Chapter 9
Aid from Unlikely Sources
For the next few weeks, Harry did what he could to juggle school, the war and his meetings with the Minister of Magic. It had been an uphill battle to convince Scrimgeour to even approve of Harry visiting Azkaban much less arrange a deal for Malfoy's help. Scrimgeour still firmly believed in maintaining a positive public perspective with the wizarding world for the Ministry and himself. The Malfoy family was a well know dark family. Negotiating with either one of them would undoubtedly be met with heavy scrutiny.
Sirius and Remus also didn't like Harry's suggestion but they agreed that it at the present time it was the only avenue they hadn't tried. Out of all of the 'Death Eater's' that had been sentenced to Azkaban, Draco Malfoy posed as the smallest security risk. The seventeen-year-old had nothing to lose and everything to gain as long as he stayed away from anything and everything concerning Voldemort.
Harry's urgency to gain some sort of upper hand only increased by the end of November when Professor Shacklebolt pulled Harry aside to tell him that Death Eaters had been spotted and apprehended near the orphanage. The message was clear. Voldemort had either heard about the partial collapse or was checking the status of all of his Horcruxes. Harry knew that their time was quickly running out and, for the first time, everyone agreed.
Professor Shacklebolt's connections became the main source of information. It was because of that information that Harry knew Voldemort had sent three more groups of Death Eaters to the orphanage before they successfully entered only to learn that the entire floor had collapsed in on itself. Anything that had remained on that level had been destroyed. According to Professor Shacklebolt, a hidden Auror watched the Death Eaters become quite upset to find a particular room on the second level among the mass of rooms destroyed by 'natural means'.
It was a stroke of luck that Harry had every intention of taking advantage of. Voldemort still had no reason to suspect something was afoot at the present time. Harry had no doubt that if Voldemort hadn't started checking his other Horcruxes already, he would certainly start to find out if any others had been disturbed. Death Eater activity would have to be monitored even more closely than before and they needed Scrimgeour to work with them.
Perhaps it's time to prove that I'm not willing to play by the Ministry's rules. If they want my help, they should play by mine.
Harry knew the Minister was under a lot of pressure to 'protect the wizarding community' but that didn't mean Harry had to lie down and let Scrimgeour control what they needed to do. If Scrimgeour refused to help, then Harry would be forced to use more drastic means, even if they were illegal.
Ron and Hermione had tried to help in every way they could which was difficult considering the tension had settled around them every since they found out Ginny had approached Harry about her feelings. Ron was torn between his sister and his best friend. Ron understood Harry's reasoning and even supported Harry's decision but that didn't mean he had no loyalty to his family. Hermione was in an even tougher spot. She was normally Ginny's confidant on matters of the heart so she knew how heartbroken Ginny was but couldn't tell her why it could never be.
Thankfully, the entire situation had remained between them. Harry didn't think he would be able to handle another round of rumors along with everything else. It had been horrible when the school found out about Cho Chang's attempt to—er—become something more than friends last year. Harry couldn't bring himself to think about the twists everyone could put on this situation since Ginny was Ron's little sister.
Completing schoolwork was becoming even more difficult but this time Hermione wasn't standing aside and doing nothing. No matter what reason Harry had, Hermione insisted on helping him regardless of whether they needed to get up an hour earlier or stay up an hour later. With the already extended hours Harry was running on, sleep had once again become a luxury Harry couldn't afford, especially once the meeting with Minister Scrimgeour was set.
The first of December arrived quickly, too quickly in some ways and not quick enough in others. That evening, Harry was to meet with Scrimgeour with Sirius, Remus and Professor McGonagall. As difficult as it would be, Harry was determined not to listen to his empathy this time or Scrimgeour's excuses.
Before Harry knew it, classes were over for the day and his stomach immediately started to twist in knots. He knew this meeting could very well be the turning point. If Scrimgeour refused to consider the request, Harry would be forced to dissolve all ties with the Ministry. He entered Professor McGonagall's office to see McGonagall, Sirius and Remus were already waiting. They had only managed to share a glance before the flames in the fireplace turned green and roared to life. Rufus Scrimgeour stepped out and glanced at each occupant in the room before his gaze landed on Harry.
"I was under the impression that we were meeting without an audience, Mr. Potter," Scrimgeour said cautiously.
Harry motioned for Scrimgeour to sit and waited until the man complied. "They are here to help me convince you to arrange for a meeting with Draco Malfoy," he said firmly. "This is my last attempt to persuade you, Minister. If you refuse to listen to reason then I'm afraid we will have to go in our own directions. When we created this alliance, you agreed to do everything in your power to help me complete Professor Dumbledore's work. Right now, we need to speak to someone who has grown up in the home of a high ranking Death Eater that has nothing to lose but everything to gain."
"Draco would still be expelled from Hogwarts, Minister," Remus added. "He wouldn't be a threat to the students here."
Scrimgeour's eyes narrowed at Remus before his gaze shifted to Harry. Powerful waves of irritation and impatience rolled off him. "I have given you my decision concerning the Malfoy boy, Mr. Potter," Scrimgeour growled. "The Ministry of Magic does not negotiate with dark wizards."
"Very well," Harry said as he enfolded his arms across his chest. "Then this is the end of our alliance, Minister. I wish you good luck in defeating Voldemort."
"What?!?" Scrimgeour roared as he jumped to his feet.
Harry smiled knowingly. "You're on your own, sir," he said bluntly. "I have indulged your selfishness for too long. You either agree to my terms or you find yourself another savior."
Scrimgeour took a step towards Harry only to have his path blocked by Remus and Sirius. "How dare you threaten me!" he snarled.
"This is not a threat," Sirius countered as he pushed Scrimgeour back into his chair. "We just won't let you procrastinate any more. We have done a hell of a lot more in the fight against Voldemort than you. We are actually gaining ground. How are your Aurors fairing against the Death Eaters? Have you had any success in finding Voldemort's base of operations?"
"I must say they have a point, Minister," Professor McGonagall added. "Mr. Potter isn't asking you to release the Death Eaters from Azkaban. He's asking you to allow him to speak to a boy who made a mistake during an emotional trying time. You-Know-Who had threatened the boy and his family."
"We're going to Azkaban, sir, with or without your permission," Harry said firmly. "Having your cooperation would just make everything go smoother."
Scrimgeour pulled himself free from Sirius and Remus, his eyes never leaving Harry. "There has to be someone else," he insisted.
"Not that we have found," Harry said truthfully. "What do you have against Draco Malfoy? If I'm willing to work with him, why can't you?"
Scrimgeour leaned on his walking stick as his slowly scanned around the room. "The Malfoy family believes that money will solve everything," he growled angrily. "They and people like them are one of the main reasons the Ministry was so corrupt! We finally have the Ministry back under control and you want to release the Malfoy boy!"
"You're blaming Draco for things he father did," Remus countered calmly. "Draco may be selfish and spoiled but he's not his father and you are not Cornelius Fudge. Half of the reason things got as bad as they were was because Fudge was more interested in preserving his own future than the wizarding world's."
"You can't place the blame of the faults of the wizarding world on a child, Minister," Professor McGonagall scolded. "The Ministry was corrupt before Mr. Malfoy was even born."
Scrimgeour let out a soft sign and shook his head stubbornly. "I'll agree that I may be slightly prejudiced towards dark families but I feel I have a right to be with the dark times we are currently in," he said. "If you are that determined to involve the Malfoy boy, then I suppose there's nothing I can do to stop you. However, I will insist that a representative from the Ministry be present."
Harry shared a glance with Remus and Sirius. That was certainly more than they thought Scrimgeour would give them but having someone monitor their discussion would only cause trouble. The last thing they needed was Voldemort finding out that they were using the Malfoys against him. "Would Kingsley or Tonks be all right?" asked Harry. "They know enough about what we're doing to know what not to say to the wrong people."
Scrimgeour hesitated for a long moment before nodding. "I'll agree to Shacklebolt," he said at last as he moved to the fireplace, "but I want to meet with him soon. We have much to discuss." Without waiting for a response, Scrimgeour threw a handful of floo powder in the fireplace and stepped into the green flames.
No one moved until the flames returned to normal, leaving no sign of Scrimgeour. "Scrimgeour has to be the most stubborn man I've ever seen," Sirius spat. "There is no doubt in my mind that the 'meeting' will be nothing more than a strong reminder to where Kingsley's loyalties should be."
"Then he probably won't like Kingsley's reply," Remus said calmly. "Kingsley is not a mindless drone like many of the other Aurors. He knows the Auror rule book better than anyone. His first priority is to the individual he's protecting. No matter what Scrimgeour may ask, Kingsley is under no obligation to follow any orders given, especially if it endangers Harry."
Harry didn't like what he was hearing. "I don't want Kingsley to be 'obligated' to be a part of this," he protested.
"He isn't," Remus assured. "Kingsley believes in what we're doing, Harry. I'm just saying that he just has a completely justifiable excuse for whatever Scrimgeour may throw at him."
Remus was right. The following day, Kingsley Shacklebolt was called to the Ministry for a meeting with the Minister and wasn't too happy when he returned. Apparently, Scrimgeour felt it was necessary that Kingsley's position at Hogwarts and as Harry's protector was temporary while his job at the Ministry wasn't. A few well placed words by Kingsley however quickly put an end to Scrimgeour's demands. Kingsley refused to risk damaging the 'trusting relationship' he had with Harry since doing so could end up jeopardizing their lives.
To say that Scrimgeour was displeased was an understatement. He was being shut out of the only part of the war that was gaining ground. Harry figured that was why Scrimgeour was so against involving Draco Malfoy. It wasn't just because Scrimgeour hated dark families. It was also because it was the only thing in Harry's task that he could control. Claiming that there were legal hang-ups was just an excuse to revel in that control.
Arranging a trip to Azkaban Prison was slightly more complicated than Harry originally thought. Even though they had clearance from the Minister, the trip still had to be planned to hide their absence from Hogwarts as well as whom they were visiting at Azkaban. No one needed to voice the possible consequences of the wrong people finding out about what they were up to. An attack on Azkaban was the last thing they and the Ministry needed.
It was agreed that the final day of the term would be the best time to attempt a discrete journey to Azkaban. That day everyone's attention would be on ensuring all of the students arrived to King's Cross Station safely. It was an opportune time for Voldemort to attack which meant Scrimgeour would have the place swarming with Aurors. It was 'well known' that Harry would be remaining at Hogwarts for his protection so at least he wouldn't be attracting any additional danger.
Kingsley had another meeting with Scrimgeour to inform him of their plan along with arranging transportation and the proper clearance to make the entire trip run as smoothly as possible. It was hard to get Scrimgeour to agree to an arrangement for Malfoy's assistance without any idea if Malfoy could even provide any help. In the end, it was agreed that if Draco Malfoy could provide sufficient help against Voldemort then he would need to be relocated to a secure room at Hogwarts for his own safety. An 'Auror' would be assigned to Malfoy and instructed to never leave Malfoy's side. Malfoy would have no contact with anyone other than members of Harry's group.
That was only if Malfoy had enough information to make all of the hassle worthwhile.
When the end of term finally arrived, Harry couldn't wait until the meeting with Malfoy was over. After weeks of research, Harry had a feeling that he knew more about the Malfoy family than Draco Malfoy. The Malfoy family had been using their financial status as influence for generations, steadily depleting their financial worth in the wizarding world. Lucius Malfoy's payoffs for his association with Voldemort had probably caused the most damage. Harry had to wonder if Draco was even aware of how much damage Lucius had done to the Malfoy family.
Finances weren't the only area researched. For the Malfoy family, image was everything. Securing the family line was the top priority. Malfoys were trained to be the perfect purebloods, not loved like normal children. Draco Malfoy was raised to believe that what couldn't be earned could be bought. Nothing was beyond the grasp of a Malfoy which explained why both of them were in Azkaban. The rest of the world didn't have such a lack of limitations.
As the students left Hogwarts for the train, Harry joined Sirius, Remus, Tonks, and Kingsley in the Marauder Quarters to wait for the portkey to activate. Hermione and Ron were currently covering for Harry although both were still annoyed that they couldn't come along. Harry could understand their frustration. They just wanted to help but staying behind to help Professor McGonagall arrange a secure room for Draco Malfoy wasn't what they had in mind.
As the clock chimed eleven, the four wizards and a witch touched Kingsley's Auror medallion only to feel the familiar sensation of a hook pulling behind their navels. Harry quickly closed his eyes, waiting for the inevitable end of the journey. As his feet slammed to the ground, Harry fought to keep his balance and wrap his cloak tightly around him to block the strong icy breeze. His eyes opened to see a large, dark stone tower that was surrounded by rough rocks. Harsh waves crashed against the rocks at the shoreline adding to the howling of the wind.
"I can see nothing's changed," Sirius said dryly as he adjusted his cloak. "Let's get moving. The sooner we get started the sooner we can leave."
"At least we don't have to worry about Dementors hovering over us," Tonks offered. "They're restricted to the high security section."
"If that's what you want to believe," Kingsley said before making his way towards the entrance. "What Dementors remain here would probably welcome the fresh meat. The sooner we can get to the safe areas the better for all of us."
No one hesitated following Kingsley. The ground was extremely uneven with large boulders that they were forced to climb over. Everyone had their wand in hand, prepared to cast a Patronus at a moment's notice. Sirius and Tonks stayed close to Harry, their hands occasionally touching his arms as if they were preparing themselves to Apparate him away from any danger that might appear in front of them. Harry remained silent. He knew this had to be hard for Sirius. How could it not be?
There was an overall sensation of relief when they finally reached the entrance only to have it snatched away a moment later when the icy wind seemed to intensify, pulling the remaining warmth right out of them in a fashion that no ordinary wind could. Without warning, the large steel doors slowly opened to reveal an extremely thin middle aged man with irritable look on his worn face.
"Auror Shacklebolt," the man said gruffly as his gaze rested on Kingsley.
"Warden," Kingsley replied with a stiff nod but didn't move to put his wand away. "I trust all of the scans came back clean?"
"As clean as one could expect," the warden said dryly. "You should have informed us that you had a Metamorphmagus with you. We had to run five different scans on her just to make sure she was indeed who you claimed her to be."
Kingsley glanced at Tonks before returning his stern gaze to the warden. "Is the suspect ready?" he asked. "We are on a tight schedule."
The warden nodded and motioned for everyone to follow. "He's waiting in one of the meeting rooms as you requested," he said as he turned to the left to walk down a narrow hallway. "He doesn't know who wants to see him or why."
The torches on the wall provided the only source of dim lighting. The thick, metal doors seemed to catch more of the light than the dark walls, drawing Harry's attention to each one. It was so hard to believe that the worst criminals the Ministry had caught were behind those doors. Sirius had been behind one of those doors for twelve years, doing absolutely nothing except waiting for the next Dementor to pass.
It made Harry wonder how Sirius managed to survive with his sanity in tact.
Harry fought to keep his gaze straight ahead as they turned the corner and walked down another hallway. The more Harry saw the more he wanted to close his eyes. Behind one of those doors could be Lucius Malfoy, Barty Crouch, Jr., Peter Pettigrew, or Deloris Umbridge. Harry knew the Ministry had placed additional wards around each cell after Sirius' escape to confine every prisoner to their cell. Peter Pettigrew was checked on hourly in addition to the anti-Animagus spells that surrounded the room but that didn't change the fact that so many people who wanted him dead were only a closed door away.
"How has he handled his time here?" Remus asked quietly, breaking the uneasy silence.
The warden glanced over his shoulder before opening a door on his right and motioning for everyone to enter. Stepping into the small room, Harry instantly noticed a large window, revealing the contents of the next room. A large steel table was chained to the floor and sitting at the table was Draco Malfoy with a uniformed guard standing behind him. Harry couldn't believe the changes in his former rival. Malfoy had lost a lot of weight since his imprisonment that his dirty prison robe couldn't hide. His former confident stature now looked tired and defeated. His hair now hung limply and seemed to have dulled at least a few shades. Nothing remained of the Malfoy that Harry remembered.
"As you can see," the warden said as he closed the door, "Prisoner 389547 has displayed obvious signs of depression and paranoia. When he first arrived, he was extremely demanding. He wanted the 'Daily Prophet' delivered to his cell as soon as possible every morning and had a few tantrums when we refused to comply."
"Did you notify him that he could be moved to the lower levels for causing a disturbance?" Kingsley asked curiously.
"Lower levels?" Harry asked in confusion. Sirius had never mentioned that.
"Detention Blocks," the warden answered, ignoring Sirius' warning look. "They are rarely used but are necessary for the more dangerous prisoners. The Detention Blocks keep the prisoners in complete darkness and Dementors roam the halls more frequently than the normal levels. For most cases, twenty-four hours is enough to straighten out the prisoners."
Harry stared at the warden in disbelief before turning and looking pleadingly into Sirius' eyes. When Sirius looked away, Harry knew what he feared was true. Sirius had spent time in the Detention Blocks. He had been trapped in complete darkness with nothing but his worst memories as company. "How often?" Harry asked hoarsely. "How many times were you sent down there?"
Sirius let out a sigh as he ran his fingers through his hair. "It's not important, Harry," he said quietly. "Let's just do what we came here to do. We can talk about it later."
"Sirius is right," Kingsley added firmly. "The Minister is waiting for our return."
Harry let out a frustrated sigh before shifting his gaze to the window. The more he heard about the way the Ministry handled Sirius' imprisonment, the more he wanted to seek revenge. How had Sirius remained sane? "I'll talk to him," Harry offered.
"Absolutely not!" Sirius protested. "Draco Malfoy probably blames you for everything that happened, Harry. I won't take the chance—"
"—that he'll do what?" Harry interrupted. "Attempt to attack me? He's unarmed! There's also a guard in there and I have no problem with any one of you accompanying me. I just think he may be more receptive to talking to someone his own age, someone who's lost just as much as he has."
"Harry has a point," Tonks added. "Draco has no reason to trust anything we say because he doesn't know us. He knows Harry, even if it is from a rivalry."
Kingsley stepped forward and rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'll go in with him," he said. "I should be in there anyway since I am representing the Ministry."
"I'm going too," Sirius said before anyone else could. "As head of the Black family I can provide blood representation, whether he wants it or not."
Everyone looked at Sirius apprehensively. "Are you sure you can do that, Sirius?" asked Tonks. "As his representative, you have to look out for his best interests, not ours and not Harry's."
Sirius let out a frustrated sigh. "That would be a problem if Draco's best interests didn't match ours," he said irritably. "Destroying Voldemort the only way anyone in the Malfoy family can have some sort of life outside of Azkaban."
Harry had to admit Sirius had a point in more ways than one. Malfoy would probably be more receptive if he had someone in his corner even if that person was Harry Potter's godfather. "Let's try it then," Harry said firmly before turning to face the warden. "What we'll be discussing is highly classified—"
"—that has already been discussed, Mr. Potter," the warden interrupted with a nod. "Auror Shacklebolt will be obliviating us before you leave. None of you were ever here."
Harry nodded his gratitude before walking out of the room and into the meeting room that held Malfoy with Sirius and Kingsley following him. To say that Malfoy was surprised to see them was an understatement. Waves of disbelief, suspicion and fear bounced off the walls. Malfoy looked even worse up close. The shadows under his eyes looked like they would never fade and his skin was certainly paler than what could be considered healthy.
This is what the powerful Malfoy family as reduced to.
"Malfoy," Harry said stiffly as he moved to sit in the chair across from Malfoy.
"Potter," Malfoy rasped. "What are you doing here? Come to gloat?"
Harry met Malfoy's gaze as he bit back a retort that would probably only make the situation worse. "I'm just here to talk," he said truthfully then motioned to Kingsley. "Auror Shacklebolt is here on behalf of the Ministry and Sirius is here to serve as a blood representative."
Malfoy stared at Sirius in utter disbelief which wasn't a surprise. None of the encounters between Sirius and Malfoy in the past few years had been pleasant. Sirius had always been the one insisting that Malfoy's punishments be severe. Malfoy had every reason to hate Sirius just as much as he hated Harry.
"Would you rather we bring your father in here, Draco?" Sirius asked curiously.
Malfoy visibly flinched and looked away giving Sirius the opportunity to move to his side. Harry glanced at Kingsley who closed the door and remained by it. It was clear to everyone that Kingsley was an observer, the impartial party that would act only if it was absolutely necessary. It was actually rather brilliant if you thought about it. With the way people were positioned in the room, it looked like Malfoy had the upper hand when it was actually the opposite.
Letting out a long breath, Harry shifted his gaze back to Malfoy and focused on the matter at hand. "I don't know how much you've heard about the war from in here," he began. "Attacks are increasing in numbers and intensity. If we don't stop him soon, there won't be a wizarding world to save."
Malfoy snorted. "Save the dramatic speech, Potter," he growled. "Just get to the point."
"All right," Harry said through his teeth as he leaned forward slightly. It took every ounce of self restraint to remain calm. Harry couldn't explain it. There was just something about Draco Malfoy that irked him more than anything else. "My point is that I have a small group of people who are working to end this war in our own way and we need information."
Malfoy enfolded his arms across his chest as a smirk slowly appeared on his face. "You're asking me for help?" he drawled.
Harry's eyes narrowed. He knew Malfoy was enjoying this. "It was either you or your father," he said tensely. "If you don't want to work with us for your freedom I'm sure your father would."
Malfoy's eyes widened. "Freedom?" he asked quietly before glaring at Harry. "You couldn't possibly be able to get me released."
Harry sat back in his chair as he shrugged his shoulders. "Technically, I can't," he said truthfully, "but Auror Shacklebolt can. If you can provide enough information, you will be removed from Azkaban and hidden for your own safety for the remainder of your sentence or until Voldemort is destroyed."
Suspicion poured off of Malfoy. "So I go from one prison to another," he concluded. "Forgive me if I don't jump for joy."
"It's for your own protection, Malfoy," Harry insisted. "You'll have more liberties than you do now."
Sirius rested a hand on Malfoy's arm as he knelt down and stared into Malfoy's eyes. "Draco, think about what's being offered here," he said quietly. "You were a child and in an impossible situation. Be a man now and prove that you are willing to make amends for your mistakes."
Malfoy was on his feet in a heartbeat. "What mistakes would those be?!?" he cried. "The Dark Lord said he'd kill me! He said he'd kill my mother! FOR ALL I KNOW MY MOTHER IS DEAD!!!"
The guard moved before anyone could protest, forcing Malfoy back into his seat. Malfoy didn't fight the guard and didn't fight the restraints that magically appeared to hold him in place. Harry had to look away as the manacles locked around Malfoy's wrists and ankles. This really wasn't proceeding as well as he had hoped.
"Draco, listen to me," Sirius urged. "I don't know where your mother is but I do know that she's alive. The Black Family Tapestry would tell me if she were dead."
Malfoy stared at Sirius, his eyes begging for any sort of truth behind Sirius' words. "She's alive?" he asked quietly.
"The last we heard was that she left England," Harry offered. "No one has seen her in months."
Malfoy shifted his pain-filled gaze to Harry. "Months?" he asked then looked back at Sirius. "She's really alive?" Sirius nodded causing Malfoy to let out a sigh of relief and visibly relax. No one said a word as Malfoy closed his eyes and rested his head on the steel table. Everyone now understood why Malfoy had been so insistent to see the 'Daily Prophet' after his imprisonment. He was looking for news on Narcissa Malfoy. Who would've thought?
Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do to help Malfoy out. Attracting any sort of attention to Mrs. Malfoy could put her life in even more danger than she currently was in. It would also bring about questions that would be very difficult to answer. Voldemort's spies were everywhere, especially when it concerned former servants like the Malfoys who could reveal his darkest secrets. It was a miracle that they were still alive.
Slowly, Malfoy raised his head and looked directly at Harry. "I'll tell you whatever you want, Potter," he said shakily. "Just keep my family safe."
Harry looked at Sirius uncomfortably before returning his gaze to Malfoy. "I can't make that promise," he said truthfully. "We don't know where your mother is and your father—"
"—leave my father out of it," Malfoy interrupted. "He chose to follow the Dark Lord out of greed. He made it quite clear where his loyalties were years ago. You can keep my mother safe by doing what everyone expects you to. Kill the Dark Lord before he can find her."
Kingsley finally stepped forward as he eyed Malfoy guardedly. "You understand that your removal from the facility depends solely on the information you provide us, Mr. Malfoy?" he stated firmly and waited until Malfoy nodded. "You must also understand that the Ministry has every right to return you to Azkaban should your information prove false."
Annoyance rolled off of Malfoy as he snorted. "I know how the legal system works," he said dryly. "My father manipulated the system more times than I can remember. He also had no problem gloating about his accomplishments while at the manor. Trust me; I probably know more about the Ministry's 'legal system' than you do."
Kingsley leaned forward, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "I highly doubt that," he said tensely. "Start talking, Malfoy. What has your father disclosed about Voldemort's activities?"
Once Malfoy started talking there seemed to be no way to stop him. Harry was surprised to learn how sadistic Lucius Malfoy actually was. He was a true Malfoy, determined to uphold to the pureblood ideals not matter the cost. His son had been nothing more than a guarantee that the Malfoy name would continue and his placement in Voldemort's ranks would undoubtedly rise. Anything Voldemort asked, Lucius Malfoy would do.
Draco Malfoy did reveal several locations his father had visited repeatedly for 'business purposes' over the years which happened to coincide with many of the places they had been investigating. Harry felt that it was safe to conclude that Lucius Malfoy had been checking the protections placed on the hideouts for the Horcruxes for years without even actually knowing what he was checking on.
It wasn't difficult for Kingsley to agree that Malfoy's information was indeed enough to justify Ministry protection. Harry had never seen Draco Malfoy look so relieved before but kept his mouth shut. Malfoy was finally acting somewhat sociable to them. Harry wasn't about to do something that would jeopardize that.
The journey back to Hogwarts took a painfully long time. Paperwork needed to be filed for Malfoy's release, the guard and warden needed to have their memories modified and the wards needed to be adjusted to allow Malfoy to leave. For the entire process, Harry, Sirius and Remus had to remain in a secluded room so that no one actually 'saw' them at Azkaban. To say that Harry was relieved when Kingsley, Tonks and Malfoy entered the room was an understatement. Without a word, they gathered in the middle of the room and placed a finger on the portkey Kingsley held in his hand.
"Redemption," Kingsley muttered and with the sensation of a hook pulling them all at their navels, they were gone from Azkaban Prison.
They appeared in the Headmistress' Office a moment later and were immediately greeted by Professor McGonagall, Ron, Hermione, and Mad-Eye Moody. Kingsley immediately ushered Malfoy to a nearby chair and removed the restraints the warden had insisted on remaining until the destination had been reached.
"I see your journey was successful," Professor McGonagall stated as she sat down behind her desk. "Mr. Malfoy, your stay here is completely up to you. If you chose to follow the rules, we shall have no problems. You will be restricted to your quarters and any other destination that is accessible through the restricted floo network set up in your quarters. All locations must grant you permission to step through. You will be allowed to communicate with myself, the hospital wing and Sirius Black's quarters. Much of the research and preparations are handled in Sirius' quarters so you will most likely be spending much of your time there."
Malfoy nodded in relief. This was indeed better than remaining in a cell in Azkaban.
"Alastor Moody has been assigned as your supervisor," Professor McGonagall continued, "and Miss Granger has offered assistance to review class material if you wish to apply for permission to take you N.E.W.T.s." She paused for a moment as Malfoy's eyes widened in shock. "That is, of course, if you can managed to maintain a professional working relationship with her. The moment I hear you have insulted Miss Granger with your vulgar language, you will be restricted to your quarters with only Alastor as your companion. Do you understand me?"
"Y—yes, Professor," Malfoy said quietly.
Professor McGonagall nodded. "Very well then," she said sternly. "Alastor will take you to your quarters where you can fresh up. A late lunch will be waiting for you in Sirius' quarters."
No one said a word as Moody and Malfoy left through the floo. When the flames finally returned to normal, a collective relieved breath was released. Harry hadn't missed the surprise and relief that had surrounded Malfoy when Professor McGonagall mentioned the N.E.W.T.s. Hermione's involvement was something he hadn't been aware of and had to wonder if Hermione knew what she was getting herself into. Malfoy's stay in Azkaban had humbled him a bit but there was no denying that Malfoy was still a Malfoy. It would take a long time to change ingrained beliefs.
"I trust there were no problems?" Professor McGonagall asked, breaking the silence. Receiving confirming nods, she continued, "Very well. Harry, while you were away, a letter arrived for you." She held up a sealed letter for everyone to see before handing it over to Harry. "We've already checked for any sort of spells and only found one. The letter is charmed to only open for who it is addressed to."
"How did it arrive?" Sirius asked instantly as he reached for the letter.
Professor McGonagall gave Sirius a stern glance. "I honestly can't tell you," she answered. "It was on my desk when I returned from finalizing the wards on Mr. Malfoy's quarters. The fact that it was allowed into my office should prove that there are no dark magic on or in the letter."
Harry pulled the letter out of Sirius' reach and slowly opened it. He couldn't sense any sort of darkness, confirming Professor McGonagall's statement. The wards around each office had been one of the enhancements made over the summer. Alarms had been set to activate if any item containing dark magic got anywhere near one of the offices. Harry knew from first hand experience that those alarms were loud enough to wake everyone in the castle. Professor McGonagall had insisted on each office be tested thoroughly.
The handwriting looked familiar. There was no doubt about that. Harry's curiosity turned into shock the moment he glanced down at the signature. He couldn't believe it. This had to be some sort of joke.
"Who's it from, Harry?" Hermione asked curiously.
Slowly, Harry looked up and met her gaze, shock still clearly evident all over his face. "It's from Snape," he croaked.
To say that chaos erupted would be an understatement.
A/N: So, Draco's back and Snape finally enters the story. Yeah me! Anyways, just so you all know, there may be a delay on the next chapter. I actually almost had the next two chapters completed then decided I wanted to take the next chapter in a different direction. Hopefully the delay won't be too long but with the holidays, you never know.