Draco P.O.V.
I sat beside Uncle Severus and Hermione on the couch, the two of them greeting each other around me. Harry was still comfy cozy in Singer's chair. I was surprised that when Severus walked in, Harry didn't get up and storm off. Instead, he greeted him rather warmly, Severus shaking his hand even giving him a hug. It was so jarring to see after so many years of hate between them. I would bug them for explanations later. Dean had long since parked himself on the couch arm next to Hermione. I didn't think he had any sort of problem with Severus being there, but hey, I've been wrong before. Jo...well, she obviously wanted nothing to do with him. As such was obvious by the way she refused to sit down, arms crossed.
I peeked over at Severus and by the hidden smirk, I knew he noticed. He was used to people being unsettled by him, so it was more amusing now than ever; especially now because he didn't have to hide anything.
"Severus, you look well. Completely healed up I take it?" Harry asked an easy smile spread on his face.
"Entirely, thanks to you and the meddlesome bird of Dumbledore's," He paused, "You on the other hand have seen better days. What happened?" An uncharacteristic shyness came over both Harry and I and I dipped my head. Of course the bat noticed and raised an eyebrow, "If you react like that, I definitely need to know." To his credit, he didn't pull out his wand, so at least he wasn't going to go through either of our minds. I looked up and met eyes with Harry. The message was clear; "Later Uncle, it isn't worth bothering with right now."
He looked between us and accepted the answer – for now. He would know one way or another. The four of us – Jo remained stubbornly silent – folded into easy conversation, that conversation becoming a bit bigger when Singer, Ellen, and Samuel came back from the café. Ellen was apologetic that she didn't have enough for Severus to which he gracefully brushed off, saying he would be perfectly alright without anything. Samuel was in awe of Severus; I had told him all about his accomplishments in Potions and other things and even though Samuel wasn't a wizard, he was completely fascinated with the genius before him. Even Singer was surprised to find him pleasant. I guess Harry hadn't always said the greatest things about him.
Once they had settled down, finding seating wherever they could, Jo stalked upstairs without a word. Ellen glanced at me and I shrugged; I had no idea what was wrong with her. "So, Severus, how'd you find us?" Hermione asked, nursing a small hot chocolate.
"Once I was discharged from the hospital, I was asked to a meeting with Minerva. She brought me up to date were Draco was. Since Draco couldn't go far without you Hermione – how are your prenatal potions working by the way? – I figured he'd have you tag along. Harry was the surprise I admit." She nodded with a smile, "Indeed, I did follow. You know I never could stay out of trouble as much as I wished I could. Draco has been doing a fine job of taking care of me and the baby, thank you for asking."
"The little girl will be well taken care of," Severus smiled and I groaned, "Guys, I've told you all, it's going to be a boy! Every single sign points to such,"
"Every sign pointed to you being a female, and yet here you are." Severus pointed out with a grin. I rolled my eyes with a tiny smile. It was good to see him relaxed and happy so I wouldn't ruin it for him.
"You know I'm not entirely sure his is a dude. He's too pretty!" Dean laughed from the arm of the couch. I flipped him the two fingered salute and he returned with the bird. "I assure you I am completely male," I snip before standing to trash my empty take away cup. Feet followed me to the kitchen and I turned.
"Who the hell does he think he is?" Jo hissed in the dim light. I folded my arms across my chest and leaned back against the counter. Jo for whatever reason looked pissed beyond measure.
"My godfather? What kind of question is that?" I shake my head in confusion. She glared at me, "You know what I mean. After all he'd done to Harry when you were kids he thinks he has any right to come here and makes friends?"
"What he has done," I whisper stalking forward, getting in her face, "Is save his life and protected him. Taught him valuable spells so he could protect himself if Severus was ever killed. What he has done is gone to the brink of death for Harry and the side of Light. He taught him that heroes, however they appear, are in the most unlikely places. Severus is a good man, and I will not let you think badly of him because a few childhood stories." To my surprise, I kept my voice level, without the slightest shake. I brushed past her shocked face back into the living room, just before the group of people laughed about some joke Dean was spinning.
*DoP*
"Hey," Harry whispered from beside me. My eyes flickered and slow smile spread across my face, "Hey." He shuffled closer to me, black hair tickled my nose. I sighed and wrapped my arm around him, fingers dancing across his bare skin.
"Sleep well?" My voice was rough with sleep and I felt Harry shiver. He turned his head up and kissed the underside of my jaw, "Great. Better than I have in forever."
"Good," I dipped my head down and kissed his lips softly.
I wake with a start, sitting up immediately. My room was completely dark and the door was shut the way I left it. Thankfully I was the only one in here. I wiped the blanket across my forehead, mopping away the sweat that had built up. Where had that come from? Moving the blankets off of me and standing, I finally felt the chill in the room. Oh right, no heat. I didn't shiver though; I was way too worked up from the dream. Well, I least I think it was a dream. Based on my empty bed I would say that it was but something about it felt off.
I tore off my shirt and slide back into bed, pushing all the blankets but one to the end of the bed. Determined, I closed my eyes willing myself to get back to sleep. My mind on the other hand was not having it, snippets of the dream flashing before my closed eyes. The ghostly feel of soft bare skin under my fingertips was no help either and I found myself flipping onto my back with a huff. Well no sleep for me. That and a problem that begged attention I refused to give.
*DoP*
"God, Draco. You look like you've been hit by a bus." Dean commented before sipping a mug of coffee. He and Harry were sitting at the table in the small kitchen in varying degrees of awareness.
"You don't look entirely peachy either you know." I snark and pour myself a mug of the rich black substance. Adding only a spoon of sugar, I moved to the table. I couldn't find the energy to sit up, so I leaned back in the chair as much as it would allow. Suddenly grateful that Severus had gone and found a hotel for the night I didn't think I could have faced him yet. Not looking like this. Harry was leaning on one hand, eyes half closed. I held one finger to my lips with a look to Dean hoping that he would get what I meant. He winked and downed the rest of his coffee.
I reached one hand towards Harry without him even beginning to comprehend what I was doing. Before I could change my mind, I pushed his elbow towards him, setting him off balance. Harry snorted in surprise and straightened himself, "What the bloody hell? Draco!" Dean and I started laughing and I nearly pitched out of my chair dodging Harry's half hearted swat towards me. We were still laughing when Ellen stepped in, "What has you two in stitches?"
Harry glared in my direction again before turning a pouting look to the matron, "Draco was being a jerk," Ellen smiled and patted Harry on the head, "Aw, I'm sure he was only playing baby. It's your turn to cook by the way." He groaned and it sparked another round of gut busting laughter from Dean and I. Ellen simply smiled, patted his head, and moved to make herself coffee.
An hour later, everyone was awake and fed. Samuel was pretty much bouncing with excitement as he searched book after book for something. I stood behind him undetected for about five minutes before I spoke, "Samuel, what are you searching for?" As predicted, he jumped slightly.
"Nothing much, just a Halloween costume. It is tomorrow after all." He grinned and went back to flipping through pages of some time-worn book. I checked my mental calendar and was surprised. Had it really been almost a month since Harry banged down my flat door? Time passed quickly when you're having fun as the saying goes.
"So, what are you thinking?" I sat on the small stool by the bookshelf and picked on off it. Samuel flipped a couple of pages with a thoughtful look, "I'm not sure. Maybe something no other person would understand. Something just hunters would get,"
"That's going to be tough kid. Hmm," I flipped through the book, scanning the increasingly weird creatures that filled the pages. All of this seemed unrealistic for a kid's costume. "Are you sure you want to do something like this? It's all seems…too much."
Samuel hummed, closing the book and setting back on the shelf, "Maybe you're right. What about something we could all do together?"
"What you thinking?" I closed my own book with a snap. His eyes light up with excitement. For a moment, I saw a young Harry in them; so much of the excitement and eagerness that he'd had in first year.
"This is going to be awesome,"
*DoP*
"Make way for the King and his legion," Severus shouted in his smooth drawl. The crowd of Halloween goers parted effortlessly with whispers of excitement, anticipation, and wonder. Dean stepped out first, full Roman battle dress. His (fake) sword was held in the air and he wore the most serious of expressions. Singer followed after him, a similar outfit with a heavy red cloak draped over one shoulder and a golden laurel in his hair. Harry and I stepped out behind him, matching Dean. Once we were all out, the Roadhouse erupted into cheers and we all bowed slightly.
Severus called out again with a slight smirk, "The Queen, her ladies, and the Crown Prince," Samuel came out first, in a little minute version of Singer's costume. His grin was beaming and he never took his hand off the hilt of his sword. When he suggested the idea for the group costume, I was a little wary of the others going for it. We teenagers were all for it, but Singer, Ellen, and Severus (dressed as a royal vizier in all black) were a little hesitant. One puppy eyed look from Samuel was all it took for them to cave though. We'd spent all the rest of the day coordinating the costumes and transfiguring all the sheets and shirts we could find.
Hermione and Jo followed after Samuel, in cream and peach respectively. Their dresses were probably the most accurate of all the costumes. The sweeping gowns made each young woman look radiant. Hermione had her curls pulled up in the traditional style of the times and Jo left hers down, claiming that Aphrodite never put her hair up. Both had large silver necklaces and a dozen silver bangles, making music when they walked. Ellen was last, decked head to toe in purple and gold; traditional colors of royalty. The room bowed respectively even though a wave of laughter flooded the room at the sight of their take-no-shit bar matron in a dress. She smiled and curtsied with a laugh of her own.
The room clapped when Severus bowed before joining the rest of us for a picture; one that would grace the wall of the bar forever. He clapped me on the shoulder as the music resumed and the group broke off to do whatever they please. It was a party of hunters, unbeknownst to Hermione. Gah, we really needed to tell her. After the baby is born; maybe.
"You've got me in this ridiculous costume, the least you could tell me is where in all the worlds you came up with it."
"It was Samuel's idea actually. I just happened to like it," I smirk and sheathed my fake sword in the shiny bronze holder. He gave me a sour look that gave away how much he doubted that, "Hmm. I suppose I have nothing to prove otherwise?"
"Not a thing." I laughed at his grumble before moving off so I wouldn't get an unwanted hex. I searched around for the rest of the party, spotting Ellen and Singer sitting in a booth Samuel and Harry had tricked out to be the royal box. Each had a drink in their hands, laughing over something a man I didn't recognize said. Hermione and Samuel were dancing away, however dorky the picture made. I shook my head as Samuel tried to guide her in an underarm turn. He was a bit shorter than her, so it was quite the effort to make it on her part.
Jo was behind the bar, serving sodas and such to the younger crowd. It didn't surprise me that she would place herself somewhere she was comfortable with, despite her costume. I was glad to see most people under twenty were dressed up and having fun. A hunter's life was not easy (and I'd barely nicked the surface) so a party like this was what everybody needed. Craning my neck, I searched for the familiar head of messy black hair. Where had he gone off to?
I was about to turn around when cold aluminum foil wrapped wood pressed against my throat, "You are to remain silent for your own good," came the harsh whisper at my ear. I relaxed and let them take my arm and pin it behind me. I never once saw my capture's face but I didn't worry. The entire time they dragged me into some dark corner of the bar, I was laughing silently to myself. Finally, I was released and I turn to see a laughing Harry tucking his sword away.
"Was the dramatics necessary?"
"Entirely; this is the first time I've truly dressed up for Halloween so I milking it for all it's worth." He planted his hands on his hips and hung his head. If I didn't know any better, I would think he was disappointed with himself.
"Well good. Merlin knows we need some fun. Now, why did you drag me over here, threatening my life?" I straighten the breast plate out so that it wasn't choking me. It wasn't metal and it wasn't heavy, but damn did it restrict some movement.
"Dean and I thought that you'd want to leave the crowd." He shrugged. Huh; thoughtful. Not to mention very observant. I tended to avoid large crowds, even if it was people I knew.
"Thank you. Where's Dean then?"
Harry grinned, "Outside. Come on, we wanted to show you first. Also, you have to learn your lines." He grabbed my wrist and started pulling me towards the back door.
"Lines? Wait, Harry, what do you mean?" I didn't remember anything about lines or anything that wasn't our entrance. What had this crazy kid planned? He finally tugged me out behind the Roadhouse and I was surprised to see seating surrounding an empty circle. There was a raised platform with steps: three chairs on the top, two on the second. By the fabric draping it, I figured that would be seating for the others. A look up revealed fairy lights strung in a crazy pattern above the 'stage.'
"Harry what is all this?" I ask in awe, taking in all the decorations.
"The entertainment of the night – that's why you've got to learn your lines. Everybody else knows them," He let me go and walked over to a curtain hanging by the platform. He straightened it out and let it fall again, creating a better look.
"When did you guys plan all this?"
"Last night. You'd fallen asleep and we didn't want to wake you up. Everyone is cool with it." Just then Dean jogged up, "Hey, so Rufus and Garth are ready to go when we are. Draco," He shoved a handful of papers at me, "Memorize those." I took them and sat in a chair. The lines were simple and I only had one so that was good. I shook my head at some of the lines (especially Hermione's; goodness, what were they thinking?)
All in all, it only took me a few minutes longer to memorize what I needed to. I told Harry this and we spent the next few minutes getting ready to have the party move outside.
*DoP*
Once the crowd had filled the seats, Severus strutted through to the platform and announced us all. Dean was first again, followed by Singer with Ellen on his arm. Samuel was behind them, Hermione and Jo next, with Harry and me bringing up the rear. The five took their seats, we 'guards' and Severus standing close by them.
The plan was to have the party goers come before the 'royal' family and state an entertainment. Whether they are jesters or cheerleaders, everyone brought something to show off. The hardest part was keeping a straight face as instructed. Some of the jokes were priceless. Finally, after everyone had their turn, a man I'd learned was named Garth, stepped forward with another man following him. Garth was maybe a few years older than I, while the second man was easily Singer's age. Rufus was his name.
"Your Majesties," Garth started and I recognized the cue start of our performance, "I have come for a request." He bowed low at the waist, Rufus following his lead.
"Continue," Singer said in an almost bored tone. Ellen leaned down to whisper to Samuel and he nodded before standing and exiting the platform. Try to remember, this is all in the script.
"I have come seeking the hand of the beautiful Lady Hermione," Garth smiled in her direction. On cue, her face screwed up, but she said nothing. Ellen straightened in her chair, procuring an air of haughtiness, "Give me a reason to deem you worthy!"
Garth laughed slightly and hung his head, "Truth be told my Queen, I have nothing to show but my love for the gentle lady,"
"Then you are dismissed," Ellen waved and turned her head. Garth's head snapped up, "My Queen, please, let the lady chose me!" He took a step forward, to which Dean and I drew our swords and moved to block the platform from him.
"Take your leave, sir," I said lowly, meant solely for him. He looked over my shoulder, "You will never be rid of me!" He stepped away from me and drew his sword, "I will duel for her hand!" Rufus threw off the cloak he was wearing and revealed his costume. It was similar to mine, but it definitely showed off his muscle better. Dean and I rushed Garth and the three of us engage in sparring. The crowd around gasped as Rufus headed for the platform, and then taken on by Harry and Severus.
Both matches went on together, the six of us whirling around the circle of the stage. Singer had ushered the girls behind him and drew his own sword waiting if the fighting would come upon him. I was struck on my side for the third time and took my cue to fall and roll, pretending to die. Dean and Garth locked swords and pushed against each other and the scene looked far more intense from the ground.
Harry took his dive next, falling not too far from me. It was hard to act dead when you were panting, but at least he was smiling. Severus was struck next and he pitched himself dramatically on the bottom tear of the platform. Singer took his place and the girls backed as far as they could.
A triumphant cry came from the side of the stage. Samuel had gathered the kids his age and younger and they stormed the stage. Garth and Rufus were instantly overcome with the legion of children taking them down. The crowd cheered and I let out a secret laugh at the fun. It took only a minute for Samuel to bind their hands behind them and he presented them to Singer, "Father, I have captured them!"
"Your legion has done well and you shall be rewarded. First though, I wish to honor the man who survived the attack. Guard, step forward and state your name,"
Dean took a step towards the platform and puffed his chest, "Dean Your Honor."
"Dean, I present you with the hand of Lady Hermione," Singer took Hermione's hand and placed it in Dean's. She flushed prettily, "Oh thank you. You have protected my honor. I am forever grateful to you." She dipped her head and I saw her roll her eyes and smile.
Dean lifted her chin, "It was my honor, my lady."
At that, those of us who'd fallen, stood and joined the line of actors. We all took each other's hands, and bowed to the cheer of the crowd. Merlin, I hoped someone had gotten all that on video camera. I hadn't had so much fun in all my years as I had in the last month. The cheer started to die down as the sugar highs ran out. Kids were soon yawning and trying not to drop where they stood and adults were ready to get going. Not too long after that, the Roadhouse cleared. Once I was sure every muggle was gone, I pulled out my wand as did the other wizards among us. Eventually, everything was cleaned up: the bar back to its usual appearance and the back an empty space once more.
I transfigured my 'armor' back into is normal shirt. It didn't surprise me that it ended up being Harry's shirt. It was more of a grab anything that could be changed – nobody was worrying about who's was who's. Harry came up to me, embarrassingly enough, in my shirt, "Looks like we have a mix up,"
"Agreed. It is nice and roomy though," I toss a smirk at him and he snorted. "Whatever prat. Anyways, everyone's ready to go so we're leaving. You're in the truck with me by the way."
"No problem. Hey, did anyone videotape our skit?" I asked as we walked to the door. Harry nodded, "Garth had set up a camera in the back, got all of it to."
"Awesome. I'll want to watch it tomorrow." I smiled and clambered into the truck, feeling the exhaustion of the night finally sink in. I heard Harry agree to watch it with me and then I was out. I didn't even remember him starting the truck.
*DoP*
Long chapter! Wohoo! I wanted to make up for the super late, super short chapter on Thursday. It doesn't have a whole lot to do with the plot (plot? what plot!?) but at least it was fun. The next chapter will center on Harry's favorite café (bonus points for whoever remembers the name of it) and their first time adding to the tree. After that…who knows. Maybe you guys could drop some ideas of what you want to see next for our boys. Until next time!