Disclaimer: Hmmmm... Am I older than thirty? Does my last name start with an 'R'? Do I live in Europe? Nope, so I guess I don't own Harry Potter.

Draco's Spirit

Chapter Fourteen

From last time:

I rose from the bed, changing quickly and putting the now crumpled letter in my skirt pocket, the Dark Phoenix Feather going in after it. Fists formed as my anger grew, my hair flying out behind me on an invisible wind, my eyes dark with malice.

Draco Malfoy would pay.

Draco POV

"Wake up, Draco wake up..." Someone was shaking my shoulder, their motions frantic. "Wake up already!" the girl whispered, her voice laced with frustration and panic. "This is an emergency!" she said in a harsh tone, though still a whisper.

"W-what? What time is it?" I asked, turning to face the blond haired girl. "What's the big rush Manda? It's still dark outside... And it's Saturday.. No classes...."

"It's eight in the morning you idiot, it's just always dark down in these dungeons. Now hurry up and get dressed. We haven't a moment to lose."

It was then I noticed the assumed witch was already dressed, a pair of blue jeans with a light green top, her robe already on. Blond hair was tied up in a high ponytail, her blue eyes holding worry as they darted around the room.

"Calm down Manda, what's wrong? Did something happen to Zareh?" I asked, pulling my navy shirt over my blond tresses. She shook her head. "Then what is it?"

"She's coming Draco, she's looking for you," Mandela stated quietly, wringing her hands, clearly distressed.

"Who's coming where?... Ready." I pulled on my last shoe and gestured for us to leave through the dormitory door.

"Leila. Oh Draco, it's awful...." The girl collapsed against me, a small sob escaping her. "We can't stop her, there's nothing we can do." Silent cries shook through her thin frame, and I tried my best to comfort the distraught girl.

"There there Manda, it's okay... Everything will be alright.."

"No it wont," she said, pulling out of my embrace. "She's already killed several people, and she's not stopping. Not until she gets what she wants." Taking a deep breath she continued, "Come with me, Sina needs to see you immideatley. You may be the only one who can stop this."

I allowed Mandela to lead me down the deserted hall towards Gryffindor tower where she stopped in front of the portrait of an incredibly large lady in a bright pink dress. Way to many ruffles..

"Butterbeer," Mandela said to the woman, who eyed us with distrust. Reluctantly she swung outwards allowing us access into the red and gold common room. "Mia told me the password for emergencies," she said, looking at the confused expression on my face. "I'll go get Mia, you wait here."

Uneasily, I sank onto one of the many red, plush chairs in the room and glanced around at the inside of the tower. So this is where all the Gryffindors lived.. Mumbling could be heard coming down the stairs, but I could tell at once it wasn't Mandela. Was I about to get caught?

My eyes darted around the room, looking for a place to hide... none. My best option is just to stay calm and pretend that it doesn't matter to me in the least that I'm in Gryffindor territory.

Scarhead followed by Weasel came to the top of the landing and at seeing me, their happy expressions turned into two different looks. Weasley's face turned to an angry color, his eyes narrowed. Potter looked merely curious, probably wondering if this had anything to do with what had happened last night.

"What are you doing here Malfoy?" growled the red-head, coming down the stairs in his blue and white striped pajamas. Not a very threatening image.

"What's it look like?" I asked, smirking up at him. "I'm sitting. Why don't you come join me?" I asked, my voice unnaturally sugar coated.

"What are you doing in our tower Malfoy?" he asked, his hands in fists at his sides, murder on his face. It was then I remembered he still thinks I hit him in the back.. Uh oh.

Twittering, but hushed voices saved my life as Mia and Mandela came down the stairs, both expressions grim. "Well, it looks like my companions are here," I said standing up. "Pleasant talking to you Weasley." With that, I turned towards the portrait hole, the two girls following me.

A few minutes later, I found myself following the spirits down the long, confusing halls of the Spirit World, headed for Sina's office. "We got him Sina," yelled Mia into the office of the little girl. The blue haired child came out of a back room, her eyes red rimmed from lack of sleep, hair a tangle of knots. "Oh Sina," said the pink haired spirit softly, going over to the little girl.

Pulling a large brush off of the desk, she sat Sina on her lap and started to comb through the large snarls that made up the ruler's head. "What's going on?" I asked, closing the French doors behind me.

Mandela pulled me over to a couch and pushed me down, settling herself next to me. "I'm sure you remember Leila," said Sina, wincing as one more knot was wrenched from her head. "And you know she has the Dark Phoenix Feather. But do you know what that item does Draco?"

I shook my head, just knowing it had to be bad. "The feather has a terrible power," said the young girl, playing with the hem of her dress. "It was meant to weaken wizards, bring down their magical levels and make it harder for them to fight back. But muggles... They have no resistance to it whatsoever. If they are exposed to it for longer than a few minutes they will die."

"So you mean she's walking around muggle towns randomly killing people?" I asked. "That's wrong!"

"That isn't the goal she has in mind Draco," said Sina wearily. "She must travel through some towns to get where she is going, and unfortunately the people that live there must suffer. A total of six deaths have already happened due to the Phoenix Feather."

"But where is she going? It sounds like she has a plan...."

"She does. From what I understand, the items were first taken to be used against the Dark Followers. She wanted revenge for what they did to her and Zareh."

"Speaking of Zareh," cut in Mia, "Where is he?"

"The poor boy is sound asleep," said Sina. "He was exhausted when he got here last night and hasn't woken up since."

"What do you mean the first place?" I asked.

"That isn't Leila's goal anymore. She wants to get revenge on you now Draco. Why? Because you took her brother away from her. We've already tried to stop her," Sina said, her voice cracking, "But she's already killed several of the guards with her demon abilities. I don't know what to do anymore."

"This is why we need you Draco," said Mandela, turning to me. "You have powers, now is the time to use them. We must stop her!"

"But I can't even control them," I exclaimed, throwing my hands into the air. "How am I supposed to defeat her? She knows what she's doing, I have no idea!"

A gentle hand was placed on my shoulder. "I'm sorry for dragging you into all of this," said Sina, her blue eyes welling up with tears. "You can leave if you want. Pretend none of this ever happened, go back to a normal life."

I looked down at the small girl, my own eyes watering with tears at her kindness. She was offering me to leave this confusing and dangerous life to return to the one I had had before. I could just go back to being Draco Malfoy, Slytherin leader, cruel person, future Death Eater...

"I'm not leaving you guys to deal with this alone. I'm going to help, even if I'm not ready for this." Sina hugged me tightly around the middle, her tears spilling over. I smiled and ran my hands through her now tangle free hair. "So what do I have to do?" I asked, getting back to the serious matter.

"Defeat her," stated Mia. "Mandela and I will bring you to where she should be right now. After that, it is up to you. Good luck Draco." Mandela took one of my hands and Mia took my other. "We'll be back later Sina... Good bye till then."

A few seconds later, the three of us had been transported to the edge of a muggle town, strangely silent and devoid of people. "You two had better take cover," I whispered, my eyes fixed on the town. I felt the two girls release my hands and move off towards the sides.

My hands clenched in fear around my wand, now a seemingly weak defense. If she had that feather she could suck away my magic and then I'd really be in a bind. A bead of sweat rolled down my cheek, although I felt strangely cold.

My hands were clammy, the piece of wood getting harder to hold onto. The wind whipped about me, my black robes blowing in the mad torrent, my loose silver hair flying backwards, fortunately out of my eyes.

A shadowed figure emerged from the silent town, heading down the road straight for me, a dark glow emitting from an item in their hand. Her hair was swept behind her, the long black streaks painting the sky behind her. Ice blue eyes illuminated her pale features, a forbidding presence followed.

A gave a sharp intake of breath when my wand suddenly heated up, a little bit of the magic draining from it and being sucked into the glowing feather. "So. You are Draco Malfoy." The girl paused, her lips in a straight line, scanning me up and down. "You are the one who took my brother away. Now, you will pay.... With your life."

The winds seemed to come alive behind her as she stalked forth, one hand holding onto the feather, the other outstretched. "Come... Come and play with me Draco Malfoy. There is no doubt of who the winner of this game will be."

With a sudden burst of speed, she came flying at me, her black painted nails aimed at my throat. I sidestepped, her hands raking the air right next to me. With a snarl, she turned, and lunged at me again.

I heard Mia give a horrified shriek that melted together with the loud clap of thunder that burst from the sky. But instead of going for me with her free hand, Leila aimed the feather at me, the glow surrounding it becoming brighter as I felt more of my energy drain.

Lashing out with my fist, I attempted to hit her, only for her to jump nimbly out of the way, the feather coming in for a second attack. As soon as her item landed on me, the girl drew back several paces, watching with grim satisfaction as I weakly rose from the ground, the feather having more than just drain my powers but also struck me quite hard.

I didn't feel that familiar tingle of magic that normally flowed through my wand. With a small curse, I threw the useless piece of wood over my shoulder, my magic officially drained for the time being. Now, I would have to rely on hand to hand combat, and if possible my energy blasts.

"Are you out of magic already?" she asked, putting the feather away in a pocket of her short, black skirt. "I would have thought more of a challenge from the great Spirit Detective."

"Are you done jabbering yet?" I asked, making impatience creep into my voice. "If you think that just because you've taken away my magic you have a higher advantage, you are completely mistaken. Never underestimate a Malfoy."

I dashed forward, a streak of lightning hitting the ground only a few feet from which I stood, but I took no notice, all of my attention focused on hitting the demon girl. I know I shouldn't hit a girl, but to reassure myself in anyway... she was the one who started it.

My fist crashed into her, the girl too surprised by my sudden charge to even block. I went in to hit her while she was on the ground, but my fist hit the hard asphalt as she rolled to the left. Swinging her right leg in an arc, she brought it up underneath me and managed to make me trip, landing on the ground while she rose.

"Now you die Draco Malfoy," she said, her hand open revealing a small black seed. "Good bye." The little unborn plant fell towards me, before a huge explosion was heard. It was only when I opened my eyes did I realize I'd closed them.

A large silvery shield, much like a bubble, was surrounding me, the ground around it scorched and filled with gaping holes. That could have been me.... Fortunately, it looks like one of my abilities kicked in.

Rising to my feet, the protective shield started to fade until I was once again standing in the open, no means of protection on me... although she didn't need to know that. "It looks like you're little tactic fell through," I sneered. "I must honestly say, I don't feel dead."

"What kind of magic was that?" she hissed, eyes flashing. "You should be completely drained."

"Maybe it wasn't magic.... Let's finish this." With an angry cry, she charged, her fists flying at me. I ducked and dodged every punch, but being on the defensive was getting me nowhere and she was wearing me down. I would have to fight.

Instead of fighting back with my fists though, I drew my knee up, catching the demon in her stomach, a small gasp of surprise coming from her mouth. As she leaned, hunched over, I decided this would be the best time to negotiate.

"Leila, listen to me. What we're doing is for your own good... I can help you, we don't have to fight. Both you and Zareh will receive fair trials and I'll even make sure the sentences aren't too harsh."

"You think that I'd ever listen to you," she spat, her gaze two burning chips. "It's obvious you thought wrong Malfoy. The only person I trust is my brother, and even now I'm not so sure about that. But I do know that there will be a death here tonight... You're death."

She straightened up, her black hair swaying, another bolt of lightning making her seem to glow. "This time, I will not fail. I can see that you are still a new person accustomed to your unique powers, but you do have some skill in fighting. And it is time for me to get serious."

From beneath her hair, she removed a solid black rose, except for two streaks of red, the color of blood in the very center. "This is one of my favored attacks," she said, fingering the velvety petals. "I will be only to happy to use it on you... Black Rose Lash!"

I watched as the rose transformed into a long black whip, thorns going up and down the length. How could I fight a whip? With amazing speed, she flicked it towards me, the vine wrapping itself about my right arm that I used to block.

With a scream I dropped to my knees, the thorns piercing into my skin, blood being drawn. Wrenching it out of my arm, I rose, my own eyes flashing now with anger. "Did that hurt?" she asked sweetly, although her smile didn't quite reach her cold, burning eyes. "I'm glad. How about you try to dodge a real blow this time..."

The plant came flying at me again, and I had to make an ungraceful roll out of the way. Faster and faster she lashed it out, seeming to enjoy my cries when the sharp tips broke through my flesh, the warm blood spilling down.

Minutes later, after this game of dodging, I lay on the ground, gasping for breath as blood poured from my incredibly torn arms. With silent footsteps, she approached, the thunder rumbling in the distance signifying my coming defeat.

"What a pathetic excuse for a wizard," she muttered, stopping about a foot from my fallen form. "Time to put you out of your misery, I'm assuming you are in great pain. It is the least I could do.."

Well, she was right about being in pain. My arms and parts of my torso felt as though they were on fire, the drizzle on the open wounds not making me feel any better. But was I, Draco Malfoy, going to die, lying in the middle of a deserted road from a plant? NO!

Before she could come any closer, I pushed myself up, so now I was on all fours, trying to regain balance. Shakily, I stood up, my legs threatening to give out beneath me. "I'm not done yet Leila. I'm not going to be done until you're the one who's down."

She laughed, much like the one I'd heard Bellatrix Lestrange use. It was high, cold, a truly evil sound. "Do I look like the one who is hurt Malfoy? Do I look like I'm about to fall? I didn't think so.."

I brought my hands in front of me, holding them so the bottoms of the palms were touching, forming a sideways V. And to me it really was magic when a small silver glow started to form in the bottom tip of the V. "Actually Leila, I do believe you are going to look hurt."

The silver light made my face shine an eerie silvery white, my eyes turning a brighter sheen then normal. I know when super heroes in muggle tales are about to defeat the bad guy, they always yell out the name of the attack.. But I unfortunately don't the name of this glowing ball...

With a final burst of my last remaining energy, the ball flew from my hands on a direct course towards Leila. She screamed as the energy collided with her, and I had to shield my eyes from the bright explosion that my attack had created.

When the light died down, I saw her still standing in the middle of the road, although she didn't look like she should be. Dirt covered her face, and drops of blood stuck to her, the result of asphalt slamming into her skin. The shirt she wore was missing one of its sleeves, a dark burn covering her left leg.

"This isn't the end," she muttered, before slumping to the ground. I felt a small smile tug at my face... I had won. But then the past few moment caught up; my magic gone, energy drained, body exhausted, and blood loss. Then I too fell to the ground, the panicked cries of the two spirit girls and the sound of pounding rain the last thing I heard.

Beep... Beep... Beep...

With a small groan I rose, running a bandaged hand through my hair. I was sitting in a bed in the Hogwarts infirmary, wearing my black pants and nothing else except for the many bandages wrapped around my chest and up my arms. What had happened?

Then it all came flooding back to me. Sina... Leila.... Storm... fighting.....screaming... pain... What had happened to Mia and Mandela? Swinging my legs over the bed, I was just about to go looking for them when a curt voice spoke.

"Get back in that bed right now Mr. Malfoy," demanded the nurse. "Your friends brought you in last night. They found you at the base of one of the staircases... Although I honestly don't see how you could have retained the injuries you have from falling down a set of stairs."

"Who brought me in?"

"Miss Reaper and Miss Guide. By the way young man, what were you doing wandering the halls that late at night?"

"I...uh..."

"He was helping me with some homework Madam Pomfrey," declared a girl entering the hospital. "I'm afraid we lost track of time." I stared in amazement at Granger who had just in a way saved my life.

The nurse nodded, approving of the answer and held out a bottle to me. "In here is some medicine for tissue replacement. I'm not sure how a staircase did this, but you are missing tissue muscles in both of your arms. Drink this and head down to breakfast."

I gulped down the disgusting potion, hearing Hermione giggle at the expression on my face. Reaching over, I pulled on my shirt and my robe and then slid out of the bed, my legs wobbling slightly but supporting my frame.

"Are you alright?" asked Hermione who had decided to walk with me to breakfast. "Where were you yesterday anyway? I heard you were in the Gryffindor commons during the morning and then you left with Mia and Mandela later."

"Remember those twins I told you about?" I asked, gingerly touching a bruise on my cheek. "Well, it turns out the girl is pretty good at fighting."

"You got beaten by a girl?" she laughed. "That's something I'll always remember."

"For your information Hermione, I won. And the second thing is, I'd like to see you go up against someone without magic. It's quite difficult."

"Wait," she said, grabbing my sleeve to stop me. "Why didn't you use your magic? Didn't you have your wand?"

"Yes, I had it," I replied, feeling the piece of wood that was in my robe pocket. Manda or Mia must have found it and put it back. "But that girl used this thing on me... it drained all my magic away."

"I'm sorry," she said softly. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine," I said irritably, pulling my arm out of her grasp. "Really, this is nothing."

"Hey...Draco? What did you mean when you said your family was evil like theirs?" I stopped walking to turn and face her.

"That is none of your concern Granger," I said, a note of coolness slipping into my voice. "My family matters don't have anything to do with the present matter."

"But...maybe I can help," she said softly, latching onto my arm sleeve again. "I want to help Draco... But I can't do that unless you tell me. And besides," she said, a thoughtful expression coming over her face, "You owe me a favor. Since I saved your life you have to pay me back. And I want to know what is wrong with your family."

I opened my mouth to once again tell her that it was none of her business, but found that my mouth wouldn't form those words. "It's a wizard's debt Draco," she said proudly. "You have to do what I request of you."

"Fine," I grumbled. "I'll tell you by the lake, I don't want anyone to overhear us." Stalking off towards the front doors, she followed me like an eager puppy. Once we were both settled on the bank she turned to me, waiting for my explanation.

"Here's how it goes. At home, we're not the devoted family to Dark Arts like everyone thinks we are. My mother firmly dislikes my father and Voldemort... he doesn't like it that she disobeys him and he...well he beats her. I used to be too little to understand," I continued, ignoring Hermione's gasp, "but once I realized what was happening I tried to stop him. That only resulted in my becoming another punching bag when I was around. One of the only reasons I came back to life was to protect my mother. I want her to leave the manor, go somewhere safe."

"Oh Draco...I'm so sorry.."

"I don't need your pity Hermione. I don't need anyone except myself," I said, standing up and brushing the grass off of my pants.

"HEY! DRACOOOOOOOOOO!" hollered Mia, coming towards us at a sprint, Mandela trailing her. "There you are," she panted, leaning against me for support. "The trials are starting in a little bit. Are you going to come?"

"What about-"

"I got classes taken care of," said Mandela who had just caught up, her face with two bright cherry dots and her hair hanging limply by her shoulders. "Are you coming?"

"Hell yeah," I said, a smile lighting up my features. I wasn't so eager to see Leila, but I liked Zareh and I'd promised I'd come. "Let's go!"

The two girls each took one of my hands and we disappeared, leaving a very confused Hermione behind us.

Author's Notes:

Hello everyone, gotta keep this short. Am about to go to a party and wanted to get this updated.. So

Please review!

That was short... RC going to be short too...

Reviewer's Comments:

LishaChan don't remember. I'm glad too. You really do like to talk that way

Edarcy03 thanks for the review

AnimegirlH thanks for review!

Devils-fire those two are funny!

Coffeentoffee thanks for review!

Dracoismine4eva thanks for review!

Doesn't look like I made it... I have come and gone to the party...

Elrohir lover you won't believe me then.. I've read first book, seen first movie and read part of book 2... I'm terrible! But hopefully I'll read them over my vacation.. That might work!

Baby Goo Goo 2 Thank you!

Lu.E. Well, as you can see, Draco decided to go all out. Yeah, there are some changes, like adding Mandela, the trial coming up.. Plus he's at Hogwarts and lots of stuff happens there. Glad you like it!

Rinaula Thank you! Hope to see ya again!

Rose Yep, I like to leave cliffs to keep people hanging on for more. Sometimes though, like this chapter, they aren't so bad.

Stormy Skies NO Anime? You had better get started!! Lol Glad you liked the chapter!

Tyesantye Yep, they did. Yeah, poor Mione. She's probably wondering how they come and go without a portkey..

Amber Thank you for the review! Draco is my fave character! Followed by him would be.... No clue. I'm to obsessed with one to even work on others!

Ryo Akuinenn Singing? I was going to try out for choir but with my band schedule it was too hard. Did you make it? I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Izyish I didn't (unfortunately) I just know a few words so I applied them here! Do you think they fit? Zareh=Protector - shows that he protects his sister. Leila=Dark Beauty- Just look at her character.

Darling Love Yeah, Hiei never did seem to care much except about Yukina! Glad you like the chapter!

Spun Nah, I don't blame ya. They are annoying and as you can see I've basically stopped. It kinda draws away from the story and I didn't want that anymore. Glad you like it!

BrittneyAnna Virus, that's awful. My downstairs computer has one. Don't blame you, I'm starting to grow on Zareh...a lot. He's just so sweet, like you said, and I love how he likes to protect his sister. What did you think of the fight? You know me, not so good with fighting scenes...

HalownKourga Look out... Mandela might find a pairing headed her way... But of course you already know that. She didn't really freak, but she did go on a killing hunt! Ja na!