{The usual rigamaroll here, folks. I don't own any of these characters - the great J.K. Rowling does. I just love them with all of my heart and am a firm believer that Harry and Draco belong together for life. Not profiting off of this story, just here to entertain! Thank you for the reviews, by the way. Means a lot!}

Chapter 25

When Hermione and Ron arrived to Harry's apartment, she was too focused on the task at hand to notice that the tension between the two men had completely dissipated. Of course, they weren't ready to discuss the development in their relationship with their friends quite yet—they were barely able to talk about it themselves—so they did not make any attempt to bring it up.

"I pulled some interesting texts from the Ministry library before coming over here." Hermione said as Ron set down a rather large stack of books on Harry's coffee table. "And I think I have some idea of what might be responsible for your mother's death, Draco."

Harry and Draco eyed her curiously. "What might be responsible?" Draco emphasized the word what. Was this not the act of a human?

Hermione nodded, "Well, sort of. Have either of you heard of Adimagi?" She sat down on the floor, opening a large tome about Magical World History. She flipped through the pages as the men sat down. Draco furrowed his brow a little, Ron and Harry looking completely lost. "Didn't think so. I read about it in this book a few years back as we were looking into communications with the other wizarding worlds. I wanted to brush up on specific histories. I took this out for a quick history lesson."

Ron eyed the size of the book Hermione was thumbing through, "A quick lesson, dear?" Harry laughed a little, looking to Draco—who was intently focused on Hermione now.

"Well, Granger? What is it?" Draco said with a slight urgency. Hermione nodded as she found the passage.

"This is from a bit of history from America." She began to read, "In 1692 in colonial Massachusetts, a series of "witch hunts" began by the Muggles—or No Maj as the Americans call them. Brought on by a few blood-thirsty, power hungry wizards who emigrated to the New World, the witch trials served as their way to eliminate competition in the New World. Anyone suspected of witchcraft was murdered, typically by a barbaric ritual of live, public burning." Hermione shuddered as did Ron.

Harry looked to Draco who was intently focused on Hermione as she continued, "These puritans and Scourers as they were later known to be developed a dark magic as a way to further profit from the death of their magical brethren. A type of magic called Adimagia began to grow as a result of a mix of European Magic and Native American Magic. Adimagia is quite literally to steal someone's magic. It is a complicated spell that is chanted and can only be performed as a magical body is in the process of death. As the body dies, a wizard's magic will stay in-tact, only beginning to fade once the human soul has moved on.

"Many of the Scourers brought their fellow wizards to trial in order to steal their powers so they may grow powerful enough to capitalize on the turmoil within the American No-Maj Colonies. The Adimagi were a short-lived threat, however, as the magic was so dark that each intake of magic began to lead to their own death. A very powerful wizard is capable of transferring their magical being into another vessel, but the magic is difficult. The only known Adimagia to survive the spells was sent to Whispering Meadows Sanctuary for the Magically Insane in Upstate New York. "

Draco stared at Hermione, his mouth hanging open a little. Did Hermione really think someone with an ancient American power was in London, murdering the innocent?

Harry was the first to speak, "Hermione, if this is true. Why would there be an Adamagia in London? And what would they want with Andromeda or Narcissa?"

Hermione shrugged, "I don't know, Harry. It's the only known magic that can remove the magical soul of another wizard. The torturous death fits as the spell does take some time and can only be performed as a body is dying." Draco paled at the realization that his mother was tortured for dark magic. Something he had hoped she would never have to see again. "Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information on Adimagia, not here. I have talked with the historical researchers at the Ministry and they are going to reach out to their American colleagues to see if anyone closer to the source may have an answer."

Draco was up now, pacing. He was deep in thought and the Trio watched him. Finally her turned to Hermione, "What about Whispering Meadows? Do you think someone there would remember the Adimagia? Do you think he or she is still alive?"

Hermione thought for a moment, "I'm not sure, Draco. We can try and contact someone." Draco shook his head, "No. I think this is something that needs to be dealt with in person. I want to travel overseas to conduct research myself."

Hermione and Ron looked at one another, Hermione biting her lip. Draco caught the exchange and crossed his arms, "Granger. Why do you seem opposed," he demanded.

"Well," she said slowly, "the ministry isn't fully convinced that you are not another think it might be best for you to remain out of the investigation and possibly under protection." She winced instinctively, waiting for the verbal blow that was sure to come. It did.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT! THIS WAS MY MOTHER, MY AUNT, MY FAMILY WHO WAS MURDERED BY THIS… BEAST! I WILL NOT BACK OUT OF THIS INVESTIGATION AND I WILL NOT GO UNDER PROTECTION!" Harry's hand was quickly on Draco's arm, eliciting wide eyes from Ron and Hermione.

"Draco, she might be right. It might not be safe for you." Draco went to speak, turning at Harry, but instantly calming upon seeing his face. He let the dark-haired wizard speak. "However, I think with the proper guard, there should be no reason why Draco cannot travel." Harry looked at Ron and Hermione.

"What are you saying, Harry?" Hermione asked cautiously.

"I can accompany Draco. The two of us should be more than safe. We can contact the President of the Wizarding community, alert him of our travels and ask for safe lodging." Draco's eyes lit up at Harry's suggestion, nodding and staring at Hermione, who was silent.

"Hermione, I hate to agree with them, but I think Harry and Draco are right. These things are always better in person and you and I are not able to—" Hermione slapped Ron hard on the arm, preventing him from saying anything further. He winced and rubbed his arm, looking sheepish.

Harry shot Hermione a curious glance, but let it slide as she spoke. "Very well. I will organize it with Kingsley and will get you details in the next few days."

The four shared a small meal shortly after—prepared by Harry-trying to push away thoughts of the upcoming travel and the case. They tried to enjoy their time together as friends. After an hour or so of conversation, Harry let Draco and Ron continue their argument about Ron's Quidditch Team and why they lost the semi-finals and he pulled Hermione to the side.

"So why don't you explain to me why you and Ron are not able to take part in this adventure? You know you would be a huge asset and that Draco would be more than happy to have you travel along." He stared at Hermione waiting for an answer as she flushed.

"Well, it's not quite safe for me to travel right now." She placed a gentle hand on her stomach, smiling up at Harry. Harry went wide eyed and smiled from ear to ear. He went to talk, but Hermione put a finger to his lips. "No! Not yet. The family doesn't even know. We want to make sure everything is going as planned and that he or she is healthy before we make the announcement."

Harry couldn't resist, he pulled her into a tight hug—ignored by Ron and Draco who were still in a heated discussion. Hermione wiped away the tears of happiness as Harry pulled back. "Besides, Harry. It will give you and Draco time to… catch up." She gave Harry a knowing smile who flushed a little and rubbed the back of his neck.

"I suppose so." He said, causing Hermione to grin from ear to ear.

Later that evening, after Hermione and Ron had left, Draco and Harry found themselves standing awkwardly by the fire. "I suppose I should go." Draco said, shuffling his feet a little. He wasn't sure where he and Harry really stood, so it was unclear if he should invite himself to stay longer.

Harry nodded, "It would probably be best. I suppose you have a long day ahead of you at the Ministry tomorrow to prepare for the trip and I will have to start getting things together myself…" He trailed off, waiting for Draco to step in. Should he invite him to stay? He wasn't sure what their current relationship called for.

Draco nodded, "Okay well then…" both men stared at each other and Draco couldn't stand to look at Harry any longer. He pulled the man in close for a chaste kiss. It instantly calmed any nerves he had and warmed him from the inside.

Harry breathed in the scent of the blonde as his lips were covered. He let his hand grasp at Draco's lightly, wanting to pull back when Draco broke the kiss. "You'll come tomorrow?" Harry asked almost immediately, the kiss giving him a little more bravado than he had just moments before. "I'll cook!" Harry offered the bribe.

Draco smiled as he moved to the fireplace, "I would've come without the offer of food." And with that he was gone, leaving Harry's heart racing.

Druisilla lit a warm fire in the woods. She set up her tent far off the path so that she wouldn't be bothered by any passersby. Tomorrow she was set to head to the Ministry of Magic in an attempt to find her brother. As she sat back in her chair, a small eagle swooped into the clearing. She eyed the bird carefully, recognizing it as her boss'. She untied the letter from his leg, letting him nibble on a crust of bread she had sticking out of her pack.

Dru-
I hope your holiday is well. I hate to ask this of you, but is there any chance you can return a few days early? We have received word from the Ministry of Magic in London wanting to send a few representatives of the Ministry to investigate a mysterious death. Sounds like something you might be able to help with. They mentioned Adimagia and I know it was an area of interest of yours in school. Send Godfrey back with a quick reply. He will wait.

-Scott

Drusilla let out a squeal of delight, causing Godfrey to ruffle his feathers and squawk in response. "Oh, don't you worry, Scott. I will be there." She pulled a pen out of her pack and penned a quick response, sending Godfrey on his way. Oh what a convenient turn of events. They were sending someone from the Ministry to talk to her about her own murder. She was delighted. She would travel back first thing in the morning. Maybe the Ministry could lead her to her brother.

She had no idea how easy it was going to be.