The Darkness

The Darkness

Chapter Three ~ I Know Him So Well

So many moons that we have seen
Stumbling back next to me
I've seen right through and underneath
And you make me better
I've seen right through and underneath
And you make me better
Better... better...

~ No Doubt (Underneath it All)

Don't hold on,

Go get strong,

Well, don't you know...

~ Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Modern Romance)

~*~

He could hear whispered voices, one female and one male, coming from the hall. He strained his ears to hear their words.

"Yes, it's open. Can't you see that I already knew that? Where is he? He should be back by now with the key."

"He said there were complications. Potter was involved and there was a death."

"Please Lucius, tell me why that would matter to me? If Potter isn't the corpse then I care not. Find him and bring me the key, it is the final piece to bringing him back to us. He is so weak still and this will bring him back to full power."

There was a shuffling noise and the sound of the door clicking closed. In the darkness and the pale man found his voice.

"Bella!" the cold high voice called. "Bella, are you there?"

"I'm here, my Lord. Go back to sleep, you still aren't well," a soft voice replied.

"But Bella, neither are you, yet you tend to me day and night. You have nursed me all these years, sitting beside my bed, bringing me back from oblivion. Rudolphus is no more, yet you have yet to mourn the loss of your husband. Bellatrix my sweet, ask me and I shall grant you anything you wish." Voldemort spoke, his voice soft yet strained.

The dark haired beauty moved forward, her silvery eyes scanned the visage of her healing Master. "What I want? I'm not sure if I have the right to ask for that."

Voldemort raised one dark eyebrow, in the years since that fateful battle, he had been recovering. Bellatrix had saved him from the final blast and brought him to this secret place. Only Lucius and Peter knew of its location, and Bellatrix made them both take blood oaths to keep it that way. If they said a word to another soul, they would die on the spot. Bellatrix had hired on many healers and medicine men. She delved into dark ancient magicks and finally found a way to bring her Master to his former self, the self he had lost just over twenty-four years ago. She brought him back to the man that made her want to be a Death Eater.

Looking at her curiously, he spoke, "Bella my most loyal, please call me Tom. Tell me, my savior, what is it that you want in return for your burden?"

She smiled, her full lips curling deliciously. She crossed the room and sat on the edge of the dark oaken four poster bed. She stroked his still pale face, steel grey eyes meeting his crimson. "Tom, isn't it obvious?"

~*~

Draco woke with a start, his wand at the ready. Where the hell am I? Oh, right...

He had fallen asleep after Harry had asked him to stay. The raven-haired man had fallen back into silence and Draco didn't know what else to do, so he slept.

He sat up and stretched. "Looks like the house-elves were here." The formerly trashed hospital wing had been cleaned and looked as if nothing had happened. He glanced over at Harry. His eyes were open and he was looking past Draco. The blonde was tired of this already. "Oh come off it, Potter! The pity party is over and now it's time to rejoin the real world. Some people actually like it here, though I must admit, I have yet to see the big deal." He was idly examining his manicure, knowing that now it would be very difficult to make his spa appointments.

He was about to leave and get some breakfast, but Dobby appeared with a tray full of food for the two men. Draco glared, "You know I still hate you." The small house-elf squeaked and then bowed and scraped. Draco sighed, "Okay, I don't hate you, but I was hoping to leave this room. "

"Dobby is sorry, Master Malfoy, sir. Dobby is only doing as Master Dumbledore asked, sir." The elf began to twist his purple and green striped scarf, nervously.

Draco just dismissed him with a wave of his hand. "Well, maybe I'll at least get the luxury of a hot shower. I can only imagine how my hair looks." He ran his hand thru hair that was still smooth and immaculate.

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy, you will be allowed the simple pleasure of bathing. You are not a prisoner in this castle." The overly cheerful voice of Albus Dumbledore chimed in from the doorway.

"Merlin, how can you stand yourself? To be so bright and chipper this early in the..." He glanced at his watch, a wind up; traditional Wizards didn't wear anything electronic. Of course, that didn't excuse the cell phone in his trunk, but he didn't know he would be sequestered at Hogwarts. His watch said it was well after ten in the morning. "...well, I guess it isn't early. But that is beside the point. Just...just stop being so ruddy happy." He tried to glare at his former headmaster, but it was to no avail, Dumbledore kept smiling.

"Why are you so happy? Stop that smiling! Wonder-boy is still doing his impression of a houseplant and every single time I even think about leaving this room, someone stops me." Draco folded his arms across his chest and pouted, which was cute when he was eleven and maybe slightly sexy at seventeen, but at his current age he just looked like he was constipated.

Dumbledore smiled, shaking his head. "Are you quite done, Mr. Malfoy?"

"No, I'm not. I'm not his keeper; he's a danger to himself and others and...and...my bed was lumpy." He lifted his chin as if challenging the headmaster to differ with his opinions.

Sitting down on a nearby bed, Dumbledore pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. "You are still the same Draco Malfoy. I can't say I'm too surprised, but it seems you've actually become worse." He looked up, offering his own challenge to the blonde. "But that is neither here nor there. The reason I am here is simple. You are right; Harry is a danger to others and himself. As long as he is lashing out at unseen enemies, we cannot allow him to stay here and I loathe the idea of sending him to St. Mungo's. I would like to offer a suite of rooms here in the castle, away from the students and you will have the chance to come or go as you please." He spoke softly and his words were thick with weariness. He hated it when any of his children were hurting.

Draco thought over the situation and ever the businessman, he began an onslaught of questions. "Can I return to New York to take care of my business? Will I be able to work on my art? Do I have to feed him? Do I get paid for my time? What is the meaning of life?" When Dumbledore looked at him with confusion, he quickly said, "Okay, ignore the last one, but I want answers to the rest."

Dumbledore simply replied, "Yes, yes, no and aren't you quite wealthy already?"

Draco stood up and waved a dismissive hand at the old man. "Okay, so I'll do charity work." He spun on his heel, fast, "Why can't Granger or one of the many Weasley's do this?" He sat down on the edge of Harry's bed and absently brushed hair from his green eyes. "Why does it have to be me?"

Dumbledore caught this display and smiled at his former student. He stood up and placed a caring hand on Draco's shoulder. "Because sometimes, only one who was once lost is the only one who is capable of leading the way home." He then left the room, calling over his shoulder, "Dobby will be by soon to take you and Harry to your new home."

The blonde sat and scowled at the floor, he hated it when Dumbledore spoke in riddles.

~*~

Draco had led Harry thru the crowded hallways, following Dumbledore. He spoke to him as if he would respond. "What a perfect time to travel thru this school, between classes. Do you remember being that small? I do, you were a runt, a bloody undernourished runt. Don't know why I didn't kick your arse the first day we met. I could have, you know. Well, at least Crabbe and Goyle could have, though I would have cheered them on with glee."

Following Dobby, they found themselves climbing a spiral stair in one of the south towers. The house-elf opened the door and Draco was actually quite speechless. The room was large and round with a fireplace on one side, surrounded by living room furniture. There was a small kitchen area that was sectioned off with a counter and small table. "Dobby will show you the bedroom and bathroom, Master Malfoy. It is up these stairs, sir." He motioned for the blonde to follow. Draco quickly deposited Harry on one of the tapestry upholstered sofas and followed the small creature up a short curving flight of stairs. The door at the top opened to another round room with two large four-poster beds and decent sized clothing cupboards. A wall cut off a quarter of the room and behind that door was a large bathroom with a nice deep tub. Draco's mouth was almost watering as he stared at it with longing.

As the descended, Draco went straight for Harry. "You should see the tub, not as big as the prefects tub, but you wouldn't know about that one." He smirked, Harry had told him about his adventures during the Triwizard tournament, and he just enjoyed teasing him. He spotted a rather large plant beside the fireplace and walked over to examine it. "What a lovely fichus..."

"No, Master Malfoy..." Dobby yelled, but it was too late.

"Back off you rat bastard!"

"What?" Draco looked at the plant with an odd expression. "Did that plant just insult me, and with a Brooklyn accent?"

"Albino cousin fucker!"

Dobby lowered his head, "Yes, Master Malfoy, sir. Dobby is sorry, sir. That is Peeves pet and we can't get rid of him, sir. Dobby has moved him to the greenhouses many times and Peeves keeps bringing him back."

Draco stepped back and raised an eyebrow, "Him?"

Dobby sighed, "Yes, sir. Hank the Angry Houseplant, that's his name, sir."

This was too much, Draco walked away from the plant, throwing his arms into the air. "What's next? A plague of locusts?"

~*~

Dobby moved their belongings upstairs and took his leave after placing a tray of sandwiches and juice on the coffee table.

Draco took a plate and placed a sandwich and some fruit on it; he reached over and pressed the plate into Harry's hands. "It's time to eat, Harry"

Slowly, as if moving underwater, the dark-haired man slowly lifted the sandwich and began to eat. Draco watched for a moment, then nodded his approval and began to eat his own lunch. As he did he looked around the spacious room. He thought of where he could place his arts supplies and decided that the large window near the kitchen would be best.

He was drawn from his thoughts by a knock on the door. "Well, Mr. Boy-Who-Lived, it seems the fangirls have arrived." Draco said, pushing himself off the sofa and walking to the door. "Knowing my luck, it's Marcus. That man could find me even if I took up residence in Middle Earth; he seems to have connections." He opened the door and was shocked to see a familiar pair of chocolate eyes staring back at him. He suppressed a smile and with a typical Malfoy sneer he simply said, "Granger."

She pushed him hard, in the chest. "Don't you Granger me! What the hell is your problem?" She was advancing on him, he almost thought she was about to punch him. His nose still ached from third form. "How dare you? You just run off and leave us all as if we didn't care. You selfish, you pompous...." Her lip trembled, "I missed you." She then dove on him and hugged him tightly.

He smiled and held her, burying his face in her thick curls. "I'm sorry 'Mione," he whispered, "I'm so sorry."

She pulled away from him and smacked him in the chest. "You're such a prat. Six years...all we get is the occasional owl and maybe what information Zabini and Parkinson will part with." She turned from him and walked over to Harry, her sadness fading as she watched him eat. She sat beside him and kissed his cheek. "Hello, Harry. You look well today. Ron said he would stop by after work, but he's still really upset. I hope you'll be well enough to come to the memorial service tonight. Though, we all understand if you aren't there." Draco could see she was fighting to maintain her emotions.

"Cry, Hermione." The blonde said as he walked over and sat on the table in front of the pair. "Let him see your feelings, it may help him acknowledge his own." He placed a comforting hand on her knee.

She only shook her head, "No...he doesn't need anymore guilt. He blames himself as it is." Hermione straightened out Harry's collar and smoothed out his sleeve in a motherly manner.

Draco watched them, knowing that the mistake was to coddle him, but he said nothing. Harry would be at the memorial, even in this state. He sighed, "Hermione, do you know what happened? I mean, Dumbledore was as forthcoming as ever and I can't understand why Gringotts would even allow civilians access to the Tomb of Ammut."

Hermione nodded, "I agree, there had to have been a mistake. I cannot believe that Gringotts did not investigate this tomb better. Someone must be liable for this."

"What do you mean; of course someone is to blame."

"Draco, they were in Karnak."

His silver eyes hazed with confusion for a brief moment and then it hit him. "Karnak is the temple for Amun. There had to be a mistake."

Hermione gave him an approving look, "Obviously, there was something bad in that tomb and I don't think it was Ammut or Amun." She lowered her voice, "Draco, I think they released something very evil, something that Gringotts would have avoided if they had known it was there."

Draco put his hand on her leg and smiled, "So you've already begun to investigate, I see." He shot her a wink and then stood up and stretched. "I'm actually glad you're here. I'd simply love to go drown myself in that tub upstairs. Could you Potter-sit for me?" When Hermione nodded again, he smiled and gave Harry a thoughtful look. "He seems to run on automatic, so when I'm done I'll sit in the bathroom and allow him to clean up."

He ran up the stairs and gathered his things. The sound of the water filling the tub was music to his ears and sinking into the hot scented water was heaven. He thought back on what he had said to Hermione, he was glad Harry seemed to be able to care for himself if reminded to do so. He wasn't sure if he could handle a naked Potter.

~*~

That evening, after Hermione left and Draco had a most interesting adventure in self control while Harry showered, they were dressed and ready to go to the memorial for Ginny. It was to be held at the Burrow and everyone would be there. Draco stood before Harry, smoothing out his nice black jacket and straightening out his tie. "You look very handsome, Harry. And I just want to apologize for something, your hair is possessed and every nasty comment I've made to you thru the years about your hair, I take them all back." He had hoped to get a smile but instead he settled for the blank stare from empty green eyes. Draco sighed and said, "Come on, Wonder-boy."

They floo'ed to the Burrow and found themselves in the middle of a sea of Weasleys. Molly rushed over and pulled Harry into a tight hug. The tears spilled down her cheeks and as Arthur pulled her to him she was sobbing. Draco watched and he was numb; he didn't have the words they needed to hear, so he remained silent.

Dumbledore was there with McGonagall. The Deputy Headmistress was worrying a tartan handkerchief and listening to Hermione whisper something to her. Ron sat beside Hermione, staring blankly into the fire; his blue eyes were red rimmed.

Draco led Harry over to his friends, hoping to help the raven-haired man. Ron looked up and gave them both a lopsided smile. "Good to see you, mate. Here, sit down." He motioned to the empty places beside him on the large sofa. Draco was relieved to see Ron babble away as if Harry was normal. "Mum's a wreck. She keeps cooking all Gin's favorite foods and telling us that she'll kill us if we get killed. When Dumbledore came and told us, I thought she'd gone round the bend, but Dad says she's in shock." He motioned to his twin brothers. "Those two were actually holding hands last night. They haven't done that since they were five. Angie and Katie are taking care of them, though." He squeezed Hermione's hand, almost reassuring himself that she was there for him.

"Bill is upstairs with Fleur. Wil's been such a champ, playing and running around the Burrow." He motioned to the strawberry blonde boy who was sitting on the floor with an older girl with long brown hair and blue eyes. "Fleur wasn't feeling well, the baby and all, so she's lying down." He looked around at the faces to see who else would interest Harry. "Charlie went into a fit and began to trash his room." Ron excluded the fact that he was raving about how Harry was at fault. "Thank Merlin for Oliver, when Percy found out he went out into the yard and screamed, it was like an animal dying. Oliver rushed out there and got him to calm down." He looked over at his father and sighed. "Dad's the only one who seems to be able to hold it in, but I went to call him to dinner last night and he was out in his shed crying so Mum wouldn't see him." He drifted into silence.

Draco looked at the sad, tear stained faces of those around him and realized he didn't want to be sitting in the Burrow anymore. He wanted to run and get back to his loft in New York, maybe even take Harry away from all this.

Then suddenly, as if reading his thoughts, Harry stood up and walked out of the room and exited the Burrow. Draco stood and assured Ron and Hermione that he would stay with him.

Severus sat in a corner, watching his daughter play with the youngest Weasely offspring. He knew how it felt to lose a spouse. His heart had never healed after Julia's death and he knew it never would. He stood up and called his daughter. "Rose, tell Mrs. Weasley goodbye, it's time to go." The eight year old stood and patted Wil on the head before bounding out of the room to find her surrogate mum. Molly was the only reason Rose had survived because Severus did not know how to raise a child. He watched as Harry and Draco passed him on their way out the door and his heart went out to the young man as he walked off to say his goodbyes.

As Draco exited the house he was struck by just how grey the sky was. It had been years since he had seen the British sky before a rain and he paused to take it in. Spying Harry by the stone garden wall, he joined him. Harry was leaning forward, as if intently watching something that Draco couldn't see.

After what seemed an eternity, Draco was beginning to feel chilled. He was about to suggest they go back inside when Harry began to talk. "We used to play Quidditch in that field. Pretend we were the Cannons finally making it to the World Cup."

Draco felt like the wind had been knocked out of him, he hadn't expected Harry to talk, not just yet. He remained silent as Harry continued, "During her last year, I kissed her in Honeydukes. She tasted like cherries." His eyes flickered to the man beside him but quickly returned to the field. Draco tried to see what was keeping Harry's attention. He hadn't been here for the Quidditch or all the other things Harry shared with this clan, and Draco felt that twinge of regret and loss.

"She was so sweet, so fresh and innocent. I loved her so much. After I proposed, she changed. I don't know what I did wrong, but I think she hated me." He lowered his head, feeling such anguish rush thru his body.

Draco remembered how she had fawned over Harry when they were in school and even though he hadn't attended their wedding, Draco had read about it. Blaise had sent him all the media coverage of the gala event. It was amazing how every photo, Ginny was posed perfectly. Harry looked as befuddled as ever. If Draco was a suspicious and vindictive man, which he was, he'd have believed that the redhead had wanted the wedding to be bombarded by the press. Draco couldn't believe that it was all paparazzi; he felt that most of the security had been paid to allow the press in. It actually sickened Draco to think of it but he wouldn't say anything about it now.

The blonde faced him and spoke softly, "She didn't hate you. She loved you, Harry."

Harry turned his green eyes on him and Draco was pleased to see anger and pain flash behind them. "I let her die; I couldn't stop it from happening."

Draco put a hand on his back. "Harry, there was nothing you could have done. You were blindsided. You can't defend yourself from something you can't see." Draco could feel Harry's body shudder underneath his hand as he began to sob. "C'mon Harry, let's go home." He pulled Harry along with him toward the house as the sky opened and began to weep with the Boy-Who-Lived.

~*~

Donna was sitting on a cold plastic chair in the office of Detective Julian Crighton. She had been answering questions for an hour and she couldn't possibly see how sitting here was going to find her employer.

She sighed and replied to his question with a bland voice, "Like I said, he told me he was going to be traveling to England. He told me that I couldn't join him because it was family business. Then he asked me to leave the room so he could change, when I returned he was gone."

"I know this is monotonous, Miss Avezzano, but we must go over this information." He smiled at her but his eyes maintained the severity of the situation. He shuffled thru his papers. "You said he did not have a girlfriend that you knew of. Was he the type to pick up women for the night?" He raised an eyebrow in her direction.

"Mr. Malfoy was not like that. He only went out when he had to, for events or business parties. I can't see how this is relevant. The man disappeared while in a room with only one exit. Doesn't this seem odd?" Her voice was becoming louder and her accent that she strived so hard to hide was coming back, thickly.

Detective Crighton eyed her thoughtfully and scribbled something down. "Well, the only thing we found to be odd in that loft was a single long white hair and a candy wrapper from a manufacturer we've never heard of. Something called Honeydukes. We've even checked with foreign manufacturers and there isn't a single Honeydukes that comes up. Now are you sure you didn't leave the door? Because in all honesty, Miss Avezzano, this looks like a case of him sneaking away for a vacation without the world knowing. There aren't any signs of foul play and no one has yet to step forward with a ransom letter. He is quite famous; anyone who would have kidnapped him would most definitely have done it for money." He closed his folder and sighed. "I'm sorry, Miss Avezzano. We do not believe that anything is wrong here. I'm closing this case. People do not disappear out of rooms like you explained. I think you should go home, make a cup of tea and relax."

Donna stood up, she was furious. "Fine, close the case, but when some kid digs up his dead body somewhere, you'll all pay!" She then stormed out of the office, slamming the door hard behind her.

Julian watched her leave. He thought for a few minutes, rolling her words over in his mind. He picked up his phone and dialed. "Sammy, there's gonna be a tall brunette passing you in about five minutes. I want her tailed. Surveillance, the works... I think she knows more then she's saying about the Malfoy case. No...mostly a hunch, nothing substantial. Thanks...you're a good man, Sammy. Give Millie my love." He hung up the phone and opened his file again. He was sure that this woman was involved, assuming that there was foul play.