By DistinctVagueness
Chapter 11
Mud and rain-soaked grass met his hands and knees as Draco fell to the ground. Wary, he immediately jumped to his feet and plunged his hand into his pocket for his wand. What had just happened flooded into harsh reality as he discovered he was wandless. Someone had obviously stolen his wand and replaced it with a Portkey.
Trying to fight off the first stirrings of panic, he rotated slowly on the spot, trying to discern where he had been transported. Only darkness and the gentle swishing of nearby trees in the wind greeted him. The ground was soft, and mostly thick mud. The second time Draco stumbled, he decided to try something he'd only done a few times. Outstretching one arm, he closed his eyes and took a breath. He imagined the first glittering of light in his chest, then spreading along his arm, enveloping it completely, before he spoke clearly, "Lumos."
Slowly he opened his eyes. He would have grinned had it not been in this situation. A yellow flame danced in his palm. Releasing it, he allowed it to travel before him, lighting his path.
He had only taken a few steps when a low voice chilled his insides.
"Now I know why your father promoted your ability so."
Draco froze. There was no doubt as to whom the voice belonged to. Was there any point in running now?
Now, far brighter than his own small attempt, light flooded the clearing before him, and ironically, diminished all Draco's hopes that he hadn't just walked into a trap. The glow illuminated the cold metal of silver masks and, Draco swallowed, unearthly, gleaming eyes.
As he stood there, trying to think, another pair of eyes caught his. Blue ones, almost identical to his own. The caveat written there was clear. Taking a breath, he walked to the 'man' at the centre of the clearing and knelt, bowing his head.
"Master."
Hermione only remained in the Astronomy Tower moments before turning and racing down the steps. She reached the bottom and hurtled on. As she took the steps in the entrance hall two at a time, she smacked headlong into Susan Bones.
Not bothering to apologise, which left the Hufflepuff prefect looking rather hurt, she ran towards the dungeons and was soon rapping loudly on Professor Snape's door.
Seconds later, the door flew open. The Potions Master's face was like thunder. "How dare you disturb-" he stopped. The Gryffindor was looking unusually distressed. "Miss Granger?"
Taking a clandestine glance over her shoulder, Hermione brushed past him. Severus closed the door. "What-"
"It's Draco. He- I'm not sure- I think it was a Portkey," she said breathlessly. "I'd just gone up the stairs to the tower, he had…I think it was a sweet wrapper in his hand. And then, he just…he just disappeared."
"Sweet wrapper?"
"Yes, he…" Hermione's face fell. "Oh gods…Blaise Zabini…"
Severus's brow furrowed in confusion. "Zabini?"
Hermione nodded, more to herself than Severus. "After I left, I bumped into him outside. He had an empty Honeydukes packet."
At Severus's look of realisation, Hermione caught on. She gasped. "It was a Portkey to-" She stared at him. "You said that-"
Her professor's face had tightened. He was shaking his head. "Idiot," he muttered to himself. "It was Lucius, you absolute fool."
"He purposely misled you?" She took his silence as a yes. "I always thought he was, well, your friend."
Snape met her eyes. "You should learn, Miss Granger, that some people only extend themselves in friendship when it suits their agenda." He lifted his head, and took his cloak from a peg by the door. "You will show me where it happened."
Hermione followed him out of the door and along the corridor. She fell into step with him as the neared the dungeon steps.
"Are you going to go after him?"
"We'd have to find him first," was his only reply. In her anxious state of mind, Hermione failed to notice the pronoun he had used.
When they reached the Astronomy Tower, Hermione crossed to the spot she'd seen Draco last.
"He was here…holding the wrapper…he saw me, and then he disappeared."
Severus took out his wand. "Inverio Magus"
From his wand flew a shower of green sparks. They glittered in the air for a few moments before settling on the place Draco had vacated. Severus exhaled in frustration.
"What's wrong?" Hermione knew how to perform the spell, but as she'd never needed to perform it, she didn't know how to discern the results.
"This hasn't helped…it simply informs us that magic was used here lately, which we already know. His wand must have been taken beforehand."
"What?"
"The locator spell clings to the magical residue that remains when a wand's owner Apparates or uses a Portkey. If the person missing is without a wand, then it is often impossible to locate said person without other information. Which we don't have."
"Yes we do," said Hermione suddenly. "Blaise. You could-"
Severus laughed. It was short and without humour. "Surely you can guess who told Blaise to carry this out?"
"But-"
"I am supposed to firmly believe that Draco's 'appointment' with the Dark Lord is not for over a week. If I question Zabini over this, surely you can guess that that news will travel quickly? Such action may be seen as concern for him. Neither Draco nor I can risk that."
"I'm sorry. I didn't realise."
"You shouldn't have to."
Silence.
Hermione sighed. "What do we do now?"
"We wait."
Draco tried not to recoil in disgust as Lucius came forward in a fatherly embrace. He allowed something like amazement in his eyes to shine as they parted.
"Father…but…when?"
Lucius shook his head. "That isn't important, son. What is important is that I'm free and, though perhaps more covertly, am able to support my Lord through times such as these."
"Why didn't Aunt Bella tell me?"
Lucius smiled slightly. "Bellatrix has took more than one risk in my favour before now. Besides, your friend Blaise was more than willing to assist in giving you the news."
Draco felt fury rising up inside at the name, mentally storing it for later.
Voldemort, who was watching in interest from his seat, suddenly spoke. "Where is Bellatrix?"
One of the robed figures came forward. He removed his mask and lowered his hood. Rodolphus LeStrange. "She begs your pardon, master, but she has remained at home tonight. Her sister was loyal to our cause and will be mourned by each of us."
Many of the Death Eaters lowered their heads. Draco felt sick at their response. He wondered how many were grinning behind their masks. In his opinion, anyone who willingly became a part of this circle declined his or her humanity. There were too few who would genuinely grieve for Narcissa Malfoy.
Draco could feel the Dark Lord's eyes on him. He had to keep up the pretence of shock, though the emotions that went with it weren't false.
"Sister?" he said slowly. "But Andromeda-" He stopped, his shoulders noticeably sagging. His father rested a hand upon his shoulder.
"Her sacrifice was a noble act. I would not be standing here today if she hadn't given her life."
'Given? Given?' screamed Draco's inner voice. Why couldn't you have just rotted in your cell the way you were supposed to, you bastard?
"Do not mourn, Draco. Tonight is to be life-changing for you."
Draco looked up at his father, frowning. As he opened his mouth, he felt the Dark Lord's presence behind him. It enveloped him, nauseatingly and suffocating. He swallowed.
"It's time to join us."
"Who do you abhor and reject?"
Draco's jaw stiffened. "All that lives without pure blood."
"Do you associate with Muggles or Mudbloods?"
"Not willingly."
"Do you reject the teachings of Albus Dumbledore on the purity of blood?"
"Yes."
"Who is superior?"
He swallowed. Something told him that this was a trick question. "You are," he replied.
Some of the Death Eaters chuckled. Voldemort smirked approvingly. "You're quick, I'll give you that.
"Do you pledge allegiance to me, alone among magic-wielders?"
"Yes."
"From this night, what is your purpose in all you do?"
"To follow your command and example in purifying my race."
Those red eyes watched him closely as he answered the questions. Draco fought to rid his mind of any incriminating thoughts.
"Prepare," he said to one robed figure. The one ordered to do so set about placing something in the fire that blazed nearby.
"His mind is sound, but I wish to test it with a little endurance. Wands," he commanded the rest. "Spells of choice, I think."
Draco felt fear stirring in him, but that was all forgotten in a blurry of pain. From all sides, curses and jinxes were thrown at him, wracking him excruciatingly. It must have only been minutes, but as he slumped to the ground, Draco felt as if he'd been subjected to open fire for hours. He struggled to get to his feet but only managed to do so unsteadily. He was shaking from the lingering effects.
Before he had time to recover, there was a quiet voice. "It is ready, Lord."
And then his left arm seethed in agony. White-hot iron was pressed to his flesh relentlessly. He heard another, more vindictive voice, speaking words he couldn't discern before blacking out completely.
"…They will brand him," answered Albus. The twinkle that had greeted Severus upon his entrance was destroyed. He paused in his pacing.
He nodded. "There seems to be no other reason, Albus."
"Why would Voldemort plant such a clear sign of his presence on the arm of someone under my eyes? Now, of all times. It is extremely uncharacteristic, even for him."
Severus shook his head. "I wouldn't stake anything on that hope. He knows that we are well aware of his increasing strength."
"But to place another follower in Hogwarts. That is a dangerous move."
"Not necessarily, if you go by his belief that I have remained in residence here so many years without suspicion."
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed before he sighed and shook his head. "If you are sure that this will be Voldemort's action tonight, what do you propose we do about it?"
Severus's eyes studied the grounds through the Headmaster's office window. "Before we discuss anything, we should wait for Draco to be present." He turned. "He has been introduced to something I hoped to keep him from. Anything regarding his future will be considered in his presence. It depends on what he wishes to do. Whether he refuses to return to the Dark Lord, which will probably result in his demise, no matter what you or I do, or whether he chooses to take up the charade, in other words, becoming yet another source for you."
"This is not the life I would have chosen for you or Draco," said the Headmaster sadly.
Severus frowned. "It was not your decision. We have hashed over this countless times, Albus. My teenage stupidity put me where I am today, nothing else. Draco has not fallen into Lucius's web the way I did."
Dumbledore was silent for a few moments, his enduring face preoccupied. "We will await Draco," he said finally. "We must ensure that nobody else knows of these events except ourselves. Certain Slytherins will have to be deal with of course, but as long as you are the only one who saw Draco's departure, then-"
He stopped at the expression on Snape's face.
"I did not say that I was that witness," he said.
"Who then?"
"Miss Granger."
Dumbledore exhaled slowly before frowning. "And she came to you with this particular piece of information?"
Severus decided to dispose with the fact that she had good reason to go straight to him. "Herm- she…came across me just after she saw him leave. I believe she was on her way to you or Minerva."
"Where is she now?"
"I left her in my office."
"I will need to speak with her."
Snape shook his head. "Unnecessary. I have spoken to her. She will feel no urge to run to Potter or Weasley with this information."
Dumbledore looked unhappy but accepting. "Then please ensure she returns to Gryffindor Tower safely, Severus. Tonight, we must watch for Draco's return. I would prefer Miss Granger not to be a witness to the unpleasant discussion that follows."
"I will."
Dumbledore turned his troubled face towards the window. "Goodnight Severus."
Severus left the room. Currently, the Headmaster's command stood as good as any. He had foolishly allowed her to be present as he told Draco of his father's plans. He had no wish to involve another in any of this.
As he approached his office door, Severus hesitated, his resolve shaky. The girl had proved herself to be discreet and helpful. He'd expected a barrage of questions the moment he showed himself to be even slightly appreciative of her help, but none had came. She had gone about assisting him as usual, never prying. But though she was silent, she was always unmistakeably there.
It was an odd feeling and it had begun the night she had listened to what was supposed to be a horror story bent on driving her and any curiosity away. After she had left that night, he had sat a good while in his chair, still and trying to analyse her response.
Severus suddenly felt very unsettled. He was ready to allow Her- Miss Granger to remain, to witness exactly how Draco was to return. He gritted his teeth and pushed the door open.
Hermione sat in the chair beside his desk. At his entrance, she jumped up.
"Professor! Have you-"
"It is very late, Miss Granger," Snape began stiffly.
Hermione stopped, looking confused.
"I will escort you back to your House."
She stared at him. "Excuse me?"
"The Headmaster has made it very clear that you should not be involved in all of this."
She arched an eyebrow, looking uneasily like himself. "And you agree?"
"This should not concern you, Miss Granger."
Hermione felt utterly mystified. One moment he was allowing her assistance, the next he had firmly fixed on his cold exterior and was telling her she was no longer needed. It stung a little more than she had expected it to. But with hurt, came her usual stubbornness.
Hermione sat back down. She stared up at him defiantly. "Well, like it or not, it does."
"Miss Granger-"
"What? What exactly are you going to do?" she said sharply. "If you kick me out, I'll just as patiently sit outside."
She tensed, waiting for him to shout and growing uneasy under his steadfast eyes. Exhaling slowly, he spoke again. "It would be better for you to listen to me. You don't understand-"
He broke off as she jumped to her feet again, her brown eyes fixed tightly to his own. "I don't understand? I think you're the one who doesn't understand! There is no way you're going to push me off to bed as if nothing's happened- I have to know that he's come back!"
"Hermione!" Despite the use of her first name, Snape's voice was sharp. "I have no intention of treating you like a child. Merlin knows, you've proved you aren't one. I just don't want you to be involved here. The less you know, the better for you. This entire situation is-"
"What?" Hermione snapped. "Unpleasant? Scary? Life-threatening? I've been there and done that every year since I came here." She lowered her tone. "Draco…he's like a friend now. I need to know what's happened to him. Even if that means waiting a long time." The expression on her face was fervent and determined.
Severus studied her mutely for a moment. Then he nodded. "You may stay, Miss Granger. But know that it was intensely against my preference."
Hermione sat slowly back down. "Thank you," she said, head lowered.
"I will be in the storeroom if you need me."
Severus retreated from the room, entering his classroom. He felt slightly guilty for disobeying the Headmaster, but wasn't about to make further effort to extricate her from his office. He took a key from his pocket and unlocked the storeroom door. He was soon sorting through ingredients and failing at his attempt to alleviate his concerns.
Draco coughed as he came to. His eyes opened slightly, only to see the stones he was lying upon. Rolling over, his eyes met the darkness above. Recollections began to flood back to him and he groaned, hoping that this was just an incredibly unpleasant dream.
"It's about time," came his father's cutting voice.
Draco closed his eyes again momentarily before struggling into a sitting position. Pain raged all along his left arm, and he winced. He made to pull up the sleeve of his robes.
"I wouldn't do that around here if I were you," answered Lucius sharply. "Now get up. You were nearly an embarrassment tonight. All that screaming… get up!"
Clutching his arm and staggering to his feet, Draco faced his father.
Lucius shook his head in disdain. "Pathetic." He came closer. "You will go to bed and wake up in the morning as usual. You will give no sign to anyone of what happened last night. Least of all Snape. You will be contacted when the Dark Lord requires you. Understand?"
Draco nodded, wordless.
"Get inside. And let go of your arm," he hissed. "You should be proud to wear the mark of our Master. Your mother had doubts…you know where she is now."
His cold blue eyes ran critically over him for a moment. Then, taking a surreptitious look over his shoulder, he Disapparated.
Draco stood there for a few moments, before turning and lifting his feet numbly in the direction of the castle.
When he couldn't distract himself anymore, Severus replaced the last jar back onto its shelf and opened the door. He turned the key in the lock as he closed it and made his way back to the office. Quietly, he opened the door. He opened his mouth to speak, and then fell silent.
Hermione was slumped in the chair, eyes closed and her head falling forward. For one paralysing second, Severus misinterpreted the scene. Then, as he saw her chest steadily rise and fall, he relaxed, realising she had simply fallen asleep.
He was amused to see that she still bit her lip even in sleep.
"Miss Granger."
The brunette gave no sign of consciousness. Unsure what to do, Severus continued to watch her. She shivered in her sleep. Glancing around, he saw that the fire had gone out. Frowning and with a flick of his wand, it blazed again. Then, without totally comprehending his actions, he took off the robes he had been wearing. Draping it gently over her form, he took a seat of his own. He didn't blame her for falling asleep; his own eyes were drooping in fatigue.
The flames dancing in the fireplace reflected upon her face, revealing slight hints of gold in her now tousled hair. Funny, he mused, it didn't look so bushy or uncontrollable from here. He wondered what it would be like to touch, to perhaps run through his fingers…
Severus shot up in his chair, eyes widening. No, no, no… was all his startled mind could manage.
His thoughts were broken into by a soft noise on the other side of the door. It sounded like someone was knocking with barely any effort. Exactly the way students knocked when it was time for detention, hoping against hope that he would not hear them. Except, it was far too late for any student…
Severus rose quickly from his seat. He pulled open the door.
Draco stood there. A small bruise on his cheek was beginning to show itself and he was clutching his arm to his chest. Severus froze at the look of uncharacteristic fear on Draco's face.
"It hurts," he whispered.
A/N: Well, your good luck must have worked because my computer is co-operating…well, sort of. Been busy this week with exam results and college enrolment. I start college on Thursday so I have no idea how my workload is going to look soon. I promise to update whenever possible though. Please see my profile about a message regarding 'I Don't Want To Be Alone'. Have to go now- have an unpleasant dentist appointment approaching. Thanks for everyone's reviews!
KeithUrbanFan- Waldo? Is that the American version of Where's Wally? Glad you like the way I'm beginning things with them. Thanks for the review!
Wackoramaco87- Thanks for the review! Musjids? Religious buildings? Hmm. Well, where I was (Bodrum), there were a few mosques around which were interesting to see- very old. You'd hear the prayer bells a lot during the day too. I'll see if I can find a picture of an old church inside the castle there for you. There was also a wicked Trojan Horse replica thing outside. Thanks for the review!
Captain Oblivious- Agreed! I say we attack it with houmous! QuickEdit will never see it coming… sorry, been watching a lot of classic Buffy lately…thanks for your review. I promise I'll hop along to your Traveller updates ASAP.
Kerichi- Enjoying your new fic so far- your take on Blaise Zabini is definitely interesting. I recommend everyone goes to check it out if you like any Draco/Ginny. Thanks for your review!
Rurouni Star- Thank you- I'm taking the story slow because I don't want to miss any details. Thanks for your review.
Embattledcurve- Er…fainting toffee?
SerenitySedai- Merci, mon amie. Sorry about the cliff-hanger…but well…yeah, I admit, I like to torture you.
DistinctVagueness