Authors Notes: My apologies for the late update. Had some computer trouble. Hope you enjoy though! And it's pretty long too!

Reading Guide: '…' mental thoughts between Harry and Draco

…the mental thoughts of one specific character

Warnings: Adult language, adult situations (some rather descriptive sexual references, some light petting) and alcohol use (or more like abuse in Draco's case)

Disclaimer: I am not making any money from this fic. All characters belong to J.K.Rowlings. No copyright infringement is intended from this writing.

Born and Bred

Chapter Three

Harry stood silently on the veranda peering out at the vast nothingness the darkness surrounding the manor created. It was nearing midnight and the party inside was just beginning to ramble into the drunken stupor it normally affected. This, to Harry, signified that the party would continue well into the wee hours. Harry hated parties. Almost as much as he hated the pathetic morons attending them.

If he got one more sideways glance from some ancient, uncivilized, so-called foreign dignitary he would vomit. Possibly hex them into oblivion. Most likely the latter he surmised, vomiting was so…undignified. A small, somewhat dark grin lifted the corner of his mouth. Really, socializing was not his forte. If he stopped to think about it, as he often did, he was almost too hermetic for his own good. After all, for those of his upbringing and social standing it was expected that he mingled. Under normal circumstances that would be exactly what he would do. Mingle, converse, soak up that which he was not meant to hear (or more precisely what his elders thought he would not understand), show off his pedigree, and then later report everything back to Lucius and his father.

However, Harry was not feeling very cooperative at the moment. Not in the least inclined to do what was expected of him, in the smallest sense. No, Harry felt much like rebelling, and that he did. By hiding out on the veranda? he chided himself, a soft hint of amusement gentling the twisted curve of his smirk. Moreover, talking to yourself like you're a bit off in the head…

Harry turned and surveyed the depressing swirl of somber colors crashing about in the ballroom. He really had no idea there were that many shades of dark purple and red. One color stood out among the rest though, and naturally, he was drawn to it like a moth to a burning flame. Dazzling silver, like a star-studded beacon made specifically for the purpose of luring hapless mortals to their doom. A slash of vibrant red, like blood spilling from a fresh wound. Impeccably tailored, it fit the wearer perfectly, draping his frame in some spots, clinging shamelessly in others. It gave the illusion that one would know precisely what the wearer would look like without them, yet snatching that illusion away when he shifted just the merest fraction. Tantalizing, seductive, mysterious, and so utterly sexy. The sight made Harry's nether regions clench mercilessly.

Draco caught his eye, and smiled his subtle, knowing smile. 'What are you doing out there?' the imp sent down the steadily solidifying bond between them. The tone in that voice was designed to drive Harry mad, and the owner very much knew this.

'Hiding, of course.'

'You really should come mingle. Everybody keeps wondering where Tom's Golden Boy has gotten off to…and who the lucky one to draw him away could be.'

'Oh? Really. What's the current consensus?'

'Me, naturally. Until, that is, I reappeared on my own. Now they're hunting down Blaise Zabini, and that awful Pansy girl.'

Harry snorted. 'That horsey-faced girl, that keeps making gaga eyes at us over the dinner table? Please! I'd rather do that greasy bastard, Barty Crouch Jr.'

'Greasy, yes, but he is rather attractive. Insane, but well…so are you.' Draco turned to acknowledge the waiter serving his party, gracefully accepting a glass of champagne. 'Come inside and suffer these silly fools with me. It's so much fun to get them all rearing to go and watch you verbally dissect them when they are least expecting it.'

Harry sighed and pushed himself away from the thick railing he was previously leaned against. 'I'd really rather not.'

'Do it for me then.'

'What do I get in return?'

Harry watched as Draco burst out laughing, eyes glittering and narrowed with wicked delight. 'What do you want?' he all but purred in Harry's head.

Harry smiled 'I'm sure you'll think of something. You are clever like that.'

'Oh! Sweet Merlin. My poor, little virginal Harry. I would say innocent, but we both know that's not the case. Finally succumbing to the inevitable.'

'What you?' Harry snorted aloud, causing the few other occupants of the veranda to glance at him curiously.

'Hormones. Raging, adolescent hormones. And of course, me too! I'm simply too sexy too resist.'

'You're a fickle creature, Draco Malfoy. Less than a week ago, you were convinced I was some evil demon inhabiting your Harry. You couldn't even look me in the eye, and now you're back to that barely restrained desire to hump me in public. Can't you ever make up your mind?'

At this, Draco pouted and cast an irritated glare in Harry's direction, all the while carrying on the audible conversation on never ending jars of lubricate with some sallow diminutive man beside him. 'I have had my mind made up since birth. You're the prude refusing to easy up and throw me a bone. It's common knowledge that I have the overwhelming desire to fuck your socks off. However, few know that Harry Potter the Great Blushing Virgin doesn't know how to unclench his quivering thighs and let me get his rocks off. 'Draco slammed his delicate crystal champagne flute onto a passing waiter's tray, deftly snatching another, and barely avoiding toppling the poor man. He tossed back the new glass and smile tightly at his companions.

'Furthermore, prude, you're the one blowing hot and cold! One minute you're crawling up my spine the next minute looking disdainfully down on me from your throne. You want to fuck me Potter! Just admit it and get over it. You'd probably like to fuck me right here in front of all these people, wouldn't you? Show them who I belong to right?' Draco released an anguished sigh and tossed his glass to the girl behind him, vying for his attention.

Harry was so blown away momentarily that for once he had no witty retort. It was all true. He'd admit that readily enough, aloud for all to hear. Especially about Draco belonging to him, and as for taking Draco in the midst of their Father's guests? The thought had crossed his mind several times, and in various awe-inspiring, not-so-innocent positions. Then, Draco's knack for standing out in a crowd. Harry indeed was struggling to control his rising urge to mark the blonde as his own with every lusty look, and brief stolen touch. Either that or kill the various offenders, and he rather doubted his father would go for that. Can't win a war without disposable, mindless minions.

'Perhaps you're right…' Harry conceded after a long moment, his slight amusement echoing down their bond.

'Excuse me? Did I hear you correctly? Harry admitting that someone else has a point for once! Geez, should I call the good doctor over here?'

'Merlin, no! That man is a raving lunatic and a pervert to boot. Besides, I never said I didn't want to fuck you.'

'I'm sure you have at one point or another.'

Harry shook his head, dark curls falling into his eyes. 'No, I never said I didn't want to fuck you. I always asked you why you expected me to fuck you. There is a very specific difference.'

'You and your mind games. Don't try to confuse me, I've had entirely too much to drink. Anyways, do you really want to screw me in public?' A lecherous grin broke over the blonde's face.

'Every time, one of those disgusting pigs touches you. I want to stomp over there like a petulant child, throw you on top of a table and shag you till my bits fall off.'

A shot of arousal spiked through their bond. It prompted a genuine smile from Harry, and a desire to make it happen again. Suddenly, he was overcome with the aching need to make Draco a quivering mess. 'Yes or perhaps the floor. Maybe up against a wall your ass poked out and me behind you-'

It appeared his blatantly honest statement nearly proved too much, because Draco swooned somewhat drunkenly. Crashing into the simpering man at his side who was all too happy too help the boy press his lithe body closer for "support". A growl broke from Harry's throat followed by a deep groan as a white-hot arch of pure lust coursed down the bond. It ran straight from his brain, down his spine, to pool sharply in his groin like liquid fire. Then, it continued to pulse, sending sharp sparks of tingling electricity throughout the previous unaffected areas.

'Two can play that game, you bastard,' Draco growled. Harry watched him right himself, wrenching the unnamed man's hands from his arms, and brushing off his party's concern.

'Hot or cold, Draco. You decide. You wanted to play did you not?' A thin smile passed the twitching boy's lips as he watched the blonde, preparing himself for another attack.

'Harry, remember your shields!' Draco suddenly warned.

Harry heard the shocked gasps echoing around him and from those closest to the doors. He was beginning to glow, his magic crackling around him, dark green laced with the red of lust. The wind was picking up, too, tossing the raven-haired boy's naturally messy hair into further disarray in a rather sexy manner. He felt his eyes dilated as he called the magic to him, and it began to fill him up.

'Don't you want to play, Draco?'

'Harry,' Draco warned poking his lips out. 'You really shouldn't reveal yourself so readily in public. Besides, what if you can't control it?'

'I can. Stop trying to change the subject.' Harry grinned and he chuckle when he saw Draco shiver at his expression. Without warning, Harry sent out a rather wicked, mental image. The blonde's eyes doubled and more of that arousing heat blasted down their bond.

'Merlin, you're a bloody kink. Where'd you learn that?' Harry discerned the slight suspicion laced in his tone.

'You worry too much. Now come hither…'

Draco's latest glass of alcohol crashed to the ground. The blonde ignored the inquiries and his manners, and proceeded to make his way unsteadily over to the veranda. 'What are you going to do with me when I get there?'

'We'll see, Draco. We'll see.' Harry leaned back against the railing listening to the static crackle still surrounding him. He could feel the magic racing to him and he began to breathe heavily. Eyelids drooped lazily over pitch-black eyes. Draco's lack of fear sent a gentle tendril of pleasure through him. It was nice when the blonde could look at him without cringing. Harry wondered if it was the sheer amount of alcohol the blonde had consumed, or deep careless desire.

'Do you want me Draco?' he asked, barely concealing his rising anxiety.

Draco paused at the doors, looking out at him, and met his gaze head on. 'What a silly question. Of course, why wouldn't I?'

Harry smiled. Gracefully, he extended his hand and beckoned the boy closer. 'Come on, Draco.'

Draco moved to stand a scant foot in front of the raven-haired boy. 'Yes Master, what can I do for you?' he purred, lips brushing invitingly across his companion's.

'Hmm…' Harry took note that his magical barriers had merged the second Draco had gotten close enough, and that the magic was swirling madly about them. Onlookers were gathering to watch the spectacle in curious bewilderment. They pointed and glanced around surreptitiously chattering like monkeys in a cage.

Harry brushed it aside the moment Draco leaned his body into his and brushed his lips against his cheek. Something warm and wet, Harry deduced it was Draco's tongue, darted over the sensitive shell over his ear. 'Don't pay them a mind, Harry. It's just you and me.' Grey eyes gazed into Harry's with an expression so pleading and honest, it launched Harry into motion.

His lips crashed down to the blondes, smashing them together. His teeth nipped at Draco's lush lower lip, demanding entrance, which the blonde immediately gave. Tentatively, almost sweetly, he began to taste the blonde's mouth. The sharp light flavor of champagne and the normal mint taste swirling together to create a kiss so overwhelming to Harry that he had to grab onto Draco and hold on for dear life. He pulled the blonde as close as he could get him and proceeded to try to crawl into his mouth. The wet hot touch of Draco's tongue pushed aside all the dark thoughts crowding Harry's mind. There was no war to plan. No rats to recruit. No knowledge to ferret out. No magic to master. Only the age old dance of human flesh against human flesh.

Harry felt the darkness spiraling up and spreading out from his soul. The space between his shoulder blades itched. It felt as though the skin there was bubbling, bones breaking, changing, and trying to push up through the tender layer of muscles and skin. He moaned into the forceful kiss his companion pressed to him unable to pull away. Something was very not right, his mind screamed to him.

He forced his hand into Draco's hair clenching his fist into those fine, silky threads and jerking the blonde away. "Draco," he croaked, smiling crookedly. "Draco, something is happening…"

"Ssshh… Harry. Come here. Don't worry." Draco fell to his knees and threw his arms Harry's waist. He nuzzled his face dangerously close to Harry's rather excited parts. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you." Draco pressed his face to the cloth-covered bulge, and even through the thick layers of clothing his touch elicited tiny pricks of pleasure so sharp they almost hurt.

Harry gasped and clenched his eyes shut. I might not be innocent, but I am a virgin in truth, he thought to himself. The itch between his shoulders intensified as Draco's hot mouth worked over his trousers. Dimly he was aware they were still in view of the entirety of Tom's party, but the strange ache, and more so, Draco's exquisite mouth drove him to distraction. He forgot why he'd begun to push the blonde away.

"Harry," Draco moaned rubbing his cheek against Harry's thigh. 'Merlin, Harry. I want you so bad.'

Harry looked down eyes full of shadows, and black as the night. He relished the startled shiver it stole from the boy in his arms. Power was filling him up, so far up he felt like bursting. Like a butterfly crawling from its chrysalis, he wanted so badly to let the magic take him and make him something more. Of its own accord, his hand reached down to sift through fine silver locks of hair. Draco shifted closer, clutching at Harry. His gaze was frightened, eager, aroused, and full of trust and adoration.

He was pulling Draco to his feet when he felt the first pull of twisted energy forming off to the left of him. His head snapped in the direction he sensed the threat as he flung Draco roughly away. He saw his attacker swirl and snap the wand, followed by a sickening, malevolent, green burst of light. A killing curse, he though grimly. Someone wished him dead in truth.

An angry burst of laughter erupted from his throat. He didn't bother to throw up a shield. Indeed, he turned to face the attack. He heard the horrified gasps and screams from the crowd. Lucius and Tom's voices rose above the rest. He felt rather than heard Draco's heart pounding fitfully as the blonde scrambled about the shields in Harry's mind trying to find some means of communicating. Harry relaxed and let the magic take him. The ball of seething energy hit him dead on throwing him backwards into the air.

Suddenly the pain blossomed, not in his chest but rather in the center of his shoulders where the itch had nagged him. He felt the skin splitting open, the warm rush of blood flowing, bones growing, skin spreading, and mending. He was aware he was still soaring through the air, almost as if time had slowed to a creep. His back ached, and blood still ran the length of it, but there was a new weight to it. He flexed his shoulders bunching the muscles, and felt new ones flex with the gesture. Something was amiss, he thought wryly, coming to an abrupt stop midair.

He felt the raw muscles bunching, and the sharp snap of leather broke through the eerie quiet that had taken his audience. He lifted a bit in the air where he hung gracelessly, before dipping a few inches only to be lifted back again by the bunching of young muscles and the crack of thin leather. Cautiously, he peeked around his shoulder the shock of what laid behind him sent him plummeting to the ground.

He laid there in the silence, thoughts flitting around in his head. A smooth hand that shook came to rest on his shoulder calmed him enough. He looked up to meet the pale eyes of his bond mate. 'Draco?'

'Harry? Are you alright? What was that? Why did you block me from your mind? How am I supposed to protect you when you cripple me in a manner that I may not? What in Merlin's name have you done?'

"Draco," he croaked aloud. "I…" He shook his head and curled onto his side. He ignored the drag of tender flesh, and the scrape of bone along the marble. He shivered as he felt the magic being drained away by Draco. "Draco, tell me what…what is that? Those?"

"Bloody hell, Harry. Those are wings. Big wings."

"But!"

"Boys!" Lucius yelled collapsing on his knees by Draco's side. "What happened Harry?"

"The better question would be, Lucius my dear, who has Harry made an enemy of that they would attack him in our midst? He's never been outside our company, and the select few who comprise our inner circle. I fear we have a traitor amongst us." Voldemort slid into view in a cloud of angry, slightly crazed energy. Sharp red eyes scanned the crowd, leaving a shiver were they passed.

"Did anyone see the attacker?" Draco hissed fingering the shredded cloth at Harry's back.

No one had, not even Harry who had only a shrouded view and a fuzzy memory. Voldemort called an abrupt end to the party, and servants began filing the shocked partygoers out the front door quickly. Draco himself carried Harry carefully to his room. He was mindful of the recent additions, though he studiously ignored them. Harry couldn't complain as long as the blonde didn't trip on them, scrape them along the walls, or slam them in the door as he kicked it shut.

Tom and Lucius planned to meet them there shortly, but meanwhile Harry tried to settle on the bed without jostling the awkward appendages. They hadn't felt this unbalancing in the air, of course he hadn't really thought about it till he saw them, he grouched to himself. Draco appeared from the bathroom carrying a bowl of water and washcloths.

Settling his load on the bedside table he began to peel the tatter remnant of Harry's shirt from his blood soaked torso. The blood had already coagulated into a dark, sticky mess gluing the torn fabric in back over the sensitive skin surrounding the base of the wings. With gentle fingers Draco worked till most of the cloth was gone, then he picked up a rag and began to wash.

Harry hissed and arched his back away from Draco at the first touch of lukewarm water, wings twitching involuntarily behind him. He felt the leather flap slap his caregiver while its twin knocked aside the water bowl and the candelabra sitting on the bedside. With a disgruntled curse he set to the task of working carefully off of the bed. The wings added weight he was not use to and as he fought to rise the muscles bunched and release in the back. He lifted from the bed and pitched forward as the offending appendages fluttered behind him again smacking the blonde.

"Bloody hell, Harry! That hurts. Can't you stop it?" Draco complained from behind a pillow he snatched up to defend himself.

"If I could control them, do you think I'd be disgracing myself on the floor?" he snapped in return. He lay there pondering his cruel fate. His fingers drumming the floor in his agitation, one wing twitching its mate flapping every now and then, he mulled over the cruelty.

Draco eased to the edge of the bed, pillow held aloft. Harry snorted at the feel of those eyes, and the silent mirth echoing up their bond. "What's so bloody funny?" He glanced over his shoulder in time to see Draco's teeth biting into his pillow. "Nuffink…" A tiny giggle squeaked past the pillow.

"You find this funny, do you?"

Draco shook his head then giggled. Finally, he let go of the cushion and cackled. "You should see yourself! You look like an angry imp. How could I not be amused?"

Harry sighed. "Well, how big would you say they are?"

"Pretty big Harry. Maybe seven, eight feet." Draco moved off the bed and came around to sit at Harry's head. "They look so…strange?"

"Thanks, Draco darling. You are making this situation so much easier to deal with. Some bond-mate you're turning out to be."

"AH! Don't even! You didn't listen to me. I told you to watch your shields but did you? Then, you go and take the bloody killing curse to the chest! What the hell was that about?"

"It felt right. I knew it wouldn't kill me," he answered petulantly.

"Apparently you didn't feel this coming."

"Actually, I think I did. Before, I tried to tell you that something was happening. It felt like the magic was trying to change me. I guess I was resisting, and then I just stopped."

"Why? Why, why, why?"

Harry shrugged and the wings flapped. "It felt good. It wanted to change me, and I wanted to let it. I wanted to see what would happen."

"Merlin, Harry. You are worse than kiddy in a candy shop. Must you always let your curiosity get the best of you?"

Again, he shrugged. "You think they are permanent?"

"I don't know. They sure look like they're here to stay."

"Well, I'll be buggered," he grinned.

Draco returned with a wicked smirk. "You almost were," he whispered leaning in to lick the tip of Harry's nose. "How is it that something or someone always interrupts when I come this close to getting in your pants?"

Harry chuckled and rose carefully to his knees with no mishaps. His wing slid across the floor, coming to rest on either side of him. He looked at them for a moment. Indeed, they were big. The long bone that protruded from his back was thick and hard, yet hollow he knew somehow. Three smaller bones separated from the joint mid ways down the first. They were more flexible, like hard cartilage. The smaller bone closest to his back was the shortest, the next beating it by nearly half a foot, the third by little over a foot so that it protrude further than even the thick bone it grew from. The skin was thin, and strong. Tough, he imagine, as dragon hide. It was almost pitch black save the thin tracery of crimson veins running throughout. He worked his back till they stretched out so far the skin creaked. He had to admit, the were pretty awe-inspiring.

"I suppose its fate's way of saying your not supposed to," he taunted glancing at Draco from the corner of his eye. Draco's mouth actually flapped ineffectually for a moment before he snapped it shut and smack Harry on the rump.

Harry let out an indignant squawk, moving to rub the stinging spot on his buttocks. "What the hell was that for?"

"To the nine hells with fate. I'm a Malfoy. We always get what we want!"

Harry let a genuine smile cross his lips before he burst out laughing. "Malfoy, you are such a prat."

Draco shrugged and drew his fingers down the length of one wing. The motion sent a shiver through the wing and up into Harry's spine. The feeling of it was so intense he actually closed his eyes and moaned. The other wing jumped in agitation seeming to beg for the same treatment.

"Merlin's balls. That could be trouble." Harry shook himself to rid his body of the effect.

Draco had a positively demonic grin growing across his pale features. He reached as to do it again staring at Harry to study the reaction further. His heat from his hand's slow descent was hovering barely above the leathery flesh when Lucius and Tom strode in unannounced.

"Father!" he growled unhappy pout stealing over his pretty lips.

Lucius merely raised his brow as he moved across the large room. He came to a stop at the edge of the bed where he promptly took a seat. He sat with his shoulders slumped and his hands toying nervously about his wrinkled trouser leg. Raising his head he watched a third person sweep into the room and slam the door shut.

Sirius Black remained standing there gaze locked with the elder Malfoy. Anger radiated from him in waves. He shook his head and snarled at no one in particular. Then he turned to Harry relief showing clearly on his face. "Bless you Harry for being so damn hard to kill," he gushed rushing to his knees and embracing him.

Harry cried out at the rough feel of arms sliding under the ridges from which his wings protruded. "Careful Sirius. I've no plan to die. Besides, I suspect it might be a bit harder than ever before."

Sirius, still holding the boys forearms, sat back to look at his godson. His eyes ran the course of the sticky blood that still ran down the front all the way to his stomach. He stopped on each of the small scars inflicted during Harry and Draco's play, and then back up to his face and inevitable the lightning bolt shaped scar. He glanced at Tom as soon as he did. Finally, his scrutinizing gaze made its way to the wings that had raised themselves into the air, as if to fend off the previous attack of his godfather. He sighed and shook his head.

"This was not part of our agreement Lucius," he growled settling cross-legged beside Harry. "You said this last ritual was merely supposed to bind the two boys together so Harry could draw power were he couldn't before."

"Yes, Sirius. I am aware, as is Tom, of our agreement. However, this was not a…foreseeable outcome. Reactions to every spell will vary depending on its individual participants, but such a reaction has never been documented nor told of."

"You could have stopped when you sensed something wasn't right!" Sirius objected vehemently, pounding his fist into his thigh.

"No," Tom interrupted from his position at the fireplace. He walked over till he looked down at Harry, red eyes studying the boy intently. "No, the ritual can only be stopped at the risk of those who started it. Once that first word left Draco's mouth it had to be seen to the end. It is not a forgiving magic that we conjured that night."

Sirius let out another growl, twisting at the waist to glare at the Dark Lord. "You started it not him. You gave him no choice. This is your fault!"

Tom drew himself up, red eyes narrowing. Mouth twisted in an angry smile. "Believe what you will, Black. Ask Harry yourself."

Sirius turned to Harry expectantly.

"It's true, Siri. He gave me a choice to stop before we began the ritual. I swear it to you."

"Then what went wrong!" Sirius bellowed.

Draco looked at all of them, before smiling. "We aren't going to get anywhere unless we look all the way back to when he was a babe. After all, Harry is the only person to ever survive a Killing Curse."

"So?" Sirius muttered. "What's that got to do with this?"

"No, Sirius. Draco's right," Harry frowned gazing at Draco with a new sort of interest. "Surely this all goes back to that night. Why did I survive? What makes me so different? What enabled me to block that curse?"

"Dumbledore surmised it was true love. The love of a mother giving her life for her child," Sirius offered. He shot a defiant gaze to Tom.

"Perhaps it helped, but I'm sure other mother's have died trying to selflessly save their sons, so that should rule that out," Draco mused.

"Yes," Lucius agreed. He rose and went to seat himself close to Harry and Sirius. He reached out and ran a hand through Draco's silvery locks. "So the questions we have to pose ourselves are: What did Harry possess that far back that no one else has previously had? What is it that draws the magic to you so readily, allows you to absorb it for your use, and in turn bestows evolutionary gifts to you?

The magic so many of us have had to train ourselves to comes to you like a long lost lover. It aches for you to use it, that much I have felt both times you have wielded it. It gives you strength to take those you want. It gives you wings to set you free. It gives you protection from enemies unseen. Why?" Lucius ran off rubbing tiredly at his eyes.

"Perhaps we should try the easier riddle first," Draco suggested leaning into his father's shoulder. "Who wants Harry dead badly enough to brave a party thrown by our Dark Lord and attended by a mass of Deatheaters and Ministry officials?"

Tom hissed angrily and began to pace robes swirling about him. "Yes, which of my children betrays me in this vilest manner?"

"Who all knows that Harry is the Potter's son?"

"Who bloody knows? How many of those parties of yours has he attended? The meetings? You never changed his name! Hell, he looks the spitting image of his father now!" Sirius glared again at the retreating back of Voldemort.

"Ah, but it is my jest! Surely you have heard as such?" Tom laughed. "All knew I had Lily even before James took her. Besides, he also looks quite similar to me at his age."

Lucius nodded. "Yes. Many believe Harry is Voldemort and my own cruel stab at the Potter's fate. Few know that he is indeed The Boy That Lived. Although, certainly after tonight a great deal more will believe-" Lucius ran off abruptly. A thought so staggering in its weight darkened his face.

"Merlin!" Draco too seemed to pick up his father's thoughts.

One by one they realized the consequences of Harry's actions tonight. The truth was out, and none of them could rectify the errors that had occurred this night at the party. Everyone at that party that had not believed the rumors of Harry's identity now knew the truth of it, and considering the sheer number of Ministry officials that had attend that night, soon London, then all of Europe would.

"Too long we have been careless and indiscriminate in revealing you to the public. Now we have forced our own hand," Lucius chuckled mirthlessly. "They will come in haste, hoping to catch us before we realize our mistakes."

"Then you have to send him somewhere safe that they cannot find him!" Sirius snapped. He stood abruptly. "Where can we send him that cannot be traced to either Voldemort, you, or the Deatheaters?"

Harry squeezed his eyes shut. This was all too much. It was too early in his father's careful planning to make an offensive move. There was still much his father wished to train him, much he needed to know about the art of doing war. Then, there was the matter of Draco. Draco was smart and quick, but he could not sense the threat as Harry could, he could not pull the magic from the energy surrounding him to keep him safe. He need the training even more so. He rose and stretched his back banging a wing into the thick post of the bed. He winced and the wing pulled itself from harm by the grace of instinct along.

That was another matter. He did not know how to use this so-called gift. He most certainly did not want to have to rely on instinct alone to get him by. He would be weighed down by them if he could not wield them by whim in battle. Harry grasped the edge of his wing rubbing his fingers over the flesh, pleasantly surprised to find that it was smooth and butter soft despite the rough textured look. Yes it was too early to declare war. So hiding would have to do.

"We must separate then," Lucius nodded resolutely. "Harry and Draco, go gather some plain clothing, nothing showy. Make it winter wear I think. I'll send Sirius to you shortly. Come Tom, we must get you away now. They will not kill Harry on site knowing who he is. I shudder to think what they fling at you in your weakened state."

Tom nodded and went to Harry quickly, gathering him in a fierce hug yet mindful of the wings. "Go and be safe Harry. I will come for you myself when the time comes at hand." With that said he turned and was gone. Lucius followed closing the door quietly behind him. Draco rushed off through the opened door that joined their rooms.

Sirius gave Harry a small nod and left him to his packing; while he remained sitting on the floor watching as Harry bustled about slinging clothes into a large dragon hide pack. Other than a few choice outfits he picked up a book of short stories he'd recently begun to read and his black-bound leather diary. He was tucking his wand into his sleeve when Draco reappeared with Lucius on his heels.

"Is that it then?" Sirius asked looking up at the elder Malfoy.

Lucius nodded solemnly. "Yes, I've sent word ahead of your arrival. When you get to the train station an elderly couple will approach you. They will ask you "How you fell from heaven" to which you will state "It came to me".

Harry snorted and rolled his eyes. "It came to me" Got it." He suppressed the urge to laugh because it truly was no laughing matter. "So, are they to take care of us?"

"No," Lucius sighed rubbing his temple. "They will check on you and bring you supplies and instructions from Tom. You will be staying at a cabin alone-"

"What!" Draco screeched. "How the bloody hell are we going to live alone? What if someone were to attack us? How will we eat? Who is to clean?" he ranted.

"Draco! Be quite! This is no time to think about the luxuries you have for so long taken advantage of. I'm not sure where exactly you will be staying only that it is somewhere in the Carpathian Mountains."

"Bloody hell, we'll be eaten by werewolves." Draco moaned pitifully and tossed himself onto the gigantic silk covered four poster. He rubbed his cheek against the comforter, dug his head into plush pillow, and writhed his body till he was sunk in the down mattress. "I'll miss you my beloved," he murmured to it piteously.

"For Merlin's sake Draco. We will be in a cabin…alone," Harry stressed.

Draco's head shot off the bed. "Alone…," he breathed. He rolled over and landed on his feet grabbing his pack and Harry's simultaneously. "Well, let's move along then," he beamed. "The Ministry will not wait till we depart. Best leave while we can."

The other three rolled their eyes and groaned. Lucius finished filling them in. Afterwards, they said their emotionally goodbyes and then the two were on their way to their secluded retreat somewhere in the mountains of Europe. Draco remained cheerfully despite the glamour that made him appear rather shabby, the entire bumpy ride to the railway station.

Whew, I thought it would never end. This chapter was by far the most detailed one yet. I am attempting to get to the war. For the mean time though, I wanted to have some fun. Perhaps in the next chapter Draco may finally get his way. Thanks to those of you that kept me going. I love you LaLa! Mel says 'Hiyu!' Oh yeah! Let me know if you liked it. If you didn't tell me what you thought was wrong! It won't get better without good advice! Review!

The next chapter may also take a while. It should be a more relaxing piece, just Harry and Draco laying low, but I need to brush up on the Carpathian Mountains and Romania.