Draco Falore

Draco Falore - Chapter 3

Take my hand

'Feeling any better?' Ron asked, watching Hermione's eyes flutter open several minutes after she fainted into his arms.

'Good as new,' Hermione smiled feebly. Then, she sat up, careful not to move too quickly this time. Her hair was a mess; she was wearing the same torn robes she had been found in, although they had been magically cleaned. Despite all this, her eyes were bright with excitement. 'We really do have to find Draco,' she said. 'That's our only chance to save Harry. Under an enchanted sleep, there is nothing he can do to protect himself.' Her shoulders sagged for a moment, but then she squared them, ready to charge whatever task she would be facing.

A small owl flew in through the open window and hovered like a hummingbird over Sirius' sleeping face.

'How do you know ...' Ginny began, and then bit her lip.

Hermione gave her a sharp look. 'How do I know he's not dead already?'

Ginny nodded ever so slightly.

'He has to be alive. Otherwise, why would they take him with them? If they wanted to, they could have just killed him and left his body here.'

'She has a point,' Sirius said, making Ron jump off the bed with surprise. The only sign Sirius had given to being alive until then had been the wave of his hand to flick the owl away. Now he sat up and caught the letter without actually touching the tiny bird. 'On the other hand,' he said, unfolding the letter and glancing at its content, 'we had the Dark Mark over our heads. It is possible that someone lost his life in that battle.'

Sirius folded the letter and tucked it into his pocket. Fixing the pillows first, he lay back onto the bed and closed his eyes.

'Aren't you coming with us to get Draco Malfoy?' Hermione asked, her voice a note higher than normal.

'No.'

'Why not? You know it's our only lead!'

Ron put a hand on Hermione's shoulder to calm her down. 'We can't just walk into Malfoy Manor, especially now that they were confirmed as Death Eaters.'

'What he said,' Sirius confirmed, not opening his eyes.

'If neither of you is coming, I'm going on my own!' Hermione seemed like she wanted to jump to her feet, only she had enough sense not to.

'Not that again,' Ginny shook her head in exasperation.

'I'm not going to try and stop you,' Sirius said, finally looking at her. 'You're clever enough to overcome any obstacle I can put in your way, and I'm not going to use enchanted sleep ever again.'

'It's not your fault they have Harry,' Hermione mumbled.

'Remus and Lee are on their way here,' Sirius said, ignoring Hermione's hesitant statement. 'We should wait for them.'

'I won't,' Hermione said simply. She stood up holding her breath. When she didn't faint, she looked up at Ginny, smiling triumphantly.

'We're really going?' Ron said, grimacing.

'I am. You can join me, if you want.' Hermione struck Ginny with a murderous look as the redheaded girl moved to block her way.

'I'm coming too,' Ginny stated.

'No you're not,' Ron said with matching determination.

'You can't stop me.'

Ron nearly laughed. Screwing her face, Ginny raised her hand and slapped the mocking grin off his face.

Ron put a hand on his burning cheek. 'Mum would kill me if I take you,' he said, his voice more tender than before. 'Anyway, Lee is coming over. He'll be extremely disappointed if you're not here, and you can always join his team.'

'I don't know about joining his team,' Sirius intervened, 'but you should listen to your brother.'

Ginny still stood in the doorway, but seemed less resolved to stay there.

'Sirius still needs you,' Hermione said, pushing her gently towards the bed-ridden man. 'You can't leave the infirmary.'

To give the words an additional meaning, Sirius gave a loud grunt of pain. Ginny sighed and moved in the direction Hermione had indicated. She looked at the two as they left the infirmary, and Sirius used her lack of attention to wink at them. Then, he moaned again, and Ginny turned her eyes from the door.

***

Carole sighed and stepped to the corridor outside Percy's office. Being the one person to link Percy's division with the Ministry was not all it was cut out to be.

Things were much easier before they knew for sure that Fudge had his loyalties with the Dark Side. She had been the head of the Aurors Division, and Percy had worked openly for the Ministry. True, even back then they had protected him with Incognito and Disillusionment charms, but at least he had been able to talk to the Minister by himself. He could learn all the aspects of the job without her help, and he could present his foolish ideas on his own.

Percy was good at what he did. He was the right person to replace Fudge, if and when it became needed. But sometimes, not often, he was simply too young.

Carole stopped dragging her feet and began to walk more briskly towards Fudge's office. There was no point in delaying the inevitable. She had better just go in, get yelled at, and return to Percy with the refusal.

'Yes, Ms Estes. What do you want?'

Carole had expected Fudge to be rude, but she thought he'd save that until after she discussed Percy's idea with him.

'Minister, Harry Potter is missing. He had been kidnapped from Hogwarts by a group of Death Eaters.'

'You mean he ran away from school.'

Here they go. And she hadn't even begun to discuss Percy's plan. 'No, Minister. There were witnesses. Two other students were injured in the incident.'

The most reliable witness in Carole's opinion was Sirius, but she couldn't very well say it to Minister Fudge. True, Sirius had been cleared in a court of law almost a year before, but he was still guilty in the eyes of many. As for Fudge ... that just gave him an excuse not to reinstall one of the best Aurors the Ministry had ever known. Of course, he didn't know about Sirius' unofficial employment, and it was essential that he remained ignorant.

'Let me guess,' Fudge said, sarcasm dripping off his voice. 'His two best liars… I mean, friends. Weasley and Granger.'

'They were both seriously injured,' Carole said, flushing. The conversation hadn't even begun, and she already had trouble maintaining her self-control. 'The teachers at Hogwarts spotted the Dark Mark hovering over where they duelled with the Death Eaters. They saw the Death Eaters get away with Harry.'

'Wasn't he trying to resist?'

Carole gaped at the minister for a moment. 'He was unconscious,' she muttered finally.

Fudge looked at her from behind his desk, rubbing his new growth of stubble with the back of his hand.

'Minister, I think we should send a search party after him.' Carole recoiled even before finishing the sentence. She couldn't believe that she actually had to take the blame for the idea on herself.

'No.'

Carole frowned. She'd expected to be yelled at, or laughed at. She did not anticipate this curt and extremely clear response. 'Why?'

'They found the Dark Mark there, and no body. The boy is dead.' At this, Fudge remembered to look sad. He slumped his shoulders and put a hand over his eyes. 'I won't allow you to risk your Aurors just to retrieve a body.'

'I think he's alive,' Carole insisted. 'And we should go look for him.' She knew arguing wouldn't change his mind, knew that she could get out now, while he was still feeling generous. But she had to voice her belief. Her courage and ability to continthe fight depended on it.

'You're quite wrong,' Fudge said calmly. It seemed that nothing could impair his high spirits at the moment. 'In any case, your teams aren't ready to fight the hard core of the Dark Order. You told me so yourself. I'm not going to send them all in just because of one boy who foolishly wandered in there.'

'He was kidnapped on school grounds!'

'Yes, yes, but he did invade their bases more then once. It could have easily been one of those times.'

'But it wasn't! Those were soldiers of the Dark Lord who attacked a student on Hogwarts grounds. If we take this lying down, then we're looking at a whole new era of Dark activities.' Carole was repeating every single word Percy had told her. She believed in those words, but she knew she was reciting them to the wrong person. She couldn't help it, though.

'Come now, Carole,' Fudge said, trying to hide his smug smile. 'I wouldn't call it a 'new era'. More like a little step up. Barely a nudge. But surely getting all your Aurors killed at once won't help matters.' He smiled brightly at her, and Carole felt her fingers close around her wand. 'Why don't you go make an activity chart for your teams for the rest of the month, and if you have anyone left, we'll see what we can do.'

Carole gritted her teeth. She'd already said more than she had intended to, and she didn't like repeating her own mistakes. 'Yes, Minister,' she said, edging her way to the door. At least, she could get Percy to write down those schedules. This would keep him occupied for the entire night. Small revenges. Served him right.

***

'Ron, you ready to go?' Hermione asked, knocking on the door to his dormitory.

'You changed already?' Ron asked from inside. He was still drying his hair with a towel, his robes lying neatly on the bed next to him. He would have been finished earlier, but the towel, which was supposed to magically locate wet focal points, repeatedly slapped him on the nose. Eventually, he used his wand to shrink it to three by four inches. It couldn't slap him any more (although it was desperately trying to), but it wasn't much good for drying him either.

'How much longer do you need?' Hermione asked, trying the doorknob.

Ron mouthed silent thanks for remembering to use a locking charm. He didn't want her to see the book that lay open on his trunk. If she saw the description of the chastity charm, he would not be able to use it on her. He also didn't want her to see him in his gnomes-wrestling-fairies knickers. Tossing the shrunk towel aside, he took one last peek in the book, closed his trunk, threw his robes on, and removed the locking charm with a wave of his wand.

'Come in,' he called to the door. He still had his wand in his hand when Hermione walked briskly into the room. She seemed like she had something to say, but Ron didn't give her a chance. He pointed the wand at her, whispering, 'repulse seductor.'

Hermione shivered, and stood completely motionless for a few minutes. Then, she snapped out of her trance, and slapped Ron across the face. 'What was that?' she demanded.

'It's a spell to help your willpower,' Ron explained, scowling at her. 'It will help you withstand temptations.'

'I can handle temptations very well on my own, thank you very much!'

'That could be very difficult at times,' Ron looked down at the floor. A shiver passed through him as he remembered choosing the wealth of the Dark Side over the endless battle. He did not want to be reminded of how close he came to killing his best friends.

'I'm sorry,' Hermione said softly. 'I didn't mean to imply that you couldn't. You definitely made amends for your moment of weakness. You were willing to give your life for it, and we forgave you.'

Ron saw his opportunity to test the spell. 'Thank you,' he said, bending over to kiss her on the cheek.

Hermione jumped backwards as if he was trying to poke out her eye. Then she relaxed, and looked at him with a mixture of wonder and suspicion.

'You all right?' Ron asked, his voice breaking. Although he knew to expect this reaction, he was extremely upset. For some reason, he though she would find his closeness worthy of the pain the spell was giving her. 'I wasn't trying to jump you. Just give you a friendly thank-you kiss on the cheek.'

'I'm sorry,' Hermione mumbled. 'I don't know what came over me. It felt like someone was torching my voodoo doll or something. I…' She made as if to kiss him back, but then turned abruptly towards the door. 'We'd better go.'

***

Bill sat at his desk, staring at the piece of paper in front of him. He'd been staring at it for a while, but it hadn't changed since the moment his Goblin assistant, Trenlock had put it there. It said:

Subject: 112 galleons, single transfer

Vault: 582, Mr Jordan, Lee

To: Glen's Rings and Bridal shop

Status: confirmed

This could mean one of two things. Either Lee was marrying someone else and was leaving Ginny, poor baby, or he was marrying Ginny, poor baby. Either way, Bill was going to kill him.

Finally, he made up his mind and went to the fireplace. He would have liked to talk to Charlie, but that brother of his was probably out with the dragons at this time of the day. Last time he called, Charlie had tried to talk through the fire inside one of the dragons' jaws. The annoyed dragon nearly snapped his head off, and anyway, the connection was really choppy.

Percy was the second option, but he was probably busy with yet another standardisation of some insignificant measuring tool. He would be as snappy and patronising as ever. He would also tell Bill to mind his own business, and stay out of Ginny's life. There was no point in calling him.

His father was too easily excited to be of any help in these matters. The process of elimination had left either his mother or the twins. Bill would have called his mother, but he was afraid she would be too upset about her little girl getting married. Worse yet, he was afraid she'd approve.

'Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes,' Bill said, tossing some Floo powder into the fire.

Red head and broad shoulders appeared in the fire a moment later. 'Fred?' Bill tried, hoping he got it right on first attempt. The fire blurred the few distinguishing characteristics the twins had.

'Bill!' the twin said, confirming his older brother's pick. 'I thought you'd be buried in work until you come to England on Friday.'

'I'm thinking of changing my plans a bit,' Bill said, surprising even himself.

'You're going to miss Ron's end-of-the-year feast?'

'No. I thought I'd make it earlier.'

'Really? That's fantastic.'

Another, almost identical face appeared in the fire, pushing the first one aside. 'What's all the shouting about?' George asked.

'Bill is coming here before Friday,' Fred answered, leaving the subject of their conversation completely out of the loop.

'Then you can come visit us!' George said. 'You haven't been here since we rebuilt, after that tiny incident we had with the popping Easter Bunnies.

'You mean the explosion that blew up half your store?' Bill said.

The twins moved uncomfortably.

'That wasn't half the store.'

'Most of the merchandise was saved.'

'We never liked the walls in that section anyway.'

'Right,' Bill stopped their flow of feeble excuses.

'So, when are you coming?' George asked.

'Er… I don't know,' Bill said. 'I think… Let me grab my things, and don't break the connection. I'm coming right now.'

Bill got up and began throwing things into a large box that stood in the corner. Shoes… Extra robes he always kept in his office in case he had an accident with a curse or two…

'Is he out of his mind?' one of the twins asked, his voice carried into the room through the open connection.

'I'm not!' Bill yelled in their general direction. Papers… Books…

'Most likely,' the other twin said. 'You think he's really going to use the Floo network over this distance?'

'You bet I am!' An extra wand… Socks… Curse detector…

'You'll be lucky if you can walk the day after tomorrow.' Fred called at him. 'That is, if you don't find yourself on the other side of the country.'

'Or in France,' George suggested.

'Maybe he wants to see Fleur,' Fred teased.

Bill closed the box with a used piece of spellotape, and stood in front of the fire, holding the transfer order in level with his brothers' eyes.

At first, they paid no heed to the little piece of crumpled paper. Then, George's gaze stuck to it. His jaw dropped, and all he could do to answer Fred's inquiries was point at the certificate in Bill's hand.

Fred took one quick look at the note in Bill's hand, and then moved slightly back, pulling George with him. 'I'm ready,' he said. 'Send the trunk over. Oi! Angelina!' he called behind his back, 'fill up the kettle. We've got company.'

***

Hermione had never been to the Malfoy Manor. Even in the short period that she and Draco were together, the idea of taking her there never came up. It was obvious that Muggle-borns were not welcome in that place.

She was surprised Ron knew the way to the Manor. Then again, after flying beside him, she realised it wasn't very complicated. Only a few hours beyond the Highlands, in the land of the Lochs.

The grounds of Malfoy Manor opened before them, visible to the magical eye and hidden from Muggles in plain view. Vast meadows stretched for miles before the mansion was even visible, and then… it was right underneath them. As large as the Hogwarts castle, ancient and magnificent. Hundreds of fairies twirled around the main structure and the six Quidditch pitches that surrounded the west wing, the fairies' delicate wings sparkling in the late summer evening light, their bodies nearly invisible. Fairies soared as high as the twin towers at the north of the manor, and then dipped in the lake at its foot. They zoomed into the tropical garden, with its wide-leaved banana trees, the ferns covering the palm-trees to half their heights, the tall red and blue flowers, and the colourful pineapple. From there they moved to float about the topiary garden, like bright butterflies hovering among the living plants. Leaf-covered giants and hippogriffs moved their branches to offer them tiny flowers and a moment's rest before they flew on.

Hermione could not help but compare it to the only other magical house she ever visited ... the Burrow, which was only held together by magic. This place was magic. She dared a quick gaze in Ron's direction before steadying herself on the broom once more. By the pained look on his face, he was making the same comparison.

'We should find a way to get inside,' Ron said, moving closer to her. 'That stained glass window looks wide enough for the both of us to go through.'

'But we'll shatter it!'

“I know.' Without looking at him, Hermione could hear Ron's smirk.

'We will walk in through the front door and demand to see Draco,' Hermione said. 'They won't dare harm us inside the Malfoy Manor. They are still trying to deny their connection to the Dark Lord.'

'What if they decide to come out of the closet by killing us?'

'Ron, we're not breaking any of these marvellous windows.'

'All right,' Ron sighed and began his descent towards the ground. He wasn't as agile as Harry, or as graceful as Draco, but he knew his way around a broom. Hermione, on the other hand, took several more moments to hit the ground, and eventually did it with enough force to bruise herself and crack the handle of her broom. She got to her feet before Ron closed the distance between them (she also missed the perfect landing spot by several hundred feet), and raised her hand to stop him from helping her. Landing like this was quite enough. She did not need to be further humiliated. She could stand up very well on her own. She could even disguise her limp until they got to the carved oak door to the manor.

The house elf who answered the door was very surprised to see the boy and girl in front of him. His eyes grew even wider than normal, making them fill his entire face. 'Master Draco is not being here,' he said. 'He is not being here from two years ago.'

'I saw him early this morning,' Hermione said impatiently. 'He told me to meet him at the Manor.'

'I is not told anything,' the house elf said, confused. 'I is told not to tell anybody about Master Draco's return.'

'So you admit he's here!' Ron said victoriously.

'I is not telling you that!' the house elf shrieked. 'You is saying… and I…' He turned his back to them and ran as fast as he could into the house.

The heavily perfumed entrance hall was as large as the entire Burrow, three stories, attic and all. Even parts of the garden could fit in. Hermione wanted to ask Ron what they should do, but he was already busy studying one of the many Persian rugs that were hanging there. The walls were nearly covered by them, leaving only narrow spaces for the gold-trimmed ivory torch brackets.

There was a rug in the Burrow as well, covering the floor near the living-room fire. Not as beautiful as any of these, but comfortable all the same. Hermione blushed as she remembered the last time she sat on it.

She was visiting the Weasleys for the last week of summer, planning to go shopping with them in Diagon Alley, and then travelling together back to school for their final year. Harry had already been there for several days, having the same plans.

She sat alone in front of the fire, thinking, or rather, trying not to think. She hadn't been able to sleep properly in nearly six months. Harry had once told her that he didn't want to sink into sweet dreams. Now, she understood what he had meant. Her heart tore every time she woke up and realized it had only been a dream. She almost preferred the nightmares. Almost.

'Still having bad dreams?'

She didn't even hear him coming, but his soft touch on her shoulder and his low whisper made sure she wasn't startled by his sudden approach. She nodded, not wanting to break the silence that enveloped them once again.

'I hoped you'd get rid of them over the summer.' His voice echoed around the room and got swallowed in the walls.

'I hoped so too.'

'Have you told anyone about them?'

Hermione looked up into his emerald eyes, searching them. For what, she didn't know. Shaking her head, she lowered her gaze and stared at her hands. She hadn't shared her fears with anyone. Technically, she hadn't told Harry either, but after spending almost every night with her in the common room, he simply knew. They'd sat together for four months, not sleeping, not talking, just holding each other until they fell into exhausted sleep near dawn, and then waking early enough to go to their dormitories without raising anyone's suspicions.

'You should have told your parents.'

'They wouldn't understand.'

'They would. That's what parents are for.'

She wanted to ask what he knew about parents, but bit her lip instead. There was no point in shattering the beautiful image of 'what if' that he had built for himself.

He sat on the carpet next to her, leaning against the sofa. Over the months, they had adopted a customary pose for their sitting together. Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and she lowered her head, seeking the little hollow between his shoulder and his chest. In a minute, it was there, as he moved to make it just a little bit deeper, so her head wouldn't slip.

Then, her favourite hollow was suddenly gone. She looked up, questioningly. Before she realised what his answer was going to be, he kissed her.

Harry's lips barely touched hers, and yet…the brief contact was enough to send waves of electricity through her body. She couldn't move, but had to, as he jumped to his feet and no longer supported her weight.

'I'm sorry,' he mumbled, fixing his steamy glasses on his nose. He turned around and began to drag himself out of the room.

Hermione grabbed him by the hand. 'Don't be,' she said. When he turned back to look at her, she said the only thing she knew that would make him feel better.

'I love you.'

'I know,' Harry said. 'You love me like a brother.'

Hermione moved closer to him, pulling his hand until she was able to place it on her hip. She put her other hand on his neck and then kissed him. This was very different from the short peck he had given her. It sent the same fiery waves inside her, but they were stronger, longer, and slowly accumulated to a storm. She already knew his peppery chocolate smell, but never imagined it would taste this good.

'I don't think…' Hermione said, pausing to have their lips meet again, 'that kissing a brother should feel quite like this.' She took off Harry's glasses, wanting to look into his eyes, but he kept them tightly closed. 'Look at me,' she asked in a whisper.

'I don't want to wake up.'

'You are awake.'

Harry opened his eyes, bright like two traffic lights turned green. He put both arms around Hermione's waist and lifted her, burying his face in her neck and spinning around. Three spins made him dizzy enough to carefully drop her on the carpet and sink breathless beside her.

Hermione was blushing deeper as she remembered what happened next, but Ron's arm on her shoulder brought her back to reality. The colour immediately drained from her face.

Lucius Malfoy appeared in the middle of the entrance hall, already staring at them as his image took shape. He stood tall, filling the room with his presence. Despite his light hair and fair eyes, there was darkness around him. Hermione suspected that it had nothing to do with his black silky robes. He acknowledged their presence with a slight nod and a sneer. 'Follow me, please,' he said. Without waiting for their response, he whirled around and began walking down the corridor, deeper into the manor.

***

Sirius had every intention of breaking the promise he gave Hermione. He wanted to give her just enough time to feel safe and then use some reversible petrifying spell to stop her. Unlike Harry, such a spell could detain her for just enough time to allow the rest of his team to arrive. Unfortunately, Ginny took her job too seriously. Before he had time to discuss his plans with her, she shoved sleeping potion down his throat, and then it was too late. Upset and troubled, Sirius fell asleep.

The door to the infirmary creaked as it opened, finally waking him up. He stretched as much as his injuries allowed and tried not to look too sick.

Remus barged in and strode straight to Sirius' bed. Lee followed him, but was less determined about his destination. He walked all around the room, looking behind the closed curtains and peeking into the other rooms.

'I don't know where Ginny is,' Sirius circumvented Lee's question.

'Stop lounging in bed,' Remus said, slapping Sirius on the shoulder.

Sirius winced and tried to cover it with a forced smile.

'Not exactly ready for combat, are you?' Remus said, looking critically at his commander.

'I'm just as fit as you are,' Sirius said, sitting up. This time, he managed to keep his expression completely blank.

Remus' response was cut off by a joyful cry from Lee. The youngest team member rushed to the door and scooped Ginny into his arms before either Remus or Sirius realised she was there.

The two lovebirds walked hand in hand to Sirius' bed. 'How long have we got until we departure?' Lee asked.

Sirius peeked at his watch. 'About half an hour. Flitwick is reinforcing the spells on the charm we'll be using. He's supposed to be nearly done.'

'Then I won't be long,' Lee said quickly. Still holding hands, he and Ginny left the infirmary.

***

Something slick and cold was pressed against Harry's cheek. Harry groaned and moved away from it. His head hurt and his scar was throbbing. If felt like he'd just woke up from witnessing another one of Voldemort's atrocities, but he couldn't remember dreaming. The last thing he remembered was…

Oh.

The last thing he remembered was arguing with Sirius. His godfather must have resorted to really mean measures to keep him from fighting Death Eaters. Harry cursed silently, and slowly sat up.

Shading his eyes, he opened them, already knowing the pain that the light would cause him. He needn't have worried. There was absolutely no light in the room. Harry felt around for a candle, or his wand, but could find neither. He did, however feel Nagini by his side. 'So Sirius left you to watch over me,' Harry said, knowing that his words would be automatically translated to Parseltongue.

The snake didn't answer.

'Where are we anyway?' Harry tried again. 'Is this the shed Hagrid built for you?' He waited, but the snake didn't respond. 'You don't feel like talking, huh? Well, never mind. I'll be out of here in a minute. Sirius cannot stop me from trying to save my friend.'

Harry began to get up and then heard a key turn in the lock. He leaned back against the wall in a comfortable position, ready to sit through the long talking-to Sirius was undoubtedly going to bestow upon him.

The door creaked open and someone walked in, carrying a lit torch.

Harry narrowed his eyes and looked down. 'Dim that a little, will you?' he said. 'I have a terrible headache.'

The man carrying the torch choked, and Harry could hear something heavy landing on the floor. The torch, however, was still turned too high for Harry's liking.

'You… you are not supposed to be up.'

Harry jumped to his feet, forgetting about his headache. With a sense of urgency he began to search his pockets for his wand. The man who spoke wasn't Sirius. Not by a long shot. Harry recognised the voice from his worst nightmares. It was Peter Pettigrew, the man responsible for his parents' death.

Pettigrew backed up against the door. The torch shook in his silver hand, and he put it in front of him, like a shield.

Harry blinked, blinded momentarily by the light and the white pain in his head. When he looked at Pettigrew again, the traitor had already recovered. He held a wand pointed to Harry, and smiled.

'Are you looking for this?' he asked.

Harry stared at the wand, realising it was his. He couldn't bear the thought that Pettigrew was using his wand. Then again, Harry didn't need one to get back what was his. He raised his hand and said 'accio.'

The wand didn't as much as totter in Pettigrew's hand.

Harry tried again, but to no avail. Pettigrew's smile grew to a cruel, cold laugh. 'What's going on?' Harry demanded.

'You don't have any magic left in you.'

'What?! I didn't know that was possible.' The last few words were no more than a mumble.

'Apparently, your dear godfather figured out how to do it,' Pettigrew laughed. 'Really made the job so much easier for us.'

Harry swallowed hard, realising where he was. 'Nagini,' he said, turning to the snake. The huge serpent raised his head, and it dawned on Harry that it wasn't Nagini. Still, he had nothing to lose. 'Help me get out,' he said.

'What makes you think my master's snake would help you?'

'Did you understand what I said?' Harry asked, amazed. He didn't know Pettigrew was a Parselmouth as well.

'That was perfectly understood English,' Pettigrew said. He had trouble holding on to the torch, laughing so hard. 'I forgot, you could speak Parseltongue. Well, that's also magic. I told you. There isn't a drop of magic left in you. You're just an ordinary Muggle boy. You're Harry Potter, the orphan boy who lived with the Dursleys. Nothing special.'

Harry bit his lip. He was so used to magic by now, he had no idea how he was going to live without it. On the other hand, he was in a Death Eaters' den, standing between an armed Pettigrew and a huge snake he couldn't talk to. Maybe living without magic wouldn't be a real issue after all.

'Oh, this is too good,' Pettigrew went on. 'I've got to kiss Padfoot the next time I see him.'

'I have no magic because of a spell Sirius cast on me?' Harry said, refusing to believe what he was hearing. 'Then it must be temporary. He wouldn't take away my magic forever.'

'Just for the rest of your life,' Pettigrew said, confirming Harry's concerns. 'You see, I could even give you back your wand, and there would be nothing to worry about.' The idea seemed hilarious to him. 'Here,' he said, shoving the wand into Harry's hand, 'give it your best try.'

Harry held tight to the wand, his knuckles becoming white. Usually, when he touched his wand, he could feel a tingle all over as they connected. Right now, it was like holding an ordinary stick. There was nothing to lose, though. He pointed the wand to Pettigrew and concentrated as hard as he could. Pettigrew was on the floor, holding his stomach as great hof laughter shook him.

'Stupefy,' Harry said with great intent.

Pettigrew was knocked into the wall, not stunned, but certainly shocked. The laughter froze on his lips. 'Give me back the wand,' he said.

Harry's reply was a repeat of his previous curse. 'Stupefy.'

The spell wasn't working properly, but it was doing something. One more time, and Pettigrew was out of the way. The giant snake raised its head and hissed, but Harry could still not understand what it was saying. Obviously, he didn't have all his abilities back. He pointed the wand at the snake, making it slow down slightly. With each spell he cast, he could feel his strength flowing back into him. The snake hissed again and made a snap at Harry's hand, narrowly missing him. Harry replied with Impedimentia. By the little effect the spell had, it was clear that he wasn't even close to having all his magic back yet.

With the snake crawling behind him in slow motion, Harry rushed out of the room. He shut the door, and then leaned against it, trapping the snake inside. He had no idea where he was, and he wasn't even remotely strong enough to fight whatever was coming his way. With his wand in the lead, he began to slowly make his way along the dimly lit corridor.

***

'Hello, Hermione,' Draco said, completely ignoring Ron. His eyes locked on hers, ice trying to cut through warm chocolate.

He had been waiting for them in the drawing room for several minutes, ordered by his father to stay there. He stood completely motionless, trying to picture his meeting with them… with her. He saw her that morning, but it was painfully brief, and under the demanding conditions of the battle. This time, they would have hours.

'Detain them,' his father had said, and Draco understood what he had meant. He knew what to do with Ron. He also knew exactly what he was going to do with Hermione. That bride his father intended for him could go to hell, no matter how pretty or nice-smelling she was.

'Where is Harry?' Hermione said, striding towards Draco and raising her chin.

Draco smiled, not backing away even when she was very close to him. 'What temper,' he said. 'I have no idea what you are talking about.'

'You were there this morning,' Hermione said. Her jaw was clenched, but there was a quiver in her voice, as if she was trying not to cry. 'You took Harry. Where is he?'

'I was here this morning. You can ask the house elves.' Draco mentioned them on purpose, pleased with the red glow that appeared on her cheeks. 'But you are welcome to follow me to my chambers, where we can discuss this more comfortably.' He opened a door to get out of the drawing room.

'Where the hell have you been during the last year and a half?' Ron said, not moving to follow.

Draco whirled around to look at him. 'Durmstrang. Are you coming?'

'Why did you try to kill Hermione the night you left?'

'I didn't,' Draco said very harshly. 'Ask her.'

'I can't remember anything of that night,' Hermione said, her face very pale.

Draco smiled victoriously and without another word, stepped out of the room. He was sure Hermione didn't tell anyone about the night he disappeared. If she had, Ron wouldn't be standing there, talking to him. He would be at his throat. And if she chose to keep her silence so far, it only made sense that she wouldn't talk now, when she wanted something from him. Dead, he would do her no good. Draco's smiled widened as he heard two sets of footsteps following him.

Choosing his way carefully, Draco led his two guests along the manor's halls. He didn't want their non-Malfoy blood to trigger any of the traps that waited there for intruders. Not until they reached the right one, that is.

The halls they walked through were wide and well lit. High windows allowed the late summer sun to beam in, and several spells made sure that even the most hidden corners received as much light as the centre of the corridor. The suits of armour shone silver, almost blinding the guests at times. Very few pictures hung on the walls, all showing geometrical shapes that constantly rearranged themselves, like a magical kaleidoscope. Draco once found himself staring into one with colourful spirals for seven hours.

'Don't look at the pictures,' he advised Ron and Hermione.

'Why?' Ron asked, staring at the nearest one. The triangles on it changed colours and switched positions.

Draco looked at the mesmerised boy, considering the option of letting him stay there, in front of the picture.

'Come on, Ron!' Hermione said, pulling on his hand.

'That's why,' Draco muttered, continuing down the hall.

Two more suits of armour and a short sidetrack, as not to activate the rotating swords, and Draco reached the arch he was aiming to. He passed under it and waited. Ron and Hermione were a few steps behind him, both staring at the ground.

Ron was first to go under the arch. When Hermione saw him freeze in mid-motion, she tried to stop, but it was too late. She was only one step behind, and could do nothing about the freezing spell that caught her as her hand reached the perimeter of the arch.

Draco looked at the two of them. Such characteristic expressions for both - Ron with his snide twist of the mouth, but real fear in his eyes, and Hermione with her mixture of comprehension and panic. She was endearing with that “I know what's going on…” statement on her face, followed immediately by “…and I don't like it one bit.”

He had done exactly as his father had ordered him. Ron and Hermione were frozen until their fates were decided. Draco wasn't worried for them. No harm would come to them inside the Malfoy Manor. His father made sure no one would be able to connect him to any of the murders he committed. They would probably have their memories altered and be sent on their way. And then, he might never see Hermione again.

Draco moved closer to the frozen girl. Her hands were slightly raised as if she was trying to ward off the spell, or as if she was reaching to hug him, and didn't quite finish the motion. He finished it for her, pressing her arms against his chest, putting his own hands on her back. There was no point in cradling her like that. She could not respond, or even feel his touch under the spell. There was obviously no point in kissing her.

And yet, he did, pressing his lips hard against her unmoving, warm, honey-tasting mouth. Although he knew she was frozen, Draco was frustrated by her failure to kiss him back. He pressed harder, squeezing her body closer to him and forcing her mouth to open.

Her smell; her taste; Hermione was everything he remembered. Sweet as a ripe apple, tender, and just like the last kiss he gave her before joining his father, unable to respond. Yet, her lips now moved slightly under his, and she released a low groan. Not of pleasure, but of unbearable pain. Before Draco realised what was happening, the freezing spell on her was broken, and she collapsed in his arms.

***

'Well, what is it then? What did you get me?'

'Ginny, be patient. You'll see in a minute.'

'Oh, come on. Why can't you show me here? Then we'll have a little time left, and I'll be able to show you exactly how happy I am to see you.'

'I want to do this properly. Hopefully, this will be a once in a lifetime experience.'

'And we have less than half an hour for it? Ginny complained. 'Why by the lake?'

Lee broke his run a few feet away from the lake, pulling Ginny closer to him. 'Because this is the most romantic spot in Hogwarts.' The Giant Squid popped its head from the water and looked at the boy and the girl standing so close to it. Lee backed up a few steps, taking Ginny with him. 'As long as the Giant Squid is asleep,' he added.

'All right, we're here,' Ginny said. 'What is the once in a lifetime gift you got me? And please don't tell me it's another creepy spider you got when you arrested the Death Eaters who created it.'

'Nothing like that.'

'Good.'

Lee took a deep breath, and then another. The crisp evening air filled his lungs and cleared his thoughts. He looked at the empty Quidditch stands. Very often, he missed the days he spent there, commentating on the school games. Not now. There was no other place andno other person in the world he would rather be with right now. He held Ginny's hand and kneeled down on one knee, holding up the little velvet box he got in the rings shop. 'Ginny…' he began, but the words got stuck in his throat.

He looked up into her rich brown eyes. She seemed to have an idea of what he was saying, but there was a question in her slight frown.

The lump in his throat keeping him from speaking, Lee popped the box open with his thumb. Ginny's gaze moved slowly from his eyes to his hand, her face becoming paler with every second that passed.

'Lee,' she said eventually, her voice quivering. 'You know I love you very much, but…'

Lee's head dropped and he stared at the wet grass on which he was kneeling. Ginny went down to her knees in front of him, their fingers still interlaced. She put her other hand on his shoulder in a comforting gesture.

'I'm not saying I won't marry you.' Ginny smiled at the hopeful look he gave her. 'It's just that we're so young. I still have a year in school. Why don't you put that ring away and ask me again in a few years?'

'So it's a “maybe,”' Lee said.

'It's a “let me grow up a little before we start a family,”' Ginny laughed.

'Oh, I didn't mean that we should get married right away. I just wanted to let you… to let the world know that we intend to, in a few years.' Lee smile widened, and he raised the box again. 'Ginny,' he started over. 'Will you marry me when you're ready?'

It was Ginny's turn to choke. She nodded slightly, not taking her eyes off his.

Lee took the ring out of the box and gently put it on her finger. It shone for a moment, and then the final adaptation was done. The ring was adjusted to Ginny.

She touched the diamond gingerly. 'It's beautiful,' she said. Then, as if on its own volition, her hand moved to Lee's neck and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss.

'Not that I'm complaining,' she said once their lips were apart once again, 'but what was that?' She still held his neck, and his forehead rested against hers.

'The ring is charmed,' Lee said with a sly grin. 'It's supposed to remind you to make love to me whenever we meet.'

'I don't think I need reminding,' Ginny said, moving her hand from Lee's neck to his back.

'It was either that or a fertility spell.'

'Good choice.'

'I quite agree. I mean, I want children…'

'Just not as many…'

And then they could talk no more, because their mouths were too busy learning each other's secrets.

***

All Hermione knew was pain. One minute she was walking with Ron, following Draco, and the next, Ron had frozen, and she was filled with searing pain. Was that the effect of the spell that had caught Ron as well? She could hardly think between the waves of fire that washed over her, but it didn't seem that way. She also became mildly aware that she was being held.

Hermione's hands were between her and the attacker. She used them to push away from him, and fell to the floor. As she left his arms, there was an immediate relief in the pain. He extended his hand for her, but she refused it, getting up on her own.

'Get away from me, Draco.'

'I can't. You must stay here until Father says otherwise. How did you break the spell?'

'I'm not staying, and I didn't. Maybe it was your kiss.' Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

'This isn't the sleeping beauty spell,' Draco said, taking a step towards her. 'Although I must admit, that spell would become you.'

'Don't try to sweet-talk me, Draco. I already know what happens when a girl falls for your charm.'

'You don't know as much as you think, Miss Know-It-All,' Draco drawled, moving another step towards her.

Hermione stopped his advance with an outstretched arm, but immediately retrieved it. Just touching him was like grabbing a white-hot poker. Draco used the opening and held her again, his mouth over hers.

An immense struggle took place inside of Hermione. A blinding pain that his mere touch was causing her, against her burning desire to stay just like that. Either way, she was on fire.

His pepper and lemon scent won. Hermione drank of all that he was, filling her lungs with him, digging a hole in his shirt with her fingers. She would take everything he was willing to give until she fainted from the pain, or until someone tore her away.

Apparently, it was the latter option.

'Draco?' screeched a woman's voice, and Hermione felt small but strong hands grab her from behind. She tried to resist, but the woman's long fingernails clutched her, leaving red marks on her arms as she was dragged back and away from her Draco.

'What in bloody hell are you doing?' the woman asked after tossing Hermione straight at Ron's frozen figure. She moved closer to Draco, until their bodies touched. She was just tall enough for the top of her head to reach his mouth. Draco tried to turn his face away from her flowing black curls, but he obviously had a hard time giving up on the smell of her hair. He closed his eyes and moved his head slowly, but at the same time his hand travelled to her waist.

In some sense, Hermione was grateful. The woman had delivered her from the horrible pain that had held her as long as she had held Draco. She wasn't grateful enough to let the dark witch have him, though. In fact, she was willing to tear her eyes out. She vaguely remembered wanting to do just that to the very same woman once before.

The other woman took a deep breath. Her voice changed to a sweet chime as she spoke. 'Honey, what is she doing here?' she looked up at Draco, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.

Draco seemed unable to speak. For that matter, he wasn't really capable of keeping his eyes focused. He buried his face in the woman's neck, taking in her intoxicating scent.

Hermione grabbed a handful of Ron's robes and pulled herself up. 'Saitaina,' she said. 'I almost didn't recognise you in these lovely silk robes. I though you only wore sleazy leather half-rugs. I see that other things haven't changed yet. Still needing powerful potions to get your men? Honestly.'

'You mean the lovely uniform Draco got me for Christmas last year?' Saitaina said with a smile. 'That was for work. I just quit a few hours ago. I don't need them any more. But you can have it, if you'd like. I'm sure you can use it to tempt some desperate man. If you can fit into it, that is. And forget about Draco. He's officially mine.' To emphasize her point, she put her hand over Draco's arm, moving it from her waist to her stomach. Her moves were like a spoiled cat who'd just had a huge tuna-fish dinner, and was waiting for the cream dessert.

[A/N: In KDIL, Draco hexed Saitaina's clothes, to prevent her from coming after him. Unexpectedly, she decided she liked her new revealing outfit.]

Draco's reaction was not as Saitaina had expected. He pulled his hand roughly and pushed away from her with a violent motion that most men were afraid to use around fragile women. Saitaina turned out not to be as fragile as she tried to appear. She was hardly jolted, but her face screwed up with anger.

Hermione used the opportunity to move between the two. 'Draco,' she said, grabbing both his shoulders. 'It's her hair, remember? Try to fight it.' She looked deep into his eyes, searching for some recognition. There was no hint of something amiss in his dark grey eyes. Just that look again. The look he gave her before he disappeared. The one that said “I love you to the death, which is right about now.”

Often in the past months she'd wondered if he was held somewhere far away, under the influence of some spell. This couldn't have been the Confundus charm. That would have quickly deteriorated into complete insanity within a few months. Draco didn't seem quite sane, but he wasn't swinging off chandeliers, wearing his knickers on his head and singing Red Army songs. Imperius could be an option, but then Draco would not have kissed her. Not when they had kidnapped Harry, and not just now.

Harry… Hermione was abruptly reminded of the reason she and Ron were there. She shook Draco, trying to break his trance. She did not dare take out her wand in this house, in front of that woman. But although she wasn't posing an immediate threat, Saitaina pulled her away, not afraid to use her sharp red nails once again.

'Get away from him, you ... Mudblood!'

'What did you call me?' Hermione said slowly. Her face was flushed an even deeper red than when she was kissing Draco. 'You think you're so much better, with your expensive robes and your in-breeding? Who the hell do you think you are anyway?'

A wide smile spread over Saitaina's face. She moved towards Draco, linking her arm in his. 'Tell her who I am, Honey,' she said.

Draco looked uneasily at Hermione. He bit his lips and moved his Saitaina-free hand through his hair. Then, he looked at the girl attached to him. 'Why are you so worried?' he asked her. 'You're a professional. Things between us remain exactly as it was agreed. Why do you care so much who I kiss?'

'What things?' Hermione asked. 'What aren't you telling me?'

Saitaina's smile grew even wider. 'Oh, he's not telling you that you're only a fling. Someone to keep on the side. Do tell her, dear.' She pulled Draco closer to her, tickling his chin with her hair.

The expression on Draco's face was of a tortured man. A shadow passed over his eyes, and after a moment's struggle, they glazed over. 'Hermione,' he said almost mechanically. 'I want you to meet Saitaina, my fiance.'

Hermione could only gape at him, her gaze slowly travelling to Saitaina's hand and the huge diamond ring adorning it.

'Hermione, dear,' Saitaina said sweetly, as if she was her best friend. 'Snap out of it.' She left Draco's arm in order to slap the astonished girl.

Hermione's eyes lit up like chestnuts in the fire as she caught Saitaina's wrist. The red mark on her cheek was hidden behind her flush. She reached into her robes, forgetting about her resolution not to use magic inside the Malfoy Manor.

Saitaina tried to struggle out of Hermione's grip, pulling her hand as hard as she could, but to no avail. She changed her intentions when Hermione pulled out her wand, and tried to get it away from her. Each girl held the other with her right hand, being pulled to the left. They spun around one another a few times, and then collapsed on the floor, knocking Ron like a bowling pin.

The two rolled on the floor, pulling each other's hair, scratching, and screaming. Hermione's wand lay forgotten a few feet away as they kept switching places. Neither stayed on top for more than a few seconds before being violently pulled down. In the back of her mind, Hermione was having flashbacks to the brawl she had had in duelling club in her second year.

Hermione managed to get herself on top again, and then felt someone pulling her up. Gentle yet firm hands held her shoulders from behind, picking her up. The touch served more than just to physically separate her from the arrogant pureblood witch. It also calmed her down, filled her with warmth that took the place of her raging anger. She eased her hair out of Saitaina's hand and stood up.

Draco kept holding her even after she regained her balance. He wrapped his arms around her, pressing his chest to her back and burying his face in her hair.

'There's no potion in my hair,' Hermione said. She sounded very sad; defeated. Draco kept sniffing her anyway.

Saitaina got back to her feet on her own. She did her best to straighten the creases in her pearly silk gown, and then rearranged her long corkscrew curls to rest beautifully on her bare shoulders. 'I don't need the potion to have him,' she said with a sneer. 'He chooses to be with me. He may not make the most loyal husband, but I won't let a little fooling around kill our marriage.'

Draco's embrace tightened momentarily, and then he let go of Hermione. He gave his hand to Saitaina, his face a reflection of Hermione's defeat. 'You left your wand over there,' he said, pointing to where it was tossed near Ron's now prone figure.

Hermione walked to it slowly, feeling drained of every drop of energy. As she bent down, she could hear Draco whispering the words of a spell behind her. 'Petrificus Totalus'. The curse hit her just as her fingers closed around her wand.

***

It was sheer luck that helped Harry get into the main chamber of the castle without being detected. He had only seen Death Eaters twice along the way, and both times he had managed to slide out of their path before they could see him.

Harry didn't recognise this castle, but from past experience, he knew that the best way to get out was through a fireplace. He had Floo Powder in a hidden pouch - part of his standard combat gear. He sometimes considered it more important than his wand. Sometimes. Not today, though. His wand clutched tight in his hand, he sneaked into the large chamber.

There were three grates in the empty room, but only one was lit. Harry made his way towards it when he heard footsteps behind him. He jumped to the nearest open door and closed it behind him. He didn't know what was beyond it, but his chances were better there than in a room that was filling up with Death Eaters. Luck was on his side once more. He sighed in relief when he realised he locked himself in a wardrobe filled with travelling cloaks.

The steps were getting closer, clearly being made by more than one person. Harry held his breath, afraid that the Death Eaters would want to hang their cloaks, and then released it when they passed the wardrobe without opening it.

'Master,' one of them said. 'Granger and the Weasley boy are in the manor. They know about Draco.'

'It's a little early, but matters not,' another voice answered. There was no mistaking the hissing snake-like voice of Voldemort. Harry could imagine his serpentine face, his scarlet eyes glowing in the red light from the fire. 'Did you kill them?'

Harry was ready to burst out of the wardrobe and face the one who wanted his best friend and his lover killed. He knew he wasn't fit to face the Dark Lord, but he couldn't just stand there and do nothing.

'My Lord,' said the other man. 'Of course they should be killed, but I don't think it should be done in Malfoy Manor. People must know they're there. It would expose me as your servant, and we will not be able to use any of my connections again.'

The tension in Harry's shoulders eased a bit, and he waited to hear more before deciding on his move.

'I don't want you exposed yet,' Voldemort said. 'Which serves your purposes well. You're afraid that we will lose to the Muggle-lovers, and then you'll be able to renounce me again, like you did sixteen years ago.'

'No Master, that's not my purpose at all. I only want to serve our goals as best I can.'

'Right. How loyal of you, Malfoy.'

There was a long pause in which Harry could hear one of them pacing back and forth by his wardrobe. With each echoing step, Harry could feel his scar burning hotter. When the man finally stopped, Harry could barely stand for the pain.

'I want your son to spy for me,' Voldemort broke the silence. 'I want him back in Hogwarts, pretending to be there to celebrate the end of the year with his old friends. I want him to find out everything he can about their defences. He can make our final attack much easier.'

'Yes Master.'

'He can also spread the word that we have Potter, and that he is still alive. Potter's supporters will hesitate in their reactions if they know that their acts can get their beloved hero killed.'

Harry bit his lip. Voldemort was right. His very being there signed the death sentence of many innocent people. He swore not to let himself fall into their hands alive. Killing himself would be the last resort, of course. He'd first try other methods of not being captured.

'Let the two Potter fans go,' Voldemort went on. 'They are dead anyway. Make it look like Draco is helping them. This should give him his ticket back into Hogwarts.'

'Yes, My Lord. I assure you, my son will make you proud.'

'He had better,' Voldemort sneered. 'Because he is going to be in Hogwarts when we launch our attack. He should provide me with a very good reason to make the effort of not killing him with the rest of them.'

'I am certain he will, My Lord.'

One set of footsteps walked out of the room. Harry was left in the wardrobe in a room with only one man, and that one was probably Voldemort.

For over a year, Harry had been devising plans that would get him into this exact situation. He had dreamt of facing Voldemort without distractions. No Death Eaters around to worry about; no hostages to think of; nothing that would stop him from duelling the Dark Lord. A duel to the death, hopefully Voldemort's. And now that he finally got his wish after so long, he stayed in the wardrobe. He was shaking all over just from the effort of not blasting the door open and facing the wizarding world's menace. Despite his desperate desire to fight, he knew that with his reduced abilities, he would only accomplish a spectacular suicide. Or worse. He could get himself captured again. Clenching his fists until his nail drew blood from his palms, Harry listened to the Dark Lord slowly walking away.

***