"Have you tried just summoning it back to you?" Neville asked, taking a bite of his sandwich. Harry hadn't met his friends at the game as he'd been planning, but they all met up in the Great Hall for lunch, where he told them about the missing map. They were all shocked to learn of the Map's disappearance, and each aware of how bad the situation had become.
"I tried a couple of times." Harry shrugged. "Whoever took it probably put it somewhere where it couldn't get out or put anti-summoning charms on it."
"But who could have taken it?" Hermione wondered aloud. "I mean, who would even know what it was or how to activate it?"
"Could it have been Dean or Seamus?" Neville wondered, but Harry shook his head. "As far as I know, they didn't know about it, and secondly, they would have asked. They're just not the type to steal from one of their housemates." Harry said. Neville thought for a moment and had to agree. Dean and Seamus were a lot of things, but they would never steal from their dorm mates.
"You're always so careful when you use it." Hermione said. "Seriously, How could anyone know about it, or what it does?"
"Thousands of sentient portraits in this place and you wonder how anyone would know of the existence of a magical map?" Tracey asked sarcastically.
"What about when we used it in the library. There were loads of people around." Daphne said, looking disheartened. "Anyone could have seen, and made it look as if they were looking for a book. It's so quiet in there that anyone could have heard how it was activated, too."
Harry's shoulders slumped. He had been so desperate to find out what Malfoy was hiding, he had risked looking at the Marauder's Map. Not to mention the fact that a room such as the library where there were loads of people aroound, it was difficult to tell who was close to you. Harry remembered using the map several times in the library over the ast month, and he had never paid any mind to who might have been around him. He felt so idiotic now, and wanted desperately to find the damn map again. Daphne rubbed his shoulder soothingly.
"I'm sorry." She said softly.
"What if it was Draco?" Tracey asked. The others looked up interested in her theory.
"He tried getting that potion from Daphne, why not try and get Harry's map if he felt he needed it. Would it be so hard to get up to Gryffindor tower and get it? If he was patient, and planned it out, he could have learned from his mistakes and gotten his grubby hands on it."
"But what would he use it for?" Hermione wondered. "I thought you two said he was locking himself in the Room of Requirement."
"He is, but that doesn't mean he couldn't use the map for something." Daphne pointed out. "If you were up to something bad, wouldn't you find it beneficial to know where your enemies were?"
Hermione agreed, and became silent.
"Maybe he's using it to watch my movements now." Harry thought out loud.
"You mean, like learning your patterns to make it easy to get at you?" Neville quipped.
"We know I'm number one on his list. If Draco learns where I go and all that, he might be able to set a trap for me. He could also use it to get out of the castle anytime he wants." Harry added.
Daphne did not like this line of thought at all.
"That's simple enough to fix. Just use different routes to classes and stuff. Keep him guessing. Never take any passage more than two days in a row, so he can't get the drop on you." Tracey suggested, finishing her soup.
"That makes sense." Hermione nodded. "But shouldn't we try to get it back from him?"
"Are you suggesting we make another vat of Polyjuice potion" Harry winced, remembering his and Ron's experience as Crabbe and Goyle, not to mention the disgusting taste of the stuff.
"No. I'm suggesting that you ask Snape to make him return it."
"That might not be a good idea." Harry said. "How am I going to convince Snape to help get back the one thing that would prove all his theories about my lawlessness correct? He'd love to finally be able to punish me for all the things he thinks I've done. "
"I forgot about that." Hermione said her shoulders slumping a bit.
"Daphne and I could check his trunk for you." Tracey suggested. "We wouldn't even need Polyjuice."
"I think that goes without saying." Daphne smiled.
Harry's eyes suddenly opened wide, and he smiled brightly. He stood up from the table and began heading out of the Great Hall. His friends watched him for just a moment and got up to follow. Harry led them to the entrance to the kitchens, and after tickling the picture of the pear, the group entered the kitchens where hundreds of house elves bustled about cooking dinner, and cleaning the lunch dishes.
"Harry Potter, sir!"
Daphne and the others couldn't help but laugh as Harry was tackled to the ground by a very excited little elf with large green eyes and a mass of knobbly hats on his head.
"Hello, Dobby." Harry gasped, tugging at the little elf's arms which were secured very tightly around his waist.
"Dobby is very pleased to be seeing the Great Harry Potter. How can Dobby serve the most noble Harry Potter and his friends this day?" Dobby said, letting go of Harry and giving a regal bow.
"Dobby, I think Draco Malfoy stole something from me. Is there anyway that you could look in his school trunk and get it back for me?"
Dobby's bat like ears sagged and he shook his head. "I is being unable to help you. House elves can not be going into students belongings. Not even to put away clean clothes."
"That makes sense." Hermione said flatly. "That's why our laundry is always folded and placed on our beds."
Harry looked very upset, but Daphne took his hand, and assured him that it would all be okay. The group visited with Dobby for a bit, and Dobby kept apologizing for being unable to help Harry, even though Harry tried to reassure the elf that he would solve the problem on his own.
His friends all vowed to watch Malfoy carefully, and try to get the map back into Harry's possession. The last thing any of them wanted was for Draco to succeed in trapping Harry and delivering him to the Dark Lord.
The week passed quickly, and an air of excitement became permeable through the sixth and seventh years, as they would begin Apparition lessons. The night before, Harry met with Dumbledore for another lesson.
"Professor Snape has informed me that he has completed lessons with you. May I ask how you feel about what he has shown you?" Dumbledore asked as Harry sat down in front of Dumbledore's desk. During their last lesson, Dumbledore had informed Harry that their next meeting would be pure academic.
"To be honest, sir, I have to say after our last lesson that I feel… tainted, somehow. The last spell he showed me is just a step under an Unforgivable. I mean, he showed me the counter curse and everything, but…"
"War is never easy, especially for those who have to fight it. This is an ugly war, Harry, and though it is my deepest wish that you never again have to take a life, the reality of our situation almost demands that you will. You and your friends. Stunning and binding your enemies will only do so much especially if you're outnumbered and Death Eaters can revive their fallen numbers. Severus has kept me informed of your progress throughout your lessons, so I know what you have been taught. While I would never advise you to use dark spells, do not avoid using them either. They might save your life as well as those you care for."
Harry nodded, fully understanding the Headmaster's words, though he still felt sick whenever he thought of what he could now do to an enemy.
"As I told you, tonight will be quite easy. Tonight, I wish merely to speak to you as an equal. I have had the great privilege of watching you grow into a very admirable human being, Harry. I am quire proud to say that I know you."
"Thank you, sir." Harry said. He felt suddenly uncomfortable.
"Professor McGonagall tells me that you are preparing for a career as an Auror."
"That's true." Harry said.
"A noble pursuit to be sure, but after all you've done, and with what lies ahead for you, have you thought of other career paths? I must say that there have been more than a handful of professional teams who are interested in your performance on the Quidditch Pitch."
"No one's approached me yet." Harry smiled. "I would have to give it some thought. The truth is, I've been fighting Dark wizards my whole life."
"That you have." Dumbledore chuckled. Harry smiled at the old man's mirth and the two shared a good long chuckle.
"I just want you to know that there are options. Just because you've found yourself fighting the Darkness, doesn't mean that is what you are fated to do."
"I'll think about it. I have a few things to do yet before I can make any kind of decision, don't you think, sir?"
"That you do, m'boy." Dumbledore gave a soft smile.
Dumbledore became silent as he stared at Harry for a bit, while Harry waited patiently for the Headmaster to get to the point of that evening's meeting. With a great sigh, Dumbledore began to speak once again.
"I believe I am very close to finding another Horcrux, Harry. But I fear it will not be as easy as the last one. It is my suspicion, given it's potential location, that we will encounter many enchantments and protections. It is my hope to discover the exact location within the next two weeks. In this time, I should like it if your prepare yourself, as I will be bringing you along with me. I should like it if we destroy the Horcrux right away, and not bring it back with us to Hogwarts."
"Of course, sir. What do you think I should do?"
"I should like it if you fill a knapsack with your sword, invisibility cloak, and any other items that you think would be useful in a fight. Also, ask Madam Pomfrey for a basic healing kit. Tell it is on my request that you have asked for it. Shrink the knapsack, and keep it with you at all times. I must impress upon you Harry, that this will be very dangerous, and I would like your oath that you will do everything that I ask of you with no questions."
"You have it, sir." Harry said confidently.
"Good. Now, Let me explain to you what I expect." Dumbledore said.
For the next hour, Dumbledore explained to Harry all he suspected of their next Horcrux location. He reminded Harry of one of the memories they had observed during the last summer, and how Voldemort had certain places that held some kind of sentimental value to him. He then went on to remind Harry of the Horcruxes that still alluded them.
"Sir, how are things going with the Order? Have they had anymore incidents?" Harry asked.
"It seems as if Lord Voldemort is congregating his forces. There have been no attacks, kidnappings or even threats since Christmas. Professor Snape did notice some rather strange behavior from him during his stay at Malfoy Manor. It is our collected belief that he is losing his power with each Horcrux that is destroyed, though he seems unaware of the reason as of yet. No doubt that is in large part to the fact that you no longer are connected to him. He is essentially blind as to what we are up to, and therefore has no idea why he is losing his power."
"Do you think he will be without magic when I end up facing him?" Harry asked, a little excitement in his voice.
"I wish that were the case. Lord Voldemort was a very powerful man when he walked these hallowed halls. His power increased to unforeseen levels at the height of his power, even surpassing my own. The only reason he has been unable to defeat me is that he is simply not as clever as I am, if I could be so humble."
Harry remembered seeing Dumbledore and Voldemort fight in the Ministry and how spectacular both men's magic was.
"Though, do not be discouraged. I believe that you will be fairly evenly matched upon your next meeting." Dumbledore continued. "Magic is part of our very soul, Harry, and upon making his horcrux's, he not only protected himself from death, but also his magic. With each Horcrux that is destroyed, a bit of his magic is destroyed as well. It is my belief that when you actually face him again, you will defeat him, not because you are more powerful, but because you will be more clever than he could ever hope to be. Remember, it is not the amount of spells in your arsenal, but how well you use those spells. Voldemort is very good at Unforgivables, but he has become dependant on them. Remember that, and do not become too dependant on Disarming or Stunning spells, and you will emerge victorious, I am sure of it.
"I will." Harry promised.
"Very good. I think that will do for this evening. The next time we meet, it will be to destroy another Horcrux. Now, you should get some rest. Apparition lessons are most exhausting."
Harry nodded, and left the Headmaster for the night, leaving Dumbledore alone. The old man had not spoken on the subject he most wanted to, but he knew he could not. He had given his oath to Snape. Harry would need Snape once he himself was gone, and if what Snape had told him was to be believed, that end was coming sooner than they had anticipated.
Voldemort had managed to infiltrate the Ministry, though Snape was unclear on who the spies were. It was the same for the school. Other than Draco, Snape had no idea who the new spies were, or what their jobs were. He only knew that there were thirteen of them, and they themselves were not informed of the others.
Dumbledore knew it was only a matter of time before Lord Voldemort began his siege. He had thankfully put his own plans into motion. In fact, tomorrow morning he would be going to finish preparations before going to search for the Horcrux location, as well as finalizing his will.
Fawkes gave a soft lilting trill from his perch, and Dumbledore sighed heavily as he looked up at his familiar.
"We have very little time left to us, my friend. I am not sure if we will be able to save them all, as I had hoped."
Harry and his friends all listen attentively to Wilkie Twycross, who was explaining how to Apparate. It became painfully clear that there were no great secrets to Apparating, as Twycross kept drilling into them that it came down to the three D's.
"Destination, Determination, Deliberation!" Twycross shouted in his squeaky voice before dozens of wooden hoops began to appear on the floor, and Twycross instructed them all to choose a hoop. Harry was about to select a hoop next to Daphne, when he noticed Draco Malfoy arguing with Crabbe and Goyle near the back of the Great Hall.
"Come on." He said to Daphne, and heading towards the back. They managed to get a couple of hoops right in back of Draco and Goyle, who were still hissing at each other angrily.
"I told you both a hundred times that I'm doing the best I can. I also told you that it's better if you don't know what I'm doing in case you get caught by the damned teachers."
Harry saw Goyle's mouth moving, but he couldn't hear the brute's comments, though it appeared Daphne had, as her eyes had widened.
"Maybe if you told them what you were doing, they'd be more willing to help you." Harry said, a hint of malice in his tone.
Draco spun to face Harry, cold fury in his gray eyes, and looking a bit surprised to find his nemesis behind him. "Mind your business, Potter. Before you wind up like dear mummy and daddy."
"I want my property back, Malfoy." Harry said lowly, as Twycross began speaking again.
"What the hell are you talking about, Potter?" Draco snapped. Like I'd ever take anything of yours. My family can afford the best of every…"
"Maybe last year." Daphne smiled cheekily. "As I understand it, The ministry confiscated all your family's assets when your father got caught with the Dark Mark on his arm after having tried to kill a bunch of school children."
"Don't play stupid, Malfoy, you're not a good enough actor." Harry said, bringing Draco's attention back to him. "I want my map back now."
"Potter! Malfoy!" Pay attention, or excuse yourselves." McGonagall shouted at them. Draco sneered and turned around, ignoring Harry for now.
The next hour dragged on, as no one seemed able to Apparate at all. Though there were many hilarious attempts. Several people did some rather ungraceful pirouettes, and nearly everyone fell down at one point. Only Harry and his friends, who had received a few lessons during their summer, managed anything. Neville splinched himself on his first attempt, but he was put right by Flitwick and McGonagall, who were supervising the lesson.
There were several other people who splinched themselves as well, but other than that, no one managed to apparate.
Once Twycross excused them, Harry stepped in Draco's path, blocking him from getting away.
"I know what you're doing, Draco, and I'm not going to let you succeed." He said threateningly. All through the lesson, Harry had built himself up into a rage at what Draco might be plotting. He was convinced Draco was going to try and kidnap him, or one of his friends. He knew he had no proof, but he hoped he might be able to trick Malfoy into letting something slip.
"Mind your own business, Potter. You have no idea what you're talking about." Draco snapped furiously, trying to shove past Harry, who managed to keeping the thinner boy at bay. Harry was actually a bit surprised that Draco felt so fragile, and his effort to shove Harry felt like a first year pushing against him.
"I know you're the one who killed Millicent." Harry said quickly, not meaning for the accusation to come out.
Draco's face paled even more than it already was. A quick scan of the Great Hall showed that Crabbe and Goyle had left already. They were both extremely angry with him at the moment, and he should have figured they'd not be there to back him up when he needed them.
"Where's your proof?" Draco snarled, not feeling as confident as he tried to sound. His eyes continued searching for a way out, and he avoided Potter's cold green eyes, fearing the rumors about him know legilemency were true.
Harry's hand shot out and clutched Draco's left arm, pulling it up, and tearing at his sleeve. Panic filled Draco and he struggled to free himself. Harry held his wrist tightly, and Draco, having foregone sleep, and many meals, was not as strong as he once was. Fortunately, he remembered he was a wizard.
Harry twisted Draco's arm around so he could see his rival's forearm. He tore at the sleeve to reveal the drawn pale flesh of his enemy, and he caught a glimpse of the writhing dark brand, when suddenly he was flung backward, onto his back.
"HEY!"
Draco was smiling at Potter, whom he'd just sent sprawling out onto the floor when he heard Neville's furious cry.
"MR. LONGBOTTOM!" McGonagall shouted as Neville aimed his wand at Draco Malfoy.
"Professor, he attacked Harry!"
Draco turned, and in his panic, shot out of the Great Hall.
"Stop him!"
Draco knew he was in serious trouble. Even worse. If he was caught, it meant death. The Dark Lord would surely break him out of Azkaban, only to kill him in front of his mother. He had to make it to the Room of Requirement. If he could get there, he'd' be safe once and for all. Over the last week, he'd found that the Room could provide him a bed to sleep in, though he'd yet to figure out how to get food. He could easily hide out there until he could fix the cabinet and call for rescue.
Draco heard people clearly chasing after him, and fired several spells over his shoulder. He heard a suit of armor crash on the floor, and someone scream. He didn't dare look to see if he'd hit anyone.
He slipped into a secret passage behind a tapestry and found himself on the fourth floor. He didn't hesitate and made for the stairs, knowing he had a bit of a lead on his pursuers. He could hear two pairs of footsteps behind him now, and chance a quick glance over his shoulder to find Davis and that Mudblood Granger taking aim with their wands.
Draco fired two spells over his shoulder again, and turned to take another shortcut, only to crash into something pretty solid.
He found himself on the floor, along with Longbottom, who struggled to grab him. Draco manage to slip out of Longbottom's grasp, and to get his feet under him.
"Stupefy!" Neville cried.
"Protego!" Draco shouted, getting a shield up just in time. Draco sent three Bludgeoning hexes at Neville. Neville ducked the first two, and hid behind a marble bust, which took the third, showering him in broken bits of rock. When he looked up, Draco had slipped by him.
Draco got to the stairs and took them three at a time. He heard Granger and Davis coming, and saw Neville hot on his heels.
"Give it up, Malfoy."
Malfoy saw Daphne Greengrass coming down the hall on the sixth floor. Draco didn't hesitate, and sent a barrage of spells at the Slytherin girl, who ducked into a small alcove for cover.
Draco was feeling exhaustion now. He was really regretting his choices to skip meals and sleep in favor of trying to solve the riddle of the Vanishing cabinet. But, he pushed on. He was getting close now, and that spurned him on. All of his pursuers were behind him now, and he thought for sure that he had a clear run to the Room of Requirement now.
"I need a place to hide." He kept repeating to himself as her drew ever closer. So focused on what he needed, that he failed to notice that not only was the door to the Room already visible, but it was open. It wasn't until the door was closed behind him that he realized his mistake.
"EXPELIARMUS!"
Draco's wand flew out of his hand right into that of his enemy, Harry Potter.
"NO!" Draco screamed, beginning to rush his rival. He stopped at once when Harry raised his wand.
"Potter, you don't understand. I have to finish this." Draco began to plead. Harry just stared coldly back at him. "I don't have any other choice."
"No, Malfoy. You're going to Azkaban. I saw the mark. I know it was you who got Millicent killed. I know you're working for Voldemort."
"Yes, alright. I'm working for him." Draco shouted, holding up his arm and revealing the Dark Mark. "I wanted to see you dead for everything you'd done to me. You embarrassed me, and you ruined my family. I've hated you for so many years, and I thought I would finally have my revenge."
"You embarrassed yourself, Malfoy." Harry shouted back. "All those times you tried to prove your superiority, it was you who came up short. And Your father was the one who ruined that family name. Years of back alley dealings, and lording his gold over others, only to be caught in the Ministry in service to Voldemort. And you've followed in his footsteps.
Draco glared at Harry. "You think you understand everything, don't you?"
Harry didn't blink, but only glared in return.
"If I don't do what he wants me to, he'll kill me. He'll kill my mother. At first it was all about getting revenge on you, yes I admit it. But now, I'm just trying to save my mother's life."
"Why don't you just run away?" Harry asked, suspiciously, his wand lowering slightly.
Draco held up his arm again. "This is the reason. He can track me using this. You've no idea of his true power, or his fury. I spent all Christmas Holiday being tortured for other people's failings, Potter. He swore that next time he wouldn't be so kind. I don't have any other choice."
"Maybe you do." Harry said, lowering his wand now, but still watching Draco carefully. "I'll bet everything in my vaults that Dumbledore could help you out of this, and save your mother."
Draco stared incredulously at his school rival. "Are you joking? I'd rather…"
"Die?" Harry cut him off. "Watch your mother die? How stupid are you? Even after everything you've told, everything you've been through. You're still too stubborn and proud to get help from Dumbledore? And why? Because he represents the light? Because he tries to protect the very people you believe are so inferior to you? You're really are an idiot. You deserve Azkaban."
Draco felt very tired and weak, and as he looked up at Harry, he felt his legs give out. He fell to his knees before his bitter rival, his eyes pleading. Draco looked as if he were about to speak when he remembered his mother's words at Christmas.
"Perhaps it is time for us to swallow our pride and ask for assistance."
If you're serious about protecting your mother, why would you balk at asking Dumbledore for help?" Harry said flatly, staring hard at the shadow of his school enemy.
Draco's shoulders slumped as the door opened, and Harry's friends, along with Snape and McGonagall, entered the room. Draco turned to see them all staring at him and Harry. He turned back to face Potter, who's angry face had disappeared to be replaced by a look of compassion. He was cornered now, and he had only two options. Azkaban, and then death, or asking one of the wizards he despised most of all for help.
"Professors," Harry said, still staring at Draco. "We need to speak to Professor Dumbledore immediately."
Draco felt his stomach drop. He had no choice anymore. He had to do as his mother had told him to do, and forget his pride. He had to believe that Potter's trust in the aging old fool was warranted. He knew that he was not going to get away with his crimes, but so long as his mother could be saved, he felt he would be able to face whatever consequences were in store for him. Nothing else mattered anymore.
Draco Malfoy's head fell forward, and his shoulders slumped in complete and utter defeat