Disclaimer: Everything here belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling. I own nothing but the plot. And any of the pathetic hex incantations I made up...Some of them are derived from Spanish but most are just letters that I put together to form a word, lol.

A/N: Sorry about the long wait; truly I am. I plan on getting at least one more chapter up before I return to school on Monday. But then I look at my favorite stories, and most of them haven't been updated since October or before. ::pouts:: So next time you find yourself impatient for one of my chapters - just think about your poor authoress waiting for her faves to be updated. (And if you happen to be on my favorites list - UPDATE FOR GOD'S SAKE!!!)



The Pain Within
Chapter 21: Realizing Who Cares



Tonks was obviously a very intelligent woman. Allowing Draco and Harry to talk to each other was a brilliant idea. Neither realized they were helping, or healing. They just considered it ironic how easily they related to their former enemy. In a way, Draco's wish to befriend the Boy-Who-Lived - to fraternize with the enemy to escape his fate - had been granted...just six years later than he expected.

Unfortunately the friendship was restricted by the preservation of images. Gryffindor and Slytherin. Light and Dark. Good and Evil. Their rivalry was infamous throughout the school, so civilized conversation was not attainable by day. The only available time to meet was at night, and even that was limited by the two different Quidditch schedules. Professors McGonagall and Snape arranged a few night for them to hang out in the Order room, but those were rarities. Draco and Harry were resigned to pairing up at the weekly dueling practices and speaking in between hexes.

You almost had the Snitch in last weekend's match...Escalofrios!

Draco rolled his eyes. Yea, until you grabbed it...Mojaragua!

Harry shrugged. Sorry, mate...Humedades...But we were losing, we really needed those 150 points. Besides, it was cold. Too cold for April in my opinion.

Well, we needed to win the game, and we didn't, Draco retorted. Embrucidos...The cold doesn't bother me that much. I live in the dungeons after all. Nice block.

The boys, along with Hermione, Ron, Fred, and George, were practicing that Friday evening under the watch of Remus. Since the kids had been practicing duels for a few months, it was no longer necessary for both Remus and Severus to preside over each meeting, so the men alternated weekly.

We still have a chance at winning the cup, you know. We're only 40 points behind you. That's easy to win back, and we've got two more games to play after spring vacation, Draco continued as he dodged Harry's spell.

Harry smirked. Yes, I spose you do have a chance...since neither of those games are against us, he chuckled.

Draco raised an eyebrow in surprise. Getting cocky, are you, Mr. Potter? Vozmenos! he cried. Let's see how cocky you are now, he snickered.

Harry had started to shout but his voice stopped mid-syllable as his mouth kept moving. He glared evilly at Draco while the blond slowly repositioned himself.

Well, c'mon, hex me, he taunted, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.

Harry kept glaring and his lips moved soundlessly. Draco feigned confusion.

What was that? Speak up, will you?

Harry stepped closer and again mouthed something. Draco was sure that if it had been audible, it would not have been pleasant.

Try the English language, Potter. I don't understand mimes, he grinned.

Blame it on the Slytherin in him, but Draco was thoroughly enjoying Harry's distress. If Harry couldn't speak, he couldn't shout spells, meaning he couldn't harm Draco. Magically at least. By now he was frantically gesturing while Draco stood with his hands in his pockets, decoding Harry's movements.

You're...going to behead me. Uh, I guess that could mean slit my throat too. Doesn't really matter I suppose, I'm dead either way. Uh-huh..oh, you're going to pound me? Hurt me too? Damn, I'm good at charades. Take it off? Take what off? My ro - no, no, the spell? What spell?

Harry glowered at the blond and inaudible words tumbled rapidly from his mouth. Draco concentrated on trying to comprehend exactly what he was pantomiming.

Harry, try that again, but slower. I'm not expert lip reader here.

The Gryffindor crossed his arms and slowly repeated what he had tried to convey, while Draco spoke each word aloud.

Take off the In - au - di - ble Spell right now...Oh, that spell. Right, I'll have to see if I can remember the counterspell, hmm.

He pretended to stroke his chin in thought. Harry immediately mouthed words again, stopped, and then said it slower so the Slytherin could understand. Draco returned to lip reading.

I bet - ter re - mem - ber it or else. And once I do, I bet - ter run be - cause you are go - ing to be mer - ci - less with hex - es. Draco eyed Harry lazily. Fine, I guess I can lift the spell. Hopefully, you've learned your lesson...Vozmas.

As soon as Harry's voice returned, a string of hexes sent Draco sprawling to the floor. After about six, Harry relented and strolled across their area to stand over the leg-locked, long-toothed, ear-enlarged, pot-bellied, purple-haired, wart-covered blonde.

Lesson learned, he smiled triumphantly.

Yes, well I was awfully bored with now dueling partner, Draco stated, smirking.

Harry grinned and removed the spells he had cast on Draco. He reached down a hand to help the blond to his feet. Draco pulled himself up and brushed off his robes. He looked at Harry, and all hints of mirth and mischief had disappeared; replaced by a defensive look.

And I don't much care for threats.

He swept past Harry so they could square off again, but the Gryffindor never moved.

Me either actually, Harry revealed softly, then walked to position himself also. They lose their intimidation when they're used so often.

Or when they turn into promises, Draco added darkly.

Harry countered Draco's polka dot spell with a

Entinta...so what is the infamous Mr. Potter doing for spring vacation? Not going back to the Muggles, are you?

Harry scrunched his face into a scowl. Rendaras...Hell no, I'd stay at school if it came to that. I like to see the Dursleys as little as possible. I'm going to Ron's for the week, what about you? Going home?

Unfortunately...Caliente...I get to attend an Order meeting after this to discuss whatever they want me to do this time. My father will be home the entire week so I can snoop around for more information, which is good for the Order.

Bolios...But bad for you, Harry knowingly finished.

Draco shrugged as he shot a spell at the raven-haired boy. I'll manage.

Need my cloak? Harry asked in a low voice.

Draco considered the offer. Yea, it might help. Not much with my father around, since I'll have to be extra careful when I use it. But yes, thanks.

No problem, Harry replied. I'll send it with a school owl tomorrow morning before the train leaves. He paused. Are you going to be okay?

Draco furrowed his eyebrows. What do you mean?

Harry shifted his position. Well, you're going home, and they'll probably ask you to spy and get whatever details on Voldemort that you can, right?

The blond nodded.

Just be careful, alright? Harry hissed. Don't be too proud to come back here.

Draco glared. Look, I gave my word that I would come here if I felt I was in any danger. Do you think I would lie?

Harry stared back. No. But your sense of danger is probably off compared to the Order's.

Draco raised a silvery eyebrow in offense, and Harry continued before the Slytherin could tell him off.

I didn't mean to offend. But you said yourself that you don't like to show weakness. Neither do I. We both need to realize that always acting strong and independent isn't necessarily a good thing.

Draco stared in awed shock. Harry's words struck a nerve. The way the boy thought so deeply into things was unnerving. Along with the fact that he was so similar to Draco. The blond nodded in comprehension.

I guess it's something we'll both have to work on, he whispered.

Harry smiled somberly. Glancing at the other dueling pairs, the two boys removed their cast spells with quick Finite Incantatem's. They followed Harry's fellow Gryffindors over to a beckoning Remus.

Alright, we're going to end a bit early today because most of you have the train to catch in the morning, and there's an Order meeting after this. There will obviously be no practice next Friday, but we'll resume the Friday after, the werewolf announced. Maybe we could even fit in another practice before that; maybe that Monday or Tuesday?

I believe Slytherin has the pitch that Monday, so Tuesday would be preferable for me, Draco spoke.

Remus looked from Harry to Ron.

We don't have the pitch until that Thursday, so Tuesday's fine with us, Ron said, Harry agreeing beside him.

Remus smiled. Good then. Either Severus or myself will be here; let's set 8:00 as the tentative time. It will be confirmed sometime before then.

The students nodded in comprehension and Remus ushered them toward the door.

Now get to bed, the lot of you. I never understood why the train must leave at 8:00 in the morning, but it does, so get some sleep. You're staying for the meeting, correct, Draco?

Professor Snape told me to be here.

Remus nodded and the group exited. The Gryffindors said a few quick hello's, especially to Molly and Arthur, before the five of them disappeared through their respective tap doors. Draco took a seat next to Tonks. Dumbledore smiled in greeting before clearing his throat.

Mr. Malfoy, we're not going to keep you too long, due to the early departure of the Hogwarts Express tomorrow, he said. We don't have any instructions that are much different from the last vacation.

Except be extra careful, Draco, Snape warned. As far as I know, Lucius should be home the entire week. Do not act any differently than you normally would have had you not been a spy.

From the expression on Draco's face, it seemed like he was going to make a sarcastic retort, but thought better of it and just nodded.

The same rules apply about contacting us, Draco, McGonagall stated. If it isn't urgent, wait until you return to Hogwarts.

Harry gave me Sirius's mirror, Remus quietly informed Draco. You can use that if you are positive that your father, or any other Death Eater, is not in the house.

But only in that situation, Draco, Snape ordered strictly. Your father isn't stupid. Even if he is on the other side of the Manor, he can cast spells that show him what the other occupants of the house are doing.

I know, Draco said. He bit his lip. But I highly doubt he would bother with casting those spells on his wife and son when he's quite busy arranging things for Voldemort.

Snape gave him a pointed look. You never know. It's just a precaution. Do not try to contact us unless it is an emergency.

Draco sighed and nodded. Well, let's say my father isn't around, and I have urgent information. What name do I give the mirror to activate it? he directed to Remus.

The weary man smiled. You say Harry's because it is rightfully his. To activate your mirror, I would say Sirius's since it was his.

And Malfoy, mind the rules Snape told you. I don't know how you got your last information without sneaking around, but whatever you did, don't do it again. Just wait for the information to come to you, Mad-Eye Moody instructed, his magical eye piercing through Draco. The blond stared indignantly back.

I was extremely careful in obtaining my last information, sir, Draco said. I wasn't too eager and I asked very few questions. I may have sugared them up a bit, but they were impressed and told me what I wanted to know.

Well, don't sugar your father up too much this time. He may become suspicious, Arthur Weasley said.

I won't, Draco assured.

Dumbledore peered at Draco from behind his crescent shaped spectacles. Now, as for your little story, Draco, Severus has been feeding Voldemort false information for the last few months. Just trivial things, like how he noticed I am gone a lot and that I call Harry into my office frequently. Little things to add to your story.

Draco nodded. Should I tell my father more?

Severus nodded at the blond. The last piece of information I told him dealt with Potter. I said how he was looking drained and exhausted and very pale. It makes the Dark Lord think the boy is becoming weaker, when in reality, he's training to become stronger.

So I should elaborate on that? Draco asked.

The members of the Order nodded solemnly.

But don't get too elaborate, Bill cautioned. You can't possibly notice that much change in someone that is supposed to be your enemy.

Draco nodded as he absorbed all the information and directions. I can do it, he said once he had sorted it all out in his head.

Moody rolled his magical eye. Good. And don't do anything stupid.

I won't, Draco stated icily.

And if you think you're in any danger whatsoever, you -

Get myself out, Draco finished for Tonks. I know. That's like the Golden Rule. But I'm careful, so hopefully that will not be a problem.

Tonks echoed.

Dumbledore smiled. I think everything's settled then. Any questions, Draco?

He shook his head. No, sir.

Alright then, why don't you get to bed? Early morning tomorrow, Dumbledore chuckled.

Draco nodded. Yes, sir. Good-night.

Draco? Did you leave your robe in the dueling room, or did you just not wear one? Remus asked.

Draco looked down. Oh. No, I had one on. It must be in the room. Be right back.

He jogged toward the mirrored room. His fallen robe was in a pile beside the mirror. As he bent down to retrieve it, he heard footsteps behind him. He smiled at Tonks' reflection.

Do you ever wear that thing? she giggled.

Draco answered. Harry used a moisture spell before, and the robe was heavy because it was damp, so I just took it off.

Tonks nodded her blue head. I see, she said, folding her arms over her chest. Draco, you will be careful right? she asked in worry.

Draco fervently shook his head in the affirmative. Of course. I was last time.

His cousin raised an eyebrow. Really? How exactly did you get that information last time? I tend to agree with Snape when he says that it is unlikely for three prominent Death Eaters to spill their entire plan to a sixteen year-old boy, even if he is a Death Eater also.

It's unlikely, but not unheard of.



He looked up at her. Are you going to tell the rest of the Order?

Tonks sighed reluctantly, her azure eyes revealing that she should.

Are you going to yell?



Draco gave a weak grin. Harry lent me his Invisibility Cloak.

Tonks's eyes widened. Are you nutters? And then you sat in the same room as your father and the Lestranges and heard every detail?

Draco grinned.

Tonks frowned and Draco's grin faltered. Draco! We said not to go sneaking around for information. And yet, you did!

They couldn't see me, Tonks, Draco reasoned. I was fine. I'm here, aren't I?

Tonks glared. Yes, but that was still a very foolish thing to do. I could go out there right now and tell them you are not to go anywhere near that train tomorrow. If they knew -

You said you wouldn't tell. Besides, I'm not bringing the cloak this time, he lied. I thought about it, and it's just too dangerous with my father around. I was lucky last time that he was only there for two nights. I would have no explanation if he found out, since Invisibility Cloaks are so rare. So I told Harry not to bother.

Tonks's glare mellowed a bit. Well, I'm glad you actually thought it over and decided against it. Honestly! It may have seemed like a brilliant idea, but there are so many more cons than pros. The simplest cough or moving of your foot could have given you away! If anything had -

Draco put his hands on her shoulders. I'm fine, Tonks. I'm not doing it again. I'll be fine, I swear. He felt guilty lying to her, but how else was he supposed to get any information?

Her gaze softened. Good. I'd be beside myself if anything happened to you. You're my favorite little cousin, you know that?

He rolled his eyes. I'm your only little cousin, Tonks.

Makes you even more special, she grinned. Now you get to bed and be extremely careful at home, okay?

I will, Draco promised for the umpteenth time.

Tonks smiled and wound her arms around him in a tight hug. Draco smirked as she had to stand on her toes to reach.

Not so little now, am I?

She smacked his shoulder. Shut up. Enjoy vacation, alright?

I'll try, he said, smirk faltering.

Tonks loosened her grip to look at him. Someday, Lucius Malfoy will get what he deserves, I can assure you that. Then you'll be able to live happily ever after, okay?

Draco nodded as she let go and stood flat on her feet again. Too bad it's not going to be that easy. If only life were a fairy tale, he said. Draco walked toward the door and surprised himself when he turned around and said, I love you, big cousin.

Tonks smiled sadly. I love you too, little cousin.





~*~*~
Yea, started out light-hearted, then turned out mushy - but I'm making up for the dark, abuse and hatred filled chapters ahead ::shudders:: Draco has to go home. My poor, poor baby....