Harry Potter and The Secret Keeper (BP2)
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
32,316
Reviews:
209
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
32,316
Reviews:
209
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
A Broken Peace
Chapter Number/Total: 33/44
Chapter Title: A Broken Peace
Words: 3361 Words
Draco was making tea when he heard the Floo activate.
Harry was sitting at the table and heard it too. "Paper," he said carelessly, taking another bite of toast.
"You all had better see this," came Mr Weasley's voice, not sounding at all cheerful as it did usually.
Harry looked up again as Mr Weasley's hand appeared holding the newspaper out of the fire.
Draco walked over and took the paper from the extended hand, and looked at the front page of the Daily Prophet. The title read, "Dangerous Death Eaters Escape Azkaban!"
"What is it?" Harry asked, looking at Draco intently.
"I'll be there after work," came Mr Weasley's voice again. "Things are quite hectic over at the Ministry. Don't leave this house, any of you!"
Draco's eyes went wide as he scanned the article. There was a front page picture of his father and the other escaped Death Eaters. His hands began to shake and he dropped the paper on the table and fled the room.
Harry gasped and pushed himself up from the table. He grabbed the Prophet when Draco dropped it. His eyes widened as he read the headline. Dropping the paper to the floor, he took off after Draco, looking around once he reached the top of the kitchen stairs and wondering where he'd gone.
Draco ran to the nearest bathroom and promptly vomited into the toilet. He felt hot, flushed and dizzy.
Harry heard Draco and ran off down the hall. "Draco?" he asked weakly once he'd found him in the bathroom. He dropped to his knees beside him and rubbed his back gently.
"Fuck," Draco said, tears running down his face.
Harry pulled Draco into his arms and cradled his head. "Shhh," he hushed. "We're alright. You're alright," he said quietly, rocking slightly. His own heart was beating madly.
Draco was shaking, tears continuing to fall as he held onto Harry. "He'll find me," he whispered.
"No," Harry said firmly. "No, I won't let him. He won't touch you." His heart was still seemingly trying to escape his body as he continued to rock Draco back and fourth.
Draco had no idea what to say to that. He knew that Harry meant it. But images of his father's face flashed in his mind -- sneering visage, angry eyes and terrible punishments. He shuddered, burrowing his face into Harry's chest.
Harry closed his eyes, waiting for Draco to calm down. "We're safe," he said quietly. "No one can find this house. We're safe." He rubbed Draco's back and ran his fingers through his hair. What the fuck had Lucius Malfoy done to his son?
Draco tried to take deep calming breaths and concentrate. He didn't like falling apart like this. He hated crying. Father hated it when he cried. Which thinking about right now certainly didn't help calm him. He shuddered violently again.
Harry was very scared. He'd never seen Draco react this way. "Draco, it's okay," he said, his forehead wrinkled with worry. "We're okay." It was the only thing he could think to say.
Frightening Harry and carrying on like a baby wasn't helping, Draco thought. Got to get a grip on myself. He tried again, concentrating just on breathing, trying to clear his mind of all thought. After a minute, he was no longer shuddering or crying. He reached for a towel to dry his face.
Harry watched Draco with wide eyes, still frowning worriedly. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly, reaching out to rub Draco's back again.
Draco wiped his face and nodded. He still didn't trust himself to speak yet, but he tried for a smile to reassure his lover. It was probably weak but it was a start.
Harry took a shaky breath and kissed Draco gently on the cheek. He still didn't really know what to say.
Draco got to his feet, going to the sink and washing his face.
Harry got to his feet as well and stood behind Draco, looking at him through the mirror. "Draco..." he began, "I - I really won't let him touch you. I've said it before. I won't let him."
"I know, Harry," Draco said quietly. "But you ... you don't know him; you don't know what he is capable of."
"I know, but - he can't be worse than Voldemort. If I can protect you from him, I can protect you from your father." Harry continued staring at Draco, studying his face.
Draco nodded, trying to agree with Harry. It just didn't feel like Voldemort was worse. Voldemort would kill him, but his father -- his father would punish him.
Harry swallowed. He could tell Draco was still scared. "I love you," he said quietly, still trying to calm him.
Draco dried his face and hands and then leaned in and kissed Harry. "I love you, too," he said. "We'd better go tell Ron and Hermione and find out what we can about this."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, let's go," he said, tucking Draco's hair behind his ear. He took his hand in his firmly and laced their fingers together. He left the bathroom and looked around. "Where are they, anyway?" he asked, looking right and left.
Draco smiled. "Not sure they would appreciate us looking for them."
Harry snorted quietly. "You don't honestly think...?" he said slowly.
Draco raised an eyebrow and smirked.
Harry raised both eyebrows. "Well, I don't particularly want to find out," he said. "Do you want to just go and read the paper?" he asked, wincing a little.
Draco nodded, still grinning.
Harry sighed and made his way back into the kitchen and sat at the table again. He stared at the Prophet. "Do you want me to read it?" he asked, not knowing whether or not Draco felt up to reading about his father.
Draco went over to finish preparing the tea and then brought their cups to the table and sat down. He took a sip and then nodded.
Harry pulled the paper over to him. He read aloud about the escape, about what the Ministry said they were going to do. It didn't really say anything that Harry thought was particularly shocking; he'd already known that Voldemort was the one who had most likely freed them. It said to take the same precautions that had been issued when Sirius had escaped Azkaban and then Bellatrix and the others a few years ago. Mostly it simply went on about what the Minister was doing, trying to make it sound as if they had a good handle on it all.
Harry looked up at Draco when he had finished the article. "Not surprising. Nothing that will help us or tell us anything. Just the same old shit about how wonderful the Ministry is. I hate this damn paper."
Draco finished his tea, leaving his food untouched. "Mr Weasley said he would be here this evening. Perhaps he will have more information then," he said.
Harry nodded and leaned back in his chair. "I knew they'd get out eventually," he said quietly.
Draco nodded, still quiet. He got up and collected the breakfast dishes, taking them over to the counter and doing Cleaning Charms.
Harry watched him. "Have you heard anything about your mother yet?" he asked, staring at Draco's back.
Draco shook his head, his long blond hair swaying as he did so. "No, nothing since March," he answered quietly.
Harry sighed again and nodded. He stood up from his chair and came to stand beside Draco, leaning back against the counter, his elbows on the edge of it. He stared at Draco for a second and then said, "I think it would look really good if you tied your hair back," trying to change the subject.
Draco smiled. "You don't want me to cut it?" he asked.
Harry shook his head. "I like it like that," he said. "I think it would look odd if you grew it down your back." He snorted. "But I like it this length. Just long enough to pull it back and still short enough so that it looks good when it's loose."
Draco smirked. "You like enough to really get your hands into."
Harry grinned. "I love touching your hair. It's so soft," he said. "And easy to grip this way." He waggled his eyebrows.
Draco turned and pulled Harry to him, leaning in to kiss him. His hair fell like curtain around their faces.
Harry smiled against Draco's lips and moved his hands up into his hair, happy to be able to take his mind off things for a bit.
Draco sighed into his touch. He loved it when Harry played with his hair.
Harry's smile grew and he moved to deepen the kiss, thrusting his tongue into Draco's mouth slightly.
Someone cleared their throat.
Harry sighed and broke the kiss to look over Draco's shoulder.
Hermione was standing there and then moved into the kitchen to get breakfast. "Morning," she said cheerfully.
Harry leaned in and kissed Draco once more before pulling away from him gently.
"Morning," he said. "Where's Ron?"
Hermione's hands faltered just a tiny bit. "I don't know," she said maybe a bit too quickly.
Harry raised an eyebrow, a tiny smile on his lips.
Draco smirked and raised his eyebrows in that "told you" way he had.
Harry shook his head and chuckled a little.
"Paper here?" Hermione asked, making herself some tea.
Harry frowned at that. "Yeah," he said, pointing to the paper on the table.
Draco turned back to the tea and started making more. He figured they would need it.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at Harry's tone and look and walked over to the table. She took one look at the front page and gasped. "Oh my - they're out?" she asked, eyes wide.
Harry winced and nodded. "Mr Weasley's coming over later. Hopefully he'll be able to tell us more than the paper can."
***
Harry, Hermione and Ron, once he had heard the news, had spent most of the day talking about the Death Eater escape. They hadn't really left the kitchen at all, but Draco had slipped off to read some time ago. Harry had let him, thinking that perhaps he could use the time alone.
"Your dad gets off work round six doesn't he?" Harry asked Ron, looking up at the clock in the room.
"Yeah," said Ron, looking up too. "Any minute now then."
"Do you think he'll know more?"
"He should. Especially if he's talked to Kingsley or Tonks."
Harry nodded. "Maybe I should call a meeting for tomorrow."
"They'll probably show up tomorrow anyway," said Hermione.
Harry nodded. "I don't know what we should do about it ... They haven't done anything yet to lead us to them."
There were sounds coming from the fireplace suddenly and Harry looked over to see Mr Weasley emerging, covered in soot.
"Hear anything, Dad?" asked Ron.
Mr Weasley removed his cloak and laid it over a chair. "Not a whole lot," he said, jumping straight into business, "but some." He looked around. "Where's Draco?"
"I think he's off reading," said Harry. "I'll go and get him."
"Yes, and be quick," said Mr Weasley. "I have to be back to work in an hour. They're setting up warnings to go out to the Muggle tellyvisions and they need help from my department."
Harry nodded and got up from his chair and left the room. As he'd thought, Draco was in the study, reading. "Mr Weasley's here," he said quickly, standing by the door.
Draco looked up from his book, frowning, but he nodded. He got up and followed Harry back to the kitchen.
"Good," said Mr Weasley once Harry and Draco were back in the room. "I've hardly had time today to talk to a lot of people who know more about this mess than I do, but I did talk to Kingsley a bit. He and Tonks are coming tomorrow, and no doubt Moody and some others."
Harry nodded, taking his seat and listening intently.
"I strongly advise all of you to stay inside this house. Especially you, Draco." Mr Weasley took a rather large breath. "He's said that he's coming after you."
Harry's eyes narrowed and his fists clenched on top of the table.
Draco grit his teeth and nodded.
"Kingsley talked to the guards that took the Dementor's places after they left to join You-Know-Who," Mr Weasley continued. "The guards told him that Lucius Malfoy has been saying ... things about Draco since the story in the Prophet about the two of you was published a few months ago. It's not safe for you at all. It's not safe for in you in the first place, being who you are involved with and what you have done, but now, you're your father's primary target."
Draco was trying desperately not to show just how much this affected him. He clenched his hands and ground his teeth together. He nodded again, not trusting himself to speak.
Harry was glaring now.
"The things that the guards heard him say ... were quite graphic to say the least. There was only one outburst from him while he was in prison, but that was enough to hear it all," Mr Weasley said seriously. "The other Death Eaters are no joke either. All of you are to stay in this house. Do not leave here."
Harry couldn't tell Mr Weasley that they would have to leave eventually, so he didn't say anything, just continued to glare.
"Excuse me," Draco said politely and made his way quickly out of the room again. He barely made it to the bathroom this time and only as far as the sink. He was glad he had taken Harry's suggestion earlier and tied his hair back.
Everyone in the room stared worriedly after Draco and Harry got to his feet again.
"I'll be back," he said, pained expression on his face as he followed after Draco to the bathroom like he had earlier.
Once there Harry wrinkled his nose slightly at the vomit and moved forward to rub Draco's back again.
"I'll ... I'll be okay," Draco panted. "Go on back." He was gripping the edge of the sink, looking paler than usual.
"I don't want to just leave you here," Harry said quietly, not moving away from Draco.
Draco shook his head, drawing his wand and using a spell to clean the mess he had made. Then he used cold water to wash his face again. The voice in his head sneered that he was a coward. He tried to set his face in that calm expression that had gotten him through school.
Harry hugged Draco to him. "They're only words. Remember what I told you earlier; I won't let him touch you," he whispered in his ear.
Draco let Harry hold him for a minute but was unsure if he could remain calm if he didn't get his over with. "Shouldn't we be back in there?" he asked.
Harry nodded and pulled away from Draco. He was worried about him and the way this was affecting him. He made his way slowly back into the kitchen and took his seat next to Hermione again.
"Is he okay?" she whispered in his ear.
Harry glanced at Draco quickly and gave a small nod.
Mr Weasley waited until Harry and Draco were settled. "I'm going to have Fred and George come and stay with you lot for a little while," he said. "Remus isn't here all the time and it would make Molly - and myself - feel much better if you had someone. They're closing up shops in Diagon Ally for a bit to prevent attacks right away, and so the twins can stay here."
Harry nodded but frowned. He wondered how they might get past Fred and George to go back and see Snape.
Draco sat next to Harry, pretending calm and listening to the plan. Remus was on assignment again and they didn't know when he would be back. He didn't see what help Fred and George would be if anyone found them here. Not to mention the added issues with having them around.
"The twins will be here sometime next week, they still have to secure the shop. Charlie might come around too, but he's busy with Bill trying to get foreign wizards to join the Order."
"Er, Dad?" said Ron. "What difference would it make if Fred and George are here?"
"It could possibly make all the difference in the world." Mr Weasley paused and sighed. "They're going to be staying here mostly for your mother. As soon as she heard they had to close shop she insisted they come here. She's been wanting to come over here herself, but let's just say I've spared you all and put my foot down."
Ron raised an eyebrow and looked at Mr Weasley skeptically.
"And she's busy at home," Mr Weasley added quickly.
Harry sighed.
"It's not that we think you lot can't handle yourselves; we know you're all grown, but Molly really will come over soon if someone isn't here to report back to her to say you're doing anything productive at all. She's still a bit... disappointed... that you're not returning to Hogwarts."
Draco shook his head. "Would not be a good idea for me anyway," he added.
"You're right," said Mr Weasley. "You're all safer here than you would be at school. Especially with Dumbledore gone," he added sadly. He sat quiet for a moment and then pulled his sleeve back to look at his watch. "I suppose I must be going. I'll be back tomorrow with everyone else. I don't know how much more there is to tell, but we should talk about it, get ready, take precautions, all that." He stood up from his chair and pulled his cloak back on. "Remember, don't leave here until it's safe... or at least as safe as it can be."
Harry frowned up at him.
Draco knew he should say something, but he couldn't think what. He nodded and sat waiting while everyone said their goodbyes.
"I'll see you tomorrow," said Mr Weasley, and then he had thrown Floo powder into the fireplace and was gone.
"Blimey," said Ron, staring at Draco.
Draco took a very deep breath, closed his eyes, and let it out slowly. When he was sure he wouldn't break again, he opened his eyes.
Harry sat frowning at the wood of the table in front of him. "What do we do about Fred and George coming over here?" he asked. "We're going to have to leave here soon and we can't tell them why."
"I tried, mate," said Ron with a sigh.
"Then we better go before they get here. Tonight," Draco said.
Harry looked over at Draco quickly. "Tonight?" he asked. "Are you sure?"
Draco shrugged. "We need to see what Snape has found out and we can hardly explain it to anyone, can we?"
"It's not safe," said Hermione, voice high.
"It's never safe," said Harry. "Maybe we should go tonight."
"We haven't got anywhere on finding the next Horcrux with the materials here." Draco sighed. "We need more information."
Harry nodded, suddenly in a determined mood. "Yes, definitely," he said. "And we can work with that information while Fred and George are here so that we can leave when they're gone again."
"Let's get this over with then," Draco said, getting to his feet.
Harry felt like doing something right then was a good idea. It might help Draco get his mind off his father ... although Snape might bring it up, but they did need to get it done. "It'll just be me and Draco again. We still don't want to seem out of place in any way and the more of us that go, the more suspicious we'll look."
Ron huffed, but nodded. "We're going with you to get the next Horcrux though," he said.
"Yes, of course you will," said Harry quickly, getting to his feet as well.
Chapter Title: A Broken Peace
Words: 3361 Words
Draco was making tea when he heard the Floo activate.
Harry was sitting at the table and heard it too. "Paper," he said carelessly, taking another bite of toast.
"You all had better see this," came Mr Weasley's voice, not sounding at all cheerful as it did usually.
Harry looked up again as Mr Weasley's hand appeared holding the newspaper out of the fire.
Draco walked over and took the paper from the extended hand, and looked at the front page of the Daily Prophet. The title read, "Dangerous Death Eaters Escape Azkaban!"
"What is it?" Harry asked, looking at Draco intently.
"I'll be there after work," came Mr Weasley's voice again. "Things are quite hectic over at the Ministry. Don't leave this house, any of you!"
Draco's eyes went wide as he scanned the article. There was a front page picture of his father and the other escaped Death Eaters. His hands began to shake and he dropped the paper on the table and fled the room.
Harry gasped and pushed himself up from the table. He grabbed the Prophet when Draco dropped it. His eyes widened as he read the headline. Dropping the paper to the floor, he took off after Draco, looking around once he reached the top of the kitchen stairs and wondering where he'd gone.
Draco ran to the nearest bathroom and promptly vomited into the toilet. He felt hot, flushed and dizzy.
Harry heard Draco and ran off down the hall. "Draco?" he asked weakly once he'd found him in the bathroom. He dropped to his knees beside him and rubbed his back gently.
"Fuck," Draco said, tears running down his face.
Harry pulled Draco into his arms and cradled his head. "Shhh," he hushed. "We're alright. You're alright," he said quietly, rocking slightly. His own heart was beating madly.
Draco was shaking, tears continuing to fall as he held onto Harry. "He'll find me," he whispered.
"No," Harry said firmly. "No, I won't let him. He won't touch you." His heart was still seemingly trying to escape his body as he continued to rock Draco back and fourth.
Draco had no idea what to say to that. He knew that Harry meant it. But images of his father's face flashed in his mind -- sneering visage, angry eyes and terrible punishments. He shuddered, burrowing his face into Harry's chest.
Harry closed his eyes, waiting for Draco to calm down. "We're safe," he said quietly. "No one can find this house. We're safe." He rubbed Draco's back and ran his fingers through his hair. What the fuck had Lucius Malfoy done to his son?
Draco tried to take deep calming breaths and concentrate. He didn't like falling apart like this. He hated crying. Father hated it when he cried. Which thinking about right now certainly didn't help calm him. He shuddered violently again.
Harry was very scared. He'd never seen Draco react this way. "Draco, it's okay," he said, his forehead wrinkled with worry. "We're okay." It was the only thing he could think to say.
Frightening Harry and carrying on like a baby wasn't helping, Draco thought. Got to get a grip on myself. He tried again, concentrating just on breathing, trying to clear his mind of all thought. After a minute, he was no longer shuddering or crying. He reached for a towel to dry his face.
Harry watched Draco with wide eyes, still frowning worriedly. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly, reaching out to rub Draco's back again.
Draco wiped his face and nodded. He still didn't trust himself to speak yet, but he tried for a smile to reassure his lover. It was probably weak but it was a start.
Harry took a shaky breath and kissed Draco gently on the cheek. He still didn't really know what to say.
Draco got to his feet, going to the sink and washing his face.
Harry got to his feet as well and stood behind Draco, looking at him through the mirror. "Draco..." he began, "I - I really won't let him touch you. I've said it before. I won't let him."
"I know, Harry," Draco said quietly. "But you ... you don't know him; you don't know what he is capable of."
"I know, but - he can't be worse than Voldemort. If I can protect you from him, I can protect you from your father." Harry continued staring at Draco, studying his face.
Draco nodded, trying to agree with Harry. It just didn't feel like Voldemort was worse. Voldemort would kill him, but his father -- his father would punish him.
Harry swallowed. He could tell Draco was still scared. "I love you," he said quietly, still trying to calm him.
Draco dried his face and hands and then leaned in and kissed Harry. "I love you, too," he said. "We'd better go tell Ron and Hermione and find out what we can about this."
Harry nodded. "Yeah, let's go," he said, tucking Draco's hair behind his ear. He took his hand in his firmly and laced their fingers together. He left the bathroom and looked around. "Where are they, anyway?" he asked, looking right and left.
Draco smiled. "Not sure they would appreciate us looking for them."
Harry snorted quietly. "You don't honestly think...?" he said slowly.
Draco raised an eyebrow and smirked.
Harry raised both eyebrows. "Well, I don't particularly want to find out," he said. "Do you want to just go and read the paper?" he asked, wincing a little.
Draco nodded, still grinning.
Harry sighed and made his way back into the kitchen and sat at the table again. He stared at the Prophet. "Do you want me to read it?" he asked, not knowing whether or not Draco felt up to reading about his father.
Draco went over to finish preparing the tea and then brought their cups to the table and sat down. He took a sip and then nodded.
Harry pulled the paper over to him. He read aloud about the escape, about what the Ministry said they were going to do. It didn't really say anything that Harry thought was particularly shocking; he'd already known that Voldemort was the one who had most likely freed them. It said to take the same precautions that had been issued when Sirius had escaped Azkaban and then Bellatrix and the others a few years ago. Mostly it simply went on about what the Minister was doing, trying to make it sound as if they had a good handle on it all.
Harry looked up at Draco when he had finished the article. "Not surprising. Nothing that will help us or tell us anything. Just the same old shit about how wonderful the Ministry is. I hate this damn paper."
Draco finished his tea, leaving his food untouched. "Mr Weasley said he would be here this evening. Perhaps he will have more information then," he said.
Harry nodded and leaned back in his chair. "I knew they'd get out eventually," he said quietly.
Draco nodded, still quiet. He got up and collected the breakfast dishes, taking them over to the counter and doing Cleaning Charms.
Harry watched him. "Have you heard anything about your mother yet?" he asked, staring at Draco's back.
Draco shook his head, his long blond hair swaying as he did so. "No, nothing since March," he answered quietly.
Harry sighed again and nodded. He stood up from his chair and came to stand beside Draco, leaning back against the counter, his elbows on the edge of it. He stared at Draco for a second and then said, "I think it would look really good if you tied your hair back," trying to change the subject.
Draco smiled. "You don't want me to cut it?" he asked.
Harry shook his head. "I like it like that," he said. "I think it would look odd if you grew it down your back." He snorted. "But I like it this length. Just long enough to pull it back and still short enough so that it looks good when it's loose."
Draco smirked. "You like enough to really get your hands into."
Harry grinned. "I love touching your hair. It's so soft," he said. "And easy to grip this way." He waggled his eyebrows.
Draco turned and pulled Harry to him, leaning in to kiss him. His hair fell like curtain around their faces.
Harry smiled against Draco's lips and moved his hands up into his hair, happy to be able to take his mind off things for a bit.
Draco sighed into his touch. He loved it when Harry played with his hair.
Harry's smile grew and he moved to deepen the kiss, thrusting his tongue into Draco's mouth slightly.
Someone cleared their throat.
Harry sighed and broke the kiss to look over Draco's shoulder.
Hermione was standing there and then moved into the kitchen to get breakfast. "Morning," she said cheerfully.
Harry leaned in and kissed Draco once more before pulling away from him gently.
"Morning," he said. "Where's Ron?"
Hermione's hands faltered just a tiny bit. "I don't know," she said maybe a bit too quickly.
Harry raised an eyebrow, a tiny smile on his lips.
Draco smirked and raised his eyebrows in that "told you" way he had.
Harry shook his head and chuckled a little.
"Paper here?" Hermione asked, making herself some tea.
Harry frowned at that. "Yeah," he said, pointing to the paper on the table.
Draco turned back to the tea and started making more. He figured they would need it.
Hermione raised an eyebrow at Harry's tone and look and walked over to the table. She took one look at the front page and gasped. "Oh my - they're out?" she asked, eyes wide.
Harry winced and nodded. "Mr Weasley's coming over later. Hopefully he'll be able to tell us more than the paper can."
***
Harry, Hermione and Ron, once he had heard the news, had spent most of the day talking about the Death Eater escape. They hadn't really left the kitchen at all, but Draco had slipped off to read some time ago. Harry had let him, thinking that perhaps he could use the time alone.
"Your dad gets off work round six doesn't he?" Harry asked Ron, looking up at the clock in the room.
"Yeah," said Ron, looking up too. "Any minute now then."
"Do you think he'll know more?"
"He should. Especially if he's talked to Kingsley or Tonks."
Harry nodded. "Maybe I should call a meeting for tomorrow."
"They'll probably show up tomorrow anyway," said Hermione.
Harry nodded. "I don't know what we should do about it ... They haven't done anything yet to lead us to them."
There were sounds coming from the fireplace suddenly and Harry looked over to see Mr Weasley emerging, covered in soot.
"Hear anything, Dad?" asked Ron.
Mr Weasley removed his cloak and laid it over a chair. "Not a whole lot," he said, jumping straight into business, "but some." He looked around. "Where's Draco?"
"I think he's off reading," said Harry. "I'll go and get him."
"Yes, and be quick," said Mr Weasley. "I have to be back to work in an hour. They're setting up warnings to go out to the Muggle tellyvisions and they need help from my department."
Harry nodded and got up from his chair and left the room. As he'd thought, Draco was in the study, reading. "Mr Weasley's here," he said quickly, standing by the door.
Draco looked up from his book, frowning, but he nodded. He got up and followed Harry back to the kitchen.
"Good," said Mr Weasley once Harry and Draco were back in the room. "I've hardly had time today to talk to a lot of people who know more about this mess than I do, but I did talk to Kingsley a bit. He and Tonks are coming tomorrow, and no doubt Moody and some others."
Harry nodded, taking his seat and listening intently.
"I strongly advise all of you to stay inside this house. Especially you, Draco." Mr Weasley took a rather large breath. "He's said that he's coming after you."
Harry's eyes narrowed and his fists clenched on top of the table.
Draco grit his teeth and nodded.
"Kingsley talked to the guards that took the Dementor's places after they left to join You-Know-Who," Mr Weasley continued. "The guards told him that Lucius Malfoy has been saying ... things about Draco since the story in the Prophet about the two of you was published a few months ago. It's not safe for you at all. It's not safe for in you in the first place, being who you are involved with and what you have done, but now, you're your father's primary target."
Draco was trying desperately not to show just how much this affected him. He clenched his hands and ground his teeth together. He nodded again, not trusting himself to speak.
Harry was glaring now.
"The things that the guards heard him say ... were quite graphic to say the least. There was only one outburst from him while he was in prison, but that was enough to hear it all," Mr Weasley said seriously. "The other Death Eaters are no joke either. All of you are to stay in this house. Do not leave here."
Harry couldn't tell Mr Weasley that they would have to leave eventually, so he didn't say anything, just continued to glare.
"Excuse me," Draco said politely and made his way quickly out of the room again. He barely made it to the bathroom this time and only as far as the sink. He was glad he had taken Harry's suggestion earlier and tied his hair back.
Everyone in the room stared worriedly after Draco and Harry got to his feet again.
"I'll be back," he said, pained expression on his face as he followed after Draco to the bathroom like he had earlier.
Once there Harry wrinkled his nose slightly at the vomit and moved forward to rub Draco's back again.
"I'll ... I'll be okay," Draco panted. "Go on back." He was gripping the edge of the sink, looking paler than usual.
"I don't want to just leave you here," Harry said quietly, not moving away from Draco.
Draco shook his head, drawing his wand and using a spell to clean the mess he had made. Then he used cold water to wash his face again. The voice in his head sneered that he was a coward. He tried to set his face in that calm expression that had gotten him through school.
Harry hugged Draco to him. "They're only words. Remember what I told you earlier; I won't let him touch you," he whispered in his ear.
Draco let Harry hold him for a minute but was unsure if he could remain calm if he didn't get his over with. "Shouldn't we be back in there?" he asked.
Harry nodded and pulled away from Draco. He was worried about him and the way this was affecting him. He made his way slowly back into the kitchen and took his seat next to Hermione again.
"Is he okay?" she whispered in his ear.
Harry glanced at Draco quickly and gave a small nod.
Mr Weasley waited until Harry and Draco were settled. "I'm going to have Fred and George come and stay with you lot for a little while," he said. "Remus isn't here all the time and it would make Molly - and myself - feel much better if you had someone. They're closing up shops in Diagon Ally for a bit to prevent attacks right away, and so the twins can stay here."
Harry nodded but frowned. He wondered how they might get past Fred and George to go back and see Snape.
Draco sat next to Harry, pretending calm and listening to the plan. Remus was on assignment again and they didn't know when he would be back. He didn't see what help Fred and George would be if anyone found them here. Not to mention the added issues with having them around.
"The twins will be here sometime next week, they still have to secure the shop. Charlie might come around too, but he's busy with Bill trying to get foreign wizards to join the Order."
"Er, Dad?" said Ron. "What difference would it make if Fred and George are here?"
"It could possibly make all the difference in the world." Mr Weasley paused and sighed. "They're going to be staying here mostly for your mother. As soon as she heard they had to close shop she insisted they come here. She's been wanting to come over here herself, but let's just say I've spared you all and put my foot down."
Ron raised an eyebrow and looked at Mr Weasley skeptically.
"And she's busy at home," Mr Weasley added quickly.
Harry sighed.
"It's not that we think you lot can't handle yourselves; we know you're all grown, but Molly really will come over soon if someone isn't here to report back to her to say you're doing anything productive at all. She's still a bit... disappointed... that you're not returning to Hogwarts."
Draco shook his head. "Would not be a good idea for me anyway," he added.
"You're right," said Mr Weasley. "You're all safer here than you would be at school. Especially with Dumbledore gone," he added sadly. He sat quiet for a moment and then pulled his sleeve back to look at his watch. "I suppose I must be going. I'll be back tomorrow with everyone else. I don't know how much more there is to tell, but we should talk about it, get ready, take precautions, all that." He stood up from his chair and pulled his cloak back on. "Remember, don't leave here until it's safe... or at least as safe as it can be."
Harry frowned up at him.
Draco knew he should say something, but he couldn't think what. He nodded and sat waiting while everyone said their goodbyes.
"I'll see you tomorrow," said Mr Weasley, and then he had thrown Floo powder into the fireplace and was gone.
"Blimey," said Ron, staring at Draco.
Draco took a very deep breath, closed his eyes, and let it out slowly. When he was sure he wouldn't break again, he opened his eyes.
Harry sat frowning at the wood of the table in front of him. "What do we do about Fred and George coming over here?" he asked. "We're going to have to leave here soon and we can't tell them why."
"I tried, mate," said Ron with a sigh.
"Then we better go before they get here. Tonight," Draco said.
Harry looked over at Draco quickly. "Tonight?" he asked. "Are you sure?"
Draco shrugged. "We need to see what Snape has found out and we can hardly explain it to anyone, can we?"
"It's not safe," said Hermione, voice high.
"It's never safe," said Harry. "Maybe we should go tonight."
"We haven't got anywhere on finding the next Horcrux with the materials here." Draco sighed. "We need more information."
Harry nodded, suddenly in a determined mood. "Yes, definitely," he said. "And we can work with that information while Fred and George are here so that we can leave when they're gone again."
"Let's get this over with then," Draco said, getting to his feet.
Harry felt like doing something right then was a good idea. It might help Draco get his mind off his father ... although Snape might bring it up, but they did need to get it done. "It'll just be me and Draco again. We still don't want to seem out of place in any way and the more of us that go, the more suspicious we'll look."
Ron huffed, but nodded. "We're going with you to get the next Horcrux though," he said.
"Yes, of course you will," said Harry quickly, getting to his feet as well.