Invisible Hero: Chapter 14
By: Teenlaunch
Luthein- Thanks, glad it's a bit successful.
eman- Well, sorry for the late update.
invisible2u- Don't worry. Draco will get better. Why wouldn't he?
PinkTribeChick- I wasn't sure if anyone would like those chapters. There isn't much to them. Thanks again.
NitenGale- Okay...Funny, but very, um...I don't know what...Anyway, here's the next chapter.
babybush2008- Yeah...RIGHT...
HaliJade Snape- Maybe...Keep reading.
Lost my Marbles- I thought so too. I looked it up in the book. She spells it the way I do.
a/n: Okay everyone! Finally, an update. Not much of one...Anyway, hope you like! Fourteenth installment.
Two days after the second article, a third and final one appeared. Harry was first to spot it. "Hermione, look! It's Malfoy! They've got his picture in the paper." Harry handed it to Hermione. She read it aloud and half the table leaned in to listen.
Draco's Darkest Day
Draco Malfoy has awakened at last! After five days of motionless sleep, Draco has woken to find his father in Azkaban and himself in St. Mungo's. Draco's first reaction to this news was a huge smile, followed by a grimace as he lifted his head to see the damage done to his body. His injuries consist of a broken leg, wrist, a few broken or fractured ribs, and various cuts and bruises. Already, Draco has made quick friends of Josh Granger and Arthur Weasley. As Draco ate his first meal in five days, he told us his story.
"It started just before Halloween. I got a letter from my father. That letter almost lost me a special friend. I didn't tell anyone when or why I was going home. I knew what would probably happen when I got there. Still, I kept my fate to myself.
"After I was home for three days my father summoned me to his study. My mother had left that morning for America. She probably doesn't know what happened yet. Anyway, my father told me his orders from V-Voldemort. I flat out refused to become his 'pawn'."
"Why did you refuse?" Arthur asked.
Draco hesitated before answering. "I have my reasons. Anyway, my father tried to talk me out of my decision. When he saw I wouldn't be swayed, he pulled out his wand and threatened not only me but someone back at school. I guess you could say he 'struck a nerve' when he threatened her.
"I pulled out my wand and threw a curse at him. All the while, I was preparing for the beating of my life. I wasn't even sure if he would stop there. We battled for a few minutes. He overpowered me and he kicked my wand from my hand. It hit the wall opposite of where I laid.
"Father was making this long speech about Dumbledore when I stood up and charged him. We slammed into the window behind my father, shattering it completely and falling some 50 feet to the ground. I didn't even notice the glass I landed on. I was busy trying to pry my father's fingers form my neck. My pain overpowered me. I could feel myself weakening.
"Father threw me off of him. I realized with horror that my wand was in his study. My father cast the Imperious Curse on me. I don't know how, but I fought it off. Of course, Father wasn't too happy. He cast the Cruciatus Curse on me next. He continued that for about twenty or so minutes without relenting.
"I heard shouting. The curse lifted. My father swore under his breath. He tried to lie by saying I had fallen from my broom and he was trying to help me. They didn't believe him, of course. My father was a bout to throw the killing curse when I forced myself to stand and tackled him again. I was yelling something when I did it. That was when I passed out."
"Do you remember what you yelled? I'm a bit curious." Arthur asked.
"No."
"Oh, I do!" Josh yelled. "You said- "Draco placed his hand over an indignant looking Josh Granger's mouth.
We will probably never know what Draco said, but now we have enough evidence against Luscious to put him in jail for a while. Luscious is, however, still entitled to a trial. When his son is able to come to the Ministry the trial will take place.
Ron let out a low whistle. Harry stared at the paper, his eyes blank.
"That horrible, foul, evil man!" Hermione shrieked.
"Who would have guessed? Malfoy's on our side!" Harry whispered.
"Still, that doesn't change the past. I mean, just because he's on our side we can't just, all of a sudden, be nice to him!" Ron said.
"That's true, but we could be a bit nicer to him, couldn't we?" Hermione asked.
"That's up to him," Harry said.
"Hey, Hermione." Ron sat down beside her.
"Hello, Ron. What is it?"
"You mean I can't just sit down without- "Ron stopped as he noticed Hermione's face. "Uh, Dumbledore wants to see us."
"Us? What about Harry?"
"Not Harry, just us. He said it was important."
"Ah, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley. It's good to see you." Dumbledore smiled. "Please, have a seat. Now, I am sure you are both wondering why I have called you here." The two nodded. "I need someone trustworthy to take Draco this letter from Severus. I knew that I could trust you two. Harry would have gone with you but he has plans. Are you both able to leave right now?"
"Yes, Sir. We'll go." Hermione said quickly, thankful she had brought her cloak.
"Good, good. I will accompany you to Hogsmead where you will take the Knight Bus to St. Mungo's."
"Thank you, Professor," Ron said. As they were walking down the entrance hall Ron stopped.
"Mr. Weasley, what's wrong?" Dumbledore asked.
"I left my cloak in my dorm. Sorry." Ron's ears turned slightly pink.
"It's okay. Do hurry and get it. We will wait outside."
"Thank you, Sir." Ron sprinted up the stairs as Dumbledore and Hermione walked down to the lake. The two were silent as they waited for Ron. Hermione suddenly looked up at the castle and found she was being watched. Ryu looked down a couple more seconds, gave her a small salute, and left the window.
"A friend of yours?" Dumbledore asked as Hermione smiled.
"Yes," Hermione whispered. "But he was going home for Christmas."
"Perhaps he decided to stay here."
"Perhaps." Ron came running up a couple minutes later, his cloak lopsided.
"Alright, let's go," Ron said. They walked in silence to a deserted road in Hogsmead. Dumbledore stopped and held out his right hand. There was a loud bang and a triple-decker, violently purple bus skidded to a halt in front of him. Its doors swung open and a young man stepped onto the road.
"Good morning. My name is Stan Shunpike and I- "Stan stopped and stared at the man in front of him. "Well, I'll be, ain't you Professor Dumbledore? Head of Hogwarts? Greatest wizard of the- "
"Enough flattery, Mr. Shunpike. I would not like to hold you up, so, hurry along you two." Dumbledore handed Hermione a small roll of parchment and pushed Ron and Hermione toward the Knight Bus.
"Thank you, Sir. We'll see you later." Hermione climbed into the bus slowly, Ron waiting impatiently behind her.
"Please, take your time at St. Mungo's! I am sure he is quite lonely. He will welcome your company." Dumbledore waved jovially at them before turning to Stan and handing him a small pile of gold.
"Thank you kindly, professor Dumbledore, Sir!" Stan hoped into the bus quickly. Ron and Hermione took two seats behind Stan. "Alright, Ern, let's go!" Hermione gripped the candle bracket above her while Ron looked around frantically for something to hold on to. There was a loud bang and the bus shot off. Ron's chair toppled over backwards.
"Ow..." Ron groaned as he picked himself up and looked out the window. "Hey, I know where we are!" Hermione looked out the window and saw the Burrow looming ahead of the bus. Mrs. Weasley, standing outside, waved energetically at the bus. Ron and Hermione waved back, unsure if she would see them. She obviously did because she smiled and waved harder.
"So," Stan swiveled around in his chair to talk to his passengers, "where are ya headed again?"
"St. Mungo's Hospital," Ron said as he sat back in his chair.
"Got relatives there?" Stan asked uninterestedly.
"Nah, just visiting that bum, Malfoy." Ron closed his eyes contentedly.
"Draco Malfoy? He just woke up a couple o' days ago, didn' he? Why would ya want to visit 'im if he probably won't recognize ya?"
"Ah, he'll recognize us. Nothing to worry about."
"Looks like she is," Stan muttered. Ron looked over at Hermione. She was staring at the letter in her hand with a worried expression.
"You're worried about that self-centered git, aren't you?" Ron asked.
"Self-centered? What he did was not self-centered!" Hermione burst out, drawing the gaze of a few more passengers.
"What was it then?" Ron asked hotly. Hermione opened her mouth to respond but an elderly wizard at the back of the bus beat her to it.
"He did a very honorable thing, that he did. Didn't you read the last article?"
"Course I did! Everyone at Hogwarts has!" Ron turned in his chair.
"Why are you saying that he's self-centered then?" asked a young witch from the second floor of the bus.
"He's always been that way! Why and how would he have changed overnight?"
"Maybe he didn't. You read the articles! It was Luscious! I met the boy and his father once, while in Knockturn Alley. Draco didn't seem too happy. He kept looking at the shops as though the merchandise in their windows were going to attack him! Poor boy..." A wizard across from Ron shook his head sadly.
"Can you blame him, Charles After all he's probably been through before this? No wonder he's always been pale." Charles' counterpart looked up at the Knight Bus's ceiling in thought.
"I was told he's always been a bit of a bully at Hogwarts." A witch behind Hermione talked from behind her magazine.
"A bit of a bully?" A frail, old witch shrieked.
"Yes, a bit. What's it to you, you old windbag of a Marsh?" The witch snapped, putting down her magazine.
"I'll have you know, Dora, that he has tried to get Potter and his friends- these two in fact- expelled millions of times! Hasn't he?" Madame Marsh shot at Hermione and Ron.
"Well, yes, but he- "Dora cut Hermione off.
"What does that prove? It was probably his father's doing!" Dora yelled.
"That's true! I bet Luscious beat the boy 'till he acted the way he wanted him to!" Charles wailed.
"But now- "Hermione tried feebly to butt in.
"They should throw him in Azkaban for life!"
"That's right!" The bus buzzed with conversation, everyone trying to get their opinion heard.
"How did we get off the original subject?" Stan asked quietly.
"How knows?" Ron sighed, sinking down in his chair and closing his eyes.
Hermione stared out the window, thinking. 'I wonder if Ryu and Draco are- No, that's impossible! Draco's at St. Mungo's and I just saw Ryu at Hogwarts. Then again, Draco is a Malfoy. He may have someone working for him.' Hermione sighed and closed her eyes as well. "I have a headache," she groaned.
Okay people, not a good chapter but, it's all I had time for. Hermione's just thinking it could be him, by the way. She just...She still doesn't know, okay? Anyway, until next time!
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
-2 Timothy 1:7
Teenlaunch
By: Teenlaunch
Luthein- Thanks, glad it's a bit successful.
eman- Well, sorry for the late update.
invisible2u- Don't worry. Draco will get better. Why wouldn't he?
PinkTribeChick- I wasn't sure if anyone would like those chapters. There isn't much to them. Thanks again.
NitenGale- Okay...Funny, but very, um...I don't know what...Anyway, here's the next chapter.
babybush2008- Yeah...RIGHT...
HaliJade Snape- Maybe...Keep reading.
Lost my Marbles- I thought so too. I looked it up in the book. She spells it the way I do.
a/n: Okay everyone! Finally, an update. Not much of one...Anyway, hope you like! Fourteenth installment.
Two days after the second article, a third and final one appeared. Harry was first to spot it. "Hermione, look! It's Malfoy! They've got his picture in the paper." Harry handed it to Hermione. She read it aloud and half the table leaned in to listen.
Draco's Darkest Day
Draco Malfoy has awakened at last! After five days of motionless sleep, Draco has woken to find his father in Azkaban and himself in St. Mungo's. Draco's first reaction to this news was a huge smile, followed by a grimace as he lifted his head to see the damage done to his body. His injuries consist of a broken leg, wrist, a few broken or fractured ribs, and various cuts and bruises. Already, Draco has made quick friends of Josh Granger and Arthur Weasley. As Draco ate his first meal in five days, he told us his story.
"It started just before Halloween. I got a letter from my father. That letter almost lost me a special friend. I didn't tell anyone when or why I was going home. I knew what would probably happen when I got there. Still, I kept my fate to myself.
"After I was home for three days my father summoned me to his study. My mother had left that morning for America. She probably doesn't know what happened yet. Anyway, my father told me his orders from V-Voldemort. I flat out refused to become his 'pawn'."
"Why did you refuse?" Arthur asked.
Draco hesitated before answering. "I have my reasons. Anyway, my father tried to talk me out of my decision. When he saw I wouldn't be swayed, he pulled out his wand and threatened not only me but someone back at school. I guess you could say he 'struck a nerve' when he threatened her.
"I pulled out my wand and threw a curse at him. All the while, I was preparing for the beating of my life. I wasn't even sure if he would stop there. We battled for a few minutes. He overpowered me and he kicked my wand from my hand. It hit the wall opposite of where I laid.
"Father was making this long speech about Dumbledore when I stood up and charged him. We slammed into the window behind my father, shattering it completely and falling some 50 feet to the ground. I didn't even notice the glass I landed on. I was busy trying to pry my father's fingers form my neck. My pain overpowered me. I could feel myself weakening.
"Father threw me off of him. I realized with horror that my wand was in his study. My father cast the Imperious Curse on me. I don't know how, but I fought it off. Of course, Father wasn't too happy. He cast the Cruciatus Curse on me next. He continued that for about twenty or so minutes without relenting.
"I heard shouting. The curse lifted. My father swore under his breath. He tried to lie by saying I had fallen from my broom and he was trying to help me. They didn't believe him, of course. My father was a bout to throw the killing curse when I forced myself to stand and tackled him again. I was yelling something when I did it. That was when I passed out."
"Do you remember what you yelled? I'm a bit curious." Arthur asked.
"No."
"Oh, I do!" Josh yelled. "You said- "Draco placed his hand over an indignant looking Josh Granger's mouth.
We will probably never know what Draco said, but now we have enough evidence against Luscious to put him in jail for a while. Luscious is, however, still entitled to a trial. When his son is able to come to the Ministry the trial will take place.
Ron let out a low whistle. Harry stared at the paper, his eyes blank.
"That horrible, foul, evil man!" Hermione shrieked.
"Who would have guessed? Malfoy's on our side!" Harry whispered.
"Still, that doesn't change the past. I mean, just because he's on our side we can't just, all of a sudden, be nice to him!" Ron said.
"That's true, but we could be a bit nicer to him, couldn't we?" Hermione asked.
"That's up to him," Harry said.
"Hey, Hermione." Ron sat down beside her.
"Hello, Ron. What is it?"
"You mean I can't just sit down without- "Ron stopped as he noticed Hermione's face. "Uh, Dumbledore wants to see us."
"Us? What about Harry?"
"Not Harry, just us. He said it was important."
"Ah, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley. It's good to see you." Dumbledore smiled. "Please, have a seat. Now, I am sure you are both wondering why I have called you here." The two nodded. "I need someone trustworthy to take Draco this letter from Severus. I knew that I could trust you two. Harry would have gone with you but he has plans. Are you both able to leave right now?"
"Yes, Sir. We'll go." Hermione said quickly, thankful she had brought her cloak.
"Good, good. I will accompany you to Hogsmead where you will take the Knight Bus to St. Mungo's."
"Thank you, Professor," Ron said. As they were walking down the entrance hall Ron stopped.
"Mr. Weasley, what's wrong?" Dumbledore asked.
"I left my cloak in my dorm. Sorry." Ron's ears turned slightly pink.
"It's okay. Do hurry and get it. We will wait outside."
"Thank you, Sir." Ron sprinted up the stairs as Dumbledore and Hermione walked down to the lake. The two were silent as they waited for Ron. Hermione suddenly looked up at the castle and found she was being watched. Ryu looked down a couple more seconds, gave her a small salute, and left the window.
"A friend of yours?" Dumbledore asked as Hermione smiled.
"Yes," Hermione whispered. "But he was going home for Christmas."
"Perhaps he decided to stay here."
"Perhaps." Ron came running up a couple minutes later, his cloak lopsided.
"Alright, let's go," Ron said. They walked in silence to a deserted road in Hogsmead. Dumbledore stopped and held out his right hand. There was a loud bang and a triple-decker, violently purple bus skidded to a halt in front of him. Its doors swung open and a young man stepped onto the road.
"Good morning. My name is Stan Shunpike and I- "Stan stopped and stared at the man in front of him. "Well, I'll be, ain't you Professor Dumbledore? Head of Hogwarts? Greatest wizard of the- "
"Enough flattery, Mr. Shunpike. I would not like to hold you up, so, hurry along you two." Dumbledore handed Hermione a small roll of parchment and pushed Ron and Hermione toward the Knight Bus.
"Thank you, Sir. We'll see you later." Hermione climbed into the bus slowly, Ron waiting impatiently behind her.
"Please, take your time at St. Mungo's! I am sure he is quite lonely. He will welcome your company." Dumbledore waved jovially at them before turning to Stan and handing him a small pile of gold.
"Thank you kindly, professor Dumbledore, Sir!" Stan hoped into the bus quickly. Ron and Hermione took two seats behind Stan. "Alright, Ern, let's go!" Hermione gripped the candle bracket above her while Ron looked around frantically for something to hold on to. There was a loud bang and the bus shot off. Ron's chair toppled over backwards.
"Ow..." Ron groaned as he picked himself up and looked out the window. "Hey, I know where we are!" Hermione looked out the window and saw the Burrow looming ahead of the bus. Mrs. Weasley, standing outside, waved energetically at the bus. Ron and Hermione waved back, unsure if she would see them. She obviously did because she smiled and waved harder.
"So," Stan swiveled around in his chair to talk to his passengers, "where are ya headed again?"
"St. Mungo's Hospital," Ron said as he sat back in his chair.
"Got relatives there?" Stan asked uninterestedly.
"Nah, just visiting that bum, Malfoy." Ron closed his eyes contentedly.
"Draco Malfoy? He just woke up a couple o' days ago, didn' he? Why would ya want to visit 'im if he probably won't recognize ya?"
"Ah, he'll recognize us. Nothing to worry about."
"Looks like she is," Stan muttered. Ron looked over at Hermione. She was staring at the letter in her hand with a worried expression.
"You're worried about that self-centered git, aren't you?" Ron asked.
"Self-centered? What he did was not self-centered!" Hermione burst out, drawing the gaze of a few more passengers.
"What was it then?" Ron asked hotly. Hermione opened her mouth to respond but an elderly wizard at the back of the bus beat her to it.
"He did a very honorable thing, that he did. Didn't you read the last article?"
"Course I did! Everyone at Hogwarts has!" Ron turned in his chair.
"Why are you saying that he's self-centered then?" asked a young witch from the second floor of the bus.
"He's always been that way! Why and how would he have changed overnight?"
"Maybe he didn't. You read the articles! It was Luscious! I met the boy and his father once, while in Knockturn Alley. Draco didn't seem too happy. He kept looking at the shops as though the merchandise in their windows were going to attack him! Poor boy..." A wizard across from Ron shook his head sadly.
"Can you blame him, Charles After all he's probably been through before this? No wonder he's always been pale." Charles' counterpart looked up at the Knight Bus's ceiling in thought.
"I was told he's always been a bit of a bully at Hogwarts." A witch behind Hermione talked from behind her magazine.
"A bit of a bully?" A frail, old witch shrieked.
"Yes, a bit. What's it to you, you old windbag of a Marsh?" The witch snapped, putting down her magazine.
"I'll have you know, Dora, that he has tried to get Potter and his friends- these two in fact- expelled millions of times! Hasn't he?" Madame Marsh shot at Hermione and Ron.
"Well, yes, but he- "Dora cut Hermione off.
"What does that prove? It was probably his father's doing!" Dora yelled.
"That's true! I bet Luscious beat the boy 'till he acted the way he wanted him to!" Charles wailed.
"But now- "Hermione tried feebly to butt in.
"They should throw him in Azkaban for life!"
"That's right!" The bus buzzed with conversation, everyone trying to get their opinion heard.
"How did we get off the original subject?" Stan asked quietly.
"How knows?" Ron sighed, sinking down in his chair and closing his eyes.
Hermione stared out the window, thinking. 'I wonder if Ryu and Draco are- No, that's impossible! Draco's at St. Mungo's and I just saw Ryu at Hogwarts. Then again, Draco is a Malfoy. He may have someone working for him.' Hermione sighed and closed her eyes as well. "I have a headache," she groaned.
Okay people, not a good chapter but, it's all I had time for. Hermione's just thinking it could be him, by the way. She just...She still doesn't know, okay? Anyway, until next time!
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
-2 Timothy 1:7
Teenlaunch