Intertwined destinies - Once a Malfoy, always a Malfoy?

Chapter 34: Failure

«NOTICE TO ALL READERS: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING NOTES, THEY'RE IMPORTANT, THANK YOU.


I'm warning you because I know that many of you miss the opening notes, and therefore ask me to warn you when I've made it clear that I'm not warning you =)

OoOoOo

I'm back again!
And torn between two moods...

The first is joy, happiness and euphoria. Your comments are more and more numerous, very encouraging, touching and funny. I'd like to thank those who have been following me since my thirty-four chapters, as well as all the newcomers who are taking the time to write me what they think. A lot of people tell me that I should write a book, and it's the kind of comment that sends me soaring on my little cloud, even if I come down very quickly each time when I realise that I'm writing about a world that already exists, and that I'm doing nothing more than rehashing the characters. That said, I'd like to thank you for believing that I'm capable of writing a book, it's very touching but a little naive compared to the real talent of some authors... My fiction appeals to teenagers because it tends to make them dream, but that's where it ends.

One day, maybe, I'll write when I'm grown up =) On that day I'll think of all of you, because it's to you that I owe so much encouragement and my beginnings in writing.
THANK YOU

Second, less positive mood: angry. «How's that fic coming along? Hurry up and publish it, you're taking too long, I'm sick of waiting! What are you, sadistic? Hurry up!
That's the kind of comment I get almost every day. And even then, this one is rather more polite than some of the others. So I just wanted to remind you that I'm human, that I have a life, and that I don't spend entire nights working on my fic just to get it done faster. What I can assure you, though, is that I'm working much harder on this fic than on any other assignment a school could give me. My fiction isn't all written in my head in advance, I have to think about it, polish it, reread it, change it, not to mention the frequent lack of inspiration, the bad moods that prevent me from writing...
Yes, it may not seem like it, but writing is almost a sport. It's
just that sometimes the writing gets tiresome, I need a change of scenery, and don't forget that I've been working on this same fic for two years
now, and sometimes, yeah, I get completely bored. But I force myself to turn on my computer and write a sequel. For you guys.
So when I get comments like that, that I'm sadistic, that I'm only thinking of myself, I feel even less like writing...

Well, I hope the message has got through to some of you who may recognise yourself: give me a break. I love writing, but I need it to remain a hobby, not a duty to impatient readers who put pressure on me.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the comments about being impatient and all that. Just turn them around so that they're not derogatory.

I apologise sincerely for this, it's not a great mood to start a new chapter in.
If I tell you that I love you with all my heart, will that make up for it? xD

Thank you so much for the lovely comments.

One last thing, to apologise for taking so long, here are two chapters in one. It's going to be a long read this time: 50 pages words. Twice as long as usual, I think =)

So, am I forgiven?

Oh, how important! As it doesn't take into account volume 7 but still retains the Horcruxes storyline, it's a necessarily modified story that you'll find. Sorry for any inconvenience :S

That's it, I've finished it this time!

Happy reading...»

- Drago-Malefoy-Granger

****

Chapter 34: Failure

A wild howl tore through the post-war silence. Then another, even more painful.
The Queen of the Vampires was circling the black beast. The latter was lying on the ground, dying in a pool of blood. Too absorbed by the unexpected capture of her mother's killer, Leeyame had simply ordered two vampires to prevent the young human from escaping, despite Draco's serious recommendations about the importance of keeping an eye on her.
- I've been waiting for this for centuries...» murmured Leeyame, her eyes redder than ever. I told you, Valric, that your descendants would pay!
A collective roar went up from the excited crowd. Every time she spoke, the child never missed an opportunity to slash the werewolf's skin with her claws. At first, the werewolf resisted the pain without uttering a sound other than insults to the vampire people, but now it was letting out atrocious barks, separated by groans of suffering.
With both hands pressed firmly against her ears so as not to hear anything, and her eyes closed so as not to see anything, Hermione was huddled against a small rock among the hundred or so remaining vampires. The animal's yelps were the most abominable sound she had ever heard. She had been listening to the wolf's wails for over half an hour, dying by claw and tooth. She felt like throwing up. The vampires, on the other hand, seemed to revel in so much suffering, oblivious to Greyback's howls. Even the two vampires who were supposed to be watching her paid her no attention, not wanting to miss a single second of the show.
A new cry of pain arose. Hermione plugged her ears even harder, but it wasn't enough to silence the roars that were still echoing in her head. Merlin, what were they waiting for to finish him off? For him to beg? Greyback would never stoop to that level, no matter how dead he was.
She closed her eyes so fiercely that they ended up hurting and she had to open them. Which she immediately regretted. Hermione closed them again, but the bloody image of the half-dead animal still floated under her eyelids.
- That's enough,» she muttered angrily.
There was no chance of the vampires listening to her, and she preferred to leave rather than try to convince them to put an end to this butchery.
She got to her feet, still taking care not to look in the wolf's direction, and started to make her way. But an icy grip grabbed her wrist.
Oh dear! The vampire seemed to have been keeping an eye on her all the same, and he was rather robust.
- Stay here,» he ordered.
- I don't want to stay!» Hermione protested, tired of no longer being free.
- You've got no choice.
Greyback let out another roar of pain. Hermione instinctively covered her ears and turned on her heels. The vampire reacted immediately and, with the help of his companion, immobilised Hermione in a second. All around them, the others gave them indignant looks, as if the sacrifice deserved respectful silence. This crowd movement must have caught Leeyame's attention, because she addressed them in a calm tone:
- Bring her to me, Treyone,» she said with a smile.
- No!» Hermione objected to the vampire in a whisper.
Obviously, he ignored her advice and she found herself at the Queen's side, along with her victim...
- Do you know that this young woman recently saved my life? she said to her people, placing a friendly hand on their shoulder.
Hermione glanced at the black hand and couldn't help but feel nauseous as she discovered her long fingernails smeared with blood and skin from skinning the beast.
- She pursued three lycans at the risk of her life,» she continued, «in order to save me. I don't care whether she did it out of kindness or out of self-interest. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for that human. You owe her gratitude, and I...
Leeyame turned to face Hermione.
- ... And I owe her an apology. For many things. That's why I have the honour of letting you finish my own revenge.
She pointed to Greyback.
- Please,» complained Hermione, who was only half listening, «let me go, I can't stand this torture any longer...
However, the Queen would have none of it, considering her gesture a priceless gift. She pushed her slightly to force her forward, but Hermione froze her entire body.
- I'm going to throw up,» she moaned, plugging her nose. I don't want to vomit! Let go of me!
With a sudden gesture, Hermione freed herself from the Queen's embrace to escape in the opposite direction. But she couldn't get very far with a hundred vampires surrounding her, and she was soon held back by dozens of cold hands. One of them, however, looked strangely familiar to her as it slipped in among the others to take her hand. Hermione felt herself being pulled with force until she found herself pressed against the young vampire's chest. She didn't even bother to look up to confirm that it was Soane, and nestled a little closer to him as she heard him growl at the other vampires. Gradually, Hermione felt all the hands abandon her, docile in the face of Sang-Pur.
- Can't you see she's not well?» exclaimed Soane, creating a stunned silence.
- Soane,» said the Queen calmly, despite the cold tone she adopted. You're interrupting an event in our history, do you realise that?
- I'm sorry, Leeyame,» he replied curtly. I know how important this is to you but...
- To me?» she interrupted, raising her voice. This death isn't just about me! It's important to our people, and it must be important to you too!
- Hermione is what's important to me!
There was a new silence, but this time it was scandalized.
- How dare you!» hissed the Queen, distressed. Choosing this human from your own people!
- I never said anything about choosing,» he corrected.
- Well, I'm talking about it, because it's time for you to choose your priorities!
- My priority is to help the wizards!
Rebellious grunts rose from all sides.
- Aren't all these deaths enough for you, Soane?» intervened one of her black sisters. Look around you, we've fought our own battle!
- And it's far from over! he retorted. Don't you get it? Hermione was right, they attacked us! And not just to settle our ancestral dispute, but to steal the Unicorn Blood! Whether we like it or not, with this attack we've just taken part in the war of the magical world, and the Black Mage won't leave us in peace any more!
- Rubbish!» roared Leeyame, beside herself. That witch put all that into your head!
- All I'm doing is looking around and confirming what she's warned us about so many times!
- I've had enough! Enough is enough! I want you to know that if you go with her, there's no point in coming back...
Hermione was suddenly frightened by Soane's silence, and prayed that he wouldn't abandon her.
- By putting me in such a dilemma, Leeyame,» he said in a hurt voice, «you've just chosen for me.
And with that brutal goodbye, he turned his back on his family, holding Hermione firmly by the hand.
- Soane!» shouted the Queen. Don't do that!
Hermione could clearly hear in his voice the fear of losing the vampire who meant the most to her, as well as the regret of such a turn of events.
Even though Soane tried to remain unmoved by the child's pleas, the speed with which he walked betrayed his desire to get away as quickly as possible from the pain he had left behind.
Despite her horrible feelings of guilt, Hermione inwardly thanked the vampire for staying by her side. She had no one here now, and her friend's support was proving invaluable. As she had expected, it wasn't long before they were transplanted. As her body probably turned to light, her thoughts turned to the vampire hideout. Unicorn Blood... So this was the famous weapon on which Voldemort's life depended? The Forbidden Forest was full of it, though. What was so special and rare about vampires?
The transplaning was very short-lived. Hermione found herself right in front of the entrance to the stone giant and, much to her delight, landed on her feet. She turned to Soane, unsure of what to say. He approached her with a small smile.
- Above all, don't blame yourself,» he said. I'm old enough to make my own decisions and take responsibility for them. So, in case you're about to ask me to go back to my family, I won't.
Hermione smiled back, grateful. But her smile soon disappeared, replaced by the memory of recent events that she had not had time to assimilate. She sank to her knees, her eyes empty.
- You were right, Soane...» she murmured. You were right about him...
- Would you believe me if I told you that I'd rather have been wrong?
Hermione didn't answer.
- How do you know?» she finally asked.
- I read in you a sadness on a scale you've never felt before.
- Oh yes, that's true,» she said neutrally, staring.
- Come on, get up. We've got a world to save, Hermione Granger. You and me, we can do it.
- What about me?» came a familiar voice.
- Orience!» smiled Hermione as she saw the vampiress walking towards them.
The latter reached the young woman and lifted her up with one arm.
- Remember what I told you in the forest, Hermione Granger. Besides, you're not alone; Soane and I are here to help you.
- And what's Leeyame going to tell you?» worried Hermione.
- I'm not going to wait for her to open her eyes before I do something. My people are in danger and I'm going to fight for them, just as you're fighting for yours. We should have listened to you sooner.
- Why did you stop me here, anyway?» Soane asked Hermione.
- What are you talking about?
- Well, you're the one who asked me to come to the lair while we were moving!
- No, I didn't,» she exclaimed. I was just thinking about... Oh wait, did you read my mind?
- No, not really. But when we're carrying a passenger and they want to stop in a specific place, we feel it. You had the landmark in mind.
Hermione would learn more about vampires every day.
- Were you thinking about Unicorn Blood?
- Yes,» she admitted. Orience, it's very important that you take me there, do you understand? -
Are you really sure that the Unicorn Blood will be safer with you than here?
- You've had proof that your lair is no longer a safe place. I intend to take the weapon, or whatever it is, to the Ministry where those I trust will take charge of it.
- Orience,» encouraged Soane, «we've already made the mistake of not trusting him. Let's take her to the laboratory.
- Yes, agreed. You're probably right,» she admitted.
Hermione felt her stomach untie itself: she was finally going to take possession of what she had come for!
They entered the stone hive, striding forward.
- How do we find him?» Hermione asked. Leeyame is controlling him with her thoughts.
- The laboratory has been standing still since the Lycans left. All we have to do is follow our magic.
In just a few minutes, they found themselves in front of the narrow dark corridor, and Hermione once again felt that strange attraction that drove her forward.
- Let's hurry,» she urged.
Soane bit his wrist lightly and wiped the blood from it against the stone door before uttering the incantation in his dialect. The wall opened onto the laboratory. Hermione returned to the vast jungle and all the experiments and inventions it contained, but did not linger there this time. Without wasting any time, she crossed the long aisle and found herself in the second part of the laboratory, among the test tubes and other scientific equipment. Her heart beat faster and faster as she drew closer to the weapon, because it was the weapon that was really attracting her. This sensation of being called by an invisible force came from the Unicorn Blood, she was sure of it now.
At the far end of the room, Hermione briskly cleared away the huge plants that lined the walls, skinning her fingers over and over again.
- How does she know where it's hidden?» Orience whispered to her brother in amazement.
- Don't look at me like that, I'm not the one who told her!» he defended himself, just as astonished.
- I can feel it,» Hermione said simply, continuing to pull the thorny stems from the stone wall.
When the wall was sufficiently clear, the young woman smiled. Embedded in the wall, a square of transparent rock revealed the majestic shape of a triangular cup.
- Open it for me,» Hermione ordered without taking her eyes off the object.
Intrigued by the young woman's obsessive behaviour, Soane nevertheless obeyed. He bit his already scarred wrist a second time and pressed it against the crystalline stone, then spoke his language. The square disappeared like a mirage, and Hermione took hold of the beautiful golden cup whose triangular rim was adorned with blue jewels. Inside lay the thick, silvery liquid that was Unicorn Blood.
- I'll take it,» Orience offered, giving Hermione a worried look.
The latter seemed to come to her senses as the vampiress carefully took the object from her hands.
- Let's go,» said Soane.
As the two vampires made their way back, they had to stop a few metres further on to wait for Hermione. In fact, she wasn't following them, but, with her nose in the plants, seemed to be looking for something.
- May I ask why you're searching our laboratory?» ventured Soane.
Hermione looked up at them, embarrassed.
- Because...» she hesitated, «I think my necklace is here.
Soane and Orience exchanged a confused look.
- Now, don't get upset,» Hermione explained, «but I think one of you stole my necklace from my hut. I know it's an unfounded accusation, but I'm certain it was Leeyame who ordered it.
- What would Leeyame want with a piece of jewellery?» asked Soane, taken aback.
- It's not just any necklace,» she said. The pendant is a Bulborbus heart, which is very dear to me.
The two vampires froze in surprise.
- I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Soane,» apologised Hermione, who remembered playing innocent when he had spoken of the «incredible characteristics» of the plant a few days earlier.
While he remained petrified with horror, Orience spoke up:
«Your other half is Draco Malfoy, I presume?
Hermione nodded sadly.
- And I thought I'd had my chance,» Soane gasped in bewilderment. Soul mates! There was one chance in a billion and it had to be you!
- That's enough, Soane,» his sister cut him off sharply. You can moan about your fate later, there are more urgent things, it seems.
She had said this with worrying seriousness, and Hermione questioned her with her eyes, not understanding what this revelation meant.
- Your attraction to Unicorn Blood is no longer so surprising,» she murmured thoughtfully.
- What's that got to do with it?» Hermione said impatiently.
Orience glanced at his brother, then inhaled before declaring:
- It's not us who have your necklace, it's Voldemort, I'm afraid...
- I don't understand,» she said, trying to push away the memory that Draco had recently searched her bag.
- As you might expect, this is not just the creature's blood,» she said, pointing to the cup, «but the result of an experiment by my people. The creator is called Naoken, an old vampire who was once a friend of Leeyame. He left the clan when he became aware of the powers of his creation, which he believed would make sorcerers greedy and want to get their hands on it. The Queen refused to pay any attention to this danger, all too happy to finally have an invention that would make our people proud, and kept the Unicorn Blood here, while Naoken left the clan, which he now considered to be a target for wizards.
- He's always been scared to death of the Ministry,» commented Soane. You should see what they did to his ancestors, too!
- But what has he created that's so terrifying?» asked Hermione.
Orience plunged his green eyes intensely into those of the young woman, then answered in a deep voice:
- He created the one and only way to be able to touch a Bulborbus heart...
Hermione almost collapsed under the news. However, despite her best efforts, she found it hard to think and make the links between everything. Orience helped her:
«No one knows how Naoken managed to alter the characteristics of such pure blood, but he's using it as a means of taking what was previously untouchable, except by the kindred spirits in question. This blood will not allow you to remove a heart from the plant - only two complementary people can do that - but it will allow you to seize an existing heart.
- The only recognised Bulborbus heart is in Greece,» Soane explained. With this power at your disposal, you'll be able to seize what is worth millions of gallons in your country. This is what Naoken was warning us against: «Humans are money-hungry, they'll come and steal from us», he kept saying.
- And he was right, apparently,» said Orience.
- No,» contradicted Hermione, gradually putting the pieces of the jigsaw back together. Voldemort never had any interest in money, and never will. -
In that case,» said Soane, frowning, «what could he possibly do with a Bulborbus
heart? Give it to his mother?
- Think instead of talking nonsense,» snapped Orience. We need to know what the Dark Lord is up to if we're to stand a chance of beating him. As long as we have this cup, he won't be able to achieve his goal, because all magic is impossible on the heart of this plant. The only way to get it is to take it, which is impossible without this power. What do you think, Hermione Granger?
She didn't seem to be listening, lost in thought.
- Indestructible and eternal...» she murmured, remembering Professor Chourave's words. Everything makes sense! Yes, it's all connected now! What are Voldemort's wildest desires? Eternity and invincibility! Two characteristics possessed by the heart of Bulborbus! It's obvious, he wants to make a Horcrux out of it!
Hermione had shouted. The two vampires looked at her with round, impressed eyes. The young woman, for her part, was torn between two feelings: the immense joy of having finally put the whole jigsaw together, and the dreadful fear that these revelations brought.
- He's already split his soul six ways,» she announced, thinking again. Why would he need a new Horcrux? Of course, the diary and the ring have already been destroyed, but there's still time. Unless, of course... Unless he realised that his other lives were no longer safe? Yes, that's probably it! Voldemort must have understood the plans that Dumbledore entrusted to Harry before his death, namely the hunt for Horcruxes. We wanted to keep quiet and not say anything to the Ministry, as the Headmaster had recommended. But, if the Ministry of Magic had no idea what it was about, Voldemort must surely have made the connection with the recent disappearance of the ring last year. I don't know how he knew I was holding a Bulborbus heart, but one thing's for sure: if he gets his hands on it, my necklace will become part of the Black Mage's soul. A seventh soul, this time impossible to destroy...
Hermione looked up at her friends and, once again, they watched her fidgeting, uncertain.
- Well,» exclaimed Soane, clapping his hands, «I didn't follow everything, but I got the gist of it: kick Snakeface's arse before he gets his hands on the necklace!
- We've got the cup,» insisted Orience. The necklace will be useless to him without it.
- Yes,» agreed Hermione. That gives us a bit of time to come up with a plan. I need to see Harry urgently. Is it possible to transplant to England?
- Of course,» smiled Orience. Take my hand and hang on, we'll only be a few minutes.
Hermione cast an immobility spell on the Unicorn Blood to prevent the liquid from spilling, then took Orience's outstretched hand.

At last, she was leaving the world of vampires behind her...
At last, she would be able to shout «shit» without risking being bitten for lack of politeness.

***

London.

As her knees hit the concrete, the blinding light of day forced her to hide her eyes for a moment. Two cries of pain sounded behind her, and Hermione turned around. Squinting her eyes to get used to the brightness, she made out two figures moving about. She joined them a few seconds later in a small shady alley where they had taken refuge.
- Are you all right?» she asked.
Soane and Orience turned their burnt faces towards her as she held back a cry of fright.
- I'd completely forgotten it was daytime here!» Soane grumbled as he watched his arms slowly heal.
Hermione too watched as their skin healed itself and their faces regained their beauty.
- Wait, I'll be right back,» she said as she dashed down the main avenue.
Indeed, a few moments later, Hermione was back with two black capes under her arm, which she hurriedly tossed to them.
- Put these on.
- Where did these come from?» asked Soane as she did so.
- I've just killed two Death Eaters,» she replied, perfectly serene.
- Right now? Just like that?
- Yes, just like that. The streets are crawling with Death Eaters, that's to be expected. But they're just evil wizards, for the most part.
- You haven't been seen, have you?» worried Orience.
- No, but if we stay here, it won't be long before we are.
Once they were hooded, the two vampires could safely emerge from the shadows.
- Look,» Hermione whispered, motioning for them to come closer.
Orience walked along the wall and glanced at the large, silent street: wizards dressed in black were walking quickly, wands out.
The Death Eaters had taken over London. They seemed to make up the population now, as there was no sign of anyone living there other than these hooded men.
- By Moana!» swore Soane. You weren't joking about the end of the world, were you?
- Where have all the wizards gone?» murmured Hermione, crestfallen. What have they done to them?
- I think they're hiding,» Orience reassured her. There's nothing better to do at the moment: they seem to be relentlessly hunted down by those in charge of capturing resistance fighters, like all these people, for example.
- Yes,» she agreed. Especially as Voldemort uses magic to detect any transplants. We'll have to avoid using my magic, it's more prudent. Your transplaning, on the other hand, is certainly safe.
- There's one coming this way! warned Soane who was looking across the street. We'd better get out of here!
Without further ado, Orience grabbed Hermione's wrist and pulled the cup a little tighter against her chest, and the three of them set off. The young woman thought about going to the Ministry of Magic to find allies and possibly hide the Unicorn Blood there. As she had expected, the vampiress listened to her thoughts and landed in another sheltered alleyway, not far from the huge building. Just as Hermione was about to rush inside, Soane pressed a hand against her chest, preventing her from taking another step. He stared intently at the large entrance doors. Hermione did the same and, after a few seconds of waiting, saw a group of Death Eaters coming out.
- You've got to be kidding me! They've invaded the Ministry too? It was protected by the best aurors! Bloody hell, all this in just a few days! And to think I wasn't there during the first attack!
- Don't blame yourself,» her friend assured her. Voldemort must have planned his first attack so carefully that I wouldn't be surprised if an unimaginable number of people died. You're much more useful alive, especially as you're thought to be a long way from here.
- Not sure,» Hermione corrected. Before I was trapped, Greyback ordered one of his people to warn Voldemort that I'd been captured, but Draco never brought me back as planned. He must know something's happened and is probably on his guard. I don't know why he's so keen to take me prisoner, but it's got to be something to do with my necklace, I can't think of any other reason.
- Yes, and that's why we're going to have to be careful,» says Soane, looking serious. I bet all the Death Eaters have been ordered to find you.
Hermione shivered slightly. Soane and Orience had the same reflex and put their hands on her shoulders:
«We won't let them,» smiled Orience.
- You'll have to kill us first,» added his brother. And that's far from easy.
- Thank you,» Hermione said sincerely, feeling a rush of courage come over her. I don't know what I'd do without you!
- What you do best,» he replied, «getting into trouble up to your neck!
Then, without warning, Soane stomped off towards the Ministry, having pulled his hood as far back as possible.
- What's he doing?» panicked Hermione.
- Let him,» replied Orience, holding her back.
Hermione watched Soane cross the large central square that led to the building, pass the Death Eaters as one of them, then hide behind the corner of the building. Hermione saw one of the Dark Mage's followers enter the same dead end that led to the back of the Ministry, then Soane emerge a few seconds later, hiding something under his cloak. When he arrived in front of Hermione, he pulled out a new black robe from under his belly and handed it to her.
- This one's on me,» he smiled. We'll be able to move around freely now. What's the matter? Why are you looking at me like that?
As Hermione moved away due to temporary nausea, her sister discreetly indicated that she should wipe her mouth.
- Oh, I'm sorry,» he apologised, running his sleeve over his blood-stained lips.
- Where's the body?» asked Orience.
- Er, I left it over there. Was that a bad idea?
- Very bad idea!» she confirmed, giving him a reproachful look. What will they think when they find a bitten corpse, Soane?
- We don't have time to argue,» Hermione interrupted, coming back to them, also now dressed as a Death Eater over her ball gown. We've got to find a hiding place for this bloody cup, and fast! The Ministry isn't the best place, apparently!
- Why not just destroy it?» suggested Orience. I should die for daring to say such a thing about what belongs to my people and makes them great, but if this object is indeed the means for Voldemort to become invincible, it's better to get rid of it and avoid any risk.
- I've already thought about it,» Hermione hesitated. But something tells me it's not the right solution.
- Yes, and that something is the strange link that exists between you and this liquid! she retorted. The attraction you have towards it because you're the owner of a Bulborbus heart surely prevents you from wanting to destroy it.
- No,» Hermione said quickly, shaking her head. That's not the point. I'm just thinking about what this cup represents: it's what Voldemort covets most in the world right now! We're in possession of the object that I'm sure haunts him to this day! The only way for him to rule forever! If we get rid of it, we won't have any advantage over him, any leverage.
- Do you seriously think you can blackmail the most powerful wizard of all time, Hermione?
- He was a man before he was a monster,» she replied. And no man can resist the power of blackmail, especially when it concerns his lifespan. Powerful or not, his magic can't do anything without the cup, so he's on the same level as us for now.
- On the same level as us?» he repeated with a sneer. If I may say so, he does have one small advantage, Hermione: he controls the world!
She was about to reply, but her eyes wandered behind the vampire's shoulder for a moment and her heart skipped a beat. That slightly shrouded figure, that way of walking with a heavy step... Was it possible?
- Hermione, where are you going?» alarmed Orience as the young woman joined a hooded Death Eater waiting near the entrance to the Ministry.
Her eyes sparkling with hope and her heart beating wildly, Hermione made her way towards the man, who pulled his hood a little tighter when he saw her, as if he was desperate to hide his face from her. Wand held firmly under her cloak in case she made a mistake, she leaned against the wall, right next to the Death Eater.
- Neville?» she breathed. Is that you?
The man froze, then raised his head sharply, revealing his face.
- Bloody hell, Hermione!» he whispered, beaming.
The two of them almost embraced, but immediately stopped themselves; it was neither the time nor the place. And yet they were both dying for it.
- It's so good to see you again!» Hermione almost cried.
- Not as good as seeing you again! You've completely disappeared for days!
- Yes, it's a long story! But we can't stay here and talk, it's too risky.
The two of them moved away discreetly, joining the vampires.
- Looks like we had the same idea for a disguise,» she laughed.
- It was Harry's idea,» he said proudly.
- Did he send you here?» she asked, trying to keep her voice calm despite her desire to pester him with questions.
- Yes, he sent me on a mission with Luna.
- Luna Lovegood? Is she here too?
- Hello,» interrupted Orience, followed by her brother.
Neville turned as white as a sheet.
- Well... hello madam,» he stammered.
- This is Orience and Soane,» Hermione introduced quickly, wanting to get back to their conversation. They're vampires and friends who fight alongside me.
- Yes, Harry told me about your secret mission. Have you found the weapon that You-Know-Who needs?
- Later,» she decided. How come Harry told you about my mission? And what are you and Luna doing here with all these Death Eaters?
- We're fighting!» Neville replied sharply. We're here to get the Slytherin Medallion back.
- Hermione choked. You know about... the Horcruxes?
- Yes, Harry told us everything.
- How could he?» she snapped. Dumbledore had expressly forbidden him to tell anyone! He should have...
- Waited for you?» Neville cut her off, his eyebrows furrowing. Should he have waited for you, Hermione? You've been out of touch, and in case you hadn't noticed, war's been declared! Without you and Ron, Harry was on his own and he needed help to put his plan into action. He knows he can count on us, and Luna, Ginny and I were only too happy to help! Anyway, we risk our skins every day by making the choice to resist, so we might as well die helping Harry in his task.
Hermione clenched her jaws, feeling guiltier than ever. She had abandoned her best friend and her priorities for a ministerial mission. However, she wasn't sure anyone else would have managed to discover the secret of the Unicorn Blood and get hold of it, and in that respect her absence was justified.
- Harry was right to call on you,» she finally admitted. Where is he now?
- At Hogwarts.
- Hogwarts?» repeated Hermione in disbelief. But that's where Voldemort is now, isn't it? He's mad!
- He's convinced that one of the Horcruxes is there,» explained Neville. And we haven't got much time left, so he has no choice! He confessed to Luna and me that, despite his long depression, he had never stopped thinking about the Horcruxes and where they might be hidden. Thinking about it all took his mind off Ron and, after your recent visit to his house, he took heart and began to make plans. Then he asked for our help.
- And you say the locket is here at the Ministry?
- All we have are suppositions, but it's impossible to be certain. It's rather long to explain, but Harry's house elf has learned that Mondingus Fletcher had the object in his possession for some time, before selling it to Umbridge. That toad is in his office right now, wearing that same black robe, the robe of the adepts!
Neville breathed heavily, as if trying to control his anger. Hermione understood him; the very name «Umbridge» was enough to provoke a surge of hatred and anger.
- Where's Luna?» Hermione asked.
- She's inside. The idea is that she gets to Umbridge's office without any trouble, then stuns her and steals the locket she wears around her old crone's neck.
- Why aren't you with her to help?
- Harry said we couldn't afford to get caught, that there was too much at stake. One caught is always better than two; if she fails, at least I'll be there to take over. Don't make that face, Hermione! If there's the slightest problem, she sends me the signal that means 'danger of death', and I'm there to intervene. Staying here is just a way of making sure there's always one safe person to carry on if the other one doesn't make it.
- Hermione?» called Orience. Sorry, but we can't stay here, not while we've got this cup with us. If we get caught, we can kiss the Unicorn Blood goodbye.
- Yes, let's go. Let's go to Richard's, there's no risk of them searching a Muggle's house at the moment. But we'll have to move her afterwards, I don't want to get her into trouble. No more questions, Neville.
She took Soane's outstretched hand.
- Oh, by the way,» she said to her friend. If you see Harry before I do, tell him that the Horcruxes are likely to increase to seven!
Neville was about to reply, but his wand suddenly glowed brightly.
- What's wrong with your wand?» asked Hermione.
Neville looked up at her, his panic-stricken face reminding him of the scared boy of his childhood.
- That's the signal,» he said.

***

Without missing a beat, Neville turned on his heels and entered the Ministry of Magic. Hermione set off after him, but Soane held her back firmly.
- We've got our own mission to carry out! We don't have time to be heroes now, Hermione. We've got to get that cup to safety!
- I'm not leaving my friends alone in a Death Eater nest! Luna's in danger! All you've got to do is take the cup and hide it while I pop into the Ministry, all right?
- No, of course not! We're not going to leave you on your own! Say something, Orience!
Orience came to stand beside Hermione and looked at her brother.
- We're here to help him with his task,» she said in her wise voice. Not to take orders for him.
Hermione smiled at Orience before pulling the large black hood down over her head.
- Here we go!» she said, taking a deep breath.
Hermione rushed into the building, followed by Orience.
- Ah, those females!» grunted Soane before reluctantly following suit.

The Ministry was exactly the same as before, the only difference being that the pretty secretaries with their welcoming smiles had been replaced by Goblins, Voldemort's new allies, and that everyone here was wearing the same imposing black toga, which made it easy for Hermione to slip through the crowd.
The hall was crowded with Death Eaters hurrying in and out, files under their arms. The new world of the Dark Lord was underway: the Ministry was no longer a place for helping resistance fighters, but a place for hunting them down. Every wizard here was probably working on the permanent extermination of non-cooperative Bourbe-Bloods, and this was confirmed as they passed the huge white aisle leading to the information offices, once decorated with paintings of important former ministers; in its place was fixed a giant screen taking up the entire width of the wall, on which thousands of wizards' names were inscribed. At the top of the endless lists was the headline: «Impure Bloods, Hide Well, We're Coming...».
Hermione also noticed that many of the names on the lists kept disappearing, making way for new names, in other words, new targets.
- How awful,» she murmured quietly. My name must be in there somewhere.
Then, with a hesitant hand, Orience pointed to the top of the list. The former Gryffindor looked up, then swallowed hard: just below the title, and written almost as large as it, appeared in bold type: Hermione Granger. Next to it, a picture of her was waving.
- Let's get out of here,» she said, her throat tightening. If Umbridge has kept his office, Neville and Luna must be on the fifth floor.
Hermione hurried towards the stairs, the lift being full and too risky anyway. She would have liked to run, but that would look too suspicious, although everyone was hurrying here. With one hand firmly gripping the cup under her cloak and the other firmly holding her wand, Hermione hurried through the fifth-floor corridor, taut as a post. She flung open the door to Umbridge's office, feeling invincible with two vampires as bodyguards.
She was surprised to find four Death Eaters lying on the floor and a large toad dressed all in pink, bound and gagged. Hermione smiled.
- Neville's practice has certainly improved!
She stepped over the lifeless bodies to go and crouch down at the level of Umbridge, who was looking at her with round, astonished eyes. Hermione thrust her wand under his chin, then gently removed the cloth that was preventing him from speaking.
- Shout and I'll kill you, Professor,» Hermione threatened calmly. Is that understood?
The old woman nodded slightly.
- Good,» said Hermione, delighted to dominate this witch who had frightened her so much in the past. The two people who attacked you two minutes ago, did they steal anything from
you?
- You won't be alive for long, my poor girl,» replied Umbridge with a sneer. You should never have come back here.
- You won't last long either, if you don't answer my question.
- It's so unsurprising that your legendary know-it-all pride should lead you to believe that you'll save the world. You're so ridiculous, Miss Granger, urging people to hope, when you know perfectly well that there will be no happy ending for them.
- I call your candy-pink suit ridiculous, I call being chased by centaurs through the forest ridiculous, and I call your habit of hiding under the petticoats of every government department ridiculous. But fighting for your freedom is a goal that will never, ever be called ridiculous. Now answer me this. Were you wearing a medallion just now?
Umbridge just stared at her with her inquisitive little blue eyes, without blinking. Hermione didn't seem in the least affected by his retorts, so she tackled the subject that could never leave her indifferent:
- How does it feel,» the old witch asked with an evil smile, «to find out that you were only loved because it was the Superior's order?
Her reaction apparently had the desired effect; Hermione flinched under the question. Her ears began to ring and her heart felt as if it was gradually losing speed. Orience came to her rescue and pulled her back, while the young woman felt her strength failing her once again. The Superior's orders... This sentence was still echoing loudly in her head. So Draco had pretended to love her at Voldemort's behest? Was it possible that it wasn't purely out of personal vengeance, as he had claimed? But the worst thing was, if Umbridge, who surely meant nothing to the Lord, knew about Draco's game, it meant that his mission had not been a secret to the followers. It meant that Hermione had not been Draco's common doll, but Voldemort's...
Once again shattered by the revelations that were racing through her mind, Hermione let Orience gently pull her away, then watched as she crouched down at Umbridge's level, who immediately lost her smile. She saw the old woman's eyes widen in terror, then her complexion turn as white as the walls. Hermione could easily make out the vampire's face, invisible because it was hidden in the shadow of the hood pulled down over his head, and the two terrifying gleams of blood-red eyes that had taken hold of his gaze. She could also imagine the two canines glinting, and could hear from here the animal growl that paralysed Umbridge. The vampiress remained in the hunting position for a long minute, during which the former teacher stopped breathing completely, dreading being bitten at the slightest movement by this frightening creature. The creature's hand then moved towards its prey's face and rested delicately on its wrinkled cheek, the tips of its nails, now claws, grazing its blue eye, exorbitant with panic.
- Where's the medallion?» asked Orience, whose voice had been reduced to a husky, disquieting sound.
- They... they took it,» Umbridge breathed in a barely audible whisper. The two children took him from me...
Hermione regained her courage and chased away the hurtful and humiliating images that clung to her, pulling her down into the depths of a depression that was never far away.
- It's all right, Orience,» she said, rising to her feet. Neville and Luna escaped with the locket, they made it. That's all I wanted to know, let's go.
The vampiress gently removed her hand from her cheek, digging her nail lightly into the skin. The cut caused Umbridge to cry out in pain, and Hermione quickly stuffed the cloth back into her mouth. She then pointed her wand at the old woman, who was coming to her senses and glaring at Hermione. Her hand trembled and she hesitated.
- I suppose Neville didn't have the courage,» she breathed. Just as I wouldn't have had it before. But I've changed. I no longer hope to see evil become good, and the fewer of you there are, the better off the world will be.
It was then that Orience gently placed her hand on her wand and lowered it with a small smile.
- Never forget the difference between them and you, Hermione Granger. Enough people die like that, don't you think?
Hermione didn't move immediately. Too much anger was still boiling inside her for her to calm down; people like Umbridge were not subject to the new directives, they had chosen to be there because they adhered to Voldemort's ideologies. However, she finally put her wand away.
- We shall prevail,» Hermione informed the old woman with a rueful look. Not today, not tomorrow, and I probably won't even be here when it happens, but we will prevail. We'll win because you won't be able to control the wizards indefinitely through the fear you instil in them. There are far more of them and they are far more gifted in magic than you realise, but you are preventing them from realising this by creating a climate of terror. But one day, when you think you are master of the world, they will wake up and realise what you have done with their freedom. And on that day, dear Dolores, on that day you will regret that I did not kill you in this office, because their vengeance will be far more terrible than a mere horde of centaurs...
Umbridge held her gaze, but it was easy to see that she was reflecting on her last words. Hermione left the study with Orience after casting an illusion spell that made the room look empty, and they both joined Soane who, anxious, had taken the initiative of keeping watch in the corridor.
- Not a moment too soon! I'm telling you that more and more Death Eaters are arriving! I've got a bad feeling about this, I've got a really bad feeling about this, I've got a really bad feeling about this! I told you we shouldn't come!
Hermione smiled.
- If I didn't know you,» she said, «I'd say you were afraid of common wizards, Soane.
- Nonsense!» he defended himself, offended. I'm not afraid of common witches, as you say, but I must admit I'm afraid of a hundred common witches! They're all around us and, despite our strength, I'm not sure we'll come out on top if we're spotted!
- Calm down,» Hermione said positively. All we've got to do is move!
Soane let out a nervous laugh.
- Oh, did I forget to warn you?» he said sarcastically. I tried to climb through that window at the end of the corridor to see if everything was all right outside. All that got me was a bump on the head. You can't transplant from the bloody Ministry!
- Another system stolen from Hogwarts,» Hermione sighed. Well, it doesn't matter, we'll just go back down and leave through the hall, like we came. We've got no choice.
- I've got a bad feeling about this, Her...
- Look out, here comes a group of three Death Eaters,» she cut him off.
Hermione, Orience and Soane lowered their heads slightly and passed the Lord's followers, praying that they wouldn't be noticed.
- I've got a bad feeling about this, Hermione,» whispered Soane when the group was behind them.
- Do you have any other way out?
He grunted something she didn't understand. She quickened her pace and quickly reached the stairs. Once at the bottom of the countless steps, the three of them looked apprehensively at the immense hall populated by Death Eaters. All those black hoods flooding the gigantic galleries were reminiscent of a killer anthill.
- We're in Hippogriff poo,» Soane let out with a desperate sigh.
- Stop panicking or people will notice!» said Hermione, herself trying to calm her heartbeat. All we have to do is...er, cross that black river to get to the doors over there. We've got in, so we can get out. There's no reason for this to go wrong.
- I've got plenty of reasons, if that's what you're missing,» he grumbled.
- Thanks, I'll pass. Now shut up and walk like a natural.
Hermione and the two vampires plunged into the stream of hurried footsteps and capes flying over the ground. She had the impression that each person she passed lingered on her face, but she was already halfway there and no one really seemed to have paid any attention to her, probably too preoccupied with their work. She began to breathe again.
- They pass so many Death Eaters every day that they probably don't pay attention to anything any more,» Hermione said to Soane.
- Don't get carried away,» he replied, barely moving his lips. We're not outside yet.
- Don't worry, I can feel it. I'll tell you when it's time to panic.
Suddenly, all the lists of names displayed on the huge screen seen earlier disappeared. The video of a man then appeared, and his voice echoed throughout the hall, immediately creating a receptive silence.
- Dear faithful,» he announced, as everyone stopped walking to look at the giant screen. One of our own has just been found dead, his body undressed and hidden behind this very building where you are standing.
He paused for a moment, then continued:
- As you can see, there is an intruder, or intruders, hidden amongst you. So I'm going to ask everyone to take off their hoods in the next ten seconds. Kill all those whose faces remain in the shadows after the allotted time. Thank you and good day.
The screen went black again, then the lists appeared again.
- Is there any reason to panic now?» asked Soane.
Hermione looked into the vampire's emerald eyes, then replied wearily: «
Yeah, I think we can officially declare ourselves in the poo now.

***

It was the most abominable ten seconds of her life. Hermione watched the Death Eaters uncover their faces one by one. Soon there would be only three hooded people left, trapped.
Under her cloak, Hermione clutched her wand so tightly that her fingers ached. Should she uncover herself too? Would they notice her in the crowd? Unfortunately, yes, they would with the large photo on the screen showing the name «Hermione Granger». In fact, a female Death Eater standing right next to her was already starting to look at her, probably wondering why she hadn't taken off her hood yet. Hermione felt her heart sorely lacking oxygen, and it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to think straight. There seemed to be no way out: whether she showed herself or not, she would draw attention to herself either way. The same applied to her vampire friends, who couldn't be mistaken for humans and who, more importantly, would die if they discovered their faces in daylight.
The ten seconds were up; all the Death Eaters were exposed. The woman who had been staring at Hermione spoke up, breaking the silence.
- There!» she said, pointing at her. And those two, too.