A/N: Here we are again! Back for another exciting update yippee! Thanks to all the great reviewers, you all mean a lot to me! I get so excited when I see another review in my inbox, it makes me want to write more and update as soon as possible! Too bad it's been so busy here lately…I'm really trying to write fast. I just have like three softball games a week and two and a half hour practices on the days we don't have games…kinda hard to squeeze all that in. Please read and review! I'd appreciate all kinds of reviews—especially constructive.
REVIEWS:
Glenlightarrow: Thanks for the review! That's a cool word, baka hehe…well I dunno if I'm gonna make Draco baka yet or not. Probably not.
Ginnylover86: Thanks a bunch for the review!
Blackrose71089: Thanks! Here's the next chapter!
FredandGeorgeWeasleyareMYKings: Thanks for the praise! It means a lot. Here's the next chapter and I hope you keep reading!
Jade130: Thanks for agreeing with me! Also thanks for the review!
CHAPTER 9: One Tree Hill
Slowly Harry came back to consciousness. Everything was very dark and blurred still, but he could hear alright. Nearby several people were talking quickly and excitedly. He didn't remember why he had blacked out. What had happened?
"Dumbledore's gone to call some Order members together," a voice was saying from nearby. "And he sent Professor Flitwik down to the dungeons to get Malfoy."
Suddenly everything came back to Harry in a rush. He had been dreaming and had seen, no been, Voldemort and he was torturing Snape to make sure he had made the correct potion and would administer it when it was time. But he didn't know what potion, where or to whom. Harry also remembered Voldemort telling Lucius Malfoy to bring the girl back, and to not disturb the neighborhood or let Dumbledore or Draco know. Harry assumed it was Alexa Bindl they were trying to get at, Draco's girlfriend.
"What was Harry talking about, Hermione?" Harry assumed this was Ron talking.
"I think Lexy is the muggle girl Draco fell in love with," Hermione was saying. "He said something about kidnapping, and it would explain why he needed Draco."
"Then he said something about Snape being tortured," said Ron.
"Yes, I don't know where that comes into play," said Hermione thoughtfully. "Perhaps—."
"He was being tortured because Voldemort wanted to make sure the potion was correct," said Harry, his voice raspy.
"Harry!" Ron half shouted. "Are you okay mate?"
"Yea," said Harry wincing at the loud noise. "Help me get up."
"Harry," said Ginny, "You aren't well; you need to stay in bed, Dumbledore's orders."
"Never mind Dumbledore," said Harry sitting up. "I need to see Draco."
"Harry," said Hermione hesitantly, "We're sorry about earlier; it was wrong of us to assume that you did…that."
"It's ok, honestly. Now help me get up!" The three obliged, although hesitantly. They did not understand why Harry needed to see Malfoy, but saw that he had to. Harry stood up on shaky legs with the help of his friends. After taking a minute to steady himself, Harry walked by himself down the stairs to the common room and out into the corridors.
Feeling more himself, Harry energetically took off down the hallway at a half-run, with Hermione, Ginny and Ron struggling to keep up with him. As they reached the entrance to the dungeons, they met Professor Flitwik leading a very confused looking Draco Malfoy in the direction of Professor Dumbledore's office.
"Potter!" said Professor Flitwik as sternly as his squeaky voice would allow. "I was informed that you should be kept in bed, not running around like a maniac through the corridors."
"Professor," said Harry, catching his breath, "I need to talk to Draco alone right now!"
Professor Flitwik looked at him suspiciously. He knew that Harry and Draco were on better terms, but didn't trust them together alone, especially with the state Harry was in right now. He sighed, "Alright Potter, but it better be quick. Ms. Granger, Mr. and Ms. Weasley, I suggest you stay with me."
"But Professor!" complained Ron.
"Maybe it would be better if you did stay with him, this will only take a minute," said Harry to Ron out of the corner of his mouth.
Ron made to protest, but was jabbed hard in the side by Hermione's elbow. Harry silently thanked her as he went off into a corner with Draco.
"What's up, Potter?" asked Draco, looking confused but worried.
"I had a dream and saw Voldemort," said Harry, choosing not to say that he had been in fact, Voldemort himself as it would take too long to explain. "Your father was going to kidnap Lexy, Draco. There was also something about a…"
But Harry was interrupted by a violent, "NO! YOU BAST—," Draco stopped short of swearing with a quick glance at Flitwik who was watching them carefully. Draco turned to face the wall and slapped his hands against it in frustration and anger.
"Draco, there was also something about a portkey being placed somewhere where you would find it. This is a plot to capture you back, Draco. They didn't want you or Dumbledore to find out," Harry said quickly, trying to reveal as much information as he knew in the time Draco spent silent.
"What time did Snape leave?" asked Harry suddenly. Draco said nothing, just moaned and leaned against the wall. "What time did Snape leave, Draco? I need to know!" said Harry, his voice rising with urgency.
"Sometime last night," said Draco, not paying much attention to what he was saying.
"What time?" Harry pressed.
"Around nine o'clock," said Draco who was beginning to move towards the great doors that guarded the entrance of the castle.
Harry was thinking fast. He couldn't let Draco go on alone, but he knew Professor Flitwik would not let them leave either. Where they would go once they did get out of the castle, Harry didn't know but had to trust that Draco knew where he was going.
Making up his mind quickly, Harry walked briskly over to Flitwik and his friends and said, "Draco and I have some business we have to attend to, Professor. It seems Professor Snape did not leave enough of Draught of Peace with Draco when he left last night. Draco desperately needs this potion, Professor, but he's missing worm root," Harry said quickly, racking his brains for a good excuse to get out of the castle. "Can we go to the forest and get some? Draco knows right where some is and it isn't far from the edge."
Flitwik looked torn between what to do. "Mr. Potter I have orders from Dumbledore that you are supposed to be in bed and that I must escort Mr. Malfoy to his office until he may speak with him. I am afraid I can not let you do this."
"But Professor!" said Harry desperately. "Do you see him? He needs it desperately. He's going insane with his emotions towards Lexy. The only thing that helps is the potion! If he doesn't get it in—," Harry checked his watch, "—two hours, he could commit suicide."
Professor Flitwik looked angry but worried so he allowed them to go. "But mark my words Potter, if anything happens and you don't get back here in half an hour you'll both have a week of detention once the term starts!"
With a quick word to Hermione, Ron and Ginny, telling them to stay, Harry and Draco rushed out of the castle.
"Harry! Draco! We're coming with you!" shouted a voice from above them. Harry groaned. He did not want to endanger his friends yet again.
Ginny came running down the path that led towards Hogsmeade. Draco paused only briefly to tell Harry that they were no way in hell coming with. Silently Harry agreed with him, but it broke his heart to have to tell them that. Stopping, Harry turned and confronted his friends.
"Ginny, Hermione, Ron," said Harry turning to each one in turn as Draco slowed to a stop and watched impatiently. "I love you guys, but what we are about to do is not for you. It is between Draco and me. It would be too hard to explain to you what is going on," then a thought came to Harry. "Will you guys please stay here? I have something for you to do."
The three protested at the thought. What could they do back at the castle? Surely it couldn't be more important than being beside him in battle, if that's what they were going to.
"Draco, did you get my note last night?" asked Harry.
"Yea," said Draco. "I found a way to communicate," he took out several sheaves of paper that looked like diaries. Ginny looked at them warily. Harry didn't blame her after what had happened in her first year.
"There is a better way than this, but it takes some time to prepare," he said, handing them out to the four. "Address it like a letter to whoever you want to send it to. Everything you write in it will show up in the other person's diary. If you wish everyone to see it, simply write: To all. I've also charmed them so that only you can read it to prevent snooping." Draco looked very smug as Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione looked at them in awe.
"How did you figure this out?" asked Hermione. "I've read about these. They're the wizarding take of the internet and instant messaging. It's called the Wizwit. The spell is very complex and it takes a very powerful wizard to create them."
Draco glanced sidelong at Harry. "Well," he said, "I don't know about anything called the internet, but I asked Professor Snape as you asked me to, and he said he communicates with people this way. I asked him to show me and he taught me the spell. The only thing is he had to be connected to our Wizwit too."
"What?" said Harry enraged. "Does he have to be in on everything?"
"He said that they weren't allowed in Hogwarts and he had to surveillance it if we would be allowed to have it," said Draco, looking anxiously towards Hogsmeade. "Now can we go, Potter? Just leave them here!"
"Ok, just hang on a second!" said Harry, angry that Draco was so pushy about leaving. Obviously he didn't care about his friends. He saw a point to it though, and also thought they were taking a long time talking to Hermione, Ginny, and Ron. "Ok, guys, can you please stay here and do some stuff for me? I was talking to Sirius the other day, and he mentioned that the map--," Harry saw Draco blanch at the mention of Sirius but Harry ignored him, making sure he didn't specify what map he was talking about. "—could be expanded to see all of Britain. They never figured it out, but said you should be able to Hermione. Write to us when you figure it out."
Draco turned and started running towards Hogsmeade and Harry started to follow, but was held back by Ginny. "Harry you be careful," she said with a few tears in her eyes. Suddenly she gave him a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth and ran off towards the lake. Harry stared off at her in astonishment. He was broken out of his reverie by Hermione coughing loudly.
"You better hurry up mate," said Ron, looking at Draco who had slowed down and was waiting for Harry with annoyance. "Be careful."
"Thanks Ron, Hermione. Ginny," said Harry as he turned and raced off after Draco.
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Ron and Hermione were very confused as to what was up with Harry, but didn't question his judgment and went to work on the Marauder's Map immediately. One particular female redhead however, was extremely worried and immediately started writing in the Wizwit that Malfoy had given her.
Before writing, Ginny did examine the Wizwit-diary thing closely. The last time a Malfoy had handed her a book had been a terrible ordeal, one that she didn't want to go through again. After it passed her examination, Ginny began a long letter to Harry but couldn't seem to get it right. Again and again she had to erase and start over. If Harry had seen her, with her hair slightly pulled back from the wind but at the same time messed up, chewing on her quill thoughtfully as she stared out into the sparkling blue waters of the lake, he would have fallen on his knees with shock. She was stunningly beautiful in her own way. Not as pretty as Lavender or Parvati, Ginny was in her own unique way, gorgeous.
Ginny stayed out by the lake in the hot August sun all afternoon, every so often wading in the lake. All of a sudden she saw a fuzzy little fur ball come dashing out of the castle towards her. Alarmed, Ginny stood up from where she was laying and drew her wand. False alarm; Artemis was the fuzzy little fur ball. He must have been exploring the castle.
Ginny fell asleep half an hour later with Artemis curled up next to her. Several hours later as Ron searched for her in order to go to the Celebrations, he found her in the exact same position with a little smile on her face, as if she were dreaming something extremely pleasant.
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As Ron, Hermione and Ginny were getting ready to go to the Celebration's of Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody and Mungdungus Fletcher, Harry and Draco were a hundred miles away, just entering Scotland.
"How much further, Malfoy?" asked Harry impatiently. They had been traveling for several hours now and Harry was getting tired.
Malfoy walked on in silence. He had been very ornery since they had passed Yorkshire. They had been traveling in a variety of ways; a little on foot, some by muggle train or bus, and Draco had even made an illegal portkey that exported them a few miles across a lake and dense forest.
"Can't you just make a portkey again?" asked Harry.
"No, I told you already I can't," grunted Malfoy sullenly, not looking at him just staring at the ground the way he had for the last couple miles. They were currently walking along a country road amongst the green, rolling pastures that held a variety of sheep and cows.
"Why not just try?" asked Harry hopefully.
"BECAUSE….you can only make them if you know where exactly you're going….and we don't. You need to know the exact coordinates or have the location firmly implanted in your mind. We don't," said Malfoy exasperatedly.
"Then why didn't we take our brooms?" groaned Harry as he tripped in a pothole.
"Because we're brainless idiots who rush into things," said Malfoy in a monotone.
Harry shook his head and again went into the trance that accompanied visiting Sirius. For half of the time they had been traveling he had been immersed in conversation with Sirius. Mostly it was the same old stuff, how was he doing, what was happening, did he need any help, etc. But Harry had also gotten to hear a response from his parents. He had said to say hi before, and had received this message back, Harry; we love you and think of you every passing time span. Time really has no meaning here, so we're not sure what to call it. Stay strong and trust Dumbledore and Remus. Times will be getting tough, but someone will be there to help you. This prince you know already, but you need to learn to trust him. We cannot tell you anymore as it is forbidden, but know that you will always find help within Hogwarts and the Order.
Sighing Harry snapped back out of the reverie that had held him and thought of what his parents had said. By now he was pretty sure the prince they mentioned had something to do with the half-blood that Hermione and Ginny had discovered when overhearing McGonagall and Snape talk about Aunt Petunia's will.
"Half-Blood Prince," Harry wondered aloud, and Draco looked at him quickly.
"What did you just say?"
"Sirius passed a message on to my parents saying hi and they said I know a prince. I'm thinking it has to do with the half-blood I mentioned earlier," said Harry. Earlier on in the trip he had had to explain to Draco how he could talk to Sirius.
"How do you figure that?" asked Draco, a weird glitch in his voice.
"It's just that both sources said I need to trust them and that I already know them," said Harry, people running through his mind. Who could it be and how would they help him?
"Potter, I've heard of a half-blood prince before," said Draco suddenly after a moment of silence.
Harry stopped in his tracks. "Where?" he asked urgently.
Draco shrugged and looked a little nervous, "Just when I was really little I think. I used to spy on the Death Eater meetings my father held so I could pretend to be one. Pathetic really."
"Yea I guess, but it could prove useful," said Harry excitedly. This could be the break he was hoping for. "What about them?"
"I don't know," said Draco. "Something about half-blood prince and a prophecy. One of our house elves found me then and snuck me away because he was afraid I'd get caught and he'd get in trouble."
The gears in Harry's mind had started turning immediately as he heard prophecy and half-blood prince in the same line. Perhaps that is what Aunt Petunia had wanted to tell him in her will. He would have to see it as soon as he got back. He still couldn't understand why Dumbledore or Snape hadn't showed it to him or even told him of his aunt's passing yet. Bloody rude if you asked him.
They walked on in silence for some time, each thinking his own thoughts. All of a sudden something made a loud shrieking beeping noise and Harry and Draco ducked for cover in alarm. Harry searched the area around him and above him looking for the source of the noise. Draco was laughing. Harry then looked down and remembered the Wizwit he had put in his pants pocket earlier. It must make a noise when a message is received. He wondered if there was a way to turn the damn thing off. It wouldn't be good for stealth and tracking.
Harry eagerly opened the book to see what his friend's had to say as Draco looked over his shoulder.
Harry,
We got it to work! After tinkering around with the map for like ever, we finally found a way to get it to expand, but only temporarily. It also does not have as much detail as Hogwarts, but we entered names into it and it shows those we enter. We entered several Death Eaters names and you own. The Death Eaters don't know where you are, but there are a bunch of Death Eaters congregating at One Tree Hill by the town of Hawick. BE CAREFUL and write back quickly.
Hermione
Harry looked at Draco, questioningly. Draco nodded. "I know where One Tree Hill is," he said quietly, a fierce, determined look on his face. He then took out his own Wizwit and jotted down a quick note.
"What did you say?" asked Harry.
"Just to see if they put the name Alexa Bindl into this map thing. Also to tell them good job for figuring out how to enlarge the map," he said casually.
Harry stared at him. Draco Malfoy told Hermione Granger good job? He wasn't sure if he believed that.
"Draco now that you know where we are going, can we please portkey there?" asked Harry, rubbing his calves as he sat down to rest in the shade of an elm tree.
"I s'pose," said Draco, taking a pen from the pocket of his pants. He then quietly said a spell—he still wouldn't let Harry find out how to make one and Harry was quite mad at him for that—and held out the pen to Harry. "Grab hold," he said as they were whisked out of sight.
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Harry, as usual, fell upon landing from traveling with the portkey. He quickly rose, remembering that they were landing near Death Eaters. Harry scowled as he realized that Draco, yet again, had smoothly landed. They had landed in a forested area within a city. Harry realized it was a city park. They must be in Hawick.
"Get out of the way you twip!" shouted Draco, yanking at Harry's arm causing it to burst in pain.
"What are you doing?" asked Harry angrily, rubbing his sore arm. Then he realized. They had landed at a secluded point used by all kinds of wizards and witches away from the prying muggle eyes. A group of about seven wizards had just portkeyed into the spot where Harry had just been standing. Harry mumbled a gruff "Thanks," to Draco as he stood there smirking.
Quickly they moved to the edge of the park and towards the city limits. It was about three o'clock and the streets were very busy. This was a matter for alarm as well as hope. There were so many people and someone could recognize them, or, because there were so many people, nobody would notice two innocent looking boys walking the streets out of town.
In the west the clouds were gathering, signaling a likely afternoon shower or thunderstorm. They were currently passing a roadside stand selling fresh home grown fruit and vegetables. Somewhere in a bar Harry could hear a song playing.
I can't believe the news today
Oh, I can't close my eyes and make it go away
How long…
How long must we sing this song?
How long? How long…
Everything was getting fuzzy and Harry heard Draco say, "Is something wrong Harry?" before collapsing.
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Harry paced around the tree, thinking hard when someone in a dark, hooded robe approached him and fell to his knees. "Master!" he said. "I bring good news!"
"Yes," said Harry coldly. "It had better be good after what happened last time you brought "good" news.
"Plans have been made for Sunday, my lord. Everything is proceeding to plan. And the girl is cooperating with us," he said, emotion rising in his voice. He was hoping to get praise from his lord. Voldemort had no thoughts about giving it to him however.
"Rise," said Harry to the Death Eater. "You have not failed me, Nott, but you haven't succeeded yet. Be gone!"
Harry groaned as a wet rag was applied to his burning forehead. His scar was near bursting with pain. Draco loomed over him. Harry looked around and saw that they were in the shade of a bush, out of sight of the locals. He struggled to sit up, Draco helping him the first foot.
"You ok Potter?" he asked, looking almost concernedly at Harry. "What did you see?"
"The girl…is…cooperating," said Harry, catching his breath. "The plans are ready for Sunday."
"Lexy," Draco whispered, standing up, before reaching down to give Harry a hand up. "Can you keep going?"
Harry nodded resolutely. Draco was starting to grow on him he thought amazedly. Making him go to extremes for his precious muggle girlfriend.
The two snuck unobserved from their hiding spot behind the bushes by the library. Soon enough they were on the road towards One Tree Hill.
There must have been something unique about the hill, because they saw a sign that pointed the way and gave the distance as two more kilometers until they reached the hill. What was so great about a hill, Harry was thinking. His question was answered shortly as they walked down the country road and grew nearer. The tree was enormous. It was probably around 350 feet tall and about 75 feet around the base.
Harry looked at it in wonder, forgetting the reason they had come. It was lucky for him that Draco hadn't and was on the lookout for Death Eaters and Lexy.
"I think I've read about this place," Harry whispered in awe. "It's one of the places fairy's go to rejuvenate and get their magic filled."
Draco looked at him confused. "What are you talking about? The only fairies I know are the small, annoying things Flitwik puts on Christmas trees. Don't forget why we are here, Potter."
"I'm not stupid Malfoy," said Harry annoyed. "Holly Short came to one of these in the Artemis Fowl books. I thought they were just fiction, but I guess not."
"Will you ever tell me who this Artemis Fowl is?" asked Draco, who had slowed to a crawl and was studiously examining the hill and area around it. No muggles were currently present, which was a relief, but there were signs of frequent use. Harry wondered how the fairies ever used it without being seen.
"Artemis Fowl is a teenage criminal mastermind who got involved with the fairies during one of his plots," said Harry, thinking hard. It had been a long time since he had read the books.
Now they were approaching the tree, and Harry wished he had thought to bring his invisibility cloak. "Hey maybe we should use a disillusionment charm," suggested Harry. He thought he could remember how to do the one where it felt like you had an egg cracked over your head.
"Go for it," said Draco sullenly. He wasn't picking up any movement anywhere and was wondering if Hermione had given them the wrong information.
They were now next to the tree, and Harry, after much deliberation, decided that it would be useless to use a disillusionment charm now because if there was anyone there, they would have seen them already.
Harry, making a decision, quickly took out his Wizwit and sent a message to Ginny. He wasn't sure why he picked Ginny instead of Hermione, but he did.
Three minutes after he sent the message, Ginny sent one back. Harry was thankful for the speed in which she replied.
Harry,
They are currently stationed in the middle of the hill. I'm not sure if that's where the tree is, or they are underground. They must be there. The map doesn't lie remember Harry? Come back soon and safe.
Ginny
Harry bit his lip, confused. Draco saw the confusion on his face and said, "What's wrong, Potter?" He came quickly over and looked at the note Ginny had sent him.
He had a thoughtful look on his face and turned around to examine the tree more closely. Malfoy walked around it twice, examining every crook and cranny. It was obvious they weren't behind the tree, and the tree was in the middle of the hill.
"They're in the tree," said Malfoy, looking at the tree suspiciously.
"What?" asked Harry disbelievingly.
"I said they're in the tree you moron," said Malfoy sharply.
"I heard you the first time," Harry retorted. "I was merely stating disbelief at the idea.
"It's not that shocking," said Draco more calmly. "Are you with me for breaking in?" he asked.
"Of course," said Harry determinedly looking at the tree. "But how?"
Draco drew his wand quickly and said, "Puncheralemis!" pointing his wand at the tree. With a loud roar, a hole appeared in the trunk of the tree, causing Harry to jump back in shock.
Harry realized that the Death Eaters were probably in the trunk, waiting for them to surprise them. He held out his arm, stopping Draco from jumping in and said quietly, "Dormir tuir." Harry directed the spell into the trunk. Hopefully, if everything worked out, the spell would put everyone in the tree to sleep for five minutes. Quite a useful spell if you asked him, thought Harry, thinking of the ways that he could use the spell in school.
"Nice one," muttered Draco as he peered into the dark hole. It was nearing sundown, and shadows were popping up everywhere, causing Harry to jump in anticipation of meeting the Death Eaters. All of a sudden headlights appeared in the distance, coming in the direction of One Tree Hill.
"We have company," said Harry darkly. "It's the muggle police," said Harry upon further examination of the vehicle headed their way. "They must be doing their last rounds, searching for parked cars."
Draco laughed forcibly. "Well then, let's hurry."
Harry didn't need to be told twice and jumped into the hole in the tree, illuminating his wand as he did so.
Inside there were several people laying down, apparently asleep. Harry laughed to himself, it had worked. The sentry was sitting in his chair, a look of alarm upon his face. Harry had cast the spell just in time.
Draco came in after him, immediately scanning the ground for a girl. He searched in vain, but couldn't find her. The men were Death Eaters, though, Harry could tell. He didn't recognize any of them, but then realized who was at his feet.
A burst of rage streamed through Harry. Here was the one that had caused all of his suffering during the summer. The one who had taunted him; first in the Department of Mysteries, then all summer in his dreams. He could finally get revenge.
Harry brought his knee up to his chest in fury and started to bring it down on Bellatrix Lestrange's face. Before it landed, though, a small form hurtled itself at him, knocking him down and preventing him from hurting Lestrange.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING! LET ME HURT HER!" Harry screamed, infuriated that someone had prevented him from hurting her. Harry struggled to get to her, to pound her head in, to do as much harm to her as he could. To kill her. He had not felt a rage inside himself ever. Now everything was unleashing itself.
"Harry, stop, Potter, you'll wake them up…," said Draco, getting desperate as he held a struggling, punching and kicking Harry from getting to Bellatrix Lestrange. "I'm sorry I have to do this Potter," said Draco, panting heavily with exertion. "But it's the only way--. Stupefy!"
Harry went limp in Malfoy's arms, knocked out. Draco sighed and slung Harry's body gently away from him. He quickly performed several other spells on the people lying motionless around him before writing a quick message in Harry's Wizwit, addressed to all the others.
This was a good night for Draco Malfoy.
A/N: Thanks for reading! One note: I'm thinking of writing another fanfic…what should it be about? Any ideas? A Lily-James story? Any ideas please review with them!