Disclaimer: Everything here belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling, I own nothing but the plot. And the squittle, but that will never be mentioned again, so it doesn't matter, lol.

A/N: Happy Columbus Day everybody!! Thank Merlin for the day off, or this chapter would be coming later, lol. Guess who's going to London?!?!? ME!!!!!!! January 15th, baby! Cannot wait; it's a trip with school, and luckily my Creative Writing teacher loves HP, so we get to visit King's Cross Station and whatever JKR based Diagon Alley on.

As usual, thank you soooooo much for all the reviews, and the happy birthdays and the please update soons, lol. I'm going to write chapter 19 today, but I can't say when I'll have it typed up (my stupid SAT classes take 6 hours out of my weekday evenings). I want to be quick, since November 3 is rapidly approaching, and I REALLY want this done by that day. It'll be like: Published 11/03/02 & Updated 11/03/03...and that'll be it. LoL, I'm such a dork.

wavy avey: You don't know how close one of your guesses is to what's going to happen in chapter 19. I read your review, and was like whoa, lol. Thanks for the review!!



The Pain Within
Chapter 18: Truth and More Trouble



Draco was released from the Hospital Wing on Sunday morning with strict orders to maintain a proper diet. Madam Pomfrey told him she would be keeping an eye on him but as he sat down for dinner on Tuesday night, he still hadn't seen her lurking behind juice goblets or peering up at him from under the table. It didn't matter if she had, for he had been eating normally anyway. He lifted a forkful of pasta to his mouth as he tuned into whatever nonsense Pansy was babbling about.

So I set her right. Honestly, how could she even think of comparing you to Longbottom, Drakey?

Draco stared at her in lazy disgust.

The blond sighed and summarized her story. I heard some Ravenclaw bitch say something about how you're becoming as accident prone as Longbottom, but I set her in her place, so you don't have to worry, she smirked, observing her red manicured nails.

Draco raised an eyebrow. Er, thanks Pansy, he muttered, rolling his eyes. Whispers and rumors had followed him every time he walked through the corridors and mostly ignored them all, save for a few glares for reputation purposes.

After supper, he decided to pay a visit to the library to research information for a Transfiguration essay. Why anyone would care, let alone experiment, how one transfigures a dog into a chair was beyond his imagination. McGonagall made it a weekly ritual to assign at least one pointless essay topic. Sighing, he pulled open the heavy oak doors of the library and strode toward the Transfiguration section. No one was there, thankfully. He wasn't in the mood to deal with people. He hadn't the faintest clue which book to look for, and with five double-sided aisles full of books, he had a lot of work on his hands.

By the third aisle, he was becoming frustrated. A book entitled Transfigurations That Are Pointless But Were Invented Anyway would be nice, but unfortunately hadn't been written yet. He ran a hand through his hair and tried to blink away the now blurring book titles. When the bookcase began to sway, he staggered backwards into the opposite one. He leaned against it long enough to realize that the bookshelves in front of him really weren't threatening to topple on top of him. He closed his eyes and slid down to the cold stone floor to rest until the dizzy spell passed. He rested his head in his hands, hoping the lightheadedness would disappear soon. Madam Pomfrey was going to have a shit fit if she saw him in the hospital wing one more time.

He didn't understand, though. He ate a full dinner meal, along with a complete breakfast and a healthy lunch. Madam Pomfrey's warning started to creep into his mind, but he quickly shoved it away. His potions were to help him, not harm him. It was probably just the Strengthening Potion wearing off. Still....Growing angry at the little doubts clawing at his brain, he pushed himself into a standing position determined to finish his stupid essay. This resulted in him barely able to catch the bookshelf as he wobbled in place. Once he was steady enough to walk, he impatiently resumed his search for a helpful Transfiguration book. As he continued, he never noticed a pair of dark eyes move away from a hole in between the books, nor did he feel the wind as the person to whom the eyes belonged stalked away, cape billowing.

Draco Malfoy was digging himself a hole he couldn't climb out of. If he didn't stop denying the trouble he was getting himself into, his problem could turn serious. Fatally serious.




Malfoy! Professor Dumbledore wants ter see ya, Hagrid called out as a chubby third year scuttled away from the class of Gryffindor and Slytherin sixth years. Bring yer stuff, sence ther's not much o' the period left, and fer homework write a essay bout yer squittle.

Draco eyed the creature. A dog/rabbit mix, red, furry, long ears, wagging tail, slimy nose, abominably ugly, and boring.

Easy enough, he sneered.

Taking the note from the half-giant, he strode through the snow toward the castle with the frosty wind chipping at his face. It's too damn cold to still have classes outdoors, he thought hugging his books to his chest. His frozen body relaxed and defrosted the minute he stepped inside the building. Loosening his cloak, Draco marched in the direction of the stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Glancing at the note, he recited the password (butterscotch) and tapped his foot on a stair as the stairway slowly revolved upwards. When it stopped he knocked on the door and entered Professor Dumbledore's office.

Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy, the Headmaster greeted genially. Have a seat, we'll start as soon as Severus arrives.

Draco sat down warily, genuine confusion etched on his pale face. What did Snape have to do with this? What was this anyway?

Butterscotch candy? Dumbledore offered, holding a basket of golden yellow candies.

No thank you, Draco responded politely while trying to sort his brain out. What could they possibly want to talk to him about? The Order? Maybe he was receiving a new assignment or something. Or....His eyes narrowed. Snape had tattled. He had been so pissed at Draco for being late the previous dueling meeting, he had scampered off to Dumbledore to straighten Draco out. The sixteen year-old scowled at his conclusion. The bastard.

As he mentally cursed his anger out, the aforementioned bastard walked in. Draco glared.

My apologies, Headmaster, he spoke, raising a brow at Draco's vindictive expression. I had to end a wand fight in the corridor.

Not a problem, Severus. The students' behavior has been punished adequately, I assume?

Snape smirked, walking to position himself in front of the roaring fire, whose red orange arms leapt out and almost burned him. His smirk slowly faded and he fixated a questioning stare on Draco. The boy continued to glare in response, and turned back to Dumbledore.

What did you want to see me about, sir?

Dumbledore became serious. Ahh, yes. First of all, I never had the chance to thank you for the information about New Year's Day. Although we didn't have much time to prepare, it helped tremendously; without it, devastating events would have occurred.

Draco allowed himself a small smile. It wasn't a problem.

Dumbledore leaned forward and clasped his hands together on his desk. That is precisely what we would like to ask you about, Draco. How exactly did you come about that information?

Draco knitted his brow and, for a fleeting second, contemplated confessing that he had goaded the Death Eaters. But... My father, aunt, and uncle told me, sir....ultimately decided against it.

They told you? Dumbledore repeated skeptically.

I highly doubt three high-ranking Death Eaters would just blurt out all the details of Voldemort's top secret plans to a sixteen year-old boy, Draco, Snape remarked dryly.

Well, they only told me they had a business trip' to attend to for Voldemort, and I had to eavesdrop on the details, Draco explained. Hey, it was the truth. But don't worry, they had no idea I was listening. None at all, he added hastily.

A slight twinkle glittered behind the crescent shaped spectacles perched on Dumbledore's nose. Snape's eyes narrowed accusingly.

And that's all? he pried.

Draco said slowly, that's all.

Snape paused a moment. Then why is your father under the impression that Potter and Professor Dumbledore are starting a defense group against Voldemort?

Draco's eyes widened in what he hoped appeared to be shock, instead of the guilt and alarm he felt. Maybe he thinks Potter is stupid enough to start his army thing from last year again? he asked in a more feeble voice than he had meant.

Then why did he tell me that he got that information from you? Snape snapped.

Draco looked back and forth between his two professors and then locked eyes with the floor. I, err, may have mentioned something like that.

Care to explain? Snape asked snidely.

Draco lifted his head and his normal distant expression was replaced by a guilty one. I found it hard to believe that the Lestranges were just randomly visiting. I knew they were over for a Voldemort-related reason, so I made something up to catch their attention. You know, tell them something they wanted to hear so they would tell me what I wanted to hear.

except that you didn't really make it up, Snape stated. It actually exists!

I know. It was the first believable thing that popped into my mind, Draco said, exasperated. But I didn't actually say it was the Order.

Snape folded his arms across his chest. Did you even stop to consider the consequences your words would have? It is now my job to find out more about this defense group'. Not to mention that you were too close to the truth; the Order could have been revealed!

Dumbledore intervened as an insulted look came over Draco's face. What Severus is trying to say, Draco, is next time you are going to prompt Death Eaters with false information, check with us first. Or, if you had already done so, let someone know afterwards.

Draco's offended expression dissolved and he nodded meekly. I'm sorry, he said softly as a familiar feeling of failure settled in his heart. You're nothing but a worthless failure...A worthless failure...Failure...

No need to apologize, Draco, Dumbledore said gently. Just don't hold back anything from now on. Never hold back information from people that are trying to help you. Snape sent Draco a piercing glance. The boy quickly looked back at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore continued, lowering his voice and his eyes sparkling wisely, I think your story may prove useful.

Both bewildered, Snape and Draco asked simultaneously,

Dumbledore smiled. Voldemort wants you to obtain information about this defense group', does he not, Severus?

Snape furrowed his brow in confusion. That would be correct.

Well, information you shall obtain, he said, popping a butterscotch into his mouth.

It just won't be...true, Draco guessed.

The headmaster nodded. The combination of confusion and a scowl faded from Snape's face into a placid, impressed look.

We will discuss this at the next Order meeting, I presume, Headmaster?

Yes, Severus, we will. And now, before you go Mr. Malfoy, is there anything else you wish to tell us?

The blond paused for a moment and then shrugged. No, not that I can think of at the moment, he answered.

Snape peered scrupulously at him. Are you sure? Draco held his gaze and nodded defiantly. Anything else you're holding back, perhaps?

It was Draco's turn to peer, and he eyed his Head of House suspiciously. I'm positive, he enunciated clearly.

Snape nodded slowly and shot Dumbledore a glance that Draco couldn't read. It seemed like a smug, I-told-you-so look, but the sixteen year-old wasn't certain. Dumbledore ignored the look and smiled at Draco.

Thank you for your time, Mr. Malfoy. I believe you have lunch next? Draco nodded. Very well, off you go then.

Draco stood and walked toward the heavy stone door that hid Dumbledore's office.

Dueling meeting Friday, Draco. Don't forget.

Draco turned to Snape. I won't, he said sourly. So Snape was still pissed about that. Good afternoon, sirs.

He rode down the revolving stairs in a speculative state. Snape knew something that Draco didn't. Or knew something he wasn't supposed to. Draco squeezed his eyes shut.

He just wished he knew what.





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Next chapter is the dueling meeting, a lot happening there, lol, I can't wait to write it. Please review, it would make me so happy!!

Also, I need help finding a fic. I started reading it like months ago, don't remember the author or title, didn't bookmark it or put it on my favorites, but I know it was really really great. I believe it takes place the summer before 5th, but it could be 6th, lol. The Dursleys neglect to pick Harry up, so he's forced to get to 4 Privet Drive by himself, and when he gets there, they've moved to like Australia or something, so he has no house. He ends up living at the Leaky Cauldron and works for Tom and a few other people, they call him Jim, so no one recognizes him...Hmm, what else? Oh yea, he takes a shopping trip with Mrs. Granger, and gets contacts. Meanwhile, Mrs. Figg has no idea where he is, b/c he's not showing up on her clock (it's similar to the Weasleys' clock) so she and Dumbledore are worried and stuff. And that's all that I remember, lol. If this sounds like your fic, or you know which one I'm talking about, please give me the title or author. Thank you sooo much!!