The Prince Returns

Chapter Twenty-Two

Harry opened his eyes and had no idea where he was. He looked around the room. He was in a room with several bunk beds. The room was dirty, the beds were grimy. The room was very small, the beds pushed against one another. The only light came from a very small window near the low ceiling. However, the window was so dirty that little light came through. At first glance, Harry thought that he was alone. Then he saw the lump in the bed next to him. Harry slowly got out of bed and looked at the silent figure. He would recognize that hair anywhere, though it was considerably longer and dirtier than the last time that Harry had seen it.

"Ron," Harry whispered. Ron rolled over and Harry gasped in shock. He was unclean, with scars along his face. His body was covered in a thin sheet, preventing Harry from seeing anything else. For that Harry was grateful. He did not want to see anything else. There was a sense of hopelessness about Ron, in his eyes, that really surprised Harry. All laughter and joy was gone from his friend's face. "Ron?" Harry repeated, quieter.

"Are you all right, Harry?" Ron asked. "You don't look okay."

"What's going on Ron? Where are we?"

"What are you babbling about?" Ron asked, still tired. "It's too early for me. Wake me when Regan and Hermione get here with the food." Ron rolled back over and went back to sleep. Harry looked at him a few more minutes before leaving. He cautiously went to the door and opened it. He was careful: the door was so flimsy and the hinges so loose he was afraid he would break the thing. He was shocked by the sight that met him on the other side of the door.

Apparently, the next room served as a kitchen and living area. There was a small wood stove in one corner with a small cupboard next to it. A few crates had been placed throughout the room, either as tables or chairs. A cot was in one corner, a shabby sofa in the other. The room was as small as the other and just as dirty. There was a door to one side and a window next to it. All the light in the room came from that one window, though there were a few unlit candles lying on the floor in places. There was a door to the wall to Harry's left, but he did not feel like exploring. Instead, he went to the door by the window and opened it.

There were several other houses similar to Harry's along a center street, which Harry's own house was located on. There were few people outside. Those that were outside seemed to be either coming or going. They were moving quickly, not stopping or even slowing down. No one was smiling. Everyone wore grim expressions. They were all wearing dirty robes.

Harry was getting scared. He left his house, shut the door behind him, and walked down the street in the general direction of the walkers. He spotted a large crowd at the end of the street. Everyone was waiting to get into a small building at the end of the street. Harry tried to get a closer look, but no one was letting him any closer. He stood back, not wanting to join the crowd. After waiting a few moments, he recognized a few faces in the crowd. Regan and Hermione. They were just emerging from the crowd and they each had a paper bag. Harry smiled and waved when they spotted him. They did not wave back.

"Harry! What are you doing here?" Regan demanded when the two joined him.

"Did you leave Ron alone?" Hermione asked, a fear in her voice Harry did not recognize. Harry looked closely at the two girls. They had the same grim, dirty expressions everyone else seemed to have. They were wearing the same dirty robes everyone else was wearing. They also had similar looks of hopelessness.

"Are the twins back yet? Ginny?" Regan asked. Harry shrugged. She sighed. "We've got to get back to the house."

Hermione nodded and the two girls took off, leaving Harry. He hurried after them. He did not know how they knew which house was theirs. They all looked the same to Harry. The three entered the house. Harry was shocked to see George and Ginny in the first room, sitting on the sofa. Ron was lying on the cot, another thin sheet over him.

"You're finally back," Regan said to George and Ginny. "Where's Fred?"

"Right here," Fred said, emerging from the door Harry had not opened early. Harry now saw that it was the bathroom, though it only contained a tiny, rusty sink and a toilet. Harry gasped in shock as Fred sat on a crate near where Harry was standing. Fred was covered in burns. They were all over his face and hands. They disappeared under his shirt. "What's wrong Harry?"

"The burns," Harry said. Fred raised his eyebrows. Everyone else looked at him funny.

"I know Harry, I've had them for almost a year now. They're magical, won't heal. You know that," Fred said, still looking at him questioningly.

"I'm trying to find a healing spell, Fred, but books are hard to come by," Hermione said. She and Regan went to the kitchen with their paper bags.

"What is it this week?" George asked the girls. Harry sat on another crate, looking on with wonder. He felt as if he had just entered another world.

"Potatoes and corn," Hermione said, pulling the vegetables out of her bag.

"More bread," Regan said, pulling two loaves out of her own bag.

"What I would give for meat...." Ron said from his cot. Harry did not understand why he was lying down like that.

"There's an inspection today," Regan said. She gave George and Fred a stern look.

"We don't have anything," both boys said in unison.

"Last time there was an inspection you boys had extra bread hidden in your things. Do I need to remind you of what happened?" Hermione said, her hands on her hips. Both boys shook their heads.

"We don't have anything," Fred said.

"Were the showers crowded?" Regan asked Ginny.

"The girls' weren't. Of couse, most of the women were off getting the food," she said.

"The men's side wasn't too bad," George said with a shrug.

"Showers?" Harry asked.

"You know, with the hot water and the soap?" Fred said, laughing.

"I'm going then before they get too crowded," Regan said. She went into the other room and emerged moments later with anothe set of dirty robes. "I'll be back."

After she was gone, Hermione began fixing breakfast. The twins pulled out an old chess set from the cupboard and played a game while Ginny and Ron watched. Harry joined Hermione by the stove. "Hermione," Harry said, whispering so that no one else could hear her. "I really need to talk to you."

"Okay, Harry," she said, worry filling her eyes. She used her wand to kill the fire in the stove so that the food would not burn. She and Harry went into the other room. They sat on a bed on the far side of the room. Harry got the impression it was Hermione's bed. "What's wrong, Harry, you don't look well?"

"Hermione, I have no idea what's going on. I don't remember coming here," he said quickly.

"What?" she asked incredulously.

"Just tell me what's going on, Hermione. Does this have something to do with Voldemort?"

"Harry, this has everything to do with Voldemort. This is Voldemort's world."

"What about the Order-" he began.

"The Order is dead, Harry. Voldemort killed it. Just like he killed the Ministry. Just like he destroyed Hogwarts. Hogsmeade. Diagon Alley. It's all gone," she said bitterly. "Voldemort won, Harry. He won the war. He rules everything. How can you not remember that?"

"He won?" Harry repeated, bewildered. Still, things were beginning to make sense, this world he was in. "Where are we?"

"Honestly, Harry," Hermione said with exhasperation, rolling her eyes. "This is the Lupin Reservation. All wizards live on reservations now, Harry. Except for Voldemort's men. They're the kings now."

"Reservations? Why Lupin?" Harry asked, fearing the answer.

"Because of how he died, why he died," she said. "Harry, it's been over a year. Why are we talking about this?"

"Why are the seven of us together like this? Where is everyone else?" he demanded.

"I think we're lucky. Most houses have at least a dozen occupants."

"Where is everyone else?" he repeated.

"All over. Different reservations. There are a few people from Hogwarts here," she said slowly.

"Who else has died?" he asked. She sighed.

"Oh, Harry, you know."

"Just tell me, Hermione. Humour me."

"Arthur. Richard. Bill. Percy. Charlie. Neville. Dean. Luna. Moody. McGonagall. Snape. Dumbledore," she said finally, her voice cracking. Tears welled in her eyes. "Thousands of wizards and witches, Harry, thousands. Why are you doing this?"

"I'm sorry, Hermione, I'm sorry," he muttered. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.

"And poor Ron. I don't know how much longer he can last. He's so sick any more Harry. I'm so scared," she said, her voice muffled. She pulled herself away from him and straightened herself. "We should go back to the other room. I have to fix breakfast."

Harry nodded and the two left. Hermione went to the stove, Harry to another crate near the others. He watched them play chess for a few minutes, thinking things over. Voldemort had won. Suddenly, the front door burst open. Regan quickly entered the house and shut the door.

"That was a quick shower," Ron muttered. Regan looked frantic.

"The Death Eaters are coming," she said. "I didn't have time for a shower. We all have to be there when they come. Fred, George, swear you don't have anything hidden this time."

"Swear," they both said, looking a little hurt at her lack of trust.

"Hermione, make sure the food is ready. They always want food," Regan said, sighing. She went into the other room. Harry could hear her in there. He guessed she was making the room look more presentable. He looked out the window. Sure enough, several men in sleek, black robes were exiting the building at the end of the street. Their hoods were up. They had their wands out, but Harry was sure that there were weapons hidden under the robes.

He wondered what these inspections entaled. Hermione was busy, so he chanced a questioning glance to the others. They were going on with their game, not acting very interested in the Death Eaters. However, Ginny was almost shaking. Both Fred and Ron looked frightened and George was rubbing his arm. "When was the last time they visited?" Harry asked, trying to sound casual.

"Must have been three weeks ago," George said, still rubbing his arm. "We got that jerk Dolohov. He got a little violent."

"You had bread hidden," Regan said, joining them, sitting on the sofa. Harry could tell she was trying to appear calm, but was very nervous. "You're just lucky that witch down the street had sneaked Skele-Grow and was willing to trade Hermione."

"We don't have anything to worry about this time," Fred said, but to Harry it sounded like he was trying to convince himself. Suddenly, there was a pounding on the door that shook the entire house. Everyone jumped. Hermione sighed and opened the door, quickly stepping back. A hooded figure entered the room. He shut the door behind him. Harry caught a glimpse of the Dark Mark on his arm as he shut the door. Harry noticed that everyone was holding their breath. Harry realized that he was, too. The Death Eater entered the center of the room and lowered his hood. It was Draco Malfoy.

"Draco!" Hermione exclaimed. She grabbed him in a friendly hug. Harry's jaw dropped to the floor. Draco? But no one else seemed surprised. On the contrary, they seemed happy to see him.

"You're a Death Eater!" Harry exclaimed before he even knew what he was saying. Draco looked at him with obvious dislike, his grey eyes dark.

"Well done, Potter," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Draco sat on the sofa next to Regan. He reached into his robes. Harry wished he had his wand, but no one else seemed alarmed. Then he pulled out a paper bag very similar to the ones that Regan and Hermione had brought home. "Carrots and apples. Some potions for Ron. It's not much, but it's the best I could come up with. I did not know I would be giving the inspection today," he said. Harry noticed that he sounded older, tired. Though he still had an arrogant voice, his tone had lost most of its edge.

"It's more than enough, Draco. Thank you so much," Hermione said, taking the food from him and going to the kitchen area. The others looked gratefull, but Harry got the feeling that there were a few hard feelings among them.

"How long do you have?" Regan asked him quietly, taking his hand. Harry wondered how often Draco had made it to their house before, sneaking them food. He also wondered what was between Regan and Draco.

"Not long. I can't let them get suspicious."

"Have you heard anything?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," he said, suddenly unable to look Hermione, or any of them, in the eye.

"What?" Harry asked, again before realizing he was speaking aloud. Draco looked at him, his face contorting with a loathing that Harry had never seen before. Harry wondered what had passed between them.

"Seamus sent a messenger. He's found more people, but not nearly enough to do anything. Not with Voldemort watching so closely," he said, turning back to Hermione.

"What is Voldemort planning?" Hermione asked.

"He wants to spread his reign. Get more Muggle areas," Draco said. Harry found himself listening with anticipation despite himself, hanging on Malfoy's every word.

"What about us?" Regan asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"He doesn't know yet. Right now, he wants to focus on other things. Gain more power. Other evil-like things. He wants to keep things as they are for awhile," he said.

"For how long?" Hermione asked.

"Then what?" Ginny asked, speaking for the first time. Draco shrugged and looked out the window.

"I've got to be going," he said, standing. Regan stood with him and the two walked to the door together. Harry watched as they embraced. He thought that it was a hug very different from the one Draco had given Hermione earlier, but he supposed it could be his imagination. He had had a rough day. Then Draco was gone. And Harry woke up.

****

Harry sat up slowly in bed, trying to shake off the dream. His scar was burning again. He looked around the room. Everyone else was sleeping soundly. He was glad that he hadn't woken them up. He thought back to his dream, carefully going over every detail. Voldemort had won. Draco was a Death Eater. Suddenly, a thought occurred to Harry. Voldemort had won in his dream, but Richard had said that his dream were of what could have happened, not what would happen. Voldemort could not win as he had in the dream. They would not end up on reservations. Harry smiled. Surely his dreams proved that they would win the war. Harry lay back down on his bed, suddenly feeling very encouraged. He could not wait to tell the others. They were going to win.

****

Halloween day was exciting at Hogwarts. Everyone was excited about the upcoming feast. Because Halloween fell on a Saturday, several houses and other student groups were planning activities. The main event, however, was an unofficial Quidditch game made up of anyone who wanted to play, as long as they weren't on their house team. Regan was looking forward to watching a Quidditch game instead of playing for once. Also, Ron was playing and she had heard that he was fun to watch. However, she was not looking forward to breakfast. Because it was Saturday, she could not sneak down to breakfast early before the other students arrived. She would have to eat breakfast with the entire student body. Also, Ron and Hermione would have to sit at the same table. Hesitantly, she entered the Great Hall alone and sat down at the Gryffindor table. She sat between Ginny and an empty seat. Hermione was across from her, looking determined. Ron was down a few seats with Lavender, though he was still within hearing range.

Harry entered the Great Hall just as Regan was sitting down. He went to the table, but looked uncertain about where he should sit. He looked at the empty seat next to Regan, then the empty seat across from. After a few moments of looking silly standing in the middle of the Great Hall, he made a decision and sat next to Regan. "Good morning," he said, looking quite cheerful. Hermione looked at him sharply. Regan tried to focus on Harry, but she kept glancing around as other students would look at her, whispering. She couldn't believe that they were still going on about her brother. She was sure that Hermione, Ron, and Lavender would be deemed more gossip-worthy than she was.

"What?" Hermione demanded, still looking at Harry.

"I have good news," he said, grinning. Regan noticed that Ron was trying to listen to their conversation.

"Go ahead," Ginny said impatiently.

"I had a dream last night that Voldemort had won the war. We were all forced to live on these reservations."

"This is a good thing?" Regan asked, wondering if Harry had discovered the joy of marijuana. Harry rolled his eyes and proceeded to tell them about his previous dreams and what Richard had said.

"So this means that Voldemort won't win. Choices have already been made that make these visions impossible," Harry concluded minutes later, still smiling. However, the girls looked at each other, clearly skeptical.

"Harry, you had two very different dreams about what could happen," Regan began slowly. Harry nodded enthusiastically. Regan noticed that Ron and several other Gryffindors were listening. Maybe even a few students from the other tables. The room suddenly seemed very quiet. "In each dream, it sounds like Voldemort won. Two completely different visions, but Voldemort won in each one, Harry," she said, keeping her voice low so that not everyone would hear.

"Maybe this means that no matter what choices we make, he will win," Hermione added, looking glum. Harry looked at Regan and Hermione in shock. Clearly, he had not expected such a reaction.

"Ginny, you believe me, right?" Harry asked, looking to the red-head.

"It isn't a question of belief, Harry, more interpretation," Regan interjected, but she was not very hopeful as she turned to Ginny.

"Harry, what Regan and Hermione are saying makes sense. Maybe if you have another dream and Voldemort loses....I don't know, Harry. They're your dreams," Ginny said. She refused to look Harry in the eyes.

Regan turned back to Harry. She felt sorry for him. He looked so distressed. He looked around the room, looking for someone who believed him. Those who had heard looked equally distressed. Ron gulped. Lavender looked at her plate. A nearby Hufflepuff burst into tears. It seemed that Harry Potter had just announced that Voldemort would win to the entire Great Hall.

Harry opened his mouth to say something when the Great Hall door burst open and a very frantic Remus Lupin entered, a piece of paper in his hand. Remus quickly scanned the room. His eyes landed on the Gryffindor table and the man hurried over to them. He looked terrified. "Ron. Ginny. Come with me," he said. Then, with hesitation, as if he had second thoughts, he added, "And Regan."

She looked up at him and gulped. He did not look like a man bearing good news and Regan felt like she was in need of some good news. As she stood with Ron and Ginny, she looked back at the staff table. Her father was gone.

****

Remus Lupin brought the three children to Richard's office. As they were walking, he kept looking back at them. Ron looked worried. Ginny looked like she might cry. And Regan remained expressionless, no emotions displayed on her face or in her manner. He had never seen her closed off before. She usually exuded whatever she was feeling. She reminded him of someone. It took him a moment to realize who: Draco Malfoy. Remus took his eyes from the children and looked ahead. He did not want to relay the message that he had recently been given. Luckily for him, he would not have to. Richard would. Remus could not decide if Richard was the right man for the job or not.

The four arrived at the door to Richard's office. Remus hesitated for a second before opening the door and entering. Richard had not moved since Remus had left him to go to the Great Hall. He still held the letter in his hand with the St. Mungo's seal on it. Richard was staring at the letter, but Remus doubted that he was actually seeing it. He had a distant look that Remus did not like. "Richard," he said quietly and the other man looked up, noticing for the first time.

The past few weeks had taken a toll on Richard. He had gained a few wrinkles and lines in his face Remus worried were permanent. He looked ten years older than he was. His eyes had a haunted look. His clothes, though still impeccable and expensive, were wrinkled and gave the impression that they did not fit correctly. Richard had always been slim, but he was beginning to look skinny. Remus wondered when he had eaten a decent meal. Or gotten a good night's sleep. Pushing these thoughts of his head, Remus sat down in a chair across from Richard's desk and motioned for the children to do the same. They did so automatically. Regan looked at the window by her seat, somewhat detatched. Ginny, next to Regan, looked down at her hands. Ron just looked straight ahead at Richard, trying to appear ready for whatever Richard was about to tell them. Remus turned back to the man in front of him. Richard sighed, assuming he had their attention, and rubbed his face. He kept his head in his hands for a few moments before looking up at them.

"I believe that you all know about the Amulet of Rah?" he said finally. Ginny and Regan looked at him, startled. It was obvious that they were not expecting that.

"What?" Ron finally managed once the surprise wore off. "Huh?"

"The Amulet of Rah is a-" he began, looking even more exhausted than he had just a few moments ago.

"We know what it is," Regan interrupted quickly, looking away from her father. He looked at her a few moments before continuing.

"Good," he said, turning away from Regan and facing Remus, meeting his eye. Remus saw the fear and sorrow in the other man's eyes and assumed that it matched his own. "Voldemort has the Amulet." Ron's jaw dropped. Ginny gasped. Regan stared out the window. Richard ignored them and continued. "Braydon sneaked into the house last night. He went into my office, where the Amulet was hidden. He took it. He left with it, presumably to go to Voldemort."

"Do you know that he went to Voldemort?" Ron asked. Ginny looked pale. Regan still looked distant. Remus thought that Ginny and Regan had an idea that Richard was not telling them everything. He did not think that Ron had an idea.

"We do not know for certain, but we do know that it was Braydon. Several guards saw him leave," Richard said in a monotone voice Remus had never heard before. If Remus did not know better, he would have no idea that Richard was talking about his own son.

"Why didn't the guards stop him?" Ron demanded. Ginny looked at him, clearly wanting him to be quiet so that Richard could finish telling them everything.

"He had the Amulet. The guards could do nothing. Plus, you would be surprised how fast Braydon can run. He had his broom," Richard said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"I know how fast he is," Ron replied glumly. Remus knew that Ron was thinking of Braydon Prince, Seeker for the New York Tornadoes.

"What else happened?" Regan asked quietly, still looking out the window. Richard sighed. Remus braced himself. This would be the hard part.

"We have known for sometime now that the Death Eaters use Muggle weapons. Well, Braydon had a gun with him last night." Ginny and Ron looked at each other questioningly. Remus realized that they had no idea what a gun was. "While he was in the office, Arthur got up early and decided to get an early start. He went to my office-"

"Can a gun...kill?" Ron asked slowly. He knew that the Death Eaters had had guns at the Prince house in April. Remus felt sorry for the young boy, whose face was contorted with fear. Remus suddenly recalled that Molly Weasley was dead and felt an overpowering wave of sympathy for the two red-headed children in front of him.

"Yes. But it did not last night," he said, looking at Ron and Ginny pointedly. "Braydon has not had much practice with firearms. He has no aim." Remus thought that he saw a flicker of light in Richard's eyes. He wondered if Braydon's lack of aim was perhaps an old family joke. He looked quickly to Regan. She showed no signs of recognition. "Your father was hit twice. Once in each arm."

"Is he okay?" Ron asked. He looked shock. Ginny showed no shock, only worry.

"Yes. He is at St. Mungo's now," Richard said, nodding to the letter. "Though the Healers have very little experience with Muggle weapons, they have done their best. They have removed both bullets and stopped the bleeding. They believe that he should be able to go back home within the next few days."

"Home? The Burrow?" Ginny asked, not looking Richard in the face.

"No. I'm sorry. I meant my house."

"I thought you put up more security," Ron said quietly.

"We did. Now we'll put more up. There are spells that would ensure that no gun would operate properly on the grounds. Nor any other Muggle weapon, for that matter. Those spells will go up. Also, the Ministry is going to send more guards. Some to guard the sky as well as the ground."

"Do you think that that is enough?" Regan asked from her seat, still looking out the window.

"It will be enought," Richard said with determination.

"Can we see him?" Ginny asked. Richard smiled at her, but the smile did not reach the rest of his face.

"Of course. Remus will take you. You should be back in time for the feast tonight, but I am afraid that you will miss the Quidditch game this afternoon."

"Thanks," Ron mumbled, standing up with his sister. Remus got the impression that Ron was not in the mood for Quidditch. Remus stood with the children and went to the fireplace in Richard's office. It had recently been set up to the Floo Network. Dumbledore thought that it would allow Richard to work with the Order easier. However, Remus knew that he, Ron, and Ginny would be the first ones to use it. After Ron and Ginny had already disappeared into the fire, he stepped into it, Floo powder in hand. "St. Mungo's," he said clearly. Before he also disappeared, he looked back into Richard's office. The last thing he saw was Richard at his desk, looking at his daughter, who was still sitting and looking out the window.

****

"Have you heard from him?" Richard asked after the others left. Regan sighed. She did not want to have this conversation.

"A few letters. All say the same thing," she said, not looking at her father.

"Has he mentioned the Amulet?"

"No. It wasn't in the Daily Prophet this morning."

"They don't know yet. Fudge is going to make an announcement this afternoon," he said. Regan could feel his eyes boring into her. She stubbornly continued to stare out the window, refusing to look at him. She felt sorry for Ginny and Ron and sincerely hoped that their father would be okay, but she did not want everyone to know that her brother had tried to kill someone again. To make matters worse, it had been Arthur Weasley. Most people at Hogwarts knew him or his children and he was generally liked. She did not need to give the students another reason to hate her.

"Can I go now?" she asked.

"Yes. Regan, be careful. If you need anything-"

"I know," she said, cutting him off. She stood. "Later." She left.

****

"What do you think that was all about?" Harry asked Hermione as they watched Ginny, Regan, and Ron leave with Remus.

"I think that something happened at the Prince house last night," Hermione said, whispering. Harry looked around the Great Hall. Several students were turning in their seats, staring at them.
"Let's get out of here," he muttered. The two quickly stood and headed out of the Great Hall, very much aware of the stares they were getting. They were half-way up the staircase, heading to their common room, when they heard someone leave the Great Hall. They quickened their pace.

"Granger. Potter. Wait," came the voice behind them. Harry winced involuntarily. He knew that voice. Hermione stopped and grabbed Harry's arm, stopping him too. However, they did not turn around.

"I do not want to talk to him," Harry said through clenched teeth, quietly so that only Hermione could hear him.

"You think I do? Just see what he wants," she whispered back, but Harry thought that he sensed anger in her voice. The two turned around and faced the man who was so anxious to talk with them. Draco Malfoy was standing at the bottom of the staircase, alone, looking up at them with a face that was unreadable.