Dark Schemes, Darker Secrets

[Made2LuvU]

This is a Hardy Boys/Harry Potter crossover. Enjoy!

Chapter One

Dark Schemes, Darker Secrets
Chapter One
A lone figure walked through the darkness. He was dressed in long lilac robes, although that detail was hardly visible underneath the blanket of night. His long, silver beard and hair clearly implied that he was quiet old, yet he moved at a quick pace, questions and troubles brewing in his sharp mind.
What did the Dark Lord possibly want this time? Hadn't killing Cedric Diggory, nearly murdering Harry Potter, and coming back to power been enough for him? The old man shook his head. Of course not; he shouldn't be so absurd. Lord Voldemort would stop at nothing in his quest for power...even if it mean going to the extremes of traveling to America...to the small town of Bayport...to work against an old and nearly forgotten, yet increasingly powerful foe.
The man sighed. He had really hoped it wouldn't come to this. Poor Fenton, he thought. Everything has been going wonderfully for him and his family. He has stuck fully to his promise, and his boys know nothing of his secret and the never-wavering danger they and their parents have been in for so long. Ah, well, he mused, I must warn Fenton. Since he has, indeed, kept to the plan, he will know nothing of Voldemort's return. This will be such a shock for him...and Laura.
He had now reached the home he was looking for, the home of Fenton Hardy. The old man knocked lightly on the door. Fenton was a light sleeper. This would wake him. Sure enough, seconds later, Fenton stumbled to the door, pistol in hand, and asked through the closed door, "Who is it?"
"An old friend."
Fenton dropped the pistol and flung the door open. "Albus!" he stammered, staring open-mouthed at the old man standing before him. "It's been a long time." He shook hands heartily with the man, ushering him inside, but instantly became somber once more. "Why are you here?" he inquired. "What's wrong?"
At that moment, Laura entered the living room and started at seeing the robed figure there. Quickly, she regained her composure and exclaimed, "Albus Dumbledore! What brings you here from London int he middle of the night? There's trouble, isn't there?"
Heaving a great, troubled sigh, Dumbledore said, "More than you can imagine. Laura, Fenton, I have some troubling news."

Fenton's eldest son, Frank Hardy, was just like his father in many ways. He had the same adventerous spirit, the same logical zeal...and he, as well, was a light sleeper. When he woke up to a soft knock on the downstairs door, his natural inquisitive nature kicked into gear. Who could be calling at three in the morning? He heard his father moving cautiously down the hall and the creaking of the stairs as he descended. What could be going on?
Frank bounded silently from bed and ran into his brother's adjoining room. He grinned slightly as he saw his seventeen-year-old brother sleeping deeply. Joe, like Fenton and Frank, was naturally curious and had wonderful detective skills. In fact, Fenton Hardy, an internationally famous detective, had let his boys help on many perilous cases, and the boys proved to be a great team. However, they couldn't be more different.
Frank, at eighteen, was dark haired and leaner than his blonde, muscular brother. Joe was rash, while Frank thought things through. Frank shook his head. And Joe could sleep through a tornado.
Frank rushed to his brother's bed and punched him lightly in the arm. Joe grunted and rolled over. Desperate, Frank rushed to the bathroom which joined his room to Joe's, and filled a small cup with ice-cold water. Then he ran back to Joe and poured the freezing liquid onto his dishiveled blonde locks.
Joe sat up instantly, sputtering and coughing. "What's the big idea?" he hissed, casting an annoyed glance Frank's direction.
"Someone just knocked on the door and Dad went downstairs," Frank whispered excitedly. "He hasn't come back yet, but I think I just heard Mom go down. Maybe we should check and see if everything is alright."
Joe was up instantly. "Lead the way."

Back downstairs, Fenton, Laura, and Dumbledore had retreated to the Fenton's office, where they could talk in peace. "Now," said Dumbledore, "I might as well begin at the beginning."

As Frank and Joe crept downstairs, they heard low voices coming from their father's office.
"This way," mouthed Frank, urging Joe forward.
Grinning, Joe sprang ahead silently and swiftly, and the boys each took a positon on either side of the door. The conversation they heard inside was very low, and they could only hear a few snatches of it.
"...begin from the beginning," the boys heard and unknown voice say. The same voice continued wearily, "You remember, Fenton, Laura...sixteen years ago...Lily and James...murdered...and Harry lived."
The boys glanced at each other, and though each realized they shouldn't be eavesdropping, they couldn't seem to get a grip on their curiosity. They then each moved a few inches forward, as close as they dared to the door, and the voices became more distinct as they heard Fenton say, "Yes, of course, Albus. Horrible day for us all."
"Well..." the stranger's voice grew lower, and once more, though they strained their ears, the boys were only able to distinguish bits and pieces of what was being said. "...two years ago...the tournament...last task...he came back."
At the last phrase the unknown caller said, Frank and Joe heard their parents' audible gasps from behind the closed door.
"You're sure?" Fenton inquired apprhensively.
The brothers exchanged bewieldered glances.
"Positive. Harry confirmed..." his voice dropped again. "We found out...month ago...he still remembers...he wants to use you...power...he lives for it...stop atnothing..."
The voices were audible no longer. Frank and Joe, completly perplexed, were about to turn back when they suddenly heard their names.
"And Frank and Joe?" their father said. "Will they be safe?"
They heard a sigh from the office as they exchanged worried glances. This seemed to be more serious than they had thought. "You know, Fenton, he'll go to any measures to get to you. It is very likely he knows about your sons...we'll go to any means necessary..."
Everything fell silent once more. Then Laura spoke up. "The boys--" she began, voice cracking. She paused, then continued. "The boys...they know nothing of this, Dumbledore...and as far as we know, they haven't got any...how can we protect them? You saw what he did to Lily and James! To the Longbottoms! To Harry! Albus, he can kill instantly! He can control people's every movement! He can torture effortlessly beyond human endurance..." Her voice faded as Frank and Joe exchanged fearful glances.
"Laura," came the strange voice once more. "As long as you and Fenton can help us...along with our other allies...and after what...Trelawny said...it'll be okay." His tone seemed to brighten as he said, "So...Frank and Joe. Haven't seen them since they were little tykes...Frank was but a year and Joe was a month."
"Frank is eighteen, Joe seventeen," answered Laura promptly.
"AndI read in the newspaper that they have followed in their old man's footsteps?"
"Of course," came Fenton's reply. His tone became worried once more. "How can we protect the boys without telling them anything?"
"Oh, you'll have to tell them," the stranger said brightly. "They'll be filled with questions. But not until the right time, which is not tonight."
"Of course not," came Laura's puzzled reply. "How would they even know we are keeping anything from them?"
"Because," the unknown person went on, "they are standing right outside this door, and have heard every word we've said."
Frank and Joe stared at each other in amazement and shock, but didn't have time to dwell on their suprise, however, for at that moment, the office door swung open, revealing the smiling face and twinkling blue eyes of an ancient robed man, the worried expression livid on their mother's fair features, and Fenton's bewieldered gaze.
"Why hello, Frank, Joe," the stranger said. "So nice of you to join us."

[Made2LuvU]

Here's chapter two!

Fenton looked at his sons, surprised. "Frank...Joe? What are you doing up?"
"Um..." began Joe, but broke off, not wanting to announce that he and Frank had been eavesdropping.
The old man relieved them of answering, however, when he said, "They were curious, of course." He smiled at the boys, kindness in his blue eyes. "And, as I often tell my students, one in particular, curiosity is not a crime, but it does good to take caution."
"So you're a teacher?" Frank asked. He had already decided to find out all he could about this strange man, the likes of which he had never seen. His wardrobe was odd enough in itself, while his appearance only added to his peculiar appearance. But the thing that really got Frank were his eyes--a deeper blue than even Joe's, more penetrating, and...mysterious.
"Of a sort. Headmaster of a boarding school."
"Frank. Joe." Laura looked at her boys reproachfully. "You know what you did was wrong. Our business is our own and you had no right to pry."
"Oh, it's quite alright," the stranger said, then introduced himself as Albus Dumbledore and suggested that they adjourn to the living room. "Now," he said, when they were seated, Laura and Fenton on the love seat, Frank and Joe in recliners, and Dumbledore rocking contentedly in an old rocking chair that the brothers could have swore hadn't been there before. Upon seeing their bewildered expressions, Dumbledore smiled slightly but said nothing.
"What's going on?" Joe finally asked, unable to bear the silence any longer.
Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "As I'm sure you gathered from your little adventure, some very bad things are going on, the nature and background of which you will have no understanding of."
"Tell us then," Joe persisted, curiosity rousing.
Dumbledore sighed, and exchanged glances with Laura and Fenton. "My, stubborn aren't they?" His eyes twinkled for a moment as he said, "I know many young people of the same nature." Then his blue eyes lost their sparkle. "There are some things," he began, looking pointedly at each sleuth in turn, both of which were listening intently, "that I cannot reveal tonight...mostly because of the danger of speaking here, and of the shock it might cause you...later all will be revealed, but you are not ready to hear some things at the present time." He raised a wrinkled hand at the boys' protests. "Later," he said sternly, then turned and spoke to Laura and Fenton for a moment. "What do you say we let them tell us what they overheard and what they made of it? We can use that as a basis of how much to reveal tonight."
Fenton and Laura nodded as Fenton said, "But I don't want them to hear anything about..." he hesitated, as if trying to find the right way to word it, but Dumbledore cut him off.
"I understand. Of course...it isn't safe for them to know yet."
As Frank and Joe exchanged mystified glances, Dumbledore turned to them and inquired, "What did you hear?"
"Murder." The word was out of Joe's mouth in an instant.
"Yes," Frank agreed, knitting his brow. "Murders a long time ago...someone coming back. Someone needing Dad...and that we are in danger."
"Could be," Joe corrected.
"Of course. Could be in trouble."
"But by who? What is going on?" Joe asked, exasperated.
Instead of answering, Dumbledore asked if that was all they heard.
"No, there was also Mom talking about the person that needed Dad...and us. She said..." Joe broke off, feeling a little nervous now. "She said that he could torture people beyond human endurance, kill in an instant, and force people to do his bidding."
Dumbledore looked grim. "Yes. Well. If that is all you heard--" he paused as the boys both nodded, "--then I shall tell you what I see fit for you to hear now."
He took a breath, then went on. "Fifteen years ago, there was a man...a criminal, if you will, that was merciless...the man we were discussing. He disappeared for a while, but came back two years ago...now...he used to know your father, and needs him to complete his plans. However, your father, as is understandable, is refusing to assist him, despite threats."
"Who is this man? Why can't the police nab him? How could he just 'disappear'?"
"Frank, there is much, much more to this story. So much more, things you never even imagined. But now is not the time. What you need to know is that you and your brother could be in grave danger--for certain reasons, this man cannot get to your father directly, but through you...however, we do not even know if he is aware of your existence."
"If this has been going on for two years, why are you just now coming?" Frank asked.
"Ah, I see you are very observant. You remind me so much of your father... I didn't come until now because I just realized that you and your family could be in danger. Some spies and agents that work for me have discovered that he wants your father more than ever...so much that he may be willing to come here from London.
"Now, that's all I am going to reveal tonight. Further discussion with your parents shall be necessary before more is known. And this time--" he looked sharply at the boys, "--no listening in." His expression softening, he added, "I know you are extremely curious and have every right to be, but until I say it is safe, you'll have to contain it.
"Also, I want you to take extra precautions. Don't go to any unnecessary places, like to the pizza shop--yes, I know about your friend Tony, but maybe he can bring pizza here--arcade, and for the time being, no sleuthing."
Frank and Joe exchanged disappointed looks. "Frank, Joe." Fenton spoke for the first time. "I know this is a huge blow, but it is only for a short time, while we see if you really are in danger and get things sorted out. Trust me, this man is worse than any of the criminals you've encountered so far. Take NO chances. Whatsoever. None." Laura nodded and Dumbledore began speaking again.
"Take these precautions as well as this one: go straight to the required places, such as school, doctor, football practice, and back, not taking any unnecessary stops along the way. Am I understood?"
Although deeply disappointed, each boy consented in turn. "Good," said Dumbledore, brightening considerably. He stood up and walked to the door. "I must leave for London, but will be back very soon. In the meantime, heed what I have said--all of you. Now, farewell. Best of wishes. I will return within the week. Pleasure seeing you Fenton, Laura. Frank and Joe as well."
And with that he was gone.
"Dad," began Joe when he had gone, but Fenton held up a hand.
"Don't try persuading me to tell you anything else. Go to bed." He retreated up the stairs, lost in thought. Laura kissed each boy on the forehead and said, "Go to sleep."
Back in their own rooms, Frank and Joe each pondered the strange happenings...but nothing made sense. "Ah well..." they thought, "since it's dangerous right now, and he said we shouldn't snoop, we'll wait until he reveals it."
But they woke up the next morning, their curiosity still intact and questions reeling in their sharp minds. They discussed the previous night on the way to school, but could come up with no answer. "I'm stumped." Frank cringed as he said the dreaded words. But it was true.
At school, they filled their friends, Tony Prito, Chet Morton, and Biff Hooper, along with Vanessa, Joe's girlfriend, and Callie, Frank's girlfriend, in on the strange happenings. They, too, could not make head or tails of it.
Discouraged, the boys headed for home in silence. As they were driving along a deserted road, they heard something that made their hearts stop from an alley nearby. A chilling scream, almost inhuman, pain filled, terrified. "Something's happened!" Joe yelled, and without thinking, pulled off his seatbelt and jumped out of the slowing car.
"Joe!" Frank yelled, jumping up and running after his brother. "No! We'll call the police--don't go propelling us into danger!"
"Sorry Frank," Joe panted back, not even bothering to look back at his brother. "No time...that woman is in danger, we've got to help!"
Joe reached the ally before his exasperated brother, and looked about, befuddled, when he saw it was empty. Frank caught up to him quickly. "Joe, you idiot!" he spat. He looked around, and seeing no one, turned back to his brother. "You could have gotten us killed."
But Joe wasn't listening. "What could've happened?" he wondered aloud. "I know it came from this ally."
"I don't know," replied Frank, tugging on Joe's arm. "But let's get out of here. It was probably nothing. But c'mon--we promised we would come straight home, remember?"
Sighing in resignation, Joe consented and began to walk out of the ally. The brothers stopped short, however, as many hooded, cloaked, and masked figures stepped out of the shadows, seemingly out of nowhere.
"I'm sorry," one hissed, his malicious voice soft and terrifying. "That will not be possible." He and the other figures pulled something out of their robes--what, Frank and Joe couldn't quite tell, although it looked like a stick of some kind, and pointed them at the boys. They knew they were in trouble.
Before they had a chance to cry out, however, the person who had spoken hissed, "Stupify," and a flash of red light appeared and the boys instantly crumpled, losing all awareness of their surroundings.
The robed group put away their weapons and stepped over to the unconscious boys. The one who had spoken removed his hood, revealing long, silvery blonde hair and blue eyes filled with hatred. He kicked Joe roughly on the side of the head and said, "We have done it. Goyle!"
"Yes, Lucias?"
The latter smiled unpleasantly at the boys and said, "Bring them. Our master will be very pleased...soon we will have Fenton Hardy doing our bidding without hesitation...lest he want his boys to suffer...and die."

[Made2LuvU]

Chapter Three

“Enervate.” Frank awoke groggily to the sound of that strange word. He opened his eyes and saw the chilling form of a tall, thin man with waist-length blonde hair and cold gray eyes. This figure had a gleeful face, however, it also looked as if were pressed into a permanent sneer.

Frank blinked, trying to remember what had happened. Then, at another glance at the tell-tale form, it all came back to him—the scream, the cloaked and masked figures, the stick-like weapons they had pulled out—and Frank realized with a sickening feeling that he had he had been kidnapped. His fears were confirmed when he tried to move; his arms were tied painfully tight behind his back, while his ankles were bound together.

He glared up at the amused kidnapper, who was watching pleasantly as the young man struggled to free himself. But still, he said nothing.

Frank glanced around uneasily, taking in his prison. He was in a small, dark room with dirt floor and walls. There didn’t seem to be any door or windows, but there had to be some way out, Frank reasoned. And he would have to discover it.

Then Frank’s eyes came to rest upon a motionless figure lying beside him. His heart sunk. His brother had been taken as well. “Joe!” he whispered anxiously, stealing a quick glance at the ever-sneering man, still watching him, twisted pleasure growing in his features as he watched his captives. Satisfied that he wasn’t going to stop him from rousing Joe, Frank turned his gaze back to the bound-up youth by his side.

“Joe!” he said once more, this time a bit louder. Joe did not move. His usually bright blue eyes remained closed, and he did not shift position in the slightest. Fearing for his brother’s life, Frank, not caring any longer if the kidnapper would see him, rolled closer to Joe, and was relieved to see his chest moving up and down evenly as he breathed.

But what was wrong with him? Then Frank noticed a nasty, bruised swelling on his brother’s temple. Anger consumed him, and he twisted until he was facing his and Joe’s abductor. “What did you do to him?”

“Why, whatever do you mean?” the man asked in his slippery voice, walking toward the boys, black robes billowing. He knelt between them and faced Frank first. “I see nothing wrong with him.” He then turned to Joe and took his face in his pale hands. “Ah, ah, ah,” he said in mock concern. “I stand corrected.”

Inside, Lucias Malfoy was bubbling in elation. The plan, so far, was going perfectly…he had the boys, and he was now angering Blondie’s brother with a nasty trick—the kids knew nothing of his powers—there was no way that the dark headed brat would know his brother wasn’t harmed badly—just stunned and a mild bruise. It was a nasty trick, for sure, but nasty was right up his alley.

Keeping his grip on the young man’s face, he moved aside and twisted Joe’s head until the bruise on his temple was eye level with Frank. With his free hand, he fingered the swollen area and said, “Oh, dear…did my foot accidentally slip and hit his head? That is going to leave an angry mark, is it not?”

Furious, Frank growled, “Don’t touch him.”

And, to the latter’s surprise, the cloaked kidnapper released Joe’s head and rose, laughing slightly. “Not to worry,” he said, still chortling evilly. “Your brother’s state has nothing to do with my kicking him. In fact, he was unconscious, as were you, when I did it, so he didn’t feel a thing…although he will when he awakes. I simply stunned him, like you.”

He then pulled out the stick he and the others had attacked the brothers with. Frank’s eyes grew wide as the weapon was pointed at Joe. “Enervate,” the man said, and to Frank’s amazement and relief, Joe began to stir. His blue eyes blinked several times before he licked his parched lips and muttered, “Ooohhh, my head.” Then he glanced about and asked, “What—what happened?” His sapphire eyes spotted his brother and he murmured, “Frank?” His pounding head beginning to clear, Joe realized the situation he and his brother were in. He immediately began testing his bonds. Seeing that it was pointless, he turned to the kidnapper. “Why did you kidnap us?”

“Good question. But first, allow me to introduce myself.” Gray eyes gleaming maliciously, he said, “Lucias Malfoy. Dark wizard, servant of Lord Voldemort, your loyal abductor.”

“Hold up,” said Frank, furrowing his brow. “Did you say ‘dark wizard’?”

“Of course you wouldn’t know. Remember when Albus Dumbledore stopped by your house?” Seeing the boys bewildered faced, he smiled evilly and said, “Yes, I know about his little visit. Another of my master’s servants, Peter Pettigrew, was spying on you all.”

“But we didn’t see anyone.”

“Of course not,” Lucias snapped. “He was a rat at the time.”

Looking at each other, utterly confused, Frank and Joe exchanged curious glances.

“I would love to tell you more about my master, myself, your family, and your own deaths. However, Lord Voldemort, the man your mother said could torture beyond human existence, kill in a heartbeat, and so forth, would rather tell you himself. He will be here this time tomorrow. He would have been here sooner, but there were some last-second murders he had to attend to. Someone came too close to finding us.

“But,” he continued, “he said I could give one of you a little present…” Snickering, he looked between the two boys. “But which one? Hmmm…” Seeing Frank look anxiously at his brother, who was still looking drowsy, he said, “I believe I know how to get at you both. If I hurt Blondie here,” he said, stepping forward and grasping a handful of Joe’s blonde hair in his hand, forcing the youth to look straight into his eyes, “I will be hurting Frank as well…correct?”

Seeing Joe’s blue eyes fill with fear and Frank’s indignant cry of, “Get your hands off of him! He didn’t do anything to you!”, he smiled inwardly.

“You have just confirmed my idea,” he informed Frank. He released Joe’s head, which hit the dirt floor with a thud.

“Now,” Lucias went on, “in the ‘good side’, this is ‘unforgivable’, or illegal. But considering I do it on a daily basis, it won’t really matter, will it?”

He removed the stick once more from his robes, smiling horribly, and pointed it directly at Joe’s heart. “Remember how your mother said that Lord Voldemort can torture beyond human endurance? I have that power as well.”

Joe’s eyes grew wide, and Frank felt his fill with tears as he watched, unable to protect his brother, as Lucias prodded Joe’s chest with the weapon, then pulled back and hissed, “Crucio.”

Frank watched in speechless horror as Joe began writhing in pain, screaming in agony. Frank didn’t know how this had happened, but he couldn’t take it. “STOP!” he screamed. “STOP HURTING HIM!”

But Lucias ignored him and continued torturing the youth until, finally, with one final jolt of pain, he fell into a pit of pain-filled unconsciousness.

Please review, and I'll update asap!

[Made2LuvU]

Sorry it took so long to update. Here's chapter four!

Dark Schemes, Darker Secrets

Chapter Four

Joe slowly regained his senses. His head was pounding painfully, his eyes were stinging, and the rest of his body felt like he had been stabbed by millions of tiny knives. What had happened to him?

Then he remembered. He remembered running after the scream, getting caught by Lucius, waking up with a trobbing bruise and bound hand and foot, and then...the torture. He recalled seeing the stick-like weapon Lucius had pulled out of his robes. He could feel oncemore the kidnapper's grip on his hair, pulling him toward the evil face, taunting him. He felt the prod in his chest and heard the strange word the man uttered. And then, he remembered...the pain.

Joe gave an involuntary shudder.

The pain was worse than anything he had ever dealt with in his life. Worse than any gun or knife wound he had ever recieved. And he didn't even know how Lucius did it. It was almost like...magic.

But either way, the weapon that he had used had tormented the teenager tremendeously. Joe began to tremble, from fear, exaustion, and pain, even though it had dulled quite a bit.

Frank, still bound, looked anxiously at his brother as he began to shake.

"Joe?" he said frantically. "Joe, answer me! Are you okay? You awake?"

Joe kept his eyes shut. All he wanted to do was stay there, stay in his dark haven...away from the evil that had invited itself into his life, away from the pain and suffering. But Frank was so worried...

With tremendous effort, Joe rolled over and faced Frank, blue eyes pain-glazed.

"Joe!" said Frank in relief, studying his brother intently. He grew angry again, however, when he saw how much pain his brother was in. His face was pale and drawn, his usually cheery eyes were filled with pain and exaustion.

"Frank..." Joe whispered, then glanced feverantly around. "Is he...gone?"

"For now," Frank said, still watching his brother in concern.

Seeing Frank's anxious gaze, Joe flashed a weak smile and said, "I'm fine. Really. Just...sore. I wish I could move around though."

Frank gave a wry laugh. "You're not the only one."

"So...where'd he go?"

"I dunno. I'm not for sure, at least. He just walked out, saying he'd return tomorrow with that Voldemort guy."

Joe shuddered.

"Joe, you okay?"

Joe nodded, and Frank inquired, "What did he do to you?"

"I've no idea how he did it, but as to what he did..." The youth began shaking uncontrollably. "It was worse than any pain I've ever felt," he said in a hoarse whisper. "Like trillions of knives plunging into me...all over my body. It hurt so much. I thought...I wanted to die. For it to all end, to black out..."

"Oh, little brother." Frank had tears in his eyes as he watched his brother. "I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I'm sorrythat Icouldn't stop him. When he grabbed you and hurt you...You know I hurt when you hurt."

Joe smiled weakly. "I'm sorry, too."

"What for?"

"For going after that scream. If I hadn't done that, we wouldn't be here right now."

"Nah," said Frank, trying to sound carefree, "wasn't your fault."

Joe didn't speak.

"Hey, maybe we can free each other," Frank said, trying to boost his brother's spirits.

"I dunno...It hurts to move," Joe said doubtfully.

"Never mind," said Frank. "If I can just get my hands in front of me, "I'm pretty sure I can get lose."

"Have at it."

Frank frowned. He hated seeing Joe so downcast, and in pain. But instead of focusing on that, he turned his attention to getting free. If I get free, I can help Joe, he reminded himself.

Several hours passed, but finally, his hands were free. He gave a small cheer, and Joe smiled weakly. The pain was so dull now he could hardly feel it, but what had happened had shaken him up, and his head was throbbing painfully.

Frank sat up and untied his feet. Then he got up and stretched, his muscles cramping from being tied up for so long.

Stooping down beside his brother, he said, "Are you sure you're okay?" At Joe's nod, he continued, "Okay, baby brother, I'm going to flip you over so I can untie your hands."

"No need," said Joe, and with huge, painful effort, he rolled onto his stomach. Frank quickly freed his brother's arms and untied his ankles. When Joe was loose, Frank helped him sit up.

A wave of naseua swept over Joe as he sat. "Ohhh..." he groaned. Then he retched on the hard dirt floor. Frank rubbed Joe's back, angry at what they had done to Joe...them...but especially Joe.

When Joe had finished, Frank put a protective arm around Joe and said, "I'm so sorry."

Joe shrugged his arm off and said, "I'm fine. Just sore."

Frank studied Joe carefully. He looked awful. "I don't know, Joe...you don't look so hot."

Joe sighed. "Don't feel so hot either, I guess. But I'll be fine. Here, help me up, will you?"

Frank said, "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Frank hesitantly stood up and grasped Joe's hand. When Joe was standing, he had to lean on Frank for support.

"Sorry," he muttered, "but my legs feel like Jello."

"Ahh, it's cool," said Frank, not trying to show how angry he was.

Finally Joe was able to support himself. "I swear I'm going to get them for doing this to you," Frank said in a low voice.

"Well, I wish you luck," Joe said sarcastically. "They're pretty darn powerful."

Frank smiled. "Feeling better?"

"Much."

"Great. Let's get outta here."

"Wait a sec," said Joe. "How did that creep leave? There is no door."

"I dunno," replied Frank, scratching his head. "To think of it, you were still out of it, and I was so worried about you, I didn't notice. But I do remember there being a door, I think. Yeah," he said, straining his memory. "Over there." He pointed to the wall to the left of them."

"You sure?" Joe asked doubtfully.

"Positive."

"Hmmm..." Joe said, approaching the wall. "Nothing. Was it a secret door?"

"No. Just a plain wooden door. I looked one minute and it was there; the next, it was gone."

"This is just too creepy," Joe said. "I don't like this."

"These are definitly the people Dumbledore warned us about," Frank stated. "We're in a bad situation."

"I wonder what they want with Dad?" Joe muttered, turning away.

"I guess we'll find out soon," Frank said in a tense voice. Joe swiveled around and stared.

"Frank," he said, "where did that door come from?" And sure enough, a large wooden door seemed to spring out of nowhere.

The boys had no time to contemplate the happenings, however, for at that moment, the door was opened and in stepped Lucius, followed by the most terrifying man the Hardys had ever seen in their lives.

They stood, petrified, looking at the tall, skeletal form of a man. His skin was paler than a skull, his red eyes gleamed maliciously. His black robes billowing, his snake-like nostrils dialating, and lipless mouth, curled into a sneer, he approached the boys. They were so caught up in this real-life nightmare that they didn't see the door disappearing as Lucius stood watching, amused.

He laid a spider-like hand on Frank's shoulder. The young man tensed, and Voldemort laughed softly. "Frank Hardy, I presume," he hissed, eyes brightening. "Oh, you look so much like your dear father." He removed his hand and turned toJoe.

"You, on the other hand," he said, "look like your mother." His eyes hardened. "Your dear, sweet mother." He smirked, then without any warning, he slapped Joe across the face so hard it sent him to the ground.

Frank, still shaken, turned to the villian and spat, "Don't touch him!"

Voldemort looked at Frank calmly as Joe picked himself up. "Don't worry," he hissed, "I have plans for both you and young Joseph." He turned back to Joe, and touched the red place softly. Joe flinched. Voldemort laughed and removed his spidery hand.

He placed it in his robes and pulled out a stick-weapon. Joe paled visibly, and the man laughed and turned to Lucius. "I suppose he was the one you tortured?"

Lucius nodded. "Good," he said. "Now he knows more of what he's in for if his father doesn't join with me--once and for all.