Chapter 10: Dragon Heart, Weasel Rescues
Draco stood in the same spot, frozen, though his feet were no longer stuck. For a moment he thought he was crazy. After all, you can't see a shadow in full light. But he had been so fast- no wonder he was the best. Draco suddenly felt a panic growing in his gut. He should have known that the siblings and the dark lord would try something outside the protective field of Hogwarts. Ginny had been taken by Shadow, Draco was nearly positive. And now that he was positive he knew he had to tell someone.
Before he could do this, however, he turned and felt something hit his face with the force of a bludger. Stumbling back, Draco felt blood running down from his nose.
"Blimey Weasley-" Draco began to drawl but had to stop midsentence in order to dodge the next three punches Weasley senior sent his way.
"Aren't you going to stop him," snapped Draco to Granger and Potter as a punch just grazed his ear.
"I see no reason why," Granger replied casually. She seemed almost disappointed as Weasley Senior missed again. Draco never thought his light and quick seeker skills would come in handy at a time like this.
"Punch him in the nose again," Potter called to Weasley Senior.
"Look you gits, there is no time for this. I-" Draco drawled glaring at Potter, but this was just the distraction Weasley Senior had been waiting for because in five seconds flat, Draco was laying on the ground, Weasley Senior's wand pulled and pointed in his face.
"I knew she would get hurt because of you," Weasley Senior huffed. "I told her."
"Yes, perhaps if your own love life wasn't in such shambles, or at least existed, she'd have listened," Draco retorted.
In an odd way, Draco was actually amused by the odd flash of red that came into Weasley Senior's eyes. But just before any swish or flicks could be done, Potter's hand was holding Weasley Seniors wrist.
"Ruining all the fun, potter," Draco drawled. He felt odd to admit it, but he was disappointed that Weasley Senior had not hexed him.
Potter was giving him an odd look. "Malfoy, what just happened between you and Ginny," Potter asked.
"Not that it's any of your business, Potter," Draco snapped feeling his cheeks flush pink with annoyance, "but I was telling her she was better off with your lot."
"You were breaking up with her," Weasley Senior asked. Draco nodded. Weasley Senior's face broke into a grin. He thrust out his hand and for a moment Draco flinched. However no blow came and when he opened his eye he saw Weasley Senior was holding out his hand to assist Draco.
Draco took it suspiciously and Weasley Senior pulled him erect. "Mighty good of you, Malfoy," Weasley Senior said grinning, "Didn't know you had it in you-Harry?"
Before Draco had time to overcome the shock of suddenly having Ron Weasley's approval, he found himself on the ground again, this time nursing his jaw.
"Knock it off, "snarled Draco, looking up at Weasley Senior. The red head shrugged, though obviously unable to contain his glee at Draco being hit once again.
"Harry-" Granger began shocked as Potter shook his now sore fist, but Potter paid her no mind looking right at Draco. His emerald eyes piercing through Draco's gray ones.
"Coward," hissed Potter.
"What," Draco demanded, jumping up. He waved his wand quickly to heal his nose and kept it gripped in his hand threateningly present. Potter looked at it and back at Draco, unintimidated.
"Coward," Potter repeated, "it gets a bit rough and you run out, eh?"
"Bit rough," Draco scoffed, "no offense Potter but need I remind you that she and I were both nearly killed, then Pansy died, and now- obviously this could have all been avoided if we had simply never started."
"Because this isn't your side, right," Potter asked through gritted teeth. But before Draco could reply, Potter continued, "it was all just for fun for you? You thought you could save her from a death eater meeting, protect her from scarring the dark mark, get rid of Tom Riddle, and work this hard to get back to her all for fun?"
Draco closed his mouth and looked away stubbornly. He had the same sinking feeling he had when the Dream Team had come onto the chariot and as he had begun his ranting break up with Ginny.
"Ginny told you that," Draco muttered, he ran his hand through his hair- quickly tidying it once he had.
"No," Potter replied carefully. " I saw you save her in the forest. I knew it was you. I was spying to see if I could find out any information. You hexed other deatheaters. The moment you did that, that's the moment you were on our side."
"I'm a Slytherin," Draco began stubbornly, feeling almost embarrassed the Potter had seen his moments of heroics- had outlined them so perfectly to make him seem so foolish.
Potter interrupted him again, "I was almost a Slytherin and I requested not to be. You and I aren't that different Malfoy. The only difference is that she chose you and you're going to give her up- after all this fighting for one another- just because now you're faced with your first question of identity? You're a coward."
There was silence as Granger and Weasley Senior looked at Potter shocked. Draco searched the ground in annoyance. He hated that Potter was right, but he hated even more that Ginny hadn't had time to tell him all of this because she had been-
Draco looked up at them all, panicked. "Ginny," he exclaimed. He rushed towards the forest that she had disappeared into. She was gone. He had suspected she would be.
"We have to go to Dumbledore," Draco gasped as he rushed back to the Dream Team. "Shadow, from the Siblings, has taken Ginny. She's in danger. We have to go now. Take me to Dumbledore."
Draco decided he was going to ignore the smug look on Potter's face as he motioned for Draco to follow. As he ran ahead, keeping up with Potter, he could hear Granger say to Weasley Senior, "So I guess he and Ginny will be getting back together."
"He better do something abnormally nice to win her back. Git as he's been the past twenty minutes," Weasley Senior grunted grudgingly.
When they finally arrived in Dumbledore's office, Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, tapping his fingers.
"You're late. I expected you an hour ago," Dumbledore said sternly, a twinkle in his eye.
"Yes, well, this prat was a bit more of a prat then I thought," Potter replied with a shrug. Draco looked between the two suspiciously.
"What's going on," Draco demanded but Dumbledore held up his hand.
"Have you decided Draco who you care about more- your favor and reputation or Ginny Weasley," asked Dumbledore carefully.
Draco looked at Dumbledore right in his blue eyes and saw no twinkle. That was likely just for Potter. Still, Draco knew the answer and said firmly, "Ginny."
"Excellent," Dumbledore said clapping his hand. "I was hoping you would say that. We brought you a person as well."
"A person," Draco asked confused. Dumbledore made a motion of his hand and slowly the bookshelf just behind him moved away to reveal a bubbling cauldron, Professor Snape, and four unconscious figures, all robed in black.
"This is polyjuice potion," Professor Snape explained motioning to the cauldron as Dumbledore poured four goblets full. "Each of you will take a single hair from the head of these deatheaters and place it in the cup. Then drink. Do not spit any out. It will taste much worse than usual because it is made to last longer than usual. You will have four hours to retrieve Miss. Weasley. No more. Since I assume none of you have had polyjuice potion before, I should warn you it tastes like troll piss."
The teens exchanged a shocked look. "Yes," Professor Snape said coldly, "Those are Mad Eye's words, of course."
As they added a single strand of hair to each goblet, Professor Snape pulled Draco aside.
"Draco," he said quickly, looking suspiciously at the Dream team to insure they were not eavesdropping, "if you survive this, I will one day tell you of my own change of heart. It seems red heads are the fire that is needed to change a snakes path."
Draco looked at his Professor in surprise and was more shocked to see him nod with a smile on his face. Then he pointed to the goblet and Draco took his first sip.
When they arrived at the gates of the Malfoy Manor, Draco paused. He had never been sure he would ever return home. These were certainly not the circumstances he had wanted. Still, he supposed it was better than nothing. He took a step forward but felt a hand on his arm. Turning he found that a tall and slender womanly figure was holding his arm, face covered by the death eater mask.
Granger's voice came from behind the mask, " Draco, when the time comes you have to go and find Ginny. We have to call the Order."
Draco glared at Granger, though he doubted she could see.
"I'll help you," Weasley Senior's voice said tensely behind a short and stocky figure- face also covered.
"Fine," hissed Draco, holding his dark mark up to the locked gate. "Just stop mentioning all of this. You'll get us found out."
The gate creaked open and Draco stepped inside. As soon as his first foot stepped across the property line, he felt the familiar tug and found himself in the main dining room of the Malfoy manor. He was pleased to see that this body did not get queasy during transportation. Looking back he saw that Granger's body was not as lucky. She lifted her mask for fresh air revealing a gaunt face, eyes as hollow as tunnels. The price of Azkaban.
"Ahh, You've arrive. Crabbe, Goyle, Knott, and Rupirio, join our circle," said a chilling voice. Draco knew who it was without asking. Following the Dark Lord's instructions, he moved in the circle, Rupirio shuddering next to him. Draco elbowed her and she stopped.
"Faithful followers," the Dark Lord said cheerfully, moving around the room. He seemed to have a certain extra bounce in his step. "After long await we have finally gotten our desired results. Nagendra's idea to call the siblings from retirement has proved efficient. I bring before you the apparently powerful Ginny Weasley."
The sea of death eaters parted to reveal Wormtail, leading the red headed Ginny Weasley through the crowd. She walked with her head held high, despite the fact that she had numerous bruises. Draco tried to keep his eyes steely and unreadable, but felt his jaw tighten under his mask.
"Complements of Bellatrix I'm guessing," mused a figure next to Draco. Draco had to work harder to resist the urge to punch the voice next to him as he recognized Nagendra. Nagendra seemed almost pleased.
"You don't like her work, Goyle," hissed Nagendra as the Dark Lord continued to mock Ginny to the crowd.
"Lovely," Draco replied through gritted teeth. Merlin, he didn't think he had ever hated anyone as much as Nagendra. Nagendra looked at Draco for a moment before turning, though Draco could not tell if his answer had satisfied Nagendra or not.
"Care to meet your match," the Dark Lord asked with a sneer. Waving his hand, a woman of about fifty stepped forward. She looked exactly like her picture from all those years ago. She still had the same long hair, though it was now all grey, and pasty skin, now lined with age. The look of smug entitlement on her face remained as well. But her blood red lips looked much more like blood in real life than the picture allowed. As she stood, she crossed her arms and Draco could see a giant ring with a skull and bone.
"What's wrong with Knott," hissed Nagendra. He was looking over to where the figure of Knott stood. Draco looked as well and could see Knott practically shaking. Draco knew that it was really Ron Weasley shaking with fury.
"Something's not right," Nagendra continued almost talking to himself. Draco made a shrug and grunt in return. This was obviously a satisfying answer for Nagendra because he patted Draco on the shoulder once and said in a pitying tone, "Try not to hurt yourself with thinking."
Draco nudged Rupirio and nodded toward Knott. Hermione's voice hissed, "oh no."
Just as she said this, Draco's attention was pulled back to the center of the circle as Nagendra stepped forward.
"Nagendra," hissed the Dark Lord, seeming annoyed, "what is the meaning of this?"
"I apologize my lord," Nagendra said falling to his knee and removing his mask. Draco saw him flash a smirk at Ginny, who glared at him with fire in her eyes. Draco felt his foot take a step forward but Rupirio's hand held him back.
"I believe that there is someone who is not who they say they are among us," Nagendra continued.
"Speak on," the Dark Lord said thoughtfully.
Draco nudged Rupirio. "Go now," he hissed. Hermione-Rupirio moved away, taking Harry and with her.
"Knott is acting oddly, my Lord. I worry that in our joy at our triumph we have all let down our guard too far."
Without hesitation, Voldemort turned to Knott, who now stood very still.
"Any comments Knott," he hissed dangerously. Draco flicked his wand quickly in his pocket, unnoticed. The rope that held Ginny loosened but she remained completely still. Only her eyes grew momentarily before she composed herself. Toffana's old eyes flickered to Draco, then back to Ginny, but she said nothing.
"I can't imagine what Nagendra means," croaked Knott.
Voldemort waved his wand and Knott flew to the center of the floor. "You can't," hissed Voldemort.
He quickly removed the mask and held up his wand. In a moment, Knott's face was replaced by the face of Ron Weasley. Draco felt his own body return. A bit of a relief since he was becoming too accustomed to the potbelly Goyle carried about. Still, Draco was aware of what this meant.
Voldemort threw Weasley Senior to the floor, making his hood fall away to reveal the red hair. Meanwhile, Draco moved swiftly through the circle of whispers and shock to stand behind Nagendra. He muttered, "stupefy" and Nagendra fell forward, hitting the stone floor nose first. Draco heard a distinct crack and felt a moment of joy. The moment was punctured as he suddenly found himself pulled to the middle of the circle. Like Weasley Senior, his mask was removed and he was thrown to the ground.
However, his appearance made the crowd gasp in astonishment. He even heard his father's surprised voice say, "Draco?" Then it was hushed by the death eater next to him.
"Ahh, what a treat," snarled the Dark Lord, "two blood traitors in one sitting. Come to see your sister and girlfriend die? I regret to inform you that this is invitation only." A few laughs flitted through the circle.
"Bellatrix. Lucious. Come here," Voldemort demanded.
Two figures approached, one practically skipping with excitement.
"I know how much you enjoy these things, Bellatrix, so I want you to kill the Weasley traitor. No torture. Just get it done so we can all go about our business. And Lucious," he turned to Lucious whose grey eyes had been staring at Draco as if he were seeing a ghost. "I think you should do the same, for your own son."
"My lord," Lucious asked, his voice cracking as it sounded horrified by the suggestion.
"My lord," Voldemort imitated with a sneer, "just do it. I want them to hit the ground at the same instance. On three or else."
Lucious made a gulping sound and turned to Draco, who nodded, trying to show his father that he understood what he was doing and why.
"One," Voldemort began. Bellatrix was nearly dancing with joy. "Two." There was a pause as Voldemort looked at Lucious darkly. "Three."
Two simultaneous things happened at once. Just as Draco saw a flash of green light and felt himself falling backward, he felt a hand grab his wrist and saw a strand of red hair out of the corner of his eye. When he woke up twenty minutes later, he and Ron had been thrown across the now empty room. Rolling over, Draco opened his robes. His stomach felt as if it had been seared. He gasped and nearly fell back. On the flesh of his stomach was a lightning bolt scar. He leaned against the wall looking around. He moved over to Weasley Senior and rolled him over. The red head moaned. And looked up at Draco.
"Thanks mate, I've been thinking about moving since we were thrown. Didn't seem wise," Ron muttered half conscious.
"What happened," Draco asked sitting Weasley Senior up.
"Ginny," Ron began, but he paused giving Draco an odd look. "What's with the scar?"
"Ginny what," Draco demanded, "what about Ginny?"
"She grabbed our wrists right when we were hit," Weasley Senior said, "I think she purified it. Do I have one of those too?"
Draco jumped up, holding the wall for balance. Then he moved over Weasley Senior and bolted out of the door, just as Weasley Senior opened his robe to find that on his chest, just above his heart, with a lightening bolt scar as well.
"The boy who lived," Weasley Senior muttered before taking his wand out of his pocket and moving from the room, slowly and cautiously.