A/N: Sorry for the wait. This chapter took a while. I wanted it just right and the holidays took more time and attention than I thought they would! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm going to work on BMFS next so it might be a week and a half for the next chapter in GP. I'll keep you guys updated on my profile page.
Chapter Eighteen
Severus woke first. He was immediately aware of the warm body curled protectively around his and his eyes snapped open unseeing as he spiraled through the memories of the night before. He waited for the shock to pass, expecting regret or horror to follow. Neither appeared. Instead, he found the shock bleeding seamlessly into serenity. He felt calm and surprisingly strong.
Gracefully, he slid from the bed. He dressed silently and turned to stare down at the Wolf. The deep bite on his shoulder throbbed as he watched the lean man burrow into the spot he had just left, seeking warmth. He shook his head, making his hair fall and hide his face, before leaving the room. He'd think about this later. First, he had the boys to deal with.
…
Harry lay on his back, eyes closed, and his mind racing as the new memories sparked and spun through his mind. Draco lay at his side and he briefly wondered if he was still sleeping or just waiting for him to make the first move. The minutes passed and Harry thought he could face the world. He opened his eyes. Draco was watching him, waiting. There was fear and resignation in his eyes.
"Ray…" Harry managed an honest smile. "I remember. I don't hate you."
Draco's eyes filled with tears and he wrapped his body around Harry's, crying softly in soul-deep relief. Harry let him and hugged him back. In truth, it wasn't hard to still love his best-friend. This eleven year old Draco was not the one he remembered at all, though he did have some questions about where he stood politically.
In fact, he wasn't the same Harry he remembered being. They were both different. He honestly felt just as at fault for the stupid fighting he remembered happening between him and Draco. That didn't need to come between them. He would like to see Ron and Hermione, though he honestly felt closer to Draco at this point.
He felt bad for not remembering them at all. He was sure he had hurt their feelings when he had cringed away from them. He also felt ashamed. He never wanted them to know just how bad things had been for him at the Dursleys. He had wanted to leave it all behind when he came to Hogwarts; start over as a new person.
Mostly he was upset about… he winced. He didn't even know what to call him anymore. He wanted to curl up and cry with grief and horror. He thought he could handle it, could understand, but remembering his… Dad? Professor? … hating him and the strength of the hate he returned was difficult to face. He just couldn't reconcile his savior with his slimy git of a Potion's Master.
"Baby?" Draco asked, feeling the spiking despair, hurt, and confusion.
"I… I just need time. To be by myself. To think," he answered. "Please?"
Draco looked down into his friend's face and saw the terrible knowledge in his pained green eyes. He saw the knowledge that they had been enemies, no matter how stupid that seemed now. He saw the isolation Harry was sitting in even though he promised Draco had been forgiven. Helpless, Draco nodded and left the bed. He got dressed and left the room. He couldn't bear to see that look in Harry's eyes. Harry's pain and grief cut into him and he glared when his father asked him how things were.
"He needs to be alone to think, but he says he forgives me. I don't feel like breakfast and am going to the Headmaster to duel." He said coldly. His father stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
"I will duel you. I took today off."
Draco nodded and went to stand by the door while his Dad told Moony they were leaving and to watch for Harry. They left, and Draco felt his rage rise. He was mad at everything. He was mad at himself for behaving the way he had when he was eleven. Mad that Severus was guilty of the same childishness. He was mad at Harry for holding the past against him when obviously they were past that, and they had grown into different people. First Year seemed like ages ago. It wasn't fair everything he had done then was now being held against him. He had said he was sorry, and Harry said he was forgiven, so why was he being punished and pushed away? He loved Harry. Didn't that mean anything?
Severus was trapped in similar dark thoughts, and when they dueled, it was unusually vicious. When a hex got through, they tended to the damage and went right on going without a break. Severus didn't use anything past the level Draco was displaying, but he wasn't holding back much either. The Malfoy Lord was agile, pissed, and powerful. He really didn't need to be coddled.
…
Remus waited for Harry to come out and for Severus and Draco to return. Neither happened, and the hours passed. When no one came for lunch, he got tired of it and went to find Harry. The small eleven-year-old was still in bed, staring at the wall. Remus sat next to him and the green eyes slowly focused on him. The child looked away with a blush of shame.
"I know. I'm hiding." He said anxiously, twisting the blanket in his hands. "I need to come out and face everyone."
"They aren't here," Remus offered, grabbing him in a gentle hug. "It's just me for right now."
Harry nodded and let himself be held. Eventually he began to talk. "I just… I remember who everyone expects me to be. I remember trying so hard to be strong so that they wouldn't find me a disappointment. I shoved everything about the Dursleys away so hard that I honestly forgot about it most of the time. I mimicked Ron, even when I felt bad about doing some of the things we did. He was Gryffindor. Of the Light. He was what I was supposed to be; I just had to be even better, right? Now I don't know anything for sure. Slytherins aren't evil and I feel so stupid for ever believing such a thing. I know better than to buy into prejudices like that. I really do. I knew it then too, but I… I just… couldn't be bothered, I guess… I was too busy working to fit in, and it was just easier…"
"Oh, Harry. You were eleven. You're eleven now, really." Remus tipped the child's face to him. "You can't expect yourself to be always right or even to know what to do. You are supposed to need help and you are supposed to get that help. I'm here this time around. If you need advice, I'm here and so are Severus and Draco, though I recommend you remember he is a child too at the moment."
Harry smiled a broken smile, tears streaming from his eyes. "Severus… Dad… Professor… I don't even know what to call him anymore. He hated me so much, Moony!"
Remus held him as he cried. When Harry calmed, he rubbed his back and reassured him. "Severus is a hard man for a reason, Harry. He saved us, and he continues to save us at the expense of his own torment. He was a child much like you were. Abused. And he came to school with the same hopes. Only he found the same rejection and abuse here that he found at the hands of his family. He grew bitter and friendless and hateful. He has only now begun to truly understand what it means to let that anger go-- to know happiness. He's not the man you remember. He loves you, Harry. You love him. And what you love about him is the very strength and understanding and empathy that he gained surpassing the memories that are new to you. He isn't that man anymore. He's not playing that part anymore."
Harry nodded and wiped away his tears.
"Now. You've been in bed long enough. I know you have questions for them. Get dressed and come out and ask them. Remember the past few weeks and don't let them go. Those memories are even more real than what happened during your First Year because this is the real Severus and Draco and not the old copies that hurt you."
"Thank you, Moony." Harry smiled and did as he was told.
…
Draco felt Harry's need for him and he called a halt to the endless duel. His body was screaming in pain, several muscles were strained. His magical core thrummed with exhaustion, but he felt better and clear-headed. He realized it was pointless to be angry. Harry deserved time and all he could do was wait and be there for him. And that's what he planned to do. He was Lord Malfoy, after all. He didn't give up on what he wanted, and Harry was his.
They entered the dungeons to find Harry and Remus sitting on the couch. Remus gave them a reassuring smile, but Harry's face was blank. His green eyes were grim. Draco and Severus took the seats across from the two and waited. Harry didn't make them wait long.
"I… I'm sorry for taking so long." Harry began softly. "I… wanted to know if you would… answer some questions."
"Of course." Severus inclined his head stiffly. Harry avoided looking at him at all, but Draco noticed his friend had no trouble looking at him. He felt encouraged.
"Well, I want to know how you feel about Muggleborns, Draco." Harry thought that was the easiest thing to start with.
Draco held Harry's eyes as he answered, "I realize that they hold potential power and are important to the magical community's survival. I still disapprove of witches, wizards, or Muggleborns marrying or breeding with Muggles. Our traditions and customs are important and loosing them will mean the loss of the soul of magic, and the intake of Muggle beliefs and culture is eroding what the Purebloods guard. But I don't feel exclusion or the murder of Muggleborns to be the answer, nor is hording the knowledge away from Muggleborns. We need to ingrate Muggleborns into our Society. Excluding them only forces them to cling to their Muggle ways and that is unacceptable."
Harry nodded. "I don't really understand what you are saying, but I get the point. Thank you. I… I don't think I could ever hate Muggleborns or even all Muggles. I didn't… want that to come between us."
"It won't." Draco said decisively.
"So you don't follow Voldemort or his beliefs?"
"No. I am not ever going to be a Death Eater. I admit the idea held pleasure for me before my first father died, but not anymore. I realize I didn't understand the reality of the Dark Lord and now that I do, I am set fully against him. He is an enemy to the Wizarding World."
"Will you forgive me?"
Draco was shocked by the question and his serious mask fell into a youthful expression of bewilderment. "What for?"
"I… I allowed myself to believe the prejudices about Slytherin House and I… I disliked you unfairly. You were... different than me, but that doesn't mean it was okay to refuse your offer of friendship. I should have gotten to know you better before I did that." Harry shrugged helplessly. "I was mean to you unfairly."
"Of course I forgive you." Draco shook his head in awe. Then he smiled and ran over to his friend as Harry's relief rushed through him. The two boys embraced and clung to each other.
Severus watched this enviously. He caught Remus' eyes on him and looked away. No, he would not allow himself to be open. Not when he was about to be rejected. The boys calmed and he found himself looking back and meeting his son's green eyes. He couldn't find the strength to look away.
"I… don't know what to say." Harry admitted. "I… I love you and I'm grateful for what you've done for me, but I'm also hurt and confused and angry and frightened. I thought you were the one trying to kill me to get to the Stone and that was horrible of me when you had done nothing more than be unfair in class. And you were protecting me even though you hated me. You thought I was so horrible and…"
"I know what I thought." Severus snapped and winced when it made Harry flinch and gentled his voice. "I'm not angry at you, but at myself. I was blind and a fool. I'm sorry, Harry. I know you are not what I thought you were. You never were. I wish I had been informed of your home life. It would have made a difference, however small. I could have helped you."
Harry nodded. "I realize now that it was wrong of me to hide the abuse. I still don't want anyone to know, but I realize that someone has to know because I do need help. And you've helped me so much when no one else could. I'm glad that you're my father."
Severus jerked as if slapped. His eyes widened for a split second before he could gain control of his expression and made it form mild surprise. Draco whispered something in Harry's ear, and the boy laughed, tears glittering in his eyes as he crossed the distance and hugged his teacher. Severus held him fiercely. Draco laughed with Remus. When everyone settled down, Harry was sitting next to his father with Draco on his other side and Moony at their feet.
…
"Are the boys in bed?" Remus asked when Severus returned to the sitting room.
"Yes." Severus answered evenly, his face shadowed by his hair. He hesitated in the doorway, unsure whether to talk to the man about what happened the night before or if he should just go to bed. The Wolf made his decision for him. Remus poured him a glass of brandy and offered the amber liquid with a sweet smile. Severus forced himself to step across the room and accept it.
"How do you feel?" Remus asked quietly as the other man took a sip.
Severus sighed and looked into the fire, placing his… lover? … to his left. "Things could have been much worse, but it is not as it was before between us either. I am very pleased that Draco has been accepted more completely. I don't think he could bear to be rejected."
"It will take time for understanding to come." Remus agreed. "He is just a child, but his love is true. His need for you has not lessened."
Severus said nothing to that. He had mixed feelings about that. He was pleased and relieved that Harry still wanted him to be his guardian. On the other hand, he knew that the child was hurting because of him and he couldn't promise he'd never hurt Harry again. The boy deserved better than that, especially considering everything he had been through.
"Come." Remus offered and took a few steps toward the bedroom.
Severus watched him move. The way the firelight caressed his tan skin; the way his slender waist swayed with each step; the way his muscles coiled with hidden power. He felt desire stir lazily as he took in the golden brown hair; yellow in this lighting, the grey invisible. The man's mouth promised reassurance and strength; the eyes slowly bleeding to gold as the werewolf sensed his lust promised him he'd be loved. He turned his back, his hands clenched tight on his glass.
"Severus?" Remus spoke huskily.
The Potion's Master closed his eyes. "Last night was… unexpected. It can't… happen again."
"Why are you doing this?" Remus asked, his hands falling on Severus' hips and pulling him back against him. The dark-eyed man didn't pull away, but he didn't relax either. "Why are you denying yourself? It's pointless, you know." He leaned close so that his whispered words were right by the other man's ear. "It's impossible to stop wanting you now that I know what you offer. You're beautiful, my Severus. I want you. I need you. I'm tired of being alone."
"I offer you nothing." He snapped, his voice cold and his eyes still closed. "What about your mutt? Have you forgotten him, Wolf? Can I trust someone who gives in so easily to betrayal?"
Remus jerked back as if he had been hit. He backed away on stiff legs, a growl growing in his chest. His arms wrapped tight around himself as he fought the rage that demanded he lash out in revenge. Due to the moon, to his lust, the wolf was close to the surface and it was taking all his strength not to pounce on the stubborn man before him and make him bleed, force him to submit. Instead, he made himself think as a human, made himself speak.
"Sirius… Sirius and I were friends-- Pack members. We were hurt badly and sought healing and comfort in each other's embrace. He didn't love me like… like I was his mate. I didn't love him like that, though I thought I did."
"No." Severus spun and glared threateningly. His fingers were curled into claws. "Don't say it."
Remus smiled, and it wasn't sweet or gentle. The wolf was in his smile. His eyes were gold. "Yes. My Severus. I know better now what it is to love. I know my mate." He took a fluid step forward. Severus stood his ground, but now had his wand out and pointed. "Don't fight me. Please, Severus. You know you want this. I can feel it pulling you in as much as me. You are my mate."
Severus shot off a binding curse, but Remus easily dodged. He slammed into his mate and shoved him violently into the wall. He pinned the black-eyed man's wand arm above his head, the weapon pointing uselessly toward the ceiling. He was growling, a deeply pleased rumble. He was enjoying the display of strength his mate was giving him, the fight he was putting up. It will be delicious when his mate surrendered that strength to him. He shivered in anticipation and licked along his mate's throat, sucking and nibbling the sweet flesh there.
"My Pack was torn from me. I will not loose it a second time. You are mine as I am yours, my Severus. There is no escaping me. There is no escaping your own needs. You crave this as much as I do. We started the Mate Bond last night."
Severus knew Remus was right. He felt his body react instantly to being pinned by the other. He was already arching against him, but he couldn't… he couldn't give in. He couldn't allow himself this distraction. They were at war. He was wanted by the Dark Lord. He was Marked by a Master and couldn't bear to be claimed again, even through a bond of mutual commitment. He couldn't allow himself anymore weaknesses. He had a son to protect. A godson. Himself. He couldn't add a Mate to that list. He wasn't that strong. He was tired of being strong.
"Yes." Remus smiled as he felt the man in his arms relax. "Exactly. You don't have to fight anymore. You don't have to be strong. I am here, and I will always help you. You aren't standing alone anymore, my Mate."
Severus moaned as hot lips claimed him. He knew it was a lie. He was always alone. He had to fight, or he'd be pulled under where there was only pain in the darkness. But it felt so good. He wavered a moment more and then let go. He was just so tired of it all; so tired. He waited fearfully, but was caught by warmth and pleasure, and he cried out as Remus laid him in his bed and followed him down.
…
Harry woke from a nightmare, but Draco was right with him, holding him and whispering that it was all right. The blonde let him calm before asking what he had seen in his sleep. But even then Harry felt sure he couldn't explain; he couldn't put the horror and shame in words. Draco stared at his silent friend, his worry growing as the fear and shame didn't lessen.
"Baby?" He crooned. "Tell me. It'll be okay, I promise. Was it the Dursleys?"
"Maybe." Harry finally whispered, his haunted eyes coming up to Draco's. "Ray… It was… Maybe it was because of them…"
"What was it?" Draco asked gently as he wrapped Harry in a supportive embrace, tucking the smaller boy's head under his chin. Harry lay stiffly in his arms for a minute before melting against him. Draco smiled as he felt love and gratitude and relief begin to creep through the fear. He smirked into his friend's raven-colored hair and waited.
Harry closed his eyes and allowed himself to believe he was safe. That nothing bad could reach him. It was surprisingly easy. When he was ready, he began to talk, his eyes still shut. "I was in here waiting for Dad to come and tuck me in. You… weren't there, but in the dream that didn't seem as odd as it does now… I mean, where else would you be?" Draco's smirk turned into a grin, but he didn't interrupt. "Well, I smiled when Dad came in. I was happy and content, but then I noticed that he wasn't smiling back. He was just staring at me. The blank stare became angry and then hateful. I… I… I tried to ask what… why… but he didn't… He just stalked across the room and began… yelling… telling me I was… w-w-worthless and d-d-dangerous and s-s-stupid…"
Draco closed his eyes as Harry began to cry. He felt his friends despair as if it were his own. It made tears burn his eyes because Draco knew behind the hurt was belief. Harry, deep down, still believed he was worthless and a freak and unwanted. The monstrous Dursleys still had their claws in him. Draco knew then with diamond hard clarity that he would punish the Dursleys. That he would get revenge for the soul-deep wounds Harry still carried.
"Ray…" Harry choked out, his tears still thick in his voice. "God, Ray… he… he hit me… I begged him to stop… but he…"
"Harry!" Draco clutched his baby to his chest and rocked him. "No! No, Baby, that would never happen! Severus, Dad, he loves you, loves us. He would never hurt you like that. We may make him angry. We are his children and that's what children do, but he'd never, NEVER, hit you."
"I know." Harry wailed, shame rising up in him. "I'm sorry!"
Draco understood then. Harry was ashamed for thinking that of Severus; to put their father on such a level as Vernon Dursley. Harry was aware that he was insulting their father deeply. "Baby, it's not your fault. It is only natural that you have subconscious fears about being struck by Severus. He's your dad now and the only person you ever had like that was that vile man. It is only natural that you link the two together."
Harry nodded but still felt miserable.
"Come on." Draco slid from the bed, half dragging Harry with him. "I'll prove it."
"What? Wait! No!" Harry panicked and thrashed against his friend.
"Stop, Baby." Draco said gently and lovingly. Harry stilled in response, staring into his friend's eyes with trusting desperation. "Please. Let's go to Dad. I swear to you, he won't mind. It'll be nice. I remember doing this with my mother. It'll make you feel better. Trust me, Baby."
Harry was trembling, but he did trust Draco. He trusted him more than anyone else in the world. So he slid from the bed and allowed the blonde to grab his hand and tow him out of their room. To get his mind off of the growing terror and irrational certainty that Severus would be raging mad that they had woken him, he stared at Draco's free blonde hair. It was not in a braid and shimmered like a waterfall, coating the boy's shoulders and back. Tenderly, Harry reached and slid his fingers into its silky warmth. Draco turned his head slightly and smiled out of the corner of his eye. Harry smiled back, still playing with the long blonde hair. It calmed him.
"Dad?" Draco asked, pushing the bedroom door open. The room was pitch-black. Harry was trembling again.
"Draco?" Severus' voice was deep and unusually rough with sleep. "What's the matter?"
"Harry had a really bad dream. Can we sleep with you?" Draco was moving even as he asked, pulling the small brunette with him. A chocked sob of fear came from Harry, but Draco only pulled him faster. They reached the bed just as Draco finished talking and without waiting for an answer, the Malfoy Lord climbed up. He met flesh sooner than he thought he would from where he heard Severus' voice come from and froze.
"Draco? Harry?" Remus' voice came from the darkness and Draco began to smirk.
"Come on, Harry. It's alright. It's just Moony and Dad." The blonde turned to pull his friend up beside him.
"Harry?" Severus asked, wide awake now at the sound of his son's quiet crying. "What's the matter?"
"He's just scared." Draco offered when Harry remained silent.
"Come here." Severus ordered and there was maneuvering on the bed.
Soon both of the eleven-year-olds were trapped between the two men and under the covers with them. Severus had already spelled pajamas on himself and the Wolf without the boys noticing and he could practically feel both Remus and Draco smirking in amusement. He found himself irritated that the insufferable blonde knew of his relationship with the Wolf, but that was shoved aside when he felt Harry's small body trembling against him.
"Harry? Do you want to tell me about it?" He asked gently. "It will be harder to tell me tomorrow."
"Y-y-you t-t-tell h-h-him, R-r-ray." Harry begged.
Draco cuddled against Remus, still holding Harry's hand. Remus gently stroked his arm and it gave him courage against Harry's terror, which was filling his chest with ice shards. He spoke softly, carefully. "He dreamed Dad got mad at him and was calling him names like that bastard Dursley did. Then… then Dad…"
"Did I strike you?" Severus asked, taking mercy on Draco and wanting Harry to tell him himself.
"Y-y-yes! I'm s-s-sorry!" Harry wailed. "I know you w-w-wouldn't! I w-w-won't do it again!"
"Do you?" Severus asked calmly. His arms snaked around the little boy and a hand ran through the boy's hair. "Do you really know I'd never do that? It's okay to need to be reassured, Harry."
"I-I-I…"
"I would never hit you, Harry. I Will Never Hit You. I most likely will get angry at some time or other and you will become angry with me, but we will work through it with words. I would never hit you in anger or magic. Is that clear?"
"Y-y-yes, sir." Harry mumbled tearfully, his fear subsiding.
"Good." Severus sighed. "I may say things, Harry. I… I have a very bad temper, but I have self-control too. I will not call you names, but I most likely will yell and question your intelligence. I will not lie to you."
Remus snorted. "Sorry." He said quickly and there was the sound of cloth rustling as the Wolf buried his head, trying to muffle his snickering. Unfortunately, Draco gave him away by laughing outright and not bothering to hide it. Severus scowled into the dark and promised himself he'd punish the Wolf later for this and for the pain in his backside. But thoughts of revenge were put on hold when Harry chuckled weakly.
"And what, may I ask, is so funny?" He demanded, playing along.
"You." Draco snorted. "Like we needed you to warn us that you'd yell and call us idiotic morons. That's a given, Father."
"For you, it definitely is." He sneered.
"Daaadddd…" Draco whined in mock hurt.
Harry laughed. "Don't worry. We're all morons compared to Dad."
"At least that's what we let him think." Remus said in a stage whisper. "It's good for his ego."
"That's it!" Severus growled and attacked Harry with nimble fingers.
Harry roared with laughter, protesting that he hadn't said it. Draco moved to rescue Harry by attacking his father, but Remus stopped him with an attack of his own. The boys squealed with laughter and it was many minutes before they were all settled down and quiet. Severus lay awake, listening to the breathing of his children and lover in bed with him and wondered, almost dazedly, how this came to pass. How had things become so good? He closed his eyes to sleep and was almost able to forget the threat of pain should this all be taken from him.
…
Remus woke first and stared in wonder. Harry was laying half across his father's chest, both sleeping peacefully. Severus was lying on his back, one arm holding Harry securely in place. Draco was hugging the other arm to him and was resting his blonde head on Severus' bicep. Remus was on his side, facing Draco's back, and cuddling the boy to his chest. Draco's hair was under his head and was silky soft and warm from body heat. His arm was flung across both boys and lying peacefully around Severus' waist.
He wished with a fierce, painful passion that the moment would never end. That he could stay like this forever. In answer to the wish, Severus' eyes flickered open. The dark ebony pools quickly sharpened with awareness and flickered at the children between them and back to his face. Remus saw the same wonder and painful joy he had experienced.
"Ours." Remus whispered, eyes going gold.
Severus' eyes flared in answer; lust, howling joy, protective strength. "Mine," he agreed.
"Does that mean you're going to have a Bonding Ceremony?" Draco asked sleepily, his eyes never opening. The two men blinked, and Remus blushed with embarrassment and Severus hid his face behind his hair.
"What do you mean?" Remus tried to brazen it out.
"Gryffindor." Severus sneered at him. Remus glared back as if to say 'I don't see you doing any better'.
"It's alright." Draco offered, finally opening his silver eyes. "Harry and I love you both and it would be great if you two Bonded."
"Don't you mean married?" Harry asked, green eyes still fogged with sleep as he looked around at them all. "Where's my glasses?"
"Back in our room probably." Draco yawned and cuddled up to Harry, burying his nose in the brunette's hair. "And no they can't marry. Marriage is for a man and a woman. Bonding is between two people of the same sex."
"Why's it different?" Harry frowned bewildered.
"Well, because same-sex pairs can't have children." Draco answered. "Except by adoption. Marriage is a legal binding that has political power and consequences. Bonding is private and about the two people only. Family and close friends may know about the ceremony and the life-pledge, but it's not something that will be acknowledged in the political field."
"That doesn't make sense." Harry rubbed at his eyes with a frown. "What if your dad had Bonded with a man and then adopted. Wouldn't the child then be the Heir?"
"No." Draco shook his head. "Lucius would be Head of the Family, but when he died, the title of Lord would be handed to one of his siblings' children. Family titles are passed down to blood only. Always."
"Oh." Harry bit his lip. "Wouldn't that make the adopted child feel bad?"
"Not really." Draco shrugged. "They'd be raised with that knowledge and probably trained to support the blood Heir, maybe even marry them."
"Enough politics. It's too early." Remus groaned and threw a pillow at the young Lord.
Severus and Harry laughed, happily joining in on the pillow fight.
…
After everyone dressed and ate, Severus left to teach his classes. Draco, Harry, and Remus studied diligently, had a light lunch, and made their way to the Room of Requirement to play until dinner. Ron and Hermione were there, as well as Vince and Pansy. Harry ran up to his friends and hugged them both. Draco scowled at that, but made no move to interfere. He cared too much about Harry to purposely ruin his happiness.
"I'm sorry I didn't remember." The little boy said sincerely. "Wow! You guys are so much bigger!"
They all laughed. "I'm glad you remember, mate." Ron ruffled his hair. "And it's you who got smaller!"
"Oh, Harry." Hermione knelt and hugged him tight. "We've been so worried about you."
"Are you two a couple now?" Harry asked innocently, his mind still happily buzzing after finding out Moony and his Dad were together. "Vince? Pansy? Are you a couple too?"
"What? No!" Pansy gasped in horror. "We're just friends."
"Oh." Harry pouted. Draco felt the mild pout turn into a deeper fear. "Do you like Draco then?"
"Of course I do." Pansy smiled and cooed at the young Draco. "He's just so cute!"
"Stop it, Pans." Draco slapped her hands away from his cheeks. He huffed and brushed his thick braid off his shoulder before crossing his arms over his chest, all the while hiding the fact that he felt a warm giddiness in his chest. Was Harry jealous? He wanted to grin but fought it back easily with Harry's fear. "Tell him the truth."
"We're just friends too." Pansy admitted. "We gave it a go, but decided that's all we could ever be."
Draco did grin as undeniable jealously flashed through him from Harry. The blonde smiled at his younger friend knowingly and Harry looked away with a blush. "Well, what about you two then?" Harry demanded, hoping to successfully change the subject. He wasn't quite sure what he was feeling and the way Draco was looking at him was really disturbing. His stomach flipped and his cheeks burned.
"Well… we…" Ron looked at Hermione helplessly. She looked back just as lost.
"What?" Harry frowned.
"We were dating, but…" Hermione sighed. "But we've been fighting a lot since school started."
"Because of me?" Harry asked in a small voice. Draco hurried to his side and wrapped his arms around his waist. Harry leaned against him.
"No!" Hermione denied.
"Really, Harry. It has nothing to do with you. We just didn't know each other as well as we thought when we had assumed we knew everything, I guess." Ron added.
"Oh." Harry shook his head, confused.
"Let's fly." Draco decided.
And so they did. Harry still needed a nap, but he woke when Remus went to carry him back to the rooms and walked with Draco instead. They ate dinner and practiced Occlumency as they always did and went up to practice dueling with Dumbledore. They were being tucked into bed when Severus brought up the coming holiday. Both boys hadn't even realized the date until then.
"Ms. Weasly and Mr. Longbottom stayed after class and wondered what we planned to do for Halloween this Thursday."
"Halloween?" Harry asked sleepily.
"Are we going to have a party?" Draco demanded excitedly.
"I was considering it." Severus admitted. "You could meet your close friends in the Room of Requirement for a couple hours. The Feast is obviously off limits."
"Thanks, Dad!" The boys cried in unison, reaching up and hugging him tight.
"You are welcome." Severus smiled and ran a hand through both of their hair. "Don't make me regret it. Work hard on your studies. You must make some substantial progress. And you will follow the rules."
"Yes, Father." Draco smiled and Harry nodded earnestly.
"Good night, boys. Get some rest."
"Night!" They chorused again and giggled.
…
"What are you doing, Ray?" Harry asked. They had just finished breakfast and usually went to the playroom to do their studies, but Draco had towed him to the sitting room instead.
"I'm contacting my mother." He answered. "We're going to need costumes for tomorrow night."
"Oh." Harry bit his lip, remembering vividly almost attacking her.
"Don't worry. She's sorry." Draco assured him. "She won't try and take me away ever again. If she does, I'll never see her again."
"But… she's your mother." Harry protested. He couldn't imagine having a mother and then ignoring her.
"She is," Draco agreed. "But some things are more important than that. Besides. She'll always be my mother. It's the trust between us that is at risk."
Draco released him and went to the fireplace. Harry stood awkwardly a few feet away. Remus stood in the doorway. He didn't want to get in the way, but he wanted to be in reach should the boys need him. Severus would never forgive him if he lost the boys. He'd be mad enough that he was letting Draco do this without asking him first.
"Narcissa Malfoy. Mother." Draco called into the green fire. He didn't know where his mother was, but she had made certain he could always get in contact with her through those words. An elf appeared and told him to wait a minute. It wasn't long before Narcissa's face appeared.
"Yes, Dragon. How may I help you?"
"Mother." Draco inclined his head. "We are having a Halloween party tomorrow night. You are invited."
"I would love to come. Thank you." She smiled and both blondes fought tears. "Can I bring you anything?"
"Yes actually." Draco smiled. "We need costumes. One for Harry, me, Vince, Greg, Pansy, the two youngest Weasleys, Miss Granger, and Longbottom."
"I will take care of it." She promised.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, Dragon. What time should I arrive?"
"The party starts at seven, so… four thirty?"
"I'll be there."
"See you soon." Draco said and ended the connection. He turned to look at the others with a frown. "I should have told her to bring costumes for you and Dad too."
"We'll take care of ourselves." Remus laughed. "Now, let's get working before you get me in trouble."
…
Narcissa arrived on time and bearing all she promised. Draco sent his guests their costumes via house elf and then let his mother help Harry and him get ready. Narcissa enjoyed every minute. She had missed her son dreadfully. At first, she was tense around Harry, but they both slowly relaxed again.
By the time five thirty rolled around, both boys were ready. Harry was dressed in a pirate costume. He had a black eye patch, thick eyeliner, beads in his hair, bandana, off-white puffy shirt with a wide open V-neck, leather pants and boots, a fake sword, and dozens of bracelets. A magic spell gave him a temporary accent. He was adorable. Draco was an arch-angel. Wings of white-golden light, a toga, golden sparkling skin, gold bracelets, his hair free and gently blowing as if in a wind, gold eye-liner and lipstick, wrist cuffs, sandals, and a spear. He was gorgeous and very impressive.
Harry literally gaped at him. "Yer th' most beautiful thing I've ever laid me eyes upon."
Draco laughed. "You're not half bad yourself! You're adorable!"
Harry stuck his tongue out at him and Draco laughed again. He reached and Harry obediently went into his arms. "Aren't you goin' to wreck your make-up, mate?"
"It's magic, Baby." Draco chuckled and kissed his cheek. "See. Still perfect."
"Shut your hole." Harry muttered and laughed, amused despite himself by his new speech patterns.
"Come on. Let's go!" Draco released his friend and practically ran to the door.
"Wait for us, Dragon." Narcissa said. The boys turned and froze in place.
Draco had never seen his mother dress up for Halloween. His first father had never allowed it. Draco himself had to stop by the time he was nine. Now he could understand why. She looked… unearthly beautiful. She had butterfly wings on her back. They glowed with a faint blue light that unfortunately reminded Draco of Lucius' eyes. Her gown was snow white and a crown of blue bells rested on her lightly golden hair. Her sliver eyes sparkled with merriment at their reaction.
"I'm a spring fairy." She informed them.
"Beautiful as ever, Narcissa." Severus remarked and stepped into the room. The boys weren't sure if they were to laugh or not. On one hand, Severus looked very strange. On the other, he looked extremely dangerous.
"A ninja, Severus?" Narcissa smiled.
"I like it." Remus chuckled as he stepped into the room. The black ninja suit didn't leave much to the imagination and highlighted Severus deadly graceful way of moving.
"And what are you?" Narcissa laughed as the boys snickered.
"A vampire, of course." He answered and showed off his temporary fangs. He wore a tailored blood-red suit and wore his tall collar up. His hair was slicked back and his lips were painted red. His eyes were lined with it as well. He walked with a black cane with a ruby on top. His amber eyes sparkled with humor.
"Are we ready?" Severus drawled.
"Yes!" The boys cried and raced to the door. The adults followed at a slower pace.
They were the first to arrive at the Room of Requirement and took their time thinking of what they wanted. It was perfect. The room came out dark and candle lit with bats, black cats, pumpkins, and spider webs. Music was playing near the dance floor and there were tables of sweets and delicious food with gold goblets filled with several different drinks.
Ron and Hermione were the first to arrive. Ron was dressed as a white night with silver armor. A red lion was the symbol on his chest and a heavy two handed sliver sword rested at his hip. Hermione was his princess in pink and white. She had flowers in her hair and looked very beautiful.
Greg, Vince, and Pansy came next. Pansy was an empress in a rich green dress that went on and on in several thick layers. Her hair was done up and was crowned with emeralds. She held herself with the perfect arrogance to match. Vince came as a rock-star with a black star painted around one eye and red lips. His leather outfit was very risqué and he held a red electric guitar. Greg came as a druid. He even had the beard to match, but his was a light brown to compliment his dirty blonde hair. He carried a staff and looked like he knew how to use it.
Neville and Ginny came together as medieval peasants. Ginny's blouse was cut low and they both carried trays with foaming mugs. They looked great together and Harry asked them if they were dating. Both blushed and nodded happily.
Games started and many of them danced. Harry went a few songs with Draco but wandered over to Neville, Greg, and Ron who were playing a dart game where they aimed at the magical bats. If they were hit, they turned into chocolate that rivaled the flavor of chocolate frogs. Severus stayed back and watched, but Remus danced a few with Narcissa and bobbed for apples against Hermione. He won, but she claimed it wasn't fair since he had fangs to help him.
It was almost ten and the room had been full of laughter and games for about four hours. No one looked to be stopping. That is until a high pitch scream cut through the air. All heads turned to see Draco collapse on the dance floor. Eyes snapped over to where Harry had been standing to see him already a boneless heap on the floor. All movement and sound stopped in horror as the boy began to twitch and whimper.
"Occlude!" Severus roared, rushing over to his son. "Come on, Harry. I know you can. Occlude your mind. NOW!"
Harry went ridged and the whimpering turned into gasping sobs. The Gryffindors were clinging to each other, eyes wide as they helplessly watched their friend suffer. The Slytherins were watching Draco. Narcissa was kneeling at his side, cradling his limp and silent form. Remus knelt by Harry but didn't try and touch him. Neither did Severus who sat on the boy's other side.
"Yes. Good. Very good, Harry. I know you can do it. Keep your shields up."
"What are you talking about?" Ron demanded bravely. "It's still getting through!"
And it was true. Harry was thrashing weakly; arching his rigid back as his whimpers and whines escaped his throat.
"This is nothing, Weasley," Severus said tiredly, "compared to his other attacks. He is Occluding, but nothing can completely block the connection he has to You-Know-Who."
And that was true as well. Compared to the violent convulsions and silent screams, this was much preferable.
"Can't we do anything?" Hermione asked tearfully.
"You can go back to your dorms and pray for him." Severus snapped, turning his attention back to his son.
Remus took the hint and stood. Gently and with warm reassurances that he didn't believe himself, he herded them out of the room. He promised they'd see Harry again soon. Narcissa dealt with the Slytherins; merely speaking softly to them for a few minutes before they got up and left on their own.
"Should we take them home?" Remus asked Severus quietly.
"I'm not sure if moving them would be wise." The dark-eyed man admitted. "I… wasn't thinking… I knew the Dark Lord favored this day to act… We should have been prepared… I made a mistake..."
"No, Severus." Remus cut him off, but wisely didn't try and touch the tense man kneeling on the floor. "We had every reason to think this Halloween would be a quiet one. Voldemort is on the move with his army. No one could have expected him to move before the all-out attack."
Severus shook his head once, sharply. "No. I should have known."
"Even if you had known, what could you have done differently?" Remus pressed, relentless. "The boys had a wonderful night, one of the best they had ever had. Would you have denied them that? To do what? Occlude all day long? That would only have tired them."
All the tension went out of Severus' shoulders and Remus wrapped him in a bracing hug. Narcissa watched this and realization began to dawn behind her eyes. Dulled happiness quirked her mouth up. It was about time, she thought, that Severus found someone to lean on. But then her attention slipped back to her only child and she wondered with sick dread what her son was seeing behind his eyes.
…
When the vision didn't release the boys in an hour, they carefully carried them back to Severus' rooms and placed them in bed. Remus and Narcissa sat with them while Severus went up to the headmaster. He was sure the old man would have a clue as to what was going on. He was right. The old man was not there, so he flooed to Headquarters. Everything was chaos.
Maps were strewn everywhere and Aurors and Phoenix members were yelling over them. There were some wounded and the sounds of grief drifted to him from upstairs. He hovered around the groups, listening in. It seemed that the Death Eaters were capturing powerful members of families who were acting against them.
Innocent members of the Moody, Tonks, McGonagall, and Weasley families among others had all been killed because of the actions of others in the family. They were tortured, killed, and then strung up on Stonehenge. No Light wizard or witch could get within five hundred yards of the defiled monument and that space was growing with every added body to retrieve the dead. No spells could get through the chaotic storm fed by the continuing deaths.
The attacks were spontaneous. There was no way to tell which members of the offending families would be taken, and it was impossible to guard against. Everyone was in a panic. Severus sneered but stepped into the fray and began to help. Dumbledore looked up at him with deeply grateful eyes, knowing they had often relied on him for strategy. Shaking his head, Severus got down to business.
…
The last killing was at dawn, and that was when the boys were released. Both were inconsolable and after futilely trying to get them to calm down and speak coherently, Severus poured Dreamless Sleep down their throats and tucked them into bed, curled tightly around each other, tears still drying on their pale cheeks.
In the end, fifty-six people had been murdered, the youngest being a little girl of four. The eldest had been a woman who was ninety-seven. Fourteen of the victims had been under the age of sixteen, five had been pregnant women, and seven were male Heirs of minor pureblooded families: Edward McGonagall (Professor McGonagall's nephew) and Bill Weasley were among them. And both of Neville Longbottom's parents had been abducted from St. Mungo's and killed.
Classes were cancelled for a week of mourning. Remus left. The next night was the full moon, and he had to prepare. He promised to be back Monday morning. Severus had only stared blankly. Remus had kissed his lips fleetingly and walked out the door. Narcissa sat with him and the boys. They didn't move or speak. This was only the beginning. Things would only get worse from here.
Chapter End
A/N: Thank you Hannah and everyone else who was helping me with this chapter. You all know who you are. And a special thank you to Beautiful Scars!
