Thanks especially to my marvelous beta and 2cool4you, and all of my faithful reviewers, you guys make my day:)
-Cassia
P.S. BE PREPARED FOR A CLIFFHANGER! I know some authors think its cruel, but I think it keeps the mind alive and alert:)
Chapter 13: Draco's New Mission
Finding Draco was the simple part-now, the complicated part of convincing him came. Not a fun task. The fact that we'd be skipping class (if I succeeded) was far in the back of my mind as I finally caught him.
"Draco!" I yelled after him, hoping to get his attention over the noise of the in-between class crowd.
"Malfoy!" I grabbed his arm and pulled him away from Zabini, Crabbe, Nott, and Goyle with as much force as I could muster.
"Babbling wants us in her room now," I said urgently, trying to convey the importance of that simple sentence with my eyes. Our Ancient Runes room was the first I could think of that would probably be empty.
"What are we doing?" he hissed after checking to make sure we were alone.
"I know where the vanishing cabinet is."
His face paled but otherwise remained emotionless.
"How?"
"Just wait-let me explain. Please, just let me talk." he nodded reluctantly, focusing on me with grey eyes. "Thank you. Now, the vanishing cabinet-it's in Hogwarts. The room of Requirement. Hogwarts, Draco! I didn't realize it could ever possibly be here!" I hissed frantically. I felt as though the room was closing in on me from all sides; I was close to panicking. Couldn't he see the urgency of this, all the possible entrances to Hogwarts this opened up for whoever needed one?
"We have to go to Dumbledore, Draco, we have to go now, he already knows, I'm sure he does!" I told him fervently, pleadingly.
"What?" Draco snapped, paling even more. "What have you done?" he asked, horrified. He pressed his hands hard against his temples and rubbed them furiously.
"What have I done? That's rich, coming for the boy who works for Voldemort!" I spat his name with relish; I had never said it aloud before, and nothing happened. No lightning bolt split open the ceiling to smite me, no masked death eaters popped up to kill me.
Draco put his face in his hands and his shoulders dropped.
"Sorry, that was a low blow," I whispered.
"No...you're right. There's more."
"What?" I gasped, horrified.
"I know why they need the vanishing cabinet...and that's not my only mission." Draco mumbled.
"Is...is that all?" I whispered cautiously, peering at him. My heart was pounding furiously, my mind racing to get him out of schemes that I didn't even know about yet.
"Yes. I understand if you hate me, I understand if you-"
"Draco!" I cut him off, hugging him fiercely like I would never be able to do so again. "It's not your fault," I whispered.
"Hello Astoria, Draco. I have been wondering when the two of you would choose to pay me a visit," Professor Dumbeldore said grimly. I grasped Draco's hand-his breathing was rushed and his hand was clammy; it was evident on his face that he was sweating bullets. My own stomach seemed to be knotting in on itself.
"You-were?" Draco said haltingly, gripping my hand tightly, probably without realizing he was doing it.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy. Now, Miss Greengrass, I will ask again," he said, firmly but kindly. "Is there anything you wish to tell me?"
Before I could even open my mouth Draco spoke his story, unabridged, more than I'd ever gleaned from him before-the whole story, laid out to be dissected by his headmaster. (AN- I suppose you PotterHeads already know Draco's missions in detail, so I won't waste a page explaining them to you:). Any questions, PM me.)
I realized that my eyes were getting misty when he began to pull up his left sleeve.
"No," I whispered aloud accidentally. Dumbledore looked to me but instead of the loathing I expected to see, I saw regret.
Draco then explained the vanishing cabinet and it's purpose. Looking up toward the ceiling was no longer keeping the tears where they were supposed to be, out of sight. My eyes started to hurt with the effort of keeping them in. I blinked furiously, stopping the flow. The death eaters wanted to invade the school. And instead of locking both of us in chains and condemning us straight to Azkaban, Dumbledore was comforting Draco. Draco's anguish was clear in his eyes, his face twisting as he struggled to keep Dumbledore's eye contact.
My heart felt like it was breaking as I squeezed his hand, trying to convey reassurance and calmness.
And hope. There was a chance we would get out of this-that everyone would, unscathed.
"Draco, do not give up hope. While there is love, there will always be hope. I once knew a death eater who changed his ways for love. This reminds me very much of the precarious situation that man stood in so long ago."
"Not for me," he forced out, pressing his lips together. "I-I have to kill you."
"You are not a killer, Draco," Dumbledore shook his head, not missing a beat. "No matter what you lead other people to believe." At this Draco let loose all the remaining details about the cabinet and the second, less pleasant mission. In a desperate tone he confided his failed attempts at murder. He was sure every time to apologize profoundly and make sure that Dumbledore knew his attempts were less than half-hearted.
Now I knew for sure that Dumbledore, somehow, had already known about this. It may have seemed impossible, but I also knew that the headmaster had a knack for achieving the impossible. He had a sort of immeasurable wisdom, so I wasn't surprised when he asked to view some of Draco's memories.
"My...memories?" Draco asked confusedly.
"Yes, if you will. You understand my slight need of absolute assurance before I divulge to you my plan...and of course, there is a further option we may also look into...but first, the memories."
"Which ones, sir?" Draco whispered.
"Oh, just several here, there, and everywhere," he remarked, his eyes twinkling.
"Will we accompany you, sir?" I asked tentatively.
"I should think so. I find it best to have the author of the thoughts to best dissect the meaning. And also, another point of view," he turned to me- "one with a fresh view of seeing things."
We went though different memories with a variety of content-what Dumbledore had seen must have satisfied him because as we left, he Draco's shoulders in an grandfatherly gesture.
We appeared back in Dumbledore's office and the portraits had apparently nodded off, heads slumped forward and snoring slightly.
"Very, very interesting-and I must say-there seems to be much hope for you still."
"But-if I don't kill you, I'll die! And I can't die," he added desperately.
"I quiet agree. Although in my own humble opinion, Draco, it is a much more honorable death to die for what is right than to avoid death at the cost of someone else's life. We would all do well to remember that. And now, Draco, I want you to listen to me unabashedly, with no distractions, no tuning, zoning or pushing me out. Now, you have quiet the talent for acting, I gather?"
Draco nodded.
"We are going to put it to good use. Now here is what we are going to do..."
In short, Draco was going to continue mending the vanishing cabinet, as to not do so would arise much suspicion. Overall, I thought Dumbledore was working into him the idea of becoming a double agent.
"But wait-sir, if he fixes the cabinet, death eaters will have a free pass into Hogwarts!" I protested.
"I am fully aware of that, Miss Greengrass. You might even go as far to say that is to come more than you do or will," he winked at me. "But what is meant to be will happen," he said on a more serious note. I nodded.
"Now, about the second mission, Draco, and I believe you already know what I am going to say-you must not be the one to kill me. I am afraid there will come a time when you must disarm me...and then falsely prepare to kill me...but only pretend. We will get into the plan with much more detail as it comes to pass, as we delve deeper into the year."
"How will I get away with out killing you?" Draco asked, frustrated.
"That is a matter for another day. Now I am afraid I must use one more thing to make absolute sure you are devoted to our side, Draco. Likewise for you, Astoria, But we must complete this task one at a time. Draco, please come with me. Astoria, if you would be so patient, please wait in here." I nodded and released Draco's hand, sitting down as I watched Dumbledore and Draco disappear into another room off of the Headmaster's office.
"That young lady out there cares for you very much, Draco," Dumbledore told him kindly after closing the door to a small room behind them. The walls were filled to the ceiling with ancient volumes of books big, small, and humongous, and vials and potions of every kind. Trinkets lay dusty, making various noises wherever there was a flat space available.
"I know. I love her," Draco said without any awkwardness.
"Have you heard of the Order of the Phoenix?" Dumbledore got straight to the point.
"I have."
"Good. You may soon become acquainted with some of it's members."
And at this Dumbledore pulled out a vial of which Draco knew to be Veritaserum. His first instinct was to resist, but what was there to hide, anymore? He already knew everything.
After the headmaster was absolutely convinced that Draco did not truly want to be a death eater, that be would never plan to pass information to Voldemort, and that, when the time came, if he chose, to become a member of the Order of the Phoenix, that he never would willingly betray it. He then sent for Astoria to do the same.
After telling Dumbledore about my parents, he assured me that we would also confront that matter when the time came to pass. I took Veritaserum after the apologies and reassurances of Dumbledore.
He asked me things like if I disapproved of my parents way of not being directly linked to the death eaters but co inhabiting with them, (which I strongly did), and how much I opposed Voldemort, ect. Every question he asked, my mouth spoke almost of his own accord, the one hundred percent truth with no oppressions.
Later, I wouldn't really be able to describe the effects of the Truth serum other than this-if our brain had two roads to our mouth that connected into one big highway, truth and lies, Veritaserum completely blocked lies out, not even allowing them to mingle with truth.
When we were done, the time was about five, and the flickering candles sent shadows across the room, illuminating the sparkling mid-January snow falling from the dark sky.
Draco stood up to meet us as we walked out, looking like we had interrupted heavy thought as we opened the door. He wrapped me into a hug, and it wasn't until I had my face buried in his chest that I realized my breath was shaking. Not with sadness, but with hope-because suddenly, both of us felt it-there was hope for a future together.
Dumbledore politely cleared his throat and we pulled away, turning to look at him, the dim lighting in the room making him look even more mysterious.
"We have one more matter to discuss," he informed us. "Just one more means of protection; we cannot afford even one slip up when so many lives are at stake."
"What is it?" Draco asked, stepping closer to me.
"Do I have both of your words, to solemnly swear never to betray the Order, or Harry, or any of it's members, or in any way divulge and of their secrets of plans entrusted to you?" Dumbledore looked at both of us, stripping away the outer layers and staring down straight into our souls.
"Yes sir, we promise," we both spoke over each other with the utmost sincerety.
"And both of you-may I be the first to welcome you, however unofficially it may yet be, to the Order of the Phoenix."
"Hello, Remus," Dumbledore greeted the werewolf. "May I have a word?" Lupin stood up from his place at the table of Sirius's old house, to the questioning looks of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour.
"I trust that we will not be overhead, correct?" Dumbledore questioned Remus as he closed the door with a click.
"No, Albus," Remus rubbed his temples tiredly, closing his eyes for a brief moment as if to temporarily escape the exhaustion the world was causing him. The paleness of his face and the black circles under his eyes were hints that the full moon had just ended two nights before.
"I hope you are healing well after the last full moon, Remus?" Dumbledore said grimly, leading Remus deeper into the brightly lit room adorned with dark wood bookcases lining the walls and several red velvet armchairs sitting in the corners.
"It's not that thats making me look like this," Lupin smiled without humor.
"I see," Dumbledore ran his fingers along the leather-bound spines of the books.
"I came here to discuss recent development at Hogwarts, Remus," Dumbledore turned to face him.
"Is everything in order?"
"Oh, quite. In fact, that is what brings me here It seems we have two new budding members of the Order. One of them, Draco Malfoy."
Remus burst out laughing as Dumbledore merely smiled, waiting.
"Wait..." Remus had half of a forgotten grin on his face. "You're not serious!"
"Quite." the grin vanished, to be replaced by a look of utter bewilderment.
"Oh, I am not crazy, let me assure you," Dumbledore informed him placidly, correctly interpreting his facial expression.
"But...but Albus, he's a Malfoy!" Remus spluttered incredulously.
"And Sirius was a Black, another fine example of a good heart rising in the midst of darkness. And I am well aware of the doings of Mr and Mrs Malfoy. I have complete faith in The youngest Malfoy that he not slip back into his old ways. His old ways, which he never fully believed in, in the first place. Being in love with a young lady of high morals, no less, can't hurt. And this certain young lady happens to be the second budding member."
"Draco? In love?" Albus, are you sure? This could be some kind of elaborate trap to...how did this happen, anyway? I think you are placing your trust in the boy much too easily."
"I questioned both of them under Veritaserum and used other means to double and triple check my extraordinary powers of perception."
"Who...who is the girl?" Remus asked. Nhis face was that of a man who was beginning to accept the circumstances.
"Astoria Greengrass."
"And she will also be in the Order?"
"Yes. But, Remus, you are not to breathe a word to anyone until after I am dead. Than you may officially make them members."
"But you won't be dead for a long, long time," Remus protested.
"Not in the immediate future. But, Remus, you must place your trust in me that after I am dead-this is the right time for them to become members. Do I have your word, Remus, to, after I'm dead, to officially bring them into the order, and if necessary, offer them shelter here as long as they need it, should they need it."
"Here?" Lupin said incredulously. "The girl's parents are linked with death eaters, however, keeping your earlier argument in mind I do not see much of a problem there as long as her loyalties lie with us as you assure me they do...but Draco? You want to reveal the location to our headquarters to a death eater?"
"Yes, I do. Just as I trust Severus, I trust Draco. Your word, Remus."
"You-you have my word."
"Very well. Remus, you know what it is to be in love...with someone you cannot have."
"Lupin's eyes snapped toward Dumbledore, dangerously bright. "She deserves someone better."
"But she wants you," Albus said softly. "And Astoria wants Draco. That is why I speak specifically to you. You are able to sympathize."
"Does he really love her?"
"Yes, very much so. And perhaps, then this is all over, the two pairs of you will live long and happy lives together."
At this a knock on the door sounded, and as it opened, Tonks appeared, who smiled for Dumbledore but locked eyes with Remus.
"Good day, Tonks," Dumbledore exited the room, leaving Lupin and Tonks frozen, eyes locked. But there was something else now in Lupin's eyes, something strong. And Tonks could feel it.
The halls were full with students traveling to dinner, so Draco and I had to resume our front.
Bickering loudly about "being called to the headmaster's office for all the fighting we've been doing", we blended into the crowd, we traveled to the great hall. Dumbledore was absent from the head table-I had wondered where he had gone. Draco gave me a secret wink as we parted ways, heading for our different tables.
Several nights later, Severus Snape sat in Dumbledore's office, about to receive yet another set of instructions.
"Do you remember what we discussed, Severus?" he asked solemnly.
Snape's jaw tightened, and his fingers pulled themselves in as he clenched his fists.
"Yes," he answered.
"I presume you are not getting cold feet, correct? You must be the one. This goes beyond just one life, Severus. Beyond mine. You must fulfill your duty. If you cannot find it in your heart, do it for Lily Evans."
Snape's dark eyes filled with anguish.
"He loves her, Severus. Draco is in love. If you do not do your part, Draco will suffer the same heartbreak that you have been living with all these years. And those two will not be the only broken hearts that night if this does not not go exactly as planned. You, I'm sure, can sympathize with this. My life has to end that night. By your hands. Remember Lily Evans."
"I...I-I will, sir."
"Good. Draco will be poised to strike but you must do it before he does, do you understand? You must do it before they become suspicious of Draco's hesitation because I know he will not kill me."
"How, Albus? How could you possibly know such a thing?"
"Intuition," he smiled, eyes twinkling, even with the prospect of his death. It would be perfectly staged- he would prepare with Draco the scene where he prepared to kill him, then Snape would finish him before Draco got the chance that would never come. And neither would know that the other's actions were carefully planned!
"Remember Lily Evans, Severus."
"I will."
Later that night, it was thankfully long after a botched Quidditch practice in which Eric put us through more yelling than practicing, the whole team headed back into the castle, muttering murderously about the lengthy lecture we had endured. I was walking briskly to my classrooms after dinner, turning in the late assignments from the day I had missed with Dumbledore and Draco. After I had left the last on Professor Sprout's desk, I walked out quickly, so I wouldn't be caught out late, after hours.
"Ah!" I half-gasped, half-screamed as a hand grabbed my wrist.
"Whoa, you scared me!" I laughed, slowing my breathing once I realized it was Draco. The glass ceiling of the greenhouse was letting in the soft orange light of the sunset, and I was sure I heard a leafy green plant snore, which I pointed out to Draco.
"Returning assignments?" he asked.
"Yup," I answered, and he revealed he was doing the same.
"So, the Order of the Phoenix, huh?" I closed the door so no one would hear our conversation, grinning as he wrapped arms around my waist.
"Yes," he smiled as I put my arms around his neck. "Hey, you're still wearing the necklace," he sounded surprised as he put his fingers on the thin chain around my neck.
"Why wouldn't I?" I looked into his eyes.
"I dunno, I was afraid you wouldn't like it," he shrugged sheepishly. "I don't have much experience picking out jewelry."
I reassured him with a quick kiss. "I love..." I began teasingly, watching him perk up. "...the necklace," I finished, laughing.
"You're a tease, you know that?" he chuckled, resting his forehead on mine.
"Maybe," I admitted, kissing him again. I grinned under his lips,-
CREEEEAAAAK! The door opened loudly and a gasp emitted from the doorway. Light flooded in as I pushed Draco back quickly, looking wide eyed at the intruder, my heart pounding furiously as it sank lower and lower into my stomach.
A\N-Sorry for the short chapter, but I couldn't resist leaving it like that! Like I said-cliff hangers leave the mind alert and alive:)
Cassia