"We need to change" said an out of breadth Hermione as they hurried into the side alley behind a small café, they had apparated just as the wedding party was attacked. "Wonder where the snake disappeared too" ? "Oh I don't know maybe he's standing in the shadows waiting to strike Weasley". Came a snide comment as Draco melted out of the shadows on the opposite wall. Turning to Hermione and Harry he said "I'll stand guard" as he walked forward with his back turned to them.
Fifteen minutes later the four of them were sitting at a table in the deserted café discussing their next move, "We should go back" "I don't think so Ron everyone at the reception must have retreated underground after the attack". "Damn it I left my things back at the Burrow!" cursed Harry to which Hermione gave him a smug look indicating Draco backpack "you're joking"! "Why do you think it's called an extension charm Potter"? But Harry's retort was blocked as the waitress came to take their order.
"So what can I get you?" she asked them. "A coffee please said Hermione after whom the waitress turned to Ron who being unfamiliar with Muggle beverages looked and her for a minute and then ordered the same, as did Harry who was anxious to get back to the conversation. The waitress then turned to Draco and in a flirtatious voice asked "And what can I get for you?" The trio being alert to her sudden change in tone peered curiously at its intended recipient. Draco looked the girl in the eye and with the most flirtatious smirk on his face and the most seductive voice said "I'll have a coffee black no sugar" then he took the girls hand and brought it to his lips and kissed the place where her pulse beat was growing faster every minute and then added "And I would also like for you to ignore every word you hear at this table while getting it." Though it was casually put the subtle commanding tone didn't go unnoticed by the three friends nor did the dilation of the pulps of Draco's eyes indicative of him using his power of persuasion.
The waitress blinked before replying "off course" and left to get their order. "Was that really necessary Malfoy?" asked Harry. "It was a precaution Potter and do me a favor, for next time, my name is Draco, not Malfoy." Though it was said civilly the tone of voice and the way in which Draco seemed to look at them when he said it revealed just how serious he was. They continued with their discussion about their next course of action before it was yet again cut off by Draco who noticed two death eaters disguised as electricians - who had somehow managed to find them- and had started to attack without hesitation. The spells fired by both parties hit the walls and table and Draco- as he tried to act as a makeshift shield -sending splinters and marble all over the floor almost destroying the once clean and neat little cafe. In the end, it took two stunning spells by both Harry and Hermione to bring down the death eaters.
"What do we do with them"? Asked Hermione "They'd kill us if it was the other way around" "Yes but if we kill them Ron the rest may be alerted" "Harry is right Ron, but what do we do with them then"? "Wipe their memories". Suggested Draco, casually as he walked towards them dusting splinters of his clothes. "Alright Hermione you do it you're the best at spells." "No, spells can be reversed I can compel them it's easier and virtually undetectable unless you know what you're looking for." "Alright then," said Harry moving out of the way as Draco got to work. Draco had just finished with one death eater when the waitress came through the door leading to the kitchen and looking at the damage let out a startled scream that was cut off by Draco phasing in front of her to compel her too.
And with that done the four left the café "how the hell did they find us?" said Harry " maybe they still have the trace on you" "that's impossible Hermione the trace breaks automatically once a wizard comes of age" "It does not matter how they found Potter what's important at the moment is to find a place where they can't find us" "I have an idea about that" Harry replied "But I don't know how to get there" "Where is this place?" Harry whispered the location to them "I can get us there" "And how the bloody hell are you going to do that" "You're just going to have to trust me Weasley. Alright, turn into this ally here. Now hold on to me." They hesitated "Why can't we just Apparate?" "Simple Granger because in light of what happened a few minutes ago I suggest we try not to draw attention to ourselves and be as subtle as possible. Now stop whining and hold on to me and no matter what happens don't let go this may feel strange because you're human."
With that, the three of them latched on to Draco two at his left arm while Harry held on to the right. They had never felt this way before, it was like every particle in their bodies had come unhinged it was like they are floating through time and were travelling light years rather than miles and when the landed they were all dizzy with a strong case of vertigo that rendered them incapable of standing on their feet. "the black family estate" Draco announced "how did you know "questioned Harry "My mother was a black before she became a Malfoy Potter I thought your godfather would have at least educated you on his family history."
"He did tell me I just forgot besides I didn't expect you to know where it was, its supposed to be protected" " It is protected very well protected in fact, however, the protection charms don't do much against vampires". "Yes, but you can't enter without someone inviting you in can you?" "Yes, Weasley that's true but it really wouldn't be in your best interest to separate yourselves from me. So who does the house belong to now." "Me," said Harry smugly "Please tell me you're joking" "Sirius left it to me in his Will as the last male Black heir." "Anyway let's get this over with" Once they reached the door and the three humans were on the inside of the threshold of the house Ron was turned around and slammed the door in Draco's face.
"Ronald!" said Hermione "Oh come on Harry agrees with me, don't you?" asked Ron turning to Harry "Under different circumstances yes Ron But right now we need him on our side and let's not forget that he is stronger and faster so it's best not to antagonize him" "Glad you realize that Potter now Granger would you mind opening the door I'm hungry and in a mood for Weasely soup." Came Draco's dismembered voice from the other side of the closed door.
Harry opened the Door to see a board looking Draco leaning on the left side of the frame "Before I invite you in, you're not going to hurt Ron." Draco looked at Harry for a long time before answering "If he doesn't cross me I'm all for ignoring his existence." "Alright then come in" with that Draco stepped over the threshold and the door to number 12 Grimald Place closed shut behind him. Do you think anyone's here?" asked Hermione "No no one" it was Draco that answered "And how the bloody hell would you know that?" but in reply, Ron only received a glare potent enough to send the Dark Lord running for cover.
"Draco has heightened senses Ron it comes with the change." Replied their resident bookworm as they moved along the entrance passage. One more step and they saw a kind of vapor rising from the floor that halted them in their tracks and before anyone could ask what it was the vapor took form and a ghost-like figure of Albus Dumbledore charged forth arms outstretched screaming for his murderer before dissolving at their feet. "It must be the remnants of the protective charm the Order put up in case Snape came back" said Ron and the other too just nodded.
But as they were moving forward Harry noticed that Draco was frozen in his spot like a living statue, his now steel Grey eyes the only indicator of the turmoil within his soul. "Draco?" Draco blinked and looked at him "Let's get a move on" he said softly, before walking towards the main parlor of the house leaving Harry in the middle of the hallway staring after him.
'I wonder if Hermione has a book on vampires' deciding to ask her before he went to bed Harry following Draco and his friends.
