Ch 10: Interrogation
Vincent's Farm, Present Day (Day 4)
"…..and the farmer?"
"…Will be back by night, until then…."
Draco caught snippets of conversation as he came to. Even through a throbbing headache, he recognized one of the voices as that of his least favourite wizard. The other was deeper, heavier and had a heavy foreign accent. His thoughts were still mixed up but he could vaguely remember being on a beach with a lot of Muggle. And a dragon. Trying to remember anything else caused the pain in his head to spike up again. He groaned.
"Jingle Bells is awake" the heavy accented voice spoke.
Expecting to be attacked, Draco instinctively reached for his wand but instead found that his hands were tied behind his back. He could feel cold metal against his back and coarse ropes digging into his wrists. Now that he noticed it; the air carried a whiff of hay and animal faeces.
"A barn?" He thought.
"I don't want to fight you Malfoy. Just looking for some answers." Harry's voice was accompanied by approaching footsteps.
Carefully, hoping that the pain doesn't worsen, Draco opened his eyes. In front of him was Harry and standing behind him was a giant, bear-like man. Both were in Muggle attire: Harry in light blue jeans and a black jacket with a crimson t-shirt peeking out and the big man in a long black coat, black trousers and heavy leather boots.
"Potter, I see you've finally realized where you belong. With the company you keep, a barn seems only fitting."
Harry wasn't amused;
"I see you've not lost any of your charming character."
Draco shrugged.
"Wounded and pathetic doesn't really suit me."
"Being turned into a tap-dancing weasel might." The big man interjected; producing a long, thin wand from his coat.
Draco was unaffected;
"Who is the oaf Potter? A criminal? Like you?" He quipped.
For a moment, Harry seemed to be seriously considering the giant's offer of turning Draco into a rodent. But then he shook his head, took a deep breath, looked directly into Draco's eyes and spoke;
"The only reason you are still here is because you ran away from the war twelve years ago. Your cowardice is the sole reason you are still allowed to run your mouth. You're alive because of the Ministry's pity, so choose your next words very carefully."
The temperature of the room seemed to drop considerably as he spoke. Even the big man took a step back. Harry's sudden coldness was nerve-wracking; even to Draco.
As if realizing it himself; Harry's face softened a little;
"Listen Malfoy, regardless of what you choose to believe I am not responsible for the deaths at Gringotts. But I am trying the person who is and for that I need your help. If you're willing to quit being a snob for a while, it will be easier for the both of us."
Draco only glared at Harry in response. Taking that as a yes, the latter began;
"Four days ago, I heard a whisper in my head. I know it sounds far-fetched but I am certain it was Voldemort's voice."
He stopped for a moment to let that sink in, then resumed;
"We are all aware the His return to power would pose an immense threat to our world. However, it would also explain some of the recent events. Keeping that in mind and putting all personal issues aside; answer me honestly. Has there been any recent activity in your Dark Mark? It appears faded but I cannot be sure unless you tell me."
Normally, Draco would've been halfway through a duel with Harry by now for mentioning his past. But he could see that Harry's words carried genuine concern. He was serious.
"If the Dark Lord were to return, the Dark Mark would've gotten stronger. As no such thing has happened, it can be confirmed that He hasn't been revived. However, it is not unlikely that The Dark Lord has chosen not to activate The Mark to conceal his presence. In either case, I cannot be of any use to you."
Harry's face was inscrutable. Then he stood up.
"Not that I am fond of your company but you will have to come with us. I promised to drop you off at the Shrieking Shack in four days. You were out cold for most of today so that leaves us with three days. Until then, I cannot give you your wand or untie your hands. Hugh here will give you some food and water. Thank you for your cooperation."
He began walking away but then, as if remembering something; turned back.
"Have you heard anything about the Resurrection Stone recently?"
The puzzled look on Draco's face answered him.
"Never mind that. Do you know a man named Nathan Claymore?"
Draco's jaw tightened;
"Unfortunately, yes."