Ars Virgarum - Chapter 2.
Title : Ars Virgarum - De Cochleis et Leonibus
Authors : xnuinx & draco_crescendo
Pairing : Overall gen - implied pairings may occur.
Rating : Overall R/NC-17
Warnings : War-fic, dark stuff, angst.
Wordcount : this chapter : 6384 - total wordcount : 16.096
Disclaimer : All HP characters and names are copyright of JK Rowling. We use them for our own pleasure, we do not make money out of this.
Feedback : Oh yes, hit us harder!
Beta : essayel & flosspyromaniac.
Summary : After Dumbledore's death, loose ends are left untied. The war is lurking from behind the corner, ready to strike. While the Trio begins their search for the Horcruxes, they encounter a number of obstacles that must be overcome. Will they succeed or will all of their efforts fail in the end?
Author notes : Ars Virgarum = Art of the Wands; De Cochleis et Leonibus = Of Slugs and Lions.
Chapter 2 - De Cochleis et Leonibus
Pansy stared out of the window, watching the landscape fly by as the train slowly got closer to its destination. With a sigh, she rested her elbow on the window sill and her chin in the palm of her hand. Draco wouldn’t be coming back this year. She hadn’t wanted to believe it, but it was true. After his spectacular failure to finish his mission, he probably wouldn’t be returning. It was too dangerous for him.
She closed her eyes and drew back from the window, leaning back against the seat. Maybe some sleep would help calming her. It surely would pass the time until the train arrived at Hogsmeade.
“Hey Pansy! Are you asleep?”
Pansy opened her eyes and glared at Millicent, who was sitting across from her in the compartment. She hadn’t spared either Millicent or Blaise a thought since she had boarded the train that morning, not even when she had entered the same compartment as them.
“No… I’m playing the flute.” She sneered. “I was trying to sleep until you interrupted me.”
Millicent rolled her eyes. “Irritable.” She muttered at Blaise.
“I am not irritable, I just want to sleep. Then this ride will be over faster.” Pansy sighed and crossed her arms.
It wasn’t like she had much to look forward to this school year. There would still be the same boring teachers with the obvious replacement of the DADA teacher since Professor Snape had fled the castle. Who would the Headmistress bring in to teach this year? Some incompetent fool maybe? There couldn’t be that many wanting that particular job. Then there was the rumours that they would need a new Potions Master instead of Slughorn, though that would only be an improvement. The fat, old man hadn’t wanted Draco to enter his Slugclub, so he could not be that intelligent. Also he had been more focused on particular students that could put him in a good light than what he could teach his students.
Draco…
Sighing again, Pansy’s thoughts were back on the Malfoy heir. Draco hadn’t even responded to her letters. She had written to him several times over the summer, but had yet to get any replies. Why wouldn’t he answer her? Didn’t he care? Maybe it wasn’t safe for him to send any owls from wherever he was. But then, wouldn’t he be with his mother at the Manor? Or was he with the Dark Lord? Everything was so frustrating and she didn’t know anything about what was going on. Even her parents wouldn’t tell her anything.
But where was Draco? The only thing she knew was that he had run away from Hogwarts along with Snape, but did it mean that Draco was still with him?
“Pansy? Are you alright?” Blaise asked arching an eyebrow, looking at Pansy’s glazed-over eyes with curiosity.
She blinked a couple of times and stared at the tall, black Slytherin. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking about something.”
“Have you heard anything from Draco, Vince or Greg? They didn’t board the train.” Millicent said, while looking out of the window. “Do you think they’ve, you know, joined him?” She whispered.
“Shh!” Pansy hissed and hastily looked around for anyone who might have been listening in on them. “Don’t talk about that and definitely not in public.”
Millicent nodded silently, a small red blush on her cheeks.
“Now will you two please be quiet? I still want to get some sleep, before we get there.” Pansy said as she settled back into a comfortable position on the seat. Closing her eyes, her last thoughts were back on Draco.
She didn’t wake up until Millicent shook her shoulder gently, telling her that they would be at the station in a few minutes and that she should probably change into her uniform. Though the train arrived at the Hogsmeade station, Pansy had the feeling that something would definitely be happening this year, but couldn’t decide whether to look forward to it or not.
...
...
Harry barely had time to settle in at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place as he, Ron and Hermione had agreed to start on things as soon as possible. Harry had managed to make the house a little more liveable, having cleaned it up while sorting out some of the stuff lying around. School had already started when they had arranged to meet in front of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. They planned to visit Hogwarts and search for any clues to find Slughorn. Slughorn had been the one to tell Riddle about creating Horcruxes while he had been studying at Hogwarts. Maybe if they could find out anything about Slughorn’s whereabouts, or maybe in one of his books, that would be able to help them on their way.
Harry was a bit nervous when he left the house, casually looking around before slipping into one of the small alleys to Apparate to Hogsmeade. He had only obtained his license a few days ago, and even though he had passed without a problem, he still hoped he wouldn’t lose an ear or something in the process. Heaving a deep sigh, he closed his eyes and Apparated himself to Hogsmeade. He popped up only a few metres from Zonko’s Joke Shop and started walking down the road. He passed Honeydukes and the post office, but it barely registered in his mind. After a few minutes, he could see the Three Broomsticks right ahead of him. He noticed two figures standing in front of it.
Hermione was the first one to spot Harry walking towards them. She waved.
When Harry joined the two of them, she smiled, before hugging him briefly. “Made it here alright, I see.”
“Yeah,” Harry nodded, “Apparated here.”
“That’s the good thing about having a license, Harry.” Hermione grinned.
He simply grinned back at her. Ron grinned and clapped his hand onto Harry’s shoulder in greeting.
“And how is Apparating for the young man?” He looked at Harry and noticed how much he had grown over the couple of months. Soon, the dark haired teen would be able to compete with Hermione in height.
Harry rolled his eyes, but laughed anyway. “Fairing just fine, Ron.”
“So are we going to stand here all day?” Hermione sniffed, “We’ve got work to do, remember?”
Ron slung an arm around Hermione’s shoulder, feeling daring for once around her and put on a long-suffering sigh. “Yes, Hermione.”
Hermione didn’t move away from his arm around her shoulder. All she did was give him a mild glare, before looking at Harry. The latter simply nodded and started walking. It was still a long way across the Hogwarts grounds. They passed the lake and as they did, Harry glanced at the other side, catching a white glimpse of Dumbledore’s grave. He quickly averted his eyes and slightly quickened his pace, swallowing the lump in his throat. Hermione noticed Harry’s look. She remained silent. There was nothing to say for the time being and an uncomfortable feeling crept into her chest as she noticed the castle further away.
Ron trudged alongside the other two, pretending to look at the scenery or the road, but occasionally he would glance at Hermione with a small smile on his lips. The smile died however, when he caught sight of the tomb and understood why Harry was now walking faster. He himself upped his pace and soon they were at the castle’s front gate. The castle looked the same as always, but Harry could feel there was something different about it nonetheless. With a small sigh, he pushed the gate open, entering the place that had been his true home for years. Inside, he immediately felt the difference rather than saw it. It was colder and more grim than he remembered. He involuntarily shivered.
Following Harry, Ron walked down the empty hallways, they had arrived in the middle of class and had yet to stumble upon any students or teachers.
“Where are we going to look first?” He asked, scratching slightly at his temple.
“I suggest we check out what used to be his private chambers first,” Hermione offered, “McGonagall told me in the owl that they’re unused now. So we shouldn’t get in any trouble snooping around.”
Harry nodded. “Sounds like a plan. What floor are they on?”
“Second. Right across from the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.” Hermione replied.
Harry nodded again and took the staircase up to the second floor, the others in tow. Ron nodded and without further thought grabbed Hermione’s hand, dragging her after him and Harry. They walked up the moving stairs with a few misses along the way on the teasing staircases until they reached the second floor. Ron looked around as he continued down the second floor hallway looking for the classroom and subsequently the private chambers of former Professor Slughorn.
The DADA classroom wasn’t too hard to find as Harry could hear the voice of one of the teachers explaining about the Unforgivables. He glanced at the opposite side of the hall. There was a door and Harry tried to doorknob. It was unlocked, so Harry pushed it open and entered. Hermione frowned.
“Don’t you think it’s strange that the door is unlocked, Harry?”
Harry looked over his shoulder and shrugged. “Maybe McGonagall opened it for us so we didn’t have to bother her for the key.”
“Could be,” Hermione pursed her lips, “Or someone forced himself or herself in to look around.”
Ron gulped at the last words. “What if someone did that and is still in there?”
He peered over Harry’s shoulder as the door was opened to reveal the still furnished chambers, but otherwise empty. There certainly weren’t any people inside and Ron breathed in relief. Hermione rolled her eyes.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Ron.” She sniffed, “If they did, they would have been long gone. They had enough time to poke around before we came. Besides, what are you? A wizard or a bloody chicken?”
“She’s right, Ron.” Harry nodded his consent, moving further into the room. “They would have had enough time. Come on. Let’s look around. Look for anything that might have to do with dark magic or Horcruxes. Anything at all.”
Ron nodded and grumbled. “A wizard. I’m a wizard, Hermione.”
Walking further into the room he looked around, there were still books on the shelves along the walls and he figured it would be as good a place as any to start looking.
“Do you think there might be any clues in the books?” Ron asked and began pulling volume by volume out to flip through them.
“I think if we should find any clues, it would probably be in some kind of book, Ronald.” Hermione pursed her lips, “After all, Riddle must have gotten his information from somewhere else than just Slughorn, too.”
“We don’t know that, Hermione.” Harry slid his fingers over the spines of the books, frowning at some of the titles. “All we know is that Slughorn told Riddle about Horcruxes and how to create them. It’s most likely he did research, but we can’t be too sure.”
“So what do we do if we don’t find what we’re looking for?” She sighed, turning around to look at him.
“Then we go to his house.” Harry calmly said. “There might be more stuff to check out.”
“Do you know where exactly that is?”
“We can always ask. I’m sure McGonagall or someone from the Order must know.” ‘Or at least I hope so.’ He thought to himself.
Ron stood silent as the other two discussed Slughorn and idly flipped through the book, grimacing at some of the things mentioned in it. ‘Eww. I didn’t need to know that or that. Knew there was a reason I didn’t like Potions… other than Snape.’ Closing the book, he placed it on the shelf and turned to his friends.
“So we go ask McGonagall? I mean, she’s sure to have records of the teachers, past and present, right?”
“I hope so.” Harry voiced his previous thoughts as he thumbed through another book. “When I went to find him with Dumbledore, we found him somewhere else. Not at his own house. I just hope McGonagall knows his usual whereabouts.”
“I have an idea.” Hermione spoke up. “Why don’t I go see McGonagall about the address while you two continue to search for clues?”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, good idea, Hermione.”
Hermione put down the book she had been looking at, before leaving the room and heading towards McGonagall’s office.
A pair of dark eyes watched Hermione as she came out of Slughorn’s private chambers. A dark haired woman kept an eye on her from behind the corner, smirking. She knew those youngsters wouldn’t find anything there. She had been in there days ago, turning the entire room upside down, before putting everything back in its respective place. She had come up with nothing. But now they were here. Harry Potter and his little friends. She knew what to do now. Turning on her heel, she stalked down the hallway in the other direction. She had to inform her Master immediately.
...
...
Ron slowly walked up the path to the small house that was the last known address of Horace Slughorn. The front yard was covered in weeds and the house itself looked rather abandoned. Sighing, he looked back at Harry and Hermione and swallowed nervously, not knowing what was waiting for them behind the slightly open door. Something felt wrong. Harry frowned at the sight of the door. Automatically, he drew his wand and nodded to his friends to do the same. Slowly, he pushed the door open further, peeking inside.
“The hall seems to be clear.” He mumbled.
Hermione followed Harry inside and looked around the hall, her wand still firmly clenched in her hand.
“Something is giving me the chills.”
“I feel it, too.” Harry nodded, before looking at Ron. “We’ll split up. I’ll take a look upstairs. What about you two?”
“We’ll take downstairs.” Ron nodded and pulled out his own wand.
Ron began walking down the hall towards what seemed to be the kitchen. His eyebrows shot to his hairline in surprise. Everything was upended, drawers had been pulled out, utensils and pieces of several plates were scattered around on the floor. The small table was upside down with its legs broken off.
“What happened here?”
Hermione was right behind him, looking sadly around the room. She shook her head slowly. “There seems to have been a fight. Or someone just came to look for something specific, but it doesn’t seem like they found it... I’m not sure.”
She left the kitchen and made her way into the living room. There, she found the same chaos as in the kitchen. Books were strewn across the room, pages had been ripped out, furniture had been turned upside-down. She kneeled down to the floor and picked up one of the books.
“Maybe there’s something in these...” She muttered to herself.
Ron followed Hermione into the living room and looked around with a sigh. If the books had pages torn out, it could have been the pages with the information they needed. Which would leave them at square one again.
“I’ll go see how Harry’s doing.” He said and walked toward the stairs. When he got to the top step he called out. “Harry?”
Harry jerked his head up from digging through one of the cabinets.
“Yeah?” He called back. “What is it, Ron?”
“Have you found anything?” Ron asked as he walked down the hallway, looking into the rooms in his search for Harry.
“I’m in here, Ron.” Harry rolled his eyes when he noticed his friend walk by. “I’m going through a bundle of old Daily Prophet articles, but as for the rest, there is nothing in here that could help us. The bedroom is a mess. It seems to me that Slughorn left in a hurry. What about you and Hermione?”
Ron grinned sheepishly and backtracked to the room, he had just walked by. “Nothing, the entire house is a right mess, but we found some leftovers of books that were burnt in the fireplace. So if someone had been searching something, they probably found it.”
“And destroyed it.” Harry added with a sigh.
He looked down at the article in his hands. It was about the death of Hepzibah Smith, but it didn’t really reveal any important clues either.
“I think this house is a dead place for our search.”
“Yeah.” Ron nodded. “We won’t find anything more than what we already have. “ He grumbled and kicked at a heap of clothes lying on the floor.
“Come on. Let’s go back downstairs. Maybe Hermione found something.” Harry shrugged.
He left the room and descended the stairs again. “Hermione? You found something useful?”
“Unfortunately,” Hermione’s annoyed voice answered, “I found some leftover pieces from book covers in the fireplace. What I can still make out of them, is that they could have been interesting. But they can’t be saved. I can‘t even read the entire titles anymore. I‘m sorry, Harry.”
Harry growled. “Just great.”
“Brilliant.” Ron grunted as he came down the stairs. “What now? This is a dead end.”
Running a hand through his hair he sat down in one of the chairs that were still standing upright. Hermione got up and heaved a sigh.
“I don’t know. Honestly. Harry, did you find anything?”
“Just some Daily Prophet articles dealing with Hepzibah Smith’s death and Borgin & Burkes, but nothing we didn’t already know. So Ron’s right. Dead end.” Harry muttered. “Let’s go home. There’s nothing left to see here.”
Ron nodded. “Nothing at all. But what do we do now? We’re practically back where we started.”
“We are back where we started.” Harry snarled, throwing his arms in the air, “We never got any further, Ron! What a great remark was that!”
Hermione took a step back in surprise, but wisely kept her mouth shut. She understood Harry’s frustration as it was much like her own.
“There’s an Order meeting tonight, right?” She quietly asked.
“Yes, Hermione, there is.” Harry snapped, “So brilliant of you to remind me.”
“Harry, stop it.” Ron said as calmly he could manage, even though he was feeling as frustrated as his best friend. “Snapping at us doesn’t help. Just calm down. We’ll figure something out, we always do.”
Harry shrugged and muttered something under his breath. He stalked back towards the front door and yanked it open. Hermione sighed and followed him.
“I assume you’re going back to Grimmauld Place?”
“Yeah.” He curtly said. “See you tonight at the Order meeting.”
After that, he Disapparated back to London. Ron grimaced when the door slammed shut after Harry’s exit. Sighing, he looked at Hermione.
“That went well.” Slowly he got from the chair and began walking to the door himself. “Do you want to come back to the Burrow with me? I’m sure Mum has lunch ready and is waiting for someone to eat it.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” Hermione nodded with a smile. “I am kinda hungry.”
...
...
“Well, well, well,” A raspy voice sneered at the sight of Horace Slughorn being backed against the wall of some dark and dirty alley, “Look what we have here.”
Sweat dripped down Slughorn’s forehead as he frantically sought for a way out. Two dark-hooded figures crept a bit closer and the old man could see a wand gripped tightly in one of the hands from the smaller figure. His eyes flicked to the larger person, his brow furrowing. The black robes he was wearing were uncomfortably tight and the large hands protruding from the sleeves had long yellowish nails.
Slughorn already thought he looked familiar. “You...” He gasped.
“Of course, it’s me.” Fenrir nearly barked as he laughed, removing his hood with a feral grin, “Who did you expect? The Easter bunny?”
Slughorn ignored the apparent joke and looked at the other Death Eater.
“And who are you?” He frowned.
Horace Slughorn had to admit he was rather surprised when the figure turned out to be a woman who could have been no older than twenty-four. She didn’t even have the rough and cold Death Eater look like he remembered from Bellatrix. If he would have passed her in the streets, he would never have suspected her to be a follower of Voldemort. Outward appearance can be very misleading.
“My name is of no importance.” She sniffed, “Since you won’t live long enough to tell.”
Slughorn visibly paled and the woman smirked widely. “What did you think? We were going to keep you alive? The Dark Lord has no use for you. Right now, you are just in the way.”
She pointed her wand at him and mumbled a spell, slashing him across the arm and shoulder. With a gasp, Slughorn grabbed for the wounded flesh, sinking to his knees.
“Please, don’t hurt me.” He begged. “I could be of use to your Master. Just don’t kill me...”
Fenrir leaped on top of the small man and drew his nails across the man’s chest, tearing up the clothing and cutting deeply into the skin.
“Greyback, come on! Leave some fun for me!” The woman huffed.
Fenrir turned his head around to glare at her. “You just stay there, Carrow.” He rasped, “He’s mine.”
Carrow took a step back, wanting to show that bloody werewolf who was boss, but at the sight of him biting down Slughorn’s shoulder, she decided it might be best to remain quiet. Slughorn screamed out in pain as he felt his collar bone being broken by Fenrir’s jaw closing on it. He paused for a short moment, flicking his yellow gaze back to Slughorn’s face.
“Scream all you want, Slughorn,” he hissed, “This neighbourhood doesn’t really care enough to investigate any strange screams.”
After that, he bit down on the man’s collar bone again.
“Just finish him off, Greyback.” Carrow rolled her eyes. “We have to report back to the Dark Lord.”
“Yeah, yeah,” The werewolf growled, tearing away from the shoulder to take a last look at the old man’s face. “Good night and farewell, Horace Slughorn.”
Slughorn’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to scream again, but no sound came out when Greyback ripped at the flesh on his throat. When Carrow and Greyback casually walked away a few moments later, all there was left was a bleeding and twitching body that stared into nothingness as the last life forces slowly ebbed away from it.
...
...
Minerva McGonagall paced in front of kitchen table at Grimmauld Place, her arms were crossed over her chest and she sighed. This would be the first Order meeting since… well, since everything changed. But they needed to get things organized for the coming year. They needed to make sure the children would be safe.
When she heard familiar voices and the annoying screech of Mrs. Black coming from the hallway, she smiled and sat down behind the table, waiting for them to come in. Remus and Tonks were the first to enter, closely followed by Kingsley. All three nodded in greeting and sat down in the chairs surrounding the large table.
“Minerva,” Arthur Weasley’s voice greeted from the door, where he was standing with his family in entourage, while Hermione was standing at the back of the group with her hand in Ron’s. Soon they all shuffled in and took their seats. A short while after Harry came in with the last of the Order members as he had been the one to let them in.
McGonagall looked at all of them, a nervous smile on her lips. “Please, everyone sit down and help yourselves to some tea and sandwiches. We will begin shortly.”
She watched as everyone helped themselves and those beside them, while she sipped from her own cup of Earl Grey tea. Once the others had settled back onto their chairs, they turned to look at McGonagall with anticipation. Slowly she put down her cup and took a deep breath.
“This is the first meeting of the Order of The Phoenix since… Albus’ passing. We need to set some things straight. As of September 1st, I have officially taken over the position as Headmistress of Hogwarts. We don’t know whether Voldemort -” she paused, when several people flinched. “-has any further plans for attacking Hogwarts. The Ministry is taking precautions and wants me to allow Aurors, among others, to patrol the halls. Therefore I want to know if any of you would be willing to take that job?”
General murmurs of consent buzzed around the kitchen and several hands were raised to offer their service.
“What about me?” Remus asked. “Would I be allowed back in to Hogwarts? Would it even be safe for the children?”
McGonagall looked at him with concern then considered the options. “Perhaps if you would only patrol between the full moons, then left for the two weeks around your transformation. Then it could be done to the satisfaction of the Ministry representatives.”
Remus nodded and leaned against the back of his chair, crossing a leg over the other and nursed the cup of tea cradled in his hands.
“Furthermore we cannot be too careful, when we’re out in the open. It means that if you need to go somewhere, do not go alone,” McGonagall said seriously. “I mean it. I don‘t want to lose any more of you.”
Slowly she stirred her tea and brought the cup up to her lips sipping occasionally. She then placed her cup down on the table again and breathed in. She didn’t want to think about losing any of the people she thought of as her extended family and especially not any of the children. Losing Albus had been difficult enough, but Severus’ betrayal had come as a shock. She knew that the Order would be in an uproar once they learned of that particular fact. However she needed to tell them and they needed to know the truth.
“There is something that needs to be told. Something that has taken most of those, who know already, by surprise,” she began softly. “Albus was murdered by one of our own. Severus betrayed us and Albus Dumbledore died by his hand.”
Her prediction had been correct as several of the Order members jumped up from their chairs yelling in outrage, a few began cursing the name of former Hogwarts professor, while others were sitting on their chairs, a stunned expression on their faces.
“Calm down everyone!” McGonagall raised her voice and called for order. “We cannot do anything about that now. Severus has betrayed us all, but you needed to know. Now will you please sit down?”
Slowly the people, who had jumped up from their chairs, sat back down and McGonagall breathed out in relief. She did not want any of them to start searching for Severus in an attempt to get revenge for Albus’ death. She knew how dangerous the dour man could be, when pressed into a corner and that could only cause more losses on their side. Again her thoughts turned to the children.
McGonagall looked at the youngest members of their group. The Weasley children were all sitting together. All of them were present except young Percy. She sighed wondering if the boy would ever reconcile with his family.
The twins were sitting calmly and were rather quiet for once, a rare oddity concerning the two boys. But perhaps it was the stern and watchful eye of their mother that kept them in line for once and for that McGonagall was thankful. While Bill and Charlie were adults in their own right and one of them was even married now, she was sure they would still be treated as children by Molly. Finally she looked at the three youngest people sitting at the end of the table and talking quietly amongst themselves.
She was still saddened by the knowledge that neither Harry, Ron or Hermione had chosen to return to Hogwarts this term, unlike the only daughter of Arthur and Molly Weasley. But they had made their choice to do what they could in this horrid war. She could only wish them luck and give them her support, even if she hated the fact that children had to fight in any war.
McGonagall looked at Harry and heaved a sigh. So much weight had been put upon his shoulders and he was not even out of his teens yet.
“Professor?” Tonks asked as she placed a hand on McGonagall’s shoulder. “Are you alright? You were looking a bit dazed for a moment.”
McGonagall smiled and shook her head. “No, I’m fine, Nymphadora.”
She ignored the grimace on Tonks’ face as she said the other woman’s name and focused instead on the other people present in the room. Placing her hands on the surface of the table she rose from her chair and asked for silence.
“If any of you have nothing more to add, I would like for Kingsley, Tonks and Remus to stay behind, so that we may discuss the arrangements for the patrolling of the school.”
When no one said anything, she called the meeting to an end and sat back down in her chair. While she waited for the room to be emptied out, she helped herself to another sandwich and hot cup of tea.
When everyone had left the room, besides the three McGonagall had asked to stay behind, she beckoned them over to discuss further arrangements for their new assignment. They tossed a few ideas about how to do certain things, but didn’t come to any conclusions other than what they already had agreed upon. While Tonks and Kingsley would take alternating shifts throughout each month, Remus was not to patrol the halls of Hogwarts during the two weeks surrounding the full moon. But other than that, they had no idea what he could do to help out, when he was not allowed on the school grounds.
Soon enough Tonks and Kingsley decided to go home, while Remus had opted to stay behind to figure possible solutions for his spare time out with McGonagall.
“I’m not really sure what I would do in the mean time, Minerva,” Remus sighed. “You know as well as I do that I’m quite useless around the time of the full moon.”
He fell silent for a few moments, his look straying around the room. He noticed Harry talking to Ron and Hermione amongst themselves in the other room.
“How’s Harry doing these days?”
“Relieved to be out of his relatives’ house.” McGonagall sighed. “But he doesn’t talk much about how he is. He is much more focused on what lies ahead.” She looked at the three teenagers sadly. “This is all too much for them. They need help. More than what I can give them right now.”
“It’s too much for all of us,” he nodded, “But they’re barely seventeen. They shouldn’t be fighting a war they aren’t ready for.”
She looked into Remus’ eyes and placed a hand on his shoulder. “No one should be fighting a war, Remus. But sometimes we can’t choose what we want. They may not be ready, they might never be ready. Though this is what we must do. If we want to win, we must do what is necessary.”
“Of course. I just don’t believe that seventeen-year-olds have the skills, nor the knowledge to survive an actual war.” He looked back at the trio. “Although, the three of them might be slightly different. Harry’s lucky to have Ron and Hermione by his side. But I’m not sure luck will be enough for this round.”
Suddenly a light lit up in her eyes and an idea began to form in her mind. “Luck has kept them from harm until now… But they lack skills and knowledge… Remus, I think I might have an idea as to what you can do during your spare time.” A small smile parted McGonagall’s lips and white teeth glinted in the light of the candles.
Remus quirked an eyebrow and shifted in his seat. “Minerva, I’m not sure I like that look on your face. But do tell. What do you have in mind?”
“Think about it, Remus. The children need skills and knowledge to support them. Since you have free time on your hand, you would be able to teach them everything you know.” McGonagall said. “You were a part of the Order during the last war as well, which means you can tell them what to expect. With your knowledge they would have a better fighting chance in this horrid war.”
Remus considered it for a moment, before nodding. “Alright, I’ll do it. I can’t see why I shouldn’t.” He looked at the trio again. “I’m sure Hermione will nag the boys to stay on track of what I teach them.” He grinned slightly.
McGonagall smiled. “I’m sure she will and I’m sure that Harry would like to spend some time with you as well, Remus. Perhaps you could arrange to stay here during the two weeks every month?”
“I’m not sure whether that be a good idea, Minerva. Honestly, I think Harry needs some time for himself. I am aware of the fact that the Dursley’s probably didn’t even bother to ask anything, but Grimmauld Place is his now. I will not interfere his home. Besides, I’m not sure it’s exactly safe to spend time here during the time near the full moon.”
She nodded slowly. “Indeed. Those wretched people. If there had been any other choice, I would never have allowed him to be left with them. But you are right, it might not be the safest place for either of you during the full moon. Though we should perhaps talk this through with Harry and the others, before we make any final decisions regarding your new assignment?” McGonagall quirked an eyebrow and began walking toward the other room.
Harry noticed Lupin and McGonagall stepping into the sitting room. He stopped talking, which made Hermione turn around to find out what he was looking at. She nodded politely in a new greeting.
Ron turned around to look at what had made his friends silent and he blinked. He thought everyone else had left already and that they were alone, though apparently they weren‘t. “Professors?” He asked bewildered.
“Harry, Ronald, Hermione, may we have a word with the three of you?” McGonagall asked as she walked over to them.
Harry simply shrugged. “Sure. Can’t see why not.”
Hermione sat down on the sofa, curious to know what this was about. Ron sat down beside Hermione and turned curious eyes on the two professors.
McGonagall smiled at the three of them. “It is nothing to worry about, but Remus and I have been talking about what he could do during the two weeks he doesn’t spend at Hogwarts. If the three of you will agree, he would like to continue your lessons in Defence Against the Dark Arts and any other subject that he might have some knowledge of to help you as much as possible.”
“I think it’s a marvellous idea, Professor.” Hermione nodded enthusiastically. “We surely could use the knowledge and the practice.”
Harry remained silent, letting Hermione do the talking for now. She was right. ‘Isn’t she always?’ He grinned to himself. What they learnt at Hogwarts certainly wasn’t enough to lunge head-first into a war. Lupin was a capable teacher and Harry was actually getting excited by the prospects of being taught by him again.
Ron knew he should be grateful for their teachers’ thoughtfulness, but he couldn’t help groaning in his mind at the prospect of more studying. Outwardly though he smiled politely and nodded.
McGonagall looked at Hermione with a small smirk. “We thought so too, Hermione. And if you need anything else that Remus can’t comply with, you can always owl me at Hogwarts.”
“Thanks, Professor.” Harry gave a small smile, before looking at Remus. “When do we start?”
“I think we should probably start somewhere next week. We don’t have to limit training to the weeks I’m not at Hogwarts. I am sure I can arrange with Kingsley to take over my rounds a few times. I’d like to see the three of you two to three times a week.”
“Sounds reasonable.” Harry nodded.
“I will be assuming you are keeping up with practice while I’m not around, too. You can train together well enough.” Remus looked specifically at Harry. “I know you used to run Dumbledore’s Army, so I know you’re capable.”
“Two to three times a week?” Ron asked with wide eyes. “More studying…” He groaned.
McGonagall shook her head. Well, it might have been too much to ask of the boy and he had probably thought that he wouldn’t have to deal with more homework in the near future. “Yes, Mr. Weasley. Two to three times a week. Of course we do expect you to write a five-foot essay on each lesson that Professor Lupin is so generous to teach you.” She smirked, when the red haired teen whimpered.
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Ronald, would you prefer to blame yourself later for dismissing important lessons while you are lying on the ground, wounded?”
“Owl us with the days and times you find suitable, Professor.” Harry looked back at Lupin. “I’m sure we can manage.”
One look at the angry Hermione and Ron hurriedly looked at the floor with a muttered ‘no’ and a helpless shrug of his shoulders. “Sorry.” He whispered.
Rolling her eyes, McGonagall decided that it was time for her to return to Hogwarts, certainly some of the students had already gotten into trouble by now. So she bid Remus and the three teens goodnight and exited the house, passing the for once slumbering Mrs. Black on the way.
Remus nodded. “I should be taking my leave as well. I will owl you as soon as I’ve figured it out, Harry.”
“Sounds good, Professor.” Harry shrugged.
Remus bid the other two a good evening as well, before letting himself out, leaving the three teens to themselves.
Tbc.
Feedback would be lovely! ♥
Authors : xnuinx & draco_crescendo
Pairing : Overall gen - implied pairings may occur.
Rating : Overall R/NC-17
Warnings : War-fic, dark stuff, angst.
Wordcount : this chapter : 6384 - total wordcount : 16.096
Disclaimer : All HP characters and names are copyright of JK Rowling. We use them for our own pleasure, we do not make money out of this.
Feedback : Oh yes, hit us harder!
Beta : essayel & flosspyromaniac.
Summary : After Dumbledore's death, loose ends are left untied. The war is lurking from behind the corner, ready to strike. While the Trio begins their search for the Horcruxes, they encounter a number of obstacles that must be overcome. Will they succeed or will all of their efforts fail in the end?
Author notes : Ars Virgarum = Art of the Wands; De Cochleis et Leonibus = Of Slugs and Lions.
Chapter 2 - De Cochleis et Leonibus
Pansy stared out of the window, watching the landscape fly by as the train slowly got closer to its destination. With a sigh, she rested her elbow on the window sill and her chin in the palm of her hand. Draco wouldn’t be coming back this year. She hadn’t wanted to believe it, but it was true. After his spectacular failure to finish his mission, he probably wouldn’t be returning. It was too dangerous for him.
She closed her eyes and drew back from the window, leaning back against the seat. Maybe some sleep would help calming her. It surely would pass the time until the train arrived at Hogsmeade.
“Hey Pansy! Are you asleep?”
Pansy opened her eyes and glared at Millicent, who was sitting across from her in the compartment. She hadn’t spared either Millicent or Blaise a thought since she had boarded the train that morning, not even when she had entered the same compartment as them.
“No… I’m playing the flute.” She sneered. “I was trying to sleep until you interrupted me.”
Millicent rolled her eyes. “Irritable.” She muttered at Blaise.
“I am not irritable, I just want to sleep. Then this ride will be over faster.” Pansy sighed and crossed her arms.
It wasn’t like she had much to look forward to this school year. There would still be the same boring teachers with the obvious replacement of the DADA teacher since Professor Snape had fled the castle. Who would the Headmistress bring in to teach this year? Some incompetent fool maybe? There couldn’t be that many wanting that particular job. Then there was the rumours that they would need a new Potions Master instead of Slughorn, though that would only be an improvement. The fat, old man hadn’t wanted Draco to enter his Slugclub, so he could not be that intelligent. Also he had been more focused on particular students that could put him in a good light than what he could teach his students.
Draco…
Sighing again, Pansy’s thoughts were back on the Malfoy heir. Draco hadn’t even responded to her letters. She had written to him several times over the summer, but had yet to get any replies. Why wouldn’t he answer her? Didn’t he care? Maybe it wasn’t safe for him to send any owls from wherever he was. But then, wouldn’t he be with his mother at the Manor? Or was he with the Dark Lord? Everything was so frustrating and she didn’t know anything about what was going on. Even her parents wouldn’t tell her anything.
But where was Draco? The only thing she knew was that he had run away from Hogwarts along with Snape, but did it mean that Draco was still with him?
“Pansy? Are you alright?” Blaise asked arching an eyebrow, looking at Pansy’s glazed-over eyes with curiosity.
She blinked a couple of times and stared at the tall, black Slytherin. “Yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking about something.”
“Have you heard anything from Draco, Vince or Greg? They didn’t board the train.” Millicent said, while looking out of the window. “Do you think they’ve, you know, joined him?” She whispered.
“Shh!” Pansy hissed and hastily looked around for anyone who might have been listening in on them. “Don’t talk about that and definitely not in public.”
Millicent nodded silently, a small red blush on her cheeks.
“Now will you two please be quiet? I still want to get some sleep, before we get there.” Pansy said as she settled back into a comfortable position on the seat. Closing her eyes, her last thoughts were back on Draco.
She didn’t wake up until Millicent shook her shoulder gently, telling her that they would be at the station in a few minutes and that she should probably change into her uniform. Though the train arrived at the Hogsmeade station, Pansy had the feeling that something would definitely be happening this year, but couldn’t decide whether to look forward to it or not.
...
...
Harry barely had time to settle in at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place as he, Ron and Hermione had agreed to start on things as soon as possible. Harry had managed to make the house a little more liveable, having cleaned it up while sorting out some of the stuff lying around. School had already started when they had arranged to meet in front of the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. They planned to visit Hogwarts and search for any clues to find Slughorn. Slughorn had been the one to tell Riddle about creating Horcruxes while he had been studying at Hogwarts. Maybe if they could find out anything about Slughorn’s whereabouts, or maybe in one of his books, that would be able to help them on their way.
Harry was a bit nervous when he left the house, casually looking around before slipping into one of the small alleys to Apparate to Hogsmeade. He had only obtained his license a few days ago, and even though he had passed without a problem, he still hoped he wouldn’t lose an ear or something in the process. Heaving a deep sigh, he closed his eyes and Apparated himself to Hogsmeade. He popped up only a few metres from Zonko’s Joke Shop and started walking down the road. He passed Honeydukes and the post office, but it barely registered in his mind. After a few minutes, he could see the Three Broomsticks right ahead of him. He noticed two figures standing in front of it.
Hermione was the first one to spot Harry walking towards them. She waved.
When Harry joined the two of them, she smiled, before hugging him briefly. “Made it here alright, I see.”
“Yeah,” Harry nodded, “Apparated here.”
“That’s the good thing about having a license, Harry.” Hermione grinned.
He simply grinned back at her. Ron grinned and clapped his hand onto Harry’s shoulder in greeting.
“And how is Apparating for the young man?” He looked at Harry and noticed how much he had grown over the couple of months. Soon, the dark haired teen would be able to compete with Hermione in height.
Harry rolled his eyes, but laughed anyway. “Fairing just fine, Ron.”
“So are we going to stand here all day?” Hermione sniffed, “We’ve got work to do, remember?”
Ron slung an arm around Hermione’s shoulder, feeling daring for once around her and put on a long-suffering sigh. “Yes, Hermione.”
Hermione didn’t move away from his arm around her shoulder. All she did was give him a mild glare, before looking at Harry. The latter simply nodded and started walking. It was still a long way across the Hogwarts grounds. They passed the lake and as they did, Harry glanced at the other side, catching a white glimpse of Dumbledore’s grave. He quickly averted his eyes and slightly quickened his pace, swallowing the lump in his throat. Hermione noticed Harry’s look. She remained silent. There was nothing to say for the time being and an uncomfortable feeling crept into her chest as she noticed the castle further away.
Ron trudged alongside the other two, pretending to look at the scenery or the road, but occasionally he would glance at Hermione with a small smile on his lips. The smile died however, when he caught sight of the tomb and understood why Harry was now walking faster. He himself upped his pace and soon they were at the castle’s front gate. The castle looked the same as always, but Harry could feel there was something different about it nonetheless. With a small sigh, he pushed the gate open, entering the place that had been his true home for years. Inside, he immediately felt the difference rather than saw it. It was colder and more grim than he remembered. He involuntarily shivered.
Following Harry, Ron walked down the empty hallways, they had arrived in the middle of class and had yet to stumble upon any students or teachers.
“Where are we going to look first?” He asked, scratching slightly at his temple.
“I suggest we check out what used to be his private chambers first,” Hermione offered, “McGonagall told me in the owl that they’re unused now. So we shouldn’t get in any trouble snooping around.”
Harry nodded. “Sounds like a plan. What floor are they on?”
“Second. Right across from the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.” Hermione replied.
Harry nodded again and took the staircase up to the second floor, the others in tow. Ron nodded and without further thought grabbed Hermione’s hand, dragging her after him and Harry. They walked up the moving stairs with a few misses along the way on the teasing staircases until they reached the second floor. Ron looked around as he continued down the second floor hallway looking for the classroom and subsequently the private chambers of former Professor Slughorn.
The DADA classroom wasn’t too hard to find as Harry could hear the voice of one of the teachers explaining about the Unforgivables. He glanced at the opposite side of the hall. There was a door and Harry tried to doorknob. It was unlocked, so Harry pushed it open and entered. Hermione frowned.
“Don’t you think it’s strange that the door is unlocked, Harry?”
Harry looked over his shoulder and shrugged. “Maybe McGonagall opened it for us so we didn’t have to bother her for the key.”
“Could be,” Hermione pursed her lips, “Or someone forced himself or herself in to look around.”
Ron gulped at the last words. “What if someone did that and is still in there?”
He peered over Harry’s shoulder as the door was opened to reveal the still furnished chambers, but otherwise empty. There certainly weren’t any people inside and Ron breathed in relief. Hermione rolled her eyes.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Ron.” She sniffed, “If they did, they would have been long gone. They had enough time to poke around before we came. Besides, what are you? A wizard or a bloody chicken?”
“She’s right, Ron.” Harry nodded his consent, moving further into the room. “They would have had enough time. Come on. Let’s look around. Look for anything that might have to do with dark magic or Horcruxes. Anything at all.”
Ron nodded and grumbled. “A wizard. I’m a wizard, Hermione.”
Walking further into the room he looked around, there were still books on the shelves along the walls and he figured it would be as good a place as any to start looking.
“Do you think there might be any clues in the books?” Ron asked and began pulling volume by volume out to flip through them.
“I think if we should find any clues, it would probably be in some kind of book, Ronald.” Hermione pursed her lips, “After all, Riddle must have gotten his information from somewhere else than just Slughorn, too.”
“We don’t know that, Hermione.” Harry slid his fingers over the spines of the books, frowning at some of the titles. “All we know is that Slughorn told Riddle about Horcruxes and how to create them. It’s most likely he did research, but we can’t be too sure.”
“So what do we do if we don’t find what we’re looking for?” She sighed, turning around to look at him.
“Then we go to his house.” Harry calmly said. “There might be more stuff to check out.”
“Do you know where exactly that is?”
“We can always ask. I’m sure McGonagall or someone from the Order must know.” ‘Or at least I hope so.’ He thought to himself.
Ron stood silent as the other two discussed Slughorn and idly flipped through the book, grimacing at some of the things mentioned in it. ‘Eww. I didn’t need to know that or that. Knew there was a reason I didn’t like Potions… other than Snape.’ Closing the book, he placed it on the shelf and turned to his friends.
“So we go ask McGonagall? I mean, she’s sure to have records of the teachers, past and present, right?”
“I hope so.” Harry voiced his previous thoughts as he thumbed through another book. “When I went to find him with Dumbledore, we found him somewhere else. Not at his own house. I just hope McGonagall knows his usual whereabouts.”
“I have an idea.” Hermione spoke up. “Why don’t I go see McGonagall about the address while you two continue to search for clues?”
Harry nodded. “Yeah, good idea, Hermione.”
Hermione put down the book she had been looking at, before leaving the room and heading towards McGonagall’s office.
A pair of dark eyes watched Hermione as she came out of Slughorn’s private chambers. A dark haired woman kept an eye on her from behind the corner, smirking. She knew those youngsters wouldn’t find anything there. She had been in there days ago, turning the entire room upside down, before putting everything back in its respective place. She had come up with nothing. But now they were here. Harry Potter and his little friends. She knew what to do now. Turning on her heel, she stalked down the hallway in the other direction. She had to inform her Master immediately.
...
...
Ron slowly walked up the path to the small house that was the last known address of Horace Slughorn. The front yard was covered in weeds and the house itself looked rather abandoned. Sighing, he looked back at Harry and Hermione and swallowed nervously, not knowing what was waiting for them behind the slightly open door. Something felt wrong. Harry frowned at the sight of the door. Automatically, he drew his wand and nodded to his friends to do the same. Slowly, he pushed the door open further, peeking inside.
“The hall seems to be clear.” He mumbled.
Hermione followed Harry inside and looked around the hall, her wand still firmly clenched in her hand.
“Something is giving me the chills.”
“I feel it, too.” Harry nodded, before looking at Ron. “We’ll split up. I’ll take a look upstairs. What about you two?”
“We’ll take downstairs.” Ron nodded and pulled out his own wand.
Ron began walking down the hall towards what seemed to be the kitchen. His eyebrows shot to his hairline in surprise. Everything was upended, drawers had been pulled out, utensils and pieces of several plates were scattered around on the floor. The small table was upside down with its legs broken off.
“What happened here?”
Hermione was right behind him, looking sadly around the room. She shook her head slowly. “There seems to have been a fight. Or someone just came to look for something specific, but it doesn’t seem like they found it... I’m not sure.”
She left the kitchen and made her way into the living room. There, she found the same chaos as in the kitchen. Books were strewn across the room, pages had been ripped out, furniture had been turned upside-down. She kneeled down to the floor and picked up one of the books.
“Maybe there’s something in these...” She muttered to herself.
Ron followed Hermione into the living room and looked around with a sigh. If the books had pages torn out, it could have been the pages with the information they needed. Which would leave them at square one again.
“I’ll go see how Harry’s doing.” He said and walked toward the stairs. When he got to the top step he called out. “Harry?”
Harry jerked his head up from digging through one of the cabinets.
“Yeah?” He called back. “What is it, Ron?”
“Have you found anything?” Ron asked as he walked down the hallway, looking into the rooms in his search for Harry.
“I’m in here, Ron.” Harry rolled his eyes when he noticed his friend walk by. “I’m going through a bundle of old Daily Prophet articles, but as for the rest, there is nothing in here that could help us. The bedroom is a mess. It seems to me that Slughorn left in a hurry. What about you and Hermione?”
Ron grinned sheepishly and backtracked to the room, he had just walked by. “Nothing, the entire house is a right mess, but we found some leftovers of books that were burnt in the fireplace. So if someone had been searching something, they probably found it.”
“And destroyed it.” Harry added with a sigh.
He looked down at the article in his hands. It was about the death of Hepzibah Smith, but it didn’t really reveal any important clues either.
“I think this house is a dead place for our search.”
“Yeah.” Ron nodded. “We won’t find anything more than what we already have. “ He grumbled and kicked at a heap of clothes lying on the floor.
“Come on. Let’s go back downstairs. Maybe Hermione found something.” Harry shrugged.
He left the room and descended the stairs again. “Hermione? You found something useful?”
“Unfortunately,” Hermione’s annoyed voice answered, “I found some leftover pieces from book covers in the fireplace. What I can still make out of them, is that they could have been interesting. But they can’t be saved. I can‘t even read the entire titles anymore. I‘m sorry, Harry.”
Harry growled. “Just great.”
“Brilliant.” Ron grunted as he came down the stairs. “What now? This is a dead end.”
Running a hand through his hair he sat down in one of the chairs that were still standing upright. Hermione got up and heaved a sigh.
“I don’t know. Honestly. Harry, did you find anything?”
“Just some Daily Prophet articles dealing with Hepzibah Smith’s death and Borgin & Burkes, but nothing we didn’t already know. So Ron’s right. Dead end.” Harry muttered. “Let’s go home. There’s nothing left to see here.”
Ron nodded. “Nothing at all. But what do we do now? We’re practically back where we started.”
“We are back where we started.” Harry snarled, throwing his arms in the air, “We never got any further, Ron! What a great remark was that!”
Hermione took a step back in surprise, but wisely kept her mouth shut. She understood Harry’s frustration as it was much like her own.
“There’s an Order meeting tonight, right?” She quietly asked.
“Yes, Hermione, there is.” Harry snapped, “So brilliant of you to remind me.”
“Harry, stop it.” Ron said as calmly he could manage, even though he was feeling as frustrated as his best friend. “Snapping at us doesn’t help. Just calm down. We’ll figure something out, we always do.”
Harry shrugged and muttered something under his breath. He stalked back towards the front door and yanked it open. Hermione sighed and followed him.
“I assume you’re going back to Grimmauld Place?”
“Yeah.” He curtly said. “See you tonight at the Order meeting.”
After that, he Disapparated back to London. Ron grimaced when the door slammed shut after Harry’s exit. Sighing, he looked at Hermione.
“That went well.” Slowly he got from the chair and began walking to the door himself. “Do you want to come back to the Burrow with me? I’m sure Mum has lunch ready and is waiting for someone to eat it.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” Hermione nodded with a smile. “I am kinda hungry.”
...
...
“Well, well, well,” A raspy voice sneered at the sight of Horace Slughorn being backed against the wall of some dark and dirty alley, “Look what we have here.”
Sweat dripped down Slughorn’s forehead as he frantically sought for a way out. Two dark-hooded figures crept a bit closer and the old man could see a wand gripped tightly in one of the hands from the smaller figure. His eyes flicked to the larger person, his brow furrowing. The black robes he was wearing were uncomfortably tight and the large hands protruding from the sleeves had long yellowish nails.
Slughorn already thought he looked familiar. “You...” He gasped.
“Of course, it’s me.” Fenrir nearly barked as he laughed, removing his hood with a feral grin, “Who did you expect? The Easter bunny?”
Slughorn ignored the apparent joke and looked at the other Death Eater.
“And who are you?” He frowned.
Horace Slughorn had to admit he was rather surprised when the figure turned out to be a woman who could have been no older than twenty-four. She didn’t even have the rough and cold Death Eater look like he remembered from Bellatrix. If he would have passed her in the streets, he would never have suspected her to be a follower of Voldemort. Outward appearance can be very misleading.
“My name is of no importance.” She sniffed, “Since you won’t live long enough to tell.”
Slughorn visibly paled and the woman smirked widely. “What did you think? We were going to keep you alive? The Dark Lord has no use for you. Right now, you are just in the way.”
She pointed her wand at him and mumbled a spell, slashing him across the arm and shoulder. With a gasp, Slughorn grabbed for the wounded flesh, sinking to his knees.
“Please, don’t hurt me.” He begged. “I could be of use to your Master. Just don’t kill me...”
Fenrir leaped on top of the small man and drew his nails across the man’s chest, tearing up the clothing and cutting deeply into the skin.
“Greyback, come on! Leave some fun for me!” The woman huffed.
Fenrir turned his head around to glare at her. “You just stay there, Carrow.” He rasped, “He’s mine.”
Carrow took a step back, wanting to show that bloody werewolf who was boss, but at the sight of him biting down Slughorn’s shoulder, she decided it might be best to remain quiet. Slughorn screamed out in pain as he felt his collar bone being broken by Fenrir’s jaw closing on it. He paused for a short moment, flicking his yellow gaze back to Slughorn’s face.
“Scream all you want, Slughorn,” he hissed, “This neighbourhood doesn’t really care enough to investigate any strange screams.”
After that, he bit down on the man’s collar bone again.
“Just finish him off, Greyback.” Carrow rolled her eyes. “We have to report back to the Dark Lord.”
“Yeah, yeah,” The werewolf growled, tearing away from the shoulder to take a last look at the old man’s face. “Good night and farewell, Horace Slughorn.”
Slughorn’s eyes widened and he opened his mouth to scream again, but no sound came out when Greyback ripped at the flesh on his throat. When Carrow and Greyback casually walked away a few moments later, all there was left was a bleeding and twitching body that stared into nothingness as the last life forces slowly ebbed away from it.
...
...
Minerva McGonagall paced in front of kitchen table at Grimmauld Place, her arms were crossed over her chest and she sighed. This would be the first Order meeting since… well, since everything changed. But they needed to get things organized for the coming year. They needed to make sure the children would be safe.
When she heard familiar voices and the annoying screech of Mrs. Black coming from the hallway, she smiled and sat down behind the table, waiting for them to come in. Remus and Tonks were the first to enter, closely followed by Kingsley. All three nodded in greeting and sat down in the chairs surrounding the large table.
“Minerva,” Arthur Weasley’s voice greeted from the door, where he was standing with his family in entourage, while Hermione was standing at the back of the group with her hand in Ron’s. Soon they all shuffled in and took their seats. A short while after Harry came in with the last of the Order members as he had been the one to let them in.
McGonagall looked at all of them, a nervous smile on her lips. “Please, everyone sit down and help yourselves to some tea and sandwiches. We will begin shortly.”
She watched as everyone helped themselves and those beside them, while she sipped from her own cup of Earl Grey tea. Once the others had settled back onto their chairs, they turned to look at McGonagall with anticipation. Slowly she put down her cup and took a deep breath.
“This is the first meeting of the Order of The Phoenix since… Albus’ passing. We need to set some things straight. As of September 1st, I have officially taken over the position as Headmistress of Hogwarts. We don’t know whether Voldemort -” she paused, when several people flinched. “-has any further plans for attacking Hogwarts. The Ministry is taking precautions and wants me to allow Aurors, among others, to patrol the halls. Therefore I want to know if any of you would be willing to take that job?”
General murmurs of consent buzzed around the kitchen and several hands were raised to offer their service.
“What about me?” Remus asked. “Would I be allowed back in to Hogwarts? Would it even be safe for the children?”
McGonagall looked at him with concern then considered the options. “Perhaps if you would only patrol between the full moons, then left for the two weeks around your transformation. Then it could be done to the satisfaction of the Ministry representatives.”
Remus nodded and leaned against the back of his chair, crossing a leg over the other and nursed the cup of tea cradled in his hands.
“Furthermore we cannot be too careful, when we’re out in the open. It means that if you need to go somewhere, do not go alone,” McGonagall said seriously. “I mean it. I don‘t want to lose any more of you.”
Slowly she stirred her tea and brought the cup up to her lips sipping occasionally. She then placed her cup down on the table again and breathed in. She didn’t want to think about losing any of the people she thought of as her extended family and especially not any of the children. Losing Albus had been difficult enough, but Severus’ betrayal had come as a shock. She knew that the Order would be in an uproar once they learned of that particular fact. However she needed to tell them and they needed to know the truth.
“There is something that needs to be told. Something that has taken most of those, who know already, by surprise,” she began softly. “Albus was murdered by one of our own. Severus betrayed us and Albus Dumbledore died by his hand.”
Her prediction had been correct as several of the Order members jumped up from their chairs yelling in outrage, a few began cursing the name of former Hogwarts professor, while others were sitting on their chairs, a stunned expression on their faces.
“Calm down everyone!” McGonagall raised her voice and called for order. “We cannot do anything about that now. Severus has betrayed us all, but you needed to know. Now will you please sit down?”
Slowly the people, who had jumped up from their chairs, sat back down and McGonagall breathed out in relief. She did not want any of them to start searching for Severus in an attempt to get revenge for Albus’ death. She knew how dangerous the dour man could be, when pressed into a corner and that could only cause more losses on their side. Again her thoughts turned to the children.
McGonagall looked at the youngest members of their group. The Weasley children were all sitting together. All of them were present except young Percy. She sighed wondering if the boy would ever reconcile with his family.
The twins were sitting calmly and were rather quiet for once, a rare oddity concerning the two boys. But perhaps it was the stern and watchful eye of their mother that kept them in line for once and for that McGonagall was thankful. While Bill and Charlie were adults in their own right and one of them was even married now, she was sure they would still be treated as children by Molly. Finally she looked at the three youngest people sitting at the end of the table and talking quietly amongst themselves.
She was still saddened by the knowledge that neither Harry, Ron or Hermione had chosen to return to Hogwarts this term, unlike the only daughter of Arthur and Molly Weasley. But they had made their choice to do what they could in this horrid war. She could only wish them luck and give them her support, even if she hated the fact that children had to fight in any war.
McGonagall looked at Harry and heaved a sigh. So much weight had been put upon his shoulders and he was not even out of his teens yet.
“Professor?” Tonks asked as she placed a hand on McGonagall’s shoulder. “Are you alright? You were looking a bit dazed for a moment.”
McGonagall smiled and shook her head. “No, I’m fine, Nymphadora.”
She ignored the grimace on Tonks’ face as she said the other woman’s name and focused instead on the other people present in the room. Placing her hands on the surface of the table she rose from her chair and asked for silence.
“If any of you have nothing more to add, I would like for Kingsley, Tonks and Remus to stay behind, so that we may discuss the arrangements for the patrolling of the school.”
When no one said anything, she called the meeting to an end and sat back down in her chair. While she waited for the room to be emptied out, she helped herself to another sandwich and hot cup of tea.
When everyone had left the room, besides the three McGonagall had asked to stay behind, she beckoned them over to discuss further arrangements for their new assignment. They tossed a few ideas about how to do certain things, but didn’t come to any conclusions other than what they already had agreed upon. While Tonks and Kingsley would take alternating shifts throughout each month, Remus was not to patrol the halls of Hogwarts during the two weeks surrounding the full moon. But other than that, they had no idea what he could do to help out, when he was not allowed on the school grounds.
Soon enough Tonks and Kingsley decided to go home, while Remus had opted to stay behind to figure possible solutions for his spare time out with McGonagall.
“I’m not really sure what I would do in the mean time, Minerva,” Remus sighed. “You know as well as I do that I’m quite useless around the time of the full moon.”
He fell silent for a few moments, his look straying around the room. He noticed Harry talking to Ron and Hermione amongst themselves in the other room.
“How’s Harry doing these days?”
“Relieved to be out of his relatives’ house.” McGonagall sighed. “But he doesn’t talk much about how he is. He is much more focused on what lies ahead.” She looked at the three teenagers sadly. “This is all too much for them. They need help. More than what I can give them right now.”
“It’s too much for all of us,” he nodded, “But they’re barely seventeen. They shouldn’t be fighting a war they aren’t ready for.”
She looked into Remus’ eyes and placed a hand on his shoulder. “No one should be fighting a war, Remus. But sometimes we can’t choose what we want. They may not be ready, they might never be ready. Though this is what we must do. If we want to win, we must do what is necessary.”
“Of course. I just don’t believe that seventeen-year-olds have the skills, nor the knowledge to survive an actual war.” He looked back at the trio. “Although, the three of them might be slightly different. Harry’s lucky to have Ron and Hermione by his side. But I’m not sure luck will be enough for this round.”
Suddenly a light lit up in her eyes and an idea began to form in her mind. “Luck has kept them from harm until now… But they lack skills and knowledge… Remus, I think I might have an idea as to what you can do during your spare time.” A small smile parted McGonagall’s lips and white teeth glinted in the light of the candles.
Remus quirked an eyebrow and shifted in his seat. “Minerva, I’m not sure I like that look on your face. But do tell. What do you have in mind?”
“Think about it, Remus. The children need skills and knowledge to support them. Since you have free time on your hand, you would be able to teach them everything you know.” McGonagall said. “You were a part of the Order during the last war as well, which means you can tell them what to expect. With your knowledge they would have a better fighting chance in this horrid war.”
Remus considered it for a moment, before nodding. “Alright, I’ll do it. I can’t see why I shouldn’t.” He looked at the trio again. “I’m sure Hermione will nag the boys to stay on track of what I teach them.” He grinned slightly.
McGonagall smiled. “I’m sure she will and I’m sure that Harry would like to spend some time with you as well, Remus. Perhaps you could arrange to stay here during the two weeks every month?”
“I’m not sure whether that be a good idea, Minerva. Honestly, I think Harry needs some time for himself. I am aware of the fact that the Dursley’s probably didn’t even bother to ask anything, but Grimmauld Place is his now. I will not interfere his home. Besides, I’m not sure it’s exactly safe to spend time here during the time near the full moon.”
She nodded slowly. “Indeed. Those wretched people. If there had been any other choice, I would never have allowed him to be left with them. But you are right, it might not be the safest place for either of you during the full moon. Though we should perhaps talk this through with Harry and the others, before we make any final decisions regarding your new assignment?” McGonagall quirked an eyebrow and began walking toward the other room.
Harry noticed Lupin and McGonagall stepping into the sitting room. He stopped talking, which made Hermione turn around to find out what he was looking at. She nodded politely in a new greeting.
Ron turned around to look at what had made his friends silent and he blinked. He thought everyone else had left already and that they were alone, though apparently they weren‘t. “Professors?” He asked bewildered.
“Harry, Ronald, Hermione, may we have a word with the three of you?” McGonagall asked as she walked over to them.
Harry simply shrugged. “Sure. Can’t see why not.”
Hermione sat down on the sofa, curious to know what this was about. Ron sat down beside Hermione and turned curious eyes on the two professors.
McGonagall smiled at the three of them. “It is nothing to worry about, but Remus and I have been talking about what he could do during the two weeks he doesn’t spend at Hogwarts. If the three of you will agree, he would like to continue your lessons in Defence Against the Dark Arts and any other subject that he might have some knowledge of to help you as much as possible.”
“I think it’s a marvellous idea, Professor.” Hermione nodded enthusiastically. “We surely could use the knowledge and the practice.”
Harry remained silent, letting Hermione do the talking for now. She was right. ‘Isn’t she always?’ He grinned to himself. What they learnt at Hogwarts certainly wasn’t enough to lunge head-first into a war. Lupin was a capable teacher and Harry was actually getting excited by the prospects of being taught by him again.
Ron knew he should be grateful for their teachers’ thoughtfulness, but he couldn’t help groaning in his mind at the prospect of more studying. Outwardly though he smiled politely and nodded.
McGonagall looked at Hermione with a small smirk. “We thought so too, Hermione. And if you need anything else that Remus can’t comply with, you can always owl me at Hogwarts.”
“Thanks, Professor.” Harry gave a small smile, before looking at Remus. “When do we start?”
“I think we should probably start somewhere next week. We don’t have to limit training to the weeks I’m not at Hogwarts. I am sure I can arrange with Kingsley to take over my rounds a few times. I’d like to see the three of you two to three times a week.”
“Sounds reasonable.” Harry nodded.
“I will be assuming you are keeping up with practice while I’m not around, too. You can train together well enough.” Remus looked specifically at Harry. “I know you used to run Dumbledore’s Army, so I know you’re capable.”
“Two to three times a week?” Ron asked with wide eyes. “More studying…” He groaned.
McGonagall shook her head. Well, it might have been too much to ask of the boy and he had probably thought that he wouldn’t have to deal with more homework in the near future. “Yes, Mr. Weasley. Two to three times a week. Of course we do expect you to write a five-foot essay on each lesson that Professor Lupin is so generous to teach you.” She smirked, when the red haired teen whimpered.
Hermione rolled her eyes. “Honestly, Ronald, would you prefer to blame yourself later for dismissing important lessons while you are lying on the ground, wounded?”
“Owl us with the days and times you find suitable, Professor.” Harry looked back at Lupin. “I’m sure we can manage.”
One look at the angry Hermione and Ron hurriedly looked at the floor with a muttered ‘no’ and a helpless shrug of his shoulders. “Sorry.” He whispered.
Rolling her eyes, McGonagall decided that it was time for her to return to Hogwarts, certainly some of the students had already gotten into trouble by now. So she bid Remus and the three teens goodnight and exited the house, passing the for once slumbering Mrs. Black on the way.
Remus nodded. “I should be taking my leave as well. I will owl you as soon as I’ve figured it out, Harry.”
“Sounds good, Professor.” Harry shrugged.
Remus bid the other two a good evening as well, before letting himself out, leaving the three teens to themselves.
Tbc.
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