Hogwarts: A Home

Chapter 18 | Manor Mission

October 10, 1998

Theo hadn't spoken to Draco about anything other than their upcoming mission to Nott Manor since Hermione had revealed her scar to him. Draco suspected that Theo was questioning the status of their friendship still but with the stress of the mission, had seemingly determined to push off the overdue conversation. They'd spent days scoping out the surrounding area, devising an infiltration plan and practicing a new dueling formation that included Theo.

It was early morning, the sun was just peeking out behind the horizon and pouring into a window above Draco's position. Only a handful of Death Eaters resided in this manor permanently. Surprisingly, Theo's father didn't seem to be one of them which Draco knew must have been a huge relief for Theo. Confronting his father would be a challenge that Theo wouldn't want to miss but would be forced to should he suddenly appear during today's mission.

From their recent scouting missions, they'd determined that the manor was being used to house the Death Eaters assigned to managing a local wizarding village where they sourced aconite. A magical greenhouse in the town was the main employer of those living in the village. Draco suspected the aconite was needed to help manage the growing werewolf population that Voldemort had been recruiting.

Draco was on high alert, waiting outside the manor's library where Theo had insisted on entering alone. He hadn't bothered to waste a Polyjuice potion on this excursion since he'd already been spotted at Azkaban. Dean stood at the side entrance to the manor that they had used as access. Blaise and Cho were positioned down the corridor that inconveniently had multiple guest rooms where the house guests were currently slumbering. The goal was to slip in, grab what was needed and slip out without ever arousing suspicion that they'd been there at all.

They didn't know if they'd need to make a return trip so it was preferable if the Death Eaters found no reason to increase their security measures here. Theo was meant to be duplicating whatever he was removing so as not to draw attention to what The Order was after. Once they exited the manor, they'd make a break for the broom shed out back, where Theo assured them there'd be enough brooms that the missing five they intended to take would go unnoticed.

Draco was shifting from foot to foot in the silence. This seemed too easy. It was going too smoothly and his nerves were increasing with each ticking second. Startling him slightly, the Nott Manor library door creaked open and Theo's blue eyes caught with his, giving a brief nod. Draco looked curiously to the purple beaded bag Theo was gripping. The bag that was holding whatever they'd come here for.

Must be incredibly small.

Wands raised, they silently crept back towards their exit. Blaise and Cho spotted their approach, nodding before turning towards the exit as well. The four of them stepped slowly and carefully in sync, each of them scanning their surroundings, pointing their wands in turn at each of the doors they passed, just as they'd all practiced. Dean was visible in the doorway where the rising sun was illuminating the side of his face. He signaled that the path was all clear.

Once they were all through the exit, they assumed the formation they'd practiced. Theo was point, leading them towards the broom shed. Blaise and Cho flanked either side. Dean took up the rear, head on a swivel as he keenly observed their surroundings and Draco, a few yards behind Dean, walking backwards, wand arm raised. They kept the pace they'd practiced, slow and steady, so that Draco would stay in position without needing to turn his head to gauge their distance.

Theo began passing out the broomsticks. Draco reached back to grip whatever broom he'd be stealing. Slipping it between his thighs, Draco only allowed himself to glance down briefly to determine what speeds he'd be working with.