Revenge

Hermione and Harry returned to the Burrow, carrying Dean. They had sworn the few Aurors who had seen him to secrecy. They knew that the lives of their children might depend on keeping Dean hidden and pretending that he had died.

They left Dean in Molly Weasley's capable hands. Hermione left to continue the search for clues, but Harry remained to tell Dean's story to the others. Ginny's face grew ashen. Now both of her sons were in danger. Why hadn't she insisted that James go with them? Ron barely contained his tears.

Draco, however, just stood there, head bowed. "Was he sure that it was my son standing there?" he asked when Harry had finished. Harry held unto Ginny as he answered.

"No, he wasn't, but he said it was a young person, and not dressed like the other Death Eaters. He did not look like a prisoner, like Rose clearly was. And since we didn't find any parts of his body…" Harry replied. Seeing Draco's face at that last remark he hastily added, "But he could just be a prisoner, like Rose and James. But there was no ransom note there for you."

"Our sons must have tried to save themselves. Why else would Albus pretend to kill someone? They must have been trying to convince the Dark Lord that they were loyal to him," Draco suggested. He did not like that thought, but it was better than being dead. Barely. He had really hoped that his son would avoid being caught up in activities with Dark Magic.

"But how did James get there?" Ginny asked. "He was supposed to stay hidden at some friend's house. I didn't even get the name; I was so focused on warning everyone else. What happened to him? How did they get him? I don't like what you said about that statue."

"That is a question we can figure out later," Harry replied. "For now, we need to find out where they are, and how to get them back home." He looked at Draco, who seemed about to say something. "All of them." Draco nodded.

***

Voldemort's base was just a run-down manor. They were all gathered in what must have once been a magnificent dining hall. Now, it was cold and draughty. The Death Eaters were all seated around a table in the middle of the room, celebrating their display earlier, wondering if the Ministry had found it yet. Albus and Scorpius seemed to have places of honour, high on the table, near to Voldemort at the top. When the dinner had gone on for long enough, and he was fairly certain he would not be overheard because of the noise, Scorpius started a whispered conversation with Albus.

"Well, this went better than I feared, but it is not good."

"You think?" Albus whispered back in a sarcastic tone. If he didn't know better, Scorpius would have thought Albus actually enjoyed this.

"Well, we're not dead, and not captive."

"But we are technically traitors."

"And a murderer. What on earth were you thinking?"

"I am not sure about that part," Albus said "People with magic seem to forget that other weapons can wound, and not kill. I stabbed him in a place that was not immediately fatal and told him to pretend to be dead."

"But you lit him on fire!" Scorpius almost shouted, forgetting to only whisper. But he was relieved. At least Albus hadn't completely lost all sense.

"Only a little bit," Albus whispered defensively. "It was more flashy than dangerous. It was extinguished the moment he dropped out of sight. Assuming the Ministry found the site fairly quickly, as V…" He looked around. "The Dark Lord seems to fear, he should be quite alright. I recognised him. It was Dean Thomas, a roommate to my dad at Hogwarts. I chose him because I needed someone who could explain to my father what happened and most of the others were either Muggles with no idea what was happening, or nearly unconscious."

"Oh, great," Scorpius groaned. "So now you've only maybe killed a member of the DA?"

"I am fairly certain he is not dead. Anyway, our real problem is the two others down in the dungeons."

"Yes," Scorpius agreed, "Though I may have prevented Rose from being killed next at least." He explained about his "boon" from Voldemort.

"But how is that going to help her? She will still be a captive, but up here instead," Albus argued.

"Yes, I hope that that plan won't be needed. Rose will probably hate me if it happens, but at least then I would be more certain she is safe. But I have a plan on how to get them out before we get that far." But before Scorpius could explain any further, Voldemort got on his feet. Everyone immediately went quiet.

"Welcome, friends. Once again you come when I call. But I wonder, why did you not search for me again? You should have known that I would return. I am eternal. I have defeated death. Once again, my followers disappoint me."

Everyone around the table was silent. Some looked worried.

"Some of you were taken to Azkaban. But once you escaped, only one of you tried to find me. Only you, Nott, tried to search for me once you were free. Lord Voldemort is grateful," Voldemort said in a quiet voice, yet it was clearly audible for everyone around the table.

"Thank you, Master," Nott said.

"The rites we did tonight were your idea. Your reward. And in the process of gathering up enemies and filth, we found an unexpected treasure. Two new members in our rank."

All eyes turned to Scorpius and Albus. They sat up straighter, and tried to look proud, not scared.

"Two new members of our society." Voldemort raised his glass "To our newest members, Malfoy and Severus!"

They all raised their glasses and cheered.

"Let us retire for the night. We have much to accomplish in the coming days," Voldemort said.

"What is the plan, my Lord?" Scorpius shouted through the clamour of cheers and scraping of chairs.

"Revenge, Malfoy," Voldemort replied. "Simple, beautiful revenge."