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 Twenty-Eight – Disappearing Act
The day of their apparition tests had arrived. Draco and Leo had both taken the additional practices in Hogsmeade. It didn't take two long before they both received their Ministry Accepted Apparition Licenses. Right after the test, the two of them disappeared into the Room of Hidden Things, where they could talk without worrying about being overheard.
"Okay, so how are we doing this?" Draco was pacing in front of the unfixed vanishing cabinet.
"Well, we both need to be seen at dinner. Perhaps you should leave first for one of your usual disappearing acts. Snape has already given your two lookouts detention, so they'll be unable to accompany you as first year girls," Leo raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, we know about the Polyjuice Potion you nabbed from Slughorn on our first day of potions. Yep, Harry's already figured out that bit of information, and that you're coming in here for some reason, though he still doesn't know how to get in or what you're trying to fix."
Draco stopped pacing with both of his fists clenched, "He's been snooping."
Leo rolled his eyes, "Well, he doesn't really trust you. However, we've already discussed your misdirected anger issues. You center on Potter because you still haven't gotten over his refusal of friendship. You also probably envy the relationships he has with Ron and Hermione. You know, the fact they are actually close friends, and not just a group of people who hang out with you because you hold power."
Draco growled, "Enough with the psychobabble! What do you think you're one of those muggle mind doctors or something?"
Leo chuckled, "You're able to use the muggle word psychobabble, but you can't remember the word psychologist?" He shook his head, "Okay, so first we need to place an undetectable extension charm on a pouch." Leo pulled out a plain looking simple green snapping pouch from his robe pocket. He quickly casted the charm and reached into the pouch to make sure it was sufficient. He then smiled, "Okay, you should probably go and pack any personal items that aren't required for me to impersonate you. So for instance, your father's cane should stay. We know he's getting out at some point, and he'll want his wand back. You can take your wand, as mine is identical to yours except it's half an inch longer. No one will notice that minor difference."
Draco took the pouch and mumbled, "What would I possible own that fits that description?"
Leo shrugged, "I wouldn't know. However, I'll take this other pouch and pack a few personal items of mine that I will no longer need here. I will be sending those with you, as well. When you reach your new location I give you permission to go through all of the personal items located in that pouch. In fact, I encourage it. The items I place in it are the items I've brought with me to school. You'll also most likely have access to other items in my room back home. The same thing goes for those items. I've had years to get to know you. This is all new to you."
Draco didn't respond but just walked out of the room. Leo rolled his eyes and followed. Draco knew the rest of the plan; he was supposed to leave the dining hall first like he was heading to the Room of Requirement, but head to the Headmaster's office instead. Leo would then receive news of his grandmother's death and would be escorted by Dumbledore.
Leo sat at dinner with his friends for the last time. Hermione was once again reprehending Harry for his obsession with Draco. The Gryffindor Quidditch Team still managed to win the cup without Harry, as he was serving detention with Snape that Saturday for cursing Draco. Leo had a feeling, it had more to do with the fact that Snape figured out Harry had found his old book when he had used one of his invented curses against Draco.
Everything went like clockwork, Leo watched as Draco left the Great Hall early like he usually did. He was without his two dunderheads because they had detention right after dinner. Right before dinner ended Dumbledore approached the table, "Leo, I have some unfortunate news. Your parents have contacted me. You're grandmother has passed, and they expect you home early, so you may attend her funeral."
Leo stood up, "I understand."
The two of them walked out of the Great Hall together, and he noticed the people at his house table were whispering. They quickly made their way up to the headmaster's office where Draco was standing before the gargoyle. Dumbledore approached and spoke, "Acid Pops." They all stepped on the spiral staircase and made their way into the office.
Leo handed Draco the scarlet colored pouch, which he put in his robe pocket. He smiled, "You'll soon meet the two lovely people who raised me. They're both talented with magic and can handle you if needed, however I'd suggest you not give them a reason. Now, this is a onetime portkey." He handed Draco the old copy of the Prince and the Pauper. "Just tap it three times and it will take you there. I suggest you read it if you haven't yet. Also, when it's time for you to return, you'll have to use other methods of travel, as that portkey will not take you back here no matter how many times you try."
Draco nodded and didn't even say goodbye before tapping the book three times and disappearing with the book. Leo took his wand and transfigured his robes. He'd have to start wearing Draco's but his current wand work would do. He was sad to cut off his long ponytail, but knew he could easily grow it back with magic after his spying days were over. He took out a silver pouch and placed the hair in it.
"Dumbledore, thank you for everything you've done. I greatly appreciate your assistance. I also wish that something else could be done, and that you really didn't have to die. So, I'm guessing I'm supposed to discuss with Snape exactly when that day will come?"
The wise old Wizard's blue eyes twinkled, "Ah, yes about that. You will have the Vanishing Cabinet fixed on the 15th and I will be leaving with Harry."
"So, when you return that night, he'll probably still be with you hidden under his invisibility cloak. I'll need to make sure to play my part well, and we'll be giving Harry the full picture without compromising Snape's cover or mine. Well, I better go find Nott, so he can let me into the Slytherin Common Room. Now that I think about it. I should've asked Draco what the bloody password was."
Draco felt the pull of the book. He flew around in a circle before he reached the inside of a cottage. He fell directly on a bed and waited for a moment before his head stopped spinning. As soon as he felt whole once more, he started looking around the room. There were posters of Victor Krum and other famous Seekers, which caused a smile to play at the corners of his mouth. He walked around the room and noticed the various books that littered the bookshelves. He noticed many of the textbook titles were in French. Draco sighed as he hadn't spoken French since he was a small child, and he wasn't sure he remembered the language.
He opened the smaller of the two doors and found a walk in closet. On the far wall of the closet behind some hanging clothes, he found several pictures from the society pages affixed to the wall. They were labeled in French. Draco then found a poem written in English by a younger Leo's hand. He read it and noticed his eyes were blurring.
The Dragon
/
The reflection of me in the Looking glass I see,
But so different than two people can be,
He's so sad and melancholy,
He's so alone, how can no one see?
/
I dream of him, the other me
The one caged by the tight reins of society,
Deep down he only wishes to be free,
Why can no one else see?
/
He's so sad, harshly punished by him,
I can see it's breaking the little boy
He's a person not a bloody toy
Will he ever be free of him?
/
I wish I was there to protect him from everything,
He was never meant to feel what he feels,
I fear I'm losing him, as he disappears behind that cold shield,
Will he ever be healed or broken by him?
Draco walked out of the closet and felt his exhaustion hit him. He was sure it wasn't too late, however he felt so tired. He was emotionally drained and still in a bit of shock. Leo had seen what he went through as a child, and he worried. Draco closed his eyes and wondered if he ever felt Leo's presence after being punished by his father for not acting like a proper Malfoy heir. He knew deep down inside of that haughty man, Lucius loved his mother and him. However, something prevented him from showing anything more than pressure and expectations. Draco never really felt loved by the man because he was too cold. His mother distanced herself once he went off to school, but she still sent packages and her love. He knew it was time for him to grow up and be strong. He had to show the proper face because he was a public representation of his family at Hogwarts. After that thought, he drifted off to sleep.
Leo lay in Draco's green draped four poster bed in the dungeons of the castle. No one had noticed the change, well except for Theo. Nott had an advantage after all. He knew it was coming and had time to get to know both of the twins. Leo smiled as he thought that no matter how identical he and Draco were; somehow Theo was could tell them apart. Leo closed his eyes wondering how Draco was doing in his old room.
Leo stood in a dark cell in Azkaban. He looked around shocked and wondering how the hell he got there. Perhaps there was more to the Dark Mark than just a protean charm. Could there be some connection between the people who have them? He looked around the room and found his father sitting on the floor with his arms wrapped around his legs. He looked so fragile, and he'd only been in prison for a year. His eyes were sunken in from lack of sleep, and his hair was a tangled mess. He looked sicklier than Draco, and that was saying something.
The man was pleading into the darkness with tears rolling down his eyes, "Draco, please succeed. I don't want to die, but most of all I don't want you or your mother to die."
Leo was shocked to see him in such a state and tried to comfort him, "Don't worry father, I won't let anything happen to our family."
"Draco, I know I've been a bad father. I was cold and unaffectionate. I'm sorry that I've never showed you how much I love and care about you. I've always been focused on public image and gaining power. I never thought I'd be here. I never thought you'd be made a Death Eater at sixteen. I'm so sorry I've forced you down this path."
Leo shivered, "It's okay father. We all make mistakes. I admit you're decisions have put me in this precarious position, but we Malfoys are survivors. I will do whatever is necessary to insure we all make it through this upcoming war, as unscathed as possible. However, you're mishap in the Hall of Prophecy has caused our family to lose favor with the Dark Lord. We may be forced to evaluate our current situation before making any final decisions."
"Draco, you've taken over as the head of our family now that I'm here. The protection of your mother is on your shoulders. I know we've raise you to be strong. I know you'll make the right decision and insure our family's survival. The Dark Lord will always hold our family in high esteem because we're one of the oldest Pure-Blood family lines. We're the epitome of what the Dark Lord stands for, so he'd never cast us aside."
"Father, you're delusional. That power hungry half-blood only cares about the achievement of his power, his immortality, and since he's returned Harry Potter. You've failed him twice, father. He's not one to care for anything more than how successfully his followers serve him. Harry Potter has foiled your plans twice, starting with that diary. You are responsible for this situation and I will hold you accountable. At the same time, I love you and Mum, and I'll do everything to guarantee we all make it through this. Starting with successfully completing my mission and serving the Dark Lord faithfully," Leo kept his contempt hidden. He was utterly repulsed by the man before him. He never could hate the man, but his actions are what caused his mother and brother so much pain.
Leo woke up the next morning with a heavy heart, as it was his first day as the horrible Draco Malfoy. However, the assignment he'd been given had caused him to be much more quiet, and much less of the bully he was previously. It would be easier to play the broken Draco than it would be to play the haughty one. He got ready and dressed in his robes. He noticed Crabbe and Goyle were stirring. He glared, "So, are you two able to assist me today, or do you both have detention?"
Crabbe cleared his throat, "We have detention for the rest of the week."
Leo rolled his eyes, "I can't help but wonder if you're just sick of it and using detention as an excuse. Don't worry; I won't forget how you've acted these last few weeks. Now, get out of my sight before I curse you."
Leo looked down at his bracelet when it warmed. Now that's the Draco I know. Leo looked over at Theo and smirked before heading to Breakfast. He made his way straight to the Slytherin table and took a seat with Theo. He wanted to remain away from Pansy, Zabini, and the rest of Draco's old gang. He only had a few days to prepare, and he still needed to meet in the room with Snape to figure out what still needed to be done to mend the cabinet.
Leo noticed a change in Snape as they got closer to the day. He seemed even more sullen, moody, and melancholy, "You really don't want to take his life, do you?"
Snape looked up from the vanishing cabinet, "I do what I must."
Leo furrowed his brow, "I've been wondering about something recently. You're the one that overheard part of the prophecy and delivered it to Voldemort, right?"
Snape's face paled, "Don't say that name."
Leo gulped, "I meant the Dark Lord. You're the one that told the Dark Lord about the prophecy you overheard. When he heard that prophecy, it caused him to focus on Harry Potter, the son of Lilly and James. I know enough to know, James was rather mean to you in school. So, my question is why do you always seem to help Harry even though you're so mean and rude to him? Why would Dumbledore saying that Harry's deepest nature is more like his mother's appease you? Unless you cared about her, and he does have his mother's eyes, right? I've heard some people say that when they've talked to him about his parents."
Snape's eyes narrowed, "I don't know what you're playing at Leo, but I suggest you stop right now. You have no idea what you're talking about, and I suggest you stop coming up with these fanciful tales."
Leo mumbled, "I'll take that as a Yes." He looked back over at the Vanishing Cabinet, "So what else do we have left to do?"
Draco lay on Leo's bed reading the oldest part of the Journal he'd found. He couldn't believe how much Leo had witnessed of his own childhood. The boy had dreamt about him every night until they started school. After that, the dreams seemed to have stopped, and his journals were filled with school, friends, and theories. He continued to write in English, and Draco couldn't help but wonder if he did it, so his French roommates couldn't read what was written. He heard his stomach grumble, and he decided it was time to visit with the people who raised Leo once more.
He dreaded spending time with them because they were a bit too caring. It was something he wasn't used to. They were so open to talking about their feelings, and he wasn't surprised to find out that Leo had read the psychology books in this house. As apparently, Elaine studied the muggle science of Psychology while at university because she was a muggle-born witch. He walked out of the room to see the two smiling faces of Luke and Elaine.
He attempted to smile, "Hello, thank you for letting me stay with you."
Elaine smiled, "It's no problem at all. We love Leo dearly, and we're willing to help him out in any way possible. Now, come and eat Draco, you're much too thin."
A/N: I know I had to throw a confrontation between Leo, disguised as Draco, and Lucius into the mix. I wanted to show how Azkaban is affecting Lucius. I wanted Leo to see that Lucius is a cold man but that he does actually care about his wife and son in his own way. I have two chapters left to write, and this fiction is over. Also the words to the Dragon are original to me. I am also going to finish this fiction with both Draco and Leo's perspectives. The sequel, whenever I get around to writing it, will show what's going on with both of them. I know what needs to happen in the last two chapters and many of you might know what's coming as well. I just have many things going on so, I don't know when I'll be able to write and post those two chapters.