Chapter 19
Dumbledore sat at his desk with a letter in one hand. His other hand was wrapped tightly in a fist. His blue eyes were held a grave weariness. It looked as if all of his years had caught up with his body.
He looked up when Minerva entered the room with a blonde adolescent standing in front of her with his arms crossed in an irritated fashion across his chest.
This amused him slightly. Most children brought to his office seemed very frightened of him. Draco was much like his father had been a school.
With this last thought, Dumbledore brought himself out of his ponderings The elderly witch cast a dreadful look on the boy, then turned and left.
Dumbledore motioned for Draco to take a seat. The boy raised an eyebrow but did so. Dumbledore noted again how much the teen was like his father. This would probably make the news that he was about to give him very hard to digest.
The old wizard sat for a moment collecting his thoughts.
Draco sat across from the old man crossly. He hadn't done anything to be brought here. McGonagall had taken him out of his Defense Against the Dark Arts class without an explanation. It seemed as if the headmaster would never relent as to why he ha been brought here.
Clearing his throat, he inquired idly, "Professor McGonagall said that you wanted to see me, Sir."
Dumbledore knew that he couldn't hesitate any longer. "Yes, Draco," he said gently. "I received a letter from your mother this morning." The man noticed the change in Draco's features. The boy now seemed intrigued. Apparently, letters from his parents were not a common occurrence.
"It seems that there was an accident-"
"What?!?" Draco exclaimed. "Where? What happened?"
Dumbledore held up a hand to quiet the boy. "I'm sorry, but your mother did not elaborate," he explained.
Draco lowered his head. His eyes were darting back and forth as if wanting to find anything to distract him now.
"Draco," he heard the elder man's gentle voice. "There is more."
Draco looked up sharply, eyes wide in anticipation.
"Your father has passed, Draco," the old man said, handing the letter over to the teen.
Draco's jaw dropped. His mouth moved as if it was trying to find words but no sound came out.
He took the letter and scanned it quickly before he crumpled the parchment in his hand.
Dumbledore raised himself to his feet and rounded his desk to the teen. He placed a comforting hand on Draco's shoulder.
"I am sorry, my boy," Dumbledore reassured. "Your mother should be here shortly. You are to wait here for her. If there is anything I can do..."
Draco's head drooped and was lost in his hands. Tufts of fair hair fell through his fingers over his forehead. His head began shaking rhythmically.
Dumbledore sighed sorrowfully. He gripped Draco's upper arms and pulled the teen out of the chair. Draco was unresponsive but allowed himself to be led to a couch. The old wizard secured the boy on the couch and left for a moment.
Draco felt hot tears attempting to burst out of his eyes. He fought to keep them at bay. He refused to cry in front of someone that his father had hated so much.
Moments later, Dumbledore returned to find the child sitting on the couch with his arms wrapped tightly around his knees, holding them to his chest.
Draco looked up at the man, defiance burning in his eyes. He probably expected him to be crying his eyes out by now. It was probably disappointing that he wasn't in a heap on the floor.
The headmaster seemed to glide over to him and sat on the couch next to him. Draco diverted his eyes from the man.
"I know that you don't want to talk, Draco," Dumbledore spoke softly.
Draco huffed to let the man know that much should be obvious.
Unabated by Draco's cold response, Dumbledore put his hand on one of Draco's shoulders. Surprised, Draco brought his head around to look at the man. He offered a vial containing a potion in his hand.
"A dreamless sleeping potion," he answered Draco's unasked question. "One of Professor Snape's. It's a bit stronger than a usual sample, but I think that the situation warrants its use."
Draco stared at the vial a moment before returning his feet to the ground and taking it. He took the cork out of the opening but before drinking it, he returned his attention back to the man. "When did my mother say she would arrive?"
Dumbledore looked straight into Draco's eyes. The adolescent looked as if he was trying very hard to keep his emotions in check. It was a pity that he had been brought up this way. But this is the way that both his parents had been brought up so it was to be expected. "Soon, my boy, soon. I'll wake you when she arrives."
Draco's eyes dropped back to the vial. He wasn't sure how much longer he would be able to keep the tears back. He just wanted to be back at home in his own bed.
"Get some rest."
Draco complied and drained the contents of the vial. If only Professor Snape was here. He would know what to do.
Draco felt the effects of the potion almost immediately. He eyelids were becoming heavier with every second. Moments later, he fell asleep with his last thoughts lingering on his father.
* *
* *
*
The afternoon light was dwindling at the mouth of the cave and the fire had burnt down to embers. Severus hadn't moved from his spot, giving him the look of a statue. He was staring beyond the cave's entrance into their surroundings. He hadn't slept at all but he wasn't tired. His mind was too alert. Reminiscent scenes of his childhood with Lucius raced though his mind, all reaching the same conclusion: Draco. He had always thought of himself as the boy's uncle.
The guilt of being the reason that he had lost his father enveloped his heart, chilling his blood. He was responsible for one of his only friends' death.
Of course, that seemed to be a pattern with him. He had been too late to save Lily. This seemed to be his lot in life.
A noise at his side brought himself out of his thoughts. Potter had rolled over in his sleep. He bit his lower lip and cast his eyes down onto the bundle beside him. He didn't know how he was going to get the boy back to Hogwarts. This journey would be difficult enough with only himself to worry about. He didn't know where he was going to find food to feed him. Water shouldn't be a problem as there were plenty of brooks and streams in the mountains.
But there were other things to worry about. The mountains were full of Giants and soon they would be in werewolf territory. He only hoped that their timing would be appropriate and they would avoid the full moon. Voldemort wouldn't likely be on their trail. He would probably suspect that they were heading toward Hogwarts. That, at least, was one aspect to their advantage.
The day's last rays of light were shining at the entrance of the cave. Severus sighed. He couldn't prolong their stay much longer.
This boy was the wizarding world's last hope against the evil rising power of Voldemort. If Draco was to have any hope of finding a different fate than the one that awaited him at the Dark Lord's side, he would have to get back to him. He would have to make the boy understand what he father had died for.
He took another glance at the boy beside him. He looked rather childlike and innocent. No one would guess what he had been through by looking at his peaceful sleeping form.
Severus pushed himself onto his knees and leaned over Harry's boy. He stretched out an arm and felt Harry's forehead with the back of his hand. The boy's temperature was almost back to normal. Severus let out a sigh and closed his eyes as if to thank the powers that be. This was a good sign. He knew that Harry was as stubborn as his father and even if he was sick, he would have pushed himself but that wouldn't be good for him.
As Severus eased himself back into his original position he noticed that the light had suddenly dimmed outside. Moments later, the first few drops of rain had fallen at the edge of the cave. This was enough to put him back in his usual foul mood.
* *
*
* *
Both Sirius and Remus looked up when a knock at the door to their chambers resounded through the almost empty room.
Remus looked pointedly over to Sirius before getting up and making his way to the door.
Taking the point, Sirius transformed back into Snuffles.
The werewolf waited until after the transformation was complete to open the door only to find McGonagall looking uncharacteristically uncollected.
He stepped back, allowing the woman to enter the room and closed the door and locked it behind her.
"Minerva, what's wrong?" Sirius inquired as soon as he had changed back into human form.
"We have received some news," she replied in an upset voice.
"Here you are. Have a seat," Remus said, offering a chair to the witch.
McGonagall accepted the chair gratefully while the two men took seats across from her.
She looked at both the men while she collected her thoughts, trying to find the best way to explain the situation. Remus seemed tense, but was more collected than Sirius who had folded his hands together and was staring back at her intently.
But before she could begin, Sirius interjected. "Is it about Harry?" His voice was strained. It was apparent that he hadn't been getting much sleep.
McGonagall took in a breath. "Not exactly, Sirius."
Sirius visibly paled and his let his eyes fall to the ground.
Remus shot a quick, concerned glance at his friend and then looked back to his former professor. "What's the news about, Minerva?" he asked in his usual soft voice.
"It's Lucius Malfoy," she began, noticing both men tense. "It seems that he passed away very early this morning."
Sirius' wide eyes snapped back up to hers.
"That's all we know right now," she said before either of her former students had a chance to say anything.
Remus was the first to speak. "How?"
"We don't know. Narccissa will arrive shortly to take Draco home. Albus will speak to her before she leaves, but we don't know how much she knows about his death," she explained, standing up and crossing her arms. "The ministry will likely be at the Malfoy manner to investigate soon and we suspect that Fudge will try to cover up anything that would indicate Voldemort's return."
"What is Dumbledore planning?" Remus asked, also getting to his feet.
McGonagall shook her head. "He's contacted the members of the Oder that are in the Ministry of Magic. Some will investigate the Malfoy manner. He'll question Narccissa, but until he knows anything else, Albus doesn't think it wise to move further."
"We must do something!" Sirius exclaimed, jumping to his feet. "We can't just sit here while Harry's in danger."
Remus went to Sirius to calm in down. "Sirius-"
"Save it, Moony," the animagous interjected.
Remus looked hurt but said nothing more. His eyes fell to the floor.
"Now see here, young man," McGonagall retorted in her best authoritative professor voice. "We don't know where Harry is and until we discover his whereabouts, there isn't much we can do other than hope for the best."
Sirius, taken aback from the witch's stern tone sat down in his chair again. It had been years since she had taught him but her harsh words still had the desired effect on him.
Remus looked up at the woman in her tirade. Despite the situation, he had to stop himself from grinning at her. It had been a while since anyone his age had been berated by an old professor as if they were still in her classroom.
McGonagall had shocked herself with the emotions behind her tone. She hadn't intended on being so harsh, but under the circumstances, she had lost her well known control.
"Well," she continued, "I'm going to get back to Albus' office. Narccissa will be here soon and I'm acting as the head of Slytherin in Severus' absence."
"Thank you for coming, Minerva," Remus said as he saw her to the door. "If you find out anything else, please keep us informed."
McGonagall nodded and then walked out the door toward Dumbledore's office.
Remus shut the door and locked it once more. He walked over to Sirius and sat next to him with a broad grin on his face.
"What are you smiling at?" Sirius questioned scathingly.
This time, Remus did not back down. "Coward," he said simply.
Sirius stared at the man for a moment before a smile cracked on his mouth. "She's still frightening when she wants to be, isn't she?" he remarked in a more jovial tone.
Remus' smile broadened and he nodded in agreement.
Sirius was grateful to have his friend with him, now more than ever, but this feeling made him regret his earlier comments. The smile melted away from his face. "I'm sorry, Moony."
Remus shook his head, waving the apology off. "It's all right, I understand."
Sirius shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. I'm taking out my frustration about Harry out on everyone and it's not right. Thanks for being there, I really appreciate it."
Remus smiled and then his expression became serious. "We'll get Harry back."
Sirius' smile faded but he nodded.
* *
*
* *
Severus stood at the entrance to the cave, peering outside into the rain that was beating down and forming puddles.
The sun had finally disappeared and it was time to leave their shelter.
Turning around, he made his way to the sleeping form toward the back of the cave. Kneeling down, he grabbed a fist full of his cloak and yanked it up.
The form on the ground was quickly rolled out of sleep.
Harry opened his eyes and blearily looked up toward the form towering over him. "What was that for?" he said angrily.
"Get up. We're leaving."
* *
*
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Author's note: Hey guys, meant to have this up a week ago, so apologies for the delay. Thanks for all the reviews from the last chapter. For the reviewers who asked about why they are traveling at night, I put an explanation in a repost of the last chapter. Also, hope that the fact that Sirius is alive isn't confusing. I started the story before the 5th book came out. Yes, I'm sad for not finishing by now... Next chapter should be up soon after Christmas. Should involve Severus divulging some of this past to Harry and McGonagall informing Sirius, Remus, and perhaps Draco of some of Severus' past. Thanks for reading! Please review!
Dumbledore sat at his desk with a letter in one hand. His other hand was wrapped tightly in a fist. His blue eyes were held a grave weariness. It looked as if all of his years had caught up with his body.
He looked up when Minerva entered the room with a blonde adolescent standing in front of her with his arms crossed in an irritated fashion across his chest.
This amused him slightly. Most children brought to his office seemed very frightened of him. Draco was much like his father had been a school.
With this last thought, Dumbledore brought himself out of his ponderings The elderly witch cast a dreadful look on the boy, then turned and left.
Dumbledore motioned for Draco to take a seat. The boy raised an eyebrow but did so. Dumbledore noted again how much the teen was like his father. This would probably make the news that he was about to give him very hard to digest.
The old wizard sat for a moment collecting his thoughts.
Draco sat across from the old man crossly. He hadn't done anything to be brought here. McGonagall had taken him out of his Defense Against the Dark Arts class without an explanation. It seemed as if the headmaster would never relent as to why he ha been brought here.
Clearing his throat, he inquired idly, "Professor McGonagall said that you wanted to see me, Sir."
Dumbledore knew that he couldn't hesitate any longer. "Yes, Draco," he said gently. "I received a letter from your mother this morning." The man noticed the change in Draco's features. The boy now seemed intrigued. Apparently, letters from his parents were not a common occurrence.
"It seems that there was an accident-"
"What?!?" Draco exclaimed. "Where? What happened?"
Dumbledore held up a hand to quiet the boy. "I'm sorry, but your mother did not elaborate," he explained.
Draco lowered his head. His eyes were darting back and forth as if wanting to find anything to distract him now.
"Draco," he heard the elder man's gentle voice. "There is more."
Draco looked up sharply, eyes wide in anticipation.
"Your father has passed, Draco," the old man said, handing the letter over to the teen.
Draco's jaw dropped. His mouth moved as if it was trying to find words but no sound came out.
He took the letter and scanned it quickly before he crumpled the parchment in his hand.
Dumbledore raised himself to his feet and rounded his desk to the teen. He placed a comforting hand on Draco's shoulder.
"I am sorry, my boy," Dumbledore reassured. "Your mother should be here shortly. You are to wait here for her. If there is anything I can do..."
Draco's head drooped and was lost in his hands. Tufts of fair hair fell through his fingers over his forehead. His head began shaking rhythmically.
Dumbledore sighed sorrowfully. He gripped Draco's upper arms and pulled the teen out of the chair. Draco was unresponsive but allowed himself to be led to a couch. The old wizard secured the boy on the couch and left for a moment.
Draco felt hot tears attempting to burst out of his eyes. He fought to keep them at bay. He refused to cry in front of someone that his father had hated so much.
Moments later, Dumbledore returned to find the child sitting on the couch with his arms wrapped tightly around his knees, holding them to his chest.
Draco looked up at the man, defiance burning in his eyes. He probably expected him to be crying his eyes out by now. It was probably disappointing that he wasn't in a heap on the floor.
The headmaster seemed to glide over to him and sat on the couch next to him. Draco diverted his eyes from the man.
"I know that you don't want to talk, Draco," Dumbledore spoke softly.
Draco huffed to let the man know that much should be obvious.
Unabated by Draco's cold response, Dumbledore put his hand on one of Draco's shoulders. Surprised, Draco brought his head around to look at the man. He offered a vial containing a potion in his hand.
"A dreamless sleeping potion," he answered Draco's unasked question. "One of Professor Snape's. It's a bit stronger than a usual sample, but I think that the situation warrants its use."
Draco stared at the vial a moment before returning his feet to the ground and taking it. He took the cork out of the opening but before drinking it, he returned his attention back to the man. "When did my mother say she would arrive?"
Dumbledore looked straight into Draco's eyes. The adolescent looked as if he was trying very hard to keep his emotions in check. It was a pity that he had been brought up this way. But this is the way that both his parents had been brought up so it was to be expected. "Soon, my boy, soon. I'll wake you when she arrives."
Draco's eyes dropped back to the vial. He wasn't sure how much longer he would be able to keep the tears back. He just wanted to be back at home in his own bed.
"Get some rest."
Draco complied and drained the contents of the vial. If only Professor Snape was here. He would know what to do.
Draco felt the effects of the potion almost immediately. He eyelids were becoming heavier with every second. Moments later, he fell asleep with his last thoughts lingering on his father.
* *
* *
*
The afternoon light was dwindling at the mouth of the cave and the fire had burnt down to embers. Severus hadn't moved from his spot, giving him the look of a statue. He was staring beyond the cave's entrance into their surroundings. He hadn't slept at all but he wasn't tired. His mind was too alert. Reminiscent scenes of his childhood with Lucius raced though his mind, all reaching the same conclusion: Draco. He had always thought of himself as the boy's uncle.
The guilt of being the reason that he had lost his father enveloped his heart, chilling his blood. He was responsible for one of his only friends' death.
Of course, that seemed to be a pattern with him. He had been too late to save Lily. This seemed to be his lot in life.
A noise at his side brought himself out of his thoughts. Potter had rolled over in his sleep. He bit his lower lip and cast his eyes down onto the bundle beside him. He didn't know how he was going to get the boy back to Hogwarts. This journey would be difficult enough with only himself to worry about. He didn't know where he was going to find food to feed him. Water shouldn't be a problem as there were plenty of brooks and streams in the mountains.
But there were other things to worry about. The mountains were full of Giants and soon they would be in werewolf territory. He only hoped that their timing would be appropriate and they would avoid the full moon. Voldemort wouldn't likely be on their trail. He would probably suspect that they were heading toward Hogwarts. That, at least, was one aspect to their advantage.
The day's last rays of light were shining at the entrance of the cave. Severus sighed. He couldn't prolong their stay much longer.
This boy was the wizarding world's last hope against the evil rising power of Voldemort. If Draco was to have any hope of finding a different fate than the one that awaited him at the Dark Lord's side, he would have to get back to him. He would have to make the boy understand what he father had died for.
He took another glance at the boy beside him. He looked rather childlike and innocent. No one would guess what he had been through by looking at his peaceful sleeping form.
Severus pushed himself onto his knees and leaned over Harry's boy. He stretched out an arm and felt Harry's forehead with the back of his hand. The boy's temperature was almost back to normal. Severus let out a sigh and closed his eyes as if to thank the powers that be. This was a good sign. He knew that Harry was as stubborn as his father and even if he was sick, he would have pushed himself but that wouldn't be good for him.
As Severus eased himself back into his original position he noticed that the light had suddenly dimmed outside. Moments later, the first few drops of rain had fallen at the edge of the cave. This was enough to put him back in his usual foul mood.
* *
*
* *
Both Sirius and Remus looked up when a knock at the door to their chambers resounded through the almost empty room.
Remus looked pointedly over to Sirius before getting up and making his way to the door.
Taking the point, Sirius transformed back into Snuffles.
The werewolf waited until after the transformation was complete to open the door only to find McGonagall looking uncharacteristically uncollected.
He stepped back, allowing the woman to enter the room and closed the door and locked it behind her.
"Minerva, what's wrong?" Sirius inquired as soon as he had changed back into human form.
"We have received some news," she replied in an upset voice.
"Here you are. Have a seat," Remus said, offering a chair to the witch.
McGonagall accepted the chair gratefully while the two men took seats across from her.
She looked at both the men while she collected her thoughts, trying to find the best way to explain the situation. Remus seemed tense, but was more collected than Sirius who had folded his hands together and was staring back at her intently.
But before she could begin, Sirius interjected. "Is it about Harry?" His voice was strained. It was apparent that he hadn't been getting much sleep.
McGonagall took in a breath. "Not exactly, Sirius."
Sirius visibly paled and his let his eyes fall to the ground.
Remus shot a quick, concerned glance at his friend and then looked back to his former professor. "What's the news about, Minerva?" he asked in his usual soft voice.
"It's Lucius Malfoy," she began, noticing both men tense. "It seems that he passed away very early this morning."
Sirius' wide eyes snapped back up to hers.
"That's all we know right now," she said before either of her former students had a chance to say anything.
Remus was the first to speak. "How?"
"We don't know. Narccissa will arrive shortly to take Draco home. Albus will speak to her before she leaves, but we don't know how much she knows about his death," she explained, standing up and crossing her arms. "The ministry will likely be at the Malfoy manner to investigate soon and we suspect that Fudge will try to cover up anything that would indicate Voldemort's return."
"What is Dumbledore planning?" Remus asked, also getting to his feet.
McGonagall shook her head. "He's contacted the members of the Oder that are in the Ministry of Magic. Some will investigate the Malfoy manner. He'll question Narccissa, but until he knows anything else, Albus doesn't think it wise to move further."
"We must do something!" Sirius exclaimed, jumping to his feet. "We can't just sit here while Harry's in danger."
Remus went to Sirius to calm in down. "Sirius-"
"Save it, Moony," the animagous interjected.
Remus looked hurt but said nothing more. His eyes fell to the floor.
"Now see here, young man," McGonagall retorted in her best authoritative professor voice. "We don't know where Harry is and until we discover his whereabouts, there isn't much we can do other than hope for the best."
Sirius, taken aback from the witch's stern tone sat down in his chair again. It had been years since she had taught him but her harsh words still had the desired effect on him.
Remus looked up at the woman in her tirade. Despite the situation, he had to stop himself from grinning at her. It had been a while since anyone his age had been berated by an old professor as if they were still in her classroom.
McGonagall had shocked herself with the emotions behind her tone. She hadn't intended on being so harsh, but under the circumstances, she had lost her well known control.
"Well," she continued, "I'm going to get back to Albus' office. Narccissa will be here soon and I'm acting as the head of Slytherin in Severus' absence."
"Thank you for coming, Minerva," Remus said as he saw her to the door. "If you find out anything else, please keep us informed."
McGonagall nodded and then walked out the door toward Dumbledore's office.
Remus shut the door and locked it once more. He walked over to Sirius and sat next to him with a broad grin on his face.
"What are you smiling at?" Sirius questioned scathingly.
This time, Remus did not back down. "Coward," he said simply.
Sirius stared at the man for a moment before a smile cracked on his mouth. "She's still frightening when she wants to be, isn't she?" he remarked in a more jovial tone.
Remus' smile broadened and he nodded in agreement.
Sirius was grateful to have his friend with him, now more than ever, but this feeling made him regret his earlier comments. The smile melted away from his face. "I'm sorry, Moony."
Remus shook his head, waving the apology off. "It's all right, I understand."
Sirius shook his head. "No, I'm sorry. I'm taking out my frustration about Harry out on everyone and it's not right. Thanks for being there, I really appreciate it."
Remus smiled and then his expression became serious. "We'll get Harry back."
Sirius' smile faded but he nodded.
* *
*
* *
Severus stood at the entrance to the cave, peering outside into the rain that was beating down and forming puddles.
The sun had finally disappeared and it was time to leave their shelter.
Turning around, he made his way to the sleeping form toward the back of the cave. Kneeling down, he grabbed a fist full of his cloak and yanked it up.
The form on the ground was quickly rolled out of sleep.
Harry opened his eyes and blearily looked up toward the form towering over him. "What was that for?" he said angrily.
"Get up. We're leaving."
* *
*
* *
Author's note: Hey guys, meant to have this up a week ago, so apologies for the delay. Thanks for all the reviews from the last chapter. For the reviewers who asked about why they are traveling at night, I put an explanation in a repost of the last chapter. Also, hope that the fact that Sirius is alive isn't confusing. I started the story before the 5th book came out. Yes, I'm sad for not finishing by now... Next chapter should be up soon after Christmas. Should involve Severus divulging some of this past to Harry and McGonagall informing Sirius, Remus, and perhaps Draco of some of Severus' past. Thanks for reading! Please review!