3: Dunnington's Cave
The first couple months of school shot by fast. Classes had gone good for Harry, even potions. Snape was decent, and Harry had no doubt that Eliza had something to do with that.
Ron was named the new Quidditch captain and spent a lot of his time trying to simplify plays of the Chudley Cannons so that a 16 yr old could do it. Hermione had given up on spew and was now obsessed with the DA. Although Harry still led the sessions, it was Hermione who picked the spells and the overall direction of the group. Eliza was not bad at magic. She was horrible. It was hard to say if she had any magical ability at all. She had yet to use her wand for a successful spell. However she was a natural at riding a broom. Ron made her promise that she would not try out for the Slytherin Quidditch team; he swore that she would be just as good a seeker as Harry. Harry wasn't so sure about that.
October was coming to a close and the weather was becoming chilly. The four friends set in the library on an unusually warm day.
"We need to walk the grounds one last time before its gets to bitter outside." Hermione said looking up from her textbook
"I agree. Miones got the right idea." Ron said
"Well what are we waiting for?" Harry said as he slammed his book shut
"I don't know...you guys go ahead I'm swamped." Eliza whispered. She thought to herself that she had to study every minute she could or she would soon be kicked out and labeled a squib (wizard with no magic ability)
"Magic doesn't come naturally to all Eliza, except maybe Hermione. I did my first spell by a fluke. I'm sure you will get the hang of it. But depriving you self of fun won't help." Harry said reading her thoughts
"He's right girl." Hermione said
"I still don't know." Eliza sighed
"Oh come on Monty" Harry teased shorting Eliza's middle name
"Monty? Now I have a pet name too." She smiled glancing over at Ron
"Only if you like it." Whispered Harry, as he tried to cover his red cheeks
"I like it just fine." She smiled at him "Ok a break sounds fine, as long as we can go over by the lake, it's so beautiful."
"Great, let's all get our coats and meet at the entrance then." Ron said, as he exited not waiting for a confirmation
"A man with a plan." Harry laughed as they all followed Ron's suit and exited the library
Eliza grabbed her best Slytherin cloak. She loved to see the emerald green color stand out as she walked side by side with her maroon glad Griffindor friends. She couldn't believe how happy she was. For the first time in her life she had a best girlfriend. There was nothing that she kept from Hermione. And Ron was like the brother she never had, she loved the bear hugs he gave her, and adored the evil looks he would give any boy who looked at her longer then 4 seconds. And Harry...well Harry was just Harry. Eliza noticed how she never felt complete if she went a day without seeing him. How she would always find a reason to touch his hair or get close enough to him so she could breathe in his cologne. She didn't even mind when Harry would daze off and spend minutes analyzing her chest. She was starting to fancy Harry no doubt about it.
There was a knock on Eliza's door. It had to be Harry; he was the only one who had enough charm to get the password for the Slytherin house
"Am I taking too long for you mate." She teased
"That all depends on where we are going." A voice said
"Draco." She said as she turned to face him "What do you want."
"We need to chat." He said
"Like hell we do, besides i'm on my way out."
"Then ill go with you."
"What do you want Malfoy." She yelled
"To apologize. That first impression wasn't so hot." He said walking closer to her
"Get back!" She said going for her wand
"Going to curse me are we? Everyone knows you don't know how to use that thing. Besides I'm not here to hurt you, I wanted to make amends." He said with honest eyes
"Why and why know." She said
"That day you blew up in the great hall at Potter and his lackies, what you said about your father and his wanting to make amends. Well I guess I can relate." He said looking down at the ground
"Apology accepted Draco. Now I have to go." She said with no malice in her statement
"I want us to be friends." Draco blurted
"That I don't know about." She whispered
"Look i'm trying here. It was hard for me even to knock on that damn door. No one else at Hogwarts is going to let me have a fresh start; I take solace in your American charms." He smiled a devilish smile
Eliza had to admit he was handsome. His hair had grown several more inches since their last meeting. He shamelessly wore it flowing and free. Draco was a heart breaker. But he was still Draco and could he be trusted?
"OK, we can start from scratch." She said
"GRAND!" He yelled
"But…"she interrupted
"No buts, you're so much cuter when you just grin and nod. He smirked
"Hush." She said as she smiled against her will"I'm going for a walk on the grounds, and you have to accompany me."
"Is that all?" He said triumphantly
"Yup, all you have to do is come with us." She said
"Sure thing love…wait. Us? Who are us?" He shouted
"You know who." She shrugged
"I bloody hell wont!"
"Draco…" she started
"If you think making amends means I will have to let Potter and Weaslebe have a go at me your wrong!" Draco said a little too loudly
"I don't think that, and I won't let them insult you Draco. But if you want to be my friend you have to get along with my other friends!" she said in a tone of finality
All Draco could do was sigh.
"Great, this is gonna be so wonderful." She said happily as she grabbed Draco by the arm and made their way out of her room.
"Bloody hell, even Mione didn't take this long." Whined Ron as the three of them waited for Eliza to return
"Oh hush Ronald." Hermione snapped
"It is getting late." Harry said as he checked his wristwatch
Noticing Harry check his watch clicked something in Hermiones mind.
"Oh!" Hermione squealed. "Harry, Ron I never told you what I found out about the Medori Watch!
"Yeah, I forgot all about that." Harry nodded
"Where is it now?" Hermione asked
"Right here." Harry said as he hit his back pocket
"What did you learn Mione." Ron said as he came up close to her. He loved the way here hair smelled of peaches
"Well do you guys remember Nicholas Flamell? She asked
"The sorcerers stone guy." Said Harry
"Yes, well he is also the maker of that watch Harry. But that's just it, it isn't a watch at all…it's a timer." She took a breath
"Like an alarm clock." Ron said
"Kind of. Your aunt had the part about it starting up when you kiss your true love right. But its no ordinary watch Harry, The #s on its face don't represent hours, they represent months. It's a count down. For each of its owners it counts down one year from the time they have that kiss until the time something life changing happens to them.
"Life Changing? What are you saying Mione." Ron said kind of scared for her to go on.
"I did some research Harry and it was a gift to your mom on her wedding day. One year after that Voldermort attacked them. There are more stories of owners who had life changing events happen to them at the end of one year of owning that watch. Harry no matter how many stories I read, or how far I went back, each tale ended up with some sort of tragedy." Hermione breathed
"What about my aunt. Nothing bad happened to her." Harry said hopeful
"She's pure Muggle Harry, it wouldn't affect her the same." Hermione said
"Bloody hell Hermione, you pick now to tell us this." Ron yelled
"I'm sorry the year has been so busy." She sighed
"So you mean to tell me the watch is going to find my true love for me. Then it's going to make some disaster happen to me in a year's time." Harry mumbled
"Yes." Hermione said simply
"The gift and the curse." Ron said thoughtfully
"So that's good to know, I just won't kiss any girls. At least none I love." Harry reasoned
"Harry that's absurd. What's the point of kissing if you aren't in love?" Hermione said
Harry and Ron just gave each other a wink
"Disgusting." Hermione shouted
"Seriously, maybe we should tell Dumbledore." Harry said
"Agreed. First thing Monday then." Hermione replied
"Are you going to tell Eliza?" Ron asked
"Of course Ron. Why wouldn't I?" Harry stated
"Well, um don't you think it might scare her a little?" Ron said exchanging glances with Hermione
"What are you two going on about?" Harry said annoyed
"Well you fancy her Harry, Right." Hermione said in a low voice
"What! No, I don't think so, probably not, no…what?" Harry mumbled with brick red cheeks
"She probably fancies you too mate." Ron said ignoring Harry's uncomfort. "Lucky bloke, though you probably wouldn't be able to handle her mate she looks like she's a hand full, but in a good way, a lot of curves to...American women are known for their…" Ron was cut off by Hermiones fist connecting with his mouth
"Jerk!" she screamed
"Dammit Mione, why did you do that. I think I am bleeding, am I bleeding." Ron whimpered
"Eliza has been gone along time. Maybe I should check on her." Harry said hoping to have an excuse to get away from his two friends fighting
"UMM…I…I…I don't think that's gonna be a need for that." Hermione stuttered as she ignored Ron and pointed over Harry's shoulder
Harry and Ron quickly followed Hermiones finger. Coming down the stairs was Eliza and DRACO! What was he doing that close to her? He doesn't look too happy, but she sure does. Shaking all those thoughts away Harry began to run to meet them at the bottom of the stairs. Hand ever ready on his wand
"What's going on here?" He shouted, as Hermione and Ron came up by his side. "Is he bothering you Eliza."
"No Harry." She said too calmly for Harry's liking
"Then what's this then?" Ron yelled
"He's coming along." She said
"WHAT!" Ron, Hermione and Harry said
"Told you they wouldn't agree." Draco said breaking his silence
"Shut it Malfoy. What type of curse did you use on her, what did you do." Harry said furiously
"Harry its nothing like that, Draco wants to hang with us that's all." She smiled
"You can't trust a Malfoy." Ron shouted
"I can't very well expect people to give my father a second chance if I can't even give Draco a go." She pleaded
"But Eliza your father has proven himself time and time again, what has Draco done?" Hermione said
"I'm sorry Granger." Draco whispered
"What?" Hermione said
"I'm sorry about calling you a mud blood. Look if I were you I wouldn't trust me either. Truth be told I don't know if I trust you lot, but you can either give it a go or not its up to you." Draco said
"One screw up and your mine Malfoy." Harry said not believing that he was willing to put aside differences with Draco
"But Harry, bloody hell you can't is serious." Ron protested
"Ron Eliza's right, second chances." Harry started
"But..." Ron started
"Remember Ron, Eliza gave me a second chance after I was so horrible to her, we can do that for Draco. And Draco? Hermione said
"Yea?" Draco asked
"Apology accepted." She beamed at him. Hermione didn't realize how good an apology from Draco would feel
Harry Pulled Draco to the side and got close enough so only Draco could hear
"You hurt her in anyway Malfoy and you will pay." Harry said with venom dripping off his tongue. The thought of Eliza being hurt physically and mentally burned him up inside. Draco gave a quick nod and Harry released his grip
With that, the five of them made their way outside to explore Hogwarts ground
The Hogwarts grounds were very still and bare. Still it was beautiful. The auburn and orange colors of fall where quickly being replaced by browns and rust of winter. The five students had walked around in silence for most of the time. It was only broken when Ron had saw a spider and fell flat on his face when he tried to run from it. After that they all had a good laugh and started small talk. Hermione and Eliza got into a heavy debate on which Muggle boy band was hotter. While Harry, Ron and Draco debated on who would win the Quidditch cup this year.
They had finally made their way over to the school lake. Eliza was the only one who thought it was pretty. Ron, Hermione and Harry didn't have such fond memories of the lake at all. Draco just looked out at the water indifferently. One by one they retreated to their own little space obviously mulling over their recent alliance with old enemies.
Draco sat on a tree stump looking out at the murky water, running his fingered through his golden locks. He couldn't believe he was here with Potter and Weaslebe. And did he just apologize to Granger? Of course he had meant every thing he said to Eliza. He was hoping that they could become closer…really close. However when she wasn't trying to make the peace she was stealing quick glances at Potter. It was obvious Eliza's affections lay elsewhere. Still he wanted to be her friend. But Draco didn't know that meant he would have to spend time with the other three. Still Draco had to admit he was having the best time he had had in months. Since Dracos' realization that he didn't want to be a servant of the dark lord, he began to distance himself form Crabbe and Goyle. He hadn't been around other people in quite some time. This was nice. Draco doubted that he and Potter would ever be best buddies, but for once it was nice not to have to shoot insults back and fourth. He shot a glance over at Eliza, and thought "American charms can make anything possible."
Hermione was on the other side of the tree stump that Draco sat on. She however elected to sit on the ground and prop her back up against it. She pulled out a book from her cloak and began to read. Well at least she was trying to read. She kept looking up to steal glances at Ron. When did he get so handsome she though? She was proud of him and Harry both they had grown into fine young men. Harry was handsome as well; his stoic good looks made him a catch for any girl. Her feelings for Ron though were troubling her. She never felt at ease unless she knew Ron was safe, and she never felt safe unless Ron was with her. If he wasn't touching her in some way she felt miserable. She knew she fancied Ron, but there was no way he fancied her. Quidditch captain Ron Weasley could have any girl in Griffindor he wanted. Why would he want and know it all like her?
Ron elected to lie back on the single patch of brown grass that was left over from warmer months. He tucked his hand behind his head and stared up at the cloud shapes in sky. He was pretending that the sky was a Quidditch Pitch and the clouds were the players. Yet Ron had other things on the brain other than his favorite sport. Did he just have pleasant conversation with Draco Malfoy? Even worse did he actually want to continue it? And when was he going to be able to get the nerve to kiss Hermione? Whoa, did he just think that? No, he and Hermione were just friends. So why did she have to be so bloody gorgeous. Ron closed his eyes to try and push those thoughts out of his mind. It was hopeless no way a beautiful girl like Hermione would ever want to be with the boy the likes of him.
Eliza stared at the lake. She was now even happier then she ever had been. The only thing that could make her happier is if she had talent as a normal witch. She felt that she had to do something and something soon. Her father was Severus Snape. The most advance potions master in the world. And yet his daughter couldn't even do a simple incantation with a wand. Still her dad had supported her and never once looked to be ashamed of his daughter. She knew if she didn't have to use that damn wand, she would be more powerful than Harry and her father put together. But she promised her father she would not; he had warned dire circumstances if anyone found out what she really was. Still it wasn't fair; maybe if she talked to her father one last time he would see it her way. She knew he had her best interest in heart, and didn't want her to be black listed form her peers. But she had real friends here. Hermione, Ron, Harry and even Draco would understand. It was final she would see her father immediately when she returned to the castle. She turned he gaze from the lake to a little hilly area where Harry had made his spot. She loved his eyes; everyone said he got them from his mother. The best gift a mother could give were eyes like that. She hoped Harry wasn't mad at her too much for bringing Draco along. It had turned out well enough. Still if she did anything to hurt Harry, she would die. She wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him and they both knew that. She wanted to join him on his spot on the hill and just hold his hand. Harry had the softest hands. She probably would love Harry Potter one day; she only could dream that he would love her back.
Harry started down from his spot on the hill and analyzed all his friends. Hermione pretending to read a book, while in fact she just gazed lovingly at Ron. Ron on the other hand looked to be in deep thought. Every once in a while you could see him mouth the name Hermione. Draco actually looked like he was enjoying their company. Harry had to admit that Malfoy was witty and fit in better then could have ever thought. Eliza looked troubled, Harry knew why. He couldn't believe that Dumbledore would let her come to Hogwarts if she had no magic ability even if she was Snapes daughter. That thought alone made Harry feel better, Eliza would find her magic stride one day, after all look at Neville. Harry still couldn't believe that she was the daughter of Severus Snape. How could a man like that, produce one of the only things Harry really treasured? Whatever the case Harry was glad he had, Eliza was becoming very important to him. Suddenly the Medori watch came into his mind. He did not love Eliza, no yet anyway. But if they had many more days like this, he was sure he would. Why was there always a catch to his life? His aunt finally tried to do something nice for him, and without knowing may have doomed any chances Harry had of being happy. He would never get to kiss Eliza. It was too dangerous for them both. At that moment he locked eyes with Eliza. She looked so sad. Harry got up leaving his thoughts behind and made his way over to the girl with the long Raven hair.
"Why do you look so sad?" He asked once he reached her
"You're not mad at me Harry are you?" She replied
"Why would I be?" He said
"Draco."
"No, I mean I was a bit taken a back. But your heart is big enough for us both. I can't be mad at you for trying to forgive." He whispered
"I don't ever want to make you mad Harry." She sighed
"I know, and you haven't. Since I've known you, you have made me nothing but wonderfully happy." He smirked
They once again locked eyes. It hurt Harry how beautiful she was. Before he could stop himself he reach out and scoped her up in a hug. Harry thought he would die from the wonderful feeling it was giving him. Her body was soft and he could feel her breast squish against his chest. That coupled with her warm breath on his neck was driving him crazy.
"I'm sorry." Harry said as he tried to pull away
"Don't take your arms away from me Harry," Eliza sighed as she tighten her grip around him
Harry happily obliged. They stayed like that for a while. Though not long enough for either of them. The finally broke apart when they heard the other three approach them
"Not interrupting are we." Hermione said shyly
"No." Harry lied
"Lucky bloke." Ron said only to Harry
"It's getting late, we should head back." Draco said
"What's that over there." Eliza asked pointing to a group of caves across the lake.
"The Dunnington caves. No one has ever gotten over there to exactly see what's in them." Ron said
"Why not." Asked Eliza
"Because the water dust fairies wont allow you to cross. Me and Harry got half way once, before they noticed us." Ron continued
"Then what?" Hermione said not realizing the boys had an adventure with out her
"Those fairies pop up out of the water and sprinkled this gold dust on you, after about 15 seconds its starts 2 burn like hell. Spent a whole day taking potions from madam Pomphrey after that." Ron finished
"Yeah it was not fun." Harry agreed
"Rubbish." Draco piped in
"What Malfoy, you don't believe it? Give it ago." Harry said
"To late Potter, already have." Draco sneered."
"You are telling me you got past the water dust fairies." Yelled Ron
"Indeed." Draco shot back
"Go on then tell us what's in the cave Draco." Eliza asked
"I don't know. I never actually went in." Draco said in a whisper
" Scared of the dark Malfoy." Ron teased
"At least I could out smart a bunch of water pixies Weaslebe." Yelled Draco
" I don't believe you." Ron said
"Oh really, there is a simple spell that will protect you from the gold dust." Draco said simply
"Prove it!" Ron braved
"I will." Said Draco
"Its late didn't you say Draco. We should be getting back." Said Harry trying to calm Ron and Draco down
" Harry's right." Hermione and Eliza said together
"Go on back then, Weaslebe and I will catch up." Draco said
"Ron you are not going in those caves." Hermione shouted
"Listen to your girlfriend Ron, It just may save your life." Draco teased
With that Ron took out his wand, mouthed a few words and a tiny raft boat appeared on the lake.
"After you Malfoy." Ron said
Draco and Ron started to the boat. Harry gave a defeated sigh and started to follow them. He stopped when Eliza grabbed his arm
"No way Harry, this cant be safe." Eliza screamed
"I know, but Ron's my mate so I kind of have to make sure he's gonna come back in one piece." Harry replied
"And who will look after you" Eliza asked
Without thinking Harry bent down and kissed her on her neck. He felt Eliza shutter under his lips. He had to stop doing that; this impulse thing would get him in trouble. After he pulled himself together he turned and started for the boat. He saw Hermione had already climbed aboard. Ron was arguing with her that it wasn't safe and for her to stay behind. Harry knew that was no use. Thank goodness he didn't have to worry about Eliza. I was then that Harry heard footsteps from behind him
"Where do you think you are going?" he asked
"Following you." Eliza smiled
"Dammed if you are." He said not smiling
"Harry James Potter you can not tell me what to do." She yelled
"Eliza Montana Snape, yes I can and yes I will. It's not safe for you, who knows what we will find in those caves." He said out of breath.
"Don't lie to me Harry, admit the real reason you don't want me to come." She said
"What are you taking about?" He asked really clueless
"You think I'm going to be a burden because I cant use my wand!" she screamed
Harry hadn't even thought about that, but now that she bought it to his attention, it made for a good point
"I wasn't thinking anything of the sort. I was thinking if I let anything happen to you I would kill myself. That's if your dad hadn't done the job first." He shot back.
" Fine, if you think I'll be a magical burden to you I will just stay behind." She whispered and folded her arms
Why did she do that? Why were all girls so great at the guilt trip thing? He certainly didn't want Eliza thinking he had no faith in her. But at the same time he had to protect her. It was settled she would come. He would just have to make sure she came back ok.
"Ok you are coming, but you don't leave my side for anything got it? And if something happens to me you attach yourself to Ron or Draco!" He said
Eliza brightened up as soon as Harry conceded. She grabbed Harry's hand and was relieved when he squeezed it back. She loved how Harry thought he had to protect her. But truth be told she would not have came if she knew she couldn't protect her self and her friends. If worse came to worse she would have to show her friends just what she really was even before she talked it over with here father.
Hand in hand, She and Harry soon joined their 3 friends on Ron's magical boat
Dracos spell to get past the water dust fairies wasn't really a spell at all. It was a potion. He gathered some seaweed and other water prone ingredients and concocted a potion that they would all have to drink.
"Where did you learn how to do that?" Hermione said a little jealously
"Professor Snape. He's the only teacher I actually pay attention to. The Man is a genius." He said as he passed around the vile
Eliza beamed at the props Draco was giving her dad. He was the first student that actually said something kind about her father
"Its disgusting!" Ron shouted
"Didn't say it would be a milkshake did I Weaslebe?" Draco shot back
"Hermione I think you and Ron need to find a new dynamic to you relationship, cause I think he has found a new arguing partner." Harry laughed
This statement caused Hermione to go red. A new Dynamic to the relationship?
The potion was a success and try as they might those dammed water fairies couldn't stop the little raft from crossing their lake. It was a 15-minute journey that was made in silence. Each of them privately thinking that maybe this wasn't such a good idea, but no one dared spoke up saying they wanted to go back. Draco was the first to speak when they landed on the shore.
"See Weaslebe. Got you here nice and safe didn't I?" Looks like you owe me an apology."
"Uggh." Is all Ron could mutter
"We are so far away and it's so dark." Hermione whispered
"Granger is right, proved you wrong Weaslebe, so lets go home now i'm starved." Draco joked
"The name is Ron!" Ron yelled, "You screw up my name one more time Malfoy and I will break you nose.
"Like to see you try." Draco yelled just as loud. The boys would have been nose to nose if it weren't for the little brown haired girl standing between them.
"Harry!" Hermione shouted
Harry sighed. Ron and Malfoy would be a handful. He let go of Eliza's hand he did not realize he was still holding and made his was over to the boys
Eliza was becoming annoyed Ron and Draco were truly oil and water; maybe this grouping of people would just not work. She started to follow Harry over to where Ron and Draco were when a hand forced it self over her mouth. Kicking silently she was helpless as the hand pulled her into Dunnington cave
"You are an arse Malfoy." Ron shouted
"Oh and i'm so hurt Ron coming from
You." Draco mocked
" Why are you even here, you don't like us, why don't to find Crabbe and Goyle to play with." Ron screamed
"Because right now they are practicing how to become good little death eaters, and if I don't want to end up sharing a cell with my own father I need to stay away from the likes of them." Draco said pale faced
There was a moment of silence and slowly Ron and Draco began to calm down
"You are right Weasley. I don't belong here with you guys." Draco said too silently
"No cant say I was right Draco, you actually weren't all that bad today. Not saying we are best friends or anything, but maybe there is room for you here." Ron smiled
Hermiones eyes watered and Harry gave a smile of relief
"Now that you two have kissed and made up, this place is creepy and I want out." Harry said
"And i'm hungry!" Both Draco and Ron said together
"Oh gosh, now they finish each other sentences." Hermione laughed
The rest of the group joined in. Suddenly Hermiones laugh became a scream. Ron sobered up real quick and rushed over to her
"Mione what's wrong?" He said
Hermione couldn't do anything but point. The three boys followed her finger. Coming out of the cave was a green glowing light…
"The dark mark!" Draco wailed
"What? On Hogwarts ground." Harry replied angrily
"Bloody hell, we have to get out of here!" Ron said as he grabbed Hermiones hand
"We must tell Dumbledore." Harry whispered
"Right." Draco said
Harry didn't know what, but he knew something was missing. I had something in my hands he thought. What was I holding in my hand? Then it hit him like a ton of bricks.
"Eliza!" Harry screamed
"Oh my god where is she." Hermione yelped
"Harry...you don't think…she went in there." Ron said pointing to the gave
"I don't think she went willing." Draco said pointing at the ground where Eliza once stood. There were marks on the soft dirt that indicated she had been dragged
"Bloody hell." Ron said
"You go get help. I'm going in there." Harry said
"Harry, not a chance we are leaving you." Hermione said
"Hermione the more time we waste arguing the more time it gives those death eaters." Harry said impatiently
"Here take this, I'll go with Harry" Draco said throwing the rest of the potion in Ron's hand
Ron started to argue but he knew Harry was right. Someone had to get help. With a nod he took Hermiones hand and made their way to the raft
Draco looked at Harry with clear eyes.
"Got a plan Potter?" He smirked
"Yeah, don't die."
With that the two boys made their way in to Dunnington Cave. Wands every ready.
Eliza woke up chained to a makeshift torture chamber in the hull of the cave. She took a while to mentally check and make sure all her limbs were in tact. Assholes caught her off guard; unlucky for them they picked the wrong girl. Hopefully she could make this quick and easy. She started to mumble an incantation when she noticed a speck of blonde peering from behind a rock. Draco she sighed, and Harry was there too. She should have known they would come for her. She knew she could get herself out but she wasn't sure how many guards were in this place, it was too risky for the boys for her to make a move. Hopefully Harry and Draco had a plan.
"Now what?" Draco whispered to Harry
"It looks like it's about 7 or 8 of them. Maybe we should just charge in with a on full of attack. We have the element of surprise on our side." Harry said
"Just say the word and i'm ready to dust these Voldermort cronies." Draco smiled
Harry was happy Draco was on his side
"On the count of three…. 1, 2…"Harry was interrupted
"3." A sinister voice said from behind
Draco and Harry shot up, but it was to late. Before they could respond the hooded figured stunned them both
"Silly boys. Stay out of adults business. Has no one ever told you that?" The hooded man said. They were both conscious but immobile. The man dragged them into the main area of the cave and flung them at the feet of Eliza
"Harry!" She cried. Was he still alive, she could have sworn she saw his eyes blink, and then they were closed again. And Draco looked even worse. His skin was even paler then it normally was. Now or never, she had to do something. She whispered, as lightly as the words…"Arectium, surverdes destroitadum." With that the chain that bounded her to the wall melted away
She quickly made her way to the boys, that idiot of a hooded figured hadn't even taken their wands away. All she would have to do is reverse the stupor curse and the boys would take it from there. She was thankful that they didn't see her do the spell she had done. "Rectivo" she whispered placing a hand on each of the boy's heart. Suddenly they both started to stir.
"Snape?" What's going on Draco started to speak
"Eliza you're ok." Harry said remembering where they were. "How did you get free, how did we get out of that curse?"
Before Eliza could concoct a believable story she was hit by a powerful curse and thrown against the wall. Her limp body fell to the floor and blood gushed from her head. Harry had no time to check on her as he and Draco turned to face all 8 of the death eaters occupying the cave.
"I know that scar." One of them hissed. "The master will be please when we deliver him your limp body boy."
"You will have to get though me first." Draco said as he stepped in front of Harry
"I know those eyes." Said the same hooded figure "Luscious's boy together with Harry Potter! Your father will thank me for killing you!"
Harry and Draco braced themselves for a duel, as the men in hoods raised their wands at once. All of a sudden came s booming voice
"EXPELLIAMUS!"
It was professor Snape. The spell was strong. It took the wands form all but 2 of the death eaters. Before any of them could recover another voice boomed through the cave
"STUPFIY!" Dumbledore shouted
This spell was even more powerful than the one Snape had done. All 8 death eaters lay stunned at Draco and Harry's feet. Harry ran over to where Eliza was, she was breathing and her eyes were fluttering, but she still needed to get to the hospital ward. Suddenly sheer exhaustion took over Harry; he took in one more look at Eliza to make sure she was still breathing and then let himself slip into darkness.
Harry woke up to the smell of peroxide and various ointments. He breathed a sigh of relief; he was in the care of Madame Pomphrey. Harry had yet to move his body, but he could tell when he did there would be nothing but pain. Slowly he opened his eyes and let them adjust to the light. Damn, he would have to reach over to get his glasses; he was blind with out them. To his relief some one was placing his glassed on for him
"Hermione." Harry smiled
"Harry, you have been out for 7 hours. You had us worried to death."
"Bloody hell mate!" Is all Ron could say.
"Eliza…where is she, is she ok." Harry yelled feeling instant pain as he did so
"Yeah mate, that girl is strong. She lost a lot of blood, but she is up and at them. Well not literally of course. But she came too way before you or Malfoy." Ron said
"Malfoy is he ok, he was willing to sacrifice himself for me. I have to thank him." Harry said
"Don't go girly on me Potter." Malfoy said weakly form the bed beside Harry
Harry just laughed. Then something started to bother him. If Eliza was really ok like Ron said, them why was she not in the recovery ward with him and Malfoy.
"She's ok really Harry, the professor took her to his quarters." Hermione responded reading his thoughts
"If he didn't hate us before he does now." Harry grumbled
"It was scary mate. I have never seen Snape look so…so scared in my life. Then his fear just turned to rage. I felt sorry for those death eaters." Ron said
"So he doesn't blame us then?" Harry said hopefully
"I didn't say all of that…i'm sure once everything calms down he will blame us for the near demise of his daughter." Ron said
"First day being friends with you Potter, Granger and Weaslebe and I wind up in the hospital." Draco sneered
"That's what we are, friends Malfoy?" Harry said
"Stranger things will probably happen Potter." Draco said as he turned his gaze to the window
"Inexcusable!" Severus Snape shouted at his daughter. His black uniform still covered from the soot of the cave. He looked down at Eliza covered in bandages, and felt a range of emotions. Fear, relief, love and rage "Careless girl, how dare you trail after Potter and those fools and nearly get yourself killed
"Harry and Draco probably saved my life daddy." She sighed
"Nonsense, we both know that you didn't need them. Eliza you are powerful, and if the dark lord becomes aware of just how much, I fear I won't even be able to protect you. Careless stunts like these will make you fall right into his hands." Snape said with misty eyes
"Daddy we are sorry." Is all she could say
"Maybe letting you come to this school was a mistake." He said
"No, I have friends dad for the first time." She cried
"Friends who will get you killed?"
"Friends who would risk their life to save me." She yelled defiantly
"Eliza…" Snape started
"Daddy…you take them from me…I'll never forgive you." She whispered
"And what if they take you away from me...away from your mother?" Snape replied
"Harry wont let anything happen to me."
"Potter, you ask me to put my faith in that boy?"
"I ask you to put your faith in me." She smiled
"You are young and foolish, this time we shall chalk it up to that. However you must promise me girl that you will keep your secret, at least for the time being. You must not even tell Potter." Snape said
"But daddy."
"This is not up for debate, if you want to stay Hogwarts, you must keep this secret until it I deem it safe." He said sternly
"Yes father." She conceded
With that Snape turned and headed out the door. Before he closed it behind him he turned to daughter
"Eliza…I love you."