Chapter 4: A Dragon's Devotion

"Wow…." Hermione said after a while. "Harry, you look….." She blinked and then grinned. "Amazing!" Draco chuckled and pulled the younger boy close who was blushing shyly. Sirius grinned then cooed.

"Oh Pup, you two look… so adorable…."

"Quit being such a woman Black!" Snape growled, stopping short as Hermione and McGonagall cleared their throats. Lupin and the Malfoy Lord chuckled.

"Apologies." The Potions Master said with a blush. He had forgotten that there were women in the room!

"Forgiven Severus." McGonagall chuckled. "But now there are many challenges to face. We all know that Mr. Potter can not be seen like this right now." Draco groaned in frustration. The Malfoy Lord chuckled and placed a hand onto his son's shoulder. It was obvious that his Heir has fallen for the Potter/Black Scion. Interesting… "While in school, Mr. Potter will have to keep it on."

"What about when he has to return home?" Snape asked.

"He will have to continue what he has been doing until we get him out of there!" The Malfoy Lord said. "Mr. Potter when is your birthday?"

"July 31st." Draco answered quicky. The adults raised an eyebrow at the promptness of the response. Harry smiled and nodded as he gently squeezed the blond's hand. The Malfoy Lord nodded.

"Very good, so everyone clear that day, that is when we will remove Mr. Potter from that horrendous household."

"But Albus…."

"I will deal with the barmy old lemon drop sucker." The Malfoy Lord said vehemently. Sirius howled with laughter. Snape chuckled and Lupin grinned. He remembered that nickname from their school days. Obviously so did Sirius and Lupin. The younger members of the group giggled, and McGonagall blinked.

"Lord Malfoy…." She began but the Malfoy Lord saw the mirth in her eyes. He grinned.

"I've been waiting to say that one!"

"Keep it up Blondie and I'll kiss you!" Sirius teased.

"Dinner first." The Malfoy Lord teased back. Sirius and Lupin laughed. "Sorry Black I love my wife."

"It's cool I'm a loner." Sirius grinned. "Got a lot of ladies…."

"Slut," Snape coughed.

"Nun," Sirius countered.

"Gentlemen!" McGonagall barked, although happy to see that the men were getting along. "The children need rest."

"I think they already knew that." Lupin said as he nodded to the sleeping children. Hermione was asleep in her armchair while the two boys were asleep on the couch, with Draco holding Harry in a loving yet protective embrace. Harry's head was resting over Draco's heart, their faces peaceful and serene. Everyone cooed. McGonagall didn't have the heart to move them and neither did Snape. Sirius picked up a sleeping Hermione and with Lupin following, quietly left the office. Snape looked at the boys then placed a blanket on them both. McGonagall transfigured the couch into a bed and followed Snape out, leaving the slumbering boys to their dreams and each other.

Draco was the first to awaken. He opened his eyes and remembered where they were. He carefully moved to see that Harry was still asleep. His Glamour was still off, and Draco was awed and enchanted by the beauty of his Lily. So much pain that you didn't deserve…a destiny that you never asked for…. When all is over, I swear you will be at peace, even if I must kick everyone's asses. I will do all in my power to make you happy….to keep you safe….and with me….

"Dra...co?" Harry said softly as he slowly woke up. Green eyes met Blue gray. "Was everything a dream?" Draco chuckled and kissed his forehead.

"Did that feel like a dream?" He asked with a smile. Harry blushed and shook his head.

"No,"

"Right answer, well, as lovely as this is," Draco gestured at how intimate they were. "We best get up and get ready."

"Right," Harry groaned. "Time to face the music." He got up and got ready and Draco sighed in relief. Any longer we would've had a problem. He thought with a blush. He couldn't deny that he was enchanted with his Lily, but they had bigger fish to fry. One of many challenges…Draco thought as he got up and got ready. And right now, Harry has it harder. I will support him in any way I can.

After getting dressed and Glamour in place, Harry walked side by side with Draco. The boys met up with Hermione and the trio exchanged a wave and quick smile before entering the Great Hall. Dumbledore's eyes darted to the Slytherin crest on Harry's robes and his eyes twinkled wildly.

"Harry, is there something you wish to tell me?"

"No Headmaster," Harry said coolly. Draco hid a smug smirk. That's it my Lily, don't give this old codger an inch.

"Ah Headmaster," The Malfoy Lord greeted coolly, easily putting himself between Dumbledore and Harry. "Shouldn't you announce the rules for the Tournament?"

"Oh, you are correct my boy," Dumbledore said. "Excuse me," The trio watched as the meddling old fool walk back up to the front of the hall before gracing the Malfoy Lord with grateful smiles.

"Harry," He addressed the younger boy. "From here on out, I will be observing. You will have to remain with the other champions. Remember you have an incredibly supportive corner. Steer clear of that old fool, do not allow him a moment alone with you."

"Yes Sir," Harry said. Draco smiled and kissed his hand before placing something small, cool and coinlike into it.

"We will be close by my Lily," He whispered. "Should you need us, just cup this tight and allow the crystal to warm up. Always keep it with you and good luck." He dropped another kiss onto Harry's forehead before following his father. Harry smiled softly before muttering a spell and placed the newly formed crystal amulet around his neck and under his robes where it was immediately concealed before heading to where the other Champions were having breakfast.

After breakfast he walked around with Hermione and Padfoot. Draco went with his father to take care of a few things.

"Hermione, I don't know if I can do all of this."

"You'll be fine Harry." Hermione encouraged. "You have us. By the way, what did Draco give you?"

"Oh," Harry breathed as he showed her the crystal. It was a coin sized crystal, its coloring like Draco's eyes. There was a dragon engraved in silver and an inscription: Draco est Pietas. Hermione smiled.

"Oh, Harry I am so happy for you." She said as hugged him. "There's no clearer declaration."

"Hermione, what are you on about?" Harry asked. His Latin was a bit rusty.

"Harry, the inscription translates: A Dragon's Devotion." At this Harry smiled and blushed as he lovingly replaced the pendant around his neck, allowing it to conceal again. He felt as if he could take on anything the Tournament had to throw at him.