Disclaimer: This time it's a scramble! I od nto won rayrh ottper! Translates to: I do not own Harry Potter!

Draco's Spirit

Chapter Sixteen

From last time:

"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.

"This is the place?" I asked, glancing around the gigantic circular room we had landed in. All the walls and the floor were cold, gray granite that rose in pillars on the sides of the doors. Stone benches were erected across the room and two wooden chairs stood in the exact center, a set of twins occupying them.

Torches hung on the walls; the light the cast throwing distorted shadows over the many people who were filing into the dimly lit chamber. I recognized some of the jury as those I had eaten breakfast with on my short stay as a spirit but others were foreign to me.

"Come on," said Mandela, tugging on my arm towards the uncomfortable looking seats. "We have to go sit down, the trial will be starting soon." I allowed the blond girl to lead me over to the stands. The three of us sat down, me squashed in the middle between my two guides and fast growing friends.

"When's it going to start?" I whispered, feeling as though a normal talking voice was too loud. "And where's Sina? Isn't she supposed to be here?" My silver eyes scanned the crowded courtroom, looking for a little girl with dark, midnight blue hair to suddenly appear. But instead of the little girl, I spotted teenage Sina, entering through the large oak doors and making her way to the seat next to the judge.

The judge was a rather tall spirit with no fat on him whatsoever. Piercing blue eyes were covered slightly by his dark brown hair that hung on his face. A long black judge's robe adorned his body and a set of golden spectacles sat on the bridge of his nose.

"That's Adam Cornwell," whispered Mandela, seeing my object of current interest. "He's really strict but a pretty fair guy. Just don't get on his bad side or he'll give you no second chance."

"How come the judge is already here?" I asked. "Isn't he supposed to come in later?"

"Spirit World trials are held quite differently than a normal Earth trial," said Mia. "We do things in our own unique way up here. Shhhh... We're about to begin."

Adam stood up in his seat, the glasses flashing with the torchlight. "In front of us today are Leila and Zareh Saynae for the crime of stealing two dark art artifacts from Lady Sina's private vault. The two items are the Mirror of Darkness and the Dark Phoenix Feather. The mirror has been destroyed if this matter is of any importance. We shall now have Leila Saynae present her case to the court. Begin."

The dark haired beauty stood up gracefully, her blue eyes narrowed in an icy glare that was directed at me. "You see Sir," she began, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, "I only wanted revenge on several humans for what they did to us. These humans made my brother and I demons with the aid of our own demon servant, Tobin. Also with the aid of Tobin, I learned about the dark items and how to get to Spirit World. In my own opinion, we have done nothing wrong."

By now her hands were planted firmly on her hips, a defiant expression on her face. The blue and black striped prison clothes she was wearing, a skirt and a short sleeved shirt, did not even take away from the striking pose she had struck.

"And who were these humans you wished to get revenge on?" questioned Adam, his loud voice now a tad softer.

"Voldemort and his Death Eater followers."

"And what did the attack on Mr. Malfoy have to do with any of these current arguments?

"He," she spat, throwing a contemptuous glance in my direction, "Was the one who brought my brother here. And that was not acceptable."

"Very well Miss Saynae, please take your seat. Zareh Saynae, please rise."

Zareh stood up, his posture telling me he was scared. The brilliant blue spikes seemed to almost droop in sadness, his brain probably telling him he was going to get a life sentence. The emerald eyes looked among the crowd until they located me. Giving him a smile, he gave a weak one back; now looking a bit more confident about the trial.

With a nod from the judge, he began to speak his piece. "Like my sister, I was changed into a demon and although I harbor hatred for those who did this to me, I want to use my powers to help people, not harm them. I understand I have not committed such horrible crimes as Leila but I ask for the same punishment."

"If there are any who wish to defend these two, please come down to the center of the room," boomed Adam. Hesitantly, for I was afraid of Leila's reaction, I stood up in my seat and started to pick my way though the crowd to the desired spot. Zareh's features brightened considerably when he saw me coming and Leila snarled, her face darkening.

"I'm Draco Malfoy and I wish to defend both of the convicted." I glanced up at Mandela for assurance I was doing this right and when she flashed me the thumbs up sign I felt quite better.

"Draco Malfoy.." repeated the judge. "Now, pray tell me Mr. Malfoy, are you not the spirit detective who was assigned to capture these two and were then attacked by Miss Saynae?"

"I am, but I am here to present a defense, not make either of them look worse," I stated, keeping my gaze level with Adam's cool, blue one. "I myself can identify with the resentment both of them carry on their shoulders and I too would like revenge. I do not blame either in the slightest of wanting to kill Voldemort; in fact if they did it would do the world a great favor.

Zareh came with me willingly after I helped him to use the Mirror of Darkness." Loud gasps came from the congregation and Adam decided to cut in.

"If you don't mind me asking Mr. Malfoy, the price for using the mirror is certain death. So why are both of you still standing here?"

"We both gave up half of our life energy to it." Behind me, Leila's mouth formed an 'o' of surprise and the kindness I had done for her brother. "We did not use it for any evil deed as most of you are thinking." Guilty glances were exchanged in the jury. "We used it to save Leila's life. She had a disease that was incurable and Zareh only wished to save his twin. But what kind of life would she have if her only companion was dead?"

"Let me get this straight," said Leila, standing up from her seat and heading for me. Stopping in front of me she said, her tone harsh, "You were willing to give part of your life to save me and my brother?" I gave a nod, not daring to open my mouth.

A tear trickled from each eye and a smile graced her face. "Thank you," she whispered, leaning forward and giving me a hug. Wrapping my arms around her, I showed her my own way of thanks for having her accept me.

I looked up from the crying girl and turned slightly to face Adam. "I don't believe either of them deserves a harsh punishment and if you do give them one, then so help you." My index finger glowed bright silver before the shimmer disappeared, a word of warning to the judge.

Sina stood up and looked out at me, her eyes brimming with happiness. "I agree fully with Draco your honor. And as ruler of Spirit World, I do hope my vote has some importance."

"If I may have a quick discussion with the jury," said Adam. "Ten minute recess."

The members of the jury, all dressed in sky blue robes, followed the imposing judge out of the stone room through a side door to converse and decide Leila and Zareh's fates. Knowing I had to head back to my seat, I gave Leila one more quick hug and Zareh a wave before heading back to the two spirit girls.

"That was wonderful Draco," said Mia, sniffling and wiping her nose on her large pink sweater's sleeve. "They're sure to give them a minor punishment now. You were awesome!" I was engulfed in another hug, this time by Mia, and I had to desperately try not to sneeze for the loose fuzzy things on her sweater were tickling my nose.

A few minutes later- Thank God, I think my hand bones are going to break from the pressure Mia's applying- the jury entered back into the room, solemn expressions on their faces.

The black robed judge rose to his feet once he had gotten back to his stand. "The jury finds Leila and Zareh Saynae guilty of the crime of stealing two dark artifacts and Miss Saynae is found guilty also of attacking a spirit detective. But taken in the arguments, both of you are sentenced as under our command for tasks in which you will be accompanying Mr. Malfoy when he acquires assistance. Besides that, you are free to go assuming you will not use your powers against any more humans. As for the six muggles who died from the Dark Phoenix Feather effects, they have been saved thanks to a time turner brought in by Mandela Spirit from the wizarding world. Thank you Miss Spirit."

Mandela blushed a bright red as the whole room stood up to applaud the girl. "You didn't tell me about that," I exclaimed, pulling her into a hug. "You're the real hero here Manda!" If anything she became even pinker, especially when cameras started to go off.

About an hour later, both Manda and I had finished talking to the wizarding press and I finally had a chance to talk to the demon twins. Leaving the two girls chatting with Sina, I made my way over to the siblings who were sitting quietly on the benches. "You guys okay?" I asked, sitting on the ledge next to Zareh.

"How can we ever repay you?" asked Leila, looking at me. "You saved us from a horrible sentence and now we're basically free! I'm not sure what we can do to make it up to you."

"You don't have to. I know what it's like to have a family like yours," I said bitterly, a slight frown on my face. "My father acts much like both of your parents and I've grown up without anyone to care about me as well. It's nice to be able to change at least someone's life around if I can't change mine."

"I'm sorry," said the girl quietly, looking at her feet. "If I had only listened to Zareh you wouldn't be hurt. And I'm sorry about your dad... We know what he's like, I can't even imagining having to live with him. And at least I had Zareh," she said, giving her brother a hug. "You must not have had anyone."

"I didn't. My mother doesn't approve of my father's doings and when she tries to retaliate he beats her. I want to stop him but I don't know how. It would be better for everyone if he just died."

"Hey Draco," said Mia coming over. "Mandela says it's time we have to go. If we hurry we might be able to make dinner!" She smacked her lips, already imagining the large platters of delicious food that adorned the tables at Hogwarts.

"Alright," I said, sliding off of the bench. "I'll probably be seeing both of you soon. Take care of yourselves.."

"We will," said Zareh. "Thanks again."

"No problem." With one last smile I felt Mia and Mandela grab my arms and then everything disappeared in a swirl of light. Seconds later, I found myself sprawled on the vast lawns of my school, Mandela sitting on top of me. "Get off," I growled playfully, attempting to squirm out from underneath her. Mia gave a shriek as the other girl fell on top of her and I just smirked and stood up.

After Mia had successfully managed to get out from underneath Manda, who was too busy laughing to be of much help, we all started off for the Great Hall, preparing to sneak in and help ourselves to dinner. We were met with something totally unexpected.

A large magical shield that shimmered an odd blue had been put up over the door and the whole castle was dark. I crossed towards the door but as soon as I got within three feet the ground shook beneath my feet and I was borne backwards about twelve yards, crashing into Mia. "What's wrong?" I asked, "Why won't it let us in?"

"There's some type of barrier on it," said Mandela, inspecting the shield as best as she could staying out of range of its defense mechanism. "What ever happened while we were away must have been pretty bad. Looks like Dumbledore put safety wards on all the doors. Do you think Death Eaters came by?"

The crunching of grass underfoot alerted me that someone was headed towards us. "You two," I hissed, "hide." The two girls shot each other terrified looks and ducked into a patch of thick, leafy bushes that ran along side the castle wall.

Pulling my wand out, I aimed it at the approaching sound, ready to yell some spell at the given second. "Well well," drawled a familiar voice, "It it isn't my son. Tell me Draco, what are you doing outside the castle?" Father stepped out of the shadows, his silver-blond hair illuminated by the shield near him.

His gray eyes were narrowed in distrust, as if he sensed something was wrong. The long hair was pulled back in a neat ponytail at the nape of his neck and his black robes covered him completely, leaving only his face for me to see.

"What are you doing at Hogwarts, Father?" I asked stepping towards the man. His right hand snaked out from underneath the cloak and hit me across the face, but I didn't flinch or draw back.

"I am here for the service of our Lord, Draco. Am I to assume that you are here as well. That old fool," he spat, "Locked off Hogwarts and we are unable to get in. Tonight was going to be the night that we claimed this castle as the new dwelling for our Lord and our start of the demise of the muggle world. But it looks as though someone tipped Dumbledore off," he snarled. "But you could get us in Draco," he said, looking at me with a gleam of satisfaction in his cold eyes. "All you must do is alert the headmaster that you are out here and he is sure to open the doors. Now do it."

It was now or never... I had to tell him which side I had chosen to fight for. "Father," I said evenly, "No. I'm not going to help you break into Hogwarts."

"And why not?" he hissed, grabbing me by the front of my shirt. "Why not?"

"Because, I don't want to be a Death Eater. And I'm not about to help you in any way."

He threw me to the ground, my head cracking against the ground. "Fine, but you must now suffer the consequences Draco." His wand came out of his robes and he aimed it at me, his foot planted on my chest to prevent me from getting up, my wand lying uselessly away. "Now you die. Ava-" He wasn't even able to finish the killing curse as a bright red light shot out from the bushes and slammed into his form.

Silently, he crumbled to the grassy ground, his wand falling from his limp fingers. Mandela emerged from the bushes with her wand raised and her hands in a victory sign. "Got him," she chuckled evilly. "Now hurry Draco, we have to get inside the castle before he wakes up."

"There are more coming," said Mia in a panicked whisper, leaves clinging to her static sweater. "We have to get out of here now!" I glanced up at the stone building, looking for any sign of an unguarded entrance... none. But just then, a silhouette appeared in one of the darkened windows and it was suddenly pushed open.

"Draco," hissed Hermione. "Mia, Mandela! Catch!" A rope was thrown down and I caught it in one of my hands. Nodding at the two girls, I started to shimmy up the lifeline, the others taking my lead and following. About two minutes later, the three of us were lying on the cold, stone passage, weary from our long climb.

"What's going on?" I asked once I had caught my breath. "What's with all the shields around Hogwarts?"

"There are Death Eaters out there," said Hermione. "They already tried to break in twice so Dumbledore sealed the school up. We're all supposed to be in the dungeons but when I noticed neither of you three had come back I got worried."

"Thanks," I said, pulling the brunette into a hug but broke out of it when Mia started to coo. "Stop it," I said with a glare at the pink haired girl. "You get a hug all the time, what's so different about this one?"

"Nothing," she said cheerfully, "Except for the fact you actually like Hermione as more than a friend! Let's go Manda!" Taking the other spirit by her arm, Mia dragged her down the hall, leaving Hermione and my blushing self in the darkened hall.

"What did she mean?" asked Hermione, refusing to meet my gaze. "More than a friend?"

"Umm... The truth is Hermione... I kinda of um...ummm... I like....," I took a deep breath knowing I had to get this over with and blurted, "I really like you Hermione. I've felt like this since I died that one time. I followed you around all day and started to realize you were a really fun and caring person. You just started to grow on me..."

"Did I really?" she asked, stepping towards me and putting her hands on my shoulders. "Do you really see me, Hermione Granger, know-it-all, bookworm, mud blood, as something besides all that? Do you?" I gave a tiny nod, forcing my eyes to look into her honey brown. "Is this a trick Draco?" Tears pooled in the corners of her eyes, threatening to spill over. "Or am I just going to be cast away like trash when you're done with me?"

"Never would I do that Hermione," I breathed, wrapping my arms around her in a hug. "I would never hurt you, I don't want to hurt you. When we first kissed something just ignited inside me and I finally I've been missing one thing... you."

Leaning forward, I kissed her cherry blossom lips, my arms tightening around her frame. The Gryffindor's arms moved off my shoulders to around my neck and she pressed against me, deepening the kiss.

It felt so right, being here together. It seemed as though nothing would ever be able to tear us apart. We were one, all troubles and problems forgotten in the pleasure we found from each other.

"Ah hem," came a very disturbed sounding voice to my left. Pulling away from Hermione, I found myself looking into the face of my potions professor, who looked quite uncomfortable. "What is going on here?" he asked, regaining that disdainful tone he normally had.

Hermione and I looked at each other before bursting into laughter, the joyous sound ringing off the walls. "We were just headed down to the dungeons, Professor," said the brunette between giggles. Wrapping one arm about her waist and her leaning her head on my shoulder, we started off down the hall, leaving a very confused Snape in our wake.

Entering the dungeon corridor, I was surprised to see hundred of purple sleeping bags spread out over every available inch of space with sleeping students in them. "So we all got moved down here?" I asked, surveying how all the Slytherins were on opposite ends of the hall from the Gryffindors.

"Yeah. Dumbledore thought it would be too dangerous for us to be in the Great Hall. The Death Eaters could see us from in there and the dungeons are better fortified." She crossed the room and slid into one of the flat beds and gestured for me to take the empty one next to here. I shot a look at her two companions and she smiled. "If I truly am their friend, they'll accept you. If not, then they weren't."

I felt that familiar tingle in my heart, realizing she was risking her long time friendship with Potter and Weasley for me. That must have been some pretty strong love she felt for me...

Mia and Mandela appeared, each dragging their own purple bag over to where I was. "Is your face alright Draco?" asked Mia, gingerly touching the bruise forming on my cheek from where Father's hand had connected. "Do you want me to conjure some ice?" She pulled out her wand and I winced at the memory of her using it last time. Unfortunately, she thought the wince was from pain.

Mandela created the icepack and handed it to me, which I gratefully put on the injury. "What happened?" asked Hermione in a whisper, trying not to attract attention to our corner.

"Just had a small run in with my father outside," I said, shivering as the numbing ice finally got through to my brain that it was cold. "I'm alright, really. It's just a small bruise."

"Draco! That takes up half of your face!" exclaimed Mandela. "I'm taking over as care giver right now.. Lie down, close your eyes and go to sleep. You need rest, you've had an exhausting day."

Hermione leaned over and gave me a soft kiss, her eyes twinkling down at me. "Good night Draco, sweet dreams." Mia and Manda's giggling could be heard in the background as they realized we'd finally gotten together.

"G'night Mione.. Night Manda....Mia..." And that was the last thing I uttered before falling into a pleasant sleep, all nightmares chased away by the friends surrounding me.

Author's Notes:

Ahhh, a break from all that dark fic work. Such a nice relaxing piece... Well, as you can all see, I'm back from vacation! Had a lovely time! It was such a treat to come on and see all these wonderful reviews piled up in my inbox!

I'd like you all to check out my fanart page! There's a link from the webbie on my homepage thingy and there's a link just on the homepage. My first piece of art was done by Xw0kenn0wX. As a note to you, you are not crazy.. YOU'RE AWESOME! My second piece is by HalownKougra! If you wish to add any, please send me the link or the file and I'll put it up for all to see!

Well, off to work on other fics.. Being on vacation sure puts me on a block- up.

Please review!

Reviewer's Comments:

LishaChan Glad you liked the fight scene... I tried hard. What did you think of his Draco/Mione moment? Cute, until Snape cut in. Better than what you thought was happening though, ne?

HalownKougra Yeah, but after all, it was a fight scene! Sure is nice to see this after all the dark stuff, isn't it? Thanks for your fanart!

coffeentoffee No he didn't.. Striped pajamas never intimated anyone... You liked my fight scene too! Yeah!

Stormy Skies Another one who likes my fight scene. I guess I'm getting better!

Edarcy03 I'm back with a tan! Go me! Has your report card come yet? I don't think mine has but I just got back and haven't checked my accumalated mail... better go do that now.

Xw0kenn0wX The story is buttery??? That's a bit creepy. I can't multi task, I'm horrible! My old boyfriend loved to multi task and I could never keep up with him! If the fate of the world rested in my hands I'd be looking around for Yugi, Yami, and Kaiba.. hehe. Yummy! Cookie! Thank you! Update your own ficcy soon! Can't wait to read it!

Ryo Akuinenn That's too bad.. I'm starting guitar tomorrow and am hoping beyond hope I won't sound stupid. I've been playing flute for five years, but I'm probably going to go make a fool of myself on guitar. Wish I could sing too.. A lot of people tell me I can but I get extrememly shy in public. Yes, Leila and Zareh will be helping Draco, later in the fic. Right now they're outta here! But they'll be back soon cuz it looks like Zareh has quite a couple fans..

NeLLy22 Hope you got my e-mail. I think you did cuz if I remember I got a reply. But my memory is quite foggy... I'm glad you love it and the others so much! Hope you review again!

ckrfan Hopefully now he'll open up a bit more. Thanks for your review!

tyesantye As you can see, they did! I'm glad you're not about to die... I don't want to be responsible for any deaths. lol

Dracoismine4eva A pencil? Yep, you're finding quite a lot of things odd and funny today.

BrittneyAnna The DT should be starting in probably about 6-7 chappies. It's after Harry defeats Voldie so I guess we'll be waiting for a little while. The last question did make sense, and I'm not sure. He might hint at other things now and then, but if he really starts to trust her he might open up.

Baby Goo Goo 2 Gomen! (means thank you in Japanesse!)

bear Well, I don't think Harry's going to be captured but I can definetly make Draco injured during the battle. Does that sound good? Hope so!

D-Caf(aka Sandr -Blushes- Awww, thank you. I do hear it a lot but never get tired. It always makes me feel special and quite loved. Thanks for the review!