It\'s So Difficult to be Mature

Chapter 7: Rescue Me!

The young blonde beauty with the unusual eyes was absolutely livid.

"Fools! Idiots! Twits! How could you have lost them! The only reason I hired you goons was because you were strong!"

The four large, burly men cowered before this tiny woman. The reason was obvious. She was irate and her unusual eyes were flashing. Lightning crackled from her finger tips. Normally she controlled them, though at the moment she was finding it difficult to control herself.

"You couldn’t even guard a couple of miniature brats! A few weak, pathetic, wizards made fools of you all! Tell me, gentlemen, were you scared?" she asked mockingly.

One of the braver men spoke up. "But, mistress, there were five against four. We were outnumbered!"

"The four of you ought to have been more than enough against five of those weaklings. What went wrong! I thought that the hotel was perfect, they’d never think to look in such a public place, I thought. Well, they did, didn’t they? And you let them escape!"

Another one of the ‘guards’ ventured to speak. "It wasn’t exactly five to four, mistress. Er, one of them Stunned Mac."

The young woman turned her wrath onto the guard known as Mac. "You are absolutely worthless. I might as well kill the lot of you."

The last guard spoke. "Not all is lost, mistress. We did manage to capture one of them, the one that Stunned Mac. A woman, mistress."

The sinister, soft lips of the woman curved up into a cynical smile. "Why didn’t you mention this before? Bring her in. This is good news indeed."

Two of the men went into the adjoining room. When they came back they were holding Hermione between them, bound and gagged. Her hair was messy and her eyes wild. She was struggling, but to no avail.

The blonde beauty exploded again.

"Nitwits! Imbeciles! Mongrels! I can’t expect you to do anything right. You can’t even kidnap the right woman." The woman sighed, shook her head, and transferred her attention to Hermione. "Forgive me, Professor...Weasley, isn’t it? May I call you Hermione? It’s so much simpler. Here, let me remove that gag."

The woman removed the rope around Hermione’s mouth; she gasped because her mouth was so dry.

"Hermione, I am very sorry that you have to be here. Please be assured that I have only the greatest respect for your intelligence and abilities."

Hermione stared back with venom. "Then why kidnap my children?"

The woman waved her hand. "That does not concern you. Now I have to decide what to do with you."

She turned towards Hermione, and gave the other woman a full view of the unusual colored eyes. Hermione held her breath. Those eyes, there was something about the eyes.

"You would be a valuable addition to my cause, my dear Hermione. You are so powerful, let it loose."

Hermione recognized the import behind those words. "Lucretia. I had hoped we were wrong. I had hoped it wasn’t you. What do you want with me? You can’t possibly think you’re going to use me to get to Harry!"

Lucretia let out a barking laugh, quick but villainous. "Harry? Harry Potter? He does not come into my plans as of yet. I have a much better connection to him anyway. I wouldn’t use you."

For the first time Hermione showed the slightest fear. "Who then, Ron? He’s far too intelligent for that."

Another painful laugh. "No, I have no desire for your husband. Isn’t it interesting that even now, even now that you’re married, he still comes second to the great Harry Potter? Hermione, you are such a foolish girl."

Hermione was not only scared, but confused. "Who then? Damn you, what are you doing to us? Leave us alone. The only thing that could make this worse would be if Voldemort was involved–"

The purple eyes flashed. "Never say that name in my presence. As far as I’m concerned, no one has any reason to say that name anymore."

"And why not?" Hermione retorted before she could stop herself.

"Because he’s dead. I killed him."

* * *

"Let me go!"

Ron was shouting and struggling to go back to the hotel. Draco was holding him back, but it wasn’t easy; Ron was fighting with the strength of five men.

"I have to get back to her! How could we have left without her? Let go of me, Malfoy!"

Ron managed to get one hand free and he punched Draco in the nose; it started bleeding copiously. Meredith got to Ron first and slapped him sharply across the face.

"Get a hold of yourself, Ron. You have to take care of your children, then we’ll figure out what to do about your wife. Calm down."

The fight had already gone out of him. He picked up David to quiet him. There were tears in his eyes as he comforted his child. Ginny went to her husband and pressed a handkerchief to his bloody nose.

"Damn it, Weasley. Was that really necessary?" Draco’s grey eyes peered at him over the cloth. Ginny whispered something in his ear; he got very quiet.

"Now," Meredith said, holding Lily in her arms, "the first thing I suggest we do is go back to M.A.T.D.A. Harry and Lisa will want to see their children. Then we can form a plan to get Hermione back. Is that okay with everyone?"

Draco and Ginny nodded their assent. Ron didn’t say anything so Meredith took that as a yes.

"Alright then. Let’s be on our way. Everyone pick up a child."

They left quickly. None of them commented on it, but they were all in a hurry to go. No one tried to follow, but there was a feeling of being watched that descended on the group.

* * *

Harry didn’t know how long he had been there before Jeanette came back from her errand. She had left without warning, only sending Remus in her place. Harry had been surprised to see him; he had assumed that his old professor had gone with the others.

"Harry?" It was Jeanette’s voice. "How is she doing?"

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. Have you heard from the others?"

Remus responded. "No, I’m sorry, Harry. Do you want some coffee? Tea? Butterbeer?"

Harry shook his head. "No thanks, Remus. Why did all of this have to happen now? We were living peacefully and now I don’t know. I called Lisa’s mother. She should be coming soon so tell Shirley to let her in."

Remus put his hand on Harry’s shoulder. "Okay, and I believe that a few members of the Weasley family will be here shortly."

"Fine."

Remus left Harry and Lisa alone and walked with Jeanette into the nearby cafeteria. They sat down in the hard plastic chairs after grabbing a bottle of butterbeer each. Remus sighed before taking a long swig of his drink.

"I really feel sorry for them, Jeanette. Harry has not had an easy life. Ever since he was made an orphan there was always something missing in his life. As he grew older, Sirius and I kept a close eye on him and worried as he never seemed to get better. He finally filled the void in his life when he married and had children. Now people are trying to rip all that apart again. And ever since they became his best friends Ron and Hermione haven’t had it easy either. Sometimes I feel that they never really had a chance to be young. They were too busy saving the world."

Jeanette placed her hand over his. "I know what you mean, Remus, but I think that Harry had to take on that role to make himself feel as if he deserved the praise he always got. Except for one or two occasions, I don’t think Harry would have given up his life under any circumstances. It is part of who he is. I know that this is really trying for him now, but I don’t doubt he will persevere. Especially if he has some help."

"I’m sorry to interrupt this touching scene, but can anyone tell us where Ron or Harry might be?"

Remus looked up to see identical, freckled, smiling faces with bright red hair staring back at him. Fred and George Weasley, of the now famous Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, Inc., stepped into the cafeteria and proceeded to make themselves comfortable. The twins had grown up considerably in looks, but they still retained their youthful joie de vivre. In other words, watch your food and drink when they were around.

"Fred, George, welcome," Remus said.

"Hello there, Professor," Fred said with a grin. "We came as soon as we heard." The grin faded. "How are they doing?"

"Not very well, I’m afraid. I don’t know how much you’ve heard–"

"All we know is that our nephews have been kidnaped along with Harry’s children." George’s smile slipped. "I don’t think Mum could handle it if any more grandchildren, er, you know."

It fell silent for a moment, then Fred spoke up.

"Percy and Dad should be here soon. Should we tell them about Ginny? Mum doesn’t know. She wouldn’t have stayed home if she knew."

Remus looked up, startled. "How did you know about Ginny?"

The twins glanced at each other and shrugged. "Hermione called us. She didn’t sound very good."

"Not surprising. Considering what has happened–"

Remus was interrupted when Shirley walked into the cafeteria.

"Uh, Chancellor, sir, Mr. Ron Weasley and co. are back. They’re waiting for you in conference room 22048."

Remus stood up so fast that he knocked over his chair. He ran out of the cafeteria followed closely by Fred and George. Jeanette returned to tell Harry and Lisa that Ron was back. Lisa couldn’t leave the bed, but Harry went with the kind doctor to the conference room. Ron and his brothers were conversing in low tones, while the twins shot suspicious looks at the fellow their little sister espoused. Meredith was scribbling something down on a pad of paper and Remus was pacing. The children, Lily, James, Geoffrey and David were playing on the floor with some blocks that someone had provided. At first Harry only had eyes for his children and he squeezed them so tight that Lily made gagging noises. Then he noticed that someone was missing from the group.

"Where’s Hermione? The toilet, I suppose."

"No she’s not!" Ron exclaimed, as thought the words had been straining to get out of his throat. "She’s been taken hostage by that vile woman!"

"What? Hermione’s been captured by Lucretia?"

All at once the story was poured out to Harry and when they were finished there was a knot in his stomach. Before she married Ron she had first been one of his best friends. He cared about her deeply, but he knew that the pain he must be felling was nothing compared to the anguish that Ron was experiencing. No matter how much they argued, Ron loved Hermione very much.

"We have to go after her! What are you waiting for?" Harry exclaimed.

"Silly us," Draco commented sarcastically, "we thought you might like to see your children first."

"By the way," Ginny said, giving her husband a look, "how is Lisa doing?"

Harry shrugged. "It turns out that she’s not going to die after all."

"That’s wonderful, Harry! So you’ve found a cure?" Ginny asked curiously.

"Not exactly. In two more days her spirit will be taken to Lucretia’s other realm where she will be a mindless servant for all eternity." Harry said this as though he were reading it out of a textbook. The others all looked shocked.

"How do you know that?" George asked.

Harry sighed and everyone noticed the dark circles under his eyes and how he seemed to have aged in the past two days. Then he explained Lisa’s former connection to Lucretia.

"I knew it!" Ron exclaimed. "I knew there was something about that woman I never liked and this explains it!"

Harry gave him a warning look. "Watch it, Ron."

"Oh, come on, Harry. After everything she’s done, you’re ready to excuse her, just like that?"

"She’s my wife and I love her," Harry said simply, but there was a glint in his bright green eyes.

Ron started to get angry. "But you just told us that she was a Death Eater!"

"A Follower," Harry corrected curtly. "Not a Death Eater, there’s a difference."

"Not to me there isn’t," Ron said. Everyone else watched the exchange with open mouths, unable to say anything. "Your wife was a subordinate of that evil, horrible woman. How do we know that she isn’t still? First Lucretia takes my children, then she takes my wife. Now I find out that your wife was friends with her, how am I supposed to feel about that?"

"Stop it, Ron. Lisa is my wife, and she’s dying in there. I will not let you speak ill of her!"

"What about my wife!" They were shouting at each other now. "For all I know, she could be dead. I say, damn your wife. Damn her for all eternity!"

Harry threw himself at Ron. Only the timely intervention of the twins prevented a fistfight. Fred held Ron and George held Harry. Both were breathing hard and glaring at each other with the look that was usually reserved for Draco.

"Take that back, Ron! Or so help me..."

"What?" Ron said snidely, "What could you do? Tell me, Harry, how does it feel to be married to a murderer?"

Harry struggled to get at Ron, his teeth bared in a snarl. "She is not a murderer! She never killed! She hasn’t been a Follower for three years!"

"Remember that night five years ago when you cam to my house in the middle of the night? You told me you thought Lisa was having an affair. I guess we know what she was really doing, don’t we? Probably poisoning the entire Muggle population for miles! Bit ironic that her own poison is flowing through her veins. Guess that’s what you’d call poetic justice, eh?"

"Shut up, shut up, shut up! Damn you, Ron! You sit there so full of yourself, Mr. High-and-mighty! Let me tell you something, you’re not perfect. You are a perfect example of one screwed up human being. Did you know that Hermione came to my house just two nights ago in the early morning just to say that you were ignoring her?"

Ron continued as though Harry hadn’t spoken, though it was obvious his words stung. "I don’t believe that Lisa gave up the Dark Arts. Once on the Dark Side always on the Dark Side. No one comes back from it, you know that. Maybe she deserves this untimely demise. Give her a chance to experience what others went through when Lucretia poisoned them with Lisa’s concoction."

Now they were ignoring what the other said. "And Ginny came to me that same night, because she was afraid of what you might say to her. Just because you didn’t approve of her husband. You don’t approve of much, do you, Ron? Everyone, even your family, comes to me because they don’t want to risk your temper." Harry suddenly acted as though he had heard Ron’s last comment. "And people can come back from the Dark Side! What about Snape? Or Malfoy for that matter?"

"If you’re trying to make a point, you’re going about it the wrong way," Ron said angrily.

"What did I do?" Draco asked.

"Stop it!" Ginny shrieked. Everyone fell silent and turned towards her. "Look at you! How can you act like this? You’re behaving like toddlers except that toddlers don’t use such foul language!" Harry and Ron stared at the floor, both still steaming. "I am ashamed of you both. I know that your wives and children are the most important people to you now, but you can’t forget that you were friends first. Before the children, before Lisa, hell, even before Hermione, you two were best friends. The way you are acting now isn’t even fitting for worst enemies. Listen to me, Lisa is dying and Hermione is now God-knows-where. But just because you are worried about them doesn’t mean that you should act like children. Behave like men. Harry, take your children to see Lisa. Ron, we will stay here as long as we must to form a plan to save Hermione. But before you leave, Harry," he was just about to go, "you and Ron must shake hands. I don’t care if this hasn’t been resolved. I don’t care what you’ve said to each other. For the sake of your wives, I want you to call a truce."

Without looking at each other Ron and Harry shook hands quickly, then dropped their hands. Harry picked up his children and left the room without saying anything. With a briefly apologetic look directed at Ron, Sirius followed. Ginny sighed deeply.

"Alright, let’s figure out how to rescue Hermione."

* * *

"What do you mean, you killed him?" Hermione asked slowly. "I didn’t think that he could ever be killed."

"Not by ordinary means. I alone had the power. Can we please stop discussing him? He’s over and done with. Now, have you given any thought to my proposition?"

"If I’m not the one you want, why don’t you just let me go?" Hermione suggested.

"Because. That’s why. Anyway, I want you to join me. It’ll be fun!"

"Killing innocent people by slowly torturing them isn’t my idea of fun," Hermione said drily. "Besides, I’m Muggleborn. Doesn’t that bother you? It bothered Voldemort."

"I am not he" Lucretia shrieked. Then she calmed, took a few deep breaths, and continued. "I don’t have the anti-Muggle feelings that he did. I kill based on who annoys me. Truly Hermione, your parentage doesn’t bother me in the slightest. It’s your abilities that I want."

"What are you talking about!" Hermione said, exasperated.

Lucretia looked surprised. "You mean that you actually don’t know? I thought you were just playing games, but if you actually don’t know... What kind of man is your husband if he doesn’t tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"Can it be that he never bothered to unlock it? But surely Dumbledore..." Lucretia was mumbling to herself and confusing Hermione.

"Just tell me what is going on!" Hermione shouted. "Unlock what? What about Dumbledore? I haven’t spoken to him in two years."

Lucretia stopped abruptly. She turned to Hermione with a hungry look in her strange eyes. "Do tell. Why not?"

Hermione look contemptuously at her. "Surely you know. Albus Dumbledore has not been seen in public for two years. He only meets with a select few."

"So the mighty hath fallen? Interesting. I told you that you would make a wonderful Follower."

Hermione’s face only held contempt. "I haven’t told you anything that the rest of the world doesn’t know."

But somewhere in the back of her mind Hermione was worried. Lucretia couldn’t use that to harm anyone, could she?

The last time she had seen Albus Dumbledore was a year after her Geoffrey had been born. His last major act was to form M.A.T.D.A. It was also the year of the True Destiny Massacre, one of the most demoralizing acts to ever hit the wizarding world. It seemed to dishearten even the invincible Dumbledore. He was suddenly overcome by his age and retired as headmaster of Hogwarts. The news had come as a real shock to Harry, Ron, and Hermione who thought that Dumbledore would always be the headmaster, long enough for their children to have him when they entered Hogwarts.

Dumbledore requested to meet with some of his favorite students before he left public view. When Hermione met with him just before his retirement, she was struck by how old he seemed.

"Ah, Miss Granger, or should I say, Mrs. Weasley? One of the most brilliant students that Hogwarts has ever seen. I’m very proud of you, Hermione. You have accomplished so much for one so young. I’m only sorry that you have had to grow up too fast."

"Don’t say such things, Professor," Hermione said with a shake of her head. "I wish that I could accomplish half of what you have. Is it true that you are no longer the Headmaster of Hogwarts?"

Dumbledore bowed his head. "Minerva will make an excellent Headmistress and my time has come to an end. Now I am only a consultant for Magic Against the Dark Arts."

"But what about Voldemort? You are the only one who can stop him! You are the only one he fears!"

Dumbledore chuckled. "It is not my place to destroy Voldemort. That has been Harry’s destiny since he was a baby. I was only supposed to guide him until he could handle that destiny, and I must say, he has turned out remarkably well. But, Hermione, without you and Ron, he can not do it."

"Professor, I don’t understand. Ron and I aren’t anything special, why are we so important?"

Hermione looked down at her shoes. Dumbledore leaned over and lifted up her chin.

"Hermione, you and Ron are the heart behind Harry. He needs you to be strong. It has always been the three of you. Harry is quite powerful on his own, but without his best friends he has no focus to that power. Hermione, no matter what happens, Harry needs you and you have to be there for him, or the Dark Side wins."

Suddenly exhaustion racked his feeble body. He kissed Hermione on the brow and she turned and walked away. Outside of the room, Ron was waiting. She threw herself into his arms and two tears trickled down her cheeks.

"Oh, Ron, how can we fight this if even Dumbledore has given up? We can never conquer Voldemort, he’s too powerful. Ron, I don’t want to die!"

Ron held her tight. "You won’t. Not now. If we three are together, then nothing can stop us."

Hermione let out a half sob-half laugh. "Funny, that’s what Professor Dumbledore said."

"And we know how wise he is. Now it’s my turn."

He gave her another quick squeeze and then walked into Dumbledore’s room for his last conversation with the indefatigable Headmaster.

"I wish that he could live forever."

"You could at least have the decency to listen when I’m explaining things to you."

Lucretia’s voice shocked her out of her reverie.

"I’m sorry, what were you saying?" Hermione asked with sweet sarcasm.

"I was trying to tell you how amazing you truly are and I was trying to explain your powers to you since your husband, man that he is, was too insecure to explain it himself."

Ignoring the insult to her husband, Hermione responded. "Then go ahead. Tell me about this amazing power I have that I haven’t noticed for twenty-six years."

"Hermione, you are a Narinhah."

This news was met with complete silence.

"So...?"

Lucretia stomped her foot in exasperation. "Honestly, don’t you know anything? A Narinhah is a person who can take over another person’s body–including their powers. Anyone you touch and think about becoming, you become. This way you’re allowed to touch people, but if you think about becoming them, you are them."

Hermione laughed. "How could I have such a power and not know it? It’s impossible!"

"It is not," Lucretia said haughtily. "Someone has to unlock it for your power to work. I can do that if you want."

"Don’t touch me. Just let me go." Hermione cringed to hear herself pleading.

"I’m sorry, Hermione. I can’t do that. I need you and I’m afraid I have to force you to join me if you won’t do it of your own free will."

"I’d never join you of my own free will, so do what you want. Imperious curse? I learned to throw that off years ago. We all did."

"Nothing so mundane. It’s a personal favorite of mine. Close your eyes this might hurt. Hypnosusos!"

Hermione felt her body seize up and then relax. Suddenly her conscious was wiped blank and she waited for instructions.

"Now, Hermione, are you ready to kill?"

"Yes, Mistress. Tell me what to do."

Lucretia smiled sinisterly.

"Excellent."

* * *

Lisa had brightened instantly when Lily and James had been brought in to see her. She was smiling and laughing with her children in her arms. Then she turned to Harry who was sitting in a chair next to the bed.

"I hear that you and Ron are at odds. So you told him about my past?"

Harry’s jaw dropped. "How did you know that?"

"You were quite loud. Dear, when I’m gone it’s even more important that you and Ron work together. Don’t get angry at him because he’s worried about his wife."

"How much did you hear? Ron insulted you."

Lisa shook her head in a bemused way. "Harry, darling, Ron Weasley and I have never liked each other. We only put up with one another for your sake. Then, when Hermione and I became better friends, Ron and I tolerated each other for her sake. He was under a lot of stress and the, er, bad feelings came pouring out. You shouldn’t take it seriously."

Harry was confused. "But, he damned you to hell!"

Lisa laughed merrily. "Harry, can’t you see how ridiculous the whole thing is? He can’t damn me to hell, because I’ve already been damned to Lucretia’s realm. It’s the same thing."

"How can you be so happy right now?"

"Because I don’t have that much time left, but at least I have my family. Harry, do me a favor and go make up with Ron."

Harry nodded and left the room. Jeanette walked in with some more soup. Lisa made a face.

"Not more broth, Jeanette. Please, anything but that."

"It’s not for you," Jeanette said briskly. "Your children have been through quite an ordeal, they need nourishment."

Lisa looked at her children with a sad smile. "Do you think that this ordeal will traumatize them for life?"

"No. They’re young, they forget quickly."

Lisa smiled again. She looked at her children very closely. Lily had Harry’s black hair and green eyes, but James had her slightly curly brown hair and blue eyes. It was comforting to know that there was someone who would carry on her genes when she was gone. She loved her children so much because they were proof that even someone as completely screwed up as she could create something beautiful. She would certainly miss them when she was gone.

"Mummy?" Lily said.

"Yes, dear?"

"I want to go home."

"Me too, sweetheart, me too."

* * *

"Ron, do stop pacing, you’re not helping."

Ron fixed his sister with a glare. "Neither are you. We’re supposed to be figuring out a way to rescue my wife."

"We’re trying, Ron, but so far we don’t even know where she is," George said. "Dad and Percy should be here soon, maybe Perce can use his Minister influence to help us."

"I’m afraid that the Minister of Magic has no control over Lucretia," Meredith said with a sigh. "In fact, no one in the Ministry knows she exists. Professor Dumbledore was very careful to make M.A.T.D.A. autonomous."

"If no one else will deal with this, then I will!" Ron exclaimed and stomped over towards the door. Remus stepped over and blocked the way.

"I’m sorry, Ron, but Hermione would be very unhappy with us if we allowed you to go get yourself killed—ouch!"

Just as Remus was talking the door to the conference room opened and hit him in the back of the head. In stepped Minister Percy Weasley and his father Arthur Weasley.

"Excuse me, but is this the proper meeting room?" Percy asked.

"Hey, Perce, how’s Penelope?" Fred asked with a large grin.

"She’s fine, Fred, which you’d know if you ever visited. And how's Angelina? Are you ever going to marry her?"

"I was thinking about it," Fred replied good-naturedly.

Before Percy could respond, Arthur let out a cry. He had been looking around the room at the familiar faces until his eyes fell upon one he had not seen in many years.

"Ginny?"

Arthur ran at his daughter and wrapped her in a large hug. Percy stood in the doorway with his mouth hanging open.

"Is that really Ginny? What on earth is she doing here?"

"I’m sorry, but we don’t have time for reunions right now," Meredith said quickly. "We have to rescue—"

Jeanette rushed into the conference room. She came to a quick stop and had to grab Remus to stop herself from falling.

"I’m sorry," she said, "but Lisa wants to speak to you, Ron."

Everyone who had witnessed the falling out between Ron and Harry, swivelled their heads in the former’s direction. Ron looked at Jeanette curiously.

"Why?"

Jeanette shrugged. "She wouldn’t tell me. But, I don’t think it’s about the, er, you-know-what."

Ron still hesitated. "Where’s, er, you-know-who?"

"Harry has gone to meet Lisa’s mother. You’ll have at least ten minutes," Jeanette replied.

"Fine."

Ron stomped out of the conference room, leaving Geoffrey and David with his family. Jeanette led him to the hospital wing where Lisa was resting. He hadn’t realized until that moment how sick she really was. Cautiously, he pushed open the door to her room. Lily and James were gone, and Lisa was lying in her bed, very pale and drawn.

"I was told you wanted to see me?" Ron said stiffly.

Lisa jumped slightly at the sound of his voice. "Oh, Ron, it’s you. Good, please come closer."

Ron walked towards the bed. Lisa sat up a little straighter and smoothed the sheets around her.

"Now, we don’t have much time before Harry will be back, or Jeanette will come and force more broth on me. Look, Ron, I know you don’t like me, and I’m not that fond of you either. I’m sure you blame me for everything that’s happened to you. After all, your children never would have been kidnaped if they hadn’t been with my children. And if Hermione hadn’t gone after the children, both yours and mine, then she wouldn’t have been taken. Am I getting close to why you don’t like me?"

Ron didn’t say anything. There had been no malice in Lisa’s voice, it was cool, calm and unemotional. She stated everything like it was a news report. And what scared him the most was that it was true. Every piece.

"Even though you don’t like me, you are Harry’s friend and the only person I can tell this to. I know that you and Harry had an argument over me, but I also know you still care about him. Listen, Ron, and this is very important, there is one cure to what I have."

"There is?" In his surprise, Ron forgot that he disliked this woman.

Lisa nodded. "Yes, but it will never happen. I can’t let it happen. Even though I created this poison I never thought to vaccinate myself against it. I also thought that some of the people who ingested it might not deserve to die, and I made one way around it."

"What is it?" Ron asked curiously.

"I won’t die if one person who truly loves me, more than he loves himself, sacrifices himself for me. If Harry ever finds this out then he’ll want to do it, I know him. You can’t let that happen, Ron. I need you to be his friend and be there for him. No matter what happens."

"How do I know that this is the truth?"

Lisa shrugged. "You don’t. You have to trust me. And believe me, Ron," Lisa looked him straight in the eyes, "I gave up the Dark Arts years ago. I would never want to see Hermione hurt."

Ron looked back at her and stared into those piercing blue eyes. "You know what? I’m still not sure that I like you, but I believe you. I will always be Harry’s friend, even when we fight, we’re still friends." He looked embarrassed for a moment. "I’d better go. I promise I won’t let anyone know about the cure."

"Thanks, Ron."

He turned and left, leaving Lisa to muse over the conversation. They had come a long way, their only connection one man who needed every ally he could get. They had finally admitted that Harry’s preservation meant more to them than their mutual dislike. Maybe their was hope for them to be friends yet.

"Lisa," Jeanette said, popping her head into the room, "I have to go out for a time, but I have a surprise I think you’ll like."

The door opened wider to admit a single person. Lisa smiled.

"Mummy?"

* * *

"You came back to soon, Doctor Mills," the woman said quietly.

"You mean that it’s not ready?" Jeanette asked, disappointed.

"It’s not ready and it will never be ready."

"What? You said you would help!"

"I said I would try to help," the woman corrected. "It cannot be done. I’ve tried everything I could think of."

Jeanette hesitated. She knew that she shouldn’t have eavesdropped, but she couldn’t help herself.

"I’ve heard of a cure. Someone has to sacrifice himself for her. Someone who loves her. Would that work?"

The woman turned to look at her. It was a wondering look, curious.

"Why does the life of this one woman matter so much to you, Dr. Mills?"

"If she dies then Harry’s spirit will be crushed. We need him or the world is in trouble."

The woman looked at her again. "You need Potter? Strange."

"Why is that? Harry has the power, he can do it."

"You’ve devoted so much of your work to studying Lucretia, have you not? And you haven’t even wondered what she’s after?"

"What on earth do you mean?" Jeanette asked, bewildered. "She wants Harry. Doesn’t she?"

"Before you place all of your hopes on the Boy Who Lived," the woman’s face went rigid with disgust at that phrase, the very phrase that Harry himself detested, "you had better be sure that he’s the one Lucretia is after."

Jeanette looked at this small, old woman, so full of strength and a mild evil. She was dangerous despite her weakness.

"This was a mistake, wasn’t it. I should never have come to you. I’m sorry."

"No," said the old woman, "I’m sorry. I can’t let you leave now, Dr. Mills. You’re far too dangerous."

Before Jeanette realized what was happening she had been knocked unconscious. The woman looked down at her and shook her head.

"It was foolish of you to come. It is out of my hands now. She comes and I must welcome her, or we all die."