Disclaimer's Notice: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters featuring in the books or the films. They belong to J.K Rowling and her wonderful mind.
Chapter 7
Running always made everything better. When all else made no sense, pounding out 5 miles on a dirt track focused the mind and provided answers that did. Malfoy was and always would be a runner. Many months had passed and in those months, much had happened. Malfoy had celebrated his 25th birthday, his mission departure date had been set, Archer had decided to stay at headquarters and William, having turned 17 had been accepted into the Militis Argentum; he was currently serving his eighth month as a Novice. Oh, and Malfoy was still not dead, insane, unstable or sick.
Since that surreal day in the arena almost 9 months ago, Malfoy hadn't had even the slightest inclination or indication that Higher Magic would once more erupt from his very being. In fact, he had felt nothing remotely out of the ordinary at all. Nevertheless, he had obeyed Voldemort's orders and delayed his mission until the Dark Lord saw fit to release him from headquarters. He had spent the last 9 months in intensive training both physical and magical. The upside of his extended stay was that the extra time at headquarters allowed Draco to hammer out the finer details of how he was going to accomplish what was being asked of him. While the mission was still secret on a need to know basis he had managed to secure authorisation to discuss the details with Archer. Authorisation that had only been given because she had more experience with long term Intel and the Grand Master felt it was wise to seek council; anything to minimise the risk of failure.
Malfoy had been surprised to discover that Archer had no problems with using Hermione Granger to get to Harry Potter. She had referred to Hermione as 'collateral damage for the greater good'. While Malfoy did not entirely agree with her views he valued her input and as such they discussed the mission in detail often talking late into the night. Unfortunately, William who had only received his Silver Hand two months earlier was still a Novice and could know nothing of what was planned. This bothered Malfoy as he hoped to become William's mentor in eighteen months after the trials. With a long-term mission coming up though, he wasn't sure if he'd be around when William became an Apprentice.
As Draco passed the last mile marker on the track, he slowed his pace and began his cool down jog. His heart was pounding in his chest and droplets of sweat constantly blurred his vision yet still he ploughed on. Today had been an especially frustrating day and Malfoy had a little extra anger to fuel his exercise. He had spent all morning with the Healers and the Seneschal undergoing medical tests and questions. No, he was not feeling unwell. Yes, he had been pushing himself at any and every opportunity. No, he had not felt extraordinary amounts of magic while practising in the arena. Yes, he was sleeping all right. No, his eyes hadn't changed colour again. Yes, he would make sure to notify them if anything changed at all. They seemed to be paranoid that he was going to spontaneously combust or something of that nature. All Malfoy wanted right now was to be released so he could put all this training to good use; he felt restless and useless and he did not like it.
He heard gravel crunching beneath his feet and saw that he had run out of dirt track. Six miles instead of the usual five; how was that for pushing himself! Walking over to the Knights' Quarters he spotted William in the pit sparring with Master Thaddeus. Master Tiberius was in the stands watching. He decided to take a small detour and watch.
"No boy, NO! Stop using your head and just allow the motions to flow," yelled Thaddeus.
Their swords clashed in mid-air. "Yes! Good block, Orsino. Use your feet. You're dropping your guard again," coached Thaddeus as they moved.
Draco noticed that William was still finding it awkward using his left hand as his primary grip. He remembered how long it had taken him to stop relying on his right hand for sparring and smiled. So many new changes and new experiences but despite it all William was faring better than Malfoy had under the same circumstances. While Draco was naturally left-handed, he had developed and favoured a double-handed sword grip before joining the Order. Master Thaddeus had a hard time getting him out of that habit but poor William was right-handed from the start so he was struggling even more. Thaddeus swung round and caught William under the arm with his blunted sword. William conceded the fatality point and rose from his attack stance.
William looked frustrated and angry; an expression that Malfoy was unused to seeing on the young Novice's face. Thaddeus had his arm on William's shoulder and the two men appeared to be in conversation. William's eyes were on the sand but he still appeared to be listening attentively. As they approached the gate Draco raised a hand in salute. The two men returned the greeting but before they reached the fencing Thaddeus was called over by Tiberius. William continued towards Draco and they shook hands.
"You're doing well," said Draco.
"That's what Master Thaddeus says but I find the progress slow and frustrating," replied William.
"The Grand Master once told me that slow progress is lasting progress. Don't worry! You'll get there in the end. Just remember that we all started somewhere and it has taken us all years to become what we are today," said Malfoy kindly.
William shrugged his shoulders and picked up his surcoat and shirt. Throwing it over his shoulder, he noticed Draco looking at him with a small smile. Feeling the urge to vent his frustrations he snapped, "What're you looking at?"
Malfoy's smile widened, he pointed at William's white surcoat and shirt. "I was just remembering how obvious I looked when I was the one wearing white in a sea of black and silver. I felt so out of place; I stood out when all I wanted to do was fit in."
William merely shrugged his shoulder once more and continued trudging toward the Knights' Quarters. "Where have you been these last few weeks, Draco? I barely see you around anymore; you don't come to mess & you rarely spar in the pit."
Malfoy smiled to himself, "So you're keeping tabs on me now, Orsino?"
"William looked a little alarmed, "No Sir, I was just curious because every time I've looked for you I haven't been able to find you."
"Unfortunately, William, I cannot tell you where I have been or why I haven't been at mess. As a Novice in training you don't have the necessary security clearance for me to divulge details but rest assured that I am fine and all is well. When you become a Knight you will understand that sometimes training and mission preparation take you away from what you'd rather be doing!"
William smiled at that, "So you're saying you'd rather be scoffing meals with me & playing in the pit than getting ready for this top-secret mission?"
Malfoy snorted, "I don't scoff! I consume!"
William laughed at this and replied sarcastically, "Of course you do!"
Malfoy jovially punched William in the shoulder and then threw an arm around the young man's shoulders. They began to mock fight dodging over-exaggerated punches and blocking each other's playful attempts at fatality hits. Just they reached the wooden door Malfoy spotted Archer hurrying towards them.
"Draco, the Grand Master has summoned us to a meeting in the library. He said it was urgent, you'd better hurry!"
William looked at Archer quizzically, "She knows about the mission?"
Draco had already begun walking towards Eva and called back over his shoulder, "Put the mission out of your mind William, it does not concern you nor is it for you to investigate. Focus on your training! I'll see you at mess, later."
Archer met Malfoy's stare with a raised eyebrow, "You told the boy about your mission? Did the Grand Master not say that it was to remain a secret of the highest priority?"
"Calm yourself Archer; I have given him no details. William has noticed my continued absence over the last few months and was merely enquiring where I had been. I mentioned I was training for an upcoming mission and that was it. I am aware of the Grand Master's orders and I would remind you that you are only a part of this because I obtained clearance for you."
"My, my, aren't we touchy! I did always find your little tantrums oh-so-very sexy! I think it's the way your bottom lip sticks out when you're in a strop; or maybe it's the way you set your jaw when you're angry," said Archer as she ran her hand down Malfoy's back.
"Draco stopped in his tracks, turned around and took hold of Eva's wrist, "Very funny Archer, but playtime is over. I think you need to learn a lesson in appropriate behaviour. Do you want everyone to find out what we've really been doing in the library so late every night!"
"So what if everyone knows! It's not as if we are forbidden from each other, and you are mine after all so why do you care if people start to see what they are already suspecting. It's not as if anyone else is worthy of either of us!"
"I belong to no one Archer, and if it's all the same to you I'd rather keep my personal life out of the gossip mill at headquarters thank you very much! As for worth, the reason you & I have no long term future is because you seem to believe you are better than everyone else. We are all born the same; it is our actions and achievements that define us as better than others. When you understand that, then and only then can you preach self-worth to me."
Archer gave Malfoy a look of pure venom before turning on her heel and stomping off toward the main staircase. Draco sighed, ran his fingers through his hair and continued after. He really shouldn't have lost his temper with Archer but he found her constant arrogance highly irritating. She was obsessed with this idea of superiority and it drove him mad! The truth was that he had been trying to distance himself from Archer for months now; ever since he realised that she had not changed one bit in the years she had been away he realised that their 'relationship' had no future. The only problem was that being involved with the mission meant that they had to spend time together and Archer was very persuasive about turning work into play. It would be a lie to say he hadn't enjoyed the physical side of being with Archer but beyond the immediate satisfaction he was slowly realising that he really had no deeper feelings left for her.
They had reached the library entrance; Archer knocked and the doors swung open. Standing at one of the map tables were Lord Voldemort, The Grand Master and the Seneschal. Upon seeing the Dark Lord, both Malfoy and Archer sank down on one knee. Voldemort's high cold voice commanded them to stand and approach the table. As they reached the three men, Malfoy caught a glimpse of the chart on the table; it appeared to be a map of a highly mountainous region somewhere in the north of England.
"Malfoy, you are summoned here today to assess the levels of preparation you have completed for this mission. We need to know how close you are to being ready," asked the Grand Master.
Malfoy took a deep breath before speaking, "I am ready, Dominus."
The Seneschal looked Archer expectantly; she met his eyes and stepped slightly forward, "I can vouch for and verify his words; we have completed all aspects of planning and physically he is ready. No evidence of Higher Magic in nine months and he is stronger than he has ever been before; I believe him to be fully fit and sound of mind for the task at hand."
Hearing Archer speak unexpectedly Malfoy looked at her over his shoulder. Meeting her gaze it suddenly hit him; Archer hadn't been helping him at all. She had been keeping an eye on him. She had allowed herself to be used by the Grand Master, the Seneschal and Lord Voldemort as a spy against one of her own. Though the realisation angered him, Malfoy knew that this was not the time, nor the place to start asking questions. He ignored the rising rage in his chest and turned back to the three leaders in front of him.
"Then it is settled," said Lord Voldemort. "Dame Archer has already filled us in on the exact details of your plan, Malfoy. I must say, some parts of it are a true stroke of genius! You will be given as much time as you need to complete the task however, if you are not back within eighteen months we will assume you have failed, the mission compromised and the Order shall move against Harry Potter in full force regardless of the consequences or casualties. You are to leave this evening for the North & it is my greatest hope to see you back here before me within a year and a half. May your loyalty be unwavering, you commitment be true and your training serve you well."
Malfoy looked at each of the men in turn, inclined his head and then turned to leave the room. Before he left the Seneschal handed him a roll of parchment. It was a map to the approximate location of Harry Potter's stronghold. He acknowledged the Seneschal and then left the library. Archer bowed deeply and followed him out. Once the library doors had shut and they were halfway down the stairs Malfoy wheeled around, grabbed Eva by the shoulders and thrust her against the wall. His whole body was rigid with anger; Eva merely sighed and looked Malfoy straight in the eyes.
"You act like I have betrayed you, Draco. Are you really so naïve to think that the Masters and the Dark Lord would allow you to continue without supervision after what happened nine months ago? They wanted to make sure you were up to the task and fit to complete this mission."
Malfoy was so enraged he could not speak. He released Archer & stepped away from her. Not trusting himself to speak he resumed descending the staircase. After a few steps he heard Archer following him down the stairs, across the courtyard and into the Knights' Quarters. Although he never turned around the see if she was following he knew that she was always just a few paces behind. He entered his quarters and rested his forehead against the closed door.
Archer had been spying on him all along; Archer had been reporting back to Lord Voldemort for nine months. Had their intimacy come as a direct order from Voldemort? Had Archer been commanded to engage him in a physical relationship? These questions and hundreds more began swirling through his mind. After what seemed like an age Malfoy raised his head and sighed. Looking out of the window he saw that it was nearing the evening; he needed to begin his final preparations before leaving for Potter's stronghold.
The first phase of the mission hinged entirely on his ability to convince Harry and the rest of the Order of the Phoenix that he had deserted and fled Lord Voldemort's army. In order to convince them of this he could not afford to make it look like he had planned to leave but rather had been forced to flee with haste. Having showered, changed and armed himself Malfoy sat at the edge of his bed. He reached beneath the bedframe and removed his wand from a box kept there. He turned it over in his hands, before sheathing it in its hidden holster at the base of his spine; Knights were supposed to have no need of wands after receiving their Silver Hands but Malfoy still carried his with him at all times as a precaution. He replaced the box, adjusted the chained clasp of his mantle before putting his gloves on, standing up and opening the door. To his surprise he met William on the other side about to knock. William's eyed flicked over Malfoy's unmarked surcoat, his travelling mantle secured with a silver embossed chain and his sword.
"Are you leaving headquarters?"
"Yes William, I am sorry but we're going to have to reschedule our mess appointment. I have been commanded to leave tonight for my mission," said Draco as he moved out of his room and locked the door behind him.
"Oh! Alright then, well, travel safely and I look forward to your return," said William with an outstretched hand and a half smile.
Malfoy grasped his forearm in farewell and said softly, "William, you should know that I will be gone a long time and I may not return. If that happens I want to you to know that I will always wish you the best. You are a very gifted Novice; heed the lessons of your Masters, practice diligently and if all goes well we shall be Knights in arms very soon!" Malfoy clapped William on the shoulder and made to leave the corridor. Just as he was about to round the corner William called out to him.
"Draco Malfoy! We shall one day become Knights in arms but you are already my brother in arms. Return safely so that I have the opportunity to beat you in the pit."
Malfoy smiled at William, saluted him and then turned to leave. As he descended the stairs he heard footsteps behind him. Turning to see who it was he saw Archer. His expression immediately hardened and his muscles went rigid. She continued to descend the stairs one at a time all the while staring at Malfoy in the eyes.
As she passed him she called over her shoulder, "I'll meet you in the courtyard. It's time."
Malfoy stepped into the evening twilight of the courtyard and looked into the sky. He heard the whinny of his horse and as he looked towards it he saw Archer holding the reins with her sword unsheathed. She led the horse to the where Malfoy was standing and looped its reins around a wooden post. Patting its neck she turned around and laid the blade of her sword across her shoulder.
"You know what has to happen next, and I am sorry that after all you have discovered that it still has to be me. I am the only person who has the appropriate clearance to know why this is so necessary; and don't forget this was your idea so don't you leave here thinking this is how I wanted us to part."
Malfoy looked at Archer sternly and lowered himself onto his knees, "Just shut up and get on with it," he said tightly.
Archer sighed and nodded, "I cannot afford to be gentle, you know that; are you ready?"
Malfoy nodded and gritted his teeth for what he knew was coming.
"I'm sorry, Malfoy; really and truly I am," said Archer as she raised her right hand.
Malfoy closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. Behind his closed lids he saw a flash of light and then felt a searing heat across his cheek. Warmth began to spread down his face and into the corner of his mouth. He winced in pain but did not move. The strikes continued to come and no matter how hard he tried to show no pain he began to grunt with each subsequent blow. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity the lights ceased and all he was left with was blinding pain and the feeling of flowing blood over various parts of his torso, face and arms. He opened his eyed to see Archer looking at him, a concerned expression on her face. He met her gaze with equal intensity and made to stand up; a little unsteady on his feet after the pounding he had just received he stumbled slightly but managed to right himself before Archer to grab hold of his arm. He moved it out of the way and rolled his shoulders. Despite the pain he had just endured what was to come would be far, far worse and Malfoy knew it. Archer raised her sword and approached him.
"Don't move," was all she said as she took aim and thrust her sword between his ribs. They had worked out the angles to the tiniest variations so that the sword would penetrate deep enough to look like an intended fatality hit but not sever any arteries or major blood vessels. As the sword penetrated his flesh Malfoy slumped forward against Archer and cried out in pain. He couldn't help himself; it felt worse than anything he'd ever experienced before. Archer's face was wet with tears against his neck; she kissed him softly under his ear and then pulled out her sword. Flicking the blood off the blade she saw Malfoy stumble to one side of the fencing. Ignoring him, she went over to the horse and untied it. Leading his mount to him, she shoved the reins into his hand, sheathed her sword and stepped away.
"Go, and do not fail!"
Malfoy took a few more moments to gather himself, and then swung into the saddle. He gathered his reins and spurred his horse into a gallop. Tearing down the track that led to the North he began to see spots in front of his eyes. Clasping his wound he felt blood spurt out at every stride the horse took. Applying pressure with the palm of his hand he inhaled deeply and steeled himself for the three day long journey. His only hope was that he wouldn't bleed out before he reached the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix.
