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Now, let's get on with the story...
THE CHAOS BEGINS
From: Caius Julius
Chapter 19: Draco's Secret
The next morning Harry couldn't wait to see Draco's face at breakfast. He grinned.
"What's so funny, Harry?" Rona asked as they walked towards the Great Hall.
"Oh, nothing, Ron. It's just that Malfoy wanted to trick me last night but I decided not to take his offer."
"Really? What did he do?" Now, Ron was grinning, too.
"Tried to make me meet him at midnight. Probably to duel or something. He must have forgotten that he tried that one already - in our first year!"
They laughed.
Malfoy, however, wasn't yet there when they reached the Great Hall. Harry sat down at his usual place and began to eat, never taking his eyes off the entrance. When Draco finally arrived, however, he didn't wear the impression Harry had expected.
Draco was angry, that was clear, but it didn't seem like all the times when one of his schemes had failed. When he noticed Harry's smirk he stopped for a short time and frowned. Flashing Harry one last angry look, he turned to his own table.
Now it was Harry who frowned. Why did Malfoy look that way? Had there been more behind the meeting?
"Why did Malfoy want to meet with you again, Harry?" Hermione asked. She had heard the conversation between her friends but had decided not to comment.
"I don't know, Hermione. He only wrote he wanted to meet me. That was all."
Hermione frowned. "Could it be he didn't want to trick you or do something. Malfoyish?"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure, Herm. Like what? Telling him how much he liked him? That he wants a photograph? To apologise for all the times he annoyed us?"
"Ron, don't act like a child," Hermione chided. "Have you talked to Draco about something particular, lately, Harry?"
"No, not that I know," Harry said. However, he seemed to reconsider because he added, "Well, nothing except informing him what a jerk he had been for telling everyone about Snape."
"Hey, guys," Ron said, putting his arms around their shoulders. "Stop making your heads spin about it. It's Malfoy, and if it was something important, he will certainly contact you again, Harry."
With that the matter was settled and they turned to lighter things - like Quidditch (much to Hermione's dislike).
***
As it turned out, however, Ron had been right. Although he surely hadn't expected it. Because when Harry, Ron and Hermione went to their first lesson Malfoy singled them out.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry asked, trying to sound annoyed. He was more than interested what Draco really wanted.
"I? I wanted to meet you, Potter. Don't tell me you didn't find my letter - I saw your face during Breakfast. And I guess you also talked with your friends about it, Weasel and Bookworm."
"Watch it, Snakeface," Ron interrupted. "I don't want to get started on your friends."
"Oh shut up, Weasel." Draco answered coolly.
"Malfoy," Harry addressed the Slytherin, slowly loosing his patience. "Get to the point instead of insulting my friends. I will only listen to you this once."
Malfoy glared at him but continued. "As I was saying, you didn't come. Did you think I would pull a trick on you? We're not first- years anymore, Potter! I thought about what you said to me - in the owlery, remember? There was something I wanted to tell you, but obviously you're not interested. Maybe I've been wrong about you."
With this he turned and began to walk away.
Harry exchanged nervous glances with Hermione and Ron. What now?
"Wait!" Harry finally shouted.
Draco turned. "Yes?" He asked and cocked an eyebrow, now with a smirk on his face.
"I do want to know what you wanted to tell me, Draco," Harry admitted, albeit through clenched teeth. It had, however, the desired effect because Malfoy sauntered back towards him.
"Really? Well then let's meet after the lesson - alone! Although I am sure you will tell your friends afterwards." He turned again and left them, not waiting for an answer.
"Now that was interesting!" Ron sighed. "I wonder what he has."
"I can't be this great," Hermione decided. "I mean your talk in the owlery was barely more than a week ago and he hasn't left the castle since then. What could he know?"
"It must be something he already knew when we had this talk." Harry mused. "Maybe he just now found out how important it was." He sighed. "Whatever, I'll find out soon enough and Malfoy's right: I will tell you as soon as I know. Now let's better get back to class. It's about to start."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "That coming from you Harry? I am amazed!"
"Oh, shut up, Hermione." Ron said and slapped her on the back, playfully, at which Hermione have him a grin.
***
Harry couldn't wait for the lesson to end. What was it Malfoy wanted to tell him? Despite what Ron had said Harry wasn't so sure Draco hadn't been somewhere special. He remembered the talk between Draco and the other Slytherin on Saturday. Where had Draco been? Had it something to do with whatever it was he wanted Harry to know? And why did he come to him at all? They hadn't exchanged one single friendly word in the four years they had been at Hogwarts together. And how were they supposed to meet?
He shook his head and banned Draco from his thoughts. Time to concentrate on the lesson.
***
When Professor Binns finally sent them off to their next class Harry looked carefully in Malfoy's direction. The Slytherin, however, left without a word.
'Fine, Malfoy. And what now?' Harry thought. He told Ron and Hermione to go without him and left the classroom as well. Draco was nowhere in sight.
Harry slowly strolled behind everyone else but still no sign of Malfoy. He was just beginning to think this was all a great hoax when someone pulled him into a dark corner.
"What the-"
"Shhh, Potter! It's me, Draco Malfoy."
"Oh, you," Harry said, looking at Draco. "I thought you'd forgotten about the meeting."
Draco drew a face and motioned for Harry to follow him to an unused classroom.
"All right, Potter. I think we're undisturbed here."
"Ah, Malfoy, I don't want to sound too eager, but what about our next lesson? We will be late."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh come on, it's not as if you'd never arrive late to class. We'll just say we left our books or something."
"Ok," Harry said and looked expectantly at Draco, who seemed to collect his thoughts.
"Well, what I want to tell you, Potter, is. " Draco sighed and looked away. "I don't know why I am telling this to you of all people, but." Again, he paused. He straightened himself and began anew. "I didn't like what you told me in the owlery, Potter. The way you spoke of my father and all that. However, I began to realise something after a while. You hadn't only defended Dumbledore but also Snape - or so I thought. You said it was now impossible to get him out of Azkaban. It sounded as if you were sorry about that. Now I want to know why - you never liked him, I know that for sure. I need to make sure your intentions are genuine before I tell you more."
Harry hadn't expected that. However, it was as good a start as he could expect. Now he only had to be careful not to give anything away. He didn't know Draco's motives, yet.
"You're right, Malfoy. I can't stand Snape. He's mean to us and unfair. But that's no reason to wish him to Azkaban. Besides I don't believe it's true what they say about him - being a Death Eater and all that. I mean, Dumbledore would have known and he certainly wouldn't have let him teach here if he were a dark wizard. Also, I don't approve of Minister Fudge. He's pathetic."
Draco snorted. "I quite agree. I always wonder how he became Minister at all. So you don't think Snape could be dark, hmm? You're very trusting, Potter. If that's the truth."
"Only if the person in question deserves my trust, Malfoy. Besides, I very well can imagine Snape to be a dark wizard. But that's no reason to condemn him, is it? Now, I explained my motives to you. What about yours?"
"Do you really have to ask?" Draco sneered. "I already told you that Professor Snape is about the only one here who knows how to deal with us. You say he's unfair to you but I say he's just a Slytherin to the bone. Anyway, let's just say he helped me when I didn't know where to turn to, ok? I know for sure I can trust him. That's why I am so angry at the Headmaster. Snape trusted him and what did he get in return?"
Harry frowned. "He trusted Headmaster Dumbledore? So you don't think he's dark, either, do you?"
Draco gritted his teeth. He probably hadn't wanted to say that. "I didn't say that!"
"No, but why would Snape trust Dumbledore if he was betraying him? That would make absolutely no sense."
"Let's leave it at that, Potter, ok? I just want to say that I think the whole matter was a bit too rushed- up for my taste - he didn't even get a trial!"
He took a deep breath. "Anyway, what I really wanted to say is this: When all of you went to Hogsmeade I apparated home. Yes, I know how to apparate. And don't you dare tell anybody! Azkaban had been opened and I wanted to hear what Father had to say about it. I know there had been some of his friends imprisoned there.
"It turned out he wasn't alone at home. Someone I didn't know was with him. Curious to hear what they were talking about I stopped at the door and eavesdropped on them. You can imagine my surprise when I realised they were talking about Snape. I expected to hear my father say he was pleased that his old friend was free. After all, he had complained to me how unfair Snape had been treated. However, he said nothing of this sort. Quite the contrary."
Here he stopped and looked angrily out of the window.
"What Draco? What were they saying?" Harry had to agree that Malfoy had him hooked now.
"'The only bad thing is that I don't have him at my mercy any more.'"
"Huh? What do you mean, Malfoy?"
"That's what he said, Potter. That he had enjoyed torturing him. Apparently, Father had been to Azkaban at some point during Snape's imprisonment there. He used Cruciatus on him. And I thought they were friends!"
Draco laughed hoarsely.
"Also it seems the attack on Azkaban had already been prepared for quite some time. At least that's what the other man said. They had only waited for Snape. Whatever that means."
Harry suddenly felt very cold. Obviously, Voldemort had waited with his attack on Azkaban until he knew where Snape's loyalties lay. If Lupin and himself hadn't been there.
"Why are you telling me this, Draco?" Harry asked perplexed. "You are practically admitting that your father has Death Eater connections. Why?"
"He said you'd understand and would know what to do. It was you or Dumbledore and I really didn't want to go to the Headmaster." Draco looked out of the window again.
"Who told you to come to me, Draco? Not your father, did he?" Harry didn't know what to think anymore.
"My Father? Ha! He would probably curse me into next year if he knew. No, it was Snape."
Harry's mouth hung open. "Snape?! You've been talking to him? When? Where? Is he ok?"
"He's at home - my home, I mean. Malfoy Manor. Do you want to see for yourself?" Draco asked.
"Forget it, Malfoy! I most certainly won't come to Malfoy Manor with you."
"Who said something about the Manor? I rather thought about using this." Whit that Draco pulled something out of his bag that Harry recognised instantly.
"A pensive? You want me to see your memory?"
Draco shrugged his shoulders. "You can see for yourself and this way I don't have to answer your questions. Besides, you'll know it's the truth - pensives cannot be forged or altered as you know."
Harry looked at it, uncertainly. Should he do it? "All right, Draco. What do I have to do?"
"We'll go in together, so just take my hand. Don't worry, I won't tell anybody."
Reluctantly, Harry grabbed Malfoys hand and waited. The Slytherin put the pensive onto one desk and dipped his fingers into it.
Almost instantly, the room around them began to change. Harry found himself on a long hallway. So this was Malfoy Manor.
"After I had heard enough of the talk I went upstairs and just wandered around for some time. I didn't go anywhere in particular. Well, it turned out I went to a rather unused part of our manor." Draco explained. "Now watch and follow me - or rather the other me."
Harry heard someone coming up behind him. Turning, he saw that it was Draco. It was a strange feeling to see the Slytherin twice. The new Draco suddenly stopped and pressed himself against a wall.
A House Elf came round the corner. It went to one of the rooms and disappeared. After some minutes it returned and went off in the opposite direction.
Draco went slowly to the door and opened it. Peeking inside, Harry noticed it was completely dark.
Harry stood there for a moment and almost jumped when he heard a faint voice.
"Lucius? Is that you?" The person coughed weakly.
The other Draco started, apparently recognising the voice. "Pro- Professor Snape? Sir?"
"Draco? What are you doing here? You-" Again, the coughing fit interrupted Snape.
The other Draco closed the door and lit a few candles.
Like the two Dracos, Harry went to the bed, albeit rather reluctantly.
It was Snape, alright. If Harry had expected him to have recovered from Azkaban he was much mistaken. He seemed as hurt and sick as when Harry and Lupin had visited him. Obviously, Malfoy Sr. wasn't interested in Snape's recovery. At least not a fast one.
"Sir?" Draco asked. "You're hurt! What did he do to you? Why are you here? Can I help you somehow?"
Snape managed to smile a bit. "You can start by not asking so much, Draco. It makes my head spin. Don't worry. It probably looks worse than it is. I am not dying and that should be sufficient."
He paused and mustered Draco with tired eyes. "Who do you mean with 'he'?" he asked at last.
"My. my Father. I overheard him in the hallway. He was talking to someone and said that. that he, well, that he used Cruciatus on you and enjoyed it!" Draco looked away, not being able to meet his Head of House's eyes.
Snape sighed. "Draco, look at me. Draco."
Slowly, Draco turned back to Snape.
"Listen Draco, your father had the least part in my current condition. Even if he had done more, this is none of your fault so don't be ashamed of something you didn't do."
Draco was silent for a few moments. Again, he didn't want to meet Snape's gaze.
"Part of it was my fault, Sir." He finally said in a small voice. "I told everyone about your arrest. I thought I could provoke Dumbledore to standup for you, but he just publicly distanced himself from you. Father said the Headmaster was hiding the whole affair to avoid troubles. I just wanted to help you and now."
"I already guessed it had been you, Draco. I know you probably meant well but you need to think more before you act. You were a bit too rash."
"I know, Sir." He tilted his head. "Sir, you aren't a prisoner of my Father, are you?"
Snape gave a short laugh. "No, Draco, although I have a feeling he would like that very much. I am here because, obviously, I am not quite back to my normal self and since Lucius is such a loyal citizen nobody would expect me to be here."
Snape closed his eyes and Harry noticed only now just how exhausted he really was. He had the strong suspicion that Malfoy Sr. did hold Snape prisoner in all but name. After all, it didn't seem as if he did his utmost to nurse Snape back to health. Besides, Snape's wand was nowhere to be seen and since he had both his hands bandaged, he wouldn't be able to use it anyway.
"Sir," Draco began anew. "You told me once that there might come the day when I realise that there's more to the world than I've been brought up to believe. I think the time has come. I was always proud of my Father. He was so strong and clever but now he seems only vindictive and petty to me. He told me he and you were friends and that he was afraid for you. And now I find out that he lied to me, that he in fact despises you and wishes you ill - he said so himself just minutes ago. I don't know what to believe anymore."
Snape sighed again. "I am probably the wrong person to tell you this but when in doubt you could always listen to your own common sense. Usually, its telling you what to do. Sometimes it may hurt but the easy way out normally isn't the right one."
"I understand, Sir, but it is so hard. Now for example, now that I know a bit of the truth I want to undo the damage I've done but I don't know how. Was Dumbledore indeed trying to help you by not acting or doesn't he trust you? Does the Ministry really want your head or is it just a scheme?"
"Draco, this is far too complicated to explain now. I don't know everything myself. I can only guess, but believe me: I am safer here than with the Ministry. And as to your other question: If the Headmaster didn't trust me, then why didn't he announce my arrest immediately, thus sparing himself a lot of trouble? Despite his old-fool mannerisms Dumbledore is more cunning than most people would assume. Trust me, there is hardly a façade he cannot penetrate. Do you really think he wouldn't have recognised a Death Eater if he'd been under his nose for many years?"
Draco seemed even more confused. "But I know that you are involved with, well, Him and everything. My Father mentioned it from time to time - and he wasn't lying then. And Dumbledore didn't find out about Moody not being Moody last year."
He frowned and thought for a few moments. "However, that would explain Potter's attitude."
"Potter? What does he have to do with it?" Snape asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, well, he confronted me once and seemed very angry at me for telling everybody about you and ruining the chances of getting you out of Azkaban. I wondered why he would be so eager to defend Dumbledore and worry for you in a way at the same time."
"Potter." Snape snorted. "Well, he is too curious for his own good. But sometimes that proves to be quite useful," he added more to himself than to Draco. Soon, he focussed on the young Slytherin again, though.
"I cannot tell you how thankful I am for your visit, Draco. I needed to talk to someone decent for a change. However, I must ask you to leave. I don't know when Lucius will come back and you surely don't want to be found here. Although before you go I want to ask you a favour."
"Anything, Professor." Draco said.
"You must tell someone of our. meeting here, Draco. I would prefer Dumbledore but I know you don't really trust him. The only other option would be Potter, strange as it may seem. I cannot explain to you why but these two are the ones who know most of the story and are likely to listen to you and - more importantly - believe you. I never would have thought to put such an important matter into Potter's hands, though. I will have a serious talk with the boy if I ever make it back to Hogwarts." He smiled bitterly
"You were right, Sir." Draco said after some seconds. "I like neither of the choices. I will stick to Potter, though, I think. I simply cannot got to the Headmaster. Impossible!"
"I hope you will go to him, Draco, someday. Now, please, go before Lucius returns."
Draco hesitated. He frowned and looked back at Snape. "Sir, why do you trust me? If I told my Father all of this you'd be in serious trouble. I don't understand."
Snape remained silent for a few seconds. Finally, he explained in a low voice. "I told you about taking the right path, Draco. So this will be your first real test, if you will. Of course, I also send you because no-one else is available. But what's even more important: I trust you. I trust you to make the right choice. I admit, it would be very easy to simply go to Lucius and thus to seal my doom. However, you will find it more rewarding if you stick to the more difficult road. I'm afraid I cannot say more, Draco."
What remained unspoken was the fact that Snape placed his own life more or less in Draco's hands - and both of them knew it.
"I understand, Sir. I think. I wish you the best of luck with whatever it is you will be doing."
Snape only nodded at him weakly and with one final glance, Draco turned and left. Before he reached the door he stopped one last time. "You can count on me, Sir," he said before closing the door behind him.
TBC...
I am very sorry to leave you at this point - I notice I put quite a lot cliffhangers into the story already, but it couldn't be helped.
I try to write the next part as soon as possible, promise!
(If you want to know when this story is updated again, just leave your email-address with your review and I'll notify you!)
Thank you ever so much!
Now, let's get on with the story...
THE CHAOS BEGINS
From: Caius Julius
Chapter 19: Draco's Secret
The next morning Harry couldn't wait to see Draco's face at breakfast. He grinned.
"What's so funny, Harry?" Rona asked as they walked towards the Great Hall.
"Oh, nothing, Ron. It's just that Malfoy wanted to trick me last night but I decided not to take his offer."
"Really? What did he do?" Now, Ron was grinning, too.
"Tried to make me meet him at midnight. Probably to duel or something. He must have forgotten that he tried that one already - in our first year!"
They laughed.
Malfoy, however, wasn't yet there when they reached the Great Hall. Harry sat down at his usual place and began to eat, never taking his eyes off the entrance. When Draco finally arrived, however, he didn't wear the impression Harry had expected.
Draco was angry, that was clear, but it didn't seem like all the times when one of his schemes had failed. When he noticed Harry's smirk he stopped for a short time and frowned. Flashing Harry one last angry look, he turned to his own table.
Now it was Harry who frowned. Why did Malfoy look that way? Had there been more behind the meeting?
"Why did Malfoy want to meet with you again, Harry?" Hermione asked. She had heard the conversation between her friends but had decided not to comment.
"I don't know, Hermione. He only wrote he wanted to meet me. That was all."
Hermione frowned. "Could it be he didn't want to trick you or do something. Malfoyish?"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure, Herm. Like what? Telling him how much he liked him? That he wants a photograph? To apologise for all the times he annoyed us?"
"Ron, don't act like a child," Hermione chided. "Have you talked to Draco about something particular, lately, Harry?"
"No, not that I know," Harry said. However, he seemed to reconsider because he added, "Well, nothing except informing him what a jerk he had been for telling everyone about Snape."
"Hey, guys," Ron said, putting his arms around their shoulders. "Stop making your heads spin about it. It's Malfoy, and if it was something important, he will certainly contact you again, Harry."
With that the matter was settled and they turned to lighter things - like Quidditch (much to Hermione's dislike).
***
As it turned out, however, Ron had been right. Although he surely hadn't expected it. Because when Harry, Ron and Hermione went to their first lesson Malfoy singled them out.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry asked, trying to sound annoyed. He was more than interested what Draco really wanted.
"I? I wanted to meet you, Potter. Don't tell me you didn't find my letter - I saw your face during Breakfast. And I guess you also talked with your friends about it, Weasel and Bookworm."
"Watch it, Snakeface," Ron interrupted. "I don't want to get started on your friends."
"Oh shut up, Weasel." Draco answered coolly.
"Malfoy," Harry addressed the Slytherin, slowly loosing his patience. "Get to the point instead of insulting my friends. I will only listen to you this once."
Malfoy glared at him but continued. "As I was saying, you didn't come. Did you think I would pull a trick on you? We're not first- years anymore, Potter! I thought about what you said to me - in the owlery, remember? There was something I wanted to tell you, but obviously you're not interested. Maybe I've been wrong about you."
With this he turned and began to walk away.
Harry exchanged nervous glances with Hermione and Ron. What now?
"Wait!" Harry finally shouted.
Draco turned. "Yes?" He asked and cocked an eyebrow, now with a smirk on his face.
"I do want to know what you wanted to tell me, Draco," Harry admitted, albeit through clenched teeth. It had, however, the desired effect because Malfoy sauntered back towards him.
"Really? Well then let's meet after the lesson - alone! Although I am sure you will tell your friends afterwards." He turned again and left them, not waiting for an answer.
"Now that was interesting!" Ron sighed. "I wonder what he has."
"I can't be this great," Hermione decided. "I mean your talk in the owlery was barely more than a week ago and he hasn't left the castle since then. What could he know?"
"It must be something he already knew when we had this talk." Harry mused. "Maybe he just now found out how important it was." He sighed. "Whatever, I'll find out soon enough and Malfoy's right: I will tell you as soon as I know. Now let's better get back to class. It's about to start."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "That coming from you Harry? I am amazed!"
"Oh, shut up, Hermione." Ron said and slapped her on the back, playfully, at which Hermione have him a grin.
***
Harry couldn't wait for the lesson to end. What was it Malfoy wanted to tell him? Despite what Ron had said Harry wasn't so sure Draco hadn't been somewhere special. He remembered the talk between Draco and the other Slytherin on Saturday. Where had Draco been? Had it something to do with whatever it was he wanted Harry to know? And why did he come to him at all? They hadn't exchanged one single friendly word in the four years they had been at Hogwarts together. And how were they supposed to meet?
He shook his head and banned Draco from his thoughts. Time to concentrate on the lesson.
***
When Professor Binns finally sent them off to their next class Harry looked carefully in Malfoy's direction. The Slytherin, however, left without a word.
'Fine, Malfoy. And what now?' Harry thought. He told Ron and Hermione to go without him and left the classroom as well. Draco was nowhere in sight.
Harry slowly strolled behind everyone else but still no sign of Malfoy. He was just beginning to think this was all a great hoax when someone pulled him into a dark corner.
"What the-"
"Shhh, Potter! It's me, Draco Malfoy."
"Oh, you," Harry said, looking at Draco. "I thought you'd forgotten about the meeting."
Draco drew a face and motioned for Harry to follow him to an unused classroom.
"All right, Potter. I think we're undisturbed here."
"Ah, Malfoy, I don't want to sound too eager, but what about our next lesson? We will be late."
Draco rolled his eyes. "Oh come on, it's not as if you'd never arrive late to class. We'll just say we left our books or something."
"Ok," Harry said and looked expectantly at Draco, who seemed to collect his thoughts.
"Well, what I want to tell you, Potter, is. " Draco sighed and looked away. "I don't know why I am telling this to you of all people, but." Again, he paused. He straightened himself and began anew. "I didn't like what you told me in the owlery, Potter. The way you spoke of my father and all that. However, I began to realise something after a while. You hadn't only defended Dumbledore but also Snape - or so I thought. You said it was now impossible to get him out of Azkaban. It sounded as if you were sorry about that. Now I want to know why - you never liked him, I know that for sure. I need to make sure your intentions are genuine before I tell you more."
Harry hadn't expected that. However, it was as good a start as he could expect. Now he only had to be careful not to give anything away. He didn't know Draco's motives, yet.
"You're right, Malfoy. I can't stand Snape. He's mean to us and unfair. But that's no reason to wish him to Azkaban. Besides I don't believe it's true what they say about him - being a Death Eater and all that. I mean, Dumbledore would have known and he certainly wouldn't have let him teach here if he were a dark wizard. Also, I don't approve of Minister Fudge. He's pathetic."
Draco snorted. "I quite agree. I always wonder how he became Minister at all. So you don't think Snape could be dark, hmm? You're very trusting, Potter. If that's the truth."
"Only if the person in question deserves my trust, Malfoy. Besides, I very well can imagine Snape to be a dark wizard. But that's no reason to condemn him, is it? Now, I explained my motives to you. What about yours?"
"Do you really have to ask?" Draco sneered. "I already told you that Professor Snape is about the only one here who knows how to deal with us. You say he's unfair to you but I say he's just a Slytherin to the bone. Anyway, let's just say he helped me when I didn't know where to turn to, ok? I know for sure I can trust him. That's why I am so angry at the Headmaster. Snape trusted him and what did he get in return?"
Harry frowned. "He trusted Headmaster Dumbledore? So you don't think he's dark, either, do you?"
Draco gritted his teeth. He probably hadn't wanted to say that. "I didn't say that!"
"No, but why would Snape trust Dumbledore if he was betraying him? That would make absolutely no sense."
"Let's leave it at that, Potter, ok? I just want to say that I think the whole matter was a bit too rushed- up for my taste - he didn't even get a trial!"
He took a deep breath. "Anyway, what I really wanted to say is this: When all of you went to Hogsmeade I apparated home. Yes, I know how to apparate. And don't you dare tell anybody! Azkaban had been opened and I wanted to hear what Father had to say about it. I know there had been some of his friends imprisoned there.
"It turned out he wasn't alone at home. Someone I didn't know was with him. Curious to hear what they were talking about I stopped at the door and eavesdropped on them. You can imagine my surprise when I realised they were talking about Snape. I expected to hear my father say he was pleased that his old friend was free. After all, he had complained to me how unfair Snape had been treated. However, he said nothing of this sort. Quite the contrary."
Here he stopped and looked angrily out of the window.
"What Draco? What were they saying?" Harry had to agree that Malfoy had him hooked now.
"'The only bad thing is that I don't have him at my mercy any more.'"
"Huh? What do you mean, Malfoy?"
"That's what he said, Potter. That he had enjoyed torturing him. Apparently, Father had been to Azkaban at some point during Snape's imprisonment there. He used Cruciatus on him. And I thought they were friends!"
Draco laughed hoarsely.
"Also it seems the attack on Azkaban had already been prepared for quite some time. At least that's what the other man said. They had only waited for Snape. Whatever that means."
Harry suddenly felt very cold. Obviously, Voldemort had waited with his attack on Azkaban until he knew where Snape's loyalties lay. If Lupin and himself hadn't been there.
"Why are you telling me this, Draco?" Harry asked perplexed. "You are practically admitting that your father has Death Eater connections. Why?"
"He said you'd understand and would know what to do. It was you or Dumbledore and I really didn't want to go to the Headmaster." Draco looked out of the window again.
"Who told you to come to me, Draco? Not your father, did he?" Harry didn't know what to think anymore.
"My Father? Ha! He would probably curse me into next year if he knew. No, it was Snape."
Harry's mouth hung open. "Snape?! You've been talking to him? When? Where? Is he ok?"
"He's at home - my home, I mean. Malfoy Manor. Do you want to see for yourself?" Draco asked.
"Forget it, Malfoy! I most certainly won't come to Malfoy Manor with you."
"Who said something about the Manor? I rather thought about using this." Whit that Draco pulled something out of his bag that Harry recognised instantly.
"A pensive? You want me to see your memory?"
Draco shrugged his shoulders. "You can see for yourself and this way I don't have to answer your questions. Besides, you'll know it's the truth - pensives cannot be forged or altered as you know."
Harry looked at it, uncertainly. Should he do it? "All right, Draco. What do I have to do?"
"We'll go in together, so just take my hand. Don't worry, I won't tell anybody."
Reluctantly, Harry grabbed Malfoys hand and waited. The Slytherin put the pensive onto one desk and dipped his fingers into it.
Almost instantly, the room around them began to change. Harry found himself on a long hallway. So this was Malfoy Manor.
"After I had heard enough of the talk I went upstairs and just wandered around for some time. I didn't go anywhere in particular. Well, it turned out I went to a rather unused part of our manor." Draco explained. "Now watch and follow me - or rather the other me."
Harry heard someone coming up behind him. Turning, he saw that it was Draco. It was a strange feeling to see the Slytherin twice. The new Draco suddenly stopped and pressed himself against a wall.
A House Elf came round the corner. It went to one of the rooms and disappeared. After some minutes it returned and went off in the opposite direction.
Draco went slowly to the door and opened it. Peeking inside, Harry noticed it was completely dark.
Harry stood there for a moment and almost jumped when he heard a faint voice.
"Lucius? Is that you?" The person coughed weakly.
The other Draco started, apparently recognising the voice. "Pro- Professor Snape? Sir?"
"Draco? What are you doing here? You-" Again, the coughing fit interrupted Snape.
The other Draco closed the door and lit a few candles.
Like the two Dracos, Harry went to the bed, albeit rather reluctantly.
It was Snape, alright. If Harry had expected him to have recovered from Azkaban he was much mistaken. He seemed as hurt and sick as when Harry and Lupin had visited him. Obviously, Malfoy Sr. wasn't interested in Snape's recovery. At least not a fast one.
"Sir?" Draco asked. "You're hurt! What did he do to you? Why are you here? Can I help you somehow?"
Snape managed to smile a bit. "You can start by not asking so much, Draco. It makes my head spin. Don't worry. It probably looks worse than it is. I am not dying and that should be sufficient."
He paused and mustered Draco with tired eyes. "Who do you mean with 'he'?" he asked at last.
"My. my Father. I overheard him in the hallway. He was talking to someone and said that. that he, well, that he used Cruciatus on you and enjoyed it!" Draco looked away, not being able to meet his Head of House's eyes.
Snape sighed. "Draco, look at me. Draco."
Slowly, Draco turned back to Snape.
"Listen Draco, your father had the least part in my current condition. Even if he had done more, this is none of your fault so don't be ashamed of something you didn't do."
Draco was silent for a few moments. Again, he didn't want to meet Snape's gaze.
"Part of it was my fault, Sir." He finally said in a small voice. "I told everyone about your arrest. I thought I could provoke Dumbledore to standup for you, but he just publicly distanced himself from you. Father said the Headmaster was hiding the whole affair to avoid troubles. I just wanted to help you and now."
"I already guessed it had been you, Draco. I know you probably meant well but you need to think more before you act. You were a bit too rash."
"I know, Sir." He tilted his head. "Sir, you aren't a prisoner of my Father, are you?"
Snape gave a short laugh. "No, Draco, although I have a feeling he would like that very much. I am here because, obviously, I am not quite back to my normal self and since Lucius is such a loyal citizen nobody would expect me to be here."
Snape closed his eyes and Harry noticed only now just how exhausted he really was. He had the strong suspicion that Malfoy Sr. did hold Snape prisoner in all but name. After all, it didn't seem as if he did his utmost to nurse Snape back to health. Besides, Snape's wand was nowhere to be seen and since he had both his hands bandaged, he wouldn't be able to use it anyway.
"Sir," Draco began anew. "You told me once that there might come the day when I realise that there's more to the world than I've been brought up to believe. I think the time has come. I was always proud of my Father. He was so strong and clever but now he seems only vindictive and petty to me. He told me he and you were friends and that he was afraid for you. And now I find out that he lied to me, that he in fact despises you and wishes you ill - he said so himself just minutes ago. I don't know what to believe anymore."
Snape sighed again. "I am probably the wrong person to tell you this but when in doubt you could always listen to your own common sense. Usually, its telling you what to do. Sometimes it may hurt but the easy way out normally isn't the right one."
"I understand, Sir, but it is so hard. Now for example, now that I know a bit of the truth I want to undo the damage I've done but I don't know how. Was Dumbledore indeed trying to help you by not acting or doesn't he trust you? Does the Ministry really want your head or is it just a scheme?"
"Draco, this is far too complicated to explain now. I don't know everything myself. I can only guess, but believe me: I am safer here than with the Ministry. And as to your other question: If the Headmaster didn't trust me, then why didn't he announce my arrest immediately, thus sparing himself a lot of trouble? Despite his old-fool mannerisms Dumbledore is more cunning than most people would assume. Trust me, there is hardly a façade he cannot penetrate. Do you really think he wouldn't have recognised a Death Eater if he'd been under his nose for many years?"
Draco seemed even more confused. "But I know that you are involved with, well, Him and everything. My Father mentioned it from time to time - and he wasn't lying then. And Dumbledore didn't find out about Moody not being Moody last year."
He frowned and thought for a few moments. "However, that would explain Potter's attitude."
"Potter? What does he have to do with it?" Snape asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, well, he confronted me once and seemed very angry at me for telling everybody about you and ruining the chances of getting you out of Azkaban. I wondered why he would be so eager to defend Dumbledore and worry for you in a way at the same time."
"Potter." Snape snorted. "Well, he is too curious for his own good. But sometimes that proves to be quite useful," he added more to himself than to Draco. Soon, he focussed on the young Slytherin again, though.
"I cannot tell you how thankful I am for your visit, Draco. I needed to talk to someone decent for a change. However, I must ask you to leave. I don't know when Lucius will come back and you surely don't want to be found here. Although before you go I want to ask you a favour."
"Anything, Professor." Draco said.
"You must tell someone of our. meeting here, Draco. I would prefer Dumbledore but I know you don't really trust him. The only other option would be Potter, strange as it may seem. I cannot explain to you why but these two are the ones who know most of the story and are likely to listen to you and - more importantly - believe you. I never would have thought to put such an important matter into Potter's hands, though. I will have a serious talk with the boy if I ever make it back to Hogwarts." He smiled bitterly
"You were right, Sir." Draco said after some seconds. "I like neither of the choices. I will stick to Potter, though, I think. I simply cannot got to the Headmaster. Impossible!"
"I hope you will go to him, Draco, someday. Now, please, go before Lucius returns."
Draco hesitated. He frowned and looked back at Snape. "Sir, why do you trust me? If I told my Father all of this you'd be in serious trouble. I don't understand."
Snape remained silent for a few seconds. Finally, he explained in a low voice. "I told you about taking the right path, Draco. So this will be your first real test, if you will. Of course, I also send you because no-one else is available. But what's even more important: I trust you. I trust you to make the right choice. I admit, it would be very easy to simply go to Lucius and thus to seal my doom. However, you will find it more rewarding if you stick to the more difficult road. I'm afraid I cannot say more, Draco."
What remained unspoken was the fact that Snape placed his own life more or less in Draco's hands - and both of them knew it.
"I understand, Sir. I think. I wish you the best of luck with whatever it is you will be doing."
Snape only nodded at him weakly and with one final glance, Draco turned and left. Before he reached the door he stopped one last time. "You can count on me, Sir," he said before closing the door behind him.
TBC...
I am very sorry to leave you at this point - I notice I put quite a lot cliffhangers into the story already, but it couldn't be helped.
I try to write the next part as soon as possible, promise!
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