Title: The Anointed Prince

Author: Decadence

Genre: Romance/Drama/Angst

Rating: R (for later contents)

Setting: Set in a time barely ten years before the birth of magic within humanity.

Summary: Faced with his upcoming crowning, a war, and a royal ball, Prince Draco Romulus Gabriel Malfoy is forced into finding a spouse, someone of the proper breeding and etiquette.

Disclaimer: All character belong to J.K. Rowling, unless stated other wise (i.e. Clarisse).

Warning: SLASH (DM/HP); Draco will be dominate in the relationship. Also, I forgot to mention this in the first chapter, I forgot until one of my reviewers mentioned it, thank you kind reviewer, but this fanfic will contain MPreg in later chapters.

Chapter Six: Messenger Sent and a Prince's Desire

The brilliance of the morning had faded into the lazy midday radiance by the time Hermione Granger, only child of the Granger family, arrived at the Potter home. To say she was apprehensive of what she might find was an understatement. Of the circumstance to which she had been called to, all she knew was that Lily Potter had had a massive panic attack the likes of which even her husband James could not calm her down. In fact, the youth that had shown up at the Granger home had said that the man whom had been instructed to send the youth on his way to the Granger home, had hinted that James had also been in quite a state when the original messenger had departed. In her seventeen years of life, Hermione had never known Lily or James to succumb to any sort of irrational state. It terrified her that the people she most admired and saw as her second parents were behaving in such a manner. It all led down to one thing, something had happened that had caused such a state.

Lifting her skirts, already tattered and covered with dirt, Hermione rushed up the simple stone pathway that led to the Potters' front door and hurried inside. The Grangers visited the Potters so often that Hermione deemed it unnecessary to knock anymore. Wasting no time, she moved across the tiny living room and entered a short hallway that led to the kitchen. Upon reaching the kitchens' threshold, Hermione gasped.

Lily sat slumped in one of the three chairs, her hair hanging loosely about her head, no longer held in place by the leather cord. It appeared as if the cord had simply, in a moment of horrified head shaking, forgotten to maintain its tight grip. One of her hands grasped that of James, who seemed pale and drawn. Both sat shaking, shoulders touching, James' free arm was wrapped around Lily. Lily was openly sobbing, while James' eyes held the remnants of his tears.

"Oh gods," Hermione breathed, quickly moving into action. She moved over to the counter and pulled out a pot. Filling it with water, she placed it over the small fire in the little fireplace that sat in the corner of the kitchen. Once that task was accomplished, she left the Potters sitting there and went to the washroom to retrieve a washcloth. Wetting the cloth with cool water, Hermione moved over to Lily's side, gently dabbing at the older woman's forehead and cheeks.

"Lily, Lily please answer me, tell me what happened…" Hermione said softly. She used low tones for fear of startling the pair even more. "What is it? What happened to you? Please, Lily…oh gods, please answer me…" Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes as she watched Lily's face crumble and another sob escaped. Desperate for answers, Hermione moved to James, repeating her process and speaking to him softly as well.

"James…James…answer me, please…"

How long she sat there, begging the pair to respond, she did not know. The only time she stopped speaking was when she moved to remove the pan and to pour the hot water into a strainer filled with tealeaves and herbs. She added a pinch of mint to the mixture in hopes that it would aid in calming the pair. Carefully, she placed the two crudely fashioned cups in front of the Potters and sat down across from them.

"I made tea, Lily…your favorite…" Hermione whispered. "I do not know what happened, the messenger you sent did not understand either…and I cannot help you if you do not tell me what is wrong…James…Lily…please tell me what happened…"

The pair remained silent, though James' eyes shifted to look at her, though they remained wild and unfocused. Lily simply sat there, staring at the cup that had been placed before her, she did not respond at all.

It was too soon, Lily thought as she watched the steam rise slowly from her cup. Of course it would come down to this, a simple request, only it was more of a command. A lord was denied only once, and after that he struck with full force to inflict as much damage as possible.

"I can send for mother and father, the messenger said you called for me, and so only I came…but I can bring mother here…maybe they can help…or…or perhaps we can write to Harry and see if he-" Hermione jumped when James suddenly yelled.

"NO! Not Harry…never Harry…" James yelled, but as he continued, his voice lowered to a whisper. He was stretched across the table now, nearly upsetting the tea; one of his hands was wrapped around Hermione's wrist, preventing her from leaving.

"Harry cannot…he is coming for him…coming…" Lily whispered in a broken voice, emerald eyes so alike to Harry's gazed at Hermione, begging her to understand. "Killed…the blood…hands…it was on…my hands…and I…"

"What?" Hermione whispered. The words frightened her, but she did not know what to make of them as they were scattered and fragmented. "Whose blood? Harry cannot what?"

"A package…that bird…and the blood…I-I-opened it-should never have opened it…" Lily moaned. Her hands rose to cover her face. Hermione gasped, her free hand flying to cover her mouth as she saw the blood that stained Lily's fingers.

"Lily…" Hermione whispered.

"Never should have…the baby…the baby-w-was laying there…so peaceful as it slept-I thought it was…sleeping at first…so perfect, innocent…" Lily whispered. She rubbed at her face, never noticing the streaks of blood that her fingers left behind. "It did not move, it never moved…its lips were blue…and its limbs…stiff…"

"It was covered in blood…coul-could not tell were the blood ended and the fl-flesh began…" James continued as Lily broke down into sobs again. Hermione stared at them, wide-eyed, a part of her still could not comprehend what had happened, while the other part of her screamed in horror. "There…there was a note…"

Shaking hands reached into a pocket of the trousers that he wore. Their faded gray color blending with the streaks of dirt and mud that caked his legs. From the pocket, they pulled a slip of parchment, folded numerous times. Placing it on the table, James slid the note across the wood, his fingers never allowing it to unfold or raise even slightly. Hermione stared at it for a moment, then, taking a deep breath the pulled it from his fingers, which withdrew as if happy to be rid of it. Unsure of herself, and trembling, Hermione unfolded the letter slowly, careful to avoid the bloody spots, and began to read.

I allowed you far too many years, and now I have come to claim what you took from me…The boy should know by now the power that he has. He should know then, what his destiny is and where he belongs…I send you one child in exchange for yours. If he is not received in time for his eighteenth birthday, then I shall fetch him and return him to you in such a way that makes this package seem delightful...

Lord Voldemort

The signature at the bottom of the letter was signed in blood, and Hermione did not have to guess where the blood came from.

It was cold outside, however, it was not unbearable. Nevertheless, even if it was freezing outside, one would still long to walk among the trees of the Forbidden Forest. The name was cause for concern, but it was not needed in truth. The air was still, but the light danced as it wove its way between the bare branches of the towering trees. From a distance the forest appeared drab and a wash of grays, but upon closer inspection, the bark was alive with color. From the blacks, caused by the shifting light, to the streaks of red, mahogany, and the multitudes of browns, the trees fairly shone with life and a beauty that was unique only to them. Their branches stretched and writhed as if from an unseen foe who sought only to cause suffering. The trees themselves stood contorted into positions of despair. It seemed ironic that such unnoticed beauty and life were viewed as an overwhelming sorrow.

Harry sighed as he walked along beneath the saddest part of nature that he had ever seen. Even Avicus, who followed behind his rider, remained quiet and demure. This was a place of reverence, a testament to the length time these trees had stood. A tribute to the trees who observed and guarded and never asked a single thing in return.

It was midday, the noble guests of the prince's ball had started their riding expedition many hours ago, and now, many had retreated back inside the warmth of the palace to participate in various games. Few chose to willingly remain outside, and those that did had concluded that the expansive royal gardens were worthy of their attention. No noble would be caught wondering in a forest alone. To what end would such a venture serve? None, but the view was well worth it in Harry's mind. It was such a shame that these pureblooded, high ranking heirs paid no attention to such trivial matters as nature. Even Seamus and Cedric had returned to the palace, though both created clever reasons, from having to write to their parents to having to spy on other members of the court.

No, Harry was left to wonder slowly through the trees alone, content to loose himself in their majestic presence. Beneath the trees, titles did not matter, for no king or lord would ever see what these trees had seen. To know so much, and to still retain their secrets, well, that was worthy of notice, at least in Harry's mind.

"If there were true guardians, they would be trees," Harry said softly. Avicus nudged his shoulder softly. It amused Harry that a horse as affectionate as Avicus still upheld his temperamental personality before strangers.

"Thier insight into events, both here and past, alone would be well worth the wisdom that these trees would give if they were guardians. The thought of speaking with such beings, is overwhelming. The questions they could answer would be unending." A soft voice said from Harry's side. Turning, Harry sighed as his eyes landed upon his unexpected companion.

"Were you so poorly raised that you do not realize that you have guests you are expected to entertain?" Harry asked, still walking. Even the arrogant prince would not ruin his outing.

"Perhaps I was, if it pleases you, or, perhaps I am merely walking beside you in an attempt to entertain the only one of my guests who seems to be having an ill time of my ball." Draco said, content to merely walk along beside the only lord that seemed capable of captivating his attention or longer than five minutes.

"Is the prince so desperate for affection that he would convert himself into a lost puppy who knows only how to follow." Harry wondered aloud, never once glancing over at the prince.

"Is the Potter heir offering to give the lost puppy affection, or is he merely toying with said puppy's emotions?" Draco asked, pleased to see Harry's eyes widen slightly. Finally, Harry sighed, coming to a stop and turning to the prince.

"And which, of the two options listed, would the puppy want more, affection, or a toy?" Harry asked, emerald eyes boring into silvery-blue.

"Why, affection of course. No one likes to have their feelings unrequited."

"What is it you want, my prince?" Harry asked, tired of running around in circles where nothing was answered and everything was hinted at. "Why do you follow me with your eyes when in the presence of others, why do you say such things to me, and why do you follow me through a forest when everyone else wants nothing more than to retire to the palace?"

"That much should be obvious, Harry, and if it is not, then I shall simply have to try harder." Draco said. With a light bow and a gentle smile, the prince turned and disappeared between the trees, heading back in the direction of the palace. Harry smiled once he was again alone with Avicus. As he continued with his walk, Harry could not stop smiling, though he was unsure why, nothing extraordinary had transpired. Still, he could not help but feel as if something had occurred, something which could develop into the one thing he had always dreamed of, but had been too afraid to whisper aloud.

In the highest tower of the palace, Trelawney finished stirring her tea. Behind her the door opened slowly making only a whisper as the wood brushed against the floor. Inhaling her brew she gazed out of the window until she heard the door close as softly as it had opened. She did not need to turn around to know who had come.

"You understand, the message?" Trelawney asked.

"I have an idea, however, like you, I cannot mention it until I know for sure. I would need to visit with the boy before I can make a proper estimation of whether or not what I have found is relevant to this war, this kingdom, and this boy." Dumbledore said, shifting slightly, turning so that he was angled to the door. "I merely came to see if you had discovered anything."

"I have seen more, many of which are the same, but the images are becoming clearer with each passing hour. I shall know for sure within the next couple of days." She said, finally turning to face the old man. What she found saddened her far more than anything before ever had. His pale blue eyes, appearing faded with time, twinkled in the dim light of the tower, as only one window of letting in light. Once a proud young wizard, powerful and self-assured, the intimidating form had withered into a frail man, lightly bent, but it hardly noticeable. So many before him, and those that would come after him, would grow to become bitter towards life, but as they aged, they would retain the vitality of youth, the appearance of man far younger than their true age. So sad to see a man, who loved life and rejoiced in life's adventures was doomed to age so poorly. It would prevent him from continuing with his normal lifestyle in a decade or so.

"Then I shall await you in my chamber in a couple of days." Dumbledore said as he turned and moved toward the door again. "Oh, and remember, we have only six days left, including today, before the youth in question returns to his home on the other side of the kingdom."

Trelawney nodded. Yes, the Potter heir did live quite a distance away. It would not be a pleasant journey, oh no. She would have to pray that the sight came to her in full clarity before the dawn of the seventh day of the prince's ball.

"Harry must not return home, Hermione." James said. Hermione merely stared at him, wondering if the shock had upset him to the extend of harming his mental processes.

"James, forgive me for being argumentative, but Harry is your son, if you think you could prevent him from returning home at the end of the ball, then I would surely love to see you try." Hermione said. "Harry has been my friend for longer than I can remember, and I would never dream of demanding that he stay away from his family. He will return, there is no stopping him."

Lily sat in silence, gazing off into the hallway that led tot he bedrooms and the living room. She knew that Hermione was correct in her thoughts, but she also could not accept the idea that her son would return home in six days time only to be captured at an unknown time and hauled off to be...whatever it was the Lord Voldemort wished of him. He deserved to know, and then he could decide what his course of action would be.

"James, let us write to Harry and tell him of his fate, he is almost of age, he can decide what to do." Lily whispered, taking James' hand. James stared at her for a moment and then nodded his consent.

"Very well...but, how would he know to trust a letter?" James asked. "A letter can be intercepted, and who knows where Voldemort has his men at..."

"James, we would not be welcomed at court, the only thing we could hope for would be that a messenger with enough strength of will would be capable of relaying the message without forfeiting it to the enemy." Lily said.

"Still, I feel that-"

"I will take the message." Hermione said. "I know the fastest routes to the palace, my father showed me so that if we ever needed military aid at least someone would know how to reach the palace quickly. I can be there in...three days if my horse does not give out."

"Hermione...we cannot-" Lily began.

"Yes, you can. Harry is my friend, he may be a lord and a member of the royal court, but Harry will see me. He will listen to my message, he trusts me. He would see the truth, no matter how awful, if I bring it to him." Hermione said firmly.

"Very well, but you-"

"I will leave today, right now even. Just let me go grab some clothes and borrow a horse. I shall return when Harry returns." Hermione said, and with those parting words she was gone, running through the house and out into the dirt road.

James sighed, rubbing his face wearily, then he reached down to pick up the letter, only to find the folded parchment blank. Confused he turned it over, nothing. He stared at it, touching it and turning it as he struggled to comprehend...

"This is not the message...it-it is folded in a different way..." James whispered, horrified.

"Then, where is..." Emerald eyes widened. Both jumped to their feet, rushing out of the house in pursuit of Hermione, but she was gone.

Running as fast as they could, they past the little houses that lined the dirt road. They did not stop to greet anyone, despite the calls of greeting and concern as their people watched their lord and lady dash past. Stumbling and out of breath, the Potters came upon the Granger home. Mrs. Granger sat outside tending to their vegetable garden, when the pair jogged up she smiled and rose.

"Lily, James, to what do own this-"

"W-where i-is....Her-her-mione?" James gasped, one hand clamped to his side, hazel eyes sweeping the area around the house as if expecting Hermione to jump up.

"Oh, she ran past a moment ago, something about running an errand for you, she grabbed Ares, tossed his bridle on him and took off. She should return shortly though." Mrs. Granger said.

Lily and James stood there, standing in their friends' garden panting. Lily had tears falling. There was no doubt in either of their minds, that Hermione would take the message straight to Harry, royal guards or no royal guards. Harry would not understand, how could he, he did not know what it was the Voldemort expected of him...

Harry thought, that perhaps the ballroom was the loneliest place he had ever had the misfortune to visit. All around him the lords and ladies laughed and danced, content to live within their world of material wealth and horrid gossip. Seamus was off, dancing with Susan, and Cedric was off partaking in a chess game with the Weasley lords. For the second time that day, Harry was alone, free to think whatever thoughts he wanted, for there was no one with which he could share them.

Perhaps I shall retire early and see if I can find the library and Hermione is always speaking off, Harry thought with a bright smile at the thought of his friend.

"The smile becomes you," Draco said as he approached Harry for the second time that day. Harry turned to look at him, the smile vanishing.

"Hello, prince," Harry greeted formally, remembering to incline his head. Draco smiled.

"I shall never come to you again if it would mean that you would smile more often. I have watched you since the beginning of this dance, and you have smiled only once before now, and that was to you fiance right before he abandoned you." Draco said, watching Harry's reaction.

"Seamus would not abandon me, he merely agreed to dance with a friend." Harry said.

"Yes, friends...is that what he told you. Do they not appear to be close friends?" Draco asked, gesturing to the dance floor, where Seamus had pulled Susan closer than required for the style of dance and was laughing with her.

"They are friends, my prince, and I see no point in you attempting to confuse me about Seamus' loyalty." Harry said firmly, emerald eyes watching as Seamus and Susan swept across the floor.

"Yes, but are they friends in the manner that you and Seamus are, that is the question..." Draco asked.

In the past couple of days, Draco had found himself drawn every closer to the Potter heir, though he still could not understand the pull. It seemed, that every time the smaller lord smiled, Draco's head would turn at just that moment and catch sight of the radiant being who had graced his court. And every time the emerald eyes gazed at a portrait or an engraving, every time they beheld beauty, they would shine with a pleasure that had Draco longing to touch him. And once, when Pansy had approached Harry, and more than likely said something unkind, and Harry's eyes misted over, Draco had felt the urge to go to him. To hold him and to ban Pansy from ever setting foot inside the palace ever again. In his mind, Draco knew it was illogical and inappropriate thoughts that plagued him, but he could not stop it. No one beyond Blaise knew of his internal struggle, but with the rate at which his attentions were becoming solely focused upon the lord, Draco knew it was only a matter of time before he acted upon his thoughts.

It felt as if something were coming. Something dangerous that would take the Potter heir away forever if he did not act soon. There was a desperation to the thoughts that formed within his mind, it was tormenting him with ideas of what could be done and what would never happen if he did not act soon. Harry had barely seven months left before he became of age to marry, and Draco knew that that amount of time was far to much. Within that time frame, Harry would vanish and Draco would perish, or so the thoughts had led him to believe. No, he had six days.

"Dance with me," Draco said softly. Harry jerked in surprise, emerald eyes widening.

"I beg your pardon?" Harry asked, stunned beyond belief.

"Dance with me, please..." Draco said, moving closer to Harry. His eyes gazed down upon the smaller youth and seemed to burn into Harry's very soul, seeking something, longing for something.

Harry was silent, merely staring at the prince for a moment. He had known for a long time that his courtship with Seamus would never last. Seamus would love someone else, and Harry would never be the one to chain his friend down and demand that he remain faithful. At the same time, Harry could not stand the thought of Seamus leaving him for someone else, or of marrying him but visiting another's bed. He had, at one point, hoped for someone who would be with him because he was all they wanted. They would hold him because they wanted to, they would smile at him because he made them happy, and they would come to him because they longed for him. It seemed that he and Seamus would never have that...they were friends, nothing more, and nothing more would ever come from their union.

The prince had come to him a couple of times and they had exchanged words, but the fact remained, that the prince would come to him and then return to the others, but he would always come back. And Harry had felt the intense gaze of the prince's eyes upon him throughout the course of the day, and often found his own eyes seeking out the prince's handsome form.

What harm could come from one dance, Harry wondered. Lowering his head to cover his embarrassment, he nodded his acceptance. He felt that ever elusive heat flood his entire being when a pale hand cupped his chin and raised his head, emerald eyes met silver.

"Thank you," Draco said softly. For a moment, he had felt for sure that Harry would turn him down. He had felt that such a rejection might cause an actual wound from which he might die if not healed by the young lord. He watched as the myriad of emotions swam across the glorious emerald pools as they returned his gaze.

Harry felt the smile pulling at his lips when the prince offered him his hand. Hesitating no longer, Harry slipped his hand into the cool grasp of the prince's, the heat consuming his soul when the prince intertwined their fingers and pulled him out upon the dance floor.

All round them spun the lords and ladies of the royal court, several missing a step when they spotted the prince leading the waif out into the center of the dance floor. Harry felt the warmth that had consumed him die as the onlookers glared at him or appeared disgusted with his behavior. For a moment, Harry considered pulling away and retiring just as he had planned, but then the prince turned and pulled him closer. Harry closed his eyes as the prince's chest briefly brushed against his, and the warmth flared to new heights. Harry opened his eyes only to swept away within the silvery pools which seemed a torrent of understanding and longing. In that moment, the lords and ladies, the king and queen, the courtship with Seamus, everything ceased to be and only Draco remained. Throughout the room the candles that had remained unlit flared to life.

It was too much for Severus Snape to take. Draco was behaving irrationally, and there was no one who could possibly stop him. He supposed it was those luminous eyes, those emeralds that could ensnare a careless person and hold them prisoner within the prism of their beauty. So expressive in their emotions and so relentless in their anger that a man could feel himself drowning and never care to swim to shore.

Lily had been the same, self-conscious and shy at times, and bolder than the king himself at other times. Auburn hair that shone like fire when the light struck it just right, so silky to the touch that it felt as if you had been burned by the gentleness of it all. Her words so softly spoken captured the attention of all those who heard, and her wrath caught the attention of all. Her features had been those of a fallen angel, and it had caused Severus' soul to cry in misery when she had found James Potter. The two had been perfect for each other, there was no denying it, but it still hurt. His friend had gone and left him standing here, still standing and waiting for her to return. His duties could distract him for brief moments, then his doubts, his worries would consume him and his mind would be plagued with images of his dearest friend.

Once so breathtaking in her elegance and cultured mind, Lily had gone from the highest of ladyship and descended into the bowels of the royal court when she had married James Potter. She was a lady still, but never invited to the court unless she was requested specifically, which was never.

It followed Severus as a wolf stalking its prey right before the kill, the thought that Lily could have done so much better than what she had. She could be here, joining him for tea everyday if only she had never met James Potter. Shallow though it was, Severus knew it would have devastated Lily to be wed to someone lacking in James' mental features, but still, Severus was devastated without his friend. He was condemned to a life of duty whereas he could have had a friend and his duty, it would have made the struggle seem almost bearable.

No, Draco had no idea of what he was setting himself up for, the hurt and the misery of being abandoned. It was unfair, because Severus knew that Lily had tried to remain in touch with him, but in his anger at her decision he had never even opened her letters, nor sent a reply. Draco would come to care to Harry Potter, and just like his mother before him, he would leave the prince with his broken dreams and false hopes in exchange for another.

Draco could not be told to not pursue this relationship, as Severus was certain that the prince would continue his dangerous game anyway. No doubt, the decision would come back to haunt him. Severus had never seen Lily as anything beyond a friend, so his hurt was a deal less than what Draco's would be. Draco was setting himself up for a heartbreak and there was nothing that Severus could do to prevent it...

Susan laughed in delight at the tale Seamus had just shared, it seemed surreal to be here, dancing across this gorgeous hall wrapped in the arms of one of the most sought after lords. No matter his engagement to Harry Potter, surely Seamus could appreciate her womanly charms more so than Harry's...lack there of.

Around and around they went, spinning and dipping and gliding with the greatest of ease. She smiled to see Seamus enjoying himself as well, though he still considered them just friends. That would change though, she was sure. As they turned again, she froze, pulling Seamus to a stop with her.

"Seamus...is that Harry...is-is he dancing with the prince?" Susan asked, too stunned to notice that she was stuttering. Seamus whirled around.

Yes, it was Harry, and yes, he was dancing in the arms of the prince. They seemed quite comfortable with each other in fact. Harry seemed relaxed, it was the first time Seamus had seen him in such a state since before they had left his home.

Wrapped within the arms of the prince, Harry seemed to glow with some inner warmth. Harry flowed gracefully across the ground, though Seamus knew he possessed no real finesse for dancing. Eyes locked and gazing within each other, the prince and Harry seemed unaware of the odd sight that they made. Seamus took a deep breath, both to contain his anger and his surprise. Forgetting all about Susan and the fact that they had been dancing, Seamus moved quickly across the room, ignoring the looks he was gathering as he went. Neither Harry nor the prince noticed his approach until it was too late, by that time Seamus had stormed up, pulled Harry out of the prince's arms and into his own. Harry gasped in surprise to find Seamus' strong arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him back against Seamus' side.

Draco blinked, one moment Harry was all he could see, and the next Harry was gone, swept off across the room by Seamus. Draco watched the pair leaving the hall, or really, Seamus leaving and taking Harry with him. Right before Harry vanished outside of the hall doors, Draco caught him glancing back over Seamus' shoulder at him. In a sea of emerald, Draco found the same disappointment and longing that he knew drifted through his own eyes. With a faint smile, and eyes slightly unfocused, Draco moved out of another set of doors, heading up to his parents room to inform them of the change in his plans. Yes, he had decided upon what he wanted finally, and no Lord Finnigan was going to deter him.

AN: I am so sorry for the delay, but my parents surprised me with their none stop video and game spree on Christmas day, that and my grandmother is visiting, so no computer time at all. And of course, being the day after Christmas, the parents insisted ongoing out all day to the sales. In the end, I have been stuck working on my laptop, which only functions properly for about thirty minutes before shutting down and saving nothing unless it was saved before the shut down. Anyway, thank you to all my reviewers. I know that I say that each time and usually to each of you individually as well, but I honestly mean it. You guys are great; you have enjoyed my fanfic far more than I could ever hope for, so thank you.

Review Responses:

AmethystAquamarine: Your review is appreciated to the point where even thank you is putting it lightly. In all honesty, I have considered writing as a part of my future. I have already decided that whatever I do with involve English in some way. It always was my favorite class. Again, thank you for your enthusiasm and wonderful review; I hope you continue to enjoy this fanfic.

SuishouTenshi: Okay, first time I messed up a character's name I managed to laugh it off, but to do it again is embarrassing. I am glad that you caught it; I cannot spell properly at all, but it shall be fixed with my next chapter. Thank you, and thank you for another beautiful review. I read your bio when you first reviewed, and was shocked at how much we had in common beyond age. Thank you so much for your encouraging reviews, I shall strive never to let you down.

Feli Lupan Draco: I meant to respond to your first review, however, I was late in posting and in a rush. I thank you, with every ounce of sincerity I can muster, for your review. I read it and was ecstatic by your words. I have hinted, faintly, at what type of magic Harry possesses, and in the next couple of chapters, it will all be revealed. Until then, I hope I can remain a champion to you, thank you for your kind review.

Averon: I wish they would appear as well, I often find myself wishing that I had waited to post this story until it was finished, and then I read reviews such as yours and am glad that I did not. I am having a similar problem with my relatives; I love them to death, but at times…well, anyways, thank you for your review, thank you so much.

Lady Prongster: I am beyond pleased that you consider my fanfic worthy of being on your favorites list. You call my fanfic brilliant, but I call your review brilliant, it is people like you who encourage me to write and inspire me to do such writings. Thank you, thank you, thank you…

NightProdigy: This is perhaps the best compliment I could ever receive from a reader, for you to consider my writings that good…well, I appreciate it and am overwhelmed by such a compliment. Thank you, though it such simple words could never truly express my appreciation for your words.

Fragile Dragon: I am glad you liked the flashes, I was concerned at first, I could not decide how much to reveal and not reveal. I know some of what will happen, I know my goal, but between here and my goal…well, who knows? Thank you so much for your wonderful review, thank you.

MachiavellianOrange: I read anything and everything, except Mark Twain; I cannot seem to get through his books. I shall post a list of books and their authors that I read (some multiple times over) on my bio. I hope that helps, for you are correct writing is influenced by what others have written. Your comments on my writing thrilled me, I was beyond happy with your compliments. Thank you very much for making my day.

Chocolatedemon: Thank you for adding me to your favorites list, I consider that one of the highest forms of complimenting someone. I especially appreciate that you understand how hard it is to update so quickly when writing the story at the same time, it truly is hard at times. Thank you for understanding, and for your wonderful review.

A-Brighter-Dawn: As always, your review was greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continual comments; they are appreciated beyond what I could communicate to you. Thank you, thank you so much.

Next Chapter: (I should really stop do this because I always end up changing it) More Draco/Harry interaction, and Harry and Seamus have a serious conversation. Lucius and Narcissa consider different ways to inform Harry, Cedric, the Weasleys, and Seamus of their families predicament, and Dumbledore steps in and speaks to Harry.