Away From the Sun

Disclaimer: Don't own 'em, I'm just a spoony Bard.

Warning! Spoilers for books 1-5. I am going to pretend that anything that happens Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince , witch comes out on July 16 (YEA!) , hasn't happened, so don't kick me if something really cool happens in the book and I make no mention of it.

Warning 2! This is gonna be yaoi, that's boys loving boys, so if you don't like the idea of Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter snogging senseless, don't read, and piss off if ya feel the need to flame me for such.

Chapter Nine

Here without You

Harry's POV

It wasn't until after Thanksgiving that things started getting worse. Draco's father pulled him out of school a week before the Christmas holidays, telling Dumbledore that there had been a family emergency, Narcissa was ill.

I haven't seen him in three days now, and it feels like an eternity.

A hundred days have made me older
Since the last time that I saw your pretty face

Hermione says I've been moping around the castle. But I guess I kinda have been. I'm just worried is all. Although Lucious did say that Draco would be back after break with the rest of his classmates, I can't help but wonder what's going on. I haven't heard anything from him, though I would assume it's not safe for him to send messages.

"Harry, you have to stop moping or someone will figure it out. I mean honestly, you've been this way since he left." Hermione sighed and closed her book. We were sitting in the common room, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and I. Ron was sleeping next this girlfriend, head rested on her shoulder, and Neville and Ginny had taken advantage of the situation, and Ginny had finally decided to kiss him. They were currently involved in a pretty good snog session next to the fireplace.

"I can't help it. I haven't heard anything. Not even from Dumbledore." I groaned and slouched down further in the chair I was sitting in.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Did you ever think that there might be someone better to talk to about it?"

I frowned, thinking. "Who?"

She rolled her eyes again, typical Hermione. "His godfather maybe?" She said in her usual tone that meant I should have thought of it sooner.

"Honestly Harry, you are so dense sometimes." She picked her book back up and went back to reading. Ancient Runes, I think.

Knowing she was right, I sighed. The only question was, did I really want to go talk to Snape? Deciding that even if I really didn't like the potions master that much, he would probably know how Draco was, I sighed again and stood.

"Wh'r you goin?" Ron mumbled from his spot on the couch.

"To see Snape." I answered bluntly. Then without further explanation, I left the common room and headed down to the dungeons.

The halls were quiet, kinda surprising as it wasn't late at all. I made good time down to Snape's office. The door to his classroom was open; there was a cauldron of something bubbling quietly in the corner. The door to his office was open slightly and I made my way over to it.

I couldn't see him from the doorway without actually opening the door, and the last thing I wanted to do was to invade Snape's lodgings looking for him, even if I did know how to get in there.

I knocked on the half open door and waited. Seconds after, the door opened all the way, and I was standing in front of the potions master.

"Potter." It held the usual distain it always did.

"Professor Snape, I- I was wondering if I cold have a word in private?" It felt weird asking, but I forced myself to anyway. He was probably the only one who could tell me what I wanted to know.

Draco's POV

I was livid when my father came to collect me a week before break started, telling Dumbledore some bullshit line about how Mother was ill. I'd known it was a lie from the start. I'd gotten an owl from her the day before.

I was in Malfoy manor currently, getting ready to play the good little Death Eater role. My father was in his study, getting ready as well.

Honestly the only person I feel like I'm betraying anymore is Mother. She's always been there for me, a special bond.

"Draco, honey?" Mother's voice lilted through the room as the door opened.

"Come in Mother." I answered her, turning to the doorway with a smile.

She entered the doorway with her customary smile, the one she saves just for me. "You have an owl from your godfather." Stretching her arm out she traded off the black owl my father had given Severus seven years ago as a gift.

"Thank you." I took Archimedes from her. He hooted at me, nipped my finger affectionately, and held out his leg for me to remove the scroll.

As I unrolled it, mother kissed my cheek. "I'll give you some privacy sweetheart."

"Thank you Mother." I answered absentmindedly. The door clicked shut behind her, and as I glanced at the parchment, I nearly fell over.

The owl may be my godfather's, but the handwriting was Harry's. Holy shit. He'd found a way to communicate with me where no one would read the letters, or question who they came from.

Draco-

I hope this letter finds you well, (I sound like a professor or something). I miss you, and I'm worried about you. What does your dad have you doing that you had to leave? Even the other Junior Death Eaters have no idea, and yes, I've been spying on them. An invisibility cloak comes in handy sometimes. We're having another ball, for Yule. I won't be attending. I really have no reason to go if I can't have you there by my side, and something tells me that your dad wouldn't appreciate it if you showed up attached to my arm in your finest dress robes.

I asked Snape if there was anyway to contact you without your father knowing. Believe me; I was surprised that he actually let me use his personal owl. But at least I know no one will read this letter, and so I can tell you that I ache for you. I miss you so much; I don't even know how to explain it. I just can't wait till I can be back in your arms, and all these lies and deception and war and secrets are over. I don't think I can really explain what you mean to me. I miss you Draco.

Love, Harry

I smiled as I closed the parchment. Severus never liked Harry to begin with, hated his fucking guts was more like it. But something tells me that Severus is starting to warm to him. Could have something to do with the fact that his godson is shagging the Boy-Who-Lived's brains out.

I stashed the letter and vowed I would return post later that night. Archimedes perched in the windowsill and looked at me expectantly.

"I don't have time right now. But if you stay put I'll send you back later." I told him, setting out food and water for the bird.

I sighed as he started drinking. Time for the show.


A thousand lies have made me colder
And I don't think I can look at this the same

"Ah young Malfoy." The Dark Lord snaked his way through the crowd of masked Death Eaters to stand in front of me. How the fuck he tells us apart when these robes hide any signs of gender and our faces are covered in white, unpainted Chinese opera masks?

I bowed deeply. "My lord?"

"Stand. You are still keeping tabs on the Potter child and his companions, yes?" It reminded me of my father, the way he spoke. So fucking condescending I felt like a three year old. There really was no question, and no correct way to answer. I stayed silent, but stopped bowing and scraping like the rest of these fools around me.

"Tell me young Malfoy, how is Potter and his friends?" He smiled sickeningly.

I scowled. Death Eaters Don't Smile.

"Potter is a fool and a moron. He has no idea that there are people in the castle joining you. He is of course, wary of Snape, and for damn good reason." I looked Voldemort in the eyes and almost shuddered at the emptiness they held. No love for anything but himself. Even his most faithful and loyal Death Eaters mean nothing to him. "I trust that Severus has kept you informed of the junior group's progress?"

"Of course he has." Then the demented, sick, twisted fuck smiled at me.

"And I am please to say that I approve of your actions. Taking care of our youngest and purest is important."

Bullshit.

"However-" he raised his wand and pointed it at me. "You have neglected to prepare your regiment for any sort of battle." His smile went from approving; to menacing so fast I thought he might Adava Kedarva me on the spot. Oh fuck me. "And I do not tolerate idleness. Crucio."

The pain ripped through me like ten thousand knives. I grit my teeth, refusing to scream. It was much more powerful than my father's version of the curse. What felt like an eternity of suffering was actually only mere minutes. He lifted the curse and I nearly fell to the ground in relief. Doing so would have probably insured more pain and I forced myself to stay standing.

"Young Malfoy, you are stronger than I give you credit for. Even your father cannot stay silent for the Crutaicious curse. It is no wonder he plied for your early initiation." He smiled almost sweetly at me, then turned to the rest of the gathering. "The rest of you would do well to learn form young Malfoy here." Turning back to me he stared. "Prepare your regiment, or next time I will not be as lenient."

I bowed again; disgusted with myself that I'm forced to act like everything I hate to make sure that this asshole never again regains full power.

"Thank you My Lord. I will do as asked."

Voldemort turned to my father then. "You have raised a fine son Lucious. I am pleased with you."

Hours later, back at the manor, I threw the thick black robes into the closet and stashed the mask in the trunk I used to keep my toys in when I was a child. Someone knocked on my door. It wasn't Mother. She never knocks.

"Enter." I closed the lid of my trunk and turned to see who had entered my private quarters. My father stood in the doorway.

"A word." It was not a request. He closed the door behind him and sat in the chair next to the fire place. My father hasn't entered my room since I was ten, saying that I was a going to be a man and a man has to be able to keep his secrets private.

I sat on the floor at his feet, like I did many times as a child.

"Father?" I looked up at him.

"I would not normally intrude upon your dwellings son, however-" and for the first time I can remember, my father smiled at me. "Tonight you made me proud."

I'd been waiting to hear those words from his lips since I was old enough to understand speech. They didn't bring any of the happiness I expected. Instead, I was saddened and disappointed that the only way that my father can be proud of me for torturing innocent people, and my ability to lie and take pain. However, I still have a role to play.

I smiled at him. "Thank you Father."

"You have proven tonight hat you truly are worthy of the Malfoy name. I am happy to tell you that as of tomorrow, I will be setting up an account for you at Gringotts with you inheritance."

I blinked. "Sir?"

"Mind, you will not be receiving the estate yet, however, you will be granted a substantial portion of the Malfoy treasure for your very own. Think of it as a reward for your behavior." He smiled at me again, and then ruffled my hair. He hasn't done that since I was three. "Sleep well Draco. There is another gathering in three days. You will be participating in your first raid."

Excitement built, not for the fact of pillaging some defenseless, unsuspecting village, but for the fact that for the first time since my initiation, my father trusted me with valued information. I needed to find out where. I needed to tell Harry.

I didn't hide my excitement knowing my father would misinterpret it. "Where Father? Where are we going?"

"To Hogsmead. It will be quite a blow to Dumbledore when we attack the village just when the students form Hogwarts are shopping for their robes for the Yule Ball." Then he gave me a sad look. "I am sorry that you will be unable to attend the ball, I know how you love to dance."

"It will be fine Father. I would much rather give Mudbloods a run for their money than go to some stupid ball." I grinned at him.

"Goodnight." He stood and left my room silently.

It was too late to do anything about it tonight. I hurt, and tonight I just needed desperately to sleep. Action would have to wait until morning.

I stood form my place on the floor in front of the dying fire. I would have to get a house elf up here in the morning to start it up again. But for now I just needed sleep.

I lay on my bed, fully clothed and closed my eyes.

All the miles that separate
Disappear now when I'm dreamin' of your face

Harry kissed me, fingers tangling in my hair, lips almost bruising with the ferocity of his kiss. I pushed into him, pressing our bodies together, reveling in the way he felt against me, the way he smelled, the taste of his lips.

"Draco…" He pulled away and whispered my name in a husky, desperate voice.

"Harry…" I answered in turn, my breath brushing against his lips. Tilting my head to the side, I traced his lips with my tongue. He gasped in response, crashing his mouth against mine. His fingers fumbling with clasp of my robe, tearing the fabric when it wouldn't give.

He pushed it off my shoulders as I undid the clasp of his own robes, sliding the material off his frame, reveling in the feel of his flesh beneath the cotton of his shirt.

He pushed me over onto the bed, landing on top of me in a tangle of arms and legs, His hands tugged my shirt form my pants, running his palms over my chest, fingers brushing my nipples, making me gasp into his mouth. Buttons flew when he couldn't get his fingers to cooperate and he simply ripped the shirt open.

My hands peeled away the t-shirt that clung to his frame, throwing it carelessly to the floor. Our mouths broke contact when it lifted over his head, but only long enough to remove the offending article of clothing.

"I love you." Words so simple, holding so much promise.

I smiled, "I love you too Harry-"

I woke with a start and groaned. Of all fucking times to wake up.

"Master Draco?" A small voice, obviously belonging to one of our many house elves, invaded my foggy brain. I lifted my head and looked in the direction of the voice. It was Dibby.

"What?" I snapped, annoyed that the perfect dream had been interrupted.

"I'm very sorry to disturb Master Draco, but Dibby was told to tell young Master that his mother would like him to join her for breakfast in the drawing room." The elf bowed to me and backed out of the room. I slammed my head back into he pillow in frustration. I was achingly hard, I needed release.

I slid my hand down into my sleep-wrinkled trousers, unzipping them as I went. I wrapped a hand around myself as I closed my eyes and imagined Harry's face as I stroked myself to a quick release.

When I was finished, I sighed and slid out of bed. At least breakfast with Mother will be good. It's been awhile since I got to spend any time with her.

With the dream still fresh in my memory, the feeling of Harry's lips still on mine, I made my way to the drawing room to greet Mother.


I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind

I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time

"Who is she darling?" Mother poured me another cup of tea, and looked at me expectantly. I almost chocked on my sausage.

"What?" Damn, I'd forgotten Mother was empathic.

"Who is she? This girl that makes you sparkle?" She smiled sweetly at me.

"She does not exist." I answered quickly.

She raised her eyebrows at me. "Draco Lucious Malfoy. Do not lie to me. You're in love with someone. Who is she?"

I sighed. "Like I said Mother, SHE does not exist." I clutched the cup of tea in front of me, attempting to stop myself from shaking. There's not too many important pieces of information Mother keeps from my father. The fact that their son was flaming gay, and in love with Harry Potter, of all fucking people, just might count as important enough to tell Lucious.

Mother set down her tea cup, the realization of what I'd just said finally dawning on her. She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out.

"Mother?" I looked at her carefully. She was processing the information quickly. I broke up with Pansy, was moody for a period of time, then all the sudden I (as she puts it) sparkle, yet have no girlfriend.

She cleared her throat and picked up her tea, took a deep drink, set it back on the table and looked at me again.

"So who is he?"

I stared at the food that still sat unfinished on my plate. "Are you sure you want to hear this?" I asked in an almost whisper.

She rolled her eyes, and smiled. "Draco, sweetie, I am not Lucious. To me it doesn't matter that he's a boy. There are other ways to get an heir than impregnate a woman." Her smile became sneaky and mischievous. "So who is he? Tell me about him." She folded her hands under her chin and rested her elbows on the table.

I blushed furiously. "His name is Harry." I answered rather lamely.

He hands dropped to her lap and her eyes went wide. "You mean Potter don't you?" She whispered in shock.

My turn to roll my eyes at her. "Well he is the only Harry there." I picked up my tea as she composed herself again.

"Well then, that explains a lot." She picked up her own tea and drank. Setting the cup in front of her she smiled warmly at me.

I gave her a skeptical look. "And what exactly does that explain?" I asked, eyeing her warily, and speaking in a low voice.

"Your father isn't here, so there is no need for that." She scolded. "And it explains a lot. You have been acting very different since about three weeks before school started. I already know what happened, you godfather knows he can trust me." She gave me sly smile. "You're not the only member of this family that doesn't agree with your father." She paused and looked at me, waiting for the information to sink in.

"WHAT?" came bursting out of my mouth. "You WHAT?"

"Draco, don't shout. I'm right here and I can hear you perfectly fine." Her tone was the same she used when she would scold when I was younger.

"I'm sorry Mother, but- this is- I mean-" I couldn't find any words to describe the bewilderment I felt. "The fuck." I rubbed my hands into my eyes and looked at Mother.

"Language Draco." She chided. She was amused by this.

"I'm sorry" I said automatically, still staring at her in shock.

"Don't look so surprised darling. Just because I love your father doesn't mean I have to love what he does." She folded her hands under her chin again, resting her elbows on the table. "So tell me about Harry." She smiled at me as I started telling her about the real Harry Potter.

Harry's POV

I sighed for what must have been the hundredth time in the last hour. It was the last day of classes before the holiday break officially began. Ron put his Transfiguration book down and glared at me.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I can't get any studying done at all." Now he sighed, exasperated with me.

"You sound like Hermione." I mumbled.

"Look, you only sent the letter yesterday, I'm sure he got it. And it might take a day for him to respond." Ron threw a pillow at me. We were in the boys dorms, lying on our own respective beds.

I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight, there's only you and me.

To top everything off, I keep dreaming about him. I keep having this dream about the Hogsmead trip the day after tomorrow. I think something bad is going to happen.

I have told Dumbledore, and all he says is that if I see anything more specific in my dreams to warn him. I sighed in frustration and sat up.

"I need to go for a walk." I pulled on my shoes and walked out. I took the stairs two at a time, making sure to skip the trick stairs on the way. The common room was empty, most of the students left for home this afternoon, Ron and I were the only seventh year boys, then there was Hermione for the girls, and Ginny stayed, other than that, there was a couple of underclassmen running around.

I stopped as I passed the fireplace, thinking for a second that I saw someone in the flames.

"The hell?" I muttered, taking a closer look. As I got closer I could make out part of a face. I squinted to try to get a better look.

"Holy shit!" I fell backwards as Draco's head came through the fire.

"Shut up Harry. Someone might hear." He looked vaguely annoyed. "Come closer."

I leaned down to the fireplace until I was almost eye level with him. "What?" I whispered.

"Voldemort is going to be attacking Hogsmead in two days, while you guys are there. Father told me last night; this is the first time I've been able to send word." He sounded rushed, like he'd run to the fireplace.

"This weekend?"

"Yes!" he sounded exasperated now. "How the hell are you the one in charge of a serious part of Voldemort's opposition? Don't answer that."

"Hey!" I shot at him.

"Shut up. I need to you tell Severus immediately. He doesn't know, he wasn't required to be at the last meeting, Voldemort tries to keep him on the down low because he's still a teacher and doesn't want his cover blown."

"Stop!" I raised my hands to shut him up. "You're ranting." He stopped, took a deep breath, looked behind him and smiled.

"I love you Harry." he smiled and vanished from the fireplace before I could respond.

I stood from the hearth, dusted ashes from my robe and took off out the portrait door, ignoring the Fat lady and her friend Violet and their drunken ramblings as I raced down the corridors to Snape's office.

The miles just keep rollin'
As the people leave their way to say hello
I've heard this life is overrated
But I hope that it gets better as we go.

"How long ago did he contact you?" Snape turned to a cabinet beside his desk and produced two mugs.

"Maybe ten minutes ago." I panted, still out of breath form my run through the halls.

"Good." He picked up a teapot that had been simmering over a burner he usually had a cauldron on and poured two cups of tea. "Sweet or bitter?" He asked, picking up a jar of honey.

"Sweet please sir." I felt a little odd having tea with Snape, but I felt I really couldn't' refuse the unspoken offer. He put two spoonfuls of honey into each cup and handed one to me while stirred his.

"Sit down." he pointed to a large chair in the corner of his office. I sat, and took a drink of the steaming tea that Snape had given me.

"Um, Professor Snape? Don't you think you should let Dumbledore know as soon as possible?" I asked, uncertain of why the potion's master was still sitting here when there was an attack on the way.

"Yes, I will tell him, however, I cannot have you so flustered running through the hallways. There are still people watching you and you can't be giving away things that you aren't supposed to know. Sit, drink your tea and calm down."

"Yes sir." I took a deep drink of the tea and was mildly surprised to find that it was chamomile. I don't know what I was expecting form him, but it certainly wasn't this.

"And Pot- Harry, I think in light of certain events, you may call me Severus in private." He stood from behind his desk and started towards the doorway. "Finish your tea and return to your dorm. I am heading to speak with the headmaster." He left his office, leaving me alone with a very sweet cup of half finished tea.

I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time

I sat and finished my tea, looking around Snape's office I was surprised to find that he apparently kept an 'organized mess'. Things were haphazardly piled together.

I though about Draco and his relationship with Sn- I mean Severus. (Calling him by his first name is going to take some getting used to.) Severus is- I mean you can really tell he cares about Draco. He's someone important to him. When my mug was empty I set it on his desk and left the room, taking my time as I made my way absently out of the castle.

In two days the first of many battles would take place. I walked slowly towards the lake, thinking about what was going to happen. When I reached the shoreline I stopped, having not realized how long I'd been walking.

The only thing I knew to be absolutely true right now was that life was completely fucked up. And the upper DA needed to get together before this weekend's trip into town. I prayed Draco wouldn't get hurt or caught.

I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl, there's only you and me.

Draco's POV

In two hours I will one of many masked Death Eaters rampaging through Hogsmead and causing as much destruction as I could. I scowled at myself in the mirror I was standing in front of.

"Don't I look fucking fabulous." I shot at myself. I sighed. "Time to go play Death Eater of the Year." I mumbled, picking up my mask and walking out of my room.

Everything I know, and anywhere I go
It gets hard but it won't take away my love

People were screaming everywhere I turned, the Slytherin supporters of Voldemort were getting the younger students from the house together and to a safe location. The DA was flinging defense after defense at the Death Eaters attacking them. Some of the older students were guiding younger ones to a safer place. I stood in the center of the Town Square, taking in the carnage around me.

I watched a masked and cloaked Death Eater cast Adava Kedrava on Madame Rosmerta. I cringed inwardly as I pointed my want at a fellow seventh year, a Hufflepuff, hissed the words, and watched boils break open on his face, and I sure as hell know they were also breaking out in other places on his body.

Father said that after the raid we were going to Russia for the holidays and to keep a low profile until I was supposed to be back at school. The idea was that since we were out of the country we had no knowledge of the attack until my return. I was supposed to play the shocked and upset son of the rich man. What a crock of shit.

The carnage raged on, beneath my mask, I cried.

Harry's POV

The attack was sudden even though we knew it was coming. There were more professors there than usual, their excuse as that it was the last weekend before we were actually on holiday break.

It broke out when mass numbers of Death Eaters apparated into the center of Hogsmead. Panic broke out form there, sending students, professors, townspeople, and members of the Order running in all different directions.

I don't remember much about the actual battle. I cast spells as they came to me; many of them were the ones that the upper DA had been practicing in the Room of Requirement at all odd hours of the night. I picked up students that had tripped over themselves, pushing them towards the safety of the castle.


And when the last one falls, when it's all said and done.
It gets hard but it won't take away my love

In the center of the square stood a Death Eater, his wand pointed at McGonagal. I pushed through the crowd, raising my wand as I came within range of the two of them.

"Drop it!" I screamed. "Stupefy!" A red beam shot from my wand, missing the Death Eater by inches. He tuned and faced me instead.

"Potter." My name sounded flat, and he rushed forward, pushing me into a nearby wall. His wand rose again, digging into my throat.

I panicked inside, instead of lifting my wand and casting one of the numerous pain causing spells I've learned recently, I kicked him. My heart pounded in my chest. I kicked out again.

"Looks like Baby Potter isn't such the golden boy after all." He leaned in close, the mouth of his mask inches form my ear. "It's called a wand Harry, use it. Or I'll have to use mine."

I didn't think, I simply raised my wand and whispered "Protego!" knocking the Death Eater away. He stood, brushed off his robes, and before I could cast another spell I was grabbed roughly by the arm and dragged towards the castle. I watched behind me as the Death eater I encountered stared after me, and only then did I realize what had happened.

That Death Eater had been Draco.

I shivered and looked to my rescuer and saw Lupin at my side. "Remus where are we going?" I asked as I ran along side him.

"Back to the school. Dumbledore doesn't want any more students injured. Voldemort's followers are scattering. We were well prepared this time." he twisted his head around and caught hold of another student. It was Blaise Zabini. "Come on boys. When we get there, go directly to your common rooms."

He pushed us into the castle doors, where we both stopped as soon as they shut behind us. Blaise stared at me.

"What?" I asked, annoyed and still shaking.

"You were just- I mean- the attack- and then you and that Death Eater-"

I rolled my eyes and started walking away. "Wait!" The black haired boy ran to catch up with me.

"What now?" I asked, starting to now worry about my best friends. I hadn't seen them since right before the attack broke out,

"I just wanted to ask, are you okay? It's just that Draco will kill me if you aren't."

I stopped dead in my tracks. "What?" I asked, unsure of exactly what he meant.

"Are you okay?" he repeated.

"I'm fine. What the hell do you mean Draco will kill you otherwise?" I turned and looked at him.

"I mean Draco told me that I needed to make sure that you didn't get hurt."

I let that sink in for a moment. "You mean you're his Slytherin confidant?" I stared at him for a moment. Draco never told me the name of the person in Slytherin that was, something about protecting their identity.

"Yes. Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine. I-" I just kinda stared at him for a second.

"Good. Go back to your tower." and before I could ask any more questions, he ran down a flight of stairs, making his way to the dungeons.

I ran to the Gryffindor tower, almost screamed the password to the Fat Lady and raced inside to see my friends.

"Ron! Hermione! I shouted, almost tripping over the Creevy brothers.

"Harry! Over here!" Ron's voice pierced through the other Gryffindor students. I made my way over to them quickly.

"You guys are all okay? I asked. The entire upper DA, minus of course, Draco, had gathered in a corner.

"We're all fine. No one that we know of got hurt so far." Hermione answered absently as she was counting heads of younger students. "All Gryffindors are accounted for."

I sighed in relief as we waited to find out how the rest of the school had fared. As we sat in the corner discussing what we could have done better, my mind wandered.

I wonder if Draco got away.

I wonder if he got hurt.

I wonder when I'll hear from him again.

Draco's POV

The Order of the Phoenix dispersed the attack quickly. After Lupin tore Harry away from the battle, I twisted my way into the mass of Death Eaters that were retreating and met my father at the rendezvous previously set by him.

"Draco." h e greeted me, removing his mask as he approached. I took my own mask off, glad that it had shielded the expressions of horror that must have shown on my face during the attack.

"Father." I forced myself to smile at him even though my brain was still reeling with the fresh images of the seven Muggle-borns that a group of Death Eaters, my own father was probably one of them, had branded with red hot pokers. I can still smell their burning flesh.

"We go now." He threw his mask aside and dropped the thick black robes. I took his lead, ridding myself of the evidence of my involvement. I pray to fucking Merlin that Harry and his friends are all okay.

We apparated to Kings Cross. Lucious had insisted that we use regular transportation so we had proof of an alibi when the ministry came knocking on our door to ask questions. Mother would meet us there.

I sighed as we boarded the train. It would be another week and a half before I knew how Harry had fared. Another week and a half before I could tell him I was okay.

I'm here without you baby
But you're still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby and I dream about you all the time

I'm here without you baby
But you're still with me in my dreams
And tonight girl, there's only you and me

A/N: wipes sweat off brow I'm leaving in less than 24 hours to fly to China and I desperately wanted to get this chapter written before I left since I won't be back until February. So I do apologize for my lack of detail in the Death Eater raid. I do have the next two chapters planned out. Each one will be the rest of the Christmas holidays, one from Harry's POV and the other from Draco's.

I'm a little disappointed in you people. I only got 2 reviews on my last chapter! You lazy bastards. Well I'm going to give you people a little incentive to review. I will leave this open until the first of February.

I am thinking of giving Snape a lover….. My only dilemma is who it should be. So I'm going to let you people choose. Who will be Snape's lover? Leave me your vote of any characters I haven't paired off yet and whoever gets the most votes will be Severus Snape's love interest. If nobody votes… Snape gets no love. So it's up to you people.

And that's all I have for you for now! I hope to be able to post a new chapter VERY shortly after my return to the U.S.

Hugs and kisses to my reviewers