend in with the surroundings, but failed to account for Sirius' sharp eye.
"You think?"
"I know."
Confidently, the Marauders walked towards their selected party of Death Eaters, but still had to circumvent and navigate through the throng of wizards in various drunken stages...
"Gentlemen!" Sirius was the first to attract the attention of the three at the table.
One of them turned. "Can I help you?" he asked with outright annoyance.
"As a matter of fact, yes," Sirius smiled widely. "I wonder if the three of us can sit down with the three of you and just....talk."
"You want to talk?" the Death Eater's tone did not become any less tolerable.
"Exactly, just talk."
"Why don't you shove it where the sun don't shine and go bug someone else!"
Sirius demeanour changed in an instant. "Because you three are of particular interest to us."
"Particular interest?" For the first time, the Death Eater betrayed signs of fear.
James wound up beside Sirius. "Yes, quite so. Unless you want to attract attention...you may want to cooperate."
"And who the hell are you to threaten me?"
"You're more useful alive than dead. When we finish, this may be your last day."
From fear, the Death Eater now looked uncertain and angry. "Have it your way!" he snapped.
Smiling widely once more, Sirius took out his wand and enlarged the table with one swing.
Grudgingly, the three Death Eaters congregated at one end of it, and the Marauders were able to sit down comfortably.
"Make this fast," the same Death Eater growled in Sirius' direction.
"It's not over until you tell us everything we need to know," James responded. "Starting with what you're doing in Hogesmeade."
"You three expect to waltz in here, sit down, and for me to tell you what we're doing in this damned village." He nearly laughed. "I don't think so."
"That's not the response we were looking for," James shook his head regretfully. Raising his wand, he performed a spell, aimed at isolating their table from the surrounding attention. "Don't make me do this the hard way."
"What right do you have to extract information from us?" the same Death Eater replied evasively.
"The right to protect magical society from the types of you," the Marauder told him venomously. "From self-righteous shit bags that kill for pleasure."
Something twitched in the Death Eater's face. "Kill for pleasure? The aim is to transform society, you imbecile!"
"Yeah? And how are you going to do that?" James challenged him.
What struck him more still is that they were having conversation with the enemy! Threatening and insulting, yes, but still, it was conversation that did not involve fighting!
"That remains top secret," the Death Eater shook his head. "Look, we know you're agents of the Order of the Phoenix. You have been brought back, James Potter, along with these two friends of yours...trust me, we at the inner circle know much more than we let on."
"I don't care that you know," James objected. "The question is why you're going to go through with this madness."
"Our lives ride on the success of this so-called madness," he replied almost angrily. "Do you not think we value our lives as well? Not only is it for greater power, but so we can live to see tomorrow."
"Ah, so you do have a personal stake in this," Remus finally intervened in the conversation. "Why did you become involved with the Death Eaters in the first place?"
"That's none of your business," the Death Eater snapped back. "I also have a family to keep alive!"
If there was one unshakeable argument Remus could comprehend from the Death Eaters so far, it was that they were disillusioned in their leader and cause, as they were doubtful of their allegiance.
"What are you doing in Hogesmeade?" Sirius asked again, but this time his tone was transformed - from one of forcefulness to one of calm patience.
The expressions on their opponent's face changed very quickly. First, he was angry, then frustrated, determined, worried....until his jaw clenched, and he fixed Sirius with his gaze.
"The reason we're here is to oversee that Hogwarts does not become involved, and the second job has to do with coordinating the regional assignments. Everything comes and goes from here. The only person who isn't here is Lestrange. She's in Belfast."
"Belfast?"
"You should know she's paranoid, even more so than Voldemort."
The Marauders fell silent. They had stumbled on the command centre of a nation-wide operation. That involved establishing a new social order...overthrowing the government? Very likely, if nothing was done...
Even they had to admit it was a brilliant organization. Of course, it would also be up to them to stop it from unfolding.
Remus looked at the Death Eater one last time. "If you had the choice, would you have joined Voldemort?"
He stared back, his eyes unreadable. "I didn't have a choice."
**
Fred and George had ended up in Belfast, and despite being initially very wary, absolutely nothing seemed out of place. People were out and about in the streets, chatter filled the air, and the atmosphere did not suggest the presence of Death Eaters in the slightest.
"What do you reckon's going on here?" Fred asked his brother. "Doesn't look like anyone of interest would be here."
"You know looks are deceiving. There could be a cohort of her goons right under our noses...did you bring the Dark Detector?"
"You mean the one we're still developing? It could be dangerous among so many people," Fred objected, but only half heartedly.
"That settles it," George grinned. "Take it out."
His brother reached into the sack that was swung over his shoulder, and procured the device in question. By its looks, it was nothing impressive. Half the size of a sneakoscope, but the two brothers had ensured it was much more impressive than its counterpart by trade.
"Flip it on," George prompted him. "Let's see if it works with the latest changes."
Fred did not wait to be asked twice. Tapping it with his wand, he caused its parts to whirr, emitting a soft vibration. "It's working."
Walking down the sidewalk, George was on the lookout for their surroundings, while Fred kept a close eye on the device.
Minute after minute passed, but they were no less determined, and their patience seemed to be yielding result. Their contraption began beeping occasionally, flashing momentous images across a screen.
"Nothing yet?" George asked him tensely.
"No, quite the opposite," Fred replied, still staring down at the screen.
He was about to continue, but suddenly, the detector emitted a deafening shriek and began to vibrate much more violently. Stumped, the twins stopped, and watched aghast, as a beam of light shot from the device into the air and a moment later, spread into a solid moving image of Bellatrix Lestrange, depicting her pointing and shouting at somebody...
That could only mean that she was here for certain, in Belfast. Horror struck, Fred haphazardly turned off the device, but the damage had been done. The public's attention had been stopped cold in its tracks, and the chatter had died. Unable to react beyond the shocking knowledge, Fred and George quickly turned on the spot and disappeared into thin air.
They reappeared in a back alley, still confused and out of breath.
"She's here?" Fred stated wide-eyed.
"I can't believe it," George breathed. "We have to tell Harry as soon as possible."
"No, wait," Fred stopped him. "Let's see if we can find out where she is."
"We already know that," George told him impatiently. "The better question is to find out what she's saying."
Fred did not look convinced in the slightest. "This could go very bad."
"We've done worse," his brother countered. "This is for the Order. Let's be serious this one time about it."
"When are we not serious?" Fred still managed to crack a smile. "Let's go."
Walking about, the twins followed the indications given off by the dark detector, which were in the form of increasingly intense vibrations. They had luckily come very close to where Lestrange was situated, and that explained the rather unexpected outburst with which they found out she was in Belfast.
"Look, there!"
"What?"
George dragged Fred quickly behind a nearby corner. "Death Eaters. She's in there."
Fred looked carefully around the edge of the wall. "Damn. I see them."
"Right. That's as far as we can go."
"From here on in, the tubes take over..."
"...you read my mind."
Fred reached into the bag again and produced the assortment of inconspicuous wiry grey tubes. They were an older invention of the brothers, enabling them to reach into areas they could not access to listen to what was happening. It had applications much greater than those necessary to a pair of pranksters...
Fred kneeled down and released them. As if they were snakes, the tubes slid noiselessly along the ground, merging with the surroundings colours and tones. The two Death Eaters at the door did not move.
Within minutes they had managed to retrieve intriguing information.
"Mistress, are you positive?"
"Positive," they head Lestrange's voice. "The attack begins tomorrow."
"As you say," the subservient voice rejoined. "Your wishes shall be implemented."
"You may go."
There was a pregnant pause, as the sound of footsteps traversing a wooden, creaky floor filled the silence.
"Wait!"
"Yes, Mistress?"
"Search the area. We have intruders."
"As you wish," the same voice asserted her request.
Fred looked at George. "Intruders?" he mouthed.
Then it dawned on him.
A streak of spell fire nicked the corner, behind which they were hiding, inches from Fred's head.
"Let's go!"
Abandoning their trusty implement, the twins hastily apparated out of sight, moments before a pair of Death Eaters hurtled around the corner.
This was definitely dangerous. Some sort of an attack was imminent. They had to tell the rest of the Order right away...
A/N: Now that was one hell of a chapter to write. Big fight coming up...:D
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