Disclaimer: I do not own anything and make no monies writing this.

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Chapter 17

Notes: Since my internet is behaving itself, I thought I'd give you lovely readers another chapter! I also want to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day! Hope it's a good one for you all. :) Thank you my wonderful readers for your patience, hits, favorites and bookmarks! You guys are awesome! Anyway, onto the story….

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Draco woke in a sweat, heart pounding and hands clenching his sheets. As he looked around, he finally started to calm when he realized he was alone in his room at the Manor. The dream, no nightmare, had been so real. What was going on?

After making his way to the bathroom, Draco splashed cold water on his face. Why in bloody hell had he dreamed that? Why would his mind fabricate that his fiancé was drugging him? It wasn't like she had control over the food and drink given to him. How could she…she loved him didn't she? The more Draco thought about the past year, the more confused he became; it was almost like his mind was coming out of a fugue state. Deciding sleep would not be returning any time soon, Draco dressed and headed to his study, formerly his father's, however, Lucius had died in the Final Battle. Draco had been named the Head of House within hours after the snaky bastard had been defeated.

The death of Lucius had been a blessing long denied. Draco had despised his father for quite a few years, since he was forced to be branded as if he was nothing more than a beast. Then he had been expected to do impossible tasks as well as participate in the revels. He shuddered remembering that time. He was grateful it was over with…but was it? Was he really done with having a master over him? As he poured some Firewhiskey into a glass, he let his memories have free reign. He thought back to the day he had met his fiancée, Denise.

He had gone to muggle London to do a bit of clothes shopping. He had admired the fashion he saw in a magazine some Ravenclaw witch had left when visiting one of the Slytherin witches. He found that muggles could have exceptional tastes as well as rather ridiculous where fashion was concerned. It had been a week since the Battle and Draco was looking to get away from the looks and whispers. It wasn't anything he wasn't used to but that didn't mean he enjoyed it. He wanted a bit of time shopping undisturbed and knew muggle London would be the perfect spot to do so. He had just purchased some high-quality boxers, socks and ties when he, literally, walked into her. She had been reaching for the door as he came out.

Draco had immediately held his hand out to help her up as he apologized for running into her. When her hand clasped his and she had looked up into his eyes, Draco felt his world tilt. She was beautiful with her long brown hair, bluest of blue eyes and wide smile; his breath became stuck in his throat. However, now that he was thinking back, he could see something wasn't quite as he was lead to believe. It would seem, now, that her smile had been a bit too bright and wide; her eyes were calculating and her hand in his seemed to grip a bit too tightly. Interesting that he was just now figuring this out.

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Denise and his mother were in Paris shopping for the wedding dress and what the bridesmaids would wear. They had been gone three days out of the week they planned to stay. Draco had taken to eating out during this time since he saw no point for the elves to make meals for just him. This got him thinking, had the elves been instructed to drug his food and drink? It was the only thing that made sense. How else would he be continually dosed with some sort of potion?

"Binky!" he called.

"Yes, Master Draco?" an older elf appeared and bowed low.

"Tell me, Binky, has there been any potion or powder added to my food and drinks? Tell me the truth." Draco demanded.

"Yes, Master. The Mistress said that the potion would make Master happy. That it would cause no harm and we not need to let Master know." Binky answered, trembling a bit.

"I see. This Mistress, who exactly is she?" Draco was fairly certain he knew who had done this but wanted confirmation.

"Mistress Narcissa, Master." Binky answered in a quavering voice. "Has Binky and the other elves done wrong, Master?" The little elf asked.

"No Binky, you all have done what you were told. However, as Head of this House, I want you to report to me any time my mother or fiancé tells you to do something. Alright?" Draco answered with barely controlled anger.

"Yes, Master. Binky will make sure all house elves knows to tell Master any order we's be given." Binky promptly stated.

"Very well, Binky. Thank you. From this point on, do not put anything extra in my food or drink unless I specifically tell you to. Also, do not tell the Mistress what we have talked about. I will deal with her." Draco informed.

"Of course, Master Draco. Binky will tells the other elves what Master wishes and to keep quiet. We's serve the Master now and only the Master." Binky bowed low enough for his ears to scrape the floor.

"That will be all, Binky." Draco dismissed the elf.

He couldn't believe it! His mother, the one person he thought would want him truly happy, was drugging him! What the hell! Draco plopped down into the desk chair and laid his head down on the desk. As he let his thoughts wander, he realized he had never taken control over the elves of the Manor since he became Head. He really hadn't thought it would be needed but now he knew better. It would seem his mother wasn't above using potions to get her way. As Draco leaned back into the chair, he realized when she probably started the potions. It was just before he went to muggle London to shop.

He had made a comment about now being free to date who he wanted and who he wanted was Harry Potter. He had been interested in the brunette lion since their sixth year. When school had resumed that year, Draco had noticed how Harry had grown and just how handsome he was. He knew then that he couldn't act on his growing attraction to the Gryffindor but hoped one day he could. Draco had kept that bit of information to himself until a week after the Battle. His mother had walked in on him writing a letter to Harry, pouring his heart out and actually asking for forgiveness and curious if the attraction could be mutual, and had made a remark about him finding someone to settle down with.

It was only now that Draco realized he never sent the letter off, wondering what ever happened to it. He then remembered his mother having tea in the solarium before he left for London with a fire going. As he thought back to it now, he could see a parchment had been burned and a small smile on his mother's face. He had thought, at the time, that she was just happy he was getting out of the Manor but now he wasn't so sure. It was becoming clearer the more he thought on it. His mother might have tried to protect him from Lucius but that didn't mean she would welcome the 'Chosen One' into her home or her life. She was a pureblood and went along with her husband's ideals until Draco's life was threatened. It was only then that she had spoken up against Lucius.

Draco loved his mother and found it hard to realize he had put her on a pedestal when his father had turned cold and cruel towards him. She had been his savior, or so he thought; now he wasn't so sure. Once he started thinking about it, he realized that his mum hadn't said a word or stepped in in any way before then and there had been plenty of reasons to do so beforehand. Well didn't that just suck? The one good thing in his life and now he was learning that light hadn't shown quite as bright as he thought. His mother disagreed with his choice of companion for one of three reasons: one, she was against Harry being with her son, period or two, she wanted grandchildren bad enough to ensure Draco married a witch instead or three, and the worst one in Draco's eyes as well as the most probable, she still thought he should only marry a pureblooded witch. Well, he had news for her, he would be with who he chose and no one else. He hated to have to admit he would no longer trust either witch. They had both pulled the wool over his eyes for long enough.

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Draco now had to figure out if Harry was even interested in him that way or not. However, Draco wouldn't trust owl post; it could be intercepted way too easily and he didn't trust his mother to not have turned their owl against him too, so to speak. No, he would have to visit Harry in person instead. But, if he remembered correctly, Harry had moved out of Grimmauld Place after the Headmaster had died. Where would he be? Instead of trying to figure out where his favorite lion would be, Draco swallowed the last of his Firewhiskey in one gulp and stood. He walked out of the Manor and through the gates so he could cast the Point Me spell outside of the family wards. After apparating several times, Draco found himself in the Forbidden Forest. Why would Harry be here? Then he saw it, a portal was open and Harry had stepped through it to be greeted by none other than Granger. Okay. That was not what Draco had been expecting. He slowly approached but realized the portal was closing. When it fully closed, it made a distinct *pop*, making Draco wonder if it would open back up or not. Not sure what was going on, Draco set an alert on the area where the portal had been, just in case it opened back up.

Would he go through if it did? Could he? Could he leave everything behind and go to a new world? Would he have the courage it took to do so? Draco decided it was time to do some research. He needed to know if Harry planned to ever return or not. He would also need to get his affairs in order if he chose to follow Granger and Potter's paths. It was a very scary thought but also one that brought hope to Draco. With a new lightness to his thoughts, Draco apparated to Gringotts, it was as good as anywhere to start investigating.

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It was a week later when Draco was alerted to the portal opening again. This time he apparated straight to it but found he couldn't get through. It would seem that either Granger or Harry had placed a barrier around the portal of some sort. Draco tried different spells to try to break through before he was certain it had been Granger who had warded the opening. If it had been her, then he would have better luck breaking the wards at Gringotts. Instead of feeling defeated, Draco decided it was time to decide what he was going to do. He reset the alarm where the portal appeared and apparated back to the Manor.

His mother and "fiancé" were still in Paris and had chosen to stay on another two weeks, which was perfect for Draco. Of course, when they floo called him, he acted as if nothing was amiss. He had too much to do before they arrived back and he didn't need their interference. He had found out that Harry had closed his vaults at the Bank and had left quite a boon for the goblins. Draco had also checked and it would seem that Granger had also packed up everything she owned and wasn't planning on returning. Draco decided to take a page out of Harry's book and chose to pack what he wanted and let the goblins deal with everything else.

Draco stopped in his tracks as the realization hit him; he was seriously considering trying to get through the portal. If he couldn't get through then he would move to another country, one that didn't really know him or his past. He could stay in Britain but it was getting to be more trouble than it was worth. All he had here were bad decisions and loneliness. He had a thick skin, he wouldn't have survived any other way, but he didn't want to always have to wear it. He wanted to be able to be himself without preset notions darkening everyone's opinion of him. This thought brought forth another person he needed to find…his godfather. Draco remembered he had visited him after he woke up and told him all about his "fiancé" and hadn't spoken to the wizard since then. That would need correcting immediately. He wondered if Severus would consider joining him through the portal. They could both use a fresh start somewhere no one knew them or their pasts.

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It was a week later when Draco learned that his godfather was nowhere to be found. It made him wonder if Severus had already stepped through. Of course, if the man didn't want to be found he certainly knew how to disappear. However, Draco knew the family owl would have found Severus if he was around. It was almost too much to think about, going to a new world where his crush was and his godfather! That would be so completely awesome it took his breath away.

The following week, Draco took the time to go through the Manor to collect what he wanted to keep. He knew most would be left behind but there were several items he wanted to take with him. He used a couple of trunks he had put an Undetectable Extension charm on, thank you very much Granger, to use to hold what he chose to take. She had taught the charm to him a few days after the Final Battle when she had overheard him comment about getting away for a bit. Granger had told him that since he had chosen to fight on the right side at the right time, it was the least she could do for him. It was a simple enough charm but not one that was taught in any book sold to the public. She had come across it in her research years ago from a book out of the Restricted Section of Hogwarts library. Draco also added a feather light charm to each trunk as well, gold could become quite heavy when carrying a lot of it.

Having a feeling that the portal would open within the next few days, Draco went to Gringotts to finish his business. He met with the Malfoy account manager, a snarly and bitter old goblin named Goldhammer. He was one of the nastiest goblins at the Bank but had always done well by the Malfoys. As Draco told Goldhammer what he wanted done, the goblin had sat stone still for several minutes. After giving Goldhammer time to adjust to the news he was just given, Draco gave the goblin a smile full of teeth to show his respect and that he was serious. It took well into the night for Draco to go through the Malfoy vaults and figure out what he wanted to take with him. He also took all the galleons he hadn't assigned to other purposes.

He had left a nice vault for his mother. For all of her faults she had been the only one to try to protect him when it mattered. He left her enough to be comfortable…if she spent wisely. He also left her the chateau in France and two house elves. He then, again taking a page from Harry, donated funds to help with the orphanage Harry had left instructions to be built. Draco wanted to make sure any child in need would have a place to go. With what he donated, the Hogwarts age children would have a manor of their own to come home to during holidays and summer break. Unlike Harry though, Draco made sure to include a clause that only those truly concerned with the children's welfare be allowed employment at either manors. He didn't want the orphanage run like the one Tom Riddle had come from.

Even though Goldhammer wasn't happy to have the Malfoy vaults closed, everything Draco left for the Bank eased the hard feelings quite well. Draco had already sold Malfoy Industries, so that wasn't a problem. He had made sure that Goldhammer knew to burn the Manor down to the ground once he had left and his mother had gotten what she wanted out. He also instructed Goldhammer to do whatever with what was left inside; burn it, sell it, auction it off, he didn't care. Draco just wanted to make sure nothing was left of the cursed house. He also made sure the house elves would have somewhere to go. The only elf to already have a home to go to was Binky. He would go to Arthur Weasley. Since Draco had done his research, he had found out that Harry had broken things off with the youngest Weasley due to "supposed" drugging by potion. Draco didn't doubt it one bit. During his seventh year, the year of utter hell, the Weaselette had tried to warm his bed on many occasions. Knowing the signs all too well, Draco had turned her down and had warned his Slytherin friends about her intentions. No one in Slytherin would take her up on her flirting and innuendos. Now he was glad he had paid attention to his instincts, no telling what she would have tried to do to entrap him. What had surprised him was that he was told that it wasn't just the Weaselette but her mother and the weasel as well to drug Harry. He had also heard that Arthur Weasley was looking into divorcing his wife, an unheard of thing in their world. He wished him well and hoped the wizard was able to get the results he was looking for.

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Two days later Draco felt the alarm go off. Throwing his cloak over his shoulders, Draco gave one last look at his room before he apparated away. He had already shrunken the trunks and had them stowed in his cloak pockets, ready at a moment's notice. He had left instructions that nothing would be done until he was gone. He knew his mother would be surprised but he no longer cared. She had made her bed and now she could lay in it. Denise, well she could do whatever she wanted, she could sell the ring he had given her, it wasn't an heirloom piece and he sure as hell didn't want it back. He wished both witches luck in their lives but he would no longer be a puppet for them to manipulate. He had set up a letter to go through the floo to Goldhammer's office and one would be waiting on his mother's desk when the alarm went off because he would be gone one way or another after that. Draco apparated to the portal and was surprised to see Granger and his godfather staring back at him.

"Can you hear me through the barrier?" Draco asked.

"We can hear you just fine, Draco. What are you doing here?" Severus asked.

"I was hoping you would allow one more person to join you there." Draco answered, his posture stiff and voice steady but his eyes held hope they would allow him through.

"You wish to come through the portal to a new world where our kind is numbered only by four?" Hermione asked, disbelief clear in her voice.

"Yes. I would love to tell you all that's happened but I would much prefer it be done on your side of the opening." Draco told them.

"You are willing to walk away from everything you know and are accustomed to, to come here? What of your mother, Draco? Your fiancé?" Severus inquired.

Draco's face hardened, "They'll be just fine here. I'd rather not deal with them, they've done enough. You should know I plan to leave Britain either way." Draco informed.

"I see. Well, it's Hermione's call. What do you think Hermione?" Severus asked as he turned to face her.

"Well, I don't see why not, I guess. Listen, Malfoy, none of your bullying or bullshite here. You hear me? I won't stand for it. This is a place for a new start, a fresh lease on life, a magical renewal if you will." Hermione told Draco with a serious look on her face and hands on her hips.

"I understand and I promise I have changed much since the spoiled rich kid you knew in school, Granger. I won't promise not to ever get on your nerves but I can promise no bullying or bullshite. I would very much like to become friends with you and Harry, if you allow it." Draco said.

"Why do think Harry is here?" Hermione asked carefully.

"Because I saw him go through the portal with my own eyes. Please, Hermione, allow me to join you and I will explain everything and answer any question you wish to ask." Draco pleaded taking Hermione a moment to respond, not used to her given name being said by him or his sincere pleading.

Hermione let out a loud sigh before answering, "Very well, as long as you understand that this may very well be a one way trip. I don't know if the portal will continue to open or not. I was sure when it closed after Harry came through that it wouldn't open again."

"I understand and it is what I want. Thank you." Draco said and almost chuckled at her surprised look.

After watching the Gryffindor Princess take down the many wards she had cast, Draco knew then that he would have never broken through them all. She was scary sometimes.

After stepping through the portal, Draco took a moment to check out Hermione and Severus. They both looked a lot better than the last he saw them. Then he looked around where they were, then with a raised eyebrow, he looked to them both for an answer.

"This is Eric's, um, Sheriff Northman's office. He owns this club and is a vampire. Will this be a problem?" Hermione asked when Draco continued to stare at her.

"No, no problem, just surprised is all. A vampire that is a sheriff? Seems I'm not the only one that needs to do some explaining." Draco observed.

"Indeed." Severus answered. "Now, what has happened to cause you to want to escape?"

Draco spent the next hour explaining what his mother and "fiancé" had done, what he learned through his investigation, and what he finally decided upon. He also told them that since he planned to break things off with Denise that he would then be subject to the Marriage Law and shuddered to think who the idiots would match him up with, considering who they matched Hermione with.

Both Hermione and Severus just stared at Draco when he finished telling his story. Hermione was appalled for Draco that he too had been potioned so some witch could get their way. Severus, on the other hand, wasn't the least bit surprised. He knew Narcissa was just as underhanded and manipulative as Lucius. He thought the way Draco handled the situation was more than the witch deserved but understood his thinking, she was his mother after all and they knew he was right that the Ministry matchup would be horrendous for him.

Hermione spent the next hour explaining things on her end to Draco. To say Draco was surprised was an understatement. It seemed this world was similar but quite different at the same time than the one he just left. He thought it was great that vampires and other…supes, which he learned he would be considered one here…had their own governing hierarchy, as it should be. He also had a feeling that there was more to the friendship Hermione said she had with the two ancient vampires if her softened expression when she spoke of them was anything to go off of.

Hermione then grabbed his arm and, without warning, side-along apparated him to outside her tent. Severus arrived at the same time with a smirk. Draco "scowled" at his godfather before allowing a smile to overtake his features. Before going into the tent, Draco asked if he could have a word with Severus alone. Hermione gave him a small nod and said she would add him to the wards before entering the tent, giving the two wizards some privacy.

"What is on your mind, Draco?" Severus asked.

"I wanted to apologize to you. It had never been my intention to only see you the one time. I'm sure you felt I abandoned you, that now the war was over I wanted nothing to do with you. I'm so sorry Severus, nothing could be further from the truth. I was actually looking forward to having some quality time with you with nothing getting in the way." Draco's voice was full of sorrow.

Severus studied his godson for a few moments before speaking, "I did think that, yes. I am pleased to hear that it was not your doing. I am, however, not the least bit surprised by your mother's actions. She has always known how to get her way. I'm sorry she chose to manipulate you in such a way. You should be free to be with whomever you choose. I believe you also left out a reason for wanting to join us here." Severus cocked a brow at Draco's sheepish grin.

"There might be another reason." Draco smirked but then turned serious as he asked, "Do you think he might be interested?"

"I cannot answer that but I…think…it might be in the realm of possibility." Severus answered

"Either way, I'm glad to be here. It'll be nice not to be whispered about and scorned for something I had no control over." Draco admitted.

"Yes, yes it is. I have ventured out and have enjoyed not being stared at with accusing looks by those around me. It's been refreshing to walk the streets and not be noticed." Severus told him.

With a raised brow, Draco countered, "I doubt very seriously you go unnoticed, Severus. You just get the right sort of notice now."

Severus chuckled and nodded his head. "Shall we join the others?"

"Yes we shall." Draco said as he waved his hand towards the tent flap and followed his godfather through.

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