The Second Chance

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything of Harry Potter. This story is inspired by Kurinoone's awesome amazing story 'The Darkness Within', which was inspired by Project Dark Overlord's wonderful fic- 'A Shattered Prophesy'.

Hurrah for my achieving over 101, 000 words and exceeding 400 reviews! Wow, I've never achieved such great numbers ever before, this is a very first experience for me! :D So thank you all so much, I really couldn't have done without your wonderful support.

Million thanks to: coolchickdiv (thanks for the double review again! :), Nyra Lily Potter, paris, Raquelgdc, Ash-Bookworm113, Biaa Black Potter (for two reviews! :D), filoctetes, Phoenixx Rising (thanks for review in C20 as well!) Smfri, Oirasse, Jessica, Nightcrawlerfw, Kurinoone, Kimco96, Sushi, Manu, Red Mini Cooper, LadyGriffin17, Eternal She- Wolf, Harry fanfic, 2 Guests ( :D), Priyanish Potter, v1cky84, and G! This chapter is written for you. :D

Chapter 21: Healing

It had been almost two days since the day Harry broke free of the barriers. Draco never attempted another visit after that night, so Damien did not have a chance of discussing Harry with anyone else. The Slytherin had warned him against telling any of his friends about what they had found out, just in case the news reached Dumbledore's ears.

"But surely it would be better with Professor Dumbledore could help us," countered Damien, disagreeing. "And I don't see any harm of telling my friends about this."

"Providing they believe you," Draco said scathingly. "Granger is bound to announce everything to that old wizard. And do you remember what happened the last time Dumbledore took this matter into his own hands?" Draco's eyes flared. "He just managed to turn Harry against all of you, and threaten him with Azkaban in the process. Tell me Potter, are you sure informing Dumbledore of all people is a wise decision?"

He had to admit that Draco did have a point, but that didn't stop Damien from feeling bad for keeping this to himself instead of informing Dumbledore. It was even worse when it came to hiding things behinds his friends' backs. Harry was their best friend too, and they had every right to know.

But they didn't believe you when you tried to tell them, did they? A nasty voice spoke at the back of his head. They thought you were delusional.

He promptly and eloquently told that voice to shut up. He hadn't managed to convince Ron, Hermione and Ginny because he'd never managed to get to the main point, the crucial reveal that Kit was actually Harry, his brother. If he brought up the facts, surely they would believe him... Damien felt pretty certain about it. But Draco definitely would not be pleased.

It was his first day of being discharged from the Hospital Wing, and surprisingly enough he did not feel much like returning to class. Normally being trapped alone in the Hospital Wing made him miserable and claustrophobic, but this time it gave him a quiet environment to think and reflect, trying to gather hints Harry maybe, had once left for him to find, just in case he was once again mind- wiped like he feared would happen.

Kit's absence, meanwhile, had been explained by Dumbledore to the students, saying that under special circumstances, Kit was allowed to return to his family who were moving abroad once more. According to Ron, though, a few were initially skeptical of his sudden disappearance, but sooner or later majority of the students had promptly dismissed the matter, since there was nothing else to dwell upon.

Damien walked slowly down the corridor, feeling both apprehensive and a sense of dread at the prospect of meeting his friends. He really did not want to lie to them, and he had promised only to answer their questions after he was allowed to return to class and they were convinced he was no longer delusional. Damien had initially thought it would be easier for him to break the news now that he had had a few days to plan what he wanted to say carefully, but those plannings, if any, just made everything worse. The more he put it off, the more he lost the courage to tell them the truth. Draco Malfoy's warning was not helping things either…

"Potter," a voice round the corner spoke up.

Speak of the devil.

"Hello Malfoy," Damien returned, still remaining slightly wary as he regarded the elder boy.

"I have a plan to find out whether Harry's plan was intentional or not," Draco said, even as his wand drew patterns in the air idly. Damien recognized the wand movement to identify the spell as a Silencing Charm. "But I require an owl. An intelligent one. School owls are easily susceptible."

"The owl isn't going to be harmed or damaged in any way, is she?" Damien questioned, warily.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Much as your reaction would be amusing, I'm not interested in slaughtering an owl Potter," he drawled.

"All right then, I guess," Damien muttered. "But I thought you had your own eagle owl?"

"It was killed," Draco said flatly.

Damien couldn't think of anything appropriate to say. "Ah," he said, eloquently.

"I'll require your snowy to deliver something for me by end of this evening, after I get Dumbledore's permission," he told Damien. "so I'll meet you at the Owlery during dinner tonight."

The youngest Potter paused. "During dinner."

"Yes," Draco said testily.

"Fine. Deal," Damien bit out, turning to walk down the corridor. Since he wasn't going to have any dinner, he might as well make up for it by eating more breakfast.

"By the way, Potter," Draco called out behind him, "my decision still stands. If Granger or Weasley gets involved in this, I am not, anymore."

"Why can't you just work and co-operate nicely with them? They're my best friends!" Damien retorted as he whirled around, angrily. "And if this is something to do with your stupid blood status again, I swear I'll-"

"No" Draco cut him off coldly, "it's just their capabilities that are worrying. Good day to you too, Potter."

He turned and strode away, leaving Damien scowling behind his back.

Riddle Manor

A grand total of forty eight minutes had passed since Harry had returned from Hogwarts, and Lucius was getting increasingly frantic as the Dark Prince showed no sign of regaining consciousness. Even he, a Potions prodigy, was baffled as to why every single remedy of his failed to work on the boy, and the Dark Lord's patience was beginning to wear thin. Every single day he dreaded to make the report on Harry's seemingly deteriorating health, but today was different, as he'd just uncovered a revelation.

Swallowing, and mentally bracing himself for a round of torture by Voldemort's wand, Lucius knocked on the door of the chamber hesitantly. There was a slight pause, as Lucius started to pray that Voldemort was in, then the doors swung open.

The chamber was the same in which Voldemort and Harry had duelled before the latter had left for his mission at Hogwarts. Not that the fact helped improve Lucius' condition one bit.

He came forwards and knelt to the ground as he kissed the hem of the Dark Lord's robes, before backing away, as in procedure.

"My lord, I have come to report on the Prince's health condition," Lucius began in a low voice, noting that there were impenetrable Silencing Charms cast at every single nook and corner around the room. "There is as of yet no improvement... but this morning I uncovered an unexpected... revelation."

"Explain," Voldemort ordered tersely, his ruby red eyes never once leaving Lucius.

"I...I have found out the cause of the Prince's unconsciousness," Lucius said, trying to force himself to stay calm, "and I fear that the Prince is suffering from the after effects of... a stronger version, of the Markalline curse."

Voldemort's eyes flashed. "I assure you that he did not."

"But my Lord," Lucius continued desperately, "his body is showing all the relevant symptoms. He fails to respond to any form of medication nor healing magic, and his condition is getting worse. I cast a spell to check on his power levels, and discovered them to be... barely above zero," he whispered the last part.

He braced himself for the Crustacius, but after a short pause he looked up, to meet Voldemort's dangerous gaze. "You will save him, Lucius," the Dark Lord hissed, his wand aloft suddenly, "or you will find that the traitor you shield will come to suffer at my hands, from the same fate."

With a shiver, Lucius knew without a doubt that the Dark Lord was referring to his own son, Draco. "I will do everything in my ability, even beyond," whispered Lucius, his voice husky; Voldemort's gaze was as if daring him to lie, to cross the line determining his own fate. "...but I can not be certain, if that is enough. Har- the Dark Prince had extraordinary powers, and that is the sole reason he still survives. Any other average wizard who had suffered from such a curse would not have survived."

"It was no curse, Lucius," Voldemort spoke, his eyes averting from the crouching Death- Eater at his feet. "It was the magic of the blood wards itself. Harry broke out of it and paid the price."

Lucius shook his head. "I don't understand, my Lord. I have asked him certain questions regarding the matter before, my lord- and Harry... the Dark Prince assured me that he would come to no harm if he were to pass through the wards. He even offered to let me view his reports and documents on the formation of the blood wards-"

"I am aware of that," the Dark Lord snapped. "I must ask you the favour of refraining from stating the obvious in my presence, Lucius."

The eldest Malfoy swallowed. "I have done some research on the area my lord," he continued, "and in the few cases in which wizards are stripped of all magic yet manage to survive are due to extraordinary circumstances. One, the patient must have had higher power levels that the normal wizarding community; two, there must be a magic donor..." Lucius paused, "...who carriers extraordinary power and whose magic is compatible to the patient's as well. Else, both the donor nor the patient will survive the transfusion."

Lucius didn't dare to bring up the case of James Potter, though it was considered a recent proof of his research.

"And if the victim is left to recover their power levels on their own?" Voldemort questioned, his tone betraying nothing.

He didn't know what to answer. Surely, the Dark Lord himself knew the outcome. "In most normal cases," Lucius said carefully, "they die."

Voldemort turned away, his eyes glinting. "Send for James Potter immediately. It's time he repaid his debt."

Lucius bowed low, but he couldn't help but whisper his doubts, even though he was standing before the Dark Lord himself. "What if it does not work, my Lord?" he asked. "James Potter is weak from him imprisonment. Is it worth it to take the risk?"

If James Potter's power levels were too low, most likely both he and his son would be killed painfully during the transfusion.

The Dark Lord's eyes hardened. "If Harry does not recover," he hissed softly, "...then he is no longer of any use to me."

James was in the middle of sticking his prongs into the keyhole for the umpteenth time when they heard a loud, echoing creak echoing from somewhere above them. At Sirius' warning hiss, James immediately changed back into his original form. When a bright shaft of light was shone into the cells, revealing the form of Lucius Malfoy without even his Death- Eater mask, James managed to glance up from his position on the floor of the cell at the man, directing much of his hatred through his gaze.

Malfoy merely laughed at the display. "Are we having a glaring contest as well as war, Potter? How childish."

There was a flash of light, and James' cell door clicked open with another rusty creak. James shielded his eyes from the bright light as Lucius jerked his wand. Immediately, James was forced to his feet, to follow Lucius out of the cell.

"Where are you taking him?" demanded Sirius from the next cell, his voice dangerous.

Lucius glanced loftily behind him. "The Dark Lord requires a favour from Potter... I'm afraid you'll have to wait patiently for your turn, Black."

The next moment, the only door leading into the prison cell slammed shut, and Sirius was once again left to stare alone into the darkness, hoping against hope that his best friend might somehow make it through the ordeal alive.

xXx

The silver serpent- chain binding around James seemed to tighten with every step he took, as Lucius forced his movement now and then with a flick of his wand. Despite the circumstances, James couldn't help but feel extremely humiliated the way he was tied up and in the complete mercy of his old arch enemy Lucius Malfoy. If it hadn't for his own stupid plan, which led to Sirius' capture, he wouldn't be stuck in this horrible mess!

He didn't even dare imagine the state of things he had left behind since his capture. The Order would undoubtedly be in complete disarray and distraught, not to mention Lily. He felt his heart clench tightly at the thought of her, waiting in Potter Manor in increasing panic and fading hope, praying for her husband's return. And this time, Damien wouldn't be there to comfort her either.

Suddenly, Lucius stopped in his tracks; they had arrived at the main entrance into Azkaban. There was a series of 'clicks' before the wooden door opened, to reveal a surprisingly beautiful scenery of an endless glittering sea before them. James, however, could manage no more than a few more peeks before he slammed his eyelids shut. Direct exposure of strong sunlight after what felt like eternity trapped in complete darkness was painful, even though he had craved for it for such a long time.

There was a vice- like grip on his elbow, and without warning, he felt himself being compressed at all sides, with everything spinning wildly. He fought for a breath, but however hard he struggled, he couldn't breathe-

"Potter," hissed a soft voice, all too familiar to his ears. Forgetting the blinding pain, James gulped a huge breath of air and opened his eyes.

He was on his knees, before the hem of a dark robe... Voldemort.

With a pure, animalistic snarl of rage, James leapt to his feet, but the chains immediately constricted his entire body, crushing his ribs, at the same time they began to burn. A gasp of pain escaped him before he could help it, and James found himself stumbling backwards until his tied feet tripped over themselves and he ended up where he began.

"You have something I want, Potter, and it would be of your best interests to co- operate," Voldemort spoke, ignoring the obvious agony his prisoner was in.

"I would die before I willingly co- operate with you!" James spat, his eyes burning with undisguised rage and hatred. "Quite on the contrary, I swear I'll make you pay for every single thing you took away from me."

"I wouldn't be so sure, Potter," Voldemort laughed, his voice cold. "Firstly, you wouldn't have a choice in the matter... and even if you did, I'm still certain that you would comply to my wishes."

"You don't make sense," James said, struggling against the bonds. "You're deluded to think that we ever have something in common."

Voldemort did not reply. He stepped forwards and pressed his wandtip into James' forehead, causing the eldest Potter to buck in agony.

The next second, James went limp, his unconscious form sprawled on the ground like a broken puppet. The Dark Lord came to a halt before the eldest Potter, directing his wand carefully at his temple.

"Imperio."

xXx

Harry had been trapped in a vortex of shadows, darkness and agony ever since he passed out right outside the barriers of Hogwarts. In the illusion his mind created, there was a dark circle surrounding him, and its function seemed to be much like the Batra bracelet. Everytime he tried to exit the confined space, excruciating pain would shoot through him, forcing him to retreat back into the circle.

He had never experienced the saying 'put a toe out of line' quite so literally.

The biggest problem was of course, his magic- or the lack thereof. He could no longer sense the comforting immense power residing deep within him, nor could he conjure up the simplest of shields to let himself pass. For all he felt, he was completely drained and tired, not a single spark of magic left in him. Sometimes, if he concentrated really hard, he would be able to sense flashes of the real world outside, but it took a huge amount of effort, and only then could he hear a few distant noises, sometimes the clinking of glass, mostly others- complete, dead silence.

At that precise moment, Harry thought he could hear distant footsteps, and most importantly a strong, familiar aura heading his way. He felt sense of desperation, trying to break free of the circle, out of the world of illusion he knew his mind built in his unconsciousness, but he was still too helpless and weak against the circle.

In the background, he heard someone speak. He thought it might be his father's, but the words were unintelligible. This continued for several seconds before he suddenly felt a stinging pain on his palm. Blood oozed out from the wound, and Harry couldn't help but wonder whether this was indeed happening in the real world or if this was just another trick his mind was playing on him.

But just as he began to doubt himself, he felt a force slam into him, a trickle of power seeping through the wound in his palm. Hungrily, he accepted the power, and slowly he felt his magic begin to return to him, drip by drip. However, his magic was quickly used up by his body to replenish his health and help him regain his senses a little, leaving him powerless to resist the circle preventing him from regaining full consciousness again.

"He needs more magic, my Lord," this time, Harry heard the words clearly- and he knew the familiar voice... Lucius'. "Potter's magic is not strong enough!"

There was no response, and Harry in his sub- consciousness continued to drain up the magic channelled into him. He couldn't help but feel impatient; the trickle of power was getting steadily weaker. He felt himself unintentionally drawing more and more from the source, until quite suddenly there was absolutely nothing left for him to feed on, there was no longer any supply of magic-

Excruciating pain, stronger than he imagined it to be, coursed through him, sending his virtual self to his knees, at the very same time he could sense a cry of alarm in the world of consciousness. There was a call, words exchanged, then-

"Leave me, Lucius!" the familiar voice hissed, a deadly edge to the tone.

Then he felt himself sinking and sinking into pools of darkness once more, this time dragging the one who supplied him with magic along as well. Pain was everywhere, hurting every fibre of his being, he was once again rendered helpless. He'd never been this weak, this powerless ever since he was only seven, when he had been fighting the Death- Eaters for the lives of the two children...

There was a sharp jolt of electricity, another shot of pain, as the drying source of magic was torn away from him, viciously. He was sent back, reeling from the aftershock, feeling the pain driving him once more to the ground, until he could no longer bear it-

Magic of identical cores, willingly given, for the other's to be restored-

Then a stronger force, so much more powerful than the one before, slammed into him, engulfing his entire being in magic. The transfer of power was too great, he could sense raw power coursing through his very being- yet it hurt, it was overwhelming-

He felt his energy returning, the circle around him vanishing, then-

Silence. Absolute silence.

Harry's breathing eventually evened out, falling back into rhythm. The source of magic feeding his drained core left him, but he did not notice. For once in many years, his sleep was deep and dreamless.

Lucius was pacing outside, unable to calm himself down. To say he was worried was a great understatement, he was frantic; distraught, as though he were going insane.

He could not hear anything going inside; the Silencing charm on Harry's door prevented him from guessing what was happening. And the worst place for a panicking wizard to be is in an unknown situation. He hated not knowing; he feared for the condition of the Dark Prince, the consequences if Harry failed to make it through and, in a deeper, buried part of him- his only son, Draco.

He had neglected the boy much during his son's last stay at Malfoy Manor, as he was mostly busy in Riddle Manor instead- but part of him feared what would happen if he got too attached to the boy, who was close to being named on the wanted list of the Dark Lord's. Perhaps it was cowardly of him, but Lucius was afraid that if he spent too much time thinking of his son, whenever the Dark Lord decided to invade his mind using Legilimency, Voldemort would see Draco in his memories. And there was a thin enough line as it was that was keeping Voldemort from hunting down the traitor and killing him in the most gruesome manner possible.

Quite suddenly, the door clicked open. Lucius started up, his heart beating, expecting the worst, but then the Dark Lord walked out, his demeanor cold, but reasonably calm- not quite so out of control than when he had been in the room previously.

"My Lord?" he questioned tentatively. "Is everything ... alright?"

"Take care of the rest," Voldemort told him, as he walked past the Death- Eater. "And do not let anyone disturb me for the next three days, or my patience with you is gone."

His words barely registered as Lucius bowed low, then once the Dark Lord was out of sight, he leapt up the stairs and led himself into Harry's room.

The first thing that hit him was that there was blood everywhere. On the sheets, on the floor... everywhere except for Harry's palm. James Potter was still sprawled across the floor, unconscious- maybe even dead, he couldn't tell, but that was not his primary concern. Almost apprehensive, Lucius took a shaky step forwards, noting the the rhythmic rise and fall of Harry's chest, before relief crashed down him like a tidal wave.

Harry was still extremely pale from the entire ordeal- he looked like a corpse, but a healthy one at that. Lucius supposed it was not a good sign, but for now, it was more than enough.

A few hours previously...

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Damien whispered as he finally found the elder Slytherin, who was lurking in the shadows. "And what did you say to Dumbledore for him to allow Hedwig to deliver the letter anyway?"

"I wouldn't tell you to trust me, but I know what I'm doing," Draco hissed back. "Follow me."

Feeling more than hesitant, Damien tailed after Draco as they headed towards an empty classroom, wishing that he was back in the Great Hall enjoying dinner with his friends. He had been in a sour mood all day, as Draco had refused to let Ron and Hermione in the secret, and he was fed up with bottling up the truth and pretending that all he said that day had been just an effect of the concussion to his head. He could have chosen to go on his way and tell his friends the secret all the same, but much as he hated to admit it- he needed Draco's help more than theirs... Draco was the only one who seemed to have a plan.

Not that he was keen to share it.

"Can you at least tell me what are we doing?" Damien asked, his voice still lowered to an annoyed whisper. "You said we were going to the Owlery!"

"Change of plan, that place is in public, we might be easily overheard or seen," Draco replied. "In."

He held the door of the classroom open, and after inhaling deeply to help purge his rising irritation, Damien entered without another word. Draco entered after him and closed the door behind them with a click.

"Did you lock it?" Damien accused, a tad warily.

"Yes," Draco answered, deciding to be completely truthful. "Though if you're still paranoid about my intentions, I can tell you something that can make you feel better... at least for a short while. Layhoo Jisteen."

Damien scowled before the words actually hit him. "What do you mean for a short while?"

"Because I'll be needing you to take it off."

The youngest Potter glared at that answer. "No," he said flatly. "Never again. The last time I did, I got Stunned and tied up and I ended up losing my memory-"

"Then we won't be able to find out a thing," Draco snapped. "Stop being so paranoid, Potter! Are you actually going to try to learn and defend yourself, instead of depending on that magic stone the entire time?! Sometimes, I think you'd have grown stronger and better without it, but of course Harry wouldn't listen."

So Draco knew everything about the Layhoo Jisteen then. But that didn't comfort Damien one bit.

"What's the plan?" Damien asked. "I'm not agreeing to it or anything, but I'm willing to hear it out... if it's good, then maybe I will."

Draco paused for a moment before speaking. "Seeing as you're one of the Secret Keepers of Hogwarts," he began, but Damien immediately cut him off.

"How in Merlin's name did you know that!"

Draco gritted his teeth in annoyance. Working with Potter was indeed in a great pain. "Stop interrupting me, Potter. Harry might have told me once, alright? So can you just stop the suspicious act already!"

"Sorry," the youngest Potter mumbled, dropping his gaze to the floor. "You can... continue."

Damien really knew how to pick his moments, Draco thought darkly. "I will," he said aloud, forcing down his weak but existent Occlumency barriers around his mind in an effort to calm himself. "We are not going to obtain Dumbledore's permission to send the letter, seeing as its contents will be highly suspicious especially if we place charms around it, and the school staff are entitled to intercept any form of mail students intend to send for, supposedly, our own safety. But seeing as you are a Secret Keeper, you can pass through the barriers of Hogwarts anytime you like- you're free to go as you wish.

"So this is where your stone comes in. Hedwig, your owl does not have any magical core, much unlike a wizard. Therefore, if you place the stone around your owl and as well as your signature magic over it, we might be able to fool the barriers to think that your owl is the Secret Keeper instead and allow her passage."

"I still don't see why I must let Hedwig wear the stone," Damien said, confused.

"Because, Potter," Draco said exasperatedly, "it gives off a strong magical aura, which is marked by your brother's blood, which is identical to yours. It also carries a specific protection for you alone. This strong magic may be able to pass for an underage wizard's aura, that is why with it we may be able to fool the barriers and send Hedwig with our letter."

Damien frowned. "Say I agree to this," he said grudgingly, "what's the point of the entire thing? Who are we going to send a letter to, and why?"

Draco's stormy grey eyes immediately hardened. "Firstly, it's you who is going to send the letter... and we're going to write it to my father."

Malfoy Manor; Late Night

It turned out that James Potter had survived the transfusion as well, how- he could not understand. But seeing as the Dark Lord had previously planned for Harry himself to deal with his much hated biological father, Lucius decided to let the Auror live. He healed most of the man's external injuries, and even went as far as giving him a potion or two to help replenish his magical stores, not that it would help much. But eventually, the eldest Potter too seemed to miraculously gain health.

Lucius had promptly sent the eldest Potter back to Azkaban after that, back to cell beside a furious Black, but he was careful to lead the Dementors away from their cells. He wasn't sure if James Potter could survive them as of yet.

It was much much later when he finally returned to Malfoy manor, after working tirelessly throughout the day. He felt drained and exhausted with the many magical spells he had used extensively, but he supposed it was worth it.

It was just when he had just poured himself a glass of Firewhiskey and settled down in his velvet armchair when there was a strange tapping noise on the window. Immediately, Lucius recognised the sound, but he felt instantly on guard- who would write to him, and at such an hour too?

With a flick of his wand, the nearest window in overlooking the gardens snapped open, and a snowy white owl flew in, hooting softly. Sighing, Lucius laid down his glass and untied the roll of parchment attached to the leg of the bird, which was eyeing him with its huge amber eyes.

He turned over the letter, and let out a gasp of surprise. He had never expected this.

To Mr. Malfoy Sr. :

I have sworn never to tell of this secret, but someone's life is hanging in the balance, so I will make this exception. Following an attack from the Dark Lord three days before, as I'm sure you're aware of- the Hogwarts barriers has been weakened, and so has the Secret Keepers of the blood wards.

Your son, Draco Malfoy, is one of them. Dumbledore is refusing to help. We are completely clueless regarding the magic of these wards, so your assistance is in great need.

Sincerely,
Damien Potter

Information, Lucius realized immediately. They needed inside information regarding the blood wards.

He should have known, he thought belatedly, as he rose up from his chair in rising frustration. His son had been so foolish, so naive; after defending Harry for the last time, he should have anticipated Dumbledore's move. The Order had tried to convert Draco over to the light, and they seized the opportunity while Harry was Draco's best friend to do so, and they succeeded. It was also the perfect plan; no one would ever suspect Draco Malfoy, a Slytherin, a Malfoy, and once the leader of all the junior Death- Eaters to be the Secret Keeper of the Hogwarts.

And now that Dumbledore had his use for Draco, he had simply just ditched the boy...

Yet, could this just be another ruse? Could this be Dumbledore's plan to find more inside information? He was familiar with the Headmaster's handwriting, so was Draco's, so this ought to be from Potter's hand... unless it was a forgery.

How else, after all, could Damien Potter have managed to send the letter to him through Hogwarts' barriers, without Dumbledore's consent?

Yet much as he did not like to admit it, he could not simply ignore the letter, not when its reason was plausible. Deciding that he would give it the benefit of doubt, Lucius immediately stood, and hoping the bird would understand him- and feeling extremely foolish for doing so at the same time- he spoke to the snowy owl.

"Stay here," he commanded.

The owl glared at him for a moment, before hopping onto the arm rest of his chair for a better perch and hooted sulkily. Lucius grimaced in distaste, before grabbing his travelling cloak and leaving Malfoy Manor once more.

xXx

Since he still remained doubtful of the letter, Lucius decided to take the best course of action- to send all the information he was sure Dumbledore already had back to Damien Potter. That way, if Dumbledore hoped for gaining more information (which was unlikely, but he couldn't dismiss the possibility)- the manipulating old fool would gain nothing from him; yet if it were really Damien Potter seeking his help to aid his son, he hoped against hope they would benefit from it.

His heart gave an unpleasant lurch as he thought of his son, alone and unprotected at Hogwarts; a broken puppet still attached to Dumbledore's string, and felt a surge of hatred.

If Damien Potter was speaking the truth, Dumbledore would have to pay dearly.

Within 8 minutes, Lucius was back from his mission at Riddle Manor, a new copy of Harry's plans detailing the formation of the blood wards clutched in his hands. He charmed it to look like a blank piece of paper, then paused. For a moment, Hedwig watched him as he reached for the Malfoy signet ring on his right index finger and took it off, before pressing the seal in it onto the parchment.

There was a flash of blinding light, then Lucius tied it up in a scroll to Hedwig's offered leg.

"Do not let anyone intercept the letter," he told her seriously, somehow, the previous ridiculousness of talking to an owl fading in such a grave situation. He had not signed the parchment, but it was best to never take chances.

The owl gave an obliging hoot before soaring out of the window, into the night sky.

A/N: Hello, here's another update from me! Thank you so much for reading, please do leave me a comment before you exit the page!

Rating system:

':D' for amazing/ awesome

'O' for okay

'X' for terrible.

I hope you enjoyed the read... so do tell, what do you think about chapter 21? :)