Chapter 6

April 2006

"Potter!…Potter!…POTTER!!"

"WHAT?!"

Draco practically wrestled Potter to stop his attempt to race after the strange creature. Potter's eyes were bright with anger and he seethed at Draco.

"What, Malfoy?! I could've- "

"Bollocks. And you're being stupid right now," he kept his calm demeanour even though Potter stood only a few inches away, glaring up at him. Although he towered over him, Draco knew that Harry wasn't intimidated by his height. "We have to get Blaise and Weasley back to the Burrow. There's nothing else we can do in regards to whatever the hell that thing was."

"It could've been a lead to Greyback, it could've- "

"It could've been a lot of fucking things Potter but I'm not willing to die because you and Weasley decided to rush off and- "

"Oh, shove off Malfoy, you know- "

"-decided that you needed to play heroes again when Theo placed- "

"-you could've stayed back at the house. Didn't need you to come trailing along- "

"Trailing along? That's bloody rich coming from the idiot boy who almost died for the third fucking time-."

"Would you stop bickering like an old married couple and help me move these two lugs?" Theo huffed as he tried to pull an unconscious Ron off an unconscious Blaise.

"Theo," Draco sighed, "did you forget that you're a wizard?"

Theo rolled his eyes, "Of course not. But I overdid it with those damn wolves plus I'm supposed to be detoxing again, remember?"

Potter grumbled as he shoved past Draco and pointed his wands towards the two unconscious men. He refused to give Draco a second glance as he levitated them back to the house. Theo and Draco followed at a slower pace, talking quietly about the madness that had transpired.

"What do you reckon it was?" Theo said softly.

"No idea. It even stumped Blaise," Draco murmured.

"I think it's actually human."

Draco hummed in agreement, "That would make the most sense. But have you ever seen anything Shift like that?"

Theo shook his head but said nothing more. They continued walking in silence, though Draco's mind raced to process the debacle. Blaise had said it wasn't a normal fox–the assumption obviously confirmed when the thing shifted into…well, what in the actual fuck was it? Was it considered a werewolf? Was it a wolf? A were-fox? A were-thingamabob? If Theo's idea was correct, then it had to start as an Animagus. There were very few cases, almost none, recorded of an Animagus being bit by a were-being that Draco could remember. Typically, if one was bitten while in Form, the were-virus didn't transfer. He would need to question Blaise for more details, the man's brain an encyclopaedia of Dark creatures and Magical beings.

The detail that was currently causing Draco to furrow his brow: the creature had locked its gaze on him. There was no doubt that it was the same Fox they had seen at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Its mannerisms and colouring were the same, that he was sure of. This time it had been mere feet from him…and he could clearly see its eyes. Previously, they had seemed just simple amber eyes of a fox. His far-sight was still impeccable and he knew–he knew the colour was more of a honey brown and he swore he saw swirls of bronze…

But that's impossible…I would've known…

Draco felt the shelves in his mind rattle. The books in the far reaches of his mind shook almost violently. The books about Granger. He took a steadying breath as they reached the house. He needed to keep it together until he could be alone back in the Manor. It would do no good to have a mental breakdown in front of everyone. The books settled down but continued to vibrate, anxious to be opened. A feeling of dread started to settle over Draco.

I'm going to lose my fucking mind before the end of the night.

Molly Weasley, on the other hand, almost lost her mind ten seconds later. After some excessive fussing, screeching, and arm flailing, Molly finally settled down on a couch wrapped in her husband's arms. Ron was deposited into his old bedroom after a thorough check for no wounds ("Looks like he just has a severe concussion and maybe a few bruised ribs," Theo muttered when he had checked over the redhead.) Blaise was already awake and nestled in bed in Ginny's room. He appeared disgruntled as he sat with his arms crossed, scowling at the far wall. Draco leaned against the other wall while Theo laid across the end of the bed. The Weasley clan had finally cleared the room after overly fussing over Blaise, who had only been pleased when Ginny had administered attention and was annoyed with anyone else.

"Let it out, mate," Draco closed his eyes and thumped his head back against the wall, making sure the room was Silenced first.

Blaise stewed for a moment longer before spitting out his tirade, "It's a bunch of discombobulated bullshit, if you ask me. Honestly. Are those two really that thick that they had to go chasing after the bloody wolves? Theo's wards are nigh impenetrable and yet those morons just said 'oh well fuck it, let's go on a jolly run' and could have been killed! At this rate, I think the world might be better off without those two polluting it with their inane ideas," he took a quick breath but still hissed, "And to add insult to injury, I barely saw when that damned Fox Shifted into who-knows-what! That was not a werewolf, I'll tell you that much. That is something else entirely. It has similarities but I don't believe it's a were-being of any sort. None of this makes any sense!"

Blaise threw his arms up and let out an angry huff before deciding he was done. Theo chuckled, earning a swift kick to the ribs from the foot under the bedspread.

"I think it's human. Well, started as human," Theo looked at Blaise for confirmation.

He nodded, "That would make the most sense. But even if it started as an Animagus, it wouldn't be able to Shift into a were-being on command like that. It's maddening."

The two men looked expectantly at Draco, waiting for his input. He lifted his head and glanced between his two friends. He had a theory…but how could he suggest it without them wanting to commit him to St Mungo's for lunacy?

"Drake?"

Draco shook his head as he pushed off from the wall, "Get some rest, Blaise. Take the rest of the week to recover. You too, Theo," they started to protest but he shook his head at them, "It will all still be there when you get back. I'll take some time too if that'll calm you ninnies down. Besides, I know two redheads who would be quite miffed if you both returned to work so suddenly."

Draco looked from Blaise to Theo, giving the latter a knowing stare that caused a blush to creep up his neck. Theo opened and closed his mouth several times, no sound escaping. Blaise gave him a light shove and cackled, "Oh, come off it, you thought we didn't know?"

Theo stuttered, "I…well I…I thought we…we-uhh…ummm…"

"Theo," Draco said softly and even gave him a small smile, "We're the only ones who've noticed. Your secret's safe with us until you both are ready."

Theo let out a sigh of relief, "Well, at least I don't have to hide it from you two anymore, I guess. How did you figure it out?"

Blaise and Draco shared a look, grinning. Did they want to embarrass Theo? Yeah, just a little bit they did.

"A kind reminder that you're both wizards and are proficient at Silencing and Diverting spells," Draco smirked as realisation dawned on Theo's face.

"No…" he breathed, his entire face turning crimson.

Blaise cackled again, "Yes. Imagine our surprise when we found a redhead-that wasn't mine- in the small dining room enjoying a mouthful of Theo-dessert laid out on the table."

"Oh fuck…no…" Theo covered his face with his hands. He was truly embarrassed but also laughing at the absurdity.

"That's what the dessert said almost verbatim. Though, I don't think 'No' was part of the conversation," Draco said and grinned as he enjoyed the warmth that spread through him at the sight: Theo shaking his head and muttering "Fuck my life. He's going to be so pissed." while Blaise cackled gleefully at their friend's expense. One of the few moments that felt like old times of taking the piss out of each other in the dorms.

"Prats. You swear not to be absolute dicks to him?" Theo eyed them carefully.

"Mate, please. We save these special Prat Moments just for you," Blaise smirked unconvincingly and then mockingly whined, "We'll be our usual selves to your Loverboy."

"Ugh. Fuck off, Zabini. I swear one of these days…" Theo stood and made his way towards the door.

"Tell Loverboy we say hello! And hope he feels better!" Blaise made sure to holler before Theo opened the door. Theo gave Draco an exasperated look.

Draco shrugged and clapped him on the shoulder, "Truly, hope he feels better. Just remember while you're here, Silencing charms are your friend."

Theo growled and swung the door open before slamming it shut behind him.

Draco shook his head as Blaise fell over on the bed laughing hysterically. "Pull yourself together."

Blaise managed to get a few words out in between wheezes, "He's– haha– banging– haahaa– THE WEASEL!"

Draco rolled his eyes and facepalmed.

Draco was sure he sighed at least a hundred times tonight. He let out number hundred-and-one as he relaxed against the wall while sitting on the floor in the shower. Theo and Blaise decided to stay at the Burrow for tonight (albeit Theo in secret). Draco had said his goodbyes to everyone, feeling some guilt at not getting to spend more time with little James. The now-four-year-old was happily sleeping in his mother's arms. Pansy had assured him that James was none the wiser to the events and that they should still plan on their bi-weekly dinner next Friday. Potter had barely grumbled out a "You were right Malfoy, thank you," before giving Draco a stiff one-armed hug. Pansy rolled her eyes at her husband and quipped that it wouldn't kill him to admit that sometimes Draco was smarter than him. Potter had scowled as Draco placed a goodbye peck on her forehead before going through the Floo.

He had forced his mind to stay blank as he'd walked through his room, shucking off his clothes while heading to his private bathroom. With a wave of his hand, the taps in the large tiled shower turned on and steam soon filled the room. He groaned when he stepped in, the hot water soothing his aching feet. Sprinting in dress shoes was never a good idea and Draco silently cursed Potter. He quickly scrubbed down and then slid down the wall to relax in the spray, watching the water circle around the drain.

He remembered Granger telling him once that her favourite time to meditate was during a shower, finding the constant sound soothing, easy to get lost in. Draco had found that she wasn't wrong. A small smile graced his lips as he remembered there were a few times he'd interrupted her "meditating"—she hadn't complained afterwards.

At the thought of Granger, the books in his mind rattled again, reminding him of the mess needing sorting in his head. He let out sigh one-hundred-and-two and relaxed further into the wall as he walked through the shelves in his mind. Draco felt a heaviness as he neared the furthest shelves. It started to feel suffocating and became more intense at the thought of opening these books. The expansive tomes shivered on a shelf at eye level. One shook the most and Draco reached for it. Gingerly, he lifted it off the shelf, turning it slowly to see the cover. It was a simple black bound book with an ornate lock wrapped around it. Draco realised he had never noticed before that this lock was shaped like an animal…a fox.

Before he could question it, the lock clicked and snapped open. He opened the cover and watched as the pages fluttered, memories flitting past…

"Malfoy?"

Her soft voice almost made him jump but Draco took a quick breath before he peered at her from the corner of his eyes.

"Granger," he drawled and took another drag. He made sure to blow the smoke away from her before turning to face her, taking in her appearance. Her hair was windswept and she had a rosy glow to her cheeks like she'd been running. "Bit late for you to be out, isn't it?"

"I could say the same for you. And enjoying a nasty habit it seems?" She crossed her arms and Draco feigned disinterest. He shrugged and took a final drag before stamping out the light.

"Sometimes nasty habits are good for you. Keeps you from doing stupid things. Shouldn't you be hovering over Potter and Weasley?"

He tried to sneer at her. He internally cursed himself for not having the effort to be his usual snarky self. He was just getting so damn exhausted and the constant worry about his parents…

"I'm not their mother, Malfoy. And I don't hover," she rolled her eyes and started walking away. Draco shrugged and headed towards his common room…which happened to be the same direction she was going…dammit. She quipped at him "You, however, are right now."

He tsked, "You know my common room is this way, don't get your fantasies twisted little Muggleborn."

She stopped abruptly and turned to him. He kept his cool demeanour but internally chastised himself. He was supposed to keep up the facade of hating her, that she was disgusting.

"Quit gaping like a fish," he rolled his eyes and walked past her, "Some words just aren't worth what people make them out to be."

"I…wait…what?"

"You heard me, Granger," he called back over his shoulder and kept walking. He did not think that Granger was actually nice to talk to, that she at least had a brain and could easily keep up in conversation. He was not thinking that he wished things had been different and maybe, just maybe, they could've been friends.

Oh bugger…

~~~~

Draco tried not to grimace as Umbridge "interrogated" Potter. His grip tightened on Granger as she tried to struggle. He gripped her arm harshly, his wand steadily pointed towards her neck. He originally had Longbottom but the nasty glint in Crabbe's eye urged him to switch. Crabbe was a nasty piece of work on a good day…Granger didn't deserve to deal with his grubby hands. He felt her gasp and yell at Umbridge when she threatened Potter with the Cruciatus Curse. What was he going to do if the nasty bint went psychopathic? Draco internally rolled his eyes and glanced around the room wishing he had never joined the little squad.

~~~

"Can I sit here?"

Draco looked up from the book he was trying to understand to find none other than Hermione Granger. And she was asking if she could sit at the table and study in the library?

Was Hell frozen over?

"Malfoy?" she asked when he only blinked at her, "The other tables are full. This is actually my preferred table. Hardly anyone bothers me when I sit back here. Do you mind?"

He just nodded and waved his hand, gesturing for her to do as she pleased. She muttered a thanks and set up her workspace, careful to keep her books away from him. Draco returned to his reading, glancing up periodically to see if he had imagined the whole thing.

Nope. There she was, sitting across from him, studying. Occasionally she would glance up and ask him a question but otherwise stayed silent.

It was…dare he say it? Oddly nice.

~~~

"Leave me the hell alone, Granger," Draco hissed.

She hurried after him, robes swishing behind them as they trotted up the stairs.

"Shut it, Malfoy. I'm not stupid. I know you're working on a task for him."

"It's none of your business. Carry on being a know-it-all somewhere else."

"You arrogant little prick. Do you not realise when someone actually wants to help you?"

"Right, you want to help me help Death Eaters," he rolled his eyes as he waited for the staircase to stop moving.

"No, I want to help you, regardless of the rest of it," she stood a step above him, fixing him with an unmoving stare, "Some of us truly care, even if you refuse to see it."

~~~

He glanced to the left and observed her. How they had managed to be seated next to each other was lost on him. But Draco didn't mind. She was at least quiet most of the time and a competent deskmate. Much preferred over Parkinson or Goyle or Crabbe. She was studiously jotting down notes as Flitwick monologued about the new charm they were meant to be learning. Her handwriting was impeccable as her quill moved smoothly across the parchment. She had her hair up in a fluffy ponytail, a few strands loose and framing her freckled cheeks. Draco was oddly fascinated and perturbed that he preferred when her hair was down and free.

He was also perturbed that he enjoyed her company when they would study in the library, sharing the table in a far back corner. She didn't annoy him like the others did. Didn't bother him with ridiculous questions. Of course she didn't, she was Hermione Granger.

He blocked any other thoughts from his mind when his forearm gave a light throb, reminding him…

~~~

Draco could feel her nervousness across the table. She was dutifully scribbling out the final part of her Potions essay, seeming to refuse even glancing in his direction. She had been tense since he had arrived at their table an hour ago. Of course she would be. He flipped the book he had been reading shut, deciding not to torture her with his presence.

Shouldering his bag, he headed towards the exit. He only made it a few steps down the hall before he heard her.

"Malfoy…"

He stopped but didn't turn. He couldn't risk it if someone came around the corner. She didn't seem to care but he couldn't risk it. Couldn't risk putting her in danger…

"I…Malfoy, I- "

"Granger. Leave it alone." He started walking again. Surely, she was telling him she regret it. It was an accident; he couldn't help the compulsion to kiss her the other day. She had just looked too bloody perfect and had been standing so close.

He needed her to do something though. Hit him. Hate him. Something. Anything. But he didn't think he could stomach hearing it from her.

He had just passed a hidden alcove when he felt a pull on his sleeve. He turned and followed the pull. There was barely any light and what little there was shone across her eyes, illuminating the swirls of colours. When did Granger become so breath-taking?

"What?" He tried his best to sound annoyed.

She fidgeted, realised she still had hold of his sleeve and let go as if she'd been burned. He watched as she opened and closed her mouth several times, unsure of what to say. He felt a sense of pride at making her speechless. It rarely happened.

"Granger. I have very little time and patience," he raised a brow at her, trying to seem impatient but secretly waiting, hopeful. He could see the blush creeping up her cheeks as she looked down.

Draco took this as a cue and lifted her chin back up. He slowly, so slowly lowered his head—he didn't mind that she was so much shorter, he found he liked it—and gently pressed his lips to her. Granger's little gasp made him let out a small laugh and he pressed again, with more pressure. After a moment he felt her pressing back and he cradled her face in both of his hands, his thumb rubbing against her cheek. Granger lifted onto her toes and Draco found himself slipping an arm around her waist to pull her up higher. His other hand rested gently on her neck, his fingers pressing gently on her pulse feeling it thrum wildly. They shared short, gentle kisses. She was obviously timid and he didn't want to scare her off.

Kissing her again was like finally being able to breathe. He never thought he would be kissing Granger and truly never thought he would like it or crave it like oxygen. After a few moments Draco pulled back slightly and rested his forehead to hers. Her hands were tangled in the hair at the nape of his neck, fingers flitting across his scalp. It was oddly soothing and he didn't want her to ever stop.

Is that what it was like to be starved for touch? To crave even the most unlikely person? His mother was affectionate, to an extent. But this feeling with Granger…he felt whole when he didn't even know he'd been missing a piece. He gave her one last small kiss before setting her fully back down, shivering as her nails trailed along his skin.

"Umm…" she fidgeted again and he smirked. He could get used to making the great Granger speechless.

~~

Draco groaned and held his head in his hands. There was a dull ache beginning at the base of his skull. The book shuttered and closed with a click of the lock. It slid back on the shelf, the outside cover changing from black to maroon. He felt exhaustion start to settle in his limbs. The constant spray of the water was starting to lull him to sleep. He waved his hand to turn the taps off and slowly lifted himself from the floor. He stopped and surveyed himself in the mirror. Light bruises were beginning to show across his ribs. Scars littered across his chest and stomach. The vines tattooed on his right arm were a stark contrast to his pale skin. He took a long breath and ran a hand through his hair and glared at the numbers tattooed on the side of his neck.

Draco padded quietly into his bedroom, not bothering to towel off nor caring about the water he left on the floors. He groaned again as he crawled under the plush bedding. Draco took a deep breath and watched the stars glimmering outside the open windows.

He had his theory. With no evidence other than his gut instinct screaming at him, he felt elated at the thought. She was alive, he knew it. Now he just had to find her again.