CHAPTER ELEVEN

Disclaimer: Not mine. :-)

'So, where exactly are we?'

'Paris.'

'What! I came from Durmstrang. How does that one work?'

'No need to shout. I don't know what's going on, that's why we are going to see the Elders. Here we are.'

They'd arrived at a large wooden door decorated with all sorts of ornate mythical creatures. Gold handles opened on their own and Draco found himself face to face with a long table of grey, dignified looking elders. Who were all staring at him, some with distaste and anger, others merely in confusion and interest.


At the head of the table a wizened old lady sat, hunched over, her petite body trembling with age. She had a kindly, wrinkled face, yet it was not motherly or overly approachable, it was the sort of face which one never forgot. Without words or actions, she demanded respect, honesty and loyalty but didn't come across as forceful or aggressive in her simple yet authoritative manner.

Her short grey hair was perfectly styled, blue calculating eyes held a knowing twinkle, not unlike Dumbledore's, as though she already knew what Draco was doing there. In contrast to the other assembled elders, she didn't look angry or confused, she was merely, watchful.

Andorra knelt, motioning Draco to do the same. Self-consciously he lowered himself onto his right knee and bowed his head. He was unwilling to present his unprotected neck to those who, obviously, didn't want him there.

"Wise ones, we seek your counsel." Andorra almost whispered in a serious clear voice, which echoed around the silent, intimidating room.

"You may stand." It was not the Elder Lady who spoke but a dignified, distinguished, decorous man, he certainly looked over seventy, but his manner and the way he stood was that of a much younger man.

Draco and Andorra stood and faced the daunting assembly.

"What troubles you?"

"This, my Lords and Ladies is Draco Malfoy." There was a collective gasp from the Elders. "I beg you not to mistake him for his father. He found himself here quite by accident, he was running and opened a door which lead into my room. The first I knew of it was when this strange door appeared in my room and he came through it."

"Well, this is strange, where did you come from, sonny?" The man turned to Draco.

"Please, My Lord, he can not talk, may he use Deferentis." Andorra spoke for him.

The old man acknowledged Andorra and checked Draco's throat. To be honest, Draco thought to himself, I'm getting fed up of people inspecting like some common animal!

"Now then Draco, you shall talk to the assembly by Deferentis and Proloquor, do you know what I mean?"

Draco shook his head.

"Proloquor will allow everyone in here to hear what you have to say, just treat it as though you were using Deferentis."

Draco nodded hesitantly.

"Now, where did you come from?"

Durmstrang

"Were you trying to run away?"

Yes, Bellatrix was behind me, I only wanted somewhere to hide.

"Did she follow you?"

She didn't know I was there; I wanted to hide so she wouldn't find out that I'd escaped.

"Where did you escape from? Why were you in Durmstrang? Is Voldemort in charge of the school now?"

Draco told them of his adventure from Hogwarts to Durmstrang to Paris. When he had finished the Elders dismissed them so that they could discuss the matter.

Back outside, Draco let out a long breath that he hadn't realised he was holding.

What happens now? He asked Andorra

We wait.

Draco sighed in frustration. He slumped down on the floor, his head in his hands. The day's events were beginning to catch up with him and he worried about Harry. I hope he doesn't do anything rash. He thought to himself. Oh god, what a mess! Just think of the weasels face when he sees Andorra, he always makes a fool of himself in front of women. Imagine Hermione slapping him.

Andorra watched Draco rub his hands over his face in annoyance and an attempt to stay awake. He was probably thinking about his friends, she wondered about what he'd been thinking earlier about Harry. Who was Harry? Was he just a friend?

Luckily, they didn't have to wait long and were soon called back into the long room. This time it was the Elder Lady who stood and spoke.

"My name is Lady Stella, we would like to help you. We are not sure how you came here but we are going to get you back to Hogwarts and meet with your leader Dumbledore."

Draco nodded, thank you, he thought, knowing she would hear.

"Andorra, find him a room, he looks dead on his feet. We shall leave at eleven hundred hours tomorrow."


The next morning, Andorra woke Draco at ten and they were ready to leave by five to eleven. They waited in a small room just off the main lobby for the Elders to join them. When they arrived, Draco recognised one as they man who lead the assembly the day before. Accompanying him was; Lady Stella, her husband, Lord Barach, several other French dignitaries and a couple of younger men who were French Aurors.

The younger of the two Aurors, Josh, took Draco by side-apparition to Hogsmead, and then they walked up to the castle. Draco could see lights flickering in the distance.

He squinted, they weren't lights.

Josh

Yeah

What…what are they? They don't look like normal lights.

Holly shit. There must be Dementors over there.

Out loud, he shouted a warning and those who were able began to run, drawing their wands as they went.

Outside the castle, but still on the grounds Jake and some Professors where battling around a thousand Dementors. It wasn't a battle easily won. Josh, Draco and the rest of Draco's group joined in.

After about five minutes, everybody was getting tired and their patronus's feebler, barely holding the Dementors at bay.

Then Harry appeared, running like the wind from the forbidden forest. He stopped on the edge of the battle and with is arms raised, a golden, shimmery light grew from his fingertips. This light spread in all direction causing the Dementors to burst into black flames and vanish, only a few fragments of ripped cloak fluttered to the ground. As it swirled around the battling witches and wizards they felt at peace, a warm glow flowed through their veins.

After all the Dementors were gone, the golden light collected to form a staggering sight; a magnificent, giant owl stood next to Hagrid's hut, towering over the trees and people, viewing them like a prophet would his disciples. With a soft, musical 'hoot' it spread its wings, glided over the forest, and disappeared.

Everyone fell silent, in awe and relief.

Harry collapsed to the ground in a heap.

Authors note:

Proloquor is part of the phrase 'to speak out of mind' in Latin.

I haven't forgotten about Harry's battle at Durmstrang, that will feature in the next chapter.

If you can think of any names to give to the mysterious Owl it will be apprieciated.

Also if you want, you can check out my new story, 'A summer to remember' only one chapter is up so far.

TTFN. X

Please review!