Authors note: Hi everyone, its time for what you all have been waiting for... My weekly update! Haha hope you all enjoy Chapter 24.
Summary: See Prologue for full summary.
Warnings: Violence, bad language and BoyXBoy romance, self made spells, Oh and I'll just apologize beforehand. If any characters appear to be a bit OC sorry, since I am not the brilliant and talented J.K. Rowling I do not possess the ability to capture the true essence of the Harry Potter characters.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, it belongs to J.K Rowling and The Warner Brothers. I am simply playing around with the characters to satisfy my Drarry desires.
Thanks to:
kity tokyo uzumaki- Oh believe me I almost killed Edgar myself but don't want his pathetic death on poor Draco's conscious. If there is one thing to be feared in this world it is Fangirls! Thanks for the review!
natsuki23- It was a combination of Draco's raw magic and Hogwarts's own magic. The reason he got injured when the magic attacked Edgar was because it was a foreign magic source (Aka Hogwarts) It shows how the bond between Draco and Hogwarts is growing. For once she wanted to protect him. :D Thanks for the review.
Drarry4eva- I was really close in killing Edgar off but then Draco would blame himself and I couldn't do that. Thanks for reviewing!
Amy-Kate-chan storys- Haha you'll have to wait and see ;) Thanks for the review.
woolyjumpers- Thanks for the awesome review. I am so happy to have pleased you with my mysterious flare haha Oh and bringing back Edgar, totally unplanned but it worked so well. Glad you enjoyed it :D
Now my fare readers, lets continue onward with the next chapter of this story...
Chapter 24
"Draco!" The Slytherin boy jumped with fright at the loud voice that called his name, and he couldn't help the warm flutter of his heart as he recognized that voice. The blond had been standing in front of the tremendous statue of Salazar Slytherin, the silence forcing him to become lost within his mind. Draco was frightened, he did not know what was pushing him forward nor what had forced him to come down here in this dreadful place. He just knew that he had a really bad feeling about it. Though as he turned toward the deep voice of the Gryffindor Golden Boy, he couldn't help but smile with relief at the goofy grin on the other's face. Harry was running toward him laughing like a fool, but Draco's smile slowly faded as he noticed that the raven haired boy was not slowing down even as he was mere feet away.
"Potter, what…?" Draco squeaked as Harry engulfed him in a hug, the momentum sending them to the floor with a thump. The Silver eyed Slytherin groaned as the weight of the taller boy crushed him, but he didn't complain for gentle arms held him tightly, the warmth of the embrace chased away all his fear and Draco breathed in the relaxing scent of his ex-nemesis, sighing with relief. He was quite shocked when he realized that Harry's body was shaking, the small tremors vibrating through his own frame. The Slytherin lifted his arms and somewhat awkwardly wrapped them around the Gryffindor's broad shoulders, one hand instantly treading through the soft dark hair of the Wonder Boy in what he liked to call his 'method of comfort.'
"What's up with you?" Draco whispered in his ear and Harry shivered at the feeling of the other's warm breath caressing the shell of his ear. Harry relished the feeling of Draco holding him and couldn't help but bury his head in the others neck with pleasure as those skilled fingers treaded through his hair. The Malfoy heir could feel the heat rising on his face at the touch of the scarred boy's soft lips on his neck. He knew that it was an accidental brush but the sensation sent sparks of pleasure up the thin boy's spine.
Fearing that he might embarrass himself if things escalated further he reluctantly pushed the Gryffindor of him, almost instantly regretting the loss of body heat as the cold air of the chamber made his robe-less body shake. Harry helped him to his feet and the light blush on the boy's face reassured Draco that he was not the only one affected with the whole ordeal that had just transpired. Clearing his throat with embarrassment, he tried to strive for cool aloofness.
"What drove you to dive me to the ground like an overexcited dog greeting their owner?" Draco asked in a stuttering drawl, trying to return to the realm of normality but failing horribly. Harry laughed at Draco's attempt to act nonchalant, the dark blush and flutter of eyelashes as the blond blinked nervously was one of the most endearing sights Harry had ever seen. In a way he thanked the heavens that Draco never showed his nervous and embarrassed side to the world or else he would have an endless amount of rivals and competition. Harry coughed at his own thoughts, embarrassed that he had just declared that the blond git was his.
"Well since someone had decided to disappear on us and causing an enormous amount of worry, the least I could do is tackle you to the ground just to make sure you won't vanish again." Harry answered giving the Slytherin a wink and laughing as the smaller boy crossed his arms with a huff. "What are you doing here anyway?" Draco frowned at the question since it had been one he asked himself.
"I'm not sure, I just felt drawn here. For some reason after Averill…" Draco suddenly turned, grabbing Harry's arms in a painfully tight grip. "Is Averill alright, God tell me he's alive…Please!" Draco begged, his liquid silver eyes large and pleading, breaking Harry's heart. He grabbed the smaller boy's wrists, looking directly into those expressive eyes. "I'm not sure, the last I heard he was still alive. Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey is with him, he'll be just fine. Don't worry alright." Draco stared into the honest green eyes of The Saviour, the emerald orbs gleaming with sincerity. Harry watched as Draco took some calming breaths and after a few seconds his curiosity broke through.
"What happened though?" Harry asked softly, not letting go of the delicate wrists in his hand, using his thumb to rub the soft skin lightly. Draco jerked slightly at the question, he had been too busy worrying if Edgar had survived, that he had forgotten what had happened. The Slytherin's gaze shifted downward, his grey eyes trained onto the cold wet stones of the chamber. He bit his bottom lip, trying to subdue the fear that was determined to reveal its poisonous fangs once more. Harry reluctant to let go of the slimmer boy's wrists, (deciding not to let go) rested his forehead on Draco's and ever so gently urged the blonde's head to lift from its down-casted positioning with his own. Timid grey orbs met with the forest green gaze of the saviour and Harry had to swallow the gasp that wished to escape his throat at how vulnerable Draco looked.
"Come on let's get out of here." Harry forced himself to smile through the hurt he felt at those despairing eyes. He was saddened that Draco didn't trust him enough to confide in him but he did not wish to pressure the Slytherin boy. Draco could see the conflicting emotions play in the Gryffindor's eyes, the strained smile nearly breaking his heart. 'I don't want to hurt him…' Draco was startled at the thought, but as he felt the raven haired boy let go of his wrists and started to lean away from their intimate position so close to one another, the Malfoy heir was suddenly hit with an impulsive desire. He seized the tanned hands, snatching them from their departure and in an instant his milky digits curled around Harry's, entwining their fingers. The feeling of the taller boy's skin on his own made his insides flip, warming his chest. 'I don't want to lose these feelings.'
Harry was shocked, baffled and quite taken aback with Draco's sudden clinginess. (Not that he was complaining.) The pale hand that was holding onto him twitched slightly and Harry couldn't help but smile at the feeling. "I nearly killed him…" Draco whispered, his voice wavering slightly. "H-he had me against the w-wall and I-I was reminded of t-that night. He was whispering things in my ear, those h-harsh hands r-removed my robes and t-then he forced his l-lips on mine. I-I just c-couldn't take i-it. I-I never meant t-to hurt him… If h-he dies I'll b-be a mur-murderer." Harry listened patiently, tightening his hold on the Slytherin's shaking hands. Anger welled up inside the Gryffindor as Draco talked about Edgar assaulting him again, the thought of that sick bastred kissing Draco again was enough to send Harry's magic on a warpath. 'Had I not warned that little fuck to stay away?' If Draco had not sent the perverted prick to the Hospital Wing, Harry would have made sure as hell that the piece of shit never left Madam Pomfrey's care.
"Shuuu, it's alright now. You did not kill him and Merlin Draco, he was trying to rape you. It was self-defence, you had no choice." Harry tried to reassure the pale blond but the Slytherin boy merely shook his head. "You always have a choice, either be a victim to the end or become just like the assaulter. There is no in-between when one kills. You will still remain a murderer…" Draco clenched his teeth. Memories of the war and his time as a Death Eater resurfaced, leaving behind an endless pool of regret and guilt which swirled within him. A gentle squeeze of his hands brought his attention back to reality though and he watched in fascination as Harry lifted his hands to his face, placing his plump soft lips on the backside of each.
"The world isn't just black and white. You can't separate it into what's right or what's wrong. Every soul has a piece of good and evil within them. If what you said is true then I'm a sinner too, I killed in the name of justice and that means I am a murderer. But if being a murderer means I gave everyone the chance for a better life then I'll gladly carry that sin to my grave." Harry pressed the knuckles of Draco's hands against his eyes not wanting to let the Malfoy heir see his expression at that moment. Admitting to what he had felt since the day he destroyed Voldemort was tugging on a bundle of emotions which he had long since discarded. Draco, with difficulty as his hands where in an awkward position, caressed the middle of the raven haired boy's dark eyebrows with his thumbs, trying to smoothen the creases that had formed as the Gryffindor furrowed his eyebrows.
"I'm sorry…" Was all Draco could say, he wanted to tell Harry that he had killed out of selflessness and not because of his self-preservation like him but stopped himself. The past was the past and even though they'll never be able to forget what had happened, they could try to move on. "Harry" Saying the Gryffindor's name felt strange but the taste of the boy's name on his tongue was so sweet that he couldn't help but say it again, just to taste each syllable once more. "Harry…"
Harry's eyes grew large at hearing his name from the Slytherin Prince's lips, each letter was pronounced with such tenderness that simply listening to it made the Boy Who Lived's heart flutter like a bird. Draco blushed as the taller boy grinned at him and for a moment he could not tear his gaze from the other. His heart was beating so fast and hard that he was scared that Harry would hear it. Without realizing it both boys leaned forward slowly, their lips mere inches apart and their gazes searching, yet confused, but just as they were about to close their eyes, a large crash startled them from the moment. They both jumped back as water splashed from all sides. In the corner of his eye Draco could make out a dark mass as it swam through the flickering shadows. The flames of the touches started to dim and a deafening screech resounded in the room, joined by a loud rumble and the boys stared in horror as spurts of water started to seep into the chamber from large slices along the walls. The water was rising fast, their ankles already submerged in the cold liquid.
"Fuck, we need to get out of here!" Harry shouted over the rushing water, already dragging Draco to the exit. Draco knew that they would not make it in time as his panicked mind calculated the rising of water levels with the long distance that awaited them. As he looked down, the statue of Salazar's reflection stared at him with dead eyes and the Slytherin was instantly reminded of the ancient hidden room he had only seen in his dreams. He paused, his one hand still clasped tightly with Harry's, and turned toward the colossal statue of Salazar Slytherin, the stone mouth was open and that coerced Draco into action. "Wait!" The Slytherin let go of Harry's hand as he sprinted toward the statue, nearly tumbling once as the water made it difficult to move but a strong arm wrapped around his waist, steadying him.
"Draco, what are you doing?! We need to get out!" Harry hissed, but the blond wouldn't budge. "We'll never make it if we try going back the way we came. Please just trust me, I know what I'm doing." Harry was taken aback by the determination that gleamed in the Slytherin's liquid silver orbs. With a lot of reluctance he unwrapped his arm from the shorter boy's waist and watched as he walked up to the gaping hole of the statue's mouth. He bent down and picked up a sharp shard of stone and Harry almost jumped forward as Draco cut the tips of his fingers. The pale boy winched slightly at the pain but ignored it as he rested his hand on the stone tongue. Just as in the memory, Draco dragged his fingers over it, scripting the old runes of Loyalty, Purpose, Protection and Death, engraving them upon the stone with his blood.
The bloody symbols started to glow and Harry watched in fascination as the shimmering crimson liquid twirled and twisted, running along Salazar's sculptured tongue. They heard the grinding of stone, and slowly a large black door appeared at the back of the statues throat, metal clasps and iron chains decorated the dark surface, biting into the wood savagely. The slosh of water against their thighs provoked them into action and being the impulsive Gryffindor he was, Harry grabbed Draco's hand once more and ran toward the door. Ripping it open just in time to shut it as water started to full the mouth. The sudden silence was defining, the only sounds that could be heard where the haggard breaths and heavy pants as the boys tried to swallow much needed oxygen to calm themselves down.
Draco was well aware that Harry was still holding his hand, their sweaty palms sliding faintly against each another when the Gryffindor used his free hand to swipe at his face. The Slytherin Ice Prince was flummoxed, bewildered and not to mention just plain confused. Things had happened so quickly that there had been no time to analyse their predicament nor any breath to spare to ponder over what had occurred in the last few minutes. This day seemed to become more complex and puzzling with each second that passed and Draco had to wonder if he was not dreaming.
It had happened before. The Slytherin Prince had on many occasions lost himself in the realm of dreams, traveling through Hogwarts memories, forgetting that it was not his own. This might just be another such case, but why then was Harry here. The warmth of the other's hand felt so real, Draco tightened his grip and sighed. No, this was reality…
"Okay…?" Harry uttered. His mind was befuddled and his thoughts were racing, trying to catch up with what had happened. First Draco had by some means managed to get into the Chamber of Secrets, then the chamber randomly started to flood, not to mention that blood curdling screech that followed the sound rushing water and now they were locked in a mysterious room, which, by the way Draco somehow knew existed. Things where much to complex and confusing for him to figure out. The increased pressure on his hand brought Harry back from his musings and he focused on their clasped hands. He followed the thin arm of the blond, his emerald eyes making their way to the Slytherin's face. Grey eyes, clouded with uncertainty looked up at him.
"Hey, it's going to be alright." Harry said as he brushed away the few wayward strands of silken white blond hair that had fallen in Draco's eyes. The Slytherin wished he could believe in the Savior's words but the feelings of unease just would not leave him. He felt like he was forgetting something important.
Draco watched as Harry casted his Patronus. The brilliant stag standing with his head held high, a pure picture of pride. The luminescent creature bowed its head at its master's command, before bolting from the room, jumping through the wall and vanishing from sight. The Malfoy heir could not help but be jealous at the ease with which Potter had summoned the stag, magic just seemed to naturally come to the Boy Who Lived. Draco had to study and practice so much to perfect his magical performance yet Harry would just adapt to it instantly. That had been one of the many reasons for the Slytherin Ice Prince's hatred toward the Gryffindor Golden Boy, he loathed to feel so insecure, so imperfect…
How could you allow, a pathetic half-blood like Harry Potter to defeat you. Our ancestors must be turning in their graves at this very moment, clawing at their coffins with decayed hands in an attempt to rectify the disgraceful stain, on their hard earned names, that you had come to be. Draco was victim to many of his father's verbal torment throughout his school years because of Potter… Wait no, Draco shook his head to get rid of such an absurd accusation. He could not blame Harry, he could only blame himself for his reprehensible inadequacy and offensive failures.
Draco stared at the Gryffindor boy from his position on the ground. He had drawn his knees to his chest, his arms wrapping around them protectively. The room they had entered looked like it had once been an old office, though now bookshelves and cabinets where scattered haphazardly. Old moth eaten parchments were spread upon the ground, almost as if shielding the floor from their viewing pleasure. The chamber was quite large, but they could not be sure as the maze of furniture and dim light from a few candles on the wall made it difficult.
"Well that's done then." Harry announced with a smile and Draco scowled at the stupid optimistic Gryffindor. He was much to calm in Draco's opinion and it irritated him that he was scared out of his mind whilst Potter smiled like a loon. "The others were already looking for you so it won't be long until they know where we are." Harry sat down beside the thin blond, not noticing the silver glower that was being aimed his way. "And how, pray tell me, are they supposed to reach us. I know you're intellectually challenged but even you could not have forgotten the reason we are stuck here in the first place. What am I kidding, let me spare you the trouble, the Chamber was flooded Potter and unless your friends evolve into aquatic life forms in the next few hours I see no way for them to race to our rescue anytime soon." The Slytherin knew that he was being unfair, lashing out toward Harry who had only tried to reassure him but he could not restrain himself. The Potter boy had always made him loose his composure, making him act without thinking of the consequences.
Harry frowned at him, his jaw tense as he grounded his teeth in annoyance but when the Pureblood prat buried his head in his knees, his slight frame quivering slightly, Harry sighed. He might like the git, quite a lot actually, but it was going to take a long time for him to get use to the blonde's fear induced outbursts. "Come here you prat" Harry snipped, holding his arms open and looking at the Malfoy heir expectantly. He had to bite back the grin that wished to make an appearance at the shocked and disbelieving gaze he was being given. "W-what, huh. I don't understand. I'm right here aren't I?" Draco could not fathom what the Gryffindor wanted him to do.
Harry couldn't help but laugh, he would never have guessed that the shorter boy would be so naive. Grasping the Slytherin's pale wrist he pulled the baffled blond to his chest. Draco was much to shocked to move and did nothing as he was manoeuvred like a doll into an, according to the scarred boy, acceptable position. His back was resting against Harry's chest and he blushed as the other boy wrapped his arms around the Slytherin's shivering frame. "Your cold right?" Harry asked grinning deviously when Draco nodded his head in agreement. It was a complete lie and they both knew it but the Malfoy heir would not have accepted the comforting embrace any other way.
They sat in a contented silence for a while and not knowing how it started they started talking about random things. It chased away some of Draco's anxiety and Harry loosened his hold slightly as he felt the blond relax. "Wait! So that's why you said I'd remember!" Draco suddenly exclaimed, making Harry squeak with fright. "What are you talking about?" He asked, embarrassed at the girly sound that escaped his mouth and the smug smirk on the Slytherin's face didn't help. "When I told you about my invisible friend, and shut up" Draco cut the comment that Harry was about to make off instantly. "It can't be called an imaginary friend since it turned out to have been real. Ha! You were going on about how I'll remember what my friend looked like one day because you all knew that Damian had known me in my youth." The Boy Who Lived listened as the shorter boy ranted and raved about how rude it was to share his personal life and memories without his consent and that he was going to reprimand Damian for his thoughtlessness.
"Would it make you feel better if you told me yourself?" Harry quipped, feeling the blond shift as he bristled at the teasing tone. He could get use to holding the boy in his arms, it made him feel giddy and calm at the same time which was strange and contradicting but much too nice to complain about. The Saviour just loved the feeling of the other. They could rile each other up like no one else, they could crawl underneath the others skin and make them act thoughtlessly. There had always been something between them, even if they didn't want to admit it but they had always held a power over each other that no one else could compare to.
"You think that I would tell you, hmf as if Pot-head." Harry would have smacked the boy if it wasn't for the teasing smile on his lips. "Prat" The Gryffindor mumbled but wasn't disappointed as Draco gave a long dramatic sigh and started to tell him what he remembered from his childhood. It wasn't as amazing as to see it like he had when Damian had shown them their past with a spell but the mere fact that Draco himself was telling him was enough to make his heart burst with joy. There were small details that where different, and quite a bit was added, which Damian seemed to have deemed too personal to share, like 'baths together'
Harry couldn't help but laugh at that especially when Draco gave an annoyed whine when he exclaimed that he had been forced to bath with the younger boy as that was the only time Damian would actually want to bath and not to mention, the only time the water would remain in the tub. It reminded him of their conversation they had about the earlier signs of magic in children where Damian had admitted that he'd literally chased the water away from him. It was nice to listen as Draco talked, his whole body seemed to join in the conversation and became quit expressive if one looked really close.
"Now it's your turn, tell me about your adventures in Hogwarts. I've only heard the second rate rumours that dwindled around the halls. I want to know what really happened." Harry was startled at the question, not expecting the blond to actually be interested in his life. He had to admit it gave him hope for the possibility of them becoming something more, like lovers… He snorted at the wishful thought, blushing slightly but a poke to his leg reminded him that he had an impatient blond in his arms. "Are you sure you want to know? You know we'll be heading into dodgy grounds." Meaning the war…
Draco bit his lip, he knew what he was asking and the mere thought made him want to curl in on himself. But, for some reason he wanted to know what hardships Harry had to face, he wanted to see what had shaped the scrawny little boy he had met at Madam Malkin's into the Saviour of the Wizardry World. He needed to know! The Slytherin held onto the arms that surrounded him. "I'm sure. I want to know… Only if you want to share it with me though." Feeling the warmth of the boy's hands on his arms Harry nodded in agreement before he started telling his ex-nemesis all his adventures and near death experiences. With each tale that Harry told the blond he could feel the wall between them breaking. With each hardship he shared, tendrils of trust linked together as they opened up to each other.
They were both to preoccupied to notice as the candles started to flicker, the shadows seemed to grow thicker and darker, oozing like black blood.
"My prey…"
HDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDHDH
I'm sorry, had to leave you all on this cliffhanger! Tensions are rising yet our boys are to lost in their own little world to notice haha. PLEASE REVIEW!