Legal disclaimer: All of Harry Potter belongs to J. and this is just playing with her creation.

Author notes : I thank all of you wonderful readers who have made me a part of your alert list. Reviews have given me the will to continue and this is a toast to all the wonderful people out there who have messaged me with kind words. Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you. Hope to see you all with me till the end of this fascinating journey. Happy Christmas and tada..

A note of warning for language….stay warned and onto the story.

Chapter 12 the real and the ethereal

Draco had landed in the great hall with a thud but he was already unconscious and had no cognizance of his surroundings. All he saw was a bright white light that pervaded his conscious. He was engulfed in the bliss and did not want to come out of it even when he vaguely felt other hands on his body.

The white light was a refuge from the overwhelming pain emanating from his hands and torso. He was floating in the peaceful white light and imagined that he saw his mother. She was just as he saw her last, beautiful and elegant and still clad in the fine blue dress that brought out the blue of her eyes. 'Mom ' he tried calling out to her but found that he had no voice. He could however hear her words as she spoke to him in her melodious voice.

She had glided up to him...but why was she gliding? Didn't only ghosts glide? His subconscious mind asked in befuddlement. She came up to him and laid her hand on his forehead. Oh it was so soothing...he just wanted to eternally stay within the confines of that touch forever.' 'Mom 'he tried calling again.

'Darling', she said in an ethereal voice. 'Darling listen to me...you are in a safe place now. I know you are hurting sweetheart, but believe me it will get better. Use this time to tap into your strength for you will become powerful.

Learn to open your heart and let in those who you spurned earlier. They will be there for you as friends as supporters and as your strength itself. Heal now my Draco and realise that you are the stronger for this' she said before starting to fade away slowly.

'Mom, don't go. Don't leave me…I need you' Draco called out desperately in his mind extending his hand in a vain attempt to reach out to her. He did not want her to go away. He wanted to hold on to her as long as possible. He could not accept the fact that she was gone. His mother had been so real, so rooted in reality, that he could not imagine a world without her.

As the whiteness started to recede, he slowly became aware of a somewhat more earthly light. This light was impinging on his eyelids forcing him to come to the present. Suddenly the light dimmed and he mentally thanked the person responsible for dimming the harsh light.

As he struggled to find the comforting white light again he was concomitantly becoming aware of other things. He felt other hands on his body and became cognizant of the pain radiating from his hand and body.

Every part of his body was in pain and he squirmed trying to get away from it all. He heard a soothing deep voice call out to him and he could no longer escape the bright light. He could not ignore that voice. It was calling him back to earth and it held love and affection. He didn't know how he knew that but he simply did.

He slowly opened his eyes to see Severus Snape hovering over him with a worried expression on his face. As he became more aware of reality, the image of his mom simultaneously faded from his consciousness. As much as he wanted to hold on to the image he knew that he could not. Reality came crashing down as he realised that his mother would never come back. She was gone truly and irrevocable gone.

He looked at Severus and could not help the despair flooding into him. In his weakened state the tears came swift and fast as he clung onto his godfather, broken and in pain.

He heard Poppy Pomfrey come in at that moment and it felt as though he was in a fog through which he could not see clearly. Dimly he felt the potions sliding down his throat and looked forward to going back into the white world. He welcomed the sleep that offered him a safe haven and refuge from this harsh world.

Severus's PoV

Severus Snape looked sadly at his godson when he felt his mark burn with a vengeance. Damn it! In all the events of the last night he had forgotten that the dark lord had asked him to come back with information. He knew that he would be paying for this lapse but the dark lord could very well go to hell when it was his godson that needed him.

He had to answer the summons but not before asking someone to be with Draco. Rapidly he sent a patronus to Dumbledore informing him about the summons as well as asking him to be at Draco's bedside until he returned. Seeing the graceful doe streak away and knowing that Draco would be in Dumbledore's capable hands, he once again transfigured his robes to that of a death eater and disapparated away.

He arrived once more in the manor to see the circle once again assembled. Voldemort turned red eyes to him and hissed ' Severus we have been waiting for you to arrive with pertinent information. But I would have thought that you would have brought it much before the summons ...and now you have to face the punishment for not doing your duty' .He lifted his wand in Severus's direction and Severus prepared himself for what he knew would follow. The cruciatus brought him to his knees as the pain burned and coursed through him.

After the longest couple of minutes the cruciatus was let up and Severus gritted his teeth and rose slowly.' My lord, please pardon my mistake. Draco Malfoy is indeed at Hogwarts' he said sneaking a look at Lucius Malfoy. The elder Malfoy however stood stiff and erect without any sign of having heard the discussion on his son.

'The pendant was a portkey as you suspected my lord, created by Dumbledore. Draco Malfoy is now a ward of Albus Dumbledore and under his blood wards my lord. I endeavored to get away earlier but I could not without arousing his suspicion. After all Dumbledore needs his potions master at a time like this. I am sorry that I could not do better my lord' he said bowing low.

Voldemort's thoughtful expression slowly turned to one of suppressed fury as he realised that Draco had escaped his clutches. 'Severus he hissed 'I wonder, why would Draco Malfoy be carrying a portkey in the first place? Was he not loyal to us at all? He raged.

Severus I need you to find out what you can about that and also find out how we can get around the blood wards as soon as possible. I want Draco Malfoy back here where he belongs' he declared with an evil expression playing on his face.

Severus clenched his teeth fighting to keep the anger from showing on his face. He kept his face bent forward with his hair swinging in front as a shield hoping to regain his equanimity soon. The bastard actually wanted Draco back...the injustice of it enraged Severus.

'Not as long as I am alive' he thought to himself as he looked up with his mask intact into Voldemort's face.' Yes my lord I will strive to do better. Forgive me for saying this my lord, but wouldn't it have been better if Narcissa Malfoy was here? he asked tentatively. Lucius shot him a sharp look at that but refrained from saying anything.

'I am sure she would have been able to help us in Draco's matter' Severus continued in a desperate bid to find out what had been done with Narcissa's body which was nowwhere in the vicinity.

'You dare question me Severus', shouted Voldemort. the pest of a woman had to be put down you very well know and she is resting peacefully in the Malfoy grounds as she should .Lucius has seen to that being the dutiful husband he is' he sneered. Severus looked at Lucius hoping to see some kind of emotion on the aristocratic face but Lucius simply looked ahead refusing to acknowledge his gaze."How the mighty have fallen' thought Severus ruefully.

But he was rudely brought out of his musing by Voldemort's barking voice 'Now stop questioning me and get on with your work' he said annoyance in his face. 'Yes my lord, please forgive my ignorance ' said Severus seething inward at the groveling that he was forced to do.

'Now on with what we have gathered to discuss' continued Voldemort. 'The Hogwarts express will be going to Hogwarts day after tomorrow. My nemesis the boy-who-lived' he spat with intense hatred will be on it. Your job is to make sure that Harry Potter is alive and in front of me at the end of the ride.'

'I depute Bellatrix, Avery and Nott to do the job. Know this, I need Harry Potter in front of me on that day and I will not tolerate mistakes. Severus I know that as a teacher of Hogwarts you will be on the train and obliged to play a role so you are spared from active participation. But you will ensure that the rest of the team gets on the train and has access to Potter' he declared imperiously.

'I assume that each one of you understand the significance and will act accordingly. The meeting is now dismissed. You may go and Severus the next time we meet I expect you to deliver good news. I may not be as merciful as I was today.

"Thank you master' Severus murmured dutifully as the rest of them chorused 'yes master' and walked to the apparition point and disapparated away. Severus immediately made his way to the hospital wing from the gates where he had appeared to find Albus Dumbledore seated by Draco s bedside.

Hearing Severus's footsteps Dumbledore turned to look at him with an appraising glance. Severus knew what he was looking for ' I am fine Albus. The last couple of times were comparatively easy to manage he said.' he looked at Draco s sleeping form and asked ' how is he Albus? Did he awake?

Dumbledore conjured another chair for Severus and said ' no Severus he has been sleeping, although it is no longer unconsciousness. He will regain his full consciousness soon Severus and he will be the stronger for it. Please don't worry"

He once again waved his wand, casting a silencing spell before asking ' so what did Voldemort want Severus? Severus shook his head ' the monster wants to know how to get around the blood wards, he wants to get to Draco again Albus. I cannot deny that I am worried, what if he does get around the wards? He questioned with worry reflected in his obsidian eyes.

Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder and said calmly ' don't worry Severus. Draco will be safe here. We will do whatever it takes to keep him safe. What else did he say Severus? Did he talk more about the Hogwarts express?

'Yes Albus, he is definitely sending his men to capture Potter. I am supposed to help them get to Potter even if I don't actively participate. I have no idea how I am going to do that. Blast Potter! He's nothing but trouble. How do we work around this Albus? What do you plan on doing to counter this? He asked.

'The order members will be on the train Severus, only they will be taking the place of Harry and his friends. Once the attack starts Harry will have to be hidden somewhere on the train or portkeyed to Hogwarts while the order fights in his place. The order members will take polyjuice and fight as Harry and his friends. I hope that we have enough polyjuice in stock' he said giving Severus a meaningful look.

'Of course we have enough polyjuice. I keep my brews ready as if you don't know that already .But I have to ask, if we are going to use a portkey why wait until the attack, why not much earlier? why can't just the order members be on the train while Potter gets portkeyed here straight? He need not even board the train at all. Besides would a portkey work on a moving object Albus? Severus questioned.

Dumbledore sighed "so many questions Severus? He asked wryly before answering 'unfortunately Severus the integrity of all order members might not be the best .if Harry was not on the train and the news somehow gets to Voldemort it would not be good news for us will be especially bad news for you and I don't want to face a situation of compromising you. It's a risk that I don't want to take.'

'So in effect you are choosing me over the golden boy? I am touched Albus 'said Severus sarcastically. 'But how are you going to keep the order members hidden until the attack starts?'

'Both of you are important to me Severus but the circumstances decide the action. Ideally I would not want anyone to be injured at all but life is hardly idealistic. To answer your question however the order members will be under a disillusion charm until the need arises.

Hopefully we can get them all here safe and sound .Now Severus I know that you must be having a hard time of it, go to your quarters and rest. We will discuss the nitty gritty of this later. I will call you when Draco wakes. Go my child. Go rest' he urged.

Severus sighed in defeat and once again his gaze drifted to the pale and injured form of his godson. He brushed his hand against Draco's forehead and murmured a slight ' get well dragon' before leaving for the dungeons.

At the burrow

Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in silence assimilating what Dumbledore had said. Suddenly Ron turned to Harry ' Harry why did you agree to this stupid plan? What if you get hurt or one of us does? Is it worth it just to save that greasy git.?for all you know he might be selling us out to Voldemort and setting the stage to get you out of the scene .He hates you ,we all know that 'he ranted.

Harry sat in silence ' Ron that is not completely true. Yes he hates me but he has also saved my life in the past. As much as I hate to say it, he is the only insider we have in Voldemort's circle. What if in the future one of us is captured and we don't have anyone to help us? He might be a greasy git Ron but he is answerable to Dumbledore. Granted that he hates me, but if in any circumstance I am captured he will be obligated to save me at least on Dumbledore's orders. We cannot afford to lose that possibility based on personal prejudice.'

Hermione beamed and enthusiastically nodded ' you are right Harry. This makes so much sense. In any case I am sure the order will be on the train and we will be protected. We will have to trust Dumbledore on this. Ron come on don't be such a spoil sport. We will be together and we will be safe '. 'If you say so ' agreed Ron grumpily.

Hogwarts

Back at Hogwarts Dumbledore sat deep in thought. It had been a couple of hours since Severus Snape had retired to his quarters for some rest. In the meantime Albus Dumbledore had conjured himself a comfortable cushion sofa by Draco's bedside and sat waiting to see some sign of life in the young boy. He was not disappointed as Draco started stirring soon.

Dumbledore saw that Draco had opened his eyes and was looking at him blearily. Dumbledore leaned forward ' how are you feeling Draco? He asked solicitously. Draco on his part was more awake than the last time he had regained consciousness and looked at Dumbledore.' I am much better professor' he rasped out.

His throat was dry and Dumbledore seeing this, immediately conjured a glass of water. He then slid and arm under Draco and helped him sit up while propping the pillows under him. Dumbledore held the glass to his lips and Draco drank the water greedily as it slid down his parched throat.

It felt weird to be helped by a man whom he had regarded for many days as an old fool, .but being so near him he now felt the power radiating from him. For the first time he saw the man as the vanquisher of Grindelwald rather than as just the headmaster of a school. But he had more urgent issues on his mind.

'Sir' he spoke softly ' where is Uncle Severus?' he asked.' 'He was summoned after you slept Draco', Dumbledore responded 'but don't worry' added Dumbledore on seeing the alarm on Draco's face. 'He was summoned, he continued but he was not hurt.' Draco breathed a sigh of relief. At this point of time Severus was really the only relative he had and he was not sure if he could handle seeing him hurt.

'He is currently resting in his quarters' Dumbledore continued. He has also made me promise that I will let him know when you awake so I will do just that.' Saying thus he conjured his patronus and sent it to Severus Snape with the message that Draco was awake.

'He will be here soon Draco, in the meantime is there anything I can help you with? I know from what Severus told me that you have been subjected to a great deal of stress and hardships in the last couple of days. I am very sorry for your loss Draco but please do not feel alone in all of this. You can talk to me at any time and I will try to assist you through this. I know that you have not felt like approaching me in the past but I hope that will change in the time to come'.

Draco blushed at the knowing twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes but he was interrupted by the sound of Severus Snape coming in. He was soon followed by Poppy Pomfrey whose charms had alerted her to Draco being awake but had waited to give Dumbledore and the young Malfoy some privacy.

Now seeing Severus come in she followed him to Draco's bed and started running her diagnostics again.' The rest is doing you good ' she said. 'The wrists had been badly damaged but are now on the mend. It will take some more time for it to be back to normal but eventually it will. The flesh wound is well on the way to healing but there might be some slight scarring' she said sorrowfully.

'As for your chest wounds' she continued 'they are something else altogether'. They are cursed wounds . The wound will heal over time but there might be some remnants of the curse attached to it. I cannot say how it will manifest at this point or if we are lucky it might not manifest at all but the sad news is that those scars will not go away. Overall however your prognosis is good but the question is how do you feel? She asked.

Draco's face became shadowed at her words and he replied in a dull voice ' I am fine madam Pomfrey. I feel better than before. Thank you ' he said. Poppy turned to Severus and said ' Severus if you can tell me more about these wounds later it will help with the treatment. I will speak to you about it alright? Severus nodded in the affirmative but these words rang a bell in Draco's mind.

'Talking about wounds uncle Severus, there was one thing which I wanted to ask you 'Draco interrupted ' What Draco? What do you want to ask? Severus responded'

Draco had a thoughtful look on his face ' When I tried to fight my way out of the manor and I had to battle almost everyone there, I noticed that many of the spells, in fact most of them did not even touch me. Were you protecting me in any way? How did that happen? He asked.

'No Draco, I did not. I wished that I could but I was watched very closely and could not do much. Sorry dragon.' He then turned to Dumbledore and asked ' do you have an explanation for this? He demanded seeing the mad twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes.

Dumbledore smiled ' Draco I assume that your mother stepped in front of you to defend you right? Both Severus and Draco nodded while Dumbledore smiled more widely ' in that instant you were protected by your mother's love Draco. She sacrificed herself for you. It is ancient magic and it might protect you from harm in the time to come. We will have to wait and see how it plays out but this is the idea of it.'

' Great one more thing in common with Potter' muttered Severus in an undertone while Dumbledore gave him a sharp look. Draco curiously wondered what it was about and wowed to ask about it later. However at the mention of his mother he had more pressing questions on his mind.

'What happened to my mother's body professor?' He asked his voice breaking in distress'. Severus moved forward and laid a hand on Draco's shoulder spreading warmth in the contact 'she has been laid to rest in the Malfoy manor grounds, I am sorry Draco' he said.

Seeing the distress on Draco's face Pomfrey who had been listening silently, broke into the conversation.' you need to eat something my child' she said kindly. I will get some food for you and get some more potions for you. After that it is more rest and hopefully you will be on your feet soon. Now do you think you can get in some chicken broth inside you?

Draco nodded still disturbed but grateful for the diversion and watched Poppy Pomfrey summon a bowl of soup and place it on a tray across his legs. She then conjured a soup spoon that hovered in the air that started to feed Draco. Blushing at being fed, Draco was however grateful that it was not a person doing it. That would have been utterly mortifying.

Instinctively reading the play of emotions on his face Poppy said kindly ' , it is not a shame to seek help from others. It is actually a strength in being able to recognise our own limitations when the situation calls for it. So please don't feel ashamed to ask for help, after all we are not strangers and we care for your wellbeing. By saying we, I do mean your godfather and Albus as well. I am sure I can speak for them in this matter.'

'Thank you madam Pomfrey' responded Draco ' and please call me Draco. I do not want to be associated with my father any more than necessary' he said softly. 'As you wish Draco. Now take your potions' she said pouring the healing potions into his mouth. As the potions began to take effect Draco became steadily more tired until his eyes started closing of their own accord.

Severus silently covered him with the blankets and motioned for Dumbledore to follow him out .After all they had to prepare for the next encounter with the dark lord and their plan had to be in place.