Review offering insight to the story:
"Well, it's a darn good thing that I held off on my untimly demise! This is literaly the best chapter so far! I have loved all of the romance and the brothers bonding, but I think that it wasn't until this chapter that we have gotten to see the depths of your writing skills. The whole section of Voldemort and Lucius was fantastic. I could really "see" what was going on. I must confess that I wasn't sure how well your transcition was going to be as far as romance/action. I really think that you did well." - Cullenfreak of FanFiction net.
Blood Is Thicker Than Tears
Chapter Twenty-One
Hermione stood, leaning on the ledge of her window. The sun was setting far in the distance, throwing the sky into a frenzy of colours. She hadn't seen Harry or Draco since lunch, when they had ran off without an explanation. It wasn't like them to leave her out of things, but she figured it had to be rather important. Something that maybe didn't effect her so much. Hearing the thud of feet outside her room, she ventured away from the window to see what the ruckus was.
"Did you have any idea?" Harry asked.
"Not really. I kind of hoped," Draco answered. "She's a nice woman, I think."
"I think so too." He agreed.
Hermione opened the door, to find them grinning at each other broadly. "Where have you two been?" she asked, curiously.
"We were talking to our-" Harry started.
"Godmother," Draco finished.
Hermione's eyes widened and her jaw dropped. "You're what?"
"Our," the Slytherin boy began.
"Godmother," the Gryffindor brother ended without missing a beat; smiling.
"What? But- I don't- I thought- Who?" She shook her head, confused and excited all at once.
"Professor Height," Harry started.
"Really Professor Black," Draco interrupted.
Hermione stared at them confused.
"She married Sirius," the raven haired brother informed her. "Back when they were about eighteen."
"And completely in love," the dirty-blonde boy affixed, smiling lightly at Hermione.
"She was best friends with out mother-" Harry nodded, his face ready to break at any moment from the giant grin adorning it.
"And our dad's cousin, but then his parents adopted her, so she's kind of our aunt." He shook his head. "In any case, she's our Godmother."
The one word held so much inside it that neither boy could help exclaiming loudly whenever it met their lips. Their eyes lit up more so every time they uttered the prized position of the woman. In just a few hours they had found they had a real future with a woman who would love them for a lifetime, if only they agreed to let her.
"Where was she?" Hermione implored, crossing the room to them.
"In hiding," Harry informed her sadly. "Death Eaters were searching for her, in case she had information on where I was taken. She technically had custody of us but everyone thought we'd be in danger with her." He looked away. "Lupin, I think was a little hesitant about her mental state at that time."
"Why is that?" Her brow furrowed.
"Well, she lost Sirius to Azkaban and..." He stared at the floor mournfully. "In the explosion Pettigrew caused, her two-year old daughter was killed. What was her name again, Draco?" he inquired.
"Alshain," Draco supplied. "Alshain Chara Black." He shook his head. "Yet another family member we lost."
Harry nodded. "Yes, I remember now."
"Beautiful name," Hermione said, smiling sadly. "She was taken so young. Never had a chance to live. Professor Height-Black, what should I call her?" She frowned, shaking her head. "Well, she must've been deeply hurt."
"Terribly." Harry nodded. "Our parents were killed, Sirius was taken, and her daughter was murdered, she had no one left but us."
"She really wanted to find us," Draco added on, "but nobody would tell her where we were." He frowned, a crease forming between his brow. "It seems the people who really matter are never privy to where we're hidden but those who are dangerous always seem to find us." He sighed, his happiness becoming lost.
"At least she's here now," Hermione reminded him. "It's so wonderful for both of you." She smiled happily. "I want to hear all about it."
Taking her arms, they led her to a couch and explained all that had happened from top to bottom. Often finishing each others sentences and not being bothered by the fact. Their excited demeanor made Hermione's heart jump. She hadn't seen them this happy since, well, she'd never seen Draco this happy ever. With Harry, he had his moments with Sirius, but the pain and loss that followed was an unhappy feeling that consumed anything that was.
Later that night, when Harry finally said he was going to get some sleep, his smile was still shining for all to see. Kissing Hermione chastely on her forehead, he clapped Draco's shoulder and told them he'd see them in the morning. He left the room, standing with his head held a little higher than usual.
Sighing, Hermione absorbed the emotional happiness surrounding her. It was so incredibly good to feel something other than worry. Feeling the warmth of Draco's arm around her shoulder, she leaned her head on his chest. The steady beat of his heart seemed to wind her down from the frenzy of news she had just taken in. Her eyes flittered open and closed, fighting to stay awake. The comfort of his embrace was enough to fall asleep in.
Reminding herself she shouldn't enjoy it too much she almost pulled away. However, sleep was calling to her and the sweet comfort she was already feeling was too much too leave. Deciding she would let herself enjoy him even if it was for just this moment, would be alright for now. She'd just have to be more resilient to her feelings in the future. Otherwise, the hole begging her to let Draco fill it, would be too much to say no to.
Draco's fingers lightly spun circles over Hermione's bare arm. He was deep in thought about what the new family member would mean. Being that she was Sirius' wife and wanted a real relationship, it made her look pretty high up there in Harry's eyes. Though Draco was a little more suspicious, there was an ache in his heart that wanted to be filled.
He knew that Narcissa was gone and she'd never come back. He understood that Lily and his dad wanted the best for him, and they had chosen Falesha to provide that. Harry had never really had parents, and Draco realized that his brother looked to Sirius as a father figure. While they had spoken of Molly Weasley always trying to be that motherly effigy in his life, she just wasn't enough for him. Perhaps Falesha would be able to fill that void.
Though life seemed to be picking up with the day's news, Draco had the unnerving feeling that something heinous was lingering in the background. It seemed that the last seven weeks had been a flurry of action. From losing his parents to finding out he had a long-lost Godmother. From becoming friends with Harry to being his brother. From a crush on Hermione to feeling like there was nothing more in the world that he could love as much as her. Quidditch, would-be murders, attacks from all Houses, mostly in the form of glaring, and all the lies surrounding his family had just kept him so involved in everything.
It felt good to just take a breather, to enjoy Hermione's light breathing as she slept peacefully against him. Those days he had wasted wishing life were different, praying that she would turn around and realize he was it, he wanted them all back. He wanted to go back and spend them with Harry and Hermione where he wouldn't be sad or sulking.
Life was far too short and he wasn't entirely sure that he'd live to see eighteen. So why waste it wishing for something when he could try and make it happen? There was no reason to believe that Hermione couldn't love him. That she couldn't see him as something so much more than a friend. He vowed then, while looking down at her angelic sleeping face, that he would not stand in the background. He would show her just how much he truly loved her.
When Harry arrived back at Gryffindor Tower, he was surprised to see a pacing Ron in the Common Room. Furrowing his brow, he walked over to his best mate questioningly. "What's wrong?"
Turning, his eyes wide and angry, he scowled. "What's wrong?" He laughed, annoyed. "You've been gone since lunch. Nobody knows where ya went. I ask 'Mione an' all she 'as to say is that you ran off in a hurry with Draco." He threw his arms up in angry confusion. "Ever since you an' Draco have gotten close, I hardly see you."
Harry stood completely thrown off; he didn't think he was really ignoring Ron that much. Sure he'd been spending a lot of time with Draco, but that was to be expected. They were trying to get to know each other; to understand one another better. He realized his mistake though. He had left Ron to himself, thinking he'd just cope with it. What he really should've done was spoken to him about it and made time for him too. He sighed, feeling like the biggest jerk possible.
"I really am sorry," Harry said, staring at the floor glumly. "I shouldn't have ignored you. I should've let you know what was happening." He smiled. "Actually, something really incredible happened." He looked at his best friend imploringly. "If you're willing to listen, I'd really like you to hear it."
Frowning, Ron nodded. "What happened?"
Grinning, Harry informed him of the afternoon. Starting with the hidden ink on the parchment that Hermione easily corrected, the crazy hallway, Dumbledore's confusing message, Professor Height's explanation of Sirius' wife, Lupin's arrival, to the real identity of Falesha. With a deep inhale and a broad grin, he stared at Ron expectantly.
"Wow," Ron said heavily. "So... what happens now? You'll be living with her? You're not going to come back and stay with me? Mum's going to be pretty upset." He shook his head. "You remember how she acted whenever you were with Sirius."
Harry sighed, his smile falling away. "Would it kill you to say, 'That's great mate. I'm really happy for you,'?"
"Well I'm sorry," Ron shouted, his face burning red. "This isn't just affecting you, you know! You may have a new family member, but what does it mean to the people who thought they were your family?" He crossed his arms and turned away, "Huh? What about my mum? She's always felt like a mother to you. Now, you've got Professor Height to be that. She'll be hurt." He nodded.
Ron went quiet for awhile, standing in angry silence. "And then there's me," he suddenly said, sadly. "We won't be brothers now." His jaw clenched. "But I guess you already have a brother." Turning, he left for his room.
"Ron," Harry called out after him. "Ron, don't go." He sighed. "Can we please talk about this?" He stared after his quickly retreating form.
The happiness of the days events began to weigh on him; what he said was very true. If he agreed to live with Falesha, which he and Draco hadn't done yet, then he'd be giving up the Weasley family. Not entirely; he'd still visit and his friendship with Ron would never fade. But he wouldn't be like their adopted son, which Molly Weasley had deeply wanted. Harry was confused as to what should be done. A real family could be found in either circumstance.
However, Falesha was who his parents wanted. She was Sirius' wife, which meant so very much in Harry's mind. If Sirius loved and trusted her, then she had to be a good person. She seemed like a nice woman, never acting like his other aunt, or the many cruel people he'd come to know in his life. Falesha seemed like someone who really would care for them, watch over their safety, and always make sure they had everything they needed.
It was always hard for Harry to imagine people actually cared about him. To think that perhaps not everyone would stick him in a small space beneath the stairs. To understand that there were people in the world who would put his safety before anything else. Those who would give their lives for him; which was a sad reality. He'd already lost so many people because of the safety measures they had taken in caring for him.
He just wanted to end all of the killing. The War of Light and Dark had been lingering for years. Voldemort always stood in the background of everything. Whether he was just coming back, in way of Quirrel's head, or in full body form. He was the root of the evil that plagued the Wizarding world. He was the reason the people Harry cared for were hurt, dead, lonely, sad. He caused his parents deaths. Sirius' loss of his daughter, capture, death. Falesha's need to go into hiding after losing everything she cared for. Draco's painful upbringing in the Malfoy family. Harry's life beneath the stairs at the Dursleys, while he didn't force him beneath them, he certainly made it so he had to live with the vile family who hated him so. Because of Voldemort, Harry's friends had almost lost their lives more times than he could count. From first year to their seventh, they'd been put into situations that only the bravest of the brave could live through.
Harry didn't know when the War would be laid out in front of him. He didn't know how he was going to have any chance of defeating Voldemort. He didn't know how many would die for the cause. He did know that in the end, he'd be able to say that he gave him one hell of a fight. He would not die without putting all the courage he could gather into that one last battle. He and Draco would stand side by side and they would do all they could to kill that which had murdered many good wizards and witches. And when he was lying on the ground, awaiting his death, Harry would tell him that he was nothing more than a coward; a coward that would die for ruining every bit of his life.
Hermione, Draco, Harry, and a sulken Ron walked down the excited area of Hogsmeade. The Ball was the very next night and they still hadn't picked up their costumes. Ron's hands were pressed roughly in his pockets, his back slumped slightly as he glared at the ground. Harry had a small smile on his face as he looked about at the frenzy of kids who ran in and out of stores. Draco's arm was wrapped around Hermione's as he glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Hermione's other arm was encircled with Harry's, she grinned out at the crowd of students who would be attending the Ball she and Draco had designed.
"Hermione," a delighted female called out from behind.
While she turned, the two boys had to go with her. Luna Lovegood, hurried over, beaming at them. "You must come with me, I found the most incredible costume and I want you to be the judge." She rolled her eyes. "Padma said it wasn't me, but I think it's because she wants it for herself."
Hermione chuckled. "Alright, I'll come." Letting go of the twins arms, she smiled at them. Cocking her eyebrow at Harry, she ran off with Luna.
"What was that about?" Draco asked him.
"Hmm?" Harry said, still staring off at the two girls. "Oh nothing." He shrugged, turning back to keep walking.
"Hey Ron," Draco called across to him. "Did you hear about who's on this month's Quidditch mag? Kasey Rowling!" He scoffed. "He's hardly as great as his brother. Joe has so much more skill!"
"Kasey was on the front?" Ron asked, his eyes wide. "That's impossible! Are you sure it was him and not Joe? I mean they do look quite a lot a like."
Draco shook his head. "No, it was definitely Kasey." He sighed, annoyed. "Who are they getting to write these articles anyhow? I mean last month it was Les Brogne." His face was covered in disgusted disbelief. "He's one of the worst seekers known in Quidditch history."
"I agree." Ron nodded. "Last year, they were much better at picking covers. Do you remember the one with Sebastian Thatcher?"
"That was a great article." Draco grinned. "I went to a practice last year and I was able to talk to him."
"Are you bloody serious?" Ron exclaimed. "You are one lucky bloke. Last I heard, a reporter stepped in on practice and Thatcher asked the beater to bludgeon him!"
He laughed. "Well that certainly never happened to me. He's a real nice guy too. Gave me a couple autographed jerseys." He smiled. "Hey, if you want, you can have one," he offered.
"Really?" Ron asked, incredulously.
"Sure." Draco nodded. "You'll have to wait until tomorrow though."
"One day won't kill me." He grinned.
"Why?" Harry asked.
He stayed quiet for a moment, but finally answered. "It's back at Malfoy manor." Draco shrugged as if it was no big deal.
"So how are you getting it?" he asked, suspiciously.
He sighed. "I'm going to sneak back in," he explained, quietly. "Tonight."
"You have got to be kidding me!" Harry half-shouted.
Staring away, Draco glowered in silence.
Grabbing his arm, Harry spun his brother around and stared at him; his face was twisted in anger. "And when exactly had you planned to tell me you were going to do this?"
"I didn't plan on telling you," Draco admitted, his gaze still avoiding Harry's.
"That's what I thought." He shoved his shoulder. "You can't go in there." He shook his head. "Do you have any idea what he'll do to you if he finds you?" His eyes bulged, with concern.
"This is why I didn't want to tell you." Draco's eyes thinned. "I know what he'll do." He shook his head. "But there are things in that house that are mine and I'm not going to leave them there for him to destroy."
"What things are worth your life?" Harry yelled. "Huh?" He ran his hand over his hair in frustration. "Even if he doesn't kill you, he'll put you through hell."
"I know," he answered, his voice soft like a whisper.
"No, I don't think you do." His face was flushed, his eyes were glossy, and his fists were clenched. "I don't think you've thought this through at all. Lucius will destroy you. Do you understand that?"
"I know that," Draco shouted. "I know. I lived it. Remember?" His stared at him with wide, hurt eyes. "I lived through that hell for sixteen years. So don't tell me that I don't know what'll happen if he finds me there." His breathing was heavy and labored.
He looked away, his eyes reddening. "Listen to me," He said calmly. "I know how to get in without being noticed. I can do this."
Harry stared away from him, his jaw clenched tightly.
Grabbing his shoulder, Draco turned his brother to him. "I can do this. I need to get in there." He shook his head. "You can't stop me."
He sighed. "Then I'm going with you."
Draco's head shook vehemently. "No way."
"You can't stop me," he reiterated. "I'm going in there with you. I'll help you grab what you need."
"I'll help too," Ron joined in. "And don't tell me I'm not going because I am." He nodded curtly. "The only person we have to make sure doesn't follow is 'Mione."
"I know you guys have gone into dangerous situations, but are you sure you can do this?" he asked, his eyes going back and forth between them."
They nodded confidently.
Draco sighed. "Fine. But we don't tell anyone. We get in and out, as fast as possible. No hanging around for any reason at all." He looked at Ron. "And don't go anywhere near the kitchen." He frowned. "The sweets jar is a trap." He stared at him forcefully. "I mean it."
"What kind of a trap?" he asked, curiously.
"One that will seriously hurt you," he said, his face stern. "And Ron's right, we don't tell Hermione."
"Tell me what?" An interested voice asked from behind.
Turning, they stared at Hermione. Her arms were crossed as she stared at them with a pert smile.
"What are you boys hiding?" she asked, her brow cocking.
They chuckled, nervously, looking between each other.
"W-What do you mean 'Mione?" Ron asked, chuckling. "We're not hiding anything. We'd never keep anything from you."
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "It's not really something hidden, exactly. It's more of a..." He looked around, trying to come up with something, "Surprise!" He smiled. "Just for you, for the Ball." He lied off the top of his head.
Draco stared at them, shaking his head. "Right," he said, his voice deep. "A surprise for the Ball." He smiled. "Can't wait to give you your surprise." He chuckled at the side meaning, before Harry and Ron glared at him.
Her eyes thinned, "A surprise? What do the three of you take me for? A twit?" She rolled her eyes. "Seriously, I want to know what you're all planning and I want to know now." She emphasized the last word, loudly. He hands raised, resting on her hips. She stared at them, waiting, her foot tapping impatiently.
Their shoulders slumped, sighing.
Hermione paced Draco's bedroom as he sat comfortably on his bed, watching her with an amused smile. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail and she had dressed in a simple pair of jeans with a black t-shirt that read: "Hexy!" An interesting play on the word sexy, which apparently she didn't think she was. He certainly thought different but thought it was a bad time to say so.
"It's really not that bad," he said, for the sixth time that day. They had informed her of his plan that afternoon and she hadn't stopped voicing her concerns since. Trying to redirect her attention he asked about her costume, she simply waved him off and continued on ranting about the problems with his idea to sneak into his childhood home.
"Not that bad?" she asked, her brow fused together. "We're breaking into Malfoy Manor, where the man who wants you dead is probably waiting." She shook her head. "How is that not bad?"
"After he... After my mom, he probably left. He probably thought that Dumbledore would send someone over to pick him up on murder charges." He shrugged, "I bet he hasn't been back there since."
"Why didn't he?" she wondered, stopping mid-pace.
"I'm not sure. Perhaps he did and Lucius wasn't there, I wasn't told." He shook his head. "In any case, I'll bet he's left."
"What if he's still there?" she asked, throwing her arms in the air with frustration. "He could seriously hurt you Draco," she said, softly. Staring at him with teary eyes, she sighed, turning away and crossing her arms.
Climbing off the bed, he walked to her. Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his chin on her shoulder. "I'm going to be fine," he told her. "So are Harry and Ron. And especially you, since you are not coming!"
Turning her face slightly, she rested it against his chest. "Yes I am," she said simply.
"I mean it Hermione," he said, seriously. "You aren't coming. I want you to stay here."
Unwrapping his arms, she turned around. He stood up straight, so she had to look up to stare into his eyes. "I'm not letting three boys run off into a dangerous situation." She shook her head. "It's practically a death mission. I'm the only one who'll keep you three from losing your heads." She pressed her hands against his chest. "I'm going Draco, and that's final."
His arms looped around her and held her against him. "He'll kill you on spot if he sees you." He shook his head. "I know he will."
"Then I'll just have to stay out of his way," she said simply. "Besides, you said he's probably not there."
"You have to stay with one of us at all times," he told her. "And if you hear anything, anything at all, you either run or hide." He pulled back and stared down into her eyes sternly. "I mean it. Don't try and be the hero this time."
She didn't answer right away, instead staring up at him. Licking her lips, she nodded, her eyes falling away. "Okay."
There was a knock at the door, before it opened. "Are you guys ready?" Harry asked.
They turned and stared at him.
"Yeah," Hermione answered. Untangling herself, she squeezed his hand. "Lets do this."
He nodded shortly. Looking over to Harry, he sighed.
"Mione, could you give Ron some chocolate? It'll calm him down a bit," Harry asked.
"Sure," she said, leaving the room.
"Are you ready for this?"
Draco nodded. "I really didn't want her to come." He ran his hand over his face. "I didn't want any of you to." He stared at him. "This could be incredibly dangerous."
"I know." He nodded understandingly. "Which is why we're all going."
Reaching out, he put his hand down on his shoulder heavily. "Stay safe."
"You too." He nodded.
Walking out of the room, they were met with Ron and Hermione staring at them confidently. Glancing around at one another, they inhaled deeply.
"Just one more adventure to add to the pile," Harry said, trying to lighten everyone up.
"In and out, simple as that," Draco told them.
"Right," Ron agreed. "And let's not get caught sneaking back into the castle either." He shook his head. "Last time I wasn't allowed dessert for a week." He told them, horrified.
They laughed lightly, their bodies becoming less tense.
"Let's get this over with," Hermione said. "I have homework to do."
"I think next month's homework can wait," Harry joked.
She chuckled, "Perhaps."
"Everybody ready?" Draco asked them, seriously.
"Ready," they all agreed.
A/N Thanks for reading. Please review!