Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling. I own nothing but the plot.

A/N: Happy Birthday Harry & JKR!!!! :) Once again, thank you so much for all of your reviews, I think you guys are going to get me past 200....I think I'll have a party and you're all invited, lol.

Kat: Glad I cleared everything up for you. I know the curses were repetitive, but I wanted to have 13, since it's an unlucky number and whatnot, so I just thought up a bunch of painful things and made them all curses, lol. Thanks for your review!!

Venus725: Yes, there should definitely be more Draco stories out there. I think there are quite a few though. A majority of the stories on my Favorites list are either Draco angst, Draco/Hermione (ahhh, love that pairing!!), or something else involving Draco (I have a time travel fic on there - I highly recommend it, it's awesome; a Draco befriends Harry one, and a bunch of others lol) Thanks for reviewing, glad ya like the story!!

Fain Oakenbringer: Yea, had I been Draco I wouldn't have insisted on having those curses done on me. But he doesn't want the Gryffs' pity, so he tries to prove himself by wanting them done on him. Strange, but Draco's a confused little boy right now, lol. Thanks for the review.



The Pain Within
Chapter 13: First Mission



It was a Wednesday, three days until Draco would be departing for Malfoy Manor to spend two weeks of Christmas vacation with his family. He had received a note from Professor Snape telling him that his personal Advanced Potions class' was at 8:00 that evening and he should not miss it. Which really translated into The Order meeting is at 8:00 tonight. Be there.' Seeing that Snape wrote personal', Draco knew he would be the only student attending.

His Dark Magic classes with the Gryffindors were canceled for that Friday since anyone who was leaving Hogwarts had to wake early. And Fred and George wouldn't have been there anyway. They had left for Romania on Monday to visit their older brother. Draco believed Hermione was going home, and Harry was spending Christmas with the Weasleys. It was a shame; Draco was really starting to like those evenings.

Eventually, he and the Gryffindors had been able to get along civilly. No insults or glares, just six students working together toward the same goal: resisting the Mental Curses. Draco was amazed at how well they were doing. After only five weeks, each was able to resist at least one curse.

Fred could easily resist the Diffisus Curse, while his brothers were particularly skilled at breaking the Formidabilis Curse. Hermione, probably because of her calm attitude, had been painfully perfect in fighting off the Pavareus Curse. And Harry? Well, Draco could now understand why the Dark Lord never was able to kill the kid. Harry was able to break four of the five Mental Curses, and had come much closer than Draco did when attempting the Dolescerous Curse. He had an iron will, determination, and courage that made the rest of Gryffindor House seem like Hufflepuffs.

Draco sat on his bed an hour before the meeting, pointing his wand and concentrating on happy thoughts.

Expecto patronum!

A small wisp of white smoke was emitted from his wand. Draco pursed his lips and tried again.

Expecto patronum!

When he solicited a similar result, he sighed. Lupin had been the chaperone for one of the meetings and Draco had allowed him and Harry to teach Patronus Charms. Harry and Hermione were able to produce them perfectly, and all three Weasleys' Patronuses were slightly weaker than theirs, while Draco couldn't even discern what shape his took. Lupin had told him he wasn't concentrating enough, but Draco insisted he just didn't have many happy thoughts. Draco had thought of Quidditch, of his mother, of his teaching', of the fact that he was getting revenge on his father - but nothing worked. I just need to try harder, he supposed.

He rolled his eyes and slipped his wand into his robe pocket. He left the Slytherin dungeons and headed to the Potion Masters' office. The sallow faced man nodded in greeting before locking the classroom and office doors and then tapping on the wall. The door opened to reveal most of the members chatting quietly amongst themselves. They all looked up when the Slytherins entered the room.

Dumbledore smiled at them. Ah, Severus, Draco, please take seats. Good, we are just waiting for Arthur, Bill, and Minerva. He chuckled at his last colleague's name. She might be late though. She has quite a rowdy bunch in detention tonight.

Severus smirked and sat down to the right of the Headmaster while Draco took a seat next to a grinning Tonks.

How's everything going with you, little cousin?

He rolled his eyes at the nickname she had bestowed upon him after she served as chaperone for a second time. (The last time, according to Dumbledore. There were other members who could do it so she could concentrate on her Auror duties.)

Pretty well. How's it going with you?

She shrugged. Oh, you know, same old, same old. Work's hectic, but whatever. Excited for Christmas?

Draco stared at the table. Not really. I mean, I'm glad I get to see my mother, but other than that, it's no big deal.

The now fuschia-haired woman frowned. That is not the right Christmas attitude for a kid. You should be giddy and excited, with nothing but presents on your mind. Come on!

She nudged his arm playfully and he shook his head. Before he could retort, the last three members of the Order finally entered. (McGonagall looked royally pissed, but kept her composure as she sat down next to Lupin.)

Rough detention, Minerva? Snape inquired, an eyebrow raised.

She narrowed her eyes at him across the table. Tell me, Severus, why must your house be the most uncooperative group of children in the school?

Draco smirked. Because, Professor, we're all thought to be evil little prats anyway, we might as well earn the prejudice.

She turned her steely gaze on the blond and smiled thinly. Why thank you for the explanation, Mr. Malfoy, she said primly. I shall keep that in mind the next time I hold Slytherins in detention.

Snape smirked. Minerva, I could ask many questions about your - ahem - wonderful house, but we could be here all night and I'm positive Albus would like to start the meeting.

And the fact that you're a tad bit outnumbered, Draco thought idly as he scanned the table for any other non-Gryffindors.

Thank you, Severus, Dumbledore nodded. Although the Slytherin/Gryffindor rivalry is one of the more amusing events to watch, I'm afraid we must start. Alastor?

Moody turned his magical eye on Draco. Malfoy, you are going home for the holidays, correct?

Yes, sir.

The Auror nodded. Good. Then it is time for you to prove yourself trustworthy and do the task you joined to do. Voldemort has had little to no activity recently, from what our sources reveal. We don't have the faintest idea where he is hiding, what he is doing, or is planning on doing. Severus here hasn't been privy to much information lately because he upset Voldemort, he said. Snape stared emotionlessly at the table. Draco didn't want to imagine the torture his Head of House must have had to endure by displeasing the Dark Lord. It was a miracle he was still alive.

So you want me to get some dirt on Voldemort's plans and whereabouts?

Moody rolled his magical eye at Draco's phrasing and Dumbledore nodded somberly. Yes. But, please, do be careful, Draco. There is a very high risk of you being caught, he warned. If you feel you are in any danger, even the slightest amount, immediately return to Hogwarts.

Draco nodded.

Draco, a few guidelines that reduce the chance of being suspicious, Snape began. 1: Never seem too eager for information. Just wait for them to inform you. 2: Do not ask a lot of questions. What they think you should know, they will tell you, and that is what you tell us. Which leads me to number 3: Never go sneaking around for what they don't tell you. That is highly dangerous, for if they catch you spying, that is the end, he said seriously. Do I make myself clear? he asked in his most menacing tone.

Clear as glass. Yes, sir. But it still doesn't mean I'll listen.

Don't send any information you obtain by owl, Draco, Lupin chimed in. You never know who might intercept it. I also wouldn't suggest fire talking unless you are completely alone.

I wouldn't suggest it at all, Mr. Weasley spoke up. If a person were suspicious enough, he/she could request from the Ministry a record of the fire talking to and from their home.

Draco frowned and stared at all of them. Then how am I supposed to tell you what I hear? Smoke signals?

Bill Weasley grinned. Nope, you just wait until you get back. Good idea though, he chuckled.

Draco looked around helplessly. But what if it's really important? What if it can't wait?

Then floo into Hogsmeade and walk to Hogwarts, Snape snapped. The staff will still be here. Otherwise, work on your patience level and wait.

Draco glared and leaned back in his seat.

And you will do the same if you feel you are in any sort of danger, correct? Dumbledore asked, eying him sternly.

Draco looked down at his hands and hesitated before nodding. He knew it was the smart thing to do, but it would mean leaving his mother in a terrible situation with that monster. He didn't think he could do that to her...

a soft voice said next to him, you really have to promise that you'll leave as soon as you smell trouble. Otherwise, we won't let you go home.

His gaze lifted to meet Tonks' blue eyes. He looked insulted.

You can't do that!

We will if we have ter, Malfoy. Yeh'll be in more danger if yeh can't promise ter leave. Yeh won't be much help ter us if yer dead.

Draco glared at Hagrid even though he knew he was right. He found that the half-giant's feelings were reflected in every other person's eyes.

Draco, you promised your mother you would, Snape said. That's the only reason she consented.

I know! he cried. That's the thing, he sighed. She will...I mean, I...him..he trailed off.

Then we will persuade her to leave also, Dumbledore assured him gently. The boy visibly relaxed. As long as you remove yourself first; you will be in more imminent danger than she.

Draco nodded. Okay. I truly promise I will.

Tonks smiled. Thank Merlin. You are stubborn, you know that?

He grinned back. Nah. Just firm in my beliefs.

Which translates to stubborn, Tonks laughed. Now, head back down to the dungeons and get some sleep, kiddo. You still have classes for the next two days.

Draco's jaw dropped. I have to leave already?

Yes, Draco, Remus chuckled. You can't stay for the whole meeting since you're not an official member. When you join us alone, we just discuss what you've learned and then you have to leave.

Tonks apologized. But don't feel bad; it's just confidential stuff you don't need to worry your blond head about. Just concentrate on what you have to do.

Draco shook his head as he stood up. he muttered, but whatever. I suppose I understand.

Tonks grinned. Have a Happy Christmas, Draco.

He smiled. You too Tonks. Happy Christmas everyone, he smiled as he walked toward the door. He received a few well wishes in return. He glanced at his watch and abruptly whirled around again.

Professor Snape? What do I tell anyone in the Common Room if they ask why I'm back already? I mean, my Advanced Potions lesson shouldn't end in under forty five minutes.

Tell them a certain Potions Master blew up the lab.

Oy! McGonagall was still pissed off about her earlier detention with the Slytherins.

Snape said icily. Tell them that everyone's favorite Transfiguration teacher decided to transfigure all the Potions ingredients into cat food.

Draco locked eyes with an amused Dumbledore. Err, nevermind. Forget I asked. I'll manage on my own.



Early Saturday morning, Draco was eating breakfast half-asleep when an owl dropped a package in his lap. The sudden weight on his groin woke him up immediately. The package, a medium sized box Draco presumed from the shape, was quite heavy. Draco confused. Why would his mother send him a Christmas present three days before Christmas and with such an ordinary owl? Upon reading the accompanying note, Draco realized the box wasn't from his mother, nor was it a gift. In small messy handwriting, the note read:

I figured you might need this more than I do for the holidays. But don't get attached - I want it back in good condition. Good luck, and practice your charm!

Draco blinked. What the hell? he whispered. His fellow housemates were too wrapped up in eating and bragging about their holiday plans to notice the bewildered blond.

He reread the note. I might need what? Good luck? What charm?

He looked around him to ensure that everyone was still too occupied to pay attention to him and his strange package. Using a spell, he unsealed the box easily and lifted one of the small flaps. The box was filled with something silvery and shimmery. He untucked another flap and reached his hand in. It had a liquidy feeling...but yet was cloth. Draco's eyes widened and his mouth formed a small gape.

An Invisibility Cloak.

Holy shit.

Once he ended his impersonation of a fish, Draco's mind reeled. Who the hell had lent him an Invisibility Cloak? He didn't even know of anyone who owned one. Well, except for...

His head shot up and his eyes scanned the Gryffindor table until they met green. Harry raised an eyebrow in question. Draco fingered the soft cloth and grinned back in thanks. Harry nodded and joined in his friends' conversation.

Never go sneaking around for what they don't tell you.

Hah. Yeah right.





~*~*~
Oh boy, what's Draco gonna get himself into??

***Coming August 6th: Draco goes home for Christmas...meets some more family he's never met before...becomes the next James Bond...and finds an interesting way to contact the Order...***

Hehehe. Please REVIEW! Or you won't be invited to my 200th Review Party......