"Truth Kept Secret"
Summary: NO SLASH! Harry tries to deal with his Godfather's death, but when a chance to bring him back arrives will Harry take that chance or will something get in the way? New powers. Voldemort manipulation.
Thanks to everyone who replied last chapter and the chapter before! Sorry I didn't have time to reply, but I was too busy with school work. I only have IIWI to write a chapter for and than I won't post until schools over on May 28! PLZ R&R!
Chapter 15 "Sirius Orion Black"
Lord Voldemort sat on his throne watching as the remaining Death Eaters continued their jabber of no importance. It was a night where the Death Eater families joined together to talk or the children to get together and get 'acquainted' with the Dark Lord.
The Dark Lord's ruby eyes searched across the floor and his eyes settled on a lone figure in the shadows as if trying to hide himself. Voldemort smirked to himself as the figure's blond hair glistened in the light. Draco Malfoy was far from his parents or friends. Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy sat apart from their son, deep in conversation with the Crabbe and Goyle families.
Voldemort frowned and watched as the youngest Malfoy scowled as his father's aristocratic voice rang boastfully around the room. His third raid had gone splendidly and hundreds of people dead. Voldemort watched as Draco tried to get away from the room, but was foiled by Pansy Parkinson's hand on his shoulder, forcing the young Malfoy to join the little group.
The Dark Lord knew that the young Malfoy was old enough to become a Death Eater and take his place at his father's side, but he knew that for the first time, one member of the Malfoy family did not desire to kill nor the desire to become powerful. Draco Malfoy was not one of the power hungry men that followed Voldemort so blindly. He was the one who would stand up for himself, as Malfoys tend to do if their pride was at stake.
That was what was going to make the Dark Lord not truly trust the Malfoy heir. The boy could get away with anything, that was the point of a Slytherin and they were known for their cunning ways.
Voldemort motioned for the older Malfoy up to him as Lucius looked up. Lucius frowned but came. He bowed respectively, Voldemort smirked. He knew that Lucius despised bowing down to anyone, but if he did not want to get tortured he knew what to do.
"Lucius, your son is of age is he not?" Voldemort asked the obvious.
"Yes, My Lord." Malfoy said glancing back at the little group around Draco.
"I want him marked."
"Of course my Lord. When?"
"Now." Voldemort said shortly. He glanced down at Lucius and smiled evilly as the man shuddered.
"Get him Lucius."
"Yes my Lord." Lucius bowed and retreated back to his wife. Narcissa's eyes widened as Lucius told her what was to happen.
Draco watched his father talk with the Dark Lord and watched as his father's face became more pale than usual. He moved away from the little group around him and made his way toward his father and mother. His father was speaking rapidly with his mother, while Narcissa nodded hastily. They both looked up when Draco approached.
"Draco, come." His father said and turned his back on Draco and went up to stand in front of Voldemort. Draco followed.
"What's going on?" Draco hissed to his father's bowed form.
"Shush, Draco. Bow down, you are to be marked tonight." His father said stiffly. Draco's mouth dropped. He quickly looked up as Voldemort stood from his chair and walked down from his spot high on the stage. (imagine where the emperor on Emperor's New Groove sat).
"Draco Malfoy, are you ready to join your father and be by my side?" Voldemort asked standing in front of him.
Draco looked up at him and looked back down to his father's bowed form. His father was staring up at him, waiting for his answer.
Joining Voldemort meant no more freedom, no more life that Draco wanted; Always had to grovel at the feet of an evil man; Always fearing for his life, and never having what he always wanted, a family.
Draco wasn't certain, if he joined maybe it would not be so bad except the occasional Crucio's he had seen his father receive. Even that was too much. He wanted his winter break to be good, but when his parents decided to go to the Death Eater get together as soon as he arrived. Damn! He was too young to get his life effed up by the stupid man who thought he could "cleanse" the muggles, half-bloods and muggle-born from the world. The stupid idiot did not realize that by doing what he meant to do would mean that only a few hundred people would be left. But Draco wanted to save his life and maybe leave the killing of the Dark Lord to Potter.
"Draco, answer!" He was brought from his thoughts as his father nudged him making him stumble to stand right in front of Voldemort. "What do you say Draco, it will not be so bad, just a little pain and it will be over."
"I--," Draco began staring into the Dark Lord's eyes. He could feel a probing in his mind as Voldemort searched what he wanted. Draco quickly focused on one single thought and he felt the feeling subside. He knew if Voldemort wanted to see what was going on in his mind, he could. Draco was never strong enough to hide his mind from people as strong as his father or Voldemort.
"Come young Malfoy, I could give you power, everything you desire."
"No--I-I don't need power, the family has enough of it." Draco said defiantly.
Voldemort glared at him, "I can just as easily strip your family of all the power you hold. You would not want me to do that, would you?"
Draco gulped and shook his head. His father glared down at him with eyes promising Draco's punishment if he refused. Draco gulped again.
"I-I accept." Draco stammered out.
Voldemort smiled at him and raised his sleeve, "Wise choice."
Draco felt like a hot poker was pressed to his bare arm, it hurt so bad. He tried to hold it in.
"Morsemordre."
Draco Malfoy screamed.
"Hey Harry!" Harry Potter looked up from his food to look at who called his name. Hermione strode down the hall and came to stop next to him.
"Hey Hermione, how was your break?"
"Oh it was wonderful! We went to America to visit one of my father's family! I got to see my cousin who I haven't seen in such a long time! Harry it turns out she's a witch too, but when she found out about you, she got obsessed." Hermione laughed slightly.
Harry smiled and moved over on the bench, "You hungry? I know you had a long trip."
Hermione plopped down on the bench and a plate of food appeared in front of her.
"Where's Ron?"
Harry gulped down his food and smirked, "Oh he's around somewhere." Hermione stared at him suspiciously, but didn't say anything else.
"Hey Harry!" Harry raised his head up the second time and Ron and Ginny strode over.
"Hey, Gin have a good time?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes! This is idiot here should've gone too, we went to France and Germany. Some of our family lives there."
"Great," Harry turned to Ron who was staring at Ginny.
"You went to France? You went to visit Jacque and you didn't tell me?"
"Well you wanted to stay at Hogwarts, I'd thought you would've had enough of Hogwarts."
"You! If you had bloody told me you were going there I would've gone!"
"Oh shush Ron, you just saw Jacque last summer." Ginny said and turning away from him to engage Hermione into a discussion.
"The nerve of them!" Ron rambled under his breath as he glared at Ginny's back.
"Aw come on Ron, you could've gone if you wanted too." Harry said.
"Yeah, but I really wanted to see Jacque, he is one of the coolest people I have ever met. He's older than me four years, but bloody hell is he good! He can do anything, he's good with a bow and arrow, he's a horseback rider, a rugby (I heard this was the name of football in Britain, correct me if I'm wrong) player, and the best damn prankster in the world! He's even better then Fred and George!" Ron exclaimed.
Harry chocked down his milk that was trying to come through his nose and turned to Ron, "Best prankster?"
"Yeah! He's wicked!"
"Great, when can we meet him?" Harry asked, a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"We can't, well maybe I can ask mum or dad if we could go to France during the summer and take you or we can ask Jacque to come here."
"Great." Harry said.
"Hem hem."
"AHH!" Both of the boys jumped and turned slowly around. Ginny stood behind them. Her hand was on her mouth, but the stifled laughter was still very visible.
"You should have seen your faces!" Hermione laughed next to them. Her hand too was on her mouth but didn't bother to stifle her laugh as Ginny was.
Ron and Harry glared at them, "What were you thinking? You want to kill us early? We almost had a heart attack! I thought it was Umbridge!" Ron yelled. Several heads turned in their direction and Harry pulled the now standing Ron down.
"That was the point Ron." Ginny said smugly. "Neville and the other's have been trying to get your attention for the last ten minutes and you two just continued on with your discussions."
The boys raised their heads and looked sheepishly around the Gryffindor table. Neville, Dean, Seamus, Parvati, Lavender, and the others smirked at them. Harry waved at them, smiling. Ron's ears had turned bright red and he had put his head into his arms and turned from them. Harry laughed.
"Come on Ron lets see what they want." Harry motioned for the others to come.
"Harry please save me the embarrassment." Ron mumbled from his arms.
"Hey Harry, what happened to Quidditch?" Seamus said as the group settle around the foursome.
"Dumbledore decided to postpone it for a while, I don't know why." Harry said as he got what they wanted to talk about.
He knew perfectly well why Dumbledore postponed Quidditch. Harry needed the extra training of his power and it left no room for Quidditch. And with the threat of Voldemort, he knew that there was no way they could do play Quidditch. But no one knew that Dumbledore would start Quidditch again, but Ron as the captain. Only Harry knew, he would be one of the people to supervise the field even though he would play Seeker still.
"Well okay. So how were your vacations?" Neville asked. The boys got together and discussed their break while Parvati and Lavender joined Ginny and Hermione.
"Harry, Harry look." Harry looked up and followed Ron's pointing finger to the Slytherin table.
"Look at Malfoy, he doesn't look so good. And look at everyone at his table, they're away from him. Wonder what happened."
"I don't know." Harry said.
Harry watched Malfoy's every movement. He didn't look too good, his usually slicked back hair fell loosely around his face, his features were gaunt and even from the Gryffindor table the bags under his eyes were seen. His robes were rumpled and he looked like he did not have a good break. His head was bent and his food untouched. Harry watched his expression, he did not miss the pained face and the grip of his arm, Harry's own mark seared with pain.
Harry grabbed his arm under the table and put his head down. It hurt, it never hurt that much, but it felt hot. His scar had begun to hurt too.
"Harry what's wrong?" Ron asked noticing his friend's pained eyes.
"I-I don't know, it burns, bad." Harry whispered. Ron's eyes widened.
"What does it mean?"
"I don't know, I can tell by my scar that he isn't very happy about something."
"Harry, I thought you took Occlumency and can't feel his emotions anymore." Ron hissed.
"It's kind of hard to do that when I have the mark and the scar. Both transfer emotions to me." Harry said. He clutched his forearm tightly again as a new wave of pain came.
"We've got to talk to Dumbledore."
"No, Ron . I can't go to him for this kind of thing. It happens a lot. Snape went through it and still is. And it looks like Malfoy's going through it too."
Ron's head snapped up to Draco sitting in his chair, clutching his arm and scowled, "That little traitor. I'll make sure he goes to Azkaban."
"Ron! Does this mean I go too? I don't think Malfoy joined of his own free will."
"Of course he did! I mean he's a Malfoy, they do go to the most powerful person."
"And I'm a Potter, you don't see me groveling at the feet of Voldemort." Harry said angrily.
"What is going on with you two?!" Hermione hissed staring at them.
"Malfoy's got the Dark Mark." Ron said.
"Are you sure?" Ginny asked.
"Positive, his arm started to hurt right before mine did. Voldy's angry about something, just don't know what about." Harry said.
"We've got to tell Dumbledore." Hermione said. Harry glared at her.
"I can't run to that man for every single pang of pain, Hermione. I can handle this, it can't harm too much."
"Harry I have to agree with Hermione, you really should tell Dumbledore." Ginny said quietly.
"If Snape and Malfoy can stand it, so can I. I won't go to Dumbledore." Harry said. Ginny, Ron and Hermione knew his mind was made up.
"It's over." Harry sighed.
"Good. Look Malfoy's leaving and Snape's going after him." Ron said, "Let's go, I want to see what's going on."
"Ron! You can't go spy on something that isn't your business. Besides I bet Malfoys innocent." Hermione scolded.
"He is innocent. Two years ago he would've been happy to get the Mark, but now he realizes how it really is." Harry said.
"Let's go anyway." Ron stood up. Hermione and Ginny grabbed his robes and pulled him down. He missed the bench by a couple of centimeters and fell to the floor.
His retort was cut short by the screech from a black owl landing in front of Harry.
(could've stopped it there, but I was nice... :) )
Harry stared at the bird as it moved around and grabbed one of his beef cubes he had cut up.
"Uh Harry, doesn't the post usually come in the morning?" Ron asked staring at the bird from the floor, getting up was forgotten.
"What is it?" Ginny asked. The owl snapped at her as she reached out to touch it. Ginny took her hand back and scowled.
"Feisty little thing, isn't it?"
"Ginny get away from it, it's Voldemort's owl." Harry said. The owl looked up at him as the name of its master was uttered.
"What's it want?" Hermione asked.
"Delivering a letter, probably to tell me who will die." Harry said.
"Mr. Potter, get away from it." The Gryffindors turned around and Snape stepped between them and the owl. The owl's red eyes glared up at him as it prepared itself to get out of the way if the professor decided to grab it. Snape didn't, but instead spoke.
"Why don't you leave this place and don't come back." Snape said. The students stared at him. Harry didn't say anything, but watched as the owl's eyes flickered from red to yellow and back to red.
"Severus, I was wondering when you would show your true colors." Harry's mouth dropped as from the owl, Voldemort's voice echoed.
"Yes, well I could not let you terrorize my students."
"They do not seem terrorized by an owl. Especially not Harry." The owl's eyes turned to Harry's direction, Harry scowled at it.
"So I guess even though you have your body you still like possessing animals, Voldemort. What's wrong, do you miss being one of the little people?"
The bird Voldemort was possessing glared at him, "I only possess animals that are of use." It turned back to Snape.
"Severus, I knew that there was a traitor amongst us, I do have to say that I did suspect you. Your father before you served me well, but I did expect you to betray me. I saw the look in your eyes, you did not want the mark, just like Draco over there."
Harry let his glance shift to Draco who was watching the scene with his complete attention and perked up as Voldemort mentioned his name. The Great Hall was frozen with fear, even if Voldemort was just the bird, his eyes were striking enough to paralyze them with fear.
Only the Gryffindors and the Slytherins did not fear him. Slytherins, because Voldemort was their lord and Gryffindors, because of Harry making them train. All the Gryffindors, even the first years, were in the DA and they have all learned the hard way because of Harry's constant use of his name. Naturally the Gryffindors got so sick of him mentioning him all the time that they had no trouble ignoring.
"Potter, you and your friends get to class. I do not want anyone to be late." Snape snapped at the students, they all took a look at the red- eyed owl and scrambled one after the other out of the Great Hall.
"I thought I told you to leave." Snape said as Harry and the other Gryffindors stayed where they were.
"I won't leave while he's here, besides he's got a letter." Harry said.
"And we won't let Harry alone with the two of you." Ron backed.
Snape growled deep in his throat, "Stupid Gryffindors. I wonder if you were picked for your foolishness rather then your bravery."
Voldemort's bird chuckled, "I have thought the same thing for many years, and yet to find an answer. But Potter, this letter is for you." The letter floated away from the bird as Harry did not move to pick it up, and floated to Harry.
"Now I must be going, there are some things that I need to take care of." He flapped his wings once and flew into the air.
"Oh and Severus, tell Dumbledore that if I wanted to invade Hogwarts I could have done it a long time already. There are many flaws with the protection spells around this school. All I need is the right spell and the school falls."
The Gryffindors sat stunned watching the bird exit. Snape was opening and closing his mouth like a fish.
"Potter open the letter and give it to me." He ordered after the shock had ended and he sent the remaining students to class. (Not before taking fifty points from Gryffindor)
Harry opened the letter and handed it to him. Snape snatched it away and read allowed to the four Gryffindors.
Potter,
There is a mutt in my 'care' right now, if you wish to save him, come now. You have three days, otherwise what was believed to be dead, will soon be just that.
Bad luck, Potter since I cannot wish you good luck, the mutt is my prisoner anyway. Like I said Potter, three days.
Lord Voldemort.
"What do we do?" Hermione asked. Her face was horrified and she stared fearfully at Harry.
"You will not do anything, Ms Granger. Voldemort is just trying to trick Potter into coming for his Godfather. Go to class, I will speak to Dumbledore."
"I want to help, you can't keep me away from him!" Harry yelled. Snape turned on him.
"What do you expect to do, Potter? Barge in with your head held high, use your fame to try and get the Dark Lord to lead you to that mutt? Oh yes, just exactly what the Dark Lord is waiting for you to do." Snape sneered.
"What are 'you' going to do? If you did not notice, your spying days are over. You were found out!" Harry said.
"The last time, Potter, do NOT do anything foolish that you might regret." Snape stormed out of the hall, his black robes billowing behind him.
"What are we going to do, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, they're going to plan how to get Sirius out without including you." said Ron.
"I know, that is why I'm going to try and find out how to get to Sirius. Let's go to the library, I've head enough of this secret stuff. It's getting on my nerves and maybe they will learn to NEVER keep things as important as this from me, especially when it involves ME."
"Harry, you can't do this! Professor Snape said we can't leave!" Hermione said, "You're running head long into things!"
"I don't care Hermione, if it were one of your family that you thought dead, was alive, you'd do something too."
"Potter's right Granger." The four turned around and Draco came out of the shadows.
"What do you want Malfoy?" Ron asked through his gritted teeth.
"I want to help. If you would let me."
"Why would we need your help?" Ginny said.
"Because I know where the Dark Lord's hideout is and I know where they're keeping Potter's godfather." Draco said simply.
"How do we know we can trust you? You're not a person that can be trusted easily." Harry said.
"I was initiated over Christmas break. I told my father that I did not want the mark, but he did not listen to me and forced me to grovel at the Dark Lord's feet. I want to fight him. My father, the supposed Malfoy, may have sunk low, but I won't. The Malfoy name will stand proud."
"Alright Malfoy, I accept your help." Harry said. He picked his stuff up and started to walk towards the door.
"Potter, just because we're working together now, I still count you as my enemy." Draco called after him.
Harry smiled, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Summary: NO SLASH! Harry tries to deal with his Godfather's death, but when a chance to bring him back arrives will Harry take that chance or will something get in the way? New powers. Voldemort manipulation.
Thanks to everyone who replied last chapter and the chapter before! Sorry I didn't have time to reply, but I was too busy with school work. I only have IIWI to write a chapter for and than I won't post until schools over on May 28! PLZ R&R!
Chapter 15 "Sirius Orion Black"
Lord Voldemort sat on his throne watching as the remaining Death Eaters continued their jabber of no importance. It was a night where the Death Eater families joined together to talk or the children to get together and get 'acquainted' with the Dark Lord.
The Dark Lord's ruby eyes searched across the floor and his eyes settled on a lone figure in the shadows as if trying to hide himself. Voldemort smirked to himself as the figure's blond hair glistened in the light. Draco Malfoy was far from his parents or friends. Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy sat apart from their son, deep in conversation with the Crabbe and Goyle families.
Voldemort frowned and watched as the youngest Malfoy scowled as his father's aristocratic voice rang boastfully around the room. His third raid had gone splendidly and hundreds of people dead. Voldemort watched as Draco tried to get away from the room, but was foiled by Pansy Parkinson's hand on his shoulder, forcing the young Malfoy to join the little group.
The Dark Lord knew that the young Malfoy was old enough to become a Death Eater and take his place at his father's side, but he knew that for the first time, one member of the Malfoy family did not desire to kill nor the desire to become powerful. Draco Malfoy was not one of the power hungry men that followed Voldemort so blindly. He was the one who would stand up for himself, as Malfoys tend to do if their pride was at stake.
That was what was going to make the Dark Lord not truly trust the Malfoy heir. The boy could get away with anything, that was the point of a Slytherin and they were known for their cunning ways.
Voldemort motioned for the older Malfoy up to him as Lucius looked up. Lucius frowned but came. He bowed respectively, Voldemort smirked. He knew that Lucius despised bowing down to anyone, but if he did not want to get tortured he knew what to do.
"Lucius, your son is of age is he not?" Voldemort asked the obvious.
"Yes, My Lord." Malfoy said glancing back at the little group around Draco.
"I want him marked."
"Of course my Lord. When?"
"Now." Voldemort said shortly. He glanced down at Lucius and smiled evilly as the man shuddered.
"Get him Lucius."
"Yes my Lord." Lucius bowed and retreated back to his wife. Narcissa's eyes widened as Lucius told her what was to happen.
Draco watched his father talk with the Dark Lord and watched as his father's face became more pale than usual. He moved away from the little group around him and made his way toward his father and mother. His father was speaking rapidly with his mother, while Narcissa nodded hastily. They both looked up when Draco approached.
"Draco, come." His father said and turned his back on Draco and went up to stand in front of Voldemort. Draco followed.
"What's going on?" Draco hissed to his father's bowed form.
"Shush, Draco. Bow down, you are to be marked tonight." His father said stiffly. Draco's mouth dropped. He quickly looked up as Voldemort stood from his chair and walked down from his spot high on the stage. (imagine where the emperor on Emperor's New Groove sat).
"Draco Malfoy, are you ready to join your father and be by my side?" Voldemort asked standing in front of him.
Draco looked up at him and looked back down to his father's bowed form. His father was staring up at him, waiting for his answer.
Joining Voldemort meant no more freedom, no more life that Draco wanted; Always had to grovel at the feet of an evil man; Always fearing for his life, and never having what he always wanted, a family.
Draco wasn't certain, if he joined maybe it would not be so bad except the occasional Crucio's he had seen his father receive. Even that was too much. He wanted his winter break to be good, but when his parents decided to go to the Death Eater get together as soon as he arrived. Damn! He was too young to get his life effed up by the stupid man who thought he could "cleanse" the muggles, half-bloods and muggle-born from the world. The stupid idiot did not realize that by doing what he meant to do would mean that only a few hundred people would be left. But Draco wanted to save his life and maybe leave the killing of the Dark Lord to Potter.
"Draco, answer!" He was brought from his thoughts as his father nudged him making him stumble to stand right in front of Voldemort. "What do you say Draco, it will not be so bad, just a little pain and it will be over."
"I--," Draco began staring into the Dark Lord's eyes. He could feel a probing in his mind as Voldemort searched what he wanted. Draco quickly focused on one single thought and he felt the feeling subside. He knew if Voldemort wanted to see what was going on in his mind, he could. Draco was never strong enough to hide his mind from people as strong as his father or Voldemort.
"Come young Malfoy, I could give you power, everything you desire."
"No--I-I don't need power, the family has enough of it." Draco said defiantly.
Voldemort glared at him, "I can just as easily strip your family of all the power you hold. You would not want me to do that, would you?"
Draco gulped and shook his head. His father glared down at him with eyes promising Draco's punishment if he refused. Draco gulped again.
"I-I accept." Draco stammered out.
Voldemort smiled at him and raised his sleeve, "Wise choice."
Draco felt like a hot poker was pressed to his bare arm, it hurt so bad. He tried to hold it in.
"Morsemordre."
Draco Malfoy screamed.
"Hey Harry!" Harry Potter looked up from his food to look at who called his name. Hermione strode down the hall and came to stop next to him.
"Hey Hermione, how was your break?"
"Oh it was wonderful! We went to America to visit one of my father's family! I got to see my cousin who I haven't seen in such a long time! Harry it turns out she's a witch too, but when she found out about you, she got obsessed." Hermione laughed slightly.
Harry smiled and moved over on the bench, "You hungry? I know you had a long trip."
Hermione plopped down on the bench and a plate of food appeared in front of her.
"Where's Ron?"
Harry gulped down his food and smirked, "Oh he's around somewhere." Hermione stared at him suspiciously, but didn't say anything else.
"Hey Harry!" Harry raised his head up the second time and Ron and Ginny strode over.
"Hey, Gin have a good time?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes! This is idiot here should've gone too, we went to France and Germany. Some of our family lives there."
"Great," Harry turned to Ron who was staring at Ginny.
"You went to France? You went to visit Jacque and you didn't tell me?"
"Well you wanted to stay at Hogwarts, I'd thought you would've had enough of Hogwarts."
"You! If you had bloody told me you were going there I would've gone!"
"Oh shush Ron, you just saw Jacque last summer." Ginny said and turning away from him to engage Hermione into a discussion.
"The nerve of them!" Ron rambled under his breath as he glared at Ginny's back.
"Aw come on Ron, you could've gone if you wanted too." Harry said.
"Yeah, but I really wanted to see Jacque, he is one of the coolest people I have ever met. He's older than me four years, but bloody hell is he good! He can do anything, he's good with a bow and arrow, he's a horseback rider, a rugby (I heard this was the name of football in Britain, correct me if I'm wrong) player, and the best damn prankster in the world! He's even better then Fred and George!" Ron exclaimed.
Harry chocked down his milk that was trying to come through his nose and turned to Ron, "Best prankster?"
"Yeah! He's wicked!"
"Great, when can we meet him?" Harry asked, a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"We can't, well maybe I can ask mum or dad if we could go to France during the summer and take you or we can ask Jacque to come here."
"Great." Harry said.
"Hem hem."
"AHH!" Both of the boys jumped and turned slowly around. Ginny stood behind them. Her hand was on her mouth, but the stifled laughter was still very visible.
"You should have seen your faces!" Hermione laughed next to them. Her hand too was on her mouth but didn't bother to stifle her laugh as Ginny was.
Ron and Harry glared at them, "What were you thinking? You want to kill us early? We almost had a heart attack! I thought it was Umbridge!" Ron yelled. Several heads turned in their direction and Harry pulled the now standing Ron down.
"That was the point Ron." Ginny said smugly. "Neville and the other's have been trying to get your attention for the last ten minutes and you two just continued on with your discussions."
The boys raised their heads and looked sheepishly around the Gryffindor table. Neville, Dean, Seamus, Parvati, Lavender, and the others smirked at them. Harry waved at them, smiling. Ron's ears had turned bright red and he had put his head into his arms and turned from them. Harry laughed.
"Come on Ron lets see what they want." Harry motioned for the others to come.
"Harry please save me the embarrassment." Ron mumbled from his arms.
"Hey Harry, what happened to Quidditch?" Seamus said as the group settle around the foursome.
"Dumbledore decided to postpone it for a while, I don't know why." Harry said as he got what they wanted to talk about.
He knew perfectly well why Dumbledore postponed Quidditch. Harry needed the extra training of his power and it left no room for Quidditch. And with the threat of Voldemort, he knew that there was no way they could do play Quidditch. But no one knew that Dumbledore would start Quidditch again, but Ron as the captain. Only Harry knew, he would be one of the people to supervise the field even though he would play Seeker still.
"Well okay. So how were your vacations?" Neville asked. The boys got together and discussed their break while Parvati and Lavender joined Ginny and Hermione.
"Harry, Harry look." Harry looked up and followed Ron's pointing finger to the Slytherin table.
"Look at Malfoy, he doesn't look so good. And look at everyone at his table, they're away from him. Wonder what happened."
"I don't know." Harry said.
Harry watched Malfoy's every movement. He didn't look too good, his usually slicked back hair fell loosely around his face, his features were gaunt and even from the Gryffindor table the bags under his eyes were seen. His robes were rumpled and he looked like he did not have a good break. His head was bent and his food untouched. Harry watched his expression, he did not miss the pained face and the grip of his arm, Harry's own mark seared with pain.
Harry grabbed his arm under the table and put his head down. It hurt, it never hurt that much, but it felt hot. His scar had begun to hurt too.
"Harry what's wrong?" Ron asked noticing his friend's pained eyes.
"I-I don't know, it burns, bad." Harry whispered. Ron's eyes widened.
"What does it mean?"
"I don't know, I can tell by my scar that he isn't very happy about something."
"Harry, I thought you took Occlumency and can't feel his emotions anymore." Ron hissed.
"It's kind of hard to do that when I have the mark and the scar. Both transfer emotions to me." Harry said. He clutched his forearm tightly again as a new wave of pain came.
"We've got to talk to Dumbledore."
"No, Ron . I can't go to him for this kind of thing. It happens a lot. Snape went through it and still is. And it looks like Malfoy's going through it too."
Ron's head snapped up to Draco sitting in his chair, clutching his arm and scowled, "That little traitor. I'll make sure he goes to Azkaban."
"Ron! Does this mean I go too? I don't think Malfoy joined of his own free will."
"Of course he did! I mean he's a Malfoy, they do go to the most powerful person."
"And I'm a Potter, you don't see me groveling at the feet of Voldemort." Harry said angrily.
"What is going on with you two?!" Hermione hissed staring at them.
"Malfoy's got the Dark Mark." Ron said.
"Are you sure?" Ginny asked.
"Positive, his arm started to hurt right before mine did. Voldy's angry about something, just don't know what about." Harry said.
"We've got to tell Dumbledore." Hermione said. Harry glared at her.
"I can't run to that man for every single pang of pain, Hermione. I can handle this, it can't harm too much."
"Harry I have to agree with Hermione, you really should tell Dumbledore." Ginny said quietly.
"If Snape and Malfoy can stand it, so can I. I won't go to Dumbledore." Harry said. Ginny, Ron and Hermione knew his mind was made up.
"It's over." Harry sighed.
"Good. Look Malfoy's leaving and Snape's going after him." Ron said, "Let's go, I want to see what's going on."
"Ron! You can't go spy on something that isn't your business. Besides I bet Malfoys innocent." Hermione scolded.
"He is innocent. Two years ago he would've been happy to get the Mark, but now he realizes how it really is." Harry said.
"Let's go anyway." Ron stood up. Hermione and Ginny grabbed his robes and pulled him down. He missed the bench by a couple of centimeters and fell to the floor.
His retort was cut short by the screech from a black owl landing in front of Harry.
(could've stopped it there, but I was nice... :) )
Harry stared at the bird as it moved around and grabbed one of his beef cubes he had cut up.
"Uh Harry, doesn't the post usually come in the morning?" Ron asked staring at the bird from the floor, getting up was forgotten.
"What is it?" Ginny asked. The owl snapped at her as she reached out to touch it. Ginny took her hand back and scowled.
"Feisty little thing, isn't it?"
"Ginny get away from it, it's Voldemort's owl." Harry said. The owl looked up at him as the name of its master was uttered.
"What's it want?" Hermione asked.
"Delivering a letter, probably to tell me who will die." Harry said.
"Mr. Potter, get away from it." The Gryffindors turned around and Snape stepped between them and the owl. The owl's red eyes glared up at him as it prepared itself to get out of the way if the professor decided to grab it. Snape didn't, but instead spoke.
"Why don't you leave this place and don't come back." Snape said. The students stared at him. Harry didn't say anything, but watched as the owl's eyes flickered from red to yellow and back to red.
"Severus, I was wondering when you would show your true colors." Harry's mouth dropped as from the owl, Voldemort's voice echoed.
"Yes, well I could not let you terrorize my students."
"They do not seem terrorized by an owl. Especially not Harry." The owl's eyes turned to Harry's direction, Harry scowled at it.
"So I guess even though you have your body you still like possessing animals, Voldemort. What's wrong, do you miss being one of the little people?"
The bird Voldemort was possessing glared at him, "I only possess animals that are of use." It turned back to Snape.
"Severus, I knew that there was a traitor amongst us, I do have to say that I did suspect you. Your father before you served me well, but I did expect you to betray me. I saw the look in your eyes, you did not want the mark, just like Draco over there."
Harry let his glance shift to Draco who was watching the scene with his complete attention and perked up as Voldemort mentioned his name. The Great Hall was frozen with fear, even if Voldemort was just the bird, his eyes were striking enough to paralyze them with fear.
Only the Gryffindors and the Slytherins did not fear him. Slytherins, because Voldemort was their lord and Gryffindors, because of Harry making them train. All the Gryffindors, even the first years, were in the DA and they have all learned the hard way because of Harry's constant use of his name. Naturally the Gryffindors got so sick of him mentioning him all the time that they had no trouble ignoring.
"Potter, you and your friends get to class. I do not want anyone to be late." Snape snapped at the students, they all took a look at the red- eyed owl and scrambled one after the other out of the Great Hall.
"I thought I told you to leave." Snape said as Harry and the other Gryffindors stayed where they were.
"I won't leave while he's here, besides he's got a letter." Harry said.
"And we won't let Harry alone with the two of you." Ron backed.
Snape growled deep in his throat, "Stupid Gryffindors. I wonder if you were picked for your foolishness rather then your bravery."
Voldemort's bird chuckled, "I have thought the same thing for many years, and yet to find an answer. But Potter, this letter is for you." The letter floated away from the bird as Harry did not move to pick it up, and floated to Harry.
"Now I must be going, there are some things that I need to take care of." He flapped his wings once and flew into the air.
"Oh and Severus, tell Dumbledore that if I wanted to invade Hogwarts I could have done it a long time already. There are many flaws with the protection spells around this school. All I need is the right spell and the school falls."
The Gryffindors sat stunned watching the bird exit. Snape was opening and closing his mouth like a fish.
"Potter open the letter and give it to me." He ordered after the shock had ended and he sent the remaining students to class. (Not before taking fifty points from Gryffindor)
Harry opened the letter and handed it to him. Snape snatched it away and read allowed to the four Gryffindors.
Potter,
There is a mutt in my 'care' right now, if you wish to save him, come now. You have three days, otherwise what was believed to be dead, will soon be just that.
Bad luck, Potter since I cannot wish you good luck, the mutt is my prisoner anyway. Like I said Potter, three days.
Lord Voldemort.
"What do we do?" Hermione asked. Her face was horrified and she stared fearfully at Harry.
"You will not do anything, Ms Granger. Voldemort is just trying to trick Potter into coming for his Godfather. Go to class, I will speak to Dumbledore."
"I want to help, you can't keep me away from him!" Harry yelled. Snape turned on him.
"What do you expect to do, Potter? Barge in with your head held high, use your fame to try and get the Dark Lord to lead you to that mutt? Oh yes, just exactly what the Dark Lord is waiting for you to do." Snape sneered.
"What are 'you' going to do? If you did not notice, your spying days are over. You were found out!" Harry said.
"The last time, Potter, do NOT do anything foolish that you might regret." Snape stormed out of the hall, his black robes billowing behind him.
"What are we going to do, Harry?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, they're going to plan how to get Sirius out without including you." said Ron.
"I know, that is why I'm going to try and find out how to get to Sirius. Let's go to the library, I've head enough of this secret stuff. It's getting on my nerves and maybe they will learn to NEVER keep things as important as this from me, especially when it involves ME."
"Harry, you can't do this! Professor Snape said we can't leave!" Hermione said, "You're running head long into things!"
"I don't care Hermione, if it were one of your family that you thought dead, was alive, you'd do something too."
"Potter's right Granger." The four turned around and Draco came out of the shadows.
"What do you want Malfoy?" Ron asked through his gritted teeth.
"I want to help. If you would let me."
"Why would we need your help?" Ginny said.
"Because I know where the Dark Lord's hideout is and I know where they're keeping Potter's godfather." Draco said simply.
"How do we know we can trust you? You're not a person that can be trusted easily." Harry said.
"I was initiated over Christmas break. I told my father that I did not want the mark, but he did not listen to me and forced me to grovel at the Dark Lord's feet. I want to fight him. My father, the supposed Malfoy, may have sunk low, but I won't. The Malfoy name will stand proud."
"Alright Malfoy, I accept your help." Harry said. He picked his stuff up and started to walk towards the door.
"Potter, just because we're working together now, I still count you as my enemy." Draco called after him.
Harry smiled, "I wouldn't have it any other way."