Debrief.

Fudge sat at a small writing desk in the tiny room which was being used for meetings. It really was too small for anything else. Beside him in a tatty armchair was Kingsley Shacklebolt and on the other side of the desk, Alastor sat on a rickety wooden chair. A dining chair had been bought up from the kitchen for Draco. Despite the makeshift office setting, it all felt very formal, and Draco found that he quite liked it. He felt like a grown up. He felt elevated above his peers because it was he who was called into the room to speak with the Minister. It was he who had met the Dark Lord. It was he who was the important one. Draco had longed for a moment like this. He had been momentarily vexed when Fudge had spoken to Potter and his friends first, but now it was Draco's turn. Draco reminded himself it was because of him that the Minister had come here at all. He held his head high as he walked into the meeting room.

He tried not to look at Alastor too obviously as he came in and sat down opposite the Minister.

'Good morning Mr Malfoy.' Fudge said politely. 'Do take a seat.'

'Thank you.' Draco replied sounding calm and ever so slightly aloof.

'I have arranged this debrief meeting with you due to the fact that you were recently in the custody of the Dark Lord, and whilst we at the Ministry are well aware of the brave actions you took, it is important that we have the full story. You are not being questioned, you are not in any kind of trouble. Do you understand?' Fudge said in a slightly patronising tone.

'Perfectly.' Draco said clearly and impetuously.

'Good.' Fudge said. 'Can you tell us what happened Draco, from the time that you were captured?'

Draco drew himself up tall and looked directly at the Minister.

'They found me in the forest after the werewolves attacked us and we got separated. It was Bellatrix who found me, her and a couple of men. I didn't recognise them. They said very little to me, any of them. Only that they were going to take me before the Dark Lord.

And that's what they did. They took me to an old house, a big place, not as big as Malfoy manor, but of reasonable stature non the less.' Draco described.

'I'm afraid I don't know where it was. They apparated me with them and didn't tell me where they were going.' He added with regret.

'Anyway, they bought me before him. He sits on a sort of throne, and they line the room on either side, I guess to be ready to attack if someone in my position made a wrong move. There were probably 20 of them, I didn't really have much choice about what to do.' Draco explained.

'What did you do?' Kingsley asked.

'I knelt before him. Kissed the ground beneath his feet. I thanked him, and the death eaters for rescuing me from the clutches of the Ministry. I told him I was hardly worthy of such a great honour.'

Fudge looked shocked but Kingsley and Alastor both looked impressed.

'I didn't know if he would believe me.' Draco continued. 'He's supposed to be a master of legillimens, but I'm fairly good at occulmency so I took my chance. I figured he wasn't stupid, but I guessed he was probably flatterable, people like that usually are. I'm mean, he was up there sitting on this throne like he thinks he's some kind of God or something! So I grovelled like an adoring servant, stroked his ego a bit, and it worked like a charm.' Draco grinned slyly.

Now both Fudge and Kingsley looked impressed. Alastor was already impressed with Draco but he had to admit he disliked the idea of Draco 'adoring' someone else, and he hadn't liked the word 'stroked' either!

'I knew it was my best chance of keeping any of my freedom.' Draco said. 'And most importantly the best way to keep my wand! If they took me as a prisoner they would have taken it from me and I would have been powerless. But if they thought I was an ally they would want me to be armed so I could fight alongside them. But I knew I'd have to give them more than just a declaration of devotion in order to convince them.' Draco explained. 'I would have to give them information of some kind to prove my loyalty.'

'And what did you tell them?' Kingsley asked inquisitively.

'Well, I didn't know the coordinates for the safe house, so that was easy. I didn't even have to lie about it. But I did know the coordinates for the Hut which Alastor and I were heading too that night. So I told them that was where the escorted children were being taken and that it would be guarded by only two Aurors. I suggested they mount an attack, kill the Aurors and take the children hostage.' Draco said clearly.

There was a stunned silence, so he continued.

'The Dark Lord was pleased with this and he seemed to be taking some kind of liking to me. He offered to reward me for my information.' Draco told them. 'I told him the thing I wanted most was to bathe and have clean clothes. For a moment I admit, I was afraid he might have insisted he bathe with me. Like I say, he seemed to be taking a liking to me... But it was OK. He let me go alone.'

Alastor had felt himself bristle again as Draco had described this, even though he already knew what had happened, in more detail than Draco would disclose here. He was certainly feeling very possessive of The Brat these days. Perhaps because Draco wasn't simply The Brat any more. He was his Brat!

'Its was once I was alone in the bathroom that I conjured the patronus.' Draco said. 'I was scared because, although I knew about the charm, I'd never been taught it, least of all how to make it corporal and carry a message!' He exclaimed. 'But I knew I had to do it right, otherwise Alastor would be there alone when they attacked.' Draco said sincerely, trying not to reveal his feelings too soon.

Alastor felt an overwhelming wave of tenderness wash over him. Suddenly it annoyed him less that Draco had had to grovel to Voldemort.

'You did an amazing job!' Kingsley replied with a smile. 'Your patronus went to Dumbledore, we were with him at the time. The message wasn't 100 percent clear but it was clear enough for us to act and know exactly what to do. I, for one, am extremely impressed!' Kingsley added. 'That is no easy spell to cast, and to get it so clear on a first attempt is beyond remarkable!'

Draco glowed with pride.

'Well it was important.' He said modestly. 'And I had some happy memories fresh in my mind which I could draw on...' He glanced at Alastor and felt himself beginning to blush a little.

'Then all I had to do was keep up the act until the attack.' Draco said. 'And I think you know the rest.' He concluded.

'Yes. We do.' Fudge replied. 'I must say, Mr Malfoy, I'm very impressed and I'll admit, somewhat surprised at your bravery! You'd make a fine Auror, I dare say!'

Draco smiled magnanimously.

'Thanks you Minister.' He accepted the compliment. 'However, I don't agree. I've never been one for hard work, you see.' Draco smiled. 'Besides, I don't think Alastor would like to have to be my boss.' Draco added.

'I'm sure he would get along just fine with you.' Fudge said, knowing how purely professional his head Auror was!

'Well that's rather the problem I think, Minister.' Draco clarified. 'Well do get on well. In fact, Alastor and I are in a relationship.' He said directly.

Fudges eyes bulged and he did something of a double take, unsure if he had heard Mr Malfoy correctly. He looked to his head Auror for confirmation.

'Its entirely my fault Minister...' Draco continued. 'Alastor did everything he could to discourage me but the attraction was there. Over the days we were together in the forest we sort of got to know each other and we grew closer. Of course, you'll admit there's no wrong in it really, given that I am 18. Alastor was worried about mixing business with pleasure of course but I'm afraid I was rather persistent.' Draco smiled slickly. 'I'm also rather accustomed to getting what I want and although Alastor initially turned me down, he couldn't fight it forever! As I am, of course, irresistible. And poor Alastor is only human.' Draco concluded with a conceited smile which left Fudge quite unsure what to say next.

Kingsley was suppressing a smirk behind his hand actually liking Draco more and more by the minute as he made Cornelius Fudge squirm. He enjoyed seeing Alastor blush too, it wasn't something he was used to seeing!

'Is... is this true Alastor?' Fudge asked after a pause.

Alastor stood up slowly and went and stood behind Draco. He rested one hand on his shoulder.

'Yes Minister.' He replied. 'Yes it's true.'

'I see.' Said Fudge uncomfortably. 'Well I suppose Mr Malfoy is old enough to make his own decisions but I must say it reflects badly on you Alastor! Becoming romantically involved with someone you are guarding, whilst on duty as head Auror! I'm surprised at you I really am!'

'I'm sure you'll get over it the next time there's a life threatening mission you want me to carry out.' Alastor replied dryly and Kingsley nodded in solidarity. Draco for his part was delighted that his lover was someone who would talk down to the Minister for Magic like that! It was a huge turn on!

Fudge tried his best to ignore the comment, feeling outnumbered in the room.

'Well Mr Malfoy, your personal life aside, you have acted extremely bravely and courageously, taking a huge personal risk. Your actions have resulted in the arrest of no less that nine of the Dark Lords key fighters. The Ministry owes you a debt of gratitude. You will of course be formally acknowledged for your actions at the next honours ceremony...'

Draco beamed with delight although he tried not to show it too much.

'However my immediate concern is with your safety.' Fudge continued. 'If you weren't in enough danger before you certainly are now! The Dark Lord will want vengeance and I very much doubt you could lie and charm your way out of trouble again.'

Draco's smile faded. He already knew this was true but it didn't make hearing it any easier.

'In two days Harry Potter plans to return to Hogwarts.' Fudge announced. 'It's thought that this will draw the Dark Lord out, and that a battle will take place. Draco, you will stay here in this safe house. This place is as well guarded as anywhere can be and if you are caught on the battlefield, I confess, I don't like your chances.'

Draco was looking paler and paler by the second.

'Alastor, you will be needed to fight of course.' Fudge said firmly.

Alastor nodded. Draco looked at him with concern. He hadn't considered this sort of situation when he allowed himself to fall for an Auror!

'Mr Malfoy, I thank you for speaking with me today.' Fudge said assertively. 'You may go now and relax. Shacklebolt, Moody, I will speak with you a little longer.' He concluded.

Reluctantly Draco stood up and left the room, squeezing Alastor's hand for a second before he did.

Draco had no way of knowing what was discussed after he left the room. He could ask Alastor later but was certain he would simply tell him it was confidential Auror business. Then they would probably argue about it. And then they would fuck to make up again. Draco smiled at the thought, but he still wouldn't know that else Fudge had said.

He sat downstairs with a book trying to distract himself but was more interested in trying to hear what Potter and his friends were talking about. They were in the kitchen making themselves some food. It was only the next room but try as he might Draco couldn't catch a word. He tried to look inconspicuous as they walked into the sitting room.

'We can sit in here...' Harry said as they walked in having not spotted Draco curled up in the armchair until it was too late.

Ron looked horrified. He had no desire to sit in the same room as Malfoy!

'Oh!' Harry exclaimed when he caught sight of the thin blond figure in the chair.

Draco gave him a questioning look.

'Errrrrr... Not disturbing you are we?' Harry asked as they took their seats.

'I'm sure I'll cope.' Draco replied coldly.

There was an awkward silence as they began to eat.

'Cookie...?' Hermione offered hopefully holding out a plate towards Draco.

Draco peered at the cookies suspiciously and curled up his nose.

'I don't do carbs.' He replied in a condescending tone and turned back to the book he was pretending to read.

Fortunately the ice was broken when Kingsley, Alastor and Dawlish all came into the room.

'Hey! Draco!' Kingsley beamed. 'The look on Fudges face! You're my hero, you know that!'

Draco tried not to glow too brightly as it would ruin his cool and aloof act, but inside he was doing somersaults of delight at being praised this way! By Kingsley Shacklebolt! And in front of Potter, too!

'Why thank you Auror Shacklebolt.' Draco replied politely but with a devious look.

Alastor glanced at Draco. It was still a little awkward being with him in front of other people. Alastor didn't quite know how to handle it.

'I'm going to make some tea.' He announced, and hurriedly departed for the kitchen.

'Seriously Draco...' Kingsley continued. 'You are one brave little fucker aren't you!' He laughed. 'Balls of steel, this boy!' He said, to the room. 'Bullshits the Dark Lord, convinces him he's a devoted servant, gives false information, sends a secret message to the Ministry and as a result... Nine death eaters in jail! You did good, kid! You did good.'

Draco stood up calmly.

'Its was nothing.' He said, his voice dripping with false modesty. 'I just did what anyone would have done in my place.'

'Not everyone's that smart... or devious!' Kingsley replied. 'See, us Slytherins have our good points, you know! It wasn't "nothing" it was one quality piece of espionage if you ask me, kid!'

'Thank you.' Draco replied in his most mature voice. 'But you probably shouldn't call me "kid" like that. It doesn't reflect well on Alastor, does it?'

'And that...' Kingsley beamed, close to Draco's face, 'Is precisely why I'm going to keep doing it! You wouldn't believe the stick that man has given me over the years and now I can finally get something of my own back! That's another reason why you're my hero.'

Both Kingsley and Dawlish laughed and Draco gave them a wry smile and shook his head.

'You Aurors!' He exclaimed with a playful role of his eyes as he slipped into the kitchen to help Alastor, feeling 10 foot tall! There were no three people in all the world he would rather have had witness that scene than Potter, Weasley and Granger!

'Did he really do all that?' Ron asked, aghast.

'Yeah.' Kingsley confirmed. 'Pretty impressive, huh?'

'I guess so...' Harry mused a little suspiciously. 'But, hang on! If he lied so convincingly to Voldemort how do we know he's not lying to us? It could be a double bluff, couldn't it!'

Dawlish and Kingsley looked unconvinced.

'It would be some bloody elaborate subterfuge!' Kingsley answered. 'And I doubt anyone could have persuaded the Dark Lord to lose nine of his best followers, even as a calculated risk!'

Hermione nodded thoughtfully.

'But Malfoy's not brave!' Ron exclaimed. 'He's a right cowardly little worm!'

Kingsley laughed.

'Well he can certainly be brave when he wants to be!' He replied. 'Maybe Mad-Eye has inspired him?'

'I don't even wanna know what he's inspired Mad-Eye to do!' Dawlish interrupted and he and Kingsley both laughed while Ron and Harry looked very uncomfortable with the whole concept.

'Never thought I'd see Mad-Eye with a boyfriend!' Dawlish continued.

'He used to date, years ago.' Kingsley recalled. 'Never anything very serious I don't think, and he's got so paranoid over the years... he doesn't trust anyone enough to get close. I just love the irony that he's with a Slytherin son of a death eater!' He exclaimed with great amusement. 'I'm happy for him though, I mean, we all need a bit of action now and again, don't we?'

Dawlish laughed.

'Uggghh! Please! That's disgusting!' Ron exclaimed, making the two Aurors laugh again.

'I'm gonna go get some tea.' Dawlish said standing up.

In the kitchen Draco had been keen to be reunited with Alastor after the debrief. He had slipped into the room quietly with a little greeting...

'Hey...'

Alastor turned round from the kettle. He stared at Draco for a moment.

'Come here.' He barked.

Draco immediately did as he was told and Alastor pulled him roughly into his arms, leaning him back against the kitchen side. Draco smiled flirtatiously as he put his arms around Alastors thick waist.

'You told the Minister.' Moody observed.

'Everyone else already knows.' Draco said impassively. 'Better he hears it first hand.'

Alastor grunted in reluctant agreement.

'And I told him it was all my fault.' Said Draco nobly.

'You also told him I was unable to resist you!' Alastor replied.

'Well you can't, can you?' Draco grinned as he moved one hand up to Alastor's neck and into his messy hair.

'Shut up, Brat!' Alastor replied in a gruff whisper.

'Why don't you make me?' Draco whispered in a smouldering voice.

They moved into a deep and affectionate kiss instantly, no teasing first. Mouths open they explored each other with their tongues, lips working hungrily against each other, hands roaming freely up and down their bodies...

It was just at that moment that Dawlish appeared in the doorway.

'Whoah! Boss, please! Get a room!' He laughed loudly, a comment which was met by a rowdy cheer from Kingsley in the sitting room.

Alastor and Draco stopped kissing and Draco, looking adorably shy, smiled and hid his face against Alastor's chest.

Alastor gave Dawlish a sarcastic look. He knew he was never going to hear the end of this from his team! He half released Draco who picked up their mugs of tea. Alastor with one arm still around Draco's waist, led him over to the door.

'Alright! Settle down! This isn't a locker room you know!' Alastor reminded Dawlish and Kingsley.

They followed his instruction of course but had no intention of letting him off the hook quite that easily in the long run!

Harry watched, brow furrowed, as Mad-Eye Moody made his way to the one vacant armchair. Malfoy stood back obediently, almost like a servant, as Mad-Eye sat down. Then he carefully handed him his tea, offering the mug handle towards Moody so that it was easy for him to take it, probably burning his own fingers in the process. Mad-Eye gave him nothing more than a curt nod of his head in thanks. Draco gave him in return, an adoring smile before settling himself on the floor at Alastor's feet.

It all seemed to happen very naturally but Harry stared in surprise and fascination. There was something so subservient about it, it was almost obscene! As Mad-Eye slipped his free hand into Malfoy's blond hair, Malfoy smiled dreamily and seemed somewhere between a servant and a lap dog. It was both disconcerting and bizarre! Just what on earth was Malfoy playing at?