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Harry Potter and the Unusual Alliance	By : RikuRocks Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 5752 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Harry Potter, nor am I making any money from this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
Chapter 15: Standing Strong and Breaking Down.
The rest of the afternoon passed quietly as the four teens each dwindled on their own thoughts while they continued researching Horcruxes and advanced defense against the Dark Arts. The books that they brought back from Malfoy Manor proved to be quite useful. After organizing all of their materials, Draco had decided to go over Snape's potions notes to try to determine what Voldemort planned to make the man do.
Hermione continued to cast appraising glances and knowing looks at Harry and Draco. Only now a warning look from Ron usually followed these, directed at the bushy-haired girl. In addition, Harry would glance at Draco with an unreadable expression whenever Ron, or a particularly interesting entry in whichever book she happened to be reading at the time, distracted Hermione.
Harry could not deny, even -and perhaps especially- to himself, that Hermione had a point in what she had said about Harry and Draco's reactions toward each other while they were at school. When he thought about it, he could not imagine what life at Hogwarts would have been like without Draco, who had somehow affected the person Harry became over the years just as much as Ron and Hermione had. He also wondered why he never questioned their odd magnetism toward each other before.
However, he still refused to accept that their attraction was romantic in any way. Sure, he felt differently about Draco now that he realized the other boy was not what he always assumed him to be�and never truly had been. He liked the blonde and wanted to him to remain safe, but did he really feel what Hermione thought he did for the fair boy?
The object of Harry's thoughts interrupted them when he released a small, frustrated sigh and tossed his platinum hair out of his eyes before scribbling down more notes. After releasing a breath he did not realize he was holding and mentally shaking himself, Harry decided that he would try to talk to Remus in private soon. If he, Hermione, and Ron were right about the nature of the werewolf's relationship with Sirius, then maybe Remus could offer Harry some advice on how to be sure about this.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley returned to Grimmauld Place in the early evening. Mrs. Weasley dropped off the items she had picked up for the teens as well as some dinner, and then informed them all that the kitchen would be off limits for the remainder of the evening, as the other Order heads of departments would be arriving over the next hour.
"When should me and Draco head down there to talk to them?" asked Harry before Mrs. Weasley left the room.
"Someone, most likely Remus, will come to get you after they've discussed some other matters," Mrs. Weasley explained. "Oh, and the kitchen door has already been Imperturbed, so no tricks. Good night, kids."
After Mrs. Weasley left, Harry began to put away the books and notes he had accumulated around him, knowing that he would not get any more work done. Draco seemed to feel the same, as he marked the page of Snape's potions journal that he was currently deciphering and began to put away his notes as well.
"Are you nervous?" asked Harry.
"I'd be a fool not to be," Draco responded quietly. Harry noted that Hermione's eyes had stopped moving over the page she was supposedly reading and Ron was playing with a lose thread on his jumper.
"They aren't going to do anything to you." Harry hoped to reach a tone that would be supportive to the fair boy, but would not imply anything to the girl who was pretending not to listen or the boy who was trying not to hear what he didn't want to. "They aren't like the Death Eaters or the Ministry. They'll be fair, and no one is throwing you in a dungeon or sending you to Azkaban."
"I have a feeling� Something's coming," Draco murmured. "I don't know what exactly, but I think-"
"-Something's going to change," Harry finished for the other boy, who nodded.
"Everything is changing," the silver-eyed boy added. "It�s been changing, but I just have a bad feeling about tonight."
Harry actually agreed with the blonde about this, but he did not think that would be a very comforting thing to say. "Well, whatever happens, we're in it together, right?"
Draco nodded and then a small smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth before he softly whispered, "Merlin help that Phoenix lot."
Harry could not help but laugh at that, which earned him a confused look from Ron and an irritatingly pleased glance from Hermione.
"I should start bottling that potion before we have to head down." Draco stood and crossed to the cauldron full of cooling blood replenishing potion, which he had finished brewing earlier.
"I'll help you," said Harry as he also stood. He indicated the book he had discarded when the blonde glanced back at him. "I'm not going to be able to focus on any of that anyway."
"You know," Ron stated somewhat loudly from across the room, "Since Lupin already knows what's going on and is obviously backing you Harry, the rest of the Order might not be as quick to judge. Especially if he closed down their arguments like he did with Mum."
"Ron does have a point," Hermione added before casting a quick, impressed glance at the redhead. "They might be more open to what you have to say than you think. They know that Dumbledore had decided to include you on some important mission at the end; that has to stand for something."
"Oh, I'm about ready for anything at this point," said Harry. "Don't worry; I'm not going to be argumentative or defensive as soon as I walk in the door."
Draco nodded but kept his eyes remained on the vial he was pouring the potion into. "It�s a good idea to find out what we need to work against before we start revealing more than we need to."
"My thinking, exactly," agreed the green-eyed boy.
Just then, there was a gentle knock at the door, followed by Remus' voice. "Harry, Draco�? The Order is wondering if they might have a word with you."
Harry hurried to the door and allowed Remus in. "How many are here?"
"There are six of us; McGonagall, Kingsley, Arthur, Mad-Eye, Focey, and myself," answered Remus. "McGonagall will treat you much the same as she did whist you were her students. She did the same with my friends and I when we first joined the Order, so please don't think that she is trying to belittle you in any way.
�Kingsley and I have already spoken -no details obviously- but he has assured me that he'll be fair, and I believe that he will. Mad-Eye and Foyer will be suspicious of Draco's situation. Arthur will most likely try to talk you out of doing this without the Order's assistance. I haven't told of any of them that I already know as much as I do."
Harry nodded and saw Draco swallow nervously beside him. He bit his lip and noticed that Remus seemed to understand this exchange. "Why don't I tell them you'll be joining us in a moment?"
"That would be great," Harry answered and then offered Remus a small smile. "Thanks, Remus."
With a nod and an understanding glance, the lycanthrope closed the door behind him as he left.
Harry turned to Draco, "Are you sure you want to-"
"Yes," the pale Slytherin answered and met Harry's gaze. "I can't hide from everybody, and they'll be less of a hindrance to you if they accept that I'm not a Death Eater."
"Okay, but you're staying beside me the whole time," responded Harry.
"I hadn't planned on leaving your side, to be honest," Draco murmured with a nervous and somewhat embarrassed expression.
"That's the Slytherin cunning I've heard so much about," said Harry as he helped the blonde gather the vials of potion. "They can't take you down without risking me and we all know they aren't going to do that."
"Best to play it safe, right?" the silver-eyed boy replied.
"Right," said Harry, then he turned to Hermione and Ron. "Wish us luck."
"You'll need it," said Ron.
"Just don't lose your temper, Harry," said Hermione as the two boys headed out of the room. "If all else fails, let Draco handle the damage control."
"You would think I go around running my mouth off, the way she's acting," Harry said in an attempt to keep the conversation light as the two boys walked down the hall.
"You would think your temper had never gotten you into trouble before, the way you're reacting," countered Draco without skipping a beat, but his voice was a little weak.
The bespectacled boy snorted. "Even when you're scared, your wit is spot on."
"Naturally," murmured the blonde.
Harry realized that the other boy did not deny the accusation that he was afraid. "Look, they won't do anything to me, and I won't let them do anything to you. Worst case scenario: we can't come back here."
"You own this house, Harry," Draco reminded the raven-haired boy dryly.
Harry chuckled, "Okay then, worse case scenario: we make a few enemies when you fail to talk me down and I throw them out in a temper tantrum. Then we have one more thing to worry about; not too bad, I suppose."
"We've both had worse," the pale Slytherin agreed.
Harry nodded in agreement, but did not verbally respond, as they had reached the kitchen door. Deciding on a slightly different approach after Draco's little reminder, Harry opened the door without knocking.
The six heads of the Order stopped conversing as soon as the door opened. Moody, Shacklebolt, and a wizard whom Harry assumed to be Focey had their wands partially drawn, Professor McGonagall and Mr. Weasley looked like they were refraining from scolding Harry on for his lack of manners, while Remus looked thoughtful and the corner of his mouth twitched as if he were hiding his amusement from the others.
Suppressing the urge to gulp as six very powerful witches and wizards stared at him expectantly, Harry moved toward the table. Draco remained about a step and a half behind him on his right until Harry sat down, and then the blonde seated himself beside him. Harry felt like some sort of diplomat.
"Remus said you wanted to speak with us," the green-eyed boy asked, hoping he did not sound as unimpressive as he felt.
"Yes, well perhaps we should get the introductions out of the way first," said Shacklebolt in his deep voice. Harry noted that the Auror looked much the same as he had when they were first introduced.
"I think we all know who everyone is, Kingsley," growled Moody, who's magical eye fixed on Draco as his normal eye regarded Harry.
"Not necessarily, Mad-Eye," said Lupin politely. "I believe Draco has not had the pleasure of meeting most of you. Draco, this is Alastor Moody."
Moody now took in the wan Slytherin's appearance with both eyes. "Looks a bit worse for the wear, don�t he?"
"Kingsley Shacklebolt;" Remus indicated the tall Auror, who bowed his head in acknowledgment, a gesture that Draco politely returned.
"Viktor Focey," continued Remus, now indicating a stately looking blonde wizard who inclined his head. When Draco inclined his own, Harry could not help but notice how regal the other boy looked�and then he mentally cursed Hermione as he drove the thought from his mind.
"And I believe you know Arthur Weasley, even though I don't think you've ever been formally introduced," Remus said kindly as Arthur nodded to Draco. "Of course, you're already familiar with Professor McGonagall and me," finished Remus with a reassuring smile.
"Harry," Lupin turned his attention to said boy. "Why don't you start by telling the others what you already told Arthur and me? Then we'll all be on the same page before anyone starts�?"
"That sounds good," said Harry, appreciative that Remus had made sure it sounded like a suggestion instead of a command. The raven-haired boy recounted everything that he and Draco had said while in Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's presence a few nights prior.
When he finished telling the tale, Harry noticed that McGonagall, Shacklebolt, and even Mr. Weasley wore very thoughtful expressions. Focey's gaze was alternating between Harry and Draco, and he appeared to be studying the two boys closely as he listened. Moody was watching Draco skeptically, but Harry was not sure how seriously to take this, as he seemed to always look suspicious of something or someone.
Remus appeared patient and interested, although the way he kept taking in the others' reactions from the corner of his eye gave Harry the impression that his interest was more in their responses than what Harry was repeating.
Harry cleared his throat after a moment and looked over the other people at the table. "So, does anyone have any questions?"
"Well, naturally we do, considering you managed not to say what it is you were doing and still intend to do," said McGonagall curtly.
"He gets that from James as well," Shacklebolt said to Lupin, and then he turned his attention to Harry again. "It sounds like you're searching for something or someone. Is there any reason why we can't find it or them instead?"
"Dumbledore wanted it that way," Harry answered simply. "I'm not sure why, but given the�er�nature of the task, I think its best if as few people as possible know about it.�
"Are you honestly refusing to tell us what this task is?" Focey asked incredulously.
"Yes, actually, I am," answered Harry tersely. Draco surreptitiously moved his foot to tap Harry's under the table in warning.
"And what about you, Mr. Malfoy?� asked McGonagall as she turned her head to look at the blonde, who cringed slightly at the sound of his own name. "I believe you have some explaining to do as well. How is it that you came to be in the same�holding area as Mr. Potter?"
"I already told you how he got me out," said Harry defensively. "Mr. Weasley and Remus can tell you that he told the exact same story to them."
"That's not what she asked, Harry," Draco murmured so that only the raven-haired boy would hear.
"Yes, we heard how he rescued you," said Shacklebolt with an agreeable nod, "But that doesn't explain why he was in a building used to hold captives�or how he came to be the state he is now." The Auror indicated Draco's pale, emaciated form, as well as the visible marks here and there and the bandage that appeared from under his left sleeve.
"I�" Draco took a deep breath and continued softly but with a defiant tone. "I was taken to stand before V-Voldemort near the end of last summer. H-he told me that I had to take my father's place amongst his followers and perform a task for him. Failure to do so meant that he would kill my whole family and me.�
Remorse came to outgrow the defiance in his voice as he continued, �The task was to kill D-Dumbledore before the end of term. I couldn't do it�I failed. However, my mother had asked Severus Snape to make an Unbreakable Vow. I don't know the exact terms, but I do know that he was supposed to protect and assist me�and to perform the task himself, should I fail. Since he did this, V-Voldemort allowed my family and me to live, but not unpunished.�
Silver eyes fell as his voice grew slightly distant; �As you probably know, my mother is currently is St. Mungo's from the injuries she suffered. �This is what remains to be seen from my punishments.� Draco looked up again, expression set and tone even as he concluded; �I was at the holding house, as I believe you call it, because I was being held."
"Let you off awfully easy by You-Know-Who's standards," growled Moody as he eyed the blonde suspiciously. "He must've still had something in mind for you."
"I would hardly call the injuries I had to heal," Lupin interjected quietly but with a steely note that Harry had long since noticed people tend to listen to, "Or the condition his mother is in, which he clearly blames himself for, easy."
"Still, he wouldn't have been kept alive if there was no use for him," said Focey, looking the young Slytherin over critically.
Harry thought back to the conversation he and Draco had with Snape while at Malfoy Manor. "If he does, then Draco doesn't have anything to do with it," he stated forcefully.
Lupin tilted his head slightly, and Harry had to force himself not to compare him to a wolf listening to something at a distance. The bespectacled boy got the impression that the man was doing some quick thinking again. "If Voldemort does intend to use Draco for something, then I think it would be wise to assist Draco in hiding from the Death Eaters."
"You think He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could be planning on using Mr. Malfoy?" McGonagall stated in a concerned tone as she glanced at the werewolf. "What could he plan on using him for?"
"It could just be a ploy to insure that we keep the boy with us," Focey suggested coolly.
"We don't want to stay with you," responded Harry. "We intend on leaving as soon as we finish some research and training. We're going to finish the task that Dumbledore started. He trusted Draco�he wanted to give him a chance to join the right side, and Draco was accepting before the Death Eaters showed up and killed Dumbledore."
"You intend to do this alone�just the two of you?" asked McGonagall.
"Well, Hermione and Ron will be looking into some stuff for us," answered Harry.
"How are you receiving this training you mentioned?" asked Mr. Weasley. "You mentioned research and planning before. This is the first we've heard of any training, right Remus?"
"Actually, I volunteered to train them in advanced defense against the Dark Arts while they're here." Lupin's eyes barely flickered across the two boys as he turned to look at Mr. Weasley. "If they are determined to do this, I would feel more comfortable if they knew some more powerful defensive spells than your average seventh year student."
"I suppose that makes sense," said Mr. Weasley, "But aren't they rather unqualified for the type of spells they would need? What can you teach them that will be of use in the kind of trouble they could get into?"
"He taught me how to cast the Patronus Charm in third year; he's the best DADA teacher we've ever had!" Harry stated heatedly at the same time that Draco icily stated, "Any spells he cares to teach will be useful, I'm sure.�
McGonagall and Shacklebolt each wore small, approving smiles at the boys' defense of their former professor. Moody and Focey looked slightly confused by the boys' reactions. Mr. Weasley raised his eyebrows and turned to the boys, "I meant no offence, of course; I'm just wondering how he can help you if you won't tell us what you�re doing."
Harry's eyes shifted to Remus; he really did not want to say that he had felt confident in including the scared man in his plans, but not the others.
As if reading Harry's thoughts, Lupin answered calmly, "I take no offence, Arthur. To answer your question, I simply plan on teaching them some of the more useful and common spells and counter curses we use when dealing with dark magic; things they never learnt in school."
"But you two are still not qualified to face Death Eaters," said McGonagall sternly.
"We don't plan to, but if we happen to cross paths with any, I doubt they'll let us go without a fight," answered Harry.
"We still haven't determined if the Malfoy boy is trustworthy or not," stated Focey.
"I think there are too many risks involved for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named to have set this up," said Shacklebolt thoughtfully.
Remus nodded his agreement. "Voldemort could not have predicted each of our responses to the situation, nor could he be certain of Draco's loyalties, especially after what he put him and his family through to reach this point."
Everyone save for Lupin and Harry started or shuddered every time one of them used the Dark Lord's name. Harry noticed that Shacklebolt, Moody, and Focey also seemed to note this fact with a small look of respect.
"That is true," rumbled Moody, "But how can we be sure that this little pawn won't take the opportunity to regain the Dark Lord's favor?"
"Because I know what he and his followers are as well as most of you do and better than some," answered Draco softly, although he managed to retain his composure. "I've seen my family rise and fall from his graces and even the highest point was not worth it. It won't be over until V-Voldemort is stopped and I believe that assisting Harry is the only way to achieve that end."
The blonde's words were met with silence, as each of the members of the Order seemed to be considering his statement. Suddenly Remus straightened in his seat as if abruptly burnt. After sparing a look to Harry -which the boy took to mean I am all right- Lupin courteously excused himself from the room.
"I don't know, considering whom the boy's father is, I don't think its wise to allow him to wander around as he wills," said Focey.
"Surely you are not suggesting that we keep this boy locked up somewhere," said McGonagall. "And if we are considering his father; do you honestly think it possible that the boy holds any delusions as to what He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named would do to him, should he return after showing such defiance?"
"Fear does tend to form allegiances," said Moody, "But it was fear of the other side that made Snape join us originally�and what made us accept him."
"Of course, we haven't learnt our lesson about spies yet, either," commented Focey snidely.
"That's not a conversation to be having in front of present company, Focey," growled Moody.
"That is not a conversation I am interested in having, period," said McGonagall tersely.
"While the werewolf is out, maybe we should-" Focey began, but several of the others interrupted him.
"His name is Remus," said Harry angrily.
"That kind of talk is certainly uncalled for," McGonagall chided.
"Remus will be after our blood if we even think of trying that on these boys," commented Shacklebolt, just as Mr. Weasley said, "We already discussed that anyway, Viktor."
Remus walked hurriedly back into the room. "I'm sorry; something important has come up. Mad-Eye, will you come with me?"
"I'll come too," said Shacklebolt as he began to stand.
"No, I'm afraid it will only bring forth questions that could be hazardous to your career if you come;" said Lupin, and then he turned his eyes to Focey. "I just think it would be wise if someone more acceptable were to also witness this."
Focey said nothing, but had the good grace to look somewhat shamed by the comment. Remus turned to the others in the room, "I trust everything here will be alright while we're gone." Harry suspected that Remus meant he expected the others to keep Focey civil while he was gone.
Lupin grabbed a handful of Floo powder from the box on the mantle as he gestured at the cold fireplace with his free hand, causing the grate to erupt in flames. He tossed in the powder and clearly said St. Mungo's before stepping into the flames and disappearing. Moody followed the lycanthrope's lead and soon he too had vanished.
"I hope it's nothing serious," said Shacklebolt after they were gone.
"He probably spoke to Hagrid," said McGonagall, who was obviously masking most of her concern.
"How would he have known to contact Hagrid, though?" Mr. Weasley asked no one in particular. "Hagrid would have to owl or use the Floo Network to contact him; he can't send a Patronus, and in any case, we would have noticed."
"They probably have their own methods," said Focey darkly. Harry decided that he did not like the man at all, and opened his mouth to defend his friends; however, someone else beat him to it.
"That is quite enough of that, Vicktor," said McGonagall in a tone that left no room for debate.
"Why would Hagrid contact Remus if something was wrong, anyway?" Harry asked Mr. Weasley, figuring that the red-haired man would be the most likely to indulge him.
"Well, since no one was capable of taking over Dumbledore's position in the Order themselves, we decided to divide the workload into departments�kind of like how the Ministry of Magic works, only on a much smaller scale of course," explained Mr. Weasley.
"And all of you are like the heads of the different departments," said the raven-haired boy with a nod. He decided to make it seem like an assumption as opposed to something he had already been informed of.
"Exactly, Harry," said Mr. Weasley. "The work that Hagrid does generally falls under Remus area, so he usually reports to Remus. Hagrid tends to be a creature of habit, so he's taken to contacting Remus whenever he needs to speak to one of the heads of the Order."
"I think that's enough information to be passing along, Arthur," said Focey. "After all, we haven't made a decision about the Malfoy boy yet."
"He has a name too, you know," said Harry crossly. "It's Draco; why don't you try using people's name when you talk about them?"
"Now, Harry, I don't think there's any need to get so angry," said Mr. Weasley in what Harry was sure he thought was a pacifying tone, although his agreement with the boy shone through.
"I think everyone needs to realize that we all amongst equals as far as our current predicament is concerned," said Shacklebolt, "And we have been since this meeting began."
"I meant no disrespect in calling your new�acquaintance by that title." Focey said coolly as he returned his attention to Harry. "It would be inappropriate to simply call him Mr. Malfoy, due to his current status. Calling someone I have just been introduced to by their given name without their expressed permission would also be rude."
"Pure blood politics," Draco murmured to Harry, before he turned his attention to Focey. "You may call me Draco, as it will simplify matters," he said in a quiet, icy tone. He then turned his attention to the others and politely added, "Actually, I'd prefer it if all of you did."
Focey responded with a slight incline of his head, Shacklebolt smirked and nodded as he said, "Alright, Draco."
Mr. Weasley just smiled while nodding and Professor McGonagall inclined her head politely and said, "Very well then."
"Look," said Harry after a pause. "Whether you understand, agree, or not, I have a job to do. Draco is in the perfect position to help me. I won't tell any of you what we are going to do, because Dumbledore wanted it that way and because I want to play it safe.
�You cannot stop me, and I will fight you every step of the way if you try to hurt Draco. So, where do we go from here?" He moved his gaze over the other occupants of the room.
Draco appeared to be impressed, touched, and nervous all at the same time. McGonagall pressed her lips into a straight line, but her eyes showed a small amount of pride. Mr. Weasley looked somewhat surprised and quite thoughtful. Shacklebolt looked contemplative and slightly impressed. Focey's eyes darted from Harry to Draco and back again as he appeared pensive.
Just then, the fireplace erupted into green flames and Moody limped in with a pondering expression, then Lupin followed looking grave. The attention of everyone in the room turned to them.
"What has happened?" asked McGonagall immediately.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked at the same time.
"Well," began Moody in a low growl, "Either He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is willing to lose a few powerful followers in order to trick us, which I wouldn't put past him -although the boy probably wouldn't go along with it- or the boy really has turned against him."
"What are you talking about, Moody?" asked Focey.
"Mad-Eye�" Lupin said in a low warning tone, and Harry started when he realized that the werewolf had moved around the table without him noticing, and was currently standing behind him and Draco.
Moody nodded and softened slightly, Harry suspected it was about as much as the ex-Auror could. "Narcissa Malfoy is dead. Poisoned, by the looks of it, but no one knows how it happened in St. Mungo's."
Lupin placed a hand on each of the boys' shoulders. Harry turned to look at Draco, and took one of his hands in his own. The blonde�s expression was lost, blank, as if his mind had shut down for the moment. However, the cool slender hand in Harry's warm, thicker one returned his grip.
"That's not all," said Moody. "There was a message as well, for the boy. It said that if he did not return to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, then the Dementors would be giving a little kiss to one of the prisoners of Azkaban. Guess who the unlucky recipient will be?"
Draco slowly lowered his lost grey eyes as his lips formed the word father, but no sound escaped him.
"Lucius Malfoy," said Moody with a nod and Harry glared at the former Auror. McGonagall was regarding Draco with a hand over her mouth and a concerned expression on her face. Mr. Weasley was also looking at Draco in concern, while Shacklebolt and Focey each looked contemplative and slightly confused, as if they were sorting out a rather difficult riddle.
Lupin gently squeezed the shoulders he was holding; "I'm so sorry," he said softly.
"Look boy," said Moody as he looked at Draco. "I know this is difficult, but the world is better off without people like your parents, and so are you. Most children aren't put in a position to be dragged in front of Dark Lords and forced into servitude."
Harry's head snapped up in outrage at Moody's tact, or lack thereof; however, another voice started speaking before he could think to form any words.
"You are talking about this boy's parents, Mad-Eye," said Lupin with a firm note to his hoarse voice. "Haven't you any empathy for what he's going through? These are not just Death Eaters or a Death Eater's wife and child. Show some respect or let someone better suited do the talking."
"A few of us have been fortunate enough not to lose any close loved ones in this war so far," Shacklebolt added looking pointedly at Moody; a statement which Mr. Weasley nodded his encouragement to. "We need to show a little support for those who have not been so fortunate�" Shacklebolt continued as his eyes flicked over to where Harry and Draco were sitting with Remus standing behind them.
"Unless there is any further news that Mr. M-" McGonagall stopped and turned to Draco briefly, "Sorry, -Draco- needs to hear tonight, I suggest we continue this meeting without him, and allow the boy some time to grieve."
"I agree," said Mr. Weasley, who was watching Draco and Harry with a sympathetic expression.
"We still haven't made any decisions about the- Draco," said Focey. "Or this�mission."
"Then let's make some," said Remus, and that steely note had returned vigorously. "We cannot stop Harry�no one can. Dumbledore had his reasons for keeping this task from us and -while I will not pretend to understand his reasoning for including Harry- that is good enough for me. I intend to assist him in any way I can.
�Clearly, Voldemort wants Draco for something, and just as clear is the fact that the boy has defied him strongly enough for him to go to extreme measures to coerce him back. I think we should assist him as well. In fact, I intend to help both of them either way. I will not risk losing them."
"Even if we disagree?" said Focey with a suspicious note to his voice.
"It doesn't matter anyway," said Shacklebolt; "I agree with Remus. If Dumbledore wanted this task, whatever it is, to be handled this way, then this is the way we should we handle it; and if He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wants Draco that badly, then I don't want him to have him, period. We can work out the fine details later."
"I agree," said McGonagall. "I do not like the idea of allowing these boys to do this unattended, but I am not willing to put them into further jeopardy by attempting to stop them; and I trust in Albus' judgment. If he preferred Mr. Potter to do this without us, then I must accept that. I also trust Mr. Potter; if he wants Draco to accompany him on this task, then so be it."
"I don't like letting them go off alone," said Mr. Weasley, "But I've watched more then a few sons grow up and make their own decisions; I trust that Harry and Draco will impress me as much as they have. I just hope you boys know to ask for help if you need it, although I think Remus has you covered there."
"We do and he does," said Harry, "But thank you."
"We've all been wrong about a couple of our allies' loyalties before," said Moody. "...Except, as I recall, for Potter, who never trusted Snape; and Lupin, who tried to convince us that Black deserved at least a fair trial all those years ago. I also recall that none of listened to either of them. So if both of them are sure about this boy now, then I think I'll try trusting their judgment this time."
Focey released a small sigh, "If each of you is so certain, then who am I to argue? I do expect to work out the fine details later though, as Shacklebolt suggested."
"Fine then," said McGonagall. "It is unanimous; we will not attempt to stop Mr. Potter from accomplishing this task, nor will we make any motions against Draco. We will work out the fine details on our own. Mr. Potter, Draco, you may leave. I am truly sorry for your loss, Draco."
Harry noticed that Draco, while at least appearing less distant now, did not seem terribly aware of his surroundings. The bespectacled boy met Remus' eyes, hoping that the former professor would allow him to take Draco back to their room alone.
Remus seemed to understand, and with a final gentle squeeze he released their shoulders. "I am very sorry, Draco. Let me know if there's anything I can do." After speaking the sincere words, he stepped aside to allow the boys to leave the room.
Harry released Draco's hand and moved his own to the pale boy's emaciated back. "Come on Draco, let's go upstairs."
Draco barely nodded, and murmured "Thank you" before standing up and leaving the room.
Harry stood and thanked the heads of the Order as well, although he only looked at Remus, before he left to follow Draco to their room. Once inside, Harry noticed vaguely that Hermione and Ron had put away the books they had been looking through before leaving. However, most of his attention was on the still and silent blonde, who was sitting on his bed and staring at the floor.
The raven-haired boy crossed the room and sat beside the fair Slytherin, who still did not move or speak. "I'm sorry, Draco. Remus was right; people like your parents- whether we like them or not doesn't matter. You matter, and they mean something to you. I-"
Harry, lost for words, decided to follow his instincts and wrapped his arms around the slender blonde, "I'm sorry."
Draco slowly turned in Harry's arms to return the comforting hold�and that is when his tears began to fall.
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Harry Potter and the Unusual Alliance