DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter Twenty - Draco's Decision
Five Days Later . . .
Draco reined Midnight Rover to a halt between the gates of Hogwarts, a small smile sliding across his lips at the mayhem before him. Shaking his head in amusement, he nudged the black gelding forward and glanced at Blaise. "Some things never change." He murmured, cringing as two wizards slammed into each other and crashed to the ground. Tightening his grip on Midnight's reins, he guided the horse carefully around the fighting pair while searching for someone he recognized.
"There," Blaise said, pointing toward the doorway of the long stable. His fingers locked reflexively in the mane of his horse as the animal snorted and pranced nervously, tossing its head and rearing half-heartedly. The wizard who he'd gestured at lifted a hand in recognition before turning and vanishing into the shadowed recesses of the barn, emerging seconds later with several other individuals.
Draco dismounted smoothly, setting his feet gently to the slush-covered ground. Dragging the pale reins over the gelding's ears, he walked around the horse's side to greet the quartet approaching them. He bit his lip as they walked calmly through the cheering crowd, completely ignoring the angered shouts from the observers. Stroking a hand over his mount's velvet shoulder, he arched an eyebrow. "I'm slightly surprised none of you are in there," he called, indicating the shoving group with a tip of his head.
"The Badgers aren't worth our time," Fred said with a smirk, turning around so he could watch the small fight. The wizard lifted a hand and rubbed the side of his neck absently, his other hand drifting to the hilt of the sword he wore. "The Eagles on the other hand . . ."
"I've come to see Harry." Announced Draco, running the white leather reins between his fingers. He leaned back against the black horse, ignoring the dark hair that clung to the silver cloak hanging around his shoulders.
"That's gonna be a bit of a problem." George muttered slowly, looking away from the blond and glancing back toward the barn. Clearing his throat, he reached out and snagged the reins from Draco's fingers. "I'll take your horses to the barn, get them comfortable. Fred, Dean, and Seamus will take you over to our barracks."
"Why is that going to be a problem?" Draco demanded, watching as his gelding and Blaise's mare were led in the direction of the barn.
Fred wrapped an arm around Draco's shoulders and pulled him toward the barracks, aiming for the building with a red and gold flag hanging above the door. The others followed quietly, slogging through the slush and mud.
"Is that Theodore Nott?" Blaise asked out of the blue, eyes narrowed on the figure leaning arrogantly against the side of another building. His hands balled into fists as the wizard smirked at him and made a rude hand gesture before turning around and gliding calmly away.
"Where's Harry?" Draco asked loudly, shrugging out from under the redhead's muscled arm. The silence that met his question was unnerving, as were the grim expressions pasted on the faces of the wizard's whom he'd spent a week with.
"Inside." Fred ordered, reaching around the blond and pushing the door open. When the noble wizard failed to move, he sighed and slid around him, prowling into Red Lions barracks.
Draco followed slowly, eyes darting down the length of the narrow building. A line of beds sat to either side of the room, each draped in a red and gold blanket. At the end of each bed a large trunk rested, the lids covered in various articles of clothing and weaponry. Chairs were pushed against rickety desks, appearing as if they'd seen better days. "Will someone please tell me what's going on?" He queried in exasperation, stalking slowly down the aisle between the beds. Each thud of his boot seemed overly loud in the silence of the room.
Ginny entered the room from a small door at the back, her face almost as red as the hair tangled around her shoulders. "Oh. Hello, Draco," the witch stammered, raising a hand and rubbing her face as she sank onto one of the beds. Her arms wrapped around her waist as smiled sadly at him, shooting an anxious look in the direction of the portal she'd come from.
"Hello Ginny." Draco murmured, crossing his arms as he peered around the room. He couldn't help the impatient tap of his toe as Ron and Neville drifted listlessly into the room, both of them dropping onto the bed already occupied by Ginny. Spinning slowly on his heels, the blond began to pace.
"This has been thrilling and all, but I have to go," Blaise stated suddenly. Giving a hurried goodbye, he thumped Draco on the shoulder and muttered good luck before stalking out the door and closing it quietly behind him.
"Perhaps you should sit down," Dean suggested as he flopped onto his own bed. Seamus followed his example lethargically, kicking off his boots and crossing his legs.
"Can you just tell me what's going on? Where's Harry?" Draco snapped.
"He's not here." Hermione said, entering the room through the door Ginny had used earlier. The brown haired witch halted behind Ron, her hands falling to rest on the redhead's tensed shoulders.
"Well, when will he back?" The blond snarled, huffing unhappily as the group exchanged looks. His toe began tapping again, the noise resonating through the room. Narrowing his blue eyes, he pinned the witch under his gaze and arched an eyebrow.
"He's not coming back, Draco." Whispered Hermione.
XxXxX
Blaise stood on the small porch in front of the Red Lion barracks, his eyes scanning the courtyard. Chewing his bottom lip, he nodded to himself and stepped down, squishing through the slush in the direction of the Snakes barracks. He halted in front of the long building and glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was watching. At finding the coast clear, he pushed the door open and walked silently inside. A malicious smile appeared on his face as the wizard on the other side of the room straightened and narrowed his eyes.
"Zabini, can I help you?" Theo purred arrogantly, planting his fisted hands on his hips.
Sliding the bolt into place on the door, Blaise clasped his hands behind his back and strolled leisurely toward the other wizard. "It's been a couple of years, hasn't it Nott?" The dark-haired wizard murmured, pursing his lips as he peered around the shadowed room.
Theo nodded in acknowledgment, tensing as the other neared him. "Three or four." He tilted his head and reached out to grab the dagger lying on the bed but was forced to leap back when Blaise lunged at him.
Sinking his left hand into the thick cloth of the other wizard's shirt, he yanked him forward and slammed his fist into his nose. The crunch of cartilage and bone was satisfying as was the grunt that erupted from the guard's mouth. Blaise repeated the punch without thought, smiling as he stepped back and watched Theo sink slowly to the ground cradling his broken nose. "We should really get together again sometime." He said, wiping his bloody knuckles on the dark pants he wore. Chuckling softly, he turned and strode from the building, leaving Theo lying on the floor moaning in pain.
XxXxX
"Hogwarts rules prohibit a werewolf from working with the guards. Its why Remus was forced to leave years ago." Fred explained, rubbing his hands together. Shaking his head, the redhead sighed and leaned back in the chair he was slumped in. "Harry was forced to resign or he would have been fired."
Draco blinked owlishly and dropped onto the edge of the nearest bed. "What?" He whispered past numb lips, hands clenching into fists in his lap.
"He left three days ago after making sure Fred was promoted to Company Leader." Ron said, settling his hands atop Hermiones'. He shook his head and leaned back against the witch, gaze shifting to one of the windows lining the walls.
"Do you know where he went?" Draco asked quietly.
Clearing his throat, Neville tipped his head back and stared at the ceiling. "Most likely he went to the Wolves Run. That's really the only place he'd go."
Nodding slowly, Draco pushed to his feet and stood there for a moment. Lifting a hand, he rubbed his face before walking toward the door, his fingers fumbling with the handle. "Thank you," he murmured, tugging the portal open and stepping outside. He stood silently on the little porch leading into the barracks, gazing out over the abandoned courtyard. The clop of hooves turned his head and brought his racing mind to heel.
"Everything okay?" Blaise asked softly, taking in the haunted expression in the blond's eyes. His lips firmed as Draco shook his head and came down the steps, hands outstretched for the reins held lightly in the dark-haired wizard's hands.
"I'm going home," Draco murmured, jamming his foot into the stirrup and swinging gracefully onto the black gelding's back. His other foot had barely touched the iron before he was turning Midnight's head and urging him into a canter. He shut his eyes as Blaise shouted something at his back, weaving his fingers through the dark horse's long mane and closing his eyes.
Ten minutes later he was handing the horse over to a groom and stumbling toward the massive manor, not even registering the fact that an offended Blaise was galloping up the drive. Entering the house quietly, he sighed and began the long trek to his room, ignoring the greetings of house elves and his tutor. His mind was in turmoil as he tried to digest everything he'd just learned. Plodding into his bedroom, he glanced around before collapsing onto his bed and closing his eyes. When he opened them, he found Pansy hovering over him with her hands on her hips.
"Harry's gone." He muttered, lifting a hand to cover his eyes.
"Then why are you still here?" Pansy asked, arching a perfect eyebrow.
"Where else would I be?" Draco snapped in confusion, spreading his fingers so he could peer between them. He glared over the witch's shoulder as Blaise appeared in the doorway with a knowing smirk on his face. "In case you've forgotten, this is my father's house."
"Seriously? I thought you'd be on your way to that . . . place, not sitting in your room pining." Pansy stated with a wave of her hand. Shaking her head, she lowered herself to the edge of the bed and placed a gentle hand on the blond's knee. "What are you doing, Draco?"
Draco rolled over, pulling his leg out from under the witch's comforting hand. "He left, Pansy. Without saying goodbye, again." He shut his eyes and buried his face in his pillow, only to have it torn from his fingers and tossed across the room.
"But not because he wanted too, silly boy." Whispered Pansy, making room on the bed for Blaise. Smiling softly, she reached out and ran her fingers through his mussed hair. "Didn't you once say he'd always come for you? Yet, when he can't, you sit here and do nothing about it?" Draco rolled over to face the witch, pale eyes widening. "I thought you didn't like him," he said, sitting up and rubbing at his face before dropping his hands back into his lap. His reflection was visible in the mirror across the room, bringing his attention to his blotchy face and rumpled hair.
"Blaise beat Theo up for me," the witch offered, patting him on the shoulder and standing. She ran her hands down the front of her robes and absently patted her hair. "Not all men are the same, and some chances only come along once in a life time."
"So you think I should go after him?" Draco questioned, his eyes going to Blaise's reddened knuckles. Climbing off the bed, he went to his bathroom and washed his face.
Pansy and Blaise both followed him, leaning to either side of the doorframe as they observed him. Stepping into the room, Pansy grabbed a black towel from the counter and tossed it at him. "If I were you . . . I'd already be on my horse." She lifted her fingers and gave them a little waggle before looping her arm through Blaise's and tugging him from the room.
Draco stared at his reflection and smiled, his mind racing as he began to plot his moves. He glided into his room and tossed the towel on the floor, moving straight to his wardrobe and pulling the doors open. Changing quickly, he shot himself one last look in the mirror before crossing his fingers and heading down to his father's study.
Pausing before the dark wooden doors, he inhaled deeply and knocked. At this father's invitation, he rolled his shoulders and breezed into the room. "I need some money." He stated, sitting in the chair before his father's desk.
Lucius Malfoy straightened in his seat and put his quill down. Glancing over his son's head, he met the dark eyes of Severus Snape and frowned. "For what?"
Taking a deep breath, Draco clenched his fists in his lap and raised his head. "I have to go to Haardein." Tipping his chin up, he fastened his pale eyes on his father, "please."
"Why do you need to go to . . . Haardein?" Lucius asked curiously, tilting his head slightly as Severus began to shake his head back and forth.
"That's where Harry is," Draco explained, glancing over his shoulder to see who his father was looking at. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Severus Snape, shoulders tensing as he prepared to argue his cause.
Lucius let out a slow breath before pulling open the bottom drawer of his desk and reaching inside. His fingers closed around the velvet bag hidden between old papers and letters, withdrawing it slowly and bouncing it in his palm. The coins inside clinked together as he considered his decision. "Travel safely," he finally said, dropping the bag on the desk in front of his son.
"Thank you, father." Draco breathed, reaching out and grabbing the bag with a shaking hand. He rose fluidly, sliding the bag into the robes he wore before swinging around and charging from the room. Freezing in the doorway, he turned around and quickly walked back to the older blond. Circling the desk, he threw his arms around the taller wizard's shoulders and gave him a quick hug before fleeing the room.
He met Pansy and Blaise in the entrance hall, both of them wearing expectant expressions as he hustled toward them. Without saying anything, Pansy held out a pair of saddlebags and the thin red cloak. She tipped her head and smiled, giving him a quick hug before stepping back and letting Blaise take her place.
"You might want to take this." Blaise said, offering Draco the sword wrapped within the voluminous folds of the midnight blue silk.
Shaking his head, the blond quickly tugged the crimson cloak around his shoulders. "Harry can't handle anything silver," he reminded, fumbling the clasp of the cloak. His hands fell away under Pansy's, practically bouncing on the spot as she hooked the buckles together.
Blaise smiled and pulled a fold of the blue silk back, revealing the hilt of the sword. "It was really a simple charm," he assured, grinning as sunlight flashed over the gleaming gold hilt. Flipping the fold of cloth back into place, he pressed the sword into Draco's arms. "Feather light spell."
Sword cradled in his arms, he hugged the dark-haired wizard before bolting through the doors. Midnight Rover stood saddled at the base of the steps, his ears pricked as the blond came loping down the stairs toward him. With efficient movements, he secured both the saddlebags and sword to the saddle. The dark horse danced in excitement as Draco swung himself into the saddle, shoes sparking off the cobblestone. Lifting a hand to wave goodbye, he buried his heels into the gelding's sides and pressed himself close as the animal leapt into a hand gallop.
The sun was setting when Draco thundered into Hogwarts on Midnight, his arrival turning heads and bringing various guards from their barracks. His eyes searched for the familiar flash of red and gold, hands firm on the reins as the black horse pawed anxiously at the ground. Biting down the relieved cry that rose in his throat, he watched as the door of the Red Lions barrack was thrown open and the guards poured out.
"I need you to take me to Haardein!" He hollered at the shocked Lions standing on the porch. Under him, Midnight Rover bellowed and shook his head, silky mane lashing the blond's hands.
The guards glanced at each other and whispered back and forth before several sharp nods were exchanged. "Give us ten minutes to get ready!" Fred yelled back with a straight face. As the words left his mouth, the Lions sprang into action with the fluidity and ease that they always seemed to move with.
Minutes later, Draco was surrounded by the Red Lions, all of them looking at him expectantly from the backs of their mounts. Arching an eyebrow, he turned his gelding's head and pointed him toward the gate. "Don't you have to tell someone you're leaving?"
"I'm sure they'll figure out we're gone." George called in amusement, nudging his winged gelding into a canter. As the sky darkened, the Red Lions thundered through Hogsmeade, taking a path that was very familiar to them.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to review!
MAnny2003 - lol, I don't know, I kinda feel bad for not giving Harry a great battle.
XTakaX27 - Yep, old age did Voldie in.
illicit-666 - This is one of the last chapters (a second chapter will posted Saturday April 14 around 9pm, and the final chapter will be posted next Friday).
avihenda - I've tried to keep the characters as much themselves as possible, its hard at times but the end result always seems worth it.
DeathGodGirl - In the end, he was defeated by old age, kind of pitiful, eh?
PleiadesWolfe - I think this chapter answers your question concerning Lucius but maybe not so much your one about Harry being a werewolf. That will be dealt with in the final chapter, I think.
Rhiwan - After everything I've put Harry through, I figured he deserved a break.
NinjaoftheDarkness - lol, Harry may want to disappear but Draco's not going to let him.
thrnbrooke - Voldie was done in by old age, and Harry still got the money for doing the deed, pretty lucky if you ask me.
TorringMay - lol, he's absolutely adorable.
GryffieGurl - I knew Voldemort needed to go, I mean we couldn't possibly have him interfering with Draco in the future, could we? So, Harry got a break and the deed was already done. It was old age, I'm sure of it.
Cheezewhizz - I think it's one for the record books. The first time Harry has ever gone to kill Voldemort and he's already dead? Not to mention he got paid for it!
Wolven Spirits - Voldie died of old age.