Chapter 26 – Back to Classes

Hermione and Neville waited patiently outside of the Great Hall where breakfast was starting. Ron stood with them, half-turned towards the Hall as the scent of pancakes wafted out of the room.

Ron shifted uneasily from foot to foot, forcing himself to wait. "I hope they hurry. Seamus will eat all the pancakes before we get there" he muttered.

Neville snickered as Hermione chided "They'll be here, Ron. Draco probably wants to make an entrance."

The red-head rolled his eyes. "An entrance, she says. He wants to make sure everyone understands that Harry is off-limits is more like it."

The two Gryffindors failed to notice Harry and Draco's approach as they bickered. The bond mates met Neville's eye who just grinned and shook his head at the other two.

Draco's amused drawl interrupted the squabble. "I will need to stop the rumors about you, Ronald. You obviously have more intelligence than is publicly acknowledged. My bond mate is definitely 'off limits'."

Ron's mouth stopped forming the words of greeting as Draco's words sunk in. "And just who started the rumors?" The blonde smirked in response. "Right. Well, now that you're here, can we go in before Seamus eats my portion as well as his?"

Harry chuckled as his friend's stomach rumbled loudly. "I think we better, Ron. You got my note this morning, right?"

"No problems mate. You sit with the Slytherins today and us tomorrow."

The quintet walked into the Great Hall and paused. Harry and Draco nodded politely to the Gryffindors, who moved off to their table. Harry kept his face impassive while he looked over the Great Hall as he and Draco posed for a moment. The blond had insisted on dressing them in complementing outfits, taking advantage that uniforms were optional for sixth years and seventh years. His efforts obviously paid off if the silence that met their entrance was any indication. He noticed that some forks had stopped their journeys to waiting mouths while some students who had begun to drink didn't notice the juice dribbling down their chins. Harry could tell that Draco was reveling in the attention as well as the recognition that they were each attractive, wealthy and powerful wizards. After the appropriate pose, they moved to the Slytherin table moving with coordinated graceful steps and sat in tandem.

"Bright blessings" Harry said, nodding in turn to Blaise, Pansy, Vincent and Greg.

His casual greeting was returned with good humor. Blaise's eyes sparkled at Draco. "Good entrance" he complimented.

"Very impressive" Pansy agreed. "A nice effect; you are very much together, affluent and powerful."

Harry chuckled and spread jam on his toast. "Is that the impression we wanted" he asked Draco.

The blonde smirked. "I must be slipping; I wanted dangerous in there as well, but Harry wouldn't let me wear a dagger."

Harry mentally shook his head in amusement at the maneuverings. Draco had planned everything to send subtle messages. Harry was in his Clan attire with a new custom-tailored school robe. His hair was tied back and bound with a silver clasp from the family vault. Draco wore similar black trousers, but a silver silk shirt. His blonde hair was also pulled back and bound, a style that Heads of Houses traditionally wore. They each displayed their signet rings as well.

Even meeting Ron, Hermione and Neville had been part of the impression Draco wanted to make. The three came in with them, demonstrating their continued friendship and alliance and gave the subtle message that they were protected by the two powerful Heads of House. However, the bonded couple also sat with the Slytherins, so that any information that Voldemort received would reveal Harry's increasing closeness to those most likely to support the Dark Lord.

Harry felt Crabbe's arm brush his as he passed the platter of sausages and noticed Draco tense. He sent a calming thought down the bond. He had felt Draco's irritation at the crowd as they entered the hall, but nothing showed on the blonde's relaxed and impassive face. Now however, the blonde leaned forward and looked around Harry at the large teen. After a moment, the larger boy looked up to meet cool silver eyes and immediately shifted away from Harry by a few inches. Draco nodded in approval and returned to his meal.

Harry ignored the byplay and tried not to let it bother him. "Most bonds will settle within the first three days" advised the book Veela and Their Mates. "Stronger bonds, such as ones felt by those in close proximity to the two bond mates, will take several more days before the Veela is comfortable with others around their Mate."

Harmonious chimes of amusement filtered into his mind. "Your bonding was quite powerful, ghergo'ir" chuckled Ortinoth.

Ydraith added with gentle good humor "It will likely take another week before your bond mate is more comfortable. Just be grateful that there is no dancing or dueling in your near future. Your thurirl would not take well to you dancing with anyone else or with someone casting harmful spells at you."

Considering Draco's reaction to the Veela Council representatives, Harry didn't want to think what Draco would do if someone cast a curse at him.

The flutter of wings announced the morning mail delivery. Draco accepted his copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry refused to read it until their plans were set in motion.

A light snort from Draco alerted him, and he leaned over to see what had his attention. The blonde laid the paper down so that Harry could read the feature article as well.

Bulstrode Family Troubles by Rita Skeeter

This reporter has been investigating rumors that suggest that both Mr. Terrance Bulstrode and his daughter Miss Millicent Bulstrode have been subjected to some form of penalty from the Veela Council. Unsubstantiated reports claim that the younger Miss Bulstrode attempted to knowingly interfere with the Veela bond between Lord Draco Malfoy-Black and Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. While the claim has not been confirmed, records show that a formal complaint was filed with the Veela Council.

Undisclosed sources indicate that Miss Bulstrode has been expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Headmaster Albus Dumbledore could not be reached for comment.

Readers should remember that laws governing Veelas and their Mates take precedence over other similar wizarding laws. (See page 4 for details of the Veela Concordat of 1688).

The story of the Boy-Who-Lived being claimed by Draco Malfoy, heir to the House of Malfoy was first reported here several weeks ago. Since that time, the will of Lord Sirius Black, late Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black was executed, and the Malfoy heir inherited the Lordship of the Black Family. Records also show that Harry Potter was emancipated due to the Claiming and has assumed his place as Head of the Ancient House of Potter. These two teenagers are now Heads of powerful and wealthy Families.

Unnamed sources within Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry also disclose reports of a magical wave felt by everyone in the castle. As the pair was incommunicado for a week following, it is assumed that the Boy-Who-Lived accepted the Veela bond.

One can only hope that so much power held in the hands of two untried teenagers will not disrupt the way of life for the rest of wizarding society.

Harry rolled his eyes after finishing the story. "What, no comments about me being unstable or the next Dark Lord? Rita must be slipping." He glanced down the remainder of the front page and stopped at a photo. A jowled and squat face with protruding eyes looked out at him, and he shuddered at seeing Delores Umbridge. He was about to turn away in disgust when the headline caught his eye.

Ministry Undersecretary Cursed

Delores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic is currently being treated at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries for an unnamed curse. An anonymous source stated that the woman is secluded in a room on the fourth floor where patients are treated for jinxes, hexes, and incorrectly applied charms among other spell damage.

While there are no confirmed reports as to her symptoms, sounds of Gobbledygook as well as the high-pitched squeals reminiscent of Merfolk is frequently heard in the hallway outside of her room. Our anonymous source indicated that the Undersecretary hasn't been able to communicate in anything other than non-human languages for the last several days. Attempts to communicate in writing resulted in the words being inscribed on her hand, as if with a Blood Quill used for contracts. Apparently, she refused to write after initial attempts.

The Department of Magical Law Enforcement had no comment other than to say that no complaints had been filed by Undersecretary Umbridge.

Harry raised an eyebrow at Draco who smiled innocently. "What? I've been with you, Harry. Besides, if I was going to curse her, I would probably transfigure her into a toad and feed her to a snake."

The Gryffindor frowned. "That would be cruel to the snake, Draco. I wouldn't do that even to Nagini." He paused. "Well, maybe they would deserve one another."

Draco smirked at the toad-like woman's picture and calmly turned the page.


Harry completed the conclusion of his Charms essay, restating his key points and trying to find a way to persuasively and succinctly restate his thesis in a manner that would leave Professor Flitwick intrigued. "Before 1892, the majority of the wizarding population believed that Family wards provided the finest security and defense possible. Within 20 years, the complex and powerful Fidelius Charm had proven to provide unsurpassed protection, unless the Secret Keeper betrayed the trust. Unfortunately, that single disadvantage is so absolute that the Fidelius Charm remains primarily a last measure resort."

Harry frowned at the last sentence, but Draco's tapping fingers caused him to blow softly across the scroll and roll it up.

Draco's voice was unapologetically eager. "Are you finally finished, Harry?" He stood and only his Malfoy training kept him from bouncing on his feet.

Harry couldn't help snickering at the excited blonde. "Yes, Draco. My homework is finished. Just let me change."

He closed the door to the bedroom to change in privacy and changed into his loose fitting black pants. "I wonder if I can sleep in my own bed yet" he wondered to himself as he changed into a black t-shirt. "Are you still uneasy sharing a bed with your bond mate" asked Ydraith.

"Not really Nafldask" he responded, slightly surprised at the answer. "I would be if he tried to push for more physical intimacy, but it's kind of…comfortable…actually." He flushed slightly in embarrassment. "Other than the Clan, I've always felt awkward if people were too close for too long, but it's different with Draco."

He felt the warmth and affection flow over him. "It is the bond, ghergo'ir. Surely you can enjoy the sensation rather than try to push it away?"

He opened the door to see Draco waiting impatiently by the door to their quarters and grinned. "We'll see, but now I have to satisfy the Veela's curiosity."

Draco looked around the Room of Requirement inquisitively. It was long and bare with only the dozen differently sized target dummies placed at different distances breaking the starkness of the gray stone floor and walls. Globes of light rather than torches illuminated the room.

"I'm going to stretch for a few minutes, and then you'll need to head to a corner and shield" Harry said with a serious expression to Draco. "No problem, Harry" the blonde agreed. With a nod, the dark-haired teen immediately began an obviously familiar stretching routine. Draco recognized many of the stretches he used before a Quidditch practice or match.

Once the warm-up routine was finished, Harry looked at Draco. "You have to keep a shield up at all times. I'm going to be working primarily with both fire and wind, my strongest elements. Ortinoth has me using different degrees of flame, heat and wind on each target. Plus I asked the Room to send airborne targets at me at random intervals."

Draco nodded and moved to a corner, putting up a Protego Totalum around him. Harry evaluated it and nodded in approval. "Begin" he called out to the Room.

As Draco watched intently, Harry continually swiveled his head. One target flashed briefly, and a fireball flew through the air towards it. Immediately behind Harry, another target chimed and Harry spun, encasing the "feet" in flames. Three targets began moving towards the Gryffindor. Wind knocked two of them backwards and pinned them to the wall, while the third appeared unaffected.

Harry cast another fireball at it, which was deflected. A small whirlwind appeared and attempted to confine the target, but it still moved closer. A grimace appeared on his face as an airborn ball suddenly appeared and dove at him. He hit the ground and rolled towards the still moving target that appeared resistant. He rolled out of the way of the ball again and stared at the larger target, his face a study in concentration. Water vapor began to cling to the moving form. Harry rolled out of the way of the ball again and held his hand out toward the target palm up. The air swirled around the dummy and ice crystals began to form. The target slowed, but did not stop.

Draco grinned as Harry's wand snapped into his hand. "Reducto!" the dark-haired teen growled. Light streaked towards the target and it immediately shattered, showering pieces of wood, cloth and stuffing around the room.

Harry frowned at the ball diving towards him and a blast of wind threw it into the wall with such intensity that it disintegrated. His concentration broken, the two targets that were earlier pinned to the wall with wind had dropped and were now moving towards him. He stared and a wall of flame sprang up and surrounded the moving figures, reaching up to the ceiling.

For the next hour, Harry dodged, jumped, dove and rolled around the room, trying to stop each target. Some appeared resistant to one or another of the elements, but Harry would make at least three attempts before using his wand and a well-placed Reducto or Diffindo to eliminate it. When all of the targets were "defeated", Harry turned to his control exercises.

A small flame the size of a candle appeared on the floor in front of him. One twice as large appeared behind it. Another twice as large as the second appeared behind the second. Around the room, flames appeared, each double the size of the one in front of it. When Harry tried for the tenth, flame, the first flickered out.

"Damn, it's always the tenth one" the Gryffindor muttered. "I can't keep more than nine going at a time." He shook himself and the flames all died out. Harry rolled his neck and shoulders, and had the slightly out-of-focus look to his eyes that Draco now knew meant he was communicating with his lowaar. The dark-haired teen grin sheepishly and then chuckled at whatever his draconic instructors were saying.

Harry turned towards Draco and smiled. "You can drop the shield now, but you might want to stay back."

Draco immediately cast "Finite Incantatem" and the shield dissolved. He looked at his bond mate with eager anticipation. Harry chuckled and rolled his neck and shoulders again. Tendrils of light, color and power played over the Gryffindor. His form began to blur and grow, the black of his pants and t-shirt lightened in color. In movements almost too quick to see, his face elongated and his teeth became sharp and pointed. His torso lengthened and grew, doubling and then tripling in size. Wings burst from his upper back while golden scales began to cover his torso and limbs. A tail grew and swept around his feet.

The golden dragon looked at Draco with emerald green eyes, that now had vertical slits for pupils. He unfurled his wings, before snapping them closed against his back, letting the breeze of the movement roll over the Slytherin. If a dragon could smile, Harry was definitely smirking at the expression on his bond mate's face.

Draco stepped forward, his hand outstretched. He stopped before touching the dragon, who leaned into the touch, granting permission. "Bloody hell, Harry" the blonde breathed. He ran his hands over the scales. "Oh my, they're sharp aren't they? A good way to deter a predator. But what would prey on a dragon?" he murmured. He reached towards the wings, which were smooth rather than scaled. Harry obligingly spread out the wings and Draco ran his hands over the leathery surface and up to the single large claw-like talon at the tip.

Harry lay down and nudged the blonde with his head and then looked at his back. "May I?" the blonde asked with awe? The dragon snorted in obvious amusement and extended one leg.

Draco stepped carefully on the leg and hoisted himself to the golden dragon's back, carefully avoiding the edges of the scales. He settled in an indentation between the shoulders and the wings, and then gripped tightly as the dragon stood, careful not to dislodge his passenger. He moved cautiously around the room and then extended and retracted his wings several times, his muscles rippling below Draco's legs. Finally he laid down again and Draco carefully dismounted.

The dragon stood and then shimmered, as light and power danced across his form which shrunk into a bipedal human once again.

The blonde smiled at him. "Bloody hell…you're beautiful, Harry. That was amazing. Do you think I could ride you some day?" His eyes widened suddenly and his face flushed.

Harry looked puzzled at the blush. "I think you could. That's what I wanted to check when I had you get on. Obviously we'll have to be outside. Maybe we can go back to the Potter Manor. That area is under Fidelius, so no one would see us unless we went beyond the wards." He stretched again, trying to settle back into his normal form.

"Ready to go? I could use a shower again." He wondered why the blonde flushed again, but with his agreement, they returned to their quarters for the night.


The next few days were relatively quiet with only a few incidents where Draco felt compelled to warn a few female and at one male student to stop invading Harry's personal space. Other than that, they were caught up on their school work due to what Harry considered Draco's obsessive compulsion to complete assignments early.

At the end of the week, they finished the day with a double potions class. The two bond mates worked together on the potion. "It's amazing how much easier it is to complete a potion when certain blondes who shall remain nameless aren't adding ingredients to my cauldron" Harry muttered.

"It kept you alert to possible threats. When we dispose of the Dark Wanker and his minions, I will graciously accept your gratitude" Draco responded.

"Prat."

"Plank."

"Twit."

"Twerp."

"Brat."

"Bam."

"Git."

"Goit."

Harry frowned. "Wait, what's a goit?"

Draco drawled in an amused tone "A foolish idiot."

A silky baritone interrupted their good-natured insults. "Misters Malfoy and Potter, as you find yourselves incapable of giving the appropriate attention necessary to your brewing, see me after class. I am certain I will be able to remedy the problem."

The two winced and then chorused "Yes Professor". They met each other's eyes and tried to avoid laughing.

When class was completed, cauldrons cleaned and potions turned in, the two stood before the Potions Master with grins. "Sorry Severus" Draco offered. "We didn't mean to disrupt the class."

"Yes sir" Harry added. "Once the insults started, it was hard to stop them."

The older man shook his head. "While I acknowledge that you each have sufficient material available, I am attempting to ensure students pay attention to their cauldrons and potions, not the erstwhile comedy routines of their classmates."

"Yes Sir."

"Sorry Sir."

Severus glared at each of them until they looked properly repentant and then cast both a silencing spell and privacy ward on the class room.

"Mr. Potter" he began and then paused. Draco and Harry shared a quick glance at the tone of their normally eloquent Potion Master.

"Yes Sir?" Harry prodded.

The older man squared his shoulders and began again. "Mr. Potter, in reviewing Salazar Slytherin's translated journals, I found an interesting narrative. One of Slytherin's colleagues was a slave owner who sought to adopt a baby born to a slave as his own son and heir. He came to Salazar Slytherin for assistance, and Slytherin developed a potion that weakened the slave bond to a point that an adoption bond overwrote it. However, I am not convinced of the translation of the story and potion recipe. I would like to request that you review the original Parselmouth version."

Charok spoke up in Harry's mind. "Very interesting, ghergo'ir. We do not have a recollection of this in the collective Clan memory. I assume you recognize the importance of the narrative. "

"Yes, Iosta" Harry responded mentally. He inclined his head to Severus. "My pleasure, Professor. If the potion can be adapted to weaken the bond to Vol.." He changed his phrasing at the glare from the Potions Master "…to the Dark Lord, then we can either sever the connection or possibly overwrite it." He offered a smile to his bond mate's godfather. "Charok is interested in the potion as well and Treith has already been exploring spells to protect you and Lucius from the Dark Mark."

Severus raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Please extend my gratitude to them, Mr. Potter. I wasn't aware that they could take such an 'active' role."

"Lowaar exist to guide and offer advice to their outdwellers, Professor. Mine tend to take that role rather seriously" replied Harry wryly, ignoring the amused laughter in his mind. "Draco, do you mind if we go back to the Black Library tomorrow or Sunday? I would rather review the original text than try to reverse the translation charm and potentially change some meanings."

The blonde gave him a brilliant smile. "Well let's see, Potter. Spend tomorrow possibly finding a way to free my father and godfather from the clutches of an insane madman or go shopping? I'm not sure. Shopping has such great potential."

"Idiot child" muttered Severus with soft affection.

Draco gave a martyred sigh. "I guess if we have to, I can force myself to visit one of the most incredible personal libraries in the world and what was the second thing we had to do?" He tapped his finger on his chin.

Harry leaned over and in a loud whisper said "Free your beloved father and godfather from the clutches of the evil Moldy Pants."

The Potions Master snorted and Draco eyes widened. "Moldy Pants?" The blonde's lips began to twitch. "Moldy Pants? Oh I have got to be there when you call him that!"

"And with that lovely image in mind, you two have just enough time to complete your Potions essay before dinner" Severus commented dryly.


Saturday morning Harry approached his Head of House after breakfast, while Draco waited for him. Her sharp eyes looked him over as if for injury and a brief smile appeared at finding him well and healthy. "Yes, Mr. Potter?"

He laid his hand on his chest and bowed slightly. "Professor, I wanted to let you know that I need to be away from Hogwarts today on family business. I should be back by dinner, but if not, definitely before curfew."

Her lips tightened into a thin line, but as an emancipated adult and Head of an Ancient House, he had the right to leave the school grounds as long as he gave her notice of his intentions. "I understand, Mr. Potter. You will remember to practice "Constant Vigilance" I assume?"

Harry smiled at the older woman. "Yes ma'am. Draco and I are aware that there are many factions that would like to see us dead or in their grasp. We'll guard each other's backs."

She looked over his shoulder at the blonde waiting patiently and nodded. "See that you do that, Mr. Potter. Don't overlook your school assignments while you enjoy the extra independence."

The Gryffindor grinned at the Head of Gryffindor. "No worries, Professor. Draco has this unnatural compulsion to finish his assignments same day and drives me to do the same." He was rewarded with a brief smile of approval being directed at his bond mate who blinked in surprise.

"Very well. Good day, Mr. Potter." She turned with a swish of her robes, leaving the two teens in the hall.

"What did I do that earned a smile from McGonagall" asked Draco as the teens headed to Hogsmeade and a public Floo.

Harry grinned at the blonde. "She approves of your abnormal approach to completing your homework." He received a clout on his shoulder in response and the two bickered amicably on their way to Hogsmeade.

Draco had decided on visiting 12 Grimmauld Place to take ownership and renew the wards, as well as find the portal to the Black Library from that location. When Sirius died and ownership of the building was passed to Draco, Dumbledore had released the Fidelius charm and moved the Order of the Phoenix meetings to his office at Hogwarts until another location could be selected.

As the owner, Draco was automatically entered into the Floo security. He went through first, and then eliminated everyone else from the Floo. Once he was the only person keyed to the Floo security, he added Harry and waited for him to come through. He felt a bit twitchy leaving his Mate alone in another location and counted the minutes until the fireplace flared green and Harry stumbled out.

Harry looked around sadly at the rundown house. Sirius deserved so much better than being forced to stay in this grim and dreary house. Unfortunately, it was the only unplotted and Fidelius protected Black property at the time Sirius needed it the most, although why Dumbledore couldn't cast Fidelius in a more cheerful location he didn't know.

Once he knew his Mate was safe again, Draco looked around the room with a frown. "How in Salazar's name did the Family permit a Black property to fall into such disrepair? This is disgraceful!"

Harry gave a humorless smile. "You should have seen it before it was cleaned up some. Once Sirius was in prison, the only house elf went a bit mad. He didn't clean and the doxies and boggarts took over. Dumbledore's resistance group met here after Sirius escaped and Molly Weasley made her kids clean up a bit. Sirius stayed here and hated it."

They walked out into the hall and Draco noticed a curtained portrait. Before Harry could warn him, he opened it. The portrait of a hysterical woman with yellow skin and wildly rolling eyes began screeching. "WHO ARE YOU THAT DARES ENTER THIS HOUSE? BLOOD TRAITORS AND HALF-BLOODS! GET OUT OF MY HOUSE YOU LOATHESOME CREATURES!"

"Silence!" Draco bellowed. "Hold your tongue woman! I am Lord Draco Malfoy-Black, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black." He held up his signet ring before the portrait.

The woman in the portrait stared at the ring. " Black?" She looked at the blonde aristocrat. "By what blood and right do you claim the Lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Black?"

Harry hid a smile at the aristocratic sneer Draco gave the painting. "Through my blood right as the son of Narcissa Black Malfoy, daughter of Cygnus and Druella Black. Why do you choose to act as an ill-bred Muggle rather than the daughter of an Ancient and Noble House?"

The woman in the portrait blinked and to Harry's open-mouthed astonishment, dropped into a low curtsey. "Forgive me Lord Black. The House was overrun with blood traitors and mudbloods until recently. It is a pleasure to welcome a true pureblood as the Lord of the House."

Draco gave her an elegant bow. "Thank you Lady Black. I will permit you to return to your well-deserved sleep." He drew the curtains shut again and motioned Harry out of the hallway.

"What in Salazar's name was that all about?" he demanded.

"Good job, Draco. You're the only one that shut her up. She tried to disinherit Sirius for not following the Dark Lord and screamed at anyone else in the house. You finally found someone worthy of that superior condescending air you manage."

The blonde smirked. "More like the well-bred noble and patrician air, you mean. Although it was probably the ring. Your godfather was in prison when his father died, wasn't he? He never was able to claim the ring and officially become the Head of the House. If he had, he probably could have ordered her to be quiet."

They walked through several rooms filled with dark and depressing colors before Draco shuddered and said "Once we leave here, I'm not returning until an interior decorator completely refurbishes this place. This is truly hideous. Perhaps I'll ask Mother if she would like to make an effort with it. She has a subtle and classical taste that could do wonders here." He thought a moment and then added "Probably not though. She's going to be too busy getting you a new wardrobe and planning a bonding reception." He grinned as Harry flinched at the reminder.

Harry brought them to the Library and they quickly found a separate doorway set into the wall that was unnoticeable to anyone not wearing a Black Family ring that could lead them to the Black Library. Upon opening the door, they found themselves in a passage that automatically lit as they walked through. After several minutes, they passed through the shimmering ward they had found in the passage from Castle Black. They quickly found the vault door, which Draco again opened by placing the Black signet ring in an indentation in the door.

Following the left hall, they passed through the archway to the "Curses and Counter Spells" section of the Library. Harry withdrew and cast a quick Engorgio on the box of parchment, ink and quills he carried. Leaving some for future visits, he laid the remainder on the table while Draco found and brought Salazar Slytherin's journal out.

Harry sat down and scanned through the journal until he found the section Severus had pointed out. He began translating the original Parselmouth writing while Draco selected a book and began reading. Once the narrative account was translated, Harry turned to the Potion book and found the corresponding recipe. He translated it slowly to be sure of the accuracy. And then swore in surprise at one of the ingredients.

Draco looked up as his Mate cursed. "What is it, Harry?"

Harry looked at him and shook his head in surprise. "Bloody hell" he said again. "The recipe. Snape never said anything so I'll bet the translation spell interpreted this as 'a dram dragon's blood'. But…" He looked at Draco with amusement.

"But?" Draco prompted.

"But the original Parselmouth calls for a dram of Juanth Darastrix blood."


Ghergo'ir = Young One

Thurirl = Constant friend/companion

Nafldask = Grandmother

Iosta = Uncle

Juanth Darastrix = Elder Dragon