The Power of a Wish Chapter Three

~*~*~*~*~*~

Disclaimer: Even though I wish Draco was mine...... he isn't.... :( He and all the rest of the Harry Potter characters belong to J. K. Rowling

The Power of a Wish

Chapter Three

*...* indicates emphasis on a word

'...' indicates thought

~*~*~*~*~*~

From last time:

All three reached in and grabbed a pinch of the green powder. "Thank you so much Narcissa," said Hermione smiling at the woman.

"No trouble at all. Now all of you take care."

Harry nodded and stepped into the fireplace. He threw down his powder and yelled, "The Three Broomsticks!" Hermione and Ron followed suit.

"Safe journey, all of you," whispered Narcissa. "Take care...."

~*~*~*~*~*~

A few seconds later the Gryffindor trio had all shot out of the fireplace and landed on the hardwood floor of the Three Broomsticks. With a small groan Hermione pulled herself up. She had landed flat on her butt; landing work was definitley necessary.

"Come on Mione," said Ron. "We'd better get back to the school before Dumbledore notices were gone. Plus, students shouldn't be at Hogsmade at this time and we're all wearing our school robes. If someone notices, we'll get in big trouble."

"Alright, I'm coming." All three pulled on their robes and stepped outside into the softly falling snow that fluttered down to dust the ground. Hermione couldn't help but feel a shiver run up her spine, and it wasn't from the cold...

It all seemed so unreal. Here they were, walking down the snowy streets of Hogsmade surrounded by witches and wizards doing some last minute Christmas shopping with greetings being exchanged all around. Childrens laughter rang in the air as they doged snowballs and tried to catch the snowflakes on their tounges. Everyone was decked out in bright cheerful colors in this winter wonderland.

And while this was going on, someone else wasn't feeling this Christmas joy at all. He was at home in that dark and gloomy mansion with a father who hated him. He was hurt and lying on his bed, dead basically to the world. He would probably have a terrible Christmas. It just didn't seem real, that someone was lying hurt in this present time full of happiness.

About half an hour later the trio reached the gates to Hogwarts. They all carefully entered, making sure that no one was around. If a student saw them and told a teacher they had been out of bounds, they would be busted. And if Snape was the teacher who found out, they were sure to be expelled...

Wearily, they all trooped into the common room and collapsed into the plush chairs in front of the roaring fire. Before they'd even had a chance to relax in the security of their common room a flame haired girl marched over to them, a scowl on her freckled face.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? I HAVE BEEN SO WORRIED! YOU ARE REALLY LUCKY, I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET A HOLD OF MUM!"

Harry held his arms up in a surrender pose to his girlfriend. "Ginny we can explain."

"WELL YOU HAD BETTER BE ABLE TO!"

"Calm down Ginny! Let Harry speak!"

"SHUT UP RON! WHEN I WANT TO HEAR YOU TALK I'LL ASK YOU TO!"

Harry had to stiffle a smile at Ron's face. It was a bright red, from cold and embarassment of being yelled at by his younger sister like that. Ginny rarely got mad, but when she did it was best to stay a l o n g way away. But this time thay seemed to have no chance.

"Listen Ginny," said Harry calmly. "We were out for a walk and-"

"I thought you all said you were going to the library..." Well at least she'd calmed down.

"We did go, the walk was after. Anyway, we were walking when a big gust of wind came up and blew Hermione's robe into the forest. We chased after it and got lost. We only just managed to find our way out."

Musing, Ginny said, "That explains why you weren't on the map.... the Forbidden Forest isn't part of Hogwarts..."

"Right...." said Harry, hoping she belived his story.

"Oh poor baby." She crossed the room and sat down next to Harry, wrapping her arm around his shoulders. "Out there all night.... I'll go get you some food...."

Ron gave a small cough. "What about us?" He gestured to himself and Hermione.

"Oh yes.... I'll get you something too." Ginny gave Harry a light kiss and left through the potrait hole to grab them some lunch.

"It looks like she believes us," said Harry, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Yes," said Hermione, "but I feel terrible about lying to her...."

"It's alright Mione, it's better she doesn't know the truth."

"You're right." She slowly sank down on the couch next to Ron and leaned wearily against the backrest. "As soon as Ginny comes back, I'm going to go take a nap..."

"Okay Mione."

~*~*~*~*~*~

A little while later Hermione had fallen asleep on the couch and Ron had thrown a blanket over her. Ginny had left to go to the Hospital Wing where Madam Pomefrey was teaching her about healing, a subject Ginny loved and was very good at.

"Hey Harry?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you think of Malfoy now?"

"I don't really know."

"As for me I still see him as a git and a rude Slytherin, but I'm starting to understand why he's like that."

"Yeah... That about sums it up Ron...."

"Yeah..."

"..."

"..."

"Narcissa was pretty nice..."

"Yeah... she sure was cool for a Malfoy. Wasn't it a surprise to see Dobby there?"

"I can't believe he's friends of Narcissa and Malfoy! It's crazy!"

"You know Harry, I'm going to take a leaf out of Mione's book and take a short nap too."

"That actually sounds quite nice...." Harry curled up on his couch and Ron sprawled out in the armchair he'd taken after Hermione had claimed the entire couch.

"Night Harry."

"G'Night Ron."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Narcissa was sitting next to Draco on the bed, trying to get him to eat something. After several dishes: steak, oatmeal, oranges - his favorite - and soup, he'd finally decided he wanted ice cream.

Draco hadn't complained about his injuries all day. Actually since he'd gotten them, he never did. Narcissa used to think that was good but now she was worried. Was he just becoming used to the beatings and think it did no good to show pain or fear? Was he becoming more like Lucius?

"Mother."

"Yes Draco?" Her attention shifted to him immideately. He hadn't spoken since he'd been brought up and she was beginning to think something was wrong.

"Thank you for taking care of me."

"Oh.... you're welcome Draco. You know I'd do anything for you."

"Yes... I do. And that's what worries me."

'Huh? What does he mean by that? Why would that worry him? Oh well... I won't question him. He needs rest now.'

"Is your chest huting you much?"

"Just a tiny bit..."

"I'll go get you some ice.... Don't move." Narcissa rose and disappeared from Draco's room towards the kitchens to get a bag of ice to help numb the pain. Draco closed his eyes after his mother had left. He was lying. Every time he breathed or moved his body hurt. But Narcissa didn't need to know that, she would only become more concerned and endanger herself more.

He heard his door open and relaxed knowing the ice would be here in a few seconds. But instead of feeling a healing coolness a wave of agony over came him. With a slight yelp he opened his eyes and saw his father standing above him, his fist raised to strike again.

"What are you doing Draco? Did you expect me to be kind to you after what you said earlier? I came here to give you a solid beating for the way you treated me earlier...."

'Don't show him fear. Don't look scared. Don't look away. Keep silent...'

Draco bit his lip when his father's first punch connected. He tried to move, to curl up and shield himself, but the ropes still held him in place. One part of him wished his mother would come up and stop Lucius but the more rational part of his brain told him she'd only be in danger and he should just bear this beating silently.

After a few moments the pain became unbearable. He could already taste blood, meaning he'd bitten through his lip. He then heard the door swing open and silently tried to will his mother away so she could save herself. No such luck.

"Lucius! What are you doing?" she shrieked, her face turning red with anger. "Don't you dare hurt our son more! Stop it!" She launched her small body at Lucius and started to hit him with all the force she could muster. He easily picked her up and tossed her across the room so that she crashed into Draco's desk.

She stood shakily to her feet, her blonde hair now loose from her bun, her deep purple dress wrinkled and a bruise forming on her shoulder because it took the impact. "Lucius." Her voice was now cold, much like her husband's. "You will stop this *now*.

Lucius turned to face his wife. "And why should I Narcissa?" he asked, his voice even colder.

"Because what you're doing is wrong."

"It is? Well then, I suppose for a follower of the Dark it is alright."

"If you ever want to have an heir to the Malfoy name, you'd better stop this before you kill him."

"We could always have another heir."

"Yes, and you would abuse that child as well."

"Hmmmm...." Lucius seemed to think for a moment. "Alright, I'll stop for now." He then turned to face Draco who was glaring at him. "This isn't over Dragon." He turned and left the room with his cloak swishing behind him.

"Oh Draco...." Narcissa ran over to her son and started to inspect him all over again.

"Mother.... you shouldn't have..."

"Hush Draco.... Save your breath. Now hold still and let me bandage these...."

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was cold and dark with a blood red fog drifting over the earth. Death Eaters stood scattered over the burning muggle town that they had just demolished. Bodies of innocent muggles littered the ground and a Dark Mark rose above each of the smoldering houses.

One of the Death Eaters turned from the wreckage and started towards a figure sitting on a black throne with more Death Eaters standing by. Hermione followed.

"My Lord." The Death Eater knelt down and kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes and drew back his hood.

In a strangled whisper Hermione said in disbelief, "Malfoy."

"There is something I should like to discuss with you."

"Yes young Malfoy?"

"Was the need to kill all these innocents really necessary?"

"Are you telling me, Draco, that you think these muggle should have kept their pitful lives?"

"No, My Lord. I was just-"

"Silence Malfoy! You dare tell me you disapprove of my methods?" Voldemort's red eyes narrowed in displeasure.

"No I-"

"You mean nothing to me anymore Draco. Farewell." Voldermort leveled his wand and calmly said "Avada Kervada." The green light shot at Draco and he collapsed dead on the ground.

Voldemort chuckled to himself. "Now only Harry Potter lies in my way...."

Hermione awoke with a scream. Harry and Ron were instantly awake with their wands already drawn to the source of their friend's scream. But they saw nothing but air around her.

"Mione, you okay?" Ron knelt down in front of the frightened girl and took her hands into his. "What's wrong?" he asked soothingly.

"My dream..... In my dream Vol--Voldermort killed Malfoy and then he said he only had to kill Harry now..."

"Oh Mione...." Ron pulled the brunette into a warm embrace, Harry coming over and siitng down next to her. "It's alright... It's okay..."

She continued to hug Ron, glad to have someone to hold her. "It... it was so scary.... There were bodies everywhere and so many Death Eaters. I was so scared."

"It's alright Mione," said Harry gently. "It was only a dream..."

"Yes.... only a dream...."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry was having a wonderful dream about winning the quidditch cup when he was roughly shaken away. "Wake up Harry! It's Christmas!" The girl moved on to wake Ron as well who Harry heard protest loudly about lack of sleep.

Reaching over to the bedside table, Harry pulled on his glasses and saw a mound of presents rising at the foot of his bed. Suddenly it seemed to hit him. It was Christmas. And there were presents... "RON! Ron wake up! Presents!"

It seemed as those present was the magic word. Ron leaped up, narrowly missing hittng Hermione and started on his own pile. Hermione sat down on Neville's bed and started on the presents she had brought in.

Ron was in the middle of eating a chocolate frog when he stopped and looked at Hermione. "bey bmwe bwrehe bis binnie?

"Ron, what have I told you about talking with your mouth full? Now swallow and then say what you said again."

Ron chewed for a moment and then said, "I asked where Ginny was."

"Oh... she already opened her presents and went downstairs for breakfast."

For a few minutes the only sounds were the crinkling of wrapping paper and a soft gasp from Hermione after each new present.

"Hey... What's this?" Harry held up a long green wrapped package.

Ron held up one that looked just like Herry's. "I got one too."

"I got this small one." Hermione held out a little box wrapped in the same green paper. "I wonder who they're from?"

"There's a card on mine!" Harry pulled the black envelope off the paper. "I'll read it."

Dear Harry, Ron, and Hermione,

I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas. I would like you to accept these presents from me for helping Draco out. Once again, Happy Christmas.

Narcissa Malfoy

"That was so nice of her. Why don't you two open yours at the same time since I think they're the same."

"Okay Mione. On my count," said Harry.

"Three

Two

One

Go!"

Paper flew all over the room as both boys tried to get it all off. They could say one thing... Narcissa wrapped really well... lots of tape. And then two loud gasps rose from the boys.

Sitting in their laps were two shining broomsticks each with the word SunBeam written by the handle. They were a light maple color and very thin.

"Oh my God," said Harry, "this is the best broom in circulation right now..."

"Yeah..." Ron gulped. "And we have them..." Both boys jumped up and began to yell and jump up and down out of pure excitement.

"Ah hem. Can you two settle down so I can open mine?"

"Sure Mione," said Ron sheepishly.

Hermione started to unwrap slowly and carefully, being very careful not to tear the paper. A few minutes later a little black box sat in her hand. Tentively, she opened the lid and gasped at the item she had received.

"What is it Mione? Come on, show us!"

Hermione delicately pulled a thin gold chain out that appeared to be a necklace. At the bottom hung a Gyffindor lion. But not just any lion. This one's body was made of gold with rubies for its eyes and mane. "It's perfect," said Hermione. "Could one of you help me put it on?" Ron nodded and while Hermione held up her hair he fastened it securely.

"Narcissa sure does buy awesome presents," stated Harry.

"Yes she does," said Hermione softly. "But was this really necessary? They're all so expensive! I understand she's rich but we really didn't even do much..."

"Awww... Don't complain Mione. If this is what she wanted to give us don't make a fuss over it."

"Okay.... How about we all go get some breakfast?"

"Food? Gone!" Ron gently laid his new broomstick on his bed and then took off at a sprint. Hermione and Harry smiled at each other over their friend and then too went down for breakfast.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Narcissa slipped quietly into Draco's room and went over to her sleeping son. She put her packages on Draco's nightstand and waited patiently for him to wake up.

Christmas was banned at Malfoy Manor. Lucius despised Christmas and anything that had to deal with Christmas. That included dinner feasts, carols, Christmas trees, and presents. So every Christmas morning Narcissa and Draco would exchange presents before Lucius awoke.

She smiled when Draco started to move slightly. "Wake up Draco," she whispered as she gently shook his shoulder. "It's Christmas."

His eyes slowly opened and took in his mother's face. "It's Christmas? Already?"

"Yes. And it's time for you to open your you move?"

"Sure Mother, hang on one second." Draco manuevered himself so his back was resting against the pillows on his bed and Narcissa handed him the first present. A little while later Draco had unwrapped all of his gifts. He'd gotten boxes of chocolate and some new quills. A few books on potions, his favorite subject and a muggle novel which was part of his growing collection that stayed in the Hidden Room. But there was one other present, the jewel among jewels. He had gotten a broomstick titled Dark Moon. It was blackish cherry wood with black bristles. "What kind of broom is this Mother? I thought sunbeams were the newest broom..."

"They are. To the public. There are only about five Dark Moons circulating throughout the entire world!"

"Really? And I have one?"

"Yes."

"Mother, your present is in the drawer over there." He nodded with his head. "I never had a chance to get it wrapped though..."

"Oh that's okay Draco. I understand. You really haven't been able to move much..."

"Well at least Father took the ropes off. I was beginning to feel stretched." He flashed his mother a smile trying to reassure her he was fine.

Narcissa smiled back, although hers was a bit forced and then she got up to retrieve her present. She brought the box it was in back to the bed so Draco could watch her open it. She took off the lid and let out a soft gasp of surprise. "How did you know.....?"

"I heard you talking about it once with Mrs. Parkinson. Do you like it?"

"No." Draco's face seemed to fall until she said "I love it!" Then he perked up instantly. Draco had gotten her all different kinds of threads and silks in every imaignable color. Narcissa had said she'd wanted to make some lace pillows for the couches and Draco hoped she would like the kit and it appeared she did.

Narcissa reached over and gave Draco a gentle hug. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome."

"Always the gentleman, aren't you."

"Quite."

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Alright you two... *now*"

"Come on Mione! Last time we tried to go to the library we ended up at Malfoy Manor. What's wrong with waiting a few more days?"

"Ronald Weasley! Christmas break ends in two days! Do you want to go back with none of your homework done?"

"I don't really care..."

Hermione threw her hands up in despair. "Ugh! Harry, are *you* coming with me?"

"Not now Mione," said Harry dazedly.

"Harry?" Hermione looked at her friend with concern. "What's wrong. You don't look like yourself..."

"Nothing..... Just thinking...."

"Oh? About what?"

"Nothing important..."

"Then why don't you come to the library with me?"

"I'm thinking about something important...."

"AH! WHAT IS IT HARRY? IMPOTANT OR NOT?"

"Huh what?" Harry picked up his head as if for the first time noticing Hermione. "Oh, hello Hermione."

"Answer the question Harry," said Hermione icily.

"What question?" asked Harry, completley confused.

"Yeah Mate." Ron jumped off his chair and sat down next to Harry. "I'm interested what you've been thinking about as well."

"Oh. I was thinking about *how* we got to Malfoy Manor."

A grin lit up Hermione's face. "Ohhhh.... this is better then homework. Let me go get some paper and ink."

Both boys looked at each other. "Ron, I think we're staring to rub off on Mione."

"Yeah...."

A few seconds later Hermione came back. "Okay," she said authoritively, "let's think of possible ways we could have gotten there. Portkey?"

"Nah," said Ron. "None of us touched anything."

"Okay then.... we didn't apparate...we don't know how."

"But what if we did it without knowing it?"

"Ron! How many times do I have to tell you? You can't apparate inside Hogwarts!"

"Oh yeah..."

"Could it have been a potion?" asked Harry.

"I don't think so," answered the witch. "We ate all the food the other students did and no one even went near my food..."

Harry turned to Ron. "Any ideas?"

"Nope."

Hermione shook her head. "I just don't understand."

"None of us do Hermione," said Harry.

Hermione stood up and stretched. "Well I'm off to the library. If you to think of anything write it down."

"Alright. Bye Mione!"

~*~*~*~*~*~

"It's just you and me Dragon. Your mother had to leave for a while... Now get up!"

Draco stood carefully and regarded his father coldly. He hated this man standing in front of him. He despised him. He wished he were dead.

"Now follow me Dragon." Lucius swept out the room and Draco follwed as best as he could. Every step jarred his broken ribs and his whole body ached and protested at all the movement. He followed Lucius down the stone steps towards the dungeons. He knew what was going to happen and yet at the second he wasn't afraid. Maybe that last hit to the wall had done something to his brain cells.

Lucius stopped at a barred door and let Draco step inside ahead of him. Draco winced inwardly as the metal door clanged shut as though with a promise to never open again. He turned to face his father, but not even halfway around he already felt his father's booted foot crash into his side and send him flying to the floor.

Lucius circled around the fallen Draco, eyeing him distrustfully. Draco tried to turn his head and keep his father in sight so he would know where the blows were coming from. He saw Lucius's foot swing right at his chest and he tried to block, but it did little to break the impact.

"You know Dragon... this is starting to get boring. I want to see you bedg for mercy... to cry. Maybe this spell I learned from the Dark Lord will be of use. HI YUBIWA!"

Draco screamed as he curled up and tried to stop the pain. Tounges of fire had wrapped themselves around Draco and were feasting hungrily. "MAKE IT STOP!"

"You must beg first Dragon."

"NEVER!"

"Very well..." About a minute later Lucius removed the spell. Draco had burns covering him and his pants had holes and large burn marks. "I was starting to get bored with that one," said Lucius. "Let's try another. SAKI!"

At once it seemed as though daggers were going in and out of skin, each digging in deep and pulling out roughly. With the skin already bruised and burned it hurt worse then it probably normally would have. Fortunately, this attack didn't seem to leave any marks behind.

"I think I'll use the Crutacius Curse next... Crucio!"

Draco determindely bit his lip, he would not scream anymore, it only made his father happier, the sick man.

"DAMN YOU DRAGON! WHY WON'T YOU JUST CRY!" He started to kick his son during the curse to damage him even more. Finally, Draco couldn't take it anymore. He screamed, a sound Lucius enjoyed greatly. "That's better Dragon," he said over the yelling, "we'll work on the rest when you get back from school."

'Or maybe sooner....'

"I think it would do you good to spend your last night at home down here, don't you agree?" Lucius raised his wand, ending the curse. He then scooped up the limp form of Draco and carried it over to the wall where he fastened him with chains. "Sleep well Dragon..."

~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione climbed happily down the stairs from the girl's dormitories. A new session of school was beginning and she couldn't help but be excited. Upon entering the common room she saw two seventh year boys staring dejectedly at her.

"We have classes again," muttered Ron. "I haven't been up this early since before winter break."

"But Ron! Classes will be so much fun! Remember how Professor Terra said she'd be showing us some new spells in DADA? And she was even nice enough to not give us any homework over break! And Professor Vector told me yesterday he found some new scrolls to be examined!" She hugged herself. "I can't wait!"

Ron and Harry looked at her strangely. But then remembering that this wass Hermione, they smiled. "Sure Mione," said Ron, "have fun."

"Oh I will," she bubbled. "Now let's go get some breakfast."

"Breakfast! Oh yeah!" Ron face instantly brightened and he darted through the potrait hole at a rapid pace. Harry and Hermione smiled at each other and then two headed to the Great Hall.

They found Ron already seated with a pastry in each hand, his mouth already chewing furiously. Hermione reached over and plucked an orange out of the big silver fruit bowl in the middle of the table. She was peeling it when her eys alighted on a shock of blond haie leaving the Great Hall. "I'll be back later you guys! See you in Transfig!" Hermione took off in the direction the figure took, and Harry and Ron just continued to eat.

She hurried down the corridor towards him where he was walking rapidly away. "Hey Malfoy!"

He turned and looked at her with a glare. His face was clean of any bruise or cut that had previously been there. "What do you want Mudblood?" he spat out.

"I just..." Now she realized how foolish she'd been. She'd wanted to see if he was okay but he wasn't supposed to know she knew... uh oh. "I just wanted to see if you uh ..... if you uh.... knew the correct wand movement for the trint spell.... I ...uhh... can't remember..."

'Ah man Hermione!' She menatally smacked herself. 'That was lame!'

"Yes, I do know it Mudblood, but it's not like I'll tell you." He turned and stalked off down the corridor and it was then Hermione noticed he was favoring his right leg slightly.

'That was close.....I'm lucky he didn't try to make me look bad... I wonder why... maybe he's going to go tell all of his Slytherin buddies.... I wonder why he was limping....' If anyone could remind Hermione's mind then, they'd probably be overwhelmed at how many things she could focus on at one time. The again, this *was* Hermione Granger.

A bell signaled tellig that classes began in five minutes. It was the Hermione realized she was in the wing opposite Transfiguration..... "AHHHHHHHH! I'M GOING TO BE LATE!" She turned and started to sprint down the hall, hoping she would make it on time.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"It's very nice of you to join us Ms. Granger," said McGonagall curtly, "please take your seat. I will not deduct house points *this* time."

Hermione nooded her relief and dropped down in her seat next to Neville breathing heavily. She could hear small shouts of protests from the Slytherins, who they unfortunately had to share this class with.

"Class please take out your books and read section 19. Then answer the questions on parchment." Hermione finished rather quickly. She'd already read the section and had just had to answer the questions. She looked up and glanced around the room at her classmates. Ron had his tounge between his teeeth and was writng something down. Herry was calmly reading his book. She then looked over at the Slytherin side. Pansy was playing with her hai and Draco.... didn't look so well. He was hunched over his books and his eyes seemed to listlissly glance over the page.

About an hour later the bell rang and Hermione stood up, her books already gathered. At once a poem she once read came into her mind and her attention was dragged over towards Draco.

He was slowly putting his books into his bag.

~Where are your friends

All the Slythering were leaving, not noticing Draco's trouble with rising from his desk.

~When you need them most

He slowly rose, using the desk for supprt.

~Where are your friends

All the Slytherins except Draco had now left the class.

~To catch you when you fall

Draco took a step forward and his leg buckled beneath him sending him towards the ground.

~ They're all gone meaning

His head hit the floor and he didn't move.

~They were never there at all

~*~*~*~*~*~

Author's Notes:

And chapter three is done! *stretches fingers and cracks back* Man, I was at the computer for a while! *grimaces* I HATE finger cracking noises! AHHHHH! ^^

Thanx sooo much to all my reviewers! I hope this chapter was good! Can't wait for reviews, remember I'm addicted to them! ^^ I need lots to continue! ^^

"You has to eat this, sir!"
Dobby the House Elf

Anyone know when he said that???

~*~*~*~*~*~

Terms:

Hi means fire in Japanese and Yubiwa means ring, so fire ring! ^^ That's kinda of what Luciu's spell did. It wrapped Draco in a ring of fire!

Saki means point in Japanese which for my meaning is the pain was like needle tips or spears! ^^

To let you all know I love Japanese and Japanese anime so I might use it at times! ^^

~*~*~*~*~*~