A/N. Your reviews on whether Warren should save Hermione or not made writing this chapter very hard. Serves me right for falling in love with him in this fic
Hope you enjoy this one.
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Chapter 68 - The Chameleon Unravelled
"Where are we?" James spoke first.
Hugo answered, "Somewhere along the Neva River in Saint Petersburg."
He picked up this trivia during one of his visits there with his Mum. What he didn't mention was the likelihood that they were not in the present.
"Is this for real?" Al asked.
James punched him hard in the arm.
"Ow!" Al rubbed the spot James hit.
"It's real," their older brother established, "So, why are we here?"
They were looking at him. Hugo took an educated guess.
"I think we have to build a bridge and go across."
He motioned across the river towards the Elder tree. It finally dawned on his brothers where they were.
"Wait," Al, always the cautious one, weighed in before they got any further, "I know the story. First of all, Death is on the other side of the bridge. I'm not keen on meeting Death right now. And secondly, do we have to cross the river?"
James, the brash, somewhat reckless one, argued back, "I know the story too. But unless you have some fiancée who died before you married her and want her back I don't see why you should be afraid to meet Death. And yes, we have to cross. There's no road behind us. I don't fancy staying here forever and I don't want to jump into the river. That leaves one choice."
Al answered back, "But none of us have ever built a bridge before."
Hugo conceded, "Good point."
"How hard can it be?" James reasoned with them, "Come on. We're Potters. We can do anything we set our minds to. Just aim your wands over the river, think `bridge' and conjure one."
Hugo wasn't really inspired by James' `We're Potters' speech but he did think they needed to build a bridge and that was a good enough reason for him. They did as James suggested and sure enough they conjured one.
Before they stepped onto it Al asked, "What do we say if Death asks us what we want?"
His older brother replied, "Good question. It'll be kind of lame meeting death and coming back with nothing."
"I think we need to be very careful. It could be a ruse."
"We'll just have to make sure we're smart about it. The brother who got the cloak did well."
Hugo couldn't find the courage to speak up. Both James and Al spoke with a confidence he wished he had.
Al, noticing his retiscence, sought his opinion, "What do you think?"
"I was told that we'll find the answer to Malvado here. Maybe It will give us something Hallows like. I suppose we'll know for sure when we meet It."
Hugo proposed that they discuss it further when they had more information. His suggestion was seemingly well received although he was worried somewhat about James. The truth was he didn't completely trust his brother. James could potentially steer the entire thing to be about something else. Hugo hoped he had more information to work on.
They all got on the bridge and as they came to the other side a ghostly figure in a black cloak approached. It was as if Death was expecting them.
Death said, "You are brothers by blood."
"We are," James answered confidently for them.
"And of Peverell descent."
Hugo didn't hesitate to confirm, "Yes."
"I've waited decades for this day to come."
James replied, "We're here."
They waited for any hint or clue of what Its wait was about. But Death did not explain Itself and instead, circled them three times and hovered behind them.
After some time It spoke with dejection, "You are not here to give back the Peverell Hallows."
"We don't have the Hallows," Al answered honestly, too quickly.
"That's disappointing," it commented, then went on in a disinterested voice, "Like your ancestors you've proven great skill in eluding me and I wish to reward you something worthwhile for your efforts, blah, blah, blah... What will it be?"
It turned to James, probably because he looked the oldest and waited.
Hugo spoke before James could say anything, "Why did you assume we came to give you back the Hallows?"
"It was more a hope than an assumption."
"Why?"
"I was told to wait by this bridge until three brothers with Peverell blood returned with the Hallows and to accept them if they unanimously decided to give them up," It sighed, "It's been a long wait."
Al held up one finger and asked rhetorically, "Can you give us a moment?"
They huddled closer with their backs to Death.
"How will giving back the Hallows help get rid of Malvado?" Al asked the burning question.
"It's not logical," Hugo echoed Al's puzzlement, "I was told that someone with the Elder wand would have a better chance against him."
"And I overheard Uncle Ron tell Ted that uniting the Hallows would give the best outcomes against any Invincible."
"Eavesdropping again?" Al said with a tone of disapproval.
"I was curious," James defended himself, then concluded, "So, giving back the Hallows can't be the answer."
"Hold on a sec," Al cautioned them, "Are we absolutely sure we're not missing anything?"
James replied, "Look. Even if it is the answer it's moot. We don't have the Hallows with us. The question is do we leave empty handed and hope that we can come back to this same spot with the Hallows, if we can even get the Hallows, and meet Death again, or do we ask for something else to fight Malvado with?"
"Like what?" Hugo wanted to know what his brother was thinking.
James shrugged, "I don't know. Like a new set of Hallows. Whatever works. Death must know."
Hugo and Al looked at each other. James was making a lot of sense but Hugo didn't like the decision they were faced with. His Mum spent years trying to keep the current Hallows hidden and finding ways to destroy them and yet here he was contemplating about getting a second set. What concerned him more was that they didn't even know exactly what to ask for.
"You know I'm right," James followed up, then made his preferences clear, "Meeting Death and being offered this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I vote we take what we can now."
"I have a bad feeling about this," Al aired his unease.
"You never have a good feeling about anything," James dismissed Al's remark quickly and turned to Hugo with a challenge, "What do you think?"
They were waiting on his answer and Death was waiting on them. He wasn't going to hesitate and let James decide for them. He approached Death who had grown suspicious during the wait.
"Ah, the youngest is always the one who gives me the most trouble," it said bitterly, "Ignotus cheated me twice. Don't even try."
The chilling warning was enough to make the tiny hairs behind his neck stand.
"We didn't come here to trick you," Hugo explained, trying hard to cover up how intimidated and scared he was, "We need your help to fight Malvado."
"The One with the Invincibility Stone who refuses to give it up."
"He claims to be Death's son, your son," James brought up.
Death didn't like what James implied, "His invincibility through the stone was loaned to him by Death. If I give you something to use does that make you my son? Were the Peverells Sons of Death too? There is no Son of Death. It means nothing here."
"Hugo is the son of the Mistress of Death. Does that mean something?" Al asked.
The mention of his Mum seemed to calm Death a notch.
"That depends on which Death you ask. How is your mother?" Death inquired, "I haven't seen her down here in twelve years."
"She's in trouble. Malvado is after her."
"Too bad she's retired."
"We need to know how to defeat him."
"You keep saying that. Why do you think I can help you with this?"
"I was told to look for the answer in my Mum's book. I looked in the book and found you. Can you help us?"
James spoke, with a plea, "Malvado is a Dark wizard. He's destroying everything that's good in our world. You have to help us!"
Death replied in a philosophical tone, "You are young and naive. This Being, Malvado, exists in your realm for a reason. You may not agree with what he does but he, like each and every person who walks your world, has a purpose. If you look at your history it has been a study of the constant battle between good and evil. There is no good without evil, no peace without war, no joy without suffering."
"But you gave him the stone," Al argued, "You gave him the means to do bad things. Don't you feel responsible?"
"Not at all," Death replied without remorse, "Each invincibility stone by itself isn't evil but the being chose to use the stone for a purpose other than what it was intended for."
"So, we take it you can't reward us with a powerful wand or a magical stone or a special cloak that will help us defeat him?" James asked to the point.
"If that's what you want."
Death raised its scythe. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed. The wind picked up, the ground shook, the river bank swelled to its brink and as the waters cascaded towards them the bridge they conjured was swept downstream. It crashed violently against the huge rocks and splintered into a million pieces.
A loud, cracking sound came from the Elder tree as a bolt hit. It was split in half and a piece came out of it, transforming into an intimidating looking wand.
Death's voice loomed ominously, "The Wand of Wands, the most powerful wand ever created, even more powerful than the one you refer to as the Deathstick. It is filled with pure magic that even ordinary Muggles and Squibs will be able to conjure spells with it. It will be unbeatable in the hands of any wizard with unwavering confidence, perfect for you Mr. Potter."
As the wand moved towards James two pebbles lifted off from the river bed. They circled Al a few times before they merged, oddly forming a smaller one.
"The Stone of No Consequence. Turning this stone thrice in hand will result in a better outcome for any undesired consequence, including death. With it comes worry-free decision making. It's just the thing for you, Mr. Potter."
Death then cut a piece of his own cloak and sent it Hugo's way.
"And for you, the Cloak of Relativity to allow you to transport yourself without limit to any place or time you desire. Just imagine the many past, present and future events you can influence and alter with it."
The magical objects floated in front of them, inviting them to take ownership. Both James and Al were visibly entranced thinking about the possibilities. Hugo too could imagine how handy the cloak would be against Malvado. But in spite of the fact that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, none of them, not even James, pounced on it.
Death, noticing their reluctance, challenged them, "What are you waiting for? Take them. I know they are what you desire."
Hugo boldly faced Death and asked, "What's the downside?"
Death didn't seem to mind the question, "They work only in matters that concern your realm. And if you know the story of the Hallows then you know that these objects can make or break whoever possesses them. Many great wizards and witches will be humbled by them just as many have been humbled by the Hallows. Can you look within your hearts and truly know that you are worthy to possess them? What makes you so special?"
At that point Hugo was just worried about his Mum. He needed to know.
"Are these the answers we were meant to find?"
"If you have to ask that question then you must have doubts that they aren't. Not feeling special enough?"
James interjected, "With all due respect, Death, all this is wonderful. Any other day we would take them right away but it would be nice to know what our alternatives are."
"Do you think it coincidence that all three of you were drawn into the book to meet me? I cannot tell you what to do. Take what I offer or leave without them."
Death made a good point. It wasn't coincidence that he brought his brothers here. He couldn't think it coincidence either that Death was waiting for three brothers born with Peverell blood. On the other hand, just about anybody could come here, make a bridge, and claim Death's prize.
The ultimatum solved Hugo's indecision. He looked at both Al and James to let them know what his decision was. He then politely declined Death's offering and walked past It. He overheard Al do the same as the vortex that brought him here took him away.
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Al suddenly found himself in front of Gates again as if he had never left.
"I need your assistance," he heard Gates say.
The older man was too quick for him and hit him with a spell. A series of unfamiliar memories came to him. One moment he was watching his father chase Malvado to the village exit and the next moment he was on a broom leaving Pag-asa and heading for someplace called Mount Ingkanto.
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James reappeared near the sea shore looking at a hole in the sand.
He jumped and drew his wand out as he felt someone approaching from behind.
Ted had both hands up, quickly telling him, "It's just me."
"Did you see that?!" James asked.
"See what?"
Ted looked confused. The Auror obviously didn't. James wondered if he just imagined it.
James asked, "Are they back yet?"
"Al and your Dad are still in Pag-asa. Hugo and Rosie are with Uncle Ron at the Ministry," Ted answered, "What's going on, James?"
"I'm not sure," he acknowledged, "I want to see Hugo."
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Hugo was back in the chair staring at the last page of the tale. Odd. Everybody else was looking over his shoulder, reading it with him. The book looked ordinary now, as thick as the other version on the table and it was as if he never left his seat.
He said to them, "I need to see the POTH."
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Moments later...
The noose tightened around her neck. Hermione told herself it wouldn't be much longer. She would pass out soon and she wouldn't feel anything anymore.
Warren's voice was in her head again.
Have you gone mad?! I know that you'd rather die than be some token prisoner but you have something to live for. You have children who need you, great schools to build, people in high places to annoy. Think big picture. Work with me here.
He wasn't going to let her go. Amidst the celebrating he put a bug in Malvado's ear.
"You do know this is exactly what she wants you to do. She wants you to kill her now so Potter doesn't have to give you the wand."
"Ahhhh!" Malvado cried out, releasing the choke hold in frustration, "She is infuriating!"
Hermione was on her knees coughing involuntarily as she gasped for air.
"Sit her down and hold her!" Malvado commanded.
Warren's thoughts went into overdrive. Two men grabbed her and did as Malvado instructed. Her captor was determined, angry determined.
"This is totally unnecessary," Warren argued.
Malvado spat at Warren, "She wants to die, I want to kill her. I say we're going to be both pleased about this."
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Harry went back to Pag-asa to look for Al. The SAMP had things under control. The dead and wounded were being cared for and the prisoners were being ushered away but he couldn't find Al.
The burly SAMP officer wanted to talk to him but Harry brushed him off. Every second that passed brought a sense of dread in him.
"Warren must have taken him," Maria said. Gracie was on the ground beside her with a blank gaze and a wooden stake through her chest. She added, "One of the boys saw them together."
He clenched his fists to keep his emotions in check. He was angry at himself for misjudging the depths of Warren's duplicity. Things became more clear. It explained somewhat why Warren never arrested the Dark wizard but more so why Malvado kept Warren alive. Warren was slated to be Malvado's next incarnation.
Knowing Warren he would have no desire to be the next vessel. His continued existence was proof that he did not turn Malvado down outright. He must have strung Malvado along, promising and making deals to keep the status quo going while working on Hermione to give him access to the Hallows. In the year Hermione didn't deliver. Malvado must have found out his true intentions and lost patience.
He remembered what she said to him.
He cares about me and my family. He doesn't care about yours.
Harry should have taken the warning gravely. Considering that Warren betrayed her Harry could only imagine what he had planned for Al Polyjuiced as Hugo.
His phone rang. It was Dovalov. He wanted to meet at the Ministry.
"I'm coming with you," Maria wasn't giving him a choice.
Harry figured he could use some help. They left Pag-asa.
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Hermione recovered and was more lucid. She watched Malvado unstopper a vial filled with thick, murky, sludge-like potion. Survival instincts kicked in but she didn't have the strength to fight the brute force holding her down. It was futile to struggle.
Malvado was taking his time now, describing to her what it was and what would happen in twenty-four hours. She wasn't interested. She was very worried about what Warren was going to do.
Fuck...this is not good...
That was Warren. Their mental connections were flowing fluidly now. Hermione felt the conflict battling within him, each escape scenario that played in his head ending badly. He was furious, frustrated that he was about to do something they both knew was going to be pointless. His fingers wrapped tightly around his wand. She had to stop him.
Let me go.
I obviously have a problem doing that.
You saw this happening, she reminded him, Let me go.
Quit messing with my head. Just be ready.
Stick with your plan.
You don't agree with my plan.
This is my fate. It doesn't have to be yours.
You don't fucking believe in fate.
But you do and you know mine won't change no matter what you do. You've delayed this for months. I will never allow Hugo to be the one as long as I'm alive. So make up your mind. Is he or isn't he?
Dammit, Hermione!
It was too late; the potion emptied into her veins. Whatever it was it left a bitter taste in her mouth.
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As Hugo told them about the meeting with Death, the chamber door opened. A man walked in. His Dad, Unspeakable Boots and Aunt Jessie had their wands out.
"Auror Dovalov."
"Auror Weasley. I mean no trouble."
"This is a secure area. Visitors are not allowed."
"My apologies," the man said, "I spoke with Minister. We meet here."
"Is this about the Hallows?" Aunt Jessie asked.
"I can't say. I am not Keeper."
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James recounted the strange meeting with Death to the rest of the family.
Aunt Anne was the first to comment, "You poor child, cracking under all this pressure."
Huh?
Aunt Fleur was just as worried, "Ginny, he muzt ze my Ee-ler."
"No, wait...I'm fine, really."
He tried to stop her but to no avail. Aunt Fleur walked off, presumable to send an owl. James looked at his Mum. She seemed to believe him. Ted weighed in.
"Hugo is at the Ministry. With Uncle Ron there it should be safe enough."
Knowing Ted had to stay, James offered, "I can go by myself."
His Mum, still worried about Al, replied, "I'd rather you didn't go on your own."
She told Lily to get ready. They were leaving in five minutes.
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Harry opened the door to the windowless interrogation room and found Dovalov pacing.
"I am sorry to hear about son. I hope things end well for him," the Russian Auror said earnestly.
Harry did not have time for pleasantries.
"You wanted to see me."
Dovalov handed him a sealed envelope with his name on it.
"One finds if one seeks with heart for right reason," the Russian instructed, pointing at Harry's chest, "Like other one they are on loan. We ask you return to us for safekeeping after."
For a second Harry was tempted to point out that the cloak was his but figured now wasn't the time to do that.
"Is that it?" he asked, somewhat miffed.
Dovalov was puzzled by his question. He added, "Malvado has Hermione. Isn't the POTH going to help?"
"We have purpose higher than one life."
"It's four POTH lives, countless others, and counting."
"Hermione forbade our help."
"That doesn't mean she doesn't need it," Harry replied, "I get it that your task is to ensure that the Hallows don't fall into the wrong hands but this is bigger than the Hallows. Is your allegiance to her limited by the POTH's mission?"
The Russian blushed, irked by his frankness, but did not attempt any more excuses.
"You're right. We'd rather her angry at us than her dead. Let me know when you have plan."
Dovalov left.
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"Lock her up!" Malvado told his men.
As they took Granger away Malvado ordered his lieutenants to get everyone back to camp and to prepare for what was to come. The crowd dispersed. Weariness fell upon him. His fight with Potter and Granger took a lot out of him and his aged body needed to rest. However, there was still one important matter that he had to address.
He turned to face the glare from his son. Warren was livid.
Malvado said to him, "Need I remind you of the many times you've tried to kill me and failed? Be wise. Put your wand away."
In spite the pent up rage that wanted out Warren controlled himself and did as he was instructed. With the anger Malvado tasted despair and hopelessness, emotions he had never sensed in Warren before. It seemed that his son had finally accepted his destiny.
"We do the transfer after she dies. If you refuse you will join her in the afterlife."
"If I wanted a pointless death I'd have chosen to have one earlier. Why don't we do it now?" Warren asked, "Potter won't expect it."
That amused him and puzzled him at the same time. For months Warren had stalled him, searching for a way out of taking the stone. And now here he was asking for it. Was this a sign of complete resignation or was this another one of his games? At this point Malvado didn't really care about the games anymore. He decided to err on the side of caution.
"No," Malvado declined the proposal, "We wait until she dies."
Warren saw right through it and called it, "You're afraid of her."
"I've seen her screw you up. I don't want the woman in my head."
"Cowardly but smart. I don't blame you. She can be a bitch."
The kid was patronizing him and was no longer angry. Malvado was certain he was up to something.
He gave a warning, "I will not tolerate any more bullshit from you. You best behave yourself. Do you understand?"
Warren looked him in the eye and responded without hesitation, "Absolutely."
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Harry quickly opened the parchment that Dovalov handed him. The page was empty.
By then the others had come in to join him.
Ron commented on the obvious, "There's nothing on it."
Padma tried a revealing spell but that didn't make a difference.
Then Harry remembered what the Russian said.
One finds if one seeks with heart for right reason.
Ron asked, "Do you want me to get Dovalov back?"
He shook his head, "Give me a minute."
Harry searched within him and realized that while he wanted to find the rest of the Hallows desperately he didn't have the right reasons. They were merely a means to an end. Having duelled Malvado for the second time, like Hermione, he was not convinced that using the Elder wand against him was the answer.
And there was something unnatural about being the Master of Death that he was intrinsically opposed to. If he happened upon the Hallows and became it then great but he had no burning desire to be immortal even though he was about to fight one, at least not enough to seek the rest of the Hallows.
The truth of the matter was he was prepared to do what Malvado wanted him to do. The Elder wand was powerful, yes, but it was not unbeatable. Professor Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald even though the latter was its master for a long time and Voldemort lost to him. Harry was confident he could out-duel Malvado any time with any wand. Getting Hermione back was a priority and he wasn't about to take any chances.
Obviously the POTH would have issues about his true intentions. He had to hand it to them and the Keeper; they covered their bases. If only he could lie to himself or convince himself that the Hallows were the answer.
Way to go Potter... great time to have principles.
"We have a problem," he admitted to the puzzled group, "I need a better reason to want the Hallows."
"Saving Hermione's life not bloody enough?!" Ron was irate.
Harry didn't take it personally, "Not to the POTH."
"I have one," Hugo spoke up, all eyes turned to him, "The POTH has been trying to get rid of the Hallows for a long time. I know how."
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Warren Gates surrendered his wands to the two Dementors guarding the sub-terrain prison and went into the chamber outside Hermione's cell. There were a couple of armed Muggles in the room keeping a watchful eye on her, wary of what she was capable of even in her weaponless state. Malvado wasn't taking any chances with her.
She was lying on the wooden cot propped up against the far corner of the 6 foot by 4 foot room, eyes closed and motionless, passed out from the poison Malvado gave her. Irreversible and without a known antidote, the slow acting Asphyxiatus potion would eventually render her cells incapable of absorbing oxygen. It would take full effect in a matter of hours.
"Let me in," he said to her guards.
"Only Malvado can unlock it," one of them answered.
Warren didn't make a fuss. He pulled one of the nearby stools as close to her as he could and took a seat, looked at her as he allowed rare guilt to fill him. He betrayed her just as he knew he would. When push came to shove, he could not give up the one card he had left, not even to save her life.
And she absolutely did not want him to give it up for her. Hermione was well aware how much the case meant to him. His father grew stronger and more powerful with each rebirth. For months they searched for a permanent solution to the dark wizard's invincibility and they had nothing other than Warren's unique position to work Malvado from the inside. Recognizing how important that opportunity was, Hermione knew just what to say to him to make him hesitate and told him exactly what he wanted to hear, even though she didn't approve of what he was about to do.
Warren needed to talk to her. He gently nudged past her natural mental defences navigated through the familiar maze, linked minds with her then called out her name.
Waterloo.
Hermione slowly regained consciousness.
Don't get up. We need to talk.
She probed her current situation through him and was very disappointed that she was in prison and not dead.
How long have I been out? she asked, calmer than he expected she would be.
Four hours.
Last day of my life and you didn't think to wake me sooner? she jibed.
He couldn't get himself to be amused about it.
Why do I listen to you?
It was the right thing to do.
It doesn't feel right.
He would have killed you too and for nothing.
That certainly makes me feel much better.
It's done, Warren. Let's not waste time talking about things we can't change. Does Harry have the wand yet?
The Keeper made contact.
She wasn't pleased about that. He tried to reassure her.
Harry is not stupid. He's not going to give it to Malvado.
You don't know that. Harry doesn't care about the wand like we do. And, even if he didn't hand the wand over, Malvado isn't stupid either. He'll find a way.
Harry is a big boy. He can take care of himself.
If you really believed that you wouldn't have tried to keep him away from Malvado. You wanted the wand out for Hugo and you knew Harry's the only one the POTH will trust. You couldn't risk him getting killed.
He should have left Pag-asa like you told him to. And when he offered the wand in exchange for you, I resent the fact that he didn't even hesitate. He's so predictably heroic. He makes the rest of us look bad.
Harry is not going to let Hugo near Malvado.
Whether you like it or not, the Hag's prediction will come true.
I hate it when you get prophetic on me.
He's going to die too if he gets in the way.
Look. You think it's pointless for anyone other than Hugo to stand up to Malvado. We already agreed to disagree on that. I know you're doing this because you hate your father to the core and would do anything to give Hugo an advantage. I appreciate that you're helping Hugo but there are other ways to reel Malvado in.
Like what? Like the ones we didn't find this past year?
You don't have to take the stone.
He tested her, But you told me to stick with my plan.
That was earlier, when you were about to do something stupid. Now, what you're about to do is still stupid.
If I don't take the stone he'll kill me anyway. He's not going to wait anymore.
Then you leave this place and live to fight another day.
And waste this unique opportunity to fight him from within?
Don't allow him to use you. Even if you survive you won't be you anymore.
That's sweet but you won't care. You'll be dead by then.
Seriously, Warren. If he becomes you he'll be a Biomorph. He won't ever need to relinquish the stone to someone else. He can transform to any person he wants for as long as he wants. You'd be doing the world a favour if you say `no'.
And suffer a more pointless death than what you just convinced me to pass on? He'll just find another Biomorph, one without my experience or you as a back-up.
You're a suicidal lunatic.
Pot calling kettle.
Get me out of here.
I need your help.
I'm not going to help you kill yourself for some prediction.
I might make it.
Don't bullshit me. You believe the prophecy too much. You don't have any hope that you'll come out of this alive.
Well you have lots. You can hope for the both of us.
We don't even know if I can get to you after you get the stone.
Because it involved Hugo, Warren had long ago accepted the fact that there was no convincing her to agree to his plan. He didn't come here for her blessing. He just wanted to hear her engage him in a spirited discussion one last time.
He said to her, I didn't want to go without saying goodbye.
The heavy chains rattled as she sat up and faced him. She picked up on what he was about to do.
"I've asked the kitchen to prepare your last meal."
"That's very thoughtful. You didn't have to." You don't have to do this.
"I insist. Steak and grilled asparagus." Try to be smart about it this time.
"I can hardly wait," she got up from the bed and rattled the thick metal bars, shouting, "Guard! Get your boss in here! I need to talk to him!"
The men looked confused. They hesitated.
Geez Waterloo! Are you helping or not?
I am not watching you kill yourself!
Then you better close your eyes.
Warren took a vial from his cloak pocket and un-stoppered it.
"Guard! Tell Malvado he's about to lose Gates!"
He lifted the potion up in a toast and smiled at her.
"See you on the other side."
"Guard!"
Warren downed the contents of the vial in one swig. The effects were instantaneous. The bottle fell and shattered. Within seconds his legs gave way and he was struggling to breathe. Hermione was on her knees on the floor with him just inside her cell.
She scolded him, Poison?! You chose poison because I was poisoned?!
He laughed quietly as she figured correctly the Shakespearean tragedy that was the source of his inspiration.
I was feeling poetic. Don't worry. I promise to keep the embarrassing declarations to a minimum. "Shit. I didn't think it would act this quickly...guard, you heard the woman, hurry...!"
He felt her hand hold his. He held it back, tight. As hard as he tried not to he gave in and looked into her eyes. The steady stream of her innermost thoughts came to him. They warmed him and pained him at the same time.
That in a nutshell was how they had been to each other. His one regret with her was that he never loved her enough to be content with what she could give him. That thought brought tears to her eyes. She was never one who could keep it together.
"You've always been a selfish bastard," she chided then said to him with affection, You're a good man, Warren Gates. Don't you forget it.
You've obviously lowered your standards considerably since we met.
That brought a smile to her face. She replied, I'm glad I did.
He remembered her friendship and her companionship. It gave him peace knowing that he made as much a difference in her life as she did in his.
Malvado arrived, enraged by his audacity to move the stone transfer schedule sooner than planned. It was a small victory. He and Hermione needed time to figure Malvado out before Harry came. Hopefully it would be enough.
Hermione read him right. He had no delusion that he would survive this but he was going to make it interesting.
His father had no choice. Malvado asked Warren to take the stone. Warren accepted.
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A/N. I know they have both been through so much but in the end I had to write Warren as true to his character as I could. I hope I did him justice even though he is definitely not like Harry.
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