Ironclad: So, so sorry, I got busy with school and I'm practicing for AP exams and I've just been really, really busy; and I'm so sorry! (bawlls saddly)

Reyts: Sure you are you big crybaby.

Ironclad: (stops crying sudenly) Reyts, you're so MEAN!

Reyts: No, I'm not. Now get on with the disclaimer.

Ironclad: (huffs angrily) Fine. Harry Potter and all related carries do not belong to me, only the plot.

Reyts: Good puppy. (pats Ironclad on the head like a dog)

Ironclad: Why YOU! Get back here! (chases Reyts into the distance)

The Death Eaters gathered in the antechamber nervously, their position revealing their rank. Several people were missing, but those that were, were either on unstoppable missions, had died, or had been captured. As one they turned to the door which would permit Their Lord entrance to the room as they fell silent.

Quietly, the door swung open to permit the Dark Lord, Nagini at his feet, and an owl on his arm. With great poise he slid into his throne, settling easily into the plush comfort. Voldemort brushed his fingers against the snowy owl's chest, the Death Eaters fidgeting nervously. Finally, Voldemort spoke.

"It sseemss one of our tassskss hass been completed for uss." he hissed. He paused, before continuing, "Earlier thiss morning I received a letter from one Harry Jamess Potter, sstating hiss place in thiss war wass not hiss own, and that he wass leaving the war and thiss world permanently."

Silence reined in the antechamber for a moment, before the small voice of Draco Malfoy spoke up.

"My Lord," he murmured clearly, head bowed, "in which manner did he leave?"

Voldemort turned red eyes on the Malfoy heir before speaking, "Death, young Malfoy." the Malfoy heir nodded slowly.

Once more the Dark Lord turned his eyes to the Death Eaters, "We attack Hogwartss on the eve of July 31st, a week from today." the Death Eaters understood the signifigance of the day, but made no mention of it, "Draco Malfoy, you are to remain, everyone elssse leave." was the hissed conclusion to the meeting as everyone, save Draco Malfoy, hurried to leave.

The Malfoy heir stood fearfully before his Lord, shaking minutely. Red eyes, shining with a surprisingly gentle light, turned to the boy, and Voldemort motioned for Draco to step closer. The young Malfoy heir did so, and Voldemort placed a gentle hand on the boy's platinum locks.

"You have done well young Malfoy. I am proud of you." Voldemort spoke with a soft smile.

Questioning eyes turned to Voldemort, "Wh-what do you mean My Lord?" Draco spoke.

"Exactly that, young Malfoy. You did well to keep you friendship secret, even from myself, with Potter." the Dark Lord spoke.

"I-I am not going to be punished My Lord?" Draco asked questioningly.

"No young Malfoy. In fact, I wish to present you with a most important task." Voldemort spoke comfortingly.

"Yes My Lord." the Malfoy heir's voice was strong.

"I with for you to care for both Nagini and Hedwig when I am unable to, and I would wish for you to tell me all you can of our young Harry." Voldemort spoke.

"I would be proud to do such a thing My Lord." Draco spoke.

Voldemort paused, thinking, before he spoke, "No more of that My Lord stuff Draco." a pause, "To you I am Tom. A companion and a friend." he finally spoke, voice filled with conviction, and Draco smiled.

"Harry told me about that name, and the past behind it." he spoke quietly, and Voldemort froze, "But as you said, I am a companion and a friend, and Slytherins do not betray their friends."

Voldemort relaxed, before speaking, "Thank you, Draco." a pause, "Now tell me, were would Harry's body most likely lie?"

Draco paused, thinking, "The Chamber, most likely." voice distant.

Voldemort smiled, "Thank you, Draco. Now, while I go retrieve Harry's body, I want you to plan as wonderful a funeral as you can, do not worry about the cost, and invite all of Harry's true friends. It is to be held the day after the final battle, which you are to warn them about, and they are to dress in casual clothing. Can you do that for me?"

Draco smiled brilliantly, "I would be honored, Tom."

"Good, then do so, and make sure neither you nor any of Harry's other true friends participate in the final battle. I, however, have a body to retrieve for said funeral."

Draco nodded sharply, eyes flinty with determination. He didn't question his Lord's sudden turnaround, and Voldemort too nodded sharply, before standing. He handed Hedwig to Draco and told Nagini to listen to the young Malfoy, before disappearing with a pop. Draco smiled softly, before he left the antechamber, heading for the gardens.

Harry had found his peace, Lord Voldemort had recovered his sanity, and Dumbledore and his Order of Fried Chicken were toast.

Ironclad: (shouts) BU-BYE FOR NOW!