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Dia (Kardia/heart)
Basilio Magiknos (basileio/kingdom) (Magikos/magic)
Monimos (permanant or stable)
Koa mahou (koa/core) (Mahou/magic)
magkeri (keri/candle) (magikos/magic)
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter
The Unicorn Prince
Chapter 12 Phantom Sleep
Hermione watched one of her best friends disappear up the stairs leading to the boy's dormitories with worried eyes. Her concern kept mounting by the day, piling high and fast.
harry had grown distant as of late. Actually, the younger teen had been pulling away from everyone not just his close friends. He didn't talk much in class, and shied away from participation. Hermione had often caught the boy staring pensively out the window, or, if there wasn't a window nearby any convenient wall seemed to do the trick.
he had also been ill recently and Hermione didn't believe for one moment it had been some weird new allergy that couldn't be cured; after all, who'd ever heard of someone being allergic to their own clothes?
Don't get her wrong, she didn't think he was lying, but it wouldn't be the first time the boy-who-lived had kept something from them. As depressing as it was to know Harry didn't had enough trust in her and Ron, it wasn't much of a surprise.
Oh, sure, they'd figure it out eventually-they always did-but she wished he would put a little more faith in them. They were his best friends for a reason, she just wished he'd remember that.
Millions of idea's flooded through her mind, fraying her already frazzled nerves and making her snappy. More then once she'd 'bitten' Ron's head off and her scowls sent Dean and Seamus scurrying. The girl's avoided her like the plague and even the teachers were wary around her.
She new most of her thoughts on what was wrong with Harry were preposterous, but she couldn't help it. Chances were it was something utterly ridiculous like...like...
Well...maybe whatever spell or potion he'd used to fix his eyesight had some-highly embarrassing-side effects.
While that would explain some things, it left other things even more in the dark, like his appetite and sleeping patterns. Harry had always had a small appetite (courtesy of living at the Dursley's) and his Nightmares kept him up most nights.
So why, then, wasn't he eating meat? when had he decided to go vegetarian. It didn't make sense. And don't even get her started on his sleeping habits! Falling asleep in class was simply not done.
Another question that circulated inside her mind was why Harry would lie about Hagrid giving him an extra credit assignment. Obviously he hadn't said it to make her happy, so what could possibly be so important about the Unicorn Maiden Myth that he felt he had to lie about it in the first place. It was just a silly story told to children, what could be so special about that.
Where had he even heard about it? It was a Wizarding fairytale, and not a very popular one it would seem.
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"Ah, Phen, perfect, as usual." The Dark Lord praised looking over the boy's most recent accomplishment. The soft silvery coat felt like magic as it slid over his skin.
"Of course it is my Lord." Hunter agreed easily, ignoring the hateful name his lord addressed him with. He much preferred 'Hunter' but one did not backtalk Lord Voldemort. "Have I ever provided anything less?" the answer was no.
Voldemort looked up at him, a cruel smile twisting his thin lips in a grotesque manner,"No. You took your training to heart better then any Death Eater to date." Voldemort agreed before continuing softly, staring idly at the prisoner hanging limply next to his throne. "Yes, training you at such a young age was one of my more brilliant idea's."
Hunter smile a small, secret smile as he asked, "Great, even, then your plan for Potter?"
The Dark Lord's sharp ruby eyes cut into him, "YOu know?" He didn't even wait for Hunter to nod to the redundant question before continuing, "Of course you know, how thoughtless of me. Now, tell me; what have you seen in my future, Phen?"
Hunter obediently closed his eyes and slipped into the Basilio Magiknos and when he opened them again Voldemort was witness to the newly acquired milky white iris instead of the Malfoy's trademark grey.
Hunter saught out his core first, and nudged the phantom-like thread twined around it. The phantom core belonged to his Monimos, Blaise, and it pulsed once in acknowledgment before wrapping more tightly around him.
Once he was secured, Hunter saught out Voldemort's core. The Dark Lord's core ran along side another 'phantom' core, the two ran so close together that at times they seemed to be one and the same. Every time the two cores did touch, the phantom core appeared weaker, ceroded even as if Voldemort was sucking the magic out of it and leaving nothing but a whithered shell.
Hunter already know this, and easily found the merging point he was looking for. it wasn't too far into the future, and thus, easier to slip into without a strong pull.
Your little games are about to come to a head
For while he sleeps you shall reign
But should the Prince wake, it will all end
Hunter slipped out of the Phantom Realm, vaguely feeling his connection with Blaise slip into the background. He waited in silence for his lord's reaction, not worried in the least.
He wasn't kept waiting long, "We'll just have to make sure he doesn't't wake, now won't we?" The snake lord agreed.
Hunter raised his eyes from their respectful, downcast position, to gaze at the other wizard. The Dark Lord appeared smug in his obvious triumph over the boy-who-lived. "Of course, my Lord. What do you suggest we do?"
Voldemort tapped his chin in a thoughtful way with a long, twig-like finger, "We will bring him here. Yes, and while you're at it, you can take out the trash." With a flick of one pale wrist the two 'decoration's' hanging on either side of the snake throne dropped to the floor with a slight click as the shackles released. "Do with them as you see fit, kill them if you like, just see that they are returned. We don't want it heard the Lord Voldemort goes back on his word, no, do we?"
It was a rhetorical question, so Hunter ignored it. "And what of Potter, my lord? Shall I kill him as well?" he queried, even though he knew his answer already.
"No." The Dark Lord's voice was a slow drawl and it was obvious he was tickled by whatever it was he had planned for the boy. "I want him alive. a trophy, our own little Sleeping Beauty. Only, there will be no Prince Charming or Happily-Ever-After this time around."
Hunter refrained from arching an eyebrow at his master's insane ramblings. "As you command, My Lord." Hunter bowed again when a gaunt hand waved through the air in dismissal.
He cast a quick levitation spell over his new playthings before turning to exit the hall.
"Send Lucius in, I need to speak with him." Voldemort called after him, not even raising his voice. Hunter paused to nod his acknowledgment of the order before Vanishing out the door.
Two Death Eaters stood guard outside Voldemort's audience chamber. One he was sure was Bella, the Lord's favorite toy, the other was Lucius, the Dark Lord's second in command.
If the Dark Lord survived his encounter with the Prince -which he wouldn't- Hunter would have been elevated to second on his seventeenth birthday. Lucius was already prepared for the shift in ranks, had been since his three year old son had been named Dark Heir.
But Hunter had never been content with playing second fiddle. If Lord Voldemort's time wasn't already ticking, he would have done something about it himself.
"Our Lord wishes to speak with you, Father."
"Very well." His father answered, but made no move to open the door, 'You're mother misses you, Phen, and requests your presence when you get the chance." He said curtly. Hunter nodded, though he had no inclination to see his mother in the near nor distant future.
"Phen." His ant greeted him once his father was gone."
Hunter pivoted to level a glare at the witch, "My name, aunt, is Hunter." He sneered.
Hunter hated his given name and only a handful of people were allowed to call him that; not even Blaise had that privilege.
Bella smirked at him, dark eyes flashing in amusement. Hunter ignored her, turning on his heel, he vanished into the shadows with his two prisoners.
In his wake, Bella was left staring into the shadows with interest.
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Yawning was fast becoming one of Harry's best friends. Ever five minutes or so he'd be covering his mouth to hide another yawn from Ron and Hermione.
It was embarrassing how many times he'd almost fallen asleep in class, and he'd caught himself seconds from face planting into his mashed potatoes at dinner.
"Harry, why don't you head to bed early tonight. You're not doing your homework any favors in your current state." Hermione suggested reasonably; they'd only been studying for ten minutes, if Hermione was suggesting he forgo homework for bed, perhaps he should listen to her.
"You know," He said, stifling another yawn, "I thin I will. See ya tomorrow guys."
He was so tired when he reached the top of the stairs he almost forgot to change. After a quick inner debate he decided it would be best to simply strip to his boxers and sleep like that, it wouldn't be the first time. And it would be fastest.
That settled he was able to slip under the covers quickly and sleep took him in minutes.
This time Harry made no detours to his usual series of dreams, slipping easily into his garden.
Looking around, he spotted his Dream Partner leaning against a tall tree trunk, a multitude of colorful leaves hung above him and warm snowflakes drifted romantically onto the eternally green grass,, melting into dew that lay heavily on the pale blossoms surrounding them.
"hey," harry greeted warmly as his companion caught his wrist and tugged him down between his legs. Harry couldn't stop grinning as he situated himself with his back to the other's chest.
A comfortable silence settled over the garden, each person lost in their thoughts. Harry, for his part, couldn't help but wonder who he shared these precious moments with. It could be Voldemort for all he knew-yet, he found he didn't care if it was. He'd never been so happy then he was in this garden.
Finally curiosity go the better of the young prince and he twisted around to face the shadow.
Propping his hands on the man's knees he stared intently into the obscured face, trying to make out his features, rather unsuccessfully too.
The other boy reached out to encircle Harry's waist with strong arms, "what is it?" He asked, amusement paining his voice sexy.
"I was just wondering, who are you?"
The shadow chuckled, leaning forward until his breath ghosted over Harry's extra sensitive ears, "I can be anyone you want me to be." He purred voice thick and sweet.
Harry's eyes hooded in pleasure and a smile slid across his own lips, "Anyone?" He repeated, already thinking who he wanted his partner to be.
"Anyone." The Phantom reassured.
Moments later an excited Harry pulled the Phantom off the grass and onto a nearby bench, which the wizard quickly straddled.
The shadow followed his lead, although he was obviously amused.
"How about..." Harry paused thoughtfully, "Ron...yeah, do Ron!"
No sooner had he said that then the Phantom's obscure features begin to take form; his body bulked up and he gained a couple inches. Red hair fell into baby blue eyes and dusky freckles spread over his nose and cheeks.
"Wow, that is so cool!" Harry crowed, looking at his best friend's face closely. Not one feature was out of place.
Ron-Phantom smirked at him and he felt his face scrunch up. That Slytherin expression just did not belong on such a Gryffindor face.
"Okay, now do Hermione." was his next obvious choice.
Ron-Phantom nodded and even as he did so, Harry watched as he melted into his other best friend.
Hermione was an average height for a which, only a few inches shorter then Harry himself. She had extremely bushy brown hair and warm eyes. harry was also pretty sure she was stronger then he was, what with that massive load of books she lugged around with her every day.
"This is so weird." The boy laughed, emerald eyes sparkling with glee, causing Hermione-Phantom to smile slightly as well, "Alright do...Fred next."
Almost as soon as the words were out of his mouth he found himself staring into the pale blue eyes of Weasley Twin #1...or was George Weasley Twin #1? Harry was never one hundred percent sure on that matter.
Fred-Phantom scooted a bit closer, entwining their hands easily.
Harry felt his face heat up instantly and he looked away, one word ringing in his mind, 'awkward'.
"Um...Cho Chang." he mumbled out the first name that came to mind. Instead of making him feel better, it made him feel worse. The warm soft hand in his was unfamiliar and well...too soft after the firmness of Fred's hand.
"M-Molly Weasley." Now his hand was engulfed in the large hand of the Weasley matriarch, and Harry felt his blush subside. He was still embarrassed, but it was fading now.
Looking into Ron's mothers face had Harry thinking. The ache in his chest he was so used to ignoring flared up and harry swallowed hard. Should he? Oh, but he so desperately wanted to see her. It was a yearning so strong only another orphan would truly understand.
"Could-could you...maybe...turn into my mum. Just for a minute please?" He was flushing again and looking down at his lap.
Phantom squeezed his hand in understanding as he changed, and it drew Harry's eyes there, to their entwined fingers.
Lily Potter's hands were beautiful, with long elegant fingers. Her hand was smooth and delicate within his (nothing like Cho's or even Mrs. Weasley's) He couldn't tear his eyes away, but slowly he forced his gaze up. Over his mother's tiny wrist, along the creamy white of her arm. She was wearing a loose black dress he noted. Up the pale arch of her neck, her jaw, her fiery red hair -more vibrant than any Weasley's- She was beautiful in every sense of the word. But when he looked into his mother's emerald eyes, identical to his own in every way, it was his undoing.
He choked on a sob, yet his eyes were glued, he couldn't look away. Tears were pooling in his eyes as his mother-no the Phantom- pulled him into an embrace, cradling his head against their chest.
This had been a bad idea, he was sure of it as he buried his face in Phantom's chest, when he'd become Phantom again Harry didn't know, nor did he care.
"Sorry." he murmured as his trembling slowed. Phantom just shrugged, "How about..." Harry cast around for someone else, someone to chase away the tight feeling in his chest, "Draco Malfoy." he decided quickly. That should work, the sight of the blond always had managed to make Harry's blood boil.
When nothing seemed to happen, Harry looked up at Phantom afraid his previous reaction had made his companion change his mind. The sight of silver blue eyes inches from his own caused harry's breath to hitch and a different type of tightness settled in his chest.
Harry gulped, caught in those intriguing eyes, like a fish in a net. Harry could feel a strong hand in his hair, and another braced against the small of his back. The Prince's own hands were clutching Draco-Phantom's Slytherin robes. They were so close Harry could feel ever line of his rival's body against him, and soft blond hair tickled his face.
Harry had never been so close to the Malfoy Heir before; it was...unbelievably invigorating. "Harry?" Merlin! Even his voice was the same and harry was secretly thrilled with the way his name sounded on that particular tongue, lie it was some exotic sweet to be savored.
It would appear that this had been as much a bad idea as his earlier choice, if a lot more pleasant, "I-" His voice cracked, embarrassed, he cleared his throat, "I just want you to be you." yes, that was good...that was safe.
Phantom smirked and faded back into shadows and darkness. Then the other figure tilted his head and appeared to be listening to something. "Your pet Weasley is calling you."
Something about the way Phantom said that struck harry as odd. He ignored it though and focused on the words themselves as they were more important, "But I don't want to leave." he pouted, clutching tighter to Phantom.
"Don't worry Harry, I'll be waiting for your return." His voice had begun to fade, echoing around them strangely.
Harry blinked his eyes open, barely aware of Ron shaking him roughly, his ears picking out the loud complaining first, "Harry! Get up! We're already late for class and we missed breakfast completely. I don't want you to get us into even more trouble."
This is why Ron woke him up? to blame him for their sleeping in, now that just wasn't fair. harry wasn't very bothered, though; his life had never been what one could call fair. Besides, Ron was just like that, he didn't really mean anything by it. His earlier anger over Harry's new wardrobe was already fading into nonexistence. he was still the same hothead, but at least he'd learned to calm himself down...or was that Hermione's doing, one could never be certain.
Not that it made him any less annoying. All harry wanted to do was slip back into those arms waiting for him in his dreams.
Well, that was easily solved; the sooner he got to class, the sooner he could go to sleep.
Course decided, Harry headed out the door, leaving his best friend gawking at him. Indeed, he'd forgotten the loud red head completely, as well as his little golden friend and; surprisingly, forgetting to change into his school robes.
That was what had Ron gawking. One minute Harry was in his pj's blinking back sleep and the next he...well, wasn't. harry was decked out in one of his new expensive outfits in the time it took Ron to blink.
But that couldn't be right. could it?
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"What took so long?" Hermione hissed as the freckly boy sat down next to her. "You're almost half an hour late and you missed an important lecture."
Ron shrugged, "I couldn't wake Harry up, Bloody git sleeps like the dead."
Hermione ignored that last part and focused on the important information he'd just relayed to her. her already intelligent eyes sharpening with interest, "Hm, he seems to have no such problems falling asleep." She muttered halfway between disapproval and concern, eying the already dozing boy. "What about his nightmares?"
Ron snorted, "What nightmares?" At Hermione's fierce glare he quickly corrected himself, "None that I've noticed. He sleeps pretty peacefully."
Hermione glanced back at the brunet, her brow furrowed. He did look mighty relaxed. She was almost reluctant to wake him up. Almost. She had a bad feeling in regards ho his easy sleep, it couldn't be normal.
She desperately wished it could be though, that boy deserved some peace.
"Wake him up Ron, We're in class." It tore at her heart to say it, but she had to.
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Draco couldn't help staring, he'd been doing so all day and he couldn't seem to stop. Strangely he didn't want to stop.
The boy-who-lived was truly drawing this day. Okay, so that wasn't exactly true, but he was blinking again and that made him interesting. The blinking wasn't in any particular pattern Draco could discern, and he couldn't find a trigger for it either. Potter was just randomly flickering from everyday savior to exotic eye candy.
Draco couldn't tear his eyes away, always wondering -anticipating- when he'd change next.
Once or twice Draco had swore he'd seen...well, the black unicorn from the other day. but he'd blink and it would always been Boring Potter he was staring at.
he wasn't sure he wanted to make the connections his mind was hinting (read: screaming) at him.
Draco's unabashed staring had him noticing other little details. Such as Potter's new ability to fall asleep anytime anywhere. He completely ignored Granger and the Weasel for most of the day, and -oddly enough- whenever he'd 'flicker' Draco was sure he could see something golden flashing against his inky horn and hair.
Draco couldn't be certain what it was he was seeing from this distance, but it, plus everything else, had piqued the young seer's interest.
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It was with reluctance Draco dragged himself up to Trelawney's Tower that evening. The beautiful image of Potter, the hidden one, ever at the back of his mind.
Trelawney met him as he ascended from the trap door. "Good, you're here." She turned with a flurry and headed to the beaded curtain without another word.
Draco made his way to the center of the room and made himself comfortable on the single piece of furniture in sight, the cushion from the night before.
He wasn't waiting long before Professor Trelawney reemerged with a familiar candle and three sticks of incense. "Today I want you seeking you're koa mahou, or in other words, you're magical core."
"That is not a Greek word." Draco pointed out oh-so-helpfully.
The old lady huffed in a very Granger-like fashion, "That's because it's Japanese. The Greeks have a strong history in Seeing, but japan has always been knee deep in magic. You should know that."
Of course Draco knew that, he was a Malfoy for Merlin's sake, and a good portion of the Dark Arts originated from Japan.
"Koa mahou is also the more common term. The Greeks simply termed it as the heart, or the Dia." And it was back to business, "Now, when you enter the Basilio Magiknos this time I want you to focus on your magic, where it comes from and what it's like." Trelawney was already lighting the candle before she had finished speaking.
Always on top of things Draco let his eyes close and the scents of the candle and incense pulled him into Basilio Magiknos.
he spent a few minutes inspecting the different threads, now known as Dia, before setting about with his real task.
Now, how exactly was he supposed to find his Dia? The batty Professor really should be more specific in her directions.
Draco decided he might as well go about this practically and looked down at his heart. He was surprised to find nothing there. No string/Dia, no shirt, no him. He was gone!
But if this was true, how could he still feel the Dia of the Magkeri griped firmly in his right hand-or was it his left? Now that he thought about it, he wasn't at all sure which hand he was using.
Thoroughly confused and irritated now, Draco set about finding his own Dia, the bloody thing couldn't be far. He was here after all, so it would also have to be here. But it wasn't.
Unless he didn't recognize his own Dia, his own magic.
Frustrated with his fruitless results and confusing thoughts and aware of the magkeri's flickering 'pulse'-he was running out of time- he stopped and leaned against a wall.
Well, it was a figurative wall since it wasn't really there, but that was perfect for his figurative body since it wasn't really there either.
Draco closed his 'eyes' and raised a 'hand' to his 'head'. Merlin, he was giving himself a headache.
The Dia in his hand began to vibrate so Draco opened his eyes, remembering the last time that had happened. Two seconds before the world around him 'tipped' his eyes found it. He recognized it immediately. It was his Dia, and it had been behind him the whole time.
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"I found it!" Were the first words out of the young Malfoy's mouth once back in his own realm.
"Wonderful! Now, what was it like?" The professor encouraged him.
Draco closed his eyes, trying to imagine it. But it was a pointless exorcise, "I don't know." He said with a sigh, "I only caught a glimpse of it. I'd like to inspect it further, if you don't mind."
"Not at all, Mr. Malfoy." She readily agreed, 'Accio Magkeri!" Said item floated into the room, followed by three sticks of incense.
"Professor, you told me yesterday that the Magkeri was a candle, what purpose, then do the incense hold?" Draco asked as he watched the professor set up the candle and incense.
"Five point to Slytherin for paying attention. The incense is nothing more then a magic booster, otherwise you'd never find the magkeri's Dia, because it's so faint on it's own."
Draco nodded his understanding and closed his eyes, he instantly latched onto the Magkeri's's Dia and let him guide him. Once there, Draco turned around and, sure enough, there was the familiar Dia.
It was so strong! Stronger and more solid than any he'd come across so far. That could be because it was the Dia of a living thing, or it could be because it belonged to Draco himself. There was no way of knowing as of yet because he'd really only encountered inanimate objects thus far.
While he contemplated the matter he idly followed his Dia back they way it came. He stopped short when it merged with another Dia. Not willing to get into trouble for investigating the merging, he went to move around it and continue following his Dia. Only...his Dia had disappeared and he found another Dia, barely fainter then his, but still solid, running parallel with the Dia his had merged with.
Then, beyond that rand a third parallel, fainter then the second, but solid none-the-less. This third Dia was different though, drenched in darkness and decay and it ran so close to the second Dia that he could see an inevitable taint.
Ignoring those two, Draco went back to where his Dia disappeared to investigate. After a close inspection he concluded that there was something different about this merging, it wasn't a merging so much as a connecting.
Like a branch on a tree; and the Tree, Draco noted, was wider and stronger then the Branch. But it was just as familiar as the branch because it was the branch.
This was his Dia, his koa mahou. This revelation brought on a whole new slew of questions. Ones, it would seem, would have to wait until he was back in his world before he could contemplate them...the magkeri Dia was vibrating again.
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Once back in his body, Draco stretched, hating the kings his body acquired while his mind was busy. "So? What did you find out?' His professor inquired eagerly.
"Not much. I followed my Dia until it connected with another stronger Dia that also belonged to me."
"Ah!" Trelawney was smiling her approval now, "This is something I want you to read up on. In short though, when you enter Basilio Magiknos chances that you'll stick close to the path you're Dia is taking are slim. To stop you from dragging you're Dia all over the place a piece of it breaks away, a leash if you will, and it follows you though the Basileio. Anything else?"
Draco thought about it a minute before nodding. Quickly he went over the two other Dia's he'd run across.
Trelawney furrowed her brow, "One of those would be you'r Monimos, probably the one closer to your Dia. The other I cannot account for. How odd."
"Hmm." Draco hummed as he stood. He had a lot to think about, and homework that needed to be done. "I'll see you tomorrow professor. Good night." Still thoughtful Draco headed down the trap door, his mind shifting from the strange occurrences surrounding Potter, to his Monimos. He wanted so badly to enter Basilio Magiknos and look into his Monimos' Dia more closely, but he couldn't. he'd have to be patient and wait for the next day.
Tomorrow had never been so far away.
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