A/N: Ooh, over 100 reviews!!!!!!! Yay!!!! But I'm upset with some reviews I got, no, royally pissed describes me better. Okay, where's my soapbox?
{stands on crate} okay, I'm ready... {Takes deep breath}...
DOES ANYONE READ MY AUTHOR'S NOTES?!?!?!?!?? OKAY, I'M TIRED OF BEING PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE, HERE'S MY SAY!!!
I KNOW HOW TO SPELL ARTHUR NOW, I FIXED THE PROBLEM. ALSO, I HAVE MICROSOFT WORD, AND I AM AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M NOT BRITISH, AND I AM A LONER!!!! JUST LOOK PAST THE MISTAKES, AND KEEP READING!!!!!!
THERE IS A WARNING IN THE SUMMARY!!!!!!!!!!!!! {Screams loudly in fury and dissatisfaction} THIS IS SO F#$KED UP!!!!!!
AND LL PUSHED A BUTTON, OKAY?! [Granted though, they don't know me, and I did apologize. In fact, I will again. LL, I am SORRY.]
I'M ONLY HUMAN, SO EXPECT MISTAKES!!!!!!
GOT ANY MORE PROBLEMS? HUH, DO YA? DO YA?!?!?!? COME AND GET ME!!!! PSYCHOTICDEATH MAY HAVE GONE, BUT I STILL HAVE THE UZI AND THE MACHINE GUN!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! HAH! [Fires off warning shot]
{Sighs} Sorry, if the above did not concern you, loyal, kind readers and reviewers.
Anyway, on a more peaceful note, who says I was referring to the Triwizard Tournament, eh? Oh, I was referring to yet another ordeal entirely, so sorry for the confusion!
Remus won't turn on Harry. There's enough betrayal and deception floating around, thank you! ::stomps foot::
Um, sorry but there will be no Remus/Snape happening. I have a plan in store {cackles} sorry, it's not a bad thing, I swear.
Oh yes, Harry is 16, therefore, this is after OotP.
I know that chapter one is pretty much the one chapter where I'm at my best, but I've gone back and down-sized the vast majority of the big words and complicated metaphors. People have to understand what it is that I write, correct? So, therefore, Chapter one will be my best chapter. But you are right, FallenAngel12, My story has gone down quite a bit. Let's face it, 2.2% isn't a large group of people, is it? I fear I'm outnumbered. But thank you for such a nice review!
Oh, but fluffy things are so soft and cuddly!!!! ::gag:: to right, once again, FallenAngel12. It's like reading through wool.
Ahem, if they do not feed upon wizards, what else is there besides animals? MUGGLES, dear, Muggles...::shakes head::
MENSA seems boring, though, I looked it up. I'm too much of an idiot, anyway. They'd kick me out even if I did get in. Let's face it, nerds make good tutors, idiots make the best of friends. You can love a freak, but you can't stand a jerk. May the world go 'round and 'round and 'round again!
That being said, further flames I receive, if I find them offensive to my own muse and/or intelligence, shall be strung up with chains in old, dead oak trees and laughed at. Yes, I'll cackle madly at any who think what they say will affect me any longer. Arguing is fun, I love doing it. Really, amuse me. I'm already in hell, why not get some more fire? {Throws head back and laughs hysterically} oh, this is too fun!!!!!!
{Coughs} yes, I am aware that I am completely and utterly insane. Thankfully, school is starting soon, so I'll have a reason to sober up again. Yes, I start school on Thursday! Oh well...
Final notes:
/Harry's thoughts/
(/Draco's thoughts/)
Disclaimer: I own nuthin.
P.S....
da dinkidy dink dink, you pushed a button, too, in case you failed to notice. I could just stop the story all together, huh? But no, too many other people think this story is brilliant, many more than just you and LL. But, thank you for the constructive criticism, okay? I guess I'll consider a beta. Maybe. But I don't like it, it gets too frustrating.
So, on with this...
9......
"I swear Bern, one more an' you'll keel over!"
"Ha! Norra chance, Devin! I'm's sturdy 's a brick =hick= wall...!"
The two drunks stumbled down the street, both leaning on each other for support. After a party at Marlon's, a local bar in London, the need to sleep and get home was too compelling to ignore.
"Hang on Bern, I... needta stop...!"
"Just don't spew on me!"
The man laughed as he aided his companion into an alleyway, where the other promptly dry heaved.
"Aw, nothing came out!" Bern said disappointedly. He always found it hilarious when Devin hurled. His friend's face was priceless.
"Shuddup," Devon managed, groaning. He stumbled away from Bern, and held his hand out to lean against the nearest wall.
(/It's a shame really, wouldn't you say?/)
/Hmm, yes, it is. Sad, very sad.../
Bern and Devon both jumped in fright, looking around madly.
"Did you hear that?" Bern asked in a hushed, horrified whisper.
Devon nodded; "Iz just our heads, mate," he muttered, backing up from the wall, looking up.
/All in his head, he says. That's funny, the fool.../
(/Honestly, you'd think Muggles would have more sense...!/)
/Oh trust me, they don't have an ounce of it.../
"Wazza Muggle?" Devon asked in his slurred tongue.
Bern shrugged, "We need ta go," he whispered; "This isn't right..."
(/Shall we introduce ourselves?/)
/Yes, I propose we do/
And like that, two angels descended from the sky, one dark while the other light. They were yin and yang, to Bern's best judgment, anyway, and he and Devon were left in awe of their beauty.
"Wouldja loookit that," Devon mumbled, ogling the pair.
Bern nodded, freezing as the dark of the pair walked over to him, the light going to Devon.
"Been drinking?" the angel asked him.
Bern dumbly nodded, backing up until he hit the wall. The angel continued to pursue him, and Bern knew this was no messenger of God.
Bern shivered as Harry placed a hand to his chest, over his heart; "Pretty healthy though, you could say?" Harry asked quietly, leaning in.
His eyes were green-gold-silver, the metallic grey fast taking over the iris. Bern dumbly nodded, frozen by fright and anxiety.
Harry smirked. He could hear the Muggle's heartbeat, could literally smell his blood. It intoxicated him, and he leaned forward, fangs bared.
Bern's neck lit up in a short burst of pain, and he gasped. Then a warm feeling overtook him, he felt soothed, or drugged by a huge dose of Dramamine, which ever seemed befitting. He closed his eyes, letting a quiet moan escape his lips before passing out.
Harry, having fed enough, let the Muggle fall to the ground. He licked his fangs and lips, staring down at his prey. /Well, that was interesting/ Harry thought. He felt light-headed, drunk, even. He had tasted the whiskey in the man's blood, and combined with the crimson nectar, Harry was almost inebriated. The vampire turned around to see Draco in the same state, leaning against the wall.
Draco looked up at Harry hazily, his smirk lop-sided. There was still blood at the corner of his mouth, and he wiped it away. Harry walked over to him, eyeing his counterpart.
"You're drunk," Harry mused, holding Draco's chin in his hands and turning his head to the side as he examined the other's eyes. They were bloodshot.
"Couldn't resist the whiskey in the pocket," Draco mumbled, pointing down to he ground.
Harry glanced down, seeing the now empty shot case; "That was raw liquor!" He exclaimed, releasing Draco's chin roughly.
Draco rubbed his jaw and chin silently, backing away from the wall and swaying; "It was only a simple shot, love!" he protested groggily.
"That's it, fuck club hopping," Harry said, taking Draco's arm and slinging it over his shoulders.
"Aw, but I wanted to!" Draco whined.
"Not like this," Harry said, and so saying, he took flight, carrying Draco with him.
---
"Look, can you dress yourself? I'm not up to handling a child."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine in an hour or so..."
"Get some sleep."
"I will, mother."
"Fuck you, Malfoy..."
"Ooh, could you?"
"Shut up!"
"Oh, alright..."
Harry closed the door to Draco's room, hearing the other vampire fall onto his bed and sleep. Harry walked back out onto the balcony. He leaned against the railing. He sighed, watching the glittering lights of Hogsmead.
Harry looked up, to the sky. The crescent moon was nearing the west already, surrounded by glittering orbs of light that were the stars. They seemed to dance as they shined down upon the world, oblivious to the Turmoil of the World below. Countless times he wished to be one of the Constellations, away from this world and without a care. Ah, if wishes were dreams, one could sleep forever...
Harry sighed. His mind was once more alive with thoughts, like it had been at Privit Drive. But unlike before, it was not on his wounds, both within and without, No, the wandering mind of his was focused upon certain changes, one being what he had done not an hour ago...
A Vampire was a feared creature to the Wizarding World, very few surviving once being found out. It was a dangerous existence, full of uncertainties and unloved paranoia, of restless nights spent watching one's back from being stabbed. It was a life few were chosen to have, and those that were chosen often found themselves dreading it at times of uncertainty...
Uncertainty... the word rang in Harry's head like a cataclysmic amount of old bells, echoing throughout his mind, giving him no pity in haunting him. He felt no love, even thought the presence of the current one who gave to him was there, giving him some solace. But even a little comfort cannot heal all troubles and fears. This was a huge undertaking, a blessing he knew it was called, but he was already considering it a curse...
But why call it a bother, when so much came with it? To trade one's past for a fortuitous future, any man would eagerly do for. Any HUMAN would, but he was that no longer...
But the power, the abilities, the longevity of his new life... He would remain youthful for eternity, choosing when he could stop the aging process. He would only grow with power, his stamina would only sharpen, and his mind could only grow more intelligent and clever. He would possess strengths he once only dreamed of having, and his weaknesses would be few and far between.
It was time for anew, this was his life. This was his Destiny...
Ah, Destiny. Though Fate is a bitch, Destiny is its healthy adversary. Though not reliable, and an ever predominant feature of life, Destiny is the lifeline to all dreams. He remembered dreaming of power, of a place where all were around him, bowing down and on their hands and knees, weary of his powerful might. But as he had wished, it was a dream, and only that.
Yet... now, that dream could become possible.
But Harry only wanted an unbothered life, a chance to live a peaceful existence. He never wanted to die, and now that he wouldn't for a very, very, very long time, he knew that now it was possible...
This should have brightened his spirits, but it only brought more thoughts. He had heard once, that death would take him to his relatives. His greatest wish was to talk to his father, to be embraced by his mother, if only just once. But, if at all, only he wanted to see them, if only for a moment. He wanted to know what he thought was lacking, in his knowledge of just who they were. Stories he had heard, yes, of his father and his mother, but nothing more than that. Of course there was the one memory of Snape's where he saw his sires and the fellow Marauders...
/Okay, how did my thoughts go from vampirism to my parents?/ Harry though. /Gods, I must be loosing it... well, loosing more, I suppose, after what I've been over.../
Though of course, his train of thought had never been on the best of tracks.
Harry groaned as he straightened up and rubbed his face with his hands, stretching his wings out as he did. His body was ready to rest, to regain what energy he was now apparently devoid of. It was odd, these sudden fluxes of weariness to attentiveness and then back to the need of a respite.
Harry walked back inside, wandering down the hallway and opening the door using wandless magic. He kicked his boots off, uncaring of where they landed, and quickly stripped down to his boxers, then fell onto the bed. He lay on top of the covers, wings spreading around him to shield him from any possible movement of cold air. He then drifted into a contemplative slumber.
---
Harry's eyes snapped open at the first unnatural noise, a chimed alarm and the ruffling of covers. Snape was awake, and the creaking of the floorboards was then followed by the opening of the door, and then the trudge to get the Prophet. It was a routine Harry as getting to know by heart, Snape was that methodical during the daybreak hours. Harry moaned as he rolled over, a fresh headache pounding between his ears. He sat up, knowing he was not hung-over.
Groaning from the annoyance of it all, Harry got up, wings folding back into place, and he pulled on a random pair of loose jeans, grabbing his belt to keep them onto his waist. He then tied his hair back with the same cord. Yawning, he opened the door, and walked to the stairs.
Harry paused at the top, looking back down the hall. /Where's Draco?/ he thought, it suddenly dawning on him that the other vampire was not on the second floor. A brief moment of worry, then Harry compromised that Draco was more than capable of handling things on his own, and that Harry would know if he was in trouble.
Harry rolled his eyes at his sudden emotion, and continued down the stairs. He went into the kitchen, to see Snape sipping on a mug of tea whilst reading the Daily Prophet. Draco was at the stove, watching eggs cook, but he looked up and gazed at Harry, giving him a smirk. He then returned to watching the eggs, an innocent, almost childish look of curiosity gracing his handsome features.
"Good Morning," Snape said casually; "I trust you two followed the guidelines?"
"No wizards," Harry said, sitting down. Draco only nodded.
"Don't even think about it," Harry warned him when Draco reached over for the spatula. Draco looked over his shoulder and glared at him, but obeyed.
"Like I could do anything," he muttered inaudibly.
Harry caught it, and only rolled his eyes. His anger rose though, as soon as he caught sight of the front picture. In a flash, he got up, snatched the article from Snape, and had settled back down, his eyes quickly reading the article. So, the Minister had blabbed. There was a large, moving photo of Harry from last year, and above, the headline read "POTTER FOUND, MINISTRY OFFICIALS RELIEVED". Harry held the paper back out as he rose, and a silent Snape took it back without a word. Harry then left the kitchen.
Draco quickly followed him; "What's wrong now?" he drawled, following Harry into the sitting room.
"Nothing," Harry mumbled, sitting down on the sofa before stretching out on it.
"I'll sit on you if you won't tell me," Draco said.
=/well, someone's chipper/= Harry thought coldly, glaring at the blonde who was slowly walking over.
"Well, I got sleep," Draco said simply, arms crossed over his bare chest; "What, bad first time?"
"No!" Harry snapped.
"Gods, woman! Are you PMS-ing today?" Draco snapped back, giving his own icy glare.
Harry sighed, "Just leave me alone..." he mumbled, putting a pillow over his face.
"You know I couldn't if I wanted to," Draco said, gaze softening with his smirk; "Look, Weasley was bound to blab, he's the damned Minister. And sorry, but until our kind's rise to power, there's nothing you can do about it. And since that isn't going to be happening for a while, the only option would be to kill him. Pointless really, to have his blood on your hands," he added nonchalantly.
"Not a bad idea, though," Harry mused, taking the pillow and laying it over his bare torso.
"Oh, why'd you do that?" Draco whined, snatching the pillow; "Ha, much better," he said approvingly, smirking.
"Draco," Harry said in a warning tone. The blonde was being too childish, and today Harry just couldn't tolerate it.
"I'm just seeing if I can get you to smile, or hit me even," Draco said; "You're being positively horrid, and after you've been moderately sated for the past few days! Well, minus the past two," he muttered.
"Draco, just... please," Harry said, rolling over to face the back of the chair.
"No, I will not leave you alone until you smile!" Draco persisted, and so saying, he sat down on Harry, forcing the ebony-haired youth to roll over to avoid his torso's collapsing. Harry glared daggers at the blonde, who looked at him innocently.
"Please?" he whined, pouting.
The pitiful look went to no avail, and Harry only crossed his arms; "Get. Off. Me. Now," he warned ominously.
"Why don't you just shove me off?" Draco asked, smirking. He thought he had the upper hand then, but Harry did just that. He shoved him, making sure the poor blonde hit the floor face-first.
Draco groaned, and sat up, rubbing his jaw gingerly. Harry was watching him, grinning with a sadistically happy shine in his eyes.
"Snake," Draco said, spitting blood. Oh, that wasn't good.
"Oh, I really hurt you," Harry said, voice hinting mock disappoint. He got up and picked Draco up, and checked him over; "Uh oh," Harry said, "I've damaged the Ice Prince."
"What?!" Draco shouted, in a flash standing before the hallway mirror.
Indeed, there was already a nasty-looking bruise forming on his jaw, the blue evident in the red. Seething, Draco turned just to see Harry walking after him, the smirk seemingly glued to his features. He looked like a nine- year-old who was proud to be caught in the act of setting the cat on fire. This made Draco even angrier.
"You think this is funny?!" he hissed, pointing to his jaw.
Harry's shoulders went slack as he stared at Draco; "Um, it will be gone, Drake," Harry said, "In probably an hour or so. You're a vampire, dimwit."
Draco glared at him, before turning on his heel and storming up the stairs. His display of pomposity was followed by Harry's fit of laughter, though as hollow as it sounded, it was elated.
/well/ Draco thought as he went into the bathroom /at least he's happy. Oh, my poor face!/ he inwardly whined when he saw his reflection. The bruise was already showing dramatically, and Draco was seething once more.
---
Harry's laughter died away, the vampire having had to sit down against the wall to steady himself in the process. His eyes lifted to meet the gaze of Snape, who was eyeing him skeptically.
"And what, may I ask, caused this sudden outburst?" Snape drawled, "I feared you would die," he added good-naturedly.
"Just Draco," Harry said, getting up slowly; "He's such a priss," Harry mused, looking up the stairs.
"I wonder why you chose him, honestly," Snape said, "Well, if you could kindly move aside. I wish to change so I can go to work now."
Harry politely stepped aside, watching Snape's ascending form curiously. Snape had been... civil, towards him. Though Harry had been the respectful guest for fear of being thrown out was the only reason he had been solemn and attentive towards the Potions Master. But, it seemed all animosity was spent, no longer was there a reason for such petty hate. Harry honestly enjoyed the trustworthiness each was expressing, though less from Snape's part. Still, it would be different, returning to school and no longer hating his Professor.
Of course, school was still a month away, and Harry quickly decided that the thought was best reserved for later.
Harry walked up the steps himself, quite unsure as to why he was, until he found himself nearing the bathroom door.
/I'm not some animal/ Harry thought, stopping. /So what if he's in the shower... naked... all wet... no, just turn around, go to your room and do something.../
And so he did. Harry went to his trunk, and opened it. Pulling his transfigurations book out, he set to work on his essay. But as he pulled out a fresh parchment and quill, the water was cut off. Harry listened, and the door opened moments later. The fresh scent of chamomile and lemon wafted through Harry's open doorway, and flooded his senses. Harry closed his eyes and breathed it in, the oddly comforting scent offering a moment of solace for him. But the scent faded with the opening and shutting of another door. Harry opened his eyes, and huffed indignantly at the loss. /Oh well/ he thought, and then he turned to his book once more.
---
Harry had just finished a paragraph when Draco entered the room, nonchalantly strolling over and setting down on the end of the bed. He was dressed in black slacks and a Slytherin green silk shirt. Harry paused, and looked up at him.
"What?" Draco asked innocently enough to where it might have been convincing to any other person. It was his hair, by the way, which smelled of Chamomile and Lemon, and Harry paused to catch it.
Harry looked back at his work and continued writing, successfully irritating the blonde before him. Draco watched Harry, then asked, in a very quiet, child-like voice; "What are you doing?"
Harry sat his quill down, and cursed silently as a rather large ink blot dotted the page. He glared at Malfoy, "Trying to do homework;" he managed through gritted teeth. /What is it, Test Harry Day or something?/ Harry thought, still eyeing Draco.
Draco watched him placidly; "Oh," he said simply; "Well, could you stop for a few hours and possibly come with me on a little excursion?"
"Where to?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Well," Draco said, inwardly rewarding himself for getting Harry's attention; "I've always wondered what it was exactly Snape did during the summer."
"Brew potions, take care of Death Eater meetings," Harry supplied, "Fuck one of our other professors, kiss Dumbledore's arse... should I go on?" he asked, smirking.
"Oh ha-ha," Draco sneered, rolling his eyes as he leaned back beside Harry, the book, parchment, and writing utensils floating out of his way and onto the floor as he willed them to; "I'm serious," Draco said.
"You just want to get out of the house," Harry said, rolling his eyes again.
"Yes, that happens to play a very significant part," Draco said truthfully; "Oh, come on, Harry, I'm sure you're content just lazing your life away here, but damnit I want to do something!" he said firmly, slamming his fist into the bed.
Harry smirked; "You sounded like a perfectly spoiled brat just then," he said cheekily.
"Well, I can't help being the, if I do say, gorgeous Malfoy that I am," Draco said smugly, brushing his hair back.
Harry rolled his eyes; "Well, maybe the Malfoy bit I could believe," he said, looking around the room aloofly.
"What?!" Draco asked, astounded; "And after I gave you head and professed my love to you!"
As he rose in a huff, Harry commented; "It was good head, mind you."
"Oh, well that makes everything better!" Draco said dramatically, turning to see Harry. He was smiling, a look of realization dawning on him.
"What now?" Draco asked curtly.
"I know who the woman is," Harry chanted as he rose as well; "You!" in a blur of motion he was in front of Draco, and Harry prodded his shoulder with his index finger; "That little stunt there proves it!" he said enthusiastically; "You're the one PMS-ing!"
Draco, unaware that a little challenge had been set into place from a little less than an hour before, only pouted; "Well, someone has to have enough class to make up for your lacking of it," he sneered.
Harry grinned; "I'd sell me wand before I became as stuck up as you, Draco," he said.
"Oh, well better put it on the block," Draco said quietly, shoving Harry back; "Because, keep being near me, and I'll rub off on you..."
The back of Harry's leg's hit the bed, and he fell back onto it; "Oh, how did that get to this?" he asked casually as Draco descended upon him.
"Simple," Draco replied, straddling him; "Since you're to stubborn to give up an argument, and I'm not leaving this house alone, I suppose I'll just have to conquer by other means," in the span of his talking, Draco had leaned closer and closer to Harry.
"Hmm, not this time," Harry mused, reversing positions to where he was the above; "And, as I said first, you'll get what's coming to you," he leaned near Draco's ear, and whispered; "And be damned if it doesn't surprise you."
/Oh, now there's an after thought/ Draco thought as Harry got up.
"Well, I need some things, anyway," Harry said suddenly; "Ten minutes, and we can leave."
/Yes!/ Draco thought triumphantly as he rose; "Of course," he said smoothly; "What ever you say, Master Potter."
"Now that, is something I could easily get used to," Harry said, picking a shirt from a messy pile in his trunk.
Draco rose and walked around to behind the other vampire, and eyed the mess scathingly; "How you live like that, I'll never know," he muttered, looking away and moving towards the door; "Meet you in the sitting room;" he said, then he was gone.
Harry looked back, then put the black T-shirt on. He checked his jeans; they would do. He then hastily finished getting ready. Grabbing his money bag, Harry then went down the stairs, to see Draco by the fire with a jar in his hand.
"Oh, we're traveling by Floo?" Harry moaned, rubbing his eyes. He had grown to hate the network of transportation; "Why not fly?" he asked.
"It's the middle of the morning, genius," Draco said, opening the jar; "And, we can get in and out through Knockturn Alley without being given second glances."
"Well, let's get this over with," Harry mumbled, walking over. He took a fistful of the powder, and Draco did the same. Setting the jar on the mantle, Draco stopped into the fireplace.
"Knockturn Alley!" he said clearly as he through the powder down, then, he was gone.
Harry waited, and then did the same. With the same roar of fire, the awful acrid smell of sulfur and burning embers, then the final whoosh, Harry's feet touched ground and he stumbled out into new surroundings.
He was in the same old shop as he had been in almost four years ago, when he tried Floo at the Burrow. It seemed that nothing had changed, and Harry dusted himself off. He jumped when he heard a cough, and saw upon turning around that it was only Draco.
Draco walked over, and automatically went to tousling Harry's bangs until his scar was sufficiently cover.
"Done yet?" Harry asked dully, when he figured Draco had spent enough time touching his hair. He knew Draco had a fondness for it, and Harry didn't mind. Okay, it was getting annoying, he did mind.
"Yes, Harry, really," Draco said, "Come on, then."
"Fine, I'm coming," Harry said.
"Now, first off," Draco said quietly as they walked outside. They stood under the awning of the shop, Draco casting glares at those who dared to glance at them. Draco then returned to thought, crossing his arms; "Ah, yes!" he exclaimed; "Getting you a replacement owl!" he said, turning to Harry; "That's what you were wanting to get, right?"
"Er, yeah, right," Harry replied; "There a shop around? I'm not up to going into Diagon Alley just yet..."
/I was/ Draco thought, but he replied; "Yeah, Corpsmen's. Follow me, and keep close, whatever you do, keep bloody well close."
Saying so, Draco walked from under the awning, and Harry followed. They made their way across the street, and took to the sidewalk. Draco led him under an awning, and then they had reached another side of the alley. Something about it seemed cleaner, no less safer, of course, but different to the eye. Harry looked at the shops, they weren't so dreary. The people though, they were the same.
Harry felt a tug of his hand, and snapped out of his Reverie. Draco was leading him down the sidewalk, loosely holding his hand, walking by his side. Harry looked at the blonde. Draco had the Malfoy façade in place, eyes now a stony grey and posture one sending off the message of power and self-confidence only a Malfoy could possess. Harry shook his head slightly as he looked forward, but before he could think twice, Draco had pulled him into a shop.
The tumultuous clatter and chaotic noise hit Harry, and he paused to assess the causes. He looked around. Cages, tanks, barrels, but mostly cages, took up the space of the shop. There was a front desk, where an old, wrinkly woman sat behind it, reading a Prophet and stroking a black tabby. Harry looked to the other side of the shop, and saw rows of birds sitting on installed perches, most of then ravens and eagle owls. The few owls there were even outnumbered by hawks and falcons.
"Well, here we are," Draco said, irritated by the clamor of the shop. He hoped Harry would hurry.
"Give me a second," Harry muttered, letting go of Draco's hand and walking down past cages with odd doxies and sprites, some animals Harry couldn't place to his knowledge and of course snakes and rats. He made his way to the birds, spotting a curtain raven.
But was it a raven? It had ember-eyes, yellow mixing in with orange and red to create shimmering orbs that glittered with cleverness and intellect. The raven's feathers were ruffled naturally, but they elegantly gleamed and seemed in place, anyway. The bird matched eyes with Harry, seeming to know who and what he was.
Harry then remembered from reading his book... 'Vampires are able to talk to Shadow Animals...' And a raven was a shadow beast. Harry projected his thought to it. =/What is your name, or are you nameless?/=
They call me Oswarae {A/N: pronounced Oh-swarr-ay} the raven replied, and ye be Harry Potter...
Harry nodded then turned around to look for Draco. The blonde was bent down, glaring into a cage with a rather prudent looking doxy in it.
"Drake!" Harry said, "I found one!"
"Oh?" Draco asked, giving the doxy a final glare before straightening up and walking over.
"Yeah, this one," Harry pointed Oswarae; "I'm going to get him."
"Have you communicated?" Draco asked.
Harry nodded, and then turned to the raven, hand held out. The bird cawed quietly, and jumped onto Harry's hand.
"Let's get this over with, then!" Draco said as they headed for the front desk; "I'm getting a headache..." he grumbled.
Harry walked to the desk, and the witch looked up at him. "Found everything?" she asked as she looked at Oswarae.
"Yes," Harry said, giving the witch his patented "you dumbass" look. The witch scowled at him, then rang up the price.
"Total is seventeen sickles and four knuts," the witch said.
Harry paid the price, and moved Oswarae to his shoulder. The bird nipped at his ebony hair gratefully as they exited, and Draco sighed with relief.
"Well, I'm up for clothes shopping, you?" Draco asked hopefully.
"Oh no," Harry said; "I know where you're going with this, and—"
"Harry, you're wardrobe is atrocious," Draco interrupted; "And if you're going to be with me, and not that I'm complaining or anything, but it would be good to at least have some fine robes to wear."
"Oh, and what would I wear them to?" Harry asked, crossing his arms.
"Parties, balls, anything, really," Draco said, hands akimbo as he eyed Harry; "Come on, Harry, please?" he whined.
"I don't want to!" Harry said defiantly.
"Hmm, I'm afraid you're out of options," Draco said, taking his hand.
Harry groaned; "Fine!" he said, giving in as Draco took the lead; "Two hours, that's all I'm giving you, then we are gone. I hate shopping for clothing..." he mumbled.
If master wishes Oswarae will peck the other vampire's eyes out, Oswarae thought suddenly, the offer placid and kind.
=/No need/= Harry replied =/He was bound to, anyway/=
Is other vampire your mate?
=/What?! No, of course not!/=
He acts as such... Oswarae said solemnly.
=/No, we're 'dating'/= Harry replied.
A human thing, I will take it as? Oswarae asked.
Harry mentally nodded =/Yep/= he replied, sighing.
"What was that for?" Draco asked, looking at Harry as they walked; "Oh, the bird and you having a conversation?" he asked.
Harry nodded; "Raven," he corrected; "Oswarae is a raven."
"Yes, a raven," Draco said, "An odd one, though, wouldn't you say?"
Oswarae understands you, and is offended. The bird sent to the blonde.
/oh, sorry/ Draco thought /I had no intentions of doing such a thing!/
The raven nodded smugly, leaning over and nipping Draco's ear.
"Hey!" Draco said, glaring at the raven.
Harry chuckled; "Oh, will are lives become even more odder!" he sighed.
"Tell me about it," Draco said, but he smiled none the less.
A/N: oh, I fear I may have ended it in fluff again! Oh well, anyway. My next update might be a little late, for I am busy stringing up all the flame reviews in the old oak trees with rusty chains! {cackles madly} Ahem, plus, school starts on Thursday. Yes, real school, not summer school but actual school. What is the City Council coming to?!?!?
{stands on crate} okay, I'm ready... {Takes deep breath}...
DOES ANYONE READ MY AUTHOR'S NOTES?!?!?!?!?? OKAY, I'M TIRED OF BEING PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE, HERE'S MY SAY!!!
I KNOW HOW TO SPELL ARTHUR NOW, I FIXED THE PROBLEM. ALSO, I HAVE MICROSOFT WORD, AND I AM AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M NOT BRITISH, AND I AM A LONER!!!! JUST LOOK PAST THE MISTAKES, AND KEEP READING!!!!!!
THERE IS A WARNING IN THE SUMMARY!!!!!!!!!!!!! {Screams loudly in fury and dissatisfaction} THIS IS SO F#$KED UP!!!!!!
AND LL PUSHED A BUTTON, OKAY?! [Granted though, they don't know me, and I did apologize. In fact, I will again. LL, I am SORRY.]
I'M ONLY HUMAN, SO EXPECT MISTAKES!!!!!!
GOT ANY MORE PROBLEMS? HUH, DO YA? DO YA?!?!?!? COME AND GET ME!!!! PSYCHOTICDEATH MAY HAVE GONE, BUT I STILL HAVE THE UZI AND THE MACHINE GUN!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!! HAH! [Fires off warning shot]
{Sighs} Sorry, if the above did not concern you, loyal, kind readers and reviewers.
Anyway, on a more peaceful note, who says I was referring to the Triwizard Tournament, eh? Oh, I was referring to yet another ordeal entirely, so sorry for the confusion!
Remus won't turn on Harry. There's enough betrayal and deception floating around, thank you! ::stomps foot::
Um, sorry but there will be no Remus/Snape happening. I have a plan in store {cackles} sorry, it's not a bad thing, I swear.
Oh yes, Harry is 16, therefore, this is after OotP.
I know that chapter one is pretty much the one chapter where I'm at my best, but I've gone back and down-sized the vast majority of the big words and complicated metaphors. People have to understand what it is that I write, correct? So, therefore, Chapter one will be my best chapter. But you are right, FallenAngel12, My story has gone down quite a bit. Let's face it, 2.2% isn't a large group of people, is it? I fear I'm outnumbered. But thank you for such a nice review!
Oh, but fluffy things are so soft and cuddly!!!! ::gag:: to right, once again, FallenAngel12. It's like reading through wool.
Ahem, if they do not feed upon wizards, what else is there besides animals? MUGGLES, dear, Muggles...::shakes head::
MENSA seems boring, though, I looked it up. I'm too much of an idiot, anyway. They'd kick me out even if I did get in. Let's face it, nerds make good tutors, idiots make the best of friends. You can love a freak, but you can't stand a jerk. May the world go 'round and 'round and 'round again!
That being said, further flames I receive, if I find them offensive to my own muse and/or intelligence, shall be strung up with chains in old, dead oak trees and laughed at. Yes, I'll cackle madly at any who think what they say will affect me any longer. Arguing is fun, I love doing it. Really, amuse me. I'm already in hell, why not get some more fire? {Throws head back and laughs hysterically} oh, this is too fun!!!!!!
{Coughs} yes, I am aware that I am completely and utterly insane. Thankfully, school is starting soon, so I'll have a reason to sober up again. Yes, I start school on Thursday! Oh well...
Final notes:
/Harry's thoughts/
(/Draco's thoughts/)
Disclaimer: I own nuthin.
P.S....
da dinkidy dink dink, you pushed a button, too, in case you failed to notice. I could just stop the story all together, huh? But no, too many other people think this story is brilliant, many more than just you and LL. But, thank you for the constructive criticism, okay? I guess I'll consider a beta. Maybe. But I don't like it, it gets too frustrating.
So, on with this...
9......
"I swear Bern, one more an' you'll keel over!"
"Ha! Norra chance, Devin! I'm's sturdy 's a brick =hick= wall...!"
The two drunks stumbled down the street, both leaning on each other for support. After a party at Marlon's, a local bar in London, the need to sleep and get home was too compelling to ignore.
"Hang on Bern, I... needta stop...!"
"Just don't spew on me!"
The man laughed as he aided his companion into an alleyway, where the other promptly dry heaved.
"Aw, nothing came out!" Bern said disappointedly. He always found it hilarious when Devin hurled. His friend's face was priceless.
"Shuddup," Devon managed, groaning. He stumbled away from Bern, and held his hand out to lean against the nearest wall.
(/It's a shame really, wouldn't you say?/)
/Hmm, yes, it is. Sad, very sad.../
Bern and Devon both jumped in fright, looking around madly.
"Did you hear that?" Bern asked in a hushed, horrified whisper.
Devon nodded; "Iz just our heads, mate," he muttered, backing up from the wall, looking up.
/All in his head, he says. That's funny, the fool.../
(/Honestly, you'd think Muggles would have more sense...!/)
/Oh trust me, they don't have an ounce of it.../
"Wazza Muggle?" Devon asked in his slurred tongue.
Bern shrugged, "We need ta go," he whispered; "This isn't right..."
(/Shall we introduce ourselves?/)
/Yes, I propose we do/
And like that, two angels descended from the sky, one dark while the other light. They were yin and yang, to Bern's best judgment, anyway, and he and Devon were left in awe of their beauty.
"Wouldja loookit that," Devon mumbled, ogling the pair.
Bern nodded, freezing as the dark of the pair walked over to him, the light going to Devon.
"Been drinking?" the angel asked him.
Bern dumbly nodded, backing up until he hit the wall. The angel continued to pursue him, and Bern knew this was no messenger of God.
Bern shivered as Harry placed a hand to his chest, over his heart; "Pretty healthy though, you could say?" Harry asked quietly, leaning in.
His eyes were green-gold-silver, the metallic grey fast taking over the iris. Bern dumbly nodded, frozen by fright and anxiety.
Harry smirked. He could hear the Muggle's heartbeat, could literally smell his blood. It intoxicated him, and he leaned forward, fangs bared.
Bern's neck lit up in a short burst of pain, and he gasped. Then a warm feeling overtook him, he felt soothed, or drugged by a huge dose of Dramamine, which ever seemed befitting. He closed his eyes, letting a quiet moan escape his lips before passing out.
Harry, having fed enough, let the Muggle fall to the ground. He licked his fangs and lips, staring down at his prey. /Well, that was interesting/ Harry thought. He felt light-headed, drunk, even. He had tasted the whiskey in the man's blood, and combined with the crimson nectar, Harry was almost inebriated. The vampire turned around to see Draco in the same state, leaning against the wall.
Draco looked up at Harry hazily, his smirk lop-sided. There was still blood at the corner of his mouth, and he wiped it away. Harry walked over to him, eyeing his counterpart.
"You're drunk," Harry mused, holding Draco's chin in his hands and turning his head to the side as he examined the other's eyes. They were bloodshot.
"Couldn't resist the whiskey in the pocket," Draco mumbled, pointing down to he ground.
Harry glanced down, seeing the now empty shot case; "That was raw liquor!" He exclaimed, releasing Draco's chin roughly.
Draco rubbed his jaw and chin silently, backing away from the wall and swaying; "It was only a simple shot, love!" he protested groggily.
"That's it, fuck club hopping," Harry said, taking Draco's arm and slinging it over his shoulders.
"Aw, but I wanted to!" Draco whined.
"Not like this," Harry said, and so saying, he took flight, carrying Draco with him.
---
"Look, can you dress yourself? I'm not up to handling a child."
"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine in an hour or so..."
"Get some sleep."
"I will, mother."
"Fuck you, Malfoy..."
"Ooh, could you?"
"Shut up!"
"Oh, alright..."
Harry closed the door to Draco's room, hearing the other vampire fall onto his bed and sleep. Harry walked back out onto the balcony. He leaned against the railing. He sighed, watching the glittering lights of Hogsmead.
Harry looked up, to the sky. The crescent moon was nearing the west already, surrounded by glittering orbs of light that were the stars. They seemed to dance as they shined down upon the world, oblivious to the Turmoil of the World below. Countless times he wished to be one of the Constellations, away from this world and without a care. Ah, if wishes were dreams, one could sleep forever...
Harry sighed. His mind was once more alive with thoughts, like it had been at Privit Drive. But unlike before, it was not on his wounds, both within and without, No, the wandering mind of his was focused upon certain changes, one being what he had done not an hour ago...
A Vampire was a feared creature to the Wizarding World, very few surviving once being found out. It was a dangerous existence, full of uncertainties and unloved paranoia, of restless nights spent watching one's back from being stabbed. It was a life few were chosen to have, and those that were chosen often found themselves dreading it at times of uncertainty...
Uncertainty... the word rang in Harry's head like a cataclysmic amount of old bells, echoing throughout his mind, giving him no pity in haunting him. He felt no love, even thought the presence of the current one who gave to him was there, giving him some solace. But even a little comfort cannot heal all troubles and fears. This was a huge undertaking, a blessing he knew it was called, but he was already considering it a curse...
But why call it a bother, when so much came with it? To trade one's past for a fortuitous future, any man would eagerly do for. Any HUMAN would, but he was that no longer...
But the power, the abilities, the longevity of his new life... He would remain youthful for eternity, choosing when he could stop the aging process. He would only grow with power, his stamina would only sharpen, and his mind could only grow more intelligent and clever. He would possess strengths he once only dreamed of having, and his weaknesses would be few and far between.
It was time for anew, this was his life. This was his Destiny...
Ah, Destiny. Though Fate is a bitch, Destiny is its healthy adversary. Though not reliable, and an ever predominant feature of life, Destiny is the lifeline to all dreams. He remembered dreaming of power, of a place where all were around him, bowing down and on their hands and knees, weary of his powerful might. But as he had wished, it was a dream, and only that.
Yet... now, that dream could become possible.
But Harry only wanted an unbothered life, a chance to live a peaceful existence. He never wanted to die, and now that he wouldn't for a very, very, very long time, he knew that now it was possible...
This should have brightened his spirits, but it only brought more thoughts. He had heard once, that death would take him to his relatives. His greatest wish was to talk to his father, to be embraced by his mother, if only just once. But, if at all, only he wanted to see them, if only for a moment. He wanted to know what he thought was lacking, in his knowledge of just who they were. Stories he had heard, yes, of his father and his mother, but nothing more than that. Of course there was the one memory of Snape's where he saw his sires and the fellow Marauders...
/Okay, how did my thoughts go from vampirism to my parents?/ Harry though. /Gods, I must be loosing it... well, loosing more, I suppose, after what I've been over.../
Though of course, his train of thought had never been on the best of tracks.
Harry groaned as he straightened up and rubbed his face with his hands, stretching his wings out as he did. His body was ready to rest, to regain what energy he was now apparently devoid of. It was odd, these sudden fluxes of weariness to attentiveness and then back to the need of a respite.
Harry walked back inside, wandering down the hallway and opening the door using wandless magic. He kicked his boots off, uncaring of where they landed, and quickly stripped down to his boxers, then fell onto the bed. He lay on top of the covers, wings spreading around him to shield him from any possible movement of cold air. He then drifted into a contemplative slumber.
---
Harry's eyes snapped open at the first unnatural noise, a chimed alarm and the ruffling of covers. Snape was awake, and the creaking of the floorboards was then followed by the opening of the door, and then the trudge to get the Prophet. It was a routine Harry as getting to know by heart, Snape was that methodical during the daybreak hours. Harry moaned as he rolled over, a fresh headache pounding between his ears. He sat up, knowing he was not hung-over.
Groaning from the annoyance of it all, Harry got up, wings folding back into place, and he pulled on a random pair of loose jeans, grabbing his belt to keep them onto his waist. He then tied his hair back with the same cord. Yawning, he opened the door, and walked to the stairs.
Harry paused at the top, looking back down the hall. /Where's Draco?/ he thought, it suddenly dawning on him that the other vampire was not on the second floor. A brief moment of worry, then Harry compromised that Draco was more than capable of handling things on his own, and that Harry would know if he was in trouble.
Harry rolled his eyes at his sudden emotion, and continued down the stairs. He went into the kitchen, to see Snape sipping on a mug of tea whilst reading the Daily Prophet. Draco was at the stove, watching eggs cook, but he looked up and gazed at Harry, giving him a smirk. He then returned to watching the eggs, an innocent, almost childish look of curiosity gracing his handsome features.
"Good Morning," Snape said casually; "I trust you two followed the guidelines?"
"No wizards," Harry said, sitting down. Draco only nodded.
"Don't even think about it," Harry warned him when Draco reached over for the spatula. Draco looked over his shoulder and glared at him, but obeyed.
"Like I could do anything," he muttered inaudibly.
Harry caught it, and only rolled his eyes. His anger rose though, as soon as he caught sight of the front picture. In a flash, he got up, snatched the article from Snape, and had settled back down, his eyes quickly reading the article. So, the Minister had blabbed. There was a large, moving photo of Harry from last year, and above, the headline read "POTTER FOUND, MINISTRY OFFICIALS RELIEVED". Harry held the paper back out as he rose, and a silent Snape took it back without a word. Harry then left the kitchen.
Draco quickly followed him; "What's wrong now?" he drawled, following Harry into the sitting room.
"Nothing," Harry mumbled, sitting down on the sofa before stretching out on it.
"I'll sit on you if you won't tell me," Draco said.
=/well, someone's chipper/= Harry thought coldly, glaring at the blonde who was slowly walking over.
"Well, I got sleep," Draco said simply, arms crossed over his bare chest; "What, bad first time?"
"No!" Harry snapped.
"Gods, woman! Are you PMS-ing today?" Draco snapped back, giving his own icy glare.
Harry sighed, "Just leave me alone..." he mumbled, putting a pillow over his face.
"You know I couldn't if I wanted to," Draco said, gaze softening with his smirk; "Look, Weasley was bound to blab, he's the damned Minister. And sorry, but until our kind's rise to power, there's nothing you can do about it. And since that isn't going to be happening for a while, the only option would be to kill him. Pointless really, to have his blood on your hands," he added nonchalantly.
"Not a bad idea, though," Harry mused, taking the pillow and laying it over his bare torso.
"Oh, why'd you do that?" Draco whined, snatching the pillow; "Ha, much better," he said approvingly, smirking.
"Draco," Harry said in a warning tone. The blonde was being too childish, and today Harry just couldn't tolerate it.
"I'm just seeing if I can get you to smile, or hit me even," Draco said; "You're being positively horrid, and after you've been moderately sated for the past few days! Well, minus the past two," he muttered.
"Draco, just... please," Harry said, rolling over to face the back of the chair.
"No, I will not leave you alone until you smile!" Draco persisted, and so saying, he sat down on Harry, forcing the ebony-haired youth to roll over to avoid his torso's collapsing. Harry glared daggers at the blonde, who looked at him innocently.
"Please?" he whined, pouting.
The pitiful look went to no avail, and Harry only crossed his arms; "Get. Off. Me. Now," he warned ominously.
"Why don't you just shove me off?" Draco asked, smirking. He thought he had the upper hand then, but Harry did just that. He shoved him, making sure the poor blonde hit the floor face-first.
Draco groaned, and sat up, rubbing his jaw gingerly. Harry was watching him, grinning with a sadistically happy shine in his eyes.
"Snake," Draco said, spitting blood. Oh, that wasn't good.
"Oh, I really hurt you," Harry said, voice hinting mock disappoint. He got up and picked Draco up, and checked him over; "Uh oh," Harry said, "I've damaged the Ice Prince."
"What?!" Draco shouted, in a flash standing before the hallway mirror.
Indeed, there was already a nasty-looking bruise forming on his jaw, the blue evident in the red. Seething, Draco turned just to see Harry walking after him, the smirk seemingly glued to his features. He looked like a nine- year-old who was proud to be caught in the act of setting the cat on fire. This made Draco even angrier.
"You think this is funny?!" he hissed, pointing to his jaw.
Harry's shoulders went slack as he stared at Draco; "Um, it will be gone, Drake," Harry said, "In probably an hour or so. You're a vampire, dimwit."
Draco glared at him, before turning on his heel and storming up the stairs. His display of pomposity was followed by Harry's fit of laughter, though as hollow as it sounded, it was elated.
/well/ Draco thought as he went into the bathroom /at least he's happy. Oh, my poor face!/ he inwardly whined when he saw his reflection. The bruise was already showing dramatically, and Draco was seething once more.
---
Harry's laughter died away, the vampire having had to sit down against the wall to steady himself in the process. His eyes lifted to meet the gaze of Snape, who was eyeing him skeptically.
"And what, may I ask, caused this sudden outburst?" Snape drawled, "I feared you would die," he added good-naturedly.
"Just Draco," Harry said, getting up slowly; "He's such a priss," Harry mused, looking up the stairs.
"I wonder why you chose him, honestly," Snape said, "Well, if you could kindly move aside. I wish to change so I can go to work now."
Harry politely stepped aside, watching Snape's ascending form curiously. Snape had been... civil, towards him. Though Harry had been the respectful guest for fear of being thrown out was the only reason he had been solemn and attentive towards the Potions Master. But, it seemed all animosity was spent, no longer was there a reason for such petty hate. Harry honestly enjoyed the trustworthiness each was expressing, though less from Snape's part. Still, it would be different, returning to school and no longer hating his Professor.
Of course, school was still a month away, and Harry quickly decided that the thought was best reserved for later.
Harry walked up the steps himself, quite unsure as to why he was, until he found himself nearing the bathroom door.
/I'm not some animal/ Harry thought, stopping. /So what if he's in the shower... naked... all wet... no, just turn around, go to your room and do something.../
And so he did. Harry went to his trunk, and opened it. Pulling his transfigurations book out, he set to work on his essay. But as he pulled out a fresh parchment and quill, the water was cut off. Harry listened, and the door opened moments later. The fresh scent of chamomile and lemon wafted through Harry's open doorway, and flooded his senses. Harry closed his eyes and breathed it in, the oddly comforting scent offering a moment of solace for him. But the scent faded with the opening and shutting of another door. Harry opened his eyes, and huffed indignantly at the loss. /Oh well/ he thought, and then he turned to his book once more.
---
Harry had just finished a paragraph when Draco entered the room, nonchalantly strolling over and setting down on the end of the bed. He was dressed in black slacks and a Slytherin green silk shirt. Harry paused, and looked up at him.
"What?" Draco asked innocently enough to where it might have been convincing to any other person. It was his hair, by the way, which smelled of Chamomile and Lemon, and Harry paused to catch it.
Harry looked back at his work and continued writing, successfully irritating the blonde before him. Draco watched Harry, then asked, in a very quiet, child-like voice; "What are you doing?"
Harry sat his quill down, and cursed silently as a rather large ink blot dotted the page. He glared at Malfoy, "Trying to do homework;" he managed through gritted teeth. /What is it, Test Harry Day or something?/ Harry thought, still eyeing Draco.
Draco watched him placidly; "Oh," he said simply; "Well, could you stop for a few hours and possibly come with me on a little excursion?"
"Where to?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Well," Draco said, inwardly rewarding himself for getting Harry's attention; "I've always wondered what it was exactly Snape did during the summer."
"Brew potions, take care of Death Eater meetings," Harry supplied, "Fuck one of our other professors, kiss Dumbledore's arse... should I go on?" he asked, smirking.
"Oh ha-ha," Draco sneered, rolling his eyes as he leaned back beside Harry, the book, parchment, and writing utensils floating out of his way and onto the floor as he willed them to; "I'm serious," Draco said.
"You just want to get out of the house," Harry said, rolling his eyes again.
"Yes, that happens to play a very significant part," Draco said truthfully; "Oh, come on, Harry, I'm sure you're content just lazing your life away here, but damnit I want to do something!" he said firmly, slamming his fist into the bed.
Harry smirked; "You sounded like a perfectly spoiled brat just then," he said cheekily.
"Well, I can't help being the, if I do say, gorgeous Malfoy that I am," Draco said smugly, brushing his hair back.
Harry rolled his eyes; "Well, maybe the Malfoy bit I could believe," he said, looking around the room aloofly.
"What?!" Draco asked, astounded; "And after I gave you head and professed my love to you!"
As he rose in a huff, Harry commented; "It was good head, mind you."
"Oh, well that makes everything better!" Draco said dramatically, turning to see Harry. He was smiling, a look of realization dawning on him.
"What now?" Draco asked curtly.
"I know who the woman is," Harry chanted as he rose as well; "You!" in a blur of motion he was in front of Draco, and Harry prodded his shoulder with his index finger; "That little stunt there proves it!" he said enthusiastically; "You're the one PMS-ing!"
Draco, unaware that a little challenge had been set into place from a little less than an hour before, only pouted; "Well, someone has to have enough class to make up for your lacking of it," he sneered.
Harry grinned; "I'd sell me wand before I became as stuck up as you, Draco," he said.
"Oh, well better put it on the block," Draco said quietly, shoving Harry back; "Because, keep being near me, and I'll rub off on you..."
The back of Harry's leg's hit the bed, and he fell back onto it; "Oh, how did that get to this?" he asked casually as Draco descended upon him.
"Simple," Draco replied, straddling him; "Since you're to stubborn to give up an argument, and I'm not leaving this house alone, I suppose I'll just have to conquer by other means," in the span of his talking, Draco had leaned closer and closer to Harry.
"Hmm, not this time," Harry mused, reversing positions to where he was the above; "And, as I said first, you'll get what's coming to you," he leaned near Draco's ear, and whispered; "And be damned if it doesn't surprise you."
/Oh, now there's an after thought/ Draco thought as Harry got up.
"Well, I need some things, anyway," Harry said suddenly; "Ten minutes, and we can leave."
/Yes!/ Draco thought triumphantly as he rose; "Of course," he said smoothly; "What ever you say, Master Potter."
"Now that, is something I could easily get used to," Harry said, picking a shirt from a messy pile in his trunk.
Draco rose and walked around to behind the other vampire, and eyed the mess scathingly; "How you live like that, I'll never know," he muttered, looking away and moving towards the door; "Meet you in the sitting room;" he said, then he was gone.
Harry looked back, then put the black T-shirt on. He checked his jeans; they would do. He then hastily finished getting ready. Grabbing his money bag, Harry then went down the stairs, to see Draco by the fire with a jar in his hand.
"Oh, we're traveling by Floo?" Harry moaned, rubbing his eyes. He had grown to hate the network of transportation; "Why not fly?" he asked.
"It's the middle of the morning, genius," Draco said, opening the jar; "And, we can get in and out through Knockturn Alley without being given second glances."
"Well, let's get this over with," Harry mumbled, walking over. He took a fistful of the powder, and Draco did the same. Setting the jar on the mantle, Draco stopped into the fireplace.
"Knockturn Alley!" he said clearly as he through the powder down, then, he was gone.
Harry waited, and then did the same. With the same roar of fire, the awful acrid smell of sulfur and burning embers, then the final whoosh, Harry's feet touched ground and he stumbled out into new surroundings.
He was in the same old shop as he had been in almost four years ago, when he tried Floo at the Burrow. It seemed that nothing had changed, and Harry dusted himself off. He jumped when he heard a cough, and saw upon turning around that it was only Draco.
Draco walked over, and automatically went to tousling Harry's bangs until his scar was sufficiently cover.
"Done yet?" Harry asked dully, when he figured Draco had spent enough time touching his hair. He knew Draco had a fondness for it, and Harry didn't mind. Okay, it was getting annoying, he did mind.
"Yes, Harry, really," Draco said, "Come on, then."
"Fine, I'm coming," Harry said.
"Now, first off," Draco said quietly as they walked outside. They stood under the awning of the shop, Draco casting glares at those who dared to glance at them. Draco then returned to thought, crossing his arms; "Ah, yes!" he exclaimed; "Getting you a replacement owl!" he said, turning to Harry; "That's what you were wanting to get, right?"
"Er, yeah, right," Harry replied; "There a shop around? I'm not up to going into Diagon Alley just yet..."
/I was/ Draco thought, but he replied; "Yeah, Corpsmen's. Follow me, and keep close, whatever you do, keep bloody well close."
Saying so, Draco walked from under the awning, and Harry followed. They made their way across the street, and took to the sidewalk. Draco led him under an awning, and then they had reached another side of the alley. Something about it seemed cleaner, no less safer, of course, but different to the eye. Harry looked at the shops, they weren't so dreary. The people though, they were the same.
Harry felt a tug of his hand, and snapped out of his Reverie. Draco was leading him down the sidewalk, loosely holding his hand, walking by his side. Harry looked at the blonde. Draco had the Malfoy façade in place, eyes now a stony grey and posture one sending off the message of power and self-confidence only a Malfoy could possess. Harry shook his head slightly as he looked forward, but before he could think twice, Draco had pulled him into a shop.
The tumultuous clatter and chaotic noise hit Harry, and he paused to assess the causes. He looked around. Cages, tanks, barrels, but mostly cages, took up the space of the shop. There was a front desk, where an old, wrinkly woman sat behind it, reading a Prophet and stroking a black tabby. Harry looked to the other side of the shop, and saw rows of birds sitting on installed perches, most of then ravens and eagle owls. The few owls there were even outnumbered by hawks and falcons.
"Well, here we are," Draco said, irritated by the clamor of the shop. He hoped Harry would hurry.
"Give me a second," Harry muttered, letting go of Draco's hand and walking down past cages with odd doxies and sprites, some animals Harry couldn't place to his knowledge and of course snakes and rats. He made his way to the birds, spotting a curtain raven.
But was it a raven? It had ember-eyes, yellow mixing in with orange and red to create shimmering orbs that glittered with cleverness and intellect. The raven's feathers were ruffled naturally, but they elegantly gleamed and seemed in place, anyway. The bird matched eyes with Harry, seeming to know who and what he was.
Harry then remembered from reading his book... 'Vampires are able to talk to Shadow Animals...' And a raven was a shadow beast. Harry projected his thought to it. =/What is your name, or are you nameless?/=
They call me Oswarae {A/N: pronounced Oh-swarr-ay} the raven replied, and ye be Harry Potter...
Harry nodded then turned around to look for Draco. The blonde was bent down, glaring into a cage with a rather prudent looking doxy in it.
"Drake!" Harry said, "I found one!"
"Oh?" Draco asked, giving the doxy a final glare before straightening up and walking over.
"Yeah, this one," Harry pointed Oswarae; "I'm going to get him."
"Have you communicated?" Draco asked.
Harry nodded, and then turned to the raven, hand held out. The bird cawed quietly, and jumped onto Harry's hand.
"Let's get this over with, then!" Draco said as they headed for the front desk; "I'm getting a headache..." he grumbled.
Harry walked to the desk, and the witch looked up at him. "Found everything?" she asked as she looked at Oswarae.
"Yes," Harry said, giving the witch his patented "you dumbass" look. The witch scowled at him, then rang up the price.
"Total is seventeen sickles and four knuts," the witch said.
Harry paid the price, and moved Oswarae to his shoulder. The bird nipped at his ebony hair gratefully as they exited, and Draco sighed with relief.
"Well, I'm up for clothes shopping, you?" Draco asked hopefully.
"Oh no," Harry said; "I know where you're going with this, and—"
"Harry, you're wardrobe is atrocious," Draco interrupted; "And if you're going to be with me, and not that I'm complaining or anything, but it would be good to at least have some fine robes to wear."
"Oh, and what would I wear them to?" Harry asked, crossing his arms.
"Parties, balls, anything, really," Draco said, hands akimbo as he eyed Harry; "Come on, Harry, please?" he whined.
"I don't want to!" Harry said defiantly.
"Hmm, I'm afraid you're out of options," Draco said, taking his hand.
Harry groaned; "Fine!" he said, giving in as Draco took the lead; "Two hours, that's all I'm giving you, then we are gone. I hate shopping for clothing..." he mumbled.
If master wishes Oswarae will peck the other vampire's eyes out, Oswarae thought suddenly, the offer placid and kind.
=/No need/= Harry replied =/He was bound to, anyway/=
Is other vampire your mate?
=/What?! No, of course not!/=
He acts as such... Oswarae said solemnly.
=/No, we're 'dating'/= Harry replied.
A human thing, I will take it as? Oswarae asked.
Harry mentally nodded =/Yep/= he replied, sighing.
"What was that for?" Draco asked, looking at Harry as they walked; "Oh, the bird and you having a conversation?" he asked.
Harry nodded; "Raven," he corrected; "Oswarae is a raven."
"Yes, a raven," Draco said, "An odd one, though, wouldn't you say?"
Oswarae understands you, and is offended. The bird sent to the blonde.
/oh, sorry/ Draco thought /I had no intentions of doing such a thing!/
The raven nodded smugly, leaning over and nipping Draco's ear.
"Hey!" Draco said, glaring at the raven.
Harry chuckled; "Oh, will are lives become even more odder!" he sighed.
"Tell me about it," Draco said, but he smiled none the less.
A/N: oh, I fear I may have ended it in fluff again! Oh well, anyway. My next update might be a little late, for I am busy stringing up all the flame reviews in the old oak trees with rusty chains! {cackles madly} Ahem, plus, school starts on Thursday. Yes, real school, not summer school but actual school. What is the City Council coming to?!?!?