The Three Keys

A/N: I do not own any Harry Potter Characters, just my Laurel and her family.

A/N: OK Ladies…I don’t think I have any gents reading my story, if I do, then please allow me to correct myself, Ladies and Gents – Here is the next chapter. Sorry kids (looking sadly at RahNee especially) I am fairly certain from here on out the 2-fur specials are over. You’ll be getting only one chapter per update from now until the new chapters begin again at Chapter 36. I would post two this time, but next chapter begins the REALLY long ones and as MUCH as I love you all, I’m not bombarding you with 35 + pages of text. As it is the really long ones are 25+ so you’ll have to suffice with this one being only 10 pages of text.

Welp…(clapping hands and looking about) What are you waiting for, the fun starts now! Go read! See you at the bottom for A/N Shoutouts!

Much love and kisses – Lorett

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CH 23 - HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO

Previously:

Harry looked preoccupied, “You know what, I feel like dancing. Would you like to dance?”

Harry smiled as he pulled her into his arms and they began dancing. His eyes were checking the dance floor and bar again.

“What do you keep looking for?” Laurel asked, trying very hard to ignore how close he was holding her and the small flutters in her stomach.

Harry still looked over her head, “Just looking.” He focused on Laurel now, he’d been watching her just as intently as Malfoy had all evening and was more than a little jealous that she’d been in Malfoy’s arms at all. He gazed down into her eyes and she blushed.

‘Ohhhh, Uh-oh’ she glanced around quickly for Draco again, not seeing him anywhere. She couldn’t deny it was definitely nice being in Harry’s arms…
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Draco rounded the bar and stopped short, his heart pounding suddenly fast, fear shooting through him…’Harry’s gone!’ his eyes darted around the bar swiftly looking for Weasley – nothing. He was frozen to the spot as a chill ran down his spine, LAUREL was with them…

“SHIT.” he breathed.

Not knowing what to do for a moment he looked slowly to the dance floor, fear ebbing over him. ‘Where can I go?...Is it already to…’ his thoughts trailed off as his eyes landed on Harry. Harry FUCKING Potter dancing, DANCING as if he didn’t have a fucking care in the world with his arms wrapped around Laurel. Draco’s eyes flew wide – “Asshole” he growled.

Draco still didn’t move, he was watching closely the way Laurel looked in his arms, the way she responded to Harry’s body as a sickly wave of jealousy washed through him. She looked comfortable; she was leaning back and laughing. Draco relaxed a little, she had looked at him very differently when he held her. She looked breathless and flushed and she had pressed her hips against his, like she wanted him.

His eyes narrowed, she wasn’t doing that with Potter he observed. ‘Lucky for him, or I’d kill him on the spot and save Voldemort the trouble.’ he thought dryly. Draco’s eyes flicked over Potter, he on the other hand had a stupid, lop sided grin on his face and was holding Laurel’s hand a little too close for Draco’s liking. ‘You’re not moving in on her Potter, not today, not ever.’

Draco was silently fuming when something caught his eye and his head snapped sideways; his heart stopped and he gasped. He moved back quickly into the shadows of the doorway…”FUCK!” he whispered, running a shaking hand through his hair.

Death Eaters…he had seen one…maybe two. Goyle’s cousin, Brady…yes it’s him - He’s watching Harry. Draco rolled his eyes, who OF COURSE, is totally oblivious….

“ARGH” he groaned….’OK Malfoy…think…’ He took a deep, steadying breath and moved quickly, purposefully, walking with long strides to the dance floor and yanked Harry, spinning him around and grabbing him by the front of his shirt.

Harry looked stunned, “What the hell Malfoy!”

Laurel stood rooted to the spot, “Draco…” she stammered.

Draco yanked him close looking furious – which he was – his eyes narrowed angrily. “Potter, you moron!” he hissed, “I told you to keep your eyes open IDIOT!” Draco looked quickly around, “Where the hell is Weasley, why isn’t he here?”

“Malfoy relax, we were just dancing.” Harry tried to pull away, looking vexed.

“YOU, ONCE AGAIN ARE NOT LISTENING TO ME! I TOLD YOU TO KEEP A LOOK OUT!”

Harry’s eyes widened as realization of his words dawned, “Nooo” he whispered.

Draco nodded, “Yes Potter” he growled.

“Not here…” Harry started to turn his head.

“DON’T LOOK GOD DAMNIT!” Draco seethed. Laurel started to move away worried now and Draco’s arm shot out instantly. “Get behind Potter, Laurel. Don’t move.” He said calmly, his jaw clenched.

Laurel moved at once, as did Harry, reaching out and moving her behind him, his eyes on Draco.

“Draco, you’re scaring me.” Laurel said as people turned to look curiously at them.

Draco released Harry and brushed his shirt forcefully, “DON’T,” he emphasized the words clearly and loudly, “EVER TOUCH HER AGAIN POTTER!....DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”

Harry wasn’t paying any attention to Draco’s little show, he was looking around now, pale and nervous, “Not here Malfoy, there’s so many innocent people…so many muggles.” he whispered.

At that Draco and Harry both looked at Laurel, both looking stern and worried.

“You think we have time to get her out of here?” Harry’s voice was calm, composed as he took Laurel’s elbow and briskly began leading her off the dance floor.

“Doubtful” Draco said, coming up behind her, “Toward the far side of the bar, Potter.” His was voice cool, his hand on the small of Laurel’s back, propelling her forward, eyes scanning the room.

“OK, What, the hell is going on?” Laurel tried to stop, but they pushed and pulled her forward.

They reached the edge of the dance floor and stopped. Draco spotted more of them now and so did Harry.

Harry groaned, “HOLY SHIT…”

“I hate to say I told you so…” Draco’s voice was mirthless, his eyes defiant “OK Potter, looks like play time is over. Are you ready to do this?...” His gaze on Harry so intense, “You know we can still apparate out now, it’s not too late.” Draco looked at Laurel then….’But not with Laurel…too risky’ he thought. “Scratch that.” He muttered, his grip tightening on Laurel’s arm.

“No way Malfoy. You can go, but I’m not letting anyone get killed here tonight because of me.” Harry’s voice was thick with bitterness.

Draco groaned, “I guessed that already.” Resignedly he turned to Laurel and grabbed her arms, holding her tight. She wasn’t looking at him though; she was looking across the room in the direction someone had just screamed…Draco and Harry both turned to look also.

Laurel had not heard them talking.

“Malfoy, get her out now!” Harry hissed, his scar was beginning to throb dully.

Laurel had peeled Draco’s hands off her and walked a few paces away from them, her unbelieving eyes on the scene unfolding around them.

“Laurel.” Draco turned and reached for her, spinning her round to look at him. “Laurel!” he growled, shaking her to get her attention. Her eyes flew to his face instantly, “You have to get out of here now…Things…Bad things are about to happen…Laurel! Are you listening to me? Go out through that hallway” Draco nodded his head to the right, “Go through the kitchen and get out and don’t look at anyone. Don’t stop….Laurel! OK???” He was yelling at her now, there were more screams over the blast of the music.

She wasn’t listening to him, she’d just spotted one, Laurel had never seen one in person, but she knew what they were…”Death Eaters” she murmured. Draco didn’t hear her.

Suddenly it all came flooding back to her…’DAMN IT!’ she thought. She’d ACTUALLY FORGOTTEN her vision of earlier. She had been so taken by Draco (and Harry for that matter) that she had actually forgotten Draco’s thoughts of dying…of dying alone…unloved…The fear and resolution in his eyes.

“Oh no.” she whispered…This was all her fault. ”Draco…I – I have to tell you something! It’s very important…”

“NOT NOW LAUREL!” Draco looked scared, he had to get her out – now was the last chance – “Laurel! Laurel!! She looked at him trembling. “Laurel, where do you live? What’s your address, tell me now - right now - quickly!”

“24 Grosvenor Square, London” she said automatically. ”But, Draco, you…you don’t understand…You have to know something…I…I’m not leaving you, I can help!” She was so flustered she could barely speak.

“NO! No way…you need to get out of here now! No, don’t shake your head at me Laurel, it’s not safe and NO WAY am I letting you stay here one more minute! OK? I need you to do this for me!” His voice was low and urgent. She could feel his fear for her rolling off of him in waves. ”You have to get out now and I’ll come and see you tomorrow…OK?” his voice was shaky and pleading now, “OK, Love?”

Laurel shook her head again, “DRACO, you don’t understand!!! I can…”

Draco seized her against him and spat out, “Laurel, I swear to you, if you don’t turn around and get out of here this very minute, I will throw you over my shoulder and toss you out myself….I can’t leave Harry, his life is in danger, but I will if you don’t do what I ask right this minute.”

She looked at him, her eyes wide and scared and quickly looked down nodding, she knew he was dead serious. “Good” he breathed, relief washing over him.

But so was Laurel, and she had no intention of leaving him to die.

He bent over her quickly and took her against him, molding her body to his and kissed her hard, she gasped and his tongue swooped in, circling hers in a breathless, passionate kiss, searing his brand on her and she clung to him instantly. Reluctantly he released her and she looked up at him with huge, frightened eyes.

“For luck.” he said smiling. Then he turned her around and shoved her through the doorway. She entered the hallway and turned once more to glance at him their eyes locking one last time before she turned around and left. Draco\'s stormy eyes turned polished silver and blue, they followed her until she disappeared down the darkened hall, his heart thudding uncomfortably in protest, his emotions turbulent as she faded into the blackness. Satisfied she was gone and praying she would be safe, he turned back to Harry.
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The music was still playing, only now it seemed harsh and glaring. The lights hurting his eyes, Draco felt ill, he had a sinking feeling he wasn’t getting out of this one. He was mad, he wanted to see Laurel again…”Last chance Potter, we can still make it out.” Draco said.

Harry looked past him to see Laurel gone. ‘Good’ he thought, ‘At least someone got out safely.’ He felt sad he’d not see her again. “I don’t see Ron and I’m not leaving without him.”

“They may have gotten him already, Potter.”

“No way Malfoy!” he refused to believe that, he’d know. Harry turned to Draco, his eyes heated with fear and a dynamic strength that Draco had never seen before - “Are you with me or not?”

Draco steeled his nerves, ‘The line’s drawn then.’ ”With you.”

For a moment they locked eyes, clear, fierce and intense, the emotions running between them, sending a silent understanding into their souls that said more than words ever could. In that instant an acceptance and a new found loyalty was established between them.

Harry broke their gaze first, breathing hard; he nodded at Draco and turned moving toward the center of the bar. “How many can we take out do you imagine?” Harry bit out.

Draco shrugged, “As many as we can. I see eight, I’m sure there’s more.”

“Why here?? Why so many muggles?” at this Harry drew his wand from his jacket and so did Draco.

“No use in pretenses at this point eh?” Draco said, sneering, “It’s just like Voldemort and my father to make a big entrance to announce their return in grand Death Eater fashion. What better way than to take out the great Harry Potter and 500 of his closest muggle friends. Damn it, I should have seen this coming! And where the HELL is Weasley?!” Draco snarled.

Harry turned then to see Ron making his way back to his side. He was limping and bleeding from a cut on his jaw. He looked furious and terrified, “MALFOY…WHY HERE? You lying bastard!”

“Ron, he didn’t know!” Harry yelled. “He’s with us.”

Ron glared at Draco and looked around, “There’s so many...” he croaked.

“Let’s try and get out – we can take as many down along the way.” Draco said looking back at the hallway where Laurel had left from...’Blocked’, four or five Death Eaters were coming out.

Harry’s fear and anger were getting the better of him. He could handle Voldemort and a squad of Death Eaters on even ground, hell even on their territory, but to attack so many innocent people, it was unthinkable. He was beginning to let his rage take over... Harry was dangerous when he lost control. “How can we save anyone?”

“I’m just concerned about saving you and me at the moment.” Draco snapped.

“Thanks a lot!” Ron bellowed.

“URGH!...YOU as in plural you IDIOT!!!” Draco yelled infuriated.

They were quite surrounded now as the boys edged toward the exit, hurtling spells and blocking curses for everyone in their path, trying to save anyone they could through the chaos and crush of people lurching about…

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Laurel disappeared through the doorway and looked back. Draco had turned and was talking to Harry. She watched them for a moment, making sure they didn’t see her and then she moved back into the room quickly and began scanning the crowd, moving and dodging as people pushed her and knocked her into walls and chairs.

She was just about to go back to Draco when she spotted them - Tad and Teeny, looking flustered and frightened. She ran to them, being jostled and shoved as she pushed her way forward. Finally she reached them…Laurel could not BELIEVE they had actually waited for her!

Laurel looked at Tad, his right eye was swollen and turning black and blue and he looked horrified. “Laurel, where the FUCK have you been?!” he yelled.

“OH thank God you’re ok!” Teeny said, grasping her arm, “Our parents would kill us if you were hurt.”

Laurel’s mouth dropped open, clearly they didn’t understand the severity of the situation….Of course they didn’t.

“Which one attacked you?” Laurel said to Tad, looking at the Death Eaters seemingly picking and choosing their victims at random. She grabbed Tad’s arm and started leading them out.

“Your thug boyfriend, that’s who!” Tad snapped, yanking free of her grip.

Laurel blinked, “Draco?”

“The Ice King, I don’t know what his name is!” Tad yelled.

“Draco hit you?” her mouth dropped open, “Why?” - \'When?\' forgetting for a moment herself, the dire of the situation.

“He said that he didn’t like the way I touched you and that if I ever even looked at you again he’d….he’d kill me.” Tad looked furious.

“Wow” Laurel whispered, remembering what Draco asked her earlier; if Tad had hurt her when he’d groped her. She shook her head and snapped out of her thoughts, grabbing Tad again. “Come on!”

“What?”

“You have to get out of here now!”

Tad snapped, “Let’s go then.” He took her arm and began walking.

“I’m not coming.” Laurel said firmly. Seeing a Death Eater advancing, she threw her hand out and he flew against a wall. Tad and Teeny were so caught up in the jumbled confusion they took no notice of her quick actions.

“Tad, you need to get out now! I’m not leaving without my friends.” Laurel said. Just then Teeny screamed as a girl dropped in front of them, looking quite dead.

Laurel looked around wildly and threw her hand out again and flung another Death Eater against the wall very near them.

“Tad,” Laurel’s voice was calm and uncompromising, “Get Tina and get out of here NOW. Turn around and walk out the door. Don’t LOOK at anyone, don’t TALK to anyone, run to your hotel and I’ll call you later….NOW!”

“But...” he faltered, “What about you?”

Laurel shrugged, thinking of the first thing that came to her mind, “Me, I have diplomatic immunity! No one will do anything to me!...GO!”

“Whatever!” Tad snapped, grabbing Teeny and giving Laurel a final cold glare as he pulled his sister close and began leaving.

Laurel took a deep breath and threw Death Eaters out of their way ensuring their safe passage until she saw them reach the outside doors. The exit was full of people screaming and clawing trying to get out. Laurel muttered “EXPILARMUS” and threw her hands wide at the doors and everyone exploded through them, like being shot out of a cannon.

Laurel had no idea how many Death Eaters were outside, she couldn’t worry about that now. She just hoped Tad and Teeny would make it back OK. Eyeing the door to her freedom one last time, Laurel turned back to the battle and began a silent prayer for Tad and Teeny, for herself and for Draco, Harry and Ron…

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A/N: So it begins. We\'re really at the start of all the fun and excitement. Its just around the bend now. So, buckle up and get ready.. I can\'t wait to hear your thoughts!

I MUST STOP HERE AND GIVE A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BETTINA FOR HELPING ME CHANGE MY DIME-STORE FRENCH FROM THE LAST CHAPTER TO THE REAL DEAL! THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE STORY EVEN BETTER WITH YOUR HELP! IT IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

A/N I would like to make a general comment here about Laurel and her being nervous/attracted to Harry. Those of you who\'ve read before can tune out or scroll down, those who are new - SHE IS FEELING THIS WAY FOR A REASON. Yes, part of it is she\'s attracted to a good looking boy, BUT IT\'S MORE THAN THAT AND YES IT DOES HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH HIS SOUL - GOOD EYE to PrincessGreta and MrsAccioFirebolt especially! That\'s all I will say. You\'ll see as you go!

OK ALL, REMEMBER ANY NEW READERS WHO ARE CHECKING OUT THE STORY, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE PUT ON MY PERSONAL CHAPTER UPDATE LIST JUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN THE REVIEW AND TELL ME AND YOU WILL BE ADDED! Drop me a line and let me know how you like the story so far - I LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! CHEERS - Lorett