Disclaimer: The Harry Potter Series (1997-2007) and any characters and original locations within the books belong to JK Rowling. I own my original characters and my plot twists. I am not trying to pass any of these characters or copyrighted ideas off as my own and therefore it isn't plagiarism or copyright infringement.

Chapter Nineteen – Run in with Draco

The next morning they discovered that Harry had arrived in the middle of the night. Leo was happy that he shared a room with Ron because he and Theo weren't awoken the way they would've been had he shared a room with them. Then again they were present at breakfast when they realized he was already there. Apparently Ron wasn't observant enough to notice the sleeping Harry in the other bed in his room. Soon the two rushed upstairs to bug him, but Leo stayed downstairs with the uncomfortable Theo. They were in the kitchen and Leo quickly noticed the tension between Fleur and Molly.

Fleur slumped at the table as Molly prepared breakfast for Harry, "I don't think his family likes me."

Leo looked around the room to make sure no one else understood her French, "The Weasleys are a very close knit family. It's possible that you might be a little too rude. You know that certain aspects of the French Culture do not translate well into the British one."

Her brow furrowed, "How can I change their opinion of me?"

Leo shrugged, "I don't know yet. Give me some time to analyze the situation and I will advise you later."

She kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you."

He smiled, "You're welcome. I think I should write Gabrielle. She is the one thing I miss about going to school in France."

Fleur laughed, "I could tell zat you 'ad a crush on 'er. I think she's preoccupied with 'Arry. She won't stop talking about 'ow 'e saved 'er."

Leo crossed her arms, "Well, I'm not one to say anything, but I think he has eyes for another girl. She might not have an opportunity to be with him."

"'Ow nice," she turned and noticed Molly had finished putting the food on the tray for Harry. She got up and grabbed the tray. "Molly, I will take dis up to 'Arry." She quickly left the room with the tray and Molly following close behind her.

Leo turned to Theo, "That's what I'm talking about. I'm sure what she just did is likely to rub Mrs. Weasley the wrong way. It wouldn't surprise me if she working out a way to set Bill up with another woman she finds more suitable for him than Fleur. If she really loves him then she needs to find a way to redeem herself in the eyes of his family."

"So you've already assessed the problem?" He looked around the kitchen.

"Well, no but I can tell you the stunt she just pulled isn't going to help her case."

"You know her and the Weasleys quite well. Perhaps you should smooth things over," Theo suggested looking even more uncomfortable being left in the kitchen alone.

Soon their conversation was interrupted by Fleur and Molly returning down stairs to start on lunch. They were quickly followed by Hermione asking if any owls arrived. She then explained that Dumbledore had told Harry that their O.W.L. results were supposed to arrive that day.

Fleur quickly jumped in to give her opinion of the British Wizarding School system, "Leo, I don't know why you decided to go to school 'ere. At Beauxbatons we 'ad a better way of doing things, as we 'ad our exams in our sixth year instead of our fifth, don't you think you would 'ave liked eet better?"

Leo shook his head, "No, I really do like Hogwarts better. I only wish I could've attended there from the beginning, but things happen for a reason."

Hermione screamed and pointed out the window. Leo looked and noticed there were five black dots approaching. Ron agreed, "Those look like owls to me, and look there are five of them, one for each of us."

Theo looked nervous, "So, they sent my results with the rest of them. The ministry must know we're staying here."

Leo shrugged, "It seems so."

Hermione gasped, "Oh no." As the five tawny birds became well defined and were carrying rectangular envelops as they flew over the path. The five birds landed in a neat line on the table and all lifted up their right legs. Leo quickly untied the envelope from the owl on the far right, which had his name on it. Everyone was silent as the students retrieved their envelopes and the adults waited with bated breath.

Leo finally unattached the envelope, slit it, and opened the folded parchment inside. He had received Outstanding for most of his exams except for an Acceptable in History of magic and an Exceeds Expectations in Astronomy. He assumed that was due to the distraction of Umbridge's attempt to take Hagrid to Azkaban. Leo smiled at Theo, "I'll show you mine if you show me yours." At the same time Ron and Harry switched their parchments.

Leo looked down at Theo's grades and it was everything he expected. Theo had decided against taking Ancient Runes but had the same rest of Leo's classes. He had Outstanding for most of them. He received an Exceeds Expectations in Defense Against the Dark Arts and Arithmancy. Ron announced, "Only failed History of Magic and Divination but we really don't need those, right?"

His mother ruffled his hair, "Seven O.W.L.s Ron, that's more than Fred and George put together."

Ron then looked at Hermione's grades, "Just what I expected. Nine Outstanding and one Exceeds Expectations in Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Hermione looked at Harry's and announced, "An Outstanding in Defense, I knew you'd receive the highest grade in that."

Harry muttered, "Yes, but so much for wanting to be an Auror. I didn't get the Outstanding required for Snape's N.E.W.T. Potions."

Leo shrugged, "Well, I think that's more his fault than yours. He's got something against you and I'm not really sure what it is."

Harry blushed, "Well, yeah. He um, my dad was kind of mean to him in school and well, I look a lot like him."

As a part of his training and preparation for completing his task, Draco was forced to accompany a couple Death Eaters and his Aunt Bellatrix. They didn't tell him where they were going or what they were doing, however he was promised it would help him. He felt his body twist and turn as Bellatrix side-along apparated with him. They were soon standing outside of a small cottage near the coast in a remote area of Ireland. His aunt cackled, "I cannot believe he thought he'd be safe here."

Draco felt all color drain from his face, and it took a lot of work to maintain an indifferent appearance. He followed Bellatrix and the Carrow siblings into the house. He was shocked when he found a familiar face of Igor Karkaroff. Bellatrix's face was split in a smile of enjoyment, she let out her eerie laughter, and her dark eyes filled with insane pleasure, as she hit him with the Cruciatus Curse over and over again. When it seemed like his mind wouldn't handle another wave of pain, she turned to Draco and whispered in his ear, "It's your turn Draco. I want you to practice on him."

Draco shivered as he held up his wand. He filled his mind full of the hatred he felt for Harry Potter and yelled, "Crucio." He maintained an indifferent expression as his insides twisted and he was filled with disgust. He knew he wasn't meant for this type of work, but he had to do it. It was the only way he could redeem his father. He quickly clamped down on his emotions and shut down his ability to empathize. He was only doing what he had to do to protect his family. It wasn't wrong because he didn't enjoy doing it. He watched the man wreathing on the floor screaming, detached as if he wasn't the one torturing him.

Bellatrix brought him back to the situation by commanding, "Now Draco, you must practice the Imperious Curse."

He broke the torture curse and Igor relaxed for a moment. His hand shook as he pointed the wand at the former Death Eater, "Imperio." He watched as Igor ran into the wall repeatedly. He punched the glass window causing his hand to bleed. He did the same miraculous flips that Neville Longbottom did under the curse in their fourth year.

The other three Death Eaters laughed as they watched the show. Bellatrix's sing song voice interrupted the laughter, "That's a good boy, Draco. Now kill him, use the killing curse."

Draco felt sick and wondered how long it would be before he threw up. He pointed at the wand at Karkaroff as the words formed in his mind, but he saw his father in Karkaroff's place. He saw the man he admired standing there with fear in his eyes as he pleaded to keep his life. He had unknowingly released the man from the Imperious Curse. The man was crying and pleading to keep his life. It only made Draco feel worse. What gave him the right to take this man's life? He didn't enjoy having that kind of power over others. It was in that moment that he realized he couldn't do it. He couldn't kill someone and his wand hand shook as he tried to remain standing. The silence that filled his senses as his body went into shock was broken.

Alecto demanded, "Did you hear her boy? Kill him!"

Amycus taunted, "He's just like his father. He doesn't have it in him."

Bellatrix cackled, "He will learn." She pointed her wand at the still pleading man, "Avada Kedavra." The green beam of light shot from her wand and struck the man in the chest. Draco watched in horror as the light vanished from the man's eyes and he slumped to the floor. It took every bit of his self control not to break down right there in front of the three Death Eaters. He had to be strong or his father would see a similar fate.

Leo shot up in bed and felt the beads of sweat dripping from his brow. He rolled over and vomited. He had felt every one of Draco's emotions as if it were his own. Theo rushed to the other side of the bed, "Hey, are you okay?"

Leo shook his head and bit back tears, "No, Draco just watched Bellatrix kill Igor Karkaroff after he failed to do it himself. He's pretty shaken up. I don't know if he will recover well from an experience like that."

"Maybe you should go back to bed. I'm sure we can get Fleur to clean up your mess in the morning," Theo walked back across the room and climbed back into his bed.

The next few days passed with Hermione and Theo spending their time in the garden reading, while Harry, Leo, Ginny, and Ron played two-a-side Quidditch. Leo tried to forget watching the death of Karkaroff. He didn't tell anyone but Theo, as he didn't want them knowing about Draco's assignment. He knew they wouldn't handle it well and it was best not to draw attention to Draco. Harry's sixteenth birthday was marred by bad news brought forth by a gaunt looking Lupin. However, the day following Harry received a nice surprise. Everyone received their Hogwarts letters and book lists. Harry shared that he'd been made Quidditch Captain.

Hermione gleefully announced, "That means you'll have the same privileges as the prefects. You can even use our bathroom!"

Leo chuckled, "So, captain I know you'll be the Seeker. How about I try out for both Beater and Chaser positions? I don't know which one I'd be better at."

Harry smiled, "We'll see."

It was soon decided that they would make their trip to Diagon Alley the following Saturday, as long as Mr. Weasley was able to accompany them. With the recent disappearance of Ollivander and the dementor attacks, everyone knew they needed to stick together to remain safe.

Leo looked over at Theo, "Well, we might want to disguise you. We wouldn't want people seeing you out in public with the Weasleys. I don't want you beat up next year by your housemates."

Theo looked at him with wide eyes, "What do you purpose we do?"

"I'll transfigure your features. With the amount of wizards in this home I think it will be difficult for them to recognize it's an underage wizard has performed it. I mean I wondered why Draco wasn't called down to the Ministry last year after he performed a shield charm to prevent his father's curse. I recently realized they have no way of telling whose performing magic in a wizard's home. However, your home is different as your father's not there right now."

Theo's brow furrowed, "What if you're wrong?"

Leo smiled, "I'll just disguise myself as Draco. It always seems to get me out of trouble."

Theo smiled, "Wouldn't Draco love to hear you say that."

Saturday arrived and Leo quickly transfigured Theo's features. He turned his long hair from its black shade to the matching platinum blond as his. He didn't have to change his eyes as they were already gray. He gave him the same nose and made his feathers a bit more angular. However, he let Theo's face to remain long. In the end, Theo looked like he could be Leo's brother but he didn't look like he was another clone of Draco. He smiled, "Okay, now you look like you could be my younger brother. So, we'll just say that you're my cousin since we're too close in age for you to be my brother. Your family is a firm supporter of Durmstrang and you're visiting my family for the summer. Um, I think we should use the name Reg as it is short for Regales Black, Sirius' little brother."

Theo looked at himself in the mirror, "Wow, this is crazy. I look like I could be a close relative."

During breakfast Bill handed a bag of gold over to Harry and another to Leo. When Ron complained asking where his was, Bill explained that the gold was from both Harry and Leo's personal vaults. He elaborated that he withdrew it from their vaults for them since it was taking the public hours to access their vaults since the goblins were strengthening security. Bill and Fleur decided to stay at home as everyone piled into the large ministry car. The driver soon dropped them off at the Leaky Cauldron and Arthur informed him that they'd be back within a couple of hours.

They met Hagrid in the Leaky Cauldron and went through the Inn. They stood before a brick wall and Hagrid tapped a specific stone with his pink umbrella and the bricks moved away exposing the alley. It seemed dark and gloomy except for a bright building at the end with a red haired wizard tipping his hat. It was Fred and George's new store.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley headed to Flourish and Blotts with Ginny while, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Leo, and the disguised Theo headed for Madam Malkin's. Hagrid decided to stay outside as Leo and Theo followed the other three into the shop. At first it appeared to be empty until Leo sensed an extension of his aura. He whispered to Theo, "Draco's here. We need to prepare for the verbal onslaught that's sure to occur."

Leo watched the scene unfold as Draco made a comment about Hermione. Madam Malkin requested that such language not be used and for Harry and Ron to lower their wands. Draco popped off about them not using magic outside of school and then Narcissa came out from behind the rack. She threatened Harry and Ron if they ever attacked her Draco again. At that point Leo had to make his presence know, "You know, as I told you what happened on the train. It wasn't Harry or Ron who attacked Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle. It was a cart for of kids who can't stand him and saw him try to jump Harry. Apparently Draco has an issue with Lucius landing in Azkaban."

Narcissa focused her eyes on Leo and then turned back to Harry who spouted off some remark about them calling a couple of Death Eaters to take care of their problem. Narcissa smiled, "I see that being Dumbledore's favorite has given you a false sense of security, Harry Potter. But Dumbledore won't always be there to protect you."*

Harry mocked surprise and looked around the shop, "Wow…look at that…he's not here now! So why not have a go? They might be able to find you a double cell in Azkaban with your loser of a husband!"*

Leo knew instantly that was the worst thing Harry could've said. Narcissa feared for her son's death with the new assignment given to him. The conflict was bound to erupt between the Malfoys and his group. Draco moved toward Harry with a scowl on his face. He tripped over his overlong robe and Ron laughed.

Draco snarled, "Don't you dare talk to my mother like, Potter!"*

Narcissa restrained Draco by holding onto his shoulder, "It's all right, Draco. I expect Potter will be reunited with dear Sirius before I am reunited with Lucius."*

Leo knew instantly that she said the wrong thing and Harry raised his wand. Hermione pleaded with him to lower it and not lose his temper. Madam Malkin attempted to diffuse the situation by resuming pinning the left sleeve of the emerald green robes while Draco continued to glare.

"Ouch!" he slapped her hand away from his sleeve and bellowed, "Watch where your putting your pins, woman! Mother – I don't think I want these anymore-"* He quickly pulled them off and threw them on the floor at Madam Malkin's feet.

"You're right, Draco," Narcissa gave Hermione a haughty looking down her nose, "now I know the kind of scum that shops here….We'll do better at Twilfitt and Tatting's"* The two of them made their way out of the store and Draco made it a point to bang into Ron on his way out.

Madam Malkin was quite distracted after the Malfoys left and while she fitted each of them for their robes and even tried to sell Hermione Wizard robes instead of Witches ones. When she was done and they purchased their robes she seemed happy to be rid of them. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley met them shortly after they left the shop carrying big bags of books. They were then soon off to the apothecary where Hermione, Leo, and Theo picked up their potion ingredients. Ron and Harry didn't get anything as they were sure they couldn't continue with potions.

They were soon ushered to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes joke shop. Theo and Leo looked around the shop while Harry was busy speaking with Fred and George. He was technically their investor after all since they had used his winnings from the Triwizard Tournament to start their business. Soon they were standing and noticed that Draco was walking down the street by the shop and looking over his shoulder making sure he wasn't being followed. Leo watched as Harry, Ron, and Hermione disappeared underneath Harry's invisibility cloak, while Molly and Arthur were distracted by the pink puff ball Ginny wanted as a pet.

Leo whispered to Theo, "Come with me. Let's find out what he's up to. I'm going to transform, and I want you to walk with your hand on my head so I look like your familiar. No one will recognize you because of your disguise." He went behind some shelves and transformed. He walked back over to Theo who placed his hand on Leo's head as they walked out of the store. They walked in the direction Draco was walking. Soon they were walking down Knockturn Alley. Leo could hear Harry, Hermione, and Ron arguing underneath the cloak. He looked around to see where Draco had gone and he saw him through Borgin and Burkes shop window. Leo could tell that Draco was talking with his hands but it was a moment before he could hear what was going on. As it took that long before Ron announced that they could hear and the extendable ear was projecting the conversation.

Leo heard Draco asking about fixing something and threatened Borgin by showing him something that seemed to affect the oily haired man. Draco explained that Fenrir Greyback would come to check on him as he was a family friend. He then purchased something in the shop and told him to keep it there. When Borgin asked if he wanted to take it with him Draco sounded angry when he answered the question about bringing his purchase with him. He apparently didn't want to be seen carrying it down the street with him. Theo was paying close attention to what was going on and when Draco left the store in a huff he followed Hermione inside with Leo the lion. Hermione did a failed attempt to determine what Draco had bought whereas Theo just looked around the store. After her attempt died he looked around and something seemed to click in his mind. He asked, "Is that a Vanishing Cabinet you have there, Borgin?"

Borgin looked nervous, "Yes, but it's not for sale."

"Ah, I see. Well, there's nothing here of interest then." Theo turned to the door with Leo walking beside him. The two of them hurried back to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

As soon as they got home Leo transformed Theo back to normal, the two of them spent some time alone in the twin's bedroom. Leo looked up from his new transfiguration textbook, "So, you were quick to point out the exact object Draco had purchased. How did you manage it?"

Theo looked up from his new Advanced Potions book, "Well, do you remember how Fred and George stuck Montague in a vanishing cabinet the first day Umbridge was made Headmistress?"

Leo looked at him as he remembered that day and the smug looks on the twins' faces when they announced that Montague had attempted to take points away from them until they pushed them into a vanishing cabinet, "Yeah, I remember that. Wasn't he found stuck in a toilet or something later?"

"Yes, and after he got out of the infirmary he was busy telling everyone in the Slytherin Common Room. He told us how when he was pushed into the cabinet at Hogwarts he was stuck in limbo. He was able to hear what was going on in the shop at the same times as the school. After being stuck in limbo for a while, he managed to apperate out of there even though he never passed the test. However, in doing so it almost ended in his death. The reason why he was even stuck in limbo is because that vanishing cabinet was damaged by Peeves in my second year, so it's broken and it was removed from Filch's office and I believe it's in the Room of Hidden Things."

Leo's eyes widened, "He's going to attempt to repair the broken cabinet and bought the other one to create a passage into the school. That git is going to allow some crazy people into our school so that he can fulfill his mission with back up. I've got to do something. I guess I'll be having a meeting with Dumbledore as soon as we get to school."

A/N: I actually had an anonymous reviewer tell me that he or she was sick of my character Leo. He or she could "no longer stand him being little mister shrink to all and sundry." I have to admit that I went back to the third and fourth chapters and made some alterations. Also if you're looking for the three reviews by timber I deleted them because they weren't that constructive. Does anyone else find Leo to be too much like a therapist? Igor died sometime before July 31, 1996.

*All dialog was taken from chapter six of The Half-Blood Prince (2005) and thus belong to JK Rowling. Pages 113 – 114 of my paperback copy respectively.