Summary:
Célina's underestimated by everyone, even her friends have abandoned her, not even giving her the reason why. So when she suddenly runs into a less than chivalrous character, she's not exactly ready to welcome her concerned EX-friends anytime soon. But there's more to her fiery stalker than what meets the eye; he makes her feel elated and terrified at the same time, and she's not sure if that mix is altogether a good thing…
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of Rowling's other stuff, just my various OCs.
Chapter 1
"It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you do live near him." –JRR Tolkien, The Hobbit.
"I am glad you've agreed, Drago. You have been hiding for far too long. I believe this is a good opportunity to connect with the wizarding world once more."
The giant mass of black snarled at Albus Dumbledore's words, the sound reverberating through his study like poison. The seat the figure occupied was dwalved by his form, the many folds of his robes draped around him ceremonially.
"Is that not why you asked if you were ready, my boy?"
"I will not explain my reasoning to you, old man!" His low baritone growled with the heavy rain outside, hammering away at the windows.
Dumbledore gave a small smile with his tired eyes. "There is no reason not to trust me, Drago. We have known each other for a long time, after all."
"16 years, Albus, since we got 'im out." Finnick Helron rasped from his corner of the study. His electric blue eyes, usually glaring to the shadows, were latched onto those hidden ones beneath their hood. "3 years since we convinced the Minister to let 'im join the wizarding world."
The black figure's forked tongue flicked into to view, tasting the air around him, before venturing back into the dark cage of his mouth to speak. "I have not seen more that 4 wizards in all those years; tell me, how am I joined to your world?"
"Our world, my boy," Albus said, "You know well that we had to teach you of our world, to train your…less animalistic mind to remain in control. Now that you are joining our education system, you will be treated as a student, and-"
"-And bow down to wizards who are terrified of me? Of what I am? Tell me headmaster, why should I stumble around like a little human child, obeying what the teacher says?"
Helron stepped forward. "Because some people deserve tha' sort of respect, Drago! Albus Dumbledore 'as been preventing the Ministry's attempts ter lock ya' up or worse since we knew of your existence! 'e runs Hogwarts, and all the teachers here are chosen by 'im specifically. Do you respect Albus? Yes? Then respect 'is choice of staff!"
Drago was suddenly at Helron's throat, lifting the burly man up into the air like it was nothing. The auror wrapped his hands around his wrist, but did not struggle. His scrutinising eyes bored into where Drago's would be. "If you wanted to kill me," he whispered, "you would've done it years ago, kid."
No one moved for a painfully long time. Not even the portraits made a sound, horrified by the scene they observed. Finally, Drago opened his hand, turning his back to Helron and making his way to the centre of the room.
Albus sat down, as if they need to stay balanced, 2 standing and one sitting down.
"Now my boy, we will discuss the details of your stay. You will be sorted now and will be sent to the dormitories of which ever house you end up in, with a separate room of your own; Voldemort believes you a failed experiment, deceased for some time, so you must keep your features hidden in public. Keep the extent of your powers hidden, as this will only cause the other students to talk. Your meals will be left by the house elves in your room, as you requested, and you have permission to visit Hogsmeade so long as you maintain the school standards, is that clear?"
Silence was his answer, though that was enough. Dumbledore made his way to a high shelf at the back of the room, retrieving a decaying brown wizard's hat, the leather frayed and a trail of dust following it in the air. Instead of placing it on Drago's head, he gave it to him to do so himself. The moment Drago's skull was engulfed, a heavy weight bore down on him, and a withered voice greeted him.
"Ahhh…I've waited a long time to meet you, yes I have! Your brain does not disappoint! Cunning…calculated…ferocious as well! Just like…Mmm."
"Get out of my head!" Drago roared, ripping hit off of him.
Dumbledore laid a hand on his shoulder, not phased when it was ripped off. "Calm yourself, Drago. I'm sorry, I should have warned you. The sorting hat must look at your qualities to determine which house you belong in; he cannot tell on what he sees to anyone, not even me, I assure you." Drago slowly replaced the hat back, warily leaving his gloved hands on the brim.
"Back again I see! Next time, be gentler, boy, I'm very old and-"
"Get on with it, you dirty scrap of cloth!" He growled.
"Certainly not a Hufflepuff then. Though there is…bravery in you, yes, I see it clearly now! A fierce loyalty, like that which is natural to your other kin. Perhaps it is better this way…yes, then its decided, GRYFFINDOR!" The sorting hat shouted, instantly becoming limp once Drago had thrust it back towards Dumbledore.
The old wizard let out a relieved sigh, his intelligent eyes now twinkling behind their gold frames. "I hope you will be happy in Gryffindor, and at Hogwarts, my boy. Professor McGonagall is the head of your house; she is on her way and will show you to your chambers."
Helron made is way to the door, giving a nod as he left. "Stay outta trouble kid, I don't want to 'ear that your hind's being kissed by the dementors once I leave now. Goodbye Albus, I'll be in contact." The auror left the headmaster and new student alone, as the storm out side grew more tumultuous. They both listened to the rain, seemingly oblivious to one another, until Dumbledore spoke again.
"Do not let revenge and hate cloud the view of the opportunity you have, Drago. Do not let Voldemort shape you, even when you are out of his grasp."
The silence continued until Minerva McGonagall arrived, swiftly taking Drago away without another word.