What Words Can Do (TOMARRY)

Year 6 ∆ Part 9

Break ended too quickly. Harry wasn't ready to go back to Hogwarts where he won't see Tom for a few long months. He hasn't taken off the promise ring since the first day of break. Whenever he was upset, he'd look at it and smile.

"Harry, mate!" Ron exclaimed upon seeing Harry's hand resting on the table in the compartment. "You're only 16!"

"That's what I said, too," Harry chuckled. But it isn't an engagement ring. It's a prize ring."

"Wait, he actually went through with it?" Hermione asked. Upon seeing her friend's confused faces, she explained further. "Tom came to me asking what he should do for Harry. I told him to get him a lot promise ring. I didn't think he actually would, though."

"Well, he did. Sirius already almost has the entire wedding planned out," Harry said, remebering the night.

For the most part, the rest of the ride was silent. For the time being, he'd forgotten about his talk with Draco last time they were on the Hogwarts Express.

Oh how he wished he could have completely forgotten. How he wished he didn't have to wonder when the death eaters would invade Hogwarts. Alas, he knew he couldn't do anything, only be on his toes.

He actually didn't remember their conversation until he locked eyes with a tired looking Draco. The blond gave him a curt nod, telling Harry what no one else could understand.

It was also that night he was called to Dumbledore's office.

The first thing he saw was the old man sitting at his desk, a twinkle in his eyes, a plan forming before him. "Harry," he smiled gently. "We have something to go over. Something that is very crucial in defeating Voldemort."

Dumbledore explained further what horcruxes are. He explained how in a week's time they were going to have to go find one. A bad feeling settled in his gut, but he knew the headmaster wouldn listen if Harry tried to say anything.

Instead, he went looking for Malfoy. Something he never thought he would have to do.

The Slytherin was crowded around by a group of other Slytherins. His eyes locked on Harry, his signature smirk playing at his lips. If he was planning to start an argument, be surely wouldn't now after seeing the anxious look from the Gryffindor.

Harry pulled Draco by his wrist away from the group. "What day are they doing it?" Harry asked after he led Draco to a hallway where no one else was.

"In a week," Draco answered. "Why?"

Harry felt his hands begin to sweat. His breathing got heavier. And his legs threatened to give out beneath him. "Potter, calm down," Draco smacked him across the face. "I don't need you going into a panic attack in the middle of our conversation. Now tell me, why."

So, Harry began explaining what he'd discussed with Dumbledore. Draco - who was pale enough before - somehow got whiter. "This can't be a coincidence," Draco shook his head. "Someone must have known about it first."

"But who?" Harry asked.

"Does it matter?" Draco asked. "We can't do anything about it. We'll just get killed. And I don't think you want to get killed before marriage."

"How did you-" Harry began.

"The ring is on your hand, dumbass," Draco rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm off to bed. Best to forget everything and just do what you need to stay alive. Heavens knows that's the end goal."

Harry stood in the hallway even after Draco left. He had to do something about it. He didn't know what, just that there must be something.

"It's pointless," Harry sighed to himself. "This is war. People die. But why does it have to be one of the few people who haven't tried to kill me?"

With that final thought, Harry realized that it was getting late and decided to get to the common room. With his luck, the week would go quickly before he was forced to join Dumbledore on his possible last day of life.

Five chapters (including this one) left.

Should I update them over the next few days. Or upload one a week?