DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
WARNING: Kinda longer then usual, as well aslots of blood and death.
Chapter 30 - Together Again
Severus stalked swiftly up the stairs leading into the dark mansion Voldemort had claimed as his headquarters. Silence hung over the sprawling manor. The massive castle like structure was pitch black, the stone seeming to consume the moonlight. He pushed one of the doors open quietly and stepped into the large entrance hall. His eyes immediately searched for the guard that should have been waiting in the shadows. Sighing in relief, he began a quiet glide down one of the halls, every noise making him halt and pray he would remain undiscovered. Candles flickered along the walls, creating ample shadows for figures to hide in. Moving silently, he slipped into one of the rooms and gasped as he was grabbed and thrown to the ground. His wand clattered loudly in the emptiness of the room. The dark figure standing above him glared down, eyes the colour of ice meeting those of onyx.
"I see you failed to do as I asked." Lucius Malfoy purred softly, the tip of his cane resting firmly against Severus' throat.
"I tried but the bond was too strong. It's developed a new facet, the Shared Animagus Bond." Severus gasped out, one hand rising to clutch at the cane slowly burying itself deeper into his throat. "It's the rarest form of bond, the type of magic it develops through is unknown."
"I don't really care how rare it is. I wanted my son free. Now he's running around this place with the Dark Lord's nemesis. Do you really think he'll survive something like that?" Lucius growled, leaning on the snake headed cane, his dark robes swirling around him.
"Harry will protect him." Severus snarled, one hand beginning the search for his wand while the other remained locked around the cane. His mind raced as he peered into the cold eyes of death.
"I can tell you who gave them the portkey. If Harry hadn't discovered it first it would have been Draco." Severus offered, knowing that the one thing Malfoys understood was revenge. Lucius's eyes flickered before one pale eyebrow rose.
"I believe it was Pansy Parkinson." Lucius hissed angrily, his fingers whitening as his grip increased. "Give me something useful Severus."
"In my right pocket there's a portkey that will take us directly back to Hogwarts." Severus gasped, immediately drawing in a deep breath as the cane was withdrawn in one smooth movement.
"Excellent. Let's go and find my heir then, shall we?" Lucius murmured, fingers smoothing the thick black robes. Swirling around he glided out the door, pausing only once to glance back at Severus. Severus grumbled in annoyance as his fingers closed around his wand. Why did Malfoys always have to make a grand exit?
The large leopard skittered across the floor, his nails biting into the hard stone. Shaking his head, Dorian snarled and slowly climbed to his paws. The pale cat hung his head and panted softly, eyes glinting dangerously as he stared at the mocking form standing before him. His nose quivered at the strong smell of blood wafting around the room. The Dark Lord smirked at the leopards exhaustion, his pleasure in the death of the panther almost tangible.
"Are you going to cry?" Voldemort cooed, his fingers running lazily up the length of his wand. Several Death Eater's chuckled but even more sucked in deep breaths and pressed themselves into the concealing shadows. The leopard rumbled angrily, his eyes glittered dangerously as he began a slow gliding pace across the blood covered stones. Silver fur shone brightly beneath the candlelight, marred only by small flecks of blood. His mouth hung open, flashing his sharp incisors to the room as he drew in short gasps of air, his velvet fur dampening with sweat. He drew back his lips and snarled as he stalked around the body of the panther, tail lashing angrily.
Pausing suddenly, Dorian swivelled his ears and tipped his head. Voices whispered softly through his mind urging him on before he lost his life forever. Draco was too deep in sorrow to comprehend the voices, his mind focused on the death of Harry. The leopard understood in a primal way what he had to do. With a low growl he prowled towards the dark lord, his eyes shining brightly. Paws carried him around the body of his mate and on towards what could be his death.
Severus slid along a wall, pausing behind Lucius as the former Death Eater stopped suddenly. The rush of footsteps racing towards them had both readying their wands as the approaching figure drew closer. The shadows concealed the Death Eater, candles creating small pools of light through which he passed. In a flurry of dark robes, he swept by them without even glancing in their direction. Severus let out the long breath he had been holding and followed Lucius who was once again walking stealthily down the hall. The blonde Death Eater halted, his robes swinging gently before settling to hang naturally about his ankles. Severus arrived and set a hand on Lucius' shoulder, following the pale eyes to the stones beneath their feet.
"What is it?" Severus hissed sharply, eyes darting down the hall as Lucius dropped to one knee. The long pale finger ran slowly through the thick liquid coating the floor, eyes peered closely at the dark substance. Under the pale candlelight the viscous liquid was black but both could smell the strong coppery scent that heralded fresh blood.
"Blood." Lucius murmured, stating what both had already assumed but had been unable to accept. His fingers swiped along the edge of his robes, smearing the blood into the thick fabric, rising smoothly he looked over his shoulder at Severus. "We may already be too late. There's more blood here then generally contained within the human body. Whatever this blood belonged to is already dead."
"This doesn't mean anything. We knew they'd fight and I have first hand knowledge that either one of those animals can cause severe damage. It's likely from the missing guards." Severus whispered, his eyes searching over the bloody floor. Pools of the dark liquid lay everywhere, small drops splattered along the walls while trickling streams had begun to traverse the hall; gliding along the small cracks between the stones and creating an interlocking web of blood.
"I think you're right." Lucius growled from where he stood peering into a small alcove. Brushing back the concealing curtain, Severus' stomach rolled at the sight before him. Between the blood on the floor and that slowly dripping from the still fingers, it did seem likely that both panther and leopard were unharmed. Letting the curtain fall slowly back into place, Severus whirled around and stalked after Lucius's prowling back, his brain still feeding him pictures of the dead Death Eaters left to rot in a forgotten corner of the massive manor.
The pale cat shrieked in outrage as a slash appeared along his side, the wound running with blood. Leaping neatly to the side he avoided the next spell that was flung at him, growing madder by the minute as Voldemort continued to toy with him. A spell impacted with his left flank, the force of it sending him careening into a wall of Death Eaters. Small stars sparked behind his eyes as he shook his head, the consuming darkness attempting to swallow him. Blood running down his throat from where his fangs had clipped his lip, he slowly hauled himself up, wavering as a wave of dizziness struck him. Growling half-heartedly, the big leopard lunged once again, his aching muscles driving him forwards. Voldemort threw back his head and laughed, wand already rising to cast another spell.
"As entertaining as this is, I've got other things I need to be doing this night." Voldemort chuckled, his soulless eyes glittering. His wand rose slowly and gave a flick, his pale lips whispering the one spell all animagi feared. "Animagus reverto!"
The silver coated leopard fell back, his lean body convulsing in pain. Magic shuddered through the room as the conversion began. Draco rose slowly from the floor, hands gripping his sides as fire chewed at his innards. Choking back a yelp of pain, he narrowed his eyes and straightened his body, standing tall before the most feared wizard in the world. The black cloak and expensive robes he had worn to lunch with Harry were torn and stained with blood.
"Afraid yet?" Voldemort asked, smirking at the pain he had caused, his wand resting limply in his fingers. Draco looked around the room, his eyes resting on the still panther for a moment. Pale orbs shimmered with pain. Ignoring the Death Eaters and Voldemort, he moved back towards his mate and dropped to his knees next to the limp panther. His hand skimmed over dark velvet as memories of the past week ran through his head. He closed his eyes tightly in an attempt to stop the tears from sliding down his face. A feather light touch brushed his mind, a soft voice whispered lovingly to him as he clung to Damian.
Take it. Draco gasped at the simple words, mind racing to understand. The internal caress began to fade and he panicked, his own mind stretching along the path in an attempt to capture and hold it to him.
Take what? Draco demanded, fingers digging into the panthers soft fur. The voice laughed at his question.
Anything you need, all of it if it will end this. The voice replied, assurance reinforcing the offer. Draco bit his lip puzzling over the response.
"As touching as this little scene is, I really have something important to do tonight." The Dark Lord growled, angered at being ignored for so long. Draco raised his head slowly, face darkening as his conversation was rudely interrupted.
Alright. He whispered mentally, eyes still locked on Voldemort. Happiness swam around his head, joy that he had decided to trust the foreign voice. The blast ran through him suddenly, power slamming into him and completely flooding his body. Draco screamed in pain as fire traced its way up his spine, so much power trying to find a place to rest. His magic core shuddered, pulsing with every surge and wave that struck him.
Love you. The voice whispered, a brush against his face and the magic began to retreat. Slowing, settling, it stilled inside him. He gasped for breath as the magic tickled against his thoughts, begging him to use it. Smiling slowly, he rose from where he was crouched next to Damian.
Severus stepped over the body of a downed Death Eater, his dark eyes avoiding the mangled throat. Lucius was floating along before him, robes billowing out as he rushed down another hall. It seemed like the damn house kept growing more rooms, no matter how many halls they peered down or the number of doors they threw open, Voldemort and his Death Eaters remained missing. Severus swore as he stumbled, arms swinging in an attempt to catch himself before he made contact with the floor.
His breath rushed out as he landed hard, swearing softly as he scratched his hands on the uneven stone. Glaring down at the offending floor, his eyes widened as he looked at the bloody paw print inches from his knee.
"Lucius?" He called softly, eyes searching desperately for another mark. He smirked to himself as his eyes traced over a paw print slightly to the left of the other, smaller but just as bloody as the first.
"What?" Lucius demanded peering around a corner. His robes swished in annoyance as he turned to look at the Potions Master, crawling along the floor behind him. "What are you doing?" He hissed.
"There's paw prints here, two sets. Why aren't we following them?" Severus asked as he slowly traced a neat circle around the mark. Lucius moved to crouch next to him, icy eyes glaring at the paw print.
"A Malfoy would never lower himself to crawling around on the floor like a common mudblood. Besides the dead Death Eaters were much more visible." Lucius muttered, standing and brushing the dirt off his robes. Severus rolled his eyes and swiped at his thick hair, pushing it back over his shoulder. The masks they wore were extremely hot, sweat trickling down his forehead and being absorbed by the silk lining the inside of the mask. Groaning to himself, he was about to take off after Lucius when it struck.
Power slammed into him, pushing him back into the wall and pinning him there. Lucius was thrown to the floor ahead of him, the magic rushing down the corridor and leaving them both gasping for breath in its wake. One hand resting against his throat, Severus dropped his head against the wall and wondered who'd talked him into this before remembering he was doing it out of the goodness of his heart. And it was the last time that would ever happen.
He radiated power. It swam through his blood and glittered in his eyes. Draco stepped slowly over the body of the panther, his entire being focused on the creature before him. Magic rippled around the room, sending robes fluttering and candles cowering in their holders. His cloak blew out behind him, tugged by the magic wafting off him.
Raising his wand slowly, Voldemort smiled, "I believe its time you joined the once sainted Potter." Draco smiled slightly at the threat, he had nothing left to live for. His life lay behind him on the floor. If killing Tom Marvolo Riddle was Harry's last wish, then he would do it.
"What have I too fear from you?" Draco asked softly, the robes he wore shivering in the magical breeze. His wand was held lightly between his fingers, the wood warm and worn from use. Blonde hair shifted as if invisible fingers had run through the perfect locks. Blue eyes fell to the silver band circling his finger, a promise he would always keep. Raising his eyes, he gave the famed Malfoy smirk. "Are you going to come out and play or send some more of your little soldiers? I must say they are getting boring, no tact or skill. Perhaps you'll provide a challenge worthy of a true pureblooded wizard."
"You'll wish I had killed you first when I get done with you." The Dark Lord snarled, eyes narrowing on the younger wizard standing before him. Raising his wand, Voldemort smiled before pointing his wand at Draco. The pale wizard remained perfectly still, his eyes shifting to follow the movement of the wand pointing at him.
"Avada Kedavra!" Lord Voldemort yelled, the dark green magic shooting from his wand. Draco closed his eyes as he felt his magic react, the thick silver mist reaching out and halting the ball of green fire. He hissed in pain as he opened his eyes, gripping his wand tightly and trying to focus his entire being on pushing the death spell back onto Voldemort. His hair stirred with the force of the magical impact. The silver and green swirled, testing and trying to overpower the other magic. Draco balled his hands into fists as he watched the green slowly press the silver backwards, forcing itself closer to him.
Now. The distant voice whispered through his mind. Draco nodded slightly before reaching inside himself and drawing on the raw magic resting dormant Green leaked slowly from his wand, entwining itself around the struggling silver. With a mere thought, the two magics merged and glowed brightly. In an explosion of raw power, the Unforgivable was pushed back. The magical rush slamming the death spell back onto Voldemort. A shrieking scream and the flash of magics imploding had Draco stumbling back. Magic crashed around the room, free to do as it wished. Death Eaters were tossed aside by the magic, some grabbing their throats as pure magic replaced air in their lungs. Flashes and small explosions had everyone in the room seeing stars, unable to flee the room due to the thick silver magic swirling around them .
Draco raised a hand as a ball of silver and green sped towards him, his head seemed to explode as the power he had released returned, seeking its user unerringly. He felt the bond between Harry and him pulse wildly, magic thundering along the many little paths, tracing its way ever closer to his magical core. With a low cry he fell backwards, landing on top of Damian as darkness consumed him, unaware of the flash of emerald orbs and the sharp inhalation. The hall surrendered to blackness as the final wisps of magic sent candles sputtering in their holders, small trails of smoke gliding upward from the smothered flames.
"Lumos." Severus whispered into the darkness of the hall. His eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light. Sweeping his wand around before him, he looked down at the pale stones. Cracks and char marks ran across them, sickly fingers leading him closer to the scene of death. His eyebrows rose as he peered at a pile of ash, unable to distinguish what it was. Turning around he looked for Lucius, following the ball of pale bouncing light as it made its way around the room.
"There all dead." Lucius announced, his voice dry as he nudged the limp body of a Death Eater lying sprawled on the floor.
"I can see that." Snapped severus, glowering at the other wizard. Shaking his head, he peered into a corner but froze when he heard a low rasping sound. Waving a finger to silence the tirade Lucius was beginning, he listened carefully, every noise seeming louder then it really was. The dragging gasps led him towards a heap on the floor. Dropping to his knees he held his wand above the figures, sucking in a horrified gasp as he peered at an unconscious Draco. His hand trembled as he checked the young wizards pulse, eyes closing in relief when the slow steady beat leapt beneath his fingers.
Moving quickly, he rested a hand on the panthers side, sitting back when a low grunt emerged from the large cats muzzle. Leaning over he peered into half opened eyes. Severus sat back and looked up into the anxious eyes of Lucius, nodding his head to tell the other both boys were still alive. With a smirk, Severus pulled the portkey from his pocket and held it up triumphantly before placing a hand on Damian, watching as Lucius settled a hand on the top of Draco's head before grasping part of the feather. With a loud snap, all four vanished from the manor filled with only death and bad memories.
Hermione sat on a window ledge overlooking the lake. Her eyes watched the first flakes of snow fall and dissolve upon the ground. It was surely to early for snow, the weather more mild then usual but it was snowing out. She smiled as a small flake trickled down and landed on her nose, grinning at the quick bite of cold it produced before melting. Sighing she let her head fall back and bit her lip to keep from crying. They were all right. She supposed that was all that should matter but in a way it saddened her. So much death to reach the point of life and survival. It was a memory that would haunt her for the rest of her life, the sudden yells and banging. By the time the doors had finally been thrown open, Professor Snape and Lucius Malfoy had stood in the doorway, two bodies floating lightly behind them. They had been rushed to the hospital wing before anyone really got a chance to see them but those who had caught a glance looked very pale.
They had been released from the Great Hall several hours ago, all students immediately fleeing so they could finally have a moment to themselves. Sure, they hadn't been in the same room together very long but after Dumbledore started the sing along everything had just gone downhill. A loud chorus of laughter had her opening her eyes and peering at the group of students twirling about below her, their faces raised to the falling snow. She had known when the battle was over, as had everyone else. The blood on the floor in the center of the hall had faded slightly but remained where it had been spilled. In its place two small figures formed, if one concentrated hard enough, they could see the panther and leopard chasing the others tail. Hermione rose slowly and shook out her robes, perhaps she would go and see if Madame Pomfrey would finally allow her in to see Harry and Draco.
Draco woke slowly, the blankets beneath him were scratchy and the pillow was overly soft. The low murmur of voices had him wincing slightly and raising a hand to rest against his ear, everything seemed too loud. Groaning he rolled over and cracked his eyes open, immediately shutting them when sunlight poured into the delicate orbs. His hand drifted from his ear to his eyes, fingers rubbing lightly in apology. The low thud of the hospital door closing had him sighing, the last thing he wanted was some professor or friend trying to hold his hand and telling him nothing was his fault. His fingers rubbed harder in an effort to stop the tears that were building behind his eyes. A low swish had him going limp, the curtain shifting back into place behind his visitor.
The thought hit him hard. Harry. Harry was gone and there was nothing he could do to bring him back. His teeth sank into his upper lip as he fought back a sob. He wasn't supposed to live. He was supposed to be with Harry. The first tears traced a path down his cheek. A light touch against his cheek had his eyes opening. His eyes shone with tears as they stared into merry emerald orbs.
"Boo." The word was whispered ever so softly.
"Harry!" He gasped, right before his open hand slammed into his mates cheek. The crack echoed through the empty hospital wing, quieting the murmur of voices. "I swear on all that is magical if you ever die on me again I'll pull your whiskers out, one by one."
"Sorry." Grumbled Harry, fingering his reddening cheek. Draco's face split into a grin as he reached out and grabbed Harry by the ears, dragging him closer. Staring into each others eyes, they leaned closer, lips brushing softly before the kiss deepened. Tongues brushed and teeth nibbled before a sharp voice pulled them a part.
"Mister Potter! I thought I told you I didn't want to see you in here again before lunch." Madame Pomfrey instructed, her fingers locking into the collar of Harry's school robe and pulling him away from Draco. Harry began to make an excuse but was shushed as the door flew open and Professor Snape entered in a flurry of dark robes.
"A moment alone with my godson if you would." Severus muttered, eyes watching the younger wizards.
"Of course Severus." Madame Pomfrey exclaimed, dragging a complaining Harry from the room behind her. A slight flick of fingers was the only parting their were allowed before the door once again slammed closed.
Severus watched his godson carefully, searching for any sign of weakness or fatigue. Draco looked fine to him, slightly annoyed at having been parted from Harry once again but other then that perfectly healthy.
"How are you feeling?" He questioned, reaching out and pressing a cool hand against Draco's forehead.
"I'm fine." Draco grunted unhappily, crossing his arms over his chest. Severus nodded in satisfaction, removing his hand. Pacing away from the hospital bed he paused before a window and watched as small flakes of snow patted the glass lightly.
"You should be suffering from an overuse of magic. I have no idea how you're still alive." He whispered softly, recalling the relief he had felt upon feeling Draco's pulse beating beneath his fingers.
"Harry was killed. I saw it with my own eyes, how is he alive?" Draco whispered softly, fingers playing with the ugly hospital blanket draped across his lap.
"I don't really know. It may have been the power surge we experienced, it could have been luck, or perhaps it was love. I have no idea and I don't suppose we'll ever really know what happened in that room. So much happened in that castle, there was so much blood and death I'll be seeing it for the rest of my life." Severus turned and smiled weakly at Draco before nodding farewell and ambling slowly towards the door, halting for a minute to speak softly with the medi-witch before continuing out the door.
Draco watched his godfather exit before pulling his blankets back and extending his foot slowly towards the floor. His toe had no more then tapped the stone when Madame Pomfrey's sharp voice ordered him back into bed. No matter how much he complained or pleaded, the older witch was firm on her orders. Sulking angrily, he sank back into the fluffy pillow and stared at the ceiling. He couldn't help but grin as the door swung open softly. His eyes drifted shut at the deep throbbing purr approaching his bed. Grinning evilly, he gathered his own magic and felt the transformation begin. The power trembled through his body as his bones shifted their shapes. Stretching his muscles, he leapt from the bed and swung a gentle paw at the head of the panther waiting patiently next to the bed.
"Mister Malfoy! Mister Potter!" Madame Pomfrey shrieked as her eyes glimpsed a quick flick of black vanishing out the window. Rushing across the room, her eyes followed the panther and leopard as they raced towards the Forbidden Forest. Their coats glistened with good health and you could almost see the sparkle in their eyes. Sighing, she straightened her robes and headed towards the fireplace, she was going to have a little chat with Severus about controlling his house.
In the thick shadows of the Forbidden Forest, a panther bumped his head against the shoulder of a silver leopard.
Love you always.
Love you forever.
A/N: EPILOGUE WILL BE POSTED NEXT FRIDAY. Thanks to everyone who took the time to review, it was wonderful to hear from all of you. At this point...I can only say its been one hell of a good trip. Thanks again and I hope you enjoyed it.
Insane-angel-maegen - lol, good luck with that and my floors could probably use a good scrubbing...
Jane Average - lol, and the blood remained where it fell. I too adore a sentient Hogwarts and hope you're pleased I left the blood mostly where it was.
kikasspunk93 - Hm, perhaps I should kill her off especially since nobody seems to like her very much. I love animals but the large cats are my fav. I have seen Harry given so many animgus forms that don't seem to fit him I finally had to go out and write my own. If someone can write an animagus story and make the character's personality fit that animal all the more power to them. I chose a panther due to Harry's looks and several aspects of his personality. Draco's leopard was based on Harry's form and the fact I couldn't give him an animal less powerful then Harrys. Always expect the unexpected in Severus's character.
Jean Kitsune - Wonderful idea and watch for the epilogue, I've a surprise for you.
H.L.Mittermair - Thank you for the extremely wonderful compliment.
xXxEmileighxXx - I certainly can recommend some good stories, just remember everyone has their own idea of good. Checkmate (Naadi Moonfeather), Draco in Darkness (plumeria), Draco Malfoy and the Heart of Slytherin (Saber Shadowkitten), Golden Phoenix and Silver Dragon (Descendant of Doom), Chivalry is Dead (Hiki-chan), Gold Tinted Spectacles (Beren). I can only hope you haven't read them already.
Fear-of-Apathy - lol, I have 30 chapters to what I originally believed would be a 15 chapter story, where does the time go?
Daemon-In-White - Bingo to one of your guesses and thank you.
skbar - I know, I reviewed it before I posted and thought about changing it but couldn't do it. I just managed to post it before my friends picked me up to go camping, so as a result of my selfishness, I now have Poison Ivy.
Violet7amethyst - So many questions, and as hopefully most were answered in this chapter, I'll only tell you that Dumbledore can't hand a junior witch over to the Aurors and must place her back into her fathers custody.
ToyoKadiyaMikayla - The bond is extremely difficult to explain, even after spending dozens of chapters piecing it together. In the end, I'd say its magic in its purest form: love.
E.T.phonehome - wait and see...
Griffinbear - lol, the name Damian is one of my favourites and it fit so well I couldn't help myself.
Vampgirl113 - lol, I'll see what I can do for you on the Pansy death issue.
Iredesent - lol, every animgus form is given its own name, basically I couldn't allow the leopard to be called Draco so I renamed him Dorian. I suppose Harry would have given him a name like that though..something gentle but beautiful. Anyway, don't feel like sitting around doing nothing is saddening, I did it every Friday plus many nights a few months ago when I was in college and I loved every minute of it.