The Girl in the Tower

The Girl in the Tower

Chapter Thirty-two: All My Life

~

"All my life I've been disillusioned." Draco sighed. "I don't understand why Potter turned his back on me. I told him everything."

Nikolae sat on the edge of his sarcophagus and looked at Draco, who was climbing into a bed that had not been there earlier. "Would it help you to know that, with the exception of Severus, who refused to vote, Harry was the only one opposed? He complains the loudest when it comes to you, Draco, yet he defends you with the voice of a lion. In the end, he acquiesced. Of course, no one wanted to do it. We all had our reservations and our prayers will be with you but the fact is that Voldemort has vowed not to kill you. Your life is not in danger. We had to do what was best for the wizarding world."

"You?" Draco sat up. "You voted to send me back? And to think I actually liked you! Stop being nice to me if you hate me so much!" Draco threw himself down on the pillows and turned his back on the vampire. "And the same goes for Sara. You can just tell her that for me."

"She doesn't know. We feared it would upset her and she's in no condition to come to your rescue. Don't worry, Draco. We will get you out of this."

"How can you be so sure this plan will work? What if this so-called opportunity comes a moment too soon? What if you lose? Am I supposed to believe that everything will simply fall into place?"
"Sara saw it," Nikolae lied. Sara, he knew, had seen no such thing. This falsehood was meant only to protect Dumbledore's informants.

Draco was quiet for a long moment, so long that Nikolae assumed he was falling asleep and was about to leave him to it. Then he spoke. "I love her, you know."

"I know."

"I wish she'd never met Potter. I wish the night I met her that I'd been a different person. Had I been, everything would have turned out for the better. My life wouldn't be the cruel joke it's become. There would be no mark on my arm. I'd be happy."

"She loves you, Draco, but not the way you love her. Not the way she loves Harry."

"You can't convince me of that."

"Ah, but I have seen her soul and I know what's in her heart. You must let go of this desperation you feel or you will never be happy. If you do not, the thought of her will forever be a source of pain for you, a wound that will never close."

"If I could decide to stop being in love with Sara, don't you think I would have done it a long time ago? When she agreed to marry Potter? When she killed my father?"

"You need to understand that she will never return what you feel. You know it in your heart, yet you won't accept it. She holds you above all others, Draco. All except one. Nothing will change that."

Draco pulled the covers over his head, the vampire's words like a white-hot blade. His voice was small when he spoke and choked with emotion. "Leave me alone."

Nikolae sighed, having dealt the second of two harsh blows. He said nothing as he left the room, only hesitated in the doorway, wishing he could ease the boy's pain with wisdom and gentle words. He could not. Draco would have to deal with this knowledge in his own way.

* * *

Morning brought a new day and Draco waited for Harry to come let him out of the room. (Nikolae, of course, was asleep in his sarcophagus.) In the torchlight, he lay on the small bed supplied to him, he assumed, to ease his discomfort before they sent him off to certain torture. His head was clear, even though he could not see the sun, and he decided to relish his last day of freedom. He would be in the catacombs before the next break of dawn.

Draco hid the knowledge not a moment too soon as Sara came into his mind. She said nothing, but he felt her presence. Draco smiled.

Stop snooping around in my head.

I wasn't sure if you were awake.

Likely story. He grinned. How are you today?

Severus has me doped up on potions, but otherwise I feel pretty good. Better than yesterday.

Good. Where's Harry? I want out now.

He's still asleep. It's early yet. I'll come down.

You're supposed to stay in bed. I'll wait.

Suit yourself, but I was planning to sneak out to the courtyard for a little solitude. Are you sure you won't join me?

It's hardly solitude if you're not alone.

Says who? He heard the faint echo of her laughter. I'm coming down to let you out. After that, we'll go from there.

* * *

Sara and Draco crept through the house to the courtyard. She held his arm and they laughed in the quiet without making a sound. It was so easy to fall back into the friendship they'd missed and both reflected on how nice it was to once again be in the other's company. Draco stopped at a copse of moonlight roses and pointed his wand. The bloom opened to full glory then turned black and he picked it, handing it to Sara.

"They always turn black," he admitted with a shrug. "I don't know why."

"You don't?" She giggled. "Don't all evil sons produce black roses?"

"Very funny," Draco said with a grin as he took the flower from her hand and tossed it away. "Let's just forget about the evil son thing. I won't tell if you won't."

Still smiling, Sara agreed. "It's a deal. As long as you don't tell anyone I hate that horrible soup they keep giving me. I dump it in the plants when no one's looking."

"Shake?" Draco laughed, delighted by her presence and her good mood.

Sara shook his hand.

"There," he said. "Now it's our little secret." He put an arm around her - even though she was looking stronger today - and led her along the path. Looking forward to some quality time as the house slept, they wandered through the trees to the fountain.

Christina stood at once, startled and awkward. It seemed she was always in the wrong place at the wrong time. A brief moment passed where no one quite knew what to say, and then Christina smiled at their attire. "Where exactly does one go to buy a cloak?"

"Eccentrics-R-Us." Sara laughed and pulled Draco along to take a seat across from Christina.

"I get mine at Dashing, Prince Valliant Types-R-Us."

"Of course you do."

Christina's gaze lingered on Draco and, in Sara's opinion, she laughed a little too loud at Draco's jest.

Christina glanced at the ground, then at Sara. "You're looking much better today. It's nice to see you up and about."

"Thank you, it's nice to be up and about."

With that, all conversation stopped for a long, awkward moment. It seemed no one knew what to say next.

"So," Christina asked. "Is everything all set for the wedding? Can I help with anything?"

At the mention of the wedding, Sara and Draco moved a little farther apart on the bench they shared.

"Not everything." Sara sighed. "Harry's relatives aren't coming. I'm not quite sure what to do about it, but I have some ideas. Plus, Uncle Albus has decided that the guest list should be cut down to include only a few. He thinks it best that we invite everyone to the reception instead. Don't ask me why, but now we have to send letters to about fifty people and it's so rude - especially on such short notice - but I'll do what he asks. He always knows what's best and I never question his reasoning."

"I'd be glad to help write the letters."

"Thanks, but Hermione and Susan took over the task yesterday. I appreciate the offer, though."

"Well, if you think of anything else..."

Draco voiced a curiosity at last, mostly to get Sara off the hook. "Christina, what are you doing up so early?"

"I couldn't sleep." She smiled, knowing he would understand. "There's no traffic."

"I see."

She turned her gaze back to Sara. "I know this might sound rude and it's unintentional, but don't you have even one TV in this whole place?"

Sara laughed, unable to help it. "Harry has one, and he's none to happy about the fact that it doesn't work."

Christina's shoulders slumped.

"You're bored. Maybe Harry will take you out in his boat after breakfast?"

"Oh, I'm not bored, really!"

Sara smiled.

"Well, I thought I might walk into town and look around later. Do you want to go, Draco?"

"I can't." He gave her an apologetic smile. "Go ahead without me."

In an effort to save Christina from her discomfort, Sara spoke up again. "Can you drive?"

"Yes."

"Then would you mind picking up dinner? There's a fish place that Harry loves. I could call in an order and it would be a huge help."

"Sure!" Christina stood, unable to bear the discomfort any longer. "Just let me know when." She turned to Draco. "Maybe we could hang out for a little bit later? Since you're leaving so early tomorrow. You'll need to give me some instructions for the house if I'm to return there. See you at breakfast." She hurried away before he could respond.

Sara turned to Draco with a questioning. "Where are you going? And why wasn't I told?"

"I'm going, um... with Nikolae."

"Where?"

Draco swallowed hard and looked at his hands. "I don't know," he lied.

* * *

Night descended on England.

Sara waited with the greatest impatience for the last bit of sunlight to fall beneath the horizon, twisting her hands in her lap, straightening her skirt, biting her nails and then wringing her hands again. When the last ray of light disappeared from the sky, Sara broke into Nikolae's mind with a total lack of consideration for his privacy. He was only just waking up and wasn't prepared to defend himself against such an invasion. Sara was quick to find the information she sought, just as it was whisked away and the door shut.

Nikita, he said. You shouldn't have.

How dare you lie to me! After all we've been through!

This was not my idea. You're not well. No one wanted to upset you.

HA! Sara shouted into his mind. So much for the trust we shared.

Don't say such things!

You've seen his memories! How could you vote to send him back! Nikolae! After what you've seen you should protect him with your life!

He was defending himself, but Sara didn't hear. She withdrew from him without warning and closed her mind to him.

"HARRY!" she bellowed as she pushed through room after room with the injustice of it all raging through her. She called to him over and over again, her pace livid, her expression enraged. "HARRY POTTER!"

Harry hurried from the library and into the lobby where he met her with alarm and trepidation. He knew that she knew, there was no doubt in his mind and he stood with slumped shoulders to defend his decision to the one he loved.

"HOW COULD YOU!!" Sara screamed at Harry. "How could you DO THIS to him?!"

"I had no choice! It was the order--"

"Did he tell you they killed him?" Sara shouted, her hands clenched, her knuckles white. "They tortured him until he DIED! And they brought him back only to do it again!"

Crimson melted through her hair and Harry grew frightened. The red went beyond the streak this time and the floor gave a faint tremble. Sara's fury raged and it was clear she was losing control.

His voice was soft and nervous when he spoke. "Sara, you have to calm down."

"Why is he different? Is he less of a person? Would you send Ron to such a fate? Hermione? Or me?"

Harry lost his temper at the mention of Ron, his voice booming and loud. "You sound just like him! I never knew you were a SLYTHERIN!" he shouted. "He says that all the time! I shouldn't have to explain this to you, but Ron is NOT Draco MALFOY!"

"I can't believe you! What happened to the person I fell in love with? You're despicable! He TRUSTS YOU, Harry!" she yelled. "And SO DID I!" Sara's composure shattered. She broke down in helpless sobs and collapsed to the floor, where she sat in the pool of a silken cloak and cried into her hands. The tremors stopped. Thunder rolled across the sky and the winds rattled the trees outside. Lightning lit the windows, splitting the night sky as it opened its clouds on the world. The rain was fast and hard, pelting the windows like a spray of pebbles.

Harry's anger fell to shreds.

"I'm sorry, Sara," he said. "But I have no choice."

He left her there, hoping her storm would tear the house to pieces.

* * *

Draco stood in the shadows until he thought Harry had gone. The storm diminished, though only a little and it was painful to hear the way she cried over his demise. As he crossed the room on quiet feet he thought; Nikolae is wrong.

"Sara," he whispered as he knelt beside her and stroked her hair. She looked up at him without wiping her eyes and the misery he saw in them tore at his heart.

"I won't let him!" she said as she choked back a flood of emotion at the sight of Draco. "No one will harm you again, I swear it!"

Draco threw his arms around her and she clung to him, crying into his shoulder. He held her close and with fierce emotion. "I'll be ok, Sara," he told her, his voice soft and reassuring. "It's only for a few days."

Sara said nothing, only tightened her arms around him.

"Besides," he added. "You shouldn't worry so much about me. I think Harry's getting a little upset."

"I don't care!" she sniffled and pulled away. "I knew he'd changed while I was gone, but I never thought he'd lose his integrity. I don't even know him anymore." She wiped her eyes with his handkerchief. "They'll hurt you again, we all know they will! What if you don't come back this time? What if Voldemort changes his mind about killing you? Did Harry think of that? I hate him for this, Draco."

"Don't. It wasn't his doing." Draco had no idea why he was sticking up for Potter except it seemed like the right thing to do. "Sara, you're getting married in four days. You don't hate him."

"You're right, I don't, but I can't even describe the anger I feel. I don't want anything to happen to you." She caught his eyes and held his gaze. "You've been through enough already."

"Why did you kiss me?" he asked, his expression both pained and hopeful. "Last night, on the terrace."

Sara was hesitant as she considered the question. "I don't know. I can't stop thinking about you." She laid a shaky hand against his face and his eyes fell closed at her touch.

"Do you love me at all? Not as a friend, Sara. You know how I mean. I need to know before I leave here. I need to know now."

Sara hesitated a long moment, her inner struggle apparent. "Yes," she whispered, "I never knew it until I thought I might lose you forever, but I do love you, Draco. As more than just a friend. I can't explain it, it's so confusing, but I can't deny it, either."

* * *

Christina had been looking everywhere for Draco. While this house wasn't as big as his was, it was still easy to lose someone. It was boredom that drove her to seek him out, as they had no standing plans. She missed his company and wanted to spend some time with him before he left in the early morning hours.

Christina was troubled to know that she was developing feelings for Draco. It could only lead to heartbreak and disappointment and it was foolish to entertain such feelings. He was old money, refined, distinguished, and had impeccable taste. She was a poor, homeless, disillusioned dreamer who had stupid ideas of acting and stardom, begging for half-eaten food on the streets of London. She was the dirt beneath his shoes, though she never got this vibe from him. In Draco's presence, Christina felt like an equal and, sometimes, the way he looked at her made her think that maybe he liked her, too.

The power went out, no doubt due to the sudden storm, leaving the house in the dimness of firelight. Rain splattered the floor, swept in by a tapering wind. Christina closed the back doors and continued on her quest for Draco - only it was Harry she came across.

He sat alone in a chair; shoulders slumped, looking forlorn and lost in thought. The sadness and misery in his demeanor made her pause in the doorway but, after a moment's hesitation, she went in.

He sat before the fire in a dark room next to the terrace. There was a bottle of liquor open on the table before him from which he had not poured and an empty glass he had yet to touch, as if drinking was an idea he'd abandoned. He only stared at it and Christina took a nervous seat beside him. Harry didn't move. Didn't look to see who it was. Christina said nothing, only took the bottle and recapped it. He stared at it as he'd done before and the pain in his eyes was unbearable to look upon.

"I'm wrong," he finally said. His voice was strained and quiet and Christina listened. "She's right, you know. I could be sending him to his death. This decision never should have been mine to make." Harry's eyes left the glass and his head fell into his hands.

Christina put her arms around him and pulled him against her shoulder. It was inappropriate, she knew, but he was in need of a friend. She smoothed his hair and he wrapped his arms around her, holding tight to the comfort she provided. His heart was torn apart. It couldn't be more obvious. Harry was sending Draco to an uncertain fate, but the fact remained, from his own admission, he had no other choice.

"You're a good person, Harry. I know you are. It radiates from you," Christina whispered. "I know you'll do the right thing." Having not heard the argument, only muffled yelling from a far off room, she wasn't sure what he meant, though obviously Sara was upset with him and it had to do with Draco's leaving.

"Don't be so certain," he managed and Christina realized he was trying not to cry. He pulled away and tried to smile. "Don't think badly of Sara. She's probably the only person alive who loves him. And she's right to be angry with me."

* * *

Draco tried to sleep but it was useless. His fear kept his heart pounding and his imagination alive. He couldn't fathom the wrath he would meet in the catacombs.

He was lonely, but thankful for his solitude. Nikolae had gone off to Manchester to hunt and the rest of the house was sound asleep, awaiting the dark hour when Nikolae returned to take him away.

His thoughts turned to Sara.

Draco imagined her in the darkness, dreaming of better days. He wished he could say something to ease her mind, but he was at a loss for words. He loved her, so much it could drive him to madness, but what was happening between them wasn't right. No matter what she said to him, no matter what manner of emotion he felt in her embrace, Nikolae had been right on one account. She did love him above all others - all except one. Sara belonged with Harry and, even if he somehow managed to prevent the wedding and steal her away, she would always love Harry more.

The door was slow to open and the usual hooded figure came into the room amid an aura of firelight from the outside. There was only one candle to see by, but Draco left it unlit, even though the door was closed again and all light lost to the dark.

"Is it that late already?"

"It's me."

"Sara!" he said and sat up, surprised. "Potter would kill me if he caught us down here alone together."

"I had to see you." She sat on the edge of the bed. "Draco, I can't talk him out of it. He just keeps saying he has no choice."

"I don't believe that he does."

"Get dressed. I can use the wind to take you so far away they'll never find you. Voldemort could never find you. You'll be alone, Draco, but you'll be safe from harm."

"I can't run away."

"Of course you can! What other option do you have?"

"I'll do as they ask, Sara. I'll be their martyr."

"Why?" she asked, her voice small and confused. "Why would you submit to such a thing?"

"Because," he explained. "All my life I've been weak, hiding behind my father, and later cowering in Potter's shadow, hoping someone would come along and save me. I'm nothing, Sara. Just an evil son without direction, conviction, or integrity. Harry told me once that heroism is defined by one's actions, that anyone can be one. Well, this is the opportunity I've been given. I could cry and beg to be spared, but I won't. It's obvious that my going back to the catacombs is part of some strategy. If it means freedom for us all, then I'll scrape together what little courage I have and do my part. I won't back down for once in my life. Sara, I want you to be proud of me. Even if I end up dead."

Sara found his shoulder in the dark and rested her head against it. With arms entwined he held her close, knowing he meant what he'd said, wishing things could be different.

"Draco," she whispered. "I'm in love with you and I don't understand it. I don't know where it came from. I've only just realized it these past few days. I've always loved you, of course, but never this way. The thing is; I don't love Harry any less."
"Maybe you're just afraid," he offered. "Getting married is a big step. Plus, you almost died twice this week. As for me? Think about it, Sara. We waited a long time to see each other again and there are worlds between us. What's on my arm draws you to me whether you know it or not."

"I hope you're right." She sighed as they lay back on the single pillow. "But, if you're wrong, then how can I let you leave? Draco, I'll be married the next time I see you. If I do see you again, that is."

"Don't think that way." He kissed her hair. "Potter's a man of his word. If he sends me back, vowing it's only for a few days, then you can bet your life he'll get me out."

Sara hesitated. "This is the last time we can ever be this way. Alone in the dark and free to do as we please."

"It is, Sara, and as hard as it is for me to say this, you don't belong here. You don't belong with me." His arms tightened around her. "Stay with me awhile. You will always be my closest friend, Mrs. Potter."

* * *

"It's working exactly as planned!" Voldemort said as a sly smile crept across his face. "Alone in the dark and sharing a bed. I couldn't ask for better results!"

"Yes," Wormtail agreed as they watched the images surface in the reddish-black swirl. "Brilliant, Master!"

"It's only a matter of time until Potter finds out."

"Yes." Wormtail chuckled, wringing his hands. "If we could only wake him and lead him to where they are... The wedding would be off tonight."

"Give it time." Voldemort smiled.

"I wish we could hear their words."

"Who needs words when the Elemental's heart divides? Soon Harry Potter will be a part of her past. Very soon." Voldemort's sinister smile spread. "Nothing would bring me greater joy."

* * *

Nikolae let himself in and, even though there was no light, he knew Draco was not alone. Her perfume filled the room. "Nikita," he said. "We need to talk."

"It's early yet," she whispered, snuggled close to Draco, whose arms were around her. "You can't mean to take him already."

"Not yet."

"Go, Sara." Draco kissed her forehead. "I'll see you before I leave."

Sara wanted to cling to him, never let him go, but only kissed his cheek and rose from the bed. The stone floor was cold under her bare feet and she made a mental note to get a rug. She followed Nikolae out, leaving the door open.

Draco didn't mind. He no longer feared being captured by Voldemort.

It was cold in the cave, not that Nikolae noticed, but Sara pulled her cloak around her as they climbed into Harry's boat. Facing each other with solemn expressions, the little vessel drifted to the far side of the cavern.

"It's so beautiful in here," the vampire said, looking around at the intricate detail of the stone trees in the light of the torches and the pale glowing water that lapped at their trunks. "Harry did a fine job."

"It's late," Sara said, her anger at his breach of trust tingeing her soft-spoken words. "Much too late for small talk and boat rides. Why are we here?"

"What were you doing in there, Nikita?"

"Comforting my friend," she defended. "Comforting myself."

"You have not been yourself."

Sara gave him a look of mild outrage. "Draco is in danger and everyone I trusted is in on it. You're in on it."

"But you've only known for a matter of hours. Besides, you're a diviner. You know he'll be all right."

"I know no such thing! I can't see any of it!"

"That's troubling, but I put my faith in the Order of the Phoenix. I believe in the wisdom of Albus Dumbledore. We will protect him to the best of our ability. I can give you no promises other than that. Yes, Draco is in danger, but it must be done."

Sara sighed with impatience.

"Your thoughts toward him have changed. Tell me about it. Put your anger away for now and allow me to be your friend. I am worried about you."

"I should be the least of your concerns."

"You will never be that." Nikolae sighed. "I can read it from your mind, of course, but I won't. I'd prefer to hear it from you."

"I don't want to discuss my feelings for Draco!"

The vampire looked her in the eye. "Does Harry know?"

Sara gave a heavy sigh. "I don't think so."

"Didn't you swear to never hide anything from him again? Or does that apply only to everything else?"

Shame crept into Sara's eyes. "It all started with a dream. I was in Keltse-tia, at Vanya's house, and Draco saved me from a giant red symbol of discontent. I don't recall what it was; only what it meant and that it was chasing me. When I awoke, Harry was there and the feeling faded but, as soon as I went back to sleep, I dreamed of Draco again and it seems I can't stop! When I awoke to find Uncle Albus in my room after the attack on Christina and me, that's when I felt it most. It was like an ache inside of me. Like I'd taken a potion that wouldn't wear off. I couldn't get him off my mind."

"You felt as though you were in love with him?"

"I still do." Sara glanced at her nervous hands and then back at the vampire. "But it doesn't affect the way I feel about Harry. That remains unchanged. It's so strange. I've never felt this way about Draco before."

Nikolae took her hand in a gesture of comfort and something caught his eye. Realization dawned in his expression and the boat made a swift path for the landing, leaving a rippling wake in the calm waters. "We will speak again later." He helped Sara from the boat. "There is something I have to do and it shouldn't wait." He made to hurry away and then turned back in afterthought. "In the meantime, Nikita, stay away from Draco."

* * *

The candle was lit when Sara returned and Draco sat on the edge of the bed, nervous. He stood and tried to smile.

She trembled as she searched for the right words, knowing there were none. "I've come to say goodbye," she told him.

"I feared as much." Draco tried again to smile. "I knew someday I'd have to say goodbye to you. I hoped it wouldn't be so soon."

"You're coming back, remember? Don't make it sound so final."

Draco sighed and said nothing.

"I guess I should hug you now. I don't want to be there when he takes you." Sara crossed the small room and threw her arms around him, managing to hold back a flood of tears at the thought of never seeing him again.

"You're right," he said as he held her close. "I shouldn't say such things."

Sara pulled away just enough to look him in the eye. "I will see you again, even if I have to find you myself."

Draco kissed her cheek. "You'll do no such thing."

Her hand slipped behind his neck, sending the electricity of her touch trickling down his spine. She kissed him in a sudden impassioned moment and all the emotion he vowed to suppress came forth in an uncontrollable flood. He remembered the madness of such rapture, he'd felt it once before, and the unbearable low which had followed. After the Yule Ball, enduring the sight of her hand in hand with Potter had been excruciating.

Draco pushed her away.

"STOP IT!" he shouted and Sara took a surprised step back. "Stop DOING THIS to me!"

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't you realize how HORRIBLE it is? Stop playing with my heart like it's NOTHING!"

"I didn't mean to-"

"You know what you're doing!!" he seethed. "You have no intensions of leaving Potter, yet you still do this to me!" He paced the floor and then looked to her once more. "It kills me, you know. Every time you touch me, I get my hopes up and it's just a game to you! Then I have to watch you be with someone else!! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!"

She touched his shoulder, wanting to apologize, wanting to explain, but he pushed her hand away.

"Don't TOUCH ME!" he yelled at her. "Don't you get it? It's all or nothing! Be with me forever or back off!!"

Sara was trying hard not to cry. "Draco, don't-"

"Chose, Sara. Chose now! Are you going to marry Potter or not?"

"Yes."

"Then never do this again." He turned his back on her, his voice low and emotional. "We will always be friends, like I said, but I never want to feel this way again. I'm done being hurt by you. It ends here and now. Go back to bed, Sara."

With tears in her eyes and too much to say, Sara ran from the room. The tears came as she hurried up the steps and were uncontrollable by the time she collapsed onto the sofa in the library. There was a bottle of rum on the table and Sara's gaze fell upon it.

* * *

"Severus, have you had any luck?"

Snape rubbed his eyes and blinked at the vampire. "I don't know if I'd call it that." Snape slammed shut the book he was reading. A cloud of dust puffed from its frail old pages and he set it aside. "I've made a list of remote possibilities." He indicated a scroll that spanned the table and held lots of small print.

"Something came to my attention tonight that may change that."

"Please elaborate. I need all the help I can get."

"It was a small scar on Sara's wrist. Albus and I took note of it when we brought her to St. Mungo's and it was a fresh wound then. We dismissed it at the time, but I believe Voldemort may have taken Sara's blood."

"So you want me to focus on blood brews? That does narrow it down."

"Tell me; is there such a thing as a real love potion?"

"Sort of. Not the kind Muggles write about in their books. There are a few, but all of them require a certain feeling of love to already exist. Most are weak and require personal artifacts. Another uses fingernails. I believe there is only one which requires blood," Snape explained, tired and somewhat bored. "Why do you ask?"

"You must keep this between us."

"Of course."

"Sara has confessed that she is quite suddenly and inexplicably in love with Draco. She has constant dreams about him. She can't stop thinking about him."

Snape's eyes widened with understanding and he set to searching through the piles of books before him as Nikolae looked on, relating his theory as Snape flipped through pages.

* * *

"I had a feeling I'd find you here." Draco wandered into the center of the courtyard. Water tinkled like chimes from Frodo's base into the pool below. The benches were cold this late at night, but Christina had covered the one she rested on with a thick cotton blanket. She sat up and gestured for Draco to sit beside her.

"I was hoping to see you before you left," she said. "I was afraid you would forget about me with all that's going on."

"Forget about you? Are you mad?" Draco tried to smile and succeeded.

"I waited most of the evening, but it never seemed to be a good time. I just wanted to talk to you."

"I've wanted to talk to you, too."

"Draco, I like the people here, but I don't know where I fit in. Sara is sick, they're in the middle of arranging a wedding and I'm in their way. I don't own a cloak or a fancy stick and I feel like I've stepped into another world. Why can't I leave? I've only stayed this long because you're here. Now that you're leaving, well, I wish I could go with you."

"No you don't. Trust me when I say you're safest wherever Harry is. Stay here for a few more days. Sara is feeling better. She still needs rest, but she's good company. I can't say as much for Potter, he's as dull as a paper knife, but they'll look out for you. Christina, I'm sorry you got dragged into this."

"It's not your fault." She laid her hand on his. "What happens after a few days?"

"I'm not sure. To be honest I don't know if we'll ever see each other again." He paused and took a deep breath. "I made arrangements for you to stay at my house as soon as Potter thinks it's safe for you to return there. If I get out of this alive, I hope you'll be around."

Christina smiled, but Draco saw her eyes had misted over. He didn't understand why he was so touched by this. He usually made a sport of making girls cry, especially Muggles, but this one was different for some reason. Until now, Sara was the only person who had ever affected him this way. Don't do that, he thought. I'm not who you think I am. His hand found her lustrous chestnut hair and, realizing what he was doing, he pulled it away and let it drop to his side.

Her eyes filled with disappointment and, in a fleeting moment, she hid the emotion. "I don't want anything to happen to you. I'd hate to sound melodramatic, but I don't want to lose you so soon. I like you, Draco." Uncomfortable, she straightened her jumper. "As a friend, I mean."

He gave her an uncomplicated smile. "I'll see you again," he said. "And when I do, I'll buy you cloak and a million pairs of socks and I'll get us a big pizza and you can have all the crust. Well." He shrugged. "All except mine."

Christina laughed and longed to hug him. She would miss him every moment he was away, but didn't know how to say it.

Nikolae's voice came into his head, telling him it was time.

"Christina," he said. "I have to go now."

He stood and so did she.

"I'll be around," she promised. "I hope you will be, too."

"I'll do my best."

She let her hand rest on his shoulder for a brief moment. "Be careful."

Draco took the hand that touched him. "Would it offend you if I asked you to hug me?" he asked, trembling with fear and nerves. "I'm going to miss you. You're the only sane person I know."

Her answer was to step closer and put her arms around him.

He held her that way for a long moment, then kissed her cheek, smiled and walked away. "I'll see you soon."

He disappeared into the lilacs.

* * *

"Snape wanted to come, but he was upset. He wouldn't even talk to me," Harry explained. "He sent this for you." He handed Draco a small vial. "It will repel the effects of any other potion for forty-eight hours."

Draco swallowed its contents and handed back the empty vial, which disappeared into Harry's pocket.

"Also, Dumbledore asks that you swallow this. He told me not to tell you what it is, but it won't hurt you. You can be sure of that."

Draco swallowed the tiny item without argument.

"Hermione sends you this ring." Harry handed it over. "She said it should be worn on a toe to avoid detection and it will dull any pain you feel."

Draco took off his shoe and sock. "Leave it to Granger to send me a toe ring."

"She didn't have to send you anything. It was rather thoughtful if you ask me, especially after the way you've treated her."

"Calm down Potter." Draco grinned. "I suppose I could refrain from calling her a filthy Mudblood for a few days. After that, I can't say." Draco straightened up; his shoe retied, and looked to Harry.

"Malfoy? Why are you going along with this? Throw a fit, scream, cry, do anything and I won't make you go."

"I'm doing this because you asked me to. I need to make up for cursing Sara. I need to prove to you that I'm worthy of respect. I need to change the meaning of the name Malfoy. I don't want to be a coward anymore, Potter. I want to deserve the friends I have."

Harry gave him a pained smile.

"There's something going on. I'm not blind to the fact and, for all the trouble I've caused, I can make up for it by doing my part. Unfortunately for me, my part is going back to Voldemort." He withdrew a small scroll and gave it to Harry. "If I don't come out of this, Potter, I ask you to look out for Christina. That's my will. It leaves everything to her except two things. Make sure Sara receives my mother's jewelry from our vault at Gringotts." He hesitated. "Malfoy Manor I left to you."

Harry was speechless.

"There's enough Dark Arts stuff in there to keep you busy for years. Don't look at me like that Potter. It's just a house. Get all sappy and I'll be forced to give you that broken nose, as promised."

"Thank you," Harry managed and put the scroll in his pocket. "But we'll see each other again, Malfoy. Tomorrow perhaps. Saturday at the latest."

"But that's the wedding!"

"Don't worry. You'll be out in time for the party." Harry smiled, even though his stomach was in knots. He had the worst feeling and did his best to hide his fear. "It's time for you to go. It will be dawn in only a few hours."

"Come, Draco," Nikolae said. "We head for London."

Draco looked to Harry for a long moment, wanting to say so many things, but nothing seemed right. "You're a right ugly git, you know." He smiled with a warmth Harry had never seen before.

Harry's voice was a pained whisper. "Likewise." He smiled in return and, for the second time, had the desperate desire to hug Draco Malfoy and didn't. "Be careful. Keep your offensive personality in check or we might find you in pieces."

"Right. Shove off then, Potter."

Harry's hand landed on Draco's shoulder. "Send me a postcard."

Draco followed Nikolae out and glanced one last time over his shoulder. He smiled and Harry smiled back, then he was gone.

Harry felt numb. He had the feeling he would never see Draco Malfoy again.

* * *

"Why here?" Draco asked as he stood in his London home.

Nikolae gave the rehearsed information. "The others were concerned that there might be a way for Voldemort to track where you came from. Not much is known about the Dark Mark and some believe it has attributes similar to that of a Portkey. It's best that he not know where Harry lives. Sara will be alone there tomorrow after all."

"Well, let's get this over with. We don't want you out of your coffin after sunrise." He drew his wand and raised his sleeve. "Morsmordre!"

"Good luck to you." Nikolae stepped away. "My prayers are with you."

"I need more than prayers." Draco sighed, shaking with fear. "Whatever you do, don't forget to give Sara my message. I left her in anger."

"I won't forget."

Draco smiled at the vampire and disappeared.

* * *

"You!" Voldemort rose from his chair. "What are you doing here?!"

"This is my condemnation for cursing Sara," Draco explained, his hands clasped in front, still holding his wand. His stance betrayed nothing. "Did you really think such an act would go unpunished? They felt sending me back to you was far worse than Azkaban."

"Return there immediately!"

"I can't. They took me to my house so, if I leave, that's where I'll end up. They said the mark is like a Portkey. If I knock at the door they won't take me in."

"This won't do!" Voldemort paced the floor, his frustration and anger apparent. "The potion can't accomplish anything this way."

"What potion?" Draco thought a moment and then it occurred to him. "It was you! You made Sara think she loved me! Well, it worked." He smirked. "But she's still marrying Potter."

Voldemort raised his wand and spoke the Veritas Curse. "Why did they send you here?"

Draco had forgotten about this curse that only Voldemort knew and seemed able to accomplish. Had it been the more common serum, Snape's potion would have allowed him to lie. He nearly panicked, but felt the truth coming out of his mouth whether he liked it or not. "Because they're planning something and they didn't want me around."

"What is their plan?"

"I don't know exactly. They said Sara saw it in the Orb of Arassel. An opportunity during some meeting you're having tomorrow night. They are planning to attack."

"You should have killed her while you had the chance," Voldemort seethed. "You could have done it a thousand ways and you picked the one that didn't work. Your incompetence is unacceptable."

"She won't be involved," Draco said, desperate to keep this knowledge hidden but unable to stop it. "She's ill. She's staying home. The others are leaving from Hogwarts."

Voldemort's composure returned and an evil grin lit his eyes. "Where do they live?"

"Princeton Heights, on the channel. About a mile north of the Golden Fish."

"Excellent. Who is involved? How many?"

"I don't know their number. I only know of Potter and Dumbledore, Nikolae, Weasel and Granger, a few others from school. Snape I imagine and some of the teachers. I'm not sure. They only refer to their group as 'the order'."

"And what is your part to play? Are you to sabotage from the inside? Create a diversion?"

"I was told only that I wouldn't be harmed unless I cursed one of theirs. I have no other purpose here."

Voldemort snickered and it was a frightening sound that made the hairs on Draco's neck stand up. "You have one now." He raised his wand again. "Finite Veritas."

* * *

When Sara woke, the first thing she saw was that Harry was not in bed. His side was unmussed, his pillow fresh and fluffed. The second thing she saw caught her breath in her throat and she sat up. The rose was black as pitch and a folded note accompanied it. It could only be from Draco. She remembered their morning together in the courtyard and his words to her. They always turn black. I don't know why.

"Oh, Draco," she said, her eyes squeezed shut against the knowledge that he was gone. "You're no evil son."

Sara unfolded the short note and tears misted her eyes before she read a word of it.

Sara,

Please forgive me for being angry. It's not you're fault. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you and what I did actually was for you. I couldn't let you jeopardize everything you have out of some mistaken emotion for me. I love you, Sara. I only want what's best for you.

Think of me, that's all I ask. If we never meet again, know that you were the only thing that made my life bearable and you changed it for the better. I wish you well. Don't blame Harry, and never cry for me. I'll miss you.

You will always be my closest friend.
In my mind, I set you apart.

Love, Draco

Sara held the letter against her chest, as if his words could reach through to sooth her heart. She tried to push her mind into his, but he was lost to her. Wherever he was, there was nothing but darkness.

Sara dressed and scribbled a note for Harry. She would find him when she returned, but the ache she felt needed an answer. She had to know if what she was doing was wrong.

Though she was still weakened from her illness, Sara leapt off the top of the little tower in which she slept and use the wind to take her to the cottage next door. Once inside, she opened her little gold box, identical to the one Harry carried and found herself in the Hogwarts tower she had once called home. She hadn't been here in weeks and, although nothing had changed, it all looked so strange to her. Like a dream or an unexpected memory from long ago. She wanted to stay awhile, linger in these rooms as she once had, but her visit had a purpose and she made her way to the door. There were still a few old brooms propped against the wall and Sara took one, thankful she wouldn't have to descend the endless spiral of steps. She knew she would never make it.

Even though it was forbidden, Sara guided the broom through the halls of the school until she came to the headmaster's office.

"Ice mice." She waited while the entrance opened. Just inside, she left the broom and climbed the short flight to the inner door. "Uncle Albus?" she called. "Are you here?"

"He's here, dear," one of the portraits informed her. "He's on his way in."

"Thank you." She collapsed into a chair without waiting to be asked.

"Sara!" Dumbledore said as he entered the room. "I'm rather surprised to see you. I believe you were put on strict bed rest!"

"You know me better than that. I can't stay in bed when my world is in turmoil."

"Yes, Harry told me you'd learned of our decision regarding Mr. Malfoy."

"Actually, what I'm here for has nothing to do with that."

"Oh? Then tell me, what troubles you?"

"I..." She hesitated. "I know how you feel about it, but I want to look in the Mirror of Erised."

"I am afraid, Sara, that any problems you have cannot be resolved by looking in the mirror. It can't make your choices for you. Such answers can only be found by means of inflection."

"But I don't know! And I only have a little time. Uncle. Let me look just this once and I'll never ask you again."

Dumbledore sighed. "I think I may know the nature of your distress. I should get Severus. Perhaps he can explain some things to you. Wait here. I will return shortly."

Dumbledore left the room and Sara gave a heavy sigh, falling against the back of her chair, frustrated and defeated.

Her eyes wandered the most interesting room in the wizarding world, wishing there was even a single item among her uncle's many possessions which could provide her with answers. But then again, there was one and she took it down off its shelf. She had never worn the Sorting Hat. Her house had been chosen by her uncle, unlike anyone else at Hogwarts, yet the Sorting Hat could look deep into her nature and had no reason to lie or mislead her. With only a moment's hesitation, she put it on.

"Hmmm...." it whispered. "Complex. Difficult to be sure.
A Ravenclaw you might be, intelligent and clever,
but Hufflepuff suits you as well.
Kind, friendly and generous you be,
yet Gryffindor is your desire I see.
Brave and true when necessity calls,
behind closed doors, to deceit you will fall.
The heart of a Slytherin also holds thee,
You're selfish and stubborn and long to be free.
Banded together you still stand alone.
When faced with decision you turn and run.
Which house suits you best when you fit in all four?
Could it be Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Gryffindor?
One your heart covets, against fate you can't win!
You belong in Slytherin."

Sara tore it from her head, leapt from her chair and slammed the hat to the floor. "NOOOO!!" she screamed. "You LIAR! I'M NO SLYTHERIN!" Sara burst into tears as she stomped on the hat, which bellowed in protest and the portraits cried out for her to cease and desist!

The severe woman who'd greeted her now held her hands to her face in horror. "The hat has spoken! You can't disagree!"

An old man shouted at her. "You'll ruin it! Stop acting like a child! You heard what it said!"

Others talked among themselves. "She certainly acts like a Slytherin."

"Dumbledore will be most displeased!"

"I can't believe she's a relative of his!"

"Some apples fall far from the tree."

Several nodded in agreement.

Her face streaming with tears, Sara ran from the room, sobbing aloud and pushed past Snape and Dumbledore, who were just running up the steps at the sound of her shouting and the excited chatter from the paintings. They tried to stop her, but Sara threw herself over the broom and fled.

* * *

She found him in the library, wrapped in a blanket before the fire. He was awake, though he looked like death.

"Harry," she said. "I can't marry you."

* * *

- 483 -