Cicatrices- Marks That Remain

Life and a Knife

Nott Sr, this time.

The one responsible for Nott jr's involvement with the Death Eaters, the one who killed in that Muggleborn family's home.

And so soon after Nott Jr. that one could wonder if perhaps the murderer is torturing them to death because he's after something more than just a slow and painful death.

He wants information.

It was a different warehouse this time, not the one where Harry and they had found Astoria or Malfoy, and not the family basement where Nott Sr. was found. Probably, as Ron suggested, because the family was home now.

Harry was dragging his feet back to the Auror offices feeling worn thin. The smell of death seemed to be following him now, and he was sick of it.

"Mate!"

Harry turned to see Ron sprinting up to him with his hand in the air. He clapped Harry's shoulder when he got to him.

"I completely forgot to tell you but," he caught his breath "We're having dinner at The Burrow this Sunday. Mum asked me if you wanted to come 'round. Catch up."

"Oh," Harry began, then paused. Sunday was in three days. And Harry would- "What about Malfoy?"

"Harry, mate, you know that Robards can arrange for somebody else to watch Malfoy for one day, right? No one is expecting you to turn into some sort of nanny."

"I mean, I know, but-"

"How about this," Ron cut him off. "Think about it. Let us know. I know that mum would love to see you. Yeah?"

Harry nodded, exhaling. "Yeah, okay. I'll let you know. Thanks."

"No problem. Say, what are you planning on doing now?"

"Going back to Malfoy's," Harry responded with a sigh. "What else?" Though Harry really wished that he could hole up in his own flat and ignore the universe right now. He didn't find himself enjoying the situation he was in. Ron's word choice stuck in his brain. Nanny.

Why did Ministry witness protection consist of Harry staying in Malfoy's flat anyway? It felt bloody awful, that was for sure. Harry felt like he'd just signed his life away to another person's house and rules. That feeling was the worst, having to obey somebody else's every rule-

"I'll go with you."

Harry hesitated, losing his previous train of thought. "Okay."

As soon as they apparated to the flat, Harry could feel something was off. The area was dripping with magic that was not his.

"D'you feel that, Ron?"

"Doesn't Malfoy live Muggle now?" Ron said at the same time. "This place is saturated with magic."

Harry moved to open the door only to be blasted backwards into the opposite wall. Ron pulled out his wand.

"Mate, you okay?" Ron offered Harry and hand and pulled him up.

"Fine," he grunted, pulling his wand out as well. "I think Malfoy re-warded the place."

"Do you think something may have gone wrong? I don't remember the feeling of magic like this last time I was here.

Suddenly Harry was aware of Ron's comment and the situation at hand. Why would Malfoy have warded his flat over Harry's wards? Had something occurred? Was he injured in there? Harry had only gone to investigate another murder for the case- Malfoy's case- Draco... Draco's case. He had detection wards up as well, he should have heard something. What if they failed? Could Harry really not even spend a few hours away from Draco anymore? "You're right."