I'm so sorry it's short and it took so long, I have only limited time and I
have some conspiracies to dig in and I have pop-quiz every now and then.
(That's how it is in a preparatory school) and since my uncle is
headmaster, I can't really disappoint him, now, Can I? Thanks for
compensating and for the past reviewers or readers scroll down and you will
find your names!
TWO
An odd light flickered in Draco's eyes. "You're determined to further this illusion, aren't you?" He asked softly.
Harry went rigid. "What in the hell does that mean?"
"Three times!" Noelle piped up. "You said that bad word three times!"
Harry tore his stunned gaze from Draco and glared steadily at his niece.
"Noelle." Draco interceded, squatting down and stunning Harry yet again- this time with his direct and effective manner of handling Noelle's insolent tongue. "You uncle is an adult and adults cannot be ordered about nor reprimanded by children."
"Why? He said a wicked oath."
"I agree. Nevertheless, the rule I just gave you holds true even if the adult in question happens to be wrong. I know it seems very unfair, but that doesn't change the fact that a rule is a rule and must be followed."
Sullenly, Noelle kicked the dirt.
"You're angry. I don't blame you. I get angry when I have to follow rules and I disagree with, too."
That made Noelle's chin come up. "What rules do you have to follow? You're a grown-up. You can do what you want."
"Oh, if that were only true." Draco sighed, shaking his head. "But it's not. Let me tell you something. Not only do adults have rules to abide by, just like children, but often times, our rules are harder to obey -and the consequences far more dire if we don't."
A spark of interest. "Really?"
"Really. For example, if your uncle continues to utter profanities, 'tis true that you and I can do nothing to stop him. But I know someone who can." Solemnly, Draco raised his eyes to the heavens, then rolled them pointedly at Harry. "Thus, were I, Lord Harry Potter, I'd guard my tongue. After all, You never know when he might be watching. and listening."
Noelle looked thoroughly pleased with the prospect.
"Draco." Lucius interceded. "Before you foolishly entertain the notion of accepting his offer, you should be aware of one detail he has yet to mention. They person he weds will be forbidden to leave his estate, with or without Noelle. He'll be veritable prisoner in a mansion that is no home but a mausoleum. I, better thank anyone, understand your selfless intentions but I also understand that the same innocent soul capable of these intentions would suffocate within so barren a life. Thus, my answer is still no."
"We've heard your answer and you sentiments several times, Lucius." Harry snapped with icy derision. "But, as you are not the one I've asked to wed, I'd like to hear from your son. Draco?" He lowered his expectant stare to Draco, who still crouched next to Noelle and waited.
Draco met his gaze, looking from him to his father and, finally, to Noelle, who abruptly bowed her head and began whispering to Fuzzy.
The last seemed to trigger Draco's decision.
He came to his feet.
"I accept your offer, Harry Potter." As he spoke, he squeezed his father's hand --Whether to reassure him or silence him-Harry wasn't certain. " -With a few stipulations."
Caution eclipsed relief. "Name them."
"I shall gladly take charge of Noelle and fulfill my part of the arrangement. I'll even comply with your less-than-appealing mandate that, once wed; I'll remain permanently at Godric's hollow. However, I refuse to sever ties with my father."
Harry's jaw clenched. "And I refuse to have my privacy invaded. I also refuse to allow you and Noelle to go traipsing to the village to be ogled and grilled about the savage whom you reside."
Another profound flicker in those damned silver eyes followed by -all the things-an impish smile. "Are visits by delivery men excluded from your definition of privacy invasion?"
"Pardon me?"
"Delivery men. They'll be arriving at Godric's hollow in droves. Otherwise, how will I receive all the extensive purchases due a count?"
Taken aback by his obvious teasing, Harry cleared his throat. "I see your point." A pause--"Very well, Mr. Malfoy," He conceded, frowning as he sought a solution he could live with. "Your father may visit you -once a month and unaccompanied. Further, as no one is permitted to enter my mausoleum"-he cast a derisive look at Lucius-" You visits must take place on the grounds, not in the manor. Unless of course you elect to emulate the delivery men, In which case, you have my consent to meet at the mansion's rear entrance."
His lips curved again. "Fair enough."
"Also, I expect during these visits, that you will not neglect your responsibility to Noelle. She is to be in your company -and in your sight- at all times." His mouth twisted into a mocking grin. "Think of it this way: You can see to Noelle's well being, while Lucius is assuring himself of yours."
Draco's smile vanished. "You have my word that I'll never neglect Noelle, will that be sufficient?"
"It will."
"Thank you." He replied solemnly. "To continue: Before we leave for Godric's hollow, I shall require several hours in Hogwarts, both to visit the houses of my students -Who deserve an explanation for my abrupt departure-and to speak to a friend of mine who currently instructs in Durmstrang. He, who would be elated to take over my job at Hogwarts and frankly, he is the only person I'd entrust my students."
"You care that much for them?"
"I do."
"Very well. Consider your first two stipulations granted."
Draco gripped the folds of his robes, raising his chin a notch -and altering Harry to the magnitude of his next condition. "You said I could spend your money freely, at my discretion. To be frank, I require nothing. But the sanctuary does more over the course of time than ever your ten thousand galleons can supply. So, I'd like your word that I can provide for the sanctuary, the children, the place -any aspect of our community in which I might deem worthy-bit only now, but for the years to come."
"My word." He repeated woodenly.
"Yes. Just as I gave you mine."
"What makes you think my word can be trusted?"
"Instinct."
A heartbeat of silence
"My word you can provide the whole society in any way and at any time you choose. Continue with your stipulations."
"I have but two more. First, I want my father's future ensured." his appointment to our society guaranteed for the rest of his life. Is that acceptable?"
Harry nodded. "It is."
"And last. I'd like Noelle's blessing on our arrangement."
"Nothing more?"
"Nothing more." Draco glanced down, tucking a strand of sable hair behind the child's ear. "Noelle?"
"What?" Noelle muttered into Fuzzy's fur.
"How do you feel about my coming to live with you and your uncle?"
A shrug.
"I could help keep fuzzy out of trouble."
Noelle unburied her face, assessing Draco with probing sapphire eyes. "I suppose."
"Then it's alright with you?"
"I suppose."
"Excellent."
Harry cleared his throat. "Does this mean your decision is final?"
"It does."
"Good." He veered toward the sanctuary, sidestepping both Draco and Lucius. "I'll await your return." He paused back to him. "Draco?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks for saving Noelle's life."
******
Monica: One why Harry's so bitter, It's going to come up in the later chapters. On the part of he and she: I can't really find that. I'll do my best to check it out and correct it. Thanks for reviewing though; this chapter is dedicated to you (
Janey: Aww. That's awfully flattering. NO, she's not a mary-sue! I have those kind of phobias too. comes up as an original character who's somewhat related to Harry.She's not perfect as to see. she's a little devil. (Mary- Sue's are always perfect!!!)
Moonchild: Don't be addicted. Whoops! Sorry for the grandfather, I get so confused sometimes. I'm sure you read my email. thanks a whole lot for thinking it's captivating!
Anar: Sure, here it is!
FatalDreams-Seducer of Fantasy: I'm sure I've seen your name somewhere.Well, did you review my other story? Anyway, thanks a whole lot for your review. I think I'm going to go cry know because people are actually reading it.
Sumire-chan : Thanks for leaving your email address, I'll be emailing you and I do hope you'd reply. Wow, that's very thoughtful of you!
Sabrina-Rosalie : Oh well, there's a lot of reason behind it. On Draco's parts, a lot will be revealed. I need your help though. I hope you can leave your email address, I need your opinion for this. Anyway, Draco went poor and guess it changed him but I have other reasons but I couldn't figure out which to use! On the part of Harry, It'll be coming up.
Liz : Writing wouldn't be a problem though, anything for people who reviewed my story!!!
Quidditchgal3: Wow, you tend to be really talkative these days! Thanks for spending time in emailing, It soothes the soul you know!
Louis De Pointe Du Lac: No problem, I know you forgot your password! =p anyway folks, that was the Filipino Language, I apparantly spent 2 years there in a rural area when my uncle got married to a Filipino before coming back to Surrey. Actually, I spent a few more years in Kentucky before moving to Surrey.
Fanny Chan: I usually smile when I see your review. Your review is one of the sweetest (All my reviews are. hehe)and I usually await yours. You're kinda' cool but you didn't have to print it out, I forgot to re-read it and there's tons of mistakes. If there's any stories you could also suggest, feel free too or if you have your own story, don't hesitate to tell me all about it. I'm all ears.
hyalite : That can be arranged
Kelly: Thanks for the comments, that wasn't necessary. An ego boost is not necessary for a conceited girl like myself. hehe. If my ego siezes up to the size of the atlantic ocean, my friends are going to haunt you down. Kidding! Thanks for the comments, they lightened up my day!
AND TO ALL WHO'S READING BUT IS TOO LAZY TO REVIEW (JUST LIKE ME!) THANKS A WHOLE LOT FOR READING IT ANYWAY AND I HOPE YOU LIKE IT, I'M DOING MY BEST HERE WITH A LITTLE INSPIRATION FROM MY BEAUTIFUL SERAPH, THOMAS ANDREW FELTON! MY GUARDIAN ANGEL, MY LITTLE DWARF, MY GUILFORD CHOIR BOY, MY FISHERMAN, MY CHEF and Everything TOM FELTON.
TWO
An odd light flickered in Draco's eyes. "You're determined to further this illusion, aren't you?" He asked softly.
Harry went rigid. "What in the hell does that mean?"
"Three times!" Noelle piped up. "You said that bad word three times!"
Harry tore his stunned gaze from Draco and glared steadily at his niece.
"Noelle." Draco interceded, squatting down and stunning Harry yet again- this time with his direct and effective manner of handling Noelle's insolent tongue. "You uncle is an adult and adults cannot be ordered about nor reprimanded by children."
"Why? He said a wicked oath."
"I agree. Nevertheless, the rule I just gave you holds true even if the adult in question happens to be wrong. I know it seems very unfair, but that doesn't change the fact that a rule is a rule and must be followed."
Sullenly, Noelle kicked the dirt.
"You're angry. I don't blame you. I get angry when I have to follow rules and I disagree with, too."
That made Noelle's chin come up. "What rules do you have to follow? You're a grown-up. You can do what you want."
"Oh, if that were only true." Draco sighed, shaking his head. "But it's not. Let me tell you something. Not only do adults have rules to abide by, just like children, but often times, our rules are harder to obey -and the consequences far more dire if we don't."
A spark of interest. "Really?"
"Really. For example, if your uncle continues to utter profanities, 'tis true that you and I can do nothing to stop him. But I know someone who can." Solemnly, Draco raised his eyes to the heavens, then rolled them pointedly at Harry. "Thus, were I, Lord Harry Potter, I'd guard my tongue. After all, You never know when he might be watching. and listening."
Noelle looked thoroughly pleased with the prospect.
"Draco." Lucius interceded. "Before you foolishly entertain the notion of accepting his offer, you should be aware of one detail he has yet to mention. They person he weds will be forbidden to leave his estate, with or without Noelle. He'll be veritable prisoner in a mansion that is no home but a mausoleum. I, better thank anyone, understand your selfless intentions but I also understand that the same innocent soul capable of these intentions would suffocate within so barren a life. Thus, my answer is still no."
"We've heard your answer and you sentiments several times, Lucius." Harry snapped with icy derision. "But, as you are not the one I've asked to wed, I'd like to hear from your son. Draco?" He lowered his expectant stare to Draco, who still crouched next to Noelle and waited.
Draco met his gaze, looking from him to his father and, finally, to Noelle, who abruptly bowed her head and began whispering to Fuzzy.
The last seemed to trigger Draco's decision.
He came to his feet.
"I accept your offer, Harry Potter." As he spoke, he squeezed his father's hand --Whether to reassure him or silence him-Harry wasn't certain. " -With a few stipulations."
Caution eclipsed relief. "Name them."
"I shall gladly take charge of Noelle and fulfill my part of the arrangement. I'll even comply with your less-than-appealing mandate that, once wed; I'll remain permanently at Godric's hollow. However, I refuse to sever ties with my father."
Harry's jaw clenched. "And I refuse to have my privacy invaded. I also refuse to allow you and Noelle to go traipsing to the village to be ogled and grilled about the savage whom you reside."
Another profound flicker in those damned silver eyes followed by -all the things-an impish smile. "Are visits by delivery men excluded from your definition of privacy invasion?"
"Pardon me?"
"Delivery men. They'll be arriving at Godric's hollow in droves. Otherwise, how will I receive all the extensive purchases due a count?"
Taken aback by his obvious teasing, Harry cleared his throat. "I see your point." A pause--"Very well, Mr. Malfoy," He conceded, frowning as he sought a solution he could live with. "Your father may visit you -once a month and unaccompanied. Further, as no one is permitted to enter my mausoleum"-he cast a derisive look at Lucius-" You visits must take place on the grounds, not in the manor. Unless of course you elect to emulate the delivery men, In which case, you have my consent to meet at the mansion's rear entrance."
His lips curved again. "Fair enough."
"Also, I expect during these visits, that you will not neglect your responsibility to Noelle. She is to be in your company -and in your sight- at all times." His mouth twisted into a mocking grin. "Think of it this way: You can see to Noelle's well being, while Lucius is assuring himself of yours."
Draco's smile vanished. "You have my word that I'll never neglect Noelle, will that be sufficient?"
"It will."
"Thank you." He replied solemnly. "To continue: Before we leave for Godric's hollow, I shall require several hours in Hogwarts, both to visit the houses of my students -Who deserve an explanation for my abrupt departure-and to speak to a friend of mine who currently instructs in Durmstrang. He, who would be elated to take over my job at Hogwarts and frankly, he is the only person I'd entrust my students."
"You care that much for them?"
"I do."
"Very well. Consider your first two stipulations granted."
Draco gripped the folds of his robes, raising his chin a notch -and altering Harry to the magnitude of his next condition. "You said I could spend your money freely, at my discretion. To be frank, I require nothing. But the sanctuary does more over the course of time than ever your ten thousand galleons can supply. So, I'd like your word that I can provide for the sanctuary, the children, the place -any aspect of our community in which I might deem worthy-bit only now, but for the years to come."
"My word." He repeated woodenly.
"Yes. Just as I gave you mine."
"What makes you think my word can be trusted?"
"Instinct."
A heartbeat of silence
"My word you can provide the whole society in any way and at any time you choose. Continue with your stipulations."
"I have but two more. First, I want my father's future ensured." his appointment to our society guaranteed for the rest of his life. Is that acceptable?"
Harry nodded. "It is."
"And last. I'd like Noelle's blessing on our arrangement."
"Nothing more?"
"Nothing more." Draco glanced down, tucking a strand of sable hair behind the child's ear. "Noelle?"
"What?" Noelle muttered into Fuzzy's fur.
"How do you feel about my coming to live with you and your uncle?"
A shrug.
"I could help keep fuzzy out of trouble."
Noelle unburied her face, assessing Draco with probing sapphire eyes. "I suppose."
"Then it's alright with you?"
"I suppose."
"Excellent."
Harry cleared his throat. "Does this mean your decision is final?"
"It does."
"Good." He veered toward the sanctuary, sidestepping both Draco and Lucius. "I'll await your return." He paused back to him. "Draco?"
"Yes?"
"Thanks for saving Noelle's life."
******
Monica: One why Harry's so bitter, It's going to come up in the later chapters. On the part of he and she: I can't really find that. I'll do my best to check it out and correct it. Thanks for reviewing though; this chapter is dedicated to you (
Janey: Aww. That's awfully flattering. NO, she's not a mary-sue! I have those kind of phobias too. comes up as an original character who's somewhat related to Harry.She's not perfect as to see. she's a little devil. (Mary- Sue's are always perfect!!!)
Moonchild: Don't be addicted. Whoops! Sorry for the grandfather, I get so confused sometimes. I'm sure you read my email. thanks a whole lot for thinking it's captivating!
Anar: Sure, here it is!
FatalDreams-Seducer of Fantasy: I'm sure I've seen your name somewhere.Well, did you review my other story? Anyway, thanks a whole lot for your review. I think I'm going to go cry know because people are actually reading it.
Sumire-chan : Thanks for leaving your email address, I'll be emailing you and I do hope you'd reply. Wow, that's very thoughtful of you!
Sabrina-Rosalie : Oh well, there's a lot of reason behind it. On Draco's parts, a lot will be revealed. I need your help though. I hope you can leave your email address, I need your opinion for this. Anyway, Draco went poor and guess it changed him but I have other reasons but I couldn't figure out which to use! On the part of Harry, It'll be coming up.
Liz : Writing wouldn't be a problem though, anything for people who reviewed my story!!!
Quidditchgal3: Wow, you tend to be really talkative these days! Thanks for spending time in emailing, It soothes the soul you know!
Louis De Pointe Du Lac: No problem, I know you forgot your password! =p anyway folks, that was the Filipino Language, I apparantly spent 2 years there in a rural area when my uncle got married to a Filipino before coming back to Surrey. Actually, I spent a few more years in Kentucky before moving to Surrey.
Fanny Chan: I usually smile when I see your review. Your review is one of the sweetest (All my reviews are. hehe)and I usually await yours. You're kinda' cool but you didn't have to print it out, I forgot to re-read it and there's tons of mistakes. If there's any stories you could also suggest, feel free too or if you have your own story, don't hesitate to tell me all about it. I'm all ears.
hyalite : That can be arranged
Kelly: Thanks for the comments, that wasn't necessary. An ego boost is not necessary for a conceited girl like myself. hehe. If my ego siezes up to the size of the atlantic ocean, my friends are going to haunt you down. Kidding! Thanks for the comments, they lightened up my day!
AND TO ALL WHO'S READING BUT IS TOO LAZY TO REVIEW (JUST LIKE ME!) THANKS A WHOLE LOT FOR READING IT ANYWAY AND I HOPE YOU LIKE IT, I'M DOING MY BEST HERE WITH A LITTLE INSPIRATION FROM MY BEAUTIFUL SERAPH, THOMAS ANDREW FELTON! MY GUARDIAN ANGEL, MY LITTLE DWARF, MY GUILFORD CHOIR BOY, MY FISHERMAN, MY CHEF and Everything TOM FELTON.