It has been a long few weeks! The jet lag has offered me an opportunity to really plot out the next few chapters, though, which has been nice. Thank you to all my faithful reviewers, you give me the motivation to continue writing.

Currently I am in route to London, and from there I will be going back to the States. As much as I enjoyed this research trip, I will be happy to be back home and to take some down time.

In the next few months I will be preparing for graduate school entrance exams and the foreign service exam, so I wouldn't be surprised if it takes some time before I am able to update again. Please be patient with me.

Here is the next chapter! It is a little shorter than usual because it needed to end at a convenient point.

As always, I enjoy reading your reviews. Please let me know what you think!
…

After breakfast on the last day before the Third Task, Draco headed to Snape's office for a quick word before the Hogsmeade trip. Pansy, Blaise, Theo, and Greg waited in the Common Room, knowing Draco would be safe through the short distance between the dormitories and Severus's office.

With a knock, Draco pushed his way inside. Snape was bent over a cauldron, and didn't glance up when his godson entered. "Yes?" His voice was terse, probably because he was concentrating on the potion.

Draco moved to assist him with the brew. "How would I go about obtaining an unregistered wand?"

Snape's hand nearly jerked at the unexpected question, but he recovered quickly enough. "Although I am surprised to hear you ask, I realize I shouldn't be. It is a wise idea for someone in your situation to seek ways around the law." He glanced at an hourglass in the corner, in which sand was slowly trickling downwards. "Give me four minutes to finish up this stage in the potion, and then we can discuss your options."

Draco obliged, following Severus's instructions in order to correctly prepare the potion.

When they had finished, Snape moved to his desk, rummaging around for a quill and some blank parchment. "Ollivander would sell you another wand, but he would also remember exactly who he sold it to, which could get you in trouble later. There are many wand dealers of less…reputable means, but I wouldn't trust most of them not to sell you out. There is one last option, which should be safe." The Potions professor scribbled down something on paper before turning and placing it in Draco's hand. "Go to this address; they should be able to help you. And for god's sake, Draco, don't get caught. The penalties will be steep for someone as mistrusted as your family is."

"Thanks, Sev." Draco gifted his godfather with one of his rare bright smiles. "See you this evening." All those involved in Draco's schemes had agreed to meet later in the evening to finalize all plans for the Tournament.

Snape rolled his eyes and turned away, but not in time to hide the tiny quirk of a smile on his lips.

Draco left the office with a wave and returned to the Slytherin dormitories, where his friends waited. The scrap of paper from Severus was tucked carefully away into his robes, right alongside his purse.

His housemates greeted him warmly as he entered, and after a few minutes they all left together, heading outside to the castle grounds, where all the other students waited.

Draco caught Luna's eyes and gave her a smile. Cedric, to the young Malfoy's surprise, also waved in a friendly manner. Draco nodded neutrally in return.

Within a few minutes, all the students who intended to go out of the grounds had gathered, and the professors allowed them to head into the small town. Draco was careful to stay away from Potter's group. Charlie's brother Ron was especially sulky, glaring at Draco for much longer than warranted.

Pansy elbowed Draco gently in the side, jarring his attention to her. "What do you need to buy?" She asked him quizzically. "We might need to split up to finish everything." Behind her, Blaise was nodding emphatically, mouthing something like, Women. Shopping.

Draco held back a smirk before answering honestly. "I have a few errands to run with Greg. I need books, potions, an item with Runes, and something highly illegal."

Theo made a choked noise in his surprise. "I don't want to know!" he exclaimed, clapping his hands over his ears overdramatically.

Greg grinned at the Nott heir patronizingly. "Don't worry; we'll spare your virgin ears."

Blaise rolled his eyes. "No quarreling, children. Here's the plan, then: I will go with Theo and Pansy, and Goyle and Draco can go do their shady business. Then when Pansy gets lost in the robes shop, Theodore and I can move on. We will meet back up by Flourish and Blots at half past noon, unless otherwise occupied." The Italian boy looked pointedly at Draco, who smirked back. The group knew Draco planned to meet up with Charlie, who would be unable to attend the planned meeting tonight.

The housemates all agreed to Blaise's plan, and went their separate ways with cheerful farewells. Goyle turned to Draco expectantly. "Where to?" he questioned.

Draco went through his mental checklist. "Knockturn Alley. I need an anti-scrying amulet."

The larger boy frowned at his friend. "For what purpose? Those are somewhat useless."

Draco folded up his robe sleeves aristocratically. "My mother has always had a talent for scrying. I am sure my father will enlist her services, and I would rather have my moves remain a mystery."

Greg stepped in front of Draco, forcing him to stop or run into a broad chest. He met Draco's grey eyes seriously. "I thought you were on relatively good terms with your mother?"

Draco's face closed off. "Not anymore." Was the only response he offered.

Goyle accepted it with no further questions. "A scrying amulet, it is." They entered a shop at random and asked the owner who might have such an object. Two shops later, Draco found what he was looking for. Ugly as the piece was, it would serve his purposes. He placed it around his neck and under his shirt so as to hide it. From there, the two friends continued on to the Potions shop, where Draco picked out a kit of potions: Blood Replenishing, Pepper-Up, Healing, Strengthening, Invigorating, and practically every other potion that might assist him or his allies in a duel with Death Eaters. Shrinking the kit and stowing it in his pocket, Draco moved on to the bookstore with Greg in tow.

There was a certain rare tome called Architecture of Magick that he was looking for. He heard mention of the volume in several texts concerning Seers. The book had to be ancient, based on his difficulty in finding it. After speaking with the owner and staking a claim on the next copy available, Draco considered that errand complete. Checking the time, he found he had about two hours left before his arranged meeting with Charlie Weasley. Time to get the illegal item, then.

Pulling the scrap of paper from his robe pocket, Draco returned to Knockturn Alley and found the shop listed, one Clara's Curios. Stepping inside, the Malfoy heir was not surprised to encounter a woman, likely Clara. She had short black hair and sharp blue eyes. Stepping up to the counter, he gave her a pleasant smile. "Good morning." He greeted.

The woman returned the greeting. "Morning, young Malfoy. I am Clara, the owner of this shop. I actually went to Hogwarts the same year as your friend Charlie. Tell him 'hi' for me, will you? Now, what can I do for you?" Like many of the shop owners in Knockturn Alley, the Malfoy name was respected rather than scorned here.

Draco got straight to the point. While Greg wandered about the shop, Draco folded his hands elegantly on top of the counter. "I am in need of an unregistered wand. My godfather recommended I visit you here because you could be trusted with this request."

Clara smiled. "Your godfather is correct. Let me see what we have in stock that will suit your needs. Come this way, please." She stepped out from behind the counter and gestured the two friends into a back room.

There were perhaps twenty-five to thirty-five wands hanging on one wall, which was where Clara led them. "The wands are organized alphabetically by wood type. I would suggest starting with the same wood as your current wand, and working your way from there. Feel free to wave them around and see how they work for you. The room is warded against damage."

Draco did as she told him. He slowly worked his way through all the wands, as only the best one would do. There were three wands that worked fairly well by the time he had tested them all.

There was one, however, that definitely stood out. Draco held out the silver-colored wand to Clara, who smiled knowingly. "Interesting choice. Eleven inches long. Made of silver lime wood, with a White River monster spine core." She peered into Draco's eyes, as if seeing something more. "An elegant if mysterious combination, and quite rare. Force and elegance as a pair, implying a great fortitude. The core is rare and only chooses a wielder who is both powerful and controlled. Silver lime wood is rumored to have a connection to Legilimency. You take after your godfather, young Malfoy."

With a private smile, Draco mused to himself that silver lime wood purportedly had a connection to Seers as well. "How much?" he asked calmly. Greg was giving him an impressed look, which Draco ignored.

Clara thought for a moment. "This wand has been with my family for generations, and you are the first wielder it has chosen. Fifteen galleons will be sufficient for the wand and my silence."

Twice the price of a legal wand plus a little extra. Draco passed the coins over to her willingly; it was a fair deal. He shook her hand with a smile. "Pleasure doing business with you. Your reputation is well-earned." Tucking the newly purchased wand away into his robe pockets (which had been magically enlarged and deepened), Draco motioned Greg out of the shop and they left.

Goyle immediately began to chatter. "You know, Draco, I think that wand is more suited for you than the one you got from Ollivander."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Likely it is. Ollivander has no love for my family. Not to mention, most of the wands that would suit me are probably 'dark' so he refuses to supply them." Glancing at his watch, he marveled at how long the task had taken. "I am supposed to meet Charlie in half an hour at the patisserie near the Potions shop. Let's go there, and you can leave me and join the rest at Flourish and Blotts." He knew Greg would not leave him unless there was someone else there to "watch" him. The bulky boy agreed and they walked over to the small French bakery.

Charlie was already there, sipping coffee and leaning back in his seat. He waved when Draco approached, and Greg peeled off and left the small bakery to meet the other Slytherins.

As Draco slid gracefully into the padded chair across from Charlie, the older boy smiled wryly. "This isn't a typical place for a meeting. I looked at the menu but it was all gibberish to me. Too high-class, I suppose?" he winked at Draco.

Draco's eyebrows lifted in a sardonic manner, and he replied simply, "Clara says hi." He waved the manager over. In perfect French, he ordered a meal for them both, to which the manager responded in delight. They exchanged pleasantries, but Charlie was unable to do anything but stare, flabbergasted. He had no idea Draco spoke French, and the beautiful language coming from his friend's lips caused a shiver to run down his spine.

A few minutes later, the conversation ceased and the manager disappeared into the back to prepare their order. Charlie immediately questioned Draco. "You speak French? And how did you run into Clara?"

Crossing his legs and leaning back in his chair, Draco smirked. "I am French, to be more precise. Malfoi, bad faith: my last name is French, although the spelling was changed by mistake some years back. I was born in France, though my family owns property in England as well. Also, I just visited Clara's shop before I came here."

Charlie blinked in surprise; he had never known Draco and his family were foreigners. "I had no idea." He stated finally. "You don't have an accent."

Draco chuckled. "I did learn English in London, so I am not surprised you can't detect my accent." A waiter appeared with a drink for Draco, a dark roast coffee by the look of it. He took it with a polite nod and laced his fingers together around the mug. Lowering his voice, he began, "Most of the details of our plan have been discussed, but there are a few more things I would like your input on. No specifics, since we are in a public place. After swiping the Cup, what is our next course of action?"

Charlie sobered at the reminder of their true purpose for meeting. "We gather as many people who are good at dueling as possible, then touch the cup together. That's the best option I can think of, at least. They will only be expecting one Champion, so numbers and surprise will tip the scales in our favor."

Draco nodded, considering Charlie's words. "And how do we decide how is 'good' at dueling?"

The Dragon Tamer smiled at Draco. "I trust your judgment in the people you are acquainted with. I also think the twins should be included…they are very inventive with jinxes and curses and can make a nuisance of themselves. Obviously Snape will not be able to assist you, and maybe some of the other Slytherins cannot either..." he paused, looking to Draco for confirmation, and the blonde boy nodded soberly.

"Theo and Greg are probably out for this one…they need to be subtler about their opposition. Pansy isn't a strong duelist, so it would probably be best for her to stay behind. That leaves Blaise. Lovegood would agree to come, likely, but I am not sure what the extent of her skills are. Fleur is willing to help. Then there is you, your brothers, Viktor…possibly eight people. We need more." Draco sighed, rubbing the creases in his forehead tiredly.

Charlie smiled reassuringly at Draco. "I think I can get Bill to join us, and he is very skilled in duels and defensive spells. And…what about Harry? If he came along, Hermione and Ron would be sure to follow."

Draco immediately disagreed. "If Potter gets involved, Diggory will, too. If Diggory gets involved, he will die, and everything will go to shite."

Charlie acquiesced. "That's fair. Nine will have to be enough, then. Unless I can get Harry to agree to leave Cedric out, anyways."

Draco nodded. "I suppose so. I acquired a potions kit for the fight, and some minor precautions to safeguard myself after the news blows up what happens."

Concern filled Charlie's expression all of a sudden. "Nothing illegal, I hope. Draco, what will you do after this? Where will you live, and by what means?"

Draco's grey eyes flickered to Charlie's worried blue with no little amusement. "Char, I have reminded you many times, but I don't think you realize the magnitude of my family's wealth. I have been skimming some off the top of the accounts for years, and the sum is paltry enough for my father not to question me. However, what is paltry by my father's standards is wealthy to anyone else. I have a comfortable amount to live on for many years, not to mention my own property, a small cottage in southwestern England. I have already asked Snape to place some wards up after the Tournament ends, so I will not be bothered there." With a small, self-deprecating twist of his lips, he added drolly, "I may not be as much of a bastard as my father, but I am still used to the comforts of a certain lifestyle. I doubt I would have the courage to do this with no stable place to stand on my own."

Their food arrived then, and Draco exchanged some more conversation in French with the excited manager, who was apparently the son of the owner, Charlie learned later. He watched the two interact, still a bit entranced by the novelty of hearing Draco speaking in French. Although Charlie didn't understand French, by the body language he could sort of guess at what was happening. Certainly, the manager was much more friendly and interested in Draco than what was typical.

When Draco shook his head and gave the manager a gracious smile, Charlie suspected the younger blonde had just been flirted with or propositioned in some manner. As soon as the manager disappeared, Charlie laughed a little. "Did he just ask for your contact information?"

Draco nodded, not seeming very embarrassed. "It happens quite often." He stated factually, with no pride. "Having a wealthy family attracts a lot of gold-diggers."

Charlie smirked. "I think it had less to do with your money and more to do with your nationality and looks. But aren't you a little young for him?"

Draco gave a small smile back and shrugged uncaringly, as if he could care less. "I ordered you a meal and a pastry. I am sure you will enjoy it."

Charlie looked suspiciously at the food, but tried it and found it to his liking. The bread was especially delicious, and the bite he sampled of the pastry was heavenly. "You have good taste. Hopefully your taste is not too expensive for my wallet."

Draco waved his concerns away. "I will get the check. It was my idea to meet here, after all."

Charlie hesitated, but acquiesced with a nod eventually. Draco had said his family was more loaded than Charlie could imagine, and his reasoning was sound.

The two young men made quick work of their meals and savored their dessert of chocolate croissants. After the food was set aside, they returned to business. This time the discussion centered around the logistics of what would happen after the Tournament ended.

"You know the media will have something to say, and will certainly put some negative spin on whatever events occur. I will be painted as a villain, because a Malfoy is everyone's favorite villain. We need a way to debase their rumors and hearsay; some tangible proof."

Charlie rubbed his jaw thoughtfully. "As much as it galls me to consider this, what if we had Pansy tag along under the Invisibility Cloak and take photos? They couldn't deny that as proof, if there were enough. If she stayed out of the danger zone it could be a viable strategy. You could contact the reporter we spoke to before. He owes you one, anyways."

Draco made a face, which was so childish and out of his typical character that Charlie burst out laughing. "Not a fan of Roy?" Charlie snickered.

"The man makes me cringe." Draco rolled his eyes, not enjoying Charlie's joke. "That does seem like our best option, however, so I will resign myself to it with reluctance. What about you?" When Charlie looked confused, Draco elaborated. "You will need to return to Romania, yes? After the Tournament ends?" his voice was composed but there was a small shadow in his eyes that Charlie was unsure how to interpret.

"I have to go back, yes. Otherwise I will lose a job I love very much." The thought of leaving Hogwarts saddened Charlie somehow. He didn't realize he had grown so fond of Draco until the thought of leaving caused sharp pangs of sadness in that moment.

Silver eyes, the color of storm clouds, noticed everything Charlie was thinking because his thoughts were so plain on his face. However, the younger man didn't comment upon the sentimentality. Charlie took that as a sign: in some small way, Draco was sad they would be parting soon as well. He wasn't allowed to dwell on that thought long, though, before Draco changed the subject. "I never asked you before, but did your family bother you after the newspaper article came out? You were so concerned with me that I didn't think about what issues it might cause you."

Charlie smiled warmly at the younger blonde. "They were concerned, of course. Our fathers hate each other's guts. But I don't live at home any longer, and they don't have control over my actions. They love me and they love Ron, but they also know we both have our own faults. Ron especially is quite prone to irrational anger when he feels he has been looked down upon. The fact that you assisted Harry, as well as went against your father, is enough to ensure they will give you a chance."

Draco rolled his eyes. "A chance to do what, exactly?"

Charlie snorted. "A chance to prove you aren't an evil bastard?"

A smug look spread slowly across Draco's face, a look that would not be out of place on the face of a wolf. "Oh, but I am an evil bastard." He assured Charlie, with a mocking twist of his lips. "I am simply not a stupid one. I know how to pick the winning side. Don't try to paint me as one of the good guys. It will end badly."

Charlie couldn't repress the shiver that went down his spine. It was times like these when a warning flag of SLYTHERIN went up on Charlie's head. No matter how much he liked Draco, he also couldn't forget Draco was not exactly nice. However, Charlie was drawn towards the unpredictability and danger that Slytherins were well-known for thriving in, despite being a Gryffindor at heart. "That may be true, but you can certainly act like you are completely innocent. Once you make a good first impression, they will like you, I'm certain. Maybe you will even come to like them."

Draco lazily leaned back. "You want me to lie to your family? Why, Charlie, I am shocked. A saintly Gryffindor, telling little old me to lie to law-abiding citizens." His eyes widened in mock-surprise.

Charlie gave him a slow smile. "I am certainly no saintly Gryffindor."

Draco's eyes sparkled with mirth, but he pushed aside the banter and grew serious. "I may have allowed you certain liberties, Weasley, but know there are some things about me that you will never understand, no matter how hard you try. I am not a Gryffindor, nor will I ever engage in hero-like activities. I am doing this to save my own skin, nothing more."

Charlie chuckled. "Say that all you want, but I know your bark is stronger than your bite. Well, unless I actually piss you off." He gave the younger blonde a goofy smile. "Which would be a reeeeeally bad idea."

Draco snorted. "You may not be a saintly Gryffindor, but you certainly naïve like a Gryffindor." He gave Charlie a suspicious look and peered into his eyes, trying to read something there. It seemed as if he found it, for he moved away with a sigh and dropped back into his seat. "You really have no idea how Slytherins work, do you?" Rubbing his forehead, he said nothing more.

Charlie warily trained his eyes on Draco. "You going to explain that?"

Draco hummed. "I doubt I could if I tried." He smirked with no little amusement.

Charlie shook his head, unable to understand. "I'm sorry," he snarked. "But how am I supposed to understand if you don't enlighten me about what just happened?

A mockingly superior look took over Draco's features. "It's like trying to explain Earth's gravity to someone who lives in space. The rules don't apply to you, so you won't understand the explanation." His tone was pompous, but his eyes held laughter.

"Is there anything else we need to discuss?" Charlie finally asked, trying to read anything from Draco's face.

The Malfoy's face was fairly blank as usual, however. "No. I think it would be best if I left now." Leaving some galleons on the table to cover the cost of their meal, the young Pureblood stood stiffly but with grace. "It was a pleasure." He said gallantly, before turning and striding out of the patisserie.

Charlie watched him go with a smile, shaking his head. Being around Draco made him feel old and young simultaneously.

….

Draco was surprised that his good mood (and good luck) had lasted for so long, but somehow he got the feeling that he would pay for his good day come tomorrow. Serves me right for having high expectations, Draco mused to himself. Obviously something will happen to screw up my plans. Inwardly, he knew he was ridiculous for being so pessimistic.

Because Draco had grown up in a perfectionist environment, he had often become disillusioned with himself and his own abilities. Nothing he did or had done was ever good enough for his father's high expectations, and trying to become an individual in such an atmosphere was stifling. Because he had been within that environment for such a long time, he was prone to doubt himself.

Not to mention, he subconsciously held to the principle that someone who tried to change him was an enemy.

The Malfoy heir ducked into a nearby café to grab a cup of tea and cool his head, not ready to return to a dorm full of people just yet.

As soon as he saw who was inside the café, he cursed his rotten luck. The Golden Trio was huddled over various beverages, and at Draco's entrance they immediately took notice. Despite Draco's efforts to slip into a quiet corner, the three approached his table.

To his surprise, Weasley did not blow up or try to rile him, but was conspicuously silent. Potter, as well, seemed mysteriously subdued. Draco regarded them with suspicion. "What is it? I wasn't looking for company."

Granger plowed right in. "You're injured. That is a fact, and in combination with the recent news article, I can only think the worst. Someone didn't much like your peacemaking with Charlie."

Draco immediately gave her a scowl. "Even if I was injured, it is none of your business. Piss off; you never cared about me before, so don't pretend to now. I am not your friend, nor am I on your 'side.'"

Harry Potter put a hand on Hermione's arm, halting the response she was about to spew out. He spoke softly and coaxingly. "We can help you, Malfoy. We don't have to be enemies, even if we aren't friends."

The Slytherin only sneered in response. "What happened to me having 'no morals, no loyalty, and no courage?'" He quoted Harry's words from the day in the Owlery back at the Boy-Who-Lived. "Go save someone else who gives a fuck, Saint Potter." He turned his attention back to the tea and ignored the three Gryffindors hovering awkwardly at his table. "Tosser. Okay, fine. Talk to Charlie, he might be able to convince you not to be complete idiots." He muttered under his breath, tired of seeing Potter's face.

Granger tried again. "Whoever hurt you did something illegal, Malfoy. They should be punished."

Draco clenched his teeth, fighting to keep a hold on his already boiling temper. "This is neither the time or the place, Granger. Go away, before you become even more of a nuisance. I already told you, I don't want or need your help. Ask Charlie." He met Granger's eyes, trying to convey his message.

He could see the moment she understood, as it was written across her face. Draco repressed the urge to roll his eyes. Gryffindors.

Ron Weasley rolled his eyes. "I am out of here. You tried, mate." He clapped Harry's shoulder encouragingly and then glowered at Draco. "Let the git rot."

Draco raised his chin fractionally, a proud look in his steely eyes as if daring the other two to contradict their friend.

Neither Harry or Hermione responded, but they turned and followed Ron out of the café. As they left, Hermione gestured emphatically as she explained what had just happened to her two moronic friends with no subtlety. Draco let out a long sigh of frustration. Dealing with Gryffindors always made him feel strained somehow. Perhaps because they were so oblivious to subtle machinations.

To cheer himself up, Draco decided to go to Madame Malkins and get himself a new pair of robes. If he continued on the current path, it might be some time before he had the disposable income to buy as high-quality robes as he usually enjoyed. By Draco's reasoning, he might as well use his father's blood money for something productive while he was still able.

The young blonde Slytherin walked over to the bright shop and pushed open the door. Within seconds he was recognized, and one of the more skilled sales clerks began to fuss around and suck up to him. While Draco knew it was necessary to receive better service, he really did not enjoy the politicking and pandering treatment he usually was given.

After walking through the fabrics, Draco chose a rich slate gray fabric that 'coincidentally' matched his eyes and the seamstress came out to take his measurements. As she pinned and prodded, Draco could see outlines of the fine cut the robes, once prepared, would take. It was a good fabric, and the shade complimented Draco's coloring.

Despite the rich colors of the Slytherin house, Draco's personal preference was to dress in basic or muted colors, such as gray, khaki, black, and white. Occasionally he added color, but most of his wardrobe consisted of basic but expensive pieces.

Paying for his purchase, Draco agreed to the shipping terms: the robes would be delivered in four days' time to Hogwarts. As he exited the shop, Draco decided to return to Hogwarts instead of trying to discover where his housemates had gathered. As he walked, he could see his own breath in the chilly air, and he shoved his hands deep into his robe pockets.

It was a pleasant walk. There was not snow on the ground, but the temperatures were cold enough. In the next week, snow was predicted. In a school full of young kids, it was difficult to get time alone sometimes. It was certainly the case for Draco.

Around this time of year was typically when Draco's mother would begin to pester him about Christmas, wanting his input for all the preparations and festivities of the season. It would be very strange not to be a part of that this year. After what Draco expected to happen during the Third Task, he knew that he would not be welcomed and indubitably would not be safe if he were to return to Malfoy Manor.

Although Draco would never call his family warm, there was something very depressing about spending a family-oriented holiday completely alone. Any invitations he received to join other families in celebrations would undoubtedly be pity-driven or require reciprocation that Draco refused to give. The young Malfoy had made up his mind to immediately decline any such offers.

Perhaps he would get away for a while. Draco had been considering taking a trip to Muggle London, just to familiarize himself with Muggle culture in case of an emergency. If he made his father angry enough, he might not be safe in the small home he planned to live in, as his father was aware of its location and possibly might be able to access it, due to the blood ties.

It might be wise to have a few options, a small list of Muggle flats he knew were available, for his own safety. Was there anyone he could trust enough to guide him? His mind immediately spun through the possibilities and one person came to mind.

Tracey Davis was a half-blood who had been raised in the Muggle world. Because of her background, she was ostracized within Slytherin. If Draco gave her some pull and protection, he had a feeling that she would be happy to play tour guide for him. He made a mental note to have Pansy approach her and see how receptive she was to the idea.

With a self-deprecating smile, the Malfoy heir caught himself. It was his tendency, when upset, to focus his attention on other things which could be solved rather than the emotional mess waiting. The distraction, however, was welcome, so Draco could not bring himself to care about his avoidance of the real issue. He knew it was unhealthy, but keeping up an appearance of perfection was something he had been trained in since birth.

He was broken out of his thoughts by a rustling in the bushes. Tensing, Draco prepared to draw his wand, but he relaxed and smiled when he saw the cause of the noise.

Luna Lovegood stepped from the bushes, hair windblown and smile huge. "Hi, Draco Malfoy! The Wrackspurts seem to be congregating around your head. It probably isn't good for your health to have so many following you."

Draco reached over a pulled a leaf from her long blonde hair, somehow happy to see the younger Ravenclaw. "Hi, Luna. What are you doing in the bushes?"

Luna clapped her hands cheerily, remembering why she had come. The whimsical girl reached back inside and pulled out a pretty stone, which she held up in order for Draco to see. "I brought you a present! It is a stone that holds happy thoughts. What did you bring me?"

Nonplussed, Draco dug in his pockets, searching for something to give Luna. Luckily, he had something. "I brought you a gift, also. The only green leaf on a brown tree." He handed it over to her, and took the stone she was offering him.

She looked delighted. "It is a good gift!" she informed him as she took the leaf. "I must go back now to find a Nargle. I hope everything goes smoothly tomorrow, and that you have a good holiday, Dragon." She skipped away without waiting for him to reply.

Draco watched her go, somehow feeling a little more jovial. He continued along the path back to Hogwarts, but it still seemed to take more time to go back alone than it had taken to come together with his housemates. Loneliness was like that.

….

Hands slid over skin sinuously, checking the state of the wounds. After the Flashes subsided (bright green eyes and fiery red hair; a beast lunging for his throat, throbbing burning pain) Draco's amused eyes met Severus's over his shoulder, watching as his Head of House fussed with the whip injuries Lucius Malfoy had inflicted. He allowed Snape to finish and re-bandage the scabs before he slid away and stretched languidly, trying to demonstrate his ease of movement. "I told you I can manage, Sev. I'm fine."

Severus Snape scowled at the young Pureblood, not impressed by his bravado. "If this is fine, I would hate to see your definition of bad. You were lucky, Draco. The wounds weren't infected, and you came to me before the bleeding was too serious. Don't be moronic and act like a Gryffindor just because everything has worked out for you so far...you can't rely on having good luck forever."

Draco snorted at the irony of that statement. "If this is good luck, I would hate to see your definition of bad luck." He parroted Severus's words back to him with a bold smirk.

Snape glared and cuffed his head. "Cheeky brat." But his tone relayed a fondness that his body language did not. "I suppose we will go ahead with the plan then, as it seems that you will survive. If you have enough energy to sass me, you will certainly be okay to fly such a short distance."

Draco shrugged his shirt back on, giving the Slytherin Head of House a smirk. "I doubt you could stop me at this point." The closer they got to the Third Task, the more Draco felt ready. He'd had enough of being a helpless school boy: it was time to do something with the abilities he'd been born with. There was a quiet noise in the background; Blaise had entered the office for the meeting starting shortly.

Snape had sensed Draco's growing confidence, and he fixed the boy with a serious look. "Draco." When his student turned to look at him, Severus continued, "I have faith in you, but you also need to be careful. Death Eaters are ruthless men and women who don't have much to lose. You, on the other hand…" he trailed off, trusting that Draco would get his meaning. "Just be very cautious. Things are not what they seem."

Blaise, overhearing the Potions professor's words, threw an arm over Draco's shoulders. "Draco's pretty badass when he wants to be. Those Death Eaters won't know what hit them."

Draco shoved his arm off and gave him a scornful look. "Don't be an idiot." He told Blaise, but there was an amused quirk upturning his lips. "The Death Eaters won't even know something hit them."

Blaise chortled at that. "You are stylish with that new wand of yours." He agreed easily.

Snape raised an eyebrow. "So you did procure a spare wand. May I see it?"

Draco reached into a concealed pocket inside his robe and withdrew the silver wand, dropping it into Severus's palm obligingly.

The Potions Professor examined the wand with no little interest. "It is a magnificent wand, perhaps even better suited for you than your wand from Ollivander's. With your seemingly natural talent at Legilimency, it fits. What is the core crafted from?"

"White River monster spine, apparently." Draco responded lightly. "I had never heard of it until today."

The Head of Slytherin House blinked in surprise, his eyebrows raising. "It is extremely rare, so it is not unusual for you to have never encountered it. In combination with silver lime wood…. well. Certainly a unique combination."

Blaise rolled his eyes. "What the hell is a White River monster?"

Snape gave Blaise an unimpressed look. "It is a species of fish native to the White River. They are extremely difficult to lure, and the only person who is known to be able to entice the monster is Thiago Quintana, an American wandmaker. This wand is of his making." Severus returned the wand to Draco with a small smile.

Blaise gave an unamused laugh. "I don't care about some stupid fish, but what relevance does it have to Draco's wand?"

Giving Draco a look which caused the blonde Malfoy to snicker, Snape rolled his eyes and responded to Blaise's questions impatiently. "I'm no wandmaker. How would I know?" Draco got the feeling Severus was mostly messing with Blaise for personal pleasure.

Groaning, Blaise threw his hands into the air in exasperation. "Whatever!" His next words were interrupted as the rest of the Slytherins arrived: Pansy, Theo, and Greg all greeted Draco noisily.

Pansy sidled up to Draco with a grin. "Have a nice date with Charlie?" she teased him.

Draco raised an eyebrow at her. "Since when were meetings like this considered dates?"

The Parkinson heiress scowled at his boring response. "You are becoming a Professor Snape clone!" she informed him.

Draco shrugged, certainly not concerned by that statement. "Okay." He replied blankly.

Luna, Fred, and George arrived at that moment, and Viktor came in a few moments later.

Draco ran over the plans for the Third Task, making sure each person was clear on their role and also on the backup plan. He discussed with the others what he and Charlie had spoken of earlier that day, and everyone agreed that having Pansy document the happenings would be a good thing.

Reluctantly, Draco even brought up Charlie's idea to include the Golden Trio. "We need more firepower, so I think we have to try. Most of you can't risk opposing the Dark Lord openly so soon, and the Boy-Who-Just-Won't-Die owes me one anyways after that stunt he pulled in the Owlery."

The Slytherin's expressions darkened at the reminder of that incident. "He completely owes you." Theo agreed forebodingly, cracking his knuckles in a threatening manner.

Snape cleared his throat pointedly, drawing the attention of the group. "There is something else we have not discussed yet." He met Draco's eyes stoically. "Draco, you know that if Pansy publishes the happenings as you are planning that you almost certainly be disowned."

There was a shocked silence as those gathered realized that he was probably right.

Draco, however, was not surprised. He had known this was coming for a while. Malfoy's were not known for mercy, and he was honestly a little amazed that his father had not disowned him instead of whipping him for that newspaper article that was released before. "I am aware. I have some contingency plans in place and a comfortable amount to live off of."

Everyone watched with bated breath, afraid to interject anything into the tense atmosphere. This was between Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy, clearly.

The Potions Professor sighed. "While it is good that you have taken measures to ensure your safety, there is something large that cannot really be fixed by prior planning. What of your magic? Disconnecting it from such a longstanding and powerful family name will unbalance your core."

Fred and George scooted in closer to the Slytherins. "What is the greasy git," began Fred, "Talking about?" finished George.

Greg answered softly, eyes never leaving the two Slytherins. "When heirs of powerful bloodlines are disowned, their magic is disconnected from the family and it often causes problems. In some extreme cases, it even led to madness. A powerful family name like Malfoy will certainly lead to magical complications for Draco unless he takes another name immediately. Names are important in magic…names have power."

Nodding their understanding, the two Gryffindors present turned their attention back to the main conversation, catching only part of what was being said.

"–my hope that Sirius Black will eventually welcome me as a fellow outcast, as my mother was a Black. But I am not counting on that." Draco explained. "My blood bond with the Krum family should protect me in the meantime."

"Should is not good enough, Draco." Snape hissed. "Magic is rarely predictable. What if things do not fit into your plans?"

Draco shrugged helplessly. "There is only so much I can do! Do you have any suggestions, or would you like to continue berating me?"

Severus scowled in annoyance. "Do not mistake consideration for disproval!" he rebuked his pupil. "If necessary, I can adopt you in secret, Draco. I only wanted to make sure you had some solid options to fall back on."

Cowed, Draco dipped his head. "Thank you. That is reassuring." He cleared his throat. "I also planned to speak to Tracey Davis after the Task and venture into Muggle London. It would be a place my father would never look for me, if I ever needed such a place."

Viktor smiled. "That is a trip I wouldn't mind making as well. My parents have taken my alliance with you well, but you never know." Draco agreed with a nod.

Luna smiled dreamily. "The room has cleared! I have a feeling that everything will work out tomorrow. Things won't be perfect, but there will be no major complications." Her wispy voice surprised everyone.

Draco gave her a small smile and replied. "That is good news. Now, is there anything else? Everyone knows their roles perfectly? No questions?" When there was no response, he nodded acceptingly. "Get some sleep tonight. Tomorrow will be a long day." As the group slowly dissipated, Draco turned to Viktor. "Good luck tomorrow. Not that you need it." He clapped Viktor on the shoulder encouragingly and gave him a small smile.

The Bulgarian Seeker returned the smile. "Thank you. Stay safe."

Draco returned to the Slytherin dorms alongside his Housemates.

It was a restless night.