The Auror Method

8/11/2019 The Auror Method

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Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/2031204 .

Rating: MatureArchive Warning: No Archive Warnings ApplyCategory: M/M

Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. RowlingRelationship: Draco Malfoy/Harry PotterCharacter: Draco Malfoy , Harry Potter , Original Female Character(s) , Original

Male Character(s)Additional Tags: Romance , Humor , Mystery , Con Artists , AurorsStats: Published: 2014-07-27 Updated: 2014-09-04 Chapters: 6/? Words:

18244

The Auror Method

by Lomonaaeren

Summary

Draco has constructed the perfect cover for his activities as a con-man specializing in theftsfrom a distance: Draco Malfoy, the redeeme d Death Eater and Recluse of Malfoy Manor.But now theres evidence that some people are onto him, and as a consequence of thedeath threats issued to him, he gets an assigned Auror guard. Maybe Harry Potter, theirleader, could be a problem when it comes to Dracos latest con. Although how could he,when hes getting all distracted by Dracos fluttering eyelashes?

Notes

This is a mostly humorous story that will probably be between twelve and fifteen chapters.
http://archiveofourown.org/users/Lomonaaeren/pseuds/Lomonaaerenhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/No%20Archive%20Warnings%20Applyhttp://archiveofourown.org/users/Lomonaaeren/pseuds/Lomonaaerenhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Aurorshttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Con%20Artistshttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Mysteryhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Humorhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Romancehttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Original%20Male%20Character(s)http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Original%20Female%20Character(s)http://archiveofourown.org/tags/Harry%20Potterhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Draco%20Malfoyhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Draco%20Malfoy*s*Harry%20Potterhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Harry%20Potter%20-%20J*d*%20K*d*%20Rowlinghttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/M*s*Mhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/No%20Archive%20Warnings%20Applyhttp://archiveofourown.org/tags/Maturehttp://archiveofourown.org/works/2031204http://archiveofourown.org/


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The Exploding Scroll

The owl posed in the middle of the large oak table that Draco had chosen as a decoration for thisparticular room of the Manor, its wings spreading further and further as if it wanted Draco to seethe walls and windows of the Manor only through its feathers. It was a beautiful bird, Dracothought, probably the most beautiful he had ever seen. The only color other than black on it werein its gleaming golden eyes, which were so startling that Draco might have used the owl simply tosurprise visitors to the Manor if he owned it. And then it lifted its foot, and the scroll that wasbound around it showed scarlet, startling.

Draco nodded in approval as he reached out to retrieve the scroll. Whoever owns you has afitting sense of drama, he muttered. That might almost prompt me to listen to him.

The owl gave him a single, steady gaze, then leaped off the table and flew over to the perch thatDraco kept in a corner of the room. Its wings made the perch thrum and list. The owl balancedeasily, and dipped its head to bathe its beak in the water bowl, never taking its eye off Draco as it

did so.

The scroll contained the same message as all the others, with only one change in the last line.Draco scanned it, a small, pleased smile tugging at his lips.

You have been noticed. You are being warned. Do not try to break into Gringotts. You have tendays to change your mind.

Draco sighed and laid the scroll down. The messages had started coming a fortnight ago, so thecount had shrunk from twenty-four to ten days.

What he couldnt understand was, if someone knew about the truth behind his disguise and hisplan to break into Gringotts, why would they give him such a long period to change his mind?They could have waited until three days were up and then attacked, or gone to the Aurors at once.Along with all the drama of the scrolls and the countdown and the owl that this person sent, a newone every day, Draco was beginning to think that his courteous enemy had a hidden agenda.

He turned to the owl, who was still watching him with its wings folded behind it in a way thatspoke of wordless disdain. Or perhaps your master cant make up his mind about what he reallywants. I usually despise people who do that, you know, but I might be willing to make an

exception for people who send me

He had turned around completely in his chair to speak to the owl, and that saved his life. Thesudden explosion from the middle of the table sent the shards of wood and metal over his headand to the side instead of straight into his face.

Draco dropped immediately to the floor. He had no former training like some people had got inthe Aurors or as part of the Recidivus Guard, but he knew what to do with a sound like that whenhe heard one.

The flying shards were already settling. That explosion had been powerful but small, and wasalready contained. Draco lifted his head cautiously. The first thing he did was look at the perch.He wondered if the writer had taken the chance of sacrificing his owl along with Dracos life.

No. The owl was flying heavily towards the window it had come in by. It had left nothing more


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than a small swirl of dark feathers behind.

Ah, Im afraid I cant permit you to do that, said Draco, and drew his wand. At his command, asubtle mesh of white light sprang up across every window in the Manor, and across some of thedoorways that didnt have doors, as well. It still permitted light and air to flow through, but itwouldnt allow any more solid body. The owl bounced off the mesh and let loose a baffledscreech. Private compunctions, you understand.

The owl circled back down, diving at his head. It could have caused a lot of damage if it hadlanded and buried its talons in the back of his neck, as it obviously intended to do, but Draco had aconstitutional dislike of that, and his wand was ready. Again a mesh formed, this time into a netaround the owl that bounced it back towards the ceiling and then held it in midair, loopingfuriously around and around.

Now, said Draco, and gestured a little with his wand. The mesh net floated down towards him,while Draco carefully checked himself over to make sure that he hadnt taken a wound he hadntnoticed. But no, his arms and even his face, when he reached up and felt around with one hand,were unmarked. Draco nodded and focused his attention on the owl in front of him. I wonderwhat you can tell me about your owner?

The owl jerked its neck forwards and snapped its beak. Draco ignored that, instead sending ahouse-elf for a jewel that he had stolen last year as part of the seduction of an American witchwhod been briefly visiting England. It had taken him a while to work out what the jewel did, andhe still wasnt entirely sure that that was the only thing it did. But it was interesting and powerfulenough that he wouldnt hesitate to use it now.

When the elf brought the jewel, a large ruby with a hole pierced through the center, Draco held itup and looked at the owl through it. He could see spells that were meant to defend the owl from

curses and speed its flight, traditional ones that were woven into the feathers of post-owls almostfrom their birth. He could see a few added charms that would get the owl through windows thatshould have been too small for it to pass through, and one or two that made him raise hiseyebrows. They were protections against fire and water, something most owls wouldnt meet inany case.

But he didnt see the long, fragile golden thread that most owls also picked up, at least when theywere owned by a single person instead of manythe one that led off like smoke into the distanceand connected them to that owner. Draco would have been able to use the ruby to follow thesmoke-trail, and another of his treasures to get a name from it. Without it, though, he really had no

hope of tracing the owl back.

Well. Draco lowered the ruby thoughtfully. He couldnt believe that someone who owned thismagnificent bird would be content to share him with others, but on the other hand, he had neverheard of a spell that could remove the thread of magic, either. This opponent of his was clever.

I think Ill just keep you for a while, he told the owl comfortably, putting the ruby back into thevelvet-lined box the house-elf had carried it in. Until your owner comes looking for you,maybe?

The owl snapped at him hard enough that Draco knew he would have lost a finger if it had beenwithin the owls reach, and let out a truly horrifying screech. Draco nodded slowly. I wouldntlike losing my freedom, either, he told the owl as he floated the mesh net over to a cupboard inthe side of the dining room. But your owner should have sent a less valuable possession if hedidnt mind losing it.


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Were here, Malfoy.

Draco turned his head, and blinked. Then he dragged himself to his feet out of his chair, leaningon a cane that hed modeled after his fathers. He knew from the flinches of the Aurors behindPotter that his glamour, of a pale face with heavy lines running from the corners of his mouth tothe corners of his eyes, was doing its job.

Potter didnt flinch, of course, only looking at him with calm eyes. Draco schooled hisdisappointment after a second. He knew that Potter had seen far more alarming things, and itwould be silly to expect him to run screaming, anyway.

This is about the death threats? Draco dropped his head and stared at the floor. They just cantleave me alone.

He knew eyes were rolling above his head. That was good. His pretense had been designed toallow those eyes to roll. He looked up at last, and found Potter gazing at him thoughtfully, whilethe other Aurors muttered to each other.

What was the last threat like? Potter asked. Your complaint mentioned an explosion and anowl, but that was all.

Draco sighed a bit and turned to the cupboard where hed kept his enemys owl imprisoned. Thescroll was delivered by this bird, and then exploded, he said in a quavering voice, waving hiswand to open the door. The screech of the owl from inside actually made one of the other Aurors

jump, which Draco had to admit was satisfying. I managed to stop the owl before it escaped.

Two female Aurors moved forwards and ducked in to look at the owl, but Potter didnt. You

seem rather frail, physically and magically, he remarked, still watching Draco as if he was theinteresting one in all of this. How did you manage to entrap the owl?

Draco smiled mistily at him. Oh, the wards of my ancestors, the wards of my ancestors, he said,and waved his hand vaguely at the windows. They do come in useful from time to time.

Im sure they do.

Well, maybe Potter would be harder to trick than Draco had thought. The way he frowned andconsidered seemed to mean that he was more intelligent than the rumors said. Draco concealed a

sigh. That would be tiresome if it was true.

He couldnt start his plan to have fun with Potter until they were alone anyway, though. So hestood patiently smiling when the other Aurors brought the flailing and shrieking owl out, stillinside its mesh, and began casting spells on it. Draco kept his head bowed and his hands claspedaround the cane, watching the spellcasting from the corner of his eye. He would consider thatmemory in a Pensieve later and see what he could learn of the magic that the Aurors supposedlykept for themselves, away from ordinary wizards.

You dont know why someone would threaten you? Potter asked, drawing Dracos attention

back.

Draco was too old a hand to be caught out by that trick. He widened his eyes. But I told you that,in my complaint about the threats. Old hatreds. Theres someone out there who hates me for whatI did during the war.


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Many people might, but most of them wouldnt send you threats years later, said Potter. Ithought most of your money went to reparations after the war. Youre sure you dont have anyidea who this is?

An enemy, Draco said, and gave Potter a blinking look. Someone who hates me. I already toldyou that.

Potter placed his fingers next to his lips, as if he was actually considering the answer this time.What have the threats said?

Theres been a countdown, Draco said, and lowered his voice and glanced from side to side. Heknew the other Aurors were buying his cowardly act; one of them had actually said the wordcoward, although it was too muffled for Draco to be sure which one of the three it was. Theysaid that I had twenty-four days at first to stop.

Just stop? Potter pressed instantly. Not stop anything in particular?

What am I doing in particular, said Draco, and lowered his voice still further, other thanliving?

Potter nodded, although Draco didnt think he was entirely convinced by that. He wished he couldhave known if he was convinced. But he didnt want to drop the glamour or show anythingdifferent until they were alone. He waited patiently, and eventually Potter asked another question.

How far did the countdown get?

Ten days as of the scroll that exploded the day I contacted you. Draco widened his eyes and

rubbed his hands together. Do you think that means I have seven days to live?

Well try to think more positively than that, said Potter, with a faint smile. Draco could think positively, of course; he thought that smile was positively inane. Well. Its not much to go on, butwell find something.

Im sure you will, said Draco, and stood back and bowed when Potter looked down the corridorthat led to the dining room. Please feel free to search anywhere youd like. Complicatedglamours and spells hid Dracos treasures, his workroom, his potions lab, and everything else thathe needed in order to conduct his cons. The Aurors wouldnt find anything. Draco had learned

well from the regular checks hed been subjected to after the war; the Aurors had a procedure, andDracos spells would foil that procedure.

Potter gave him one more meaningless smile and stalked away on his rounds. Draco watched himgo, smiling slightly.

This might be more of a challenge than hed imagined. But he thought hed like that.


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The Hidden Gem

Youre utterly unable to think of anything that would make someone threaten you?

Draco looked down at his cane. The top of it reflected the walls around him, which included apanel that hid one of his greatest collections of rubies. If they found them, the Aurors would beimmediately suspicious.

It pleased Draco, to stand there talking to someone that a lot of people praised as the best Auror of all, and know he had no more idea of what Draco was concealing than an ordinary Auror wouldhave.

Nothing?

Draco blinked and looked up. I can think of plenty of people with grudges, he whisperedtiredly. But you told me that most of them are shut away. Is it surprising that after weve gone

through a list of prime suspects and eliminated most of them, I would have trouble thinking of anyof the rest?

Potter was silent, frowning instead of talking. He turned and lifted his wand so that it pointed atone section of the wall that constituted the outer edge of the panel. Dracos heart gave a greatbound, but he stood still. If Potter found the hidden gems through his own effort, then Dracowould take the challenge and deal with it. He wasnt going to be cowardly enough to reveal itbecause of his reactions, though.

But Potter said only, Memoria .

The walls glowed briefly, along the edges of panels and in the center of them alike. Dracostraightened his shoulders. At least this spell wouldnt help Potter uncover the location of anythingDraco had hidden.

It did bring to life memories of things the house had seen. If that included some of Draco admiringhis gains, then Draco would have to act quickly.

But instead, the pale blue light that poured from the walls formed into delicate, etched whiteimages that showed Death Eaters parading through the corridor, clutching a bloody heart in front

of them. Draco didnt have to feign his shudder or his pulling back.

Potter, he noticed, was watching him. Do you see something that could be the face of yourenemy? he asked softly, gesturing with his wand at the memories.

Draco had to sneer. You were the one who told me that all of the Death Eaters I could namewere dead or in prison, he said, and didnt care if it was pettish. Potter would probably expecthim to be pettish, anyway. There were people that Dracos guise of completely reformed DeathEater worked on, but not him.

Potter raised his eyebrows a little, and his expression altered. Is it hard, living with thosememories?

Draco spent a moment only making rapid calculations in his mind. This sympathy was probablyfalse, the sort of trick that Potter used to lull suspects, but on the other hand, Dracos persona


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would respond to it in a certain way. Draco just had to keep on his guard against taking Potterssoft tone seriously.

So he let his head droop and his shoulders slump, and he nodded. Sometimes it is, hewhispered. When wewhen I came back to live here, I realized that every place in the Manor isassociated with a memory of death or torture. He glanced at the memory, which had changed intoa vision of the Dark Lord addressing some Snatchers. He turned his head to the side, genuinelyuncomfortable now. Well, let that strengthen the pretense. I dont want to look at it anymore.

Potter banished the memory spell with a flick of his wand. I was just trying to call up memoriesof people who might have been in the Manor and threatened you in a way you dont remember,he said soothingly.

Draco laughed wearily. Trust me, I remember all of it.

Potter hesitated and reached out one hand. Draco had no idea where it would settle. He stood still,wondering if Potter would touch him after all.

But then one of the other Aurors, who Draco had learned was called Jordan Mytherian, yelledfrom the dining room. Sir, we need you to look at the owl!

Potter pulled his hand back, gave Draco one more cool look, and walked back to the dining room.Draco lingered, staring sadly into the head of his cane (and incidentally making sure that all of hissecret panels were still shut and sealed in the reflection).

He was thinking, too, of Potters expression and apparent desire to touch him, thoughts he couldhardly indulge in front of the other Aurors.

He was shocked by his own desire to receive that touch. And that altered the plan he wanted touse with Potter. Two such desires should not go unused.

*

This owl has been scrubbed clean of personal magic.

Draco settled heavily back into his chair and lifted a hand to his mouth. He didnt have to conceallaughter; his control was too perfect for that. But he had to admit, he was glad that he had lived tohear such incredulity in the voice of an Auror. They had never sounded anything but certain when

they were arresting his parents.

What does that mean? he asked, in a quavering voice, and thumped his cane on the floor whenno one looked at him. I said, what does that mean? I dont understand.

Auror Mytherian glared at him. Mytherian had clear brown eyes, brown hair that fell to hisshoulders in windswept waves, and an honest-to-Merlin cleft in his chin. Draco wondered, idly, if Mytherian resented that he had diminished chances to be a hero as long as Potter was around.It means , he said, voice mocking, that this owl has been scrubbed clean of personal magic.

Jordan.

The one word from Potter, uttered as absently as Dracos thoughts while Potter held the Stunnedowl on one fist and carefully examined its wings, and Mytherian shrank like a whipped puppy. Heturned away from Draco and made a little bow towards a far wall. As much of a compromise as


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he can make with his pride, Draco decided.

Just like that, a plan for dealing with Mytherian bloomed in Dracos mind. It wouldnt benecessary if Potter was the only Auror who stayed, but it might be amusing if Mytherian did.

It means, said another of the Aurors, Sarah Crystal, who seemed to have decided that it was her job to be sympathetic to Draco, that whoever owns this owl has gone through the trouble of having all sorts of magical signatures removed. Not only hisor hersbut the signature of anyone who owned the owl, who bred it, and who enchanted it. She gave a thoughtful glance atthe bird. She had blue eyes, and a firm grip on her wand that Draco thought was wiser than shecould have known, if she was wasting sympathy on him. Ive seen that done, but only oninanimate objects. Weapons, mostly. I wonder how a living one survived it.

Its clear that it did, said the third Auror, who stopped prowling around the dining room longenough to glance over his shoulder. Who cares how?

This Auror, Elian Greengrass-Rosier, had dark eyes and a hateful glare for Draco every threesteps or so. Draco kept his eyes down, and acted tame and meek. He would know how to handleGreengrass-Rosier if he needed to, and that would have to be enough.

Any bit of knowledge could be critical to this case, said Potter, with a look round that wouldhave damped Draco if was an Auror. He could only be glad that he wasnt. We need toremember that.

Greengrass-Rosier straightened his back and clasped his hands behind it. Of course we need toremember it, sir, but

The owl has nothing to tell us, said Potter, and turned away from Greengrass-Rosier with an

aplomb that made Draco lick his lips. That was permissible. His persona was such a coward thatthey could well be chapped and in need of licking. Do you have any other clues to the identity of your enemy?

I didnt know the owl was a clue, Draco muttered, and blinked, and grasped at the head of hiscane for a moment. He thought about it, letting the whole, agonizing effort of the thought bevisible on his face, and then shook his head. No. Nothing.

Potter was silent for a moment, fingers drumming on his wand holster.

He hasnt received any other threats since then, either, said Greengrass-Rosier, giving Dracoanother glare. I dont think this enemy has been active enough to warrant the attention of fourfull-class Aurors, sir. I suggest we leave.

Well do that after we find out whos threatening Malfoy, Potter said, and Draco thought hewould continue, but Greengrass-Rosier interrupted.

With all due respect, sir, who cares about a threat to Malfoy? It would only be someone doingwhat should have been done during the war! If its an assassination, I would be tempted to helpthe assassin

Elian.

Potters voice had more echoes than it should have. Greengrass-Rosier went still and pale andtilted his head back, a muscle jumping in his throat. His skin was so pale that Draco was tempted


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to reach out and touch it, to feel the warmth draining away. He managed to restrain himself, but itwas hard.

I know full well that Malfoy was supposed to marry your sister, and did not. Potters voice haddropped an octave, and it sounded impressive. Draco wondered for a moment why Potter didntuse this voice in his day-to-day life. I didnt question your assignment to this case because I knowthat you have a lot of experience with death threats and tracking anonymous owls to their sources.Now I see that I should have questioned it. Youre dismissed.

The last word might have been poison, from the way Greengrass-Rosier reacted. He was palerthan ever, and stretched out one hand as though he assumed he could touch Potter and have hismistake redeemed. Pleasesirif I receive another reprimandyou know whatll happen

So do you. Potter stared at him with eyes as pitiless as Naginis, and Draco knew somethingabout that, from the number of times the Dark Lord had forced him to stand before the swayingsnake as punishment. That should have let you keep your tongue still, but it didnt. Get out of mywards house .

You cant even call him your ward yet! You havent determined whether you need to protecthim, whether theres a bodyguard case here, instead of Malfoy just exaggerating or trying to play atrick on us

Im glad that I didnt marry into his family, Draco thought fervently, although his face onlyexpressed a little stupefied surprise, his mouth hanging open and his eyes blinkingfrantically. What an idiot. And its probably hereditary.

I determined that theres enough of a threat when I saw the presence of utterly unknown magicon the owl, said Potter. And you know as well as I do that its the Auror in charge of a case

who makes that decision. He moved a step forwards, and Greengrass-Rosier retreated, eventhough Potter hadnt drawn his wand. Yet, Draco added mentally, watching the way Pottershands twitched near his waist. Dont try to use procedure against me. Not when proceduredemands your reprimand. Go back to the Ministry. Now.

The last word wasnt even particularly emphatic, but Greengrass-Rosier flinched and nodded. Hedid turn his back and stalk towards the doorway.

But as he passed Draco, he tried to cast something. It was probably as harmless as the TrippingJinx. Draco could easily have resisted or bypassed it, even in his persona, and not taken much

harm.

He didnt get to find out what the spell was, though, because before the first syllable had slitheredout of Greengrass-Rosiers lips, Potter moved. There was a long, complicated moment that Dracobacked away from without thinking, and which he knew he would have to watch in a Pensievelater to make complete sense of.

But it ended with Greengrass-Rosier on his back, squalling, and Potter standing above him withone boot on his chest and one on his windpipe. His left hand held the wand Greengrass-Rosierhad been drawing. He looked down, and when Greengrass-Rosier tried to open his mouth to

complain, Potter merely shifted his weight forwards. A warning crackle came from the trappedAurors throat, and he shut up, his eyes widening.

Sir, said the Auror named Crystal. Draco looked at her and saw her studying the scene withsome appreciation, but the moment she saw him looking, she veiled her eyes and glanced at the


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floor. This will give Greengrass-Rosier more evidence against you if he does decide to report theconflict to the Ministry.

So? Im not worried about what I might say under Veritaserum, let alone what the Pensievememories would show. Potter tilted his weight delicately back, and Greengrass-Rosier went fromfearing for his neck to fearing for his breath, from the expression on his face. Besides, the minuteI show this conversation to someone, hes not an Auror anymore.

Thats true, sir, said Crystal, and stretched out a placating hand. But I still think it would be forthe best if you let him go.

Potter considered that, then nodded. Youre probably right. I think hes learned his lesson. He jumped to the side with a long, arcing motion, landing smoothly on the floor and turning around toeye Greengrass-Rosier. Get up. Get out of here. Wait outside. When I decide whos staying here,Ill send the other person whos leaving to you with your wand.

Greengrass-Rosier stood up and glared hatred. It had no obvious effect on Potter, leaving thedeparting idiot to stomp outside without his wand, but with a grudge big enough to last a lifetime.Draco had watched enough of them form that he should know.

Potter turned to speak with Crystal and Mytherian. Draco blinked at his back. He could get awaywith simply maintaining a bemused response all through this, since he had already establishedhimself as not particularly smart.

Inside, he was reeling.

Potters competent. Hes intelligent. Hes a good fighter. Hes a good leader. Why would anyonereport otherwise?

Draco paused, making a connection he never had before. Some of his first contacts in the Ministryand Knockturn Alley had told him about Potters incompetence right before they got arrested ordisappeared. He wondered now how many of them had run afoul of Potter or other Aurorsbecause of inaccurate information. Maybe Potter only seemed formidable when you saw him inbattleand few of them would have had the opportunity Draco had, to see him there afterbecoming his new ward.

So. This is another chance for me. Im going to need a powerful distraction, though, one thatsdifferent than the little flirtatious statements I intended to bewilder him with.

Another plan, one hed only half-considered, slid forwards and took that discarded plans place,and by the time Potter turned back to Draco from issuing crisp orders to Mytherian and Crystal,Draco was deep enough into it to peer shyly up, then let his eyelids descend again.

Im sorry you had to see that, Potter said, shaking his head. Not even a personal grudge shouldever make an Auror behave like that in front of someone hes supposed to protect.

Its all right, Draco whispered, and glanced timidly up at Potter. So long as someone as strongas you is here to protect me, I dont care about the others.

Potter blinked and looked at him closely for a moment, as though he suspected Dracos timidexterior hid something more. Since that was exactly what Draco wanted him to think, Draco gavehim three more seconds of a bright smile, then wriggled back in his chair and looked at his feet.What happens now? he whispered.


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Potter paused for a second and looked keenly at Mytherian and Crystal. Draco expected him todismiss Mytherian. Any fool could see that that one would cause some of the same problems forPotter as Greengrass-Rosier had, although his motive was hatred of and jealousy of Potter insteadof hatred of Draco.

But instead, Potter said, Sarah, Im going to send you back to the Ministry with the initial report,and to take Elian his wand. Someone should be there to give a fairly objective summary of whathappened, and report to the Analysts about the magic on the owl.

Draco managed to hide a twitch. The Analysts were a relatively new branch of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, one that Potters friend Granger had founded. They specialized intackling obscure spells, artifacts, and magical effects and tracking them to their origins, or at leastcomparing them with other spells and artifacts and magical effects they had encountered in thepast.

Crystal seemed to have some of the same reservations that Draco did. She looked straight atPotter, not letting her eyes pass to the side to touch Mytherian, and said, But sir

I need Hermione to look at your memories of that owl, Potter interrupted. Thats the real reasonIm sending you. Can you do that? He tossed Greengrass-Rosiers wand to her as he wasspeaking, and Crystal caught it out of the air without trouble, although she still looked disturbed.

But then she said, Yes, sir, in a colorless voice, and gave a single bow. When she straightened,it was to frown at Mytherian and Draco in turn before she spun and walked out of the Manor.

Good, said Potter, turning back to Draco. Let me explain to you how our schedule of guardingyou will work.

Whatever you come up with will be wonderful , Im sure, Draco said, and looked up at him withshining eyes.

Potter twitched much the same way Draco had kept himself from doing a few minutes ago. Of course, he said, and then turned and beckoned Mytherian over, drawing his wand. A transparentmap of the Manor flashed into existence between them. This is where Im going to position us.

Draco sat there and sneaked shy glances up now and then. From the way he kept twitching, Potterhadnt the slightest idea of how to deal with them.

Yes, actual physical flirting is the best way. Distracting for him, fun for me, and encouraging himto protect me even more.

Who knows? There are certain situations where I might need someone competent and ready tosacrifice his life for me, and this could well be one of them.


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Curving Up

Mask? Mask, is that you?

Draco could find his tolerant smile fairly easily, when he was dealing with someone like theyoung man who had almost given Gringotts into his hand. Yes, he admitted, dipping his headand crowding close to the fireplace so he could whisper. And so that the edges of the black velvetmask he wore, lined with silver around the eyeholes and nose, wouldnt flip up and revealanything of his face that he didnt want revealed. Im sorry I couldnt speak to you for a fewdays. The goblins were onto me.

No, really? Jared Mindmirror came close to the fire on his side, eyes flaring. He was ahandsome enough young man, black hair and grey eyes and half-blood, that Draco found he hadno trouble playing his role as the mentor who admired the young mans innate talents withmoney-making magic enough to offer him an apprenticeship. I didnt think I did anything thatcould have betrayed you! Im sorry!

Perhaps the most irritating thing about Jared was his tendency to speak almost exclusively inexclamation points and question marks. It was nothing you did, Draco said soothingly. A fewpeople interfering where they shouldnt have been, convinced they needed to protect the goblinstranglehold on wizarding wealth.

They did? Jared was all but bouncing on his heels now, and Dracos mask hid a grimace. If hisplan did get betrayed, and not through his mysterious enemy who somehow knew he waspersuading Jared to hand over goblin secrets, then it would probably falter because of Jaredsnoisiness during what were supposed to be clandestine conversations. Thats terrible! Who was

it?

Draco shook his head. Just the usual pure-blood suspects, the ones who think that all goblinsshould have dominion over the money of all wizards. Malfoy, Greengrass, the like.

Its still terrible! Jared leaned forwards, getting his head under the curve of the fireplace andrevealing the short stature that marked him as half-goblin and trusted to work in the bank. Whatcan I do to help?

Give me the last few spells on the vaults as quickly as you can, said Draco, not needing to try to

sound grim. We need to make sure that we have at least some money beyond their control asquickly as we can. He grinned. And to make it better, Ill take money mostly from the pure-blood vaults as a demonstration of what we can accomplish, before I put it back.

Thats good! said Jared, with a firm nod. We need to have control of our own finances!

We do, said Draco, and thought, With a different definition of we, you poor bastard. Now.What about those last few spells? Were you able to write them down for me? He knew Jaredknew what they were. This whole campaign of seduction, from the time that Mask hadcontacted a young, bored half-goblin and whispered that the goblin control of money in Gringottswas tyranny and they needed to fight against it, had been aimed at actually getting Jaredcomfortable enough to tell him what those spells were.

I did better than that, said Jared, and beamed at him. The subdued sentence should really havetold Draco what was coming, he acknowledged later. I memorized them myself! So I can come


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with you!

Draco hid a groan, and sighed. But that would involve putting you in danger, Jared. The mentorisnt ever supposed to do that with his apprentices.

But I want to go with you! I have talents, you said so! I can help you right on the front lines!

I could never forgive myself if something happened to you, Draco said simply. Except gettingreprimanded by your superiors once they figured out that you were the one who betrayed their defenses. Im sorry, Jared, but I cant allow it.

Jared folded his arms and looked around. Then I wont tell you what the final spells are, Mask!

Draco sighed again. Then I suppose that Ill just have to go in and try to free the money anyway.This goal is more important than a single life. As Jared swung around with his mouth open, headded, Im glad to see that you feel the same way. So the next you hear of me will be showingthe goblins how easy it is to breach their defenses, and how theyre better off letting some wizardsinto positions of influence over their money. Or perhaps youll be the one to find my body.

I couldnt stand that, Jared whispered, and buried his head in his hands.

Draco waited for a moment in a posture that implied he was turning away. Then he faced thefireplace again and gently shook his head, making sure that he was still shaking it when Jaredlooked up. Its all about what needs to be done, he said. About goals bigger than ourselves.Not what one person can or cant stand.

But you need my help. You said so.

Draco glanced at the floor and shrugged. But youve chosen to sacrifice helping me to childishideas and grudges. Im afraid that I cant count on you anymore.

Jared gave a hysterical gulping sound that had heralded a flood of tears in the past. Draco hadbeen able to stop him with a harsh word then; he would probably be able to do the same thingnow. But instead, he waited, and Jared brushed away incipient tears and nodded to him.

Youre right, Mask. This is bigger than any of us. Were going to set up our own bank, and thegoblins cant stop us.

Draco gave Jared a full-on, approving smile, not least because of the lack of exclamation points.Exactly. Now, can you tell me what the final spells are, and in such glowing detail that I donteven have to write them down? Ill remember them just from the way you tell them to me.

Jared blushed and looked up at him. Well, fine. On the Malfoy vault are

*

Where did you go?

Draco looked up at Potter, who was standing in the doorway of his bathroom with his armsfolded. Here, he said, and yawned, and took another drink from the heavy crystal cup that sat onthe side of his sink. Sometimes I really have to piss, you know. Comes from the pressure on thebladder from the bad leg. He picked up the cane, which had been leaning against the wall, andnodded to Potter. And now Im for bed.


15/37

You werent in the bathroom, Potter persisted. I knocked on the door and called you, and youdidnt answer, and I couldnt hear any stream of pissing, either. You went somewhere else,you must have. Potters face was slightly red, his hand gripping his wand. Do you have anyidea how dangerous that is with someone trying to kill you?

Merlin, he sounds like Jared. Draco hated having to drop his eyes and cower in front of someonewho was abusing him like this, but it was what his persona would do. Im sorry, he whispered.I didnt want to tell you.

Didnt want to tell us what? Potters voice was quieter now, and he had advanced near enoughto meet Dracos eyes on the level, at least if he stooped. Anything that matters to the case

This doesnt matter to the case, except affecting how well I can run if I need to, said Draco, andlet a blush overspread his face as he looked away. Im sick, Potter, not just injured or depressed.The disease means that I have to use the bathroom. A lot. He gestured to the loo, which wasindeed full, the result of a nonverbal charm Draco had become proficient in. And I haveconvulsions sometimes.

Potter strode right up to him. Draco cringed, until he realized what Potter was doing: digging hisfingers into Dracos hair and tilting his head. Are you injured? Did you hurt your head at all?Scalp injuries bleed even when theyre shallow.

Draco blinked at nothing in the sideways position Potter was holding his head, then sighed.Theyre minor convulsions, Potter. Im probably dignifying them too much even calling themthat. What they mostly mean is that I jig and shake a bit, and then fall asleep. Or unconscious, if you will. I was sittingI was sitting on the loo and asleep, and I didnt hear you calling me.Draco knew his blush was hot enough now to consume most of his face. Im sorry to be talking

about it like this, its so embarrassing .

Its not embarrassing, Potter said in a surprisingly gentle voice, and tilted Dracos head this timeso that Draco was looking at him. If Id known you had this sickness, we would have made otherarrangements for your protection. We still might have to make them. What happens if your enemyattacks while youre unconscious and cant run away?

Well, yes, thats what I meant when I said that it would affect my running speed, Draco said,peacefully. He had slipped out of the bathroom down a secret passage that led from there to thedisused room in the north wing of the Manor where he usually contacted Jared. But you dont

need to trouble yourself at all, Potter. I think youve already troubled yourself enough.

This is my job , Malfoy. And believe me, Ive protected plenty of people with more embarrassingproblems, and who tried to obstruct us more. For a second, his fingers dug more into Dracos hairas if he was remembering those people.

Draco decided that now was the best way to test some of those conclusions he had come to aboutPotter earlier. He moaned a little, and Potter moved a hasty step away. Only Dracos grip on thecane saved him from crashing to the floor. Whats the matter? Did I hurt you?

Quite the opposite, Draco said, and buried his flaming face in his hands.

Potter paused, then came towards him. I didnt intend to do that, either, he whispered as he kneltbeside Draco. Im sorry. Sometimes its hard to remember that youre no longer the boy Idespised so much in school.


16/37

Draco sniffled into his hands, and did his best to lift his head a little. Its not your fault, heinsisted valiantly, scrubbing at his face. How could it be your fault?

I want to be clear, so there are no misunderstandings, said Potter, his face and voice desperatelyearnest and noble. I cant date or sleep with people I protect. I did it once, and it was the worstmistake of my life.

Draco was glad that his hands were wrapped around his cheeks, so his jaw couldnt drop open.He had never heard that gossip. What in the world was wrong with his spy network, that they hadnever thought to pass such delicious rumors on to him?

Potter was, meanwhile, pursuing his misguided mission of trying to make Draco feel better. Iknow youve changed, and tonight was my reminder of that, if I needed one. I dont want you tothink that you need to subdue your natural reactions around me or change who you are because of me. I just wont be responding, thats all.

Draco made a sound that could have been a laugh or a sniffle or anything Potter wanted to take itas, and then leaned back and looked up at him. I understand, he whispered. Thank you forbeing so clear and honest. It helps me greatly. It at least helped him estimate Potter as anopponent, and think that it probably wasnt real stupidity that had handicapped him in the past, inbattle with some people Draco knew as competitors or colleagues. They had mistaken intensedevotion to a code of Gryffindor principles for lack of general intelligence.

Draco still thought the code of Gryffindor principles could be rather stupid, himself, but hewouldnt make the mistake of thinking it was always so.

Good. Potter pressed lightly down on his shoulder, then glanced around the bathroom. Auror

Mytherian will be on guard outside your door for the first part of tonight, until two-oclock. Thenwell switch, and Ill be there.

Youre not going to be near me all night? Draco was rather proud of the gasping choke heintroduced into his voice, and the pathetic hand that reached up towards Potter. But I trust youmore than I trust Auror Mytherian!

Potter shot him another keen glance. I thought you knew. We discussed this earlier. One of uswill be outside your bedroom door, and one inside. Its just that well switch positions so that wedont fall into too established a routine. Both of us will be awake all night.

Draco nodded and let his eyes convey his relief, while he kept his laughter inside.

The perfect opportunity to seduce Potter, noble principles and all. He certainly doesnt have anytrouble touching me. And having him stand next to my bed

For a moment, Draco considered whether Potter would tell Auror Mytherian if Draco did seducehim, since he seemed so committed to honesty. Then he snorted a little.

It wouldnt matter if he did. Mytherian would report the incident, and rid me of part of the

problem. Or he would keep silent and try to figure out a way to use the information against Potter later. And that will be after theyre out of the Manor and away from me.

Is something wrong with your throat? Potter had heard the snort, and reached towards him.


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Not at all, said Draco blandly, and grasped the cane to help him to his feet. I am tired, though.Can we go to bed now?

Potters eyes narrowed a little at the innuendo, but all he did was nod and lead Draco to his room.

*

Draco leaned back into the embrace of his bedwide, white, fluffy, with pillows piled up at thehead and edged in lace, as befitted his assumed personalityand sighed. Potter gave him acurious glance, which Draco thought was tinged with envy, as he paced slowly around thebedroom, setting up wards and charms and traps. Draco watched out of the corner of one eye, butthe information he could gather was limited; Potter performed most of his incantationsnonverbally.

Is it that comfortable?

Draco twisted himself around and gave Potter a whimsical smile. Well, a lot of it is being able toget the weight off my bad leg, you see, he whispered. But Im surprised. Does someone whocould surely buy anything he wants deny himself the pleasure of a nice, big bed?

Potter smiled slightly. I dont see much point in buying what Id rarely get to sleep in.

You have that many calls on your time? Draco folded his arms behind him on the pillow andgave Potter an expression of absolute wonder that he didnt have to feign. Potter had seemed ableto command his time to him, to choose his cases, although up until that point Draco had assumedthat was a function of his status as the Boy-Who-Lived rather than any inherent competence as anAuror. Perhaps not, though.

Yes, said Potter simply, but he had turned around and stood with his back to Draco, gazingtowards the door. You dont have to worry, though. I can concentrate on cases, and while thatbusiness with Elian Greengrass-Rosier might have given you a poor idea of me, youll be myprimary charge for as long as you need protection.

It didnt concern me, Draco said, and made his voice as gentle as a wind swaying grass. Itimpressed me.

Potter twisted back to him, one eyebrow raised. Well, its good to know that youll trust me tofight for you.

More than that, Draco said, and let his eyes linger and burn. I would trust you withevery part of me.

Then he turned away again and wrapped one arm around his head, sighing. Im sorry. I forgotthat you dont want to hear something like that from me. I promise Ill be quiet.

Potter said nothing. The silence settled on the room, and Draco knew that he needed to dosomething else, that innuendos by themselves werent enough to make Potter abandon hisannoying self-righteous stance and come to bed with him.

Draco moved his arm gently up under his pillow until his wand was aimed at his templebut withhis pillow in the way, Potter would have a lot of difficulty seeing that. Then he whispered theincantation of a certain spell he hadnt used in a long time, and then mainly for revenge againstdifficult people.


18/37

He fell asleep smiling, a swift, sweet, natural sleep that he knew would be broken later on thatnight. But breaking it was the plan, after all.

*

Malfoy!

Draco came awake thrashing and gasping. Potter was standing over him, his wand lit and hisexpression strained.

Are you all right? Potter was sweeping the bed with a professional gaze. You were groaning asif you were in pain. Are you subject to nightmares usually? If not, we have to consider thepossibility that this was a sorcerous attack from your enemy.

Draco felt the blush lighting his face on fire, but even that was a natural consequence of the spell.It wasnt a nightmare, he whispered, and drew his robes tighter around his groin. It wasanatural occurrence. But I do need to cast a Drying Charm.

Potter certainly understood him, but he couldnt keep his eyes flickering down to the wet patch onDracos groin anyway. Then he blushed himself and nodded. Its nearly time for me and AurorMytherian to switch places, he murmured. Ill alert him, and he can escort you to the bathroomif youd like.

Thank you, said Draco, not trying to disguise the huskiness in his voice that the Wet DreamCharm usually created.

Potter turned away. Draco watched the stiffness in his back muscles and smiled. First point to me,

I think.


19/37

Displays of Vengeance

A quiet night, said Mytherian, his attention on the breakfast in front of him.

Draco curled his lip a little behind the protection of his cup. He knew that the breakfast his house-elves served was excellent, consisting as it did of hot chocolate, scones smothered in butter andmore chocolate, fresh fruit with chocolate ready at hand to dip it in, and bangers that had, for once,no chocolate, but it still seemed unprofessional for an Auror never to look around once in fiveminutes.

Yes, it was, said Draco, because one had to say something, and Potter was out of the way. Helooked at the Prophet again, flicking idly through the pages. Stories on Quidditch, stories onmusic, stories on the latest scandal to break out in the Ministrya secret marriage between amember of the Wizengamot and another members much-younger daughter. Draco read that withsome amusement. At least the paper wasnt a complete loss.

Malfoy.

Draco started a little and then looked up. Mytherian was leaning forwards, his hands braced on thetable as if he was going to leap over it and come at Draco that way. Draco catalogued at leastseven escape routes in the first three seconds, and then made himself relax and listen instead of reacting with paranoia.

Yes? he asked, picking up a cup of hot chocolate both to have something to do with his handsand to have a hot weapon in case Mytherian did come at him.

You have to know that Im a better Auror than Potter, right? Mytherian whispered, and swayedtowards him with feral intensity.

Dracos sense of danger passed away in a flash and scattering of sparks, leaving laughter in itswake. He did his best to keep that off his face, of course. If Mytherian knew he was an object of mirth, hed probably attack.

I dont know that, he mumbled into his cup. Everyone always talks about what a great AurorPotter is.

They dont know him at all. Mytherian climbed to his feet now and stalked back and forth alittle in front of the table. They dont know how many of his victories rely on luck or otherpeople helping him.

I thought Potter gave plenty of credit to other people helping him, said Draco. It let him soundinnocent and bemused, and as far as he knew, it was actually the truth. Potter was forever bleatingabout the way that Weasley and Granger had helped him defeat the Dark Lord.

To Draco, that was an example of Potter going too far. They might have helped him with spellsand fighting individual Death Eaters, but had they walked into the Forbidden Forest with him, orhelped in the final duel with the Elder Wand? No, they had not.

But Potters arse was stuffed up with modesty. It was probably no surprise that he would deny hisown contributions so that his friends could have some crumbs. And if Potter was actually theattention-seeker Draco had once believed him to be, it was also a brilliant strategy. Modest


20/37

disclaimers made people praise you more .

Draco ought to know.

He might give credit to his friends, said Mytherian, with an impatient motion of one hand thatnearly upset Dracos chocolate cup. Draco decided to keep his opinion on clumsy Aurors tohimself for now, and see what transpired. But he doesnt give credit to the other Aurors who helphim with arrests.

And here we get to the heart of the grudge, Draco thought, while maintaining an elaboratebefuddled look. Did you do that? he whispered.

Of course I did, said Mytherian, with a snort that said what he thought of Dracos intelligence.If you knew the number of cases Ive helped him with, only to see him getting away withdenying that anyone had helped him at all His voice trailed off, and he turned away and kickedthe wall. And this one will be just the same. The press will say that he did all the work.

Draco raised one eyebrow, now that Mytherian was facing away. The press saying that Potter wasthe sole one responsible for these cases wasnt the same as Potter saying it. And Draco knew thatPotter had actually begged the press not to say such things, and they kept on doing it anyway.

But why he should want to bring Mytherian to his senses? There was the chance that this couldfall out well for Draco himself, and he was all for encouraging that.

Mytherian scowled at the wall hed kicked, and then turned around and studied Draco intentlyagain. The same things going to happen again, he said, unless you help me.

Me? Draco looked at his cane, leaning against the chair, and then into the cup, as if an answer

would be there.

Dont play coy. You may not be much, but you have a respected voice now that most peoplethink youre redeemed. Mytherian snapped his fingers insistently. If you give an interview to thepaper about how much I helped you when I was your guard, then that would be all you needed todo. One little interview. Consider it?

When youre so charming, how can one resist? But Draco had a lot of practice at keeping sarcasminside now, especially sarcasm that would destroy his persona at once. He looked away modestlyinstead. Do you really think they would believe me over Potter? That would be the only

problem.

If you put it well enough, and give details, then they will. Mytherian nodded. I just want mywork recognized for once.

Then work harder. But Draco would be the last one to suggest that now. He folded his hands andmurmured, All right. I just hope that no one attacks me in the meantime.

You dont trust me to protect you? Mytherian sounded offended all over again. He turned in aslow circle around the dining room, apparently studying the windows. I can recommend several

wards and enchantments I could put up that would make your house impregnable.

Which just means that hes not very good at wards, if he cant recognize the quality of the ones onthe Manor that my enemy already got past. But Draco nodded enthusiastically again. There wasthe chance that he could learn about special Auror spells from Mytherian in the way that Potter


21/37

was so far proving himself reluctant to teach. All right.

Mytherian smiled, pleased, and lifted his wand.

Jordan! I asked you not to add any enchantments until we made the tests that we talked aboutearlier, remember? Itll prejudice them too much if were working against our own spells.

Perfect timing, Potter, Draco thought, as Potter strode into the dining room and went over to helphimself to some of the strawberries and the one scone on the table that had butter instead of chocolate on it. I suppose he doesnt have much of a sweet tooth.

I remember, said Mytherian, and lowered his wand.

The look he flashed at Potter was utter murder. Draco raised an eyebrow and leaned back. It lookslike we have a case of hatred here, a strong grudge, not just resentment of Potters fame.

Interesting. I wonder how I can exploit it?

Good, then dont try it again. Potter turned to Draco. I cant shake the idea that maybe yourenemy is using your own wards against you. That means that I want to take care of some testsbefore we add anything to the protections.

Draco squinted at Potter, his personas face and his own instincts colluding for once. What doesthat mean? How could someone use my own wards against me?

Potter paused with a strawberry on the way to his mouth, narrowing his eyes at Draco, and Dracowondered, too late, if he had perhaps sounded certain and strong, things that his persona wasnt.He fidgeted and dropped his eyes to his plate. If you dont mind telling me, he whispered.

He thought Mytherian snorted in disgust off to the side, but he ignored that. Mytherian wasnt theone it was important to fool right now.

Potter put the strawberry into his mouth and chewed a little. Then he said, The magical theorybehind it is too complex for a quick summary, but basically, he sends an owllets use thatexample. The owl is normal, or perhaps only enhanced by the spell that will take advantage of your wards, until it actually encounters the protections that are supposed to defend you. Then itreaches out and sucks power from them, turning the defensive charms into offensive ones. Thatsthe only way it can work. Weve never found a case where defensive charms for one person canbe turned defensive for another. He can make a normal message explode, but he cant put armor

on his owl.

Thats dead clever. Contrary to Potters expectations, Draco did indeed know about the magicaltheory. He ate his own scone in silence, and then faltered, But you can protect me from thingslike that?

If hes even doing it. Potter flashed him a quick, unexpected smile. Ive been told more thanonce that I shouldnt set up my own ideas as the end-all and be-all of explanations. He might bedoing something entirely different. But it would give some clues as to why he was able to sendyou such a deadly threat that the wards didnt stop.

Yes, it would. Draco intended to do some research on his own. He leaned back and waved a handthat he hoped looked limp. Then go ahead and do what you need to do.

Potter left the dining room without, so far as Draco was able to determine, having eaten more than


22/37

three bites. Mytherian lingered a moment, stare burning into the side of Dracos head.

Draco stared back. You were about to do something that might have made me less safe, he said,and hunched in on himself. Im not sure that I trust you to protect me.

Potter could be wrong. This time, Mytherians look of utter loathing chased Potter up thecorridor. He has been, you know. In the past. Often.

Is he going to be wrong about protecting me? Draco blinked anxious eyes.

Mytherian bit his lip in response, and charged up the corridor as if he thought that Potter might beconfronting Dracos enemy right now and didnt want to be left out of the action. Draco laughedinto his mind and continued eating, placidly.

So many tacks he could take, he thought. There was Mytherians hatred of Potter to exploit. Therewas the information he had on one possible tactic of his enemys, and how he might fight ithimself. There was Potters undeniable attraction to Draco. And there was the way that Draco hadseen Potter go without eating or sleeping now, for over twelve hours. All sorts of interestingweaknesses appeared when someone did that.

Draco smiled, and finished his breakfast.

*

Nothing.

Draco looked up from the pages of a book that would appear, to anyone who glanced at the cover,as a history of heroic Malfoy ancestors, while the pages inside it actually contained some of the

complicated magical theory one would need to modify long-standing wards. My enemy isntinterfering with my protections? he asked, marking his place in the book with one finger.

It was Potter alone who came into the library, and he moved in an intent way that told Draco whatwould happen, even before he took a seat across the table from Draco and looked into his eyes.

Are you sure that you cant think of anyone who would want to harm you? Potter was almostwistful, but Draco didnt think that came from past nostalgia when hed wanted to harm Dracohimself. He took one of Dracos hands and held it securely. The warmth was nice, but Draco wastoo old a deceiver to be overcome merely because of physical pleasure. Potter was clever to think

of it, though. This is sophisticated work. Most of the time, we have at least a suspicion by now,but here, we dont have a clue.

Time to use the second plan, Draco decided. Hed devised several plans during the hours thatPotter and Mytherian had left him alone, with Monitoring Charms in place to alert them the instantanyone or anythingletter, animal, other human beingappeared next to Draco. Theyd onlyhad one false alarm with the house-elves, which theyd forgotten to make an exception in thecharms for. Now, Draco traced a finger over the grain of the table and said, Well.

Yes? Potter tightened his fingers a little, and stroked the back of Dracos hand with his thumb.

I still want to know what my spies were thinking, to decide that he was stupid. Draco would haveto do some shaking-up of his spies in the Ministry when this was over, he decided. Idiots, the lotof them.


23/37

There was someone who contacted me a short time ago, Draco whispered. I didnt think anything of it. There are still people who wont surrender the idea that Im evil, that my family isdoing something wrong simply by continuing to exist. No matter how much I insist that seeingyour Muggle Studies teacher get eaten in front of you is enough of a conversion moment.

Potter was silent, his eyes appealing.

I dismissed him when he said that he had a plan to make me rich again. I said that I had enoughmoney. Draco swallowed. Usually, people take that as a dismissal and go find someone else tohelp them in their little illegal projects. This person, however, sent me an angry owl the next day.Its possible that he could be the one whos sending me these threats and letters now. Although Ihate to involve you Again, he looked nervously at the tabletop, and could practically feel the

jolt that ran through Potter.

You hate to involve us? But thats what were here for! Potter gripped the side of the table asthough he would rise to his feet. You should have told us this right away!

Draco flinched and cowered, pulling his hand away from Potter. It was possible that someonewith his experience could tell through a touch when Draco was lying. Sorry, sorry. I thought itwouldnt be a big deal when he was dismissed.

What are you talking about?

Draco blinked guilelessly at Potter. He was Elian Greengrass-Rosier. I thought you knew. Ithought that you brought him here as a test or something. Or maybe that someone in the AurorDepartment is suspicious of me and thinks that Im still Dark. So they sent him to see what Iwould do.

Potters lips pinched shut. He looked as if he would like to take the heads off several of Dracosancestors in the portraits grouped around the library. Dracos breath came shallowly. I can tell himwhere to start if hed like instructions.

There is no way that we could have known that. Potters words rang like dropped Galleons. Heleaned towards Draco. Are you sure it was him?

If it wasnt him, it was someone using his name. Draco reared back in his chair as though doinghis best to distance himself from what Potter was saying. I dont know. It was confusing. MaybeIm wrong.

Its possible that he would do something like this, Potter muttered, half to himself. He has astanding grudge against you. And I know that he was a last-minute substitution on the team. Iobjected. Maybe he did manage to get himself invited on when he heard where we were going.

Draco said nothing, but smiled under his eyelids at the table. Hed had no idea that Greengrass-Rosier was a last-minute substitute for another Auror, but he loved these moments, when avictims mind would pick up coincidences and use them to weave an explanation he didnt evenhave to prompt them with.

We dont have any proof, though, Potter concluded, and spun around to face Draco. Pleasedont say anything to Auror Mytherian about your suspicions. Not until were sure.

Draco inclined his head, contented in a way that was difficult to understand. So hes smart enoughto know that Mytherian isnt happy with him. And that last we refers to me and him, I think, not


24/37

to him and Mytherian. Of course.

Potter hesitated, one more time, then nodded and said, Ill have to send out owls. I dont dareleave you alone now, not until we know for sure.

You said that already, said Draco, and stared at him with big eyes. Youre not worried aboutyour ability to overpower him, are you? You did it once before!

Potter abruptly leaned over the table and took Dracos shoulders in his hands. Draco flinchedbefore he could stop himself. Potter moved quickly when he was excited, it appeared. Dracowould have to keep that in mind should things come to a fight, and hope that he could experienceit soon in more pleasant circumstances.

Finding him is the problem, not overpowering him, although if he used that scroll spell on youand removed all the traces of magic from the owl, hes more skilled than I realized, Potter said.His voice was almost hypnotic, he was so close. But I promise you, I will protect you no matterwhat else happens. His hands tightened, in the way that Draco had sometimes had enemies holdhim to force an answer. Do you believe me?

Draco nodded. He had to nod.

Potter broke away and gave him a strained smile. Good. Ill go and find Mytherian, and wellbegin a new search. First, we need to find out where he went when he left the Ministry. And hebroke into a run out of the library, pausing only to raise some more protections and MonitoringCharms at the door.

Draco sank back into his chair, eyes closed. He felt less satisfaction than he would have thought atmanaging to trick Potter so that all that strength and ferocity would be committed to defending

Draco alone.

He would have liked

Well, it was impossible, but he would have liked that strength and ferocity dedicated to himhonestly.

Draco sighed. Really, he had already learned not to wish for things he couldnt have. And all themoney he was going to take from Gringotts should be enough of a reward.


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Goblin Magic

No one in the Ministry seems to know where Greengrass-Rosier has gone. Potter leaned againstthe table in the dining room where Draco and Mytherian were eating, with a frown inscribed onhis face. Mytherian seemed to have decided to ignore Potter in favor of the Prophet. If Pottercared, Draco couldnt tell it from his face, body, or voice. Not even people I thought were hisfriends.

Would his friends speak to you? Mytherian muttered without lifting his eyes from the paper.

Potter acted as if he didnt hear that, and maybe he didnt. Draco had noticed that before, theintense concentration Potter could have for things that concerned him most, like the Snitch, to thepoint where he wasnt distracted by the roars of the crowd in the stands. So were back to squareone. He squinted at Draco. You wouldnt still have that letter Greengrass-Rosier wrote to youtalking about that proposed crime?

I burned it, said Draco, and shrank a little. I neverI never would have thought it wasimportant.

And yet when he gets threats later, he never thinks of it, whispered Mytherian.

I thought you probably would have, said Potter. He touched the side of his right eye as though itburned from lack of sleep. Draco thought it probably did. Spending so long on his feet had to bemurder on Potter. Oh, well. We have to go on the evidence that we do have, for now. Ill dodouble duty tonight.

Draco opened his mouth to ask what double duty meant, but Mytherian inadvertently answeredhim with his next hiss. Thinks hes too good to work with me.

Potter spun around, reached across the table, and snatched the Prophet from Mytherian, which lefthim wringing his hands. Draco had to admit to watching open-mouthed as Potter tore the paperacross, into confetti, and tossed the confetti up into the air, smiling with a wide and unblinkingfocus on Mytherian the whole time.

There, said Potter. Maybe now youll pay attention to what the hell Im saying.

I already heard what youre saying, said Mytherian, and his eyes were ugly and relentless. Thatyou dont trust me, and we dont have a lead on this case because Malfoy stupidly burned it. Sowhat do you want me to do about it?

Back me up. Potter took a long step around the table. The way that Auror partnersare supposed to do.

Were working on this case together, said Mytherian, folding his arms and tilting his chair back from the table with one long leg. Draco wondered at his insouciance for a second, and then sawthe way the position brought Mytherians hand low enough to brush his wand. He probablythought he would have to defend himself against Potter any second. That doesnt make uspartners the way you were with Weasley.

Were? That was another part of gossip that Draco hadnt heard about.


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It means that I expect you to accept my decisions as lead Auror, said Potter, voice lowering intoa growl. And defer to

Youre not the fucking Head Auror! Mytherian had bolted to his feet. He had his wand outnow, but Draco didnt even have to look around to know that Potters wand would already be outto match it. Maybe Mytherian knew how suicidal it would be to press the attack, although so farthat hadnt stopped him, and he didnt do it. He stood there and flung mere words at Potter as if they were as deadly as spells. Were supposed to be working together. To listen to you is just asuggestion. And it wouldnt even be a suggestion if you didnt exaggerate the results that you getfrom cases in an effort to be a darling of the papers!

You have no idea what the hell youre talking about, Potter breathed. He had shifted his stanceso that he was capable of springing in a number of different directions. A master of that sametactic himself, Draco appreciated it without liking it much, since it meant that Potter might be moreof a threat even than he had anticipated. I dont exaggerate it. I downplay it, if anything

No one would believe that who had listened to the way you brag. Mytherians bitterness filledthe room in an overwhelming tide.

Youre an idiot, said Potter, but without heat. His face was red, and he couldnt meetMytherians eyes. That made Draco blink. Were some of those accusations hitting home? Maybethey werent real, but Potter had such a sensitive conscience, and Mytherian might play on itwithout meaning to.

Yes, a true and dignified lead Auror on a case would call his partners that, said Mytherian.

Potter opened his mouth, probably to point out that Mytherian had just said they werent partners,but Mytherian turned and ran away from the dining room, down the corridor that led towards the

outer wards. Potter cursed softly and dropped heavily into the chair beside Mytherians abandonedones, leaning his forehead against his wrists.

Draco sat still, enthralled. He had known that Mytherian despised Potter, but he had thoughtMytherian wanted praise for being a good Auror more than he wanted to defy Potter. He had noidea what would happen next.

Potter finally sighed and lifted his head. Im sorry you had to see that, he said, his voice thick.It wasnt professional.

But it was entertaining, which is much better. Draco felt sorry for Potter, living in a world withsuch different priorities that wouldnt let him believe that.

Potter swiveled around in the chair to face him, eyes a little desperate. Is there anything I can doto make up for that? he asked. To reassure you that youre safe with me around, in spite of whatI just did? He tried to smile, then seemed to realize it was a pathetic effort and abandoned it.Anything at all.

Draco seized the chance. He thought that he might not have the chance to exploit the tensionbetween Mytherian and Potter after all; they were going to destroy themselves before he had

anything to do with it. But one of his other plans needed a push. He bowed his head and looked atthe table. Kiss me? he whispered.

Potter went so still that Draco thought for a moment he hadnt heard Draco and was listening formore, but then he said, You cant want that. Its not professional, either.


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I saw the way you handled Greengrass-Rosier, said Draco, and folded his hands on the table infront of him. I dont have any worries about the way you can fight. You dont need to reassureme of that.

But what would kissing you gain you?

That gave Draco an important clue about how Potter thought of him. As someone who only values people in a purely utilitarian way. Well, far be it from me to disabuse him of that notion in reality.

But Draco let his eyes fill with tears, something he had become good at doing during the war,when the Dark Lord liked to see a bit of sniveling. He looked away from Potter. Itwouldnt gain me anything, he whispered. It would give me something I wanted. It wouldnever mind. He let his head hang, and rose to his feet.

Potter jumped up to stop him, reaching out with one light hand. No one, Draco thought, feelingthat hand settle on his shoulder, would have thought there was such strength in it unless theydseen Potter fight. Its just that I was unprofessional now, with Mytherian, and kissing you wouldalso be unprofessional. Do you see? I dont want to do something that would endanger you.

Draco shook his head. Im not that other person you slept with. Im not asking you to sleep withme. Good thing I learned to lie with a straight face. I just want a kiss.

Potter closed his eyes. I couldnt do that. It would go against everything I am.

Draco sniffled and reached for his cane. Then I reckon that line about being willing to doeverything you could to make up for it was a lie, he mumbled against his arm. Thanks anyway.He started to shove away from the table.

And then Potter was there, his eyes gleaming with a wild decision, and Draco held still as Potterreached out and took his jaw and carefully raised his face. A second later, he was kissing Dracohard enough to hurt.

Draco reeled back and clutched the table with one hand to sustain himself. It was what anyonewould expect of him, when he was being kissed with that much passion and that much intensity.He couldnt help it. It was the way things were.

Potter didnt put his tongue in Dracos mouth, unfortunately, but Draco could get a sense of the

way he tasted from his lips, and it was wonderful . The heat, the panting breath raking his face, andthe wetness of Potters jaw as he pulled back and stared at Draco were enough.

For now. Draco was fairly sure he would want this in the future, and the only way he wouldntget it was if he needed to maintain his distance from Potter for some reason.

For right now, he didnt need to do that. He let his fingers move along Potters jaw, and his eyesand smile widen in appreciation. Thank you, he whispered.

I dont know if you should be thanking me. Potter had already removed his hands, and stood

over to the side, looking distressed. Of course he did, Draco thought, barely refraining from rollinghis eyes. A Gryffindor always would. I did that for you, not becausebecause it was professionalor a good idea or anything like that.

I know that, said Draco, and spent a moment looking at his hands. But you still did it for me,


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Draco shook his head, in a daze. I thought the goblins paid wizards to protect their treasure.That was certainly what Jared had told him, he thought. Draco had wanted to know the names of the spells on the vaults, and that was what Jared had given him. He hadnt acted as if the requestwas strange, the way he might if it wasnt spells at all but something else that guarded theGalleons. And none of the spells he had named were unfamiliar to Draco, the way this was.

Potter sighed. We dont know much about it. It can be cast from a distance, without a wand. Thegoblin has to have something of the targets, but not hair or blood. It has to be knowledge. Thatsnot much of a problem for the goblins, since so many wizards have detailed vault information onfile with Gringotts. They can reach across the miles between them, and only rare wards can defeatthem. He glanced at Draco with narrowed eyes. What did you do to anger the goblins?

Nothing, Draco whispered, and shook his head. I was deprived of so much of my wealth afterthe wardo you think I would want to anger the people who still guard the greatest part of it?He shivered and bowed his head. Maybe Greengrass-Rosier was going to propose robbingGringotts. I think it would be like his arrogance.

Behind the faade, of course, his mind was racing, but there was no need to show Potter that. If goblin magic could reach out from a distance, past wards, that also explained how the owl hadfound himalthough not why they had relied on an exploding scroll instead of something like thisfrom the beginning. And that meant someone knew of his little talks with Jared, and maybe hisplans.

No, wait. The countdown makes sense, now. They want to keep my money and me as a client.They were warning me to back off, and trying to use less lethal traps until they became sure I wouldnt. Only then did they use lethal magic.

Draco had no doubt that particular goblin spell would have killed him. Which meant that he owed

his life to Potter, again, after years of doing so. He sighed and shook his head.

What is it? Have you thought of some reason?

Potters voice sounded more penetrating than it had so far. Well, he might think that Draco waslying to him. Draco raised his head and let his limpid eyes and clear face do the work for him.Potters tone softened.

The goblins do sometimes hire out to wizards who want to eliminate their enemies through them,although mostly thats rogues, not goblins that work for Gringotts. Potter rubbed gently at

Dracos hand, the way he had yesterday when they were sitting in the library. We know wherethose rogues are; the law-abiding goblins help us keep track of them. We could go right now andstart investigating them, with good cause, if youll tell me why you think that they want to harmyou.

But Draco wasnt about to yield now. Not only did he stand to get some important amounts of money and magical artifacts out of Gringotts if he succeeded, he stood to get some payment fromthe goblins themselves, since he would take money from his own vault. And his name in thepapers, and a good deal of sympathy, and more people who would realize the truth and want totrade with him contacting him. No way that he was going to tell Potter the truth, even when

invited.

Even though his eyes were beautiful.

I think you have to question Greengrass-Rosier, Draco whispered, and shifted fretfully. His


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hand looked almost normal again, but he still remembered the incredible pain. Hes the only onewho could tell you what he was planning. I cant tell you. I dont know anything.

Potter continued to regard him for a few minutes, intently enough that Draco wondered if hesuspected the truth and would try threats next. But then he sighed, shook his head, and steppedback. I hope you realize that the only one youre hurting is yourself, if you keep somethingsecret.

Draco sniffled a little and looked up at him. And Im not hurting you? You dont like me?

Potters face went through a few complicated changes. Then he said, as if he was trying to get themessage of those expressions across aloud, Its complex, and gave Draco a weak smile. Shallwe go and find Mytherian? Maybe my negotiation with him will go better if youre there and hehears about the goblin spell.

No, you just have a miracle means of alienating other Aurors and youre hoping that I can help you persuade him back around, Draco thought. He was coming to understand Potter far betterthan he had thought he wouldor than would be requiredboth his strengths and weaknesses.

But once again, what his real self would do and what his persona would do diverged. He gavePotter a tremulous smile and gathered up his hand. Yes. Ill come with you.

Sometimes, he did wish that he had chosen a different life, and the moment when Potter smiled athim with relief was one of those moments.

But then he thought, again, of what he stood to gain. And the moment, like all moments similar toit, passed.


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Nighttime Patrols

The negotiation with Mytherian hadnt gone better, much as Draco expected. Mytherian seemeddistantly interested in the fact that Draco had been the victim of a goblin spell, but when heproposed putting more wards up, Potter shook his head again. You know that we dont have anytested wards that can withstand the effects of a goblin spell, he said.

Then lets use the experimental ones. They were in one of the portrait halls deep in the Manor,although as usual when Draco had visitors, his ancestors had arranged to be elsewhere. Theexception was Great-Great-Aunt-Eleanor, who stood in one corner of the frame behind Mytherianand rolled her eyes at everything he said. Draco couldnt look at her much, because she wouldruin his faade. Mytherian posed like a hero. This is probably the best chance to actually usethem, you know.

The best chance to use something that could kill us, yes, said Potter.

Mytherian stared at him. You only feel like that because I came up with them. Youd beenthusiastic about them if your little research friend had been the one who did!

Unlike you, Hermione knows what shes doing when she puts together new spells.

Draco, although he pretended to be absorbed in the reflections from the head of his cane, had tohold back an incredulous snort. Potter was an idiot, and deserved some of the pushback he wasgetting from other Aurors, if he handled them all like this. He could see what the core of Mytherians objection to Potter was. He really did assume that he knew best and he could overrideeveryone else. And the way he defended his friends

Draco hoped he would never be so foolish. He respected his contacts and other people who hadhelped him achieve his comfortable position, and he made sure that people like Jared, the fools hetricked, were in no position to reveal Dracos complicity without revealing their own.

Potter was never going to get anywhere in life because he didnt have even themost rudimentary political instincts.

Right now, Potter was lifting his chin in that way he had, the way Draco remembered fromHogwarts, the way that was going to end up causing them both trouble sooner or later. And she

also gives me the background of those spells, so I can see and perform them for myself.

Mytherian wont tell Potter where those spells came from or the incantations? That was aninteresting new twist. Draco studied the buttons on Mytherians robe, which were more highlypolished than the equivalents on Potters, and managed to keep from coughing. But it was hard.

You dont need to know them, said Mytherian. This time, the glare he gave Potter was moremeasured. And yes, I know that I could have told them to you and didnt. I wanted to see whatwould happen if you were forced to actually listen to and respect me. Instead of just turning yourback and collaborating with those friends of yours and never anyone else .

Great-Aunt-Eleanor was shaking her finger now. Draco wondered if Potter had noticed her. Butwhen he chanced taking a sideways look at Potter, he found his face as grave and heroic as ever.

I didnt need to know every detail, no, said Potter. But you admitted they were experimental


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and dangerous. After that, is it surprising that I wanted to know what they were?

Mytherian hesitated. It seemed as if he might be on the verge of reconciliation with Potter,something Draco wasnt interested in.

Sirs, he whispered, is this going to lead to something? Can you protect me from the goblinsmagic or not?

Potter turned to him, opening his mouth to spout something reassuring, probably a lie. Dracococked his head at him, and Mytherian spoke first.

We are trying , he said, with a bright little smile that didnt fool Draco. Mytherian was on theverge of yelling. Probably at Potter. I want to use magic that could protect you. But Potter wontlet me.

Draco looked anxiously at Potter, as if he was the sort to be fooled by that bollocks. Potter mustthink he was, because he shook his head and waved one hand. If you would let me test it firstand make sure that it doesnt make things worse, then it would be fine.

You have to trust me sometime. Mytherians nose went into the air. You cant guard Malfoyby yourself.

Maybe not. But I can call someone else in.

And what will that do to Auror confidence in you? Draco wanted to shake his head, but he knewbetter than that. He was barely supposed to be paying attention. He maintained a bland faadeinstead, with effort. It seems that most of them dislike you already. Are you going to just replace

Auror after Auror until they come to the point where theyre not even going to answer your call?

There were still inconsistencies in the reports of his spies that troubled him, but now he understoodsomething of the reason why. They didnt know what to do with someone who led brilliantlyalone but couldnt work with other Aurorsand who perhaps only had attained a high positionbecause of the favoritism that Mytherian attributed it to.

I dont want to be in this situation anymore, said Mytherian. For a moment, he gave Potter asingle, intense look, as if waiting for Potter to realize that this was the moment when he shouldgive in and plead for Mytherian to stay.

Potter folded his arms.

With a disgusted sound, Mytherian stalked out of the room. Draco turned his head, listeningthrough the wards. Yes, Mytherian was leaving. The wards told Draco when he reached the edge,and when he Apparated.

Potter lowered his head. He was shaking.

Draco stared at him without much sympathy. For the sake of having his own way, Potter hadstripped Draco of all the Auror guards that could have helped them both. Draco took a long

second before he spoke, though, because the cringing man he played would hold back fromquestioning Potter too much. Does that mean that Im going to die?

Potter looked up at once and gave him a faint smile. No. There are some spells I know that willlet me stay up and get more nourishment from food than normal. Well protect you and lick this


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goblin yet.

Draco couldnt resist. We?

Potter hesitated, then said, I meant you and me.

Draco reached out and patted Potters shoulder as if the verbal embrace pleased him, but inwardly,he wanted to sneer.

Trapped in a house alone with Harry Potter, and someone lurking outside who wants to kill me. Dear Merlin.

*

Draco woke slowly, slowly enough that he felt the grasping threads of magic dissipating from hismind, and cursed as he opened his eyes. Someone had enchanted him to fall asleep. And it hadntbeen himself this time.

And he thought he knew who it had been.

Draco smiled grimly as he sat up. Is that your plan, Potter? Im easier to guard if I dont wander?You want to keep me asleep and maybe dig through my private papers?

Draco twitched his wand beneath his pillow, after one more quick look around to make sure thatPotter wasnt in the room, and

Documents

The Auror Method