Title: Rebellion
Author: Wildecate
Email: wildecate@hotmail.com
Summary: Draco Malfoy rebels.
Notes: Set post BTVS S7 and post ATS S4 and definitely post OOTP.
Disclaimer: None of the characters are mine.
Notes 2: Thanks to all those who have reviewed and sent me lovely emails. It’s so much appreciated. The last three chapters have been pretty heavy going so thanks for sticking with it. Here comes the action.

Snape watched, his lip curled, as his Lord and Master vented his fury on the Malfoys. Lucius and Draco stood before him, heads down looking humble. Severus could tell that Lucius was mortified that he was being screamed at like a child who had done something wrong. Snape was highly amused by his Master’s favourite being taken down to size. Draco stood beside his father, dwarfing him with his tall figure. Draco’s expression was one of regret but Snape, knowing his old student substantially better than either his father or his Master, could tell that he was bored. There was more to this situation than met the eye, he thought. How the hell the Malfoys were at the British Museum one minute, and then back to the Manor the next, with little or no recollection of how they got there, no recollection of what was going on and forgetting to meet the group of Death Eaters was anyone’s guess. Voldemort had smelt a rat and hauled the Malfoys before him like a pair of naughty school boys.

Voldemort snarled in anger and both Lucius and Draco flinched as he hurled a curse at them, causing them both to fall to their knees as agony coursed through their bodies. Voldemort abruptly stopped the surge of power flowing through them, allowing them to fall to the ground, panting, sweating and gasping for breath.

“I trust you will not fail me again Lucius” Voldemort purred. His tone sharpened as he gave his orders. The Death Eaters were to return to London, someone was obviously being protected and even if the obliviate spell on the Malfoys could not be broken, it gave itself away by its very presence. Snape sighed to himself. He wondered if Giles and the others had managed to get an earlier flight back to LA from Heathrow.

Looking back, Severus Snape would always regret not guarding his thoughts in Voldemort’s presence. He had been unaware of the looks that Voldemort was throwing his way, he had not even noticed the tendrils of thought that had forced their way into his head. It was, therefore, a complete surprise to him when Voldemort’s voice sounded in his mind.

“You will tell me everything you know Severus.”

Voldemort gestured lazily and Snape found himself no longer in control of his body. He had seriously underestimated the power of Voldemort and no matter how he tried, how he fought or concentrated, somehow he could not regain control.

Draco’s vision cleared and saw Severus Snape walk jerkily to the centre of the room. He stood as if he was being held up by his shoulders rather than standing on his feet, his brown eyes unusually vacant, staring out of his pale face. He began to talk, the words being dragged from his unwilling mouth. Draco listened in horror as he heard Snape give away Rupert Giles, Willow Rosenberg and oh his sweet mother fucking Merlin, had Snape just said Dawn Summers? His heart sank and his thoughts betrayed him. Voldemort’s gaze snapped to him, his attention diverted from Snape and allowing the Hogwarts Potion Master to sink unceremoniously to the floor.

Voldemort stepped off his throne and glided down to where Draco had managed to drag himself to his knees. He put a knarled finger underneath his chin and effortlessly lifted him to his feet. Draco managed to keep his balance as the eyes of Voldemort bored relentlessly into him. His knowledge of Dawn, of Giles, of Willow’s power and his time in Los Angeles was wrenched from his mind, leaving him breathless, nauseous and in unimaginable pain.

A triumphant smile spread across Voldemort’s features as he realised that victory was within his grasp. Draco stared up at his Lord as the Dark Mark burned painfully on his arm.

“Now the hour of my victory is close, my followers” Voldemort laughed evilly. “Go now, nothing will stand in your way. I have had enough of sneaking around hiding from muggle eyes. Do what you have to do but bring these three before me.” Voldemort pressed one hand painfully to Draco’s forehead and gestured with his wand. Three images appeared in mid air, a young looking brunette, blue eyes and a beautiful smile, an older red haired girl with a sad expression and a man they had all once known, Rupert Giles.

“I want no excuses, no apologies, no lies. If you cannot come back with them, do not come back at all.”

The cloaked Death Eaters apparated out of the meeting room, leaving Voldemort with his victims. Voldemort returned to his throne and lounged back on it comfortably. He looked down at the three broken men before him.

“Hmmm. What to do, what to do, what to do with all of you?” he pondered clicking his wand against his long nails.

Lucius lay, now unconscious, on the stone flagstones, his breathing shallow and irregular. It only took a brief dip into his mind for Voldemort to know that he had known nothing of this. He dismissed him out of hand, flicking his wand and apparating his former favourite back to his overbearing, over decorated and incredibly gothic manor house.

That leaves two, he mused. One whose betrayal had been suspected for a long time. This was the first opportunity Voldemort had had to gain anything from it. The headquarters of the Order of Phoenix were still masked from him, his search of Snape’s memory had revealed a blank spot. Typical Dumbledore, he thought, but he hadn’t been able to mask the presence of Rupert Giles. It was worth breaking him just to find his old favourite was alive and well after all.

“I’ll deal with you later Severus” Voldemort said silkily, a sudden burst of power springing from his wand to Snape. The energy crackled around his black robed body, causing him to writhe in agony before the energy finally earthed itself, leaving Snape deeply unconscious.

“Come, come, Mr Malfoy do get up. I know you’re faking.”

Draco, who had managed to stagger back up to his feet, shook his blonde head to clear the muzzinesss that Voldemort’s little walk around his brain had caused. He glared at Voldemort with all of his hate but couldn’t raise the energy to hurl a hex at him.

“So, you finally met your godfather?”

Draco’s head jerked up at this and then he winced as pain shot through him. The after effects of the curses that Voldemort had punished him with.

“What did he tell you? That you could escape? That you could resist the dark side?”

Draco managed to suppress a giggle that was working it’s way up and out of him. The old evil bastard was completely unaware that he sounded like Darth Vader. So would that make him Luke Skywalker?

“Darth Vader? Skywalker? What a muddled mind you have Draco.” Sod it, Voldemort was still in his mind. He made a concerted effort to try and block him but the pain flooded through him again.

“I wouldn’t try that if I were you.” Voldemort tilted his head thoughtfully to one side, taking in the angry looking young man. He chuckled to himself. He wondered how close Draco had managed to get to Giles. Ripper, despite his name and all appearances, had always had a soft spot for the kid. He had managed to fake his death, well enough to take him in and Voldemort gave him credit for that. Of course he would also give punishment for that.

“I have a very important job for you Mr Malfoy. I think that you may be able to redeem yourself in my eyes if you can manage to complete this job without mishap.”

To his credit, Draco folded his arms and stuck his chin out, determined to stand up to him. Voldemort sighed. Such spirit. What a shame he would have to break it. Of course, it was the breaking that made it fun.

“What is this job?”

Voldemort beckoned to Malfoy who found himself moving to kneel at his Lord’s feet. Voldemort leaned down until his mouth was level with Draco’s ear. His foul smelling breath washed across Draco as he breathed the word that made his heart stop and his blood chill.

“Bait, Draco. You’re going to be bait.”

The flurry of packing that was going through Grimmauld Place left the men absolutely mystified. Quite how Willow and Dawn had managed to spread their belongings all the way through the house was completely beyond Giles and he, together with Harry and Ron watched as Ginny, Hermione, Willow and Dawn swept through every room, picking up clothes, hairclips, shoes, books and all the little souvenirs that they had accumulated during their few weeks in London.

Giles shook his head when he saw Dawn sitting on her suitcase to try and close it. Ginny rolled her eyes and took out her wand.

“Haven’t you learned anything?” Ginny twirled her wand and the contents of the suitcase shrank down to leave more room for her shoes, another two or three books and some pictures that she had taken of her with Hermione and Ginny. Dawn grinned unrepentantly.

“Perhaps if I had a wand?” she hinted to Giles but he assumed a stern expression.

“Next time” he admonished her.

Willow zipped her large leather rucksack up and laid her suede coat on the top of it.

“I’m ready” she announced to the room generally.

“About time too” Giles teased “you two are worse than Buffy when it comes to packing.”

Hermione came into the room, an unreadable expression on her face.

“Giles, there’s a message for you downstairs.” Giles followed Hermione out of the room and down the stairs to the kitchen where the fire blazed brightly. Dumbledore’s head sat fair and square in the centre of the hearth.

“Rupert, I’m afraid the worst has happened. Severus has disappeared and I cannot trace his whereabouts. Also missing is Draco Malfoy. You must get yourselves out the country immediately.”

“Willow …..”

“No” Dumbledore almost shouted the word, his breath puffing the ashes out on to the kitchen floor. “She must not use her magic. You must travel by muggle means as you originally planned. They won’t dare attack in a public place.”

“We are almost ready to leave” Giles began but Dumbledore cut him off.

“Leave now. Get Willow and Dawn to safety.”

“What about Draco?” Giles asked urgently “It’s our fault he’s in this mess.”

Dumbledore looked suddenly sad “I will do everything I can. But I believe the war has begun.”

Dumbledore’s head vanished in a mass of flame and Giles turned to see Dawn and Willow standing in the doorway. Dawn had a horrified expression on her face and Giles cursed himself for not making sure they hadn’t followed him.

”He’s coming, isn’t he?” she asked seriously and Giles nodded. “And he has Draco, doesn’t he?”

“Yes Dawn” Giles wouldn’t lie to her.

“So we need to save him. We can’t leave him there. Ginny’s told me about Voldemort, how evil he is. We can’t leave Draco there.”

Giles took hold of Dawn’s shoulders and forced her to look in his eyes. “Dawn, we have to. I need to get you and Willow to safety. We cannot risk either of you falling into Voldemort’s hands.”

She stared back at him mutinously, her eyes beginning to pool with tears.

“I’m sorry Dawn. Dumbledore will deal with Draco and Severus. But for now, we need to get to safety.” Giles hugged Dawn close for a moment and spoke to Willow over her head. “Get our bags. I’ll arrange for a car to Heathrow, we need to get there as soon as possible. We’re safe here and we should be safe there. There will be lots of people around, he won’t attack in public. He’s not strong enough for that sort of strike.”

“We’ll go with you Giles. Protection.” Harry spoke quickly. “Just in case.”

Giles agreed, knowing that any help was better than none at this point. He stepped outside the house and used his mobile phone to call the Watcher’s Council to arrange a car from Grimmauld Place to Heathrow.

Willow headed upstairs to fetch their bags, levitating them downstairs in front of her as she walked down behind them carrying their coats. Hermione watched, fascinated as always by Willow’s magic.

The car drew up outside and waited patiently by the kerb, not sounding its horn. The vehicle already drew enough attention to itself, the large sleek black car easily taking their bags and Giles, Willow and Dawn. Harry, Ron and Hermione climbed into the car as well but Ginny said she would stay behind. If something happened, someone would need to be at Grimmauld Place.

The car made its way through the London traffic, deftly slipping in and out of lanes, driving straight through the centre of town and then out the other side following the signs for the airport. Giles hurried them out of the car, and into the terminal building. They checked in in record time, dumping their bags on the conveyor belt. They had picked up Giles’ sense of urgency. Dawn had never seen Giles twitchy before but it was the only way to describe him now. He was looking over his shoulder every two moments.

It was at they were moving towards customs to go through to duty free lounge that Hermione tugged on Giles’ sleeve. He looked down at her and saw the worry in her eyes.

“I don’t want to alarm you but I just saw Goyle and Crabbe ducking behind that wall.”

Giles’ heartbeat sped up and he waited a beat before glancing causally over his shoulder. The two recognisable figures were caught out this time, not having time to hide. He met their eyes levelly and realised that he and Dumbledore had severely underestimated Voldemort.

Their hope that he would not attack in a public place was foundless. He had sent his Death Eaters here to Heathrow with the intent of taking himself, Willow and Dawn and he didn’t care if he was seen by the entire terminal. Every time he looked up, he saw someone else. Now they had been seen they were not taking any precautions to hide themselves.

Giles hustled them on faster, pulling Dawn with him. Harry, Ron and Hermione tactfully pulled their wands out, Giles slid his down from his sleeve and Willow took a deep breath, preparatory to using her own magic.

“No Willow you must not use your magic.” Giles whispered to her urgently.

“Why not?” she whispered back. “The reason for me not using it was so they couldn’t track us. Looks like that’s already happened. I can protect us more effectively that those three” she nodded to Harry, Ron and Hermione.

Giles sighed “Don’t get angry then. Whatever happens. If Voldemort wants us, he’ll want us alive.” Or he’ll want you alive, he mentally amended. He was certain that all that awaited him was endless torture and pain for betraying the Dark Lord.

The first sign that the Death Eaters were beginning their attack was a piercing scream from a woman behind them. Someone had hurled a hex and it had hit her instead of Harry. Harry turned, standing his ground but Willow stepped before him, raising her hands and making a pushing movement with them. The Death Eater went flying backwards into a display of books, scattering them everywhere.

The group began to move together, closing in protectively around Dawn. Hermione sent several hexes in the direction of two Death Eaters who were creeping around behind them and sent them wheeling into each other but another two took their place. Ron came to stand by her side and together they sent curse after hex, protecting Dawn’s back.

Harry had placed himself next to Dawn, remembering all the Dark Arts Defence spells he had learned with Hermione, the power flowing easily through him. Giles was exerting his own form of magic, hurling spells left, right and centre with the odd punch thrown in. Willow stood protectively in front of Dawn, keeping a magic shield up around them.

Muggles were collapsing as they were hit with random spells. There was no pretence now about keeping the magic world a secret from these people. This war had just spilled over into their world, Voldemort had drawn a line and dared them to walk across it.

A group of policemen skidded around the corner at a run, their bullet proof vests strapped on and their weapons raised.

“Put your weapons down” shouted one of them but Goyle simply turned and aimed the Cruciatus at the one who had spoken. He fell to the floor writhing around, legs and arms jerking in pain.

There was a scream from behind Dawn and she turned to see Hermione drop to the floor as if punched. She bent over her to see if she was still breathing but the girl lay silent on the floor, blood seeping from a wound on her head.

“Hermione” shouted Harry, distracted for a moment at the sight of his girlfriend unmoving on the ground. A hooded figure shouted out “Expelliarmus” and Harry’s wand was pulled from his fingers and shot into the waiting hand of the Death Eater who was approaching.

Willow, beginning to tire from the constant barrage of spells being aimed at her, pointed a finger at the menacing figure who was moving closer and whispered “Thicken”. The air around the Death Eater solidified around him and held him fast.

“Expelliarmus” shouted Harry and his wand returned itself to his thankful grasp.

“Willow, take Dawn and get out of here. Any way you can think of.” Giles shouted.

“Apparate” yelled Ron.

Willow took Dawn’s hands to focus her mind on sending the pair of them as far away from the fight as possible but in doing so took her attention off the incoming spells. A lucky curse distracted her and it was the work of a moment for a Death Eater to punch her hard across the face, felling her to the floor. Dawn turned to face him, picking up Hermione’s wand from her lifeless fingers.

”Wingardium Leviosa” she screamed, flicking the wand and the Death Eater shot into the air and crashed down head first.

And still they kept coming. Soon, Harry, Ron, Giles and Dawn were standing over the fallen bodies of Hermione and Willow. Dawn was struggling to keep up and finally opted for the only true way she knew how to fight. She moved towards the first Death Eater, ducking under his outstretched hands, laid an uppercut on him and then moved on to the next one. This one was despatched with a roundhouse kick, a sharp elbow jab to the stomach and a knee in the groin.

Her movements had attracted the attention of the other Death Eaters and she was slowly moving away from Giles, Harry and Ron until she was cut off from them.

Giles, Harry and Ron were too busy, occupied with trying to fight off the constant onslaught of Death Eaters until Giles realised something. They weren’t trying to kill them, they were trying to keep them busy. He turned too late to see Dawn step away from them and two Death Eaters block her off from them.

“Dawn” he yelled. She turned to him and realised she was completely surrounded by the threatening figures. Her eyes met Giles’ widening in horrified realisation of the position she had put herself in.

Willow’s eyes fluttered open and she pushed herself to sit up, seeing Dawn bravely facing down the Death Eaters. Dawn kicked one of them hard in the stomach but was instantly grabbed by the neck by another one of them. The Death Eater who had Dawn by the neck turned to face the others who paused in their fight.

“If you want the girl to live, I suggest you hold off.”

Dawn struggled weakly, the vital air being slowly cut off until her eyes rolled back into her head and she collapsed into the Death Eater’s arms.

Willow was about to speak but Goyle pushed his way to the front of the Death Eaters. “I wouldn’t advise if I were you, witch.”

She held back the tide of anger that was rushing through her. She could feel the mist coming down and struggled to contain it but she couldn’t. A scream broke free and everyone close by dropped to their knees as pain lanced through their heads.

“Very impressive” sneered Goyle. “However, I think you will find that screaming will not get you everything.” He hoisted Dawn into his arms. “Come quietly Ms Rosenberg, Ripper. Or things will go very badly for Miss Summers here.”

Giles stepped forward but Ron pulled him back.

”Are you crazy?” he hissed “The whole point was not to let You Know Who get his hands on the three of you.”

Giles shrugged the restraining hand off. “I will not leave Dawn to face him alone. Get back to Dumbledore, take Willow, Hermione and Harry.”

“I’m afraid Miss Rosenberg is coming with us.” Goyle called out. “It’s, how do you Americans say it, an all or nothing deal.”

Giles pulled Willow to her feet, waited for her to regain her balance. She looked weak and pale, her eyes clearing from black to green. He berated himself for letting her get to this point again and prayed silently to whichever god happened to be listening that she could keep a grip on herself.

“Come come Ripper, we don’t have all day.”