January 20th, 1999
Hogwarts
After an uneasy night spent tossing and turning on the bed, Hermione took breakfast at the Gryffindor table, observing Harry and the twinkle in his eyes, his annoying cheerfulness and bonhomie; disturbing because they were always on display. The fact was that everyone could insult him and he didn't react, like in the case of Smith's attacks. She pondered why no one had noticed this.
In her mind, she imagined someone noticing, like brave Dean or Justin, and going to speak with Harry about his strange behavior. No doubt Dumbledore would obliviate them ruthlessly.
Draco was seated at the Hufflepuff table, where Justin gently chided him for being out of it. They started talking about the firm. Justin asked, "What will we call it, Draco?"
The blond replied worriedly, "Malfoy & Finch-Fletchley, of course. We'll be the best solicitors the world has seen!"
Justin whined, "Why do you have to go away to Salamanca?"
"It's where the Law school for magic is located. I'd be following precedent going there!"
Justin muttered as he replied, "Why don't you go to Oxford with me? I know you are not so keen on traditions now. Come on, it'll be fun." Then Justin dangled a very powerful carrot in front of the blond Slytherin. "You can watch all sorts of movies and drink cola whenever you want!"
Draco pondered as he replied, "That will need looking into, Justin. I'll have to think about that!"
Justin inquired, "Why are you so gloomy, Draco? Something bad is going to happen?"
Draco replied, "I don't know, Justin, I can't imagine."
Changing the topic, Justin asked, "What do you know about werewolf legislation?"
Draco replied, "I've heard they are discriminated against. They have difficulty holding a job, they are made to register and they cannot have children. It's a disastrous situation. They need all the help they can get."
The blond asked, "But what about gay marriage, Justin, how is the situation here?"
"Gay marriage is allowed in parts of Europe. Currently it is not permitted in Britain. A thing that should be private, between two individuals, has become a clarion call to stop reform. One day, Mr. Jameson, a friend of dad's, received a phone call. It seemed his partner had a serious infection and was taken to the hospital. The partner stayed there 72 hours, and Mr. Jameson was not allowed to visit, because their relationship was not recognized by the State. I saw how the man suffered. It's a ghastly reminder of some people's pettiness."
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Ron was trying desperately to convince Hermione to go to Hogsmeade with him next weekend. After Harry was successful and got Mr. Weasley, the Minister of Magic, out of Muggle jail, Ron felt elated.
But when Hermione had triumphantly pointed out to him that the Marriage Law was invalid and they didn't have to marry, Ron felt deflated. Hermione tried to convince him that she still loved him, but she needed time to live a little, explore the world and find her niche.
Therefore Ron was intent on seducing Hermione, and he knew that a good Hogsmeade weekend could work wonders towards that goal. He'd even thought of going to Madam Puddifoot's.
Ron shouted to Hermione's retreating back, "Come on, Mione! Go there with me, we'll have fun!"
Hermione turned slowly and faced Ron. She'd never look more beautiful in Ron's eyes. Her wild hair, as free as she was; her beautiful, thoughtful face; the imperceptible scowl in her face, her shapely figure. She was dressed in a simple uniform and robe, and yet she made them her own.
She said, "I have important things to do, Ron! I must prepare for final exams, I must revise my notes, and I must tutor some young Gryffindors. There's no time to go to Hogsmeade right now." She paused as she saw Ron's hurt expression.
She added softly, "Maybe next week. I definitely want to go. Just let me program it in my schedule, ok?"
Draco had entered the Slytherin common room and was walking to his room when he was tackled from behind. He found himself with an armful of Harry. He kissed the brunet thoroughly and enjoyed it very much until he remembered the hors crux problem.
They stopped, and Harry sat down on the edge of the bed. He seemed a little fidgety as he said, "What's the matter, Draco? We haven't been together for some time. Have you grown tired of me?"
Draco knew that the next minutes would prove to be pivotal, as he hastily raised his Occlumency shields. Then he met Harry's intense stare. His green eyes twinkled. His intent expression at that moment looked more like Dumbledore's than like his sweet Harry's.
Before this year started, Harry's sweet side had been reserved for his friends. But he had watched avidly, as he did in all things involving Harry Potter. He watched the interactions of Harry with his friends, and he knew intimately that sweet expression, though it hadn't been directed to him at all. Until Dumbledore started to express himself.
It was very strange; to be cognizant of the fact that Dumbledore influenced Harry to such a degree, to eagerly desire for Harry's freedom without being assured of his love.
As far as Harry was concerned, when he returned to his senses, all this time might appear like a fog, and he would seek refuge in the person he trusted the most: Ginny Weasley.
So Draco was windbound, too. He was subjected to contrary winds and could not sail homeward until Harry's shackles were destroyed and the Gryffindor free.
Draco met Harry's stare head on. He held the Gryffindor's eyes as he employed his Slytherin qualities of cunning and misdirection to the maximum. He responded to Harry's query, "I'll never grow tired of you, my Harry. The truth is, I find this school year to be very taxing. Also I've got you to care for. The Marriage Law also wreaked havoc in my private time while it lasted. In its aftermath, I must deal with some business left undone.
"But you're always on my mind, Harry." Draco stood up and grabbed his bag, saying "Here, you can help me with this!" Draco took out a large sheaf of parchment from his bag and gave it to Harry, saying, "I need to write an essay about the magical qualities of imaginary roots of higher-level equations. It's for Arithmancy, so I have to quote the source notes. Will you help me, sweet Harry?"
His curiosity having been assuaged at the moment, Harry proceeded to nod sadly and fell to reading the boring manuscripts.
Draco saw Harry's sad expression and all his stern resolve flew out the window. He needed to communicate with Harry without Dumbledore's interference, but how to accomplish that?
Draco stood up and took two brooms. He said cordially to Harry, "Want to fly with me, Harry?"
After Draco reassured Harry he'd do his work later, Harry enthusiastically nodded and the boys went out of the Slytherin Common Room. They passed the Great Hall, reached the doors and kept going to the Quidditch Pitch.
Draco flew on his broom, happy to be flying in the Quidditch Pitch. He looked for Harry and didn't find him.
Harry was gleeful at the prospect of flying with Draco. It seemed he was of two minds about it, one part wanted to return to Hogwarts and leave the flying for later as unimportant, the other part wanted to soar like an Eagle.
So Harry decided to act like an Eagle. He transformed into his Animagus form and took off to surprise and harass Draco.
Draco was still looking for the elusive Harry when he observed peripherically a dark shape approaching. He thought it might be a bat or something, but the shape turned out to be a bird. The animal flew alongside him and pecked not so gently his fingers!
Draco was outraged with the eagle or gyrfalcon or whatever, until he observed carefully the animal's unruly head feathers, and his intense green eyes.
Those green eyes were a giveaway, but what convinced Draco was the unruly mop of feathers. He shouted with glee, "Potter! Nice Animagus form! Who would expect you to turn into such a bulky roadrunner?" Draco was doing one of the things he did best: needle Harry. He liked it very much; he even enjoyed being needled back by Harry.
What he had not expected was for an enraged eagle to jump and perch in his broom, while flying, and start pecking energetically his fingers until they bled. Draco took out his wand, careful not to lose the grip on his broomstick, and cast Healing charms on his fingers.
Draco dealt with the irate bird saying, "I bet you I can beat you as an Eagle. What do you say we play Quidditch one on one?"
The eagle looked at him confusedly, and Draco groaned, "You can catch the Snitch with your mouth, Harry. You have done that before." Draco was tempted to be more sarcastic, but observing the eagle's mood and being 100 feet above the ground tended to make him cautious.
The boy and the eagle played a spirited game one on one and at the end, the eagle won.
They flew around Hogwarts, and Harry saw a regal eagle owl he knew very well. He decided to dive-bomb it! However, Harry's plans were derailed when Draco realized Harry was harassing his owl Osiris. He flew in his broom and the owl had the time to prepare for the arrival. Osiris wasn't surprised or afraid with his master there, and proceeded to fly to the Owlery, giving the eagle a glare.
They flew some more, and this time Draco was glaring at Harry and promising retribution if he harassed those poor owls again. The eagle meekly nodded, while crossing two of his claws.
Finally they got tired and returned to the ground, to the place where Harry's broom was. Harry transformed into his human self and saw Draco lying down. The blond beckoned him to his side and Harry went.
Draco asked softly, as he kneaded Harry's hair, "Do you know the tale of the Three Dragons?"
Harry replied, "No, I don't."
"It's a pureblood tale, and a favorite of my mother and sister. It tells the adventures of a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon. He was majestic, he had black scales, bronze horns, and the typical black ridges on his back. He felt really confined in his domains. He yearned to be free, he wanted to find someone to love in his draconian way. He traveled far away. He came in contact with another Ridgeback.
"They had great fun in the mountains of Norway. They mated, and soon they had dragon eggs to take care of.
"But the eggs were stolen by enterprising wizards. They wanted to use them to make love elixirs, truth potions and cosmetic powder.
"The female dragon died of a broken heart. The male searched far and wide for the missing eggs, but found none. Eventually he returned to Norway.
"Most of the eggs were duly sold and used to create the much needed love elixirs.
"One of the eggs was inadvertently thrown out the door. It was discovered by a warm-hearted man who provided shelter and heat for the egg. Eventually it hatched and the dragon came out.
"It was a beautiful baby dragon, with the distinct shape of the Ridgeback.
"After he grew up, he moved out of his caretaker's abode, as his flame could burn the place down very quickly. He learned to hunt, he traveled far and wide, and at long last, he met his father in northern Norway.
"The dragons were united at last, and they had many adventures through the years.
"When the older dragon lay dying, a sympathetic wizard showed up. The wizard used powerful magic to transform the dragon into a constellation, Draco, which would point to true North and look out for dragonkind.
"Unfortunately, or perhaps by design, the wizard made several mistakes and did not put Draco in the true North, so now that constellation watches for dragons and humans."
Draco whispered softly to an almost asleep Harry, "So you see, Harry, there is struggle and evil in the world, but if we persevere enough, and find the threads of love and trust, perhaps we'll make it through the storm."
Then Draco fell asleep too. Fortunately for the students, a house elf appeared, charged by Kreacher to take care of Harry. Observing the two boys, the elf smiled and transported them to Draco's room by elf Apparition.
Soon the boys were in their pajamas and still asleep.
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The next day, the gang were having breakfast at the Gryffindor table; while the majority of the Gryffindors nodded solemnly or looked away, a small minority fixed them with fierce scowls, among them Seamus Finnigan and Ronald Weasley.
Draco was trying to distract the scheming Gryffindor by asking about his relatives. Harry answered politely and informatively. He uttered no words of scorn towards his relatives and appeared to the entire world like an elder statesman discussing the needs of the world.
Draco wondered how long he could keep up this façade. It was tiring, very tiring, to keep up pretenses with the man he loved, inwardly praying for a solution to the cruel dilemma they faced.
Hermione was meditating along similar lines as she stared intently at her porridge. The manuscripts seemed to indicate that the non-living horcruxes could be destroyed by poisons or specific spells. The parchments were notably vague when it came to living horcruxes. Of course, one way to get rid of them would be by killing them, like Neville did with Nagini. But they didn't want to kill Harry, they wanted to save him!
Besides, Harry had been killed already, it wasn't fair! It wasn't fair that Harry had to suffer all the time, with his relatives, with the people at school and the Wizarding world, during the battle, and when Voldemort killed him!
Hermione paused, as she reviewed her mental statement, 'Voldemort killed him, therefore freeing him from his horcrux! That's great!'
Hermione sank into despair again, as she realized that Voldemort had been alive when he killed Harry, but now, Dumbledore was dead, how in the nether hells was he going to kill Harry from beyond the grave? It was awful. Things looked to be hopeless.
Just then the doors of the Great Hall were flung open and Lucius Malfoy strode in. The elder Malfoy looked regal as always. He wore a dark blue robe, richly embroidered with silver snakes. Despite the Malfoy Mask, the man seemed preoccupied about something.
Lucius looked for Draco at the Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables. Not finding him there, he frowned. Finally he looked at the Gryffindor table and saw him. With a small moue of distaste, he motioned for the young Slytherin to meet him outside.
Draco duly followed and met Lucius just outside the Great Hall. Lucius said, "I need you to come to the Manor with me, Draco."
Draco asked worriedly, "Has something happened?"
Lucius answered somberly, "I'm afraid so. Miriam has disappeared."
The elder Malfoy promptly added, "Don't worry, the wards show there has been no breach from the outside or the inside. Clearly Miriam is still at the Manor."
Tapping his cane against the floor, Lucius continued, "That's where you are needed, Draco. Your mother and I realize you know the Manor better than everyone, including ourselves. We want you to search for Miriam. Will you come?"
"Of course I'll come, dad. Let me just find someone…" Draco entered the room and espied Robert Lehmke sitting close to the door; he whispered to him and told him to go outside.
The brunet obeyed and soon Draco told him, "Could you please alert Liz of the fact that I've had to leave for the Manor? My sister is lost and we'll look for her."
Robert assured him he would convey the message to his aunt and wished them luck.
Lucius and Draco left Hogwarts. Once outside they Apparated to the Manor. Lucius opened the door and entered the foyer to try and comfort a very worried Narcissa.
The blonde kept saying, "My child, my child, whatever will happen to her?"
Draco kissed his mother's cheek and asked her gently what she knew about Miriam's disappearance.
Narcissa explained that Miriam had taken to prowling the Manor or trying to roam at any rate. After Lucius explained to her that it could be dangerous - one never knew what could have accumulated through the years. Magical creatures could be hidden in some crannies, like doxies, or boggarts.
Miriam appeared to accept the explanation, and all was well, or so they thought.
This morning she hadn't appeared for breakfast, and they had looked frantically in her room, they searched that general area and found nothing. The wards were untouched, so that left the possibility that Miriam was in the Manor, hiding somewhere or unable to make her way to them.
Draco knew the layout of the general area where Miriam's room was. He had a firm opinion that he knew where Miriam was. He comforted his parents and walked to her room. He found the door ajar and some things were out of place, among them the Black Mirror.
Draco noticed a children's book. It was about dragons. It really seemed Miriam liked them. He smiled as he made his way out of the room and went upstairs, to a place he had forgotten, but he had found fascinating when he was younger.
For a small child the picture gallery found in this floor would be entrancing. He casually opened each door and peered inside. Finding nothing, he closed it and moved on.
In the third room, he found Miriam. She was on a piano bench, apparently asleep. There was a beautiful white and silver piano, free of dust and the passage of years. Draco remembered when he found this particular room. After perusing the contents, he'd tried to leave, but the door wouldn't budge. It wasn't until later that he realized that the room wanted you to play the piano. If you didn't play a melody, or at least try, the piano room would not let you out.
Miriam opened her eyes and said enthusiastically, "Conis! I knew you'd come soon!"
Draco replied warmly, "Yes. Miriam. It's me. Though I must say that mother and father are worried about not finding you!"
Miriam answered, "I came here, saw the piano and tried to leave, but I couldn't. Wait! How are we going to get out?"
Draco bade Miriam to sit in another chair while he sat at the bench, flexed his fingers and prepared to play. He knew the piano would be properly attuned, being magical.
He began playing a beautiful, haunting melody. To Draco, it reminded him of dew-covered green meadows, waking up after a long night and preparing to celebrate the day. Miriam felt as if she could really see the park, the blessed park where she went to escape the abuse.
The melody ended and Miriam sighed. She said, "That was beautiful, Conis! It's good that you don't play music as bad as you draw images!"
Draco nudged her and said, "Shut up, Mi! It was you who didn't know that to leave this room; you must try to play the piano. There are bad things in this Manor, as a result of hundred of years of wizards and witches living here. Promise me you will be careful, Miriam!" The child answered, "Ok, I promise, Conis, I do!"
After they made their way to the parlor and met the visibly relieved Lucius and Narcissa, Draco said goodbye to them before leaving for Hogwarts. He grabbed the care package his mother had hurriedly put together. So Draco returned to the school after Narcissa had stuffed him full of sweets.
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On Friday, Draco managed to speak to Ginny alone, without the bothersome presence of the Weasel or Harry.
They were walking to Greenhouse #3, and after Ginny said goodbye to Luna and Neville, they reached the greenhouse and entered. Ginny motioned for Draco to grab a bucket and heave it to the table. Draco looked at the bucketful of woodlice in disgust. He said, "What are these things for?"
Ginny replied nonchalantly, "A variety of plants use them either for protection or as a source of nourishment, Draco."
Draco made a face, "You are starting to sound like Longbottom, it is uncanny, and to tell the truth, a little nauseating."
Ginny laughed. Draco said with a mischievous twinkle, "I received a letter from Astoria, you know. She is doing well. She sends her regards."
Ginny blushed and said, "I hope she is all right. I hope things are not too boring, being home-schooled."
Draco talked at length about the Greengrass sisters, how he had watched Astoria grow up from a rambunctious child into a beautiful young woman. He mentioned how they always looked up for each other, how protective Daphne was of her little sister, and how Astoria protected those she loved.
He continued explaining why a marriage between Draco and Astoria would be welcome with open arms by the Malfoy and the Greengrass patriarchs. Looking at Ginny's stern visage, Draco hurriedly said, "But you know that my heart belongs to another, Ginny!
"Astoria would make a great mother, though; and so would you, I'm sure."
Ginny hesitated to answer Draco, finally she replied, "Yes, I'd love to be a mother."
Draco asked incisively, "Will you marry Potter?"
"I don't know, Draco. When we had the specter of the Marriage Law, I didn't want to be tied to him at all. The feeling remains, but is now tinged with wistfulness. I'd love to have his children, I just don't see us having much of a life together, you know? I'm not sure we would have much to talk about 20 years down the line.
"So I can't answer your question. I'm sorry because I can see how much you care for him, but this demands utmost honesty and I have entreated to answer you as best as I can."
Draco sighed as he crossed his arms behind his back. He looked beyond the Greenhouse's flimsy windows, to the Forbidden Forest. He said, "Hopefully there will be a time when all the questions are answered. It's only a matter of time."
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That Saturday the gang went to Hogsmeade. There were two high-strung witches, because Susan and Hannah were fighting. The cause of the fight was another difference of opinion, this one between Robert Lehmke and Terry Boot. Naturally Susan had taken Robert's side, and Hannah had charitably become Terry's champion.
Neither Susan nor Hannah had an idea of what the fight was about, they vaguely heard that it was all about science.
Terry and Robert had become close friends and they got along famously, except that they tended to fight like lions when they differed in scientific points.
They entered the Three Broomsticks and went to their usual table. Draco sat down between Harry and Hermione. As usual, Madam Rosmerta took their orders and completely ignored him, which was ok with him.
Draco offered to be the mediator of their dispute, but soon recognized the error of his ways.
Robert said, "Are you ready to accept the Magical influx line, Terry?"
Terry snorted and replied contemptuously, "Of course not, unless you decide to accept the existence of the Magical containment fields!"
Robert replied heatedly, "Never, over my dead body. I will never accept such trash!"
Terry replied enraged, "Trash, when the great Lissovsky and Bogal appear to embrace them!"
This went on for quite some time, and Draco was bored with the discussion but didn't dare interrupt their fight, or their combined wrath might fall on him.
Finally, Harry said judiciously, "You know, this happens a lot in politics. Difference of opinions between individuals, they sometimes use an Arbitration Committee. Perhaps you could write to your scientific mentors and ask them some questions, and then you would reach another consensus."
Terry beamed as he replied, "That's a very good idea, Harry. We'll do that and see what comes up!"
Hermione dipped her head and muttered to the black-haired Gryffindor, "Great work, Harry, I wasn't aware that you knew so much about science!"
Harry snorted as he replied, "Actually I don't know, Hermione. I wouldn't know a magical containment field if it hit me in the head and hexed me silly. But I know people and the way they perceive reality."
Then the literal light-bulb went on in Hermione's head and she got a good idea about how to deal with the pesky hors crux.
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On Sunday, Justin visited his father's estate, Fuenteovejuna. After they were served tea and pastries by the butler, Jason and Justin engaged in friendly banter.
Jason said, "As you know, I am going to open a consultancy business with Lucius. We will offer counseling services to people fighting for their rights, both in Parliament and the Wizengamot. We are financially secure, so we can afford to take the thornier cases, the ones the normal firms disdain because they seem so problematic.
"Both Lucius and I would like to work together with our sons. I know your plans about entering Oxford, and Lucius has informed me about Draco going to Salamanca. Together the four of us, we could help society. We do not require an answer from you immediately, but we'd like to receive one when you have made up your minds. Whatever you decide, you are always my son and I'm proud of you!"
When Justin prepared to return to Hogwarts, a visibly disappointed Jason commented, "Aren't you going to call one of your horseless carriages? They are so comfortable and quiet, I'm sure they would get you there safely."
Justin unobtrusively rolled his eyes as he said, "Those horseless carriages you like so much are pulled by Thestrals, dad. I'm sure even the mighty Thestrals would find it bothersome to do such a trip. So I'm afraid I must Apparate to Hogwarts."
Jason asked, "Does it hurt as much as it did that time in London?"
Justin answered, "No, it usually doesn't. That was a special case of Side-Along Apparition, when I took you to Westminster. Because there were two of us, the conditions were harsher. Usually nothing bad happens, unless you lose your concentration while you Apparate, then you get splinched, parts of your body attached somewhere else. There's a ward in St. Mungo's – the Wizarding hospital – for such cases."
Justin asked, "Dad, where is mom?"
Jason drawled, "Antonia is with Narcissa. Narcissa was apprehensive about leaving Miriam alone after she disappeared like that. Antonia offered to visit her and keep her company."
Jason asked, "What about Daphne?"
Justin said a little nervously, "She is doing well. We have several classes together and she is very nice. I'm glad I got to know her."
Jason answered, "You know, Justin, we have still to meet with Daphne's parents, don't you think it is time that it happened?"
Justin drawled, "Sorry dad, I can't answer that, I have to go now. Bye!"
And Justin Apparated away.
tbc