Title: Wishes are for Dreamers (WAD)
Author: Yih
Disclaimer: All rights are JK. Rowling except for the lyrics and the situation ^_^.
Warning: This is slash, don't read if you don't like it! Non-magic AU!
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4: Growing Attraction (August 2, 2003 to August 7, 2003)
"Rhapsody" by Yih
In this barren wasteland that is life
There is darkness and endless strife
We seek a blessing that cannot be found
Miserable existence must be drowned
So the embittered ones say
They believe in pessimism
Nothing will change their way
It overshadows all optimism
Believe in what you will
No one can say your thoughts are nil
Someone's hell is another's ecstasy
Who can say what is one's rhapsody?
"I wish I could play like that," Draco said wistfully when Harry had stopped playing. "Too bad I never had the desire, even if I do have the natural gift."
His father merely smirked; Severus rolled his eyes; Minerva's eyes popped open. Harry was amused by Draco's blatant arrogance, not that it was unexpected. On their ride to the penthouse that Severus was staying at, Harry had gleaned that Draco was a very confident young man. It was a nice change from the insecurities that the majority of teens seemed to suffer from.
"You'll have to play for me sometime," Harry remarked with a beautiful smile. "I'd like that."
Draco grinned and then glanced at Severus' direction. "I will if you want, but I thought you were here for Severus Snape. Wouldn't you like to hear Severus play for you? I think he owes you something for his little outburst earlier," he commented slyly, an exact mimic of his father. "Hmmm. I think that's a good idea. You two should spend some time together alone, that way Severus knows that you're not just another ruddy fan. And Severus can prove he's not as much of a bastard as he seems."
A piercing glare was sent Draco's way, but Severus could hardly do anything to avert what was happening since Lucius was giving the idea his full approval. Trying to work against one Malfoy was hard enough, working against two of them was virtually impossible. If he had no chance, that blasted banshee of a woman certainly didn't. She gave a good fight though before Lucius and Draco dragged her out of the room.
Great. He was alone with the young man, this was a disaster scenario waiting to happen. Lucius knew he was no good with children! Well, Harry wasn't a child. That much his body was telling him. He wasn't aroused yet, thank god for that one small mercy. But he was attracted, stimulated. It had to be boy's talent. Musical ability always attracted him. It didn't help that the young man was gorgeous either.
His kind of gorgeous, dark and tanned not blond and pale like Lucius or Draco. Nice body too, not that he could tell much with the shirt off. The righteous part of his mind gave the part of his brain that was studying Harry a mental slap. It was wrong to think of this. He was likely over the age of consent though. Still he was more than a decade younger than him! Damn Lucius and damn himself for not getting laid in months.
It was his own bloody fault, he mused with dry humor. Not that he could help but be tempted. Sexual abstinence coupled with the fact that the young man in front of him was delicious looking was making it very hard for him not to be drawn. Lucius was right. He was irresistibly attracted to anyone with a prick that was reasonably good looking. Harry was more than reasonable.
He was beginning to think this was Lucius' conspiracy against him. Hadn't Lucius said he'd picked Harry? It would be just like Lucius to pick the boy for sentimental and ulterior motives. What was even more telling was that Draco had come up with the idea to leave him alone with Harry. Draco was always willing to help his father out, all that family ingrained loyalty.
"I'm Harry Potter," the young man introduced himself, holding his hand out amicably. Since when had he moved from the piano to stand in front of him? Good height too, not taller than him, standing at about 5'11--- rather perfect size. Why was he noticing all this nonsense? Because he was attracted to the body and the talent. He'd be damned if the boy had a half interesting personality.
"I'm 18 years old, and I've been playing the piano since I was three," he continued, not really knowing what to say. Harry knew he should still be upset at Severus Snape, for what though? Disregarding the fact that he was miserably sick person? That he should be treated like a fragile thing that could be broken if brushed by a feather? No, he hated being handled in that kind of fashion. He was upset only that Severus hadn't wanted to be with him. This was his greatest wish, and it was his wish's greatest nightmare.
The boy was rambling, Severus noted, because there was nothing better to do. He thought that Harry should still be mad at him, but maybe the boy was fickle. The anger that had been on his face had dissipated. Then again, it could just be the music that had washed all the raging emotions away. Music did that, he knew very well. It calmed and it soothed. Plus, the boy was well over the age of consent.
"I'm Severus Snape," he heard himself saying in a rather kind tone. Why had he said the obvious? Awkward silence. He really was no good at communicating with strangers. Public appearances always made him feel ill at ease. "You play the piano well."
Harry smiled. So the rumors were true. "You aren't a people person."
"No really?" Severus snapped dryly, not realizing he'd already broken his vow to try and be nicer to the boy. "It's only the reason that I avoid the media like they were the horde from Dante's hell."
"You've read The Inferno?" Harry questioned lightly, but it was his eyes that really showed he was interested. They lit up and sparkled brilliantly like the finest emeralds. Small details like that were going to be the death of him. Being detail oriented did make Severus a damn fine musician, darn perfectionist driven tendencies that made his compositions as flawless as possible.
Severus nodded. "What fool hasn't?" he sneered lightly.
Harry grinned. "My godfather."
"Terrible," Severus commented, feeling a bit more at ease to know they shared more than a love of music. Nothing annoyed him more than arrogant gits that were obsessive compulsive about one medium that they remained totally ignorant about anything else. "Anyone that finishes grade school should have read that work. It's classic literature at it's finest."
"Did it inspire the demon references in your songs?" Harry asked, curiosity blossoming. He'd always wondered on that fact. While Severus' music wasn't what one would term 'optimistic music' it did carry a very reality based message. It was philosophical; it was figurative to the point of being literature. The references weren't lost on Harry. There was little he could do when he'd been bedridden but read books and listen to music.
"Not for the song that you played," Severus answered frankly, the posture in his shoulders relaxing. It was often he got to converse about his love of literature. With Lucius it was all about business and what not, and Draco was simply Draco. "But yes, it is a reference in my other songs. The demon from the song you played is a reference to the imp in Edgar Allan Poe's The Imp of the Perverse."
"I haven't read that," Harry mused out loud. "I believe Poe was an American poet?"
"He was a poet, but his prose is equally outstanding," Severus remarked. "All together a remarkable writer, too bad he was quite stable in the mind. Then again," he smiled faintly, "all artists are said to be slightly mad." He turned his dark eyes to Harry, wondering if he was offending him since it was clear the young man likened himself to be an artist. "If you liked Dante's works, I can let you borrow a collection of Poe's short stories."
"I'd like that a lot." His eyes were still shining, but they were noticeably more reserved after Severus had made that critical comment on artists. It wasn't that Harry didn't agree, but it was because he agreed with it too much. His music set him apart. It was why he'd been overjoyed to be accepted at Guildhall, to be with people like him would have been a blessing. He wouldn't have felt like such an odd duck.
Severus sensed the change in the atmosphere, it had suddenly darkened in a mild gloominess. It must have been his comment, he sighed inside. He needed to watch his tongue. The boy really was too innocent, it was almost charming. Impatiently, he gestured for Harry to rise from his seat on the bench. "Then follow me to the library."
~
It was the first time in days she had felt a negative emotion. Disappointment, keen disappointment. She sighed as she placed the phone back onto the receiver. Her conversation with Mr. Potter had been disheartening. Her dearest wish was to be able to meet her savior, but he was away in London for the week. When she'd inquire when he'd be back in Edinburgh, his father had said not for a month.
From London, he was flying straight to New York City for experimental gene therapy treatment for three weeks. After that, he'd most likely be back in Edinburgh. The keywords were most likely. If the treatment in New York didn't go well, who knew where he'd be? While the Potters were by no means excessively wealthy, they in the upper crust of society and could afford anything that might save their only son.
It could well be months before Harry was back in Scotland. She didn't want to wait that long to meet her hero, but what choice did she have? Her family was decidedly middle class, and they simply didn't have the money to hop on a plane to who knows where at who knows when? She sighed. She'd have to wait until he came back.
Her head snapped when her phone rang. No one called her on her hospital phone unless it was her parents, and her parents were somewhere in the hospital scavenging for edible food that was decently cooked. So it couldn't be them. The few friends that she had knew to call her on her mobile. She reached for the phone and answered, "Hello?"
"Ms. Granger? It's Mrs. Potter, Harry's mum," greeted Lily warmly. "You called my husband a few minutes ago?"
"Yes," Hermione responded, "I did. I just," she began in a rush, "wanted to meet your son sometime, but Mr. Potter said that Harry wouldn't be back in Edinburgh for a month since he's in London and will be going to New York. I wanted to thank him, he's been my guardian angel." She paused, her throat suddenly dry. "And well, I know how short time is right now. I don't want it to be too late."
Lily smiled softly and sadly. "I realize that," she murmured. "I know, I was listening on the other line to the conversation with my husband. I--- I am sure Harry would be delighted to meet you. It would make him very happy to see for himself that your transplant went wonderfully."
"I'd like him to see too what he's done for me," Hermione murmured gently. "It's a miracle."
"Yes," Lily agreed. "He's a miraculous young man, my son is. My husband and I discussed your situation after you hung up, and we would like for you to meet our son. I think it might boost his flagging spirits, to see you. As long as Dr. Pomfrey permits it and your parents don't mind, there's a plane ticket with your name on it to join Harry and us in New York City, Hermione."
She was stunned speechless. This was more than she had ever expected. She had heard about the Potter's benevolence, but this was incredible. No wonder their son was so kind, his parents were equally so. Children did tend to take after their parents. "I don't know what to say," she breathed out. "I--- I'd love to go."
"That's fabulous," Lily responded. "I'm sure we can arrange the circumstances with your parents and with Dr. Pomfrey. You just rest easy and build your strength, all right sweetheart?"
"I will," Hermione promised. "I will, Mrs. Potter."
"I'm going to discuss things with Dr. Pomfrey," Lily continued on, "and set up a meeting with your parents. We'll be glad to take you to New York with us, and I'm sure Harry will be overjoyed to meet you in London. You'll be his surprise. I'll talk to you later, Hermione. Good bye."
"Bye," Hermione whispered, but the phone line was already dead on the other end. She stared at the receiver, more than astonished--- simply shocked. This was an unbelievable opportunity. She had never traveled anywhere. Now, she was going to meet her knight in shining armor and she was going to be able to travel. Harry had been right, miracles did come.
They had already arrived for her. She turned her head and gazed out at the magnificent window view she had. Her room was private, and it cost a fortune but her parents had wanted her last few months to be enjoyable and peaceful. It seemed a waste now, but who knew she was going to live normally a week ago? No one, but now she was. It was all thanks to a wonderful young man named Harry Potter.
And she was going to meet him. She hoped she did make him happy when he saw her, it was a small thing to do for the gift he'd given her. She smiled beautifully and began to pray that a miracle was coming for him too. There was no one else that deserved it more.
~
He hadn't seen his father like this in a long, long time. He forgot how long it'd been, but it'd definitely been a long time ago. Lucius Malfoy was never taken down the level where his emotions led to such fierce cursing. It simply wasn't the Malfoy way. But his father was cussing now, quite fluently. Oh to be sure, Lucius flung out the occasional swear word, but only to accentuate a conversation never as passionate exclamation.
His father also was never curt in his retorts. But he was getting cut off and outmaneuvered here. Whoever was on the other side of the line intrigued Draco greatly. He wanted to meet the man; it wasn't any man that could get this kind of leverage with Lucius. He wanted to learn how. He was sure his father wouldn't like it, but he was no doubt that Lucius would be proud of him if he succeeded.
"No, damn it---" Lucius snapped his mouth close into an irritated line of aggravation. "I cannot." His lips were once again pressed shut. "You know, he won't---" This time Lucius kept his mouth open, but nothing came out for a long while. Finally his mouth started to work and he muttered, "I understand."
Draco knew better than to question his father immediately or have more than a bland expression on his face. The fierce guardian woman of Harry's didn't though. She was basically crowing her triumph that someone was getting to the over arrogant Malfoy. At least, Draco reflected, she was wise enough not to say anything.
When he was relatively certain his father had worked off the worse of his temper, after all his father had paced around the room for about a quarter of hour, he asked his question with mild curiosity, "Who was that, father?"
Lucius was not over his dark mood. His silvery eyes bore a hole into the mirror eyes of son. "That was Voldemort," he snapped.
Draco blinked, he knew who Voldemort was. Voldemort was a gifted producer and had ascended to the top position on the label that Severus Snape was signed on to a few years prior. The man was gutsy and extremely ambitious, which coupled with his knack for choosing young talent managed to ascend to the pinnacle in a remarkable short time period.
"What did he want?" he inquired smoothly, not wanting to arouse any more of his father's formidable anger.
"He wants Severus to perform at an award show," Lucius retorted, his eyes not flashing nearly as dangerous, "this weekend."
"Shit," Draco cursed and Lucius shared the grim smile that appeared on his son's face. The two platinum blondes stared at each other stonily, they understood exactly what was wrong even if the whey faced McGonagall was looking utterly confused. Severus hated public appearances, and with the latest public relations scheme of Lucius'--- it was going to be hell on earth for them. "Gods, this is a bloody nightmare."
"You can say that again," Lucius bite out harshly. "Severus is going to be a bitch about this."
Draco nodded solemnly, while the middle aged woman in the background stared at them with her beady eyes in pure perplexity. Didn't rock stars want to perform in award shows? "That's a sodding understatement, father," he drawled. "I suspect you're going to have to find another up and comer since Severus can't murder you, he'll have to fire you."
"He won't fire me."
Draco shrugged. His father was probably right. Severus was far too use to Lucius' methods, and it did give Severus relatively free rein to do whatever he wanted. "True, but what in god's name are you going to do?"
"I have a plan," Lucius said confidently, his expression reverting back to its normal silky composure. His mouth twisted in a smile that was pure manipulative plotting. "Don't I always?"
The younger version of himself rolled his eyes playfully. "Do tell, father."
Lucius smirked. "I have a few phone calls to make first."
His father was positively devious, Draco thought with more than hint of pride at his paternity. Thank goodness he was Lucius' son. He may have gotten the larger portion of his beauty from his mother, but he was delighted that people said his personality was like his father's. Granted, it wasn't quite that Machiavellian yet. He was young. He had years to get to where his father was. Years.
With his father now busying himself in his own private study, Draco shifted his eyes to rest on the overprotective old biddy that Harry had brought with him. What to do with her? Too bad he couldn't get rid of her, she was going to cramp their bachelor pad. Even if she wasn't that feminine. He sighed. Severus was with Harry, his father was occupied, might as well play the role of charming host.
"Why don't I give you a tour, Ms. McGonagall?"
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Author's Note: Hopefully this chapter met up with your HP/SS expectations and makes you salivate for more. And the much anticipated entrance of Voldemort! The next couple of chapters have now been given a focus, should be interesting. Any thoughts on what you want to happen next? Feel free to throw ideas around. And thanks for all your support! I'll try to keep it weekly. Um I started a new AU non-magic fanfic called. To the Point of Exhaustion?
Thanks to Cheddar1, Mary Reid, the-ladyship-writers, kathy stggvk, ntamara, TommieBoy182, Cass-Andra, Alicorn1, Rani-Panthera, holidayinspain, BlackRose1356, Gray Roses, Fabi, VtE, Irihi Safaia, Coward in the Shadows, Delfeus, Dragonsoul, Ptijade, Anoymous, White Rider, darkfireunicorn, fys, Little Elflet, Baby Sphinx, Sylvester, Carol, Prophetess of Hearts, Illucia, Heather, Luntari Draconis, UltraHighDragonFly, Veritas4Eternity, Magami, slytherinsela, DraconisSenshi, Melanie, athenakitty, Ms. Padfoot, mySakurazukamori, Kateri1, Suburb Angel, Hippy Flower=Voldie's Kid, anisdeltoro16.
Tempest8: Glad you like the lyrics, I like them too. I added a 'Mione scene, hopefully it meets your approval.
oldone: I don't know, but I do know cancer victims can still have sex and have children. Besides, Harry's a teen. It will affect him, but while he's a bit weak and fragile, he's not on the verge of dying.
Rebecca Cecilie: Perseverance rocks! Norway's awesome, always wanted to go there. Compulsions are nice, ;p.
Setsuri: Yup, 'Mione's very important to the plot symbol-wise and probably as a person too, we'll have to wait and see. I understand Draco more than Harry in music, since I'm like Draco (I have the ability, I just hate playing). I write Harry's music passion from my writing passion.
jane: It's not that Harry doesn't feel sorry about himself, he was and -is- still capable of being bitter, but he's lived with it for 5 years and it's changed him.
Malakai: You've seen the direction I've turned, and what say you?
Maximum Poofy-Queen of AU: I've read and left massive reviews! Glad you're enjoying my story.
Quickjewel: You got all the descriptions of Sev down! I grinned like a loon when I read it! Hey I kept you out of bed! -cheers animatedly-
Author: Yih
Disclaimer: All rights are JK. Rowling except for the lyrics and the situation ^_^.
Warning: This is slash, don't read if you don't like it! Non-magic AU!
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4: Growing Attraction (August 2, 2003 to August 7, 2003)
"Rhapsody" by Yih
In this barren wasteland that is life
There is darkness and endless strife
We seek a blessing that cannot be found
Miserable existence must be drowned
So the embittered ones say
They believe in pessimism
Nothing will change their way
It overshadows all optimism
Believe in what you will
No one can say your thoughts are nil
Someone's hell is another's ecstasy
Who can say what is one's rhapsody?
"I wish I could play like that," Draco said wistfully when Harry had stopped playing. "Too bad I never had the desire, even if I do have the natural gift."
His father merely smirked; Severus rolled his eyes; Minerva's eyes popped open. Harry was amused by Draco's blatant arrogance, not that it was unexpected. On their ride to the penthouse that Severus was staying at, Harry had gleaned that Draco was a very confident young man. It was a nice change from the insecurities that the majority of teens seemed to suffer from.
"You'll have to play for me sometime," Harry remarked with a beautiful smile. "I'd like that."
Draco grinned and then glanced at Severus' direction. "I will if you want, but I thought you were here for Severus Snape. Wouldn't you like to hear Severus play for you? I think he owes you something for his little outburst earlier," he commented slyly, an exact mimic of his father. "Hmmm. I think that's a good idea. You two should spend some time together alone, that way Severus knows that you're not just another ruddy fan. And Severus can prove he's not as much of a bastard as he seems."
A piercing glare was sent Draco's way, but Severus could hardly do anything to avert what was happening since Lucius was giving the idea his full approval. Trying to work against one Malfoy was hard enough, working against two of them was virtually impossible. If he had no chance, that blasted banshee of a woman certainly didn't. She gave a good fight though before Lucius and Draco dragged her out of the room.
Great. He was alone with the young man, this was a disaster scenario waiting to happen. Lucius knew he was no good with children! Well, Harry wasn't a child. That much his body was telling him. He wasn't aroused yet, thank god for that one small mercy. But he was attracted, stimulated. It had to be boy's talent. Musical ability always attracted him. It didn't help that the young man was gorgeous either.
His kind of gorgeous, dark and tanned not blond and pale like Lucius or Draco. Nice body too, not that he could tell much with the shirt off. The righteous part of his mind gave the part of his brain that was studying Harry a mental slap. It was wrong to think of this. He was likely over the age of consent though. Still he was more than a decade younger than him! Damn Lucius and damn himself for not getting laid in months.
It was his own bloody fault, he mused with dry humor. Not that he could help but be tempted. Sexual abstinence coupled with the fact that the young man in front of him was delicious looking was making it very hard for him not to be drawn. Lucius was right. He was irresistibly attracted to anyone with a prick that was reasonably good looking. Harry was more than reasonable.
He was beginning to think this was Lucius' conspiracy against him. Hadn't Lucius said he'd picked Harry? It would be just like Lucius to pick the boy for sentimental and ulterior motives. What was even more telling was that Draco had come up with the idea to leave him alone with Harry. Draco was always willing to help his father out, all that family ingrained loyalty.
"I'm Harry Potter," the young man introduced himself, holding his hand out amicably. Since when had he moved from the piano to stand in front of him? Good height too, not taller than him, standing at about 5'11--- rather perfect size. Why was he noticing all this nonsense? Because he was attracted to the body and the talent. He'd be damned if the boy had a half interesting personality.
"I'm 18 years old, and I've been playing the piano since I was three," he continued, not really knowing what to say. Harry knew he should still be upset at Severus Snape, for what though? Disregarding the fact that he was miserably sick person? That he should be treated like a fragile thing that could be broken if brushed by a feather? No, he hated being handled in that kind of fashion. He was upset only that Severus hadn't wanted to be with him. This was his greatest wish, and it was his wish's greatest nightmare.
The boy was rambling, Severus noted, because there was nothing better to do. He thought that Harry should still be mad at him, but maybe the boy was fickle. The anger that had been on his face had dissipated. Then again, it could just be the music that had washed all the raging emotions away. Music did that, he knew very well. It calmed and it soothed. Plus, the boy was well over the age of consent.
"I'm Severus Snape," he heard himself saying in a rather kind tone. Why had he said the obvious? Awkward silence. He really was no good at communicating with strangers. Public appearances always made him feel ill at ease. "You play the piano well."
Harry smiled. So the rumors were true. "You aren't a people person."
"No really?" Severus snapped dryly, not realizing he'd already broken his vow to try and be nicer to the boy. "It's only the reason that I avoid the media like they were the horde from Dante's hell."
"You've read The Inferno?" Harry questioned lightly, but it was his eyes that really showed he was interested. They lit up and sparkled brilliantly like the finest emeralds. Small details like that were going to be the death of him. Being detail oriented did make Severus a damn fine musician, darn perfectionist driven tendencies that made his compositions as flawless as possible.
Severus nodded. "What fool hasn't?" he sneered lightly.
Harry grinned. "My godfather."
"Terrible," Severus commented, feeling a bit more at ease to know they shared more than a love of music. Nothing annoyed him more than arrogant gits that were obsessive compulsive about one medium that they remained totally ignorant about anything else. "Anyone that finishes grade school should have read that work. It's classic literature at it's finest."
"Did it inspire the demon references in your songs?" Harry asked, curiosity blossoming. He'd always wondered on that fact. While Severus' music wasn't what one would term 'optimistic music' it did carry a very reality based message. It was philosophical; it was figurative to the point of being literature. The references weren't lost on Harry. There was little he could do when he'd been bedridden but read books and listen to music.
"Not for the song that you played," Severus answered frankly, the posture in his shoulders relaxing. It was often he got to converse about his love of literature. With Lucius it was all about business and what not, and Draco was simply Draco. "But yes, it is a reference in my other songs. The demon from the song you played is a reference to the imp in Edgar Allan Poe's The Imp of the Perverse."
"I haven't read that," Harry mused out loud. "I believe Poe was an American poet?"
"He was a poet, but his prose is equally outstanding," Severus remarked. "All together a remarkable writer, too bad he was quite stable in the mind. Then again," he smiled faintly, "all artists are said to be slightly mad." He turned his dark eyes to Harry, wondering if he was offending him since it was clear the young man likened himself to be an artist. "If you liked Dante's works, I can let you borrow a collection of Poe's short stories."
"I'd like that a lot." His eyes were still shining, but they were noticeably more reserved after Severus had made that critical comment on artists. It wasn't that Harry didn't agree, but it was because he agreed with it too much. His music set him apart. It was why he'd been overjoyed to be accepted at Guildhall, to be with people like him would have been a blessing. He wouldn't have felt like such an odd duck.
Severus sensed the change in the atmosphere, it had suddenly darkened in a mild gloominess. It must have been his comment, he sighed inside. He needed to watch his tongue. The boy really was too innocent, it was almost charming. Impatiently, he gestured for Harry to rise from his seat on the bench. "Then follow me to the library."
~
It was the first time in days she had felt a negative emotion. Disappointment, keen disappointment. She sighed as she placed the phone back onto the receiver. Her conversation with Mr. Potter had been disheartening. Her dearest wish was to be able to meet her savior, but he was away in London for the week. When she'd inquire when he'd be back in Edinburgh, his father had said not for a month.
From London, he was flying straight to New York City for experimental gene therapy treatment for three weeks. After that, he'd most likely be back in Edinburgh. The keywords were most likely. If the treatment in New York didn't go well, who knew where he'd be? While the Potters were by no means excessively wealthy, they in the upper crust of society and could afford anything that might save their only son.
It could well be months before Harry was back in Scotland. She didn't want to wait that long to meet her hero, but what choice did she have? Her family was decidedly middle class, and they simply didn't have the money to hop on a plane to who knows where at who knows when? She sighed. She'd have to wait until he came back.
Her head snapped when her phone rang. No one called her on her hospital phone unless it was her parents, and her parents were somewhere in the hospital scavenging for edible food that was decently cooked. So it couldn't be them. The few friends that she had knew to call her on her mobile. She reached for the phone and answered, "Hello?"
"Ms. Granger? It's Mrs. Potter, Harry's mum," greeted Lily warmly. "You called my husband a few minutes ago?"
"Yes," Hermione responded, "I did. I just," she began in a rush, "wanted to meet your son sometime, but Mr. Potter said that Harry wouldn't be back in Edinburgh for a month since he's in London and will be going to New York. I wanted to thank him, he's been my guardian angel." She paused, her throat suddenly dry. "And well, I know how short time is right now. I don't want it to be too late."
Lily smiled softly and sadly. "I realize that," she murmured. "I know, I was listening on the other line to the conversation with my husband. I--- I am sure Harry would be delighted to meet you. It would make him very happy to see for himself that your transplant went wonderfully."
"I'd like him to see too what he's done for me," Hermione murmured gently. "It's a miracle."
"Yes," Lily agreed. "He's a miraculous young man, my son is. My husband and I discussed your situation after you hung up, and we would like for you to meet our son. I think it might boost his flagging spirits, to see you. As long as Dr. Pomfrey permits it and your parents don't mind, there's a plane ticket with your name on it to join Harry and us in New York City, Hermione."
She was stunned speechless. This was more than she had ever expected. She had heard about the Potter's benevolence, but this was incredible. No wonder their son was so kind, his parents were equally so. Children did tend to take after their parents. "I don't know what to say," she breathed out. "I--- I'd love to go."
"That's fabulous," Lily responded. "I'm sure we can arrange the circumstances with your parents and with Dr. Pomfrey. You just rest easy and build your strength, all right sweetheart?"
"I will," Hermione promised. "I will, Mrs. Potter."
"I'm going to discuss things with Dr. Pomfrey," Lily continued on, "and set up a meeting with your parents. We'll be glad to take you to New York with us, and I'm sure Harry will be overjoyed to meet you in London. You'll be his surprise. I'll talk to you later, Hermione. Good bye."
"Bye," Hermione whispered, but the phone line was already dead on the other end. She stared at the receiver, more than astonished--- simply shocked. This was an unbelievable opportunity. She had never traveled anywhere. Now, she was going to meet her knight in shining armor and she was going to be able to travel. Harry had been right, miracles did come.
They had already arrived for her. She turned her head and gazed out at the magnificent window view she had. Her room was private, and it cost a fortune but her parents had wanted her last few months to be enjoyable and peaceful. It seemed a waste now, but who knew she was going to live normally a week ago? No one, but now she was. It was all thanks to a wonderful young man named Harry Potter.
And she was going to meet him. She hoped she did make him happy when he saw her, it was a small thing to do for the gift he'd given her. She smiled beautifully and began to pray that a miracle was coming for him too. There was no one else that deserved it more.
~
He hadn't seen his father like this in a long, long time. He forgot how long it'd been, but it'd definitely been a long time ago. Lucius Malfoy was never taken down the level where his emotions led to such fierce cursing. It simply wasn't the Malfoy way. But his father was cussing now, quite fluently. Oh to be sure, Lucius flung out the occasional swear word, but only to accentuate a conversation never as passionate exclamation.
His father also was never curt in his retorts. But he was getting cut off and outmaneuvered here. Whoever was on the other side of the line intrigued Draco greatly. He wanted to meet the man; it wasn't any man that could get this kind of leverage with Lucius. He wanted to learn how. He was sure his father wouldn't like it, but he was no doubt that Lucius would be proud of him if he succeeded.
"No, damn it---" Lucius snapped his mouth close into an irritated line of aggravation. "I cannot." His lips were once again pressed shut. "You know, he won't---" This time Lucius kept his mouth open, but nothing came out for a long while. Finally his mouth started to work and he muttered, "I understand."
Draco knew better than to question his father immediately or have more than a bland expression on his face. The fierce guardian woman of Harry's didn't though. She was basically crowing her triumph that someone was getting to the over arrogant Malfoy. At least, Draco reflected, she was wise enough not to say anything.
When he was relatively certain his father had worked off the worse of his temper, after all his father had paced around the room for about a quarter of hour, he asked his question with mild curiosity, "Who was that, father?"
Lucius was not over his dark mood. His silvery eyes bore a hole into the mirror eyes of son. "That was Voldemort," he snapped.
Draco blinked, he knew who Voldemort was. Voldemort was a gifted producer and had ascended to the top position on the label that Severus Snape was signed on to a few years prior. The man was gutsy and extremely ambitious, which coupled with his knack for choosing young talent managed to ascend to the pinnacle in a remarkable short time period.
"What did he want?" he inquired smoothly, not wanting to arouse any more of his father's formidable anger.
"He wants Severus to perform at an award show," Lucius retorted, his eyes not flashing nearly as dangerous, "this weekend."
"Shit," Draco cursed and Lucius shared the grim smile that appeared on his son's face. The two platinum blondes stared at each other stonily, they understood exactly what was wrong even if the whey faced McGonagall was looking utterly confused. Severus hated public appearances, and with the latest public relations scheme of Lucius'--- it was going to be hell on earth for them. "Gods, this is a bloody nightmare."
"You can say that again," Lucius bite out harshly. "Severus is going to be a bitch about this."
Draco nodded solemnly, while the middle aged woman in the background stared at them with her beady eyes in pure perplexity. Didn't rock stars want to perform in award shows? "That's a sodding understatement, father," he drawled. "I suspect you're going to have to find another up and comer since Severus can't murder you, he'll have to fire you."
"He won't fire me."
Draco shrugged. His father was probably right. Severus was far too use to Lucius' methods, and it did give Severus relatively free rein to do whatever he wanted. "True, but what in god's name are you going to do?"
"I have a plan," Lucius said confidently, his expression reverting back to its normal silky composure. His mouth twisted in a smile that was pure manipulative plotting. "Don't I always?"
The younger version of himself rolled his eyes playfully. "Do tell, father."
Lucius smirked. "I have a few phone calls to make first."
His father was positively devious, Draco thought with more than hint of pride at his paternity. Thank goodness he was Lucius' son. He may have gotten the larger portion of his beauty from his mother, but he was delighted that people said his personality was like his father's. Granted, it wasn't quite that Machiavellian yet. He was young. He had years to get to where his father was. Years.
With his father now busying himself in his own private study, Draco shifted his eyes to rest on the overprotective old biddy that Harry had brought with him. What to do with her? Too bad he couldn't get rid of her, she was going to cramp their bachelor pad. Even if she wasn't that feminine. He sighed. Severus was with Harry, his father was occupied, might as well play the role of charming host.
"Why don't I give you a tour, Ms. McGonagall?"
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Author's Note: Hopefully this chapter met up with your HP/SS expectations and makes you salivate for more. And the much anticipated entrance of Voldemort! The next couple of chapters have now been given a focus, should be interesting. Any thoughts on what you want to happen next? Feel free to throw ideas around. And thanks for all your support! I'll try to keep it weekly. Um I started a new AU non-magic fanfic called. To the Point of Exhaustion?
Thanks to Cheddar1, Mary Reid, the-ladyship-writers, kathy stggvk, ntamara, TommieBoy182, Cass-Andra, Alicorn1, Rani-Panthera, holidayinspain, BlackRose1356, Gray Roses, Fabi, VtE, Irihi Safaia, Coward in the Shadows, Delfeus, Dragonsoul, Ptijade, Anoymous, White Rider, darkfireunicorn, fys, Little Elflet, Baby Sphinx, Sylvester, Carol, Prophetess of Hearts, Illucia, Heather, Luntari Draconis, UltraHighDragonFly, Veritas4Eternity, Magami, slytherinsela, DraconisSenshi, Melanie, athenakitty, Ms. Padfoot, mySakurazukamori, Kateri1, Suburb Angel, Hippy Flower=Voldie's Kid, anisdeltoro16.
Tempest8: Glad you like the lyrics, I like them too. I added a 'Mione scene, hopefully it meets your approval.
oldone: I don't know, but I do know cancer victims can still have sex and have children. Besides, Harry's a teen. It will affect him, but while he's a bit weak and fragile, he's not on the verge of dying.
Rebecca Cecilie: Perseverance rocks! Norway's awesome, always wanted to go there. Compulsions are nice, ;p.
Setsuri: Yup, 'Mione's very important to the plot symbol-wise and probably as a person too, we'll have to wait and see. I understand Draco more than Harry in music, since I'm like Draco (I have the ability, I just hate playing). I write Harry's music passion from my writing passion.
jane: It's not that Harry doesn't feel sorry about himself, he was and -is- still capable of being bitter, but he's lived with it for 5 years and it's changed him.
Malakai: You've seen the direction I've turned, and what say you?
Maximum Poofy-Queen of AU: I've read and left massive reviews! Glad you're enjoying my story.
Quickjewel: You got all the descriptions of Sev down! I grinned like a loon when I read it! Hey I kept you out of bed! -cheers animatedly-