By the time Draco reached the dungeon office of Severus Snape, the professor was seated at his desk, both Harry's and Draco's wands lying upon it side by side. He watched with narrowed eyes, not saying a word as Ari and Blaise brought Draco in using a hovering charm. They hesitated but it was very clear he intended for them to bring the teen to sit in the chair that was set up right in front of the Professor's desk.
"Well done, Mr. Zabini, Ms. Black." Severus stated in a sharp tone. "You both may leave, immediately. Your services are no longer required." It was abundantly clear that the professor was quite angered by the entire situation.
"But professor…" Draco began.
"I think that I have heard more than enough from you for the nonce, Mr. Malfoy!" Severus snapped, and the young man fell silent once more.
Blaise nudged Ari, tipping his head slightly toward the door. She slipped her hand into his and they moved out of the room at a quick pace. Once in the hall they saw Harry moving toward them with Hermione and Ron close behind.
"He's really pissed off." Blaise said in a quiet, warning tone.
"Good luck, Harry…" Arian said softly.
"Lovely. Thanks, Ari..." He sighed, moving onward to the door. He did not hesitate, pushing the latch open and he walked inside the room.
"In, Potter. Sit." Severus ordered, coming to his feet and turning to face the window.
Harry took a deep breath and moved inside the office. "Yes, Professor Snape…" he said quietly. When he was clear of the door Severus gestured with his wand and the door slammed shut behind him, right in Hermione and Ron's face, giving them no chance to enter into the room. Harry glanced back at the door but did not stop, moving forward to seat himself in the only other chair in the room that was left without something in it.
"It was all just a misunderstanding, really Professor Snape…" Draco began. "You have to let me explain…"
"I am not required to do any such thing, Mr. Malfoy!" Severus snapped as he turned to scowl at the two. To Harry's great surprise, he did not look furious as he had when they had been out in the courtyard, covered with muck. He looked truly exhausted; as if he had not slept well in a week or more. The professor bowed his head, rubbing at the space between his eyebrows as if he had a pounding headache. "I swear; the pair of you deserve each other, both of you are absolute nutters." He grumbled, his voice almost too quiet to hear.
Draco took a moment to find his voice, giving himself a mental shake. The professor wasn't angry at them…? He'd expected his godfather to be furious and was caught completely off guard by his actual reaction. It took a moment for the statement to sink in. "What…?"
Severus sighed, turning to look at them as he allowed his hand to drop to his side. "Do either of you have any serious injuries?" he asked pointedly, changing the subject.
That question was unexpected for Harry. "Well, no…." he answered hesitantly. "I don't have anything major, but Draco does. His ankle…"
Draco scowled at him now, worry clear in his eyes. "That's a crock, Harry!" he objected. Harry probably didn't even know his head was still bleeding! "My ankle is just a sprain, really nothing at all! You on the other hand, your hair is getting soaked with blood!"
"It is…?" Harry reached up and put his hand to his hair, clearly surprised to find that it was matting down with moisture. He looked at his hand and the blood that was on it. "It might look bad but it really doesn't hurt at all. It's really nothing. At least I can walk; your ankle won't even hold your weight. I didn't mean to do that…"
"It's a twisted ankle I tell you; I have had a broken one and that's much worse. I'm not the one that is bleeding! I swear I never saw that rock, I didn't mean to hurt you…"
"I'm really all right…"
"For the love of Merlin…!" Severus interrupted as the two began to gaze at each other worriedly. "Please! That's enough!" He sounded positively ill. "I don't think I could stand another word! Do me a favor and leave me out of your sickly sweet conversations; I've heard more than enough to last me to the end of the decade!" He complained.
Both teenagers had the grace and presence of mind to look chagrined. Severus glared at them a moment, and then sighed. "So tell me; what in the bloody hell possessed the two of you? What did you hope to accomplish by fighting like common muggles in that mudhole?"
"We needed to make people believe we were still enemies." Draco answered.
"I had heard that many are thinking perhaps the two of you are gtting along a little too well." Severus commented.
"Yes, sir… so we…"
"So you threw yourselves into an idiotic, overly-dramatic battle in the middle of one of Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes instant Swamps…? A simple duel wouldn't have been convincing enough?"
"I couldn't duel Harry!" Draco answered immediately. "I might hurt him…"
"And I won't duel Dray!" Harry chimed in. "I've done enough damage…"
"I tell you, you didn't hurt me badly…"
"Let's not start that again; please!" Severus interrupted. "So you chose to brawl in a mudhole. Explain to me how this is better than a duel." He suggested. "Make it make sense."
"There wasn't any chance of anything being hexed off." Draco said coolly.
Severus sighed. "And why the bloody hell did it have to be so damned public? All you needed was a few witnesses, key people who love to gossip. Bad news always travels faster than good."
"The more public the better, I think." Harry answered quietly.
"You were certainly quite the spectacle." He said sourly. Severus approached them both, a phial in each hand. "Drink. Now." He commanded, holding one out to each of them.
Harry took his with a hesitant glance at Draco, who accepted his without question. Draco gave him a reassuring grin and uncorked it, downing the potion. Harry shrugged and followed his example; if Draco trusted him not to harm them then he was going to trust Draco's judgement on this. He felt a warming sensation spread quickly through his body and sighed, feeling his wounds mend from the power of the healing potion.
"Thank you Professor." Draco said gratefully as his ankle began to heal as well. It was tingling and burning, but he knew it was because the healing was taking hold.
"It seemed to me that if I had been even a few moments later, you two might have succeeded in drowning each other in mud." Snape answered with clear sarcasm.
"We weren't trying to…" Harry began, but felt somehow from the glare that Severus gave him he thought the best course of action was to simply shut up.
Severus glared at him a moment more to be sure he was going to stay silent.
"What are you going to do with us, Professor?" Draco asked softly.
"Do?" Severus asked. "Tell me, Draco. What could I possibly do short of rearranging your brains for you? You've done quite enough damage to each other to more than placate my ruffled feathers." He snorted, turning away. "The two of you are going to stay here for another twenty minutes, then each of you will be allowed to be on your way."
"But what about Professor McGonogall?" Harry asked.
"I know perfectly well how to handle my fellow instructor; that is my concern." He returned, not really glancing at Harry at all, eyes on Draco. "You, Mr. Malfoy, will give me six hours this week of your time, and I will have no arguments about that."
He looked appalled. "Six…?"
"I could take the weekend as well." Snape said, eyes narrowing.
"I'd prefer that you didn't, sir." He murmured, folding his arms, clearly pouting.
"And I will demand the same of you, Mr. Potter. You will alternate days, ensuring that I have sufficient potions ingredients for the items I must produce by end of term."
"Alternate…?"
"Alternate." Severus repeated firmly, his voice a growl. "You wish to enforce the illusion of your little tussle? Alternating days, seeming to be separate, will support that appearance."
Draco sighed resignedly. "Yes sir."
"And there will be one hundred points taken from both Gryffindor and Slytherin houses…" Severus went on.
"But Professor…!" Draco sat up slightly in his chair.
"You want this to seem real, do you not? Would I do anything less to any other member of my house who makes such a public display of insane behavior?" Snape answered immediately.
Harry chose to remain silent, knowing he could not change the darkhaired professor's decision regardless of how much he argued. If he opened his mouth it was more likely to get worse than better.
Draco sighed, sagging back into his seat. "I think it's a bit much, that's all."
"Does it?" he asked, glaring at him.
"I suppose not." He sighed. "So… now what do we do?"
"You two will remain in your seats for a minimum of five more minutes to allow the potions to take full effect and heal the two of you sufficiently to be trusted to reach the medical wing. And during that time you will keep your hands and your MINDS to yourselves! You will each leave at a separate time, and I charge you each to see Madam Pomfrey before returning to your respective houses."
"You gave us a healing draught." Harry said softly.
"Not a strong one, Potter. Granted, it alleviated your pain and some of the injury but I can assure you it did not cure you completely. That is NOT my job; it is the job of Madam Pomfrey and Heaven Forbid that I should take any of her work from her." He said with a smirk.
"Of course not. She's already irritated at me."
"Yes. I had heard of your little stunt with young Miss Black." Snape said with clear disapproval.
Harry frowned at him but did not respond, biting back his instinctive reply. He was tired of hearing Snape cut down Ari all the time. Maybe if he didn't say anything he would keep from being put in Detention…
"Leave my office, Potter, before I change my mind about your punishment." Severus growled, turning away, his robes snapping with the motion.
Harry rose but could not help but run his hand over Draco's arm. "See you later…?"
"Yeah. Go on, Harry…" Draco said softly, his own hand caressing Harry's for one brief moment.
The dark-haired wizard sighed but complied with Draco's wishes, moving out of the room. He had not taken three steps when the others were surrounding him; Blaise, Arian, Ron and Hermione had not left.
"What happened?"
"What did he do?"
"Are you all right?"
"Where's Dray?"
"Hold up guys!" Harry interrupted "I have to get to the Medical wing…"
"Oh Harry you've been hurt!" Hermione said worriedly.
"It's not that bad, really. More of a big scratch than anything to be worried about…" he explained, pausing by Blaise, who looked worried.
"Where's Dray?" he asked again in a soft tone.
"Hang around; he's probably going to be out in a few minutes." Harry said softly, resting one hand on his shoulder. "Professor Snape wanted to talk to him a bit more."
"All right. Are you sure you're all right?"
"Yes, I'll be fine." He assured.
Blaise pulled him into his arms.
Ron hesitated then turned away, his face reddening. "Um… we'll be upstairs waiting for you mate." He murmured.
"I had better go; I've been told to get straight to the medical wing." Harry told Blaise, who nodded, his eyes turning back to the door. Harry smiled softly. "You go ahead and wait for him, I'll be fine. Ron and Hermione will make sure that I get there."
"All right." He agreed, letting him go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
It was nearly four days before things began to calm down again. Harry and Draco kept their distance from each other for that time, at least in the vision of others. Hermione and Ari worked with Blaise to divert people's attention from where Draco and Harry were, each doing their best to ensure no one saw them sneak off to the Room of Requirement on their own to spend time together.
Each day, during a different hour, Harry and Draco went to the potions master's office to carry out the work required of them for their allotted time in detention with the Potions Master. He found them the most noxious jobs to do; cutting up nasty things or cleaning up after others.
Faced with another day of squeezing oils out of pods, Draco curled his lip. "Seriously, Uncle Sev…?" he asked, looking at the pods. "I'm sure there's something else I can do…" he suggested.
"This is what I need done, Draco." He answered calmly, seated at his desk in his office.
"But what about the classroom? Can't I go clean that out?" He suggested, trying to think of anything else. Those nasty pods were going to dye his fingers purple and he hated that color.
Severus looked at him, scowling. "No. Do not even think of opening the classroom door." He growled.
"What? Why not? It was just a stinkbomb, right?"
"To begin with, yes. Before I could get back into the classroom to clear up the mess, the reaction had begun with the metal of the cauldrons that caused a corrosive, noxious gas to form. If you enter that room right now your lungs will fill with poison, which will eventually burn holes through your lungs. If by some miracle you survive the poisoning it gives you, most likely you would drown in your own blood before anyone has time to get you to Madame Pomfrey."
"Oh. Well, I guess I shouldn't consider that then." Draco said, pulling the stool closer to the table he needed to work on. Purple fingers it was. He sighed softly.
"Good idea, godson." He said, returning his attention to his book and the methodical copy he was making of the book that Ari had lent him. "Now please don't disturb me again, I have much to do and not much time to do it."
Silent now, Draco set to work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Harry stepped into the Potion Master's office on the fifth day; it was Sunday but he wanted to get this mess over with.
Severus turned away from the fireplace, where Harry could see a face; a rather pretty woman's face and shoulders. "Potter, you're early." He scowled.
"I thought I'd come get it done sir…" he started, curious about who was fire-calling the man.
Severus saw his gaze and scowled more, stepping to block his path of vision. "You're done. Get out." He said coldly.
"I thought I had two more days…"
"Would you prefer I make it two weeks, including your weekend?" he asked, clearly growing angry. Whatever he was talking about with that woman, he clearly wanted to keep it completely private.
"No, sir. Of course not sir."
"Get out." He snapped.
Harry turned and hurried out, not willing to make Snape say it again. Out early from detention was just fine with him; more time for him to have to spend with those he cared about.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
The next morning, Arian trotted down the stairs from the girl's dormitory, with a goal in mind. As she dismounted the last step, she heard the portrait door open. Seamus Finnegan moved inside the common room and Arian was struck by a wave of misery and pain and confused emotions emanating from the boy, every bit as strong as Blaise had exuded the night he had cut himself. He didn't raise his eyes at all; he was moving toward the stairs with his head bowed, eyes lowered and shoulders slumped. It looked for all the world like the young man had lost his best friend.
"Seamus..?" she asked softly.
He hesitated, glancing up for only a moment. The waves of emotion suddenly stopped as if corked off; his face blank of any true expression. "Oh, sorry… I didn't see you Miss Black." He said softly, thinking he might have nearly run into her.
She gave him a soft smile. "It's all right; and you can call me Arian." She reassured. "Are you all right...?" she asked, keeping her tone low. Bottling up one's emotions like that was very unhealthy; he needed to release them and she was more than willing to listen.
"I'm fine; just fine." He said in a carefully controlled tone, his eyes instantly falling again, refusing to maintain eye contact. She could sense nothing at all from him now; he was very skilled at closing himself off.
He needed something but she wasn't sure what. He definitely was NOT fine. "I can see that there's something…" she started, trying to give him an opening to talk about his issue.
"It's nice of you, but... just leave me alone, okay...? It's nothing I can't handle." He whispered, hurrying up the stairs.
She gazed after him, feeling something there was going to explode, very soon... but she couldn't help someone who refused any help. She sighed and went on her own way, hoisting her bag up onto her shoulder.
She slipped into the room of requirement and closed the door quietly. Turning, she saw Harry and Draco waiting for her on a divan in the cozy little room that had been created for them. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"
"For a day without anyone staring at me and calling me the 'Chosen One'…? Absolutely." Harry said with a smirk.
"Well you'll still put up with me calling you my chosen." Draco said and Harry chuckled in agreement.
"All right, you got me there." Harry chuckled, and then returned his attention to his housemate. "You said there was a way, Arian. How can we go around and no one know who we are?"
"Simple. Use this." She said, pulling a simple silver ring out of her pocket.
"Jewelry?" Draco said with a smirk.
"Yes, dragon. Jewelry." Ari chuckled.
"How is jewelry going to do anything?"
"Simple, Harry. That little scrap of silver is simply so stunning that no one will even notice who is wearing it." Draco said sarcastically. The other two laughed.
"Very funny, Dragon." Ari smiled. "This ring is something I believe I have mentioned to you before… It has a spell permanently attached to it." She said, offering it to Harry.
"Invisibility?" Harry asked, taking the ring and examining it.
"Try one on and you will see." She returned, smiling softly.
Harry glanced at Draco, and then shrugged and slipped the band of silver onto his hand. For a moment nothing happened; and nothing that he could see changed at all. He looked at Draco and saw his eyes widen, surprise clear on his face. Harry looked at Arian, who only smiled back.
"What? What is it?" Harry asked, startled for a moment into silence. The timbre of voice that he had spoken in had definitely sounded different. It sounded… higher. Feminine.
"Oh, Harry…" Draco murmured, reaching up to caress Harry's flushed cheeks. He had been transfigured by the ring into a young woman; her hair lengthened and the unruly hair became curls that hung down just past her shoulders. Her green eyes now were framed by long dark lashes. "You're beautiful." He murmured.
"Am I…?" she murmured.
"Absolutely." He whispered. "So very beautiful…"
"And you, Draco. Will you change as well?" Arian asked in a soft voice.
Draco didn't respond at first, not wanting to take his eyes off Harry's feminine features. He stroked her cheek again, and then slipped the ring off Harry's finger and onto his own. Harry watched, eyes widening as Draco's beautiful features softened and became feminine; long-lashed and delicate. Blonde hair shimmered as it rested on her shoulders. Harry's breath caught in her throat and she found herself unable to speak.
"What?" Draco flushed delicately. "Is something wrong…?" she asked, touching her face.
"No. Oh, Merlin, no; you're just… you're breathtaking." She murmured.
"That you are, my Dragon." Ari smiled. "And no one will ever know who you are. Remember, though; the spell on those bracelets is limited. You have about eighteen hours until the magic is gone and you return to normal."
"More than enough me. As much as I need this break, I know it can't be forever."
"Just like Cinderella?" Harry grinned and both the others looked at her quizzically.
"Cinder-who?" Draco asked.
"Oh never mind; it's a muggle fairy tale." Harry smiled back, pulling Arian into her arms. "Thank you so much, Arian…" she said, hugging her tight.
Ari laughed softly. "It's my pleasure. Just a dab or two of makeup to cover that scar, and you'll be all set."
"Perhaps you should call me Jamie…" Harry suggested.
"I think I'd rather just call you mine." Draco said, moving to her and pulling her into her arms.
"Forever my own." Harry whispered, nuzzling her neck.
"Let's use the floo to leave so no one sees us." Draco suggested, returning the embrace.
"Have fun, loves." Ari smiled. "I've brought a change of clothes for each of you; you can use those if you wish." She handed Draco the bag and she gave her a soft kiss. She then smiled, humming to herself as she strolled out, heading off to class.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Ron glanced up as she came in, smiling at her. "Good morning, Ari. Have you seen Harry this morning? He was already gone when I woke up..."
She smiled as she took her seat. She was glad she already had an answer to give; one that was more than believable. "Oh, yes. He had an eye doctor's appointment. He'll be gone all day..."
"It's about time." Ron smirked. "I've been telling him for years to go see a wizard practitioner about his eyes. Those silly muggle doctors just put a piece of glass in front of your eyes and call it good. What the bloody heck is that supposed to do? It certainly doesn't fix anything."
"Yes. I think he'll look much better without those ugly glasses hiding his pretty green eyes." Ari smiled, taking her seat.
"Hermione was always fixing them for him." Ron agreed. "They're just a hassle."
"He'll be better off without them." Hermione said firmly, glancing about as she saw Blaise enter the room as well. She smiled at him. "Hi, Blaise; Harry's gone on a visit to the mediwizard for his eyes, finally. Would you like to join us for lunch...?"
"I... urn..." he began, glancing at the others.
"Great idea, Hermione. You can sit with us, Zabini." Ron smiled.
Blaise felt his heart leap at Ron's personal invitation. "Are you sure?" he asked softly.
"Absolutely." Ron's smile grew. "Why the hell not? If someone else has a problem with it they can go take a hike. Better yet, we could just eat out by the lake. We don't have potions, so we can take our time having lunch today."
Blaise smiled. "I'd like that. Thanks." He said, feeling nearly giddy. Ron invited had invited him to have lunch with them… he would have preferred a private luncheon with just the two of them in a secluded place, but he would take anything he could get. Ron himself had invited him, personally. There was no way he was going to refuse.
"Hey, no problem." He smiled back, pulling out his homework as the teacher arrived.
Blaise glanced at Ron as he took his seat, getting out his work as well. Ron grinned back, a touch of color coming to his cheeks as he turned his eyes to the board. Blaise could not help himself; he found himself hoping again... maybe... just maybe there would be a chance.
Pansy scowled at Draco's empty seat, then glared in Ari's general direction. That Black bitch would pay... somehow, some way...
Class went well with no problems at all. The teacher allotted them their homework and sent them on their way.
Ron packed up his books with a bemused smile. "You know what? Class wasn't half bad today; it's weird. I think it made more sense than normal. I'm almost sorry that we're done with class today..." he mused thoughtfully.
"Ronald, I think you must be running a fever or something." Hermione smirked.
"Shut up." Ron chuckled. His smile faded as Seamus slipped out ahead of them, his bag on his arm instead of his shoulder, his shoulders slumped, his eyes on the floor as he moved. He'd not said one word during class and Ari could feel that nauseating mix of emotions welling from him again. She watched him with a troubled expression.
Ron sighed, watching him too. "Seamus has all the personality of a wet blanket, lately... and it always gets worse each time he visits home."
"I don't think things are good for him at home." Ari said softly.
"I believe that's the truth. He writes home every single night, and every time there's a school break he's taking the Floo home. I keep telling him he needs to stay around here a bit but he goes like clockwork..." Ron sighed.
Ari gazed after the depressed and silent teen. "Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do, until he is willing to ask for and accept changes."
"Maybe so, but that doesn't make it easier to watch a fellow you used think was all right turn into an absolute ass." Ron said as the four moved out of the classrooms together.
-.
Draco smiled softly as she watched her lover gaze at all the artwork. "It's all so... wow..." she whispered breathlessly, eyes wide as she took in the various pieces. Draco had decided an excellent place for them to go first was the world-famous Louvre Museum, followed by a more local museum of other displays. "I've never seen anything so beautiful… so amazing…"
Her enthusiasm and clear awe sent sadness into Draco's heart. Harry had never been to a museum or a theater; had never been treated to a truly nice restaurant, or even to a nice spa; had never even seen the ocean. Damn those muggle bastards for neglecting the upbringing of such a wonderful person.
Harry turned, her eyes shining with excitement and joy. "Thank you... thank you for bringing me to such a fantastic place..."
"This is only the beginning." She promised in a soft voice. "I swear to you, lover; I'm taking you all around the world. We'll visit every country, every museum and place we can find..."
"As long as we're together, I don't care if we sit on a deserted island for the rest of our lives... if you're with me, anywhere is paradise..." Harry smiled. "It's all just so grand... so beautiful; I'd never thought I'd see it at all." she said happily, looking about. "Oh, look…! They have a Roman exhibition. Let's go see it, can we?"
"I've been curious to see this myself." she agreed, moving with her. Two great roman-style columns, cracked and aged, stood on either side of the entrance to the exhibit. They passed between the pillars and Harry felt as if she had been transported back in time. The entire series of rooms was furnished, decorated, and filled with items from the Roman times. Even the staff who worked in this area was dressed in time-appropriate clothing. Harry held Draco's hand as the two young women moved in, looking around wide-eyed.
*Think about it, Harry; this is how it was when Arian was young, back when she was living with her dad. See that warrior there...?* Draco pointed to a waxen statue of a roman warrior in full regalia; bronze chest plate and leg protection, and leather skirt with bronze studs to reinforce it. *That's likely what her father would have worn.*
*Really? How do you know?*
*She showed me, the first night she was here, staying at the mansion. We talked for hours that night. She showed me an illusion, one that showed me her home, high on a mountain. Her father was a roman Lord, and her lover Xal was a warrior too. Xal wore a skirt like that too, but her leather armor was over her chest as well.*
*She really is from that time, isn't she?* she murmured softly in awe.
*Absolutely.* Draco said with full confidence. *She's a true princess, in the purest sense of the word. Pansy only wishes she was a princess like Arian is.*
*She's perfect; I know she'll make a lovely wife.*
*She's better than perfect. And the best thing about her is she doesn't want to get in the way of what I truly want. She will marry me in name only, and will give me a child if required. She's in love with her Xal, and she wants to help me to have my true desire; and that would be you.* she smiled, giving her a soft tender kiss.
*I owe her so much…*
*We both do.* Draco agreed as the pair began to stroll through the exhibit.
Harry's eyes were caught by the naked statue of Apollo and she giggled softly. "You've better buns than that..." she whispered.
"Maybe... but I don't think I could be that hard." She retorted with a smirk.
Harry laughed also. *My muggle aunt had an exercise tape… it was called 'Buns of Steel'…*
*As if I'd even be interested in her arse.* Draco scoffed. *I would rather have your sweet arse anyday.*
*We have to wait to love each other's arses until after we're male again.* she reminded.
*Oh I don't know about that; I'm sure I could think of a few pleasurable things to do to your arse…*
Harry laughed as they turned a corner. She fell silent, her mouth forming a silent "oh" as she halted. Draco's eyes followed hers to see a life-size painting of a very powerful looking warlord, body sheathed in immaculate gleaming golden armor. He stood before a huge castle, and one hand rested upon the hilt of a sheathed sword that hung on his left hip. To his right, with his hand resting gently on her shoulder stood a young dark-skinned girl with jet black hair that hung in a straight fall to her hip. There was no mistaking who that young girl could be; her almond-shaped eyes held the same look of loneliness that Draco had seen so often in Arian's eyes... and she knew the man at her side to be the one she had shown in illusion that first night to be her father. "Oh Dray... it is her... isn't it...?" Harry whispered.
"Yes... that's her father, too." She said softly, gazing upon the strong-willed face of the man.
"It's really true..." Harry whispered. "She came from the past..."
*I had my doubts, but… this takes care of any of that.* she murmured in response. *She must be so powerful; much more powerful than even my father could suspect. She traveled through time accidentally...!*
*We have to keep her hidden.*
*That's' hard when she can't resist using her healing powers. And she has so much trouble remembering to use her wand and to say our words for the spells she can do wandless…*
"You think this is from her home...?" Harry murmured.
"This painting has to be..." she gazed up at Arian's sad face. "So the rest of this must be from her home as well..."
"It's all so beautiful..." she murmured. "I can't imagine living in such a place..."
"Well, you will soon enough... You will be living with me, my love. I plan to spoil you completely for an average life..." she said firmly.
"A small home and a couple of kids are good enough for me... as long as you're with me."
*You'll soon be a Malfoy, lover. And you will be living in my home, living with me and living the life that I am accustomed to. You will be living a life suitable for those of our stature…* She answered.
"Beautiful painting, isn't it?" A young man asked, moving up.
"Oh... urn, yes... it is all stunning." Harry said softly. "Do you know anything about the two in this portrait…?"
"This is Lord Donal McAllanwyr and his young daughter Arianrhod. He lived in a time much earlier than Alexander the Great, and his holdings were nearly twice as expansive; a very powerful warrior lord indeed. His daughter was rumored to be a very powerful sorceress, and extremely talented healer, though she never got to show her true potential, according to legend. She vanished when she was around fourteen years old, the story goes."
"Fascinating..." Draco said with an interested smile. She felt she knew more than the worker did and found it all quite amusing.
"How powerful a sorceress..?" Harry asked.
"Quite powerful, so the legends say. Some say she was taken by a demon, other tales say she travelled through time..."
"If she were all that powerful, why is nothing really known of her?"
"She never managed to reach adulthood. If she had, who knows what her potential would have been? Merlin died at quite an old age; he had decades to perfect his skills and to have the tales about him woven. She had only fourteen years. Who knows if she was killed, or if she simply travelled through time? Where she ended up is a total mystery."
"Good point." Harry agreed, studying the picture of Arian. The dark-haired girl was so unlike her father; her face shape was different, eyes were different, bone structure was different. Even his hair was a different color than hers; his was brown and curly and hers was black and straight. She must look just like her mother; she certainly looked little like her father.
"She is quite a mystery, and fascinating to study."
"Do you have any of her artifacts?' Draco asked.
"Yes; right this way." He smiled, taking the lead as he continued to talk. These two beautiful young ladies seemed to be quite interested in the exhibit and he was more than happy to share his knowledge of the subject with them. "We also have a stunning portrait of a woman we believe is her mother, though her garb does not suggest at all that she is a pampered lady of any sort."
"You're not sure...?"
"No. The portrait was found at the same site, but the lady in the painting, only known as Lady Bast, disappeared when Lady Arianrhod was only an infant..."
"How would you even know that much? You couldn't possibly get all that from a painting." Draco said with some sarcasm.
"Of course we couldn't. This family, unlike many others of the time, had a very dedicated individual who maintained the family records. The record-keeper was Lord Donal's mother, a woman named Rhiannon. The fact that she was granted such power and responsibility as a woman during the time was quite stunning…" he answered with a smile. "She left tomes of information about the family."
"So you are certain of this woman's name?" Draco asked, gazing up at the painting.
"Yes; we are certain that this was Lady Bast. Documentation of the name of the woman in the painting has been found and its authenticity has been inconvertibly confirmed. The question is whether she was the consort who gave birth to Lady Arianrhod. The documentation maintained by the matriarch of the family left some question about her parenting of the princess, as there was another woman who was in the palace about the time of the child's birth from what we have interpreted. She was in the castle during the raising of the Princess, but even less is known about her than Lady Bast; we do not even have a name." He rambled on as he led them to a painting nearby.
It was of a stunning woman who stood alone, dressed in rich red fabrics that enhanced her body and showed her beautiful figure. A glass of wine was held in one of her hands, the other rested upon a sheathed dagger at her side. Draco noticed that the assumption made by the museum worker must be right; the clothing the woman wore seemed made to allow her to move as a warrior would; and the slit up the side of the skirt would allow for easy movement as well as provide a useful distraction. She had many of the same features as Arian and explained why the young girl was so different from her father. Anyone who took even a moment to study the two paintings could easily see the relationship between the two.
He led them onward to a display of jewelry, mostly made of precious jade and stones with pure gold, and some items that were quite simple with insets of precious stones. Beyond that there was a case with several scrolls all laid out in an attractive display.
*We ought to bring Arian here...* Draco mused.
*These things belonged to her; but what would happen if she decided to just go ahead and take them back…?*
*Nothing short of an international incident would happen...*
*Exactly. I think perhaps we had just better leave it.* Harry said firmly.
*Oh, all right.* she chuckled, leading her on.
Harry paused by the scrolls, peering at the one that was half-unrolled. *Merlin; look, Draco, it's a potion… Damn I wish I could see the rest of it!*
*She probably has it in one of her books.* Draco moved up beside her to gaze at the same one.
*I wouldn't doubt it.* Harry said agreeable.
"We haven't yet been able to decipher the scrolls." the museum worker told the two young women.
"Really?" Draco glanced at him. "Who's tried?"
"The professors at Stamford University had the scrolls on loan for nearly a year..."
"Amazing they couldn't figure it out..." she said with a smirk, trying hard to stifle her sarcasm. *Muggles. Hah. As if they'll ever figure it out.*
"It's a pity, really... I would love to be able to read it."
"Why can't you? It's only written in basic Roman Runes and cuneiform." Draco commented.
He looked at her in clear surprise. "It is…? How do you know? Are you in the university...?"
"High school, actually..." Harry said, giving Draco a nudge with her elbow. *You mustn't torture the muggle, Draco!* she scolded.
"They teach Runes in high school...?"
"It's a private school..." Harry began.
"Very private... and we had runes in third year." Draco said as if bored.
"Really, now...? Can you read what it says...?" he asked, sounding more than a bit eager.
"Some. I could read more if it was unrolled. The way it is displayed is very pretty, but most of what's written is rolled up in the scroll."
*Draco!* Harry scolded laughingly.
"I can't unroll that one... it's far too precious to even try... but there's one over here that is encased in glass, and it has been completely unrolled..."
"Really? Where? I'd love to see it." Draco smiled, actually quite interested.
"Just over here..." he smiled, placing his hand on Draco's back to lead her away. Harry scowled, glaring at the hand. He had no right to touch Draco!
Draco reached over to catch Harry's hand. "Come along lover..." she said.
Harry pouted as she went along with them. *He has no right to touch you.*
*Shall I slap him? I thought this was how muggles escorted birds in polite society.*
*That doesn't mean I have to like it.*
*I'd much rather have your hands there. Well, perhaps a bit lower than that…* she teased, caressing Harry's mind and letting her feel her love.
"Here it is; the scroll I had mentioned..." he said, stepping aside and taking his hand away.
Harry paused, and curiously stepped up to look at it as well. The scroll was clearly ancient, but had been opened carefully and now was preserved between two carefully sealed panes of glass to prevent further deterioration of the papyrus they were written upon. *Can you read it Draco...?*
*Didn't you pay any attention in Runes?* she asked teasingly.
*Oh, hush up.* Harry smirked. *Can you read it or not?* she repeated.
*Some…* she touched the glass, indicating several symbols. *This and this... they read like ingredients, perhaps… more likely spell components. This doesn't read at all like a potion. I'm not very familiar with spells in written form, but this, and this here… it has to be a spell. This shows hand shapes to make, how many candles and their locations in the circle…* she answered quietly.
*What spell could it be?*
*I'm not sure, but… oh Merlin, Harry… I think this is her transportation spell. These bloody muggles have a copy of Arian's transportation spell, on display right here in the museum!* she murmured.
"Can you read it...?" the museum worker asked eagerly, seeing some recognition of the symbols in the body language and expression of the blonde young woman.
Draco hesitated to answer. "I can, a little..." she answered cautiously.
"What does it say?" he asked.
"It explains... well, a spell." she said.
"Spell...?" he asked with clear interest rising. "I see... so I was right...! She was a witch; and a sorceress..."
"I can't read it all." She said, straightening, tossing her silver-blonde hair back over her shoulder.
"What could you read?"
"Spell components, some instructions on area setup, and details on spell component preparation... this here says fire and that says oak heart, there 'lemongrass'..." she said as she pointed at the separate runes.
"I wonder what it was for..." Harry murmured, hoping they would never find the true answer. For muggles to have the full explanation of a time travel spell would be bad enough; they at least would never be able to produce enough magic to activate such a spell. But if word o their possession of such a powerful spell ever reached the ears of a death eater or worse, Lord Voldemort, they would have no hopes at all of ever defeating him.
"We may never know..." he sighed reluctantly. "I keep hoping they'll turn up more of her writings; her father's life has been my personal focus for several years. The rumor of the other woman in the life of the princess and the fact that the second woman could be the girl's true mother has been something I have been working to research."
"Wouldn't it be something if the princess appeared here, in our time...?" His eyes gleamed. "That would be amazing... I could talk to her; I've studied the language of the time and am quite fluent..."
"Wouldn't it be incredible?" Draco smirked. "Come on love; let's go see what we can find..."
"There's plenty more to see here at the museum... if you wish, I can..." he began, but Harry interrupted him with a scowl and clear jealousy.
"She's mine, and with me. Go find your own bird." She growled, leading Draco off.
The museum worker watched them move off with a bemused smile. That girl was clearly in love with the blonde one; and he realized a bit too late that he was being seen as competition. She had completely misunderstood his intentions. He'd just wanted to share more of the treasures the museum had in store with them. That's all right; they were in Paris, they needed to do more than wander about in a musty old museum... chuckling, he turned back to his work.
Harry sighed softly when they were out of earshot. *Sorry, Draco. I shouldn't have acted that way...* she murmured.
Draco smiled and kissed Harry tenderly and lovingly. "Hungry, babe...? Want to have some lunch...?" she asked, brushing the event behind them as if it did not matter at all. "They've a decent restaurant here."
"Sure... as long as you don't ask me to eat any snails..."
"Why not? They're quite tasty really... but I won't force you to eat them."
"Ugh. If you had to spend fourteen summers rooting around in a garden on your hands and knees, crawling around and pulling those damned snails out of my Aunt Petunia's gardens, killing them... ugh. I don't want to have to look at the gross things if I don't have to..."
"They're a good potion ingredient..."
"I did manage to learn that much in class..." Harry smirked at her. "All right; I'll trust you. I wouldn't know what the hell I was eating anyway..."
"You would with snails... they're best when served in their shelI." Draco grinned at her. "I'll order something nice for you, babe." She promised.
Harry snuggled close to her as they moved into the restaurant. She gazed about the opulent restaurant, feeling a bit daunted. "Wow... this place is nice..." she murmured. Draco smiled and dealt with the maître'd, speaking in fluent French to ask for a quiet table with a view. The waiter smiled and led them off to a quiet section of the restaurant upstairs, to a table near the window with a view of the river and the lovers strolling by below. He then bowed and slipped away as a waiter arrived to take their order. Draco waved away the menus and ordered their meals as well as a nice light dry wine to accompany their meals.
The waiter returned and poured their wine with a flourish. Harry lifted her glass, gazing at the pale golden liquid. "I've never had wine before..." she murmured.
"Just sip it, love, if you're not used to it... wine was served every meal for me at the manor, all through growing up..."
"I've served it dozens of times, but I wasn't allowed to have any of it." She sipped at it delicately.
Draco scowled, restraining her temper. "I truly, completely despise those damned muggles. If I ever meet them, they will know just how Dark a wizard I can be."
"Lucky for them, they're not likely to cross your path any time soon... they don't exactly visit the places and run in the same circles that you do, Dray..." she smiled, looking about.
"Indeed; it is very lucky for them." Draco agreed wryly, and then smiled at the waiter as he brought their lunches, a light salad and a sample tray of several different items. A group of girls moved by, chatting quite animatedly. A couple of them slowed, eyeing them speculatively; Draco could see interest in their eyes. They were Beauxbatons from their school uniforms and their badges, though none of them wore the traveling capes or hats those who had visited Hogwarts had worn all through their visit there. It was much warmer here, that made perfect sense... Harry hardly noticed them.
"You know, Dray... Ron's actually quite worried we'll go somewhere very nice this weekend..." she told him.
"Why would that worry him?" Draco asked. "It's not like we're going to be asking him to pick up the bill or anything; Blaise and I have that covered..."
"He's afraid of making an ass of himself. He's not used to going anywhere that lays out more silverware than one fork, knife and spoon. He's never been to a restaurant like this before and really hasn't had a chance to learn about proper behavior. My aunt insisted I learn every nuance of proper deportment and the manners of high society; she considered herself to be above the neighborhood and intended to show it, but Ron…" she shrugged. "You and Blaise are so sophisticated; worldly and you know so many things... and Arian is a princess and fits in quite well..."
"Well, I'm sure we could find someplace that would be comfortable for him without being too gauche..." she answered. "Blaise has no intention of allowing him to be uncomfortable. The club won't be too hard for him; it's a dance club. And the show is rather high-class, but as long as he dresses properly he won't be an obvious misfit."
"The club may be a little problem; Ron's certain he can't dance. I bought him a nice outfit the day we were in Hogsmeade with Arian. It'll work for him, I think... but it's not a suit."
"If nothing else, he can borrow something from Blaise or myself. He's a close enough fit it wouldn't look too bad." she said.
"He's closer to Blaise's build..." she said with a nod. "But Blaise or you will have to suggest it. Ron's proud and he won't ask... might even find a reason to not be able to go..."
"He'd better not; I'll kick his arse myself if he does that. It'll upset my best mate and I won't have it. Blaise will give him every damned suit in his closet if he knows that's all that's keeping him from enjoying himself. Blaise will do anything for Ron."
"I know that; I see it every time Blaise is anywhere near Ron. And you know what…? I think Ron is actually beginning to notice it as well... it confuses him quite a bit." She said with a soft grin.
"So how's your mate reacting to the dreams...?" Draco smirked, leaning toward Harry, swirling her wine in her glass. "I know he enjoyed the dream I gave him last night."
"He hasn't talked about them much, really, but he does make lots of happy sounds all night long. It's pretty clear he likes them." She answered with a chuckle. "So what did you send him last night?"
"Oh, just a little locker play; Quidditch locker room, the two of them alone..." she chuckled. "Blaise loves Ron in a towel."
"He was still asleep when I left, but he had a big smile on his face." Harry laughed softly.
"Did you give the magazine to him?" she asked. "What was his reaction?"
"Slipped it right under his pillow before bedtime last night, he kind of looked at me funny, grinned and closed his curtains. I think he fell asleep reading it."
"Wonder if he had a good wank." Draco smirked. "I know I did when I read it."
"The way things are going, he may need to change his sheets every morning. The dreams we're sending him are getting him more and more interested." she chuckled. "I'm sure he had to change them this morning."
"I just hope Hermione doesn't step in and screw everything up. If she causes trouble..."
"If she does, I'll handle it." Harry said firmly. "So far, she hasn't been around when he's had the dreams. I'm not sure how he'd explain it to her if she was there."
"True..." Draco grinned, glancing over at the girls who were a couple of tables away; too far for any distinct conversations to be heard. She smiled at them, then leaned over and gave Harry a kiss. "One of those girls over there is a Veela, and she's eyeing you like you're the tastiest treat in a sweet shop." She whispered to her.
Harry looked over at her and the girl, maybe sixteen with a heart-shaped face and flowing blonde hair, her sparkling blue eyes meeting and holding on to Harry's. She didn't look away, smiling, slowly licking her lips to make it clear that she was very, very interested. Harry blushed and dropped her eyes. "She's pretty, but... but I'm sure she must be looking at you." she murmured.
"Baby she's drooling over you." Draco said firmly. "I think I'm practically invisible to her. And I promise you I am going to take that little bitch apart if she keeps it up." she added calmly.
Harry blushed deeper, scooting her chair closer to Draco. "You're who I want to be with; not her, just you."
Draco took a spoonful of her cheesecake and offered it to Harry, who took the bite, her eyes locked to Draco's. The both could hear the Veela moan ever so softly. Draco leaned over and licked the cream from Harry's lips, then kissed her. "I am so going to have you tonight..." she murmured.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Harry murmured, kissing her again. When the kiss ended, they both noted the Veela girl had moved up and now stood only a foot or two away from their table.
"Pardon me..." she said in broken English, very heavily accented with French. "You are English, No...?" she looked from Harry to Draco. "May I say your girlfriend, she eez... she is very, very beautiful." she told Draco with a smile. "You are very lucky to have such a beautiful girl. Most girls as she is will not be with another girl."
"Yes; I know my girlfriend is beautiful, I don't need anyone to tell me that. She's easily the prettiest one in our school." Draco answered.
"No I'm not." Harry blushed.
"I would like to be asking; do you... how do you say...? Do you share her?" she asked hopefully, eyeing Harry.
Draco looked at Harry. *WeIl, love? Here's your chance to play with the little Veela. Want to?*
*I don't know if I'm ready to share you.* Harry turned her eyes to the girl. *Though she is quite pretty. Do you want to? I will do whatever you want.*
Draco caressed her cheek. *Only if you are comfortable with it, lover.*
*I'm comfortable enough, but I'm awfully greedy.* she said with a soft laugh, aware that all the Veela girl got out of the conversation between the two of them was eyes locking and Harry giggling.
"My girl is a bit shy, as well as somewhat possessive of me." Draco answered, finally looking back to the girl.
"I do not wish to take away from either of you, I wish to help you to... how do you say...? Worship her. Adore her. I will not take you from her, pretty one." she said reassuringly to Harry. "I seek only company while I continue to wait for my soul-mate."
Harry looked at Draco. "I... well, I... I suppose we could..." she said shyly.
"Wonderful!" she smiled, slipping into a third chair at their table. "I am Julietta. I have a flat about four blocks from here; I moved out of the school weeks ago." she said, eyes sparkling. Her Veela charm was oozing out of every pore. All the males in the room were staring their way, but as females her charm had no effect on them whatsoever.
"I'm Jamie." Harry smiled. "This is my Dray..."
"Good to meet you." She said, stroking Harry's cheek.
"I really must tell you, she is a virgin."
"Oh...? How delightful!" she smiled, licking her lips.
"Dray!" Harry scolded, blushing deeply.
"We need not take that from her if she does not wish it; there are many ways to enjoy the body without taking away a woman's innocence."
"Julietta!" one of her friends called as they rose from their table. "It is time to go..."
"I am busy; you go on wizout me. I will see you tomorrow..." she said, not even looking about.
"Tomorrow then, but do not be late for classes; testing starts tomorrow."
"Oui, oui..." she said agreeably, waving them off. "I will not forget." The other girls laughed amongst themselves and waved at them as they moved out, leaving Julietta with her latest conquests. "And now we can enjoy ourselves." she smiled.
"Yes... shall we?" Draco rose, helping Harry up.
"Yes, yes... did you wish for some wine to help you to relax?"
"I urn... I think I've had enough." she said sheepishly. The girl laughed and led them out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
"Please, make yourselves at home..." Julietta showed them about her small flat; a very nice place that was, as she had told them, not far from the restaurant. "I saw you were interested ancient Roman artifacts, no?" she asked.
"You saw us in the museum?" Harry asked
She laughed softly. "Oui, I did see you there. I have been studying ancient Rome since I was a small child; my mother had a great interest as well. I have many books; do you wish to see?" she offered.
"Come on, lover, I don't want to look at books." Harry said, tugging Draco back.
"Yes. We can study later. We came to play, didn't we?" Draco smiled at Julietta. "You can show us all of that later."
"Oh, yes of course." she slipped the treasured book back into its place of safekeeping, then turned to lead the way out and seal up her treasures again once Harry and Draco had exited the hidden room. "You two attend Hogwarts, no...? I hear from Fleur DeLacur and her sister that zis Harry Potter is quite a wizard. Is this true...?"
"He's just an average guy." Harry answered.
"But he is handsome. I have seen his picture in the Prophet." she countered with a smile. "I think you have noticed this, yes?" she asked in a teasing tone, her eyes sparkling.
"Oh, yes, he is quite handsome, actually. Those photos in that rag don't do him justice." Draco agreed, eyes twinkling teasingly at Harry, laying a finger across her lips as she went to object. "But he is very humble about it all. He hates the Daily Prophet, to be perfectly truthful."
"Especially that Rita Skeeter bitch." Harry agreed, nipping at Dray's finger.
"So the stories it tells aren't true? It says that he is dating that Veela boy - what is the name - Zabini...? Is this true?"
"Yes, his name is Zabini." Draco agreed. "But most of that paper is trash. I hear Malfoy's family is suing them for libel and slander for the story they printed."
"Why do you say that Blaise is a Veela? He's never said anything about that." Harry said.
She smiled at her. "Simple enough for me to see; I am Veela as well and we recognize our own. Very rare, the Veela male has become. I can see it, even in the photo of him and the Potter boy. It is plain to see that Potter was besotted with that kiss. Do you think that perhaps Potter is Zabini's mate? Does he have wings? How old is this Zabini, do you know?" she asked, highly interested in another she suspected of being her own species.
"I've never seen wings, and he's never mentioned anything about any kind of mixed heritage. Blaise is still sixteen."
"Ah, then he suffers as many I know do; his parents did not see fit to tell him of his possible inheritance in case he does not gain the full power. He will not gain wings until his seventeenth birthday, and if he has not found his mate by that day he will become obsessed with finding him or her. It would be nice if that mate were Mr. Potter." Julietta smiled. "The Veela race could use the power Potter could bring to us with a child."
Draco looked at Harry. *Merlin help us, his mate is Ron. Has to be; he's been fixated on him since first year. Ron's his mate, whether Blaise inherits the wings and power or not. I wonder how that will pan out if nothing happens between them before his birthday?*
*Julietta might know.*
*Veela or not, she's a stranger and I have no intention of involving her in our lives permanently.* Draco said firmly.
*We don't know if he's got the wings or not. Certainly by his birthday he'll have some clue.*
*Perhaps...* Draco agreed. "Honestly, we couldn't say." she lied smoothly, dashing the hopes of the French Veela girl.
Julie laughed as she moved to the two. "I should be ashamed, prattling on and on about something that means nothing to you." she stroked Harry's cheek in a gentle caress. "You are so very beautiful..."
She blushed, lowering her eyes. "Dray's the beautiful one..."
"She's right... you're beautiful." Dray corrected, touching her chin, turning her face to her and kissing her lovingly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
"See you Arian." Hermione called, watching as Ari made her way out of the Great Hall. Arian had begun volunteering to assist Madam Pomfrey by special request of the school mediwizard. Ari waved and slipped out the door on her way.
Hermione looked back to see Ron pull the plate of sweets closer to him, picking up one and inhaling its scent with a broad smile. "Good heavens, Ron... don't you EVER get tired of eating chocolate?" Hermione laughed teasingly.
"But I love chocolate, Hermione. And Harry says some muggle study says it's good for you. Makes you happy or something. Makes me happy for sure." he grinned at her, nibbling the brownie.
"Yes, that's true, but I don't see how you can be so skinny and eat so much."
Ron chuckled and offered Blaise one of his brownies. "Want one?"
"Thanks Ron." Blaise smiled.
"No problem; I think Hermione fusses too much." he smirked.
"She only does it because she cares about you."
"Yeah, yeah..." he chuckled. "I know that, but I really don't eat when I'm not hungry anymore."
"I wonder where Harry went. I didn't know a doctor's appointment could take all day." Hermione said, looking out the door.
"You don't see too many medi-wizards, do you?" Ron asked. "It takes them hours sometimes just to do one or two simple things. Your parents take you to muggle doctors. I can see it taking all morning, easily. Since we have no potions classes and no reason to be back, I'd certainly not be coming back here until I had to."
"Yeah; I hope that he's able to get his eyes fixed properly." Hermione said thoughtfully. "Harry's eyes are too pretty to hide."
"I don't see anything wrong with his glasses. He won't look like Harry without them." Ron said, sucking the frosting off his fingers, eyes half-closed with bliss. "Mmmmm that's good…"
Blaise watched him with a soft smile. "Well, I think he's cuter without them. Don't you, Hermione?"
"Very much so" She agreed.
"You think he's cute?" Ron asked, looking at her.
"Harry is quite attractive, Ron." She answered with a soft laugh.
"Oh... well, I don't think of him that way. He's my best mate. That's it." He said simply.
"He's my friend too, but I still find him attractive." Hermione chuckled.
"I don't think that way, I suppose... I mean... hell, Hermione; I only dated these other girls to make you jealous." he said with a bit of a blush.
"You should enjoy the company of others, I don't mind." Hermione said as she filled the plate.
"Everyone keeps saying that." Ron said. "I don't like it when you say it, 'Moni; it makes me feel like you're trying to get rid of me." his said in a teasing tone, smirking as he ate a bit of meat pie.
"Never, Ron. You're mine. But you should take the time to discover your own sexuality. I've read that it is quite normal for witches and wizards to experiment with their bodies and to find out what they really want and need."
Ron blushed. "You've told me that a thousand times but it still doesn't make sense to me. Call me weird or whatever, but I just don't see anyone around that I'd care to experiment with." he said, though he did glance at Blaise and blush a bit deeper.
"So what are our plans for the rest of the day?" Hermione asked.
"I dunno... it's just weird having a Monday afternoon off."
"We could all study for our tests; they're coming up fast."
"Yeah." Ron sighed reluctantly with a grimace. "Studying again. Yeah, that's a load of fun." he said drolly. "Maybe I could find something interesting to read." he said as the memory of the magazine in his room sprang to mind.
"Want to study with us Blaise?" Hermione offered.
"Hm..? Oh, yeah; you wanna?" Ron asked, though he blushed a bit deeper.
"I wouldn't mind." Blaise smiled.
"Where will we be studying?" Ron asked.
"Well, Harry and Anan have been to Slytherin; why can't Blaise come up to Gryffindor?" Hermione asked.
"I wouldn't mind visiting the tower." Blaise agreed.
"Or if you rather, Ron, I'm sure Blaise could get us into Slytherin." she said with a smirk.
"No, no. I'd feel weird going there and probably be looking over my shoulder the whole time. No offense intended, Blaise, but I really don't want to spend any more time around Snape than I absolutely have to after setting off that potion stink-bomb in his classroom."
"That wasn't your fault." Blaise chuckled faintly.
"That doesn't mean that he won't find every excuse he can to give me detention if I went there and I'm trying to be good. I don't want to be slapped with detention for the weekend, we've got plans."
"All right; Gryffindor it is."
"Go get your books, Blaise. We'll meet you by the fat lady." Ron smiled at him.
"I won't be long." Blaise assured, giving him a soft smile, which made Ron's smile grow. Hermione frowned slightly, taking a sip of her juice. She could see what was going on even if Ron couldn't, and she didn't like it at all.
Ron didn't watch him leave, leaning over to grab a couple of apples. "Come on, 'Moni. Let's go."
"Of course." she said, rising. Ron slipped an arm about her, feeling lighthearted and happy. As they ascended the stairs, he began to hum a soft song to himself. She listened, realizing that she knew the song and that the particular song he was humming was one that he had only heard in her presence. She glanced at him, a soft smile on her face. "You know what that is'?" she asked.
"What what is?" he asked back.
"What you were humming, silly."
"Uh, no… It's just a song that's stuck in my head." He shrugged as they headed up the shifting stairs.
"It's a song from the band we're going to see this weekend; the muggle band. And you said you didn't like their music." she said.
"Was it really? Huh. Well, I guess I do like them after all." He grinned at her. "I think it's actually gonna be fun after all. The best part is we're all paired up. Harry has Blaise, Draco has Arian, and I have you." he smiled.
"Yes... perfect." Hermione said softly, trying to hide her frown. She knew damned good and well that Harry was NOT partnering Blaise on this trip, he would be with Draco... for one long agonized moment she wished heartily for the ignorance that Ron enjoyed, and then she sighed. She knew. There was no way around that. And Blaise was clearly showing interest in Ron, though her lover didn't seem to notice it at all. Well, she'd do her best to ensure he continued to be ignorant of Blaise's advances...
It wasn't long at all before Blaise joined them at the entrance, and the three moved inside. Blaise glanced about curiously; he'd not been up to Gryffindor tower before and he found the warm red and gold quite interesting, if a bit strange. He moved to the windows to gaze out at the view, smiling. "It's nice up here... never realized you had this nice a view." he said.
Hermione moved to the table, unloading her books in preparation for studying.
Ron chuckled. "I really don't pay attention, much... to me this is just normal; the common room we look at every day." he smiled. "I'll be right back; I'm gonna get my books." He trotted off upstairs. He picked up a couple of books; potions and Herbology, then paused and moved to his bed. He slid the copy of Wizard's Play out from under his pillow, grinned and cast a charm to cause the cover to look like the copy of his Charms textbook. He was going to have some very interesting reading to keep him busy; Hermione would be happy as long as he had something in his hands that looked like a book. He trotted back down the stairs, humming softly. Ron glanced at Hermione at the table and moved just a bit away to one of the squashy arm chairs, one angled specifically so she couldn't see exactly what he was reading and stacked his books on the little table beside him. He picked up the altered "charms" book and began to read.
Blaise settled comfortably on the floor across from Ron. "Merlin..." he said, loosening his collar and tie. "You Gryffindors sure do like it hot..." he said, removing his tie completely and unbuttoning his shirt a bit. He slipped his school robe off as well, laying it aside.
The redhead glanced at him, grinning. "I'd much rather be hot than cold... easier to just take off a layer, eh mate?" He asked, following Blaise's example and shucking off his tie following them with his shoes.
Hermione sat facing the pair, watching and studying them over the top of her book. She was watching for any indication that Ron was responding, and she wasn't going to let it get anywhere. She had finally found out exactly how to get Ron's attention where she wanted it. She was relieved that she still saw not one bit of reaction from Ron other than simple friendship.
"The dungeons are much cooler than this; you even have a fire burning..."
"It sure makes it a lot easier to firecall if you need to, if you have a fire going. You don't have a fire down there? Weird." Ron commented.
"I suppose it is." Blaise chuckled softly. "So what is it you're studying, Ron?" he asked.
"Oh." he hesitated, blushing slightly. "Um… oh, Charms." he said, concealing his face behind the cover of the book to hide his embarrassment. He found himself hiding behind a picture of a man fully naked, one who looked much like Blaise. The moment captured in the wizarding photograph was of the man pinning another nearly feminine blonde down to the bed, pushing up his legs and preparing to enter him. The entire story had Ron's imagination going wild, though he had no idea what it would feel like. He imagined what it would be like to be the dominant one, guessing it might feel a lot like it did when he was with Hermione. He'd reread this story twice times now, and for some reason he never got tired of watching the pleasure on the dark-skinned man's face as he reached his climax. And the pleasure he gave the other man too...
"I've finished that, I've got to look into transfiguration. I've a feeling that we'll be asked to do animagus transfiguration on ourselves, but I'm not sure of all the exact steps yet..."
"I don't really have work to do. Hermione told me to re-read stuff to be sure I remember." Ron said lamely, face flushed as he closed the magazine. "You know; making sure I'm ready for testing."
Blaise smiled up at him, his dark eyes shining. "It won't be long now, will it?"
"Yeah..." Ron said, looking a bit troubled. "Only a few months more of school."
"What's wrong? You need help studying? I can help you if you like..." he offered.
"No, it's not that.. Hermione helps me study just fine and I'm actually doing okay this year. It's just… well, to tell the truth, I really have no idea what I want to do with my life. For a career, you know? I thought I wanted to be an auror, but they don't take mediocre wizards and my powers aren't anything special, and my grades aren't good enough. They won't even talk to me. I just have to make a decision; I guess... dad says he can get me in at the Ministry."
Blaise frowned slightly. "There's really no rush, right? I mean, you've got time to decide; you don't have to start right away, do you?"
"Well, yeah, actually I do." Ron said with a sigh. "Not that I want to, but I don't want to spend my life living with my mom and dad at the Burrow either. I can't afford to do one of those little trips some wizards take after graduation to see the rest of the world; haven't got the money for it. I gotta get out of the burrow and get my own place."
"On your own? Or you and Hermione...?"
"With me, of course." Hermione answered him in a slightly acidic tone.
"Yeah... I figure that me and Hermione will get married, eventually." Ron answered, glancing at Hermione with a frown. Why the bloody hell was she being so reactionary and mean. "Not sure when all that will happen, though; I want to be able to support her before we get married."
"That is absolutely silly. If we're living together we'll be supporting each other, Ronald." She returned; clearly this was a discussion the two of them had held many times before.
"Yeah, I thought as much..." Blaise looked down at his books. Goddess, this weekend was going to be hell for him. He was going to be around Ron all the time with no chance, no hope at all for the future.
"How about you?" Ron said, feeling a headache beginning but it was really nothing yet. "Are you gonna do a wizard bond with Harry? You've made him happier than I've ever seen him."
Blaise looked up, pain in his eyes for a brief moment. "Harry deserves so much more than the likes of me." He said softly, returning to his books.
Ron was a bit confused. "But... Harry and you... I mean... Harry seems so happy with you, and... and hell, even the Great White Ferret approves of it all."
"I will never hurt Harry," Blaise said softly, "but he has a life." he felt his depression returning, covering over him like a black veil. He had no chance. He would never be with Ron; he wasn't even sure if being around him would be enough, not anymore.
Ron touched his head with a frown, a wince betraying the fact that he was experiencing another headache. "Oh bloody buggering hell. Not again..." he mumbled as he felt it begin to intensify.
Hermione lowered her book, looking over at him. "Ron?"
"Nothing... just a bloody headache. Maybe I should get my eyes tested." he grumbled, grimacing now. "I'm so tired of my head hurting out of the blue like this."
"Is it bad...? Ronny, you know that Madame Pomfrey said for you to go to the hospital wing if it got bad again." Hermione said, rising.
"No, l think it'll be okay, really." he said, reluctant to go.
"Maybe I should go. " Blaise said softly, gazing worriedly at Ron.
"It's not you, Blaise, I just… these damn things just come on all the time. More and more, lately; Madam Pomfrey can't figure out why. She says it has to be something here at the castle that sets them off. I I hardly have them when I'm anywhere else." he gave him a sheepish grin, trying to pretend his headache was not as bad as it felt.
He didn't like how Ron was grimacing; he was sure the redhead was hiding as much pain as he could. "Can I get you something? A pain potion or something…?" Blaise offered, concerned.
"Yes, if it's not too much trouble, thanks…" Ron began in a grateful tone.
"I'll get it!" Hermione said, interrupting with a frown as she rose to her feet. There was no bloody way she was going to let Blaise play nursemaid to her boyfriend. "I most certainly can take care of him, and I don't need any of your help!" Her tone was acid as she spoke to Blaise.
"Hermione!" Ron frowned at her. "He's not doing anything wrong!"
Blaise rose. "I really should go." He said, gathering his books, his eyes lowered.
"Good idea." Hermione said acidly, moving to help Ron.
"Blaise, wait…!" Ron started but Blaise did not seem to hear him.
"Tell Harry I'll see him tomorrow." he said and slipped out, forgetting to get his discarded tie and robes as he hurried away.
Ron immediately rounded on Hermione, his anger flaring as he started to his feet. "Damn it, Hermione!" Ron scowled at her. "What the bloody hell are you doing? He was only offering to help!" he said, trying to ignore the escalating pounding in his head.
She was taken aback by his reaction. "Me? What did I do?"
"He wanted to help, and...Ah!" he grimaced in pain, pressing his palms against his temple as the pain intensified, making him see red. "Bloody fuck..." he whispered, eyes clamped shut as he sank back into his chair. Panting a moment or two he waited until the pain seemed to ease somewhat; he opened his eyes and he was still seeing little red spots. His gaze landed on Blaise's robes and tie as Hermione moved to him, her hands soft and cool as she started to help him up.
"Let's get you to the hospital wing…" she began.
He shook her hands off and pushed her away. "Let me be, I don't want your help right now." He said, managing to get to unsteady feet. He pulled his wand and summoned Blaise's things to him, snatching them deftly out of the air. "I'm going to take these back to Blaise."
"What? Ronald, no! You don't need to be traipsing around the castle, you need to either get upstairs and get some sleep or go to the hospital wing!" she said worriedly. "Blaise has other clothes; give them back to him in the morning!" she said, trying to take the items from him.
He shoved at her hands again and snatched up his disguised magazine as he turned his back on her. "I think I've had my fill of letting you tell me what to do and when to do it. I want to take these to Blaise and I'm going to do it right now, whether you like it or not!" he snapped, though it felt like a knife stabbed through his brain with every word. "And don't you come and try to help me, I want to do this myself!" he snarled, stalking away from her.
Hermione stared after him in a complete state of shock. He'd never stood up to her like that before and she wasn't sure how to take it.