Empty Spaces

Chapter 48

Draco knew things were too good to be true, but he couldn't help indulging: For one selfish moment, he wasn't Draco Malfoy; he was just another person spending the afternoon with his family. It was marvelous. And then it was over.

"Begging your pardon, Lady Malfoy," Horatio bowed himself in, "There is a wizard at the gate requesting an audience with you."

"Oh! Were we expecting more company?" Narcissa looked up in surprise. "Who is it?"

"Ironbark. Blair Ironbark."

Draco's insides froze as the world stood still. Well. If nothing else, here was his chance to uncover whatever it was that Ironbark had entangled himself in. In any case, there was no way this could be good news.

"Ah," Narcissa smiled, "The Ironbark family goes back many generations, not nearly as long as the Malfoy line or the Potters, but a respectable name nonetheless. Yes, he may come. Draco, be a dear and escort Master Ironbark inside to me."

Draco rose from the table, his mind racing. Maybe, just maybe, he could manage to weasel some information while they were alone... He walked quickly, his heart pounding, but his face remained calm and neutral.

"Draco– hey, wait!" Harry caught up, looking anxiously down the path to where Ironbark waited outside the iron gate.

"Harry?? What are you doing here?" Draco whispered, partly glad that Harry was at his side while the other part irked in irritation that his one chance to get Ironbark on his own was now gone.

"You have to be careful," Harry warned, "Both of you. This is the same Ironbark who denied Hermione's application with the Ministry, then he's acting strange during your report yesterday, and this morning, the paper reported him missing. But what–"

"Wait, this morning's paper? I read it, I didn't– Oh, what the fuck..." Draco groaned in exasperation. The missing third page. Figures.

"No, but that's not–" Harry persisted.

"Sssh," Draco hushed Harry as they approached eavesdropping range, "You can tell me later. But now, I need you to be quiet. We know nothing and suspect nothing, okay? We have to watch him first if we're going to get out of this... trust me."

"But–"

"Trust me, Harry, I've been dealing with these people my whole life!" Draco hissed, getting desperate.

"Okay, okay," Harry surrendered, following Draco's lead as they approached the gate.

"Blair Ironbark," Draco drawled, putting on his best Malfoy face, "To what do we owe the... unexpected pleasure?"

"Pleasure is all mine," Ironbark gave a low bow. "I seek an audience with the Lady Malfoy, if you would be so kind as to take me to her, young Master."

Draco scrutinized the man in front of him– something was different, but he couldn't quite place what, nor could he risk giving away his suspicions.

"For what purpose, may I inquire?"

"Simply a meeting between old friends," Ironbark smiled courteously, "The Ironbark family has long served the Malfoy family, and I am merely bringing my goodwill to the Lady of the Manor."

"Master Malfoy," Horatio announced his presence in what had now managed to become a gathering, "Lady Malfoy is awaiting her guest."

Going against his better judgment, Draco escorted Ironbark inside. He would have to tread carefully now... Ironbark showed no signs of being cursed or controlled, there was nothing in his demeanor that suggested he was here against his will, nor did he look desperate... If Draco didn't know any better, the man's story about simply stopping by for a visit between old friends looked entirely plausible. Except that something– Draco couldn't quite place what– wasn't right.