Blood of a Malfoy
Chapter Ten
The mood at Hogwarts was tense for the following week. Word of the attack had spread quickly and students talked in hushed whispers about what had happened between the two creatures and their Slytherin attackers. No actions had been made against Blaise Zabini, as there was little evidence that could be presented as to his guilt. Draco had received strict instructions to stay away from the boy from Severus, and Harry made due with shooting the Slytherin murderous looks every time they crossed paths.
Meanwhile, students went out of their way to make sure both Harry and Draco noticed that they were wearing their Veela charms. However, while these charms stopped their supernatural allure from effecting and befuddling the minds of both students and teachers, they did little in regard to Harry and Draco's natural beauty and allure. So while no one was pouncing on either of the two, there was no shortage of lustful gazes.
Draco seemed to take from his experience with the young Veela trader a certain weariness which rather took away from all the smugness he would usually have felt at all the attention that was directed towards him. He also had become rather isolated, concentrating more on controlling his Veela enhancements, and studying, as he had few friends to talk to.
The bond between Harry and Draco had continued to progress to a point that the two were aware of each others presence to a certain extent and could find each other in emergencies. Draco could go for almost half a day at a time without contact with Harry, which relieved both of them, as much as they were coming to rely on each others presence.
It was one morning at breakfast in the Great Hall, almost a week after the attack on Draco, that the next big event took attention away from the two creatures.
Harry was just pouring some sugar into his coffee, much to Hermione's disdainful looks, and comments about how it would undoubtedly stunt his growth-to which Harry snidely replied that the Dursley's had already seen to that-when Dumbledore stood and made an announcement.
"Students, your teachers will soon be coming around to give you your new, revised class schedules, as our Defense Against the Dark Arts position has been, finally, filled," Dumbledore said, silencing the hall and catching many students immediate attention. "I am pleased to announce that Professor Remus Lupin has agreed to take up the post once again."
That was when the students noticed the slightly graying, amber-eyed man sitting next to Professor Snape at the Head Table. Remus gave a small wave with his hand and continued on with breakfast, seemingly impassive to the chattering which suddenly started at the announcement. Harry caught the werewolf's eye and Remus gave him an appraising look. Harry blushed and mouthed that they would have to talk later. Remus nodded.
After lunch, the students piled excitedly into the DADA classroom, where their professor sat calmly with his hands folded calmly on his desk, watching them all silently until they quieted and sat down, looking at him attentively. He smiled at them.
"Well, it seems that I have finally broken the record," Remus said, and the class laughed politely. "Unfortunately, it seems that we have a lot to catch up on. It looks as though your fifth year teacher was less than adequate..." he waited patiently for all the boos to die down and then continued, "and your fourth year teacher seems to have concentrated on material that was not included on the Hogwarts syllabus. Therefor we have a lot of ground to cover this year, especially at the NEWT level. Everyone needs to be prepared for a lot of work, in return I'll do my best to make sure you all understand the material, is this acceptable?"
Remus waited for the nods of agreement and continued on when the came.
"Until about the Season Break, we'll be concentrating mostly on magical creatures. Now I'm sure you'll remember that we studied some of the more dangerous creatures during your third year, but with some recent events," his eyes shifted over to meet Harry, who refrained from smirking, "it seems that it would be prudent to go over some of the finer points on some of this material, as well as ways to defend yourself from these creatures if it proves necessary."
By this time, most of the class was shooting glances at Harry who shifted in his seat at the attention and shot Remus a withering glare. Remus fought a chuckle and continued. "Later on we'll concentrate on some more offensive spells and maneuvers that are pertinent when fighting dark magic. Up to this point, you've concentrated mostly on defensive tactics, but the Ministry has recognized the Wizarding World's rather unique situation and has required that students learn spells that will help them not only defend against, but also capture and stop Dark Wizards and other Dark Creatures."
Remus spent the rest of the class period outlining the curriculum and the dismissed the class. He indicated that Harry should stay behind and he obliged. Remus made sure that the door was firmly shut, then turned to Harry with a wide grin.
"So how was the transition into a 'dangerous beast'?" Remus questioned him jokingly. Harry glowered.
"About as well as can be expected," Harry responded. "But you know us dark creatures Professor, we often overreact."
"Please, just call me Remus when we're alone Harry. After all, with," Remus' breath caught, "with Sirius gone, I'm your Guardian in the Wizardin World."
"Alright Remus," Harry said. "So why didn't you tell me about this?"
Remus raised his eyebrows. "Why do you think I knew?"
Harry snorted. "Please, even if you had heard about this in the newspaper, you didn't even look surprised in the slightest to see me like this. This indicates that you expected it. Maybe you even saw my mother in her Vampyric form. And Remus, I can smell the werewolf in your blood, just as you can spell the Vampyr in mine. There's no way that could have escaped your notice with my mother, or even my father."
Remus scratched his head. "Ok kid, you caught me. I knew about your mother, even though she stayed under a concealment charm most of her life. And I knew about your father too, though he was unaware of it himself to an extent. He had the recessive gene you see, while you've inherited the dominant. I did however, have many discussions with your grandparents on your father's side about their blood. Your father knew what they were, though I doubt it ever fazed him when he never inherited some of their traits...he was quite happy the way he was."
Harry quirked his head at the mention of his grandparents, interested, but figured that they were a topic for another day. Remus continued.
"I wanted to warn you Harry. There aren't too many Vampyr's out there, and none except you in the open. You might want to be careful. There are some," Remus faltered for a second, "who would rather you out of the spotlight."
Harry furrowed his brow. "What do you mean Remus?"
"Just be careful pup, don't let your guard down when you're out alone."
The conversation ended.
Draco quickly became immune to the hullabaloo around him at breakfast. The news about the werewolf was unpleasant, but hardly a suitable topic for conversation. He remained obdurately oblivious to the fact that his prejudices towards the werewolf were unjustified, seeing as he was now a classifiable "creature" himself. At least he didn't turn into a full-fledged animal once a month.
He was much more interested in the letter that lie open before him. It was a surprise to say the least.
Dear Draconis,
We greet you in the name of Hestia (1), the hearth mother. Welcome, young one, into the fold. At this point, you wonder who greets you in this manner. I, the Queen of the Western Veela, have taken the name Hera (2), in honor of our Great Mother, and have vowed to watch over those whom I rule. I understand that this seems strange to you now young one.
What is important at present is that you are in great danger. Without the protection of the Free Veela you are vulnerable. The absence of a mate puts you even more at risk. You are new to your inheritance, and your parents have forsaken you. In light of this, I offer the protection of your people.
Do not think you can handle this burden alone Draconis. You are unaware of that which threatens you. You do not know the protections you must invoke to keep yourself in the clutches of liberty and freedom. You need guidance.
May Hlin (3), lover of justice watch over you and cast you in the wing of her protection while you consider this offer. You need not do this alone young Draconis .
Hera
Queen Mother of the Wester Veela
Draco sat in shock for a good few minutes. The letter had confused him at first, with all the mentions of the Lost Gods, but the message was clear. He was being offered protection from his people. Protection he desperately needed, considering the experience with Zabini.
He looked up at the Head Table and caught Severus' eye. His godfather was watching him suspiciously. Draco sighed and approached the Head Table, nodding respectfully to the Headmaster.
"Sir, I was hoping that I might have a word with you," Draco requested. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"Of course, my boy. Shall we proceed to my office?"
The Headmaster stood and Draco followed, noting absently that Severus followed them, but he had not expected less. When they reached the Headmaster's office and they were comfortably seated, Draco mutely handed the headmaster the letter and Dumbledore read it and then passed it on to Severus. When both had read it, Dumbledore spoke.
"What would you like to do Draco?"
"I'm not sure sir," Draco replied honestly. "If the protection they offer is genuine then it could prove invaluable."
"Yes indeed," Dumbledore commented lightly. "For you as well as Mr. Potter, I would think."
"They didn't mention Potter in the letter," Severus said sharply.
"I doubt they know of Harry's blood. But that is not an issue at present. I believe that if these Veela are willing to send someone to the school that it would be quite prudent to have them come. You need help learning to control you're Veela allure, and so does Harry. Also, the Veela culture is one of great mystery and it would do you well to understand that which you are Draco."
"So I should write them back then?" Draco asked to clarify. "Invite them to Hogwarts."
Dumbledore nodded and Draco excused himself.
He had a letter to write.
1) (Hestia) The Greek Goddess of the Hearth
2) (Hera) The Greek Queen Goddess of Marriage and Birth
3)(Hlin) Norse Goddess of Protection
A/N I know you think I'm crazy using all these old fashioned deities but you'll understand in time.. Now, on with the story.
Harry was just making his way up to the Common Room for some much needed free time, when McGonagall stopped him in the corridor, a grave look on her face. His stomach instantly plummeted.
"Mr. Potter," she began. "I'm afraid I had some bad news."
Harry lowered his eyes, preparing for the worst. "What is it Professor?"
She sighed, and he could detect honest regret in her voice when she spoke again. "I'm afraid, Mr. Potter, that you can no longer compete on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team."
Harry looked up sharply. His eyes grew angry. Playing Quidditch was one of his great loves. It was something he was GOOD at, damn it.
The Transfiguration teacher seemed to notice the angry glint in her student's eye. "I'm sorry Potter, the rules of Quidditch strictly state that no outside flying devices may be used in the game."
His mind caught on. His wings. He wasn't allowed to play his favorite game, because of what he was. He opened his mouth to start yelling, but McGonagall put a hand up to stop him in his tracks.
"I'm sorry Potter, but it's out of my hands."
She walked away swiftly and Harry turned on his heel and marched to the Common Room, slamming the portrait door behind him and ignoring the Fat Lady's loud squawk of indignation. Ron and Hermione, who had been sitting in front of the fire waiting for him looked up at him sharply.
"What is it mate?"
Harry considered venting at his red headed friend, but instead just sank down in the armchair with an aggrieved sigh, pulling his wings tightly around him to avoid crushing them. "I'm not allowed to play Quidditch anymore."
Ron gasped, as Harry knew he would, and stated angrily, "But mate, how can they do that? You love Quidditch."
Hermione snapped at him. "Isn't it obvious Ronald, his wings. He can't play because of his wings."
"That doesn't make it any better," Ron argued. "They're stopping him from doing something that he loves because of something that's part of who he is. Honestly, they should just let him use his wings to play the game."
Harry silently thanked Ron for expressing his feelings, as that was exactly what Harry had been thinking. Hermione however, had other ideas.
"Honestly," she said. "I think this is probably a good thing. Oh don't look at me like that you two. Don't you think you have enough on your plate Harry? With Quidditch out of your mind, you can concentrate on more important things, like your studies."
Harry painlessly conjured an apple and tossed it to her. "There's hardly a need for that 'Mione."
"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT ABOUT QUIDDITCH HERMIONE?" Ron asked her angrily.
"SOME THINGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN QUIDDITCH RONALD!" Hermione shouted back.
Harry sighed and blocked out the rest of the conversation, hardly noticing when the two left the Common Room, parting ways with an angry huff.
In his office, after his Veela student and Potions Master had left, Dumbledore got an idea. The Veela's letter had inspired a more original thought in the Headmaster of Hogwarts.
Putting his thoughts together, he reached out for a pen and parchment and wrote a letter to the Elves. (A/N change in the way I'm spelling Elfs by the way. Ex. Elfs-Elves. Elfin-Elvin.)
In an attempt to console himself, Harry went out to the Quidditch Pitch to fly around for a little while. As usual, flying completely free of any wizarding restraints such as brooms eventually relaxed his perplexed mind and he began to think rationally again.
Quidditch wasn't as important as it once was. He had only held on to Quidditch for so long because of the thrill of flying and now he had the means to do that for the rest of his life. He no longer needed Quidditch as an excuse. And, afterall, it wasn't a lifelong ban or anything such as he had faced last year. As soon as he could conceal his wings he could play again.
Harry was so distracted by these thoughts that he barely noticed when he started to fly out of the boundaries of the Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch and nearer to the area closer to the Forbidden Forest.
When Harry realized where he was he started to veer back when a vague sense took hold of him. Concentrating on this odd feeling, he realized that it was similar to when he was seeing Wizarding Auras. He could feel power in the area. Strong power. And it was coming closer to him.
Trying to keep his cool, but well aware of what sort of creatures existed in the Forbidden Forest, Harry increased his speed in leaving the area, when suddenly he was attacked in the air.
A force pulled him from where he was flying nearly one hundred feet in the air and forced him back to the ground. When he reached it, he fumbled and fell, his body splayed stomach down and his face forced to a side. Above him his hands were gripped by another's sturdy hands and his body was covered by wings larger and darker than his own. His heart lurched.
Hot breath brushed against his face and Harry caught a glint of an emerald green gaze from where his face was flattened to the ground. Every sense was screaming danger! Danger! But there was little he could do. This stranger was stronger than him and had him pinned down.
"I hope you are able to explain yourself Childe," the voice said, his accent sounding odd yet elegant and refined. His voice was deep and his tone was hard. Harry shivered, but forced himself to answer.
"I don't know what you mean," Harry said honestly. "But if you release me, we may be able to work this out."
"When I return you to your parents you will have much to answer to," the voice warned, Harry forced out a gruff laugh.
"Have fun with that. My parents are dead."
The person above him hissed. "Impossible. I know of every Vampyric death, I keep close track of every one of them."
"Then you would know of my mother's death," Harry said. "Lily Potter."
The man gasped and released Harry abruptly, pulling himself off of the pinned Gryffindor. Harry quickly got his bearings and stood up, assessing the man in front of him.
The man had dark, straight, black hair which fell to just beyond his shoulders. His eyes were the same emerald green as Harry's and shone with a preternatural light. His fingernails were sharpened and tinted with a natural black, and his wings were of a pure ebony, accentuated with no other color. The man stood six foot and had just as large a wingspan, and his lip was pressed with a fang, as he seemed deep in thought.
He was, quite obviously, a Vampyr.
"Who are you?" Harry asked, his voice wavering slightly in the presence of this elder Vampyr.
The man looked at him with puzzled eyes.
"I am Saetan Lupine, Childe. I am your Grandfather."