--Spelling and word error fixed 10/3/06

--MAJOR kudos to whoever gets my movie reference.

--Parrain/Filleul is French for Godfather/Godson. Or so says Google.

--More of Lucius next chapter. He's not exactly free to talk here…

Chapter 14 – Saturday, 19 October – Presentation

Severus grit his teeth and politely greeted yet another pair of sycophants. He loathed this. Loathed it more than he had ever loathed teaching dunderheaded students. He wanted to hex all these simpering idiots into toads and slugs and other slimy things. At least that way they might be of some use in potions. All this bloody etiquette was going to kill him before he ever got to see his son again. Of course, Lucius and Narcissa were thriving.

He wanted to hex them, too.

In fact, maybe he'd hex them first.

It could be argued, after all, that it was their fault he was in this position to begin with. Then again, if not for them he wouldn't have Draco. And his son was the only thing on this planet that could get him to be polite to…yet…another…imbecile.

Eventually the torture ended and everyone was checked off the guest list and ushered into the Great Hall. The three stepped into the Hall and Narcissa waited demurely – hah! that woman was a harridan when she wanted to be – while Severus and Lucius closed the massive doors. At the deep thud all the guests quieted and skittered out of the way of the stones that began slowly rising from the floor in a fifty-foot-wide semi-circle. The masses quickly left their respective positions about the Hall to jockey for a position on the steps. Severus, Lucius and Narcissa made their way to the spot on the floor immediately in front of the new stone steps, directly across from the door. It was their position of honor as parents and was shared only by the Headmaster as de facto host.

The next several minutes ticked by slowly as everyone waited. Severus was greatly looking forward to seeing everyone's reactions to Potter. Severus and Flitwick had laid a wager, instigated that morning at breakfast by Flitwick, with McGonagall and Sprout that Harry Potter would be barely recognizable. The two men claimed that Potter would arrive as a confident and strong young man, having dropped all pretense of being a naïve schoolboy, and also that he would be dressed imposingly in fine quality traditional robes. Pomona had argued that Potter's personality wouldn't change because of being a transition partner, even if it was to a Gifted Draco Malfoy, and Minerva had argued that Potter would be dressed in something of Draco's, not having the time, knowledge, or inclination to be dressed properly. It was Minerva's opinion, after she'd thought about it, that the invitations and catering must have been arranged by Draco prior to his disappearance in the event that he became Gifted.

Severus didn't think so. And, surprisingly, neither did Flitwick. He'd confided to Severus after breakfast that he'd long noticed something a bit off in Potter's work; something that hinted at a greater knowledge and ability than displayed. The Charms teacher had kept his silence simply because the boy had. It was Flitwick's opinion that this very public appearance would prompt Potter to drop his act.

The doors clicked and slowly opened and, ah, yes, Severus and Flitwick both anticipated being five galleons richer before the end of the night.


Harry placed his hand on the doors and they obligingly swung open. He and Draco stood there until the doors were fully open and then waited until the count of ten. "Whoever designed this ceremony definitely had a flair for the dramatic," he thought.

They walked forward twenty feet and stopped just on the edge of the semicircle and let the assembly take in the image of the two figures: one imposing young man dressed all in black and one figure hidden completely under a cloak of midnight blue. Harry stood regally and cast his gaze over the guests. Most of them stared back at him in shock. He noticed Snape wasn't one of those shocked speechless. In fact, he looked rather smug for some reason. "On with the show…," Harry thought.

"I, Harold James Potter, have come to Present to thee the Gifted Draconis Lucius Malfoy. Wilt thou, in fair mind and good conscience, stand witness to his Proving of his Gift?" he demanded imperiously.

"Aye," rumbled some five hundred voices in response.

"So be it," Harry replied.

Harry turned to Draco. Harry could feel Draco's confidence and eagerness through the bond but asked anyway, "Ready?"

Draco nodded once and looked to where he knew his parents and godfather would be standing. He couldn't wait to see that moment of shock on their faces.

Harry stepped behind Draco and undid the plain clasp on the cloak, making sure to hold the cloak closed until he got hold of the hood. Harry pulled simultaneously at the hood and the body of the cloak, divesting Draco of the garment in less than a second. The gasp was immensely gratifying. To both of them, Harry could tell through the bond. Harry shrunk the cloak and placed it into a hidden pocket in his dress robe. He then turned to look at everyone. Yes, all those dumfounded looks were quite gratifying.

As he looked about the assembly, Harry could already see some of the gazes turn calculating. Severus Snape remained as impassive and unreadable as stone to him but Draco must have seen something because Harry felt a wave of warm love and pride, not directed at him, through the bond.

Looking over the crowd again, he spotted Corinne and Adrien where he had asked them to stand. Looking back to Draco he smiled and placed a hand on Draco's shoulder, pressing him down, urging him to kneel. Draco knelt gracefully and smiled up at Harry. Their interaction caused nearly as many gasps as the initial unveiling and both young men smirked. Harry gave Draco's shoulder a quick squeeze and went over to his friends, every eye on him.

Harry bowed gracefully to Adrien ((Greetings, sir. Thank you for coming. Might I prevail upon your beautiful wife for a time?)), he asked in flawless French, something that did not go unnoticed, or subsequently un-commented upon, by the surrounding gossips.

Adrien smiled, bowed his head politely, and replied, ((With her consent, of course, Lord.)) Adrien's form of address also didn't go unnoticed or un-commented upon. Harry could almost feel the weight of the stares searching out his Lord's ring.

Bowing over and kissing the hand of Corinne, he said, ((Greetings, Madam. Might I ask you to be the subject of the Proving of my charge?))

((It is my honor, Lord,)) Corinne replied graciously with a curtsey.

Harry led her over to stand behind Draco, completely ignoring the murmurs of surprise that were now flowing outward through the crowd at his manners, command of the French language, and the mode of address the couple had used for him. Placing a hand on Corinne's shoulder, Harry uttered a quick spell and began to speak in voice that now carried easily to all in the room.

"This is Corinne Metais. During the last war she was caught in a Death Eater raid. During the raid a fire curse caught her along the left side of her face and head. A large patch of skin, from the top of her cheekbone across her eye and top of her ear to nearly the back her skull was severely burned all the way to the bone. Because the burn was all the way to the bone and because the eye was burned beyond repair, there was nothing that could be done for her other than ensure she would live. It was the opinion of the medi-wizards at St. Germaine's in Paris that only a Gifted Healer could offer her any hope of reconstruction."

Finishing his speech, Harry removed the scarf and veil from around Corinne's head, revealing the extensive scarring. Harry had chosen Corinne for several reasons. One, her injuries, even if they hadn't actually been seen, were well-known, at least in France and the upper echelons of British wizarding society, because she was well-known. Two, the injuries were well-documented and anything Draco healed could be easily verified. Both of these points would keep anybody from trying to claim a false or staged Proving. And, lastly, because Draco had experience, from Harry's scars, in healing skin. This task would be easy for Draco even if the skin in question was a much larger expanse than anything he had yet done.

Harry placed Corinne's right hand in his elbow and escorted her slowly around the semi-circle of witnesses, allowing everyone to see for themselves the extent of the damage. Corinne flushed in embarrassment but kept her head high. Once they arrived back in front of Draco, Harry helped Corinne to kneel facing the Healer.

"Do what you can," Harry said to Draco. He rose and stepped five feet away, leaving the two kneeling as the focal point of the audience's attention.


Draco nodded to Harry and raised his hands to the woman before him. ((May I have your permission to touch you, madam?))

((Yes,)) Corinne nodded and closed her remaining eye as the young Healer cupped his palms over her eyes and spread his fingers both over the uninjured part of her head and the ugly scarred hairless part. Soon she felt a small tingle at the back edge of her scarring. She remained unmoving, still unable to believe this opportunity had presented itself. The fact that she might be able to have a full head of hair was more than she had ever dreamed of being possible. And if he was able to heal the skin on her face as well…

Draco immersed himself into the scenic expanse of the woman's injury. He was nearly overwhelmed as he saw acres and acres of blackened twisted earth. He felt a mild tugging and followed it curiously. More blackened earth met his gaze. There on the left ribs. And there on the left hip. Obviously her head was not the only place the woman had caught the flame curse. He left his cursory explorations and returned his attention to the woman's head. This was a show tonight; his Healing had to be visible to the audience. It would be quite inappropriate to heal something that would require the woman to disrobe when there was something more visible he could address.

Draco placed a line of purple creeping flame along the back edge of the burn as the injured area was too great for him to completely surround. This burn was deeper than any of the burns Draco had Healed on Harry. However, Draco had Healed several bone-deep cuts. So…a combination approach, then.

He dissolved a thin vertical slice at the back of the scar so he could see the layers of healthy normal skin next to the twisted scarring. Slowly at first, then with greater speed, he encouraged the normal skin to build forward, taking the needed materials from the scar itself. Extra material was shoved along, creating a ridge as Draco continued to build the new skin forward. He continued until he reached a strange outcropping. What was this?

Ah, the ear.

Draco stopped for a moment, contemplating what to do. Well, there was another ear. He could copy it, maybe? No. Not copy it. Make it a mirror image. Could he do it? Could he fix this? Healers were able to regenerate body parts, after all. They were the only ones that could. He hadn't yet tried, though, and didn't think Harry had planned on having him experiment anytime soon. But what if he…

Draco tried splitting his attention between an awareness of the healthy ear and Healing of the injured ear. It was slow at first, but Draco soon found that it wasn't really that much different than growing skin. The visible ear wasn't that complicated, just skin and cartilage, and the body seemed to know what the ear was supposed to look like. He didn't really need to do much besides provide encouragement with his magic and a general idea of what he wanted. The hardest piece was keeping his attention split. Eventually, the ear grew back and he continued.

More blackened expanse. And more. And…what was this? A dry lake bed? No, Draco realized. The eye socket. He looked around in interest, evaluating what he saw here. Everything seemed fine, actually. It was simply that the eye was missing. And the muscles that held the eyed seemed to have atrophied away. Maybe…

Draco returned his attention to the blackened earth and finished transmuting it into a healthy grassy plain. The remaining building blocks he piled around the lake bed. He gazed upon the lake bed and contemplated it. Should he?

Draco took a moment and assessed himself. He was a little tired but not too bad. He could probably do it. He thought a bit more. Harry would be angry. Harry would even be right to be angry because this would push Draco to his limits. After a bit of a debate with himself Draco decided to go ahead and go for it and simply accept having to deal with an angry Guardian. He knew Harry wouldn't embarrass him in front of all these people. Later, though, Draco anticipated he'd probably get a good scolding. He could deal. It would be worth it.

Draco reached out a portion of his attention to the other, healthy, lake bed/eye-socket. Pulling in some of the ridged building blocks, he encouraged the atrophied muscles to build. That was the easy part. He was quite familiar with eye muscles, after all, from having worked on Harry's eyes. In fact… Draco suspiciously reviewed his memories of the last few days.

Harry had asked Draco to heal all burn scars first, giving, in retrospect, the rather lame excuse of those bothering him the most because they reminded him of all the chores he had been required to do at the Dursley's home. There had been no purposely inflicted burns on Harry but there were several from hot grease popping or other accidental burns while cooking, from the occasional burn received while ironing clothes, and from touching metal superheated from the sun on hot days working in the yard. Draco had complied easily, thinking only about how much he'd like to see the muggles served to the Dark Lord on a silver platter.

And when Draco had mentioned that scrapes seemed to be similar types of scars to burns, Harry had asked him to heal those next so he wouldn't "have any evidence of Dudley's Harry Hunting." Harry had also asked Draco to heal the half dozen bone-deep cuts he'd had "for experience in deep wounds." Harry had been training Draco for this moment for the last several days and Draco hadn't even known. "Sly little snake. I'm onto you," Draco thought affectionately.

Now. Back to the eye. What to do? Draco pulled the remaining building blocks from the ridge and into the center of the lake bed, shaping them into a sphere. Splitting his attention between the actual eye and the blob of undifferentiated matter, Draco simply thrust his magic into the mass with the fierce command copy. It took some time and progress wavered in speed, slowing when his split attention faltered. Eventually, though, there was an eye. With a last bit of energy, Draco connected the eye to the muscles and the central part of the retina to the optic nerve. Then he withdrew from his trance.


Severus ignored the murmuring of the audience that became louder and louder as it became apparent that the skin on the back of the woman's head was beginning to change from dark scarring to clear skin. He watched along with the others as, slowly, centimeter by centimeter, the scarring receded. Nearly ten minutes later an excited murmur started amongst the observers on the left; the missing ear seemed to be growing back. Lucius made a small sound on his right but Severus kept silent. No, he'd need something a bit more elaborate to get him to express the awe he was feeling.

Severus examined Potter. He stood respectfully off to the side but his attentions were carefully fixed on Draco. Returning his attention to his son, Severus noticed Draco's hands retreat until they were barely visible from Severus' perspective. His attention was drawn back to Potter when the boy stepped forward in alarm.

"No! Draco! Stop! You can do that another time." When Draco ignored him, Potter called again. "Draco! Damn it, you stubborn… You are in so much trouble."

Severus kept his face impassive as he heard Potter scold Draco, even as surprised and worried murmurs started up around him and Narcissa gasped in shock and Lucius huffed in offense. What had alarmed the black-haired boy? Severus couldn't see anything. Then it struck him what Potter was concerned about. Draco was going for the eye; to regenerate it. But…Potter was upset, concerned even, but he was not frightened. He must believe that, while it would be too taxing for one session that was to be followed by a several hours long social gathering, it wouldn't be impossible for Draco to accomplish. Severus looked with suspicion at the glasses adorning Potter's face.

Severus watched Potter as Potter continued to watch Draco intently but still did not interfere. The boy was attentive, intent, irritated, and was that…proud? Severus was taken off guard by the relieved pleasure he felt at the thought of Potter being proud of Draco. He thought a moment then realized, yes, he was glad that his son had someone else that could express pride at his accomplishments.

Fifteen minutes later Draco lowered his hands and blinked dazedly. He said a bit slowly, "The eye is back now but I can't fix the focus tonight, or increase the visual field. I'll have to do that later."

Severus set that statement aside for the moment and watched in amusement as the tiny woman flung herself onto his son and started sobbing. He wasn't sure which he found more amusing: Draco's obvious alarm and pleading expression in Potter's direction, or Potter's response of a raised eyebrow that clearly communicated "what did you expect?" A minute later, though, Potter did take pity on Draco and took over calming the woman.

Severus watched as Potter spent the next couple minutes encouraging what was very likely a calming potion into the hysterical female. "Smart boy," he thought. When the woman calmed sufficiently he watched as another potion was encouraged into her. Several moments later a light fuzz appeared on the woman's head. Ah, hair-growth. Obviously Potter had come prepared. "Very good, Potter."

Another set of strangling hugs from the tiny woman and Potter helped her to her feet and once again walked her around the semi-circle of witnesses. Even Severus looked intently at the new eye and fuzz of hair as the woman passed in front of him. Stopping behind a still kneeling Draco, Potter stared down the assembly. Several people fidgeted. Severus raised an eyebrow.

"Dost thee accept the Proving of my charge?" Potter demanded imperiously, his whole demeanor screaming retribution to any who denied him.

"Aye," rumbled the crowed immediately. No one wanted on the bad side of the Guardian.

"Smart crowd," Severus thought. He rather believed that Potter probably wasn't posturing in his apparent willingness to wreak havoc if he was refused.

"So be it," Potter said.

Potter then led the woman back to her quietly tearful husband while the entire assemblage remained silent, staring in awe at the woman or Draco or even Potter. Severus admitted that he was fairly impressed with all three himself.

Potter walked back over to Draco and knelt behind him. "You are a stubborn git," Potter said sternly. The utter silence of the crowd allowed the words to carry easily.

Draco snorted but leaned back into Potter's support. "This is news to you how?" Severus wanted to snort at Draco's sarcasm. Obviously his son wasn't planning on being subservient.

Potter huffed. "Quiet," he instructed. "Breathe."

Draco closed his eyes as Potter brought his left arm around Draco's waist and his right arm up to hold his hand over Draco's solar plexus. Potter closed his eyes and moments later his right hand started to glow. Gasps and exclamations echoed loudly in the Hall before it once again fell silent. Even Severus sucked in a surprised breath.

Only strongly bonded pairs could shunt magic between them to rejuvenate a drained partner. And only if both partners had sufficient control and focus of their magic. Such skill wasn't usually acquired until a wizard's mid-twenties at least. Of course, he knew Draco was sufficiently disciplined; Severus had trained his son himself. But Potter?

Less than a minute later the glow faded and Potter opened his eyes. "Better?" he asked. Severus raised an eyebrow at the true concern for Draco in Potter's tone.

"Yes, thank you," Draco said, opening his own eyes.

"No more healing the rest of the night," Potter said. Severus wondered how Draco would respond to such a restriction.

Draco rolled his eyes. "Fine." Well, now, wasn't that interesting. Severus knew his son well and could see that he would obey, that he was only making a token protest for form's sake.

"I mean it," Potter said firmly.

"Yes, yes," Draco said dismissively, flapping his hands. "Get on with it."

This time it was Potter who rolled his eyes but he nevertheless rose and assisted Draco to his feet. Turning to the audience, Potter spread his arms wide, grinned, and said, "Let us celebrate!"

Potter clapped his hands together loudly and the steps started to lower, jolting everyone into a flurry of comments and conversation. Severus merely stood and awaited the arrival of his son, for once patiently listening to the comments of his coworkers. There were several exclamations starting with "Merlin…" or "Did you see…" or "Can you believe…" or "I never…"

His favorite so far was from a gobsmacked Albus, who was standing to his left: "Goodness, Severus. I think I need to talk to young Harry." Albus certainly did. But Severus was going to get to him first. It gave him a naughty sense of triumph.


Draco pulled his braid to the front so that the view of the back of his robes would be unimpeded; he wanted everyone to get the full impact of the image. A unicorn may be the expected traditional image to see on the back of a Healer's robes, but his unicorn was different and he wanted everyone to know. Partly he wanted everyone to take a second, third, or fourth look at the boy they thought they all knew. And they would once word got around that Harry had done the embroidery himself, and with unicorn hair as well. It was time the world got a peek at the real Harry Potter and gave him the respect he deserved. And partly, well, partly because Draco wanted people to drool over him. It was his night, after all. Let them be envious.

Harry turned his head to Draco. "Shall we?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow. He wasn't looking forward to meeting Draco's parents but, then again, he couldn't image they would actually address him. And that was just fine by Harry.

"Certainly," Draco said then smiled. "My parents are going to try and insult you, you know. All very properly, of course."

Harry snorted. "Yes, of course. I trust you to defend my honor, my brave hero," Harry said with fake adoration and a fluttering of lashes.

Draco just laughed and led Harry over to Lucius and Narcissa. Etiquette demanded that he greet his sire and dam before his godfather. A shame, really, but he was going to have some fun with his parents' preconceptions. Harry trailed along behind him in a guard's position; it was the position he would keep all evening, being acknowledged openly only occasionally for his part in Draco's transition. Harry would also field all inquiries about contracting Draco's services.

"Hello, Father," Draco said, bowing to his father.

"My son," Lucius replied with an inclination of his head. "Congratulations on your Gift. You have applied yourself greatly to display so well your skills this night."

"Thank you, Father. I have indeed been applying myself and Harry has been an excellent guide, as well," Draco said. He was going to get Harry's name out into this conversation immediately. Might as well tell Lucius up front that his son and heir was going to be siding with Harry Potter.

Lucius narrowed his eyes in anger and flicked a quick dismissive gaze towards Harry then replied cordially, "Is that so? He encouraged your ideas, then?"

Ah, there was the insult to Harry's intelligence. "Yes, of course," Draco replied with a tight smile. "We've had any number of conversations about various possibilities that have occurred to us. Then there are the books Harry purchased for me; they have been quite informative thus far." A little luck and Lucius would take that comment and twist it to attempt an insult on Harry's capacity as mentor.

"I'm glad to hear he was able to provide you with appropriate reading material. I'm sure Flourish and Blotts had several decent tomes on Healing," Lucius said with only faintest of snideness in his tone. The Malfoys did not shop at the common store of Flourish and Blotts for anything other than Draco's textbooks.

"Several?" Draco laughed lightly and shook his head in amusement. He looked back to Harry's slowly flushing countenance and said. "I'll have to buy a new wizard-spaced trunk to fit all the books he ordered," Draco teased affectionately. As he drew his gaze back to his father he noticed Severus intently studying Harry's reaction.

Lucius frowned slightly at Draco's reply. "Indeed? I was not aware Flourish and Blotts had such a wide selection."

Draco furrowed his brow then said in puzzlement, "You're right, Father. They do not. Or, at least, they did not the last time we were there." Turning slightly towards Harry, Draco asked curiously, "Harry? Where did you get all those books?"

Still slightly red, Harry answered calmly, "Most of them are from the bookshop run by St. Mungo's. Since I know you are able to read French fluently, I also bought some from St. Germaine's." He didn't mention anything about the muggle books as he figured, rightly, that mentioning them would detract from the counter-insults that Draco was issuing on his behalf.

Draco blinked. "I don't think I've seen the ones in French," he questioned.

Harry said, "They arrived this morning."

Harry flushed a bit brighter when Draco simply lifted an amused and knowing eyebrow in response. Evidently, Harry had gone to St. Germaine's sometime during his time-turned week. Obviously Harry hadn't planned on saying anything about it and now he was caught out. Draco turned back to his father.

"I'm glad to know you've had an enlightening week. Your mother and I were concerned," Lucius said smoothly, bringing Narcissa closer so as to pass along the conversation.

"That's right, Father, best give up now while you're only a little behind," Draco thought a bit vindictively.

"Yes, Draco, you disappeared with no warning and with someone so unexpected. We didn't know what to think," Narcissa said, putting her hand daintily on Draco's arm.

"I am well, Mother," Draco replied, kissing her cheek. Draco's smile was as bland as his mother's.

"Turn around and let me see your embroidery, Draco. It must be exceptional; I've heard several comments about it already," Narcissa said.

"So the robes will be insulted first," Draco thought and turned. "Do make your first strike, Mother."

"This is exquisite work, darling," Narcissa praised, "and your robes are finely done. You chose an excellent designer. Who made these for you?"

Draco resolutely kept the nastiness from his smile and his voice as he turned back around and replied, "I don't know who made them, Mother. They were a gift." One again he turned towards Harry, privately exulting in the slightly blanched face of his mother as her underhanded snipe backfired spectacularly. "Harry?"

Harry smiled at Draco. Both pretended to not be aware of all the spectators who were being very careful to hear every word while appearing to not be avidly listening. "All our clothes today were made by Corinne and Adrien Metais."

"Really?" Draco said, surprised. "I didn't think to put together… Well, it looks as if I will get my wish sooner than I thought to relay my appreciation to your designer."

"Truly," Harry agreed with a smile. "I'm sure she will be pleased to speak with you. The two of you can gang up on my wardrobe," he teased. "She's been after me for years." He was fully aware that he was adding fuel to the rumors by admitting to knowing the famous designer.

Draco chuckled lightly. "Maybe we will." He turned back to his mother with a pleasant expression.

"We shouldn't keep you. We will see you tonight and all day tomorrow. Greet your godfather, darling," Narcissa said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Not up for round two, Mother?" Draco thought snidely, only slightly disappointed she hadn't taken a decent look at his clasps. Severus would, he knew, so he would still get that little jab in since she would be standing so close. Out loud, he simply agreed pleasantly, "Of course, Mother. I will see you later." He kissed her cheek again and stepped over to the man he really wanted to greet.

"Parrain," Draco said, kissing Severus on the cheek and grasping his shoulders to give him a light hug. Draco wanted to cling to the man for a moment, but took comfort in what he could get while in public.

"Filleul," Severus responded with his own acceptable-under-the-circumstances kiss and light hug.

Severus stepped back and Draco could see the amusement in his eyes over the encounters with Lucius and Narcissa. Draco kept still as Severus ran a long finger over the robe. "Acromantula silk?" he asked.

Draco nodded. "Yes." He noted the twitters among the not-listeners.

Severus traced a rune. "Unicorn hair," he said. He glanced up at Potter. "I can feel protection spells in the runes, Potter. Your doing?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry answered politely. "I spelled the strands and then embroidered them."

Severus raised an eyebrow at that admission then turned his attention back to Draco. Draco looked at his godfather in mild surprise; he was practically being complimentary to someone he'd always criticized. "Turn, Draco. Let me see the image. It seems to be creating quite the stir and I am curious to see what could earn your mother's praise."

Draco smiled slightly and turned obligingly to show his back. He felt the weight of Severus gaze on the image for nearly a full minute. The combined power of so many unicorn hairs exuding from the image of the stallion seemed to greatly affect his godfather. Eventually, Severus asked, "Did you embroider this as well, Potter?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry answered, again politely. A moment later he added, "It is an image of the herd stallion that was so generous as to provide the hairs. He was an amazing animal." Harry figured he might as well keep adding to the flurry of rumors that were going to fly tonight.

"Yes, I can see that," Severus said. He touched Draco's shoulder to prompt the boy to turn back around. Severus turned his attention to the large clasp and lifted it in his open palm. He looked up at Harry, who was watching Severus dispassionately.

"This is unicorn horn," Severus said.

"Yes, Professor," Harry said. Harry could feel the vindictive satisfaction from Draco as Narcissa and Lucius paled in shock and the not-listeners gasped nearly as one before they started chattering, though still softly enough to overhear anything else of interest. Merlin forbid they miss anything of the semi-private conversation.

"And did this also come from the herd stallion?" Severus asked. He doubted it. The embroidery could be done in a week, but the clasp was too detailed.

"No, that is a legacy from the Potter vaults," Harry said. "It was made in 1610." More murmurs spread at the information that Harry had been into the family vaults before his majority. Those from older families would know exactly what he would have to have done to get access.

Severus looked at Harry another moment before returning his attention to the clasp. It was beyond beautiful. A masterwork. It was truly a legacy piece. He lowered the clasp then lifted a small one. Releasing the clasp, Severus stepped back. Looking at Harry, he inclined his head in respect and said, "You have provided exceptionally for my godson. My thanks."

Surprise flashed through Harry's eyes before he gave a small bow and responded, "It was my honor."

Severus turned to Draco. Draco could see the pride in Severus' eyes, for Draco's Gift and for Draco's choice of partner. He knew then that Harry and Severus would make peace, eventually, if for no other reason than they were both important to Draco. "As your mother has said, I should not keep you. I will see you again tonight."

"Of course, Parrain," Draco said and kissed Severus' cheek again before stepping over to the Headmaster.

Harry gave Severus a last lingering look as he followed Draco to the Headmaster. Severus Snape had been downright cordial. His expression had relayed nothing but a calculating interest and respect. Evidently Harry wasn't the only one doing a bit of reevaluation. The Headmaster's greeting brought Harry's attention back to Draco.

"Congratulations, my boy! Congratulations!" the Headmaster said exuberantly, placing his hands on Draco's shoulders with a joyful smile.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Draco replied, feeling a bit odd with the man's hands on him but not shaking them off.

"To be a Healer, ah, it is a wondrous Gift," the Headmaster went on in a jovial tone.

Draco merely nodded.

"You must be careful, though," the Headmaster admonished lightly. "Let Harry help you from getting over-extended. I was very good friends with Sebastian Sutter, you know. It's why I'm in such good health," he said with a beaming smile, "but I must say he was often frazzled from pushing himself too hard. You must let Harry help you."

"Yes, Headmaster, of course," Draco replied, surprised. He could see that the Headmaster truly was happy and concerned for him. He placed a hand over the Headmaster's in a sign of acquiescence and comfort and immediately felt something odd from the skin to skin contact. Sending out his magic a bit, he was suddenly taken aback at the sense of the man's age. He could feel the readiness to leave the corporeal world and suddenly he understood exactly what Harry meant when he said the headmaster was old and tired. The hand under his disappeared and Draco's attention was brought back to the man before him.

"Now, now, my boy, none of that," Dumbledore said gently. "You enjoy your evening." Turning to Harry, the Headmaster said, "You'll see that he doesn't over-tax himself, won't you, Harry?"

"Yes, of course, Headmaster," Harry replied seriously, wondering just what had happened. He had seen Draco's eyes glaze for a moment and the Headmaster's expression gentle in some kind of understanding.

"Perhaps you could come to my office some time this week, my boy, and regale me with the creative insults I'm sure Mister Malfoy came up with during his transition," the Headmaster said with a sly smile and a wink to the young wizards.

Draco flushed and Harry laughed. "Yes, of course, Headmaster."


"Merlin, Draco," came Harry's pained whisper into Draco's ear, "Please tell me not all of your year-mates and their parents are like the Parkinsons."

Draco snickered. "Only half of them."

"Oh, Merlin," Harry said distressed.

"You'll survive," Draco said in amusement.

"I won't," Harry avowed. "Any more sickeningly sweet compliments and flattery and I'll turn into a lump of sugar. Then I'll dissolve in all these fake tears."

Draco snickered again and turned at the new voice, "Congratulations, Malfoy."

"Thank you, Longbottom. And who is this lovely lady?" Draco said charmingly, hiding his surprise at the sincerity in Longbottom's voice.

"Malfoy, please meet my grandmother, Augusta Longbottom. Grandmother, please meet my schoolmate, Draco Malfoy," Neville said.

"A pleasure to meet you, Madam," Draco said and bowed over her hand. Or tried to. He dropped it quickly and pulled it back when he felt a shock run through his system. The woman was in pain! Somehow her pain had spiraled through his Healer's senses for a moment and Draco had felt what she felt. He looked at her and flushed, trying to stammer an apology for his rudeness. She cut him off.

"My apologies, Healer. Had I known you would be able to sense my condition, I would have kept from touching you and causing you distress. Please forgive me," Augusta Longbottom said sincerely. She certainly hadn't meant for the young man to feel the lingering pain of the joint damaging curse she had suffered in the last war.

Draco collected himself and replied reassuringly, "Of course, madam. No harm done. I'm sure it is just my inexperience."

"Draco?" Harry asked in concern.

"I'm fine, Harry," Draco said but it was obvious to Harry that Draco had been badly startled.

Harry placed a hand on Draco's shoulder and sent reassurance and protection through the bond. Draco closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths and relaxed, letting the bond sooth his jangled nerves.

"I think that's it for kissing the ladies, hmmm?" Harry said, trying to make light of the situation so as not to embarrass Draco with his lapse of composure.

Draco gave a weak laugh but said, "Perhaps so." Opening his eyes he turned his attention back to the Longbottoms. "You are having a pleasant evening, I hope?"

Both Longbottoms agreed they were having a lovely time and congratulated him again on his Gift. Then Neville turned to Harry and said with a perfectly straight face, "I must thank you, Harry, for arranging such a variety of lizard's eyeballs. I've been eating them all night."

Harry grinned. "You're welcome, Neville. In fact, I was thinking of you when I asked for them. I told the house-elves to send any remainders to you. I hope you don't mind?"

Neville grinned back, "I look forward to it." Neville bowed and led his grandmother off towards another group of people.

Draco turned to Harry as the Longbottoms wandered away, not yet acknowledging the new set of well-wishers that were approaching. "Lizard's eyeballs?" he asked in confusion.

"Sugar-coated nuts," Harry replied with a grin.

"Turkles?" Draco asked, still confused.

"Yes," Harry said still grinning.

Draco looked at Harry suspiciously. "You are weird."

Harry merely snickered and remained silent.

Draco turned resolutely to greet another schoolmate and their family. He wasn't sure he wanted in on that obviously private joke between Harry and Longbottom.


"And the greatest of congratulations to you, Heir Malfoy, on your most wondrous Gift," one twin said while both bowed with excessive flair.

Draco couldn't keep his lips from twitching slightly as his own amusement was doubled from Harry through the bond.

"Thank you, Messieurs Weasley," Draco said graciously, returning the bow.

The second twin, Draco was not going to bother figuring out which one was which, said melodramatically, though still sincerely, "We are quite honored to have been invited to this most illustrious of celebrations. I hope you don't mind we've been using the occasion to boast of our new business." Exaggerated winks were sent in Draco's direction.

Draco gave a smirk. "No, of course not. I hear you are doing well, already with contracts in France and America and Greece."

The twins both smirked back at him and he could, like a kind of echo, sense their feelings of surprised gratitude through his bond to Harry. "Alas," Twin One said with mock sorrow, "our contract in Greece is not yet finalized. However," he leaned in conspiratorially, though his voice still carried to all those not-listening ears, "we have signed a contract just this morning with a business in Japan."

"Japan," Draco said with the appropriate astonishment.

"Yes," said Twin Two, nodding earnestly, "only for a single line of our multitude of offerings, you understand, yet it shall cause us to double their production. Again."

"Most auspicious," agreed Draco. "Perhaps when business calms somewhat you might have a gathering of your business partners to introduce them to Britain."

"An excellent idea, my good man!" Twin One said brightly. "We will be sure to invite you."

"Thank you," Draco said. "I look forward to it." And he did. You never knew when worldwide contacts would be beneficial.

"Of course, you know our younger brother, Ronald, and his friend Hermione Granger," Twin Two said and dragged forth an obviously steaming redhead. Said steaming redhead grimaced as the grip on his arm was tightened a moment before it was released.

"Of course. Good evening, Weasley, Granger," Draco said politely, nodding his head. He sent a plea to the four founders that Ron Weasley kept his mouth shut if he couldn't say anything polite. He did not want a scene at his Presentation. He felt reassurance through the bond and relaxed slightly. No doubt Harry was ready to silence the fool if one wrong word was said. Plus, the twins looked slightly intimidating as well…

Ron Weasley turned even more red and ground his teeth. It was obvious that he really wanted to be anywhere but where he was. Nevertheless, Ronald Weasley gave a short and not completely graceless bow and ground out, "Congratulations, Malfoy."

Draco bowed back and said mildly, "Thank you."

Ron was immediately dragged back by a twin, his jaw still clenched and his face still red. Hermione stepped forward and curtsied but did not offer her hand. The incident with Augusta Longbottom had made the rounds in the Great Hall in less than fifteen minutes. "Congratulations, Malfoy. Healer is a wonderful Gift. Perhaps you will be able to help all those people who have lingering injuries from the last war."

Draco bowed. "Perhaps, Granger. There will certainly be no little opportunities for me to practice my Gift. I have faith that my Guardian will keep me from over-extending myself, however," he replied neutrally.

Draco could see suspicion in Granger's eyes but surprisingly not nearly as much as he would have thought. It seemed she was already coming to the conclusion that he wasn't on the side of the Dark Lord. Good. Maybe she wouldn't give Harry too hard a time and could help protect him from Weasley, who looked like he would happily dismember Draco or Harry if given half the chance.

Draco wasn't sure which twin it was that said, "Well, it's been a pleasure! Have a most excellent evening, gents. We'll be off now," before dragging off his still red-faced, teeth-grinding, murderous-looking younger brother. The others in the small group followed.

"Well," Harry said blandly, "that went a lot better than I could have hoped."

"Thank Merlin," Draco said with relief.

"Truly."


"How many calling cards did you receive?" Draco asked, placing his finished glass of punch on the reception table.

"Several thousand," Harry replied distractedly from where he was poking his finger through the gift basket with his name on it. The basket held hundreds of miniaturized gift boxes. The largest by far that he'd seen was a three inch cube. He wondered what was in that one.

Draco looked up sharply from his attentions the floating plate of fruit-flavored petit fours. "But there were only about five hundred people here!" he said in surprise.

"I know," Harry snorted. "And that's not even counting the ones that were left here instead of handed to me directly." Harry waved a hand over at a smaller basket that appeared full of calling cards.

Draco poked through the cards a bit in curiosity while taking a bite of his chosen confection. "Hmmm. Nothing odd here. Mostly the students, teachers, and my extended family," he said a few moments later, reaching for another petit four.

"Hmmm," Harry said, still poking through his gift basket. It was nearly terrifying looking at just how many presents there were. "If I was approached, I never received less than five cards and usually a lot more than that. The person making contact with me would give me their card and then pass along the cards of their spouse, children, family, friends, business associates, and neighbor's gardener."

Draco laughed.

"I'm serious," Harry said with a quick smile in Draco's direction.

"No way," Draco said. He looked shocked.

"Oh, yes," Harry said, enjoying the astonishment on Draco's face. "Although my favorite came from the Spanish Ambassador."

"Really?" Draco asked warily.

"He handed me a four inch tall stack and said simply "From everyone in my country who asked me to pass along their cards." I had to admire the man's forthrightness," Harry said in amusement.

"But, why?" Draco asked, stunned. "They wouldn't have known what my Gift was. Why send cards?"

"I guess they didn't care," Harry replied. "Evidently there's not been a Spanish Gifted wizard for nearly a hundred years. I imagine they figured they could find a use for your services no matter what Gift you received."

"Oh," Draco said, nonplussed. He returned his befuddled attention to the remaining petit fours. Maybe strawberry? The raspberry one had been too sweet.

"You know it's going to take us forever to get through all these presents and write thank you notes," Harry said, somewhat overwhelmed.

Draco looked up and smiled a bit at Harry's distressed state. "Don't worry, Harry. I'll help you."

"Thanks," Harry said with relief. "I just …there's so many," he finished lamely, staring at the gift basket as if it might attack him.

Draco chuckled. He put a hand on Harry's shoulder and leaned in to murmur, "Father's on his way over. Are you ready?"

Harry grimaced but nodded and turned when he heard Lucius' approach.

"Draco, Mister Potter. We will expect you in an hour after you escort Severus to his quarters," Lucius informed them stiffly.

"Of course, Father," Draco said. He watched silently as his father collected his mother and his parents left the Great Hall for Hogwarts' guest quarters.

"We'd better get moving," Harry said.

Draco nodded, still watching the door his parents had walked through. Turning his attention to Harry, he asked, "Where are you having the baskets delivered?" He did not want them sent to his parents' quarters.

"Snape's rooms," Harry answered. "I didn't think you'd mind and I figured they would be safest there."

Draco relaxed. "Good. Thank you," he said in relief. "Let's go get Severus, then."

Draco walked over to where his godfather was conversing with the Headmaster and Professor Flitwick. The Charms teacher had shocked both Draco and Harry when he'd asked if Harry was now going to show his true potential in class. Draco had laughed as Harry had flushed and stammered an affirmative.

Severus turned his head towards Draco when he arrived. "Ready to leave, Draco?"

"Yes, Parrain," Draco said respectfully.

"Good. It is getting to be quite late enough," Severus said briskly. And it was. It was nearly eleven o'clock. "Headmaster. Filius. Have a good night." Turning away after the return pleasantries, Severus matched his stride to Draco's and accompanied him out of the Great Hall.

The walk to Severus' quarters was filled with talk of inconsequential things relating to school and potions. Harry wanted to snort at how very proper the two were acting. He settled for examining the back of the well-dressed, well-groomed, amazingly pleasant godfather of his charge. It didn't allow Harry to puzzle out the man any, but it did keep him occupied.

After the three had stepped into Severus' quarters, Harry was shocked speechless twice over. One, the room was comfortably decorated in maroons and creams and browns. Why, you could almost see Gryffindor colors if you squinted! And two, Draco and Snape were now hugging each other fiercely. Right in front of him!

Several minutes later Severus pushed Draco away reluctantly. "You should not linger here, Draco," he said. "Tradition may give us an hour but you can be certain Lucius will be angry should you actually take it."

Harry shook himself and regained his equilibrium. He stepped forward and Snape's attention turned to him. "Is it not tradition to spend the remainder of the night and the next day with parents?" he asked.

"It would be my joy, Mister Potter, but it would be impossible," Severus said a bit stiffly.

Harry held out a fist and opened his hand to reveal the familiar shape of a time-turner. "We would stay here until ten o'clock tomorrow night, if you will have us," he said politely. Harry had asked Salazar for the daily time-turner this morning, just before returning to Draco. He hadn't mentioned the fact to his bond-mate, though he hadn't meant this to be a surprise. Harry had simply forgotten to mention it.

Severus stared at the little device, ignoring the surprised and delighted gasp of his son. "Indeed," he said mildly. Well, that explained why the boy looked older. Severus wondered how much older the boy actually was. He looked up and offered, "Brandy?"

A small glass of brandy and thirty minutes later found Draco and Harry in Severus' guest room getting ready for bed. Draco wondered, now that they were in private, how long it would take Harry to scold him for earlier. Draco figured it wouldn't be long now, he could feel a watchfulness over the bond. He was actually looking forward to it. It might seem odd, but it felt nice to have the other boy worry about him and care enough to put forth the effort to chastise him.

Once they had taken their turns in the bathroom and were completely ready for bed, Harry said, "You know, Draco, you didn't have to regenerate Corinne's eye tonight…"

Draco lowered his head and smiled.