harry_07

Draco felt like tearing his hair out. He, Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Dumbledore were all waiting in a holding room. The guards would be bringing Cho Chang to them, everyone feeling it was best not to parade him and Potter through the prison. He was grateful for that, personally knowing many of the people imprisoned there and what they were capable of. The Order’s directive was capture if possible, kill if necessary. Voldemort and his follower’s directive was kill if possible, capture if necessary. They had no reason to capture Draco, and so death could come to him at any time. It was Potter they wanted alive.

Finally the door opened and his heart leapt into his throat. He was supposed to protect Cho last year, and had turned on her instead. If she really was orchestrating some grand scheme against the others from behind bars, then he hated to think what she had planned for him. Feeling cowardly for his thoughts, he straightened up and put on a smug face. After all, he would be the one getting to leave after they were done here.

They sat her at the small table and shackled her to the chair, which was bolted down to the floor. She certainly didn’t look like the cute girl she had once been at Hogwarts. Her hair hung in long tangles around her face, which was streaked with dirt. Her eyes were hidden under dark shadows, large purplish marks indicating her lack of sleep. He had been worried about his own rapid weight loss, but she looked down right emaciated.

“I have nothing to say to any of you.” She said in a detached voice.

“But we have plenty for you to hear.” Dumbledore calmly replied.

(BREAK)

“Oh, hey.” Ron said uncertainly. He had been trying to kill time until Harry and his dad returned and had gone to shoot pool in the parlor. Instead, he found Luna, curled up with those files they had gotten from the ministry.

“Hi.” She said with a smile, brushing a long strand of golden hair behind her ear. He instantly felt the need to go and throw himself at her feet and beg for forgiveness. To tell her he had been wrong and still loved her. But that was Harry’s M.O. and he didn’t want to seem insincere.

“I didn’t mean to bother you…” he turned to leave but she stopped him.

“It’s fine, Ron. I was kind of hoping we’d get the chance to talk.”

That was all the invitation he had needed. They hadn’t spoken since their fight in Trelawney’s tower at the end of school. He had taken it forgranted that they had broken up, but what if that wasn’t the case? What if it was just a really big fight?

“But it was the case. I can’t be with someone who doesn’t trust me, Ron.” Luna sighed.

Ron instantly threw up his shield, angry with himself for forgetting. “I really wish you and Harry would at least pretend you can’t do that.”

“Pretend to be something we aren’t? I don’t know about Harry, but I can’t do that. My power didn’t just develop gradually like his, I’ve been able to do this my whole life. I’ve always read minds, I’ve always seen the future and I was always encouraged to use these gifts. I can’t turn them off and I don’t want to. They are a part of who I am, which is something you can’t understand and that is why we can’t be together.”

“I could learn, Luna.” Ron said simply. “I was so upset, I needed someone to blame.”

“And the fact that you chose to blame me says a lot.” She replied.

“Well, what do you expect. If you had a sister or brother and I knew something important about him or her, I would have told you.”

Luna looked down at this, and he saw her eyes water. What he had said to make her cry, he didn’t know, but he was instantly sorry for it. “Ron, I want to be your friend again. More than anything. We all need each other. But we can’t be anything more. It’s not meant to be.”

“Yeah? Did you see that in one of your visions?” he asked harshly.

“Ron, I was never the one meant for you. I’ve been seeing a lot of things in the last few months, as more and more events come to pass. As soon as Harry made the decision to find the other descendants, I saw…I just saw a different future for you. It wasn’t with me. And mine, it wasn’t with you.”

“And this is supposed to make me feel better?”

“That wasn’t my intention. I just wanted you to know that we can both be happy, as long as we stick to the right paths. We just aren’t going to find that happiness with each other.”

(BREAK)

Harry turned away, unable to look. Cho’s appearance, her attitude, her mind; he couldn’t take it all in at once. He couldn’t believe he had once aspired to be with her, that she had once been a pretty, bright student with her whole life ahead of her. He knew her parents had fled after her capture and were being hunted for their part in planning the explosions that took Neville’s life. He could understand her need for revenge, but he wouldn’t let himself forget that she had chosen this for herself. She could have denied her parents, she could have told someone and gotten out. She didn’t. He wouldn’t let his pity sway him, despite her appearance, and because of it, he knew she was dangerous.

Arthur pulled out her letters, which had been confiscated from her cell. “Seems you have a couple of loyal pen pals.”

“Is it against the law to have friends?” Cho asked angrily.

“Only if you ask them to commit crimes against others.” Arthur responded. “Now these two girls, Marietta and Pansy, they were friends of yours back at school?”

“Yes.” Cho said simply.

“I don’t think so.” Draco said suddenly. “Pansy never talked to you a day in her life. Not while we were at school anyway.”

“No one asked you. Traitor.” Cho spat at him, forcing Draco to take a step back. “You just had to open your mouth and be the hero at the trial.” She looked at his arm and laughed. “How does it feel, Hero. Was it worth it?”

“Enough.” Dumbledore said quietly but powerfully.

For a moment Cho looked intimidated. Then she laughed again. “This isn’t Hogwarts, Headmaster. I’m not a bad little student in your office to serve detention. I killed someone, injured a few others, planned to kill a few more. Neville was a waste of space anyway.” She added looking directly at Harry.

He felt his anger flair and he tried to get a hold of it quickly, he wasn’t quick enough. Her chair shook against the bolts holding it down. He took satisfaction in the moment of terror in her eyes. Dumbledore turned to him and simply shook his head. Harry nodded and took a few deep breaths.

“Miss Chang…” Arthur started but she interrupted, still looking directly at Harry.

“What was that, Harry? Did I make you mad? I heard about the Leaky Cauldron, you know. What with my ‘pen pals’ and all. You gonna throw that table at me? Or weren’t you mad enough?” she laughed. “You think Neville was the only one I wanted dead? He annoyed me, but Looney Luna, she was so irritating, always with her nose in my business. I rigged that bathroom to kill her you know. She wasn’t supposed to be saved, I wanted her dead and if I get out of here I’ll make it happen. I hoped you both would die that day, but it was her I wanted. And I had big plans for the others too.”

“Shut up.” Harry said, wishing Hermione had come, to help keep him grounded. He felt like a teapot, bubbling and about to scream.

“MISS CHANG!” Arthur said loudly to get her attention.

She couldn’t be swayed. “Shall I tell you what I planned for Ron, that stupid oaf, walking around like he was so important.” She paused to look at Arthur. “He’s an idiot by the way, your son. Death would have been a kindness.” Her chair shook again as Harry fought with himself.

“Don’t do it.” Draco whispered to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“That’s quite enough!” Arthur rose.

“You’re the ones who wanted to come see me, you don’t get to control what I say. And look at you two!” She brought her attention back to Harry. “Best friends now, huh? How’s Hermione feel about that, Harry? Wow that reminds me, you don’t even want to know what I had planned for her after drowning Lovegood in the bathroom. That bitch got in my way, she will certainly suffer for it. And I mean suffer!”

And then there was a loud crack as the legs of the chair split against the pressure of Harry’s anger. Cho and the chair flew backwards. Dumbledore was on his feet in an instant, his wand out and casting. A large bubble surrounded the girl before she slammed against the wall, protecting her head from cracking against it. Harry stood panting, his entire body shaking. Cho was unconscious, he wished she were dead. Shaking his head of such violent thoughts, he was disconcerted. They had only been words, she had come at him with the only weapon she possessed and had gotten the better of him, forced him to lose his control. He felt defeated and sat heavily as the guards came to bring Cho to the prison hospital.

“Can I see those?” Draco asked suddenly, indicating the letters Arthur still held, now crumpled in his fist. He handed them over and sat next to Harry as Draco walked to the corner to read by the sunlight streaming through the dirty window.

“Well-” Dumbledore began.

“I’m sorry, okay. I’m sorry.” Harry said running his hands through his hair and resting his head in his hands. He was frustrated, after all that, they still had nothing.

“I know you are.” The old wizard replied.

“Such a cruel girl.” Arthur lamented, shaking his head.

“We will keep this incident quiet.” Dumbledore said. “And Miss Chang’s mail privileges are certainly revoked.”

“But we haven’t learned anything!” Harry protested.

“Harry, I doubt she would have been cooperative. This was a mistake.” Arthur said shaking his head.

“Maybe not.” Draco said from the window. “These letters from Pansy? They aren’t from her at all. It’s not her writing, and there are far too many big words.”

“Are you sure?” Harry asked as Draco handed the letters back to Arthur.

“I’m positive. She used to write me dippy little notes all the time, these are not in her writing. And Potter, remember how I told you she wasn’t bright enough to come up with sending those newspapers, well, I was being kind. She’s no mastermind, that’s for sure.”

“Why would they use Miss Parkinson’s name?” Arthur asked.

“That’s something we’ll have to ask the author of those letters.” Dumbledore answered. “Arthur, surely there is someone in the ministry who can track this letter, give us clues as to who wrote it?”

“I know just the man. Hopefully we’ll get some answers soon.” Arthur said, motioning them all to the door.

“And hopefully the giants are trustworthy, I don’t want her getting out of here.” Harry said as they started down the long hallway.

“Time to put that behind you, Harry. We have to prepare for a fight tomorrow.” Dumbledore said.

(BREAK)

“Who knew she was hiding all that crazy?” Ron said. Harry simply shook his head and said nothing. He and Draco had relayed the visit to the others when they got home. Now they sat in the parlor with Ron, Hermione, Fred and Luna, going through the ministry documents until the Order meeting started.

“I never want to see her again, that’s for sure.” Harry replied.

“Completely opposite what you thought about her in fourth year, huh?” Ron teased as Hermione gave him a little shove.

“Like you said, who knew she was hiding all that crazy.” Fred laughed. “Don’t worry Hermione, we can all handle your crazy.”

“Keep going and I’ll show you crazy.” she warned him, crossing her arms. Harry smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

They all settled in to read. Harry left the documents already translated by Hermione and Luna to the other guys. He had the other files in front of him, the ones about Voldemort. He was putting off his own information, not really wanting to read about what they knew of his life and the judgements they made about him. He had a feeling reading those files would only make him angrier.

Half an hour later, he struck gold. “I don’t believe it!”

They others looked up at him, startled. “What is it?” Luna asked.

“It just makes so much sense now, why he actually liked Bellatrix LeStrange.” Harry reread the pages, just to be sure he wasn’t just seeing what he wanted to see.

“We’re all at the edge of our seat, Harry. You going to share?” Fred asked.

“He had a sister.” Harry said. “She was a mental case, schizophrenic according to the documents.”

“And?” Draco asked.

Harry scanned the pages again, wanting to get the whole story together for them. “Apparently he broke her out of the asylum their parents had sent her to, right after he left Hogwarts. As far as record of her goes, that was the last anyone saw of her.”

“How does that explain his attachment to Bellatrix? We know they weren’t related, she was part of the Black family.” Hermione asked, moving closer to read the document over his shoulder and see the information for herself.

“And mine as well.” Draco glumly reminded them.

“It says here he had tried to get custody of his sister before he broke her out. That they had been extremely close siblings. Apparently, she was one of the few people he actually cared about, and she was bat shit crazy. At least according to these.” He held up another file, records from the healers at the asylum. Hermione grabbed it up and began reading.

“So what was her name? Was she older or younger?” Fred asked.

“Margaret. Her name was Margaret Riddle. And she was born first.” Hermione answered still looking through the healer’s notes. “Says here that she was in the asylum, because she suffered a complete mental break. They didn’t hold much hope as she refused to take any herbs or remedies. And the ones they forced her to take, they just weren’t effective.”

“So what happened to her?” Fred and Draco asked at the same time.

“No one knows after he broke her out.” Harry kept looking, but she wasn’t mentioned again. “But if something bad happened, and then he met someone like Bellatrix, well, maybe she was like his sister and so he developed a blind spot for her.”

“She certainly wasn’t all there, was she.” Ron replied, shuddering at the memories thoughts of Bellatrix conjured.

“But what about Margaret?” Luna asked, coming to sit next to Hermione to look through the file.

“She died.” A voice said from behind them. They turned to find Dumbledore in the doorway. “Please, excuse the interruption, I rang at the door, but no one came to answer. I can see you were all too busy.”

“Sir, you know for a fact that Margaret Riddle is dead?” Hermione asked.

“I do. I was at her funeral, saw her laid to rest. It was the last time I tried to reach out to Tom until Harry showed up. He was as unreachable then as he is now. Losing Margaret was the last straw.” Dumbledore sighed and came to sit with them.

“So what happened?” Harry asked.

“There were few people in Tom’s life that he really cared for.” Dumbledore began. “He hated his father, as you know, and when they were younger, Margaret is the one who took care of Tom. Once, when he was still a young man showing promise, he confided in me that without his sister, he wouldn’t have survived.” He paused to sigh again, looking around at the promising young faces surrounding him now. “She had her mental break two years before Tom came to Hogwarts. He considered the decision to send her away unforgivable.”

“So what happened after he broke her out?” Hermione asked, completely enthralled with the story.

“She was unwell. She had been refusing treatment, medicine, food. She was too weak, and he had gotten to her too late. She had given up on living and he had been unable to convince her otherwise. She died of natural causes and was laid to rest in a small graveyard in the country.”

“Not-” Harry began but was interrupted.

“No, Harry. She isn’t in the graveyard he brought you and Cedric to. He hadn’t wanted their father anywhere near her, even after death. And that is the tragic tale of Margaret Riddle.”

“So Bellatrix…” Ron prodded.

“Was a stronger version of the sister he had lost.” Dumbledore nodded. “She had remained loyal and strong even after Lord Voldemort was vanquished for so many years. And then she was also taken from him, yes, I believe he sees the act as a line drawn in the sand. Which is why we need you all to take care tomorrow and follow directions without question. Harry took someone very important from Voldemort.”

“He did it to me first!” Harry protested. Ron reached over to pat him reassuringly on the back as Hermione took his hand.

“Yes, but unlike you, Harry, Tom has no moral center. It will always be an eye for an eye with him. I’m glad you have those files, even if you weren’t supposed to take them.” Dumbledore nodded encouragingly. “It is always best to know your enemy, so that you never underestimate him.”

(BREAK)

Harry sat by himself in the backyard under the large willow tree, letting the soft summer breeze clear his head. Tomorrow they would once again be going into battle, and while he felt he better understood some of his enemies motives, he couldn’t understand why so many had followed him. Was the lure of power really so overwhelming?

The Order meeting had simply been a last minute planning session, deciding the best place to put everyone. The decision was an unpopular one. He, Fred and Charlie were stationed with Tonks, Kingsley, Mad-eye, and several other Aurors, leading the attack in the sky.

Hermione, Ron, Luna, Draco, Ginny and Bill were to be in the village, part of the surprise ground attack squad with Arthur, Dumbledore, Hagrid, Madame Maxime, the rest of the Aurors and the Villagers who had refused to leave their homes. Being separated from his friends, not being able to have each and every one of them where he could see them, it wasn’t a plan he had been happy with. Fear, doubt, worry, they clouded Harry’s thoughts, keeping him awake long after everyone else had turned in. He ran his hands through the soft grass and closed his eyes as he faced the damp breeze, trying to clear his crowded head.

He felt Luna’s presence before she made herself known. “Do you want to be alone?” she asked, standing before him as he opened his eyes.

“Yes and no. I just can’t sleep. Too much to think about.”

“It’s going to be fine, Harry.” She said, taking a seat next to him on the ground.

“Really, did you see something?” He asked anxiously.

“No.” she let her head hang. “Truthfully it’s all a blank when I try to see anything, too much is up in the air, too many decisions not made. I hate when it gets murky like this, it makes the end so uncertain, it fades away. It’ll become clear again once the dust settles, just like after Hogsmeade.”

“I hope the picture is the same.” Harry answered.

“So do I. Everyone has a plan, we’re all going to be together even if you and Fred are in the air. We’ll all be able to watch out for each other out there tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to talk about it. I don’t want to think about it. When I do, all I can see is what could go wrong, and how much I stand to lose if someone gets hurt.”

“Okay, then in other news, Hermione told me that as soon as she can get into the Hall of records, she’ll be able to trace at least Mykele’s lineage. So we’ll have somewhere to start.” She smiled at him and he felt grateful that she was trying to cheer him up.

“That’s a whole other thing I can barely think of. Who knows how long it will take to find these people, and what if they don’t want to help? Finding eleven random people in an overpopulated world. It all seems hopeless.”

She stayed quiet for a long time before responding. “What if I could make it a bit easier for you, what if I knew who one of the other people was?”

He felt a tug at his mind. Something that had come and gone in a flash a few weeks earlier. He had a feeling he knew what she was going to say. “It’s you.” He turned and faced her, feeling more relieved than he had thought.

“I come from Gwendolyn Crowley. My grandmother was very proud of her lineage, said we came from heroes and warriors. She was disappointed that daddy chose to run the magazine, said it was unbefitting our legacy. She herself had fought against tyranny in England when she was younger, helping the small group of our kind who tried to keep a rein on the royal family throughout the ages.”

“They weren’t always successful, eh?” Harry snorted, thinking of the stories he had read in muggle history books while in a muggle school.

“Well, we had our own problems every now and then too, so said Granny. She used to tell Kane and me all about it, telling us we had to aspire to greatness. She was so proud when he joined the Aurors, thought it was only a matter of time before he was promoted to the Royal Watch division.”

Harry took her hand. “I’m sorry.” He said simply.

She smiled again. “It gets easier to think about him, especially now.”

“Why now?”

“Let’s just say I have something in the works and leave it at that for now. There are other things to focus on. We got off track anyway. I just thought you should know, and wondered what you wanted to tell the others? You know, Hermione and Ron especially.”

Harry paused. He knew that having one less person to find was very good. He knew that the person being Luna meant he always had someone he could trust and that was very good. He and Luna sharing one more thing they couldn’t share with those closest to them, to those already upset at being left out, that was very bad. Keeping it a secret could be worse. “Well, they don’t need to know right now, especially with Lairmore looming over us.”

“And after?” she asked, squeezing his hand.

He shook his head and squeezed back. “After, we’ll just see what happens I guess.”

(BREAK)

I hate waiting! Fred thought to him from their hiding place among the trees.

You’re telling me, Harry thought back. They had been waiting for over an hour for the enemy to make their move. Allies and villagers were bunkered down in the little houses sprawling out in front of him. Harry’s eyes were trained on a house at the end of the street, the one where Hermione and Luna waited with Ron, Draco, Molly, Ginny and Bill. Every now and then Luna would send him a telepathic report, but it did little to calm his nerves.

How much longer, do you think? Fred asked, nervously moving his broom from one hand to the other.

How should I know? Harry replied. Then he felt the coldness. Looking around, he knew the others waiting with him felt it too. The Dementors were close. All they needed was for the Death Eaters to show, Harry just hoped they’d come before the Dementors found them.

And then, as if on cue, green flames shot into the air, and the Dark Mark rose into the sky, illuminating the dark shapes flying around it. There appeared to be hundreds of them. The air began to crackle as many more Death Eaters apparated into the streets.

Harry met Tonks’s eye and nodded as she gave the signal. With a cry, they rose in the air, casting immediately as the others streamed from the houses where they had been hiding.

(BREAK)

Luna was nervous. She had been trying all day, but nothing was coming to her. Leaving her mind open, should anything need to come, she focused on the others around her, as they waited impatiently in a stranger’s home. This particular homeowner had been a single mother, willing to offer up her house to the Order, but choosing to flee with her children. Luna couldn’t blame her, fear for those you loved was a powerful motivator. She only hoped Harry would be able to keep his head together out there, and intended to keep the others safe so he wouldn’t worry or become distracted.

Last night, she had wanted to tell him so much more, to let him know about Draco’s knowledge of her brother, of Lucius’s secret. She hadn’t been able to. He was already so burdened, and while she desperately wanted to unload to have him make her feel better, she had held back, trying to comfort him instead. There was just so much more that he carried around on his shoulders than the rest of them, not only did he have his own hopes and fears and sorrows, he was burdened with those of his loved ones as well as the rest of the Wizarding community. His need to succeed, the pressure that failure wasn’t an option, it was going to break him someday.

Get ready! Harry’s words in her mind broke through her thoughts of him. She saw that the others had heard and moved to the windows to watch for the signal.

“May we all be watched over.” Molly prayed.

And then the signal broke and they were all moving at once. Arthur had given them specific orders, stick together and stay with him or Hagrid. Ginny, Draco and Molly went left with Arthur’s group. Luna followed Hermione and Ron to the right, with Hagrid, being forced to cast almost as soon as she was out the door.

(BREAK)

“Look out!” Fred called out and Harry dove down, missing the fireball that had launched at him. For a bit there, flying with Fred, he felt like they were out on the quidditch pitch again, but bludgers were the least of his worries. Skimming the tops of the houses he caught sight of Hagrid and Madame Maxime, towering over everyone else. At first Harry had worried that their height would make them easier targets, but they did have giant blood coursing through their veins, and the vicious ferocity seemed to have come out. Seeing Hermione, Luna and Ron with them and unharmed, he raced back up to the sky.

Dodging spells, he zoomed through a group of Death Eaters who began to give chase. That’s right, come and get me morons. He thought as he flew toward the trees. It was obvious his pursuers knew who he was, because unlike the other Order members in the sky, they sent spells to capture, not kill, hurtling toward him. He ducked and dipped low, leading them through the forest. Ready? He thought to Fred.

We’re all set up for you. Was the reply. He raced upward suddenly, breaking though the tree canopy. There were still five death eaters following him, and they never knew what hit them. Tonks, Fred and Mad-eye, waiting in position, had stunned Harry’s hunters in midair, magically lowering them to the ground where another group of Aurors placed them in custody.

That was easy! Fred’s giddy thought reached him.

Too easy. This is usually the time to step up our awareness. Harry warned as they flew back to the battle over the village.

“Ready to try it again?” Tonks yelled to Harry.

“Sure! Just let me get a few on the hook!” and he swooped in to draw some more attention.

(BREAK)

It was genius really. Harry had come up with it when they’d first taken cover in the trees, and while he saw that the plan made the adults uneasy, Fred was amused by the brilliant simplicity. The Death Eaters didn’t want Harry dead, and that made him the only one without a bullseye on his head. Sending out the one person they didn’t want to kill but very much wanted to capture, was the best way to keep everyone else from being hurt. Harry had offered himself up as bait, and agreed to lure the Death Eaters away into the woods where they could set up an ambush. It had worked twice already.

As Harry gathered a new bunch, Fred hid himself in the trees and allowed himself the time to scan for his family. Ron was with the giants, helping Hermione and Luna keep them shielded as they tore through the enemy line. They were so convincing as terrible giants that Fred himself felt scared of Hagrid, for the first time ever. He felt Ron was well protected.

Arthur, Bill and some villagers were dueling with a large group of Death Eaters, but appeared to be gaining the upper hand. Molly, he knew was running among the houses, helping tend the wounded and dying, on both sides. Charlie was up in the skies, reigning terror on the enemy from above.

Fred couldn’t see Ginny though, and began to panic. He hadn’t wanted her to come, had in fact told his parents she shouldn’t go. Molly had of course agreed, but Arthur had not, saying that if he was going to let the others do whatever they wanted, it was unfair to place restrictions on Ginny. Fred’s last hope had been that Ginny simply wouldn’t want to go, but surprisingly that wasn’t the case. He had decided to hope that it meant she was on the way back to being herself.

You ready? Harry was once again calling for his attention. Determined to spot his sister the next time, he raced to get in place for the next group Harry had lured into the trees.

(BREAK)

Draco had never felt more terrified in his life. He felt like a walking target, as he and Ginny followed her brother and parents through the streets. He kept his senses trained and made sure he cast before his adversary. Potter was in the skies, and appeared to be doing well as the number of flying Death Eaters dwindled. But here on the ground was another story. He felt like every time they made progress in dwindling the Death Eater numbers, more of them apparated in. And the Dementors weren’t helping their cause either. Meanwhile, the Order, villagers and Aurors had all the numbers they would have, and their losses were being felt more.

“Look out!” Ginny screamed. On instinct he dropped the ground and turned as a masked figure prepared to cast again.

“Expelliarmus!” Ginny yelled first.

Draco watched as the other’s wand flew away. Angry to be disarmed, the Death Eater lunged at Ginny, but Draco was quicker. “Expulso!” he pointed to ground in front of the man and was amazed as the pavement exploded beneath his feet. The man gave a mighty scream as pieces flew up into his face, knocking him unconscious.

Ginny hurried over and helped Draco to his feet. “You okay?” he asked, hoping she hadn’t been injured by a stray piece of flying debris.

“Yeah, thanks. That was quick thinking.”

“The only kind we’re afforded out here.” He said quickly looking around. “We lost your father.” If they got separated, they were supposed to head into the nearest house and think their location to Harry or Luna who would relay the message.

“Let’s go find them!” she said excitedly. Watching her, he felt as if the battle were finally waking her up from a long sleep, and she was acting more like the girl he had known her to be, back when he was spying on them all.

“That’s not the plan.” He said hesitantly.

“So what? Since when do rules and plans make a difference?”

She may not be uneasy walking around without extra help, but Draco was far more practical, being more of a target. “Look, a lot of people out here want me dead. One of them, my own father. I really don’t want to be wandering around aimlessly.” He said resolutely, grabbing her arm and pulling her along with him.

“Please, I’m the minister’s daughter, you think they wouldn’t be after me and mine to use as leverage? If I’m willing to keep going you should be too.” She said as she let him pull her toward the nearest house.

“Yeah, as leverage, meaning you get to keep breathing, and the possibility to keep breathing long after if they save you. I’ll be dead where I stand.” He answered harshly, wishing he could just leave her behind. This time last year, he would have. Damn the conscious he had grown.

“If you’re so worried about it, I have the solution.” She pulled to a stop and reached into her pocket, producing Mykele’s ring. “This will make you invisible.”

“Why do you have that!?” Draco asked angrily, taking the ring from her before anyone could catch sight of it.

“I figured it might come in handy.” She shrugged.

“Do you know how much they want this? Are you an idiot?” Draco yelled in a vicious whisper.

“No, I was thinking ahead. Now you don’t have to worry about being seen.” Ginny argued defensively. “I thought Harry might need it, if things got difficult, but if you’re such a wimp then you can use it.”

“Potter doesn’t know you have this, does he?”

“What does it matter? It belongs to all of us.”

Draco shoved the ring deep inside his pocket, hoping he could hand it off soon. “Listen you little idiot. This isn’t a game, this is survival. Whatever little girly problems you’re having with Potter and Granger doesn’t mean a goddamned thing to me right now, you understand. Bringing this ring here was so stupid, it’s one more thing that makes you a target. These types of objects create energy, you know, you think they don’t have their own special people on their side? People with extra powers like Potter and Lovegood? They have people who can feel this energy.” He was so angry and scared he let it all unload on her, and though she looked hurt, he didn’t feel bad about it. She had to understand the danger they were really in.

Screams interrupted her reply and they both ran toward the sound. The Dementors were running rampant down the street as those who had tried to stop them ran in fear. They were stronger, and gaining more strength with every soul they took. “Come on!” Ginny yelled, running off before he could stop her. This girl seemed to have a death wish, just his luck, he’d get lost in battle with someone like that. He wanted to turn and run, to find more people to bring back and fight, but Ginny was already facing down the Dementors.

With a growl of frustration, he hurled himself after her before he could change his mind yelling out, “Expecto Patronum!” as he went, unleashing his large silvery snake on the dark army coming down on them.

(BREAK)

Hagrid and Madame Maxine had been knocking down the enemy since it had all started. Hermione, Ron and Luna mainly tried to just stay out of their way, keeping protection charms around them, and disarming anyone who tried to catch them unaware. After sweeping down an entire street, they made their way down another, and ran into trouble.

“Minister Fudge?!” Hermione couldn’t help letting out her shock. The former minister simply stood before them, the wand in his hand dangling uselessly at his side. He wasn’t wearing Death Eater robes.

“What’re you doin’ here Cornelius?” Hagrid asked angrily. Fudge didn’t answer. And then about ten more people began to join Fudge in the middle of the street, villagers, people who had been fighting on their side.

“What’s wrong with them?” Ron asked. Hermione was afraid she knew. And sure enough, before she could reply, it was as if a switch had been flipped in the man before them.

Fudge attacked quickly, scattering their small group as fire shot out of his wand in their direction. The villagers began casting spells at them just as quickly. “Run! They’re under the Imperious curse! They won’t stop!” Hermione screamed. She and Luna dashed between two houses and ran for the cover of the trees. Looking back she realized the others weren’t following, no one was following them. She grabbed Luna’s arms and brought them to a stop. “We lost Ron and Hagrid!” she said gasping for breath.

“Why aren’t they chasing us?” Luna asked.

Hermione tried to look down the streets, but it didn’t appear they had been seen. “Look!” she pointed to a figure standing on the roof of a house off into the distance.

“That’s him. That’s the one putting them under the curse!” Luna said.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure, whoever that guy is, he’s controlling them.”

“Then let’s go.” She and Luna cut through backyards, making their way quickly to the caster’s perch and stunning the few who managed to get in their way.

“It’s Dolohov! He’s a nasty one.” Hermione whispered to Luna. “You ready?”

Luna nodded and both girls split up around the house, hoping to take him down from either side. GO! Luna shouted in her head.

Hermione heard the other girl scream outloud, “Expelliarmus!”

Within an instant Hermione threw her own curse, “Incarcerous!”

She and Luna climbed onto the roof with their prize. “Release them , NOW!” Hermione demanded of Dolohov, who was looking up at them defiantly.

“He’s upset that he was bested by teenage girls.” Luna said, looking down at him in disgust as she looked through his mind.

“I’ll bet he is. He’s about to be a lot more upset if he doesn’t release those people.” Hermione threatened.

“What are you going to do? Take me to your headmaster.” Dolohov sneered.

“We don’t have time for that.” Hermione answered pointing her wand in his face. “Sectumsempra!” she shouted the only curse she could remember that caused harm and wasn’t an Unforgivable. Harry had told her that he had seen Snape using it against James in the past when digging around in Snape’s memories.

“Hermione!” Luna gasped as a large gash appeared on Dolohov’s cheek. Hermione had missed on purpose, only wanting to wound the man. She didn’t want to kill anybody.

“Release them.” She demanded coldly.

“I will not.” Dolohov said defiantly.

“Sectumsempra!” she shouted again. The man howled in pain as blood began pooling down his arm. She had gotten his shoulder this time.

“Let them go.” Luna demanded. “We really don’t have time for you.” She pointed her wand at the man, threatening to add her own curse in with Hermione’s.

“I’ll say.” Dolohov answered, looking past the girls from his immobile position on the roof.

They turned to see a swarm of Dementors coming right for them. Looking at each other, the girls called their Patronus creatures, and hoped they’d make it somehow.

(BREAK)

They had almost cleared the skies of Death Eaters when the Dementors started coming at them. Harry began to feel they were fighting a losing battle as his stag raced through a group chasing Tonks. He turned and threw a Hurling Hex at the Death Eater trying to sneak up on him. The enemy’s broom began to buck and jerk, forcing his pursuer to land or risk being thrown off.

“Everyone! Ground!” Kingsley yelled out to the Order flyers, and Harry knew it was their best move. They would never be able to overcome the Dementors in the sky. Looking for a place to land, Harry saw how hard it had been for those fighting down below. Many houses were on fire, and the streets were torn up, completely destroyed in some areas. He saw a group of villagers fleeing a small band of Dementors and sent his stag in to assist before flying on.

And then he saw them, Hermione and Luna on top of one of the houses, their Patronus spells trying desperately to fend off the dark creatures streaming towards them. There was a man in Death eater robes with them, but he appeared to be their captive, and no longer a threat. Getting closer, he could see it was Dolohov.

“Hey!” he shouted loudly. The girls looked up at him in relief as he flew past and through the large mass bearing down on them. Harry shot upwards, seeing that some of the creatures had followed. He made another pass, getting a few more to give chase. But there were some that wouldn’t give up their attack on the girls. Harry had to get them out of there.

Hermione! Throw up a hand! He instructed, knowing Luna would be able to hold them off on her own for a moment. She did as he asked and he raced forward, the Dementors hot on his trail. He moved lower and took aim, throwing out his own hand and slowing just enough to ensure he had her in a good grip before flying off. He could hear her shriek as they shot through the air, her fingernails were digging into his skin. He wasn’t going to let go. Seeing Hagrid and Madame Maxime’s large forms looming in the distance, he called out to them.

Let go! He commanded, sweeping in low. She did, and flew down directly into Hagrid’s arms. Making sure she had made it safely, he went back for Luna.

“Looks like they left you behind.” Dolohov was shouting to Luna over the noise of the battle raging around them.

Shut up. He heard her think to the vile man.

Luna! Harry called to her, wanting her to know he hadn’t deserted her. She instantly threw up her hand, waiting for rescue as if she had known all along that he was coming back.

As he slowed to grab her, she put her wand between her teeth so she could grasp him with both hands. “Wait you can’t leave me!” Dolohov cried as they ascended.

“Watch me.” Harry shouted back.

“No, no, NO NOOOO, YOU WORK FOR US!!!!” they heard the man cry as the Dementors that remained surrounded him.

He was controlling Fudge and the villagers! Luna told him as they flew through the air.

Not anymore. Harry thought back to her. He went back to where he had left Hermione and the others, only to find the area deserted. He couldn’t stop, there was a gang of Dementors tailing him, and he couldn’t leave Luna down there by herself. He also couldn’t keep flying around with her dangling from his broom.

Can you climb up here? He asked. He helped as best he could while still maintaining a solid flight path. Swinging a leg and using Harry as a sort of hand ladder, she got herself up and behind him. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she held on for dear life as he shot through the sky, Dementors in hot pursuit. He couldn’t fly forever though, and one thought kept interrupting any plan he tried to make. In the few seconds he had left her to go get Luna, what had happened to Hermione?





A/N: Alright then. It isn’t looking so good for them is it… see how the fight ends and learn a few more revealing things in the next chapter of Harry Potter and the Coven of Warriors! Please take the time to review and leave your thoughts, good or bad. Feedback rocks!

Chapter 11: Ready to Rumble

NOTE: Welcome back, more action coming at you, along with a ton more questions. Pay attention, clues are everywhere. Read, Review and Enjoy!




Draco’s lungs were on fire, his legs felt like jelly, but he wouldn’t stop running. He couldn’t. His grip on Ginny’s wrist was iron tight as he pulled her along behind him. There were too many Dementors, they couldn’t hold them back and had been forced to retreat. Where is everyone?! He thought wildly trying to push it outwards to Lovegood or Potter. They needed help.

“In there!” Ginny shouted, now the one pulling him toward a small house to the right. “Where’s the ring?” she yelled as soon as he slammed the door shut behind them.

“What?” he was confused and out of breath, not to mention feeling extremely depressed thanks to their constant proximity to those creatures.

“The ring! It makes you invisible, if they can’t find us, they can’t give us the kiss!” she shouted, trying to search his pockets.

“Hey!” he moved away from her and retrieved the ring himself. Using it would leave an energy mark for anyone with the ability to sense it. But it could save them right now from the Dementors bearing down on their hiding place. With a cry of frustration he put the ring on and grabbed her hand, hoping it would work. “Nothing’s happening.” He said after a minute.

“Concentrate!” she demanded. “It has a voice or whatever, that’s what Luna told Harry.”

The air grew colder, their teeth began to chatter. He closed his eyes and begged the ring to work, not knowing what else to do.

(BREAK)

Hermione landed in Hagrid’s arms and felt relief. He deposited her to the ground gently and they watched as Harry zoomed off to get Luna. “’Ere, zey come again!” Madame Maxime cried as a group of Death Eater’s apperated in the trees and came toward them.

She ran with the giants, wondering just how many more people they could possibly send here. “Ron! Fred!” she cried out in relief seeing her friends down the street with Mr. Weasley, Dumbledore and a large group of Aurors.

They came to a stop in front of the group just as Charlie, Tonks and Kingsley landed from the sky. They looked worried. “The Dementors are chasing Harry, he can’t land!” Charlie told them breathlessly.

“We have to do something!” Tonks shouted.

“We’ll have to hope Harry can hold them off.” Dumbledore said with worry in his voice. Hermione was about to protest before realizing that Death Eaters were bearing down on them from all sides. They had positioned themselves around the remaining rebels, trapping them, it appeared they were waiting, a few of them were avidly watching Harry’s progress through the skies. The last thing anyone on either side wanted was for Harry to be caught and given the kiss. Both sides were ready to intervene, if necessary.

“Maybe he could, if he were alone, but Luna’s on the broom with him.” Tonks said, raising her wand and letting her own eyes search the sky. Hermione raised her wand, trying to push aside her terror. She knew that with Luna up there with him, he’d take less risks, go more slowly, and be distracted. Harry’s risky, speedy, single-minded focus was what made him a good flyer.

And then some silent signal went off within the enemy’s ranks and her mind went blank as she grit her teeth and began to fight her way out.

(BREAK)

Do you see them? Harry asked desperately. He had tasked Luna with finding their friends, as he had to try and focus all his attention on flying them away from the rather large group of Dementors now giving chase. It wasn’t helping that he also had to dodge spells being thrown at him from the ground, in addition to the constant fear that Luna would lose her grip and plummet to her death.

Over there! She pointed to the right and he followed her direction without hesitation. I see them, everyone except Draco and Ginny!

He took a moment to look. There was a large fight going on below them. He caught glimpses of them all, his eyes finally landing on Hermione. They seemed to be doing alright, and it appeared the Death Eaters had finally stopped apperating in.

And then he noticed the Dementors. They had stopped their ground attack when he had flown by, and joined their brethren in their chase for Harry. Worry overtook him as he fixed his grip and shot straight forward through the trees.

He had no time to safely get Luna off his broom as he had intially intended. She clung to him as they increased their speed, pressing her face into his back for protection against the sharp wind. Hold on really good, now! He warned and she wrapped her arms even tighter around him, so that he could barely breathe. Fixing his grip again he shot straight up in the air rising as high as he could, while shouting for help to his friends below. He zoomed to the right suddenly, but not as sharply as he would have, had he not been concerned that Luna would fall. It was a mistake. A group of Dementors swooped ahead of him, and he didn’t have enough time to slow his progress. If he dove again, he would have to take an immediate ninety degree drop, and he wasn’t sure Luna would be able to hold on, considering their speed. His only other option was to fly right through them, and risk capture for both of them.

Go straight for them! And stop worrying about me! Luna’s shout resounded in his head. Without questioning, he took her direction and flew right at the creatures blocking their path. He felt Luna’s grip loosen as she raised a hand to throw out a spell. Her large silver butterfly zoomed through the air seconds ahead of them, scattering their foes in a burst of bright, happy light.

Keep going, and I’ll keep casting. We can do this, Harry. Luna instructed and he turned to face their pursuers. He tightened his left hand on the broom and wrapped his right arm behind him, clutching Luna to him as tightly as he could. Taking his cue, she wrapped her left arm more tightly around his waist and raised her wand, pointing her butterfly forward and sending it at the Dementors that rushed them. Whatever happened now, they were in it together.

(BREAK)

“Have you seen Ginny?!” Ron yelled to Bill as they each dueled a Death Eater. Bill responded in the negative, subduing his adversary. After helping Ron, he ran off to help anyone else who may need him. Ron was getting worried. He’d asked everyone he came across, but no one had seen his sister. Was she hurt, inside one of the houses, and being tended by their mother and other volunteers? Or worse, was she- He shook his head and refused to let himself think that way. He couldn’t become distracted, he’d be no good to Ginny or anyone else if he were killed.

He engaged in another duel, this time able to gain the upper hand on his own. It was easier, now that the Dementors had abandoned their so called masters for the chase through the skies for Harry. Those hideous creatures had always had a thing for his friend, Dumbledore had surmised that it was because of the miserable memories of his childhood that he carried around. Well, they were trying desperately to get Harry now, and Ron caught glimpses of Luna’s Patronus lighting against the dark swarm surrounding her and Harry. He couldn’t stand it anymore, they were alone up there and he wouldn’t let his conscious be held back anymore. They needed help. Running from the fray behind him, he found a deserted area directly below where Harry was swooping in and out of the horde of Dementors as Luna tried to fend them off.

Ron climbed to the roof of the nearest house and took a deep breath, remembering every good thing that had ever happened to him, every joyful moment he had ever had. He put every positive intention into his soul and reached deep down within before screaming “Expecto Patronum!” and releasing his Patronus into the sky. It raced upward, blasting through a group to the right of Harry.

“Expecto Patronum!” Someone cried behind him. Turning, he saw a villager had followed him onto the roof and was now doing her part to help Harry. Looking around, he realized several others had followed him and were now climbing onto the roof. Many appeared to be wounded, as if they had decided if they could no longer duel, they could at least cast into the sky. Cries of “Expecto Patronum!” Went up all around him and Ron felt his heart grow soft and strong at the same time. They could do this.

(BREAK)

Draco held very still, willing Ginny do the same. Three Dementors had made it into the house. Where the others had gone he didn’t know, and at the moment, he didn’t care. He didn’t feel very different, other than a slight tingle, as if his skin were lightly rippling along his body. He guessed the ring had worked, since the Dementors were now searching for what was apparently standing right out in the open, him and Ginny.

He held her hand tightly and slowly turned to look at her. We need to get out of here. He thought at her, wishing for the first time ever that he were Potter. Silent communication had so many advantages.

So let’s go. He almost dropped her hand in his surprise. He truly hadn’t expected to hear a response. And then he remembered what Potter had told him. The ring gave the wearer the power to tap into other’s minds. He also knew of the legend that he could have wandless powers while using the ring, though Potter hadn’t divulged that much, Draco had done his own research. Useful little thing, this ring was. It could definitely be worth the risk of owning it. His only regret was telling his father about the ring in the first place.

He edged them to the door while the Dementors searched the back of the house. Once in the street, he started running again. He no longer felt tired, he felt empowered. Once they were several streets away he skidded to a stop and dropped Ginny’s hand. “Help me take it off.” He demanded.

While he’d been able to get the ring on one-handed, taking it off was another story. And he very badly wanted it off. The way he was feeling while wearing it was making him uncomfortable, and the thoughts he was fighting back were threatening to pull him back into the life he was struggling to leave behind.

“Are you sure?” Ginny asked.

“Yes! Now get it off!” he ordered, thrusting his hand in her face. Why was she so incapable of understanding danger?

She pulled it off for him and he breathed a sigh of relief. His skin stopped wiggling and his felt the familiar drain of life creep into his bones. He was exhausted. Ginny stared at the ring and smiled at him. “Good thing I brought it. Guess I’m not such an idiot after all.”

Draco snatched it from her and crammed it back into his pocket. “That still remains to be seen. And you’re really making me rethink our whole agreement to try and be friends.”

“You’re breaking my heart.” She rolled her eyes, and apparently caught sight of something interesting above them. Looking up he saw two figures on a broom, zipping through the air as they were chased by a swarm of Dementors.

“Is that Potter?” suddenly Draco knew where the rest of the Dementors originally chasing them had gone. “Who’s that with him, Granger?”

“I think it’s Luna.” Ginny watched their progress through the air. “Yup, sure is, look, that’s her Patronus.”

Draco watched as the giant butterfly swooped around above them, running off several of the horrible creatures attacking it’s master. “What are they doing up there by themselves?”

“I don’t know, but they could probably use some help. Come on!” Ginny shouted, running off after the figures in the air.

Draco swore to himself that this was the last time he would stick to Ginny Weasley while fighting. Anymore battles they brought him to, he was hanging around people with a clearer head and smarter instincts. She was running ahead of him now, not even looking to make sure her path was clear. He stunned a ragged looking Death Eater that was hiding in the shadows before he could get them.

The weight of the hideous ring in his pocket kept banging against his leg as they ran and he longed to put it back on. He was so tired now, his poor health affecting his willpower and endurance. The ring would give him the temporary ability to take care of himself and Ginny in the present situation. He could virtually be Harry Potter on the ground, whipping things around with his mind and who knew what else. The only problem was his lack of self-control. He didn’t want the responsibility or the stigma. They were all just beginning to really trust him.

Breathing hard, he looked ahead, and saw a welcoming sight. Ron and several villagers had positioned themselves on the roof and were casting their Patronus spells upwards to help Potter.

“Ron!” Ginny yelled.

“Where the hell have you been?!” Weasley yelled back to his sister.

“Surviving!” she answered as she began to climb. “You need a hand?” she turned and taunted Draco. He guessed she was still upset that he had gone off on her.

“That’s okay. I’ll just stay down here. Be sure to take a long walk while you’re up there, though.” He responded, not caring what Ron thought of his invitation to his sister to basically jump off the roof. Instead he gathered everything he had left inside of him and threw it into his spell, sending his serpent gliding through the air. He wasn’t sure how long he was casting before his legs gave out and he crumpled to the ground. Closing his eyes, he gave in and passed out from exhaustion.

(BREAK)

Hermione gave a silent cheer after bringing down two more Death Eaters. Looking around, she realized there were few people actually still fighting and from what she saw, the good guys had gained the upper hand, through sheer force of will this time. Where was Ron?

She spotted his Patronus first, when she allowed herself the luxury of checking on Harry. He and Luna were still up there, fleeing and fighting for their lives. Ron and several others were on a roof in the distance, flinging their own spells in the air to help out. Fred, Charlie, Tonks and Kingsley had regained their brooms and zoomed into the air as soon as the ground situation seemed to take care of itself.

Hermione stunned another attacker and ran off to try and help everyone in the air. She was stopped when she noticed the other spells being cast upwards, and they weren’t meant to help. She heard Tonks’s yell when she was forced to dodge a stream of green light. “Moony!” she called out in relief when she saw Lupin down the street. He was grappling with two Death Eaters and she ran to help. Together they ended it quickly.

“Hermione!” Lupin gasped for air. He was limping, blood soaking the leg of his pants.

“Episkey!” she pointed her wand at his injury, hoping to help it heal. “Are you alright?” Hermione asked, wondering if he could help her after all.

“I have to be.” He responded as the flyers let out another cry of frustration.

“Then come on!” she ran off toward the small group of Death Eaters trying to hurt their friends from their position hidden between two houses. She slowed her speed so that Lupin could keep up.

Inching around the corner, she counted seven of them. Lupin took a look and pulled her back around the side. “We have a problem.” He told her, his eyes wide with concern.

“What?” she whispered back.

“Harland is out there. He’s a very bad man. Very dangerous.” He took a shaky breath as he prepared to face someone he was clearly afraid of.

“Who is he?” Hermione asked now both frightened and curious.

“Harland Myers is a werewolf.” Lupin answered as he looked up. Following his gaze, they watched as Tonks, Harry and the others struggled above them. “He went looking for the curse, he enjoys changing, and last time he and I met, he vowed to kill me.”

“Why?” Hermione asked, leaning over to take another glance at the Death Eaters. “Which one is he?” but looking at the man in the center of the group, very tall and very wide, she felt she knew. There was something wild in the man’s attitude, in his actions. His long dark hair whipped around his face as he cast a whirlwind spell, sending it after Kingsley, who had to fly at top speed to outrun it before the funnel sucked him in.

“He’s the biggest brute out there of course.” Lupin responded. “And he wants to kill me in particular because of the way I choose to live.” He responded quickly. “Years ago the ministry wanted to regulate my kind. Dumbledore told me not to be a part of it, but asked me to come and try and convince some of those werewolves that weren’t as civilized as I was. Harland, who enjoys the terror and eventual bloodshed of the hunt was on that list. He rejected us, attacked us, and shortly after joined Voldemort.”

Hermione suddenly remembered the Daily Prophet last year, when they had reported the Azkaban breakout. They had been so focused on Lucius and Bellatrix’s escape they hadn’t paid attention to the others that had run out with them. But now she remembered the name, as she recalled the article in her mind. Harland Myers had been among those listed as a dangerous escapee. “We can’t just stand here, we have to help Harry. And Tonks.”

“I know.” He closed his eyes, brought the tip of his wand to his forehead and took a deep breath. Hermione prepared herself and when he opened his eyes and nodded, she whipped around the corner, casting quickly and retreating back to cover as Lupin took his turn.

“Get them!” they heard a booming voice command.

Lupin pulled her back behind him and screamed “Protego Horribilis!” as they rounded the corner. The spells hurled at them bounced off the invisible shield and back at the Death Eaters that cast them. The three threw themselves on the ground and Hermione took care of them, fully binding them in place.

“Remus Lupin, is that you?” Harland rounded the corner. “I’d have thought you’d have been killed by now.”

“Hermione, run.” Lupin commanded.

“No.” she responded steadily. She wasn’t going to leave him alone.

“You heard your professor, little girl. Why don’t you run along, it’s time for the big dogs to play.” Harland laughed. “Unless you want to die, of course. I wouldn’t blame you.”

“Go!” Lupin ordered.

“I think she needs incentive.” Harland said cruelly. In an instant he had looked up, taken aim and cast. Hermione watched in horror and a large firebolt launched directly toward Harry. He apparently saw it and tried to swerve, but something went wrong. She screamed as Harry and Luna toppled over. Harry still had hold of the broom but Luna was dangling from his legs. As soon as they began their descent into the thick trees, Hermione was off, running in their direction. She hoped Lupin was able to hold his own, and even more hopeful that someone would come along and help him. But she couldn’t, wouldn’t be any help to him with the knowledge that Harry could be out in the woods with a broken neck.

(BREAK)

I’m starting to feel dizzy. Could we try for less circular motions? Luna thought to him.

We’ll fly whatever way keeps us alive. Try not to look down so much. Harry responded, flying past Tonks so she could help get some more of those creatures off his tail.

You’re the boss. She answered, directing her butterfly to the left.

Harry felt like they had been flying for hours. Once again using both hands to direct the broom, he had at least become more confident in Luna’s ability to hang on and fly with him. She had learned to lean with him and mimic his movements so that other than her arm wrapped tightly around him and her legs intertwined with his, he felt he was alone on the broom.

“Look out!” Luna screamed out loud, right in his ear. Ignoring the ringing, he turned to see what had caused her concern and saw several Dementors bearing down on Charlie. He flew closer and she cast her Patronus right toward them. At the same moment, his instincts kicked him in the gut. Looking down he saw a stream of fire heading straight for them.

Luna! Hold on! He screamed with his mind, diving hard to the right. Sweat soaked his hands, causing one to slip and he lost his hold. He heard Luna scream as they both slid sideways. He used everything he had to regain control, and only succeeded in holding onto the broom. He dangled from it uselessly and worse, Luna had slid down his body and was only holding on by his legs. We have to land. Reach up if you can.

Luna slowly raised her arm and he carefully reached down to grasp her wrist. She wrapped her other arm tightly around his leg and certain they both had a secure grip, he flew downward, toward the woods, hoping the thick trees would provide enough cover. Looking back, he saw Fred and Charlie covering their retreat from the Dementors.

Branches whipped across his skin and his glasses were torn from his face. Let go. He instructed as soon as they had reached a low enough point. Luna landed lightly and gracefully on her feet and seeing she was fine, he let go, landing hard and far less gracefully as knelt in the dirt trying to gain his bearings. His legs wouldn’t hold him up, after so long in the air straddling a broom.

“You did it! You saved us!” Luna cried, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her head in his shoulder. He held her to him tightly, reveling in their shared sense of relief.

“Come on, we have to move. Find the others.” He said at last, pulling away. She helped him to his feet and they began walking back toward the village. Luna discovered she had lost her wand when they had slipped off the broom, and so Harry handed her his, knowing he could at least do a bit of damage without it.

When he tripped over the first tree root, he hit his head on a rock and felt blood trickling down his forehead. “Oh, hold still already!” she said after he tripped for the fifth time. She cast a spell and his blurry vision cleared instantly. It was the same spell he had used last Halloween, and he silently thanked Seamus for teaching it to them, suddenly feeling less helpless being able to see clearly.

They walked on in silence, their senses open and on high alert. He felt they were less than a mile from Lairmore when Luna grabbed his arm. “Harry…wait.” She said, suddenly breathless.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. Horrified, he watched her eyes roll up into her head and she collapsed forward. He moved to catch her and lay her gently on the ground. “Luna?” he gave her a little shake. Her head lolled uselessly from side to side.

“Harry!” he heard someone, screaming his name. Someone very familiar.

“Hermione?” he shouted. Then remembering where they were he thought We’re over here. Hurry!

Minutes later, Hermione crashed through the bushes and threw herself in Harry’s arms, crying. “I saw you guys go down, I was so worried!”

“Something’s wrong with Luna.” He said, pulling away and kneeling next to their friend. Hermione knelt next to him and took a look.

“She’s having a vision, I think.” Hermione said at last.

“A vision? You’ve seen her do this before?”

“Once, at the Leaky Cauldron… She saw Lucius killing Draco and ran in to stop it. Said he was important and couldn’t be killed.” Hermione explained.

Harry was astounded. How could they not have told him? He cast his anger aside when Luna’s eyes flew open as she gasped for air. “Luna? Are you okay? What is it?”

“Ginny! Don’t do it!” Luna yelled before fully awakening.

“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked.

“She brought the ring here. Draco has it now, he took it from her. We have to find them. Before….before someone else takes it.” Luna said as they helped her up.

“You’re the boss.” Harry smiled as he used her words, covering his sudden angry fear. Making sure everyone was in one piece, they ran off toward the village hoping to avert disaster.

(BREAK)

Everyone on the roof watched as Harry and Luna descended into the forest. “We have to find them!” Ron shouted to Ginny. She couldn’t agree more… who knew if they were able to land safely? They could be laying out there somewhere with a million broken bones.

Climbing down from the roof, she found Draco, unconscious next to the house. She leaned down and felt for a pulse. It was there, steady but weak. Without thinking, she reached into his pocket and took the ring. “Ron, wait!” she shouted to her brother as he jumped down and began running toward the woods. He turned back and knelt with her next to Draco.

“What happened?” Ron asked.

“Probably just a little too much for him to take. Past his bedtime or something.” Ginny responded, forgetting that Ron wasn’t Draco, didn’t enjoy the cruel banter.

“Ginny, look at him. He was obviously unwell before he came here and he’s probably been running around all night keeping you out of trouble.” Ron said, hitting the nail on the head.

“Since when do you care about him?”

“Since he’s been giving me reasons to. Come on grab his legs. We better get him over to mum and the healers. Then we can go find Harry and Luna.” They carried Draco down the street and into one of the designated healing houses. Molly took a look and shook her head before directing them to a bed.

Gently depositing his far too light body on the bed, Ginny felt sorry for him. Draco was trying so hard to prove himself, going against his own character, struggling everyday to be someone he wasn’t. She had hoped giving him the ring would awaken the old Draco, force him to show his true colors. Unfortunately it seemed he was determined to change. She had so wanted to hate him again but she couldn’t and so she’d have to settle for making everyone else hate him. If he only had her to turn to, she would finally have the ally she’d been hoping for, even if it was Draco Malfoy.

After Ron filled their mother in, they took off towards the woods. She began to feel anxious again, and hoped they would find Harry and Luna alive. She took her concern as a good sign, one that indicated she was still capable of caring whether people lived or died. She certainly didn’t want anyone else she knew to die.

No sooner had they reached the tree line than Harry, Luna and surprisingly, Hermione came through. Ginny’s relief was overshadowed by shock when Harry lurched forward and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Where’s the ring, Ginny?”

“Hey!” Ron stepped between them, shoving his friend away. “What are you talking about?”

“She brought the ring here!” Harry shouted, allowing his panic to show.

“What?” Ron now turned on her, stepping away to side with the others gaining up against her. “Why would you do that? Do you know how dangerous it is?”

“Forget that, where is it now?” Hermione asked harshly.

Ginny grit her teeth against their assault. “I was under the impression that it belonged to all of us, remember that Harry?”

“Where is it Ginny?” Ron asked.

“I gave it to Malfoy. We needed to use it to escape some Dementors. He put it on, I helped him get it off and he took it from me.”

“Where’s Draco?” Harry asked.

“Unconscious at one of the healing houses.” Ron responded. “Come on!” He, Harry and Hermione took off. Ginny began to follow, but Luna stopped her.

“Are you sure Draco still has the ring?” She asked, looking at Ginny intently.

Strengthening the barricades around her mind, she answered evenly. “Well, I can’t be sure, but I know he put it in his pocket. We were separated for awhile and I found him passed out. I didn’t think to look for the ring, seeing as how we were busy carrying him to the healers.”

Luna said nothing. Simply shook her head and followed after the others. Ginny felt like the other girl had looked right through her.

(BREAK)

Molly waved smelling salts beneath Draco’s nose. He awoke with a sneeze and appeared surprised to find them all surrounding him. “What happened?” he asked shakily.

“You tell us.” Harry said. He wanted the ring back, but Draco appeared so disoriented, and so haggard that pity made him find patience.

“I don’t know. I was trying to help with the Dementors, they were on the roof but I didn’t want to try and climb up there… and then… I don’t know.”

“Sheer exhaustion, I suspect.” The healer said. “You are extremely malnurished and underweight. I’m surprised you lasted as long as you did. Here, eat some of this it should help.” She gave him a large piece of chocolate. Then handed smaller pieces out to the rest of them. “You should all take some as well, it help counteract the effects of being around the Dementors for so long.” Giving them a smile, she walked away to help someone else.

“Where’s the ring?” Harry asked quietly.

“In my pocket.” Draco responded. Harry watched as Draco tried to reach with the arm that wasn’t there before remembering his affliction. He felt his pity grow tenfold. Then Draco’s face grew white. He brought his hand out of his pocket empty. “It isn’t there!”

He tried to sit up, but Harry and Ron held him in place. “Stop, you need to relax.” Harry said.

“But it could be anywhere! Anyone could have it!” Draco looked miserable. “I told her she was stupid for bringing it here. Guess I was stupid to think I could keep it safe for you.” Harry and the others looked at Ginny, who was hanging in the back of the room.

“It’ll be alright.” Luna said, placing her hand over his. “I know we’re going to find it.”

“How do you know?” Harry asked eagerly.

She turned and stared at him before carefully responding, “I just know.”

“Oh my god!” Hermione shouted suddenly. “Moony!”

“What? What’s wrong?” Harry asked.

“I left him there with Harland when I saw you guys go down, come on!” she ran from the house the others hot on her heels.

“Who’s Harland?” Ron shouted.

“Bad werewolf!” Hermione responded. They followed her through a backyard and around the corner, stopping short at the sight before them.

“Remus?” Harry asked quietly as he approached his friend. Lupin lay on the ground with jagged claw marks across his face, long bloody gashes that turned Harry’s stomach. Kneeling down he saw the slight rise and fall of Lupin’s chest telling him that his friend was still alive… barely. They needed to get him some help, and soon.





A/N: Whew…that was a long battle scene to get out. A lot going down next chapter, so look for it soon! Stop and leave a review, I answer them all, and enjoy reading your thoughts. See you all next time!

Chapter 12: True Deceptions

NOTE: Okay, sorry for the delay in getting this one out, but life has interrupted my writing spree. I’m back to putting words on paper now, so I’m going to push out as much as I can. The last two chapters felt intense to write, hopefully some of that came through to you guys as you read. We’ll be slowing things down a bit now, but don’t expect to get bored, what we lack in action, we’ll have in intrigue. This chapter is about exploring truths and motives, so read on, review when you’re done and enjoy it thoroughly!

　

　
St. Mungo’s was a flurry of activity. Harry watched everyone, feeling more hopeful than the last time he had been there. After all, they’d brought live bodies this time. Tonks sat next to him, stiff as a board and staring straight ahead. She held Harry’s hand tightly, and he was beginning to lose circulation, but said nothing. Lupin would be fine, Harry was sure they had gotten him there in time. Hermione had filled them all in on Harland Myers, and recent reports from Lairmore indicate he was not among the captured. Nor was Lucius, to Draco’s disappointment. In fact, it appeared the elder Malfoy hadn’t been there at all.

What was the point of it all? Harry wondered to himself. Why had they attacked and destroyed a village, injured all those families? Simply to spread terror? And why not show up yourself, prove how terrifying you really are? But like Lucius, Voldemort hadn’t shown himself. Had they known the Order would be there? Was Snape somehow compromised? Had it been a test to see if they had a mole?

“Well, Hagrid and Madame Maxime are off.” Arthur said as he finally entered the waiting room. Everyone had thought it best that they go to the giants immediately, and strike the Azkaban deal as quickly as possible, before their new captives had a chance to escape.

“And everyone else?” Harry asked eagerly.

“I just heard from Molly, they are all safely at your house.” Arthur assured him. “What’s the news around here?”

“Nothing yet.” Tonks said quietly.

“And Draco.”

“Same as Lupin.” Harry answered. “No one’s come to talk to us about anything.”

“Well, they have all the villagers to attend to as well, we’ve made them pretty busy tonight. But let’s see if being the minister can finally help me out.” Arthur winked at them before heading off to talk to the healers.

“He’ll be okay.” Harry told Tonks.

“I know. He always is.” She said sadly. Harry felt taken aback. He pictured Hermione and Ron in their places, Ron reassuring Hermione that Harry would be fine, and Hermione hanging her head replying, “He always is.” In that horrible tone, devoid of emotion, trying not to feel.

Lupin had been hurt one week before marrying Tonks, in Hogsmeade. He’d been hurt bad then, and this time was worse. How many times had Harry ended up in the infirmary? So many times, Madame Pomfrey’s face would forever be emblazoned in his memory. And how many times had he awoken to worried faces all around him, to Hermione at his side holding his hand? So many, he couldn’t clearly remember them all. George and Neville were already gone, and Lupin was the only remaining survivor of his friends. How many more risks could they all take before fate caught up with them?

(BREAK)

Molly brought them all back to Grimmauld place while Harry, Tonks and Arthur followed Lupin and Draco to St. Mungo’s. Luna’s body was exhausted, but her mind was a whirlwind. She knew what she had seen, and Ginny was denying it. Luna had wanted to get there before Ginny had the chance, but they were too late. She knew Ginny had taken the ring from Draco, she knew Ginny was claiming she didn’t have it and she knew that Ginny wanted the others to blame Draco. What she didn’t know was why. What was Ginny’s goal?

“Will you wait with me? Just until they come home.” Hermione asked as they started up the stairs. Luna wanted nothing more than to go to sleep, but she knew Hermione was worried. She was too, Draco hadn’t looked good and Lupin had looked worse. So she followed Hermione up to her room and they sat together in silence for a long while, each wrapped up in their own thoughts.

“Why would she risk bringing the ring out of the house?” Hermione asked finally. Luna was surprised to learn that her friend had been meditating along similar lines.

“I don’t know.” Luna replied honestly.

“And that crack about it belonging to all of us, what was that? What did you see?”

“I saw her with the ring.” Luna again replied honestly. She left out the method of obtaining it, still unsure what Ginny’s aim was and whether it fit into the ultimate final path. She hadn’t received a vision that anything had changed, not yet.

“And?”

“And nothing. There was nothing after that, she just had the ring and I came back and we were in the woods.”

“So where is it now? Is Draco lying?” Hermione asked.

“He doesn’t have it. I know that for a fact.” Luna defended him.

“Then where is it?” Hermione asked again.

“Are you thirsty?” Luna asked suddenly. “I need something to drink if we’re going to speculate all night, you want something while I’m down there?”

“Some water, I guess.” Hermione responded uncertainly. “Thanks.”

Luna closed the door and sighed into the hallway. She didn’t want to lie to Hermione, she made it a point never to lie to any of her friends. But soon they would all be asking her the same question, and she had to figure out what to tell them. It was time to go see Ginny.

(BREAK)

“Draco’s awake, and asking for you.” Arthur returned to the waiting room and approached Harry.

“Me?”

“Says he has something to talk to you about.” Arthur shrugged. “Remus has been stabilized. He lost a lot of blood, and it was difficult to find the right match for someone with his condition. But they seem to think he’ll be okay. He’s been given a sedative and is asleep, but they say you guys can go in there.”

“You go, have some alone time. I’ll be there after I see Draco.” Harry told Tonks. She nodded and followed Arthur as he led the way. Harry made his way to Draco’s room.

He opened the door carefully and saw Draco looking small and weak in the hospital bed. “Never thought you’d get the chance to see me like this, huh, Potter?” Draco sneered.

“Is something different?” Harry asked coming in the room.

Draco laughed. “So this is what it feels like to be a good guy. I’m not sure I like it.”

“I’m not sure I like it either, to be honest. But it’s better than the alternative.”

“Easy for you to say, you never lived the alternative.” Draco answered with a hint of bitterness. “I don’t have that ring.” He said suddenly.

“I believe you.” Harry answered in surprise. “Why do you think I don’t?”

“Used to it, I guess. I didn’t know she had it until long after we all got split up, so I didn’t tell her to bring it either.”

“I know. I don’t think anyone could tell Ginny what to do at this point.” Harry shook his head. “Did she say why she had it?”

“She said she thought you’d need it and then offered to let me use it instead.” Draco yawned widely.

“What’s she thinking?” Harry asked, more to himself than Draco. “Look you need to rest up, so don’t worry, we aren’t out there planning your execution or anything, I know you had nothing to do with that ring disappearing.”

Harry closed the door behind him and closed his eyes, leaning against the wall. He hoped Ginny was lying about not having the ring, since he knew Draco wasn’t. Otherwise, they had a big problem on their hands.

(BREAK)

Ron was sufficiently stuffed. The kitchen had been the first place he had gone when they got home, knowing that his mother would immediately be making comfort food, enough to feed the army of people that would be sure to stop by. He climbed the stairs to his room, feeling ready to sleep for the rest of the summer.

Hearing someone coming down from the top floor he waited on the landing and watched as Luna appeared and marched straight over to Ginny’s door and knocked loudly. He guessed that she wanted to ask about the ring and felt a sudden protectiveness for his sister. Sure it was just about the stupidest thing she’d ever done, but she had to have a good reason, and after what they had all just gone through, she deserved a bit of peace before the inquisition occurred. However, his own desire to not confront Luna kept him from acting. Ginny was a big girl and Luna was too kind to cause trouble. After the last conversation he’d had with his ex and the crushing blow to his self-esteem it had caused, he was willing to let Ginny lose a bit of sleep in order for him to avoid Luna.

He waited until she went in before continuing on his way. He knew that even with his shields up, she probably had known he was there. She and Harry made him feel vulnerable, small even. He was just another player in the game, a pawn that could be sacrificed while protecting them- the knights, the bishops, hell, they could be the king and queen of this war. He threw his wizard’s chessboard across the room, scattering the pieces. He didn’t want to be alone, he was free to pursue his thoughts with no one else to focus on, and they were depressing him. He strode to his broom cabinet and opened it to go through to Hermione’s room.

“Hey.” She said with a bit of surprise. “What’s up?”

“Just didn’t want to be alone.” He said wandering along her bookshelves.

“Well, just to warn you, Luna will probably be back up here in a few minutes.”

“So she isn’t expecting her conversation with Ginny to take long, huh?”

She looked surprised. “Luna went to talk to Ginny?”

“I just saw her go in her room.” He told her. “Why, where did she say she was going?”

“It doesn’t matter. You okay?” Hermione sat up on her knees at the edge of the bed and motioned that he come sit next to her.

“Physically, I’m all good. Otherwise, I guess I’m as okay as you are.” He sat and stared at the floor. “Do you ever think about what life is going to be like after this is all over? Both ways, I mean, whether we win or lose.”

“Of course I have. It’s only natural.”

“But do you think, even if we win, that it will be better?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, right now, life is- terrifying, yes- but it’s also exciting. We never know what going to happen, every situation could mean life or death. Everything is intensified: our feelings, our emotions, our determination, fights, decisions, needs, wants. What happens when it’s all over and we have to live the rest of our lives quietly, just like everyone else? I mean Harry will probably never have a quiet life, but the rest of us?”

She shook her head, “I think we could all do with a little quiet in our lives.”

“And when the boredom sets in?”

“The desire for things to be exciting all the time will hopefully pass with age and maturity. And do you really think this will all end over night? Who knows how long until we actually get Voldemort, and after that, how long until we subdue all of his followers? We’re likely looking at years of this life, and you and Harry can become big bad Aurors and chase down danger until your heart is content. It’s not like it’s all going to drastically change in a moment. And besides, Luna apparently has this whole vision of how things turn out and it ends well and we’re all happy.”

“So she says. How does she know what it takes to make everyone else happy?”

“At this point, Ron, I’d say she’s the only person besides Dumbledore who I consider to know more than I do.”

“I liked it better when you didn’t like her.” Ron grumbled.

“It’s hard not to like her, isn’t it, Ron. You really screwed that one up.”

“Thanks. Glad I came in here.” He shoved her playfully and she slugged him back.

“Ron, I think that as long as we all get along, we’ll be okay.”

“And you and Ginny?”

“We have reached an agreement to leave each other alone.”

“Before or after she knocked you out?” he laughed and she slugged him again.

“I did it to myself.” She insisted, crossing her arms.

“You’re the only one who believes that.”

“So be it, I’m not saying any different.”

A comfortable silence settled and Ron felt himself relaxing. Even if Luna came back, he felt he would be alright, with Hermione there as a referee. That thought made him remember the apparent task that had driven Luna from the room in the first place. “I wonder why Ginny brought the ring there…you don’t think she intended to hand it off to someone?”

“I don’t think well of Ginny right now, but I doubt she would switch sides.”

“Draco did.” Ron pointed out. “So did Percy.” He added quietly.

“But Ginny’s different. I don’t think she’d join Voldemort, it would mean giving up too much of her own independence. She’s not one to follow orders or fall in line, right? So forget that and let it go, because I’m getting mad that you’re forcing me to defend her.”

“I just don’t know what to think about her anymore. That was the worst thing I could think of, and then I realized that was the only thing I could think of. Why else would she bring it?”

“Well, let’s hope Luna can find out.”

(BREAK)

“What do you want?” Ginny asked, upset Luna had finally picked that moment to start wanting to talk to her again.

“You know what I want, Ginny. I want you to give me the ring so I can give it back to Harry.”

Ginny felt her anger build. The fact that she did have the ring did nothing to lessen her anger that her so called friends would automatically accuse her. “Even if I did have it, why would I give it to you? So you can rush it off to Harry and be the hero while I’m once again the villain?”

“If you give it to me, I’ll tell them that I went back to Lairmore and found it.” Luna offered as she shifted her weight uncomfortably. Ginny knew Luna wasn’t a liar. She could withhold truth until the end of time, but she had never known her to actually lie.

“I don’t have it.”

“And you know that I know that you do.”

“You can leave now.” Ginny said harshly, motioning Luna to the door. “You know when you came in here, I really thought you came to finally try and talk to me like a friend, instead you come and hurl accusations at me.”

“I know what I saw, I know Draco’s story and that it’s the truth, and I know how suspiciously you’re acting, even for how you’ve been lately. Why did you bring it out there in the first place?”

To be honest, Ginny hadn’t had a clear plan when she had brought the ring with her to Lairmore. She had found Harry’s door open earlier that day and had had the sudden desire to put the ring on, to call up George, maybe Neville. Without thinking, she had gone in and taken the ring, but when she had gotten back to her room she had been filled with dread. Wearing the obnoxious piece of jewelry had begun to give her a headache, just a dull thud. But she saw Harry and Fred walking around in obvious pain and didn’t want that for herself. Her head ached enough just from the weight of her own thoughts, she didn’t need anything extra. But Harry had already gone back in his room and she couldn’t bring herself to give it back, to admit she had gone in his room and taken something so important. And then they were all leaving for Lairmore and she didn’t have time to do anything other than put it in her pocket.

“Ginny?” Luna prodded, ending Ginny’s memory. “Why did you take it?” she asked gently.

She shook her head, “I don’t know. Okay? I had the ring, I was going to talk to George, I put it in my pocket and forgot until Draco and I were in trouble and needed to use it.”

“I half believe you. Why are you lying to me?” Luna tried to step closer, but Ginny moved away. “I don’t have to tell the others anything we talk about, Ginny. You and I, we go way back, before the others even knew I existed.”

“Yeah, we do, but you sure forgot about me pretty quickly once they started to like you, huh?”

“No, Ginny, you forgot about us. You lost yourself in this new person you decided to become. To be honest, I don’t want to be around you anymore, I don’t like this new you, this unfamiliar girl. She’s mean, sneaky, vindictive. She lies and steals and betrays her friends. She’s always angry and sad, and she’s selfish. Would you want to be around someone like that?”

“You all want answers from me, why are you like this Ginny? Why can’t you get past everything like the rest of us Ginny? What’s wrong with you Ginny? Well you know what…I don’t have any answers! I can’t tell you what happened alright! I feel what I feel and I did what I did and I can’t change it.”

“I only have one question for you Ginny.” Luna’s voice was strong despite Ginny’s outcry. “Why did you take the ring from Draco and lie about it?”

“I didn’t.” Ginny stuck her chin out and crossed her arms. She didn’t know why she was sticking to her story, they obviously weren’t buying it. But she wanted her plan to work, it had been formed once the opportunity had presented itself, but she felt it was the best way. She wanted to drive a wedge between the new friendship blossoming between Draco and the others, to have someone who was her friend and hers alone. She had lost Luna, and Draco was now her only other option.

“You did. I saw you doing it.” Luna admitted.

Ginny knew they had arrived long after she had taken the ring back, so the only other way that could be true was if- “So you had some stupid vision and I’m supposed to take that as fact? You say yourself how unreliable they are, that they can change as quickly as someone changing their mind.” She looked Luna in the eye and saw the other girl wasn’t buying what she was trying to sell. Ginny sighed and looked away. “Alright, I was going to take it back. Okay, I was going to and I don’t know why I wanted it, but when I searched his pockets it wasn’t there. He was laying there, unconscious and I was more worried about finding the ring than getting him some help. And then you guys came running up and I felt terrible. I don’t like the way I think or the things I do, alright? I’m not proud, but it wasn’t on him, and I don’t have it now.”

“Ginny-” Luna began.

But Ginny didn’t want to hear anymore, and she certainly didn’t want to be accused anymore. Knowing Luna was feeling determined and was unlikely to be swayed into leaving, Ginny took it upon herself and fled her room. She walked quickly to the kitchen, where the aroma of her mother’s cooking still wafted from. Molly was bustling around the room as Kingsley and Mad-eye sat at the table, waiting for Arthur and Harry.

Ginny felt safer in there, the adults were so adorably clueless to the drama running rampant through the teens. Luna wouldn’t continue their talk here, Ginny was sure, so she sat and gladly took the full plate her mother put in front of her. She smiled warmly at Luna when the other girl entered, and felt a slight tug of satisfaction at the other girl’s obvious frustration. Luna politely declined Molly’s offer of food, instead getting two glasses of water and returning upstairs.

(BREAK)

Harry Left Lupin’s room feeling drained. His friend had looked better, but was resting comfortably in his bed, the deep gashes across his face now just long scratches. Tonks had refused to come stay at the house, choosing to remain with her husband in the hospital. He had understood and left her without argument.

Arthur was waiting outside the room. “You ready to go home?”

“You have no idea.” Harry sounded tired, even to himself.

They made their way to the car in silence and settled in for the short ride back to Grimmauld Place. The gentle motion of the car and the comfortable quiet began to lull Harry into a light sleep, but he was startled awake when Arthur finally spoke. “Didn’t get the chance to tell you earlier, I had dropped Miss Chang’s letters off with Mr. Crescent at the Ministry.”

“Oh yeah?”

“I certainly did. Not to worry either, Edgar Crescent is the tops. Old Edgar will figure it out and hopefully none of the rest of you will be bothered by these little incidents Cho is arranging.”

Harry appreciated the hopeful tone Arthur used when delivering his news. But hopeful wasn’t what Harry was feeling. “How many people died out there tonight?”

“What?”

“At Lairmore. How many people died, and how many had their souls sucked out?”

“Why on earth would you want to know something like that for, Harry?”

“Why won’t you tell me?” Harry countered, not understanding his sudden need for that knowledge personally. “I know you have the tally by now.”

“It’s not important. You and the rest of the kids are okay. All of our friends are okay. Can’t that be enough?”

“What you mean is no one important died.”

“Harry-“

“Not caring about all those people fighting with us and dying, does it make us any better than him?”

“Everyone at that village, on both sides, knew that death was a possibility when they choose to be there, yourself included. You stayed anyway as did everyone else. It was a choice. And think of it this way Harry, had Luna fallen from your broom and died, we all would have been devastated, but to other families there, they would be thanking their stars that it hadn’t happened to anyone they loved. She would have been just another body to them. It doesn’t make them terrible people. And the fact that it bothers you at all is proof enough of the fact that you have a conscious and that makes you every bit better than him.”

Harry felt strange, like he was in the middle of an actual father/son moment, or how he always imagined it would feel to talk to his father. He appreciated Arthur more and more and knew that the best way return the favor was to show his appreciation. So caught up in the moment, he said the first true, kind thing he could think of. “I wish I had known you all my life, Arthur. I think your words would have gotten me through some very hard times.”

Arthur smiled and looked at Harry out of the corner of his eye. “We know each other now Harry, and so we’ll be family forever.”

They arrived a few minutes later, no longer conversing, having said everything that needed to be said in a few short words. Harry had been seeking comfort and assurance and Arthur had provided it. They went into the house and were immediately assaulted by Molly who ushered them into the kitchen wanting to know everything about Lupin and Draco’s conditions. Kingsley and Mad-eye were also eagerly awaiting news, but it was Ginny’s presence that made Harry suddenly uncomfortable. Obviously he couldn’t confront her here in front of the adults, and he began to doubt he could confront her at all. Maybe he should talk to Ron and Fred and they could all sort of have a go at it together, that way no one would blame him if Ginny freaked out. Not that he thought she would, but the possibility was there. After all, she had already punched Hermione, though truthfully he didn’t know the exact circumstances leading up to the act. He was sure his fiancé wasn’t completely blameless. Regardless, with Ginny sitting there and him wanting so badly to shake her and demand she answer for her behavior, he couldn’t remain. He excused himself, claiming exhaustion.

Luckily, Molly was the worrying sort. “Oh of course you should go on to bed, dear. No one expects you to sit here and prop your head up for our benefit, you all need sleep. In fact, Ginny you should head off soon too. Although are you sure you don’t want to eat a little something first, Harry?”

He looked at the full plate in front of Ginny, steam still rising from the food, hot from the stove. “You can stuff me full in the morning, I promise. But I want sleep more than eat right now.” He kissed Molly’s cheek, bid the others good night and headed to his room.

(BREAK)

Hermione and Ron had begun going through the ministry documents as an exercise to stay awake. After a short while there was a knock on the door. Hermione got up to answer and Luna entered carrying two glasses of water, giving a start once realizing Ron was there as well. She shook it off quickly and handed Hermione her glass.

“Thanks, where did you go to get it, a well in the middle of nowhere?” Hermione asked, wondering if Luna would tell her the truth. She wasn’t disappointed.

“Actually, I stopped by Ginny’s room first.” Luna answered with a shrug, sitting on the floor.

“What did she have to say for herself?” Ron asked. Hermione was proud of him, trying to get along and act normal with his ex.

“Nothing much as usual. She says she doesn’t have the ring.” Thankfully, Luna was taking Ron’s lead. Hermione felt hopeful that they would soon be friends again. After all, reconciliation had to start somewhere.

“You don’t believe her, do you?” Ron asked.

“No, I don’t. But I don’t know why she’s lying.”

Suddenly there was another knock on the door, but before Hermione could rise to answer it, the knob turned and Harry let himself in. She wanted nothing more than to shout his name in relief and run into his arms. But she felt that the act would be a bit dramatic, especially since they had an audience. Instead she settled for a smile, hoping he could read the thoughts in her eyes. She refused to lower the walls in her mind and let him see her actual thoughts, though, feeling it unfair that he have the advantage.

“How’s Lupin?” Ron asked eagerly.

“And Draco?” Luna added.

“They’re both fine, or they will be anyway.” Harry answered tiredly. He came and sat on the bed next to Hermione, taking her hand as the other two gathered around. “Remus’s wounds are already healing, and they replaced the blood he lost. He was sleeping when I left and Tonks is with him.”

“Good.” Ron nodded.

“Yeah. Draco’s a bit of a different story though, I guess. The healers told Arthur that Draco was suffering from extreme stress and depression. It’s made him lose too much weight, made him lose too much sleep. They said his body just sort of gave up on him.” Harry looked down in despair. Hermione could imagine how he felt- the guilt of knowing that Draco’s condition was partly due to the fact that he had chosen to forsake everything he knew to help them, to join them; as well as the worry that he may not get better. After all, who would have ever thought they would care about what happened to Draco Malfoy?

“What does that mean for him?” She asked.

“They aren’t sure yet, I guess. They’re giving him a bunch of herbal treatments to increase his hunger and need to sleep. They want him to put on quite a bit of weight before school starts or they won’t allow him to go, due to medical condition.”

“What? That’s ridiculous.” Ron said.

“Not really if you think about it.” Hermione responded. “They want him less stressed, you think Hogwarts will do that? Not only is it 7th year, but he also has to face all those kids he used be friends with, not to mention the ones he’s wronged. The thought is probably one of the things keeping him up at night, I know it would me.”

“He asked to see me before he passed out for the night.” Harry said suddenly. “Made it a point to tell me he wasn’t lying about the ring.”

“Luna was just telling us how after talking to Ginny, she was sure that Ginny was lying about not having it.” Hermione informed him.

“Yeah? What did she say exactly?”

Luna sighed. “Just that she didn’t have it. She claimed she looked for it when she found Draco passed out, but it wasn’t there.”

“And how do you know she’s lying? For sure?” Ron asked.

“I saw her do it.” Luna answered. “I had a vision in the woods and saw her take it out of his pockets. And besides, I just know. You know it too. We all do. I don’t know why she’s sticking to her story.” And then Hermione caught the look that passed between Harry and Luna. They were communicating silently, something for only them to know. She felt a stab of jealousy, and let it pass. She and Ron had private conversations that Harry and Luna didn’t need to know about. Why couldn’t they do the same? Sure, she didn’t do it in front of them, but then, she didn’t have the ability. All the same, she wondered what they were saying.

“So now what? Do we just go and take it from her?” Ron asked.

“No.” Harry answered sharply. “I want to see what she’s planning.”

“You make it sound like she’s up to something sinister.” Ron said defensively. “I mean, I didn’t think she had the best intentions either, but what exactly do expect to find?”

“Nothing but the truth, Ron. If we discover her motive, then we can understand why she did it and try and help her.” Harry answered.

They discussed it for a while longer but Hermione noticed how quickly Harry ended the conversation. Everyone said goodnight and Ron and Luna went down to their rooms. Hermione turned and without thinking asked, “So what were you and Luna talking about?” Apparently she hadn’t let go of her jealousy like she thought.

“What?” he asked as he climbed into her bed for the night.

“I saw you two.” She said in a light, bantering tone. She didn’t want him to think she was upset. She didn’t think she was anyway. “You guys got all quiet and did your little mind thing. I was just wondering what it was about.” She climbed in next to him.

“Oh, that. It was about Ginny. She wants to talk to me about something they talked about and I wanted to compare notes based on what Draco said to me.”

“And you guys couldn’t say that in front of us because…?”

“I don’t know, I guess she doesn’t want to upset Ron. But if she got anything out of Ginny, I want to know. As for now, it’s comforting to know the ring is at least still in the house and not out there in god knows who’s hands.”

“Well if it’s so important, go talk to her.” Hermione urged him.

“Oh it’s important, but I told her I’d talk to her tomorrow. Right now, I want nothing more than to be right here with you.” And he took her in his arms and held her close. It was all she had wanted since they all got out of Lairmore with their lives, to hold him tightly and feel the comfort of his love.

(BREAK)

Draco woke with a start. He looked around the unfamiliar room and remembered he was in the hospital. He wasn’t sure what had woken him until he heard the second thump from outside his door. He knew Mr. Weasley had set up guards outside his room, and he wondered what they were doing. The IV in his arm, delivering fluids and nutrients to his blood kept him from rising. Not that he could if he wanted to, he felt so weak and worn out. He thought about calling out to the Aurors, but for some reason, he was suddenly gripped with terror, and his throat tightened uncomfortably.

When he saw the knob turn slowly, he felt like screaming, but couldn’t make his vocal chords work. He swallowed hard instead. The door opened and he lay in anticipation. A tall dark figure stood in the doorway. In the light from the hallway, Draco could make out the slumped over bodies of his guards.

“Hello, Draco.” A gruff voice greeted him. He recognized it instantly, though he hadn’t heard it since he was a small child, before the werewolf had gone into hiding somewhere in Europe. He had been glad when Harland Myers left, the man had actually evoked nightmares in Draco when he was young. He was definitely nothing like Remus Lupin.

“What do you want?” Draco asked, trying to keep his voice hard and steady.

“Quite a lot actually. So why don’t we get started. Then I can go pay a visit to my dear old friend down the hall and the pretty little witch he mated with.” Harland dragged the Aurors’ bodies into the room and closed the door. Draco desperately tried to call for the healers, for anyone. And then Harland turned to him and smiled.

　
　

A/N: Trouble’s a brewing, isn’t it, muwhahahahaha cliffhanger! A lot’s happening and there’s a lot more to cover coming up. Next chapter: Luna is flooded with visions of the future, news from Edgar about Cho’s letters, we learn the history of Harland Myers, letters arrive from Hogwarts, apperating lessons are set up, and oh yeah, we find out what Harland has done to Draco….so stay tuned, next chapter is coming soon!

Chapter 13: A Howling History

NOTE: Hi! Welcome back, a lot to cover, this will be a longish chapter. So let’s get right into it. Read, Review and Enjoy!

　


Luna woke up screaming. She had been dreaming at first, something innocuous, that had morphed into a scene of terror. She had been lying in a hospital bed, when a menacing figure entered and stood over her. He had the body of a man, but the face of a wolf, and she knew instantly who he was though she had never seen him before in her life. Harland Myers.

Only she wasn’t in the hospital, she was in her room at Harry’s house. But she knew that the dream wasn’t about her anyway. Draco was in trouble. She threw off the covers and raced up the stairs to the top floor, mentally shouting Harry’s name. By the time she reached the landing he was sleepily opening Hermione’s door.

As soon as he saw her face he seemed to become fully awake. “Luna, what’s wrong?”

“We have to get to St. Mungo’s! Right now! Harland is after Draco, and probably Lupin!” she said quickly.

He never even questioned her. Instead, he ran to Arthur and Molly’s room, rousing them and relaying Luna’s message. Arthur had instantly apparated to the hospital, telling Molly to get word to the Ministry. By then, everyone was awake and Luna filled them all in on what she had dreamed. She only hoped she had received the vision in time.

(BREAK)

Harry wanted nothing more than to apparate to the hospital with Arthur. Instead, since he didn’t know how, he was forced to sit in the parlor with the others and wait for information. He felt like a child all over again, left behind because he didn’t have the skill. Fred had, of course, wanted to go with his father, but Molly had put her foot down. Apparently, she knew who Harland was and she was scared of him and what he would do to her family.

Hermione and Ron went upstairs to dress for the day, since no one would be sleeping any longer. Molly made Fred and Ginny help her in the kitchen, getting breakfast together even though it was still dark outside. It was obvious she wanted them under her watchful eye, so that they don’t get any bright ideas about following their father. Harry didn’t think she had to worry about Ginny. Fred was a different story since he knew how to apparate, and Harry had a feeling that if he knew how, Molly would have made him stay with her as well.

Now he was sitting on the couch, Luna was next to him looking deep in thought. Her face was lined with worry and anxiety. He knew how she felt, having seen Arthur being attacked only two years before when he was able to tap into Voldemort’s mind. The knowledge that something terrible was happening, that you had seen it happen and the feeling that you could do nothing about it was terrible. He was glad he had lost that power and for the first time, realized that Luna was always dealing with that kind of pressure. He admired her strength and fortitude. He didn’t think he could handle it.

“It’ll be okay.” He tried to reassure her, reaching over to rub her shoulder.

“Maybe.” She replied, still staring off into space.

“Well, did you see it ending badly?” he asked.

“I didn’t see it end at all. That’s why I hate having dream visions, they end as soon as I wake up. I’ve been trying to make something else come, but it won’t, so I don’t know. I feel like jumping out of my skin I’m so wound up worrying. I’m about ready to just apparate there myself.” She shook her head at the floor.

“It would be nice if we could, wouldn’t it?” he felt the same way. But when he turned to look at her and share his misery, she was deliberately not meeting his eyes. She was keeping a secret; he had learned enough about her to know what her mannerisms were. “What is it, Luna?” he asked gently.

She didn’t say anything at first, and then she turned and whispered, “I can.”

“You can what? Apparate?” he said loudly in shock.

“Shhh!” she put a hand over his mouth. “I’m already seventeen, Harry. After Kane died, I stayed home to help out; it forced me to start school a year later than I normally would have. My dad arranged lessons for me last year during the few weeks I wasn’t with you guys on winter break. On my birthday, he took me to take the test and I passed. I didn’t want another reason for people to think I was weird or off somehow, so I kept it all to myself, okay.” She removed her hand.

“Okay.” He said, though there was a lot more he had wanted to say. “So no one else knows?”

“Not exactly.” She hung her head again and he knew she didn’t want to tell him what she was about to. “Hermione knows about my age, but nothing about my brother. Meanwhile, Draco knows all about Kane, but nothing about my age. They each figured it out and I begged for their discretion, so please don’t be angry she didn’t tell you.”

And he wasn’t. He agreed that it was Luna’s business to tell what she wanted about herself to whomever she wanted. He certainly hadn’t told everyone everything about his past, only Hermione knew everything. Ron knew parts, and Luna probably knew more than he had told her, but there was nothing he could do about that. So, no he wasn’t upset, another idea was forming in his mind. “How long did it take you to learn?”

“I think I had it after the first lesson, but the instructor disagreed. I guess he wanted to be sure to get paid for all four lessons.” She looked at him warily. “But I’m no teacher, Harry.”

“I’m sure you’re better than you know, and Fred could help. I have to get to that hospital, Luna. I can’t sit here anymore and wonder.”

“That’s not a good idea. They wouldn’t know we were there, what if something goes wrong?”

He felt frustrated, he had thought she would understand, having been the one to actually see the danger. “If I had already known how, Arthur would have let me come with.” He argued.

“Okay, but what about Hermione and Ron, they’d want to go too, I’m sure.”

“So teach them too, but let’s get on it, Arthur already left more than five minutes ago.”

“I think I know an easier way than teaching you guys how to apparate, since that would take time as well.” A voice said from the doorway. Harry looked over to see Fred leaning against the wall.

“What’s that?” Harry asked.

“Oh, I just happened to overhear dad last night after you guys got home. He told mum, Kingsley and Mad-eye that he had portkeys set up between here and a bunch of places, in case we ever need to evacuate. One of them will take us to St. Mungo’s.” Fred answered with a mischievous grin.

“Where do the others go?” Harry couldn’t hold back his curiosity. Why hadn’t Arthur told him about this? Well, Harry had fled the kitchen quickly last night, maybe he had intended to tell him. He didn’t have to ask how Fred had overheard, since the extendible ears were his favorite invention of the twins.

“Whole bunch of places, the ministry, the Burrow, Azkaban, and a few places I hadn’t heard of. I guess they’re meant to be like safe houses or whatever.” Fred grinned again. “Come on! We’re wasting time, and mum will notice I slipped out soon. I’m not so good at making the doubles I conjure speak and if I’m too quiet, she’ll be suspicious. So let’s get the others and go!”

“Where are the portkeys?” Luna asked rising. Apparently any doubts she had were gone, now that they had a way to get there that wouldn’t compromise her.

“In their room. I can’t go in to get it, but Harry can.” Fred turned to Harry, who had recently discovered that as master of the house, no room was off limits to him.

“Okay, let’s get Hermione and Ron and go.” They crept out of the parlor. Harry glanced in the kitchen and sure enough, there was a Fred double, sitting quietly at the table. It wouldn’t fool anyone who knew the real boy, not for long.

(BREAK)

“I’m not scared of you.” Draco said, trying to sound brave. He was terrified actually, but he put on his old mask, the one of the original Draco Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy who couldn’t be intimidated. Who was strong and more menacing. He may not feel like that person, but after spending his whole life acting that way, he knew how to pretend.

“I don’t care if you are or not.” Harland laughed. “I want answers, and you’re going to give them to me.” He walked up to the bed and pulled a syringe out of his pocket. “This is a nice mixture of truth serum and a paralytic agent. It’s a strong potion, brewed by a master alchemist. I’m sure you know of him, he’s your potions professor after all.”

Draco watched as Harland inserted the needle into his tube and pushed the plunger. A soft warm feeling enveloped him and his mind seemed to draw back into a swirl of comfort. He tried wiggling his fingers but nothing happened. He could still move his head though, and he shook it violently from side to side, hoping to wake up the rest of him. What had Snape done? Wasn’t he supposed to be helping the Order?

“You can stop struggling. You won’t be able to move from the shoulders down. Can’t paralyze you past that, we need those vocal chords to work. Now, a few questions. First, have you told those idiots with Potter that Snape is a spy?”

“No.” It was the truth of course. They had already known, since he was actually a double spy. But Draco didn’t add that. He felt strange, trying to fight the potion so he wouldn’t betray anyone. But it was almost as if there was nothing there to fight, besides the paralysis.

“Hmm. So they don’t know that he is working for us?”

“No.” Draco said again automatically. It was a lie, and he was amazed he had told it. Snape’s potion hadn’t worked! Of course, he knew that couldn’t be possible, Snape was too good at what he does. He must have known why they wanted the potion and brewed it special so it would appear to work. Unfortunately, the paralysis had worked, but now Draco had new resolve. If he failed to make Harland believe he was telling the truth, it could compromise Snape as well as the others.

“Why didn’t you tell them?” Harland leaned over him, smelling of dirt and dead leaves and a hint of wet dog.

“Because I’m not helping them. I just needed a place to go after breaking with my father. They were grateful for what I did with Cho and offered to help me. I decided to use them.”

“You aren’t helping them? Then why are you fighting with them?”

“To get to my father.” Draco said simply. “I hate him, and I want him dead. Like I said, I’m using Potter and the others to get what I want.”

“So where are they keeping you? Where is Potter staying?”

Uh oh, time to think quickly. “I don’t know. They blindfold me every time we come and go. They don’t trust me.” He hoped it was convincing. Harland was studying him.

“Is Snape working with them?” Harland stared at him.

“He’s pretending to. But they don’t know he’s attending the Death Eater meetings.” Draco said as fast as the lie came to him. Any hesitation would give it all away.

“How did they know about the attack on Lairmore?”

“I don’t know.” Draco said quickly. “They don’t exactly confide in me. Potter came up to me the other day and said there was a battle coming up and that if I wanted to come and try to find my father I could.”

“But he didn’t tell you how he knew?”

“All he said was that the ministry had received information from a reliable source. If you have a traitor in your midst, I doubt it’s Snape, he hates all of those people.”

“Another traitor, you mean. You do know that you are on the list of defectors, that you are to be executed on sight.” Harland grinned menacingly. Draco said nothing so Harland continued. “I don’t feel right about killing you though, I’ve known you since you were a baby after all. So I got permission for something else, as long as you hadn’t sold us all out completely.”

Draco swallowed hard. He thought he knew what Harland was talking about. “Don’t.” he said quietly.

“But it’s so brilliant, don’t you see, Draco?” Harland moved closer, leaning further over him so that Draco could feel the man’s hot, rancid breath on his face. “If I turn you, what will your new friends think? You said they already don’t trust you, they couldn’t risk having a Malfoy running around as a werewolf. They’ll have to take you out. Isn’t it poetic? You betray us to help them, and we make it so they have to kill you.”

Draco felt his throat close in terror. That was probably exactly what would happen. Sure they dealt with Lupin, but that man was all good, through and through. Plus he was in control, was able to leave when the time came for him to turn. Draco was nowhere near as good on the inside, who knew what becoming a monster would force him to do. If he were Potter, he wouldn’t trust a Malfoy as a werewolf either.

“Just a quick bite.” Harland said lifting Draco’s limp arm in his hands. “That’s all it would take. A bite and I’ll be on my way to take care of Remus and his new bride. Of course, you’re the lucky one, I’ll be leaving you alive.”

Draco watched in horror as the man raised his arm to his mouth. There was a hungry, predatory awareness in his eyes. Draco turned away, unable to look any longer. He wanted to fight back, to pull his arm away and run. He was helpless, a rag doll left for anyone to come in and play with as they please. He felt the heat from the man’s mouth on his skin, a few drops of saliva. And then he felt the pressure as Harland’s lips and teeth surrounded the flesh of his arm. All he had left to wait for was the sting of pain.

“Hey!” Someone shouted. Draco turned to find Arthur Weasley standing at his door. Harland emitted a low growl from deep within, and before Draco knew what was happening, the creature pounced. Arthur ran down the hall, the werewolf hot on his trail. Draco looked down at his arm, but couldn’t see clearly in the dark. Had Harland broken the skin? He wanted to reach over to turn on the light, but his body still wouldn’t cooperate.

(BREAK)

“I don’t feel right about this.” Hermione said.

“Noted. Go ahead, Harry open the door.” Fred urged.

Harry hesitated, feeling like he was intruding. They were gathered in front of the Weasley’s room, and Harry had his hand on the knob. He took a deep breath and twisted, opening the door for them all. Fred and Ron walked right in, but Harry stayed in the hallway with Hermione and Luna, still feeling bad about entering someone else’s room without their permission.

“So what is it, what does the portkey look like?” Ron asked his brother.

“I’m not sure. It’s probably one of these things.” Fred indicated the random objects on the dresser.

“Harry?” Hermione was calling for his attention. He turned to see Luna’s eyes roll up in her head. She began to sway on her feet and he and Hermione reached out to steady her. She seemed to snap out it more quickly this time, but the look on her face horrified him.

“Luna, what is it?” Harry asked in fear.

“We have to get there, he’s going to try and bite Draco, to turn him!” She ran into the room and stared at the dresser. “It’s that one.” She pointed to a small statue of Merlin.

“Okay, if you say so.” Fred answered as they gathered around. All at once they reached out and touched the object. Harry felt the familiar tug as they were whipped through time and space to the waiting room at St. Mungo’s.

“Come on! His room is this way!” Harry shouted.

“Hey! What are you kids doing? It’s after hours, you can’t be running around here!” the woman at the desk called after them. But they paid her no attention.

Harry skidded to a stop outside Draco’s room and motioned the others to get behind him.

He looked quickly into the room and saw the two guards that were stationed outside Draco’s room lying motionless just inside the door. Nodding to the others, they all drew their wands. Harry poked his head around the doorframe again and saw Draco lying very still in his bed. He appeared to be alone. “Draco?” Harry called cautiously.

“Potter? Go! Harland is chasing Mr. Weasley! They went to the left!” Draco shouted.

Ron and Fred had run off immediately, before Harry could stop them. They disappeared around the corner, leaving Harry in very awkward position. He needed to follow them, to help Arthur and his sons. But doing so would leave Hermione, Luna and Draco vulnerable. He made a choice and stayed, hoping the Weasley’s could handle themselves. Luckily he didn’t have to feel guilty long, Kingsley, Mad-eye and several Aurors came down the hall a moment later.

“Harry? What are you kids doing here?” Kingsley asked.

“Luna saw Harland attacking Draco in a vision. Arthur, Fred and Ron are chasing him around the hospital. They went that way.” Harry answered.

“Okay.” Kingsley said. “Mad-eye, you and Lace stay with the kids, the rest of you, let’s go!” and the Aurors took off.

“Come on then, let’s go in the room.” Mad-eye shooed them all from the hallway.

“But Lupin! And Tonks! They’re down the hall, what if Harland goes there?” Harry asked worriedly.

“Lace, go check on them. First, take care of those two.” Mad-eye instructed, indicating the two dead men on the floor. Lace left to carry out orders, floating the lifeless bodies in front of him.

“Did he bite you?” Luna asked Draco.

“I’m not sure, I can’t see clearly in the dark and I can’t raise my arm to see it better.”

Mad-eye flipped on the lights and they all gasped. Draco’s good arm lay limply next to him, large teeth marks on his forearm. A small pool of blood collected under, as small drops still dribbled down his arm from the wound. Draco closed his eyes and turned away. Harry felt that had they not been there, the other boy would have cried.

“Well, you’re screwed now, boy.” Mad-eye said, lifting Draco’s arm for a better look. “Better clean it up at least.” And he pulled open a drawer, took out some gauze and began wrapping the wound.

“What happened, Draco?” Hermione asked gently.

“He came in here with some potion.” Draco answered, his tone devoid of all emotion. “He said Snape made it, that it was a truth serum with paralytic tendencies. But I guess Snape fixed it so that it would only paralyze me. They must have told him why they wanted to use it.”

“What did he ask you?” Harry moved closer, feeling deep sympathy for his new friend. He had been through quite a lot in a very short amount of time.

Draco ran through all the questions he had been asked, adding his fear that Snape may be compromised. Draco looked up at him with eyes so full of devastation and fear that Harry had to look away. This wasn’t the same Draco Malfoy, not anymore. And all these horrible things had happened to him because he chose to join Harry, making Harry feel more guilty than he already had.

“And you told him nothing?” Mad-eye asked urgently.

“Of course not. I told him that you guys don’t trust me.” Draco paused and looked directly at Harry. “So what happens now? When are you guys going to kill me?”

(BREAK)

Ron followed Fred as they raced down the halls. Occasionally they shouted for their father, but received no answer. He was getting worried. He didn’t know this Harland character, but he had already put Lupin in the hospital, tried to attack Draco and was now chasing down their father. Ron hoped they weren’t too late. He also hoped Arthur had gotten there in time to keep Draco from being turned. The idea of him being a werewolf was more than Ron could stand to think about.

“Wait.” Fred screeched to a halt, and Ron almost ran into him. “Listen.” Fred instructed. They could hear strange sounds, like two people fighting coming from down the hall, behind the doors leading to the cafeteria. They carefully made their way into the large room, but it was empty. The sounds were coming from further back, in the kitchens. Peering through the doors, they saw Arthur with his back against the wall, his wand in one hand, a long butcher’s knife in the other. Harland also had his wand out, and though both men were dueling heavily, he tried to lunge at Arthur every chance he got. That’s when Arthur would swing the knife, keeping the man and his poisoned teeth out of biting range.

“Okay, on three we go in together and take him by surprise. Throw a stunner at him.” Fred instructed. Ron nodded his agreement. He felt nervous and alive, just as he always did before they all did something dangerous. His heart was pounding so hard and fast that he was sure the predator on the other side of the door could hear it.

Fred counted silently and on three they threw the doors open together and shouted. “Stupefy!” But it appeared Harland had been ready for them. He dodged out of the way and turned on them.

“No!” Arthur cried and threw out a spell to shield his sons from the attack. Moments later the kitchen doors flew open again and Kingsley charged through with a dozen other Aurors.

“Surrender, Harland.” Kingsley demanded.

“You know better than that.” Harland said raising his hand and waving a finger in their direction. And then he was gone, apparated to somewhere else.

(BREAK)

“Kill you?” Draco was momentarily pleased with the confused look Potter gave him. Draco had thought that disposing of him would have been their first thought.

“Yes, kill me. I’m infected, I’ve been bitten. And unlike your friend Lupin, I’m not such a good guy underneath it all. Who knows what I’d do once I change.” Draco felt his fingers twitch. The potion must be wearing off.

“That doesn’t mean we’ll just take you out back and shoot you, boy.” Mad-eye said. “There are ways of dealing with the condition.”

Draco shook his head. He didn’t want to live this way. He had known he did horrible things, that he was mean and vindictive. He had already been so close to being a monster just like his father, and had run in the other direction. How was he supposed to go on now that he really was a monster?

“There’s nothing we can do? No treatment?” Granger asked. “I mean I know once they change it’s too late, but the full moon is more than two weeks away, there’s nothing that can stop the infection?”

“No, I’m afraid there isn’t.” A voice said behind them. Healer Drake walked into the room. “I had come to check on your regrowth, but imagine my surprise to overhear the fact that you’ve been bitten by a werewolf.”

“Worse than just that, Roscoe. He was bitten by Harland.” Mad-eye told the healer. Draco was surprised that they seemed familiar.

“You two know each other?” Potter asked. Apparently the others hadn’t known either.

“Oh, yeah. From way back.” Healer Drake responded. “I used to work with the Ministry, in the Auror department, developing new vaccines, cures, and even poisons that could be used as weapons. And then I stumbled upon the first version of the regrowth cure and tried to help out Mad-eye. He didn’t want the help.” Drake smiled at the old Auror.

“Don’t need a new eye.” Mad-eye said gruffly. “Roscoe here also joined a small group of us who were assembled to take care of the rampant wolf problem we had quite a few years ago. Lupin even helped us out, trying to get them all to register themselves with the Ministry, and taking out the ones that wouldn’t.”

“It was a messy business.” Drake said in remembrance. “They wanted me to work with the wolves, and try to find a cure, or even just a deterrent for the change. There isn’t one, it just doesn’t exist. The only thing is the Wolfsbane Potion, but it’s so hard to brew that few people can actually create it. And it won’t stop the change, it’ll only let you keep your own mind in wolf form.” Drake shook his head sadly and then made his way to Draco’s side. “Well, let’s at least take a look at this arm.”

“What does it matter anymore?” Draco asked miserably.

“Well, you’ll want all fours paws to run around on soon.” Drake smiled. It quickly disappeared when he saw Draco’s face. “Too soon?”

“It’ll be alright, Draco.” Lovegood said soothingly. “We aren’t going to turn on you for this.”

“You say that now, but once it actually happens…” Draco let his sentence trail off. He was ready to end it himself if they didn’t do it for him. Life was just getting too hard, and it didn’t seem worth it anymore.

Potter approached the other side of his bed, and looked down at his bandaged forearm. Then he sat and reached out to place a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “I’m sorry we couldn’t help you. That we couldn’t keep this from happening. But we aren’t like them, Draco. We aren’t going to turn our back on you. I promise I will do everything I can to help you.”

“Me too.” Granger said stepping up next to Potter. She reached down and took Draco’s hand, squeezing it in support. He tried to squeeze back and was successful. The potion was definitely wearing off. He turned his face away from them, embarrassed by the tears that were now coming. It was all just too much. He had never felt so cared for in his whole life, and these were the people who chose to care about him, the ones he had been raised to hate and distrust.

“I see some good progress here Draco.” Drake said. “We can skip your treatment this morning, you need to rest up.”

“It’s morning already?” Potter seemed surprised.

“Well, it was nearly five in the morning when Kingsley and I got here. And that was about a half hour ago, maybe a bit more.” Mad-eye answered. “Sun will be up soon if it isn’t already.”

“I’ll go start brewing some Wolfsbane later today. I believe Severus Snape is also very adept at making the potion.” Drake told Draco.

“Yeah, he is. He was making it for Lupin during the school year.” Potter replied.

“Hey. You okay, Malfoy?” They all turned to see Weasley standing in the doorway with his brother and father.

“He’s been bitten, Arthur.” Mad-eye reported to Mr. Weasley as they entered the room.

Mr. Weasley came to stand by Healer Drake. He looked down at him in despair and Draco felt that now he would get the truth. Potter could promise all he wanted, but Draco had to live in the real world, and in the real world, he knew that it was less dangerous to take him out than let him run free. And now the Minister would pass judgement, after all, he had the entire wizarding community to answer to.

But Mr. Weasley’s words surprised him, it was a simple apology. “I’m sorry I didn’t get here in time.”

Draco didn’t know what to say. Granger was still holding his hand, Potter was still sitting next to him, Luna was smiling at him encouragingly and the Weasley boys had come to stand at the foot of the bed.

“Okay, here’s how this it going to work. The public will never hear of this. You all will not be going around talking about it, Draco’s condition is to be considered top secret. I’ll have to speak with Albus, of course, but nothing else will change. And when Lupin goes away for the full moon, he’ll take Draco with him. And Draco, at all costs, you are to never be near Harland again.”

Draco nodded, never wanting to see the man for the rest of his life. Of course he knew, as they all did, that once he’s had his first change, after the disease had taken over completely, it was near impossible to deny your creator. He would be tied to Harland forever, or until one of them died, and if Harland asked him to do something, like hurt Potter, he knew that he would be compelled to carry out the order. He shook his head, he didn’t understand why they were keeping him alive. He was too dangerous a risk.

Because they care about you. He heard Lovegood’s voice in his head. Apparently his walls had gone down at some point. You might as well get used to it, you have real friends now Draco. This is what it’s like, they take care of you no matter what and vice versa.

“We’ll take everyone home with us. Healer Drake if you’ll agree to come with and take care of the medical needs of both Draco and Remus?” Arthur was saying.

“Absolutely. It would be an honor.” Drake replied.

“Okay then, let’s get home to Molly and Ginny. We can discuss how the rest of you kids got here later.”

(BREAK)

The next two days passed tensely. Harry had spent most of his time in the war room, where they had set up both Lupin and Draco for medical care. Healer Drake had brought a lot of the machines from the hospital to the house, and they were hooked up for their respective needs. Both spent most of their time asleep, but Harry sat with them anyway. And since Tonks refused to leave Lupin’s side, she and Harry kept each other company. The others would come and check on things every now and then, but neither patient had been up for visitors. So everyone else took it upon themselves to either go through the ministry documents about the coven, or figure out what Ginny did with the ring.

Harry had told Lupin what had happened to Draco while the boy slept, and he agreed to talk to him about the condition. “Though every wolf is different, just like people.” Lupin had warned.

Now, they were both finally awake together and the others piled in to say hi, and to learn about Harland Myers. Arthur and Dumbledore had been busy, coming and going from the house at all hours of the day and night. There was a lot of fallout from Lairmore to take care of, not to mention the manhunt for Harland. They had been so busy, they didn’t have time to sit and give a history lesson of their newest old enemy.

But Lupin knew all about Harland Myers, and today he looked well, refreshed even. The deep gashes across his face were now just small white scars, and he finally had his appetite back. So Harry, Hermione, Luna, Ron and Fred had come to ask the only person they could at the moment about the enemy. Ginny hadn’t come out of her room much and didn’t want to visit. She had told Ron she would check in on their friends later, when the room wasn’t so crowded.

“Well, it does me good to see so many friendly faces.” Lupin said with a big grin when they all entered the room.

“How are you today, Moony?” Hermione asked.

“Better. Feeling like my old self again.”

“And you Draco? How are you feeling?” Hermione turned to the other bed.

“Fine.” He said simply. Harry thought he looked a million times better than when they had found him unconscious in that house at Lairmore. Some color had returned to his face and the heavy dark circles beneath his eyes had lessened. He even looked like he had put some weight back on, now that he was being forced to eat every time he was awake.

“I suppose you all came to hear about Harland.” Lupin said.

“Oh tell your story, but please don’t tax yourself too much.” Tonks said rising and leaning over to kiss her husband’s forehead. “I’m going into the ministry for awhile, I’ll be back soon.” She gave Harry a menacing look. “Harry, I’m counting on you to know when enough is enough for him.” And then she left.

The others all took a seat and settled in to listen. “Where to start? Well, Harland is a werewolf because he wanted to be one. He went looking for someone who was infected and found Adele Cooper. She wasn’t a witch, simply a muggle who had the misfortune at some point to come across a werewolf. Well, later when he was captured but before he escaped the first time, he admitted to putting her under the Imperious Curse and making her bite him.” Lupin paused to take a drink of water.

“So what happened to Adele?” Luna asked.

“Harland killed her.” Lupin said simply. “As I taught you all during third year, werewolves are connected to their creators, forced to submit to their will. Harland of course wanted none of that, he simply wanted the curse, but not all the rules that came along with it. He killed her, cut off her head and left her for the muggles in her village to find. Word got back to the ministry and he was immediately tracked. He killed two Aurors and turned two others. Then he began turning more people, all muggles from that point on. Those that fought the link that bound them to him were killed or cursed to do his bidding.”

“So he was building an army?” Harry asked.

“We believe so. He came to me at one point, demanding that I live as I was supposed to and stop hiding what I was. I refused and he tried to kill me, and would have if James and Sirius hadn’t shown up. His group terrorized England for over a year and then….well he ran into Voldemort. The ministry was worried that those two combined would wreak complete havoc, maybe even be able to take over London. That’s when they decided to impose the werewolf laws. Lily, James and Sirius were all working with Albus and the ministry already, but the ministry wouldn’t accept my help, because of what I was. Albus is the one who convinced them that the best way to hunt werewolves was with one. We went around finding as many as we could, registering them and asking about Harland. Even those wolves not in his pack were scared of him.” Lupin shook his head sadly. “The man has no conscious.”

“But you guys must have found him eventually.” Ron prodded.

“We did, after James and Lily were killed and Voldemort had been vanquished by Harry. The Death Eaters had all gone underground, and we found Harland, holed up with Bellatrix LeStrange, Antonin Dolohov and Walden Macnair. After a long fight, those three were taken into custody and thrown in Azkaban. Harland was caged and brought before the ministry for his crimes. He was sentenced to death.”

“So what happened?” Luna asked.

“My father helped him escape.” Draco answered miserably.

“So that’s how he got away.” Lupin said. “We’d always wondered who’d helped him.”

“I thought, with the exception of Barty Crouch Jr., that with the Dementors it was impossible to escape Azkaban.” Fred responded.

“Oh he wasn’t at Azkaban. He was being held in the Department in Mysteries. They had decided to try and study him, figure out if they could find a cure. I guess that’s where Healer Drake came into the story.” Lupin answered.

“What happened after Lucius broke him out?” Luna asked Draco.

“He lived with us, in secret. I grew up around him and he was always scary. He was always telling my father he could turn us all and help the Malfoys become a real force to be reckoned with. Lucius declined, of course, knowing that would put him and the rest of us under Harland’s power. Harland would just laugh and tell him that the offer always stood. Then Aurors started showing up, I guess they finally began to suspect my father had been and still was a follower of Voldemort.” Draco replied.

“We always suspected.” Lupin corrected him. “After uncovering several other high profile Death Eaters, they went after Lucius, but could never pin anything on him.”

“Well, they definitely kept coming to the house after the first Auror died while investigating.” Draco responded. He and Harry both flicked their eyes in Luna’s direction before Draco continued. “I guess Harland felt it was too risky, so he left, told my father he was going to travel the world and make trouble. I was relieved that he was gone. I never liked him, a very creepy man. I was eleven when he disappeared, but he still gave me nightmares.”

“You were eleven?!” Lupin cried. “You mean to tell me Harland was living here in England for ten years and we couldn’t find him?”

“My father is good at making people disappear, and at bribing officials. Fudge was practically in his pocket when he became Minister, so he was able to get away with a lot until the Aurors went around Fudge and began their investigation.” Draco propped himself up and tried to reach for his glass of juice. Fred helped him out, handing over the drink. “Thanks.”

“But he had to have been captured at some point.” Hermione pointed out. “He was listed among those who escaped Azkaban last year.”

“He was. I kept an ear up for any word of him, seeing as how when we got him the first time, he had sworn to kill me. He was apparently found in India last year and brought back here under heavy guard to carry out his original sentence. I was relieved to hear it. Of course, less than a week later, he, Bellatrix and Lucius had all escaped with the others.”

“You think he went to help them?” Ron asked.

“It’s possible. The thought had occurred to me, as well as Dumbledore that Voldemort had tracked Harland down and they planned for him to be caught. Just so he could help the others get out.”

“Why did they put him in Azkaban anyway?” Harry asked angrily. “They knew at that point that the Dementors had left.”

“Arthur investigated that.” Lupin replied. “Apparently some wires were crossed during his transport back here. We aren’t sure if it was an accident or if someone had been forced to make the mistake.”

“Like with the Imperious Curse?” Fred asked.

“That, or simple blackmail. We just don’t know, everything was all confusion.”

“Why didn’t you all tell us about him then? If you all knew he was so dangerous?” Harry asked.

“Because Snape told us that Harland had returned to India. And he had, we sent people after him, but they never returned. I don’t know when he came back to London this time.” Lupin answered.

“So now Harland is back and he’s definitely still pals with Voldemort.” Harry said. “That’s just fantastic.”

(BREAK)

Healer Drake came in a short while later and kicked them all out so he could see to his patients. He told Draco and Lupin that he was going to tell the others to leave them be for awhile, that they both needed rest. He gave them each their separate remedies, ran the treatment on Draco’s wasted arm and left so they could nap. But Draco couldn’t sleep. He finally had his chance, no one else was around.

“Professor?” Draco asked, hoping the other man hadn’t fallen asleep.

“You can call me Lupin or Remus, like the others, Draco.” Lupin responded kindly. “At least when we’re outside Hogwarts.”

“What’s going to happen to me, Lupin?”

“With the change?” Lupin turned on his side so that he was facing Draco’s bed. “Expect it to be painful, at least the first few times. Once your bones are used to the transformation process, it’ll get better.”

“And then what? What happens after I change? What will I do?”

“Will you be yourself still? No, you won’t. The wolf’s instincts take over and you won’t be able to distinguish between friend, enemy, or stranger. That’s why it’s important to take the Wolfsbane Potion, so the wolf won’t take away your humanity. And for extra safety, I leave.”

Draco meditated on the thought. “So what do you do, when you go away?”

“I go far out in to the country and deep into the woods where the chance of running into anyone is practically non-existent. Then I run until the wolf is tired and wait for morning.”

“Do you… do we only change during the full moon?” Draco asked. One day a month might not be so bad.

“Full transformation, yes. But the days before and after, you won’t feel like yourself. Everyone is different, but I feel like climbing the walls during that time, like I have too much energy and it’s building and building until I feel like I’m going to explode. Others get angry or depressed. Some even get extremely happy.”

“Is it horrible?” Draco asked quietly.

“Sometimes, because you aren’t in control of yourself. When it first happened to me, I thought it was the end of the world. I wanted to die, to just give up. But then I had friends who helped me through it, Sirius and James. Even Peter at the time.” Lupin sighed. “It’s always amazing how much history really does repeat itself.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, this has all happened before hasn’t it? I was James’s friend, and I received this curse. And here we are, so many years later, and a friend of James’s son receives the same curse. And that’s not all.” Lupin let out another heavy sigh. “Every time we’re in battle, I feel like I’ve been there before, and of course, I was. Some seventeen, eighteen years ago when I was a younger, more capable man. And you know what, so many of the faces are the same, just a little older… or younger. Harry is such a mixture of his parents, sometimes being around him hurts me, because it’s almost like having them back.” Lupin admitted closing his eyes.

Draco felt bad for Lupin. He had been through so much in his past, and now here he was, reliving it all over again. He wanted to admit that being around Potter hurt him too, in a different way. Potter could do anything it seemed, and though others around him suffered, he always came out of each danger untouched. And stronger too. The more Potter gave into his destiny, the better off he was. Hell, he’d almost gotten the Dark Lord at the Leaky cauldron, had certainly come closer than anyone before him. But the more Draco tried to be good, tried to forge his own destiny, the worse things got for him and the more he had to rely on all of these people who had a year ago been strangers, enemies. And he wished they still were. He didn’t want to care if they lived or died. He didn’t want to know their history, or understand them better. He wanted to blame them for everything, because it was so much easier. But if he was going to face facts, everything done to him, his missing arm, the werewolf bite, the feelings of constant inadequacy; those things were the other side’s fault. Potter hadn’t thrown a killing curse at him, or sent Harland to his room. Potter hadn’t been the cold, unfeeling monster who had raised him.

Everyone in this house had shown Draco more kindness than he deserved, certainly more than he had ever thought to show them. And now, they were keeping him alive, even though it meant untold danger for themselves, should Harland show up, or if Draco lost control. The reason was two-fold, he knew. Sure they had probably come to care a little for him as Luna claimed, but when you came down to it, they just weren’t the murdering kind.

There was only one way Draco could think of for him to repay their kindness, but was he really capable of doing it? “Did you ever just want to give up? You know, just end it all for yourself?”

Lupin opened his eyes and stared at him, now all seriousness. “Honestly, yes. Of course! Anyone with a conscious would if given this curse. The last thing I wanted was to hurt someone I cared about, and it would have been so easy to end it all, better for everyone else. Or so I thought at the time.” He looked down. “Okay, I thought it several times over the years.”

“Why didn’t you?”

Lupin met his eyes once more. “Because I had friends telling me not to. But then they were taken from me, and I felt like the world was ending. It was harder then, when I was on my own, to find reasons to go on living. But I didn’t give up and I had a hard life because of this curse. And I learned it wasn’t the end of the world after all. I mean here I am, a professor, a fighter for the Order, and a husband to a wonderful woman. Life gives you what you put into it, Draco.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Draco replied, as someone knocked lightly at the door.

Arthur Weasley came in and greeted them, asking about their condition. But Draco could see the panic hiding behind his eyes. “What’s wrong Mr. Weasley?” he asked.

“Draco, if you’re up for it, I need you to once again go over everything you and Harland talked about involving Severus Snape.” Mr. Weasley said seriously, pulling a chair up next to his bed.

“Why? What’s happened Arthur?” Lupin asked, sitting up in bed.

He looked back and forth between to two of them before lowering his head. “Severus is missing, he was supposed to report to me and Albus this morning about last night’s Death Eater meeting. He never showed and we can’t find him anywhere.”

　
　

NOTE: Okay, so for those of you who read my little notes at the beginning and end of each chapter, I know I said a lot of other things were going to happen in this chapter. But while writing it, it kind of got away from me and went in a completely different direction than I had intended. So I guess the story will be changing a bit from what I had planned. Anyway, more to happen next chapter, though now that I’ve gone this way, even I’m not sure what’s coming up. Stick with me folks, this should get interesting. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, please leave a review, let me know what you think!

　
**NOTE: FOR THOSE OF YOU STICKLERS FAMILIAR WITH WEREWOLF LORE
I know that a werewolf must be in wolf form in order to bite someone and have them turn, according to Rowling. And I know that Lupin, above all others would know this. However, I have obviously taken some liberties (Especially since I changed Lupin’s history and how he was turned to serve the story in HP and the Ring of Mykele, and took Fenrir Greyback out of the picture completely) So please, suspend belief with me and just go with the flow, after all, that was only the rule for werewolves in the HP series, there are other stories of werewolves that have different rules for how to turn someone, as well as appearance, mood, and ability (or lack of) to keep some humanity in wolf form. I need it to be this way to serve the story, so please, just stick with me and enjoy the story and try not to focus too much on the technical.

Chapter 14: The Truth is Out There

A/N: Welcome back, I think enough new elements have been added for now, and we should start solving some of those mysteries already laid out. This will be a super, super long chapter by the way, as there’s a lot to go over. Answers are coming, in this chapter and the next few, so Read, Review, Enjoy!

　


Five days had passed since Lairmore, and things were starting to get back to normal, or as normal as things could be in Harry’s house. Lupin and Draco had recovered enough to seek the comfort of their own rooms. Of course, Tonks had wanted Lupin to return to their apartment with her, but he had insisted they stay at Grimmauld Place, so that he could help Draco.