the fake deathly hallows - can't wait until saturday? help us write our own!

[persephonesnape]

cut and pasted from this thread www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1377&threadid=354894&stamp=070716154700

The observer yesterday printed what it thinks is (potentially) the first paragraph of t the first chapter of 'the deathly Hallows'. In order to while away the time, we started writing our own on the other thread (impatient!) - do join in by writing a few sentences to continue the mumsnet version of the deathly hallows
haters, please refrain from killing every single character by the end of post 15, thank you. feel free to have silly ex machina sirius waking up in the shower moments also bear in mind that none of us are even remotely professional and of course all characters below to JKR.

potentially by JKRowling

Chapter one - the dark lord ascending. the two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow moonlit lane. For a second they stood quite still, wands pointing at each others chests: then, recognising each other they stowed their wands beneath their cloaks and set off, side by side in the same direction.

"News?" asked the taller of the two.
"The best", replied Snape.

added by persephonesnape

The taller man looked expectantly at Snape. Years in Azkabhan had taken their toll on his aqualine features. A good shave had softened his face, as had one too many good dinners since his escape.

'what news?'

'i rather think the dark lord would prefer to hear it from me, Rodolphus' sneered Snape. 'Although I'm sure you must be keen to reintegrate yourself after your disastrous capture...'

'and equally magnificent escape' finished Rodulphus.

'Really, if one is so....ill mannered to allow capture in the first place, one can hardly expect to be congratulated on having one's wife secure one's escape'. Snape hurried through the puddles towards a small non descript door in the wall, ignoring Rodolphus' protests, he withdrew his wand and knocked sharply on the door.

There was no response. Snape lost control of his temper,

'Merlins beard, Draco, open the door'...

added by kneazlechick

The door opened a crack. No light spilled from inside.

"Password!" whispered a hoarse voice.

"If you don't open this door instantly ..." Snape took out his wand again and waved it menacingly towards the tiny gap.

Slowly the door open just enough for the 2 men to slide through it. They had stepped into a dark hallway. No features were visible as the door snapped shut behind them. There was a faintly dusty, damp smell and they could hear the scuttlings of rodents behind the walls.

"Lumos" muttered the taller man.

The light from his wand showed the bareness of the hallway in all it's dank starkness. Behind him stood a tall, thin youth with blond hair and what a appeared to be a tear-stained face.

Mutely, Draco lead the way along the hall to a solid, handle-less door...

added by Rosmerta

Snape pushed past Draco impatiently and opened the door.

Voldemort was stood by a tall fireplace. Bellatrix Lestrange was sat in one of a dozen chairs, smiling expectantly.

"Look, my Lord, its Severus. How are you Severus? Have you got over killing that muggle-loving fool yet?"

"Silence", said Voldemort. "When I want to hear your whitterings, Bellatrix, I will ask you."

"Yes, my Lord", she muttered, curling up in the chair.

Voldemort turned to Snape. "Well then, my servant, what news?"

added by kneazlechick

Snape sneered at Bellatrix for an instant then turned his attention on the red-eyed wizard before him.

"The Order is in turmoil. They do not know where to turn or who to trust. I, obviously, have been ejected and am no longer able to gain intimate information, My Lord ... "

At this Bellatrix made a sound that was somewhere between a squeal and a snort.

"You have something to say?" Snrled Voldemort. "I thought not. Be gone before I lose my temper again."

Bellatrix fled, closely followed by Malfoy who seemed relieved to have a reason for escaping from their presence.

"Continue" hissed Voldemort turning his back on the room and staring into the fire.

added by shinyhappytonks

Snape turned away from Bellatrix and faced Voldermort.

'My Lord i have news of the Potter boy'

Voldermort looked up expectantly, his grotesque features glinting in the light'.

'I have been passed news that Potter will be attending a wedding at the Weasleys home in a matter of days. If we are organised we could arrange to have a very special wedding present delivered to the newlyweds,' Snape leered cruelly 'and leave a message for all those that would oppose us'.

As he finished speaking, Snape looked to Draco and saw him visibly flinch.

added by persphonesnape

Voldemort turned towards the wraith like figure cowering near the only exit. he regarded him imperiously.

'Such a pity Draco proved so ineffectual last time,'

'my lord...,' interrupted Draco, hesitatingly, 'Snape didn't give me...

'Silence!' Snape bridled, 'Do not interrupt the dark Lord! It is still professor Snape to you, as i fear you still have a great deal to learn,' Snape turned towards Voldemort, 'If it is the dark lords wish that you continue your miserable existence'

Voldemort turned away, facing the fire,'He may still prove of some use Severus, tell me more about this little gathering. Will the mudblood be there?'

'The Mudblood Granger? my lord? I presume so, she is close to the weasley boy.

Voldemort turned back from the fire, the light forming an aura around his dark cloak. 'Good.'. He placed the very tips of his fingers together and suppressed a chuckle. 'I'm not concerned about Potter until I've had some fun with his little friends.'

Draco slipped un-noticed into the corner of the room, shadows hiding his face, thinking of happier times, clouding his thoughts from the two dark wizards in the centre of the room.

(...)

Draco's expression suddenly darkened as the door flew open. Two roughly dressed men burst into the space causing the few inhabitants to stare.

The first of the two men dropped the hood of his travelling cloak.

"My Lord!" He dropped to his knees. "We have a report, if it pleases you."

"Stop simpering, Wormtail. Get out of the way. Fenrir. An update." Barked Voldemort at the second figure who was still skulking by the door.

With a slight hesitation the werewolf came forward into the middle of the room.

"As always, we are ready My Lord. My contacts hear that the time is ripe. They grow ... impatient to begin in earnest. We would have returned earlier if I had not been, delayed" He sounded irritated, glacing towards the cowering Wormtail as he spoke. He was making a small attempt to conceal his feelings.

"If you have a ... problem ...?" Despite his words, Voldemort's tone was not inviting a complaint or any further comment from any of those gathered before him. "Very well. Nagini!"

From the distant corner, behind the collection of furniture, came a slithering sound which heralded the arrival of the enormous snake.

"I have a job for you." And Voldemort began to speak to the snake in her own tounge, leaving the humans no chance to know what was brewing in the Dark Wizard's brain.

They knew better than to question.

Molly Weasley fussed around Fleur in a twittering manner, tucking spare tendrils of hair into her goblin made tiara and pulling up the neckline of her dress. Fleur muttered under her breath in French, but shone a happy smile at Molly,
'zank you Mrs Weaserlee, you have made such a beautiful dress'

'oh think nothing of it, dear, it is a pleasure, i always wanted a daughter...'

Ginny washed the breakfast plates noisily

'and when we were blessed with Ginny, we really had no need of another... but you're such a wonderful addition to the family,'

'you are vairry kind mrs weaserlee,' Molly turned to face Fleur and held her at arms length,

'Fleur, please call me Molly, ' she smiled gently, and tucked a greying lock of hair behind her ear, looking slightly askance, she continued, 'please don't think i'm saying this because i don't like you...'

Ginny noisily rinsed some mugs and slung them
into the drainer, molly tutted crossly in her daughters general direction,

'it's just...this war dear.. you don't think you're being a little.... hasty because of the war?' fleur stuck out her bottom lip,

'zis is outrageous! i love Bill! we want to have vairry many leetle babies, leetle grandchildren for you molly!' Mrs Weasley paled considerably,

'but f..f..fenrir? ...the bite?'

Fleur gave Mrs Weasley a very hard stare, 'eet is not important. we will cross that problem when we come to eet. all that is different ees that he likes 'is steak rare'.

Mrs weasley sighed and turned away, ' I do wish you every happiness my dear, just like Arthur and I... it's just, the war...i do so worry about you all ' her face crumpled
as fleur wrapped her arms around her.

Molly sniffed, 'look at me , a silly old woman, on such a happy day!. She paused as Ginny placed her hand on her elbow. 'Where is Arthur?' she glanced at the familiar clock which placed all the weasleys at 'mortal peril., He was meant to be collecting harry from Godrics Hollow..the sooner that boy can apparate...'

Molly Weasley faltered as a bright green flame engulfed the small fireplace in the weasley kitchen

Harry and Arthur stepped out of the flames stepping smartly onto the rug. They appeared to be intent on completing the conversation they must have begun before leaving Godric's Hollow. Harry turned immediately on his heal and reached for the pot of powder on the mantle shelf.

"There isn't time to continue now, Harry." Mr Weasley sounded both exasperated and desperate.

"I can't leave things as they are, I have to carry on looking." Harry had taken the lid off the pot and was fumbling inside.

"Tea? Anyone? Fleur? How about some champagne, it is a celebration after all" said Molly forcefully. Her eyes boring into the back of Harry's head. She bustled around the table and called up the stairs, "Ron? Ginny? Harry is here. Come on Harry, dear, time to get dressed. I've put your things out in Ron's room."

Something seemed to snap in Harry's head. He looked around as if he didn't know where he was. Finally, after peering at each of them, he smiled and replaced the lid of the floo powder pot.

"Tea sounds good Mrs Weasley, but I suppose I'd better go and get ready. You look lovely ... um ... Fleur." He stumbled thru these last words as Ginny had re-appeared at the door and he was caused to take a sharp breath.

(Yep - miserable lot )

Great idea PersephoneSnape

Harry's eyes lingered over Ginny's face and the beast in his chest whimpered. He hadn't realised how painful it would be to look at her again. Even the wrinkle between her brows from the angry frown was a tonic to his hollow heart. He smiled at her and her frown melted away as her eyes filled with tears. She turned slowly and walked out of the room. The beast roared in pain.

Hurrying upstairs so none of the other Weasley's would notice their exchange Harry tried to distract himself by getting ready for the wedding.

He didn't have to try very hard as at that moment Ron burst into the room, his shirt half untucked, trying to tie his tie.
"Where's Hermione when you need her??" He muttered in Harry's direction.

Harry's face broke into a huge and genuine smile. He was so happy to see Ron.
"If this is anything like the Yule Ball she's probably been getting ready for the last 3 hours."

"Yeah, that's true." said Ron still struggling and getting his tie twisted.

"Actually, " said Hermione suddenly springing into the room, "I've been ready for ages.
"Oh for heavens sake Ronald, let me do it."
She pulled Ron around and tied his tie for him as they both beamed at her.

After a short but beautiful service, which saw several handkerchiefs being employed, the guests settled down to a fabulous feast. Harry was glad to have the distraction of Fleur's younger sister, Gabrielle, to take his mind off Ginny and how stunning she looked in her bridesmaid robes. The two of them chatted about school, the Tri-Wizard tournament, Quidditch, anything that didn't really matter. No-one wanted to spoil this wonderful day by talking of the one thing that was on everyone's mind.

Harry sat back, resting his spoon after his third helping of sherry trifle. He looked contentedly around the assembled company. Here were all the people who meant most to him in the world. All gathered together. All apparently carefree and cheerful. Lupin and Tonks sat slightly apart from the rest, talking quietly to eachother, seemingly oblivious to the approving glances that were being thrown their way. Mrs Weasley sat beside her husband smiling lazily at her brood. Suddenly, Harry noticed a single tear slide down her face. She reached for her husband and he lead her away.

"Percy," muttered Ron, who had also been gazing at his mother.

"Yes, I noticed his absence." Hermione did not sound at all surprised.

"We're better off without him. He has caused enough up set around here, if you ask me." said Ginny grimly.

Harry was disconcerted momentarily by her closeness. He glanced to where her voice had come from but she had already moved away and was now deep in conversation with Gabrielle.

Suddenly they heard a small scream. Wands appeared from thin air and all faces were turned towards the path that had, moments before, been walked by Mr and Mrs Weasley.

No-one spoke. ...

"What's that tosspot doing here?" muttered Ron. George & Fred were stood up, blocking Harry & Hermione's view.

"What's going on?" hissed Hermione. "Oh, get out of the way."

"It's Malfoy", said Ginny.

Harry ran outside in time to see Draco fall to the ground. Nobody was quite sure what to do. Then Lupin hurried forward and picked him up.

"Hurry, Molly," he said in his hoarse voice. "We need an energising potion."

"Oh, yes of course." Molly bustled around the kitchen, looking for something. "Where is it? Where is it? Aha, here you go Lupin."

Lupin had carried Malfoy into the living room, and laid him down on the couch. He opened his mouth and went to tip the potion down his throat.

"Stop!" shouted Harry. "What do you think you're doing?"

Everyone stared at him. "He's responsible for Dumbledore's death, why are you helping him? For all you know, he's here on Voldemort's orders."

"Oh Ron, stop flinching everytime someone says his name" said Hermione, poking him in the back.

"I can't help it" he complained.

Molly and Lupin had taken Harry into the corner. "We have to wake him up, he might be here to help us."

"Yeah right. When has Malfoy ever done anything to help us. We should be sending him back to whichever stone he crawled out from", spat Harry.

Molly and Lupin looked at each other.

Malfoy coughed and opened his eyes.

"Rest back, Draco" Lupin moved a cushion to support Malfoy more comfortably.

Harry looked on, disgusted by the attention that this unwelcome visitor was receiving. He could almost accept Lupin and Mrs Weasley's reactions. It was Hermione's face that was causing him the most upset. She actually looked worried - and not at why he was here!

"I, I ... Get off me. I'm fine." Malfoy tried to get up from the sofa but swayed and sat down heavily.

"Stay where you are for now," Lupin sounded as tho torn between concern for Malfoy's health and concern for the safety of everyone present. He turned to Molly. "What happened, Molly?"

"He just apparated right in front of us. If Arthur and I hadn't been taking a walk no-one would have known he was here at all." Mrs Weasley looked at her husband who was standing behind the sofa watching proceedings carefully. He still held his wand tightly.

Just then Tonks, Bill and Charlie entered.

"No sign of any others." Bill announced as he closed the door and moved straight to the window to look carefully across the entrance.

"No, no-one knows I've come." Malfoy certainly did look pale and drawn.

"Disobeying Voldemort? Yeah right!" Harry spat the words and felt the familiar anger that Malfoy's presence always invoked in him.

Malfoy's eyes thinned. He glared at Harry.

"You don't know the half of it, Potter," he snarled. "You are all in danger"

"We're always in danger" interrupted Ginny. "Tell us something useful!"

"I will talk to equals. Not children. Death Eater to members of the Order. No-one else." As he spoke Malfoy drew back his left sleeve to display the Dark Mark.

After a startled hesitation Mrs Weasley stood up.
"Well, there are only a few of us here so, um, let's go in there" and she indicated a small chamber off the main hall.

She lead the way, followed by the other members of the order. Bill tapped the door handle with his wand and they heard it click, then he followed the others.

"I'll be imperiusing this door so put them away" he said to Fred and George as they started handing round flesh coloured pieces of string. And they were gone.

Malfoy looked very pale. His robes looked loose, as if he hadn't eaten for days. I need to speak to .... Harry ... need to speak to Harry... need to speak to Harry.... Malfoy mumbled. He seemed to be drifting in and out of concousness.(sp?)

"What does he want with me?" Harry spoke with clenched teeth.
Malfoy pretended to be asleep.
"We will not know until he wakes up," said Lupin. "For the moment let him rest," he was ready to give Malfoy a second chance.
Harry recalled the scene in the tower when Dumbledore had died. He was less forgiving.
Some of the others felt the same way too.
Mr Weasley piped up.
"Remus is right, the boy needs to rest, and then we will listen to his story," he turned to Tonks.
"Would you mind watching him whilst we continue with the ceremony" he asked politely.
"Course" Tonks replied.
"No need for Tonks to watch him, I can do it through the wall and still be at the ceremony," Mad-Eye Moody came stomping into the house. His eye rotated in it's socket and came to rest on Harry while the other continued to look at Malfoy.
Everyone piled out of the house.
"I don't know why they're letting him stay" Ron whispered to Harry, as they rejoined the wedding party.
"He's up to something, I know it." Harry scowlled. He sat down in his seat trying to think of a way to go back and see what Malfoy was doing.

Meanwhile back in the house. Malfoy slipped something from under his robes. He looked at the small vial of amber liquid, and then placed it carefully back under his robes. His eyes sparkled. He closed his eyes and recalled his conversation with the Dark Lord.
"This potion will kill the mud-blood."

Mad-eye Moody slipped on his invisability cloak and walked back into the house, watching Malfoy as he went.

Malfoy got up from the couch, and sneered at his surroundings. "never thought I'd find myself here" he muttered under his breath. He walked over to the drinks table and chose a glass full of mulled wine and poured the contents of the vial inside.

Crossed posts... Sorry.

It's really good this!! I love the way the story twists and turns depending on who picks it up!

Shall we let the next author decide where to pick up??

I'm bagsying! give me a few minutes, please!

'come on Draco, out with it' Moodys magical eye spun towards Draco, then dawdled away, the original eye regarded him as if he were the weasel the other Moody had transfigured him into four long years ago.

'what are you up to boy? who are you trying to kill now?'

Dracos blond head sunk between his shoulders, he looked around the room desperately, all facade of bravado disappearing.

'I.... I was wrong' he started ' I wanted the glory, I wanted to do what my dad wanted me to do, I wanted to be who he wanted me to be. I joined because I was asked and if you refuse - they, they kill you, after they've killed everyone you love and i couldn't bear to see that happen to her!'Draco started to cry, tears and snot streaming down his face.

Molly softened at once, 'your mothers safe, Draco, She's with Tonks' mum..'

'For gods sake Molly! you don't believe him!? ' Moody rounded on her, 'how can you believe a word the boy says? typical slytherin! liar! double agent! just look at Snape, why the boys just like him!'

'everyone deserves a second chance Alaistair, even you! you had your chance, remember?!

Tonks placed a hand on her arm and Molly quietened as Draco rose to his feet,

' I don't care if you don't believe me, but you're in terrible danger. Do you think this is easy for me? If he finds out I've told you he'll do what he said he'll do.'
Draco paused for breath as everyone looked at him expectantly, 'you have to protect me! Mrs Weasley! please, hide me?'

'whats he going to DO boy!?' Moodys patience was at it's end, 'hurry, tell me!' he waved his wand dangerously in Dracos direction, ' Cru...'

'no Alistair.' Molly stepped in front of him, turning to face Draco, 'just tell me dear, what is it?'

'destroy the bouquet.' he said solemnly, 'Hermione mustn't catch it'.

Tonks ran from the room, followed by Molly, Bill and Arthur,

'Hermione! Hermione!'

Moody snorted, 'Why would you give a damn about Hermione Granger, Malfoy? softening up towards the muggle born are you?'

Draco wiped his face with the sleeve of his robe and drew himself up to face Moody.

'You're an idiot, Moody. I'm not going to explain myself to you'.

(...)

In one swift movement Moody closed in and pinned Draco to the wall. Tha other members of the Order jumped as if to stop him, but stopped immediately as Arthur raised his arm.
"Don't toy with me boy." Moody snarled his face so close to Draco flinched at the harshness of the scars covering it. "You may have that mark on your arm sonny but you're still a boy to me." His voice was so soft no one but Lupin with his sensitive hearing could make out what he said, but from the look on Malfoy's face they had a good idea.

Malfoy tried not to show his fear but also sensed this was not the time for bravado.
"It wasn;t easy for me to come here you know, his voice sneered the word and his eyes darted to the shabby sofa in the corner.
Moody tightened his grip almost imperceptively but it was enough. This time Malfoy couldn't keep the fear from his face....

"Alright, Alastair, that's enough." Arthur was standing beside Moody now. Still holding his wand tightly he put his free hand on Moody's shoulder. "Let him down. We'll see what he has to say."

Moody released his grip just enough for Malfoy to slip free. He fell against the wall and slipped into the corner gasping for breath. Around him the Order members were throwing uncertain glances at eachother. No-one seemed to know what to say or who should begin. After several awkward moments Lupin stepped towards him.

"Get up" he said roughly though he held out his hand to help the boy to his feet. He manouvoured Malfoy to a nearby chair and thrust him into it. "Now. We appreciate that it isn't easy for you to talk freely. But you must appreciate that it isn't easy for us to just trust you. The bouquet -" he glanced towards the door as Tonks appeared and nodded to him "- has been destroyed. What now?"

"Now?" Draco looked at him as though he was speaking parseltounge.

"Yes, now. You can't very well go waltzing back to your master without having a clear alibi. I have an idea ... but I'm not sure give us a moment please" He stood back and indicated the door.

Draco knew that it was pointless to argue. He reluctantly stood and walked back into the hall where Harry and the others received him with cold, steely stares.

As the door closed they caught Lupin begin -
"The question is, how much do we value the boy's usefulness over his life?" ...

Malfoy paled slightly, a sight that brought a small amount of satisfaction to Harry. ...

'Bloody hell!' said Ron, ''You don't think Remus would actually...' his voice dropped to a whisper, '...kill him?'

Harry bit back a grin, ' why not? Their lot killed my mum and dad, and sirius. Snape killed Professor Dumbledore without even blinking. Why wouldn't Remus do what they do to us? all the time? Maybe he'll torture him a little first, see if he knows where Snape is..'

Hermione obviously disapproved, ' He wouldn't do it, because we can't sink to their level Harry,' she swallowed nervously, 'I know we're at war, but if Remus kills Draco, then we're as bad as the people that killed everyone you loved - as bad as Bella, as V...Voldemort. as bad as Snape!'

Ron gazed at Hermione, as easily readable as the cover of a book. Harry stepped back towards the door, eager to hear what was happening inside.

'oh, let me!' Hermione pushed past him impatiently, pointing her wand towards the door meeting the frame, 'alucido!' she hissed softly, turning away towards Ron and Harry, she rolled her eyes, 'well, I'm obviously the 'brightest witch of my age' for a good reason - everyone be quiet, come closer. This charm doesn't last very long...'

"So, three options then." They heard Moody growl.

"Yes," Lupin was talking very quietly, they leaned closer to the wall and strained to hear. Harry was aware of Malfoy concentrating as hard as the rest of them. "Firstly, we try and use him as a double agent ..."

"It's too dangerous. It would take far too long to be sure of his real loyalty. And we can't risk that, even if he is on our side, he might be found out." Arthur sounded steady and thoughtful.

"Then, option 2: we take him away and alter his memory so he has no recollection of having been here. If he is still inclined to join is he will find a way on another occasion." There were quiet murmurings, Harry assumed the members were discussing this option in small groups.

"Don't forget option 3." Moody was restless, they could hear his false leg stumping across the floor.

"Yes, well, there is that option too, Alastair" but Lupin did not sound convinced. "So a vote. Option 1?" A short pause while the order voted, options 2 and 3 were voted on in the same manner.

"Right, who will talk ..."

Harry strained to hear for a few seconds before he fully realised that the charm had worn off. He didn't have long to wait before the door opened and Malfoy was being ushered back into the room behind Charlie.

Mrs Weasley looked at them suspiciously.
"Come on you lot, out side!" And leaving the rest of the Order to speak to Malfoy, she rounded them up and took them back to the assembled wedding guests.

...