Chapter Title: Elements of Seizure
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended on any company, author, or anything under this earth that you would sue me for.
A/N--This chapter is a little bit of Draco and some more of Remus and Harry.

Draco looked up from his work at the popping sound. He acknowledged the house elf with a raised eyebrow.

The little elf squeaked, "Mister Dobbs is here to see Master Malfoy."

Draco nodded, "Send him in right away," he ordered. Tiffy popped out with a whimper, causing the young blond to roll his eyes — Malfoy house-elves had mastered the English language but still squealed like common house-elves. Seconds later a light rap on the other side of the study's door alerted him to Dobbs' arrival.

"Come in, Henry." Draco greeted the man as he came in, offering him some cognac as they exchanged brief pleasantries. Soon at the end of his patience however, Draco asked, "Success?"

The question took all levity out of the solicitor's face, "Yes, Mr. Malfoy," he paused, "Pardon me, Lord Malfoy."

Draco nodded, a slight smirk on his lips acknowledging his new title. He accepted the documents Dobbs passed him.

"Those are all the necessary documents you'd need. I've marked those that need signing. Everything went smoothly of course, not a word of protest against the shift."

Draco's smirk widened, "I'm sure it did. The Ministry must have had no qualms stripping the great and terrifying Lucius Malfoy of his power and handing it to his young inexperienced son," he said while giving the documents a quick look. He nodded in thanks, "Very well, thank you Henry. You've been efficient as always. Arrange a meeting with my Father in Azkaban for the purpose of informing him of all that I've put in place. Then have another set up for me with him - on a separate day of course."

"I already have a meeting with him scheduled tomorrow. I'll have yours set up in less than a week; I'll contact you with the specifics." A few more details and Dobbs left to take care of business, and maybe drink another glass of brandy.

Draco got up as soon as the other man left to make his way to one of the sitting rooms. It was decorated in peaceful shades of blue; his mother's doing, and was his favourite sitting room in the Manor. He found his expected guest already drinking a cup of tea while reading the day's copy of the Daily Prophet.

"Hello Severus," he greeted his godfather, a cheer in his voice. "Good morning, Draco" came the token response. Neither man said anything for a while as Draco poured himself some tea until Severus Snape broke the silence.

"Interesting news today—Ministry Shaken Up, Suspected Death Eaters Arrested, and look, Malfoy Power Shift." Onyx eyes locked with mercury, "Explain."

Draco didn't even blink at the blatant intimidation, "I followed your advice, Uncle Severus. I got power, lots of it."

In an uncharacteristic show of emotion Severus threw the Prophet on the table, "You stripped your father of it and publicly humiliated him. You might as well have paraded him naked through Diagon Alley!"

Draco raised an eyebrow, "Now there's a thought. Although, I have to ask, would that be for my benefit or yours, Severus?"

The older man pinched the bridge of his nose in absolute consternation, a common occurrence where his godson was concerned, "Draco," he began, forcibly lowering his voice to its usual velvet tenor, "I told you to get power, enough to free your father. I thought you understood."

Draco finished his tea, placing the empty cup down on the table before speaking again. "I understood you perfectly. More than you expected I would. What I understood is that if I amassed just enough power to free Lucius, I'd lose it immediately afterwards. Not only that, but the Malfoy name would still be in the gutter and my father would have me bowing and scraping before the Dark Lord, his ugly mark marring my arm by summer's end. We'd be worse off than before he went to prison."

Severus released a slow breath silently, "He's your father, Draco."

Draco's eyes softened, "I'm aware of that, and I'm not going to abandon him. I am however, going to free him on my terms and conditions, not his, not the Dark Lord's." His eyes became diamonds, "Speaking of demented monsters, what did the Dark Lord say about freeing my father?"

A flash of anger passed through obsidian eyes, "He's still angry. He refuses to consider all that Lucius has done for him and expects you to take the Mark and make-up for your father's mistake. He threatens your mother's life, Draco."

Draco leaned back in his seat, "Expected response. Just wanted to be sure; I wouldn't want his plans crossing paths with mine. I'll send protection to mother, she'll stay in France for now." He wanted to ask if Severus would soon need protection but he knew that his godfather could take care of himself and would take the suggestion as an insult.

Severus nodded in agreement with his godson's plans, "And your father?"

Draco tilted his head back in his chair, "My father is annoying, but he is mine. It's actually why I asked you here an hour early for our lessons." He straightened himself in his seat grabbing some parchment and a quill - which had been placed there in preparation for the potion master's visit - from the table. "I'll need to know all the properties of the Dark Mark."

Severus raised a dark eyebrow but complied, "Other than simple identification it is used as a locator. As you know the Dark Lord can use any Dark Mark to call some or all Death Eaters. The magic is advanced enough that he could call just one Death Eater or all of them. A result of this is that any Death Eater bearing the mark has the ability to apparate to the position of anyone else with a mark, except when barred by strong wards, like those of most family manors and Hogwarts. However, this requires a singular focus on the person being located and cannot be done at random."

Draco's eyes narrowed in concentration as he tapped his chin with his quill thoughtfully, "So you can find him, he can find you. Has anyone successfully removed it before?"

With a slight shake of the head, Severus answered, "So far, only the Dark Lord has managed to remove the Dark Mark, and only as punishment to traitors. It is a process that is fatal to the Death Eater, and of course painful. You can't scrape it off; it will etch itself back, even on bone. Amputation of an arm with a Mark on it is also fatal." The spy's eyes shadowed, "No charms can cancel its magic, or any potions conceal it."

Draco frowned, "You've tried all this haven't you?"

He got his answer when the other wizard averted his eyes, "Save for amputation, yes. I was saved that fate by others who attempted it in my presence."

Draco nodded, "In that case I'll need your potions notes."

Snape turned sharply back to the blond, "Draco, the potions I came up with were volatile and extremely dangerous, and I'm just talking about the brewing process."

Draco shrugged, "I expect that, but I have an idea and I need to check your notes for anything that I've missed." He made sure to point out that it was he not the potions master who may have missed something, to soften the man to his request. "My instincts tell me that the concentrated magic found in a potion is the only way to remove or destroy the Dark Mark. It seems to have the same properties as a potion; most potions require the ingestion of other potions or particular ingredients to counteract them. Charms rarely work, which explains why no concealing charms would ever work on the Mark."

Severus nodded, "I'll bring them tomorrow." He cast a tempus charm, wandless. "We're late for your lesson." He stood up making his way to the Malfoys' potions lab without looking to see if Draco followed. The blond chuckled at his godfather's abruptness and followed him remembering to grab the notes he took on the Dark Mark.

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The charred fireplace flashed green catching the attention of the old lady sitting by the window staring out into the quiet neighbourhood outside her window. She turned her head towards the fireplace smiling fondly at Lissy, a small black cat with brilliant green eyes, swiping a tiny white-tipped paw at what looked like a floating head in the now green flames.

"Leave the poor man alone, Lissy," she called to her cat, then stood to pick the young kitten up. "Hello, Remus. What can I do for you?"

The werewolf smiled up at the cat as it squirmed in its owner's arms, "Good afternoon, Arabella. May I come through?"

Arabella Figg smiled at the werewolf, "Of course." She moved back and turned to put Lissy back on the floor.

She turned back to the fireplace to find Remus brushing his worn robes down. Clucking her tongue at the dishevelled werewolf she said, "You look dreadful, dear. Here, come sit, have some tea and scones." She went to the kitchen to get the treats.

Remus chuckled, "Thank you, Arabella, but I'm afraid I don't quite have time for that today."

"Nonsense, I'll have none of it." Mrs. Figg called from her kitchen. She came back with a tray of scones and a mug filled with tea, "You look positively emaciated Remus. Sit down, " she gestured to an armchair, "Eat. I won't hear any of what you have to say to me till you finish a scone. You still drink your tea the same way?" Without waiting for an answer she added sugar and stirred handing Remus the mug and a scone.

Remus suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and instead thanked Arabella and complied with her condition, finishing the offered scone. Mrs. Figg was not blind to how fast the scone disappeared and offered another, "Here dear, another," she gestured to the remaining scones.

Remus smiled sipping his tea before putting the mug down. "No thank you, Arabella. I must speak with you most urgently."

Mrs. Figg dismissed the notion with a wave of her hand, "What could be so important? If it's Dumbledore asking about the patrols, tell him that old con Fletcher was a terrible choice, he's hardly present and is more interested in trying to rob muggles."

Remus shook his head slightly, "It's about Harry." Remus figured the direct approach was the only way to get the woman to focus on something other than trying to feed him, "How is he?"

Arabella pursed her lips, "I suppose that's important. He's been alright, as much as the poor boy could be. He hardly comes over anymore, probably wise."

Remus frowned, "Why would it be wise to stay away? I was under impression the Dursleys were not the most pleasant muggles."

"Make no mistake, they're not the best people, but they're alright enough, at least he's safe when he's by the house. Been some shifty characters sniffing about. May be Death Eaters, at least I think so." she paused a frown magnifying the wrinkles on her face, "Dumbledore keeps ignoring my requests to move the boy. Potter'd be better off somewhere else."

"There are Death Eaters here and Dumbledore won't move him?" Anger drew the dormant wolf in Remus out momentarily, his eyes flashing golden amber, "Why?" he growled, a cat nosing about his legs hissed and ran away.

Mrs. Figg rolled her eyes, "Oh do calm down, you old wolf. You're scaring my cats. Besides Dumbledore must have a good reason for not listening, I'm sure. Mentioned something about blood protection with the Dursleys."

Remus' anger did not dissipate; Moony could tell Mrs. Figg was trying to calm him. Even she didn't really believe in Harry's assumed safety with his muggle family. "Blood protection? From Petunia I suppose, through Lily's blood?"

Mrs. Figg nodded gravely, "Aye, though that won't help him a mite if he keeps taking all those walks at odd hours. I've been trailing him, seems to keep the odd fellows at bay, but their numbers have been increasing of late. It's worrying, no doubt."

Remus stood up abruptly, "Thank you for the tea and scones, Arabella. More importantly, thank you for watching over Harry."

Mrs. Figg narrowed her eyes at Remus but smiled at him, "It's nothing, the boy needs some looking after, Remus." She stood up, "Will you be using the floo?"

Remus shook his head, "No, I'm going down to the Dursleys. It's probably best if I apparate somewhere near, I'd walk over, but I don't want to risk being recognised," he replied as he walked to the door.

A smile and a nod later and he was out of Arabella's house and walking towards Privet drive. He had the good sense to slip into a secluded corner shielded by foliage to transfigure his robes into muggle clothing. He still looked worn but at least he wasn't conspicuous. It occurred to him that maybe he should have a better plan that just grabbing Harry and escaping, but as rash decisions go, so went the plan. A shadow passing overhead brought him out of his thoughts and he looked up to see a raven fly past him and perch on a tree in someone's frontyard.

This unnerved Remus and the feeling that he should have been better prepared overcame him once again, after all in mythology raven's are normally associated with battle. It also didn't help that only one had appeared, 'One for bad news', he thought, referencing an old rhyme his grandmother had taught him when he was young. He looked up at the raven to find it picking at its wing with its beak turned away from Remus. Scolding himself for being so paranoid Remus increased his pace toward Number 4 Privet Drive, he did make sure he had his wand safely up his sleeve nonetheless.

The werewolf came up to the front of the house sensing old wards erected around it. He tilted his head back slightly and tried to catch the coppery scent of Dark Magic in the air to check if the wards had been tampered with. It wasn't conclusive, but he did catch the faint scent of magic, it wasn't a direct attack on the wards however, more like someone had tried to access the wards indirectly from another source. This did nothing to alleviate his unease and Remus moved forward past the loose wards and immaculate front garden to knock on the door.

Petunia Dursley's severe face peeked at him from the small space she'd cracked the door open to. She narrowed her eyes scornfully and tried to shut the door. Unfortunately for her, luckily for him, Remus was much stronger and he used that strength to force the door open wider noting that forced entry should have been impossible with the wards Dumbledore had alluded to.

"Hello Petunia," he greeted with a warm smile, "May I come in?" and with a discourtesy he normally avoided let himself into the home leaving Petunia to angrily shut the door behind him.

"Is Harry in?" Remus asked his eyes darting to the cupboard under the stairs half expecting Harry to open the small door and show himself. Luckily for the Dursleys they had finally let him have his own room, as spare as it was, Remus had only just managed to calm Moony's outrage at his cub's previous mistreatment.

He'd obviously done a terrible job concealing his anger as Petunia Dursley was now taking several faltering steps back. Building on her fear he let a bit more of Moony show on his face, he knew the moment his eyes had turned the wolf's translucent amber when she pressed herself against the wall.

"Petunia," he asked again his voice pleasant, "Harry, where is he?" Sighing at her silence he turned and went up the stairs making his way all the way up to Harry's small room. Doing his best to ignore the multiple locks and bolts on his best friend's godson's door he cast a simple Alohomora charm and walked right in without knocking, a sense of urgency growing in the pit of his stomach alongside the earlier unease, promptly meeting the business end of Harry's wand.

"Who are you?" Harry asked, his voice relatively calm considering the panic and shock in his green eyes.

"Harry, it's me, Remus Lupin." Raising his hands very slowly he continued to try and soothe the boy, "Calm down."

"No you're not. You're eyes are different, which probably means you're under Imperius since the wolf is fighting you and besides, Remus would have warned me if he was coming."

Remus smiled slightly but made sure to reign Moony back in so that his eyes returned to their normal hazel brown, "Harry, it's me. I assure you werewolves are impervious to the Imperius curse, something to do with the caster having to control two different psyches. I didn't warn you for the sake of safety."

Harry narrowed his eyes, "What's Moody's catchphrase?"

"Constant vigilance."

"That was easy, you've probably heard him say it when he worked as an Auror. What's my patronus?"

"A stag."

"Why?"

A painful smile on his face Remus answered, "Probably because it was your father's, James'," he added for more detail, "animagus form, named Prongs. He used it to go play with me and Padfoot when I was in my wolf for-." He was cut off by an armful of half sobbing, half laughing teenager.

"Moony!"

Smiling into Harry's messy hair, Remus returned the hearty embrace, "Hello, Harry. I'm presuming you now trust that it's me."

Harry stiffened in his arms and pulled away his cheeks pinking at his embarrassment, "Er, sorry about that. Constant vigilance!" he offered, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

"It's quite alright."

"If you don't mind me asking, why are you here? School doesn't start for a while, and the Order normally has me send letters to them, are we going to Grim- headquarters?"

Remus shook his head and walked past Harry, his urgency returning, "Somewhere else."

Harry perked up at the thought of not going back to his godfather's house. "Somewhere else?" Letting a small hope form within him he asked, "Where?"

"I'll explain when we get there." Remus responded his voice curt.

"Oh. Okay."

Remus paused in his task of looking for Harry's trunk and turned back to Harry, "I'm sorry but I'm not quite sure I have the time to explain, it's dangerous right now."

Harry did not look appeased.

"Harry, please understand. I promise I'll explain everything when we get there?"

"Everything?"

Remus nodded.

"Promise you won't try to hide information because you'll think I'm better off not knowing, because I'm not."

"I promise, or I'll try my best."

Harry frowned at the qualifier so Remus continued, "You'll have to forgive my desire to protect you, overcoming your need to know everything once in a while." He turned away to look around the room. "Now just where is your school trunk? Accio Harry's trunk!"

A scream, presumably from Petunia and loud thunking sounds came closer before the worn but sturdy trunk flew towards the werewolf barely missing Harry and stopping just inches from breaking Remus' nose.

Taking a step back and letting it float to the ground Remus opened the trunk and started gathering all of Harry's things into it a small frown forming as a floorboard came loose as a result of the second Accio he'd cast for Harry's things.

He gave Harry fatherly a look that clearly said, 'We're talking about this later', he then closed the trunk and gave the small room a final look around to make sure he hadn't missed anything. It saddened him that he hadn't, most of Harry's things had already been in the trunk when he'd summoned it and the rest came from under the loosened floorboard.

Harry watched all this a little worried about Remus finding out about his floorboard and his normally locked trunk. He trusted the man, more than the rest of the Order anyway, but it was still unnerving to have anyone else know the foul details of his muggle relatives' treatment of him.

"Alright Harry, anything else you need?"

A shake from the boy's head, "Very well then, keep your wand with you, I'll take your trunk," he cast a feather-light spell on it, "Come on then, let's say goodbye to your aunt."

Harry snorted, "I doubt she'd care, at least not past the extent of glee at me leaving."

Remus didn't acknowledge his comment too busy trying to keep Moony calm at the mention of Petunia, and instead motioned Harry in front of him and out of the room.

Petunia must have recovered from her fear and heard them coming down because she walked past them to swing open the door, a sneer on her face, then it was as if everything happened in slow motion.

A green beam of light and her body flew forward and landed with a dull thud on the spotless floor. Harry couldn't hear Remus' shouts as his mind was quickly transported back to the graveyard in fourth year. He could almost smell the dank moist heavy scent of death; see Cedric looking around in wonder right before the light in his eyes went out with a burst of green.

He was brought out of his dark reverie with Remus slamming him against the wall to push him out of a curse's way and a loud bang as the werewolf spelled the door shut and warded it. Unfortunately his gaze went to his aunt's dead body, her eyes still hateful and the sneer pasted on her face, even in death.

Remus warded the door with as many spells as he knew, including blocking all apparition into the house. He turned back to face Harry just in time to watch the boy slide down the wall with a wrenching scream as his scar started to bleed.

"Harry! HARRY!!"

Getting no response from the boy he picked him up stumbling as his magic tried to compensate for the weakening wards being dismantled by what he now presumed were Deatheaters. Sensing the wards about to give in Remus cast his most powerful shield to act as a second wall between them and the door, it wasn't much but it might give them some extra time. He spelled the trunk to follow him as he ran into the kitchen going for the backdoor. A loud explosion signalled that the wards he had cast on the house had been broken, unfortunately, however, the apparition ward also held and he couldn't get out immediately. Speeding up as much as he could carrying a teenage boy and his magic almost spent, Remus cast a Reducto on the back door ignoring the splinters of wood and shards of glass piercing his skin. He dove for the ground a brush of magic signalling he was out of the wards' range; a groan from Harry went unnoticed as he gathered the last of his strength and disappeared with a pop.

Harry fought the onslaught of pain, and forced his eyes open just as Remus crashed to the ground. The last thing Harry saw before they apparated out was Voldemort stepping over his aunt's lifeless body and sending the killing curse his way.

A/N—FINALLY!! Sorry about the wait, real life sucks and college course load trumps my fandom duties. Stay tuned