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batsutousaiTitle: The Forgotten
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Pairings: OC/OC, Tom/Doo(Harry)
Warnings: SLASH/YAOI, Character death, OOCness, AU(we all know Jo won’t let this happen…), OCs
Summary: What if Voldemort wins the “Final Battle,” but Harry Potter survives?
Living in the Muggle world with no memory of his past, can Harry find the key to saving them all?
Disclaim Her: Ha ha! Ha! You- Hahahaha... You think I own Harry Potter?! HAHAHAHA!!! That’s FUNNY!! I haven’t heard one that good in FOREVER! *snorts in amusement*
Key:
’Thoughts’
Writing
¤Another language, like Bulgarian¤
:Parseltongue:
A/N: I’m not fond of the name that I picked for this chapter, but I have nothing better to name it, so…. *headdesk*
-~/\~-
Chapter Eight
The Power Over the Dark
-~\/~-
Doo followed the Headmaster around the school all of the following day. The man appeared to have little better to do than wander around to various classrooms and wink at the teachers and various students. Doo made a note of the action even as he slid through his memories of his past for a way to get a message to the Dark Lord quickly without letting Goyle out of his sight. During the war, he’d had a mirror similar to the one Sirius had given him in his fifth year to keep in contact with Albus.
‘I suppose I’ll hope I can send something through Severus, then. He or Syna would have to have a way to get in contact with Tom quickly, no matter where he is. Since Severus sits so far away from Goyle, the man won’t be able to read over his shoulder and find out what the message says.’ Doo mused as Goyle headed for his office at last. ‘I only hope Severus has a way to get in contact with Tom.’
“What took you so long?” Lucius Malfoy spat as Goyle stepped into the office.
“I had to make sure everyone was ready to move after lunch.” Goyle growled, settling himself behind his desk.
‘After lunch?!’ Doo’s eyes widened as he settled on a picture frame.
“Very well.” Lucius leaned forward in his chair and met Goyle’s gaze coldly. “Where is his Lordship, anyway?”
“With that idiot Muggle friend of his.” Goyle sneered.
“Perfect. Do you know the name of the city they’re in?”
“I heard Syna and Tarrant discussing it two weeks ago. It’s a small neighborhood just outside of Glasgow.” Goyle agreed.
“Good.” Lucius leaned back in his seat with an evil smile. “Taking down Voldemort, that pesky Muggle, and Vladislav at the same time as we finally continue our noble cause of ridding the world of scum. A most brilliant plan, Goyle.”
“Thank you, Lucius.” Goyle chuckled.
Doo let out a silent hoo of horror. ‘By Merlin! They’re going to attack the whole town! That court case won’t even matter if we don’t stop them!’
“Are your people ready?” Goyle asked suddenly.
“Yes. I’ll have them start moving in on the neighborhood immediately.” Lucius stood. “You just make sure Snape and Krum aren’t suspicious.”
“They won’t even be awake, let alone suspicious.” Goyle replied.
‘Screw this! I’ve got what I need!’ Doo growled mentally, flying down to follow Lucius from the office.
“They’d better not.” Lucius hissed in response to the Headmaster before slamming out of the office.
Doo flew for the dungeons at top speed. He had to get to Severus. The Potions’ Master would, hopefully, know what to do.
-~/\~-
Tom sat behind the front counter with a glum expression, watching the pouring rain just on the other side of the large glass store windows. He’d caught Nick watching him with an odd look once or twice, but he couldn’t bring himself to snap at the Muggle for staring, and there wasn’t any way he was going to ask the idiot anything in a polite voice if Doo weren’t around to keep him from snapping Nick’s head off.
A sound behind them made both Dark Lord and Muggle glanced over their shoulders to look at the door to the office. Tonks, disguised as Doo, stood with a pile of papers in one hand and an annoyed look on her face. “Have either of you any idea how to read this shit?” She shook the pile of papers at them, scowling furiously when a few sheets got free and danced around in the air until they greeted the ground at her feet.
Nick bit his lower lip to keep from laughing. “Nope. Sorry, boss, but you know I’m not allowed in your office.” He offered in a forcefully even voice.
Tom snorted. “Most brilliant thing he’s done yet.” He waved his wand discreetly, calling the loose papers to him, as Nick had a coughing fit to hide his laughter. With a sigh, he glanced over the papers, then shook his head, holding them back out to Tonks. “They’re different than what I’m used to. I do my business differently.”
“Right.” Tonks sneered. “Should have known better than to ask you about paperwork. You just kill everyone.”
The Dark Lord narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Watch it, Tarrant. I really don’t need a reason to take anyone’s head off right now.”
“Oh, go on out and do your Muggle killing act, your Highness. None of us will mind.” Tonks shot back, papers forgotten in lieu of taking her aggravation out on the nearest target.
“Whoa, whoa.” Nick’s gaze shot quickly back and forth between the two arguing people. “Guys, please stop.”
“Stay out of this.” Tonks and Tom chorused before returning to glaring at one another.
With a helpless sigh, Nick gave up on self-preservation and stepped between the two half-bloods. “Listen up, as senior employee and the person who happens to know Doo the best, I’m telling you two to cut the crap before I’m forced to take drastic measures.” He sent Tonks a sharp look. “You, office. Stay in there and shut up.” Then his gaze shot to the rather smug-looking Dark Lord. “You, outside until you can stop moping and snapping at people.”
“You can’t orde-“
“Out, Voldemort.”
“This is an ou-“
“I said, out.”
With a look that could have curdled milk, Tom stood stiffly and walked out of the store. “Damn Muggle. Thinks he can order me around.” He grumbled, casting a minor water repelling charm on his clothing. Assured that he’d be somewhat dry, the Dark Lord slipped out from under the overhang in front of Sherbet Lemon and into the pouring rain. ‘Where to?’ He thought, glancing around the street as he walked away from the shop.
His decision was ripped from him when a friendly voice called out to him from ahead. “Mr Marvolo!”
Tom paused, watching as the young woman ran up to him. She was soaking wet, an umbrella held closed in one hand. “Miss Riddock. This is a pleasant surprise.” He murmured politely.
Hertha Riddock smiled brightly. “I’ve been looking for a chance to speak to you.”
“Oh?” Tom cocked an eyebrow at the Forgotten curiously, and perhaps with a little concern.
“Yes. Dooley speaks so well of you. Could I borrow a bit of your time?” Hertha agreed, brown eyes gleaming with mischief. Tom thought it looked oddly out of place on the young woman he’d once fought against.
“I-“ Tom glanced back over his shoulder at the Sherbet Lemon and heaved a great sigh before smiling thinly back at the Forgotten. “Of course. I need something to do, I suppose.”
Hertha offered an arm with a smile. “Come, there’s an excellent tea shop just down this way.” Tom nodded and took her arm, allowing her to lead him off towards the shop she’d mentioned. “Nicholas get into a fight with you?” The woman teased before they entered the shop.
“Yes.” Tom agreed, running a hand through his hair and scowling when his hand got soaked. “Bloody storm.”
Hertha laughed and led the way to a small round table that was seated in a darkened corner of the shop. “It was rather sudden, wasn’t it? I seem to recall seeing that it was supposed to be a gorgeous day today on the news yesterday.”
Tom’s brow furrowed as Hertha waved an employee over for their order. Once the young woman was gone, the Dark Lord turned his gaze to the window. He stared at the pouring rain with a frown. ‘It was a bit too sudden...’ He ran his hand through his hair again. ‘Merlin, I hope Doo’s okay...’
“You shouldn’t brood so much.”
Tom turned back to Hertha. “What was that?”
“I said, you shouldn’t brood so much. Not really healthy.” Hertha responded softly. Her brown eyes bored holes into Tom’s green ones. “What do you do for a living, Tom? Dooley would never tell.”
“I’m a sheriff.” Tom replied, thinking quickly. “Small town a few hours northeast of here.”
“Ah...” Hertha rested her chin on one hand. “Nothing much happens there, I assume.”
Tom sighed. “No, not really. The worst on a normal week is someone’s stolen bicycle. Rather boring, really.”
Hertha smiled. “Your deputy handles things when you’re gone, then?”
Tom’s false green eyes darkened. “I thought he was, but Doo has helped me find out that he’s just been making things worse.”
The Forgotten’s eyes widened in surprise. “Corruption really does happen everywhere, doesn’t it?”
“So it appears.” The Dark Lord ran a hand down his face wearily. “Of course-“
“Tom!”
Both Tom and Hertha turned to the door of the shop, as did the rest of the shop, to see Doo standing there, drenched, a light of panic in his eyes. Tom stood swiftly and walked up to him, not really noticing Hertha following him. “Why aren’t you at the school?”
Doo shook his head sharply. “Goyle and Lucius have plans to attack the town in, like, an hour.”
“What?” Tom narrowed his eyes.
“You heard me.” Doo snapped, pulling himself back together. “You go tell Tonks and Nick, I’ll get to Deva-“
“I’ve been kicked out of your shop by your little friend.” Tom shot back.
Doo opened his mouth to reply when Hertha stepped between the two wizards. “Okay, stop. You’re causing a scene.”
Doo pursed his lips. “Hertha’s right. I’ll go to the Sherbet Lemon, then. Tom, you go warn Deva. Hertha, you’re with me.”
“No.” Tom hissed, shooting Doo a sharp look. “We’re not including others in this.”
Doo leaned forward to whisper in the Dark Lord’s ear. “We don’t have a choice. Your people are going to destroy this whole town to get to you.” He pulled back, eyes hard. “Go warn Deva. Please.” He spat, then, motioning for Hertha to follow him, he spun and ran back out into the storm.
Hertha nodded to Tom before running after Doo. The Dark Lord groaned and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. ‘Fabulous. Remind me to make Lucius scream for this...’ He grumbled before hurrying out into the pouring rain to alert his second’s cousin.
-~/\~-
“Oiy, Doo-man.” Nick straightened quickly and stared at his drenched boss as the man ushered Hertha in before closing and locking the door. “What’s up?”
“The rebellion is attacking the town. Tell Tonks I need her help.” Doo ordered over his shoulder as he turned around the open/closed sign.
Nick spun and banged on the office door behind him. “Tonks, Doo’s asking for you!”
A head with pink hair and bright purple eyes poked out of the door. “Wotcher.”
Hertha turned to look at the mildly amused Doo with wide eyes. “Is that thing human?” She had to know.
Tonks grinned widely while Nick laughed. “Of course I am! Name’s Tonks. Tonks Black. Pleasure to meet you, luv.”
“Tonks...” Doo rolled his eyes helplessly. “Be serious for once.”
“My cousin?”
Doo groaned and buried his face in his hands while Nick and Hertha gave the two once-Order of the Phoenix members odd looks. “No, not Sirius, you twit.” Doo finally ground out, trying not to laugh.
The door popped open, startling a scream out of Hertha. The Dark Lord scowled at the Forgotten as he forced Deva in before him. “This is why I didn’t want to involve your little friends.”
“Hertha, it’s fine, Tom has a key.” Doo told his friend soothingly as he shot Tom a look filled with venom.
Nick gave the Dark Lord an annoyed look while Tonks glared at him furiously. “Shut your trap for once, jackarse.” Tonks spat.
Doo held up his hands, shooting Tom a silencing look. “Whatever happened here before you kicked Tom out will be dropped now or, so help me God, I’ll curse all three of you until you behave.”
“He threate-“ Tonks started, pointing an accusing finger at the Dark Lord.
Doo pointed his wand at the Metamorphmagus. “Enough.”
Tonks shut her mouth with a snap and ducked behind Nick.
“No wonder everyone listened to you.” Tom grumbled before coughing into his hand and ignoring the dark look sent at him by the pale-haired man.
“Tom mentioned something about an attack.” Deva cut in smoothly.
Doo nodded sharply. “Lucius and Goyle are sending people to attack the town. Their main target is Tom, as far as I can tell, but they’re also aiming for you and myself.”
“Why would they aim to kill you?” Nick gasped. Hertha was watching everything with wide eyes behind from Doo.
“Because he’s my friend, of course.” Tom shot back coldly.
“They don’t knov vo they’re facing.” Deva murmured. “They are underestimating us.”
“What about Snape?” Tonks asked, coming out from behind Nick with a frown. “And Krum?”
“Sleeping Potion. I warned Severus.” Doo responded. “He said he’d make sure Syna and he have both taken the antidote before lunch.”
“Good.” Tom nodded, looking around the room. “There are six of us. I’m not used to working with these numbers. Doo?”
Doo rubbed at his chin. “Tonks, I want you to shift. You know what most of the Death Eaters look like from the war. See if you can spot and neutralize any.”
Tonks nodded sharply. “Aye, aye, boss-man.” She agreed before hopping over the counter and hurrying out the shop door.
Doo rolled his eyes, but didn’t comment on the rule-breaking. “Hertha, Nick, you both know the members of this town rather well. Go out and see what you can do about any strangers, particularly those that look hostile. Get other town members to help you if you can.” He ordered the two without the ability, or knowledge, to use magic. “Nick, grab your hat. Some of them might know you.”
“Right.” Nick grabbed his hat and took off his apron before hopping over the counter. “Come on, Mz Riddock. Lets go save this town.”
Hertha nodded faintly. “Of course.” She let Nick take her hand and lead her towards the door.
“Hertha.” The Forgotten blinked at Tom, who had spoken. “You may not remember, but you’ve done this before. Keep that in mind.”
Everyone but Hertha gave the Dark Lord sharp looks, but Hertha just nodded. “Perhaps you’ll explain what you mean by that later.” The woman said calmly before dragging Nick from the shop.
Doo shook his head. “I’ll never quite understand you, Tom, but so be it.” He said, running a hand through his hair.
“Vat vill ve be doing?” Deva inquired.
“Unless you know any good Glamours that they can’t uncover, we’ll be staying here.” Doo muttered.
Deva scowled. “I haff a squirrel as my Animagus form. I can run through this storm and help.”
Doo frowned at the Bulgarian for a long moment before nodding. “Go. And be careful, for Merlin’s sake!”
Deva rolled her eyes before changing into a small grey squirrel and dashing out the door that Tom held open and into the rain.
“Now what?” Tom sighed, allowing the Glamour on his eyes to fade.
“Now?” Doo pulled out his wand and magicked the shades down over the store windows. “Now we wait.”
-~/\~-
Tonks frowned when she saw a group of people Apparate into the back alley she’d been passing. She paused, letting herself morph into a darker coloured, smaller woman, and stared at the small gathering. With a start, she recognized the elder Goyle in the centre of the group. The man looked huge next to the group of seventh years and teachers surrounding him. He began speaking once he was sure everyone was watching him.
“Today will be a most glorious day! This day will be remembered by the Wizarding World for the rest of time! This is the day we break free of our chains! The day we finish what our once-great leader started! I know we will make our true Lord proud of us on this day! Today is the day that we will begin to take over the world!!”
Cheers rose up around them, ricocheting off the walls of the buildings around them and threading through the damp air with a strange sort of ease.
‘Surely the rest of the town heard that!’ Tonks cried to herself hopefully.
As if in answer to Tonks prayer, town members with rifles, small knives, and kitchen cookware closed in around the edges of the alley’s entrance. A squirrel in the shadows next to Tonks morphed into Deva. “Ve’ll need anti-Apparation vards.” The Bulgarian murmured to her fellow witch.
Tonks pulled out her wand and they started chanting as Goyle started speaking again.
“We will need to be quick. These Muggles aren’t expecting us, so this’ll be a big surprise for them. However, you know how Muggles are. As soon as they get word that we’re here, they’ll work to mobilize themselves. Be quick. Be efficient. You’ve been trained for this, I know you’ll do well. No one can stand against us!”
“I beg to differ.” A cold voice offered from the head of the alleyway.
Goyle pointed his wand at the single figure who thought he could stop them. “Move aside, Muggle, and perhaps I’ll kill you quickly.”
Nick merely smirked. “I may be a Muggle, but I’m not alone.”
“Aye! He’s got us!” Hertha called, stepping forward with the townspeople from the right side of the alley.
“And us!” Deva agreed, leading her side forward, Tonks at her side, still looking like the small, dark-coloured woman.
“You think you can stand against us?!” One of the seventh years shouted. “Yer a bunch of Muggles with only one little magical one among ya! I could kill you all with my eyes blindfolded!”
“Care to test that theory, Mr Orwick?” A silky voice inquired from the crowd at the head of the alley before Severus and Syna stepped into sight, wands at the ready.
“You!” Goyle’s mouth fell open in shock. “You’re supposed to be asleep!”
“Yes, about that.” Severus drawled. “You see, a dead man informed me about your little plot.”
Goyle’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion, as did the eyebrows of many of the people around him. Ghosts weren't supposed to be able to get into the Headmaster’s office, and all of their other meetings were warded against the damn things. It shouldn’t be possible for a ghost to overhear such a plan.
Severus and Syna traded amused looks. “I think you’ve confused them, Severus. Hov very rude of you.” Syna teased. This comment got a sharp laugh from many of the Muggles surrounding them.
Anger danced in Goyle’s eyes and he acted. “Avada Kedavra!”
“Maledictum Deletor!” The Killing Curse shattered into green sparks just shy of Severus’ wide eyes.
“Goyle, you get stupider every time I see you.” Came the cold voice of Lord Voldemort as the tall man jumped down from the roof of the building he’d been standing on. If anyone had looked up to where the Dark Lord had just jumped from, they would have seen the slight form of Doo as the man held his wand at the ready to destroy any more Killing Curses, a trick only Harry Potter knew how to pull off.
Goyle turned to his ruler with a cold gaze, almost immediately forgetting to question the spell that only a dead man knew how to cast. “And you get weaker every time I see you! You’re going soft my Lord.” He spat the title at the Dark Lord’s feet as if it were a curse to be reserved only for the lowest of scum. Voldemort merely cocked a dark eyebrow at the Headmaster, his lips twitching with amusement as the enraged man continued. “I won’t follow a Mudblood anymore! I’ll only follow our true lord!”
“And who might that be? Your dead son?” Tonks threw out at Goyle nastily.
The next Killing Curse thrown by Goyle exploded in his own face, followed by fear. Desperately, the man’s gaze shot around the filled alley. He ignored the smiling Dark Lord and the Muggles in the mouth of the alley. He ignored the men and women surrounding him and the matching grim smiles on Severus and Syna’s faces. “He’s dead.” He started chanting to himself, gaze frantic.
“Who’s dead, Headmaster?” One of the milder seventh years asked with quiet concern.
“Potter…”
“Really, Goyle.” Doo tutted as he joined Voldemort on the ground, green eyes unnaturally bright. “Everyone knows dead people don’t just come back to life.”
Goyle fainted.
As if the thud of the Headmaster’s body hitting the concrete were a signal, the group of resistance rose their wands to point at the nearest targets. In response, six wands and numerous Muggle weapons raised to point at the small group. All gazes were hard, ready to kill those that threatened their own. “Forfeit nov!” Syna ordered, voice sharp.
One of the professors dropped her wand and threw her hands up in the air. “I know when I’ve been beat.” She offered. The other staff members and students took her example and threw their wands to the ground.
With no death or blood spilt, the resistance members were led away.
-~/\~-
-~\/~-
A/N: Yes, we’re back to the short chapters again. *sighes* Sorry. I just didn’t want to pack this chapter with more crap than I think it can hold.
Another chapter I’m not fond of. *rolls eyes* It moved too fast. Every time I tried to slow it down, though, I got stuck, so this is what we’ve got. Eh. Gomen.
~Batsutousai, AKA Bats
^.^x
Chapters:
Prologue
1 - Hogwarts ||| 2 - Nicholas Wants Answers ||| 3 - Depression
4 - The Greatest Idiot ||| 5 - Another Clue ||| 6 - Discovered
7 - Harry Potter Lives |||8 - The Power Over the Dark ||| 9 - Answers
10 - The True Threat Becomes Known ||| 11 - Gathering Allies ||| 12 - A New Bond
13 - Culross and Her Staff ||| 14 - Courting Your Fate
Discontinued
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Pairings: OC/OC, Tom/Doo(Harry)
Warnings: SLASH/YAOI, Character death, OOCness, AU(we all know Jo won’t let this happen…), OCs
Summary: What if Voldemort wins the “Final Battle,” but Harry Potter survives?
Living in the Muggle world with no memory of his past, can Harry find the key to saving them all?
Disclaim Her: Ha ha! Ha! You- Hahahaha... You think I own Harry Potter?! HAHAHAHA!!! That’s FUNNY!! I haven’t heard one that good in FOREVER! *snorts in amusement*
Key:
’Thoughts’
Writing
¤Another language, like Bulgarian¤
:Parseltongue:
A/N: I’m not fond of the name that I picked for this chapter, but I have nothing better to name it, so…. *headdesk*
Chapter Eight
The Power Over the Dark
-~\/~-
Doo followed the Headmaster around the school all of the following day. The man appeared to have little better to do than wander around to various classrooms and wink at the teachers and various students. Doo made a note of the action even as he slid through his memories of his past for a way to get a message to the Dark Lord quickly without letting Goyle out of his sight. During the war, he’d had a mirror similar to the one Sirius had given him in his fifth year to keep in contact with Albus.
‘I suppose I’ll hope I can send something through Severus, then. He or Syna would have to have a way to get in contact with Tom quickly, no matter where he is. Since Severus sits so far away from Goyle, the man won’t be able to read over his shoulder and find out what the message says.’ Doo mused as Goyle headed for his office at last. ‘I only hope Severus has a way to get in contact with Tom.’
“What took you so long?” Lucius Malfoy spat as Goyle stepped into the office.
“I had to make sure everyone was ready to move after lunch.” Goyle growled, settling himself behind his desk.
‘After lunch?!’ Doo’s eyes widened as he settled on a picture frame.
“Very well.” Lucius leaned forward in his chair and met Goyle’s gaze coldly. “Where is his Lordship, anyway?”
“With that idiot Muggle friend of his.” Goyle sneered.
“Perfect. Do you know the name of the city they’re in?”
“I heard Syna and Tarrant discussing it two weeks ago. It’s a small neighborhood just outside of Glasgow.” Goyle agreed.
“Good.” Lucius leaned back in his seat with an evil smile. “Taking down Voldemort, that pesky Muggle, and Vladislav at the same time as we finally continue our noble cause of ridding the world of scum. A most brilliant plan, Goyle.”
“Thank you, Lucius.” Goyle chuckled.
Doo let out a silent hoo of horror. ‘By Merlin! They’re going to attack the whole town! That court case won’t even matter if we don’t stop them!’
“Are your people ready?” Goyle asked suddenly.
“Yes. I’ll have them start moving in on the neighborhood immediately.” Lucius stood. “You just make sure Snape and Krum aren’t suspicious.”
“They won’t even be awake, let alone suspicious.” Goyle replied.
‘Screw this! I’ve got what I need!’ Doo growled mentally, flying down to follow Lucius from the office.
“They’d better not.” Lucius hissed in response to the Headmaster before slamming out of the office.
Doo flew for the dungeons at top speed. He had to get to Severus. The Potions’ Master would, hopefully, know what to do.
Tom sat behind the front counter with a glum expression, watching the pouring rain just on the other side of the large glass store windows. He’d caught Nick watching him with an odd look once or twice, but he couldn’t bring himself to snap at the Muggle for staring, and there wasn’t any way he was going to ask the idiot anything in a polite voice if Doo weren’t around to keep him from snapping Nick’s head off.
A sound behind them made both Dark Lord and Muggle glanced over their shoulders to look at the door to the office. Tonks, disguised as Doo, stood with a pile of papers in one hand and an annoyed look on her face. “Have either of you any idea how to read this shit?” She shook the pile of papers at them, scowling furiously when a few sheets got free and danced around in the air until they greeted the ground at her feet.
Nick bit his lower lip to keep from laughing. “Nope. Sorry, boss, but you know I’m not allowed in your office.” He offered in a forcefully even voice.
Tom snorted. “Most brilliant thing he’s done yet.” He waved his wand discreetly, calling the loose papers to him, as Nick had a coughing fit to hide his laughter. With a sigh, he glanced over the papers, then shook his head, holding them back out to Tonks. “They’re different than what I’m used to. I do my business differently.”
“Right.” Tonks sneered. “Should have known better than to ask you about paperwork. You just kill everyone.”
The Dark Lord narrowed his eyes dangerously. “Watch it, Tarrant. I really don’t need a reason to take anyone’s head off right now.”
“Oh, go on out and do your Muggle killing act, your Highness. None of us will mind.” Tonks shot back, papers forgotten in lieu of taking her aggravation out on the nearest target.
“Whoa, whoa.” Nick’s gaze shot quickly back and forth between the two arguing people. “Guys, please stop.”
“Stay out of this.” Tonks and Tom chorused before returning to glaring at one another.
With a helpless sigh, Nick gave up on self-preservation and stepped between the two half-bloods. “Listen up, as senior employee and the person who happens to know Doo the best, I’m telling you two to cut the crap before I’m forced to take drastic measures.” He sent Tonks a sharp look. “You, office. Stay in there and shut up.” Then his gaze shot to the rather smug-looking Dark Lord. “You, outside until you can stop moping and snapping at people.”
“You can’t orde-“
“Out, Voldemort.”
“This is an ou-“
“I said, out.”
With a look that could have curdled milk, Tom stood stiffly and walked out of the store. “Damn Muggle. Thinks he can order me around.” He grumbled, casting a minor water repelling charm on his clothing. Assured that he’d be somewhat dry, the Dark Lord slipped out from under the overhang in front of Sherbet Lemon and into the pouring rain. ‘Where to?’ He thought, glancing around the street as he walked away from the shop.
His decision was ripped from him when a friendly voice called out to him from ahead. “Mr Marvolo!”
Tom paused, watching as the young woman ran up to him. She was soaking wet, an umbrella held closed in one hand. “Miss Riddock. This is a pleasant surprise.” He murmured politely.
Hertha Riddock smiled brightly. “I’ve been looking for a chance to speak to you.”
“Oh?” Tom cocked an eyebrow at the Forgotten curiously, and perhaps with a little concern.
“Yes. Dooley speaks so well of you. Could I borrow a bit of your time?” Hertha agreed, brown eyes gleaming with mischief. Tom thought it looked oddly out of place on the young woman he’d once fought against.
“I-“ Tom glanced back over his shoulder at the Sherbet Lemon and heaved a great sigh before smiling thinly back at the Forgotten. “Of course. I need something to do, I suppose.”
Hertha offered an arm with a smile. “Come, there’s an excellent tea shop just down this way.” Tom nodded and took her arm, allowing her to lead him off towards the shop she’d mentioned. “Nicholas get into a fight with you?” The woman teased before they entered the shop.
“Yes.” Tom agreed, running a hand through his hair and scowling when his hand got soaked. “Bloody storm.”
Hertha laughed and led the way to a small round table that was seated in a darkened corner of the shop. “It was rather sudden, wasn’t it? I seem to recall seeing that it was supposed to be a gorgeous day today on the news yesterday.”
Tom’s brow furrowed as Hertha waved an employee over for their order. Once the young woman was gone, the Dark Lord turned his gaze to the window. He stared at the pouring rain with a frown. ‘It was a bit too sudden...’ He ran his hand through his hair again. ‘Merlin, I hope Doo’s okay...’
“You shouldn’t brood so much.”
Tom turned back to Hertha. “What was that?”
“I said, you shouldn’t brood so much. Not really healthy.” Hertha responded softly. Her brown eyes bored holes into Tom’s green ones. “What do you do for a living, Tom? Dooley would never tell.”
“I’m a sheriff.” Tom replied, thinking quickly. “Small town a few hours northeast of here.”
“Ah...” Hertha rested her chin on one hand. “Nothing much happens there, I assume.”
Tom sighed. “No, not really. The worst on a normal week is someone’s stolen bicycle. Rather boring, really.”
Hertha smiled. “Your deputy handles things when you’re gone, then?”
Tom’s false green eyes darkened. “I thought he was, but Doo has helped me find out that he’s just been making things worse.”
The Forgotten’s eyes widened in surprise. “Corruption really does happen everywhere, doesn’t it?”
“So it appears.” The Dark Lord ran a hand down his face wearily. “Of course-“
“Tom!”
Both Tom and Hertha turned to the door of the shop, as did the rest of the shop, to see Doo standing there, drenched, a light of panic in his eyes. Tom stood swiftly and walked up to him, not really noticing Hertha following him. “Why aren’t you at the school?”
Doo shook his head sharply. “Goyle and Lucius have plans to attack the town in, like, an hour.”
“What?” Tom narrowed his eyes.
“You heard me.” Doo snapped, pulling himself back together. “You go tell Tonks and Nick, I’ll get to Deva-“
“I’ve been kicked out of your shop by your little friend.” Tom shot back.
Doo opened his mouth to reply when Hertha stepped between the two wizards. “Okay, stop. You’re causing a scene.”
Doo pursed his lips. “Hertha’s right. I’ll go to the Sherbet Lemon, then. Tom, you go warn Deva. Hertha, you’re with me.”
“No.” Tom hissed, shooting Doo a sharp look. “We’re not including others in this.”
Doo leaned forward to whisper in the Dark Lord’s ear. “We don’t have a choice. Your people are going to destroy this whole town to get to you.” He pulled back, eyes hard. “Go warn Deva. Please.” He spat, then, motioning for Hertha to follow him, he spun and ran back out into the storm.
Hertha nodded to Tom before running after Doo. The Dark Lord groaned and rubbed at the bridge of his nose. ‘Fabulous. Remind me to make Lucius scream for this...’ He grumbled before hurrying out into the pouring rain to alert his second’s cousin.
“Oiy, Doo-man.” Nick straightened quickly and stared at his drenched boss as the man ushered Hertha in before closing and locking the door. “What’s up?”
“The rebellion is attacking the town. Tell Tonks I need her help.” Doo ordered over his shoulder as he turned around the open/closed sign.
Nick spun and banged on the office door behind him. “Tonks, Doo’s asking for you!”
A head with pink hair and bright purple eyes poked out of the door. “Wotcher.”
Hertha turned to look at the mildly amused Doo with wide eyes. “Is that thing human?” She had to know.
Tonks grinned widely while Nick laughed. “Of course I am! Name’s Tonks. Tonks Black. Pleasure to meet you, luv.”
“Tonks...” Doo rolled his eyes helplessly. “Be serious for once.”
“My cousin?”
Doo groaned and buried his face in his hands while Nick and Hertha gave the two once-Order of the Phoenix members odd looks. “No, not Sirius, you twit.” Doo finally ground out, trying not to laugh.
The door popped open, startling a scream out of Hertha. The Dark Lord scowled at the Forgotten as he forced Deva in before him. “This is why I didn’t want to involve your little friends.”
“Hertha, it’s fine, Tom has a key.” Doo told his friend soothingly as he shot Tom a look filled with venom.
Nick gave the Dark Lord an annoyed look while Tonks glared at him furiously. “Shut your trap for once, jackarse.” Tonks spat.
Doo held up his hands, shooting Tom a silencing look. “Whatever happened here before you kicked Tom out will be dropped now or, so help me God, I’ll curse all three of you until you behave.”
“He threate-“ Tonks started, pointing an accusing finger at the Dark Lord.
Doo pointed his wand at the Metamorphmagus. “Enough.”
Tonks shut her mouth with a snap and ducked behind Nick.
“No wonder everyone listened to you.” Tom grumbled before coughing into his hand and ignoring the dark look sent at him by the pale-haired man.
“Tom mentioned something about an attack.” Deva cut in smoothly.
Doo nodded sharply. “Lucius and Goyle are sending people to attack the town. Their main target is Tom, as far as I can tell, but they’re also aiming for you and myself.”
“Why would they aim to kill you?” Nick gasped. Hertha was watching everything with wide eyes behind from Doo.
“Because he’s my friend, of course.” Tom shot back coldly.
“They don’t knov vo they’re facing.” Deva murmured. “They are underestimating us.”
“What about Snape?” Tonks asked, coming out from behind Nick with a frown. “And Krum?”
“Sleeping Potion. I warned Severus.” Doo responded. “He said he’d make sure Syna and he have both taken the antidote before lunch.”
“Good.” Tom nodded, looking around the room. “There are six of us. I’m not used to working with these numbers. Doo?”
Doo rubbed at his chin. “Tonks, I want you to shift. You know what most of the Death Eaters look like from the war. See if you can spot and neutralize any.”
Tonks nodded sharply. “Aye, aye, boss-man.” She agreed before hopping over the counter and hurrying out the shop door.
Doo rolled his eyes, but didn’t comment on the rule-breaking. “Hertha, Nick, you both know the members of this town rather well. Go out and see what you can do about any strangers, particularly those that look hostile. Get other town members to help you if you can.” He ordered the two without the ability, or knowledge, to use magic. “Nick, grab your hat. Some of them might know you.”
“Right.” Nick grabbed his hat and took off his apron before hopping over the counter. “Come on, Mz Riddock. Lets go save this town.”
Hertha nodded faintly. “Of course.” She let Nick take her hand and lead her towards the door.
“Hertha.” The Forgotten blinked at Tom, who had spoken. “You may not remember, but you’ve done this before. Keep that in mind.”
Everyone but Hertha gave the Dark Lord sharp looks, but Hertha just nodded. “Perhaps you’ll explain what you mean by that later.” The woman said calmly before dragging Nick from the shop.
Doo shook his head. “I’ll never quite understand you, Tom, but so be it.” He said, running a hand through his hair.
“Vat vill ve be doing?” Deva inquired.
“Unless you know any good Glamours that they can’t uncover, we’ll be staying here.” Doo muttered.
Deva scowled. “I haff a squirrel as my Animagus form. I can run through this storm and help.”
Doo frowned at the Bulgarian for a long moment before nodding. “Go. And be careful, for Merlin’s sake!”
Deva rolled her eyes before changing into a small grey squirrel and dashing out the door that Tom held open and into the rain.
“Now what?” Tom sighed, allowing the Glamour on his eyes to fade.
“Now?” Doo pulled out his wand and magicked the shades down over the store windows. “Now we wait.”
Tonks frowned when she saw a group of people Apparate into the back alley she’d been passing. She paused, letting herself morph into a darker coloured, smaller woman, and stared at the small gathering. With a start, she recognized the elder Goyle in the centre of the group. The man looked huge next to the group of seventh years and teachers surrounding him. He began speaking once he was sure everyone was watching him.
“Today will be a most glorious day! This day will be remembered by the Wizarding World for the rest of time! This is the day we break free of our chains! The day we finish what our once-great leader started! I know we will make our true Lord proud of us on this day! Today is the day that we will begin to take over the world!!”
Cheers rose up around them, ricocheting off the walls of the buildings around them and threading through the damp air with a strange sort of ease.
‘Surely the rest of the town heard that!’ Tonks cried to herself hopefully.
As if in answer to Tonks prayer, town members with rifles, small knives, and kitchen cookware closed in around the edges of the alley’s entrance. A squirrel in the shadows next to Tonks morphed into Deva. “Ve’ll need anti-Apparation vards.” The Bulgarian murmured to her fellow witch.
Tonks pulled out her wand and they started chanting as Goyle started speaking again.
“We will need to be quick. These Muggles aren’t expecting us, so this’ll be a big surprise for them. However, you know how Muggles are. As soon as they get word that we’re here, they’ll work to mobilize themselves. Be quick. Be efficient. You’ve been trained for this, I know you’ll do well. No one can stand against us!”
“I beg to differ.” A cold voice offered from the head of the alleyway.
Goyle pointed his wand at the single figure who thought he could stop them. “Move aside, Muggle, and perhaps I’ll kill you quickly.”
Nick merely smirked. “I may be a Muggle, but I’m not alone.”
“Aye! He’s got us!” Hertha called, stepping forward with the townspeople from the right side of the alley.
“And us!” Deva agreed, leading her side forward, Tonks at her side, still looking like the small, dark-coloured woman.
“You think you can stand against us?!” One of the seventh years shouted. “Yer a bunch of Muggles with only one little magical one among ya! I could kill you all with my eyes blindfolded!”
“Care to test that theory, Mr Orwick?” A silky voice inquired from the crowd at the head of the alley before Severus and Syna stepped into sight, wands at the ready.
“You!” Goyle’s mouth fell open in shock. “You’re supposed to be asleep!”
“Yes, about that.” Severus drawled. “You see, a dead man informed me about your little plot.”
Goyle’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion, as did the eyebrows of many of the people around him. Ghosts weren't supposed to be able to get into the Headmaster’s office, and all of their other meetings were warded against the damn things. It shouldn’t be possible for a ghost to overhear such a plan.
Severus and Syna traded amused looks. “I think you’ve confused them, Severus. Hov very rude of you.” Syna teased. This comment got a sharp laugh from many of the Muggles surrounding them.
Anger danced in Goyle’s eyes and he acted. “Avada Kedavra!”
“Maledictum Deletor!” The Killing Curse shattered into green sparks just shy of Severus’ wide eyes.
“Goyle, you get stupider every time I see you.” Came the cold voice of Lord Voldemort as the tall man jumped down from the roof of the building he’d been standing on. If anyone had looked up to where the Dark Lord had just jumped from, they would have seen the slight form of Doo as the man held his wand at the ready to destroy any more Killing Curses, a trick only Harry Potter knew how to pull off.
Goyle turned to his ruler with a cold gaze, almost immediately forgetting to question the spell that only a dead man knew how to cast. “And you get weaker every time I see you! You’re going soft my Lord.” He spat the title at the Dark Lord’s feet as if it were a curse to be reserved only for the lowest of scum. Voldemort merely cocked a dark eyebrow at the Headmaster, his lips twitching with amusement as the enraged man continued. “I won’t follow a Mudblood anymore! I’ll only follow our true lord!”
“And who might that be? Your dead son?” Tonks threw out at Goyle nastily.
The next Killing Curse thrown by Goyle exploded in his own face, followed by fear. Desperately, the man’s gaze shot around the filled alley. He ignored the smiling Dark Lord and the Muggles in the mouth of the alley. He ignored the men and women surrounding him and the matching grim smiles on Severus and Syna’s faces. “He’s dead.” He started chanting to himself, gaze frantic.
“Who’s dead, Headmaster?” One of the milder seventh years asked with quiet concern.
“Potter…”
“Really, Goyle.” Doo tutted as he joined Voldemort on the ground, green eyes unnaturally bright. “Everyone knows dead people don’t just come back to life.”
Goyle fainted.
As if the thud of the Headmaster’s body hitting the concrete were a signal, the group of resistance rose their wands to point at the nearest targets. In response, six wands and numerous Muggle weapons raised to point at the small group. All gazes were hard, ready to kill those that threatened their own. “Forfeit nov!” Syna ordered, voice sharp.
One of the professors dropped her wand and threw her hands up in the air. “I know when I’ve been beat.” She offered. The other staff members and students took her example and threw their wands to the ground.
With no death or blood spilt, the resistance members were led away.
-~\/~-
A/N: Yes, we’re back to the short chapters again. *sighes* Sorry. I just didn’t want to pack this chapter with more crap than I think it can hold.
Another chapter I’m not fond of. *rolls eyes* It moved too fast. Every time I tried to slow it down, though, I got stuck, so this is what we’ve got. Eh. Gomen.
~Batsutousai, AKA Bats
^.^x
Prologue
1 - Hogwarts ||| 2 - Nicholas Wants Answers ||| 3 - Depression
4 - The Greatest Idiot ||| 5 - Another Clue ||| 6 - Discovered
7 - Harry Potter Lives |||
10 - The True Threat Becomes Known ||| 11 - Gathering Allies ||| 12 - A New Bond
13 - Culross and Her Staff ||| 14 - Courting Your Fate
Discontinued
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Re: Heh...
Date: 2/6/05 19:13 (UTC)Yea, sleep sounds good right about now. *thinks dreamly of clouds*
Yeah it does actually. I usually have to go back and change things every time I read it so that I think is the only problem with me and also my lack of english lol.
Yep. See, no one said anything lol. XD