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Fire…
Red blazing flames…
Wild heat flaring vividly…
A process of burning that produces light and heat… sometimes even smoke…
His eyes starred at it trying to free his mind from his problems… from the present… the past… the coming future…
"Mr. Malfoy, what happened?"
The voice that spoke from somewhere was calm and firm. It was almost gentle to a point that his father's never was. There was no malice, only curiosity and maybe worry. But latter was not a thought that dwelled long in his mind, for that it was too confused.
No, confused wasn't the correct word, because he still possessed some kind of normal course of thoughts. It was just hard to focus on the current situation with an image glued before his mental eye of blood on the ground and someone's body lying before him as though dead. It wasn't that he had never seen blood before. He had often enough encountered his father in one of his less pleasant moments. It wasn't that he wasn't familiar as to how to handle things like that. That all didn't really matter, because if added together they never reached the point on were he would feel this… lost.
His father had trained him better.
Yet he couldn't help but feel disorientated, utterly out of control as to handle his life. How could he help, if he had not the courage to force the answers out of Harry or even Riddle?
Maybe his mother was right. He was not his father. He didn't have the guts to seriously harm someone without considering the consequences first.
Lucius was unforeseeable as well as cruel, he was cunning and there was that animalistic side of his that made him yearn for power and control which made him all the more dangerous. Compared to him Draco felt weak. He might posses the wit needed to stand out between the Slytherin, but were his father was cold hearted, in him burned a vivid rage held back by a cold appearance just the way his mother had taught him. In many ways when he had compared himself to his father he had come to the conclusion that either his father was a monster, or Draco was simply more human in aspects that concerned socializing with others. It didn't mean that he didn't threaten, it was simply that while his father made it clear that if not followed, death would await, Draco was more into making sure that people didn't forget that he could get back at them whenever he wanted. His father's way was forwards, while he himself preferred to remain in the dark but still letting others know that the outcome of whatever was going on was depending on his mood, even if it couldn't be followed back to him.
Draco resembled probably more his grandfather. Crazy but amazingly smart and evil man, but that was to be expected from someone who had given birth to Voldemort.
He remembered clearly that not even those related to the old man dared to turn their back to him, even the children had been sensible enough to follow the adults example. If one would bother to compare his grandfather with his father, Draco had to say that basing on the level of intelligence his grandfather was far ahead, but he had taught his son well in the ways of fear.
And that was the point; Lucius was a cold and sadistic bastard that thought only of himself. Draco, as much as his grandfather, was more the background figure that moved quietly the pieces he had at his service. Still Draco feared his father. Nothing would probably ever change that. Seriously, he was scared that someday when his father died or got killed his ghost would come back and find out about all those secrets Draco had kept from him until then. And on top of the list was Harry.
"Mr. Malfoy?"
Draco turned almost mechanically to his teacher standing in the shadow. His mind was still a complete disorder.
"What happened?"
He wanted to turn back to starring into the playful flames of the fireplace, but he could sense the intensity of the Potion Master's eyes on him holding him back from doing such, although he couldn't see them. It was like being observed by his father.
Maybe he was being a little over dramatic, he probably couldn't help it, after all he was really worried about Harry's health.
Why? Why worry about someone who he had up until recently hated? Why had he allowed the other to get closer to him in the first place? Why was he showing weakness? Why? Why? Why?!
"Mr. Malfoy?"
And again the voice called out to him and the need to turn away increased even more. But his father had been a good teacher: 'Don't look away from what scares you! Retreat quietly, but never run away!' That would only catch the other's attention and would only lead to an inferior position from which later he would be unable to hide. 'But most important of all…' his father's voice echoed in his mind, 'if you lie to me, even if you are my son, I will punish you severely. And I will know when you lie. I can tell…'
And so could this man before him. After all, the Potion Master was his father's closest thing to a friend… more or less… They had grown up together. Snape probably knew him as well as his father.
But… he had been able to fool his father lately… Suspicion had been in the pale eyes as they had starred at him, but there were no signs that confirmed that he had twisted the truth... He still didn't dare to lie straight ahead to his father…
Maybe he could fool Snape as well…
But why?
Draco had come here to him asking for help. He had been the one who had broken the promise with Harry, that he would keep their secret, by bringing him here in the first place. Yet, he had been scared. He hadn't known what else to do.
And…
He was still scared…
Maybe he should just confine… a little… barely enough to satisfy the current curiosity… serve enough twisted truth…
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Nobody else could feel it, Riddle knew. As far as outward appearance went, there was no reason why anybody should feel the least unease. The skies were a gentle blue; the sun shone with unseasonable warmth; the earth smelled clean. The hazy colors on the mountain in the horizon muted their colors with every passing hour of the day.
Yet behind all this gentleness, he could feel tension mounting everywhere, advancing like a slow relentless flood. Enmity was beginning to push at him. Slowly but irresistibly, the pressure of malevolence was building up to the point where it could break and overwhelm him. And nobody else knew. Only the hidden senses of one carrying on with the Curse of Slytherin could feel the working of the dark.
But still the sky smiled at this early morning hours and he went off to find his master and his companions who were out to fetch some poor soul to torture.
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Thudding and fast steps echoed through the empty hall of Hogwarts in the middle of the night. Swift sounds of clothing accompanied the echo as the tall and shaggy figure ran towards Dumbledore's office. The man had not much idea how he had gotten here. The last thing he remembered was being trapped in a dark cell feeling the anguishing pain of the Cruciatus humming in his body. Then someone had come in, red eyes had looked empty from under the dark cloak as something was pushed into his hand and he was pulled into the vortex of the portkey.
Upon waking he had found himself at the Quidditch Pitch of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Gathering his strength he forced himself to forget the pain and rush for help.
He stormed up the entrance to the headmaster's office after screaming almost every possible password he could remember at the statue. Not bothering to knock he stormed in to see a slightly surprised old man starring up at him from his book.
"Remus!" Albus exclaimed before quickly getting up from his seat and coming around the table. He offered with a hand a seat to the seemingly distressed man.
"No!" Remus shook his head gasping for air. "That doesn't matter right now! They still have Sirius!!"
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He watched from the shadows one of the Death Eaters emerge out of the dungeon, where he had probably had his way on the two Marauders who had been caught a few days ago. Peter had been there when they had brought the almost lifeless bodies of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin in.
He had heard that they had fought hard against the Death Eaters, but to no success. Black still suffered when exposed to the influence of the Dementors that had started to be assigned to most groups. And Lupin had been in an even more miserable situation due to the fact that he had come out of his Werewolf form that day. In a short but harsh battle, that cost three of the seven Death Eaters their lives, Black and Lupin had been defeated
Malfoy had said that the Dark Lord intended to use them against Dumbledore, either blackmailing him, or as the rumors said, to manipulate them with one of Snape's new drugs to fight on their side. Either way it would cause distrust in Dumbledore's mist and also affect his Lord's most annoying enemy Harry Potter. The boy would feel abandoned and maybe even stop aiding Dumbledore.
For a moment Peter felt that old jealousy he had against Black rise in him, the other was standing once again in the spot light. He smiled dryly; the difference to back then was that this time Peter would watch from a save place how the Marauders were finally destroyed.
Seeing the Death Eater leave out of sight, Peter made his way down to the dungeon to look after his master's precious tools and maybe show Black and Lupin that being faithful to the memory of Potter would once again lead them to misery.
He proceeded through the dark corridor and stopped at the cell door of the werewolf. He opened the door and couldn't believe his sight. Where he expected to see the chained and pale form of Remus Lupin, he found only an empty cell.
"THE PRISONER HAS ESCAPED!!!"
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Harry awoke slowly; opening his eyes he took a careful look at his surrounding. He was in a dark room, not because there was no light, but because most of the furniture was either in dark brown or black. The room seemed dead; yet, Harry couldn't help but feel more comfortable than he had in the last weeks. He felt protected and safe as if this were his quarters.
Realizing he didn't know where he was he sat abruptly up a little alarmed, pushing his body up with his hands. He winced at the pain in his right arm. He looked down at it and saw that it was bandaged carefully.
"Draco?" he asked out loud in confusion and pushed his legs over the edge of the bed. No reply was given.
Coming in contact with the cold floor he noticed that his shoes had been taken off and had been arranged, alongside his father's cloak and his uniform's cape, on a seat near a door. Although he felt somewhat dizzy in his head, he walked carefully over and slipped into his shoes.
He glanced around the room trying to figure out where he was. He looked at one of the walls with a large shelf holding old books. Who ever the owner of this room was must be reading them a lot because even from this distance he could make out the worn out covers. On the table next to the seat lay an opened book and a pocket watch with the sign of Slytherin engraved on its border. He reached out for it but stopped at the sound of familiar voice coming trough the half opened door.
Turning in curiosity to the source he took a glimpse at the room behind it.
He could see Draco sitting at a fireplace. The blond was starring into it.
"Mr. Malfoy?"
Harry felt his heartbeat stop for a moment at the sound of Snape's voice. Draco turned slowly to the figure out of Harry's sight.
"Potter and I…we're…" he paused passing a hand over his face and leaning back into the seat. "It's complicated, Professor, I'm not quite sure where to start, but I can assure you once thing." His voice turned serious. "I wish no harm on Harry and if I can prevent anyone including my father to lay a hand on him then I will. No matter the cost."
"Those are heavy words, Mr. Malfoy, but still nothing more than words." There was a pause. "Why should I believe you?" Harry could imagine the professor raising an eyebrow, the way he did when he questioned him in class. The penetrating stare to which one had to answer, but right now Snape continued to speak. "Your behavior towards Potter has shown nothing but enmity up until now and you are a Slytherin. We don't help others and we don't trust even ourselves."
Draco leaned forward again. "Yet still you are aiding Dumbledore and I still brought Harry to –" Suddenly the flames jumped vividly interrupting Draco. A face started to form in them and in a matter of seconds, Snape had moved between the fireplace and Draco hushing the boy to quiet and closing off Harry's view of the flames.
"Severus!"
Even though Harry couldn't see who it was, he recognized immediately the voice of the headmaster.
"Albus, do you know how late it is?" Snape asked sounding annoyed.
"We have a probl-"
"Severus!!" a second voice interrupted the headmaster.
"Lupin?" Harry could see Snape move a bit awkwardly back, bumping into the blond behind him and almost causing Draco to fall out off the seat. But his cousin remained silent and out of view of the fire.
"Severus! You must help Sirius! We were caught! He's still being held by Voldemort and-"
"Quiet!!" the Potion master snapped. "I'll be right there."
Harry couldn't see what happened next since he had stepped away from the door, his hands on his mouth stopping himself from crying out loud.
"Oh god! Sirius!!" he whispered as he heard Snape say something to Draco. Harry couldn't move from where he stood. His heartbeat echoed loudly in his own ears as adrenaline and worry started to take over his mind.
Suddenly the door flung open and he starred up at the image of the Potion Master looking startled at his presence. They starred at each other and Harry felt the magic pull greater than ever to this man. Snape was the first to move. He hurried to a trunk and took a few things out. Tugging them under his arm he left the room again ignoring Harry completely.
"Mr. Malfoy, you and Potter wait here!" he ordered. "Understand me?!!"
Draco slowly nodded glancing at his cousin as he heard the Potion Master leave.
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Severus couldn't say when it had been the last time that he had wanted to rid the world of Remus Lupin for being an utter nuisance and for the man's inability to just keep quiet when it was appropriate.
"Are you out of your mind to say something like that through the fire!" he snapped at the obviously distressed and injured man. "Do you know what might happen if anyone had heard in on our conversation?" Not to mention that Potter heard and his stupidity might lead him to do something foolish. And to make things worse Draco Malfoy was listening as well. I certainly hope Malfoy wasn't lying and keeps the troublemaker out of danger. "I can understand that you are somewhat unable to get any descend process of thought done in your head. But for the rest of us, could you at least pretend that you do posses some sort of commonsense." He sighed not waiting for the other to reply. "Now tell me what exactly happened?"
Remus looked up, one of his eyes was swollen and his lips were dry and bleeding, but he didn't seem to take any notice of this. "They trapped us in Wales. They had already known we would be coming and attacked us with Dementors. We fought as good as we could, but…"
Severus took a deep breath. "That doesn't matter, how did you get out."
Remus looked down at his injured hands. "I'm not sure, a man came and helped me. He told me how to get out… I can't remember much else…"
The door of the headmaster's office opened and the old man came in followed by Madam Pomfrey who was still in her nightgown. He must have startled her out of bed the way her hair was tousled around her face. Ignoring Severus she immediately ran over to attend Remus without directing a word to either men. But the Potion Master could see how displeased she was the way she pressed her lips together and narrowed her eyebrows while checking up on Lupin's injured hands. That look was usually reserved for Albus whenever Severus came back injured form one of the Death Eater meetings.
"Severus, I know that-"
He raised his hand cutting the old man off. "Albus, don't give me crap now, I'll just go as always and get Black back." He said shaking his head and left the room.
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"No, Harry!!"
"Draco!!"
"NO!!" Draco snapped irritated as he grabbed Harry's left arm holding his cousin back. "You heard Snape! We're to remain here!"
Harry glared angrily at the blond. "Draco, he's my godfather!!" he sounded desperate.
"That might be, but what good could you possibly do? You might actually end up causing more harm than good!"
"You don't know that! "
"And you can't assure the contrary!"
Harry pulled his arm free and went back to the room where he had left his father's cloak. "I don't care. I'm going with or without your help!"
Draco growled in frustration following him. "And how exactly will you do that?! You don't even know where they are holding him!!"
Harry turned around extending his injured arm pointing at him. "That is why you will come along."
The Slytherin gapped. "Wha…WHAT?!!" he raised his arms in defense. "NO WAY!!"
With a few quick steps Harry had moved over to him. "You're the only one here besides Snape who knows how to contact Voldemort. You're a Malfoy, they won't suspect of you!!" Harry looked pleadingly at the blond as tears formed in the corner of his eyes. "Draco I beg you. Help me!"
Passing a hand over his face Draco tried to think of something that would convince his cousin otherwise, but he knew quiet well how stubborn the other was. Harry would probably go as he had said, even if Draco didn't show him the way. The best the Slytherin could do now was to make sure Harry got safe back.
"All right!" he sighed in defeat, not pleased that he actually had to give in to something so obviously stupid and definitely gryffindorish and not to mention dangerous. "I'll… I'll just get my things… But you must promise me…" he locked his eyes with Harry to intensify his next words. " Should we get into any kind of trouble, you will come with me even if we are unable to rescue your godfather!"
"Drac-"
"Promise!!" Draco snapped.
Harry twitched slightly at the harshness of the word, before he nodded, slowly. "Okay…"
A deep breath escaped Draco. "Meet me in ten minutes at the entrance of my dorm, until then, you wait here." He turned around. "I just hope Snape doesn't find out…"
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My head lies on his lap while he absently passes a hand through my hair. The gentle caresses he gives me are but an illusion to trick me to lower my guard, to trust him enough for him to control me and take over my mind and body.
I know this…
I fear him so close, but I also feel comforted by his being here. Maybe I am foolish for thinking that as long as he remains at my side I am not alone. That he will protect us because that is why he released me. Wasn't it? In order for us not to die…
I push myself slowly up and meet his gaze, strong and holding so much power that it makes me shiver. I want to believe that he will cause me no harm, but the clinging sound of the chains around my wrist remind me of the harsh reality that binds us together in my flesh.
A soul that wants to devour mine…
Waiting…
He said he would allow me freedom, but for what purpose? What reason?
I am confused.
He reaches out to me again. His hands rises and I see that the chains have appeared again around his wrist, with the slight difference that they no longer are to hold him back but to keep me close. Slowly he pushes my hair behind my ear. I lean into the touch unable to stop myself.
"Go… for now…" he whispers almost sadly. His eyes look tired, and I have the feeling that he knows something I am not even aware of.
I push myself away from him, slowly, not sure if what he said is what he meant. I watch him watch me as I move to my feet. I take a step back from him into the darkness that surrounds us. He doesn't protest, he doesn't move…
I take another one increasing the space between us. But this time the chains that lead me to him open with another clicking sound separating us.
I stare down.
"Go…" his voice orders me more harshly than before. "Go…"
And I turn around running away…
Confused…
Free? …
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TBC in Chapter 11
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A/N:
Well, this updater was just to fix the paragraphs