A/N: I received messages from a few people saying that the website never told them that I updated, so you may want to go and check that you've read the last chapter, just to be sure. :) Anyway, enjoy!
Draco was jostled awake by the sound of incessant chatter. Opening his eyes carefully, he rubbed his head. The pounding in his brain was making it hard to concentrate. Shakily, he sat up from the slanted rock he was reclined against. Two empty firewhisky bottles were broken by his feet, and a half filled one still rested in his hand. With a shrug, he lifted it to his lips.
"Ah, no you don't." Hagrid boomed, snatching it out of his hand. "Been lookin' fer you."
Groaning, Draco stood up, using the rocky wall as a support. "Why?" He mumbled.
"Half the day's already gone! Come on. Let's get you somethin' to eat. Think they had some stew left..." He took Draco's arm and pulled him to the circle of benches around the fire pit. "Sit."
Draco eyed the table with the drinks.
"Here. Eat this. Imagine you've got quite a headache from what you put away last night." Pressing a clay mug of steaming soup into Draco's hands, Hagrid smiled sadly.
With a small shrug, he sipped the fragrant broth.
"Now I'm going t'see who all are coming today. Apparently they're havin' a meeting about the war. Yer not to touch any of the drinks, alright?"
Draco nodded sullenly, shoveling the chicken and potatoes into his mouth.
"You'll need yer wits about you today. Don' know who's gonna be here, but chances are it'll take some convincing to get people to trust you." Hagrid clapped a hand on his shoulder as he turned to leave.
"Are-" he started, looking up.
"Yes?"
"Er, do you think...you know, Weasley and Granger are going to be here?"
"Hope so." He smiled.
"Damn it."
"Oh, tha' reminds me. Brad brought this to me this mornin'." Reaching into his pocket, Hagrid pulled out a well worn piece of paper. "Thought you might want t'see it."
Nervously, Draco took the parchment and looked it over. A sneering photo of himself stared up at him. Dark circles framed his eyes and his cheeks were hollow and ghostly white. Cringing, he noticed that his ribs were visible through his pale torso, and the scars from his and Harry's duel so long ago still lined his chest. He looked like death. Beneath it was written: "Wanted: Malfoy, Draco. Dangerous. If seen, kill on sight. Reward of 8,000 galleon for body."
"Er, anyway, I'll be here if you need anything." Hagrid sighed with a sad smile. "And don' worry yer self too much. No one here'll turn you over t' you-know-who."
"Yeah...thanks..." He continued to stare at the photo of himself. "I'll be fine here."
"Alrigh' then." And with a final nudge on the shoulder, Hagrid left.
Neville had grown quite used to muggle cloths over the years. Though he did prefer robes to the stiff, tight trousers and itchy jumpers. Still, it was much easier to feel comfortable in the unfamiliar attire when everyone else was wearing it too. The entire camp had slowly been moving to the new base. Each day, a small group had left, until finally only he, Luna, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Seamus, Robin, Dennis, and Charlie remained. Together, they made their way down the swampy road. In low voices, Seamus, Rob, and Charlie discussed battle tactics, with Dennis excitedly cutting in every few sentences. Ron walked with his arm around Hermione. Slightly ahead of the others, were Ginny and Luna. The Weasley girl held a map and looked up, every few buildings they passed, searching for the motel.
Luna, Neville thought, looked absolutely stunning in the muggle dress she wore. Her hair was plaited down her back and she danced, rather than walked, in the rain. In fact, he was so busy admiring her, that he didn't hear Hermione talking to him.
"Neville? Hello?"
"Oi, mate! You okay?" Ron asked, grinning.
"Oh, yeah. I-I'm fine." Blushing, he tore his eyes away from her.
Glancing at Luna, Hermione smiled slightly. "So...Do you know how many people will be there? Other than our camp, of course."
"Last I heard there were almost 200. Er, but, that's including the muggles."
"Well what do you know? Look what I found." Seamus interrupted, strolling up to them. "Another wanted poster for our favorite traitor." He handed a paper to Ron.
"Yikes! Malfoy's in bad shape." His eyebrows knit together.
"Good." Hermione glared at the photo. "Serves him right. If I ever see him again-"
"I still don't think he betrayed us." Luna was suddenly behind them, her voice causing Neville to jump.
A heavy sigh escaped Hermione. "Luna... Our very well hidden camp was attacked by Death Eaters after we took him in, and when they left, he went with them. Obviously, he had been spying the whole time. I don't think there is any possible alternative-"
"That's alright, Hermione. You'll see." She smiled distantly.
With another sigh, Hermione looked at Ron.
"It...it doesn't really matter now, right? We won't ever see the little sneak again." He shrugged, handing Seamus back the poster. "But if we do, I will personally break his jaw."
"Is this the place, Neville?" Ginny called to him.
Happy to get away from the tension in the air, he walked to her side and looked at the map. "...Oak street...The Pine Door Motel...Yeah, this is it."
The dingy motel had a flickering "open" sign in the window, but other than that it was completely plain. With a shrug, Neville pushed open the door.
"Excuse me ma'am, how do you spell Phoenix?" He asked the woman at the desk as the group filed in.
"Follow me." She replied, with a knowing smile.
"...you are here because you believe that all witches, wizards, and muggles are worth fighting for." Bill Weasley ended his speech, looking around the giant cavern. Fluer was the first to burst into applause, but was soon joined by the rest of the cave. The noise thundered in the ceiling.
Neville's group had only just arrived in the shelter, standing on the outside of the crowd. Bill offered his hand to Professor McGonagall and helped her onto the large bolder they were using as a stage.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley." She smiled slightly, brushing the dust off of her robes. "That was a most inspiring speech."
He nodded, before jumping off of the rock. Neville saw Ginny trying to wave at Bill, but he didn't notice.
"We will resume our meeting in ten minutes time. It appears that Mr. Longbottom and the last of his camp have officially arrived. Please help yourselves to any food or drink provided."
"Neville? Ron? 'Ermione!" A familiar voice instantly called out. Hagrid was rushing towards them. As soon as he reached them, he swooped them all into a hug. "Thank Merlin yer safe."
"You too, Hagrid!" Ginny grinned, patting the half giant on the back.
"I didn't know if I'd ever see yer faces again." He blubbered, releasing them.
Ron had tears of relief in his eyes, and Hermione was smiling from ear to ear.
The group stood in a content circle, filling Hagrid in on the past year. They had only gotten to the part where they found an injured Dennis in the woods when he cut in.
"Tha's right around the time tha' I got caught by a group of Death Eaters. Thought they were gonna kill me, but instead the made me keep their dragons."
"I am very glad that you are not dead, Hagrid." Luna beamed.
"You too. All of you. When Malfoy told me-"
"Malfoy?" Hermione interrupted, any trace of a smile falling from her face.
"Er, now, ya need t' hear 'im out-"
"We've heard him out before. I don't make the same mistakes twice. Is he here?" She looked around angrily.
"Well, um..."
It was too late. Her eyes had locked on to the familiar white-blond hair. Without another glance, she stormed towards him, and Ron followed close behind.
"What the hell are you doing here?" She growled, making a strait course for the cave wall where he was curled in a slump.
Looking up with bloodshot eyes, his shoulders sagged. Slowly he rose to his feet, a groan escaping his lips.
Then, Hermione's fist collided with his nose. "Why the hell do you think it's okay for you to be here?"
Ron, who was trying to hide a grin, crossed his arms. "Be grateful it wasn't your jaw, Malfoy-"
"Don't speak so soon!" She hit him again.
Draco stood alarmingly still. Blood poured from his nose, and though he winced when the fist made contact, he remained stoic.
After Hermione had gotten all of the anger out of her system, she stood back, glaring breathlessly. "Why...why aren't you..."
"Because it doesn't matter anymore." He muttered, sliding back down the wall and wiping his nose on his sleeve.
"Great start yer off to." Hagrid clucked disapprovingly, coming up behind them. Crouching down, he offered Draco a handkerchief, but received only a grunt.
"Hagrid, he is a spy-" Hermione started.
"How about you kill me then, Granger?" Draco snapped, piercing into her with his eyes.
"No one is going t' be killin' anyone. Now, Hermione, can y'hear Malfoy out?" Hagrid said firmly.
With a sigh, she looked at Ron. "Fine. I suppose."
He walked to her side and took her hand. "Well, Draco?"
There was a moment if silence.
"Fine. I'll tell 'em what you told me." Hagrid sighed. "He's every bit as wanted as you lot. When the Death Eaters found yer camp, they took him back t' Malfoy Manor. Tha's where they were keepin' me. We spent 'bout a month in the dungeons together-"
"It could've been a trick by you-know-who." Hermione shook her head, but it was obvious her mind was going in circles.
"An' he was tortured every day because he was with you. He was th' only reason I escaped, too."
Silence followed. Draco stood up and walked away from the group, into a smaller cave.
"If you don' believe the boy now..." Hagrid looked after him.
"I...I don't know what I think." She bit her lip.
The meeting was fairly quick. First, Ron and Hermione had explained the importance of killing Nagini. Those who hadn't heard, or had only known of the rumors, were shocked to lean of the Horcuxes. Next, McGonagall had spoken about evacuating muggles and locating safety shelters for non magic users. Then, she'd assigned missions to those who were in good enough shape to accomplish them. Ron and Hermione had volunteered to lead a small attack on Malfoy Manor, in hopes of killing Nagini. "It will be highly dangerous. But, you know that, don't you Mr. Weasley." McGonagall smiled proudly.
Then, Ginny, Neville, and Seamus were added to the team which was going to raid Azkaban.
"...we will need as many witches and wizards who can confidently produce a full bodied Patronus as possible." McGonagall's voice echoed around the walls. "And that, I believe, is all that we wanted to cover in this meeting. I advise you all to retire early. I know it is quite hard to tell in this cave, but it is nearly half past nine. Beds are in the left corner. Families may set up their camps wherever they choose. Good night everyone. And good luck."
The crowd murmured in reply. Slowly, people began to make their way to the stacks of cots lining the wall.
"Do you know where Luna is?" Neville asked Ginny quietly. "I don't see her anywhere."
"Something you want to tell her?" She smirked, crossing her arms.
His stomach turned. "Oh! No... I don't- I mean, now isn't-"
Lifting her eyebrows, she cut him off. "Luna said she was going up to explore the caverns." She pointed to a large opening on the side of the cave wall. Then, she leaned in and added, in a low voice, "Not a bad place to confess your love..."
"I don't think...well...thank you..." His voice was small. Blushing, he pushed through the crowd until he reached the wall of the cave. Slowly, he began to climb the thin stairs, leading to the small tunnel. He didn't have any idea what to say, or if he was going to say anything at all. He just wanted to see her. Heart pounding loudly, he walked to the mouth of the cavern. There she stood, smiling vaguely at something only she could see. A candle floated beside her, reflecting orange in her blond hair.
"Hello, Neville." She smiled, turning.
"Er, he-hello, er, Luna..." He rubbed the back of his neck to hide his shaking hand. "What are you, um, doing up here?"
"Just exploring. It's nice to get away from all of the nervous energy down there."
"I...I can leave...I mean, if you want to be alone..." He started to turn.
"Oh no! I would love for you to stay!" She smiled, sending his heart fluttering. "You know, you needn't be so worried. I believe everything will be alright in the end."
Through his nerves, Neville managed to smile. She thought he was scared for the battle. Which he was, of course, he'd be a fool not to, but it was so much more than that. He knew full well that he could easily die. And yet, the idea that he would die without ever knowing if the girl he was smitten with felt the same; that is what scared him most.
"You know, caves are full of wisperlings. Have you seen them yet?"
"No...but you could...show me? I mean, if you want." He blushed.
"Oh yes! Come here!" Suddenly, she reached out and took his hand, pulling him closer. "Now look there, just above the candle. Do you see it?" Her face was flushed with excitement.
And, maybe it was just wishful thinking, but Neville swore he saw something floating where she pointed. "I think I can!"
"Neville, that's wonderful! They are a good omen, you know."
"I-I didn't know-"
"Yes! They mean that something splendid is going to happen. Something you have waited a long time for." She leaned in, making Neville feel quite faint, and whispered very seriously, "When I first saw one, a week later, I got my Hogwarts letter!"
She was so close. He could feel her hands on his arm. Turning his head slightly, he caught her eye. Instantly, his gaze flew to the ceiling and he bit his lip.
"Oh dear! Poor you, Neville. You really are worried!" She caught his hands and held them between her own. "I can feel you shaking! You know, if only we had corvus flower root..." She looked around, as if she expected it to appear somewhere.
"I...I don't think it can grow down here. It needs sun..." His voice trailed off.
"Yes! That is very right, Neville! I forgot how brilliant you are at herbology." She beamed.
Blushing deeper, he looked at the floor. "Oh, I'm not brilliant at it! Actually, I am pretty hopeless. I just...just like to-"
"Hush! You should stop saying bad things about yourself. You are wonderful."
His heart skipped a best.
"But, are you truly worried about the battle?"
He nodded, feeling scared to speak. It wasn't true, but he wasn't about to tell her he was nervous because he loved her.
"That's quite sad. If I die in the battle, I will have wanted to have as many happy days as possible. That's why I don't worry about death, you see. If you do, you make your last days rather miserable."
He couldn't take it any more. Every cell in his body adored her. Unable to stop himself, he stared nervously into her eyes, searching for signs. Then, he froze. No. He couldn't do it. And it was silly of him to think that she would feel the same way. After a moment, he turned away. "Well, er, I'm going to go see if...anyone...needs anything."
"Oh...okay." Luna's brow furrowed slightly. She sounded almost disappointed.
Though, he couldn't imagine why.
"Ron..." Hermione's voice shook slightly as she walked up behind him. "Can we talk?"
"Oh! Yeah, sure! Er..." Clumsily tossing aside the map he was reading, he made room for her to sit beside him on his cot. "Here- are you crying?"
"I just need to tell you... If I die in the battle-"
His face instantly grew pinched with anger. "You're not going to die-"
"Actually, it is very likely-"
"No. It's not. And I don't want to hear any more about it."
"Oh, Ron." She laughed, a tear sliding down her cheek. She fell onto the cot beside him. "I...I understand why...bloody hell!" She wiped beneath her eyes.
"Here, let me..." Reaching out, Ron caught the tear on her cheek. Then, slowly leaning forward, he kissed her. For a moment, they held each other. His hands cupped her face and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Then they pulled away slightly, their foreheads still together.
"I...I understand why you wouldn't want to talk about...you know, if we don't make it..." Hermione closed her eyes. "But...I won't feel peaceful until I ask you..."
Ron's eyes welled up with tears. And, though he tried to hide it, one slid down his cheek. "Ask me what, 'mione?"
"Will you...if I die, promise me you won't return my parent's memories."
"Are...are you sure?"
Nodding, she looked at the ceiling. "It would be better for them to never know I existed, than to find out that... Well, just promise me please."
"I'll promise, if you promise me something."
"Of course." With a small smile, she took his hand. "What?"
"That you won't die." A wry grin spread on his face.
"Bloody hell, you are impossible." She smiled tearfully.
Laughing, he gently pushed her hair out of her face. "You...you've got a tear on your cheek, by the way. Did you know?" He wiped beneath her eye with his thumb.
"Oh, I love you!" And with that, she kissed him again.
A/N Hey guys! Sorry it took me so long to update. I had written all three thousand words of this chapter, and then I accidentally deleted all of it. Yeah...that was really great. Luckily, I had saved a rough draft, so I just edited it and added a little bit. But, as you can imagine, it put me a bit behind schedule. Anyway, the last few chapters are going to all be pretty long.
Special thanks to all who reviewed. I know I usually give personal shout outs, but since it's Christmas I don't have time to type it all up, but I wanted to update as a present to y'all. So, I love you all people who reviewed! Thank you for being such lovely humans!
Don't forget to review, follow, and favorite! Who knows...I might do something crazy like actually start updating regularly..
And Merry Christmas everyone!:D