DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter Twenty-Seven - Fighting for Dragons
The moon hung low in the dark velvet sky, stars sparkling like scattered diamonds shimmering around it. Across the grounds of Hogwarts, a cool breeze stirred the leaves and blooms of trees and flowers. Taunting calls of nocturnal birds and the far away wails of wolves filled the night, making the shifting shadows seem just a little more threatening. Beyond the lake, Hogwarts glowed, its many windows brightened by candles and torches. Water whispered softly as it caressed its sandy banks, reflecting the sky hovering above it.
Frowning, Harry rested his hands upon his hips and glared at the dragon pointedly ignoring him from its position among the black waters of the lake. Paddling serenely around in ever growing circles, the metallic dragon flicked its tail and sent a wave of liquid to lap at the toes of the raven-haired wizard's boots. "Damn it," he grumbled, taking a squishing step backwards only to slip on a wet rock. As his feet flew out from beneath him, he could have sworn he heard the amused laughter of Dean and Seamus. Glaring up at the sky from where he lay on the wet sand, the Gryffindor sighed and pushed himself slowly into a sitting position. In front of him, Syren continued to slide effortlessly through the water.
"Stupid dragon," he muttered, slapping at the sucking sand. Climbing to his feet, he stood dripping on the beach for a moment before shaking his head. It was hopeless. He'd spent several hours trying to coax the silver dragon into accepting the saddle, gaining only snickers and growls for his pleadings and attempted bargaining.
Head down, he began to slog in the direction of the Quidditch pitch, aiming an angered kick at the saddle sitting forlornly in his path. He froze in mid-stride when the earth beneath his feet began to rumble. Whirling around, his mouth fell open and he bellowed in disbelief, watching with wide eyes as the silver dragon shot into the sky. Wings flashing lavender and emerald, Syren let loose a piercing shriek that seemed to thicken the very air he slid through. Droplets of water cast from the tips of the dragon's wings splattered on Harry's upturned face, dotting his glasses. From the direction of the school, a chorus of rumbling roars rose up. The harsh cries brought silence to the Forbidden Forest and sent smaller animals fleeing for the safety of dens and protective undergrowth.
"Draco!" Shouting the Slytherin's name in a combination of fear and relief, the raven-haired wizard took off toward the pitch. His wet clothes slapped at his skin, the heavy weight of the soaking cloth slowing him. Reaching up, he scrabbled at the clasp of the dark cloak, attempting to free himself of its heavy length. With a snick, the buckle released and he stumbled forward, loose gravel sliding under his boots.
By the time he reached the pitch, he was panting for breath and his heels stung from the constant rub of damp cloth. His breath caught in his lungs when he found the lawn deserted; green grasses and rippling cloth the only things moving. Walking forward unsteadily, he spun on his heels, red face turned toward the sky as he desperately searched for the Mage Dragons. He narrowed his eyes as he scanned the black expanse, impatiently waiting for a flash of shining scales or barked greeting. When none was forthcoming, he staggered forward and collapsed to his knees.
"Basta! Silverhawk!" His screams ricocheted through the night, desperation creeping into the words. Holding his breath, he pressed his hands flat against the earth, waiting for the tell tale quiver. Beneath his pale fingers, the grass remained cool and still. Fear rolled through his gut as he stared blankly down at his splayed digits; they'd left without him. He'd failed Draco.
Throwing back his head, he let loose a wordless scream at the star filled sky. Despair and frustration gave way to fear. The Mage Dragons would answer the call of the Dragon's Maw, but what would they do when they got there? He covered his face with his hands, curling his fingers into claws as the possibilities swam through his head. His lungs burned as he fought to breathe, tamping down the urge to cry and give up.
A booming cry broke the silence that had fallen, increasing in volume and strength as a huge scarlet form dropped gracefully from the sky. Folding long wings, Basta regarded Harry carefully, emerald eyes flaming as he dipped his head. The Mage shifted anxiously, turning its head to the west and rumbling softly. Bobbing his muzzle, the King Mage stalked forward until he towered over Harry.
Harry stared at Basta slack-jawed, his eyes wide as the majestic dragon stood above him. He yelped when the Mage pounced suddenly, talons grasping him firmly around the waist as the animal rocketed up into the air. The force of the dragon's take off jarred his teeth together, the rush of air tearing at his short hair. Closing his eyes against the whipping wind, he tucked himself tighter against Basta's chest and grabbed at the talon clutching him. His eyes flew open when a battle cry sounded, the noise ringing like crashing thunder.
A shadow appeared to the right of them suddenly, white wings flapping hard to maintain the harried pace Basta set. With a snap of wings, a second Mage dropped to fly even with them. A third and fourth rose up from below, eyes shining dangerously as they turned their heads toward him. Twining cries slipped from their parted muzzles, sending shivers up his spine. In the distance, lightning flashed, revealing the large forms of half a dozen other Mage Dragons. Harry watched in wonder as the night was filled with Mage Dragons, all of them answering the call of the Dragon's Maw.
XxXxX
Draco's eyes flew open as he brought the melody to a close, flute moving slowly away from his mouth to rest at his side. Drawing a deep breath, he turned his gaze toward Voldemort, forcing down the small bubble of fear that fought to rise within his chest. It was done; the Mage Dragons had been called. His grip on the flute tightened, fingers seeking the comfort of the familiar keys. The subtle movement seemed to bring the entire group back to reality, causing the Death Eaters to shift nervously and glance skyward.
"That's all?" The Dark Lord demanded, glowing eyes focused intently on the young wizard. The abrupt comment lowered the heads of the figures draped in black, bringing their restless shifting to a halt.
Draco dropped to one knee and bowed his head, sliding his hand along the flute as he drew it toward his chest. "Yes, my Lord." Chewing his bottom lip, he dared a quick glance at the cloaked wizard, dropping his eyes when he found the Dark Wizard watching him closely. Locking his eyes on a rock poking out of the earth inches from his knee, he worked to calm his breathing and the quick cadence of his heart.
Seconds drifted slowly into minutes, time creeping by as the group waited for something to happen. Night birds called back and forth, unworried by the humans who remained quiet and seemingly frozen. The cool wind twisted the lanterns dangling from the trees, forcing them into a spinning dance. Branches scratched at the thick glass of their windows, sending chills up the spines of the witches and wizards. With a loud snap, a piece of twine holding one of the lanterns broke, its load plunging toward the earth. Glass shattered as it struck the ground and rolled across the dirt, the small flame sputtering and dying.
"Where are my dragons?" Voldemort snarled finally, standing in a hiss of black fabric. Stalking forward, the Dark Lord glided around the crouched Death Eaters, unerringly making his way to where Draco rested. Circling the hooded figure, he drew his wand and rolled it between his fingers, enjoying the soft hiss of air that left the lungs of the young blond. "My dragons, Malfoy, where are they?"
Draco swallowed heavily, his mouth and throat going dry at the barely veiled threat. Staring intently at the rock next to his leg, he took a long breath and lifted his chin. "My Lord, it could take the dragons several hours to travel from their resting spots." He curled his fingers around the Dragon's Maw as he waited for the wizard to reply, darting a quick look at his father's bowed head. His eyes met blue orbs identical to his own, the soft glow emanating from them causing him to relax slightly. Lucius Malfoy still believed in him.
"You're not lying to me, are you?" Spat the Dark Lord, halting directly in front of the young wizard. He slipped his wand under the blond's chin, lifting his gaze from the hunched form of his father. A smile crept across his thin lips as he stared deeply into the pale eyes, ignoring the hint of revulsion barely concealed within the orbs. "Answer me." The hiss was a command, backed by the increase in pressure applied to the wand holding the blond's chin up.
"I would never lie to you, my Lord." Draco breathed, palms dampening with sweat as the tip of the wand slid along the line of his throat. He held his breath as he fought the urge to shift away from the wand, meeting the probing ruby eyes blankly. A drop of sweat slid down his spine, feeling eerily like the tracing of a finger. Goose bumps rose in the wake of the bead, bringing a shiver to the blond's lithe form that was hidden only by the thick folds of the robes he wore. The wand was withdrawn suddenly, a final hard jab its parting gift. Dropping his gaze, the blond gasped for air.
Frowning, the Dark Lord prowled away from the quivering youth, his wand held loosely in his grasp. Pacing back toward his throne, he skirted around the senior Malfoy and took two short steps before halting. "Your father taught you well, perhaps a little too well." A malicious smile transformed his features as he leveled the tip of his wand on the older blond. Grinning evilly as Draco's chin jerked up, he whispered the spell all of his Death Eaters feared. "Crucio."
Draco cried out, lurching to his feet in horror as his father began to convulse. He took three long strides forward only to stumble to a stop as the tip of the Dark Wizard's wand was pointed at him. Gritting his teeth, he glared at the smirking wizard as his father shook and rolled, hands scrabbling at the dirt and short tufts of grass. Breath seesawing from his lungs, he clutched the Dragon's Maw to his chest. His vision blurred as tears slipped from his eyes and ran down his cheeks.
With a flick of his wand, the Dark Lord ended Lucius Malfoy's pain. "Now, where are my dragons?" Before the young blond had a chance to move, the wand was once again pointed at him. The tip never wavered, firmly fixed on the angered Malfoy standing a short distance away. Dropping his gaze, Voldemort nudged the older blond with the toe of his boot, satisfied with the moan of pain the crumpled figure emitted.
"They're coming," Draco rasped, relieved by the fact that his father was still alive. He tilted his head back and searched the sky, hugging the flute to his chest as the wind picked up. The only thought racing through his mind was that he'd never reach his wand in time. Closing his eyes, he let out a shuddering breath.
Sudden gasps and a strong wind against his upturned face had him opening his eyes. Circling lazily above the group, a massive dragon flared long wings and dipped slowly, cutting off the faint light afforded by the moon. Before it could land, a series of shrieks and gasps sent it swarming back into the sky, each beat of its wings stirring the trembling branches of the trees. Roaring softly, the Mage Dragon cut through the night sky, its scales gleaming ethereally. Sobbing in relief, Draco fell to his knees and watched as his saviour swept across the dark expanse.
"The flute. Play it," Voldemort commanded, observing the dark shadow that floated above the assembled Death Eaters. His wand trembled, the tip falling away from the young wizard to point harmlessly at the ground. Gliding further into the clearing, he tipped his head back and laughed as the Mage zipped over the treetops, the wind from its passing tossing back his hood and sending his robes billowing.
As if under the Imperio curse, Draco raised the flute to his mouth and played a series of notes, musically beckoning the Mage lower. He stood and took a step forward, fingers flying over the keys as he watched the dragon flutter thoughtfully above him. In a rasp of wings, the Mage Dragon slammed dangerous talons into the earth and screamed, narrow head tossed skyward as the ground began to rumble. Lowering its muzzle, the Mage tipped its head and shot him a look, its crest vibrating with each deep grumble.
The dragon was a deep brown with small speckles of bright green and black crawling across its withers and down its spine. A flutter of its wings revealed matching splotches of gold on the undersides, mimicking the orbs that flashed and narrowed. Shifting nervously, the Mage swung its head and snarled, sending the wide-eyed Death Eaters fleeing for the safety of the trees. Raking the earth with long talons, the beast growled and focused on Draco, mouth opening slowly to reveal dripping fangs.
Draco took a slow step backwards, attempting to shift into the heavy shadows that seemed to be overwhelming the light cast by the lanterns. In his hands, the Dragon's Maw grew heavy. The air around him swirled with a pulse of magic, startling him into fumbling the silver flute. His fingers stumbled on the keys, breaking the soothing tune he'd been playing. The dragon bit out a harsh cry, wings lifting and arching above its head. For one second, it appeared as if a massive creature hovered over him, the opened wings doubling the Mage's size.
It was Voldemort who halted the confrontation. Prowling toward the beast with his arms raised above his head, the Dark Lord hissed loudly. The soft whisper of Parseltongue filled the glade, bringing the rumbling dragon to a halt. Easing toward the Mage, the Dark Wizard rambled on, his hands seeming to reach toward the undecided dragon.
A crack of displaced air startled the brown dragon, sending him lunging toward the sky only to slam into a second Mage. The two dragons fought against each other, one struggling to land and the other to return to the safety of the sky. Slapping wings and tails together recklessly, the pair fell the short distance to the earth, their landing shaking the ground. Swinging tails and lashing talons felled trees. Spitting and snapping, the two rolled around in a ball of brown, black, and brilliant pink scales. Death Eaters fled deeper into the trees, ducking falling branches and waving wings.
Voldemort immediately began screaming orders, his wand clutched tightly in his hand. Death Eaters ignored him, too focused on escaping the arguing dragons to bother listening to their leader. Hissing in disgust, he leveled his wand on the pink dragon. "Avada Kedavra!" He screamed, watching in satisfaction as the ball of green magic hurtled toward the thrashing dragon. The dark curse careened into the pink dragon's side, bursting in a shower of sparks before dissipating into nothing.
In the pandemonium, Draco rushed toward his father and Severus. The greasy haired wizard was hauling the blond desperately away from the tussling dragons, his teeth bared with the strain. Wrapping an arm around Lucius' waist, the younger blond steadied both men and increased their pace. A tail slashed the air over their heads, bringing small branches and shredded leaves raining down upon them. It was the groan of green wood breaking that lifted Draco's gaze. "Move," he barked abruptly. Throwing his hip into his father's side, he sent the older wizards staggering away from the falling tee while he dove to the right.
He slammed into the ground and rolled as the tree fell, crashing to the earth and bouncing as it landed. The Dragon's Maw was jarred loose when he slammed into the ground, the instrument spinning away from his grappling fingers. Pushing himself to his knees, he scuttled after the silver flute. As his fingers closed upon the warm metal, the pointed toe of a boot came to rest upon the closed digits, pinning them against the earth. Gasping in pain, Draco raised his pale eyes and met the narrowed red orbs of Voldemort.
XxXxX
Harry clutched at the talons locked around his waist as Basta flared long wings and dropped gracefully toward the dimly lit glade below them. Two Mage Dragons were rolling around in the small space, their thrashing wings and lashing tails becoming instruments of destruction as they connected with trees. Wizards dressed completely in black raced through the brush and falling debris, seeking some measure of shelter in the densely wooded areas. A dragon the colour of a robin's egg side slipped beneath them, momentarily blocking the raven-haired wizard's view.
"I need down there," Harry hollered, banging lightly on the talon wrapped around his waist. His stomach heaved as Basta ducked and twisted, rolling over and furling his wings in one quick movement. Eyes swimming with tears, the raven-haired wizard watched as the ground rushed up to meet them. At what seemed the last minute, Basta opened his wings and halted his descent, letting go of the wizard he held seconds later.
Waving his arms in a vain attempt to slow his fall, Harry snapped his eyes closed and prayed he'd survive the landing. A small body crashed into his before he had a chance to fall far, dagger sharp talons sliding through the cloth of his uniform and piercing tanned skin. Gasping as the air was knocked from his lungs, he opened his eyes and rolled them upwards to peer in relief at the Sandtongue madly flapping her wings. Reaching up, he threw an arm around Esdra's long neck and took some of his weight off her forelegs.
Growling, the small dragon stretched her wings open and glided toward the glade, carrying him closer to the dragons that were still snapping wildly at each other. Readying himself for the rough landing he was about to attempt, Harry was unprepared for the sudden pain that grew in his temples. Crying out, he let go of Esdra to free his hands, pressing fingers to his temples and writhing in pain. His frantic wiggling knocked the Sandtongue off balance, forcing her to release him while she was still above the treetops.
Branches broke under his falling body, the pain nothing compared to the pounding occurring within his head. He slammed into the ground, his body bouncing as small twigs and leaves fluttered to land gently around him. Coughing, he desperately tried to drag oxygen into his lungs, his ears filling with frightened screams and angered roars. Extending a shaking hand, he patted the dirt in search of his glasses, biting down a squeal of pain as his head threatened to explode. Screwing his face up, he rolled over and pushed himself onto his hands and knees, moaning as his insides twisted with the motion.
A slight wiggle in the back of his head began to grow, pushing aside the pain and easing the rapid beat of his heart. The feeling grew quickly, warming his body as it slid through his limbs and erased all memory of pain. Taking a deep breath, the raven-haired wizard rose to his feet, holding completely still as he waited for the familiar ache to rush back into his body. Confusion swept through his mind as nothing happened. Blinking up at the sky, Harry lifted bloody fingers and touched his scar. Under the pads of the digits, the skin was warm, pulsing with every beat of his heart.
"Give me the Dragon's Maw." A hissed voice exclaimed, drawing his attention from the rapid healing his body seemed to be undergoing to the arguing pair of wizards across the clearing. His heart leapt into his throat at the sight of Draco crouched before the Dark Lord, fingers locked on the flute pinned under Voldemort's boot. Striding forward angrily, he ducked the flapping tip of a pink wing and move to confront the Dark Wizard. A piercing scream and the shadow that swept over him halted his march.
A smile curved his lips as a white dragon with gold ribbed wings dropped from the sky and landed on the pair of dragons writhing in the dirt, his arrival halting their antics. Lifting his muzzle, Silverhawk screamed and snaked his neck out, chasing Voldemort away from Draco's crouched form with glistening fangs. Sliding from atop his wiggling perch, the Icefang took one scuttling stride forward and grabbed the blond, lifting him from the ground and pinning him against his narrow chest. Ignoring the Dark Wizard's parseltongue commands and waving wand, the white dragon opened his wings and leapt into the night. The brown dragon followed quickly, fleeing into the sky and vanishing among the predatory forms sweeping lazily across the black expanse.
Walking forward, Harry pulled his own wand from his pocket and tipped his head to the side. "They don't speak parseltongue," he called. Widening his eyes, he ran his wand between his fingers and watched as shock swept over Voldemort's thin face. Behind the Dark Lord, the pink Mage sorted itself out and shot into the sky only to be replaced by a massive scarlet dragon.
"Harry Potter." Voldemort hissed, taking a slow step back as a cool breeze slid between the trees. Thunder crashed directly overhead, lightning flickering brightly and displaying the ghostly shapes hovering above the clearing. The lanterns dangling from the trees swung around in wide circles, the small flames flickering and growing. "What a pleasure."
"I couldn't say the same," Harry replied, sliding sideways. He smiled as Basta arched his wings and parted his jaws. Somewhere above them, the sweet cry of a flute rose with the wind. As the notes trembled to life, the air began to vibrate with the deep rumblings of the Mage Dragons. Rising in volume and intensity, the full force of the flute showed itself with each flap and flare of wing and dip of elegant muzzle.
Believing him to be distracted, Voldemort lifted his wand and twisted his wrist. "Avada Kedavra!" The curse shot through the air, humming loudly as it raced toward its target.
Harry raised his own wand as the evil green magic hurtled toward him, lips pressed firmly together. Ignoring the shaking of his hand, he drew a deep breath and opened his mouth just in time to swear loudly as the earth before him exploded upward. Dirt flew skyward, small pebbles sailing through the air in a stinging rain. Lowering the arm he'd lifted to shield his face, he glared at the wall of rock that had risen from the earth to shield him. "Wow," he breathed, jumping as Voldemort roared in outrage.
The wall crumbled slowly, revealing the Dark Wizard standing silently across from him. Drawing a long breath, Harry lifted his wand and pointed it at Voldemort. "Avada Kedavra." He squinted his eyes to shield them from the light that should have emerged from his wand, gaping when nothing happened. Biting his lip as the Dark Lord began to laugh scornfully, he narrowed his orbs and bellowed the curse again. The pulse of magic that shot from the tip of his wand sent him flying backwards, his other hand lifting to steady his shaking arm. Crying out as the green mist continued to spill from the tip of the wand, Harry's eyes rolled back and he collapsed to the ground.
A/n: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review! One more chapter and the epilogue, guys.
karenelaine - It would've been nice, unfortunately it wouldn't have been really plausible. I'll see what I can do about Snape.
fraewyn - There might have been something important in the journal, unfortunately it's too late for that. The journal will be brought up again in the next chapter.
sbkar - lol, error noted as always. I actually struggled with that one, had both my dictionary and spell checker open in an attempt to figure out what was wrong with it.
kasmo - yep, Voldemort bit it.
fragonknight01 - I believe it was the Gryffindors, lol.
RavenclawBest - Even if he wasn't quite prepared, the time had come.
Shinigami - Hopefully I'll be able to fit all the characters you want to see into one of the last chapters. Sirius is deceased in this story (I don't think I'll ever forgive J.K.R. for that one).
Lady Halaia - I update this story every Friday night, as it is currently my primary fic.