Forever and Always - Dramione/Blinny Veela Sequel

Ch. 16

Draco and Blaise landed in a grassy area just outside of Betchworth Castle, looking at the ruins with confusion.

"I wonder why they decided to meet here," Draco said in a curious tone as the two Veelas set off towards the remains of the castle.

Blaise shrugged and said, "I mean, there are plenty of places and walls to hide everyone behind. Gives us an element of surprise."

"Good point."

They stepped over the protective railings and followed the sounds of quiet murmurs to meet up with the large group of Aurors. It looked as if the entire department was there, give or take a few people. Draco recognized Harry and Ron easily off to the side of the crowd, and he was very surprised to see Kingsley Shacklebolt there next to them.

"Minister, are you sure it's safe for you to be here?" Draco asked as he approached, reaching out to shake the Minister's offered hand.

"I am here as a member of the Order of the Phoenix, not as the Minister," Kingsley said with a smile. "I want to make sure we get rid of the threat to my fellow members."

Draco and Blaise both nodded at him and he returned the nod before giving a slight bow and walking away to speak with an older Auror, leaving Draco and Blaise alone with Harry and a very sullen-looking Ron.

"Draco, Blaise," Harry greeted with a nod. 

The Veelas returned his nod and Draco held out his hand to Harry. "Good to see you, Harry."

After Harry released his hand, Draco sighed and reluctantly reached his hand out to Ron. "Ron."

Ron glanced down at Draco's offered hand and his mouth formed a thin line. After a few tense moments, he finally reached out and grasped Draco's hand for a second, nodding at the blond but saying nothing.

Harry raised an eyebrow but shook his head, asking, "How are the girls?"

"Unhappy in their current situation but protected," Draco answered with a sigh as his hands went into his pockets. "They're with my parents right now, and are waiting for tonight to be over so we can take them back home to our own manors."

"I can't imagine they went quietly to Malfoy Manor," Harry said, chuckling slightly.

"About as quietly as two stubborn girls could," Blaise huffed.

"Oi!" Ron exclaimed. "That's my sister!"

"Oh, tell me I'm wrong," Blaise said with a scowl. "Your entire family is stubborn; she's not going to be any different."

Ron glared at him but didn't say anything in response, stuffing his hands into his pockets with a low growl and looking away. 

Draco rolled his eyes. "I see tonight's off to a great start."

Harry shrugged. "Could be worse."

"I suppose you're right." Draco looked back at Ron and asked, "Isn't your girlfriend an Auror too? Is she here tonight?"

"No, she's on another mission out in Scotland," Ron answered shortly.

"Out of curiosity," Blaise interrupted as he looked around. "Why are we in the ruins of a castle? This place looks like some of the walls would fall down if I breathe on them."

"I honestly could not tell you," Harry shrugged. "It was decided earlier and Daniels agreed to it."

"Daniels?" Draco asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The Head Auror," Harry said, pointing out the man in question behind them.

Draco and Blaise both cast a quick glance towards the older, scarred Auror who was chatting quietly with Kingsley behind them. His head was completely shaved which only showed more scars ranging in colors depending on their age. His expression was stern and Draco noticed that he seemed very on guard. Though, for an experienced Auror this probably was his instinct now.