Surprise

~ Monday, March 12th ~

Hermione took a deep breath and stepped forward. Green flames immediately enveloped her. It'd been years since she had used the floo. She expected difficulties, but she stepped smoothly from her arrival fireplace as if she'd been doing so every day.

Lifting her head, her eyes landed on Mrs. Weasley's face. The older woman opened her arms invitingly, a tender smile softening her features. Hermione, heart kicking faster, walked into those arms, careful not to bump the sling that rested across her chest.

"What happened, child?" Molly whispered fiercely, disturbed by the bruising on the girl's face and her injured arm.

"I'm ready to talk about Ron now," Hermione replied hoarsely.

Molly pulled back to look down into her face. "I would love to hear about Ron, dear."

Tearfully, Hermione allowed the mother of her best friend to lead her to the couch. Molly fussed over the tea and pushed biscuits in her direction. Hermione thanked her but made no move to eat or drink. In a soft hush voice, she began to explain herself.

"I was so mad at him. How dare he sacrifice himself for me? I would never have asked him to do so." She took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. "I couldn't stand magic anymore. Magic had allowed him to do such a stupid thing. Worse, it reminded me of him, and I missed him so much."

"Sweetheart…" Molly put a compassionate hand on her knee.

Hermione ducked her head and described her retreat into a Muggle University. How everyday was difficult to get through unless she forced herself to think of nothing else outside day to day things. She tried to erase Hogwarts for her memory. But no matter how hard she tried, the dreams would come, and some days she couldn't get out of bed no matter what she did.

"Then I met Dudley."

Molly frowned. The name sounded familiar.

"Harry's cousin," Hermione explained.

"That dreadful boy? Did he do this to you?"

Hermione nodded. "He hated magical people more than ever before since the Death Eaters murdered his parents. He was the one to find their bodies. It seems the Aurors who arrived to make it appear like a suicide forgot to alter his memories. Dudley tried to insist it was murder, but the Muggle authorities refused to believe it was anything more than a tragedy and the raving of a grieving young son. With no recourse, Dudley let the matter drop, but privately he swore vengeance on all wizardkind."

Horrified, Molly whispered, "What did he do?"

"He moved from University to University looking for suspicious people. Those with not enough magic to be successful in the Wizarding world or those Muggleborns who wanted to go to school in both worlds. He abducted them and tortured them for information about Harry. Then he killed them."

Molly covered her mouth, eyes wide.

"I was his eighth victim. Before he could do too much damage, his roommate at the time walked in and found us. A fight ensued and Dudley was killed. His journal was found, which explained everything I've just told you. The Muggles didn't believe the part about magic and just put it down to Dudley being insane."

"Oh, honey, I'm so sorry." Molly hugged her tight. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"When he attacked me… my magic stopped him. I… I hadn't used it in years. I was convinced I had given it up, but it was still there." Hermione began to cry softly. "I was so terrified. It made me realize… I don't want to die. I just want Ron back."

Molly cooed soothingly, stroking her hair.

"I'm glad I'm alive," Hermione admitted. "That used to make me feel so guilty, but now I feel gratitude as I should have from the beginning. I would trade my life for Ron's in a heartbeat, so I guess I can't be mad that he felt the same. He was r-really b-brave and b-beautiful. I l-loved him so m-much."

The two women clung to each other while Hermione broke down and sobbed.

xXxXxXx

Draco moved downstairs from the dueling room. He was scowling because the stupid werewolf couldn't say for sure what the changes Seraphim had wrought would mean. He wasn't exactly a vampire anymore, but he wasn't wholly human either. Draco hated the uncertainty. The only thing that made it bearable was the fact that he trusted Shadow completely, but he would have liked to know if - or when - he'd have to face the bloodlust again. He knocked impatiently on the new guest room door – with the Blacks and Lupins visiting so often, they needed more than the single room upstairs, which Draco had taken to use when he wasn't with Shadow, so they turned Severus' old sitting room into another small guest room downstairs. The parlor now served as sitting room and parlor both.

Draco waited for an invitation to enter before stepping through. "How are you? I apologize for hurting you."

"Oh, I'm fine," Sirius assured. He stood from the desk in the corner and came forward to hug the tall blond. "It would take more than a knock to the head to get rid of old Sirius."

Draco smiled back but then folded his features into a serious mask. "I have come to request permission from my Head of Family to be wed."

"Wed?" Sirius blinked and then a slow grin split his face. "Shouldn't you be asking me as a godfather for permission to wed my godson?"

"No." Draco knelt gracefully. "My hand was requested by one Shadow Snape. I put forward that my chosen mate is worthy in many respects, including power and demeanor, and his name is as honorable as that of Black."

Sirius gaped. Shadow had asked Draco? Then he shook himself and turned his attention to the ritual Draco had begun. "I am cognizant of Shadow Snape's accomplishments, but is his Family worthy of the addition of the Black bloodline? I give you permission to bring him before me so that I may weigh his request for your hand duly."

"Thank you, Lord Black. I submit myself to your wisdom."

Sirius nodded and offered Draco a hand up. The blond took it. "Now that that's done, tell me how this came about!"

"He asked me when he woke up tonight." Draco ginned almost shyly. "I admit I was just as shocked."

"I bet." Sirius laughed and slung an arm around Draco's shoulders. "I thought you'd be doing the asking, not the other way around. Though, it's the smartest thing Shadow's ever done, if you ask me. I don't think I'd let you go for anyone else. You are a credit to this family, and the Blacks could use more honorable people in its ranks."

Draco flushed, surprised by the honest affection Sirius was displaying. He'd had no idea the older man felt that way about him. "Thank you."

"I can't get over him asking you." Sirius slanted him a playful glance. "Are you sure you can't do this thing over? I've been trying to make Shadow a Black for ages, and it has a better ring to it than Draco Snape."

Draco shook his head, amused. "Sorry, Sirius, but it's been done and I wouldn't change it for the world."

Sirius sighed dramatically. "Well, you'd better bring him to me, so we can finish this."

"I'll present him tomorrow night, then." Draco bowed low to his Head of Family and gracefully left the room. He had a lot to explain to his fiancé, but he didn't think Shadow would mind. His lover was more likely to see the Pureblood traditions as a game. Draco grinned; this would be fun.

xXxXxXx

~ Tuesday, March 13th ~

"Under the rainbow we clap, clap, clap, as the Bailiwick tap-tap. Dancing, twirling, with a leg unfurling…"

"Luna… What are you doing?" Ginny stared up at her friend who was climbing a tree.

Luna sat and hooked her legs around the sturdy branch under her and swung backward so she was upside down, her face inches from the redhead's. "I'm singing."

"Yes. I can hear that." Ginny flicked her nose. "It's time for dinner. Did you go to any classes today?"

"I don't believe so, but I've been distracted by alternative methods," Luna answered dreamily, swinging gently, her long hair sweeping the courtyard stones.

"Luna…" Ginny growled. "Can you please try and not fail our final year?"

"Hmmm." The little Ravenclaw reached up and wrapped her arms around the young oak and dropped gracefully to the floor. "You're right. We should go."

"You think?" Ginny snapped sarcastically. "I swear. What would you do without me?"

Luna pondered this question silently while they walked but could find no satisfactory answer. "What would a moth do without a flame?"

"What?" Ginny had forgotten the original question by now, but there was no time for clarification. Just as they rounded the corner, the Great Hall doors in sight, Deputy Headmistress Vector stepped off the staircase.

"Miss Weasley. I was looking for you. Could you follow me, please?"

Ginny shot her friend a look. The blonde merely smiled sweetly. She turned back to her teacher. "Can Luna come?"

Professor Vector eyed the strange girl. "Very well. Come along both of you, then."

"You know what's going on," Ginny whispered as they made their way to the Headmistress' Tower.

"Hmmm," Luna hummed again. "Maybe you're being summoned by a Bailiwick. Their population has greatly increased lately."

"Luna!" Ginny hissed and slapped her arm. "Focus. Speak English. What's going on? I have a bad feeling about this."

"Hush," her friend soothed. "Bailiwick's aren't deadly."

"There are worse things than death," Ginny murmured.

"What was that?" Professor Vector asked as they stopped at the gargoyle.

"Nothing," Ginny denied. "Do you know what this is about?"

"I'm sure Headmistress McGonagall will inform you. Up you go."

Ginny and Luna said nothing else as they traveled up the spiral staircase and stepped into Minerva's office. The older woman looked happy for once as she waved them to the two chairs before her massive desk. Ginny sat gingerly. She could think of no reason why the Headmistress would need to talk to her. She wasn't the one skipping classes. With this thought, she glared at Luna who didn't notice as she was busy petting the chair she was supposed to be sitting in. The Headmistress ignored the Ravenclaw completely, her attention focused on Ginny, making the young woman squirm.

"Your mother has contacted me and wishes you to return home tonight for dinner due to an important family guest," Minerva informed her formally but was unable to hide her smile completely. "You have permission to leave. If you wish to stay the night, please do return before class tomorrow."

Ginny nodded, her mouth gone dry. Her mother never took them out of school. Education always came first. Therefore, she knew the guest could only be one of two people. She was hoping hard it wasn't a certain bushy-haired ex-Gryffindor. She wasn't sure she was ready to see that deserter yet.

Luna gently clasped her friend's hand and towed her to the fireplace before the Headmistress could notice Ginny's distress. The last thing Ginny needed right now was interference. She had to face this on her own. Besides, it would be best to get this done quickly before the redhead could work up to a full head of steam. Luna loved when things came together. It was like a song. She loved songs.

Grabbing the floo powder, Luna threw it down enthusiastically. "The Burrow!"

Ginny didn't resist as she was pushed into the emerald flames. She was almost numb to the spinning sensation. When she stepped into her living room, Molly was waiting for her.

Her mother smiled and squeezed her tight. "How are you, dear?"

"I'm fine," Ginny pulled away, her eyes searching the room, but it was empty. The house was strangely quiet.

"She's in the kitchen helping your father set the table." Molly held her daughter's gaze levelly. "Now, I know you have some things to say to Hermione, but I want you to understand that this hasn't been easy for her either."

Ginny felt her expression harden.

Molly patted her daughter on the shoulder and led her to the kitchen.

xXxXxXx

Dinner had been horrible. Arthur and Molly were too kind. Their attention was a bit smothering and the way they mentioned Ron so casually and without warning was like stepping on a mine unexpectedly. Hermione ran a shaking hand through her bushy hair, knowing the real challenge lay before her. She wanted to run home, feeling exhausted, but she couldn't. Not again. As hard as this was going to be, running would be worse.

Pushing the back door open, Hermione stepped out onto the porch. Ginny stood at the rail, just out of reach of the light spilling from the open door and the back windows. She knew the redhead wasn't happy with her due to the fact that Ginny hadn't spoken a single word all during dinner.

Hermione hadn't been able to really look at her while they ate, afraid to meet her eyes, but with Ginny's back turned, she was able to take her time and notice the differences. Ginny was obviously no longer the young, flirtatious girl with long gorgeous hair and pink lipstick. This new Ginny was tall, muscled, and her hair was cropped efficiently short.

"What are you doing here, really?"

Hermione jumped, startled from her thoughts. "I… I didn't do things right… back then. I'm trying to fix that."

"I see." Ginny turned and faced her with cold eyes. "Then you can go now. Nothing can fix what you did."

Hermione paled, acid guilt eating her insides. "I'm sorry, Ginny. I know how hard it must have been for you…"

"You know nothing," she hissed, stepping aggressively forward, fists clenched.

Hermione couldn't hold her gaze. "Maybe the better question isn't what I want, but what you want."

Ginny snorted. She turned her back and went to the rail again. She said nothing.

"Do you really want me to leave and never come back? ... Because I will."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" Ginny snarled, still facing away.

"I don't know what I'd like. I haven't been happy in a long time. I think I've forgotten the feeling."

Ginny spun on her heel and slapped her hard across the face. "You stupid… Ron died for you! He died. For you. And what did you do? You threw away your friends, your life, your magic. You bloody well spat in his face, is what you did! You made his sacrifice worthless," she snarled, voice ugly. "Ron deserved better from you."

Hermione's knees gave out and she sank to the ground, hand cradling her cheek. Tears burned her skin as they fell. "You're right. I wasn't worth it. I really wasn't. I would trade places with him, but I can't. It's over. It's too late. I can't stop time. I can't run away from my life without betraying him. I get that now." She covered her face and began to cry. "I just don't know what to do without him."

Ginny wanted to rail some more. She had years of anger built up inside, stored for this moment, but as she stared down at Hermione's bowed head, she felt herself softening. "Ron devoted his life to you and Harry. He had no other close friends. No one knew him the way my family did. Except you two. And Harry… Well, he left. To be Shadow. And you left. It was like Ron was dead all over again. His impact on the world was erased. He left no one and nothing behind except family."

Hermione cried harder.

"You are his legacy. You have to do better. Live harder, brighter. You're living for two." Ginny crouched and pulled her into her arms. "I'm glad you're back. I'm still mad as hell that you waited so long, but I'm glad you're back."

xXxXxXx

Molly turned from the window with a teary smile on her face.

"Are they okay?" Arthur asked, pulling his wife into his arms.

"They will be now," Molly answered and let him guide her into the living room, a heavy weight lifted from her shoulders. "You know that trip you were talking about… How about Egypt? We could see Bill."

Arthur laughed and kissed his wife's cheek. "Sounds wonderful."

xXxXxXx

~ Wednesday, March 14 ~

Draco woke curled around his lover. Stretching, he cupped Shadow's bottom and pulled him closer. The head of curly black hair rolled perfectly into the crook of his neck. Practically purring, Draco went lax, drifting back on the edge of sleep.

Shadow smiled sleepily, feeling safe and content as Draco's warmth and strength surrounded him. He hated weakness, despised his own with a passion, but somehow it was okay to relax with Draco. It was okay to be protected in his arms.

"Too early to think," Draco murmured, voice thick with sleep.

"How d'you know?" he asked, curious how the blond had discovered he was awake.

In answer, Draco lifted his hand and brushed his thumb gently over Shadow's forehead and the crinkles there. They smoothed under his touch, and Shadow sighed.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing. Really," he insisted when Draco frowned. He sat up, yawning, before crawling to the edge of the bed.

"Where're you going?"

"Shower. It's almost dark."

Draco grinned wickedly as he waited for a moment and then followed his fiancé. He stripped off his pajamas and opened the shower door, planning on pleasuring his love and starting the night off right.

Lost in thought, Shadow jumped when he heard the stall open behind him. Terror griped him with a cold, clawed hand. With soap in his eyes, he couldn't see who the intruder was. His back slammed against the tiled wall and his hands came up, a thin, strangled scream rising from his throat.

"Shit," Draco hissed as he instantly dropped to his knees just outside the shower. "Shadow, love, it's just Draco. You're safe. I wouldn't let anyone hurt you. You're at home. No one can get to you here. You're safe, baby. You're with me. Shhh, it's all right. I've got you."

Shadow sank to the floor, sobbing and shaking in reaction. Soaking wet, half covered in suds, he felt Draco's arms come around him. He whimpered and clung, feeling stupid but so damn grateful that his lover was there. He was sick of feeling afraid. The cold, sharp feeling made him sick to his stomach, but he couldn't help it. He was scared. Scared of a lot of things, actually.

Draco continued to murmur as he rinsed his love clean. Despite his gentle manner, inside he was raging. How could he be so bloody stupid? "I'm sorry, baby. I won't do that again. I'm so, so sorry."

Shadow pulled away, a still trembling hand rubbing at his eyes. "I'm okay." He stood on his own, ignoring Draco's hand. He shut off the water, his head bowed so he didn't have to look at Draco's face.

Draco let him evade him long enough to get a towel around his waist and another around his shoulders. Then he stepped forward and lifted his chin. "I love you. We'll get through this. You've been through a lot and just woke up. Give yourself time. Give me time."

Shadow nodded. "I'm going to get dressed. If we don't hurry, we're going to miss dinner."

Draco let him go. When he was alone, he spun and punched the wall. Tiles cracked, and the pain in his knuckles was a welcome punishment.

xXxXxXx

"I should be getting back home, if I am no longer needed," Remus said kindly, smiling at both Shadow and Draco after a pleasant dinner. He'd watched Draco eat carefully. It looked like the blond could consume meat now without difficulty. He wondered what it could mean and made Draco promise to keep a detailed record of any further differences in his condition.

"Actually, before we go, can you come with me to talk in the parlor?" Sirius suggested with uncharacteristic solemnity.

Severus, unlike Remus, knew what this was about. His expression remained neutral, but inside he was smirking, getting a kick over Black being unable to yet again pull Shadow into his family. Shadow laughed quietly under his breath, and Severus winked, knowing his son had peaked at him with his empathy.

Remus looked suspiciously between everyone in the room, but when he got no answers, he made his way to the designated room.

"Shall we?" Draco asked as Sirius and Severus followed the werewolf.

Shadow placed his hand in the one offered. "Yes. Although I think this is silly."

"The forms must be seen to."

"Whatever you say, Serpentine." Shadow shook his head ruefully. He couldn't say he didn't know what he was getting into asking a traditionalist like Draco to marry him.

They entered the sitting room to find Remus on the couch staring up at Sirius who stood in the middle of the room, straight-backed, hands clasped behind him. Severus stood in a dark corner, but he was also watching the man.

Draco smoothly knelt before his Head of Family. "I have come as requested, Lord Black, to present to you, Shadow Snape, who has asked for my hand in marriage."

Remus gasped, Severus smirked, and Shadow was surprised to feel an aggressive growl wanting to rise from his throat. The instincts of his Animagus did not like his mate kneeling to anyone else. Thankfully, he was in his human form and was able to, barely, keep himself in check. He hoped this went quickly.

"You believe this match to be auspicious?" Sirius asked. "To whom? Yourself or your family?"

"Both, Lord. Shadow holds my affection, but the Snapes would also make strong allies to the Black family."

Sirius nodded. "Who speaks for the Snapes?"

Shadow knew this was his cue. Draco had told him last night what he'd need to say. "I do," he answered tightly, still trying to suppress his magic.

"You give your word the Snapes will henceforth ally with the Black should I bless this union?"

"I give it."

"And will you honor Draco Black as he should be honored?"

"I will."

Sirius grinned. "Then I give my blessing to you both. May our families prosper together."

Draco smiled and bowed his head to receive the final blessing.

Sirius reached forward to clasp the back of Draco's neck.

Shadow's control snapped.

He took an aggressive step forward, a snarl curling his lip. Magic whipped wildly around him, tossing a chair over and a vase of flowers to the floor. Luckily it wasn't Black magic. Shadow only had access to the higher magics in his Animagus form. Still, Draco could feel the resonance of Seraphim in Shadow's growl. His head snapped up. Seeing the heated two-colored glare on Sirius, Draco jumped to his feet and pulled Shadow into his arms, whispering soothingly.

Sirius blinked, shocked at the display. After a moment, however, he understood and smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. He was an Animagus, too, after all. "Sorry. I know he's yours."

Shadow blushed. Now that Draco was on his feet and next to him he felt ridiculous. "No. It's my fault." He looked to his father who was watching calmly, without judgment. "I'm sorry for the mess."

"It is repairable; it's of no consequence." Severus denied the apology with an unconcerned wave of his hand.

"Really, it's fine," Sirius agreed. "In any case, I give you all the blessings in the world. Be married and be happy."

Shadow smiled. "Thanks, Siri, Dad."

"And thank you for allowing me to witness this. I'm so happy for you two. Congratulations!" Remus bowed deeply, knowing better than to try and hug either young man right now. "You'll have to let us known the date and location."

Shadow glanced at Draco and got an encouraging nod in return. "I'd like the ceremony to take place at dawn on the 23rd of this month."

"That's rather soon, Shadow," Severus remarked, speaking the thoughts of the other shocked men in the room.

Shadow shrugged. "I don't see any reason to wait. It's not going to be difficult to plan, since it's going to be a really small and private ceremony."

"Then we will see it done," Sirius vowed.

Severus nodded, while Remus smiled, saying, "I hope I may bring my wife and son."

"Of course. We'll send you invitations with a portkey to the location as soon as possible," Draco answered proudly.

Shadow smiled and clasped his hand. He was pleased his lover was enjoying this so much.

Draco looked down at him. "Come on, love. I have something I want to show you."

The two left the room hand-in-hand. Shadow was still embarrassed with his aggressive outburst, so his thoughts were occupied with how he was going to get control of his unstable emotions. The slightest thing had him spinning out of control. He was so lost in thought that he didn't notice Draco was taking him outside until he felt the cool night breeze on his face.

Shadow froze and grabbed Draco's arm tightly. He felt exposed, and his heart beat quickened while his eyes darted around looking for threats. He teetered on the verge of a flashback: graveyard torment, backyard abuse from his uncle, or the trauma of the final battle.

"I got you," Draco soothed. He wrapped an arm around his lover's waist and pulled him close. "It's not far. Trust me."

Shadow nodded and forced himself to breathe evenly. There was nothing to be afraid of. They were alone, and Draco was there to help him if anything happened. The Dark Lord was dead, and so were all the Death Eaters and the Dursleys. He was safe. Stay calm. Keep breathing, he coached himself.

Draco walked slowly into the woods below the house. A breeze stirred the branches and he smiled, knowing they were whispering of their arrival into a certain Earth elemental's ears. Shadow was oblivious, attention focused inward. A few minutes later they stepped into a small clearing with a single young oak tree standing in the middle. Immediately, the tree shrank rapidly, as if time were running in reverse, until the outline of a man could be seen.

Neville blinked and stepped forward, his eyes riveted on his long-lost brother.

Shadow instinctively brought up his magic, not recognizing the haggard man approaching. The calm he'd won was completely gone again. He clutched at Draco's arm fiercely, his breath rasping through his suddenly tight throat.

"It's only Nev," Draco whispered into his ear.

"Nev!" Shadow repeated, shocked. "Neville Longbottom? … Is that you?"

The tall man with broad shoulders and muscled arms smiled. "It's been a long time."

The voice was deeper but still familiar, and Shadow's fear disappeared completely. He ran forward and flung his arms around the third person he trusted completely. "My god! Neville! You look so different. I was expecting you to look the same as in my dreams."

Neville held him tight. "I missed you."

"Yeah. Me, too." Shadow pulled back but still kept a hold of Neville's hand. "So much has happened. Tell me what you've been up to. Draco told me I've been dreaming for three years."

Neville considered the question. It had been a long time since he'd tried to put things into human words. "I explore my Earth magic."

Shadow waited for more, but nothing was forthcoming. Slowly, he realized that more than just Neville's appearance had changed. He was tall, taller than even Draco's six foot height. He was leanly muscled with not an ounce of fat on his body. Despite the nights still being cold, spring not quite arrived in full, his brother stood barefoot. His clothes were dirty and worn, his hair falling in a thick, tangled mess to his broad shoulders. However, the biggest difference was in his eyes. They saw him but also looked through him.

Shadow glanced quickly over at Draco, but the blond merely shook his head helplessly. Desperate to know if Neville was still the same person who stood up to their abuser, the one who accepted him for who he was, and shared his own secrets and broken psyche, Shadow opened up his empathy and held the strange dark gaze.

Neville was still there, filled with the same kindness and gentle strength as Shadow remembered, but he was softened around the edges, as if he were unraveling bit by bit and being filled with something too vast for Shadow to comprehend. Shivering, Shadow quickly ran through his options. He wanted Neville to come back. They had missed so much time already.

"Maybe you can help me," he said slowly, his two-colored eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"Anything," Neville promised, speaking equally slowly as if their words had to transverse a great distance before they were heard.

"I asked Draco to marry me. Tonight Sirius gave us his permission. You'll help me plan, won't you? You'll be my best man?"

Neville blinked, his eyes sparkling with a bit more human warmth. "Congratulations. I'd love to help."

Shadow glanced around the clearing, ignoring Draco's curious expression. "This looks like a nice place. We could have the ceremony here."

"What?" Draco stared.

"Don't you like it?" Shadow asked anxiously, biting his lip. He was so focused on trying to keep Neville's attention that he forgot to consider Draco's opinion in the matter. "It's close to home but still private."

"It's fine," Draco reassured and bent down to place a kiss on Shadow's cheek. "I just thought you'd want to do it somewhere more exotic."

"No. I'm not ready to go too far from home." Shadow lowered his head in shame, but he knew his limits and wasn't stupid enough to push at them too hard too quickly. "But I do want it to be somewhere special."

"Then I love it." Draco pulled him close and kissed him warmly on the lips.

Neville lifted both eyebrows in surprise. Draco often roamed these woods when about to be overcome by bloodlust. He would have thought the blond would associate the place with dark feelings and violent desires. Then again, he wasn't surprised that Draco would give in to whatever Shadow wanted.

"So you'll help?"

He blinked. "Yes. I already said I would." Neville would just have to make sure the clearing was so spectacularly decorated that Draco would no longer see it as the place of the past. "Can Draco come out at dawn?"

"Looks like it. I changed his condition somehow with both Black and White magic. So far he hasn't fallen into bloodlust since. He's still sleepy in the middle of the day, but he can stay awake past dawn for longer without too much effort, and he wakes before the sun sets."

"That is truly good news." Neville reached out and clasped the blond's shoulder. "I was disturbed by how much he has suffered these past years."

Shadow flushed, his fists clenching as guilt wormed through his gut. Draco wouldn't have had to suffer so long if he'd woken up sooner.

"Are you hungry, Neville?" Draco asked, quickly changing the subject, equally uncomfortable. "We could have a snack. Or you could come in and play a few games with us."

Neville considered, his eyes taking in the woods around them. He really didn't want to leave this place safe from human machinations and social politics.

"Please, Nev? It's been so long. I could use a good friend right now." Shadow ruffled his curls with a self-deprecating smile. "Now that all my alters have merged, I find myself a bit unstable. Having people around me that I trust helps keep my mind steady."

There was no way Neville could say no to that. "I will come."

Shadow smiled and grabbed his hand, squeezing it warmly. "Thank you," he whispered whole-heartedly. He had an idea what he was asking Neville to leave behind.

The three of them walked slowly back toward the house. As the woods thinned, Neville's feet slowed but continued to move forward. The house came into view, the windows all lit up. The warm light welcomed them home despite the ramshackle exterior of the building.

Shadow's kept his sights on the house, refusing to glance around in paranoia as he felt his instincts urging him to do. It was as if there were hundreds of people hiding in the dark, their eyes trying to pierce his skin. Heart beating faster and faster, he practically dragged Neville and Draco to the door in record time. He didn't relax again until they were safely inside, the door firmly shut behind them.

Shadow smiled wryly up at them, aware of his craziness. "How about chess?"

Neville looked to Draco, slowly realizing that Shadow was far from perfectly healed. The blond wasn't looking at him, though. His attention was on his fiancé.

"I could play a game or two. I haven't had someone fresh to beat in a long time," Draco bantered, flashing a cocky grin.

Shadow laughed. "We'll see about that."

The two made their way upstairs and Neville smiled when Shadow turned to make sure he was following. It felt strange being inside, without soil at his feet. He didn't think he could stay here long, but for now it was nice to listen to Shadow's voice, to watch Draco and him interact. They were obviously completely devoted to each other. It was reassuring that not all was lost within humans. Some magic still remained.

Chapter end.

A/N: Sorry for the long delay. The good news is we are quickly heading toward the end of the Epilogue/Sequel. Hope you are still enjoying the story, and let me know if there is anything you definitely want to see before I finish this for good.