What a Terrible Mess

Chapter 29

Ron was still looking terrified and wide awake, protesting every hour about huge spiders. It was dark still, dawn was on it's way. Draco was unmoving in his resolve to move forward, however, reaching into his trunk to give them all a drink of a Pepper Up potion.

"If we stay, here in one spot, too long we die," Blaise said grinning, "It really is brilliant, that way, if anyone is camping out, trying to find you- they never do. I'm not sure what would happen to a muggle vehicle... if it gets crushed, I'll buy you a new one."

"I'd rather it didn't, but your terms are agreeable," Hermione said, everyone got their trunks, pulling them along. It still wasn't completely safe to try to shrink them or use any magic. Draco stopped, frozen, and looked back expectingly at Harry. With a soft 'oh', Harry rushed up to grab the Veela's hand. Neville was already close behind Blaise, his hands on Blaise's shoulder.

"Alright, stop, this is still not right. Harry, you stay where you are- Neville, you too. Weasel, Granger, in between Blaise and I, do not over step either of us. If I say stop, you freeze. Body bind freeze, don't even blink." Hermione and Ron nodded in agreement, and again they moved forward.

Eventually, a gate loomed in front of them. Nothing appeared out of place, though the night behind the gate seemed to melt and sway within itself. Everyone, except for Blaise and Draco, shivered visibly. Draco and Blaise froze, holding up their hands to motion that everyone be still.

"I've got this one, Blaise." Draco said, cautiously approaching the gate. Slowly, Draco reached out to touch the gate and push it open. There was a sharp spark of blue light and Draco was tossed backwards, narrowly avoiding hitting Hermione and Neville. Snarling, Draco rose and transformed before them, raising to his full Veela height- obviously angry. He charged at the gate this time, wings drawn in around himself and shoved it open with a crash. The same blue sparks snapped everywhere in a brilliant display. Draco landed hard, only going about ten feet this time and landing on all fours, like a cat.

He stood and transformed again, back to the Draco they easily recognized. Neville stepped out a bit,

"You need help Draco?"

"No, I'm fine Longbottom, the offer is appreciated. Blaise," Draco bowed deeply, "after you." Harry grabbed Draco's hand again and they passed through carefully. Blaise stopped to close the gate doors, making sure they latched while motioning for everyone to shrink their trunks and put them up. They seemed to walk forever before Harry heard it,

"Hmmmmmm, the one in the back looks deliciousssss,"

"I like thhhhe girl..."

Giving a sharp tug to Draco, Harry froze. Both Slytherin's seemed to come to atteniton immediately, their heads cocked slightly, listening. Harry looked questioningly at Draco before venturing forward, never letting go.

"The one with me," Harry said into the darkness in Parseletongue, "He's a Veela, and he will shred you if you attack anyone."

"Thhhhere are sssso many..." came the reply.

"There may be, but the other is a Magiodrago, just as vicious and quite a bit larger. We mean you no harm, allow us to go."

"You sssspeak to ussss though you are not ussss..."

"I can speak to snakes, of all kinds."

"I feel that hisss intent is well... we leave hhhhim," Snakes didn't usually have very definite voices but Harry believed this one to be female, and could feel her tongue flick out to touch his face. Draco, barely seeing the movement, jerked Harry back to him with a snarl. Blaise rushed forward, leaned in to fight and Ron, Hermione and Neville fell into formation behind them, wands drawn,