Playing with Fire

Chapter 30

Things had only become worse after their argument. He was being in a dangerous mood almost the entire time. Hermione was already happy when he would just say nothing and leave her alone. But unfortunately he was almost permanently in a murderous mood, which made being around him very dangerous. Hermione had to watch her mouth carefully, because he would snap as soon as he heard something that didn't please him. The worst thing was that Hermione just knew that Barty was just as aggressive in his classes towards students. Luckily he wouldn't have to teach any classes after the Christmas break, now that he was appointed Headmaster he was going to be replaced by someone else. If Hermione knew how to help all those children who were suffering under the rage of Barty right now, then she would do it immediately. The only problem was that she couldn't reason with the Death Eater. She didn't even know exactly where his sudden anger had come from. Before their agreement was broken, they were going along just fine. Barty had even seemed to be kind towards in his own twisted way. The only thing Hermione could think of, was that Barty was frustrated because she didn't do what he had expected. He had made it obvious that he wanted her. But she had made clear that she wasn't going to accept him. And now the man was both angry with her and himself, at least, that was what it looked like. Hermione could never hope to understand his mind. He was a powerful and extremely intelligent wizard, but his emotions seemed to be working so differently from a normal person.

"We are going back to my house," Barty announced at the first day of the Christmas holiday. "Winky has informed me that the area seems to be safe."

Hermione was secretly very happy that she could leave Hogwarts. That meant that Harry couldn't see her on the map anymore, so he wouldn't go looking for her either. But she was smart enough not to tell Barty that. Also, she was very curious to what Skye was up to. There was no telling if she was supporting her father or if she was playing a very clever game. Her grandparents didn't seem to support the Dark Lord at all, so maybe the young girl was not going to follow her father.

"We shall be back her soon. Don't think Potter and Weasley are safe now that we are leaving," Barty snarled, obviously noticing the slightly relieved look on Hermione's face.

"No- that's not- I am just glad I can leave this room. Finally," Hermione retorted.

"Ungrateful little girl... You should be thanking me for not torturing you into insanity," Barty growled, before handing her over a small bottle. "Here. Drink this. Quickly, I don't feel very patient today."

"When do you ever," Hermione mumbled so that he couldn't quite hear her. Luckily. She drank the contents of the bottle without complaining, and she could feel her body transforming into someone else. Then she felt Barty grabbing her arm and apparating them back to his own house.

It was broad daylight, so if there would be any members of the Order, then they would definitely attack them. She could feel how tense and alert Barty was right now, he was ready for any possible attack. Hermione could also see that he was suspicious towards every Muggle that was walking through the streets, and any wrong move from them would result in a murder from the Death Eater. Luckily, they succeeded in reaching the front door without any problems. Barty took out his wand and opened the door, and they both stepped inside quickly. After a few moments of silence, another person barged into the hall, armed with a knife. In a reflex, Barty immediately disarmed the person and stunned them, making them fly against the wall. It was only then that Hermione could see that it was Mr. Dawson who had just been blown against the wall.

"Dear father, it's not smart to sneak up on someone like that... Especially not when they could have killed you. You're lucky that I only used a stunning spell," Barty said, not making the slightest effort to help the man up.