Chapter Fifteen – Planning Part One
Warning: LEMON/LIME/SPICE
The next morning Harry wakes up before Draco, silently he gets out of bed; he goes to the bathroom and takes care of his morning needs. Harry is frustrated because he and Neville have so much to do before school starts on Monday. Last night before Draco joined him in the shower, and Harry made up his mind that he is not going to hide who he is anymore. There is nothing to be ashamed of; I am the Heir to both Slytherin and Hufflepuff houses, and I am proud to wear both titles. Dumbledore be damned, no matter the garbage the Headmaster preaches out about Grandpa Sal's supposed ideology. Harry knows he needs to speak with his brother and the others. Harry only hopes Draco will stand beside him in his decisions and not fight with him on everything.
Making his way to his study, Harry calls for Sprite his personal elf, who pops in right away and bowed respectfully. "What can I do for you, Duke Slytherin?" He asks,
"Sprite, I need you to deliver a message to my brother Duke Gryffindor. Let him know that he and his Consort are invited to breakfast." Sprite bows his head then pops out to deliver Harry's message.
Harry is alone with his thoughts. Sitting at his desk Harry begins to quill a few letters. The letters are addressed to each of the people he realizes he can trust. Harry wants them to be here for lunch. They have lots to discuss and preparations to make. But first he wants the Malfoy's here. Harry wishes to introduce himself formally to Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy as Draco's mate. After finishing his letter, Harry calls for Magnus. "I need you to deliver these messages discreetly. You are also to wait for a reply." Magnus nods his head in understanding and pops out to do his task. He is so deep in thought he did not notice when Draco slips into the room. Harry breaks from what he is working on when he feels soft lips gently kissing on his neck. "Mmmm…good morning," Harry gasps out. He could not help the smile that forms on his lips. Harry angles his neck giving Draco better access to suck and nibble on.
Draco kisses his neck as he says. "…I…woke up…hoping to entice…you with my version…of a wake-up call…but you were not there…" Draco place kisses from Harry's neck to his lips. He pulls Harry from his chair so that they can switch places. Now that he had him sitting on his lap, they deepen their good morning kiss.
Draco finds that he loves holding Harry in his arms. Even though, they have done few intimate things in the past twenty-four hours. Draco knows that Harry is not ready to be penetrated as yet. Even with everything they have done so far Draco still want to take things a little slow on that front. Making Harry happy is of the utmost important to him. Draco knows they had discussed having kits but when would they start that phase in their life. Before or after the war. Most importantly when will they have their bonding ceremony. Right now there are too many things up in the air, and if Harry were to become pregnant too soon, it could complicate things further. Harry's life is in constant danger and Draco needs to find a way to keep him safe, or at least to stop him from running head first into danger.
Harry pulled away from their kiss and stared at Draco's face, and his eyebrows crease together "What are you thinking about so hard? You are kissing me, but I can tell your mind is a million miles away." Harry purposely positions himself over Draco's erection. "I know that I cannot be boring you already?"
Moving his hand from where it is caressing Harry's leg, Draco cups his mates face after brushing away a loose strand of hair behind his ear. "I realize that I don't want to lose you," He whispers. "There is so much danger that surrounds you, from the Dark Lord to Dumbledore." Draco pulls Harry into him; so that his head rests Draco's shoulder, "I just found you, and I can't lose you."
"I'm not ready for you to lose me either Draco." Harry lifts his head off Draco's shoulder and looks into those beautiful blue-grey eyes "Draco, I want us to get to know each other more, and one day have you ask for my hand in marriage even though we are fated mates. I want you to take me out on dates and shower me with flowers. I want to have your kits and have you come home from your workday to watch you play with them. I want us to have Christmases, Birthdays, and family dinners. But most of all, Draco I want us to have love. To be completely and hopelessly in love with each other."
"I want those things also Harry and so much more." He tugs Harry into another passionate kiss. They did not pull apart even after hearing the floo sound that someone is coming through. When hears,
"I see my little brother has finally pulled his head out of his arse and claimed his mate? Thank Merlin for small favors."
Harry pulls away from Draco's lips and starts to chuckles at Nev's boldness. Since becoming Duke Gryffindor, his confidence has grown. No longer does he stutter or cower from others. Harry looks over Draco's shoulder to see Nev's smiling face. He is not wearing his glamor. However, his hair was pulled back in a loose tie, and he looks every bit of the great elf he is meant to be. Standing beside Neville is his mate and Consort Blaise Zabini. Harry gets off Draco lap and walks over to his brother and gives him a hug. "Good morning to you too, Nev." Harry turns to Blaise, who has a shocked look on his face. "Let me be the first if it was not already done by our grandparents to welcome you to our family. I am Duke Harrison James Hufflepuff-Slytherin better known as Harry Potter. And you already know my mate and Consort Draco Lucius Malfoy."
When Harry turns his head to look back at Draco, he has the same dazed look on his face. Harry looks over at Nev, who is trying to hold back a chuckle unsuccessfully, this only causes Harry to break out in laughter. Harry and Neville are not sure if Draco and Blaise's shocked expression is because they are staring back each other. Or because of who they are mated to case in point, him and Neville. Harry is quite sure Draco does not need to worry about the closeness between him and Neville. Wait until he finds out they are brothers in blood as well.
Blaise and Draco look at each other and then to their laughing mates. "I take it that you did not know they were brothers?" Draco asks Blaise.
Blaise shakes his head no. "How are they related? As far as I know the Longbottom's, Black's and Potter's are very far removed," he says in bewilderment. "I know they have been exceedingly close this year, but I had no idea they are brothers."
Blaise is shocked and confused, and it is the only thing he could think of at the moment. When Nev had told him that they would be having breakfast with the other Heir of Hogwarts he had no idea, it would be Harry Potter. Blaise is also stunned to see that Draco standing in front of him and not too long ago he was kissing Potter. There is so much Blaise did not understand and so many questions he wants to ask. It makes Blaise wonder what other secrets his mate is keeping from him.
"Boys…boys…you stop that laughing this instant." When Blaise looks above the fireplace, he see'sHelga trying to get the attention of Harry and Neville. It seemed that they did not hear her and in the next instant Harry and Neville yelps as if someone had sent a stinking hex their way. Blaise looked over at Draco and mouths that it was not him. Then he glances at the picture and see the smug look on Helga's face. This is going to be more interesting that I initially thought.
"Oh, come on Grandmother, why did you have to do that? The look on their faces is priceless," whines Neville.
"I imagine this will not be the only time we will laugh like that again. Wait until we meet the in-laws," declares Harry. "Speaking of which, Neville I invited mine over for lunch to discuss a few things would you like to invite your mother-in-law to be?" He continues as if he did not hear Draco and Blaise gasping for air.
Neville takes a minute to think about it. "I suppose with what we are about to talk discuss, besides having lunch is a perfect time to meet my mum-in-law to be."
"Harry" Draco calls out to him.
Harry pretends he did not hear Draco call his name, "Would you like to send a…"
"Harry! Do not bloody ignore me," Draco shouts.
Harry turns and faces Draco with a mischievous smile on his face, "I am not ignoring you, sweetheart, I know what you are going to say, and I do not want to discuss or argue about it right now." He turns back to Neville and winks at him "Now, Neville would you like to send her the message now before we have breakfast?" he continues.
Neville faces Blaise, who still had a dazed look on his face. "What do you think Love? Want to have lunch with your mother?"
"Err..." Blaise is pretty sure that his mother would not have a problem with having lunch with his intended. But at this moment he felt as if things are going way too fast. It is as if Potter read his mind. "Blaise, I know that things seem to be going at a very quick pace, but a lot of things are going to happen in the next few weeks maybe months," He states. "Neville and I need people that we can trust to have our backs and to help us in the fights to come." He paused for a second and looked over at Neville.
It is if they were speaking telepathically because Neville nods his head. What kind of connection do they have?
"Can we trust you and your mother, Blaise? We know that you are neutral in the war, but with the things we will be discussing today we need to know that we can trust you both. I need you to be sure you are ready for all the shit you are going to hear today."
Blaise did not need to think about it. He wanted to stand beside Neville in all things good or bad. "You can trust us. I am sure of it. As for my mother, the fastest way to get her here is to floo call her, or have one of the house elves deliver a message to her."
"Harry, I know there was something we forgot to tell you." Grandpa Sal interrupts. "As Heir to Hogwarts, you can apparate and disapparate within the castle. Also, all of your personal quarters will only allow you and your Consorts and those you have keyed into it. Each quarter has a separate entrance to the castle."
As soon as he finished, Magnus pops in to tell them breakfast is ready, and it is to be served on the balcony. It seems that their rooms are much larger than Harry first thought.
"Magnus, can you lead the way, please?" All four men follows behind Magnus, and it is then Harry remembers that he and Draco did take a tour of the place last night. Another thing Harry notices is the difference in the house elves. How is it that they are wearing clothing and speaking in complete sentences? Harry made it a point to ask his grandparents. There are still too many unanswered questions Harry wishes answers to specifically from his grandparents. They have been completely open with him and Neville and as time goes on Harry realizes that there are many more things he does not know. Harry notices that out of his grandfather, and Salazar is the one he prefers to talk with, and Neville feels a pull to Godric. As grandmothers go, he seeks the wisdom and advice from Rowena while Neville goes to Helga.
Once they make it to the balcony, Harry realized they are very high, he can see pretty much the whole castle. Harry and Draco can definitely sit on their balcony and enjoy a Quidditch match without being seen by the players and the school. Before they sit down to eat, Harry tells Magnus he has another a personal task for him. Harry trusts that Magnus will be able to get a message to Blaise's mum promptly. He also told Magnus to wait for a response, just as he did earlier. Magnus, replies that the correspondents from his earlier task are waiting for Harry to read on his desk. All four men sit down to enjoy a very healthy breakfast of omelets, fruits, toast and porridge with tea and juice on the side.
Harry notices that the food tastes exceptionally good, better than what is served in the Great Hall. The vegetables in his omelet taste fresh, and the fruits crisp with each bite. Harry puts it down that he is just hungry after all he and Draco did go to bed last night without eating, the snack Magnus laid out for them. In any case, Harry enjoys his breakfast and the pleasant company. Surprisingly Harry finds that he and Blaise have more in common than he would have thought, such as spell crafting and transfigurations. Harry explained his reason to Blaise why he wants to teach Arithmancy rather than being an Auror. Blaise for his part adds that he wants to share his knowledge with others when it comes to Transfiguration. Harry and Blaise are not the only ones to find things in common. Although Neville is not a potion genius like Draco, they found their common bond in rare plants. The conversation between the four flowed smoothly, and Harry could not believe how easy it was.
After breakfast they went into the sitting room, Harry went over to the fireplace, realizing that he needed to floo call Severus to make sure he knew that he can floo into Harry and Draco's private quarters. Harry throws some floo powder into the fireplace, and it flares to life. He sees's Severus and Remus sitting in the chair in front of the fireplace they seem to be in a deep conversation.
"Hello, how are you two this morning?" Harry asks to get their attention.
"We are doing well Harry, and Remus and I were discussing your message. Is there something else that you needed?" For some reason, Harry did not believe him. There is something Remus and Severus are keeping from him. The look in Remus's eyes says it all. However, Harry feels it is not a secret that will endanger what they are about to do. So he leaves it for now, when Remus is ready to speak with him, Harry will be waiting.
"Actually there is, I was informed this morning that I can extend an invitation for those I trust to enter my quarters," Harry tells Severus. "So if it is ok with you everyone can leave your quarters to mine? I will set a password for you and the others to come through." Harry stop speaking for a minute to think of a suitable password. "How about Basilisks for the password?"
"That should work? Will you change the password each time we meet?" Since their talk Severus notices there is a difference in Harry's demeanor, he speaks with more confidence and authority. Something must have happened between him and Draco, and it seemed it was for the better. He did not mention this to Harry. Severus wants to see what other changes has occurred.
"Possible," Harry tells him. "I would like for the password can only be spoken to us and no other." Severus gives Harry an affirmative nod that he understands. They say their goodbyes and carry on with the rest of their morning.
When Harry is finished with his conversation, he calls his personal elf to let him know that there will be guests arriving for lunch. Draco sits back and watches his mate in pride. The way Harry spoke with his godfather with respect and authoritatively and the way he speaks with the elves. Speaking of which, Draco wonders why the elves speak perfect English. He also wants to know why they are are properly dressed. Most elves wear a pillowcase and their family insignia.
"Magnus," Draco calls to the elf getting his attention. "Why is it that you speak and act differently from all of the other elves I have known my entire life?" he asks. Magnus turns to Draco, giving him his full attention.
"The founders felt Consort Slytherin," Magnus begins. "That it was important for all house elves to be educated. We might seem like a lower life form, but the founders wanted all magical creatures to have a formal education. We were able to attend school, along with the children. We learned how to read and write. We were also given proper clothing to wear. It was also our choice whether we wanted to bond with a family or not. Somewhere along the way our choices were taken away from us."
This made everyone in the room upset; to think there was a time the elves had a chance to choose for themselves. How far had the Wizarding world fallen?
"Why have you stayed loyal to the founders all this time?" Asks Blaise.
"We the elves of the founders were waiting for the Heirs to return. We knew that once they took up the mantle, things will once again change for the better. In secret Sprite and I have spoken to the other elves in the castle, and they are eager to learn and wear clothing, but they do not want to leave Lady Hogwarts, she has been good to them. They are loyal to her and now to you my Lords." Magnus says with a respect bow.
Hearing this saddens Harry, and he is sure the others in the room. Harry knows what it was like to grow up feeling inferior and ignorant. He never occurred to him that the house elves would feel the same.
"Thank you, Magnus, we will do everything we can to set things back to the way they were for the elves of not only Hogwarts but also the Wizarding world as a whole," Harry vows.
Magnus popped away, and the four men begin to talks a bit more about other things that need to change and what their roles will be to bring about the change. Harry decides that now is a the perfect to speak with Neville in private before everyone showed up. "Neville, could I borrow you for a bit?"
"Sure Harry." Nevilles leans over and kisses Blaise on his lips. Harry blush at seeing how freely Neville shows his mate affection, then looks over to see Draco staring at him.
Draco smiles seductively and gives Harry the come hither gesture. Harry smiles and shakes his head no. If Draco touches him right now, the things he needs to discuss with Neville and the other's will all be forgotten.
Harry, chuckles when Draco pouts, "Don't pout Draco it is unbecoming of a Malfoy." Harry says.
"Fine," Draco says with a put out sigh. "I need to acquaint myself with our new dwellings," Draco continues. "And I need to speak with Helga on a few things concerning Hufflepuff," He adds grudgingly. "A Malfoy now mixed with Hufflepuffs, things are seriously about to change," Draco says shaking his head standing to his feet.
The others smiled at the look on Draco's face. No one would believe a supreme Slytherin would become the proxy for Hufflepuff, but Harry strong believes Draco will bring pride to the house others have often looked at as soft.
"As do I," Blaise adds in. "This is out of my element, but I want to be prepared for the task at hand."
With that, Neville kissed his mate while Draco and Harry play a quick game of catch me if you can before they go about their mission. Harry escorts Neville to his personal library. Then walks over to his chair and sits at his desk while Neville sits in the chair in front of Harry's desk.
He did not want to beat around the bush, "Neville I think it's time we show who we are. Our plan to hide and see what would happen from the shadows will not work. Especially now that we have our mates on our side."
"I completely agree, the longer we hide, the more control Dumbledore and Voldemort will gain over the school and the Wizarding world," Neville tells him.
"I think we need to tackle each problem one at a time. However, We need to get Dumbledore and all his followers out of the school and away from those that he can easily influence. But I just don't want him gone from the school. I want him dead," Harry declares with finality in his voice.
"We have quite a lot to put him in Azkaban, but I fear that he will find a way to get around that." Neville states. "Maybe the goblins can help us. I will send a message asking for their assistance, and I am sure that they have more a ton of incriminating information that things he did to you. We also have child abuse and neglect to add to the charges."
Nodding his head, Harry had thought of that. He was not sure if he was ready to let the whole world know how he had lived for the first eleven years of his life. "Let's leave that part for the end. Besides I would rather use the information, the goblins have to send Ron, Hermione, and Ms. Weasley to Azkaban. I still have not told Draco everything."
"Have you figured out how to get the dark mark off Snape and Lucius as of yet? I have been doing research since we met with them last, but I am not having much success." Neville asks his brother.
"No, what if it is something simple and we are over thinking it. If Granger were not such a conniving bitch, her research abilities would be helpful." Harry's lips curl angrily at the thought of asking Hermione for help.
"Speaking of which have you thought about what you are going to do with the traitors? I know what you said a few minutes ago. But wouldn't you rather see your revenge come to fruition by your own doing?"
Harry shakes his head. "Not yet but whatever it is they are going to suffer for their actions. No longer Neville will I sit by and let others hurt me or mine!"
Neville looks at his brother. In the past couple months since the start of school, Harry has matured not just in height but weight. But he had grown in confidence. Neville is proud to call him brother and friend.
They were deep in their planning when Sprite pops in to let them know they had guests waiting. When they walk into the sitting room, they see Mr. & Mrs. Malfoy standing, with Severus and Remus beside them. Harry has always thought that Mrs. Malfoy was beautiful and dressed in a manner to fit the pure blood she is. Today, she has on a blue pantsuit tailored to her feminine physique, her robe is white with short sleeves and opens adding a new dimension to her suit. Her blonde and raven hair is in curls and frames her face highlighting her gray eyes. Narcissa Malfoy looks like a model on a runway. Harry did not want to show it, but he is very nervous, With Draco not in the room he did not want to embarrass himself.
"Duke Slytherin, it is a pleasure to meet you," Narcissa says before Harry can introduce himself. Then she turns to Neville, "You as well DukeGryffindor" She bows in respect.
"I must say Lady Malfoy you are beautiful as ever if I was not already mated I would steal you away from your husband," Neville says lifting her hand and placing a respectful kiss on the back. Narcissa giggles like a high school fan girl. Harry sneaks a look to Lucius, who has a scowl on his face.
Harry shows Narcissa the same respect, by bowing then kissing the back of her hand. "As my brother stated, it is always wonderful to be in the presence of such beauty." Narcissa giggled again while Severus and Remus rolled their eyes. Lucius scowl deepened and Harry held back his chuckle. Narcissa's eyes widen when Draco and Blasé walk into the room like they owned it.
"Dragon darling! What in heaven's are you doing here?" She asks with surprise. Although Harry suspects her surprise is just for show.
Draco looks over at Severus, "You did not tell them?"
"It is not for me to tell Draco," Severus drawls.
Lucius speaks up to ask. "Draco, what are you and Severus talking about?"
Draco walks over to Harry and puts his arm around him then pulls him to his chest. Draco then gives him a kiss on the cheek, "Mother, Father I would like for you to meet Harry, my mate," He revealed.
"Oh, Dragon that is wonderful!" Narcissa exclaimed excitedly. Again Harry has the strangest feeling that Narcissa figured I out before Lucius did evidence by the surprised look on the older Malfoy's face.
"Please tell me you are not going to faint again," Harry blurts out to Lucius.
Everyone turns to look at Lucius, "I did not faint, I-." He begins.
"Yes, yes, we all know Luc," Severus interrupts. "You merely trip and fell."
"Exactly," Lucius affirms.
"We have to get started right away," Narcissa says stopping all other antics. "Lucius, we need to go to Gringotts and get the bonding rings, and then we have to register them with the ministry. Then we have to plan the ceremony. Blaisé is that why you are here as well, to celebrate their bonding?" She rattled off and asked without taking a breath. All the men in the room just stared at her as if she lost her mind.
"Ummm…yes and no, you see Harry and Draco are not the only ones to find their mates Mrs. Malfoy. Blaisé and I are also mated," Neville states proudly.
"What a blessing," Narcissa gushes. "A double bonding. I must get in touch with Augusta; she must be as ecstatic as am I. And, Blasé I know that your mother will be happy for you." She goes on.
"I will be happy about what?" Asks another voice that Harry had never heard before, it is feminine and has a bit of an accent. When he turns around, there is a very beautiful woman standing behind him. Magnus is standing beside her. He bows and pops out immediately.
Rumors have spread with knowledge of how beautiful Blaise's mother is, but Harry was not expecting such a regal and gorgeous woman. Her skin the color of sweet caramel, her eyes are gold with a hint of green and her hair black as midnight flow in ringlets down her back. Harry can see why her beauty would be deadly to men who crossed her path because once she has them in her web they are trapped. Harry believes that any man who does not treasure this beautiful woman and does not try to keep her is a bloody fool.
"Stephania, don't you look wonderful?" Narcissa exclaimed. "Isn't wonderful news our boys are to be bonded? Blasé and Neville make such a sweet couple." She goes on oblivious to Stephania's surprise to her announcement.
"È esatto mio figlio," Inquires Stephania. (Is that right my son)
"Sì, la madre lo è, io sono il suo compagno, il mio treasure, " Responds Blaisé. (Yes, mother I am his companion, my treasure.)
It all blindside Stephania, the only thing she knows today after receiving the message from the house elf was that her son needed to speak with her. Now she finds out that he is mated to a Longbottom no less. She has nothing against the House of Longbottom, but a little warning would have been helpful. However, Stephania will support Blaisé in all things as long as he is happy with his choices.
And that is what Stephania needed to know is he happy with his choice. "E tu sei soddisfatto di questo mio piccolo?" (Are you satisfied with your choice my little one?)
He smiled and looked at Neville then back to Stepahnia, "Sì, mamma io sono." (Yes, mother I am.)
Everyone lets out a sigh of relief from the tension that entered the room while Blaise and Staphania spoke to each other.
Stephania walks over to him, and Neville extends her hand. "I accept and bless this union as the only parent to Blaisé," She says. "Make him happy Lord Longbottom or else" The threat is left open and nothing else needed to be said.
Harry is euphoric when he see's Stephania extends her hand to Neville and blesses their union. Harry also wonders why Blaise or Neville did not correct her that he now goes by Duke Gryffindor and not Longbottom.
After speaking with Neville and Blaise Stephania turns to everyone in the room, raise an eyebrow in true Slytherin form, "Now will someone tell me what I am doing here, and what the bloody hell is Draco doing with his arms around Potter?"