Riddle Me This

Chapter 50

Catherine's POV

I was sitting with my group not long after, in a room we had grabbed for ourselves, talking with Luna who had finally returned, much to Neville's and my relief, when the portrait of Dumbledore's sister came and got Neville. He went through the portrait to Aberforth, and came back with Ron, Harry, and Hermione. When I saw them, I ran over.

"Hermione!" I said as I hugged her. "Thank Merlin you're alright." I said as I shivered. "He's not here, my Father. And... and Draco stayed back with his parents. The Malfoy's are staying close to him, but Draco hasn't told me what they're doing yet. And we have no idea where any horcruxes are."

"How do you know about the horcruxes?" Ron asked. I smiled.

"Kreacher of course! He sent me a letter after you had gone to get the locket at the Ministry. Not only that, but my father is getting weaker, even with the Elder Wand. It only makes sense." I explained.

"Cat." Hermione said. I turned back to her with a sad smile.

"I'm sorry I broke my promise to you, Hermione. I didn't keep Bellatrix from hurting you, and I had promised to keep you safe."

"Right load of help you've been." Ron said. I frowned.

"Ronald." Hermione said firmly. "She tried her best when she could."

"Didn't keep Bellatrix from marking up your arm."

"Draco dragged me from the room before I could." I snapped. "And I bloody well petrified her in fear after you left."

"It was pretty brutal." Seamus said. I turned to him and crossed my arms.

"I let you in my head once. Only, once. I didn't say you could use Legitimate on me every time something happened." I huffed.

"Need to make sure you aren't holding anything back." He said with a shrug. "I'm more surprised I haven't blown anything up yet while doing so."

"Let's not chance it anymore, shall we." I turned to Harry. "You're here for a reason. What do you need us to do to help?" He told us that there was something in the castle that they were looking for, a horcrux. And Luna's the one who thought of the Diadem of Ravenclaw. I turned to her.

"Luna! You're brilliant! Why have you never brought this up before!" I asked as I hugged her tightly.

"I didn't know what a horcrux was. Or that your father would use something like that as one." She said. I groaned.

"Right. Okay, so-" Before I could finish, Ginny came in and told us that Snape knew that Harry was spotted in Hogsmeade, and was gathering the students. I groaned. "Damnit Papa. You think he'll listen if I bitch saying that I was working with you guys to plan and capture Harry by luring him in and making him feel safe before turning him over?" I asked. Harry, Hermoine, and Ron turned to me with complete and utter confusion. "Long story. Very long story. That we can share after my father is dead. Let's go." And we headed to the Great Hall.

We were told of what would happen if we helped Harry, or had information about him but said nothing. Snape then asked anyone who knew anything of his whereabouts to step forward. And so Harry did, and at this time, the Order came in as well. Snape made quick eye contact with me before fleeing. And then my father's voice filled the hall and mind of all the students. Telling us to turn Harry over. And dear Pansy, she said we should.

"Pansy." I said, reaching out to her and trying to pull her back. She pulled from me.

"Why aren't you siding with me, Cat?" She asked. I cocked my hip.