Chapter Eight

Draco was underneath the Invisibility Cloak again. Remus warned him that until he could produce a good Disillusionment Charm, he was going to be under the cloak.

After a few hours of shouting and tears, Narcissa had finally given in and allowed Draco to leave with Remus. After another long hour of hugs and goodbyes, Draco had finally been able to leave the place he had been cooped up for so long. He was terrified of what was out there, of course he was. And he had to admit to himself, he was going to miss them. All of them. His mother, his aunt, and his uncle. He was beginning to enjoy the times when Ted would try and teach him some extra spells.

They had left with Kingsley still at the house. He said there was an extra part of the plan that he didn't want to discuss in front of Draco, something that he needed to tell his mother and aunt privately.

Draco didn't care though. While he was terrified of being out of the house and out of the protection of his mother, he was quite looking forward to not being confined to the same rooms with no one to talk to but his mother, aunt, and uncle. At least Remus should have some interesting stories, Draco believed.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

"I have a strange feeling…" Remus said mysteriously. He wrapped the black traveling cloak tighter around him. "I think…I think they might be there."

"So, where does this strange feeling lead you? Where?"

"Grimmauld Place."

Nymphadora left her mother and Narcissa in the sitting room while she attended to her father. At first, she was kind of wary about having Narcissa and Draco Malfoy stay with her parents, even if they decided to turn from Voldemort. She didn't trust them at all.

But now…she was beginning to trust them. And she was actually beginning to like them.

She enjoyed the banter she and Draco shared with one another. And she enjoyed his teasing, even though she would never admit it. He sort of felt like the little brother that she had always wanted. The little cousin that she never accepted, and vice versa, until now. She closed the door to the sitting room, leaving her aunt and her mother in privacy.

"This is complete and utter madness!" Narcissa was saying. She was so anxious that she had begun to tug at her hair, pulling some strands out.

"Calm down, Cissy," Andromeda ordered. "You must calm down. And be strong for your sake and for Draco's. If this is what is needed to be done, then it shall be done."

"And if we don't live through it? If we do not live through this damn war?"

Andromeda frowned at her youngest sister. She grabbed her by the shoulders and looked straight into her eyes. Her dark hair contrasted sharply with Narcissa's blonde. "Then I will say this now: I'm glad you're back in my life, Cissy. I've missed you. Truly missed you."

Overcome with emotion, Narcissa began to cry. It seemed that she was always close to tears these days. "I-I…I've missed you, too, 'Dromeda," she cried. She threw her arms around her eldest sister. "I…I…I'm so sorry!"

"You have nothing to apologize for. It is I who should be apologizing. And I am. I'm truly sorry."

"I shouldn't have listened to them!" Narcissa cried. "I should've…should've…I shouldn't have let Bella boss me around. I should've been stronger….like you…you and Sirius!" She began sobbing even harder. "It was my fault, 'Dromeda! My fault that he died! Cuz…cuz I hated him so! I…I…I-I…" she began to hiccup uncontrollably. "I just…I shouldn't have let them tell me what to do! I should've…I should've followed you, I should've-"

"No, Cissy." Andromeda held her sister tight and rubbed her back. "You were just listening to your family back then. You were young and I left you. With Bellatrix of all people. Is that why you hated me? Don't tell me that you've really believed all this pureblood rubbish and whatnot. You hated us – me and Sirius – because we left the family. And we left you. We left you to them."

Tears continued to run down Narcissa's face. She didn't say a word, but continued to hiccup.

"I'm sorry for that, Cissy. I'm sorry that…that I was so selfish that I didn't think of you. I didn't think of my baby sister." The thoughts that have been running through Andromeda's mind for the better part of thirty years came spilling out. In this one moment, she felt as if this might be the last time she would see her sister before they parted. And she wanted Narcissa to know everything – to know how sorry she was for everything that's happened in their past.

She enjoyed how they've been able to somehow reconnect over the past few weeks. She liked having her sister back in her life. She liked getting to know her young nephew, though he started out cold and arrogant – much like his father.

"I just thought of myself and my own happiness. And how much I hated the whole lot of them – Aunt Walburga, Mum, Dad, Bella…I'm sorry, Cissy. I'm so sorry for leaving you with them. I'm so sorry for leaving you with Bella. I know…I know she started changing while we were at school…I knew it, but Mum and Dad loved it. They loved that Bella was becoming a Dark witch, I knew it! I just…I couldn't take it anymore. And I was happy, I was so happy with Ted and-" Andromeda began to cry as she pleaded with Narcissa. "I just thought of myself. I was selfish and….I don't blame you for hating me. I should've taken care of you. I should've been a better older sister."

Narcissa wiped her face, though tears still fell. She wiped her nose and was thinking about what Andromeda had just told her. She shook her head and took Andromeda's hands. "No, no…it wasn't you…it was me. I was weak….I still am. I don't…I don't know how to think for myself. I just follow them. I followed Mum and Dad. I followed Bella. I followed my husband and look where it led me. And…even now, I followed my son. My son has far more courage than I do."

"No, Cissy, look what you've done. You've raised a boy who…who has learned from his mistakes. Learned from his father's mistakes. And raising a child is far more rewarding than anything. You say that you are just a follower. That may have been true, but you forget that I'm your older sister, Cissy. I've seen you grow up from when you were a child. And when you were a child, you were no follower. Maybe you have learned along the way to hold your tongue, but you were no follower. You've always had strong opinions and you've always been fiercely protective. And now you're protecting your boy. You don't have to go…you could just stay here with me."

"I have to…it's the only way I can save Draco."

Andromeda sadly smiled at Narcissa. "And it's infinitely more admirable that you've always put your child before anything else."

Narcissa's eyes filled with tears once more. She shook her head again. "I…I'm sorry, 'Dromeda. For everything. I did…I did hate you. And I hated Sirius. For leaving me. I'm sorry! I'm sorry for hating you. And I'm sorry…." She began to sob again. "I'm sorry…I'm sorry for killing Sirius…it's my fault he died. And I miss him so much!"

Andromeda bit her lip. "I know you miss him. I miss him, too. And when we were younger, I didn't…I didn't mean to take him away from you. He was my little cousin, the one who didn't fit in the family mold. He and I…we were different from the family, you see that, right? You were different, too, if you had just allowed yourself to be. But…I know how much he meant to you."

"No, 'Dromeda….you don't understand…it's my fault that Sirius is dead. If…if we hadn't tricked Harry Potter and had Kreacher feed the Potter boy lies…Sirius…Sirius would still be alive. And he wouldn't even be in hiding any more. But he would be alive."

Andromeda furrowed her brow and hugged Narcissa. "No, it's not your fault. You may have had a part to play in it, but it is not your fault. I don't blame you. And I don't think that Harry Potter blames you."

"I've cheated the Potter boy out of another person that can be his father. Out of someone that can take care of him. The Potter boy is an orphan! No parents, no siblings!"

Andromeda gave Narcissa a small smile. "That's true, Cissy, but…from what I hear of Harry Potter…while he misses and loves his parents, he considers his friends his family as well." She gave Narcissa another hug. "And it's not your fault that Sirius died. From what Remus said…it was Bellatrix who threw the curse at him." Her breath caught in her throat. It was still hard to believe that her younger sister had actually killed her favorite cousin. It was still hard to believe that her favorite cousin was dead, even though he had been gone for a long time.

Narcissa nodded. "Yes…last I saw her, Bella is still gloating about it. I don't know how she became so heartless."

Andromeda pursed her lips. She's already had enough rows with her family, discussing Bellatrix. "Cissy…do you think there's any hope left for Bella? I've always…always imagined that-"

"No," Narcissa said coldly. "There is no hope left for Bella. She is too far gone."

Andromeda looked down and felt tears prickle her eyes. "That makes me sad, Cissy."

"I stopped feeling sad for her when she willingly placed my son in the Dark Lord's plan. When his forgiveness for her was more important than the life of my son."

"Bella offered Draco to You-Know-Who?"

Narcissa nodded. "The Dark Lord was angry, very angry with Lucius for getting caught by the Ministry. He was angry with all of them for not procuring the prophecy. Bella said that Draco would do what can't be done. Draco would kill Dumbledore. And with that…a certain death sentence on my son…Bella was welcomed back to the Dark Lord's right side. She didn't care about my son. She never has. All she's cared about was following the Dark Lord's orders."

"Sometimes, I wish we can go back to when we were kids…before I left for Hogwarts…things seemed much more easier back then, didn't it?"

Narcissa gave her a wry smile and shrugged. "I will miss you very much."

"We will see each other again, Cissy."

"And if we don't?"

"We must have faith that we will see each other again. But I am so happy that you are back in my life. I've missed you so."

"I've missed you, as well." Narcissa stood up. "I should leave…I've enjoyed getting to know Ted and Nymphadora as well. I see…I see a positive effect on Draco. Thank you."

"Stay close, Draco." Remus' voice was barely heard as it was lower than a whisper.

Draco rolled his eyes at these familiar instructions, but he didn't say a word against Remus. Nor did he dare defy them. He knew what was at stake.

Remus slowly opened the door and Draco followed closely behind. He didn't think that he would ever return to Grimmauld Place and yet, here he was because Remus had a "feeling." They took a step forward and Draco nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard Moody's voice. He clutched the back of Remus' cloak when a dust figure rose from the end of the hall and rushed toward them.

"It was not I who killed you, Albus," Remus said.

Draco exhaled loudly in relief when the dust figure exploded, but he did not relinquish his hold on Remus' cloak.

"Don't move!" A new voice yelled at them. As far as Draco could see through the dust, a wand was pointed at them. He felt Remus move his hands up in surrender and followed suit.

At once, the curtains next to him flew open and a portrait began to scream, "Mudbloods and filth dishonoring my house – " Draco's eyes widened, having never seen the portrait before.

"Hold your fire, it's me, Remus!"

"Oh thank goodness," said another voice. A girl's voice.

Suddenly, the curtains in front of the portrait were shut with a bang. Remus moved forward, with Draco close behind. He saw now that they were facing Potter, the Granger girl, and Weasley.

"I am Remus John Lupin, werewolf, sometimes known as Moony, one of the four creators of the Marauder's Map, married to Nymphadora, usually known as Tonks, and I taught you how to produce a Patronus, Harry, which takes the form of a stag."

"Oh, all right," said Potter, lowering his wand, "but I had to check, didn't I?"

Remus said a few words to Potter and gently pushed Draco forward. "Draco is here with me," he said unnecessarily. Judging by the looks on their faces, Remus thought that they didn't seem too surprised.

Potter stepped forward. "You all right, Malfoy? Anything wrong?" Draco shrugged. Potter glanced at Remus as they descended into the kitchen. "What's going on? Is everyone okay? We haven't heard from anyone, other than Ron's dad."

They sat around the table and the Granger girl lit up the fireplace. Draco looked around, uneasy, remembering the circumstances of his last visit to this house. Remus pulled out some butterbeers and passed it around the table. Draco listened as Remus and the other three talked about where they've been and what's been happening.

"Were you seen?" Potter asked Draco sharply.

Draco looked a bit surprised at being included in the conversation. "At Uncle Ted and Aunt 'Dromeda's?" He shook his head. "No, the Death Eaters didn't see me."

"Do you know which ones did it?" He noticed that he referred to the Ted and Andromeda as 'uncle' and 'aunt.'

Draco looked at Harry with an unidentifiable expression. Everyone was in complete silence around the table, watching Draco. He gave them a half-nod. "Yes," he whispered. "It was Yaxley, Dolohov, and Avery…" He saw Weasley exchange an uncomfortable look with the Granger girl.

"I didn't know you three were going to be here," Remus said. "With the attack on the Tonks', we had to get Draco out of there. I figured that you would be, though. A feeling brought me here."

"What about your mother?" asked the Granger girl.

Draco glanced at her, unsure of exactly how he should respond. "Um-"

"Narcissa will be taking care of other things."

"What kind of things?" Draco asked, curious.

Remus waved him off. "Don't worry about it." He looked at Harry. "On to other things. I'll understand if you can't confirm this, Harry, but the Order is under the impression that Dumbledore left you a mission."

"He did," Harry replied quickly, "and Ron and Hermione are in on it and they're coming with me."

"Would you mind if Draco tagged along?"

"WHAT!" A chorus of four voices echoed around the room. Draco and Weasley even stood up in protest.

"No!" exclaimed Draco. "You didn't say-"

"No way is Malfoy-"

Remus raised his hands. "Enough. Please – listen to the rest of the plan." He glanced at Draco and gestured to the chair. "Sit down, Draco. Ron. So you were given a mission."

"And you want Malfoy to come along?" asked Harry. "Knowing full well that I am number one on the Ministry and the Death Eater's most wanted list? I thought Malfoy was supposed to be hidden."

"He is. But he will be hidden as your prisoner. Your captive."

"What!" exclaimed Draco. "Hell no, Remus. No way!"

"Draco," Remus said warningly. "You won't be an actual prisoner. But in the event that you are caught – yes, we must prepare for it! In the event that you are caught, if you are seen as a prisoner, the Death Eaters will take more pity on you then they will if they see you in the protection of someone from the Order. The Death Eaters have been fed a trail, believing that Narcissa and Draco were killed on the Order's watch because of Dumbledore. It will be far less worse for them if they see that Draco is being held captive."

"What about my mother?"

"Don't worry about that, Draco."

"So, what if we are caught?" asked Weasley. "Malfoy's all fine and protected, but what about us?"

Remus looked at Draco with piercing eyes. "That is where Draco comes in."

"We have to put our lives in Malfoy's hands!" Weasley looked incredulous. "No way!"

"I'm trusting you with this, Draco." Remus looked deeply into Draco's eyes.

Draco looked at him, scared. "Are you sure? I know what you're asking, but…are you sure?"

"Kingsley and Ted seem to firmly trust in you. They wouldn't hear a word against you. So…think about them, okay? Kingsley and Ted and Andromeda and Dora and….and your mother. Think about your mother."

"But what about us?" asked Weasley. He looked at the Granger girl. "Aren't we supposed to trust him if he's sleeping in the bed next to mine?"

"I trust him," said Potter. He gave a short nod to Draco, who furrowed his brows in return.

Remus glanced back at Harry. "Now can you confide in me what your mission is?"

"I'm sorry, Remus, but if Dumbledore didn't tell you, then I don't think I can."

Remus looked disappointed. "I thought you'd say that. But I may still be of some use to you. You know what I am and what I can do. I could come with you to provide protection. There would be no need to tell me exactly what you were up to."

Potter looked as if he was considering it.

"What about Tonks?" asked the Granger girl.

"What about her?"

Draco noticed a change in Remus' tone. He wondered why he would offer to leave Nymphadora when they were supposed to be having a baby.

"You're married! How does she feel about you going away with us?"

"Tonks will be perfectly safe. She'll be at her parents' house."

"Remus…is everything all right…between you and – "

"Everything is fine, thank you." Remus looked unpleasantly around the room. His eyes settled on Draco uncomfortably. "Tonks is going to have a baby."

"Oh, how wonderful!" squealed the Granger girl.

"Excellent!" exclaimed Weasley.

"Congratulations," grinned Harry.

"Yes," Remus said, giving them a smile that looked more like a grimace. "So…do you accept my offer? Can I come along with you? I don't imagine Dumbledore would disapprove. He did, after all, appoint me as your Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

The Granger girl and Weasley glanced at Potter. "Um, well, what about Tonks?" he asked. "You just want to leave her at her parents' house and come away with us?"

"She'll be perfectly safe there, they'll look after her. Harry, I'm sure James would've wanted me to stick with you."

"Well…I'm not. I'm pretty sure my father would have wanted to know why you aren't sticking by your kid, actually." Potter gestured to Draco. "Malfoy's different. He's not leaving someone behind. He's coming with us for his own protection."

Draco noticed the anger in Remus' face. He had never seen him look so angry, not even when he saw that Uncle Ted and Aunt 'Dromeda were tortured by Death Eaters. He stared between Potter and Remus.

"You don't understand," Remus said.

Draco cleared his throat. "Remus…uh, Remus thinks that he's…he's carried on the werewolf gene. He thinks he's made Nymphadora an outcast in the Wizard world because of his…problem."

Remus cut his eyes at Draco and immediately, Draco regretted his words. He looked angry and a shadow of a wolf crossed his face. Remus went into a tirade about why he and Nymphadora would never work. He described how he believed that he would curse the child that would be borne from him.

"Remus!" whispered the Granger girl. She had tears in her eyes. "Don't say that – how could any child be ashamed of you?"

"Oh, I don't know, Hermione," said Potter, "I'd be pretty ashamed of him."

Draco looked down, listening to Potter put Remus down. A part of him wanted to stick up for Remus, to yell at Potter to show Remus' side, but there was another part of him that agreed with Potter. Remus was leaving behind his own child, but was it for the good of the child? Or was it for the good of the father? Draco believed that if his own father had left him and his mum, he would've been better off. But he knew that children were meant to have at least two parents – a father and a mother – or people who can call themselves parents. Draco had a mother…but he barely had a father.

He was confusing himself with his own thoughts.

"I'd never have believed this," Potter said. "The man who taught me to fight dementors – a coward."

Draco barely had time to react when Remus drew out his wand. There was a loud bang and Potter was lifted from his feet and thrown back and Remus walked out of the kitchen without another word to any of them.

"Remus, Remus, come back!" the Granger girl yelled out, but there was no response. A moment later they heard the front door slam.

"Harry!" she wailed. "How could you?"

Draco ran to the entrance hall. "Remus?" he said tentatively. A few moments passed and there was still silence. "Remus?" He saw the door open at the end of the hallway and shut with the shadow of Remus' traveling cloak billowing behind him. "Remus?"

He walked dejectedly back into the kitchen where Weasley and Granger seemed to be telling Potter off.

"Did he leave?" Potter asked.

Draco nodded. "He didn't even say goodbye…"

Granger sympathetically looked at Potter. Weasley looked uncertain and Draco wanted to disappear into the wall again. The silence in the kitchen was deafening. He hoped Remus would at least stay for a few days and help him transition with these three that he never exchanged words with unless it was laced with insults.

Potter looked like he wanted to forget about the whole thing and settled for picking up the newspaper that Remus had left behind. He looked at it for a bit, then threw it back down and glanced up at Draco.

"Ted and Andromeda…are they all right?"

Draco nodded. "Yeah, I think they'll be fine." He gestured down to the newspaper. "But with that whole Muggle-born Registration Thing…I don't know how Uncle Ted could get away. I warned him to go overseas." He glanced at Granger. "Perhaps you should go overseas."

"Hermione's staying right here!" said Ron angrily. "If anyone should go overseas, it's you! Hide there if you have to!"

"Ron, calm down," said Harry. "I'm going to tell you what Dumbledore told us: set aside your differences since we are on the same side now. One enemy." He looked at both of them. "Shake."

Draco looked warily at Potter and shook his head. "No way. I'm not touching a Weasley."

"And I'm not touching a Malfoy."

Potter rolled his eyes. "Then just agree to not show hostility toward one another. It's quite irritating, actually." He slammed his hands on the table and ran out of the room.

Thanks for reading! Please review!

From here on out, it'll pretty much be a Draco-centered fic. :)