"Good evening Minister. How are you tonight and what brings you to this neck of the woods?" Harry asked politely.

"What have you done?" Growled Fudge.

"What are you taking about? I'm just at my family's house with guests." Harry said calmly and trying hard not to smile.

"Don't play dumb with me! You know damn well what I am talking about, Mr. Potter." Said Fudge nearly breathing fire.

"Excuse me Minister but you are only asking me what I have done, it's really vague. I've done a lot of things through out my life sir, so I am not playing dumb. I am just not understanding exactly what you mean, if you were to elaborate a bit more I might be able to answer your question." Harry said nearly laughing but managed not to laugh.

"You know very well what I am talking about…"

"How do you know this Cornelius? How can you be so sure that Harry knows what you are talking about? I have to agree with Harry, if you would just elaborate on what exactly you mean he might be able to answer your question." Said Sirius.

"I…if you just let me in we can discuss this inside."

"Not to be rude or anything, but I will never allow you to step one foot on my property. If you are wondering and or about to ask why, I will tell you…I. Don't. Trust. You. It is that simple. Oh and there is nothing to discuss. You haven't elaborated so I have nothing to say. Good night Minister."

"How dare you!"

"How dare I what?"

"Not this again."

"You are the one making this difficult, not me. Just elaborate on what you asked me."

"You honestly do not know what I am talking about?"

"I might have an idea, but I am not one to assume anything. So, if you want to have a real conversation be very clear and don't assume that I, or anyone else knows what you are talking about."

Fudge opened and closed his mouth, started to say something and stopped. His gaze moved over to Sirius.

"Why in the name of Merlin would you let this boy do it?" Fudge asked as he shook in anger.

"Let…let Harry do what?" Asked Sirius with confusion obvious in his voice and on his face.

"How could you just stand by and let…oooh…you encouraged him? Didn't you?"

"I really do not know what you are talking about Cornelius. I had a suspicion but now I am truly confused." Said Sirius.

"I am talking about your thirteen year old Godson declaring himself as the Head of the House of Potter!" Yelled Fudge.

All Harry thought was, 'gotcha asshole' and he some how he managed to not shout it out or show any emotion.

"I do not know why that is any of your business. Also, why are you so angry about it? How did you even find out that Harry declared himself as or to be the Head of the House of Potter? Oh and for the record, I found out just before one of the house-elves informed us of your arrival. I was under the impression that he was looking around the Manor or exploring the grounds with his friends." Sirius said letting the irritation show.

"How I know is none of your business! I just do and that is what is important. This is wrong. Just wrong. He is only thirteen. He is too young to have such a responsibility. He doesn't know how to be responsible at his age, let alone the meaning of it." Fudge said in anger and frustration.

"You have no clue as to the type of wizard Harry is!" Barked Sirius.

"I don't? Is that so? He's the-boy-who-lived and it has gone straight to his head! He obviously thinks and feels he some big shot, becoming the Head of House at thirteen and everything he gets up to at school!" Bellowed Fudge.

"I hate being the-boy-who-lived! I don't want that attention and I have never wanted it! I am not the one that placed that title on me! All I wanted to do was to just claim my inheritance, only claim it! But no, you just couldn't have that, could you? Maybe I am a bit young but that is not why you are so angry about it, is it? Don't underestimate me. You assume too much. I am not your responsibility so but out." Harry grumbled.

"I don't understand…this makes absolutely no sense at all…this should not have happened…how is it that…" Fudge stopped muttering to himself, he knew he was in dangerous ground of admitting to what he did inside Gringotts.

"How is it that, what? How is it that Sirius and I remember Gringotts on Sunday morning? How is it that we remember when you used a memory charm on us? Oh…you used a memory charm on two unsuspecting and unprotected wizards. One of the two is only thirteen years of age…I don't think that is going to go over well with the wizarding community. Oh and unless I am mistaken, I believe that there is a law about that." Harry said calmer.

"This is not over! I'll be keeping a close eye on you from here on out!" Fudge said as spit flew from his mouth.

"Oh, Minister, I have a few questions that I would like to ask. That is if you don't mind." Said Remus.

"Go on."

"What exactly is it that Harry gets up to at school? When have you ever spent any time with Harry? How do you know that the title of 'the-boy-who-lived' has gone straight to his head? When has Harry ever acted like a 'big shot'?"

"Running around the castle all hours of the day. Using magic in the hallways and corridors. I don't have to spend time with anyone to know what type of person he or she is. It's plain as day that it has gone straight to his head with everything he gets a way with, Head of House at thirteen. And this girl, she's what twelve…look at them! He always acts like a big shot, today for example."

"Minister if I've been running around the castle all hours of the day, why is it that there is no disciplinary action been placed on me? When exactly are you referring to when you say that I use magic in the hallways and corridors? Again you assume things about me. How do you come to the conclusion that it has gone straight to my head and that I act like or think that I am a 'big shot'? You assume and say so, but Minister why would that happen and why would I act like that? Let me remind you as to why the magical community calls me the-boy-who-lived…Voldemort killed my parents! It looks to me that you are just pulling a bunch of shit out of your ass instead of answering the questions. And that is not an assumption, it is an opinion based on personal observation."

"There being no records of disciplinary action is because Dumbledore over rides it. The use of magic in hallways and corridors…oh yes you, your friends and two Slytherin boys."

"This is ridiculous! If I have done or do anything wrong I will face the consequences and accept the punishment rendered without complaint. For example, I received a detention for talking inappropriately to a teacher. Let me remind you that the two Slytherin boys you are referring to were attacking my friends and me. We never knew who they were until they were caught and expelled. We had every right to defend ourselves Minister. I do not care who it is or where it is, if someone attacks me I will defend myself and fight back. And if someone were to attack my friends I will help defend him or her and assist with fighting back if need be. One last thing Minister, I strongly advise that you do not assume things about people, magical or not. Every time you do…you end up being wrong. You'll see, trust me you'll see and realize it one day. But when you do realize it, it might be too late to save your own ass."

"Who are you to advise anyone, especially me?"

"Just a sane, intelligent, strong and powerful thirteen year old wizard giving a piece of wise advice to a blind, assuming fool."

"Absolutely no respect." Mumbled Fudge.

"I can't believe this. You still think that you deserve my respect after using a memory charm on me! You lost my respect when you used the memory charm on Sirius and me. No, that's not correct, you lost my respect when I found out that it was you making me return to my Uncles and the abuse at the hands of my Uncle. You refused to budge because of blood wards. The day the magical community finds out about you…it will be day of celebrating, in my opinion any way."

"I just don't understand how it is that you remember. You shouldn't."

"I guess that not only do I have power Voldemort knows not, but I have power that a lot of people don't know, including you. I, with the help of Ginny, discovered who I am related to. And I know it can't be traced without being inside of my house, which you will never know unless, I tell you and that will not happen any time soon if at all. Go ahead and check at the Ministry but you won't find anything. I know that the Minister does not keep that close tabs on family histories. I believe that any books pertaining to genealogy don't back that far, at one time there probably were some that went that far back but it is widely known that most of those books have been lost if not destroyed. I would not be surprised if it was Voldemort's doing, I mean his father was a Muggle after all and he would not have wanted others to find that out."

"STOP SAYING THAT NAME!"

"NO! VOLDEMORT MURDRED MY PARENTS! I HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY 'VOLDEMORT'! I AM NOT AFRAID OF A STUPID SELF FASHIONED NAME!"

"HARRY! Harry look at me please."

"Ginny, I'm okay. I promise. I have it somewhat under control. I'm glad that you're paying attention though. You know, I'm really tired of this. Let's just go."

"And yes, that means everyone else as well." Added Ginny as she and Harry turned around to see that Fred, George and Ron had joined everyone at the gates.

As the group headed back to the Manor they could hear Fudge yelling 'this is not over!' Though no one responded, Fudge kept yelling that it was not over. Harry could not take it anymore. He was pretty angry, but not enough that the obvious signs were there. He stopped walking, turned around and took a few steps towards the gates.

"I don't want to hear your voice any more. Go. Just go a way!"

"This is not over you insolent…"

"Of course it is not over…for you that is."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT, GO BACK TO THE MINISTRY, STAY THERE FOR A MONTH AND DO YOUR JOB! YOU KNOW THE ONE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING AND NOT CONCERNING YOURSELF WITH INHERITANCE MATTERS!"

The next thing that happened was that Fudge disappeared from the other side of the gates. Harry smiled as he turned around and resumed walking back to the Manor. Once everyone entered the Manor, Muri quickly came into view.

"Master Harry, dinner is ready. May Muri suggest all of you's clean up first?"

"We will clean up first Muri. Thank you for letting me know that dinner is ready."

After cleaning up and everyone was sitting at the kitchen table, Muri, Sparky and a few other elves brought out plates full of food and several bottles of butterbeer. There was steak and potatoes, carrots, treacle tart and a few other dishes that Harry recognized to be fried sausages and roasted chicken. At first it seemed to be a lot of food, but Harry knew that there wouldn't be much left over, if anything at all.

Once everyone was full, the house-elves cleaned up. The group of witches and wizards remained in the kitchen.

"Okay, so Harry you declared yourself as the Head of House but how does that help with..?" Asked Hermione.

"Griphook said that if there was a house involved one would only have to declare Head of House. And that it would result in an automatic claim of the inheritance."

Hermione shook her head while smiling and asked, "Harry have you been able to find out anything about your family history?"

"As a matter of fact I have. No, I'm not going to directly spell it out. Everyone knows that the documentation concerning 'Merlin's Shield', well even in most recent times it is only known to happen with one that is a descendant of Merlin. Okay fine…the power of Merlin runs through my veins."

"H-how…" Stammered Hermione.

"Family tree tapestry. It's in the Parlor. I can show all of you if you need to see it with your own eyes. I know that none of you think that I am making this up. Ginny is the one to discover it. I was…distracted."

Harry stood up and motioned for everyone to follow him. Once everyone was in the Parlor, Harry faced the wall on the right and held his right hand in the air as he turned clockwise while murmuring, 'ostendo sum est occultus' until he faced the wall on the left. There were several gasps as the curtains just disappeared. Harry was careful not to look at his parents' names. He quickly turned around, walked back over to the right side of the Parlor and pointed out Merlin on the tapestry. Ginny walked up to Harry, wrapped her arms around him and watched everyone else with him. They were all staring at the tapestry where Merlin was in awe and in silence.

"S-so that's what you meant by having power Voldemort knows not?" Asked Hermione breaking the nearly hour-long silence.

"Yes."

"Well…th-that's…that's…" Hermione could not think of what to say.

Harry walked over and faced the wall on the left, held up his right hand and while turning his body counterclockwise he murmured, 'occulto sursum' until he faced the wall on the right. The curtains rematerialized in seconds. Harry managed to get everyone to follow him into the library. He felt that they would all be more comfortable in the library than the living room. And he wanted to see Hermione's reaction to the library.

Halfway up the stairs it dawned on Ginny that Hermione had not answered her question.

"Hermione, earlier I asked you how does the warning carved in the second set of doors at Gringotts effect the Minister?"

"Oh…yeah. Um…the part that says 'so if you seek beneath our floors, a treasure that was never yours', well it's not meant literally seeking beneath the floors. It's a metaphor. In other words the Minister could be seeking for treasure under the floors that were never his without actually being under the floors. Just by having the intent, like what he did to Harry and Sirius…the Minister will face consequences because of performing the memory charm inside of Gringotts. It could be an inquiry. An audit of sorts, and Gringotts will be the one looking into things. It could very well be the end of Cornelius Fudge. The magical community needs to know what he did at Gringotts and that he was forcing Harry to return to an abusive environment plus the fact that the Minister was full aware of what was going on. He will be finished. But this will have to be done carefully. If everything is not in the right order when Fudge faces this he could remain the Minister of Magic and well, I am sure you all can imagine how Fudge will be then. But if we have everything in order, he will certainly fall from the office of Minister of Magic. Who knows what could end up happening, I mean with what we do know that he has done what is there that we don't know? Is Cornelius Fudge really good for the magical community? We already know that he is not, but the rest of the community."

"Harry why are you smiling? It's as if you sort of knew that." Said Ginny.

"Well, I know that the second doors are engraved with a warning and I remember what it says. I hoped that it would not literally mean that one would have to be seeking under the floors of Gringotts."

"Wait, Hermione how in the hell do you know that?" Asked Ron.

"Do you really need an answer to that question Ron? We have known Hermione for three years now. As you can see, reading is not a bad thing. And she is right, we do have to be careful and make sure that we have everything in order." Replied Harry.

Ron said nothing.

"Hermione what do you think of the library here?" Asked Harry.

"Wow! Harry this…this is…perfect. It's just…so…perfect." Hermione said excitedly as she headed over to examine the shelves of books.

"What do you mean by perfect?" Asked Ron cautiously.

"This is the perfect place to work on the assignments we get for the summer. Honestly this library is more extensive than the one at Hogwarts. I've never seen so many references on so many topics in one place."

Ron rolled his eyes. He could not figure out why anyone would be so focused on schoolwork during vacations, even if there were assignments to do.

"So, Fred, George and Ron did you find anything intriguing on the grounds? I mean behind the Manor. I only saw the front and that was briefly." Said Hermione.

"Oh, yeah. Harry you have some really strange neighbors that live at the bottom of the hill or mountain. Well, roughly at the bottom." Said Fred.

"Why do you say that?" Asked Harry.

"Thy have white peacocks running around their grounds. Who in their right mind would have white peacocks?" Asked George

"Are you sure? White peacocks?" Asked Harry.

"Yeah, they are definitely white peacocks. Why?" Asked Ron.

"I thought it looked fa…I mean Lucius Malfoy has…Holy shit! That's Malfoy Manor down there." Harry said hoping that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had not caught the near slip up.

"Really?" Asked Hermione.

"Yeah."

"How sure are you Harry?" Asked Charlie.

"As sure as I am a descendant of Merlin."

"It's great! I mean Lucius Malfoy is always bragging about how wealthy and powerful he is. The Malfoy Manor is really small compared to Potter Manor. The more I think about it, Lucius has, for years, bragged about the property at the top of the mountain being his. That he only uses it for special occasions." Said Charlie.

"That's Lucius Malfoy, always bragging and trying to look as though he has more then what he really does." Commented Arthur.

"Oh shit! This is not good. So not good I mean it can't be good. Sirius we have a major problem." Said Harry a little alarmed.

"What is it?" Sirius asked concerned.

"Lucius Malfoy and Cornelius Fudge are close, I mean like best friends. Fudge knows the location of my property."

"And why exactly is that a bad thing?" Asked Remus curiously.

"Lucius Malfoy is a Death Eater, he has not changed one bit. He lied about seeing the error of his ways, only so that he wouldn't end up in Azkaban with the Lestranges for example. When…for should Volde…"

"Harry we get it. But what can we do? How can we stop the Minister from divulging the location of Potter Manor?" Asked Ron.

"Fidelius Charm." Replied Harry, Sirius, Remus, Arthur and Molly."

"So who is to be secret keeper?" Asked Charlie.

"Can Harry be secret keeper?" Asked Hermione.

"Oh I don't know…he's only thirteen, nearly fourteen." Charlie threw out there before his mother could.

"Who would suspect it? It's perfect really. Besides, all of this belongs to Harry." Said Hermione.

"I'm okay with it. If anyone is worried or concerned about someone penetrating my mind…don't. It can't happen. I've been working on it for a while. You can check if it will ease your minds. I won't mind."

"And how exactly is someone supposed to do that?" Asked Ron.

"Legilimens." Answered Hermione

"This sounds like we need Severus." Said Remus with a tinge of irritability.

"We can't wait until then. And I really don't think Harry wants Severus here yet." Sirius said a little snippy.

"I'm sure any of you would be able to do it. You just point your wand at Harry and say 'legilimens'." Said Hermione matter of factually.

Harry stopped paying attention to the discussion when Remus spoke. Harry watched Remus carefully, when Harry realized that the full moon was just around the corner he gasped.

"Harry are you okay." Asked the twins.

"I'm fine. It's not me. It's…Muri!"

-crack-

"Yes Master."

"Is there anywhere on this property that could completely contain a werewolf? And guarantee that there would be no way for him to escape, you know to ensure the protection of everyone…especially the werewolf. I know it sounds strange, but…I know him and if he were to hurt anyone it would destroy him."

"Muri not know Master. Sparky knows everything."

"Sparky!" Harry called desperately.

-crack-

"Sparky hear what you say to Muri. Yes there is such place. Many years ago Master James had the cellar modified for should Master James's friend wolf-boy to come over."

"Sorry, Moony. I know that not everyone here knew…I just…"

"Not to worry Harry. I am more relieved that you realized…thank you so much Harry. I…I can never repay you. Your father would be very proud. Now Sparky where is this cellar?" Asked Remus.

Remus followed Sparky enthusiastically, but reluctant knowing what lied ahead.

"Oh would the rest of you knock it off! What matters is that Harry realized how Moony has been acting and that now as I think about it the full moon is tomorrow night." Said Hermione.

"How did you know Hermione?"

"The essay Professor Snape set last year when he filled in for Moony." Said Harry.

"Oh." Ron said softly.

"Sirius, do you know where Moony lives? If so, you might be able to get over there, grab a vial of the wolfsbane Potion, get back here and give it to Moony in time. You know before the transformation. Otherwise it's going to be really rough on him." Harry said quickly.

Sirius nodded and disapparated. He returned minutes later and asked Muri to take him to the cellar.

"Okay, so have we decided who will attempt to penetrate a nearly fourteen year olds mind?" Sirius asked when he returned and doing his best not to laugh.

"I'll give it a try." Offered Charlie.

Arthur and Molly looked at Charlie as though he was crazy.

"Look, I'm not close with Harry, not like Sirius is or you mum. Plus I'm not a parent of…well I'll just leave it at that."

"I don't know. Maybe Sirius should be the one to do it. I know I said that it can't happen, but if someone were to get through…I'm not saying that I don't trust you or any one else…I just trust Sirius more." Harry said nervously.

"Well, why not let Sirius give it a go and then decided if Charlie can. That way two people will be able to reassure others that aren't sure about Harry being secret keeper." Suggested Ron.

"Do we really have that much time? How long will it take Cornelius to tell Lucius? I know Harry banished the Minister to the Ministry…but can we be sure that he won't be able to tell Lucius." Said Hermione.

"Okay…okay. Charlie are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be. How about you?"

"Let's just do this." Harry said apprehensively.

Harry took a few deep, relaxing, mind clearing breaths with his eyes closed. While Harry was doing this, Charlie stepped around his parents so he could be in front of Harry and pulled out his wand.

Harry barely heard footsteps and what sounded like the rustling of a cloak that was billowing in the wind. Charlie pointed his wand at Harry as he said 'Legilimens.'

Seconds later Charlie was still standing in front of Harry holding his wand with a confused expression on his face. Harry's eyes flew open and he was a little nervous, scared and worried about what Charlie may have seen.

"Charlie, what happened? Did you see anything? Did it work?" Asked Molly

"I'd say that it worked. And I did not see anything, just black nothingness."

"Really?" Harry asked surprised and relieved.

"Really. There was nothing…it was like I was confined in a dark space. Why?"

"Well just as you said 'Legilimens' something extremely private flashed through my mind for a second."

"I promise you Harry, all I saw was total darkness. I honestly can't lie. I've never been one to keep things from others, well out side of my job. But still you can always tell that I'm keeping something from someone."

"Okay. So the Fidelius Charm." Said Harry.

"I'm still not real sure about this Harry, but the property is yours so you will be secret keeper." Sirius said grudgingly.

The rest nodded agreeing with what Sirius and Molly said.

Sirius took a few deep breaths to steady himself. Just then Sparky appeared in the library and walked up to Sirius.

"Sparky bring calming potion for Dog-boy. You need be calm and steady. And speak very clearly."

"Thank you Sparky." Sirius said as he took the goblet of calming potion.

One the effects began to wash over Sirius, he looked at Harry, pulled out his wand and pointed it at Harry.

"Ready?"

"Just do it. Quite a bit of time has already passed by. I don't want much more time to pass by."

"Okay."

Sirius made sure he had a solid, firm grip on his wand. He then swished his wand through the air as thought slicing it and stopped with his wand once again pointing at Harry and said, "Occulto scientia of Potter Praedium intus."

Very briefly a white light flashed through the library.

Harry looked around wondering if it worked. As he looked at each person he could see faint expressions of confusion.

"Did it work?" Harry asked anxiously.

"Did what work?" Asked Ron

"The Fidelius Charm? Did it work?'

"It must have. I vaguely recall talking about the Fidelius Charm but nothing else comes to mind. Why?"

Harry smiled and quickly told everyone about Potter Manor. He also answered all questions that came his way.

"Oh, someone will have to let me know when it's safe to talk to Remus. I'll have to tell him every thing about Potter Manor."

"I'm sure he's going to be more confused than the rest of us had been." Chuckled Sirius.

"Will the house-elves be affected by the Fidelius Charm?" Harry asked curiously.

"No. I don't believe so. As you know their magic is different from ours." Said Arthur.

"So, Harry the Manor down the mountain, that's Malfoy Manor?' Asked Sirius.

"Yes."

Sirius turned, waked out of the library, down the stairs and out of the Manor leaving the door wide open. Harry knowing what Sirius was doing, quickly retrieved the invisibility cloak, draped it over him and once he was confidant that he was completely concealed he apparated out of the Manor to the front gates of Malfoy Manor. He had just made it in time to slip through the opening and caught up to Sirius.

Meanwhile…

As Draco stepped off the train he saw his parents and for a moment considered running for it. He walked up to his parents and there was no greeting. He followed his parents through the platform and by side-along apparated with his parent's home.

Once home, Draco went straight up to his room to put his things away. He did not stay in his room long. Draco avoided his father as much as possible and did not say anything unless he was answering a question. He didn't even strike up a conversation with either parent. Draco managed to keep his cool even when his father would go on his rants about being above those that hare half or less and references to Muggle borns as 'Mudbloods'.

Over the next few days Draco managed to go undetected by his father. Draco concentrated on his studies and other things so that he would not at any point think of Harry and the rest of the group of Gryffindor's and that they have been helping him.

Once evening around dinnertime Draco could hear his parents arguing. He carefully emerged from where he had been so he could hear what they were saying.

"He's avoiding me and I want to know why. I will find out why one way or another."

"I doubt that Draco is avoiding you."

"I am so glad that I only have to deal with one child that is not acting appropriately. It is good that you got rid of the bratty baby girl, thought it would be even better if it was dead. I shouldn't have trusted you, I should have known you wouldn't have killed it."

"Stop bringing her up! I really wish that I had taken Draco and my baby girl and left. I know I could have found somewhere safe."

"Don't fool yourself Narcissa, you wouldn't have made it long. Although it would have been perfect if you had, I would have found you and taken Draco back. It would only be him and me here. You and the little brat I never wanted would be dead. It would be my son and I here, only. But, no you didn't take off and you didn't kill it. So now I have to worry about my son discovering that he has sister. This will not go over well when it comes out."

"And what if we had, had another son? Does the same apply or is it because we had a baby girl?"

"No, it would be different, very different if you had given me another son. That way I'd know that there was a good chance that the Malfoy name wouldn't be ruined. Your son is weak and needs to toughen up. I will not stand by and let him be soft. If you had been able to give me another son, I'd have been able to send the poor excuse of a Malfoy Heir packing. Hell, you would have been sent packing too."

"You bastard! As if I could have made it so I had been pregnant with a boy! You are the one that stayed away from me after I had our baby girl."

"Because I knew you wouldn't be able to give me another son. I knew when you had that brat that you weren't strong enough to give me another son and I knew it would be just another bratty girl."

Narcissa screamed as she threw a crystal vase at Lucius's head. Lucius ducked but not quite quick enough, the vase grazed his head leaving a fairly deep but small gash on the right side of the top of his head.

"You ungrateful bitch! You will pay for this…and dearly." Spat Lucius as blood trickled down his face.

Lucius pulled out his wand and used the cruciatus cruse. Narcissa didn't scream that loud nor did her body twitch much. Lucius looked as though he was being electrocuted. Several minutes passed before Lucius's body stopped twitching. He looked angrier than he had before.

Narcissa kept a close eye on Lucius as she got to her feet. She thought about running for it but knew that she would not reach any type of sanctuary in time to avoid the next attack from Lucius. Narcissa watched Lucius as he made slashing movements in the air, his mouth was barely moving as he pointed his wand at her. Narcissa quickly but silently cast a protection field around herself.

A jet of red shot out from the end of Lucius's wand, hit the protection field around Narcissa and vanished. Lucius gasped, paled and yelled out in pain as he dropped his wand. He fumbled with the buttons on his shirt until all the buttons had been undone. Once his shirt was open he looked down to see several lacerations. The lacerations were deep, deeper than meant to be. Lucius looked at Narcissa furiously and as he attempted to pick up his wand to heal himself he fell to the floor. After a few minutes Lucius rolled over onto his back, glaring furiously at Narcissa.

Narcissa watched in horror as Lucius exposed his chest. As seeing the lacerations she knew now more than ever that she and Draco had to leave. Narcissa thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye and looked up to see who or what was there. Once her eyes reached the top of the staircase she realized that Draco was standing there, she could see that he was trying to comprehend what he had seen and heard. She knew she had to at least try and reach out to her cousin Sirius for help. Narcissa vowed to beg him if necessary.

"D-draco…Draco…I'm so sorry…Draco please." Narcissa choked out.

Lucius snapped his head and looked up to see Draco standing frozen in place and his eyes glistening with moisture.

"DRACO! GET DOWN HERE AND HELP ME!"

At the sound of his fathers voice Draco snapped out of the trance. He could not help but show how satisfied he was at seeing his father slashed up and bleeding.

"DRACO, GET DOWN HER AND HELP ME! NOW!"

"NO!"

"I SAID…"

"I KNOW WHAT YOU SAID. THE ANSWER IS STILL NO."

"YOU'RE SO WEAK THAT YOU CAN'T HANDLE A LITTLE BLOOD, IS THAT IT?"

"NO. YOU DON'T DESEREVE ANY HELP ESPECIALLY FROM ME. ONLY A WEAK, POOR EXCUSE FOR A MAN WOULD BEAT HIS WIFE AND UNDERAGE SON WITHOUT MEANS OF BEING ABLE TO DEFEND THEMSELVES. IF THAT IS HOW A MAN SHOWS HIS STRENGHT THEN I CALL ON THE POWER OF MERLIN TO HELP ME BREAK THE CYCLE. IF I AM DESTEND TO TREAT MY FAMILY LIKE THIS…THEN I REFUSE TO HAVE A FAMILY."

"YOU WILL REGRET THIS BOY. BY THE TIME I AM THROUGH WITH YOU, YOU'LL BE BEGGING FOR ME TO KILL YOU."

"IN YOUR CURRENT STATE…FAT CHANCE. I'M NOT WEAKEND BY INJURIES FROM YOUR ABUSE SO YOU'D HAVE TO CATCH ME FIRST. HELL YOU WILL HAVE TO FIND ME FIRST."

"ONLY A WEAK COWARD RUNS AND HIDES."

"I AM NOT WEAK NOR AM I A COWARD. I HAVE THE BRAINS TO NOT MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO GET TO ME. YOU WILL NEVER HURT ME AGAIN…I WILL SEE TO IT THAT THE DAY WILL COME THAT YOU NEVER LAY A HAND MY MOTHER OR ME AGAIN. OH…FATHER IT'S NOT MUM…IT'S NOT THAT MUM WASN'T STRONG ENOUGH. THE MALE SEED DETERMINES THE SEX OF THE BABY. IT'S YOUR FAULT THAT A SECOND SON WAS NOT BORN TO YOU AND MUM. I AM GREATFUL THAT MUM HAD A BABY GIRL AND GAVE HER AWAY…IF THE BABY HAD BEEN A BOY I WOULD HAVE HAD TO…" Draco stopped himself from saying anything further.

Draco had not meant to lose control like he had. He was very frightened about what his father will do to him once he has recovered. Draco quickly reached his room, packed a small bag of clothes incase he had to run at a moments notice and grabbed his wand. When he turned to leave his room he saw a brown owl on his bed with a letter attached to its leg. Draco quickly removed the letter and put it into a pocket as the owl flew off and left his room.

After Draco left his room, he took a few steps towards the staircase to see if his father was still on the floor. When he saw no one downstairs he knew he had time to find a safe place with in the Manor. Draco finally stumbled on a staircase and climbed the stairs to find a door at the top. He opened the door, walked through into the room and glanced around. There was some dim lighting from the moon splashing it's light through a window. Draco realized that he had found the attic and felt that it would be the perfect place. He walked over to what seemed to be the shape of a couch and set his bag down. After a few minutes Draco, with his wand firmly in his hand walked back over to the door and cast a few protective spells, he placed a locking charm on the door as well as a muffling spell. He did know some better ones, but his father knew them too. Draco knew that his father wouldn't ever think of simple spells. Feeling satisfied that he was safe for at least the night he walked back over to the couch. It was old, dusty and ratty but he did not care. He sat down on the couch and though about what was he going to do? How was he going to get out of the Manor?

"Rosie." Draco called softly as a thought came to mind.

-crack-

"Young Master call Rosie?"

"Yes. Has my father talked you yet?"

"No sir. Should Rosie go see Master?"

"No, no, no. I was just wondering. I do know that he will talk to you soon and I know what he will say too. But before he does could you please bring me some supplies?"

"What do young Master want Rosie to bring?"

"Food, water…juice would be nice, enough for say a week for now. I need some candles for more light and I'll need all of my school stuff as well. And Rosie do be careful and quiet."

"Yes young Master."

-crack-

Over the next couple of hours Rosie slowly brought Draco everything he had requested.

"Anything else for Rosie to get you?"

"Not right now. It is okay to tell my mother where I am if she asks and as long as my father is not around the Manor. Do not tell my father where I am. The one and only order I give you is do not tell my father where I am. If he hurts you in any way come find me and I will be sure that you are safe."

"Rosie understand and obey young Master."

"Thank you Rosie."

Rosie bowed and returned to her tiny quarters.

Draco lit the candles, pulled out the envelope from his pocket, removed the letter and read,

Draco,

Don't worry. Only you can read open and read this. If anyone other than you gets a hold of this or if you have it sitting out no one will be able to read it except you...and me. It will just look like odd shapes and symbols. I will explain how I did this and explain how you can see as well at another time. I just want to get this out to you.

If you are wondering who this is…well you call me Granger. I'm the one that helped by making the pain potion and all the other medications as well as applied them...well all but one. Dobby applied that one, well enough of that.

I just wanted to let you know that you have a way to contact help if you need it. Other than trying to find a way to Sirius's. Let me know that you received this. Once you do, I will expect to hear from you a minimum of twice a week. It can be as simple as telling me that you are okay or that you need help...if I don't here from you at least twice a week I will find a way to get you to safety. I know that a lot of people would not understand why I am so bent on you being safe. I am not quite sure that I can trust you like I trust my friends, but that cannot get in the way of helping someone who is being abused so horribly. I will say this, I am getting there...trusting you...I am getting there. So far, since we have been helping you, I have not seen any reason to not. Well aside from how you used to be and I know you have apologized for that a number of times.

Oh, when you reply, after you finish writing and addressing the letter tap it two times and say 'Occulto ex deprehensio', if you need to conceal the letter before you are finished writing it do the 'occulto ex deprehensio' when you are able to get back to it tap the parchment twice and say, 'fateor' and you will be able to read what you wrote and finish it. Of course when you are finished with the letter...well you know what to do. I have enclosed a vial with this letter, it is very crucial so please don't lose it. It is a potion, you need to drink it before you respond so that I will be able to read it. I will explain more later. I promise. The potion will work right away, and you have to write my name on the envelope and the letter. –Hermione

Draco refolded the letter and set it down on the couch next to him. He picked up the envelope, pulled out the vial and looked at the contents unsure. It was clear with a slight golden tone to it.

"I basically asked all of them to trust me, I should at least trust them beyond helping when injured. Hermione did make the pain potion and all the other pastes and whatnot, she applied them, she always made sure that I had plenty of everything that I needed. Despite how cruel I was, they still helped me. Okay, here it goes." Draco whispered before removing the stopper from the vial.

Draco drank the potion and pulled out a quill, ink and parchment to respond. He did have a few questions about how Hermione was able to make it happen so that he cold more than one way to reach out for help. It was a relief to have an alternative way for should he be unable to get to Sirius's. Once he finished writing his letter he referenced back to Hermione's letter. He wanted to be sure that he got it right. The reply to Hermione was ready, all he had to do was find a way to send it.

"Rosie."

-crakc-

"Yes Young Master."

"Where is my father?"

"Master left. He be gone a day or two. Master hope only that long."

"Where is he exactly?"

"St. Mungo's."

"Thank you Rosie. You may go. Sorry to have disturbed you."

"No worry Young Master. You's so kind to Rosie. No disrespect Young Master but Rosie not mind to being a free elf."

"I'll keep that in mind. Sleep well."

"Thank you Young Master. You sleep well."

Draco smiled as Rosie bowed and returned the smile. Rosie returned to her tiny quarters. Draco grabbed the letter and went searching for the house owl. After an hour he gave up and returned to the attic. Once there he replaced all the spells and charms on the attic door. He paced for a half hour when an idea hit him.

"Dobby! Dobby please!"

-crack-

"You call Dobby?" Dobby asked while trembling.

"Yes I did Dobby. It's okay my father is not here."

"What you need?"

"I need you to find a way to get this to Hermione Granger. I request that you not tell anyone that it's from me. She will know though. It is very important that she receives this. Can you do this for me?"

"Dobby do as asked."

"Thank you so much Dobby. Here is the letter."

Dobby took the letter and left.

Draco sighed felling relieved and tired. He stretched out on the couch, closed his eyes and fell a sleep within seconds.

The following morning Draco woke up later than he usually did. He sat up and hoped that Dobby would be able to get the letter to Hermione soon.

-crack-

"Rosie?"

"Young Master, Mistress would like to talk to you. She refuse to know where you are."

"Thank you Rosie. Please let my mother know that I'll be there shortly."

"Yes Young Master."

-crack-

Draco made his way down the staircase and into the living room to see his mother sitting on the couch.

"You wanted to take me?"

"Yes. Yes I do. Please have a seat."

Draco walked around the couch and sat down next to his mum.

"So, what do you want to talk to me about?"

"What you heard and saw yesterday. Firstly, as far as what you said to your father…I am so very proud of you. You stood up to him."

"Yeah, but when he finds me…he's going to try to kill me. If not succeed."

"I am confidant that you will be just fine. You have to be all right. Do what you can to avoid him, you have been doing a terrific job so far. I am working on getting us out of here. At least I hope he'll help, I just don't know. We have never been on good terms. I wouldn't blame if he were to tell me to go to hell. Something tells me that he wouldn't do that so I am going to take the chance. Any way, I want to talk about what you heard and saw last night."

"You had a baby girl."

"Yes. I know that a lot happened last night…do you remember anything else?"

"So much…He made you give up the baby?"

"No, he wanted me to have killed her. I couldn't…I could never do that. I knew it was a matter of time until he stepped in, so I decided to give her up. I didn't want her to be subjected to the Dark Lord, ever. I do not know where she is. A part of me wants to know, but it's best that I don't. If your father were to find out…who and where she is…I fear for her safety as I do ours. I find strength and comfort knowing that she is safe wherever she is."

"So, I have a sister out there somewhere?"

"Yes you do. There is a chance that you might know her when you see her. I don't know. At times I hope that she is recognizable but then for certain reasons I hope that she is not recognizable, for her own safety."

"How much younger than me is she?"

"Two years."

"So she would be Hogwarts age?"

"Yes."

"Do we have to talk about it? It makes me sick to think about what he said. It really pisses me off that he would do that to you. It's not the first time either."

"Oh Draco I am so sorry you saw that. Believe me I'm not making any excuses for the bastard…it would seem that he grew up with type of behavior. He had to learn it somewhere. Trust me he was not like that when I met him, when we married. If I'd known…oh I don't know…I have you and I wouldn't change anything about you. Together we will find a way out of this madness."

"Not that I care, but why did he go to St. Mungo's?"

"He didn't learn when he received the gash on the side of his face. I have to hand it to Severus, he really put one hell of a curse on your father. Well, your father tried to heal himself and once again made the injury worse. If you are wondering, I have no idea as to what he is telling the healers about how he was injured."

"You miss the baby girl, don't you?"

"Very much." Narcissa choked out.

-crack-

"Mistress, this just arrived for you."

"Thank you Rosie." Said Narcissa as she took the envelope.

Narcissa opened the envelope, took out the parchment, unfolded it and gasped when she read the note.

"Draco, quickly go. Please. Your father will be here shortly. The healers can't do anything. Please go. Stay safe…and son…I love you."

"I love you to mum." Draco said as he ran up the stairs all the way to the attic.

Once he shut the door he quickly replaced all the spells and charms. Draco paced the length of the attic twice and decided to do as much as he could on his summer assignments. He had the available time and nothing else to pass the time with. After several hours Draco took a break. He ate some food and had some juice.

"Rosie."

-crack-

"Yes…"

"If any visitors show up, I want to know about it and I want to know who it is. Also if my parents argue and looks as though it could be violent to you, come get me."

"Rosie will sir."

"Thank you. You should go so that my father doesn't know that you are not doing what he wants you to do. I don't want you to be in a position that you will be questioned and I definitely do not want you to be harmed in any way. Do be careful when around my father."

-crack-

Draco tried to resume working on his summer assignments but had no luck. He was bored and desperately wanted to talk to someone. He was frustrated because he knew he couldn't. He knew he wouldn't be able to. In order to contact anyone it would require him to leave the sanctuary of the attic. Though he knew his father was physically weak he did not want to take the chance on crossing paths with his father. Draco leaned back against the couch, closed his eyes and dozed off.

Several hours later Draco woke up and was feeling really hungry. He felt around for his wand. Once his fingertips touched his wand he closed his hand around it and lit the attic with candlelight.

-crack-

"Young Master wanted Rosie to let him know if any visitors showed up."

"Go on Rosie."

"Mr.'s Crabbe and Goyle are here."

"Thank you Rosie. Would you happen to know how long they will be here?"

"They stay the night. Might leave tomorrow."

"Thank you again Rosie. You have done really good."

Rosie smiled just before she left.

Draco sighed as he put together his dinner. He hoped with everything he had that Vincent and Gregory's fathers would leave in the morning. Draco knew he had no chance of getting out of the Manor with the parental versions of Crabbe and Goyle there.

The following afternoon Rosie appeared in the attic to let Draco know that Crabbe and Goyle had left and that it would be a few days before they came back. Draco was relieved that there was no one else in the house but him and his parents and of course Rosie. He tried to take his mind off of things, so he attempted to clean up the attic…without magic so that time would pass and he could tell that it had. Evening rolled in and Draco couldn't take being cooped up in the attic any more and ventured out. He reached the far side of the second floor, he made sure that he had his wand and once he was sure that he had it, he felt that it would be safe to linger for a while. He gazed out the window, looking at the large Manor at the top of the mountain. He wondered who owned it and how they would feel if they knew what his father had been claiming.

"There you are! You're not getting away this time. I may be injured but I can still…" Lucius paused as he heard a voice float up from below. This was not a voice he recognized.

Draco took the opportunity to put some distance between himself and his father so that he could get to his wand and defend himself.

Lucius reached out and roughly grabbed Draco's arm.

"I'll deal with you later." Lucius said and walked off.

Draco quickly followed his father, he was curious who would be there. Draco stopped at the top of the staircase and stood there watching. When he saw and recognized Sirius Black standing just inside the Manor he muttered, "oh this won't go good." And then his father started yelling.

"GET OUT OF MY HOUSE! YOU HAVE NO BUSINESS HERE!"

"I'm not going anywhere just yet Lucius. And I do have business here, Black family business. You can go get lost for all I care, I need to speak with Narcissa not you."

"Any business you have to discuss will be discussed with me. I am the Head of the House of Malfoy after all."

"Exactly. You are the Head of the House of Malfoy. The business I have to discuss does not concern you."

"I said, any business you…"

"I heard what you said Lucius. You are a Malfoy not a Black."

"Well, Narcissa is a…"

"Malfoy by marriage! But by blood and birth Narcissa is a Black and always will be!"

Lucius smirked at what Sirius had said.

"She married me, so therefore…"

"Therefore nothing Lucius. As the Head of the House of Black I say it is none of your business and but out."

"How dare you…this is my house…no one talks to me like that in my house…"

"I just did and I will talk to you anyway I feel like in your house or not."

Lucius drew his wand but before he could do anything Sirius took one step towards Lucius and punched him in the face. Lucius fell backwards onto the floor with a busted and bleeding nose. As Sirius turned back to Narcissa, Lucius stood back up with his wand in hand.

"Avada…"

"No way Lucius." Said Harry as he removed the cloak.

Everyone else in the room was in shock and completely surprised to see Harry Potter appear out of nowhere. Harry took the opportunity of Lucius's shock and surprise. The first and only thing to pop into Harry's mind was a basic stunning spell. He knew he needed something better, needed something stronger. He thought and he thought but nothing came to mind that would satisfy him.

As Lucius recovered and laughed at the young feeble attempt to fight a grown wizard, Draco ran down the staircase with his wand in hand at the ready. Lucius raised his wand and as he started to curse Harry, Harry yelled "Reverto pestifer septformus. Aufero memoria dies", just as Draco pointed his wand at the back of his father and yelled, "CRUCIO!"

Harry's spell collided with Lucius's curse and continued on and hit Lucius in the chest just as Draco's hit Lucius in the back. The combination of Harry's spell and the curses casted by the other two resulted in Lucius being thrown up in the air and fall back down the floor, as Lucius hit the floor he crumpled into a ball. His eyes were pointed different directions giving Lucius's face a crazed look. Lucius's breathing was labored and he seemed to be knocked out with his eyes open and his body was twitching worse than when he had used 'crucio' on Narcissa the other night.

"Harry what the hell was that?" Asked Draco and Sirius.

"I don't…I have no idea…what did I do? What did I say? I…Holy shit! What happened? Oh…um…thanks Draco…for the help."

"I wasn't going to stand by and let it curse you."

"Sirius…I…I'm so sorry…I…I don't…I don't know…how…how to…"

"Narcissa relax. I am aware of at least part of the situation and I am going to help. I have wanted to since the first time Harry told me…I promise I will get you and Draco out of this hell. As the Head of the House of Black there are a few things that I can do. There are a few things that I need to look into and do first. I do need to discuss Black family business with you."

"Okay…but it will have to be another time. I don't know how long he will be out of it. I would like to talk, like I said it will have to be another time. And somewhere else, please."

"That can be arranged. As soon as you can go to my mother's house…er…my house. Bring Draco with you, I do not want him to be here or anywhere alone with Lucius. If I am not there ask Kreacher to send a message to me and I will be there as fast as I can. Kreacher is a lot different now, as long as you are nice when asking him to send a message to me it will be done quickly and efficiently."

"You can also call for Dobby help. He seems to be able to find me no matter where I am." Harry added.

"Thank you both. I really owe you Harry…you have been there for my son…Oh…you both should really go. Don't worry about us, Draco has found a safe place to be. I do have my own personal room and the sorry excuse for a man I married cannot gain access. Please go, I don't want any harm to come to either of you and the idiot I married is not worth taking the chance of one going to Azkaban. Sirius, I promise you that Draco and I will see you soon."

"I am not comfortable at all leaving. I…"

"Really, don't worry about us. My dad was injured the other day, he stayed overnight in St. Mungo's. Between what Professor Snape cursed my father with and what Harry and I did…I don't see him having the strength beyond breathing to do anything." Said Draco.

"If you…"

"If my mother and I need anything we'll send Rosie and Dobby looking for you. That and I have another way to send for help. I promise." Draco said cutting Sirius off.

Harry and Sirius reluctantly left Malfoy Manor and returned to Potter Manor.