Chapter 3 – Such a Display
Harry's heart was in his throat as he walked into the exam the next morning. He was so tired he could barely put one foot in front of the other. He'd worked like a man possessed since he'd arrived in the Room yesterday, not stopping for food or sleep.
He watched as McGonagall caught sight of him, clearly distressed at the exhausted state he was in. She had another hurried conversation with the examiners and rushed back over to Harry and conjured another chair, pushing him down into it and kneeling before him.
'Mr Potter, what were you thinking? You looked as if you haven't slept. Did you manage to sort out the problem?'
'Malfoy and no.' Harry corrected hoarsely, shaking his head.
McGonagall patted his knee. 'It'll be alright, Harry. I want you to try and get some rest. The examiners have kindly agreed that you may do all of your practical exams on Friday in one go. That should give you enough time to sort out the problem. First though, please can you get some rest. You will be no good to anyone, especially yourself if you do not.'
Harry nodded gratefully, allowing McGonagall to help him to his feet before nodding politely to the three examiners who looked slightly stunned at the sight of him, before shuffling from the hall.
Two days.
Two days, that was all he had. He'd fended off inquiries from all manner of people before sending Dobby with a note to Dumbledore saying he was fine and working through the problem. This of course had not calmed any of the staff of Hogwarts who were beside themselves at the thought the Boy-Who-Lived may fail his NEWTS.
Harry continued working, stopping only when his energy had failed him and he had to eat or sleep or he would pass out. He still had no idea of what had happened but he struggled to pull it all under control.
Finally Friday came and he had to face the music. He would either pass or he wouldn't, but he couldn't put it off any longer. He reached down and ran his fingers over his ring, feeling Draco's arms and lips and hearing the words. 'I love you too, Dray but please, please watch over me in this, I'm starting to think I can't do this without you.' He whispered as he finally stepped out of the Room of Requirement.
He was startled to find Snape waiting for him. 'The examiners are waiting.' he said curtly but Harry could see the concern shining in the black eyes.
Harry nodded and swallowed. 'Yes Professor.' The walk down to the great hall was made in silence but Harry could hear the whispers of the other students as they passed. He dearly hoped that what they were saying wasn't true but he had a sinking feeling it was.
When they reached the great hall Snape stopped, turning and placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. 'Good luck, Harry.' he said sincerely.
Harry nodded and gave the potions master a small smile. 'Thanks, Professor.' He whispered before slipping through the door and closing it behind him.
'Oh, this is bad.' Harry muttered as he spied not only the three examiners but Dumbledore and Fudge standing in a circle at the top of the hall. McGonagall, Flitwick and Adams, the DADA teacher stood off to one side. Transfiguration, Charms and Defence, the three exams he had yet to pass. Potions, Runes and Divination had been completed and Harry felt sure he had passed them but to fail these, three core subjects he had been learning since he was eleven would be a crushing blow. He could just imagine Tom Riddle laughing himself stupid over it.
Well, that wouldn't happen, Harry vowed.
'Mr Potter?' Griselda Marchbanks called out.
'It's Malfoy now, Ma'am.' Harry said politely.
'Oh yes.' The witch said quickly. 'If you would care to begin? We thought it best to start with charms if that's alright?'
'Whatever you think best, Ma'am.' Harry said again, moving to stand where they indicated and pulling out his wand. He found he had the slightest bit more control with it than without and he would need every bit of it today.
What followed was an absolute disaster as far as Harry was concerned. He struggled to keep control of his magic as he tried to complete the exercises he was set.
He stuck a table to the ceiling trying a levitation spell in Charms.
In Transfiguration he finally managed to turn the chair into a cat thankfully. There was only one problem, it was an enormous Bengal Tiger that rushed the examiners snarling and growling and caused Griselda Marchbanks to faint dead away as McGonagall tried to banish it before it could eat Professor Flitwick.
And in Defence, the Auror he'd been set to duel had to been sent to St Mungo's in a coma after being hit with a single stunning spell only minutes in.
In the end he took one look at the faces of the examiner's and ran from the hall. He knew he'd failed and he couldn't stand the disappointed looks on their faces any longer. He ran out the main doors and leapt off the top step, hitting the ground on all four legs of his animagus form before streaking off into the forest.
He didn't return for several hours and when he did it was to find Snape standing at the top of the steps, arms folded over his chest and a blank look on his face.
'This is becoming a habit.' Harry muttered and Snape raised an eyebrow at him in reply.
'The headmaster would like to see you.' He said finally.
'I'm sure he would.' Harry murmured but dutifully followed the older man through the deserted castle corridors. Harry thought everyone must be at dinner. Snape barked out the password and the gargoyle leapt aside allowing Harry to hear the shouting going on from within the office as he rode the moving staircase upwards.
'For Merlin's sake Dumbledore.' Fudge bellowed. 'We can't pass him. He transfigured a tiger, stuck a table to the ceiling that we still can't remove and almost killed one of the Ministry Aurors. You can't be serious.'
'Cornelius, Harry is a special case. It's not like he doesn't have the skill or the power to complete the tasks.'
'Oh he has the power alright.' Fudge snapped. 'It's the skill I'm concerned about. I don't want a wizard with strength like his let loose on our world.'
'So you're going to keep me here until I'm too old to even lift a finger then?' Harry said acidly from the doorway, startling the occupants within as Snape propelled him further into the room. 'Mr Potter.' Fudge began.
'Malfoy.' Harry corrected with a growl.
'Harry.' Dumbledore cut in, trying to placate the angry teenager. 'You have to understand. Everyone has to pass the same tests. It's always been done that way.'
Harry folded his arms over his chest. 'Does every student have to face Voldemort? Surely my record speaks for itself.'
All but Dumbledore flinched but Fudge recovered quickly. 'Tell you what, Potter.' The Minister said imperiously. 'When you defeat You-Know-Who I will personally award you your NEWTS.' he said as if it were some kind of honour.
Harry glanced at Snape and raised an eyebrow. 'I wonder what the other seventh years would say to being told they had to defeat Voldemort in order to graduate.' He murmured dryly, ignoring the Minister's slight on his name.
'Now see here, Potter.'
'It's Malfoy. My Name is Malfoy.' Harry snapped angrily, the air suddenly crackling around him.
'See Dumbledore, the boy has no control. He's a danger to everyone around him.' Fudge cried.
Harry rolled his eyes. 'Oh please.' he groaned.
'Just what exactly is going on here?' Came the aristocratic voice of Lucius Malfoy from several feet behind Harry. Harry spun around to see Lucius looking down at him in concern.
'Lucius.' Harry breathed. The tall man, seeing the quandary Harry was in stepped forward and hugged the young man to him tightly. He'd heard from Snape what had transpired over the past few days and was surprised that Harry was keeping it together as well as he was. 'Are you alright?' He asked softly and Harry pulled away and smiled up at him.
'I am now.' he whispered. Lucius nodded and gave his shoulder a squeeze as he looked up at the occupants of the room. 'Now, will someone please answer my question?' He asked coldly.
'This is none of your business, Lucius.' Dumbledore said quickly. Lucius raised an eyebrow. 'On the contrary, Dumbledore.' Malfoy drawled. 'This is very much my business because it involves both my heir and my son.'
Harry's head shot around to look at the older man so quickly it was a wonder it stayed on his neck. 'Draco?'
Lucius patted his shoulder gently. 'Yes, Harry.' He murmured before looking up again. 'You are all looking at the results of what has happened without looking for a cause. This is a young man who has excelled throughout his school career and suddenly, less than a month after the death of his newly bonded spouse he is having trouble. Not with the actual spell, but with controlling the amount of power he is using for that spell.' There was a pregnant pause for several minutes as everyone stared at Harry so intently the Boy-Who-Lived began to shift nervously.
'Oh my word.' Dumbledore breathed, his eyes going to Harry's in wonder.
'What is it?' Harry asked hesitantly. 'Harry, do you remember when I told you it was your mother's sacrifice that enabled you to banish Voldemort the first time.' Dumbledore said quietly, ignoring the flinches that half the room gave.
Harry nodded. 'Yes, but Draco didn't sacrifice himself. Riddle murdered him.' Dumbledore stared at him again in silence for some time before comprehension dawned on Harry's face. 'He wouldn't.' He breathed vehemently. 'Draco wouldn't have. He wouldn't have left me. Not for that. Not for anything.' Harry insisted, tears filling his eyes.
Lucius grasped both Harry's shoulders and turned him so he could look into the green eyes. 'Draco was a very clever, very cunning, very realistic young man, Harry, who loved you more than life itself. He would quickly have realised what was going to happen to him and used it to his advantage.'
'No.' Harry whispered. 'No, he wouldn't have left me.' Harry said again, the tears spilling down his cheeks as the stress of the day finally got to him. 'He wouldn't have.'
'He did not have a choice, Harry.' Lucius said softly.
'No.' Harry cried burying his head in his hands, his head shaking in denial even as Lucius held him tightly once again.
'Are you trying to tell me that Mr Potter is carrying around the magic of your son?' Fudge scoffed. 'That's impossible.'
Lucius gray eyes became as hard as ice. 'I am telling you, Cornelius, that Mr Malfoy,' he said stressing the name. 'Has been given a gift. Blood magic is illegal, yes, but you cannot hold Harry responsible for the actions of my son. What Draco did may have been wrong, but it may be the one thing that will save our world and I will not have you blaming Harry for the actions of another. The fact it worked should show you how strong their bond was.'
Fudge glanced at Dumbledore and sighed before speaking. 'Lucius, we can't pass him. I'm sorry. It just isn't possible, even if he is the Boy-Who-Lived.' It was clear that the Minister was appalled at having to say such a thing to the Malfoy patriarch.
Lucius looked down at Harry who was now staring back at him in terror as if expecting Lucius to reject him outright. 'It'll be alright, Harry. I promise you.' he whispered and Harry all but collapsed to the floor in relief. Instead, for a change, he just nodded dumbly and let Lucius solve everything.
The Head of the Malfoy family lifted his eyes and stared piercingly at both Dumbledore and Fudge. 'Thank you Dumbledore for providing a place for Harry over the last seven years however it seems that in his hour of need you cannot assist him, therefore, I will arrange for the examiners from Durmstrang to arrive at the Manor on Tuesday and Harry will resit his examinations then. Good evening.' Lucius finished curtly, clasping Harry's shoulder and turning him towards the door.
'Lucius, you cannot be serious.' Fudge burst out.
Lucius turned back and fixed the Minister with an icy glare. 'Quite serious, Cornelius. I will not have my heir slighted for something that he clearly has no control over. Good day.'
Before another word could be spoken Lucius bundled Harry out the door and down the stairs, walking swiftly through the castle, knowing that Snape would hold Fudge and the others up for several moments as he made several scathing comments.
Harry remained silent throughout their trek until they came to the portrait of the Fat Lady and then he glanced up at Lucius in concern.
'Let's get your things and go home, Harry.' Lucius murmured gently, watching as Harry swallowed and nodded, saying the password to open the portrait.
'You cannot go in there.' The Fat Lady cried.
Lucius raised an eyebrow at her. 'Madam, I am a governor of this school and, as such, may go wherever I damn well please.' He growled sweeping in and slamming the portrait behind him. The paintings muffled curses echoed behind him as he came upon the entirety of Gryffindor House staring at Harry in pity.
Obviously the rumour mill had been busy over the last few hours.
Their expressions quickly turned to a combination of horror and disgust at the sight of the Malfoy patriarch but before they could even open their mouths Lucius squeezed Harry's shoulder firmly and nodded. No words were needed and Harry all but sprinted through the common room and disappeared up the stairs as Lucius eyed the students coldly.
Ron Weasley made a move to follow Harry but quickly aborted it when Lucius stepped forward menacingly. A minute later Harry returned dragging his trunk behind him and Lucius raised an eyebrow, dreading to think of the state of the young man's belongings for him to have packed them so quickly.
'Do you have everything?' He asked quietly.
Harry nodded, the still shocked and dismayed expression easily seen in his eyes. 'Yes.' he whispered. Lucius shrank the trunk with a wave of his wand, waiting as Harry picked it up before ushering him towards the door.
'Harry, where are you going?' Ron burst out; his courage returning once Lucius cold gray eyes had left him.
Harry stopped just on the threshold, glancing past Lucius to his classmates, his eyes landing last of all of the young man who had once been his best friend. 'Home.' He said softly. 'I'm going home.'
Narcissa swept him into her arms the moment he stepped from the floo. Holding him tightly and gently rubbing his back. Harry found her hugs as comforting as Mrs Weasley's had been albeit far less suffocating and just stood there and hugged her back just as tightly. His limbs trembled and his heart raced, his breathing was ragged and his eyes filled with tears once again but he swore he wouldn't let them fall.
'It's alright, Harry.' Narcissa murmured soothingly. 'Just let it out. Everything will be fine. We will take care of it.'
'I'm sorry.' Harry gasped into her shoulder as Lucius hand came to land on his own causing him to pull away.
'You have nothing to apologise for, Harry. This was not your fault. I will work with you over the weekend and on Tuesday you will take your exams and pass them with ease. Of that I have no doubt.' Lucius said firmly. 'Now, I believe some hot chocolate and bed might be the best thing for you. We have a lot of work to do tomorrow.'
Harry nodded and smiled gratefully. 'Thank you, Lucius. I promise I won't fail you again.'
Lucius squeezed Harry's shoulder in response. 'You haven't failed me, Harry. And you won't fail me. You can't. The only person you can fail is yourself, and I don't believe you ever will.'
Harry smiled again. 'Good night.' He whispered, kissing Narcissa's cheek and nodding politely to Lucius before slipping out the door and up to his room.
Narcissa glanced at Lucius. 'I gather you were right.' she said quietly.
Lucius nodded, sadly. 'Yes.'
'You should never have taught him that spell. You know how he felt about Harry. He would have done anything to help him.' she said crossly.
'Draco did not give himself up to that monster.' Lucius snapped.
'No, but it might have stopped him from trying to get away.'
Lucius closed his eyes. 'You know as well as I do, Narcissa, that he would never have got away from the Dark Lord.'
'He still might have tried.'
Lucius shook his head and reached out to gather his wife in his arms. 'He probably did, at first. But he would have soon realised that it was fruitless and instead turned the situation to his advantage. Our son was a very clever boy, Narcissa and we should remember that. He loved Harry more than anything else and in the end, when he didn't really have a choice, he remembered that above all else and gave him a gift greater than any other. He gave him enough power to defeat that monster and live. He made sure that not only would Harry survive, but that we wouldn't lose another son. For that alone we should thank him.'
Narcissa glanced up, her blue eyes bright. 'I know.' she whispered. 'I just miss my little dragon so much.'
Lucius kissed her softly before hugging her tightly once again. 'I know. I do too.' He admitted. 'But we have to be strong for Harry. He still has a mammoth task ahead of him and no matter what he says he cannot do it alone.'
Narcissa nodded. 'And nor will he.' she said firmly. 'I've had word from your brother.'
Lucius pulled away in shock. 'Claudius? What did he want?'
Narcissa allowed the corner of her mouth to curve into what could almost have been a smile. 'It seems he is in far more agreement of your loyalties of late and is offering the assistance of entire Lestrelle family.
Lucius' mouth dropped open in a very unbecoming manner. 'Just like that? I haven't spoken to Claudius in more than twenty years and suddenly he wants to help.' His face was one of disbelief.
'Harry's innocence and strength is well known, even on the continent. There are many powerful families in our world, both here and overseas, that would be happy to help him; especially those who don't believe in Albus Dumbledore.'
Lucius shook his head. 'I still don't believe it. When does he wish to meet?'
'He thought that in a few weeks he and his immediate family would come over, including Jacques Lestrelle.'
Lucius was so overcome he found that he had to actually remove his arms from his wife's shoulders and sit down. Narcissa raised an eyebrow and crossed the room to pour him a glass of brandy before handing it to him. She knew exactly what he was thinking. Jacques Lestrelle was the Head of one of the most powerful wizarding families on the continent. Based in Paris, they had branches of the family in pretty much every capital city in Europe and that was growing every day. Lestrelle was at least one hundred and sixty years old if he was a day and had learned and remembered something for every one of those. Ministers from all over the world consulted him on many things and he was known throughout Europe as "The Oracle".
Lucius younger brother, Claudius, had been sent to Beauxbatons after being expelled from both Hogwarts and Durmstrang and had fallen in love with a pureblood witch by the name of Evelyn, who it turned out, was Jacques Lestrelle's favourite granddaughter. To say that Claudius cleaned up his act was an understatement and by the time he graduated Beauxbatons at the head of his class he was a firmly entrenched member of the Lestrelle family.
Hehad been instructed on the day before his wedding twelve months later, that he was to cease any and all contact with his brother in the United Kingdom. Claudius hadn't liked it but he had agreed. Jacques Lestrelle had shown him the wicked ways of his older brother, of how he grovelled at the feet of his supposed pureblood master and how he would poison the minds of Claudius and his family if contact was allowed to remain. Lucius had not seen or heard from him since.
'Why now?' he wondered idly, jumping slightly as Narcissa placed a hand on his arm.
'Because apparently Jacques requested it. He wishes to speak to Harry.'
If it hadn't been such an un-Malfoyish thing to do Lucius thought he might actually faint. For the head of the Lestrelle family to not only agree to allow Claudius to visit but to also insist on accompanying him was unheard off. It was a well known fact that Jacques Lestrelle had not left his family seat just outside of Paris in more than seventy years. For him to travel all the way to Wiltshire to speak with Harry showed just how much clout the young man had on the continent and Lucius couldn't help but smile proudly.
Jacques Lestrelle didn't come and see people, people go to him.
Except for Harry.
'It will certainly be interesting.' Lucius admitted, looking forward to seeing his brother and Evelyn again.
Narcissa let out a tinkling laugh. 'That isn't quite how I would have put it, but you could be right. Now come on. I think Harry might actually take you tomorrow so if you don't want to be out duelled before lunch you had better get some rest.'
'Very amusing, Narcissa, I'm sure.' Lucius drawled, draining the last of his brandy and standing up.
'I thought so.' she giggled, taking his arm and leading him from the room.
'Breathe Harry, and try and see the two magicks. You should see them as to separate auras. Can you see them?'
Harry was sitting cross legged in the middle of the room, his hands on his knees, eyes closed, body perfectly balanced. He'd taken three different calming potions and his heart rate and breathing were being monitored by Snape who was sitting with Narcissa in the corner.
Lucius was sitting behind Harry, ready to catch him of the calming potions worked too well and he slipped into unconsciousness. The calming potions allowed him to meditate, to sink into himself and search through until he found his core.
'Can you see them?' Lucius murmured again and Harry nodded. 'They need to be merged, Harry. That is why you're having difficulty. Each well is trying to complete the spell you wish to cast separately so that you have twice as much power being expended than you should. You're own magic won't back down because your will says you need it and Draco's won't because it isn't part of yours yet and doesn't listen to you.'
'How do I merge them.' Harry mumbled sluggishly.
'Talk to it, Harry. Welcome it.'
'What?' Harry tried to turn around and fell to the side, his muscles not responding as they should.
Lucius grasped his shoulders and propped him upright again. 'Just relax, Harry and listen to me. The magic is not yours. It's Draco's and he's given it to you. You have to accept it, let it join your own or you will never be able to use it.'
'I understand.' Harry murmured sinking back into the meditative state so that he could reach into his core. Mentally he reached out and ran his fingers through the swirling strands of silver and smiled as a burst of love ran through him. This was Draco's. This was Draco's last gift to him, and it was even more special than Harry could have imagined. He realised that Draco must have loved him very deeply for this to have worked and it was a love that he refused to waste.
He concentrated hard, pushing his own golden core outwards to surround the other, murmuring softly under his breath. The gold strands infused with the silver flashed so brightly Harry cried out, feeling Lucius grasping his shoulders.
'Harry?'
'Fine.' Harry gasped out as he sunk back into himself. He had to see. He had to see what had happened. 'My god.' Harry breathed. Instead of the separate gold and silver strands swirling side by side, his core was now a brilliant white, so bright it almost hurt to look at and it practically pulsed with energy causing the hairs on Harry's neck to stand on end.
'Harry?' Luicus said again and Harry tore himself away from the image before his eyes and struggled to open them. 'Harry, what is it?'
Harry turned slowly, allowing Lucius to help him until he was sitting sideways, his head resting against the older man's arm. 'Incedible.' he whispered. 'It's incredible.'
'What is?'
Harry reached a shaking hand up towards the roof and closed his eyes, letting the cap off his magic until it flowed out of him, swirling around the room like a mist and causing all three of the adults to stare down at the teenager in disbelief.
The sheer weight of the magic was breathtaking.
'Merlin's beard.' Snape whispered as both he and Narcissa crept closer.
'I've never felt anything like it.' Narcissa whispered as they stared down at Lucius. It lasted only seconds longer though before it was clear that Harry had fallen asleep, his magic and Draco's enveloping him like a warm blanket until the darkness took him.
Lucius glanced up at both before looking back down at the young man cradled in his arms, the young man his son had loved so much. ''I'm very proud of you, Draco.' he whispered, knowing that wherever his son was he could hear him. 'So very proud.'
Harry felt more at peace than he had since his lover's death. He woke on Sunday morning, his head clear and his eyes bright with purpose. He knew what he had to do and he knew just how to do it. When he walked into the dining room he was early, up even before Lucius and Narcissa, but took his seat quietly and waited even as the house elves tried tempting him with his favourite foods. He stood when Lucius and Narcissa walked in, surprising both with the power and purpose in his eyes.
'Good morning, Harry. Did you sleep well?' Lucius asked as he sat down.
'Yes sir, I did, thank you.'
'I'm glad, Harry.' Narcissa said softly, reaching over to squeeze his hand.
'You seem especially intent this morning, Harry, and I have a feeling that it has nothing to do with your exams.' Lucius' voice was mildly curious.
Harry nodded and looked up. 'I formally request that you teach me.' he said quietly. 'Teach me what I need to know to defeat Tom Riddle. To make him pay for what he did to Draco...for what he did to us.' Lucius breath caught in his throat. As Harry had spoken of Draco his green eyes had actually glowed and his magic had spiked. 'I care not what happens with my exams, I can finish them later. All I care about is destroying Voldemort and I will not stop until I have succeeded.' He finished vehemently.
Lucius raised an eyebrow and glanced at Narcissa. 'The Ministry will demand your wand, Harry. They will not let you keep it unless you have passed.' Narcissa told him. Harry reached into his pocket and puled out his wand, placing it on the table. Narcissa let out a gasp when she noticed that it was in two pieces.
'I don't need it.' Harry said bluntly.
'Harry, are you sure?' Lucius asked. Harry gave him a small smile and without even moving his hands, transfigured his napkin into an envelope, levitated the pieces of his wand into it and sealed it with wax from the candle in the middle of the table. He finally moved his hand when he raised it to press the Malfoy signet ring into the cooling seal. 'I don't need it.' he said again.
Lucius stared at him intently for almost a full minute. 'I will make a deal with you, Harry.' He said and Harry raised an eyebrow. 'I will teach you everything I know and I have others that can teach you even more but you must take the day out of training on Tuesday to complete your exams.'
'But I don't-' Harry began but was cut off when Lucius raised his hand.
'Harry, you must think of your future. Whatever it is you wish to do, you cannot do as an unqualified wizard. I only wish the best for you.'
'But I can do them later.' Harry insisted. 'Why put off for tomorrow what you can do today, Harry.' Narcissa said gently and Harry's eyes dropped.
'Dray used to say that all the time.' He whispered.
Lucius smirked. 'Yes, he did say you had an awful habit of procrastinating about your homework, particularly any that Severus had set.'
Harry blushed. 'Yeah, I did.' he murmured, his eyes going distant.
Flashback
'Harry.' Draco whined as Harry laid dozing on the rug by the fireplace Draco's room.
'What, I'm sleeping.' Harry muttered sleepily.
'Harry you can't sleep. You've only done half a parchment for Charms and you haven't even started your essay on the uses of Rubberwort.'
Harry lifted a hand and waved it lazily. 'It doesn't matter, Snape'll fail me anyway. Besides, it's not due till Monday. I can do it tomorrow.'
'You shouldn't put off for tomorrow what you could do today.' Draco scolded, dropping his quill and sliding off his chair to kneel over the Gryffindor. 'Besides,' Draco went on in exactly the same tone of voice Harry had used. 'You have no idea of what I have planned for tomorrow.'
Harry opened his eyes to see Draco looking down at him, his gray eyes hiding nothing of how he felt.
'Oh?'
'Yes, oh.' Draco whispered, his lips immediately finding Harry's as his hands made light work of Harry's shirt. When Harry let out a lust filled groan he pulled away.
'That's just a taste of what's to come.' he whispered, his breath tickling Harry's ear before he pulled completely away and stood up. 'Of course, if you'd rather be doing homework tomorrow, that's completely up to you.' He added with a shrug as he moved back to his desk and picked up his quill.
Harry closed his eyes and tried to will the raging hard on he had away. Finally he let out an enormous breath and dragged himself up off the floor and dropped into a seat across from his lover. Draco looked up at him.
'Bloody Slytherin.' Harry muttered, scowling at Draco who just beamed back at him.
End Flashback
'Harry?' Narcissa said hesitantly and Harry shook his head. Those flashbacks, while welcome, were coming more often now. He wondered sometimes if it was wishful thinking. His soul's way of hanging onto Draco for as long as he could.
'Sorry.' he said sheepishly.
'Never apologise for that, Harry. You are entitled to your memories.' Narcissa told him.
'So, are we in agreement, young man?' Lucius asked, catching Harry's attention.
Harry smiled and nodded. 'Yes, we are.'
'Good, good. Let's get started then.'
By the time the examiners arrived from Durmstrang by Portkey on Tuesday morning Harry had complete control of his power. Together with Lucius and Snape he'd worked all day Sunday. Narcissa had been quite correct and smirked in triumph when both men found themselves stunned and bound within twenty minutes of beginning their ninth duel of the day. Harry learnt more that day, than in all his years of DADA classes.
The things the two men willingly showed him had his jaw dropping. Between all the dark hexes and curses, and those that were classified as borderline, Harry wondered if he would even be able to remember them all.
The training continued on Monday, even as Snape returned to Hogwarts and by Monday night Harry was exhausted but content. He could feel himself growing stronger and the tests the next day weren't concerning him at all.
When the four examiners arrived the next morning Harry was standing between Lucius and Narcissa, his hands by his sides, head held high. Also standing nearby was Snape, as a representative of Hogwarts, and Griselda Marchbanks, representing the British Ministry of Magic. As Harry had completed all of his training at Hogwarts, representatives from both were required to attest to that fact.
'Good morning and welcome to Malfoy Manor.' Lucius stepped forward smoothly as the four shook themselves off, the dizziness of an international Portkey stunning them for several moments.
'Thank you, Lucius. It is good to see you again.' A tall, gruff looking man stepped forward and shook Lucius hand before the blond gestured for Harry to step forward.
'Harry, this is Igor Vablatsky, Dark Arts teacher for Durmstrang. Igor, this is my Heir, Harry Malfoy.'
Harry held out his hand. 'It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir.' Harry said politely. 'I do appreciate you taking the time to come all this way for my benefit.'
Vablatsky nodded in response to the sincere words and shook Harry's hand also before gesturing for the others to step forward. 'Mr Malfoy, this is Gerta Kandinsky, Charms Professor and William Hoenden, Transfiguration.' Harry smiled and shook their hands as he thanked them both. 'And lastly, this is Petra Goertmann, from the German Ministry, she is here to oversee the testing as she does for all testing at Durmstrang, to make sure everything is completed correctly.'
'Thank you all very much for coming.' Harry said politely.
'Did you receive the copies of the written examinations from Hogwarts?' Lucius asked glancing at Snape who nodded in confirmation even before Vablatsky spoke.
'Yes, that all seems to be in order.' The Dark Arts professor said firmly. 'However I can't help but question as to why your Heir is being tested by ourselves instead of by the British Ministry.'
'I failed their tests.' Harry said simply. 'And they wouldn't grant me any further time.'
Vablatsky raised an eyebrow. 'You are refreshingly honest, Mr Malfoy; Something that is lacking in most people these days.'
Harry lifted his chin. 'I have nothing to hide, Professor, particularly something that can be so easily found out anyway.' He added.
'It is good to hear that you have some Slytherin qualities then.' Vablasky said with a smirk at Lucius. 'You're father in law would be most displeased otherwise.' He added showing that while he may not have known exactly why Harry wasn't being tested at Hogwarts, he certainly knew who he was, and his relationship to the Malfoy's. Harry glanced up at Lucius who was looking back at him fondly.
'Shall we get started?'
Snape stood in the far corner of the dueling room in Malfoy Manor struggling to conceal his stunned expression as the Boy-Who-Lived proceeded to out duel Vablatsky, Kandinsky and Hoenden.
First separately, and then against all three at once.
Whatever Lucius and Harry had spent Monday doing had obviously been fruitful. He glanced over at Lucius and saw that the emotionless expression the man usually wore had been replaced by one of pride that he seemed completely unable to cover up.
And for good reason.
Harry had wandlessly charmed and transfigured everything the three examiners had asked for and then some. Several of which were not even in the curiculum at either school. When they had moved onto DADA Vablatsky had told Harry that he was expecting big things from the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry had just given him a small smile and proceeded to show him exactly why he was expected to defeat the Dark Lord.
And no one in the room had any doubts that he would do just that.
The three Professors, all qualified Aurors for the German Ministry before retiring to teach, threw everything they could think of at Harry but it was all in vain; and three quarters of an hour after the duel began it was over. Harry stood in the middle of the hall, all three wands clasped tightly in his hands and the three examiners arrayed around him in various body binds or stunning spells.
Lucius quickly released them and Harry handed their wands back, a slightly sheepish expression on his face. Vablasky stood straight and actually bowed to the young man, something that stunned Harry to the core.
'That, Mr Malfoy, was one of the most incredible duels I've ever had the pleasure of participating in. Do not let anyone ever tell you that you are incapable of anything.'
'Thank you, Sir.' Harry murmured, blushing brightly.
'Mr Malfoy, I have been overseeing the examinations at Durmstrang for more than fifty years.' Petra Goertmann spoke up. 'And I can honestly say that I have never seen anything that would compare to the display you just graced us with. It is my intention to return to the Ministry tonight and request that a Virtus Qualification be awarded in addition to your NEWTs.'
Snape, Lucius and Narcissa all gasped and Harry quickly realised that he had missed something very important.
In a bluff that did Lucius proud he smiled warmly. 'Oh, thank you very much.' He said breathlessly, the blush returning.
'Lucius.' Vablatsky said turning to the blond aristocrat. 'Thank you for inviting us. The English Ministry's loss was our gain.' He added glancing at Griselda Marchbanks who had just stared at Harry open mouthed for almost the last four hours. Snape privately wondered if the wind had changed and her face would always stay that way.
Lucius beamed proudly as he escorted all four back to the Entrance Hall. Harry shook hands with both men and nodded politely to both women before Lucius activated the Portkey and they were whisked away. Lucius then turned to the representative from the Ministry.
Griselda Marchbanks swallowed several times, trying to wet her mouth enough to talk. 'I,...um...thank you, Lucius. I trust you will forward a copy of Harry's results when you receive them from Durmstrang.' She stammered, glancing at Harry.
'Of course.' Lucius said, his voice suddenly cold as if blaming the woman herself for what had happened.
Marchbanks nodded quickly and made use of her own Portkey before Lucius could say anything else leaving the three Malfoys standing in the hall, Snape hiding once again in the shadows. Harry looked between Lucius and Narcissa watching both of their expressions before allowing a grin to grace his own.
'We're so proud of you, Harry.' Narcissa burst out, hugging Harry tightly to her. Lucius, all but beaming, hugged them both.
Suddenly Harry pulled away. 'What's a Virtus Qualification?' he asked innocently causing Lucius to laugh.
'Oh Harry, never, never change.' The older man chuckled.
'What?' Harry scowled. 'How am I supposed to know what it is?'
'I think you should find that out for yourself.' Snape spoke up, crossing from the shadows, a small smile on his face.
Harry rolled his eyes. 'Fine.' He grumbled, moving away from them.
'Harry, where are you going?' Narcissa asked curiously.
Harry stopped and raised an eyebrow. 'To the Library of course.' he said, as if it should have been obvious.
Lucius made one large step and grasped his wrist. 'Not tonight. As your family it's our duty to celebrate your achievement.'
Harry gently tugged his arm from Lucius grasp and folded them over his chest, a smirk on his face. 'But I have no idea of what I've actually achieved.'
This time it was Snape's turn to let out a bark of laughter.
'And you said he wasn't a Slytherin, Severus.' Narcissa scolded the potions master who was having a hard time controlling his mirth at the look on Lucius' face. 'Come on, Harry, stop teasing your father in law. The house elves have prepared a magnificent feast in your honour. You can find out what you need tomorrow.' Harry sighed, unable to say no to the woman and allowed himself to be led into the dining room, Lucius and Snape following behind.
'Hello, my love.' Harry whispered as he sat before the small rose bush and plaque that covered Draco's ashes. 'You missed a red letter day today. I know you've been watching over me, so I hope I did you proud.'
Harry reached up and ran his fingers down the engraved bronze square and sighed heavily. 'God, I miss you so much.' He breathed, his eyes filling. 'I wish you were here with me, every moment, of every day.' Harry glanced up at the stars in an effort to stop the tears from falling.
'Why Dray? Why did you take such a risk?' He whispered, finally voicing a question that had plagued him for almost a month. 'Why would you take such a risk knowing what might happen? I just don't understand.'
'Because Draco never thought of the risks, Harry.' Snape said quietly from behind him, startling the Boy-Who-Lived. 'Draco was nothing like his father. He never thought of the risks because he let his heart lead him. It was a Gryffindor trait that Lucius was trying desperately to stamp out in him.'
'It was one of the things I loved about him.' Harry admitted honestly.
Snape allowed a small smile to grace his features. 'I'll admit to being partial to it myself. Well, until it got him killed anyway.' Harry sucked in a breath and looked away; only looking back as Snape knelt down beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. 'I know you'll never believe me, Harry, but what happened to Draco was not your fault.'
Harry glanced down at the rose bush, the white roses so bright in the moonlight just as Draco's hair had been. 'My mind can't help but think otherwise, even as my mouth agrees with you. If I hadn't loved him so very much then Tom Riddle never have killed him.'
Snape shook his head. 'You're wrong, Harry.' Harry just looked at him dubiously. 'That Gryffindor trait?' Snape said quietly. 'That part of Draco that you loved and Lucius hated? That's what got him killed, Harry. Not you, not his father. Draco would never have been able to keep up the charade that his father had been keeping up for over a year. The Dark Lord would have seen through it in an instant, and the night Draco would to have been Marked would have been his last.'
Harry's hands clenched into fists and he scowled. 'I hate him.' He whispered.
Snape raised an eyebrow. 'Who?'
'Riddle.' Harry hissed. 'I've never in my life hated anyone. I've disliked them immensely, as you would know.' Snape smirked. 'But there is a part of myself.' Harry went on. 'A part that has a burning need to hurt Tom Riddle. Not just to kill him, but to make him suffer for what he did. Make him hurt a hundred times more than Draco did. Make him beg me for mercy even as I strike him down.' Snape waited as Harry lifted his head once again, the green eyes burning in anger but not quite overriding the look of revulsion on his face.
'There is nothing wrong with that, Harry.' He said softly.
'Then why does it make me sick.' Harry whispered.
Snape placed an arm around the young man's shoulders. 'Because you're inherently good, Harry. You make everyone around you feel good. You're heart and soul so are pure, and those feelings you have are so foreign to it, that it can manifest physically as illness.'
'How do I stop it? I don't want to feel like this.'
Snape stared down into the pleading green eyes. 'You can't stop it. You have to accept it, Harry. You have to accept without reservation that part of yourself. You may never even act on those feelings; when the time comes you may just strike the Dark Lord down in a swift stroke and be done with it; but until you accept the way you feel, that you have those feelings inside of you, then you can never move forward.'
Harry glanced back at Draco's plaque. 'I understand.' He whispered.
'Can you do that?' Snape asked pointedly.
Harry looked back up. 'I don't know.' He said honestly.
Snape stared intently at him for several moments before patting his shoulder and standing up. 'Then, for the moment, that will have to do. Now come on, Narcissa's probably gone cross eyed trying to watch us through the window. It's very late and I have to get back to the school.'
'Dumbledore?' Harry snorted as the older man grasped his hand and pulled him to his feet.
'Yes, he will be wanting a word no matter what time I arrive back.'
'Probably be waiting in the entrance hall.' Harry muttered.
Snape let out a snort. 'More likely in the armchair by my fireplace helping himself to my private stash of three hundred year old scotch.'
Harry laughed, slowing to a stop as they reached the manor. 'Thank you, Professor.' He whispered.
'Severus, Harry.' The potions master corrected before disappearing through the door in a whirl of cloak, leaving Harry to stare after him open mouthed.
In an effort to evade the headmaster Snape decided to apparate to Hogsmeade and walk up to the school, thereby allowing himself to enter his private lab through the classroom without actually having to set foot in his private rooms at all. The plan sounded good in theory however he quickly spied the violent purple robes as he slipped through the huge oak doors guarding the castle.
'Ah, Severus.' Dumbledore called from partway down the stairs.
'Blasted brat was right.' Snape mumbled as Dumbledore headed towards him.
'How did everything go? I trust Harry did Hogwarts proud.'
Snape rolled his eyes. 'Harry did the Malfoy's and Draco proud. I don't believe he gave a toss about Hogwarts to be truthful.'
Dumbledore looked all but stunned at Snape's bluntness for a moment before recovering quickly.
'So he passed then?'
Snape nodded. 'Yes, he did.'
'With no difficulty?' Dumbledore was starting to look just a little irritated.
'He passed Charms and Transfiguration with flying colours.'
'And Defense?' The irritation was more apparent now and Snape allowed the corners of his mouth to turn up ever so slightly.
'Goertmann is requesting that a Virtus Qualification be awarded.' He said smugly, unsure of why he felt quite so smug but not really caring as it felt just so right. Dumbledore should have had more faith in his little soldier. It was not the first time Snape had seen the omnipresent headmaster stunned into speechlessness but it was certainly one of the most rewarding.
'A Virtus?' Dumbledore stammered. 'What on earth happened?'
Snape allowed the smirk to fully cover his face. 'He proved what he was.' He said cryptically stepping around the headmaster and heading for the dungeons.
'And just what is he?' Dumbledore snapped.
Snape stopped, turning back and inclining his head thoughtfully. 'A young man who was so loved by another that together, they managed the impossible.' He said quietly before disappearing into the shadows of the dungeons leaving Dumbledore pondering the potions master's words.
