The Road Home

ONLY TIME WILL TELL

Celeste woke up with someone poking her irritably with a wand. She blinked several times and then stared at the person standing by her side with a confused look on her face. Weasley, she noticed, was no where to be found.

"What's going on?" she asked, groggily.

"Someone told me you were here with Weasel," said the mysterious person, "And that you let him trick you with a sleeping potion to steal your amulet." Celeste opened her eyes widely and immediately touched her wrist, finding nothing. "Oh, yes, you stupid, stupid girl! He stole the damn thing! That amulet was a weak weapon but it was a weapon that no one could track down, not even Aurors! With a few modifications, we would have been able to use it against Potter again. But you let a Gryffindor take it! And a Weasley at that! How dumb can you be?"

"Oh, but I-" Celeste stuttered, "I don't know how it happened! It's not my fault."

"You're a disgrace to the Death Eaters' name. You had a simple mission that even that stupid Gryffindor Longbottom could do and yet you failed. You failed with Harry Potter and then you failed to use Weasley against Potter. Our Master is not pleased and he will be really pissed off when he hears about the amulet's lost."

Celeste pulled herself together and sneered, "So what?"

The mysterious person laughed crudely, "Do you even know who I am?"

"Of course I do. You're that Slytherin b-"

"Oh, no my dear, I don't think you know who I really am," The person rolled up the sleeves of the robe and showed Celeste a red tattoo on the shape of a flaming skull surrounded by a snake. She recognized it right away as the mark of the Favoured and shivered from fear. "Now I think you understand who you're dealing with."

Celeste was mute and blanched as cellophane.

"You're just out of luck today. I've learned that the man I love is sleeping with his enemy for the first time. It's so sweet that it makes me feel sick to my stomach. I didn't have a good day, you know? That Ball sucked! So, yes, I'm in a very bad mood, to your distress. You should have been more careful. Honestly, for a moment I thought you were actually smart. Lord Voldemort trusted you with the amulet. He could have given the amulet to Draco, or even me for that matter. I'm definitely smarter than you. It's so sad that Draco likes that Potter boy for real. Such a waste! Thus, I'm feeling murderous!"

"Draco, my Draco, likes Harry Potter?" Celeste asked, dumbfounded.

"Yours?" the Favoured questioned with raised eyebrows.

Celeste shrugged. "Well, I always hoped that he and I would hook up eventually. He turned me down so many times but I always thought it was just a game. He liked to play hard to get. But I didn't mind since I had so many boys to full around. Now you're telling me he likes my ex? How disgusting! A puff! Draco Malfoy, the powerful Slytherin! Who would have thought that a Malfoy was a queer? I can only imagine what my father will say when he hears about this! Of course, he always told me that Malfoys are kind of... weird, if you know what I mean. There was actually a brother of Lucius that..."

The Favoured made a face. "Shut up! I didn't order you to talk. Your voice is giving me a headache," the Favoured sighed. "You're unbelievable. You're about to die and yet you keep talking as if nothing extraordinary is happening."

"You're going to kill me?" Celeste trembled.

"Yes. There is no place for weakness in the new reign of terror of Lord Voldemort."

"Really? Not even for a little and excusable weakness? I mean, even you have to agree that Ron Weasley is hot, with the red hair and the freckles. Not to mention that he has such an extraordinary body hidden inside those awful robes he wears. You would be surprised." Celeste bit her manicured nails. "Can't you give me another chance? I can destroy Draco and Harry now that I know about them! I can make Draco's life so miserable that he will want to die! Please, let me try!"

"Oh, no! Draco is mine. No one is allowed to make him suffer except for me." The Favoured raised the wand and pointed at a terrified Celeste. "I'm really sorry about this. Come to think again, no, I'm not."

"WAIT!" Celeste shouted, "You can't kill me! I mean, my father will be really pissed with You-Know-Who! My father is one of the Dark Lord's most loyal servants! Besides, you don't have the power to kill me! You're just a student!"

"I think your father won't mind. He has another son, and I heard your brother is much more intelligent than you. The Dark Lord warned everyone that some sacrifices are supposed to be made for the good of the cause. You'll be a lesson to those who are screwing things up. Our Lord won't stand weakness and betrayal. Now, as for me... I may be just a student, but I learned a lot over the summer vacations."

"But..."

The Favoured yawned. "Gee, you're so boring...," and then, with an evil look, the Favoured said the frightening words of the killing curse. "AVADA KEDAVRA!"

Celeste fell on the floor, lifeless, and the Favoured walked away of the crime scene whistling like nothing had happened and thinking about what to do next.

                                                           ------------

"Pansy? What's going on?" Draco asked as he sat down at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall that Sunday morning. Everyone looked apprehensive and some of them were even crying, he noticed, bewildered.

Draco had showed up to breakfast terribly late thanks to Harry and his damn dazzling green eyes and the talented hands that knew so well how to please his body. After a snog session that seemed to take more time than it should, he had taken a quick shower and then slowly headed for the Great Hall, when he ran into one of the Slytherin's Prefects, who told him that Dumbledore had a serious announcement to make. Draco was deadly worried when he entered the Great Hall and in the moment he stared at Pansy - who seemed not to be able to hide the smile from her face - he felt his blood running cold in his veins.

"Celeste Strut was found dead this morning in one of the Astronomy Towers. Isn't that the most wonderful news you ever heard this year? She was so dull. She was a bad seed, honey. Honestly, who ever did it did us all a favour," Pansy said with a satisfied smile.

"What? Strut is dead?" Draco's eyes instantly fell upon the Gryffindor table in search for Harry, only to find his seat empty. He hadn't arrived yet. The one who caught his glare was Ron, who looked clearly disturbed. He should be. After all, he had been the last one who had seen Celeste alive.

"Pansy! How can you say that?" he heard Goyle saying in a reprimand tone of voice, "This is not the appropriate time for such comment. Besides, Dumbledore is still speaking."

Draco stared at them with a weird expression for a moment and then turned to pay attention to the Headmaster's words. Dumbledore seemed terribly serious and sad about the dreadful event. He assured everyone that they wouldn't rest while the case wasn't elucidated and that the Ministry was already there to investigate.

"You're all dismissed from classes tomorrow. I would like to ask the students to spend the rest of the day in their respective Common Rooms and if there's any problem, please report it to the Prefects. Celeste's parents are already here and for those who want to mourn her death, talk to Professor McGonagall. She's in charge of the funeral's details. That's all I have to say for now."

As Dumbledore left, most of the Professors went after him. A series of whispers filled the Great Hall. Most students talked about Celeste and what a wonderful person she had been, others asked about the reasons of her death. The least hypocritical said that the killer was probably some jealous lover and therefore she had gotten what she deserved. But the main subject was if the school would be shut down.

The Prefects took the students away, but Draco and Ron were pulled away from the crowd by two large men from the Ministry of Magic. George and Fred Weasley instantly stood by their brother's side and demanded to know what that was all about but the creepy guys kept gripping Ron's and Draco's arm and taking them away in spite of their protests. Hermione felt chills running down her spine.

"Fred? George?" she called, "Please tell Harry about what happened."

"What about you?" Fred asked.

"I'm going to stick by them! I won't leave Ron's side."

George gripped her shoulders in a supportive manner. "And we're going to inform our dad about this craziness as well. He'll know what to do. He will be so mad at Fudge! Why did they take Ron? They can't possibly think that he has something to do with Celeste's death!"

"I'll find out what that was all about." Hermione clutched her hands and she told herself as a mantra to keep it together, for Ron. "I'll see you later." She ran in the direction that they had taken Ron.

                                                          --------------

"This is absurd! They are just kids, Cornelius, and you have no evidence whatsoever that they have something to do with the occurrence," Dumbledore shouted. Snape hadn't seen the Headmaster looking so furious in a long time. "You won't take them away from this school! Absolutely not! IF, and I'll repeat, in case your brain didn't process the information well, IF they have something to do with Celeste's death - which I doubt - I'll handle it in my own terms!"

Fudge's face reddened from anger. "You're not above the law, Dumbledore! Yes, they are just kids. But they are kids that may have committed a murder! I cannot let them walk free from this! I'm suffering too much pressure already and-"

"That's because you're a fool and you refuse to the see truth that is right under you nose!" Snape cut him off. "You should be worrying about Voldemort and not Draco and Weasley. Weasley is way too wispy to plan a murder. As for Draco, he's way too smart to let himself get caught! Lucius Malfoy will be all over you when he hears about this! He won't let you ruin Draco's good reputation over a silly suspicion. You don't want to mess with Lucius Malfoy! He can make you lose your position as the Minister of Magic," Snape threatened. At those words, Fudge seemed to be worried.

He crumpled into the nearest chair, his feet moving nervously up and down. "I'm sorry but I can't do anything to prevent them from being taken away. I have an eye-witness who says that Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy were with Celeste last night and someone even told me that Ron Weasley gave her something odd to drink."

"Who are these people?" Erin asked.

"I can't tell you. They are afraid of retaliation."

"Oh, that's bullshit!" Erin mumbled, "I bet they are Slytherins."

"You don't know that!" Snape said with a disagreeable face.

"I'm almost positive." Erin stared intently at Fudge, who turned his eyes away. "See? He's not looking into my eyes." She pointed at Fudge's guilty face. "The thing is, have you ever thought that these so called eye-witnesses may be playing with you, and that by taking Ron and Draco away, you'll be playing their game? You'll look like a fool! They're only kids!"

"How dare you talk to me like this?" Fudge said, standing up and staring at Erin, "I'm the Minister of Magic, I demand some respect! I've never liked you. You were always a rule-breaker and as an Auror you were a disgrace! But of course, being his daughter, what else we could expect?"

"Don't talk to her like that!" Snape reprimanded, stepping in front of Fudge.

"You lost your mind over power, Mr. Minister of Magic!" Erin yelled, "Ron and Draco are innocent. They couldn't hurt a fly! Besides, Mr. Malfoy was with me all night after the Ball and-"

"Now, that's a lie! I should take you under arrest!" Fudge yelled, pointing his finger at her.

"EVERYBODY CALM DOWN!" Dumbledore shouted. No one seemed to be listening though. Snape was almost socking Fudge's face; Erin was cursing in ways he'd never heard a lady cursing before and McGonagall was trying desperately to say something. Dumbledore rose his wand, muttered some words, and a noisy 'bang' was heard through the office. The room instantly silenced. "Now, ladies and gentlemen, Professor McGonagall seems to have something to tell us. What is it, Minerva?"

Professor McGonagall shot them all a look of apprehension and then said in a serious tone of voice, "Mr. Malfoy has already been informed of the matter and he's on his way, as well as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. With your permission, Headmaster, I would like to say that it was such a shame the way those Aurors behaved, dragging those poor kids away from their classmates without any enlightenment about what was going on." she looked at Fudge disgust and then addressed herself to the Headmaster with a softened tone of voice, "Mr. Potter and Miss Granger are here. They claim to have something important to say."

"Ok. Send them in, please, Minerva."

Harry and Hermione stepped into Dumbledore's office very apprehensively and what Harry said shocked everybody in the room.

                                                                      -----------

When the two large Aurors locked Ron and Draco inside of a Tower, the two boys instantly banged the door and shouted to let them out.

"I demand to know what's going on!" Draco shouted in rage, "I'm a Malfoy, for Merlin's sake! You can't treat me like this! When my father hears about this, you'll both be fired! My father will demand an apology and Fudge won't be able to find a decent job for the rest of his miserable life! He won't let you all ruin our good family name!"

"Good family name? You're kidding, aren't you?" Ron said, giving up and sitting down the bench.

Draco glanced at him and ran his fingers through his silvery-blond hair. "God, what did I do to deserve this? It's not enough to be locked up as some common thief but I also have to be locked in with a Weasley. That's the kind of situation that makes you want to regret all of your sins."

"I could make a list of all the bad things that you've done for the past few years, Malfoy. I think you deserve this and more. Besides, even if you beg at the Gates of Heaven, I don't think they'll let you in."

"I had been in heaven last night. Want to hear the details?" Draco provoked.

"Please, don't. You don't want me to throw up here, do you?" Ron said, pulling a face.

Draco sat on the bench in front of Ron and sneered, "I never understood why you and your brothers don't beg at meals. I would have contributed with a few galleons. Maybe then you could wear something that doesn't look like a piece of rag or buy new books for a change, one that doesn't fall apart every time you leaf the pages. Do you even remember what is like to have something that didn't belong to one of your carrot brothers, Weasley?"

Ron's face reddened as a ripped tomato. "Shut the fuck up if you want to remain with all of your teeth. I wish Harry was here to hear you saying this, because then what he thinks he feels for you, it would be over at a glance. You're so wrong for Harry. He deserves a good guy, not an evil prick like you."

"I know," Draco muttered, looking the other way, "I think about this all the time. I know I'm not right for Harry. I know I'm just a son of a Death Eater. But I can't help it. I can't be away from Harry. I know I should, but I can't."

Ron felt stunned by the evident demonstration of weakness. Malfoy was actually admitting that he wasn't good for Harry. Maybe he had a heart after all. And maybe that was why his best friend seemed to like the git, because he wasn't what he seemed to be. Yes, he was self-centered and a Slytherin, for Merlin's sake. But he also seemed able to feel. Ron gasped. Malfoy had feelings. And not just cold and nasty feelings, but good ones as well.

"Do you like Harry, Malfoy? Or is he just a game to you?" he felt he should ask. Harry was like a brother to him. Sometimes he felt as if Harry was even more important to him than his own brothers.

Draco stared deeply into Ron's eyes. "I love Harry. It doesn't mean I'll change the way I am."

"I don't care what you do to me, as long as you don't hurt Harry."

"If I hurt you, I'll be hurting Harry as well. I know how it works. I'm not that dense."

"Good for you then," Ron smirked. "But I don't think Harry would like to know that you're just a calculating son of a bitch. You won't hurt me just because of Harry? How noble of you! I think I should reward you with a medal of honour," Ron said with irony. "Thanks for being honest, anyway."

"If I tell you that I love Harry and that I'll do anything in my power to protect him, will you accept me, Weasley? Will you be my... friend?"

"Yes, I will. If you're being honest about this, then I will." Ron paused for a moment. "But somehow I don't believe you. Maybe you like Harry, but do you really love him? That is something that only time will tell. But till then, I'll keep both eyes on you. I don't trust you. I'm sorry, but that's the way I feel."

"I love Harry and I don't have to prove it to you. I only have to prove it to him."

"Fair enough," Ron stated. "I just don't want to see Harry hurt."

"I don't want to hurt him. But that's not entirely up to me."

"Of course it is!"

"No, it isn't. Did you mean to hurt Hermione all year by going out with the entire school?"

"NO!"

"My point exactly."

Ron crossed his arms and breathed hard. The prick was right.

"Life doesn't always go as we wish. In fact, it almost never goes as we want."

Draco looked sad as he said that. Ron felt sorry for him.

"I think that maybe you're human after all, Malfoy."

They stared at each other with an understanding look.

"I'm sorry."

Ron's eyes opened up widely. "Are you apologizing?"

"I know my father was the responsible for your sister's disappearance in our second year and that he risked her life. I'm sorry for that, even though I wasn't responsible for it. And I'm sorry for everything nasty I said to you. Just don't expect me to be nicer than this, because I won't be."

Ron was too shocked to say anything and his mouth just hung open for a while. A few minutes passed when one of the Aurors unlocked the door and Hermione and Harry entered the room, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"MioneHarry!" they said at the same time, hugging their partners.

"What the fuck are you two doing here?" Draco was the first to ask.

"I... I...," Harry stuttered.

"Please, tell me you didn't do anything stupid like confessing that you murdered that bitch! You didn't have to do that, Harry! But if you did, I'll... I'll...," this time Draco was the one who stuttered. He was way too upset to sound reasonable.

"I thought you didn't know why we were here," Ron said to him.

"Are you kidding me?" Draco turned his anger at Ron's direction. "It's obvious why we are here, Weasley! They suspect us. So what? Do you think I'll make it easier for them to incriminate me? Do you think I'll scream that I didn't have anything to do with the whole thing before they even ask me something about it? Of course not! If they want a confession, they'll have to torture me first! Besides, I'm innocent. I'm actually innocent for the first time in my life."

"Chill out, Malfoy. I was just asking," Ron said.

"What did you do, Harry?" Draco asked, staring at Harry.

"I told them you were with me last night."

"You what?" Draco blanched. For a moment he actually stopped breathing.

"You heard me."

"How could you do that? That's even dumber than telling them that you're Strut's murderer!" Draco crumpled down the bench. "God, my father will be here at any moment, I just know it. And then they will tell him that I was with you last night. Oh, my God. I think I'm going to be sick."

"I didn't say we were sleeping together! I'm not stupid, Malfoy!" Harry said with distaste. "I told them about our discussion at the Ball and that afterwards you challenged me into a duel but Erin caught us in the act and then we spent almost the entire night together under her vigilance. Erin confirmed it but Fudge didn't seem to buy it so here I am. I guess I am stupid because I couldn't convince him of my story." Harry sat by his side and looked down. Draco caught Harry's hand in his own and squeezed it.

"Thanks, Harry," Draco muttered. "I know you meant well."

Harry took his hand off Draco's and crossed his arms. "It doesn't matter now."

"Harry," Draco whispered, cuddling him and kissing his cheek softly. "I'm sorry. I'm so nervous. My father will be here. Do you know what that means? My father being here is ten times worse than being accused of murder. He'll want to talk to me, and I have the feeling that it won't be a nice conversation between father and son."

"I'm sorry." Harry enlaced Draco in his arms and kissed him on the lips.

"Ugh." Ron pulled a face. "Please, I'm here! Spare me, unless you want me to be sick."

"Ron!" Hermione pinched him gently. "Just leave them alone."

"It's kind of hard to do that since we're locked up in here!"

"You know what I mean."

"What about you, Mione? What did you tell them?" Ron asked, pulling her close to him.

Hermione blushed. "I told them you were with me as well. But not duelling."

Draco laughed, "You told them you were sleeping together, didn't you?"

"Yes," Ron's face reddened as Hermione went on, "McGonagall made such a face! I feel so embarrassed."

"You didn't have to do that," Ron said, gripping her in his arms. "It wasn't the truth."

"See?" Harry said to Draco, "That's how you should have received me; with a hug and a couple of comforting words."

"Our situation is far more complicated, Harry." Draco came closer to him. "But if you want a kiss, I can give it to you."

They exchanged a soft kiss.

"In a minute they will come up here and we will be separated," Hermione said, "They'll ask us questions about last night, so we've got to be careful about our answers. We can't let them trick us."

"You're right. We should combine our stories," Draco said.

They talked about it for a while, combining their stories. Twenty minutes later the door was unlocked again and Fudge entered, followed by the elegant figure of Lucius Malfoy and Dumbledore. Then Mr. and Mrs. Weasley burst into the room and hugged Ron, Harry and Hermione protectively.

Draco bit his lower lip the same way as Harry used to do when he was nervous and he felt his body paralyzed with tension.

Lucius stared at his son and then his eyes switched to Harry, who was looking at him with the same insolence and loathing Lucius remembered from the second year of school, when the basilisk was set loose and Harry had saved the day once more. He hid his shock very well as he analyzed Harry's features. Harry, he noticed, was looking more and more like James Potter. That was a name he wished to forget but that sometimes still haunted him.

"Well, well, well. Mr. Potter. We meet again," said Lucius with a malicious grin, "I only wish the circumstances were better. A murder... Who would have thought? But, of course, being Potter's son..."

Draco flickered and Harry felt the urge to jump at Lucius's throat.

"Lucius!" Dumbledore called his attention.

Without taking his eyes off Harry, Lucius said, "Come on, Draco. Let's go."

"Where are we going?" Draco asked full of suspicion.

"Our dear Minister has some questions for you. Don't worry. I already told him that you have nothing to do with the occurrence and he seemed to understand it. Isn't that right, my dear Cornelius?"

Draco saw Cornelius Fudge shuddering slightly and nodding quickly. He grimaced. He bet anything he had that his father had blackmailed Fudge the way he always did with anyone that was in his way. Draco knew that he would walk away free from that matter. The problem was afterwards, when he would have to face his father alone. He didn't like the way his father was staring at Harry.

"Draco?" Lucius called him.

Draco shot one last meaningful look in Harry's direction before going away with his father.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger, there are some Aurors outside that would like to talk to you," Dumbledore said, noticing Harry's worried expression. "Oh, there's nothing to worry about. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were authorized to be with Ron the whole time. I'll be with you, Mr. Potter, and Professor McGonagall will be accompanying Miss Granger, since there was no time to call her parents. Now, we should go. Rest assured that I'll do anything in my powers to keep you all in the school. Lucius Malfoy is not the only one with some cards on the table." Dumbledore's eyes glittered with satisfaction.

Harry prayed for that to be true.

                                                          --------------

"What's going on?" Erin said, opening her eyes and staring at Severus.

She was in the Hospital Wing, lying in a bed. How she have gotten in there she had no idea.

"Sev? What happened?" she asked.

"You fainted," he informed her.

"What?" She tried to get up but he made her lay down again.

"Madam Pomfrey said you should rest," he said, sounding very grave.

"Why am I here?"

"Don't you remember?" She shook her head and he explained, "You were arguing with Fudge, you lost it and Lucius Malfoy stepped in. You put quite a show in there. Anyway, at some point you just blacked out. Then I brought you here."

Erin looked thoughtful. "I never fainted before. What did Madam Pomfrey say?"

"She said it was probably the stress. She'll run some tests though, just to be sure."

"Oh. I feel fine now. Are you sure I have to stay here?"

"Yes."

"For how long?"

"Just for a few more hours."

"I can't stay here. I have to see what's going on."

"I can tell you exactly what's going on. Right now, those incompetent Aurors are interrogating Potter, Weasley, Granger and Draco. Dumbledore is with Potter, so he will be more than fine. Mr. Weasley is with his parents, and I'm not sure how his father will react since he's a little emotional. Miss Granger is with McGonagall. She'll do fine. The Auror questioning her was McGonagall's student and he used to be very afraid of her. As for Draco... Lucius will be the only one talking in the room. He'll put some cards at the table, probably something nasty about Fudge's past, and then Draco will walk free as if nothing had happened. I'm surprised that Fudge got Draco in the first place. He knows better than not to mess with Lucius."

"Oh. I never thought Lucius Malfoy was so handsome," Erin commented.

Severus made a face and Erin giggled.

"But you're more handsome than he is!" she added. "You went to school with him, right?"

"Yes. We were in the same year," he answered in a bad mood.

"What was he like?"

"Why are you so interested in him?" he asked, a pang of jealousy crossing his heart.

"He's Draco's father. That information alone speaks for itself. But that's not all. I want to know more about him because I saw something in his past that surprised me. Something I don't think anyone knows."

"You saw his past? How?" he was bewildered.

"Oh, I never told you this, but I'm a seer. Not a very good one though. I could never see the future very well. But the past... well, sometimes I can see somebody's past very clearly in my head. I saw yours, although it was a little blurry. That was why I knew about Lily Potter and what she meant to you."

"Don't go there, Jones," Severus threatened.

She sighed, "All right."

"This is invasion of privacy!" he complained.

"No, it's not! I don't control it. I can't control it. The images just come to me and I have no powers over them. I don't even know how it happens. I never really liked to tiptoe under other people's memories. And I was never a fan of divination. It's not very precise."

"What did you see about Lucius?"

"He was a friend of yours. Kind of. He seemed to respect you. He still does even though he is suspicious about you. You two have this weird bond that comes from the hate you share for the same person: James Potter. That's so not nice!" she called his attention.

"Are you going to lecture me?" he frowned.

"Yes, damn right I will! James Potter saved you life."

Severus clenched his teeth, "He wouldn't have had to, if that irresponsible friend of his didn't pull that stupid trick on me that almost cost me my life! He saved me because he regretted at the last minute."

"I don't think so."

"Why not? Can you see his past, too?" he said, angry.

"No. But I know Harry, and if he's any indication of what James Potter used to be, then he was a hell of a guy. Dumbledore is always saying that Harry and James are very much look-alike, not only in appearance but also in character. I'll be forever grateful to him for saving your life." She leant to kiss him and his expression softened a little as her lips touched his.

"What else did you see about Lucius, Jones?"

"Oh, I don't know if I should tell you, Sev. It's something way too private. Let's just say that he loved someone once with all his heart, but he didn't have the same guidance that his son is having now so he became lost and alone and he didn't deal with the pain very well. I feel so sad for him. Maybe, if things had worked out differently, who knows what would have happened. But then again, neither Draco nor Harry would have been born and that would be a tragedy!"

"I didn't know Lucius loved somebody. He was even colder and restrained than I was. You see, his father was such a cruel man. I spent a summer in the Mansion once and I saw the way the old Malfoy treated him. He was an old bastard. I think Lucius used to be physically abused, although I'm not sure."

"Oh, I didn't see that. How awful! Do you think he abuses Draco?" she asked, worried.

"No. He told me once he would never treat his son the same way," Severus grimaced. "That was in the past, of course. He doesn't treat Draco so well now. But I don't think he abuses him or anything like that. He's just... distant."

"Maybe he doesn't abuse Draco physically but mentally... that's a whole different story."

"I guess you're right."

"He's a sad man. His soul is dying. But I saw something else."

"What?"

"Hope. I saw hope glowing in the distance. I saw a shadow behind him that will become his everything; a shadow that will become light again and it will save him. Does this make any sense to you?" she frowned.

"Not one bit of it."

She smiled and joked, "Well, that's what seers are for. Half of the time we talk nonsense that no one understands."

"I think Lucius' soul is damned. I just hope Draco doesn't follow his path."

"Oh, I don't think he will. Harry won't let him."

"I hope you're right." Severus took her hands in his and placed a soft kiss in its palm, his eyes lost somewhere else. "We should get away."

"What do you mean?"

"We should run away together. We could go to Italy or Greece."

She smiled and kissed the palm of his hand. "We can't go. Not now. We have to help Harry and the Order. We have to destroy Voldemort first; otherwise, it doesn't matter where we go, he will always hunt us."

"You're right. It was just a silly thought."

"I liked it." She gripped his hand in hers. "Can I get off of the bed now?"

They stared at each other with tenderness.

"I don't think so. Poppy said that you've been feeling ill all week."

"Oh, it's nothing really. I think it was something I ate."

"For a week?" he raised an eyebrow, not once believing in her words.

"Yes. Oh, come on! Ask Madam Pomfrey if I can get out now. Please?" she made a sad puppy face and he didn't resist.

"All right, Jones. I'll be right back."

"Thanks, love. You're the best."

"Yeah, yeah."

                                                          -----------

Draco wasn't even listening to what his father and Fudge were saying anymore. His mind drifted away to Harry at some point. He was tired of hearing his father threatening people subtly - and sometimes quite harshly. There was a time that he had found that amusing and rather interesting. He actually had fun seeing other people in misery, he thought, disgusted with himself. He enjoyed the kind of power his father had over those who were lower than him or even those who were above.

But that was before Harry. That was when Lucius was his hero and he wanted nothing more than to please him. Draco had always tried to copycat his father. He wanted to be loved by him so he followed his father's steps as hard as he could. And he had failed. After Harry, he realized that he didn't need to be his father and he was entitled to have his own personality.

For so long he had heard his father saying that Malfoys were this and that and he should be just like them because it was in his destiny to be that way that he had forgotten about himself. He had forgotten that he was Draco first and a Malfoy second.

He wasn't like his father. He didn't want to be another cold bastard.

"Indeed, Lucius, there are plenty of blond boys in this school." he heard Fudge saying. "Oh, I know it was dark... my witness didn't see that well... you're totally right... I don't know what I was thinking... yes, yes, you're totally right... I know, I know... oh, of course the Ministry is supporting you... Dumbledore is losing it... we're thinking about you for the job of Headmaster of Hogwarts... yes, I know, so many money contributions... you helped us a lot... you're a very generous man, indeed. By the way, thanks for contributing with our next campaign..."

Draco suddenly felt sick. Fudge was such a bloody coward. All Lucius had to do was bribe him with money and an amount of very compromising papers to make the pathetic little man crawl at this feet. If only Harry could be there to see it. His Gryffindor honor would be devastated. Draco felt sad at the thought. He wished Harry had never witnessed that kind of scene. Although he knew Harry wasn't flawless and innocent, he believed that the good guys won always just because they were supposed to. Harry was one of the most honorable people he knew. Unfortunately, the bad guys had an amount of victories for a very simple fact: they didn't have any feelings and therefore, they didn't have anything to lose. What motivated them was their greed for power and the fact that nothing else mattered.

Finally, Fudge shook Lucius' hand, grateful for being spared once again from a scandal, and he left the room. Draco felt shivers running down his spine as Lucius stared at him with a cold expression. That was the expression Draco feared the most, when Lucius stared at him intently, his face unreadable.

"You have no idea how much I'm disappointed with you," Lucius said harshly.

It was worse than a slap in his face. Draco gulped, expecting what was about to come next.

"Why did you keep doing a disgusted face during my conversation with Fudge?"

"I didn't!" Draco lied.

"Don't lie to me, Draco. You know me better than this," Lucius said coldly, coming closer to him as he was a hunter and Draco was his prey. "I remember a time, not so long ago that you used to enjoy watching me dealing with the scum. In fact, I recollect quite well of how much you used to beg me to come along. 'Please, dad, take me with you. I want to learn how to be like you.'," he made a cruel impersonation of Draco's pleading and Draco looked away, his eyes full with sadness. Lucius laughed. "Well, you surely are turning into a girl. I didn't want to believe it, but now..."

"I am not turning into a girl!" Draco shouted, staring at him with loathing.

"Finally some emotion!" Lucius said, delighted, "Although I would prefer that you didn't shout. You know I don't tolerate impertinence. Anyway, what was that all about? Strut's daughter was murdered by whom?"

"I don't know."

"And you have no idea about it?"

"No."

"Liar. Where were you last night?"

Draco smiled bitterly. He had escaped of being inquiring by Fudge, but he wouldn't escape of his father's questions. He knew his father was only toying with him because he wanted to see Draco breaking down in front of him. Well, Draco wouldn't give him that pleasure.

"I was duelling with Harry Potter. Just like you taught me."

Lucius' eyes flickered. "Duelling you say? Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. I was there."

"Did you win?"

"There wasn't a winner. That mudblood lover Jones got in our way and gave us a detention. I know that I would have won the duel though. Potter was almost begging for mercy. If she hasn't showed up, I would most certainly win, Sir."

"That was not what I heard, Draco," Lucius said, his face a total mystery.

"What did you hear?"

"That you, my dear son, were fraternizing with the enemy."

"Never!" Draco denied vehemently, "I only tried to be Potter's friend in my first year because you told me so. But after he chose Weasley over me, he became my enemy for life. You told me to hate Harry Potter and that's what I did."

"Not a smart move, Draco. Not now, anyway. I thought I told you to be discreet this year."

"I am!"

"What about this... duel?"

"It was a slip. He provoked me. I promise it won't happen again."

Lucius raised an eyebrow and Draco knew he hadn't bought anything he'd said.

"You're coming home with me today and when we get there, you'll have more than extra time to explain to me why Harry Potter has been defending you so much lately," Lucius sneered when he noticed that his son's face had become paler than usual. "What? Don't you want to go home? Don't you want to see your mother? She's been talking so much about you these past few days. Especially after I locked her in one of the prisons of our dungeon."

"You what?" Draco froze. "What did you do to my mother?"

"Oh, Draco, everything will be revealed to you, my son. But only after we get home. You see, I have something very important to confide in you. And something very important to tell you about your traitor mummy. The reason I want you to go back with me is because I believe that images speaks louder than words sometimes. I want you to see her and then I want you to make a decision." Lucius paused for a moment, observing the impact of his words. "We should go now, Draco. There's no time to lose. I promise you'll be back to this sty and then you can explain to Potter why you're leaving him."

"What if I don't go?"

"Then I'll just send your mother to Voldemort. He'll be very pleased to know that I caught Butterfly. Don't you think?"

"You're a monster," Draco said, speaking every word with repugnance.

Lucius didn't seem to care. "I don't really give a damn about what you think of me right now. What I want to know is if you're coming with me or not. What is it gonna be, Draco? Do you want to stay here with your lover or do want to save your mother?" Draco shuddered when he heard the word 'lover'. "Tough choice I must say."

"I'm going."

"Good. I've already talked to Dumbledore. Let's go."

Draco followed his father in the direction of the Entrance Hall and then inside the carriage.

"Oh, cheer up, son. You'll be back," Lucius smirked. "I'm just not sure if you'll be back as the same person you are now," he added mysteriously to Draco's distress.

                                                                      ------------

After answering a few questions and having their wands inspected, Harry, Ron and Mione were finally released. Even Fudge had to agree that they didn't have the power to throw a killing curse yet and because of that the Truth Potion was discarded, to everyone's relief. The boys remained in the school and two Aurors were left in Hogwarts to dig around a little more.

The only one worrying Harry was Draco. Through the window of the second floor, he saw his lover leaving Hogwarts with his father and he cursed out loud for not being able to prevent that. He didn't like the way Lucius Malfoy seemed to be smiling in triumph. It was making him feel sick. He almost ran away to see if he could stop the carriage but someone caught him by the arm. He turned around to yell at the person and he found Snape staring at him with sympathy. Snape and sympathy wasn't something you saw everyday. Then he realized he was crying. He was crying in front of Snape and he hated himself for that.

"He'll be back, Potter," Snape said.

"How do you know?"

"Because I talked to Lucius. He said Narcissa is not feeling very well and..."

"You bought that?" Harry said in disbelief. "God knows what he did to Draco's mother!"

"I wasn't born yesterday, Potter. But Draco will be back. If he doesn't, I'll go after him."

"I'm going with you."

"No, you're not. You're staying right here, stupid boy! We're risking our lives everyday to keep you safe and you won't jeopardize everything over an outburst."

"An outburst? I'll show you outburst you bastard, son of a bitch!" Harry pointed his wand at him.

"Harry!" Hermione and Ron said in shock.

"You have the nerves, insolent boy! Fifty points from Gryffindor!" shouted Snape.

"Harry! Severus!" Dumbledore called them firmly. "There's no use of being nervous now. I believe young Malfoy will be back but I also believe that we should prepare ourselves for what's coming. Lucius Malfoy will blackmail his son, there's hardly any doubt about it."

"But, Sir, if you know about this, how could you let him take Draco?" Harry asked.

"Oh, Harry, my dear boy, I'm really sorry but I can't solve everything," Dumbledore said with sadness. "But I think Draco has to be there. I think Narcissa is in danger and if she is, he can give us the coordinates later. Now, you and I have to talk, Harry. There are many things I need to tell you about. Things that may shock you. Things that are not easy for me to say, but the time have come and you must know the truth about many aspects that have been kept hidden from you for all these years."

There was a terrible silence in the hallway. Harry suddenly didn't know if he wanted to talk to Dumbledore. Someone said to him once that ignorance sometimes was a blessing, even bliss. What if that proved to be right?

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