Hello lovely Readers

Feeling a bit better today and the headache, has dulled down a bit. I hope your day is goin well and you enjoy this new installment of A Shadowed Soul.

tdjs: Well I had a few reasons as to why Harry would allow Ron to hit him. Harry hasn't completely lost himself to his darker nature yet, and with most abused children they often take blows when they haven't snapped yet. Harry is both still very much a light wizard with the thought process of an abused child. He'll take blows until his other nature comes out and takes the challenge. So being struck the way he was, was a mix of restraint, past afflictions, and taking the attack because of guilt he has stored away inside him. He blames himself for something he believes he needs to be punished for, but these thoughts on the subject are coming from the light side of him. When, he turns completely dark is when these thoughts will vanish and he will have no qualms with them.

I'm having fun with Draco it's interesting to try and tweak him here and there to fit into the story a bit better. Considering his personality and the changes to it I had to make. I also had fun depicting the twins in this story both them and Luna seem to know something the others do not. I'm still trying to work on the twins and how they know something the others don't, but Luna's situation should be much simpler then the twins are.

I love it when people make suggestions of the story. I literally take them into consideration when constructing the story as it progresses. I do have an Idea how I want it to turn out, but enhancing it with idea from others may bring a bit more fun to the chapter ahead. I'm glad you like the story so far and are giving amazing support for it. Your one of a few who read this that is giving me plenty of feedback to read over and I thank you for that.

England Girl: Oh my I did not know that. Huh, I just learned something new today. I also understand about the info thing and I'm sorry about that, I was a little meh about it as well when I wrote it. Sometimes my own thoughts and feelings for the story seem to get in the way, but I guess it did well, since nothing negative came from the reviews on it. I think in a way I was making Harry more forceful on himself to be as open as he was. –shrugs- Anyways I thank you for the information it was very enlightening.

Mary Jane24: Ha ha, Sorry I don't mean to make you cry :3

Stardust of Orion: I was debating on that, but in the end I had him spill as much as he wanted. I also decided that the Slytherins are mostly dark wizards and have parents that are of the dark lord's army. So in a way Voldemort did give him the go ahead, since they are loyal to the dark and their parent's support of the dark lord. Think of it as a loop hole. If none of them were Loyal to the dark lord then he wouldn't be able to tell them :3

That's it for now folks. I look forward to things you have to say about it. Enjoy!

Things in the story you might want to know.

"Talking/ spells"

'Thinking/ sound affects/ Memories'

-Parseltongue-

.:Spells:.

Chapter Nine- Tail Chasers

Harry stood before the Malfoy manor silently with Lucius and Narcissa behind him. His mind was focused on the work he had to do before him, and as promised he was placing the Malfoy Manor's new wards in place. Harry had spent a few months coming up with the new ward spells he was to place on the manor after stripping out the old wards that once protected the mansion.

-Just-the-other-day-

"Hey Orion?" Draco asked as they sat in the common room.

"Yeah what's up Dray?"

"Didn't mother and father ask you to put up new wards to the house? Well since you applied to be a ward maker and all."

"Oh don't worry about that, a plan has already been set out for that."

"Like?"

Harry sighed and pulled something out of his small pouch that he always kept attached to his belt, "This is the plan."

Draco leaned over to look, "A time turner?"

"Yes, our lord decided that in order to keep Orion in the open to the public eye that I needed this in order to get out of Hogwarts during the days I need to get out and work on the wards people need for their homes," He sighed, "The only problem I had though was having enough time to work on signature wards of my own that no one would dare to produce for themselves."

"Oh?"

"I had problems creating my own wards. Most people stick to either light or dark wards for protection. Mine, on the other hand are a combination of both as well as a few that I created myself. At first I had the issue with them exploding so I've been working on them since then."

"Wait… how have you been able to perfect them while you're in school then?"

Harry smirked and bounced the time turner in the palm of his hand, "How else do you think? You remember the short periods of time I vanished on my own. It wasn't to just have a few minutes by myself. It was to also use the time turner to go back to the beginning of the day so I can work on my wards. Though, I have to admit it is tricky trying to find a place to switch out at when trying not to make contact with a later version of oneself."

"Wicked!"

Harry laughed, "Yeah."

"So where do you go to practice?"

"Back to Malfoy manner."

"But… how? Aren't there anti apparition wards around the school?"

"Of course, but when you know of other means to get out of school and past the wards then it is quite easy to do so."

"What?" Draco's eyes were wide in shock, "Wha-…How?"

Harry laughed at the young Malfoy heir's face, "My little secret Dray and in time you might see it, but for now I can't let anyone see it." His face grew serious, "Dumbledore knows Legilimens."

"What's that?"

"It's something that can help people to enter the minds of others. I only know of three people who can use it so far other than myself… Snape, Dumbledore, and our Lord…"

Draco looked at him pale faced, "No way," he squeaked.

"Yeah," he sighed, "Though if I'm suspicious enough about it, Dumbledore may already know…" He smirked then, "Then again he doesn't know I am who I am yet…" His smirk that had appeared soon faded, "Unless he saw your memory of me… but if he knew wouldn't he confront me yet?" Shaking his head he ignored it for now. "Anyways just to be safe I won't show it yet okay?"

"Okay… Orion… if things go wrong, you can count on me to help you out okay?"

Harry gave a fond smile to Draco, "Okay Dray."

-Meanwhile-

Harry looked back on the memory with a fondness that he never had before. Draco was really like a brother to him and it felt good to have a family bond with someone. He once thought he had that with the Weasleys', but now he wasn't so sure anymore. With the Malfoys' though everything felt easier like breathing and it was comforting knowing someone accepted him no matter what his past was like or who he was now.

Harry turned to Lucius and Narcissa, before casting a spell on them so they could see what he saw every day now, for the period of time that it would take to build the wards around the house. Once done he turned back around hand in hand as he lifted both his hands to start weaving the spells he needed together. He'd been happy when he created a spell to fit in between the spells that had been clashing and didn't hinder any of the wards properties, but enhanced them instead. Narcissa gasped as she watched spells come together. Hues of many colors such as gold, white, grey, blue, purple, and black were showing the complicated mix of wards that had been used and created by the boy before them who was expertly creating the wards to their home.

When, the wards finally came together in a large dome like bubble over their land, the shimmered till they settled on a filmy glass like look of a warm yellow-orange color. Harry smiled when it settled and held strong. He'd taken many tests to make sure that it would stay strong and hold without exploding. Lucius made a sound of appreciation and awe. Harry turned to look at him as both Narcissa and Lucius blinked when the aura sight fell away from their vision.

"That was fascinating Orion," Lucius said a small smirk on his lips, "So tell me what are the wards made up of and their purpose."

"Well the wards are an intricate weave of ward spells. The wards will lock onto those that will have access to the wards, such as you and Narcissa. If you want to add anyone else simply tapping into the wards and adding their magical signature will work enough for them to be able to access them," He said to bother him and Narcissa, "Anti-Apparition, and Anti-Threat wards are in place, they can be turned active or inactive whenever you please. You can chose where people can apparate as well designating that to be the immediate area one can go to only when apparating. The threat ward allows you to dispose of someone who your immediate family thinks of as a threat. It will port them away from your home about several miles. The ward will allow you to recognize magical signatures and know exactly where they are in the house. No one but those keyed into the wards will know this and feel it. It also has a destructive, feature as well, if and when things go bad and you're on the run and wish something's to stay out of the enemies hands, you can key in the items to the ward and when you activate it with your magic those items will be burned until they are useless."

Lucius gave an impressed look, "What about spells cast at the house?"

"They will be useless… Think of the wards as being something similar to Hogwarts wards, but not nearly as ancient. Not sure which would stand a better chance, but I have confidence in my work," He said smiling slightly.

Narcissa came up and hugged him, "Thank you Orion."

Harry hugged her back and sighed, "It's about time for me to head back."

Lucius gave a short chuckle, "It seems so, but fret not the holidays are coming up soon."

Harry smirked and nodded, "I look forward to it."

Harry followed them into the manor, his mind focused on upcoming events as he walked. He slipped into his room and used his time turner to allow him to move forward a little after his other self-had left Hogwarts. He could sense himself downstairs in the main room talking with Narcissa and Lucius, before, he himself apparated out of the room to go back to Hogwarts. He knew his other self would use the time turner to get back to the beginning of the day while he was there at Malfoy manor. It made it easier to coordinate the time and places he needed to avoid his other self. He sighed with relief as he stretched his sore muscles a bit. The day had been long and Harry knew at the rate he used the time turner he would turn fifteen before the year was over. It was funny that he would be turning fifteen before the wizarding world acknowledged that he was even of age. He found himself laughing softly out loud as he wandered down the tunnel that allowed him back into the school.

Voldemort had been silent and hadn't said much, though having Nagini relay things that were going on made him felt happy that the older male thought him important enough to let him know what was going on. He wondered if he watched him like he did before Harry knew he'd been doing so, since Nagini was sneaking on and off school grounds without being notice by anyone. From what little he did know was that he was planning something big that dealt with Azkaban and it would be taking place soon. He had already put into thought that it was to get back the death eaters that had been imprisoned for being Voldemort's followers. He was a little weary about that thought, but he decided he would get over it none the less.

Harry peaked out from behind the statue and looked around. Nodding to himself he let the statue slip back into place before continuing on his way to dinner. He was rather hungry now having spent the whole day keeping busy with school and his day at the Malfoy Manor. Humming he found himself turning a corner just at the same time Draco and Blaise were.

Draco smirked at him, "How did it go?"

"Great! Nothing drastic happened anyways," Harry chuckled.

"That's good to know."

"Yeah, I'm happy that I found the issue and got it smoothed out before use."

"I'm glad you did. Just shows how much of a genius you are."

"I'm not a genius… I just love what I do."

"Oh come on Evan you know you're smart why not accept a compliment when it's given?"

"Because I'm not used to it…"

"But you've had compliments in the past right?"

"No… those were words to things I never had control over. So I do not consider them as such," Harry said as his eyes landed on the floor before them as they walked.

Draco's face softened, "Well… I guess we'll just have to give you compliments more often then." He smirked as he poked Harry in the side.

Harry chuckled softly and tried to move away from the other, "Okay, okay I get it… I will try to be more open to compliments as well."

"Better, now come on we need to get to dinner before we run into the weasel."

Harry nodded as they made their way swiftly to the great hall. It surprised Harry that dinner went well without Ron making much of a fuss. It was strange, but it seemed as of late the other seemed resigned. Possibly even just a tad distant and Harry couldn't quite put his finger on what could have gotten to the other male to act in such a way. It was strange considering the last few days he'd been trying to corner or confront him whenever he got the chance, regardless if anyone was around or not. He glanced over at the other male every now and again, but there was no sign coming from the boy that he was hostile or not towards him.

Shaking his head lightly he looked to Draco who only seemed to shrug at him, when he to noted that the other was acting strangely. Shrugging it off, he wondered if the other had just gotten over whatever he was trying to prove to everyone, so he decided not to question it any further. Shrugging he returned to eating the last of his meal before he rose from his seat and left the room to go to the common room. Draco, Blaise, and Theo were currently the ones that Harry hung out with the most. It kind of, felt like he was back with Hermione and Ron, but not really. Theo was actually pretty smart and Harry was surprised he hadn't noticed. Draco reminded him a lot of Ron, but without the jealous monster. Not to mention that Draco was a lot more loyal than Ron had ever been for him.

{A Shadowed Life}

Dumbledore found the new student very disconcerting. He obviously knew Legilimency and Occlumency, considering on numerous occasions he'd tried to access the boys mind. Even the impulse charm was not working against the boy since he forced himself to constantly look away from his eyes. He hadn't expected a child from an orphanage would be able to take on such magic. Then again he was home schooled after being adopted by the Malfoys' only now allowing the boy to go to school. The young Malfoy heir had been completely at ease about the announcement of him joining Hogwarts and really didn't think much on it.

He'd kept a close eye on the boy after the first incident with Ronald Weasley. It was odd that the boy could project electricity off of his skin and clothing as though it was a part of him yet not entirely so. There weren't many creatures out there that had that same ability either, and the very few he knew of had died off a long time ago. The boy had a kind side he had to admit that, and that kindness seemed to be untarnished, though he wasn't sure how long that would last. Most Slytherins changed their tune after a while in that house and if Voldemort hasn't gotten him yet he would eventually.

"Severus, have you heard anything yet?"

"No, the Dark Lord had yet to call on me. From what I can tell none of the others have been called either," Snape said with a drawling sneer.

"It is odd he has yet to contact you," Dumbledore said to him.

"It is not all that odd sire, considering it is not the first time he has gone so long without word to his inner circle let alone the rest of his death eaters."

"Your right… but I can't help wondering if he already has something up his sleeve."

"He always has something up his sleeve sir, he is that dark lord after all."

"That is true… Tell me do you know anything about that student named Evan Spring?"

"No, I do not. Though,, I do find it strange that I had not heard of him until he joined Hogwarts this year. I am reluctant to say that he seems more capable than most in my class," He sneered reluctantly.

"Indeed, I have gotten the same from other teachers as well. He is passing all his classes with flying colors."

Dumbledore didn't dismiss the fact that Snape had a look of impression before hiding it expertly once again. Evan Spring was a puzzle unto himself, considering the boy literally cropped up out of the middle of nowhere. His thoughts turned to Harry, the boy had been missing for literally four months and several days. No sign of the boy had showed up anywhere, and he was starting to think that he'd lost his weapon. On top of the puzzle of Evan and Harry, a new player had moved into the picture by the name Orion Black. He'd fought tooth and nail to find out more about the boy, but a lot of the information he needed was not in Britain.

The young man was a genius, and had been privy to being able to inspect the wards he was creating for people. He'd become quite a popular person and seemed to be well acquainted with the Malfoys', as well as the Greengrass and Zabini families. He'd heard from quite a few sources that the male lived with the Malfoys' and Narcissa and Lucius always spoke highly of him. The one time he'd met the boy he'd been impressed with his knowledge of magic. That one time however had been the same day he'd taken his owls at the ministry since he'd been home schooled till he was eighteen.

"Severus, have you found anything on Orion Black then?"

"Yes, seems he is the great, great, Grandson of Marius Black. A man who was born a squib and had been blasted off the family tree. The Blacks' had thought of him as their worst mistake. Seems they were mistaken to say the least. On top of him being a ward maker he has delved into a study over squibs and muggles. He has uncovered quite a few unknown truths and is expanding his search," Severus said as he watched the headmaster through heavy eyes, seemingly uninterested at the subject. Though, it didn't at all fool Albus as he sat at his desk, "He lost both of his parents however, his mother died when she gave birth to him and his father before he turned eleven. During his time alone he went from muggle family to muggle family until he met one family who adopted him overseas in Japan. From information gathered the family was a pure blood family. I can't get any information to see if this is true, but it seems concrete to me."

"Hmm... I wonder what his thoughts on muggles are," Dumbledore hummed.

"He doesn't hate them, but he doesn't like them either," Severus huffed obviously wanting to leave by now.

"Why is that?"

"It seems the last muggle home he was in before coming in contact with his pureblood family, had treated him rather horribly," Severus said grimacing.

"Where did this information come from?"

"From the Malfoys' since they are putting him up at their house until he can afford a place of his own," He sighed.

"Have you seen evidence of said abuse?"

"He doesn't show much in his emotions though he does seem to go extremely distant and withdrawn when certain things are mentioned. Upon your request I had visited a sight that was having one of his wards put in place… Other than the boy flinching away from male contact nothing more was showed."

"Hmm so it seems the one who had possibly abused him had been of the male gender then?"

"It is possible but not likely, when someone flinches like he did it was something deeper than a physical abuse," Severus grimaced.

"Do you mean…?"

"Yes, Orion Black had been sexually abused by someone of the male gender."

"I see… It will be more than likely that he will join Voldemort if he makes himself known once more."

"If he hasn't already that is."

"Yes, it is best to assume so at this point until we know more."

Snape nodded and watched the aging man silently and Dumbledore dismissed him after a few other questions he had. Once the potions master was gone he got up from his chair and walked over to Fawkes who was singing sweetly.

"Fawkes my dear friend, it seems as though shadows of the unknown are looming nearer each day and puzzling people are showing themselves. I only hope our dear young mister Potter makes it make safe to be ready to take on the unknown ahead of us," He said the Phoenix, which sang out a tune when his fingers touched its feathers. He turned back to his desk after a while of petting Fawkes only to sit at his desk once more.

{A Shadowed Life}

Harry's eyes were shinning with mirth as he watched Draco trying to stuff his trunk full of the items he and the other Slytherins had strung out around the room. Draco only glared at Harry who sat upon his trunk, with items all neatly in place within it, having been ready to leave the night before. His pale blue eyes watching the Malfoy heir, as he sat upon the lid of the trunk to force it down. Harry laughed when the latch didn't click closed.

"Oh shut it Spring," Draco growled and Harry laughed even harder. "Come of it, how did you get yours closed?"

"Easy I took time the other day arranging it for the trip back home, you on the other hand, like everyone else decided to wait till the last possible moment to pack."

"Well help me then," Draco huffed and Harry relented.

When Draco got off his trunk Harry rearranged things to fit better then what they already had been. Once finished he gave Draco a smug grin when it latched close with little to no problem. Draco grumbled, but otherwise kept his mouth shut after that. Everyone quickly got their things together before allowing their things to be taken to the train by the house elves. Draco happily chatted, Harry's ear off about what the hols' would be like. Knowing Narcissa though, Harry knew the place would look extravagant and very well done. As they all started to leave the grounds they walked over to the carriages that the Thestrals' pulled. Harry walked up to the wagons and at first had to take a double take at what he was seeing. It was at that point Luna appeared next to him like she usually did when strange things happened.

"Beautiful isn't he Evan?"

"Uh, yeah… Were they always here?" He questioned puzzled.

"Of course they were, the only problem was that you couldn't see them before."

"Why is that?"

"They can only be seen by people who have seen death."

Harry paled and looked at Luna, "…You mean…"

"It's, okay Evan your secrets safe with me," Luna said softly to him, "The only reason I see them is because of my mum. I was nine when she died," Luna said dazedly.

"Come on Spring… we'll miss the train if you don't hurry up," Theo called out to him.

"We better get going," Harry said wearily, it was obvious to him Luna knew more then she let on and it quite literally scared him a bit, "Would you like to ride with us?"

"With you, Draco, Theo, and Blaise you mean?" In a stating fact kind of tone which, lead it to sounding more like a question before she answered him, "Sure, it seems the Nargles are playing nice today."

"Yes, the Nargles are quite today," Luna smiled at him and made her way over to the carriage and climbed in, as Harry soon followed her and sat down beside her.

The ride was eventful with Draco trying to understand the dirty blond haired girl sitting next to him. She spoke of many odd creatures not many had seen, like those that pulled the boats in the lake. At this point Blaise was arguing with her, alongside Theo as well. Though, upon hearing that Harry could see them they started asking questions. The creature was identified as a Hippocampus, which was a sea horse dating back to Greek Mythology and the god Poseidon. The tale behind the magic used to hide them for people was interesting, but left questions for Harry he was not comfortable with talking about.

Blaise and Theo bother tried to coax it out of him when they found out the only way to see them was when one lost their virginity. Draco hissed at them to stop and Harry looked at him grateful for him trying to stop them. He glanced over to Luna, whose dazed look didn't at all look repentant. He had to admit it was starting to scare him that Luna knew way more than he would like for her to know. Swallowing thickly he ignored the arguing between his friends that ensued after the topic, until Luna decided to comment on another creature they were familiar with. Harry only half listened, but otherwise stayed focused on something else that was bothering his mind.

Not once since his disappearance had there been anything remotely speaking of him in the new papers. Sure it had come to a shock to the wizarding world when he had been announced missing only a few days after he'd left his burning house on Private Drive. He realized pretty quickly after those days, that the wizarding world only acted as though they cared and they really hadn't in the least. Harry's eyes sightlessly wandered over the surrounding area as they pulled up to the train docking station. The billows of smoke rising from the smoke stack of that train. Its whistle sounding to let everyone know it was time to board it.

Slipping from the carriage Harry started to walked to the train followed closely by Draco, Blaise, Theo, and Luna. None of them noticed the eyes that had followed them the whole while. The train ride was eventful considering that Luna was part of the reason that it was like that. Surprising enough Hermione had showed up, mostly to speak with Harry about a class assignment she was struggling with for Runes class. Draco firmly bit his lip from saying anything to the fizzy haired girl that could possibly set Harry off on him. Though, it didn't stop him from teasing Neville since he'd accompanied her to make sure she'd be okay in a room full of Slytherins.

"So what's up with the Weasel," Draco asked Hermione, though he looked like he would rather eat dirt than to do so.

"I don't know what is up with him and I do not care."

Surprised Draco raised a brow, "Isn't he your friend?"

"I'm not sure anymore… I mean he is coming up with the most ridiculous things about Evan and for the longest time before Evan came here he was always going on about the Slytherin House… Though, it seemed to get worse after Evan showed up… It's almost as though he is obsessed or something and I just can't stand to be around him anymore."

"Doesn't your lot always forgive each other?"

"I guess, but… It seems like he's just not himself anymore. Harry's disappearance seems to be the reason he's acting this way, but I'm not sure. Maybe he's always acted this way and I just never realized it before."

Harry spoke up after that, "I would tend to believe that bloody git was always that way."

Hermione grimaced at those words, "Maybe…" It was obvious that she was unused to the cheerful Evan sounding so disdainful about another person.

The rest of the ride was spent with Draco gearing about Ron and Hermione defending him rather lamely, before Luna got them all back on Nargles and Wrackspurts. To which, Hermione kept insisting that they do not exist, as she also proclaimed that the other creatures Luna spoke of such as the Crumple-Horned Snorkack and the Heliopath that she insists is being used by Cornelius fudge as his army. Neville on the other hand seemed quite taken with Luna and wanted to know more about these creatures that Luna knew so much about.

Upon reaching King's Cross Station, Draco and Harry made their way over to Lucius and Narcissa. Narcissa gave them both a warm hug, as Harry gave a faint smirk before looking to Lucius, who called a house elf by the name Mimzy who took both Draco's and Harry's items to the house before they themselves left for home. That was what Harry called it now and Malfoy Manor was his home now. Harry was still looking for a place of his own yes, because he had to keep his pretenses of being Orion Black up. Pale blue eyes melted away at the sound of parseltongue being used to switch off his Evan Springe glamour.

Harry looked around at the already decorated halls as Narcissa started to talk animatedly about the holidays ahead of them. Harry was gently smiling alongside Draco who seemed just as excited as his mother. Lucius was smirking as he made his way to who knows where while Harry moved away from Draco and Narcissa who had gotten so caught up in their discussion they hadn't noticed Harry slipping off to the kitchen. Upon reaching that part of the house, some of the house elves stopped to stare wide eyed at him.

"What master be, need'n?" Mimzy asked him with wide eyes.

"I would like to use the kitchen for a while."

"May Mimzy be ask'n what young master be need'n with the kitchen sir?"

"I would like to make some holiday treats."

"We'z can do that young master, no need to be do'n such things."

"It's okay Mimzy I want to it helps me relax… Please can I?" He begged with a small pout.

Mimzy's eyes grew wide, "If master be want'n then master can."

"Okay, thanks Mimzy," He smiled brightly as Mimzy stood there frozen.

Harry knew the house elves weren't used to him, but they were getting there. They liked the kindness he showed to them and they often did just about anything for him when he asked. Mimzy soon moved on and got busy with other things she had to get done. Harry pulled out the items he needed and started to make the items he'd learned to make back in Private Drive, when he'd been forced to live with the Dursleys'. Brandy Snaps, Arctic Roll, Caramel Shortbread, and some cookies that his aunt Petunia had made him make one time. They had been Vernon's favorites considering the man ate them all the time like they were going out of style. The name of the cookie was Snickerdoodle and even though the name was funny, the one time he'd been able to have one he found he liked them too.

Harry tired not to think much on it as he made the items silently, he let some of the house elves help him when he was too busy making one to get the ones he'd made out of the oven or where ever he'd put them to be done. It was during his making of the Snickerdoodles, that something loud crashed within the manor making Harry jump enough to accidently dump a bunch of flour and dough on himself before losing his footing and falling to the floor. The ruckus seemed to grow as shouts were heard and they gradually got closer to where he was.

The door burst open and Harry blinked owlishly up at the person who'd just burst into the room. Wide green eyes looked up in shock and horror at the person he saw standing there looking at him, frozen in mid stride. Obviously having followed his nose to that area of the house, and pressed against his back facing away from him down the hall to the others who'd been following them, was another he hadn't planned on seeing that day. Grey eyes blinked slowly down at Harry as though he was trying to figure out something that should be obvious to him, yet seemed oddly off.

Harry could hear Lucius spitting something out along the lines of stupid dogs and chasing tails, but he ignored it when the other with the man before him looked over his shoulder to look at Harry. Harry watched as green eyes widened comically at where Harry sat on the floor, covered in flour and dough. They all just stood there for a long time, before Narcissa and Lucius got close enough to see what they could possibly be staring at without moving a frozen muscle. The silence broke when Draco caught sight of him, and laughter started to overtake everyone in the room.

Harry blinked owlishly for a while before he blushed under the flour, covering him, "I was making cookies."

The laughs got harder and Harry pouted, which only seemed to egg them on further. Harry was surprised that this actually happened. Considering Sirius and Remus seemed entirely unharmed showed that Narcissa and Lucius had held back because Harry cared about them, he felt grateful that they hadn't hurt either of the two men before him.

Sirius calmed down enough first soft throat huffs showing he was forcing down his mirth, "Harry?" He asked uncertain, though his scent told Sirius that he was right in his assumption. It was just a tad different now, which he was determined to know why.

"Hey, Sirius," Harry answered sheepishly with a slight nod.

Draco went over the Harry and helped him up, a grin still splitting the Malfoy heir's features as he did so, which Harry pouted at. Getting up slowly he dusted himself off before Mimzy decided to help out and cleaned him up with a snap of her fingers. The contents vanished and the mixing bowl was back on the table. Now at this point Harry was fidgeting under Sirius's gaze.

Remus spoke up then, "Pup what's going on?"

Harry sighed knowing there was no way to get out of this. "It's a long story… I would tell you it… If Lucius is okay with it," He looked to said man who was in the door way with Narcissa behind him, a fond and humorous smile still on her features.

Lucius looked to the two before sighing, "Yes, but first before that happens can we please clean up the foyer. Harry, your dogs' here seemed to find it in them to knock the door in… literally, before setting off something in the hall that was as slick as ice, across the floor."

Sirius had the notion to look sheepish at Harry who only laughed, "It seems the tail chasers have sought after my tail." Harry chuckled softly, "Come on then shall we, we have much to discuss."

Upon leaving the kitchen, Harry found himself walking into the hall that had the ice like substance on the floor boards. His eyes widened at the see through glassy ice substance, which felt more like slime then ice. Harry laughed when he realized just what it was. It seemed his godfather had gone out of his way to ask the twins for one of their latest jokes. He only recognized it because it was something they had used on a group of students in the halls of Hogwarts around Hollows eve. It had been amusing watching people trip over themselves trying to stay up right only to complain about the feel of it when their skin touched it.

It was at this point he picture his god father and Remus kicking in the door only to let loose this prank like spell on the people within as they came around the corner in surprise. Harry started to chuckle as he pictured Lucius landing face first upon losing his footing, just to grimace and comment on the slimy substance as it smear the side of his face slightly. Lucius glanced over to him and raised a brow at him and Harry raised his hand and waved it back and forth as he couldn't hold back his chuckles.

"Sorry, I just pictured what could have happened here and I can't get the picture out of my head," He laughed as Lucius's eyes widened a fraction, only serving to cause Harry's laughter to grow.

Once Harry settled down they got to work in cleaning up the mess, with Lucius grumbling about the whole situation still. Sirius made a few jibes at the blond, before Harry quickly put a stop to it. This however, got Sirius curious as to what could have taken place to change Harry's attitude about the Malfoys'. He soon got his answer however when Harry pulled both Sirius and Remus off into another room alone, so they could speak to one another and have some alone time together. Narcissa showed up every once in a while to offer drinks or something to eat, other than that they were alone.

Harry had found it infinitely harder to tell Sirius and Remus what had happened to him at the Dursleys' and what he'd done. Guilt was something that weighed heavily on Harry's heart and it had taken a long time for him to openly admit certain things from his life before then. Sirius took it all in silently, but judging by the look on the man's face he was furious whether it was at the Dursleys' of Harry himself, he didn't know which. He swallowed thickly, his eyes cast down on the floor, his whole being telling him to run, but he forced himself to stay. Narcissa had helped him in the past months to get him to talk about these things more openly with people he trusted and care about.

He definitely trusted and cared about Remus and Sirius, and knew they wouldn't tell anyone. Harry sat there for a long time in silence with them. The air thick with a tension that Harry wished would disappear sometime soon. He could feel both men's eyes on him and it took all his will power not to cower or flinch under the intense stares. Sirius eventually made a growl sound that did make Harry jump slightly, and the sound cut off just as quickly as it had begun.

"If they weren't dead already I would have killed them myself right about now," Sirius said letting another harsh sound to slip past his lips.

Harry looked up at him when his warm hand touched his lightly, "Thanks, Sirius."

"I would do anything to protect you pup… Which, brings me to the next subject," He said softly, "will you come with us?"

Harry stared wide eyed at Sirius before looking away, "I can't."

"What? Why not?"

"I have to… Siri' you can't expect me to run off with you. Your still on the run, and I've made a place for me here with the Malfoys'. They helped me when I had no one to turn too, they gave me a place to stay when I was too afraid to trust anyone."

"But-…"

"No… I can't I'm sorry, but I can't besides… I plan on getting my own place still. I don't want to burden anyone with my presence."

"Harry you're not a burden on anyone, and as much as I would hate to admit it I think the Malfoys' think the same thing."

Harry sighed and looked down and away before firm calloused fingers lifted his chin to look into grey eyes, "If it makes you happy I will not sway you from the path you seem determined to stay on. I will support you no matter your decisions, and I will try and visit as often as I can."

Harry gave a half smile, "All I wish is for your and Professor Lupin to be safe."

"Call me Moony or Remus Harry," Remus said from beside the man, having finally spoken after everything that had happened.

"Or call him Remy he likes the nickname," Sirius said chuckling.

Harry laughed softly before Remus spoke up again, "So Harry what is this form you spoke of.

Harry quieted and gnawed away at his lower lip, trying to gain back his courage that suddenly seemed to vanish at the thought of showing him that new form of himself. Sighing Harry stood up from the chair he sat on, before releasing the clasp on his ear, and the glamour that covered his tattoo. His tattoos on his back furled out as wings slowly appeared as well as scales and a tail. Once finished he stood before the two men in silence, both looking at him wide eyed.

"What did you say this form was again?"

"It's Dragonian… er… roughly translated that way anyways. Some would say Drake or Draken. It's among the lines of me having dragon blood or something of the like. Though, from the passages it's more of a magical bond of some kind," Sirius seemed to nod taking the explanation at face value.

Remus spoke up, "Do you trust him?

"Huh?" Harry was puzzled.

"The dark lord… do you trust him?"

Harry thought seriously for a moment, "Yeah I do."

Sirius looked to Remus and he sighed before looking back at Harry, "Okay then… we just have this to say. If anything goes wrong, and I mean anything, please don't hesitate to come find us okay?"

"Alright," Harry gave them a fond smile.

They spoke a while longer before they decided they had overstayed their welcome, and hugged Harry before leaving. Once gone Harry sat back down mentally and emotionally exhausted now that the day was drawing to a close. It had been an eventful day, and one he wouldn't change for anything in the world. He had Remus and Sirius back in his life and knew what was going on. He felt the weight that he'd had for a long time building on his heart suddenly lessen. Smiling he stood up once more and made his way to his room. A funny thought leaving his mind as he thought of a new way to address Remus and Sirius in his letters from now on. He would address the pair as his 'Tail Chasers', laughing slightly at that he got ready for the night. The following days he had a feeling he would need the energy for. Sleep found him swiftly after taking the dreamless sleep draught before slipping into bed, already feeling the effects come upon him swiftly. Then the whole world went dark and Harry slipped into a land of pure darkness and without dreams.

Next Chapter- Boiling Brew

Well everyone that is it for this chapter. Looking forward to your R&R's. See you all soon!