The Three Keys

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

A/N: I WOULD LIKE TO DEDICATE THIS CHAPTER TO MY DEAR FRIENDS - HOOKED ON FONIX and GINNY-RULES-THE-WORLD (Ali)! They have been with me since the days at FF and have NEVER failed to support me through the many UPS AND DOWNS that these sites have taken me through. So, thank you Ali and Fonix! I LOVE YOU MUCH AND I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP!

OK All, this is a fun chappie. I like it a lot. TONS of action, verbal sparring…etc. etc.


Enjoy!


Ch 32 - A MINISTRY MEETING, A MALFOY & MAYHEM

______________________________________________

Previously from Ch 31:

Leaning his weight against the cool door, Draco slid his eyes closed, her name a breath from his lips, “Laurel.” What he wouldn’t give at this moment to be able to say that name every day for the rest of his life and hear that voice say his name, see those beautiful eyes shining and smiling into his….

His eyes popped open at that thought…”Oh shit.” he groaned as a crooked grin teased his lips.

With a confident resolve he hadn’t had hours ago, he walked into that room and into whatever fate had set for them with the idea, that he may have finally found someone worth truly fighting for.

----- -----

Laurel was just about DONE.

She’d been questioned by everyone at least twice and her answers were always the same:

“No, Draco did not try to sabotage our escape.”

“No, he most certainly did NOT try to kill Harry.”

“Yes, he did save Harry’s life on purpose!”

“Why didn’t they leave the club immediately upon seeing the Death Eaters? - Why don’t you ask the hundred or so utterly defenseless, muggles they fought to keep alive, that question?” (Laurel battled back the urge to cringe as she said ‘muggles’…She hated that word so!)

“No, Draco was not working with the Death Eaters!”

“How can I be sure? - He almost died saving Harry. I think that should be proof enough.…”

It was the same dizzying, merry-go-round of questions. They went on and on, round and round, over and over in the same fashion, leaving Laurel tired and wary to even look at anyone other than her mother, least they jump on the ‘Crucify Draco & Harry Bandwagon’.

Laurel had not given Harry a second thought for help at this stage in the meeting. He was exhausted and on edge and she thought he could blow at any second.

She could feel his anger all the way across the room and didn’t want to provoke him any further unnecessarily. Besides, he’d already said several times how Draco had tried to warn him about the impending Death Eater attack, but no one was listening to his protests on Draco’s behalf anyway. And, as he didn’t see the assault happen, involving him was useless.

So, she purposely left him out of the conversation, not even looking his way, which is why she missed the tall, blond boy slip into the room unnoticed.

The Ministry people had not been easy on Harry, to say the least. They kept griping about how EVERY year since Harry Potter had re-entered the wizarding community he seemed to get himself into trouble on an ever increasing, grand scale.

Understandably, that had not set well with Harry. …’Is it my damn fault that Voldemort wants to kill me?’ he fumed silently…’NO!...Is it my fault there’s always some Death Eater or Dementor or troll or whatever trailing around behind me! NO! I don’t look for trouble,’ he thought, grappling against a searing rush of anger, ‘It looks for me!’

This is why he was currently standing, plastered against the wall, fury simmering hot under his skin, wanting to run screaming from the room before he let these people see just HOW MUCH TROUBLE he could really cause.

The only reason Harry had not left yet was because Laurel was still testifying and he just couldn’t leave her in a room with these vipers alone…Even though Dumbledore and her mum were here, they sat impassively during his testimony, never speaking in his defense once and were doing the same now with Laurel.

Harry was hurt and a bit resentful of Dumbledore’s silence, but not surprised. Dumbledore always acted on his own timeframe, despite what else was going on around him.

Forcing his breath to be calm, Harry tried hard to focus on what Laurel was saying and not let the surge of recollections that the words brought on drown him. If he could just concentrate on the facts, he may be able to make it through this torture.

---

“Noooo.” Laurel said trying desperately to hold onto her patience and not roll her eyes in frustration at this simpering, little man called Harvey. He’d been assaulting her with his questions, pelting them out in quick, rapid succession, one after the other at an alarming rate, hitting her like bullets into her heart. Her patience was almost gone…He was pushing Laurel to her very limits.

“I’ve already told you TWICE that Draco SAVED Harry’s life.” Laurel sighed, rubbing her forehead to stop the dull throbbing that had just begun. “Do you need the gory details? Draco Malfoy spilled his own blood to save Harry Potter. I saw it happen personally and can tell you, it was most definitely a conscience decision.” Laurel spoke in a clear, slow, patronizing tone, her eyes narrowed and flashing in annoyance.

“Well now missy,” the man countered again, grating on Laurel’s fraying nerves, “How can you be so sure? Malfoy may have lost his balance or even tripped. Maybe he was trying to PUSH the Potter boy in front of the spell?” Harvey stated smugly.

Laurel’s mouth gaped open, she couldn’t believe this guy! She couldn’t believe either that her mother was sitting by letting this asshole try and steamroll her into saying that Draco’s motives could have been anything other than sincere and kept shooting angry glares at her for not jumping in to help defend him.

Maggie was seemingly, simply staring at the man with a slight frown of concentration on her face, paying no mind to Laurel at all.

But Maggie was paying attention. Very close attention. She and Kingsley Shakelbolt had had their suspicions about Jerrold Harvey for quite some time now. How he found out about this meeting and why he was in attendance only fueled speculation. Maggie eyed him warily and cast a quick, probing glance at Dumbledore who nodded slightly at her look.

He too was watching the man, thoughtfully stroking his long, flaxen beard, spectacles resting down at the bridge of his nose, giving off a deceptively frivolous air.

‘Jerrold Harvey’ he thought, ’Yes, perhaps he does need to be observed a bit closer.’ The ever present sparkle that lit up Dumbledore’s eyes vanished for an instant, being replaced by a cold, shrewd gaze as he considered this man and what his presence implicated and just how secure the flow of information running through the Ministry truly was.

Draco, having crept quietly into the den moments before was unaware of the drama unfolding and began looking around. His gaze fell upon Laurel instantly, his heart twisting in pleasure at just seeing her.

Draco chided himself immediately, he needed to focus now, so no time to gawk at Laurel, he’d do that later…Forcing his mind to clear he began taking stock of the people around him trying to gauge who he determined would be a potential threat if anything should happen once he decided to announce his presence.

Draco stopped short, hearing a biting accusation of his saving Harry’s life and scowled watching as Laurel’s face reddened and she turned with balled fists to stare down her nose at the ugly, little man sitting before her.

Draco’s eyes glittered gunmetal grey – he was suspicious of this man. ’He looks familiar...’ His train of thought broken in the next moment however, by Laurel’s angry words:

“I CANNOT fathom why you insist that Harry and I keep reliving this horrible memory.” Laurel raged, “But since you seem to be UNABLE to grasp the concept of a heroic gesture, let me REMIND you ONE MORE TIME!” She paused, her voice breaking and quivering from the painful memory, “I SAW DRACO STEP IN FRONT OF A WAND AIMED AT HARRY POTTER’S CHEST! Draco TOLD me to protect HARRY if he died, and that at ALL COSTS Harry had to live…His life was worth sacrificing to ensure Harry’s survival! - WHY would someone with malice in mind give his life to save another?” Her voice rising an octave higher with every breath, “And, Sir, I held Draco while he nearly bled to death in my arms and watched over him as he fought for his life at the very couch you are seated on now.”

Laurel took a menacing step toward him, fully intending on showing him just what Draco had given to save Harry’s life. Yes, she knew exactly what she would show him, show them all….Visions of a crimson soaked couch, heavy with Draco’s blood drifted across her mind and her eyes flashed with cool pleasure at the thought of all these shocked, smug faces seeing what it was to truly sacrifice something for someone you believe in. Laurel raised her hand ready to grasp her wand and cast a spell to reveal the blood stains…’That would SHUT HIM UP’ she thought viciously. The room went silent, everyone waiting to see what she would do next. Laurel’s voice was low and harsh, “IF you would like, I can easily show you what Draco sacrificed for Harry…Would you like to see that?” she had a challenging glint in her eyes. ‘Please…Oh please take my bait.’ she prayed silently.

Draco was stricken for a moment at the intensity in Laurel’s voice. ‘Merlin, this is going to get ugly a lot sooner than I anticipated.’ he thought.

Harvey, on the other hand was positively beaming. He was so ready to do battle with this nagging, little wench. His charcoal eyes narrowed with pleasure as he surveyed the group hungrily seeking all faces toward him when he sucked in his breath slightly in shock catching sight of Draco.

‘MERLIN! What in Hades name is he doing here!” Harvey immediately shook his head, a change of plan was in order it seems. “No, I believe you’ve made your point.” He growled angrily as a wave of disappointment hit him hard, he had so been looking forward to putting this mudblood in her place.

Laurel stood stock still glaring daggers at the man sitting before her. She was literally itching to hex him into oblivion. Slowly she willed her pulse to calm. Her cramped fingers ached from being so tightly fisted with rage. She had to get away from him now before her temper got the better of her and took little pleasure as she swept past muttering, “Wise choice.” just loud enough for him to hear.

Laurel turned her back to the room and stood staring moodily out the veranda doors.

Draco’s stomach did a lazy flip-flop, this was bad.

Immediately he began looking around for Harry. He needed to get his game plan in motion and pronto. ‘Where’s Potter Goddamn it?’

It was true Draco didn’t know Laurel very well, but he was damn sure that she was going to do something rash and very soon. He couldn’t let that happen, he wouldn’t let her get into serious trouble with the Ministry on his behalf.

Draco spotted Harry standing nearby against a wall to his left, looking like he wanted to be anywhere but in that room. His face was flushed and his lips were set in a grim, thin line, Draco surmised from anger. ‘Potter doesn’t look so good…I think it’s just about time this meeting is adjourned.’

Keeping his gaze on Harry until he was sure Harry caught his eye, he casually nodded in his direction hoping Harry would get the gist and move closer. Rolling his eyes in exasperation he had to do it twice before Harry caught on.

Draco’s eyes slid closed as he shook his head annoyed. ‘Patience Draco.’ he told himself and opened his eyes to see Harry looking at him keenly, his green eyes growing wide with understanding. ‘Yes, that’s right Potter…COME HERE!’ he thought, intoning his head again and sighing as Harry began shuffling along the wall toward Draco, not being subtle at all.

He groaned inwardly, ‘IDIOT! Honestly, he’s sooo transparent! - NO POTTER! For Merlin’s sake, don’t attract attention to yourself, you oaf!’ Draco’s heart began beating faster, hoping that Harry could actually move quietly and not get EVERY EYE on him as he edged closer to Draco.

Finally, Harry moved as quietly as he could to Draco’s left and sighed heavily at reaching his goal, managing to only distract one or two people.

“Malfoy,” Harry whispered, “Glad to see you alive this morning.”

Draco rolled his eyes again and promptly shushed him, giving Harry a VERY stern warning glare…’Catch my drift Potter and KEEP QUIET.’ he willed Harry, keeping the death glare on him until Harry nodded curtly, puffing up his chest in aggravation, folding his arms stubbornly and looking away from Draco.

Draco stared at him a minute longer and let out a little breath of relief as he turned and continued to survey the room, glad to have Harry safely by his side…and for once, blessedly quiet.

Next, he calculated how long it would take him to get to Laurel if trouble broke out. She was almost completely across the room from him…too far.

He’d have to get her closer to him first, before any fireworks started.

Draco didn’t want to alert Laurel of his presence just yet, he knew she’d make a fuss and he didn’t want that…Well, yes he did, but not yet. Not until he’d taken in everyone in this room and planned a quick escape, which is why he would stay put right next to this door.

He figured if there were Ministry officials, Aurors, Harry Potter AND a Malfoy all gathered in one happy hoe-down then there were probably wards already set up so you couldn’t just apparate in and out of here.

His eyes slowly scanned all the faces, measuring up and assessing who could be a potential problem.

The usual goodie-two-shoes were present, the Weasel’s parents (thankfully no Weasel himself), McGonagall, Dumbledore.

He was mildly surprised to see Snape here, but figured as he was Draco’s head of house he would be invited to join in the preceding, and was probably the only one on Draco’s side other than Laurel. The jury was still out on Potter. (He knew Snape had already seen him as he’d given a barely discernible nod in his direction, which Draco had returned.) He was glad Snape was here; he’d back him up in an instant if there was trouble.

Draco was sure there were members of Dumbledore’s Order here as well, other than the obvious…Yes he knew about the Order of the Phoenix…Who the hell didn’t? He was the son of the number 1 Death Eater after all. Draco knew all the members names and where they lived by heart, he just didn’t know their faces.

Hitching himself against the wall now and casually crossing his arms, Draco let his eyes slide to their bored, half-lidded look and dropped on his game face.

To the casual observer Draco would appear relaxed, aloof, uninterested even, but this was Draco’s practiced exterior façade. Inside, he was on edge and ready to spring at a moments notice. Looking lazily around he continued to observe the meeting attendants, when his eyes fell on the man that had been speaking with Laurel moments before…’He DOES look familiar.’

If Draco spotted someone who looked familiar from this crowd, he knew there was only one place he could have seen them…Malfoy Manor.

Draco wasn’t allowed to socialize outside of his father’s circles and as he was at school for most of the year regardless – seeing a familiar face among ‘the good guys’ was NOT a good sign. He was quite certain of this as he despised going to the Ministry offices with Daddy Death and made it a habit to avoid the place like the plague.

So therefore, he knew this greasy, smallish man who was currently trying to convince the entire room that Draco was evil incarnate - was trouble. It had not gone unnoticed too that the man had spotted him and had become very jittery and nervous looking since.

Draco fought back the very bad feeling creeping into his gut. Damn gut, it was usually spot-on despite his hopes that it would occasionally be wrong. So Draco, trusting his instincts put that guy…he thought his name was Harvey at the top of his potential threat list.

Draco did not like the fact that Harvey was sitting very close to where Laurel was standing and giving her openly heated glares. He fought back a surge of fury and the urge to pummel this jerk for looking at her like he was.

Draco had a pretty good guess too, as to why Harvey had that malicious glint in his beady eyes; he was here being Lucius’ snitch. He would bet on it, and Draco didn’t take bets unless he was certain of a sure thing.

Lucius was going to know all about Laurel before the day was through he realized.

Draco scanned the rest of the crowd with little interest. Most seemed apathetic in what Harvey had to say, some were yawning and others were occasionally jotting down notes as he droned on.

Then another person caught Draco’s eye.

This one he knew for sure. He’d never mistake those dull, empty, green eyes, the short, rotund body, and skin pale as death with sickly, thinning, fair hair. Yes, this was definitely Hazel Mirst, her maiden name being Bloom.

’Gods, don’t these people know who the HELL is sitting in on their meetings?’ Draco thought flabbergasted.

Rudolph Bloom, was wealthy (Not quite Malfoy wealthy, but really close.), crooked, a pureblood advocator, extremist and just happened to be Hazel’s brother. He was one of the most notorious Voldemort followers, (and one of the nastiest bastards Draco had ever had the displeasure to meet.) Sure, he’d always skirted actually becoming a ‘true’ Death Eater, because he didn’t bear the mark, but he couldn’t be anymore one if he tried.

OK, now Draco knew for sure Lucius had eyes and ears in on this meeting. - Time to bring it to a halt.

No doubt they’d already heard enough to give Lucius and the Dark Lord all the information they could use, but why drag the fun on any longer?

Draco leaned toward Harry and whispered, “Potter! Look alert and stay close, whatever happens. After this fiasco I need your help…OK?” His eyes leaving only for a moment the two conspirators to glace briefly at Harry, making sure he acknowledged him and then swinging back again to watch them.

Harry gave a faint nod instantly. He had been scrutinizing out of the corner of his eye Draco as he surveyed the crowd and had been trying to spot who Draco was studying. He had a pretty good guess. - The older, plump blonde woman who had given Harry a particularly nasty time when questioning him.

He had become suspicious at once and was very guarded with what he said after her cold demeanor toward him.

‘Good.’ Harry thought. ‘Let’s get this nightmare over with.’ He was now tired, lack of sleep finally catching up to him and was glad to have any distraction to get this meeting the hell done! Besides, he kind of wanted to visit with Ginny some more and he was worried about Hermione. He hoped Hermione had sent word back that she was OK and when she would be returning from her vacation. He couldn’t shake the worrisome feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

Now that Draco had Potter on alert all he needed was an opening for distraction, an opportunity…

Harvey, having since switched to Harry as his current target of choice, had been going on about Potter’s knack for getting himself into dire situations, continually abusing the under-age magic laws - seemingly ‘innocently’ of course, since spotting Draco enter the room. Harvey had stopped his interrogation of the mudblood, but was unwilling to relinquish his moment in the spotlight as he had an agenda that needed to be completed.

After covertly watching the Malfoy boy for a while and seeing that he was simply standing about, looking bored out of his mind, Harvey decided to chance moving forward with the plan. Time was wasting and he wanted to get this over and done with as soon as possible.

With these things weighing on his mind and a quick nod of reassurance from Hazel he plucked the courage to continue on. Besides, he was most assuredly NOT afraid of Draco Malfoy. He was however, GREATLY fearful of Malfoy senior. So gathering his courage he turned round in his seat and addressed Laurel.

After all, he had a job to do, and he WAS being paid very handsomely for it.

Darting a quick, scathing glare Draco’s way and making sure he was watching, Harvey drawled, “You know missy, you never told us why you attempted to perform such a complicated, risky spell as the Domus Totalis to get Potter and his friends away from the Death Eaters? I surly wouldn’t have.” he paused at the word ‘friends’ flashing a nasty, arrogant smirk toward Harry and Draco.

Clearly this was meant to unnerve Draco or Harry or both. It only served however, to give Draco the opening he’d been looking for.

Draco watched as Laurel turned slowly around to face Harvey and caught his breath, staring at her momentarily frozen.

He had never seen anyone look so damn confident and mind-numbingly sexy in his life. He drank her in; brown eyes blazing and flashing with defiance, a haughty smirk set upon her pink lips and her cheeks flushed with indignation. She was dazzling and she was HIS. Draco felt the surge of blood rush to his thighs and grinned despite the growing discomfort in his pants – ‘Showtime!’

Making sure he looked as cool and bored as possible Draco casually announced to the room; “Well actually I thought it was a brilliant move. It’s exactly what I would have done, if I had been able.” He stated in a clear, calm voice.

Draco waited arms folded nonchalantly across his chest, watching with trademark smirk in place as all heads swiveled on cue toward him, all eyes bearing the exact same stunned expression….

God he loved dramatic entrances.

Laurel turned too and upon seeing Draco, her eyes grew wide with surprise and a glorious smile lit her face as she moved instantly with quick steps to close the gap between them.

Her eyes never left his as if making sure he was real and not some apparition she’d imagined. She reached him and flung her arms around his neck without preamble, holding tightly and shaking slightly.

Draco grinned despite the seriousness of the situation and planted a chaste kiss on her forehead, hugging her just as tightly as she held him.

In that one moment as they locked eyes there was only them in the room, in the house…anywhere.

“Draco, oh Draco!” she said with a soft, strangled cry. Her voice was low so only he could hear and she buried her head in the crook of his neck, basking in his scent and growing weak in her knees as she felt the pressure of his arousal against her thigh.

Quivering slightly from a mix between the heat of desire that had begun throbbing, achingly at her belly and the overwhelming relief that he was here in her arms, Laurel finally pulled back slightly and looked up into his face with teary, emotion filled eyes.

Draco held her and his heart melted, his eyes sliding closed for just a minute. She felt so good being in his arms, so right. Holding Laurel tight he allowed one moment to breathe in her scent and mold her against him.

He knew it was risky letting Harvey and Bloom see him holding Laurel, responding to her. It was a gamble, but just now he couldn’t have let her go if he tried.

Laurel’s heart was threatening to burst, it was constricting with so much happiness, relief, sorrow, unabashed passion…He was up! He was here…with her finally! He was defending her. He obviously WANTED her. He looked well! She sighed; not daring to let him go least he vanish and she realize it was just a dream.

Draco couldn’t help a sideways glance at Harry, letting a smug smirk of triumph fill his face.

Harry snorted. His stomach had dropped at seeing the genuine reaction the couple had between each other and he didn’t like it. Not one bit. He rolled his eyes at Draco and looked toward Dumbledore, who to Harry’s surprise was talking with Snape and Maggie, heads bent low, taking the advantage of distraction to speak.

Draco leaned in to Laurel and whispered in her ear, being sure to let his lips graze the sensitive skin and smiled in satisfaction as she shivered, “Be sure to stay close Love. I don’t trust that nasty bugger, he’s dangerous.” he breathed, inclining his head in Harvey’s direction, “Understand?” Draco looked into Laurel’s wide eyes and she nodded in agreement.

Oh yes, she agreed, he was definitely trouble. “He is a nasty bastard isn’t he? I can hex him, if you like?” she joked, half serious.

“Laurel…” Draco warned, his eyes narrowing. “I’m telling you he’s dangerous! Stay behind me and stick close to Potter, OK? Promise me…Laurel?”

“Oh, I’ll stay close. I promise.” She smiled innocently up at him. Inside, her brain was churning, ‘If that bastard tries ONE move on Draco, he’s going down. NO ONE is hurting him again.’

He held her for a minute longer searching her face and trying to gauge if she was going to behave or not. Laurel maintained her sweet, innocent eyes and Draco, thinking he’d made his point sighed, “Good.” He let her go with great difficulty, nudging her between Harry and himself for the added protection. Then Draco turned glacial eyes toward Harvey.

“Well, well mister Malfoy!” Harvey said, his lips twitching in pleasure. He’d have quite a bit to report back from this meeting, yes indeed! He’d been looking for something to say that would draw Draco into conversation and this little affectionate display between the mudblood and Malfoy only served to confirm his suspicions as to why she was so fiercely protecting him. His voice danced with wicked delight as he asked, “If performing the Domus is something YOU would have done, then by all means, do tell us why exactly you didn’t? Why too didn’t any of your friends? Miss Laurel here has been prattling on and on about how gallant and set you were on saving Mr. Potter’s life…Why wouldn’t YOU just whisk him away?”

At these words Harvey shot out of his seat and pointed a long, crooked finger at Draco as he dramatically swept his gaze around the room yet again, making sure he had everyone’s attention. He did.

Draco’s brows furrowed as he took his time in responding. He wanted to make sure all eyes were back on him.

He shocked everyone in the room by laughing.

Draco knew how to hold an audience.

He shook his head and responded not to Harvey, but to Dumbledore, who was watching just as keenly as the rest. “Headmaster, why are you allowing stupid people to conduct this meeting?” he chided in a superior tone. “Clearly if someone would ask such idiotic questions, than he’s not warranted being present among those of us possessing intelligence.”

Harvey was infuriated and red with anger.

Dumbledore gave the tiniest hint of a smile as people sucked in their breath in surprise.

Draco continued, turning back to address Harvey cocking his head in arrogance, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “Firstly, the Domus Totalis is a level 9 spell. It’s exceedingly complex, requires a tremendous amount of power and concentration to cast. It’s difficult to relocate just one person and Laurel being able to transfer four people was, well, extraordinary.” A definite tone of pride had crept into Draco’s voice as he continued. “You should be praising her for her abilities instead of questioning her motives. And, as it appears that you possess only a rudimentary knowledge regarding spell work sir, I will gladly inform you that anyone who initiates the Domus would be returned to THEIR home…If I were trying to SAVE Harry Potter’s life, why would I take him into the serpent’s den? My home IS Malfoy Manor. Second, Potter couldn’t very well take us to his muggle relative’s house now could he? And Weasley wouldn’t go home either, as we feared an attack was planned there for that evening.” Draco’s eyes narrowed as he finished, “But, you already know all that information, don’t you…Mr. Harvey isn’t it?

Harry fought back the flush that threatened to creep across his cheeks as he listened to Malfoy speak. He was somewhat flattered at Draco’s logical reasoning as to why he didn’t do the Domus spell, it certainly sounded good to him. But, if truth be told, he’d never heard of it and he was quite certain Ron hadn’t either, which is why he didn’t do it. But, why draw unnecessary attention to that little nugget of information when he liked Draco’s answer much better.

Harvey blanched at the mention of his name and Dumbledore taking Draco’s subtle cue asked in a mild tone, “And how do you know Mr. Harvey’s name Draco?”

Harvey, still standing, looked nervously back and forth between the two. “How dare you insult my knowledge, boy!” Harvey bellowed, trying to distract from Dumbledore’s question. “Besides, everyone knows of Malfoy Manor!”

“Yes…” Draco drawled lazily, choosing to ignore his first comment. “Come to mention it that must be where I have seen you before…at Malfoy Manor, that is.” Smirking in satisfaction with his results, he watched as several people began to whisper frantically between themselves, casting nervous glances at Harvey. Harvey had turned white.

“Incidentally, I know no one has mentioned your name since I’ve been here.” Draco stated coolly, edging slightly in front of Laurel. “So, it stands to reason that I would only know you through my father….And, it’s Jerrold if I remember correctly, isn’t it?” (Sometimes having a photographic memory did have its advantages.) Draco watched as one of the aurors moved silently closer to Harvey. No one had addressed Jerrold Harvey by his given name during the entire meeting… “See,” he smiled, his voice dropping low and threatening, “It appears I do know you after all.” Draco’s smile faded, his gaze turned menacing.

The hair on the back of Harry’s neck began to tingle, he didn’t like where this was going. Harry moved his wand to his pants waist and watched with wary eyes, looking between Harvey and the Bloom woman who had stood sometime during Draco’s speech and had begun inching her way toward the door.

Draco’s tone was icy, “But Jerrold knows that too.”

Harvey stammered, looking quite upset. “Don’t be ridiculous! I’ve never spoken to this boy in my life!”

“Quite true.” Draco nodded. “But,” he paused for theatrical effect, “you do know my father rather well, don’t you?”

The wide-eyed fear that shot across Harvey’s face for a split second was all the confirmation Draco needed.

‘Ah, I thought so…stupid, stupid man. You never show fear in front of a Malfoy and not expect it to be exploited.’ He took a moment to glance at Hazel, who was carefully picking her way toward the doors and trying desperately not to look conspicuous. Draco shook his head slightly, ‘You too I see.’

The auror who had moved to stand behind Jerrold Harvey now spoke. His baritone voice calm and solemn, “You’re hinting at some serious accusations here Mr. Malfoy. Do you have any proof to back you up?” Harvey looked somewhat relieved.

Draco laughed again, but he was wary, not knowing if aurors were also among those in his father’s service.

“True enough, I don’t have concrete proof. But, I would be willing to wager that Jerrold boy-o works either in the Treasury or Intelligence departments or even the Minister of Magic’s office…” Harvey began sweating, his forehead and lower back growing slick from fear.

Kingsley Shakelbolt nodded hiding a grin, “Quite right, Mr. Malfoy, Jerrold works in the Treasury department.”

Draco quirked an eyebrow and smirked, “I thought as much. I would be sure to check his personal accounts. I have no doubt he’s been feathering them with Ministry funds….Along with whatever my father has been paying him, of course.”

Harvey sputtered angrily and in an instant had his wand out and pointed directly at Draco’s chest. “You cannot stand there and accuse me of things I haven’t done Malfoy and expect me to take it!”

Harry and Laurel standing behind Draco reacted just as swiftly, their wands drawn and leveled at Harvey. Harry, reading Laurel’s thoughts correctly snaked a hand out and dragged her behind him and held her in a surprisingly tight grasp just as she tried to jump in front of Draco. He shot her a quick, stony glare, “Don’t!” he snapped. Laurel glared back at him, her chest heaving in anger. “Laurel!” he whispered, “I’ll keep him safe. I promise.”

Laurel searched his eyes and felt his resolve and determination washing over her and nodded, “Alright.” She could argue with him, but she couldn’t argue with the courage and strength emanating from his spirit that told her true enough that Harry would indeed protect Draco as best he could.

The twenty or so others in the room froze.

“Now, now Harvey,” Kingsley’s deep, melodic voice rang out from directly behind him, “No need to over react. You wouldn’t want...anyone...to get hurt, now would you?” The implication was clear and it sent another shiver of fear zinging down Harvey’s spine.

Draco looked between the two men and shrugged, arms still crossed, looking calm and relaxed. He’d not drawn his wand because he knew Potter had his back. Only his eyes betrayed his thoughts, they were cold and trained on the wand pointed at him. He spoke in a flat voice, “I’m not accusing. I’m stating facts. Fact number one, I know you’re here spying for my father. Fact number two, as you are here spying for my father, then you are being paid by him. No spy works for free. Fact number three, I have seen you,“ Draco paused and inclined his head toward Hazel, “and your friend Hazel Bloom at Malfoy Manor.” More twittering and fevered whispering erupted around them. “Fact number four, if you’re at Malfoy Manor and you work for the Ministry, then there’s only one reason you would be there and that would be because you’re in allegiance with Voldemort.”

Draco and Harry rolled their eyes simultaneously at the shrieks and gasps from the room as Draco spoke Voldemort’s name.

Harvey let out a slightly maniacal sound that must have been a laugh and Draco moved with deft grace, leveling his own wand at him instantly and growled through gritted teeth, “My father won’t be too pleased to see his snitch has been caught.” He sneered, his lips curling up in a wicked smile, “But, he’ll find some clever way to get to you, never fear! He’ll be expecting his information.” Draco paused, “You DO realize that now you’re of no value to him don’t you? An exposed snitch is a dead one.” He watched as the man turned very pale, taking great pleasure in making him squirm. “When you see my father again – and you will, be sure to tell him that Draco Malfoy is no one’s puppet. I will never bend to his will and I WILL NEVER do Voldemort’s bidding!”

Harvey’s face contorted into an angry scowl as he hissed, “You and I aren’t finished Malfoy!” and in one fluid motion, before anyone could react, Harvey arched his wand straight up and shouted “CATACLYSMUS CALIGO!”

Immediately the room was plunged into a void of blackness. - Not an ordinary darkness that fills a closed room, but an inky, emptiness that seemed to suck all the light and life out of the air around it, it was cold and terrifying.

Several things happened at once - There was the instant collective gasp of the crowd as the blankness engulfed them, the rustling and swooshing of robes as they were parted to make way for wands being drawn and people screaming out “LUMOS!” and being dismayed to find the spell had no effect.

The room remained black and still.

Draco screamed out, “POTTER!” as he turned instinctively into the emptiness reaching for Laurel and Harry.

“I’m here, I’ve got her, we’re ok.” Harry answered tersely from directly in front of Draco. Harry was holding fast to a squirming Laurel.

“Let go of me!” she fumed, trying to break free of Harry to reach Draco. Harry’s free arm was snaked around Laurel’s waist and he’d not let go of her for anything.

“No.” He stated calmly, enjoying a little too much her thrashing and wriggling against him.

Draco moved toward them as the bellows of “LUMOS!” continued and were echoed all around, the darkness blotting the light out as soon as it was lit.

Draco yelled, “Laurel, where are you? Potter!”

“Here! We’re here!” she gasped, grasping and reaching out to find his outstretched arms as they came into contact with hers.

Draco pulled her out of Harry’s embrace and up tight against him and asked urgently, “Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes I – I’m fine. But, Draco we have to find my mother!” Laurel said fervently. She was OK, but she couldn’t help the fear for her mother’s safety creeping steadily into her mind.

“Let’s get to the door.” came Harry’s voice at Draco’s shoulder. He sounded eerily calm, “I haven’t moved, so it should be directly behind me.”

Draco tried in vain to light his wand, muttering every spell that he could conjure that would cast light, including one that started a fire. It too was simply gone as soon as it appeared.

“What spell is this?” Laurel gasped, digging her nails into Draco’s arm as the gravity of the situation began to sink in.

“I don’t know.” he answered. Truthfully, Draco thought it was a shrewd tactical move on Harvey’s part. ‘Crafty little bugger outwitted me!’ Draco sighed, realizing too late that he had underestimated his father’s minion.

Laurel didn’t like this darkness; it was so very cold and reminded her of the hollow blackness of an evil soul. “Draco,” she whispered at his ear, “this is what death feels like. Can you feel it starting to creep into your soul?”

Draco turned instinctively to fit Laurel more securely against his body, ignoring the prickling pang of fear that shot down his spine at her words. Yes, he remembered what death felt like…He had to get them out of this room and now.

Not one of them noticed the screams of the others, or the lack of them. The only thing they felt was the blackness, quietly wrapping itself around, lulling and easing them into the nothingness.

Draco held tighter to Laurel. She simply let him drag her along as she was furiously trying to think of something to get them out of there. If only they could apparate out…’How did Harvey get out?’ she wondered. She was positive he was already long gone.

“We have to get out of here now!” Draco snapped. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of anything that could counter a spell that would snuff out light the second it appeared. He felt his mind growing fuzzy, he could feel his senses beginning to dull. ‘FOCUS DRACO!’ his mind shouted. ”Potter, any suggestions?” he asked, shaking his head and clearing it momentarily, as he tried to edge their way toward the wall….”We should be to the door by now.”

“No.” Harry replied sounding aloof. It seemed that they could find no tangible objects. There was nothing but the cool emptiness, snaking and coiling its way over them. “The door should have been right here. It must be the spell. I - I don’t feel so well.” Harry’s voice sounded suddenly muffled. His scar had begun throbbing and it felt like a knife being plunged into his forehead every few seconds. He felt his knees beginning to buckle and realized he was going to pass out.

“POTTER!” Draco hissed feeling Harry sway next to him, “Don’t you dare pass out on me! We need to stay alert and together!....Potter are you listening to me!”

“Harry!” Laurel yelled, “Harry, what’s wrong?” She could feel the sharp pain ebbing out of him and over her. She winced and gasped, “Harry, tell me what that is? Answer me Harry!” The intense pain sent her shuddering instantly.

Harry couldn’t speak.

Laurel and Draco both sent out steadying arms to hold Harry up as best they could, fumbling in their blindness.

Harry groaned clutching at Draco’s shoulder in a final attempt to keep himself upright before blacking out, the pain was so severe…Then suddenly a voice boomed out around them, snapping him out of his haze and filling the room, “ADVENITRE LUMEN TOTALIS!”

The three watched as a tiny pinprick of light shimmered faintly before them, gradually the dark began disentangling itself from them, unraveling and swirling in a leaden mist around and around. It made no sound and as the murk lifted they felt a terrible weight was heaved from their chests causing them to catch their breaths.

The light blinded them for a moment before readjusting to its brightness. Then with grateful eyes they looked upon their rescuer….”Dumbledore.” Harry breathed.

Dumbledore stood, a commanding presence, at the center of the room, his flowing robes billowing about him, arms reaching heavenward, wand held high as the wisps of blackened shadows churned and swirled into the tip of his wand and disappeared.

Draco breathed a sigh of relief and surveyed the scene. All seemed shaken, but fine.

Harvey and Hazel Bloom were gone. ‘Naturally.’ Draco thought, fighting off the pang of dread that ran through him.

Now that the blackness was gone Laurel felt instantly better. She was going to have to research that spell though. It was dangerous, she knew that for sure. But first she needed to make sure Draco and Harry were OK and see her mother. Laurel’s eyes were on Draco as she hugged him tightly and inquired, “Are you alright?” Draco nodded. She turned to Harry and grasped his arm tightly. He still looked pale, “Harry? Are you OK?” She searched his eyes. It was a question to him in more ways than one. He gave her a solemn look, searching her face and finally nodded.

Draco watched their interaction closely, jealousy nipping at the back of his mind, ‘She’s MINE Potter.” he thought casting a quick cold stare at Harry. Harry saw this and backed away slightly.

Draco looked quickly at Laurel and smiled reassuringly when she turned to him. He wrapped his arms around her possessively and asked curiously in a hushed tone, “Do you still feel it, the darkness in your soul?” He’d felt it too. She shook her head ‘No.’ He nodded, “Good. Go see your mum then. I need to talk to Harry anyway.” Laurel was too distracted about checking on her mother to worry about Harry and Draco speaking privately.

She looked at Harry, “Are you sure you’re alright?” she asked genuinely concerned, her voice soft and gentle.

Harry looked surprised for a moment and nodded, “Yeah, I’m sure. Thanks.” Her eyes searched his fleetingly and she nodded. ‘Let the chips fall where they may then.’

Hugging Draco once more and touching his face lightly, she gave him a quick, soft kiss, letting her lips brush his tenderly. She broke away from him blushing prettily and left to check on her mother.

Draco turned to Harry, “Potter, do you need to sit?” he said with a cocky lilt.

Harry shook his head. He didn’t feel like playing Draco’s mind games at the moment, catching his double- entendre. “No.” he said flatly. “The pain’s gone now. What do you think that was?”

“A distraction obviously, and a good one at that.” Draco drawled, unable to keep the slight hint of admiration out of his voice.

Harry looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, his brows furrowed, “Do you know the spell then?”

Draco let out an exaggerated breath, shaking his head in annoyance at Harry as he spoke, “Honestly Potter, do you actually think if I knew what it was, I would have stood here like a moron and not reversed or countered it immediately?”

Harry was still looking at him skeptically, “I suppose not.”

Draco snorted, (‘Very unlike Malfoy.’ Harry thought) “Well I should hope not Potter. Malfoys do not like being made to look the fool!” Harry rolled his eyes, ‘Very like Malfoy.’ “And as I know you don’t get subtly, Potter, I’ll spell it out for you. - I do not know what spell that was.” he said flatly. Draco did make a mental note however to find out. It could be very useful for the future.

“Fine!” Harry groaned, shaking his head, “I believe you.”

“Good.” Draco said pleasantly, quirking an eyebrow at Harry and swiftly guiding the conversation in his intended direction. “Is it always like this around you?”

“Huh?”

“You know, people trying to kill you, shrieks of fear, general confusion and all around mayhem?”

Harry grimaced. “No. Although, you may want to think about getting a bigger life insurance policy for yourself if you plan on sticking around.” he deadpanned.

“Excuse me – Is that some kind of potion or spell?”

“Ughhh, Never mind Malfoy, it was a joke.”

Draco looked cynical, “Clearly not a very funny one…Regardless,” he continued, waving off Harry’s retort, “now that the fun is over, I need your help.”

“Fun?” Harry snapped. “Forget it. What do you want now, Malfoy?” Harry briefly recollecting now, that Draco had asked for his help earlier.

“Simple. You’ve got to get me out of here.” Draco’s eyes flicked over to Laurel who was speaking with her mother, Dumbledore and Snape.

“What?” Harry’s mouth gaped. ‘He wants to leave Laurel? Why?’

“Close your mouth, Potter. I need to get out of this house and you’re going to help me.” Draco said in a quietly determined voice. He cast a quick glance around to ensure no one was listening.

Harry knew he was going to have to fight Malfoy on this, although he wasn’t exactly sure why he even wanted to. He knew Malfoy had sacrificed a great deal for him, yet the thought of having the cocky, insufferable git around all summer made him want to hurl. But still, the idea of Malfoy going out there defenseless and alone just seemed reckless and worrisome to Harry.

Harry knew it was probably useless, but he was going to try reasoning with him first. “Have you gone completely mental, Malfoy? Don’t you know there’s probably an entire squad of Death Eaters already looking for you? AND now they know where you are, that you’ve survived AND that you renounced Voldemort?”

Draco sighed. “I was here, Potter, I know very well what I said. What’s your point?”

“What’s my point?!” he bellowed.

“Keep your voice DOWN, Potter!” Draco hissed, raking a nervous hand through his hair. He was getting antsy again. He had to go NOW.

“No.” Harry said flatly, eyeing Draco’s impatience with mild satisfaction. He really did love to see Draco squirm. And besides, there was absolutely NO WAY he was letting Malfoy traipse off only to get killed and be hailed as some kind of bloody martyr known forever as ‘The-Boy-Who-Died-To-Save-The-Boy-Who-Lived’. Uh-Uh, nothing doing!

“What do you mean no?”

“I mean no. You’re not leaving. Where do you think you’re going to go anyway?” Harry’s eyes widened, remembering now that Lucius was the one who had tried to kill them both last night. “You, you’re not planning on going to Malfoy Manor are you?”

“No, Potter! What do you take me for?” Draco shook his head, ’Honestly, what an idiot!’

“Where?”

Draco sighed and looked at Harry. He could see Harry’s mind was made up, his Gryffindor stubbornness in full effect. “Potter, I need to be able to trust you. Can I trust you?”

Harry’s eyes got bigger and he groaned, “Malfoy…”

“Potter! Answer me. I’ve got to go now, and believe me when I tell you, I AM going with or without your help. Especially after these theatrics, I need to act before Lucius does and I prefer to do it with your help.” Draco’s tone was urgent and serious.

“Where?” Harry asked again.

“Can I trust you?”

Harry closed his eyes and sighed resignedly. “Yes, I suppose so.”

“Diagon Alley.” Draco replied instantly.

Harry shook his head bemusedly. Draco was indeed a sight. Ever part of him was challenging and defiant; from the hard glint in his eyes, to the arrogant tilt of his chin, to the rigid straightness of his back, to his arms crossed and flexed, all the way down to his feet planted firmly apart.

Harry chuckled, making Draco very mad. “No. No way. You really have lost it, Malfoy. You’ll be totally defenseless out there.”

“I am Draco Malfoy remember! And Malfoys are NEVER totally defenseless!” he snapped.

Harry knew he’d already lost the battle, Malfoy was such an insufferable fool there was simply no point in wasting his breath arguing with him. “What do you need me to do?” he sighed.

Draco smirked victoriously.

Harry watched him with a critical eye as Draco’s smirk vanished when he chanced a quick, longing glance at Laurel. In that moment Harry caught a glimpse of emotion pass across Draco’s face with a depth he’d not thought possible of a Malfoy. Then, just as quickly as it had been there, it was gone. Draco set his shoulders straight and proud, swaggered to the door and turned, “Coming, Potter?”

Harry looked at Draco and at the door beyond and groaned, “Oh, bloody hell. What have I gotten myself into?”

_________________________________________________________________________________


A/N: You like? Wanna know where Draco’s going? Hit the review button and ask me!

SPELLWORKS:

CATACLYSMUS CALIGO – ‘The Flood of Darkness’: Dark magic. Sucks light out of everything around it. Evaporates and disintegrates everything in it if spell remains unbroken. Effects on people – Sucks life out of soul – eventual death.

ADVENITRE LUMEN TOTALIS – ‘Total Return of the Light’: Counter curse. Breaks spell of binding darkness with a beam of light.