DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.

Chapter Ten – Stolen by Dragons

Harry awoke to the smell of salt in his nose and the screaming of gulls in his ears. Blue water rolled and slammed against the cliffs beneath them, mist spraying into the air with every crash. Gasping at the sudden loosening of the dragon's silver claws, he wrapped his arm around a glistening talon and pressed his back to her chest. As if reminded of his presence, the animal rumbled and hauled him closer to her dark scales.

Under the rays of light, the black scales were lined with small silver streaks, visible only due to his proximity. "Beautiful," he whispered, extending a shaking hand and resting it on the dark animal's crest. Under his touch, the dragon flinched. Muscles tightening in warning.

Withdrawing his intruding hand, he settled it back upon the talon he clung to. A wailing crow that reminded him of distant thunder turned his head. Wings churning hard, the white and gold dragon parted its mouth and bellowed again. Harry cringed at the sound, turning his face into the black dragon's side. The dark dragon's chest vibrated as she snarled a response, long wings slapping down harder then necessary.

The sudden flare of wings and tilting motion had him peering ahead. Standing back from the high cliffs was a dark manor. Sunlight glinted off the remaining panes of glass resting in the window frames. Shingles loosened by strong winds had been ruthlessly torn away and left rafters exposed to the elements. Several outbuildings had toppled due to neglect, stone and wood jumbled together around their foundations.

His mouth fell open as the dragon began her descent, aiming for the high cliffs above the abandoned manor. Lying still upon the precipice, a red dragon raised his head and barked a greeting. His long wings opened slowly, revealing their golden undersides. A flurry of movement from the nearby forest drew Harry's attention, eyes widening as two more dragons slipped from the trees.

Brilliant green scales adorned the smaller, marred only by the line of silver traveling from the tip of her muzzle to the hooked tail sweeping the grass behind her. The larger threw back his head and exposed glistening fangs, his call ringing loudly. Opening blue wings, the male reared back and flapped hard, grasses bending under the rush of air.

The ground rushed by startlingly fast as his dragon began landing preparations.. Her head tipped back suddenly, wind whistling around her wings as she flared and extended her back legs for contact. Harry gasped for breath as he was jolted hard, hands scrambling for anything to hold onto. It was an awkward landing to say the least, the dragon unable to extend her front talons due to her grip on him. Fanning lightly with her silver edged wings, she dropped him before collapsing to all four feet.

Harry hissed as a long talon missed his head by centimeters, rolling quickly in the other direction. The thunder of wings had him freezing and glancing past the black dragon's arched neck. Flaring gold tipped wings, the white dragon came to rest gently upon the ground. His tail slithered along the grass as he used it to maintain his balance, wings opened slightly behind him. A ruffled and fuming Draco was deposited softly upon the waving grass at the beast's feet.

"Malfoy?" Harry called, shifting slowly on the ground. His tentative actions drew the attention of all five dragons, ten shimmering eyes locked on him. Closing his own orbs, he lowered himself to the ground and waited to be eaten

"This is all your fault, Potter!" Draco raged, climbing to his feet and swiping angrily at his mussed Quidditch robes. His frantic movements caused the silver chain to slip from its hiding spot, the flute swinging gently. The dragons tilted their heads and focused on the small piece of swinging metal, pupils dilating.

"Um, Malfoy? Maybe you sho-"

"Shut up, Scarhead! If your stupid ancestor had let mine kill them we wouldn't have this problem." Draco snapped, planting his hands on his hips and leveling his icy orbs on the raven-haired wizard.

Hissing in outrage, Harry clambered to his feet and rushed toward the blond. Ducking under the black dragon's chin, he threw himself at the other wizard and followed him to the ground. Fists flying in rage, both ignored the hissed grumbles of the dragons watching them in confusion. Drawing back his hand for one final punch to the Slytherin's nose, Harry found himself snatched and hefted by the end of his Quidditch cloak.

His fingers immediately went to the buckle of the dark fabric, scrambling to release the clasp as he gasped for air. Feet kicking desperately, he peered down into the shocked blue eyes of Draco. The blond was waving his hands and screaming loudly, his words lost in the chaos. White spots dancing in his vision, Harry tried to swat at the dragon only to have himself shaken for his efforts.

A snarl of outrage heralded his rescue from the annoyed white dragon. Silver claws wrapped around his waist and tore him free of the gold ones curled through the cloth of his cloak. Inhaling desperately, he set his hand upon the curled talon and met the concerned eye of the black dragon.

"Good girl, good Lady." He wheezed, giving her a hesitant pat as he recovered his breath. Rumbling loudly, the dragon preened before setting him gently to the ground at her feet. Sliding back into the shadow cast by her foreleg, he glared across the span of grass at Malfoy. "This is your fault and we both know it."

"Prove it." Draco snarled from his protected position between the white dragon's golden talons. Raising his hand, Harry gestured at the instrument hanging from the blond's neck. "I dare you to play that flute and see what happens." He said, his raised hand moving to rest on one of his dragon's curled claws.

"No," Draco sniffed, chin going up in true blue blood fashion. "I don't feel like it." That said, he swung around and stalked in the direction of the deserted manor.

"That's what I thought." Harry murmured, rubbing a finger on the shining talon. The crunch of grass turned his head. Moving like liquid, the massive red dragon approached him slowly. His head was held high, golden wings rustling with every step. The other dragon's shifted anxiously, their gazes focused on the kingly dragon currently examining the raven-haired wizard. With a soft snort, the crimson dragon lowered his head so he was on eye level with Harry.

Sinking back against Lady's foreleg, Harry gasped as he met bright emerald eye that resembled his own. Specks of blue swam to the surface of those eyes only to be consumed by the dark green. Jaw gaping, Harry stepped forward and raised a hand. His finger's coasted along the dragon's cheek as he was drawn further into its gaze. Moments passed before he was nudged from behind, the black dragon gaining his attention with the force of her bump. Swinging his wide eyes back around, Harry found himself staring at air. In the distance, the red dragon had settled himself back upon the cliff's edge, swirling emerald orbs searching the horizon.

"Strange," Harry murmured, rubbing the nape of his neck. Shaking his head, he turned and walked in the direction Draco had stormed off in.

XxXxX

Draco stood before the entree of the large manor, wrenching on the handles as he cursed angrily. Hissing in outrage, he kicked the bottom of one of the doors and then grabbed at his injured foot. The soft snicker from behind him had him hopping around and narrowing his eyes at Potter. "Shut up, Potter," he grit out, balancing on one foot while massaging the other gently.

Rolling emerald eyes, the raven-haired wizard climbed the stairs and glided past Draco. As his extended fingers connected with the cold wood, there was a bright flash followed by the dry creak as the portal swung open. Giving the blond a smug look, Harry slid around the door and was consumed by the darkness.

"Um, Potter?" Draco called, glancing around behind him. The rumble and cry of dragons echoed loudly, drifting down from the cliffs they resided upon. Chewing his bottom lip nervously, he took one final look over his shoulder before darting through the door.

The large entrance hall was lit only by the light creeping past dirt-smudged panes. Narrowing his eyes, he made out the distant glow of wand light and sneered. Hands stretched before him, he shuffled slowly in the direction the small glowing ball was headed. His own wand rested at the small of his back, hidden safely should they be attacked by something lurking in the shadows.

"Scarhead?" Draco called as the dancing light vanished around a corner. Hissing under his breath, he continued his silent shuffling step down the hall. Beams of light would brighten his path every now and then, only to be replaced by complete blackness seconds later.

"Gryffindork?" He tried again, rolling his eyes as his voice reverberated down the empty corridor. Mumbling softly, he glanced to the right and froze suddenly. The figure moving along beside him in the portrait halted as well, turning to face him. Skirts swirling out around her, Raveana tipped her head and widened her eyes in question.

"Potter!" Draco screeched, finger leveled at the painting. His back connected with the wall behind him, blue eyes wide as he focused on the witch. The thud of boots coming toward him turned his head and narrowed his eyes.

"Don't be so loud, Malfoy." Harry warned, wand light making his eyes glint devilishly. Shaking his head in exasperation, the raven-haired wizard followed the direction of Draco's pointing finger and stilled. His mouth opened and closed several times before he raised a hand and caressed the frame of the painting she stood in. " Lady Raveana."

The witch nodded once in acceptance of the title, turning back to peer at Draco. Her eyes followed the swinging movement of the flute he wore around his neck, her own instrument appearing in her hand. Her lips moved soundlessly, face shifting as she silently tried to explain something to them. Eyes rolling in frustration as the pair stood there staring at her, she turned and swept from the portrait only to reappear further down the hall.

Harry gave chase without thought, tripping through the darkness in pursuit of the black-cloaked witch. The thunder of their boots shook dust from the rafters and sent small birds nesting in the outer rooms into the sky. Puffing for breath, the pair slid to a stop in front of the witch.

Her arms were folded across her chest as she tapped one foot impatiently. The skirts she wore swung with her rocking motion, shifting back and forth delicately. Holding up one hand, Raveana slowly pointed at the doors across from the portrait she stood in. Before further instruction could be given, she shimmered then vanished completely.

"That was rude." Draco gasped, glancing at Harry only to find himself speaking to empty air. Turning around, he frowned at the dark-haired wizards back. His mouth opened to stop the other wizard as he raised and hand to open one of the doors Raveana had pointed at. As if something had been triggered upon the contact, Draco found himself thrown against the opposite wall with Harry sprawled unconscious across his lap.

Shoving at the still wizard, he froze and glanced up as a low rumble filled the air. Glowing eyes met his and had him whimpering quietly while desperately trying to free himself of Harry's weight. As the click of claws approached, he closed his eyes and attempted to hide behind the raven-haired wizard's body.

XxXxX

Hogwarts was, simply put, in chaos. Students huddled together in small groups, seeking refuge with older and more experienced individuals. Wands were constantly drawn and rolled between tense fingers, the comfort of the wood to strong to resist. The constant hiss of voices rose and fell away, whispers echoing down the long halls.

Ravenclaw Tower was abuzz with gossip and debate. Papers and books had been strewn around the room, blue and black cloaks and scarves forgotten on chairs. The students ignored the clamoring thoughts and questions concerning the welfare of Harry and Draco, focusing upon one of the things they found the most comfort in. Research and learning.

Hufflepuff's clung to each other and wept dramatically, loudly begging the gods for the safe return of their Saviour. Huddled together in their warm, safe common room, they spent the rest of the day telling stories and reminiscing about the deeds of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy.

Slytherin was silent, the snakes searching the faces of their dorm mates. Trying to decide whether the dragon incident was a good thing or a bad thing. Blaise sat on arm of a green chair, his fingers smoothing through Pansy's tangled blonde hair. Closing his eyes, he prayed for his friend's safety then rose fluidly. Clasping his arm around the witch's shoulders, he led her toward the entrance portal. His one and only thought on conversing with the Gryffindor's who most likely knew more then he did.

Gryffindor was quiet; the only sound the soft shuffling of paper and whispered words exchanged between close friends. The Quidditch team still wore their uniforms, mud and water soaking into the couches and carpets they sat upon. Ron blinked as Hermione caught up his hand and pulled him toward the exit, her fingers interlacing with his. In a distant corner of his mind, he wondered where he was being pulled off to but the thought slipped away as he remembered a dragon had just carried his best friend away. Blinking, he trailed listlessly after the witch.

XxXxX

Lucius Malfoy stood in a small room on one of his Manor's upper floors. His hands were locked around the edges of the high table standing before him, head bowed in defeat. The Ever-Lasting candles cast shifting shadows around the empty room, causing the small sapphire to flash in a phantom wink. Heaving out a deep breath, he flipped the lid of the case open and stared at the silver flute resting upon the burgundy bed. His pale fingers slid along the underside of the instrument, searching the flute for the intertwining letters. Smooth metal met his touch.

"What have you done, Draco?" He whispered to the empty room, flipping the box closed and whirling around to face the sheet draped wall. In two long strides he was before the hidden portrait, hands tearing at the fabric.

The cloth fell to the floor slowly, settling upon the tips of his black boots. Flashing emerald eyes met his, a small smile curving the witch's lips. Balled fists slammed into the wall to either side of the frame, rattling the picture on its mooring.

"Do you know what you've done?" He screamed, icy orbs blazing as he glared at the smirking witch. Spittle flew from his mouth and spattered upon the dark waters sloshing silently behind her.

A sleek eyebrow arched before she nodded, black cloak swirling around her lithe body. Giving him one last smug grin, she peered over his shoulder and raised a hand to her mouth. The palm was opened and blown softly on, the ghostly kiss sent to the person occupying the portrait across from her. With that final gesture, she spun around and pulled her flute from her pocket. The room was filled with soft music as she ignored him, each note breaking his attempt at further conversation.

Gritting his teeth in anger, Lucius turned on his heel and stalked toward the wizard sitting silently in the opposite portrait. Clenching his hands, he met eyes of the palest blue and arched an eyebrow in question. The blond wizard shrugged, hands steepled under his chin.

"You're both fools!" He stormed, rubbing a hand down his face and snarling softly. Curling his lips, he wheeled around and shrieked angrily. In a fit of rage, he flipped the table and swore loudly. Breathing heavily, he sent a last look at his ancient relative and fled the room.

The silver flute clattered free of its case, rolling slowly across the floor until it came to rest on the two sheets of parchment Lucius had dropped. Under its cold length, the Hogwart's seal was hidden and the two scrawled words on the second were lit by light refracted off the metal.

Bring it.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review. I apologize for the short Hogwarts section and any mistakes but I currently have the flu and my brain seems to be a bit scrambled.

tidus4yuna – lol, thank you and I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
NinjaoftheDarkness – Awesome, your dragons did put make a short appearance in this chapter. I took the liberty of giving you a mated pair, now all you have to do is give me their names.
DestinyEntwinements – lol, yah, they stole Harry and Draco.
Darkest-Fire.Blackest-Night – lol, excellent question. I suppose at this time, and after writing the above chapter, that the dragons are fighting over who they should follow. After all, Draco holds the flute but Harry is related to Raveana.
kasmo – Dumbledore was in his office, probably. However, even if he had been at the game, chances are he wouldn't have been able to do anything as Mage Dragons are highly immune to most forms of magic.
Liria Nai – Expect Blaise and Hermione to meet and speak about their friends situation in the next chapter.
Ember Ice – lol, Silverhawk and Black Lady then. The dragons were well described and fit my circumstances perfectly; I thank you very much for allowing me to use them.
Darklight – Ownership of the dragons is still under debate. I totally agree with the Draco working for himself part though, some people just shouldn't be in the service of others.
Lady Silverhawk – thank you very much for allowing Ember Ice and myself to use your name, although we did break it up a bit.
wizli – It was much easier to write from Harry's point of view then it would have been any other way. I had to introduce the dragons while at the same time getting my point across. Kinda glad that's behind me.