The Ferret and the Weasel

Draco let out a strangled cry as he watched her fall, disappearing behind a headstone as the endless night swallowed her up, flashes of light illuminating her surprised face. His heart stopped for what seemed an eternity, the world around him moving in slow motion. His mind was made.

Turning to the tall man beside him he licked his dry lips and reached up with a trembling hand, removing the mask which held him imprisoned. Lucius glanced over as he threw up a Shield Charm, blocking them from a deadly curse.

“What are you doing?” he snarled. “Put that back on!”

“I’m sorry, father,” Draco choked. Dropping the mask at his sire’s feet he fled into the fray, dodging spells and wizards, not seeing any of it, his eyes only for her. His stomach dropped sickeningly as he dove behind the headstone, his father’s betrayed screech renting the air.

The stone above them shattered and Draco threw himself over Ginny as she cried out. He pushed her harder against the stone, deeper into shadow.

“Draco?” she croaked. The whole left side of her face was a mass of blood and he had to swallow hard before he could answer her.

“Don’t talk,” he bade her, covering her once more from his father’s fury. “Hold on to me, I’m getting you out of here!”

“Your mission-”

“It doesn’t matter now, Protego!” Wrapping his arms around her trembling form he looked up just in time to see Potter’s stunned gaze stare hauntingly at them, then turn, hardened, to the silver haired man charging them down.

“RUN!” Potter screamed before taking Lucius on. Without a second thought, Draco Apparated on the spot, the last thing his father had taught him, and stole his beloved from the war.