Chapter 53
Crup Creek
Harry's eyes felt very heavy. He kept shaking himself awake. He was reading more of Regulus journal. He was fascinated by him. It was heartbreaking to see how the Death Eaters and the war were changing him.
He still hadn't discovered what the objects in his trunk were. It was discouraging. He had decided after seeing them all again tonight, as he retrieved the journal and Dark Arts books, that he would try and slip away to the Chamber of Secrets tomorrow. They needed to be destroyed. Every time he opened the box it felt like being in the presence of a dementor. Like all the light and joy was sucked from the room. The disturbing magic made him feel sick.
Draco had knocked on his door an hour ago to inform him that Snape was going to be back late. Harry supposed it had something to do with the visions. He was worried and was intending on staying up until Snape was back. However, his body wasn't cooperating with him. He'd not gotten enough sleep recently and after a day in the sun walking around, he didn't feel like he had any energy left.
With a sigh he stood and put the journal and Dark Arts books away. He retrieved one of his novels and laid back on his bed. Perhaps a fantasy about Dragons would hold his attention enough to keep him awake.
Harry stood before his followers. Each was robed and in there mask. He took slow steps as Nagini wove between his feet.
"Tonight, we will be taking our first steps towards victory." He exclaimed.
The lights flickered in the dim hall. They'd maintained their strong hold in Malfoy manor despite their treachery. They wouldn't have a Knut to their name, and they wouldn't dare show their faces in public again if they wished to survive.
There had been no news of their location. One of his followers was certain he had landed a bone breaker on the boy's back. He had vanished before he could be found, but he hoped the little welp had died painfully.
"This system has long abandoned the proper ways. Tonight, we will be destroying two people who have shown nothing but disregard for our way of life. They have both aligned themselves with Dumbledore and the Order of the Phenix." He sneered.
His mouth twisted in a vile smile as he heard his followers jeer at his statement.
"Amelia Bones and our new minister for magic, Rufus Scrimgeour, are our targets this evening. Both are powerful and should not be underestimated. The last intelligence we have says that Amelia's niece is staying with her. Bones or the girl may have knowledge of Harry Potter's location. I want that information." He growled.
When it had been discovered that the boy had been moved under their noses and the house subsequently emptied, he had taken out his displeasure on everyone. Mistakes could no longer be made like this.
"Go. Get out of my sight." He growled before casting crucio on a Death Eater standing near him. The man fell to the ground and screamed.
Harry woke with a scream.
"Fuck!" Harry said, tumbling out of his bed.
He raced out of his room and began banging on Snape's door.
"Snape!" Harry yelled, frightened tears running down his face.
"What are you doing?" Draco asked from his bedroom door.
Harry turned and looked at him in alarm.
"I need Snape." Harry said, pounding on the door again.
"He's not here, remember." Malfoy said with a yawn as he walked down the hall.
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Harry yelled as he turned and ran down the stairs, nearly tripping.
He grabbed floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace.
"Albus Dumbledore's office, Hogwarts." Harry called before sticking his head in.
The office was completely empty. Even Fawkes' perch was empty.
Harry pulled his head out.
"Weasley Wizard Wheezes." Harry called as he threw more powder in.
Once again, he stuck his head into the fire.
"George! Fred!" Harry cried.
Nothing. Not a single sound.
He pulled his head out and felt the tears sliding down his face. He ran his fingers into his long hair and pulled harshly. He still didn't know where Remus and Sirius were staying.
He threw more floo powder in.
"Grimmauld." He called before sticking his head in.
The basement kitchen was dark and dusty. It didn't look like anyone had been there.
He pulled his head out and wiped at his wet eyes that were now stinging from soot.
"The Burrow." Harry called, tossing more floo powder in.
The Weasley's house was completely dark.
"Mr. Weasley!" Harry called.
He waited a moment but there was no response.
He pulled his head out and pounded his fists into the floor.
"Dammit!" Harry screamed.
He saw something out of the corner of his eye and flinched. He turned to find Malfoy kneeling next to him. His eyes wide with concern.
"What's going on?" Malfoy asked.
"Voldemort is sending the Death Eaters to kill the head of the DMLE and the Minister." Harry said.
Malfoy paled and his mouth hung open.
"What! How could you possibly know that?" Malfoy finally asked.
Harry groaned loudly.
"Because he's in my fucking head! How do you think Snape knew where you were? How do you think Dumbledore knew to go get Snape? I go to sleep, and I see what the fuck he's doing. I've seen him rape and torture and kill. I watched them kill Professor Burbage. That's how!" Harry screamed into Malfoy's face.
He looked horrified.
Harry felt more tears fall down his face. Susan was in trouble. He needed to do something.
"I have to go." Harry announced.
He held out his hand and summoned his bag.
Malfoy jumped up with a scandalized look on his face.
"Are you out of your mind! They will kill you." Malfoy yelled.
"I can't find anyone. Snapes not here, no one is in the office, I don't know how to get ahold of Sirius. What am I supposed to do? Everyone is wherever Dumbledore sent them. It's not safe to send a patronus without knowing the location is safe. What am I supposed to do? I can't just stand here and wait for my friend to die. Wait for my only hope for Sirius to get his name cleared die." Harry argued.
Malfoy just looked at him in terror and shock.
"Do you even know where you're going?" Malfoy finally asked.
Harry's shoulders slumped. He had no idea where Madam Bones lived. He bit his lip for a moment in thought. Susan was a Hufflepuff! And she was close to Hannah.
"I think so. I need to go." Harry said, shoving his bag in his pocket.
Malfoy clenched his jaw and shook his head again in disbelief.
"You're going to get yourself killed. And if you don't Severus will kill you when you get back for pulling this kind of Gryffindor stunt." Malfoy spat.
Harry nodded.
"I don't care. I would die to protect my friends." Harry said firmly.
They just stood there staring at one another for a long moment before Malfoy he groaned.
"Fine, but you're not going alone. I just need to change and grab my wand." Malfoy said, turning away.
Harry was shocked to hear Malfoy say he would accompany him. Harry wasn't sure if he trusted Draco to have his back in a battle. However, it seemed he was the only choice. Having some back up, regardless of how unreliable, was better then going into a situation with no back up at all.
"Are you sure?" Harry asked.
He wouldn't deny his want for backup. Despite his anger and determination, he was terrified.
Malfoy turned and looked him right in the eye and nodded.
Harry nodded back before raising his hand and summoning Draco's clothes, shoes, and wand.
Malfoy caught them and stared at Harry in disbelief.
"Hurry please." Harry said, stepping out of the sitting room to give Malfoy some privacy to change his clothes.
A moment later Malfoy called, and Harry returned to the sitting room. Harry told him the floo address to get to Ernie's and quickly floo'd there himself.
Harry tumbled onto the hard marble floor of MacMillian Manor. It was dark and quiet. Harry hadn't checked the time, but he thought it was around midnight.
"Ernie!" Harry called loudly.
The floo behind him lit and Draco stepped out gracefully.
"Ernie! Justin! Hannah!" Harry yelled again.
"Aren't his parents here?" Draco asked, stepping up next to him.
Harry shook his head.
"No, they're on a trip." Harry said.
There was a shuffling sound in the next room and then three Hufflepuffs dressed in pajamas holding wands sprung from the door.
"Stupefy"
"Incarcerous"
"Expelliarmus"
Harry threw up a shield around himself and Malfoy quickly.
"It's me. It's Harry." Harry said holding up his hands and shifting into his boy who lived form.
The frightened Hufflepuffs lowered their wands and visibly relaxed.
"Merlin Harry. You scared the piss out of us. What are you doing here? It's the middle of the night." Ernie said angerly, marching up to Harry.
"I need to know how to get to Madam Bones' home. She and Susan are in danger." Harry explained as concisely as he could.
Hannah gasped and covered her mouth. Harry felt bad for her. She'd already had a difficult summer.
"You saw it?" Justin asked shakily as he wrapped an arm around Hannah.
Harry only nodded.
There were a few glances cast at Malfoy but mostly they seemed to be ignoring him.
"Crup Creek. That's the address." Hannah said brokenly as tears swam in her eyes.
Harry nodded.
"Do you want us to go with you?" Ernie asked, stepping forward. His chest puffed out and his jaw set.
Harry shook his head. He didn't need to get more people killed.
"No, but can you go to the castle? The whole Order was there tonight. They were sent out on a mission. Go and wait. If anyone shows up, verify who they are and then tell them what's going on." Harry instructed.
Ernie nodded in acceptance of the orders.
"Floo directly to Dumbledore's office. one of you should stay in the office but if the other two can go look for any of the professors that could work. Let them know they are after the minister as well." Harry said firmly.
The others nodded.
Harry shifted his appearance to look a bit like one of the local teens. He now had short cropped blonde hair and a crooked nose. He looked at Malfoy. If he was seen, he was dead.
"May I cast a glamour over you? He's looking for you and if you show up like this, they're going to take you back to him." Harry asked.
Fear swam in Malfoy's eyes. He swallowed hard and nodded.
Harry cast the glamor. It wasn't as good of a disguise as his metamorphmagus, but Draco didn't look like himself anymore. He now appeared to have dark hair and dark eyes. He also looked to be in his thirties.
Harry nodded.
"Wand out. Stay close to me. If you can get either of them out, just do it. Don't wait for me." Harry ordered.
Malfoy nodded.
"Be careful Harry." Hannah called.
Harry nodded and grabbed the floo powder.
"We might be stepping into battle, be prepared." Harry said, glancing at Malfoy once again.
Malfoy was pale but his jaw was clamp tight and he had determination in his eyes. He gave Harry a tight nod before Harry threw the floo powder in and called out the address.
Draco's heart was pounding as he stepped into the dark room. There was screaming and the sound of spell fire.
"They're upstairs." Potter whispered to him.
Draco nodded.
Potter reached into his pocket and pulled out what looked like a cloak.
"Quick, under here. Hopefully, we can surprise them." Potter said holding the cloak high.
Draco was confused until he noticed most of Potter's body had disappeared.
An invisibility cloak!
His jaw dropped open for a moment before he nodded and did as he was told.
They moved swiftly and it was obvious that Potter had also cast silencing spells on them. The movements were a little awkward as they tried to move under the cloak. The screams got louder as they climbed the stairs.
Draco knew those screams. Someone was being tortured.
When they reached the top of the stairs they encountered the first guard. He was large but seemed to be doing nothing but standing watch. Harry silently stupefied him and bound him in rope. Draco was amazed by Potter's effortless casting. He'd never seen anyone use wandless magic the way that Potter was using it.
As they came to the first door a spell shot over their heads and they both ducked. Draco peered over Potter's shoulder and saw Madam Bones in a fierce duel with four masked Death Eaters. Spells were flying everywhere.
"Their backs are turned, but I don't think I can stun them all at the same time. I'm going to go left, you go right. Hit them with anything you can to disable them." Potter instructed, in a harsh whisper.
Draco tried to swallow the lump in his throat and nodded.
"One, two, three." Potter counted quietly before he pulled off the cloak and charged into the room.
Potter's hands came up and spells started flying all over the place.
Draco ran in the direction he'd been told to and raised his wand.
He dodged a spell fired by Madam Bones. Then he cast on the first Death Eater and was encouraged when he saw a large spurt of blood. Madam Bones quickly cast an incarcerous, and Draco turned to the next one. A slicing hex cut through the sleeve of Draco's shirt but missed his skin.
He cast and dodged and blocked as he and Madam Bones both dueled the Death Eater. Across the room Draco could hear screaming but it wasn't Potter, so he didn't let his gaze wander.
Suddenly the Death Eater in front of him collapsed obviously hit with a Stupefy. Draco looked over to find the other two Death Eaters bound and Potter racing out of the room, no doubt to look for Susan.
Draco forced his shaking legs to follow. The door at the end of the hall was open and the screams that came from it were chilling. Draco cast on a Death Eater who had clearly been hiding in the shadows. The man dropped to the floor with a thud and Draco continued to chase Potter.
Spells lit up the room. Then a sudden blinding white fire ingulfed a man as a killing curse hit the wall above Potter's head. Madam Bones appeared at his side and they both stepped into the room.
This room also had four death Eater's. One was now on fire and screaming. Two standing with their wands drawn and another pinning the girl to the floor.
Draco cast on one of the Death Eaters that was standing, and Madam Bones cast on the other. To Draco's shock Potter shifted into a huge black wolf and lunged at the Death Eater who had Susan pinned to the floor. The man fell backwards at the force the wolf collided with him. His masked slipped off and Draco growled when he recognized Steven Parkinson, Pansy's disgusting uncle. The wolf pinned him to the floor and lunged at his throat with its sharp teeth. The man let out a choaked scream before blood gushed everywhere.
Draco was shaking at the sight. The wolf was Potter. Potter had just ripped a man's throat out with his teeth.
Draco felt bile rising in his throat.
Madam Bones raced to Susan's side and Draco followed.
Susan was shaking and crying hysterically.
"We need to leave. More Death Eater's might be coming." Draco managed to choke out.
Madam Bones turned shocked eyes on him and shakily nodded.
Draco reached down and as gently as he could lifted Susan into his arms. He knew the girl couldn't stand on her own. She had several wounds, including what looked like a broken leg. Her body shook with the lingering effects of the Cruciatus.
There was a loud bang downstairs. Someone had used a Bombarda on the front door. Draco swallowed thickly as he heard feet pounding up the stairs.
Draco looked at the wolf in fear and desperation. The floo they'd come in was that direction. What were they supposed to do now?
Harry shifted back to human form, though he now looked like the boy he had spent all day with. Green eyes and long wavy black hair. He ran from his position and grabbed Madam Bones by the arm before grabbing Draco's arm.
Draco felt a squeezing sensation and was alarmed that not only did Harry know how to Apparate but was attempting it with three additional people.
Albus sighed as he stood in the Ministry. Rufus had asked him for a meeting but did not want him to floo straight to his home. Albus understood the caution. However, Rufus was now twenty minutes late for their meeting.
He looked in both directions down the abandoned corridor. None of the floo's had showed any sign of activity. With a sour feeling in his stomach Albus grabbed a pinch of floo powder and threw it into the fireplace in front of him.
He called out Rufus' home address.
When he stepped into the sitting room spells were flying. Rufus was dueling several Death Eater's.
Albus pulled his wand and jumped into the fray.
One Death Eater fell quickly hit with what he could only guess was a severing curse to his throat. Albus cast several spells at two especially aggressive Death Eater's. They were working in near perfect sync. Clearly two who had trained long and hard together.
Albus threw up a shield as a curse flew at him that he couldn't dodge. He summoned a bookcase from the wall and transfigured it into stone. Several curses smashed into it as Albus spun and grabbed Rufus by the arm and pulled him toward the floo.
Albus knew Rufus had no family and while the house may be a loss if the Death Eater's burned it, they had a chance to escape with their lives.
Albus threw floo powder into the floo and called for his office at Hogwarts before dragging Rufus through with him. They spun and stumbled out into his office.
Albus panted hard and grabbed the edge of his desk.
"Dammit!" Rufus screamed.
Albus took a few deep breaths. Rufus arm was bleeding heavily as well as a nasty gash across his forehead.
Albus stepped back to the floo and tossed in some powder before lowering himself shakily to his knees. He was getting far too old for this.
"Poppy." Albus called, looking into the dark sitting room of the safe house.
There was a click, and some light came on in the hall.
"Albus?" Poppy said coming into view.
"I need you to come to my office." Albus said shortly.
Poppy nodded.
"Let me change and I'll be right through." Poppy said.
Albus nodded and pulled his head from the fire.
When he looked back, he found Rufus sitting in a chair in front of his desk with his head in his hands.
Albus slowly stood and approached the man.
"Poppy will be here shortly to tend to your wounds. Is there anything I can get you?" Albus asked softly.
His heart ached to know that someone else he considered a friend had been attacked.
Rufus raised his head and shook it.
"I don't know how they got in. My home had very secure wards. They have to have a curse breaker collaborating with them. I was coming down from my home office to meet you and they ambushed me. I didn't even hear them until they were on me." Rufus said shaking his head.
The floo flared and Poppy stepped out.
"What's happened?" Poppy asked bustling over to them.
"Another attack, I suspect the one we were warned about." Albus said.
Poppy nodded. She waved her wand and scowled.
"I'm sorry Minister. You'll need to come to the hospital wing. I don't have any supplies on me." Poppy said.
Rufus nodded and they all stood and headed for the hospital wing.
"I'm going to call everyone in. I'll have them meet us there." Albus said.
He cast his Patronus and sent it out to various groups.
Justin stumbled through the floo first. He looked around the grand office. He'd never been here before and it was utterly amazing. The floo flared twice more and he was quickly joined by Ernie and Hannah.
"What do we do?" Hannah asked quietly.
Justin took a deep breath and focused.
"We do what Harry told us. Why don't you stay here, Ernie. Hannah and I will go look for a teacher. If we don't find anyone in the hall's close by will come back." Justin said.
Hannah and Ernie nodded, and they set off.
The halls were eerily quiet and dark. It was strange to be here in the castle, seemingly alone, in the middle of the night.
"I'm scared." Hannah whispered, grabbing Justin's hand.
Justin squeezed it firmly and continued walking.
"Hogwarts is safe. Were safe." Justin said firmly, though he was trying to reassure himself as much as he was Hannah.
When they'd walked the entire floor, they circled back to the office and climbed the stairs.
Ernie jumped when they entered.
"Sorry." Justin said softly.
Ernie did not like being alone. Justin suspected that was the real reason they had all spent so many summers together. His parents often left for trips and left him home alone. Nothing had ever happened, but it scared him, nonetheless.
"Don't leave me again." Ernie said, a little anger leaking into his voice. Justin knew he wasn't angry but afraid and nodded.
"We didn't see anyone. Do you think we should stay here, or all go looking together?" Justin asked.
There were glances between all three.
"Let's leave a note on the desk and then go." Hannah suggested.
She quickly found a blank piece of parchment and wrote who they were and why they were there.
The three headed back out into the corridor.
"It's the middle of the night. Even if some of the Professors stay, how are we to know where?" Ernie asked.
Justin shrugged and gave Ernie's hand a gentle squeeze.
"How about the hospital wing? Madam Pomfrey's office must be connected to her rooms. She always comes out even in the middle of the night when someone shows up." Hannah suggested.
Justin nodded. It was a promising idea. He certainly didn't have a better one.
As they quickened there steps, Justin hoped that Harry was all right and that they were able to get to Susan in time.
Severus sighed as he took a seat near the door of the hospital wing. Minerva and the mutts joined him. They'd all been called back to the castle, but they hadn't been given more information than to meet in the hospital wing.
There was a curtain drawn at the far end and Severus had seen Albus step out to see who had arrived before ducking back in.
Severus wondered what had happened. He assumed since he and Lupin weren't being called to help that Poppy had come back.
Hogsmeade had been thankfully quiet. They'd been about to head back when Albus' patronus showed up. It was now nearly one in the morning.
Severus rubbed his eyes and longed for his bed. He hoped that the boy's had both gone to bed and that they had continued to remain civil.
More and more people flooded into the hospital wing until the whole order was waiting.
There were quiet murmurs, but it didn't seem as if anyone had run across anything alarming.
Severus watched as the curtain around the bed was pulled back and to his surprise, he saw the new minister climb off the bed. His arm was in a sling, and he looked grim. Not that he had ever seen the man smile.
Severus rolled his eyes. He supposed he wasn't much different.
Albus, Poppy, and Scrimgeour walked to the group.
"This evening, the minister was home when half a dozen Death Eater's broke in. I had been expecting to meet with him and when he did not arrive, I traveled to his home. I walked into a rather dangerous duel." Albus said clearly.
They all listened to Albus and the minister as they explained what had happened.
Severus was alarmed to know that Death Eater's had been able to break into the minister's home. The man had been an Auror for years. He may not be as paranoid as Moody, but Severus was sure he had extensive wards on his home.
Suddenly the doors to the Hospital wing flew open. Nearly every person in the room turned and pointed their wands. Severus lowered his when he realized it was Harry's friends. He felt like a rock had just fallen into his stomach. Something was wrong.
The three students stood frozen and shaking until Pomona swooped in and gathered all three in a tight embrace.
Severus took long strides towards them. Albus following close behind.
Miss. Abbott was sobbing into Pomona's shoulder.
"Harry showed up and said Death Eaters were after Susan and her aunt. He told us to come here and find help. They went to Susan's aunt's house to help." The girls sobbed.
Severus spun on his heal to face Albus. All the alarms were going off now.
"Pomona take them to the back of the ward." Albus instructed.
Pomona nodded and shuffled the students off.
"Please help them." Mr. MacMillian added with a pleading look to Albus.
Severus looked over to find Black and Lupin looking horrified. They'd obviously heard what the girl had said.
"I would like everyone's attention." Albus said raising both of his arms.
Everyone quieted.
"It appears that we have had more than one attack this evening. I would like everyone to return to their post. Return in four hours to report in. If you see anything send word immediately." Albus instructed.
Severus, Minerva, Sirius, and Remus all made their way to Albus. The man had lost his mind if he thought they were headed back to walk Hogsmeade while the boys were in trouble.
Pomona came back over.
"What did they say?" Albus asked.
"Potter and Malfoy showed up about an hour ago saying they needed to get to Madam Bones house. Miss Abbott gave them the address. Apparently, Susan is staying with her aunt right now. Potter informed the, that there had been an Order meeting at the castle tonight. Then instructed them to come to the castle and find help. He also told them to warn us about the minister." Pomona said.
Suddenly there was a loud crack and four people appeared in the middle of the room.
Severus took long strides towards them. A boy with dark hair and dark eyes was laying under a girl with long red hair. As Severus approached a glamour faded out of existence and Severus realized it was Draco. Draco was clutching Susan to his chest. The young girl was shaking terribly and appeared to have several cuts. Madam Bones wand was clutched tight in her hand, and she was looking around wildly.
Severus saw Harry scrambling away from the others. He was absolutely covered in blood. The boy rolled on to his hands and feet and began vomiting.
Severus shot a look over his shoulder and saw everyone else racing towards them. Severus leaned down and scooped Susan out of Draco's arms and rushed her to a bed. Poppy was on his heels and started casting diagnostic spells over her.
Severus turned and found Draco standing behind him. His eyes were wide with fear.
"Are you okay?" Severus said pulling his wand.
Draco just nodded.
Nothing appeared on the diagnostic and Severus shuffled the boy into the next bed.
"Stay here." Severus instructed.
His shaking legs took him back to the middle of the room. His emotions were warring between fury that the boys had left, and relief that they had returned.
Albus was helping Amelia to a bed and Black and Lupin appeared to be trying to get to Harry.
"What are you doing?" Severus asked as he approached. Harry was still on the ground. He went to take a step forward and was pushed away.
He shot an alarmed look at the mutts.
"It's some sort of shield. I can't even get him to look at us." Lupin said in alarm.
Black was making his way around the invisible perimeter.
Severus followed. When they made their way around, they both kneeled in front of Harry.
"Harry, pup. Please let us help you." Black called.
Severus could see blood covering the boy's face and hands. He couldn't visualize the wound but there was way too much blood. The boy's body rocked back and forth and once again he vomited. Severus was even more alarmed to notice there was blood in the vomit.
"Harry." Severus called.
He tried twice more before the boy sat back and wrapped his arms around his waist and looked Severus directly in the eye. His eyes were dark and terrified.
"Please let me in. I just want to help you." Severus said softly.
Harry's lower lip quivered, and twin tears ran down the boy's face. Suddenly the air changed, and Severus could tell the shield had dropped.
Severus waved his wand and vanished the mess on the floor. Lupin and Black both moved closer, and Severus saw Harry begin to shake.
Severus threw his hand out to stop them. Harry was scared. He didn't need them all crowding him.
Severus knelt in front of Harry slowly.
"Where are you hurt?" Severus asked.
Harry just shook his head. He looked down at his hands. A sob bubbled up from deep in his chest.
"It's not mine." Harry cried.
Severus looked him over then looked at the other's that had returned with him. Draco didn't have a scratch on him. Susan and Amelia had minor cuts but nothing that would have caused this amount of blood.
Severus looked back at Harry's shaking hands.
"I need it off of me. Please. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Harry cried. Pleading green eyes met his.
Severus nodded.
He raised his wand and vanished the blood from the boy's hand's and was relieved to not see any wounds. He repeated the process on his shirt and then his face. He waved his wand and cast a diagnostic. When the paper appeared, Severus snatched it out of the air. Harry wasn't hurt.
"Please. Please. I need it off of me." Harry pleaded.
Severus nodded.
"Do you want a shower?" Severus asked softly.
More tears fell down his face.
"I'm so sorry." Harry cried.
"It's okay." Severus said standing and holding his hand out to Harry.
Harry flinched back. He pulled himself up and shakily headed towards the bathroom at the back of the Hospital wing. Severus followed.
Harry opened the door and disappeared inside. Severus reached for the door and found it locked tight. He sighed and turned and looked a Black and Lupin who had followed him.
"What the hell happened to him?" Black asked.
Severus shook his head.
"I have no idea. He's not physically injured though." Severus said looking at the three occupied beds. Amelia was sitting up and speaking to Albus. Susan seemed to be unconscious, and Draco was sitting on his bed with his knees pulled to his chest.
Severus walked with purpose across the room and stopped at the end of Draco's bed. He summoned a chair and took a seat.
"What happened Draco?" Severus asked.
Draco took a deep breath before he began.
Draco explained that Harry had been screaming in the hall and woke him up. When Draco reminded him, that Severus was gone, Harry had floo called the headmasters office and then several other places without finding anyone. Harry had apparently told Draco about his visions. Something that seemed to really be bothering Draco.
It bothered Severus as well but there was unfortunately little they could do, apparently. He wished he had known occlumency wasn't going to help. He could have saved them both a lot of grief.
He was also proud of Harry for reaching out, and angry with himself that once again Harry had not found help when he needed it most.
Harry had insisted that he had to help. Draco had offered to go with, fearing that if Harry went alone, he would die. They had floo'd to MacMillian manor and gotten the Bones floo address, then sent the Hufflepuffs for help.
When they arrived at Amelia's house, they had used Harry's cloak to hide themselves.
Severus was thankful they had put some thought into this plan.
They'd subdued several Death Eaters and helped Amelia, who had been actively in a duel upstairs.
"Potter darted out of the room once they were down. He ran to the other room. We could hear Susan screaming. Madam Bones and I followed him. When we got there, I saw Harry set one of the Death Eater's on fire. It was like pure light. I've never seen anything like it." Draco said, shaking his head.
Severus swallowed hard; Draco's assessment of Harry's elemental magic was accurate. He hadn't thought Harry would truly cast it on someone though.
"There were two Death Eaters standing over Susan. We each stupefied one." Draco explained.
"There was another one laying on top of Susan. Potter just lunged at him. He…he turned into a wolf." Draco broke off and shot an alarmed look at Severus.
Severus nodded and Draco continued.
"He… He tore the guy's throat out. There was blood everywhere." Draco said shakily.
Severus closed his eyes. He was sure that was going to be traumatizing for all of them. Especially Harry.
"We heard an explosion downstairs. I was terrified that we were going to be outnumbered." Draco whispered.
Severus reached out and took Draco's hand.
"I looked over and Potter shifted back. He ran at us and grabbed my arm and Madam Bones and then I felt the pull of Apparition. I thought he was going to splinch us all over the place. Apparating with four people?! He's insane." Draco said in alarm.
Severus shook his head in disbelief. It was possible but extremely dangerous and difficult.
Another thing confused him about that as well. There were anti-Apparition wards on the castle. There was no way they had apparated here.
"Are you sure he didn't have a portkey?" Severus asked.
Draco nodded.
"I don't know how we got here either." Draco said with trepidation.
Severus took a deep breath and sat back in his chair. He looked at Lupin and Black who both looked shocked.
"Get some rest Draco." Severus said, giving the boy's hand a squeeze and standing up.
The three of them walked to the other side of the wing.
Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose to hopefully stave off the headache that was coming.
"That explains the blood." Lupin said softly, a sickly grey coloring his face.
Severus nodded.
It sounded like Harry had likely killed at least two people. It had been in aid of a high-ranking ministry official, so the boy would likely not face punishment. They were in a war after all. Unfortunately, people die. However, he couldn't imagine the toll that was going to take on Harry.
They all took a seat and waited quietly for what would happen next.
Harry closed his bedroom door softly. He felt numb. He'd had to talk to a lot of people. He'd talked to Dumbledore, Madam Bones and the minister. He had explained his vision, how they had gotten there, and what had happened while they were there. He hadn't been able to explain how they had gotten into the school.
Harry had just done it.
Then He'd talked to Auror's about what had happened. Thankfully, it was Kingsley and Tonks. Dumbledore had called them back in and Madam Bones had instructed them to file it as a deaths related to the war.
Then his friends had wanted to thank him for saving Susan. They'd all been sitting around her bed. He had just nodded. He'd lost his ability to say anything else at that point.
Remus and Sirius had tried to talk to him. He just couldn't anymore. He just wanted today to be over.
Snape had gathered him and Draco about twenty minutes ago and informed them they were leaving.
The first light was starting to show in the sky.
He sat on his bed and stared at his hands. He'd killed someone. Possibly two people. He hadn't meant to. He'd set the first one on fire because he was casting the Cruciatus at Susan. Her screams were heart breaking.
When he'd gotten closer to Susan, he could hear what the filth laying on top of her was saying. He'd just snapped and lunged.
With a sigh, Harry sat on the edge of his bed and stared at his hands. He could still feel the sticky blood all over him. He'd scrubbed and scrubbed in the shower, but he felt like it would never truly be off of him.
He laid back and stared blankly at the ceiling.
Snape hadn't punished them yet. He'd only said they'd discuss it in the morning. He closed his eyes. He pulled on his wall and felt relief when it came up. He was worried he'd never feel it work again. He couldn't sleep as Akela tonight. He wasn't sure how long it would take to feel comfortable shifting into that form again.
With a sigh he focused on his breathing and let sleep claim him.
Severus poured himself a drink and collapsed into his chair. He couldn't believe the direction the day had taken.
He was thankful that Harry and Draco had come back unharmed. He had discussed appropriate punishment with Lupin and Black. They had all agreed that to truly punish them wouldn't be proper. They'd risked their lives in battle to save others. It hadn't been meaningless. However, they all agreed that they needed to find a way for Harry to contact them anywhere so that he would have back up when he needed it.
Severus had suggested a two-day restriction for breaking his rule on leaving the house after dark and they had agreed that would be fine. He also told them that there would be a discussion about steps to take if they found themselves in that kind of situation again.
Severus pushed his sleeve up and looked at his arm. His finger gently rubbed the smooth spot that no longer hurt. That was no longer marked with his worst decision. It was strange to think that it was how the day had started.
With a sigh he closed his eyes and leaned his head back. He still planned to take the boys to the school for their lesson tomorrow. Or today he supposed. With a groan he looked at the clock. It was nearly five.
He tipped the rest of his drink into his mouth and swallowed the bitter liquid.
When he fell into bed his mind didn't want to quiet. He could have lost both boys tonight. They could have died fighting Death Eaters. According to Amelia they had been greatly outnumbered. If Harry and Draco hadn't arrived, they never would have stood a chance.
Harry had performed amazing feats of magic.
Severus sighed.
He thought about his conversation with Lupin and Black earlier in the night. They were going to be taking Harry in just a few days. He was happy for them. He was, but he was going to miss Harry. He didn't know how their relationship had changed so much in just a few weeks, but it had.
He took another deep breath. He hoped Harry leaving would be good for everyone. Mostly he hoped it was good for Harry. The boy deserved some good things in his life. Not all the darkness that always surrounded him.
Perhaps Harry leaving would give Severus time to focus on Draco. He seemed to have begun to turn over a new leaf though Severus was sure he was still going to require more guidance.
Draco lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. He wondered how his parents had ever done the things he had seen today. They had always been so loving and kind to him and each other. How had they been sucked in to such cruelty. Did they honestly believe that there pureblood superiority was worth fighting so hard to prove? Did the blood they spilt mean nothing to them?
His mind wandered to the boy in the room next door. Potter was amazing. The power he had wield was breath taking. Terrifying, to be honest. Severus had reassured him that Potter was in fact an Animagus and not a werewolf. That alone was an amazing feat.
Potter had been so out of it when they returned. He'd answered the questions asked of them, but his answers had sounded hollow. The light Draco had appreciated in his eyes was now gone. It was like looking at something broken.
Draco swallowed. There was still a lot he didn't know about Potter but the more he learned the more he wanted to find out. He was far more interesting than he had ever thought. The Slytherin's always joked about how shallow he was. Walking through life on his fame. Fame, he had gotten for something he would have been too young to even remember. That wasn't true though. He was like a Slytherin. He wore a mask for everyone to see. His just happened to be the boy who lived.
Draco closed his eyes and tried to remember the good parts of the day. His hand came up and rubbed at his arm. The relief of knowing that the mark was gone was overwhelming. He imagined Potters hands on him as he removed it. Warm and rough. He thought about those entrancing green eyes and his smile with those cute dimples.
He pushed away the screams and the blood. He tried to forget the anxiety and dread that had flooded his body.
With a few deep breaths Draco slowly fell asleep thinking about Harry.