Chapter 10: Protecting the Ones You Love
Wow, I found time to actually finish chapter ten. Eheh, so anyway, the same warnings apply in this chapter as every other chapter of this story. Umm. . .other than that I would really love some reviews for this story. I haven't gotten many and it's really making me sad. Please, please review. Thanks.
Chapter 10: Protecting the Ones You Love
Rai stood deathly still, his arms wrapped about his thin waist as he closed his eyes in concentration.
"So what are we to do?" Harry's hushed voice cut through the brunette's thoughts as silver-blue eyes snapped open.
Hesitating only briefly, Rai bit his lip and transferred his gaze between Dumbledore and the two other students. "For now, we can only raise more protections around you. Lord Dumbledore still has not been able to locate Voldemort's exact location and until then I shall help him watch after you two."
"But what if something does happen? What if Voldemort manages to get a hold of us?" Draco's grey eyes were dulled with worry as he tugged Harry closer to his own body.
This time Dumbledore answered. "We cannot allow that. If he manages to obtain your combined powers, there shall be no stopping him. Rai and I have already set up many different types of protection that we could erect about you and from now on you are not allowed to leave Hogwarts grounds."
"We realize that it may not be to your liking but it is necessary until we are able to track Voldemort's movements. If my people were still here, you would be staying with us for even the dark lord cannot pierce our powers. Alas, though, this is all we are capable of providing for now." There was silence and emerald, silver, and icy blue studied each other.
Finally, Dumbledore broke through his students' silent communication. "Then it is settled. A private room has been arranged for the both of you boys and all your belongings have already been moved. Rai shall teach you how to get past the barriers and charms."
Harry sighed, removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly as he pressed himself closer to his lover. "Are we still going to be attending class regularly?"
"Yes you are." Dumbledore's blue eyes shone with sympathy and he offered a comforting smile. "Except now yours and Mister Malfoy's and Mister Maxwell's schedules have been changed to match so that you can remain together during the day." He sighed. "I really do apologize for all of this but please do understand what will happen should Voldemort capture you boys."
The emerald-eyed Gryffindor nodded, his eyes glazed over with determination. "We understand." Harry stood, Draco following suit. "Can we see our new room?"
Considering the young, brave boy that stood before him, the headmaster slowly nodded. "Rai will take you there."
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore." Harry murmured, taking his lover's hand and glancing at Rai.
Rai, in turn nodded and motioned for his two friends out the door. Falling in step behind them, the elf's wintry gaze flickered over to the aged wizard for a concise second and then turned to leave with a swirl of his school cloak.
A tense peace fell over the three boys and as they came to unfamiliar corridors, Draco and Harry stared in wonder at the increasingly rich decorations. Like every other part of Hogwarts, the walls, ceilings, and floors were built out of finely set stone but the ornamentation was definitely finer than any where else in the castle. "Wow. . ." Harry breathed as his mouth gaped in wonder at the painting that they had come to stop in front of. "What is this?"
"Tis a painting by Godric Gryffindor. It is meant to depict the history of the four houses. With Gryffindor and Slytherin at the top." Rai smirked at the raised eyebrow that he received for knowing that information. "Hermione saw it fit to inform me all about Hogwart's history, which by chance included this painting. Now. . ." He dug through his pocket until his hand finally reappeared with a small crystal vile. "I must ask you to drink this Draco."
Draco frowned, taking the flask into his hand and eyeing it closely. "What is this?"
"Veritaserum."
"Veritaserum? Why? You cannot seriously think. . ." Draco began but seeing the stern expression etched on his friend's features, the Slytherin shook his head. "You still do not trust me."
Beside him, Harry glared, thoroughly furious at the doubt that was shown toward Draco. He was about to protest on his boyfriend's behalf when Rai sighed.
"Tis not that I do not trust you but you must see our position in this delicate situation. I may see you as a reliable and loyal person but not everyone may think that Draco. Your family does not exactly hold a. . .good reputation Draco Malfoy." Even though his demeanor was solemn, Rai's icy gems betrayed the regret that he felt for doing this to his friend.
Draco pursued his lips in annoyance but he knew that he could not dispute the logic. "Fine."
"Please don't be angry with me Draco. Twas not my choice."
Some of the anger that he felt melted away as he heard the heart felt plea and the Slytherin consented before uncorking the vial and downing the potion in one gulp. "Alright. Ask whatever you need to."
Rai took a deep breath, before starting. "Are you involved in any plans with Voldemort that would bring any harm to Harry Potter or those on the side of good?"
"No."
"Are you in legion with Voldemort?"
"No!" Neither of his companions was surprised by the shock and revulsion that was apparent in Draco's voice.
"Then last question. Are you willing to do anything to protect Harry Potter and keep Voldemort from gaining the powers that you and he possess?"
"I am. With all my heart."
A gradual smile grew on Rai's beautiful features and his eyes gleamed with approval. "Then I shall show you how to gain passage into your tower now." Together, they worked through the various spells and charms until they stood in the middle of a large living room decorated in various shades of silver, green, scarlet, and gold. "There is a kitchen in that door and a bedroom and bathroom in the other. As Lord Dumbledore said, your belongings have already been sent up. I shall come by every night to check on you and lead you down to where you shall receive training on some of the new powers that you shall acquire through your new bond."
"Training?"
Rai looked to Harry. "Yes. Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, and myself shall lead you in it. We will instruct you as your magic grows and teach you more complicated spells." He glanced at the muggle clock that sat on one of the smaller coffee tables. "Now I must excuse myself. I'm afraid that I must under see the wards being set up in the Forbidden Forest. Take the time to accustom yourself to your new room and I will see you tomorrow."
"See you. Be careful."
"Thank you."
After the door shut behind Rai, Draco slumped onto the sofa wearily. He leaned against Harry when the other sat down beside him and automatically the Gryffindor raised his arms to embrace his boyfriend comfortingly. "What's going to happen Harry?"
"I don't know Drac. I still can't believe that we're soul mates. I mean, I'm not object to that idea and I think it's rather nice but I really don't want Voldemort to gain and manipulate our powers." Harry answered, his forehead creased with a frown.
"I agree." Draco hummed silently in thought. "I wonder what our new powers are and how we're supposed to control them if Professor Dumbledore and Rai were right about them increasing."
"I don't know. We just have to trust Professor Dumbledore and Rai when they're training us. They should know what they're doing." Harry pulled the blonde tighter against himself and buried his nose in the sun-tinted locks, reveling in the smell of cinnamon and winter in his lover's hair. For now, he knew that all he could do was hold onto Draco and hope that neither of them would have to face Voldemort.
* * * * *
Rai's robes gradually melted away into his elven clothing as he gracefully moved down the hallways and into the Slytherin section of the school. He sent a searching spell through the stone walls and smiled when it located the entrance to the Slytherin dorms while delivering the password to him mentally. Coming to a normal-looking portion of the corridor wall, Rai muttered the command word and nodded in satisfaction as the wall dissolved and he stepped into the Slytherin common room.
All head turned at his entrance and there was a brief second of shock, where all the Slytherin's had their mouths gaped open in astonishment at the appearance of a Gryffindor in their lair before time started again.
"How did you get in here?!" Pansy shrieked as she jumped up from her chair in front of the dully glowing fire, Derek and Blaise right beside her.
The elf raised one fine eyebrow. "That is my own secret, now I must speak with Derek if you do not mind."
Derek shook his head before Pansy and Blaise could retort and he quietly followed Rai back out into the hallway. "What is so urgent that you actually had to risk it in the Slytherin dorms Rai?"
"I am heading into the Forbidden Forest for the night Derek. There are matters concerning Voldemort that I must see to." Rai winced when Derek shouted in protest. He had known that his lover would respond this way, but it still didn't prepare his sensitive elven ears for the outburst.
"What?! What do you mean? You can't." He gathered Rai in a desperate hug, whispering now. "I-I don't want to lose you now, love. I don't want to be alone anymore."
Rai felt his heart shatter at the spoken words and he clenched his eyes shut to keep the tears from falling. "I know Derek and neither do I but I have to do this or Harry and Draco are going to suffer the consequences. You must understand my position in this. Tis my duty to protect them as it was for me to protect my people." He raised a gentle hand, tracing the delicate features of his lover's face. "I am sorry Derek." Taking a deep breath, Rai did the bravest thing he had ever done in his life; he backed out of Derek's arms and forced on a calm visage. "I love you. Remember that." With that, the elf was gone, leaving the broken raven-haired wizard to slide to the ground in tears. He sobbed with all his heart as he buried his head in his knees, not caring if the world saw his pain.
That was how Draco found him half an hour later, when the blonde had returned to ask Blaise for one his books. The younger boy took one look at his mentally and physically exhausted friend and he did not need to ask what had occurred. Rather, he gently and without question assisted Derek to his feet and slowly led him back to his new flat.
T.B.C.
Wah! Sad ending to chapter ten. *ahem* Well, we'll see what happens in the next chapter, eh? Hehe, anyway as usual please review and I'm gonna start hammering away on chapter eleven. *pulls out hammer and grins* Sayonara minna! ^_^
Wow, I found time to actually finish chapter ten. Eheh, so anyway, the same warnings apply in this chapter as every other chapter of this story. Umm. . .other than that I would really love some reviews for this story. I haven't gotten many and it's really making me sad. Please, please review. Thanks.
Chapter 10: Protecting the Ones You Love
Rai stood deathly still, his arms wrapped about his thin waist as he closed his eyes in concentration.
"So what are we to do?" Harry's hushed voice cut through the brunette's thoughts as silver-blue eyes snapped open.
Hesitating only briefly, Rai bit his lip and transferred his gaze between Dumbledore and the two other students. "For now, we can only raise more protections around you. Lord Dumbledore still has not been able to locate Voldemort's exact location and until then I shall help him watch after you two."
"But what if something does happen? What if Voldemort manages to get a hold of us?" Draco's grey eyes were dulled with worry as he tugged Harry closer to his own body.
This time Dumbledore answered. "We cannot allow that. If he manages to obtain your combined powers, there shall be no stopping him. Rai and I have already set up many different types of protection that we could erect about you and from now on you are not allowed to leave Hogwarts grounds."
"We realize that it may not be to your liking but it is necessary until we are able to track Voldemort's movements. If my people were still here, you would be staying with us for even the dark lord cannot pierce our powers. Alas, though, this is all we are capable of providing for now." There was silence and emerald, silver, and icy blue studied each other.
Finally, Dumbledore broke through his students' silent communication. "Then it is settled. A private room has been arranged for the both of you boys and all your belongings have already been moved. Rai shall teach you how to get past the barriers and charms."
Harry sighed, removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose tiredly as he pressed himself closer to his lover. "Are we still going to be attending class regularly?"
"Yes you are." Dumbledore's blue eyes shone with sympathy and he offered a comforting smile. "Except now yours and Mister Malfoy's and Mister Maxwell's schedules have been changed to match so that you can remain together during the day." He sighed. "I really do apologize for all of this but please do understand what will happen should Voldemort capture you boys."
The emerald-eyed Gryffindor nodded, his eyes glazed over with determination. "We understand." Harry stood, Draco following suit. "Can we see our new room?"
Considering the young, brave boy that stood before him, the headmaster slowly nodded. "Rai will take you there."
"Thank you Professor Dumbledore." Harry murmured, taking his lover's hand and glancing at Rai.
Rai, in turn nodded and motioned for his two friends out the door. Falling in step behind them, the elf's wintry gaze flickered over to the aged wizard for a concise second and then turned to leave with a swirl of his school cloak.
A tense peace fell over the three boys and as they came to unfamiliar corridors, Draco and Harry stared in wonder at the increasingly rich decorations. Like every other part of Hogwarts, the walls, ceilings, and floors were built out of finely set stone but the ornamentation was definitely finer than any where else in the castle. "Wow. . ." Harry breathed as his mouth gaped in wonder at the painting that they had come to stop in front of. "What is this?"
"Tis a painting by Godric Gryffindor. It is meant to depict the history of the four houses. With Gryffindor and Slytherin at the top." Rai smirked at the raised eyebrow that he received for knowing that information. "Hermione saw it fit to inform me all about Hogwart's history, which by chance included this painting. Now. . ." He dug through his pocket until his hand finally reappeared with a small crystal vile. "I must ask you to drink this Draco."
Draco frowned, taking the flask into his hand and eyeing it closely. "What is this?"
"Veritaserum."
"Veritaserum? Why? You cannot seriously think. . ." Draco began but seeing the stern expression etched on his friend's features, the Slytherin shook his head. "You still do not trust me."
Beside him, Harry glared, thoroughly furious at the doubt that was shown toward Draco. He was about to protest on his boyfriend's behalf when Rai sighed.
"Tis not that I do not trust you but you must see our position in this delicate situation. I may see you as a reliable and loyal person but not everyone may think that Draco. Your family does not exactly hold a. . .good reputation Draco Malfoy." Even though his demeanor was solemn, Rai's icy gems betrayed the regret that he felt for doing this to his friend.
Draco pursued his lips in annoyance but he knew that he could not dispute the logic. "Fine."
"Please don't be angry with me Draco. Twas not my choice."
Some of the anger that he felt melted away as he heard the heart felt plea and the Slytherin consented before uncorking the vial and downing the potion in one gulp. "Alright. Ask whatever you need to."
Rai took a deep breath, before starting. "Are you involved in any plans with Voldemort that would bring any harm to Harry Potter or those on the side of good?"
"No."
"Are you in legion with Voldemort?"
"No!" Neither of his companions was surprised by the shock and revulsion that was apparent in Draco's voice.
"Then last question. Are you willing to do anything to protect Harry Potter and keep Voldemort from gaining the powers that you and he possess?"
"I am. With all my heart."
A gradual smile grew on Rai's beautiful features and his eyes gleamed with approval. "Then I shall show you how to gain passage into your tower now." Together, they worked through the various spells and charms until they stood in the middle of a large living room decorated in various shades of silver, green, scarlet, and gold. "There is a kitchen in that door and a bedroom and bathroom in the other. As Lord Dumbledore said, your belongings have already been sent up. I shall come by every night to check on you and lead you down to where you shall receive training on some of the new powers that you shall acquire through your new bond."
"Training?"
Rai looked to Harry. "Yes. Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore, Remus Lupin, and myself shall lead you in it. We will instruct you as your magic grows and teach you more complicated spells." He glanced at the muggle clock that sat on one of the smaller coffee tables. "Now I must excuse myself. I'm afraid that I must under see the wards being set up in the Forbidden Forest. Take the time to accustom yourself to your new room and I will see you tomorrow."
"See you. Be careful."
"Thank you."
After the door shut behind Rai, Draco slumped onto the sofa wearily. He leaned against Harry when the other sat down beside him and automatically the Gryffindor raised his arms to embrace his boyfriend comfortingly. "What's going to happen Harry?"
"I don't know Drac. I still can't believe that we're soul mates. I mean, I'm not object to that idea and I think it's rather nice but I really don't want Voldemort to gain and manipulate our powers." Harry answered, his forehead creased with a frown.
"I agree." Draco hummed silently in thought. "I wonder what our new powers are and how we're supposed to control them if Professor Dumbledore and Rai were right about them increasing."
"I don't know. We just have to trust Professor Dumbledore and Rai when they're training us. They should know what they're doing." Harry pulled the blonde tighter against himself and buried his nose in the sun-tinted locks, reveling in the smell of cinnamon and winter in his lover's hair. For now, he knew that all he could do was hold onto Draco and hope that neither of them would have to face Voldemort.
* * * * *
Rai's robes gradually melted away into his elven clothing as he gracefully moved down the hallways and into the Slytherin section of the school. He sent a searching spell through the stone walls and smiled when it located the entrance to the Slytherin dorms while delivering the password to him mentally. Coming to a normal-looking portion of the corridor wall, Rai muttered the command word and nodded in satisfaction as the wall dissolved and he stepped into the Slytherin common room.
All head turned at his entrance and there was a brief second of shock, where all the Slytherin's had their mouths gaped open in astonishment at the appearance of a Gryffindor in their lair before time started again.
"How did you get in here?!" Pansy shrieked as she jumped up from her chair in front of the dully glowing fire, Derek and Blaise right beside her.
The elf raised one fine eyebrow. "That is my own secret, now I must speak with Derek if you do not mind."
Derek shook his head before Pansy and Blaise could retort and he quietly followed Rai back out into the hallway. "What is so urgent that you actually had to risk it in the Slytherin dorms Rai?"
"I am heading into the Forbidden Forest for the night Derek. There are matters concerning Voldemort that I must see to." Rai winced when Derek shouted in protest. He had known that his lover would respond this way, but it still didn't prepare his sensitive elven ears for the outburst.
"What?! What do you mean? You can't." He gathered Rai in a desperate hug, whispering now. "I-I don't want to lose you now, love. I don't want to be alone anymore."
Rai felt his heart shatter at the spoken words and he clenched his eyes shut to keep the tears from falling. "I know Derek and neither do I but I have to do this or Harry and Draco are going to suffer the consequences. You must understand my position in this. Tis my duty to protect them as it was for me to protect my people." He raised a gentle hand, tracing the delicate features of his lover's face. "I am sorry Derek." Taking a deep breath, Rai did the bravest thing he had ever done in his life; he backed out of Derek's arms and forced on a calm visage. "I love you. Remember that." With that, the elf was gone, leaving the broken raven-haired wizard to slide to the ground in tears. He sobbed with all his heart as he buried his head in his knees, not caring if the world saw his pain.
That was how Draco found him half an hour later, when the blonde had returned to ask Blaise for one his books. The younger boy took one look at his mentally and physically exhausted friend and he did not need to ask what had occurred. Rather, he gently and without question assisted Derek to his feet and slowly led him back to his new flat.
T.B.C.
Wah! Sad ending to chapter ten. *ahem* Well, we'll see what happens in the next chapter, eh? Hehe, anyway as usual please review and I'm gonna start hammering away on chapter eleven. *pulls out hammer and grins* Sayonara minna! ^_^