A/N:
Hello, readers! I bring to you the final chapter of Sight Can Be Deadly. It has been a joy to write this story.
Thank you to those of you who have continuously reviewed. I very much enjoyed reading your feedback and impressions of the story. Especially, thank you to those who leave me such long, thoughtful reviews. Those are my favorite kind!
I would also like to thank everyone who followed or favorited my story. I appreciate it very much.
I do plan to write a sequel, beginning in Harry and Draco's fifth year. I will probably also post a short epilogue / sneak peak of the sequel at the same time the first chapter of the sequel is posted.
Please leave me a review of this chapter, and let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to see in the sequel.
If this story happens to get to 100 reviews, I would like to offer the 100th reviewer an opportunity to submit a scene (or a scene idea) they would like to appear in the sequel to me via PM.
Additionally, if there is anyone talented at drawing who would be interested in creating cover art for the sequel, please PM me. In return I will include a writing prompt of your choosing in the sequel.
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As Draco swept in on his broom toward the deserted lawn he had relaxed upon earlier that day, his hands trembled upon his broom with adrenaline and apprehension. Charlie was waiting for him, along with Blaise. He could hear the Tournament's hubbub in the distance, but his head was spinning a bit with the craziness of what he had just done. In fact, he wouldn't be surprised if his system was under a small degree of shock. As he dismounted the broom, he stumbled slightly.
Charlie grabbed his shoulders and steadied him, while Blaise caught the broom as it was falling to the ground, keeping it from being scratched or bent. "Draco? You okay?" Blaise questioned his housemate.
Draco took a deep breath. "Ace, mate. Just glad that part's over." He attempted to extricate himself from Charlie's hold and nearly fell again. "Maybe a bit wonky." He amended with a fresh-faced grin.
Charlie lowered him slowly to the ground and plopped down beside him. "You got it, though? You have the Portkey?"
Draco nodded, lifting the Runic bag from his robes and settling it into his lap with extreme care. "Yes." He reached over and picked up Potter's invisibility cloak, folding it carefully and sliding it into his robes as well. His gaze shifted sideways when he heard footsteps approaching. Luna Lovegood and Pansy Parkinson were making their way over, faces brightening when they saw Draco unharmed.
Draco smirked back at them. "Here, Pans. Your cloak." Pulling it from his robes, he handed it over. "Take care of it…you know, for Potter." His eyes held a wicked glint.
She laughed out loud. "Oh, of course I will. For Potter." Her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled back at him in mirth.
Luna sprawled out across the grass, small giggles sounding like bell chimes. "The Wrackspurts can't see us today!" she told Draco gleefully.
Draco grinned at her. "Events are in our favor, then." He agreed.
A few more people were headed their way by this point: Bill Weasley, stern-faced and rigid, came to his brother's side without any greeting or comment to the rest. On the other hand, the twins crowded around Draco noisily, patting his back and exclaiming about his amazing feat of pranking an entire school. Also, surprisingly, Ginny Weasley followed her eldest brother to Charlie's side and stayed there quietly, watching Draco with careful but unjudgmental eyes. Charlie hadn't mentioned Ginny before, but Draco supposed that by her presence here she could hold her own in a duel. That, and she had four brothers to look out for her.
The chatter quieted as Bill cleared his throat pointedly. Draco looked up to meet his eyes unwaveringly. The eldest Weasley son regarded him strictly. "I don't know what kind of foolhardy scheme you're trying to rope Charlie into, Malfoy, but I don't trust you. I'm only here to protect my family."
Draco shrugged uncaringly. "That's fine." He said simply, turning away to look at Pansy. "Pans, did you get the Portkey to Fleur before the Task?"
The Slytherin girl nodded, brushing her hair back behind her ears. "Yes, she has it. As soon as the Tournament's winner is announced, she and Viktor will activate the Portkey and come to where you are. It should be accurate enough, being attuned to your blood bond with Krum."
Draco nodded absently. "Good work. Is there anything else I am forgetting? It will probably be time to use the Portkey soon."
Luna patted Draco's hand comfortingly. "There is one thing you forgot, Draco. You didn't eat anything today." The group watched, flabbergasted, as Luna pulled out a sandwich and handed it to Draco cheerily. "It's turkey and sprouts." She told him proudly.
Draco found himself absurdly touched by the simple gesture, and he blinked in astonishment. "T-thank you." He stuttered slightly in his surprise, reaching out to take the sandwich. "You're a good friend, Luna." He took a small bite, cheeks slightly flushed. Caring gestures were sometimes like a foreign language to him, so he appreciated even the small ones.
Charlie and Blaise both beamed at the Ravenclaw girl, happy that someone was taking care of their friend. Pansy just shook her head, unable to understand Luna and thus slightly wary of her. The others just shrugged and brushed it off as typical Luna nonsense.
Draco continued to eat the sandwich, enjoying the slightly weird taste because it meant someone had thought of him. As he ate and the attention of the other's slid elsewhere, Draco checked his two wands in their sheaths. His typical holly wand was placed in a holster on his left forearm for easy drawing, and he had his unregistered wand in a concealed holster strapped to his right outer thigh. Although he typically used his right hand in his Hogwarts wand-work, Draco was left-handed. Perhaps many would consider him ambidextrous. Most Pureblood parents ensured that their children used their right hands, because most equipment was made for right-handed witches or wizards. Because Draco's parents were no exception, he could utilize both hands for casting and writing, as well as a variety of other tasks.
He would have to be strategic about the use of his unregistered wand, with so many Weasleys around. However, he had already practiced a bit with both wands and found that the unregistered wand was much more suited to him, meaning that the spells were faster and more powerful when he used the silver lime wood wand. In a duel with Death Eaters, those few seconds could be crucial. Draco knew he would have to carefully balance his need for secrecy with his need to protect himself and his friends.
Finishing off the food, Draco watched the others discuss the plans, content to stay aside and observe. Blaise sidled up beside him, murmuring in his ear, "Remember what we discussed…you promised to use Obliviate if necessary."
Draco's blank face dropped into a slight frown, annoyed at the reminder. "I remember, damn you." He sighed back.
Blaise was referring to something Severus and the other Slytherins had made Draco promise when the discussion of this plan had come up. Around those he was more open with, Draco had never made secret his hatred of the Obliviate spell. He considered it on par with the Unforgiveables: Crucio was a torture curse, Imperio was a body-control curse, Avada Kedavra was a killing curse, and Obliviate was a mind-control curse. Perhaps due to his father's use of a quasi-Imperio curse, Draco was completely against any form of curse that interfered with the free will of another person. He had always made clear his disdain that a spell like Crucio would be considered an Unforgiveable while Obliviate was widely used.
The fact that his housemates had elicited such a promise from Draco made him angry, but he had been unable to convince them to agree to having so many outsiders involved without the promise. Catching Charlie's eye, he noticed that Bill was momentarily distracted by the twins. Draco walked to Charlie casually, passing by him but murmuring, "I am putting myself under the axe here. Make sure their scruples don't get in our way." Knowing what he did about a Seer's bond and vow, he was coming to believe that his promise was even more troublesome than he had expected. Failure to keep the promise could have unexpected consequences upon his Sight, yet if he was forced to use Obliviate, he would hate himself immensely.
Just then, he heard Viktor's words, In position. Potter and Diggory are nearly there.
Not allowing Charlie a chance to question him, Draco touched the Seer's blindfold and silver collar unconsciously as he gathered his strength, pushing back the shaky feeling the abandonment of adrenaline had left him with. After a moment, he spoke. "It's time to go. The Champions have reached the end of the maze." Eight pairs of eyes looked him with various degrees of nervousness, and the weight of their collective gazes was unnerving.
Setting the Portkey onto the ground, Draco carefully unwrapped the cloth around it. "On three." His voice was calm and steady, but he felt anything but. Pansy threw the Invisibility Cloak over her shoulders, ready to collect evidence in case they needed it later. Draco felt her hands clutching the back of his robes, seeking assurance. Luna pressed close to his right side, still smiling brightly. The others crowded around the cup, Charlie coming beside Draco on the left.
Taking a deep breath, Draco began, "1, 2, 3…" on three, they all lunged forward and grasped the cup, wands drawn.
They landed in a circle of Death Eaters, immediately flinging curses in all directions. The group against the Death Eaters quickly split into smaller groups, shielding each other and taking out opponents in tandem. The Weasleys stuck together, and Blaise and Luna backed Draco up.
Shouts of surprise and choked noises of pain sounded throughout the Little Hangleton graveyard; the Death Eaters certainly weren't expecting a fight. Draco's concentration wavered at the arrival of Viktor and Fleur and he earned a cut to the head for his inattention.
They had taken out a considerable amount by their surprise entrance, but not nearly enough. Out of the approximate thirty Draco could spot, only nine or so were currently incapacitated.
Draco found himself back-to-back with Viktor, casting in tandem. Because of their bond, they could draw strength from the other and cast more powerful spells. As they cut down several Death Eaters, Draco saw what he had been looking for: Peter Pettigrew, carrying Voldemort's weakened form.
Breaking away from Viktor, Draco drew his other wand and shot a dark, rather sadistic curse: the Entrail-Expelling curse. Draco was good at dueling precisely because he used spells in an unconventional way. The Entrail-Expelling curse was intended for use in medical centers, but it was applicable in situations like this one also.
Pettigrew collapsed to the ground, moaning in pain and clutching his abdomen, nearly fainting when he saw his own organs inches away. Seeing the coward disabled, Draco quickly switched wands and continued to take out the Death Eaters. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Blaise hit with a cutting curse and fall. Luna continued to shield them both and pulled him into cover, taking a defensive position and attacking the Death Eaters who got too close.
Diving, Draco got out of the way just in time as a green lit curse passed over his frame. Sweating at the close call, he shot back a Confrigo and quickly moved toward the Weasleys, unwilling to leave his back open again like that.
Things were proceeding just like his vision, so even though Draco knew what was coming next, he knew better than to hold back when a blood-red curse was cast at Charlie's back. Flinging himself in front of the curse, lacerations appeared across Draco's body and he crumpled to the ground.
It was the motivation the others needed to finish the fight, but Charlie was frantic, quickly pulling Draco to cover and slapping his cheeks, yelling at him to stay awake.
Draco could feel blood dribbling down his forehead and soaking his Seer's cloth. He blinked it from his eyes, feeling fuzzy. "Don't worry about me and take care of the rest of those bastards," Draco coughed, blood coating his lips. "I'll be fine." He closed his eyes, confident that things would play out per his visions. The Aurors arrived just as his consciousness slipped away.
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When he awoke, it was to pain. Reminding himself that trying to open one's eyes when one had just taken a slashing curse to the face was not wise, Draco cracked open his uninjured eye, taking in white-washed walls and an awful, Potions-reminiscent taste in his mouth. He carefully swiveled his head, attempting to see if he had company in the room.
To his surprise, Ginny Weasley sat at his bedside, nose shoved into a book. Apparently, she heard him shifting around, because she looked up and met his eyes. "Finally awake? It was getting pretty boring here." She paused, taking in his expression, before chuckling. "Everyone's fine, the Death Eaters were arrested. Well, mostly. Pettigrew and You-Know-Who's Wraith or whatever that was escaped, though. Damn Aurors."
Draco attempted to respond. His voice came out croaky, but understandable. "Any injuries?"
Ginny set her book aside and leaned forward. "Your friend Blaise took a relatively minor cutting curse, and George got a nasty jinx that sliced halfway through his leg. But they made it to Mungo's in time and they're fine. You took the worst of it." With a small smile, she added, "Thank you for that, by the way. Charlie says you saved his life. I had my reservations about you, but Charlie seemed so sure that you were a good guy beneath all that nastiness…guess he was right."
Draco snorted. "Hardly. I didn't exactly do this out of the goodness of my heart. I'm not good, I'm reasonable. And taking out a threat to myself is a reasonable thing to do." He folded his arms over his chest. "What did they say about my eye?"
Ginny's bright eyes watched him carefully. "If you say so. You'll make a full recovery, no vision problems. They did say you'll have a nasty curse scar, though. Forehead to jaw."
Draco's eye flicked away. "Lovely. Any other messages to impart before I begin ignoring you, Weasley?"
Ginny's eyes narrowed. "It's Ginny. Based on your grades, you should be able to remember my name, as well as manage civility, if you can't stomach friendliness."
Draco started to roll his eyes, then stopped, realizing it would probably be impossible to roll one eye only (and it would likely look ridiculous). "Touché. I assume Charlie is visiting George, and that's why you were appointed watch dog?"
Ginny shrugged. "That's about right. I also feel I should warn you that Hermione noticed the absences at the Tournament. By now she probably knows about George's injury and is beginning to put things together. Anyways, now that you're awake, guess I better go find your girlfriend. She was visiting Blaise for a few minutes."
Draco didn't correct her, not wanting to prolong the conversation further than strictly necessary. Instead, he closed his eye and flopped back against the pillows, suppressing a yawn.
A few minutes later, Draco looked up to see both Charlie and Pansy enter the room. "Good to see you're awake. Things didn't look to great for a while there." Pansy stepped close to his bed and gave him a gentle hug.
Draco's eye slid to Charlie, who was still wearing bloodstained clothes. "You look like you just took on a troll and lost. Badly. I'm assuming that's my blood, but I'm fine, so go make yourself presentable. That's disgusting."
Pansy chuckled. "See, if he's well enough to complain, he's well enough to get the hell out of St. Mungo's. And he's right, you do look like shit. Your mob of a family already took your brother home, and Blaise just left. I'm assuming you can walk, Draco?"
The blonde Malfoy grimaced. "Even if I can't, I will anyways to get out of here." He swung his legs over the bed, testing his weight and finding it manageable. "Prophet say anything yet?"
Charlie swooped over to his side, taking his arm unnecessarily. "Unfortunately, yes. Rita Skeeter somehow found out who was injured. Sorry, but you're on the front page."
Pansy snickered. "There's already widespread speculation about your 'turn to the light,' was that how that bitch Skeeter said it? You're the unexpected hero…it makes a great story. Probably helps that you're far more attractive than Potter. Face sells more papers."
Draco gave her a look, and she shut up with a nervous laugh. "Fucking great." He muttered lowly, shuffling toward the door with a massive scowl planted on his face. "Does that mean I'm going to get harassed as I leave?"
Pansy smirked. "Luckily, I am a wonderful friend and acquired this." She waved what he assumed was a Portkey in his face. Turning to Charlie, she quipped, "Coming or staying, Weasley?"
"Eh, I think I'll Apparate home, but thanks." He glanced up to meet Draco's eye. "Pansy has the instructions from the doctor for your curse scar care. Make sure you take care of it, or you'll end up back in here. We'll talk later, when you're feeling better." He patted Draco's shoulder and stepped back, lifting his wand and Apparating away.
Pansy held out the Portkey. "Ready, Drake?"
Draco lifted his hand and grasped the ripped paper cup wordlessly, too tired to berate her for the stupid nickname. He barely remembered arriving in the dungeon, or stumbling to his bed.
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When he awoke, he was unexpectedly surrounded by white again. Glancing around (again careful to only open one eye), he found that he was in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts.
Pomfrey was bustling about, and she seemed to notice that he had awakened. He didn't say anything, but he must have looked puzzled. She strode to his bedside and spoke without prompting, "Mr. Goyle brought you here. He said you were thrashing about in your sleep, clutching your head. None of your housemates could wake you."
Draco pressed his lips together, but didn't respond to the implicit question. Instead, he changed the subject. "How long will it be until my eye is healed?" he asked.
Pomfrey paused, watching him with shrewd eyes. "Perhaps a day or two. Come by in the morning before your classes for the next few days, and I will check the healing progress." She leaned over and grasped a potion.
Draco recognized it swiftly. "Dreamless Sleep? It won't help. It causes a reaction…I suppose you could call it an allergy. I appreciate the thought, but it is probably for the best that I don't take any sort of sleep aid mixture."
She made as if to protest, but sighed when she took in his determined face. "Mr. Malfoy, you have visited me more often this year than even Mr. Potter, a remarkable achievement. Considering the news following the Tournament, I can see now that it is unsurprising. However, there are some issues that came to light recently that we really must discuss. I have called Severus here, as he is your Head of House. Before he arrives, I would like to ask privately about the scars on your back. Mr. Malfoy…Draco, I know what whip scars look like."
Draco's heart leapt into his throat. He kept silent and avoided her eyes, unsure what to say. Likely, she had already formed some sort of assumption regarding the injuries. Unfortunately, it was also likely that her assumption contained an element of truth. Regardless of what he said, this would certainly be passed along to the higher-ups of the school, namely, Dumbledore. Refusing to comment would make him appear as if in fear of his father, so it was best to say something, a modicum of the truth. "Whatever you think it is…that guess is probably about right." He said finally, glancing up with cold eyes to gauge her reaction. "Furthermore, you know that such an accusation will get me nowhere. I have done what I can to protect myself."
Pomfrey drew in a startled breath, whether because Draco had told the truth or because of sympathy or revulsion for the injuries Draco was unsure. "You must know that Dumbledore—"
Draco interrupted that sentence immediately, posture rigid and unyielding. "I do not desire Dumbledore's help, his interference, nor his concern!" he snapped. "I have chosen my own path. It does not lie in the direction of Harry Potter's path." Under his breath, too quietly for her to hear, he continued, "the direction of martyrdom."
Cautiously, as if approaching a wild animal, Pomfrey kept her voice soothing and gentle. "Draco, despite how your father may have raised you, accepting help from others is not a weakness. Without Dumbledore's help, it will be difficult for you. Both sides will view you as their enemy."
Deciding this topic needed to be finished, Draco simply responded, "So be it. It is my decision and you will not convince me otherwise. Please tell Professor Snape to come in now. I would like to speak with him."
Pomfrey looked regretful, but she dropped the subject, probably intending to broach it at a later date. "Yes, of course. I will send him in." She stepped out of the room and returned a few moments later with Severus.
Draco's Head of House immediately swooped toward the bed Draco was sitting in, a grimace painting his pale face. Draco noticed something in his hands moments before the older man thrust it toward him. "The Prophet." Snape told him, a bit unnecessarily. "You're on the front page."
Looking away from his mentor, Draco scanned the newspaper, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the rather cringeworthy photograph of himself smirking at the camera. It was similar to Skeeter's usual garbage, although certainly more complimentary of him than, say, Potter. Regrettably, in these sort of circumstances, Draco would have much preferred to be disregarded, or even bad-mouthed as a bigoted heir of a rich Pureblood family. Instead, the article practically painted him as a hero. He glanced up steadily, meeting Severus's eyes. He immediately understood his Head of House's concern.
Severus's lips pressed together in disapproval. "You understand, then, that with such an article, your father will react negatively. He has read the article already and is in the process of disownment."
Draco closed his eye, allowing himself a moment of something like regret. "I knew it was a possible consequence and I accepted it. Obviously, it isn't what I would have preferred, but the cost of continuing under my father's orders is impossible for me. Doubly so with this." He shook the newspaper slightly before refolding it and handing it back to Severus.
Severus's eyes were hawk-like, pinning him in place. "Yes, I knew as much. Things are worse than that, though. Your mother contacted me."
Draco's whole body went still at those words. He had no words, but there was a stinging feeling in his chest. He was unable to do anything but listen as Snape continued.
"Not only is your father going to disown you, but he is taking it drastically further. He plans to disconnect you from the Malfoy family magic." Severus continued to watch Draco closely.
It felt as if someone had punched him in the gut and then submerged him in cold water. He stared at Severus in complete shock, incapable of anything but shocked silence. Severus allowed him time to collect himself.
Finally, he croaked out, "That will kill me. I'll be dead by nightfall. Severus, can't you...?" he looked at his mentor with pleading eyes.
Severus Snape actually looked regretful. Draco knew him well enough to see that it was painful for Severus to respond. "Draco…you know I would if I could. But more lives than one are at stake here. I made a vow to Dumbledore that I cannot break, even for your sake. I'm sorry. But I will find another way."
Draco swallowed with difficulty, fighting the emotion down and meeting Severus's eyes. "I'm sorry, too. It was unworthy of me to ask such a thing." A muscle in his jaw fluttered in agitation. Never in his wildest projections did Draco anticipate that his father would be capable of filicide. And his mother…he didn't even want to begin to contemplate her part in all of this.
"Thank you for notifying me." Draco said finally. "You don't have to stay." He looked away.
Severus's sharp tone promptly brought his gaze back up. "I can't stay. But I won't let you die because of your own flesh and blood." He swept out, pausing at the door. "There are other visitors waiting to see you. If you need time to collect yourself…" he stopped meaningfully.
Draco took the hint. Not friendly company then, exactly. "I am fine. Thank you, Severus. For everything." Despite the Hufflepuff sentiment, the thought of never saying such a thing to the man who was practically his surrogate father was far more upsetting than letting his emotions take control for a brief moment.
Not deigning that with an answer, likely because Severus was determined not to acknowledge the life-threatening danger Draco was in, the Potions Professor exited the room without looking back.
Draco idly wondered if that was the last time he would see Severus Snape. Despite the terrible news and the turmoil that had taken place in the last few days, Draco's face was strangely blank and cool. He was probably suffering from a small degree of shock: being told your life was in danger tended to do that. Regardless, if it helped him to turn away from his emotions at the time, it was an unexpected gift.
He knew from Severus's hint that his next guests were not friends, but he hardly expected the Golden Trio to enter the Hospital Wing and head toward him. Draco regarded them expressionlessly.
The three exchanged glances between themselves before, surprisingly, Weasley spoke up first. He looked Draco in the eye, another wonder. "We heard from Ginny about everything you did." He began. When Draco didn't respond, he hastily continued, "The Aurors questioned everyone you involved, allowed Bill to submit a Pensieve memory of everything that happened as proof."
Again, Draco said nothing. His silence seemed to unnerve the Trio.
Potter took over. "Look, Malfoy, you were the one who told me that Sirius was my godfather last year. I had no idea before that. And, well, Pettigrew was one of the Death Eaters you encountered. Even though he escaped, the Pensieve was enough for Sirius to be exonerated, with Dumbledore's input."
The only sound in the room for several long moments was the clock ticking. Realizing that he was expected to respond to that, Draco finally said, "It was not my goal to get Black off the hook. It was merely an unintended externality."
Potter frowned at his nonchalance. "Even so, Sirius is important to me, and you helped him. So I want to repay you, somehow."
"There is nothing that you can give me that I want, Potter." Draco stated plainly. As he spoke, his mind was racing along the path of a different possibility. Sirius Black. His cousin, Sirius Black. Could it be possible…? "Though, perhaps, your godfather might have an adequate way to repay me. Bring him here, now. There's no time—" he cut himself off, unwilling to betray his current state to several people he didn't trust. "It is urgent." He ended curtly.
Granger's eyes upon him were suspicious. "What do you want with Sirius?" she questioned. Harry touched her arm, speaking to her softly. "There isn't much he can do from a hospital bed, 'Mione. If that's what he asked for, I'm sure Sirius wouldn't mind." He stepped back from the bed. "Sirius should be with Dumbledore. I'll just find him and come back, it shouldn't take long, Malfoy."
Draco simply nodded. To his surprise, Granger and the younger Weasley remained behind, declining to go with Harry.
There was a long period of awkward silence before Weasley coughed. "Erm…Malfoy. Your eye, it will heal, right?"
Unable to muster up the energy for an abrasive reply, Draco simply inclined his head. "Per Pomfrey and the Mediwizards at St. Mungo's, yes."
Ron shuffled his feet awkwardly. "Charlie said you saved his life. So, I reckon I owe you one too, Malfoy."
As the Gryffindor continued to speak, Draco could feel the weakness creeping in. He didn't have much time, any moment now the ripping pain would begin.
The doors burst open and Severus swept inside. Ignoring the two startled Gryffindors, Snape went right to Draco's side and began speaking lowly, "It's not ideal, but Minerva is willing. I have contacted Augusta Longbottom, but she is too far away to be of assistance. You might have to take your chances with a half-blood family."
Draco's eyelid fluttered, and heat flooded his body. Thickly, he got out, "Sirius Black."
It was then that Severus noticed the two Gryffindors in the room, and the conspicuous absence of their leader. A wry smirk twisted his lips. "Even in ill health, brilliant as always. I hadn't considered Black. Foolish of me."
Hermione and Ron could hear the conversation, but weren't able to make much sense of it. However, Hermione took a closer look at Draco's complexion and grew concerned. "Are you feeling okay?" He was flushed and a nerve in his jaw was jumping with his pulse.
Her question drew Severus's attention to Draco. He cursed, shocking Hermione and Ron, and leaned in, assessing Draco's condition. "It's beginning already?" he probed.
Draco, jaw clenched tight in discomfort, nodded once. His skin felt prickly all over, as if his whole body had fallen asleep. It was unpleasant but not yet painful. However, he knew that it was only a matter of time. He wasn't in danger of dying, but certainly he would be feeling some fairly intense pain before Black was able to help with anything.
"Professor? Is he ill? Contagious?" Granger piped up.
Severus sent her a venomous look. "Pomfrey would hardly let you in if it was contagious. The answer to your first question is obvious. How long ago did Potter leave?"
Hermione pursed her lips at his tone. "Not five minutes ago. Professor, what is going on?"
Severus did not deign to reply, hovering at Draco's bedside. "Draco, can you hear me? I need you to stay as still as possible and try to relax."
"Mal –" Ron's voice seemed to stick in his throat, the rest unable to come out. Horrified realization crossed his features at once. "Oh, bloody hell." He dropped into a nearby chair and put his head in his hands, refusing to look at Draco. "He disconnected you, didn't he?" His voice betrayed his shock. "Bloody hell." He said again.
Severus sneered at him. "Thank you for that generous contribution, Weasley." He snarked, attention totally focused on Draco, who was inhaling labored breaths, his non-bandaged eye unfocused.
Suddenly, Draco's limbs began to tremble, and there was an almost electrical snap of magic in the air. Draco felt as if someone abruptly began trying to rip his organs from his body with their bare hands. Despite his best efforts, a small whine of pain slipped through his lips. He had never been very good at enduring pain, despite the numerous occasions he had experienced it.
Hermione, unable to take not knowing what was going on any longer, moved to the bed on the opposite side of Snape, voice frustrated. "What is going on? What's happening?" she nearly shouted.
"Get back, he doesn't need your nose stuck into this," Snape snapped back, gaze whipping to Ron with a non-verbal order.
Ron, knowing what was going on, moved to Hermione's side and guided her away from the bed. "Just…give him some space, Hermione. I'll explain later."
Several moments continued along a similar vein; Draco shaking and making sharp, short noises of pain. The tense atmosphere was broken when the doors swung open, admitting Harry, Sirius, and Dumbledore.
All eyes were drawn straight to Draco, who was struggling on the bed, face paler than usual and sweat beading at his brow. Sirius and Dumbledore understood what was going on almost immediately. He made eye contact. "You three wait outside." He ordered speedily, ignoring Harry's protests. Ron and Harry bundled Hermione out of the room, Harry because of Sirius's words and Ron because he could guess what was going on.
Severus grudgingly met Sirius's eyes. "Can you help him?" he forced out, pride stinging.
Sirius simply nodded, setting old grudges aside for the moment. Draco wasn't Snivelus, after all. "We need to set up a barrier spell. Dumbledore?" he turned to the Headmaster, who nodded seriously and waved his wand with a few muttered words.
The three men surrounded Draco, who was half-delirious with pain.
Sirius lifted his wand and touched it to Draco's forehead. "I accept Draco, son of none, into the House of Black. May his magic join our Most Noble House's. Annexus." A great surge of magic surged from Sirius's wand to Draco with a whoomph sound.
Draco slumped back against the headboard, out cold as the spell's energies lingered in the air.
Dumbledore dispelled the barrier, a thoughtful look on his face. Sirius wiped the sheen of sweat from his face and took a deep breath. "Well. Not every day you adopt a cousin into the family." He said lightheartedly.
Severus stepped back and collapsed into a chair, suppressing a sigh of relief. He ignored Black and Dumbledore's quiet conversation and took a few moments to compose himself.
As if sensing things had finished inside the room, the Gryffindor Trio stepped back into the room, peering around nervously (or, in Granger's case, curiously).
Dumbledore turned to his favorite students with a smile. "It is best that we leave young Draco to get some rest now. If you have questions, I will answer them in my office." He made eye contact with Severus meaningfully. The Potions Master shook his head, wordlessly communicating his disapproval. Despite his loathing of being anywhere near Sirius Black, he wasn't about to leave his godson alone with the man.
When the children had left with the Headmaster, Sirius turned to his childhood enemy. "This kid is something else." He commented offhandedly. "Creating his own mini-army and going toe-to-toe with Voldemort. How did he even know? I'm assuming you didn't tell him."
Severus sighed, and shot Black an irritated look. "Of course I didn't. Draco refused to say, other than that he 'had his sources.' I assume he somehow overheard his father discussing it, or an…associate of Lucius's. He does have a flair for the dramatic."
Sirius tried not to grin at Severus's grumpy look. He did so enjoy making the Potions Master angry, but now was not the time. "I'd like to talk to the kid once he wakes up. Tell him to send me an Owl when it's convenient." With a jaunty wave, he left the room to go find his godson.
Severus allowed his head to thump into his hands, annoyance and weariness warring for control. Annoyance won, and he took it out on the nearby cabinet by standing and giving the furniture an unwarranted kick strong enough to rattle the contents inside. With a grunt, he turned on his heel and headed toward Dumbledore's office.
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As Draco slept, many things took place. Discussions abounded concerning the captured Barty Crouch Jr., who had attempted to isolate Harry after the Boy-Who-Lived had neglected to disappear via Portkey. It was assumed that Voldemort, having failed to acquire what he was after, would simply seek a more convenient way. Hermione was finally able to share with her friends what had happened in her search for Rita Skeeter's spying method, and her subsequent capture of the pesky reporter in a jar. Draco's friends anxiously waited for him to awake, paranoid and watching those around them for any threatening move. The Weasleys, all of whom were present for the Triwizard Tournament, enjoyed some family time together. That evening, Harry dreamed of Voldemort's revival and the death of a young woman wearing a set of pressed Ministry robes.
Madame Pomfrey informed all those who asked that Draco's unconsciousness was expected. His father had withdrawn the family magic with the intent to destabilize Draco's entire system, which often lead to death. With Sirius's gift of Black family magic, Draco's core had stabilized, but was wounded from the Malfoy magic being ripped out of him and needed time to recover.
Hermione had been fascinated by the process. She had not known that Pureblooded families were so deeply connected to the generations of magic, or that simply being disowned could endanger a Pureblood's life. Ron tried to explain that most people who were disowned were allowed to retain their connection to the family magic for that reason, and that there were very few cases of a Family Head actually going through with magical disconnection in addition to disownment. Those who did so either expected the disowned person to be swiftly adopted into another family, or were intending murder.
Ron also quietly remarked that he suspected Lucius Malfoy had the latter purpose in mind.
As the days passed, more information about the entire situation with the Death Eaters and the Triwizard Tournament surfaced, unravelling the complexity of the plot Barty Crouch Jr. had established. The wider population of Hogwarts was deeply confused about Draco's apparent change of heart, their memories of the stuck-up Pureblood clashing with the pictures the newspapers painted. However, the Champions who had participated in the Tournament, especially Cedric Diggory (who had tied for first place with Harry Potter), understood exactly what they had been spared, and were amazed and appreciative of Draco's actions.
Draco remained unconscious for many days, and the end of classes passed as he slumbered. Reluctantly, his friends headed to their homes for summer break. They stopped in several times to visit him and leave small gifts. Blaise left copies of all the newspapers raving accolades and commendations of Draco's heroic actions, finding the overblown prose extremely amusing. All those who had participated in the fight against the Death Eaters requested to be notified when Draco awoke, worrying for their friend (with the exception of Fred, George, Ginny, and Bill Weasley, who knew that Charlie would keep up with Draco's condition in their stead).
Sirius and Harry remained at Hogwarts because Sirius needed to speak with Draco about what had taken place. Harry had decided, despite Dumbledore's advice, to stay with Sirius, and refused to return to the Dursley's. The professors and adults who were involved in the fight against the Dark Lord were at a loss when they considered Draco. Severus repeatedly assured them that Draco would want nothing to do with the fledgling Order of the Phoenix, and especially Dumbledore's leadership. However, many Order members felt that Draco required their protection, and that they couldn't let an asset of Draco's caliber, who had a lot of information about Pureblood families and the Death Eaters, slip through their grasp. Eventually, they decided to shelf the discussion until Draco awoke.
With Moody's departure from the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher post, discussions began about who would carry on the post. The Ministry interfered, and it was expected that a high-ranking Ministry employee would take the post.
Due to the happenings with Hagrid and the concerns about him being half-giant, Charlie Weasley offered to co-teach the Care of Magical Creatures class. This would also serve to allow another Order member to be present at Hogwarts. Although not the main purpose of the suggestion, Charlie decided it wouldn't hurt to stick around a bit longer for Draco's sake. The Dragon Keepers reassured Charlie that his job would remain open, as he had talent as a dragon keeper and they were not willing to let him go permanently.
Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum returned to their respective countries, although both had plans to return to England. Fleur wished to pursue a career in England to improve her English (and quite possibly to get to know Bill Weasley, who had caught her eye). Viktor toyed with the idea of transferring to Hogwarts, but ultimately decided that he did not want to put his Quidditch career on hold and that it would be best for him to remain in Bulgaria. However, because of his blood bond with Draco, he knew he would remain in close contact. He also urged Charlie to tell Draco that the younger boy was welcome in Bulgaria should the danger become too great in England.
Although Lucius Malfoy did not notify the newspapers of Draco's disownment, the news spread quickly on its own, likely because Draco could no longer be called by his former last name. Because of the Malfoy patriarch's actions, the ambiguity surrounded his possible Death Eater status was mostly lifted, except for the Ministry of Magic. Those who had children at Hogwarts certainly knew, however, that Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy certainly had an affiliation to Voldemort still.
Fourteen days after his disownment, Draco finally woke up. He felt rested, but weak from lying in bed for two weeks. The wound over his eye had healed, and his vision was completely recovered, although he did have a faint curse scar across his face. He was not amused at the newspapers Blaise had left, and found himself rolling his eyes in exasperation at his friend's antics. A small smile crossed his face, regardless. After some food and a shower, he spoke briefly with Sirius, who had explained a few intricacies relating to the Black magic.
To Draco's surprise and slight disappointment, the new family magic connection certainly altered his casting ability. He found his Seer abilities greatly amplified, almost to the point of overpowering the artifacts he had retrieved before the Third Task. The Black family had more of a history of Seers in their bloodline. Draco found his offensive and defensive wand spells he typically used when dueling to be reduced in power compared to before. Conversely, his Charms ability was boosted significantly. His Transfiguration ability was really the only thing that remained relatively the same.
As Draco's strength grew, he knew that it wouldn't be long before he was coerced to attend an Order meeting. To avoid this, he secretly withdrew some funds from his personal account and converted it to Muggle money. He had sent an Owl to Tracey Davis, one of the few Slytherin students who was familiar with the Muggle world, around a week ago. Draco planned to meet her in Hogsmeade the next day and slip away before the next Order meeting took place.
Draco had decided, with Snape's advice, to spend the summer in the Muggle world. This allowed him to avoid his father and any who might wish to harm him. Sometime during the summer, Severus promised to visit Draco's chateau and make sure that, if he were to stay there in the future, Lucius wouldn't be able to find him or enter the property.
To learn to survive, Tracey would guide him through Muggle London and its various diversions for just over a week, and Draco would pay her for her troubles. She would help him fit in and to obtain a summer job to sufficiently occupy his time.
Draco was not quite sure how he felt about the abrupt 180 degree turn his life had taken, but he certainly wasn't complaining about being alive and free to make choices for himself. He knew that, come next year, he would be an entirely different person with entirely different experiences.
Thankfully, after the conclusion of the Tournament, he had been spared from experiencing any freaky visions or premonitions. His Sight, though strengthened by his newfound connection to the Black magics, stayed silent and passive. He was still able to see Voices of people in various colors, although in the Muggle world, many were a simple white.
One other thing had happened after he awoke from his near coma, and it had surprised the hell out of him.
With the Malfoy magic purged from his system, the last lingering effects of his father's curses dissipated. To Draco's complete shock, he found that his father had suppressed some of his memories. Draco unexpectedly began to remember things he hadn't known before: knowledge of Voldemort's prowess at possession, information about the vampire clans and their hierarchy, childhood memories, times he had stumbled across hidden items and information Lucius did not intend for him to…there were too many memories to keep track of, and the process of trying to find the new information that had integrated itself seamlessly into his brain took time and concentrated effort.
The return of the memories also had an unexpected consequence. Throughout his entire life, Draco had lamented his own white voice, finding it boring and depressing. However, after the events of the Tournament, there had been a subtle change in the hue. It was still light-colored, but when Draco focused on the precise color…
It's silver. My Voice changed color to silver.