Title: Where Moonbeams Fall
Author: Rhiannon Storyteller
Summary: HP/DM. Magical!Creature. Love, he had been told, would save their world. Harry's seventh year is headed by a summer that shakes the lives of all those around him. As the war escalates, and the stakes are raised, Harry must transcend realms and unite the world if he hopes to survive.
Rating: M
Pairings: D/H, HG/BZ, (and some surprises that I don't wish to give away yet.) HP/GW in the beginning.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
aN: This is a very Pro-Dracostory, as well as Pro-Slytherin (mostly). Charlie Weasley will also have a strong role. Ron-Bashing will occur.
aN: Sirius is alive for the purposes of this story…for how long? I couldn't say, but suffice to say that he is alive.
Where Moonbeams Fall
Chapter One
-o-1-o-
Ode to Family
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, stepping off the Hogwarts express with a light grin. Beside him, Ron grinned and slapped him heartily on the back, blue eyes twinkling happily.
"This is great, mate! No more living with the Dursleys! Dream come true, eh?"
Harry nodded, mouth screwed up in a half-smile. "Yea, never thought I'd see the day."
Coming to a stop in between the both of them, Hermione smiled softly at Harry, studying his face closely.
"Less worry lines than at the end of fifth year, that's good."
Harry's half-smile turned into a full-blown grin as he playfully shoved the smaller girl.
"With Pettigrew finally in jail, things are looking a lot better!"
Hermione nodded firmly, tucking a strand of honey brown hair behind her ear. "Justice has been served."
Harry said nothing, nodding once while looking away. Perhaps it had been, on some level, but to him… no amount of punishment would ever be enough for Peter Pettigrew.
"Where's Ginny?" Hermione asked, a playful edge to her voice. Harry blushed slightly, eyes temporarily drawn from their 'find-Sirius' mission.
"Er. Well, I think she said something about talking with one of her year-mates. I'm not quite sure…"
Hermione smirked, nudging him playfully in the ribs. "I see…"
Ron grimaced, eyeing the two of them with a small frown. Harry sighed, I wonder if Ron is ever going to get used to me and Ginny dating?
He and Ginny had been dating for nearly four months now, and as he ended his Sixth year at Hogwarts, Harry had to wonder if his friend would ever approve of his and Ginny's relationship. Although, Harry thought, he took it a lot better than I'd imagined.
"Harry!"
Fiery red hair appeared, followed by a face he'd memorized in his dreams. Ginny Weasley, to him, was perfection. She was everything he could have wanted in a woman and more.
"Ginny," he murmured as she ran into his arms.
He could hear Ron gagging in the background at what, to most people, must have been a rather sappy scene, but he didn't care.
Standing on the very tips of her toes, Ginny brought his head down for a kiss. Bold as usual, Ginny set the pace, passionate and quick. Harry could feel a blush stain his cheeks, and hoped nobody was around to see them, (especially Colin Creevey).
Hermione made a small 'tsking' sound in the back of her throat and as the kiss ended, Harry caught Ginny rolling her eyes.
"That's so you don't forget about me over at Sirius' manor." She murmured huskily. Harry nodded, still blushing as he grasped her hand. Molly bustled into view, arms spread wide as she miraculously managed to sweep them all into a large hug.
"Okay mum! Lemme go!" Ron growled, futilely pushing at his mothers arms. "Still baby's me at seventeen!" The red-haired teen grumbled.
Molly glared at him while simultaneously licking a finger to wipe away a smudge on his cheek.
"You'll always be my baby, Ronald!" Ron dodged the oncoming finger as a he would a bludger, eyes comically wide.
Turning to Harry, who was still holding Ginny's hand, Molly burst into a wide grin and swept the two of them into another bone crushing hug.
"Oh my! They're all growing so fast! Just think Arthur," she exclaimed while turning to her embarrassed husband. "They'll be entering their last year soon enough," tears sprang to the motherly woman's eyes. "Then they'll be gone! Gone! Living on their own, getting married! Having kids, oh! Oh, dear me!"
Ron was blushing profusely now, and Harry was starting to feel decidedly uncomfortable. Why is Ginny smiling like that?!
"Now, now Molly dearest." Arthur finally spoke. "They're a bit young yet, let's deal with graduation first, hmm?"
Smiling and nodding, Molly gathered Ron and Ginny to her. "Come now you two, we're all to meet at The Burrow by four! Charlie's home you know."
Ron and Ginny both cheered as they stepped away with their family, shouting quick goodbyes to Harry and Hermione.
"We'll see you guys later! Have a great summer!"
"See ya later!"
Molly waved back, smiling. "And you're sure Sirius will pick you up, yes?"
Harry nodded firmly, "Yeah, he sent me an owl yest-"
"Kiddo!"
"Speak of the devil," Hermione murmured as Sirius came rushing into view. Beside him a slightly calmer Remus Lupin, futilely tried to steer the other man away from passing muggles.
"Ah, yes. We'll see you later then Harry, Hermione!" That said, Molly Weasley bustled off in a sea of red-heads.
"Hello Harry, Hermione." Remus said coming to a stop near the two remaining teenagers.
"Harry! 'Mione!" Sirius grabbed the two into a fierce hug, grey eyes gleaming happily. Harry chuckled into his godfather's chest, returning the hug with as much, if not more, fervor.
"Sirius! Remus! What took you guys?"
Remus rolled slightly amber eyes in Sirius direction, sighing heavily. "Mr. Perfection over here, couldn't decide on his robes…"
Harry chuckled as he gave his godfather the once over. A year spent not on the run and living on healthy food and a great diet had done wonders for his godfather. Gone was the sickly looking man with a too-thin frame. In his place stood a tall, elegant wizard of undeterminable age and playful bearing. He currently wore a set of slick black robes, and his shoulder-length hair was pulled back in a causal ponytail.
"He was always the 'best-dressed' of our group," Remus muttered rolling his eyes. "Took him forever to get ready for balls."
Harry chuckled at the glare Sirius directed towards Remus.
"Someone had to look good," Sirius muttered. "You and James surely didn't care."
Remus spluttered, "James! Ha! I'd almost swear he was worse than you only, I know I'd be wrong."
"Ah yes, Jamesy did have a flair for the extravagant."
"Hermione!"
The group turned as one and smiled as Hermione's parents strode into view. In her mother's arms was a small bundle, moving about occasionally. Hermione's newly adopted sister, Ophelia lay complacent in her mother's arms, only giggling at the sight of Hermione.
"I'll see you later Harry," Hermione muttered as she accepted her baby sister into her arms. "Be sure to write!"
"Will do!" He replied, giving the smaller girl a hug. Smiling, he watched the small family walk off, smiling and laughing.
"Alright Harry!" Sirius happily exclaimed. "It's time to go home."
The small smile that was previously playing on the edge of Harry's lips turned into another, full-blown grin.
Home, I like the sound of that.
-x-x-
Draco Malfoy felt decidedly ill.
"I'm fine mother, stop that."
Swiping at his mother's hand, he turned to stare out the large window of their enchanted carriage. Sometimes, he wished he could fly home from Kings Cross Station, but that was a cross-country trek, and his mother would absolutely freak if he tried.
"Are you sure, Draco?" Her naturally soft voice floated through the large space, caressing his ears with its gentle cadence. "This is a very rough time…"
"I'm fine."
"Narcissa, let him be." His father's deep baritone reverberated throughout the enchanted space, causing Narcissa to settle into an uncomfortable silence. Draco sighed softly, idly rubbing at his jaw.
"Stop Draco. That will not make their passage any easier." His father snapped. Draco glared at the taller man, still rubbing petulantly at his jaw.
"What do you know," Draco muttered, "you don't have a pair of fangs trying to burst through your gums, now do you?"
Apparently he hadn't whispered quietly enough because his father turned and sent him a very pointed, fanged smirk.
"Now stop rubbing at your jaw."
With a sigh, which in Lucius' opinion was very sullen, Draco sat back in his seat closing his eyes.
"Damn it, I hate the Change."
His mother 'hmm'd' quietly, "no, it isn't nice is it?"
Should I even make an effort to answer that? I really pray that that was rhetorical.
"Narcissa, dear, do be quiet."
Narcissa glared at her husband and huffed, "I can't help but worry!"
"He is a big boy, he can handle a bit of pain."
A bit of pain!? It felt like a horde of hippogriff's were parading about in his mouth, and don't even get him started on the headache currently brewing like a nasty, tumultuous potion behind his eyes.
Sure, a bit of pain. Draco scoffed. So he was a bit more pain-tolerant than he had been during his third year, that still didn't mean he was some type of masochist. I seriously think Father is though, he always looks a bit too eager when mother pulls his hair during one of their arguments.
His parent's odd relationship aside, Draco was starting to feel more than a bit dizzy, and was grateful when they finally pulled to a stop in front of his manor. The imposing dark grey building seemed a godsend as he stepped down from the carriage, eyes roving over his family home.
"There's a sight that will never get old." He muttered.
'Pop'!
Only years of good breeding prevented Draco from jumping when the diminutive house elf popped in next to him.
"Lord Malfoy! Binky is taking your coat now,"
Draco made small sound in the back of his throat, and handed the little elf his light over-robe.
"Come Draco," his mother said whilst grabbing his arm. "Let's get you into the bathing chambers, you must be cleansed before the Ritual."
"Yes, mother." He muttered. It was better to just agree with her when she was in one of her moods. His father usually tended to ignore her, at least until she started pulling his hair…Draco shook his head. Now is not the time to think about my parents eccentric behavior. Pfft, and Potter thinks he's got it bad. I'd take no parents over these ones any day. Of course, he didn't really mean that, but it was a though that flitted through his mind quite frequently, especially when they started acting weird.
His mother had moments when he could almost swear the woman was on some sort of 'happy pill', and his father…well best to just say that sometimes Draco had to wonder if Lucius really wore the pants in their relationship.
He followed his mother languidly, amused when she futilely tried to drag him faster down the winding halls of the manor.
"Draco dear, you really are being a bit of a bother."
Draco snorted, only to receive a slap on the back of his head from his father.
"Don't snort Draconis, it is unbecoming."
"Don't smack him so hard Lucius, he's going through the Change."
Draco rolled his eyes while rubbing at the back of his head with the hand that wasn't currently imprisoned in his mother's hands.
Beside him, cane clicking, Lucius walked. Draco eyed the black and silver walking stick with a small frown. Why did his father insist on carrying that thing around? Sure, it's a neat place to hold your wand, but honestly, isn't that a bit obvious? It wasn't like his father even needed the damn thing.
Click. Click. Click.
Draco huffed irritably. The stupid thing also made a horrible 'clicking' noise against the black marble of their hallway, and it always served to aggravate the blonde teenager.
"Father, do you rea-"
"Yes, for the last time Draco. Image is everything." Lucius tiredly responded, already anticipating his son's question.
Draco pointedly looked around, then turned to stare at his father.
"Don't give me that look Draconis," Lucius sniffed haughtily. "One must always be prepared for the unexpected."
Draco snorted…
…and received a slap on the back of the head.
-x-x-
"Wow Sirius, this place is amazing!"
Bouncing on the balls of his feet, Sirius nodded enthusiastically while shoving Harry into a crème and black room with a roaring fireplace.
"This is my favorite room," he muttered. "Remus likes it too, don't you Remy?"
Remus nodded, plopping tiredly into a large crème armchair with black pillows.
"It's very relaxing."
Harry plopped down in a similar armchair, while Sirius stretched out on the couch. They wallowed in a comfortable silence, each wading through their own thoughts until Sirius finally broke the silence.
"So…" He said casually, eyes shifting to Harry's relaxed figure. "You and the Weaslette?"
Harry grinned, and shook his head. "Don't call her that, Malfoy calls her that. She hates it."
Sirius grinned broadly, "well in that case…" he trailed off, still grinning, and Harry just knew Sirius would forever call Ginny the 'Weaslette'.
"Yes, you and Miss Weasley," Remus chimed in with a thoughtful frown.
"Yeah," Harry said, a small smile appearing on his face. "I never thought I'd date my best friend's younger sister."
"I never thought you'd date your stalker!" Sirius remarked with a lop-sided grin. Harry grimaced, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Yea, 'Mione said something along those lines."
"Hermione does not approve?" Remus asked thoughtfully.
Harry sighed, running a hand over his face. "Not really. She won't say anything but…I know she doesn't like that I'm dating Ginny but…" Harry shrugged.
"Well!" Sirius barked, "at least things will never be dull! She's got a temper like a blast-ended skrewt!"
Remus chuckled lightly, leaning back in his armchair. He rested his hand on one raised palm and eyed Harry speculatively.
"And you are…happy?"
Harry nodded enthusiastically, "as happy as I can be, all things considered."
Sirius sat up suddenly, a pensive look on his usually playful face. He opened his mouth, closed it then opened it again.
"Alright Harry, whatever makes you happy."
Harry frowned softly, that wasn't what he was going to say.
'POP!'
Harry jumped as a minuscule house elf popped into existence.
"Hello Master Black! Master Lupin and Oh! Master Harry Potter sir!"
Harry eyed the small creature with a bemused expression, "er…Hi!"
"Dippy's cousin Dobby is telling Dippy much about you sir! Much indeed! What can Dippy do for the Masters?"
The small, female? elf turned around once, eyeing each occupant in the room with large, bright eyes.
"Er, we'll take lunch." Sirius mumbled slumping back against the sofa. Nodding enthusiastically, Dippy apparated away.
"Dobby's cousin, huh?"
Sirius shrugged, "I didn't know either!"
-x-x-
With a thoughtful sigh, Hermione opened the large, bay window of her room to allow Pig inside. The small, erratic bird launched itself into her room with no clear purpose, and luckily landed on her dark blue queen sized bed. Rolling her eyes, she grabbed an owl treat from the top of her dresser and scooped the little bird up with one hand.
"You silly little creature," she mumbled affectionately. "Whatever will Ron do with you?"
The little bird 'hooted', while accepting the owl treat and Hermione deftly untied the small scroll attached to his leg. Leaving the widow open, she plopped onto her bed and untied the letter, immediately recognizing Ron's messy scrawl.
Dear 'Mione.
Hey! Uh…how are you? I…miss you and stuff and just wanted to see what you were doing. Write back okay? I can't wait 'till you get to the Burrow, we can pick up where we left off!
Ron.
Hermione sighed and threw the letter into a corner of her rather spacious room.
"Pick up where we left off indeed," she muttered angrily. Ron was becoming rather insistent when it came to the physical side of their relationship. She knew he would never force her to do anything but the goading and the hinting (that was rather more blatant than he thought), really grated on her nerves.
Hermione was not, contrary to popular belief, a prude. Rather, she didn't wish to just give her virginity away to the first guy that showed her some attention. Now, admittedly she and Ron had been tip-toeing around each other for more than three years now, so really why couldn't she give it up to him?
Why indeed…she thought darkly. They had been dating for nearly seven months now, and still being with him didn't feel right. She sighed, eying the mellow blues and silver of her room with a thoughtful frown. She had been thinking about this since…well since he'd first started trying to take her clothes off.
Turning, the young brunette grabbed a small blue and white pillow and pillowed it between her legs, eyebrows drawn together thoughtfully.
"Why not Ron?" She whispered quietly to herself, "why not the boy I claim to love?"
Because I don't love him, at least not they way he wants me too.
"And I can't keep dragging this on…I've got to start living for me…" Her whispers turned intense, passionate.
She'd been saying this for months now, but it was hard. Hermione Anne Granger had lived her entire life wanting approval from others. Her parents, her teachers, her friends. She had always done what was expected of her. Get good grades Hermione, be a proper young lady Hermione, don't get into trouble Hermione…the list went on.
As it follows, when Hermione knew that everyone expected her and Ron to become an item, to follow in Molly and Arthur's footsteps so to speak, she had done what was expected.
She had tried, so very hard to make herself love Ron. Sometimes it was easy to pretend, to be the doting, slightly nagging girlfriend that everyone expected. Other times, most times, she wanted to ring his immature neck! Ron was not on her level, and while there were times were he surprised her, she could not ever look past his many faults so far to envision a future with him. I can't do this anymore, she thought raggedly. I can't live in this black and white world with Ronald, we just…she sighed again. She would do it, today. Right now.
She was breaking up with Ronald Weasley, they were better off as friends anyway.
-x-x-
Draco howled in pain.
"Hush baby, it'll all be over soon."
He couldn't make out the words, not really. He could only hear the soft cadence of his mother's voice that let him know she was there. It was changing though, even as he continued his Change, and the sound was starting to grate on his nerves.
She had touched him once, he knew that, he could still feel the burn of her fingers, as if they'd been branded onto his back.
He screamed again, a piercing, near howl that left his throat burning.
"Just a little while longer Draco,"
"Shut…up…" His voice did not sound like his own, but he knew he'd uttered the words. He wasn't quite sure what his mother was saying, but he knew the sound of her voice was annoyingly high pitched.
He growled, low and ferocious as his fangs bit into his bottom lip, drawing blood. He could only imagine how he looked, hunched over as he was with blood dripping from his lips and hair messed seven ways to Sunday. His clothes, he knew were ripped and he had a vague impression of himself doing it once his claws had finally emerged.
Pain swept his body with every breath he took. It felt as if his body were being dipped in lava, stabbed and skinned all at once.
Suddenly, a new pain appeared, this one beginning in his scalp. Bringing bloody hands to the new source of pain, Draco howled again as his hair began growing rapidly. A sudden song filled the air, the soothing cadence of the melody washing over him.
"Tears of the Fallen peace may bring
Blood of the Fallen war will sing
Sing, sing, sing my love
Cry, cry, cry my heart
Sun of a new day hope will bring
Love for the Rising we will sing…"
His mother's voice rose beautifully over his howling, comforting in its melody. He had heard the song numerous times, but in the midst of his Change, it had never sounded so beautiful.
"Lucius, finish the Ritual…" His mother's voice was so skewed now, he would not have recognized it had he not know that only she and his father stood in the Chamber with him.
He heard his father chant, but could not make out the words.
A light began to build, along with an unnatural wind. Draco cringed as it whipped across his highly sensitive skin. His throat was raw from screaming, and even as he let another piercing scream out, it burned.
Lucius eyed the huddled figure of his son with concern as he finished the last line of the Ritual.
A blindingly white light flashed once, twice, three times before the Chamber fell into absolute darkness.
Narcissa cast a quick modified Lumos, and several orbs appeared floating around the chamber.
Narcissa and Lucius rushed to their fallen son's side, gasping in awe, horror and surprise.
There laid bare across once pale, unmarred skin, lay a mark. Black lines drew together in an intricate Knot at the middle of which sat a sword face down with two iridescent wings of pure silver at the hilt. Running down the length of the sword in shimmering black that could be no natural ink were the words:
I am the Prince, the Sword is my heart, Honor my mind, and Love my soul.
Narcissa fell away in a dead faint.
-x-x-
Thousands of miles away on an uncharted island in a Manor known only as the Black Estate, Harry Potter shuddered in the echo of immense pain.
"You alright there Kiddo?"
"…Yeah…I think so."
-x-x-
Draco Malfoy floated in and out of consciousness. For the first day and a half, his mind lay in a permanent fog of pain, a haze impenetrable by any sort of Wizarding potion or magic.
And then the images came. People clad in armor with long, pale hair braided into thick braids that hung down their backs. They stood grim, fangs protruding lightly over their bottom lips, claws flexing gently on long, dexterous fingers. Draco groaned each time an image assaulted him, growing feverish when they came in quick succession.
It was on the fifth day after his Change that he realized these were his people. They were Lyrhin, and he was learning their History.
Two days after that, he began hearing a song, soft and melodious. Always accompanying this song was a vision of green, and hints of gold.
Ten awoke after his Change Draco Malfoy awoke with a gasp, one name on his lip, "Harry Potter".
-x-x-
"Ginny, stop!" Harry chuckled deeply, hands gently pushing the ginger-haired woman away.
Ginny pouted in a way she knew drove Harry crazy, and leaned forward, settling more firmly in his lap.
"Do you really want me to stop Harry? Sirius left us all alone for a reason you know…"
Harry sighed, wrapping his arms around her thin waist.
"I just…" Frustrated he leaned back against his headboard, ignoring Ginny's irritated sighs.
"You just want, Harry? I'm a big girl you know, I can handle taking our relationship to the next level."
Harry sighed, but can I?
"Don't you love me Harry?"
Harry's lips tightened angrily though the younger girl took no notice. "You know I do Ginny."
"Then trust me."
Without waiting for a reply, Ginny leaned forward, taking a kiss from Harry. She moaned, running her fingers underneath his shirt.
Harry sighed, giving in to the kiss. I…I guess it's alright.
"Gods, Harry." She moaned. The sound went straight to Harry's groin, and he shifted uncomfortable. Ginny grinned down on him, grinding slowly across his growing erection.
"Fuck, Ginny!" Harry gasped out, his grip tightened against her waist.
Ginny smirked, quickly removing her top. She wasn't wearing a bra and her pert, ample breasts bounced excitedly in Harry face.
"Touch me Harry, touch me now."
Harry hesitantly grasped one pale breast, fingers cautiously massaging the soft flesh. Ginny immediately fell to moaning, fiery red hair swinging wildly as she thrashed above him. Harry watched her curiously, oddly detached from the entire process. He hadn't wanted to do this to begin with and now, halfway through the process it would seem, he was feeling oddly separated.
He entered her slowly, afraid of hurting her, though from her moans he figured she felt no pain. It was quick, and for Harry at least, left him wanting.
Ginny was breathing heavily by the time they were finished, and lay spent beneath him, smiling.
"Told you it would be great," she murmured. Harry smiled, though he felt it was a bit forced.
"Yeah," he sighed, sounding more breathless than he actually felt.
Ginny sighed and wiggled out from underneath him, scooting out of the bed. "Be back in a tick…" She murmured, heading into the adjacent bathroom.
Harry watched her naked form walk away with a small frown. For some reason or another, that didn't feel…right? Perhaps it was the fact that he'd just had sex, just taken the virginity, of his best friends little sister.
His breath caught, eyes widening. If Ron ever finds out…he shuddered, eyeing the closed door of the bathroom with small almost indiscernible frown.
"Harry?" It was Sirius' voice, still a bit of a ways down the hall. Rushing, he slipped on his trousers and shirt and quickly fixed the bed, hoping it didn't smell too horribly of sex.
Ginny's head poked through the door and she quickly gestured for her clothing. Harry threw them to her, just managing to straighten when Sirius knocked on his door.
"Come in!"
"Hey kiddo," Sirius exclaimed as soon as he'd entered. His eyes sparkled excitedly. "Good news! We're going to visit the old Potter Estate!"
Harry's eyes widened. "They – I mean – there's an estate?"
Sirius nodded, frowning. "Dumbledore never told you?"
Harry shook his head negatively, still in a bit of awe. Sirius' eyes darkened, a flash of shadow crossing the grey orbs. Harry eyed his godfather speculatively. From the tightened fist to the thin frown, and the darkening eyes.
"Sirius?"
The older man shook himself, visibly drawing whatever it was that had passed across the surface, back.
"Well, I can show it to you now…" he murmured.
Ginny chose that moment to step out of the bathroom looking for all the world like she hadn't just had sex.
"Weaselette!" Sirius happily intoned. Ginny scowled and glared.
"Hi Sirius…" she muttered, though it lacked enthusiasm.
Sirius' grin widened, though she didn't see it.
"Perhaps we'll go when you're all finished up Harry," He eyed Ginny oddly for a moment before nodding, and turning to leave.
"Let me know when you're going to leave Ginny, I'll prepare the Floo for you…"
Ginny smiled and nodded, wrapping an arm around Harry's waist and leaning her head against his shoulder.
"Thanks for having me over Sirius."
Sirius smiled tightly, "anytime."
-x-x-
"How is he love?"
"I know as much, perhaps less than you Narcissa."
Draco would have groaned had his throat not felt like it was clogged with sand.
His parents were hovering over him; he could barely make out the spiraling curls of his mother hair as she leaned over him to tug on his father's long blonde locks.
"Really, Lucius…must you be so difficult?"
Was it just Draco, or was his father's breathing speeding up?
Deciding now was as good a time as any to wake up, lest he be privy to something he really didn't want to, Draco made an unintelligible groaning noise and weakly lifted his right arm.
"Lucius, look! He's wakening! Do you see?"
His father sighed in exasperation, though it was fond and calmly told his wife that 'yes, he could see that Draco was beginning to awaken'.
"Draco…? Draco love, can you hear me?"
Deciding that speaking was not worth the effort it took to try, Draco settled for a weak nod instead.
"Oh! Binky…er…Tippy?"
Two house elf's popped into the room, both looking a bit confused. Narcissa frowned, not quite sure which one she actually wanted.
"Will one of you be a dear and bring Draco some food. Nothing heavy mind you and absolutely no meat."
Really, Draco thought as he listened to his mother. She doesn't need to tell them that.
"How do you feel Draconis?" His father asked, peering down on him curiously.
Draco slowly and cautiously made to sit up, leaning heavily against his headboard. His mother moved to help him but Lucius held her back. Draco massaged his throat before giving speaking a try, immediately hating the scratchy quality of his voice.
"Rather well, all things considered." He drawled, wincing. "Though I have this odd sensation of feeling as if I'm going to split into two." He hissed the last part when both Binky and Tippy popped into existence, each carrying a platter of fruits and light soups.
"Quietly!" Lucius snapped softly, eyeing the creatures with a frown.
"How long have I been…incapacitated?" Draco asked whilst plucking a sliver of mango from a silver platter. Narcissa gently stroked his hair, which he noted absently, was fairly long now.
"We'll have to braid this for you…" Narcissa remarked, smiling giddily for some reason. Draco rolled his eyes, though he did smile fondly at his mother. Eccentric at the best of times, Narcissa was a woman they couldn't help but love and adore, even if she did exasperate them daily.
"Fifteen days," Lucius remarked. "Though you did wake for a short time on the tenth."
Draco made a noncommittal sound in the back of his throat, idly wondering if the house elves could dip his strawberries in chocolate. Something to think about for the future…
"Severus stopped by several times, delivered a few potions that helped sustain you while you were…incapacitated."
Draco nodded again while popping a thick, juicy grape into his mouth.
"Your mother is also pregnant." Lucius dryly remarked, watching his son with a smirk.
Draco nodded once more, mind wondering at the strange flashes of green and gold he kept seeing. After effects of the Change? I should probably ask mother and father about this…
"With a two-headed Dragon."
"I see…" Draco remarked.
Huffing his mother pinched him, causing the overly sensitive boy to yelp, platter of fruit flying everywhere.
"What was that for!?"
"You were not paying attention Draco." Lucius remarked sternly.
"Yes I was!"
Narcissa snorted, "really? And what do you think of my giving birth to a two-headed Dragon?"
"W-what?"
"Exactly."
"You have been out for two weeks Draconis," Lucius continued without incident. "Severus has been kind enough to bring the potions needed to help sustain you, though I know he has run to Dumbledore with the information of your Change."
Narcissa frowned at her husband, eyes narrowed. Draco sighed. The topic of Severus Snape was a touchy one in their household. A longtime friend of his mother's, Narcissa had insisted on naming Severus as Draco's godfather. Lucius, on the other hand, had never liked the 'greasy bat', and felt he was too comfortable with servitude. It had always annoyed Lucius, how quick and easy Severus turned information over to Dumbledore.
"Do not judge him Lucius. He has had a hard life."
"Do not start with the 'Severus has had a hard life speech', that man has his head so far up Albus' - "
"Lucius!"
"All I am saying is that I do not trust the man."
"He has saved your life many times!"
"As I have saved his, we are quite even the last I checked."
Narcissa narrowed crystal blue eyes and stared her husband down. "Are you keeping a tally?"
"Of course not," Lucius replied, though it was clear from his tone that he was. Draco sighed, here they go again.
"How many times have I told you Lucius? You insist on taking unnecessary risks with your life! You can control this, Dear, you are not immortal."
Draco sighed, slowly eating another piece of mango and seriously considering getting Tippy to add a side of chocolate so that he could dip his strawberries.
"It's nothing Narcissa, you worry too much."
"You, Lucius, play far too much with our Old Friend. She will come for you one of these days, and where will that leave me?"
Lucius sighed, and leaned into his wife with a small smile. Draco groaned and rolled his eyes.
"I love you Cissy, really I - "
"Please!" Draco broke in, causing both his parents to look at him slightly flushed. "Finish this another time. Preferably when I'm not eating…" he drawled. Narcissa scowled, though it quickly turned to a look of concern.
"How are you feeling Draco?"
"They same as I was five minutes ago," he snapped. Narcissa sighed.
"Obviously he's feeling better if he can afford to act so petulantly," Lucius drawled, eyeing his son fondly.
Draco smirked, though it turned into a bit of a grimace towards the end.
"Any way I could take a bath? I'm not feeling so…hygienic at moment."
Narcissa crinkled her nose, "an excellent idea, Love. Binky!"
Two hours later, with his hair braided into a nice long rope down the length of his back and feeling quite clean, Draco lounged in bed eating another platter of fruit. Only this time, it was strictly chocolate-dipped strawberries.
His mother and father had retired to their bedrooms to finish their 'fight', leaving Draco to himself. He wondered at the odd looks his mother and father kept sending him, or the quivering touches his mother continuously laid on his back. Nutty woman, he thought fondly.
The door to his room creaked open, and Severus strode in a small smirk on his face. Draco scowled.
"Knocking is the polite thing to do you know…" he muttered.
"I have never held to the keepings of 'polite society'." Severus murmured, settling at the foot of his bed. "How are you feeling?"
Draco sighed, setting aside his strawberries wistfully. "Fine, all things considered."
Severus nodded, folding long pale fingers within the folds of his robes.
"Any pain?"
"Loads. Mostly in my back…" He rolled his shoulders, hoping to alleviate said pain somewhat.
"Ah… your mother thought you might have pain there…"
Raising a single eyebrow, Draco eyed his godfather thoughtfully. At the man's continued silence, Draco huffed with frustration and crossed his arms.
"Explain."
"It isn't for me to tell…" Severus replied with, if Draco wasn't mistaken, a smug undertone to his voice.
"I see…" Draco remarked coolly. Severus did smirk then, though he tried to hide it.
"You will find out soon enough I suppose…though I do warn you to keep your cool when the news eventually…hits."
Draco's eyes narrowed, watching his godfather's every move.
"You will find out nothing from me, so I suggest you stop while you are ahead, as the muggles say. Now, I must be off before your Father returns…I have one-upped him in our…game and he is none too happy about this…if you need me you know where to find me."
Licking Dumbledore's boots…Draco thought harshly as his godfather left. There were times when he loved his godfather dearly and other times…other times he wanted to slap the man silly. So much for that…he thought before settling back into his sheets. Pulling the platter of strawberries back into his lap, Draco sighed happily as he bit into the chocolate covered fruit, previous agitation forgotten.
-x-x-
Harry sighed deeply as he folded Ron's letter, eyes trailing to the verdant green forests outside his room. A lark flew by, trilling happily in the noonday sun as it headed to his next destination. Harry envied the bird it's ability to fly whenever and wherever it chose.
The door to his room creaked open and Remus poked his head in cautiously. Spotting Harry he smiled a bit hesitantly before stepping slowly into the spacious room.
"I knocked but you didn't answer…hope I'm not bothering you…"
Harry shook his head, gesturing for the older man to join him at the window seat. Scooting over, Harry made room for the aging werewolf on the plush dark blue cushion and smiled, though he felt it did not reach his eyes.
"Everything alright?" Remus asked, slowly sitting down. Harry nodded, leaning his head against the warm glass.
"I guess. Hermione broke it off with Ron…"
Remus nodded, though Harry couldn't see it sitting as he was with his head against the window.
"Yes, I expected she might."
Harry, eyes slightly wide with shock turned to stare at his pseudo godfather curiously.
"They were not as…compatible as many would believe them to be." Remus said hesitantly. Harry breathed deeply, turning to glance once more out the window.
"I know…" He replied finally, shocking the older man. "I'm not as blind as all that…" he muttered dryly. "And I know Hermione. I…know why she even said yes…" Harry sighed. "I guess I just didn't anticipate Ron's reaction."
Raising an eyebrow curiously, Remus waited for Harry to continue.
"I guess…when they started dating, I knew they wouldn't last." Harry mused aloud, "but I was foolish enough to believe that it wouldn't affect our friendship so much. I mean, I guess I figured there would be a period of awkwardness, there always is isn't there? But…" Harry sighed, "of course, I could just be blowing things out of proportion. Ron is Ron. He has a temper and tends to say a lot of things he doesn't mean when he's angry…" Of course, he could still mean them, Harry thought.
Remus, who was by now completely confused, only sat there quietly.
"He called her a harlot and some other foul names, but I'm pretty sure he's just hurt." Harry murmured quietly.
Remus winced, fervently hoping the hot-headed red-head had not said the same things to Hermione herself.
"I see," he finally remarked. "And that is the reason you have not come out of your room for the past two days?"
Harry tensed, then relaxed, resting his forehead against the glass once more and then closing his eyes.
"Does it have to do with your visit to the Potter Estate?"
Harry sighed, nodding. "I guess – I guess they became more real to me then…" Harry murmured, "I mean…I got to see my family tree and…and the room my dad grew up in…" Harry shivered. "Their wedding pictures, baby pictures…everything. Mostly everything at least, that I'd missed." He shivered again, an intense wave of emotion sweeping his body. "I – he became more than just a name and a title then…he – I mean – he was James Potter – not – not just some war hero, but a kid…like me." Harry sighed. "I'm not making any sense, am I?"
Remus smiled sadly, reaching out to grip Harry's shoulder comfortingly. "You're making perfect sense, Harry."
Harry smiled crookedly, reminding Remus for a painstaking moment of James. He gasped softly, hand tightening almost imperceptible on Harry's shoulder.
"I reminded you of him, didn't I?" Harry asked quietly.
Remus nodded, too caught up in the past to say much else. Finally, he was able to mutter a quick 'sorry' to the green-eyed boy beside him, hand tightening once more on his shoulder before releasing him.
"It's alright," Harry sighed. "I like that in a way I can remind you of him. It makes me feel more…connected to him I guess…" Harry shrugged.
"Never feel that we do not view you as your own person Harry, just that sometimes…" he trailed off, turning his gaze to the window.
"I act so much like him it's hard to forget, yeah?"
Remus nodded, sighing deeply. "Though you have much more of your mother in you in terms of personality." Remus smiled softly, fondly. "She too had a terrible temper."
Harry scowled through his smile. "I don't have a temper…" At Remus' very pointed stare, he conceded. "Okay, I don't have much of a temper."
"Are you alright though?" Remus cautiously asked once more. "Sirius has been tearing himself to bits, wondering if he did the right thing in bringing you there."
Harry shook his head, a small smile finding its way onto his face. "Yeah, I'm fine. I guess I just needed time to really take it all in. It's weird to say but…I guess before I never thought much of my parent's lives before they had me. I – not to sound selfish or anything – I just never wondered about it I guess. I mean I knew about the Marauders and…and how much Mom and Dad didn't get on before they got together, but I guess I never really thought beyond that, to what their lives might have been like as children."
Remus chuckled, moving to stand. "Don't feel too bad about it Harry. It isn't likely that any child thinks about their parents as children." He winked, "I don't think they realize they were ever that young."
Harry grinned, rising as well and moving to open the door.
"Thanks Remus…"
The older man blinked, confused. "For what?"
Harry shrugged, "for lots of things I guess, but for listening to me for now."
Remus shrugged lightly, smiling while throwing an arm around Harry's broad shoulders. "Anytime Harry. Now, let's find Sirius before he chews off all his fur. I doubt he can take much more of that as it is…"
Chuckling, the two made their way towards Snuffles, a happy gleam in their eyes.
-x-x-
"No, ma'am that isn't part of the special. Yes, you can use the coupon for the extra fifteen minutes…No ma'am that isn't part of the special…"
Hermione groaned silently into her headpiece, eyeing the shining sun with a grimace.
"No, ma'am that isn't part of the special."
Hermione groaned again as the woman began yelling on the line. She was just about to intercede when the phone line suddenly went dead.
"It's okay to hang up sometimes you know."
Standing above here with a small grin was Mrs. Lovett. A red-haired, hazel eyed woman from Sussex, Mrs. Lovett was a kind widow at the early age of 24, and owner of the Massage Spa Hermione currently worked.
"I don't know how many times I repeated to her that the foot massage was not part of the deal."
Mrs. Lovett laughed gaily, adjusting the simple white uniform she wore.
"Well, at least you didn't get the crazy old man who demands his butt cheeks be massaged."
Hermione's eyes widened and the young woman grinned down on her, hazel eyes twinkling. "I'm kidding Hermione."
Hermione sighed gustily, grinning up the pretty woman.
"It wouldn't surprise me if there really was a man like that out there somewhere." She murmured.
Mrs. Lovett smiled softly, sadly. "Yes, there are crazy people out there…" She murmured. Hermione sighed softly and nodded. Mr. Lovett had been murdered in broad daylight, at the grocery store because he wasn't moving fast enough. The robbers had only gotten sixty-three dollars from the robbery, but Mrs. Lovett had lost her husband. Her high school sweetheart. Hermione sighed again as the older woman walked away, greeting a customer. I suppose there isn't peace anywhere in the world. Not the Wizarding, or Muggle versions of it.
"Mrs. Lovett informs me that I should speak to you if I wish to set up an account here, is that right Hermione?"
Hermione started, and stared up into the dark eyes of one Mr. Blaise Zabini. The dark-skinned boy was smiling, though it was less of a smile and more of a predatory stretch of his lips.
"Ah, you two know each other?" Mrs. Lovett exclaimed happily.
"We – er – go to school together." Hermione managed, eyeing the tall young man suspiciously.
"Yes, we do." Blaise drawled.
"Well then Mr. Zabini, your first massage will be on the house. Once you're finished here with Hermione, please go straight back to the Green Room."
"Thank you Mrs. Lovett," Blaise replied, though his eyes never left Hermione's.
"Oh, please call me Amy. A friend of Hermione's is a friend of mine."
That said, the cheerful young woman walked away, calling to another employee.
"What are you doing here?" Hermione hissed, staring about them suspiciously. Blaise frowned, raising a single dark eyebrow.
"I had hoped to receive a relaxing message…" he trailed off, as if now doubting that prospect.
Hermione huffed, eyeing him warily. She had run into Blaise Zabini more times during their sixth year at Hogwarts, than she had the entire five years previous. If she hadn't known any better, she would have sworn the boy was stalking her. Though technically, he was in the same advanced classes as she.
"This…account that I need to set up, you do this, yes?"
Hermione nodded stiffly, drawing up the necessary files on the computer. She worked in tense silence, occasionally shooting the silent teen cautious stares.
"Sign here, here, here and here."
Blaise read each document over carefully leaving Hermione to first fidget nervously and finally huff in irritation as he signed his name on the final line with a flourish.
"There. You're set."
Blaise smirked, before bowing and sending her a smile she knew had sent many girls away blushing with a fluttering heart. Her frown deepened even as she crossed her arms stoutly about her.
"I'll be seeing you Hermione," he said. Hermione did not like the way her name rolled off his lips, or the way her spine tingled slightly.
Stupid Slytherin.
That said, Hermione went distractedly back to work.
-e-
aN: Well, that's that. I know this chapter is slow and not so very exciting, but I needed to set some main things up, though you probably don't know what's been set up! How exciting…anyway the next few chapter will pick up as we reach the peek of summer.
All I can say is that seventh year is going to be pretty rough for everybody.
Now, I know that Magical Creature fics have been done to death – literally – but I promise you this one is different. (I HOPE). There is a lot more going on then Draco's heritage, though that will remain a part of the plot. There won't be too many OC's and the ones that are planned don't have large enough roles to mention much anyway!
I prefer to expound upon the natures of the character's already given to us by J.K. Rowling.
Therefore, several lesser 'known' characters will have a bigger role in my novel than they did in the book including, but not limited to: (in no particular order)
Charlie Weasley
Neville Longbottom
Zacharias Smith
Blaise Zabini
Millicent Bulstrode
Theodore Nott
Luna Lovegood (I know she was pretty important but…bare with me here as I list)
And perhaps someone else, though I have not quite decided on this person as of yet.
--As always, thanks for reading and please...REVIEW!