So…this chapter is sort of short, but last chapter was really long. And you may still be reeling from all that information. And for all those who were wondering, DRACO ISN'T DEAD! Lucius got the false information Harry planted. So don't worry. Well, worry, but not about Draco. Worry about Hermione. Will she die, or won't she? I can kill her or let her live, I just haven't decided which one yet. Though I'm close to making a decision.

Chapter 17: Guilt Trips and Revelations

CARLOTTA (to RAOUL)
You dare to tell me,
that this is not the
letter you sent !
RAOUL
And what is it that I'm
meant to have sent?

-Notes I, The Phantom of the Opera

"Are we there yet?" Ron had been complaining almost all the way and it was beginning to grate on Draco's nerves. He concentrated on walking, hoping that the sound of his shoes on the ground would drown out Ron's voice but that idea was doomed. He turned.

"Ask that one more time and only two will arrive at the headquarters," Draco promised darkly.

"Yes, but you never explained exactly how we're going to find it. The whole bit about you not already knowing where it is, is bound to put a wrench in our mission."

Harry ignored the two and squinted into the horizon. "Is that a hostel? Thank the gods, I could use a shower," It was clear he was trying to diffuse Ron and Draco. It reminded Draco painfully of all the times he'd watched from afar as Hermione had done the same for the two.

"Yeah, I think it is," Draco decided not to make it hard on Harry. "Let's go."

Unfortunately, a reprieve from Weasley had been much too much to ask for. They only had enough money for one room.

Draco was digging in his bag for his toothbrush when his fingers felt a small square piece of paper, slipping it out he read it silently:

176 Westley Avenue
Ballygnell, Scotland (Outside Kelso)

P.S. I hope this helps

"What's that?"

Draco looked up from the note with a start. "I know where we have to go."

"Let me see that!" Ron snatched the note out of Draco's fingers. "Harry, mate, look! It's from whoever wrote to us about Hermione!"

Harry peered at the note and confirmed the fact that it was indeed in the same hand that wrote to them the assurances of Hermione's safety. "Where did you get it?" He asked Draco with a hint of suspicion in his voice.

"It was in my bag. I just noticed it." Even to Draco's ears the truth sounded contrived.

"And this is the location of the Order? But you said that Snape was the Secret Keeper."

"Most likely, he is," Draco responded quietly.

"But if that's true," Harry began. "Than …" Draco could see both Harry and Ron trying to work out the mystery. "Snape is the one who's been telling us about Hermione? He's the one that's been sending the notes?"

Draco nodded in acquiescence.

"I don't understand this," Harry's face had hardened and it was the shade of peppermint. "Is this a trap? I don't understand!"

"What's to understand?" Ron asked, just as angry as Harry but bright red. "They've set us up, tried to lure us somewhere…everything was just a plan."

"Oh yes, I often brand myself as a part of schemes," Draco said with more impatience than he'd intended. "And then, to put the cherry on top, I show you two a note written in a hand you would clearly recognize. Sounds like the plan of mastermind, doesn't it?"

Harry and Ron were at a loss of words, though whether out of rage or wonderment was up to debate. Even they had to admit that when said aloud, the plan was at best stupid.

"Severus didn't want anyone to know that it was him passing on the information, he knew that he wasn't trusted in the Order-"

"Could that have anything to do with the fact that he killed Dumbledore?" Harry asked harshly.

Draco continued as if Harry had not said a word. "And I respected his decision to keep the identity of the ghost writer private. But it's true, all of it." Draco wondered how much of the story he should tell them. As little as possible he decided. "She's safe, she's in the Headquarters. Now all we have to do is get to her."

"Let's go."