ok, so once again, here is where i apologize for taking forever. honestly there isnt much excuse for the lateness of this. i had the flu, but after that it was just pure laziness. anyway. a heads up for this chapter. it is shorter than most of the others, but it was very complicated. everything had to fit in an hour slot. so once the action begins, everything takes place in about an hour, or less. so if it sounds rushed, thats bcuz it is all happening in a very short amount of time in three different scenes. so it was pretty hard to make sure everything was making sense. so please, read, tell me what you think. gimme some reviews. if i messed up anything let me know. i tend to do that. anyway...uhh...ok so this is the last installment of part 1. look for Don't Make Me Regret Part 2. it will start off at chapter 16, and ill remind everyone what happened. so yes, review!! ," bigred btw, part one is 280 pages!! holy crap! lol.
Chapter 25 The War has Begun
It was four in the morning. Harry had lay awake all night, unlike his lover. The blonde must have been completely exhausted after their passionate night, for he had fallen asleep soon after. Harry looked down at the unaware boy, softly brushing the hair out of his face. Malfoy really had no idea how much last night meant to him. Now, he had to steal away and go to the last place on earth he wanted to be. At least the feeling of last night would get him through the day. Knowing that he had stepped so far past his fear pulled a new found confindence in him. Who knew that it would be Malfoy who would bring out this side of him.
Harry slipped out of the bed, careful not to wake Draco. He silently changed and grabbed his wand. He walked over to the door and opened it, looking back at the sleeping form on the bed. He hated having to lie to Draco, and honestly, he didn't know why. Well, he knew why. Their relationship had grown so much, so fast. Going from complete intolerance to friends with benefits was a huge difference, and totally unexpected. It was still hard to believe it was happening, but with each passing moment spent with the blonde, he found that Malfoy was beginning to mean so much more to him. Either way, he couldn't fight off the wary feeling. Like he shouldn't be involved with Draco, and that this was all a mistake. That it would just go back to the way things were. He still felt that rivalry from school with him, but that just seemed to fuel the fire between them. He just had to guard himself, from getting too close, and from letting Malfoy get too far away.
He knew Draco would be mad that Harry lied to him about something so important, but right now, the future of the Wizarding World was more important than this thing with Draco Malfoy.
"I'm sorry." Harry whispered, then left the dark room to find the Headmaster.
OMGWHATISGONNAHAPPEN??
Draco rolled over as he felt himself waking up. He stretched and spread out, feeling his muscles relax. He cracked open his eyes when he noticed that he hadn't bumped into anything when he stirred. Draco definitely remembered last night, and he was sure Harry should be right beside him.
Harry wasn't there however. What time was it? Draco looked over, seeing that it was only eight in the morning. Harry must have woken up early and went to eat breakfast.
Sighing, the blonde rolled himself out of bed and made his way back to his own bedroom, checking to make sure the coast was clear of course, then into the bathroom to the shower. He turned on the water and began to undress as he thought of last nights events with a smirk.
flashback
Draco tried to hide his surprise as Harry straddled him. He hadn't thought the boy would want to try it himself.
"Harry, are you sure?" Draco asked, biting back the hiss of pleasure as Harry sat atop him.
"I'm sure. I want this." Harry leaned down and kissed Draco, tasting a bit of his own cum in the blonde's mouth.
Draco shivered with pleasure as Harry sucked his earlobe. He couldn't help but let the thoughts wander through his mind as Harry's attention was on Draco's flesh.
Did Harry really know what he was doing? Was he really prepared? He knew that the only man Harry had probably ever been with was that damn uncle of his. But it was just to hard to talk reason into the raven haired man as he suckled the tender flesh above his waist band.
Draco pushed the thoughts out of his head and ran his hands through that soft unruly hair. Harry was trying his best to mimic Draco's actions from before, that much he could tell; and he was doing an excellent job.
Harry slipped off the boxers, staring at the hardened member before him. He took a moment to take in all of Draco's appearance. Then leaned down and sent the blonde into a whirlwind of pleasure.
flashback end
Draco chuckled audibly as he let the warm water rinse his skin. He had no idea that Harry Potter could please him so much. Just thinking of the intense feeling and electricity from the night before as he hit his climax made his cock twitch with longing. My my, the Gryffindor knew how to use his tongue.
Malfoy enjoyed his thoughts as he finished bathing. He meant to find that raven haired felatio god and tell him just what he thought of his experience last night. Of course, hearing about how his amazing Slytherin Prince sex-god-self had pleasured Harry as well was some praise he would love to hear.
He dried himself off, then went into his bedroom to change. Once he was pleased with his outfit and finished styling his hair, Draco headed out the door and down to the kitchens to get some breakfast.
When he arrived, he noticed that it was empty. Eggs, bacon, and pancankes were sitting on the table, awaiting anyone else wanting breakfast. Apparently Tonks had gone to work early, so she cooked breakfast for everyone before leaving.
Draco grabbed himself a plate and sat at the table, eating his meal. He wondered if Harry had already eaten. Where was Potter anyway? Probably outside, oh well. He continued to eat, wondering what to do that day. As he did, Hagrid and Charlie came into the kitchen.
"Mornin' Malfoy." Hagrid smiled, grabbing a plate.
Charlie did the same and waved a hello.
"Good morning."
"Nice day iddn't it? Charlie 'ere is gonna help me with Buckbeak's leanto before he heads back to Romania. It's needin some work." Hagrid said, starting up a conversation.
Draco kept up nicities, nodding and agreeing when Charlie and Hagrid's attention was given to him. After a few more minutes, Draco was finished.
"If you see Tonks before I do, tell her breakfast was delicious and appreciated. If you'll excuse me." Draco said, bowing his head to the other two before taking his leave.
"Later." Charlie said as he and Hagrid finished up their own plates.
Draco strolled out of the kitchen and into the entrance hall. Now, where was Harry? Outside more than likely. Even if he wasn't, Draco had been missing the grounds here at Peadmont while he was cooped up in Hogwarts. A nice dip in the lake didn't sound too bad at all.
He hurried up the stairs and into his room to start on his day, reminding himself to keep an eye open for Potter.
OBLIVIOUS...WAYTOGO...
Severus Snape cried out in pain as he writhed on the stone floor at Lord Voldemort's feet. He could feel the other Death Eaters' eyes on him. He had no idea how long he had been there, several hours maybe? His torturing had been going on for nearly the entire time. When he had first arrived, Voldemort asked him where he had been. Snape humbly gave the reason which he and Dumbledore had practiced. After he mentioned his bout with unconsciousness after the explosion of the important potions Lord Voldemort needed, he explained how he was not sure whether to approach the Dark Lord without being summoned, seeing as it was unaccepted.
Lord Voldemort seemed to believe the story. He then continued his questioning. He asked why Severus had not mentioned that Dumbledore was alive. Snape then explained how he did not know until that very hour of Albus' press announcement. With some quick thinking he also avoided the punishment for not mentioning it during the last meeting, saying he had believed the Dark Lord already knew. He took a few more dodges and clever lies to the questions Voldemort threw at him conscerning Draco's whereabouts and plans Albus might be making. He asked if Albus had Draco. To that, Severus answered that he didn't know. He asked if Potter was gaining power and plotting with Albus. To that also he said he didn't know.
Then came the punishment, for ever little thing Voldemort didn't like in his story. Not that he didn't believe any of it, but that Severus 'had not tried hard enough to gain information'. He was also punished for not coming when the Dark Lord called, even though he had been unconscious at the time.
So here he was, several hours later, still undergoing the Dark Lord's unquenchable wrath. He listened to himself as he spewed out words of apology and allegience to the Dark Lord. It made him sick. To bow before this loathsome man, no, creature... it was a mockery. But still he obeyed. He was Dumbledore's only inside lead. He couldn't let his armour fall. He had to continue blocking his mind, no matter how much more difficult it seemed for him now...
Finally, he felt a release from the cruciatus curse. Painfully catching his breath, he strained his eyes forward to his master. Greyback was whispering into Lord Voldemort's ear.
"Ahh, yes, bring him in." he hissed. Voldemort turned his attention back to Severus. "We still have an advantage, despite the lack of news you bring us."
Severus heard a rattling behind him, but he didn't dare turn until the Dark Lord waved his hand to the back of the room, allowing Severus permission to look.
With much difficulty, he mananged to turn his aching body around and lift his head to see the sight as he kneeled crumpled on the ground. There was cart being pushed, where on top rested a large cage. As a Death Eater rolled it closer, Severus saw that a man was clinging to the bars.
Still dizzy from the curse, Severus forced his eyes to adjust, hearing the other Death Eaters in the room laugh with malice, and the Dark Lord hiss with glee. The cage finally rolled out of the shadows and stopped a few feet from where Severus lay. There, in the cage, was none other than Remus Lupin.
Severus had to grab hold of himself fast before he showed any signs of relief or fear. Remus was here, finally after weeks of torment in his mind. Now he wished him somewhere else. He couldn't show concern for the man in the cage, to save both of them. He turned back to face his master when he heard him speak.
"As you see Severus, we have managed to capture a spy, Remus Lupin. I believe he was a fellow professor with you, and a childhood pest, am I correct?"
"Yes my Lord." he croaked through his swollen throat.
"He has been in the folds of the rogue werewolf clans, trying to gain information for the light side. Someone recognized him, and led us straight to him. If we remember correctly, he is also in allegiance with Albus Dumbledore. It is an advantage to have him. We will gain every last drop of information he has to offer, then dispose of him." Voldemort laughed.
Severus turned back to look at Remus. Hopelessness and sorrow filled Lupin's eyes as he stared as Severus. Though it burned him to the core, Snape could do nothing, at least at the moment.
Before he knew it, he felt pain surge through his body as the cruciatus curse was cast on him again. He crumpled back to the ground. He could hear Remus shuffling in the cage, but fought to keep his mind blocked. He couldn't let the Dark Lord see ...
Apparently Remus was trying his hardest as well to keep his mind blocked, for he was sure the Dark Lord would have caught the friendship in his mind. That was pure luck in their favor. He only wished that Remus didn't have to see this... but it was better that he recieved the pain than Remus.
"That is a reminder, Severus. You will bring me more information next time." he said as he lifted the curse.
"Yes my Lord." Severus breathed.
"Take the werewolf into the cellar, maybe try to..loosten his tongue a bit. We shall leave him there a few days. With no nourishment and some...prying... in a few days he will be too weak to fight. We should have the answers we seek." the Dark Lord sneered as he played with his wand.
The cage was rolled back into the shadows. Severus locked eyes with Remus until he was out of sight. Though he felt immense relief that he had finally seen Remus, he had a surge of determination to get him out of here, no matter what the consequence. Lupin was going to die if he didn't do something. He had to think fast.
"Severus. Tell me of the potions. When will they be ready?"
"Very shortly my lord, perhaps within the week if I have correctly adjusted the aging element. The latest, they will be completed by next week." Severus said.
The pain had finally numbed itself, so he was able to push himself into a kneeling position before the Dark Lord. For at least twenty more minutes Lord Voldemort pushed him with questions and new assignments. Severus felt near to bursting, trying to figure out what to do in the back of his mind while he blocked and listened in the forefront. Luckily he had practice with this, but it didn't make it any easier. Of course, he had never felt so strong an attachment to any of the prisoners they had before. Then, his master changed the plans Snape had been formulating, making them so much easier with one simple order.
"Severus, go down to the cellar and tell Dolohov to leave the werewolf till tomorrow. Make sure the cage is locked before you come back." he ordered, then turned to the others waiting around the walls. "Rookwood! Come forward."
Snape felt his chest lighten. He could do this. His unknowing master just made the plan so much easier. Severus bowed, then took his leave to the cellar. He would break Lupin out, and hopefully in the next ten minutes, neither of them would be dead...
GOSHIMSOSORRYITSTAKINGFOREVER!!
Harry side stepped to the other side of the couch as his Uncle Vernon slammed down the phone reciever. He had been there about four hours now. It was now ten in the morning. The Dursleys had only been awake for the past hour, seeing him in their living room was not exactly pleasant.
Harry had arrived at around six after briefing with Dumbledore and forcing some breakfast down. It was still brightening up when he stepped up to the door on Private Drive, most muggles were still sleeping. He had magically unlocked the door, then crept inside to wait for them to wake up. Vernon had woken up about an hour ago, making such a racket at seeing Harry that the other two woke up as well. After spending the rest of that hour steering away from his uncle's grasp, he conviced the man to hear him out. His uncle had just cancelled his brunch meeting.
"Now tell me why you are in my bloody house!!"
"Dumbledore sent me here! Its not as if I chose to come back!" Harry said defensively.
Something had changed in him. He felt, not confident necessarily, but just more assured. He had a job to do. He didn't have time to be afraid of the consequences his uncle could bestow on him. He would face him like a man, and instead of giving up and letting it happen, he would stand up and fight to keep himself safe. He had a mission to get that protection. He highly doubted anything of that kind would possibly be given, but he still had to stay here till midnight if he didn't get it, so he might as well try while he kept himself on guard.
"Well did anyone see you come in?" Vernon growled, peeping out the window as he rolled down the shades.
"Not that I'm aware of." Harry sighed.
"You mean you don't know!?"
"I still don't see why that old man sent you back." Dudley interjected. "Where did you even go anyway? Your freak school hasn't started yet."
"Good question Dudders. How did you break out this time Potter? Had one of your little friends bail you out?" Vernon asked angrily, coming around the couch.
Harry narrowed his eyes at his uncle. "I'm a wizard Uncle Vernon. Is it really that hard to figure out how I left?" He stalked into the kitchen.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"To get a drink." he sighed, pouring himself a glass of water.
The Dursley's followed him into the kitchen, fighting confusion on whether to be angry or shocked at Harry's boldness. It was a change for sure.
"Look, can we just please be adults about this. I don't want to be here anymore than you want me to, but I have to stay here, just for the day."
"No, I won't have it! You can go somewhere else!" Vernon shouted.
"Aren't you listening?! I can't!" Harry yelled back.
"Don't you talk to me that way boy!" his uncle said, charging him. Harry dropped the glass of water and it shattered on the tile.
Vernon chased Harry into the living room. He reached the front door and stopped, pulling out his wand.
His uncle stopped on the other side of the room, wife and son behind him.
"Don't come near me." Harry warned.
Vernon faltered a bit, then recovered. "You can't use magic. I remember last time."
"Want to try me? They have bigger things to worry about than an underage kid using magic. We are in the middle of a war Uncle Vernon, and believe it or not its affecting the Muggle world too."
"Your lot is causing trouble in our world too? See what vermin they are Petunia! They should all be exterminated." he hissed.
Petunia looked wary. She hadn't said much at all since they had been downstairs.
Harry saw movement near the driveway out the blinds of the window beside him. He peaked out, spotting the disturbance. A man was slowly stalking up the drive, looking wearily at the car. It was undoubtedly a wizard by the unique dress. Not so outlandish as most he had seen, but it was still obvious. Harry squinted, then gasped as the man lifted his head and stared straight at the window into his eyes.
It couldn't be...
The man smiled wickedly, then popped out of view. Kimbly had found him. He closed the blinds, then locked the door. Not like it would have helped at all, but still...
"You have to get out of here, now!" Harry said, lowering his wand and staring at his uncle.
Like it or not, they were still family; and as much as he hated them, he still couldn't let anything happen to them, especially because of him.
Surely Kimbly was on his way to tell Voldemort just where he was. How did he even make his way to Private Drive in the first place? Did the confundus charm on the house wear down?
Harry knew he had to get them out, fast. If Kimbly had been able to walk up the drive way and see him, then surely the Death Eaters would be able to get in the house.
"What is this nonsense? I'll not be leaving my own house!" his uncle bellowed.
Harry stalked over to his uncle and looked square in his eyes.
"Someone was outside just now that wants to kill me. If they know I'm here, they will kill you too. You have to leave!"
"No, you have to leave! You will not throw my family out because they want to kill you! Its you who will be leaving!"
Harry raised his wand, trying to think of a way to convince his uncle to leave, and if that failed, then a spell to force him to.
While Harry was distracted, Vernon punched his nephew, knocking the wand out of his hand.
The raven haired teen fell to the floor from the blow to the jaw. His head was reeling. He went to reach for his wand, but it was on the other side of his uncle.
Vernon snatched him up and began to beat him, yelling at the top of his lungs.
Petunia and Dudley watched in horror. They had seen Harry get beaten many times, but the words he had spoken before had them on edge.
Harry locked eyes with his aunt for a split second before he was hit in the face again. She looked pained, confused.
He opened his eyes after the next blow and all he could see was his uncle thowing punch after punch. As much as he fought back, Harry couldn't get the upper hand. He couldn't even talk or explain anything. His uncle would punch him when he even opened his mouth. Vernon was so much stronger and larger than he was, blocking every counter hit and trapping his legs from kicking.
Harry could feel the pain, and along with it came the feeling of dread, and flashbacks of every other time...
He couldn't stop it...
WRITINGAGAIN! MUWAHAH!
It was nearly eleven in the morning and Draco had just finished drying off in the sun after his morning swim. He hadn't bothered to look for Harry, but now he wondered where his raven haired lover was. He decided that he should head upstairs and get dressed for lunch, hopefully where he would see Harry.
Draco couldn't help but be a little unnerved. Had they gone too far last night for Potter? A few weeks ago he didn't really care, as long as his own needs were met, but now... Something had changed, where all he cared about was if Harry was comfortable and safe.
Draco sighed and opened the back glass door to the kitchen. Apparently today was one of those 'fend for yourself' days because the kitchen was empty. He hurried through the halls and up the steps to his room.
A few minutes later, he emerged with a fresh pair of clothes, ready for the rest of the day. He went to Harry's room, but found it empty. Shrugging, Draco assumed he had gone to the library and decided to leave him be till after lunch.
As he strutted down the stairs, he saw Granger and Weasley with presents and streamers flowing from their arms.
"What is that for?" Draco called from the steps.
"Oh hello Draco! Harry isn't around is he?" she asked, looking around.
"I haven't seen him today, why?"
"Good, we wanted to hide this if we could. Tomorrow is his birthday!" she said excitedly.
Ron nodded, shifting the packages in his hands.
"Oh really? Well, if I run into him I'll keep him busy."
They moved along up the stairs when Draco called back.
"So you haven't seen him all day?"
"No, sure haven't." Hermione said, noticing the look on his face.
Draco nodded, then turned and walked out of the entrance hall and into the kitchen.
Tomorrow was his birthday? He hadn't even mentioned it. Draco had nothing to give him either...He let his thoughts wander as he made himself a sandwich.
So Potter's friends hadn't seen him either. Draco felt uneasy. Something wasn't right. He couldn't help but remember when Lupin disappeared. Surely Harry hadn't done something so drastic. After all, Draco hadn't even checked most of the rooms yet. No need to panic. He would just finish his sandwich, then look for him again. If there was no luck, he would just ask Dumbledore. He also needed to think of what to do for Potter's birthday tomorrow.
THISCHAPTERISHARDERTOWRITETHANYOUTHINK
Down in the cellar, firelight from the torches bounced off the grimy walls. Dolohov paced in front of the cage near the stairs.
Remus had pushed himself to sit in the center of the cage. Far enough inside so the Death Eater couldn't touch him physically. It felt safer to him somehow, though this feeling was a false sense of security.
How had he gotten in this mess? One easy slip up and he was found. There's a reason no one gets close to anyone in the rogue werewolf clans. Someone could betray you, which he found out soon enough.
Remus looked up as Dolohov huffed in
annoyance at having to wait down in the cellar. The Death Eater
turned and stared at him with malice. Remus glared back in
return.
"We'll break you soon enough." Dolohov sneered.
Remus saw shifting shadows on the stairwell wall out of the corner of his eye.
Not two seconds later, the man fell to the ground, unconscious.
Was that a spell? Remus stood up and looked around, wondering what had happened. He heard shuffling down the stairs. Severus Snape quickly emerged from the shadows and sped down the rest of the stairs.
"Severus!" Remus said horsely as he clung to the bars.
Snape glided to the cage, removing the spells and quickly unlocking it. He helped Remus down.
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, looking around.
"I'm fine. Oh Severus, I.." Remus latched to his arm.
"No time. You have to leave, now." he ordered. "Where is your wand?"
"He has it." Remus said, pointing to Dolohov.
Snape walked over and retrieved the wand from his robes.
He handed the wand back to Remus, then grabbed his arm. "You have to leave as fast as you can. Go up the stairs and take a left. Go all the way down the hall to the last door on the right. Go as quickly and quietly as you can. It will take you outside. The second your feet touch ground, apparate. Don't wait, do you understand me. There are Death Eaters outside guarding this place. You have two minutes before I have to sound the alarm."
Severus looked determined, but something in his eyes told Remus that he was scared. How could he be so strong? He was just being tortured...
"But Severus, what about you? Won't they know you did it?"
"Not if I play my cards right. Don't worry about me, just do exactly what I told you." Snape said, squeezing Lupin's arm for reassurance.
That might be the very last time he touched him if things didn't go as planned.
"Go, now!" he urged quietly, then turned back up the stairs, shooting random spells to hide the evidence that it was he who knocked out Dolohov.
Remus nodded, worried for Severus, then turned up the stairs and ran for the exit as quietly as he could.
Severus breathed a sigh of relief. If that was really the last time he would see Remus, then he was glad to have hopefully rescued him. He savored the touch. It warmed him, just to know that Remus was alive. Hopefully he would remain that way while this whole mess unfolded.
Snape waited thrity seconds, then ran into the room where the Dark Lord waited.
"He's gone! Dolohov's been stunned. He's escaped!"
"What? How? You three, check the perimeter!" the Dark Lord called to a group standing by.
They dispersed.
"I don't know my lord. Dolohov is still unconscious downstairs." Snape said, acting just as outraged as everyone else.
The Dark Lord remained silent for a moment, then nodded.
"No matter. We have a new plan. Kimbly has just told us that he has seen Potter and knows his whereabouts. We will strike there. Severus, you will keep Dumbledore distracted from the boy. That shouldn't be a problem, seeing as the werewolf has escaped. That will be the first place he goes. How will you keep yourself from being outed by the werewolf? He saw you here, he will tell Dumbledore."
"I have a way my lord. Dumbledore will believe me, and the werewolf will think he was mistaken. I'll be sure to keep him distracted."
Severus couldn't believe this... They had found Harry? They must have found Headquarters. Luckily his master was leading him in all the right places he needed to be.
"Go, now. The rest of you, follow Kimbly."
Snape bowed, then took his leave. He ran to the exit and stepped outside, then apparated away.
IHOPEALLOFTHISISMAKINGSENSE
Remus ran through the entrance hall of Peadmont Estates, catching the eye of Draco Malfoy. The blonde sputtered, thinking he had imagined it, then ran after the other man. Lupin ran straight into Dumbledore's office, so he followed.
"Remus?!" Draco said when he caught up.
"Remus.." Dumbledore said, standing to his feet.
"I know, I have alot of explaining to do, but all that can wait." he said, plopping down on a chair. "I was captured by the Death Eaters. Severus helped me escape."
"Sev? Is he okay?" Draco asked, worried that his godfather was still there.
"He was being tortured when I was brought in. He looked terrible, but that didn't stop him from getting me out. I hope he's alright. I got here as soon as I could."
"Well, I am glad you are back with us Remus. You caused us much grievances and worries. Especially on Severus."
"I'm sorry. But my leave wasn't wasted. I found a few clans to fight for our side in the war, and others were contemplating before I was captured. There is an uprising for You-Know-Who however with the larger packs." he explained.
"I see. You will have to give me details when you are rested."
A moment later, Severus Snape ran into the office.
"Severus!"
"Where is Potter?" he asked urgently.
"He isn't here. What's wrong?" Dumbledore asked.
"What do you mean he isn't here? Where is he!?" Snape yelled, panic rising in him.
"He has gone to the Dursley's. He's been there all day." Dumbledore explained.
Silence enveloped the room.
"Why did you let him go there!?" Draco yelled.
"This can't be happening..." Remus muttered.
"None of that is important right now!" Snape yelled.
The two stopped and looked at him.
"How can you say that Severus? He was raped by them!" Remus yelled back.
"What?" Dumbledore interjected.
"We have to get him out of there!"
"Stop!" Severus bellowed.
Everyone looked at him.
"The Dark Lord knows where he is. Kimbly found him today. We have to get the Order to the Dursley's before they arrive!" he finally was able to explain. "Albus, Remus, you have to stay here with me. Otherwise, they will know I tipped you off. If we play this right, they will think that Aurors were stationed around the residence."
Dumbledore immediately sent his patronus to warn the members.
"I'm not just going to let Harry sit over there! I have to help him!" Remus argued.
Snape walked over and pushed him back into the chair. "No, you will wait here, like Dumbledore and I. We want to go just as badly as you do, but the future depends on these events." Snape explained firmly.
"I'm going." Draco said, getting up.
"Draco.."
"I don't care if they see me. I've chosen what side I'm on and I'm not going to sit in here and hide while Harry could be hurt over there. Who knows what that bastard of an uncle has done to him! If I go now I can make it in time before the Death Eaters get there and get him out." he explained.
Dumbledore nodded his understand. "If you're sure. Take this. It's a port key I had made for Harry in case he needed it. It will take you straight to the Dursley's living room. You two will explain what you have been apparently keeping from me while we wait." he said, turning to Remus and Severus.
"Be careful Draco." Severus said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I will. I have to go for him. I won't let them take him."
THISISGIVINGMEAHEADACHE
Harry's face slammed into the carpet, blood spewing from his mouth as he gagged. Vernon was beating him relentlessly, but the only thing going through Harry's mind was death.
He would either die at his uncle's hands, or die at the Death Eaters. Either way, it was going to happen and he knew it.
Harry rolled over, attempting to crawl away from his uncle, but the man dragged him back and punched him again, yelling something about bringing danger to the family. He didn't know how long it had been...ten minutes maybe? Every second that went by was another second closer to the end.
The faces of his friends flashed through his mind. Everyone who was counting on him. If he died, he would be letting them all down...
Then he heard something he never expected...
"Stop!" Petunia screamed.
Her husband ignored her, completely in a zone of hatred. She reached over and pulled on Vernon's back, grabbing at his arms as he swung. He was too strong however and he yanked her forward. She landed on the ground with a thud next to her husband, then crawled between him and Harry, shouting all the while.
"Leave him alone! Vernon stop..." then he hit her.
Petunia was jarred back into Harry's chest. The second she hit his chest, Harry saw a blue haze emmit from her and fade into him. He knew he had gained the selfless love protection. His aunt just saved him.
He scrambled up and pulled her out of the way from his uncle. Dudley shouted in fear for his mother.
Vernon paused a moment, realizing what he had done. Harry took advantage of the moment.
"Dudley! Throw me the wand!" Harry yelled.
The boy looked at his dazed and bleeding mother, then did as he was told. Harry caught it, then stupified his uncle. The spell sent the man flying into the wall behind him, leaving him unconscious.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, then leaned over and coughed up the blood filling his mouth. He shuddered, then looked down at his aunt who was laying in his lap. Dudley came and sat beside him, rousing his mother.
She tossed for a moment, then groggily lifted herself up and looked at her husband on the ground. Dudley squeezed her hand.
"Its alright mum." he said, his voice shaking.
"Do you think you can move?" Harry asked her, ignoring the sharp pain in his stomach.
"Yes, I'm fine."
Dudley moved to help her up. Before they could even get a break from the events that happened however, Harry heard muffled pops outside.
"You have to get out of here. Go to.." but he couldn't finish his statement.
A large boom shook the foundation, and seconds later, screams could be heard outside from the neighbors. The door flew open and dust swirled in as spells were fired haphazardly into the room.
No one could see, but cries of panic and sardonic laughter filled the air. They all hit the floor, Harry ordered them to hide, so they gathered around Vernon, pulling a table that had fallen down in the blast in front of them.
Harry gripped his wand and started firing off spells, not knowing if he was hitting anything. It had gone from a quiet neighborhood to a full blown battle outside and inside in a matter of seconds.
Harry started to panic, not knowing what he needed to do, but then he heard another pop as someone entered the room. It was Draco.
"Harry!" Draco called, immediately shielding himself from the spells. He ran to the boy who was blocking himself behind the couch.
"Draco! What are you doing?"
They shot spells randomly over the cushoins into the thick haze of dust. Then a swarm of Aurors entered the house, battling the Death Eaters.
Kingsley ran to the Dursley's, seeing them amoung the debris. Dudley pointed out Harry on the other side of the room. The man ran over to them, followed by Hermione and Ron.
"The Aurors can take it from here!" he yelled over the noise, then dove back into battle.
Hermione looked fearfully at Harry as coughed up more blood, clutching his stomach in pain.
"Hermione, get him out of here!" Draco yelled. "Weasley, get the Dursley's away from this. I don't care where you take them, just get them out of the way! Take them back to Headquarters if you have to!"
Draco reached down and wiped the blood off of Harry's forehead, staring protectively into his eyes. A spell shot near the couch, too close for comfort. They looked where it came from and saw Lucius Malfoy, his mask in his hands, had cast the spell.
"Go! Get them out!" Draco yelled.
He stood up and in between his father and Harry as Hermione apparated Harry away. Ron rushed over to the Dursley's. He called over Luna and Neville, then they all apparated away.
"Well, well, well...My son, a dog for Dumbledore now. Protecting his once rival. How pathetic." his father sneered.
Draco narrowed his eyes. That wasn't his father. He could see the glaze over the eyes. The Imperious curse... Damn that Dark Lord.
"I am not the dog father, you are. I'd never stoop so low as to serve a man who goes against himself."
They could tell that the battle was winding down. It had been taken outside, now that the house was practically in shambles downstairs anyway. Draco and Lucius were some of the only ones left inside.
"You will pay for shaming me!" his father yelled, shooting curses at Draco.
The blonde jumped out of the way, dodging the first attack, firing back. But there was no malace in it. He couldn't fight his father with all his strength, not while he knew that it was just the Dark Lord. They dueled back and forth, going from room to room. Draco couldn't see it, but Lucius was lureing him away from onlookers.
Finally, he had him right where he wanted him. With a triple casting, Draco was thrown to the ground in shackles, unprepared by the triple attack. His father laughed.
Lucius strutted to where Draco lay squirming on the ground. He kneeled down and grabbed him by the shirt.
"I will break you." came the hiss of Voldemort from Lucius' tongue.
He stupified Draco, then apparated away, leaving the rest of the Death Eaters and Aurors to battle it out.
IKNOWITSALLABLUR,BUTREMEMBER,THISISFAST!
Nearly an hour later Kingsley showed up at Headquarters to several impatiently waiting individuals.
Harry was being too difficult for anyone to reason with him. Except for Remus of course. Harry was extremely relieved to see him, but knowing that Draco was in a battle had him on edge.
Severus and Remus had explained to Albus about the rapes Harry had gone through, telling the story from all that Harry had told them. Dumbledore was outraged and disgusted. Had he known any of it, he never would have sent Harry back.
When the raven haired boy had arrived back at Peadmont with bruises and covered in blood, Dumbledore felt to blame. But Harry wouldn't talk about it.
So Severus suggested that they just wait until Draco came back and the battle was over before they do anything. Perhaps even waiting until the next day so that things could calm down. Albus agreed.
They had the Weasley's move the Dursley's to a spare room, locking Vernon in a separate room from his family though. Petunia and Dudley were free to move about if they wished.
Madame Pomfrey had attented to everyone's wounds while they waited. Luna and Neville talked to Ron and Hermione, giving Harry his space. Severus stared at Remus while the light haired man comforted Harry, running his fingers through his hair. Albus waited, pacing the floor for news of the battle.
So of course, the second Kingsley entered the den, he was swarmed with questions. Dumbledore silenced them all and let him speak.
"Well, the Death Eaters escaped. Since Harry was gone they felt no need to stay. We lingered behind and tried to clean up some damage and altar memories, but its too much. There is no sense hiding it now, Death Eaters are attacking Muggle towns right and left. The war is in both worlds and they need to be on edge now. But luckily we managed to fight them off from doing harm to any civilians. We still have a team doing clean up, but other than that, its over for now."
"Where's Draco?" Harry asked.
"We hadn't seen him for awhile, we assumed he came back with the rest of you. Isn't he here?"
"No. You're telling me he's not there?!" Harry blurted, standing to his feet.
"No, the last we had seen of him, he was with you." Kingsley said.
"Well, who saw him last?" Albus asked, sure there was an explanation...or at least hoping..
"We saw him right before we apparated everyone here. He was blocking his dad from getting to us." Ron explained.
"He dueled Lucius?" Severus said, and edge of worry in his voice.
"Now that you mention it, I hadn't seen Lucius since the battle started. I had just assumed he ran out early." Kingsley nodded.
"His dad took him! We have to get him! Snape, you have to get him back!" Harry shouted. His knees began to shake. Would they kill Draco?
"I can't just barge in there unsummoned! As much as I want Draco away from them, I can't go until I've been called. He may not even be there, we don't know for sure that they took him. His father might have, or Draco could be following them on his own. If they do have him, they won't kill him. The Dark Lord wants Draco too much, not to mention the fact that he is Lucius' son. If they have him, we will get him back, but it won't be easy."
Albus nodded. There really was nothing they could do. Harry knew Severus was right. But he wanted Draco safe with him.
He sat down and cupped his face in his hands, forcing himself not to cry. He was just so exhausted. How much could possibly go wrong in one day completely blew him away. He just wanted Draco back.
Remus pulled Harry into his chest, rubbing soothing circles on his back. He locked eyes with a worried Severus.
The war had begun. The first attack had been made on Harry's life. A full blow out in a muggle town had erupted. Draco was missing. And no one knew what they were going to do.