You've Got to Live!

Harry and Draco appeared before the Three Broomsticks.

"Where now?" Draco asked.

"Just wait here. I'll be back in a minute." Harry said and Disapparated. Draco cursed as he looked around. He walked over to Honeydukes and bought himself some sweets. He strolled around for almost one hour, waiting for Harry, anxiety growing steadily. Where are you, Harry, come on, turn up. Don't make me worry, he thought.

"Boo!"

Draco jumped. Harry grinned at him.

"Where have you been?"

"At someone's house."

"Whose?"

"Can't tell you until I'm sure."

"Harry, this is dangerous!"

"Not in the least. The person is absent at this hour of the day. My suspicions have received no confirmation, though. I don't know if that is good or bad. I cannot endanger someone's reputation right now, Draco."

Draco sighed. There was no way to get Harry to talk when he was like this.

"Come on, Draco. Let's get back and read those files properly."

They Apparated back to the castle and started studying the files again, very, very carefully.

"I'll be back in a flash, Draco," said Harry suddenly, standing up, tossing his files aside.

"Where are you off to?"

"My flat in Muggle London."

"What for?"

"Need a file."

"I'm coming with you. Knowing you, you'll probably start reading there itself and forget all about returning here. I don't want my hairs to turn white."

"They already are," laughed Harry. Draco scowled.

"Sarcasm doesn't suit you, Potter."

Harry chuckled.

"I can but try."

"You seem to be in an awfully good mood."

Harry shrugged.

"You found something, didn't you?"

"Nothing incriminating."

"But something to point you in the right direction?"

"Maybe. I'm not very sure."

"Harry..."

"Let's go. You're right, we could just stay over. I might need to consult several files. And check my computer as well."

"Computer?"

"Muggle device."

"How does it work?"

"I'll show you. Remember, no magic there. The wards will go off."

"All right, Moody. This is not the first time I'll be visiting your flat. How come I never saw this computer?"

"I keep it in my cupboard. I don't use it too often."

"Why?"

"Don't really need it much. It's more for entertainment."

"How big is it?"

"It's a laptop."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You won't get it until I show you. It's rather useful, actually. Pity I can't bring it here."

"Why?"

"Too much magic...just like Hogwarts. Doesn't work properly here. Why do you think I keep a flat in Muggle London when I've got a lovely castle like this?"

"Hmm. I thought you lived there because you wanted to disappear."

"Only part of the reason."

"Hmph."

"Let's go. We're wasting time."

"Ok."

"Want a car ride?"

"Sure."

"Put on something Muggle first."

"Ok."

Ten minutes later, they were speeding towards Harry's flat, dressed in Muggle jeans and T-shirts. Harry showed Draco his laptop and the blonde was fascinated with it. He left Draco to play with the device, and settled down himself to read the file he had come looking for.

Harry cooked a Muggle meal that night. Draco was awed at the process. On all his previous stays, they had ordered food from a nearby fast food joint. Draco was a bit apprehensive when the food was placed in front of him, though. He took a tentative bite.

"Not bad. You cook well."

"Loads of practice."

"Hermione makes you cook? What do the house elves do?"

"Dursleys."

"Ah. I wondered. Have you been in touch with them?"

"No. I don't ever want to see them again."

"Good for you."

"And for them."

"Too true."

They ate in silence for some time. Draco could see that Harry was in deep thought. He wondered what his friend was up to. He had a strange glint in his eyes, like he was planning something. He started when Harry suddenly spoke.

"Listen, Draco, can you find out when the next Hogsmeade trip from Hogwarts is?"

"This Saturday, why?"

"How'd you know?"

"Ginny told me. She is meeting Hermione there for something; she wouldn't tell me what, though."

"I'd like to call a meeting of all Inners. Except Arthur and Molly Weasley, of course."

"Purpose?"

"I want to discuss this problem with them. Look for clues."

"One of them will be a traitor, Harry," said Draco quietly.

"I know."

"You realise that you'll be walking into the trap?"

"I have an idea."

"What idea?"

"Trust me on this one, Draco."

"Very well."

"Listen, can you just inform the others? Ron and Hermione will be there, of course. Minerva and Hagrid will be there. We can have it at the Three Broomsticks; Neville will be there. Let's see if Dumbledore brings Snape and Firenze. Those three rarely come. But we have to inform the others."

"Your wish is my command. It'll be done. I'll send owls as soon as we get back to the castle."

"Thanks. We'll go back tomorrow morning. I'm nearly done with the file."

"What are you reading anyway?"

"Old stuff. May come in useful. You look tired. Why don't you go to sleep?"

Draco yawned. "Ok."

"Good night."

"Good night to you, too, Harry. Don't stay up too late, ok?"

Harry nodded as Draco moved to the second bedroom. He curled up on the couch and continued reading.

When Draco woke up the next morning, it took him a minute to remember where he was. When he finally did, he stretched, got up and headed towards the bathroom. After a quick shower, he stepped out of his room. He found Harry asleep on the couch with papers all around. Draco gave a long-suffering sigh. He walked to his friend and removed his glasses. Then he fetched a blanket from Harry's room and tucked him in. He thanked his stars that he had learnt how to operate the telephone. He called up the nearby food joint and ordered breakfast. He decided not to awaken Harry till breakfast arrived.

When he had set the table for breakfast with all the food laid out, he guessed it was time.

"Hey, Minister, wake up!"

Harry looked up with one bleary eye and groggily asked what the time was.

"Ten thirty."

Harry groaned and got up. He took a quick shower and sat down for breakfast.

"How'd you manage?" he asked Draco.

"I ordered on the phone."

"Thanks. I really didn't feel up to cooking."

"You're welcome."

They ate their breakfast quietly. When they were done, Draco asked, "How many hours have you slept?"

"No idea."

"Why don't you get back to sleep? I saw how you operated the dish washer. I think I can do it."

"Nah. I've to go to the Ministry anyway."

"What for? You're on a holiday!"

"Not anymore, my friend."

After cleaning up, they returned to the castle. Harry had brought along a few files, which he deposited on his study table. Draco sent off the letters while Harry spent this time talking to someone over the fire. Then they Apparated to the Ministry. Harry visited every department and talked to all the people. Draco followed him loyally, like a secretary. By the time they finally finished, it was evening.

"Don't you ever feel hungry, Potter?"

"Yeah, why?"

"It's six. And we haven't had lunch."

"Oops. Why didn't you remind me before?"

"I didn't want to disturb you."

"Are you really hungry? I was thinking of visiting Mr. Weasley."

"Let's visit him, then. But I want a huge dinner later."

"All right," Harry grinned.

Mr. Weasley had improved. He hadn't regained consciousness yet, but he looked healthier. Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were glad to see them. They stayed there for about two hours, talking. They were rather relieved to learn that Mr. Weasley was recovering faster than they had expected. Harry and Draco returned to the castle, while Ginny and Mrs. Weasley were replaced by Bill and Nefartina.

The next few days passed in a flurry. Harry was very busy as a minister, and Draco went around with him, determined to spend the week with him as he'd promised. He was impressed with Harry, though. He seemed to be the most efficient minister ever. He made people work hard, but they did so without grumbling, for he appreciated good work when he saw it. And he was the Harry Potter after all. Soon it was Saturday.

"Hello, Neville," said Harry, as they appeared at the Three Broomsticks. Neville had bought the place and was running it with great efficiency. It was crowded, as usual.

Neville turned around in surprise.

"Oh, hi, Harry! Congratulations!" he said, then frowned, looking around, "would you mind waiting for a minute? I'll get us a table."

Draco looked around. It would be impossible to find a table in the crowd; every single one was occupied.

"Don't bother, Neville, we'll just go and sit with Hagrid and the others," said Harry, and moved towards the said table. It was occupied by Ron, Hermione, McGonagall, Hagrid, Snape, Firenze and Dumbledore. Neville nodded.

"Move on. I'll join you in a minute."

"Hey Harry! Hey Draco!" exclaimed Hermione, spotting them. Everyone smiled at them. They went over, conjured two chairs and joined the table. Harry quickly cast a Silencing Charm over the table.

"Congrats, Harry!" said Hagrid loudly and shook hands with him.

"Nice to meet you all here," said Draco. Neville joined them and dropped on a chair, sighing.

"It's so crowded these days...I don't know how Rosmerta managed..."

"You manage fine, Neville," said Hermione. Everyone else nodded in agreement.

"Albus, how come you're here?" asked Harry.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

"First of all, let me congratulate you. As for this, I figured that you might have something to tell us, Harry. I persuaded Severus and Firenze to come along as well."

Harry smiled, "Thanks," his voice became serious after that as he added, "we have a big problem."

"The others are late," commented Draco.

The rest of them looked at him quizzically.

"Harry called all the Inners here for a meeting today."

"How come you didn't tell us?" asked Hermione.

"I knew you would come. It's Neville's place, so he would be here. I thought the omniscient Dumbledore would guess my intentions and get Severus and Firenze here as well, and he did. I took the liberty of calling the rest," Harry replied.

Dumbledore smiled.

"Glad to have come up to your expectations, child."

Harry grinned at him. He had just opened his mouth to speak when there was a series of 'pop' sounds and all the Weasley brothers and Ginny appeared.

"Hey guys!" Harry called out. They soon joined the table, which was magically enlarged. Soon after, Remus, Tonks and Moody appeared. While they all ordered their drinks, Luna Lovegood, Susan Bones and Terry Boot turned up. The circle was complete.

Harry sat quietly as they all exchanged pleasantries and sipped their drinks. When the greetings were over, every face turned to Harry, expectant.

"As I said before, we have a really big problem," he said.

Everyone leant forward. He told them about the Pureblood Alliance and how the investigation was going on, and how their leader was someone who knew his spell.

"But..." Ron had gone white, "...that would mean their leader is one of our Inners!"

"The stars predicted betrayal, Harry Potter...I told you to heed my warnings..." said Firenze.

"Oh, my!" exclaimed Tonks.

"It's impossible!" Hermione was nearly in tears, "it can't be one of our own!"

"Who is the ruddy traitor? Do yeh know, Harry?" growled Hagrid.

"What do you say, Minerva? Severus?" Harry asked quietly.

"I can't believe it!" said McGonagall shrilly.

"Much as I would like to deny it, it is clear that there is a traitor amongst us," said Snape softly.

"Albus?"

"I agree with Severus and Ron, Harry. There is a traitor. It has to be one of the Inners."

"Neville?"

"I don't know what to think, Harry."

"Who would do that to Mr. Weasley? It's so mean!" said Susan indignantly.

Terry shook his head.

"Yet it has to be one of us..." Remus trailed off, lost in thought. Harry, who was sitting next to him, nudged him slightly.

"I wonder who it is," said Luna. Her voice was slightly amused. She looked at Harry and continued, "I presume you have exempted the two members who are not present here?"

Harry nodded. Moody growled.

"You must omit no one, Potter! CONSTANT VIGILANCE! Anyone could be the traitor!"

"Alastor, Arthur cannot attack himself," said Dumbledore calmly. That took care of Moody.

"Ginny? Are you all right?" asked Draco solicitously, for she was pale and shaking.

She nodded. "It's just...hard to believe."

"This is a most unfortunate circumstance. We must find the culprit and punish him accordingly. As the Minister of Defence, I suggest we..." Percy began, but was interrupted by the twins.

"Cut out the lecture, Percy," snapped Fred.

"We have enough to worry about as it is!" came George's nettled voice.

"Calm down, everyone," Harry ordered, "Bill? Charlie? What do you say?"

Bill shrugged. "I don't see what we can do until the culprit is found."

"I'll kill whoever did this to Dad! Tell me who it was, Harry! I know that you know! Tell me!" yelled Charlie, his face flushed with anger. Bill put a restraining hand on his shoulder, to keep him from lunging at Harry.

"Unfortunately, Charlie, I do not know who it is," said Harry softly. Charlie seemed flabbergasted.

"You - you don't?"

Harry shook his head.

"Who could it be?"

"It's someone on this table," whispered Harry.

The silence was deafening.

Everyone went pale, except Harry and Dumbledore.

"What do you propose, Harry?" Dumbledore asked quietly.

"I need to know where all of you were at the time Mr. Weasley was attacked."

You could have heard a pin drop on a carpet. Harry looked around carefully.

"Don't worry, if you wish, I'll talk to each of you separately."

Several nods.

"Very well. I'll start with...Susan?"

Susan Bones stood up from her chair and walked up to Harry. Hermione vacated her seat. Harry waved his wand, and a bluish mist surrounded the two chairs, making it impossible for the others to hear what they were talking about. Harry looked at Susan carefully. She was rather pale.

"So, where were you, Susan?"

"I was in the office with Percy, Harry. We were working on..."

Harry held up a hand.

"Thanks, Susan."

"I did not do it, Harry."

"I know, Susan, I know. I trust you. After all, you were a Hufflepuff...the loyal House..."

Susan gave him a tremulous smile.

"It's all right, Susie, no one suspects you...this is all a formality, actually. I have a pretty good idea who the culprit is, but I don't have any proof, so I have to make it look like I don't trust anyone..."

Susan nodded.

"I understand, Harry. We have to do these things at the Ministry."

Harry smiled at her.

"You may go, Susan. I will not detain you any longer. I'll send Percy in just after. We wouldn't want the Ministry of Defence out of action now, would we?"

She giggled and Disapparated with a 'pop'.

Harry turned to the table, "Percy?"

Percy Weasley took the seat next to him. He started speaking even before Harry had opened his mouth.

"As Susan would have said, we were at the Ministry, working on..."

Harry interrupted again.

"I'm sure you handle your affairs wonderfully, Percy. I don't really want to know about your work right now...we can do that at the office, right? The longer I hold you up here, the later you get for the Ministry, and I daresay that your office is the most important one right now; we simply can't spare you for too long a time."

Percy swelled with pride.

"As you wish, Harry. Anything else?"

"No, Percy. Thank you."

Percy stood up to leave, then lowered his face near Harry's.

"Would you mind telling me who you suspect, Harry?"

"I'm not sure, Percy...but you're above suspicion. As you must have guessed by now, asking you was just a formality."

"Of course, of course. I'll leave now, Harry," Percy said and followed Susan.

"Terry?"

Terry Boot sat down next to Harry.

"Was in my office, Harry."

"I know, Terry. Any alibis?"

"Well...the French Ambassador might vouch for me..."

"Thanks, Terry. Of course, I wouldn't really go to ask him."

"So...who's it?"

"Do you have an idea?"

"Malfoy fits the bill..."

"He was with me, Terry."

"Oh...Snape, maybe?"

"I doubt if it was any of the Hogwarts crowd...they must have been in school."

"You're right...but they might have gone off for sometime...highly unlikely, though...I really have no idea, Harry. It would be a pureblood, though. I am a likely suspect, except that I'm only half blood."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, me too. You may go, Terry."

"Keep me informed. And if you need any help, I'm there."

"Thanks."

Terry Boot departed.

"Neville?"

Neville Longbottom took the seat next to Harry.

"I was at home, Harry. I wasn't feeling that well. My Gran can tell you that."

"It's all right, Neville. I don't really need to ask her."

"Is this true?" Neville blurted out.

"I'm afraid it is."

Neville shook his head slowly.

"It's hard to believe..."

Harry nodded.

"You can leave if you want to, Neville. I wouldn't like your place to suffer losses because of me."

"Thanks, Harry."

Neville returned to his customers.

"Fred? George?"

The twins walked over. Remus vacated his seat.

"Diagon Alley, I presume?"

The twins nodded.

"Go. Don't want to disrupt your business."

The twins grinned.

"Oh yes..." said Fred.

"You're our partner after all..." continued George.

Harry grinned at them.

"Tell me if you find anything. Don't take unnecessary risks. Your primary concern is your father. Leave the detective work to me, ok?"

They agreed reluctantly, and left.

"Bill?"

"I was at Gringotts, Harry."

Harry nodded. "Any suspects?"

Bill shook his head.

"I don't know, Harry...it's too amazing to think that it's one of us..."

"You may leave, Bill."

The next to come was Charlie.

"I was in Romania, with this new dragon we got..."

"You may leave, Charlie. I believe Mrs. Weasley is waiting for you at St. Mungo's."

Charlie nodded.

"Just tell me who it is, Harry. I'll rip the scoundrel with bare hands!"

"You sound like Hagrid. I assure you that adequate punishment shall be awarded to the culprit."

Charlie suddenly grinned. Harry cocked an eyebrow.

"You sound like Percy. Oh, Minister Percy. Oh, I forgot, you are a Minister, too."

Harry smiled as Charlie Disapparated.

"Tonks?"

"Auror HQ."

"You may leave."

"Alastor?"

"Yes, Potter?"

"Who do you think it is?"

"No idea, Potter. Can I go?"

"Sure."

"Ginny?"

"St. Mungo's, and no idea."

Harry motioned for her to leave.

"Luna?"

"Scandinavia, with my Dad. We were looking for..."

Harry interrupted her, having no desire to hear about some obsolete or imaginary creature.

"Do you mind if I stay on for some time? I would like a chat with Ronald."

"Sure. What's up with you two?"

"Nothing yet, Harry."

Luna sat down in her chair next to Ron, who blushed a little as Harry winked at him. Wonder what's up with Lavender Brown, Harry thought to himself. He turned to the teachers. By this time everyone was familiar with the patter. They left as soon as they finished answering questions or when Harry gestured slightly.

"Hagrid?"

"Class."

"Firenze?"

"Class, young Potter."

Harry smiled. "Hardly that young, my friend."

Firenze chuckled.

"Severus?" Snape scowled before he answered.

"Class."

"Minerva?"

"Class."

"Ron?"

"Class."

"Hermione?"

"Class."

"Wait for me. I want to talk to you after everyone leaves."

Hermione nodded. Harry turned to Dumbledore.

"Albus?"

"My office, Harry."

"I wasn't asking that. I want to know if you think the same as me."

Dumbledore looked deep into Harry's eyes. He nodded slowly.

"I believe it might be the person, Harry," he said sadly.

"Difficult to believe, isn't it?"

Dumbledore nodded silently.

"I'm sure you'll find enough proof to hold a trial, Harry."

"Hope so."

"Remus?"

The werewolf sighed.

"It was a full moon, Harry."

Harry put a hand on the shoulder of the man he had learnt to love almost as much as Sirius.

"Sorry."

"For what?"

Harry remained silent. Remus smiled at him.

"You haven't changed much, you know...all the best with this. If you need me, you know where to call."

"Remus..."

"Would you mind coming to stay with me next week?"

"Sure, Harry."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. See you on Monday, then."

"Draco?"

Draco smirked.

"I was with the Minister for Magic, Harry."

Harry laughed.

"Want to go to Ginny?"

"Yeah, but I can't leave you."

"I'll be here for sometime. I want to talk to Hermione. You can come to the castle in an hour or so, or you can come here."

"Oh, thanks. I'll go to the castle directly."

"Bye."

Draco disappeared with a soft 'crack'.

Harry turned to Hermione, who remained alone at the table. He saw Ron and Luna walking off together. He bent forward and kissed his wife.