At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Thanks again to ALL my reviewers! Harry Potter is still not mine!

The Sting of a New Betrayal

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Saturday awoke with a stormy entrance. Saturday was ‘Breakout Day’ and it was anyone’s guess when Voldemort would attack Azkaban. The Dementor’s had left late Tuesday, so everyone was pretty sure that Voldemort was not aware of the prisoner transfer. That had been a lucky break, as no one had thought of the Dementor’s informing Riddle till afterwards. Harry received a note from Amelia early in the morning informing him that the Umbridge trial that had been postponed from earlier in the month, would take place on Thursday, August 22nd.

As the morning turned into afternoon, Harry studied his notes from ‘Operation Take Down’, making sure nothing was overlooked like the Dementor’s had been. Things had been going to smooth lately, and luck was only going to get them so far.

The plan was to try and capture as many Death Eaters today as was possible. They hoped to gain information on the current whereabouts of Voldemort and any of his current plans. They needed someone high up, and Harry was hoping that it was Bellatrix that was taken. Neville would love to be in on that interrogation, and his friend deserved a little bit of revenge, too. Once they knew of any plans or where Voldemort’s stronghold was, they would meet to finalize for their own attack or the interception of any possible raids. Hermione had, over this past week, replicated the coins they had used during the DA, and everyone had one so they could be alerted instantly to any possible threat or attack. They just needed an informant, and they could begin their hunt.

At 3:00pm, the coins went off, and the ‘Warp Crew’ went into action, along with the Ministry’s Aurors and Hit Wizards. Harry was the first on the island, using his ‘Gliding’ to get him there about 5 minutes before the rest, and as he had dreaded, Voldemort had been busy recruiting. There seemed to be about 100 Death Eaters running about, slowly working to take down the wards that guarded the prison. Using his animagus form to move about faster, and cloaked, he made his way toward the fortress, trying to get a firmer body count, and what strategy they were using in the attack. They didn’t appear very organized, so he was able to form a plan how best to damage Riddle and capture as many minions as possible. He could tell that Voldemort wasn’t present by his scar, but kept a look out any way, just incase Tom decided to make a dramatic entrance.

Once he saw, off in the distance, the boats arriving, he glided over to his allies, and finding Moody and Shacklebolt said, “There are approximately 100 Death Eaters, and they’re just about to break through the outer wards. I haven’t seen Voldemort or any Dementors so far, so that is a good thing. Their using brute magical strength to attack the wards and this will leave them weakened once we begin our attack. It’s not very organized, but they are beginning to spread out in small groups of 10 or so to surround the prison. I think once they break through the inner wards, that’s when the Dementor’s will show.” briefed Harry.

“Good work. We’re evenly match, but we have the element of surprise. Leaders, take your groups, sneak up and attack…do not let them break the inner wards, as that might be the signal for the soul suckers to come. Remember, capture as many as possible. MOVE OUT!” ordered Moody. It took about 10 minutes, using the sloped high rock walls to conceal their movement to maneuver around and into position. Just before they were ready to attack, the outer wards fell. With a sense of urgency, the ‘Take Down’ group attacked.

The first wave of spells eliminated about 25% of the shocked Death Eater ranks, and they were forced to stop the assault on the inner wards in order to defend themselves. Explosions went off all around the fortress as the spell bombs the twins had developed were put into use. They worked marvelously, and before long, the last 40-50 Death Eater’s were attempting to retreat. Harry glided into a group of six DE’s that were close to the boundaries of the anti-apparation and portkey wards, and with lightning speed, withdrew his katana and attacked.

The first blow was a downward swing, taking off the wand arm of one opponent, and while spinning to gain momentum, swung upwards, slicing into the stomach and chest of another. Gliding behind another two Death Eaters, Harry used his throwing stars, that, when contacted with their blood, activated the runes of Ehwaz combined with Raidho, and were transported to holding cells within the ministry. As the two disappeared, Harry layer two dark stunning spells shouting the incantation “Certus Sopio” which stood for Fixed Sleep, and the last of his opponents fell. The advantage to this stunner was that only the castor could reverse it. When all was said and done, it had taken Harry about 15 seconds to take down the six Death Eaters. Looking out past the boundaries, Harry saw several DE’s disappear, some with the fallen.

The ‘Take Down’ crew began to regroup not far from the boat landing, and healing any injured, began assessing the battle and how many had escaped. When Harry made it back from the far side of the island, he instantly looked for Alicia. Not seeing her anywhere, he turned to Blaise and asked, “Hey, where’s Alicia, she’s not with her group?”

“I don’t know….they were over on the west side earlier. Was anyone still fighting over in your area when you left?” asked Blaise, also looking around.

“No.” Harry said and seeing Neville approach, he yelled, “Nev, have you seen Alicia? She’s not back yet!”

“Yeah, her group was rounding up some of the prisoner’s over by the west entrance to the prison, but they‘ve been back for about 5 minutes.” Neville said, and instantly saw a look of terror flood over Harry. Not wasting another second, Harry took off, Blaise and Neville close behind, to where he knew her to last be. When they were about 20 yards away, he heard Alicia’s scream. All three pulled their swords, and took off even faster. Without even blinking an eye, Harry glided behind on assailant, using the blunt side of the blade, swung downward knocking the person who was laying on Alicia off, while Blaise took out the other person standing, wearing a Death Eater uniform, very close by. Time seemed to freeze for an eternity as he took in the scene before him. Alicia was half undressed, and bound by ropes, crying and shaking. Dropping to her side, he grabbed her up, covering her with her robe, and began rocking her.

“Baby, I’m here. I’m here. Oh! Merlin! Please, baby….tell me your okay?” Harry said, half panicked.

“Oh God! OH! GOD! HARRY….they were going to rape me!” she cried out, hysterically.

Shushing her and continuing to rock her, he looked over to the fallen people being guarded by two very white faced friends. There, lying on the ground was none other than Ernie Macmillen and Theodore Nott. His blood began to boil, and ordering Blaise and Neville to take them back over to the main area, he continued to reassure Alicia and help her get composed enough to face the group.

“Harry….I’ve never been so scared! Ernie was so angry….kept saying he would take from you what you took from him…….he was going to rape me!” she said, trembling, the last part barely above a whisper.

“Ssshhh. I’m here. He can’t hurt you any longer….he’ll pay for this, I promise you. Baby, ssshhh….”

It was about 10 minutes later that Tonks and Hermione showed up, witnessing the broken, trembling form of Alicia being comforted by, if the look in his eyes were anything to go by, an enraged Harry. Hermione approached slowly, giving Harry time to notice her, and said, “Harry, why don’t you let us help you get her back. We’re getting ready to depart.”

With a nod, Tonks and Hermione went to help Alicia stand, but she only clung to Harry in more desperation. Shaking off their help, he stood, cradling her to him, and the three slowly made their way to the boats. Once back at the Ministry, Alicia was left to the care of Harry’s godmother, Poppy being the only one Harry would trust and Alicia would go to.

After shutting the door where his girlfriend was being checked over, Harry turned, and everyone gasped. The icy coldness of hate that he was exuding made everyone take a few steps back. “Where are they?” Harry asked.

When no one answered, through gritted teeth he growled, “WHERE ARE THEY?”

“Down in Interrogation Room 7. Harry, don’t do anything rash. Let’s find out all the facts first.” Paole suggested while placing a calming hand on his shoulder.

“Take me down there. I want to ask a few of my own questions. Hermione….please stay here with Alicia, and call her parents….I know she trusts you.”

“Of course, Harry. Please, just come back to her….” Hermione trailed off, giving him a look of concern.

“Don’t worry, I want to see justice done….I just want to scare them first. Hannah, you come with us.” and with that, Harry made his way downstairs, followed by Paole, Hannah and Tonks.

From a viewing window, they could see that Amelia and Shacklebolt were already busy questioning Ernie. A sharp wrap on the door as the only warning before Harry barged in looking murderous.

“Just WHAT did you think you were doing to MY girlfriend!” seethed Harry.

“Exactly what you did to mine! Tit for Tat…don’t you think!” snarled Ernie.

“WHAT ARE YOU ON ABOUT!? I never raped anyone, let alone anyone you were dating!” Harry yelled, slamming his fist into the table.

“You took Hannah! I think it only fair that I take Alicia. What? You didn’t think I’d find out about you sleeping with my girlfriend?” said Ernie looking insanely smug.

“I never took her away from you!” said Harry, giving Ernie an incredulous look like he‘d spun his head around. “When we did sleep together, she was no longer your girlfriend! For Merlin’s sake, you and Hannah had been broken up for months by the time that happened. Even when I did have her, I didn’t and wouldn’t rape to get it, You….Sick….Fuck!” Harry said, emphasizing the last words.

“Don’t you dare deny it! She wouldn’t sleep with me, but you wasted no time going in for the kill, taking what was not yours, stealing her from me!” screamed Ernie.

“Harry did not take anything or steal me from you! I wouldn’t sleep with you, because you were such an ass most of the time!” said Hannah as she entered the room, sick of watching the happenings from the viewing window.

“YOUR LYING! You loved me….it was HIM that took you away from me!” Ernie yelled.

“Bloody Hell! I dated Blaise before I even considered sleeping with Harry….are you blind….or just MAD! And for your information, I never loved you!” Hannah said, looking completely exasperated.

“Why were you with Theodore Nott?” broke in Kingsley.

“He’s my cousin, and he said he’d help me get my revenge.” Ernie snarled out at the Auror.

“You never thought that was important information to let the rest of the group know….that you have active Death Eater relatives….Damn It! We trusted you!” yelled Harry.

“I’m not saying anything more till my law wizard gets here!” stated Ernie, looking resolute.

“Very well. Ernie Macmillen, you are under arrest for Associating and Conspiring with a Known Supporter of an Illegal Operation, and for the Attempted Rape of Alicia Spinnet. Further charges are pending as this investigation progresses.” Amelia said, making the arrest formal. After Ernie’s law wizard was brought in, the interrogation continued.

“Mr. Chariot, the law states, as of August, 12th, we are allowed to use Veritiserum during interrogations. Do you have any legal reason why this should be wavered?” asked Amelia.

“It is unlawful, as my client is only 16, and still a minor.” stated Mr. Chariot.

“That is incorrect. He is 21 years of age. Check the Ministry records, he has been involved with an Ministry project that has aged him 5 years within this month, all signed and authorized by Mr. Macmillen and his parents.” Amelia retorted. “If that is your only claim, then we will proceed.”

After receiving no further legal claims, Ernie, being physically forced by Shacklebolt, took the Veritiserum. After confirming that the potion was working, Amelia, being head of the Auror department, and a Ministry Judge, began the questioning.

“Why did you try to rape Alicia Spinnet?”

“Because I wanted Harry to suffer by stealing her away from him. He uses any woman he wants, and he gets everything he wants.”

“So this had to do with what you said before?”

“I was her boyfriend for several months, and I was angry that she would give it up to Saint Potter, but not me.”

“What was to be Mr. Nott’s involvement?”

“He was going to take a turn with Alicia after me, then we were to take her back to the Dark Lord, for him to kill in front of Harry, when we eventually captured him.” After this statement, many in the room had shocked faces.

“Are you a Death Eater?”

“Not yet, but after tonight, which, according to Ted, the rape was to be part of my initiation, I would have joined.”

Harry could hold back any longer, and asked, “Why? Why would you decide now to turn traitor?”

“My cousin, Ted, told me the Dark Lord would make me richer than I had ever dreamed, and that because of my training, I would be elevated to the inner circle right away. Instant glory, he had said.”

“When did you tell Theodore about the training, and how much of it did you describe?” asked a very pissed off Harry. All their time, training, and secrecy was about to be undone.

“I didn’t mention the details of the training, saving that information for the Dark Lord, but he knew that I had aged, so I told him that we did the ancient goblin ‘Time Phase’ ritual. I told him about the warp 2 days ago, when we met and when he convinced me to switch sides.”

“Do you know if he has spoken of this to Voldemort?” asked Amelia.

“I don’t think so. We’ve been busy planning what, when, and how we would attack Alicia, but I can’t say for sure.”

“SHIT! How could you Ernie? What did we do to you to earn this betrayal?” asked a confused Harry.

“I would never be higher up in your group than I already was, so found a way to make myself number one, the Dark Lords right hand man. Blaise, Hermione, Neville, Alicia…so many more people were ahead of me in your little army.”

“You…Are…Sick! Is that what you wanted….to be able to call me master, be my right hand man, have me cast ‘Crucio’ on you when ever I felt like it, kiss the hem of my robes where every other dreg in our society kisses….IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT!?!” screamed Harry.

“I would’ve been above all the others, so would not have suffered like the rest, that’s what Ted told me the right hand’s position was.”

“After all the stories and proof many of us showed you….you still believed one man over several?”

“You only made up those stories to scare us into following you. Ted told me how honored and proud he was to serve the Dark Lord, and that the rumors I recounted to him from what I’d heard, were false. The Dark Lord is masterful, brilliant and doesn’t punish those who obey him.”

Kingsley had to restrain Harry as he lunged at Ernie, angrier than he had been in over five years. After Amelia questioned Ernie a little more, and after Theodore Nott’s questioning, which thankfully revealed that the Riddle was still ignorant of the time warp, Harry made his way back up to Alicia. Upon seeing her parents there with her, he gently took her hand, only to have her take it away and grab her mother tighter.

“Alicia? Baby? What is it?” whispered Harry, scared and concerned for his girlfriend.

“Harry. Please…just…can I talk to you later? I just want to go home.” she answered tiredly.

“Of course…..you need your rest. You go home, and I’ll check on you in the morning. I love you.” he said, not trying to touch her again, but giving her a small reassuring smile. “Mr. Spinnet, could I speak with you for a moment?”

After the two men left the room, Harry turned to Marcel and asked, “Why did she pull away from me? What’s happened since I left her with Poppy?”

“Harry, don’t take it personally….she won’t even let me touch her at this point, and I’m her father. Just give her some time. Thank you, by the way, for stopping those vile creatures from hurting her!” Marcel said.

“I would give my life to protect her….you know that! Merlin…what a nightmare! Please, just tell her I love her, always!” Harry said, collapsing against the wall behind him, rubbing his face in exhaustion.

“I know. Just don’t give up on her…she will come around.” and with a pat to Harry’s arm, Marcel went back into the room.

Keeping himself together for a bit longer, he walked into the debriefing room, to learn the details of what had transpired during the attack of Azkaban. Moody informed him that seventeen DE’s were dead, eight were in critical condition in a secure ward at St. Mungo’s, and that 42 were in custody. Thirty-three had escaped, but they thought 4-6 of those were injured, and at best guess, five of the 33 had been knocked out by the dark stunner, meaning that they were out of commission until the castor reversed the spell. So, that left approximately 24 well DE’s. Overall, a good win for the ‘Take Down’ crew, but the victory was definitely overshadowed by what had happen to Alicia. Harry would wait until the next day to find out names of the living and dead Death Eater’s, he was just to spent to stay any longer. It was close to 1:00am when Harry finally made it back to Thurox Manor, where he broke down over what could have happened to his girlfriend, and by the way Alicia had pulled away from him.