There was a Guest review asking why Voldemort wants the cabinet fixed if Snape has a Floo connection to the Manor; the answer to that is, Dumbledore and the Ministry monitor the Floo network and Voldemort wants to be undetected.

Chapter Twenty

Draco donned his Death Eater robes in Snape's office while his Professor did the same. Once dressed, Draco followed Snape through the Floo, both of them arriving in the drawing room and dusting the little soot from their robes. "Where is the meeting taking place?"

"In the dining room. I believe it is a full meeting. Prepare yourself."

Draco closed his eyes and built his inner walls, reinforcing them repeatedly. He didn't need any secrets slipping in the presence of the Dark Lord. After a moment, he opened his eyes and looked at Snape. "I'm ready."

Snape nodded. "I think it best, if I relay the date to the Dark Lord. It may seem… Suspicious, if you were to know too much of the headmasters plans." Draco swallowed and nodded. Snape turned and quickly exited the room.

Draco quickly caught up to his godfather and matched his pace. They swept through the hall of the Manor that led to the dining room. The doors to the dining room were slightly ajar when they reached them. Draco let Snape lead him into the room. They each entered and took their seats at the table, Snape in the seat directly to the right of the Dark Lord, Draco a few chairs down on the left.

Draco let his eyes wander to the head of the table. His gaze lingered on the Dark Lord, who had his hands clasped on the table, red eyes downcast for the moment. Draco had stared for no longer than a few seconds when the Dark Lord snapped his head upward and met Draco's gaze.

"Young Malfoy," the Dark Lord murmured. Draco kept his fear entirely hidden inside his mind. Outwardly, he merely inclined his head toward his master. The Dark Lord continued: "I called this meeting today, in hopes of good news. What of your task?"

"My Lord," Draco began, silver eyes meeting red once more. "I do have good news. The cabinet, it has been mended. It is available to suit your needs whenever you are so inclined."

The Dark Lord studied him for a few moments. Draco kept his walls high; his master was prone to attack quickly to seek the answers he needed.

"My Lord," the silence was broken by the greasy voice of his godfather. "If I may… make a suggestion."

Draco glanced across the table to Snape. The Dark Lord did the same. "Go on, Severus."

"My Lord, the Headmaster has relayed to me that he shall be out of the castle on 30th June. This may be the best day to utilize the cabinet."

Draco watched as the Dark Lord pondered Snape's information. "I will agree Severus. This gives us time to prepare," his red eyes swept across the room, lingering on a few individuals. When he locked eyes with Bellatrix, she grinned wickedly.

"I will go, My Lord," she stated loudly.

"Yes, of course, Bella. You will lead the attack. Young Malfoy," He snapped at Draco. "You will meet Bellatrix and any others at the cabinet at dusk. You will follow her commands that night."

Draco grinned. "Of course, My Lord." His stomach was churning, but he kept his disgust at bay. He reinforced his walls once more.

"We will attack the castle from the inside. Cause as much destruction as possible. When the time is right, when enough has happened, we will lure the beloved Headmaster back to the castle. And Draco… Draco will finish his task."

The table erupted into laughter. Draco joined in for a moment. He locked eyes with the Dark Lord after a moment and felt him slither into his mind. Draco remained motionless and calm, shoving pointless memories to the front. Classes, mealtimes, images of the Slytherin common room. After a moment, the Dark Lord pulled out and looked away to whisper plans quietly to Bellatrix.

After a few more minutes of deliberation and discussion, in which many horrid ideas were thrown around by the older, more sinister Death Eaters, the Dark Lord dismissed the meeting and Draco followed Severus from the room. It was pushing ten at night and they needed to get back to the castle as quickly as possible. Draco was already out past curfew. Snape could only prevent so much punishment from other professors.

Once back in Snape's office, Draco took a moment to collect himself. He was nervous, scared. He was filled with dread at the thought of what could happen in just two weeks' time.

"You did well tonight," Snape said to Draco, just as the latter was about to exit the office.

"Thank you."

"Are you headed back to the common room?" Snape asked, his black eyes narrowed. Draco didn't answer. Snape sighed. "Be careful. Watch for Filch."

Draco nodded and turned to the door, twisting the knob and pulling it open.

"You are making the right choice." Draco paused halfway out of the door. He didn't turn back but he could feel Snape's eyes on his back. "Your father may not be proud, but I am."

Draco managed a nod before exiting the office. Too many emotions were swirling in his head, he couldn't focus on anything but getting himself to the Room of Requirement. He swiftly and silently mounted staircase after staircase.

Only once he made it to the expanse of wall in front of the Room of Requirement did he tap his watch and send a message to Hermione. When he opened the door, however, she was already seated on a large four poster bed, waiting for him. She looked up and smiled tentatively at him.

Neither of them knew what to say and there was a beat of silence. Finally, Hermione broke it. "So.. How did it go?"

"It was decent I suppose. He liked the date. He was impressed by me."

She sat and stared at him. "I guess I don't know what to say to that. This situation is weird."

Draco nodded. "It is. I'm sorry you're in the middle of it."

Hermione shook her head and patted the bed beside her. He walked over and sat with her. She grasped his hand and laid her head on his shoulder. "I wouldn't prefer to be anywhere else."

Draco laid back on the bed and pulled her with him, cradling her head on his chest. He kissed her hair. "I wouldn't either," he whispered. She tightened her arm around his waist. She tilted her head up to look at him. He smiled down at her. She looked nervous.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes. I just wanted to ask you something."

"Okay. What is it?"

"Uhm, well you see.. Oh, I'm no good at this. I wanted to ask. Do you—do you want to spend the night with me? In here?"

Draco felt his eyes widen in surprise. Then he grinned at her. "That would be wonderful."