Chapter 7

'Records of the famous trail of Omar Khadr have been revealed by human rights organization. This has spurred much action for organizations to appeal to the American Government for his release.' the news reporter said.

'Canadian citizen Omar Khadr was detained by U.S. forces in Afghanistan in July 2002 and transferred to Guantánamo Naval Base only a few months later. The actions and trial has become spotlighted under international eyes to ensure the government is working approriately in the fight against terrorism.' the man continued.

Ali spat what little bit of gin he had left in his mouth back into the glass. Setting it upon the table angrilly he stood. Disgusted he spoke to himself as he swung his coat onto his back, 'Terrorist at the age of 15 my ass.'

However he did not notice the two figures following him.

Severus had been avoiding any phone calls and deleted her messages. He had more pressing matters to worry about then whatever insane feeling that had built up between him and Mathilde.

Who turned out to be a witch! He thought. Snorting to himself he quickened his pace, the winter air was growing rapidly bringing the cold and eventually the snow, which he despised. He continued walking towards the bar where he knew Ali had been spotted at. He wondered, the area he was in was primarily white dominated and reknowned for being full of redneck republicans. Not that Severus really cared about politics, however he knew why Ali had chose such a spot, he was looking to make trouble.

When Severus walked accross the street he instantly felt the air change. He hurried down the alley right outside the bar he was aiming to reach. He then drew his wand, spotting a group of men. There was at least three of them, no there were four, but one was smack in the middle of a ring of burly men, ready to fight.

'Little Terrorist's gonna get it.' one man snarled. The man in the middle Severus saw, was Ali.

'Fuck you.' Ali said raising his fists, the man who had spoken launched himself and began to hit Ali, metal sounded, the man had brass knuckles.

Another man, the skinniest joined in suddenly, holding Ali by the arms pinning him from being free. It was then that Severus raised his wand and stunned the skinny man. As Ali was freed he stumbled, enough for the first man to kic him down while the third man noticed Severus.

'What the hell is your problem? Where's your pride boy?' he roared aiming a fist at Severus. Who easily ducked it and sent a jelly legs jinx making the man fall eventually.

'I'm not American, and neither are you it seemed!' Severus said and grabbed the last man from attacking Ali, it was then the police sirens sounded and the bar tender yelled at them, something Severus could not hear for he was busy stunning the last attacker.

'This is not my week.' Severus said helping Ali up, he was about to heal him when the police car skidded to a halt and none other then Detective Munro stepped out.

'Hey you!' he said regonizing Severus. Severus clenched his teeth and went to hide his wand. Munro's eyes widened as he noticed it and the cigerette in his mouth fell to the ground.

'Great! Now I am going to have to take you both in.' he said exaspertedly. Severus inwardly groaned as he had his wand taken by Munro. He knew it was law that wizard were not allowed to use magic against muggles. And they would look to see if he was registered somewhere as a wizard and find out his real identity.

'Come on, let's help your pal up. He looks like he just got the pulp squeezed outta him.' Munro said. An aumbulance arrived and they helped them take Ali to the hopsital. Munro took from Severus information on contacting Ali's parents.

At the station Severus found himself calmer then what would be expected. Honestly, their jails were nothing compared to Azkaban.

'So how long you've been in the US?' Munro asked.

'Not quite a year.' Severus answered. Munro nodded and wrote it down on a pad of paper.

'And you're originally from Scotland?'

'No, I just lived there for a job.' Severus answered blandly.

'So your name is really Severus Slate?'

'Yes it is.' another officer said striding forward, 'A man just paid bail and asked to speak with you.'

'Thanks Bridget.' Munro said and stood, 'be right back.' he said and left.

Severus wondered who would come to his rescue, obviously not Ali, nor would it be Mathilde...or would it?

Munro then came back and cleared his throat, Severus glanced his way and he spoke, 'So your indentity fees for misusing magic is covered and your free. I also caleld the hospital and your pal is fine. Two broken ribs and a broked nose but he'll live.' Munro said. Severus stood and nodded. As he moved to leave Munro stopped him, and handed him his confiscated wand back.

He led the way out of the cells towards the entrance of the station, there sitting neatly dressed, was a young man perhaps in his twenties. At first Severus did not regonize him. But with a jolt the man turned and smiled, his pointed face looking handsome and his blonde hair combed out of his steel blue eyes.

'Hullo.' the man said and stood. He nodded to Munro, who bid them goodbye and went to finish paperwork on the fight that had happened. Severus followed the young man until they were on the street. He then stopped them and spoke.

'Draco, what the hell are you doing here?'

Draco Malfoy smirked and said happily, 'Visiting you, in the nick of time it seemed. Are you always drawing your wand at bar fights?'

Severus glared, 'Very funny, considering my friend was attacked!'

'A friend! Why that's great!' Draco beamed. Severus growled and the younger man merely laughed.

'I am starving, I had to fly on a broom here, wanna get something to eat?' Draco asked. Severus nodded curtly and they headed to a fast food joint open at the late hour.

'Disgustingly good.' Draco said munching away at a cheeseburger. Severus said nothing.

'Man this was a difficult task, finding you on the map was easy, but getting here! I couldn't even apparate because of those new no apparation codes here for visitors.' Draco continued.

'How did you find me?' Severus finally asked. Draco grinned, 'Potter told me, he's head of office for the aurors now and has access to all past and present cases.'

'Great now I have records in both countries!' Severus grumbled. Draco's eyes widened.

'So what happened back there?' he asked.

'A young Arabic girl was killed in my friend's neighbourhood and he was furious. He picked a bar fight with some racists it seemed.' Severus sighed.

'Wow, you must miss the dunderheads in potions now.'

'Very astute of you Malfoy.'

Draco smiled, 'So why haven't you answered your phone!'

Severus blinked, he had been ignoring all calls that had ntohing to do with Ali. Mostly beause the only other calls he recieved were from Mathilde.

'How did you learn what a cell phone was?' Severus countered, 'or to use one even?'

Draco laughed, 'That's the Sev I know, Potter again showed me, I got special permission to visit here. I am supposed to report back to him on if you've committed murder or anything suspicous. Really its a good excuse to see you.'

'Right.' Severus mumbled.

'So other then this pal Ali, what have you been doing?' Draco asked as they paid for their food and headed to Severus's tiny apartment. As they walked he told Draco about his work here and there as a photographer. Draco had seemed impressed until they entered his apartment.

'Sev this is a DUMP!' Draco exclaimed. Severus smirked, 'Please Draco, spare me your design critique, it was all I could afford.'

Draco nodded taking a seat and noticed the answering machine, 'What's the light mean?' he asked curiously.

'It means I have a message, or possibly several.' Severus answered in a bored voice.

'From who?' Draco asked smirking again, 'A lady friend?'

Severus said nothing, and Draco's eyebrows shot up to his slightly receeding hairline, 'And this story will be told in what decade Professor Binns?'

Severus laughed and took a breath before telling Draco what had happened with him and Mathilde. When he finally finished he realized he hadn't said her name at all. Of course that wouldnt matter.

'So you took photos of her? Is she famous?' Draco asked.

'Well yes, her name is Mathilde Muir.'

'MATHILDE MUIR!' Draco yelled. Severus hushed him imedialtly.

'You know her?'

'Sev who doesn't? She's a famous singer and actor for both muggles and wizards, and she's hot to boot!' Draco gaped.

'Maybe it's the haircut?' Draco said suddenly, Severus snorted, he kenw and did not care that he was unattractive physically.

'Or maybe it's the personality, her father was a famous auror Potter told me, or whatever they have for dealing in international problems. I guess he was undercover and was killed by a wizard mob in the West Indies.' Draco said, 'rumour has it she was there and barely escaped herself.'

'I didn't know.' Severus said simply.

'Maybe she really cares for you, I mean don't get me wrong, but she's obviously not calling you tons of times a day to just sleep with you adn forget about you.' Draco reasoned.

'It doesnt matter anymore. Whatever there was between us is over.'

'What?' Draco cried out, within seconds thought his facial expression turned to one of glee, 'oh I see, trying to be mister mysterious "I'm too fucked uo with my former problems" to want to love her back? Or are you scared?'

Severus glowered and Draco placed a finger to his mouth and said quietly, 'Or is it the same thing for you?'

'Severus you need someone to care for, and for you be cared for. If she's willing to try, well why not try. Maybe you'll find true love.' Draco said.

Severus stared at the answer machine's red light, the blinking suddenly became fuzzy and he wiped his eyes.

'It's being weak to want someone to love you.' Draco said.

'Where'd you learn that?' Severus retorted.

Draco smiled, 'From the godfather that cared for me when ym own father fed me to the dogs.'

Severus sighed, maybe Draco was right? Maybe he should call her back.

'Okay.' Severus said finally, Draco smled brightly and picked up the cell phone, flipping it open he dialed her number from Severus's contact list and hit send.

'What are you doing?' Severus cried.

'No time like the present!' Draco said.

Suddenly a voice picked up, it was soft and feminine with the edge in it, that he loved to hear.

'Severus is that you?'

A/N: Reference at the end of story.