Severus couldn't be happier to see the castle as they apparated to the front gates of the school. He didn't know how Blake put up with the Ministry, two days and he'd had enough. He felt bone tired and he was sure Dracka and Blake felt even worse. They silently made their way up to the castle and through the hallways to Blake's rooms. He reached out for the door handle when Blake's hand suddenly grabbed his wrist in a steel grip.
"Someone's broken the ward," Blake said softly.
"You didn't set an alarm?" Dracka asked.
"No," Blake replied as he released Severus's arm and pulled his wand. "I'll check my classroom and office. Just wait here."
Blake disappeared down the hallway as they watched him.
"They must have been good to get through Blake's wards." Dracka commented. "Not to mention stay hidden from the teachers, Headmaster and the students."
"Or lucky," Severus said lightly and they fell into silence.
"They didn't brother with my classroom," Blake announced as he walked back towards them. "They did try my office without any luck. I'll check my rooms before checking your rooms and office, Dracka. Severus, they got into your office and rooms. I checked them out and I can't pick up any magic. Keep an eye out just in case, though."
"Why would they do that?" Severus asked. "I have nothing in there."
"They don't know that," Blake said blandly as he opened his door and stepped in.
Nothing looked any different to Severus as Blake moved to his office door. He pushed the door open as Severus and Dracka watched him.
"All good in here," Blake reported, he moved towards the bedroom and stopped. "Ah so…nice bit of charm work."
Blake flicked his wand and Severus felt something brush passed him before Blake stepped into the room. They watched from the doorway as Blake moved around the room with his wand in his hand and his cane in the other. He paused at the bedside table before walking back towards them with a slight frown.
"Wand is gone," Blake announced calmly as he stepped back into the main room.
"The elder wand?" Dracka asked and Severus paled.
"One and the same," Blake said blandly.
He moved to the bathroom before heading back to the bedroom with the other two men following him this time. Everything looked in place as Blake looked through his drawers and pulled out his silver knife and stolen gun. He placed them on the top of the drawers as he looked through everything else.
"Looks like they only took the wand," Blake remarked. "Severus did you want to check your drawers?"
"You don't look concerned that they took the wand?" Dracka asked carefully.
"Nah," Blake replied. "Good luck to them."
Blake turned to the two men and frowned.
"What?" He asked.
"It's a part of the Deathly Hallows," Severus pointed out.
"And I can call it back at any time," Blake said slowly. "You can't just steal the wand and claim it as yours. It doesn't work that way."
They both looked at him and Blake gave them a lopsided grin. A look they both knew well, Blake was already planning.
"Okay, Severus," Blake announced. "Did you want to check your rooms and classroom to see if anything is missing? While I go up to Dracka's rooms?"
Severus nodded and moved out of the room as Dracka and Blake moved up to the vampire's office and classrooms. Blake and Dracka falling into step with each other easily. The hallways were mostly deserted since the students were in class.
"They must have had someone in place," Dracka commented.
"Yes," Blake agreed. "I agree. This must have been planned in advance. I'll try to focus on the magic to see if I can pick up a signature later."
They stopped outside Dracka's classroom and Blake looked it over.
"Nothing here," Blake remarked and they moved down to Dracka's rooms.
xXx
Severus moved towards his rooms, he hadn't stepped in them for a while since he spent most of his time in Blake's rooms. They were more for show than anything else as he pushed the door open. Nothing was out of place as he walked in and looked around for a while before pushing open his office door. He heard a small click and pulled up a shielding charm instinctively, pulling on his dark magic without thinking. A loud bang had his ears ringing and the pressure against the shield pushed him back across the room as he hit the stones.
Heat rolled over the shield as he poured more power into the spell. He cursed as he ducked his head and curled up in the small space of the shield. His world coming down to fire and darkness.
xXx
"Severus!" Harry yelled as a rumble reached them two floors up.
He dropped his cane and ran with Dracka getting ahead of him easily. They dashed back down the stairs. Fear spiked through Harry and he cursed his leg as he had to slow on the steps.
He pushed himself faster as he followed the vampire. He skittered around the last corner and pulled up next to Dracka as heat rolled down the hallway. Students whispered and hugged the hallway with large eyes, mostly Slytherins.
"Oh, god." Harry whispered, his heart in throat.
He looked over at Dracka and the vampire looked as shaken and pale as he felt. They looked down the hall and crept closer as the heat ran across the ceiling and smoke billowed out of Severus's rooms. Harry could see that Dracka wanted to get closer but the three weaknesses for a vampire were; sun, fire and silver.
"Stay back!" Harry ordered.
"Blake," Dracka hissed and crouched down as the smoke started to fill the hallway and Harry quickly slipped out of his coat.
"Everyone back!" Albus's voice rolled down the hallway and the two men glanced over at him as the students moved.
"Stay here," Harry repeated with steel in his voice.
Dracka nodded as Harry dropped to the floor and crept forward. The heat rolling along his back and he coughed. He tried to dispel the smoke but it just kept rolling out of Severus's rooms. He tied a cloth around his nose and mouth and pushed forward. His eyes stinging from the smoke, already.
He got to Severus's doorway and looked into the mess in horror. He was a complete idiot and Severus may pay the price for it as he crawled into the room. The smoke making it hard to see far in front of him. He could feel dark magic and he moved towards the source, hoping it was Severus. Flames were everywhere as the fire spread and stones were scattered across the room from the explosion.
"Severus!" Harry called, the heat stealing the breath from his lungs.
"Here!"
Harry crawled closer as he tried to pull on his magic but it kept slipping away. He was just too tired and the heat too strong. The furniture around him burning and Harry hissed as ash fell on his arms and face. He pushed forwards towards the source of dark magic.
"Severus, can you move towards me!" Harry called then coughed.
"No," Severus called back, his voice strained. "Only just holding it."
Harry could feel the Headmaster trying to use a water spell from outside the room but something was wrong. Something seemed to be dampening the magic around them. He tried to grab for his magic again but it slipped away as he tried to from a spell.
"When did you cast the spell?" Harry called as he made his way around the burning lounge and could see one of the wooden beams had come down.
"Before the explosion!"
"There's a spell on the room!" Harry called back then flinched as flames flared around him and he scrambled across the floor as the heat forced him back. "I can't grab my magic! I need you to make a connection with me! Whatever you do, don't drop the spell!"
Harry covered his head as sparks flew near him as something crashed down. He could feel the sparks landing on his arms as sharp stings. He felt Severus reaching out for him and grabbed the connection. He hissed at the feeling as he quickly lowered his barriers to allow Severus in completely as he strengthened it from his end.
"Grab my magic!" Harry called and then hissed in pain as the man pulled and Harry quickly pushed his dark magic to the forefront.
He tried moving closer, ignoring the pain in his chest as Severus slowly pulled on the dark strand that Harry laid out to him.
Severus paused.
"Keep going!" Harry snapped.
"It's hurting you!"
"It will hurt more if we burn alive in here!"
Harry rolled as a wooden beam fell and he came up against the wall. He coughed as the pain burned in his veins but he could sense the magic around Severus gathering up.
"Push the shield up!" Harry yelled then coughed.
The wall was so hot behind him as he worked around the room heading towards Severus and his bubble of dark magic. He groaned as Severus pulled a little too quickly and the man slowed it down. He very carefully drew the magic out.
Harry's veins burned and his lungs felt like they were on fire and he crept closer. He could see the darkness of the shield spell in front of him.
"Severus!" Harry coughed. "You have to let me in."
"How?"
Harry touched the dark spell but hissed and pulled his hand back as it burnt him and he swore.
He moved back towards the wall and tried to think as the heat rolled over him and stole the breath from his lungs. He curled up as much as he could and focused on forming the spell in his mind. He grabbed the link with Severus as pain spiked in his body as they held the connection. The link wasn't meant to be used this way and he knew he wouldn't be able to hold it for much longer.
He pushed the spell towards Severus and he paused slightly before slowly pulling on his magic again. Harry could feel him feeding the shield as he formed the spell that Harry had supplied. He had to hold the shield as he changed the spell. If the spell slipped from him the shield would fail and they were stuck without being able to pull up another shield. Harry was sure that Severus wouldn't last if that shield fell as the Hallows gave him some protection.
Harry gasped and felt Severus magic around him as the man strengthened the connection but that just increased the pain in Harry's core. His light magic fought against the link to Severus's dark magic as their power was bound by the connection.
"I can't hold it much longer!" Harry called out as he crawled closer to the dome of magic.
His vision greyed around the edge and he was having trouble breathing as he reached the dome again. Severus stopped pulling on the magic and Harry groaned, feeling the burning both inside and out. Then suddenly he could breath and arms were wrapping around him.
He just coughed as he tried to catch his breath and his eyes stung.
"Move the dome," Harry gasped. "We have to get out of here!"
"Blake, the connection." Severus whispered, his eyes wide as he looked at him.
"We still have it," Harry coughed. "Do you have enough power to hold the spell?"
"At the moment, yes." Severus replied.
It was dark in the dome but the heat still reached them and he knew how a roast felt like in an oven.
"Go to the right until we hit the wall," Harry ordered, already moving that way.
Severus nodded and Harry could see the strain on the man's face. The dome slowly moved with them until Harry felt the wall and laid his hand against it.
"Move forward and it will take us back to the door," Harry hissed then ducked his head down as the dome started to get smaller. "Pull on my magic!"
Severus's large eyes locked with his, Harry could see the pain and indecision there.
"Do it!" Harry ordered.
Severus nodded and started pulling the magic again. Harry bit his lip as pain burned through him and his light magic raged. Harry took a hold of it and pushed it down harshly. They moved forward as his wizard power started to mix with his dark magic, the shield was eating through their magic quickly. Severus hesitated as he touched onto that new magic and the dome's roof got closer.
"Do it!" Harry gasped. "Severus grab it and move us!"
Severus nodded and refocused and slowly moved them along the wall. Both men sweating as Severus pulled on Harry's magic and the smaller man started to feel dizzy and sick as he pushed his magic forward. His vision tunnelling as he moved with Severus. His arms starting to shake and then gave out on him.
"Blake!"
Harry felt hands on his shoulders and back and Severus stopped pulling on the magic. Harry panted as his light magic tried to push forward. He held it back as it raged against him.
"Severus! Drop the shield!"
Suddenly cold air rolled over them and hands were pulling him. The connection still there and burning. He tried to reach out and break it but it kept slipping from him. He'd pushed too far with it as it crossed over into a bond instead of a link.
"Blake!"
All he could see was whiteness as he tried to grab the connection. He heard Severus cry out as his light magic touched him via the connection.
"Break it, Severus!" Harry hissed, getting his hands and knees under him. "Break it!"
The connection broke and Harry collapsed to his side as the magic burned in his veins more light than dark. He felt hands on his shoulders but he didn't care as the Hallows raged in his blood.
"Blake!"
Harry looked up into Severus's dark eyes. His face was covered in sweat and he was only in his shirt and pants.
"Sorry," Harry whispered. "Should have looked for muggle devices."
Severus smiled grimly down at him as he laid a hand on his shoulder. The Headmaster had finally got a water spell working as the spell in the room broke down.
"Didn't think," Harry gasped and tried to get to his feet.
"Just stay there," Severus ordered and held him back.
Harry nodded and coughed as his lungs burned. When he looked up again Dracka was looking down at them. He looked down at his burnt hand from touching the dome and Severus took it into his hand. He pulled out his potion pouch and a vial of his healing balm.
"This was planned," Dracka muttered as he crouched down before them. "This was very well planned."
Harry nodded and started coughing again. His magic settling down in his chest as the Hallows went to wallow in the back of his mind.
"The timing was perfect," Harry said, hoarsely. "Well done, Severus."
Severus nodded as he gently worked the balm into his hand and the burn mark started to recede.
"Are you okay, my boy?" Albus asked as he came over, looking down at them.
"All good," Harry whispered then started coughing again.
"What he said was that he would like Madam Pomfrey to come down here," Severus said for him as he released his hand.
"The fire is out now," Albus reported. "It looks like everything burned."
Harry pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to Dracka.
"Call Department," Harry coughed. "Leave a message for strike team three, Robbie Milton…"
Harry stopped and coughed as Severus rubbed his back.
"…tell him to come to Hogwarts…If he calls back tell him what happened." Harry finished and laid his head back against the stones as Severus rubbed his leg.
"Are you okay, Severus?" Albus asked.
"Been better," Severus replied.
Harry snorted but that just started the coughing again. He got his hands under him and got to his knees as Severus watched him with dark eyes. Dracka glanced over at him as he spoke on his phone.
"You should sit down, Blake." Severus suggested as Harry staggered to his feet. "You are going to pass out."
"Am not." Harry gasped.
Then the world spun around him and the ground was moving towards him quickly but the darkness was quicker as it consumed him.
xXx
Severus woke to Blake coughing and he rolled over to rub the man's back. They were able to get him cleaned up by the time that he'd come back around. Severus had given him a few potions to help with smoke inhalation while Poppy had done her spell work but the cough was still giving him trouble. Blake crawled to the edge of the bed.
"Where are you going?" Severus asked silkily.
"Shower," The man whispered, his voice hoarse. "Skin itches from the cleaning spell."
Severus looked after his lover in equal measure of concern and affection. He could still see his face blackened by soot with his green eyes wide in fear as he looked up at Severus. The memory sent a shiver down his back. He'd never seen Blake look that panicked and scared as he'd looked up at him.
Blake staggered back into the room a little while later. His hair still dripping as he slipped back under the covers and Severus took him in his arms.
"Better?" Severus muttered as he held him close.
"Much," Blake replied as he tangled himself around Severus.
The man stilled and Severus was sure that he had gone back to sleep until he spoke.
"I can't lose you," Blake uttered softly into his chest.
Severus's hand stilled on his back.
"I'm not going anywhere," Severus whispered.
Blake went quiet again as Severus gently rubbed his shoulder. Both men knowing that there would be a day that Severus would not be there anymore but Blake would be. That day wasn't today. The best they could do was take what they could get as Severus held Blake close as they fell asleep.
xXx
"That was a very well planned and calculated move," Blake announced to the people in the room. "They would have had to study the wards of Hogwarts to find the loop hole in them. Then timed it just right."
They were in Blake's room with his table filled with food and drinks, very early the next morning. Dracka still had Blake's phone and by the glare he kept sending the man he wasn't happy about it. Albus seemed oblivious as he sipped on his tea and Severus just watched it all in amusement as he made his way through some bacon.
"I called Kingsley with my spare phone," Blake said, his voice rough. "I told him what happened and he called the Minister who called…well let's just say that the group in the military just had their world view expended."
Blake stopped in a cough and Severus winced at the sound. He pushed his glass of juice towards him. Blake nodded in thanks and took a few sips.
"Your man, Robbie." Dracka remarked, once Blake had his coughing under control. "Nice bloke but a bit of a pyro. He brought a team in to work through each of the floors of the castle. They found another device in my rooms and had fun setting it off on the grounds."
"He does like fire a bit too much," Blake muttered.
"This attack seemed centred on Severus and I," Dracka continued and Severus paled.
"Yes," Blake agreed. "I think they only took the wand because it was just too much of a temptation."
"They took the elder wand?" Albus asked in concern.
"Yes," Blake replied, casually. "It looks like it's the only thing they took, everything else was carefully placed back where it had been. They did attempt to get into my office but I have some very tricky and fiddly wards on that room. That took a lot of swearing to put into place, by the way."
"If the attempt on Severus or myself had worked," Dracka continued as Blake coughed again. "It would have discredited you Blake and shook people's faith in the Ministry and the protections on Hogwarts."
"Yes," Blake agreed. "In one act, it would have crippled us. Especially after what I said at the press conference. I'm concerned that he had this all planned before he pulled on the dark magic. He would have been hoping that we would be distracted and also out of the castle."
They were silent for a few minutes as they thought his words through. They were in no doubt that Simpson was focused on them now.
"How did they get in?" Albus asked. "What was the loop hole in the wards?"
Blake took a sip of coffee before answering.
"They used muggles," Blake replied. "Probably a small team of three people. They would have had to know the timetable of the school to know just the right time to get in. The wards stop anyone with ill intent or intent to cause harm."
"Then how were they able to get passed them?" Severus asked when Blake paused.
"They only cover anyone with a magical core," Blake explained. "So, they would have had a muggle set the devices while they searched the rooms. A person with a magical core would have been able to pass over as long as they didn't want to cause harm or have ill intent. It was the muggles that did. The curse breaker probably wasn't even told about what the muggle were going to do, just to break the wards. They wouldn't have known what the devices did just how to place them."
"They probably weren't expecting your wards to be so tricky as well, Blake." Dracka added.
"Yes," Blake said with a nod. "I've looked over his work and he knew what he was doing but not up to the master level. If they were just standard wards they would have got into the office without me knowing."
Severus shivered at the thought and Blake smiled over at him.
"I've contacted anyone I could," Dracka reported. "For the military to look through our villages, Council and the ministries to look for muggle devices. So far they have found nothing-"
"Come in," Blake called at the knock at the door.
"Hey, Blake." Robbie greeted with a grin as he came in and plonked himself at the table next to him and Blake pushed a pot of coffee towards him.
Severus looked the man over and the easy way that Blake and the man moved. Severus could tell that his lover and the man had worked very close together. He was reminded again how much he still didn't know about Blake even after all this time. Blake looked over at that moment and gave him a wink and a smile.
"So, the school is clear Headmaster." Robbie stated with his mouth full of food.
"Oi!" Blake snapped. "Eat first."
Robbie grinned over at Blake and tipped his fork at the man in answer. The move made Severus smirk. Robbie stood just a little taller than Blake but was built on muscle. Where Blake was slim, Robbie was bulk. The man looked military with short brown hair and sharp brown eyes but the easy smile on his face drew you in. Severus guessed that he was in his mid to late thirties.
Blake pushed the plate of bacon towards him and Robbie flashed him a grin. Yes, the two men had worked very closely together. Severus looked up and caught Dracka's eye and he could tell that the vampire was thinking the same thing. Which made him wonder about Blake's relationship with the younger man.
Robbie placed a file on the table as he ate and Blake picked it up. He flipped it open as he grabbed his coffee, oblivious to Severus and Dracka's watchful eyes. Blake idly pushed some milk towards Robbie as the man made a coffee then pulled the sugar away before he could add a third teaspoon and Severus smirked. He didn't normally see these interactions from the outside and from the amused look of Dracka's face, he agreed.
"Sergeant Miller is coming later with strike team five this afternoon," Robbie reported, making Blake groan.
"Oh, god." Blake moaned. "Why?"
Robbie flashed him a grin and Blake pushed the sugar bowl back towards him.
"He wants a team here in case there is another attack," Robbie explained.
"But why that team?" Blake whined, making Severus sit up straight and he could see Dracka doing the same.
"Sorry, mate." Robbie apologised. "That was the team that was free."
Blake glanced over at Severus and Dracka before looking back to Robbie. The man gave him a lopsided smile.
"Ah," Blake muttered then coughed. "I suppose we'll have to live with it."
Robbie's brown eyes flicked to Severus, putting him on edge.
"Dracka," Blake said, changing the subject. "Is it possible to get some of your hellhounds over here?"
Dracka looked taken aback.
"I suppose," Dracka replied.
"Would that be safe with the children?" Albus asked, looking concerned.
"Of course, Albus." Dracka said lightly. "They love children, it's only Blake they take a disliking to."
Blake glared at Dracka as the vampire sat back in his seat with a smirk.
"I still think you put them up to it," Blake grumbled and Dracka laughed.
"The school would be safe from any muggles getting in with hellhounds here," Blake explained. "But if one starts stalking me, Dracka! We are going to have words."
The vampire grinned showing fangs and Robbie shivered. Blake passed the file across the table to Dracka as he started on his second coffee.
"I'll be sticking around until after Miller arrives with strike team five," Robbie announced with a grin. "Someone has to make sure you don't kill the man."
Blake glared at Robbie and he just smiled at him innocently. Severus gripped his fork tighter, something was going on here and he didn't like it. Blake sighed and rubbed his head and that move put him further on edge, Blake was concerned. He could pick up the slight signs.
"Dracka, please contact your Coven to get some hellhounds here." Blake ordered quietly. "I'll be happier knowing they are here and watching the school."
Dracka eyed the other man before nodding.
"Should have them here by tonight then, how many?" Dracka inquired.
"A pack," Blake stated. "That should do. Is that okay Headmaster?"
"If you can guarantee that the children will be safe?" Albus asked.
"Perfectly," Dracka assured. "I'll get a pack with some puppies; the students will love it. I may have to keep Hagrid away from them or I might not get them all back."
"See that you do, Mr Dracka." Albus said with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes.
"Perfect," Blake said, standing from the table. "I've got a few calls to make then I'm heading back to bed. Dracka can you keep my phone?"
"Reluctantly," Dracka drawled.
Blake smirked and clapped his hand on the vampire's shoulder as he passed him on his way out the door. Severus sat back in his seat as he sipped on his coffee.
"He doesn't look too good," Robbie commented.
Dracka snorted.
"I should be going as well," Albus announced. "Severus, I've had a new door fitted to your room. I'll have them fixed it up as soon as I can."
"I haven't used them for a long time anyway, Albus." Severus remarked. "Doesn't make much difference to me."
Albus clapped a hand to his shoulder and Severus looked up at him.
"It's all about appearances, my boy." Albus pointed out. "Not that that bothers Blake and even if you two are not Professors, you do still work at this school. Stay safe."
Severus gave the older man an amused look as Albus's eyes twinkled. He gave them a nod before leaving.
"Ah," Robbie stuttered and looked between the two men uncomfortably. "You might want to be careful when strike team five gets here."
Severus tensed and could see Dracka doing the same.
"And why would that be, Mr Milton," Severus purred in his best 'professor voice'.
Robbie eyes darted between them.
"So, Michael Beldon, the Commander of the team," Robbie said tensely. "He doesn't like Blake much."
"Oh god," Dracka groaned. "What did Blake do?"
"What!" Robbie yelped. "No, no. It's not what Blake 'did', it's what Blake 'is'."
"And that is?" Severus said smoothly as he sat forward in his seat.
"Well," Robbie muttered. "He is a Dark Wizard and well…"
Robbie waved a hand at Severus.
"In a relationship with a man?" Dracka asked sweetly.
Robbie flinched back as Severus felt a stab of coldness in his stomach.
"Well, yes." Robbie replied. "Beldon is a pureblood from a very long line of purebloods. He's had a few run ins with Beldon over the years."
Severus sat back in his seat. He'd been up against this before, since he'd always known he was homosexual but Blake had had many relationships with women, even had a wife and children at one time. Blake's attitude to such people had been mixed.
"You do know that Blake has had a wife and children," Dracka stated, almost reading Severus's thoughts.
"What!" Robbie squeaked. "But…"
Severus smirked at the look on the boy's face.
"Blake is older than you think," Dracka said sweetly.
"Oh, I know that," Robbie said and waved his hand. "Just surprising to know that he used to have a wife. He's spoken about his children before and of course Ry. I just kind assumed that he had adopted them. It is hard to get much out of him, especially personal information."
Severus and Dracka shared a look.
"I used to baby sit Ry sometimes," The man expanded as he sat back in his seat. "Sweet kid, too much of Blake in him but sweet. Which makes it confusing due to who Blake is and being cursed and time travel and well…all that."
"How long have you known Blake?" Severus questioned.
"Um," Robbie stuttered. "Seems like a long time, I had come straight from school to the Department. I think Ry would have been about three when I met Blake. He came to the Department with this young kid. Dylan was the Department head at the time and he was not impressed, even less so, when Blake handed him some file from the goblins."
Severus smirked as Dracka laughed.
"That sounds like Blake," Dracka stated with a laugh. "He just walks in and takes over."
"That he does." Robbie agreed with a chuckle. "I remember looking at this short, slim man with a cane and a child hanging off his hand and thinking; what the fuck? Sergeant Miller leaned over to whisper to me that the man would only last less than six months. Dylan surprised us all by giving Blake a badge, right then. Was the talk of the Department for weeks."
Severus chuckled as Dracka laughed harder. Just then Blake walked in and looked around at the three of them with a raised eyebrow as the laughter kicked up.
"I don't want to know," Blake muttered as he limped towards the bedroom. "I'm going to bed, wake me in the afternoon."
xXx
Harry woke with a start as something jumped on the bed and a growl sounded above him. With a yelp, he scrambled from the bed as he reached for his magic. He landed on his feet and spun around. A large Hellhound sat in the middle of the bed with its red eyes glowing and its tongue hanging out the side of its mouth. The beast yawned loudly, showing off its large teeth before settling on the bed as Harry eyed the beast off.
"Fucking Dracka," Harry cursed and let his magic go.
The beast cocked its head to the side and started licking its leg, its eyes never leaving him. Harry cursed again.
"This is Dracka's revenge, right?" Harry asked it, knowing full well the beast understood him. "For leaving him with my phone."
The beast just looked at him.
"I'm going to ward these rooms," Harry warned as he pulled on some pants. "I swear I am going to curse one of you. That's not a warning, that's a promise."
The beast growled at him and Harry just bared his teeth at the dog as he slipped into a shirt.
"Don't think the vampire will be able to stop me," Harry threatened as he pointed his finger at the animal.
The beast just stretched and jumped from the bed. Harry tensed but with a swish of its tail and a flash of fangs it walked straight through the wall and disappeared.
"Fucking beasts," Harry cursed again.
He had enough problems already then having to deal with the beasts but he needed them here. With a sigh, he ran his hand over his head and took the potion on his bedside table for his chest before heading out to meet the mess of the day.
xXx
Severus sat in his seat at the Head Table when Blake walked in. The man looked around the hall until his eyes locked with Dracka. They darkened as he glared at the vampire as his steps quickened.
"What did you do?" Severus drawled as Blake stalked towards them.
"Um," Dracka stuttered with wide eyes. "I think I might go out the back way."
Severus snorted as Dracka jumped from his seat and disappeared. Blake glared after him but was distracted by a student which gave the vampire time to run.
"Trouble in paradise?" Minerva asked with a smirk.
Severus just gave the woman dark smile. Minerva screwed up her face and slapped his arm. Severus noticed a hellhound walking around the hall and the way Blake kept an eye on it as it disappeared out of the doors.
Blake settled down at the Ravenclaw table, talking to the students around him. Severus could see that the man was looking a lot better from the sleep as he laughed with the students. He pulled out his wand to show them something as a few more students moved over.
A group of people arriving at the door caught his attention. Robbie and Sergeant Miller walked in with three woman and four men behind them dressed as muggles with guns and swords on their belts that screamed military. Blake looked up and Sergeant Miller nodded at him as the group made their way up to the Head Table via the side of the room.
"If I could have everyone's attention please," Albus called to the Hall and all the children quieted. "As you would have noticed we have had many people coming and going the last few days.
"You would have also noticed the hellhounds wandering the grounds and castle. These animals are perfectly safe and are here for your protection. Please keep in mind that these animals are not pets but working animals and have a job to do. Some of you may know Sergeant Miller, he is here with a team that will be working at the school for a while," Albus paused as the group made it to the Head Table. "Please make them welcome."
The students looked around before clapping politely. Sergeant Miller nodded and took Albus's offered hand.
"Thank you for coming," Albus greeted with a smile.
"Any time, Headmaster." Miller replied.
"I have rooms ready for you," Albus announced. "Let me show you."
Albus lead the group from the Hall as Severus looked them over. He wasn't sure which man was Michael Beldon as the team moved out of the hall but he was sure he would find out in time. He looked around and caught Blake's eye and the man winked at him and Severus relaxed. They would deal with whatever was thrown at them, like they always did.
xXx
"Well, if it isn't the Dark Wizard."
Harry turned to look at Michael Beldon leaning against the wall in the second-floor hallway. His blue eyes cold as he stared at Harry. A few students paused and gasped in the hallway as Harry moved towards the man.
"Mr Beldon," Harry replied politely.
The man's lips twisted up in a sneer.
"Kill anyone lately?" The man asked and students gasped and whispers started up.
"Are you offering yourself?" Harry asked sweetly as he leaned into his cane. "I'm sure I can spare some time, if you have a few minutes that is?"
"As if you have the skill," Beldon snarled as he stalked closer with students scattered before him. "Too old and chewed up, Sun. You should have been put out to pasture or the knackery, years ago."
Harry leaned on his cane casually as whispers sounded around them. The students moved further down the hallway, giving them a wide space but still watching. They were starting to gather a crowd and Harry was sure that's what Beldon was hoping for.
"Ah," Harry remarked with a smirk. "But by your reckoning still a Dark Wizard, Beldon and you know how blood thirsty they can be."
Beldon closed the distance between them and he had to tilt his head back to stare the man in the eyes. His brown hair was cut short and his hand was resting on the hilt of his sword on his belt as his eyes looked Harry over with a glare and twisted smile. He stood a good head taller than Harry with broad shoulders and muscle on muscle. He knew how to fight and was a man that Harry wouldn't like to cross and yet would stand his ground against. He had clashed with the man before and come out second best more than a couple of times.
"I've seen what you can do, Sun." Beldon hissed with a cold look in his eyes. "It's just a matter of time until we are ordered to put you down, like a rabid dog. Bullet to the head."
Harry held his arms to the side.
"Feel free," Harry replied, ignoring the whispers around them. "If you think I'm so dangerous to you. Be my judge, jury and executor."
"Ha!" The man barked. "I know that God will be that for your sins. I don't have to dirty my hands with your tainted blood."
Beldon turned on his heels and stalked away, the children parting around him. Harry looked around at the pale faces of the students and he was sure that the story would be around the school by dinner that night.
"Well?" Harry purred sweetly. "Don't you lot have classes to attend?"
The students broke up around him as Harry moved back towards his rooms. As if he didn't have enough on his plate. He walked into his rooms to find Severus, Dracka, Ry and Ron Weasley sitting at his dining table.
"You!" Harry snapped, pointing to Dracka. "Keep those beasts under control. You," pointing at Severus. "Stay out of Michael Beldon's way and you two." Harry pointed to Ry and Ron. "What are you doing here?"
All four men stared at him.
"Ah," Ry stuttered, looking at him with wide eyes. "Hi, Dad."
"Come here." Harry said, holding out his arms and Ry jumped up and hugged his father as Severus and Dracka shared a look.
He held his son close and felt some of the tension unwind in him before he pushed the boy back and looked him over. Ry grinned at him and pushed his messy hair out of his eyes. He looked happy and his time in the Auror program had added muscle to his frame as he held himself with confidence. He looked like he'd stopped growing and stood a few inches off Severus height which made him a lot taller than Harry himself. About the same height as Dracka as he looked the boy over.
"You look well," Harry commented as he stepped back. "Looks like your training is agreeing with you."
Ry grin widened as he looked at his father. His green eyes shining behind his wire rim glasses as he looked down at him. He clapped his father on the shoulder.
"You look like you need more sleep and some good food," Ry remarked with a cheeky grin.
"Oh, shush you." Harry snapped. "You're as bad as Severus."
Ry just laughed and moved back to his seat with a very uncomfortable Ron Weasley next to him.
"And what," Severus drawled darkly. "Pray tell, was that about before?"
"Ah," Harry muttered as he rubbed a hand over his face. "Yeah, sorry. Had a run in with Beldon in the hallway. Seriously Severus, stay out of that man's way."
Dracka's eyes flashed red and Ron pulled back in his seat. He looked like he would rather be anywhere else but where he was.
"I would warn you, Dracka," Harry remarked to the vampire. "But I'm sure it would just be falling on deaf ears. You might want to keep those beasts of yours away from him though. I wouldn't put it past him to put a bullet in one of them."
"I would like to see him try," Dracka offered with a dark grin.
Harry moved over to make a coffee.
"Why are you here Ry and Ron?" Harry asked, over his shoulder.
"Auror Shacklebolt has assigned us here," Ry replied as he sat back in his seat. "On the job training he said."
"What did you do?" Harry asked.
Ron blushed and looked away as Ry laughed.
"Nothing," Ry answered with an innocent grin.
"I doubt that very much," Severus purred.
"Well," Ry amended as he slipped his glasses off to clean them. "Maybe a little more than nothing."
Harry placed a pot of coffee on the table and five cups with sugar and milk.
"How are you going Ron?" Harry asked instead.
"Very well, sir." Ron replied quickly.
"It's Blake," Harry offered with a smile as he sat between Ry and Dracka.
The vampire placed his phone on the table and Harry placed his spare phone next to it. He moved them both in front of him as he picked up his coffee.
"Ah, Blake." Ron stuttered.
"How are your parents?" Harry asked.
"Oh," Ron exclaimed as he sat forward in his chair. "They are great! Bill is getting married in a few months' time and mum has already started knitting up kids clothing!"
Harry sat back in seat as the boy jumped into telling them about everything going on with his family and how the twin's business was going as he slowly relaxed. He caught Severus's eye and gave the man a wink across the table. Even when his phone started to buzz on the table, he ignored it.
Dracka's hand crept across the table and Harry laid his hand on the phones as he listened to Ron and Ry. This was family time and he was not going to let anyone interrupt them. Dracka smirked at him as he sat back in his seat.
xXx
Severus jolted when Blake collapsed on the bed next to him. He glanced over to the bedside table to see it was close to one in the morning.
"Are you just getting to bed?" Severus asked.
"Long day," Blake muttered as he lay there fully clothed.
It was a good week and a half since the attempt on Severus's life and when Simpson had pulled the dark magic and he hadn't seen much of Blake lately. The man was normally gone when he got up and crawled into bed late at night. He reached out and brushed back the man's hair.
"Are you going to sleep like that?" Severus asked after few minutes of silence.
"Hm?" Blake muttered.
"Come on," Severus purred and sat up.
He moved across the bed and looked down at his lover. Tired green eyes looked up at him as he reached forward and unbuckled the man's belt and slipped his hands around his hips. Blake lifted his hips and Severus slipped his pants down as Blake toed off shoes. He pulled his socks off before laying back. Severus moved to saddle his waist and slipped his hands around his sides. He worked to slip his jacket off and pull his shirt off. He looked down at Blake before moving off the bed.
"Come on," Severus purred. "Under the covers."
Blake smirked at him and wiggled under the covers. Severus slipped into bed and curled up along his back. He ran a hand over Blake's hip and pulled him close. He kissed the man on the neck and Blake muttered something already half asleep. Severus tangled his legs with him as he brushed his magic along his back. He fell asleep quickly, feeling content.
Severus woke to Blake running a hand down his side and kissing his neck. He rolled onto his back and looked up at the man. Blake grinned and kissed him as his hand slipped lower.
xXx
missing scene.
xXx
Severus collapsed to the side of him panting as Blake looked at him with dark eyes and a slight smile. He casually flicked his wrist to clean them up. Blake curled up into his side with his head resting on Severus's chest as he ran a hand through his hair.
Severus glanced over to see it was nine in the morning, they had slept in. Not that it meant anything to Severus on a Saturday morning.
"No early meetings?" Severus asked softly as Blake lay against him.
"None all day," Blake muttered. "Told them to sort out their own bloody problems."
Severus snorted and relaxed back into the bed. Just enjoying the feeling of his lover curled into him and his soft hair under his fingers.
"I've made a lunch reservation in London," Blake said softly. "If you don't have plans?"
"Sounds great," Severus answered before he tilted the man's chin up to kiss him.
Blake grinned and rolled on top of him looking down at him with bright green eyes and a grin that made him twitch in interest. Blake's smile widened before pulling him up into a sitting position his legs on either side of him. He kissed him as he wrapped his arms around him as he sat on his thighs. Severus pulled back, his arms around him loosely as he felt his heart beat that little faster as he looked into Blake's green eyes.
"Hey," Blake purred.
Severus laughed and pushed the man back on the bed, making him squeak. He was ready for round two.
xXx
"So," Harry announced as he sipped his wine at the fancy restaurant in London. "Bill has invited us to his wedding."
"Oh, god." Severus replied. "Another gathering of red heads."
Harry grinned and gave him a wink.
"Wait a minute," Severus uttered as something occurred to him.
"Yes?" Harry purred.
"Ginny Weasley…" Severus trailed off.
"Yes?" Harry inquired with a smirk. "My wife or the one of this time?"
Severus groaned and held his head.
Harry laughed as he let Severus think that through.
"Try it from my side," Harry muttered.
Severus looked at him with large eyes and Harry sat back in his seat.
"Do you think…" Severus started but couldn't finish the question.
"That Ry will follow in my footsteps?" Harry asked.
Severus nodded.
"To tell you the truth," Harry admitted. "I have no idea. It's not something that I have mentioned to him."
"You haven't told him?" Severus asked in surprise.
"Nope," Harry answered before taking another sip of wine as their meals arrived. "He knows I was married, of course, and that I had other children which confused him to no end since we are together. He did ask who but I told him I couldn't say."
Severus smirked and tipped his wine at him.
"I think it still confuses him," Harry commented.
"How long were you married for?" Severus asked in interest.
Harry sat back in his seat as he thought back, he still found his early memories had to grasp. He was sure that the Hallows had something to do with it now, since memories after he realised he held the Hallows were easier to grasp and review in a Pensieve. It's not like before he stepped through that time gap that he'd had to think back to his childhood.
"Thirty years I think," Harry said, unsure. "She divorced me in the end, I remember that. I was away more than I was home. When the kids were older we kind of drifted apart."
"Did you remarry?" Severus asked as he sat forward in his seat.
"No," Harry replied. "Plenty of relationships. Ron used to say it's because I couldn't live alone and that I always needed someone to connect to."
"You do seem to get close to people," Severus stated lightly.
Harry cocked his head to the side and asked, "Do I?"
"Robbie Milton comes to mind," Severus drawled. "And Dracka and Miller to name a few."
Harry rubbed his head.
"I suppose, I never really thought about it." Harry remarked. "When you work close with a team or in the military you make close connections."
"So, you were in the military?" Severus asked in interest.
"Now and again," Harry replied. "I like it better now, when it's more on a loose contract basis. It's a little harder when you are ordered to do something but you don't agree with it but you still have to follow through with the orders."
Harry and Severus worked through their meals and they ordered dessert.
"Why all the questions?" Harry asked.
"You are still a bit of a mystery," Severus admitted.
"I don't just come with baggage, Severus." Harry remarked with a grin. "I come with a history book."
Severus barked a laugh as he looked at his lover. Their desserts arrived and Harry ordered coffee. Harry sat back in his seat and looked over at the other man and gently reached out with his magic. Severus looked up and smiled, his dark eyes soft as they looked at him.
"So," Harry said with a smirk. "Bill's wedding?"
Severus groaned.
xXx
Dracka watched as one of his hellhounds stalked Michael Beldon as the man moved through the Great Hall. The man kept glancing over at the beast with a sneer, which just made the hellhound snarl at him. He smirked at the sight, the man was a real piece of work and had already cornered him in the hallway but had learnt very quickly not to stir up a pissed off vampire.
He smirk widened when the man pulled his wand and the hellhound puffed into dark smoke, giving the man nothing to aim at. He glared over at Dracka before stalking from the room much to the vampire's amusement.
"Where is Blake today?" Minerva leaned over to ask.
"In London with Severus," Dracka replied, sitting back in his seat. "They should be back tomorrow morning."
"Oh," Minerva exclaimed as a blush came to her cheeks. "For work?"
"No," Dracka replied with a smirk. "For pleasure."
The woman choked on her tea and looked away as Dracka smirk widened.
"Mr Dracka," Albus admonished.
"What?" Dracka inquired, innocently. "I was just answering the question."
Albus looked over the top of his half-moon glasses at him in disapproval but his blue eyes were twinkling.
"I was!" Dracka defended.
A squeal had them looking over to the Slytherin table to see one of the hellhounds stealing some lamb off a table.
"Oi!" Dracka barked out and the best turned its head to look at him before dashing from the room to the giggles of the students.
"You are as bad as Blake," Albus muttered.
Dracka gave him a grin as he turned back to his meal.
"I learnt from the best."
xXx
Dracka looked down at the circle of gold on the ground before looking up. He could see Blake leaning out one of the second floor windows. He looked back down at the circle.
"I wouldn't advise standing there."
Dracka looked over to see Severus leaning back on the stones of the castle. He flashed his fangs at him and Severus just raised an eyebrow. He gave the man a smirk and moved back towards him. His demon took in his scent as he stood in front of him. He could pick up Blake's slight scent as well.
"What's he doing now?" Dracka asked.
He then flinched and cringed at the sound of something breaking. His head whipped back around to see what looked like shards of glass in the gold circle.
"I don't know," Severus drawled. "All I know is that I'm on clean up duty."
Dracka sniggered as Severus pushed off from the wall and moved towards the circle. There were a few students around watching in puzzlement but staying well back. Ry appeared at the door and looked at Severus sweeping up the pieces of glass. He placed them into a plastic bag before he looked up and Blake gave him a wave.
"How many pieces, Severus?" Ry asked.
"Five intact pieces," Severus replied.
The tall man moved to his feet and held the bag out to Ry.
"Thanks," Ry muttered and ran off with the bag.
Severus moved back towards the wall and kept an eye on the students around but none of them ventured near. Dracka looked at the gold ring on the ground then up to the second floor. The window was open but he couldn't see Blake.
"How many pieces is he after?" Dracka asked.
"I don't know," Severus answered. "Since he is still throwing things from the window. He hasn't hit the right number yet."
Dracka barked a laugh before cringing as something else hit the stones. The shards of a purple glass stayed within the confines of the circle as Severus repeated what he'd done before. Ry was slower to appear this time.
"Nine," Severus said as he stood up and held the bag out.
"Thanks," Ry drawled. "I'm not liking this training. I know how Dad feels…too many stairs."
Severus smirked at the boy and Ry gave him a grin.
"Why does Hogwarts not have a lift?" Ry grumbled. "Would save a lot of time."
"Oi!" Blake called.
The three looked up to see Blake looking down at them.
"Nine!" Ry yelled up to his father.
Blake held out a gold coloured piece of glass and they stepped back. He let the glass drop and they watched it fall onto the stones with a crash. Severus sighed as he looked at the gold dust within the circle.
"I don't think he's going to get much off that piece," Severus muttered and grabbed up a dust pan and brush and handed it to Ry. "You can do that one."
Ry handed over the bag he held as he took the dust pan.
"Does this mean you can run this one up to him?" Ry asked with a cheeky smile.
"Clean up your father's mess, Potter." Severus remarked smoothly.
"I think that's what the Department of Mysteries is for," Ry muttered then skipped to the side as Severus went to whack the back of his head.
Dracka and Severus watched the boy in amusement.
"It's scary how much he can be like Blake," Dracka muttered as Ry tipped the glass shards into a plastic bag. "I swear the older he gets the more Blake rubs off on him."
"I'm going to try something else!" Blake yelled from above them.
Severus and Dracka moved back as far as they could go. Ry quickly scrambled in their direction.
"Should I run up to the Headmaster?" Ry asked as they looked up at the window.
Severus just pulled his wand and pulled up a powerful barrier charm in answer. Then patted his pockets down for some chalk. Dracka held a piece up for him and Severus took it from his hand with a nod. The vampire watched in amusement as Severus had the students scattering down the walkway before placing a chalk line down.
"Good to know that I'm not the only one that Dad's been teaching," Ry stated in amusement.
Dracka gave him a leer as he leaned forward slightly and sniffed. The demon in his mind taking notice of his scent.
"Oi!" Ry squeaked. "I'm not Dad!"
Dracka lips curled up and Ry's face twisted up and he stepped further away from him.
"Yes," Dracka drawled. "You are not. He would have stepped closer."
"And followed it up with an elbow," Ry muttered under his breath and Dracka quirked a smile. "What were you doing anyway?"
"Vampire secret," Dracka replied and took another sniff.
"Makes me feel like you are sizing me up for a meal later," Ry grumbled. "Seeing if I'm done yet."
"Are you offering?" Dracka questioned. "I wouldn't turn you down."
"Snape," Ry yelped and Severus looked over. "The vampire is creeping me out."
Dracka barked a laugh and clapped a hand to his shoulder.
"Watch out!" Blake called.
They looked over just as a large rock crystal landed on the stones with a loud bang and Dracka flinched at the sound. He then stepped closer when he noticed that the stone should have broken the flagstones but there wasn't a mark. He had felt the impact in the ground.
"How many?" Blake yelled.
Dracka stepped closer and looked at the pieces as Severus stepped up to his shoulder.
"Seven," Severus yelled back.
"Perfect!"
Severus and Dracka shared a look before they looked at the broken pieces of rock crystal. The gold ring keeping the pieces contained.
"Who's on Blake watch?" Dracka muttered and Severus sighed. "I'm sure I did it last time and it cost me a hangover and…well, I won't mention what else it cost me."
xXx
Harry glanced over at Severus beside him as they moved out of the castle. The moon gave enough light but Harry could already feel a storm on the air. He looked over in that direction as he felt it stir the wild magic around them. Severus paused beside him, like a silent shadow. He glanced at the man before moving down the stairs and onto the lawn. They moved towards the front gates.
Harry reached out and grabbed Severus's hand and the man started.
"Mind somewhere else?" Harry questioned.
"Yes," Severus drawled. "Kingsley has informed me that Ry and myself will be conducting arms training next week. I'm sure that Albus will be stopping by for a chat and to convince you that you will be teaching potions in my stead.
Harry quirked a smile as he tightened his grip on Severus's hand.
"You wanted to learn," Harry pointed out. "You might as well be in the same class as Ry."
Harry could feel the glare from Severus and he chuckled.
"That means that Dracka will be on Blake watch," Severus said smoothly.
"'Blake watch?'" Harry repeated in amusement. "I think Dylan calls it something else which involves more swear words."
Severus snorted and pulled Harry to a stop. Harry gave him a smile in the moonlight before it turned into a smirk.
"Romantic walks in the moonlight," Harry purred as he threw an arm around Severus's shoulders.
"Did you have chocolate?" Severus questioned smoothly.
"I found Ry's supply," Harry remarked with a smirk and Severus groaned.
Harry laughed and released him and they started walking again. Harry looked to the side as he noticed the red eyes of a hellhound.
"It looks like Dracka is keeping an eye on us," Harry muttered and nudged Severus.
"How does that work?" Severus asked as he looked the beast over.
"He has a connection to them," Harry replied in his teaching voice. "For them to stay in that corporal form they need a link to the physical world. Dracka supplies that to the alpha female and male of each pack. The rest of the pack are connected to the alpha pair."
"Which connects them to Dracka," Severus finished.
"Correct," Harry replied. "Bradon holds half the packs as Dracka's second."
Severus stopped walking with a frown on his face.
"Is it just Bradon?" Severus asked.
"That holds the packs?"
"No, I mean his name?"
Harry gave a laugh as he looked at Severus.
"You are only asking this now?" Harry asked in amusement. "You never wondered why I call Dracka by his last name and not his first?"
"Ah," Severus stuttered and Harry snorted. "Dracka suits him better than Rolf."
"Please call him that," Harry laughed. "While I'm around."
"Minerva and Albus call him Rolf," Severus pointed out. "Though most of the time it's Mr Dracka."
Harry just smirked and Severus groaned.
"So, Bradon." Harry stated and started walking again. "Is his last name and he's the head of his family. You have to earn your right to his first name. Dracka is a little different due to the fact that he is the head of the Council of Magical Creatures and a professor here, so his first name is needed. That is also why I introduce him as such."
"And the reason that you don't use his first name?" Severus asked.
"Out of respect," Harry replied. "Dracka has never given me his first name. Some vampires will give you a second name if they are not the head of the family as a first name. It's a born vampire thing not a turned one."
"How does that work?" Severus asked and Harry tensed. "The books don't say how a vampire is turned."
Harry stopped walking and looked up at the moon before looking at Severus. He felt a chill at the intense look in Severus's eyes.
"It involves a death," Harry answered softly.
"Dark arts?" Severus questioned tensely.
"No," Harry replied. "You have to die and there may not be a way back. Vampires are very selective on who they turn, Severus. Someone born with vampire blood can request it since they have a greater chance of waking up. However, there is still a chance that they may not wake up as the same person.
"In dying…in that moment that your heart stops. Your life stops as well. Anything can happen after that. You could wake up and be no different, normally people with vampire blood. Some people wake up and they can't use magic or it sends them mad. Or you don't wake up at all. That is the risk and the price."
"You said that you can't be turned?" Severus uttered softly.
"It would be something that I would never consider," Harry stated as he looked at Severus. "Or would suggest to anyone else that did not have vampire blood in their veins. I am already cursed, Severus."
They both fell into silence as they looked up at the moon before Harry sighed and moved off. They came to a large clearing and Harry pulled a small trunk out of his pocket and resized it.
"Another lesson?" Severus questioned in amusement.
"If you want to," Harry replied. "But this is complex magic, I'm not sure how much you will understand."
"I'll just be a bystander then," Severus drawled and moved back to a log and sat down.
"I'll use our connection as an anchor then," Harry muttered as he pulled a few items out of the trunk. "You can watch through that and it will help as a grounder."
"Why?" Severus asked in interest.
"An anchor allows someone to keep taps on what I'm doing and if I'm reaching too far," Harry explained as he pulled out a bag of chalk and walked in a circle as the powder fell to the ground. "As you saw at the Border spell, having someone watching over you helps. Not to mention that I don't have to focus on where I am since you will hold the anchor."
Harry placed the bag down once he'd finished with the circle. He moved back to the trunk and settled on the ground. He pulled out his cherry wand and silver knife as well as a silver cup and the shards of the rock crystal. He pulled out four candles and set them at the marks of a compass and lit them with a lighter.
He glanced over at Severus as he picked up the connection between them. He strengthened it and let his magic brush across it. They hadn't held it like this since the attempt on Severus's life and Harry let some of his affection for the man run along it.
"Don't think that will save you from a lecture if this goes wrong," Severus drawled with a quirk to his lips.
Harry snorted as he stood back up and moved the trunk back to his pocket after shrinking it. He slipped out of his shoes and socks and slipped out of his jacket. He moved them to outside the circle before seating himself again and placing his cane to the side. He closed his eyes as he focused on the soft sounds of the forest and his breathing.
It took him a while to centre himself and he'd already informed Severus that they could be out here for a few hours. He was sure that Severus had a book ready to go. Not to mention the hellhounds and he was sure that Dracka would be keeping an eye on them. Harry sighed and let all that go as he opened his mind to the magic around them. He gently reached out and activated the protection circle around him as he picked up the silver knife.
He opened his eyes to the mist of the world of magic and let his mind drift slightly. The feeling of the connection with Severus keeping him grounded so that he could work. He reached out with the knife and drew a circle on the ground and it blazed up before settling into a line of fire. He then drew a triangle around the circle. He could feel the magic of the Deathly Hallows paying attention as he placed the knife to the side. He picked up the seven pieces of the crystal and arranged them within the circle. Leaving room for the last part of the symbol.
He then picked up the knife and cut a very shallow cut into his palm, just enough to slowly let his blood drip to the ground. He held his hand over the symbol on the ground and closed his eyes. He let everything go around him and focused on the last piece of the Deathly Hallows. He could feel his blood dripping around the ring on his finger as his mind drifted. He had to be very gentle about this as he slipped closer to the source of the wand. He could not afford to tip his hand.
He caught glimpses of places but didn't focus on them. He was looking for the wand and magic only. He followed the connection until he could feel the dark magic of the Hallows brushing over him. He stilled there and just took in the feeling. He didn't want to call the wand to him, he wanted something else. He quirked a smile as he picked up a different dark magic.
That was what he was looking for. He opened his mind even more as his blood dripped onto the ground and the crystals. He whispered the spell under his breath as he very gently picked up that dark magic and tried it into the crystals. Simpson had used his wand and he grinned. He had fallen into the trap and Harry very gently let Simpson's magic play along the link he'd made and into the seven crystals.
He had to be very careful as he gently pulled that magic off over a long time. The down side to this spell was that his own magic had to be added to the mix due to the Hallows flowing in his own veins. He took great care to make sure that Simpson didn't pick up on what he was doing as he worked. Simpson was making mistakes and Harry was happy to take advantage of that. He was sure the lure of the Deathly Hallows played a part in that.
xXx
Severus looked up from his book when a hellhound appeared. The beast looked at him then Blake before sitting down and lifting its head and taking a sniff. They had been coming and going for the last few hours while Blake worked. Severus looked the animal over, they all had the black coat and were roughly the same size. They were hard to tell apart and Severus had given up.
"Is he still working?" Dracka whispered.
Severus looked over at the vampire, his eyes had a red tint as he looked at Blake. Severus was sure it was the fact that Blake's blood was still dripping very slowly over the crystal and ground. He now knew why Blake had taken a blood potion before they had left and had one in his pocket for after.
"Yes," Severus drawled and looked at his watch. "Going on four hours now."
Dracka moved around the circle and looked at what Blake had laid out on the ground. His blood had soaked into the design he'd drawn and it held a slight red glow.
"Have you got a blood replenisher for him?" Dracka asked in concern.
"Yes," Severus replied. "All part of the first aid kit now."
Dracka flashed his fangs at him in a leer; with his red eyes and the moon light touching him. The vampire made a sight and Severus held back on the shiver. Dracka turned back to Blake and the slightly glowing crystals and symbol. Severus tapped into the connection with Blake to made sure that the man was alright before pulling back.
"Blake did say that it could take a while," Severus remarked and held up his book and the soft light spell above him. "I came prepared."
Dracka gave him a smirk and moved back towards him. He flicked his wand and a chair appeared next to Severus. The vampire sprawled out in the chair and looked around.
"That storm is getting closer," Dracka remarked.
"Yes," Severus agreed. "Blake knew the storm was coming."
"Part of the Ritual?" Dracka questioned and Severus shrugged.
The two men fell into a comfortable silence as they watched Blake. The rumble of thunder had them turning and looking in that direction. Severus smirked in amusement as both Dracka and the hellhound sniffed the air. His eyes were drawn back to Blake as he felt the man tug at the connection slightly and he strengthen it for him.
Blake opened his eyes and he could see the slight glow as he picked up the silver knife. He opened his hand and coated the blade in his blood. He then took the point and placed it on the ground and drew it down through the design he'd drawn on the ground. The crystals turned a strange colour of sky blue with a touch of gold.
"That's not Blake's magic," Dracka commented and Severus nodded.
Blake looked up and over towards where the storm was as another rumble of thunder rolled over them. He picked up the silver cup and let a few drops of blood fall into the cup before picking up his cherry wand. He tapped each crystal then the cup and Severus looked into the connection with Blake. With the link, he could see the slight mists and connections between Blake, the crystals and the cup. Blake pulled out a cloth and wrapped it around his hand before looking over at them.
"We just have to wait for the storm," Blake told them. "I thought you had training with Ry, Dracka?"
"That was two hours ago," Dracka replied as he pulled his wand.
Blake looked at his watch and sighed. Dracka cast an umbrella charm over Severus and himself as the first drops of rain fell. Severus looked at the charm in interest as he looked into the magic slightly. Blake strengthened the connection and Severus could see the dark mists of the spell then something else caught his attention as the rain increased and the storm rolled in.
The magic swirled around them slightly as the lightening flashed. The candles that Blake had lit sizzled but didn't go out and Severus looked at them. He could tell that Blake had placed a spell on them. The crystals on the ground glowed slightly as Blake picked up the silver knife. The lightening lit up the sky and thunder rumbled. The rain washed over the seated man as he recut his hand and grabbed one of the crystals.
He mumbled under his breath as he held the crystal over the cup. Severus could see a few drops of gold dripping into the cup before Blake placed it to the side. The crystal was only a sky blue colour as Blake picked up the next crystal. He worked through them as the storm moved towards them and the rain pounded down around Blake. Severus fingered his wand but if Blake had wanted to stay dry he would have cast the spell himself.
Blake finished the last crystal and held the cup up before tipping it over his head. The water had a slight gold glow before the rain washed it all away. Blake placed the cup to the side before leaning back on his hands and tilting his head back. Dracka snorted next to him as Severus looked at Blake fondly. His lover always did things differently as he let the connection go.
"Is he done?" Dracka questioned.
"Yes," Severus replied.
"Great," Dracka cried. "Blake."
Blake looked over and raised an eyebrow in question.
"Walkie time," Dracka said with a leer. "Time to get dinner out."
Severus groaned and moved to his feet.
"On that note," Severus drawled and flicked his wand and his chair disappeared. "Have a good night."
"We won't be gone for long," Blake replied with a smile. "It will be an early morning tomorrow."
Severus just waved and flicked his wand for his own umbrella charm and left them to it. Dracka and Blake watched him in amusement.
"So, what are they?" Dracka asked as he moved to his feet and stepped closer.
"Since Simpson has decided to use my wand," Blake replied as he picked up a crystal. "I think it's only fair that I take a sample of his magic."
Dracka stilled as he looked at the crystals, seven in total. A magical number.
"What are you planning?" Dracka questioned.
"I believe that Simpson's playground is too large," Blake stated mildly and held up one of the crystals. "Let's reduce it to a sandpit."
Dracka shivered at the man's voice. The lightening lighting up Blake's smirking face, did not help.
xXx
Harry leaned his head back against the brick wall as he kept his mind open to the magic around him. Beside Dracka's dark magic, he couldn't pick up anything else. He opened his eyes when the young man that Dracka had taken down the alley walked passed him with a stupid grin on his face and a slight wobble to his steps.
Harry wasn't sure if the wobble was from Dracka's feeding or the alcohol that Harry could smell on the air. He was sure that Dracka would be just as bad. The young man didn't see him as he walked back towards the pub close by and Harry frowned when Dracka didn't appear.
He moved off the wall in concern and casually walked down the alley. Dracka was crouched down with his back to the wall and Harry paused.
"Dracka?" Harry called softly.
The vampire started and looked up at him.
"Right there?" Harry asked, not stepping closer.
Dracka nodded and looked down at the concrete and Harry grew concerned. He carefully took a few steps closer and crouched down before him. He reached out and placed his hand on the vampire's knee.
"Should have picked someone else," Dracka muttered, a slight slur to his words.
Harry nodded and moved to lean into the wall next to Dracka. The man hadn't just been drinking alcohol for this reaction. Dracka normally would have left him at that first taste and picked someone else but they were running a risk here. Harry sighed and crouched down beside Dracka, his shoulder brushing his as the vampire worked the man's blood through his system and anything else the man had taken.
Dracka huffed as he sat down on the concrete and tilted his head back with his eyes closed.
"We can't stay here long," Dracka muttered.
Harry sat down next to him and just closed his eyes as he kept his mind open to the magic around them and the noise from the pub. When Dracka sniffed his neck, he ignored the move.
"This would be easier if I could eat in," Dracka whispered.
"That may have to be an option," Harry replied mildly.
"I'm sure that I could take down Beldon," Dracka added. "Not sure his blood would taste great though."
Harry opened his eyes and looked over at the vampire. He gave him a leer and Harry quirked a smile.
"How are the plans going?" Harry asked instead of addressing that issue.
"Getting there but it's been difficult," Dracka replied. "Severus?"
"You know the answer to that," Harry said with a sigh and ran a hand down his face. "He can't know, we have to keep this between us for now. The less people that know before we move the better."
"You have a hunch?" Dracka questioned. "And those crystals?"
"Yes," Harry replied and didn't say anything more.
They sat there for a while before Harry pulled himself to his feet with the help of his cane and held out his hand out. Dracka took it in his slightly cooler one and Harry pulled him up. Dracka went to pull back but Harry tightened his hold.
"I may have to ask you to take a great risk," Harry said softly, his grip tight.
"Knowing you is a great risk," Dracka muttered and Harry barked a laugh and released him.
Harry's eyes rested on the vampire and Dracka met his eyes easily.
"Come on," Harry encouraged. "I don't know about you but I'm going to enjoy a sleep-in tomorrow."
"It's Wednesday," Dracka deadpanned.
"As I said," Harry repeated with a smirk. "I'm going to enjoy a sleep-in, now that I know a hellhound won't wake me up."
Dracka barked a laugh and swung an arm around his shoulders. Harry repaid him by apparating them back to the school then stepping to the side quickly. Dracka braced his hands on his knees and Harry took a few more hasty steps back just in case the vampire was going to throw up.
"I'll be nice and won't inform Minerva that you have been drinking on a school night."
"Bastard, wasn't me that had been drinking."
"Not alcohol, anyway."