When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 96: Hope in a Slimy Man

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 96: Hope in a Slimy Man

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

Finding that slimy man wasn't complex if one knew where to look. Mundungus was a disreputable monger of stolen items so he would be anywhere in Nockturn Alley, or a dirty cheap tavern. He was a man of habit and that made the job easier for him.

He'd been in the fourth tavern that Severus approached.

He spotted Mundungus at the bar, firewhiskey in front of him. Severus pulled his hood over his head, hesitant to use his Death Eater's robes but knowing it was the best option. It would further show his "loyalty" to the Dark Lord. He waited until Mundungus took a drink before entering.

As expected, no one looked at him; no one dared to, as he entered the tavern.

He snuck his wand out and cast a quick confusion spell when he got to his side. Mundungus's eyes opened a bit wider and his face lost all its color.

He sat in front of the man and cast a spell that would mix their conversation in with the pub's cacophony.

When the man's eyes met his, he opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came. Severus spoke first.

"Tell the Order of the Phoenix to use distractions during Potter's movements. Use Polyjuice potion. You need to have more than one Potter since he will be a target."

"Yes."

"You will forget I've told you this. This will be your idea." He snorted and muttered to himself. "As unbelievable as that is."

"Yes," Mundungus said.

"It needs to be done as soon as possible. Before Potter's birthday because that's when the Dark Lord Will attack. Do you understand what I am saying?"

"I do," he said as if he held no emotions within his body.

"When is the boy being retrieved? The true date."

"The 27th of July," Mundungus said. "To leave the day of his birthday is false information that was leaked to the ministry."

Severus smirked and for a moment took pride in his work. He looked into the man's eyes and scanned through his thoughts. When he saw the meeting he sought in Mundungus' mind, he tensed. This was going to be more complex than he thought, but the plan was definitely enough to distract the Dark Lord and let the boy escape.

He knew Granger would be right there with Potter and almost hesitated in his resolution to give everything to the Dark Lord. But he agreed with Dumbledore. It was necessary. He had to keep stability in his role as a spy and this was an excellent way to do it. She would understand more than anyone would. He had to respect her enough to do what was right and what was necessary. She knew the risks. She knew the cost and the possibilities that lay before her. Before them.

If he had to go during the raid, he'd find some way to protect her if possible. After all, friendly fire existed and the Dark Lord didn't care who died for his cause and who did the killing. His survival, his pride, his success was all that mattered. Every Death Eater knew that.

He rose from his seat and left the tavern. He stopped at the door, leaving it open just long enough to remove both spells he'd cast on Mundungus. Liquid fire shot through his mark and he took a deep breath before setting out into the night and towards a meeting with the Dark Lord.

Now he had to hope Mundungus would do his part. Had to hope that Dumbledore was right.

It was unfortunate that hope was one of the most difficult feelings for him to have.

AN: He is not having a nice day...and more worries to think about? Hope you liked it and let me know what you think. See you next Saturday.