Chapter 9 Seeking help

The burning eagle turned to ash that melted away when it touched the table top. I experienced a wave of emotions at this point. Fear, sadness and the most prominent of all, confusion. My brain couldn't process what I'd just seen to be able to make sense of it.

"W, what was that," I breathed.

Draco slowly raised his head and looked straight into my eyes.

"It was a message, a warning of what is coming."

"But what's coming? I don't understand," my voice became desperate as my longing for an explanation grew.

"As I said before, the Death eaters are looking for those that didn't fight for voldemort. I believe that this is my warning to say that they have found me and that they are going to make me pay," Draco said.

I thought for a moment then spoke, "we have to tell someone, get you some protection. We have to do it now because they could be here at any time."

He smiled at me sadly. I knew what this meant. He didn't want to tell, he didn't want to fight.

"But we have to do something. We have to try. They are going to kill you and you don't care," I cried.

"I do care but I know that no one will listen, no one will care."

"Yes they will. I will make them!"

My mind was racing as I strode out the room, out the front door and into the street. Draco followed close behind. At this point I could only think of one person to turn to. I had a feeling deep down that it would be unsuccessful but I had to try.

I wheeled around to face Draco, "how long do you think you have?"

"I don't know, a day or so... Where are you going?"

"That doesn't matter. Promise me while I'm gone that you will stay in the house. The defensive spells that protect it aren't that strong but they will give you some time."

"Some time for what?"

"Time for you to disapperate somewhere safe. I know you don't want to run but I need you to because I don't know what I'd do without you. Over these months we have grown close. After Harry I thought I would never love again and then my saviour came along and took all those negative feelings and turned them into everything positive."

"Cho," Draco said.

"No I need to say this."

"Cho," he repeated.

"Please let me finish. You need to know this."

"Cho I already know what you're going to say but I'd rather just do this..."

He leant down and kissed my lips. My shock was forgotten as a spark ran up my spine and exploded in my head. I forgot everything in that one moment; oh I wish it had lasted longer. The bliss I felt was short lived as we soon broke apart leaving me quite flustered. Suddenly my brain kicked into gear and I remembered everything that I wanted to forget.

Draco was in danger and he didn't want help, I needed to go and get help anyway. And then a new thought blossomed that made me feel giddy inside. I loved him, I loved Draco Malfoy. I loved the bully of my school days and the saviour of my adult days. I wanted to say it out loud to prove that it was real. But when I opened my mouth to speak Draco put his pale finger to my lips and spoke himself.

"Don't worry, I know. Now go, do what you need to do while I await on your return."

With that he turned on his heels and walked away into my brightly lit house.

My mind was so clouded that I apperated in the middle of the road instead of the dark alley way I was aiming for. Luckily it was deserted so the chance of a muggle seeing was reduced. Once I'd straightened my top and flattened my hair I marched off towards a house with an overly large front garden. The door was oak with a brass knocker that I rapped three times with.

Muffled voices could be heard from behind, a lock clicked and the door was pulled open revealing a heavily pregnant Ginny. She took one look at me and attempted to close the door. I flicked my wand, which had been concealed in my pocket, and the door flew open wide sending Ginny stumbling backwards. I strode in, not bothering to wait for an invitation.

"Where's Harry?" I demanded.

"In the living room," Ginny panted.

When I went through the doorway Harry looked up with interest which quickly changed to mild horror.

"What are you doing here?"

"I need your help. I have no one else to turn to."

Harry looked extremely surprised. "What's happened? Are you hurt?" he gabbled.

"Harry," Ginny hissed from the corner. "What does it matter what she wants. We can't help her with anything."

"Actually you can, well Harry can anyway. I said before I need your help and it's vital I receive it. Draco is in trouble. After the final battle at Hogwarts the Death eaters fled to foreign lands. Now they are growing in strength and are hunting down those who didn't fight for Voldemort. Half an hour ago Draco received a message letting him know that the Death eaters are coming for him they are coming to kill him," I said in a rush.

Harry stared at me then said calmly, "and what am I supposed to do about it."

I could barely believe what I heard. "W, what? Didn't you hear what I said? They are going to kill him"

"Yes I did hear. But what am I meant to do?"

"Why don't you care? Why aren't you helping me?" I turned and pointed at Ginny. "It's her. She's poisoned you against me."

Harry stood up. "Ginny hasn't done anything. We aren't together anymore Cho. I think you should go home and have a drink because I think you're over reacting over something pointless."

He walked me to the door, and before I could say another word, shut the door in my face. I was in shock still from what Harry had said. Why would he say something like that? But then there were bigger troubles. I had failed to get help for Draco and at that moment he was alone, an easy target.

I apperated at the bottom of my stairs.

"Draco, Draco are you there," I called. There was no reply.

I began to panic. I ran from room to room looking for any signs of life. Suddenly someone appeared in front of me.

"What are you doing?"

It was Draco.

"Why didn't you answer when I called your name? I've been going mad down here trying to find you."

"Sorry..." His voice was lost as all the glass windows and ornaments shattered. Shards splintered and cut my skin. Five load pops announced the arrival of unwanted guests. The surroundings fell quiet except for the crunch of glass being trod on by heavy boots. A shadow stood before me. I looked up into the eyes of Kingsley Shacklebolt. I knew at once that he was being controlled by the Imperius curse but I didn't have much time to dwell on it because we disapperated a second later.