With a Little Help from Friends

Chapter IV: With a Little Help from Friends

The holiday flew by far too quickly, and soon Hermione found herself back at work, confronted with the challenge of years-old cold cases, of piecing bits of information together in the hope to solve one.

Sighing inwardly and taking a deep breath, she readied herself to open the Malfoy and Brown cases and then read through her copious notes.

A trap. We need a trap, she suddenly thought. Excitement began to build inside her, and in an instant, she rose to look for Harry or Draco to share her idea. She'd need Auror help to go through with it, in any case.

Hermione stopped for a moment to gain some order. Then she headed for the fireplace to speak to Madam Pomfrey before leaving for the Aurors' department.

"Are you mad?" Harry asked incredulously. "You want to put yourself on the frontline? Hermione, that's crazy! That person has managed to murder...murder...three women already! I'd hate for you to be the fourth!"

"Harry," Hermione started, "I've been familiar with these cases for months now, probably more familiar than anyone else except the murderer himself. I'm going to see if Colin can give me any additional pointers; he's more familiar with swords than I am. I won't go into this unprepared."

Harry stared at her. "No, I know that, Hermione. But still. I think it's mad."

"Not if I have a group of Aurors hiding in the vicinity!" Hermione cast him a challenging look. "Harry, please. We need to find the murderer before he strikes again." She lowered her voice. "There are currently two witches who fit all the previous victims' criteria. Both are seeing Madam Pomfrey. It's a matter of time, Harry, before he strikes again."

Harry shrugged. "Let me think it over and discuss it with my team, Hermione. That's all I can offer you right now."

The following evening...Hermione had just changed into more comfortable clothing...the bell rang. She frowned, wondering if she'd forgotten to switch on her cell phone upon leaving the Ministry and there was some emergency regarding her parents. Shrugging to herself, she went to open the door. "Lucius! What are you doing here?" She was unable to hide a smile.

He bowed. "Hermione. Uh, may I come in?"

"Of course." Hermione stepped aside, led the way to her living room, and motioned for him to take a seat. "Would you like some tea? Or a glass of wine maybe?"

"If you don't mind, I'll opt for wine."

Hermione proceeded to the kitchen and returned with an opened bottle of red wine and two glasses. She poured the drinks and then sat down opposite Lucius, who'd made himself comfortable on the sofa. "So, what brings you here?"

"Well ..." Lucius took a sip of wine. "Oh, not bad. What's this one, then?"

Hermione cast an amused look at him. Why did he come here??? "It's only a Bordeaux Superieur. But a 2005, so I expect it's not bad."

Lucius took another appreciative sip before he spoke. "My son paid me a visit, informing me that you are suicidal."

Hermione's eyes inspected the ceiling. "Lucius ..."

"All right. He told me you plan to put yourself out there, with Polyjuice," he corrected. "Hermione! Do you know the danger of this? I lost my wife to this madman. I have no intention...oh, never mind."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean to say, please reconsider. Let an Auror do the job." He grabbed his glass again to take another sip, but it seemed more like a gesture to occupy his hand. Then he put the glass down hard. "Hermione, please. I hate to see you in such danger."

She closed her eyes for a moment. Why is he so concerned? Taking a deep breath, she said, "I have to, Lucius. Let's face it, a lot of Aurors aren't the sharpest wands around. Drumming all the facts I know into any of them would be a major task whilst I know them inside out already. I've had field training. And I'll only do it if I have an Auror contingent standing by." Her eyes met his. "Besides, why are you so concerned? This is about finding your wife's murderer!"

He looked at her. "My wife died over five years ago. I mourned her from the day she died until recently. Then ... something changed. I don't know exactly when, but when I realised that I was preventing myself from being happy by not accepting Draco's choices and asked him to spend Yule at the manor, well, when he pointed out that you'd been spending the last few holidays with him and P...Harry, I suddenly looked forward to Yule, for the first time since Cissy died." His eyes wandered everywhere but her direction. "And I'll freely admit, I had a ball then as well as on Boxing Day at Grimmauld Place, and it was because of you. You make me feel ... you allow me to be me. I feel I don't have to pretend anything in your presence." His grin was uncertain. "There. Now you know."

Hermione smiled at him. "I would hate for you to feel obliged to pretend anything in my presence, Lucius. I quite like you the way you are." She blushed upon realising what she'd just said. "Although I'd like you probably even better if you shared the secret of your perfect hair."

He laughed at that. "I'll gladly share my hair products with you, Hermione, but part of your endearing charm is your wild hair, you know."

She blushed a new shade of red. "Uh. Okay." It was time to steer the conversation back to the topic of his choice. "Really, Lucius, I have to do this myself. I know you need closure. I know Lavender's family needs closure. And, by Merlin, I know Ron will not take up living again until he knows who murdered Pansy."

"Then, please allow me to be there."

"I have no objections, but it's not for me to decide. You'll have to take it up with Harry."

"That's good enough. I'll do that."

Hermione Flooed to Hogwarts' hospital wing once or twice a week throughout January, every time one of the now three pureblood witches had an appointment with Madam Pomfrey. Each witch was sent on her way via Floo with Madam Pomfrey's stern lecture of the dangers of Apparition during the first and second trimesters, and Hermione took Polyjuice Potion, walked through the Hogwarts grounds towards Hogsmeade, and Apparated somewhere halfway to the wizarding village.

Lucius had convinced Harry to let him accompany his team, but the Aurors were starting to lose their enthusiasm as January came to an end and the murderer was still on the loose. As the group gathered around Harry in his office after yet another unsuccessful walk from Hogwarts to Hogsmeade, Hermione felt suddenly overcome with dread. She excused herself and went to her own office to check the files again. Then it hit her.

She rushed back to Harry's office. "It'll be tomorrow. Each murder happened on a Pagan holiday, Harry. I cannot imagine the nutter wouldn't take the chance when he can choose between three witches," Hermione said, her voice filled with excitement.

"Are you certain you want to do this, Hermione?" Lucius asked her yet again.

She brushed his concerns aside impatiently. "You know my reasons." When he abruptly turned and left without a word, Hermione sighed. They'd been seeing each other several times a week, but he'd never just left.

"Come over for dinner." She hadn't noticed Draco approach. She smiled and shook her head. "Thanks. But I think I'll just go home."

He nodded. "I understand. See you tomorrow." He paused for a moment, then added, "Hermione. I think my father likes you. He's concerned."

Hermione gazed at him. Finally, she shrugged. "I'm not sure how to handle this ..."

"Tip of the day: be yourself." He smirked, and she slapped his arm playfully.

"Thanks, mate!"

Despite a hot bath and a none-too taxing novel as aids for relaxation, Hermione stayed awake until long after midnight, and what little sleep she managed to find was restless and interfered with strange dreams she didn't remember details of. She woke numerous times, only to drift off again.

Suddenly, Narcissa Malfoy spoke to her. She looked younger, much younger, than Hermione remembered her. "He will hit from the right, from behind you, right after you exit through the Hogwarts gate. Be prepared. We'll be there and will do everything in our power to help you, but be aware that the danger comes from behind you, from the right." At her side stood Professor Snape, not only younger but almost handsome compared to how she remembered him. He nodded. "Listen to her, Hermione, and be prepared. We'll see you soon."

Hermione stretched, and suddenly, her arms fell down, back on the bed. WHAT??? She stretched again, willing the strange thoughts away. To no avail. He'll come from behind me, from the right. Noted. She yawned and peeled herself out of the covers to head for the shower.

After a quick breakfast of muesli with yogurt, she Flooed to Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey's meeting with Millicent Bulstrode seemed to take forever. When the matron finally rushed into her office, Hermione let out a sigh of relief.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione. Miss Bulstrode had so many questions, it was almost unnatural." She handed the younger witch a hair.

Hermione took it and placed it in the vial she held in her hands. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey." Drinking it, gagging just a little bit, she rose. "I better be on my way."

"Hermione!"

At the sharp tone of the matron's voice, Hermione looked up. "Yes?"

"Hermione." The Healer's voice sounded soft now. "You're expecting something to happen today, aren't you?"

Upon Hermione's nod, she continued. "Is there anything I can do?"

Hermione looked away and shook her head. "I don't think so. Just ... uh, if I end up here, please know how to treat sword wounds." She laughed, feeling utterly helpless and euphoric at the same time. "I'll just be glad when it's over. This has been looming over me, and I'd like to be done with it. So, if Lucius, Harry, or Draco turn up with me ... I don't know. Try and save me."

The Healer embraced her. "Know that I will do anything in my power to save you, Hermione! But I doubt you'll need that. You are an incredible witch, as capable as the best Auror or Unspeakable. And here, take this," she fumbled for a moment and handed a black stone to her, "obsidian. It's ... let's just say it's special. It's saved more than one life. When you're done, return it to me." She embraced her again, then abruptly turned around. "Go. Go now."

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," Hermione whispered and, pocketing the stone, hurried out.

She exited the castle and slowed her pace to prepare herself. Checking her wand hidden in the sleeve of her right arm so it would fall into her hand the moment she straightened it downward, she let her left hand find the obsidian. It felt cool and reassuring.

The gate came into sight far too soon. Hermione sighed inwardly and stopped for a moment, looking around, and then walked on, the last few feet of safety before heading through the gate into uncertainty and possible danger.

Suddenly, she felt a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and someone whispered, "Don't be afraid. We're here with you. We won't let him kill you."

Looking around, she saw no-one. Hermione shrugged and continued. "Hermione, trust your abilities, and trust yourself," said Snape's for once reassuring voice. A beautiful voice, she thought errantly and wondered why he'd never used it for reassurance during his lifetime. Then she stopped abruptly. Did Professor Snape just talk to me? Am I going mad?

Hermione heard him chuckle. That it was him, she had no doubt, dead or not. "Yes, I talked to you. And no, you are not going mad. Narcissa and I are here to help you."

Then she heard Narcissa's voice. "We will help you. Lucius has become very fond of you, you know, and he deserves happiness. As do you of course. And a little tip for the future, Hermione: twins aren't that scary, really. They just need plenty of cuddling and love." Narcissa chuckled now. "Oh, and keep that obsidian in your hand. When it grows hot, look behind you to your right."

Not quite certain what to make of this ... interaction with two dead people, Hermione reiterated, Right. Two dead people are going to help me bring the Sword Murderer behind bars without me being harmed in the process. And twins aren't scary. She shook her head and walked determinedly towards the Hogwarts gate, the obsidian held tightly in her left hand.

A slight feeling of dread washed over her as she exited the grounds, knowing instinctively something was about to happen.

Then the world stopped spinning. The obsidian grew hot, unbearably hot, in her hand, and before her brain registered, she'd held her wand in her hand and flew around to the right. "Expelliarmus!"

A katana whooshed through the air into Hermione's hand, slicing it, but she didn't notice, too shocked at the sight of the man barely two feet away from her. Aurors suddenly appeared out of nowhere, rushing to the Squib who stood rooted to the ground, looking rather lost and at the same time casting longing glances at the katana in her hand.

"Mr Filch," she whispered, ignoring the flow of blood down her hand, still holding on to the sword. Strong arms caught her and pulled her towards a reassuring body clad in exquisite, soft fabric.

"Promise me to never put your life on the line like that again," a welcomed voice grumbled, holding her tight.

Whether it was his words or his voice or his arms wrapped around her, she had no idea, but suddenly, tears were flowing like water rushing free from the confines of a dam.

"Shshshsh, you're all right. Need to get your hand looked at, but I'm sure Poppy can fix in no time, love." He held her tighter until her sobs subsided. "Look at me."

Vanity be damned, she raised her tear-stricken face upwards. "You needed this closure more than anyone. As did Draco. I hated...hated...seeing him so lost, so helpless whenever the talk turned to family. And seeing you that night when Pansy was killed ... it broke my heart." Her voice firmer now, she continued. "I never liked you until recently, but I knew since the final battle that you are a family man. You loved Narcissa, you love Draco, which proved to me that you're capable of loving, and nobody capable of love deserves a fate like that." Her eyes met his until he lowered his mouth to meet hers.

When they finally gasped, at the surprise of kissing or maybe simply for air, Lucius smiled at her, and she found she could get used to his smiles.

Narcissa, floating a short distance away in mid-air, looked at her partner. "Aw, look. They like each other."

"I should hope so, Cissy," Severus said indignantly. "I have no intention of reincarnating as the offspring of another one-night stand, you know."

Narcissa shook her head. "I don't think you'll ever need to worry about that where Lucius is concerned. He likes her. More than that, I think, judging by the way he kissed her."

"Indeed. And if he doesn't take her to Poppy soon, she'll die of blood loss," he said wryly.

Narcissa floated to the couple and whispered in Lucius's ear, then floated back to Severus. "Let's go and find a few more Squib parents to convince of having their blood analysed."

"You all right, lass?" Colin's voice ripped her out of her reverie, and Hermione blinked, trying to focus. She'd been too occupied to realise the Polyjuice had worn off.

"I'm fine, Colin, thanks," she said and leaned heavily against Lucius.

"Merlin, Hermione, I need to take you to Poppy. You're still bleeding!" Lucius picked her up, offered a short, "Excuse us!" to Colin, and hurried towards the Hogwarts gate, ignoring the buzz of Aurors around him.

Being carried by him felt good, exquisite even; she could get used to that sensation quite happily. "Lucius," she asked sleepily, "will you always carry me like this?"

"If that is what makes you happy, love, of course I will," he assured her, carrying her effortlessly up the hill.

Shortly after hearing his reassuring answer, everything went black.

"I'd be concerned were she a pianist, but really, her hand will be fine. There is nothing she can't do with it now, given a week or two of moving it frequently."

Hermione heard Madam Pomfrey's voice and wondered who the matron was talking about. Oh. Maybe me. She opened her eyes to meet Lucius's.

"How are you feeling, love?" he asked softly.

"I ..." she croaked.

He grabbed a goblet and helped her drink precious water. "I think I feel fine," she said, her voice restored. "Even though I won't become an accomplished pianist. But I think I can live with that." Her smirk was lopsided.

But it made him smile, and she treasured it. "Gods, you gave me a fright, Hermione. You need to rethink your professional career, woman, seriously," Lucius grumbled, but she knew it was half-hearted.

"He won't kill another," she said softly, reeling in the sensation of his hand on her arm. It felt so very assuring.

"No," Lucius agreed. "He won't. Ever."

Something in his mannerism made her question his answer. "What aren't you telling me?"

She followed the looks exchanged between him and Madam Pomfrey like watching a tennis match.

Eventually, Lucius said, "He died. He died minutes after you disarmed him. From what Draco and Harry said, he mumbled about Squibs being treated utterly unfairly and leading a miserable life, and he wanted to spare them the fate he had to live with."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "Of all the Squibs I know...not that there were many...Filch had been furthest from my mind ..."

"I don't think anyone suspected him. The Aurors found an entire arsenal of swords, nunchucks, and other Muggle martial arts paraphernalia in his quarters, and way too many photographs of pureblood witches and wizards. Really, I think he was one of the most misunderstood people in our world."

"Indeed ..."

"However, I believe Madam Pomfrey has some news for you that might cheer you up," Lucius said, gesturing for the matron to enter.

"Hermione! How are you feeling?" Madam Pomfrey asked. "See? You didn't need all that much patching up, although it was quite a fright you gave us, coming in here so lacking of blood. It did take quite a few doses of Blood-Replenishing Potion to return you to the living!"

Hermione grinned. "Thank you so much, Madam Pomfrey! I appreciate your efforts." Then she sobered. "So, what news do you have?"

Madam Pomfrey smiled. "I think I might have found the cause of Squibs."

"Oh? Do tell! Please!"

The matron wordlessly handed her a piece of parchment.

Looking at the names and their blood groups adjacent to them made Hermione gasp. B! All parents of Squibs analysed have blood group B! With no exception! "Oh, Merlin! You've found the cause of Squibs! That's fantastic!"

"Well. Not exactly," Madam Pomfrey said. "We do have a handful of students with that blood group with one parent of the same. However, from what the teachers tell me, we can safely assume that a B inherited from both parents does affect magical power in a negative manner. In any case, it's thanks to your connections to St Mungo's that I was able to put the data together."

Hermione nodded slowly. Then she grinned. "You know ... Kingsley definitely owes me a favour, I think, now that another cold case is solved. I'm sure I can twist his arm to find the financing for a study to replace that excuse of the former one." Energy raced through her body. "And, oh, can I go home now?"

"No," Lucius said. "You can come to the manor with me, but there is no way I'll let you out of my sight for the foreseeable future." His expression did not invite any argument.

"If Mr Malfoy looks after you, you can leave. But I'd rather you wouldn't be on your own for the next couple of days," Madam Pomfrey agreed.

The young witch grinned. "I think I can live with that!"