The Prince Returns

Chapter Seven

The Order was slowing down for the Holidays. Several members had already gone home to be with their families. However, everyone was bringing along something to work on. Laura and Richard had invited anyone in the Order to stay with them if they didn't want to go home. They even extended the invitation to any family members. A few were staying. Molly and Arthur decided at the last minute to stay along with their children; they worried about the safety of the Burrow. Everyone, especially the Death Eaters, knew that the Weasley's were in the Order. Remus Lupin was also staying. He simply did not have anywhere else to go.

Molly and Remus spent the beginning of December helping Laura set up Christmas decorations. There wasn't much else to do, with so few members staying around. Those that did stay wanted to forget about work for a moment.

While the Hogwarts students were eating their final meal of the year at school, Molly, Remus, and Laura were decorating the tree. They had finally put the large plant up when Laura brought out the boxes of decorations. "Where is it?" she mumbled, looking through the boxes.

"What?" Molly asked.

"I have another box somewhere. It has the angel for the top and some of the nicer ornaments that I don't want broken. I must have left it up in the attic."

"I'll get it," Remus offered.

"Thanks. I have no idea where it is. It's marked if that help," she said apologetically. He laughed.

"I'll find it," he said and went upstairs to the attic. For such a large house, the attic was fairly small. For the moment, it served as storage for both the family and the Order. Remus found seasonal decorations and began looking through the boxes. He found one box that did not belong, marked "Hogwarts." He opened it to find several different items from his school days. He smiled at the robes and books. He found a photo album and couldn't stop himself. He sat on the floor and opened the book. He couldn't help but smile as he looked through the picture, most taken in his sixth year, when he and Laura were still together and Lily and James had just begun going out. Everyone was friends with everyone. They all looked so happy. He wished that he could go back to that time. He wished they were all still so happy. He came across a picture of a young boy sleeping in his bed in a very dark and scary forest which triggered a surge of memories....

It was the day before Severus Snape's seventeenth birthday. The Marauder's could not let the occasion pass without celebrating. Sirius and James devised a plan to make it a birthday Severus would never forget. The two nicked a pillow from Filch's office. With Remus's help, they managed to turn the pillow into a Portkey. It was enchanted so that at exactly midnight, the exact moment it became Snape's birthday, the Portkey would transport itself and any passengers into the middle of the Forbidden Forrest. They planned to place the pillow on Snape's bed. Once transported, they would take a few pictures to immortalize the occasion on film. Then, Sirius would take his animal form. Snape was not a big fan of dogs, especially large, wild ones who were not fond of humans. Yes, the three would be sure Snape would never forget

Getting the pillow and transforming it was easy. Getting it into Snape's bed was difficult. After much begging and pleading, Laura and Lily agreed to have a study session with Snape that evening so that the boys would have an opportunity to sneak into his room. James and Sirius hung out by the entrance to the Slytherin dungeons. Eventually, a fellow seventh year Slytherin approached them. Since Severus was not extremely popular, it only took a few Knuts to convince the boy to put the pillow on Snape's bed. The boys then sneaked out into the Forbidden Forrest to set up the rest of their plan and wait for Snape.

At midnight exactly, a pillow and a sleeping figure appeared on the floor of the forest. Remus took a few quick pictures before Snape woke up. Then, Sirius transformed into the black dog and James and Remus ran off, deeper into the forest. At the noise, Snape woke up. He was terrified. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, as if trying to wake up from a nightmare, back in his warm bed inside the castle. When that didn't happen, he looked around, trying to distinguish where he was. There was a small sliver of a moon that allowed very little light. Severus could not see much, but he could tell he was in the forest. Suddenly, a large black dog emerged from behind a tree. The dog ran toward Severus. Terrified, Severus stood quickly and took off. The dog chased him for some time, occasionally barking when the animal deemed it necessary. Eventually, Snape reached a clearing in the forest. He was confused. It was being lit magically and, on a large tree stump in the middle of the clearing, sat a birthday cake. Once Severus saw the cake, the dog headed back into the forest. A few moments later, Remus, Sirius, and James joined Severus in the clearing and began singing "Happy Birthday."

Snape did not look amused. When the song was over, he continued to stare at them. "Why?" he whispered.

"It's your birthday, mate," James said, glancing at his watch. "Officially. It's nearly 12:30."

"Why did you do this to me?" he asked quietly.

"Because it's your birthday. Probably won't get a chance next year," James said, as if this explained everything.

"How do I get back to the castle?" Severus asked, ignoring James's response.

"Don't you want some cake?" Sirius asked.

****

Remus smiled at that night. Severus did not speak to them for the rest of the year. He avoided them like the plague. Of course, Lily was furious, but she got over it. Laura did not say much, but she wasn't really speaking to the three of them anyway. Remus felt a pang of regret. He missed those days so much. He missed James and Sirius. He could not believe that both of his friends were dead. Remus had forgotten so many of their pranks. He would have to keep the photo album and share some of his memories with Harry over Christmas break.

****

Everyone boarded the Hogwarts Express to go home for the Holidays. Hermione looked sad as they settled into their compartment. "What's wrong?" Regan asked, sitting across from Hermione with Harry.

"I just got an owl from my parents. They completely forgot I was coming home. They are going on some cruise to the Carribeans over Christmas."

"Your parents send owl? But they're Muggles," Ron said.

"They aren't stupid. How else would I communicate with them?" Hermione demanded.

"You can stay with us," Regan offered.

"Your parents wouldn't mind?"

"No. Harry's staying. So are several other Order members. My brother isn't going to be able to come home. His girlfriend's parents live in California. He's spending Christmas with them. It's the first Christmas without Braydon. I think Mom and Dad would like a full house," Regan said with a shrug.

"We're staying," Ron offered.

"You are?" Regan said, obviously disappointed.

"Yep. Mum owled just yesterday evening. She doesn't think the Burrow safe, with every Death Eater knowing we're members. She's probably right. At least at the Prince house we won't be by ourselves."

"That's great. We can spend Christmas together," Harry said with a smile. Ron and Regan forced a smile. They were looking forward to some time apart. Maybe they would still be able to. At the Prince house, they would no longer be sleeping in the same area. They wouldn't have to necessarily eat together. Maybe Regan would spend a lot of time shopping or at least in London. Ron could only hope.

A few moments passed in silence. Ron and Hermione sat together, but faced opposite directions, Ron looking out of the compartment at the hallway; Hermione looking out the window. Regan read a novel while Harry stared out the window.

"What just happened?" Ron asked, looking at the compartment door in shock.

"What?" Hermione said, worried as everyone looked to Ron.

"Draco Malfoy just passed by our compartment, looked in, and passed by without bothering us," he said.

"Hell has frozen over," Regan said, voice dripping with sarcasm. She turned back to her book. Without looking up from her book, she said, "What did you two do to him last night?"

"Nothing," Ron said gloomily, as if he deeply regretted not harming Malfoy last night.

"We just talked to him. Nicely," Harry added. Regan smiled, still facing her book.

"Thanks," she said simply.

****

Draco Malfoy did not want to go home. He was worried about his father's reaction. He had been instructed to get Harry Potter expelled from Hogwarts by Christmas, and he had failed miserably. The entire train ride home, he stared out the window, wondering what went wrong. Crabbe and Goyle didn't say anything, they just left the compartment and tormented first years without him. Draco was sure that talking to Regan in such a manner would anger Potter enough for him to take action. Hell, he had made Regan cry. And Draco knew Harry fancied Regan. It was so obvious, it made Draco sick. The only person who didn't know was probably Regan herself. Still, Potter had done nothing. Draco had expected his actions to cause a fight, whether it be verbal or physical. Instead, Potter had been so calm about the whole thing, as if nothing had happened.

Draco did not know what he was going to do. They would soon be at the train station, where his mother would pick him up. Then he would have to go home and face his father. Draco doubted he would be very understanding. Harry Potter was still at Hogwarts and that would be all Lucius Malfoy needed to know.

Draco thought about what Harry had said the previous evening. Maybe Draco wasn't worth it. Maybe none of this was worth it.

****

Despite himself, Ron was glad they were staying at the Prince house for Christmas. It looked so warm and inviting, the beautiful estate set against the snow-covered countryside. Inside, fires were lit and decorations were everywhere. His parents seemed so happy. All the Weasleys had gotten together, though the twins made sure everyone knew how busy their shop was and how difficult it had been for them to get away. The house was filled with so many different people. Ron and Harry would glad to have the same rooms they had had over the summer, while Regan and Hermione shared Regan's room. Regan had also offered Ginny room (Regan's room had a futon as well as two beds) but Ginny had declined. Instead, she ended up sleeping on the couch. All the other bedrooms were taken. She still wasn't too close with Regan and it was to the point that that was just fine with her. Regan did not seem to mind either.

****

Draco and his mother entered Malfoy Manor later that evening. It was very dark inside. Draco had expected that, but he had not expected the lack of Christmas decorations. There wasn't even a tree. "What happened?" he asked his mother as a house-elf took his luggage and his mother's bag.

"Your father forgot to order house-elves to decorate the house, so no decorations," she said simply. "No Christmas this year. Besides, your father is very busy at the moment." She smiled at this.

"Why?"

"Don't be daft, Draco. He and his friends are planning big things this next week."

"Christmas. What are they planning for Christmas?"

"Well I can't tell you," she said, looking down her nose at her son.

"You don't know, do you? Must be something major if he wouldn't brag about it to you..." With that, Draco headed upstairs towards his bedroom.

"Your father will be home shortly. He wants to speak with you," his mother called after him.

****

Lucius Malfoy arrived home long after dark. The entire Malfoy Manor was quiet, all of its inhabitants asleep, including his son. Lucius went upstairs, making as much noise as possible as he went. He pounded on Draco's door. He knew what had happened at Hogwarts. He did not need his son to tell him that he had failed. Harry Potter was still a Hogwarts student.

As Draco heard his father, he buried himself deeper into the covers, knowing what was coming. Finally, Lucius broke through the door. He grabbed the blankets and threw them to floor, revealing his son. He grabbed Draco by the arm and pulled him from the bed. "No son of my is a failure," Lucius declared as Draco huddled to the floor, ready to accept his punishment for failing. "You are a disgrace, Draco. I give you a simple task, and you couldn't even begin to handle it." Lucius brought his foot back and Draco involuntarily flinched. He tried not to cry as his father's foot connected repeatedly with his stomach. "You are a coward, Draco." He pushed his son to the corner, where Draco brought his arms around himself, trying to create a defense. Lucius grabbed a hold of the night stand and braced himself as he again kicked his child, his foot landing wherever. He stopped only as blood began to seep through his pajamas. Lucius stepped back. "I am going to give you another chance, Draco. Do not abuse my generosity. By the end of the year, Potter had better be gone from Hogwarts. The Dark Lord will not be so understanding. When you graduate next year, you will become a Death Eater. You are my son, which, believe me, is the only reason my Lord is considering you. Once you join, you will be expected to complete tasks. Do you understand?" Lucius demanded, his face contorted with rage. Draco nodded weakly. "Very good. It is late. Clean yourself up and go to bed. Do not upset your mother with any word of this. Understand?" Draco nodded again. "I expect you to take care of Potter this time."

Once Lucius was gone, fixing the broken door with a flick of his wand, Draco carefully picked himself off the floor. His whole body ached. He forced himself not to throw up and slowly walked to his bathroom. He surveyed the damage. His nose was bleeding, but he didn't think it was broken. As usual, his father had managed to avoid his face so that no one would see bruises or marks. Bruises were already starting to form along his abdomen. There were bright red marks up and down both his arms from where his father had grabbed him. His legs looked unharmed, but the ache in his muscles told him that there would also be bruises along his legs in the morning. His father's boot had snagged his skin, ripping his skin open in several places along his arms, back, and chest. Over the years, Draco had gotten very good at healing charms. He muttered a few incantations. The wounds closed and the blood vanished, but Draco knew from experience that the bruises would stay around for awhile and that the scars would never leave.

****

At the Prince house, everyone was looking forward to Christmas. Even though no child staying at the house for Christmas had believed in Santa Claus for at least a decade (or nine years, in Ron's case), the adults, especially Laura and Molly, insisted on playing Santa Claus. Early Christmas morning, while everyone was asleep, Remus and Richard sneaked downstairs and laid out the presents. When everyone woke up, they would celebrate Christmas, opening the packages before breakfast, still in pajamas.

"Thank you so much for letting everyone stay here, Richard," Remus began. The two had never been close, but a sort of friendship had formed over the last six months.

"I couldn't imagine Christmas this year without all of you. I think the house would be too empty with Laura, Regan, and I, left to fend for ourselves," Richard said with a smile. Remus had to agree. Since the house became Order Headquarters, Remus doubted that it had ever had fewer than dozen people inside it, not including house-elves.

"You and Laura didn't have to do all this," Remus said a moment later as they put the last of the presents on the large pile.

"No, but that's what Christmas is about. Besides, it helps to take Laura's mind off Braydon."

"Is she worried about him?" Remus asked, remembering the Centaur attack.

"No. She is just upset because he won't be joining us this year. Her children are growing up and she can't stand it."

"I see. She has Regan a couple more years."

"You aren't a parent, Remus. No offense, but it just isn't the same," Richard said, not unkindly. Remus nodded. He was not a parent.

****

Christmas morning went perfectly. Everyone got was excited to see the presents that morning. They all gathered around the tree in the living room and opened their presents. Harry received the usual sweater and candy from Molly and Arthur, a dark magic detector from Moody, a Quidditch book from Ron, Hogwarts: A History from Hermione, who reminded him to read it, homemade cookies from Ginny (he didn't really know what to say to them), a Bludger signed by all the team members of the Chudley Cannons (to Harry's delight), a photo album of his parents from Remus (which he said he would explain later), and the complete collection of the Lord of the Rings trilogy from Regan (she did not seem to think that he read for leisure enough). Ron received a snowglobe containing a flying Quidditch player from Ginny, sweater and candy from his parents, a signed Bludger from Laura and Richard (he gave an involuntary squeal when he saw it, after staring at Harry's with envy), a wizard music tape containing the wizard version of white rap (It was by Ron's favorite group, B13), some instrument for defense against the dark arts from Moody, a broom kit from Harry, Hogwarts: A History from Hermione, who seemed to lack imagination when it came to gifts, and the signed picture from Regan. Regan received a very small bag of Bernie Bott's Ever-Flavored Beans from Ginny, a yellow sweater with her initials and a few books from Molly and Arthur, her very own credit card from her parents (she thought it was way past due), clothes from Remus (he assured her that her mother had helped pick them out), the wizard equivalent of a lie detector from Moody, a very nice pair of earrings from Harry (she could almost detect a blush in his cheeks when she opened them), Hogwarts: A History from Hermione, and a nice selection of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes from Ron. Hermione received a book from Ginny, a nice set of used books and a sweater from Molly and Arthur, a very nice set of very rare, not-even-at-Hogwarts books from Richard and Laura, books from Remus, Defense Against the Dark Arts books from Moody, a few books on charms from Harry, a nice set of books about the history of combat among wizards from Regan, and a beautiful necklace from Ron, which left her temporarily shocked.

Once all presents were opened and thank you's exchanged, everyone went to the dining room for breakfast while the house-elves cleaned up the wrapping paper and boxes. After much persuasion from Hermione, Laura had given the house-elves Christmas off. However, they did not know what to do with themselves and worked any way.

The meal was almost over when a house-elf rushed into the dining room. "Richard, Sir," the house-elf began. "There is a man in the fireplace. I is sorry to bother your food, Sir."

"Thank you," Richard said absently and headed to the fireplace. Sure enough, Albus Dumbledore's head was in the fireplace of green flames. "What is it Albus?"

"There has been a Death Eater attack."

"How bad?"

"Bad. Unfortunately, we cannot get to the building. It happened early this morning, at a Muggle hospital. There is a lot of Muggle media there already. There is no hope of getting into the hospital today."

"What do we know?"
"It was a large attack. Nearly fifty Death Eaters. They killed everyone in their path. As of yet, there are no survivors."

"Snape?"

"Snape was not involved, but he heard about the attack after the fact from a few other Death Eaters he tries to keep correspondence with. They were bragging."

"Why Christmas?"

"Because of the number of people."

"What?"
"It was Christmas, Richard. There were several family members there seeing their sick relatives. On Christmas, the number of visitors nearly quadruples at this hospital. At the time of the attack, it is estimated that there were around three thousand Muggles in the hospital. No survivors have been found at this point."

"Three thousand to fifty. Why couldn't they stop them?"

"They used magic. Everyone in the hospital was a Muggle. There wasn't wizard within miles of the place."

"What are we going to do?"

"Nothing. Find out what we can without visiting the hospital. Prepare for another attack."

"Voldemort is just showing off."

"Are you sure, Richard? The entire wizarding community is an uproar. They want Fudge to do something immediately."

"What is Fudge doing?"

"For the moment, owling me for instructions." Richard had to laugh at that.

"What are you instructing?"

"To gather information quietly and calm the public. He's doing his best."

"Which isn't saying much."

"Right now he's all we've got. Snape is trying to find more information. Sorry to ruin your holiday. I wanted to tell you. I didn't want you to see it on the Muggle news or in the Daily Prophet."

"No, no. I thank you Dumbledore. You didn't ruin my holiday. Is there anything we can do?"

"No. Just enjoy the time off. I'll let you know if we find anything else. After Christmas break, the Order will make further plans. For now, just keep your eyes and ears open. Maybe watch Muggle news and pay extra close attention to the Prophet."

"All right. Happy Christmas, Dumbledore."

"You too, Richard." With that, he disappeared. Richard turned to see everyone standing in the living room behind him. He was glad they had heard. He didn't want to have to tell them.

****

The adults forced the children back to their rooms so they could talk in private. Molly gave a twins a look so forceful that Fred and George did not even consider using Extendible Ears. Ron and Hermione went into his room to "talk." Harry went to Remus's room to talk about the photo album. Ginny, the living room being her room, went downstairs to the family room and discovered Muggle television. Regan went upstairs and called Leo. She lifted her phone, expecting the dial tone. Instead, she heard her father talking. It took her a moment to recognize the other voice. It was Professor Cobain, a professor at the Institute. He taught How to Correctly Use the Dark Arts. She moved the phone away from her mouth so that her father could not hear her and listened. Usually, she respected the privacy of other's, but she heard her name and couldn't resist.

"I'm worried about Regan and Braydon," her father said, taking on a voice of authority he used around his teachers. Technically, he was still headmaster, even though Cobain had temporarily taken over. Richard had always gotten along with Cobain. If Richard believed in friendship among boss and employee, the two would have been friends.

"Why? Regan is safe at Hogwarts and Braydon is a young man now. No need to worry any more."

"Exactly, Regan is at Hogwarts. With Lucius Malfoy's son."

"Oh. I see. But Regan's intelligent. She can take care of herself."

"I know, but she's always been able to come to Laura and me. Not any more. Not at Hogwarts."

"I'm sure she'll be fine. Hogwarts is a safe place. Nothing can happen to her there, with Dumbledore. Why worry about Braydon?"
"I don't know. I haven't talked to him in some time. Did you hear about the Centaur attack?"

"Yes, but I don't have any details."

"I don't either. Regan sent me a brief owl, and that's it. She doesn't seem to want to talk about it and I haven't heard from Braydon since his first few days at Hogwarts."

"But that was nearly two months ago."

"Exactly. Braydon and I have never been close, but these are strange times."

"Just get over your pride and owl or call him. He's probably just busy."

"I'm sure you're right. There's something else.....Did you hear about the attack this morning?"

"Everyone has heard about the attack. Everyone here is going on about the English Ministry of Magic's incompetent Minister. They don't think he is doing his job very well."

"I'd have to agree with them."

"What do you make of the attack?"
"I think it's a practice."

"A what?"

"Practice. The Death Eaters haven't done anything major since the last war. They've collected now for nearly two years, waiting. They wouldn't want to mess up their first big attack against the wizarding community. I think this was kind of a trial run."

"Why do you think that?"
"I know the Death Eaters. They are all very powerful wizards. It would not take fifty of them to wipe out Muggles, no matter how many Muggles there were. The Death Eaters were practicing for a future date, when they will attack a wizarding area with the same number of Death Eaters."

"And three thousand Muggles?"

"No. I think there will be fewer wizards. I mean with magic, a wizard could have the strength and power of a dozen Muggles, you know."

"Yeah. Do you have any idea what the Death Eaters are planning?"

"No idea."

"What's your relationship with Lucius Malfoy at the moment?"
"Not good. He doesn't stop by that often any more. We have a few other contacts inside, though. If Voldemort's really planning something, we'll know."

"All right. So what do you need?"

"I want you to look at the attack this morning. Get all the info you can. I'll send what I can your way. Tell me what you think. If you see a pattern, or maybe a clue to what they're planning. Let me know."

"Absolutely."

"Sorry about ruining your holiday."

"Don't even think about it. Once I saw the news this morning, I thought about calling you myself. Only difference is, I had the decency to wait awhile. At least until tomorrow."

"Keep telling yourself that you're the better man," Richard said, his tone suddenly light, as if the two had been talking about their holiday plans, not the possible destruction of the wizarding world. "How's the school?"

"Fine. It's all fine. It's not falling down without you. Don't worry about it. Do what you're there to do."

"Okay. I'll see you later. Bye."

"Bye." There were two audible clicks and then the dial tone. Regan thought about what she heard. She quickly wrote everything down, planning on telling Hermione and Harry later. Then, she picked up her phone again and called Leo. Hermione and Harry could wait. She hadn't talked to her friend since the summer.

****

Hermione was scared. The Death Eaters had successfully completed a large attack without the Order having any idea. Hermione did not know what they were capable of. She had never witnessed their destruction before. She confessed all of her fears to Ron once they were alone. Not knowing what to do, he hugged her. It was all he could think of. They stayed that way for some time, their arms wrapped around each other, slightly awkward.

"I'm scared, too, 'Mione," he muttered, holding her tighter.

"Oh, Ron, what's going to happen? I've never thought that this would really happen. I never thought that they would really come back and do things like this. Whenever I read the history books, it all seemed so far away. Like it happened in another world. But here it is. Right now. And we're apart of it."

"I know. I feel the same way. But we've got to be positive. The Order is strong. They'll be able to fix it." Hermione separated herself from him and looked into his eyes.

"I wish I was as brave as you are, Ron."

"I'm not brave, Hermione, I'm just not smart enough to be scared." She laughed and he felt his spirits soar. He had >made her laugh. She stopped laughing and leaned towards him. He felt her lips on his, just for a moment. Then she pulled back. The two looked at each other, not sure what to do next. So they did what felt natural, they kissed again. This time, it lasted a little longer.