It's long awaited but here it is chapter 22. I truly hope that it was worth the wait and helps explain what happened for some of the summer.
Chapter 22
Draco looks around and sees everyone looking at him so with a sigh, he then starts by explaining about going to the Greengrass manor hoping to rescue Daphne and picking up Astoria. Daphne raises an eyebrow then nods and gives him a tiny smile as her thanks for the caring thought. Draco shrugs embarrassingly then continues to explain how Cygnus ha tired to hire some mercs to hunt down Daphne and that two of them told him 'fuck no.'
Harry nods at this then goes on to explain.
"Yes, we had heard that Michael and Raphael had gone there at someones request."
The group of students except for Daphne looks at him in confusion. The Draco asks questioningly.
"Who are they?"
Harry actually looks up from his book and answers like it's nothing big.
They are another two of the five highest ranking members of celestial. Michael is Luciferel's actually little brother and the master of fire, and Raphael all I know for sure is he's insanely smart and enjoys research and development, and he is a master of wind and air."
Harry shrugs as almost everyone has their jaws open. The group then looks at Daphne who is calmly filing her nails while leaning into Harry's side.
"As for the other two we did meet them during our little adventure over summer."
Daphne examines her nails for a second before looking at the group and nods her then taps at her chin in thought.
"Yes, I believe they where Demetri the butcher and Han of the quiet wind."
The others stare at the couple in silent shock for a minute then Darco exclaims.
"How did you two manage to get away? Mom said they felt to be almost as strong as Dumbledore!"
Daphne and Harry both shrug at the same time, and Daphne answers.
"They where where looking for Daphne Elisa Greengrass, by the time they found us I had already Changed my name to Daphne Alexis Lumisade. Granted they did try to grab me, but luckily my new friend felt my distress, and fear then sent him to a watery grave. Han saw this and got the fuck out of there."
Luna who has remained quiet this whole time and simply observed nods and smiles dreamily then says.
"Lumisade It's a fitting name for a mistress of water and ice."
Daphne and Harry turn to look at each other then back to Luna in surprise as Daphne asks.
"Luna how do you know that?"
Luna tilts her head absently and simply replies dreamily.
"That has generally always been what the witches that take Gabriel's mark have been masters of."
The two angel apprentices eyes widen at her comment then Harry asks in confusion.
"Luna how do you know Daph here has the mark of Gabriel?"
Luna's dreamy look starts to slip away but still she replies truthfully.
"That is because I can can it in her magic. Just like I can see see Luciferel's mark on you."
Luna's dreamy look then completely slips away as she lowers her head and looks at the ground, quietly waiting for these people to start calling her loony as well. A few minutes of silence besides the shuffling sounds of chair later, Luna then feels two sets of arm wrapped around her. When she finally looks up the first thing she sees is Harry leaning on the table in front of her with his arms crossed a smirk softy playing on his lips. Luna then looks to both sides of herself and sees Daphne standing with her arms wrapped comfortingly around her head and neck, while Astoria is hugging her tightly. The younger girl then feels a hand on her shoulder and looks up to the face of Neville Longbottom smiling rather shyly at her. The shy lion then speaks quietly.
"I'm Neville Longbottom, and I hope we can be freinds."
Luna then smiles brightly and nods her head as well as she can with Daphne still holding her. She then then turn her attention back to Harry, who looks to be searching for something.
As Harry looks at Luna lost in thought he then hears the soft trill of his familiar Candidam. As the raven once again raises itself from his shadow. He breifly glances at her in what some would consider a silent conversation. Harry then nods at the raven before he turns his attention back to Luna and says.
"You know the ability to see both aura and magic is incredibly rare."
Luna once again lowers her head in mild shame and then nods softly.
Harry the reaches out and rubs her head affectionately while smiling softly.
"It must be tough controlling it, and even tougher dealing with everyone thinking your insane. How ever we're your freinds now and we will help in anyway we can. so cheer up and smile. OK?"
Luna once again nods her head rapidly and then glances up. She then gasps loudly as she bows her head in respect.
"Forgive my rudeness my lady I didn't know you were here."
Everyone looks at her in some form of confusion till Harry and Daphne see who the girl is bowing too. The couple then starts to laugh softly.
Candidam then trills happily at the respect being shown and flies over to Luna's shoulder and nudges her cheek to help cheer her up. Luna the starts to giggle lightly at how soft Candidam's feathers are. After the raven elicits a giggle from Luna she trills again before going back to Harry's shoulder as he says to her.
"It seems she has taken a liking to you Luna. You should feel proud only a very small handful of people can say the same."
After he says that he turns his attention to the other who still look to be in shock. Harry sigh and then addresses them all.
"Alright, enough getting distracted. I want to know what exactly happened after you got back from the Greengrass manor."
Draco crosses his arms and leans back in to his chair.
"Well..."
*Flashback*
As Narcissa appears in front of the black home with both Draco and Astoria who doesn't look at all pleased to be here. The three soon enter the house and are instantly greeted by Remus who quickly users them upstairs, and into the family quarters.
During this walk Remus explains how Molly is very pissed that She and her family still can't enter really any where besides the basement, kitchen and main entrance, or that Ron can no longer even leave the basement.
Astoria looks around with a slight confusion and asks quietly.
"Um excuse me but where are exactly and why haven't I seen any Death eaters yet?"
Remus then looks at the young girl questioningly but before he can correct her, Draco stand in between the two and takes her hand softy.
"I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to explain earlier, but we have no affiliation with the deatheaters or Dumbledore once so ever. Actually none of us but most likely Harry, Daphne, and Sirius know what the end game is. But to put it simply we lied to your father so we could get you away from him and help lighten your sisters worries."
Astoria nods and removes her hand from his then continues to follow behind both Remus and Narcissa. Draco sighs heavily then follows after everyone.
As the group continues to walk in silence, They all continue to think of what could have possibly happened to Daphne and Harry. As they reach the family area they see Tonks and the twins lounging about lazily and talking in general. The four new arrivals sit with them and Narcissa then tells them everything that had happened.
Afterwards Tonks nods and comments on the situation they find themselves in.
"Alright so Daphne wasn't taken back home by Fawkes. So now the question becomes. Where is she? and is she safe?"
everyone then turns and looks at Remus who scratches his chin in deep thought.
"Yes, I think she is, if she isn't back at the Greengrass manor"
The others look at him with some doubt but can only really take his word for it.
Remus then looks over at the new person with them and addresses her for the first time.
"Hello...Astoria right?"
Astoria nods with a trace of a blush and then says.
"Hello professor Lupin. It's nice to see you again."
Remus waves the title off and says sadly.
"I'm no longer your professor. So please just call me Remus or like the rest of the Ravengers. Moony."
Astoria nods shyly but then rebukes.
"You were the best DADA teacher we have had according to almost all of the student body. Also a lot of the females had a crush on you."
Remus just gapes at her then looks away and mumbles.
"Please don't tell Sirius that. That man wont ever let me live it down."
The whole room then starts to laugh at the that.
Narcissa quickly gets the rooms attention before they go off base again by saying.
"Well is also seems that Cygnus has also tried to hire some mercenaries, to try and locate Daphne."
Everyone's eyes widen in surprise and a little worry at this revelation, but Remus replies rather calmly.
"That shouldn't be a problem if they are with who I think they are with."
The rest of the group looks at him in confusion but he simply waves it off as he says.
"We have a few hours till dinner, so I suggest we continue with your mediation and searching for your cores. Astoria you will be going with Narcissa so she can help you with some spell work while I guess I have to start brewing more of that potion."
The teens nod and sit crossed legged to begin their meditation while Astoria follows Narcissa.
A few hours later Kreacher Appears and announces that dinner is ready for them. The group acknowledges the elf and start to head down to the dinning room, while preparing for a shit show.
As the group enters the dinning room, they see that the Weasley group minus Ron already sitting down and eating their dinner. When Molly looks up and sees the new occupants of the dinning room she glares at them then says loudly.
"What are you all still doing here? This is now the headquarters of the order of the phoenix and you're not a part of it. So leave this minute."
Narcissa raises a delicate eyebrow in mock surprise, while the Weasley twin face palm at their mother complete stupidity; Wondering not for the first time if their grandmother had dropped her on her head one too many times as an infant. The others completely ignore the banshee and sit down just as plates of food appear in front of them. Narcissa then responds coolly after sitting down herself.
"How foolish, you seem to be mistaken. After all I have taken over the wards and ownership of this house, after my cousin being thrown in to Azkaban without any evidence; But I guess that really isn't the point. The point is how ever that I don't care what Dumbledore has to say. Cross me and I'll toss you all out on to the streets where you all belong."
Before Molly can say any thing Aurthur covers her mouth and apologizes as Narcissa levels a death glare at them, Molly reluctantly sits back down and stays silent while inwardly planning to have Dumbledore remove these deatheaters from the house. The remainder of dinner is a quiet affair till the Weasley group starts to stand Narcissa says.
"By the way as my cousin had told you a few day ago, you will be helping Kreacher and by that I mean you will do what ever he tells you too do. If he tells me you are not pulling you weight I will ock you in the basement with your disgusting son, furthermore I expect you too start paying rent. I think a hundred galleons a month each seems fair."
With that she stands and starts to leave followed by the rest of the little group, They leave the Wesley's and Hermione standing in the dinning room gaping like fish.
*End flashback*
After Draco's explanation Fred just shrugs and then says.
"At first they fought it but once Narcissa banished Dumbledore from the house permanently, and then put our mother in lock down in the basement with our baby brother. They got the message and then the rest fell in to line incredibly quick."
George nods at this then says.
"The only real problem was when Bellatrix stopped by with Sirius and Neville here tried to attack her with Hermione and our baby sister joining in."
Draco actually laughs at that memory as he comments.
"Ya, I especially liked it when aunt Bella started taunting them all then used Granger as a human shield against your sister bat bogey curse. Then got bored and stunned the other two before dropping your sister outside on the steps then dragging Neville's limp body up to the family area."
Neville blushes crimson at that and mutters.
"shes not so bad We had a heart to heart, I forgave her.. Strange thing is she even hugged me and continually apologized while she rocked me side to side."
Harry and Daphne trade grins holding back their snickers as Harry says.
"Ya Bella is awesome and actually a very warm and some what kind person she was just put in to a situation she couldn't handle by herself where she broke unfortunately. She did help me Daphne with our fighting styles in our animal forms. But moving on for now. How was the training that the others put you though."
All of them that where involved from the beginning shrug and Draco responds.
"It was incredibly brutal, but we think that we did alright and at the very least we completed our transformations by the end of it."
The couple nods but then Harry scowls while Daphne grins smugly.
"Yes, you had mentioned that. I'm honestly very disappointed in you Draco you really let my faith in you down mate."
Daphne lightly smacks his arm playfully then says.
"Well I'm proud of the twins, I knew they wouldn't ever let me down."
Everyone looks at the couple with varying looks of confusion then Neville asks.
"Um, what are you two taking about?"
The couple smiles at each other then Daphne sticks her tongue out at him as she winks playfully. Harry sighs then shakes his head in both amusement and exasperation as he answers.
"It's simple really we bet on who would achieve their animagus form first out of these three. Winner got to cuddle with the loser animagus. Needless to say I lost."
Understanding soon dawns on everyone's face while the twins start to snicker. They then say as one.
"Actually we weren't the first to achieve our forms that honor goes to the lovely and incredibly talented witch...Astoria Greengrass and her form a White-tailed hawk."
Daphne laughs joyously and hugs her little sister tightly as she give a mock glare, causing the younger girl to blush as Daphne asks.
"Why didn't you tell me you had a form I would have invited you to come out and play with me and Harry and then we could have brought our familiars as well."
Astoria ducks her head and blushes brighter as she mumbles.
"Sorry sister it just kinda slipped my mind. I was more happy to see that you where OK and safe."
Daphne nods then hugs your sister again, as Draco asks both Daphne and Harry.
"So what happened with you two during the summer."
Harry just shrugs as Daphne then sits beside him again and answers.
"Well as Luna had said I acquired the mark of Gabriel, but just like Harry I had to swear a few different magical oaths so I can't say more then that. After that I was mainly shown how to use this new form of magic and was put in a similar situation as Harry to achieve my animagus form."
She then glares playfully at Harry as he nods then kisses her cheek as he replies.
"Yes but I remember when you did we ended up playing in that winter desert for hours and falling asleep cuddled around each other as in a cave as the warm fire crackled in front of us."
Daphne blushes as she remembers that night fondly. Harry then returns his attention to the rest.
"I was pretty much in the same boat as Daphne minus the animagus transformation till Bella showed up. Well besides the few days in that wasteland we mainly stayed in Finland. With the exception for those ten days that Daphne and Gabriel dragged us to Canada for the Stampede in Calgary, Because Gabriel and apparently Daphne here like that kind of stuff."
Daphne ducks her head sheepishly as she shrugs, she then pokes his side with a teasing smile.
"Don't forget the weekend in Paris when Maria had shanghaied you in to modeling for that fall fashion shoot."
Harry grins then wraps his arm around her shoulders.
"Ah yes, how ever I do remember there being an incredibly sexy blonde temptress modeling in everyone of my shots as well."
Daphne blushes lightly at the comment but also smiles in remembrance and she sighs.
"Yes... Good times."
Harry chuckles softly then brings his focus back to the people around him, who all but Luna are gaping at the couples. Harry then scratches his chin.
"Anyways in a nutshell that was out summer."
Daphne then shakes her head as she says.
"You forgot one of the more important things my love."
*flashback*
Harry tried to loosen the green and black tie around his neck, but once again Daphne turns him to face her and fixes it for the tenth time. She softly whispers in his ear.
"Stop it, and calm down at east for me..please."
Harry smiles nervously at the blonde haired beauty in front of him as he leans down to kiss her. He then silently takes in her appearance feeling slightly intoxicated by it.
Daphne who is wearing a dark blue strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline that hugs her figure perfectly and gracefully. The skirt stops just below the knees. She looks up in to Harry's eyes and smiles; she then stands on her tiptoes and kisses him lightly on the lips as she whispers.
"Happy birthday Harry."
Harry softly smirks at her and then returns the kiss with one of his own before holding out his arm in a silent request.
Daphne then nods and wraps both hands in his offered arm. The couple silently make their way in to the ballroom. As they enter the room goes queit as the couple heads towards the head table where Axel Cross, his wife Maria Cross, Luciferel, and Gabriel are sitting waiting for the two of them. The couple then bows and curtsy's respectfully, as Axel then stands and addresses the room.
"I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight. Now this must seem strange to have a ball at this time but please think of it as a mix of celebrations. Because not only is it this young mans birthday, but he has also asked this beautiful young woman to marry him when they become of age, and finally with their help the celestial has found new evidence of the existence of the lost city MU."
Clapping is heard across the room for a few moment; as some people are quietly whispering about the possibilities for MU when it is actually found. Axel then raises his hands and returns a quiet order to the ballroom.
"Now without further adu let this celebration begin."
This is punctuated with more clapping and like magic the food appears in front of everyone. The dinner was a simple eight ounce fillet Mignon with herb garlic mashed potatoes and maple glazed carrots/asparagus drizzled over the beef is a rich veal jus. After the plates are cleared away Axel stands up to address the ball one last time.
"Now that all our stomachs are full I would like to welcome everyone to dance, mingled drink and most importantly have fun!"
The music then starts as Axel turns to his wife asking for a dance. while some of the other take this as their cue to ask their dates to dance, others soon start to mingle and discuss many different topics of interest.
Harry stands up and turns to Daphne, never taking his eyes off her own he gives her an elegant bow and asks.
"Would my beautiful light do me the honor of this dance?"
Daphne smiles at him as she delicately places her hand in to his out stretched hand then responds.
"It would be my pleasure my handsome darkness."
Harry then leads her out to the floor and twirls her, he then pulls her close as the two become lost in each others eyes and the music. Time soon loses all meaning as the couple slowly dance is each others arms. The trance is broken after the fourth song and Luciferel asks Daphne for a dance while Gabriel requests Harry to dance with her.
Much later that evening as all the balls quests begin to leave the two celestial s and their apprentices are sitting at a table on the far end of the room discussing the plans for August.
"As you both know Bella is free and is being looked after by Raphael, and hopefully will be is good enough shape to start your training in animagus combat by the end of the week."
The two teens nod then Daphne tries to stifle a yawn.
Gabriel smirks and tells the two, too go home and go to bed.
As the two teens leave Harry takes Daphne's hand and kisses it while smiling and whispers.
"Thank you for this night Daph, you have made it so much more enjoyable."
He then stands up just enough to crash his lips in to her own soft crimson lips in a passionate kiss not caring who might be watching.
*Flashback end*
All three girls give a heartfelt sigh and then excitedly ask Daphne to see the ring. While the guys start mocking playful coos at the two. They soon stop at the dark glares from both Daphne and Harry, while Daphne happily shows the three girls the ring that is hidden with a very powerful disillusionment charm and notice-me -not charm. Tracy and and Astoria squeal in excitement and the thought of being able to plan a wedding in the near future.
While the guys congratulate Harry, Neville and Draco are the first to pay him on the back while Blaise just shakes his hand. Luna remains quiet not knowing any of them for very long but is soon brought in to the girls conversation. For the rest of the afternoon the group stays in the library till dinner, talking and quietly planning what they are going to do next.
And there you have it please review or Pm me with any questions you have but to answer some of the few that I will mostly get Daphne's familiar will be revealed in the next chapter, as well as the long await confrontation between Harry and umbridge. I have put a hint at what the end game plan is some where in this chapter and I lastly what Harry and Daphne call each other in the flashback has some significance to their familiars so take a guess.