Chapter 9
“The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery.”
Anais Nin
Luna was missing again. She seemed to go missing more often, and she could only assume that, eventually, their leadership would question it. Her heart had been heavy ever since she had seen her cat thrown over his shoulder, though. What was he doing to her cat? Was Crookshanks even still alive? She didn't know. and it knotted her stomach. Then there was the rage that Pucey had survived because another Death Eater had walked in the way of her curse without realizing it. Damn them all.
A few other newer recruits were being executed today. Seemed like the perfect time to get to the university to try and talk to that academic and get the research. That mirror was bound in several layers of clothing and in a box in her bag so no sound could get through. She'd be damned if she let him overhear anything. She should have known better. All she had thought about was trying to use that mirror to listen to others. How was she to know that he had the other one rather than someone else in his organization?
Then again, if they did have the other mirror, then he would have taken it as soon as he realized his was missing. Damn it. She was getting sloppy. If asked, she'd blame the fact that the supply chains were worse and their rations were getting smaller again. Always did as they got closer to winter. During winter, they would all feel hunger pangs again as they had every winter after the second. All the more reason to deal a blow strong enough that they could actually sway more people to their cause and unset this regime.
Despite the lack of supply lines, Hermione had made sure she looked put together as she walked on the university campus. It almost felt like Hogwarts. Almost, but not quite. She was in a button-down cream shirt, a dark blazer, and a skirt that went down to her ankles. The small heels she was in helped put the image together, and her hair was braided back from her face, carefully maintained. Having to get ready with cold water was one of the banes of her existence but the least of her problems.
The university was much easier to navigate than Hogwarts. None of the floors were moving for one. And she could quickly move from one floor to the next with minimal issues. Something didn't feel right, though. It had her quickening her pace to get to the scholar she thought would actually have the information. She'd go there first, then work backward. Just in case. Limit her magic use so that none of the Muggles would get tense.
She was keeping her breathing even as she tried to relax. One step in her revenge against Draco was in motion, and she just had to get the intel that she needed to make a report that she was at least making progress in figuring out what You-Know-Who was looking for. The report on what it was she was doing had been made. And she had a two days fewer than two weeks to get the other objective done. She could do it. She had to.
In her office, PhD candidate Lauren M. Hamilton had been preparing herself for yet another meeting on Mound Builders. When she'd begun her candidacy alongside her professor, a famous ethnographer specialized in Native American cultures, she had never dreamed of being so close to her goals and, better yet, being taken seriously.
For days, she had prepared herself for this discussion. Any time to share her thoughts was practice for her final deposition of her work. The one that would put Oxford in the rearview mirror and her life as an accomplished researcher to begin. She would actually get paid to follow leads rather than struggle even to get a word in a highly male-dominated circle.
A soft knock on the door had her holding her breath, smoothing over her dress, and fixing her blazer before marching to the door. "You must be Morrie..." she greeted. "Please, come in."
A brighter smile curved her lips as she stepped inside. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hamilton. I'm glad you were willing to speak to me on such short notice," she answered easily enough.
The woman was bright, and seemed honestly glad it was another woman working on the research. More likely to actually discuss this with her without feeling like she had to explain every single term. Hermione had done her reading on the subject. All she needed was the professional expertise to try and figure out exactly why it was that You-Know-Who was interested in Mound Builders and how they related to Stonehenge.
The combination of Draco's mind and what he had said out loud was allowing her the context she needed for the research. And with the mirror deep in her bag and in a box wrapped in cloth, he wasn't about to overhear any of this.
"The pleasure is mine, I assure you." It was nice to have a feminine person to speak to. Someone who wouldn't be as quick to judge or try to mold her thoughts to more proper one or whatnot.
"Would you like a cuppa?" The redhead offered, her kettle screeching in the background. "I was just about to have a cup myself. I've Earl Grey and Orange Pekoe," she smiled, reaching for a cup in her small office, and pausing to potentially grab a second.
"I'm not so sure about that," she laughed softly and took a seat, smoothing her hands over her skirt. "I would love a cup of Earl Grey." She admitted as she let her shoulders relax a little bit.
How long had it been since she'd had good tea? In a comfortable location? Creature comforts were something she didn't get much of anymore. Maybe one day. When this blasted war was finally over.
With a bright smile, she brought down a second mismatched cup and set to work, preparing them each a strong cup of Earl Grey. She still had more to work on, but she welcomed this moment. She offered a cup to Morrie, and ushered them towards the two plump old chairs she had in front of her desk.
"So, you had questions," she offered, taking a sip. It beat reading more asinine essays by sons of diplomats excusing genocide at the cost of imperialism.
Taking the seat in front of the desk as she took the cup of tea, she took a sip and sighed in true satisfaction. Perfect. That was perfect. Truly perfect.
"I did. I've come across a few texts that have mentioned Mound Builders in the UK but haven't overextended on it. And a few that have mentioned places like Stonehenge. And there is just a lot of speculation about that location in general...But has your research shown any links?" Her heart started to quicken in her chest.
Lauren shifted thick ginger curls over her shoulder and held her cup on her lap. “I was investigating the notion of time, especially through lunar measures. We all know Stonehenge is quite the structure from a primitive ancestor with a correlation to celestial occurrences. After spending time in the Americas, I went further, pulled by that obsession to delineate time, and that’s when I came across the mounds in a rural area of the American Midwest. Getting any funding was hard until recently. Still, if I’m correct, these are some of the most accurate measures of celestial occurrences represented through these alterations of the landscape. A map of what they once did and celebrated. The biggest problem is, most of the knowledge is lost, left to rely on oral tradition…” she carried on haphazardly.
Hermione kept her cup between both hands as she listened to her. The Americas being important was something she had taken into account. The scholar that she had found there was going to be mailing it to a PO box she had gotten. Being Muggleborn did allow her to understand things that the Wizards might not have even tried. She hoped they hadn't adapted that well in the seven years they'd been in power. "I see. But have any of the oral traditions had you believe one theory over the others based on your studies?"
“That’s where things get unorthodox,” she leaned in. “I’ve yet to be given clearance, but there are tomes and other manners to collect information. I’ve been in touch with a few members of Native American tribes who might be inclined to further my thoughts. We’re talking astronomic, geometric, and well what most would have called superstition until now. Rituals have been held in all of these sacred circles. To what end I haven’t been privy…yet.”
Leaning forward with interest, she took another sip from her tea and couldn't help but smile. Did that American scholar have access to these things as well? It might mean she had already gotten to the root of this problem. "Well, those rituals will likely be fascinating and explain a lot about our history. That is...astounding." She took another long drink of her tea, chewing at her bottom lip slightly. "Could I potentially get a copy of some of your research to look at? I have a passion for all things historical folklore and rituals. Even if a lot of it used to be considered superstition."
“I can’t share my work just yet, but I can certainly guide you in the right direction. I have some copies of texts that I found most enlightening.” Lauren sipped her tea. “I’ve gone a bit overboard preparing my next meeting. Apparently, someone might be willing to invest in my research. Send me to the Americas. Won’t be New York, but the history I can uncover and unravel…” there was a twinkle in her eyes. “They’re even considering sending me to the Nazca lines to see if there’s any correlation!”
"I would love to know some of the texts that you found enlightening. I do have a bit of a passion for research and reading," she chuckled, at least that was true. Finishing her tea, she kept the cup in her hands as she looked at her, raising a brow curiously. "Next meeting? That's exciting! Someone from a grant committee?" Dread was curling in her stomach. Had Malfoy heard what she said to schedule these meetings before she knew about the mirror?
Lauren grinned. “My department chair’s understudy heard of my research. He read a copy and offered to introduce me to a young dilettante with a passion for knowledge,” she rolled her eyes. “Nothing much has changed in the ways of truth-seeking.”
Rolling her eyes with a bit of a grin, she could understand that. "Man's world through and through, huh? I didn't realize that so many still wanted to help with research that edged on things bordering on formerly superstitious."
“Even Oxford, as much of an old boys club, has taken a rather…contemporary approach. Especially in certain fields,” she explained. “I heard wind of a higher education program for various branches of wizardry.” She couldn’t help the shrug. “Separate campus, of course, but the only way to be funded if you ask some.”
She had seen Percy's name mentioned, and she had hoped that he wasn't turning his focus here. But of course, he had. He was a bookish busybody who bent what should be done for his convenience. "I had heard that, with how things are changing. So, is it a wizard looking into the research? It might lend even more credibility to your theory about it being no longer superstitious. Might change how we view all of these kinds of sights."
“Lots of mights,” she smiled gently, then frowned. So much had changed since her start in Academia. One eager wizard didn’t assure funding.
"Is it a name I might know?" She asked cautiously. Certain names were in the Muggle press now as well. They knew not to cross the wizards even if some of the Muggles were still very firmly in her camp with the rest of the insurgency.
“Percy Weasley,” she stated. “Had a fifteen of fame a few years ago. He’s assured me his colleague Arawn would be more than invested in my work. I’ve learned not to celebrate until there are funds.” Her lip was taut as she smiled. She didn’t want to focus on all the chaos of information that would either delay her or fast forward her life. “Are you planning to continue your education?” She asked.
Arawn and Percy. Percy and Draco. Her stomach dropped. Shit. She had to get out of here to avoid a brawl in Oxford. She was far too close to You-Know-Who and if she was caught...no. She had to believe she wouldn't be. "I've always wanted to. Not sure if I'll get the chance," she admitted in truth with a bit of a shrug. "Would you mind if I get that list or copy of resources? And are you leaning strongly one way over the other on your theory? Time, fertility, rebirth, prosperity?" She asked, turning the discussion back to her research as smoothly as she could.
“If you ever need pointers, I’m happy to help, maybe even give you a recommendation someday,” she said brightly. Kindness was something she was always willing to repay.
“Of course,” she nodded, taking another sip and settling her cup down. On her desk, she shuffled through some of the copies she’d made, making a neat stack.
At the question, she paused, meeting the woman’s gaze. “Time and rebirth definitely stick out, but neither feels quite accurate.”
"I'll make sure to reach out. Women in academics need to stick together," she agreed with a small smile. Warning her would be a kindness. But it could also screw them both over.
Moving to stand, she put her cup down on the desk and took in that information even as she leaned forward, waiting until the stack was passed to her to speak.
"And in the interest of looking out for a fellow studious woman...." Kingsley would be upset. Neville would think Obliviating her would be the kind thing to do. Seamus would cause explosions on this wing of the school. "Arawn is one of the wizards that has taken over...whatever you give him....whatever research he helps you achieve...will all be for that new regime. If they don't kill you after you do what they want. My advice? Run."
As she turned to leave, she transfigured the stack of papers all neatly collected into a smaller form that fit in her pocket.
It was certainly a value she felt at her core. Women did need to stick together. Once the research was passed over, she gave a small smile.
"I expected as much," she admitted, barely speaking the words. It was one thing to listen to paranoia and another to hear it. "I'll keep that in mind," she said, standing a bit straighter. "Wand or not, men are...men," she supplied easily. Her value was in her ability to provide conclusive evidence. There was no reason this couldn't go on to more. Her potential patrons had hinted as much. "Stay safe," she told the young woman before her. She remembered being similar once.
At least she was that smart. Men were men. Save for a few. She nodded as she slipped out of the office and took in a slow breath. Now she had to leave without Malfoy seeing her and get this information, or copies of it, back to Kingsley and the others. Just in case.
Knowing she was here, Draco had had to ditch Percy Weasley before making it to the woman's office. It hadn't been easy, given the persistence of the ginger, and even though he'd been pivotal in what many had hoped to be the final battle, he didn't like the man. Marching forward, he couldn't help but smirk as he noticed her in the distance.
Noticing Malfoy there, she cursed under her breath but drew her wand, expecting a fight, and prepared to try and take out the bastard.
"Should have realized you'd been listening the whole damn time," she spoke when they were close enough to hear each other. She didn't want to destroy the campus. And getting into a brawl here would get His attention.
“Not all the time. I do have a life,” he reminded with a shrug. “Not here for you, but if we must…” he reached into his inner breast pocket for his wand.
"I'm aware of who you're here for," she rolled her eyes as she looked him over slowly before casting a stunning spell, trying to anyway. "If we must? What's the matter, Arawn? Getting bored with fighting me. Where the hell do you have my cat?"
She had to ask. Even if she assumed that he'd already killed the orange ball of fluff and spite.
He evaded the spell, not even bothering to counter. “The orange demon is safe, which could change if you keep this up. Perhaps I’ll offer him up to the science department. Muggles do so like their vivisections of the unknown…”
Hermione seethed as she glared at him. Try to kill him or protect her cat. She knew what she was supposed to do. "I have no reason to believe you haven't killed him or transfigured him into a cup."
Draco nearly laughed at that. He plucked an orange hair from his cloak. "He makes a bloody mess," he held it up. No amount of spellwork could completely rid him of those hairs.
Hermione eyed him carefully, distrust clear in her eyes, but so was...relief. "He is prone to doing that," she agreed. Her gaze looked him up and down. She should try to kill him. Her own safety, and her cat's safety, wasn't what the "Order" would want. They would want him kept away from that research even if she might get the American research much sooner than he or that woman would. "And what do you plan on doing with Crookshanks, Malfoy?"
"He's a ferocious mouse killer," he shrugged. He had no plans to harm the cat. "He certainly does enjoy the fresh fish."
It wasn't the point. "Now, if you wish that to continue, I do have an appointment to uphold. It'd be rude to hold up a lady."
Fresh fish. If that were true, that was one way to earn her cat's loyalty. While she made sure he ate better than she did, he still was thinner than he had been in Hogwarts.
"You know I can't just walk away," she said earnestly, looking him over again. But if she killed him now, what would happen to her cat? It didn't matter. It shouldn't matter. But she had already lost so much, and she didn't want to lose her cat.
"I could jinx you if that will make you feel better," he goaded her lightly. "I'm sure there's a nice tapestry I can hide you behind. Of course, then she'd have to potentially deal with Percy. He'd be keen to bring her back to Him.
She sneered at that before throwing another wordless, stunning spell at him with narrowed eyes. "Make me feel better. What would make me feel better would be if I had my cat back and you were to drop dead." Her tone was mild enough, not wanting to get loud and make more of a scene than spellcasting in Oxford would already make.
A side step, and he watched her curse hit a passing student. "Messy," he shook his head. "You should probably check up on them," he ignored her statements. He had no qualms with her anger. They weren't his problem. With a small ruffle of cloaks, he apparated behind her. "We'll have to do this again," he purred by ear, brushing beside her spine before getting out of dodge and to the door he was expected at with a soft sound, not completely caring for stealth.
That curse hitting the student had her grimace just a moment before she glowered at Malfoy. She had three choices. She could check on the Muggle and walk away, taking that information to her side because Malfoy hadn't taken it from her for some odd reason. She could start an all out brawl and end up losing the intel and draw You-Know-Who's attention. Not ideal. Or she could start a fire that would put far too many people at risk and would be a PR nightmare for the insurgency.
Grinding her teeth together, she tensed, feeling a shiver roll down her spine at the feeling of his warm breath against her ear. Damn him to hell. Before the door opened, she focused for just a moment, casting another cruciatus curse on him briefly before she went to help the student. They were fine.
And she was getting the hell out of dodge before any other Death Eaters arrived. Kingsley and the others could put this intel to better use and get more for her to read through from their American counterparts. Besides....she was expecting a delivery.