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.
Beta Reader: Editor101
Chapter Twelve: The Unveiling of a Prince Wreathe in Flames
The wedding reception was a simple affair. The ancient tables were quickly dusted and covered with a wide assortment of delicacies. The surprise of the uncomplicated event was the wedding cake. Narcissa had surprised the newlyweds by presenting them with a four layered vanilla cake decorated with intricately sliced strawberries and a creamy white frosting. Harry managed to surprise his husband when he pushed a large bit of cake into Draco's aristocratic face. Harry had laughed to see his usually composed husband staring at him in shock, icing smeared across his mouth, nose and cheek. Draco had been stunned by the action. Royal wedding were proper and controlled, all the way to the opening of the gifts, which was performed slowly and carefully. To have his husband chuck a piece of cake at him was an astounding revelation. However, because he was a Malfoy, Draco retaliated with an even larger piece of cake, much to his parents' horror. It had taken Narcissa ten minutes to force both youths to put their cake down, then she had spent ten more minutes reprimanding them for ruining their wedding robes. Lucius had been forced to pull her away gently when Draco had caught Harry within his arms and teasingly licked the creamy icing off his chin before claiming his husbands' icing covered lips with his own. In the end, Draco could not recall a more informal wedding, but he could also not recall ever having seen a more beautiful sight than when Harry had turned to him with his emerald eyes shining with laughter and his face half covered in icing.
"Perhaps the two of you had better go freshen up before you go before the court," Narcissa said gently after everyone had eaten and mingled for a couple of hours.
"Oh yes, the court," Draco sighed. He gazed over at Harry who was speaking to his mother. He wanted nothing more than to retire to his quarters with Harry and remain there for the next few days.
"Do not fear son, the guards will be there should the court decide not to respect your decision," Lucius said. Draco had no doubt that his father would not allow him or Harry to be harmed.
"Take Harry to his new chambers," Narcissa said softly as Harry moved to Draco's side. She gifted Harry with a fond smile. "Please dress him in the proper attire of a prince."
"Of course," Draco smiled. Taking Harry's hand he delighted in the feel of the gold wedding band that marked Harry as his, the metal warm from Harry's internal fire against his fingers. Draco smiled to think that Harry would never remove that ring. It was much more than a simple wedding ring, the gold band was inlaid with perfectly cut emeralds and diamonds, but on the inside the band was inscribed with ancient runes of a powerful magic long since forgotten by men. These runes would protect Harry and any children he might carry at any point in time. It was also the exact replica of the ring that Harry had given Draco. It had taken several days for his mother to find out which ring Harry would be giving him, but once she had, Draco had demanded an identical ring made, that way there could be no questioning as to who they belonged to. Besides, the emeralds represented Harry's beautiful eyes, and the diamonds represented Draco's, or at least according to Harry. Draco thought the diamonds were a bit too light to be his eyes, but he was not about to argue with his husband on the day of their wedding.
Draco and Harry walked in silence down the twisting hallways. They used all the back passageways to avoid running into court members before the unveiling was to take place. The servants they passed smiled brilliantly at them and inclined their heads, though how they already knew of their union was beyond the newlyweds. Draco had the sneaking suspicion that his mother was behind the release of the secret.
After what seemed an eternity, Draco finally saw the large double doors leading to his, no, their, rooms. Smiling he squeezed Harry's hand tighter and opened the door for his husband. He almost laughed to see Harry's flushed face as he quickly entered the large chambers, still holding Draco's hand. Though he had already seen Draco's chambers, Harry felt differently this time. He felt at home now. Turning to Draco he found those silver eyes that he loved watching him with shining adoration.
Never speaking, Draco lightly tugged Harry over to another set of double doors, these regular sized, that led to the spacious bathroom. Harry sighed to see the large bath tub already filled with warm vanilla scented water. He smiled and turned faintly pink as Draco's tender hands easily undid the clasp on his robes and slid the silk article off his shoulders before beginning their work on the beautiful tunic. As the tunic slowly came off, Harry's eyes drifted closed in uncertainty. Would Draco find him attractive once he was laid bare before him? Harry had never seen himself as handsome, he was far too slender. He had the built of a lady, not a lord. He was too delicate in appearance to truly be of masculine build. For a moment neither of them moved, Harry waiting for his judgment, and Draco attempting to calm his pounding heart. Then, Harry's lips parted in a soft gasp as smooth fingers ghosted across his golden skin, from his stomach, pausing as his muscles contracted at the light touch, up to his chest, across his collar bone, to the side of his neck, to his chin which was gently gripped and forced up.
"I have seen true beauty only once," Draco whispered fervently, his lips brushing Harry's. "Though now I shall see it every morning when I wake, and every night before I sleep."
Harry had no time to answer as Draco's lips devoured his. Helpless against such loving passion, Harry wrapped his arms around Draco in a desperate attempt to remain standing. Draco gave a gentle groan as he heard Harry's quiet moan. He longed to continue, to show Harry his full love, to test the boundaries of known passion, but he knew his family was waiting, the court was waiting.
"Shh," Draco whispered quickly as he finally pulled away from Harry's soft lips, now lightly bruised and aching to be soothed by even greater kisses.
Draco quickly divested himself of his clothes, smiling softly as Harry's eyes viewed him fully for the first time before quickly returning to his face. Harry was quite red and Draco wondered how he had remained so innocent in the face of the crude and often harsh society they belonged to. Then Draco returned to Harry and slowly freed him from the trousers and undergarments. Harry sighed as Draco pressed tender kisses and teasing nips along his neck and shoulders, his hands ghosting across his skin as if it were made of the finest of silks.
"Come," Draco said softly as he grasped Harry's hand once more and pulled him over to the tub. Carefully, Draco assisted Harry in stepping up the small marble steps before stepping down into the warm water. As Draco slid in with him, Harry allowed himself another sigh. He felt his entire body relaxing as Draco wrapped his wonderful arms around his waist, one of his hands caressing his stomach and chest as he rested his chin on Harry's shoulder.
"I love you," Harry whispered as he pressed a fleeting kiss against the corner of Draco's lips. Draco smiled, squeezing Harry lightly.
"I love you too."
They sat in silence, each wondering what amount of ardor would be unleashed with the arrival of the distant night. It was not until Draco gently nudged him, that Harry remembered the court and the trial that awaited them in the grand ballroom. He sat contently as Draco washed him before turning around to return the favor. In the end Harry found himself quite distracted from his task as Draco kept stealing kisses every time he leaned too close to his husband as he washed the blond locks. Turning his head to the side did nothing to dissuade the blond; he merely attacked Harry's exposed ear and neck. Finally Harry finished his task and pushed his husband under the water as he tried to steal another kiss. Draco came up from under the water sputtering and wiping his hair out of his face as he glared half-heartedly at his wayward husband. Harry merely smiled at him and stole a kiss of his own before forcing Draco to turn around so he could wash his back.
Finally, clean and smiling, the pair emerged from the bathroom, both wrapped securely in simple robes. Draco quickly crossed over to his huge closet and began to search for something to wear. Harry, unsure as to what was expected of him, sat down on the edge of Draco's large bed and waited for his husband to return from his closet adventures.
"Wear this," Draco said as he emerged holding a simple yet elegant forest green robe. He thought it would look dashing on Harry, but then, he figured in his eyes, anything would look good on Harry.
Especially a devilishly handsome silver eyed prince, Draco thought before he winced as his body betrayed him at the alluring thought. Not now, later, but not now…
"Draco, when are we going to tell Dumbledore about the message Voldemort sent to my parents?" Harry asked as he quickly changed into the new robes as Draco disappeared once more into the cavern that was his closet.
"Tomorrow, I swear it," Draco said as he came back into view carrying his own robes. Harry flushed and whirled around when Draco shamelessly dropped his bath robe and began to dress in his actual robes.
"Harry, you have seen me naked," Draco reminded lightly as he smirked at his husband's back.
"Yes, but-but there was…water-water and bubbles…and…" Harry never finished as Draco had finished dressing and taken his hand. They were about to exit the room when a knock sounded at the door. Never releasing Harry's hand, he called for the visitor to enter. Harry smiled shyly to see Hermione walk in. She carried with her a small chest.
"Hermione," Harry said softly. She smiled at him and then grinned uncertainly at Draco, who flashed her one of his charming smiles.
"Welcome, Hermione," Draco said lightly.
"My prince, your mother bids you wear your crown," Hermione said softly as she set the chest down upon the bed and quickly opened it. Pulling out the beautiful band of twisting gold.
"I do not know why she must force this on us, but very well," Draco sighed. He accepted the mark of his royalty and quickly fitted it upon his head before reaching into the chest and pulling out another one of the same style. "This one is yours' Harry. The last time it was worn was by my mother when my father was prince and his father was king."
"It is lovely," Harry said softly as he moved closer to his husband. Draco smiled and gently placed the crown upon Harry's raven head.
"Now you truly look like a prince, love."
"It is merely a symbol, husband," Harry said playfully as Draco kissed him quickly. "A prince is a prince whether there is a crown upon his head or not."
"Yes, yes, come on, love," Draco said as he pulled Harry from their rooms and set off down the hallway, Hermione following them.
"Do we have to do this now?" Harry asked nervously. He was not looking forward to seeing the courts' reaction to their sudden marriage. He really did not wish to die a virgin.
"You know the answer to that," Draco said lightly. "Do you regret marrying me?"
"Of course not," Harry said quickly, pressing a kiss to Draco's chin. "I love you."
"Then do this, and then I will make love to you," Draco said. Harry struggled not to blush again as Draco sent him a seductive look filled with promise of the night to come.
"What of Pansy's reaction?" Harry asked, changing the subject.
"What of it?" Draco asked. "That ill-bred, misbegotten, concubine will smile and accept our union or there will be dissent between her and my personal guards."
"Now Draco, you need to reign in some of that anger," Harry admonished with a frown.
"Harry, I think that you-" Draco blinked to have his arm jerked backwards as Harry stopped walking. Draco tuned in confusion.
"What, Draco?" Harry asked softly, emerald eyes burning into silver. "You think I do not understand? Is that it?"
"I simply feel that I am a better judge of-"
"Cannot believe I am hearing this from you, my own husband," Harry suddenly growled. He pushed Draco out of the way and stormed down the hallway. Draco glanced in confusion at a passing servant, who shrugged and continued on its way. "I am not completely ignorant to the errant ways of the court. I understand the dangers and the situation we are about to step into. I was a lord before I became your anointed prince, if you recall."
"Harry, I do not understand what you are-"
"Since I arrived here, I have been belittled and laughed at. Oh, they say, look at the poor lord who is more a farmer than a lord. Well, I may have tended a farm alongside my companions, people I have grown up with, but at least I did not have to fear betrayal from them. It is not I who is ignorant, but you," Harry said as he continued on down the hallway, Draco following.
"Harry, I did not mean to offend," Draco said softly.
"I am sorry, Draco," Harry sighed as they approached the ballroom and saw their family already gathered at the doors. "I am nervous about this encounter, I should never have snapped at you. Forgive me?"
"Of course, love," Draco said, pressing a quick kiss to Harry's forehead. "I simply did not expect our first argument to occur barely a couple of hours after our wedding. You can be quite ill tempered, love," Draco blinked as Harry's hand connected with the side of his head before the raven haired youth moved over to their parents, all of whom had seen the encounter. Draco scowled his smirking father and amused second father as he moved to join his new family.
"What do you suppose the king and queen wanted to announce?" Dean asked as he calmly gazed at his somewhat agitated companion.
Seamus had seemed ill at ease for the past couple of days. He was constantly searching for someone, though he would tell Dean who. Dean suspected that Seamus wanted to speak to Harry. When Harry had released Seamus from his engagement, Seamus had gone first to Dean. Dean frowned to remember his shaking friend rushing into his room. He vividly recalled the anger which had poured off Seamus in waves. For hours Dean had struggled to calm him, though from the amount of flying glasses and vases, he had not calmed him soon enough. Seamus had shouted and screamed that he had done nothing but sheltered and cared for Harry throughout their friendship and their engagement. He claimed that Harry was ungrateful and unfaithful. Dean had winced at the more vulgar terms that had been used. He could not blame Seamus for his anger, but he did feel that it was unnecessary.
It seemed to Dean, that Harry had granted Seamus a beautiful gift in ending their engagement. He knew that Seamus would never have gone back on his word to marry Harry, that if either of them was to release the other it would have had to of been Harry. And Harry had done it. Dean knew it had hurt Seamus for Harry to return his engagement ring. He knew also that Seamus now wore Harry's engagement ring in place of his own, a constant reminder of what could have been. Dean sighed. Seamus was being unfair, and he felt certain that at some subconscious level Seamus knew it, too.
"I could have loved him, Dean," Seamus had whispered to him after the anger had faded and confusion and sorrow set in. Dean had simply hugged him tighter.
"Could have, Seamus, could have," he had said. "The prince loves Harry now and always will."
"I-I just do not…I do not know what to do now," Seamus had said.
"You will be his friend, as you always have been. I know you wanted to protect Harry, and he knows that too. The point is though, that you could have protected him until your dying day, but you could not love him with abandon that he now has. Harry wants you to be happy. I assure you that he thought of you long before he made his decision," Dean said softly. "He wants you to find love the way he has. He is giving you a chance to find true happiness and to have a true family. He has saved you from your own honorable intentions. Do not hate him for that."
"I cannot hate my friend," Seamus said as he considered Dean's words. He knew his friend was right. He had been wrong to suspect betrayal from Harry. "Harry is like my brother in all but blood. I must accept him as he is, for he is happy now, and I must apologize to him."
"I do not know," Seamus said, drawing Dean's attention back to the matter at hand. Then he smirked at his companion. "Perhaps they are to announce the engagement of Prince Draco to Lord Harry."
Dean shook his head and nudged his friend as the large double doors were opened by two attendants. The members of the court fell silent immediately as the announcer calmly called out the arrival of the royal family. As the king, queen, and the prince stepped gracefully and regally onto the landing above the actual ground of the room, Seamus noticed the silvery eyes of the prince scan the room before landing on his own. There was some emotion there, half hidden by the mask of indifference. Seamus raised an eyebrow in question, but the prince's attention was drawn to his father, who had begun to speak.
"My loyal subjects, my son's companions, by now it is well known that this ball was thrown in honor of my son. This event was planned in the hopes that the prince would find among you a match that he could love in the turbulent years to come. For a week you have been gifted with a glance of the glamorous side of palace life, but as tonight marks the last night of the ball, it is time to announce my son's decision," Lucius said. His strong, clear voice carried easily to every ear and the members of the court looked upon him in awe and respect.
Draco almost smiled as he listened to his father. Lucius was what a king should be, cunning, thoughtful, and strong. He was capable of the fiercest of revenge and the most passionate of love. He could captivate his audience by speaking a single line, and he could win their loyalty and their love with only a paragraph of his eloquent words.
"Though his decision may seem rash and hasty, let it be known that Draco has chosen a spouse of great integrity and understanding. My beloved wife and I could not be prouder of his actions," Lucius said. "It has come to my attention that many of you are ignorant to the life my son's anointed prince has lived, for that you must remember to not be judgmental. He is of the highest quality of character, though from the lesser side of society. In his village he is loved by all, in time you shall come to love him as well."
Draco smirked at his father's last sentence. A quick look down at the smarter members of the court showed that they understood the subtle hint, for those that did not…they would learn quickly what was expected of them.
In the crowd of court members, Dean felt rather than saw Seamus tense as the king described the new prince. Seamus cast a quick glance around the room before his eyes returned to Draco. Silver met blue, and Seamus saw the sympathy written within the silver pools.
"Thus, it is with great elation that I present to you, my new son, the anointed prince, Harry Danovan Malfoy."
For the first time, Seamus saw a beautiful smile light up Draco's features as he turned towards the doors, his hand extended toward the new prince. As Harry slowly entered the room, his parents following him, Seamus gasped inaudibly to see those familiar emerald eyes dance with adoration and a little fear as he placed his hand in Draco's.
Reality descended rapidly upon the Finnigan Lord as he watched Draco draw Harry closer to him, a protective and possessive arm curling around that slender waist. Glancing down his eyes found the returned engagement ring upon his finger. The garnets gleaming vindictively back at him. He would never marry Harry now.
"Forgive me, my king," a voice called out. It was obvious by the tone that the speaker was having trouble containing their anger and confusion at the announcement. "The Potter family is the second lowest ranking lordship, second only to the Weasleys."
"I do not understand what you are asking," Lucius said with a note of steel in his voice. His gray blue eyes glared upon the speaker, who seemed to shrink in on herself.
"My-my king, wo-would it not be more suited for the prince to wed someone of nobler birth than a Potter?"
"There is no one I would whether be wed to," Draco's angry voice rang out before Lucius could speak.
Gasps sounded throughout the room as the guests registered their prince's words. He had said wed to, which meant the marriage had already taken place. Several angry murmurs rose. Seamus tensed. He felt his sorrow at the news fade into nothing as those around him whispered of the ill-bred lord who had appeared to seduce their prince into an ill fated marriage.
"You will be silent!" Harry gasped and took a single step towards the stairs that led down onto the floor as Seamus' growl echoed throughout the room. Draco stepped beside him, squeezing his hand tightly in assurance. He knew that Harry loved him and him alone, but he also realized that Seamus had just waged war on the rest of the court.
"Seamus, he is a farmer," Pansy shrieked. Her hateful eyes glared up at Harry as she spoke.
"Yes, and you are a whelp parading as a lady," Seamus said.
"He practiced infidelity while still engaged to you," Cho said softly, hoping that Harry would not hear. He did. He drew back a step at the angry charge against him. Behind him Lily gasped and James moved forward to stand beside his son. Lucius emitted a growl of his own as Narcissa placed a kind hand upon Harry's shoulder.
"He did nothing of the sort, you misinformed tramp," Seamus yelled. Angrily he pushed his way through those gathered until he reached the foot of the stairs. Sending one last hateful glare into the court before he turned his attention to the anointed prince who stood watching him with wide emerald eyes. With a sigh Seamus slowly climbed the steps. He was well aware that every eye in the hall was on him. As he reached the top, his eyes looked locked with Draco's. For a tense moment they studied each other. Harry felt Draco's grip on his hand relax after a moment. Seamus offered a faint smile as Draco inclined his head to him ever so slightly.
Seamus turned back to Harry, who stared at him in confusion. Harry, who had thought Seamus would hate him, froze in surprise as Seamus pressed a fond kiss against his cheek.
"You love the far better man," Seamus whispered. "He will make you happy."
Seamus smiled as Harry gifted him with a brilliant smile before jumping forward in careless abandon to hug his friend. Seamus stumbled slightly as Harry crashed into him, but steadied himself as Draco lightly gripped his arm to keep him from going over the edge of the stairs. He quickly returned the embrace before releasing Harry. Harry smiled as he stepped back and leaned against Draco, who wrapped him safely within his strong arms.
"Let it be known," Seamus said as he turned back to the court. "That I approve of this union with every fiber of my being. Harry was never unfaithful to me. He honored me by considering a marriage to me."
"There is an hour before the midday meal is served," Lucius stated in a firm voice. "During that time, Harry has agreed to attend the ball."
Harry smiled nervously as Draco began to lead him down the stairs, Seamus moving off to speak to Lily and James who thanked him for defending their son.
"Do not fear, love, I shall not allow them to harm you," Draco whispered as he felt Harry's hand shake within his own. "They cannot harm you. Father has enough guards to wage a war on each of the court members should they attempt anything."
"They do not like me," Harry whispered. His eyes sought desperately for friendly faces in the crowd. He saw very few.
"One day they will love you, though I shall always love you more," Draco said as he kissed his husband as they reached the floor. Before them the court was shocked to see such an open display of affection as etiquette dictated that such displays were unseemly. It was an unwritten rule that Draco was sure would meet its end over the rest of his marriage to Harry.
Harry relaxed into the embrace, their watchers forgotten. Draco would love him no matter what the court said. Still, Harry did not wish to cause dissention between the royals and the court. He sighed as the kiss came to a close. He would simply have to prove himself worthy of being a prince in the eyes of the ever fickle court.
Taking a deep breath, Harry followed Draco into the sea of angry and happy people.
Lily sighed as she watched her son speaking to his subjects. She was so proud of him, but she was also afraid for him. He may have found love, but he was now destined to face a hard life of struggling to find a balance between doing what was right for the kingdom and doing what the subjects wished done. He would face wars waged in the hopes of gaining power, and wars waged in the hopes of revenge. By tomorrow his name would have spread as a wild fire across the kingdom. Within a week there would be assassins being hired to remove him from the picture. She trembled as she watched Harry. She had not wanted such a life for him, but it was not her choice.
"Lily," a quiet voice spoke behind her. Startled, she turned to find onyx eyes gazing at her in concern.
"Severus, it has been a while," she said lightly.
"Are you feeling well? You seem pale," Severus said as he studied her face. His eyes picked up the creases about her mouth and her eyes. She was older now, but her eyes still held that inquisitive and mischievous flame. Her beautiful auburn hair was now interwoven with strands few of silver gray, though they only increased the sense of dignity about her. He sighed internally. She had grown more beautiful over the years, and he had missed it.
"I am fine," she said. "I wondered if I would see you during my stay here. I received word many years ago that you had moved into the palace as the Potions' Master. Congratulations on the position, though it is long overdue."
"No, it is fine. Besides, it is I who should be congratulating on raising a charming son. It is not a simple matter to befriend the prince, let alone to get him to love you. He is reserved in his emotions and mistrusting of strangers, but that is to be expected after the numerous assassination attempts," Severus said as he gazed down at the two princes. "I admit that I was unsure as to your sons' intentions towards my godson, but he has proven me wrong at every turn. Draco is quite smitten with him and Harry with him."
"They are beautiful together," Lily whispered.
"I wondered if you…" Severus hesitated. "I wondered if you considered rekindling our friendship."
"Severus," Lily said as she smiled fondly at him. "As far as I am concerned, our friendship never ended, it was merely forgotten for a while." Severus allowed a faint smile to grace his lips at her words. Before he could respond, a scream sounded from the ballroom floor. Severus jerked around, onyx eyes widening in horror as he took in the screaming figure wreathed in flames.
Everything had been fine thus far. Harry was received well, despite the disagreement about the sudden wedding. Many were willing to look beyond his humble life style and see the young man that he was, and for that he was grateful. He prayed that his voice never wavered as he responded to questions. It surprised him that none of the members attempted to touch him. It was not polite to touch royalty, apparently. Thus, when Pansy appeared before him and grabbed his arm, he was startled. Then everything went up in smoke, literally.
"You annoying misbegotten whelp!" Pansy cried as she grabbed Harry's arm and whirled him around. Draco had been speaking to Blaise when he suddenly felt Harry's hand jerked out of his own and heard the rude cry. Whirling around, Draco found Pansy shaking Harry violently as she screamed at him.
"I am sorry you do not approve of-" Harry said as he attempted to remove her hand from his arm.
"You are of the lowest scum on this world!" she ranted. "You deserve only what a bitch in heat could give you. You disgusting, vile, foul serpent!"
Harry winced as she screamed in his face. She was doing no physical harm, but her words were as a poison seeping into his blood stream. He shuddered to feel the quiet warmth within him blaze into a torrent of flames seeking escape from their enclosure. Behind him he heard Draco shouting at Pansy.
"Pansy, please stop…please-" he cried as he gasped at the gathering heat within him.
He was distantly aware of his lover grabbing Pansy's arm and the pounding of guards as they swarmed into the ballroom. Then he felt the flames race along his skin and flare to life upon the tender, pale, unmarked flesh of Pansy.
Her screams rent the air in a wail of agony as the orange and red flames danced across her flesh. Draco jerked back as the heat threatened to consume him as well. His silver eyes widened in terror as he gazed at his burning subject before his eyes went to Harry. Harry's eyes were closed as he struggled to call back the flames. Around him the court scattered in fear, their screams tearing into his soul as he knew that he had caused their fear. Draco was blind and deaf to the court as he moved toward Harry; dodging Pansy's flailing limbs and the running court members. Dropping to the ground beside his trembling husband, Draco wrapped his arms around him, shielding Harry's body from the rapidly rising heat.
"Harry!" Draco cried. In front of them numerous guards stood prepared to receive serious burns in order to protect their princes.
"Harry, focus on Draco!" Albus Dumbledore's voice sounded over the screams.
Harry had never found anything more difficult than tearing his mind away from the chaos he was causing and focusing on his husband. He loved Draco, and at any other moment he would not have had to focus on the blond as he would already have been doing it. He allowed the screams and the heat to wash over him as he felt the comfort of his husbands' strong arms around him. He felt a deep swell of love for his husband. While others ran in fear of him, Draco held him safe.
It took a few moments, but as he focused on his husband, he felt the flames recede from their victim, who collapsed upon the wooden floor. Harry whimpered as the vengeful flames wrapped around him, their heat searing him as they returned to their domain within his blood. And through it all, even as the flames embraced his husband, Draco held Harry.
In front of them Dumbledore was casting healing spells on the limp Pansy Parkinson until she appeared uninjured and rose unsteadily to her feet. Her vivid blue eyes burned with an unspoken hatred and terror as she gazed down at the fallen prince who knelt within his husband's embrace. Turning to the court she cried out to them to help her.
"He is dangerous! He is inherently evil; it lives within him. He can call forth fire at a whim. Do we dare to leave our true prince alone with him?" she asked as she backed away from Harry.
"Seize her!" Lucius' voice rang out as of a sword being drawn in battle. "Remove her from this hall this instant!"
"No! He is not safe!" Pansy cried as she struggled against the horde of warriors that surrounded her. "He's a killer!" Then they were gone. No one moved within the ballroom. The court gazed at Harry in awe and fear, but none moved closer to him. Desperately Draco sought his father and mother. He found Narcissa speaking quickly to one of the servants present. However, Lily was running forward, her concern for her son overtaking the concern that he might still be out of control.
"Harry!" She cried as she ignored all protocol and dropped beside the pair. Shaking hands gently brushed at his hair and tried to sooth him.
"We need to get him out of here," Narcissa said softly as she came to them. Draco and Lily nodded, quickly pulling Harry to his feet. Draco did not hesitate as he lifted the smaller youth into his arms bridal style and started up the stairs. He wanted only to get Harry back to their rooms and away from prying eyes. Harry bit his lip as he struggled not to cry, burying his head in the crook of Draco's neck, his arms around Draco's shoulders.
"Severus, calming potions!" Narcissa yelled as she and Lily followed their sons, leaving their husbands to take care of the guests and try to minimize the damage. Draco never noticed his godfather rushing from the room, his entire being focused on the trembling body in his arms.
Harry felt his heart breaking as Draco gently set him upon their huge silk covered bed. He had ruined his only chance to prove to the court that he was a capable prince. If anything, he had just provided them with the main reason why he should not be a prince, he had no control over his fire. He was dangerous to all those around him. He would be dangerous to Draco, to his parents, to his friends...
Draco, who had taken the calming potion from his godfather before bidding his and Harry's mothers good-day, jumped in surprise as Harry suddenly lost all control and his body began to shake with the force of his sobs as he curled on his side. He clutched desperately at the pillows as if they were a life line. Draco could feel the temperature rising slightly within the room.
"Harry, love, what is wrong" Draco asked as he slipped onto the bed beside his distraught husband. "Pansy is fine. She has no scars or anything, she will most likely forget all about the incident in a few days."
"No" Harry whimpered as he wrapped desperate arms around Draco, raising his tear filled emerald eyes to gaze into concerned silver. "It is not that..."
"Harry"
"Oh Draco, what if I hurt our child" Harry cried. A fresh wave of tears broke free. "I will hurt my child..."
"No" Draco cried. He gripped Harry tightly, pulling him against his body. "You could never hurt our child. Never."
"But what if I do"
"You will not. You will love him and care for him and cherish him" Draco said lovingly. "I love you, and so will he. We will be one happy family and you will never need to fear for our child."
"He" Harry laughed amid his sobs. "What if he is a girl"
"Well, he will be a he, and then we will have a girl" Draco said as he wiped away the tears.
"I love you."
"I love you too" Draco smiled. "Now, no more tears"
"No more tears" Harry smiled.
"Good" Draco said as he leaned down and pressed a passionate kiss against Harry's lips. Eagerly Harry parted his lips before Draco's questing tongue. Tasting and taking, tangled in a loving battle they met in an embrace that showed the depths of the emotion that they felt for the other. Parting only for a second to gasp a desperate breath before returning to the fervent motions; they claimed each other.
Harry felt his senses dull and sharpen at the same time, his heart beat rising to match his husbands, his hands grasping tightly at Draco's lean shoulders. With their rising passion Harry felt the warmth within him stir. Emerald eyes widened in horror and he shoved against Draco instead of pulling him closer.
"Harry, what" Draco asked, his eyes locked on Harry's red lips.
"Draco...I can feel it within me" Harry whispered. "It wants to be free again...I cannot allow this to continue until I have gained control of this internal fire."
"Oh Harry" Draco whispered as he scooted closer to his companion. "I have immunity from it. It has touched me before and did not burn me, you know this. You would not hurt me, I swear it."
"Draco, if I did I could not"
"No, if at any point in time I feel a burn, I shall stop, I swear it" Draco said as he gazed into those lovely emerald eyes that gazed at him with such desire and hesitation.
"You swear"
"I swear by the gods" Draco answered. Harry paused, then nodded with a soft smile. Draco smiled brilliantly before claiming those soft lips once again.
Harry sighed into the tender kiss, he felt Draco against him and knew no more fear. The flames were softly flaring, but they were not angry, they were elated at Draco's closeness. The flames danced upon his flesh before gently, lovingly caressing Draco's, drawing them ever closer. Harry whimpered softly as Draco slowly pushed him backwards and down upon the bed. Harry didn't even notice when Draco's knee gently parted his legs ever so slightly and Draco settled himself between Harry's thighs.
"I love you" Draco whispered, his warm breath caressing Harry's flustered cheek.
"And I you." Harry said breathlessly, eyes never leaving Draco's. Draco's smile widened and he leaned down and placed a light kiss on Harry's soft lips. "Draco"
"Don't worry, Harry," Draco whispered as he slid his lips along Harry's jaw. Harry gasped as Draco lightly nipped at his neck, and with a whispered exhale, Harry tilted his head to allow Draco better access and surrendered to Draco's loving embrace.
One of Draco's hands held tight to one of Harry's, their fingers entangled with Draco's thumb brushing across Harry's palm. Harry cried out softly as Draco occupied himself with sucking, licking, and nipping at his neck and shoulders in an aggressively tender assault aimed at distracting Harry from noticing his rather swift undress at Draco's hands. Harry trembled to feel those smooth cool hands glide across his chest and shoulders as his robes were quickly discarded, Harry eagerly lifting his torso to allow for a more efficient removal. The trousers were more difficult as they required Draco to lift himself off of his husband for a moment, a movement he was unwilling to make. In the end he bit gently upon Harry's bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue, causing Harry to gasp and buck his hips. During that moment of abandon, Draco had lifted himself and off the trousers came, quickly followed by his own clothing.
The moment their bare flesh touched fully, Harry felt the flames ignite in his blood and whisper along his spine causing him to arch his back, bringing him flush against Draco. Draco gasped at the movement, his hands running along Harry's sides as he kissed any piece of flesh that presented itself to his mouth.
"Draco..." Harry whimpered as desperately sought some semblance of intelligent thought. "Please..."
He did not know what it was that he asked for, only that his very soul cried out for, pleaded for it. His blood raced at the very thought of obtaining it, and the fire within him howled in demand of it. His heart pounded with the flames that encased it. He felt his husband's heart beat its response at the same moment.
"Shh, my love" Draco whispered. His fingers moving in the natural dance of preparation for their ultimate union, the union of the flesh. He moaned as he beheld his husband's shuddering form beneath him, that golden skin gleaming in the midday light as it was covered with a light sheen. This innocent who had captured his heart with a single glance, who continued to enrapture him with every smile and every spoken word. For days he had dreamed of this moment, his mind running rampant in its thirst to touch and taste his love, only to find that now, as he pressed his face against Harry's exposed neck, that he could never have imagined such perfection. He had found Harry beautiful as he stood before the world with his gentle smile, but as Harry surrendered willingly to the throes of passion...it was so much more than beauty.
Claiming those parted lips once more, Draco shuddered to feel the heat consume them. As the invisible flames surrounded them and molded them it seemed into a single entity, they joined together in a tangle of limbs and panting cries. Before them stretched a lifetime of undying love, and the flames rose higher still, twisting amongst themselves as they mimicked the lovers beneath them. Higher and hotter they rose, stretching forth as if to dare the gods themselves to find a greater romance. And then, with cries and whimpers, moans and pleas, the two lovers found each other in a perfect harmony of pleasure and love, their bodies thrashing almost violently. The flames flared brightly.
Throughout the castle, a wave of intense heat dazed its occupants in a sudden flare of brilliance before it was gone as if it had never been, only a memory. In the princes' chamber, they screamed as the heat and its flames collapsed within their bodies once more, then they themselves collapsed in a satisfied exhaustion.
AN: What is this? Is this a chapter that has been finished on time? Why...yes, yes I think it is. I am so proud of myself for getting this done in such a short amount of time. I hope you guys are as happy as I am. Though, to be perfectly honest with you...I am quite red in the face. I cannot write...er...physical scenes without turning red and I cannot write them while someone is near me. It is embarrassing. Anyway, I hope you guys liked that, because I tried, I swear I did.
To my beloved reviewers, you guys are wonderful beyond words. The responses that I have received have been more thoughtful than what I had expected. I thank each and every single one of you, from the shortest review, to the very longest, I thank you each and shall continue to feel thankful towards you long after this story had reached its conclusion.
To my wonderful Beta Reader, Editor101, who came down with the flu by still managed to go over this chapter and have it ready for me in under an hour and half, thank you for your wonderful service. You know I me and proper grammar have never gotten along well…mortal enemies since day one.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Next Chapter (I cannot believe I am even writing this when there is a chance I might not put it all in the next chapter): Draco faces off with the court, Voldemort receives an interesting letter, Dumbledore finds out about the message, and Harry begins his training.
Review Responses:
Ralna Malfoy: Thank you for your lovely comments on my story. I hope to be able to update regularly again, but no promises. Anyway, that you for taking the time to read and review my work.
Elation: The length of the review does not matter, the content does, and yours' always have such nice content. I agree, I just cannot think of Draco as being submissive in anything. Harry can be submissive to an extent, which will come into play in the up coming chapters. Thank you, as always, for a wonderful review.
Yoblossom: I hope that worked out for you. I was not actually going to harm Pansy at first, but then…I just could not bear to let her get away with everything.
Faded Glitter: I certainly hope they are tears of happiness. When my Beta Reader read this chapter, she almost started crying, much to my horror. I hope this chapter causes no tears. Thank you for your great compliments.
Lunadeath: If you are sure you have time for it, then I would appreciate having another Beta Reader. I am sorry I did not e-mail you, but I fear I am going blind for I could not find your e-mail in your profile. Anyway, if your offer still stands, then please e-mail me some time this week. Thank you for your kind offer, and your wonderful comments.
ura-hd: I am so happy with the feed back over the court dialogue. I have no idea how they talked back then and am merely making a desperate attempt to mimic what I know nothing about. Thank you for such a beautiful review and your input.
Shadowseeker: There is no way I will be able to completely take over what LenJade began, I can merely add the next piece of the puzzle and pray that it is accepted by the readers. I hope I can live up to your expectations. Currently my Beta Reader and I are going over all the chapters of Shades of Grey while I work on The Anointed Prince and the next chapter for Shades of Grey.
driven to insanity: Your review does indeed brighten my day, whether your sentences are eloquent or not. I appreciate every word you put into your reviews, and hope to brighten your day with this chapter.
Draco-n-Harry-Lover: Thank you for your advice on college, I am dreading it and yet looking forward to it. The combination of fear and excitement blend into this mass of confusion that threatens to overwhelm me for a moment and then I remember that whatever happens, happens, and before it can happen I am still simply a high school with homework to do.
Arigazi: You have every right to rant and rave at me. I made a promise I could not keep and I am sorry for it. But, I am trying to make up for it with this on time update…Oh well, I expect people to be mad, and its understandable. I would be mad. However, still I thank you for your ever brilliant review, and hope I have managed to put Pansy in her place well enough for you…at least for now. No, Harry and Draco had not done anything before now, though it is safe to say that there shall be many, many interesting interactions to come.
SheWolfe: I hope this chapter worked well for you, and I thank you for your patience. Thank you for your kind review, I appreciate it.
Shinchansgirl: Thank you for easing my concerns about the wedding scene. I knew what I wanted it to be, but no idea how to make it that. So many words may come to mind, but without the proper order they are nothing. I hope Pansy's punishment made you happy, I enjoyed it immensely. And indeed, Voldemort shall be very angry…Thank you once again for a beautiful review and wonderful suggestions.
Feli Lupan Draco: Thank you for your offer, however if Lunadeath still wishes to aid me than I do not think I shall need another reader, however if something changes, then I shall e-mail you immediately. As always, your review is a joy to read. Thank you for your wonderful words, they keep my spirit high and my imagination running rampant with new ideas.
