Harry apparated directly into the library at Potter Manor causing Hermione and Remus to scream, jump up onto their feet with wands drawn.

"Sorry. I didn't think about taking the time to let you both know that I was coming. Although, who the hell would be apparating in here, and I mean the Manor, that would require either of you to draw a wand? It would only be those that know about it." Harry said with a hint of laughter in his voice.

"Harry are you trying to give us a heart attack?" Hermione asked while clutching her chest.

"Reflex, habit. Not that it is a bad habit to have." Remus added.

"It's only been a few days since Violet and Marie…I am surprised that you are here already." Hermione said.

"Well, I thought that they could...should have the time alone. I know I could have waited a bit longer but…I just thought that sooner would be better rather than later."

"That is really thoughtful of you Harry."

"Why so surprised Hermione?"

"No…I didn't mean for it to come across as surprise…"

"I know, I was just teasing you."

"Prat."

"Love you too."

"So, has Sirius talked to Marie about seeing what the Healers at St. Mungo's might be able to do?" Remus asked while laughing at the exchange between Harry and Hermione.

"Marie agreed. Sirius did go to St. Mungo's but didn't get what he was intending to get. He was given an appointment with the main director towards the end of July. He isn't going to just sit around and wait for that appointment. Who knows how long after that appointment it will take for them to actually see Marie. I don't know what he thinks he will be able to accomplish between now and then, I think he mainly just wants to be doing something, to feel that he's being productive. Not that I think it's a waste of time because I don't, I mean he could be able to get them to see Marie a lot sooner."

"Did anyone say why Sirius has to speak to the main director?"

"When Sirius was explaining the situation the witch or wizard he spoke to was lost to everything once 'Muggle' was mentioned. I don't think that the individual really paid any attention to what he had said prior nor what was said after. Sirius is pretty upset by it. He actually said that he was ashamed of the Magical community."

Hermione and Remus were stunned into silence. Both realizing just how upset if not pissed Sirius was.

"I am sure that Sirius and Violet are reading a certain letter. I know I could have stayed, I just…that letter is a private matter for them to handle…I just thought…if they want to share any part of it they can…"

"Harry we get it. Really we do."

"So, how have the past few days been here?"

"Kind of boring really. The samples of all the potion ingredients are set up, yes all three sets. I assume, I know I shouldn't do that but I assume that one of the sets set up to be sent out is for Neville."

"I was thinking of that, I can tell that some are fairly rare and I have a feeling that some of the rare ingredients have a Herbology aspect."

"There are quite a few rare potion ingredients growing in abundance here, and yes some of the rare ingredients do fall into Herbology as far as assisting some plants to grow. And in some cases to accelerate the growth of some plats. We weren't positive at first but I found a rare Herbology text here in the library and that is how I came to the conclusion or assumption that one of the sets you planed on sending to Neville."

"Excellent. We need to make a copy of the text so that I can send one with the samples to Neville."

"That won't be a problem; Moony already did make a copy."

"I'm sure, Hermione that you have figured out who the other recipient is."

"Professor Snape."

Harry only nodded with a smile.

All three headed down stairs. Harry spoke with Muri and Sparky about where they were holding the samples of potion ingredients. Once Harry was shown where the samples were, he quickly wrote a couple notes and packaged them up one containing the rare Herbology text. Harry instructed Muri and Sparky as to when to send them out. Most importantly the one addressed to Neville Longbottom has to reach him by the 30th of the month.

The next few hours all three just roamed around the grounds of Potter Manor. Harry stood still as he watched the property below his Manor. He wondered how Draco was fairing. He hoped that by not hearing anything that it was a good a sign. He couldn't stop thinking that not hearing anything could also be a bad thing.

"Hey Harry. What are you thinking about?" Hermione asked she realized that Harry was in deep thought.

"Just wondering how Draco is doing. We haven't heard anything. It may or may not be a good thing that we haven't heard anything. I just hope that things are…"

"I know what you mean. I could send a short note to him. I know he will reply as soon as he can."

"Yes, please do. I feel bad. I haven't thought about his wellbeing at all. I now it hasn't been that long since…I just can't believe that I could have forgotten about his situation…after all that I have been through…I started thinking about it when a white peacock caught my eye. I have to admit that I like being able to watch Malfoy Manor from up here and not have to worry about Lucius or anyone noticing that I am."

"As soon as we go back in I will write a note to Draco. I know I should go in now and write the note but I want to enjoy the fresh air a little bit longer."

"As long as we get it written and sent today."

About an hour later they all returned to the Manor, Hermione quickly wrote a note to Draco and had one of the owls from the Manor deliver it. Harry had really wanted to go to the Weasley's new house but had to find out what was going on with Draco first, so they sat around and waited.

MALFOY MANOR

After Harry and Sirius left Narcissa levitated Lucius onto the couch and left him there.

Draco wondered around the house, gathered some more clothes and took them up to the attic to have them on hand. He was mindful of his father and periodically checked the couch to see if his father was still unconscious.

An hour after dinner Lucius started to stir. Narcissa and Draco were still in the kitchen talking, suddenly they could hear moaning coming from the living room. Neither got up to see how Lucius was fairing, neither cared. Both were a bit nervous and a tad scared, not knowing how Lucius was going to be.

"Rosie!" Lucius called as loud as he could.

-crack-

"Master…"

"What the hell happened?"

"Rosie not knowing, sir."

Narcissa got up and walked out into living room.

"What are you bellyaching about?"

"What happened?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I feel worse than I did yesterday."

"Well you are supposed to be resting, taking it easy."

"What am I doing down here? "

"How should I know? I bet you were drinking and probably passed out. Not a good thing to do considering you're not supposed to be drinking while on the medications from St. Mungo's."

"You had better speak to me with respect or else."

"When you earn the respect I will give it. As for what you will do…well, you're not exactly in a position to do anything at the moment. "

"Where the bloody hell is my wand?"

"No idea Lucius."

"Find it and bring it to me."

"Not likely."

"Do it NOW!"

"I don't believe that I will." Narcissa said as she left the living room.

Over the next few days Lucius tried to remember what had happened. Nothing seemed to make any sense. The fact that he had been on the couch and his wand was on the floor in the entry way. Earlier that day Mulciber had stopped by wondering how he was. Mulciber knew Lucius had spent time at St. Mungo's for injuries that Lucius refused to elaborate on. A few days ago Lucius was supposed to contact Mulciber and had not. This was troubling to Lucius so he looked into it and by lunch time he was furious and went looking for his wife and son. He found them in the kitchen.

"What did the two of you do to me?"

"Nothing, why do you ask?"

"I know one of you did something. I am missing…I cannot seem account for a whole day and I want to know why."

"I assure you that mother and I did nothing to you. If we had you would not be here in the kitchen talking to us."

"Watch your mouth boy. You and I need to have a talk."

"Good luck with that."

"Draco…"

"I mean it, good luck with that. You say you want to have a talk with me…well let me say that I am not stupid I know what you really mean and as long as I can help it, it will never happen again. Especially not privately. "

"One of you had better tell me what you did to me…"

"Dear Lucius as our son already said, we didn't do anything to you. It would seem that you had in fact been drinking and mixed with the potions from St. Mungo's…well it would appear that the combination of such has caused you to lose a day. Instead of accusing other's for the stupid things you do take a look in the mirror and you will then find the one to blame."

Lucius was glaring at Narcissa and Draco. Lucius reached for his wand. Narcissa and Draco noticed this, Narcissa grabbed hold of Draco and apparated them out of the kitchen. Draco quickly made his way to the attic and warded the door as his mother then apparated into her private room and reinforced her wards on her door just to ensure that Lucius could not get in. Narcissa had actually wanted to leave the house with Draco but could not calmly think of where to go so she did the only thing she could think of and that was to make sure that she and her son were somewhere, somewhat safe in the house. Narcissa made up her mind that the first time she knows Lucius is not in the house she and Draco will be leaving to Sirius' and then hopefully to a truly safe place. Narcissa did fear that somehow Lucius would get his hands on Draco and do who knows what to him. She feared that Lucius might end up killing Draco, but she still had to try to protect her and her son. If luck be on her side they would be safe. She then had a horrible thought about the Dark Lord and hoped with all her might that he was indeed gone but she had a deep gut feeling that the Dark Lord would be back and that was more terrifying than anything her husband could do to her and Draco.

As the days passed Narcissa managed to avoid Lucius, Draco remained up in the attic. With the help of Rosie, Draco was able to have plenty to eat and drink and to use the bathroom without being detected by Lucius. Draco was frustrated, he was sick of hiding from his father but did not want to go through what he had been since Harry saved his life, saved his soul. Though Draco knew that there was something going on with Harry but was not going to ask Harry anything. Draco was not sure why but he knew that he could get defensive help from Harry.

Really late one night Draco was still awake, he couldn't sleep. He was regretting drinking so many liquids, he had to use the loo but not knowing if his father was up or not prevented him from trying to leave his sanctuary. Draco even tried calling for Rosie but she never came, Draco was sure that she was doing something for his father and that is why she had not come to his call. Draco couldn't take it anymore, he had to take the chance as the alternative could not happen.

Draco cautiously and as quietly as he could, left the attic and made a bee-line for the loo. As he was about to leave he paused and listened carefully, he heard nothing so he left the bathroom. He intended to head back to the attic but felt it best to walk around a bit and be sure that no one else was up. A few minutes later Draco was relieved that he had not gone straight to the attic. Lucius saw Draco leaving the bathroom.

"Well, well what do we have here?"

"Father." Draco said calmly without turning around though he knew that was not really a good thing. He was thankful that he had thought to bring his wand with him.

Draco took a few deep breaths and slowly, cautiously turned around to face his father. After a few seconds Lucius reached for his wand. Draco noticed this, at first he felt fear but that was quickly replaced by anger for all that had happened to him. Even though Draco knew that if his father cursed him, his father would feel the effects but much worse Draco still did not want to go through what ever pain his father intended to inflict. Draco instinctively grabbed his wand and did the only thing that came to his mind, he cast 'Stupefy'. Panic overcame Draco and he ran to the attic. Though out of breath he managed to place his wards on the door and headed over to the couch to catch his breath. He thought about what he could do in the future to ensure he didn't get caught by his father. Next time he probably wouldn't be so lucky to escape the wrath of his father. Draco's thoughts faded away as sleep took him.

Draco woke the following morning, after what had happened the previous night he did not want to have a repeat that morning. He called for Rosie.

-crack-

"Master call Rosie?"

"Yes. Is my father awake yet?"

"Yes, sir."

"Do you by chance know where he is?"

"In his study."

"Thank you Rosie. Oh, how long has been in his study?"

"Not long sir."

"Thank you again Rosie."

Draco quickly left his sanctuary and used the loo. He quickly returned to his sanctuary. Rosie returned a short time later with breakfast for Draco. As he did not have anything to do really he stretched out on the couch and drifted back off to sleep. That afternoon he was woken by a 'THUMP, THUMP' sound. He quickly looked around and saw an owl at one of the windows. He quickly got up and let the owl in.

"You look familiar. Sorry, but I don't have any treats for you." Draco said as he removed a letter from the owls' outstretched leg.

The owl hooted and remained perched on Draco's knee. Draco unfolded the note and read,

Draco,

Harry and I are a bit worried about you. We hope that you are doing all right. Please let us know how you are and if you need anything.

Hermione.

Draco quickly wrote a reply, attached it to the outstretched leg of the owl. The owl hooted happily and flew out the still open window. Draco got up and closed the window and then curled up on the couch and hoped that sleep would soon return.

After lunch Harry, Hermione and Remus headed up stairs to the library to try to relax. Remus had better luck relaxing than Harry and Hermione. Harry sat on the couch, leaning against the back of the couch with his eyes closed trying to keep his thoughts on what they could possibly find in Aviemore. Hermione curled up on the couch with a book but could not focus on the story, she kept reading the same line and could not really take in what she had read. Hermione slammed her book shut and set it aside. Before she could say anything she could hear an owl hoot as it flew through the house and up to the library. The owl landed next to Hermione.

"Isn't that the owl you used to send the note to Draco?" Remus asked.

"Yes." Hermione replied as she took the small piece of parchment.

"Hermione, please…"

Hermione quickly unfolded the parchment and read:

Hermione and Harry,

I am okay. The other night I did get caught by my father as I left the loo. Don't worry nothing happened. I managed to avoid whatever he had in mind. I was thinking that when school resumes that maybe I could get some extra help as far as personal protection goes. Don't ask me why, but have a feeling that Harry can help with that. But now, I think we should figure out a way to start as soon as possible. I would appreciate it if you could let me know if this is a possibility and when.

Draco

"Well, Draco's doing okay and that's good. But being caught by his father was too close. Even though he managed to avoid who knows what, it was still too close. He has a point about not waiting until school resumes. Harry we have to figure out something."

"I know Hermione. For starters we need to let him know that we agree with him and that we will be doing our best to try and figure out a way to help him sooner rather than later."

Hermione quickly replied to Draco's letter. She also included that she and Harry would be over at the Weasley's new house for a few days and promised to be in touch.

Harry wrote a short note to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley letting them know that they would be there by dinner. Once finished with the note he sent it with Hedwig.

Harry, Hermione and Remus were discussing how exactly they were going to get to the Weasley's since Remus had not been there yet. Though Harry could apparate he had not tried to do so with more than one extra person nor had he tried to apparate an adult. Before they could further discuss the situation an old owl flew in and crash landed on the floor in the entry. Harry recognizing the owl as Errol he quickly retrieved the letter.

Harry

I am looking forward to seeing you, Hermione and Remus. You should know that Percy is here at the house. Honestly I don't know why he is. Mum and dad gave Percy the Burrow. It has been a waste to give the Burrow to Percy as he is still over here all the time. Any time we ask him, he refuses to answer. He can't use the excuse of the lack of the floo network since dad made the arrangements for the Burrow to be reconnected to the floo network. He is on my nerves. I hope you get here soon otherwise I just might end up hexing him into oblivion. Although I think Mum and dad just might beat me to it.

Ginny

"I could do without Percy being around but oh well. " Harry muttered under his breath.

"Harry, don't you think that it is odd that Percy has his own place but yet he's continuing to stay in his parents' house?"

"I guess it's a bit odd. But then again this Percy we're talking about."

"I know that. I just hope he doesn't do anything stupid…what am I saying this Percy."

"At least we have a heads up and know what to expect when we get there. More importantly, getting there." Remus said.

"Moony, send a…no…Harry send a reply to Ginny requesting for Charlie or Bill or Mr. Weasley to…"

"Sounds like a plan to me." Harry said and then quickly wrote a reply and sent it with Errol.

A short while later Arthur, Charlie and Bill walked into the Manor. Though Harry could apparate to the Weasley's he played along and side-a-long apparated with Mr. Weasley. The group of six appeared in the back yard where the rest of the Weasley family was.

Ginny looked towards the house, when she saw Harry she ran over to him and hugged him. Harry was a little shocked at how she reacted but it wasn't a bad thing. Harry was careful how he responded to this as everyone was watching, Percy was frowning.

Dinner was eaten in silence, a tension silence due to Percy.

A few hours later Percy was still hovering around Ginny, especially when she was near Harry.

"Hey Percy, you do realize that it's pretty late. Didn't you want to go home and get a decent amount of sleep before work tomorrow?" Asked the twins.

"Yes I did. As you have pointed out it's pretty late, so I think I will stay up stairs in my old quarters."

"It is a bit late, but Percy you should just go home. If you stay here you won't get the sleep you need and want."

"I will be fine as long as everyone else is quite and go to bed…"

"Percy Ignatius Weasley! This is not your house, you do not have the right to tell…you do not insinuate what others will or won't do in this house! GO HOME. I MEAN IT!"

"Mum…"

"Percy you best go home now. If I have to I will remove you myself and block you from flooing and apparating directly here. Do you understand me?"

"But, mother with so many people here how will you be able to keep an eye on …"

Molly screamed incoherently before grabbing hold of Percy and apparating out of the house. Seconds later she returned to the house, she proceeded to do something with the fireplace and then cast several non-verbal wards. Once she finished she turned to Harry, Hermione and Remus.

"Sorry about that."

"You don't have to apologize for Percy Mrs. Weasley. Percy is the one who should be apologizing. He's not here now so…"

"You are right Harry."

"Well good night everyone. I need to get to bed myself." Arthur announced and then headed into the house and up to bed.

Charlie and Bill both left as they had to be up early as well for work.

"Don't stay up to late. I know its summer vacation but still…Remus you are welcome to any vacant room. If you want you can stay up in Percy's old room."

"Thank you Molly."

The six kids promised that they wouldn't be up much longer. Molly and Remus seemed accepting of such promise and headed into the house.

"Hermione, have you heard from Draco?"

"As a matter of fact yes I have. Actually Harry and I sent him a note to find out how he has been. He's good, nearly got caught by his father on night but nothing happened as he managed to avoid whatever his father could have possibly done. Also Harry and I trying to figure out how to help Draco more as far as protecting himself from his father."

"Doesn't Draco know enough about such things? I mean…"

"Not necessarily Ron. I am sure he knows a lot about how to injure another or worse but I am not so sure about how to protect himself, effectively. I'm not saying that Draco is weak…one becomes that much stronger as they age and gain experience. It won't hurt to help with ensuring he can defend himself no matter the state of being he happens to be in at the time."

'So when do we help? Hell, where?"

"As far as when well as soon as possible, the where part is the problem. Harry and I have yet to figure that out. I am sure that Sirius wouldn't have a problem at all if we did this at his house but I am not sure how the house would be able to withstand everything. Harry's Manor would be optimal, I mean the space it has and I am quite certain the Manor could withstand anything. It has been around for a long time, I would not be surprised if the Manor is like Hogwarts. For example, the Room of Requirement."

"How can we find out if it is?" Asked Ginny.

"Simple. The next time I am at the Manor I'll just ask Sparky."