A/N: Thank you Ross, Hannah, and Beautiful Scars!
A/N2: I fixed up a few things in Broken Mind, Fractured Soul: Chapter Twenty-seven. Mostly just the scene where Silas goes on a walk with Sirius, and also when Severus gives Harry his birthday presents. I recommend going back and re-reading it or just skimming through to those two parts. Sorry! And I hope you like the changes I made!
Chapter Nineteen
Harry woke groggily, his mind hurting with all the new memories. The two days after the vision on Halloween had been spent resting. No one had talked to Draco or him about what they saw yet. Their Dad had tried, but Harry hadn't been ready. It was all just a confused mass in his head, but now that he had aged a year the vision was clearer and so was all that had happened Second Year. Draco turned on his side, hearing his baby's painful groan.
"You alright?" He asked, his voice thick. His hand came up and ran along Harry's cheek and over his forehead, soothing the wrinkles.
Harry smiled and burrowed into his side. "Yeah." He shivered. "It was so horrible…" Draco frowned at how numb and sick Harry felt and held the smaller boy tighter. "All those deaths… the screams… Why? Why does Voldemort want to destroy everything? Why are people helping him?"
"I don't know, Baby." Draco bit his lip. He knew he almost became one of those who were helping cause the death and destruction. He couldn't understand how he could have been so stupid. He was very glad that he had come to see the truth before it was too late.
"I…" Harry wiggled until he was looking Draco in the eyes. His heart was beating fast again and Draco swallowed hard against the wave of mortal terror emanating from his best friend. "In the Chamber… I was so scared, Draco… I thought… I really thought I was going to die… and then Ginny would too and… and it would have been my fault for not being strong enough…"
"Harry…" Draco leaned forward, closing the gap between them, and gently kissed the other boy's trembling lips. Harry's eyes fluttered closed and his fear began to recede. Draco's heart began to race in reaction. He felt his chest clench with happiness that Harry trusted him so much. "I love you, Baby. It'll be alright."
"Love you too." Harry blushed and buried his face into the blonde's chest. His free hand came up around Draco's waist and began to toy with the silky blonde strands there. "But… I beat him. I was lucky, but I did beat him. I destroyed the diary and saved Ginny. And I'm so small and not very smart or strong. We… we might have a chance then, right? Dad and Dumbledore and the Order all have a chance of winning…"
"Of course they do." Draco assured. "We're definitely not going to lose to a monster like Voldemort. We'll have tons of help too. The Wizarding World won't just roll over and let that bastard gain power. A lot of people will be afraid, but that won't stop them from fighting to save themselves and their families."
Harry nodded and reluctantly sat up. "Time for breakfast? I'm hungry."
Draco laughed and got out of bed. He picked clothes out for both of them and they quickly got dressed. Harry smiled when Draco gestured at his hair and obediently ran his hands through it to get the tangles out and let his magic wind it into a tight braid. It was now long enough to brush the top of Draco's bottom. Harry grinned happily, his eyes sparkling as he toyed with it. Draco basked in the warmth of Harry's delight and affection for a few minutes before taking his friend by the hand and leading him to the kitchen.
"Good morning." Draco greeted his mother and father.
"Good morning. How do you feel?" Narcissa asked worriedly, her eyes tight with the stress of the past several days.
"Fine." Draco gave a small smile.
"Morning, boys. I'm glad you are doing better." Severus greeted.
"Morning." Harry smiled shyly. "Is Moony back? He said he'd be back by Monday."
"He is sleeping. I suspect he'll be awake later this afternoon." Severus answered.
They talked of inconsequential things while they ate, but when they finished Harry brought up the subject they all dreaded.
"What… what's been done about the… the killings?" He asked timidly.
"Come. Let's go sit in the sitting room." Severus said gently. The boys and Narcissa didn't argue and followed. They all made themselves comfortable. "Will you tell me what you saw?"
Harry and Draco nodded. The boys were sitting by each other while Narcissa sat at Draco's side and Severus sat across from them. They were holding hands and Harry was leaning against the blonde. Draco's arm was wrapped protectively around his shoulders. Harry spoke first.
"I… This vision was clearer than the ones before. Mostly… mostly it just hurt, and the emotions that… that weren't mine were overwhelming me." He sighed and leaned his head against his friend. "I think it's what Voldemort is feeling. He was deliriously happy and certain of victory. The blood is beautiful to him and he craves it. He feels such… pleasure at the deaths and screams. He cast several torture spells, but I only felt… echoes of them this time. I was working hard on Occluding, and it did help." He smiled weakly at their father, and Severus smiled back with pride in his eyes. Harry blushed and looked down. "I could tell this was just… a warm-up. He plans on making the whole world into a field of pain and blood. He is excited and cold and patient and hungry."
"Did you see him torturing?" Severus asked gently.
"Sometimes. Sometimes the emotions were just so much that I couldn't see. But… but sometimes I could and it was like I was the one casting those horrible spells…" Harry burst into tears, hiding his face in his hands. Draco held him and whispered in his ears.
Severus came over and hugged him. "You know it wasn't you, Harry. You'd never do that. I'm so sorry you had to experience that."
Eventually Harry calmed and Draco began to speak. "It's not like that for me. It's like I'm floating outside of everyone and I can't do anything but watch. I saw everything. Voldemort wasn't even there at times. Sometimes I was floating by Death Eaters instead."
"Could you recognize them?"
"No." Draco shook his head. "They all wore masks. I couldn't hear their thoughts like Harry can for Voldemort. But… I will never be able to forget their voices. If... I heard them again, I would know them."
"That will help, Draco. Thank you." Severus gripped his hand tight. The boy was very pale and looked about to be sick. "I know this is hard, but do you remember hearing anyone talk about future plans?"
"Not really." He shook his head. "They mostly just bragged and laughed and competed against each other."
"Alright." Severus nodded. "Do you wish to ask about anything you saw? You can talk to us about anything."
"Why did they do that? Why did they like it?" Harry asked tearfully.
"There's not easy answer for that." Severus sighed and lifted his son into his lap to cradle him to his chest. "My theory is they are insane; sick."
"I'm really scared of them." Harry trembled.
"I am too." Severus kissed his hair.
"Why does Voldemort want to kill me so bad?" He asked with a choked sob. "I… I don't want to fight him."
"Oh, Harry. You're not alone any longer. We're here with you and we will protect you." Severus promised fiercely.
Draco nodded and held tight to Harry's hand. "You have to promise not to go off on your own anymore."
Harry smiled tearfully and nodded. "I don't know what I was thinking."
"I don't think you were thinking at all." Severus shook his head with a sigh of despair. The boys laughed weakly.
"Do you think you are well enough to go up to the infirmary?" Narcissa asked, rubbing her son's back lovingly.
The blonde looked to her and smiled. "I think we can handle that."
…
The boys were sitting on a hospital bed, sucking on their candy and talking with Narcissa. Severus watched them through expressionless eyes. He may have been softened, but he'd only show evidence of that within his own rooms. In public, he had to maintain the ruthless and vicious façade. They could not afford anything less. Poppy cleared her throat to get his attention. He met her eyes, knowing what she had to say was not good news. He hardened his spine and waited.
"I didn't think it meant anything last week, but Harry is smaller than he should be. Last week he was half an inch shorter than he was during his First Year. I thought maybe he had a growth spurt in the summer and we would see him make up the difference, but he hasn't. Now he's a full inch shorter than he was in Second Year. He was four foot seven inches when he was twelve, and he's only four foot five and a half inches now. Draco is at his correct height of five foot one. Therefore, I believe the damage he's sustained during the visions is not being completely repaired by the spell."
"I thought he was smaller than I remembered." Severus answered easily.
"That means the other damage is also lingering." Poppy continued. "He'll continue to get fatigued quickly, and his hands will begin to shake whenever he is overtired. There is also evidence that his immune system has been damaged. He will be prone to catching influenza and colds much more quickly than other children. His weight is also dangerously low, and his organs are strained. I recommend a nutrient potion. They are hard on the stomach, but we have no other choice. He also needs to eat four to five times a day."
"I understand." Severus bowed his head. "Thank you for all your assistance."
"I will want to see him three times a week. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays should do."
"Of course." Severus agreed. "How much does he weigh? I need to know so I get the right dosage for the nutrient potion."
"Only seventy-eight pounds." She said sadly.
Severus nodded and returned to his family. The boys were ignorant of the seriousness of Harry's condition and talked happily as they flooed back to their rooms. Narcissa took them to the playroom to do their morning lessons, and Severus went to his private lab to brew up Harry's potion.
…
Once Narcissa got Harry settled and doing an assignment, she went over to her son and summoned a folder. She opened it and set it before him. He raised an eyebrow at her, and she smiled innocently back at him. That only made him frown and she had to fight not to laugh.
"These are all the progress reports of businesses that the Malfoy money is invested in. The papers at the back are requests and questions. You are twelve now, Dragon. It's about time that you took up some of your duties as Lord."
Draco sighed, but took the folder. "Yes, mother."
She smiled and left him to his work.
…
"Moony!" Harry called happily when they found the werewolf at the table for lunch.
"How are you two?" He asked as he pulled Harry close.
"We're fine." Draco answered and took his seat. He did give the Wolf a smile to let the man know he was as happy to see him as Harry was, but wasn't as comfortable displaying it.
"I'm glad." Remus smiled back, letting the blonde know that he understood and wasn't bothered by it.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked worriedly, his green eyes dark with fear.
"I'm fine, cub. Just tired." He ruffled his hair and Harry went to his seat reluctantly. "What did you do today?"
Draco complained about the headache politics gave him and Harry told him about the test he took and had gotten a B+. "Where's Dad?" Harry asked.
"Working on a potion." Remus laughed. "Where else would he be?"
They all laughed. Even Narcissa.
…
Harry and Draco went to the Room of Requirement with Narcissa, all of them Disillusioned so no one would be able to see them on the way, after lunch and found only the Slytherins there. Hermione was at the Burrow with Ron and Ginny, mourning their older brother. Neville was at home mourning his parents. They wouldn't be back till Friday.
"Hello, Draco. Potter." Pansy greeted with a smile. "We weren't sure you'd make it."
"We're doing better." Draco explained and summoned a broom. "Do you guys feel up to a game?"
"Sure." Vince shrugged and kicked off the ground. "But how will we do teams?"
"Greg, Harry, and I against you and Pansy." Draco smiled sweetly.
"That's not fair!" Pansy pouted, but went to fly next to Vince.
Draco shrugged and the games began. It was nice to forget everything for a little while. He wasn't kidding when he said the delicate politics involved in the Malfoy businesses gave him a headache and the horror of the war was never far from his mind. He was only holding up as well as he was because he knew he had to be strong for his baby. Harry was not nearly as okay as he pretended. Under the surface of his cheer was a hard ball of fear, determination, horror, and faith.
Harry only played for an hour before his hands began to tremble and Draco ordered him down to rest. He smiled happily, touched that Draco had noticed his fatigue and was taking care of him. But his dreams were dark and bloody. Draco swooped down from the sky as soon as he felt his baby's growing distress and sat holding him till the dreams went calm. The others said nothing about this. Instead, they came down and sat with him, talking about nothing and doing their best to cheer their leader up. Draco smiled at them to let them know he appreciated their efforts.
"It's time for dinner." Narcissa broke in softly.
The blonde nodded and shook his friend, "Harry. It's time to go."
Green eyes blinked open sleepily. Harry looked up at Draco and grabbed a hold of his braid before rolling on his side and closing his eyes again. Draco could help the large smile that touched his lips as he felt Harry's warm affection bubble up from one glance. "Come on, Baby." He whispered right in Harry's ear. "Let's get something to eat."
Harry opened his eyes again and yawned. Draco helped him to his feet and they stood patiently as Narcissa charmed them. They said goodbye to the Slytherins and made their way to their rooms, Harry's hand in Draco's the whole way.
…
Severus ate with them and gave Harry a potion to drink before they headed up to Dumbledore's office to practice dueling. During which, Severus attacked their mental barriers, but the boys did well and were grinning when Severus told them so on the way back to their rooms. They had a snack of cake and ice cream and took a bath. Severus tucked them in before retiring to his own bed with the Wolf.
…
Harry woke in the middle of the night to stomach cramps. Draco had been pulled aside after dinner by his mother and was told about Harry's borderline health, so he knew why his baby was hurting. Harry didn't complain and didn't ask what was wrong with him. Just quietly said sorry for waking him and lay still while rubbing at his stomach. Draco hated the Dursleys. Because of them, Harry learned to suffer silently. Well, at least he wouldn't have to suffer alone ever again. He curled around his friend and added his hand to Harry's, rubbing gentle circles on his stomach.
"You should go back to sleep." Harry whispered.
"I'm fine." Draco promised and kissed his temple. "Just relax. We'll go to sleep together."
Harry smiled in the dark and let his friend's body heat relax him. "Thank you, Ray."
"I love you, Baby." Draco answered softly.
"Love you too." Harry answered just before falling back to sleep.
Draco stayed up for a while after that, just rubbing Harry's stomach and making sure the boy didn't wake again. When he was sure his friend was sleeping peacefully, he allowed his eyes to close.
…
The interrupted sleep from the night before didn't affect Draco, but Harry wasn't as strong. His body was fragile and still healing. When they got to the Room of Requirement, Harry went to his spot under the tree and went to sleep. Draco flew with his friends until Narcissa said it was time to go and they got Harry up. Severus gave him another potion after dinner and they went up to duel and Occlude while under attack. That night Harry woke again, and again Draco waited out the cramps with him and rubbed his stomach until he could sleep.
…
"Baby. Wake up." Draco called gently.
Harry opened his eyes and was grateful that Draco was blocking the sunlight from hitting his face directly. He squinted and sat up with a yawn.
Pansy grinned, "You're really an adorable kid, Potter. You know that?"
"Oh, he knows." Draco laughed.
Harry blushed and shoved him. "Shut up, you." He stood and stretched. "So who won?"
"Do you even have to ask?" Draco smirked and wrapped his arms around Harry. The brunette leaned into the blonde, and Pansy cooed at them.
Vince and Greg rolled their eyes. "We'll see you tomorrow, Draco."
"Bye." Draco nodded at them. "Better luck next time, Pansy!"
"Listen to Harry and shut it." She said sweetly and blew a kiss before leaving with the two Slytherin teens.
"Ready?" Narcissa asked the boys.
"Yes." Draco nodded.
She cast the spell, and they headed for the door. Narcissa was in the lead with Draco following only a step or two behind her. Harry came last, holding the bigger boy's hand. It was funny, he mused. He would never have held anyone's hand like this when he was twelve the first time around, and he didn't think Draco would have either. And he still wouldn't appreciate holding Ron's hand or Hermione's. But now felt completely normal, even enjoyable, to hold Draco's hand.
Harry shrugged. It was only normal seeing as how his feelings for Draco were much stronger than his feelings had ever been for either Ron or Hermione (at least, so far as he knew). For a moment, he wondered if that should be strange but dismissed the thought. He grew up with Draco, except for the few days Narcissa had taken him away. The blonde had helped him through his fears and he'd been happier than he'd ever been. It was only natural to be closer to the blonde than to his other friends. Right?
He was jerked from his musings when a bright light suddenly flashed and a concussion of condensed air slammed into him. He fell with a startled yell next to Draco, blinded. Draco reached for his wand, hands shaking with his own fear and Harry's, but just when his fingers closed around it something snapped around his throat. An echoing click told him that the same had been done to Harry. And then everything got tight.
It was painful at first but only because he was pushing against the invisible cold enclosure instinctively. Hyperventilating, still in shock and blind to the outside world, Draco forced himself to calm and stop reflexively pushing against the barrier. The waves of pain receded slowly. The first thing he became aware of was Harry's emotions.
Thank Merlin! The barrier at least hadn't broken that. Harry was scared but was not in very much pain. He must have figured it out quicker than Draco and stopped fighting whatever imprisoned their magic. He knew there were devices, spells, and potions that could do it, but he'd never heard of it in the form of a collar.
He blinked his eyes open and realized he was being carried, still Disillusioned, over someone's shoulder through a very busy Hogsmeade. His hands were tied at the small of his back and he couldn't make a noise even though he was trying to scream. When he finally got the bright idea to struggle, a fist impacted hard with his side and made everything fade to a painful black again for several long moments.
He came too when he was flung down hard on his backside next to Harry by the Shrieking Shack in about two inches of snow. Harry was in the same exact condition. His hands were tied behind him and his mouth was tightly shut. His eyes were wide with fear and his glasses were nowhere to be seen. They definitely weren't dressed for being outside and both were shivering. He got a good look at the collar around Harry's neck. It was black and shiny, like a band of solid shadow. He shivered in disgust that an identical foul device was touching his skin. Harry's fear was strong, but Draco still felt a bit detached—he knew he should have been pissed as hell.
There was no one else around except for their abductors, and Draco turned his attention to them. One was Theodore Nott. One was Blaise Zabini. And the third was Devon Zabini. They were dressed warmly, and only Devon seemed calm. Blaise was looking away, his cheeks red with shame and distress. Theo looked nervous and excited, his eyes devouring them triumphantly. Draco's anger began to stir.
"You're looking good, Draco." Theo drawled with a large smirk. "Like the hair."
"We don't have time for this." Devon glanced at the young Slytherin. "Go and get the portkey."
"Why doesn't Blaise do it?" Theo glared, but when Devon focused his cold blue eyes on him he turned and did as he was told. Blaise spoke up as soon as he was out of earshot.
"Can't we Obliviate Draco and let him go?" He asked quietly, eyes pleading with his brother.
"The Dark Lord wants them both." Devon answered. He didn't even look at his younger brother. His attention was focused on his two captives.
"But once he has Potter then he won't really notice that Draco…"
"No." Devon interrupted, and Blaise fell silent.
Draco was glad. He didn't want to go anywhere without Harry. He needed to think of a plan. He looked over at Harry again, hoping for inspiration. The Disillusionment charm was fading. It would be down in moments. Devon noticed as well and frowned deeply. He lifted his wand and pointed it at them. Before he could cast a spell, Theo came back now wearing a long golden chain and coin around his neck. He took it off and handed it to Devon with a mock bow.
"Good." He took the necklace and slipped it around his neck. "I will tell the Dark Lord of your success and skill. Both of you need to get back now before you are missed."
"What!" Theo cried, outraged. "I'm going with you to deliver Potter!"
"No, you are not." Devon answered calmly. "Are you going against his orders?"
"You just want all the credit for yourself!" Theo's wand snapped up and aimed at the older man.
Devon didn't even bother raising his wand. He kept it down by his side and subtly pointed it at the teenager. His lips never moved, but Theodore staggered backward, his arm falling limp, and his wand landing in the snow. His brown eyes were wide and dull.
"He won't be a problem. Say he drank too much." Devon ordered his brother. Blaise didn't say anything, but he went to Theo's side to help keep him standing. "I'll see you later, little bro. Take care of yourself."
Draco glared fiercely up at his friend's brother as the man put one arm around him and another around Harry and pulled them close to his sides. He whispered a word Draco couldn't quite catch and then he felt the hook of the portkey. When they landed, Draco slammed hard into his kidnapper and let out an 'oomph' as his breath was knocked out of him. He had no idea where he was. There were trees all around and, even though there was no snow on the ground, it was still cold.
"You boys alright?" Devon asked as he carefully let them go. His hands still hovered by them to make sure they wouldn't fall over.
Harry wobbled, but remained standing. Draco didn't even sway, his silver eyes like quicksilver in his fury. "Of all the idiotic questions!" He spat, not surprised when he found the silence spell gone. "How do you think we are?"
Devon met his stare and his face never changed from impassive. Draco continued to glare, but deemed it wise not to say anything more. Harry was shaking with both fear and cold. Draco went to his side and leaned against him. He wanted to reassure his friend, but didn't dare say anything; he might make Devon think more restraints were in order. Harry's fear calmed without him saying anything, and he put half his weight against Draco's shoulder.
"You will follow me. There will be no running and no talking. I will hurt you." Devon told them calmly. When he got no answer, he turned and began to walk through the forest.
Draco followed several feet behind him and Harry walked right at his side. Draco nodded for Harry to go ahead of him and the boy did so without question. Draco examined the bindings. It looked like rope but was grey. From touching his own bindings, he knew it was smooth as metal, but light as rope. Therefore it was a magical combination of both. That meant the spell would have to weaken or even wear off if it wasn't reinforced. Devon was the most likely caster, so they only had to get away from him. Draco snorted. Easier said than done.
They were walking for only an hour when Harry began to stumble. Fear and portkeying and the damn collars blocking them from their magic had drained him. Devon walked on, oblivious. Draco snarled at his back and tried to support Harry as best he could by walked right alongside of him and allowing the smaller boy to lean against him. When Harry tripped, however, Draco couldn't take it anymore.
"We need to rest!" He snapped and knelt by his fallen friend.
"No." Devon answered, not even bothering to turn and look back. "Keep up."
"We can't, you dolt! This isn't a ploy!" Draco yelled before turning to look at Harry. "You alright?"
"Yeah." Harry panted. "Got a stitch in my side."
They both looked up as they heard Devon stop and start coming back for them. Harry's eyes went wide and he hid half behind Draco instinctively. Draco's own breath was coming fast due to his anger and Harry's terror.
"I told you I would hurt you. Get up." Devon said calmly.
"What is your problem?" Draco demanded. "We can't keep up, alright! No threats are going to change what we are physically capable of."
"I disagree. Crucio."
Pain exploded behind Draco's eyes. His whole body spasmed and cramped, and he was howling with pain. It seemed to last forever as he coiled tight into a defensive ball. The agony was building and he knew he would shatter and…. it stopped. Over his own whimpers and wet sobbing gasps, the sound of cursing and blows came to his ears.
He blinked the hot tears from his eyes to see Harry biting into the man's now wandless hand. Devon was punching Harry in the head and back, screaming for him to let go. His legs were getting into it now, but Harry's jaw would not open. There was a stream of blood dripping down his chin and from Devon's fingers.
Draco got to his feet and staggered. His muscles screamed for him to stop moving, to just lay still and wait for everything to stop throbbing with pain. But this was their only chance. He screamed and charged Devon, knocking the wind out of the man with a head-butt. They all crashed to the ground. Draco was hitting with his head, biting, kneeing, and kicking. He was screaming like a wild animal. It hurt, and he couldn't think of anything except to stop it from ever hurting like that again.
"Ray!" Harry screamed. "Ray! Draco, stop! Ray, please!"
It took a moment for the meaning of Harry's words to come clear and he forced himself to still from his mindless attack. He could hardly breathe and his heart was pounding like a sledgehammer against his ribs. He staggered backward a few steps and collapsed to his knees. Devon was unconscious. At some point, Harry's and his hands were released of their bindings and Draco had begun using them in his vicious fury to destroy Devon. There was blood in his mouth and down his chin. It was under his nails and his feet hurt from kicking the man so hard and for so long.
"Ray…" Harry sobbed and clung to the blonde. "Are… are you… alright?"
"Yeah." He rasped. His throat was on fire and his voice was hoarse. "We can't stay here. We've got to move."
He forced himself back over to Devon's battered body. He was shocked at how much damage they had done. He couldn't even remember doing half of that. Devon's face was already swelling with several bruises and his clothes were torn revealing ugly scratches. The way his chest was rising and the way his breathing was wet and ragged, Draco knew they had broken a few of Devon's ribs.
Draco didn't regret it, but he wasn't proud either. The closest words he could find to describe how he felt was grimly satisfied. He yanked the necklace off the man's neck and searched all his pockets, taking everything he found in case they were portkeys as well. He gestured Harry to grab Devon's wand and the boy scrambled to obey.
"We should kill him. He's going to come after us. He'll get more Death Eaters and we'll be caught." He realized.
Harry stood at his side and shook. His green eyes were filled with understanding and horror. Draco winced as a chaotic cloud of emotion and distress rose in his chest. He couldn't even begin to try and decipher what his friend was feeling. It was strong and snarled all together. He gripped Harry's shoulders hard and shook him to get him to focus on his words.
"We have to do this. Do you understand?"
"He's Blaise's brother." Harry pointed out weakly. It wasn't exactly an argument, just stating the facts and consequences of what they were going to do.
"He's a Death Eater." Draco said grimly. "He will turn us over to be killed, and he will torture us. We have to be near a Death Eater camp. We… know… we know what they are capable of. And you are the Boy-Who-Lived. I… I won't let them kill you."
Harry nodded weakly. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, but the cloud of howling emotion was lessening. Draco could now recognize understanding, remorse, guilt, and horror. Draco felt sick to his stomach and desperate and frightened. But he had to be strong for Harry. He had promised himself he would protect his friend. He wouldn't allow him to be hurt and killed, and he couldn't imagine the horrors that awaited Harry if he were ever brought before Voldemort while vulnerable and powerless. He couldn't allow that to happen.
"Don't look." He said softly and brushed Harry's bangs from his eyes. "Go over there. I'll be quick."
"No." Harry whispered, determination rising over his other painful emotions. "You aren't doing this alone. I will stand by you till the end."
Draco choked on a sob and hugged Harry tight for a brief moment. "Okay. We need to hurry…" He turned and approached Devon. He still couldn't do magic because of the damn collar. He'd have to do this the muggle way. But how? Harry must have sensed his uncertainty for he picked up a rock just a bit bigger than a closed fist and handed it to him. Draco took it and stepped up to Devon's head. Oh sweet Merlin… but he had to. He had to survive. He had to protect Harry.
Harry came up to his side. He had a rock as well. He really was seeing this through with Draco. He was crying. Draco hated it and suddenly couldn't stand the thought of Harry bringing that rock down on the unconscious man. With a yell, he shoved Harry backward and spun back around, bringing the rock down with all his strength. It connected with a wet crack. Blood began to pour from Devon's head. Draco dropped the rock and stumbled away to vomit. Harry came to his side, but Draco pushed him away again. The brunette cried helplessly as Draco wiped his mouth.
"Let's go." He growled and walked away as quickly as he could in the opposite direction Devon had been leading them.
Harry followed, his arms wrapped tightly around himself. His eyes never left the blonde's braid. He was filled with sorrow, love, remorse, and guilt. Draco reached back for his hand, and Harry took it, clung to it tightly, and Draco felt grateful that Harry still loved him and didn't flinch away from touching him. He never even noticed that he was crying too.
…
Narcissa ran into Severus' rooms. Her eyes were wild with panic, but she spoke clearly when she saw that Severus and Remus were back from their meeting with Dumbledore. "The boys were abducted."
Severus jumped to his feet with a hiss and Remus stood with his eyes wide with shock.
"The Slytherins had just left from the Room of Requirement. I charmed the boys and myself to be unnoticeable and we exited the room. I saw no one, heard nothing, and there was a huge flash of light and a wave of magic threw me into the wall. I blacked out and when I awoke the hallway was empty. The boys are gone. Someone must have charmed themselves or taken a potion to be able to see through the Disillusionment charm I put on us."
Severus ran passed her, Remus following, but they split into different directions. Without saying a word, Remus knew what his mate wanted of him, so he raced to the headmaster's office to get assistance and tell Albus what had happened. Severus was going to the Slytherin common room to see who was missing and why. Narcissa hurried back to the scene of the crime to see if she could find any clue she may have overlooked.
…
They had only been walking for maybe half an hour when they came upon a very small trickling stream. It was small, but it was enough. Draco dropped to his knees and began to wash off his hands and face. Harry knelt upstream and cupped his hands and drank from them. They were shaking faintly and he knew he was coming close to pushing himself too hard. He would collapse soon if they continued like this, but he knew they couldn't stop either. So he said nothing and did his best to hide his weakness from Draco.
Draco wasn't fooled, but there was nothing he could do about it. He'd offer to carry Harry when it got too bad, but the longer Harry could walk on his own, the better their chances were. He was strung tight as a bow, listening for pursuit, but caught no trace of it yet. That didn't really mean anything though. As soon as Devon was found, the Death Eaters would use spells to find them. They had to get far enough away that the spells would give vague answers or not work at all. Maybe the damn collars would help keep them from being tracked.
"Let's go." He helped Harry stand and they continued their quick pace.
It wasn't long, only about forty-five minutes or so, when Harry couldn't walk anymore. There were fine tremors in his thighs and his hands were shaking violently. Black dots swarmed in his vision and he couldn't catch his breath. Draco knelt by him and he weakly apologized, deeply ashamed that he was so weak when Draco needed him to be strong.
"Shhh… It's alright, Baby." Draco said gently. "It's not your fault. Here. Climb onto my back. I'll carry you."
Harry did as he was told and for once was grateful he was so small and light. Draco usually could carry Harry easily, but he was weak from the Crucio and their hike. His legs quivered under him as he stood, but he was able to lock his knees. When he was steady, he took a step and then another.
Harry was limp, unconscious by the feel of the sudden stillness of his emotions. Draco clinched his teeth hard and walked on. The sun had fallen and he had to squint hard to watch out for things that could trip him. He was already breathing heavy, but he learned that taking deep breaths in and out helped. Tears were falling from his eyes again. This time because of exhaustion. But he couldn't stop. The Death Eaters would find them if he did.
…
"Nothing." Severus ground out. Albus, Remus, Narcissa, and he had found nothing to tell them who had taken the boys or where they could be now. "Absolutely nothing." The glass in his hand shattered. He was up in the headmaster's office. Narcissa and his mate were sitting in the chairs in front of Albus' desk. Albus was leaning back tiredly in his chair and rubbing his hands over his face. Severus stood at the back of the room and paced furiously.
"There is the location spell I could perform." Narcissa said tightly. "As a Malfoy, I can cast it and it will lead me to the Family Lord. It will be very evident though. Anyone magical near my son will be able to feel it while it is working."
"If by chance they have managed to escape, then that would not be a wise course." Albus lowered his hands and revealed his dull eyes.
"But that may be what we will have to resort to." Remus said softly. "Narcissa, is there… Is there a way for you to tell if the Malfoy Lord has been… killed?"
"I will know if that happens." She answered, lowering her head to hide her fear and tears. "Merlin, don't let that happen."
"We have to do SOMETHING!" Severus roared.
"Calm down. We must think clearly." Albus snapped. "Where would they be taken? To Voldemort most likely. Where is Voldemort? If we knew that we could send out Order members to search the area between Hogwarts and that location."
"I will question my Slytherins under Vertasium and try to find out." Severus said coldly. It was an extreme resort, but the situation called for desperate measures. If anyone found out or one of the children had an ill reaction to the potion, he and Dumbledore would be in a world of trouble. They could both land in Azkaban.
"Be sure they do not remember." Albus called, and Severus snarled over his shoulder at the implication that he didn't already know what to do.
"What can we do?" Remus asked.
"You will go to Grimmauld Place and update the Order. I will stay here and wait for Severus' findings. Narcissa… Do as you wish, but stay close so that we can inform you of any new information." The two nodded and left the office. Dumbledore sighed and rubbed at his forehead. "Oh, my dear boy. What have you gotten yourself into this time?"
…
Draco couldn't walk any further and collapsed at the base of a wide tree after gently setting Harry down. His legs burned in agony, and he whimpered, certain they would never work again. It was pitch black now. The moon had gone above the canopy and very little light could make its way through. Harry woke groggily. It was freezing now that he didn't have Draco's back against him.
"Ray… Are you hurt?" He asked when he heard his friend's near silent sobs. When Draco didn't answer, Harry crawled over to him and into his lap, practically lay on top of him. Draco sighed in slight relief as Harry's warmth covered and soaked into him. "Tell me where it hurts."
"Legs." He croaked.
Harry nodded and reached down. Using both his hands, he gently massaged Draco's thighs and worked his way down. Draco stiffened and twitched behind him, hissing in pain and relief as Harry's slender fingers worked. It took a good long while before Draco's moan and groans died out and his legs were limp with relief. Harry giggled and turned back around to face the blonde and lay against Draco's chest. His arms came around to embrace his friend and his hands played with Draco's braid and the strands of hair that had fallen free.
"I'll keep watch. Sleep." Harry whispered soothingly. A soft snore was his only answer.
…
Draco woke to Harry softly shaking him at dawn. He felt sore and was starving, but rested. Harry looked tired, but not too badly. He smiled weakly, and Harry mirrored him. They were cold, but not as cold as they would have been alone. As Draco stood on his stiff limbs, he was almost glad that they would be walking. It would warm them up. He helped Harry to his feet, and they set off.
"Was there any disturbances last night?" He asked.
"Not really." Harry shrugged. "A few rabbits went passed us and a fox, but that's it."
"I wonder why no one's come looking for us. Do you think they've found… you know…?" Draco blushed. He couldn't bring himself to say his name. He shoved the memories of what he had done away viciously. He didn't have time for that now.
"I don't know." Harry answered. "Maybe they have and they can't find us."
"That would be great." Draco sighed.
…
It had taken most of the night to question all of his Slytherins and he only got vague answers. Voldemort was camped somewhere in south Romania. There was a lot of ground to cover between Hogwarts and there. He climbed the steps up to Albus' office two at a time. The old wizard was waiting there behind his desk. The others weren't present.
"South Romania." He said quickly and took the seat Albus gestured to. He needed to conserve his energy. With that in mind, he accepted the hot tea that Albus handed to him.
"That's unfortunate. The furthest country to the east we are on good terms with is Germany."
"That would be why Voldemort set his camp there." Severus sneered.
Albus sighed and stood. "We need to inform the Order and pool our resources. Find Narcissa and bring her with you when you come."
Severus nodded and went to do as he was told. His anxiety and fear was a hot tight ball in his chest, but he kept it at bay with all his skill. He couldn't help his sons if he couldn't think straight. An energy potion wouldn't be amiss either.
…
"I… Can't…" Harry panted and with a moan, sank to his knees. He was cold and shaking and felt weak and dizzy. He was so hungry that his stomach was cramping. He had long experience with going hungry and still working due to the Dursleys, but it seemed his stamina wasn't what it once was.
Draco stopped and looked back at his friend. He himself was in a numb zone of fatigue and hunger. His feet were moving of their own accord now. But seeing Harry suffer sharpened his mind and made him feel stronger. He went and sat by his friend, pulling him into an embrace to try and warm them both. Harry settled himself in Draco's lap willingly and wrapped himself around him. Draco smiled tiredly and let his forehead rest against Harry's shoulder.
"Sorry, Ray." Harry said once he had the breath to speak.
"Shhh… We'll rest for a while and if you still can't go on, I'll carry you again."
Harry nodded, biting his lip. He wished they had their magic. He could catch them food that way. Unfortunately, all the prying at their necks had resulted in nothing. The collars were made of some kind of stone, they guessed, and were seamless. There was no way they could get them off.
"Can you walk?" Draco asked, bringing Harry out of his thoughts. The brunette was startled to realize his eyes were shut and he didn't have the energy to lift his head from Draco's shoulder or open them. "I'll take that as a no." The blonde struggled for several minutes, but eventually he had Harry secured on his back and was walking again.
…
"There is no Ministry or Government guiding magic and its uses in Romania." Shacklebolt spoke. The whole Order was sitting around the table he stood at and listened to every thing he said with grim or worried faces. "That will help and hinder us. It will help because technically there is no group to be offended when we enter their country. It will hinder us because they won't help us or speak to us to tell us anything they know. The best course of action is to avoid all locals."
"Who is going to search and how much of Romania are we going to cover?" Remus asked.
Albus summoned a map of Romania onto the table. "Our information says the boys were being taken to the south near Alexandria. I recommend making this city our base of operations and work in groups, circling out from this city."
A/N: I know Alexandria is an Egyptian city, but the map I consulted of Romania said there was a city named Alexandria south west of Bucharest. I chose it because it is surrounded by forest and the population density is high, but not too high.
"There are twenty-one of us, but obviously not all of us can go to Romania and join the search." Severus pointed out.
"I cannot go. I must return to the school." Albus said gravely. "Elphias, you have done much for us during your many years. It would be best of you remained behind. Madam Rosmerta, you have your bar to tend and cannot afford to raise suspicions by leaving your post now. Arabella, you are valuable, but your skills lie elsewhere. As for the Weasleys… You are still mourning the loss of your eldest son. I would understand if one or all of you could not join this mission."
"Ron and Ginny are at the Burrow. Hermione as well." Mrs. Weasley informed them. "I will stay behind with them so that the others can search for Harry." The two Weasley men nodded.
"Very well." Albus bowed his head in respect. "We appreciate the help. Minerva…"
"No. I will go." She shook her head. "I am still in mourning, but my family will understand my absence."
"Same here. My daughter and I will both help look for the boys." Andromeda spoke up. She had married a muggle, but that hadn't stopped her husband from being targeted by the Death Eaters because her daughter was an Auror and Order member set against Voldemort. Nymphadora had brought her to Grimmauld Place to keep her safe after her father's funeral and Andromeda had decided to join the Order as well. She would bring down the bastards that had taken her beloved husband.
"So be it. If there is anyone who wishes not to go, speak up." Albus looked around the table. No one raised their voice. "Very well. There are sixteen of you left. That will make four three man teams. We will divide the area around Alexandria into four sections aligning with the compass points. Each group will take a section to search and work their way outwards. The team leaders will be Severus, Narcissa…"
At the looks of distrust and anger that crossed a few faces, Albus slammed his hands on the table and said sharply, "Don't question me. Now is not the time." Everyone fell silent and still.
Looking sternly at everyone there, Albus continued. "As I was saying, the team leaders are Severus, Narcissa, Remus, and Kingsley. The leaders will choose who is on their team. I will be back momentarily."
Severus ended up with Alastor Moody, Emmeline Vance, and Arthur Weasley. Remus got Minerva McGonagall, Charlie Weasley, and Rubeus Hagrid. Narcissa choose Andromeda Tonks (her sister), Mundungus Fletcher, and Hestia Jones. Shacklebolt gathered up the rest; Nymphadora Tonks, Dedalus Diggle, and Sturgis Podmore. Albus arrived minutes later with a dozen house elves. As the elves passed out packs for the search teams, Albus handed out four portkeys.
"I want quarterly reports…. That means every six hours." Albus informed them all and was satisfied with the ready agreement he received. "Good luck and be careful. There are Death Eaters around that area. Be prepared to fight."
…
"Baby…" Draco croaked hoarsely. His mouth was so damned dry. His lips were cracked and his skin felt like parchment. "Harry… Water…"
Harry lifted his head and dropped off of Draco's back. The blonde staggered at the change and Harry had to grab his arm to keep him standing. In front of them was a muddy stream. Both boys fell to their knees and drank thirstily. Nothing had ever tasted so good. This was really weird, Draco thought, since he could feel the dirt making his teeth gritty and that alone would have put him off had this been normal circumstances. They drank for long minutes, until their empty bellies actually swished with water. They fell back with sighs of relief.
"You okay?" Harry asked, looking over at the blonde.
Draco nodded and looked up at the sky. It was about noon. Merlin, he was so damn hungry.
"Does your back hurt?" Harry asked with a blush. "I can massage it for…" He froze; his eyes going wide as he sat ramrod straight.
Draco looked around frantically as he felt Harry's fear. "What?" He whispered.
"I felt magic…" Harry breathed near silently. "It's like a little tingling against the barrier the collars make."
"Do you know what direction?" Draco asked, knowing Harry was more aware of his magic and therefore the barrier than him and trusting completely in his senses.
"To the right… I'm… I'm not sure how far or anything…" Harry shook his head.
Draco looked to the right, but could hear or see nothing. It was possible they had gotten turned around while walking last night, but he had thought he was going in a straight line away from Devon. He jumped to his feet stiffly and grabbed Harry's hand, pulling him up. He went at his fastest pace, which was only about a half-jog by this point and went in the opposite direction of where Harry felt the magic.
"Do you still feel it or was it just a momentary flare?" He asked quietly.
"I still feel it." Harry's voice trembled with fear.
Draco's hand clenched tightly around Harry's. "Is it getting stronger? Weaker?"
"The same. It's just a faint pressure against the barrier."
"Tell me… if anything changes." He panted, already getting tired, but not willing to go slower.
Chapter end
A/N: I hate to do this too you, but I have to stop this chapter. It's already close to 8,500 words long. So in the next chapter I'll finish when they are twelve and probably go into what happens when they are thirteen.
