A French Gambit

A French Gambit

Chapter One

Harry sighed as he got his things packed. He really didn't want to go back to the Dursley's especially after Ced -

He shied away from that thought. He didn't want to think about the Tournament. But the Dursleys, they would remind him every second of the day.

"Harry?" Ron called from the door.

"Yes?"

"Professor Dumbledore wants to see you. McGonagall's downstairs waiting for you."

Harry nodded and followed him down to the Common Room.

"Mr Potter, follow me." Her face was stern although her voice was softer as if she knew what he was going through.

He followed her towards Dumbledore's office wondering why he wanted to speak to him now.

They stopped in front of the gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office.

"Ton-Tongue Toffees."

Harry stared at McGonagall. Why had Dumbledore used on of the twins creations as a password? He walked up the stairs and into the office, pulling up short when he realised Malfoy was seating there.

Dumbledore smiled and gestured towards the seat next Malfoy. "Ahh, come in Harry. Sit down, sit down." He waited for Harry to sit before continuing. "Now both of you know Voldemort was returned," Harry was interested to note Malfoy didn't flinch at the name. "Unfortunately this has led to some rather difficult problems in both your cases."

Malfoy scowled, "What do you mean 'problems'? My fa -"

Dumbledore held up his hand for silence and Draco's voice trailed off. "By problems I mean that your mother, Mr Malfoy, has been a spy for the light for many years but just a week ago was discovered. She managed to escape Voldemort's hands and escape to France where she is in hiding. However the information she passed on to us includes that Lucius intends for you to become a Death Eater as soon as you get home."

Harry was fascinated by the way Malfoy's skin managed to get even paler.

"Wh-when I get home, sir?" Malfoy stuttered.

Dumbledore nodded, sombre. "Yes. However Narcissa has informed me of your decision not to be a Death Eater and, knowing she can't protect you herself, has asked me to help you." Malfoy nodded, a little shakily Harry thought, wondering why he was here. "Also," Dumbledore said, turning to Harry, "we have discovered that the Dursleys have moved from Surrey, and are unable to track them down. This means the both of you need a safe place to stay during the summer. Now one of my colleagues in America, New Orleans to be exact, has offered to take you both in."

Harry didn't know what to think. On one hand, he didn't have to stay with the Dursleys, but on the other hand, he had to stay someone he didn't know in a country he'd never been to with *Malfoy* no less.

"Jean-Luc LeBeau is the head of one of the oldest Guilds in New Orleans and has arranged to meet both of you at the Kings Cross Station and from there you'll fly by aeroplane to America."

"Aeroplane?!" Malfoy spluttered. "We're going to fly in one of those muggle flying death traps?!"

Dumbledore continued as if he hadn't spoken. "Mr LeBeau's family is partially muggle but all have a very good knowledge of magic and what it can do." The Headmaster's eyes twinkled. "Now off with you to the train. There's a carriage waiting for you at the Entrance Hall."

The boys walked out of office, more than a little stunned by the changes that had been made on their lives in a mere ten minutes.