The Seers' Truth: Beyond the Darkness
By Lady Lestrange
Chapter 31
Boys' Night Out
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter characters and previous situations belong to JK Rowlings. No infrigement is meant or implied. No money is made from this Fanfic. Thanks JK.
--Lady Lestrange
Special thanks to my beta, ennui de mort who always does such a good job being my extra muse as well as proofreading, moral support and just plain fun.
15 reviews: I really hate blackmailing you into reviewing, but hey, I'm a Slytherin. It's in my nature, so when there are 15 reviews for this chapter, the next one will magically appear. Love my readers and reviewers. Answers to the reviews follow the story.
(A/N: I've been reading a number of fanfics in installments like this one myself, and find it is sometimes hard to remember exactly what has happened before-In a fic as complex as this one is, I thought having a reminder may be helpful for you. If you want to skip it, just page down.)
Up to this Point: Alternate 5th year book. Voldemort was uncertain which was the prophecy child, Samara or Ginny so he kidnapped them both. Beatrice made a mad dash after them in her animagus form. She has been since crucioed and rescued and returned to Hogwarts still in her bunny animagus form.
Harry, Ron and Hermione struggle to figure out how the prophecy might aid them. The trio travels to Hermione's house, Samara's house, the Riddle house and eventually the Snow Castle in search of the girls.
Ginny, who has a Dark Mark, is torn between the visions of Tom in her head and what to do to stay safe from Voldemort at the Snow Castle. Snape is an unexpected help to her.
Voldemort meanwhile has some unpleasant Christmas surprises in store for Harry and Neville. Neville's grandmother ends up in the hospital and the Dursley's are dead, leaving Snape as Harry's guardian.
Back at Hogwarts, the trio tries to ascertain how they will save the girls. They enlist Draco and Lauren's help.
Voldemort has some trouble within the ranks and sends Ethan to learn with Narcissa and Gloria. Meanwhile, the trio works out some differences with Draco, and miss a chance to save the girls. Now, Snape gives some timely advice and Harry invites Neville to their little planning gatherings, which ends in an altercation between Neville and Draco.
Voldemort sets his plans in motion by giving Samara the Dark Mark, but she is far from defeated by this. Ginny on the other hand is ready to give in to save her family. The plot continues as Volemort sets family members upon family members in a quest to destroy all who might thwart him.
Meanwhile, Harry considers the meaning of curcio and tries to puzzle out what Voldemort is doing by reading his scar pangs.
Ethan and Edward prove their worth to Voldemort and Beatrice is finally released from the bunny animagus.
Ginny, under polyjuice potion, is impersonating Madam Amelia Bones. She is following direct orders from Voldemort who is speaking to her in parseltongue from the small snake animagus she is carrying. She saves her father and her brother, but doesn't seem to be able to save herself. However, Harry Potter and his trusty Gryffindor rescue squad is on the way. Unfortunately, they get waylaid. Ginny is unconscious and the girls are currently looking for the boys. The boys, Harry, Ron and Draco are going to rescue the others from the veelas.
For further discussion, visit: YAHOO GROUPS, TheSeersTruth
And now, on to the story…
Chapter 31
Boys' Night Out
Harry pushed Ron back and both of them shrank against the wall as they heard a whispered argument in the next corridor.
The voice was Draco's. "And the next time I need a scapegoat, you're it," he threatened. "Do you know how easily He can pick this incident from my mind?" The crack of a spell sounded. "Imperio! Don't you dare sing," he snapped.
"Look, I'm not going to hurt you. I left you and your girlfriend alone," the silky Veela voice purred.
"Only because you had to," argued Draco. "He will kill you slowly for touching a member of the Inner Circle and you know it. Now, where are the others?"
"How should I know?" the Veela whined. "Darchelle took them, the greedy bitch."
"I suggest you go and get them," snapped Draco. "Hurry up. No sex. No blood. No prey."
"No fun," she said. There was a silence and then the sound of kissing. "What do you care, anyway?"
"I don't--" Draco's voice was smothered in another kiss.
You aren't being fair," she whispered and a mewing sound caused Ron to step forward. "You know you could choose me. In fact, I would even be tempted to get the others if I could have you instead. I won't even use my Veela powers," she purred. "No one will know."
Harry swayed on his feet. Not using her Veela powers, my ass, he thought. "(Shesha!)" The word was a plea that the basilisk immediately heeded although he said nothing but her name.
Harry wasn't quite sure what had happened, but a moment later he blinked. He saw Draco standing in the opposite corridor, the Veela at his feet writhing with the effects of basilisk poisoning.
"Gryffindung," spat Draco. "I've just been rescued by the great Harry Potter. I don't think I can stand it." He looked at the now still Veela. "You didn't kill her did you?"
"Of course not," snapped Harry Potter as he hissed his thanks to Shesha and she came back to him.
"Of course not," repeated Draco dryly. "Why am I not surprised?"
"We've decided we aren't going to tell anyone about the Veelas," said Ron.
"Don't let me stop you," said Draco sharply and Ron pointed his wand at the Veela.
"Obliviate!" he said.
Draco looked at her for a moment and then raised his own wand. "Alohomora!" A nearby cupboard door opened and Draco levitated her to it and snapped the door closed. He hesitated a moment, turned to Harry and then asked politely, "Would you lock and ward the cupboard door, Potter? I don't want to reveal my magical signature anymore than I have to," he said.
"Afraid she'll wake up and tell Samara that you were kissing her?" teased Ron.
"No," said Draco. "I'm afraid she'll wake up and tell the Dark Lord that you were here, Weasley, assuming we all get out of here alive."
Harry warded the cupboard and then turned to Draco. "Do you have any idea where Neville is?" he asked.
"Let me get this straight, Potter. You want me to help you save Longbottom?" said Draco. "I'd sooner save the Dark Lord himself."
"Why do you hate Neville?" asked Ron, pulling Draco around to face him.
"Get off, Weasel!"
"No, I mean it. What was between the two of you? You've hated him since first year—since the first moment you saw him. Why?"
"I saved your arse, Weasel. Now, get off!" Draco gave Ron a hard shove against the opposite wall, but did not pull his wand.
Ron came back quickly from the minor assault, grasping Draco by the collar of his robe, and snarling in his face. "No, Harry's snake saved our arses. You did nothing but be a prat, like usual."
"Your brothers are Veela meat as we speak. Does that mean nothing to you?" Draco said in a low calm tone, and Ron released him.
"Let's go," Draco said sullenly as he brushed the wrinkles from his robe. He led the way, pausing at a corridor branch and reached around to the injury on his back. He held it for a moment and then took a deep breath, composing himself. "Let's get under the cloak," he suggested.
Harry just looked at him.
"Cloak?" said Draco again. "Invisibility cloak?"
"I thought you had it," said Harry.
Draco rolled his eyes. "However did you ever manage to get through first year, never mind rescuing anyone? You are an idiot, Potter" hissed Draco.
"It's your fault the Invisibility cloak is in pieces!" snapped Harry.
"I didn't cut the piece out of it," hissed Draco.
"I wouldn't have had to if you hadn't stolen it!"
Ron suddenly disappeared.
"Weasel?" said Draco startled, fear evident on his face. He raised his hands with magic crackling in them as he searched for an attacker.
"The name is Ron," said Ron as he emerged from behind the niche in the wall. He grinned cheekily at Draco. "Miss me?" he asked.
"No, Weasel," said Draco petulantly.
"Oh, the look on your face, Malfoy! It was priceless!" said Ron, laughing.
"You have no concept of what is priceless," growled Malfoy. "Prat!" he muttered almost good-naturedly.
"It will work, since we don't have the invisibility cloak," said Ron. "Do you want me to show you how to do this little hole in the wall spell, Malfoy?"
"You think I don't know how to do that stupid spell?" snapped Draco. "I'm just surprised you can do it."
"Quit showing off Ron," admonished Harry. "That spell should help if we need to hide though."
Draco nodded reluctantly. "I suppose Hermione taught you that spell," he said, and before Ron could answer, he continued. "We have to Apparate back to where the girls were and follow the Veelas' Apparition trail to your brothers, Weasel, unless of course the wards go back down, then Samara and I are getting the hell out of here. You can find the others yourself, Potter."
"Such dedication," sneered Ron.
"I did my part," said Draco.
"Okay," said Harry. "First we find the twins, then we go after Neville."
Draco said nothing.
"Can we walk?" asked Harry touching his scar significantly. "I can't Apparate. He will know where I am and Ron isn't very good—"
"I can do it," snapped Ron.
"He's going to have to," said Draco. "I can't Apparate both of you."
"Can we walk?" Harry repeated, remembering that Draco wasn't supposed to Apparate anyway.
"No," said Draco. "It's too far."
"You won't be very helpful if you're splinched," said Harry, and Draco rolled his eyes.
"Actually, I think the Apparition helped. My back feels almost normal." He smirked at Harry. "Maybe I know more about anatomy than Madam Pomfrey thought."
"Sure," said Ron. "You can be a medi-wizard when you grow up."
"Ron, do you remember the corridor we need to Apparate to?" asked Harry.
"Yes!" seethed Ron and he disapperated.
"Well, Potter," drawled Draco holding out his hand. Harry grasped Draco's hand and they Disapparated, following Ron back to the kitchen.
On the floor was the Veela Samara had stunned, but no sign of the girls or the invisibility cloak.
Draco immediately went to the veela, checking the magical signatures around her. He frowned worriedly as he searched."
"Well?" snapped Ron. "What happened to her?"
"Stupefy," said Draco, distractedly as he continued to sense the air around the veela. "But this isn't good. If one of the Death Eaters Ennervate this veela—wait. It's OK. Well—Samara's magic—she Obliviated her—that might cause questions—and there's Ginny's—that's it. What was the Mudblood doing, I wonder," said Draco. "Picking her nose?"
Ron whipped out his wand, and Draco turned, reaching automatically for his wand.
Harry snapped, "Expelliarmus!" and Ron's wand sailed to his waiting hand.
"Merlin," muttered Draco, as lowered the wand that he found himself holding. "Twice saved by The-Boy-Who-Lived. I'll have you know Potter I'll deny it to my dying day."
"Just put your wand away, Malfoy," snapped Harry.
Draco complied. "I could call the guards," said Draco.
"But you won't," said Harry. "You're as deep into this as we are Malfoy. Let's get moving."
"Just because you are The-Boy-Who-Lived doesn't mean you can give me orders," snapped Draco.
Ron shoved Draco against the wall and held his fist under Draco's nose. "Apologize," he said.
"Ron, don't be an idiot," said Harry, shoving Ron away from Draco and tossing him back his wand. "Do you want to find your brothers or not? We need Malfoy."
"I don't need some bloody Slytherin," muttered Ron.
Harry noticed that Draco had put away his wand, but he was standing ready with his fingers slightly spread, an unreadable expression on his face.
"Don't you want to find Hermione," Harry continued, "You know what she would say, Ron. She would tell you to stop trying to curse Malfoy every chance you get. He's the only one who knows the castle. Anyway," said Harry, "you know Malfoy was hurt. Threatening him wasn't very sporting." Harry simply started to walk away, and Ron followed him.
"And when has he been sporting?" countered Ron.
"He's in Slytherin. We're Gryffindors," commented Harry.
"Here," said Draco stopping them. "The twins Apparated from here. I know Darchelle's signature."
"She couldn't Apparate both of them," said Harry coming back to where Draco stood.
"She did Apparate with both off them. She's good," said Draco in admiration. "That's why she's in His inner circle. Anyway, they're twins and their magic isn't as different as two other people would be. Veelas are peculiar that way, especially with Apparating men or wizards.
"Weasel, we need to get close to where they are. I think I know where that is—Beaubaxtons' Wing, but I don't want to just Apparate. We could end up Apparating into a whole group of Veelas and that would be useless. I want to Apparate about 3 meters away in the opposite corridor. You can open your little niche and we can hear what they are planning.
"I didn't think of that," said Harry.
"Do you think you can manage that, Weasel?" asked Draco.
Ron nodded tersely.
"Then I'm going to Apparate with Ron first," said Draco.
"No," protested Harry, thinking that sending Ron and Draco on alone might be a bad idea. "We stay together."
"The Weasel doesn't know where he's going or have the precision to Apparate," said Draco patiently. He smirked. "Oh, don't worry, Potter. I wouldn't leave you out of the rescue. I promise to come back and get you so you can—finish the job."
"Ron? Malfoy? Draco," said Harry reluctantly. "What do you want me to do?"
"Stay put," said Draco as he reluctantly clasped Ron's hand. "I'm going to need a very long shower," he muttered as he closed his hand over Ron's and Disapparated.
A moment later Draco reappeared grasping Harry. "Come on," he said.
"What?" said Harry. "How's your back?"
"Better," said Draco. "I think I automatically put it in alignment when I first Apparated, but I'm still missing pieces." Draco shrugged. "I've been worse," he said enigmatically.
"How's Ron?" Harry asked, and Draco smirked. "What makes you think he would be anything but his normal asshole self," said Draco, putting a finger to his lips. "Be quiet."
The Veela on the kitchen floor groaned, but didn't awaken yet. Both Harry and Draco threw her a quick glance. "Good," said Draco. "She's waking up. Let's get out of here." He and Harry Disapparated to join Ron in the cramped little corner of the wall, somewhere near the Beaubaxton's wing.
Beyond the niche Harry saw Darchelle with Valeriana and Narcissa. Both had their Death Eater robes on and were covered with blood and soot and dirt. The scent of fire magic hung on their robes and both were filthy. Narcissa's hair had come loose from its fastenings and was clinging to her neck in long damp strings. Both witches were wet with sweat or Elemental water. Harry wasn't sure which.
"It's your mum," whispered Ron, just as Harry and Draco apparated beside him. Draco rolled his eyes and put a finger to his lips signifying silence. Harry turned to watch Narcissa and Valeriana with the veela.
Valeriana began muttering incoherently as she sucked on a chocolate bar, but Narcissa ignored her. Her eyes flashed angrily as she spoke to the Veela. "I want you to stop all this playing around, Darchelle!" she spat. "Quit running around the Snow Castle to find any available wizard. They are not your playthings. You should realize that. You are one of his Inner Circle now, Darchelle. Do you think you can play with his twins with impunity?"
"I'm not worried about it," said Darchelle sullenly.
Harry concentrated on hearing what Valeriana was muttering. "Twins, twins, twins," she said in a sing-song voice. "Twin basilisks on the wall. Basilisks, basilisks. Where are the basilisks, Sister?" She tugged on Narcissa's robe with a sticky, chocolaty hand. Harry was close enough to see that her bitten fingernails were encrusted with mud.
"Shut up," snapped Narcissa, showering Valeriana with a deluge of Elemental water. Narcissa closed her hands over her magic and closed her eyes momentarily. Then she drew her wand as Valeriana continued to mutter.
"Water—water moccasin." She shivered, looking around her in terror and just as quickly the fear dissipated. "No, no, that's not right. Oh I know!" She brightened excitedly as she began to count off snakes on her fingers: "King cobra, saw scaled viper, black mamba, rattlesnake, water moccasin, copperhead, Okinawa habu, jararaca, wutu, jumping viper—" Having come to the end of her fingers, she seemed to forget what to do and began to hop about like a child. "We made them jump. Jump! Jump! Jump!"
"Mutus!" snapped Narcissa, pointing her wand at her sister.
Valeriana immediately began to whimper, and shrink into herself, looking around with terrified eyes, and clutching her robes. The half melted chocolate bar fell to the ground.
"Can you think of nothing but our own petty pleasures?" Narcissa berated Darchelle. Harry noted there was now a small puddle of Elemental water pooled at Narcissa's feet. "Do you understand me?" boomed Narcissa.
"Yes, Mistress Narcissa," said Darchelle sullenly as Narcissa removed her sisters muting spell and smoothed back her hair as if she were a small child. "Get out of my sight," she snapped to Darchelle as she and herded a rather disheveled Fred and George away from the Veela.
With a huff, Darchelle Disapparated.
"Get a hold of yourself," Narcissa said, gently to Valeriana. "The dementors are gone. You are safe. I know you are strong enough to do this. Anyway, He killed the last of the healers when they couldn't help Samara, so it's up to you--" she seemed to think for a moment and then pulled Valeriana into a quick embrace. "Release!" she demanded. Over her sister's head she looked at Fred and George. "What are your names?" she asked.
"Fred—"
"George—" the boys answered
"We came for our sister," said George.
Narcissa frowned at Fred and George, and set Valeriana apart from her, "Wand," she snapped at her sister.
"I don't have a wand," sighed Valeriana. "It was broken and the dark things came." She sank whimpering to the ground and stuck her sticky fingers into her mouth, sucking off the chocolate.
"We mean, our sister invited us," said Fred, who was the first to recover his wits. He looked at Valeriana who had begun to hum tonelessly and rock back and forth on the floor. She was sucking mud and chocolate from her fingers. "Is she going to be ok?" he asked as Narcissa began to meticulously clean the mud and water from her robe with her wand.
Narcissa hesitated a moment and then put her own wand in her off hand and ruffled through her sister's robes. She found Valeriana's wand and stuck it in her hand.
"Levitate something," she snapped as she scowled in confusion at the twins.
Still humming tonelessly, Valeriana's hands shook and she let the wand roll away from her. It dropped to the floor with a clatter. She didn't seem to mind as she wandlessly levitated George, who soared towards the ceiling like a rocket.
"Hey!" he called, digging in his pocket. "Levitate these!" He tossed several candies to Valeriana.
"Sister!" shrieked Narcissa exasperated, and Valeriana ended the spell, letting George fall in a crumpled heap on the ground. Valeriana sat shaking on the floor and when Narcissa handed her back her wand she shook her head and broke into sobs. "No! The black things come. I need the magic. Please—" She latched onto her sister and magic crackled around them. "Sister? Please let me--" she pleaded, but Narcissa shook her off. "Narcissa?" Valeriana said again, clasping her hand, and this time Narcissa pocketed Valeriana's wand and continued to hold her hand.
While Fred checked his twin for bruises and broken bones, Narcissa frowned at them. "Weasley?" inquired Narcissa. "Virginia Weasley?" She nodded putting two and two together. "Virginia said she wouldn't recruit her family—"
"Favor?" said Valeriana. "trade her brothers for some favor," said Valeriana, struggling to make a coherent sentence.
Narcissa nodded "Have you met the Master, yet?" She asked.
"Well," said Fred.
"He was rather busy," said George as he pulled himself to his feet.
"I'll take them," said Valeriana, perking up at the prospect of going to Voldemort. "Let me take them," she begged.
"He's not here," Narcissa reminded Valeriana, as she started to braid her sister's disheveled hair with her wand. "Remember sister—"
"Oh yes," said Valeriana frowning. She tentatively let go of her sister's hand and began to peel the wrapper from one of the candies that George had thrown at her. Then she ducked away from Narcissa's spell, complaining that she was pulling her hair.
"We'll take you to your sister's room," said Narcissa. "You can wait for his pleasure there with Virginia."
"Master's pleasure," purred Valeriana, and then her face screwed up and she gave a terrified squeak. She started listing useful blood: "Goblin blood, and werewolf and giant and dragon—"
Ron turned to Harry and Draco. "Ginny's not in her room," he whispered frantically
"Well, I still have my vial of Polyjuice," said Draco, "and one of these hairs on my cloak is bound to be Samara's—" He pulled a long dark hair from his collar. "We'll have to beat them—which shouldn't be too hard—considering my mother's mind is moving pretty slowly right now--"
"If it's all the same to you, Ma'am," said Fred politely. "We were looking for the kitchen. Could you show us the way?"
Harry stopped Draco with a hand to his shoulder. The hair and polyjuice were both in Draco's hands, but it appeared that the twins took care of the problem themselves.
Valeriana stopped her chant of blood to look at them. "Hungry twins," she said. "My sons are the same. Hungry. Hungry. All the time hungry. Follow my signature." She popped the candy into her mouth and Disapparated.
The boys looked confused as Valeriana Apparated wandlessly, leaving a shower of sparks on the floor.
Narcissa doused the spot where her sister had been and looked to the boys nodding, "Follow us," she said again, and she Disapparated, but she used her wand.
Ron yelled, "Fred, George!" but it was too late. The twins had already followed Narcissa and Valeriana from the room.
"Your brothers are idiots," snapped Draco to Ron as he hurriedly put the polyjuice away.
"They will need some help," said Ron raising his wand.
"Expelliarmus!" shouted Draco, but Ron's wand stayed firmly in his own hand. Ron's eyes narrowed and he lowered his wand in Draco's direction, but Draco threw up his hands. "Listen to me, Weasel. Right now, my mother and my aunt are seriously high on Elemental magic, but it won't take them long to realize that the Weasley twins are not Death Eaters, and when they do, you brothers are basilisk food. They can't just have a late tea with my mum and aunt. Come on," said Draco, hurrying along the corridor. "I don't want to be here if they Apparate back, and like you said, your stupid brothers are going to need someone to baby-sit them."
"I did not say that," countered Ron.
"Malfoy," said Harry, but Draco ignored him.
"My mum and aunt won't stay with them in the kitchen," said Draco. "Let's just Apparate to the corridor like we did before. "I'll go first and check to see that no one is there." In a moment, Draco had returned for Harry. Ron Apparated on his own and made the niche in the wall.
As soon as they arrived, they heard Narcissa screech, "Finite Incantatum!" A dog barked and Narcissa continued in a low dangerous voice. "What have you done to my sister?"
The incessant whining and yipping of a collie puppy was interrupted by the sharp snap-snap of two spells. One of the twins howled in pain, the other choked and blubbered, "Nothing. Nothing. We did nothing. It won't last. Just wait."
"Spawn of a blood traitor," spat Narcissa. "You deserve to die anyway! Now change her back! Sectum!"
A terrified cry of pain issued from one of the twins.
"We can't," moaned the other.
"Can't or won't!" said Narcissa. "The next spell is Crucio," she threatened.
Harry raised his wand, but Draco stopped him. "The puppy puffs only last a minute," he hissed. "She can't do too much damage in a minute," whispered Draco. "She wants them coherent to remove the spell."
Harry frowned and started to open the door, but Draco stopped him with a furious whisper, "You can't walk in there Potter if you expect to live long enough to fulfill your prophecy."
Suddenly the growling was overshadowed by giggling and Valeriana's excited voice rang out from the kitchen. "Oh that was fun!" she cried. "It's almost like being an Animagus. You have to try one, sister."
"I don't—" began Narcissa, but then the growling and yipping began again.
Valeriana clapped her hands with glee, and there was a moment of silence while Harry wondered what they were doing. "Do the Mudbloods turn into mutts?" Valeriana inquired suddenly, but she didn't give the twins time to answer. "Narcissa!" Valeriana exclaimed, still talking in a loud sing song voice to her sister. "I never would have thought of you as a German Shepherd, Narcissa. Of course, I would have never guessed my own as a collie. Why do you suppose I was a collie? Loyalty?" She giggled. "How Hufflepuff!" Her footsteps quickened as she hopped about. "What do you suppose Lucius would be?" she asked. "And Nott?" She giggled again and then continued in a reverent whisper, "and the Master--" There was a loud pop of an Apparition and then silence. The rescue team gave a collective sigh of relief.
Draco burst into the kitchen and wasted no time in berating the Weasley twins. "You are fools!" he proclaimed.
"Clowns," George corrected.
"Well technically, clowns are fools and visa-versa," said Fred softly.
"You know what I mean!" growled Draco. "We've wasted enough time. Run, you idiots. They could be back."
No one argued with Draco. If he knew a way out, they were with him, thought Harry.
"Where are we going?" asked Ron.
"You and your brothers are going to wait in Samara's room, while Potter and I fetch Neville. Her room has nice strong wards, including Apparition wards, which should keep you safe for a while. At least you will be warned when someone is trying to get in."
"When did you set that up?" asked Ron with a knowing smile.
"About the same time you and Hermione were working on those Apparition wards on her room at Hogwarts," said Draco.
"Ronnikins?" said George.
"Oh, just don't," said Ron rolling his eyes.
"When did our little brother become a man?" said Fred.
"He hasn't," muttered Draco.
"I think congratulations are in order," said George as they proceeded toward Samara's room.
"Or sympathy for the Mudblood," said Draco.
"What did you say?" asked Harry, eyes widening in surprise, but Draco didn't answer.
"How many puppy puffs did you give them?" asked Ron.
"A lot," said Fred with a grin. "But that's not all—we slipped in a few Ton Tongue Taffies and Barfing Bonbons."
"You didn't forget the Dragon Breath mints?" said George.
"As a matter of fact, I did," said Fred. "I didn't have any on me, but she looked like she was already dripping fire. I've never seen anyone that high on wandless magic even in pictures."
"And we'd better hope she keeps dripping fire for a while," said Draco. "Once they get their wits back they aren't going to leave two Weasley twins running around the Snow Castle without investigating." He suddenly froze. "Someone's coming," he whispered.
"Someone is coming," Shesha repeated. "But it's a friend. Tsez!"
"It's the girls," said Harry translating what Shesha had said as they once again entered the kitchen.
"Good," replied Draco. "Then we can go look for Neville before the whole bloody Circle is back here looking for us."
Harry stopped. "Is that a possibility?" asked Harry as the girls stealthily made their way down the corridor. After a moment Harry realized why they were moving so slowly. Someone was hurt.
"Right now," drawled Draco, "I don't even know what the possibilities are." He dragged a hand through his usually perfectly styled hair. It was blowing slightly and damp with the use of the Elementals. "I don't see why you brought Longbottom anyway," complained Draco. "He's nothing but trouble. What possible use is he? He's almost a Squib. He shouldn't have come."
"But he did come," argued Harry. "If you don't want to look for him, I'll go myself," said Harry, but Draco rolled his eyes and snapped at the Weasleys.
"You go back to Samara's room and stay there. Tell the girls don't come after us. I hope you aren't too stupid to find it again."
Ron started to comment, but Draco interrupted him. "I don't have time to argue with you, Weasel," he said and draping an arm over Harry's shoulder, he and Harry Disapparated.
Harry stumbled slightly as they blinked through several quick apparitions. "What are you doing, Malfoy?" he snapped at Draco. "You're not even supposed to Apparate once much less multiple times."
"Losing any pursuers," said Draco. "In case my mum looks for signatures in the kitchen. And don't ask questions, or I may lose you Potter," he sneered. "It would be pretty easy to do here, you know that don't you?"
"I know," said Harry, "but that wasn't our deal."
"Longbottom wasn't our deal either," protested Draco.
"The girls could have helped," protested Harry, "and one of them was hurt, you prat. I wanted to know what happened." Harry felt the dull ache of guilt and sighed heavily. "Where are we?" he asked changing the subject.
"Didn't you see?" asked Draco.
Harry shook his head. "If I were controlling the Apparitions I would know, but the Apparitions were too fast."
Draco smirked. "Nice to know you are confused, Potter. We are just outside of Beauxbatons wing."
"Let's just get this done."
"Can't be too soon for me either, Potter. Listen carefully. The Veelas rarely block a simple Stupefy. They're fast and usually just try to move. They could sing though. If things get dangerous—if any of the Veelas sing or talk to you, there is a spell you can do. "Obsurdesco!"
"What is that spell?" Harry asked.
"Deafness."
"We can't do that. We need to communicate," said Harry.
"Believe me, if the Veelas sing, we need to be deaf. Otherwise, we will follow the voices of the Veelas and we will help no one." He paused, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "This wing is a girl's only zone. All of the Veelas are here. The boys know they will lose their wits if they come into this wing."
"Which is why we should have brought the girls," muttered Harry.
"I wouldn't bring Samara here, and if you understood Veelas, you wouldn't even consider bringing the other girls," said Draco in a tight voice. "Seeing Neville without clothes is bad enough; seeing him without skin is quite another." Draco paused, smirking at Harry's horrified look. "Do you know anything about Veelas, Potter, or are you just relying on dumb luck?"
"Veelas are like Sirens," said Harry. "I read the DADA assignment."
"Wonderful," said Draco dryly. He didn't seem impressed that Harry had done the reading. "Other than the one that had you, have you ever seen a Veela?" he asked Harry.
Harry felt sick as he thought about healing Ron's bloody belly. The skin had been shredded, but Ron must have been smiling the whole while the veela was flaying the skin from his body, kissing her bloody face as if he couldn't get enough of her. He closed his eyes for a moment thinking that he had done the same thing. He had ignored the plight of his friend. As long as he was in the veela's arms, nothing else mattered. If it wasn't for Shesha--He paused, trying to erase the thought from his memory--trying not to think of Neville. Obviously, they weren't all like that. There was Fleur, in the Tri-Wizard tournament. She wasn't like that, and she was a veela.
"Yes," said Harry facing Draco defensively. "Fleur."
Draco snorted. "Well, be on alert," said Draco gathering elemental magic in his hands as they walked. "We need to find Longbottom and get out, and we can't have much time. If the Veelas are back, and Aunt Valeriana is back, the Dark Lord will be back soon too." Draco looked at Harry. "She tries not to leave His side, but I think he gets tired of her insane ramblings. She's not usually as bad as what you just saw," he said as if it was an apology. "She goes mental every time she comes in contact with Dementors. You understand why--"
Harry said nothing. There was nothing he could say.
They moved silently into the next corridor. Draco had hit four Veelas with a magical backlash of the power he held before any saw him and they crumpled unconscious. The one that saw him turned and immediately Draco said, "Obsurdesco!" Then deaf, he continued by wandlessly cursing the last Veela in the room. Harry had stupefied four of them, and almost cursed another woman who it took him a moment to realize was not a Veela at all. She was a Muggle.
"That's a Muggle," said Harry amazed. He certainly didn't expect to see Muggles in Voldemort's stronghold. "Those are all Muggles." He stared at the girls in who were covered head to foot with yards of material. It was obvious they were terrified. Harry stared at them, but none of them were Veelas and none of them held Neville captive. A few of them were hurt, but most appeared to be in good health.
Draco removed his deafness charm. "What's the matter Potter, never seen a Muggle before?"
"I just didn't expect to see any here," said Harry.
"They like it here with the Veelas. It's because the Veelas are rather like women and these Muggles are unused to men." Draco shrugged.
"I meant I didn't expect to see them here at the Snow Castle," Harry explained.
"They were a gift from the Dark Lord," Draco said with a grimace.
"A gift?" said Harry appalled. "Voldemort captured them? Took them from their families?"
"No, actually, their families gave them away."
"Come here," said Harry trying to gather the girls together. They began talking nervously in their own language.
"What are you doing Potter?" asked Draco.
"Taking them with us," said Harry as he noticed a rip in one of the woman's sleeves and a long Sectum cut along her arm. "I can't leave them here."
"Why?" asked Draco.
"Harry grasped the injured arm and frowned at Draco. "What do you Death Eaters use them for: sex or dueling practice?"
"I thought you wanted to find Longbottom," sneered Draco. "Of course, maybe he doesn't want to be found." Draco grinned cheekily.
"We have to find him too," said Harry looking around worriedly at the group of Muggle women.
"They won't come with you Potter," Draco predicted. "They think we are gods and they don't understand English."
Harry raised his voice. "Do any of you speak English?" he asked and one of the girls stepped forward.
"A little bit," she answered, and Draco recognized the Muggle. It was the one who had been given to him. Draco stood helpless as Harry Potter explained slowly and carefully to the English speaking girl that they needed to come with him."
"Master? Is this right?" she asked Draco, her dark eyes questioning, and Harry looked at him in utter disgust.
"You miserable liar. How did you ever convince Samara that you were anything but a snake," said Harry in a low tone. "You are despicable, Malfoy."
"I thought that was already a given, Potter," said Draco. "Now, are we going to get Longbottom or just save the Muggles and let him rot?" asked Draco.
"Neville," said Harry softly.
"I believe he's in the next room," said Draco. "You go first, Potter. Keep your wand drawn. I'll protect your back"
Harry frowned at Draco. "From what? The Muggles? You coward. You have no intention of protecting my back. You just want me to go first."
Draco smirked. "You know, Potter, you aren't as dumb as you look."
"Wait here," said Harry to the Muggle girl as he drew his wand with his right hand and transferred Shesha to his left. He proceeded silently into the next room.
PLEASE REVIEW: You didn't have to pay for the fic. It's the least you can do…
Answers to Reviews:
Thumpingheart: Hmmm. Another anonymous reviewer that has never reviewed. Welcome. I think. Will you review next time, or will your name mysteriously change?
Wormtail: A spell check might be in order. You worry me. How old are you, anyway? Note the PG 13 rating. But thanks for the review.
Gavin: I know, you haven't reviewed, but I get the feeling that you did. Strange and misspelled names that never reviewed and new names that reviewed last time, could it be Gavin under polyjuice? Can't you remember your penname? Legilimens! Yep, foul play afoot. I suppose I should be flattered that you stuff the "review box" to get the 15 reviews. Would it be too much to ask for you to write coherent anonymous reviews?
Trillium: Glad you liked the dragon/snaky thing. I think Ennui may make a picture of it for us. It will be on group. No the vampires didn't disobey. Remember Salazar has experimented with numerous of the undead and things that come back to life to attain his immortality. As Silverfox said in the group discussion (you should join us at Yahoo group), Salazr likes to play with things that are dark and dangerous. And no more missing chapters!
Cronenus: The dark mark is not part of the wizard's magic. It is a conduit to Voldemort's magic within the body of the Death Eater. She couldn't get rid of the dark mark that easily. It's going to stay with her for a while. She needed to sacrifice something that was "her own", and since she trusted her friends, it seemed to be the best choice. Of course, Tom didn't agree. Trusting anyone is rather foreign to his Slytherin nature.
Potter-gurl 17: Tom really does love Ginny? Ya think? Have you read any of my other fics?
Kemenran: Love the long review. Dumbledore would of course try to protect his beloved Gryffindors.
Field of Gold: short and sweet. I love long reviews. Makes puppy dog eyes…collie eyes…Have a puppy puff for a long review?
Jager: Glad you like. Would like to know what exactly what you like.
DraginLover: Exactly. Tom wouldn't really have to be careful about the wards. He doesn't expect Ginny and Samara to go voluntarily into the dungeon. Ginny has avoided him as much as possible for the almost a month they have been at the Snow Castle. She doesn't want him to suspect that Tom is in her head, but he thinks of her as rather shy and timid. When Samara has had contact with him, she is usually in Hufflepuff mode and rather delicate. He doesn't think of the girls as much of a threat in the idea that they would go to the dungeon unless he had them put there. He knows their magic is powerful, but he grew up in the forties. He knows there are strong women, like Narcissa, Valeriana and Carman, but to him, they are an exception. The old standby, "open" worked fine in the past, so he doesn't see the need to change it. It might be an oversight that costs him. We will see.
Fire-sprite16: You trust Snape? Muwhwawhawha! You want Volde to find out? Find out what? That they are in the Snow Castle? Mayhem and torture would follow. What a bloodthirsty bunch you are!
Chernobyl: Thanks for telling me that I'm your favorite. It made my day. Voldemort isn't back from the Ministry yet. Er, and he has important stuff to do. Remember when he send Carman ahead with the kids? That's the time period we are in, but he will be back soon, and then, well, just wait. See, Snape knew he would send the kids back, but not the adults. He knew they would be at the Ministry and that's why he had a specific time for Harry to come to the rescue. He knew that Volde would be busy and distracted. You will soon see why. No Tom cannot take Ginny over while she is unconscious. I'm sure he has tried when she was sleeping, etc. The question is, how much of a spell can he do? In the diary, I'm sure he used imperious to make her strangle the roosters and so forth, but now? Who knows?
Elbereth: Yes, it was fun to write Ginny/Tom in combat together too. And so, you got a little taste of what those poor boys were up to
Riddled Slytherin: Glad you like. For those of you looking for a good read, I recommend Riddled Slytherin's fics. They are very good. Dark and Slythy, what more do you want?
Lauz: No Tom cannot take control of Ginny's unconscious body. If he could, he would have done so long ago. After all she is unconscious when she sleeps. She was unconscious after Bea Bunny was crucioed. And getting them out of this mess, is the story, so I won't tell you. You have to read it. As far as explaining to Hermione, I doubt that she is going to do that. The less said, the better.
Little Red Rabbit: Glad to see you are still reviewing.
Silverfox1: Glad you enjoyed my horse pictures. We have another baby horse, but she has a cast on her leg to try to straighten it out. She is very crooked, unfortunately. For those of you who want to see the pictures, they are under photo on the group site at yahoo groups. TheSeersTruth. Yes, Tom hates being out of control, and he is very much out of control in unconscious Ginny.
Please review. 15 reviews gets the next chapter.