6. The Capture and The Parselmouths
Soon, though, Draco began to get bored. He did enjoy messing with the Gryffindors' minds, scaring the Slytherins, and generally pestering everyone in general, but he found himself floating around the Great Hall, thinking, there has to be some bigger purpose for me. I can't just float about the castle!
He had been outdoors, so it wasn't as though he was trapped in the castle, but he had nowhere to go. If he went home, his father would probably banish him. Soon, a thought came into his head. He'd been able to 'apparate' to where ever he wanted to in the castle, maybe he could think of someone he wanted to go to, and apparate there!
And he knew exactly who he wanted to go to. He wanted to make his father proud, for his idea of what would happen when they saw his dead body a month ago was correct. (Only a month?)
Of course, Draco would have to apologise for the fun he made of him. Writing things like that isn't the best way to earn favouritism, he thought. So after a day more of thinking, (in which he caused more havoc than he had all week) he left.
He closed his eyes and pictured his name in his head (he didn't know what he looked like), and he heard a familiar whistle in his ears. When he opened his eyes, it was dark. He let his eyes adjust to the dim light that was coming from a small fire, and there he was.
"Who are you?" he asked. His voice was cold.
"I am Draco Malfoy," Draco answered. "Son of Lucius Malfoy." He was surprised that he could be seen.
"Ah. And why are you here?"
"To serve you, Lord." Draco had decided that being humble as the best way to win his support.
"Indeed?"
"I - I used to go to school with Harry Potter." Draco said, thinking fast.
The mans eyes widened, as though he could see victory. He beckoned with one long finger. "Tell me all you know. Lord Voldemort guards his allies secrets."
With that, Draco moved into the firelight, and told Voldemort his story.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
"It's just strange, that's all," Hermione said, frowning at her Charms homework. "Nothing's happened all day."
"Maybe the E.V.'s saving it for tonight," Ron replied darkly. They had started calling the Evil Voice E.V. for short. "Remember Neville?"
"Impossible to forget," smiled Harry.
Ron threw down his quill. "I can't do this. Why do we get homework anyway?" He held up a 'stop' hand to silence Hermione. "No. Don't answer." Hermione closed her mouth.
"I still reckon this is something to do with Malfoy." Harry muttered, copying a quote out of his textbook.
"He died, Harry," Ron pointed out quietly.
"Yeah, I know," Harry answered.
"I think E.V. is all Diablo's fault, frankly." Hermione said, leaning back and rolling up her completed Charms work.
"Kamini? How?" Ron frowned.
"Like, she's like a female version of Malfoy!"
"And that's relevant…how?" Ron looked confused, also leaning away from the table.
Hermione sighed. "Listen. When Draco - " Ron raised his eyebrows at her " - ok, Malfoy, died, she became far too cocky. Like she knew something everyone else didn't."
"So…you're saying Diablo killed him?" Harry asked, absent - mindedly chewing the top of his quill.
"I'm not sure - but she - she's just like him. She's blonde, has those weird grey eyes - and I know she was probably like that before - she's too rich, and she's in Slytherin. But, remember in first and second year, when he was just beastly? That's what she's turned into."
"ok, but how is this relevant to E.V.?" Harry said, wiping his quill and trying to dry it.
"She could be the Dark Witch. I mean, she just looks like she'd kill something for fun. Remember the woodpecker?"
"Once again, Herm - Dumbledore would know. On Tuesday, E.V. was at lunch - I saw Kamini, and Dumbledore can see through Invisibility Cloaks."
"You were gazing longingly at her, Ron, and maybe she doesn't use an invisibility cloak. Maybe she can create copies of herself."
"How?"
"I don't know - maybe she's got a time turner. That put you in two places at once."
"These are just wild guesses, Herm." Harry sighed. He leant back as well.
"Finished?" Hermione asked, smiling.
"Nope. Given up, like Ron." Harry grinned back. Hermione sighed irritably. "ok, ok, if I say you're theories are good will you not kill me?"
Hermione considered the truce for a minute. She raised her wand, and smiled evilly. "Avada - "
"Your theories are great!" yelped Harry in mock terror.
Hermione turned her wand on their parchments, and they flew into a cupboard. "I know."
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
Draco watched the Dream Team lazily as they talked. Suddenly, the crystal ball went black. "So, those two are his best friends?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes. Granger - the girl - is the best way to get at him." Draco explained. Listen to yourself, Draco! You're practically handing her over to him! "He hates his family, so they're no good." Draco stopped and thought for a minute. Slowly, he asked, "Why do you trust me? I could betray you any time."
Voldemort fixed his piercing glare on Draco, and he shuddered. "Would you like to be alive?"
"Yes," Draco answered carefully.
"Then you trust me, and I'll trust you." Voldemort's cold voice went through him, like nails on a chalkboard. Draco shuddered. "I can bring you back. I came back."
Draco nodded slightly. "Wh - when?" He cursed himself for stammering.
"Soon. Just one thing I need you to do - and then you will live."
Draco cursed silently again as he spoke once more. "There aren't any - loopholes, are there?"
Voldemort smirked. "No. You are a new, powerful ally. You trust me, and I'll trust you," he repeated. "Now, tell me about this Granger…"
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
All he needed to do was to get Harry Potter. That was all. Then he would live again. Draco knew exactly what he would do. As soon as he was asked, began to formulate a plot.
So he returned to Hogwarts.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
It was pitch black, but I could still see. I got to the Gryffindor Common Room, and paused at the bottom of the stairs. I considered the boys dormitory, but no. I went up to the girls dormitory. I suddenly asked myself why I didn't just apparate in. Too late now. I stood by her bedside. She turned restlessly in her sleep. I summoned the Portkey that had been left for me and replaced her wand with it. I lay a hand on her shoulder.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
Hermione was woken by a cold hand by her neck. It was still dark. She sat up, but no - one was there. She reached out for her wand, and was jerked forward. In a blur of colour, she found herself in a dark rainforest. It was surprisingly warm. She looked down. She was not holding her wand. She was holding a tennis ball.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
"Well, I've got her," Draco said to Voldemort. He looked at Hermione.
"Are you sure?" he frowned. It was not an expression worn frequently by his face, and it looked strange, just like a grin on a Malfoy. "Harry Potter made friends with her?"
"She is a little pathetic," Draco admitted. Don't tell him you like her. It will be the death - no, scratch that - It will be the non - life of you if you do!
"Ah, well," Voldemort sighed, leaning back in his chair. It was carved out of jewels and stone, and looked rather like a throne. It didn't fit in, somehow, with the surrounding forest.
"He will come for her," Draco assured his master. Don't think of him as a master. Think of him as he thinks of you - an ally. "I'd better make sure he does." He extended a hand and Nagini, the snake, licked it.
"First - a question," Voldemort said, holding up a pale hand. "Why didn't you bring Harry Potter here the way you did Hermione Granger?"
"No fun." Draco's eyes glinted evilly in the flickering firelight. "All Malfoy's have fun. Father was allowed it. So am I." At that, he apparated from the forest, and settled down to sleep on a chandelier in the D.A.t.D.A. classroom.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
He woke early to find out what people were doing about Hermione's disappearance. Another emergency meeting was called, and he saw the nervous faces on some of the first years, as though they thought there had been another murder. He saw Potter and Weasley in the thick of the crowd. They looked confused. Even Kamini (finally! He had seen her! He had been wondering if she had disappeared too) was looking around to see if anyone was missing.
"Hermione Granger has gone." Dumbledore announced suddenly. "Whether this is in connection with the murder of Draco Malfoy, I do not know. Once again, I advise the killer to step forward, and explain these events. We have had monsters at Hogwarts, but not this kind of monster. I urge and beg you to come forward. Thank you." And he left the stage.
"Ah well," Draco murmured. "At least they still remember me." Everyone had glanced around uneasily when Dumbledore had said his name. "Time to get Potter."
He jumped from the chandelier to the ground, and hurried over to him. "Potter," Draco used his Voldemort voice. He knew now that this was not what he sounded like, but still, this was his Voldemort voice. "I know where she is."
Potter jumped. "Ron? E.V.'s here."
"What?" Weasley spun round. "Where?"
"I don't know, but it spoke to me. It knows where Herm's gone."
"He has her," Draco breathed, this time to Weasley.
"I heard it."
"Where is she? Where is Hermione?" Potter asked.
"Follow me." Draco breathed.
"But we can't see you."
"Lumos. Now you can." Draco waved the light in front of their faces. Voldemort had made his wand invisible for added stealth. "Come."
He glided ahead, wondering how to shake off Weasley. But for now - he had no idea. He moved quickly, and heard the thuds of the Gryffindors running after him. "Hey, E.V.! Slow down!" Weasley called. He didn't. He turned a corner into an old classroom. The desks were stacked up against the wall.
"I know this place," Potter whispered. "This is where the Mirror of Erised was in our first year, remember?"
"Oh, yeah." Weasley sounded distant. He was watching the tiny fire that was burning in the middle of the class room. Draco intensified the light at the end of his wand, and held it in the fire.
"Follow me." Draco hissed. Quietly, he summoned Nagini. "Maybe this will encourage you."
Nagini appeared in the fire, and slithered towards him. She began hissing, and (thanks to Voldemort) Draco understood.
"Come into the fire," she hissed. Weasley's eyes were wide and shocked, but Potter leant forward.
"Why?" he asked.
"If you come back home with me, Your little friend you will see.
If you don't, my poisoned fang, It will be plunged into her hand." Nagini hissed long and loud, opening her mouth wide and showing her long, sharp fangs, which were, indeed, dripping with venom.
Potter gasped. "No."
Weasley turned to his friend, completely confused. "What did it say?" he asked.
"Don't call her it." Draco snarled from inside the fire.
Potter recited the poem, whilst Nagini prompted him unnecessarily.
"Go get her then." Weasley muttered. "You're a parselmouth, you go."
"Why just me?" Potter demanded.
"Dunno - the snake doesn't seem too fond of me," Weasley said, edging away from her. "And I'll go to Dumbledore."
"NO!" Potter, Nagini and Draco all hissed and cried at the same time. "She'll kill her." Potter cried.
Suddenly, Draco felt a spasm of anger. He didn't like her, did he? "What, your girlfriend, Potter?" Draco hissed sourly.
"No." Potter snarled defiantly. "My best friend."
"Then come into the fire," Draco hissed impatiently.
"Bye Ron!" Potter yelled as he stepped into the fire. Draco, Potter and Nagini were all sucked into it. Draco looked around at the forest surroundings.
"Got him!" he called.
"Excellent."
Soon, though, Draco began to get bored. He did enjoy messing with the Gryffindors' minds, scaring the Slytherins, and generally pestering everyone in general, but he found himself floating around the Great Hall, thinking, there has to be some bigger purpose for me. I can't just float about the castle!
He had been outdoors, so it wasn't as though he was trapped in the castle, but he had nowhere to go. If he went home, his father would probably banish him. Soon, a thought came into his head. He'd been able to 'apparate' to where ever he wanted to in the castle, maybe he could think of someone he wanted to go to, and apparate there!
And he knew exactly who he wanted to go to. He wanted to make his father proud, for his idea of what would happen when they saw his dead body a month ago was correct. (Only a month?)
Of course, Draco would have to apologise for the fun he made of him. Writing things like that isn't the best way to earn favouritism, he thought. So after a day more of thinking, (in which he caused more havoc than he had all week) he left.
He closed his eyes and pictured his name in his head (he didn't know what he looked like), and he heard a familiar whistle in his ears. When he opened his eyes, it was dark. He let his eyes adjust to the dim light that was coming from a small fire, and there he was.
"Who are you?" he asked. His voice was cold.
"I am Draco Malfoy," Draco answered. "Son of Lucius Malfoy." He was surprised that he could be seen.
"Ah. And why are you here?"
"To serve you, Lord." Draco had decided that being humble as the best way to win his support.
"Indeed?"
"I - I used to go to school with Harry Potter." Draco said, thinking fast.
The mans eyes widened, as though he could see victory. He beckoned with one long finger. "Tell me all you know. Lord Voldemort guards his allies secrets."
With that, Draco moved into the firelight, and told Voldemort his story.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
"It's just strange, that's all," Hermione said, frowning at her Charms homework. "Nothing's happened all day."
"Maybe the E.V.'s saving it for tonight," Ron replied darkly. They had started calling the Evil Voice E.V. for short. "Remember Neville?"
"Impossible to forget," smiled Harry.
Ron threw down his quill. "I can't do this. Why do we get homework anyway?" He held up a 'stop' hand to silence Hermione. "No. Don't answer." Hermione closed her mouth.
"I still reckon this is something to do with Malfoy." Harry muttered, copying a quote out of his textbook.
"He died, Harry," Ron pointed out quietly.
"Yeah, I know," Harry answered.
"I think E.V. is all Diablo's fault, frankly." Hermione said, leaning back and rolling up her completed Charms work.
"Kamini? How?" Ron frowned.
"Like, she's like a female version of Malfoy!"
"And that's relevant…how?" Ron looked confused, also leaning away from the table.
Hermione sighed. "Listen. When Draco - " Ron raised his eyebrows at her " - ok, Malfoy, died, she became far too cocky. Like she knew something everyone else didn't."
"So…you're saying Diablo killed him?" Harry asked, absent - mindedly chewing the top of his quill.
"I'm not sure - but she - she's just like him. She's blonde, has those weird grey eyes - and I know she was probably like that before - she's too rich, and she's in Slytherin. But, remember in first and second year, when he was just beastly? That's what she's turned into."
"ok, but how is this relevant to E.V.?" Harry said, wiping his quill and trying to dry it.
"She could be the Dark Witch. I mean, she just looks like she'd kill something for fun. Remember the woodpecker?"
"Once again, Herm - Dumbledore would know. On Tuesday, E.V. was at lunch - I saw Kamini, and Dumbledore can see through Invisibility Cloaks."
"You were gazing longingly at her, Ron, and maybe she doesn't use an invisibility cloak. Maybe she can create copies of herself."
"How?"
"I don't know - maybe she's got a time turner. That put you in two places at once."
"These are just wild guesses, Herm." Harry sighed. He leant back as well.
"Finished?" Hermione asked, smiling.
"Nope. Given up, like Ron." Harry grinned back. Hermione sighed irritably. "ok, ok, if I say you're theories are good will you not kill me?"
Hermione considered the truce for a minute. She raised her wand, and smiled evilly. "Avada - "
"Your theories are great!" yelped Harry in mock terror.
Hermione turned her wand on their parchments, and they flew into a cupboard. "I know."
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
Draco watched the Dream Team lazily as they talked. Suddenly, the crystal ball went black. "So, those two are his best friends?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes. Granger - the girl - is the best way to get at him." Draco explained. Listen to yourself, Draco! You're practically handing her over to him! "He hates his family, so they're no good." Draco stopped and thought for a minute. Slowly, he asked, "Why do you trust me? I could betray you any time."
Voldemort fixed his piercing glare on Draco, and he shuddered. "Would you like to be alive?"
"Yes," Draco answered carefully.
"Then you trust me, and I'll trust you." Voldemort's cold voice went through him, like nails on a chalkboard. Draco shuddered. "I can bring you back. I came back."
Draco nodded slightly. "Wh - when?" He cursed himself for stammering.
"Soon. Just one thing I need you to do - and then you will live."
Draco cursed silently again as he spoke once more. "There aren't any - loopholes, are there?"
Voldemort smirked. "No. You are a new, powerful ally. You trust me, and I'll trust you," he repeated. "Now, tell me about this Granger…"
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
All he needed to do was to get Harry Potter. That was all. Then he would live again. Draco knew exactly what he would do. As soon as he was asked, began to formulate a plot.
So he returned to Hogwarts.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
It was pitch black, but I could still see. I got to the Gryffindor Common Room, and paused at the bottom of the stairs. I considered the boys dormitory, but no. I went up to the girls dormitory. I suddenly asked myself why I didn't just apparate in. Too late now. I stood by her bedside. She turned restlessly in her sleep. I summoned the Portkey that had been left for me and replaced her wand with it. I lay a hand on her shoulder.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
Hermione was woken by a cold hand by her neck. It was still dark. She sat up, but no - one was there. She reached out for her wand, and was jerked forward. In a blur of colour, she found herself in a dark rainforest. It was surprisingly warm. She looked down. She was not holding her wand. She was holding a tennis ball.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
"Well, I've got her," Draco said to Voldemort. He looked at Hermione.
"Are you sure?" he frowned. It was not an expression worn frequently by his face, and it looked strange, just like a grin on a Malfoy. "Harry Potter made friends with her?"
"She is a little pathetic," Draco admitted. Don't tell him you like her. It will be the death - no, scratch that - It will be the non - life of you if you do!
"Ah, well," Voldemort sighed, leaning back in his chair. It was carved out of jewels and stone, and looked rather like a throne. It didn't fit in, somehow, with the surrounding forest.
"He will come for her," Draco assured his master. Don't think of him as a master. Think of him as he thinks of you - an ally. "I'd better make sure he does." He extended a hand and Nagini, the snake, licked it.
"First - a question," Voldemort said, holding up a pale hand. "Why didn't you bring Harry Potter here the way you did Hermione Granger?"
"No fun." Draco's eyes glinted evilly in the flickering firelight. "All Malfoy's have fun. Father was allowed it. So am I." At that, he apparated from the forest, and settled down to sleep on a chandelier in the D.A.t.D.A. classroom.
3/~*~~*~~*~\3
He woke early to find out what people were doing about Hermione's disappearance. Another emergency meeting was called, and he saw the nervous faces on some of the first years, as though they thought there had been another murder. He saw Potter and Weasley in the thick of the crowd. They looked confused. Even Kamini (finally! He had seen her! He had been wondering if she had disappeared too) was looking around to see if anyone was missing.
"Hermione Granger has gone." Dumbledore announced suddenly. "Whether this is in connection with the murder of Draco Malfoy, I do not know. Once again, I advise the killer to step forward, and explain these events. We have had monsters at Hogwarts, but not this kind of monster. I urge and beg you to come forward. Thank you." And he left the stage.
"Ah well," Draco murmured. "At least they still remember me." Everyone had glanced around uneasily when Dumbledore had said his name. "Time to get Potter."
He jumped from the chandelier to the ground, and hurried over to him. "Potter," Draco used his Voldemort voice. He knew now that this was not what he sounded like, but still, this was his Voldemort voice. "I know where she is."
Potter jumped. "Ron? E.V.'s here."
"What?" Weasley spun round. "Where?"
"I don't know, but it spoke to me. It knows where Herm's gone."
"He has her," Draco breathed, this time to Weasley.
"I heard it."
"Where is she? Where is Hermione?" Potter asked.
"Follow me." Draco breathed.
"But we can't see you."
"Lumos. Now you can." Draco waved the light in front of their faces. Voldemort had made his wand invisible for added stealth. "Come."
He glided ahead, wondering how to shake off Weasley. But for now - he had no idea. He moved quickly, and heard the thuds of the Gryffindors running after him. "Hey, E.V.! Slow down!" Weasley called. He didn't. He turned a corner into an old classroom. The desks were stacked up against the wall.
"I know this place," Potter whispered. "This is where the Mirror of Erised was in our first year, remember?"
"Oh, yeah." Weasley sounded distant. He was watching the tiny fire that was burning in the middle of the class room. Draco intensified the light at the end of his wand, and held it in the fire.
"Follow me." Draco hissed. Quietly, he summoned Nagini. "Maybe this will encourage you."
Nagini appeared in the fire, and slithered towards him. She began hissing, and (thanks to Voldemort) Draco understood.
"Come into the fire," she hissed. Weasley's eyes were wide and shocked, but Potter leant forward.
"Why?" he asked.
"If you come back home with me, Your little friend you will see.
If you don't, my poisoned fang, It will be plunged into her hand." Nagini hissed long and loud, opening her mouth wide and showing her long, sharp fangs, which were, indeed, dripping with venom.
Potter gasped. "No."
Weasley turned to his friend, completely confused. "What did it say?" he asked.
"Don't call her it." Draco snarled from inside the fire.
Potter recited the poem, whilst Nagini prompted him unnecessarily.
"Go get her then." Weasley muttered. "You're a parselmouth, you go."
"Why just me?" Potter demanded.
"Dunno - the snake doesn't seem too fond of me," Weasley said, edging away from her. "And I'll go to Dumbledore."
"NO!" Potter, Nagini and Draco all hissed and cried at the same time. "She'll kill her." Potter cried.
Suddenly, Draco felt a spasm of anger. He didn't like her, did he? "What, your girlfriend, Potter?" Draco hissed sourly.
"No." Potter snarled defiantly. "My best friend."
"Then come into the fire," Draco hissed impatiently.
"Bye Ron!" Potter yelled as he stepped into the fire. Draco, Potter and Nagini were all sucked into it. Draco looked around at the forest surroundings.
"Got him!" he called.
"Excellent."