Chapter 25
...
At Friday dinner, Malinda couldn't help but bite anxiously at her nails. Clare and Daphne were busy debating how long the fashion recent ribbon fad would last, Pansy was bragging to Milicent about her latest potential suitors, and Blaise kept Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle engaged in chatter about quidditch. It all meant nothing to Malinda as she absentmindedly ate, forcing herself to eat without having an appetite.
Tonight was the first DA meeting. Then in the morning, she'd be taking Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy to London together to pull off what was supposedly an impossible theft. A theft that would bring them one step closer to the final battle.
It was too much to bear. Unable to hold off any longer, Malinda murmured an excuse of starting on their History of Magic essay early and left. Hardly anyone noticed, but she did see Blaise and Draco shift their eyes to her momentarily as she rose.
She passed Alec, Romeo, and David on her way out of the Great Hall. All three ignored her, playing their part well. Malinda headed straight to the Room of Requirement where she asked for passage. Dutifully, the door appeared and she entered, nerves filling her.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were already there. They all tensed at her arrival, only to relax when they saw it was her. Though, Ron frowned. "Skipped dinner?" Malinda asked.
"We had Dobby bring us some food," Hermione answered. Sure enough, there were three discarded plates behind them. "We wanted to get set up here."
Malinda glanced around. The room had been filled with training mannequins and dueling mats. "What's today's lesson then?"
"Shields," Harry replied, his tone a bit harsh. Hermione nudged him.
"Still angry with me then?" Malinda guessed.
"You said you wouldn't be a puppet master pulling strings," Harry retorted. "Seems like you enjoy being a puppet master with me."
"I literally can't tell you things Harry," she threw her hands up. "If I do, then my visions are moot. We can't predict the enemy's next move. I have to keep us close to the timeline and when it's time, I can tell you the big secret."
"What's in the vault then?" Ron asked her, crossing his arms. "What big weapon does Bellatrix have?"
Malinda wasn't the least bit surprised that Harry had told the others. She sighed, "Stealing that weapon brings us one large step closer to the end. When we have it in hand, then we can have the talk."
"We're that close to the end, then?" Hermione looked a bit frightened.
"Depends on how tomorrow goes," Malinda ran a hand through her hair. "If we pull this off and Tommy Boy is none the wiser, we will have a huge advantage. If he finds out we know about this weapon then… Well, we might be too far off track."
"Great," Harry muttered. "No pressure."
"But why is Draco involved? This part of your plan to 'save' him?" Ron pressed. "He'll lead you straight into a trap. He's probably already told his Death Eater daddy and they'll be waiting for Harry!"
Hermione shook her head, "I already told you both, Draco isn't against us. She's here to help him change sides sooner than he did originally-"
Malinda nodded. "Exactly. Draco has access to the vault. He's risking his life by helping us. He's literally playing double agent at Dumbledore's request. I'm getting tired of having this same argument. If you and Draco can't get along or at least trust each other not to kill each other tomorrow, then we'll call it off."
"No," Harry adjusted his glasses. "I'm ready. I just… I don't know Draco the way you do. He's been a git since the first day I met him. He-"
"The world is not black and white," Malinda reminded him. "People have layers."
She knew Harry was thinking back to Snape's memories then, by the way his face fell. All he could do was nod.
The stone moved as someone else arrived at the Room of Requirement. A cluster of Gryffindors arrived. Ginny, Neville, Seamus, Colin and Dennis Creevey, Dean Thomas, Katie Bell, and Lavender arrived together. They cast confused looks at Malinda.
"What's she doing here?" Dean called out, reaching for his wand. Ginny reached over, resting her hand over his arm. He gave his girlfriend a confused look as she shook her head.
"She's here at my invitation," Harry announced. "Malinda is here to help me lead the DA."
"Train," Malinda corrected, "Not lead. That's 100% on Harry."
"What?" Dean snorted.
"Leave it," Ginny told him and the others.
"But she's a Slytherin," Dennis said worriedly. Ginny glared and the boy quieted.
Over the next few minutes, more of the original DA members arrived. Cho Chang, Cormac McLaggen, Padma and Parvati… Malinda moved to stand behind the Golden Trio as more members arrived. Goosebumps rose on her arms as she watched these brave students come in one-by-one, ready to learn and one day fight in the Final Battle. Her excitement was tempered though by the open hostility directed her way.
No one else questioned her presence, especially not when Luna came in and gave a friendly wave to Malinda who returned it with a wink.
But then Alec, Romeo, and David arrived.
Instantly, wands were up and the shouting began. Harry and Malinda ran forward, both calling out for calm.
"The hell are they doing here?" Cormac demanded.
"We signed your damn agreement to secrecy," David had his own wand at the ready. "We're here to learn how to protect ourselves."
"They're half-bloods," Hermione said loudly, her voice raising over the others. "Voldemort will come after Muggleborns like me, but half-bloods won't be safe either. They're here to keep their families safe, just like the rest of us."
"I invited them," Harry announced and everyone seemed to relax slightly. He gave Malinda a nod before saying, "War doesn't care about your Hogwarts house. War will come for us all and are we no better than the Death Eaters if we turn away those who are in danger? Just because they're in Slytherin?"
Tense murmurs followed but Cho Change stepped forward. "Harry's right," she told the others. "They're welcome." In a show of solidarity, Cho walked up to Alec and held out a hand. "Welcome to the DA."
Alec offered a smile and shook her hand. "Thanks."
Cho smiled brightly back. The two made a very attractive pair at that moment and Malinda waited for the twist in her stomach, but it never came. She didn't feel anything but relief.
The doors opened once again and everyone turned to see Blaise stride in. With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked in as if he owned the place. Walking past the trio of shocked Slyterin boys, right past Harry, and took the spot next to Malinda. He surveyed them all. His handsome face was calm and almost amused as he asked, "So when do we start?"
Malinda grinned. "Let's do this."
…
…
Harry walked past them and shouted, "Again!"
They'd broken up into pairs and one half of the DA threw a curse at the other. The receivers threw up shields, some instantly breaking and others holding. Neville's broke completely and he was sent flying backwards as Luna's curse had him trembling in pain on the ground. Harry was instantly there, murmuring the counter curse and offering a hand.
Neville took it, standing and shaking it off. He looked to Luna and took a defensive stance. "Again, Luna."
"But-"
"I can take it."
The Ravenclaw sent another curse and this time, Neville threw up a shield faster and while it cracked, it held. He grunted with effort.
"Excellent," Harry clapped his friend on the back. "Everyone, switch partners."
Malinda moved one pair to the left and found herself across from Ron. His expression hardened and they waited for the cue. "Again!" Harry called out.
Ron didn't hold back. He threw a different, more powerful curse at Malinda and she shielded. This time, she threw up a different kind, one that absorbed the magic and with gritted teeth, she redirected the attack. The magic blasted at a training dummy which exploded upon impact.
Everyone turned to see the remaining pieces sizzle. Malinda's eyes snapped to Ron. That had not been the curse they'd been practicing- This one had been much more dangerous. He only stared back unapologetically.
"Good show, Mal," Harry complimented. "Powerful attack, Ron. Next time, we'll learn that sort of shield. In battle, you can absorb an attack instead of blocking it. It takes more concentration, but bouncing it off can hit your opponent or at least cause a distraction. That's it for tonight. Thank you all for coming!"
People lowered their hands and Dennis Creevy sat down immediately, panting. The younger student was wiped. Shielding that many times had tired him out and instantly, Colin and others were there beside him, offering encouragement. Malinda smiled, watching them together. Then she resisted the urge to gag as Lavender was immediately on Ron, kissing his neck while making sly eyes towards Hermione.
The other Gryffidor girl didn't react, making Lavender frown. Instead, Hermione walked past the PDA couple and to Malinda. She asked, "You said you needed my help with a project?"
"Oh yes," Malinda nodded. "I was wondering if you could help me charm something. You know those coins you charmed to communicate with the DA members last year?"
"You mean these?" Hermione reached into her cloak pocket and withdrew her famed beaded bag. She reached in, her arm disappearing entirely up to her elbow, until she found what she was looking for. She pulled out a coin and said, "I used the Protean Charm. The coin would-"
"How did you do that?" Blaise was suddenly there with them. His eyebrows up in surprise.
"D-Do what?"
"Your arm, it vanished inside that bag," he clarified.
Hermione's cheeks turned pink at the attention. "I charmed this with an undetectable extension charm. I keep the necessities in here."
"Why don't you demonstrate?" Malinda encouraged.
"Oh," Hermione tucked some hair behind her ear nervously. "Sure."
She reached into the bag again and they heard several items clunk against each other. She pulled her arm out, bringing out two flasks. "In case of emergency, I have several healing potions available."
Blaise was obviously intrigued. "Is that the Arwendi Unction? That is not an easy potion to brew."
"It took me three attempts but, yes," Hermione answered a bit defensively. She dropped the flasks back into her bag.
"Impressive," Blaise told her. "Would… Would you be willing to show me how you charmed the bag? I'd like to recreate one for my mother."
Hermione turned a darker shade now. "S-Sure."
"You know what," Malinda took a step back. "I'll catch up with you later, Hermione. Why don't you help Blaise first?"
"Are you sure?" The Gryfifindor seemed alarmed at being left alone with the tall wizard.
"Positive," Malinda walked away. She strode past Ron who was glaring at Hermione and her new company, but the redhead was dragged away by his chattering girlfriend.
Malinda approached Harry. "Well," she clapped her hands. "I'd say that was a success. No one caused serious bodily harm and even Neville improved."
"It…" Harry hesitated. "It was a good idea to bring the half-bloods from Slytherin. I had a moment to meet Romeo. He told me about his parents. They're considering leaving the country. I didn't realize even Slytherins were targets."
"It's like you said," she murmured. "War doesn't care about school houses."
"Right. See you tomorrow morning," he nodded and headed towards Dean and Ginny. As Malinda left, she caught Alec's eyes as he chatted with Cho and Susan Bones. She winked and he gave her a handsome smile in return. Yes, Daphne's rejection had been a disappointment but in the end, the right people had come. She was grateful to know who her true friends were.
…
…
"And no one attacked Blaise?"
"No."
"And Blaise didn't attack anyone?"
"No."
"...Are you sure?"
Malinda snorted, "I'm telling you, it actually went well."
"I can't believe it," Draco let out a long breath. "You actually pulled it off. Slytherins training in the DA. Who would have thought?"
"Progress," Malinda leaned further into him, enjoying the way Draco's arm held her firm against him. They leaned against the rail, a warming charm keeping them comfortable against the chilly morning air. The Astronomy Tower was deserted this early, but it provided the best sunrise views.
The sun's rays were just beginning to show, lighting up the castle grounds. Breakfast would begin soon.
"I'm so nervous," Malinda blurted. "I know we should go downstairs and eat, but I couldn't eat anything right now."
"Do you want me to call for Dobby?"
"No," Malinda smiled weakly. "I… I just want today to work."
"Me too."
"How are you so bloody calm?" She looked up at him.
Draco kissed her forehead. "Because I trust you and if you say this is important, then it is. You said this is one step closer to defeating the Dark Lord and if he's gone, Mother will be safe."
"Harry and you will need to get along today."
"I'll do my best."
"He can be immature-"
"The Boy Wonder is one of the most immature wizards to ever exist," Draco scoffed.
"Please, can you be the bigger person today? I can't play babysitter with you two."
He sighed. "I will do my part to behave."
"Thank you," Malinda turned so that she faced him. She pressed into his chest and listened. Despite his outward show of calm, his heart beat fast. She wasn't the only nervous one.
"Come on," he pulled away slowly. "We should at least show up at breakfast. Don't want anyone to notice us both breaking routine."
"Right," Malinda gulped. "Good point."
They entered the Great Hall separately. Malinda waited a bit before following him to the Slytherin Table. The usual weekend crowd ate. It was a small group, with the majority of students taking the opportunity to sleep in on Saturday. Draco and Malinda made an attempt to eat, but both barely touched the food on their plates.
Her knee bounced relentlessly below the table, until his leg reached out and pressed against hers. Time to go.
This time, he waited for her to leave first. Malinda went straight to Dumbledore's office and waited within the staircase. When Draco joined her, she said the password and up they went.
To her surprise, Harry was already there with Dumbledore. It looked like he had barely slept. In his lap, he held his invisibility cloak and broom.
"Ah," Dumbledore greeted them. "Good morning, Malinda and Draco."
"Good morning," Malinda replied. Draco said nothing but inclined his head. He went to the corner and retrieved his broom, having deposited it the night before.
"Now that we are all here, let us discuss the plan." Dumbledore rose and looked over them. "I will first head to the Ministry to drop off some paperwork and alert leadership that I am in London. They will no doubt send Aurors to follow me to Gringotts where I will request to make a sizable withdrawal that will require the goblins to file substantial paperwork. While I have their attention, Malinda will guide you two through a secondary entrance. Draco, you will direct her to the Lestrange vault. Once inside, Harry will identify which of the items is the real one. Now, you must not touch anything inside the vault except for the true weapon."
"Why?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"The Geminio and Flagrante charms," Draco replied promptly.
When Harry opened his mouth again, Draco explained calmly and much to Malinda's surprise, without a hint of insult. "Everything you touch will burn hot and multiply into copies. I can get the vault door opened, but only the goblins can disarm the charms."
Harry frowned, "I see."
Malinda pressed her leg against Draco's in thanks.
"Thank you, Draco. Once you have the weapon, replace it with this one." Dumbledore opened a drawer and revealed a golden cup. It was old and dull, appearing more like junk than a prize.
"The weapon is a cup?" Draco spoke first, voicing what seemed to be very Harry's very thoughts.
"That is Hufflepuff's cup, created by Helga Hufflepuff herself. Ancient magical pieces can be imbued with powerful magic. Tommy Boy has manipulated the real cup which is in the vault. They'll have hidden it amongst other goblets and cups," Malinda winked at Harry. "That's where you come in. You'll be able to feel the real one."
"How? Do I open my mind?" Harry guessed.
"No," both Dumbledore and Malinda replied as one.
"In my visions," she debated how to word it. "It looked like you could almost hear it make a buzzing noise. You were drawn to it. It doesn't have to do with occlumency and your mental connection. His darkness touched you when you were a baby and his darkness is in the cup. You'll just know."
Harry stood. "Okay. I trust you."
That took Malinda by surprise. Finally, he wasn't fighting her. She gave him a nod.
"Wonderful. Let us set the goal of reconvening here at noon," Dumbledore announced. Then with a snap, he was gone.
"Where did he go?" Harry shifted in place. "How are we supposed to get to London?"
Draco grinned, pleased to know something the Gryffindor did not. "Malinda will apparate us there. Won't you, darling?"
She elbowed him for that but stood up, holding out her arms to the two. "Long story short Harry, I can apparate on Hogwarts grounds and long distance. Ready?"
Growing accustomed to her quirks, Harry didn't challenge her claim. "Ready," he said and took her arm. He held his broom with his free hand. On her other side, Draco did the same thing. Malinda closed her eyes and thought of their destination. With a sweeping influx of magic, they apparated and landed in an alley.
"Ugh, those skips smell awful," Harry hid his nose behind his sleeve. They were in a Muggle alley. The street was dirty and skips full of garbage. In the distance, people walked quickly past, not even giving the alley a second thought. Malinda smiled to herself, seeing a woman walk past with the distinct 90's wild curls.
"Let me transfigure our cloaks," Malinda pulled out her wand and quickly melted away their Hogwarts crests. She cut the hoods away and roughly made collars. At quick glance, they would be in standard black wizarding cloaks. No more school attire.
Harry smirked. "Let me guess, you're not only immune to the apparition laws but you're also immune to the underage tracker?"
"Now you're catching on, Potter," Draco remarked.
"That means no means no spells from either of you until we're inside Gringotts. Dumbledore says their ancient wards block the tracker from working." They hid from view behind the skips for a few minutes, giving Dumbledore time to do his part. When it was time, Malinda said, "Let's fly."
"To where?" Draco looked to the end of the alley where Muggle London awaited. "And what about them?"
"Harry has his cloak and I'll put a disillusion charm on us both. It should be enough because we're just flying up and to the right."
"This is the back of a shopping centre. Gringotts has another entrance on its roof?" Harry wondered but dutifully got on his broom and vanished under his cloak.
She laughed. "You'll see."
Draco got on his broom and slid forward slightly. Malinda climbed on behind and wrapped her arms around his torso. She murmured a few charms and their bodies blurred, camouflaging into their surroundings.
"Ready?" He asked quietly.
She kissed the back of his neck. "Ready."
They rose and the slight sound of Harry's own broom lifting indicated he was with them. Up and up they went until they came to the roof level. It was there that they could see the magical presence of Gringotts. Where there should have been a large roof to the centre building, there was a hodgepodge of roofs squeezed impossible together. Up here, they could see magical and Muggle buildings blended into one.
"The glass dome there," Malinda pointed and then realized they couldn't see. "Just to the right."
"I see it," she heard Harry say. Draco flew them slowly towards it and gently lowered them to the rooftop.
Harry appeared then, his head coming out from beneath the cloak. He pressed his eyes to the dirty class and squinted. "I can't see anything."
"That's because we're at the top of a very large chasm that leads into the vaults of Gringotts."
"How are we supposed to get inside? I doubt their ancient wards will let us break the glass and fly in-"
"We couldn't fly anyways," Draco cut in. "The wards will render the brooms powerless and apparition doesn't work. That's why the goblins built the rail tracks."
"How are we supposed to get past the wards? Oh." Harry turned to look at Malinda. "If only we knew someone who could apparate where she shouldn't be able to."
"I can appetite us inside but that's where it gets a little tricky," she grimaced. "I've never been inside Gringotts so I don't know somewhere safe to apparate. We'll have to apparate a bit at a time while we freefall down the chasm."
Draco gently laid his broom down. "If you've never been to Gringotts before, how did you know about this entrance?"
"In the original timeline, Harry, Hermione, and Ron escape from the vault on the back of a dragon that is guarding the vault. It flies up and to its freedom." She gritted her teeth. "I promised Dumbledore I wouldn't free the dragon… this time. But promise me Draco, when the war is over and you become the primary owner of the vault that you will free it. What the goblins do is torture. It's disgusting."
"I promise," he replied morosely. "I'll also free the one guarding the Malfoy vaults."
She swallowed, "I-I didn't realize there was another enslaved dragon."
"Let's just get this over with." Harry said and placed his broom next to Draco's and carefully covered them with his cloak. They turned invisible and he reached out for Malinda.
She took his hand and Draco's with her other. "And here we go."
With a blink, they apparated to the other side of the glass and began to fall into a pit of darkness together.
