On the Run

Tonight it seemed that luck was on the side of Draco Malfoy. The aurors had yet to make it to his portion of the train. Deciding that the time was opportune, Draco quickly grabbed his bag, slid open the window, and eased his way out and down to the ground. Ducking as low as possible, he checked that all was clear. He saw no one but the one muggle. He then ran faster than he had in his entire life, hoping that he was not headed for a trap. He bolted toward the girl and behind the shed that she was standing by. It wasn't a great hiding place, but it would have to do for the moment. "Follow me," she whispered.

She led Draco inside the small farmhouse which smelled of hay and baking bread. They carefully mounted the stairs and stepped quietly into her room. Draco made his way to a wooden chair next to the window. Beverly heard him mutter something under his breath. Was it her eyes playing tricks, or did her window appear to be tinted?

Draco sat in silence by the window. He gazed outward, toward the beauty of the night. The moon was out. Only a few wisps of clouds were visible. The night was perfect for flying. If only he could take up his broom again; sadly, that would be one of the fastest ways to be caught. The Order would expect him to fly. He would not make it that easy for them. He was sure of his decision not to fly, but Draco longed for the feel of the wind ripping through his hair, for the freedom of flight. He reminisced on the days when he had no limits, when he was free--free of the Order, free of the Dark Lord, free of a conscience. His thoughts were interrupted by the muggle girl. "Why were those men after you?"

For a few seconds, he only looked at her. After considering the girl, he spoke.

"They believe that I committed a crime of which I am innocent."

"Well if you are innocent, why are you running?"

He looked at her sadly and in an almost whisper said, "I am hardly innocent."

She sat, watching him silently. After careful consideration, she spoke softly. "Who are you?"

"That doesn't matter. You won't even remember this conversation tomorrow. There is no point in educating you. It would require more time than I have to spare."

"But of course I would remember you--

She stopped suddenly, feeling a sudden clarity in her mind. Draco watched as she collapsed on the floor. He had modified her memory. Tomorrow, this would be nothing but a vague dream.

The sound of a whistle hit his ears. Finally the train was moving on. The aurors had probably assumed that they had missed his train. He had escaped them for one more night. Nodding a silent thanks to the unconscious girl, Draco silently made his way downstairs and out into the night.