Caput Draco—Prologue IV

Disclaimer: All characters… yadda yadda yadda… you know the drill… Only the 'guardian,' and the titles (i.e. daughter of blah blah…) belong to me and me alone. Mwa. Ha. Ha.

Author's Note: Sorry took so long… ehe… been lazy, busy, and of course, the old trouble of not being able to upload… Have fun! Review.

"Headmaster?" Draco's voice cracked slightly while leaning over the blankets.

The moonlight filled in brightly but gently.

"Yes, young Draco?" Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with a tender tingle.

A warm sense filled the two as the curtains floated inwards.

"Please," Draco started, "I don't want to die alone though," he coughed, "I know I'll be fetched by my Love."

Invisible arms embraced Draco's lithe body, his sweating stopping and his body starting to cool ever so slowly.

"Then," Dumbledore stated solemnly, "should I fetch young Vincent and Gregory?"

Draco let out a sigh as the warm breeze hummed a soft tune.

"Yes, please," Draco drew a deep breath, "and Harry, Hermione and—and Ron."

All the clouds parted away from the moon, allowing its full radiance to shine in the dormitory.

"Hm… I thought you'd require their company," Dumbledore smiled and walked o the door.  Draco became aware of some harsh mumbling behind the barrier of the dormitory and the Slytherin Common Room.

Five people stumbled through the doorway after the Headmaster suddenly pulled open the door, sending them sprawling to the floor.

"Moron!" Ron grumbled while dusting off his robes.

"Why I—" Vincent started then stopped after noticing Draco's emotionless gaze.  "Sorry…"

Ron stared for a moment then nodded.

"Well, I do hope you lot have a nice conversation.  You all do know what is to happen, don't you?"

The five looked at Dumbledore with confused eyes, hoping against hope on what they were all thinking.

"He's going back to his mansion?" Harry asked profoundly.

"Of course not!" Albus tittered delightfully.

"He's moving away?" Hermione intervened.

"No…"

"Then what is it? I can't imagine Draco being so sullen like this!" Gregory tried to joke but the smile on his face was wiped out by a soft, tired sigh.  "Draco?" he stared at the pale boy, "What's going on with you?"

Draco sighed again, his breathing becoming clearer and clearer and his eyes twinkling more and more.

"Draco! Don't scare us!" Vincent cried out.

"Vince, Greg," Draco started calmly, "Harry, Hermione, and yes, Ron," he took another breath.  "I'm sorry but, I'm sorry that I didn't and couldn't tell you earlier…"

"Tell us what?" Hermione and the others gazed at the boy in bed as they neared the four-poster.

Draco arched his back and gasped then sat up steadily with the support of Vincent and Gregory.

"Tell us, Draco," Harry lowered his head, anticipating what was to come.

"My guardian—ok, my—my beloved…" Draco bowed his head to hide his tears, "is going to—to take me away."

TBC