Chapter six: dance magic, dance

Summary: The Dixons, a magical tent, Ron enjoying himself, and Shane being Shane.

Notes: All my love goes out to Salllzy, who also listens to me babble about my plot, the ships and helps me understand the finer points of surviving in the outdoors. Plus, who makes this work readable! Thank you for al the lovely comments, kudo's, notes, and more! I love reading them all. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well! A few people pointed out, next to my beta, that you wanted some extra pointers next to the line breaks, so I added them from this chapter onwards. Let me know if this is better!

Present time The Farm

They arrived at the farm in silence, where Ron started with getting the tent up immediately, not paying attention towards the rest of the group. Only to Harry every now and then to make sure he was fine, since the man had been wandering on his own. After a few well-placed charms, Ron could finish the rest of his task with magic. Daryl and Merle were too shocked with the news that they might have some magic, or maybe just with the news that magic was real, that they forgot to ask if they would fit in that little tent that Ron was putting up. Daryl was sitting uncomfortably next to the fire that Merle had made, trying to not attract any attention at himself. The brothers were talking very softly with each other, Ron was amused by the fact that Merle was successfully distracting Daryl.

Harry had hung in the passenger seat on the way to the farm like he just signed his death warrant, which he could not do anymore, but that was not a detail he would share with anyone soon. Now he was almost sulking and wandering around the fields from the Greene Farm. He had briefly talked to the farmer's oldest daughter, Maggie, who seemed to be gentler with him than with the others. She had a bright smile and welcomed him to their farm. He had thanked her profoundly for letting them stay and promised to share any meat they would catch. She did not need to know that Ron had apparated forth and back to get some extra supplies, so he later shared some of that prepped meat that the elves from Australia had sent with the farming family. He did make sure that kangaroo wasn't in there, or that it would have been hard to explain in this rural area.

It was Andrea that ran towards them, looking very tired but happy that they had found a place to stay for a while, her hair in a loosened ponytail. She filled them in on the latest events and told them about why she and Dale escaped later than the rest of the group. A sad smile crossed her face when she told them about Jacqui's decision. She inquired after Sophia but did not dwell on it since it seemed that Carl's story was more important. A man called Otis, who lived at the farm they were at right now, had shot a deer in the woods and the bullet had gone right through and hit Carl in the process. The owner of the farm was a veterinarian and had operated on Carl with equipment that Shane had managed to bring back from an emergency post at a school, having lost Otis in the process to a group of walkers. Harry now understood Death's warning from earlier that day even more.

Carl had recovered well enough and was resting back at the farmhouse, Rick was sitting next to him, Rick was tired from giving his blood to do anything. Lori was frantically running around all she was doing was creating a fuss and not being much help. Dale and Glenn had taken care of the placement of the camp that the owner of the farm, Hershel had given them permission to use. They were also allowed to shower in the house, but Carol had declined, saying that she would do that in the morning. Sophia needed to rest, and she did not want to be without her for now. Harry and Ron declined as well, knowing that they could take a luxurious shower or bath in the tent that Ron was almost done with setting up. A magical tent was easily dismantled if necessary, but to get it up and running in a decent way, it would take someone an hour or two. Every room needed to be reassembled from the ground up. With magic that was easily done, but they had not chosen for the easy version, and they could not let the house elves do it now. Ron somehow had liked it; it gave him something to do with his own hands.

Daryl had been concealed by Harry when he could not sit up anymore, so no one would see that he was hurt, otherwise the questions on the quick healing would be not easy to answer. The others seemed to be on edge and were frantically running around doing chores or trying to calm a hysterical Lori down. Harry wondered what was going on in the woman's head, but he had no intention of looking in her head to know for sure. Harry helped Daryl into the wizarding tent that was now finished and laid him on one of the big and comfortable couches that stood in the middle of the room. He pulled out a blanket and tucked the man in while Daryl took another nap too exhausted to say anything or protest. Harry then proceeded to start the fire in the hearth that the tent had in the middle and got a kettle with some freshwater from the stream from his lands ready for tea. They had a replenishing water reservoir built in the kitchen that the Elves tended to.

§§§§§

Past time After the war

This particular tent had been a project between the three boys, the first year after the war. Draco, Ron, and Harry had wanted to go on a holiday, but did not know where to go, so Harry had asked them to go camping. Harry had enjoyed something about the simple life he had while on the run. That it had been hard was without a doubt, but it also had something relaxing. Harry never had much time to relax, between the chores over the summer, the homework during the year, or fighting different enemies while growing up. Not many people had realised that, but Harry had always been busy, and he desired some freedom to do whatever, whenever he wanted to.

Draco's only demand for the camping trip had been that they had to get a proper wizarding tent. Harry wanted it to look like a normal tent in case they wanted to camp at a muggle festival since Ron had taken a liking towards the festivals, and he shared his father's passion for music, and everything muggle. This was something both boys could not deny their freckled brother, so they made their plans.

Harry bought the tent from a specialised charm shop from France, that Lucius had suggested. Narcissa and Draco choose the fabrics for the drapes, the bedding, the rugs, the linen closet, and they had managed to decorated the whole place to their taste. It was a far cry from the tent Ron and Harry had had while on the run with Hermione, and it gave Harry a happy feeling. It turned out to be more prestigious than Harry might have wanted, but if you let the Slytherin Queen and Prince loose, that is what you could expect.

It was done very tastefully, and to his surprise more in crème, blues, turquoise, and other sea colours than the greens and reds he had expected them to choose. Apparently, the mother and son duo had remembered that Harry loved those specific colours, and it would be very neutral for two boys who had been surrounded by red their whole teenage years, or the blacks, greys, and green that Draco saw down in the dungeons. His own room at home had been done in soft greys, dark greens, and tasteful browns. There was of course a lot of green, but not as much as anybody would have expected.

In the middle of the tent there was a big hearth that radiated warmth around the whole place. There was always a chessboard nearby on a beautifully carved side table, and some candles lit the moment anyone would enter the tent. They were floating wherever you would need them, something Harry could still enjoy to this day. These were the things that made him enjoy his own magic again. Floating candles. A kettle that would start boiling with a wave of his hand. Sheets that would fold themselves. Normal magic.

It had one large floor downstairs done in a soft dark blue, and a small floor upstairs that was done in a more sea green, that carried alongside the right side of the tent. It was built around a wooden frame that supported the tent completely. Alder wood, something that made Harry smile nowadays. There were three big settees, three lounge chairs, a small but luxurious kitchenette with a wizarding oven underneath the overhanging second floor, and a small storage space next to that. In the back there was a big bathroom with a large tub, and a decent sized shower. The toilet was situated next to the entrance, so that it was easily accessible for guests.

Narcissa had chosen two lovely round tables that could be connected to each other if there were more guests with a wooden plate that was hidden underneath both tables. The boys usually only used one, with the four chairs, but the options were there to expand.

Harry always wandered about the magical aspect of these things. He had grown up as a muggle, so he wondered about the plumbing and such, but Vilnuk had explained the workings to him when they had started on the build of Hallow Manor. The tent had its own little amenity system in place, that did need some work every other week, if you would go camping, but as most purebloods did; they had an elf who was specialised in these affairs. Since Harry had taken on all his lordships, he also had two elves who were experts. A youngling was being trained by his father around Peverell and Hallow Manor, and the other elf visited all the properties Harry had in his portfolio. If the tent was activated, he only needed to call Kreacher, to take care of these matters. One more reason why he loved magic.

The three bedrooms upstairs for the men were all outfitted with simple, but king-size beds. The first room was Ron's, made in soft crèmes, with an underlining of burgundy. Draco said that he always thought of brandy when he thought of Ron and had used that as a colour palette for the room and the furniture. Ron loved it. There was a big painting that depicted many Quidditch players during a match, with a small wardrobe, and a nightstand. It was sober for their normal housing compared to Malfoy Manor or Peverell Manor, but luxurious for a tent. Draco had said that if it needed to pass for a muggle tent, they could not go as extravagant as the Malfoy tent, which had space for house elves as well.

Draco's room came second, done in soft grey's, soft greens, with accents of dark green. Very sophisticated with dark woods, dark curtains, and a light carpet. He had no desk, but a lounge chair in his room and a bigger wardrobe than Harry and Ron. He had chosen for a decorated wallpaper, and a picture of him and his parents, and one of himself with Harry and Ron on the wall, but nothing else.

Harry had an elegant, but simple room. The big bed stood in the middle of the room, with only a chest of drawers next to it, that also doubled as a nightstand. He had many personal pictures on the wall, something he had not experienced growing up, and a desk where some of his wands or creations would lay nowadays. Harry sometimes fled towards the tent if the big manor would start to get on his nerves. The room was done in a dark blue, with soft purple, and grey accents around the whole room. He had the largest window in his room, something he had asked for, that was framed by dark purple, rich velvety curtains. Harry still liked it dark when he slept.

The fourth room was the smallest, having two single beds since it was meant for guests. For wizards, it was no problem to change the two singles into one big bed, so they never bothered to change that feature. It held one nightstand in between the beds, and two smaller chests of drawers, and two chairs with a round, little table in a corner. On that table stood a tea set, ready to be used.

They had fun with the tent all summer. It had been Harry's job to make sure that they looked as muggle as they could. Harry had laughed as he had tried to dress Draco in jeans, something the man had not been able to pull off. So, he ended up looking like a mugglified version of himself, a real frat boy. He had tried to sneak in his own dress shirts, but the silk used for them was too foreign. Draco had scoffed and demanded the finest shirts he could have. Harry did comply. With a hoodie or a sweater over it, Draco could pass. Ron had been able to adapt very easily. He loved wearing jeans, and had a thing for band shirts, so he fitted right in. Combine that with a wizard's love for boots: Ron looked the part. It had been Harry's opportunity to buy himself a full new muggle wardrobe, something he had never had, nor done in the last few years since he had not known what would happen to him. He always made do with what he had.

They went to three festivals that Ron had been dying to visit, Draco had wanted to bring them to Paris, where they would lounge in front of the tents with an open fire, and gaze at the stars. Harry always found Sirius between the stars. They ended up in Spain, on a magical camping trip next to a muggle one, where the boys finally were able to enjoy being young. They could drink, dance, and enjoy company without anyone asking or feeling bothered by it. They had the time of their lives, relaxing and being free.

It was also during that holiday, that Harry had some time to reflect on his life, without the constant strain on him and his body, that he realised that he wasn't attracted to one gender in particular. After he had brought two ladies home in total, and one bloke. They had a normal muggle tent with them, just to be sure. He did seem to fall for the quieter types, the ones that did not boast or wanted him for his attention. It might have helped that Draco had become utmost proficient in charms to alter your look, and Harry often glamoured himself.

Draco had found himself a very shady, fully tattooed wizard for a few evenings for the three weeks that they had been there, while Ron had gone a bit wild. He finally looked more like a man than a teenager, and his length in combination with his broad chest, gave him many admirers. He always laughed that while his two best friends both could like blokes, he would only cuddle them.

§§§§§

Past time During their camping trip, Spain

"You know, I understand why you like having sex with guys, Draco."

The three of them sat in front of the tent, on the magical camping site that had elves to take over for family elves. It was a pleasant summer evening, without the pressing heat, a gentle sea breeze would drift through the trees every now and then. They were lounging in comfortable camping chairs, with some sort of alcohol in their hands. Ron and Harry had taken a liking to whiskey in any form or shape, whereas Draco loved his brandies and port. They drank wine for dinner. It was the last holiday week before Ron would return to Hogwarts with Draco.

"But I also like women." Harry had been a bit slushed that evening, as he usually never spoke about these things, so his friends let him. "I dunno."

"Whatever makes you happy, Harry!" Ron smiled encouragingly, and fist bumped Draco secretly. They had been waiting for the man to get it out in the open. Wizards often did not speak about those things among peers but knowing Harry he did not have the same sexual education that Draco had from his father or Ron with his father and older brothers.

"Just make sure you use the right spells. Spells for having sex with a man are a bit different." Draco added.

"I know. Sirius taught me all about it. It seemed he liked both as well." Harry mused, and looked towards the sky to find the accompanying star. "It was hella embarrassing, especially since I really wasn't thinking about that. I always thought I just did not like people sexually, but maybe the stress also played a part in that."

"Mate, you had more on your plate than 'maybe kissing Lavender isn't such a good idea?' or 'would I like Neville or Draco?' or 'why does that girl's ass arouse me'." Ron grinned, before he took another drink.

"Oi, Weasel! Harry is first and foremost my best friend, but also not my type. Neville on the other hand …" Draco licked his lips, which earned him a groan from Ron.

"Not what I meant, you idiot! You had time to fuck your way through Slytherin, Harry did not. Everything he did was immediately public news." Ron shoved Draco playfully in the side and muttered something about 'damn Slytherin'.

"I get your drift guys, relax. I just don't know if you'll ever stand present at my wedding, or that I will become a hermit." Harry shook his head in thoughts.

"Well, maybe you can figure out your new problems in due time. Somehow being a Potter means that you attract problems like honey does bees." Draco smiled, but pointed towards the elder wand that Harry wore on his left underarm.

"That is why I am travelling with a Malfoy." Harry proclaimed. "Then the other problem is somehow less bad."

"Ah, you wound me, my immortal friend!" Draco laughed, and refilled their glasses with the bottles that stood at their feet.

§§§§§

Present time The Farm

"Com' on mate, get in the tent!" Harry heard Ron outside, trying to get Merle in. Now that they knew of magic, and Merle realised that what he felt was indeed the effects of magic, he was a bit hesitant. "It won't hurt you; I promise. Plus, it is bigger inside than it looks."

"Look Ron, I appreciate it, but if Daryl and Hadrian are in already, then how are all four of us going to fit? This looks like a tent for three!" Merle looked suspiciously at the tent that seemed nothing more than a boy Scout weekend tent. It was dark green on the outside and had a camouflage net tossed over it.

Harry decided to have mercy on him and shoved his head outside.

"You said it yourself Merle, it looks like it, doesn't it?" Harry smiled. "Now come on, you'll love the inside even more!"

"Let me guess: magic?" It was Carol that sarcastically answered, Carol was standing beside Merle, with a sleepy Sophia leaning onto her.

"Shht! You can't say that here, the others might hear! I dunno about you, but crazy and crazier aren't going to react real' nice to that!" Merle looked like he saw a ghost, but Ron just shook his head laughing silently.

"I'm really better than that, Merle. I had protection set up, it is what we call wards. Invisible, but others can't hear nor see what's happening. For them it looks like we have built three different tents, and there is a fire burning in front of it." Ron smirked and opened the front for them to enter. They ducked to get inside, and Merle wanted to crawl in, but stopped halfway when he realised there was no canvas ceiling close-by, but a two-story tent, almost like a house in front of him.

"Fuck." That was all the man said. Sophia gaped at her surroundings, and Carol started to cry from all the emotions that she had been through that day. This made Merle pull the woman close. The tent was heaven to them. When they saw Daryl on the couch, eating a thick broth from a bowl with something that looked like a silver spoon, tucked in and under a blanket, and Harry standing at the stove, Merle just shook his head. This was surreal.

"Welcome to a proper wizarding tent, my dear new friends!" Ron laughed and invited them to the dark blue couches. "Please take a seat. There is some earl grey in the pot, milk and sugar next to it. Water and glasses in the jug. I am sorry to say we don't have any coffee right now, but we will fix that. Harry is preparing dinner as usual, so I will help set the table, and answer every question that you have right now. We can fill in the blanks over the next few days."

"I'm good Ron, stay with our guests." Harry walked up to his mate, now wearing nothing but green slacks with combat boots, a thin, long sleeve black shirt, and his hair messily tied up. He looked his age in days. "I took a quick shower already, and Kreacher could not stay away, so he took over." Harry did not feel comfortable after the war with wearing short sleeved shirts, and since wizarding fashion barely had that, he adapted easily. His holsters were thus constantly covered, and his scars less visible. He had let some glamours fall, seeing as he needed them to trust him, so he should show that he was trustworthy. The lightning bolt on his head was now very visible because he had his hair out of his face in a messy ponytail. Ron called it his warrior knot after they had been to a samurai exposition on one of their last holiday's.

"Kreacher?" Carol now noticed the small, wrinkly being in the kitchen that was handling pots, pans, the oven, and various other kitchen wares that buzzed through the air, landing on the large table. Pillows came flying from various directions, to make the seats somewhat more comfortable, and more floating candles directed themselves to light up the room. Creating a warm rose gold glow that reflected on the canvas walls, that had been hung with thick, velvet curtains in beautiful sea colours.

"Yes, Kreacher. I did not choose his name, his former mistress did. He is my personal house elf. Not a slave, make no mistake, they get treated very well in the Peverell Estate, he just could not stay away tonight. I tried to explain that you are all new to this, but he's even more stubborn than I imagined. He doesn't realise that you were not raised in any magical fashion." Harry rolled his eyes and gestured something that would tell the others not to mind Kreacher's behaviour. "Important business first. Drinks, shower, dinner, and then we can talk some more, and then a good night of rest for you. How does that sound?"

"That sounds amazing!" Carol shivered but smiled when she felt the heat from the fire on her face. "But where are you hiding a shower then? I could really use one!"

Harry smiled, took her and Sophia's hand, and led them towards the bathroom, so they could pamper themselves with some shampoos and decent shower potions. This left Ron with Merle and a sleepy Daryl.

"Magic huh." Merle had poured himself and Daryl some water from the jug and was sipping from the glass.

"You alright there?" Ron removed his overcoat which he threw towards something that resembled a coat hanger, which left him in his battle trousers, and a burgundy dragon scaled shirt, that could withstand some heavy damage. He even removed his shirt and summoned a normal shirt and beige sweater from what seemed to be his room. The shirt disappeared before their eyes. "You cold?" He directed his question towards Daryl.

"Am good, thank ya." Daryl finished the last of his broth and conversed silently with his brother.

"Yeah, well." Merle nodded. "I mean, it makes sense. A lot. My gran always said these weird things, but I never really paid that much attention to it. Somehow some of it did stick, so I guess it could be weirder?" He looked over at his brother, while Ron poured himself a mug of tea, with a pinch of milk. "Daryl was too young to remember her, but I do remember that at her funeral there were people dressed in those long coats you guys wear as well. All came saying their respects. It turned out to be bigger than our da' expected. I even got some sweets for me and Daryl. I remember tha' very clearly."

"We know some people who could look into that if you are really interested. Me and Draco have more information on the British lines than the American, so Gerald or Elenoir might know more. No rush, you can always decide that later." Ron took out his wand and muttered something before he nodded his approval without giving any hints to what he was doing.

"What does that whole squibby-thing mean?" Daryl was recovering exceptionally well, and he had drunk more of the water that his brother had poured him into the glass on Draco's orders.

"Draco and Severus could explain this better on a scientific level, so bear with me." Ron pulled his brows up and down, and sighed. "Sometimes a person gets born with really low reserves of magic or just not enough magic. If they cannot use it properly, then magic gets dormant and those are the people we call a squib. Recently, after the wars, they discovered that too much inbreeding can do that to you. Some families liked to keep their lines 'pure'." Ron used air quotations to emphasize his story. "Or sometimes someone is just not ready for all the magic. It can resurface in their children or grandchildren if they marry someone without magic, but it usually takes a few generations. In the meanwhile, the people in between are also called squibs. People without active magic but from a magical heritage."

"Magic is a sentient being," Harry clipped in, "It exists, and some believe that it chooses you. Others say that it is in the blood. Our 'scientists' don't know everything yet, and we have had some other things to worry about. We do know that magic can lay dormant but resurface if someone is powerful enough. A good friend of ours, an American witch, told us that a lot of magical users in America were condemned during the Salem Witch Trials, so they choose to go underground. Sometimes their offspring never learned more that the 'voodoo' you talked about, to make sure that they would not be prosecuted, and to keep their children protected from the hardships."

Harry took the offered mug with tea without anything in it from Ron, took a breather himself, and continued his story. Knowing that Carol had been listening as well, since he felt her standing behind him, watching Kreacher in awe who was preparing his dinner.

"America has had a lot of immigrants, which also had great groups of magical immigrants. The land of the free was used for everything that other countries denied or prosecuted by law. The government here was founded way later than in England or other countries around the world. This used to make it difficult for MACUSA, the American Magical Government. Therefore, they are much stricter than even our British Ministry of Magic in the matters of secrecy."

"Your guess is as good as ours?" Carol took the mug that Merle immediately offered her, with a soft smile on his face as he looked at the woman. She was now standing in somewhat sturdier sneakers, with linen trousers, and a cardigan with matching t-shirt, that Ron had found on his travels. Harry had given her many options, so she could choose something for herself.

"Maybe, maybe not. We are more the fighters, less the scientists." Harry offered. "As Ron said, either Draco or Severus would be better equipped to make this a logical story. I can imagine that this must be a lot for you; I know it was for me."

"It's fine, we get it, I guess." Merle smiled at his new dark-haired friend. "You mentioned dinner?"

Harry laughed at the boldness, but he grinned and pointed at the table. He understood the necessities in life, he respected Merle for that. His boldness, and the way he was obviously caring for the people in his life. Harry wondered if Merle knew himself, what the others clearly saw in the man. If he weren't careful, Carol would fall head over heels for the man. Sophia already adored him.

"Yes, it is ready. For five minutes already, it is under heating charms. I wanted to wait until everyone was showered. Daryl, Merle; we have some clothing for you at the ready. Come on!" With that Merle helped Daryl to the bathroom and both took a deserving shower with shower materials that were more expensive than they ever had used. Even the simplest shower bar had a scent that Merle did not recognize.

§§§§§

Present time The Farm

Dinner was a quiet affair, it seemed as if the outside world did not exist for a few hours, and there were no walkers around, like they were back at their normal pace. This did surprise Daryl; both their hosts had been extremely paranoid before but were eating and drinking like nothing was happening around them. The food was exquisite, even though they were looking at the big-eyed creature that was called Kreacher, with their own unbelieving eyes. Hadrian explained it a bit, but it hadn't sunk in yet. The little thing did hoover around its 'master', making sure he ate, drank, and did not do anything to exhaust himself. Daryl realised that there was a story there, but he did not want to upset his host by asking the wrong questions.

"The food is very lovely, thank you Kreacher!" Carol might find all that was happening very weird, and it might not be as she learned in church, but her southern hospitality kicked back in as she looked delighted at the thing that made the food.

"Yous welcome, friend of master. Kreacher is pleased that the mistress is happy." The thing started clearing the table with a snap of its fingers, and all that was on the table cleared itself, getting the table ready for dessert, as Hadrian had asked him.

"Hadrian, can I ask a few questions?" Carol smiled at their host.

"You may Carol, ask away." Hadrian always answered very curtly and was chivalrous towards the woman and her daughter.

"Is Harry a nickname for Hadrian, that your friends call you this?"

"Hmm," hummed the man, while he drank the last of his butterbeer that George and Luna were brewing. The muggles had gotten a private brew from Mack, which he had been experimenting with. They saved the bottled goods for special occasions. "Yes and no, but it is a long story. Short version: I was always called Harry, but I found later that my father officially named me Hadrian. I started using that for official business, and Harry for friends. If you want, you may call me Harry. That is no problem."

"I like Hadrian as well." Surprisingly, this came from Daryl, who drank the last of his brew, and was still chewing on a piece of bread from the main course.

"Thank you, I do too."

This earned a small smile from the hunter towards Hadrian.

"Shall I do the honours?" Ron had come back from the toilet and set a bowl in the middle of the table. "I thought this might be easier. Let 'em watch the short version as a muggle telly."

"Might be for the best, although I do not wish to be around that again. If you do not mind Ron, I have a letter to write to Teddy. Minerva received one of the boxes, and she and Teddy have been using it frequently. If you will excuse me." With that the man stood up, a soft smile gracing his features, and he walked upstairs to one of the bedrooms, as Ron had told them.

"Is he alrigh'?" Merle saw the man walk away, and Daryl realised that he had been right. There was more to Hadrian than the world saw. Something in Daryl hoped to be able to see the real Harry one day. He knew he wasn't very open himself, but something in him kind of connection with the mysterious stranger.

"Harry's story is entwined with our stories, with that of our side of the wizarding world. What you're about to see are memories from multiple people, including Harry's. Draco and he made this as a sort of therapy, but he has allowed some people to view this. He trusts you, and so do I, but we will ask you to sign something in the morning to ensure that you can't tell the others, even if you wanted to. Will you agree to this?" Ron looked serious now, his freckles looking dark underneath his blue eyes.

"Wha' happens if we don't sign?" Merle looked at Ron calculating, but Daryl realised that his brother meant no harm. They were attracted to the wizards, and now they knew why. Magic found magic, and they evidently belonged to that group of people, even if they were just squibs.

"Then I can't show you, or we will erase that part of the memory. People would not believe you anyway even if you would tell them. Draco will bring the papers with him in the morning." Ron's voice was eerily calm, it was not threatening, but it did tell the Dixons that he meant serious business.

"What happens if we sign it, and want to talk about it?" Daryl asked now. He understood the need to protect a brother. He would do the same for Merle without hesitating. He realised that they owned the wizards for saving Merle and him.

"You physically won't be able to. It is no vow, nothing that could harm you. You just won't be able to mention it to anyone who doesn't know already."

"Safe to sign?" Merle nodded.

"Yes, the second one you would have to sign to see our camp, that one is a bit more complicated, but not the point of business now. We will explain that one later." Ron explained.

Merle looked at his brother thoughtfully, who just nodded, and Carol who did the same after a few moments. They knew they had nothing to lose.

"Alright, hit us!" Merle exclaimed.

§§§§§

Present time The Farm

Hadrian, or Harry, had joined them after the whole story and helped them to their respective rooms. Merle and Daryl took the fourth bedroom, liking the idea of two single beds. Ron and Harry took their own, leaving Draco's room to the ladies. They had said some soft goodnights, all still mulling on the story they had seen. Ron had not lied, Harry's story had been entwined with all of it, and it was a heavy story to say the least.

Merle helped Daryl on the stairs, and into the room. It was ridiculous, especially for a tent. This was not camping, for the Dixons this was as good as a luxurious hotel. He got Daryl's boots off him and helped him strip off his clothing. Apparently, the elf had cleaned the boots with magic, which almost made them look as new. They both had gotten a pair of army coloured cargo pants, with a dress shirt with short sleeves for Merle, and a t-shirt for Daryl. Hadrian seemed to know what people liked before they did that themselves.

"That was quite something, right?" Merle looked over at his brother who had been given a painkiller in the form of a drink that had been called a potion, and was laying satisfyingly on the bed, almost asleep. "How's the pain?"

"Barely feel any, that drink worked. Better than painkillers. I do feel sleepy now." Daryl had started slurring a bit.

"Yeah, little brother of mine, it has been quite a day. Next time be careful with your bow, alrigh'!" After the story Ron had told them, Merle only came to realise that he could have lost his brother today, so he was taking it easy on the man right now. He could always tease him afterward when Daryl was in less pain and off the painkillers.

Daryl tried to react to the conversation, but was already taken by the dream world, when Merle looked to the bed next to him. Merle relaxed on the bed, after Ron had told him that the tent was almost safer than their own compound, with all the protections Hadrian and Ron had put on it, and on the perimeter of their spot, that had been a bit off the side from the rest of the group. Ron had taken the first watch, just to walk the area, and see if there was any immediate danger, as Hadrian would take the morning shift, since he was always up early.

Merle had offered his help, but he had been shooed away; as long as he had no armour or a bow, he wasn't allowed to help. Merle had scoffed at that because the men both only wore leather coats. He had been surprised when Ron let him feel it and told him of the protective dragon leathers that they had. Now Merle wanted a pair for him and Daryl as well. That would keep them all much safer, and he could pull his own weight.

Merle thought about the life story that they had been told. Hadrian did not have an easy life; not knowing your parents, being raised like you were garbage – something the Dixons could relate to -, each year at school had been a challenge to stay alive, and then the boy had been expected to take on a group of terrorists without almost little to no help. Merle recognized that the man was haunted by the war, especially now that he was thrown back in something similar again. The man only had about ten to eleven years that had seemed like freedom, and now he was a leader once again. He might not have chosen it, but he was very good at it. Ron was his right hand, there was no question about that, and Draco seemed to be his left. It explained Hadrian's current behaviour, the way he walked, talked, and sometimes could change in a blink of a moment from leader to a friend, and back again.

The redneck had decided that Hadrian was alright in his book. He was someone who cared but was realistic and demanded fair things in return for his hospitality. He had relayed his basic rules, and Merle knew that he would keep to them. Even if they would not have asked him to sign the document, he would have kept his silence. Merle also had decided that he would do whatever was necessary to pass any test to get into Hadrian's compound. Even if the Dixons could survive anything, he knew that stability would be so much better for Carol and Sophia. Hell, it would even be better for himself and Daryl. He could work cars, bikes, and machinery. He could shoot with a gun, a compound bow, and he was excellent with hand-to-hand combat. Daryl was an exquisite hunter, and Carol could always help in her own way.

Merle felt the desire in his heart to protect Hadrian, like he had another brother. He knew Daryl and Hadrian were about the same age, so it made sense, but he had not felt that about people in a long while. He did not know why, but something about his gut, and his sweet grandma that always had said that he should follow that. He would. Merle would survive this goddamn apocalypse, even if he had to work around magic.

§§§§§

Present time The Farm

The next morning, they awoke from their peaceful sleep to hearing screaming in front of the tent. One of the voices sounded like Hadrian was going off at Lori, who demanded them to be present for a meeting and to share resources with the rest of the group, as she had found out that Harry had shared with the Greene family.

Hadrian stood with a tea towel over his shoulder, wearing another camo pant that seemed to be littered with dragon scales, as the men had learned the night before, and a high closed light-blue dress shirt without a collar. His sleeves were rolled up, as he had been cooking but that was not a fact he was sharing with Lori. Merle wondered where he left his wands, as he had seen that Ron and Hadrian wore at least one of their wands on their arm. Merle adapted, took to new information like a fish to water, and was able to connect the dots easily. Even if it were with something as funny as magic. He filed that question away for later.

"I expect everybody from the group to share, Hadrian!" The woman screeched again. "My son almost died; you would never know how that feels. You are too young to have almost lost someone. This group shares and we take care of each other."

Hadrian now stood stiff, but in a defensive method, probably trying not to use magic on the woman or to start screaming at her. Merle realised she hit a sore spot. From what he had learned, Harry had lost quite the number of people, and as he knew himself, this would never get easier in life. His losses still haunted him to this very day.

"I did share, I gave mister Greene some supplies for letting us on this farm. I believe you ate from those supplies, thus I shared. I am not part of your group, so I only shared with the person that gave me a place to set my tent. I believe that the rest is none of your business, madam Grimes, please leave me and my family alone."

"Those rednecks are not your family, and who says Carol wants to stay with you?" Lori stood with her arms crossed, angry tears running over her face.

"Maybe you should worry moreover your own husband and son, I believe Merle is doing a fine job taking care of Sophia and Carol. If he doesn't, he will deal with me personally. I bid you a good morning madam Grimes; I am busy." Hadrian let the tent fold close again, and let his wand fall back into the holster that came in sight once there were no others looking.

Ron had woken from the loud noises and walked down the stairs groggily. He waved his wand around and daylight started to come through 'the windows'. Merle could not remember if they were magical or not. The wizards had explained a lot last night and he did not know anything anymore he figured; his world had been turned on its axes. Daryl followed Ron with a grumpy and calculating look but said nothing as he ascended the stairs. The Dixons never spoke more than necessary; it had become a habit.

"Morning mate, slept alright?" Hadrian offered Ron a cup with something that resembled orange juice, that Ron drank as if he had not anything to drink in days.

"Yep, Kreacher's back?" The man wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, already dressed in his battle gear. They had explained that they felt more comfortable during the day, seeing as these wards were temporary. Merle understood that wards were invisible walls that protected them, and they were fuelled by one's magic. Magic seemed tiresome, but handy.

"How come Lori did not see us here?" Daryl asked, as he took a place at the table. The little creature was back again, as if he had not left at all or maybe it hadn't, and it was preparing dinner next to Hadrian. The thing seemed a bit annoyed that its master, as he called Hadrian, was helping but it also seemed that his argument was not won by the thing. Not even this morning.

"House elf magic is very different from ours, sometimes even more potent. If Kreacher does not want to be seen, you will not see him." Hadrian explained.

"And your wands?" Merle took the offered plate from Hadrian and took a seat as well. "Is that coffee?" The man smelled the dark rich roast from a big jug on the stove and seemed to gravitate towards it.

"Modified Muggle repellent charms, they can't see us, but can come close to us. I just don't fancy walking around with empty arms for multiple reasons." Hadrian smiled a genuine smile before taking a seat himself. His holsters were very visible now. One held a very delicate, and long piece of wood. The other arm had the same colour but was a lot rougher Merle noticed. Carol took a seat on Merle's left, Daryl on his right. Sophia between Carol and Ron. Daryl noticed that Ron never left Hadrian's side if he could, like a squire protecting his king.

"Yous mentioned coffee, Kreacher brought coffee." The toothy thing smiled at Merle, while setting a heavy ceramic pot on the table. "Kreacher brewed it himself, mistress Hicks 's very specific about her morning coffee. Kreacher made it better than Lizzy does." The thing looked very proud and smiled again, although Merle did not know who this Lizzy should be.

"Thank you Kreacher, our guests appreciate it. Tell Neville that his beans won't go to waste anymore." Hadrian almost answered on instinct.

"Kreacher will tell master Nev."

With that the conversation subdued and the party ate, enjoying their eggs on toast with some various fruits, marmalade, vegetables, and spices.

"I'm sorry for the lack of meat this morning, but we needed to cut it back a little to make sure we can serve it every evening. We don't want to overshoot right now, and we need to prepare for the winter that will be coming. Our supply lines are still running, but I want to be prepared for the worst." Hadrian seemed to have stopped eating, but Ron would not have it, and served him another portion that Hadrian begrudgingly ate under his watchful eye.

"I can go huntin'." Daryl added to the conversation.

"You need to take it easy, mate!" Hadrian smiled towards the younger Dixon-brother. "I don't want you to get hurt again, heal a bit first. We have enough for the next few evenings, and then some before it starts to be conspicuous."

Daryl nodded, although he didn't really like it. Merle had been the same that morning, suggesting that he would not be any good if he got hurt again, and that Merle could hunt some small game for now with some traps. Ron had also promised that Mack might bring some extra equipment, so Merle could shoot game with a compound bow. He preferred that over the crossbow that Daryl loved. He agreed with Ron that they should save bullets for emergencies.

"I can set some traps, get some rabbit's or little things." Merle offered. "If that Mack-guy brings back a bow, I will hunt some bigger game."

"I do not believe we had any meal as of late that resembles this in the last few months, this is absolutely delicious!" Carol smiled. "What do you do with the scraps? I can prepare some dishes with this."

"That is sweet Carol, but we either have it for lunch or the elves take it back and keep it for the next morning. We can preserve a lot with charms. You can rest for now." Hadrian explained, while eating the servings that Ron had thrown on his plate yet again. "We have our own larders, farms, and everything we still miss, Neville is trying to cultivate. The man is brilliant with plants, and we're trying to get all the species we need. With magic contamination is less likely."

"I wondered about tha'." Daryl drank his black coffee with glee.

"How is your side?" Hadrian informed. "Draco will check you over if he arrives. Mack will be glad to have more people around, I think."

"I'm good. D'sn't hurt."

"Good." Ron nodded. "And you sweetheart, what do you think?" He looked at Sophia, who cocked her head to shoulder and looked from Kreacher to Harry, and back at Ron.

"I think magic is really cool! Maybe I could learn all about it?" The blonde girl squealed.

"Perhaps you just might, Elenoir would love someone to spoil for sure!" Hadrian laughed and sighed. "But that leaves us with a few problems. I do not trust the others as far as I can throw them without magic yet. If I take you with me, that could raise suspicions, and they could become a threat. If they know we are out there, they could start looking, and somehow that raises all the hairs on my arm. I also believe we could use someone like Hershel for Luna Park. I was thinking about recruiting the family, maybe Glenn too."

"I agree." Surprisingly, it was Carol who spoke, and Merle who had wanted to say something, stayed silent encouraging Carol to speak. "Rick and Shane are fighting over the leadership, while Lori has been dishonest with both men. They might overlook me, but they forget that I see everything. Shane and Lori were being really close, you know," she nudged her head towards Sophia, and her company smiled that they understood. Some things were better left unsaid while young ears could hear you. "I could not vouch for any of them at this moment."

"Thank you for your input, Carol." Ron looked approvingly. "I've thought about it, maybe Harry and I could stay for a few days. Do some recon. The grounds will run themselves without us, and even if Harry does not say it himself, he was itching to go out."

"I am not some pet that needs to be taken out for a walk!" Hadrian puffed semi-annoyed and flicked his hand in Ron's direction, which was deflected by Ron's wand.

Even from those little encounters, the Dixons noticed that Harry was very strong, and Ron very skilled. Ron had told them a little bit about Harry being very proficient in wandless magic, but Ron never took to it much. He loved the feeling of the wood in his hand, that would do to his bidding as he wished. It had also helped that Ron had a specialised wand made just for him. He had not said who had made it, but the man had shown his aspen wand, and explained a bit about them. This one suited his personality if he fought so much better than his secondary, that he had shown an interest in Merle as well. Weapons still were weapons after all, and Merle loved to learn about weapons. He wasn't a master-in-arms after all for nothing.

"No, you are a war-veteran who needs his outings, so you do not feel imprisoned." Ron bit back.

"What did you tell them, Ron?" Harry's voice was now tense.

"You could have been there for the story?" Ron smiled mischievously. "No worries, mate. I showed them the picture with the memories that Draco and you gathered and made."

"That drivel? Jeez, no wonder they are sleepy. That was boring at least!" Hadrian smiled a wide smile and winked towards Sophia who was playing with her Pygmy-puff. Kreacher had brought some supplies for the little thing, so Sophia could take care of it. Courtesy of Luna.

"It was really cool, the magic that I saw. This tent is also very magical, like in a fairy-tale." The girl started a complete rant about all that she saw, while Ron whispered to Hadrian; "I edited it for her, she only saw the light stuff. Mostly you were making a great light show, as Daryl called it." Ron smirked, and Hadrian shook his head, while he sipped from his third cup of tea that morning. He did seem more relaxed than last night.

§§§§§

Present time The Farm

The afternoon came around, as the group talked some more. Carol and Harry discussed Sophia's possible training, while Merle and Ron spoke about defence, and Ron explained their current situation around Luna Park. Daryl just sat quietly, listening to the conversation around him. He wasn't used to being well-fed every day, not even before the apocalypse, so he was feeling quite full and content. He never had slept in such a soft bed, that he was now afraid to get spoiled from just camping in this tent. On the other hand, he did not want to leave Hadrian for no reason. Something told Daryl that he was right where he needed to be in his life. He would fight for his new family, no matter what, even if they had magic and could do crazy shit with that.

When they heard a pick-up truck arrive on the farm, Hadrian and Ron summoned their full gear, and were battle-ready in a few seconds. Hadrian walked out with a drawn dagger in his left hand, his right hand ready to catch his wand. Ron followed him with a casual walk, that showed power but did not overdo it. He had his broad sword on his back, like it weighed nothing. Daryl had taken his trusty crossbow immediately and followed the man, leaving Merle with Carol and Sophia to stay inside the tent, until Daryl would whistle the safe sound.

From the other tents, Shane and Rick emerged, with T-Dog on their heels, and Maggie coming out of the house. Guns and knives are drawn. It was a big pick-up that was filled to the brim with baskets, fishing gear, some chairs, and loads of farming equipment. The side of the door read 'Moore farming', and that was the moment that Harry started laughing. Daryl whistled so that Merle knew it was safe, and Ron shook his head.

"Look who's back." Harry laughed and opened his arms towards the white blonde that jumped out of the passenger seat. He wore a short, crème coloured jacket. Totally inappropriate for an apocalypse, but that had never held Draco back. He looked like royalty if it had not been for the combat pants and dragonhide boots. Mack wiggled his eyebrows and smiled at Harry with his usual flair.

"Hello Harry! It's good to see you." Mack shook hands with his landlord as he called Harry, and Draco kissed Harry on his cheek before he went for Daryl, in full healer modus. "Had a good rest?"

"Yea, it was fine."

"You found it alright?" Harry kept his eye on the others who were approaching but spoke calmly with Mack.

"Directions were good enough, I used to work on a few of these farms, so that was no problem at all. Draco and I looted some of the empty farms around here, so we have some extra stuff. Draco already transported some of it. I brought the materials and weapons you asked for, they are in the backseat. Ezra is excited about the new potential, but I told him to keep it on the downlow." Mack smiled at Harry and shook his head towards Draco. "He can't sit still, can he? I've been trying to get him to take a break for a few days, but he's either helping Severus brew or reading books on literally everything. In between the visits outside with you."

Mack was a broad-shouldered man, with toned, muscled arms and legs from working on farms every day for at least nineteen years since he was fifteen. He had always been a working man. He wore a typical southern outfit; heavy jeans over boots with a pleated shirt, and a leather coat that he held in his arms. Spelled by Draco to keep him cool and protected. His dark blue eyes shone with a brilliance that even Dumbledore would have trouble matching, and he always carried a natural positive vibe. John said that his brother had inherited that from their mother, while John himself was more serious like his father who had been the wizard in their family. Not a very powerful one, but he had always protected his family and their farm before he died of dragon pox. John had taken over from that point when he had been twenty-one.

"Who are you! Explain. Hands up!" Shane held his knife at Mack, and Rick aimed his revolver at Draco.

"Relax dude, we're with Harry here. Reinforcements." Mack still smiled, with his hands held high and palms towards the former deputy. "No need to go all crazy, will ya'!"

This wasn't the right thing to say to Shane, who had his eyes slitted and looked very dangerous towards the two newcomers.

"How did you know that there were people here?" Shane demanded the answers.

"My name is Draco Malfoy, and my companion is Mack Moore. We are associates with Hadrian Potter-Black, who found the girl you lost in the woods, standing right in front of you. We have met briefly at the CDC, if you might remember? I can understand that must have been a troublesome experience, so I will not hold that against you. Hadrian communicated with us to bring some supplies for Sophia and her new family, so we did." Draco used his pureblood voice, full of attitude, confidence, and a little hint of the aristocracy he came from. He stood proud, tall, and on edge. Ready to strike if necessary. Just like Ron and Harry, his right hand hoovered loosely in the air, as if he wanted to catch something.

"Shane, he's right. Look, it's the doctor that talked with Jenner back then." Rick finally recognized Draco, who nodded curtly at him.

"And him!" Shane pointed the knife closer to Mack.

"My associate. He knows the area very well and has decided to guide me." Draco was not Harry's left hand for no reason, he had stood in front of a crazed Dark Lord and lied. Men like Shane were nothing to him. A Malfoy never gave in, nor negotiated with terrorists as Mack called it.

Harry softly and gently laid a hand on Shane's, which caused the man to loosen his tight hold a bit, and he pushed the hand down.

"Shane, Mack is practically unarmed, while you are holding him at knife point. Please reconsider your actions, before I have to intervene." His tone was light, with a hint of danger thrown in the mix.

The man in question did lower his knife, as Hershel came walking up to the duo and greeted Mack as if he was a long-lost family member.

"Drannon Mack Moore, I almost did not believe my own eyes. It is very good to see you son!" Hershel shook hands with Mack, who blushed a little because of the attention. "Please tell me that Johnathan is also alive?"

Meanwhile, Ron mouthed towards Harry; "Drannon?" with a face of disbelief. He snickered, but also understood why Mack was rather called 'Mack'. Harry just shook his head. The wizarding world and their names, it was almost ridiculous.

"Yes sir, both John and Vicky, with Reagan are still alive. Harry here helped us when things got tough. It is good to see you alive and well. I hope your losses weren't as great?" Mack patted the older man's arm a bit saddened as he saw the older man's face twist a bit, and waved over at Maggie, who stood at the porch with someone that looked like her younger sister. Both wove back, the younger girl a bit more enthusiastically than the feistier of the two.

"I, unfortunately lost my wife to this terrible disease, but I hope she either finds her way to God or back to us. Please, come inside for some iced tea. Hadrian, you, and your friends as well. I believe it is high time that we had a chat." With that, Hershel let Rick and Shane be, with T-Dog standing beside the men. Harry shrugged, but followed the veterinarian with Ron and Draco at his heels. If Harry had listened very closely, he could have heard Merle mutter something about him still owning a few questions, but the noise on the farm did not carry those words along to the wizard.