Pondering Voices

For Disclaimer etc., please see Chapter 1

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No Music More Enchanting

Chapter 8 – Pondering Voices

Luna and Hermione cast a Disillusionment Charm on each other before making their way to Snape and Lucius' flat next door. It was only afternoon, but although winter was waning, days growing longer and nights becoming shorter, it was clearly trying to hold on as best it could with temperatures near arctic and dark days abounding. The sun seemed to have faded out of existence, and seeing full daylight even around midday had become a rarity. The weather suited Hermione's foreboding mood, which prevailed, even though she found herself looking forward to spending the afternoon in her professor's company.

The two witches walked silently along the wall of the building, trying to evade some of the snow, which was falling with increasing intensity now.

"Ugh, I'll be happy to see the end of the winter. I don't remember it being this horrible, even in Scotland," Hermione said as they reached the top floor.

"Oh, I don't mind it," Luna replied serenely. "Gives Lucius an excuse to hold me tight to keep me warm."

The door was opened from inside. "Ladies! Do come in!" Lucius waved them in, grabbed Luna in a hug and kissed her as if they'd been apart for weeks rather than barely an hour, and closed the door.

When the witches reached the living room, Hermione stopped abruptly. On the sofa sat the strange, ancient man of her dream. "How... what...?" she stuttered, and Luna and Lucius cast her worried glances.

The stranger rose from the sofa and bowed slightly, facing Hermione. "My apologies for having intruded in your dream, Hermione Granger, without even introducing myself to you. My name is Neveron, and I am very pleased to meet you in person." He held his hand out, and Hermione took it, knowing within herself, with utmost certainty, that this stranger could be trusted.

"Today only allows for a short meeting, but I do hope we will meet again and soon." He let her hand go and turned to Luna. "Luna Lovegood. What a pleasure to finally meet you. Xenophilius is immensely proud of you." He shook Luna's hand as well until Lucius and Severus cleared their throats almost simultaneously.

"Neveron is the current owner of Blutenburg Palace. Has been for a number of years in fact. We hope he can shed some additional light on what is currently happening here," Snape said and turned to the ancient wizard, who had taken his seat on the sofa again.

Once everyone was seated, Neveron spoke. "Severus has updated me on what you all know, so I won't waste time reiterating.

"Some years ago, representatives of the Muggle government approached me with the request to house a museum here, in honor of the author Michael Ende, whose works are loved by Muggles and wizards alike. I agreed, as I thought the idea rather wonderful, as Michael was a wizard whom I had the pleasure to meet several times.

"Unfortunately one of the representatives was a nazi...which I wasn't aware of at the time...and the main reason she was interested in utilizing my place is its vast underground tunnel system, which is part of a network that covers the entire country and even beyond. It was this tunnel system, through which many Nazis escaped at the end of the last Muggle world war. Of course, I was not aware at the time...I spent the war years elsewhere.

"By the time I learned what those government representatives were doing, the contract had already been signed, and it only expires at the end of 2012."

The witches and wizards remained silent, taking in the information Neveron had given.

Eventually, Snape asked, "What role does Schultz play? Do you have any idea?"

"Oh, yes," Neveron said. "He came to me shortly after the museum opened. My old caretaker had recently retired, and Schultz knew about the wizarding world, being a Squib himself, but he was sufficiently anchored in the Muggle world to be comfortable amongst them. He used to be quite a decent person until he was lured into nazi beliefs. Ulrike Strauss, the local leader of the occult followers and a Muggle, paid him to provide information about our world, and she most likely promised him something akin to magical powers...initiation into Magick...and eventually he became her spy.

"Then Rowle turned up and informed Ms Strauss of the location of the Ark. How he procured this knowledge, I have no idea. Possibly from some sympathizers in Egypt where the Ark was thought to be hidden until recently." He opened his hands outward.

"When do you think will they try to have the Ark opened?" asked Lucius. "And, more importantly, how can we prevent them?"

Snape nodded in agreement, his attention focused on the ancient wizard.

"I believe they will strike on Valentine's day," Neveron said, his voice grave. "As to preventing it..." He shrugged. "I don't know how we could prevent it. It might be better to beat them at their own game. Let Hermione open it and then take its content and disappear." He looked intently at Hermione.

"Oh... I don't know... How could I do that?" Her mind was whirling. I can't just go in there, find the Ark, open it, take whatever is in there and disappear to wherever with it...

"Make no mistake, Miss Granger. They will try to kidnap you and make you open the Ark. How they'll do it is anyone's guess, but be assured neither Rowle nor Ms Strauss will shy away from any measure in order to make you comply with their wishes." Snape looked at her with an expression she could not define. There was not even a hint of sarcasm in his voice, and if she didn't know better, she'd have thought his face expressed more than a hint of worry.

Neveron nodded. "So, our best bet is to prepare you for this scenario." Seeing her frightened expression, he bent forward and put his hand on her arm. "Don't be afraid, child. Know there are forces much stronger than these misled humans, and they're here to protect you. We will not let the evil ones harm you."

Strangely enough, Hermione felt better as he spoke. Inwardly, she shook her head. It was not like her to simply calm down with soothing words; normally, logic ruled her actions, and Neveron's words sounded more like those based on some type of belief system rather than actual facts. She stood up and walked towards the window, suddenly restless.

Questions raced through her mind as she paced along the living room wall from one window to the next. Why me? What do they want? Don't I ever get peace? Is it not enough I spent the latter part of my childhood help defeat the most evil wizard? Do I need to defeat evil Muggles now, too?

"Sometimes, it helps to simply allow yourself to be. Brooding and sulking only lead so far, you know." She knew the voice, had known it for years, but now that it sounded neither a sneer nor sarcastic, not even sardonic...although she did detect the tiniest level of amusement there...it was exactly what she needed. More soothing, more satisfying than the sweetest music.

The memory of Kingsley's voice, doing funny things to her on a level not understood, came to her mind suddenly. This one was different. Not only was it laced with comprehension, it was a voice full of compassion, knowing exactly how she felt, a voice whose owner had gone through the very same troubles himself.

Hermione took a deep breath and looked up straight into the eyes of Severus Snape. She smiled uncertainly. "Thank you... I think..." she whispered, unable to give volume to her own voice.

"Look, Hermione!" Even though spoken softly, very softly, it clearly was a demand, and as if in confirmation, his hand captured her chin gently but firmly, ensuring she'd not look anywhere but his eyes.

Hermione's eyes widened. She had never been subjected to Legilimency nor had she learned Occlumency, but as she met Snape's eyes and was instantly drawn into his mind, her breath hitched as the realization that he opened his mind to her hit.

There was Kingsley opposite Snape in a living room. "I understand your choice of recruiting Lucius. But why Luna Lovegood? Why Hermione Granger, Severus?" he asked. "Don't get me wrong. I stand by my word. You choose your own partners for the Department of Mysteries. I'm merely curious."

Snape raised his head to meet the Minister's eyes. "Miss Lovegood because she doesn't give a rat's arse about anyone's opinion. She always makes up her own mind, no matter how ridiculous her opinion might appear to anyone else. She is the witch with the most refreshing character in that respect, and she'll be an asset to the Department of Mysteries."

"Hermione Granger." Snape paused and appeared to study his hands intently. "Hermione Granger because she is not only one of the cleverest witches anyone has come across but look at her! She is intelligent, passionate, compassionate, practical, fluent in both the Muggle as well as the wizarding world, and she is open-minded, not exactly a common characteristic in our world."

Kingsley grinned. "You know, I can't blame you at all. If I were younger, I'd make sure to give you a run for your money. But alas." He sighed. "Twenty years age difference may be acceptable, but a lot more than that is not." His face turned serious. "Best of luck, Severus."

Before Hermione could digest the scene she had just witnessed, Snape spoke again, this time in the physical. "Come. Neveron's time is limited, and we have something close to a plan." He led her gently back to the sofa, ensured she seated herself and then sat down next to her, neither too far away nor too close.

"I believe we will be most successful if we beat them at their little game. The Ark, or rather its contents, must not fall into their hands, for if it does, the darkest of times will arrive here on earth," Neveron said, looking from one to another. Once he'd ensured himself of everyone's attention, he continued. "Occultum and white gold are what is believed to be inside it, and whilst wizards occasionally utilize this element to hide their own magic, Muggles are after it for its power and magick inducing qualities. Considering it is a group of racists after it, you can only begin to imagine how these people will utilize it."

Hermione shuddered at the thought. It would be worse than having Hitler and Voldemort in power combined.

The ancient wizard nodded towards her. "Yes, Hermione Granger, the world would be one large prison and humankind forced to do whatever these evil forces demand. We all would be reduced to a race of slaves.

"So we all understand that the Ark's contents must not fall into their hands. As these people are obsessed with occult numerology, we needn't worry that they strike between now and Valentine's Day, maybe not even then, who knows. My suggestion is that we go ourselves to the Externsteine and remove the Ark. We will take it to the Department of Mysteries in London where no Muggle will be able to reach it. Eventually, we'll return it to its rightful place beneath the Cheops Pyramid in Gizeh." Neveron looked from one to another, awaiting their response.

"You mean, I won't have to open it?" Hermione asked.

Neveron nodded. "Correct. If we succeed with this plan, you will not have to open it. However, there is a possibility that the Ark will open by itself once you are near it. I have no doubt it is you who is capable of opening it. Muggles who follow the occult have two main obsessions: numerology and genealogy. If they think you are a descendant of the last witch who opened the Ark, then you can be quite certain that you are. Which also means they will ensure not to kill you."

"What a relief," Snape said dryly. Turning to Hermione, he said, "Neveron's idea sounds better than anything Lucius and I have been able to come up with. Would you agree to follow it?"

Hermione shrugged. "I like it better than being forced by them to open it. And I'd rather not be on my own on that occasion."

"So, when?" asked Lucius.

"Next Sunday. We can meet here again and then Apparate together. It will be dark by that time, and there'll be no curious eyes watching unless they have stationed guards, which is doubtful." Neveron turned to Snape. "I suggest, though, Hermione and Luna stay here with the two of you until then and not go anywhere alone. It would be unfortunate if Hermione were kidnapped now."

"Oh, yes. I like that," Luna said with enthusiasm and turned her head to look at Lucius. "Would you like that?"

Lucius smirked. "I would indeed. Just don't expect to be let out of bed, darling."

Luna giggled, and Hermione rolled her eyes. "We better go and get some stuff from the flat right away. I can't stay in the same clothes an entire week."

"Yes, I guess you're right." Luna's enthusiasm had dwindled rapidly at her friend's words.

Neveron stood up. "Regrettably, I must leave. I shall see all of you next Sunday." He nodded at everyone, and after saying a last good-bye, Snape accompanied him to the door.

Lucius turned from Luna to Hermione. "Shall I go with you, ladies, to pick up your belongings? It would not do to lose you to these nazis in the last minute."

"Oh, don't be daft, Lucius. Who in their right mind would voluntarily go out in this ghastly weather?" Luna said and pointed at the windows. Snow was accumulating on the lower portion of the glass, and it was snowing heavily now.

"We'll hurry and be back shortly," Hermione said in agreement with Luna. She was hoping to have a few minutes alone with her friend, needing a female to talk about what had happened between her and Snape earlier.

The professor returned from the door and let himself fall onto the sofa.

Lucius appeared to be highly perceptive. "Girls talk, I assume?" he asked amusedly. "Go on then. But if you're not back in ten minutes, I'll come for you," he added sternly.

"I agree with Lucius. You two better hurry," Snape said.

The two witches grabbed their cloaks and made their way down the stairs. The moment Hermione heard Snape close the door to his flat, Luna turned around, her entire face a question mark.

"What's up between you and Snape?" she asked. "You like him, don't you?"

"Yes..." Hermione said slowly. Then she told Luna what had happened. "He seems different now than when we were at school, that's for sure." She shrugged. "I don't know what'll happen. Maybe there is something."

She opened the door and shuddered as the cold hit her. "Let's hurry, come on." She pulled Luna along for a few yards, as close as possible to the eaves to escape the worst of the snow and cold.

As Hermione turned the corner, closely followed by Luna, she tripped over something and swore. Suddenly, she felt herself sliding down, Luna right behind her.

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Grateful thanks to southernwitch69 for beta-reading and littlebeloved for alpha-reading.

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