Hello readers! So, the first part of this chapter is immediately following the events of the previous chapter. Then there's a bit of a time skip. As we move forward, we'll be taking a look at what's going on away from the main crew.

I know it's been slow going and I'm sorry. I've been really struggling lately. I promise that I'll push through to the end. I won't give this story up.


Draco sat at the edge of the lake next to their campsite. Moonlight was shimmering on the surface of the water, which was as smooth as glass. It was a peaceful night. It was hard to believe how chaotic the day had been when it was followed by such stillness.

He peered over his shoulder to find that Harry, Blaise and Hermione had finished setting up the tent. Greg and Vince had set up wards around the perimeter of their campsite. Now, Draco was going to pair up with Ron to make dinner.

"Let's get started," Ron said, walking over and holding a hand out for Draco to take. He pulled Draco to his feet. "Doing alright?"

"Fine, I suppose," Draco huffed. He glanced at the lake again, frowning. "It's just a little unsettling... This morning Harry and I were getting an embarrassing sex talk from Sirius during breakfast."

Ron cackled at the idea. "God, I love Sirius," he laughed.

Draco huffed, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Then we were at the wedding," Draco went on. "I slow danced with the love of my life. And then-" He looked down, feeling as if he'd aged ten years in a single day. "We didn't even do any fighting. We just-"

Ron nodded his understanding. It had been an overwhelming day for him as well. He was still a little on edge after his fight with Viktor. He'd been struggling with their relationship and his plan to follow the Alphas on a horcrux hunt had simply added to the strain. Ron felt incredibly guilty about the rift that he'd caused between himself and Viktor. Of course, Viktor hadn't helped matters by dancing with Daphne. Ron had generally felt secure about their relationship, but the recent struggles had shaken his confidence.

Draco cocked his head to one side, curious about Ron's pensive silence. "You alright there Weasley?" he asked lightly.

Ron nodded, leading the way into the tent. He paused just inside the entrance, looking around. The tent was obviously new. There was a kitchen and dining area, ready for use. The bedroom areas weren't especially large, but they looked as if they'd be comfortable enough.

Draco and Ron had more experience with cooking than their friends. So, it had been decided early on that they'd share most of the cooking duties. They didn't mind and it allowed them time to talk. Things had changed so much since their early years at Hogwarts. Aside from some teasing banter, they got along well. They both loved Harry, though in different ways, and it had created a bond between them.

They prepared a simple cottage pie and served it to their friends without a fuss. The group was oddly quiet as they ate, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Harry finally spoke when everyone seemed finished.

"Look, I know that today was... intense," Harry said quietly. "Leaving our pack and families behind was really hard." He took Draco's hand, giving it a little squeeze as he looked around at his closest friends. Hermione's eyes were red-rimmed and glossy. The others were tense and disheartened. "Nobody could judge us before being sad or afraid. If you need to vent, cry or whatever- It's fine. And I'm here for all of you."

Hermione sniffled, her tears slipping down her cheeks. Greg was at her side in an instant, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close to rest against him. His other hand reached out to hold her hand in a reassuring grasp, his thumb brushing over her knuckles gently. Hermione had been remarkably quiet about her family, but her dearest friends knew that she'd sent her parents into hiding. They hadn't been keen to let her go, and it had broken her heart to see her mother so distraught. She leaned her head against Greg's chest, allowing herself to cry.

Vince crossed his arms over his chest, a frown creasing his brow. "I was hoping that we had longer," he murmured. "Pansy was-" He cut himself off, looking down and blushing.

"You two were really cute dancing together," Draco mentioned. He offered a reassuring smile. "You'll get the chance to see her again. We're going to get through this together."

For a little while, they remained where they were, supporting each other in the silence; Giving each other time to grieve over the shortened time with their families. As the hour grew late, Harry and Draco transformed into wolves. They exited the tents as Orion and Centauri, intent on patrolling the perimeter of their chosen campsite. They trusted the wards that Vince and Greg had placed, but it was always wise to know what else might lurk close by.

When they returned to the tent, they found that the others had changed into bed clothes and were contemplating the sleeping areas. They returned to human form just as Blaise mentioned that one of the sleeping areas was reserved for Harry and Draco.

"That's not necessary," Harry objected, his face flushing.

"Like hell," Draco retorted indignantly. "Why wouldn't we get one of the rooms?"

"We're not on a romantic vacation," Harry reminded him, still blushing though he looked a bit amused. "We'll just have to share."

"Uh... That's okay," Ron said, wrinkling his nose. "Nobody is trying to get between you two. And I'm pretty sure that I don't want to see sexually frustrated Draco on a daily basis."

Blaise snorted a laugh, looking away when Draco glared at him.

"It's not a big deal," Greg said calmly. "Let's just go with what makes Hermione comfortable." He turned to Hermione expectantly. "What do you think?"

Hermione smiled slightly, grateful for the consideration. She thought it over, pursing her lips. "I feel comfortable with all of you," she remarked. "It's like having brothers. I think," she added uncertainly. She was an only child, so she couldn't really be sure what it would be like to have siblings. But, she loved her boys dearly even when they were driving her mad.

"So, would you be okay sleeping in a room with me?" Greg asked hesitantly. "And Vince maybe?"

Hermione smiled. "I don't mind at all," she assured him. Truthfully, she was glad to not being spending the night alone.

"And maybe sometimes you can share a room with me and Blaise," Ron added.

Blaise nodded his agreement, privately thinking that sleeping in a room with Hermione sounded far more pleasant than sharing one with Ron. The idea was making Blaise feel nervous and queasy.

Soon enough, they were settling down for the night. The bedroom were mostly just curtained off areas with beds. One "room" held only one bed, and Harry and Draco shared that one. The other two rooms held two beds each. Hermione used a clever spell to duplicate one of the beds for herself, carefully levitating the new piece of furniture along the back wall.

Harry stretched out on his side, the weight of the day's events finally settling on him. Now that they'd started their hunt, everything was going to change. Harry could only hope that Voldemort wouldn't realize what they were up to until it was too late. He had to protect his Pack, his family, with everything he had while attempting to take down a psychotic dark wizard.

He hadn't realized that his tears had begun to fall until Draco began gently wiping them away. "It's alright Love," Draco murmured, pulling Harry closer. He cradled the back of Harry's head as Harry's arms curled around Draco's waist. "I'm right here. I won't leave your side, no matter what." He kissed Harry's lips gently. "We're going to be fine."

"Everything alright?"

Blaise was standing in the entrance of their little sleeping space, his wand tip lit so he could see them. His face was completely obscured by shadows.

"Harry's just feeling the pressure now," Draco replied softly, still holding Harry close to his chest. "He'll be alright."

For a moment, there was silence aside from Harry's shaky breaths and little sniffles. Then there was a shuffling as Blaise walked away, leaving them in the dark again. Draco lifted his head at the sound of whispered voices.

And then the wand light was back. Blaise re-entered the sleeping area with the other Betas on his heels, there arms wrapped around blankets and pillows. They crowded around the bed, leaning in to place their hands on Harry to offer comfort. He slowly relaxed under their hands.

"We're going to stay right here," Ron said, pulling out his wand and casting cushioning charms on the floor.

Harry rolled over to watch as his friends spread out blankets and prepare to settle in for the night on the floor. He scooted back on the bed, pressing even closer to Draco. "Just come up here Hermione," Harry murmured, his voice rough.

Hermione hesitantly climbed onto the bed, leaving more room for the four young men on the floor. Harry and Draco made room for her and she stretched out on the mattress. Harry immediately wrapped Hermione in his arms for a hug while Draco curled around Harry protectively.

Sleep came quickly after that.


George carefully looked around the street before ducking back inside the shop and locking the door with a spell. He turned to see Fred looking Dean over with a concerned expression. "I don't think you were followed," George said.

Dean nodded, his eyes wide. He was obviously shaken up.

It had been a few weeks since the wedding and Minister Fudge's death. Wizarding Britain was tense and fearful as Death Eater attacks dotted the country side. The new Minister, Pius Thicknesse was suspected to be under an imperius curse while the sadistic Delores Umbridge was permitted to push an anti-muggleborn agenda. Things weren't looking good and the fearful unrest had begun to bleed into the muggle world.

"What happened?" Fred asked.

"They came to the house," Dean said shakily, leaning against one of the bulky shelves holding merchandise. "Two men. They had Ministry badges on their robes. They wanted to take me in for questioning."

"Dad said they're rounding up muggleborns," Fred muttered, exchanging a look with George. "They all have to register with the Ministry, but the Ministry is trying to claim that they've stolen magic from legitimate witches and wizards."

Dean sighed heavily. "My mum is a muggle, but I don't know what my real dad was," he said, scrubbing his hands over his dark face. "He left when I was a baby. I can't prove anything about my blood status." He took a shuddering breath. "So I took off. I apparated to Diagon Alley and came straight here."

"You did the right thing," Fred assured him, patting Dean's shoulder. "Our floo upstairs is connected to headquarters. You'll be safe there."

They gasped when they heard sudden, loud banging. They turned to see Seamus with his face pressed to the glass of the shop doors. His wide eyes were glassy and full of anxiety. He stumbled inside when George opened the door.

"Thank Merlin," Seamus gasped, yanking Dean into a tight embrace. "I'm so glad you're alright."

"You got my patronus," Dean sighed, relaxing in the other's hold. He lifted one hand to cradle the back of Seamus' head. "I'm alright. I'm going to headquarters. I'll lay low and help anyone else that takes shelter there."

"I'm going with you," Seamus declared, pulling back to meet his boyfriend's gaze.

Dean swallowed hard, shaking his head. "No, you have to go back to school," he replied regretfully. "We're both Deltas. We're needed at Hogwarts, and since I can't be there, you need to be. If it gets too bad, you'll join me and bring as many of the wolves as you can."

Seamus sighed, pressing his face to Dean's shoulder. After a moment, he nodded reluctantly.

Fred and George stood watch at the door, allowing the couple a bit of privacy. They cast a few spells to lock and ward the door. It was becoming increasingly uncertain that their shop would be able to remain open for much longer. Before long, it would be more important to make themselves available for transporting people to safe houses. Nobody was safe anymore.

"It's getting worse," Fred murmured softly. He glanced at his brother, his expression pained. "Hermione probably would have been the first person to get snatched up in this mess."

"But she's off saving the Wizarding World with our Alphas," George reminded him. "She'll be fine. They're well prepared." A smirk tilted his lips. "You and I made sure of it."


"This is mad," Ron grumbled, peering at the hedges that loomed before them. "We can't go bursting into You-Know-Who's base of operations. It's a suicide mission."

"Relax Ron," Harry muttered patiently, peering through the shadows. The sun had set and Draco had slipped away from them to approach the house. The others were waiting for his return.

"We shouldn't have let him go alone," Blaise hissed, squinting at the foreboding foliage that hid most of Malfoy Manor from view.

"Draco is well equipped for this task," Harry responded quietly. He glanced at his friends, his hand settling on his chest to feel the steady rhythm of his own heart. "I can feel him."

"So sentimental."

They gasped and looked around for the source of the whispered voice. Ron fell over when Draco dropped from the tree that they'd been crouched beneath. "Bloody hell!" Ron choked out.

Draco chuckled softly, looking rather pleased with himself.

"Oh shut up. You look like that muggle Robin Hood," Ron snapped.

Harry snorted in amusement, though he was enjoying Draco's new look. Draco offered him a knowing wink.

Draco had decided that he wanted to excel in stealth. He'd spent any time that he'd had to himself practicing in the room of requirement and then skulking the shadows of Hogwarts. He had enlisted the help of Fred and George in achieving his goal and they'd eagerly taken on the task. His trousers and tunic were a soft clingy fabric that shifted color based on the environment. His feet were encased in boots that muffled his steps. His belt was equipped with a pouch enhanced by an extension charm. The pouch held an impressive number of the twins' handy little inventions.

"So, what did you see?" Hermione asked.

"It looks like a skeleton crew in there," Draco informed them, glancing back toward the manor. "The few people inside look relatively relaxed, so I don't think Snake-face is there at the moment. But Aunt Bellatrix is there, so we can't be too careful."

"What do we do?" Greg asked.

"It would be stupid to try to search the whole manor," Draco reasoned. "Our safest bet would be to locate my father and see if he knows where the cup might be hidden."

"You're probably right," Harry sighed. "And we're going to trust your father?"

Draco smiled sadly. "For all his faults, Father loves me. That is something that we can trust."

Harry gave Draco's hand a reassuring squeeze. He looked around at their Betas expectantly. Greg and Vincent nodded, waiting patiently for orders. Hermione and Ron had their wands out and ready.

"Lead on Alpha Centauri," Blaise said solemnly.

Draco pressed a quick kiss to Harry's cheek. He turned to face the hedges. "Follow me. And do try not to trip over your own enormous feet Weasley."

Ron rolled his eyes while Hermione giggled.

"I've dropped the wards around the manor," Draco said quietly. "But we need to move fast before someone notices."

They made their way toward the manor, avoiding getting caught in the moonlight. Draco's steps were silent and sure, and the others did their best to mimic him. Ron grumbled and fretted over the possibility of spiders, but the others shushed him. Draco led them to the side of the building to a door. He pulled out his wand and began murmuring quietly.

Draco opened the door and peeked inside hesitantly. Satisfied that the hall was clear, he stepped inside.

Silent as shadows, they slipped down hallways and crept past doors. They paused and ducked around corners when they heard voices or movement. Draco knew every passageway and hidden doorway.

Harry peered at their surroundings while ensuring that he remained close to his boyfriend.

Finally, they hurried up a flight of stairs and Draco swiftly grasped one of the door knobs. He took a steadying breath and opened the door, beckoning the others inside. They froze when they realized that the room was not unoccupied.

Lucius jumped to his feet from his place on the bed, staring at the group in shock. "Sweet Salazar, did you bring all of Hogwarts with you?" Lucius hissed in disbelief.

"Harry and I couldn't come without our Betas," Draco responded with a shrug.

"Wait, you knew we were coming," Ron accused, gripping his wand more tightly as he eyed the elder Malfoy suspiciously.

"Draco and I had an arrangement," Lucius replied stiffly. "I felt him breach the wards and then take them down. We agreed that if he ever needed to come here, his bedroom would be a safe place to meet. It is sealed to all but three people; Draco, his mother and myself. Unless he brings a herd of ruffians inside with him," he amended tersely.

"We're off topic," Harry said firmly while Ron grumbled.

"Yes," Lucius agreed with a tight nod. "What brings you here?"

"We're looking for an item," Draco said. "We need to find the cup that belonged to Helga Hufflepuff. We believe that it's been turned into a Horcrux. Dumbledore's research indicates that the Dark Lord was able to locate it, but we don't know where it is now. Where would he keep it? Is it here?" he asked urgently.

Lucius stared at his son with wide eyes. "That is your mission?" he asked, horrified. "Dumbledore has sent you after horcruxes? It is suicide!"

"Father, I will be fine," Draco insisted. "I am never safer than when I'm at Harry's side."

"And we would protect them with our lives," Blaise added, Greg and Vince nodding somberly in agreement.

Lucius eyed them for a moment, unable to hide his concern. He gaze settled on Draco, his only son. He'd become a fine young wizard; Confident, handsome and talented. He stood at the right hand of Harry Potter. The time for dictating Draco's path was long gone. Lucius could only offer aid when possible.

"I have not seen any such item here," Lucius said slowly. "However, I did hear Bella mention keeping some items in her vault for the Dark Lord. It would be a secure place indeed for a horcrux. Unfortunately, that vault is likely the best place"

Draco swore and ran his hands through his hair. "Bloody well figures," he muttered.

"What?" Ron asked warily.

Draco dropped his hands to his sides and shook his head ruefully. "We need to get into Gringotts."