DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter and all other characters and locations belong to J. K. Rowling.
Chapter Seventeen - Divine Intervention
Shrugging his shoulders indifferently, Harry spun back around and fastened his eyes on the wizard climbing slowly to his feet. Lips drawing back from dainty fangs, Harry smiled sweetly and advanced on the mortal. "You and I, Lucius Malfoy, are going to have ourselves a little chat."
XxX
Ignoring Dwayne's persistent screams for release, Harry paced closer to Lucius Malfoy, amusement lighting his eyes as the wizard frantically patted his pockets. The relieved cry that escaped the mortal's mouth heralded the appearance of a wand within his hand, the tip lifting jerkily to point at Harry's bare chest. Eyebrows arching, the raven-haired Retriever slowed his glide, emerald orbs locked on the glowing length of wood. "Lower your wand, wizard", he crooned softly, opening his wings in a beguiling manner. He froze at a particularly raucous cry from behind him, his wings snapping closed as he whirled to glare at the other Retriever. "Really, Dwayne, must you squeal like a stuck pig while I'm conducting business?"
"I'm going to kill you, Potter!" Dwayne screeched, prying at the blade spitting him to the wall next to the door. Steam rose from the wound as the iron slowly seared his flesh, his bloody fingers scrabbling desperately at the golden hilt quivering just beyond his grasp. Amber eyes rolling wildly, the blond Retriever spat futilely in Harry's direction, earning himself nothing more than a condescending sneer.
"It will take a much better demon than you, Dwayne Cornelis Fourcade," Harry murmured coldly. Sighing lightly, he returned his attention to Lucius Malfoy, eyes widening when he realized the wizard was no longer where he'd been left. A flash of movement near the far wall turned his head, his eyes catching the smallest glimpse of dark robes before a shifting bookcase slammed closed. Shoulders slumping, he turned burning emeralds upon Dwayne and snarled, "now do you see what you've done?" Without thought, he launched himself across the room, his entire body crashing recklessly into the sturdy walnut shelving. Shredded parchment and torn leather flew through the air, the thick shelves groaning plaintively beneath his weight.
Glittering orbs narrowing in outrage, Dwayne loosed a shriek that rattled the glass panes in the windows. "I'm going to tear you apart, you bloated pigeon! Feather by feather and finger by finger until you beg for mercy! The angel's in Heaven will hear your wails of pain!"
Harry stumbled back from the bookcase and gave his head a shake, lifting a gentle hand to probe his nose. His eyes slitted in disgust as his fingers slid through blood, the coppery smell overwhelming his senses. Teeth grit, he turned his gaze and anger upon the nearest object of insignificance, which just happened to be Dwayne. "Shut up, you feeble-minded moron!" He bellowed, tugging the hurlbat from his belt and hurling it forcefully across the room. One of the razor sharp blades bit into the wall next to the shouting Retriever's head, bringing him to an abrupt halt as his eyes locked on the shining metal.
A satisfied hiss slipped from the raven-haired Retriever's lips, his orbs glowing with a feral light. He turned back to the bookshelf and growled, stretching out a powerful arm and sweeping the remaining books from the crooked shelves. Narrowing his eyes, he glanced over his shoulder at the silent demon pinned to the wall beside the door. "Remember my words, Fourcade," he rumbled, burying his nails deep within the walnut wood of the bookcase. With a wiggle of his fingers, he wrenched backwards, tearing the heavy bookcase from its hinges.
"Hades will hear about this, Potter!" Dwayne barked in response to the veiled threat.
"I'm sure he will," Harry replied in disinterest, carelessly tossing the bookcase aside. Laughing lightly, he stared at the gaping hole in the wall, a delighted shudder running down his spine. With one final glance at Dwayne, he bent his knees and leapt over the ruined bookshelf and the books it had contained, hurtling into the welcoming darkness of the passage. He barreled down the corridor silently, his wings tucked tight against his back as he lifted his nose like a hound scenting a frightened fox. In the distance, the hurried slap of boot heels against stone was a tempting lure, the noise aiding him far better than any smell.
It took him less than thirty-five seconds to run the wizard to ground. He slowed his pace when the running mortal came into sight, sliding gracefully into a light footed lope that carried him ever closer to the panting man. A muffled bay erupted from his throat, the sound drawing a cry of fear from Lucius Malfoy. Heart racing, Harry erupted from the shadows behind the wizard like a rabid wolf, his teeth bared and his eyes wild. As the blond scrabbled with the latch of another hidden door, the raven-haired Retriever struck. The force of his impact carried them through the hidden doorway and into the main hall.
Harry fell back nimbly, his heart pounding and his nostrils flaring as he observed the stunned wizard. He drew a deep calming breath, holding the air within his lungs for a moment before exhaling slowly. As calmness settled upon him, he scanned the hallway quickly, taking in the low burning torches and the narrow windows barely concealed by red velvet hangings. His watchful eyes returned to Dracos' sire, delighting in the almost tangible smell of fear emanating from the mortal.
"Get back!" Lucius Malfoy squawked, spinning around and stumbling backwards until his back slammed into the wall. He brandished his wand wildly, swinging its sparking tip back and forth. His eyes widened in startled recognition as Harry glided forward, mouth falling open as the demon arched his wings and gave a shallow bow. "You, half-blood scum!"
Harry heaved a deep sigh and lifted a hand to rub his right temple, the glow in his eyes fading. "The scum is warranted," he drawled, "though I'm afraid the half-blooded part is unacceptable." His wings rustled, plated scales rasping against each other in a soft hiss. "I am as pureblooded as you, Lucius Scorpius Malfoy, perhaps even more so."
Mustering up his courage, Lucius gave a disdainful sniff and ran his narrowed eyes up the dark-haired male's form. "I dont know who you think you are-"
"Allow me to introduce myself," Harry purred, taking pleasure in the indignant look that crossed the blond's face as he was glibly cut off. Straightening liquidly, the Retriever folded his wings and lifted his chin, flashing curving fangs in a polite smile. "I am Harry, a friend and companion of your son, Draco."
"Draco!" Lucius practically screamed, eyes widening at the mention of his son and heir's name. "My son would never associate with the likes of you, you . . ."
A throbbing purr trickled from Harrys' mouth, his eyes becoming shuttered by dark lashes. "Demon," he breathed softly. The whispered word seemed to echo in the corridor; a promise of pain and death should it come to that. He chuckled lightly, opening his wings in an explosive movement that caused the wizard to utter a startled shriek and press closer to the wall behind him. "And you, Lucius Malfoy, owe me."
Blinking, Lucius stared at the dark-haired demon in silent incomprehension. "Owe you?" He parroted, the tip of his wand dipping. His eyes darted to the left and right, seeking some means of escape. Deciding to make a mad dash for safety, he began to shift his weight, freezing when the tall male appeared suddenly within his path.
Fairly radiating excitement, Harry smiled. "I saved your life. Therefore, you are in my debt." Taking pride in his cleverness, the Retriever cocked his head, emeralds shimmering brightly. "I wish to collect immediately," he stated reasonably.
"Saved my life? From what?" Lucius snapped, planting his hands on his hips and glowering at the demon. He couldn't help the anxious tapping of his foot, nor could he help the narrowing of his eyes. Opening his mouth to loose an angered tirade upon the male claiming to be a friend of his son, he halted, eyes widening as the entire demeanor of demon changed. In the blink of an eye, the dark-haired male went from sociable and civilized to demonic.
"Dwayne would surely have killed you had I left him to continue his interrogation," Harry snarled, growing suddenly weary of the game he was playing with the mortal. His eyes took on an unnatural shine, the emerald orb expanding until only a narrow slit of black remained. He stretched his wings in a restless movement, the dark scales glimmering under the waning light of the torches hanging upon the walls. "A life debt is owed. It would be best for you to repay me now, before I have a chance to think of a truly heinous task for you to complete."
Realizing he didnt have a choice, Lucius huffed unhappily and flipped his hair back over his shoulder. "What do you want?" He spat in disgust, eager to get these dealings done with.
"Draco," Harry responded ruthlessly.
Lucius glared at the demon silently, his mind trying to wrap itself around the prompt answer. When dawning comprehension rose, he blinked once, and then narrowed his eyes angrily. "Pardon me?" The question was little more than an outraged growl.
"I want your son. As hard as it may be to believe this, I happen to adore Draco. The only thing from preventing me from having him is you. Therefore, to fulfill your debt, you will make whatever assurances are necessary in order to allow Draco to have a relationship with me free of guilt." Harry explained calmly. A devilish smile crossed his lips as the expression on the wizard's face darkened. "Of course, if that's to much to ask of you, I'll just take your heart now. I am feeling a mite peckish," he added unnecessarily.
Lucius drew a calming breath, his fingers clenching on his wand. He knew his options were limited, in fact, he didn't seem to have any. "Fine," the wizard bit out, "I'll write him as soon as I return to my manor."
A shallow bob of his head was the only indication Harry gave that he'd heard the wizard. "It was good doing business with you," Lucius Malfoy. He swung around and began to slip back into the shadows, halting just beyond the light cast by the torches. "Should you renege on our agreement, Ill kill you." With that said, he faded into the darkness and vanished, leaving the blond staring at the spot he'd disappeared and silently wondering what he' condemned his son to.
Harry returned to Hogwarts in the early hours of the morning. Clouds had begun to gather above the school, releasing large flakes of snow that drifted silently to the ground. Between the heavy clouds, the moon hung low in the sky, its pale rays valiantly lighting the castle's grounds and the forest beyond. Warily glancing around, the Retriever began a slow stalk in the direction of the massive building, slowing when the strong smell of brimstone became apparent on the cold wind. Brow drawing down, he expanded his aura rapidly, swinging in the direction of the Forbidden Forest when the area lit up like a Christmas Tree under the touch of his magic.
Demons. Dozens of demons. All of them waiting silently within the tree line. All of them watching Hogwarts with an intensity rarely found in minor demons.
"Dark times are these, Harry James Potter."
The melodic purr had Harry stiffening, his dark wings unfurling slowly as he tipped his head to the left. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply, searching the winter wind for the pungent tang of sulphur and brimstone. His eyes snapped open when the breeze swirling around him strengthened, the sudden blast of icy air filling his nostrils with the scent of ambrosia and honey. "They are indeed dark, Lily Madelyn Evans," he replied calmly. He turned reluctantly to face the angel, sketching a shallow bow before lifting his eyes to meet shimmering emeralds uncannily similar to his own.
After a moment of silence, the tall woman tipped her head, hands smoothing the light fabric of the Grecian gown she wore. "So the rumours are true," murmured the red-haired angel, "you do have my eyes."
Harry merely nodded his head warily, glittering orbs drifting to the ivory wings folded behind the female's back. He had never met Lily Madelyn Evans before, but he had heard stories. Whispers and rumours that she was once one of Hades finest Retrievers. During the time she had resided in Hell, it was said that only one other Retriever in Hades retinue could best her: James Mortimer Porter, her lover and partner.
The pair had loyally served the God of Death for five long centuries, right up until the day Zeus paid Hades a visit. Zeus, maddened by the number of demons causing conflict upon the mortal plane, demanded Hades do something about the problem. Hades, in turn, agreed to limit the time his demons could spend upon the plane and increase the number of Retrievers at his call. And as a final sign of good faith, he gifted Zeus with Lily and James. Thus, creating the first pair of angels in Zeus' arsenal.
As if knowing where his mind traveled, Lily tipped her chin and offered him a fierce smile. "Rumours also say that you're better than I ever was." Her eyes flashed angrily, her smile becoming a bearing of teeth. "You have no idea, Retriever, how tempting it is to see if there's a shred of truth to that bit of gossip."
Harry couldn't help but return the snarl, half curious as to whether or not he could defeat the angel in battle. With one last rolling growl, he closed his wings and took a small step backward. "The laws forbid such a thing," he stated, planting his hands on his hips in an attempt to appear neutral. His chin lifted and his eyes narrowed suddenly, hands clenching in the cloth of his kilt. "Tell me, angel, why do you interfere in the business of Hell?"
"Hell's business is fast becoming Heavens'," Lily retorted, wheeling around and indicating the Forbidden Forest with a wave of a delicate hand. Under the light of the moon, she shone ethereally, her red hair appearing haloed. Her wings opened in a soft whisper, the moonlight catching the gleaming feathers and turning them a pale gold. "Demons amass before your very eyes, and yet you question my presence? I am your warning, Retriever. Zeus is greatly displeased with Hades inattention and has decided to act upon it. In two nights, if Hades has not recalled his army, Zeus will dispatch his."
Harrys eyes widened at the announcement, the smallest shiver of excitement running up his spine. "You speak of war?" He asked, the incredulity of the thought colouring his words and face.
Her expression darkening, Lily dipped her chin and nodded gravely. "An unholy war, Harry James Potter." She turned her eyes to him, the glowing orbs narrowing at the delighted smile curving his lips. Teeth grit in disapproval, she gave an angered shake of her head. "The thought of war should not bring happiness to your heart," she hissed, wings rustling softly as snow swirled down around them.
"But it does," the raven-haired Retriever replied easily, a hand lifting absently to caress the hilt of the sword riding his back. It wasn't his fault of course; every demon loved a good war. In fact, next to sex, war was a demon's favourite activity. And if you asked a demon to choose which one he preferred, he'd be hard pressed to give an answer. Giving a light shake of his head, Harry fixed his gaze on the demons gathering in the shadows. "Just as it would once have warmed yours."
"Past are those days, Retriever." Lily muttered, raising her eyes to the moon. She stared silently at the pale crescent, absorbed in some inner dialogue only she could hear. A small smile slid across her face as she lowered her gaze, her flashing eyes landing unerringly on the hand resting on his hip. "Your presence upon this plane defies Hades edict. Tell me, why are you here in this place of snow and magic without your Lord's blessing?"
Muscles tensing at the comment, Harry dropped his gaze to the simple circular tattoo on the back of his hand, eyes narrowing. "How did you know that?" He rasped, lifting his head and glaring at the angel. A soft rumble vibrated his chest at the serene expression on Lily's face, his hands clenching as he prepared himself for her response.
"As demons speak, so do angels. And sometimes, they even speak to each other." Amusement lit shimmering emeralds, the orbs dancing merrily at Harry's disgusted snort. Lifting a shoulder in an elegant shrug, Lily took five quick steps forward, bringing herself within inches of the raven-haired Retriever. "I still have friends who dwell within the depths of Hell. Friends who are only to happy to divulge the latest gossip to an old colleague. Do you know what they say about you, Harry James Potter? They say you're a combination of James and myself. That Hades recouped his loss by creating you: a single Retriever to replace his prized pair."
Harry sneered at the angel's words, taking a nervous step backwards as she pressed closer. "I am the best there is," he hissed tersely. "The best there ever was." His wings lifted proudly, the dark scales seeming to swallow the little light the moon offered.
In a strike far faster than any bolt of lightning, Lily wrapped narrow fingers around his throat. "Cockiness will get you killed, Retriever," she breathed, slitted orbs gleaming with a light no angel's should hold. Her fingers tightened slowly, her nails biting into the side of Harry' neck as he remained docile within her grip. With a final squeeze, she released him, shooting an annoyed look skyward. "Your motives for being upon this plane, at this time, are scarily pure. You seek to protect someone . . . a mortal male, how strange."
Swallowing, Harry resisted the urge to rub his bruised throat and raised his chin, one hand lifting to clasp the hilt of his sword. "My business here is none of your concern," he snapped roughly. He frowned when the angel merely smiled knowingly, a glint of smugness appearing upon her face. Teeth grit, he shook his head, displacing the flakes of snow that had gathered upon the tangled locks. "I am not good, angel. I'm a merciless killing machine. I have slaughtered hundreds without a thought. I cheat, lie, and steal as is my wont. I, Lily Madelyn Evans, am a demon spawned within the darkest corner of Hell."
Lily dipped her head in acknowledgment of the Retrievers rant, her eyes sparkling with barely contained mirth. "I know what you are," she said softly, lifting a hand slowly toward his face. As her fingers came to rest against his forehead, they vanished in a ball of blinding white light, the sudden glow vanishing as quickly as it had begun.
Harry jerked away from the angel's touch, curling his lips back to expose glistening fangs in warning. "What was that?" He snarled, lifting a hand to touch the spot on his forehead that burned like ice. A hiss of anger escaped him at the feel of raised skin beneath his fingertips, the jagged ridge floating just above one narrowed emerald.
"Zeus has bestowed his blessing upon you, Retriever. Now, gather your brethren and return Hades unruly servants to Hell. Perform this task, Harry James Potter, and you will be well rewarded." Bowing her head in dismissal, Lily took four precise steps backward and then opened her wings. She turned her face toward the sky and lifted her arms, emerald orbs glowing unnaturally. In a brilliant flash, she vanished, leaving nothing more than footprints in the snow.
Hands fisting, Harry hissed unhappily and closed his wings with a snap. "Now I really need to kill something," he muttered, wincing as the mark on his forehead flared. Growling softly, he spun around and walked toward Hogwarts, sparing the silent demons hovering in the shadows one final glance. Although it was none of Albus Dumbledore's concern, he would have to be alerted to this new threat. With that thought in mind, Harry opened his wings and launched himself into the slowly lightening sky.
It was easy enough to locate the window that belonged to the Headmaster's study, as it was one of the few that boasted a light at this early hour. Tilting his wings, Harry dropped smoothly through the narrow opening, his unannounced arrival startling the pair of wizards sitting before the fire. He landed with a powerful crash of his wings, setting his feet gently upon the floor and whirling to face the gaping mortals. The scales of his wings rasped as he strode forward, chin lifting arrogantly. "I bear news, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." The soft hiss of cloth turned his head, bringing his eyes to the greasy-haired wizard perched across from the Headmaster.
"It better be good," Severus Snape growled, the teacup he held crashing down upon the saucer resting on his knee.
Shooting the Potions Master a disgusted glare, the dark-haired Retriever shook his head. "Voldemort's army gathers within the shadows of the forest beyond this castle." His announcement brought expressions of disbelief to the faces of the pair, their eyes widening fearfully. In an explosive movement, the two wizards pushed up from their chairs and rushed to the closest window, peering anxiously in the direction of the Forbidden Forest. "Oh, you won't see them. At least not until Voldemort gives the order to attack."
"How many are there?" Albus asked wearily, his gaze locked on the edge of the forest. His eyes narrowed at the distant wailing of some unknown beast, his fingers clenching around the heavy stone sill of the window he stood before.
"Perhaps six dozen, maybe more," the dark-haired demon responded vaguely, fluttering a hand to indicate that the number meant little to him. And it didn't. Retrievers were battle hardened and trained for war. Common demons simply killed whatever caught their fancy. If it came down to it, a Retriever would always triumph over an average demon. However, six dozen was a lot of demons for one lone Retriever to handle, which simply meant Harry would have to call in reinforcements. "Of course, its still early."
"Still early?" Severus croaked, dark eyes widening as Harry gave a slight nod of his head. His eyes jerked back to the silent Headmaster, fingers anxiously seeking out the comforting length of his wand within his pocket. "I knew nothing of this," Albus, he hissed, distress evident in his voice. He pulled his wand out and began to roll it nervously between his fingers, his anxiety drawing a small laugh from the Retriever.
Stretching his wings, Harry moved closer to the fire blazing in the hearth, happily soaking up the heat the crackling flames exuded. "They'll attack one night from now when there's no moon. That gives Voldemort approximately twelve hours of moonlight in which to recruit more demons." He gave his head a light shake, displacing the small droplets of water that clung to the tangled strands of his dark mane. His eyes drifted from the snarling fire to the pair of wizards, sooty lashes dipping down to shield glowing emeralds. "I will assume he'll use his time wisely and call as many rogue demons to his side as possible."
"The Ministry must be informed of this development," Dumbledore muttered, pushing away from the window and turning toward Harry. He absently stroked his beard as he plodded toward the hearth, his steps slow and unsure.
"You may summon any number of wizards, Albus Dumbledore, and watch as my cousins slaughter them." Harry stated, absently scratching his chin with the tips of his fingers. He took a small step backwards, pressing closer to the fire and reveling in its heat. "Death is the only thing that awaits a mortal in depths of that forest. I believe it would be best if you allowed my brethren and I to handle this matter."
Dumbledore halted, his brow furrowing as he stared at the raven-haired demon basking in the warmth of his fire. "What do you mean?" He asked quietly, tensing as glowing emeralds shifted to him. Unable to resist the urge, he lowered a hand and slid it into the pocket of his robes, wrapping cold fingers around the length of his wand. A shiver racked him as a smile crossed the demon's face, the slow baring of teeth raising the hair on his arms.
"No spell or charm will stop those demons, Headmaster. It's simply a matter of brute force and reputation." He lifted a hand and brushed the hair off his forehead, exposing the mark carved into the skin above one dark eyebrow. His eyes narrowed as he ran a careful finger over the jagged scar, remembering the words Lily had said before returning to the Heavens. "The mere presence of my kin and I will be enough to send many of them scampering back to Hell. Those that remain . . . will simply be used as examples to the rest of the Hades' Court." Harry grinned deviously at the thought, his left hand straying to the hilt of the sword resting against his back.
Severus began to shake his head, his eyes widening when Dumbledore dipped his head in acceptance. "Headmaster, you can't seriously be considering this monster's plan." He choked out, striding hurriedly toward the older wizard. His gaze slid to the smirking demon, his jaw clenching as the raven-haired male winked at him.
"I'm afraid Harry is correct, Severus. The Ministry is not equipped to deal with demons," muttered Albus. He glanced sadly at Fawkes perched silently in the corner, brilliant plumage shimmering like the fire burning in the hearth. His gaze slid back to Harry, a small bob of his head confirming his previous statement. "Do what you must," he finally said, turning away from the gloating demon and listlessly drifting in the direction of his desk.
Harry laughed softly and tipped his head, black wings arching above his back. "Thank you, Albus Dumbledore," he purred, shooting a triumphant look at Snape before swinging around and exiting the study. Even as he prowled down the circular staircase, his sensitive ears picked up the strained argument occurring above him. However, he knew that he had already won. Harry and his brethren were the only chance that Hogwarts had of surviving a simultaneous attack by Voldemort's Death Eaters and his demons.
In the small chamber within the depths of the dungeons, the same one he had left only hours ago, the dark-haired Retriever paced. His eyes continuously moved to the broken ring of salt upon the stone, hands fisting as he mentally attempted to prepare himself for what he'd have to do in the coming hours. He unfolded and refolded his wings, ignoring the scrape and rasp of dark scales stroking against each other.
Lily Madelyn Evans had been presumptuous in informing him of what he should do. She was, however, nonetheless correct. Only the appearance of several well-armed Retrievers would have any affect on the trespassing demons. This, in turn, meant that the long-standing feud, and competition, between the Retrievers would have to be put on hold for one night while they gathered together.
"Stupid angel," Harry mumbled, resettling his wings. His head lifted at the whisper of feet upon stone, nostrils flaring. The tell-tall whiff of brimstone that accompanied the silent individuals had him relaxing, his wings drooping slightly. Turning his head, he observed the pair's quiet entrance, eyebrow arching curiously when Sirius shoved past Remus to reach him first.
"Harry, Remus-" The minor demon stopped abruptly. Eyes narrowing, he leaned closer to the Retriever and stared fixedly at his forehead. After several moments of this, he straightened, his mouth falling open and his right arm rising. When his index finger was level with Harrys forehead, it halted. "Sweet Darkness, he was touched by an angel!" He squealed, jabbing the dark-haired demon in the head with the tip of his extended finger.
Frowning, Remus gave a shake of his head and swatted Sirius arm aside. "He was not," the Incubus muttered disdainfully, slipping closer to inspect the mark. His narrowed eyes widened when it became evident that the other demon was right. "Hades horns!" He gasped, grabbing the Retriever by the chin and dragging him closer.
Anxiously bouncing next to the pair, Sirius cast his frantic gaze around the chamber. "Quick, Harry, sully yourself!" He broke out, hands fluttering uselessly before him. "You're too bad to be good!"
"Calm down," Remus snapped, head tilting to the left. "All he has to do is kill something." He helpfully added, ignoring the slitting of the Retrievers eyes.
Eyes brightening, Sirius bobbed his head in understanding. "Yes, that'll work. Zeus won't want an angel that kills indiscriminately." An excited smile twisting his lips, the minor demon glanced at Harry, reaching out and patting him comfortingly on the shoulder. "You should kill Remus," he whispered softly, "Hades can spare an Incubus or two."
"I'm not killing anything," Harry snarled, tired of their fussing. Roughly, he pushed the pair away and straightened. Staring at the stunned duo, he frowned, lifting a hand and dragging his fingers through his hair. "Well, I'm not killing either of you," he amended. His words brought immediate looks of relief to the faces of Remus and Sirius, the pair exchanging grateful glances.
Turning away from the two, the Retriever glided the length of the room, chewing his bottom lip thoughtfully. After several minutes of useless pacing, he spun to face the pair and arched a dark brow. "What information do you have for me?" He demanded, hands dropping to his waist. His fingers smoothed over the place the hurlbat had rested, surprise flitting through him over the twinge of loss he felt for the weapon.
Sirius practically lunged forward; his eyes glowing as he eagerly waved a hand. "I did the wizards, Harry!" He announced loudly, ducking his head when shimmering emeralds narrowed upon him. Peeking through his bangs, he scuffed one foot nervously. "The redhead is afraid of spiders. He also fears that the bushy-haired witch will transfer her affections to the fat wizard called Neville Longbottom. Longbottom seems to be afraid of Severus Snape. That's a very strange fear to have. I thought Severus was a delightful wizard. Why-"
"Enough!" Harry barked, eyes drifting to Remus. He arched a brow in silent question, tucking his wings against his back.
"The witch is afraid of Voldemort and failing her classes. Both fears seem reasonable in my opinion," the Incubus murmured, dipping his wings. He stared warily at the Retriever, shifting his weight from foot to foot as he awaited the dark-haired demon's verdict.
Harry gave a faint dip of his head, already considering his options. "I'm going to take a nap," he muttered, whirling around and giving the pair his arched wings. As if sensing his mood, the pair fled the room, leaving him to his own company and the strenuous task of selecting which Retrievers he was going to call.
A/n: Thank you to everyone who took the time to read and review! Draco and Harry interaction in the next chapter, I promise. It was going to be in this one, but I felt that it was best if I left it out for now.
Moonlight Princess - lol, I share your sentiments completely. If it came down to it, I'd rather have my butt whooped by an incompetent Retriever than facing a well trained one.
hieisdragoness18 - no, that wasn't an intentional line, I think it just came out like that.
Brookslocklear - All in good time, and I spared Lucius just for the hell of it. Although I must admit his future in this story isn't looking very good, we'll just have to see if he survives his brush with Harry's kin.
SLNS - H/D action in the next chapter. This has been the hardest story I've written where it seems impossible to include a lot of romance. I'm honestly trying but its very difficult.
MangaCat201 - oh, Harry and Draco's moment has already been planned to perfection. And the epilogue, well, I can't wait to write it.
parseltongue girl - Your potty mouth has been excused, lol.
PleiadesWolfe -I think Harry's talk with Lucius went well, don't you?