A/N: A little earlier than intended, which is good :] Unfortunately the chapter is rather short. As I said, the next few chapters will be sadly. However! I make sure to pack them with important actions! Thank you to all my lovely loyalist. And enjoy.

Chapter Twenty-Five

I sat on a cot, of all things; this is what they had me sleeping on. Yet, I swallowed my spoiled attitude to the best of my ability. I was growing bored, watching every little elf buzz about the kitchen frantically in order to meet the lunch demands. Watching them reminded me painfully of Selena, and how she worked as best as she could to please my house hold. I had been so busy lately; her absence from my life was only now re-seeping into me. I missed her terribly, and it was almost heart breaking how much all of the Hogwarts elves reminded me of her. I wished I could have saved her too, I owed her so much now after all. Her sacrifice had helped to open up this new world to me, and I feel as though I haven't hailed her memory in any proper way. I would change that one day, when a great enough opportunity comes up to repay her memory someway, I'll seize it.

These elves were surprisingly friendly, though I could feel a small bit of my old prejudice wanting to despise them. Once I told them Dumbledore's portrait sent me, and mentioned the Fudge Flies, they seemed to shrill at the mention of communication with the old Headmaster. They set up the cot in the corner of the kitchen and gave me a pillow and blanket. I was able to only get a few hours sleep before I heard the pots and pans begin to bang and clash together at the break of dawn. I've been sitting awake ever since, occasionally trying to engage one of the elves in conversation out of pure boredom. To think that my peers were just meters above me, and yet here I was in hiding, unable to see anyone. But so far, the only elves that would even give me the time of day were a little girlish one named Lea and an older one called Winston. Lea was new, and actually a sort of niece to Winston. Winston was the one to give me my bed set up, as well as the most filling breakfast I'd eaten in a while. All the others seemed to be far too wrapped up in their work. I wondered for a moment if they were ever given breaks, and then began to wonder why I should care?

I sighed to myself as Hermione game to mind.

Hermione and her silly little S.P.E.W. organization was something I had found mostly ridiculous, but I could see her concern. She was such a kind-hearted person, so oblivious to old wizard traditions though. The elves have been servants for centuries, but I suppose their ability to work for wages was sort of understandable. However, what the bloody hell did elves need money for? Then again, it all made Hermione happy, so perhaps I would have to learn to just deal with it. Maybe I could use this whole 'staying with elves' situation, to learn how to be a little less prejudice. Selena had really been the only one to get me to warm up to a house elf. Hmm, I suppose learning to be tolerant is a start for making things up to her.

"Mister Malfoy?" I hadn't noticed Lea sheepishly approach me until she spoke.

"Call me Draco, Lea," I instructed her as kindly as I could, "What do you need?"

She was staring at the ground gingerly, "Um, the Headmaster is here to see you. He has asked that you step outside to speak to him." Her voice squeaked.

For a moment I thought she meant Dumbledore and leapt to my feet. Then my excitement faded, as I mentally slapped myself. All that remained of Dumbledore was a portrait, and it wasn't likely the portrait was standing outside the kitchen. Professor Snape was though, no doubt. It had slipped my mind from time to time that he was the new Headmaster. Whatever the case may be, he was still the one waiting to speak with me. I quietly gulped to myself, thanked Lea, and slowly made my way through the kitchen. The elves continued to work around me, paying me no mind as I moved past them. I could see the massive amounts of foods being just about ready to send up to the students for lunch. Which meant everyone would be at lunch; brilliant plan on Snape's part. As I neared the exit, I prepared myself for what would no doubt be a scorning and perhaps a fight to stay at Hogwarts. My mind had been long set on being here until it was safe to leave and no one, not even Hermione, could change that.

I crawled through the portrait of the fruit, and was immediately greeted by a smack to the head.

"Have you lost your mind boy?" Snape growled, pulling me out of the portrait the rest of the way.

I shoved him away before responding, "No, actually I haven't."

"Than, perhaps you have a death wish? Because I know for certain you didn't think this entire escapade to be a clever idea, especially if you want to live." He was trying to keep his voice down as he sneered at me, pointing a long boney finger in my direction.

"I'll be fine," I seethed as I pushed his finger aside, "I'm here to help, surely Dumbledore told you." I knew my snide comments would probably earn me another smack upside the head, but I didn't care.

"Are you now? How very heroic," He pursed his lips, "You think you're being brave? I see Granger has had quite the influence over you. Or do you think if you attempt to act like Potter she'll warm up to you better?" I watched his lips fight a smile.

I balled my fists; I knew what he was getting at. He was using my anger against me; we both knew I never tolerated being compared to Potter. I was breathing to the best of my ability, trying to collect my anger. Snape's little games wouldn't work, I refused to let it.

"As clever as your attempts are, they won't work." I spoke aloud with as firm as a tone as I could conjure, "I already have a few allies here-"

"A few!" He interjected, "Draco, you have more enemies here than a few. You must be daft to have forgotten that important detail!" He raised his voice, but I kept my temper.

"Dumbledore has given me his support!" I retaliated, "I can seek the Lovegood girl and Thomas boy, both of them know damn well I mean well. Both of them can speak on my behalf to anyone who isn't a Death Eater, or thinks they are."

"Ha!" He snorted, "Oh I'm sure that will get you far."

"I'm not leaving." I shrugged, leaning against the wall behind me.

He glared at me with a cold stare, and I glared right back. I wanted him to challenge me on the subject; in fact I dared him too. If he wanted me gone, he would have to fight me and hope I am knocked unconscious. Only then could he get me out of here. We continued to glare at each other for what seemed like hours, until he finally relented.

"It's your funeral Draco; frankly I am quite tired of watching those around me die though." I instantly felt a tinge of guilt, "Try not to be seen by the Carrow's, or any of your old friends for that matter."

"I figured as much." I answered coolly.

He shook his head, "Don't do anything stupid, and do not leave the kitchen tonight."

Before I could argue, he turned on his heels and began to stalk away. As I watched him leave, I noticed a small crate on the floor.

"Professor," I called after him, "What's in the box?"

"Fudge Flies." He called over his shoulder and vanished.

I stared at the box curiously. Dumbledore could keep his word even after death, figures. I tickled the pear and shook my head as it giggled. I brought the crate into the kitchen, as the portrait closed behind me every elf looked up at me from the dishes they were cleaning.

"I-err," I set the crate down carefully, "Have Fudge Flies?"

The elves all exchanged excited glances at one and other. The next thing I knew, they were all rushing my way, palms open. I quickly opened the crate, and laughed as they dug into it and sorted the candy amongst themselves. I heard an earful of thank-you's and began to laugh as they jumped about with their sweets. Behind them, more and more dishes were falling from the ceiling as lunch was near its end. They rapidly indulged in their treat, of course knowing they would need to return to work.

"You were Dobby's old master?" I heard a scratchy voice speak form beside me.

"Yes?" I answered the old elf with giant sunshine yellow eyes.

She nodded her head, "He said the Malfoy's were most cruel."

"Well," I sighed to myself, the elf was right, "We were, and I won't lie. I was hoping to change things though."

"I see that Mister Malfoy." She gave a half-hearted smile as she devoured one of her Flies.

"Call me Draco," I instinctively instructed.

"Of course, Mister Draco." She gave a throaty chuckle, "I'm Dot."

"Pleasure to meet you Dot," I gave her my hand to shake, she took it confused.

She then smiled up at me, "I know you mean well Mister Draco, and I believe they all do too."

I looked upon the rest of the elves. They were almost like humans, and in fact reminded me of children in this excited state. I wondered why times hadn't evolved sooner. Why were we just recently recognizing those different from us? And again, why should I care? I shook my head; it was all a bit too much to ponder on at the moment. I looked around until I spotted Lea; she sat in a corner with a large grin on her chocolate covered face. I couldn't help but smile just a fraction. I returned to my cot as the elves each smiled at me and returned to their work. A part of me wanted to the ignore the pathetically good feeling I was getting from what had just occurred. The other part was thankful for it.

I decided to occupy my mind with magic as the day dragged on. Should I honestly stay in the kitchen tonight?

///////

By the time dusk came, I was near madness from sheer boredom. A few more elves had decided to befriend me between their working. I was grateful for their company, though never long enough to quench my thirst for entertainment. As much as I had contemplated actually obeying Professor Snape on his instructions to stay in the kitchen tonight, I couldn't take it any loner. I needed to move about; I was almost desperate enough to offer the elves help with their work. I couldn't just sit around when I knew there was so much that I could be doing, including sneaking about the castle. I had a keen urge to explore the offices of the Professors as it was.

Without another thought, I picked myself off of the cot and hurried toward the kitchen's exit. There were seldom any elves left, as most had left to clean the castle and those who were left merely glanced my way with a shy smile. Those Fudge Flies had quite the effect on these buggers, but I wasn't too concerned. I looked over my shoulder as I climbed through the portrait hole. My lack of attention to where I was going may explain why what happened next occurred.

"Oops!" I heard a familiar airy voice call out as I collided with someone else and ended up on the floor outside of the kitchen.

My first reaction was to panic; I swiftly stood and reached for my wand with the intentions to stun. It was when I held my wand at Luna Lovegood's face that I realized I had no reason to panic.

"Why hello, Draco." She said with a happy tone, or rather, her usual tone. "About time you arrived."

I lowered my wand and gave a nervous chuckle, "You won't believe it, but I'm actually thrilled to see you."

"Oh?" Before I knew it, she wrapped her arms around my middle and gave me a light squeeze.

I wasn't sure how to react, and didn't care to admit how awkward this hug was for me. I patted her back in a sort of half-hug manner. She released me, with that absent smile still on her face.

"You should work on your hugging." She said before staring past me.

"Yes," I said slowly, "I haven't ever been much of a hugging type of person."

She glanced at me with that odd smile, "Well I'm sure it will improve one day."

"Right," I answered. Things fell into that awkward silence that I absolutely despised, and then I realized something. "Luna, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?"

"It's no problem at all," She responded, "Strangely enough Professor Snape approached me after lunch, accused me of sneaking around the castle last night and told me I had to meet Alecto Carrow here for detention." Lovegood finished nonchalantly.

I suppressed a grin as I mentally thanked Professor Snape, "Trust me Luna, there is no chance Alecto Carrow will be here tonight. Perhaps Professor Snape was mistaken when he said the kitchen?"

"Perhaps." She smiled as if she knew more than she let on, but maybe I was simply imagining things. "Now, if you don't mind me asking, all the details of you being here at Hogwarts?"

I nodded with understanding, "I snuck back in through a passage I found and actually was let into the Headmaster's office by Dumbledore's portrait. He instructed me to stay in the kitchen with the elves, and of course you know why I am here. This is a big factor of why I am glad to see you."

"To help Dumbledore's Army against the Death Eaters and those dreadful Slytherin's who feel the need to torment us." Luna replied, her eyes going a bit wide as she spoke.

"Exactly." This was all I could say at the moment; without displaying how a little uncomfortable her oddness made me.

"Well, I can't say that the other members of Dumbledore's Army will be thrilled to see you. But I am confident that things will go smoothly. After all, Dean and I have told everyone how helpful you have been. Especially the details of the escape from the Manor. Not to mention practically every upper classman in Slytherin has made in clear that you are no longer associated with them." She ended her explanation with a wider smile, as if to reassure me with that last statement.

"I figured as much."

"Yes, it shows that the right people do not hate you as much as you think." Luna gave me a curt nod as she rocked back and forth on her heels.

I heard a few voices off in the distance and figured it would be best for Luna Lovegood to accompany me on my trip about the castle. I didn't need our conversation attracting attention to the kitchen. I motioned for her to follow me, as I stealthily crept up the corridor and toward the grand stair case. Luna was practically skipping beside me, carefree to everything around me. I partially admired her spirit, but also noted how foolish she seemed to almost always appear.

"So," I whispered as I looked around, "When do you think it will be safe for me to face the DA?"

"Hmm," She seemed to ponder to herself, "Well, there is a meeting tonight, but I highly advise against going just yet without any warning."

"I agree." I mumbled as we jumped onto the first staircase.

"I can talk to everyone on your behalf at tonight's meeting, and we can see where it goes from there."

"That works," as I spoke, the staircase began to breeze past the second floor, I quickly grabbed Luna and jumped off, "but that's easier said than done."

"We need all the help we can get though," She lightly brushed off her robes," And besides, there is a growing amount of evidence of proof that you have changed sides."

"I suppose, glad someone finally realizes it though." I sighed to myself.

She patted my shoulder and offered a smile, I politely returned it. Though for many years I had taunted the poor girl, there was no denying she was a kind soul. I was glad to see that she had developed friendships throughout the past couple years, she deserved it. I wondered deeper into the second floor corridor, Luna right beside me. Instinctively, I held my wand out in front of me as she had hers lowered.

"Draco," She whispered, "What are we looking for?"

"Oh," I hadn't realized I had been dragging her about without an explanation, "I want to explore the new Dark Arts teacher's office."

"Alright, just curious."

I stifled a chuckle as we pressed deeper into the second floor corridor. We were near Carrow's office when I noticed the door to be slightly ajar. A thin stream of candle light poured through the open crack. Luna and I began to slowly creep toward the door. The noises that followed were unnerving.

A boy was screaming in pain, Luna gasped beside me. We slid closer to the door, close enough to peer through the opening.

"Oh no, Ernie." I heard Luna whisper.

I recognized who the boy was. Ernie Macmillan, a seventh year in Hufflepuff. I watched, mortified, as Macmillan lie limply on the floor of Amycus's office. He was breathing heavily, and hardly moving. Amycus Carrow stood above him like a vulture, waiting to devour its deceased prey. I gripped my wand tighter and Amycus gave a hefty laugh. I was facing one of my worst fears at that very moment. Hogwarts was just as I had hoped it wouldn't be. It was no longer safe, and it had in fact begun to fall into the grips of the Death Eaters.

"Luna," My voice was hardly audible, "I can't do anything rash if I want to stay hidden and continue to help the DA until all of this is over."

"I understand-"

I didn't let her finish, "But we are going to help Macmillan. When I give you the cue, hurry in there and grab him. Go to your meeting, and inform them that there needs to be a new policy. From now on, whenever a detention is given, the other DA members need to be alerted."

"Right." She quickly responded.

I took a deep breath, unsure what it was I was going to do exactly. This was a moment I had been waiting for; this was why I returned to Hogwarts. I could help prevent this, even stop innocent people from suffering. I was going to make my mark as a useful tool in the war.

"Come now Macmillan, you can make all this end." Carrow's voice was cold and venomous, "Simply beg for it." He spoke the last part sharply.

Macmillan tried to sit up on his elbows, "F-fuck off, git."

I cringed at his comment as Amycus appeared as if someone had just slapped him. I knew what was to follow, it was time to act.

"Cru-"

"Expelliarmus!" I sent his wand flying through the air.

"What?" Amycus growled looking around.

"Impedimenta!" The spell hit perfectly as Amycus was sent toppling backwards, "Go!"

I pulled Luna by the arm and threw her into the room. I was certain not to use her name, no matter what happened, we didn't need Amycus being able to take revenge. I worked with speed to help Macmillan lean on Luna. He stared at me, half dazed, half absent-minded from the torture. I motioned for him not to say a word and turned my attention back to Amycus.

I casted two spells, "Obscuro." So the Death Eater could see nothing, followed by "Confundo."

I watched as Amycus lay on the stone floor, slowly rolling around in confusion. I contemplated torturing this man, just as he had tortured plenty of others. He deserved to feel the very pain he had been inflicting upon the students here. A small part of me thought it to be un-moralistic, but a greater part saw it as justice. He was evil, and evil people deserved bad things to happen to them. I raised my wand, and aimed it directly at his head.

. . . And though I thought of all the suffering I had endured at the hands of Death Eaters, all the suffering all of us had endured . . . I couldn't bring myself to do it. Had it been me a year and a half ago, I probably would have done it right then and there. However, things were far the way they used to be. I was not who I use to be. I couldn't sink to their level, as logical as it may have seemed, I knew it wasn't right. I should be vengeful and angry, but as much as it never seemed like it, Death Eaters were humans too. It would be wrong to torture Amycus Carrow just for the hell of it. It would make me no better than him. As tempting as the entire situation was, I simply help my temper and walked away.

"You sent Macmillan off, tripped and fell." I called to him, and rushed out of the second floor corridor before I had a change of heart.

………………

A/N: I almost did it too, I seriously thought a little vengeance would be good. But than my morals kicked in, darn ha ha. Again, sorry for the shortness. But we have a lot of events to prepare for soon, and I always aim to please. Lemme know :]

-Nox