Serendipity

Chapter 8:

Hermione and Ron sat in the Common Room late one May night locked in an endurance battle with Harry. He seemed determined to stay up later than them and it was already past midnight. As the twelfth chime rung throughout the room Harry became noticeable fidgety. Hermione looked at him from over a large book though Ron did not conceal his efforts to watch him and openly stared.

At quarter past Harry stood up suddenly. "I have to go," he announced and made for the portrait hole.

Hermione and Ron stood up immediately. "Where?" Hermione's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Nowhere, forget it." He turned around. "You two should go to bed."

"We aren't idiots, Harry," Ron said. "We know something is up. Let us help."

"Too late."

"Harry!" Hermione cried with distress. "The past five years you've needed us and not now? What are you going to dive into alone?"

"Not alone. That's why I have to go. I'm already late for meeting them."

"Them?" Ron asked.

Harry ran a hand through his hair realizing that he wasn't getting out of this easily. "Luna and Neville," he said reluctantly. "They've been helping me out with something. But you two can't come."

"No such luck, mate." Ron looked around the room quickly. "Anything we should bring?"

Harry shook his head. Looking at his two friends his eyes fell on Hermione. "You should stay here."

"None of your hero crap. We're coming."

"Fine. But we're late, so we've got to hurry."

Harry left the room with a quick pace that left Hermione and Ron running to catch up with him.

"Where are we going?" Ron asked again.

"For now, just near the forest." Harry remained tightlipped as they made their way silently through the castle heading to the dungeons and the exit tunnel that lay down there.

Hermione did not see the two tall Slytherin males leaving Snape's detention room until after she slammed into one of them. Arms circled her waist instinctively, keeping her from falling. "Sorry, my fault -" Blaise began before his irises contracted with the familiarity of Hermione's face. He became rigid quickly. It was the first time they'd been in such close proximity since the fight some weeks before.

"No, it's mine. I wasn't watching my way," she said quietly.

"We need to go." Harry was being uncharacteristically impatient.

Blaise's brows met. "Go? What are you doing?" He exchanged a quick glance with Harry and knew immediately what was happening. "No. You can't go." His arms were still around Hermione and with this he tightened his grip. "Harry, I told you that she couldn't go."

"I tried." Harry checked his watch again.

"You told him? Blaise, what's going on?" Hermione's eyes searched his face looking for answers that weren't there. Blaise didn't look at her but kept a steady stare on Harry.

"You can't go," Blaise said finally looking down at her. Realizing his hold on her, he let his arms fall to his sides reluctantly. "Trust me."

"I don't know what's going on, but you two are doing a fine job of being cryptic." Hermione looked between the two dark-haired wizards.

"Hermione, maybe you shouldn't come?" Ron suggested. "It'll probably be dangerous."

"When has that stopped anything before?" Hermione's temper was rising. "I don't care whether you come or not," she said looking at Blaise now. "But if Harry's going, he'll need help and I won't leave him."

Adrian finally made his presence known moving out of the shadows. "Time's running out, isn't it?" he asked Harry who simply nodded. "If it's going to happen, he needs to leave now." This time he directed his response to Blaise who also nodded.

"What is going on?" Hermione asked helplessly. The only answer she received was a firm hand on hers as the group moved out to the grounds.

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The grounds were deadly silently as the small group made its way across them. There was a strange purple light coming from a bend in the woods as they got closer. Hermione's heartbeat raced and her nerves were on edge when they arrived. Luna and Neville were moving around a small bonfire with ancient patterns and designs written around it, traced in what looked like Floo powder.

Pulling up next to Blaise, Hermione whispered, "What's going on?" He put an arm around her pulling her close to him in a form of an answer.

"Harry's going after Voldemort," Blaise whispered from where his lips barely brushed against her ear.

Hermione turned quickly to look at his face. "What? He couldn't..." her voice faded off as she watched Harry talk with Neville who handed him a strange bottle with orange liquid inside it. Luna joined them and spoke briefly, glancing at the rest of the group. Harry responded to her and she nodded, then in a very characteristic gesture waved it off, moving slowly towards one of the symbols on the ground as if the pressure of time was of no real concern.

Harry walked back over to Hermione and Ron. "I've got to go now." His eyes were grave, weighted with the importance of the decisions that faced him. He looked at the ground momentarily trying to form words. "If - when, when I get back -"

"Harry, we're coming with you." Ron looked straight at him. There was a release of tension in Harry's face at these words.

"Are you?" Harry looked at Ron, then Hermione.

"Of course we are," Hermione said.

A firm hand was placed on her shoulder. "Please, don't," Blaise whispered. It wasn't an order as his other attempts had been, but a request. Harry watched silently as Hermione turned to Blaise.

"I have to." Blaise nodded. "You don't. I understand. But with or without you, I'm going."

Blaise looked at the ground and then back at Harry. "Then so am I."

Harry reached out to shake Blaise's hand. "Thanks."

"Me too," Adrian spoke up. When the group looked at him surprised he responded, "I know I've only been to one meeting, but that's the whole point of DA, right?"

"You're right." Harry had given up on keeping anyone from going at this point. He seemed ill-equipped to persuade anyone otherwise.

"We're ready, Harry," Neville called over from the other side of the fire.

The odd light from the fire quelled itself for a moment before surging forth again with more power than before, pulsing slowly. A strange wind came from the fire now whipping Hermione's hair around her face wildly.

Harry stepped up to the edge of the portal and gave a quick look at his allies before walking in. He was swept away much in a way like the Floo Network, but he didn't say anything, Hermione realized that she still didn't know where they were going. Ron and Adrian walked through next, neither saying a word.

Hermione turned to Neville. "What do we do?"

"Don't worry, it knows. Just walk on through."

"What about you?"

"I'm going last and will stay with the portal on the other side. Luna's staying behind to make sure we can get back."

"You were going to let him go alone?"

"As far as the plan was concerned, yes." Neville looked guilty. "We expected you or Ron wouldn't allow that to happen. Perhaps not a good idea to let a large part of the success of this plan up to chance and assumption, but it worked." He looked at Luna quickly and when she nodded he returned his attention to Hermione. "Your turn."

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Blaise went through the portal at the same time as Hermione, holding her hand tightly. Neither was prepared for the wind that swept them up into oblivion. Their hands were ripped apart as they flew through to their destination. It was strangely unlike Flooing or using a Portkey, somehow more fluid and less bumpy than either modes of travel. Despite the hectic pace of flight, Hermione landed gracefully in a dark alleyway with an abrupt end to the wind.

Tall stone buildings pressed in on all sides around where Harry, Ron, and Adrian were talking quietly a little ways off from the landing point. Blaise made his way to the group immediately and Hermione followed. "He's here," Harry stated, confirming the question in Blaise's eyes. "But so are others."

"We knew that was a possibility," Adrian said.

"So let me get this straight. They are trying to cancel out all the protective charms that are currently in use tonight?" Ron asked. "I don't understand how."

"You know where we are and the power that resides here," Blaise answered without much explanation.

Neville arrived then, with clinking of glass bottles from his sack announcing him. He grinned up at the group sheepishly. "Hi." Harry motioned Neville over.

"We're going to head out. There are more Death Eaters then we expected." Harry took command.

"How many?" Neville asked.

"Fifteen, we think." Harry looked over a parchment that reminded Hermione of the Marauder's Map, but only reflected a complex city with canals, labeled Godric's Hollow, where history changed in one night fifteen years before. Hermione could tell from the map, the portal, and the information they had how much planning had gone into tonight. It was unlike Harry's typical rash, fly by the seat of your pants adventures. Tonight he was determined to accomplish something big. "How much time do you need?"

Neville gulped. "I can have another portal set up in . . . thirty minutes?"

"Any faster?"

"I can try, but it's unlikely."

"Take the time if you need it. We need to know that it works, don't rush. We'll send off warning sparks on our return, if it's safe." Harry looked at the rest of the group. "Ready?" Adrian and Ron nodded as Blaise looked at Hermione. Harry led the way, wand out and map in hand.

"What's Voldemort doing?" Hermione whispered.

"He's trying to break all existing magical wards in the country. Wards such as the ones that were placed around this city and the ones that keep Hogwarts safe too." Blaise looked down at Hermione. "You know about Harry's parents, right? Well, the entire city was kind of a sanctuary for those in hiding. About three years after Harry was attacked the pressure of residual magic reached a level at which it became unlivable, hence its current abandoned state. It's been twelve years and so the magic has subsided enough for us to be here, but it still has enough that to destroy the magic here would greatly effect the protective spells throughout our world."

As they passed empty, darkened windows, Hermione shivered. The streets were closely lined by these buildings and occasionally Harry would make a wrong turn and dead end into a canal. Hermione tried desperately to remember the directions they took for the retreat back to Neville, though felt it was hopeless and eventually gave up.

The group slowed as they reached an open area. It looked as if the building that once stood there had blown up, which was quite appropriate as it had indeed. Harry stopped to look at the site, pulling away from the group. Everyone in the group knew without being told that this was once his home. An effort to clean up the ruins had never been made as it was a bit of a landmark through the final years of the city.

As the time stretched on and Harry stayed longer than anyone expected, the other boys looked at Hermione to do something. Clearing her throat she asked tentatively, "Harry?" He stirred at this and turned to the group, with each member watching him closely, a different expression on each face but united through their grief.

"Sorry," Harry said, eyes downcast as he looked at the ground. He looked up at the group again. "Shall we?"

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In Hermione's stomach laid a knot that was growing gradually with every inch they slowly moved through the eerie quiet of the ancient, abandoned city. The buildings stared at them with empty eye windows, intimidating them, letting the group know they were unwelcome visitors. It was easy to imagine the grand beauty the city once had, but left and forgotten it was now only unsettling.

Blaise's face looked as if it were set in stone, steeling itself for what was to come. His jaw tensed and relaxed as he tried to release the tension in his nerves. Tense, relax, tense, relax. He turned to catch Hermione looking at him, gave her a weak smile and squeezed her hand lightly.

In the middle of one of the streets, Harry stopped and turned to the group. A finger pressed to his lips while the other hand motioned the group closer. "Around this turn." They nodded and then followed him ever so slowly onward.

The last turn took an eternity to make. Gradually they came to an open plaza. In the middle a fire blazed surrounded by black clad figures. The fire was the only light and it threw crazy shadows around the plaza. The moonlight overhead had little effect in the plaza.

Harry pointed to a building with an ambulatory and short wall for cover. He made his way there first and the rest of the group followed. Hermione's heart seized with anticipation of discovery as she made for the walkway. Any minute she was sure she would be discovered, but in the end she arrived safely. Blaise came after her and placed a reassuring arm around her once safely behind the wall.

Once all five were safely hidden they crept along the plaza to get a better view of the Death Eaters. In earshot they could hear the typical garbled noises of any typical group of people gathering for a party or meeting. There were no evil overtones that Hermione could observe. It was bizarre to her that these people were in a way very human. Though the acts they had carried out were heinous, they were chatting with each other in a fashion equal to any other reasonable person. The idea scared her even more than thinking that they were pure evil.

After ten minutes of watching, one of the figures in black rang a small bell. The high tinkle seemed odd in juxtaposition to what these men and women were there to do. Bellatrix Lestrange's voice came across the plaza and over the wall to the students. She started quietly, but determined, and as she spoke fervor grew in her voice. "Tonight," she was saying, "we have the chance to finish it all. Once successful, nowhere will be safe from the justice we bring. No person will be able to hide from our righteous task to cleanse this community and make it pure once again."

Hermione's face was set as she listened. Her jaw tightened and her lips pressed as she calmed the mixed feelings within her. It was more important to be logical and observant now. She needed to disconnect herself from her feelings in order to be ready. She could let the words get to her; it could be deadly if she did.

"Tonight is our chance. Tonight we will abolish foolish protections from our honorable duty." The group before her shouted approval. A group of five witches and wizards came from behind Bellatrix with potions. Their presence brought quiet over the group. As they added their potions to the flames the fire would dim and then grow, larger each time. It was clear they represented the four elements along with a fifth combination power. As the fire grew each time, tension and power in the plaza also grew.

The group assembled was silent as the final ingredient was added. Harry reacted as if he planned to run out and stop them, but stopped himself before acting foolishly to Hermione's relief. Heat from the fire now affected them even behind the wall, taking away from the chill of the night. From behind the students a small creak could be heard within the building.

Brushing it off as the qualities that come with age in any building, Hermione rationalized her fears away. Harry leaned over to Adrian and Blaise, "I thought he was going to be here," he whispered.

"He is." A sinister voice brought the attention of the students behind them to a towering figure. Long fingers reached out of the dark robes to pull back the hood from a ghostly pale face. The bloodshot eyes of Lord Voldemort stared down at them. "Perfect. And I didn't even plan for this." Slowly a sickening half smile stretched across his taut face. He raised his head and called out, "Bellatrix, Lucius, come look what I found." A thin fore-finger extended indicating that they should take a look.

Hearts racing, the group stood. There was no reason to continue hiding, their position more than given away, and they were only at a disadvantage to stay at a lower position. Like mice walking into the cat's home, they were caught.

"Oh my, a lovely surprise indeed." The smile across Bellatrix's face now was that of pure glee. Christmas had arrived early and she received a gift she didn't even know she could have.

Lucius rolled his eyes at the woman. "Please, he was bound to come after us eventually, not really that surprising is it? No wonder he's come now." Lucius turned to look at Harry. "How is it to visit home again, Potter?"

Anger seethed under the surface as Harry struggled to maintain a clear mind. He remained silent eliciting a cackle from Bellatrix. "Poor baby, he's all rattled at visiting after so long. What? Fifteen years, hasn't it been?"

"That enough." Voldemort's eyes never stopped watching Harry. "Move." His command was curt, but obeyed. The group backed into the plaza carefully. Adrian kept his eyes down and hit Blaise when he attempted to look at Lucius. Hermione felt as if her feet where blocks of stone as she clumsily made her way into the opening with the others.

Death Eaters panned out from the fire surrounding the students. Some of the hoods had been pulled off their heads, but the few that remained gave an eerie feeling of familiarity as Hermione's memory flashed back to Dementors.

Voldemort began to laugh. It was cold and sliced through the air. Nothing was pleasant about the noise that brought goose bumps to Hermione's skin. "What did you think you could do? Stop us?"

Harry looked at the skeletal form, defiantly saying nothing. "It's too late. The ingredients are already at work." Voldemort looked to Lucius and Bellatrix and nodded. They both sunk into the shadows as he continued talking. "Never been much for this place. Dreadful summer spot really. You can smell the years of fear that encrusts it. Including your parents." Harry flinched. "Ahh, so you are vulnerable. Predictably so."

Lucius and Bellatrix returned from the shadows holding black sacks that shimmered in the firelight. "Now let's see. Will you kindly drop your wands? Don't look at me like that. I'm not about to let you get away this time. Wands into the bags. You may have had a plan, Harry, but it failed. Give up, like you should have ages ago. Like your parents did."

"Shut up!"

"Is that all, Harry? Hmm, I don't think I will. I think it's important for you to know the truth of what really happened that night. That your parents wanted nothing more than to -"

"Stop it! I don't want to hear any more." Hermione saw Harry's left hand twist in the corner of her vision. She could tell now that his eyes lacked the fiery passion such statements once invoked. Voldemort may not have realized, but Hermione saw that Harry had all his wits about him. His shouts were simply a distraction attempt. A turn of his wrist and she saw him open the orange flask.

"My Lord, I'm sorry to interrupt, but -" One of the many black clad figures came forward tentatively. The thin man looked familiar to Hermione.

"Yes, Nott? Out with it."

"Those boys, they, well, they're Slytherin."

Silence echoed around the plaza as twenty faces peered at Adrian and Blaise. The boys in question looked down immediately. One of the greatest flaws in coming along was the potential of being discovered and they foolishly had. "That one is my son Theodore's friend and the other is his cousin, Zabini and Pucey." Hermione heard Blaise gulp.

"Blood traitors, hmm?" Bellatrix looked around Voldemort at the two boys. She gracefully came forward and placed a slim finger under Blaise's chin, raising it to her face. "Yes, this one's familiar. Lucius, your boy said he was faithful."

"Well, he lied, didn't he?" Nott was talking again, anger grew in his voice. "My son must have as well. I'll make sure that never happens again." Blaise clenched his jaw at this, his whole body tense.

"No, Draco didn't lie. Did he, Lucius?" The smile on Bellatrix's face was calculative. She knew more then she let on. "I believe you mentioned something about this one," she pulled her finger away, leaving a red mark on Blaise's jaw where her nail scratched it. "Let me see," her eyes got a far away look and then quickly became mischievous. She turned to Voldemort and Lucius still smiling. "He got in a fight with your son over the matter of a Mudblood bitch didn't he? Too ashamed of your Draco's inability to fight and win, you didn't seem to think it was important to share with the group, did you?"

Lucius paled. "My son -"

"Is unimportant. Why didn't you say something?" Voldemort's eyes flashed with rage.

"For centuries we have used Mudbloods to relieve our more primal urges, I assumed Zabini was doing only that." Blaise's hands became fists at his side. Lucius continued, "Didn't seem to be any reason to bring the petty squabbles of schoolchildren to your attention, my Lord. I was wrong, it'll never happen again."

"It doesn't seem as this boy is simply using the girl. And when the girl in question is so close to Harry, how you could think that it was not worthy of my attention?" Voldemort's voice slowly rose in anger. Taking a breath he began again, quietly and more threatening than before. "You have disappointed me too many times, Lucius. I thought you understood what I wanted from you, but I see I was wrong. You know what I must do now. I'm not really sorry, so I won't lie, but it is how things are." His wand arm raised equal with Lucius' eyes. "I'm sure you understand. I never thought it would be you." Green light flashed as the death curse was uttered.

No one spoke. The wind even quieted as everyone remained motionless. Lucius Malfoy stared at the sky with blank eyes set in an expression of horror. Bellatrix snapped and two men came forward, covering his head and then the body was taken away.

"Back to the matters at hand." Voldemort turned back to the gathered students. He looked at the group without saying anything for the longest time.

"What about the boys?" Nott asked. Voldemort snapped his attention to him. "Traitors must be harshly dealt with. They should be used as an example."

"We can use them to our advantage. They've already made good connections, we can build on them, use them to gather more information," another nameless Death Eater suggested.

"We could. Or we could kill them. String them up as the defining example for all rebellious Slytherins. After all, we have what we want, Harry Potter is here and that's all that we could use them for. After tonight Potter will be dead, the protections spells throughout Britain will be destroyed, and no one will notice the death of two pathetic Slytherins, except of course other Slytherins." Blood drained from Blaise's face. He looked pale under his tan as Nott finished. "Kill them. It doesn't matter if they are alive and so they are expendable. More use to us dead than alive."

Voldemort thought it over, taking no more than five seconds to come to a decision. "It looks like we are going to accomplish more than we planned tonight." He nodded. "Kill them all."

Lead fell to Hermione's stomach as Death Eaters approached. Harry was quickly making a dash for Voldemort with the orange flask. Hermione was pulled down to the ground by Blaise, causing two Death Eaters to trip over them. She was then tugged up back to standing position and then pulled away. In the commotion, she never saw what Harry did with his potion or if he was successful, but she was aware that her comrades were running away and he feet did not need telling twice. She was off, hand in Blaise's as he led her away to safety. Above them flew red sparks as a warning and behind them she heard Voldemort scream.