Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews! =)
"Get him! That beast has my wand!" Bellatrix yelled once she got over the shock of her nephew turning into a panther.
Carrow fired a curse at the panther cub but he evaded her.
"Be careful! I don't want my wand damaged!" Bellatrix snapped.
Cassius dodged the hexes Carrow threw his way, running through the dark house hoping to find a window or a door that led outside. He let out a hiss when Carrow's cutting hex hit one of his legs. Trying to ignore the pain, Cassius kept running. However, his cut leg gave out and he skidded across the floor, slamming into a wall. He mewled in pain, the wand dropping form his mouth.
Bellatrix approached and retrieved her wand. "Nice trick, little nephew. But I've had enough of you," she said, raising her wand and pointing it at him. "Avada K-"
The doors crashed open and Draco, Snape, Remus, and Dumbledore rushed in with their wands out.
"Get away from him!" Snape yelled. When Carrow went to curse them, he flicked his wand and she flew through the room and slammed into the wall.
Carrow shook herself and stood up. "I'll kill you, you traitor!" She yelled at Snape, who merely sneered at her in return.
On the other side of the room, Draco was facing his insane aunt. "Get away from my brother!" Draco ordered, pointing his wand at her.
"This brat deserves to die!" Bellatrix shouted furiously, turning back to Cassius. "You both do, just like your traitor parents!"
"Expelliarmus!" Draco shouted, catching Bellatrix's wand as it flew at him. Without hesitation, he snapped it in half.
Bellatrix was livid. "How dare you -" She started to shout.
"Stupefy!" Draco ran past her unconscious body and went to his brother, who was still in his cub form. "Cass?" he whispered as he knelt down.
Cass mewled in pain and limped towards him.
"Ah, cub. You're hurt." Draco saw the wound on his leg and felt a surge of anger. That crazy woman had hurt his brother! "Come on, Cass. Change back." he coaxed, reaching out his arms.
His cub transformed and Cassius fell into his arms, his leg still bleeding profusely and his body shaking from being under the Cruciatus curse.
"Draco," Cassius said in relief. He was okay now. His brother was here.
Draco conjured a bandage and immediately wrapped it around his brother's leg to stall the bleeding. He then scooped Cassius up into his arms.
"Is Hermione okay?" Cassius asked, laying his head on Draco's shoulder.
"She's fine." Draco turned around to see the room now filled with Aurors as they levitated a still unconscious Bellatrix out of the room. Carrow was dueling Snape and cast the blasting curse at him but Dumbledore jumped between them and blocked the spell. He bound her with ropes and she lay on the floor, shouting threats. Tonks yawned as if bored with her and cast a Silencio on her. Draco smirked. Maybe not all the Aurors weren't useless. He caught sight of Twitchy's body and felt satisfied that the elf finally got what he deserved. He looked down at his brother in his arms and saw in alarm that he had fallen unconscious. Leaving the clean up to everyone else, he took his brother back to the castle.
/
"He's been under the Cruciatus curse," Poppy murmured as she ran her diagnostics. "A few times, it looks like. A potion will take care of the effects. Now, let's just see about this cut." Muttering a healing spell, she ran her wand over the cut on Cassius's leg. She spelled away the blood and then summoned a pain reliever. "Take a swallow, Mr. Malfoy."
Cassius, who had regained consciousness when they had arrived, obeyed but grimaced at the taste. Ugh, potions. Why couldn't they taste good?
Draco was holding his brother's hand, face tense. "Is he okay?"
"Yes," Poppy handed Cassius another vial. "One more swallow. This one will help the shaking."
"I don't want another potion," Cassius whined.
"Cass," Draco's voice was full of warning.
Resisting the urge to pout, Cassius took the potion. "Disgusting!" he coughed. He relaxed as the shakes stopped.
"Now he needs to sleep and then when he wakes, eat a good meal," Poppy said. "I also recommend a calming draught before he sleeps." She summoned the potion.
"Do I have to sleep here?" Cassius asked, ready to start whining if Pomfrey said yes. He hated having to stay in the infirmary.
"No," Draco answered before Pomfrey could. Grateful as he was that she had healed Cassius, he was also still irritated with her. He would have been with his brother when Twitchy came if it wasn't for her.
"Summon me if he develops a fever or anything," Poppy said reluctantly as she handed Draco the vial of Calming Draught. "Make sure he gets plenty of rest."
"I will." Draco said, turning to a relieved looking Cassius. He picked him up and lifted him into his arms.
"I can walk!" Cassius protested though he immediately snuggled up against his brother.
"Of course you can," Draco said as he carried him out of the infirmary. "But I want to hold you. I may never let you go, actually."
"Dray," Cassius laughed, not really bothered to be carried by his brother. But he had to give a token protest. He was twelve, after all.
Once Draco had deposited him onto his bed in their quarters he pulled Cass into a fierce hug. "Merlin, Cass," he muttered into his hair. "I was so afraid you were -" he couldn't finish, his throat closing up. Tears pricked his eyes at the thought of losing his brother. Again.
"I'm okay, Dray," Cassius said softly as he hugged Draco back. "How did you guys find me?" He asked curiously.
"Your tracker," Draco said, releasing him so Cass could lay back against his pillows. "When you changed into a cub, I was able to track where you were."
"Huh. Good you thing you put one on me," Cassius said with a laugh. He clasped Draco's hand when his brother just looked wrecked. "I'm really okay." he assured him. "And I understand why you've been so protective lately. Pomfrey let it slip about Bellatrix being free after she drugged you. Not being allowed to play in the forest made sense."
Draco looked pained. "I didn't want you to worry. I know you have always wanted to feel normal and I was trying to give that to you."
"I know," Cassius assured him. "I'm not mad."
"I tried so hard to keep you safe," Draco said, squeezing his hands. "And you were still taken."
"I like that you do everything you can to keep me safe," Cassius admitted. "Even if I complain about it sometimes," he added with a lopsided grin. It was true. He was loved and cared about, which was something he had longed for his entire life.
Now Draco did laugh. "I love you so much, Cass."
"I love you too, Dray."
/
Draco had fallen asleep next to his brother after giving him the Calming Draught, unable to leave him. He woke up when he heard a knock on the door. He gazed at Cassius, who was still sleeping peacefully. He carefully got up, not wanting to wake him and went to answer the door. He smiled brightly when he saw who it was.
"I just wanted to check on both of you," Hermione said.
"We're fine. Cassius is fine and sleeping right now. I'm so sorry you got hurt," Draco said sincerely.
"I just wish I could have protected him." Hermione said unhappily. "At least Carrow and Bellatrix are where they belong."
"Hopefully they stay there this time," Draco said darkly.
"I heard Professor Snape say that security would be even more tightened in Azkaban," Hermione said. "Fudge is taking heat for the escape. And I heard about Twitchy."
"Bellatrix killed him," Draco said. "Only good thing she has ever done. He took Cass to her knowing she wanted him dead." He said in disgust.
Hermione nodded. "He made Kreacher look polite and sweet." She shook her head.
Draco chuckled. He had heard about the demented Kreacher from Cassius.
"I'm just glad that Cass is safe now," Hermione said with a soft smile. "I should go. Is it okay if I come back later to check on Cass?"
"Of course," Draco murmured. "Thanks for being a good friend, Hermione. To Cassius and to me." He said sincerely.
Hermione laughed lightly. "Who would have thought, right?" She teased.
/
The end of the year exams came and Cassius thought he did pretty well. But his poor brother seemed to be a nervous wreck every time he took a exam. He would come back to their quarters all pale and wide eyed. Cassius was definitely happy that he wasn't taking his N.E.W.T.s this year, that was for sure.
"Do you want some tea?" Cassius asked after Draco had flopped on the sofa, just coming back from taking his Potions exam.
Draco gave a grunt and Cassius figured that he meant yes so he went to make tea for the both of them. He came back with a tea tray that included biscuits. "Here you go."
Draco lifted his head. "Thanks Cass. Have I told you are the best brother a guy could have?"
"No, but a raise in my allowance would say that," Cassius said cheerfully.
Draco snorted as he sat up and took the cup of tea his brother handed him. "Your allowance is already generous but nice try." He took a sip of the earl grey tea, which was his favorite. It helped relax him and he sat back. "How have your exams been?"
"Fine, I think," Cassius said. "Well, Transfiguration and History of Magic were a little difficult. I'm not sure how I did in those," he admitted. "But I did try!" he assured Draco.
"That's all I ask," Draco said, taking a biscuit with chocolate buttercream filling and munching into it. "Mmm, this is good."
Cassius agreed as he also enjoyed a biscuit. "So all my exams are done," he said a little smugly. "How many more do you have?" He grinned.
"Two," Draco gave him a mock glare. "Charms and Transfiguration."
Cassius gave him a sympathetic look and offered him another biscuit. "Hey, Dray? What are we going to do during the summer?"
"Sleep," Draco said dreamily. "Lot's and lot's of sleep."
Cassius snickered. "Yeah, you need at least of week of non stop sleep."
Draco nodded tiredly. "Don't worry, cub. We'll do some fun things. We can fly, take in some Quidditch games, maybe take a trip somewhere. You can invite your friends over to visit if you like." He offered.
Cassius eyes brightened. "Wow, I was never able to invite friends over to where I lived before," he said, liking the idea.
Draco looked at him sadly. Such a little thing to most people, inviting friends over and yet for Cassius, it was a novelty. "Well, now you do," he said simply.
"Yeah," Cassius drank his own tea, excited to have a fun summer coming his way. He usually would just wait to be allowed to go to the Weasley's over summer and endure the Dursley's. He had had no idea what to do or where he would have lived, when he thought he was seventeen and Harry Potter. He hadn't wanted to live at Grimmauld Place, in fact he had signed the place over to Remus. He and Ron had talked about getting an apartment after graduation but now, well. He had what he had always truly wanted. A home.
/
A few days later, Cassius and Snape were playing a game of chess when Draco was burst in after taking his last exam. He picked up Cassius and swung him around. "It's over! No more exams!" he sang. "No more studying until my brain explodes!"
Cassius giggled. "We should celebrate!" He suggested after Draco had put him down.
"Definitely," Draco agreed. "Maybe a bunch of us can go to Hogsmeade and get ice cream."
"All right!" Cassius cheered.
Snape looked on in amusement. "Congratulations, Draco. It's hard to believe you are graduating."
"It does feel a little strange," Draco agreed.
"Are you going to have a graduation party?" Cassius asked eagerly.
Draco hesitated. It made him think of his parents and how they would have already been planning one for him, if they were still alive. He wished they were here.
"You should," Snape told him, knowing what his oldest godson was thinking. "Your parents would want you to. They would be very proud of you, of both of you."
"Thanks," Draco said, feeling a little emotional. He pulled his brother to him and put his arms around him. "So, a party huh?" he mused.
"Yeah! We can invite Hermione, Neville, Luna, Daphne, Theo..." Cassius continued his list, finishing with, "Enzo, Jason, and Sadie."
"So your friends too?" Draco ruffled Cass's hair.
"Well, yeah. I'm celebrating too. It's not every day you complete second year for the second time." Cassius smirked.
Snape chuckled as Draco burst out laughing. "Very true."
/
Two days after school ended Draco and Cassius threw a party at their manor. There were streamers done in all the house colors, balloons, a ton of food and drink, and a live band. Draco had hired The Weird Sisters to play. There was dancing and laughter and every one was having a great time. Even Snape had stopped by.
"This party is so amazing!" Enzo shouted over the music as they each grabbed a bottle of buttebeer.
"This house is amazing!" Sadie laughed.
Cassius grinned. He couldn't believe he was co-hosting a party with his brother, it was so...normal. And wonderful.
"Hey, look," Jason smiled a little mischievously, picking up a half full bottle of Firewhiskey. "Should we?"
"No!" Sadie hissed, glancing around to see if anyone noticed.
"Yes!" Enzo said eagerly. He grabbed the bottle and took a swig, coughing immediately. "It burns!" he croaked.
"That bad?" Jason took a swallow and began gagging. "Yuck, that's horrible!"
Cassius and Sadie glanced at each other. "I'll try it if you do," Cassius challenged playfully. He had never tried Firewhiskey before, even when he had thought he was seventeen.
Sadie slowly grinned. "Well...okay!" She took a swallow and coughed. "Oh, that is horrid."
Cassius then took a swig and choked. Merlin, it was awful! How could adults drink this stuff? Suddenly someone reached around him and plucked the bottle from his hands. He turned around and gulped. "Uh, hey Draco. Having fun?" He asked innocently.
"Yes. It appears you four are as well," Draco said, eyeing them sternly. "I suppose it's my fault. I thought it went without saying that the Firewhiskey was not for you guys." he said sarcastically.
"We just tried a sip," Cassius shrugged, yet his eyes were a little wary. "Don't worry, we all hated it." His friends nodded in agreement.
"Good," Draco smirked. "But just so you know, Firewhiskey is off limits to you until you are seventeen." He told Cassius sternly.
"No problem, that stuff is disgusting," Cassius said cheerfully. "I'll stick to pumpkin juice and butterbeer."
"You do that," Draco said dryly. He put the bottle on a tray one of the house-elves were carrying. "So you think the party is a success?"
Cassius nodded. "Thanks for letting my friends come even though it's your graduation."
"Hey, it's a party for both of us," Draco said, patting his shoulder. "We both deserve some fun after the eventful year we had." A year he wouldn't trade for anything, even with all the drama they had to deal with.
"Woo -hoo!"
Cassius turned and laughed when he saw Hermione dancing around, her hair flying everywhere as she danced to the music. "Party! Party!" She chanted.
Cassius smirked. "I guess she's had one too many Firewhiskeys." he remarked.
Draco chuckled as he watched Hermione wave her hands around as she danced.
"Mione is certainly letting loose," Cassius commented with a grin.
Draco laughed. "Yeah, she is. I better go make sure she doesn't fall or something."
"Does he like her?" Sadie asked with wide eyes as she watched Draco head over to Hermione.
"I dunno. They're friends," Cassius said as he watched Draco and Hermione dance with each other. Hmm, he'd have to keep an eye on that and see what happened.
By the time the party was over, Draco was exhausted and glad to see everyone go home. He looked around the trashed room, grateful for house-elves and wondered if Cass had gone up to bed already. He had given permission for him to stay up late but he wouldn't be surprised if the boy had crashed. He paused when he found Cass laying on one of the long tables, sound asleep. "Silly boy," he said as he picked him up. "Come on cub. I'll put you to bed." he said quietly as he took him up to his room.
Cassius stirred slightly as Draco tucked him in after transfiguring his clothes into pajamas.
"Did you have fun?"
"So much fun," Cassius sighed as he snuggled into his pillow. "Love you, Dray," he mumbled before drifting to sleep.
"Love you, cub."
TBC: