DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Warning: Mild Swearing
Chapter Twelve - Singing Dragons
An unnatural chill had settled upon the dark corridors of the abandoned manor, flooding the rooms and sending shivers up the spines of the wizards who wandered it. Beams of moonlight cris-crossed the path Harry had taken, creating a dappled pattern on the floors. The scuff and thud of his boots reverberated down the hall, stirring dust from the wall brackets and chandeliers.
With the cold had come exhaustion and weariness, both weighing heavily upon the raven-haired wizard's shoulders. Blinking tiredly, Harry pushed open yet another door and peered into the gloom. The bedroom smelled of rotting wood, moonlight glittering upon the shards of broken glass scattered across the floor under the window. Swinging his wand before him, he shuddered as loud squeaks and the rustle of small wings filled his ears. He sighed warily as he raised his eyes, meeting the beady orbs of the dozens of tiny bats clinging to the curtains and ceiling.
Backing from the room, he closed the door and thudded his head against the wood in disbelief. Seven bedrooms he'd examined and not one of them inhabitable. Groaning, he cracked one eye and looked down the hall in time to see Malfoy come blundering backwards around the corner. The blond was snarling something angrily while waving his wand in the pointed face of the golden dragon trailing after him.
Rolling his emerald eyes, Harry stepped away from the door and placed his hands on his hips. "Ignore her, Malfoy." He called loudly, smirking as the blond shot him an angered look over one of his narrow shoulders.
Shaking his head over the blond's antics, he froze and narrowed his gaze as a pair of double doors caught his attention. The wood glowed softly. Pale light seeping through the crack at the bottom. Ignoring the grumbles and curses drifting up the corridor, he turned and walked slowly toward the doors. Placing a shaking hand on the handle, he cast a look heavenward before turning the knob and pushing the dark wood inward.
"Finally," he whispered. The windows along two walls stood clean and unbroken, moonlight drifting past the panes. Small motes of dust danced before the tip of his wand, falling silently to the floor. Gliding forward, he cautiously approached the bed sitting forlornly in the center of the room. Blankets of greys and soft blues spilled over its sides and brushed the surrounding dais. Pillows of various colours and sizes had been haphazardly tossed upon the uneven surface. The slamming of the doors had him jumping and whipping around, the glowing tip of his wand directed at the wizard leaning breathlessly against the wood.
A graceful eyebrow arched as the wand remained leveled. "Excellent find, Scarhead. Now where are you going to sleep?" Draco asked as he eyed the bed in appreciation. He pushed himself away from the door and stalked lazily toward Harry, brushing aside the wand as if it were nothing more then a feather.
Harry's mouth fell open at the blond's impertinence. Placing his hands on his hips, he swung around and followed the Slytherin's slow path around the room. "It's the only liveable bedroom, Malfoy. We'll have to share, you do know what that is, don't you?" He taunted, partially wanting the blond to draw his wand and fire the first curse.
"I'm familiar with the concept." Draco muttered, fingering his wand but leaving it hidden within his pocket where he'd jammed it. Sighing, he kicked one of the wide stairs encircling the bed and waited for the raven-haired wizard to make the first move.
Stomping toward the bed, Harry climbed the stairs and dropped to his knees atop the grey blanket. He swiped several of the pillows to the floor carelessly, searching for the edge of the blanket. Shooting the blond one last threatening glare, he slid under several of the thick blankets and curled into a ball.
"Move over, Potter." Draco grumbled, prodding the raven-haired wizard's shoulder with the tip of a finger. He smiled when one emerald eye popped open and narrowed in anger. "It's the only usable bedroom." He reminded sweetly, internally grinning as the Gryffindor grimaced and wiggled closer to the edge of the bed.
"Bugger off, Malfoy." Harry mumbled wearily, not even bothering to fight when the pillow he was resting his head on was jerked from beneath him ruthlessly. Tightening his grip on the corner of the blanket he clutched, he wiggled over and snagged a smaller pillow. Closing his eyes, he tightened his lips and pretended the blond wasn't jerking on the duvet he was still lying atop.
Giving one final yank on the thick grey blanket, Draco curled up on the far edge of the bed and settled his head on the pillow he'd stolen from Harry. Shivering lightly, he glanced in the direction of the cool hearth but abandoned the thought as his fingers were already warming. "And don't cuddle up to me, Potter." He mumbled, smiling smugly as the Gryffindor snorted and curled into a tighter ball against his back.
"Not even if I was freezing, Malfoy."
XxXxX
Shivering, Harry wrapped his arms around his waist and glanced around. Snow covered the ground as far as he could see, hiding the once luscious grass. Flakes fell slowly from the sky, swirling gently to the earth in a concealing blanket. A flash of movement caught his eye and had him sighing as he turned his head.
Standing on the cliffs before him, Raveana waited impatiently. Her left hand stirring absently upon the scarlet scales of the dragon sprawled next to her. Twin sets of emerald eyes observed him thoughtfully, neither appearing to notice the chill filling the air.
Wading through the snow, Harry approached cautiously, his thin Quidditch uniform doing nothing to push back the cold. He halted several steps away from the pair, frowning at the puddle of water the witch stood in. It took him a minute to realize both dragon and witch were warm, the steadily falling snow vanishing before it could land upon either.
Green grass damp with moisture fluttered weakly in the breeze as it brushed skirts and scales. The ground under her boots squished as she shifted, her hand firmly settling on the crimson Mage's shoulder. "Trust the dragon." She advised in a melodious voice, black locks lifting from her shoulders with a strong gust of wind. The skirts she wore snapped back against the dragon's side, blending seamlessly with his scarlet hide.
Harry raised a hand and hid his eyes as a wave of snow battered his burning cheeks. Lips quivering with the numbing cold, he shot an angered glare at the witch. "How? They stole us from Hogwarts and dropped us in the middle of nowhere. We're stuck here until someone finds us." He snapped out bitterly, immediately regretting his harsh words.
Raveana narrowed her shining orbs and stalked toward him, leaving the protection of the massive dragon. She came to a halt directly before him, bringing with her a rush of heat and a sense of importance. Holding his gaze, she reached out and placed the tips of her fingers against his sternum. "Trust the dragon." She implored, offering him a small smile before she pushed him off the cliff.
XxXxX
The soft light of candles danced upon the damp walls of the small room, waving eerily as the figures standing around shifted and stirred. Before the throne of the Dark Lord, Lucius Malfoy knelt with his head bowed. His blond hair sliding over his shoulders and dangling dangerously over the dried blood and gore marring the stone floor. In the hands he held out to Lord Voldemort, a bright cherry wood box rested, the small sapphire set in the lid twinkling.
"This is it?" Voldemort rasped, fingers reaching for the box. The bony digits flipped the lid open smoothly, trailing along the length of silver resting within.
"Yes, my Lord." Lucius whispered, head still bowed as he waited for the dark wizard to take the instrument. His arms shook from the strain of holding the box in place, forcing him to bite his lip and concentrate on holding the wood completely still.
"The Dragon's Maw, the flute of the Mage Dragon. If you're correct, and you had better be, the last surviving clan of Mage Dragons will answer the call." The threat within the sentence was easily discernable, the warning loud and clear. "Now tell me, Lucius, is he ready?" The Dark Lord asked silkily, leaning back in his throne and leaving the blond still holding the box over his head.
Lucius felt his face pale at the question, icy eyes widening. "My lord, Draco is still young." He protested softly, cringing at the noticeable hush that fell upon the crowd of robed figures milling around behind him.
"What was that?" Voldemort demanded, fingers locking around the arms of the chair he sat in. He slid forward in the chair quickly, the wispy black robes he wore hissing with the movement. "Did you question me, Lucius?"
"No, my lord. Draco is still just a boy. I don't believe he is quite ready to accept a task of such magnitude." Lucius answered swiftly, holding his breath to see if the wizard leaning over him would accept the claim.
"Nonsense, he's sixteen," came the drawled reply. Straightening, Voldemort allowed his snake like gaze to crawl over the rest of his followers, pinning some of them with his narrowed eyes. "They are all old enough. Your offspring should already be assisting you in the completion of your tasks. Especially those with access to Harry Potter."
Lucius bowed his head and closed his eyes, fighting back the twisting ball of dread climbing its way up his spine. "I shall see that he is ready, my Lord." He said quietly, gritting his teeth as the instrument case was lifted from his still hands.
"Excellent, Lucius." The Dark Lord muttered, an evil grin sliding across his face as he flicked the lid of the case open and glared down at the shining flute resting upon the bed of burgundy. "And an army of Mage Dragons shall fall from the sky at my command and claim for me what I most desire."
XxXxX
It was the press of warm flesh against his chest that had Harry fighting sleep and waking slowly. Stretching languidly, he froze as his legs brushed the limbs twined stiffly with his. Blinking in confusion, he sleepily stared into the icy eyes glaring at him from inches away.
Holding himself completely still, Draco ignored the fact that each breath he released rose in a misty cloud before him. "Remove your hands." He bit out, his body tense as he waited for the other wizard to comply with his order.
Harry's eyebrows drew down in confusion, fingers curling reflexively as he tried to figure out what was going on. The angered gasp Malfoy released had him cringing and lifting his hands from the exceptionally soft skin he'd been clutching. Seeing the evil glint rising within the pale orbs, he decided it was best to blunder his way through it and then make a quick escape. "You're on my side of the bed." He growled, narrowing his own eyes in hopes the blond would back down.
"Your hands were on my ass." Draco hissed, hands jerkily rising to shove at the chest pressed against his own. The first hard push quickly escalated into a full out shoving match, both wizards fighting the blankets pinning them together. In a flurry of pillows and sheets, the pair rolled off the raised bed and crashed down the small flight of stairs.
Gasping for breath, Harry stared up at the raftered ceiling and shifted uncomfortably on the cold wood. He frowned as he loosed a long breath, white mist clouding before him only to vanish seconds later. Ignoring the Slytherin crankily fighting the tangled blankets beside him, he wiggled his way from the mass of sheets and shivered.
The room was freezing. Ice traced an eerie pattern on the wall beneath the window, hoarfrost stretching slowly lengthening fingers across the floor. The windows were lit from behind, glowing a bright gold as the sun fought to warm the frost-covered panes.
Breathing the crisp air deeply, Harry wrapped his arms around his waist and shuffled cautiously toward the windows. He lifted a shaking hand and swiped carefully at the cool glass, allowing the heat from his body to clear the fog. Withdrawing his numb fingers, he stared in confusion at the ivory cloud hovering before the window.
"Are you listening to me, Potter?" Draco shrieked, finally freeing himself of a dark blue blanket. Rearing back, he crossed his arms and peered at the wizard standing silently in front of the windows. Huffing as he received no response, he gathered up the pillows and blankets that had been thrown from the bed during the battle and resettled them on the bed.
Tipping his head at the blond's unhappy mumbles, Harry rapped lightly on the pane with his knuckles. He leapt back as a ball of swirling flames popped into existence beyond the glass. The slitted pupil dilated, focusing on the raven-haired wizard with a frightening intensity. Each exhalation of the dragon's breath was marked by a thick white mist, the fog seeming to solidify and settle upon ground and manor in a wave of fresh frost.
Growling under his breath, the raven-haired wizard raised a balled fist and banged abruptly on the thin glass, his movement causing the snowy dragon to grumble and release a burst of icy air in his general direction. Arching long wings in a lazy stretch, the Mage yawned and lashed its tail in silent challenge.
"Go home!" Harry barked sharply, finger jabbing in the direction of the grassy cliffs. His mouth fell open as the Mage snapped its pale wings closed and climbed reluctantly to its taloned feet. With a final rumble, the animal headed toward the high cliffs, a trail of wilted and wet grass marking its passing.
"Potter!"
Harry jumped at the screech, spinning around and looking at the blond rearranging himself on the massive bed. He arched an eyebrow as he waited impatiently, knowing the other wizard was purposefully taking his sweet time.
Finally comfortable with his position, Draco sat up and met Harry's questioning eyes. "We never talk about what just happened and if your hands ever find their way into my pants again . . . well, I'll leave that to your imagination." He finished smoothly, propping himself up on the pile of pillows he'd collected.
"I'll refrain from groping you as long as you stay on your half of the bed." Harry snapped, shooting one last look at the elegant blond sprawled across the bed. Shaking his head, he fled the warming room. His hasty retreat was slowed as a blur of gold and black shot by him, sending him careening into the wall. Straightening, he darted a quick look into the bedroom and smirked in pleasure as his eyes found Malfoy and the Sandtongue silently observing each other from opposite sides of the bed. Smiling, he turned on his heel and went in search of food.
XxXxX
Draco's eyes widened as he saw the golden dragon barreling toward the bed. Squeaking in fear, he lunged off the mountain of blankets and placed the bed between them. He raised a hand and ran his fingers through his hair as he attempted to collect himself, his pale eyes locked on the swirling golden orbs focused on him. He crossed his arms as the dragon prowled forward nervously, the click of her claws loud upon the wood. She opened her wings and gave them a light flap, tilting her head and examining the large piece of furniture separating them.
"No." Draco warned loudly, raising a finger and pointing it at the golden dragon as she raised one taloned foot and placed it on the bed. "No dragons on the bed."
Yawning widely, the Sandtongue flipped her wings and leapt atop the bed; the wooden frame creaking as she paused in the center. She flashed her fangs in a parody of a smile, tail waving behind her in a graceful arch.
"Bad dragon!" Draco said, gliding forward several steps while waving his finger in front of him. He realized his mistake when the dragon chirped loudly then jumped. Lying on the floor beneath the pony-sized beast, he gasped for air and tried to push her solid mass off him. It was the light click of metal upon wood that had the silent struggle halting.
The dragon's angular head tipped slowly, one swirling amber eye focusing on the silver chain that had slipped free of his shirt. Draco slipped a finger under the metal and raised it slowly so it dangled before the glimmering orb.
"Shiny. You like shiny, don't you?" He purred, tugging the chain over his head and swinging it back and forth. With each sway of metal the dragon turned her head, entranced by the flute and its chain. Taking a shallow breath, Draco drew his wand and whispered a charm softly. The Dragon's Maw began to grow to its full length, catching the rays of sunlight pouring in the window. By the time the instrument had returned to its true state, the Sandtongue was wide eyed and watching from the safety of the bed.
Smiling smugly, Draco raised the instrument and played a soft note. His eyes drifted close as he became enamored of the whisper, fingers continuing to slide fluidly over the keys. He drifted into an old lullaby without thought, letting his fingers play what they would. A soft rumble harmonized with the flute suddenly, halting his fingers. The Sandtongue continued though, her crooning perfectly matching each note. She finished the melody with a slight flare, wings opening as she observed him closely.
"You're good." Draco whispered in disbelief, flute settling on the cloth of his pants as he sat on the floor. He considered the fidgeting dragon thoughtfully before lifting the flute again. This time, his fingers began the tune Raveana had once played for him. As his fingers traveled up the flute, the golden dragon joined in, and moments later the entire manor shook as the dragons on the cliff picked up the refrain.
A/N: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review!
PleiadesWolfe - Harry will definitely be able to assist Draco in controlling the Mages.
Fiery Pheonix - I believe he's starting to realize he has some power over the dragons but then again, neither his nor their loyalties have been tested. As for the Draco/Harry question, I'll be keeping that one to myself for a little while longer.
Shinigami - Ah, the wedding ring and her reason for giving Draco the flute will come to light in several chapters. Draco holds the flute which draws the dragons, but Harry is a distant relative of Raveana and as such poses a greater chance of having any commands he gives obeyed. lol, definitely agree with the Charlie and Hagird comment, though if all goes as planned they will eventually get to see the dragons.
kasmo - np, they should try and cooperate but then the bad blood between their families and all that testosterone probably isn't helping their situation. Draco did misread the letters on the ring, but he doesn't really know about the connection between the Malfoys and the Potters because Raveana was recorded as Draconis not Potter.
Spirited Celebration - Glad you're enjoying it.
Liria Nai - lol, it's definitely developing, but its too bad its moving so slowly.
NinjaoftheDarkness - lol, okay. I'll try and make it something really good, promise.
Steven Kodaly - You're correct about the manor. I can definitely agree they'll probably run into lots of trouble within its walls, though one can never really know what secrets have been hidden for centuries. As for the fragmented sentences, they don't appear as such on my word processor. Every writer has their own style which they cultivate and groom to fit their talent and skill, mine just happens to look fragmented and could be considered as such. I also tend to be a bit wordy which is something I try and keep a handle on but accidents do happen.