Chapter 29: Draco's Worth
"Did you know?" Ron asked as the trio studied in their common room. Harry gave Hermione a quick side-glance then looked at Ron and nodded.
"I figured," Ron said in a defeated tone. "You guys were too calm last night not to know."
"We didn't want to be the ones that told you," Hermione said as she peered over her book.
"And you shouldn't. Ginny's my sister, she should have told me," A small bit of anger in his tone.
"You're handling it a lot better then I thought you would," Harry admitted.
"I'm handling it a lot better then I thought I would. Part of me is angry but the other part of me thinks that maybe he's really changed. It's confusing," Ron said as he read his Muggle book. They continued to study until it was time for lunch. Ron had decided to walk around the lake afterwards and think about his sister so Harry decided to give Hermione a flying lesson. Hermione had agreed to take flying lessons from Harry, just incase she had to use a broom during the battle.
"Harry is this really necessary?" Hermione pleaded as she mounted his broom.
"Yes," but he could also see just how nervous Hermione was so he slowly mounted the broom behind her. He wrapped his arm around her waist and grabbed the front of the broom.
"Ready," he whispered.
"Yes," her response caught in the back of her throat. Harry slowly kicked off the ground and he could feel Hermione's sudden intake of air. They slowly rose into the air and soon they were above the castle overlooking the lake and forest.
"Oh Harry," Hermione breathed. "This is your world. When you want to escape from everyone and everything you come up here. This is why you love flying so much." Harry pushed the broom so that they slowly glided over the castle and down to the lake. The water sparkled in the afternoon sun. And for the second time in her years at Hogwarts, Hermione saw the castle in a different light. But unlike the night they saved Sirius when the castle was dark and gloomy, it stood in the afternoon sun as proud and as powerful as the first time she saw it. The wind tickled her cheeks and ears, while Harry's soft touch kept the broom at a pleasant speed that she wouldn't be afraid of. Hermione slowly placed her hands over Harry's and together they stirred the broom. She looked back at Harry, who gave her his boyish smile and pulled her closer towards him. As the afternoon wore on Hermione began to get more comfortable and before either one of them knew it the sun was beginning to set. They landed the broom on the astronomy tower and watched it. Harry held Hermione from behind as they stood there.
"This is what we'll be fighting for," whispered Hermione. She turned in his arms and looked up at him. "So that students can have afternoon's like these and not fear for their safety. So this castle can always be a place of learning not a place of hiding. So that it will always be looked at as home." Her final statement hit Harry the most, because this was his home.
"That's what you were thinking about up there?" Harry asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Whenever I need to think I always go flying. Some people walk," he motioned his head to the lake where Ron was on his tenth lap. "Others head to the library," he smiled at her. "But me – I fly," He paused. "But you're right, it's moments like these," they both turned and looked at the setting sun then to each other. If one was looking at the astronomy tower at that very moment all they could see would be a perfect silhouette of two young lovers sharing a tender kiss. A kiss so sweet and innocent that it could last a lifetime but it only lasted until the sun set. When they parted Hermione shivered from the lack of warmth. Harry quickly grabbed her and wrapped her in his arms.
"I love you Hermione," He whispered.
"I love you too Harry," she said into his chest.
"I won't let anything happen to you," Harry squeezed her a little tighter as he said it. Hermione pulled back and looked him dead in the eyes.
"I know." They stood up there a moment longer then flew down to the lake and collected Ron. After dinner they gathered in Julia's office and waited for Lupin and the others. Soon Malfoy and Ginny showed up.
"So where is the professor?" asked Draco as he and Ginny stood together.
"Right here," Lupin said. Hagrid and Tonks were with him. "You ready Mr. Malfoy?" Draco nodded. "Then come with us." The group headed for the hallway when Ginny ran after Malfoy and gave him a hug.
"Be careful."
"I will," Draco kissed her on the cheek then followed the group out. The trio and Ginny stood in the classroom a moment.
"If anything happens to him Ron, I'll never forgive you," Ginny meant it, it was written in her eyes.
"Nothing will happen," Ron said as he began to head for the door.
"Where are you going?" Harry asked.
"To make sure nothing happens," Ron said before leaving.
"Come on," Hermione said following after him.
"Don't worry Ginny we'll make sure both come back," Harry said as he followed Hermione. The three marched out into the night air and followed the group ahead of them.
"I don't know why she's worried," Ron muttered as they walked. "Nothing is going to happen."
"Then why are we following them?" Harry asked.
"Bloody Hell isn't it obvious," he looked at Hermione and Harry. "Just in case." It was a good half and hour before Lupin's group stopped. The forest was dark and gloomy and Harry's group could barley make out Draco and the others, but they slowly crept forward until they were in ear shoot of what was going on.
"Firenze should be here by now," Hagrid sounded worried.
"Wands at the ready, Draco stick close to me," Lupin said. Soon the sounds of hooves could be heard in the distance.
"We must be quick, I can feel a great darkness coming," said Firenze as he approached. His attention was drawn to Draco.
"Harry Potter was wise to have you come," Firenze said as he stepped closer to the boy.
"Very soon Draco Malfoy, a choice will lie before you," The Centaur spoke. "Take revenge on the one you seek or save the one you love but you will not be able to do both." Draco was shocked by his words but before he could respond the Centaur turned his attention to Lupin, who now understood why Harry had requested Malfoy meet Firenze.
"Remus, he seeks to strike soon. Several of my kind has noticed Giants arriving at his camp. One claimed to have see a dragon – "
"A dragon," exclaimed Tonks.
"Dragon," squealed Ron. Harry and Hermione both put a hand over his mouth.
"I'm afraid this will be our last meeting before the battle," Firenze said as he looked around. "I'm sorry my kind wont help is this battle. Unlike them I know that we could be affected by the outcome."
"You've done all you can Firenze, Dumbledore knows this," Lupin said as he shook the creatures hand.
"One more thing before I go," Firenze looked over to where Harry and the others where hiding. "Hermione Granger." The trio slowly revealed themselves from behind a tree. The Centaur motioned for her to come closer. He whispered something in her ear when a noise came from the distance.
"Ouch," Harry reached for his scar.
"Harry what is it?" Tonks asked.
"He is coming," Firenze panicked. "I must go. Good luck Harry Potter." And with that the centaur was gone.
"Come on," Lupin said as he grabbed Malfoy.
"Professor we don't have time we have to hide," Hagrid said as Voldemorts voice grew louder. Hagrid grabbed Harry, Hermione and Ron and threw them into a tree log, which he and Tonks hid behind. Lupin and Malfoy hid behind a tree opposite the other group.
"Are we sure the Ministry hasn't sent any extra guards to the castle?" the high hiss of Voldemorts voice pierced the air. Harry's scar was starting to burn more but he tried to ignore it. He made his way over to a hole in the log and could see Voldemort and another man walking.
"My sources in the Ministry have said no one seems to think that Hogwarts is in any danger," Harry's eyes widened as he finally saw the other man. Lucius Malfoy. Harry could also see Malfoy peering out from behind his tree.
SNAP
"What was that?" Voldemort hissed as he looked over at the tree Lupin and Malfoy were hiding behind. But before Lucius and Voldemort could investigate a wolf came flying out of no where.
"Ron," Both Harry and Hermione said at the same time. Ron began to growl and show his teeth.
"What do we have hear?" said Lucius in a condescending tone. "You picked the wrong pry today my friend." Just as Lucius raised his wand a unicorn came charging towards the two dark wizards.
"My lord," Lucius and Voldemort dove away from Malfoy and Lupin. When they got up the wolf and unicorn were gone.
"Something is not right," Voldemort said as he stood up. "The forest is trying to protect something – but what." The wizard looked around but could not figure it out. "We will attack the last day of school. Just as they finish they're morning exams and start to relax thinking they'll be home soon. That's when Dumbledore will fall and Harry Potter will be no more," The Dark Lords laugh echoed into the night.
"We should get back, no doubt Dumbledore has those half brained professors making nightly rounds just in case," Lucius said as he stared in the direction of the castle.
"What will you do about your son Lucius?" Voldemort asked.
"I have no doubt he blames me for his mothers death and if he chooses to fight against me he will see no mercy," a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I'm surprised you're not as eager as Bellatrix to fight," Voldemort injected.
"Bellatrix is eager to fight because she seeks revenge on Julia Potter for embarrassing her not just in battle but because Bellatrix did not check to make sure she was dead all those years ago," Lucius smugly said. "I have no doubt Bellatrix will flee in shame again."
"You think Julia is stronger then Bella?" Voldemort curiously asked.
"I think we all need to be careful when it comes to her my lord. If I'm not mistaken we wanted to destroy her because of a rumored prophecy," Lucius eyed Voldemort.
"Don't worry Lucius, everything will come to an end soon," Voldemort said as he walked away.
"But whose end will it be, for I fear it might be mine," Lucius spoke just loud enough for everyone in hiding to hear. He glanced back in the direction of the castle for a moment then started to follow Voldemort back to camp. Once they were gone everyone slowly came out of hiding. For a second all anyone could do was look at Malfoy.
"He doesn't want to fight," Draco whispered.
"How do you know?" Harry asked.
"I just know," Draco looked at Harry then back into the shadows of the forest.
"Where's Hermione and Ron," whispered Lupin.
"Lumos – We're down here," Hermione waved her wand. The group walked towards the two.
"You guys alright?" Tonks asked.
"We're fine," Hermione said as they headed back to the castle. The group made it back safe and sound. Ginny was standing by the door when they returned.
"See not a scratch on him," Ron said as they continued into the castle. Malfoy and Ginny hugged.
"Yer three come with us," Hagrid said as they headed to Dumbledore's office.
"Weasley!" Draco called out after Ron. The trio turned around and looked back at the couple.
"Malfoy you only have one assignment during the battle. Protect her," Ron said as he pointed to his sister. "If you can do that, then maybe she can tell our parents about you."
"Don't worry Weasley, I can handle that," Draco smiled as he and Ginny turned to walk away.
"Yeah well he better do it or I'll kill him," Ron said to Hermione and Harry. The group continued to walk towards Dumbledore's office.
"Headmaster, we have news," Hagrid said as the group entered the old wizard's office.
"I fear it must be bad news," Dumbledore said as he turned to the group.
"Voldemort sir, he plans to strike in five days," Lupin inserted. Professors McGonagall and Snape joined the group.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape I'm afraid we have bad news," Dumbledore sat in his chair.
"So it's true then. He plans to strike?" a surprised Snape exclaimed.
"Yes it is true. We must start preparing the castle. Tomorrow night after the students have finished their dinner we will perform the sleeping spell and have those students safely transferred to the Room of Requirement. I will make sure that only Madam Pomfrey and I will be able to access it once they are in there. Professor Lupin, please have Alastor send word to the other aurors to be here tomorrow night."
"Yes Headmaster."
"Today is Sunday which means Voldemort plans to attack Friday, we must do all we can to make sure the students are ready," Dumbeldore looked pale and tired.
"Professor might I have permission to take the students in my advance class and have them help me Tuesday morning in preparing potions for Madam –" Just then Mad-Eye burst in.
"What's going on here?" Moody huffed.
"We have news from Firenze," said Lupin.
"I'm guessing it's not good otherwise you all wouldn't be here. So spill it, what's going on?"
"Voldemort will attack on Friday," Harry said. By now no one flinched when he used the Dark Lord's name, not even Snape.
"Well that's plenty of time to get the castle in order," Moody walked over to Dumbledore's desk and slapped down several pieces of parchment. "Young Mr. Weasley and I have come up with a plan. I assume tomorrow night we're performing the sleeping spell on the cowards who aren't fighting."
"Alastor," a warning in Dumbledore's tone.
"Tuesday morning we make preparations around the castle –"
"Which will include my advanced students helping me in making positions for Madam Pomfrey?" Snape raised his eyebrow as he spoke.
"How many students and how much time?" Moody asked.
"I will only need a few, and if we start in the morning we should be done by lunch," Snape continued his flat tone.
"That shouldn't be a problem. I assume you're taking Hermione?"
"I will require Ms. Granger," Snaped paused. "And Mr. Potter if that is alright."
"Me?" Harry asked.
"It would seem that your extra lessons this summer and the assistance of Ms. Granger have brought your skills to a sufficient level." Harry could tell that Snape hated paying him a complement.
"As long as you're done with them by lunch," Moody growled. Mad-Eye continued to go over the preparations. As the wizard spoke Harry found himself looking out the window hoping that maybe his aunt my come flying in at any moment.
"Harry," the soft voice of Dumbledore snapped Harry out of his gaze. He turned to look at the Headmaster. "What are you looking at?"
"I was just watching," Harry turned back to the window.
"Watching for what Harry?" Lupin asked.
"For Julia," her name echoed through the room and everyone took a moment to look out the window.
"She'll make it Harry," Lupin said in a confident manner. "She'll make it."