Through the parade of fire
Author: tinyscribbles80
Title: Through the parade of fire
Pairing:Draco/Harry
Rating: PG for now
Summary: When the Potters found out that Lord Voldermort was targeting them, they invoked the King of the Elven Gods. Harry was spirited away to another world and he returns thirteen years later only to be embroiled in another war.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K.Rowling and those affiliated to the ‘Harry Potter’ series. The Dark Elves belongs to Games workshop’s Warhammer fantasy fictional universe.
A/N: Introducing Audric Gilbert Dumbledore. OC, taking the role of Albus Dumbledore twin brother.
A/N 2: Blatant plagiarism. Some excerpt taken from Goblet of Fire. They're set in italics.
Warning: Character death.
Chapter 5: Meeting Draco Malfoy
They finally got into the premises a solid twenty minutes later with goodies laden arms. Harry climbed up the steps hugging a bag tightly to his chest while holding cups of pumpkin juice in his hands. Audric was somewhere below him. He wondered how far up he should keep going when he finally saw the sign to their seats.
A relived sigh left his lips as he forced his burning calves to move faster. He got startled however when a little girl shrieked loudly and bounded up past him that he lost his footing. With a strangled shriek of his own, he stumbled forward, the juices slopping his hands and soaking the black robe in front of him.
The man or boy with strange snowy white hair froze in his steps. Pale hands shot to his back and he whirled around with an ugly snarl on his face. “Look at what you’ve done you imbecile! This is one of my best robes!”
Harry was unexpectedly lost in a pair of burning silver eyes before he found enough wits to speak, embarrassment and anger burning his cheeks. “I’m sorry. If you could hold these for me I can fix it for you.”
The boy laughed derisively and sneered at him. “You? Fix this for me? This is a one of a kind robe and you’ve gone and ruined it. It’s going to leave a stain you fool!” Harry glared at him. What an insufferable git! “I’ve already apologized, whether you forgive me or not is none of my concern. And if you haven’t notice, your robe is black it would be hardly noticeable and besides, it makes you look old.” Harry couldn’t help adding with a too sweet smile gracing his lips.
“What?” The boy said, his silver eyes going cold like frost and stepped closer. “I do not look old. I’m a distinguished gentleman.” Harry barked out a laugh. “You could have fooled me. Now stop whinging like a babe and let me fix your robe.”
“Don’t touch me you mudblood!” He hissed recoiling away. Harry scowled. Mudblood? That didn’t sound nice at all. A replica of the boy only older with longer hair stepped behind him. “Now, now, Draco there’s no need to be rude.” He said knocking the boy’s head with the head of his cane.
“But Father!” Draco protested. “This dunderhead went and ruined my best robe!”
“I said I can fix it for you!” Harry snapped and the boys glared at each other.
“Do I know you child?” Draco’s father asked with eyes narrowing at him as though not noticing the boys’ squabbles. His son scowled displeased and Harry felt like scowling too. Not another one.
“I think not sir.” He replied stiffly and looked around when he heard Audric calling him. Gloved fingers grabbed his chin and he was staring back into another deeper set of silver eyes. “Harry? Harry Potter?”
Wariness prickled at him. He didn’t like the look on the man’s face but he stared defiantly back. “It’s Harry Evans, Lucius.”
The man released him and Harry stilled himself from hiding behind Audric. The two wizards surveyed one another, their eyes conversing unspoken. Harry tried not to fidget under the tense battle and concentrated on Draco instead whose eyes flickered to his lips before drawing back to him.
Lucius finally backed down and cleared his throat. “Fancy meeting you here Audric.” He said almost hissing and turned to his son. “Where’s your manners Draco?”
“A pleasure meeting you sir.” Draco greeted with the slightest of scorn in his tone. Harry scowled at the boy. “I’m sure it is young Malfoy.” Audric returned dispassionately. Lucius smirked and whirled around. He stalked up the steps calling out to his son. Draco returned to watch him and sneered. “Later Potter.”
“Will there be a problem Audric? They don’t seem to believe us.” Harry asked watching them climbing higher. Audric steered him towards their seats. “It’s not a concern. We won’t be here after this.” The old wizard assured him but it didn’t make him feel any better.
⌘ ⌘ ⌘
Quidditch, Harry decided, was the most exciting game he had ever known. Not that he had ever played anything back in Naggaroth. He stared at Audric across the tent in his own cot. The old man was snoring lightly with mouth opened. How he could sleep through the Irish celebrating merrily outside was beyond him. He himself was wide awake and decided he might as well take a stroll or something to tire himself out.
The night air smelled crisp. Anywhere he looked, people were dancing and singing. Chattering or debates of the earlier match could be heard over the roaring fires. Harry laughed when an older witch caught him in her arms. He permitted a dance before pushing away and bowing courtly to the older girl. He walked around the camp some more, passing the Weasleys tents. The one with the lights on was rowdy. The boys were singing discordantly and laughter punctuated in between the songs.
A corner of his eyes spied a flash of white. He looked around and saw that it was Draco Malfoy, his hair gleaming like halo under the moonlight. He was alone like he was and was walking quickly up the trail to the woods. Quite suddenly, the sounds of celebration changed to horror. There was a blast somewhere beyond him and he ran towards the loudest screams, his pyjama melting away to be replaced by his black leather armour. His magic had deemed the situation as going into battle. He skidded to a stop. He couldn’t let anyone see him in this but his attention was diverted by a tent blasting away.
The fire ravaging the tent illuminated the scene before him. A group of wizards all cloaked in black and masks were moving slowly with their wands pointed in the air. His head snapped up and saw a little boy spinning like a top with his head flopping helplessly. He recognized the child as Mr Robert’s son, the muggle man who had rented out his tent for the night. Harry spotted him too amongst the ones hovering above looking down dazedly at them.
A shrill cry of a little girl had him looking away. A few dozen steps from him stood a girl barely six years old crying in front of a lavish tent and were right in the path of the ever growing group. Harry ran towards the girl grabbing her just in time and flung up a shield. The blasting spell rebounded, ricocheting away and hit one of the masked men. There was a cry of pain and Harry didn’t wait a second longer. He was running again with the girl clinging to him sobbing into his shoulders. A jet of blue light narrowly missed him, clumps of grass blackened and smoked where it landed. A frantic witch came to meet them, her arms wide open and trembling.
“Jenny!” The girl in his arms looked around and wailed. He gave her to the witch who kissed the top of her head. “Thank you! Thank you so much!” She said gratefully to him. Harry only nodded and pointed to the woods where almost everyone was running and screaming to. “Get to safety and be careful.”
He didn’t wait for the woman to answer and ran. He burst into their shared tent looking disbelievingly at Audric who was still sleeping. A growl emitted from him as he stalked to the old man and shook him.
“Audric! Wake up! Some people have caught the Roberts and levitating them in the air!” The wizard grunted, his eyes slitting open before they were closed again. Harry gritted his teeth painfully and unclenched his jaws. “AUDRIC! YOU’VE GOT TO WAKE UP!”
“What is it Harry?” Audric said sleepily and shot up at another blood curdling scream, saving Harry the breath of explaining to him. The wizard fumbled for his glasses, perching them on his nose and leapt from the bed with his wand drawn out. They hurried outside, going against the tide of people escaping.
“Audric! They’ve got a hold of the Roberts!” A ministry witch shouted as she ran and looked around again. “Tell your boy to head for the woods!”
Audric spun around abruptly and he ran into him. “She’s right. You should head to the woods with the rest of them.”
“But I can help!” Harry protested. The wizard jabbed a finger towards safety. The gesture brooked no argument and he gritted his teeth once again, watching the old man running towards the commotion. “Be careful Audric!” Harry at last shouted after him and stalked away.
Terrified murmurs could be heard everywhere around him. They became fainter as they drifted further into the woods, carrying with them the lights from their wands. Harry edged along the trees and climbed up a broad branch before the eerie glow disappeared altogether. With a muttered apology to the tree he was sitting on, he broke a few leaves to get a proper view. He was watching the ministry surrounding the group before he was distracted by a crash and a pained yell somewhere below to his left.
“What happened?” If he wasn’t mistaken, that sounded a lot like Hermione Granger and he squinted between the branches to find their exact position. “Ron, where are you? Oh this is stupid - lumos!” Her wand spread a narrow beam across the ground revealing the redhead sprawling in their path.
The boy got back to his feet quickly brushing himself down and spoke angrily. "Tripped over a tree root.”
"Well, with feet that size, hard not to.” Harry frowned. That’s another voice he recognized and searched for the blond. The git was leaning against his tree looking unperturbed with arms folded. Harry grinned at the colourful cuss he heard.
"Language, Weasley," Malfoy drawled. He could almost imagine the sneer on his face. "Hadn't you better be hurrying along, now? You wouldn't like her spotted, would you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione replied. Exactly, he wanted to know that too.
"Granger, they're after Muggles," said Malfoy. "Do you want to be showing off your knickers in mid-air? Because if you do, hang around....they're moving this way, and it would give us all a laugh."
"Hermione's a witch!" Longbottom shouted looking as though he would love to beat the blond prat.
"Have it your own way, Longbottom, if you think they can't spot a Mudblood, stay where you are." There was that word again, making him scowl. It must have been a very great insult because Weasley was shouting for Malfoy to watch his mouth as the redhead advanced. Granger grabbed his arm. “Never mind Ron,” she said.
A louder bang than they’ve heard before this had several people screaming and Malfoy chuckled softly.
"Scare easily, don't they? I suppose your daddy told you all to hide? What's he up to - trying to rescue the Muggles?"
"Where're your parents?" Longbottom’s voice raised another notch. "Out there wearing masks, are they?" Silence met the accusation for a second, and then Malfoy drawled silkily. "Well...if they were, I wouldn't be likely to tell you, would I, Longbottom?"
"Oh come on, let’s go and find the others." Granger said disgustedly. He was rather appalled too. Malfoy snickered below him as he watched the trio leave.
“You’re a bloody git you know that Malfoy?” Harry called down and laughed when the blond jumped. He squinted up the tree finding him with the ray of light from his wand and hissed. “Potter! What are you doing up there?”
“Same as what you were doing and it’s Evans.” Harry replied. He could see a smirk forming on the blonds face and surprised him when he jumped nimbly pulling himself up. Malfoy climbed higher and straddled the branch slipping downwards to him.
“Believe that do you?” He drawled, their knees pressing uncomfortably together. Harry scooted further back to find himself digging into the trunk. He scowled. “It really is Evans and get off my branch Malfoy.”
Malfoy ignored his request another smirk formed on his face which had him itching to rip off in a rather violent manner. “You cannot lie to a Malfoy Potter. We know everything.”
“Everything?” Harry scoffed. “And what do you know of me? We just met a few hours ago.”
“I don’t have to, the evidence is rather glaring.” The boy reached forward and tugged his hair. “I’ve seen your father’s picture. You have that same untidy mop.” Then he felt a cool finger tapping below an eye. “And of course your mother’s green eyes. Taking on your mother’s name isn’t enough to fool us Malfoys. So where have you been Potter?”
Harry knocked his hand away and crossed his arms. “You weren’t so keen on letting me touch you earlier.”
“Well, you’re not exactly a mudblood are you?” He said, his silver eyes glittering with unspoken words. That’s when he caught on. ‘Mudblood’ means a witch or wizard of muggle parentage and his mother was muggle born.
“I’m not dirt poor if that’s what you mean,” Harry shrugged refusing to let Malfoy bait him and he decided to play on the boy’s narcissist streak, eyeing his green silk outer robe. “Not everyone can be as rich as you are.”
“You know that’s not what I meant,” he said looking shrewdly at him but didn’t pass up the chance to preen. “It’s only the best for the Malfoys… And what in the world are you wearing Potter?” his hand shot out touching his shoulder. Oh. Harry had forgotten that he was still in his armour.
“Have some decorum and keep your hands to yourselves. This is my armour cut from cured human skin.” That did the trick. Malfoy pulled his hand away looking disgusted and sneered. “Armour Potter? Do you fancy yourself in Longbottom’s shoes? Saviour of the wizarding world? Then you should have stayed in that fray.”
“I did for as long as I could. I even got one of them to scream like a girl. Maybe that’s your father.” Harry shot back and found long fingers choking his throat. He smiled undaunted. “Those people out there with their blood purity mania, making sports out of the muggles. They think that they are the most superior. But they’re fools the lot of them. Bowing and grovelling to a madman’s ideal when Tom isn’t even a pure blood.”
“Who in the world is Tom?” Malfoy burst angrily the strangling hold on his throat tightening. Harry gasped out a laugh. “That is what your master is called. Tom Marvolo Riddle, his mother was a witch and father, a muggle. Too ashamed he was of his parentage, he fashioned a new name for himself.” Oh yes, he did learn the history of this wizarding world. “Lord Voldermort.”
“You fool!” Malfoy hissed his face inches from him. “You do not speak of his name!” Harry was wheezing with laughter now. Then something green and glittering flew over the treetops. Malfoy gasped, his hand falling off his neck and Harry twisted to see better, it was a colossal skull with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue.
Panic erupted around the woods confusing him. Malfoy started to move and he grabbed him. “What is it?” he asked.
“It’s the dark mark Potter. The Dark Lord’s sign.” The blond hissed. The pressure on his knees lessened as Malfoy inched up the branch and swung his leg over. “It’s a mark of death. Maybe you can play the hero and put your armour to good use.” He sneered and bounded to another branch before climbing down. He caught a glimpse of his hair and it was gone the next moment.
Harry let his magic swirled beneath his feet and he glided to the ground. Other people were starting to head out too but they congregated at the edge of the field, too afraid to go back in and too afraid to head back to the mayhem behind them. He pushed himself out and ran to find Audric.
The people in the masks began disaparrating one after another at the sight of the mark and he saw Arthur Weasley with some other ministry disapparating too, presumably to the site where the mark had been fired. The rest of the ministry threw more curses trying to catch the perpetrators before they were gone. Not that they were successful, the Daily Prophet was going to have a field day.
He finally found Audric amongst the smoking ruin of several tents. He along with some other wizards was lowering the muggles. Harry slowed to a walk and grinned when the old man noticed him, waggling a disapproving finger. His smile was still etching his face when his heart gave a terrible lurch, a sign that never bode well.
It happened too fast. He heard a rough voice shouting and the sound of rushing from something big reached his ears. Then Audric who was beginning to smile back bathed in a wash of green light and he pitched forward. A witch started screaming prompting Harry to run. He knelt by the old wizard, his hands trembled and fear devoured him. He turned the limp body and those lovely blue eyes which were always shining with humor stared emptily back. His throat seized up and he could barely breathe only faintly noticing the same rough voice laughing madly.
“He is dead! He is dead!” Harry looked around slowly to the man struggling against a few wizards and witches. Deranged dark eyes peered from his tanned face and his mouth curled maliciously howling with laughter. “The greatest wizard of all time has fallen! Albus Dumbledore is dead and the Dark Lord will favor me above the others!”
Something snapped. The heat of his magic surged uncontrollably, whipping and lashing to be released. “That is not Albus Dumbledore you fool!”
The screams were raw with pain and Harry loved the sound of it as he watched the man burst into flames, the wizards and witches shrieking and scrambled away. The stench of burning skin and hair had his powers singing merrily, tingling and dancing upon every surface on his body and the flames rose higher. Several ministries made futile attempts to douse the burning man and the screams had turn into cries of mercy.
Strong arms wrapped around him from behind. Hot breaths washed his ear in frantic whispers. “Evans… Evans you need to stop.” Harry faced the person. He registered a head of red hair and freckled face. A dagger earring glinted in the light of the fire, he was telling him to stop. But he didn't want to. The powers that caressed him felt too good and the whiff of blood he caught made him purr.
“Evans!” The voice said sharply and Harry opened his eyes. “You need to control yourself! What will Audric think?” Audric? He looked to the limp body he was cradling and began to cry, slow tears tracking down his face. His magic started to tear apart, slicing painfully as he fought to regain control and he squashed them down with a single shout. The fire burning the man vanished like it never happened saved for the smokes and scorched body which wept blood.
“He’s still alive! Get someone to send him to St. Mungo!” Someone shouted and Harry sagged against the warm body wrapping him. “It’s alright Evans. I got you.”
“You know the boy Bill?” Harry didn't look up to the questioner. It was hard to when his head was still buzzing and he just couldn't tear his eyes away from the still Audric.
“Yeah, he’s Audric’s ward.” Bill answered trying to pry Harry’s grip from the old wizard.
“Take him with you and tell Arthur I will contact Albus as soon as I can.” The booted feet disappeared from view and he tightened his hold.
“You have to let go Evans. There’s nothing more we can do for him.” Bill said softly. Harry shook his head. A few ministries crowded him. A mix of harsh voices and kind ones ordered or persuaded, prying at his fingers. He finally released him with a sob and twisted away burying his face into Bill’s chest. Bill shifted and a hand slipped beneath him. Harry clung tightly letting the older boy carry him.
Bill lowered him into a bed and Harry turned away, grateful that the curse breaker left him alone. Not a moment after, he heard Arthur and the rest entering the tent. “I heard the news. What happened?”
It was Percy who retold the events. Murmured discussions were held and Harry closed his eyes detaching himself from awareness since sleep would not claim him.
Chapter Index
TBC… Hope you’ve enjoyed this and comments will be appreciated even if it’s tough love ^^
Title: Through the parade of fire
Pairing:Draco/Harry
Rating: PG for now
Summary: When the Potters found out that Lord Voldermort was targeting them, they invoked the King of the Elven Gods. Harry was spirited away to another world and he returns thirteen years later only to be embroiled in another war.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K.Rowling and those affiliated to the ‘Harry Potter’ series. The Dark Elves belongs to Games workshop’s Warhammer fantasy fictional universe.
A/N: Introducing Audric Gilbert Dumbledore. OC, taking the role of Albus Dumbledore twin brother.
A/N 2: Blatant plagiarism. Some excerpt taken from Goblet of Fire. They're set in italics.
Warning: Character death.
Chapter 5: Meeting Draco Malfoy
They finally got into the premises a solid twenty minutes later with goodies laden arms. Harry climbed up the steps hugging a bag tightly to his chest while holding cups of pumpkin juice in his hands. Audric was somewhere below him. He wondered how far up he should keep going when he finally saw the sign to their seats.
A relived sigh left his lips as he forced his burning calves to move faster. He got startled however when a little girl shrieked loudly and bounded up past him that he lost his footing. With a strangled shriek of his own, he stumbled forward, the juices slopping his hands and soaking the black robe in front of him.
The man or boy with strange snowy white hair froze in his steps. Pale hands shot to his back and he whirled around with an ugly snarl on his face. “Look at what you’ve done you imbecile! This is one of my best robes!”
Harry was unexpectedly lost in a pair of burning silver eyes before he found enough wits to speak, embarrassment and anger burning his cheeks. “I’m sorry. If you could hold these for me I can fix it for you.”
The boy laughed derisively and sneered at him. “You? Fix this for me? This is a one of a kind robe and you’ve gone and ruined it. It’s going to leave a stain you fool!” Harry glared at him. What an insufferable git! “I’ve already apologized, whether you forgive me or not is none of my concern. And if you haven’t notice, your robe is black it would be hardly noticeable and besides, it makes you look old.” Harry couldn’t help adding with a too sweet smile gracing his lips.
“What?” The boy said, his silver eyes going cold like frost and stepped closer. “I do not look old. I’m a distinguished gentleman.” Harry barked out a laugh. “You could have fooled me. Now stop whinging like a babe and let me fix your robe.”
“Don’t touch me you mudblood!” He hissed recoiling away. Harry scowled. Mudblood? That didn’t sound nice at all. A replica of the boy only older with longer hair stepped behind him. “Now, now, Draco there’s no need to be rude.” He said knocking the boy’s head with the head of his cane.
“But Father!” Draco protested. “This dunderhead went and ruined my best robe!”
“I said I can fix it for you!” Harry snapped and the boys glared at each other.
“Do I know you child?” Draco’s father asked with eyes narrowing at him as though not noticing the boys’ squabbles. His son scowled displeased and Harry felt like scowling too. Not another one.
“I think not sir.” He replied stiffly and looked around when he heard Audric calling him. Gloved fingers grabbed his chin and he was staring back into another deeper set of silver eyes. “Harry? Harry Potter?”
Wariness prickled at him. He didn’t like the look on the man’s face but he stared defiantly back. “It’s Harry Evans, Lucius.”
The man released him and Harry stilled himself from hiding behind Audric. The two wizards surveyed one another, their eyes conversing unspoken. Harry tried not to fidget under the tense battle and concentrated on Draco instead whose eyes flickered to his lips before drawing back to him.
Lucius finally backed down and cleared his throat. “Fancy meeting you here Audric.” He said almost hissing and turned to his son. “Where’s your manners Draco?”
“A pleasure meeting you sir.” Draco greeted with the slightest of scorn in his tone. Harry scowled at the boy. “I’m sure it is young Malfoy.” Audric returned dispassionately. Lucius smirked and whirled around. He stalked up the steps calling out to his son. Draco returned to watch him and sneered. “Later Potter.”
“Will there be a problem Audric? They don’t seem to believe us.” Harry asked watching them climbing higher. Audric steered him towards their seats. “It’s not a concern. We won’t be here after this.” The old wizard assured him but it didn’t make him feel any better.
⌘ ⌘ ⌘
Quidditch, Harry decided, was the most exciting game he had ever known. Not that he had ever played anything back in Naggaroth. He stared at Audric across the tent in his own cot. The old man was snoring lightly with mouth opened. How he could sleep through the Irish celebrating merrily outside was beyond him. He himself was wide awake and decided he might as well take a stroll or something to tire himself out.
The night air smelled crisp. Anywhere he looked, people were dancing and singing. Chattering or debates of the earlier match could be heard over the roaring fires. Harry laughed when an older witch caught him in her arms. He permitted a dance before pushing away and bowing courtly to the older girl. He walked around the camp some more, passing the Weasleys tents. The one with the lights on was rowdy. The boys were singing discordantly and laughter punctuated in between the songs.
A corner of his eyes spied a flash of white. He looked around and saw that it was Draco Malfoy, his hair gleaming like halo under the moonlight. He was alone like he was and was walking quickly up the trail to the woods. Quite suddenly, the sounds of celebration changed to horror. There was a blast somewhere beyond him and he ran towards the loudest screams, his pyjama melting away to be replaced by his black leather armour. His magic had deemed the situation as going into battle. He skidded to a stop. He couldn’t let anyone see him in this but his attention was diverted by a tent blasting away.
The fire ravaging the tent illuminated the scene before him. A group of wizards all cloaked in black and masks were moving slowly with their wands pointed in the air. His head snapped up and saw a little boy spinning like a top with his head flopping helplessly. He recognized the child as Mr Robert’s son, the muggle man who had rented out his tent for the night. Harry spotted him too amongst the ones hovering above looking down dazedly at them.
A shrill cry of a little girl had him looking away. A few dozen steps from him stood a girl barely six years old crying in front of a lavish tent and were right in the path of the ever growing group. Harry ran towards the girl grabbing her just in time and flung up a shield. The blasting spell rebounded, ricocheting away and hit one of the masked men. There was a cry of pain and Harry didn’t wait a second longer. He was running again with the girl clinging to him sobbing into his shoulders. A jet of blue light narrowly missed him, clumps of grass blackened and smoked where it landed. A frantic witch came to meet them, her arms wide open and trembling.
“Jenny!” The girl in his arms looked around and wailed. He gave her to the witch who kissed the top of her head. “Thank you! Thank you so much!” She said gratefully to him. Harry only nodded and pointed to the woods where almost everyone was running and screaming to. “Get to safety and be careful.”
He didn’t wait for the woman to answer and ran. He burst into their shared tent looking disbelievingly at Audric who was still sleeping. A growl emitted from him as he stalked to the old man and shook him.
“Audric! Wake up! Some people have caught the Roberts and levitating them in the air!” The wizard grunted, his eyes slitting open before they were closed again. Harry gritted his teeth painfully and unclenched his jaws. “AUDRIC! YOU’VE GOT TO WAKE UP!”
“What is it Harry?” Audric said sleepily and shot up at another blood curdling scream, saving Harry the breath of explaining to him. The wizard fumbled for his glasses, perching them on his nose and leapt from the bed with his wand drawn out. They hurried outside, going against the tide of people escaping.
“Audric! They’ve got a hold of the Roberts!” A ministry witch shouted as she ran and looked around again. “Tell your boy to head for the woods!”
Audric spun around abruptly and he ran into him. “She’s right. You should head to the woods with the rest of them.”
“But I can help!” Harry protested. The wizard jabbed a finger towards safety. The gesture brooked no argument and he gritted his teeth once again, watching the old man running towards the commotion. “Be careful Audric!” Harry at last shouted after him and stalked away.
Terrified murmurs could be heard everywhere around him. They became fainter as they drifted further into the woods, carrying with them the lights from their wands. Harry edged along the trees and climbed up a broad branch before the eerie glow disappeared altogether. With a muttered apology to the tree he was sitting on, he broke a few leaves to get a proper view. He was watching the ministry surrounding the group before he was distracted by a crash and a pained yell somewhere below to his left.
“What happened?” If he wasn’t mistaken, that sounded a lot like Hermione Granger and he squinted between the branches to find their exact position. “Ron, where are you? Oh this is stupid - lumos!” Her wand spread a narrow beam across the ground revealing the redhead sprawling in their path.
The boy got back to his feet quickly brushing himself down and spoke angrily. "Tripped over a tree root.”
"Well, with feet that size, hard not to.” Harry frowned. That’s another voice he recognized and searched for the blond. The git was leaning against his tree looking unperturbed with arms folded. Harry grinned at the colourful cuss he heard.
"Language, Weasley," Malfoy drawled. He could almost imagine the sneer on his face. "Hadn't you better be hurrying along, now? You wouldn't like her spotted, would you?"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione replied. Exactly, he wanted to know that too.
"Granger, they're after Muggles," said Malfoy. "Do you want to be showing off your knickers in mid-air? Because if you do, hang around....they're moving this way, and it would give us all a laugh."
"Hermione's a witch!" Longbottom shouted looking as though he would love to beat the blond prat.
"Have it your own way, Longbottom, if you think they can't spot a Mudblood, stay where you are." There was that word again, making him scowl. It must have been a very great insult because Weasley was shouting for Malfoy to watch his mouth as the redhead advanced. Granger grabbed his arm. “Never mind Ron,” she said.
A louder bang than they’ve heard before this had several people screaming and Malfoy chuckled softly.
"Scare easily, don't they? I suppose your daddy told you all to hide? What's he up to - trying to rescue the Muggles?"
"Where're your parents?" Longbottom’s voice raised another notch. "Out there wearing masks, are they?" Silence met the accusation for a second, and then Malfoy drawled silkily. "Well...if they were, I wouldn't be likely to tell you, would I, Longbottom?"
"Oh come on, let’s go and find the others." Granger said disgustedly. He was rather appalled too. Malfoy snickered below him as he watched the trio leave.
“You’re a bloody git you know that Malfoy?” Harry called down and laughed when the blond jumped. He squinted up the tree finding him with the ray of light from his wand and hissed. “Potter! What are you doing up there?”
“Same as what you were doing and it’s Evans.” Harry replied. He could see a smirk forming on the blonds face and surprised him when he jumped nimbly pulling himself up. Malfoy climbed higher and straddled the branch slipping downwards to him.
“Believe that do you?” He drawled, their knees pressing uncomfortably together. Harry scooted further back to find himself digging into the trunk. He scowled. “It really is Evans and get off my branch Malfoy.”
Malfoy ignored his request another smirk formed on his face which had him itching to rip off in a rather violent manner. “You cannot lie to a Malfoy Potter. We know everything.”
“Everything?” Harry scoffed. “And what do you know of me? We just met a few hours ago.”
“I don’t have to, the evidence is rather glaring.” The boy reached forward and tugged his hair. “I’ve seen your father’s picture. You have that same untidy mop.” Then he felt a cool finger tapping below an eye. “And of course your mother’s green eyes. Taking on your mother’s name isn’t enough to fool us Malfoys. So where have you been Potter?”
Harry knocked his hand away and crossed his arms. “You weren’t so keen on letting me touch you earlier.”
“Well, you’re not exactly a mudblood are you?” He said, his silver eyes glittering with unspoken words. That’s when he caught on. ‘Mudblood’ means a witch or wizard of muggle parentage and his mother was muggle born.
“I’m not dirt poor if that’s what you mean,” Harry shrugged refusing to let Malfoy bait him and he decided to play on the boy’s narcissist streak, eyeing his green silk outer robe. “Not everyone can be as rich as you are.”
“You know that’s not what I meant,” he said looking shrewdly at him but didn’t pass up the chance to preen. “It’s only the best for the Malfoys… And what in the world are you wearing Potter?” his hand shot out touching his shoulder. Oh. Harry had forgotten that he was still in his armour.
“Have some decorum and keep your hands to yourselves. This is my armour cut from cured human skin.” That did the trick. Malfoy pulled his hand away looking disgusted and sneered. “Armour Potter? Do you fancy yourself in Longbottom’s shoes? Saviour of the wizarding world? Then you should have stayed in that fray.”
“I did for as long as I could. I even got one of them to scream like a girl. Maybe that’s your father.” Harry shot back and found long fingers choking his throat. He smiled undaunted. “Those people out there with their blood purity mania, making sports out of the muggles. They think that they are the most superior. But they’re fools the lot of them. Bowing and grovelling to a madman’s ideal when Tom isn’t even a pure blood.”
“Who in the world is Tom?” Malfoy burst angrily the strangling hold on his throat tightening. Harry gasped out a laugh. “That is what your master is called. Tom Marvolo Riddle, his mother was a witch and father, a muggle. Too ashamed he was of his parentage, he fashioned a new name for himself.” Oh yes, he did learn the history of this wizarding world. “Lord Voldermort.”
“You fool!” Malfoy hissed his face inches from him. “You do not speak of his name!” Harry was wheezing with laughter now. Then something green and glittering flew over the treetops. Malfoy gasped, his hand falling off his neck and Harry twisted to see better, it was a colossal skull with a serpent protruding from its mouth like a tongue.
Panic erupted around the woods confusing him. Malfoy started to move and he grabbed him. “What is it?” he asked.
“It’s the dark mark Potter. The Dark Lord’s sign.” The blond hissed. The pressure on his knees lessened as Malfoy inched up the branch and swung his leg over. “It’s a mark of death. Maybe you can play the hero and put your armour to good use.” He sneered and bounded to another branch before climbing down. He caught a glimpse of his hair and it was gone the next moment.
Harry let his magic swirled beneath his feet and he glided to the ground. Other people were starting to head out too but they congregated at the edge of the field, too afraid to go back in and too afraid to head back to the mayhem behind them. He pushed himself out and ran to find Audric.
The people in the masks began disaparrating one after another at the sight of the mark and he saw Arthur Weasley with some other ministry disapparating too, presumably to the site where the mark had been fired. The rest of the ministry threw more curses trying to catch the perpetrators before they were gone. Not that they were successful, the Daily Prophet was going to have a field day.
He finally found Audric amongst the smoking ruin of several tents. He along with some other wizards was lowering the muggles. Harry slowed to a walk and grinned when the old man noticed him, waggling a disapproving finger. His smile was still etching his face when his heart gave a terrible lurch, a sign that never bode well.
It happened too fast. He heard a rough voice shouting and the sound of rushing from something big reached his ears. Then Audric who was beginning to smile back bathed in a wash of green light and he pitched forward. A witch started screaming prompting Harry to run. He knelt by the old wizard, his hands trembled and fear devoured him. He turned the limp body and those lovely blue eyes which were always shining with humor stared emptily back. His throat seized up and he could barely breathe only faintly noticing the same rough voice laughing madly.
“He is dead! He is dead!” Harry looked around slowly to the man struggling against a few wizards and witches. Deranged dark eyes peered from his tanned face and his mouth curled maliciously howling with laughter. “The greatest wizard of all time has fallen! Albus Dumbledore is dead and the Dark Lord will favor me above the others!”
Something snapped. The heat of his magic surged uncontrollably, whipping and lashing to be released. “That is not Albus Dumbledore you fool!”
The screams were raw with pain and Harry loved the sound of it as he watched the man burst into flames, the wizards and witches shrieking and scrambled away. The stench of burning skin and hair had his powers singing merrily, tingling and dancing upon every surface on his body and the flames rose higher. Several ministries made futile attempts to douse the burning man and the screams had turn into cries of mercy.
Strong arms wrapped around him from behind. Hot breaths washed his ear in frantic whispers. “Evans… Evans you need to stop.” Harry faced the person. He registered a head of red hair and freckled face. A dagger earring glinted in the light of the fire, he was telling him to stop. But he didn't want to. The powers that caressed him felt too good and the whiff of blood he caught made him purr.
“Evans!” The voice said sharply and Harry opened his eyes. “You need to control yourself! What will Audric think?” Audric? He looked to the limp body he was cradling and began to cry, slow tears tracking down his face. His magic started to tear apart, slicing painfully as he fought to regain control and he squashed them down with a single shout. The fire burning the man vanished like it never happened saved for the smokes and scorched body which wept blood.
“He’s still alive! Get someone to send him to St. Mungo!” Someone shouted and Harry sagged against the warm body wrapping him. “It’s alright Evans. I got you.”
“You know the boy Bill?” Harry didn't look up to the questioner. It was hard to when his head was still buzzing and he just couldn't tear his eyes away from the still Audric.
“Yeah, he’s Audric’s ward.” Bill answered trying to pry Harry’s grip from the old wizard.
“Take him with you and tell Arthur I will contact Albus as soon as I can.” The booted feet disappeared from view and he tightened his hold.
“You have to let go Evans. There’s nothing more we can do for him.” Bill said softly. Harry shook his head. A few ministries crowded him. A mix of harsh voices and kind ones ordered or persuaded, prying at his fingers. He finally released him with a sob and twisted away burying his face into Bill’s chest. Bill shifted and a hand slipped beneath him. Harry clung tightly letting the older boy carry him.
Bill lowered him into a bed and Harry turned away, grateful that the curse breaker left him alone. Not a moment after, he heard Arthur and the rest entering the tent. “I heard the news. What happened?”
It was Percy who retold the events. Murmured discussions were held and Harry closed his eyes detaching himself from awareness since sleep would not claim him.
Chapter Index
TBC… Hope you’ve enjoyed this and comments will be appreciated even if it’s tough love ^^