Chapter 10 – Draco Potter-Black
Harry woke up in the early morning hours to the delightful sight of Narcissa sleeping practically on top of him, arms and legs wrapped around him while her head rested on his chest. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head gently before extraditing himself from her hold. He saw a note from Gringotts on the bedside table and opened it to find that the properties he requested hand been purchased and added to the other Emrys properties. He quickly showered and dressed and then apparated to each property with Winky and Dobby in tow. He had Winky and Dobby go through and furnish the houses, and make sure each house had what was needed to accommodate the families living there. Dobby and Winky would be sharing the responsibility of caring for the three houses. While they worked Harry set up the wards, making sure he would be discreetly notified if anyone other than himself or Narcissa entered any of the properties. He also used a charm similar to the one Merlin had used to keep everyone in Albion during their visit to ensure that anyone trying to enter with the dark mark would be thrown into the middle of the North Sea. By the time he returned to Grimmauld place, everyone was in the kitchen having breakfast. Narcissa saw him first and sauntered over to pull him in for a deep kiss.
"I missed you this morning," she whispered huskily into his ear as she pulled away.
"I wanted to make sure the safe houses were ready to go," he replied. 'I promise I'll make it up to you later.' Narcissa blushed deeply and Harry laughed and kissed her on the cheek before sitting down next to Draco at the table and serving himself some breakfast.
"Draco," said Harry with a nod.
"Potter," replied Draco with a sneer.
"You know, you are going to be a Potter soon, you don't have to say it with such disdain," said Harry as he rolled his eyes.
"Sorry, habit," responded Draco.
"Right," said Harry. After breakfast he stood to let everyone know the safe houses were ready. "I would like to meet with each of you individually and then after that I will remove your marks and have you escorted to retrieve your families and belongings. So, who's first?"
They all stared at him hesitantly, no one really wanting to be the one that went first. Slowly, a young man in the back about Harry's age raised his hand.
"Great, follow me," said Harry as he led the way to Orion's old private study. Once in the study he poured the young man a glass of fire whiskey and then sat down. Harry scanned his mind and saw that he took the dark mark so that his kidnapped wife and daughter would be returned to him. Harry's eyes flared with magic but he controlled the rage building inside him.
"What is your name?" asked Harry.
"Andrew," the young man replied.
"Do you have any family?" asked Harry.
"A wife and a daughter," said Andrew.
"I will work on getting you and your family a place of your own, but for now you will have to share a place with three or four other families is that going to be alright?" asked Harry.
"Yes sir," Andrew responded.
"I plan to defeat Voldemort once I've sorted a few other things," said Harry.
"I hope you do, sir," replied Andrew sincerely.
"I may need your help with some things for that to be possible, are you willing to help? If you say no, I will still help you and your family. You are under no obligation. I am just looking for some extra hands," said Harry.
"What sort of help?" asked Andrew wearily.
"I have a plan to convince the werewolves and giants to join my side and there are some objects I need to find that Voldemort has hidden. I mostly need people to travel with me when I meet with them and track down these objects. It would be foolish to go alone, even if I know I am capable of defending myself. I promised my wife I wouldn't do anything foolish," explained Harry as he flashed his signature grin.
"I will help anyway I can," said Andrew.
"Very well. Please right down the names of anyone who was not at yesterday's meeting that you think was forced into the dark mark and may like assistance. I will do what I can for them," said Harry as he handed Andrew a quill and ink. The man nodded and rushed forward to write down several names. When he was done Harry spoke.
"I'll remove your dark mark, and then I will have one of my house elves take you to collect your family. While you are there, pack everything you will need. You will not be able to return unless you want Voldemort to find you," explained Harry. The young man nodded.
Harry stood and took the man's forearm. He whispered quietly in parseltongue for several moments and then suddenly the mark sparked, and the ink slowly dripped onto the floor. He could hear Voldemort's screams of rage in his mind. 'Oh I guess he know when I remove it, I had wondered, well this should be fun.'
"Dobby," called Harry.
"Yes, master Harry, sir," replied Dobby as he appeared with a pop.
"Please, take this gentleman to collect his family and belongings and then bring him to the red safe house." Dobby nodded and Harry turned to Andrew. "Dobby will be available to you and your family while you are at the safe house. Please let him know if you need anything." Andrew nodded and then Dobby walked over and took his hand, and they were gone.
Harry had a similar conversation with the next young man who had taken the mark on behalf of a family member that owed a debt to one of Voldemort's followers. He had Winky take him to collect his belongings and then bring him to the green safe house, that he had designated for singles.
About half-way through his conversations there was a loud banging at the front door.
'Well 24 hours is more than I expected honestly.' Narcissa came into the study with a concerned look on her face.
"It is the Weasley matron and the youngest Weasley girl," she informed him. Harry sighed. 'I was hoping for a bit more time before I had to explain all of this to them.'
'I know you were love, but we'll deal with whatever they throw at us.' Harry nodded and stood up and gave her a soft kiss.
"Well, I guess I should go see what they want," Harry said. He turned to the gentleman sitting at his desk. "Sit tight, Xavier, I'll be back in a moment." Harry took a deep breathe, and then went and answered the door.
"Mrs. Weasley, Ginny. To what do I owe the pleasure?" asked Harry politely as he quickly flared his magic to gauge their intentions. He watched their lips upturn into a momentary smile, so he knew they both cared for him, but there was something different in Ginny's reaction, something he had not experienced before. It felt like she expecting something from him. He scanned her thoughts to get an idea of what was occurring. 'She's annoyed, wondering why I haven't come to see her yet. Her? Not Ron? Or the other Weasley's., just her?' But before he could form a conclusion his contemplation of her thoughts was interrupted by Molly's shrill screaming.
"Harry! Is that you? How? Where - have - you been?" yelled Molly. Harry almost laughed as he was brought back to his second year when Ron and the twins had rescued him from the Dursleys. He listened as Molly fought with herself internally trying to figure out which question she wanted an answer to more; where he had been or how he had aged 15 years in a month.
"I'm sure you have lots of questions Mrs. Weasley and I will try and answer them, but now is not a great time, I have company. Perhaps you could come…"
"Company? What company?" screamed Molly, as she pushed past him and into the house.
"Yes, come in," he said as he rolled his eyes. Ginny followed her mother into the house, but at least had the decency to give Harry an apologetic smile. As Harry shut the door, he heard Molly's scream from the kitchen quickly followed by the sound of spell fire. Harry ran into the kitchen and waved his hand to put up a globe shaped shield that protected his guests from Molly's wrath. Ginny looked at him in awe while Molly furiously glared at Narcissa who was shielding Draco with her body.
"What is she doing here? And why is your house filled with death eaters?" Screeched Molly. Harry jaw clenched tightly as he tried to control his anger.
"I have already told you that I am more than happy to answer your questions Mrs. Weasley, but I cannot allow you to walk in here and start cursing my wife, in her own home," growled Harry dangerously.
"Wife!" Said Ginny turning pale.
"No, you could not have married that horrible woman," screeched Molly.
"Enough," said Harry so dangerously calm that everyone's skin became covered in goosebumps. "Now you are insulting her, have you no manners? Narcissa love," Harry said as he motioned for her to come to his side. Ginny eyed her with barely concealed jealousy. Narcissa smirked at the young girl, but Harry's glare never strayed from Mrs. Weasley to notice. "Narcissa, this is Mrs. Weasley and Ginerva Weasley. Ginny, Mrs. Weasley this is my wife, Narcissa Potter-Black-Emrys.
"Emrys?" whispered Molly.
"Yes," said Harry simply. He had agreed to answer her questions, but he had no intention of elaborating if it was not necessary.
"I don't know what she's done to you Harry, but she has clearly done something, you are not acting at all like yourself. I promise, I will get to the bottom of this. Something isn't right here. I am going to go get Dumbledore," Molly said firmly as she started to drag Ginny back towards the entrance.
"I suppose there is no way I can talk you out of it?" asked Harry. Molly gave him a confused but defiant look. "Very well, but I do have urgent matters I need to attend to before I can meet with Dumbledore, so I will have to ask you to wait outside until I am finished." Molly let out a huff of indignation and slammed the door behind her.
Harry let out a deep sigh and went to the ward stone to apply the same charm he put on the safe houses. If either Molly or Dumbledore tried to open the door they would be pushed back into the middle of the street. Then he went back to his office. After Xavier was safely taken to retrieve his family, Harry met with the remaining men. When the last mark was removed and the guests were gone, he walked into the kitchen and sat down next to Narcissa, taking her hand in his under the table and running his fingers through his hair nervously. Narcissa moved to straddle his lap and kissed him tenderly. Draco grabbed a couple extra pastries and ran from the room.
"No reason you can't leave your charm up for a little while. You need a break," Narcissa whispered in his ear seductively. Harry nodded and kissed her passionately before carrying her up to the bedroom.
As they laid in bed, both trying to get their breathing back under control, Narcissa told Harry how proud she was that he helped all those families.
"How many more are on your list?" she asked as she scratched her nails down his chest firmly.
"About twenty. It should give us good numbers," he responded as he kissed her head.
"Before I came to you that night – well – was there something going on between you and Ginerva? You've never mentioned her – but," trailed off Narcissa quietly. Harry noticed her uncharacteristic shyness and pulled her closer.
"No, why?"
"Well, she was very jealous when you said we were married. She clearly has feelings for you," said Narcissa as she let out a sigh of relief that the feelings were unreciprocated.
"That's what was different then," said Harry.
"What do you mean?" asked Narcissa.
"When I flared my magic to gauge their intentions. I could tell she cared for me, but there was something else there as well, almost like a possessiveness. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it makes sense now."
"Well, I have to admit I'm glad your magic did find her compatible. I'm not sure I could share you with her," Narcissa said she cringed. Harry laughed.
"I have no feelings for Ginny, I will make that clear to her next time I see her," said Harry. Narcissa nodded. Harry maneuvered himself out from under her and walked over to the wardrobe. He pulled out a vial with black and red swirling liquid. He walked back to the bed and handed it to Narcissa. "Before I forget."
"What is this?" she asked curiously.
"Lucius' magic," replied Harry with a smirk.
"You took his magic? I thought you said you didn't kill him," Narcissa replied.
"I didn't. I left enough to keep him alive, he is effectively a squib," answered Harry. He saw the corner of her mouth twitch upward at his words.
"His worst nightmare, how fitting. Why are you giving it to me?" she asked.
"He owes you more than anyone, do what you want with it. Flush it down the toilet, give it back to him in twenty years when you think he's suffered enough. I don't care, but I want you to have the control, to be the one to choose his fate," said Harry as he gave her a soft but meaningful kiss.
"Well, you know I like to be in control," Narcissa smirked in return. Harry laughed.
"Yes, I do." Narcissa smiled and then her face turned serious.
"Thank you Harry. Where is he?" she asked.
"How about we deal with Dumbledore and then I'll show you." Narcissa nodded. They went to find Draco, and then all went to the kitchen. As they walked Harry explained to Draco what he expected to happen and what he didn't want Dumbledore to know.
"I don't understand. Why are you hiding so much from him? I thought you were Dumbledore's favorite," sneered Draco. Harry rolled his eyes.
"He's only been using me to meet his own needs, Draco. I have a feeling he'll stop pretending to be so nice the moment he realizes I'm not willing to be his pawn anymore," responded Harry.
"Well, I can't say I'm surprised, I never did like him," replied Draco.
"Yes, your mother said the same thing."
"Well you should know mother is always right," said Draco as he sat down at the table.
"Yes, I've learned that much over the years," replied Harry with a chuckle.
"Good," said Narcissa as she gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and sat down across from Draco.
"Well, I guess I'll go see if they want to join us for lunch," said Harry. Narcissa waved him off as she began a conversation with Draco. Harry walked slowly to the lounge and removed the charm, then he peaked out the window to see a furious Molly and confused Dumbledore in the middle of the street, staring at the door they couldn't get into. Harry opened the door flashing his signature grin.
"I apologize, I didn't realize anyone was here until just now, the wards have been a bit finicky lately. Please come in, we were just having lunch if you'd care to join us," said Harry politely.
"How generous of you Harry, lunch would be most welcome." said Dumbledore with his signature eye twinkle, but Harry could sense his nervousness. Molly looked over at Dumbledore in surprise but then nodded her consent. Harry noticed she still clutched her wand tightly as if ready to attack.
"Before you come in, I do need to say one thing. You have been like a mother to me Mrs. Weasley and I care for you, but if you fire another spell at my wife, you will never be welcome in my home again," said Harry firmly.
"So it's true, you're married to Mrs. Malfoy? How is that possible?" Asked Dumbledore intrigued.
"It's Lady Potter-Black-Emrys, but yes we are married, and it is possible because as the Head of House Black I was able to annul her marriage to Lucius when she asked me to," explained Harry. He noticed Dumbledore's eyes widen in fear for a second before he schooled his features. 'Yes, old man, Nicolas found me.'
"Are you coming in or not, I for one am famished," said Harry. Dumbledore and Molly followed him into the kitchen where Narcissa and Draco were sitting and eating lunch in quite conversation. Narcissa looked up at them with a polite smile, but Harry could see the steel in her eyes.
"I saw them standing outside and let them in, for some reason they couldn't seem to get to the door. We'll have to look at the ward stone later, my love." He said as sat down next to her and kissed her cheek fondly.
"Have a seat if you'd like," said Harry gesturing to the table. Molly and Dumbledore sat down.
"Kreacher, two more plates please," requested Narcissa. Kreacher snapped his fingers and two plates appeared in front of Molly and Albus.
"Molly said your house was filled with death eaters when she came by earlier, but I don't see anyone else here," asked Dumbledore curiously.
"Ah yes, they were ex death eaters actually. I rescued them. They are now in safe houses with their families," answered Harry.
"You rescued them?" said Albus in surprise.
"Yes, I paid Voldemort a visit to bring Draco home to his mother and brought along anyone that was being coerced to follow the lunatic," responded Harry nonchalantly.
"But she kidnapped you?" Yelled Molly finally regaining her power of speech.
"Did she? You know you are not the first person to say that. I feel like we missed something. Draco, why does everyone thing Narcissa kidnapped me?" he asked turning to Draco.
"It was in the Daily Prophet about a month ago," responded Draco as he took a bite of food eyeing Dumbledore wearily.
"Really? Well, we all know what rubbish that newspaper is. Narcissa did not kidnap me Mrs. Weasley. We simply left on our honeymoon," said Harry with a smile.
"Care to tell us how you aged so much during your so-called honeymoon?" Asked Dumbledore.
"'A time paradox?" Said Harry. Dumbledore scowled.
"Indeed," said Dumbledore trying to hide his frustration at the lack of information they were getting from this conversation. Dumbledore stared into his eyes. Harry could feel him trying to scan his thoughts but there was no way he was powerful enough. He watched Dumbledore's eyes widen in surprise at how strong his shields were and then sent just enough magic his way to give him a blinding headache. Harry took this opportunity to scan Dumbledore's mind. 'He knows I've met Flamel, he's wondering how I took up my titles without him knowing and whether or not my magic is still bound.'
He continued to scan his mind until he came to the day that he went into the headmaster's office to tell him about Nagini attacking Arthur Weasley. 'That's the moment you decided to sacrifice me? I guess I should be glad that you choose that instead of siding with Voldemort and taking over the world.'
"Ah," said Dumbledore putting his hands over his eyes. "Sorry, I suddenly have a really bad headache."
"Well, perhaps you should get some rest, Headmaster. We can always continue this conversation another time," replied Harry.
"Yes, perhaps," said Dumbledore, clearly in pain.
"What? You can't leave him here with that woman Albus, she's clearly corrupted him," screeched Molly.
"Narcissa has done nothing to me that I have not consented to, I assure you," said Harry with a cheeky grin. Draco, Narcissa and Molly all blushed at his implication. "If that is why you are here Mrs. Weasley, you might as well go home. I am Lord Emrys now and Narcissa is my wife. I will not be separated from her and neither you or Albus can force me." He stared intently at them both before he continued.
"We do have other family business to attend to, so if there is nothing else?" Harry sent another wave of magic to Dumbledore increasing his headache.
"Yes, we will leave you be for now, but I would like to meet with you and discuss some things when you are available," said Dumbledore through clenched teeth.
"Of course, Headmaster, there are some things I would like to discuss with you as well," responded Harry politely. Dumbledore nodded and stood.
"Come Molly," he said. Once they were seen out Harry returned to the kitchen.
"Tomorrow we will go to Gringotts and then I think I'll stop by the Daily Prophet to discuss this whole kidnapping thing. Cissy, I know you wanted to do some shopping, so would like to do that with Draco then?
"That's sounds great," said Narcissa gleefully. She truly loved shopping and it had been twenty years since she'd gone. Draco groaned. Harry laughed, glad it was Draco instead of him.
"Remember Draco, what your mother wants your mother gets," said Harry with a wink in Narcissa's direction. When they finished lunch, Harry addressed Draco again.
"I need to take your mother somewhere this afternoon. Will you be alright on your own?" Harry asked.
"I'll be fine Potter. I'm not five," sneered Draco.
"Draco," scolded Narcissa. Harry scanned Voldemort's mind.
"Tom seems to have left Malfoy Manor with your absence and my sudden appearance, so if you want to take Kreacher and gather your things, go ahead, but be quick, there is no point in taking any unnecessary risks. It is possible, though unlikely, that he would return. If you get in any danger, send Kreacher for me," said Harry. Draco nodded.
"Are you ready my love?" asked Harry.
"Yes," responded Narcissa with a hint of nervousness.
"We'll be back by dinner," Harry said to Draco as they all stood. Draco nodded again and then Harry pulled Narcissa close and apparated them both to a dark alley behind a restaurant down the street from the hospital Harry had dropped Lucius off at. They quickly put on Harry's invisibility cloak. Narcissa choosing to stand behind him this time. He tried his hardest not to react to the way she was scrapping her fingernails down his chest.
"Stop that," he growled. Narcissa giggled, but she stopped at least until her hands moved to his hips instead. Luckily, they reached the hospital before her teasing could go any further. He made a note to pay her back later. They walked inside and maneuvered themselves around all the people until they reached the fifth-floor psych ward. They waited for a nurse to leave and snuck inside. It didn't take them long to find Lucius as he was running around in a hospital gown yelling at the staff to get him his wand so he could get out of this muggle infested dump. Everyone ignored him and let him rant. Narcissa watched in shock and then when Lucius was eventually given a sedative and passed out in a chair Narcissa whispered to Harry that she was ready to leave. Once they were back in the stairwell Narcissa demanded that they find an empty broom closet so she could repay him properly. Harry didn't argue with that.
When they left the hospital, they took their time getting back to Grimmauld Place and England. Harry treated Narcissa to some muggle shopping and they bought several varieties of muggle treats and cakes home for Draco. When they got back to Grimmauld Place, Harry sent an owl to Neville asking if him and his gran could come by for dinner at the weekend, since that was the next thing on his to do list. He let him know he had something really important to discuss with them both. After that Harry, Narcissa and Draco enjoyed an intimate dinner prepared by Kreacher and then they dug into all of the treats they had brought home.
After dinner Harry and Narcissa went to check on the people staying in the safe houses. The wives hugged them both and many cried tears of gratitude for getting their husbands out of Voldemort's clutches. All the men assured them they were comfortable.
When they returned, they cuddled on the sofa in the lounge and shared a glass of fire whiskey.
"Can we talk about Draco?" asked Harry. Narcissa winced.
"Yes, of course," she replied.
"He is agreeing to the adoption because I am richer than Lucius. Is it greed or that Slytherin ambition that I still don't quite understand?" asked Harry.
"A little of both, I suspect. He was raised to take any means necessary to increase his status. He has seen how powerful you are, and he knows you will win. When that happens, the Malfoy name will be worth very little. I believe he sees this as an opportunity to ensure he can maintain the lifestyle he has become accustomed to," explained Narcissa.
"So becoming my son is a business transaction? And you are both okay with that?" asked Harry incredulously. Narcissa shrugged.
"There may never be love between the two of you, but I do hope you will both grow to care for each other even if it does start as more of a business deal... it bothers you," Narcissa stated matter-of-factly.
"I love you Narcissa, and I will always protect Draco because he is important to you, but knowing my heir is only agreeing because he wants my money isn't easy to swallow," responded Harry. Narcissa sighed.
"I have to have hope that Draco can change, can become more than his father, that with both our influences, and even the influence of the women he marries, he will become a man that will honour your name. I know he envies you, but there is also respect there even if it is begrudgingly. Please have faith in him my love."
o – o – o – o – o
The next morning, Harry woke to the sound of quiet whistling in the kitchen and something sizzling in a pan. He walked into the kitchen to see Narcissa turn around and smile at him wearing nothing but an apron. Harry growled and quickly moved across the room. He cupped her bottom firmly as his mouth latched onto her neck. Narcissa moaned as she thrust her hips backwards in a search for more. Harry flipped her around and lifted her by the hips to place her on the counter.
"But I haven't finished making your breakfast," she said in mock innocence.
"I see what you are wearing Narcissa. I know for a fact that you had no intention of finishing breakfast," Harry replied. He waved his hand and the now completed food appeared on the table. "Now where was I?"
He tore the apron off and took a breast into his mouth while he plunged three fingers deep inside her. Just as Narcissa let out a scream of pleasure, the room was filled with another scream from the doorway.
"My eyes, my eyes," moaned Draco as he stumbled back out of the kitchen with his hands firmly over his eyes. Harry laughed while Narcissa quickly composed herself and conjured some clothing. She hoped down from the counter and went to find Draco.
"I'm sorry Draco. It has been a few years since we have had a child living at home. I didn't even think we might be interrupted," she said blushing slightly.
"How could you forget I was here? Seriously mother? I'm pretty sure I'm scarred for life," whined Draco. Once Draco had time to recover from his ordeal. They had an awkward, nearly silent breakfast before heading to Gringotts.
As soon as they walked in, Harry noticed how unusually crowded it was. Every eye was on him, looking him up and down like a fine prized bull. Narcissa's death glare seemed to be the only thing keeping them from approaching him. Harry walked up to the same teller as last time. Before he could even introduce himself, the teller bowed deeply at him.
"I would like to apologize for the way I behaved at our last meeting I meant no disrespect," said the teller.
"None taken," replied Harry with a slight bow in return. When the conversation finished the now familiar army of goblins entered the main atrium and bowed to Harry. Draco raised his eyes in surprise at the respect Harry was being shown. Narcissa just smirked. After exchanging formal greetings, they were shown to Ragnuk's office.
"Don't sit." Said Harry as Draco went to take a seat in front of the desk. Draco looked at him skeptically.
"In goblin custom it is disrespectful to sit until asked to do so," explained Harry.
"I never knew that," said Draco.
"You would if you cared enough to find out. You may see them as beneath you Draco, but they control your access to your fortune. Much can be accomplished if you show them some respect," replied Harry. Before Draco could respond King Ragnuk entered.
"Good morning Lord Emrys, I hope the properties suited your needs," said Ragnuk by way of introduction as he sat down.
"Yes, they were as I expected Ragnuk, thank you for your haste," replied Harry.
"Good, I have all of the paperwork together for you that you requested. I noticed that your marriage license hasn't officially been signed so I assumed you wanted to do that as well?" asked Ragnuk.
"Yes, that would be great Ragnuk, thank you," responded Harry. Ragnuk nodded.
"Have a seat," said Ragnuk. Once they were settled, he continued. "Here is the documentation for the Head of House Potter. Sign here if you accept the Lordship." Harry picked up the blood quill and signed.
"Here is the documentation for the head of House Black. Sign here if you accept the Lordship," said Ragnuk as the first sheet of parchment vanished and he pushed another sheet of parchment towards Harry. Harry signed. As soon as he finished a small box appeared and Ragnuk passed it to him.
"These are your house rings," Ragnuk stated. Harry nodded and put them on. A quick wave of magic filling the room to accept the claim as the rings resized to it his fingers.
"These are copies of the statements for both accounts, please let me know if you see any discrepancies. I have also included a statement for the Emrys vault, but it hasn't been touched in over a thousand years, so the statement only shows the interest accrued since that time," said Ragnuk. Harry didn't even look at them, he simply passed them over to Narcissa. She looked at them and her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the figures.
'Wow, I'm pretty certain you are the richest wizard in the world. Lucky me.'
'Don't spend it all in one place Cissy.' Harry smiled at her cheekily.
"Lady Emrys, sign here to accept the terms of marriage with House Potter-Black," said Ragnuk. Narcissa pretended to hesitate for a moment and then signed with a flourish, giving Harry a wink when she was finished.
"Lord Emrys, sign here," said Ragnuk. When that was done another box appeared. Harry took out each of the rings that matched his own and gently put them on Narcissa's fingers, before kissing each of her hands softly.
"Are you prepared to do the adoption today?" asked Ragnuk.
"Yes, we are," said Harry as he scanned Draco's mind. 'There is at least a strong love for and attachment to his mother. Hopefully, that is enough.' Narcissa squeezed his hand in gratitude. Draco nodded. Harry could almost see the galleons dancing in his eyes, but he held his tongue.
"Very well," said Ragnuk as he took out a large ceremonial knife. "You each need to cut the center of each palm and then link hands." They passed the knife around and each made a cut in their palms and then they stood and joined hands in a circle. Once their hands were joined, Ragnuk began an intricate incantation in gobbledygook. As he chanted, they watched as magic swirled around them and then encased the trio in a dome of bright light. Suddenly, Draco's features began to change. His hair darkened to a strawberry blonde and his face became less angular. He grew about three inches and his build became more muscular. When the dome of light disappeared, Draco slumped to the floor.
"Draco," yelled Narcissa as she ran to his side.
"His body is just adjusting. He should wake up in a moment and then he will be fine," explained Ragnuk. Narcissa nodded and sighed in relief.
o – o – o – o – o
When Albus returned to Hogwarts he was nervous, very nervous. Flamel had obviously found Harry. He seriously doubted his story about being away on honeymoon. He was certain he had spent the last month being trained by Flamel instead. Had his magic been unbound? He was certainly much more powerful than he had been a month ago. His occlumency skills were the best he had ever seen. His marriage to Narcissa was definitely a concern as well. With her influence, he would be completely out of reach. He already sensed that Harry was not as eager to impress him, or gain his affection as he used to be. If he lost the boy's trust, it would make his plans nearly impossible to achieve, especially if Harry had access to his full magical potential. Things were looking bad for Albus, really bad. If neither Harry or Voldemort trusted him then he was on his own and he had never done well on his own. He had to find a way to back into Harry's good graces it was the only way.
o – o – o – o – o
"Innervate," said Snape as he unstuck Voldemort from the wall. He looked around at the unconscious death eaters and then looked at Voldemort with a raised eyebrow.
"My lord?" he asked.
"Just a touch of food poisoning Severus, nothing to worry about. The elves will be punished I assure you," said Voldemort with as much venom as he could muster.
"Of course, my lord," responded Snape trying to keep the skepticism out of his voice.
"It is time for us to find another place to reside, it is no longer safe here. I trust you find somewhere suitable?" demanded Voldemort.
"Of course, my lord." Said Snape. 'There is no way this was food poisoning, what the fuck happened here.'
