I've had a couple of rough days here. Migraines, general pain, fatigue... You know, all fun stuff. So, it took me a little longer to post than originally planned. Sorry guys.
I'll be honest, this makes me super nervous. We're taking some major detours here. It's definitely interesting and I hope you guys will stick with me. In a few days, you'll get another chapter.
By the time the first term came to an end, Harry and Draco had become proficient with the non-verbal spells. They'd learned an impressive number of spells from Snape, Dumbledore and McGonagall and the Wolf Pack had added a few members. Through all of this, Lucius Malfoy remained ignorant of his son's extra training and the existence of a secret defense group.
What Lucius did notice was how very talented that Harry seemed to be. It was a bit concerning, and he wasn't looking forward to bringing such a report to the Dark Lord. Voldemort didn't handle bad news very well and it generally wasn't pleasant for the messenger.
Harry was not happy to be separated from Draco for the holiday. He supposed that it was healthy for them to spend some time apart, but that didn't make it any easier. Harry feared for Draco's safety and hated that he wouldn't be able to protect him. But Harry tried to set those worried aside for the wedding.
Remus and Sirius hadn't wanted a large, elaborate wedding. With a war brewing on the horizon, they just wanted to enjoy their day with the people they were closest to. So, they'd planned to have a simple ceremony at the house followed by dinner. Then they just wanted to spend the remaining days of the holiday with Harry.
The small ceremony was beautiful and Harry was glad to see Remus and Sirius so very happy. After so many years of heartache, they were sharing the joy that should have been theirs all along. They'd both wept openly when Harry made a brief, awkward little speech and referred to them as his dads.
Ron had to deal with the mingled pleasure and embarrassment of Viktor visiting the Burrow at Christmas. The Weasley family was quite pleased with the Bulgarian's fondness for Ron. The twins delighted in teasing Ron relentlessly, leaving Ron flustered and irritable mess. Victor simply laughed fondly and entwined his fingers with Ron's, assuring the red head of his continued affection. For Ron, it was both mortifying and blissful.
It didn't take long for it to become obvious that Draco's holiday was going to be disappointing. His father was spending a great deal of time with his fellow death eaters, and any time spent at the manor was mostly spent in his study. He did speak to Draco some, but most conversations circled back to Lucius asking about Harry or the Order of the Phoenix. Draco didn't know much of anything about the Order, and he certainly had no intention of betraying Harry, so those conversations were rather brief.
Narcissa observed her son with a mixture of worry and pity. Draco seemed hurt by his father's repeated dismissals and she could see the anxiety on his face grow with each passing day.
The day after Christmas, Lucius left the manor once again. Narcissa sought out Draco, finding him reading a letter that was probably from Harry. He looked up from the parchment in his hand, tensing slightly when he met her gaze. She hated to see him so guarded around her.
"Draco will you talk to me?" she asked quietly.
"About what?" he asked, folding his letter up with a light blush on his cheeks.
"I want you to know that you can tell me anything," she said earnestly. "Anything at all. I love you and I just want you safe and happy. You know that, right?"
Draco nodded, grimacing slightly.
Narcissa hesitated, but ultimately she felt that it would be best to confront her concern head on. She just hoped that Draco would be open with her. "Darling, are you and Harry... together?" she asked haltingly. His silence and blush were quite telling. She sighed. "Why would you do this to yourself?" she asked him gently. "You know that there can't be a future for you."
Draco sat up straighter, irritation flitting across his face. "Yes there can," he said sharply. "And there is."
"Draco-"
"I love Harry," Draco said, his voice shaking. He met her gaze with eyes that pleaded for understanding. "I love him so much Mother. I always have." He swallowed hard. "He's my soul mate. There will never be anyone else for me."
"I think you're being a little dramatic," Narcissa said, though she looked a little shaken.
"It's true," Draco insisted quietly. Draco had spoken with Harry, Snape and Dumbledore about this. He hadn't wanted the responsibility of telling her all this, but it had been decided that it might be best to let his mother know what was going on. The time may come where she was needed. Draco just had to trust that her love for him would win out over pure blood tradition.
"Mother, do you know what a horcrux is?"
Narcissa looked startled at the question. "Where did you hear about such a thing?" she asked, fear creeping into her voice.
After insisting the room be warded against eavesdropping, Draco told her everything. Narcissa listened carefully, not interrupting at all despite the questions that tumbled through her mind.
When Draco was finished, he fell silent and looked down at his tightly clenched fists, a blush staining his cheeks. Baring his heart and his soul to his mother had been refreshing in some ways. But it was also rather embarrassing. Now that his relationship with Harry was exposed to her, Draco was afraid that she was suddenly far too aware. Would she be able to guess at the desires that had made themselves known in Draco's mind? Would she recognize the way he craved Harry's touch?
"Are you and Harry... intimate?" she asked, cringing a little and not sure that she actually wanted the answer.
Poor Draco wanted to crawl under a rock. Could this get any more mortifying? He abruptly brushed that aside because yes, it most certainly could.
"We- We're not ready for that yet," Draco responded, now refusing to make eye contact. "We haven't moved beyond... snogging," he admitted, hating to even use the word in front of his mother. He swallowed hard, pushing past his fear of her rejection. He couldn't turn back now. "I'm sorry if you're disappointed. Soul mates aren't always romantically involved but... I wouldn't give Harry up for anything."
Narcissa's cheeks were a little pink as she looked at her son's face. She was glad that they hadn't become intimate, but their relationship certainly sounded... intense. She knew that they still had the playful silliness of their childhood friendship. But along the way their bond had deepened into a love that went beyond reason. There was a maturity that had blossomed there, probably as a result of their souls being so entwined. Their relationship wouldn't be like those of other people their age.
She'd seen flashes of it in the past. Draco and Harry had grown out of chasing one another in the park, and youthful giggles had turned into glances full of affection. Draco had been restless and somber at the manor for a few years now. But with Harry, he seemed to come alive. The idea only frightened Narcissa more.
"Draco, I've only ever wanted what was best for you," Narcissa told him, her voice gentle. "Having you bound so closely to the Dark Lord's enemy does not seem like 'the best' to me... But, I think it's likely too late to object to it. I couldn't bear to break your heart, and separating the two of you most certainly would." She stood and moved to the window, looking out at the snow that lightly dusted the lawn, her lips pursed into an anxious frown.
"It's worrisome that you experience his pain and distress," she commented, turning her head to look at Draco again.
"That part is hard sometimes," Draco agreed. "But, I also get to feel the rest: his love, joy, amusement... It's not all the time, but in those moments I never want to be anywhere else. Mother, I-" He fell silent, tears filling his eyes, unable to articulate the emotions that burned through him like a cleansing fire. He throat felt tight, love and anxiety rippling through him.
Narcissa sat down next to Draco again, pressing a hand gently to his still pink face. "You really do love him, don't you?"
Draco met her gaze with tear-filled eyes. "More than my own life," Draco responded without hesitation, barely above a whisper.
"Then I will help you," Narcissa decided, enveloping him in a hug. She tenderly brushed his tears away before swiftly swiping at her own. "We'll save Harry's soul and help him survive."
"But Father-"
"You let me worry about your Father," she replied firmly. She hugged Draco tightly, hoping to reassure him. She'd gladly stand between Draco and Lucius to keep her only son safe.
Lucius Malfoy turned out to be less of an immediate problem. Unless you consider that he was the one that invited guests to the manor.
Draco was horrified when his father returned that evening with several death eaters and Lord Voldemort himself. Draco had known that Voldemort didn't look entirely human. But, the sight of him was worse than Draco imagined. His skin was bone white and he had slits for a nose. His red eyes were quite disturbing. He carried himself as if he belonged in the elite of society, despite the fact that he hadn't bothered wearing anything on his long, pale feet.
"The lovely Narcissa," Voldemort greeted, nodding to her.
"My Lord," she replied, dipping her head elegantly.
"And this must be young Draco," Voldemort went on.
Draco suddenly had the urge to vomit. He pushed the feeling away and greeted the Dark Lord with as much politeness as he could muster. To his horror, Voldemort stepped closer, eyeing him with interest. He just barely kept himself from flinching when Voldemort rested a hand on his shoulder.
"He'll be powerful," Voldemort murmured, looking over at Lucius. "He won't be a match for me, but he'll easily surpass many of the death eaters. His magical core is impressive."
Lucius looked as if he wasn't sure if he should be proud or nervous.
"I think we will bring you into the fold," Voldemort continued, looking directly at Draco now. "You can take the mark this summer. I believe I have an important task for you." He smiled cruelly, making Draco's insides freeze.
"Draco would be honored," Lucius spoke hastily. "Isn't that so, Draco?"
"Yes, sir," Draco responded stiffly.
"Good," Voldemort nodded. He looked around at his surroundings. "I believe this will be adequate for our needs. We can move our operation here in the coming months. Do not touch the boy, Greyback," he added abruptly, his tone bored.
Draco and Narcissa had been so distracted that they hadn't noticed Fenrir Greyback slinking along the wall. His yellow eyes glinted malevolently as he eyed Draco with a hungry stare.
"Giving me the boy would be a proper incentive for Malfoy," Greyback growled, his eyes drifting over Draco's form. "I won't kill him. He'd be like my play thing. Such a pretty boy."
"Not now!" Voldemort snapped impatiently.
Draco edged closer to his mother, very aware that Voldemort hadn't actually rejected the idea. Fenrir stopped his approach, but his gaze stayed on Draco.
Harry sat down with Remus and Sirius in a private room at the Hogshead in Hogsmead. The room was a little chilly, but Harry barely noticed. He got up to pace restlessly, occasionally looking out the window.
The door opened and two robed figures walked in, their hoods pulled up. Pale hands came up to pull the hoods back revealing Draco and Narcissa. Draco ran to Harry in an instant, his body trembling. Harry stumbled back into a wall, careful to keep hold of Draco.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked worriedly.
Draco shook his head slightly. "Just hold me for a moment," he whispered.
"Alright," Harry said, leaning his back against the wall and guiding Draco to snuggle close. "It's okay. Just relax now." The tremors that ran through Draco's slim frame made Harry rather anxious.
Narcissa stared at them with wide eyes before sitting down next to Remus. She tried to give the boys some privacy, but she couldn't help observing. Her eyes followed the tender way Harry petted Draco's hair and stroked down his back.
When Draco had calmed, he lifted his face to look at Harry. He sighed softly when Harry drew him in for a gentle kiss.
"Tell me what's wrong," Harry said, leading Draco to sit down. Remus helpfully transfigured the old chair into a small sofa. Draco sank into it gratefully, pulling Harry down as well. He immediately snuggled into Harry's side.
"The Dark Lord is going to be taking up residence at the manor," Narcissa said with a weary sigh. "We've had many unsavory visitors... One of them being Fenrir Greyback, who looks at Draco with far too much interest."
Remus flinched at the name. Greyback was the werewolf that had turned Remus as a child. It made his skin prickle unpleasantly at the thought of that sadistic monster preying on Draco.
"I'm going to be forced to take the dark mark," Draco said softly. He winced when Harry jerked in alarm.
"I can't let that happen," Harry said fiercely, cupping Draco's face. He pulled Draco in to rest against his shoulder, offering whatever comfort he could.
"What would you have us do?" Sirius asked, looking at Narcissa steadily. If she had reached out to them for a clandestine meeting, surely she already had a plan in motion.
Narcissa shot Draco an anxious look before turning back to her cousin. "I ask that you take him with you today," she murmured. "He'll return to Hogwarts with Harry. And when second term ends, if you will have him, he can stay with you."
Remus and Sirius stared at her in surprise. Draco pulled out of Harry's arms. "Mother I can't just leave you," he objected. "You won't be safe."
"Just do as I say Draco," she responded sharply, her voice shaking.
"Of course we'll take him," Sirius said with a little nod. "He'll be safe."
"And we'll make a plan for you," Remus added. He scowled when she opened her mouth to protest. "You need a safe haven as well. You and I will work out a plan. I know you want to protect your husband, but there's only so much you can do."
Narcissa nodded miserably, reaching into her pocket and pulling out Draco's school trunk that she'd shrunk with a spell. She handed it to her son before hugging him tightly. She pulled back to look him in the eye. "You study hard," she commanded. "You train as much as you can. You and Harry take care of each other." She kissed his forehead tenderly. "I love you my dragon."
Draco nodded, refusing to let his tears fall. His breath caught when his mother hugged Harry tightly.
"Take care of my son," she said softly
"I always will," Harry agreed solemnly.
Narcissa hugged Sirius and Remus briefly, before promising to stay in touch. She put her hood back up and hurried away.
Just a few moments later, Draco found himself in Harry's home. He felt a bit numb with shock. His mother had said that she'd requested a meeting with Sirius and Remus, but it never occurred to him that she'd send him away. It wasn't safe for him in his own home.
Draco's attention was caught when Harry cradled his face. "There you are," Harry murmured. "Why don't we rest for a little while?"
"We'll let you know when dinner's ready," Remus said, waving the boys up the stairs.
Harry led Draco up the stairs, keeping their fingers entwined. They walked into Harry's bedroom and automatically moved toward the bed. Draco still hadn't said a word, his eyes full of sadness.
Harry climbed onto the bed, guiding Draco to lay down with him. Draco stretched out nearly completely on top of him, nuzzling into Harry's neck. For a moment, there was silence. And then Draco's breathing hitched and the tears finally started to fall.
"It's going to be alright," Harry murmured, rubbing Draco's back soothingly. He whispered words of comfort and love, guiding Draco's face up so he could press soft kisses across his brow. Harry thought Draco was lovely even with the tears pouring down his face.
After a while, Draco's sobs quieted. He gave a shuddering sigh and closed his eyes, allowing Harry to soothe him into slumber. Harry drifted to sleep as well, grateful that at least Draco was safe in his arms.
Draco woke up two hours later, momentarily confused by his surroundings. He relaxed when he remembered that he'd fallen asleep in Harry's arms. He shifted so he wasn't squashing him so much, pressing against Harry's side. The movement caused Harry to stir and open his eyes.
"Hey," Harry greeted, rubbing at his eyes. "Are you alright?" he asked, rolling onto his side to face Draco.
Draco nodded, his fingers lightly stroking the front of Harry's jumper. His fingers curled into the fabric and he pulled lightly. Taking the hint, Harry brought their lips together. Draco pressed closer, entangling their legs as he deepened the kiss.
The intimacy of that moment made Draco feel more grounded. His chest was pressed firmly against Harry's and one arm was wrapped around Harry's waist. Harry's tongue was warm and slick and Draco was certain that he'd never tire of the feeling.
"Oh Merlin!" yelped Sirius from the doorway.
Draco and Harry broke their kiss to stare at Sirius in shock.
"Sorry!" Sirius blurted out. "Crap! I am so sorry. I didn't- Wow..."
"Relax," Harry laughed, his cheeks pink with embarrassment. "It's fine Sirius."
Sirius relaxed, recovering from his mortification quickly. He grinned mischievously. "If you two are willing to come up for air for a few moment, dinner is ready," he said with a smirk. He sobered a bit as he focused on Draco. "You alright Pup?" he asked.
Draco was warmed by the fact that Sirius called him Pup, like he did Harry. It made him feel safe and cared for. "I'll be alright," Draco said quietly. "It's hard knowing that I can't go home. And I'm afraid for my mother."
Sirius nodded sympathetically. "I know it's not the same, but you'll always have a home here if you need it," he said. "We'll do what we can to make you comfortable. And Remus sent a message to Snape, asking him to look out for your mum. For now, come get something to eat."
They went downstairs to find that Dumbledore and Snape were seated at the table with Minerva and Remus. Harry and Draco sat side by side, looking over the meal set on the table. There was roasted chicken, potatoes, green beans and fresh bread. The sweet aroma of treacle tart was drifting in from the kitchen.
"This looks delicious," Draco said softly.
"It was a team effort," Sirius chuckled. "Dobby is still complaining about it."
"We wanted you to feel welcome," Remus added.
"Thank you," Draco said, keeping his eyes on his empty plate.
Harry bit his lip and then reached for the serving dishes. He began piling food on Draco's plate. "I think you'll like this," Harry said lightly. "The chicken is always really good. Try not to make eye contact with Padfoot though. He eats like a dog." He smirked at Sirius affronted look.
"Watch it pup," Sirius said teasingly. "You regularly turn into an animal yourself."
"Cats are notoriously tidy," Minerva said, taking a dainty sip from her wine glass. Harry grinned at her while Snape rolled his eyes.
"You two watch it," Sirius threatened, though he was clearly enjoying myself. "I'll get out my secret stash of catnip and a camera."
Minerva cleared her throat primly and reached for the potatoes. Harry looked horrified by Sirius' suggestion. Draco looked between the two and then at Sirius. "You would get their feline forms... high?" he asked incredulously. "And then take pictures?"
Sirius snorted. "It would be stupid to get them high and not take pictures," he responded.
Remus choked on his tea in his struggle not to laugh. Dumbledore didn't bother restraining himself, choosing to laugh right in Minerva's face. Snape didn't laugh, but it was a near thing.
A reluctant grin made its way onto Draco's face. Harry felt himself sigh in relief at the sight. All the silliness didn't fix Draco's fractured family, but Harry would gladly do whatever Draco needed him to.
Snape departed right after dinner, assuring Draco that he'd be back around. He'd only been there to be an assurance for Draco. Snape and Sirius were still mildly hostile toward one another. Remus was far more welcoming, but it didn't really make it pleasant to remain in the house for extended periods of time.
Dumbledore seemed reluctant to leave once the meal was over. The reason soon became obvious.
Harry groaned when Sirius walked into the living room carrying a pouch of catnip from a muggle pet shop. "You're a horrible godfather Padfoot," Harry said, though he was laughing.
"Come on," Sirius said, giving Harry a little nudge. "I'm sure Blondie would find it entertaining."
Harry glanced at Minerva hopefully, but she was apparently pretending to be deaf. Heaving a sigh, Harry transformed.
Draco smiled, reaching out to stroke down Orion's back. Harry was delightfully shameless as a cat. He sprawled wherever he pleased, knocked objects off of shelves and demanded attention as if it was his birthright. Minerva seemed weirdly proud of that.
The black cat stretched languidly, yawning and exposing a mouth full of small pointy teeth. He turned and rubbed his head against Draco's leg. "My pretty kitty," Draco cooed, scratching behind the cat's ears.
"And now the fun begins," Sirius announced. He dumped the catnip onto the floor, spreading it out a bit with his fingers.
Orion pointedly ignored the catnip for several moments. He jumped into Draco's lap for more petting before trotting to look out the window, his ears flicking at every little sound.
"Get your furry arse over here," Sirius demanded.
Minerva smirked as Orion favored Sirius with a reproachful look. Orion started toward Sirius, but he took a path so meandering that Remus starting giggling at Sirius' huffs of frustration. Orion made figure eights around the legs of the coffee table, stopped to clean his paws and then pranced across the back of the couch. When he stopped to nuzzle Draco's hair, Sirius growled at him.
Orion jumped to the floor gracefully, finally stepping over to the pile of catnip. He lowered his head to sniff at it. For a moment, that was all he did. Just delicate little sniffs. And then he crouched down and began sniffing in earnest. He licked at the catnip, shaking his head and sneezing when some of the little bits got stuck in his nose.
Draco watched in fascination as Orion abruptly flopped onto his side and started rolling on the floor. He had bits of catnip stuck all over him. Remus tossed a soft toy mouse onto the floor and Orion attacked it with gusto. He rubbed his head on the mouse while curling inward to kick at it with his back feet.
"That is so weird," Draco chuckled. Sirius agreed with a nod, taking pictures with manic delight.
After a little while, Orion's frenzy came to an end. He sprawled on top of the catnip and closed his eyes blissfully. "Too stoned to move," Remus chortled, shaking his head fondly.
"Is he all right?" Draco asked.
"He's fine," Sirius said, waving off the concern. "It'll wear off. The pictures are going to be brilliant," he added, looking far too pleased with himself.
Orion didn't move.
"Poor thing," Draco chuckled, scooping up a hilariously limp Orion.
"He's not going to bother with changing back just yet," Minerva said, eyeing the lethargic feline. "You may as well get comfortable with him."
Draco sat down and allowed the cat to drape across his lap while Remus and Sirius smiled and cuddled together on the couch after the catnip had been cleared away. Draco's fingers stroked the soft black fur lovingly. If he couldn't be with his own family, at Harry's side was the only place for him.
Narcissa had carefully explained away Draco's absence by telling Lucius that she'd sent Draco to spend the remainder of the holiday with Blaise Zabini. When she commented that she didn't care to risk having Draco in the house with Greyback, Lucius had been relieved and accepted the explanation easily. Of course, things had only gotten worse when there was a massive prison break from Azkaban. The death eaters that had been imprisoned there had escaped and were now running loose. They had quickly returned to Voldemort's side. Draco had been sent away just in time.
As the second term began, Draco found it difficult to speak with his own father. So, he immersed himself in his studies in order to stay as busy as possible. If his father was willing to sacrifice him to Voldemort's insanity, then Draco wanted nothing to do with him. It was difficult and painful.
Classes continued and so did the extra lessons with Snape and the Wolf Pack. Harry was quite pleased with the progress that had been made. Most of the older wolves could now conjure a patronus and they'd all become rather good with stunners.
Quidditch was a welcome distraction from everything. Despite the added responsibility, Harry was enjoying being the Captain. His team was good and they accepted Harry's leadership readily. Every practice and game left Harry feeling tired but, somehow, refreshed.
Hagrid had finally returned to Hogwarts to resume his teaching duties, but he was sporting an alarming number of injuries. They didn't appear life threatening, but the rainbow of mottled colors on Hagrid's face was disconcerting. When asked about it, Hagrid had told them that he'd been to meet with the giants. They'd hoped to get the giants on the Order's side for the war that was sure to happen. Unfortunately, the Death Eaters had the same idea and the mission had been a bit disappointing. Beyond that, Hagrid seemed unwilling to talk and a bit antsy. It made the students uneasy.
One evening, they had an exciting breakthrough in Harry and Draco's training. Snape had them working on focusing the flow of their magic. Harry had been taking slow steady breaths, imagining his magic flowing like water over him. It was cool and calming under his skin.
Draco liked to visualize his magic as flames. It raced painlessly through his veins and danced on his fingertips. It was warm and bright, ready to snap out at Draco's will.
Draco opened his eyes and looked around the room intently. Gray eyes fell on a quill that rested on a desk. Determined, Draco stepped a little closer to the desk, reaching out with one hand. He urged his magic to spread from his outstretched fingers and seize the quill. For a long moment, nothing happened.
Draco's huffed a little, not willing to admit defeat. He pushed his magic further, soothing warmth filling him. And then the quill was zooming into his outstretched hand.
"Yes!" Harry cried jubilantly, punching the air excitedly.
"Your turn," Draco said, holding his hand out with the quill resting on his palm. Snape looked on with interest.
Harry focused on the ebb and flow of his magic. It trickled down his spine and swept into his arm. He pushed it out, his fingertips twitching slightly. The quill began to lift away from Draco's hand, levitating above their heads.
Harry looked at the quill in wonder. Curious, he pushed his magic out further and rotated his wrist slowly. The quill began to spin slowly but deliberately.
Draco could hardly contain his excitement. Eagerly redirecting his energy, he lifted his hand and made a forceful pushing motion. The quill flew across the room before fluttering to the ground.
"Very impressive indeed," Snape acknowledged with a tiny, rare smile. The smile faded just as quickly as it disappeared. "You must remember to be very careful. This requires a great deal of concentration. With as much power as you possess, you could injure someone with carelessness. If I find out that you are negligent when practicing wandless magic, I will make you suffer," he growled.
"Of course," Harry agreed quickly. "We'll be careful."
"We have pups relying on us," Draco added solemnly. "We can't afford to be careless."
Snape folded his arms over his chest, eyeing the two young men pensively. Their pack dynamic was just odd. But, here couldn't argue with their results. The wolves were doing quite well in their classes. Students that had been floundering were now getting better grades. Even Neville Longbottom's spellwork was showing improvement.
He had to admire their talent and hard work. He only hoped that they could be prepared for what came next. Getting rid of the horcrux inside Harry was beyond anything that they'd done so far. And Snape planned to make sure they got through it.
"I've found a ritual that may work," Snape drawled. He held a scroll for Draco to take. "It's... risky, but it looks promising. We're in unfamiliar territory here."
Draco frowned as he read Snape's detailed notes on the parchment. It did indeed sound quite dangerous. But, Snape wouldn't have presented it if he didn't think it was possible. Draco would need to prepare, but he could do it for Harry. Their souls and magic had been winding them ever closer together over the years. Draco had to trust that their bond was strong enough to withstand a trial by fire.
