Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, J. K. Rowling does. I don't own the Road Not Taken either, that belongs to Robert Frost.
Warning: This will be HP/DM
Rating: M for language and suggested content
Note: Is not compatible with book seven, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
OOO
Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
The Road Not Taken
II
Sebastian was bored. He had to watch over the children. He was old enough to be with the other men as he was thirteen but nooo, he had to watch the children! Sebastian was the first child in this group; he had been involved since he was a meagre six years old. It all began when a man who was old and decrepit, named Robert but called Bert, found him in the gutter. He offered the little boy a place to stay in exchange for a few small favours. Sebastian would become a pickpocket. It was an easy enough job and he was trained by a master. Bert soon found another child and another. Boys and girls both were used, and once the girls were old enough they sought a different way to make money.
It was a neat little organization and one that Sebastian enjoyed. They didn't steal enough to be rich and rolling in the money but were happy, together as a strange little family. Sebastian's parents and sister were killed in a house fire, leaving him homeless. He was ratty and starved when Bert found and saved him. Now there were nearly ten children and a handful of girls who worked the streets. The older boys began robbing houses at the suggestion of one of the other men this organization attracted, and more came every day.
"Hey, boy? Bring the baby up here!" a voice came down the stairs from the 'adults' living room. Sebastian sighed and scooped the two year old into his arms. This baby was a recent addition but she didn't come from the streets. No, she came from a loving family and a well supported home. They stole her. Apparently she was the daughter of one of the guards of the prison Samuel was sent to. Sam was a cruel conniving asshole so as payback he took the guard's little girl to train her as a thief then later, sell her as a whore.
He adjusted the baby on his shoulder and climbed the stairs. She thrashed like she always did but she didn't make a sound. She's never made as much as a peep when she was awake. When she was sleeping was another story.
"'Bout time ya lazy scoundrel. Give 'er 'ere. This gene'lman whants ta see 'er."
Bert was sitting on a couch he called his 'throne' the man who wanted to see the baby was standing a little way from the stairs. His hair, so black it carried blue highlights, fell to thin shoulders. His skin was pale and his features were sharp. His eyes were dark brown with his arched brows framed them perfectly. He was beautiful. "Well don't just stand there, boy! GIVE 'ER TO 'IM." Bert hollered and attempted to swat the boy with his walking stick but was slightly out of reach.
"Alright, alright. Keep yer knickers on, oldster!" Sebastian handed the baby over to the beautiful stranger who took her with care. "Careful wit 'er. She tends to be kinda fussy-." She started cooing and laughing with the man.
He looked up at the curious stares. "A lot of practice had I when growing up in a family of eight. Oldest was I." his accent wasn't one of English decent. He spoke with a Romania edge though he didn't look it. "Her name?" he asked.
"We call her Allie for convenience," said the third person in the room. Sebastian jumped as a dark shadow leered at him. "Good evening, Robert. How are you? I trust the medicine has been helping?"
"Heya Sam. Sure, ta medicine is workin' like ta charm is!" Bert pointed a crooked finger at the man. "See there what Lor's doin there! She's not mute af'er all!"
"Yes, Laurence is very gifted isn't he?" Samuel said with a sneer and left the manor, calling back after him, "I'll be back in a couple of hours." Sebastian just shrugged and took hold of the child again when she was passed to him. He started down stairs when there was a knock at the door. Wha'ever it is, I don't want none!
OOO
Draco was cold. He and Potter were waiting outside a rundown manor. From the looks of it, the kitchen was the only room inhabited as was the cellar under it. Draco shivered, half in cold and half in dread. Maybe he was better off in the muggle prison after all…
"Not having second thoughts are you?" Potter whispered in his ear.
Draco moved away to look at him. He would never have admitted that their proximity was making him nervous, but he knew the truth in the deepness of his heart. That was where it was to stay anyway. "No! You just want me to back out so you don't have to give me what I want!" he hissed.
"If you would just tell me what you want… No! You're the only one I have! Just… just don't lose your head, alright?" he was breathing heavy, trying to control his voice level. His eyes were shining and his face paled considerably.
Draco could only stare at him after this revelation. "How can you trust me?" he finally asked.
Potter just shook his head. "You never killed Dumbledore and you would have come to the Order for help."
"How-."
He gestured to halt the question. "Now's not the time." He pointed to the door. "That would be Samuel LaCarte leaving the house. You should probably go now, talk to that old man and see if he will let you join up without the influence of that slim ball. Don't reveal that you are a-."
"Wizard or that I know a lot about them besides their basic existence because there could be others there as well, I know I know. We've went over this already!"
"Then go. And send me a message as soon as you can. I'm leaving this area the moment you set foot in that house. Take this." Potter shoved a small package into his hand. "It's a two way mirror. Just speak into it and I'll hear you."
Draco snorted. "And you don't think they'll find a magical artefact." he muttered under his breath, hoping Potter wouldn't hear. He did, but just rolled his eyes.
"You'd think you'd trust me more, Draco." He flashed a grin at the blond boy and nodded his head to the house. Draco sighed and stood from his concealment.
Draco walked up to the kitchen door and knocked as hard as he could. The brisk night felt good on his over heated skin. Footsteps came closer and the door opened. A stranger who was not in the report beckoned him inside. The man was strangely beautiful and he appeared to be a darker less scruffy version of Draco.
"Lor' 'oo's 'ere now?" a voice called from farther in the kitchen. Draco waited patiently as if for an introduction before realizing no one here knows who he is. He felt his face heat up in slight embarrassment. He cleared his throat.
"Master Robert, I presume. I am here because I have heard about an operation concerning children." Draco allowed himself to raise his head in a jaunty fashion. "I think I can help you. Indeed, I want to help you."
The man, Lor was it?, moved out of the entrance and Draco looked on the leader. He was a shrivelled old man, bent over in age with dark spots on his hands and face. His hair was thinning fast and the little hair he had left hung in wisps around his face. His eyes were light blue with milky splotches obscuring the colour. The man was almost blind.
"Come'n, come'n. We can alw'ys use new 'ands in ta field. What did oo say oo'r name was again?" he peered at Draco, trying to see his face. Draco stepped closer.
"I didn't. I am known as many things on the street but you can call me Dominic. It may not be my given name but that was taken from me a long time ago."
Lor grunted. He held out a stiff hand and spoke in an oddly familiar way. "Laurence you may call me. I am recently come as well young master."
Draco/Dominic frowned. That voice… he's heard it from somewhere but he couldn't place where! "Nice to meet you, sir." Dominic rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Now, where are these kids? I've always had a soft place for them." He grinned manically, his eyes lighting in a way that caused the other two men to recoil slightly. This was part of Potter's plan. If he took an unhealthy interest in the children then the other men and possible women wouldn't become overly suspicious as to why he would want to join. He never intended to go through with anything he said anyhow.
The third occupant in the room cleared his throat nervously, Draco turned to him and recognized him for the report. Jack Stanford said, "Yes, well we do like your enthusiasm. However, we don't use the children in such a way." He cleared his throat again. "What I mean to say is, while we have the older girls for that, the young ones are meant to be kept safe…"
"Sir, you insult me. I would never stoop so low as to use little girls as a means for entertainment. My pleasure is… much more- How do you say?- rugged." Dominic smiled a sickly sweet smile. At this moment, Draco wanted to upchuck his lunch. He never thought he would have to play the child rapist. He would never do that to a child. It was something that had always disgusted him and the reason he loathed men like he was trying to portray. This was the life of Dominic not Draco. He took pride in that thought.
OOO
Harry made his way back to the office. The other aurors knew of his plan to infiltrate the Child Snatchers but they didn't know who he was using. They assumed it would be either a squib or muggle in the confidence of the ministry, not some wizard who was expelled for conspiring and Harry didn't plan on enlightening them.
The information he had gathered a few days ago made it clear that it would be a bigger incident then just Dudley's daughter being stolen. Hermione had told him that there were wizards involved in an operation to steal children and raise them as thieves. One of the men involved had wanted revenge on Dudley Dursley from past prison experiences and kidnapped his daughter. The irony was not lost on the small family. A past thief takes a baby from a jail guard and trains her up to become a thief herself. Just yesterday with the help of Hermione, Harry had discovered the location of the lair and the main occupants. Three people were constantly present at all times and one of them never left the old manor. He was the leader and the oldest member, having trained street kids and orphans how to pick pockets and scale walls for the majority of his twisted life. He was called Robert. The most unusual thing about the whole of the operation was that this Robert never allowed his 'kids' to go hungry and he seemed to genuinely care for them, but he was losing control with the arrival of a man called Slinker AKA Samuel LaCarte, a man, who in his younger years attended a private school called Smeltings. Sam's arrival with a baby girl in the last year changed the small private operation into something large and mutated, allowing Wizards to purchase a share in the market of thieving kids. Now the question remained: Who was Sam's wizard friend and how did they come to be in contact? The other man was a Jack Stanford. The name was found in no reccords either wizard or muggle. There was reason to believe that he played a bigger role in the company then was initially thought.
With Draco now behind the scenes, Harry had gained a sense of control over this situation at last. They have been searching for almost a year for his baby cousin. They could now expect to gain and not rest on a stalemate.
OOO
Dominic fit in the scene nicely. As was the time Draco spent in the jail, the people of this small rundown manor seemed content to leave Dominic to himself. Dominic was musing to himself later that night. He was given the choice of sleeping in the cellar with the other men or choosing one of the rooms in the abandoned mansion. He opted for the room. There was nothing perilous about the mansion except the dust and a suspicious looking cabinet which he was positive held a boggart. Since he had no wand there was no way he would open it. He lay on the mattress in one of the rooms with his coat covering him. The covers lay in a heap on the floor. They were looking rather mouldy and he didn't feel like getting sick.
This has been an interesting change of events. Dominic was a muggle, but Draco was a Wizard. A bit wandless at the moment, yes, but a wizard all the same. Draco knew that there was a wizard there but he didn't see him. And he was almost sure that there was more them one; maybe two or three. He couldn't be sure but something was happening. His first task is going to try and find out who those wizards are and what their next step is.
He shifted on the mattress and the package Potter had given him fell out of his pocket. He picked it up and opened it, not exactly sure what to expect. It was a mirror and the only thing that he could see was himself. He chuckled at his dishevelled appearance. His hair was grown out to his shoulders and matted in clumps; a beard of blond hair covered his face. It was a scraggily piece of work and gave his eyes a slightly wild tinge to them. In his old life, he would never allow his appearance to become so rough, now however, he couldn't care less. "Potter?" He whispered, half hoping that nothing would happen. And nothing did happen, for the first thirty seconds but suddenly the mirror flashed and where Draco's face was, now there was Potter, his green eyes holding concern and confusion.
"Draco? Is everything ok?"
Draco almost laughed in relief and embarrassment. He hadn't really meant for Potter to answer but at least he knew it worked.
"Draco! What is going on?" Potter was scowling at him, obviously not pleased.
"Relax, Potter. I was just hoping for a bedtime story. I miss you honey bunches." Draco stuck out his bottom lip and winked at Potter, laughing when all he got in return was a glare.
"Well as much as I really wish I could help you with your twisted mind, Draco. It's the middle of the night. I want to sleep."
"Sorry, princess Aurora. I'll let you get back to your beauty sleep."
Potter frowned disapprovingly. "Good night, Draco." He said almost uncertainly.
"Good night, Potter! Don't let the bed bugs bite." Draco said perkily. Covering the mirror again, he grinned to himself. Perhaps Potter wasn't that bad after all, but it sure was going to be fun to bug him… that is if this mission doesn't kill him first.
OOO
Harry frowned as he stared into his reflection. Did Draco really just reference Sleeping Beauty? The pureblood prince was acting more muggle then Harry ever felt.
OOO
The first day was relatively easy; all that was expected of Dominic was learning the routine and he would be proving his worth the next day by taking the oldest boys out and supervising while the kids picked the crowds. Groups like these could always use more man power but when it comes down to the crux of the matter, there wasn't a hell of a whole lot to do.
The old man, the starter of this production was a bit mad. More then a bit mad, he was bloody well insane. Nothing he said made much sense and his interest in the children and the product they brought in was a bit extreme. He was very protective of his 'kids' and the treasure. He was overly trusting of his underlings as well for he kept all the goods locked up all in one spot. He also seemed to have this doubled over sense of trust. On the one hand, he doesn't trust anyone and borders on paranoia and on the other hand he trusted way too easily which leads to the afternoon of the second day when he calls in Dominic to have a little chat…
"Robert, I don't think this is a good idea. I don't know the ropes well enough and with a job this big…" Dominic trailed off, unsure how to address the issue.
"I thin' you worry too much. You did great with the kids this mornin' and tha's all ya really need ta do i'."
"Yes but… Robert, you want me to take Sebastian into an alley downtown and steal wands?" Dominic was a muggle and could sound indignant of the treatment even though he was well aware that wizards did exist but Draco knew how virtually impossible that task would be. A wizard and witch looked after their wand like it was an extension of their soul, which it technically was. If a wizard were caught with his hand on another man's wand, it was up to seven years in Azkaban. Wands, by this definition, being a long wooden stick in which people of magical ability use to conduct magic. There was no jail time for homosexual tendencies.
Yes, Robert was truly insane and Dominic knew that this new plan would fail, though he would never say that to ol' Bert.
"I don' expect it ta work, laddie! It's only a whatsit experimen'. I hear there is some alley or not downtown fer wizards! They got wands and gold! One o' my men tol' me." Bert's eyes were excited and shone like he had a fever. Dominic had to fight not to shiver. Bert grinned, taking the silence as a good thing and went on to describe in length how to get into the pub that would essentially grant them access to this elusive alley.
OOO
Dominic revelled in the feeling of freedom. Earlier that day, he watched the kids pick their pockets, finding it difficult to truly pay attention to them for it was his first time away from bars or supervision in six long months and he wasn't even truly free yet. No he was still under obligation to Harry and that placed him in the control of these child snatchers. He did have to admit the boys' skill when it came to the art. There were a number of police scowering the area in search of ne'er do wells, never once giving the boys a second glance. Dominic grinned to himself as he and Sebastian made their way down the streets of London, growing closer to the mystical alley in which Draco hadn't seen for half a decade. A block away from the dingy pub, Dominic pulled Sebastian to the side and into a café.
"Let's get something to settle us before we enter into the lion's den, eh?" Dominic leered at Sebastian for a moment, looking him up and down briefly. Sebastian showed no concern for the lecherous looks and simply looked expectantly at Dominic.
"S'long as ya pay, I'm game." They entered and ordered a few meat cakes and some coffee, sitting down at a small table in the corner to eat.
Sebastian finished the first meat pie and going for the next when Dominic stopped him. "Let me ask you a question about what we are about to do before you settle into that one there for then we would have to head out. You know why we're going to this alley?"
The boy frowned at him in a moment of confusion. "Sure I know. Gotta steal em' fancy sticks don' we?"
"Yes but do you know how that's possible?"
Light dawned in the kid's eyes. At least he wasn't as thick headed as Draco feared. Dominic couldn't care less. His voice lowered to a whisper, "Is it even possible?"
Dominic shook his head. "I don't know. If it were, people would have done it sooner. I heard that it wasn't and I would stake my life on that answer. But they are damn tricky and they can do things that would scare a grown man out of his meal. I heard that from a first hand account."
Sebastian's alarm grew rapidly. Draco could feel the slight change of aura surrounding the boy. "We gotsta at least scope the place. Who knows what we can accomplish? And Bert wan's a wand!"
Dominic shushed him and leaned forward more. "And what makes Bert so sure that he would be able to control a- a wand" he hissed the word so low that Sebastian had to strain to hear. "I heard that only one with magic can do it."
Sebastian shook his head. "It aint for Bert ta use! It's for Laurence. Th' man's on the run from their ministry and 'is is bugged. They's can track 'im through the stick! How creepy is that!"
Draco nearly gasped in shock but Dominic showed no outward sign except confusion. Looks like he found the wizard after all. He motioned to the last pie. "Wrap that up and you can eat it on the way. We better get going."
Sebastian did so without a word. The last block was fast and soon they were standing in front of the dirty dingy door that led to Diagon Alley's entrance. Draco saw it clear as day but Sebastian was squinting, trying to keep the door in place as it tried to slip from his vision. Dominic gripped the boy's arm and jerked him roughly.
"Come on! Lets get this over with." He pulled open the door and entered the brightly lit pub. Where it once was covered in swirling smoke, it was now a place of light and laughter and more crowded then Draco ever recalled it being before. Dominic slid silently into the back of his mind and Draco came forward fully. If anything, this was not a time to be ignorant of the wizarding world. "Stay close and don't say anything, don't let people notice you. I should have told the old bastard no!" Sebastian looked up sharply, seeing the difference in the newest recruit. His grey eyes were hard and wary of every movement.
He pulled the boy into a corner and sat fully in the shadows, hopefully hiding his face. He was scruffy enough that, along with the shadows, he shouldn't be recognized. He scanned the crowds, both anxious and horrified at the thought of seeing people he knew in a past life. Sebastian, in full light for there was only one corner, was sneaking glances at Draco that he thought went unnoticed. Finally Draco had to tell him to stop.
"Why are you so nervous? You didn' act like this ev'n 'round th' other men."
Draco sighed, annoyed with the boy and his own stupidity for getting in this mess. "Look, you're a smart kid, what do you see?"
"Wha' I see? I see a bunch o' fops in dresses!"
Draco was hard pushed not to laugh. He was once proud to be one of those fops. "Those are robes. Do they look like they have pockets to pick?"
Sebastian shook his head.
"There you go. No pockets to pick. So how do you get the wand?"
He opened his mouth to speak but the bartender came up to their table quickly. "Sorry about the wait, young masters." He peered at Sebastian. "Are you a muggle sir?" his voice raised just enough for the wizards and witches close heard him and turned to their table to stare.
Draco sighed. "Two butterbeers, Tom. And make it quick." He turned to the people staring at them. "And if you would be so kind… my cousin from the Netherlands does not know our customs here and will be staying in muggle London. Robes would not be appropriate now would they?"
Sebastian stared at him in amazement. "You-you-you-."
"Me, myself and I. Damn! Potter owes me for this." Draco buried his head in his hands. The butterbeers were put on the table and Tom waited around for the coins. Draco had no wizard money. He hadn't held it in his hands for all the time he was in the muggle world, learning to rely on pounds instead. Draco looked up over his fingers and groaned. "I have no money Tom and I'm afraid my tab is long over due."
Tom the aged bartender looked furious and pulled out his wand from the hidden pocket, ready to curse the shit out of non paying customers if Draco was any judge.
"Tom, I'll get it today." A light voice floated over to them and a pretty girl in gold robes with blue trim came over. She dropped a few silver sickles into the old man's hand and turned facing the two sitting at the table. Sebastian's mouth dropped open and Draco was somewhat appalled to see that he was close to drooling. The girl had dark brown hair twisted into a knot at the back of her head with big brown eyes Draco was horrified to recognize. She motioned to the empty seat, "May I sit down?"
Sebastian gave no chance for Draco to refuse the question. "Please, mam' rest those feetsy fer ya. I'm Sebastian and this here is Dominic. We's new in town."
She raised an eye brow, "Hermione, please to meet you. You may be new to this pub but new to the town? I don't think so. You two reek of muggle." She looked slyly at Draco. "Except for you, Dominic was it? That was quite smooth the way you handled Tom there. How long have you been away from the wizarding world to feel uncomfortable around us?"
Draco, keeping his head lowered, grunted, "Long enough." And left it at that. She looked at him curiously but shook her head and went back to questioning Sebastian on the reasons they were there. Draco's assumption of him was correct. He was a smart kid and though he was friendly and smooth talking, he gave nothing away. Draco was forced to retreat back into Dominic and let them have their conversation. Granger didn't give the slightest recognition when looking at him and he was glad. It was one less thing that he would have to convince Sebastian not to tell about. The boy was thoroughly enjoying the converstation with a beauty (who would have thought that Draco of all people would be calling Granger a beauty) and the butterbeer which was warm and sweet.
After what seemed like forever but was in reality only half an hour, Granger was called away by another brown haired witch whom Draco would have staked his life that it was Katie bell from the red and gold house team. Apparently they both worked for Gingotts now, judging by the robes. Without another word to anyone, Dominic gripped Sebastian's arm and pulled him back into muggle London.
"Kid, you and I are going to have a long chat before we go back to the dump of a manor."
OOO
Harry sat in the chair before the large desk scattered with paperwork in no logical order. But of course not, the desk belonged to Kingsley and, though he was strange at times, he was a brilliant Auror and knew the minds of criminals the best. But at the moment he was berating the youngest Auror in their field for keeping information.
"Now Harry, this is very important, I'll ask you again. Who is your informant? Who is your infiltrator?"
Harry just smiled slightly and shook his head without saying anything. And Kingsley sighed. "I've known you for most of your wizarding life, son. I've helped you in Sirius Black's case in completely clearing his name even though the minister was still convinced he was to blame. I've helped Albus Dumbledore with the Order of the Phoenix and I still frequent the meetings from time to time. You've used me from time to time as your confident so I know you trust me. So I'm asking you to tell me as a friend and confident, not as your superior."
Harry's smile widened into a grin. "I was wondering how long you would wait until you pulled that card. But I'm sorry my friend, those are the reasons I cannot tell you." He shrugged. "You'll just have to trust me on this one!"
A beeping came from his robe pocket and Harry pulled out the two-way mirror. Draco face flashed in the reflective surface. He was scowling. Harry stood. "Well Kingsley, I'm glad we had this little talk, but I must go. You see, my informant has more news for me and it would be better if I went somewhere private to deal with him." Before the head of the department could utter a word, Harry was gone, down the hall and into his office. In the beginning he had a small cubicle like every other new Auror but after being caught sleeping on the wooden bench out in the hall too many times to count, they finally took pity on him and transfigured his cubicle into a small enclosed office with a comfortable couch against the wall. It was soundproof as well, except for the door which would allow him to hear if someone were to knock.
Harry settled in his chair behind his desk and leaned the mirror against its holder. It gave him a better view of the surface and of Draco's face. Draco wasn't pleased. "About time Potter. What took you so long?" His voice floated out of the two-way mirror.
"I was in a meeting with Kingsley Shackbolt. I could have told him who I was speaking to if you would prefer…" Harry frowned in thought for a moment before his eyes narrowed, "where are you?" Harry could see stone work behind his informer as well as a teenage boy who tried to peer over Draco's shoulder.
Draco snarled at the boy, making him back off. He turned back to the Auror. "I need your help. You're the one who got me into this and I need assurance! Bring your godforsaken wand over here and perform a memory charm on this little bugger!"
"Draco," Harry warned. He would bet anything that the other man's energy levels were going insane.
"Just get your pompous arse over here before I go to the ministry and blow this whole thing wide open." He glared into the mirror and Harry sighed.
"I'll be there in a moment. Where is here?"
Draco gave him the street address where the alley was and Harry made his way to the apparition point. He walked to the lift and rose to the lobby. It was early evening and most of the employees had gone home for the day, leaving just a handful of Aurors and unspeakables in the lower levels. Harry entered the apparition circle drawn on the floor. It was set in place so that if someone strange were to apparate in the ministry they would be trapped in the circle until the guard could release them. It had happened frequently when the circle was new; now most people would rather go through registration then be caught in the circle for an indeterminate amount of time. He fixed the location in his mind and turned abruptly, vanishing from one point to reapparate at the next.
A scream and a thump made him turn around in time to see the boy he saw in the mirror earlier jump on a trashcan and biff it in the sidewalk. The legs sticking out from the side of the can suddenly drew up as the boy curled into a ball behind it, hiding for his life. Harry just sighed and looked to the blond scruffy man.
OOO
Sebastian curled in a ball, trying to keep the devil off his tail. He was only slightly embarrassed that his voice broke on the high note when he jumped away. Now don't get him wrong! He knew there were wizards and witches and whatever else went bump in the night. Hell, he even met a few now and then but he never saw them do magic and that one just showed up with a bang! No other warning then that!
"Draco, what happened?" The dark haired wizard started to talk to Dominic. But he called him Draco! Something was going on here and Sebastian would be sure he found out what.
OOO
Hermione was wondering down muggle London doing some window shopping for a dinner with her parents. While they supported her witchiness, they also liked to see their daughter acting ordinary meaning that she wore muggle clothing once in a while, especially for her annual birthday dinner.
She entered a small boutique where her cousin stood behind the counter.
"Hermione! What a surprise! I haven't seen you around here lately." Her cousin was a small bouncy girl who made it her sworn duty to bring fashion into the lives of those poor deprived folk who had none of that material sense.
"Hello E. Just doing some shopping for the dinner." She winced to her self. Elizabeth Granger was one of the few childhood friends she could remember playing with. She had also been there having spent the night when the post came one morning long ago. With that post came the letter that changed Hermione's life forever.
"Oh you poor thing! They still make you go home for your birthday?"
"It keeps them happy, I mean I all but moved out when I went to school. I never went back, not really. Then I moved in with Harry until I got my own apartment." She shrugged then leaned in, having no secrets from her cousin, "I need your fashion sense. I'm announcing my engagement that night and I need to look like a proper muggle to wheel them in."
Elizabeth slowly grinned, "About bloody time! And it's the red head no doubt. Alright, come this way darling!" E moved farther into the small clothing shop with Hermione in tow.
Hermione exited the boutique with a single bag holding her outfit. Yes, her cousin did know how to dress a witch. She wandered back to the leaky cauldron, lost in memory of last night when Ron finally proposed. She was almost at the rundown entrance to the pub when she heard a scream. She froze to listen, a few muggles going for an evening stroll looked around before shrugging and continuing down the street. She drew her wand and headed to the location of the scream across the road. When she got to the alleyway she sidled up to the corner and peered around. She saw the back of a wizard in auror robes and she instantly recognized the stance and hair. The name on her lips and her initial movement forward froze when he spoke.
"Draco, what happened?"
Draco? Draco malfoy? She studied the other man who she first looked over and was shocked to realized that this was the man she bought drinks for. She saw the boy then, half of his face hidden behind the trash can. She shifted her body for she could observe without being seen as their conversation continued.
OOO
Draco ran his hand through his hair then stroked his beard. "It really wasn't my fault! Robert wanted a wand so he told me to take the kid and case the pub but I knew it was nearly impossible to lift a wizard's wand. The only thing that would keep my cover to case the place but keep the kid in check, that way he wouldn't rat me out."
Potter scratched his chin in a subconscious imitation of Draco's movement. The blond man raised his eyebrow slightly then frowned at what Potter said next. "That doesn't sound like it would go over too terribly, not the crisis in which you called me here anyway."
"It wasn't supposed to be a crisis! Not until Tom came and asked the kid if he were a muggle. I broke cover to keep us from being tossed out! I panicked!"
"What did you do then?"
"I ordered two butterbeers and convinced Tom and everyone else that I was a wizard." He looked disgusted with himself for a moment then sullenly lowered his head, "Oh and Granger bailed us out. I almost had a heart attack when she asked to sit with us. She didn't recognize me though. That's a blessing at least." He ran another hand through his hair. This time it was shaking. He turned and kicked the side of the alley. "God damn it! Imagine what would have happened if she called me out! I would have been arrested again! Fuck!"
Potter gripped him by the shoulders and shook him lightly. "Calm down! She didn't call you out and even if she did know it was you, she's smart enough to see you've changed."
"You went after me with a wand when you saw me. What makes you think she would have been different?" The hands on his shoulders were oddly comforting and he felt himself lean forward slightly. He shook his head when he realized what he was doing and wrenched himself away from the darker wizard. "Just obliviate him!" Draco pointed at the trash can and Sebastian squeaked in fear. Potter drew his wand and pointed it at the pile, the curse on his lips when suddenly his wand flew from his hand and he was propelled backwards against a wall.
OOO
Harry looked in a daze at his friend as she looked down at him, holding her wand and his. He stood slowly and turned to the blond wizard who was slumped against the wall in utter defeat. The boy was standing behind Hermione and she had an arm wrapped around his shoulders.
"Hermione, how long have you been there?" Harry was tired. He barely slept that night and he was emotionally and mentally worn down from Kingsley and Draco. He didn't have the strength to maintain his defences against one of his best friends now.
She shrugged, "I think I caught most of it so you don't have a lot to explain. The Robert I assume is the same one from the records I gave you?"
Harry grinned. "I knew you were still the brightest witch I know!"
Her smile answered his. "And the infamous Draco Malfoy is your informant? That's what I don't understand. How is it that he's alive?"
Draco jerked and moaned. "Now Granger's gonna know! She's going to know that she belongs in this world more then I do! How can I survive this?"
Harry looked at him pityingly and quickly explained to Hermione what he found out. Her arm tightened around the boy noticeably. She looked at the teen. "So what's your part in this then, Sebastian? Why were you with Draco?"
He looked at Harry nervously and then at Draco. His eyes locked on the blond. "We was gonna take a wand. But we couldn' cause you wizards have no pockets. No pockets no way ta pick 'em." He shrugged, "though' we ought ta try anyhow."
"Are you one of the child thieves?"
"I though' I just answered that!" He looked at Hermione like she was stupid and she just grinned.
"I guess you did." She turned her attention to Harry. "You were going to obliverate him? Why not force an oath out of him instead? He could be useful. He's smart and he must have access to Alexia."
The boy, Sebastian, twisted to look at Hermione. "I don't know any Alexia! I-."
"You might know her as Allie, or Alex. She's only three years old." Harry stated. The boy's mouth dropped open. Yes, he knew her and Harry highly doubted that they needed Draco to stay in the manor for much longer. He turned to Draco. "Dra-."
"Harry! I think we should get off the streets now." Hermione called out as she moved toward the entrance of the alleyway. "The muggle police will start their patrolling soon. It's past dark."
"Shit! We have to figure this out before I can let Draco take the kid back to the kidnappers!" He moved to Draco and gripped his shoulder again. "My house, now. Hermione I'll meet you there with the kid. Let's go. He tugged Draco to his feet and Apparated away, heedless of fact that Draco hadn't handled the tug behind the navel for a number of years. He was sorely reminded of the fact however when Draco lost all the butterbeer he drank at the leaky cauldron and more.
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