Title: Truth behind the name and the lies pt.4
Pairings: DracoxHarry, twincest, OliverxPercy, RemusxSeverus, CharliexBlaise,ViktorxHermione, future BillxFleur. Future Stalker Ginny! Seamus and Colin *hides*
Fandom : HP
Notes: An abused boy finds out he's a wizard and a hero; his tormented mind rebels. One person sees through the misconceptions to the real Harry and treats him the way he deserves. How does this change them both and those around them.
Chapter 20 - Dragons and Blood Oaths
Charlie was exhausted, having to Apparate back and forth between his duties as a dragonologist and his mate was difficult. The main issue with the tournament was transport of the dragons. The preserve was not happy when he informed them that an unprecedented fourth champion had been selected and that a fourth dragon must be sent.
Dragomir Ionescue, the current director of the Harvey Ridgebit's Dragon Sanctuary was most displeased that they hadn't been informed until the day the team left with the dragons. Politicos didn't understand what an undertaking transporting dragons from Romania to Scotland was. It was a two minute trip Apparating, a four minute trip by International Portkey and a seven to ten minute trip by floo depending on traffic. Flying though natural for dragons was too dangerous, too many issues with anti-Muggle security. Travel by magical ship was out, forcing dragons even those under powerful stasis charms or anti-fire wards would go out of control if in contact with water for too long.
They were forced to travel by rail which unfortunately meant a 45 minute trip by underwater train from Calais, France to Dover, England. Hiding a Dragon Preserve in a Volcanic Range, part of the Maramures region in the Oriental Carpathians was difficult. Honestly, after this trip Charlie would very glad to see the back of this place. As the only Brit, some of his colleagues saw the failure of the British Ministry as a reflection of himself. Charlie was not happy…
In fact, he had already turned in his resignation; effective December 1. As much as he enjoyed working with dragons with the exception of being able to spend time with his mate nothing about his job seemed to matter much. He was actually looking forward to not having to go to work when Blaise went into breeding season, it would give him more time to get to know his mate.
He had reluctantly spent one night away from Blaise, it was late, very late when their train pulled into Hogsmeade Station.
He helped off-load the train, the dragons were very unhappy. The fire-breathing creatures had not responded well to the trip from Calais, France to Dover, England. The trip to the clearing he had selected was not far from the station, so easy access to the village for the Sanctuary Staff. He had only been assigned this task because he was the only staff member with intimate knowledge of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade being a former student.
It was nearly two in the morning when he managed to make it the room he was to share with his Blaise. He stumbled into the castle with a yawn, making his way to the fifth floor. He was forced to wake a disgruntled former potions master probably a Slytherin who he politely told the password.
The first thing he heard was whimpering.
"No. Don't. Please. Stop. Don't do this. Theo stop."
Charlie's heart raced, the privacy ward on their room only worked at keeping the sound inside. Blaisé's whimpering terrified him, Nott was in Azkaban. How could he hurt Blaise?
Blaise was in bed, thrashing. His whimpers getting louder, "Stop. Charlie, help me. Charlie."
Charlie moved to try to wake him.
Blaise flinched at the touch, his body curled up in a ball, "Don't do this. Stop hurting me."
Charlie muttered, "Excitare." casting the charm that would wake his lover.
Blaise woke gasping, "Merda! Dove si trova? Ero solo dormendo? Charlie? Tu sei qui. Grazie Merlin." He was shaking, he didn't often speak in Italian, just when he was upset or excited, or talking to his grandmother.
Charlie didn't know what Blaise was saying, he kissed his hair, "Talk to me Blaise. What happened?"
"Charlie. It was awful, he had me. I couldn't get away. I was so scared."
Charlie rubbed his back, just avoiding the places that would sexually excite his mate. "You're safe. I'm here now. Tell me what happened?"
"I started feeling sleepy right after dinner. I came back to our room and passed out. I found myself in my dream. In the dark, tied down and naked. Nott was there. Someone broke him out. He said he would finish what he started, he cast something that trapped my magic. I couldn't transform. I was helpless as he beat me, called me names and then…he started forcing things inside my body. All the while telling me he was going to rape me." Blaise broke down into sobs, "I couldn't wake up, I was trapped. I was so scared it was real. Thank you for waking me." he clung to his mate.
Charlie was furious, Blaise had been doing so well and now this? Something was wrong, Hogwarts was supposed to be the safest place and twice now Blaise had been hurt here. He growled, "Jocy."
The house elf appeared, "Tell Severus I need him."
"Yes master."
It took ten minutes for the portrait to swing open.
Severus and Remus stepped into the bedroom.
Severus sensed Dark Magic, he examined Blaise, "Someone cast a Dark spell. He shows traces of a Sleeping draught. Not one of mine. This potion works with the dark spell." he pointed his wand at Blaise, "Aperio caligo." he read the spell's residual magical signature.
"What did you cast?" Charlie snapped.
"Relax. It's a spell of my own creation. It reveals Dark Magic. Someone cast a nasty curse on Blaise. The Nightmare Curse." Severus said quietly.
Remus grumbled, "Not even safe at Hogwarts? This supposed to be peaceful. Isn't He Who Must Not Be Named dead?"
Severus shook his head, "Reared his snakehead back in 1991. Tried to take the Philosopher's stone for it's Immortal qualities. The boys also helped destroy a Horcrux the Dark Lord made using a fang from Slytherin's Basilisk."
Blaise whispered from Charlie's arms, "You forgot Harry. Dark Lord made him a Horcrux too."
Charlie looked at Severus, still irate. "How do I protect him? Can you tell me who cast this curse?"
"What was the nightmare?"
'Nott escaped Azkaban. Kidnapped Blaise. Tortured him. Threatened to rape him." Charlie snarled as he tried to calm his shaking mate.
Severus looked at Remus, "Someone who knows about the attack, used it against Blaise. Knowing that Blaise wouldn't have forgotten the incident. He has only been back two nights."
Remus nodded sadly, "He is in the castle or has access to someone who does."
"Who? Who did this?" Charlie was being highly protective of Blaise, seeing his mate terrified again was like a knife to his heart. He leaves Blaise's side and he is attacked. Why? What did hurting Blaise accomplish? He understood why Lucius was out for blood. He wanted this person, this monster who took pleasure in tormenting his mate dead. If only so Blaise would be free to recover from this trauma.
"We think Albus Dumbledore was behind the first attack. Nott received a letter in Dumbledore's handwriting and it was the reason for why Blaise was cornered." Severus began.
"Why Blaise? What did he do to the former Headmaster?"
Remus shrugged letting Severus explain.
"He sent Harry to an abusive Muggle family. He tried to manipulate Harry's friendships. Confounded the Sorting hat to place Harry in Gryffindor when he belonged in Slytherin. He is suspected of placing both Lucius and Sirius under the Imperius curse. Lucius was instrumental in the dismissal of Dumbledore as Headmaster and the Wizengamot case. Dumbledore was fired as Headmaster, fined by both the Wizengamot and the Gringotts. He is left practically penniless. He must be using Blaise to get to Lucius." Severus said sadly.
Charlie was furious, "Professor Dumbledore is after my mate? He's putting Blaise in danger? I'll kill him. I can't let anyone hurt my Blaise. He's suffered enough." he would get Lucius to help him file a Blood Feud against just Dumbledore, not the family. There was no one left right?
Remus was shocked, Charlie seemed like an even-tempered guy usually. Now, the dragon tamer was out for blood.
Severus nodded, "We'll see you later. Blaise needs rest."
Charlie held Blaise close as their guests showed themselves out. "I won't let anyone hurt you again. I already turned in my resignation to the Sanctuary. I will be jobless as of the beginning of December."
Blaise closed his eyes, "Thank you for walking me."
"I'm sorry I wasn't here for you love. Rest. I'll protect you. I swear." He would…
XoooooX
Lucius was sitting at breakfast on November 17 when a barn owl landed near him, he held out a bit of sausage before he opened the parchment.
'I, Amelia Miranda Bones, Minister for Magic do authorize Lucius Malfoy, guardian to Blaise Zabini and Charles Octavian Weasley, the intended of Blaise Zabini the rite of Blood Feud. Activities of said Blood Feud must be documented as dictated by the rite. All assets of the Nott family is to be placed in trust for Mister Blaise Zabini. At the event of his Bonding, said assets revert to the care of Mister Charles Weasley.
Blood Feud activities must be overseen by Head of Magical Law Enforcement, Kingsley Shacklebolt. He will make the necessary arrangements at Azkaban.'
Lucius smirked, "I knew she would approve of it."
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, "Approve what?"
"Charlie and I filed for the Rite of Blood Feud against Nott." Lucius sipped his coffee and tapped the parchment.
Narcissa blanched, "Blood Feud?"
"After what he did and tried to do to Blaise does he deserve any less?"
"I thought you were only considering it." Narcissa said quietly.
"I decided that I wanted to make a show of force, so few will challenge us. I am making a statement. I protect my own and I see attacks on honorary members just as if they attacked blood family."
"I see. You won't leave it alone and let it go?"
Lucius stared at her, "He attacked our family, that comes with consequences. For every bruise he made on Blaisé's body, Theodore Nott will pay in blood."
Narcissa's heart twisted, Theo had grown up with her sons. To know that Theo had done that to Blaise broke her heart, if Theo's mother had lived would she have allowed him to turn out this way? How could Theo turn on Blaise like that? Her eldest son was shy, slightly drawn into himself thanks to his dead father and a birth mother who didn't remember him. "You are my lord." her eyes filled with tears, she knew her husband's hands were stained with blood but this was blood she knew.
Lucius sighed, "You never liked Nott anyway. You said he was an the most insufferable fool and worshipped the Dark Lord's shadow too much. You warned me to be careful of him. You were right."
"I didn't want to be right." Narcissa stood and left the Dining room, heading for her music room.
Charlie stormed in, "There was an attack on Blaise last night."
Lucius was stunned, "What?"
Charlie poured himself coffee, "Professor Snape said it was the Nightmare curse. Blaise dreamed that Nott kidnapped him, beat him and raped him with objects while threatening to rape him himself."
Lucius hissed, "Dumbledore."
"I want his head. If he did this, the only way to stop him is to kill him."
Lucius tapped the parchments, "The Blood Feud against the Nott Family has been approved."
"Can we file against Dumbledore? If he is the one behind attacks on my mate, I want his blood."
Lucius was surprised at Charlie's vehemence, "I thought you weren't interested in participating in a Blood Feud."
"I wasn't until I came home to Blaise so terrified he flinched when I tried to touch him. Someone cursed him into a nightmare of being tortured by a boy who attacked him. He was just starting to get past it. I was gone for one night and this happened." Charlie paced. "I will be free from my obligations to the dragon sanctuary as of the first of December. I turned in my letter of resignation. Blaise needs me too much."
"Don't coddle him. He has been through something terrible but he needs to rise above it and prove he isn't weak." Lucius said sipping his coffee.
"Blaise isn't weak! He is traumatized. I love him and he needs me. I'll do anything so he feels safe. If making sure Nott can't hurt him again helps him, I'll do it. If Dumbledore is behind this, I want his blood."
Lucius held up his hands, "Alright. We need to investigate more. This second attempt gives us more time to prove he is behind the attacks on Blaise. You can claim the rite of Blood Vengeance against Dumbledore."
"What is that?"
"It takes less evidence to gain authorization for and considering that his brother Aberforth was instrumental in the case against Albus, a Blood Feud would be foolish. They are estranged and I doubt Aberforth would lift a finger in retribution." Lucius shrugged.
"Find where Dumbledore is. I want him to suffer if he did this to my mate. Blaise doesn't deserve this. He is highly emotional, it's his first breeding season and I don't like him terrified. He needs me to support him now." Charlie snapped.
Lucius nodded, "Very well. You handle him. Tomorrow. Be here at four in the afternoon. We must begin our Blood Oath just after sunset and it must be concluded before Moonrise."
Charlie stalked out, "Very well."
Perhaps, there was more to this Weasley then meets the eye…
XoooooX
Lucius had prepared everything; the ancient wine, the cup and the knife. He had scrubbed himself and put on a clean robe.
He had water simmering over an open flame, a cleansing potion beside it and a coarse brown robe for Charlie.
Charlie wandered into the ceremonial space in the Manor's dungeons, "Lucius I am here."
"Hurry, strip and wash. We haven't much time."
Charlie washed, dried himself with a cleaning spell before putting the robe on. He stood at the edge of the circle.
Lucius stood in the center of the pentacle within the circle burned into the floor of the room. "Did you review the ritual I sent you?"
Charlie nodded.
At four fifteen exactly, Lucius lit the blue candle that rest on a crude wooden table that also bore the Chalice of Loyalty and Dagger of Shadows. "Speak your Oath to the Bones of my Ancestors."
"I, Charles Octavian Weasley, second son of Arthur Caius Weasley, do swear fealty to the House of Malfoy. I will protect the members of this house regardless of relation by blood, marriage or adoption equally. My Bonding to Blaise Zabini will serve to strengthen my tie to this House. I will protect them with the sweat of my brow, the upmost limits of my magic and my own blood if needed. An attack on one, is an attack on all. I seal this oath with my blood." he sliced his palm, letting the blood mix with the wine in the goblet.
"I, Lucius Abraxus Malfoy, Lord and Head of the House of Malfoy do hear and accept your oath. This oath knows no limit and needs no renewal. The shedding of your blood and mine makes us kin. You are charged to defend those I deem family. I accept your request to Bond with my ward Blaise Zabini. Your Oath to protect us, I deem binding. if you do knowingly break of this oath, you shall suffer terrible wounds which may not be healed for seven years and seven days. I seal this oath with my blood, the blood of the House of Malfoy." Lucius also took the blade drawing his own blood, when the desired amount joined Charlie's blood and the wine he reached to press his bleeding palm to Charlie's before he held the goblet to Charlie's lips to drunk.
Charlie drank and then held the chalice to Lucius' lips.
Lucius drank the last of the blood and wine. "As it is sworn, so let it be."
A flash of silver chains wrapped around their wrists, as the Malfoy family wand leaping to circle both hands and chalice.. There was a thunderous cry, 'purity always conquers'.
Lucius smirked, "Blessed by the Family wand. I knew the Blood Oath and Feud was the right choice. Purity of action and honor always conquers would be an interpretation of the motto that Draco would approve of."