Chapter 10: Of Incantations and Invasion
"Try again."
Draco furrowed his brow in concentration as he reached for a branch of the aspen tree, trying to convince it to move.
When nothing happened again, he snatched up his wand in frustration and set fire to the branch.
"Oi, don't steal my element," Blaise complained. Theo conjured a jet of water to douse the flame.
"This is mental," Draco hissed. "I don't have magic power over trees!"
"Draco, if the Darkness could use you to control the earth, it means you have the power within you," Theo said patiently. "Hermione could do it before the bonds–"
"Let's see you pull a waterfall out of the wall, then." Draco muttered and Theo frowned.
"I can't pull water from a wall, Draco, and you couldn't pull a tree from a wall, either. The panels on the wall are made of wood, I believe that's why you could manipulate them."
"Oh," Draco grumbled.
"We need to find another way to interact with our elements; I'm going to check the–"
"Library," three voices finished.
Theo vanished back into the house followed by Ron, still a surprisingly compliant library assistant. Draco glared irritably at the tree he couldn't move. Harry clapped a hand on his shoulder and guided him back to the patio where Hermione sat curled up with her Arithmancy book.
"You mastered your element pretty quick," Draco mumbled at Harry.
"I don't think I did," Harry answered. "I think I've just figured out part of it. Energy moves through everything, and I've only been able to heal you lot with extra help."
"Not me," Blaise pointed out, gesturing to the pale scar on his face.
"No, but that exhausted me," Harry replied, running a hand through his messy hair. "You still had that massive cut on your chest, and I don't think I could've healed that, too."
"But now that we can share Hermione's soul d'you think you could heal worse injuries with our help?"
Harry thought of the golden phoenix in the Hogwarts grounds. Not for the first time, he wondered if there would be fewer than fifty feathers on the statue if they'd known these powers a year ago.
"I don't know, but I sure as hell hope so."
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The midday sun was hot over the grounds of Malfoy Manor and the six lazy teens sat comfortably in their padded chairs with the lovely sound of the nearby splashing fountain and ice-cold pink lemonades within their grasp until Ron, predictably, became the first one to get bored. After he put down his book with a yawn, most of the others followed suit.
"C'mon Hermione, put down the book already," Ron groaned. She ignored Ron and turned the page. "You too, Theo."
"That won't get their attention," Blaise murmured. "Accio!"
Two angry sounds came from Hermione and Theo as their books flew into Blaise's waiting arms. Harry, Ron, and Draco chuckled appreciatively.
"Expelliarmus," Draco divested the bookworms of their wands and promptly slid them under the cushion of his chair.
"As if we need wands," Theo mumbled to Hermione. They both raised their hands in Blaise's direction, wandlessly Summoning their books back.
"You two are no fun," Blaise complained as the infuriating study partners grinned at each other.
"C'mon, it's time for a break," Harry persisted. "We should play Quidditch or something."
"Nah," came the simultaneous response from the bibliophiles.
"Two seeds in a blackwood pod," Draco grumbled. Theo sighed and put down his Runes book.
"Actually, it wouldn't hurt to study something different–"
"NO," answered several firm voices.
"I meant," Theo persisted. "Perhaps we should try and learn to conjure Patronuses."
Hermione immediately dropped her book and sat up straight in her chair.
"OK, she got way too excited about that," Blaise grumbled with a hand over his eyes. "We can't do those, Theo, what makes you think anything's changed?"
"As of last night, everything changed," Theo said dryly. "I'm familiar with the theory behind the Patronus Charm, but I never had the means to cast one. Powerful, happy memories aren't exactly something that occurred frequently in my past."
"That's 'cause you spent your entire past in a library," Draco pointed out sullenly.
Instead of answering, Theo wandlessly levitated Draco out of his chair and Summoned the wands from beneath his cushion. Draco dropped back into the chair with an uncouth oomph.
"Is that why you lot think Slytherins can't cast a Patronus?" Ron asked incredulously. "None of you are happy?"
"If you recall, my dear Weasley," Blaise said as he stretched his arms over his head. "The Sorting Hat ascribes our house as cunning, determined, and sneaky. And none of those words rhyme with delightful or ecstatic."
"Perhaps you'll go to Slytherin, and you'll wind up ecstatic. They often claim to be the best, but they're prejudiced and dramatic." Hermione said in a singsong voice. Harry and Ron burst into laughter as Draco and Blaise made faces at Hermione. Theo chuckled under his breath.
"Well, we won't know 'til you try," Harry said with a grin as he slid forward in his chair. "Try and think of something not just happy or powerful, but something that gives you hope." He glanced over at Hermione. "Last time we faced the Dementors I thought about the moment when the Battle was over, when the three of us found each other in the Great Hall. Was one of the worst days of our lives, but it was finally over and for the first time we knew things could be okay."
Hermione felt her eyes stinging and Ron leaned forward.
"Y'know, when we found out we got a massive treasure all to ourselves that was a pretty good feeling!"
Harry grinned and Hermione glanced at Theo. He studied her carefully for a moment and then he closed his eyes. She didn't have to ask what he was thinking.
"Expecto Patronum," he whispered.
Pale mist shot from Theo's wand and promptly disappeared. Draco looked impressed but Theo squinted.
"It's not a calm spell," Harry told Theo. "Remember, it's defensive. Sort of like casting a Shield Charm. It's powerful, and meaningful, but not angry."
Blaise now had his wand out and was mumbling to himself under his breath. Draco stood and started pacing.
Theo focused on last night when he duelled the Darkness in Draco's form; he'd remained calm instead of giving in to his anger as he might've done a week ago, and he remembered feeling stronger than ever. The influence of Hermione's soul healed him of his old wounds, so for the first time he duelled with intent to protect, not attack.
This wasn't for him; it was for her.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Hermione gasped and the Slytherins' jaws dropped as white mist erupted from Theo's wand and transformed into a large, winged shape. It soared elegantly through the air and circled the group before coming to a soft landing on Theo's shoulder.
"My wise owl," Hermione breathed.
Theo beamed at the magnificent eagle owl as it slowly faded away.
"Damn, I was hoping he'd conjure a bookworm," Blaise said disappointedly.
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Draco was getting frustrated. Theo managed the spell in two tries and barely half an hour later Harry's patient coaching encouraged Blaise to conjure a great wolf that was taller than Ron when it reared on its hind legs.
Hermione squeezed Draco's hand again. "Hardly anyone gets this on the first day, it's not an easy spell, Draco."
Draco watched Theo's eagle owl circling one of the Manor's many chimneys.
"Don't be jealous," she begged. "What were you thinking of the last time?"
Draco bit his lip.
"Please? I really want us to keep being honest with each other."
"You and Potter and Weasley have more practice," Draco mumbled. "Last night was totally new; I've never told anybody that stuff. I don't even tell Blaise everything."
"Neither do I," she replied with a shrug. "Harry and Ron don't know everything about me, but I share what I need to, and sometimes I'll share something I'm not completely certain I want them to know. That's what trust is."
Draco exhaled a long breath as he watched Blaise's wolf chase Harry's stag around the lawn.
"I s'pose this is like our stepping game, then?"
She smiled up at him. "You remember all that?"
"Of course," he smirked. "Once I figured we'd actually survive the war I reckoned I'd need dirt on you at some point." Hermione swatted his arm though she was still smiling.
"Well, it's just like that. In a good friendship you give a little trust, and you'll get a little back."
"You make an excellent point," Draco said in a business-like manner. "So, pray tell, Miss Granger, what is your Patronus memory?"
Hermione broke into a deep blush and stared at her shoes. Draco waited impatiently.
"When you first kissed me in the Entrance Hall," she finally mumbled. Draco snickered.
"I believe it was you who threw yourself onto my lips, love."
"Perhaps," she admitted shrewdly. "But I was completely terrified that you wouldn't kiss me back, and when you did–"
He leaned in, his forehead touching hers. "Yes?"
"Well … it was pretty amazing," she murmured, redder than ever. He chuckled and brushed his lips against hers.
"Patronus-worthy?"
"I suppose so," she sighed dramatically as she leaned up to kiss him back.
After last night, Draco had been terrified to kiss her again. Hermione, however, was desperate to remove the memory of Darkness-Draco mauling her, so she quickly took control of the situation by pushing him into the wall and determinedly attacking his lips until he moaned against her mouth. He had no qualms about kissing her after that.
"Y'know there's ninety-seven rooms inside!" Blaise called from across the garden. They pulled apart regretfully and Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Is that true?"
"I've never counted," Draco mused. "There's at least sixty-two–"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Come on now. Tell me your memory."
"I was thinking about flying … and catching the Snitch."
Hermione glanced at Harry who promptly came over.
"Sorry, Malfoy, I don't think that's gonna cut it. You need something with real power behind it. A moment where you felt hopeful and like nothing could ever go wrong."
Draco scowled. He knew Blaise had succeeded when he focused on the moment Voldemort was defeated and he and Draco were finally safe. That moment didn't work for Draco; he hadn't found his parents yet and he couldn't see Hermione, so his worry level was still too high.
Hermione studied him patiently with her chocolate eyes. Draco remembered the night when the bonds were completed; her eyes turned gold when she thrust her power upon him but faded back to brown when he accepted her soul and felt them connect … That's it.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Silvery mist burst from the end of his wand and Hermione squealed and clapped. Harry grinned.
Draco was confused. "No animal?"
"A fully-formed Patronus usually takes ages," Harry reassured him. "I was actually facing a Dementor the first time I conjured one. The adrenaline helps."
"Actually Harry, the first time was at the Quidditch match when it wasn't a real Dementor …" Ron came up behind Harry and smirked at Draco pointedly.
The blond rolled his eyes and Blaise laughed. "I forgot you did that … I guess Potter had so much success 'cause he was facing his worst nightmare–"
"He wishes," Harry grinned.
"Wait, you didn't find Malfoy's endless sarcasm and shallow insults intimidating?" Theo asked incredulously. Draco growled as the others chortled.
"Oh, don't forget his most terrifying threat!" Ron cried. "Just wait 'til my–"
"–father hears about this!" three voices finished together before they doubled over in laughter.
Hermione choked but felt guilty about laughing at her boyfriend's expense – even though he was a little git – but when she looked back at him, he didn't look ashamed or irritated.
He looked frightened.
"Draco?" she asked, confused. "What is it?"
He raised his eyes to meet Theo's. "Somebody's trying to break into the Manor."
Blaise tucked Hermione safely in the circle of his arm before she even registered what Draco said.
"How d'you know that?" Ron asked blankly.
"Draco is master of the estate," Theo answered, not taking his eyes off Draco's worried face. "The magic of the grounds can forewarn him of danger."
Draco turned on his heel and raced in through the open door. The others followed closely, drawing their wands. They skidded to a halt behind Draco in the marble foyer.
"Is someone trying to break the enchantments?" Harry asked quickly. Draco squeezed his eyes shut in focus.
"I'm still getting used to this; I haven't been in charge of the Manor very long." He slowly extended his hand and placed it on the front door. "I think someone's trying to break through the front gate."
Blaise took Hermione's shoulders and pulled her back against his chest. Draco turned to quickly plant a kiss on her lips.
"Take her back to Hogwarts," he begged Blaise.
Hermione reached for Draco's arm quickly. "Are you sure it's dangerous? This could be nothing–"
"Draco!" They were cut off by Narcissa, who quickly floated into the room behind them. "Three Ministry officials, with DM on their robes; they've unravelled the exterior enchantments and entered the grounds. I could not stop them."
For a moment everyone froze in horror.
"Go!" Draco yelled at Blaise. With a sudden crack! he and Hermione disappeared.
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Hermione protested as Blaise tried to pull her through Hogwarts' enchanted waterfall. It remained open all weekend to allow students into Hogsmeade, but the path to the gate was otherwise deserted as Hermione tried to Apparate back to the Manor.
"We have to go back–!"
"Hermione, they'll be fine." Blaise insisted. "If the Unspeakables are looking for you, you'll put them in more danger by going back, and if they aren't looking for you, it won't matter!"
Hermione angrily brushed a tear from her eye. She hated being away from any of her Guardians, and she hated how she lost all semblance of logic when she was upset. Perhaps the gaps in her brain were a result of them being distant? No wonder the Mage bond connected her to Theo … he had the ability to remain logical in almost any circumstance.
She knew what Theo would say now. She stopped fighting Blaise's grip and he tugged her against him closely.
"I promise, it'll be alright," he murmured. "Let's get inside, now."
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"How'd they KNOW?!" Ron demanded angrily. Draco gripped the back of the nearest chair, white-knuckled.
"What do we do?" Harry whispered desperately.
"Draco Malfoy!" A raspy voice called through the door as a fist began pounding.
"Let's go," Ron mouthed, but Theo shook his head furiously.
"We need to know how they found out," he hissed.
Draco closed his eyes and desperately wished his father were here. Lucius was the master of undesired confrontations and Draco wasn't very good at improvising.
He glanced at his mother. She closed her eyes in a slow blink and nodded her head minutely. You can do this, and I'll be right here.
Draco straightened his shoulders, raised his head, and summoned his confidence.
Harry looked at him in surprise. Their friend had all but vanished, leaving behind the arrogant, entitled prince of Slytherin they used to know who stood before them stern and stone-faced. He looks like his father, Harry realised.
Draco trod to the front door and glanced backward for a second as the pounding came again. As he suspected, Narcissa stood as the picture of elite elegance within polite distance of the door. Though she appeared casual, he knew her wand would be out of her sleeve and in her hand with only the tiniest movement. He felt the other three Guardians armed and ready behind him.
With a wave of his hand, Draco flung open the door, just wide enough to reveal himself.
"How dare you call unannounced and uninvited to the house of Malfoy and breach our walls?" he roared.
Harry was duly impressed. He'd expected to hear the familiar voice of an ignorant entitled prefect, but Draco spoke with a confident, booming thunder, demanding answers as though he were royalty.
"We were forced to resort to uncouth methods to ensure our entry," the tallest intruder spoke in a low and raspy voice. He stood slightly forward of the other two; all three wore formal black robes with the letters DM stitched across their chests in golden thread.
"We're from the Department of Mysteries. We know you're hiding the Elemental Mage, Draco Malfoy. She must be surrendered to us to ensure her protection."
"What madness is this?" Draco spat. One of the wizards at the back laughed humorlessly.
"Don't try those games with us, boy," the shortest wizard snarled. "We KNOW she's here–"
"You dare to address the head of the Malfoy family in this manner?" Draco thundered. "What business would it be of yours to know of any witch taking residence in my home?"
"You broke your sentence and left school! You're an accused murderer, you entitled little–!"
"Leonard, enough." The tallest wizard spoke harshly to his red-faced colleague who seethed at Draco. Draco returned a look that practically spit fire, but the tall wizard continued in his raspy voice, "Our sources have confirmed the Mage has been seen in your presence. She's no longer at school, and since you also left–"
"You're not welcome on my property," Draco snarled. "You have one chance to leave peacefully!"
"The authority of the Ministry has priority over a spoiled teenaged Death Eater!" The red-faced wizard shouted and raised his wand.
Draco raised his own quickly, but Red-Face wasn't aiming at Draco. With a loud bang! the wide, heavy door flew open and crashed into the wall.
The Guardians' reaction was instantaneous. Draco took a large step backwards and the others stepped up to his side in a perfect line; all aimed their wands furiously at the three intruders, who seemed stunned at the sudden appearance of three more wizards.
The silent man at the back gasped, "Harry Potter?"
Even Red-Face was staring, aghast. Harry narrowed his eyes and took half a step forward, fully confident regardless of his position as the shortest Guardian.
"Draco Malfoy was tried and cleared by the Wizengamot," Harry said sternly. "He's under the protection of the Headmistress of Hogwarts and is here with her permission. He's NOT a Death Eater, and your accusations aren't tolerated. I also know you act outside the reign of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and don't answer to the Minister for Magic, so any authority you claim has no legal bearing here!"
The wizard at the front of the group looked sharply at his colleagues as he tucked his wand into his robes. Slowly, his colleagues did the same, and the tall wizard held both empty hands out.
"Mr. Potter. We know that the Mage is your friend Hermione Granger."
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Hermione and Blaise no sooner dried themselves from the enchanted waterfall when a loud call drew their attention.
"Hermione!"
They both turned to see Hagrid rushing over. Hermione wasn't surprised; she knew Hagrid guarded the gates when they were open since intruders would be unlikely to thwart him with most spells and he knew all the students by sight.
"What were yeh doin' outta the grounds?" Hagrid demanded. "It's not safe for yeh out there–"
"We were at Malfoy Manor," Blaise reassured him. "The enchantments kept her safe, but …"
Hagrid leaned in close, looking worried.
"Hermione was discovered," Blaise hissed under his breath. "Someone betrayed us."
Hagrid looked nearly as furious as he did when Death Eaters were attacking Hogwarts. Hermione squeezed Blaise's hand gratefully; she would never believe Hagrid betrayed her and she was glad Blaise believed it, too.
"C'mon," Hagrid ordered them immediately. "Yer comin' in here and yer gonna stay put with me 'til th' rest of 'em get back."
Hermione smiled and followed to his cabin, knowing that arguing with her biggest friend was quite pointless.
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The four Guardians froze in place, but having never been skilled at Occlumency, Harry's eyes betrayed him.
"We know Miss Granger is involved with Mr. Malfoy. We must speak with her." The tall wizard wasn't angry but pleading.
"What makes you think you have any business intruding on the life of our friend?" Theo's voice was firm. None of Hermione's wizards lowered their wands.
"She's more powerful than she knows, and she could cause great destruction–"
"These children have no right to know anything!" Red-faced Leonard spat loudly. Ron Silenced him quickly and the man, if possible, went redder. He withdrew his wand again and aimed it at Ron.
"STOP!" The tall man's raspy voice echoed through the marble-clad foyer. "Leonard, Marius, leave. Now."
"Sir–!"
The look the tall man gave them was oddly reminiscent of Professor McGonagall. He must have authority over them, Draco thought. The two wizards slowly turned and Apparated away.
The tall man turned back to the teenagers. "I am Unspeakable Robert Erikson," he said. "Be assured I have no desire to harm the Mage, but I fear she might be dangerous, and quite possibly in danger herself. Please allow me to explain."
Draco knew Blaise wouldn't bring Hermione back without a signal. They needed to find out what this Unspeakable knew; he glanced sideways at Harry, who gave a tiny nod.
As one, the Guardians lowered their wands.
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