Chapter 21. Discovered.

"It must be there. Why else would you-know-who move to Hogsmeade?"

The general feeling in the kitchen was of desolation. Remus had just shared the news of Voldemort taking Hogsmeade as his place of residence and head of his government. The town had been practically abandoned before the first Death Eaters had arrived. Only a few had stayed, willing to bow to the new regimen in exchange to be allowed to retain their homes and land. They had nothing else and no other place to go.

The rebels were searched thoroughly and though there were still people holding onto hope, the majority of the population was falling into resignation. What was left of the Order of the Phoenix had reunited with the rebels and was still trying to fight, but their chances were growing dimmer as time passed.

Harry huffed angrily. They just needed to destroy one last horcrux and then Voldemort would be as mortal as anyone, and they could have a chance to destroy him. He should have known that the madman would like to hide one of his horcruxes in the castle. The school had been an important place for him after all. Besides, considering that Riddle had a fixation with the founders of Hogwarts, what more representative place than the school that the four had created?

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Said Harry. He had forgotten that the school had closed itself and that no one had managed to get inside since then. McGonagall answered him.

"No one can enter the school Harry. We have already asked Dobby to try, but it's useless."

Harry clenched his fists and scowled.

"Well, at least Riddle can't reach it either."

"That's small consolation. He's going to guard the castle tightly, and with Pettigrew by his side, he'll know every secret passage into it. Being there he'll have all the advantage to find a way into Hogwarts." Said Remus again.

Moody watched as the others gave different ideas to get into the castle without presenting his opinion. He knew that they weren't going to succeed. Hogwarts was not going to reopen as long as there wasn't a suitable Headmaster to take control of its magic. Contrary to popular belief, Alastor knew that the Board of Governors was not the one to appoint a new Headmaster, and they certainly could not fire him either. The previous Headmaster or mistress named the successor before retiring, and in fact trained such successor for a couple of years. The Headmaster made sure to present his "suggestion" to the Board of Governors when they met to discuss the candidates. No one had ever stopped to think how odd it was that the new Headmaster or mistress always resulted to be the previous one's suggestion.

Albus Dumbledore had died without doing the necessary ritual for the castle to change master. He had not named anyone. Thus, the school for the first time in centuries found itself without a master, and had shut itself down, waiting for an appropriate candidate. The problem was that there was no one that would fit the requirements. When the founders had woven the spells and the magic that would sustain the castle, they had made it so only a bonded could reign over it. Every other who tried would be overloaded with the intensity of the magic and his magical core will literally explode. The founders had been relentless in this. Their school would always have a Rainbow Dragon present, so its magic would never drain off. The castle aligned not only to the Headmaster's magical signature, but also to the one of his dragon. Together, dragon and mage controlled the magic of the entire school and its grounds. The last years had been very hard on Dumbledore. Without his dragon, the man had partially shut his connection to the castle. It had been a miracle that he hadn't gone mad. He had survived as long as his magical core had allowed him to.

Moody grumped as McGonagall suggested researching the process to elect a new Headmaster and the ritual to take possession of the charge. Maybe in some of the history books in the Black's library could be a clue. Mad eye only shook his head and continued with his own thoughts. They were in the right path but it was useless. They'll find nothing that could help them retrieve the last horcrux. There was no choice but to wait. Everything now depended on Malfoy's unborn child and the ritual. Just a couple of months more and either they would be able to have revenge and re-establish order, or they all would be doomed.

Draco was in his room, sitting on an armchair at a small table. He was reading about potions and how they had been used in battle along the years. There was not much information, but enough for him to make notes and propose some ways to improve their effectiveness. He was going to ask the Weasley twins to try them later.

Suddenly he sighed and reclined on the armchair. He was bored out of his mind. He was banished from the potions' lab. He was not allowed to watch as the others trained in the chance that there could be an astray spell. He couldn't fly a broom or work in the garden, taking care of the plants. He couldn't help in the kitchen. He was not to worry, stress or tire himself needlessly, and so it was better for him to remain in his room, reading books, than be downstairs with everybody else planning a strategy for the war. He couldn't do anything! For the love of Merlin, he was only pregnant! People with terminal diseases got to do more activity than him!

He sighed and continued rubbing his midsection. He was already in the first week of his seventh month and Madam Pomfrey said that the baby just needed to grow more and gain strength. Malfoy couldn't imagine how much more his little girl was expected to grow. Anyway, Sally was who had him worried the most. She had been vanishing from his consciousness for moments. Draco should have been at the peak of his magical potential already, and the dragon bond was becoming unstable. Sally's mother's magic was spent, and their combined magic had been totally focused on his pregnancy. His core had started to feed not only on Harry's magic, but also on the House's too on a daily basis. The flow of magic was maintaining his baby safe and alive, but it was slowly killing both him and Sally.

He needed to talk with Severus, Moody was not too happy with him at the moment. Someone had to help him to provide himself more magic or he was not going to survive long enough to give birth.

He sighed as he tried to stand up and groaned at the pain on his back. It was killing him. Men were not body-designed to carry a baby. All his bones were stressed; specially his hips and lower back. And the baby was still growing! Draco was starting to get terrified. He was not going to make it!

He walked to the window and looked at the garden morosely. Fortunately there had been no more incidents that required the use of his magic. Everyone was so damn careful around him! Draco leaned his head on the window and closed his eyes, enjoying the cold glass on his forehead. He heard the door of the room opening and seconds later Harry's voice carried to him.

"Draco, are you ok?"

The blond growled quietly and answered.

"I swear Potter, if you ask me one more time if I'm ok, I'm going to hurt you."

"Sorry. How do you feel then?"

Draco glared at the chuckling Gryffindor. He was not amused at all. Harry sobered and looked at the small table and the book over it.

"Oh, do you have something more for the twins? They are having fun with your propositions. It think they are considering getting you into their prank business."

"Rub salt in the wound, would you Potter?"

"Hey, what's the matter?"

"I'm bored Harry! The only thing you lot would let me do is reading! I don't even get to watch your strategy sessions! It's a miracle that I know what's happening out there!"

Harry sighed and took Draco's hand. The blond looked at their joined hands sadly, thinking how bad it would feel when there will be no more Harry around. The Gryffindor tried to pull him into a hug.

"I'm sorry. It's just that you're in a very unique situation. I don't want you to be hurt, and well, I suppose we don't have a very clear idea of what would be bad for you and what wouldn't. Just bear with us a bit."

He put his hand over Draco's tummy and rubbed circles on it. The baby kicked and the blond sighed, leaning completely on Harry. The Gryffindor smiled and his hand stayed on the spot where his child had moved.

"She's growing. Soon we'll have to think how we're going to manage to buy her diapers and clothes. I don't think that transfigured things are adequate."

Malfoy grumped and closed his eyes briefly. Somehow they had agreed to not ask how it was that Draco knew the sex of his child. Harry just accepted that he did, and the blond was grateful. He felt tired. It was ridiculous, a second ago he had been complaining about not doing anything, but nonetheless he felt as if he could sleep all day. However he didn't want to sit again. His back hurt. He decided to stay in the position he was until his feet's complains got too annoying.

"You worry too much Harry. And you care too. We used to hate each other remember?"

"Well, I think that we pretty much have left that childless behind us, don't you think? Besides, I really like you, and this is my responsibility as well. You didn't make the baby alone."

"You know, I was actually expecting you to act this way with Weasley when we all thought she was pregnant."

"Please! After what she did, why would you expect me to want to even see her?"

"Well, she was your girlfriend, and you two fancied each other in school. Besides, the child was completely innocent of her deed. You always wanted a family, and I just thought that you'd forgive her to take care of your child."

"To be honest I never really thought about the baby. Sometimes I saw Mrs. Weasley worrying and supposed that I should worry too, but it just didn't happen how it was supposed to. I was more worried over the fact that I didn't feel any care and that I dreaded to have to talk with her eventually. I kind of felt that Ginny's baby never was my responsibility. She was the one that wanted it so bad, then she should have been the one to care for it. In a way, I think that it never really existed in my mind."

Draco sighed and put his head over Harry's shoulder. He was feeling dizzy. Harry been there was a blessing for him, but he doubted that it will be enough to compensate for the draining on his magical core. He feared that not even the house's magic would be enough. What was there that could replace a full-grown Rainbow Dragon's magic?

"What are you thinking?" Harry asked. He took Draco to the bed and sat them both on it. The blond didn't protest.

"I'm just worrying myself. Look, Harry, I-I have something to ask of you."

"What is it?"

Draco bit his lips in nervousness. He didn't know how to phrase his requirement.

"You see... I know that there are many facts that you should be aware of, and that this is not going to be easy... I-I just want you to promise me that..." He took a deep breath and Harry's hug tightened.

"It's ok Draco. I'm not going to be angry with you or our girl. You'll see."

"It's not that... I-I... If I don't survive the birth, can you promise me that my child will have a home? E-even if you don't want to take care of her, could you at least make sure that she will have a family? Please?"

Harry looked at the blond head in shock for a few seconds, and then put one hand on Draco's cheek and forced the boy to look at him. It almost broke his heart to see those grey eyes so frightened.

"Draco, you're not going to die. I need you to stop thinking that. You're going to be alive and we are going to take care of our girl together. Don't you want to? To see her grow and call you dad, and to make a face at how much of a Gryffindor she's going to be? To take her to the park and watch her play with other children? Don't you want to be with me?"

Draco sniffed and closed his eyes.

"I very much want to."

Harry hugged him again and kissed his head.

"Everything is going to be alright Draco. We're going to manage. You'll see."

Moody sat heavily on the comfortable coach that Salamanca had conjured for him in the Chamber. He needed a break from the pressure of the house. It had been a tough three weeks since the teenagers had found out about the Malfoy boy's pregnancy. The situation was better now, but he was the most stressed over the boy's health. Everyone had been mindful of the blond and worrying over his constant tiredness and dizziness, especially Potter. But Moody was the only one that knew what exactly was at stake. The only one in the house that actually knew how much they all were going to loose if the boy's baby didn't make it. Alastor was now convinced that Draco probably wouldn't survive the birth. Their only chance was that the baby would.

The household was also worrying over the last horcrux and how the rebels were loosing territory. You-know-who was growing stronger each day, and soon there would be no one left in England that opposed him.

All of that had lost importance for Moody and the rest of the bonded ones. Their only concern was Draco's unborn child. The world could tear itself apart if it wanted to as long as the boy remained safe and in condition to do the ritual. They'll worry about the rest later, when their dragons were back and there'd still be a magical world to be worried about.

Salamanca and a man named Anaximas Dadivous were talking about the recent events to distract themselves. Alastor listened quietly. Dadivous was helping a group of rebels, and had managed to keep them safe until then, but he commented that others had not been so lucky. So far more than a hundred muggleborns had disappeared and You-know-who had found out one of St. Mungo's hide outs, killing everyone in there. The rebels had decided to lie down for a while, waiting for a better opportunity to attack again. Some were trying to find a way to communicate with the rest of the world, perhaps ask for help.

Alastor was starting to doze of, when one of the dimensional doors flared alive and hurried steps were heard. He opened his eyes and came to attention when he saw Snape and Nott, both pale as death and hurrying to their encounter. Severus barely waited to be close enough to be understood.

"Moody, go back to headquarters now! Get them out of there!"

"What happened?" Asked a worried Salamanca. Anaximas and Alastor stood immediately while Nott answered.

"The Dark Lord has found a way to break the fidelius! We must hurry!"

No sooner had Nott spoken than Moody was already running to the Black's portal. Salamanca turned to Anaximas.

"Call the others, the most you can, we must save the boy!"

The man hurried to do as he was told while the three remaining wizards followed Alastor.

Draco was in the nursery, looking at the black's redecorated crib. It was a beautiful Cherry creation that had cravings on its four posts of fairies and many magical creatures. The twins had polished it and put a small mattress and some pastel-coloured blankets, Merlin only knew where had they found those. There was few furniture in the nursery. The crib, a small dresser, a rocking chair by the window and an armchair that Harry wanted to reupholster. Draco was analysing the crib distrustfully. He loved the thing, but didn't trust the twins to not had done something to it. He knew that they wouldn't do anything that could harm a baby, but there were many charms that could fool a parent.

He sighed and shook his head. He was getting paranoid. Next thing he was going to be listening plots around him to take his baby away. He liked to think that it was Mad eye's fault that he was so nervous. The man had been restless the last couple of days. Draco wished they could leave the house at least for a while. It seemed that everyone was starting to feel claustrophobic.

Draco rubbed his belly tenderly. Even with his robes on he was showing. He smiled, thinking of his little girl and all the attention she was already getting. He was wondering how he was going to tell his mother about the baby when he felt a disturbance in the house. He frowned, trying to focus in the flow of magic that he was absorbing from Grimmauld place, and suddenly he gasped in pain. Something was tearing at it. He didn't know how that was possible, but he clearly felt the magic ripping apart. He tried to get himself out of it. Painfully he cut his connection with the house and instantly felt the soreness of his muscles getting ten times worse. He gasped for breath and leaned heavily on the crib's railing. What the hell was happening?

He carefully turned around and was ready to call for help when loud noises got to him from the door. There were shouting and crashing, like someone was fighting. The noise got nearer to the room and Draco looked in fear as the house-elves suddenly appeared in front of him, just in time to protect him from the blast that tore the door apart and the hexes fired by the two men that entered the nursery. Draco almost screamed. He recognized the Death Eater's robes too well. The men just hesitated a second when they saw him, but immediately fired against the two elves that were in the way.

Draco looked desperately around. The nursery had another door that led to the main bedroom. The boy tried to reach it. He was about to get hold of the doorknob when powerful hands grabbed him from behind, turned and slammed him against a wall. He did scream then. His hands and magic instantly went around his stomach, trying to protect his baby. His ears were ringing and he couldn't breath. He might have passed out for a moment because the next thing he was aware of was someone shaking him and a familiar furious voice yelling at him.

"Answer me! You poor excuse of a son! What is the meaning of this?"

Draco tried to focus in the person that was abusing him and suddenly his mouth felt dry.

"F-father." He said faintly.

Lucius sneered horribly and backhanded him. His head hit the wall with the force of it and he saw stars. The man gave a step away and released him. Draco fell to the floor, and slumped against the wall. His hands never left his belly. He was horrified when he looked the bodies of both house-elves crumpled at the far side of the room. His father started to talk in a tone that reminded him of his multiple lectures when he had been a child.

"I'm in Azkaban thinking that my son would be working to gain the Dark Lord's favour for our family. Achieving triumphs for our side. The Dark Lord finally got me out of that hellhole and I'm told that such son is dead, and that my wife has run to France in shame for having birthed such useless spawn. I'm told that he could not complete even the easiest of missions. That he had Dumbledore in front of him, sick and without a wand, and he could not kill him! Snape had to finish my son's work, making it his own accomplishment!"

Lucius cane came in his line of view and Draco tried to curl into himself, but a hand grabbed his hair and pulled at it, forcing his back upright even when he was still kneeling. Terrified he mentally screamed, trying to reach Sally and get her out of her slumber. Someone had to help him. Lucius continued talking.

"I must say I was mostly crossed. It was certainly a consolation to know that my son was dead and thus unable to bring more shame to my family. Narcissa and I are still young. There's plenty of time to have a more adequate heir."

The hit of the cane on his back hurt like hell. Draco cried and desperately tried to use his magic, but it was not answering to him. He could feel the bond with Harry trying to pull more magic from the boy and he was scared, thinking that maybe Harry was not going to be able to fight properly. His father gave him another blow and he stopped worrying and concentrated on not passing out.

"But here you are. Alive and in the company of blood traitors and that filthy half-blood Potter! And this..." He poked Draco's pregnant belly with his cane and the boy's magic flared, unnoticed by the man. Draco whimpered and wriggled. He was desperately trying to get free from his father's grip. Lucius shook him and Draco screamed in pain.

"What is the meaning of this Draco? What have you done?"

Draco could sense his magic reaching out around him, searching for suitable magical sources to feed on. It recoiled from the house for some reason Draco couldn't phantom. His father raised the cane again, ready to strike him with more force, when a sibilant hiss stopped him.

"Lucius, Lucius. There's no need to use such muggle methods to punish the boy."

Draco looked in utter terror as Voldemort entered the room, followed by the Lestranges, Crabbe senior, McNair and Greyback. Rabastan was dragging along an angry looking Harry with no consideration. The blond boy started to tremble. His father finally let go of him and he curled on the floor, the only thought on his mind was to protect his child. He heard someone growling lowly and thought it was the werewolf. His suspicious were confirmed with the following words of the Dark Lord.

"Quiet Greyback! Or I'll have to find a cage for you!"

The werewolf backed off and stayed close to the door. It was obvious that he was doing an effort to contain himself, but no one was paying any attention to him. Lucius sneered at the interruption, but quickly composed himself.

"I'm sorry my Lord. The boy makes me do unconceivable things. His behaviour has been most unfitting to his birth."

"I understand your discomfiture Lucius. Imagine my own surprise. I was led to believe that the boy was dead. I had ordered him to be severely punished for his incompetence. I wonder why our dear Severus would lie about your son. A pity he's not here to ask him."

The Dark Lord looked at Draco's quivering figure with despise. The boy was kneeling on the floor, with his head firmly pressed against it and hugging himself, effectively hiding his front from view.

Bellatrix started to get nervous. She could feel the boy's magic flaring, reaching out to hers. She tried to block it, but her own core acted without her permission. There was a very subtle flow of magic now between her and Malfoy's boy. She looked anxiously at her nephew and allowed her senses to open. And she felt. Her eyes widened in surprise. It was not possible! She squealed in delight and was about to give the news to her master, but stopped, suddenly taking his hand to her mouth. The curse would not let her speak freely. Blasted cousin of hers! She had to think how she could convey her message to her Lord in a way that she'll be understood. Everyone else had forgotten the information she had revealed almost nineteen years ago, but not her master. He still remembered it and was frustrated at her inability to tell him exactly where to find the rest of the bonded that still were around. Damn them all!

While Bella cursed her luck, Voldemort approached the boy, who crawled backwards until his father stopped him. The Dark Lord sneered.

"Such cowardice. I can see what you're referring to Lucius."

"That's not the only thing my Lord."

Voldemort made a gesture of askance. It was clear that Malfoy senior was truly shaken by the sight of his son, and Riddle was curious as to what could make the usually collected man so disturbed. For his surprise, Lucius actually looked embarrassed for a moment before his eyes landed on Harry.

"Ah, but surely Potter here can give me an explanation."

"I have nothing to explain to you! Draco is here by accident, he has said nothing to us!"

Harry didn't want Draco to get hurt. He will even pretend that he still hated the blond if it will help him to avoid Malfoy senior's ire. Lucius however didn't believe Harry. He clenched his teeth in rage and grabbed his son by the arms, forcing him to his feet and to show his protruding belly.

"Accident! You call this an accident? I'm no fool Potter, I don't know how you managed this... aberration! I want to know what in hell my son let you do!"

Draco screamed and trashed in his father's grip. He wanted to kick the man, but couldn't manage. Harry was red with anger while the rest of the wizards present were shocked.

"Let him go you bastard!"

"My, my. How unusual." The Dark Lord hissed. Bellatrix immediately found her opportunity.

"Ancient magic my Lord! Powerful ancient magic! Only the ones...! The ones... My Lord, please understand!"

"What are you talking about Bella? Do you know how this can be possible?"

Lucius didn't like to be in the dark about something Bella knew. But Voldemort narrowed his eyes, understanding very well what Bellatrix wanted to say.

"I see."

He raised his wand at Draco and the boy froze in utter terror. In his mind he continued yelling frantically. Sally had to hear him!

"Maybe our dear Snape has his personal agenda."

"Yes! Yes my Lord!" Bellatrix screamed. "He is not trustworthy! He and Nott!"

"Silence! All this years, and I can't believe that you couldn't find the words to tell me that Snape was a traitor! I'll deal with you later Bella!"

"Bu-but my Lord, I-I couldn't...!"

"You didn't have to tell exactly what he was traitor for. We'll see to that later Bella! Right now, the little Malfoy heir has much to explain."

Draco tried to free himself from his father's grip, but only accomplished that the man pulled one of his arms forcibly at his back. The Dark Lord gave him his full attention.

"It seems that I had been loosing precious time looking for something that had been right in front of my eyes from the beginning. Who could have thought?"

Draco whimpered pitifully. The hold of his father on his throat was making breathing difficult, and the position of his arm let him with very little option but to stay as immobile as possible. The tip of Voldemort's wand moved dangerously over his chest. In the background of his mind, something stirred, but he was too terrified to notice. Lucius scowled, trying to make sense of the Dark Lord's words.

"My Lord, I wasn't aware that my son had been hiding something this important. If I had known..."

"You couldn't have known Lucius. Every one of you has been subjected to a very well done Obliviation. In fact, I dare say that your son didn't have the slightest notion of been hiding something. Until recently, that is."

Harry fought against Lestrange's hold without success. His need to put himself between Draco and Voldemort was almost overwhelming.

"Leave him alone you son of a bitch! You've done enough to him! You're not touching him anymore!"

Voldemort turned his red eyes to the trashing boy and smirked malevolently.

"Curious. I seem to notice that you are under some delusion that this... anomaly is somehow my fault." He said, pointing with his wand at Draco's belly. The blond boy squirmed. "I assure you, Potter, that I had nothing to do with this particular development, though I'm rather curious as to how it was done."

The maniac turned his eyes to Draco again.

"And it is a signal. It's telling me that you boy, have something that I want. Something that should be mine! Your traitor of a cousin was very clever indeed, doing his little trick before Bella had the chance to tell me every name I needed to know. Your pathetic group did a pretty good job hiding themselves, but it has been all for nothing. You're going to give me what I want!"

Draco's eyes were filled with tears. He never stopped screaming for help in his mind. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Greyback tensing, getting ready to attack. His father's hand on his jaw tightened painfully, forcing him to keep looking forwards. Draco gulped with effort. He couldn't talk. The Dark Lord was suddenly looking right into his eyes and the boy felt like his head was being beaten with a hammer. He screamed loudly and almost passed out from the pain. Harry was yelling obscenities at the dark wizard, who made a face of frustration and anger upon realizing that his legilimency was not working. He stopped. The blond boy gasped a deep breath and went limp. His father released him and Draco fell to his knees, curling on himself. Voldemort snarled and carelessly threw a silencing hex to Harry. The Gryffindor's voice ceased to be heard.

"I know you have it! I followed a false lead all this years! Though that was my own fault for giving too much credit to a clearly fake prophesy. It doesn't matter any more, where is it? Tell me! Where is it hiding?"

The boy shook his head weakly. He was slowly drifting unto unconsciousness. His mouth answered automatically.

"I-I don't know... w-what're you... w-what you want..."

"Liar! I know you can call it. And you will do it for me. You are going to call the dragon, and you will die, so the bond can be transferred to me!"

Draco couldn't hear anymore. He had entered some sort of trance. His mind was numb and he was starting to feel Sally's presence reaching out to him, pulling him down to the recesses of his own mind. Her growl was clear now and Draco desperately reached out for her too. All his being longing for warm and safety. His body remained on hands and knees and shaking like a leaf. The Dark Lord sneered at him and turned to his Death Eaters to bark orders at them.

"Take the prisoners to Malfoy's dungeons! Potter and the boy are coming with us! Be prepared, as soon as I finish here I'll take down the shields surrounding the building and you'd be able to apparate!"

The Death Eaters hurried to obey. Greyback walked backwards until he got past the door's threshold and with a final snarl he went away. Only the Lestranges and Malfoy remained. Voldemort turned to look at Harry, who couldn't tear his eyes from Draco. He was trying desperately to find a way to get to the blond. He felt helpless and couldn't begin to understand how they could be trapped like this. Voldemort gave him an ugly smirk.

"Don't worry Potter. You'll get to watch first hand how I get the ultimate power. No one is going to stop me now. The world is mine!"

Harry glared loath fully at the man and tried to kick out at him, eliciting an amused gesture from Riddle. The wizard looked again at the blond boy and a cruel smile graced his lipless mouth.

"Such a shame Lucius. I surely had expected better from your seed."

"I'm deeply ashamed my Lord. But if you would allow me to correct my mistake, I'll like to do it right now."

Lucius took out his wand and Harry paled, but the Dark Lord only cackled, looking pleased.

"All in due time Lucius. There's something he has to do for me first. And he will do it in the right place, so I can proceed accordingly and not lose the opportunity again. In the meantime, we can take care of your son's little 'problem.' It won't do for this to reach public knowledge, don't you think?"

"Of course my Lord. I certainly won't tolerate it."

Harry renewed his efforts to free himself. Draco didn't move. The blond was breathing heavily and rocking slowly back and forth in clear distress. The Dark Lord looked mockingly at him.

"You know boy, one can force a pregnant woman to give birth before time with the cruciatus. Of course the child is killed in the process and the mother bleeds to death. But don't worry; we'll be careful that you remain alive. I bet that your father is willing to rid the Malfoy name of the aberration that you carry now. Isn't that right Lucius?"

"Nothing could please me more at this moment my Lord."

Voldemort smirked with malice and pointed his wand once again in Draco's direction. Harry had gone pretty still. No one but him had noticed that the Slytherin boy had stopped his rocking and was looking at Voldemort through a curtain of hair that obscured his eyes. Even so, Harry could clearly see the boy's right eye. Draco's yellow eye, with a slim slit pupil. Harry gulped, suddenly remembering all the talks about ghostly dragons he had had with the twins and Draco's reluctance to talk about the matter. Voldemort had been talking about a dragon just now. Suddenly the urge to be well away from there was top priority and Harry pushed himself against his captor, who hardened his grip, expecting the boy to renew his trashing.

The Dark Lord indicated Lucius to point his wand to his son, which the blond man did eagerly.

"With me Lucius. This is gonna be entertaining."

Harry looked around him and promptly ducked behind the overturned armchair, taking a surprised Rabastan with him. Draco was not aware of the proceedings. He was immersed in his own mind now, hearing Sally's words around him.

'Corrupted. Incomplete. A dead soul. Ceased to exist ages ago...'

Draco blinked. He looked up to see the Dark Lord pointing his wand at him and had only a fraction of a second to truly panic before he heard the curse.

"Crucio!"

Draco screamed, but not from pain. Neither of the two curses reached him. The scream was born from Draco's surprise at feeling Sally's magic explode from inside him to the outside and the sudden wave of dark magic coming into his core in return. The world around him exploded and he could see a very angry translucent dragon making havoc in the small room. She needed more space. She was very quick in creating it.