DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.

Warning - Blood, gore, and perhaps a little confusion ahead.

Chapter Nineteen - The Gift of Luck

Harry clung to BlackHeart's saddle, calf muscles tensed as the strong winter winds buffeted the large animal. His black cloak flapped in the wind, the edge of the hood slapping at the side of his face. Burying his gloved fingers in the dark feathers covering the hippogriff's withers, he peered over the animal's shoulder at the snowy mountain caps they passed over. A smile crept over his face at the sight of a narrow line of blue beneath them. "The Friesian." He whispered.

The Friesian was the river that ran along the edge of Lord Voldemort's territory. It meant he was nearing his destination and possibly his death. He couldn't help but laugh at the thought. Here he was riding into hell to assure the safety of someone he loved but could never truly have. Oh, the irony of it.

BlackHeart pitched suddenly, tumbling sideways in the air as a gust of wind slammed into them. Screeching, the hippogriff battled to stay upright, legs and wings churning. Hissing and spitting unhappily, the dark beast turned the roll into a shallow dive, regaining his momentum and balance. Deepening the strokes of his wings, the hippogriff powered higher up into the sky, searching for the calm sea of blue that sat above the unpredictable winds. Seeing that BlackHeart had everything under control, Harry tuned back into his dark thoughts.

A voice inside his head berated him for leaving the blond the way he had, demanding he return and fix it. Fall to his knees before Draco Malfoy and beg his forgiveness. It would never happen, of course. Harry Potter was many things but delusional wasn't one of them. A noble wizard like Lucius Malfoy would never give his son into the keeping of a simple guard. Sneering at the thought, Harry urged BlackHeart onward.

Situated among the steep mountains, Voldemort's castle was a thing of legend and whispered tales. It was said anyone who went into the dark structure never came out, killed by the man who lived to murder and maim. The guards Lord Voldemort kept were as cruel and merciless as he, going into the woods and towns in order to secure victims for their master. Peering down at the black stone building, Harry chuckled and ran his fingers over the hilt of the short sword he wore upon his hip.

"Down, BlackHeart!" He called, turning the hippogriff away from the castle. Using his legs to guide the large animal to the ground, Harry carefully chose an area within the mountains above the castle to rest. It would be stupid to attack in broad daylight, he'd wait for night fall when everyone was sleeping and there were fewer guards on duty. Bracing himself for the landing, he grinned when the hippogriff settled himself gently to the earth, fanning his large wings twice before folding them with a snap.

Dismounting quickly, Harry rolled his shoulders and arched his back. Lifting a hand, he ran his fingers through his messy hair and turned to look at BlackHeart. The hippogriff stared back at him, completely unfazed by the weather or their current location. Patting the animal on the neck, the raven-haired wizard set to work loosening the girth and slipping the bridle off. He rifled through his saddlebags until he found the cold body of a rabbit. Unwrapping it from the leather it had been bound in, he tossed it at the animal's feet before turning away.

Kneeling in the shallow snow, Harry carefully began to remove his weapons from their sheathes. He lay the blades gently in the snow, carefully checking them for dull spots or weaknesses that might have been overlooked earlier. Each weapon was touched lightly, fingers tracing the metal lovingly. One short sword and six daggers of assorted lengths. Nodding his head in approval, he slipped the blades away and sat back. All he could do now was wait.

XxXxX

Draco lay face down on his bed, head buried beneath one of the many pillows thrown across the soft satin. His eyes were shut tightly, hands pressed over his ears to block out the insistent pounding on the bedroom door. When the sound ceased, he eased his blond head from under the pillow and rolled over, pale eyes widening at the sight of his father standing next to the bed. Sniffling, he lifted his hands and scrubbed at his face; not needing a mirror to know his cheeks were blotchy and his eyes reddened.

"Draco, are you all right?" Lucius Malfoy asked in concern. Frowning, he perched himself on the edge of his son's bed and settled a gentle hand on the younger wizard's knee.

Fighting the urge to throw himself into his father's arms, Draco bobbed his head. "Fine," he mumbled, ignoring the slight quaver in his voice. Clearing his throat, he sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees. "I'm just a little tired from the journey, that's all."

Nodding his head in acceptance, Lucius patted Draco lightly on the back and rose. "We're going out tonight. Pansy and Blaise went shopping for new clothes with Severus as an escort. You, of course, have an entire wardrobe full of clothes and the most fashionable dress robes so I expect you to be properly attired." The older blond instructed, running his hands down the front of the blue shirt he wore before walking toward the door.

"Where are we going?" Draco questioned softly, flicking his gaze to the red cloak he'd tossed thoughtlessly upon the floor. He bit his lip as his father bent to pick the long garment up, staring at it in confusion before folding it and setting it next to the blond's wardrobe.

Lucius paused before the door, resting his hand on the knob as he twisted around to look at his son. "It's a surprise," he stated with a sad smile. Casting one last glance at the cloak he'd removed from the floor, he slid out the portal and closed it quietly.

Draco sighed heavily and ran his fingers through his hair before climbing lethargically off the wide bed. He shed his clothes as he walked to the bathroom that adjoined his bedroom, halting naked in front of the tall mirror that sat upon one wall. Staring at his reflection, Draco lifted his chin and sneered. He was a Malfoy. Malfoys didn't back down from a challenge, nor did they take no for an answer. When they wanted something, they took it.

Looking at his bloodshot eyes and tear stained cheeks, Draco realized that he had fallen completely and utterly in love with Harry Potter. And the raven-haired wizard had had the nerve to ride away like he felt nothing. "Bastard." The blond stated, curling his lip in anger. Shaking his head at his momentary lapse, he turned away and started the warm water running into the huge marble tub.

Slipping his fingers beneath the stream, he watched the water run over his hands and the dirt slide free of his skin. Firming his lips, he stood and stepped into the warm liquid. Throwing tantrums and breaking things would get him nowhere, especially when the person he wanted to take out his frustrations on was miles away. Then again, Hogsmeade was only minutes away from Malfoy Manor. An evil smiled curved the blond's lips as he slid deeper into the rising water. He'd see Harry Potter again. After all, Malfoys always got what they wanted. And Draco Malfoy wanted Harry Potter.

XxXxX

Harry hunched down in the dark leather saddle, eyes locked on his target. BlackHeart slowed the strokes of his wings, settling into a silent glide as he drew closer to the wall that encircled Voldemort's castle. Exhaling deeply, the raven-haired wizard tugged on the thick rope he'd secured to the horn of the saddle, testing its strength with a sharp jerk. Narrowing his eyes against the wind screeching around him, he slung his leg over the hippogriff's withers and wrapped it expertly around the rope.

"BlackHeart, hie." The words were breathed softly as the raven-haired wizard allowed himself to slide free of the saddle and slip toward the ground, the rope held tightly between his hands hissing angrily. Thankful for the thick leather gloves he wore, he shot a cautious look downward as BlackHeart dipped dangerously low. Curling his legs to avoid slamming into the wall, Harry let go of the rope and dropped to the ground.

He rose liquidly to his feet, hiding in the shadows between the flickering torches. Casting his gaze to the left and right, he smiled and drew the blade concealed in his boot. The short dagger whispered free of its sheath, black blade invisible in the darkness. Flipping his hood over his head, he glanced upward, searching for the hovering shadow of BlackHeart. Seeing no sign of his mount, Harry nodded in approval and flipped the dagger expertly in his hand. He considered the torches for a moment before drawing his wand and whispering a spell.

Above him, thunder crackled and lightning slashed, and with the pair came the angry hiss of torrential rain. In moments, the magical downfall smothered the flames, leaving the courtyard dark and desolate. The guards, he knew, would flee for the driest spot available, leaving him without worry as he slipped into the castle like a ghost. Chuckling, Harry glided silently along the wall and down into the courtyard, ignoring the rain the raced down the back of his cloak. Within seconds, he was lost among the shadows.

XxXxX

Draco stood next to his father, mouth hanging open in shock as he stared at the dozens of clapping people standing before him. A banner was strung across one of the walls proudly declaring 'Happy Birthday Draco'. Glancing up at his father, he gave a half hearted smile and waded into the crowd, shaking hands and conversing while maintaining a pleased facade. He snagged a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter, taking a long sip while searching the faces of strangers for someone he recognized.

"Were you surprised?" Blaise asked dryly from behind him, a flute of wine held before him as he observed the partying people. He arched an eyebrow and took a swallow of wine, licking his lips before nodding towards several familiar figures. "Your guards are present."

"Harry?" Draco queried calmly, holding his left hand up and peering at his recently manicured nails.

Blaise shook his head and finished his wine. "I haven't seen him, than again, the room is pretty crowded." Touching his hand to the blond's forearm, he gave him a concerned look and widened his eyes. "You could always ask one of them, you know."

Tipping his head to the side, Draco chuckled dryly. He drained the remaining champagne from his glass and handed it off to a wandering waiter, absently tugging the cuffs of his dark gray dress robe back into place. "I don't think I've had quite enough to drink for that confrontation." He muttered, slender eyebrow rising as Blaise caught two glasses of red wine from a loitering waitress.

"Drink up, my friend." Blaise ordered, eyes on the redheaded witch pushing her way through the milling noble witches and wizards. Passing the second glass to the blond, he smiled wryly. "Things are about to get interesting."

XxXxX

The doors swung open under Harry's gentle touch, groaning on rusty hinges. Slithering through the crack, he peered cautiously around before stepping into the shadowed entrance hall of Voldemort's castle. He tipped his head at the approaching sound of footsteps, burying his hands in the voluminous folds of his cloak so the dagger wouldn't be seen. His wand was swung at the floor, erasing the muddy footprints he'd left before the door. Pressing against one of the walls, he waited for the guard to appear.

A malicious smile crept across his lips as the guard halted in front of the door, swinging his glowing wand around him in a wide circle. The light slid over the toes of Harry's dark boots, returning as the dark wizard let loose a gasp and jerked his wand up. Ignoring the wand practically tapping him on the chin, Harry smiled and raised his left hand slowly. With a careless flick of his wrist, he sent his hood sliding back over his hair. Widening his flashing eyes, the raven-haired wizard lashed out.

The dagger landed with a soft thunk, the blade parting flesh smoothly. Twisting the weapon slowly, Harry drew it from the dark guard's throat, relishing the shocked look on the wizard's pale face. Wiping the flat of the blade clean with his index finger, he watched as the guard sank to the floor, collapsing into a creeping pool of blood. Again he waved his wand, observing the sudden whoosh of flames as the dark wizard's body was eaten by a crackling blue blaze.

"Now, where to find Voldemort?" He purred out loud, stepping over the ashes that had replaced the guard's body. Shaking his head, he waltzed further down the hall.

XxXxX

"Good evening, Draco." Ginny said, halting next to the blond. She was dressed in black with a swirling red cloak hooked over one shoulder that left the short sword she carried visible. Clearing her throat, she glanced over her shoulder to where Hermione waited impatiently. "We were wondering if you'd mind stepping out for a minute. This is our last night in town and everyone would like to say goodbye."

"It's the proper thing to do, Draco." Blaise murmured, nudging the blond with his elbow. He rolled his eyes when the wizard shifted away from him and turned his gaze to the confused witch. "He'll be out shortly."

"Thank you, Blaise." Ginny said, sliding easily into the crowd and disappearing.

"Grow some balls," Blaise hissed, reaching out and grabbing the glass of wine from the other wizard's shaking hand. Walking over to the closest wall of the large hall, he set the half full glasses on the marble floor and stalked back to Draco. "You're going to go out there and say goodbye to those witches and wizards. At the very least you can say thank you."

"Honestly, I don't know if I can." Draco breathed, lifting his shining blue eyes and meeting Blaise's dark gaze. Sighing heavily, he swiped at his face with the sleeve of his robe. Smiling sadly, Blaise wrapped his arm around Draco's shoulder and gave him a quick hug. "I'll help." He whispered, nodding to Lucius Malfoy as he led the blond toward the door Ginny had vanished through.

XxXxX

The corridor Harry slid along was dark. He was tempted to use his wand to light his path but that would announce his presence to any guards who might be wandering around the halls. Frowning at the thought, he placed one hand on the wall and continued forward, eyes narrowed. He stilled when he reached an intersection in the halls, his fingers curling around the stone. The scuff of a boot had his hand tightening on the black dagger, bringing it closer to his body.

Harry froze with his back pressed against the wall. Sliding down the stone, he peeked around the corner and grinned happily. Two guards leaned negligently against the wall before him, their swords dangling limply from their hands as they talked. Between them: a door. "What luck I have." Breathed Harry as he reached up and pulled his hood back into place. Taking a deep breath, he stepped around the corner, his appearance bringing both wizards to attention.

"Halt!" One of the guards cried, swinging his sword into position.

Harry swept forward, exchanging his wand for a second dagger in a beat of his heart. He lunged forward to meet the first guard, using the black blade to sweep aside the sword while he slammed his other dagger home. Letting go of the blade, he caught up the dying wizard's sword before it could fall to the ground and ducked the flash of silver the swept past his head. Without blinking, he lowered the sword and hamstrung the second guard. His dagger flew to the wizard's throat, sliding neatly over the skin in a deadly caress. Smiling, he straightened and stepped toward the door, hand outstretched.

XxXxX

Taking deep breaths, Draco allowed himself to be bullied through the doors and out into the small courtyard that was located behind the hall. He stopped on the narrow steps that led down onto the pale cobblestone, mouth hanging open at the sight before his eyes. Stumbling forward, he stretched out his hand and waited. A soft laugh slipped past his lips as the dark velvet nose bumped his hand and the horse exhaled deeply.

"Harry thought you could use a good horse." Hermione stated, slipping her hands under the long folds of the scarlet cloak she wore. Smiling softly, she stepped forward and ran her hand down the tall gelding's neck. "His name is Midnight Rover, he's a Shagya Arabrian."

Fred cleared his throat and stepped forward. A long bundle of dark blue silk rested in his arms, appearing slightly heavy as he offered it to the blond. "He also wanted you to have this. Said he didn't need it anymore."

Frowning, Draco stepped back from the horse and wrapped his arms around the bundle, gasping as the weight came to rest fully against him. Stepping further away from the horse, he set the silk wrapped package on the courtyard floor and flipped back a corner of the cloth. Biting back tears, he ran his fingers over the silver hilt of the sword.

"Goodbye, Draco Malfoy." Ginny said, giving the blond a quick pat on the shoulder before wheeling around and gliding back into the hall.

Stepping forward, Fred and George offered their hands. "If you ever want to learn how to use that, come see us."

The others left silently, muttering quick goodbyes as they slipped around the blond. When the last guard had drifted out of the courtyard, Blaise cleared his throat and raised an eyebrow. He bowed his head when the blond waved him away, spinning around and leaving him to his thoughts.

XxXxX

Turning the knob quietly, Harry pressed the door open and stepped to the side. He arched an eyebrow in surprise when no spell flew past his face. Peering around the corner, he glanced about the darkened room. A small candle burned silently on the table beside the bed, its light casting an eerie glow.

Sliding forward, he frowned. The figure lying on the bed was pale and perfectly still, the green blankets barely mussed. Tapping himself on the thigh with the black blade, he walked forward and cleared his throat. His soft hack failed to incite a response from the old wizard. Narrowing his eyes, he crept forward a few more steps. He focused his gaze on the dark lord's chest. Raising an eyebrow, he poked Voldemort with the tip of the dagger. Again, he received no action or response. It took him a moment to realize the significance of his findings. The old bastard was already dead!

"This makes my job so much easier." Harry crowed, sheathing the black dagger and drawing his short sword. He swung it up in a two-handed grip, holding it above his head for a moment before bringing it whistling down. The blade passed cleanly through the deceased wizard's neck, severing his head cleanly from his body.

"Now to find the owlery." He muttered, scooping the head up carefully and prowling from the room.

XxXxX

Draco sat on the courtyard steps, the long silver hilted sword resting across his knees. His fingers absently caressed the long blade, skimming just above the razor sharp edge. The light scuff of hooves had him glancing up, watching as the black gelding lowered his delicate head and lipped at the roses growing along the tall walls of the courtyard.

"Draco?"

The blond turned at the sound of his name, watching as his father walked toward him. Clearing his throat, he pushed himself to his feet. "Here," he called. He swung the heavy sword up into his arms, cradling it against his shoulder.

"What are you doing out here?" Lucius asked, narrowed eyes going to the deadly weapon his son held lovingly.

"The Lions wanted to say goodbye and make sure I got my birthday gifts." Draco answered softly, his pale eyes going back to the dark horse.

"That's an interesting gift you're holding." Lucius murmured, prowling down the steps. His eyes darted from the sword to the horse and he shook his head. "And that horse is worth a pretty penny."

Draco bobbed his head in acknowledgment. Sighing, he walked forward and leaned against the black horse, resting his forehead upon its silky coat. "Harry," he breathed, tipping his head up and peering at the dark sky as if searching for an answer. Sniffling, he hugged the sword tighter to his chest and listened to the happy sounds drifting through the open doors behind him.

XxXxX

Lucius Malfoy trudged into his large study; his eyes immediately going to the figure slouched before the blazing fire. Arching an eyebrow, he walked toward the dark-haired wizard and stared down into his obsidian eyes. "You weren't at Draco's party."

"Do you think he even noticed I wasn't there?" Severus Snape replied evenly. Straightening in the leather chair, he reached over and carefully poured himself another drink. "Besides, I've had enough drama in the past week to last me a lifetime."

Smiling, Lucius shook his head and poured himself a drink, lifting a hand to rub the growing ache in his temple. As far as he was concerned, the party had been a success. The presence of the Red Lions had seemed to cheer Draco up and he'd spent quite some time chatting with them. He couldn't help but wonder exactly what was putting a damper on his son's attitude. Generally the younger wizard loved any chance to show off. Licking his lips, he glanced at Severus and opened his mouth.

"You've got a delivery." Severus said, indicating the long side table with his chin. Turning his gaze back to the fire, he lifted the glass of cognac to his mouth and took a contemplative sip.

Frowning, Lucius turned in the direction the other wizard had motioned, his eyes widening at the sight of several large Eagle owls sitting impatiently upon the wood. Approaching cautiously, he peered around their heavily feathered bodies to the package they were clustered about. Confusion grew as he stared at the large-covered basket, a bow of pink silk tied neatly to the fastened lid. Stepping forward, he cautiously freed the owls, ducking as they scattered and flew out the door.

Bracing himself for the worst, he untied the bow and touched his fingers to the clasp that held the lid closed. Taking a deep breath, he flipped it open and stared in shock at its contents. "My, he works fast." He said dryly, staring into the dull red eyes of Lord Voldemort.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review. I'll apologize right now if the way this chapter was written confused anyone. I looked at it several different ways but finally decided I liked it best this way: with Draco's and Harry's night running parallel to each other.

thrnbrooke - lol, you asked the unanswerable questions. Your questions will be answered in the final couple of chapters.
MAnny2003 - I agree completely.
vilon - I'm a sap when it comes to love stories, there's no way I'd give up on Draco and Harry this far into the story, after all love does conquer all, doesn't it?
Netty - Terrible timing? lol
Cheezewizz - Your review made me laugh! My poor, tough, guard Harry hanging in fanfic limbo!
DeathGodGirl - I figured it was the fast and something that Lucius would do.
mandraco - Glad you're enjoying it!
animelvr4evr - I figured I'd have him killed off just for the hell of it.
PleiadesWolfe - Next chapter, we'll definitely find out what everyone thinks about Harry being a werewolf. lol, I think you'd have a fight on your hands for ownership of Draco.
GryffieGurl - I'm still trying to get over the fact that I'm ending this story when it seems like I just started writing it yesterday. I can definitely say that I'll miss writing this fic but will be very happy to be able to begin another.