It's not easy to explain, but . . .

Chapter 48

"They won't find him, nor will they find the Malfoys," replied Voldemort. "I can think of only one way to get through my wards . . . the Malfoy's House Elf."

"But, Master," Bella spoke up, though her head was bowed.  "Harry Potter tricked Lucius into freeing their Elf three or four years ago.  Lucius refused to get another."

"That's even worse, Bella," the Dark Lord hissed.  "A free Elf is not bound to obey any Wizard and can come and go as they please.  Perhaps it has been spying on us, keeping a watch on its old Mistress; perhaps the creature was loyal to Narcissa, and was trying to protect her.  But that still doesn't explain Ollivander's escape."

Bella had the good sense to keep her mouth shut, as did Severus, although he knew what was coming next.

"Severus."

"Yes, Master."

"Go to Hogwarts and bring me Draco Malfoy . . . NOW!"

"Yes, Master."

Severus stood, turned and stalked out of the room, robes billowing behind him.

"Bella?"

"Yes, Master?" came the whispered reply.

"Close the door and ward it . . . then come to me."

"Yes, Master."

X X X 

Severus arrived at the gates to Hogwarts, dropped the wards and let himself through, sealing the gates behind him as he walked down the approach road.  He sent his Patronus flying to the school.  He was thinking furiously, and hoped that Plan C was ready to be implemented. Looking at his watch, he realized the students would be gathering in the Great Hall for dinner, so as long as the word spread quickly . . .all should go smoothly . . . however, having to go and tell Voldemort he'd been thwarted again was not going to be pleasant  . . . at all!

X X X

Draco had returned to the Slytherin Common Room, fairly quickly after greeting his parents, so as to not be noticed missing.  He had promised to come back to visit after dinner . . . but those plans were about to change.

Severus' Patronus arrived in front of Albus and he nodded his head.  The doe looked at Cissa and Lucius, and then took off, disappearing in a wisp of smoke. 

"Well, Lucius," said Albus, as he stood.  "This is where you declare which side you're on in this war, once and for all.  Are you ready to do that?"

"To help Harry win and to save my family. . . most certainly," Lucius replied, as he joined the Headmaster, having pulled Narcissa to her feet.

"In that case, I have something for you,"  Albus walked over to his desk and picked up two wands, handing one to Lucius and one to Narcissa.  "We've emptied Mister Ollivander's shop of all of the wands and he thinks this one will suit you, Lucius. And here is your wand back, Narcissa."

"Oh, lovely," she smiled, putting her wand in its loop on her belt."How did . . . ?"

"I sent Tykey to retrieve it, while you two were talking with Draco, as I knew you might be needing it, sooner than later." Albus leaned over and stage whispered.

"Are you sure you feel well enough, Narcissa?"  Lucius looked at his wife with concern.

"I'm fine.  Poppy's potion did the trick on my headache and I wouldn't miss this for the world!" she declared.