A Second Chance

by Breanie

Part 2 Kismet Trilogy: What if Sirius didn't spend twelve years in prison but was given a trial after 4 years? Follow the story of Sirius Black as he learns what it means to be a father/brother/guardian & the story of Harry Potter, a young boy with a loving home who learns about the Marauders from the two men who should have raised him. Slow-burn Hinny. M for sex & violence.

244. The One With the Patronus and the Linger

Author's Note:

Reviews and Comments: To Seriously Sam: Colin has definitely heard of the Great War, but hearing about it and knowing about it are different things LOL. Snape would have definitely had a smart-ass comment about Potions if he had heard. I am also happy you are now reading live! To libs614: You will see more of Compass and some responses, yes. To JamesTKent: Blaise really took the Mark. To elin2002: Thank you. I like writing Dream Sirius even though it's sad/good feeling when I do. To Bumlewis: Happy this chapter made you cry, feel disturbed, and chuckle. Wipes hands off (my job is done). To kittikatlova: Thank you very much for saying my story makes you feel like you're "experiencing the scene." To Dianne: I will try not to break your hearts, but I know I will. Blaise is not going to let Draco deal with this alone. To midnitewanderer: Saying that I turned you into a blubbering mess is the highest of compliments, so thank you. To Jessy in Garden: Thank you! To bronzebec: I hope I don't disappoint, writing action scenes are my weakness. To Slaidback: Saying my story is Harry Potter with common sense prevailing made me chuckle, so thank you. To Tanuska: We will have to see where Blaise and Draco go from here and Romione is slowly coming along and so is more Hinny fluff and sexy times.

To tim2604: Christmas will be tough on them this year, but I think that they can get through it together especially because they will be getting ready to welcome in the new babies. Blaise, he has a plan, yes. We just have to hope it's successful. I think Voldemort and Smith being sexual does make sense, I agree. Yes, Harry will tell Ginny. To Wolf's scream: Interesting thought to disillusion one's self before entering the obstacle course. Theo does, this is true, but Ginny trusts him. To .wills15: Sorry you thought the Sirius and Zee scene was out of Order, but I felt like it was necessary. As to the teenage pregnancy idea, I assume something would be arranged or the student would even commute to the school though I don't know as I've never thought about it. To alix33: Me too. To Daisy Johnson: Thank you! And maybe one day (as I say every day for the last 15 years). To fanfic-dude-100: Classic rock or 90s music, but I bounce around and listen to everything so, I can't really say that honestly.

To ManyGrey: Thank you and yes, even though Pansy isn't likeable, we should feel bad for her. I'm glad you find my Slytherin boys so exciting. To notthatchhavi: I thought it would be fun to have Harry's boggart change and I think overtime, it makes sense as his fears would become more complex. To speedsONEandONLY: Yes, I am Canadian and I'm okay with either variation of the national anthem. I like the Habs. Liam is Muggleborn. To Steelcode: Aww you're sweet for saying I make you want to cry, laugh, smile, and be nauseous at the same time LOL. To CrazyWithABook: Thank you, glad you liked the ending. To DetroitNate: Been a while, hello! Glad to see you're still reading. I like the idea of Molly mothering Zee and being a friend to help her through everything. Thank you. To Red-Quaffle: Thank you for loving my story. To PeevesTwinBrother: Don't cry when it's over, just read it again LOL. Thank you.

To failuretoland: I miss him too so, I had to bring him back just a little. To leapyearbaby29: It was a wireless record player. To Stormchaser20: Blaise thinks he knows what he's doing. VainMuch will be coming again but not for a bit. Thanks for reading! To Anixara: I don't put the dreams in for tears, but I'm honoured it makes you cry if that makes sense. And yes, Blaise might cause more tears. To musemesmer: I thought it was the perfect way to describe Draco's struggles "he was positive that the Dark Lord was fucking with him" LOL. Glad it made you laugh. I like connections and thank you. To Endinium: You made it through the Hinny slow burn, you can make it through the Romione one LOL. And yes, Blaise is a stupid, brave boy. To PurpleLotus: Yes, I 100% believe those dreams to be real, they're too vivid not to be! To Jmcglynn522: Did Blaise do it to protect Draco? Yes and no, as you will see.

My posting schedule: Once a week.

Thanks to Dusk for her amazing editing skills.

As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!

Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!

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CHAPTER TWO-HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOUR:

Blaise lit up his bed with his wand to give him better light as he spread open the books around him. He'd spent the last few weeks watching his friend grow paler. The dark circles under Draco's eyes were giving him pause, not to mention the obvious weight loss, and Blaise spent most nights whispering to Theo about how worried they were about him. The first month of school had flown by and October was already half over. Yet Draco was no closer to finding this tiara.

Blaise had heard from his mother about her wedding plans, but she'd mentioned nothing to him about his decision to take the Mark the last time he'd seen her. Once it had been branded into his arm, his eyes had met hers and she'd only nodded at him. He still wasn't sure what she thought of his decision, but she'd hugged him close and told him that she hoped he knew what he was doing.

The thing was — he didn't know what he was doing.

He told Draco that he had a plan, but he wasn't really sure that he had a plan. All he knew that was that he couldn't watch his friend fall down this black hole. He couldn't watch it and do nothing to help and now he had another problem — he had to keep it a secret from Theo.

He wasn't going to let Theo get dragged down this dark road, not when he'd finally found happiness; found Finn. But he couldn't let Draco get dragged down the other side either. His friend was losing weight, his cheeks hollowing. He looked paler and less rested and Blaise could practically feel the stress oozing from him as All Hallow's Eve grew closer. He needed to find a way to help him.

To help both of them.

Blaise turned his attention back to the books, trying to focus. The book he'd found in the Nott library over the summer had made him first think about it, had planted the first seeds of what if in his mind. But it had been the Hogwarts library which had given him some insight onto the difference between light and dark magic. He found that he was most interested in the idea that something dark could be turned into light.

He'd had to get into the Restricted Section for more information. It had taken him three nights of snooping to find what he was looking for, but he'd found some books that he thought might be interesting. He'd smuggled them out of the library and back to the Slytherin dorm like a thief in the night.

He flipped through the pages of the book on magical symbols, making notes as he went along. But the most interesting part was when he learned that the Patronus Charm was one of the most powerful declarations of light magic that one could make. It fed on the light and the happiness in one's soul and only those with good intent even had the ability to learn it.

He held his quill between his teeth as he studied the lore.

It is evident from old woodcuts and scrolls that the Patronus Charm has been used since ancient times. Therefore, it is unknown who created it, or when it was first invented. The charm also has a long association with those fighting for lofty or noble causes (those able to produce corporeal Patronuses were often elected to high office within the Wizengamot and the Ministry of Magic).

According to legend, one of the most famous Patronuses of all time was a lowly mouse, which belonged to a young wizard called Illyius. Illyius cast the Patronus Charm when his village was being attacked by the Dark wizard Raczidian and his army of Dementors. Despite the mouse's diminutive size, it shone with a brilliant light, bringing the Dementors to a halt as it nimbly moved through the ranks of fleeing villagers. Enraged, Raczidian decided to enter the fray himself, and tried to summon a Patronus to ward off Illyius' mouse. However, he failed to remember that only the pure of heart can produce a Patronus and thus, for the first time in history, it was revealed what happens when a competent, but unworthy wizard or witch attempts the spell; maggots shot out of Raczidian's wand and quickly devoured him as they engulfed his entire body. The villagers then hailed Illyius as a hero.

Unworthy wizard, he thought, flipping to the book he found on Raczidian. What constituted the unworthiness?

According to legend, Raczidian was a Dark wizard who lived with a colony of Dementors in a black castle in a dense forest, which surrounded a nearby mountain village inhabited by fellow witches and wizards. For many years, he and the unearthly denizens of the castle co-existed peacefully with the villagers, leaving them alone, while they in kind kept out of the part of the woods where his castle was located.

One day, Raczidian noticed a beautiful girl from the village, Eliana, while she was collecting berries in the woods. Taken by her, he decided that she would make an ideal wife, and sent a message to her parents demanding her hand. They refused. Raczidian thus threatened to send his Dementors to destroy the village unless Eliana was brought to him.

The villagers opted to put up a fight rather than surrender to Raczidian's ultimatum. At first, they succeeded in holding at bay the Dementors that Raczidian unleashed upon them with the combined might of their Patronuses, but gradually the sheer number of foes began to overwhelm them. Just when it looked as if all hope was lost, however, Illyius — a shy, young orphan who had been told to sit out the battle because the village elders thought his Patronus was too feeble to be of any use — cast the Patronus Charm. The mouse that sprang from Illyius' wand shone brilliantly and brought the Dementors to a halt.

Enraged that something so small should thwart him, Raczidian decided to enter the fray himself and attempted to summon a Patronus to ward off Illyius' mouse. However, he did not have a pure heart and his attempt at a Patronus caused maggots to shoot out of Raczidian's wand and quickly devoured him whole.

Maggots engulfed him — it was such a strange thing to happen.

He searched for maggot curses and came across a few variations, but they all said the same thing. Maggots were a symbol of negativity, which made sense. If Raczidian had consumed himself with dark magic, he would be unable to do anything light or good; there would be nothing positive for the light to feed upon. So, for the Patronus to have not only not worked, but to have reverted upon him in such a way, the negative overtook the positive because he had too much dark over light.

Blaise's face was thoughtful before he quickly added to his notes.

He flipped back to the history of the Patronus Charm.

The Patronus represents that which is hidden, unknown but necessary within the personality. When a human is confronted with inhuman evil, such as the Dementor, they must draw upon resources he or she may never have needed, and the Patronus is the awakened secret self that lies dormant until needed, but which must now be brought to light. Patronuses take forms that their casters might not expect, for which they have never felt a particular affinity, or (in rare cases) even recognize. Every Patronus is as unique as its creator and even identical twins have been known to produce very different Patronuses.

The unusual witches and wizards who produce a Patronus that takes the form of their favourite animal is an indicator of obsession or eccentricity. Here is a wizard who may not be able to hide their essential self in common life, who may, indeed, parade tendencies that others might prefer to conceal. Whatever the form of their Patronus, you would be well-advised to show respect, and occasionally caution, towards a witch or wizard who produces the Patronus of their choice.

The vast majority of witches and wizards are unable to produce any form of Patronus, and to create even an intangible one is generally considered a mark of superior magical ability. Given their long affinity with humans, it is perhaps unsurprising that among the most common Patronuses when cast (although it must be remembered that any corporeal Patronus is highly unusual) are dogs, cats, and horses.

To successfully cast the spell, one begins by mustering the happiest memory they can think of (the happier the memory, the better the charm will work). The next step is to begin drawing circles with their wand so as to increase the power of their spell. They must then say the incantation, Expecto Patronum; the Patronus will come from the tip of the wand and can be directed towards a target by pointing one's wand at said target. It is possible to disguise the form one's Patronus takes, but this could alter the power behind it. Also, some witches and wizards may be unable to produce a Patronus at all until they have undergone some kind of psychic shock.

The Patronus Charm is widely regarded as advanced magic, far beyond NEWT level. This charm was, indeed, so perilous, that few wizards/witches could conjure up a true Patronus. It is very complex and many qualified wizards and witches have trouble with it. Given that the success of the charm is directly reliant on the caster retaining a particular mental state, the Charm is more difficult to cast in emotionally trying circumstances. This feature of the Charm is particularly unfortunate since the Charm's primary use is to defend against Dementors, Dark creatures specifically equipped to mentally unhinge people (and hence is partly why it is regarded as such advanced, difficult magic). Self-confidence may also play an important role in casting the spell.

It is a general belief held by the wizarding world that only those who are pure of heart are able to cast Patronuses; this, however, is untrue, as even those with negative personality traits are able to cast a fully-fledged Patronus if they have good intent and have performed the charm before. Although generally dark witches and wizards will not try to produce a Patronus, not having any need for one. It will not work successfully for those consumed with the dark arts as it is a sign of strong light magic.

A successfully conjured Patronus can take two forms: Incorporeal and corporeal, and both types vary greatly in their appearances and strength. An incorporeal Patronus is one which does not resemble any living creature and has few distinguishing features (if any). Incorporeal Patronuses resemble a burst of vapour or smoke without any clearly defined form shooting from the tip of the wand. While they may be partially effective at halting Dementors (but not repelling them) and shielding the caster from them, incorporeal Patronuses are not "fully-fledged" Patronuses, and are regarded as a more primitive or weaker version of the Charm.

A corporeal Patronus is one that is fully-formed, taking the shape of a bright-silver, translucent animal. It is the strongest form a Patronus can take, being able to fully drive Dementors away. The specific animal forms that a corporeal Patronus takes will vary from person to person and reflect each individual's innermost personality. Patronus forms, however, are subject to change if the caster goes through an emotional upheaval of some sort, including falling in eternal, unchanging love. In addition, it seems that some couples have "complementary" Patronuses (male and female forms of the same animal). It is, however, unknown if this is a coincidence or not. If a wizard is an Animagus and can summon a corporeal Patronus, the two may take the same form, but it is not always the case.

Most Patronuses take the form of an ordinary animal. Magical creatures as a Patronus, are uncommon, but not unheard of. It is extremely rare for Patronuses to take the form of extinct animals. Hedley Fleetwood's Woolly Mammoth Patronus is a notable exception. Andros the Invincible was the only wizard capable of casting a Patronus the size of a Giant, although whether it was a giant or not is unknown. The corporeal Patronus is also better at repelling Dementors than the non-corporeal form.

Some witches and wizards have even been able to cast multiple Patronuses with different forms. An Irish wizard by the name of Carrick the Bold made four animals emerge from his wand at once: An eagle, a unicorn, a fox, and a wolf. Each one equally as strong as the other. He was able to control each animal to his choosing, but the energy to hold such a Patronus when confronted by Dark creatures such as Dementors or Lethifolds is exhausting and despite the power behind his Patronus, it did falter. Carrick the Bold was the first wizard to make a Patronus so strong that it decimated a Dementor upon impact. He is the only known wizard with the power to have made a Patronus so strong that it destroyed a Dementor.

Lady Katherine Potter, daughter of the elusive pirate Nathan Potter, who sailed the seven seas in the sixteenth century, was also able to produce multiple Patronuses. When casting the charm, three animals emerged from her wand: A dolphin, a dog, and a bear. The bear was a symbol of the love she felt for the Russian Lord Niklaus Andreyushkin whom she met when on the sea with her father. Katherine eventually married Andreyushkin, but they were both killed by a Dementor army that was feeding off the coast of Iceland. Despite the strength of her Patronus, they were unable to hold the charm long enough to ward off the army.

Potter, Blaise thought in annoyance. It seemed the ability to perform a strong Patronus Charm ran in the Potter bloodline. Blaise made a note to see if Carrick the Bold was related to the Potters in some way. There were rumours that Potter had destroyed a Dementor, but he wasn't sure how true they were.

He turned back to the book:

There are two known uses for the Patronus Charm. The first and main use of the Patronus is to drive off certain Dark creatures, such as Dementors and Lethifolds and is the only known charm that will work against them outside of Fiendfyre, a dangerous and deadly charm that if not controlled will kill everything and everyone in its path, including the caster. As Dementors feed on happy memories causing humans to drown in their own sorrow and sadness, the Patronus acts as a shield of sorts, of which the Dementor would try to feed off of instead — the Patronus is comprised exclusively of positive feelings and cannot comprehend negative emotion, so the Dementor's influence cannot affect it. A skilled witch or wizard can also use this shield as an actual shield and have their animals work as a shield charm, but it is very trying and exhausting to keep into place.

The other use for the Patronus was devised by Albus Dumbledore, who invented a way of using the Patronus (corporeal and non) as a means of communication. They can deliver messages, speaking with the voice of the caster. Using the Patronus for communication offers great advantages in security, as Patronuses identify the caster and are Dark Arts-proof. It is impossible to copy someone's Patronus. Multiple Patronuses can be cast for communication. The number is limitless as they will deliver any message they are tasked with. They also only remain active whilst the caster is focusing on them. If they are not protecting anyone, Patronuses seem to take on the traits of the creature they resemble and generally follow their caster around. This makes it unsure whether or not they are cognizant.

Patronus is the nominative singular case meaning "protector," "guardian," or simply "patron" in Latin, specifically reflecting the entire role that the Patronus Charm plays.

Blaise made notes on the charm, making marks in the book as he went along. He flipped back to the book on the use of dark magic.

Marks made from dark magic once imprinted into the skin can be used by the castor to find the person marked at all cost. It binds the marked and the caster together in eternal union.

Blaise underlined those last words twice: Binds the marked and the caster together in eternal union. There was nothing else written which annoyed him, but it did confirm his suspicions that the Dark Lord himself may have created not only the Dark Mark itself, but what it represented including how it worked and the idea of it. No one else in history had ever had such a symbol.

The snake was considered the infamous symbol of Slytherin House, but it was also a symbol of death and of rebirth which interested him in why the Dark Lord would have chosen it. The skull itself meant death. Blaise carefully wrote the words to the spell, 'Morsmodre' down and read the words his mother had given him on the spell.

The incantation of this spell appears to be derived from the Latin mors, "death," and mordere, "to bite." This alludes to the name of the Dark Lord's followers, the Death Eaters. The English word murder could also contribute. The literal translation of the Norwegian word "morsmordre" would be "mother's killers." It may also be a reference to the word "mord," which means "murder" in Icelandic, German, Norwegian, Danish, Polish, and Swedish, since the spell is cast after someone has been murdered, and sounds like "mass murder."

He didn't really find that overly assuring, but he felt like the significance of it was important. He flipped back to the stuff he'd read on the Patronus Charm. This had potential, he thought. This was good. This was really good. He made a few more notes before he looked down at the Mark on his arm.

Now he just needed to learn how to make a damn Patronus Charm and he hoped to Merlin that he didn't make maggots instead.

~ ASC ~

Remus was putting his papers away after he dismissed his sixth years when he noticed Blaise Zabini lingering at his desk. He waited a moment until there were only one or two students left before he spoke.

"Mr Zabini, did you want to talk about today's assignment?"

Blaise shook his head, leaning back against his desk and folding his arms in such an elegant way that Remus was immediately reminded of Sirius and it tugged at his heart. "Not the assignment, no, but something from Defence Club."

Remus turned to give him his full attention. "Of course."

"We started learning the Patronus Charm and this year you've increased our work on it. Most of us have managed to make some semblance of one, though very few have been able to keep it up when you release a Boggart Dementor and even fewer have made any shape to it at all, let alone made an animal."

"It takes practice," Remus explained. "It's usually not even taught as it's considered well beyond NEWT level, so the fact that anyone is getting it at all is quite the miracle in itself. Most witches and wizards find it too difficult to grasp and give up on learning it. You're getting the charm, but I know the little bit of listless smoke you've made isn't what you're hoping for. It takes time to get it and not everyone even manages to get an animal."

"Happy memories are harder to hold onto than you'd think." At Remus' look he continued. "But the charm itself, it feeds on happiness, right?"

"Yes," Remus said. "That's how it defeats the darkness of a Dementor. It shields from the dark with light and goodness and the stronger you make that goodness, that light, the harder it defeats the darkness."

"And Potter can destroy Dementors with his, right? I heard that he disintegrates them into dust. Liquefies them? Is that true?"

Remus stared at him. "What are you asking me, Blaise?"

Blaise didn't respond right away and when he spoke it was so quiet that one almost thought he didn't want Remus to hear them. "I want to learn to make a Patronus so powerful that it can destroy darkness — of any kind."

Remus nodded. "Learning a Patronus is just as much about the power of your mind as it is your magic. The ability to project a happy memory outwards, to use that memory as a channel in which your magic can feed off of. It takes more than just learning the charm."

"I know."

Remus' whiskey coloured eyes met his for a long moment before he spoke. "Why don't you meet me after dinner tonight and we'll practice?"

Blaise looked relieved. "Yes, thank you."

"Mr Zabini, I know that I'm not your head of house, but if you ever wish to talk about anything, my office is always open."

"I just want to learn the Patronus Charm, Sir."

Remus nodded. "Okay, just the Patronus it is."

But when Blaise left, Remus wondered what it was that Blaise Zabini was truly hoping to get from learning the charm because he didn't think that the charm itself was the only thing.

~ ASC ~

Ginny was excited for the second Hogsmeade trip of the year. It was the third Saturday of October and she found the idea of spending a day shopping sounded rather fun. She hadn't done anything remotely like it since she'd spent the day out with Zee, Sorcha, and Flo. Fleur had promised her a fun afternoon of girl shopping and she'd been more than happy to welcome Hermione to come along with them.

Harry looked flummoxed when she reminded him that she was spending the day shopping. She'd kissed him goodbye and told him to spend the day with the boys. He'd nodded and wished her off, still not understanding why she wanted to spend the day shopping in the first place.

The thing was, she wanted new clothes. She wanted to get something new and she'd been saving her money to go shopping and do exactly that. She had been writing to Fleur over the last month and she was starting to rather like her. She was witty and her letters were fun to read. She always had little tidbits to share about Bill, something funny he had done at work, or much to Ginny's amusement, the time he had accidentally locked them in a tomb. It had taken three hours for the two of them to figure out how to get out and it had been Fleur who had found the right mix of spells. She told Ginny about her plans for the wedding, about her years at Beauxbatons, about Aix-en-Province where she had grown up, and about a cottage that she and Bill were looking at purchasing in the village of Tinworth on the Cornwall coast.

Ginny wrote back about her new writing career for the Herald and about her year so far. When she started thinking about getting new clothes, Fleur was the first person she thought of. Fleur always looked great. She always seemed to be dressed perfectly for any occasion and Ginny thought that shopping might be another way for them to bond some more. When Ginny had mentioned the second Hogsmeade trip of the year being on the twentieth of October, Fleur had immediately claimed that she was free.

They found Fleur waiting for them in The Three Broomsticks at ten thirty that morning. She was dressed in slacks the colour of ripe tangerines with an open toe heel in a soft shimmering taupe. She wore a white ruffled blouse that tied at the waist under a black blazer with a tangerine collar and cuffs. Her silvery blonde hair streamed over her shoulders. It only further told Ginny that asking Fleur to take them shopping was an excellent choice.

"Bonjour!"

"Hi, Fleur," Ginny said. "You remember, Hermione?"

"Oui. I am 'appy you're joining us."

Hermione smiled politely. "Thank you, I mean, merci."

Fleur gestured for them to head outside. "Zere's a lovely market just outside of Lyon called Fashion Vogue. Maman and I shop zere often. It's full of all of ze newest fashions from all over ze world and is very reasonably priced."

Ginny looked intrigued. "In France? Really?"

"Lyon, France, but yes," Fleur said. "It's very fantastique. You'll love it."

"We can't just go to France," Hermione said, her eyes wide.

Fleur only smiled. "Oui, we can. Bill 'elped us… obtenir ze portkey zat's waiting. Allons-y maintenant."

Twenty minutes later, Ginny's eyes were wide as the portkey deposited them in the alley of Fashion Vogue. Fleur led the way, a soft smile on her lips as they moved through street vendors and quaint little shops and Ginny was greeted to more clothes and styles of fashion than she had ever seen before. It was more incredible than she had imagined. Even Hermione looked slightly dumbstruck by it all.

Fleur led them off in her heels, walking the cobblestone path as if she'd been born to it (which she was), Ginny reminded herself. She followed in amazement and it wasn't long before they found themselves near a street vendor selling beautiful tights and nylons with patterns on them similar to the dragon lace ones that Tonks had bought her for her birthday. Hermione found herself intrigued by the black nylons with lace flowers embroidered on the leg.

"You should get zem," Fleur said with a smile. "Zey draw attention to your legs and are quite lovely."

"I'm not really the type of girl to draw attention to myself," Hermione admitted.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Fleur, Hermione is very stubborn and she and Ron are going to be old and grey before they make a move on each other."

Fleur nodded. "Not if she wears zose."

Ginny's smile widened. "I think this trip is going to be well worth it."

It was more than well worth it.

By the time Fleur returned them to Hogsmeade, Ginny's arms were full of bags. She'd spent all of her birthday money and a little more. It was the first time she'd really dug into any of the gold she'd accepted from Slytherin's chest, as despite having given most of it away to charities, her school supplies over the years still hadn't put much of a dent in it, but she was pleased with herself nevertheless. She'd purchased three new pairs of shoes: Black suede heeled ankle boots, black lace flats, and brown open-toe rivet sandals in a low heel. She found a white and black plaid asymmetrical hem skirt with a corset belt. Fleur convinced her to get a black long-sleeved top to wear with it that had a corset tie across her breasts that made them look fabulous (which Ginny agreed with). She'd also found three new tops she liked: A dark purple velvet three-quarter length sleeve with four buttons in the v-neck, a grey jumper in the softest material, and a chocolate brown, taupe, and burgundy scoop-necked jumper. Fleur convinced her to buy a pair of black dress slacks as well that looked sharp with all of her new tops and made her arse look good under the velvet trimmed pockets.

Then they'd found the lingerie store.

Hermione's eyes had widened when they entered the store and Fleur had led the way like a general on a mission. Ginny commented on needing a new garter belt for her uniform as hers was getting a bit frayed and Fleur had immediately chosen her three new ones in black, taupe, and white. She's also gotten herself four new bras with matching knickers in dark burgundy, black, emerald green, and light purple. Each one lacy and made her feel sexy wearing them. She loved the way they made her breasts look fuller and she couldn't help but wonder what Harry would think of them the next time he managed to get a look.

It wasn't long before Fleur had her own bags full, but she had also indulged in a few nighties. Hermione had been conned into buying the most. She'd gotten two new dresses, casual and comfortable, three new pairs of trousers in black velvet, navy blue cotton, and dark grey pin striped; each one accentuated her arse in a way that both Ginny and Fleur told her looked great. She'd found three new tops, four jumpers, and one new pair of shoes: These gorgeous black heeled gladiator sandals that looked fantastic with the embroidered flowered nylon stockings that she'd first been convinced to buy. In the lingerie store, Fleur convinced her to get two garter belts as well and Hermione bought eight new bras with matching knickers all in different colours, blushing furiously as she insisted that she couldn't really wear them under her school robes.

Ginny grinned. "You can and you will. I don't know how you don't wear the garter usually. Mum first got me one in second year and it's a life saver. Come this time next month, it's not cool enough to wear tights, but chilly enough that I need stockings and if I didn't have the garter, they'd never stay up!"

"Your skirt covers it anyway," Fleur said. "It is an important part of ze female ensemble. Feeling belle first comes from you."

Ginny agreed with that assessment. Fleur took them to tea at a small French café after and spoke about her plans for the wedding. She told them that she was nervous and wanted to make the right choices for her and Bill. When Fleur bid them goodbye around four, Hermione was still goggling as she juggled her bags.

"I cannot believe that we bought so much!"

Ginny smiled at her friend. "It was a much needed trip that we both deserved. Besides, I heard Slughorn likes to throw parties and we need to have something to wear when we attend."

"How do you even know that we'll be invited?"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Well, Slughorn already worships the ground that Harry walks on, so I'll go with him as his date, and you are the brightest witch of your age, trust me, you'll get an invite."

Hermione let out a slow breath. "I can't believe that we bought so much. It was kind of fun though. I never go clothes shopping unless Mum drags me out."

"It was," Ginny agreed. "I did a little shopping in Georgia and that was fun, but this was great. Fleur is a little intense when it comes to shopping, but she really does know the best deals. I mean, the way she haggled that vendor on my shoes! I saved almost as much as I spent. But it's fun to shop sometimes. I wouldn't want to do it every day, that's for sure."

"Yeah, it was fun," Hermione admitted. "And I do really like how those trousers make my arse look."

Ginny snuck a look over at her friend. "So will Ron."

Hermione blushed. "Ron is… we just can't seem to connect, Ginny. Every time it seems like the moment and it's not and…"

"You need to tell him how you feel, Hermione."

"Every time I try something happens or he just… I don't know, Ginny. Maybe we were always meant to be two passing ships in the night."

"I refuse to believe that," Ginny said as they stepped back into the castle and made their way back to Gryffindor tower. "You two just need to get on the same page. You're the one that convinced me to pay closer attention to Harry and I did and — okay, I still didn't see it coming for him to kiss me in front of the whole school, but I noticed his reactions. I noticed that he was looking at me. Haven't you noticed Ron doing the same?"

Hermione hesitated before she spoke. "Sometimes I feel like he's staring at me, but when I look over, he's not, and I convince myself that I'm imagining it and… I messed it up. I'm the one who pushed him away. It just… it surprised me."

"I don't know why it did," Ginny told her. "You've fancied him for forever."

"Yes, but then there was Viktor and… I kind of just pushed Ron into that friend zone and… I never expected that he would make me feel things like that. Viktor kissed me and it was the most incredible feeling, but when Ron kissed me… it was like Viktor had been a cool spring breeze that ruffled my hair and Ron was like a hurricane in comparison… he blew me away."

"Poetic," Ginny said, making Hermione smile. "Wear your new bras and knickers and you'll feel more confident. If you're bold enough, you can even give him a peek."

"Ginny!"

Ginny laughed. "I'm not saying flash him — unless of course you want to — merely undo a strategic button when you're studying or make a point of dropping something so that you have to bend over to pick it up in front of him."

"No wonder Harry can't keep his eyes off of you if you tease him with things like that!"

Ginny smiled. "Hermione, just don't give up on this. I think that you and Ron are meant to be together, you just need to find your moment. And if you don't find it soon, I'm sure it won't take much to convince Harry to help me lock you both in a broom cupboard."

Hermione scoffed. "You would never do something so childish."

Ginny's smile was mischievous. "Never underestimate a Weasley."

~ ASC ~

Bill's eyebrows rose when Fleur stepped into his flat that afternoon with her arms full of shopping bags. He watched her pile eight shopping bags on the ground by the door before she closed the door behind her.

"Did you leave anything for anyone else?"

Fleur smiled. "Oui. Ginny and 'Ermione bought some lovely zings as well. I didn't buy everyzing."

Bill grinned, moving to kiss her. "Anything for me in there?"

"Possibly," she tugged his face down to kiss him. "It was fun."

"I told you that being yourself would win Ginny over."

Fleur only shrugged. "Ginny's letters 'ave made me feel much better. I like her. It is your maman I am worried about."

"Mum is just stubborn. She doesn't not like you, she just…"

"Doesn't want her baby boy to get married just yet?"

Bill chuckled. "On one hand and on the other she wants me married yesterday and popping out kids. I can't win with her. But Ginny was good?"

"She was great," Fleur told him. "She's sweet and she seems like she really is interested in ze wedding. I told her about ze house on ze beach zat we're looking at et she told me 'ow you used to go to zat beach as children. She's not much of a shopper, but we 'ad fun. She let me 'elp her pick zings out zat went well with 'er figure and 'er 'air. She wants to look nice for 'Arry et she wanted to help 'Ermione find something nice for Ron. She says zey still haven't made any move towards each uzzer."

Bill rolled his eyes. "I spoke to him about that in the summer. He thinks that he doesn't deserve her and I thought that I had drilled some sense into that thick skull of his."

"Maybe you should write to 'im, give 'im some advice on 'ow to court 'er?"

Bill slipped his arms around her waist. "Why? You think that I have some good moves?"

"Oui. Once you realized I wanted you to kiss me, you were very romantic."

Bill tucked her hair behind her ear. "You're a woman who deserves romance."

"Our first official date, you brought me roses mixed with solomio and zey were beautiful."

"Only the best for my girl."

Fleur smiled. "And you pulled out all ze stops… wine, candlelight, flowers, dancing… you made me feel très spécial."

"I want you to know you're special," Bill said, brushing his thumb over her cheek. "Men and women are always falling over themselves when it comes to you and I want to show you how incredible you are, not just how beautiful you are."

"You do," Fleur said, cupping his chin. "We are more than just beautiful people, n'est pas?"

"Oui." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "But we're also very sexy, non?"

"Oui," she said, laughing. She kissed him softly. "Very sexy en effet."

Bill nodded towards her shopping bags. "So, since we're both so sexy, can I see what you bought me? I bet it's sexy."

Fleur reached into one of the bags and pulled out a white lace teddy, holding it up against her. "Well, maybe it's for me and for you."

Bill's eyes widened. "I'd like it better if you modelled it for me."

Fleur tossed the teddy on the ground. "Pourquoi? You will only rip it off et it will be en ruine!"

Bill grinned, sliding her blazer over her shoulders and letting it drop to the ground. "True," he said as he slowly unbuttoned her blouse revealing her tangerine lace bra that perfectly matched her trousers. "You're right. We'll save that for another day."

Then he scooped her up into his arms bridal style and marched her down the hall to his bedroom, dropping her down onto the bed. She laughed when he covered his body with hers and kissed her neck. Fleur arched her head back to give him more access and reached down to play with his belt. She pushed his jeans down and moved him over so that his back was on the bed. She hovered over him, her silvery blonde locks dancing over his shoulders as she kissed him. Then those delicate hands were tugging his boxers down and gripping him.

"'Ard already?"

Bill grinned up at her. "Always for you, love."

Fleur smiled coyly and then she lowered her head and took him into her mouth. Bill moaned as her hot mouth slid over him, taking more and more of him with every movement. He loved watching her please him. It was such a turn on to watch his cock disappear into that sweet mouth of hers, her hair falling around her face. He reached out to touch her, fingers lovingly stroking her hair and she moaned, the vibrations making him tremble. Those blue eyes met his as she slowly slid her lips over him, lingering on the tip before she licked her lips.

Bill tucked her hair behind her ear, his eyes a dark cobalt in desire and she lowered her head again to kiss and please him. When her tongue trailed over him, teasing and stroking, his hips arched towards her. Fleur's hand slid between his thighs to cup his balls and he moaned as she took him back between her lips, sucking faster now. He cupped the back of her neck and her eyes twinkled at him.

"Mmm, stop that. I want to be inside of you."

Fleur slowly removed her mouth, kissing her way up his chest, sliding his shirt up as she went until she pulled it off and over his head. Her lips crushed his again and he eagerly pushed her own slacks down until she only wore tangerine lace knickers and a matching bra.

"I fucking love that you match your undergarments to your outfits."

Fleur grinned. "One 'as to be in style, chérie."

Bill kissed her breasts through her bra, his fingers slipping into her knickers and finding her wet for him as they moved through her folds. Then he was tossing her knickers behind him, wrapping her legs around his waist and slipping into her.

Fleur cried out, gasping his name as he rode her and when his mouth covered her lace-clad breast. His hand slid between them, his thumb pressing over her and soon she was falling over the edge, clinging to his arms as he took her over and over. Then he was falling as well, panting her name as he did and collapsing against her, his cheek resting over her sweaty chest.

Fleur ran her fingers through his red hair, removing the hair tie so that it fell just to his shoulders. They held each other, each listening to the steady rise and fall of their heartbeats as they slowly came back down. It may have been minutes, might have been hours, but when Fleur finally spoke, Bill kissed her damp skin.

"I don't zink I can win over your maman with shopping trips."

Bill kissed her breasts tenderly. "No. You'll win her over by making me happy."

"Do I make you happy, Bill?"

"More than I can put into words. Je t'aime, Fleur. Je t'aime plus que la vie elle-même. I can't wait to marry you."

Fleur tugged his lips to hers for a long, deep kiss that left them both breathless. "I love you more than life itself, too, mon amour. I cannot wait to marry you."

Bill rolled over, pulling her with him so that she was snuggled into his side. "What's the first thing you're going to do once you become Mrs Weasley?"

Fleur's eyes twinkled. "Order my new 'usband to 'is knees to worship me properly."

Bill lifted an eyebrow. "Oh? And why would you need me on my knees to worship you?"

She slid her thumb over his bottom lip. "I'm sure you can figure zat out, my big, strong curse-breaker."

Bill's smile was slow. "Can I? Are you going to order me about, then?"

"Oui," she said, making him chuckle. "And I will… 'ow do you English zey it? Fuck you senseless while I do so, mon amour."

Bill's eyes darkened. "Oh, well, can't disappoint the missus, now, can I?"

Then he was kissing his way down her body, spreading her legs before him, and showing her exactly how he planned to worship her once they were married.

And she couldn't wait.

~ ASC ~

Theo was incredibly depressed when Finn had written him claiming that he'd be unable to visit the Saturday before Theo's seventeenth birthday. Finn's letter had said that something was happening in Tara and that he was needed for the day as part of the Royal Guard to welcome in some guests. Ciara had noticed his sadness and told him that her mum had said the guests were Merpeople who wanted to talk to her grandfather about the alliance he had made with the Ministry of Magic.

Theo understood how important that discussion was. The Ministry had been having talks on and off for the last few months with varying Merpeople about allying themselves more firmly with the DRCMC and with the new Defence Department. Some of the Merpeople were very much on board, but others were hesitant, and he knew that the Fae were hoping to help in turning the tide. They had been long time friends and allies of the Merpeople with similar powers so it made sense for them to talk.

But he was still disappointed. That was two weekends in a row that Finn had been unable to visit and he missed him terribly.

He knew that it wasn't fair of him to expect his boyfriend to be able to drop everything just to come to Hogwarts to see him once a week. He was the leader of the Royal Guard of Tara, an important part of the fae court and his father and the rest of his family needed him there. Finn was part of the group training members in the defence squads, training new recruits in Tara to be part of the royal guard, and that didn't even cover his own job as guard and the politics that entailed. Having Finn basically live with him this summer had shown him just how busy his boyfriend was, but Finn had almost always been there to hold him at night and to kiss him good morning and it was that simple task that he found he missed the most.

It was the little things.

Now, this Monday was his seventeenth birthday and he had been hoping to celebrate his birthday with his boyfriend on the Saturday before. He hadn't seen him in over two weeks now and his heart ached for him as he thought about how boring his birthday was going to be. He'd wandered Hogsmeade for an hour before heading back to the castle. Ginny was off shopping with her sister-in-law to be. Blaise was off with Parvati. He'd found Colin at The Three Broomsticks, but he hadn't much felt like socializing with him and all of his friends so he'd merely waved and kept walking. He'd briefly considered inserting himself into the booth with Harry, Ron, Neville, Seamus, and Dean but changed his mind.

He wasn't feeling very social.

He'd attempted to talk to Draco that morning, but once again had been coldly shut down and his heart ached from it. He missed his friend. He missed Finn. And for the first time in a long time, he felt lonely. He wondered if his birthday was going to be just as lonely and if he would still be feeling as depressed.

Or he had been thinking that until eight owls arrived at the Slytherin table Monday morning on top of Morrigan. Each owl was carrying a different vase full of a different brightly coloured orchid bouquet.

Theo's face flushed at the sight of so many flowers and he caught Draco's teasing expression before his friend caught himself and looked away. Theo opened the envelope that came from Morrigan as he sniffed each of the flowers in wonder. He loved that Finn sent him flowers. He felt like he was being courted and the smell of them always reminded him of Finn.

Theo,

I chose orchids for your birthday flower because orchids themselves symbolize my love for you. I like that they come in so many varying colours and each one tells me something else that I feel for you. Each one represents something amazing about who you are. Today, on your seventeenth birthday, the day you are officially an adult in the world, I want to tell you all of the reasons that I love you.

Green orchids are like my eyes. Green like my home and green like you claim I smell like. I'm still not sure how you think you can smell green, but you insist that you do; that I smell green — like nature and flowers, like trees and grass, and like the spongey moss you love. Green represents good health, nature, and longevity. It is thought to bring good fortune and good blessings to you on the day of your birth. Green like the colour of your living room. Like the colour of the sofa I want to kiss you on, the colour of the walls I want to kiss you against. The colour of your silk shirt I like to wear to feel you close to me.

Orange orchids are like the sun. Orange like autumn leaves. Orange like the smell of your shampoo, citrus, lemon, and zest that makes your hair what I love to bury my nose in most. I guess I do understand a colour being a smell and if you smell green for me, orange is the colour I smell for you. Orange represents my enthusiasm for you, my love of your boldness, and my pride to have you in my life.

White represents humility and reverence. It's a respect for innocence and purity and it shows elegance and beauty, all of which you have in spades. You are a pure soul so full of love and so full of respect for others. You're a hopeless romantic who wants everyone to have their happily ever after. You want the best for everyone and you revere those around you who show you love and kindness. I love the elegant way that you carry yourself both as Lord Norfolk and as my Theo, and of course, your undeniable beauty, mo grá. From your chestnut hair to your matching eyes to that soft brown birthmark in the shape of an inkblot on your left arm — you are beautiful, Theo, inside and out. White reminds me of how lucky I am to have met you. I am humbled by you.

Yellow orchids represent friendship, which is how we started our journey. I can't express to you how much those early letters meant to me, how much I enjoyed hearing from you without even knowing you. The moment I saw you in that photo with Ciara, I knew you were someone special. I knew you were someone I would cherish in my life. I never imagined that I would be lucky enough to have you love me as well. I never imagined that I would fall so deeply in love with you. Yellow represents the joy that I feel being in your life and it represents the new beginnings that your birthday symbolizes. The new beginnings that I hope we as a couple, will share together.

Pink represents grace. It represents your endless charm and beautiful smile. It represents joy and happiness, the two things I feel the most when I'm with you. Red is the colour of passion and desire, which you know I feel for you. It shows your strength and the courage you possess to claim the Nott name as your own. I am so proud of you for stepping out from under your father, for having the courage to step into the Wizengamot and to claim your seat. I am proud of the good you are trying to do in this world.

A blue orchid is rare. Blue is treasured. Blue is your colour. Theo, I am so lucky to have found and to love you with all of my heart. When you wear blue, the colour makes you seem brighter, bolder, and you look almost as good in blue as you do in green. I love you in every colour. I love you in everything and in nothing at all. You are my rare treasure, who I was lucky enough to find, and even luckier that you share yourself with me.

Lastly, purple is for my admiration. Purple is for my respect. Purple is a show of dignity and a show of royalty which I suppose is a symbol of me, but mostly it reminds me of your Wizengamot robes. Purple reminds me of how good you look in those robes and how much I enjoyed that day in the study when I shagged you wearing nothing BUT those robes. I love you in purple. I love you in everything.

I am sorry that I couldn't see you these past two Saturdays, but I will make it up to you this Saturday where I will give you a birthday gift. My father has promised me that he will hold me to no obligations as he knows how much I miss you. But I hope these orchids make you smile the way thoughts of you make me smile every day. I miss you. I miss your lips and your hands. I miss the feel of you in my arms. I miss the shape of your smile, the twinkle in your eyes. I miss my hands on your arse, my mouth wrapped around you. I miss burying myself deep inside of you, touching you the way you like until you cry out my name. I miss feeling your lips on my wings. I miss your kiss and your touch. I miss making love with you. I miss hearing your voice.

I will show you how much I love and have missed you, soon.

Happy Birthday, mo grá.

Tá grá agam duit.

Always Yours,

Finn

Theo clutched the letter tightly in his hand, his heart fluttering wildly in his chest. Merlin, he missed him. The idea of having to wait five more days before he could see him was almost unbearable. He had gotten used to their regular Saturday dates and missing two meant it was going to be three whole weeks before he could see him. He hadn't ever gone that long since he'd met him.

And Merlin, was he ever romantic. He looked over at the orchids with a newfound appreciation for them, grinning from ear to ear.

"Someone looks extra cheery. Did you get a naughty letter to go with those flowers?" Blaise asked, reaching around one of the vases for the pitcher of orange juice.

"He's so romantic," Theo gushed. "He says that he's going to come on Saturday and nothing will stop him. I miss him so much."

Morrigan flew up onto his shoulder, her large wing rubbing against his cheek in comfort.

"Thanks, Morrigan. I'll have a letter for you by lunch, okay?"

The bird hooted and took off and Theo turned to Blaise.

"How did I get so lucky as to find him, Blaise?"

Blaise smiled at him. "Because you deserve happiness." He pulled out a black box wrapped in a green ribbon from under the table. "Happy Birthday, mate."

Theo's eyes lit up as he moved to unwrap it. Inside was an antique picture frame with a photo from the summer of himself with Finn standing under the large dogwood in the garden of Norfolk Manor. Finn had his arm around Theo's shoulders and Theo had his arm around Finn's waist as they stared into each other's eyes. Carved into the bottom of the photo in shimmering blue light said: Theo & Finn, August 1996.

"Blaise…"

"It's not much, but it's a great photo and I thought you should have a copy. It will give you something to stare at when he's not around. I know how much you miss him."

Theo nodded, grinning at his friend. "Thank you."

"And the frame is seventeenth century Italian Baroque, fancy like me."

Theo rolled his eyes. "Naturally."

"And tonight after dinner, I bought you a bottle of Amaroni Della Valpolicella Classico for us to share. We'll toast to you being seventeen."

"Italian red?"

Blaise snorted. "Obviously."

Theo grinned. "Obviously."

He turned back to his breakfast thinking that maybe his birthday wasn't going to be such a bust after all.

~ ASC ~

Draco stepped into his dorm, the tiara wrapped tightly in the velvet bag his grandfather had given him to store it in, his heart pounding. He had found it. He had actually bloody-well found it.

The room had suddenly just appeared to him that day as if after all this time of him wandering in front of the wall, lost and terrified, it had given in. Okay, terrified was the wrong word, but he had been starting to feel a bit scared. Halloween was only a week away and the thought of him still not finding it before that deadline had him worried about what that meant for his parents, namely his mother. But then the door had appeared and he'd found himself inside the secret room. The tiara had been right where the Dark Lord had told him it would be. The ugly old warlock had been covered in dust and so had the tiara, but the shining blue jewel told him that it was what he was looking for.

He sat on his bed, unsure how to proceed now. He sat there only a moment before he locked the bag in his trunk and headed out of his dorm. He needed something to help him stop shaking, he needed something to… he just needed something.

Draco hurried out of Slytherin and through the halls, not really knowing what he was looking for. When he recognized the familiar long brown hair of the Gryffindor sixth year, he put his hand on her shoulder, suddenly knowing exactly what he wanted.

It only took a little flirting before he found himself in a broom closet and Roper's mouth wrapped around his cock. He kept his eyes closed, his hand resting on her head as he leaned back against the wall. His trousers and boxers were bunched at his ankles as she knelt before him and sucked him off, hands fondling. It wasn't long before he came in her mouth, not bothering to give her any warning. She moaned around him and he grunted, rocking his hips forward. She licked him clean, smiling up at him when he opened his eyes.

"Zabini was right. You are really good at that," Draco said, zipping himself up.

Sophie licked her lips. "And you have a beautiful cock, Draco. I'd be happy to do that again."

"Right," he said. He gave her a nod before he hurried out, somehow feeling both better and worse about himself at the same time.

He was halfway back to Slytherin when he almost collided with Blaise on the stairs.

"Draco, hey, I was just looking for you," Blaise said, grabbing his friend's arm to prevent him from falling over.

"Why?"

Blaise gave him a pointed look. "I think I have an idea about how to get into the room."

"There's no need." At his friend's expression, he gestured for him to follow him into the dorm. He ordered Blaise to lock the door before he opened his trunk and pulled out the bag. Blaise looked inside, both of them careful not to touch it.

"You found it."

Draco nodded. "Yes. I don't know, it just clicked for me."

Blaise stared at it. "It really is a tiara, an old one from what I can see. Why do you think he needs it?"

Draco shrugged. "I don't know. He likes to collect things, right? So it must be important. Grandfather says it's vital that I find it and bring it to the Dark Lord for his collection. He said nothing more on it."

"But not to touch it?"

Draco nodded. "I was careful. I used the bag to pick it up and kind of slid it into the velvet. But it was right where he told me it would be."

"That's good," Blaise said. "You did it, mate, the first task. Now you have to give it to Snape."

Draco swallowed. "But if I give in to this… Blaise, the next task…"

Blaise put his arm over Draco's shoulders. "We're not killing Theo, Draco. We're not. I promise you, I have a plan."

"You keep saying that, but I don't know what you think that you can do to stop it." He took a deep breath before he spoke. "I know it won't be an immediate thing. The Dark Lord already kind of said it would be a while off before he asks me to perform it, but he's going to and… Blaise, what am I going to do?"

Blaise pulled Draco closer to his side. "You're not going to do it."

"I can't do it," Draco admitted. "There's no way I could… I can't use the killing curse."

Blaise nodded. "But the Cruciatus?"

Draco paled. "When I got back to my room… I vomited."

"It was a Muggle?"

"A man who had tried to stop Greyback from hurting his son. He made me…"

"How many attempts did it take you?"

"Blaise… what does knowing this get you? Are you preparing yourself for when it's your turn? You weren't given a task, Zabini, and I was fucking given three!"

Blaise gripped his arm when he attempted to storm off. "Yes, you were and yes, I know how lucky I am. Now tell me what happened."

Draco stared at him, his eyes full of anger. "It took me six tries and… every time the curse didn't work, Grandfather used the Cruciatus on me for… inspiration."

"You had to do it, Draco, I know. Just like you had to do this. Now come on, let's bring it to Snape."

Draco nodded, holding the bag tightly in his hand. "Okay. And Blaise?" When his friend's eyes met his, he let out a slow breath. "Thanks."

Blaise took the bag from his friend and put his hand on his shoulder. "Alive and together, mate. Let's get this to Snape."

Draco felt the tears at the back of his throat as he watched his friend unlock the door. He wasn't sure what he had done to get Blaise on his side like this, but he had never been so grateful for anything or anyone in his entire life.

~ ASC ~

Lucius sat with his head in his hands. Over the last few months, he had fallen more and more into a constant state of shame. He was appalled at himself for what he had allowed to happen to Draco, and even more appalled that Narcissa had let him. He was a coward and ashamed of himself.

He needed to get his family safe and he knew now that both he and Draco had the Mark, the chances of doing so were slim to none, but not impossible. He just didn't know how to make it possible.

His father came into the room, his eyes on him. "Cowering in here again? At least my grandson is diving into his first task with gumption. That's more than you've been doing."

"When the Dark Lord gives me a task, I will perform it, Father. Right now, I am worried about my son's task, as you should be."

Abraxas only stared at him. "I'm not worried. This task will prove to me once and for all whether or not my grandson is the man I hope he is and not the snivelling coward my son has turned out to be."

Lucius' eyes flashed. "I am loyal to the Dark Lord."

"Are you?" Abraxas asked coolly.

Lucius was spared answering by the house elf that came into the room.

"Master, Mr Snape is here," Binky said, bowing reverently.

"Thank you, Binky." Lucius turned to his father. "Shall we see?"

Abraxas merely strolled past him leading the way and Lucius' fingers tightened on his wand. One day, the man would pay for all of the hardships he'd given him. He followed his father into the hall outside of the throne room where Snape was waiting. He was about to ask what happened, but Crouch opened the door with a smile.

"The Dark Lord will see you now."

Lucius tried not to grimace as he followed his father and Snape. The Dark Lord sat in his high back chair, Nagini wrapped around the base of the chair. He was twirling his wand through his fingers.

"Well Severus, did young Draco come through?"

Snape held the box out and lifted the lid. Lucius was able to see a dusty tiara with a bright blue encrusted jewel in the centre glittering. "He did, my Lord. He said he found it right where you told him he would. He did as you asked and wrapped it in a scarf, placing it in a velvet pouch and then in this box for protection. Would you like me to seal it for you?"

"Bring it to me first," Voldemort said.

Snape nodded and moved closer. Voldemort looked into the box, eyes on the diadem, but he made no move to touch it.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes," Snape admitted. "Is it truly the diadem, my Lord?"

Voldemort's red eyes gleamed in triumph. "Do you question that your lord and master would not be able to find what others couldn't?"

"No, my Lord," Snape said quickly. "It's just to think it was lost all those years and you were the one to find it. I am humbled and honoured to be in your presence."

Voldemort sneered. "Your praise is noted. Seal the box, Severus."

Snape closed the box and tapped it with his wand causing a red light to pulse around the box.

"Bart, take the box and put it where we discussed."

"Yes, my Lord," Crouch said, taking the box from Snape's hands.

Voldemort waited until Crouch left the room before he spoke. "So, young Draco found it."

"He did," Snape told him. "He came to me this afternoon and presented it to me wrapped in a scarf. He said that it was exactly where you had told him it would be and that he was careful not to touch it."

"Lucius, your son has done me proud today," Voldemort said, twirling his wand between his long fingers. "Will he be able to do the next task?"

"My Lord," Lucius began. "Draco is young and asking him to kill Theodore Nott is —"

"— is what, Lucius?" Voldemort interrupted.

Lucius swallowed. "Draco and Theo grew up as close as brothers, my Lord. Let me talk to Theo, maybe I can sway him to join our cause. I can —"

"Enough!" Voldemort said, his wand silencing Lucius. "Nott will not be turned to our cause! Thaddeus did his own damage there and now his son is too involved with the fae court," he spat in disgust as if this was the worst crime he could imagine. "If Draco wants to prove himself to me, he will kill anyone that I order him to. It won't be yet. He needs time to focus on his studies. I know how important education is and I would never dream of taking that away from him. He can have his time, but by the Winter Solstice, I want Nott dead by his hand."

Abraxas smiled. "He will do it, my Lord. He will do it proudly."

Voldemort nodded. "Yes, he will. For if he can kill the one he considers to be a brother, getting rid of Dumbledore won't be such a difficult task for him, will it?"

"Dumbledore is a powerful wizard, my Lord," Snape began. "Surely you don't think Draco Malfoy is capable of defeating him even if he were to try?"

"Dumbledore is a crackpot old fool, Severus! Do you really think that he would consider Draco a threat to him?" Voldemort sneered. "The fool will let his guard down, offer to help, and Draco will sneak in for the kill. And with Dumbledore gone, we can get started on our final plans. You may go, Severus."

Snape bowed his head in respect before turning to go.

Voldemort lifted the spell from Lucius. "And if the old fool does see Draco as a threat, well, then I guess he will suffer the consequences of failure whether that involves his death or not shall remain to be seen." He leaned forward in his chair, red gleaming eyes staring straight into Lucius' blue ones. "I suggest you tell him to plant his seed inside a witch because his failure may end the Malfoy line otherwise."

Lucius bowed his head as Voldemort told them to leave and he followed his father back out into the parlour. "The end of the Malfoy line? Father, we can't let him end it like that!"

Abraxas' cool expression gave nothing away. "Let's hope Draco doesn't fail then. In the meantime, maybe you should sink your cock into a woman who can actually give you another child."

The door closed behind him as he left and Lucius buried his face in his hands. He needed to figure out a way to get his son out of this and still keep him alive.

But he had no idea where to even start.

~ ASC ~

Theo was taking his time as he ate his lunch on Friday afternoon, picking at the plate of fruit he had made himself to go with his ham sandwich as he glanced through the letter he'd received from Smith that morning. It detailed the new provisions of his accounts now that he was seventeen along with a letter asking if he would be willing to invest in the Muggle and international stock markets.

He'd shown the letter to Blaise who had nodded. "You should do it. I have investments in Muggle stocks and it will only help increase your gold. My family has been doing it since the fifties. Apparently taking Muggle money is not the same as associating with them so it was considered good form."

Theo gave his friend a disgusted look. "I don't know how I feel about that."

Blaise shrugged. "You win some, you lose some. But really, you should invest."

Theo nodded, his eyes on the letter. "I'll consider it. Come on, if we're late for McGonagall's class she'll put us in detention."

"Me most definitely, but she likes you."

Theo grinned. "She would still give me detention if I'm late."

"How come sixth years warrant an entire day of Transfiguration?"

"That's the way the schedule worked," Theo told him. "We just have two days worth of the other intense subjects."

Blaise frowned. "Damn your logic."

Theo chuckled as they grabbed their belongings and headed towards Transfiguration. Theo put his bag on the desk as he moved to get out his notes when he heard McGonagall say his name.

He headed to the front of the class where she was gesturing to him. "Yes, Professor?"

McGonagall stared at him a moment. "For today and today only, I am allowing you to miss the last hour and half of today's lesson. Your bird conjuring was excellent this morning, but I still expect a full twelve inches on the subject due next lesson."

"I don't understand," Theo said, frowning now. "Why am I leaving your class?"

McGonagall's lips curved slightly. "It seems you have a guest waiting for you in the entrance hall. Grab your things."

Theo only continued to stare at her in bewilderment. He grabbed his bag and whispered to Blaise that he would see him later before he headed out. A guest in the entrance hall? Who would be waiting to see him when he was supposed to be in class? His first thought was Finn, but he had plans to meet him tomorrow in Hogsmeade so it didn't make sense for him to come here.

Smith, maybe, he supposed as the lawyer did want to meet with him in person again to go over some his financials and estate stuff. But he didn't think anything Smith had to tell him was considered vital enough for him to demand an audience while Theo was in class.

He continued to frown as he headed down the stairs and around to the front entrance hall. He almost tripped over his feet when he recognized the golden halo of hair by the door. He was dressed casually in a partially unbuttoned light blue dress shirt tucked into his black leather pants. His black velvet boots reached his knees with the silver snaps on the side of them. His sword sat at his side as usual, in the attached holster on his belt, and his blond hair looked windblown.

Theo was convinced he'd never seen a more beautiful sight.

"Finn?"

Finn's bright green eyes twinkled as he moved forward to pull him into a hug. "Theo." He bent his head to kiss him softly. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too," Theo said. "But what are you doing here? Are you all right? Is your family all right?"

Finn gently brushed his thumb across Theo's bottom lip. "We are all fine, mo grá. I just missed you."

Theo stayed wrapped in his boyfriend's arms. "So… I get to see you today instead of tomorrow? That's a great surprise."

Finn cupped Theo's face in his hands, kissing him softly. "No. I'm taking you away for the whole weekend. Professor Dumbledore is aware and gave permission for you to miss your last class as long as I return you to Hogwarts by curfew on Sunday. I had to promise to provide four extra lessons to the Defence Department, but he agreed. After all, you are of age now."

"On… the whole weekend?" Theo exclaimed, his eyes brightening in joy.

Finn nodded, taking Theo's hand. "Yes. Do you need anything before we go?"

Theo shook his head, still trying to take in his boyfriend's words. "No."

"Then let's go."

Theo let Finn lead him from the castle and down to the edge of the bridge. Finn wrapped his arms around him before he Apparated and Theo found himself standing on a sandy beach under clear blue skies.

"Where are we?"

"Maldives," Finn said simply. He took Theo's hand again, his fingers brushing the watch on his wrist. "This is new?"

"It's from Uncle Lucius and Aunt Cissa. A watch is a traditional gift for a son's seventeenth birthday."

Finn examined the gold watch with a smile. "It's lovely."

"They engraved it on the back," Theo told him. "It says: Dare to be Remarkable."

"I like that."

"Me too," Theo said. "Blaise gave me a ridiculously expensive antique frame with a photo of you and me in it. Mr and Mrs Weasley sent me a care package full of birthday sweets and a cake and she made me a new jumper. This one is green like your eyes. And Ginny gave me a basket of all new soaps and shampoos that she made along with a black cashmere scarf."

"It sounds like your birthday turned out pretty good then."

Theo smiled. "Your letter and the flowers… they were perfect."

Finn bent his head to kiss him. "I wanted to make you smile even if I couldn't be there."

"You did," Theo told him. "And there was one more gift… he didn't put his name on it, but I know it was from Draco. He had a leather sword holster made for me with my initials engraved on it. He left it on my bed."

"I'm glad of that. That he still gave you a gift, it shows he still cares, even if he can't show it as a friend."

Theo nodded, but didn't say anything.

Finn linked his fingers through his and led him along the wooden dock over white sand to a beautiful house that looked entirely to be made of glass and wood. The Indian Ocean seemed to flow up to the house and beneath it. Theo merely stared in amazement.

"Are we in the middle of the ocean?"

Finn smiled. "Yes. We have the entire island to ourselves. Just us in this lovely little house."

He led him through to a room with a huge bed that looked big enough for five people. The bedding was white with brightly jewelled pillows scattered across it and to Theo's delight, surrounded by the ocean. The floor was made of glass and he walked right across the water in amazement.

"This is beautiful."

Finn placed both of his hands on Theo's waist, turning him to look at him. "I'm sorry I had to miss two Saturdays. Princess Alya of the Merpeople around here gave us use of this private island. She said that she apologizes for stealing my time that was supposed to be spent with you. Happy Birthday, Theo."

Theo tugged Finn's lips to his, kissing him deeply. "You were all I needed for my birthday, but this is a good second."

Finn smiled as he began to unfasten the Slytherin tie. "I've always wanted to get you out of your uniform."

Theo grinned widely at that as Finn pushed his robes off, making quick work of his tie and untucking his shirt. "Eager are we?"

Finn's lips pressed against the side of his throat. "Always." He pushed Theo down onto the large bed, covering his body with his to kiss him deeply. "I have your birthday present," Finn told him, kissing him once more before he pulled away.

"It can wait," Theo said. "I'm thinking of much different things at the moment."

Finn chuckled, turning on his side and linking his fingers through Theo's. "We're going to be together until ten to eleven on Sunday evening, we have time."

"Promises, promises," Theo teased.

Finn smiled and waved his hand. Two boxes levitated from across the room, both wrapped in purple velvet ribbons. The one on the top was small enough to fit in the palm of his hand.

"Happy Birthday, Theo."

Theo smiled as he sat up on the bed, eagerly untying the ribbon. Finn urged him to open the larger box first. Inside was a beautiful gold and silver handheld mirror. He stared at his reflection a moment before he spoke.

"It's beautiful."

Finn's fingers gently brushed the hair away from Theo's forehead. "I borrowed it from my father. It's not really yours, but he's allowing me to gift one use of it to you. It's a Realm Glass."

Theo shook his head. "I don't really know what that is."

"A Realm Glass is a gateway to different worlds, different dimensions, different timelines. My people use it to portal jump, to make decisions, to travel, and to help guide us on our journeys. The fae and the Merpeople both use these fairly often as part of our daily lives. The Merpeople travel through time periods with them, building their underwater kingdoms and portal jumping from ocean to ocean."

"That's amazing," Theo said. "But I'm not sure what you want me to do with it?"

Finn's fingers brushed through his hair again. "We cannot change the past. We cannot go to the future. We cannot alter what has already happened. But, we are not the only world out there. Different planes and parallels of existence surround us. In those planes and dimensions, time flows differently at faster and slower paces than we live in. It gives us an opportunity to see things that we might have missed, how things could have been different if we made different choices."

"I don't follow," Theo admitted. "What have I missed?"

Finn leaned in and kissed Theo's cheek gently. "Your mother. Da has set it up so that we can go back to the week before your mother passed and talk to her."

Theo's eyes lit up. "We can… really? But then she'd know. She'll know that she dies and that…"

"We can do nothing to change the past, Theo. The Realm Glass gives us what we desire, but the moment we leave the world we visit, those who saw us no longer remember."

"But I can see her and talk to her?"

"Yes. If you would like."

Theo nodded, his heart pounding. "And… you'll come with me?"

Finn kissed Theo's fingers. "If you would like. Will you open the other gift first?"

Theo carefully put the antique mirror down and took the small box. "I don't know how you can top the first one."

He only smiled and nodded towards the box.

Theo carefully untied the ribbon, lifting the box. A dark green velvet box was inside. He swallowed as he popped open the lid and was greeted to a beautiful white gold band .

"My people call it the fáinne claddagh. It embodies the three things we value most: Loyalty, Friendship, and Love," Finn said as he removed the ring from the box. "See how the hands are wrapped around the heart, that means friendship. The crown with the diamonds represents loyalty, and the heart, well, it represents love." He held up his left hand to show the same white gold band. "If you wear it with the point of the heart pointing to your wrist, like this, it means that someone has captured your heart."

"Finn…" Theo whispered, his eyes wide.

"Tá grá agam duit," Finn said, leaning in to kiss him. "One day, when you finish school, I will give you another ring, one that means something different."

Theo slid the ring onto his finger, folding his fingers around it. "Tá grá agam duit. Finn… I… I didn't expect this."

Finn kissed the ring on Theo's hand. "You are it for me, mo grá. I knew it the moment I first met you. My life is yours."

Theo tugged his face towards his to kiss him deeply. "I want to marry you one day. Have a family with you. I know that's not exactly easy, but we can adopt a hundred children. As long as I'm with you."

Finn chuckled. "I draw the line at a hundred. I can compromise with fifty."

Theo grinned. "Deal."

Finn kissed him softly. "And we can adopt of course, but one of my sisters would carry our child without question."

"How?" Theo asked.

Finn smiled. "Fae magic is about nature, Theo, and nature always gives us the answer." He kissed him again. "One day, we'll talk about this again. When we're older and ready for this sort of thing."

Theo grinned. "So, in a decade or so?"

Finn kissed the ring on Theo's finger again. "Yes. This ring will tell everyone that your heart belongs to another in the meantime."

"They already know that," Theo said. "But it's the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me and I'll treasure it."

Finn's lips met his again and he sighed against him. "Are you ready to see your mother?"

Theo bit his bottom lip as he nodded. Finn put the Realm Glass back into his hands and urged him to hold it. He scooted himself behind Theo, tugging him back between his legs and against his chest as he held him close, his chin resting on Theo's shoulder. Theo's hands shook a little as he held the Realm Glass and he relaxed when Finn's hands slid up, wrapping around his own. Then Finn was bringing the mirror closer and closer to his face until the mirror touched the tip of his nose like a bubble and bright colours erupted around him.

A moment later he found himself standing in the living room of Norfolk Manor. The old living room, the one he'd worked so hard to change. He heard his father's voice, followed by a door slam and he flinched. Finn's hand gripped his and he was reassured by the touch.

"How do I know where to find her?" Theo asked.

Finn smiled. "Da told me we were to just wait and that she would come to us."

It was only a moment before she did just that. The beautiful slim woman that stepped into the room took Theo's breath away. He thought that she was even more beautiful than he remembered and with a jolt, he realized that she was only three or four years older than himself. Her dark chestnut brown hair was pinned out of her face in a lovely twist at the back of her neck. She wore a lovely long dress in a dark green with white lace on the collar and a hooded cape over the back. She stopped when she saw them standing there, her wand in her hand.

"How did you get in here? Who are you?"

"Theodore," he said softly. "Hi, Mum."

Aster Nott narrowed her eyes as she stared at him a moment, taking him in. "Theo-bear… you're…"

"Seventeen," he said with a smile. "I… I had an opportunity to see you and I jumped on it."

Aster stared at him a moment before her eyes were full of sadness. "He kills me then. I always knew he would. I knew it the day I married him."

Theo swallowed. "Why did you stay with him?"

"Darling, pureblood marriages are arranged for a reason. You are what matters. Let me look at you."

Theo moved closer to her, smiling as she made him turn around.

"Oh, my handsome little Theo-bear. You grew into such a handsome young man and who is this behind you?"

"Mum, may I introduce you to Prince Finley Alexander of the Court of Tara, my boyfriend."

"Your… oh," she said when Finn kissed her hand tenderly.

"Charmed to meet you, Lady Norfolk."

Aster stared at him a moment without saying a word before she turned to Theo, cupping his cheek. "You love him?"

"More than a million lemon cakes," he said.

Aster kissed his cheek. "And you're happy?"

"Yes."

She turned back to Finn, giving him a small nod. "Then I am pleased to meet you, your majesty."

"Finn," Theo said, smiling at her. "He goes by Finn."

Aster smiled. "I'm pleased to meet you, Finn." She linked her arm through Theo's and smiled up at him. "Now, tell me everything."

Theo couldn't stop smiling as he stared at her and when Finn took his hand in his, he knew it was the one of the best moments of his life.

By the time they came back out of the Realm Glass, his eyes were full of tears. Finn took the mirror and placed it on the bedside table before he wrapped his arms around Theo.

"Mo grá, I didn't mean to make you cry. I only wished to give you a moment with your mum."

"And you did," Theo said, snuggling into his warm chest. "And it was perfect! She was perfect and so beautiful. She didn't even care that I said I was in love with you. She just wanted me to be happy. Father was so disgusted at the idea that I'm gay and she was just… I was worried that she would be disappointed in me."

Finn kissed Theo's temple as he held him. "She loved you. Her Theo-bear."

Theo's lips curved. "Thank you, Finn. Thank you so much for that incredible gift. It was… thank you."

Finn kissed him, lingering over his lips for a moment. "Do you really love me more than a million lemon cakes?"

"More than a billion lemon cakes," Theo answered making him laugh.

"I love you more than a billion spoonfuls of honey."

Theo grinned, his eyes twinkling. "That's a lot of honey, you can't take that back."

Finn kissed the ring on Theo's fingers tenderly. "I have no plans of taking it back, mo grá."

And then he was covering his body with his and Theo lost himself under the feel of Finn's lips and he knew that he was the happiest man alive.

---

End Author's Notes:

Thanks to the helpful information from the Harry Potter wiki, Harry Potter Lexicon, and Pottermore/Wizarding World of Harry Potter and my own ideas, I was able to assist Blaise in his research.

Thanks to Steelcode for inspiring the beginning of my idea with Blaise.

Thanks to Velvethope for helping me with my wording in the Bill/Fleur scene.

As to the Realm Glass, it's something I've been playing with for months now. I like the idea of magical creatures like the fairies and the Merpeople having powers that witches and wizards can't comprehend, which is part of the reason why they are treated the way they are. Hope you liked it.

(French) allons-y maintenant = Let's go now

(French) oui = yes

(French) non = no

(French) très spécial = very special

(French) n'est pas = are not?

(French) en effet = indeed

(French) Pourquoi = why

(French) en ruine = in ruins

(French) chérie = sweetheart

(French) Je t'aime = I love you

(French) Je t'aime plus que la vie elle-même = I love you more than life itself

(French) mon amour = my love

Thank you as always and please review!