Transcendence

~ Chapter 9: Rescuing the Slytherin ~

In Snape's cottage. Almost 5 p.m.

Harry stared numbly at the quill he held between his fingers. He was so busy contemplating Draco's disastrous situation that it took several sharp claws penetrating his dark blue jeans to make him realize that Black was actually resting on his lap. He put the quill down on the table and leaned back in his chair. His fingers scratched under the cat's chin and Black mewled adorably.

He heard his godfather enter the room with a tray. "Coffee, Harry?" Snape asked as he set the tray down.

"Yes. Thank you."

"How is Draco?" Snape carefully poured some hot coffee for them both before taking a seat.

"Still isn't reacting like a normal Slytherin should," Harry replied, dutifully drinking the black coffee. At least the drink perked him up. "When is he coming?" He scowled darkly. Black gave a little jump when Harry involuntarily produced miniature lightning energy which spread from his entire body to the table.

Snape choked on his coffee when it happened and frowned but relaxed when his godson started apologizing.

"I'm sorry Sev. I'm just worried about Drake."

The two wizards sat in silence with Harry paying little attention to the cat on his lap and Snape watching Harry's every move. Finally, Harry's skin started tingling and his eyes fixed on a spot near the front door. Soon enough, the object of the magical disturbance appeared; Dumbledore was holding on to a huge black umbrella.

"Very practical I must say," Dumbledore remarked as he waved the umbrella slightly before propping it up against the wall.

"Coffee for you, Headmaster?"

"I think I'll stick to pumpkin juice, Severus. My body does not tolerate caffeine as it once did." The old wizard sounded strangely weary to Harry and much of it showed as the Headmaster took a seat. Snape got up from his chair to get something for Dumbledore. Meanwhile, Harry was subjected to a most soul-piercing look by the old wizard. He calmly returned it and held the gaze as Dumbledore absently traced the silver ring he wore on his right ring finger.

"I think you owe me an explanation, Harry," Dumbledore finally spoke. Snape, who had just came in with a glass of iced pumpkin juice, froze at the threshold to examine the situation. He decided that he should give the drink to the Headmaster before he made himself scarce. The Potions Master did just that, giving a small nod as Dumbledore murmured his thanks. His blue eyes did not leave Harry's face all the while.

Harry felt a little guilty and became somewhat tongue-tied so he waited for Dumbledore to question him instead.

"I knew that young Draco was in some sort of exigency when this ring you made for me," Dumbledore tapped the ring gently, "gave me electric shocks." Harry stayed quiet and unresponsive. "I know that the bracelet would alert you if your schoolmate was in some kind of predicament. What I was not expecting was the detailed information you gained from it. How did you come to know about the presence of Dementors or the fact that several wanted Death Eaters are at the Manor?" Dumbledore then took a long sip of his drink and waited patiently for Harry to speak.

"The bracelet apparently likes its owner a lot," Harry answered in a clear voice. Dumbledore looked at him with questioning eyes. "Instead of being something that would tell me if Draco was in trouble, it manifested several other functions as well. We are able to communicate by forming thoughts in our minds, we're both able to feel what the other is feeling to a certain extent, and we are able to see through each other's eyes."

Harry stopped and lifted his mug to finish his coffee. He spoke in a much softer tone. "You do know that Draco is different?" He saw Dumbledore's eyes flash silver in consternation. "That he is much like you, in some ways?" Dumbledore visibly started.

"Drake and I came up with a theory. The bracelet somehow sensed his instability and became more protective of him. And along the way, it also helped to stabilize Draco's ability to create fire out of air."

"Ah..." Dumbledore finally responded.

Snape returned to the room carrying plates of Shepherd's pie. The Potions Master sat with minimal noise and glared at Harry when his godson looked at the food dubiously. It didn't matter if his stomach was in knots; Snape simply wouldn't forgive him if the food did not go down his gullet.

Several minutes later -- Harry was still trying to eat -- Dumbledore announced that he heartily agreed with the suggestion of placing Draco under the Order's care. They were arguing about suitable choices. In general, Dumbledore and Snape gave suggestions but Harry would find fault with the options. Finally tired of countering their recommendations, Harry at last asked, "Why not the Weasleys?"

"But why not here?" Snape argued. "With us?"

Harry stared at his godfather for one long moment and felt the sudden need to be blunt. He only hoped that Dumbledore would forgive him for his frankness. "Sev, are you out of your mind? If Drake is living with us, do you think we'll be able to keep our minds on serious things for very long? I will be going to live at Ron's place come mid-August and at least at The Burrow, our... movements will be restricted..." He ignored Dumbledore's surprised look. "I think living with the Weasleys would teach Drake something... Hermione and Ron would be there so I think Drake wouldn't get much chance to fool around..."

Snape was silent and so was Dumbledore. The older wizard wore a ruminative look on his face as he absently took hold of the black umbrella then paused. "Are you sure about this Severus?"

"I have no objections, Headmaster. Perhaps living with the Weasleys will help Draco set his priorities in order. I do agree with Harry's statement that the boy would learn something new, maybe along the lines of how different his life could be if he had siblings." Dumbledore lifted an eyebrow in amusement and gave Snape a look that seemed to say, "It is funny you should think of that,".

"Then I'll go and fetch the necessary equipment. It won't take long for me to return."

Harry watched Dumbledore's form waver and become semi-solid as the body was sucked into the umbrella. When the form of the older wizard was successfully pulled in, the umbrella itself began to contract and it was next to vanish. He must be off to get that specialized Portkey that will take you anywhere you want it to, Harry thought.

"I doubt that the Weasleys would appreciate the prospect of having a brat living with them," Snape commented wryly.

"I think that's an understatement Sev." Harry's face took on a blank expression. Several minutes passed before he spoke. "He's taking a shower. I just had to reassure him about his Patronus."

"Oh?" Snape lifted an eyebrow in the hope that Harry would elaborate the observation.

"He successfully conjured up a ferret but I told him that it would be different if he is really threatened." Harry's voice was carefully neutral although his lips twitched with amusement.

"Hmmm..."

They waited for Dumbledore to reappear and Harry managed to finish the light dinner his godfather had prepared. It had taken far longer for the Headmaster to return to the cottage than they had anticipated and the two pairs of eyebrows were equally raised when the old wizard not only arrived an hour later, but in the company of a pair of house-elves.

Snape looked at the house-elves questioningly. "Is this wise, Headmaster?" the Potions Master asked, his gaze on the curious house-elves unwavering.

"They can be trusted, Severus." Dumbledore responded firmly. "Nira and Let are under young Draco's personal command but they came to find me on their own initiative," he continued, then abruptly turned and opened the door. The old wizard stepped outside. When he re-entered, he said, "It's dusk now and I have the strangest feeling that Voldemort is up to something.

Harry and his godfather exchanged troubled looks and they finally settled down for some serious discussion on how they should attempt the 'abduction'.

*********

In the Malfoy Manor.

Draco stared fiercely at his mother's house-elf and for the fifth time since dinner commenced, he wondered about the whereabouts of his personal helpers. Dinner progressed in silence; there was more staring and covert examination from his relatives than there was conversation. Draco ate his food without really paying attention to what he was putting in his mouth.

He was carefully slicing his fillet when goosebumps spread across his body without warning. He saw several more dark shapes looming in the background out of the corner of his eye. The rattling breathing of the Dementors became more pronounced and he willed his heart not to race. He did not dare to turn and look or stop eating.

"I trust the service of the house-elves are up to standard?" Draco was just about to take a bite of fillet when he heard the unquestionably silky tones of his father's voice. He only froze for a second then acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. He was expressionless but his stormy eyes reflected that he was thinking furiously. How did he get here? And why?

He chewed on the food in his mouth as he formed a thought carefully in his mind. He called his lover.

"Drake?"

"Green-Eyes, my father's here..." He sounded urgent even to himself.

**********

Back at Snape's cottage.

"What?" Harry's irrelevant response caught the two older wizards off-guard. Harry on the other hand, was unaware that his reply to Draco was verbal as well as telepathic.

"Voldemort... He's here too..." Harry managed to hear Draco's answer before he was totally blocked by his lover.

"Drake!" Harry felt numb. "Draco is really in big trouble now." Dumbledore and Snape stared at him as they waited for his explanation. The Gryffindor buried his face in his hands in exhaustion.

"We don't have much time to summon the rest of the Order or Aurors," Harry mumbled. "Voldemort has planned something... Why on earth did he and Lucius go to the Manor?"

"Harry, you are not making any sense," Snape snapped. "The Dark Lord is not so foolish a man as to hold a... congregation in the Manor." Harry looked up to see his godfather's pale face and Dumbledore's concerned one.

"I believe... it is a trap to lure you out of hiding..." Dumbledore gave his opinion, staring at Harry with a penetrating gaze.

"Either way Professor," Harry started in a firm voice, "it is a trap. I go there, they will attack me. If I don't, Draco either gets killed or he will be forced into serving Voldemort."

"There is absolutely no chance of us forming even a guard," Snape said flatly.

"We can forget about dueling," Harry answered just as flatly as he stood. His eyes fell on the baffled house-elves. "Go back to Draco," he instructed. "Protect him as much as you can until I get there." The two house-elves nodded their heads vigorously as they disappeared. He turned to Dumbledore. "Not every house-elf is as bad as Kreacher... Maybe it is because of his age and fixation on the iron rules of the Blacks."

The Headmaster nodded knowingly. "You are assuming that something resembling a fight will occur," the old wizard mused.

"Voldemort may not be the one to issue the challenge," was all Harry said. Addressing his godfather next, "Do you want to come with me or would you rather accompany Professor Dumbledore to speak with the Weasleys?"

Snape did not answer as he disappeared into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Minutes later Snape appeared dressed severely in black. In one hand, he was holding the dark emerald cloak he had gifted Harry with as a Christmas present. Harry took it gladly. Though his face was somber, his green eyes gleamed brightly and it was complemented by the brilliance of Snape's coal-black eyes.

"The two of you," Dumbledore called to them in a grave tone. "If getting Draco out of the Manor and shipping him to the safety of the Weasleys is your objective... stick to it." He looked sternly at his employee and student. Snape nearly smirked but kept it well hidden. Harry gave the Headmaster a crooked smile.

"I trust you to make sure that Harry gets out of this safely, Severus," Dumbledore said somberly as he handed a small leather-bound book that was hidden in his voluminous robes to Snape. "And Harry," the old wizard turned to the Gryffindor who was in the middle of fastening his cloak about his shoulders. "Make sure that all of you return to the Weasleys safely."

Harry nodded. Snape and he looked deeply into each other's eyes. Snape examined the small book in his grip.

"Ready?" Snape asked softly.

"No matter how ready I am, Sev, somehow my body dislikes the idea of traveling using a Portkey," Harry replied lightly, making his godfather smile.

**********

In the Malfoy's dining room.

Dinner was long since over but Lucius would not allow anyone to excuse themselves from the table. The silence was oppressive but no one was inclined to break it unless Voldemort did so himself. Draco spent most of his time staring at the painting of the Black Lake and since it was magical, it enabled him to feel as though he was looking out from one of the many windows of Hogwarts Castle.

"You have a remarkable offspring, Lucius," Voldemort said smoothly into the silence and Draco felt ridiculously amused to hear the soft, barely audible sighs of relief from the people sitting around the table.

"One can only hope that he has learnt what his parents have taught him," Lucius replied diffidently.

"Indeed," Voldemort responded and stared at Draco speculatively.

Draco was engaged in an internal conflict. He wondered if he should continue his avid examination of the painting or give the Dark Lord the slightest hint of acknowledgment. In the end, he stared at the table as he drank. He was careful to leave his mind blank as Voldemort spoke directly to his father.

He was so busy examining how gnarly the table looked to him that he was unaware that a Dementor had broken ranks and moved in to approach Voldemort. Something seemed to pass between the Dark Lord and the Dark Creature. After a few minutes, the creature rejoined the rest of his kind and Voldemort sat in deep contemplation. Then he nodded slightly and swiftly, tight magical ropes bound Draco to his chair.

He was totally caught by surprise and a small gasp escaped from his throat when his muscles tightened reflexively as the ropes rigidified. Narcissa and Bellatrix were protesting at the callous treatment. Voldemort looked only at Lucius who seemed indifferent to his sudden attack on Draco.

"I will not blame you for your son's... misbehavior, Lucius..." Voldemort spoke as he stood then casually walked over to Draco who had stopped struggling against the bonds. Voldemort's wand appeared in his hand. "Crucio!" Draco let out a soundless shout. He was suddenly trapped in a torturous limbo and all thoughts vanished until only the pain remained.

**********

Somewhere near the Manor...

"Ah!" The moment Snape and Harry emerged in the Order's hideout, the boy collapsed to his knees. Mundungus Fletcher, briefly startled at the unexpected arrivals, quickly went over to check if Harry was all right. Snape stared in the direction of the Manor before kneeling down.

"Harry..." Snape urgently called his godson.

"Voldemort..."

"You mean he's in there?" Fletcher whispered. Harry nodded weakly and Fletcher swore under his breath. "Ray!" he called the other man on watch urgently.

"What's up?" a tall, slim and gray-haired man demanded.

"I don't know how, but the Dark Lord somehow found a way to get inside the Manor."

"That's impossible Dung! Fudge ordered Narcissa to hire wizards to cast wards that would prevent anyone from coming in or out, be it by Portkey or any other form, except for Narcissa and her son!"

"I think the Minister's orders were somewhat ignored," Snape added and the other two members exchanged grave looks. "From what Harry told me, only Anti-Apparating wards are in effect."

"What's your business here Snape?" Ray abruptly asked before Fletcher could ask any more questions.

"Non-official Order business," Snape evaded then quickly examined Harry. "I think it's time we go in there." Harry did not answer but got up and withdrew his wand from his pocket.

"Wait! Have the two of you lost your minds?" Fletcher almost yelled.

"It's all right... We got permission from Dumbledore..." Harry replied distractedly. His eyes were focused on the white walls of the Manor. Merlin... I forgot that he actually has a large house...

The two wizards approaching the Manor in stealth depended largely on the darkness to hide their movements. If Narcissa or some other brilliant mind took the time to weave spells that allowed their movements to be tracked magically, their hopes to approach Draco quietly would be impossible.

"I can't rely on my connection with Drake to lead us there," Harry quickly whispered into Snape's ear. The Potions Master nodded and took the lead. They tread the ground warily as they neared the Manor.

**********

When Voldemort stopped the Cruciatus Curse, Draco was soaked in cold sweat and he was gasping for air. Not knowing what it was like to drown, Draco imagined that the feeling was somehow similar. Being hit with the curse, he was unaware that he had actually fought against Voldemort's bonds. I'm bleeding, came the inconsequential thought. Slowly, his wits returned to him. No wonder I feel like... He slowly opened his eyes and looked at his arm. Harry's bracelet was glowing fiercely. Another thing he noticed was that the bonds had actually sliced through his clothing during his struggles. He gulped and forced himself not to think about how Harry would react to seeing him in this particular state. He shook his hair out of his eyes wearily and saw Voldemort staring at him with hostility.

"Potter..." the Dark Lord hissed. Dark red eyes were fixed on the glowing bracelet. "How long Draco..." Voldemort's voice was harsh and demanding.

However, the young Slytherin did not answer as suddenly the candles and magical bulbs of light illuminating the dining room went out. The room instantly plunged into darkness and Draco started feeling very nervous as the room's temperature fell. Something groped at him; he couldn't help himself shrieking. A long rattling sound came from behind and a trapped Draco shuddered as he felt something around his neck. It felt cold and it soon spread. He was paralyzed. His scream died in his throat, finally aware that a Dementor held him by the back of his neck.

Sparks flew from out of nowhere and Draco felt himself jerked upright with the chair and bonds. Curses erupted in the darkness and he heard Voldemort ordering his minions to get Draco.

"Ouch!" he yelped as his head bumped into something very solid.

"Nira is so sorry Master Draco!" a voice from somewhere below him squeaked out apologetically. He frowned. No one had yet cast spells to brighten the room. There was a muffled 'poof' and he suddenly felt pressure on his thighs. There was more groping but this time, the owner of the hands were tracing the magical bonds wrapped about his slender frame.

There was a slight sizzling noise and he nearly toppled out of the chair when the bindings disintegrated without warning. He wished he hadn't move; the pain caused by the lacerations all over his body worsened.

"How in bloody Salazar's name did he get up there?" Rodolphus Lestrange, husband to his aunt Bellatrix, demanded loudly.

Draco froze and muttered an oath when he noticed that his lover's bracelet was acting like a beacon. Sweet Merlin... Where on earth are my rescuers?

"Master Draco?" the voice from somewhere in front of him whispered softly. "Dumbledore gave orders to two someones to get you..."

"All right but get me down first. I am like a sitting duck up here..."

As he descended, he ignored all of his wounds to get his wand. Fortunately for him, it was undamaged. Without warning at all, someone rushed at him.

"Don't think you are running away from this, nephew." Draco was brutally slammed against the display cabinet and he lost his temper then. It was rather understandable since the piece of furniture held many things that could do you severe damage if unsettled. His impact broke the glass and several objects lunged at him, quickly sinking razor sharp teeth, fangs and claws into his skin.

With his anger coupled by the sudden activity of the bracelet, his captor was flung forcefully several feet away against the massive oak table. Loud explosions occurred and the sparks allowed him to take note of his position. His house-elf appeared by his side and took care of the biting magical objects for him.

"Expelliarmus!"

At the same time he heard his lover's voice, he felt Snape's familiar presence in the room. More blasphemies filled the kitchen and he heard Harry's.

"Dementors?!"

"Someone conjure up those blasted candles! I can't bloody well see where I'm going!"

"Narcissa! Do it!"

"What? Why?"

"Don't be stupid Cissa! You're way better at those things than I am!"

"Fools..." Voldemort hissed then muttered something in Parseltongue. It seemed like the air above their heads were filled with hundreds of brilliantly lit candles. Everyone froze.

**********

The Dementors flinched but they had nowhere to go. They plastered themselves against the wall. Harry scanned the room, taking note of the Dementors first before he searched for Voldemort. The two stared at each other for a long time. Harry was the first to break the gaze. Snape had already reached Draco but the Potions Master looked somewhat horrified at his student's state. Finally his eyes hunted and held a sparkling pair of clear silver eyes.

"Sir..."

"How dare you!"

"Traitorous sniveling idiot!"

"Sev..." Harry looked inquiringly at his godfather. Snape did not nod but he knew what he should do. The emerald-eyed archenemy of the Dark Lord saw the fierce look that Snape gave Lucius. With a long sweep of his arm, the room was suddenly reeking of acrid gases and a smoke screen was in effect. Choking and coughing noises followed.

"Come..." Snape whispered suddenly and Harry saw him guiding a very pale Draco.

"Don't think you are going to get out of this house alive Severus!"

"Quickly then..." Harry nudged his godfather slightly and quickly wove a shield to help stall Voldemort. The three of them scuttled quickly out of the dining room. They ran out of the front door as fast as Draco's legs could carry him. The next few seconds, they were finally out under the night sky and Harry was helping Draco in the direction of the Order's hideout.

"Green-Eyes!" Draco gasped, forcing his eyes to remain in focus although the pain of his cuts and the effects of the Curse were blinding him. "Snape!"

"What?" Harry whirled around and found that Lucius and a couple of Dementors were on the steps. Draco's father held his wand out, pointing it menacingly at the Potions Master who had somehow fallen flat on his back. "Damn!"

**********

Harry's eyes widened when the boy felt Voldemort blasting his way to get to the front door. Draco would have felt hurt when his lover completely forgot about him to rush to his godfather's aid if he were not so completely wrought with pain. His legs could no longer hold his weight and he sank to the ground.

Looking up to watch his lover, he saw Harry flinging and weaving several spells to keep Voldemort busy. But Father... Draco quickly heaved himself up with sheer will.

"Avada Kedavra!!!"

Instead of hitting a helpless, hexed Potions Master, the Killing Curse hit a solid black wall that absorbed the spell completely. With strength Draco didn't know he possessed, he wrapped Harry's godfather with the black wall and pulled.

His lover was pulling off almost the same trick but the Dark Lord wouldn't let them have an easy retreat. That caused Harry to experiment with an idea he had been thinking about for weeks. He cast a temporary shield and when it diminished, silver arrows rained down on the Dark Lord and Death Eaters alike. The arrows weren't quite meant to do physical damage. Where the arrows hit, everything became frozen and that's when Harry fled.

Draco did not see the outcome of his lover's ingenuity since he was busy trying to lift the full-body bind spell from Snape. Once Harry reached them, he took over and his Slytherin counterpart let him but began having second thoughts when the Dementors began making their approach. Snape gasped and inhaled deeply. Draco breathed much more easily now that he knew that the Potions Master was all right.

"Sev! The book!" Harry urged as he stood to face the Dark Creatures. "Expecto Patronum!" The Dementors kept coming. Harry frowned as he concentrated on directing his stag to charge the creatures.

"Drake... I need your help... Try conjuring up your Patronus..."

"I can only try Green-Eyes..." Draco didn't dare admit to his lover that he was tired. He was actually on the brink of incapacitation.

They left Snape to compose himself and get the Portkey out. Draco spent several minutes trying to call but didn't allow himself to panic when the Dementors came to encircle them. The three wizards now stood back to back with Snape directing his own Patronus, curiously enough, a panther. A small part of his mind noted that each time Snape's Patronus successfully tackled a Dementor, the Dark Creature started to shake violently and then... nothing. The fallen Dementor was gone without a trace.

Draco shook himself slightly and thought of the first time he rescued Harry from his nightmares. Peculiar warmth spread through his heart and he waited for the right moment. Since when have I cultivated intuition to help me make my decisions?

"Expecto Patronum!" Draco called sharply.

**********

Harry had taken care of the Dementors within his range of sight and turned to help Draco and his godfather. His breath was immediately knocked out of him as he watched something so familiar swiftly running and striking at the Dementor in its reach.

Sirius... Harry was stumped and watched his lover. Draco was sweating and he looked very pale but the determination in the silver eyes explained why his control over his Patronus was extremely strong. He managed to get his true Patronus... And quicker than I had...

When the last of the Dementors vanished, Harry probed the bodies still frozen at the Manor. They'll be coming around soon... Draco's Patronus had vanished when the Slytherin called it back and Snape held the small book ready. Harry took Draco's hand and nodded.

The next thing he knew was Ron's loud voice yelling, "That bloody well can't be true!!!" Snape, Harry and Draco had successfully Portkey-ed into the backyard of The Burrow. The Potions Master signaled Harry to enter first. The Weasleys -- Hermione was there already -- were still crowded around the dining area and talking to Dumbledore who was looking rather haggard.

Without Harry noticing it, Draco drew himself away and sat on an unoccupied stool to wait. The green-eyed boy came to stand directly behind Fred and listened to George thoughtfully suggesting that Draco could use their room. Ron was about to protest when Harry significantly cleared his throat.

"Harry!" several voices exclaimed at once.

"Uhmmm... Does anybody know any healing spells?" he asked timidly.

Mrs. Weasley snapped her mouth shut then examined him. Her expression became baffled when she found that there was nothing wrong with Harry.

"Malfoy!" Hermione gasped and everyone stared at the bloodied, slumped form of the Slytherin. Draco had fainted quietly and Snape muttered an oath. Mrs. Weasley stared at the Potions Master with a look signifying that he ought to watch his language when the children were present or she would probably set him something nasty to do. It seemed that she was informed of Snape's guardianship and had acknowledged -- although a little reluctantly -- that he was a part of the family now. She continued to glare at him -- and Snape returned the glare -- but then stared at Draco in shock when she saw just how badly the boy was wounded.

"I think we need a Healer," she said weakly.

**********