Chapter 30 – Leaving Hogwarts

Breakfast was finished and the two teens were relaxing over a final cup of tea when a small pop alerted them to a house elf's arrival. They turned to see a small house elf with large bat-like ears, a cherry-sized nose and huge brown eyes wearing a tea towel like a toga, with the Hogwarts crest clearly visible on the shoulder.

"Begging the young sirs pardon" she said in a high-pitched voice as she curtseyed. "Professor Dumblydore is asking Bree to give tfhis to the young sirs." She looked between them as if unsure who was to receive it, then shrugged and placed it on the table.

Draco picked the missive up as Harry said "Thank you, Bree. We appreciate it." He was rewarded with a brilliant smile before the elf disappeared with another quiet pop.

"It's from the Headmaster" Draco said as he read the brief lines. "It just says that he, Severus and Professor McGonagall will be here to see us in an hour and to 'please stay in your rooms until we arrive.' Nothing else." He handed the parchment to Harry.

Harry frowned at the short note. "Why do you suppose the Headmaster and our Heads of House need to see us on the weekend?"

The blonde sipped his cooling tea, frowned and cast a warming charm on it before sipping it again. "It must have to do with removing the Dark Mark from Father and Severus" he said thoughtfully.

The two teens decided to work on their Charms homework for the next hour. They were each surrounded by their text books, supplemental reading, parchment and ink when a brisk rap could be heard on the portrait door frame. A quick word to the portrait guardian and the professors entered. The Headmaster was wearing his grandfatherly face, while Snape was impassive and McGonagall rigid and stern.

The Headmaster gave them both a warm smile as he took in their activity. "It's good to see you working so diligently on a weekend. However, if we could interrupt you for a few moments and have a discussion…?"

Draco immediately assumed the mantle of host. "Welcome Headmaster, Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall. Please, have a seat. May we offer you some tea?"

"No thank you, dear boy" the Headmaster responded, seating himself on the chair nearest the fireplace. He waited for the teens to sit down and then said gravely "Your Heads of House and I wanted to discuss a serious matter with you."

Harry and Draco looked at one another and then back at the Headmaster. "Yes sir" Harry responded. "Is there something wrong?"

The elderly wizard sighed and then waved a hand towards the Potions Master. "Severus, if you would explain for us, please."

The dark man looked each teen in the eye, his face grim. "The Dark Lord was…somewhat annoyed that Lucius and I left his service. He also realized that the plan for Mr. Malfoy to convert Mr. Potter was fallacious. As a result, he ordered the immediate execution of all of the Malfoys as well as myself." He looked at Harry and added "He also commanded that Mr. Potter be captured and brought to him alive."

Draco nodded solemnly. "This wasn't unexpected, Professor." Harry nodded his agreement. He certainly expected Voldemort to be furious. He added "It's nothing new. I've been at the top of his hit list since his return."

The Headmaster shook his head. "No, this is something new, boys. Every follower and their children were ordered to act immediately, even to the point of sacrificing themselves. Even if I attempted to expel the child of every known Death Eater, there are potentially unmarked and unknown followers to consider. I can no longer guarantee your safety or even the safety of Professor Snape. A hex during class, a knife in the hallway, poison in your food or on your text book, anything is possible. No, leaving these rooms is no longer viable."

The blonde raised an eyebrow. "Are you proposing to keep us confined indefinitely, Headmaster? Since Harry is the Chosen One with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord, locking him up rather defeats the objective, don't you think?"

He immediately received a withering glare from his godfather that was tempered by the humor in his eyes and a thin-lipped frown from Professor McGonagall. "We are here to discuss options, Mr. Malfoy" the witch relied acerbically.

The Headmaster smiled and his eyes sparkled briefly. "There are always options. For example, we could charm some mirrors to put into each of your classrooms to permit you to participate in each class remotely. Alternately, we could arrange for tutors to come to your suite, under appropriate safety oaths, of course. Lastly, you could leave Hogwarts temporarily and be homeschooled at a safe location."

Draco smirked briefly and turned to his bond mate. "Personally, I prefer not to be isolated or locked into a small space for any length of time. We could be homeschooled at Malfoy Manor, which has some of the strongest wards in the country." He looked at the Potions Master. "You know you have a standing invitation to the Manor, Professor Snape. If you were to join us, you would not only have those protections, but could teach us not only Potions, but Defense Against the Dark Arts. Mother could continue our Charms instruction and Father could teach both Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. Mother has some skill at Transfiguration, but we might want to take advantage of the two-way mirror suggestion and remotely join Professor McGonagall's class that way."

Harry frowned and was about to object when Ortinoth whispered in his mind "Consider carefully, Autgabin. A spell could be cast in a class, in a hallway, while on your broom and you might never see it coming. A push down the stairs can be just as fatal as the killing curse. As a Guardian myself, I find removal to a safer location as a reasonable precaution." Ortinoth's comments were reinforced by the other lowaar and Harry reluctantly agreed.

He rejoined the external discussion and added "I suppose we could study History and Care of Magical Creatures independently, so that would work for those subjects." He raised an eyebrow at the blonde and sent a hint of suspicion down the bond only to receive amusement in return. He turned to the Headmaster to ask "Would you accept our instruction under Lucius and Narcissa, Headmaster? In addition to Professor Snape, of course."

Severus spoke up with a slight sneer. "I believe that Lucius and I are more than qualified to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. As for Narcissa's credentials…" He turned to the Deputy Headmaster. "Filius would be able to speak to her qualifications, would not you agree Minerva?"

The stern older woman nodded slowly. "I recall that Narcissa passed her N.E.W.T.s with an Outstanding in Charms as well as an Exceptional in Transfiguration. She would be able to assist with any questions that boys might have if I am not available. Between her and Filius, mirrors can be charmed to permit remote participation in my sixth-year Transfiguration class."

Draco smiled, pleased with the approval. "Then it's decided. We can leave under a disillusionment spell immediately and have Dobby pack up our clothes and belongings." He frowned and added "Pity about Quidditch though. I was looking forward to beating Ravenclaw next week." Harry's face dropped as he realized he too would be unable to finish the remaining games.

The Headmaster hid a chuckle at the disappointed faces of the teens. They were under a death sentence, but more concerned about missing Quidditch games than the possibility of being assassinated. "There is no need to leave the safety of the rooms, boys. I will adjust the Floo to permit outside travel for several minutes."

The Slytherin nodded his agreement. "I'll need to go through first, Harry and adjust the Floo wards to permit you access. I don't know if Father or Mother thought to do that yet. Give me five minutes before following me." While their fireplace hadn't had access to the Floo network before, they kept Floo powder on the mantle for conversations with Draco's parents. The Headmaster withdrew his wand and made an intricate motion with both hands and then nodded to Draco.

The blonde threw in the powder and waited for the flames to turn green. "Malfoy Manor" he called in a commanding voice and then stepped through the flames.

Harry looked around their suite and called "Dobby!"

The eager house elf appeared immediately. "Yes Master Harry Potter, sir? How can Dobby serve the great Harry Potter sir?"

The Potions Master gave a snort at the elf's eager comments and Dobby turned to see the three adults. He immediately bowed low. "Dobby's apologies. Dobby did not see Professor Dumbly-dore or Professor Potions Master or Professor McGonagally."

Harry chuckled at the eager elf. "That's OK, Dobby. I wanted to let you know that Draco and I are going to be moving to Malfoy Manor for a time. Would you please pack up our clothes, books and other items for us and bring them to the Manor?"

The elf bounced on his toes. "Oh yes sir, Master Harry Potter, sir! Dobby will be doing that right away sir!"

The Headmaster cleared his throat and the little elf turned in his direction. "Perhaps Dobby would be willing to go with the boys and act as a liaison to Hogwarts" he said with a smile. "You could deliver homework assignments and carry letters as needed."

The little elf's eyes widened to almost impossible dimensions. "Really Professor Dumbly-dore? Dobby can go with the young masters?"

"They will need some assistance in delivering their homework" the Headmaster responded with twinkling eyes. "If you would be willing to help in that capacity, of course."

A wide smile lit Dobby's face. "Dobby will be the best lee-a-zon that Professor Dumbly-dore has ever seen! Yes he will! Dobby will be packing and sending everything to Malfoy Manor!" He disappeared with a pop and sounds began to be heard in Draco's bedroom.

Harry smiled at the Headmaster. "That was very kind of you, Professor. Dobby does so love to be useful."

"Of course, dear boy. Mr. Malfoy should have you keyed into the Floo by now, so hurry along. Severus will follow you shortly."

"Take care, Mr. Potter" Professor McGonagall said curtly. "I expect you to keep all of your classes up while you are away from Hogwarts. I will be monitoring your progress closely."

The Gryffindor hid a smile at his Head of House. How she managed to convey so much in such a brusque tone was amazing. "Yes, Professor. I'll make you proud." He took a pinch of the Floo powder and tossed it in the fireplace. "Malfoy Manor!"


Harry stepped through the Floo and was caught by Draco before he could stumble.

"Thanks" he muttered, brushing off the soot. He looked at the blonde suspiciously. "You expected that, didn't you? You knew that we wouldn't be able to attend classes at Hogwarts."

The blonde nodded calmly. "It was predictable. We all knew that no one leaves the Dark Lord's service. It was only reasonable to expect that he would order all of our deaths. I was only slightly surprised that he ordered his followers children to sacrifice themselves, but he considers children his rightful tools as much as their parents. Let's go find Father and Mother. If they do not agree to teach us, then we'll have to find tutors we can trust."

He snapped his fingers and a house elf impeccably dressed in a starched pillowcase with the Malfoy crest appeared and bowed low. "Welcome home, Master Draco" it said with a smile.

"Thank you, Mabey. This is my bond-mate, Harry Potter. Please inform the staff they are to serve him as a member of the family."

Mabey bowed low to Harry. "Mabey is pleased to welcome Master Harry and will serve him well."

The blonde waved a hand and interrupted Harry's response. "Yes, I'm sure you will. Where will I find Father or Mother?"

"Master and Mistress are both in the Library, Master Draco. Shall Mabey tell the Master and Mistress that the young Masters are coming?" At Draco's nod, the elf bowed again and disappeared.

The blonde led the way to the Library while Harry walked beside him. The Gryffindor ignored the magnificent house around them and returned to their previous topic. "Why didn't you tell me that you thought we would have to leave Hogwarts?" He was a little irritated at being caught unaware.

Draco looked at him in surprise. "I assumed you anticipated the same result. If not you, then your…indwellers." He spoke the last word deferentially.

The dark-haired teen gave a mental glare to his lowaar and ignored the indulgent amusement they returned. "They apparently believe I should figure some things out on my own."

The blonde smirked at his bond mate. "That is how Father trained me, but he made it a game when I was younger. He would tell me scenarios and expect me to ask questions and come up with potential outcomes. When I got it right, he would take me flying." Harry was surprised at the warmth on the blonde's face at the memories and felt a wave of sadness for not having had a father to train him as a child. His lowaar immediately sent outpourings of love and support to him even before Draco recognized the sadness through their bond. His expression showed that he recognized that Harry missed having a father and he clasped the dark-haired teen's shoulder briefly in support.

They reached the Library and quickly reviewed the suggestion of home schooling at the Manor with Draco's parents.

Narcissa smiled at the teens. "I would be delighted to help with your Charms education. However, you should be aware that I will hold you to a higher standard than Professor Flitwick." At Harry's puzzled expression she continued "Most of the classes at Hogwarts seem to be guided by the minimum standards with extra credit given for independent studies beyond the class curriculum. I will expect you to complete whatever Professor Flitwick's syllabus contains as well as additional course work. I can also assist your father and godfather with your offensive and defensive studies as needed."

Harry bowed slightly to her. "Thank you, Narcissa. We appreciate your assistance." He turned to the senior Malfoy. "Sir…Lucius? Do you have the time to assist with Ancient Runes and Arithmancy?"

The older man nodded gravely and added "Family always comes first, Harry. I will make the time for my two sons." He ignored the slight widening of Harry's eyes at the expression and continued "However, I will also add some additional courses to the curriculum, such as estate management, financial planning, and perhaps some law reviews."

Narcissa smiled at her husband. "Excellent idea, my dear. I will add Culture, Traditions and Etiquette to my time with the boys."

Harry looked at Draco and mumbled "Why do I think facing assassins at Hogwarts would have been the easier choice?"


Dobby popped in near the end of breakfast and handed the family their mail. Harry smiled at his small stack and asked "How many today, Dobby?"

The house elf gave a bashful grin to Harry. "Today is a good day for mail, Master Harry sir. Today there was being no port keys and no poisons." The little face frowned as he continued "Dobby found one with a compulsion hex and one that would turn your hair red. That was from Master Harry's Weasley's look-alike brothers." He looked anxious for a moment. "Should Dobby have left that spell active?"

Harry ignored Draco's snort of amusement as he smiled at the house elf. "No, I appreciate you keeping us safe, even from the practical jokes." Dobby beamed with happiness, bowed low and disappeared with a pop.

"I don't think you should have mentioned to the Weasley twins that Dobby was screening your mail, Harry" Draco smirked. "They seem to have taken it as challenge."

The raven-haired teen chuckled as he read the brief missive from the twins which basically supported Draco's conjecture. He looked up at the blond and shook his head. "Apparently they consider it a contest with hexing me being the ultimate prize. Merlin help us all if the twins ever learn how to avoid house elf magic."

Narcissa smiled indulgently over her tea cup at the two boys. The last few weeks had gone very well all things considered. Followers of the Dark Lord had made various efforts to port key all of them away from the safety of Malfoy Manor to no avail. Two of the business appointments that Lucius had permitted Floo access had been under the Imperius curse. She narrowed her eyes in disgust. Did they sincerely believe that the Malfoy Floo wards wouldn't incapacitate someone with malicious intent?

Even with being barricaded behind the Malfoy wards, it had been a pleasure to have Draco and his bond mate with them. She taught them three mornings a week, starting with Charms. After that, she gave additional Charms exercises to Draco while she tutored Harry in wizarding traditions and etiquette. Two mornings, the boys sat in on a Hufflepuff / Ravenclaw class through charmed mirrors.

In the afternoons, Lucius tutored them in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes twice a week, although he had them at different levels as Harry hadn't originally selected either as an elective. While the dark-haired teen appeared unimpressed with Arithmancy, Lucius said he was excelling in Ancient Runes. The other three afternoons, Severus spent two hours on Potions and then two hours on offensive and defensive magics; his equivalent of Defense Against the Dark Arts.

While Severus hadn't come out and said so, she thought he was impressed with Harry's DADA and dueling abilities as his criticisms were about technique, not skill level. In fact, she was quite sure that Severus was teaching them seventh year and above spells.

She looked down at the ring she now wore on her right pinky. They each now carried at least three emergency port keys. Two of them returned them to the Manor while the third was directed to the Headmaster's office in Hogwarts. While she trusted the Manor wards, she also believed in having multiple escape routes.

Narcissa set her tea cup down and raised an elegant eyebrow. "If you two are quite done, I will meet you in the Charms classroom. Today we are going to discuss the Fidelius charm, so I hope you have both completed your reading on the subject."


Walden MacNair and Antonin Dolohov reviewed their plans one more time. They had received a team of twenty recruits for the mission, but the Dark Lord was unwilling to risk more than these two from his Inner Circle. He held MacNair personally responsible for the success of the plan as it originated with getting a delivery from sympathetic contacts in the Ministry from his time as an executioner for the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures in the Ministry.

Dolohov looked at the trio of monsters currently stunned and immobilized. They were brown arthropods with eight legs and particularly vicious looking mandibles. "Salazar's braided beard, but these things are ugly," he muttered to MacNair barely restraining a shudder. "Like a warped nightmare between a scorpion and a spider."

The tall muscular man he addressed ran a finger over his thin moustache as he looked at the creatures he had managed to have diverted from the executioner's blade. The illegally bred ankhegs immobilized before them were nearly seven meters long and just under two meters tall. Each of the eight legs ended in long curved talons used to easily break through any material presented to them. The tunnels they created would be nearly one and a half meters wide, which caused MacNair to smile with vicious pleasure.

"You think them ugly? I find them particularly exquisite," he replied. "Look at them, Antonin. Ankhegs are perfect burrowers, not to mention fine fighting specimens. Their bite paralyzes their victims and their blood is corrosive. They can tunnel through bedrock as easily as through sand at this size and they will be read as normal insects by the wards."

He looked at his companion with narrowed eyes. "The Dark Lord will permit no other failures. We must destroy the Malfoys and Snape and bring Potter to him, or we may as well Avada Kedavra ourselves instead of returning."


Autgabin = Grandson

Lowaar = Indwellers