A/N: To start off, The thing about moving your leg was an exercise in how your brain functions. If you are moving your leg in a circle in one direction, it is impossible, using the arm on the same side of the body, to make a circular motion in the opposite direction. You can move your right leg clockwise and write the number 6 with your left hand without any problem.

I regret to inform Muggle1 that the story about Harry, er, Malcolm was intended to be a one shot deal. It was something to do until the next book came out. I am thinking of completing the story of Edmund Blackadder and the Philosopher's stone. I have a cunning plot.

And I promise mandraco we will get back to Malcolm specifically in the next chapter, or the one after that.

CHAPTER 10: Draco's Adventures in Wonderland

"Whot you want?" The man asked suspiciously as he peered out from behind the door of the rundown house.

"Mundungus Fletcher?"

"Yer Greaser's kid. Whot you doin' here?"

Draco smiled innocently. "My old man likes the bike. He wanted you to know. Now open the door and let me in or I'll show you every curse I've ever learned."

Reluctantly, Mundungus let Draco into his house. Draco entered and smiled approvingly. Various paraphernalia littered the room. A large assortment of cauldrons. Boxes of miscellaneous charms. Assorted pieces of silverware. Things like that.

As Mundungus closed the door, he scowled. "And why are you here? How did you find me?"

"I'm looking for a missing person, Someone you would know."

"Who?"

"An animagus. He can transform into an owl. And he left behind a letter addressed to you." Draco handed him the envelope. "I'm asking for friends. What do you know about any missing children?"

Mundungus opened the envelope and pulled out a blank piece of paper. He stared at the greasy-haired boy who was still smiling.

"Nothin' about that boy Malcolm. But there's talk of this one kid. Disappeared a couple of weeks ago."

"And?"

"An' he disappeared. Now tell me what's up and who's with you or get out?"

"Truth for truth. Nobody's with me. But my old man's back home ready to talk to the feds if he don't hear from me regular. Kabish?"

"What?"

"Do you understand?"

"Oh. Yeah, I understand. And what's going on?"

"Malcolm's missing. And nobody wants to let on. Father says I'm good at sneaking around, and sent me to ask questions."

"Father?"

'Oops,' thought Draco. "My old man, you jerk. Now, I answered your questions. Answer mine. And?"

Mundungus hesitated. "The feds?"

"The American Department of Magic. They knew about the bike. But if we find Malcolm, they'll forget all about it. Dad an' me like the idea, and I think you do, too."

The crafty thief smiled as the territory suddenly became familiar. He knew all about cutting a deal. "Okay. I don't know much. But there are certain places you don't want to go to. Not without a lot of other people to help you. Rumors have it that the boy who disappeared, his folks got on the wrong side of a certain werewolf. That's all I know." Mundungus added carefully, "I don't think your friend is there, though."

"I hope you're right. And Fletcher? Greaser likes working with you. He says you've got good stuff."

"Yeah. Thanks."

The man closed the door behind the American boy with the solemn oath that from now on he would only trade locally. Much less hassle that way.

The weather was miserable as Draco, as an owl, set in the branches of the lifeless tree. He was waiting for a reply to a letter and decided to spend his time investigating a chance remark Dewey had made. He didn't know why Grimauld Place was important but he felt it was worth a try. It was his third day perched in the tree and no one had come by. At least no one who was a witch or a wizard. He started to doze when another owl landed on the branch next to him.

The other owl was clearly surprised when Draco hooted at it but held out the letter, anyway. Draco took the letter in his beak and the owl, content to go back to America, flew away eagerly.

Draco flew to the ground and transformed. He then opened the letter from David Winter. Malcolm was still missing but Louis, coached by Dewey, was doing an excellent job being Malcolm. There was no cause to worry. There was also the information that Draco had asked for. The most likely locations of the werewolf, Fenrir Greyback. Draco shuddered at a thought. He did not know how David obtained the information but he was now faced with a serious problem.

Draco had met Greyback once, with his father. It was not a pleasant meeting. For Draco. The man scared him. But the man was in the habit of stealing away children to no good purpose. If he had taken Malcolm . . ." Draco sighed. He had to make sure.

"I'm an idiot," Draco said suddenly. He knew the perfect way to find the werewolf. Conjuring a quill, he crossed out his name and wrote the name of the werewolf in its place. Sighing once more, he grasped the envelope tightly and transformed into an owl.

Draco perched on a high branch so that his scent would not reach any of the people below. He could not see much but he could hear almost everything if he concentrated. He gave silent thanks for his friend for choosing to be an owl. He would never have been able to get this close to the cave and the camp of the werewolf clan without such an ability. And now he was listening to a very interesting conversation.

"Save your excuses, Lupin," Greyback said with a snarl. "You came here and you weren't followed. That's why you're still alive. You've followed all of my orders but you still have much to answer for."

"I've told you," Remus Lupin said, almost pleading, "I've nothing left. All of my friends are dead, or they've betrayed me. I have nowhere else to go. No other choice. I will do what I must. I promised I would. And I have."

"I made you, Lupin. And I can unmake you. One false move, one wrong word, and you will be my next meal. But prove yourself and you will have a place in the pack. Do you understand?"

"Completely." There was regret in Lupin's voice.

"Good. At least you know the right words to say. And I'll give you a another chance to show you mean it. That cub. I'll be with him when I turn at the full moon, tonight. Until then, I want someone to keep an eye on him every minute. In an hour, you will take your turn at watch. And I'll be watching you. Everything you say. Every move you make."

Draco smiled inwardly. For some reason he was reminded of an old muggle song. Every move you make. Every chance you take. When he knew that Lupin was alone, he took his chance.

For his part, Remus Lupin was surprised when the owl landed near him, and even more surprised when it took the shape of a fourteen year old boy. For his part, Draco was smart. Malcolm smart. He could think as quickly and as sharply, although he did so with more purpose than his friend ever had. He didn't talk to Lupin, he stepped close enough to see in the dark and mouthed the words.

I'm looking for Malcolm.

Lupin frowned at the remark, then remembered something he had been told and mouthed back to him.

You're Draco Malfoy.

Draco nodded. Malcolm is missing. Have you seen him?

No, but there is a boy. I don't know who he is.

Where?

Lupin pointed and mouthed directions. I doubt it is Malcolm.

Draco nodded. I have to find out. I'll take the chance. If it's him, I'll get him out of here.

Lupin nodded in return and gave him a sad look. And if he isn't. I know he'll be bitten. Or killed. And I know he has a family.

Draco shrugged. If he isn't, it isn't my concern. He then snarled. If you tell about me, I'll save Fenrir Greyback the trouble of killing you.

The pitying look Remus Lupin gave him made Draco feel completely stupid for making that threat. Hiding his embarrassment, Draco transformed and fell back into the trees. Behind him, he could hear Lupin stand up and slowly make his way to where the boy was being held.

Draco found the spot quickly. He could even see the boy lying on the ground, his shirt torn away from an earlier struggle. The boy was only six or seven, curled up in a ball, and whimpering. It was obviously not Malcolm. Had he been human, Draco would have sighed in relief. His worst fears had not come true. He was truly glad that this had been a dead end. He took wing and began to the long flight back to London.

What if it's not Malcolm?

It's not my problem.

I don't even care about that kid.

HE'S NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY.

Dang. I hate arguing with myself.

Draco landed on the nearest branch. He wasn't Malcolm. On the other hand, he was Malcolm. Even though he knew who he was, the habits were still in the body he wore. He resisted the urge to turn human just to vent his feelings. He had to think quickly. But then, he was Malcolm. That was his specialty. His plan would take determination.

Fine. I'll do it. I just wish I knew how.

Draco thought furiously. Lupin was coming to take over the watch. Lupin would help him. But Lupin would be killed as a result. And how could he get away. The boy was small, but not small enough for an owl to fly him away. And they would guess who the owl was. There weren't a lot of owl animagi. He didn't have a broom. Or a portkey. And he couldn't run away with the boy. Not with all those people around. He wouldn't get more then ten feet.

THAT'S IT! Draco, you're a genius. At least while you're Malcolm.

Draco flew down and landed on a low branch along a path. As Remus Lupin walked by, Draco ruffled his feathers. It was barely loud enough but Lupin turned and saw the owl. Draco became human and mouthed his words to the man.

Sound the alarm.

Remus continued walking as he watched the owl fly into the air. He was only fifty feet away from the boy when he turned to the sound of a screaming yell as Draco, in his unusual costume, jumped out of a tree twenty yards behind him.

"INTRUDER," Remus shouted as he pointed. But at that moment, A crackling pop was heard. Remus Lupin was stunned. Draco Malfoy had apparated in mid-air. Then, he swung around as another popping noise was heard behind him. Draco Malfoy had apparated to a point in the air directly above the man on guard. He smashed into the man, feet first. People were already stirring when Remus began to shout.

"STOP HIM. HE'S STEALING THE CUB."

But Draco was already moving. He had planned very well. When he hit the ground, he rolled in the right direction, landing next to the startled boy. Even as Remus shouted and ran toward the scene, he saw Draco smile and pick the boy up. His heart almost burst into joy when Remus saw the boy give Draco an eager smile. As another figure suddenly leaped at the two boys, Remus stopped in his tracks.

The younger boy had placed his hand firmly an Draco's arm, and both had taken a curious step. There was a loud clap of collapsing air as the two apparated away. A half second later, Fenrir Greyback landed directly on the spot from which the two has disappeared In his anger, he killed the man on guard.

The doctor turned quickly as the two suddenly appeared in the emergency area at Saint Mungo's. In seconds she had her wand out and was examining the injured boy.

"He may have been bitten. Fenrir Greyback."

"He's also half starved," the doctor pointed out.

"To make him hungry for his first kill," Draco said casually.

"My mum," the boy asked fearfully.

"We'll get her," the doctor assured the boy, "but first we'll take care of you and get you something to eat. Another doctor and two nurses appeared and instructions were being given on what to do. That finished, the doctor turned to Draco.

"You rescued him?"

Draco shrugged.

"How?"

He remembered his roll and made it a point to brush back his greasy hair. "A lotta luck, lady. And if he's okay, I gotta go."

"He's fine. And I can tell you he hasn't been bitten, but I think you knew that.." The doctor eyed him curiously. "Who are you?"

Draco couldn't help himself. "I'm Harry Potter, Lady. I'm in disguise."

"Really?" The doctor was laughing with him.

"Now you know why they're callin' me the Chosen One. All that fame, I gotta be good at disguises."

The doctor held out her hand. "On the boy's behalf, thank you. I don't know how you rescued him, but he and I are grateful." They shook hands. "And Harry. It's the real Potter who's the Chosen One. Not you."

"My mistake," Draco said, still grinning. He turned and apparated away.

It was raining again. Draco had followed several other false leads, none of them ever nearly as harrowing as that first one. Mostly, he flew from one place to another and either talked to people or just watched. He had spent most of his summer as an owl. For days on end he would change only to eat or to sleep. He was tired, frustrated, and wet. As a last resort, he had taken to sitting in a tree in Grimauld Place. It was the last clue he had and nothing was coming of it. For now, he had taken shelter as a human underneath an overhang in an alley, hoping to get some rest.

"Mister Malfoy?"

Draco was startled from his sleep as he looked up at who was calling him.

"Professor Dumbledore?"

"Ah. You remember me. You are a difficult person to find."

"I've been looking for someone."

"I've been told. I've looked into the matter myself, Mister Malfoy, and I have some information for you. Malcolm has been found, and he is quite safe if somewhat embarrassed. I fear your particular search has been in vain."

Draco stood up, ignoring the greasy wetness rolling off his hair and down the back of his neck. He was too tired to cry, yell or anything else.

"Do you know where he is?"

"He is now at home with his parents, and preparing to return to Hogwarts for another year. And before you ask, I've had many things to do and I can only afford to spend a little more time with you. But I will tell you that his formal expulsion has been rescinded." Dumbledore gave Draco an understanding smile. "Go home, Mister Malfoy. Tomorrow is already September First."

Bitterness was in Draco's voice. "I don't want to go home."

"Neither does Reese."

"You know?"

"And about Louis as well. I had to find out why you were looking for Malcolm when he was already at home, as were you. And you should go home, Draco. Your mother is worried about you. Very worried."

"Yeah, right."

"She would never dare ask me anything, but she did ask Professor Snape for help, for you. She knows the rumours about him, and knows he has my ear. For her sake, I wish I could have come earlier."

"She asked . . . " Draco was surprised. His mother had never expressed any feelings.

Dang. It's those stupid morals Malcolm warned me about. It's not that she doesn't care. She just doesn't know how to get through to me. I'm a stupid spoiled brat. And even worse . . . Dang. Dang. Dang. I hate it when I think like Malcolm.

Draco wiped the rain from out of his eye. "Yeah. But I do have to make one stop first. I should let Mister Winter know personally. Uh, You know about him?"

Dumbledore smiled. "The American government has given him the task of keeping Malcolm out of trouble. Failing that, he is to try to at least keep him out of the country."

Draco had to laugh, and it made him feel good. For a fleeting second, he actually felt respect for the man. He made a mental note that it was probably because he was still Malcolm.

David Winter sighed. He had just finished talking to Greaser, again. He had made a deal, and it was a good one. The conditional clean slate. No record of anything as long as he didn't do anything else. While Malcolm was still missing, David had another card to offer. That obnoxious brat, Louis, could spend a semester at Hogwarts. It would be an experience that any parent would love for their child. It would be like asking a muggle if they would like their son or daughter to spend a semester at Eton or Oxford. Malcolm was now home, but Lois convinced him to do this for Louis She convinced him by admitted that Greaser had asked her. David had barely returned to his apartment when an owl showed up at his windowsill.

An hour later. He looked up as Malcolm walked down the steps. The boy was fresh out of the shower and wearing a clean bathrobe. He looked a little thin but none the worse for wear. David took out his wand and pointed.

"Finite Incantatum. Feel better now."

"Nooo. Being Malcolm for so long has me feeling guilty. Mister Winter, do you think I could have been wrong about my mother?"

"The thought has crossed my mind. You did paint an extremely dark picture of her."

"Yeah, I guess I did . . . I should go home."

"You'll miss the train if you don't dress and go directly to King's Cross. Then Reese will have to take the train in your place."

Draco grinned mischievously. "In that case, I'll take my time dressing. That will give mother time enough to return to the Manor."

Draco cringed inwardly when he heard the popping noise that meant that his mother had returned to Malfoy Manor. He thought of all the ways he could approach her. With a cavalier attitude. As the prodigal son. As the dutiful son who misunderstood. He stood waiting as Narcissa Malfoy walked into the study.

"Draco?"

She walked up to him until they were only two feet apart. He was tall enough now that they stood almost face to face. For a minute, neither of them said anything. Then Draco suddenly stepped forward and hugged his mother.

Narcissa was stunned. Draco was crying. She returned his hug. And she would hold him as long as he needed. She could do nothing else. She was his mother and she loved him. She could do nothing less.