Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 21: The Plan Takes Shape

Harriet's POV

The terror in Draco's eyes had dulled into something more dangerous: determination. He sat on the floor, his back against the bed, his breathing still ragged but more even than before. I watched him carefully, feeling the tension rolling off him in waves. The memory of Voldemort's punishment loomed heavily over both of us, and I knew that time was slipping away.

Draco clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "We can't afford to wait any longer," he said, his voice rough but resolute. "If we don't act soon, Voldemort will take everything. We have to be ready before school starts."

I paced in front of him, my mind racing. The window of opportunity was closing, but we had to make the most of the resources we had. The communication mirror Hermione and Ron had activated remained a fragile link to our only real allies, and it was time to use it.

Draco seemed to read my thoughts. He got to his feet, swaying slightly but regaining his balance, and crossed the room to the table where the mirror lay. He picked it up, his hand steady despite the fear still simmering beneath the surface.

"Potter, you're going to have to guide me," he said, his voice cracking just a little. "I can't face this alone. And if we're going to coordinate with your friends, we need to do it now."

I jumped onto the table, watching him with wide eyes, and he took a deep breath. With a tap of his wand and a whispered spell, the mirror shimmered to life. The glass rippled, and after a few tense moments, Hermione's face appeared.

Her hair was even more frizzed than usual, and worry lines creased her forehead. "Draco," she said, her tone cautious but urgent. "What's happening?"

Ron appeared over her shoulder, his expression wary but focused. "What do you want, Malfoy?" he asked, the distrust still evident in his voice.

Draco took a deep breath. "Things have gotten worse," he said, his voice strained. "Voldemort's here, in the Manor. He punished my father to make a point. We're running out of time."

Hermione's eyes widened, and she glanced at Ron, who had gone pale. "What do you mean, he punished your father?" she asked.

Draco's hands tightened around the mirror. "The Cruciatus Curse," he said, his voice raw. "He wants me to succeed at Hogwarts, and he'll do whatever it takes to ensure that I don't fail. We have to act now."

Hermione's face hardened with resolve. "Alright," she said, her voice firm. "We'll do everything we can to help. Ron and I have been researching ways to reverse the Animagus curse, but we'll need to be at Hogwarts to access the right materials. We'll meet you there, and we'll figure out a way to protect you-and Harriet."

The mention of my name made Ron's eyes narrow. "Wait," he said, his voice still laced with suspicion. "How do we know we can really trust you, Malfoy? For all we know, this could still be a trap."

Draco's jaw tightened, and I saw a flash of pain in his eyes. But he didn't lash out. Instead, he looked at me, and something in his expression softened. "Because I have more to lose than you can imagine," he said quietly. "I don't expect you to trust me. But if we don't work together, we're all going to lose."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Hermione's gaze flicked to me, and she nodded slowly. "We'll find a way," she said. "When we get back to Hogwarts, we'll work together to stop whatever Voldemort is planning. And we'll find a way to help Harriet."

Relief washed over me, and I let out a small, grateful purr. The alliance was fragile, but it was real, and it was our best shot at surviving this nightmare.

Draco's POV

The mirror went dark, and I set it down, the relief short-lived. We had a plan, thin and desperate as it was, but it was better than nothing. I looked at Harriet, who was staring up at me with those fierce green eyes, and I knew I couldn't let her down.

"Alright," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We'll meet them at Hogwarts. Until then, we have to keep our heads down and stay out of trouble."

Harriet seemed to understand, but I could see the worry in her eyes. The weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on both of us, but there was no turning back. We had crossed a line, forged an alliance that might be the only thing standing between us and the darkness closing in.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and my heart leapt into my throat. I quickly shoved the mirror back into its hiding place, and Harriet darted under the bed, her movements quick and silent.

The door opened, and my mother stepped inside, her face drawn and tired. She looked at me, her eyes filled with worry. "Draco," she said softly. "The Dark Lord has summoned you again. Be careful."

My blood ran cold, but I forced myself to nod. "I will," I promised, though the fear in my chest made it hard to breathe.

Narcissa stepped forward, placing a trembling hand on my cheek. "You must survive," she whispered, her voice breaking. "No matter what it takes."

I swallowed hard, nodding again. "I'll come back," I said, though the words felt like a fragile lie.

With one last, desperate look, she turned and left, closing the door behind her. I stood there for a moment, my whole body trembling. Then I felt Harriet's small, warm body press against my leg, and I looked down at her, drawing strength from the courage in her eyes.

"We're not done yet," I whispered, my voice steadier now. "We still have a chance."

Together, we would fight. Together, we would survive.