Boys on the Radio

Chapter Twenty Two

'I'm a survivor, or at least that's what everyone tells me ' Courtney Love

An adolescent lie on the grass by the lake by a beautiful castle, pondering something as his fellow peers laughed and screamed as the school year ended. The summer sky warmed them all, and the change of season brought them hope. Though the climate was peaceful here, the boy knew that the outside world was filled with terror from Lord Voldemort. And the boy feared the destiny that awaited him more than anything.

Draco Malfoy waited for Ginny to come comfort him. Finally moving, he looked behind him to see Ginny coming, without a smile, and lie next to him.

'How can they be like this?' said Ginny, disgusted. 'They don't understand there is a war out there.'

'They're naive," said Draco, looking at her properly. "They don't understand, but shouldn't they? Ginny, the siege nearly destroyed all of them, sent them straight to a hell somewhere.'

'Yes,' said Ginny, nodding. She looked directly at Draco. "I want to fight with you and Harry.'

Draco looked at her, startled. He pondered it for a moment. "If that is your wish, I won't stop you." He returned to his relaxed state.

'Harry wouldn't let me,' said Ginny, sounding frustrated.

'It isn't Harry's choice to make, Ginny,' said Draco, sounding intellectual. 'There's battle out there for the greater good.'

***

Number 4, Privet Drive looked absolutely normal from the outside -- The lawn was perfectly cut, the cars shiny as new - But inside, a raging war failed to discontinue.

"How can you bring another one of these hoodlums into my home?" bellowed Vernon at Harry, who stood next to Draco.

Dudley was sitting on the couch, while Petunia sat, strangely quiet, biting her fingernails.

"I'm telling you! It's Dumbledore's orders! You don't understand! It's real out there!" screamed Harry back, angrily.

"I DON'T CARE WHAT'S GOING ON OUT THERE -- " began Vernon, but was abruptly stopped.

"Vernon, please, calm yourself," said Petunia in a small voice, and then Harry could hear a whimper, and Petunia was running out of the room, crying. Vernon and Dudley followed her, both giving Harry and Draco nasty looks.

"What the fuck is wrong with that Muggle idiot?" asked Draco, with not a hint of remorse.

Harry shook his head, confused. "I don't know. Let's go upstairs."

***

Dear Petunia,

The most gravest of times have reached us in the wizarding world. Lord Voldemort has returned, and you as much as I understand the severity of this.

Please, I ask you more in this circumstance. The whole world is in Harry's hand - And in Draco Malfoy's.

Please, secure them in your home. It is the one place you will always be protected.

Albus Dumbledore

Petunia cried as she read the letter for the umpteenth time in her bedroom as Vernon was out at work, Dudley out with his friends, and Harry and Draco downstairs in the kitchen.

Petunia was confused on her standings -- For so many years she had ignored the wizarding world, trying so hard to shut it out. Her family had always adored her sister, Lily, and she had always been in the shadow of her sister. Her sadness had turned to hate. But now, she understood more than ever the weight that lay on her nephew's shoulder.

How could her hate go on when Harry was likely to end up dead? The events that killed her sister would repeat themselves ...

It was true - Petunia regretted how she had mistreated Harry and his mother.

***

Draco held Harry's hand as they lie down on Harry's small bed in his very small bedroom. Harry was disgruntled by being trapped in the house. Harry wanted to be out there, fighting harder than ever, and if he died, he wanted to bring down as many Death Eaters as possible.

'Dumbledore wants to keep you safe as long as possible,' Draco told Harry. 'There's nothing we can do about it.'

'I know, I know,' said Harry, hating that Draco was repeating what he already knew. 'I just feel so useless here.'

'Well, I'm here, too,' said Draco, as though it was a necessary reminder.

Perhaps it was. Draco looked at the clock. 'Ten minutes until you're sixteen, Harry.'

'I believe you're right,' said Harry, and now he was smiling. 'Will we get to have passionate sex like we did on your birthday?'

"I don't think I fancy passionate,' said Draco, contemplating. 'How about rough?'

'I think that sounds right,' said Harry, and he kissed Draco so fiercely, as though trying to drive the negative emotions out of him.

Harry almost ripped the t-shirt off Draco, rubbing his chest all over as Draco felt him up. Harry slipped his hand into Draco's pants and heard Draco moan happily - And then Draco was rubbing Harry's back and he was in ecstacy. Draco took off Harry's shirt carefully as he rubbed Harry's back and chest, caressing him gently taking in Harry's scent as Harry closed his eyes in pleasure. Draco put his arms around Harry as Harry did something that made Draco *very* happy with his hand ...

***

The sky was a beautiful blue and the sun shined beautifully on a young woman who stood apprehensively by the small round cave, surrounded by beautiful grass - So out of place.

Ginny sighed as she entered, shaking. The cave was dark yet she did not feel frightened. There was a strange sort of comfort to it, a familiarity she rarely sensed anymore. She lit her wand after a moment, and quickly walked, almost running, to the center of the cave where above her was an arch, which led into a square, stone room, with a small table in the center. Inscriptions were written on the walls all with the same message: The Protection of Body, The Protection of Mind, The Protection of Soul.

Ginny took a deep breath remembering the book: Only in the most desperate circumstance could a true Gryffindor unleash the protection.

***

It was midnight and in a dark alley between two office buildings three figures in hooded cloaks stood together.

At once, the three of them took off their hoods and began speaking in desperate conversation.

"Ginny, how did you get here?" Harry asked.

"I flew," Ginny said hastily. "But that's not why I'm here.'

Draco and Harry peered at her awkwardly, yet concerned.

'I unleashed the protection of Godric Gryffindor.'

Draco gasped loudly. Harry looked at them confused. 'What is that?'

'Before Godric Gryffindor passed, he put down his greatest powers of protection in a cave near the mountains. No one in history has ever been able to unleash the protection- Only a true Gryffindor could, and it would have to be the most desperate of situations,' Draco explained to Harry , smiling at Ginny, impressed..

Ginny took out three gold necklaces from her cloak. "Each one represents a different protection - This one is for you Harry, The Protection of Body- Draco, The Protection of Mind - And for myself, The Protection of Soul.'

'Why are you giving me the body one?' asked Harry, sounding indignant. 'You can use that to protect yourself, Ginny!'

'Harry, it isn't me or Draco who in the end will defeat Voldemort - You know it will be you. You need the protection. The mind protection will offer aid if being tortured with Dark Magic, and the soul protection will make me immune to dementors.'

'Why are you giving me the Mind Protection?' asked Draco.

'Because you're the most suseptible to Dark Magic,' said Ginny. 'Given your upbringing.'

Draco nodded. 'The Death Eaters will try to bring me in.'

'I guess I really can't stop you, Ginny,' said Harry. 'But I don't want you to come, you'll put yourself in danger.'

'I already am - We all are,' said Ginny. 'I'm not giving you a choice, Harry.'

****

'Ginny, it's okay,' Tom soothed her. His such perfect beauty that reminded her of Harry, who didn't even notice her. Tom, who had listened to her. Tom, with his beautiful eyes ...

'You'll always be here, right, Tom?' asked Ginny.

'Of course, Ginny ... '

And Tom's arms grabbed Ginny's neck, and she was screaming ....

Ginny awoke from her horrible dream, startled. She couldn't cry, not again, not ever. She wouldn't need to soon. She would make Tom regret what he had done ....

She would have her revenge.

****

September 1. 'Won't they suspect if we don't return?' said Draco irritably.

The two were lying in Harry's bed at the Dursleys' early in the morning, planning their getaway.

'It doesn't matter! This is more important!' said Harry, annoyed by Draco's unnecessary objections.

Draco glared at him. 'Forgive me for caring,Harry -- I'll try not do that anymore,' said Draco, and he looked away from him.

Harry didn't respond. After a moment he got out of bed and began packing things into a duffel bag -- Just necessities, as he didn't know how long or where the journey would take them. All he knew was he'd avenge everyone Voldemort had ever hurt and vanquish him forever ...

'Draco. Please. We have to meet Ginny,' Harry said, in an empty tone unlike Harry.

Draco sighed and began getting his bag together as well in silence. Draco pondered all of it. How long would it take? Would they be able to face the Dark Lord? Would they survive? Could he live if Harry died to save him? Or Ginny? Was it all worth it?

Of course it was. It was for the greater good, the protection of all. They couldn't keep living in danger every moment of their lives. Enough people had died, enough evil had been spread. Draco had lost too much already. It all had to end.

And Draco would face it until it did.

****

The dungeons of the Malfoy Manor were made of rotting stone and had a sickening ancient feel to it. It felt as though the torture of the muggles that had happened years ago could still be heard through the walls. Only very dim torches lit the dungeon and were less than sufficient. Most of the dungeon was full of old, small cells used for prisoners, but in the center was an oval meeting room, lit with several more bright, burning torches for the Malfoys to discuss the prisoners years ago -- And now the Dark Lord and his followers assembled there.

In the center stood the Dark Lord himself: the red eyes, the snake-like features, the menacing visage. He alone drew down the hood of his dark cloak and smiled an evil smile at his followers who surrounded the meeting room against the walls, all hooded, awaiting their master.

''My humble servants, bow upon your Lord,' said the Dark Lord, in a quiet, yet sickening voice full of venom and terror.

The ten present Death Eaters bowed before their master, several letting out praises to him. Voldemort motioned for them to stop and continued. 'Nott! Bring the Muggle in!"

From a dark passageway to the right of the meeting room came marching steps and someone crying, and then a smack and a scream. A woman in her thirties was being pulled forward by Nott. The woman could not stop crying and shaking as though she was a sick child. Voldemort curled an evil smile at her and pointed his wand at her.

'Crucio!' he screamed in the most sinister voice. The woman screamed a thousand times louder than she had before; every bone in her body was shaking and looked as though they would all pop; her entire body went so pale she looked beyond death; her eyes were impassive.

And it stopped. 'Please ... Stop ... What do you want from me?' whispered the shaken voice of the woman through tears; her voice was near inaudible.

'Do not question me, muggle!' screamed Voldemort. And then he laughed and his voice softened. 'Do not worry ... You shall be dead soon enough.'

The woman screamed in terror and uncontrollable tears poured down her cheeks as Voldemort and his followers laughed in mirth.

'Please ... have mercy ... ' said the woman.

Voldemort laughed harder. 'You remind me of your dear friend, woman,' he said, and smiled at her in fake soothing. 'Do you remember her? The fool who dared betrayed me? You shall end up just like the stupid girl ... Just like Lily.'

****

HARRY POTTER AND DRACO MALFOY MISSING AGAIN WITH NEW COMPANION

September 15, 1996

Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, the current heroes of the wizarding world, have once again disappeared -- And now with the daughter of Arthur Weasley, Ginevra Weasley, 15. Though the disappearance are disturbing, many are absolutely assured the three have sought out to destroy He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named once and for all. 'Harry was done standing by,' says Dean Thomas, a fellow student. 'He's going to face You-Know-Who once and for all.'

Whether the rumor is true or not will be seen in the near future.

'Still no news on any deaths,' said Ginny.

'We don't even know where to start,' said Harry's hopeless voice with his head in his hands.

Harry, Draco, and Ginny sat in a small, discreet muggle hotel in London, awaiting clues. So far, little was known.

'We need a source ... Someone in correspondence with Dumbledore .. But nothing conspicuous ...' said Draco.

They all pondered for a moment. Finally, Harry spoke, 'Jill.'

'You think she'd know anything?' asked Ginny.

'Yes. She was with me when Dumbledore told me everything ... Her and Sirius ... Dumbledore would let her know what's going on ... We can also have Jill send an owl to Dumbledore to let him know what we're doing ... And to Ron and Hermione ...' At the mention of his two best friends, his voice cracked slightly -- Guilt had spread through him for once again leaving them behind. But the truth was, he couldn't bare bringing anyone else along and putting anyone else in danger.

'Let's go, then,' said Ginny suddenly. 'We'll fly to Godric's Hollow.'

'Are you mad? In daylight? We'll be seen!' exclaimed Draco, looking at her in a patronizing way.

'So? That's what we're trying to do isn't it? We'll take them down,' Ginny snapped.

Harry nodded. 'She's right, We're going.'

Draco nodded at them in obvious defeat.

****

Hermione and Ron sat in the common room in their usual armchairs by the warm fire, except one of the armchairs was empty -- The one without Harry. The two found themselves in a similar predicament they had been in before -- Harry had gone missing without notice. This time, however, both Hermione and Ron knew he had not been kidnaped. Harry and Draco had fled from the Dursleys as they could not have been kidnaped there because of the ultimate protection. Further evidence was that Ginny had joined them, which was not surprising at all.

'I'm sure Harry will contact us as as possible, but remember, Ron, he's probably frightened of interference and him being tracked!' said Hermione indignantly to Ron's anger.

'He should have brought us,' said Ron in a small voice, looking directly at the fire.

'He still feels incredibly guilty about ... about before,' said Hermione bowing her head, looking at the ground. 'He's too scared for us.'

There was a silence of acceptance from both Ron and Hermione. Then a booming voice as though an intercom through the school ...

'Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley, please report directly to the Headmaster's Office, please.' It was the voice of Professor McGonagall.

Hermione looked at Ron , a million horrible thoughts racing through her, knowing he was thinking the same. Had something horrible happened to Harry? Was someone dead? What had happened that Dumbledore would have called them?

****

Harry, Draco, and Ginny walked to Jill's door upon landing in Godric's Hollow after hiding their brooms. Harry gently knocked on her door. They waited for a few minutes with no answer. Harry tried the doorknob but it wouldn't budge. He looked at Draco, who looked unsure. Ginny looked as though she wanted Harry to continue.

Looking around to make sure no Muggles were around, Harry took out his wand. 'Alohomora!' And the door flew open and Harry hurried in, Draco and Ginny behind him.

Ten wands pointed at him at once. Harry was startled for a moment, but then realized he wasn't going to be attacked. It was Ministry Officials, including Professor Moody.

'Potter!' growled Moody. 'You gave us a nasty shock there!'

Harry tried to smile but he couldn't because it had just sunk in that something horrible must have happened there for there to Ministry Officials there ...

'What's happened?' Harry asked in an urgent tone.

Moody's eyes widened as though he was shocked Harry didn't know. 'Come here, Potter. The rest of you, continue searching.'

Harry, Draco, and Ginny followed Moody into one of the spare rooms.

****

Ron and Hermione sat down in front of Dumbledore who was surveying them carefully before speaking. Ron and Hermione took a moment to appreciate the eccentricities of Dumbledore's office. They hadn't had the pleasure of being in it nearly as much as Harry had.

'Thank you for coming, Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger,' he spoke calmly, though he did not seem too amiable. 'I have a task to attend to shortly, and I feel I must confide in you.'

Ron and Hermione looked at Dumbledore carefully.

'Jill, Harry's godmother as you know, has been kidnaped by Voldemort. He is going to lure Harry to him using Jill. Voldemort knows very well that Harry would never allow a friend to be taken at the stake of Harry, and therefore, Harry shall try to rescue her. However, I shall not let this happen.'

Ron's eyes widened as he raised his eyebrows and Hermione stared at Dumbledore with confused eyes.

'I shall infiltrate the Malfoy Manor and rescue Jill,' Dumbledore said carefully. 'And Harry shall lure Voldemort to him.'

Every time Dumbledore said Voldemort's name Ron shuddered, though Hermione only seemed more alarmed.

'How do you know she is at the Manor, sir?' asked Hermione.

'I have recently received an owl from Professor Moody. Jill's home was being searched today by Aurors who asked Professor Moody to come along, and Harry, Mr. Malfoy, and young Ms. Weasley arrived shortly after,' explained Professor Dumbledore, twinkling at Ron's relieved look. 'Voldemort left a note in her home - And not only that, but he murdered Jill's grandparents.'

There was an awful silence and the mood turned very somber.

'In their memory, I ask you to come with me.'

****

'You didn't think Dumbledore was going to abandon you, did you, boy?' growled Moody at Harry, and then came a barely audible laugh.

Upon finding out of the kidnaping of Jill, Harry had immediately stated he was going to save her, but Moody wouldn't let him leave. Not until he contacted Dumbledore .... And Dumbledore had seemingly made it a personal responsibility to save Jill ... And Hermione and Ron were joining him. Harry, of course, felt compelled to save Jill ... But he knew the situation was in good hands.

Unsure of what to do next, Harry, Draco, and Ginny returned to the Muggle hotel, unable to stay in Jill's house any longer, it sickening Harry and Draco. Harry was frightened horrible for Jill. Every time he imagined Jill he imagined her screaming, yelling for help ... He remembered vividly how the Cruciatus Curse had felt and he could almost hear her scream in his head .... And the guilt poured in ...

'We just have to wait, Harry,' said Ginny in am empty voice. She sat on the bed with Draco, watching Harry pace. 'We have to listen to Dumbledore if we even want a chance.'

'I know, I know,' Harry said, his voice full of immense frustration.

Harry could not sleep that night.

****

DUMBLEDORE INFILTRATES MALFOY MANOR FOR MUGGLE HOSTAGE; NARCISSA MALFOY ARRESTED FOR HOUSING HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED IN HERHOME; FIVE DEATH EATER CASUALITES; NO SIGN OF HE-WHO-MUST NOT BE NAMED ....

September 17, 1996

A trusted Muggle in the wizarding community, a good friend of Dumbledore and godmother to Harry Potter, was taken hostage by Death Eaters in her home, leaving her grandparents dead. Only a note remained in her home, attempting to lure Harry Potter to the Malfoy Manor. Albus Dumbledore himself infiltrated the Manor with two of Harry's best friends at Hogwarts, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, who insist they gave Dumbledore no choice. All three of them have returned unscathed and have captured several Death Eaters, including Narcissa Malfoy - Who seemingly took it upon herself to do the bidding of Voldemort not only for herself, but for her late husband.

However, Dumbledore, sadly, was to late to save the Muggle who, as reported by Dumbledore, was found in the dungeons of the Malfoy home 'murdered by the killing curse, lying dead on the ground as though asleep'. Five Death Eaters have been killed in the incident: Goyle, Crabbe, Peterson, Roberts, and Perks. An investigation of the Malfoy Manor is underway.

The news had come as a horrible shock to Harry, Draco, and Ginny, though it had not been the first strike of bad news. Bellatrix Lestrange, Augustus Rookwood, and Antonin Dolohov had broken out from Azkaban the night before, most certainly due to Voldemort, as it was due to him to begin with that the dementors had began fleeing Azkaban just months ago ...

And Draco remembered the bliss of being free with Harry ... Not a care in the world ... Enjoying themselves as normal teenagers would ... And Draco thought of how foolish they had been. Voldemort had returned and it was worse than ever; his most loyal servants had escaped Azkaban and people were dying ... more and more people ... And worst of all, Jill ...

Draco fell off the bed, a horrible surge in his stomach ... And then he realized he was barely breathing .... He couldn't even cry, the pain was too much ... He felt as though he would shatter ... And he looked at Harry and Ginny ...

Ginny who hadn't a chance to properly get to know Jill, sat confused and pale. Harry looked impassive at first, and then he had walked to the bathroom and closed the door behind him, and with a click it locked. He knew Harry would not come out for some time. Jill ... who had done so much for them ... Jill, who had offered most needed information ... Jill ... who had done nothing wrong.

Ginny got off the bed and sat down next to Draco, who lie between the two beds, his head nearly hitting the nightstand behind him. Ginny looked at him with the most remorse any human being could ever give a friend as she gently patted his hair ... But it was not enough. No ... Voldemort would pay.

His mother in Azkaban had not bothered Draco in the slightest ... She deserved it. Draco only hoped the Vow of Luck would assist them destroy her master before he could unleash her, too, from Azkaban.

Ginny assisted him to sit up and she managed to sit next to him, both of them leaning their backs against the nightstand. She put her arm around his shoulder, and Draco leaned his head onto Ginny's.

'Why?' Draco finally said. 'Why wasn't Voldemort there?'

It was impossible question for Ginny to answer, but Draco wanted to know. Surely Voldemort expected Harry to come ... He had planned to fool Harry and show Harry Jill's dead body and then kill Harry ... He must have fled upon seeing Dumbledore ... The only one he had ever feared.

Draco sighed.

****

The Dark Lord sat on his throne on the dais, and looked below at his kneeling Death Eaters. The room was large and square, made of ancient stone. Unlike the dungeons of Malfoy Manor, the new base was high on a hill in a castle, and the very room they resided in was on the highest floor, and through the large window on the opposite side of the Dark Lord he watched as he awaited his enemies, intent on destroying them.

Soon ... in time. 'Parkinson,' said the Dark Lord softly.

A Death Eater rose. 'Yes, my Lord?" Parkinson said in a fearful tone.

'Is it true Goyle is dead?' asked the Dark Lord in an impassive tone.

'Yes, my Lord - At Dumbledore's hands. As well as the others at guard - I disapparated after he finished the others off; I stood no chance my lord ... ' pleaded Parkinson.

'Very well,' said the Dark Lord. 'A small loss. And Narcissa?"

'Azkaban, my lord,' said Parkinson.

'Ah. Severus!' said the Dark Lord, and Parkinson returned to kneeling with the other Death Eaters with a small bow.

Severus Snape rose. 'Yes, my lord?' he asked.

'You will free Narcissa - When I kill Harry Potter, she shall kill her pitiful son.'