Chapter Seventeen
It took a second for Draco to open his eyes. The ground was soft underneath him and he felt the grass scratch his pale skin. Around him a gray mist covered anything too far in the distance. So it worked, he thought. He dropped in front of a large looming monument, of a skeletal angel gripping a harp of bones. So it bought him to the graveyard first. He winced as his mark hissed and he knew then, he was definitely in the right place. Draco stood up and wiped off his robes.
Quickly, he withdrew his wand and dashed towards the shrubbery to scan the area. He dodged the old tombstones, not even thinking of the possible bad luck he was getting from stepping on the resting place of the dead. This was the place alright; an eerie sense of dread clogged his throat as he dropped down behind the hedges and crawled next to them. He could feel them here, their darkness was screaming to him. The dark mark was burning a hole in his arm.
"What if he doesn't show?" he heard a familiar voice in the distance and Draco peeked above the hedge.
Bella sat atop a tombstone, kicking off freshly laid flowers. She wore a frown, obviously desecrating one's resting place wasn't making her as happy as it usually did. Next to her stood the one person he needed to really lay eyes on, his father.
"He'll show."
"You think? If he doesn't what will that mean?" Bella asked, tilting her head towards Lucius.
Lucius gave a rotting smile and reached a bony finger to stroke Bella's cheek. "He'll show. If he has any brains at all, he'll see I made a rather enticing deal, don't you think."
Bella gave an evil cackle and jumped from her perch. "Always thinking highly of yourself Lucius. He has no reason to show. If he finds the location himself, there is no reason to think he won't just go over there and get her with his own brigade."
"She went into hiding. Its not far they can go without help. Besides, he can do with her what he will, she's a useless whore if you ask me. My interest lies elsewhere."
"Language, Lucius, my sensitive ears…" Bella joked. She waved towards the graves. "What will are neighbors think? Besides, we tried to get her before, and we failed."
"That was when Voldemort was running things," Lucius replied with a snarl.
"Careful, you foul dog or he'll rise up and cut your unworthy tongue out," Bella hissed.
He rolled his eyes, "Once we have her, he'll comply. He has to. That's why I'm not giving her to him right away. We'll keep her, like a pet for a little while. It would give me great pleasure to torture the reprehensible boy for awhile."
Draco scowled at the sound of that. Her? Who were they trying to capture? Obviously a woman. In hiding. Could it be? They wanted to torture her to get to….Surely they were going after Ginny! His father was going to use Ginny as revenge against him. Oh god, no!
"He'll come after you, they both will. Can you handle that kind of force, Malfoy?"
Lucius continued. "Ye of little faith. He won't. It's a bigger prize at stake, he knows he won't get far if he just grabs her. He has to coax that stupid boy to his side as well. You can't very well do that if you nabbed the one thing that means most to him."
Bella laughed. "So you have us doing his dirty work then? Still doesn't seem like much of a bargain to me."
Lucius snorted. "Of course not. But I only have one stipulation. I get to kill Draco. He's my only request in all of this."
Behind the hedges, Draco felt a rage build in him. He had to push back all the fury inside of him before he jumped up from behind the bushes and hexed them both to oblivion. His father wanted to kill him, but that was nothing new. He knew his father might not succeed in that; otherwise he wouldn't have incorporated this mystery person into this deal. That tidbit made Draco a bit curious. Who this mystery person was they were waiting for? What info on Ginny and his whereabouts did they have? And the fact that made Draco mad remained they were gunning after Ginny to get to him. Weasley and Potter were right. They would hurt Ginny and it would be his fault.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stepped through the green flamed portal and looked around at the place they didn't think they would see ever again. The war was supposedly over, and it was no reason to seek solace or guidance here anymore, yet here they were, standing in it's large chimney and stepping into the parlor area.
"Merlin's beard, I haven't been here in ages." Mr. Weasley mused as Harry and Ron stepped out behind them.
"Mum?" a small voice replied and Mrs. Weasley head snapped up to see Ginny standing in the doorway, her face slightly flushed.
"Oh! Ginny! Thank heavens you're alright!" She said bounding towards her and pulling her into a big hug. Ginny felt her mother's arms descend down on her and closed her eyes. "We were so worried!"
"I know…I'm sorry, Mum, Dad."
"Shhhh…What are you sorry about? It's that tomfoolery with Draco Malfoy that dragged you into this." Mr. Weasley replied to his daughter, patting her hair.
She pulled back away from her Mum, tears of a long and hard separation fresh on her cheek and shook her head furiously. "No Dad, he didn't! Draco's just part of this whole Ministry mess."
Mr. Weasley frowned. "Harry and Ron clued us in. Regardless of Minister Coogle probably being this possible dark wizard, you would not be a part of this plot if it weren't for Malfoy."
She shook her head and looked over at Ron. He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down at his feet. "Then they clued you in wrong. Draco is helping Harry, surely Harry wouldn't let him stay here if Draco were trying to harm me…us."
"We don't know what he's capable of Ginny! He's a Death Eater!"
"'Former', father," Ginny said defiantly. "Draco was an Auror, like you."
"Don't ever compare that monster to your father!" Mrs. Weasley yelped and Ginny began to feel frustration rise into her throat. How dare they judge him?! They have no idea what he was going through, how hard it was for him to go back onto the wrong side. The days he spent alone, drinking in his room because he was sad, the nights she wanted to sneak in there and comfort him. She chastised herself and focused back on her family.
"He's still dangerous. He dragged you into this whole mess, and now we have to figure out how to clear your name." Mr. Weasley replied.
She opened her mouth to protest; surprised at herself she cared what her parent's opinion of Draco was. Why did it matter so much to her that they believed he was a good man? Why all of a sudden after weeks of making him feel like shit did she want nothing more but to be his defender?
Mr. Weasley gave her a sad smile. "We've missed you Ginny."
"I've missed you too. I shouldn't have run-"
Mrs. Weasley interrupted her by embracing her in an enveloping hug. "No dear, now is not the time for regrets."
The older woman pulled back. "Wipe those tears dear. You're safe now, Harry rescued you."
Ginny smiled sadly and turned to meet Harry's eyes but she watched him try to distract himself by looking away. Harry gave her the portkey. Harry cared, right? Yes…Harry…
Ron cleared his throat. "Mum, Harry needs to talk to you about something. And Dad, I can get the coordinates ready to visit Lupin."
"Yes, yes…let's get on with it."
Mrs. Weasley patted Ginny's cheek and followed Harry out of the room, while Mr. Weasley went towards the drawing room with Ron. And in an instant, Ginny felt like her body was aching with the hurt she had put upon her parents and how confused you was in her own mind about Draco and Harry. She sobbed bitterly, standing alone in a room where no one seemed to hear her.
Harry led Mrs. Weasley up in front of his bedroom door. She looked at him inquisitively.
"What's this about Harry dear?" She asked as he let out a deep sigh. She saw his features were etched in worry and fear. She'd almost forgot Harry could look like that, a long distant pass when he cried inside where no one could here, where he had such a large burden resting on his shoulder. She'd seen that look go away as time went on after Voldemort's defeat, it almost frightened her to see the poor young man that way again.
"Erm….Hermione's pregnant."
Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened and she smiled. "Oh! Well, that's wonderful news, Harry!! Why- why are you so glum?"
She went to pull him into a hug but he waved her off. His face remained stone and Mrs. Weasley's own smiled dropped. "Mrs. Weasley, something's wrong with the baby."
"What do you mean?"
Harry breathed deeply and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Luna did some tests and apparently they revealed he has a magical signature."
"That's preposterous, Harry. Of course he doesn't you don't get a signature until you're-"
"Born, or your powers are developed. Apparently, the baby is an anomaly."
She stared hard at him. "Can you be sure? Maybe Luna misinterpreted the tests-"
"No I didn't," Luna's voice replied as she stepped out of the room. "Hello Mrs. Weasley."
"Luna. I'm so glad you are alright. You gave us a dreadful scare." Mrs. Weasley said warmly, touching Luna's cheek.
"How is she Luna?" Harry asked. Luna turned her wide gaze to him.
"Well you've upset her with your crazy idea early. I had to calm her down after you went to the Weasleys. How could you even propose such a thing?"
Mrs. Weasley frowned. "What thing did you propose? You don't want Hermione to get an abortion, do you Harry?"
He jumped back and looked devastated at Mrs. Weasley. "Of course not! I didn't-look…no…I would never ask her to do such a thing, I love our baby."
"Then what did you ask? Why do you want me to talk to her?"
Harry shook his head and fought back his own tears. Luna patted his shoulder, he guessed for support. He leveled his eyes to Mrs. Weasley and said as definite as he could, "I want you to show us how to bind his powers."
The silence was deafening as Mrs. Weasley looked into him. Everyone was silent for a minute. Luna's eyes dropped and she began to finger her bottle cap necklace. Mrs. Weasley turned red as she processed what he was asking.
"W-what? How can you even suggest such a thing?!" She bellowed.
"I have to, and please Mrs. Weasley, keep your voice down." He stepped closer to her. "This is the hardest thing I ever had to do but if I…if we don't…this baby could kill her-"
"Only if she does a lot of magic, Harry. If she refrains from it, she'll be fine," Luna interrupted but he shook his head.
"There's no guarantee is there Luna?" She shook her head and Harry continued. "It's not just that. Our baby obviously is more powerful than most wizards. I'm afraid for him, once he's born what they will try to do to him. They will come after him, Mrs. Weasley, once they learn what he is capable of. I can't have James living in fear and worrying if someone's going to use him as a weapon. The Ministry or the Death Eaters will try to do something to him. I can't allow that to happen to my son."
"Harry, do you even understand what you are asking? You are asking me to do very ancient magic, the type that could be irreversible."
"I know what I'm asking." He said sternly.
She looked away from him and at Luna. "Dear Circe, this is…what about Hermione? What does she say?"
"She doesn't agree. She's not sure if she wants to do this."
"Then maybe you shouldn't!" Mrs. Weasley yelped.
Harry frowned. "You know me. I would never do anything to harm him. This is to protect him. Please go talk to her for me. I need you to help me. To talk to her and to help us do this."
"I don't know if I can, Harry." She said sadly. Luna patted her shoulder in comfort.
"Please Mrs. Weasley, I can't lose them. I just…can't."
His last words came out in a strangled cry and Mrs. Weasley's face dropped. She nodded slowly. "I'll talk to her. While you're visiting Lupin."
Harry nodded as watched as Luna stepped aside and Mrs. Weasley glanced at Harry before opening the bedroom door.
Hermione was sitting up in the bed, reading a book. "Mrs. Weasley! I'm so glad to see you!"
The old woman nodded solemnly, causing Hermione's facial expression drop as Mrs. Weasley stepped inside, and shut the door behind her.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Luna stated quietly, and walked away. Harry glanced at the door and touched it lightly as if it would burn him before heading back to the Weasleys.
Draco watched the pair as the night air stilled. Nothing was happening; whoever was supposed to come wasn't showing.
"What now?" Bella asked, kicking over an angel statue.
"Obviously he's playing hardball. Fine, we'll do what we must then."
"Which is?" She asked, and walking closer to Lucius, her tone a bit annoyed.
"Find what he wants, go to the location, and hold it hostage until he complies." He grunted, noting her offensive stance.
"And um….how will we do that when he possesses the information we need to find said item?" Bella inquired, obviously challenging Lucius' authority.
In a quick movement, Lucius grabbed her throat and she squealed as he squeezed it. "Don't ever talk to me in such a dismissive tone, or I'll end you."
He released her and she choked and gagged for air. Her thin hands went up to her pale throat and she panted. "You demon dog. How dare you put your hands on me!"
He shrugged. "What are you going to do?"
Bella coughed and spat on the ground as Lucius laughed evilly.
"Let's go. We have much research to do."
And they disappeared with a pop, leaving Draco hiding behind the bushes. He frowned to himself. This was so wrong. What are you planning, Father?
He decided it would be best to get back and ponder things in the solitary of his room than out here where they could come back and find him. He pulled out the pen and clicked it once, disappearing in an instant.
"You missed your meeting," Dweedle replied, startling the old Minister as he sat as his desk, scowling.
He stared at the Auror and frowned. "Well, you failed to gather both Lupin and the location I need. I couldn't very well go without that information. He would have killed me."
Dweedle looked like a puppy who had been disciplined. He moved slowly towards the Minister's desk. "Kill you? The Minister of Finance?"
"What?" Coogle said, confused.
"I meant the meeting with the head of Finance." Dweedle replied, confused in his own right. "What meeting were you-?"
Coogle laughed bitterly. "Oh…yes. The Department of Finance. I'm sure the goblins are furious. That's of no consequence. I had other plans anyway."
Dweedle looked as the minister turned his chair away from him. "Minister, I think-"
"I didn't pick you to have any independent thoughts. I picked you to be my eyes and ears. And you are failing miserably. All I wanted was the location of Remus Lupin or Mad Eye and the location of the Order of the Phoenix meetings! And you failed to provide me with either! Incompetence is not pleasing to me, Dweedle!"
"Sir, if I may-!" Dweedle said, taken aback by the harsh tones of Coogle.
But Coogle jumped up and banged his fists on the desk so violently, papers flew everywhere and Dweedle stumbled back. "No! No more excuses! You come in here, flaunting stupid things like finance meetings at me, when there's Death Eaters lose, and fugitives to be caught. I give an assignment, one very important one and you can't even do that! Find me that damned information or I'll sack your sorry ass! I have a right mind to wish Draco Malfoy wasn't a bleeding fugitive, he'd have gotten the job done, I'm sure!"
Dweedle's face flushed and he dropped his eyes to the floor. The Minister has surely crushed him. "I apologize for my incompetence, sir. I'll get right on it."
"Ready?" Ron asked as Harry walked towards them. He had left after Mrs. Weasley entered Hermione's room. He wondered if Mrs. Weasley could get through to her at all. Hermione was so head strong, he doubt Mrs. Weasley would make a dent in her opinions of the matter. Luna's words echoed in his head.
"I hope you know what you're doing."
He honestly had no clue what he was doing. He just loved his family so much, he'd sell his soul if it called for it. He'd go to hell and make a deal with Voldemort at this point.
Mr. Weasley stood in the center of the room and held out a tattered book. Ron placed his hand on it and Mr. Weasley did as well.
Harry's brow furrowed. "Here? You don't want to go into the gardens or the-?"
"Here," Mr. Weasley stated and grabbed Harry's hard, slapping it on top of the book on his own and Ron's. Ron looked at Harry and tilted his head.
Harry breathed deeply and nodded. "Ready…"
Ginny sniffed and wiped at her cheeks. She would go find Draco in the gardens and talk to him. She would tell him she wasn't so sure about how she felt about Harry anymore, though she was sure he would mock her. But she didn't think that Draco could ever love her the way she needed. She would make him talk to her.
A choking sound startled her and she jumped back, looking around the room.
"Neville?"
He was leaned weakly against the door frame, his face a ghastly pale, his eyes bloodshot and sunken in. He went to speak but was hit with a coughing fit instead. Ginny gasped at the sight of him and ran as he stumbled forward.
"Oh no! Neville! Neville!"
"I-I-"
"Neville!" She tried to drag him to the closet settee but he was heavy and so weak. "What happened?"
"Sick…dying." He moaned out as she unceremoniously dumped him on the settee.
"We need to get you…Luna!! LUNA!"
Luna came in the room her eyes even more wide then usual. "Did someone bellow my name? Is…is that Neville?"
She walked briskly to his side, feeling his head and grabbing his hand. Ginny stepped out the way as Luna examined him physically. "Neville, what happened? Did you eat anything? Did a plant do this to you?"
He weakly shook his head.
"Neville? Wake up. He's passing out." She replied simply, slapping him swiftly as he jerked awake. "He's paler than a Snorthornet Wamplefish."
Ginny glared indignantly at her. Luna frowned. "Ginny, go get my kit. It's on Ron's side of the bed. The messy side."
Ginny nodded and ran out the room, as Luna soothed an ill Neville. Draco sauntered into the room after nearly being run over by Ginny.
"What's going-?" He asked turning towards Luna and Neville.
Neville jerked forward, gasping for air and coughing uncontrollably. Luna jumped away, and Draco backed up as Neville heaved and heaved. In an instant, his color came back and his eyes became normal and he looked like himself again. Luna narrowed her eyes curiously as he shook his head and slowly lifted himself off the settee.
"Um…*cough* I-I feel better. Thank you, Luna. I'll go….have a kip, now. Sorry to scare everyone."
He got up quickly and scrambled out past Draco, but Luna caught the glare he gave the pale man. Her eyes scanned them both, and Draco turned to her and shrugged smugly, exiting the room. Something was fishy about that exchange. Fishier than a Caspian Lipperlamper, the cousin species of the Snorthornet Wamplefish.
A/N: Not much Hermione, but I promise next chapter!!