Harry P.O.V.
"We're here." I parked Darling in space of the campground. It hadn't been too long of a drive, just over an hour. Draco opened the door and was nearly shoved out by Jo, "Come on move, I've been in this seat way too long." Draco jumped down with a huff and hurriedly moved out of Jo's impatient path. I got out my side and stretched. Slamming the door closed, I moved around to the back of Darling, grabbing up the duffel bags we'd packed. The plan was to camp out and hopefully lure the thing to us instead of us trying to track it. Even more hopefully, we would find the den and rescue the missing people.
"So are we going to go trapping through the woods until we fall in or something?" Draco asked, hauling the tent bag over his shoulder. I had to grin. We never did exactly tell him what the plan was, "Yeah, something like that. Come on, we have to go rent a space." He rolled his eyes at me.
"Sometimes I wonder about you." He fiddled once more with the flare gun in his waist band. He'd done that the whole drive. Jo and I heart certainly didn't have the heart to tell him that he didn't have to keep it there until we made it to the campgrounds. Jo grabbed up the last bag – the one with extra flares and such – and followed us into the main office.
The campground manager smiled at us when we opened the door, setting off a little bell that I'm sure the manager would love to rip from the wall, "Good afternoon folks, how may I help you today?"
"Just a campsite, maybe one close to the canyon walls would be awesome," I force a charming smile on my face and I heard Jo try to cover her snickers.
"Sorry, the ones near the canyon walls are closed off right now. We've had one too many small avalanches." The woman sat at her desk, "I can offer one right around the corner though, if you'd like."
"You sure there's no way? We're pretty good rock climbers, and we deal with avalanches all the time. We'll be extra safe," I leaned on the counter and smiled bigger at her. She flushed and stammered, "I really can't. I'm sorry." Just as I was about to lean back, Draco moved up beside me. I stared as he fixed the lady with a beautiful Malfoy smile, one that charmed the Ministry for years. He crooked finger at her and she leaned close. I watched my mouth slightly agape as he whispered in her ear. Whatever he said made her blush pink and smirk, "Of course. I can give you the one site that isn't covered, but I do advise you to be careful."
She handed Draco a map, with a path outlined, "Thank you." He winked at her before turning and walking out of the office, Jo and I following after dumbstruck. Once we were out by the path – we were hiking in; the grounds weren't that big – Jo grabbed Draco's arm, "Alright, Icy, where the hell did that come from? You made her melt so fast."
"Dean isn't the only one who can charm anything that moves." He grinned at her, the same smile he gave to the lady in the office. Jo laughed and punched him in the arm lightly, "Whatever you say. I still think that you put a spell on her,"
"I never once pulled out my wand, you watched me." He chuckled and winced. It hadn't even been a day since he was chucked down the steps, I wouldn't put it past him to hiding his pain. He reached up unconsciously and held his ribs lightly. I started to think that maybe throwing him into the field right away was a bad idea. Then again, we'd all been through hunts with worse. Maybe this would be good practice. Jo and Draco continued to snip at each in good taste as they lead the way down the path. Draco still had the map, so we were just following him. Ten minutes in and we were there.
The site was decent; large enough for two tents probably and already had a metal fire ring – which we wouldn't be using of course. I was delighted in some weird way that there were several caves along the wall. We could only hope that one of them would be the one we needed. Draco dropped the tent bag a little to the side of the sight, probably where he intends to set it up. A quick glance to see if anyone was around – which there wasn't – and he pointed his wand at it. It set itself up quick enough, unfolding easily and separating into the three rooms it came with. No wizard space, just one room separated by hanging curtains.
"So, that's that. What's next?" Draco asked, brushing light brown dirt off the bottom of his pants. He wasn't really dirty but I guess even a little bit bothered him, "We wait for Fonzy." Jo set the other bags on the picnic table, "Fonzy called for this? Awesome!"
"I know, I was so excited when Bobby told me!" I grinned at Draco's face – entirely and utterly confused. He opened his mouth to say something before shaking his head, "I don't even know anymore." Jo laughed, going over to ruffle his hair, "Get used to it. You'll learn everyone's name at some point."
He swatted at her hands, growling, "Do not touch my hair." Of course, that only sparked her to jump up on his back to mess with it further. I watched contently on the picnic table, grin etched permanently on my features. Jo clung stubbornly to Draco's back as he tried to shuck her off, "Will you get off me?"
"I'd listen to him Jo, I'd hate to be on the other end of whatever curse he may throw at you."
"He'd never sling one at someone without proper protection. No wand remember?" She slide off his back, taking a quick step back as he whipped around with a playful glare, "Yes well lucky you, or I would so give you slime green hair."
"You wouldn't," She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I would." He shrugged and brushed off imaginary dust from his shoulder. He still knew how to put someone on edge it seemed, as Jo walked away a wary glance over her shoulder. I knew he was bluffing, mostly. I wouldn't put it past him to do something to that notion. Hair was not something you messed with around him. I took a better look at him. He'd stopped wearing his hair in a pompous style since the war ended and the loose fringe above his eyes looked far better on him. Oddly enough, it didn't repulse me to think he looked good, I mean not like it would have in our school years. Guess I have grown up some.
The fact that it was Draco still left an odd taste in my mouth. Well, not literally as we hadn't even come close to kissing, but still. He had proved after all that he had changed and I knew I definitely have and maybe, it wouldn't be such a bad thing.
A deep rumble of a vehicle pulled me from that train of thought. I recognized the old beat up Beetle crawling through the trees and jumped up, "Hey guys, Fonzy is here!" I stepped out by the path and waved him down. Fonzy – a short dude with big curly black hair – stepped out with a grin, "So, you two trouble makers are Bobby's best guys?" His voice was deeper than most people expected, and when he was mad, could be one scary guy.
"You know it," I clapped him on the back before moving to unpack his tent and gear. Behind me, I could hear Jo introduce Draco and Fonzy. Instantly, Fonzy started to fling question after question at Draco, pushing him back up against a tree.
"Fonzy, give him a break, he's new."
"Then why is he here?"
"He wanted to get his feet wet. Bobby figured this would be a good first case to do that." I shrugged. I really wished that Fonzy didn't have that irritating trait of doubting just about everything that moved. He could be a really great guy, but at the same time, really aggravating. Fonzy was still looking over Draco with a stink eye before Jo pulled him away to discuss what he'd already learned about the beast. I set up Fonzy's stuff by hand – muggle with no clue about wizards – before making up a late lunch for everyone. Draco surprised me by joining me on that.
I stared at him in between slicing tomatoes until he looked back, "Yes?"
"Since when do you cook?"
"Since always I guess? At least once I started living on my own." He shrugged and broke off some lettuce to clean it. Sandwiches were a go to food while hunting, simply because it was easy and cheap. Though I did think Draco always cooking was a stretch but while living on his own I did understand. I concentrated back on slicing the tomato – wouldn't do to great to call the hunt early because I cut my own finger off. Fonzy and Jo were staring intently at maps of the area, marking the best places the thing could be. One of the worst things about wendigos – unpredictable aside from the diet they chose.
I'd only faced a wendigo once before, my first case actually. Bobby and Dean were there as well so it was a bit easier than it could have been. We had cornered it in its cave and lit it up with a flare gun. No people were killed, thank Merlin, and we managed to save the three that had been captured. A quick memory easer helped those guys and they all went home safely. The case was pretty cut and dry and I hope this one will be the same. I figured if we didn't get it tonight, another body would be added to the count and we would have to wait another few days for the next one to be captured. Wendigos were odd creatures; saving up food like that. I mean, if you put it in a logical way, it made sense. Didn't humans stock up on food? The way it was different is that the 'food' in this case is unsuspecting campers.
Draco set the now clean lettuce, a loaf of bread, and some condiments out beside me, along with some plates. I took that as my cue to add in the cut tomato and deli meat.
"Guys, come make some sandwiches," Draco called over to the other two as he dished up his own. I sat in one of the camping chairs we'd brought after filling up my own plate. It would be the waiting game until nightfall anyways, so I would take a comfy seat and wait in style. Besides, this sandwich was damn good.
The others took seats around the cold fire ring, munching on lunch. Draco sat next to me, shifting his chair slightly closer. I wouldn't have even noticed if the rocks didn't make so much noise. Thankfully, neither Jo nor Fonzy seemed too noticed.
*DoP*
A howl ripped through the air, jerking me up from my sleeping bag. I wasn't asleep; none of us were but still, that kind of sound is rather jarring. Shuffling around me echoed my own as I gathered up several match books, three flare guns, and my wand. I really hoped that it wouldn't come to having to use all of it, but one never knew. All four of us meet up around the fire ring, Jo heaving a duffle over her shoulder, "We ready to get this bitch?"
"Yup. Let's haul out and see what we can find." Fonzy held a flare gun and started leading away into the dark woods.
Draco P.O.V.
Why the hell couldn't we have grabbed flashlights? It was way too dark for this and I was seconds away from lighting up my wand. A tree branch scrapped over my head, probably taking hair with it and I growled, "Why do we not have light again?"
"Because, it's off putting to the creature. You sure you want to be a hunter kid?" the fuzz ball of hair said. I didn't remember his name, but I didn't care either.
"Not like I had much of a choice." Of course I did, but he didn't know that.
"Oh yeah? What changed your life to make you want this?" His tone was mocking and I rolled my eyes a bit. Damned arse, get your nose out of my business.
"None of yours is it CurlyQ?" Harry snorted softly beside me but didn't look away from the 'path' we were following through the dark. That shut the guy up thankfully and I was overjoyed at that. He talked to much, thought to little; almost like some people I knew. I nearly pitched over yet another root. I really hate this. Tramping through the woods in the dark, with a horrid creature probably looking for a snack was not exactly my idea of fun. No no, I'd so rather be back at camp, next to a blazing fire with coffee, sitting next to Harry, my head on his shoulder—where the hell did that come from?!
I stopped abruptly at that and Jo smashed into my back, sending both of us sprawling on the ground. I groaned as my still broken ribs protested. She instantly jumped off my back and knelt next to me, "You okay? Jesus I didn't mean to fall on you!"
I coughed and wheezed – I'll never admit it later, "Can't…breathe…" Hands started urging me into a semi upright position and I vaguely heard a snort of distaste, "She ain't that heavy kid, take a chill pill."
"He has three broken ribs asshat!" Harry hissed next to me as he let me lean on him. He was definitely warmer than I thought he would be. Someone – probably Jo - was hiking up my shirt and lightly prodding at the taped up ribs, fixing the few that fell.
"I don't care if he's paralyzed, he came on a hunt and he better do his job." Fonzy hauled up the bags that Jo dropped and started down the path. Honestly, the guy could eat shit for all I cared.
"Fonzy don't leave. You know we can't be separated."
"I'm going to do my job, you babysit kiddo there." He tossed a wave over his shoulder and kept. Everything around us went still when we heard him scream.
*DoP*
I woke up with a screaming pain in my side, not only from my ribs, but also the newly acquired gash that was dripping on the floor. Where was I? I noticed that I was being forcibly stood, hands tied up above me with what felt like barbed wire. A look beside me showed Jo in the same position, unconscious. Harry and the asshat were nowhere to be found and it pissed me off. They should be here dammit! I wriggled my hands experimentally and cringed at the pain it caused. Something is broken I'm sure. A groan on the other side of the cave had my head snapping up. Three other people hung from the cave ceiling much like I did and a fourth one on the floor. Damn, missed it.
I torn my eyes off the dead body and focused on the one who had groaned. It was a guy, late thirties probably and covered in so much grim I was lucky to see that much. He looked to be the only awake of the four, "You okay over there?" I call, cringing at the scratching of my throat.
"Mm, okay maybe?" His own voice was just as rough as mine. I felt bad for the guy which was probably rude but. How are you supposed to feel about a guy you didn't know, stuck in a place far longer than you? Pity was the only thing I could feel. "The others? They alive still?"
"Yes. Well, except for Casey." He pointed with his foot.
"Good, that's good. My friends, they're going to get us out of here yeah? Got to hold on till then."
"That more for me or for you?" It was a question that didn't warrant an answer, so I didn't give one. He had me though; who was I trying to reassure; myself or them? I didn't have time to think on it as I heard running echoing from somewhere adjacent to the cave. I could only hope it was Harry, but even so, I dropped my head. I didn't know what the damn thing sounded like.
The running slowed until it was a crawl. I couldn't even hear heavy breathing which felt odd. Still, I kept my head down and waited. And nearly jumped out of my skin when Harry touched my face.
"God, Draco, you look like hell," His words were breathless – probably from the run – and he gave a relieved smile.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Cut me down now would you?" I smiled lightly too even though I didn't feel it. I tried not to cry out when he brushed my side but I was about 75% sure I did whimper. Next thing I even realized, I was being guided to the ground, coddled in Harry's arms, "Get Jo and the others out of here."
"Well obviously."
"Where's Fonzy?"
"Dead." There was no hesitation, not even a speck of grief.
"How?" I was shocked; I mean I didn't like the guy sure, but still, this was his case after all and he died in the middle of it. And he gave me shit. Harry grimaced and set my useless ass against the wall, "On the path, just before the thing knocked the rest of us out. I woke up alone. No idea why, and I really don't care at the moment, I just want you and Jo and these people out of here." I stayed quiet. I had no idea what to say. Not that it mattered, since the wendigo decided right then to come home. Harry must have heard it first because he was yanking me back into a small alcove in seconds, clamping a hand over my mouth.
Both of us were silent as measured, dragging steps echoed through cave. Eventually, it brushed past us, heading for the guy I talked to. Good Merlin that thing is ugly! What was it even? Long arms reached up to cut down the man, presumably to eat him, though really what did I know about the thing? Harry edged out from behind me with a finger pressed to his lips and his other hand on the flare gun.
"Harry!" Jo was awake. She wrestled in her bindings, garnering the attention of the wendigo. It gave a howl before running to her, getting there in a blink. I heard Harry curse before the flare going off, missing its target by just centimeters. The creature whirled on Harry and knocked him to the ground. I struggled to stand up off the ground, using the wall as a brace. As far as I could tell, the flare was still thankfully tucked in my waistband. Good place to keep it; I'd have to thank Harry for that later.
On the floor, Harry was trying to avoid being killed. Seeing it filled me with cold dread. What if I couldn't save him? What if I missed? These flares are a one shot deal, taking too long to reload. One shot was all I had, or we'd all be dead. Jo's scream brought me back to reality and I pointed the gun and pulled the trigger. Nothing.
"Draco, shoot the damn thing!"
"The trigger is jammed! I can't!" I shook the thing – stupid I know; don't remind me – and tried to click the trigger again. Harry screamed as the monster clawed his chest. I pulled on the trigger again and still nothing.
"Jo, where's yours?"
"My waist band, grab it!" I ran over to her, the blast of adrenaline pushing me to find it quicker. It felt like I was moving through slush, not moving fast enough though I knew it took only seconds to grab the gun and fire it, incinerating the monster on top of Harry. Seconds were the only thing we had. Dropping to my knees beside him, I called out a quick healing spell with my wand. I had grabbed it at some point, but don't ask me when. The blood flow instantly slowed and eventually stopped.
He was so pale. I removed his shredded shirt and cast another spell to close the wounds mostly. Even magic could only do so much. Still so pale, not moving. His eyes were closed and right that moment, I would give anything to see them open again.
"Harry wake up please, wake up." I moved grimy hair off his forehead, cold sweat damping my fingers. "Come on wake up."
He didn't, but he was breathing, that much was clear. I stood and untied Jo and she went to untie the others. The four were still alive, if traumatized for the rest of their lives. I picked Harry up ignoring my own wounds and lead the way out of the cave
*DoP*
"He'll be fine Draco. Now let me take care of you." Ellen physically hauled me up from the chair I was in. We'd made it back home within two hours. Jo drove while Harry and I were in the back. Harry had woken briefly, only to ask what happened and if everyone alive was still as such. With the reassurance that they were, he promptly passed out again. Now, he was hauled up in his room at Bobby's house. He looked frail with his inky black hair limp against a pale forehead, Samuel's blanket tucked up to his chin.
After she pushed me downstairs and sat me in a kitchen chair, she went to work of casting a few spells to help with the gash on my side, "You did good Draco. You stopped the bleeding in time I promise." She murmured to me, pressing a calming drought into my palm.
"I know he'll be okay. I just…worry you know? I watched what the monster did. I can't get it out of my head." I cringe at the recent memory, my head bowing against my chest.
"So replace the image. When you think about the monster, think of you lighting it up instead of it hurting him."
"It's that easy?"
"I never said it would be easy." She gave me a knowing look. I figured she'd have to use her own trick sometimes.
"Thank you." She smiled and kissed my forehead lightly, "No problem kid. Now, get some rest you need it."
"Yes 'mom'" I tease.
"Brat. Upstairs, go on." She laughed and ushered me up.