The Deceit of Man

Breaking Away

It was dark by the time the two young wizards made it back to Privet Drive. The street lights were on but the both of them could tell something wasn't right. There was an unnatural stillness in the air that had Harry drawing the wand that held no Trace on it, "Keep behind me. I would normally allow you to fight alongside me but we're not in the Wizarding World. Your magic is still Traceable."

"Not to mention you are the Dark Lord. I'm just the follower so have fun with whatever creature wishes to challenge your reign, Your Lordship." Even nervous as he was, Draco still managed to be sarcastic. Harry shot the blonde a fond look before striding forward. Harry's steps were light, a habit from his days sneaking to get food from his cupboard, as he made his way to his relatives' house. The door was open and there were people moving in and out of his house. A familiar black dog lay near the porch, whining, and Harry stopped moving. Sirius was here which meant something had gone wrong. Next to the dog form of his godfather stood Remus Lupin, one of the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers to ever grace Hogwarts halls, who stood just as grim as Sirius.

"Remus, what's going on?" Remus and Sirius turned their heads in his direction so fast, Harry was afraid they would have whiplash.

"Cub, where have you been? You've had Snuffles and I mad with worry." Sirius bobbed his head in agreement. Remus inhaled deeply and froze, "What has changed Cub and who are you shielding?"

"Not here, moonchild. What must be discussed can only be done in private. As to who I am shielding, that would be a runaway and my Beta. Draco, come here." Remus wheeled back in shock as though in fear and Sirius made to attack but a wave of Harry's hand held them in place, "Draco is under my protection. He wrote me when no other of my friends did and we have become close. I am entrusting his safety to the two of you temporarily and will be displeased should any harm come to him while assigned to your care."

Draco moved to Harry's right and they entwined their hands, "You didn't answer his question, Professor."

"Your cousin was Kissed a short time ago, or at least that's what it looks like. There weren't any witnesses to prove it but he has the symptoms. We thought that a Death Eater had taken you while the Dementor did its' work. Why didn't you stay within the wards?"

"I take it Dumbledore didn't properly explain what happened at the graveyard." At the confused look on Remus' face, Harry sighed, "We can't have this conversation here. It's part of the bigger explanation as to where I went earlier and why Draco is with me. I just need you to trust me and get us somewhere safe, preferably away from Dumbledore and his supporters."

"We've been hiding out in Headquarters with the rest of the Order but I doubt you want to go there if it's as bad as you claim. I don't know where else to go though, do you have any ideas."

"We can start at Headquarters, I'm assuming my traitorous friends are there." At Remus nod, Harry's eyes narrowed, "I would say I'm hurt and shocked but after today's revelations, I'm really not. Let's go then shall we? Sirius, you'll take me and Remus you bring Draco. Before you ask, no I don't trust you with Draco yet Siri. I want to, believe me, I do but right now I need Draco safe. I can trust that Remus will keep his personal vendettas to a minimum until after he hears my explanations."

"Don't worry, Cub. I'll get him there safely. Let's go now before the others realize we're gone." Remus held out an arm and after a reassuring look from Harry, Draco took it and they were gone. Sirius led the way to a dark corner where he shifted back to his human form and wrapped Harry in a hug.

"Are you sure about the Little Malfoy, Pup? He's not forcing you to do anything is he?"

"I trust Draco with my life, Siri. He is the only other person who knows what's going on besides myself and he hasn't abandoned me over any of it. It's bad, Siri and it's only going to get worse. I know he'll stand with me even if you can't once you find out what I've done. Please, don' make things hard for him."