A/N: Well, I decided to draw out the fight just a bit... so Here's the next installment.
Thank you to all those following and sharing your valuable reviews, I appreciate them very much! However, I make no promises as to when the next one will be out but I expect sometime in the next ten days or so. Until then... Enjoy!
Draco tossed and turned in his bed. Without Harry in the bed with him, it was very difficult to find a comfortable spot even if he was quite tired. He didn't realize when his mind calmed enough to slip into a restful slumber and he didn't realize why it had happened, however a pair of eyes had softened in response.
"My son." He whispered and slowly carded long fingers through Draco's hair. "I am truly sorry for so many things… but I hope I can make it up to you in part, at the least." He removed a ring from his finger and slid it onto Draco's. A hand gently caressed the teen's rounded belly.
"Get away from him!" Narcissa hissed.
"Cissa." Lucius spared her a glance and turned back to Draco.
"Lucius!" Narcissa hissed furiously.
"Calm down, woman. I won't hurt him." Lucius sighed and bent down to kiss the sleeping teen's forehead. "I love you, little Dragon. Be safe, little ones." He whispered and got up to face his ex-wife.
"What are you doing here?" Narcissa demanded.
"I know I do not deserve you or Draco nor our grandchildren… I wish to correct my mistakes." He paused and met her eyes steadily. "Family first… I had forgotten." Lucius smiled sadly. "Keep them safe, my love." He whispered as he gently cupped Narcissa's cheek, ignoring the wand poking his side.
"Please… don't do this… I can't…" Narcissa whispered.
"For what its worth I am sorry." Lucius told her and when she closed her eyes to gain control over her emotions, he disappeared.
"What are you up to Lucius?" She whispered into the night. She sat on Draco's bed and carded her fingers through his hair much like Lucius had done until she noticed the heavy Malfoy ring on her son's hand. "Oh Lucius…" She sobbed quietly as she realized what her ex-husband had been doing.
Harry managed to get to Malfoy manor just as dawn broke. He had been up most of the night looking over all the data and going over what reports Kingsley had graciously lent him. It was very lucky that Ron thought to send a quick note with the identity of the perpetrator and Harry had sat with Robards looking over archives to find out every bit about the man.
Jasper Miles-Jordan was known only by the family name 'Miles' but was the sole survivor of the Jordan family save a branch who now resided in Australia. There was very little known about him. He had gone to Durmstrang and was more or less out of the war until those last few months. He had inherited the Jordan Manor and a few properties under the name Miles and was somewhat well off. He was only nineteen but his test scores bore testimony to his intelligence.
It took a little more digging to find one single incidence where Aurors had been involved. It was summer of 1992 when Jasper and a few others, some who were known Death-eaters, were caught involved in a brawl. At the time, Jasper's involvement was written off as he was the only minor in the group but it did prove the man had connections to the dark forces. Comparing Harry's notes to Robards revealed that three of the six adults that had been caught were on the suspect list. The son of one other was also listed.
After a short rest, Robards was to send scouts to each of the properties Jasper owned to see if they found him. If he was found, measures would be taken to first track him and second capture the man. Robards was still undecided about using the criminal to draw out the neo-DE gang but Kingsley felt it was necessary to restore peace. Harry was to be kept in the loop, much to some aurors annoyance. It was a weary teen that made it back to his beloved.
Tired as he was, it was somewhat hard to miss seeing someone in bed with his fiancee. Harry blinked and rubbed his eyes then pinched himself. He tilted his head in thought and wondered who the other person was. Deciding to find out he crept closer only to be shocked to see the prim and proper Narcissa cuddling her son and by Merlin, they looked adorable. Smirking, Harry summoned the camera that he had taken to carry around and captured the moment. He gently stroked Draco's hair and left to find a spare bedroom to sleep in.
"So we know why, who and where… what in all that is magic are we not doing anything?!" Draco demanded.
"Well… for one, if we take out the leader, someone else will likely gather the idiots up and cause trouble again. Second, we need back up and the aurors are a bit… slow." Harry replied calmly.
"But… but…" Draco huffed and slumped into his seat, playing with his scrambled eggs smothered in hot sauce.
"On a side note… what's that?" Ron asked, trying to get the blond's mind off the upcoming raid.
"What?" Draco asked and glanced down to where Ron was pointing. The blond blinked and his mouth hung open.
"Dragon…?" Narcissa called worried.
"Mother…? How?" Draco whispered. Concerned, Harry leaned over and looked at what was so astonishing. "He can't be…"
"No…" Narcissa shook her head. "He was here, little one." She told him gently, coming around the table to hold her son close.
"Here?" Harry asked the question on Draco's behalf.
"Yes… I felt the wards shift as Lucius had… keyed me in upon our marriage…" She took a steadying breath. I went to check on Draco immediately…"
"Was he there?" Ron blurted out then flushed. "Sorry…" He mumbled.
"He was." Narcissa smiled. "He… I thought he would hurt you… but he…" She burst into tears and Draco took on the role of holding her steady.
"He willingly gave it over…" Draco whispered.
"Yes… I don't understand…" Narcissa sniffed as she wiped her face with a lacey kerchief.
"I may…" Harry sighed, musing this was truly a bad time.
"What?" Draco frowned.
"I recall that day… I didn't want to bring it up but given the latest events…" Harry ran his hand through his hair. "Lucius… was sincere when he pleaded guilty. He, perhaps a little reluctantly, realized how messed up things got and he regretted hurting you." Harry stared at Draco. "He… I guess he thought about it all and decided he was wrong and to plead guilty."
"But… why?"
"Isn't it obvious, Dragon?" Harry asked. "He loves you and Narcissa. He might not have truly shown it but… he does care. He said the other day was the first time he heard laughter in his home. Yours and your mum's… he realized he wasn't a part of whatever made you so happy…"
"Oh…" Draco gasped and his eyes filled with the ever present tears as things fell into place.
"He isn't a nice man, not by a far shot but he did love his family." Narcissa whispered. "He… he apologized… Lucius never apologizes…" She sobbed.
"Shh… mother, please…" Draco sniffed.
"You're now Lord Malfoy." Narcissa said after controlling herself.
"Yeah." Draco said quietly.
"Does this mean the ministry can't strip you of your inheritance?" Ron asked a moment later.
Draco snorted and Harry outright laughed as Severus smacked Ron lightly on the head. Narcissa chuckled softly and hugged the tall boy in thanks.
"Yes, Ronald." Draco replied. "You know what this means though?" Draco asked.
"What?" Ron asked again. Harry wondered if he was doing the clueless idiot on purpose.
"Father wasn't kidnapped. He isn't on their side either."
"We have an 'in'!" Harry exclaimed softly.
"Exactly. We have insider help and we have a better chance of catching them all."
"Blimey." Ron muttered.
"The only issue is how to contact Lucius." Severus drawled. "Let's not forget he is a Slytherin and we can't trust him beyond a doubt."
"What are you on about, Sev?" Draco asked warily.
"I am saying, we should plan as if Lucius is not an ally. If he indeed is… changed, we shall have an additional wand…" He explained. He hated to wipe that hopeful look from his godson but it was still a possibility that Lucius was just setting them up… though it looked unlikely, it was better to be paranoid.
"But…" Draco frowned.
"Severus is right." Harry said firmly. "We don't know the full circumstances. It might be that Lucius wants to help us but can't or that he is in actuality working against us but in either case, it is best to assume the worst. I'm sorry Dragon… if at all possible, I'll try to get him out but… if he is with them, we will have to treat him as an enemy until he proves otherwise." He told his mate gently.
"I…" Draco took a deep breath. "I understand. You can't put other's lives in danger just to save him…" He nodded determinedly.
"It'll be alright, Dragon." Narcissa said softly.
Elsewhere, Robards was at his wits end at just how hard it was to organize his aurors. He had not realized just how bad things became after Amelia had been killed and Voldemort's forces had taken over. He sorely wished the woman was here to glare down the new aurors who had none of the precision that his mates from auror academy had… even that had been inadequate when the death-eater had started their attacks. He mused that this was one of the results of the war they had come through but even if he understood that, it was frustrating.
"Johnson! If I don't see your team in five minutes you're getting a salary cut!" He barked at the auror who was dragging his feet. Only a few people knew what the gathering was about, the others were told it was drills- maybe that hadn't been a good idea but they couldn't afford the enemy getting intel.
"Pears! Get kitted out!" He barked as he stalked the prep room. He could see what that Potter meant when he criticized their forces. He shook his head sadly.
"Alright, cadets! Find your guides, don't stand around!" He barked at the recently recruited cadets who were simply standing around in a daze, unsure of what to do.
"Gilson! Stop getting in people's way! To the conference hall for debriefing." He barked at one of his senior aurors who had actually managed to get himself and his team kitted out but was hindering the others in the busy room. He watched satisfied as Gilson herded his team to the conference hall where they would receive a code which would correspond with their task later on. They were sending teams to the main wizarding centers as well, just to keep the ruse going and also to have at least some aurors and hit-wizards available for any emergencies. Their total was at an all time low and a major mission of any sort made it nigh impossible to do their regular duties. He was glad Potter had his own men for this mission.
"Farell! To the conference hall!" He hollered at another group that was ready and sent a stinging hex at a whining junior auror whose name he did not care to know, just that he was holding them up. "Move it! Merlin, if there was a real emergency…" He sneered at them, causing a few cadets to speed up a little.
It took a half hour to herd everyone to the conference room, equipped with basic armor and potions and divided into teams.
"Listen up!" Robards barked. "Here's the drill. Each of the teams has a code. And each code has an attached task. This task will be carried out for the foreseeable future. Some of you will be tasked with keeping an eye on wizarding spaces for any trouble and I mean any trouble." He glared at them. They were having a bit of trouble with petty crimes, maybe this would help. "This is patrolling duty. Some will be directed to 'stake out' to borrow a muggle term. This is to train you to keep vigilant in the most unpleasant circumstances. There will also be some tasked with the clean up here…" He smirked at the groans. "And dismissed. These teams will switch with those on duty at eight am sharp. Now Senior Auror Harding will assign the tasks. Keep your codes secret even among yourselves… treat it as confidential information…" He added.
"Codes one through ten have patrol duty." Harding stepped up. "One and two Hogsmeade. Two will take night duty. Three to five in Diagon Alley. Five at night, four from afternoon to midnight. Remaining will cover Knocturn. six, seven, eight at night. Nine and ten day." He continued looking at the more experienced of the groups who had those particular codes. "Eleven to twenty are on stake out. Odd numbered codes at night. You will get a random location from the box there." He waved to a small wooden box. "Five locations." He added unnecessarily. "The remaining teams are on special assignment and will stay back for futher debriefing." He finished.
"Any questions?" Robards asked, sweeping them with a stern look.
"Yeah… why are we doing this?" A male asked. Murmurs broke out instantly and Robards sighed.
"Silence!" Robards growled. "We are hoping to increase your skill sets, something which was not addressed due to war. These are realistic situations where you will learn patience, vigilance and others. Treat it as a real mission." He ordered. "Any who are sincere about continuing in Auror corps will." He added fixing a few fidgeting people with his glare. "Those who need their coordinates, go to Harding. For Special assingments, remain seated. The rest dismissed." He turned and escaped the cacophony form a back door.
"Good job." Kingsley smirked.
"I hate you, minister, with all due respect." Robards growled.
"How did they take it?" Kingsley asked.
"Well enough, considering they think this is all a sham." Robards seated himself and reached for the coffee. "Now that I have had time to think over it, there should be patrol duty, in normal, peaceful times as well. Maybe the petty thefts and minor assaults will assuage." He mused.
"The muggle forces may have more insight. It is certainly something to work on." Kingsley agreed. "I believe I will order a review of training after this mess is cleared. It seems Fudge had… fudged up our aurors…" He chuckled. "… more than simply reducing funds."
"I wouldn't be surprised… especially when you consider who is playing instructor…."
"They will be replaced the moment I have commitment from someone like Severus or Harry… too bad Moody perished or I'd have coerced him into the job."
"Tonks would have been a good instructor as well… so would have many who perished that night." Robards said sadly.
"We shall discuss this later, Gawain. For now, we have a criminal ring to catch." Kingsley said firmly.
The family had by now developed the motto of enjoying their life despite all the shenanigans fate threw at them. So it wasn't too hard to keep the 'urgent' matter of the terrorists and concentrating on a birthday- a very pregnant and perpetually cranky dragons' birthday to be precise. The exams having finished, had allowed the group to be unencumbered by the end of May. The OWL students were still doing their exams but the rest of them were free.
Hermione still being in coma was a little depressing but Harry decided Draco deserved a great birthday. So, he planned everything Draco might like in secret. He decided the party should be held in their living room and decided to get the elves to rearrange the seating to make more place to mingle. They were going to have Ron, Severus, Neville, Luna, the Weasley Twins, Blaise and Seamus (though Harry was sure one or both would want to stay with Hermione), Narcissa, Teddy and Andromeda. There would be about fifteen people total give or take and he wondered if some more space could be added. He finally asked his elves who assured him they could and would expand the space as needed.
Next he needed someone to decorate. Luna got the job after she promised to turn out something in greens and lots of silver. Neville was in-charge of food. Both Neville and Luna were set to work with the elves for the event.
He had set Ron on a mission to order Draco's gift, a bracelet to match their wedding bands with the dragon and griffin motifs from Jasper Silvers. Severus went along making it a date, both under heavy glamours and a team of bodyguards not too far away. The two also promised to pick up Draco's new robes that Harry had previously ordered from Madam Malkins. Draco felt that he resembled the knight bus and so Harry had asked Madam Malkin for a solution. She had been excited to inform him there was a maternity line which was designed to make pregnant women feel beautiful, sometimes with the option of inwoven charms to make the bump appear smaller. She assured him that she could specially tailor a few for Draco and they had been due for a while now- Harry simply had no time to pick them up.
Finally, it was fourth of June and Harry forced himself to remain awake for the moment when his Dragon would turn nineteen. Meanwhile, he amused himself watching the teen sleep. As soon as his wand vibrated, Harry pressed his lips to Draco. He wasn't entirely sure if his dragon was awake but he kissed back. As the kiss deepened, Draco put his arms around Harry and moaned softly. Harry pulled away with another peck to look into sleepy silver eyes.
"What?" Draco asked stifling a yawn.
"Happy Birthday love." Harry said softly. Draco beamed and bestowed a small kiss.
"Thank you." He smirked. "I hope I am getting something more than just a kiss?" He drawled.
"Well, you'll get your gift later, love." Harry replied.
"Potter…" Draco rolled his eyes. "I meant in bed."
"Oh…. Oh!" Harry blushed.
"Honestly, Harry…" Draco grinned.
"But… are you sure?" Harry asked. Draco had been a bit grouchy about being touched in that way and hadn't wanted to do anything beyond a kiss for a while.
"Yes. Before you ask, Poppy said it's fine." He added.
"Well, then…" Harry grinned. "The birthday boy gets what he wants." Harry kissed him deeply, before turning Draco on his side.
"What are you…" Draco asked confused.
"Hm… hush, my sweet dragon…" Harry murmured and started kissing down Draco's spine as his hands roamed with abandon.
"But…"
"It's so we can avoid pressure on your stomach and knees, love, now hush." Harry demanded and started massaging the opening. Draco took a moment but his hand came back to entangle in Harry's hair.
The next morning Draco woke up to soft kisses and in the same position he had fallen asleep in. He blushed furiously when he realized his husband's certain anatomy had decided to stay all night and felt like it wanted to do more. Harry smirked as Draco's skin took on a pink hue and proceeded with the plans of little Harry.
They eventually rolled out of the bed and took a shower together. Draco was more skeptical than anything when Harry presented a small wardrobe of the so called 'paternity robes' but decided to humor his husband. He donned the silky grey outfit with black embroidered leaf motif along the edges and stood before the floor length mirror.
"So?" Harry asked nervously.
"Not bad, Potter…" Draco mused and turned to one side and the next, covering more angles. "It's like my tummy is smaller…"
"Madam Malkin says there is a woven in illusion charm on that one." Harry supplied. "And runes for powering it up."
"Oh…" Draco smiled. "I actually look good… still pregnant but not exactly fat…"
"You were never fat love…" Harry came up behind him and encircled the blond in an embrace. "You're beautiful…" He murmured softly.
"Only you, Harry." Draco smiled and took a moment to lean back and enjoy Harry's warmth.
The elves had a full breakfast spread with all Draco's favorites. After breakfast they took a walk down to the lake as Harry had planned. While he did that, the elves knew to contact Neville and Luna who would then come in to direct the decorations and food. The rest of the party were informed the party would take place a little after noon, until which time, Harry had the task of keeping Draco outside.
When Draco got hungry, Harry led him back slowly to their quarters. He hoped their friends had finished what they had planned on doing. He caught Neville peaking from a corner and smirked as the boy hurried away- at least they knew they were returning.
"Harry…" Draco whined. "Walk faster! I'm hungry and I want Steak with honey and hot sauce and mustard."
"Of course love." Harry agreed, wondering how plain honey and hot sauce tasted together… not to mention the mustard.
"Move it, old man." Draco huffed. Harry merely rolled his eyes and set a slightly faster pace; he didn't want Draco running around and merlin forbid fall. The pregnancy was risky enough already without adding physical trauma.
Thankfully Draco tired easily and the faster pace had him sweating slightly. By the time they reached the rooms, Draco was ready to curl up and sleep. Unfortunately, he had a surprise party to go to.
"SURPRISE!" The teens sequestered in the living room hollered as Draco took his first step in.
"Wha…" The grey eyed wizard fell back slightly into Harry in shock.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DRACO!" They screamed together with wide grins. A slow grin spread across the birthday boy's face.
"Merlin, you guys! That's why I had to suffer the sun all morning!" He exclaimed happily.
"You enjoyed it, love." Harry groused from behind him.
"Hush you." Draco poked out his tongue and allowed Blaise to pull him into a hug. Once everyone had greeted him, they guided the teen to the rather large cake. The group soon settled into the plush sofas and enjoyed a hearty meal… with plenty honey, hot sauce and mustard (much to Harry's and Blaise's disgust).
"Where were you?" Blaise froze as Seamus glared at him.
"It was Draco's birthday today." Blaise said carefully; the boy looked very angry.
"Right."
"What's wrong?" Blaise asked softly.
"Nothing." Seamus hissed.
"Obviously, something is wrong. Spit it out Finnegan." Blaise drawled, knowing it might rile up the boy some more.
"You don't care!" The red-head screamed.
"About what?" Blaise returned, wondering what this was about.
"About Hermione. You said you loved her but you don't care! That… that… party is so bloody more important to you!" Seamus snarled and poked his finger into Blaise's chest.
"I do care." Blaise said calmly.
"Not more than your stinking party."
"We can't mope around, Seamus. She'll wake up when she is fully healed." Blaise kept his tone soft.
"She needs us here."
"She had you to protect her and Poppy… A break is allowed, Seamus…" Blaise blinked. "When was the last time you took a break?" He asked suddenly.
"I don't need one." Seamus retorted.
"Right. Finnegan, you're going to have a hot meal and off to bed until tomorrow."
"What no! I'm staying with Hermione…!" Seamus shouted.
"No, I'll stay with her. We'll work out shifts so neither stresses out." He mused.
"No! You can't make me!" Seamus screamed, Poppy was trying to hush him but was ignored. "Just because you don't care, don't expect me to…"
"Damn it, you fool! I care about her just as much as you! But she needs rest, she is in a healing coma! We can only keep watch and one of us is enough!"
"What if she wakes when you're not there, huh?!"
"Then you can rush within five minutes! She's fine. She'll come around when she is ready! Stressing yourself and making yourself sick isn't going to help!"
"What do you know?! I hate you, Zabini!"
Seamus had frustrated tears in his eyes as he whipped around to go back to Hermione. However, he was roughly turned back and a soft pair of lips attacking his own. Seamus struggled and hit Blaise on the back and side but the Italian did not let go. The rough, needy kiss went on and on until Seamus gave up and clung to the other man, tears tracking his face. Finally, sensing the other boy had calmed down, Blaise pulled away.
"Obviously, you're high-strung." Blaise drawled as Seamus laid his head on his shoulder tiredly. "I'll send for Harry or Neville to watch her and we will go rest." Blaise told him firmly and kissed him reassuringly.
"Okay." Seamus sniffed.
"Oh my…" A soft female voice was heard and the boys whipped to see Hermione half propped up on her elbows, with her eyes wide, watching them.
"Hermione!" Both rushed to the blushing woman.
"Um… hi?" She waved sheepishly.
"You're okay!" They said in stereo. That was enough to make Poppy burst out laughing.
A/N: I didn't have the time of patience to proof-read this, so there are likely very many and very silly errors like typos, punctuation, etc. I'll update the chapter when I get those sorted... please excuse them for now! .!