Chapter 6: Escape

X

X

Draco headed towards the hall, deep in thought. As soon as he entered, the students' voices lowered, talking softer than they had been before. Draco gritted his teeth. Couldn't the stupid idiots keep out of his and Usagi's business? They were always gossiping about one thing or another.

He made his way towards the Slytherin table, knowing he looked a mess. But he didn't really care. He still had to find out who was hurting Usagi. He took a seat in between Crabbe and Goyle. 'Stupid Dumbledore,' He thought angrily, 'calling this bloody meeting. As if I haven't got any bloody thing to do in my bloody spare time."

It was as if the headmaster was awaiting his arrival, for as soon as he sat down Dumbledore stood up. "As you all know, next month should have marked the beginning of the Nonae Decertatio." He announced. The seventh years cheered. "However." They groaned. "However, as a result of the events that took place in your fifth year, such an event will not be taking place." They groaned even louder. Dumbledore patiently waited for them to finish. "Knowing how disappointed you all would be, I decided to allow you all to choose one event."

This had Draco's attention, and he listened closely to the headmaster's words. "The following: the eight-hour masquerade that will last from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and the student with the best costume (and the best dancer) will win 500 points for his or her house. This will be a formal event, so any student dressed in only their school uniforms will be disqualified. (Masks are not required, but are encouraged, since it will be a masquerade), a talent show, where you will be able show your greatest magical talents. The winner of this event will be awarded 200 points. The winner Transfiguration-costume contest and the winner will receive 300 points. (Keep in mind that the costume must be authentic), One month before the graduation day, a carnival where will take place. It is during this event that the winners will be announced."

X

The next day Draco went to visit Usagi. He would have gone sooner, but he had to serve detention with Professor McGonagall the evening before and finish his schoolwork. He hoped she wasn't terribly lonely. After all he hadn't seen her since yesterday morning.

He hurried to the Hospital Wing, neither running nor dawdling. But he arrived there he found Usagi, not alone, but talking to three other girls. Gryffindors.

"-not really so bad, once you get to know him." She was saying. Draco's eyes narrowed. Were they talking about him? He decided to keep out of their sight for a while, curiosity taking over him. He wanted to hear what his little Bunny had to say about the famous Draco Malfoy.

"He's really nothing but a big teddy bear under that conceited, stuck up shell of his." Usagi exclaimed, animatedly. The other girls started to giggle.

Draco's eyes widen immensely. A teddy bear! Usagi called him a bloody teddy bear! He scowled. There was no way he would let her get away with such an insult.

"-as a little kid." He heard Lavender ask.

'Oh no.' Draco thought. Usagi would not tell them. Usagi could NOT tell them.

"He was such a spoilt little kid..."

Usagi WAS telling them. After she was done, they too would start thinking he was a BIG ole teddy bear.

"I remember once when we were little, he was 7 and I was 6. He used to be so mean. Oh he pretended to be all sugar sweet around, 'Mummy and Daddy,' but once they were gone he would turn into the seed of Chucky, always pulling my hair and tripping me and hiding my toys."

"Even when he got caught, he would just bat his big pretty eyes and cuddle up to whomever and pretend to be all innocent. Ugh. I swear he's such a sneak."

The other girls aw-ed and Draco rolled he's eyes. He saw nothing cute about his actions.

But Usagi wasn't finished. "And once he broke a very expensive vase Mamma had gotten when he was flying his broom inside the house. It was practically made of only diamonds and pure gold. At first, Mamma was so angry, I was sure he would be punished. But he acted all sweet and sorry and BAM he was off the hook. He even ended up with a bar of chocolate! Tell me how do you break something by doing something that was forbidden and end up with a reward? Of course he wouldn't have tried that with his father. But then again, he is a Mamma's boy."

The girls broke into another round of giggles. Giggling their heads off, like a bunch of hyenas. Draco groaned. Why him?

"But still he has his moments. Once I had pricked my finger and I started to cry. (I was only six, mind you.) Of course he was disgusted by my tears and kept huffing and rolling his eyes. But I could tell he was worried...and scared." Usagi was enjoying this.

The girls laughed. When they calmed down, Usagi continued her little tale. "He didn't know what to do. He started doing all kinds of things to get me to stop."

"Did you stop?" One of the girls, Padma, asked.

Usagi nodded. "He had me howling, and I forgot all about my finger. Even after I stopped crying he continued to play with me. And then when we were done, we went down and got ourselves snacks. Of course the next day, he was back to being the spoiled brat he's most famous as."

The girls sighed dreamily. Two of them stood up, saying they had work to do. Usagi nodded at them. When they were gone, Lavender spoke up. "I didn't know Malfoy was your brother. I thought he was your cousin or something."

Usagi blinked once...twice...and then three times. "Brother?" She echoed. "You think Dra-chan's my brother."

Lavender nodded, annoyed by the other's small giggles. "Well isn't he?"

Usagi shook her head, shaking in amusement. "Dra-chan's not my brother." She said in between laughs. "He's much more than that."

"What?" Lavender pondered. "He can't be any closer to you than your brother."

Usagi chuckled. "Oh yes he can."

"W-what?" Lavender stuttered.

Usagi nodded, still giggling. "He's can't be my brother when…when I'm married to him." Laughter gushed from her throat. "Dra-chan's husband."

"That's impossible. You're only…"

"16. I know." Usagi finished for her.

"And he's a…"

"What?" Usagi smiled, amusedly.

Draco stood from his hiding place and walked towards the two. Usagi smiled brightly in his direction. "Guess what, Draco!" She continued, not waiting for his guess. "I get to leave today. You can continue teaching me to ride a broom."

Draco nodded absently. He walked around to her side and placed a small kiss on her cheek, then smiled at her lovingly. Usagi stopped in mid-sentence, surprised. She quickly recovered and continued to speak enthusiastically. "I was just talking to Lavender, Padma, and Parvati about you. And guess what Lavender thought."

Usagi broke down again. "She thought you were my brother…and I was your sister."

Draco frowned, acting surprised, as if he wasn't listening in on their conversation. After all, he didn't want Usagi thinking he was an eavesdropper. "Why would she think that?"

Usagi shrugged. "Can you imagine us being related? We don't even look alike."

"That's not true," Lavender protested in self-defense. "You do look alike, a bit. You've both got blond hair and blue eyes. And you're both incredibly fair."

"Draco's eyes are gray." Usagi pointed out. "And a lot of people have blond hair and are really pale." Usagi saw that Lavender was about to speak again. "Besides, I'm Asian, while he's English."

Draco turned to face Lavender. "She is my wife." He said slowly as if to get his point across. "Now go tell all your stupid little Gryffindor friends."

Lavender's eyes clouded in anger. Before she could say anything though, Usagi quickly interrupted her. "So Lavender, anything good happen in Divinations lately."

The Gryffindor quickly brightened. "As a matter of fact yes. Madame Trelawney made the weirdest prediction the other day." She stopped to think. "What…did…she…say? Oh yes!"

"Ebony blood and envious gold

A forbidden flower alone and cold

Hate and rage uncontrolled

Nonetheless love will unfold

A forgotten match, a tale untold

Of golden jade yet to mold."

"A riddle? What do you think it means?" Usagi questioned.

Lavender shrugged. "Nobody's paying much attention to it though. They still think Trelawney's a fraud. Halfwits. If Trelawney was a fraud, do you think Dumbledore would have hired her? Honestly, after all these-"

"Sorry to cut your little tirade short," Draco spoke up, "but get out."

To say Lavender was speechless was the understatement of the century. Unfortunately for Draco, it did not last long. "Why you pompous, arrogant little-"

Draco again cut her off. This time with a yawn. "Oh," He drawled, eyebrow raised. "You're still here. How delightful." He was using that snobby superior voice he invented just to make others feel even lower to him than they already were.

"I came here to see Usagi, not you." Lavender looked to Usagi for help. When she saw she wasn't going to get any support from the petite blond, she gathered her stuff, all the while mumbling about stuck up Slytherins, and what they had stuck up where. Once done, she hurried towards the exit, but paused. Usagi and Malfoy. Gryffindor and Slytherin. Husband and… She shook her head. It couldn't be true.

"Dra-chan," She heard Usagi begin, "doushite…"

'It can't be true.' Lavender thought. 'They're still only my age.' She turned around just to see, and what she saw expelled all doubts.

X

"I came here to see Usagi, not you."

Draco frowned. The girl didn't believe Usagi was married to him. He could tell she didn't. Well no matter, he would make her believe it.

He watched as she hurried towards the door, but then paused. She would turn and Draco decided to show her something she would never forget. Moving closer to Usagi, he wrapped his arms around her.

"Dra-chan, doushite-"

Usagi was unable to finish for Draco's lips met hers in a warm, passionate kiss. Lavender's mouth dropped to the floor and Draco inwardly smirked. Mission accomplished.

X

Draco Malfoy ran silently, oblivious to his surroundings, letting his feet take him wherever they may. He was getting tired and his breathing quickened, but he didn't care. He kept running trying to get away from it all. He stopped in the middle of the quidditch field, and then he really took off. He was high where no one could reach him. High up, going as fast as his broom would allow him, but it wasn't fast enough. It never was.

"Draco!" A voice called from below him. Usagi. And that Gryffindor was next to her. He landed his broom regrettably and approached the girls, picking up another.

"You remind me of her. Haruka." She said speaking in Japanese.

Draco nodded in understanding. Haruka was always running trying to escape, trying to get away. In a way he too was like that, using his broom to get away from others, from his problems and from his life.

"I know," he replied, also in Japanese.

Lavender looked between them, and her eyes softened. An idea popped in her head and she signaled Draco.

He looked at her questioningly. She looked at Usagi and then the broom. Usagi, and then the broom. Usagi…and then the broom. His eyes lit up and Draco smirked.

"Are you ready?" He asked handing her the extra broom.

The broom jerked. Usagi looked at it skeptically.

"I don't think the broom likes you." Lavender told her in amusement.

"What?" She cried, flabbergasted at the idea of someone or something not liking her. "Why?"

Draco shrugged. "You're too stupid and hyper."

Usagi growled threateningly. "If it can stand you, it must love me. Besides, how can a broom like me?"

"It doesn't."

"It's a BROOM- made out of wood. It has no feelings."

Draco's Tempo 360 jerked in his hands. "You're getting it angry."

"Have you lost it! It's a stupid, useless peace of wood--"

The broom flew out of Draco's hand and Usagi screeched in surprise. The broom started to chase her and she yelled for help. Lavender burst out laughing, and as much as he tried not to, Draco joined. Lavender snuck a look at him and smiled. 'He's got a nice laugh.' She thought, but quickly turned away blushing.

"AAH!" Usagi wailed loudly. "Draco help me."

"You've got to apologize." Lavender told her.

"I'm sorry, broom-sama. Please don't hurt me. PPPLLLEEAASSSEEE!"

"No, no, Usagi." Draco added. "You're doing it wrong; you've got to be really sincere."

"How do I do that!"

"Um…" Lavender said. "Um… You gotta…you gotta hop on one foot and say 'I'm sorry all mighty broom'"

"I'm sorry all mighty broom! I'm sorry all mighty broom!" Usagi repeated hopping on one foot.

"You're not bowing and you gotta place your hands on your head in surrender."

Usagi turned around, and started to bow to the broom, while hopping backwards, with both of her hands placed on top of her head. Lavender was rolling on the ground while laughing hysterically. Draco too was laughing loudly, though he wasn't rolling on the ground (that would be too un-Malfoyish).

Lavender's wand dropped from her hand and she lost control of the out-of-control broom. The broom immediately stopped and Usagi looked from the broom to the two, back to the broom, again to the two, and back and forth, again and again until…OOOOOHHHHHHHH!

Usagi looked at the laughing duo angrily, her hands forming into fists at her sides. What right did they have to laugh at her? It wasn't funny. They were laughing at her! She marched over to where Draco was laughing and stood in front of him. Lavender paused to see what would happen and so did Draco.

In the next moment Draco's face went flying, and Usagi's handprint was left on his stinging cheek. Draco stood dazed for a while, before rubbing where Usagi left her hand print.

"What did you do that for!" He yelled at the retreating Usagi.

Usagi turned to glare at him, but stayed silent. Draco ran in front of her and blocked her path. Usagi moved to the side. He followed, still blocking her, both his arms stretched out.

"What's your problem?" He asked in an annoyed voice.

Usagi mumbled something that wasn't quite cleared.

"What?"

"YOU WERE LAUGHING AT ME!" She said in a MUCH louder voice.

Draco was dumbfounded. His arms dropped to his sides and his eyes softened slightly. "I wasn't- gomen ne. I didn't know you'd take it so seriously. It was a joke. It's not that big a deal."

"Joodan ni mo hodo ga aru. (There is a limit even to a joke.) Would you like having me laugh at you?"

He shook his head. "It's alright." Usagi cheered up. "I'll forgive you this time."

They spent the next two hours teaching her to ride a broom. And when she finally got the hang of it, she refused to go higher then 30 feet of the ground. So while Draco soared through the air, she and Lavender, sharing one broom, snail-ed their way across the field and back for about half an hour until Draco took pity on poor Lavender, and offered her A ride.

Lavender switched brooms and wrapped her arms around his waist. Draco nodded and then shot towards the heavens, as Lavender's dark hair flew back and a small smile graced her beautiful face. She did not laugh out loud as Usagi did, but instead enjoyed the ride and the feel of the broom soaring through the sky.

x-x-x

After putting their brooms away, the three headed back to Hogwarts. Draco's hands were in the pockets of his robe, and Usagi was affectionately holding his arm as they walked, while Lavender was beside the odangoed blond. All three were deep in thought. Lavender was thinking about the supposed marriage between the two blonds. Usagi was pondering whether or not to let Lavender in on her secret lives, and Draco meanwhile was arguing with himself about the Nonae Decertatio. He wasn't sure which of the three events he should choose.

"So, Malfoy," Lavender began, "Which event from the Nonae Decertatio are you voting for?"

Draco shrugged.

"The what?"

"The Nonae Decertatio." With those three words she proceeded to explain the three events to Usagi.

When Lavender finished explaining the events to Usagi and history of the Nonae Decertatio, the other girl was as excited as she was if not more. "I can't wait for next year. I think I would like to have the masquerade."

They reached the castle and pushed the door to enter. Lavender nodded agreeably. "Uh huh. I would to dance. Did I tell you the winner of the masquerade would win 400 points?"

"It was 500, you dimwit." Draco interrupted.

But Lavender ignored him and continued. "Whatever. You won't have to wait until next year."

"Why not?"

Lavender smiled. "Because everyone can bring a date, and since you and Malfoy are…you know…he'll probably bring you."

"Would I be able to win?" Usagi asked excitedly, a bright smile on her face.

"I don't know. But I think so."

"What do you think, Dra-chan?"

Draco had obviously not been listening. "I don't care."

Usagi pouted. "If you do have a masquerade, what do you think I should go as?"

"I don't think you'd go."

Usagi gave Draco a surprised look. "What do you mean you don't think I'd go?"

"I don't think I'd want you as my date." He repeated.

"What? Why?"

"Just leave it alone, Usagi. I just don't think I'd take you."

X

Usagi stormed into the Gryffindor common room, Lavender behind, trying to calm the other girl down. "I'm sure he didn't mean it that way." She was saying.

"What other way could he have meant it!" Usagi yelled. "The words 'I don't think I'd want you as my date' are pretty self- explanatory."

"You see, he said he doesn't think. He must still not be sure."

Hermione Granger had been lying on the couch, and peacefully reading her library book when the two girls barged into the room, arguing loudly. So it was only fair that she knew the reason her reading was interrupted, and so rudely at that. "What are you going on about?"

"He doesn't think I'd go!" Usagi exclaimed. "He doesn't think he'd want me as his date! Who does he think he is? Am I not good enough for his Majesty!"

"I beg your pardon."

"If only Mama knew…!"

"Knew what exactly?"

"That 'he doesn't think he'll take me!' Jerk!"

Hermione was getting tired of this. "Yes, yes. I know he doesn't think he'll take you. But where exactly do you want him to take you?"

Usagi huffed and sat down on a chair, mumbling under her breath. 'Guess I'll have to explain.' Lavender thought.

"Well," She began, "Well, you see, we were talking about the Nonae Decertatio and how we would like to have a masquerade cause it would be the most fun and how each student could bring a date even if they were in a different year, and Usagi was wandering what she would go as, but then Draco said that he doesn't think he'd take her-"

"With no good reason, too." Usagi added. "Just leave it alone, Usagi. I just don't think I'd take you." She imitated.

"You want to be his date?"

Usagi rolled her eyes. "You're quite the little genius, aren't you, Granger?" She responded sarcastically.

"I don't see the problem." Hermione retorted, obviously annoyed. "Just go with someone else."

"Oh yeah, Granger, that's really smart." Usagi's tone held bitter sarcasm. She leaned in close to the brunette, causing her to back away. "Tell me, Granger, you've never had a boyfriend before, have you?"

Hermione's face flushed. "Excuse me?"

"I said, 'you've never had a boyfriend before, have you?'"

"I hardly see what this has to with anything. Besides I was only trying to help."

"Wow, Lavender! She was only trying to help. Well, Granger, I don't remember asking for your bloody help!"

Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but Lavender beat her to it. "Don't be that way, Usagi." She protested. "Just because you're angry, doesn't mean you have to take it out on Hermione."

"I know that." Usagi sighed in frustration. "I just wish he would tell me why."

"Malfoy's a prick." Hermione added in an effort to comfort the petite blond.

"What are you getting at?" Usagi glared at Hermione.

Hermione stood up angrily, her book in hand. "Ron was right. You are mental." She readied herself to storm out, but Lavender stopped.

"Please don't be mad, Hermione. Usagi's just a bit confused." She cleared her throat. "Usagi was just so sure Malfoy would take her," She saw Hermione arch an eyebrow, "since you know…he and Usagi are husband and wife."

Hermione's eyes widened to the size of golf balls "Husband and wife?"

Lavender nodded. "Believe me. It's true."

"You're joking-"

Lavender shook her head. "I already went through that, so don't bother."

"But that's impossible!"

"Oh yes, Granger, quite impossible."

"You know-"

"No. But I'm sure you're going to tell me."

"-You and Malfoy belong together." Hermione yelled. "You're arrogant, stuck-up, selfish brats!"

"You know us so well." Usagi responded, and under her breath muttered, "mudblood."

Lavender heard her. "Usagi!"

"Fine! Alright already! I'm sorry!" Her eyes filled up. They didn't understand. What if Draco was in love with another girl? What if he wanted her as his date? What if by marrying him, she broke her heart? What if marrying her broke his heart? What if…

Hermione watched the many different emotions displayed on Usagi's face. Hurt, love, helplessness…and guilt. "Are you and Malfoy really married?" Hermione's tone was softer. "I thought you were distant cousins or something of that sort. I never expected you two to be in love and married. What I mean, you are a bit young-not even out of school." Hermione Granger still had the ability to talk really fast, and at that moment, she was using that ability. "So are you really?"

Usagi nodded absently.

"I still find it hard to believe you're married to Malfoy. It's hard to imagine anyone being married to him. What's it like?"

x-x-x

That night Usagi didn't go to the great hall, for two reasons. One: she needed to think, and Two: she was got a note from Malfoy telling her to meet him near the lake. It was dark and she knew she shouldn't be outside, but she trusted Draco. His note sounded serious. A figure headed towards her. She would recognize that silvery blond hair anywhere.

"Dra-chan." She breathed.

A.N. This whole conversation is in Japanese.

They sat together in the dark night, their backs leaning into the bleachers in complete silence, both in deep thought.

"Dra-chan, nani-" She began, breaking the slightly uncomfortable silence.

"He escaped, Usa." He muttered.

"What?"

"Father. He escaped from Azkaban."

"Azkaban is a sort of prison, right?"

Draco nodded. "That's where he was the whole time."

"And he escaped? Are you sure, Dra-chan?"

Draco again nodded. "Yes. When I went to visit him, he told me he wouldn't be there for long. He said he wouldn't let them try to keep him down and that he would rise again. That he would send me a message, and I would know. And look, Usa," He showed her the note.

"Dragon of Bad Faith, have faith?" Usagi read. "Why-"

"Don't you get it, Usa?" Draco asked excitedly. "Malfoy means bad faith and everyone knows Draco means dragon. And then look at what he wrote after. 'Have faith.' That's the message!" He explained with a smile on his face. "He wants me to have faith and to know he escaped." Draco laughed contentedly. "He escaped, Usa! He left!" He pulled her into a hug. "I didn't really think he would, and that's why he told me to have faith! I'm happy he left, Usa. When I went to see him he was…he didn't belong there."

Usagi smiled into his embrace. The wind danced around them. "I'm happy, too. But," She continued hesitantly. "Won't they notice he's gone? Won't they go after him?"

Draco's chin rested on top of her head and he smiled. "You should have faith, Usa."

After a while, Draco spoke. "This calls for celebration, don't you think, Usa."

"Celebration?"

"Yes! Come."

She let him pull her to wherever he was taking her and it was a while before she realized he was taking her around the castle. "Where are we going?"

"Sh! We don't want to get caught. It's past curfew, you know."

She watched as Draco search for something, pull it, and then they were falling. Usagi barely had time to register what was happening before they landed on something soft. Usagi stood up and looked around. Her eyes met a pair of angry ones.

"Where were you?"

Usagi gave the girl a weird look. She was about to ask the girl who she was, when Draco spoke.

"Get off my back, Parkinson." He was smirking. "I had to tell Usagi the good news."

"What good news?"

"I'll tell you when you wake the others." He noticed the curious look on Usagi's face. "I'll introduce you all later. Right now, we need some food."

Pansy Parkinson went off to get the other Slytherins. Draco led Usagi to a large room. It was bare, except for a dig table that stood in the middle. Draco tapped his wand on it two times, and it was loaded with food.

"Sugoi! How'd you do that, Dra-chan?" Usagi was amazed. So much food.

Pansy returned with a group of sluggish Slytherins. Usagi eyed the small bottle in her hand, wondering about what was in it. On the table were about 40 identical goblets. Usagi watched the as liquid from the small bottle was poured into each goblet.

"Take your places!" Draco barked, causing Usagi to jump in surprise.

They all stood shoulder to shoulder, circling the large room. Parkinson passed each goblet to the person closest to her; that person passed it to the next them, and so forth. Draco took one and handed the other to her. Usagi took it carefully.

"To Salazar!" Someone shouted. Usagi whipped around to see who.

"To Salazar Slytherin!" The rest shouted before gulping down the liquid. All eyes turned to Usagi. Usagi's eyes traveled from one cold, stony face to the other. They were waiting for her. She looked to Draco for reassurance. His eyes told her to drink.

"To Salazar Slytherin." She exclaimed, bringing her goblet to her lips. Usagi fought the urge to vomit as the bitter potion slid down her throat. As she slowly drank it, she let her eyes roam their faces. Slow smiles came to their face, and she drew the nerve to finish from the slow encouraging smiles.

Usagi moved the goblet from her lips. "To Salazar Slytherin." She muttered before her vision darkened.