Traitor, traitor.

Chapter 5 ~ Burning

Harry's POV~ 

"So, how are you liking the new job Draco?" He asked, a chilly London breeze blowing his hair gently. Draco turned to him, excitement shining in his eyes. "Oh my god, I adore it, Harry! Thank you so much, I can't believe how much better it is than St. Mungos." Harry grinned in appreciation.

"Glad you like it." 

They had chosen to walk most of the way to their respective homes rather than apparate, as it was one of those autumnal evenings where the air almost glistened with good vibes and a gentle peacefulness descended on the streets. The trees that paved the avenue they walked down were only just beginning the change from bright and new green to darker, more rich colours.

Their feet tapped the pavements, Draco's making almost musical tunes. They walked in comfortable silence for a while until they came to the split where they would veer off in different directions to get to their respective Manors.

Harry noticed Draco shivering slightly and looked at him brow creased. "Did you not bring a scarf?" He questioned. Draco shook his head and turned away. "Here, take this." He said unwinding the scarf around his neck. It was gold and red, the Griffindor colours. 
Draco accepted it with a grateful smile.

"Thank you, Harry." They stopped for a moment just looking at each other, neither quite willing to break away and walk for their own home. The moment turned into a minute then the minute into two. Eventually, Harry decided to break the silence, for fear of it becoming awkward.

"Would you like me to walk you to your place of residence, Mr Malfoy?"  He accompanied the sentence with a small bow. Draco smirked at him and something like relief washed into his eyes. "Why, of course, monsieur." He did a small curtsy, holding out the folds of his robes.

They again shared a small smile and began to walk off to the left, towards the Malfoy Manor. As they drew closer the night darkened around them, bringing forth twilight. The path was winding and dotted along the edges with many flowers of all kinds. 

In the distance was a speck of orange light.

Harry grabbed ahold of Draco. "Draco, what's that over there." He pointed to the speck of light. Draco squinted in the direction that he was pointing, trying to see in the now murky darkness surrounding them. The fleck seemed to be getting bigger. "I... I'm not sure." He stumbled over his words. 

"Are there other houses but Malfoy Manor out here?" Draco shook his head slowly. "Only one I believe. The old cottage that the groundskeeper lived in. Of course, that's desolate now, we have house elves and don't need a groundskeeper."

Harry's senses prickled. "There might be someone in there!" The concern was evident in his voice. Draco looked increasingly worried. "Harry-" Before he could finish his sentence, Harry had begun running. He heard Draco running behind him, feet pounding the dirt, no longer tapping out musically but urgent.

Instead of coming up alongside Harry he instead rugby tackled him to the floor, managing to take the brunt of the impact. "Harry! What in the world are you doing?? How stupid and reckless can you get? Your stupid hero complex is going to get you killed!" Draco panted out.

Harry went still, then slowly began to sit up and hug his knees. "I'm sorry." Draco shook his head. "I understand that you're worried but whatever is about to happen we do it together okay?"

Harry smiled slightly at this and reached over to grab Draco's hand, which he squeezed gently. "Okay." 

He hauled himself to his feet and then held out his hand to help Draco up. He took it and pulled himself up more gently, and much more gracefully than Harry had before him.

They walked together, still hand in hand for reasons neither man could quite explain and considerably faster than their amble stroll of just before. They neared where the speck had been, though it was now more of a large ball of bright orange light. Flame. 

Draco stopped still and stared. "That... That's the Manor Harry!" He sounded terrified and a little unsure. "Oh my god, the Manor is burning!!" He whisper shouted. Harry led Draco on by the hand, needing to get closer. By the time they got there, they fully realised the extent of the fire damage.

The manor was nothing but a skeletal frame by the time they got in front of it, the roof caving in in places, crashing to the ground even as they stood there, helpless.

Not completely helpless though. Harry took charge of the situation. "Draco, start casting water charms, any that you can think of, I'll send a Patronus charm to the ministry to send for backup, and some of the specialist fire team."

Draco gritted his teeth and nodded. After taking a second to steel himself and gather his thoughts, water came rushing out of his hand and towards the building. Harry quickly cast the Patronus charm and sent it to the ministry with the words, "Fire at Malfoy Manor, all possible responders apparate immediately." 

After the deer had left, Harry joined Draco in attempting to put out the fire. They were barely making a dent, any progress they made almost instantly put back on fire by the rest of the raging house. Harry kept on going until he realised that Draco had stopped and was now several feet back, a large piece of slightly charcoal cardboard in his hands.

Harry realised and quickly power walked over to where he stood, shock and horror implemented on his usually pretty face. "Draco," Harry whispered, "What's that?" Draco looked at him, hurt and confusion in his eyes. "Harry." He whispered back. "Harry."

Harry shook his head and reached for the cardboard, which he managed to tug free of his hands without too much trouble. The words on it read: 'DEATH EATER SCUM PREPARE TO DIE.' 

He dropped the board in shock, like it was a poison implementing itself in his skin or maybe electrified about to give him a shock. His eyes met with Draco's and the horror in his own eyes were mirrored straight back to him. 

They stood like that, for what felt like hours though in reality, it was probably only a few seconds, until Aurors and Fire responder apparated in and started to battle the fire, two healers from St. Mungos coming over to them and gently taking them away from the carnage that was once the esteemed pride and joy of the Malfoy family, to get checked over at the hospital.

Word Count: 1101