Harry Potter and the Dragonheart
Catching Up
Harry and Ron placed the heavy trunk outside Ron's room. Ron opened the hallway closet and took out an old and battered fold out bed. Hermione tried to help him set it up, but Ron shooed her to the side. He struggled with one of the latches in vain, turning progressively redder by the minute. Losing what patience she had left, Hermione pushed him aside and easily opened the latch, and the fold out bed extended to its full length.
Ron smiled sheepishly and helped her set it up across from his bed and then the two boys picked up Harry's trunk and finally placed it at the foot of the newly made bed. Ron closed his door with a flourish, exhaled a tired breath and lounged heavily on his bed.
"Man! What have you got in there? You lugging around rocks or something?" Harry rolled his eyes and sat next to his trunk, placing the weathered envelope on top of it. Hermione put Hedwig's cage on top of Ron's dresser and shifted Ron's feet off his bed nonchalantly, sitting primly in the vacant space. Ron rolled his eyes and made a face at her back, and Hermione slapped his knee.
"It wasn't that bad." Harry replied, laughing at the two of them.
"Says you." Ron scoffed. "But now that you mention it, I gotta say, you held up your end pretty well." He tilted his head to the side and scrutinized the Boy Who Lived. "There's something different about you mate." Hermione glanced at Ron questioningly and then inspected Harry. She narrowed her eyes.
"Where are your glasses?" she asked.
"Ah." Harry replied. "I don't need them anymore."
"What do you mean you don't need them anymore?" Hermione leaned forward. "Why not?"
"Well…" Harry began with a wry smile on his face, "It's a long story, but it all started-"
Harry was interrupted when the bedroom door suddenly opened and Ginny entered the room. "Mind if I join you guys?" She said, looking at Hermione hopefully.
"Yes we do!" Ron said irately. "Go away Gin-"
"Ronald!" Hermione snapped, pinching him hard on his arm. Ron squealed indignantly. "How can you be so rude? And to your own sister of all people?"
Harry frowned at Ron and gestured to the empty spot next to him. "Come on in, Ginny."
She ducked her head and quickly sat next to Harry, leaving a foot of space between them. She glared at Ron, who turned up his nose in return.
"I hope I'm not barging in on anything…" Ginny said, glancing at Harry.
"It's nothing too big, and it saves me from telling the story twice."
"What are you talking about?" Ginny asked. Harry looked at each of them in turn. He had their undivided attention.
"It all started last week when I had this crazy dream…" Harry began. He told them about the dream, the dragon tattoo, the changes in his body, the battle at the park, and the strange healing light. When Harry finished his story there was silence. His friends glanced at each other back and forth, uncertainty in their faces.
"That's quite a tale, Harry." Hermione said.
"Let's see the tattoo then." Ron said.
"All right." Harry said. He stood and pulled off his t-shirt. Ginny blushed profusely and tried not to stare. Harry dropped his arms to his sides and turned so they all could get a close look at the dragon. They rose from their seats and stood in front of Harry, leaning forwards to get a close up view of the tattoo.
"That's bloody wicked, Harry!" Ron screamed. Hermione and Ginny winced as his words echoed in their ear drums. Ron sheepishly grinned at the glares they turned on him.
"And it just appeared there after the dream?" asked Hermione.
"As much as I can figure." Harry replied. "I told Dumbledore about it, and he wasn't sure what kind of dragon it was, but he said it was familiar to him. He suggested I research it. I was hoping for your help Hermione."
"Of course, Harry." Hermione beamed. "I'll start right away as soon as term begins. Maybe we can ask Hagrid if he knows anything about it."
"We'll help too Harry." Ginny said, pointing to herself and Ron. "It's too bad you didn't get here sooner or we could have asked Charlie."
"Charlie was here?"
"Yeah, he was." Ron said. "He was gonna stay another week but was called back to the reserve a few days ago, something about the dragons being out of sorts." That was unfortunate. Harry would have liked to ask Charlie if he recognized it.
Ginny moved closer to him suddenly and Harry raised an eyebrow. She reached out a hand and delicately traced the faint scar above his shoulder. "Is this where Bellatrix got you with that severing charm?" Ginny said quietly, her voice almost a whisper. She was avoiding his gaze, staring intently at the scar under her fingers.
"Yeah." Harry replied. "Remus told me it was bad. I'm still having trouble believing that I mostly healed it myself."
"Does it hurt?"
"Not really. Sometimes I feel a slight twinge of pain, but it's happening less and less."
Ginny dropped her hand and nodded slowly. Harry put his shirt back on and they all returned to their seats.
"So a mysterious green light healed you? And it came from within you as well? That's what Remus said?" Hermione questioned.
Harry nodded. "Pretty much. I was out cold, mind, so I didn't see it myself."
"I've never heard of anything like that. I wonder what kind of magic could do that?" Ginny said with a frown on her lips.
"I don't know, but Dumbledore thinks it may have something to do with my tattoo."
"Blimey Harry, you don't do things by halves do you?" Ron said, shaking his head slightly.
Harry scowled a bit. "I don't ask for these things to happen to me, you know."
"Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?" Hermione asked. She looked concerned and a bit nervous as she continued. "You… you haven't mentioned the prophecy from the Dept. of Mysteries. What did it say?"
Harry frowned and turned away from them, staring at the wall. Should he tell them? Harry wasn't sure. Did he want to burden them with the knowledge? There was also the new prophecy he just learned about that morning. If he told them the first one he might as well tell them the other one. Maybe they could help him find the seven. It couldn't hurt to have extra eyes on the lookout.
"You can't tell anyone." Harry looked at each in turn. "And… there are two prophecies."
"Two?" Hermione asked, frowning. "But there was only one orb they were looking for."
"Professor Trelawney spoke another prophecy about me the night I was attacked in the park. Dumbledore told it to me this morning, before we came here. You have to promise not to tell anyone… the less who know the better."
"I promise." Hermione said, raising her right hand.
"Of course, Harry." Ron mirrored Hermione. "We're good with secrets, you know that."
"I won't say anything. Promise." Said Ginny. "But I can go if you want me to." He shook his head.
"I trust you, Ginny." Harry said, and Ginny gave him a devastating smile. "I trust all of you."
Harry exhaled a breath, nodded his head, and told them. First, the prophecy made years and years ago, and then the most recent one. When he was finished, there was a long silence in the room. Harry watched as his friends tried to process what they had just heard.
"You really really really, don't do things by halves Harry!" Ron finally exclaimed, running a hand through his red hair, incredulous.
Harry hung his head, groaning. "Like I said before, I don't ask for these things to happen to me, they just do! Fate has it out for me."
"What does it mean, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"I'm the Chosen one, marked by the Dark Lord." Harry pointed at his lightning bolt scar. "It's up to me to kill him, but apparently I'll have help along the way."
"Seven will rise and aid the light…" Hermione murmured. "I wonder who they are, and how to find them."
"So do I. Dumbledore believes they'll reveal themselves to me on their own. The prophecy seems to describe their powers or abilities, at least that's what Dumbledore thinks, but I'm not so sure. I can't make heads or tails of it." Harry shrugged his shoulders. "He also thinks my tattoo is tied into it too somehow."
"I'll definitely start on that research right away when we get to Hogwarts. I'm sure we'll find something in the library to help us." Harry smiled, Hermione and her books.
They fell silent, and Harry had a pensive look in his eyes.
"We'll figure it out mate," Ron said, trying to cheer him up. "How about we play a game of Quidditch? The weather's great, and I bet you're itching to fly again."
Harry grinned. "You know what? That sounds great! But there's one more thing we have to talk about."
Ron sighed, and sat back down. He had jumped up in excitement, but now he looked dejected. Hermione shook her head at him and Ginny smirked. Harry barked out a laugh and continued.
"Dumbledore wants me to continue with the D.A. meetings. He says it would be beneficial, and I agree with him."
"That's a great idea Harry!" Ginny exclaimed. "You're a great teacher."
"Yeah mate, I learned loads from you." Ron added.
"Thanks. I'll need help. I was wondering if you three would help me teach." Harry said. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny looked surprised.
"Harry, I would be happy to help you come up with lesson plans and research spells, but teaching? I don't know…" Ron and Ginny nodded their heads in agreement, but Harry shook his head.
"Don't be ridiculous! Besides, when we started the D.A., you elected me because you said I knew what it was like to fight against Voldemort, to put my life on the line. And now, you know how it is too. I'm also gonna ask Neville and Luna to help out, first chance I get." Harry looked solemn. "They're coming. It's only a matter of time before full scale war breaks out, and I'll need your help to prepare as many students as I can. If we do this, I want to do it right. I want us to be more than just an army in name."
"Okay Harry." Ginny said quietly. "If you think I can help, I'll do my best." Harry locked gazes with her, and he felt pride well up in his chest.
"I'm in." Ron said. "The Dark Tosser won't know what hit'em!"
Hermione still looked unsure of herself, but nodded in acquiescence.
"Thanks guys." Harry said quietly.
"Now then," said Ron loudly, "If that's all there's left to talk about, let's get flyin!"
He zoomed out of the room without a backwards glance, running full tilt down the stairs. Harry and Ginny chuckled, while a scowl was forming on Hermione's face. She muttered under her breath at his antics and left the room, leaving Ginny and Harry alone.
They smiled at each other, realized they were alone together, and broke eye contact at the same time. Harry cleared his throat and opened his trunk. He placed the old envelope under some clothes and took out his Firebolt, and then he followed Ginny down the stairs.
"You know," Harry said, "you really are a great Seeker." Ginny glanced back at him, her cheeks flaming red.
"I don't know about that Harry. In the championship game I took so long to find the Snitch, and barely beat Cho to it. It's really because of Ron that we won. I'm much better at Chaser."
"Don't sell yourself short, Ginny. You'd give me a run for my money."
"So you want me to stay at Seeker? I can't see you throwing a Quaffle around. Can you throw?" Ginny teased.
"Ha Ha. I've never tried, but it can't be that hard, can it?" Harry said derisively. "And the hoops are huge. Just aim and chuck, am I right?
Ginny narrowed her eyes in mock anger. "It's harder than it looks, Potter. Let's run some Chaser drills and see how you do, hmm?"
"All right, I'm game." Harry smirked, walking into the kitchen. She jabbed him playfully on the shoulder and turned towards the living room. Harry paused, raising an eyebrow in question.
"You go on ahead, Harry. I'm gonna get Emma."
"Oh right. I'd forgotten your cousin was here."
"She's really quiet."
"When she was talking to Professor Dumbledore, she mentioned her mother passing away?"
Ginny nodded. "Aunt Helen passed away two weeks ago. Emma came to stay with us last week."
"I'm sorry to hear that. How's she doing?"
"As well as expected, I guess. It's been hard to get her to open up to us. I kinda had a small breakthrough earlier today, before you and Professor Dumbledore arrived."
"I think it's great you're trying to help her, Ginny."
"It's really because of my mum, honestly. I almost gave up, but she pushed me to try harder. And it worked, I think. I hope." Ginny said, shrugging her shoulders. "Anyways, I'll see you down at the paddock."
She turned to leave but Harry grabbed her hand suddenly to stop her. She flinched in surprise and turned back around, and Harry quickly let go of her hand. There was a light blush staining his cheeks and Harry coughed nervously.
"Ginny. I… uh…" Harry cleared his throat again, running a hand through his hair. Ginny was beginning to feel very nervous. What is he doing?
"Thank you." he said at last.
"For what?" Ginny asked, confused and disappointed. For a crazy moment she had thought… but that was impossible! In your dreams, you silly girl. She thought, berating herself.
"For your letter. I know I already wrote you a note, but I wanted to say it in person. I was so wrapped up in my own grief, I shut you all out. You helped me see how much of an ass I was being… so thank you. You're a good friend, Ginny."
Ginny smiled at him, but was there a touch of sadness in her eyes? It was gone before he could analyze it further, replaced with another wink.
"You're welcome, Harry." She said. "I'll always be your friend. And if you need someone to talk to, I'm here."
"Thanks Ginny." Harry smiled at her, and she turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Harry went out the back door, and walked towards the stone outhouse the Weasleys had converted into a broom shed. Ron and Hermione were already there, talking animatedly to each other.
"I don't feel like flying Ron!"
"Oh come on, Hermione!" Ron said, exasperated. "We need you to play!"
"I can barely fly on a broom, much less throw a ball! I'm much more comfortable on the ground, thank you."
"Harry! Tell her we need her to play! She listens to you!" Ron spat. Hermione turned up her nose at him and crossed her arms.
"You know, Hermione…" Harry began, "It might be a good idea for you to practice flying."
Hermione glared at him. "I said I'm fine on the ground!" Harry raised his hands, a pleading look on his face.
"Hear me out. What if, hypothetically, we were ambushed by Death Eaters and the only way to escape quickly was by broom?"
"I would ride with Ron, of course!" Hermione said, hotly. Ron blushed. She chose me? He blinked quickly and snapped out of his elation, holding out Charlie's old Cleansweep Five. Hermione looked at it nervously, biting her lip.
"Hermione, you know that I would be happy to let you ride with me, anytime." Ron said earnestly. He was looking into her eyes intently, very serious. Hermione felt butterflies in her stomach. It was very rare to see Ron so serious. "But, if something like that did happen, evasive maneuvers like dodging and weaving are much easier to do when you're by yourself."
Hermione swallowed, and slowly reached out. She took the broom from Ron with shaking hands. "What if I fall?" she whispered with her eyes downcast. Ron ducked his head into her field of vision and looked up at her.
"I'll catch you." Ron said confidently. He smiled at the bushy haired witch. "I promise." Hermione's breath caught in her throat, and she blushed profusely.
Ron straightened up and Hermione inclined her head, the two of them staring into each others eyes. Harry smirked, but said nothing. Hermione finally nodded, holding the broom close to her chest, and a big grin split Ron's face.
"That's the spirit!" He went back into the shed and took out his Cleansweep Eleven. It gleamed in the sunlight, looking brand new. Ron kept his broom in excellent condition. "Where's Ginny?"
"Ah. She went to get your cousin." Harry stated, and Ron wrinkled his nose.
"Bah! She doesn't even like Quidditch!" Ron muttered. Harry sighed; it seemed he was still sore about that.
Behind them, they heard muted voices, and they turned to see Ginny and Emma walking towards them. Ginny was talking animatedly, and Emma was nodding her head.
"About time!" Ron groused, when the two girls finally joined them. "Can you fly, Emma?" He said, peering at her skeptically. Emma raised an eyebrow.
"I can fly just fine." Emma replied sardonically. Ginny glared at her brother, and grabbed two brooms from the shed and a battered old Quaffle. She tossed the ball hard at her brother, who caught it reflexively, scowling. She passed one to Emma and inspected hers. She fixed some of the twigs sticking out at odd angles and nodded in grudging satisfaction. They were old Comet 260's, once belonging to the twins back when they were first learning how to ride. Ginny had yet to own a broom herself. She was hoping to convince her parents to buy one for her should she make the team.
The five teenagers walked down the gently sloping hill of the back yard to the small paddock containing an orchard the Weasleys owned. It was surrounded by tall trees, which would obscure and hide them from prying eyes. There was an old Quidditch pitch set up within the orchard, or what passed as a Quidditch pitch. It was about four hundred feet long from end to end; one hundred feet shorter than a regulation pitch, and the goals were rusty and worn with age.
"How do you want to do this?" Ginny asked.
"Well," piped Ron, "there's five of us so… how bout' we do two-on-two? I'll be Keeper for both teams, and you four split off into two teams. Whichever team has the Quaffle starts their attack on the opposite side. If I block a shot or the ball is stolen the team with the Quaffle has to start on the opposite side too. Sound good?"
"Yeah, we can try it out." Harry said, and mounted his broom. "How about me and Hermione against you two?"
Ginny grinned. "Bring it on Potter!" she hopped on her broom and took off into the sky. Harry narrowed his eyes in excitement and took off after her.
Ron gave the Quaffle to Hermione and flew up to one side, hovering in front of the goal posts. Hermione held it gingerly and glanced at Emma.
"Do you know how to play?" she asked. Emma nodded.
"It's not as popular in the states, but it's still played. I know the basics, but I haven't had much practice on a broom. It's been ages since I've flown." She mounted her broom and hovered a few feet off the ground, getting a feel for it. She seemed nervous and a bit skittish.
Hermione mounted her broom and took a deep breath and hovered beside her. "We'll brush up on our skills together, shall we?" Hermione said politely. She didn't look very enthusiastic. Emma smiled slightly at her.
"Ready?" Emma said to her. Hermione blew out a breath and nodded, and then they both flew slowly into the sky, joining their friends.
The waning afternoon light slipped through the tall trees, falling upon the group of friends wearily trudging back up to the burrow. Sweat glistened upon their foreheads, and they were dirty and windblown. The three girls were in front: Hermione was unceremoniously dragging her broom behind her, her rump and legs sore from hours of flight and she groaned. Emma was faring better than her and had her broom held loosely in one hand. Ginny was tired, but she felt invigorated. It had been a long time since she'd been able to cut loose. Harry and Ron brought up the rear, a couple of yards away from the girls.
"Harry," said Ron, "You should stick with Seeker, mate. Ginny flew circles around you. It was sad to watch."
"Sod off." Harry replied, pushing Ron's shoulder. He stumbled forward with a laugh.
"Your sister, she's something else." Harry said smiling, gazing at Ginny. Ron glanced at Harry, a weird look on his face, but Harry wasn't paying attention.
Ginny had flown circles around him; and on a Comet 260 no less! Harry's Firebolt far outstripped the old and battered broom casually slung across her shoulders. He had no trouble keeping up with her, but she was so evasive and tricky in the air he hadn't even gotten close to stealing the ball.
Hermione and Emma had tried to help both sides, but they were still too timid on their brooms to do much other than catch the occasional pass. It soon became a game of one-on-one, Harry and Ginny facing off while the other two girls flew just above the treetops, working on their flying skills.
Ron was merciless guarding the hoops, which meant Harry had no chance to score. He had tried valiantly, but Ron caught his every attempt. Ginny, on the other hand, fared better. She was blocked more often than not, but she had made some spectacular goals.
After the game had ended, Ron had decided on an impromptu game of aerial tag, mostly to help Hermione and Emma become more comfortable in the air. It seemed to work, and by the end of the day the two girls were noticeably flying easier.
The weary friends stowed their brooms and walked into the kitchen, and the succulent aroma of roasted meat filled their noses. Ron's stomach grumbled audibly and he practically ran to the table, seating himself; fork and spoon in hand.
"Hello dears," Mrs. Weasley said, pulling the pork roast from the oven. At the sight of them, sweaty and windblown, she sniffed and pointed to the stairs. "Clean yourselves up and then come back down for dinner." Ron's face fell and he grumbled, marching up the stairs. Harry and the others followed him, laughing.
By the time they came back, Mrs. Weasley had the table set and Harry's eyes widened at all the food crammed upon it.
"Looks like mum went all out." Ginny said behind him. He turned and their eyes met. "She's always been on the warpath when it comes to filling you out, but she doesn't need to worry about that anymore."
Ginny's eye's widened and she covered her mouth. A furious blush stained her cheeks and she quickly walked past him and sat in between her cousin and Hermione at the table. She whispered in Hermione's ear and the bushy haired witch slapped her lightly on the shoulder, giggling.
Harry tilted his head in confusion. What just happened? Do I have something on my face? He felt his face quickly, shook his head to clear his thoughts and sat next to Ron who was salivating, staring hungrily at the plate of lamb chops in front of him.
The large fireplace in the living room roared with green fire and Mr. Weasley stepped out, wiping soot from his shoulders. Mrs. Weasley hurried over to her husband and took his coat and whispered into his ear. He looked quickly at the dinner table and a wide smile appeared on his face.
"Harry!" he exclaimed, walking quickly over to the Boy-Who-Lived. He shook his hand firmly and ruffled his hair. "It's great to see you, son!"
"Hello Mr. Weasley." Harry said. "Thank you for having me."
"You're always welcome here Harry." Mr. Weasley exchanged greetings with his children and sat at the head of the table, and the fireplace roared again. Fred and George spilled out of it, laughing and hollering uproariously, and Bill followed closely behind. The twins were dancing arm in arm with each other, twirling in circles. Bill was shaking his head and grinning.
"Fred! George!" Mrs. Weasley yelled. "Have you two finally gone barking mad? What's with all the racket?"
"Gringotts!" Fred yelled, grabbing his mother and twirling her along with George. The rest of the family plus Harry and Hermione gathered at the edge of the living room, bewildered expressions abounded.
"What?" asked a furious Mrs. Weasley. "Let me go this instant! I'm getting dizzy!"
"They accepted our loan application!" George exclaimed. "Weasley's Wizard Wheezes is officially a go!" Fred and George hugged their mother fiercely. The rest of the family whooped and congratulated the twins, and there was much patting of backs and hugs.
Dinner was a loud and lively affair. Harry was working on his third plate of food, courtesy of Mrs. Weasley. Hermione and Ginny were whispering to each other, and Emma chimed in every so often. Bill and Ron were discussing Quidditch strategies and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were conversing with twins, asking for details about the Gringotts loan.
"We were able to get enough money to buy a storefront on Diagon Alley!" George said excitedly, munching on a slice of roast.
"Oh, and there's a flat on top of the shop. Icing on the cake that is." Fred added, gulping down some pumpkin juice.
"You're moving out?" Mrs. Weasley asked in disbelief. Her eyes began to glisten. She wiped at them with a napkin, and Mr. Weasley patted her shoulder.
"Don't worry mum," George said, "We'll visit loads and loads!"
"When will you... you be leaving?" Mrs. Weasley sniffled.
"Soon as we sign the deed for the building; sometime next week I wager." Fred said.
"My boys… you're barely of age! Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Mum," George intoned solemnly, "The time has come. We can't stay here forever."
"They'll be alright, Molly." Mr. Weasley said proudly, and addressed the twins. "When will the store be opened?"
"Hopefully before fall term begins." Said Fred.
"We're shooting for the first or second week of August." Added George.
After dinner, Bill said his goodbyes and left, the twins shot up the stairs to their room, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. The rest of them retired to the living room. Ron pulled out his old chess set and set about destroying Harry's pieces one by one, while the girls chatted. Harry felt at ease, and he smiled. It had been a long time since he had felt this happy.
Draco Malfoy sat next to his mother at the long, lavish dinner table in the dining hall of Malfoy Manor. Upon the table were extravagant china platters of roasted meats and side dishes. With a trembling hand, he dipped a silver spoon into his bowl of soup and was barely able to bring it to his mouth without spilling. Narcissa Malfoy gripped his knee under the table in warning and caught his eye. She glanced at him and slowly mouthed the words, calm yourself, and ate her soup with deliberate motions.
Lord Voldemort had come for dinner.
The Dark Lord sat at the head of the table with Bellatrix to his right, followed by Severus Snape. Narcissa and Draco were seated at the middle of the table, and the other Death Eaters of his inner circle sat in the remaining eighteen seats, eating in silence. Nagini, his snake familiar, lay coiled around his shoulders, her head resting on the back of his seat.
Voldemort placed a slice of brisket in his mouth, chewing slowly. His red, slit-like irises surveyed the room, staring at each Death Eater in turn. They avoided his gaze, and bowed their heads when he looked at them; all save for Bellatrix, who adoringly stared back at him.
When dinner was over, the dishes vanished, much like at Hogwarts, and Voldemort sat back in his chair, idly caressing Nagini. There was a deafening silence in the room. He finally turned his eyes upon Narcissa and spoke in a low hissing voice.
"Your hospitality is appreciated, Narcissa, if merely adequate." Hissed the Dark Lord. He fixed a steady glare on the matriarch of the Malfoys.
"My- my Lord, it is a hon- honor to have you as a gu- guest in my home." Narcissa stammered, eyes downcast, her shaking hands held together tightly in her lap.
"I am glad you feel that way," Voldemort said, "as your home will be my residence for the foreseeable future." Narcissa blanched, the color fading from her face.
"Of- of course, my lord. You- you are welcome to stay as long as you pl- please."
"Draco! Do you share your mother's sentiments?" Voldemort asked in a low, sickly sweet tone of voice.
"Of course, my Lord-" Draco began, straightening his posture.
"Even if I should punish her for your father's failure?" Voldemort hissed suddenly. Draco sucked in a breath. An amused glint appeared in his scarlet eyes and he rose from his seat. Voldemort walked slowly around the table, pulling his wand from within his robed sleeve.
He flicked his wand nonchalantly and Narcissa, and the chair she was sitting in, flew backwards and slammed into the mahogany wall behind them. The chair was reduced to splinters from the impact and Narcissa fell heavily to the ground. With a shout Draco ran to her side, eyes wild with worry.
"Your husband failed me, Narcissa!" Voldemort bellowed. His snake-like face twisted in an evil glare. "Bested by Potter and his friends, by mere children? I do not tolerate failure!" Voldemort raised his wand to curse her, but before he could Draco threw himself in front of his mother.
"Please my Lord, have mer-" Draco begged, but before he could finish his mother roughly pushed him away from her. Surprised, he fell awkwardly on his rear.
"Stand aside Draco!" his mother said, glaring at him, furious. "What do you think you're doing? You are a Malfoy! Act like one!" Draco stared at his mother in shock. She turned and kneeled before the Dark Lord, grimacing in pain. "We have failed you, Lord Voldemort… I accept whatever punishment you desire."
The Dark Lord smiled, raising his brow. "Well said, Narcissa. For your husband's failure, your punishment… is to watch." Voldemort turned his wand upon Draco. "Crucio!"
A sickly beam of maroon light shot forth and slammed into Draco Malfoy, and his world was filled with an agonizing, blinding pain. A bloodcurdling scream clawed its way from his throat and he fell on his back, his body wracked with uncontrollable spasms. He felt like white hot knives were plunging mercilessly into his body, his nerves felt like they were being burned by iron brands, and every breath he was able to suck in felt like acid pouring into his lungs.
Narcissa watched in silence, her face a mask of indifference, only her eyes reflected the horror she felt inside. Behind them, Bellatrix had a sadistic smile on her face, a fell light dancing in her eyes. If her nephew was stupid enough to incur the Dark Lords wraith, let him suffer for it. And besides, she did so enjoy the screams.
Severus' face was set in a frown, and his eyes narrowed by the tiniest margin. The other Death Eaters had various expressions on their faces: some were enjoying watching the Malfoy heir suffer, others were indifferent. One of them even yawned.
Voldemort released the spell, and Draco reflexively curled into a ball, clutching his abdomen. He twitched spasmodically, and sucked in quick, ragged breaths.
"You were brave, Draco. Perhaps you were sorted into the wrong House? You have brought shame to the name of Slytherin!" Voldemort walked around him slowly. "Did you expect mercy? Hmm? There is no such thing as mercy; it is only a delusion the weak cling to in fear of the strong. Crucio!"
Draco arched his back in pain, his screams echoing off the cavernous walls of the dining hall. It seemed to last for an eternity. Voldemort sneered contemptuously and ended the spell a second time. Blood flowed from Draco's mouth, his nose, his ears, and even his tears were red with it. A foul odor began to emanate from him, and a puddle of liquid surrounded his body. He had lost control of his bladder and bowel. He weakly gasped for breath, barely conscious.
"Do not cross me again, boy, or you will beg for death long before it is granted." Voldemort returned to his seat and glared at Narcissa. "See you now the price of failure? The next time it will be you gasping on the floor, covered in your own fifth! Get him out of my sight!"
Narcissa snapped her fingers and two house-elves appeared with a soft pop. "Take him to his chambers and care for his injuries." She whispered to them fiercely, and they levitated his broken body out of the room. Narcissa watched them go for a moment and then limped back to the table, drawing her wand and conjuring another chair for herself. She sat with a grimace and stared into her lap.
"Now then, on to more pressing matters," Voldemort looked around the room, "Severus, report!"
"My lord," Snape said, "the Order has sent multiple operatives abroad. Dumbledore is calling his allies to him. The Order of the Phoenix has doubled in number."
Voldemort sneered. "As expected. The old fool will not stop me, nor his precious Order. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot hope to match me. You have done well, Severus. Does he still trust in you?"
"Yes, my lord. I am still in his confidence." Snape replied. Voldemort nodded curtly, turning away from him.
"My Lord Voldemort," said a Death Eater named Yaxley. "I have good news. I've finally found a promising lead. I'm to meet with her tomorrow, and with luck, I will learn its true location."
"Very good, Yaxley, but do not fail. For your sake."
"Yes, my lord."
"The envoys to the trolls have yet to answer our owls." said Thorfinn Rowle. "Though I see no complications regarding their alliance."
"Good. Bellatrix." Voldemort said, turning to the woman. She leaned forward eagerly, eyes wide in anticipation. "I give you a chance to redeem yourself…"
"Anything my lord." Bellatrix said. "What would you ask of me?"
"It is high time the wizarding world remembered the taste of true fear." A terrible smile lit up Voldemort's face. He looked into her eyes. "I have a plan, and it is quite simple my dear Bella…." He leaned forward and whispered into her ear, and her manic laughter echoed off the walls.
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