Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling. Loyalty plot and characters belong to TL Jennings-Hill.

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A Consorts Loyalty
A Harry Potter Fan-fiction

Desolate03

Chapter One Draco Malfoy was sprawled out gracefully on the plush black suede love seat in his father's office. A crystal wine glass filled with red wine dangled from his fingers and his silver mercury eyes stared at it casually, before he took a small sip. "Has there been any word?" He drawled out. Lucius looked at his son's form, momentarily stunned at how beautiful his one true heir was. His silvery blond locks had grown quickly this past summer, and fell to his hips. Draco himself, had grown a few more inches, putting him at right around five ten, a respectable height for one of his stature. He was fine boned and lithe grace. His eyes were no longer blocks of ice, but warm liquid mercury as he stared at his sire. "No, there hasn't been any news." He informed him after a brief moment. He sneered. "Should there be? Your mother was never fond of me in school; it shouldn't have changed after twenty years of marriage, no?" "Of course, but I know you did respect her, though for the life of me I can't figure out why." He replied softly. "My only wish is for you to be happy." He murmured and his gaze rested on his father's gorgeous, mature face. "You deserve some happiness." Lucius looked away from him, rising gracefully from his leather desk chair; he walked to his private liquor cabinet, pulled out a decanter of scotch, and poured himself a stiff drink. Leaning a lean hip on the side of his desk, he regarded his eighteen year old with fatherly pride and loving affection. "I am content; it is all I can ask for. You are the one person that keeps me going." Draco shook his head, his long hair falling into his face as he did. "I am one of two. The other you have tried to forget about; but how can you? Every time you look at my school robes you can see his face. Daddy," Lucius' breath hitched at the pain and confusion in that name; the name Draco hadn't called him since the boy was six. "Sev misses you so much. I don't understand; why must you both torture yourselves so?" "It is what we are meant to do." "Just because you made the mistake of joining Voldemort," Draco scoffed. "That is ridiculous. Furthermore, neither of you made the decision on your own, your fathers were leading you into it. You can feel the end is coming. His reign will never start. It is all hopeless dreams that madman has now, you have to see it." Draco said harshly. Lucius scowled, and tossed back the rest of his drink. "I do see it, damn it! There is just no way out! Severus and I have our own parts to play in this game of chess. Dumbledore is about to take the queen, especially with Harry Potter by his side. The boy has more power than even he can fathom. It is a lost cause Draco, but I chose my path." "And Sev chose his, only he denounced it and chose a different path." Draco rose regally from the couch, "you can do the same; I know you can." "Dragon, why must you persist so?" Lucius looked at his son through tired eyes. "My fate is already sealed. I have tried to lessen the harsh reality of it. I've aligned myself secretly with Harry Potter, through Sev, I feed you the information that you tell your godfather, that he tells to Dumbledore, who tells Harry Potter. It is all I can do. I'm all the contact they have in the Inner Circle, you know that."

Lucius walked behind his desk and looked out over the gardens of the house that had been in his family for centuries. "If Dumbledore backs my claim, I will escape Azkaban for a second time and for a last time. After that there will be no more need to do what I do." "That is only if Dumbledore agrees. The man is as manipulative as Salazar and twice as sneaky. We have players on both sides of the board and yet he still may betray us. Slytherin has never been popular in Hogwarts; and the students even less so. That is the way of things and I doubt it will ever changeeven with what is scheduled to come does." Draco frowned and his father turned to the papers on his desk with reluctance. "You can find no way around it?" "No." "So it will happen then?" "Yes." Draco sipped his wine once more and then pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation. His hair fell forward in front of his shoulders and his pointed ears peaked out. "You just had to be Elven, didn't you father?" He mock glared at his sire. Lucius arched an eyebrow at his tone and Draco rolled his eyes and elaborated. "You had to be pure blooded and full blooded Elven, making me so, making me complete a damn prophecy of my own, making me have to marry Harry Potter by my eighteenth birthday, which is four days before Christmas, I might add." "I never said you had to marry Potter." He drawled innocently as he picked up the ancient pieces of paper on his desk. "The Seers of the Elven kind saw it thousands of years ago." "Well, damn them too." Draco muttered, polishing off his wine before ringing the bell pull to summon a house elf to bring him some more. "I trust everything is ready?" "As far as I know yes; Dumbledore has been notified, and I am sure he has notified his precious Golden Boy by now as well. And if that Potter knows, then mark my words Weasel and Granger know as well. They breathe down his neck like a pack of simpering dogs." He said sarcastically as the doors to the office opened and a house elf scurried in, took his empty glass from the table, handed him a new one, bowed and vanished with a small 'pop.' His father laughed. "Is that so?" He said sagely. "Well, then I guess your mother will miss out on the social event of the season. Why, who would have thought; the Slytherin Prince marrying the Boy Who Lived." "Very funny." Draco said sulkily. "You are not the one who has to bottom for him." Lucius pulled his son into a hug and kissed his forehead. "You will be a beautiful Consort, Dragon. Beautiful, graceful, and regal. You are a Malfoy, you will always be one, it is who you are, where you come from, and you cannot know how proud I am of you, or how much I love you. I gave my blessings to this union because it not only gave you means of escape from a dark future, but also because I believe he truly is your other half; the Seers are never wrong sweet. They'd never put you somewhere where you'd ultimately be unhappy."

Draco felt his throat close, and his eyes burn, his father hadn't held him like this since before he could remember, it was so reassuring to have his father's love and affection, and approval going into this. "You have no idea how much that means to me, Father." He said smiling gently. Lucius smiled as well. "It is time for your last year of Hogwarts; your trunk is all ready to leave. Are you?" Draco pulled himself up to his full height and ran a hand along his robes. Lucius felt a small gathering of magick occur and watched as his son's robes turned into his school robes. "I am ready as I'll ever be. When I come to see you next, I'll be married." Lucius grinned. "Bring your husband home with you; I would like to meet Harry Potter once more." He winked; Draco pouted and disapparated to the train station. Lucius felt the cold slip once more into his bones, and the burden he had unwittingly saddled himself with for the last two decades fall once more on his shoulders. He faced the gardens once again, his striking face marred with a darkness that shouldn't have been there. He did not know how long he stood there, or when the presence in the room shifted, but he did know when that familiar hard body rested behind him, that he could relax, for just a few more minutes. He breathed in sandalwood, dragon's bane, and many other familiar scents, but underneath was the unmistakable scent of his love. "I take it you have received the news?" He said softly. "Of course darling, the old fool had no choice but to tell me, I wasn't about to let my godson marry that worthless Gryffindor without my knowledge or consent." The dark sultry tenor sent desire coursing through his spine as he turned and gazed into the onyx eyes of Severus Snape. Lucius turned in his arms. "I miss you." He breathed. "I want you so badly." "I feel the same." Severus murmured as he nuzzled the pale elegant neck of the second most feared man in Wizarding England. "Draco says we can be together." "He would, he knows how much it hurts us to be apart." "Voldemort would kill you Sev." "He'd kill you as well; since he has found out I was a spy." Sev's arms tightened around him and Lucius felt his eyes burn with unshed tears. "Would it be cowardly to say I was frightened of what could happen in the coming year?" "No, I'd say you have every right to be. Your son is about to marry the number one person on Voldemort's hit list. Said person is probably his other half and he will bear his children. And then you," Sev's voice softened with pain, "you are his second in command, and may die or get sent to Azkaban, and leave us both." He buried his face into Lucius' hair. "Goddess, let us get through this." He murmured as he played with Lucius' pointed ears. In the midst of his emotion turmoil he must have let his glamour fall. Severus stood back and took in the striking creature before him. Lucius looked like an older version

of Draco, except for his hair was nearly down to his feet now, and as the elegant elf moved the music of tiny bells that were woven into his hair sounded. "The Goddess, will protect us all." Lucius murmured as he looked his soul mate in the eyes. "She will protect us." "If you say it is true. Then it shall be." Severus murmured, he bowed to him and disappeared. Lucius closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. His glamour reappeared around him and he dusted off invisible lint, smoothing out nonexistent wrinkles in his attire. "And so it begins."

Chapter Two To say he was blindsided would've been a compliment. Harry Potter was completely and utterly shocked. He didn't think anything could've surprised him more, nothing short of Voldemort showing up in a pink tutu; not only would he be scarred for life, but also hurling where he stood. Now, he was boarding Hogwarts Express, closing the distance between him, his beloved home, and his last year at Hogwarts. Not only was he facing Voldemort but also the prospect that he'd be a married man in four months flat. No correction, probably a month. To the Slytherin Prince himself. Draco Malfoy. The gods must be laughing at him. "Hey mate, what's going on with you?" Ron waved his hand in front of Harry's face, as the emerald eyed teen stared off into space. "Harry, hey Harry!" Harry Potter blinked, shook his morbid thoughts out of his mind, if for only a moment, and smiled at Ron. "Hello to you too Ron." He replied calmly. The redhead blinked at him and then narrowed his eyes. "Hey what's going on with you? I've been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes. Hurry your bloody arse up, Mione's already saving us seats on board." Harry merely smiled at Ron's antics and followed his friend on the train. As they walked to the reserved compartment, Harry once again let his thoughts wonder. What was he going to do about this marriage to Malfoy? It was so unrealistic and so unexpected he didn't know what to think about it. "Hey Harry." Hermione said from behind her book. When no ready response came, the bushy haired witch looked up at Harry, who was staring out the window of the train with apt attention. She turned to Ron, who shrugged his shoulders in complete bewilderment. Hermione sighed, who knew what was going on in his head. She let her gaze follow his and was totally shocked to find him staring avidly at Malfoy. She looked a little closer. That, was Malfoy? "Bloody hell, he looks more like a ponce then he did last year." Ron muttered. "Ron, please look closer; are those his ears?" Hermione gasped in shock. "They are; he's an Elf!" "An Elf, why would we be noticing this now?" It was the first question Harry had asked since they had been watching their nemesis make his way towards the train, regally. Silvery blond hair hung down his back and brushed his hips. He was slightly taller than he had been last year, but was still easily dwarfed by Ron and Harry. His angular features were more prominent as were his mercury colored eyes and full lips. His skin was more like creamy alabaster than, just vampire pale, like many had thought before. He was more exotic now. "He's gorgeous." He murmured. "Ugh, he's still Ferret face and still an arse probably." Ron scowled darkly. "How could you think he's attractive Harry?" He whined. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Well I agree with Harry, he was handsome before, but now he is a lot more attractive. It's in his blood Ron, he probably looked this way for a long time, he merely used a glamour to blend in more." "You never answered my question." Hermione turned to Harry, who was now looking at her expectedly. "Oh, well like I just told Ron, he's probably looked like this all his life; he merely used glamour to cover his Elven features." She paused and thought a moment, her brow furrowed. "Of course it could also be that he is spoken for." "Huh?" Ron asked unintelligently. Harry glanced at him and smirked; his friend was rummaging through his bag for chocolate frogs. "Pay attention." Hermione snapped. "As I was saying, he may be spoken for; as in, he has a fianc." She smiled. "If youre so interested Harry, I could lend you this book and" She trailed off as their compartment door was opened. Crabbe and Goyle both glared at them, but stood aside and Malfoy stood between them in all his glory. He was even more beautiful up close. He didn't sneer like usual, merely nodded in Ron and Hermione's direction. "Granger, Weasel." His voice was softer, sultrier, and musical. "Malfoy," Hermione nodded, Ron just glared at him; but he was ignored. Malfoy turned his liquid mercury eyes toward Harry and Harry felt naked under that knowing gaze. "Can we help you?" "I am here to discuss some things with Potter." He said smoothly. He glanced in their direction. "I was hoping that I could possible take him off your hands for the first half of the trip to Hogwarts." Harry blinked; this was Malfoy standing in front of them right? The arrogant, stuck up git, spouting pure blooded nonsense that had made their lives a living hell for the past six years? He glanced at Hermione and Ron. The witch was just as speechless as he was, Ron, however, looked to be suspicious. "Um, well, Harry?" Hermione turned to him questioningly. Harry felt his stomach drop; he knew what Malfoy was going to discuss with him. "Sure thing Malfoy; Mione, Ron, I'll be back later." He said. As he stepped out into the corridor, Malfoy gave him a penetrating look. Crabbe shut the door. "Let's move things to a more, comfortable environment shall we?" Malfoy posed it as a question; Harry knew it was an order. "I am sure you have received notification from Dumbledore on the current events?" Malfoy asked as they made their way down towards the back of the train, which Ron had dubbed 'Death Eater' territory. "Yes." "And, what, pray tell, do you think of it?" Goyle opened the door to an empty compartment, Malfoy went in first followed by Harry, Goyle shut the door, and Harry just knew they were stopping anyone from entering.

"What am I supposed to think Malfoy?" Harry asked sarcastically. He was totally out of his element here. Malfoy sprawled elegantly along the seat in front of him, ever graceful and exotic looking. Harry swallowed heavily. "I am surprised, I am hurt, and I don't want to have my life dictated to me by yet another prophecy." Malfoy just listened and watched him, through unreadable silvery eyes. "Voldemort is enough, I am not about to marry his second in commands Death Eater son." At this Malfoy's face hardened into that usual haughtiness, before he sighed heavily and let the mask fall. "I am not a Death Eater." He said simply. Harry blinked. "I beg your pardon?" "Are you deaf as well as blind, Potter? I just told you that I am not a Death Eater. How could I possibly split my allegiances like that? Yes, in all pure blooded families, loyalty to the family is very important." He said softly. "In fact, I'd say it was the most important thing in the world. It is that way until he or she is engaged and married off to another family. If that chosen family has different allegiances than those of their blood family, those are the allegiances that they will take." "So you're saying because of your marriage to me, you will fight for the Light?" "Not that I would fight for the light, but I would support you, I could never actually physically fight for your side Potter." He gave a half smile. "In actuality my allegiances transfer straight to you and to you only. Not Dumbledore, not Weasel or Granger, just you." Harry sat back and digested it all and Malfoy silently watched him before speaking in more even softer tones. "My father has decided to help me help you, in that, he will supply information on Voldemort's plans to me. He thinks I will tell Severus first, but I will most likely tell you before I tell him. Dumbledore will probably try to keep as much information from you as possible, and I would never have my spouse unprepared." "You speak as if we are already married." Harry murmured quietly. Malfoy arched an eyebrow. "It is not like you to roll over and just let sleeping dogs lie. Why aren't you fighting this?" "It is complicated." "We have time." Malfoy laughed; a real laugh. It rang out in the small compartment like wind chimes; melodious, harmonious, and filled with true humor. "I knew you had a back bone in there somewhere." He smiled and Harry couldn't speak. He just nodded slowly, taking in, processing, and storing the beautiful sight of Draco Malfoy laughing, in the recesses of his brain for further speculation. "In the realm of Elves, there are different Houses. Each house has a specialization, almost like wizards, except their gifts are actually pronounced at birth, so when they grow older and are able to harness their talents, everyone has already been sorted. Do you comprehend?" Harry nodded. "Well, every few centuries there is a special type of talent that is prized highly among Elven kind and that is the gift of Sight." "Sight?"

"As in prophets or Seers. They see glimpses of what may happen or what will. The prophecy that binds us together was told nearly two thousand years ago." Harry's eyes widened. "Really, I guess it is important that we complete this then?" He posed it as a question. Malfoy nodded solemnly. "You have a duty to your people?" "Yes, I guess you could say that my father is perhaps an Overlord of sorts in Elven society. It is his duty that I am suitable matched, however, in the case of being part of a prophecy as old as the one we are in, then the Elders of the Elven race decide my fate." He gave a small smile. "And the fate of my chosen." Harry snorted in disgust. "Why am I not surprised? How can you just sit there and take it?" "I was groomed to just sit and take orders, let my future be planned for me. Even as my husband you will guide my actions in everything you do or say." Harry gaped at him. "You mean you'd have to listen to me?" Malfoy winced but nodded. "Yes, you see Potter; I will be submissive to you. Meaning when the time comes to consummate this marriage I will be the bottom in the relationship. It will not be like a Veela bond, where I submit to everything you say, or you submit to all my whims. I will be able to assert myself when necessary. For example, while I am in Slytherin, I will be as I have always been; I lead, they follow. If they try to hurt me, I will be within my rights to protect myself." He paused and looked at Harry. "Just because you think I should be a little softer with my punishment of them or not punish them at all, doesn't mean I will stop immediately. Do you understand?" "I think so." "Let me put it this way. If I were to attack Weasel after he either humiliated me or goddess forbid, tried to hex me, and you told me to stop, I would stop immediately." Harry frowned. "Even if he earned it, even if he were about to hit you, just because I told you to stop you would?" Malfoy nodded. "That doesn't seem fair." "Elven mates obey their dominant to the fullest if they can, call it instinct; they never want to lose favor with their beloved." He cocked his head as something seemed to dawn on him. The curious look made him look cute; Harry blushed. Keep your mind out of the gutter. He muttered to himself. "I trust you know that, when we do consummate the marriage there is the likelihood that I will become pregnant?" Harry paled and his mouth dropped in shock. "What?" He squeaked. Malfoy rolled his eyes heavenward. "Goddess, I'm about to marry an imbecile. Don't you ever read anything else besides Quidditch Weekly?" Harry blushed deep red. "I take that as a no." "Pregnant, male Elves can get pregnant?"

"Yes, Potter, or did the phrase 'I will become pregnant' not permeate your brain?" "Don't talk to me as if I am a child." "Well, stop acting like an illiterate child, and I will stop speaking to you like one." Malfoy drawled back. Harry glared daggers at him. "Look, I don't like you Malfoy, yes, you are bloody gorgeous, anyone can see that, but you have a heart of ice. I didn't ask to marry you, and you certainly didn't ask to marry me, but it seems that we are stuck together for the duration of our lives or more and I'd like to have a semblance of a normal married relationship if I can. Marriage is sacred; I don't want any child we might have to see us bickering all the time like cats and dogs." Harry choked, his eyes burned with tears; the mention of family always left him sad and wanting. What would his home life been like if his mother and father hadn't been killed? Far different than what it turned out to be, he snorted to himself. "I just want a happy home, is that too much to ask for?" "No." Malfoy answered softly, but he sounded closer. Harry looked up into solemn mercury silver eyes. They glowed with unseen power and sadness, uncertainty and a determination, it seemed, to make this work. "We started off wrong all those years ago; this is a chance to make it right. If you put forth the effort, I will as well. Once this whole Voldemort thing blows over, perhaps we can have the life you want. For now, we must try to do what will work now; we can work out all the details later okay?" His voice was soothing, comforting, and Harry was shocked that his mere presence relaxed him. "What are you doing to me?" He whispered. "I feelvery calm now." Malfoy smiled gently. It was something that he'd never seen before on that pale face. It was something he wanted to see many more times in the future. "Elves are known to have calming auras, and those that are chosen to be together are able to calm their mates further. I'm glad it worked." He stood up, and moved back to his previous position. "Now, do you have any questions for me?" "Yes, when is the wedding?" "Dumbledore has scheduled it for when we arrive actually. He seemed to know that we would either be drug in by our ears kicking and screaming or we'd come to an understanding. It is why I asked to speak with you." "Damn old man." Harry muttered; Malfoy chuckled. "Anything else?" "Yes, if we are going to be married, then is there some sort of bond between us like a Veela bond?" "Ah yes, we would have to be together all the time for the first few weeks. Afterwards though, as long as we have contact for a few moments a day, we should be fine." He said calmly. "I believe the Headmaster has already given us a suite of rooms of our own, so that we can live there for our remaining year of Hogwarts. Of course we are allowed to go back to our Houses if we feel that it is necessary, but I'm not

sure how all my Housemates will react to me being wed to you. Slytherin is divided. There are those that will follow me, no matter where my allegiances lie, however, there are those few that would try to hurt me." He paused thoughtfully, "I guess I will be staying in our rooms after all." "Then I will stay with you." Harry stated firmly. "Now sleeping arrangements." "After the first night, if you choose, we can have separate beds. Knowing myself, I would probably rather sleep with you than without you." Harry blinked. "The bond that we form will be one of magick, body, soul, and mind. If you are not able to do wand-less magic now, you will be after we are wed. We will be able to speak telepathically with each other; our empathy will be even greater or at least equal. Knowing how the other is feeling or if one is in danger is very important. Since our souls will bind to each other, we have to remain in some kind of contact; although, since I will be bonded to you instead of vice versa, I will be more inclined to just want to be near you, hence sleeping in the same bed." He shifted uncomfortably at that and Harry gave him a small smile. "It would make the bond easier on you?" He asked gently and Malfoy nodded relieved. "Then we will share the same bed as well." Harry bit his lips. "About childrendo you want children?" He asked tentatively. Harry wasn't sure how much Malfoy was willing to give into this marriage. Having sex with him was one thing; bearing his children was a completely different story. "Do you want children?" He asked instead. Harry lowered his gaze and fiddled with his robes. "I would like to." He murmured quietly. "But I would never make you carry my children unless you really wanted to." He said defensively. "That would be very selfish of me." "It would be selfish of me if I deny you the right as well." Malfoy said bluntly. "But to answer your questionyes, I would like to have children." He smiled wistfully, "I was always lonely as a child, Mother didn't want any more children after she had me, said it would ruin her figure." His face darkened for a moment but then he smiled gently. "I think it would be nice to have two children running about." He eyed Harry. "I guess that answers your question?" "Yes." Harry said smiling. "Oh, you can call me Harry; after all you will be my husband." Malfoy blinked in surprise but then smiled. "Then you can call me Draco, and I will be your Consort." Harry looked at him puzzled. "I forgot to explain. As I told you before my father is an Overlord, I would liken it to an English Duke, if you will. Since my father is titled, so am I. I am First Lord Draconis Lucius Alexander Malfoy. However, because I am marrying you, my title of Lord will be given to you as my husband." Harry's eyes widened. "You mean I'll become First Lord?" "Yes, and I will become First Consort. It is a very big honor, I think the last time a wizard was able to become First Lord was thousands of years ago." "And you're okay with this?" Draco looked at him with a grin.

"Why wouldn't I be, just because I become First Consort, doesn't mean I married beneath me, it just tells those that I am submissive to my Lord, who in turn is my equal or more powerful than I. It is an honor to be a First Consort, just as it is an honor for you to be First Lord." "I'll get this sooner or later." Harry said. He was startled when the warning bell went off. "Oh shit! Hermione and Ron must be worried. You said you'd have me back twenty minutes ago!" Draco blinked and then shrugged his shoulder innocently. "We had much to talk about." He replied, "They will understand once they see what happens at the feast tonight." "And you are sure it will be tonight?" Harry asked nervously. Draco smirked and for the first time since they had begun, Harry saw the old Draco emerge. "Have you known anyone or thing to dissuade Dumbledore from doing what he wants?" Harry sighed and shook his head. "I thought so." Draco knocked on the door; Goyle opened it and looked straight at Harry. "You hurt him I will make cannon fodder out of you Potter." Goyle said clearly and concisely. Crabbe turned to look at Harry as well. "And you can count me in on that pounding. You may be his Lord-to-be, but we still do not trust you. You have to earn it." He said harshly. Harry looked between them and then back at Draco. "They actually have brains?" He asked. Draco sighed and shook his head. "We are Slytherin Harry; every Slytherin has a mask in which he or she wants the world to see them as." He said seriously. "The entire school thinks we're evil, Death Eaters in the making, and all that nonsense." He shrugged and smiled sadly. "Most are trying to find a way to rewrite the path our parents have written for us." He nodded to Crabbe and Goyle. "Because of me, they do not have to walk the path of the Dark Mark, I chose them to protect me and in turn, after we wed, they will protect you. It is the way of things." Draco smiled, "there is more loyalty in Slytherin than probably the whole school." "I would contest that." Harry said stubbornly. Draco nodded. "Then I guess you will have to visit, and see for yourself." He smiled and Harry gave him a lopsided smile back. "I guess I will. See you later Draco." "I will see you at the Feast my Lord." Draco murmured. Harry turned and looked at him once more and then from some instinct bowed to him. "And I will see you as well my Consort." He said back. Draco blinked at the formal reply, but bowed as well. He gestured to Crabbe and Goyle; Goyle shut the door and stood guard once again, as Crabbe escorted Harry, back to his friends.

"You do know that I would never hurt him intentionally don't you?" Harry asked as his escort. The heavily muscled young man grunted, but a flicker of respect passed over his eyes. "I doubt you would Potter. It is the fact that you may unintentionally hurt him that will keep Goyle and me breathing down your neck. Despite appearances, Draco has had a worse life than many of us. He was pulled in two, his Elven blood calling as much as his wizarding blood. I'm just glad he has found his Chosen, whether it was because of prophecy or not and whether it was you or not, all those following him are pleased." Harry had never heard a more coherent statement from him. Perhaps he and his Housemates were wrong. "We have the wrong impression about the lot of you don't we?" He asked Crabbe. The boy gave him a sneer worthy of Malfoy standards as he opened the compartment door, revealing a worried Hermione and irate Ron. "Hey Ferret face said half the train ride, not the entire train ride dumbass." Ron yelled. Crabbe grunted and turned to walk back the way they had come. Inconspicuously, for a boy of his size, he turned and whispered his answer in Harry's ear. "You have no idea Golden Boy, no idea."

Chapter Three The Elders were here, he could feel it in his bones. "Draco," Blaise murmured as they walked together, "He knows, doesn't he?" Draco smiled warmly. "Yes he knows. Don't worry, we have discussed it all, everything will go smoothly." Draco paused momentarily, the soft tinkling of bells tickled his ears and he turned around, ignoring Blaise's curious glance. Draco felt the familiar rush of bone deep earth magic as he knelt. He heard Blaise intake a deep breath before dropping beside him. "Rise Children," the deep tenor resonated through the empty corridor. Draco rose first, followed by his best friend. "Ah, Draconis, you are far more beautiful than you were when you were merely a babe." The elder's purple eyes sparkled within unmatched age and power. His full lips curved into a doting smile as he ran his fingers through Draco's silvery locks; which were in direct contrast with his dark auburn locks. "Elder Leviathan, I did not know you would be presiding over the ceremony." Draco said his eyes letting the Elder know he was excited at the prospect. "Of course, I would not let my favorite nephew be married off by anyone else." "Is Claudius with you?" "Of course, my mate wouldn't be anywhere but by my side right now. He is five months pregnant you know." Mercury eyes began to glow with happiness; specks of rolling ocean blue began to mix with silver. Leviathan smiled knowingly; the young one would be getting his Elven magick any time now. "That's marvelous!" Draco said grinning. "Congratulations." "Yes, Congratulations Elder." Blaise said smiling. Leviathan smiled in thanks before turning to Draco. "Come now, young Dragon, we must prepare you for your ceremony. Blaise if you will let Consort Severus know where his son is?" "Of course, see you at dinner Draco." Blaise said winking and disappeared. Draco turned back to Leviathan and they began walking towards the South end of Hogwarts. "Have you spoken with my father?" Draco asked softly. Leviathan sighed sadly. "Yes, he is in the first stages of withdrawal, I'm afraid, he and his Chosen have been apart for far too long. Severus has had you to keep him on the brink, but your father" "I am gone too long and home too short, I know." Draco bit his lip in frustration. "If only Voldemort were not here. If only his father hadn't pressured him into it." Draco sighed with frustration. "Is there nothing we can do?"

"Consort Severus has initiated contact again, which is a good thing, hopefully the visits will help him, of course knowing that you are well taken care of and happy will have lasting effects, however, I agree with you. If this Lord Voldemort were not here, things would be all the more smoother." Leviathan paused as they reached a magick barrier. He placed his hand through the middle of the invisible field. The shield rippled like water and glowed as it recognized its maker and the young Elf next to him. The shield parted and both Elves entered the hidden room. "Have you found my mother?" Draco asked coolly. Elves scurried about preparing his wedding attire and setting up his bath. Two Elf maids bowed low to him and began removing his wizarding attire as he stood in the middle of the room. Leviathan gazed out the window as his nephew was unclothed and turned back around when he heard silk rustling over smooth skin and found Draco tying the belt to his emerald silk robe. "No, we believe she is hiding with this Voldemort character." "Figures." Draco sighed heavily. "Father held her in high regard." "Yes, but she knew what she was getting into when she married him. She could never have his heart, he was already spoken for." "The ceremony never took place." Draco protested. Leviathan smiled gently. "Though there was no ceremony, they were bonded nevertheless. Now stop sulking, today is a day to rejoice. Your intended is waiting for you." Draco smiled gently and made his way to the bathroom. "Where is Claudius?" "In, what is it, Gryffindor Tower? With your fianc." The Elf was beautiful. His hair was like spun gold, his eyes were the color of whiskey, bronze, orange, and gold all wrapped together. Harry blinked as did the whole of Gryffindor as they walked in and found him sitting in their common room. Ron was tongue tied and Hermione blushed as the man smiled sweetly. "Ah, my beloved was right; you are a cutie Harry Potter." He teased; his voice light and carefree. It was when he stood up, that Harry's eyes widened. He had a bulging midsection; the Elf was pregnant. "Oh my," Hermione murmured. "How far along are you?" "Five months, this little one is being very good." He rubbed his stomach with an indulgent smile. "Now, enough about me." He snapped his fingers and immediately two Elves came down from the seventh year dorm rooms. They took one look at Harry Potter and bowed. "First Lord." They said in unison. Hermione and Ron narrowed their eyes at Harry. "Was there" Hermione started.

"Something you'd like to tell us?" Ron asked. Harry laughed nervously. "You'll find out at the feast, because if I tell you now, you will try and stop me from doing what I know is right." He smiled at the Elves. "Gentlemen, lead the way." They both smiled and ushered him up the stairs. "Oh, Congrats on your child, and what's your name?" "It's Claudius, and thank you." Claudius smiled and then looked at the First Lord's friends. "I'm sorry, but I will not tell you anything either. The Feast will start shortly, and he will be there. I must be leaving. Good bye." He said gently laughing and walked out of Gryffindor, leaving behind a whole House of confused people. What in Merlin's name was going on? For the first time in centuries, a ceremony before the Welcoming Feast was going to be performed. All the Houses were quiet as they stared in awe at the three Elves standing in front of the Head Table. Dumbledore stood; his damn twinkling eyes at full blaze. "Students, I am pleased to announce that there will be a wedding ceremony before the Feast will commence." The room roared to life with whispers, excited shrieks from the girls, and groans from the boys. He held up his hands and waited for silence. When the noise died down he let his gaze wander over to the Gryffindor table where, many were looking around to see where their leader was. He gazed at Slytherin where most were actually smiling with pride though some were looking around suspiciously. "Standing before you are the Three." He paused as the whispers grew again, but were immediately silenced when he stopped. "These Elves standing before you are the oldest and most powerful of the Elven Realm. In the middle is High Elder Leviathan, to my right is his mate High Elder Claudius," at this Hermione and Ron gasped, "and to my left is High Elder Elena." "Blessings be upon you all." The three said clearly. It was like music, all the girls sighed and most boys rolled their eyes in exasperation, all though their eyes still wandered to the beautiful female Elf standing in front of the dais. "And now the ceremony will begin." Dumbledore said. "Please, remain seated and quiet." Silence fell over the hall. Leviathan stepped forward. "We are here to complete a prophecy born two thousand years before." Claudius stepped up next to him. "The two chosen are children of powerful blood, and their chosen path cannot and will not be denied." Elena came forward. "You all bear witness, silence is needed, for the power about to swamp this room is greater than anything you will have ever seen or felt." Her voice was powerful, cerulean eyes glowing. "First Lord, we call you." Two Elves opened the double doors, and a single figure stepped through. Eyes around the room went wide; it was Harry Potter. As he approached the three Elves, everyone held their breath.

He was wearing long outer robes that were the color of rich emerald green. The inner robes that made up the cuffs were a soft baby blue green. He wore buckskin crme colored breeches that hugged his lean legs and the breeches disappeared into knee high burgundy dragon hide boots. His hair was still messily attractive, but his glasses were gone, giving everyone a full view of his gorgeous emerald green eyes. He stopped in front of the three Elves and stared them in the eye for a brief moment, before lowering his gaze and going down on one knee. Leviathan let his hand fall on Harry's bent head. No one breathed a word and that was when they felt it. It started small, but grew in intensity as did the glow of the High Elf's eyes as he placed his other hand on Harry's bent head. It was the Elder's magick. The room vibrated with his magick as it grew and grew. Leviathan's body was outline in an earthly glow. "I ask you Harry Potter if you will take one of our Children as your life mate?" "Yes." He said. "And you will protect him from those that can cause him harm?" Claudius asked. "I will." "Then speak his name, your chosen life mate and release your barriers and let your true power flow forth." Elena asked gently. "Draconis Lucius Alexander Malfoy." Immediately, the Elves stepped back, as they felt layer after layer of his natural barriers fall. The room groaned under the power of the High Elder and the wizarding world's chosen savior. "Rise." Leviathan said slowly. It was like he was in a trance. Harry stood slowly and turned toward the entrance to the room. His eyes were glowing as were the eyes of the Elders. The magick in the room was so thick, no one dared to make a move. "First Consort, we call you." The doors opened again and this time, everyone gasped, even the Headmaster's eyes widened in delight. Draco Malfoy stood before the entire student assembly dressed beautifully in soft baby green oceanic blue robes the fell over his body, loosely yet molded to his frame. His breeches were silver dragon hide with suede baby green oceanic blue knee high boots. The sleeves of his robe fell over his slender fingers, and down to the floor. His hair fell over his shoulders in waves, tiny bells woven into his hair sounded in beautiful harmony as he walked gracefully down the aisle. His eyes were outlined in a sultry black kohl liner making his otherworldly appearance even more exotic. "Kneel before your Husband, Childe." Claudius murmured gently, his eyes glowing with power and happiness for his young nephew. Draco turned to Harry and lost himself in those powerful emerald eyes. Sinking to the floor, on both knees, he kept eye contact with Harry. "Open yourself to him and let those who bear witness feel your magick." The flow of magick ebbed in the room, the Elders quickly reining their magick in as Draco shed the last of his natural barriers and joined his magick with Harry's. The flames in the torches around the room screeched, and the magick ceiling above the hall began shifting colors, matching the auras of the two joining below it. "Draconis, do you take this wizard to be your life mate?" Leviathan asked.

"I do." He breathed. Claudius spoke next. "Do you willingly submit to him, honor him, respect his desires, and willingly die for him if the need arises?" "I do." The magick around them solidified into a circular column around them. It coiled and pulsated with every breath the two took, every shudder their bodies made; it was their life force, their magick that everyone was seeing. "So it is said, so it shall be." Elena spoke. "First Lord, First Consort, complete your promises to one another, complete your bond." She stood back and waited with everyone else. Harry reached down and offered his left hand to Draco, who took it, his eyes never leaving that of his Lord's. Harry laced their fingers together gently the funnel of their magick began concentrating on their entwined hands as the two stared at each other. You can never turn back now. Draco's mental voice seemed as breathless as his real one. I know, I don't want to, Harry told him. "I am yours, and you are mine, always and forever, eternity and beyond, blessed be." Where the words came from he didn't know, but they seemed the right ones to say. "I am yours, and you are mine, always and forever, eternity and beyond, blessed be." Draco repeated and then Harry's lips were on his, and the world faded away. When Harry opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of Leviathan, Claudius, and Elena, sitting around the king sized bed he was lying on. Dumbledore and Snape stood behind them. Harry sighed heavily, his eyes still adjusting to the magick that had corrected them and the bright light. Leviathan took pity on him and with a wave of his hand, the candles dimmed. "How are you feeling?" Harry was silent for a moment and the only thing he could come up with was "Whole," he breathed. "Socomplete." He said softly. "Is this how it always feels?" Claudius smiled down on him as he rubbed his stomach absentmindedly. "Yes, whatever things were ailing you emotionally should be gone now. You should feel very calm, very relaxed, and yes complete. Draco will take very good care of you. I believe you two are the most powerful bonded couple the Elven society has ever seen." He winked. "And you created such a beautiful wedding gift for him too." "Gift?" Harry shifted and was finally aware of the silvery blond head resting on his shoulder and the hand that held some of his robes. He gently lifted the hand and his eyes widened. Set on Draco's hand was the most beautiful piece of craftsmanship he had ever seen. On his ring finger and middle finger were two medium sized bands made of platinum mixed in with the bone of dragons. They were set with emeralds, and diamonds. At his knuckles the heads of a dragon and a snake were formed and their bodies intertwined with the others until it began curving, still twisted together, around his wrist in a seamless circle and blended in. The snake and dragon were entirely made

of platinum and the eyes of the snake were emeralds and the dragons eyes were sapphires. A large moonstone glowed softly in the triangle the bracelet formed at his wrist. It was gorgeous. "I made this?" He asked incredulously. Leviathan smiled. "Yes, and I must say well done. Your ring is merely a byproduct, almost a simple ring and not as elaborate." "Yes," Claudius held up his left hand where an almost identical craftsmanship to that of Draco's could be found, the design and stones were different, but the meaning the same; he was taken. "You Lords are so possessive." He teased. Harry blushed and lifted his left hand into his eye range. Yes, his was very simple and yet beautiful in its simplicity. A wide platinum band entwined with dragon's bone in the body of a snake, but the head of a dragon. Its eyes were made of an emerald and a sapphire and its mouth opened slightly to reveal and small moonstone inside. "Beautiful." He whispered. The body curled into his shifted. "Youre welcome." Draco murmured sleepily. Harry rubbed his back soothingly. "You're tired, go back to sleep." Draco sighed, and slipped back into a deep sleep. Harry looked up passed the Elders to Dumbledore. "Headmaster, the Feast?" "It has been over. After such an upheaval you and your Consort were the topic of discussion. Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasely were in quite a state when you and Draco collapsed like that, however, all is well. Although we did give Mr. Weasely a sedative potion to calm him down. Well, my job is done; I shall see you all in the morning!" On that note, Dumbledore strolled out whistling merrily as he went. "We should be leaving as well." Leviathan said. "Claudius needs to return home for the last months of his pregnancy and I must be with him, Lord Harry. Lady Elena will be staying here for the next couple of days, just to make sure all is well with the bond." "It was good meeting you." Harry said sleepily. Leviathan leaned over and kissed his forehead. "Welcome to the family, Harry." He said smiling, he kissed Draco's forehead as well. "Please take good care of him." "I will," Harry murmured. Claudius gave them each a kiss as well before leaving. Elena merely bowed and left without a word and that left Snape, who was staring at him with an unreadable expression on his face. "Professor?" "Go to sleep Harry, you are safe and well, I am merely fulfilling a promise I made to Lucius." He said softly. Harry frowned, trying to stay awake. "What promise?" He mumbled. For a moment he thought he saw a smile on those lips that scowled so furiously all the time. "To watch over his son and his son's mate after their boding ceremony."

"Nicepromise." Harry mumbled. "Goodtokeep" He felt Snape move closer and then the ghost of lips pressed against his forehead. "Welcome to the familySon." Snape said softly with a smile. Harry felt himself smile back at him and then Morpheus finally claimed him fully and led him to a deep, deep sleep. Severus watched, entranced as always, as Lucius walked the Elven gardens deep inside the acreage of the Malfoy Estate. His glamour was forgotten, his silvery blond hair fell down to his feet flowing with his rich blue silk robes as he moved gracefully along the water's edge. "I know you are there." He said his tone was amused. "I know you know. I can't help it if you are beautiful darling." Severus murmured as he moved towards his Lord. "Did it go well?" "It went marvelously, Draco was as beautiful as the dawn; you would've been joyous to see it." Lucius smiled sadly. "Their bond is strong, stronger than many, equal to ours," he said quietly, "if not greater." "That is good news." The Elf said. Severus frowned and he gently pulled the Elf back towards him and turned him to face him. "And what news do you have that has put you in such a mood?" He asked concerned. Lucius sighed and wrapped his arms around the lithe body of his mate. "Voldemort," he said, "he's gained control of the Trolls, and the Goblins, and the various were-packs." Severus gazed at him unbelievingly. "Thatthat is impossible." Lucius shook his head sadly. "How soon will they get here?" "They are still some ways off, but definitely by then end of the school year. It gets worse." Severus leaned against Lucius' tall solid frame. He could feel his love's fear and worry, and when Lucius was worried or afraid or both, there was a good chance it was something to be feared. "What is it?" "The Dragons, Severus, somehow, he's turned the Dragons." "Goddess no." Severus said in horror. "They are the very life force of the magick world. They are one of the Ancient races, how, how could he convince them?" Lucius' face was grave. "It seems the Dragons want the wizarding world purged of anything that could weaken or possibly destroy our world. They are willing to side with him." He sighed. "Voldemort grows tired of waiting beloved. I am not sure how long I can hold him at bay." "Just a little longer Luc." Severus murmured. "Just a little longer."

"We may not have time." He said. "We have to, Harry needs time to prepare. He is still a boy, if only he'd been in Slytherin" "Now is not the time for regrets, he's grown tremendously from what I've seen, Draco and the others will lead him down the right path. He needs the darker aspects of his magick under control." Darkness spread over his face that Severus didn't like. "What have you seen?" He asked him gravely. "A world of darkness so perilous nothing survives it." "What? You mean the end of the world?" Lucius shook his head. "No, the end of magick."

Chapter Four When Harry woke again, Snape was gone; as was Draco. He sat up and stretched, his body felt so relaxed, so calm, he hadn't felt like this in a long time. He let his eyes roam the spacious, luxurious room in slight interest. The king sized bed he was on was made of ebony wood and was a four poster bed. The curtains were made of rich burgundy velvet and tied to each post by silk burgundy belts. The rug was of oriental design and as he placed his feet upon it, they sank into the softness. Harry smirked; he could get use to this. There was a presence in the room, almost like a familiar magick and then he realized it was Draco's presence. The soothing calm of the Elf's aura and power had weaved its way throughout the bedroom and beyond. Harry turned to the double oak doors leading out into the suite on instinct. Now that he had rested there wereother things on his mind. The foremost in his mind being, how to get Draco out of his delectable wedding attire as fast as possible. Harry walked unhurriedly to the doors and opened them. They led into a hallway lined with tapestries depicting beautiful Elven landscapes, and some battles. The floor was made of black heated marble and his feet made not a sound as he stood in the entryway of their living room and looked around. Harry felt his mouth go dry. Draco stood in front of the fireplace, serenely. His expression very open, very calm, a slight curve to his full lips, told Harry that his Consort knew he was there. "Nightly blessings to you." Draco murmured as he waved his hand to and fro before the roaring flames. The flames danced in time with his graceful hand movements, and when Draco was satisfied with the fire, he turned to Harry. It seemed that Harry didn't have to try and get Draco out of his attire; his wedding outfit was lying neatly across the chestnut suede couch. Draco wore only an emerald silk robe, a smooth expanse of creamy alabaster skin peeked out before it disappeared into flowing silk. "Nightly blessings." He whispered back and began to stalk his Consort. Draco watched him; he felt his desire coarse through him as if it were his own. It was mixed with the fear that Harry would be displeased with him, and a nervousness that made him pause. "This is your first time?" He breathed, pleased. Draco averted his gaze. "Of course, though by the talk of Hogwarts, I have practically bedded everyone but the Professors." He scoffed. When he looked up again, Harry was right in front of him. Their bond tightened its hold on them. "I take it you are either gay, or do not care if it is a boy or girl you sleep with?" "I am partial to men." Harry purred, "I thought you knew that." He let his hands run soothing circles along Draco's lean hips. "II had assumed," Draco stammered. "You didn't run in fear at having to have sex with me." "It will be glorious." Harry breathed into his ear. Draco unconsciously tilted his head, and Harry pressed an open mouth kiss on the junction between his elegant neck and collarbone and sucked. Draco's breath hitched and he let out a lusty moan. "It is strange isn't it?"

"What?" Draco could barely think. Harry became bolder, the bond sang in his ears, all he wanted was right in front of him, and he wanted Draco beneath him in the throes of passion so deep, all of his noble upbringing would be lost to him. "Just hours ago, I was set against this, you resigned to it and now" His fingers finally met their prize as he wrapped them around Draco's smooth baby soft abdomen, he felt muscles ripple underneath that skin, and his arousal spiked and he hardened even more. "Now, I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be." He untied the silk robe from around Draco's slim waist and pushed the garment off his shoulders. "What has happened to change our minds so?" He whispered as he licked the shell of Draco's pointed ears. The Elf gave a breathless moan of pleasure and melted against him. It's the bond. Itit takes away all doubt, replaces it with an assuredness and contentment. Draco explained; not really realizing he wasn't saying it aloud. Let's the two chosen think about completing the bond. Likelike what is happening now. "Good." Harry growled sexily. "No more talking now, just feel beloved," and pressed his lips against Draco's. His Consort groaned his hands automatically tangling into Harry's raven brown locks. He let his tongue gently coax Draco's mouth open, and after gaining access plundered that delicious mouth for all he was worth. He pressed his knee in between Draco's legs, and pulled him closer, without breaking their kiss. His hands wandered down smooth thighs, firm rear, to the backs of those baby soft thighs and lifted. Draco stiffened in surprise and wrapped his legs around Harry's waist, as his husband carried him back to their bedroom. Harry laid him down on the bed and sat up. Draco whimpered, until he felt fingers begin to run down his body. There is no need to rush. I want to make this good for you. Harry's voice was thick with passion and lust; Draco shuddered. Glazed mercury colored eyes opened and watched with apt attention as Harry shed his clothing. "You're beautiful." Draco breathed; he reverently ran his hands along his Lord's sculpted abs, hard chest, and strong back. "No, you are." Harry answered and kissed him tenderly. Just lay back. Let me do all the work. He whispered along his mind. Draco lay back, his silvery locks fanning around him, his legs spread open more as Harry settled against him and began to worship his body with kisses, licks, and those devilish hands. Draco's moans of pleasure and passion drove Harry on. The bond between them spiked and drew their minds closer, and entwined their souls tighter, with every wall that was burned away between them as passion and magick consumed them. DracoDraco Yes was the breathless response. Harry smirked. Is there oil anywhere near this bed? He watched as Draco pouted cutely at the stopping of the process and reached out with his hand. The nightstand on the right of the bed opened and a jar was placed in front of him, its lid already taken off. Harry smiled mischievously, went down and took Draco's length into his mouth. Draco's surprise and pleasure coiled around him like a snake as did the guttural cry of pleasure he let escape his lips. While he was properly distracted, Harry slid one oiled finger inside of him

and began to stretch him. He sat up to watch him and smiled. Draco was gorgeous is his wanton abandon. His alabaster skin had a beautiful flushed look, his lips were bruised and full from their kisses earlier and now his eyes were unfocused and hazy, Harry added a second finger to the first, and shortly a third to the first two. Draco writhed on the satin sheets, moaning in passion. Harry paused and brushed his prostate; the reaction was worth it. "Harry," Draco cried out mentally and out loud, his back arched like a cat. Quickly, Harry prepared himself and entered Draco in one painless thrust. Harry moaned; his body fit his like a glove. Draco's eyes focused on him in a blink of an eye. So good, he moaned, his eyes rolling in pleasure, so fullso complete. "Yessssss," Draco's eyes widened; emerald fire had replaced the sparks of passion that had been in Harry's eyes. The fact that he just spoke Parseltongue proved how far gone he was. Harry shifted back and then entered him again, hitting his prostate, yet again. Draco felt his eyes roll in the back of his head and his cry of ecstasy matched his mate's. He fell into rhythm with Harry and their decadent dance continued. The bond grew taut. The magick in the room vibrated, and began to rise as the room's occupants reach their peaks. Draco felt the pressure building inside of him and then there was nothing but pleasure, pleasure so great his body shuddered with it and then went limp. Harry braced himself above Draco as he tried to catch his breath; tried being the operative word. He doubted he'd ever had an orgasm like that since he had been sexually active. Harry slowly slipped from inside Draco's body, who purred with contentment. Harry collapsed beside him and turned to watch as he lifted a regal hand yet again and summoned a warm wet cloth from the bathroom. He wiped Harry down first, gently, his fingers ghosting over golden skin tenderly, before attending to himself and tossing the cloth in the pile of clothes Harry had left at the foot of the bed, before turning and curling into his husband. "That was glorious." He whispered shyly, his voice was slightly hoarse from his cries, and Harry found his shyness endearing. "Mmmm, I'm glad you enjoyed it. You were marvelous. You're very responsive. Are all submissive mates like that?" Draco let his fingers graze Harry's collar bone as he thought. "I think so. It has something to do with the oath we take at our wedding ceremonies. We promise ourselves to you," he paused, "I would think that it would make us more endearing to our husband's touches as well." "Ah." "I've been meaning to ask you, how Dumbledore reached you and told you of the wedding." He felt Harry stiffen. "I'm sorry I don't mean to pry." "No, I am sure you've heard by now that my relatives, well, really don't want me with them?" "Yes, I did hear that, I'd believe that they wouldn't tell you."

"They didn't. The only reason I found out was because they left me alone in the house for a few hours, and an owl from Hogwarts just happened to come in between the time they left and returned." His voice held humor in it. "Dumbledore should've been in Slytherin." Draco laughed softly. "You do know that you won't be going back there ever again, right?" Draco said softly. Harry, who had been running fingers along his spine, nudged him so that he could see his face. "Really?" "Yes, my home is your home now. You are welcome at Malfoy Manor, or any of our other properties." Harry digested the information and smiled. "Your father would let his enemy wander through his halls." He asked teasingly. Draco's smile faded, and he grew solemn; Harry cursed. "I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking." "No, it's alright. Father wants to meet you and he is not your enemy. He hasn't been for a long time." Draco said calmly. Harry arched an eyebrow. "Please believe when I say this; he is merely playing a part, you will find when you visit Slytherin, that most of us merely play apart in roles we were born to play." "Very well, I trust you, I don't know why, but I do." He kissed Draco softly and soon it escaladed and in short order Draco found himself lying on top of Harry. "Harry," he said surprised, "you want to againnow?" Emerald eyes glowed with mischief and desire. "Don't you want to?" He asked huskily. Draco instantly melted against him as he kissed him thoroughly. "Well, yes, but" Let me persuade you my Consort. Harry purred in his mind. A protest died on Draco's lips as Harry turned his head and suckled on the tip of his ear. He was very persuasive. Soft light fell over Draco's face, causing him to open his eyes sluggishly and look around. His hair was hopelessly tangled and spilled over them both like a blanket. Harry's arms around him were like a steel band, preventing him from leaving. He smiled tenderly, amazed at how being bonded could change your opinion of one that was so hated before by you. He was gorgeous though; tall, dark, and mysterious. The enigma of Hogwarts. From what Draco had seen of his husband, he doubted anyone truly knew what Harry was like. "A complex man of contradictions." He murmured as he ran his fingers through his raven brown locks. Draco peered over his shoulder and his eyes widened; it was nearly eleven. "Good thing it's Saturday." He murmured his body was so sated he didn't feel like moving. There was some soreness, but that had been expected. Although, he blushed, he didn't think they'd be making love three times in nearly a row. Harry had the stamina of a bull. A soft 'pop' alerted him that a house elf had appeared. "Who is it?"

"Oh, so sorry Master Draco, I sorry, no mean to wake you." It was Dobby, his father's old house elf. Draco smiled. "It is fine Dobby, I was already awake." Dobby grinned and nodded his head. "Dobby is happy to hear that. Um, I no mean to disturb but Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasely, and Lady Elena, here to see you. They be standing outside your door now." Draco sighed; so much for relaxing further. "Very well Dobby, please take out an outfit for Harry and I, but before that, turn on the shower. After you pick out my outfit please bring it to me, and then see to it that refreshments are placed out for our guest and tell them I will be with them shortly." "Yes Master Draco, sir, Dobby get it done." With that, the house elf began, by going into the bathroom. As Draco extricated himself from Harry's embrace, he immediately began to feel the slight tug on the bond. His immediate response was to crawl back into the bed, but duty called. As he stepped into the shower he groaned; Granger, he could handle, Lady Elena was an aunt of sorts, and he loved her deeplybut the Weasel "This is going to be a long visit." He murmured.

R/R!

Chapter Five Wake up Harry. Emerald eyes blinked open and Harry groaned as he arched his back, tossing an arm to the side; and finding air. He sat up quickly and then smiled softly as his gaze fell on to Draco, sitting at the vanity in the corner, brushing his hair. "Morning," He murmured, running his fingers over Draco's neck softly. Draco smiled at him as he looked up him through the mirror. "We have guests. Granger, Weasely, and Elena are here. They are in the sitting room." "We have a sitting room?" Harry asked incredulously; Draco rolled his eyes as he stood. "Of course, the living room hadn't been cleaned yet." He eyed Harry with an arched eyebrow and Harry remembered himself discarding Draco's robe out there last night. He flushed. "Oh." "I will tend to them, get dressed. Dobby set out an outfit for you, it is Elven, but seeing as you are now an Elven Lord, you will be frequenting Court often." "Uhh," Draco sighed and smiled gently. "I know it's a lot, Father should be visiting soon, we will explain things to you then. Right now, our guests our waiting. Hurry and get dressed, I will stall the Weasel as long as I can, however, you know how he hates me." Draco shooed him into the bathroom, but not before he stole a thorough kiss, leaving Draco dazed for a moment, before the warmth and kindness faded from his face and his mask took form. Harry sighed. I really do not like that mask of yours. He felt a soothing warmth flow through him, as if it were a reassuring hug from his bonded. All masks are necessary. You will learn this before long. He said calmly. "Blessings be upon you." Draco said as he entered the room. Elena smiled, stood, and bowed to him. Draco smiled appropriately and bowed as well. "Elena, I am so happy you made it." "I could not miss my nephew's wedding. Your Lord is a fine young man, very powerful in magick as well. I see your bond has been completed." Draco felt his face flush with embarrassment, but he turned to the other guest in the room and bowed. "Blessings," He said quietly. Hermione smiled at him and nodded her head. "Good day, Malfoy." "Weasely." Draco said coolly. Ron glared at him, but grunted. Draco sighed as he sat across from Hermione and to the right of Elena. "I hope the refreshments were to your liking?"

"Yes, thank you Malfoy, it was lovely. Dobby did an excellent job." She said quietly. "You looked stunning, yesterday at your wedding. I was shocked, and a little hurt that Harry didn't tell us before but, it seems to agree with him and you." She smiled and Draco returned it hesitantly. "Thank you for that. As to Harry not telling you, well, he doesn't have to tell you everything does he?" Hermione blinked, but shook her head. "No, it's just he usually does." "Perhaps he wanted to handle this one on his own?" Draco suggested lightly. Hermione grinned. "Does this mean he's growing up?" She teased. Draco smiled slowly. "I don't know you'd have to ask my Lord." He replied as he leaned forward and poured himself some more tea. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Ron glare daggers at him and then watched the door like a hawk. Draco gracefully poured crme and sugar into his tea, stirred it slowly, and picked it up and slowly sipped it. "Is there something of some urgency that you would like to be attending to?" He asked innocently. Ron grunted. "Nothing of your concern, where's Harry?" "My husband will come when he is ready." Draco said smoothly. "What have you done to him?" "What pray tell could I do to him?" Draco asked calmly. Ron jumped up and pointed a finger right in his face. Elena stood, her eyes narrowing. "You are the bloody Prince of Slytherin, a Death Eater in training, and the bloody arse that has made our lives miserable for the last six years. I do not fucking trust you and!" "That is quite enough." Harry said slowly. Harry approached them, narrowing his eyes as he did. He bowed to Lady Elena, who bowed in kind. "Lady Elena, good day to you." "Blessings to you, First Lord," she greeted formally; she stared around them room. "There is unrest here, which I should not be present for. Draconis, darling, if you need anything let me know." She kissed his forehead softly. "Be well this day young One. I will remain here for another night; tomorrow I must take my leave of this place." "The forest calls." Draco said understandingly, smiling. "I will see you off tomorrow then." She bowed and glided through the door. As the door shut; Draco rounded on Ron. "How dare you accuse me of things you merely speculate about?" "It's not speculation, it is fact. Everyone knows of your family. The lot of you deals with Dark Arts and Dark Lords." "Ron!" Hermione snapped. "Please, this is not the time. We came to see how they were doing."

"You came to see how they were doing. I came to talk Harry out of this blasted thing and get him away from this filth as fast as possible." "I said enough!" Harry snapped; the china on the table shattered. "Ron, you are out of line. Draco is not a Death Eater, and I will not have you accusing him of being one in my presence." "How can you just stand there and defend him Harry?" Ron asked horrified; his face was nearly matching the color of his hair in his fury and Hermione watched on helplessly as the two friends argued, as did Draco. "He's my Consort Ron, for Merlin's sake, why wouldn't I defend him?" Harry yelled back. "He and I have already discussed this, on the train, whatever my allegiances are, he will follow me. Damn it Ron, why can't you just try to accept this!" Harry pleaded. Ron glared daggers at Draco. "Because, no one can change in a few minutes flat Harry, no one." "I did." Harry said softly. "I did, and after listening to him I changed my mind. Ron, I can't explain it, I feel so calm, so complete, and balanced. It is the best feeling in the world." He looked at his best mate. "I could not leave him now even if I wanted to; the bond would never let us part." Ron's eyes grew wide. "You mean you consummatedHarry why?" "Because I bloody well wanted to," Harry growled. "Hermione, what do you think?" Hermione glanced between them, and then to Draco's stagnant form standing behind Harry. "I think I am willing to give him a chance." "Mione!" "Ronald Weasely," She glared at him, "Everything has changed, and nothing is as it was. Use your head Ron, Harry will not and cannot break this bond, and neither can Malfoy. Be reasonable." "I am not going to let you try to make Harry choose between us." Draco spoke softly; everyone turned to him. "You are very important to him Weasely; he needs your support. Can't you see that he is torn?" Draco asked. Ron chanced a glance at Harry's stiff body and tightly nodded. "Then why make him choose? I will not have you hating him because of me, and I will not have you humiliating me, because of things I have said and did in the past. We are not children, and this world we are in now is not a child's world. Voldemort is very real, and Harry is the only one that can defeat him. He needs all the support that he can get," Draco sighed, "and I know that most of his strength comes from his love of both you and Granger. "Decide amongst yourselves; I have nothing else to say, only this; I would never willingly hurt Harry, any more than you would now. I am his Consort, and it is my duty to stand beside him and respect his wishes. He truly wishes that we will get along and that is what I am going to try to do. I bid you great blessings and safe keeping." Draco bowed to them, smiled sadly at Harry and gracefully exited through the door and shut it behind him.

The silence was tense. Harry felt Draco's frustration and his hurt, and wanted to comfort him, but he had to get this cleared up first. "Well, what say you Ron?" Ron stubbornly glared at the fireplace. Hermione sat back down on the couch and sighed. "Give him time Harry." "He didn't give me any to explain myself." Harry said petulantly. A spark of annoyance made its way through the bond. What? That was truly juvenile. You can do much better than that, Harry. Draco rebuked gently. Harry sighed. "I'm sorry, look Ron, just think about what he said, okay? Come back when you've made your decision. I'm sure you can see yourselves out." Hermione stood, kissed his cheek and marched out of the room; completely ignoring her boyfriend. Ron let out a low curse and followed her. A few moments past, and then Draco appeared at the door. "I'm sorry." "There is no need for you to apologize, Ron is just being Ron. He hardly ever thinks before he acts." Harry snorted. Draco patted his shoulder as he rounded the beige suede couch. He kneeled, his dark blue robes pooling at his feet as he began to clean up the shattered China off the Persian rug. "Draco, Dobby can do that." "He doesn't know how delicate Persian rugs are." Draco said lightly. "I would rather I prick a finger and have it heal immediately than have to send for a brand new rug." "You mean all of this is yours?" "Ours." Draco corrected. "A wedding gift, from Daddy." Harry blinked and then a slow smirk settled on his sensuous lips as Draco blushed. "'Daddy,'" He asked teasingly. "Father." Draco muttered, as he went back to his self-appointed task. "A wedding gift huh? Just this room?" Harry asked as he looked around; simple yet very expensive and very elegant. "No, everything, your clothes as well." Draco said simply. "I believe he saw you in some hideous clothes a few years ago, and maintained his opinion that your wardrobe needed a significant cleansing. I hope he is wrong, all that he bought are Elven clothes, and your muggle clothes are fashionable aren't they?" When Harry didn't answer, Draco looked up into the wide innocent emerald eyes and sighed. "I guess I should've expected that. Well, no matter, Pansy, Blaise, and I will take you shopping soon." Harry groaned. "Now, now, you must be presentable at all times."

"Of course," he said haughtily, and Draco laughed. "Draco, I was wondering; Severus called you his son, as well as calling me his son for that matter. Um, what does that mean? I mean, is he really your father?" Draco gave him an affectionate smile as he stood fluidly, and sat beside Harry. "If you are asking if he is my 'mother' in a sense then the answer is no. Lady Malfoy bore me." He sighed. "It is hopelessly complicated." "We have time." Harry said smiling. Draco nodded and began speaking. "When Father met Sev, he knew instantly that this was his other half. It is always how he explains it. You see, the Elders had already spoken with the Seers of the Elven race. They had said the Malfoy line of Elves would be split between the two worlds for some time to come." His face became sad. "They said that the father of the chosen in our prophecy would align himself with his father's fate and that his other half would be his for blissful two moons before tragedy forced them apart." Harry frowned. "They had seen that he would turn to the Dark Lord?" Draco nodded. "And that he'd meet Severus Snape." "Yes." "What are 'two moons'?" Harry asked. "It is the same as two years. In the Realm of Elves, the moon shines far more often than the sun. There are two moons that are more special than most. When the moon is a pure crystal white, without clouds shrouding it, it means that the years ahead will almost be like heaven." His smiled was sad, but wistful. "Because the Seers had seen what was to come, they told him what his other half looked like, in hopes that he'd find him sooner, or at least wed him sooner, before anything could happen, but, it was not meant to be." "What happened?" "Somehow, my grandfather found out. He was furious. He had already betrothed my Father to my Mother; he would not let anything break the union. Severus was making Father rethink all those things his father told him. Love has always been a weakness to Malfoy's, my father believed it so firmly, but what could he do? He had fallen in love with his fated intended, and he felt more powerful because of that love. "Father told me they had a terrible row about it. My grandmother died giving birth to father, but she was a full blooded Elf. It merely takes one true Elf to make another. Any offspring we have will be as full blooded as my father and I. His blood was calling him to the forest of our realm. He was being split into two. It had always been a battle between them about his Elven heritage. Father wanted to go and visit the world that was his birthright, Grandfather, however, wanted him to stay, take after him and pledge his loyalty to the Dark Lord." Draco paused. "He refused the Dark Mark didn't he?" Harry said softly; Draco nodded, his eyes bright with tears, but Harry said nothing. "If he refused then why?"

"Grandfather had Severus kidnapped during one of those blasted raids of theirs. They beat him, I know for sure that much, and Father felt his mate's pain. He confronted his father. Grandfather gave him an ultimatum; join the Dark Lord and his mate could go free and not be killed. By this time, they had already been bonded for three years. Father would've done anything for Sev. He agreed, but they tricked him. When he went to get Sev, his lover had already been given the Dark Mark, against his will, but what had been done had been done. Father was horrified; now both of them were stuck in this fate. Even worse, was that after graduation, he was still expected to marry Mother." "Merlin," Harry breathed. "I never knew." Draco rolled his eyes. "Few do know the truth. They were separated after that, Father and Sev last saw each other at Father's wedding. After that many things happened. Sev defected, Father sired me, the Potter'swell," he cleared his throat. "Many things happened." "Well, it seems that Lucius has been in touch with the Elven Realm." "Yes, after Grandfather was killed, he immediately left for the forest, and he brought me as well. Mother was never a maternal woman; she only cared for the Malfoy name and fortune. We stayed away from the wizarding world for the first five years of my life. Oh Harry, its beautiful there, so peaceful, and the magick there is Wild." "Wild?" "Yes, it means that it can't be control with a wand. It's elemental; it comes from the earth, the sky, the water, and magick itself. It is truly glorious. You will love it there, when we visit." Draco smiled widely at him. "It was the best years for both of us. However, being away from his mate was taking its toll on him and Sev. He grew depressed and cold, cruel even sometimes; he was very bitter. Of course being around me helped, but when Mother demanded that we return, it grew even worse." Draco sighed. "I will not lie to you, he did participate in raids, and he did enjoy them to a certain extent. Not the killing, raping, pillaging, or things like that, but that there were people now that hurt like he did or worse. Father was miserable, but now, hopefully it will change." "With you married to me, now he is able to visit Severus?" "Partly yes, but he knows that you will take care of me and that I will be happy." He added shyly. Harry felt unbridled joy rush through him at that. "Of course, that's all I want; is for you to be happy." He said. Draco smiled gently and fiddled with the silk trimmings of his robes. Desire spiked through Harry and he reached forward, cupping Draco's face in between his hands and kissed him slowly. Draco melted in his hands, moaning softly as the kiss deepened. When Harry finally pulled away they were both breathless. "Goddess," Draco breathed. "The bond is complete, but to you have touched me, like that, brings such a wave of passion." Harry was still in a fog; this was happening way too fast, but then it wasn't at the same time. Questions were in his eyes, because Draco shook his head slightly. "What?"

"One day at a time, Harry. Let's just take it one day at a time." He said gently. Harry nodded and grasped the back of Draco's head, pulling him forward until they were nose to nose. "Alright, but right now," his voice grew husky. "I want you." Draco's full lips curved into a seductive smile, desire made his eyes burn bright, and as he shifted, gracefully sitting himself in Harry's lap, his movements, were meant to entice. Harry's body was set aflame. "Then have me." Draco snapped back softly. Harry chuckled as he pulled his head down into a bruising passionate kiss. "Let me please you." He whispered in his ear. Harry laughed huskily, flipped them over, pressing Draco into the soft cushions underneath him. "You already please me." "Is everything prepared Lucius?" That voice sent shivers of disgust and fear running through him. Those cold hands ran down his spine, as if he were a possession; which in many cases he was. "Yes Milord." He replied softly. Lord Voldemort chuckled softly as he climbed out of the bed of blood red silk and covered himself in a long black velvet robe. Lucius sat up, wincing at the pain in his lower spine, his hair blanketing his body as he watched the man he would supposedly give his life for, move around the room. A few years ago, his body had been that of a twisted reptilian monster, but magick does wonders. His body was whole once more. And all thanks to the dragons. Their blood restored his human form, and nearly tripled his power. He no longer had use for a wand; he could kill merely thinking about it now. Crimson eyes glowed with madness, his hair now was black as death, and hung down his back. He was taller and more powerfully built then Lucius' lithe Elven frame. He walked over to him and kissed him hard. Lucius took it dutifully, but inside the pain was already beginning to form. "Your body is as beautiful as it was twenty years before. Such fire, such power, you please me very much Lucius." "I aim to please." Lucius said reverently, his body shuddering under the pain of the bond; his punishment, for betraying his beloved. He welcomed it; it was his do, at this moment. "Your son is wed to Harry Potter is he not?" Lucius felt fear coil in his gut. "Yes, Milord," He replied. Voldemort nodded. "Hmm, what do you say about that?" His voice was deceptively calm; Lucius could feel his curiosity and his anger. "The Seers of our Realm foresaw this happening two thousand years before. The Elders performed the ceremony, my opinion was not called for, however, Harry Potter, is now an addition to my family." He took a steady breath. "It will be easy to collect him now. Is that you desire?" "No, once I have what I am looking for, even the great Harry Potter will fall dead at my feat." Voldemort sneered. "Pretty, pretty Lucius, you look decadent, but I will not be in the mood for a while. I would

never want toscar that body." He ran his fingertips down his smooth alabaster skin. "Baby soft, your race is full of beautiful people, but you and your son are the most beautiful of them all. Get dressed, darling, I will call you when I need you again." "Milord," Lucius bowed his head, picked up his Elven robes, put them on, and left Riddle Mansion. He walked quickly, bile rising in his throat as he thought of all that his Master had done to him. He was ashamed; he'd promised himself only to Severus and for twenty years, he'd been married to a woman he didn't love, and now thanks to the dragons, he was now once again the concubine to the Dark Lord. The Fates must hate him. He made it past the wards, calling on his Elven magick; he disappeared and reappeared in his suite of rooms at the Manor. He stopped in his tracks. Severus looked up from the fire, and his eyes bore into Lucius. He took in his disheveled state and sighed. "I had a feeling that this would happen." Lucius said nothing, but hurried over to the bathroom and vomited into the toilet. A warm soothing hand at his back, and the love and reassurance that flowed through their bond calmed him somewhat as Lucius stood shakily, flushed the toilet, and turned towards the shower and turned it on. "I feel very dirty." He said sadly. "Why do you still want me?" Severus felt his pain, his disgust at himself, and carefully hugged him from behind. "I love you Lucius, I always will; you know that. You do what you have to, to play your part. You don't want this, I can feel it in you, but you play your part." He sighed and buried his face into silvery blond locks as he choked back his hurt and anger at the world. "I do not like it, I do not approve, but you are my Lord, I am your Consort, I live for you; to reassure you, to love you, to comfort you, and right now that is all I can do." They stood silently for a few moments before Lucius began removing his robes and stepped under the hot water. "Burn them." He said calmly. Severus fingered the embroidered silk robes sadly; these were Lucius' favorite. He fed them to the flames in the fireplace, and watched as the fabric grew charred and black. He had done this many times before. When Lord Voldemort had first taken Lucius; he'd come to Severus' corridors afterwards, withdrawn, and ashamed. He'd take a shower and ask that Severus burn the robes. It was therapeutic he supposed. He always thought Severus would leave him, he'd told him many times that he was tainted, that he should've never taken that deal. Severus would calmly remind him that if he hadn't they'd both be dead. He'd reassure him over and over that he'd always be there for him, that he'd always love Lucius. It had been a blessing when Voldemort had been defeated the first time. Lucius began to heal from the years as Voldemort's lover, Severus saw how much he loved and doted on Draco, how the years spent with his race, helped soothe his wounds, how he became more powerfuland more beautiful as the years progressed. When Voldemort returned, he was so disfigured and hated the way he looked; Lucius didn't have to worry about it. However, now that the dragons had restored Voldemort's human bodythe cycle was repeating itself. All the good those years had done on Lucius was being slowly destroyed with each passing night Voldemort called him to his bed.

"He is planning something." Lucius spoke quietly. Severus turned back to him; he was dressed in a loose flowing black silk robe and black silk pajama bottoms. As he approached Severus, he was systematically drying his hair, one layer at a time. "Do you know what?" "No, although it has something to do with the town right outside of Hogwarts." Severus' eyes widened. "The students frequent the shops there. I'm sure Harry and Draco will be among them, once they are allowed to go. Do you know when the attack will be?" "No, he hasn't told anyone." Lucius said sight tiredly. "He is getting more excited, the battle is coming soon, and I can feel it." "Then I suspect you will be coming to Hogwarts soon?" "Yes." They lapsed into silence. "Come, join me." Lucius said softly as he climbed into his king sized bed. Severus took off his black robes that he always wore, leaving his pristine white button down shirt on and his slacks, he climbed in after Lucius and curled into him. The nearness was comforting; their bond was healing, becoming as strong as it used to be. "Thank you, for staying with me." Lucius said resting his head on Severus' shoulder. You don't have to thank me beloved. I do it because I want to. He said; his words brushing across Lucius' mind. "Sleep love, I'll still be here in the morning." "Never leave me." Lucius murmured softly. "I'll always be here for you, Luc, which is something you never have to worry about. Rest Overlord mine or I will douse you with a sedative potion." Severus said teasingly. Lucius chuckled softly and let his mind slip into unconsciousness. Severus watched as Lucius relaxed against him as he fell further into a deep sleep. His body melded with Sev's out of instinct and familiarity. "Soon, love, soon you'll be able to smile again," Severus murmured. He kissed his temple softly. Lucius murmured softly, smiling, and cuddled up further. Sev smiled affectionately and followed his mate into dreamland.

Chapter Six The month of September went by relatively smoothly. Throughout the month, Harry and Draco's bond strengthened magick wise, as well as they were becoming the best of friends. Many still found it interesting to see the two of them walk down the halls together, side by side, sometimes holding hands; other times Harry would have his arms around Draco's waist in a show of possession. They looked blissfully happy; which was the greatest surprise for everyone. Ron had begrudgingly begun to try and get along with Draco, much to Harry and Hermione's delight. Draco as a result, was ever cautious of the things he said, as to not further strain their already tenuous friendship. By the middle of October, things were looking better, and Draco finally won Ron's approval by the most inane thing; he beat him at chess. "Well," Ron had said, "I think you've just won me over, that was a bloody good match, and no one has beaten me in a very long time." Draco smiled beautifully and offered his hand, Ron gave him a small smile, a nod of respect, and they shook on it. Things, after that were much less stressful. Harry was accosted by Blaise and Pansy after they had looked at his regular muggle attire in horror, that Draco's husband would wear 'rags', instead of real clothing. So on the second Hogsmeade weekend, the trio of Slytherins and Harry went and bought him enough clothes to last him for the next six months. Harry had never known you could blow so much money on clothes in merely three hours. "It is a necessity," Draco had told him later that evening, "that you always look good. You are no longer just Harry Potter; you are of the nobility in Elven society and Elven people are known for their elegance and gracefulness, as well as dressing with aplomb everywhere they go." When he asked what exactly do the Lords do and how Lucius became titled in the first place, his Consort smiled that soft smile of his and replied that Father would speak with him when he came in the beginning of November. Harry accepted this; only because at the time Draco had walked towards the bedroom, shedding his clothes as he went. He had looked coyly over his shoulder and had purred, "Coming, Harry?" It was the best damn change of subject Harry had seen. "You were thinking again darling." Draco said smiling as he watched Harry blink a few times before smiling sheepishly at his Consort. They were in their suite of rooms finishing up homework that Harry had pointed out, wasn't due until next week. "I still don't see why I have to do it now." Harry said pouting. Draco laughed at his childlike behavior and pressed his Charms assignment into his unwilling hands. "Because, if you don't do it now, you will forget that you even have to do it, and then you will be spending an entire Sunday trying to rush through every assignment, stay up late into the night, almost miss Potions class, which since Sev is sort of your father through me, will not go over well and then" "Alright, alright, I'll do it. Merlin, you sound like Hermione." Draco arched an eyebrow. "Really, well I assume that is why Hermione and I are the top students in Hogwarts." He said smugly. Harry stuck out his tongue and Draco merely smiled back. They sat in comfortable silence, Draco making sure all this homework was acceptable by his standards, and Harry making sure his homework was done and done right by Draco's standards, which was that it had to be perfect with no spelling errors, and not

one misplaced comma. The Slytherin Prince was clearly a perfectionist in everything, but Harry smiled softly as he looked at his beautiful Consort; he wouldn't have him any other way. "Father has written me a letter. He says that he is coming tomorrow." "That is good news isn't it?" Harry asked perplexed at Draco's unreadable face. "You haven't heard from him in a while, I would think that you'd be thrilled that he was coming to visit." "Do not get me wrong Harry; I am very pleased that he is coming to visit. I have missed him very much. However, he has yet to tell me anything that is going on with Voldemort as he said he would, and Severus has said that he rarely speaks of it and completely closes up when Voldemort's name is mentioned." He turned to Harry, "I am not sure what that means, but whenever he did it in the past, something bad was always on the horizon." Harry frowned thoughtfully. "Come to think of it, the connection between Voldemort and I has been relatively quiet, it's almost like he hasn't been doing anything at all." Draco nodded. "Father has told me that he hasn't called a Death Eater meeting in months. He's planning something Harry." Draco said softly. "I know it." Harry had been afraid of that. These last few months, ironically, had been the best of his life. Draco was steadily becoming the most important person in his life. Yes, because of the bond, he was always at the forefront of his thoughts, but take away the bond, take away the marriage, and if he'd had this same amount of time to get to know Draco, the Slytherin would still be just as important. Harry? The soft voice inside his mind made him come out of his musings and focus his attention on the Elf in front of him. "Yes?" "I was just saying, Father wants to speak with your privately when he gets here." "Why?" Harry asked warily. Draco smiled gently. "Just to teach you of what is to come," he said simply. "Believe me, all the questions you have been asking me, will be answered by him. His knowledge is much more extensive than mine." "Okay, where will you be?" Draco pondered it for a moment, before nodding to himself. "I will most likely be in the Slytherin Common Room. I have been neglecting my House; the bond shouldn't be a problem, now that we've had the time to get use to one another." "If you think so," Harry said as he finished up his Charms work. "Here, how's that?" Draco took it, amusement shinning in his eyes. He read it over and then handed it back. As Harry leaned to get it, Draco brushed his lips across his forehead. "It's perfect." He whispered. Harry placed the homework aside, pulled Draco into his lap, and kissed him softly on the lips. Draco moaned softly, and wrapped his arms around Harry's neck loosely. When they broke away Draco smiled at Harry. "Harry, are you happy with me?" Harry blinked at him owlishly.

"Yes, of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" He asked. Draco gazed him with such scrutiny that he became uncomfortable. "I mean, it's not just that were bonded anymore right, are you truly happy with me, without all the magick and things?" Draco asked quietly. Harry was speechlesswhat was he trying to say? "Are you saying you like me?" He asked shocked. Draco blushed and buried his face into Harry's neck. "Yes," Was Draco's muffled response. I hold deep affection for you Harry, I worry about you too. At first I thought it was because of the bond, but now I know, even if I didn't have it and I still had the same amount of time to get to know you, I would still end up liking you. Harry felt as if his soul would burst. Draco was happy with him! Draco even liked him in spite of the bond! Harry was touched. "I like you too Draco, that's what I was thinking about earlier. You have become very important to me; you are a special and bright light in my life. I'm glad we had to get married, otherwise, I would have been missing out." Draco laughed, his happiness and pleasure rolled down their link, and Harry basked in its glow. "I'm glad you are happy." He whispered. Draco snuggled into him more. "As I am glad you are happy with me." He whispered. Harry turned and they smiled gently at each other. Draco settled in Harry's lap, he placed his head on his shoulder and stared at the flames, completely at peace with his life mate by his side. Harry stroked his hair, the soft tinkling of the tiny bells woven into it played a soft melody as they reveled in each other's presence. Harry let his friends chatter wash over him like water. It was lunch time, and they were eating in the Great Hall and he was staring across the hall watching his Consort speak with his Housemates, and trying not to smile like a dumb ass. He couldn't decide whether Draco was sexier with all this clothes on or all of them off. He was talking with Blaise, and was laughing about something. Most people would stop and stare. Draco laughing was a beautiful thing; he seemed to light up like the sun. It was glorious to see him that happy. "Harry, I'd like to marry you and then maybe we can go and fuck in the broom closet down the hall." Seamus said laughingly. "Sure, whatever," Harry said, without taking his eyes off Draco. All his friends roared with laughter and then Harry blushed bright red when he realized what he had just agreed to. "Damn Seamus, knock it off." "Well you were glaring so hard at all the drooling people I thought they'd mentally combust." He said, Harry flushed even more and then just shrugged. He picked up his glass of pumpkin juice and took a long drink. "Are you jealous?" "What do I have to be jealous about?" Harry said smirking. Dean and Seamus looked at him surprised. "Um, well, he's gorgeous, everyone vies for his attention, many people flirt with him, no offence or anything, but he's the Prince of Slytherin, aren't you the least bit worried?" Dean asked him. Ron snorted.

"Please, Draco would be more apt hex someone putting the moves on him than Harry would." Hermione chuckled. "That is true, from what I've seen when they are together, but then again," she narrowed her eyes at Harry, "Ron and I really haven't seen hide or hair of Harry really since September. Though his grades are improving, and NEWTS are coming up as well." She glanced at Ron, "he's doing better than some people." "Hey, I thought you were bitching at Harry." "Ronald, Harry is married, Draco keeps tabs on him; I don't have to anymore." Harry laughed. "You really don't have to look that hard." "Oh really, so where are you most nights?" "In bed, with my ConsortI find that is the best place to be." He said smugly. Seamus and Dean laughed, Hermione blushed, and Ron turned slightly green. "I don't like that visual." "No one said you had to." Harry said politely. He smiled and was about to speak again, but a hush fell over the Great Hall. Harry turned towards Draco when he felt a spark of surprise and delight. Draco's face was soemotional. He was grinning. Draco, you look gorgeous pet, but you're grinning like a mad man. Draco's face immediately changed and he arched a superior eyebrow. Well, thank you, but our Father is here. Harry blanked at the term 'our' before Father, but he supposed that was true. He turned to the entrance of the Great Hall, and was entranced like everyone else. Lucius Malfoy stood before them, minus the cane, but wearing beautiful Elven robes instead. The outer robes were a rich cobalt blue that fit his lean figure like a glove. The inner robes looked to be baby blue silky material. His hair was the same silvery blond as his son's but darker, and much longer. His hair fell all the way to the floor. Harry, after being with Draco nearly three months, was now able feel the Elven magick coursing around him and through him. Lucius was very powerful. "Father," Draco's voice rang out in the silence. He had approached his father, and was now bowing before him. "It's good seeing you Draco," He said, his voice was deep, sultry, and was practically saturated with magick and sensuality. Many of the girls sighed and those of the guys who swung that way did as well. "You know why I am here, correct?" "Of course, Harry, darling, Father wants to speak with you." Draco smiled at him and Harry was standing up and moving before he thought it through. "Harry, it is good to see you again." He bowed slightly. Harry found himself returning the gesture.

"Lucius," he said out loud, but he tentatively brushed over the older Elf's mind, Father. Silver eyes widened and his full lips curved into a gentle smile. Lucius leaned forward and kissed his forehead. Harry felt a rush of magick flow through him like a waterfall, he gasped at the feeling, but he felt rejuvenated all his worries about meeting the man forgotten. "Welcome to the family." He said warmly. "I believe you have many questions for me?" He asked. Harry nodded. "Yes, many, but the foremost are about the Dark Lord," He saw some of the light die in his eyes, but he pressed forward. Draco placed a soothing hand on his back and Harry sent him a rush of gratitude. "I know that you truly do not wish to speak of him, but I need to know what is going on. I" "Peace, Harry," Lucius said softly. "I will tell you all that I can; however, there are those things that are just not meant for you to know right now." Harry sighed; relieved. "Thank you." "You're family." Lucius said simply. "Now, let us leave these students behind shall we? Draco," "I will be in Slytherin, Father." He touched his father's robes tenderly, almost shyly. "I have missed you." "As have I," Lucius answered softly. "We shall spend time together later, with Severus in his suite here. I must speak with your Lord." "As you will it, Harry, I will see you later." He bowed to both of them before returning to the head of his table. Lucius looked at Harry. "Shall we walk the grounds?" "Yes, that would be best." Harry said walking side by side with Lucius. "The walls have ears, bloody Dumbledore is a nosy old coot." He muttered. Lucius chuckled. "Yes, but he is the greatest wizard alive right now. I believe he is due some concessions." "Yes, some, but he takes advantage of everything." "Too, true, he should've been in Slytherin." Lucius agreed. Harry laughed. "That's what Draco and I think as well." They had neared the Entrance Hall and were approaching the door way. Lucius motioned towards the doors, and they opened automatically as they strode through. Harry was lucky Draco had told him to put on his heavier robes. The air was crisp and cool. Autumn had come with a vengeance; it was Harry's favorite time of year. "How have you both been fairing?" He asked. Harry blushed, but smiled at the same time.

"Very well, he is so different than he's been all the years I've known him before. It's like a completely different person. He's so kind and gentle, very calm and so elegant." Harry blushed. "He pleases me greatly; your son is a very beautiful person." Lucius smiled. "All Slytherins wear masks Harry. Draco was merely playing a part. Everything changes once you find your mate for life. Everything that you put first before, comes secondary. Draco has also had since April to accept this; I am surprised that you went along with it. How did he convince you?" "He spoke with me on the train coming to Hogwarts. He explained everything to me, well, everything he could." Harry sighed. "I felt so calm, so complete at the time, II didn't want to lose that." He admitted softly. They walked the path towards the lake without speaking before Lucius replied softly, "You have had little happiness in your life Harry. You are due a little happiness every now and again." He sighed. "You wanted to talk of Voldemort's plans. I can honestly say I have no idea what he is planning now. All I know is he's planning to attack Hogsmeade, sometime soon." "Hogsmeade, why there?" Harry asked angrily. "It is closest to Hogwarts. He is counting on you making the same mistake you did at the Ministry." Harry went pale. "He thinks you haven't learned from that incident. I hope you prove him wrong." "I have more than myself to think about now." Harry replied; Lucius nodded, satisfied. "Do you think you could explain this bond thing to me a little more? I know we can feel each other's emotions. I know that we can communicate telepathically, I hardly have to use a wand anymore." "Good, the bond is strengthening then." Lucius said. "There are a few more things that will come in time. One of those is that you will be able to share magick. Another is that your aging process will decrease slowly over time until it completely stops." "What?" "Elven blood is very strong, not only because of the magick it wields, but also because it is tied in heavily with that of the Earth. The reason Elves act the way they do is because of the combined years of this planet and the magick that flows through its veins. My aging process stopped when I was merely twenty five, I chose to age a few more years so that I would fit in with the wizarding world. However at the age of thirty my aging stopped, I've looked this way for nearly a decade." Harry blinked. "Wow," he said and then frowned. "But wouldn't that mean that Snape's aging would slow too?" "Yes," he replied sadly. "Although, because of our lives, our bond is not as strong as it used to be; he has slowed in his aging as well, but once all this mess is taken care of, and we are settled in the Elven Realm, you will see a dramatic difference." "So you are already planning on leaving the wizarding world? What will happen to the Manor and things?" Harry asked, gazing over the water. Lucius smiled.

"Oh we will keep all of our holdings and our businesses. A lot of the things will be done by owl, but we will have to leave sooner or later. Already people are noticing that I haven't aged, even with a glamour cast over myself. What will we do when we are say one hundred and forty or sixty? When everyone around us is old and gray, like Dumbledore, and we still look young and healthy?" "Oh, I see your point." Harry said. "How did you become an Overlord anyway?" Lucius smiled. "My mother was a full blooded Elf. Her father was Overlord, so when she bore me, the title was past to me. He became Overlord through his father; and his father through his father and so on. It is said that the Malfoy line of Elves were very loyal to the High Elder Leviathan for so many years, that he gave them the title. There are many Overlords; we oversee certain parts of the Realm. I am Overlord of the North, for example, all the territory that falls north of the High Elder's Palace, is under my rule." "You are pretty important then?" "Yes, you see the Malfoy's of old, were the first titled besides the Seers and the Elders. Elder Leviathan, who is our Leader, titled us long ago, because of that; I have rank over all Overlords. The only High Elder I have to take orders from is Leviathan. All Overlords take their orders from me." "But you have been gone for so long" "They come to the manor every two years to receive new orders or to report everything that has happened in my absence. I usually go to the Realm every other month or so, however, the older I have become, the stronger the pull." "What pull?" "When you first began to learn how to control your magick, do you remember the times where you could just perform spells or shields without thought?" "Yes." Harry said. "Do you remember the feel of that magick?" "Yes," "What did it feel like?" He asked softly. Harry stopped and looked him straight in the eye. "It felt like something was guiding me, telling me what to think of, what to do." Lucius nodded. "That is what the pull feels like. All Elves are naturally born liking the earth, the forest; life magick, or Wild magick, in general. The younger we are, the trees that grow here, or the calming presence of a lake nearby, is enough nature to sustain our thirst for it. Did you know we can talk to trees?" Harry's eyes widened in curiosity and Lucius nodded smiling. "The older the tree the more knowledge it can teach you. We are able to connect with most living things, and when we are younger, communicating with what just happens to be there, is fine with us."

"But as you get older, you want to learn more?" Harry asked tentatively. Lucius smiled as he pressed his hand against the trunk of a very large tree. "Something like that, young one. The more Wild magick we are around, the more powerful we become; like you said, the more knowledge we receive, because the trees around the Realm have been here since Time began. Harry, you will fall in love with the Elven Realm, Severus never wants to leave, every time he goes back." Harry was in awe. "Take this tree for example. She tells me she has seen you here many times, weeping for the ones you have lost. She says if you were Elven, she'd sing to you, tell you not to worry, that everything will turn out just fine." "Really?" "Yes, she said she has been here since the school was created by the Founders, she has seen much despair, and sorrow. Would you like to hear her sing?" Lucius asked politely. Harry looked at the ancient tree, wondering, wishing, hoping "Yes." He said. Lucius nodded and motioned for him to touch the tree. When Harry did so, he placed his hand over his. Close your eyes, picture yourself in a place filled with forest, waterfalls, and a beautiful night sky. Once you see this, just listen, do not speak, do not question, just take the blessing that she gives you. Lucius instructed. Harry did as instructed. As soon as he visualized this special grove, he felt immediately different; more open, not so shut off from the world. He looked around and that was when he heard it. It started off softly, but then became and hauntingly beautiful melody that washed over him, creating a calm inside his heart that he only truly reached when he was with his Draco. Harry sat on the dew grass floor, laying back quietly, closed his eyes and soaked it in. It felt like the feel of a mother's soothing hand running through his hair, the calming torrent of magick through his veins, the contentment he felt after making love to Draco all night and seeing his slumbering visage at his side, the joy at being with his friends, laughing with Sirius and Remus those years agoall of that; it was so beautiful, so perfect, he felt brand new. The despair, the pent up anger, the sadness, all of it, was gone. Yes, he knew he had mourned, he knew he spent years holding it inside, his heart breaking, but he knew unconsciously that he'd never feel this again. "A present young One." It was the voice of a woman, older and wise. "You are too young to feel such despair, have faith in your Elven Consort and now Elven Father; they will guide you straight and true." "Thank you." He whispered and then opened his eyes. Lucius removed his hand and gave him a beautiful smile. "Better." "Yes, much better, thank you." Harry said softly. "I still have many questions." "We shall sit then, and hopefully I can answer them all." They sat under the old tree; the wind blew softly around them.

"What does a First Lord do? What does First Lord mean anyway, and what" Lucius laughed. "Slow down, one question at a time." He said with mirth. "First off, a First Lord is the highest title given to the first born son of each Overlord. He, the son that is, will have his own land, and duties to his father and High Elder, once he reaches of age. In your case Harry, you will be like I am to all other Overlords." "You mean I get to boss around other First Lords?" "Yes, because when you married Draco, his title transferred to you." "About that? What exactly is he supposed to do now?" Harry asked. "I mean, he's so smart, his magick is very powerful, now that I am Lord, is he just supposed to be a housewife in a sense?" Harry scrunched up his nose. "I just don't see it happening." Lucius chuckled. "Neither do I. No, Draco will sit with you in Court. Court is called every twenty or so years. It is when all the Lords, Overlords, and Elders meet with the High Elders and Seers of the Realm to bring up issues they think should be discussed. Those Consorts that were First Lords are able to sit at Court with their husbands." "Oh, at least he won't be bored." Harry shuddered at the thought. "A bored Draco is not very fun." Lucius smiled affectionately at the mention of his son. "Yes, he must be doing something at all times." He looked at Harry, "what is your next question?" "Um, Draco said he was able to get pregnant?" Lucius nodded. "That is true, but I think you wanted to ask something else?" Harry blushed at the Elf's insight. "I was wondering, am I also able to get pregnant?" Lucius blinked in surprise and then smiled. "I believe you can. I'm sure the Potter's are one of the few wizarding bloodlines where the males can get pregnant, yes, it is possible, but it won't happen for a while." He said softly smiling. "Why not?" "This has to do with the bond and the vows you both took. Draco swore to submit to you, so when the bond formed it already established that Draco would be the submissive one in the relationship. The bond made himhow do you say, more inclined to be bottom, as well as making you more inclined to be on top." Harry narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "So, what youre saying is that if we tried it the other way around, where I was on bottom, it wouldn't be pleasurable for either of us?" "Oh, both of you would derive some satisfaction from it, but it wouldn't be nearly as pleasurable no." Harry thought about it for a moment, how absolutely mind blowing it was to be inside his Consort, his Draco, and seeing Draco, hair unbound, lips full, eyes glazed over in passion.

Harry blushed and Lucius laughed. "I see you have thought about it." "Yesdid you and Snape try it?" Lucius smirked. "His name is Severus Harry, he is your father now in a sense, and you don't have to call him Snape anymore, only in class. To answer your question, yes we did try it, once." Lucius' mouth curved into dazed smile. "Severus found being on tophow did he put it? Ah yes 'completely and utterly, dissatisfying.' I believe those were his exact words." Harry laughed. "I also wasn't satisfied being on bottomwe rectified that real quick, if my memory serves." "I'm sure." Harry snickered. "Hey, if you are dominant in your relationship, does that mean Severus can get pregnant?" "Yes," he said sadly. Harry was startled at his change in mood; Lucius became wistfully sad. "I'm sorry did I say something wrong?" "No, I was just remembering. Sev, my beloved, he was pregnant before we were forced into the Dark Lord's services." Lucius' voice wavered slightly and Harry remembered Draco telling him what had happened to Severus in order to get Lucius "Merlin, he miscarried didn't he?" Lucius winced, but nodded. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to" "You didn't know, and it is fine. Severus and I were devastated, we never tried again, and well, I married andthat was the end of that. I'd never ask him to try again either, not until Voldemort was deader than a door nail as those humans say." Harry smiled. "Do you have any more questions?" "A few more," Harry admitted. "I wanted to know if you would train me. I can feel your power, and I know that you can help me." Lucius nodded slowly. "I'd be happy to." "Well, that's answers a couple of questions, I can just ask you during training." Harry said. "When Draco came to get me to talk, and afterwards, Crabbe talked about the loyalty in Slytherin. I was hoping you could tell me what it is about Slytherin that people always look down on them for." "Have you heard them talk about Slytherin loyalty?" Lucius asked quietly. Harry shrugged. "They did say something about how they had more loyalty in their House than any other in the school." He replied; Lucius smiled slowly. "You do not believe them." "Truthfully, no, I don't. I'd say Gryffindor does."

"Why?" "Why what?" "Why would Gryffindor have more loyalty than Slytherin? Is it because you are always righteous? Or because you are always fighting the good fight, for everyone else other than yourselves? Maybe it's because you think because Slytherin are all cunning, ambitious, and our motto is to look out for ourselves before others, that we have no loyalty. Am I right?" "In a nut shell, yes." "I would say you are very wrong." Lucius said softly. "Your eyes have been blinded by those who wanted you to see how they see. Even Dumbledore has blinders on when it comes to Slytherin." "He looks out for all the students." Harry protested. "Really," Lucius said with an arched eyebrow. "How does he protect Slytherin students? Most write to me every year about the injustices they face. Have you not seen the favoritism?" "Severus always favors Slytherin." Harry muttered; Lucius frowned at him. "That is because no one else will. He loves those children as his own. They come from pureblooded families, with so much money, and so much ambition, they fall by the sidelines, forgotten, until they prove themselves worthy." "That is something I cannot believe." "Why, because they have parents and you have none? Or because you think that every child should be loved and taken care of because your life has been miserable without a mother or father's tender loving care?" He asked. Harry felt his eyes burn at the mention of not having parents, but he nodded. "Yeah, something like that." He choked out. Lucius moved to sit beside him, and pulled him close. "I did not mean to make you cry. Forgive me for being cruel, but you must realize; that to some Slytherins, it is best not to even have parents. They have so much to prove, too much riding on their shoulders. Even Draco, the Malfoy's are the richest pureblooded family throughout Europe, every line is wealthy beyond even our own wildest imaginations, however, the English line, the Elven line, my linewe are the true power behind the Malfoy fame and fortune. We are the backbone of it, without us, they would all fall. Think of the responsibility, the pressure to remain stoic, emotionless, cold, arrogant, and cruel all day, every day, in the face of public, and sometimes out of it. "The last time Draco every called me Daddy, to my face was three months ago, before that it hadn't been since he was six. He's never played in the mud; his mother would have had a fit. He rarely smiled, never laughed; there was no childhood for your Consort. He was an adult by the age of seven. Imagine that life and imagine that burden and that is what the average Slytherin faces."

Harry was horrified. He knew that they had it rough, being ostracized at school was terrible, but at home as well? "That's cruel." "It is the way we raise our children. To be self-sufficient, to be obedient, to be leaders, not followers, and to be carbon copies over ourselves." "Why did you change?" Harry asked Lucius as he stroked Harry's head gently. "I did the one thing a pureblooded father shouldn't do." He said simply, smiling gently. Harry looked up at him. "And what was that?" He asked. "I loved my son, above all else." He quietly replied. Harry looked at him and then rested his head on the older man's shoulder. "Have you told him?" "No, to admit it would be sacrilege to our society; purebloods, I mean." He said. "He knows I am proud of him, and I can sense in him that that will keep him sated for a while." "But, a son needs his father's love. He needs to know it." Harry whispered. "I know; it is his greatest wish that I tell him someday. It is what he has wished for, since he was a child." "Will you give him what he has wished for, one day?" Harry asked. "Yes, when Voldemort is defeated, I will tell him then." "Are you giving me an incentive to get the job done faster?" Harry asked; mischief in his voice. Lucius laughed. "No, stay young and pure as long as you can, my son, I would never want to strip you of what is left of your childhood." "Thank you, for that." Harry replied after a few moments. Lucius kissed the top of his head gently. "You are most deserving, and most welcome." He replied. "You have earned your peace." "Most don't think so; they want me to do it now." He muttered. "Well, I am not most people." Lucius said arrogantly. "They know nothing of sacrifice, not nearly as much as you do, so why listen to them?" Harry looked up into Lucius' eyes as the Elf continued to speak, "of all the people of this magick filled world, there is no one who can tell you when you are ready to do what you were born to do. Only you can know, and you will know Harry, you will. It is not your time yet."

"And how do you know?" He asked. "How can you be so confident?" It was then, as he looked deep into those silvery mercury eyes, so much like his lovers, that he saw an ageless wisdom, which should not have been there. Harry's eyes widened. "You'reyou're a" "A Seer?" He asked amused. "Yes I am. I was the one who saw you marrying my son; I was the one who wrote it down. And I have seen that you will do many great things Harry Potter, but you are not ready yet." With that said, he rose elegantly, brushed off his robes. Harry scrambled up after him and they began walking back. Harry looked around, taken aback at the hours that had passed; it was nearly dark. "Do you know when I will be?" Lucius smiled down at him and Harry saw ancient magick flicker behind his eyes and disappear. "Soon," was his reply, "very soon."

Interlude "The One has seen what was meant to be seen?" The voice asked. Leviathan bowed low. "Yes, High Seer, Overlord Lucius has seen what he was meant to see. He is your successor." The embodied voice sighed and the winds changed. A deceptively middle aged man stepped from behind the curtain and smiled down at Leviathan gently. "You may rise High Elder Leviathan." He said softly. Leviathan rose from the ground gracefully and looked into the ice blue eyes of the Oldest Seer of the Realm. "Milord," he said. "Is it wise to have sent this vision to Lucius? He is steeped in darkness right this moment." "It was wise, for that vision is what will save him, later on. His son has another destiny to fulfill and his husband does as well." The man's voice echoed around the tower of crystal. Leviathan blinked. "Another? Harry Potter already has one destiny that may take his life. He will not like that his future has been so decided." "First Consort Draconis will bring him around." The man sighed and looked into the sky. "The Consort's beauty is unsurpassable; his wisdom beyond reproach, his father trained him well." The Seer breathed in the air and sighed yet again. "However, a great darkness covers the Malfoy's. It is a darkness that even I cannot see through. It has woven its way into the wizarding line like a black plague; I cannot see what happens to them." "I must know something." "Ask." "Consort Severus and his husband, are both captured by this darkness that you cannot see through. However, Consort Severus," Leviathan closed his eyes in confusion, "perhaps I am reading him wrong, but he is using a glamour. I would like to know why." The Seer smiled dreamily. "The time is dark for such happiness to be known to all." He said simply. Leviathan stood his mouth agape. "Such happiness." He murmured and then gasped, "Blessed Goddess, he's with child, but I thought they had only met a handful of times that is not possible." "It is possible." He said smiling. "They have dreamed heavily since their meetings of late; my fault entirely." Leviathan chuckled a bit in awe; the High Seer never ceased to amaze him. "Their unhappiness is staggering; the sacrifices they have made have been many and each worse for their bond than good." He smiled gently, "I thought to give them some happiness." He gave a graceful shrug of his shoulders. "My timing was off."

"I would say so." Leviathan said chuckling. His face grew serious, however, and he said, "The Ancient races are meeting." "I know. Elves are one of the Eldest races, are we not?" "Yes, the only ones Older are the Dragons, and most have been turned to the Dark cause." The Seer smiled. "There are a few, which stay by us; they come now as we speak." "Oh, and which are those?" "The few that matter," he simply replied. Leviathan laughed. "The Ancient Three." "Yes." "Those in the prophecy; they are needed there are they not?" "Yes, the meeting, that is to take place, will take place during their Christmas holiday." "As you will it." "No," He said quietly, "as the Fates require. Go now." Leviathan bowed and vanished swiftly. Once he was sure that the High Elder had gone, the Seer turned and stepped back behind the sheer black veil. A mirror stood before him; his image was distorted. He ran a hand over his body, and the mirror rippled and came into focus. Silvery blond locks cascaded down his shoulders, past his waist and trailed to the floor and to the end of his robes. Sky blue eyes swiftly changed to silvery mercury. A maid came. "High Seer Demetrius Malfoy," she said curtseying. "I was told to meet you?" "Yes," he drawled, his magick sang from one end of the room to the other. "I have a task for you." "Yes, Milord?" "One of my descendants, will take my place, he needs something first." He picked up a velvet covered book, and placed it in her hands. "This is to be seen by him and only him." "How will I know him?" She asked and the beautiful man in front of her smiled gently. "Why, he looks exactly like me."

Chapter Seven By the time Harry and Lucius entered Severus' suite of rooms, the awkwardness that Harry thought would be there had been non-existent for hours. He felt somewhat more secure with the knowledge that Lucius was good, really good inside; it made everything that much easier. "I'm glad we had a chance to talk." Harry said as they approached the dungeons. "So am I, you are an excellent balance to Draco." Lucius replied. He tapped on what appeared to be a wall, and a door appeared. Draco stood on the other side, a gentle smile on his face. "Father, Harry, it went well?" He asked as he ushered them inside. Harry merely smiled at him, taking his hand in his and giving it a soft squeeze. Draco felt his calmness; the storm that was always brewing behind his cool happy faade had vanished. "Ah, Father has given you a wonderful gift." He said simply. Harry smiled and kissed his temple softly. "How was your day?" He asked softly as Draco guided them to Severus' sitting area. Rich burgundy suede sofas were circled around the cheery fireplace. A very large intricate Oriental rug lay beneath them, an antique tea tray was already sitting on the coffee table, pastries and some sandwiches were already sitting out on matching plates with silverware sitting beside them. The Potions Master himself was sitting in a matching burgundy suede chair, a cup of tea in his hand. To Harry he seemed far more relaxed than usual; it was probably because he was in his own living quarters, however, as he looked up and smiled with love at Lucius, and Harry watched as the lines disappeared from his face, and the dullness in his eyes give a way to light, he concluded that it was probably because of the company. Draco brought him out of his musings by answering his question. "My day was very good, very relaxing. Sev and I have been talking about the Elders Palace in the Elven Realm; I was hoping we could go there for Christmas." He said softly. Harry seated himself on the part of the sofa closest to the fire. Draco sat by him and reached forward, getting a prepared cup of tea for him. Harry smiled his thanks and took a sip and sighed; one cream, two sugars, just how he liked it. "This is wonderful Draco, and we will be visiting the Realm for Christmas, Father has informed me that a meeting will take place at the time. I believe I am supposed to attend as are you." Draco's eyes softened and he smiled at Harry and then at their Father. "That is wonderful, I am sure Father told you about Court and Council?" "If Court and Council are about the same, then he did, yes." Harry said softly. He turned to Lucius, who had resorted to sitting on the arm of Severus' chair, and was running one of his long elegant hands through the ink black hair of his Consort. "When would we have to leave?" "I will give you both a portkey that you can use that will take you straight to the Manor." He said, watching the silky black locks fall between his fingers. "And then we will travel to the Realm together. It is a most fascinating experience your first time, I am sure you will enjoy it Harry." He smiled gently. "You are hiding something beloved." He said softly to Severus. The professor merely glanced innocently into his teacup, before taking a sip.

"Oh?" He asked, a tiny smile curving his lips. Lucius snorted inelegantly and then pouted. "You will not tell me?" He asked. Draco watched them with deep amusement and affection; Harry was flabbergasted; Lucius Malfoypouting? These three never ceased to amaze him. "No." "Not even if I guess?" "No, darling." "You are being cruel Sev." Severus looked up at his Lord and chuckled. "If anyone saw the great and fearsome Lucius Malfoy begging and pouting, I do believe your reputation would be in tatters." He said cheekily. Lucius sighed and rolled his eyes. "Very well then, keep your secrets, I will find out soon enough." "That you will, it is a surprise until Christmas." Severus said simply and he winked at his godson and his spouse. Draco laughed and Harry smiled. Lucius blinked and then arched an eyebrow and sniffed. "Fine." He said snottily, but then the false bravado faded and he leaned down and kissed Severus lovingly. "I still love you though." Severus hummed in contentment. "Of course you do, I love you too." He said softly. They stared at each other for a few moments, and Harry felt distinctly out of place with such an intimate show of affection between two usually very cold men. We all wear masks. Draco whispered in his mind. Harry turned to him and grinned. "I have heard that phrase today, too many times. What does it mean."? He asked softly. "I know that you use to put up a front to keep people away and out of your business," he blinked, "come to think of it, you still do." Draco nodded. "Of course. Slytherins are known for being cunning and ambitious. For being cowardly, but cruel, and snide, as well as being pureblooded witches and wizards. We are supposedly all Death Eaters in training, heavily steeped in Dark Arts, and always known for following Dark Lords." Draco said; Harry looked at him perplexed. "And that isn't true at all?" "Well, we are all cunning, ambitious, and we all do take care of ourselves first and those behind us last. However, Slytherin is a very loyal house. We may not all be friends, we may have a hierarchy inside the House, and we also may never seem close, but when it comes to our House, we respect it enough to stand as a united front against all other opposition; mainly the other Houses in Hogwarts." He said. "You are losing me." Harry said quietly. Severus chuckled.

"Harry, you'd have to live in Slytherin to get the gist of what Draco is trying to tell you. You see what we project; however, you have never seen how we truly act, when we are in our own environment." Harry thought it best not to mention he'd been in their Common Room second year; that could lose him some brownie points he had gained with these three men. "Well, then I am sure it could be arranged for me to live there, correct? I mean, Draco and I really don't have to live in our suite of rooms do we?" Lucius shook his head; tiny bells singing beautifully as he did. "No of course not, that suite of rooms was a wedding present from the Headmaster and me. Blaise has told me that Draco's old room is still the way he left it. I am sure the Headmaster will look at this positively." Lucius sneered as he said it and Severus snorted. "That man looks at everything positively; it's sickening." "Now, now, Sev," Draco said softly, "just because you are perpetually pessimistic that doesn't mean you can talk down about Professor Dumbledore." Severus arched an eyebrow. "You are one to talk." He left it at that. Draco blushed and Harry looked at him with avid interest. "What does he mean by that?" "Oh nothing, sweetheart, just that I really call Professor Dumbledore, Professor Dumbledork, behind his back." Harry was horrified. "Draco." Draco smiled at him disarmingly. "He favors all the other Houses over Slytherin, and is always making bad decisions when it comes to you and your life. He's been acting stupid. All those Sherbet Lemons have made him barmy." Severus laughed, as did Lucius and even Harry had to crack a smile; Draco's logic was on point. "Fine, have your fun at his expense." Harry said. Draco sighed and laid his head on Harry's shoulder. Immediately, Harry shifted his body to that they could both lean comfortably on one another. The older pair watched them with smiles on their faces. "I wanted to thank you." He whispered. Draco sighed contentedly. "For what." Harry stopped, but then forged on, for giving me a family that loves me. Draco sat up and looked at him. Don't you consider the Weasel's family, your family? No, not really. I mean they are my family in a way, but not like this. He gestured toward Severus, Lucius and then all around. Never like this. Draco's eye brightened and he leaned into Harry once more and snuggled closer.

I am glad, that you are happy with us. We are not like the Weasely's; not so loud, and boisterous, most times our evenings are spent like this, silent. I like this better. Thank you for having us as your family. Draco said teasingly. Harry chuckled and kissed his forehead. "Sleep if you like; I can feel you are tired." "Uh huh, someone kept me up late last night." He murmured and Harry blushed as Severus and Lucius laughed softly at his expense. Draco fell asleep peacefully with his husband running his fingers through his hair. "You care deeply for him." Severus said softly as he watched the former bane of his existence watching his Consort sleep. Harry nodded and looked up at them both. "I do." He said simply. "He worries over you two something terrible." He smiled. "I am beginning to worry as well. The strain on your bond is almost palpable; I have been feeling its undercurrents ever since I walked in." He said softly; even then feeling the pressure, the uncertainty, the bond was struggling to come to terms what was happening within the two life mates. Severus sighed. "There are many things that we have to do, that put our lives in jeopardy every day." He started, "we have been doing it for twenty years. The separation, the dangerthe betrayal" He gave Lucius' hand a comforting squeeze, "it all makes the bond fade, and it also makes the bond angry. I have something to tell you Harry, and you must never breathe a word of it to Draco, understood?" "Yes," he said uncertain that he could keep anything from his Consort. Lucius gave Severus a nod to continue and what the Potions Master told him made Harry's heart stop. "Lucius is the lover of the Dark Lord." Severus said quietly. "Impossible." Harry whispered; his face was ashen, his eyes wide. "Voldemort, is. he's a monster, he's not a man howwhen oh god I think I'm going to be sick." He looked at Lucius, who was looking into the flames. "How could you let that touch you?" "We all have our parts to play." Lucius said; his eyes haunted when he turned to Harry. Severus tightened his hold on his husband's hand and spoke for him. "When we were brought into the Lord's services, he took an instant liking to Lucius' appearance; with and without the glamour, Lucius is a very beautiful being. That he was an Elf and was even more striking without his glamour, making him seemingly just a wizard, Voldemort began to lust for him. We were and still are in his services Harry." "You didn't have much choice did you?" Harry said sadly as he looked at his father-in-law. Lucius shook his head.

"No, Sev and I were still battling the depression that came with us being separated." He paused and then added, "not only that, but the loss or our child, and my subsequent marriage to Narcissa, it made everything worse. This was the last straw. Betrayal in a bond such as this one is not taken lightly. The bond is almost conscious, like a person, once it brings the two chosen people together, nothing outside is supposed to mess with it. It is delicate, and true love coming out of a bond forced, or tries over and over, is very hard." "Because Lucius and I were already in love, the bond immediately fell into place. It brought us closer than ever. However once our lives were torn from one another's, it kept trying to bring us back together; we dreamt of each other every night, we had headaches, depression, nausea; everything that could happen did. It merely got worse for Lucius over time. He had to have an heir, which meant he had to have sex with his wife, who he didn't want to do, and the bond we forged fought him all the way." "What happened?" Harry asked so softly that they had to strain to hear him. "Because I was breaking my vowsthe bond began to become painful. After I slept with Narcissa, pain and agony would course through me like fire. It was most unpleasant." He shrugged, "then Lord Voldemort wanted meit just hurt." He shuddered. "However, as the years past, Voldemort was defeated, Narcissa had Draco after I'd only slept with her once, and I've never touched her since, but the effects of our separation worsened." "Our bodies took a long time to adapt to the constant strain of our separation." Severus spoke up again. "I'm sure you always wondered why Lucius and I seemed to be covered from head to foot every day, even in the summer, when it grew warmer." "Yes." "Well, the answer is that we could never stay warm." Harry cocked his head. "You will find that if you stay away from Draco for long periods of time, your body temperature will decrease, leaving you cold, and numb. Fire won't help, taking hot baths or showers won't help either. It would be like standing outside in the middle of winter with nothing on but a pair of shorts and a t-shirt." Harry's eyes darkened with sadness and anger. "You mean you both have suffered like this?" He asked and they nodded. "All because of your dumb ass father and that god forsaken Voldemort." Lucius smirked, "Well I've never heard it put so eloquently, but yes, that is the gist of it. Now though, because we are slowly able to stay in contact with one another, far more easily, the bond is stabilizing." "Good." Harry said as he shifted; Draco snuggled closer into him and he smiled tenderly as he ran his fingers down his arm. "I don't mean to bring up awful memories or anything, but how can Voldemortwell you knowhe's not human." "Ahh that is where you are wrong." Lucius said softly. "He is very much human now; he has regained his human form, thanks to some of his allies." Harry blood ran cold. "Who has the power to give that back to him?"

"Dragons." Severus said simply. Harry cursed. "Bloody hell," he snapped, "I've read their blood can do many things." "Yes, it was their blood that made him whole, and it has also made him three times as powerful as he was." Lucius said quietly. "The end is coming Harry, you must be prepared." He looked to Draco and his eyes grew misty, "You have much more to fight for than before." Harry followed his gaze down towards Draco's serene face as dread filled him. "Yes, I do." It was nearly three in the morning when Lucius opened his eyes, his gaze sharpening quickly in the darkness. Severus murmured sleepily and burrowed closer to him, his head lay on Lucius' shoulder and his body was entwined around him. Lucius smiled lovingly at his Consort, but then looked around in suspicion at what woke him. Lucius quietly and nimbly untangled his limbs from Severus' and climbed gracefully out of the bed, he looked around the floor, clothes were scattered everywhere, and finally found his outer robes from the previous day. Slipping into it, he made his way down the short hallway in Severus' apartments; a cheery fire greeted him, as did a small Elven girl. "Blessings to you Overlord Lucius, I am a representative of the High Seer." She said bowing low to him. "I am sorry to disturb you at such a time; your Consort must be upset." She blushed and Lucius smiled gently at her. "You've come at a good time; we had just finished our lovemaking an hour ago, so you are safe." He said amused, as she turned even redder. "If you have woken me before twilight it must be very important." She nodded and took a step closer to him and revealed a medium size silk bag to him. "What is this?" "A book, a very important book." She said simply. "The High Seer wants you to have it." He arched an eyebrow. "Why?" The girl smiled softly. "You passed his test." Lucius blinked. "He sent you a vision of what was to come, the prophecy of your son and his Lord. You wrote it down, as he had done thousands of years ago. You told your son, you guided him well, now you must guide his Lord, or this world will perish. You have many things that you need to do, but first you must read this. These are his instructions." "Just because I passed his test?" "Yes, the test was very important." She bowed to him again. "You are his successor." Lucius felt his heart stop. "You are to be the next High Seer; you will receive his infinite knowledge when his final breath leaves his body. His demise comes soon." She said sadly. "I beg of you, hurry and read this, and when you and yours come to Court, look for me, your time with the High Seer will begin then." "But"

"I cannot answer your questions, you must read. I leave you with blessings of the Goddess, be wise and be protected from all darkness that shrouds you." She said and vanished. Lucius stood there for a few brief moments, before taking the book out of all its wrappings. He sat down fluidly and fingered the crest, that he knew so well; the Malfoy crest, twin dragons, roaring, flames of red and green spewing from their snouts, their claws raised for battle, and the moon and the symbol for power in the background. "What does this mean?" He murmured, to himself as he opened the worn cover to the first page, and his eyes widened at the words that were written there. Blessings My Child, Lucius, if you are reading this, then my time as High Seer is ending. It has been a pleasure, and great joy walking this Earth from the beginning until now. I have watched your ancestors grow more and more dependent on the dark ways of magick, and yet I have watched you and your child stand out among them like pure lights in a sea of darkness. You are probably wondering why my attendant has brought you a book with your family crest. Well I shall tell you that I am a part of your family as well. I am the First Son of the Malfoy line. My Father, was Lucien Deveroux Lennox Malfoy, he was the very first of our long legacy. My Mother, Goddess bless her, was an Elf, and so I too, became an Elf. At my coming of age I chose to leave the wizarding world behind. For that defiance, Father disowned me, my name scratched from the Family Tree, for all timeso none would know of me. It is time for that to change. This magick filled world is at the brink. This, Lord Voldemort, is the most powerful Darkness this world has ever seen. Harry Potter was chosen to destroy him, however, if done alone he would perish as well, and the magick that would be released from those two dying together, would cancel out every other magick in existence, including the existence of all the Ancient races. I hope this reaches you in time. You have succeeded all of my expectations, and I will be so happy to meet you soon. It has been many centuries since I have last met a Malfoy face to face. You are my successor, you will be High Seer for the rest of this Earthly existence, and it is time for you to come home. Come home Lucius, meet my attendant at the Palace stairs, and bring your Consort; he is a beautiful light beside you and will help you rule well. I wait anxiously. Blessings from the Goddess, stay strong and true, don't let his evil destroy the beauty that lies within you. With Loving Care, Demetrius Alexander Malfoy Lucius could do nothing but stare. He reread the passage over and over, and the words were still the same. A Malfoy, a Malfoy was the High Seer of the Elven Race, had been born and bred a wizard and yet

"Oh Goddess." He murmured. Soft steps approached him and he turned and looked at his Consort wide eyed. Severus looked at him for a moment, before rushing to his side. "Luc, love what is it?" He asked. Lucius merely let him read the letter. He saw Severus' eyes widened. "Merlin, is it true?" He flipped to the next page, which was the family tree. Sure enough, right below the name of the very first Malfoy was two names: one was Devon Lucien Malfoy, and the other Demetrius Alexander Malfoy. The bonded pair looked at one another in awe. "It is true." Lucius murmured. "I never thought it possible, that there'd be more Elves in the Malfoy line besides me and Draco." "Well, now you know." Severus said quietly. "My, you will be High Seer, amazing, truly amazing." He smiled. "Shall we read then?" Lucius smiled at his Consort as the dark haired man molded himself along his side as they sat back to get comfortable. "Yes, lets."

Chapter Eight Harry watched Draco sleep from the doorway of their room. It had been a bad night for him. First and foremost in his mind were the blood, screams, and mocking laughter of Voldemort as he and his Death Eaters had torn into Hogsmeade that night. His scar pulsated still with the residual magick from his worst enemy. The people of the town had had no warning. It was a bloodbath. Bile rose in his throat once more and he rushed to the bathroom before hurling what was left of his stomach into the toilet. A spark of fear and worry coursed through him as he felt the soft silky fingers of his Consort run through his hair, trying to comfort him. "Harry, what's wrong?" "Voldemorthe attacked Hogsmeade." He said softly. He heard Draco gasp and the Slytherin helped him off the floor. Draco bustled around the bathroom as elegant as a swan, giving him water, and then a toothbrush with toothpaste on it. "I will go and get you something that will soothe your nerves, please be in bed when I get back." He said politely, but with an undercurrent of steel; it was an order. Harry smiled gratefully and did as told. When Draco came back, he was sitting on the bed. Draco smiled and handed him a steaming cup of some substance. "What is it?" "Just drink it." He said. Harry shrugged and drank. His eyes burned with repressed tears. "Merlin, what is this stuff?" Draco ran a comforting hand on his back. "Fire whiskey, it will help in a minute." He said softly. "Now lay back and tell me what you saw." Harry felt like a child; he was being pampered. He lay back against his life mate and told him of the destruction that he saw through Voldemort's eyes. "Was Father there?" He asked finally after they had sat in silence for a moment. "No, he wasn't. Voldemort had told him to stay behind. The Aurors appeared shortly after they started, too late to save many of the lives, but stillhe must have told Severus." Draco nodded and smoothed his unruly hair. "Are you alright?" "I wish I had been there." Harry muttered bitterly. Draco's hand stopped briefly before continuing. "You would've been in danger." "I'm used to it." "More lives would've been lost; they would have done anything to protect you." Harry swallowed hard.

"I know." "But you still think you should've gone?" "Yes." "Why?" "Because, it is my destiny to kill him, the faster I do it, the sooner this world will be rid of him." "If you rush head long into this, the casualties will be far greater than if you think and plan and prepare longer." Draco said quietly. "It is better this way." Harry shrugged him off angrily and stood up, turning to look at him, his green eyes ablaze. "It's fucking better this way!" He shouted. "Those people are dying because of me! Cedric died because of me! Sirius died because of me! I am tired of people fucking die because I wasn't there, or because of a stupid mistake I made. I want the fucking bastard to be gone! Dead and gone! And if I sit there and bloody wait, nothing will happen!" Draco sat and took his anger; he didn't try to correct him, merely listened. "Dumbledore hides stuff from me, because he doesn't want me out there. He says it's for the best and that is bloody bullshit and you know it. I am tired of being hidden while I watch through that madman's eyes as the entire world that I've come to love and cherish is slaughtered in front of me. I can't take it anymore! I just can't." "May I speak now?" Draco asked softly. Harry just looked at him and Draco began softly, "you are not ready." "I beg your bloody pardon?" "You aren't ready darling." Draco said. "You wear your heart on your sleeve; you are too easy to read. Voldemort knows how you will react, he knows what angers you, what you fear above all else, and he uses that to bring you out. And when you do come out of hiding as you call it, you are irrational, desperate, and angry. You don't think." He said bluntly, "you merely act; like every bloody Gryffindor before you. I've seen some of your past memories," he admitted, "I know that the sorting hat wanted to put you in Slytherin. The hat was right." Harry's eyes widened. "Slytherin would have been better for you. It would have taught you to mask your feelings, hide your desires behind sneers, blank expressions, and false pride. Slytherin would have taught you to master those feelings, to bottle them up when you don't need them, so you could think without having them involved." Draco smiled sadly. "You would have prospered in Slytherin." "And what the hell has Gryffindor done that has been so bad?" Harry snapped. Draco's eyes narrowed. "They have made you weak." He said cautiously. "Gryffindors pride themselves on practically getting each other killed. They are irrational, they don't think, they leap into action and if it goes well it goes well, if it doesn't they sit and mope about it or blame it on others. They turn their back on those of their own House in the greatest time of need, because they won't listen to a thing anyone says, they hear their anger, their own insecurities. Act first; ask questions later; that should be the Gryffindor motto.

"Harry," he said softly, "This is just what I see. You can't see it because you've lived in it for so long. They place you up on this pedestal above the rest and expect you to take care of all their problems. That isn't right. Yes you are Harry Potter, and yes you will ultimately decide the fate of this world, but you are only eighteen, you are still a boy, you have your own fears, your own insecurities, and your House doesn't see them, because they don't want to. If something goes wrong, they turn their backs on you in a split second, and then when you come out on top, they flock to you as if they had been there the entire time. Please tell me you have noticed this." Draco said quietly. Harry couldn't fault him his logic. He did feel under so much pressure with all his friends looking to him for answer all the time. He remembered the years when they had turned against him almost instantly; Ron's jealousy, the Houses anger, Cho Chang screaming at him about Cedric and then when it was all said and done They were friendly and smiled at him, like nothing had ever happen. And he remembered how Draco and his friends and the rest of Slytherin merely turned their noses at him, always seeming to resent his celebrity, because. His eyes widened. "Draco, you and your House always resented my celebrity," Draco nodded, "it was because you didn't see what the big fuss was about right?" Draco's full lips curved into a fond smile as he nodded. "All of Slytherin, save a few, come from wealth beyond anyone's imagination." He responded. "We've had the problems you are having, with the celebrity of our wealth, people flocking to us to be our 'friends' because of our family name and fortune, and it was old news. So of course we thought it unfair and wrong that you would be treated differently; so what if you are the Boy Who Lived?" Draco smiled softly, "you would have been treated like everyone else in Slytherin; you had good looks, money, and powerjust like all the rest of us." Harry thought about that and what it would've been like, just being thought of as a student and not as the Boy Who Lived "I would've liked that." He said thoughtfully. Draco patted the spot beside him and Harry went and sat down. They both lay back on the pillows together and Draco snuggled on the right side of his body. "I'm sorry I yelled at you." "It is fine, just because my Father gave you the gift of calmness and clarity, it doesn't mean all of your anger and bitterness are gone. It goes with time." He replied serenely. "Do you feel better sweet?" "Yes," Harry replied. Draco nodded. "Go to sleep, tomorrow is Friday, you have your Transfiguration test to do." "Bloody hell," he grumbled and his Consort laughed sleepily. "You'll do fine." "Of course I will; I'm studying with one of the two top students in Hogwarts; there is no chance I can fail." Harry said haughtily. Draco languidly slapped him. "Pompous ass."

Harry just laughed. Draco nodded to those of his classmates he passed in the hall, on his way to his and Harry's suite. It had been a long day. While Harry had merely had one test, Draco had had three; Runes, Divination, and Sev had given him an especially hard potion to brew. Draco sighed heavily as he entered the seemingly abandoned hallway in the South wing of Hogwarts. He placed his hand on the double doors; the veil sighed as it recognized its caster and the doors opened soundlessly. As he walked along the black marble hallway, the torches and fireplaces in the living room, family room, and bedroom began to blaze with life. He shrugged out of his school robes, and uniform, hanging them neatly on hangers in his closet before pulling out an elegant rich crimson red silk Elven day robe and the black leather pants that went with it. He sighed as the lightweight fell on his shoulders and released his hair from its braid; the bells that he had woven into that morning jingled musically as he moved. He poured himself a glass of wine before quietly retreating back into Harry and his bedroom. He climbed on the bed and lay down, setting the wine glass on his nightstand and closed his eyes. He felt Harry's frustration with his test and unconsciously sent him a small rush of soothing calm. You know these things, don't get frustrated; be calm. Harry immediately took a deep breath and reread the problem and smiled as he transfigured whatever he had been supposed to on the first try. Thank you, he responded back, but received no answer. Draco had fallen asleep. Harry knew he had done well on his test. He smiled cockily; being married to Draco did have its other perks. One of them was that he now had some of the best grades in his classes. He joked around with his friends in the Gryffindor common room for a few hours after classes were over and then began to make his way towards his private suite. A few Slytherin passed him in the halls, and they looked at him long and hard before giving him a brief nod and going on their way. Harry shook his head. Most of the Slytherin didn't say anything to him, hell, they barley acknowledged his existence, others like Pansy and Blaise and the two body guards Crabbe and Goyle, merely talked to him about nonsense, but at least they spoke to him. It had to mean something. As he entered his suite he felt the presence of Draco almost immediately and the bond inside of him sighed with relief, as did he. He was a little embarrassed to say that one of his worst fears now was to come to his rooms and Draco not being there. He didn't know if he could live without the soothing presence of the Elf in his life, and by his side. Draco was still asleep; he could feel the silence in his head, as he approached their bedroom. Harry opened the door and as always had to stop and stare at the exotic being lying curled in the bed. Silvery blond locks cascaded down the side of his face and then over the bed. His chest rose and fell softly. Surprisingly he was wearing a crimson red silk robe, and the black leather pants fit snugly around his slim hips, showing off his slim legs, slim hips, and tight butt. Harry felt desire fill him and he smirked, a smirk worthy enough of Malfoy, and stealthily crept forward and then crawled on the bed, stripping as he went. He grabbed the jar of oil and began to rub his fingers together slowly as he stared down at the

innocently sleeping Elf. A wave of his hand and Draco was gloriously naked. He was sex and beauty walking. Sometimes he seemed to know itother timeslike when Harry commented on his beauty, he'd blush like a virgin and then Harry's mind would fall into the gutter, and they'd be in bed in a minute. He pressed two fingers inside of his Consort and watched, his desire darkening his eyes making them smolder, as his life mate arched enticingly and let out a moan of pleasure. He was still sleeping though, Harry found out, with a quick check of Draco's mental state; he thought he was dreaming. Preparing him slowly, sensually, Harry added another finger, and felt Draco's passion spark and his pleasure remount, however he was still caught between the state of sleep and wakefulness. "Harry," he murmured and then cried out in pleasure as Harry briefly ran his fingers over his prostate. Harry knew he was ready and as soon as he was seated firmly inside Draco's luscious body those silver mercury eyes snapped wide in surprise and pleasure. "Goddess," he choked and then threw his head back and shuddered with pleasure as Harry shifted deeper and brushed against his pleasure spot again. "Thought, I was dreaming." He gasped. "This is no dream." Harry murmured silkily as he began to move, very shallowly before plunging deep inside. Draco let out a soundless scream, as he nearly reached his climax and Harry backed down. Though he was in a fog of pleasure that nearly made him insane with want, he noticed the pattern, that started up, that stayed, that made him want to scream with frustrated passionnine shallow, one deep; eight shallow, two deep; seven shallow, three deepand it went on until Harry was so deep inside him Draco thought they had been melded together, his orgasm so close, and then his husband would back off and the cycle started again Harry kept Draco and himself at the brink for hours. He'd never made love this hard, this long, in all the time he'd been sleeping with guys or girls for that matter. Something about Draco, something about the bond they shared, the vows they took; made it all the more mind blowing, all the more special, and it was so beautiful, so powerful, Harry never wanted it to end. He was laying on his back now, Draco moving on top of him, staring down at him, his eyes pools of glowing silver mercury swirling with a blue so rich it was like staring at the sky. Their bodies were slick with sweat and they were tiring and yet they kept of the tortuously slow pace that was nearly driving them insane with mutual pleasure. All the barriers between them had dropped, their desire swept them up and held them in a vortex of pleasure that was all their own. Harry saw respect, desire, affection, friendship, and something so powerful in Draco's eyes that he swore the last was love. He pulled himself up, plunged deeply into Draco one last time, and swallowed his Consort's lusty scream with his mouth as they both reached their climax. It was earth shattering in its intensity and both clung to each other with the last of their strength, before collapsing back on the bed. They stared at each other in surprise, shock, fear, and some deep nameless emotion that left them speechless. Draco laid a trembling hand along Harry's jaw and caressed it softly. Harry did the same and brought Draco's lips to his in a slow satiated kiss, before he guided the blonde's head to his shoulder. Draco wrapped a slim arm around Harry's waist, and molded his body to his side. Harry waved a careless hand and cleaned them both up, before straightening and settling the covers over them. He felt Draco slip in an exhausted sleep and felt the Elf sigh in contentment and move impossibly closer to him. Harry felt tears in his eyes as he realized what he was feeling and it went past everything he had every felt for anyoneeven his parents.

He had fallen in love with Draco. It was so unconditional and so consuming it was terrifying for him. "I love you Draco," He sighed softly and began to drift off to sleep, but in his mind he heard Draco's soft voice in his head answer back I love you too.

Chapter Nine Hermione watched as Harry and Draco walked the grounds in the freshly fallen snow. It seemed like yesterday that she had watched the two rivals get married and yet, now, it was December, Christmas holiday was upon them and she had never seen a happier couple. They made a striking pair; Harry with his raven brown locks, startling green eyes and golden skin and Draco with his silvery blond locks cascading down his back to his hips and his beautiful mercury eyes with swirls of blue and his alabaster skin. They were both wearing expensive European cut winter robes and dragon hide boots. Harry had his arm around Draco's waist, and the Elf was leaning into him as they talked. Of what they talked about, Hermione couldn't guess, but she did know that they were happy together. It was all she could ask for really. "You've been watching them for over an hour." Hermione turned to see who spoke, and seemingly out of nowhere Crabbe and Goyle appeared. She blinked at them and then her eyes narrowed. "Have you been spying one me?" She asked as her hand went inside her robes to grip her wand. Crabbe snorted and Goyle laughed. "Why would we spy on you?" He asked crossing his arms and staring at her shrewdly. "We are watching over Potter and Draco." Hermione turned and saw that the married pair disappeared indoors. "Why?" "What's with the questions Granger?" Crabbe mumbled. "We've always watched out for Draco, wouldn't it be obvious to you and everyone else that now that he is married we'd watch over his Lord as well." He sniffed and crossed his arms as well. "Gryffindors, I'll never get the lot of you." Hermione was struck dumb. She was actually having an intelligent conversation with Crabbe and Goyle. The world must be ending. Goyle must have noticed her mystified expression because he smirked. "Thought we were dumb as bricks, didn't you?" He asked. Hermione nodded. "Yes, I did, it seems that a lot of people are wrong about you two." "Yes, well, we play the part well. We have to keep up appearances." Crabbe shrugged his broad shoulders. Footsteps echoed along the deserted hall and Draco's musical laughter could be heard. "Well, excuse us Granger, our duties wait." Crabbe gave her a mocking salute that almost seemed like an insult to her and turned towards the approaching figures. "Draco, Potter." "Blessings to you Vincent." Draco smiled; his cheeks were dusted with color from the cold outside and he was pressed tightly against Harry, trying to keep warm. He looked at her in surprise and then his eyes warmed as he gave her a small smile. "Granger, blessings to you, I haven't seen you in a while." "Yes, well, we've all been a little busy." Hermione said cautiously. Harry rolled his eyes at her.

"You and Ron have been avoiding us as much as possible." He said shortly. Draco clucked his tongue and caressed Harry's cheek softly. "Be nice." He said and then a playful smirk curved his full lips. "And you my dear have been avoiding spending time with us Slytherins. Vincent, Greg, please take my husband to the dungeons, he needs to learn what it means to be Slytherin." Harry began to protest, but Draco stopped his protests with a soft kiss. "I will be down shortly." He said softly. Harry sighed and nodded a dazed look in his eyes. "Fine and where will you be?" He asked. "With Granger, it is about time that we each have experienced each others Houses, if only for a few hours." Harry looked at Hermione and she nearly stumbled back at his hard glare. "If anything happens to him, someone is going to pay." He said with a tight smile that didn't reach his eyes. Hermione nodded and Harry gave a nod to Vincent and Greg, who again gave her a mock salute and then guided the First Lord towards their own territory. When she turned back she was faced with a beautiful Elf with an endearing smile. "Shall we go?" He asked innocently. Hermione couldn't think of a reason why notwell, she could think of a very big reason, namely Ronald Weasely, but she was hesitant to point that out. "Yes." She agreed simply and the mismatched pair made their way up to Gryffindor Tower. "Don't worry Golden Boy; your Consort will be safe." Crabbe said with a sneer. Harry glowered at him and, for the thirtieth time in five minutes looked back the way they came. "You don't know my House." "Of we know your House very well," Goyle said snidely, "Weasel will probably go off the deep end, Granger will try to console him, the others will add their two cents, and Draco will politely ask if Granger and Weasel will follow him to a quieter place where they can talk and get to know one another better. It's really easy to see if you weren't so paranoid about them nailing him to a stake." "I guess you're right." Harry gave softly, "but I'm still worried." Crabbe and Goyle looked at each other and then sighed. Harry looked up at them confusedly. He may be six two, but Crabbe and Goyle nearly gave Ron a run for his money in the height department. "What?" "We are worried too, you dolt, so once we get you safely to the Common Room, one of the other years will be assigned to go and watch over him." Harry blinked. "Excuse me; did you just say you'll send someone just to watch over Draco, because you are worried about him?" "No not at all, we're just saying that because it's what we always do." Crabbe explained. "If Greg or I are not around, then Pansy and Blaise are, and vice versa, however, in the case that none of us are there, then whichever Slytherin sees that Draco is unattended will tail him until he get to his destination. Most

times there are already Slytherin there, so that certain person can just leave, but if there aren't, then he or she stays until one of us gets there, or more Slytherin arrive." Harry just looked at them. "And this is just for Draco?" "No, it's for any Slytherin." Goyle said. "We keep a closer eye on the first, second, and third years, but Draco really is everyone's main concern." He added softly. "Just because he's a Malfoy?" Harry asked and Crabbe looked at him thoughtfully. "That is partly correct, Lord Malfoy would skin any of us alive if anything happened to his son," he shuddered, "you should've seen him when that damn creature Professor Hagrid had bit him, I thought my father was bad, Merlin all the Slytherins felt his magick residue in our dorms for weeks after that. He's a very powerful wizard, a powerful Dark wizard, but powerful nonetheless. His energy signature was over everything, because he was so angry. Let me tell you, after that, everyone tried to keep Draco from getting hurt, we tried so hard that he sent half the fifth years to the Hospital Wing just from throwing hexes alone." Goyle groaned. "Don't remind me, it was even more than that with 'accidental' potions." He said sarcastically. Harry chuckled; yes that did sound like his Draco. Just at the thought of him, Harry felt his body burn with desire. It had been a blissful three weeks for him; he felt like he was walking on water all the time. Draco actually loved him backHarry grinned goofily. "Potter snap out of it." Goyle snapped. Harry glared at him and all three stopped in front of a stonewall. "What the hell is this?" "Shut it." Goyle said. Crabbe knocked on the wall and then spoke up. "Carpe Diem." He said. The stones systematically moved to make a large doorway, "Well, Potter, Welcome to Slytherin." Harry followed them into the doorway and watched, fascinated, as the wall closed behind them. Though he'd been here in second year, he immediately noticed some things that he hadn't before. For one, everything reeked of wealth and prestige and for two, it just feltcozy. It was probably because of all the students lounging about. The large fireplace was blazing, and a few people were scattered around it, lying on their stomachs going over homework. He saw others playing wizards' chess, more on the green suede couch merely sitting there. When Crabbe and Goyle passed by with him in tow, most just gave him a side-glance or a nod. "Crabbe, where is Draco?" Some girl asked; she was a fifth year, but that was all Harry knew. "Gryffindor Tower." He said and just like that she and another fifth year boy were walking towards the doorway. He was floored. "This way Potter." They walked down a long corridor that was a bit cold; the torches on either side of the wall did almost nothing to warm the place up. Goyle stopped in front of the last door and knocked twice, paused, and then once more before he opened the door and they all walked in. When Harry stepped through the door, he saw Pansy and Blaise putting back their wands. Blaise smirked at him and tossed some of his blond locks out of his face with his well-manicured hand. "Well, well, so the husband finally comes to meet the extended family." He drawled. Pansy laughed.

"Blaise shut your sodding mouth. Potter, it's good to have you." She said politely. "And you may call me Pansy, call Blaise whatever you wish; bastard, jackass, bitch, he responds to all of them." Harry laughed outright as Blaise scowled. "Pansy, don't tell him everything, that's for the next visit." Blaise said pouting. Crabbe grunted and Goyle rolled his eyes as he closed, locked, and placed protection spells on the door. Harry arched an eyebrow. "All of this is necessary even inside your dorms?" He asked. Pansy arched and eyebrow and then smirked. "Of course, we may be a united House, but we have our own hierarchy Harry, may I call you Harry?" She asked and Harry nodded and she continued. "As you know Draco is the King of this castle. Well, Prince if you will, he was born into the title and the title will always stay within the Malfoy family, because they are simply the best of the best. Besides, you know Draco, and the title 'Prince of Slytherin', fits him to the tee." Harry nodded and smiled. "Yes it does." "Well, after him comes Blaise, Vincent, Greg, and I. We are his closest friends and fiercest allies. Our families have been allies for generations. Whatever the Malfoy's do, we fall behind them and vice versa. After that it goes by year, unless you have connections." She smiled coyly, "It's never too early to network." "What do you mean?" Harry asked frowning. Pansy motioned for him to sit on the couch across from where she was moving to, which was the comfortable looking black suede chair. Blaise took up the position in the other chair adjacent to the couch, and Crabbe and Goyle grabbed the love seat; completing the circle around the fireplace. "Much better," Blaise murmured and then turned to Harry, "What we mean is that, Draco, Pansy, Greg, Vincent, and I are what you would call the Slytherin Court. We are loyal only to each other foremost, friends, allies, and loyal to Slytherin, and that happens to include all the people. After the Court, come the seventh years, then sixth years and so on. This hierarchy is all about power and respect. We five really lay the ground rules here, after Professor Snape of course being our Head of House. The only way you can have sway or any sort of power and not be in one of the upper years is if you have a friend that's higher than you are." "You're losing me." Harry murmured. Pansy rolled her eyes. "Goddess you're slow. Okay, say you are a first year okay?" Harry nodded, "if you are first year in Slytherin that means that if anyone in a higher year asks you to do something, you have to do it. It's like you are the scapegoat for trouble, the one to do the grunt work, and so on. Do you get that?" "Yes, and I believe that wrong." He frowned; Pansy just smiled slightly. "Okay, but say you, the first year, is the friend of someone that is in fourth year, and that fourth is an acquaintance of," she paused and then shrugged, "one of us." She gestured to the three guys around

her. "If we hear of you being forced to do something," she snapped her fingers, "just like that the one trying to make you do something you don't want is either hexed, or falls sick. It's a done deal." "Okay, so you are telling me, that since first year, you five have been running Slytherin?" Pansy and Blaise nodded. "Kind of." She said, "We were eleven when we got here, and because of our life styles at home, were very mature for our ages, but we were still eleven." She snorted. "Yeah, so seventh years like Flint and others guided us." Blaise continued. "And when they left those seventh years guided us some more, until we reached third year and basically were ruling Slytherin ourselves. Like I said before, when Professor Snape lays down ground rules, everyone has to obey those, even us, but everything elsewell, we do what we want to." "Back to all the codes and spells for this room though," Crabbe said quietly, "A lot of those not in places of power are envious, they don't particularly care for us at all. So we protect ourselves, Snape lets us, so why not?" "You mean you are in danger in your own House?" Harry asked horrified. Pansy shook her head. "No, not like that. We're just beingoverly cautious. Yeah, so they don't like us, who gives a shit?" She shrugged. "Most of them know our families are steeped in Dark magic. Most of us have been trained in the dark Arts since we've been able to hold a wand. They know that we will literally hex them into oblivion if they try anything." She smirked at Crabbe and Goyle, "not to mention with Vincent and Greg being so huge, it kind of quails anyone that has the intention to do harm to us, don't you think?" Harry looked at the hulking Slytherins and nodded. "Yeah, I get it." He said softly and then shook his head. "I still don't know why Draco, Snape, and the damn Sorting Hat wanted me to be in Slytherin, I mean, this place is more complex than probably any other House here." Pansy cocked her head and Goyle laughed. "You would've been exceptional in Slytherin." He said honestly. "Yes it is kind of complex, but look at what everyone here is learning. To survive here, you have to make truces with certain people. I think this year alone nearly all the first and second years have made it a point to get on the good sides of at least three of us, plus Draco, so that they couldn't be pushed around. You have to do that in the real world. In Slytherin if someone insults you, you can't just get mad and hex them, you have to plot their humiliation, it teaches you to be patient, thorough in your research of them, and helps to build your pride in yourself and your masks that you will wear. "It is dangerous to show how you are feeling, what you are thinking in this type of environment. Its cutthroat in Slytherin. We aren't righteous like Gryffindor, not all of us are as brainy as Ravenclaw, and absolutely none of us are as nice as Hufflepuff. To show what you are thinking and how you are feeling will get you slaughtered." He said bluntly and then turned to Harry, "And that is where you mess up time and time again." "Huh?"

"I'm sure Draco has told you about your problem." Blaise said. "You're facial expressions are too open. We've been sitting with you for almost an hour and I've been able to read you for at least half of that time, Pansy here and these two dolts have been able to read you since you walked in the door." He smiled, "when you're confused you get this dazed frustrated look on your face, when you don't like something your eyes darken, when you're uncomfortable, you shift all over the place." He shook his head, "You wouldn't last a day in Slytherin if you were thrown in here now. They'd cut you up into little pieces and feed you to the dogs." "Thanks." Harry said bitterly. Blaise snapped his fingers. "Another one, when you get upset your voice deepens and you automatically become sarcastic. Harry, darling, what are we going to do with you?" He asked the ceiling woefully. Pansy rolled her eyes. "The point we are trying to make is that in Slytherin, you would've learned how to be cunning, to get the answers you want without directly asking the question. To be ambitious, to want to be the best and the most powerful you can be, and to mask your emotions, so everyone has to guess at what you are thinking." Her eyes softened as she looked at him. "Don't you think with any of these things, that all those past times you've fought the Dark Lord, would be different? That maybe it would've been over by now?" Harry blinked at her and actually sat back and thought about it. What if he had studied harder instead of joking around with Ron, Seamus, and Dean? What if he had learned to control and contain his anger and brashness? Focused it into learning his magick more? What if he had learned to put on a mask, let people see what they wanted to see, instead of just letting anyone read him as easy as a book? "Merlin, things would've been so different." He whispered. All four Slytherin nodded solemnly. "Yes they would have." Crabbe said. "Oh, and you can call me Vincent." "Yeah you can call me Greg." Greg said. "Forgot to tell you." "Why would you let me call you by your given names?" Harry asked. "I haven't done anything to deserve" "Yes, you have." Blaise answered. "You've made Draco happy. That is good enough for us." They all smiled at him and Harry smiled back. "Thanks." "Bah, don't thank us Harry," Pansy said waving a hand dismissively. "Draco's happiness is our happiness, and really his marriage to you has put the hope into hearts of a lot of Slytherins." "What do you mean?" "Well, you are destined to destroy the Dark Lord are you not?" She asked and he nodded slowly. "Well, those in Slytherin that are looking for an alternative to siding with the Dark Lord, and even those who will, look up to Draco. His father is the Dark Lord's right hand man Harry, you know that. If Draco can marry you and change his allegiances, what's stopping the others from doing the same?"

"Draco hold that much sway in Slytherin?" Harry asked shocked. They all nodded. "Everyone looks to him for guidance, whether it is how to act Slytherin, how to dress, what to say, or even in the case of the Dark Lord what side to be on." Vincent said softly. "He tries to help all of them and because he has openly committed himself to you, now others will want to follow his example and either cut off ties with their family immediately, or slowly start to hedge in that direction." "What about all of you?" Harry asked. For a moment all four Slytherin were quiet but then Greg spoke up, "Well, Vincent and I told you before, where Draco goes, we go. We've been the Malfoy's bodyguards, so to speak, for generations. When he made up in his mind that he would fulfill this prophecy, our fates were decided. My orders this year were to stick by Draco, not Slytherin, not the Dark Lord, but just Draco and Vincent's orders are the same too." Harry turned to Pansy and Blaise. "What about the two of you?" "It's too late for us Harry," Pansy said, lifting up her silk sleeve as Blaise did the same. The Dark Mark stood out shockingly against their skin. "We were initiated at the beginning of this year." "Don't feel bad about it Harry," Blaise said shrugging, "we knew this was a possibility and as the time approached we both knew that it was inevitable. Draco found out right before we came to school that it was too late for us." He shook his head, "I've never seen him so upset. He'd talked to his father about getting us at least an extension, but what was done was done." "What will you do now?" Harry whispered. "Well, we've decided that we will help you out." Pansy said slowly, eyeing the door. Vincent stood up and went to the door, placing an extra silencing charm as he went, and then an extra locking charm on the door. "Now this deal is for only you. Blaise and I won't be working for Dumbledore or the Order of the Phoenix, we only work for you and your Consort got it?" "Yes," Harry said and then smiled, "thank you." Blaise snorted. "Don't thank us yet. As of now, we are only in the Middle Circle, right now nothing is told to us until it's about to happen. And before you ask, we weren't at Hogsmeade, it was too close to the school, and someone would've known we were missing." Blaise said. "Our fathers have written to us stating that we have been given a chance to prove ourselves and becoming a part of the Inner Circle." Pansy said. "With Lord Malfoy there, plus Blaise and I, you will have a lot of info coming your way. From what Father has told me, there is unrest in the Inner Circle. Most are too afraid to talk with Lord Malfoy, in fear that he will sway the Dark Lord's opinion of them, but they would talk amongst themselves and to us." She smirked. "Yes, we will be innocent to their ways. They won't give a second thought to telling us anything because, we will be so new, and the Dark Lord won't look to us for questions or answers." He smirked. "Pity for them, all their information will be going straight into your hands via us. Draco said he'd talk to Lord

Malfoy to see if he could pass information directly to us rather than going through Professor Snape." Blaise frowned in worry. "The Dark Lord grows suspicious of him; it will only be a matter of time before he finds out that he's a spy." "You know that?" Harry asked. "How?" "Followed him one night, right from the meeting to Dumbledore's office." Pansy said. "He knew we were there, and explained why he was doing what he was doing. We swore not to tell anyone who didn't know, and we haven't." There was a brief silence and then she spoke again. "So, what do you say Harry? Will you vouch for us at the end of this war and in return we will give you information and teach you how to be Slytherin?" He was about to say yes, narrowed his eyes at the last part of the deal, and then conceded. "Very well, you have my word." He said. All four Slytherin gave him soft smiles and he knew that he'd just made lasting friendships with all of them. No wonder his beloved trusted them with his life. Draco watched with amusement as Hermione tried to calm Weasel down. He was sitting elegantly in the Gryffindor Common Room, looking around with a small smile on his face. It was different, very. red. He shuddered and longed for the muted colors of his own House, but as he watched Hermione and Weasel go at it, he felt his cool head fading into irritation. Most of the other years had come to see what the fuss was about and were now staring at him like he was a freak show in a circus. "Enough." He said with a wave of his hand. Weasel was in mid rant and blinked when he couldn't speak anymore. His face turned as red as his hair as he glowered at Draco. "I can see that we will not get anywhere if this keeps up." He said quietly, standing gracefully and approaching the portrait hole that led out of the Common Room. "Granger if you will collect your boyfriend, we will go someplace less hostile." He murmured. Hermione nodded gratefully to him and dragged Weasel out by his ear, chastising him as she went, taking delight in the fact that he couldn't talk back. Draco turned to the rest of Gryffindor and bowed slightly, the bells in his hair jingled softly at his movement. "Blessings to you all," he said respectfully and then stepped out behind them, shutting the portrait on the astonished faces of Gryffindor. "Malfoy," Hermione started. "You may call me Draco." He said softly and then looked at her boyfriend. "If I take the spell off, will you shut up and listen for once in your miserable life?" He was glowered at but finally the boy nodded and Draco waved his hand. "You may call me Draco as well, you are my husband's best friends, and that gives you more privileges that most." His gaze saddened as he looked at them. "I thought we had come to a truce back in October, I can see that we haven't. Is it really so bad that Harry married me?" They looked at each other and then Hermione sighed, "No Draco, it's just that we have this, oh hell, we just don't like Slytherin and you had been our worst enemy for six years and now you are married to our best friend, we really don't know how to act." She explained. He nodded and then began walking. "Walk with me, please." He said. Hermione followed and Draco noticed the Weasel following as well.

"You do know some of your snakes are tailing us right?" He grumbled. Draco smiled. "Of course, Vincent and Greg are not here to accompany me, and neither are Pansy and Blaise, so two of the other students make sure I am alright." "They do this for you all the time?" Hermione asked and Draco laughed. "All Slytherin do it. We take care of the younger years more than the older, but yes, it is done all the time. No one else in the school will look after our own, so we do it ourselves." "Oh, I never knew that." "There are many things you do not know about Slytherin, but that is for another time and day. Right now I would like to put you both at ease with my presence and the situation at hand. He eyed the Weasel and sighed. "May I call you Ron? It is really getting tiring of thinking of you as the Weasel and then wanting to call you by your given name." He blinked and then nodded stupidly. "Yeah, sure." "Thank you Ron." Draco said smiling slightly. "I really do have a question for youwhy do you hate me so much?" "I, well, you see. damn!" He sputtered. "It's not that I hate you, wellhate you anymore, it's just thatthis is new and when new things come along and I really don't want a part of themI just stay away from them." He mumbled. Draco nodded. "I was afraid of that. You are very important to Harry, he has missed your company; don't you realize that staying away will just make it worse?" He asked as they walked together. "No, he has you why would he need any of us?" Ron said angrily. Draco sighed heavily. "It is not that simple. Just because we are married and are essentially bound together, doesn't mean that the people that were there before our marriage don't count." He smiled. "I have visited my Housemates many times, and they have visited as well. I can see that Hermione wants to visit, but she doesn't because she doesn't want to offend yoursensitive sensibilities. You'd think that she was siding with us rather than you and then that would put strain on your relationship with her, and she didn't want that, so she stayed away as well." He smiled. "I can call you Hermione right?" "Yes, ofcourse." Hermione trailed off as she saw them walking closer and closer to the dungeons. "Um, Draco, are you heading towards the dungeons for some particular reason?" "Oh, the bond has been acting strange lately." He smiled dreamily, "we can't stay apart too long, or at least I can't. After about two hours or so I find myself walking to where my husband is on autopilot." He gave her a wink. "Harry seems to enjoy that." "You really love him don't you?" Ron blurted out. Draco blinked and then a slow smile spread over his face as well as a blush.

"Yes, I do." He said honestly. "I love him very much, too much, I think. Love was something I never thought I would have with my chosen. Respect, affection, loyalty, yes, but love? In Slytherin it's practically taboo. To love is to be weak, well, with us anyway. However, I find that I am more powerful because of it." He smiled at them again and then knocked on a very solid ebony oak door. "This is my stop; I must speak with my Godfather now." He looked over their shoulders, "Jenna, Andrew, please escort them back to the main hall?" "Yes," the two replied as they materialized from the shadows. Hermione and Ron just looked at them warily. "You can trust them. I hope that I will see you both down in our suite some time before Harry and I go to the manor for holiday." He said. Hermione smiled and nodded, Ron looked at him with something akin to respect, and gave a nod as well. "Wonderful, I'll give the news to Harry, he will be pleased." The door opened and Professor Snape gazed fondly at his godson and then glared. "Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasely, I trust you will not keep my students waiting?" He arched a cool eyebrow in obvious scorn and the two Gryffindors quickly made their way towards their impatient escorts. "Blessings to you." Draco said lightly and turned and walked into the room. "Now Sev, that was uncalled for." He reprimanded him lightly. Severus chuckled at him and motioned for him to have a seat. Draco did so, but his gaze ran over Severus' thin frame and was delighted that he had put on weight. "You're looking healthier than usual." He said. "Of course, I have more than myself to think about now." He said with a small smile. Draco watched as the magick from the glamour he had drawn around himself fell. Draco felt nearly giddy and was out of his seat and next to Severus within seconds. He settled both his hands on his godfather's slightly rounded stomach and smiled up at him. "The baby will be powerful." "Of course, did you have any doubt?" He said snottily and Draco laughed. "How is this possible? You must be at least three or four months along." "Three," Severus said smiling, "And I am really not sure how it's possible, only that after not being able to keep anything down for the life of Merlin, I made a pregnancy test potion out of sheer frustration of not know what was wrong. It came back positive." He shrugged and then looked at Draco, "Although, before your father left a few weeks back he received a visit form the attendant of the High Seer." Draco's eyes widened. "Yes, I know, it surprised me too. Turns out that the High Seer is actually a Malfoy as well. He was disowned when he chose his Elven side over the wizarding side. Anyway, reading his journal, he described his many talents, and one of them happened to be fiddling with people's dreams. Actually moving them from a world of just dreams in a mental sense, to a plane where dreams affect you both mentally and physically." He flushed a little, and Draco smiled slightly.

"So you think that when you and father were having one dream in particular, that he changed the state of the dream. The consciousness was still thinking it was a dream, but it was actually real?" "Something like that yes." "But, Father would have to be here with you or you with him, how could" "There was one time before school started that I had a dream of that nature about Lucius, it had been one of many that had increased over the years." He sighed heavily, "It wasintense." He cleared his throat. "Anyhow, when I woke, I was in Lucius' arms, with him still inside of me. It was the first time we had ever been intimate, hell or even been that close to each other in almost two decades." "Wow, so that's how you two started seeing each other again?" Draco said and Severus nodded. "Father doesn't know does he?" "No, he knows I am hiding something, but he still doesn't know what it is." Severus smiled and placed an elegant hand on his stomach, "I will tell him on Christmas. It will be a very good surprise for him." He gave Draco a shrewd glance. "You should tell your husband your good news as well." Draco blushed heavily as he placed one of his own hands on his still flat stomach. "How did you know?" "Consorts can always tell with these things." Severus said softly, his eyes warm. "You're practically glowing with happiness Draco, and your aura has become softer. A wizard wouldn't be able to notice," he rolled his eyes, "and your husband will probably notice something wrong but not know what it is." He looked down on his godson with a doting smile. "How far along are you?" "A month." Draco said, "Already I can feel this child's power, it is very beautiful" he blushed, "having something this special growing inside of you." "Yes," Severus agreed, before his eyes grew shuttered. "We must be more careful. Voldemort is growing suspicious of me, it won't be long before I will stop going to the meetings." Draco looked up at him sharply. "When will you stop?" "It has to be before Christmas. If I go anymore, he will know that I am with child. It is draining me too much and I am relying on your father's magick as well now." "Yes, it is about time for that." Draco said softly, worriedly. "Voldemort will want you dead after you stop coming to the meetings, his suspicions will be confirmed in his eyes. He has many supporters here in the school; most are within the other three Houses." "I know." Severus said. Draco leaned against him, offering his support. "What will you do?"

"I don't know, but the trip we will take in a few weeks will help me substantially." "Yes, the Elven Realm has a way of helping even the darkest creatures." Draco murmured. He gave a small laugh and Severus looked at him curiously. "My beloved is getting irritated." I am in Sev's office. He said. Not two minutes later, the door was opening and a frustrated Harry Potter stood in the doorway. "Hello, darling." "I thought you said you'd meet me in the Common Room?" He asked pouting. Draco chuckled, as did Severus. He went to his husband and gave him a sound kiss. "You are such a worry wart; I was going to be there in a few minutes." Draco sighed. "Come on, let's go to our rooms, you seem a little miffed." Harry glared at Draco, but looking into his face too long made him think of othermore carnal things and he looked away with a blush. Draco gave him a wink. "Let's go beloved, I will see you later Sev." He said gliding out the door. Severus snorted as he watched with amusement as Harry followed Draco like a moth to a flame. Be careful, and may the Goddess protect you. Draco thought to Severus, as he was sheltered in his soul mate's arms as they walked to their rooms. And may She protect you as well, was the only reply he got back.

Chapter Ten Harry, Ron, and Hermione stared up at Malfoy Manor awestruck, and speechless. It was beautiful and imposing. "This isn't a Manor, Draco, this is a fucking castle!" Ron said flabbergasted. Draco was asking house elves to put all their things away, he turned, and smiled. "It is home, Ron, that's all that counts. Come along, I believe the East Wing has been prepared for your use." He said, ushering them inside. The interior was breathtaking; vaulted ceilings, green marble columns stretching from the floor, ending exactly where the dome ceiling began. A chandelier lit the foyer with a dim but elegant glow. The floors were made of the same green marble along all the hallways, "but only on this section of the Manor." Draco said. "Why?" Hermione whispered, as her gaze was riveted to the walls where ancient tapestries hung and priceless antique vases were strategically placed. "It was used centuries ago to tell where parties were. My father once hosted a reception and he told all his guests that they couldn't go past where the green marble floor ended." Draco pointed downward and all three Gryffindor saw that the rich green was fading into creamy white. "We are now in the East Wing, Ron, Hermione; this is your part of the house for the duration of our stay. We will be going into the Elven Realm for about a week, but after that we will come back and reside in the Manor until it is time for school to start. Draco reached a pair of light oak double doors and pushed them open. "Draco, it's gorgeous!" Hermione said softly as her gaze traveled around the room, which was done in muted earth tones. The bed was of a light oak like the doors, but huge, at least a king sized with dark but soft muted tones of blues and greens in silk and satin. A large fireplace nearly took up the opposite wall and their feet sank into the Belgian rug. "The bathroom is to your left." He said pointing towards another set of doors, "and then youre sitting room is through the doors on your right." He pointed to the doors on the other side of the fireplace. "House elves will come punctually at twelve, three, and six, to announce lunch, tea, and dinner. I hope your accommodations meet your satisfaction, if there is anything that you might need, just tell the house elves and they will get it for you." Ron was still shell shocked. "Th-This room is for our stay?" He stuttered. "I mean, the entire wing is for our use?" He squeaked. Harry and Hermione chuckled as Draco looked at him without batting an eye. "Of course, these are the guest quarters, well the nicest anyway. The East wing is primarily used for when guests come; there are bedrooms up and down this hall and the floor above you and below you." He shook his head and smiled, "I will let you both settle in, I am very happy you decided to spend Christmas here with my family and me." He smiled beautifully. "Come Harry, I will show you to our rooms." Harry waved at his friends' still shocked faces and followed Draco. "Draco this place is magnificent." He said honestly; now he could tell why he was such a snot Hogwarts was really a sty compared to what he came from. "It's been in your family since the line began?"

"Yes, a gift from Salazar Slytherin." He said with a soft smile, they walked through the foyer again and Draco gave a brief nod of greeting to his father and Severus who were walking arm and arm up the grand staircase to the third floor of the house. "Where are we going?" "Oh, well the Master Suite is in the North Wing, which basically is this section of the house; where Father and Sev are going. The entire West wing from this floor all the way up to fifth is my side of the house." Harry gaped at him. "You had an entire wing of this place to yourself?" He said weakly. Draco looked at him through wide eyes. "Of course, we may be Elven, darling, but we Malfoy's are still pureblooded. Most pureblooded children, if not all, have wealth, maybe not this much, but quite a lot. Pansy, Blaise, Vincent, and Greg all have their own wings of their houses as well. We are taught to be completely self-sufficient as children, so that when going to Hogwarts or away from the house, no one could take advantage of us." "But, isn't that lonely?" Harry asked softly. Draco didn't speak as he took them into his wing. It was the exact opposite of Ron and Hermione's; the marble floors were black, dark reds, greens, browns, and blues dominated. "It is, but I wanted for nothing, anything I wanted, I was given, but once I turned eight, I had to earn them." He stopped before thirty-foot doors of dark cherry oak wood. The symbol embossed on the door was one of a dragon and a snake entwined togetherit looked familiarDraco raised his left hand and the soft light of the torches made his wedding band glow softly. "It's the same symbol as the one I created for you." Harry said as he saw them together, "butthis door has to be at least twenty years old and the symbol just as old." "It is, remember we were prophesized to be together, this is the symbol of our union. It has a magick barrier as well; no one could enter these rooms save our Father, Sev, me, and the house elves." "Not even your mother?" Harry asked. Draco winced as he touched the symbol on the door; it glowed an emerald green mixed with silver and then opened. "Mother never came to see me." He said gently, "She was not one you would callmaternal." He swept past Harry, and his husband followed and let his eyes roam. The room was even larger than that of the one across the houseat least three times as large. The four-poster bed was sitting up on a dais in the middle of the room, made with decadent crimson red silk and satin sheets and comforters. All three fireplaces were ablaze, made out of black marble. The rug was made of silk Oriental fabric and their feet sunk into it. Harry watched as Draco made his way around the room, opening another door and waving a hand so the lights would come on. "Here is your closet Harry." He said. Harry walked to the door and looked around; it was like a whole other room. "This is a closet?" He asked warily. Draco nodded. "Your shoes go in the space around the corner, you can hang your robes here, and all your pants, and shirts, and things will go in the shelves, come I will

show you mine." He turned and opened another set of door right beside Harry's closet and waved a hand; Harry was dumbstruck. Draco's closet was the same size as his, only his was already full of clothes. "Good Merlin, what do you do with so many outfits?" "I wear them of course." Draco said laughing. "Elven Court and even the pureblooded lifestyles are far different from that of your average wizard or Elf. Think Harry, we throw receptions, tea parties, hunting parties, galas, balls, important meetings, Mother use to have stitching parties, and the list goes on." Draco waved a hand at all the clothes. "For each of those things, a certain dress code was implemented. I think one time, in one day, I must have changed my outfit at least five times. I never had an outfit on longer that maybe two hours the entire day." "Sweet Goddess," Harry whispered. "Um, and Elven Court is like this?" Draco scrunched his nose cutely in thought. "Sometimes it is, but mostly we'd have to change about three or four times a day." "Three or four!" Harry said weakly. Draco blinked at him like he was dumb. "Yes, Harry, there are morning, afternoon, and evening attire, and if there is a ball or private function we must go to, then dress robes are required for that as well." Draco laughed. "Tell me you did notice that in most afternoons and evening my robes and clothes changed" Harry wracked his brain and discovered Draco was right. Draco changed outfits nearly three times a day. And Harry did mean nearly, because at least half of those times, Draco hadn't been wearing clothes at all. Harry blushed and Draco smiled. "If your mind is in the gutter than I believe you are remembering those times I really didn't have to change at all." "Yes." He said huskily and then is gaze centered on the bed behind Draco and he smiled lustfully. Draco took a shallow breath as he felt Harry desire sear his skin. "Why don't we christen the bed, after allthis is the first time you've been home since the wedding?" "B-but Harry," Draco said, slowly backing up as his husband stalked him, "our guests, they'll wonder where we are and d-dinner will be served shortly" Draco felt Harry's lips on his and his train of thought was lost. His tongue plowed into his mouth ruthlessly, and Draco didn't have the inclination to even make him stop. "I'm sure they'll figure it out. After all, I can hardly go a day without being inside you as it is." Harry purred as he tugged off his and Draco's robes and then shirts. "And it's been longer than a day." He said raggedly, pushing Draco back on their bed and straddling him. "Let me make love to you, beloved." He whispered and Draco shuddered in pleasure. "Yes, yes," he said breathlessly, "make love to me, Harry, make love to me." And Harry did. He could hear the roaring of dragons and the howling of wolves. The crystal clear waters of the Lake now ran red with the blood of hundreds, of thousands. Wizards, Elves, and other species alike, were falling like flies. He ran through the underbrush carelessly through bolts of magick that either stunned

or killed those trying to kill him. Blood was running down his face, but he didn't carehe needed to find his dragon, his Draco. "Draco!" Harry screamed out; they had lost communication sometime in the battle, he didn't know where he was. He made it to the clearing that opened towards a palace made of white crystal that had one time glowed with power, radiance, and beauty. But now, now it was almost in ruins as Dragons spewed fire and rammed into its structure. He watched an Elf get his head chopped off, his body tumbling into the stream along with others that were dead or dying. Harry pulled an arrow out of his quiver on his back, lifted his bow aimed and let loose an arrow. The werewolf screeched in anger as it dropped Hermione to the ground. "Mione!" "Harry" she said and opened her eyes tiredly. "Where's Ron?" She burst into tear, "He's dead; nearly all the students that were fighting are dead! Voldemort is winning Harry." "No, I won't let him." Harry's voice shook and he cursed; his body was growing so cold; he'd been away from Draco too long. He already couldn't feel his emotions running through him; it was like he was a shell of his former self. He turned away from Hermione and began to shove through the masses, killing or wounding any enemy that stood in his way. He was looking for Voldemort. "Ahh, so you've finally come." Harry turned and felt his anger and power rise at the sight of the Lord he most hated. "Tom, so good to see you." He drawled. Lord Voldemort's eyes blazed blood red and he hissed. "Do not call me by that name!" He screeched. Harry just smirked at him and the Lord scowled darkly but then smiled. "How do you like my redecorating? I find itpleasurable to hear the screams and the dying of thousands. Don't you?" "You're sick." "Ah, ah, now let's not go there." Lord Voldemort said in a chiding singsong voice. His eyes danced with his madness, glinted with his cunning, and his magick churned around him like a spiral of darkness. "I have something you want, and you won't get it like that." He roughly grabbed something behind him and shoved. "Draco," Harry choked out his name. Even dirty, Draco was still so beautiful to him. His hair was caked with blood and dirt, his robes torn, his eyes tired, but he smiled lovingly at the sight of Harry and Harry smiled back. His heart leaped in his throat though, as he remembered why it was so urgent for him to get Draco out of this mess; his elegant hands were tightly wrapped around his bulging stomachtheir child.

"Let him go." "No, he is so useful to me, he stays your hand." Lord Voldemort purred as he brought a wicked bladed sword from behind his back and laid the tip to Draco's neck. "I can't smell your fear, your Consort and his friends, have trained you well. However, I know that if I kill him, take him from you; that anger and pain will sweep over and touch all those here. It would be a feast, a feast of fear, pain, and anger." Lord Voldemort licked his lips. "Delicious." Harry swallowed in disgust; he looked at Draco and saw the Elf staring back at him. You do what you have to, to protect this world. Draco thought to him. And at that moment Voldemort's sword sliced through Draco and Harry felt his world shatter. "NOOO!" "Harry, Harry wake up!" Draco's voice got through his fogged brain and Harry sat up in bed shaking. He looked around furiously, dark cherry oak bed, black marble, crimson satin sheetsthey were at Malfoy Manor. He sank back against the pillows and took a shaky breath and put his hands over his face, but he didn't close his eyes. He could still feel the blood on his body, hear the screams in his ears, and see Draco's lifeless body tumbling to the ground like a rag doll. "Harry, sweetheart, please tell me what's wrong?" "Itit was just a nightmare." He said softly as he gazed over to his Consort. His hair glowed beautifully in the dull light, his skin was still flushed from the afterglow of their lovemaking, his mouth still bruised and full, his eyes were wide and silvery, sparkling with love and concern as he looked at him. "Just a nightmare, what time is it?" "A little after one." Draco told him, he smiled. "Father must've come; there is a tray of food right by my nightstand." He reached over and placed a soft hand on Harry's face. "Are you sure, you're alright?" "Yes," Harry paused and then drew Draco closer to him and kissed him softly. "You know that I love you right?" "Yes, of course, I love you too." Draco said softly, "I may not say it often, but I do." "You know I'd do anything to keep you safe right? Anything at all, you trust me?" He asked, Draco was getting scared; what had he dreamt about that got him so worked up. "I trust you with my life Harry, I know you'd do anything to keep me safe, butwhere is this going?" He placed a comforting hand on Harry's bare chest. Harry gently took his hand and kissed it softly. "I will tell you later, let's get some rest." He said and curled into Draco, holding him tightly. Draco made himself comfortable, and stroked Harry's head lovingly. Harry felt when Draco went to sleep, but sleep eluded him. How could he sleep after he witnessed that? As he drifted off, finally, when the dawn was seeping through the large bay windows, he brushed his hand along the scar he'd had his entire life... it was standing out and pulsating. He knew it was an angry red and he held his Consort tighter. Fear ate at him; he knew he needed to speak with Lucius. He'd lied when he told Draco it had been a nightmare

He'd had a vision of the future. Lucius watched in affection as Severus and Draco talked excitedly about something to one another. Already the magick that had seeped deep into the grounds of the Elven Realm was working it's magic. Severus was relaxed, his face was flushed with color, and the premature aging of his features was disappearing. Between their bond reasserting itself and the Elven magick, Severus would soon look younger and not a day over thirty. He turned back from the pair riding in front of him to the unlikely guests riding behind him; Mr. Weasely and Ms. Granger. He'd have never thought they'd let themselves come to his home, let alone travel with them. It was obvious as well that Weasely had never ridden a horse a day in his life; a Malfoy smirk spread over his face; he was going to be aching by the time they reached the Court. However as his dark amusement at the impending torment of the Weasely died, worry grew for his son in law, who was riding beside him. Harry had been in a very cool mood since they had left and the further they traveled into the mystical realm; the more agitated he became. "Harry, are you alright?" He asked gently. Harry blinked at him and gave him a small smile and nodded. "Yes, I'm alright, just" he trailed off and a shadow fell over his face. Lucius felt his worry grow. Harry looked back up at him; his green eyes were misted with tears. "Harry?" He asked. "I had avision last night." He said shakily. "It was here, in this realm, it was the Final Battle." Lucius felt his blood freeze. "It was a disaster, a blood bath. Voldemort was winning. I believe it was the Elders Palace that fell." He frowned and then tears fell from his eyes. "So many dead and dying and Voldemort, h-had D-Draco and hehe" "Peace, Harry." Lucius said; Draco had turned around at the fear and overwhelming sadness that had consumed his husband. His eyes were wide with worry. "Daddy?" He asked fearfully, "Harry, Harry what's wrong?" Go ahead, I will care for him. Lucius said sternly. Draco hesitated. But Daddy Go now Draco. Severus, take him and the others please. Severus was concerned, but knew not to disobey; he gently spoke to Draco, who nodded though unhappy about the decision. "Mr. Weasely, Ms. Granger, if you would follow us, the Elven Elders Palace is just beyond this stretch, you will be taken to your rooms, while Draco and I prepare for Court." Severus spoke loudly. Hermione and Ron took a hazardous glance back at Harry and Lucius, who had stopped, and they had gone around them as to not cause an accident and wellso Ron wouldn't fall off his horse. The elder Malfoy glared at them coldly and they immediately turned around and followed the Consorts to the Palace. Alone now, Lucius gracefully dismounted and Harry did the same, though he felt embarrassingly clumsy next to the elegant Elf.

"You saw him die didn't you?" Lucius asked softly. Harry bit his lip. "It was terrible, I had no time to react and the worst part was that he was pregnant. He was carrying our child and he was killed because of me!" Harry's eyes blazed with anger. "It's so unfair, no one should touch Draco, he's so beautiful and to have that happen," Harry stopped short and took a deep breath. Lucius placed a soothing hand on his shoulders. "Peace." He said softly, though the thought of losing his son and grandson turned his stomach, the thought of Harry giving up before that battle even started was worse. "You must never take dreams literally. They may give you visions of the future, but it may be only one possible future. Most times a vision will give you the worst case scenario and that is what this is." He turned Harry's face to his own with a gentle hand and said firmly. "You must not give up hope. To lose that is to admit defeat and that is exactly what he wants." Lucius paused and then continued, "Do you know why the Dark Lord took me to be his concubine?" Harry shook his head. "Because, he liked the challenge; he still does. I may submit to him, I may give him my body, but the things he wants the most are my mind, heart, and soul. He wants all of me and he can't have me." "Because you belong to Severus." Harry said chuckling. "Must piss him off something awful." Lucius managed to smile. "Yes it does. He has offered to bond break Severus and I a thousand times, and I tell him that I cannot, because I would not be who I am today without my love for my Consort, he is a part of me as I am a part of him. Even if he did break the bondI'd die and so would my beloved, we are too close, the bond is too tight to be separated now. It makes me fight, I loathe my Lord and he knows it. I spit on his name every time I say it reverently and he knows itand he hates it. It fuels his rage as well as his passion to conquer me. However, I stand firm, and so shall you. Do not give him what he wants. Never give up. If it takes this world ending, you stand with your head high, and never quail under him." Lucius smiled at him warmly. "Like it or not you are a Malfoy just as much as Draco and I are now, you have a reputation to uphold." Harry laughed as he rolled his eyes in exasperation. Hesitantly he moved closer and wrapped his arms around the man in a hug. Lucius was surprised, but felt his heart burn with pride at the young man and he returned the hug. "Thank youDaddy." Lucius felt his eyes burn, but he refused to cry; probably couldn't, his father had beat it out of him so long ago. "Thank you, Harry." He said softly. "I love you Child, like you were my own, you will defeat him. This I know." Harry pulled back and gave him a beautiful grin and then laughed. "Of course." He said. "I have so much support; I don't think I could ever fail." He said softly. Lucius nodded then wrapped an arm around his waist, gave him a gentle squeeze and turned away. "Come now, Court waits." He said mounting his horse fluidly. Harry groaned as he did the same, but smiled nonetheless. "Are you better?"

"Yes, much better." He replied softly, "Much better." It was the most beautiful place Harry had ever seen. He and Lucius had just ridden out from the forest and were staring at the high crystal white walls of the Elder's Palace. "It's magnificent." Harry breathed. The palace rose out of the ground like the light source of the world. The ethereal glow and majestic beauty from the towers to the stained glass windows took Harry's breath away. "Yes, it certainly is. This is it Harry; Severus has just informed me that Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasely have been taken to the guesthouse. Our rooms have been prepared." Lucius gave him a soft smile. "High Consort Claudius had a baby boy." Harry's eyes widened in joy. "That's wonderful, will we be able to see him?" He asked, remembering the light hearted Elder with fondness. "Of course, follow me." Lucius said as he nudged his mount towards the palace. On the way Harry noticed that everyone walked or rode horses everywhere and as Draco had told him months ago he saw large almost manor like buildings and then smaller buildings around it; these were the Houses. "Draco informed you of the different Houses, did he not?" "He spoke of them briefly months ago." Harry said. Many Elves stopped and stared at them and their eyes widened at the sight of Lucius and they bowed deeply. "They must bow?" He asked softly. Lucius smiled gently. "It is not that they must, it is just very polite. We came from the North, these are myI guess subjects if you will. I am their Overlord, and for you to ride beside me and not behind me, as is custom, that means that you must be Draco's husband." "News moved quickly." "Well, it was determined after his birth that Draco would one day become a Consort, he retained the title of First Lord until his marriage to you, and then the titled passed over to you, so you are now First Lord." Lucius dismounted, "We shall leave the horses here and walk the rest of the way, and it is not long." Harry dismounted as well and immediately their horses were taken from them. They walked in silence as Harry let his eyes travel over these ancient people. There were children running about, and some teenagers, but most, though they look young, Harry could tell had lived for far longer. "Can you tell me the difference between the Houses?" He asked as they drew closer to the palace. Lucius tilted his head thoughtfully. "Well there are essentially four Houses; the first being that of the Sacred. To be Sacred most Elves have talents for defensive or offensive magick or both. Others have a much rarer gift; the gift of Sight." "Seers," Harry said and Lucius nodded. "Yes, there are those that merely get glimpses or vague impressions of the future and then there are those that can actually see what shall happen, or at least a possibility of the future." He paused and then continued, "The second House is that of the Bards. All Elves are slightly musically inclined, but those in

this House are able to heal, ward, cast magick spells, or even use defense by music alone. This House is where all of our musical talent lies. The third House is of the Healers. They specialize in healing the sick, wounded, or the dying. Most can heal almost anything. And the last is that of the Growers; they are the Elves that harvest food and plant and maintain all the foliage around here." "Wow, so which House are you in? I'm assuming the House of the Sacred." Harry said. Lucius laughed and shook his head. They had reached the main gates and the guards bowed deeply to them both. "Welcome, Overlord Malfoy and First Lord Potter, your Consorts are within your chambers." Lucius nodded in thanks and Harry did as well after a moment's hesitation; that was going to take some getting used to. "I was actually in the House of Growers." Harry blinked. "You're kidding." "No, the gardens on the Malfoy Estate are actually tended to by me." He smiled gently. "It has just been in the last decade that my magick has manifested to that of the Sacred." "Does that usually happen?" Lucius frowned and shook his head. "No, it usually doesn't, however for whatever reason it has, it must be important." Lucius said as he turned a corner and Harry followed. This hall was quieter than the rest, there were merely two doors, one on either wall; both were finely crafted out of a light oak and engraved with Elven symbols. "What do they mean?" "'May the Goddess protect you,'" Lucius said and the both doors opened at the same time; Severus from the one on the left and Draco from the one on the right. "Ah, beloved how was the rest of the ride?" "Delightful, Mr. Weasely fell off his horse," he smirked. "I have to say that was highlight of my afternoon." Harry and Draco laughed. "Harry," Severus said by way of greeting. Harry nodded his head to the Potions Master and then smiled at Lucius. "Thank you for the talk," he said and then before he shut the door whispered, "Father." He closed the door before he could see the soft smiles on the two older men's faces. "Hmm, you seem better." Draco moaned as Harry kissed his collarbone. "I am." Harry mumbled as he tugged Draco to him for an intense kiss. "We have to get ready, Council is going into session soon, and you have to be there." "Why?" Harry said as he suckled on one of Draco's pointed ears. Draco moaned and writhed underneath Harry in delicious ecstasy.

"You are First Lord, you must attend, and every lord has to." Draco kissed his with a passion that rivaled Harry's intensity. "Are you sure you don't want to stay?" Harry teased as he stroked Draco's desire through his wonderfully tight black buckskin breeches. Draco arched against him in submission. "I w-want to, but I know what must be done." He finally found his flailing control, in the back of his lust fogged brain and pushed Harry away. His husband pouted at him and Draco gave him a rush of sympathy through their bond. "Come along, oh husband of mine, you must change." "But the ride wasn't hard, and I look fine." Draco looked at him a moment; broad shoulders defined perfectly by the fitted riding robe made of green suede that brought out the emerald fire in his eyes, narrow waist, long legs encased in form fitting buckskin breaches the color of smooth mocha and green dragon hide boots matching his robe. Harry didn't look fine; Harry looked gorgeous. "You look beautiful, yes, but it is midafternoon, you must change clothes. I already have your outfit for you. And I have taken a shower, so while you shower I will get dressed." He said pointedly as he gestured to the bathroom. Harry sighed, defeated, this protocol will be the death of me, he thought. "I heard that." Draco said chidingly as Harry shut the door to the bathroom and began running water. Draco chuckled as he took off his silk robe and began getting dressed. As he finished, he went and inspected himself in the full mirror on the vanity. "You are the most beautiful being I've ever seen." Harry said softly. Draco turned around and smiled. His husband had one towel tied low around his hips and the other was in his now unmoving hand in his hair. Draco blushed at his obvious scrutiny as he fingered the soft blue silken robe gently. It fastened all the way to his neck in a Mandarin style, with dragon clasps. His breeches this time were a soft creamy white leather and his knee high dragon hide boots were of the same color. "Thank you, now please hurry, we must be on time." He said softly, Harry grinned and began slipping on his underwear and rich rust colored leather breeches. He tucked a form fitting white button down shirt into them and then proceeded to put on his robe, which was a very dark emerald green that bordered on black. He tried combing his hair, but as usual it fell in its endearing messy style. Draco took one last brush of his long hair before neatly tying it back with a soft blue silk ribbon. "Are you ready?" "Yes." Harry said as he pulled on his rust colored leather knee high boots. He took Draco's left hand, and kissed the ring on his finger. "I'm glad I married you." He whispered. Draco smiled beautifully and placed a soft kiss on Harry's lips as he unconsciously let his fingers caress is clothed abdomen. "So am I." He whispered back. Council, was comprised of the three High Elders; Leviathan, Claudius, and Elena; the four Overlords, Lucius being the highest rank and the three under him guarding the South, East, and West; four First Lords by birth, Harry noted that he was counted among them since the title came to him through Draco, and the three others given to them by the High Elder Leviathan; seven with the rank of Lord; and final seven with the rank of Baron. There were twenty-eight high backed seats in a circular pattern around

the most intricate designed table Harry had ever seen. It looked like it was made from a tree and Lucius had the great pleasure of telling him it was. "They used an entire tree to build this table, the intricate carvings that are lined in gold and diamonds are the story of the tree. It was one thousand years old when they cut it and made the table. We call it Wisdom, for this tree was the oldest and wisest of all." He whispered. "Follow me." Harry followed Lucius while Draco and Severus walked side by side behind them. Leviathan, Claudius, and Elena smiled warmly at them in greeting. Lucius bowed as did Harry. Lucius then sat in the seat directly to the right of Claudius, and motioned for Harry to sit next to him. The Elf he recognized as the second in command after Lucius, sat across from him and his hard faced son sat next to him and on it went, until the last Baron was seated. Another two high backed chairs, though these were actually cushioned with satin and silk were placed directly behind Lucius and Harry; Draco and Severus sat and their attendants bowed to them deeply before departing. Leviathan stood, "I welcome all of the Lords of this Council, the meeting shall commence." He smiled as many looked at Harry with avid curiosity. "As you might have seen we have another wizard in our mists. This one however is a First Lord, not a Duke Consort. I am very pleased to announce that on the first day of September, under the Lady's light, Overlord Lucius' son Draconis was married and bound to Harry Potter. As foreseen, Draconis' title of First Lord was passed to his husband as he took his rightful place as First Consort by his husbands side." "Blessings." The Lords murmured with a smile, and Harry gave a nod of thanks and answered the same. Leviathan gave him a wink and Harry flushed slightly, but then the Elder's face turned stern again and it was down to business. "As all of you know, over the past few years, we have felt a disturbance in the darkness of this world." He started off, "It has been brought to my attention by Lucius that the Dark Lord Voldemort, who disappeared for nearly eleven years has returned and is far more powerful than before." Harry gazed around the table and most of the faces went pale. "He is laying claim to many of the other races out among us." "Which races does he have?" A First Lord asked. "He has various were-packs, goblins, trolls, andhe has the Dragons." Lucius said softly. Silence descended and then a soft-spoken Lord spoke up. "How is that possible?" He asked, "The Dragons protect this world, why would they wish to help him destroy it." "Lord Alveras, your words are true; the Dragons do protect the world. Voldemort has used their passion for protecting this world and turning it against them. They agree that the mortals of this planet are misusing their blessings and killing the planet, the Dragons fight to cleanse it." Lucius said. "It is what they believe is right." "To wield the power to change the mind of such an Ancient Race" Claudius trailed off and looked to his husband. "Beloved, we cannot fight against Dragons."

"We may have to." Leviathan said gravely. "If we cannot get them to change their minds, however I have been to visit the High Seer." Lucius' gaze turned sharply to Leviathan's and he nodded. "He says that only the Lesser Dragons have caved, the Three are still on our side and are willing to help." Who are the Three? Harry asked Draco. They are the Oldest and most Powerful of all the Dragons. It is said that from them all immortal races descended. We do not know their names, but if they are on our side, we have a strong chance of gaining the trust of the Lesser Dragons back; to shame their Elder is death in their eyes. They will see their wrongs, hopefully. He said. "What of the other Ancient Race, what of the vampires?" The Overlord across from Lucius demanded. "I'm sure those despicable creatures will turn to him." "The vampires will remain neutral." Severus spoke quietly, all the Lords turned to him. "Despite what is said, they are very loyal and very cautious. They perceive Voldemort as a threat because he may bring light to their race; however, they perceive us as a threat as well because they believe that after it is all said and done, the Light might destroy them all. They will remain neutral, until some truce is formed." "And how, pray tell would you know so much, wizard?" He spat. Lucius narrowed his eyes and his magick churned around him. "Watch your tone Bacchus," he said icily, "that is my Consort you speak to." Bacchus snorted and then looked at Harry. "Is this the boy who is supposed to save the entire wizarding world?" He asked sneeringly. "He is merely a child, how can foolish wizard's place so much hope on one who has barley seen the world." "Trust me," Harry said gritting his teeth, "I've seen more than you realize, and I fully know the part I must play in all of this." "You must defeat and kill a wizard that is far more experienced and far more powerful than even half of the Lords sitting at this table," Bacchus said harshly, "You expect me to believe that you, someone who is barely out of schooling can defeat him?" "He has defeated him time and time again Overlord Bacchus," Draco spoke up from behind Harry, "I believe the first time was as a baby. Now he is more experienced and with both our Father's and my help, I am sure that he will be more than ready." His voice had the undercurrent of steel underneath it. Harry knew Draco's eyes were colder than ice and twice as deadly as he stared the Overlord down. Bacchus averted his gaze nervously. "You have insulted two very important people in my life Overlord; I believe you owe them something." "I do not apologize, you know that well First Consort." Bacchus said lowly. Harry felt Draco rise from his seat and come closer, but he held up a hand. Beloved, stop, let me handle it. He said firmly, if I don't he will think me weak, we cannot afford that. He felt a rush of surprise and then amusement.

Spoken like a true First Lord and a Slytherin. He teased. Harry felt a slow smirk come over his face. He was angry, but he knew he'd kept his face little more than a blank mask since the Elf had begun to speak. Now he lowered his head and looked at the man through his lashes and took a deep steady breath. "I can tell you do not like wizards Overlord Bacchus." He began. "However, I think the thought of an eighteen year old boy defeating a powerful wizard with far more experience and a sadistic attitude makes your stomach churn. You listen and heed me well. That man will massacre your people just to get to me. He would cut a bloody path right through the entire world if it meant that I would be standing at the end of that bloody rainbow. I am his worst nightmare as far as he is concerned and everyone else can go to hell." His voice sounded strange to his own ears; he sounded so arrogant, confident, and downright insulting. He sounded, he mused, like a Malfoy. Must be rubbing off on you. Draco said quietly. "Not to sound egotistical, but I am the best thing you've got going for you. The Order of the Phoenix among other groups are going up against him soon, with just them the Wizarding world will fall, and do you think he'll just stop? No, with Dragons, trolls, goblins, and were-packs with him, he'll annihilate everything in his path; that includes humans, Elves, and vampires, and anything else he can find until he truly does rule this world. Is that what you want Overlord Bacchus?" The entire assembly was dead quiet; Bacchus' face was ashen as he stared at Harry from across the table. "I asked a question." "Nomy Lord, it's not what I want." "Then I guess you're stuck with me then are you not?" "It seems that way." "And like my Consort said; you owe me and my Father something." Harry said deathly quiet. Bacchus swallowed. "I apologize to you, First Lord Harry as well as to Duke Consort Severus, I wasnot thinking." "Your apology is duly noted and I accept." Harry said, feeling very smug. Severus concurred softly. Claudius cleared his throat, but laughter danced in his eyes and Elena was wearing a tiny smile. Leviathan sighed with relief and stood up. "I think Harry put it plainly, do any of you have any questions?" "How will we know what he is up to?" Lord Alveras asked. "I, for one, am in his Inner Circle." Lucius said softly. "All of you know this, therefore, I will relay anything of great importance to my Consort and my son, who will then in turn tell Harry and Harry, will tell the Order."

"And my Consort and I will have two more contacts within the Inner Circle, and they have contacts through Voldemort's ranks. If none of the information is false and we will check, then everything is fine." Harry put in. Leviathan nodded. "Any other questions?" He asked and so it continued. By the time Council had adjourned, Harry was exhausted. He didn't know how Lucius and the others put up with it all and told them so. "It's part of our duties." Leviathan said smiling. "After two centuries or so, you get used to it." Harry laughed tiredly and Draco rubbed his back in comfort. "You did marvelous in there, I'm so proud of you." He whispered in his ear. Harry kissed him softly. "Seems like all that Slytherin training will pay off." Draco playfully smacked him but there was a sparkle in his eyes. The cooing of a baby caught their attention and Draco gasped. "Claudius, he's gorgeous." He said in awe. Claudius smiled down at his little bundle of joy and chuckled. "Yes he is isn't he?" He said softly as he stroked the baby's fine golden hair and stared into the big innocent purple eyes. "His name is Darius; would you like to hold him?" Draco looked up eager and smiled. "Yes, please." Claudius handed him over, and Draco gently cradled the child in the crook of his arm. "He'll be a hellion soon, he has Levi's temper." Leviathan snorted. "Yes, dear, and your energy." Harry just watched Draco with the baby, how he was so good with a child that was so small. His smile was so filled with joy and love. "Harry do you want to hold him?" Draco asked. Harry looked at the little bundle and backed away. "Maybe when he's a little older." He said smilingly, Draco fake pouted at him, but nevertheless whisked the baby away and promptly let Severus hold him. Harry watched as pain and joy flickered through those endless black eyes. It must be hard. Yes, it is, to see what could have beenso long ago. Draco sighed sadly. "He's very gentle really." "I'm sure Father and he will try again." Harry whispered as they watched the two older men play with Darius, who cooed and giggled, grabbing onto Lucius' hair with his grubby fingers and pulling it. "They'll have a baby; Father would never let Sev wallow in sadness like that." Draco smiled and kissed Harry on the nose. "That's so insightful. Who are you and what have you done with my Gryffindor of a husband?" Harry rolled his eyes. "Ass." He said smiling.

The days past quickly, between Lucius showing Harry what he would need to know as a First Lord and Draco showing him, Hermione, and Ron around the Elven Realm, everyone was having a good time and was thoroughly exhausted. Draco and Severus seemed to be more tired than everyone else. It was Christmas morning before anyone knew it. Lucius stared out of the palace and watched as snow lightly fell over the ground. He turned back to his Consort who was still sleeping soundly in the bed. Severus looked beautiful to Lucius. The weeks in the Elven Realm had healed everything about him almost. He looked a decade younger; his skin had lost that ghastly pale hue to it, and his hair, bless the Goddess, looked healthy, soft, and shone like raven's wings in the soft sunlight. He had a healthy glow to himand that was what puzzled Lucius the most, that glowDraco had the same thing around him. What the bloody hell were they hiding? He thought to himself. "You are thinking too hard." Severus' sultry voice murmured in his ear. Lucius smiled at him softly. "Merry Christmas." He murmured as he kissed him gently. Severus hummed his delight. "Merry Christmas, I have something to show you." He said, a light blush ran along his face and Lucius laughed, turned around and pulled him into his arms. "What do you have for me that makes you blush like that?" Lucius felt the air around Severus vibrate before droppingthe glamour that he always wore was gone. And it was then that he could feel the difference. He blinked stupidly as he let his hands shakily rest on the slight bulge of Severus' stomach. "Goddess," he choked out his vision blurring, he knew he was grinning like a fool. "How far along are you?" "Almost four months." Severus said quietly smiling. Lucius looked at him and placed a hand on his more youthful face and kissed him slowly. "Goddess, how I love you." He breathed. "I love you, I love you, I love you." "Merry Christmas, beloved." Severus said and Lucius chuckled. "A merry Christmas indeed," he murmured, kissing his Consort once more. Harry was all smiles when he woke up. "It's Christmas, love." He breathed in Draco's ear. Draco murmured softly and swatted at him. "Wake up, sleepy head." "Harry?" He said sluggishly looking at Harry through his sleep filled gaze, "what the bloody hell are you waking me up for?" "It's Christmas Mr. Scrooge, get up." Harry demanded with a playful grin. Draco chuckled and sat up, kissing Harry as he reached for his robe that was lying discarded on the floor. "Merry Christmas Harry."

"Merry Christmas Draco." He said softly and then grinned. "Now where are my presents?" Draco looked at him and then laughed. Harry opened the door to the sitting room, finding Lucius and Severus already there. "Merry Christmas!" He cheered. Lucius laughed and Severus merely grinned. "Merry Christmas Harry." They both said. Harry looked at them both with a smile and then he cocked his head at Severus and frowned. "You look different." He said, just noticing the change. Draco wound an arm around his waist and chuckled. "He looks younger doesn't he?" He whispered and Harry nodded. "Their bond is strengthening and the Elven magick all around us is helping erase all the suffering from his body inside and out, it's cleansing him; he's becoming whole again." Harry smiled at his Potions Master. "You don't look so mean now." He said teasingly and Severus rolled his eyes. Draco looked at his Father's, both of their Father's and his eyes widened. "You told him?" He asked eagerly and Severus nodded. Draco went and hugged them. "I'm so happy for you both!" He said and then turned to his husband. "Harry we're going to be big brothers Sev's pregnant." Harry's eyes went wide and he looked back at them and then looked at Draco. "T-They're going to Merlin," Harry said and collapsed to the floor. "That's bloody amazing." He said in awe and then grinned. "I get to be a big brother! This'll be fun." Lucius and Severus laughed and Draco sat down in front of Harry and smiled shyly. "I have a surprise for you," he said and then grinned at his father, "and for you too Daddy, by default." Lucius looked intrigued, Severus just winked, and Harry looked at him with open curiosity and love. "What is it?" He asked. Draco took a calming breath, reached for both Harry's hands and laid them both on his still flat stomach. "Concentrate." He said nervously. Harry looked at him strangely but did as told. He moved his fingers briefly over Draco's covered stomach, feeling the Elf's magick like a lover's caress run over his fingers, but there was something slightly different. He frowned and concentrated harder, moving past Draco's natural aura and magick. And he found something that was a mixture of his and Draco's magick, something growing right at that momenthis eyes grew misty and he looked back up at his Consort. "Dray, darling, you're pregnant?" Harry choked out and Draco nodded, "Merlin" Harry said in awe and felt the aura again of their childtheir child "How far along?" "Almost two months." He said and it had meaning to it. If it was almost two months then the baby had been conceivedHarry's eyes widened in realization. The night that they had admitted their love for each other, they had conceived this baby. "Surprise." He said and Harry pulled him close for a kiss that took his breath away. Harry turned to Lucius, who looked shocked and joyful all at once.

"Dragon," he said softly and Draco went to him and Lucius ran his hand over his son's stomach feeling the life growing inside. Severus just reached out and gave Draco's hand a squeeze. "You knew, didn't you Sev?" "Of course, we Consorts share everything with each other." He said softly. "Amazing, both of you are expecting at the same time." Lucius said awestruck and then he smiled. "We are truly blessed." Harry came and wrapped his arms around Draco and kissed his neck. "Merry Christmas, love." Harry said tears falling from his eyes. Draco didn't even respond verbally, merely smiled and held his head, stroking Harry's fine raven brown locks. Merry Christmas Harry.

Chapter Eleven Harry knocked on Lucius and Severus' door twice before hearing a muffled greeting. He opened the door slowly and stepped in and saw Severus standing by the window. He had dressed in rich dark blue robes, which fitted his form perfectly. So perfectly in fact, that Harry was able to see the slight protruding of his stomach giving proof to the fact that he was indeed pregnant. "Sev?" "Hello, Harry," he said with a soft smile, his eyes fell on the long box in his hand and he grinned. "I take it you like your present?" "Yes, the sword from you and father is beautiful." Harry said; he and Draco had gone to Hermione and Ron's guestroom after they had opened presents together. Hermione had gotten them a book of baby names; she said it was for the future when they were going to have a child, when Harry explained happily that Draco was indeed pregnant, Hermione was all smiles and Ron had passed out for fifteen minutes straight. After reviving him, he'd brought homemade cakes, cookies, and two Weasley sweaters for them. In return Draco bought Hermione a wizarding set of the Encyclopedia according to wizards; for Ron he got him an entire season of box seats to every Cannons Quidditch game for two years. Harry got Hermione a very rare book on power ancient spells, potions, and herbs, and bought Ron a gift certificate to a professional Quidditch store in London. When they returned to their room, and after Harry thoroughly made love to Draco twice in a row, they gave each other their presents. Harry gave Draco a rare white scaled baby Dragon that he'd asked Charley to get for him from Romania, and Draco gave him a beautiful Elven bow and scabbard full of arrows. A long box was on the table when he had come out from their bedroom, leaving Draco to rest. The sword was lying there made of dragon bone and steel, with Elven designs, in a bed of blue velvet. Severus smiled at him. "He will be pleased." He said softly turning from the window and approaching him. Harry looked at the man that had made the last six years of his life a living hell and was baffled. Severus tilted his head to one side and arched an eyebrow. "Is there something troubling you?" "You are not the Severus I know and hate." Harry said simply and smiled. "You are very different," His brow furrowed in puzzlement, "you are more like Elves, more like Father and Draco, now, than you were before." Severus nodded and then took the box and opened the lid, lifting the sword from its bed and looking at it with fondness. "It is expected," he said softly, "Though he has been out of my life for twenty odd years, Lucius is still my bonded, my Husband. The older an Elf gets, the more graceful, and elegant he or she becomes." He nodded at the weight of the sword. "I will have Lucius teach you, he's a remarkable swordsman." He said absently, as he caressed his stomach, "Anyway, Lucius is nearly forty as am I, and our bond is reasserting itself, I am gaining the traits that he himself possesses." Severus gave him a little knowing grin. "You are already showing that you too, have gained some of Draco's ways." Harry frowned. "What are you talking about?" He asked, and Severus chuckled slightly as he placed the sword back in its box and then strode toward the door.

"Come we shall walk together, Lucius is calling me to the main staircase, something is going on." He said, Harry followed him and they walked in complete silence before Severus answered him as they made their way towards the entrance of the palace. "You speak elegantly, and with an assertiveness that the Harry Potter of the past wouldn't have." He began. "You have a confidence when you walk that borders on arrogance." He gave a fond smile, "And that walk is only seen when watching a Malfoy in action. Draco is very prideful as you well know." Harry smiled and nodded, "have you noticed that he has become softer, quieter, more introspective, and less brash, yes?" "He has," Harry agreed, "it is almost like he's becomemore demure, like a woman." Harry almost flinched at the thought, hoping Draco wouldn't get it. Severus laughed, "Exactly, and you have been thinking the same of me." "Yes," He said slowly. "It is to be expected, Draco and I are consorts to you and Lucius, we play our parts to the world, but once out of it, it is natural for us to be more submissive." "But why? Does the bond truly change your personalities that much?" Harry asked. "I'd never want Draco to be any less than" "Of course not Harry." Severus said gently as they turned the last corner and made their way down the spiral staircase towards the main stairs at the palace entrance. "Our personalities haven't really changed at all." He tried to explain. "I guess you could say our priorities are different." "What do you mean?" "Well, Potions was always the most important thing in my mind, when Lucius and I were together at your age, and now. Lucius is always on my mind, mainly how to make him happy and it's really simple to make him happy." He chuckled. Harry looked at him. "And how is that?" "Be myself." He said quietly with a dreamy quality to his voice, "and also for me to be happy." He looked at Harry; "Draco is the same way; as long as you are happy, his life couldn't be any sunnier. He may not be the git you always thought him to be, but his spirit is still strong, as is mine. Lucius and I can argue from dusk till dawn, but it will always end with either of us caving." Severus gave a graceful shrug as he nodded to the guards and they opened the doors. "We loved each other so much to" He trailed off and his eyes widened. Harry frowned and turned to look, he saw Lucius standing in his elegant silver and black robes, his hair cascading to the floor in a silvery blond curtain down his back and then he saw Lucius? "What in Merlin?" Harry whispered. The other elf looked exactly like his father-in-law, except his hair was much longer and the air around him vibrated with an intensity that set Harry's mind on edge. Timeless silver mercury eyes looked at him and flashed oceanic blue as he smiled, his already beautiful visage becoming an immortal masterpiece in front of Harry's eyes.

"You must be young First Lord Malfoy." He said his voice melodious and deep, he sounded like Lucius, only it was more intense, the knowledge in his eyes too potent, and the tiny sparkle in those eyes too knowing. "I am not a Malfoy." Harry muttered. "I'm Harry Potter." The Elf laughed, his laughter seemed to make trees sigh, and the wind shift around them playfully. Lucius stood next to him with a small smile and Severus walked gracefully to his Husband's side, but not before bowing low to the Lucius look alike in the silvery blue robes. "I know who you are, to those mortal wizards." He said lightly with amusement, "however, you are a Malfoy. You married into the family, did you not?" Harry hesitated and then nodded. "So you are a Malfoy." "But, wouldn't it be Harry Malfoy-Potter or something like that?" He asked, "It doesn't make sense that I have to give up my name, if I do that, the Potter line will cease to exist." The Elf chuckled. "You have much to learn." He said softly, "Just because your name has been changed doesn't mean the line stops. Your consort, is pregnant as we speak, he bears your heir, that child is a Potter and a Malfoy. Your line continues, merely your name stops. And why would you have two last names? There is no need for that, because once you stop aging, you will hardly step foot into that world again. There will be no need. No more need for Harry Potter." He said. Harry looked at him in awe and then looked between him and Lucius warily. "You are a Malfoy, that's obvious, but you're different than Father." "Really?" "Yesyouyou feel," he struggled with the best description and then sighed, "Older, wiser, more powerfulI don't know how to describe it. Who are you?" "I am a Malfoy." He said, "And you are correct on all accounts. My name is Demetrius Alexander Malfoy and I am very old. I'm the High Seer of the Elven Realm; I basically rule." Demetrius said simply. He turned his ageless gaze to Lucius and Severus and then gazed fondly at the raven haired wizard and then gazed at Lucius. "Congratulations are in order, but we have more pressing issues to worry about." He said gravely and then turned to Harry. "I bid you good day and blessings unto you, your consort and unborn child; your fathers' and I have many things to discuss." Harry took the hint, with a last worried look at Severus and Lucius; he walked back into the palace and shut the doors behind him. Severus felt Lucius' supporting hand around his waist as they walked along with the High Seer. Demetrius was like Lucius in every way, from his looks down to his gestures. "It is a pleasure to see you Lucius." Demetrius said softly, "however, this coming new yearthe danger rises tenfold." He sighed sadly, "Nearly all five dragon clans have made pacts with this Lord Voldemort. Only the ancient three are still undecided, if we can sway them, we can win this. They will be visiting your sons at their school." "Do you know at what time?" He asked and Demetrius smiled mysteriously.

"When the time is right for the dragons." He said simply, "I am most impressed with this Harry Potter, his power is incredible, and with the guidance of the bond and his consort, he seems to be a bit more sure footed then what I had seen so far." "He is maturing, if he'd been in Slytherin in the first place, he wouldn't need to." Severus said softly. Demetrius chuckled and looked at him. "I see," He said and then he smirked at Lucius, "I can see why you two were bonded, it suits you both. He's very beautiful Lucius." Demetrius purred. Severus coughed quietly to hide his laughter as Lucius' grip on his waist went from passive to steel. He is not going to steal me away. Severus chided gently. Goddess you are still as jealous as you were in school. What will it take to convince you that no one thinks I'm beautiful except you? He just said you were so that means he thinks it. Severus rolled his eyes. You're hopeless. Out loud he said, "It is rude to pick fun, High Seer." Demetrius laughed. "His reaction was priceless; I do like having a bit of fun every now and again. Especially in these times," his grin faded, "Lucius, your consort will have to remain here when you leave." That got both of their attentions. "I am not leaving Sev." "You have to." "Why?" "Voldemort has found him to be a spy." Demetrius said softly; Severus' heart dropped into his stomach. "He has put out his death warrant to all Death Eaters, I am sure he will tell you when you get back; forewarned is forearmed. Duke Consort Severus will be staying within my palace, twenty miles from here, in the heart of our land." "The baby," "Will be delivered there," he said, "although by the time the baby comes, this war shall be over, hopefully." He added. "Lucius, I worry over you. The darkness around you grows, he's hurt you, and I want you out of there." Demetrius said seriously as he turned to his descendant. Lucius didn't glance at him or Severus. "I cannot, the information I bring is so important." "Rubbish, there will be more people in the Inner Circle" Severus began and Lucius turned to him, his silver eyes flashing. "And they are children! Who will protect them if I am not there?" He snapped. "Neither of you understand, the Dark Lord may have a human form now, but his mind is consumed, he grows more

psychotic as the end comes closer. He cannot be trusted, no one is safe anymore." He saw hurt flash in Severus eyes and he immediately turned away. "Not even me, but Goddess help me, I will be damned before I let him touch children." Demetrius looked at Lucius with pain in his eyes. "But Lucius," "Enough, Demetrius, I know you mean well, I know you don't want to see me hurt." "I don't want to see anyone get hurt, especially you, your Consort, and both of your sons." He looked at them both. "You tried to play this game to the best of your abilities and now the game for Severus has ended, his life is in danger as is the life of your child. Do you want to lose another because of this man or not?" He said a bit brutally. Severus paled and Lucius winced; the pain of the first miscarriage still weighed heavily on them both. "No," Severus said, "I will stay here when you all go back. Lucius, darling, you must start Harry's training; Draco will only be able to do so much." "Very well." Lucius said sighing and then turned to Demetrius. "And you are sure that you will be able to care for him in my absence?" "You have my word." Demetrius said and Lucius bowed. "It is done." He said; the three were silent as they made their way back towards the palace, until Severus spoke to break the tension. "High Seer, what about my classes?" "I am sure that Headmaster will think of something." Demetrius said softly and then placed a hand on Severus' shoulder. "Do not fret, all will be well." "I can do nothing but fret. I'm with child, Draco's with child, and Harry and LuciusGoddess." Severus bit his lip. Lucius wrapped a supporting arm around his waist. "Peace love, Demetrius is right. It is not healthy for the baby if you worry about everything." He kissed his forehead and Severus sighed as the love and contentment in Lucius flowed through their bond into him. "As you will it." He said with a small smile. Lucius smiled at him, but when he looked up to meet Demetrius' gaze, the High Seer saw his worry and his fear. A thread of foreboding ran through him as Lucius broke their staring contest and guided his Consort up the stairs and into the palace. Demetrius turned and began walking back through the streets deep in thought; foreboding coiling in his gut. The times had grown perilous. "Danger lurks in every corner," he murmured to himself. Hogwarts seemed to be a breeding ground for trouble; it was not the environment he wanted his successor's sons in at all, especially with Draco being pregnant. "What a mess." He could not let them know of his doubts, or that his visions had been horrifying; the future devastating. He had to make sure that future didn't happen, never happened.

Demetrius looked up into the sky and sighed. He prayed that the Ancients would listen to Harry. He prayed for it with all his might, because if they didn't This world was headed straight to hell.

Chapter Twelve "Again," Lucius said, and Harry took a steadying breath before releasing another wave of magick at the Elf. Lucius casually extended his hand as if to grab the bluish gray bolt of deadly energy. He grunted slightly as he was pushed back but then smiled. "Good, take a break, we will start again soon." Harry collapsed to the ground in a heap. "My body feels like mush." He moaned tiredly, "Father, can we stop now, please?" "No, this is very important, you are making tremendous progress." Lucius said and Harry snorted. "You throw me on my bloody arse more than Sev did, how is that progress?" He asked. Lucius rolled his eyes before he turned around quickly; sending a red orange wave of flames towards Harry's collapsed form. Harry's eyes widened slightly and he threw up his hand defensively, the flame hit an invisible shield and dissipated into the air. Green eyes met the ironic mercury eyes of his father. "Of course you are making progress." Lucius said smiling amused. "You can only grow stronger with more practice, and the more you practice the more of a tolerance you build, and that makes you stronger as well as your magick." "So even if my body fails me, my magick won't." Harry said thoughtfully, "though I'm so tired I think I won't be able to get up, I can still protect myself." Lucius nodded approvingly. "You are learning." "And it took what, only two whole months?" Harry laughed and Lucius chuckled, holding out his hand and Harry graciously accepts. It was late February, two months since they had come back from the Elven Realm, Harry still found he missed the serenity of the place, but he also he missed Severus. Hogwarts just wasn't the same without him. "I miss Sev." He said softly as he went and retrieved his sword. Lucius paused in his practicing and sadness flickered over his face. "So do I. I will have to go see him soon, the bond grows taut once more." He said softly and then he bowed to Harry, who bowed in return and then they both leapt at each other and their duel began. When Harry finally stumbled into his and his beloved's suite; he was more than tired, he was exhausted Literally. As soon as they returned his training had started and Lucius was truly brutal, Harry respected and admired his Consort more as he was put through the same rigorous training that Draco had had to deal with all his life. Though he was harsh to the point of being cruel, Lucius was teaching him far more than Harry knew he'd ever learn at Hogwarts or even in all his life, probably. And though he complained that he wasn't learning; Harry knew that he was. His magick had doubled, his strength more tangible, andhe gazed at himself in the mirror and an emotionless mask stared back at him, before he let if fade. He was learning to mask his emotions, not wear his heart on his sleeve. It was the hardest thing he'd ever had to do.

Showing emotion was part of who he was, but Harry knew that he shouldn't. He had too much to lose now; Draco, Lucius, Severusall his friends in Slytherin who were risking their lives to help him defeat the Dark Lord. If it meant he had to change, then so be it. He could not lose anyone, especially not his beloved or their child. Harry looked around their elegant living room that was both very posh but cozy. "Draco, darling?" "In here, love." Draco's musical voice flowed from the bedroom and Harry followed it like a moth to a flame. A silver handled brush was making its way down the river of silvery blond locks as Draco brushed his hair slowly; it had grown tremendously, now falling down to his thighs when he wore it down. He wore an evening Elven robe the color of dark violets, it flowed down his body, melded to him beautifully and Harry kissed his nape as his hands rubbed his already bulging abdomen. Harry loved the sight of him pregnant, he smiled gently as he felt the powerful magick radiating from inside Draco's stomach; Draco was going to be pregnant more often than not if Harry had his way, after this damn war was done. "How was it?" He asked softly, leaning back into Harry's arms. "I can feel your fatigue." "Father works me to the bone, but it is helping, I am improving." He murmured. "How is Sev?" "He is doing well. He misses us, terribly though he is happier than he's been in a while." Draco caressed his stomach as he laughed softly. "He says he's getting as big as house and he can't see his feet." Harry chuckled. "The baby if fine though, and very healthy." "That is always a good sign." "Yes, Father worries needlessly, but I can sympathize. They lost their first to tragedy, I'm sure they do not wish any complications to come up with this one, and he's so far along too." Draco said. Harry nodded and kissed his silky hair before giving Draco a brief squeeze and heading towards the bathroom. "I'm going to shower, I'll be out shortly." Draco nodded as he placed his brush down and rose elegantly from his seat. He laid out Harry's evening robes that were black in color, and then went out into the sitting room and retrieved the mail that they'd received that day. He flipped through it slowly; most were about their upcoming tests, but he felt a cold shudder run down his spine as he saw the last two letters, they were from Blaise and Pansy. "What's wrong?" Draco turned and saw Harry standing in the door of the bathroom, towel around his waist, and a smaller one in his hands for his hair. "Blaise and Pansy sent letters." He said slowly. Harry quickly pulled on his cashmere slacks and black robe, before walking towards him and taking the letters from his elegant hands. He sat on the bed, Draco following and began to read. Harry and Draco, I dearly hope this reaches you in time. The Dark Lord has issued orders; he's attacking Hogwarts in a week's time. Pansy and I are not allowed to leave, I'm sure our fathers have sent the Headmaster excuses for our absence. It will not be his entire army, but half. That is all I can say for now. I was granted access into the Inner Circle over break, Pansy is still being considered, but she should join me shortly, if this does reach you, hurry and prepare. I have a bad feeling.

Sincerely Yours, Blaise "Goddess, help us." Draco murmured. Harry cursed darkly and as he closed the letter in caught flame and turned to ash. Harry quickly opened Pansy's letter and felt the blood run from his face. Harry and Draco, The time grows near, I pray that you both are well and prepared. Blaise is now in the Inner Circle, and I shall be inducted shortly, this will be my last report from the High Middle Circle of the Dark Lord's army. Tension runs high here, he's not letting anyone go home or back to school, I am sure my father has made excuses for my absence. Listen carefully, Blaise told you that you had a week's timeI am not sure that is correct, there is a rumor going round that says he will attack sooner. You must be prepared for the worst. He has won over rouge vampires and will be sending them. The Dementors have defected from the Ministry and have aligned themselves with the Dark Lord. I'm sorry I cannot tell you more, my life as well as Blaise's hangs in the balance if I disclose anymore. The Dark Lord is growing more and more paranoid. Lord Malfoy has been called to his side more and more oftenI fear that the worst is coming. Be wise and be prepared. Draco will help you, stay strong Harry; I believe in the Slytherin in you. Loving Regards, Pansy "Bloody Hell." Harry said as he stood up. Draco folded the note carefully and watched as it turned to ash as well. "This is not good at all," he murmured, he looked up to Harry his eyes wide. "Has Father mentioned anything?" "No, but I did notice that he's been pushing me more." Harry said softly, "He must suspect as well that things are coming to a head." "Do you think you are ready?" "Do you think I'm ready Draco?" Harry asked softly. "I have learned a lot, yes, but is it enough?" Draco stood fluidly and touched Harry's cheek softly. "I feel that you have greatly improved, and," he paused and sighed, "I think you are ready, but it never hurts to be over prepared. Even if you weren't, it looks like there won't be any more time, the Dark Lord is coming."

"The Ancient Three haven't arrived yet, I was sure that they would be here." Harry ran a hand through his hair in agitation. "Blast, we could use their support." Draco stepped forward, more into his embrace and Harry's heart leapt at the feeling of Draco's rounded stomach. "You cannot stay here." "I am not leaving you." Draco protested and Harry shook his head angrily. "No, you will leave." He said forcefully, "I will not have you in danger; we have too much to lose." He said laying a hand on his stomach. Draco's eyes misted over with tears. "Beloved, you must go, you know this. Even if you were here I'd be more concerned with your safety than anything else. I need to have perfect faith that you are well and I can do what I was meant to." Draco looked ready to protest, but the protest died as he stared into emerald green eyes. "Yes, I shall go to the High Seer's palace, Severus is there." He said, the tension began running out of Harry, "but only when we know for sure that He is coming." Harry looked at him through narrowed eyes and Draco lifted his chin indignantly. "Very well." Harry said slowly. "Come, let's go to dinner. Perhaps we can meet with Hermione and Ron afterwards." He sighed sadly, "I haven't been a good friend to them." Hermione and Ron had enjoyed the Elven Realm, and the four had spent time with one another briefly afterwards, but Harry began his training, and Draco was pregnant, so he began to approach things far more cautiously, and Hermione and Ronwell, though they approved, their uneasiness almost became palpable, the Golden Trio was falling apart. "They cannot accept your changing in front of their eyes," Draco said as they walked from their suite towards the Great Hall. "I'm sorry," "Whatever for?" Harry asked. "I have come between you and them. I thought after everything had calmed down and the progress we made at Christmas, I thought it would be enough, but it wasn't. You began training and becoming more and more comfortable with me and Slytherin, you started to spend more time there, and then when you did visit with them, I could feel their bitterness, their fear, that they were losing you and it's true, you are not the Harry Potter they knew. You are different." "I am, but it is for the best." Harry protested and Draco nodded sadly. "Yes it is for the best, and I must admit my respect and admiration of you has risen because of the sacrifices you have made but also because you have matured before my eyes. When I look at you now I see my First Lord, my Husband, and I could never be more proud to be your Consort. However it all comes with a price, you do not fit with them anymore. You are not the Savior they knew, and they are bitter because, they cannot relate to you anymore. It is almost as if they have made a conscious choice to stay away." "They don't like who I am becoming." "No, they do not." Draco agreed.

"We have different priorities now, I had to grow up. I have something worth fighting for. Their friendship, was the reason I would fight, but I know now that it wouldn't be enough." Harry paused and nodded in greeting at the Slytherin that nodded to them in greeting, "now I have my love for you, our child, Father, Severus, and the friends that I have made in Slytherin. And that love and respect, and admiration is now why I fight most of all." He stopped and turned Draco, bending down and kissing him softly. Soft gasps were uttered around them; not one of the students had ever seen them kiss so openly in public, and yet it seemed such an intimate and private moment, they turned their head almost ashamed to be intruding. When Harry broke away he brushed a hand over Draco's now swollen lips. "I will not lose you." "Harry," Draco said softly and then he shook his head and rested his head on his Husband's shoulder. You will never lose me. He said softly; Harry's hand gently squeezing his waist was his only reply. Vincent and Greg nodded to them and smiled softly as they caught up with the rest of the students. "Harry," Vincent said. "How goes things?" "Not well, is seems Blaise and Pansy have been detained at home indefinitely." Vincent and Greg stiffened; Harry knew that they knew what that meant. "Is it family business?" Greg asked casually as the four walked towards the Slytherin table. "Their father's boss plans on making a trip soon to Hogwarts, they must stay to help their father's host him." Harry said quietly; Vincent and Greg paled. As they ate quietly Vincent mouthed to Harry 'when?' Harry let his mental barriers drop slightly and his mind brushed Vincent and Greg's. He is coming within the week, be prepared. Tell all of Slytherin and keep Draco safe. Both hulking boys nodded slightly out loud Harry said loud enough that the surrounding Slytherins would hear him, "A meeting, tonight, be there." The students let their eyes flit over to him, before giving him nods and they began spreading the word. By the end of dinner, all of Slytherin knew what was to happen that evening. Harry led Draco to the Slytherin Common Room and turned to leave. "Harry?" Draco asked cautiously. Harry gave him a soft kiss. "I'm going to Dumbledore, explain what's going on. I want all the first and second year's inside when this goes down, all those above them should be ready for a fight if need be." Draco nodded. "Be careful, there are still spies in the school." He said, Harry nodded and vanished. Draco nodded to Vincent and Greg and they placed locking, silencing and alarm spells all around the room. All of Slytherin was in the Common Room and they all looked at Draco expectantly. "If there are any of the Dark Lord's servants in this room that are truly loyal to him, I will strike you down this instant, rise now and face your fate." He said coldly; no one moved and he nodded slowly. "Those of you with the Mark, report." A fifth year stood and bowed to him. "The ranks grow restless, those in the Middle Circle and higher have been detained, we were told nothing." Draco nodded and looked around.

"For all others in the Dark Lord's services is this true?" Nearly half the head in Slytherin nodded. "I have news from Blaise and Pansy; both are not going to be coming back." Eyes widened, but nothing else showed their worry. Draco closed his eyes and gathered his strength. "The Dark Lordwill attack Hogwarts in a week's time." No one moved, but faces paled and their fear was palpable. "It will be one of many battles. I will not have my Husband falling to a traitor's spell or dagger, so those who will not pledge their allegiance to him; you may leave, but be prepared to die on the battle field. This is the first of many confrontations, probably, and I want everything to be clear to all. Who will not swear their allegiance?" There was only silence and Draco felt some of his tension dissipate. "Very well then, let the meeting begin." "Are they certain?" Dumbledore asked. Harry felt his temper rising, but he kept him face expressionless. He felt Dumbledore's sadness at that. "I trust them with my life. They would not lie to me or to Draco." Harry said slowly. "As long as you trust them fully" "I do." Harry replied a bit coolly. "How will you prepare for his arrival?" "I am not sure I know what you mean. Mr. Blaise said that he will get here in a week; Ms. Pansy seems to think that it is sooner, I do not know who to believe." Harry felt his irritation rise. "I would just prepare to be cautious. I'm sure you realize that if Blaise is giving it a week while Pansy says it may be sooner, that means that there is a good chance that he will be coming within the time period of a week. Everyone needs to be warned." "Would you have me say that there will be an attack and one does not come? Harry there are students here that would notify their parents and those parents will be upset if an attack was said to take place, and doesn't happen." "Fine, do not tell everyone but at least put the professors on alert. At least have some semblance of a plan." "Has Lucius confirmed this?" He asked and Harry very nearly rolled his eyes. "In his way yes." Harry said evasively. Dumbledore's eyes narrowed. "I need a better answer than that Harry." "It is the only answer you will get out of me." Harry stared at him once more before turning abruptly. "I do not know about you, but I will be preparing for the worst." He said, as he shut the door on Dumbledore's surprised face and made his way to Slytherin. As he walked down the hall towards the staircase that led towards the dungeon, he felt two people come from behind him. Harry stopped, but did not turn. "Who's there?"

"It's just us Harry." Ron said semi casually. Harry turned and gave him and Hermione a smile, that didn't quite reach his eyes. Ron immediately noticed the change and narrowed his eyes. "Bloody hell they've made you like them." Harry looked at him. "I beg your pardon?" "You look like those bloody Slytherins." He snapped. "What's happened to you?" "I've grown up Ron." Harry answered softly. Hermione stepped up and laid a restraining hand on Ron's arm. "But you've changed Harry, you don't laugh anymore, you hardly even smile, you surrounded yourself with Slytherin, have you forgotten where your true friends are?" Harry narrowed his gaze at her. "True friends?" He asked mockingly. "How many times did those true friends turn their backs on me at the slightest unusual thing happening. What about all those sneering jeers about being the Heir of Slytherin, of being Parseltongue, or the jealousy and hatred when my name was drawn from that bloody goblet of fire, or the death of Cedric; I can go on Hermione," Harry said softly and steadily but coldly, "and time and time again as I triumphed over Voldemort, all of those 'true friends' invited me back with open arms. Every bloody year, is that friendship? It is Hermione?" "We all make mistakes," she began but Harry shook his head. "I'm sorry I am not who you want me to be. I cannot be the fun loving Harry who just blows off everything and everyone and goes in with a halfcocked plan that could get people killed. I did the once already, and people died." He looked away from them. "I have people that are more precious to me now than this world. I will not fail them, and I will not lose them." He turned to Ron. "I told you Ron, I told you and Draco told you; do not make me choose," he said softly. "Please don't make me choose." "I'm sick and tired of you pushing us to the back of your mind. Mione's right mate, we are your true friends, those Slytherins don't know a thing about you." Ron said angrily. "They knew more about me and what I could do, than I knew myself. I will always love you and Hermione, because you were the two first and only best friends I had for a while, but people change." He was silent and then said, "I've changed, both of you have said it tonight, I am not the same. I'll tell you again, don't make me choose." "Why? Why can't we force you to choose?" Hermione said with hurt shining in her eyes. Harry sighed and let some of his sadness show as he began to turn away from them, "Harry you tell us why." She demanded. "Because I won't choose you over them." Hermione and Ron winced. "I choose those in Slytherin." He looked pointedly at Ron. "I choose Draco above anything and anyone else. That is my choice, you both respect it and live with it or you don't and are out of my life forever." Harry turned away from them and proceeded down the stairs. It hurt when they didn't follow.

Draco was sitting in his old room when Harry found him. He was sitting in bed, with only one of Harry's shirts covering his body. He was braiding his hair slowly and he looked up with sadness as Harry made his way towards the bed. "I'm sorry," Draco said softly. Harry shed all his clothing and climbed into the bed, it was then he noticed that it had been transfigured to be larger and more like their own bed in their suite. He waited for Draco to finish braiding his hair before pulling him into his lap and laying his head in the crook of his neck. "Why, why can't they understand?" "I'm sure they understand somewhat darling." Draco said as he soothingly ran his a hand through Harry's messy raven brown locks. "They just can't see why you had to change so much that's all. You were theirs' for nearly seven whole years. It must hurt that you have altered their perception of you so much in so little time. Perhaps when we are all older, things will finally come into place and you can have your friends back." Harry sighed, breathing in deep the scents of lavender, ocean water, and rich forest lands that he always smelt when he was around Draco. "You always smell nice." He mumbled winding around him and much as he could. Draco laughed softly as they fell back on the soft down feathered pillows behind him. "I'm glad you think so." He teased. Harry ran a hand under his silk shirt and caressed the soft skin over Draco's bulging stomach. "Hmm, feels good when you do that." He said softly. "It's amazing." Harry breathed softly, "Our child is in there. Merlin! I am excited and scared by it all at once." Draco gently caressed his cheek and pulled him up towards his lips for a passionate kiss. "I love you Draco." "I love you too Harry, now make love to me." He said. Harry's eyes flashed with concern and Draco chuckled huskily as his eyes glowed softly with desire and lust. "It is okay darling, the baby and I will be fine." He kissed Harry hotly again as he moved on top of him and ground down against the arousal that brushed against his thigh. Harry groaned low and long. "I want you inside of me, please Harry." Harry smirked his eyes now a smoldering flame. "How can I say no to a plea like that?" He asked huskily. Draco laughed and it soon turned into a moan of passion and Harry began the journey to take them both to ecstasy. "Is everything ready?" Blaise held back a shudder, as did Pansy, who was newly appointed into the Inner Circle; Vincent's father's dead body lay at their feet and Lord Voldemort sat up on his throne on a dais in front of them. "Yes Milord, all is ready." Blaise said humbly. "And the spies in all the other Houses know what they are supposed to do?" "Yes Milord, they will let down the shields around Hogwarts at the given time." Blaise said. "Pansy, dear, have you spoken with my pet, Lucius?" Voldemort purred. Pansy kept her body relaxed, though she wanted to grit her teeth at the disrespect of Lord Malfoy.

"Yes Milord, I've spoken with Malfoy, he says that everything is going according to plan, they are not suspicious of anything." "Excellent." He said pleased. "It seems that I made a wise decision to have you both brought up into my Inner Circle. Now, tell me of Harry Potter, what is he up to?" "He is excelling in his studies Milord." Blaise said neutrally and carefully, leaving out key thingssuch as Draco's pregnancy. "He dotes on his Consort and he's making friends with our House." "Hmm, keep an eye on him." He said his blood read eyes gleaming eerily. "Yes Milord." They said in unison. Voldemort waved at them dismissively; Blaise and Pansy rose and began to leave when he called out. "Oh Blaise," "Yes Milord?" "Have they found where Severus has gone?" Blaise felt his blood go cold and he blanked his mind incase Voldemort was reading it. "No, they are merely following his schedule that he laid out for the rest of the semester." "Oh, very well then, if he should show up within the next week, kill him. I do so despise traitors." He said calmly. Pansy and Blaise bowed once more. "Milord." They said and quickly exited. Once they had apparated off the property and to Malfoy Manor, they both took off their Death Eater garbs and went straight to Lord Malfoy's office. He was there standing by the fire, dressed in ocean green Elven robes, looking elegant and beautiful in the soft light. He turned to them and waved a hand casually, soft Elven magick ran through them swiftly and he nodded satisfied when he saw that there were no tracking spells or other spells of any kind that could hear what was about to be said. "If the man grows any more suspicious he's going to kill everyone in his ranks." Pansy muttered. "He wants us to watch Harry, and to kill Severus if he shows his face." She said. "What's worse is that after he had told us to kill Severus he put out casually that he despised traitors." Blaise said lowly. "Lord Malfoy what are we going to do?" Lucius sighed heavily and motioned for them to sit down. "I must go to the Elven Realm, my mate calls me, and my body grows cold already from us being so far apart. I will leave tonight, the Dark Lord already knows of my departure, just not my reasons. Keep any information for now to yourselves. I thank you for warning Harry and Draco before you told me of his plans." "He didn't tell you?" Blaise asked paling.

"He hinted, but the last time he called me to his bed, he was merely thinking of it. He has not called me to his side since then, because I have been busy going to the Ministry and to Hogwarts." Lucius turned to them and smiled gently. "It is a very brave thing you are doing." "We want to do it." Pansy said quietly. "There is something else that has happened." She said slowly. Lucius heard pain in her voice. "What is it, Child?" "Lord Crabbe, he's dead." She said softly, Lucius let his pain and sorrow wash over him; he had been one of his closest friends. "I took his place; I am now part of the Inner Circle." Pansy's lips trembled as she tried to keep a firm hold on her emotions. "Merlin, what will I tell Vince?" She said brokenly. Lucius turned his gaze back to the flames. "Tell him the truth. He at least deserves that. I will write him a letter as well." He swept across the room towards them and kissed both on their foreheads. "May the Goddess bless you both; Blaise you may go to your room, Pansy write your letter now and I will write mine." The two teens nodded sadly and did as they were told. Lucius stood at the window behind his desk and stared out into the night. Foreboding cut through him like a knife; death was on the horizon. Harry, keep Draco and yourself safe; I pray for you both. Insistent tapping woke Vincent from the dead of sleep and he blinked open one bleary eye towards the window and saw a nondescript owl perched there. He pushed himself up, shoved the covers off of himself and walked towards the window and waved a hand carelessly. The window opened and the owl came directly towards him. He smiled tiredly at it as he untied the two parchments that were on its leg and then walked around and gave the owl a treat before the owl hooted happily and sped off. He went back and sat on the bed and opened the smallest parchment first. A warm body settled on his back and he shifted so that Greg could read it with him. Vince, Baby, I'm so sorry, but the Dark Lord killed your father this night. You are now Lord Vincent Crabbe and sole owner of the Crabbe Estates. I couldn't think of any easier way to tell you this, it's the truth, and you know I am not one to lie when I don't have to. Hopefully Gregory is with you, I don't want you to try and get through this on your own. I'm truly sorry. Your little "sister", Pansy Vincent felt his mind go numb. Dead. His father was dead. "Merlin." He said shakily. Greg's strong arms wrapped around him and he leaned back into the supporting embrace, closing his eyes quickly, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to come; he hadn't cried since he was three, and he'd be damned if he'd start now.

"Read the other, Vin." Greg said softly. Vincent blinked back the tears and opened the other parchment; he took a deep breath, it was from Lord Malfoy. Lord Vincent Crabbe, Vincent, you have been a part of Draco and my life since you were young and for that you are like my second son. I am deeply sorry for your loss and I pray to the Goddess that no more heartache comes your way. Your father was my dearest friend and I will truly mourn him, however, these are not times to mourn. I'm sure Harry and Draco have told you of the Dark Lord's plans, please protect them to your fullest. I hope that Gregory is there with you, you two have always helped each other through the worst things and this is one of those times that you could use the support. If you love him as much as I know you do, do not lock him out of your heart and push him out of your life. A love as pure as yours and Gregory's or Harry and Draco's is hard to come by. The Ministry has been informed of your father's death and will send you papers detailing your inheritance, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to write or owl me. I will come to you if need be. Keep your head high and your mind clear. There will be time to mourn, and time to heal. And Gregory, take care of him wellfor I am sure you know he is worth the effort. I am proud of you both. And I pray to the Goddess that you all survive this. Blessing be Upon You, Lucius Xavier Demias Malfoy Vincent smiled a bit shakily at the letter and Greg chuckled. "He is right you know." Greg said softly. "There will be time to mourn. We each have our parts to play in this game. Let's play them to the fullest." He said softly. Vincent said nothing as he rolled the parchments back up and watched them crumble to ash. He turned to Greg and said nothing, but he understood. Gregory lay back down and Vincent curled into him and closed his eyes as he ran his fingers through his hair. It was a short while before he felt Vincent crying and it was even longer before Vincent finally fell into a fitful sleep. Gregory finally let himself relax enough to sleep, his eyes burning with unshed tears for Vincent and his family and the trials ahead. The war was right at their doorsteps, people were going to die, it was a given, but he knew, he knew that Vincent's father was just killed merely out of boredom; the Dark Lord was truly heartless. He hoped Harry sent the bloody fucker to the furthest parts of Hell. After all it was only fair for the hell he put everyone through.

Chapter Thirteen Harry stood silently, brooding in the darkness of his bedroom. The window let in the moonlight like a beacon of hope that was quickly fading inside his mind. He didn't like the way he had spoken to Hermione and Ron two days ago. He detested that Vince had to be hurt like thishe knew exactly what is was like to lose a parent, but to be saddled with the responsibility of being head of the familyhe wished things had gone differently. It did open his eyes to his and Greg's closeness though, now he could see, how much they truly loved each other. It was a private look into their lives; hopefully, he'd never have to see it again. Something's are just too intimate to be out in the open, no not intimate; fragile. He shook his head slightly and his eyes narrowed; he had far more important things to think about. "Love?" Harry turned towards the bed and his breath caught in his throat. Draco was sitting up in bed, his face contorted with worry, his skin glowed in the soft moonlight and Harry smiled at him and walked over, kneeling by the bed and running a hand over his bulging belly. "Is there something wrong?" "He's coming, I can feel it." Harry whispered, "I have many things to fight for now." He caressed Draco's stomach lovingly. "I just don't know" "Shh, come to bed." Draco said quietly, "Think about it later. You must have your rest. Father has been working you to the dregs." Draco pulled Harry up into the bed and pulled the covers over both of them as they lay down together. "All will be well in the end. Soon it will all be over." "I do not think it will be that easy." "It is never easy, darling." Draco said quietly and he stroked Harry's chest. "You should know that." "I do, intimately." Harry said ruefully. "We should take our last tests soonI have a feeling, Hogwarts will not be standing by the end of the year." Draco curled into him as much as he could. "Harry, I love you and I trust you." Draco said quietly; Harry smiled, Draco knew exactly what to say to make him feel better. "I thank you for that." "Go to sleep." Draco said sleepily. Harry kissed his forehead as his Consort fell asleep easily; Harry had problems following. His senses were so high strung he could barely think straight. Harry ran his fingers through Draco's beautiful hair and closed his eyes he didn't fall asleep till dawn. Draco walked slowly through the halls, keeping mostly to the shadows. As the students milled around, he sadly shook his head at their blissful faces. Didn't they realize how close the end was? He shuddered at the agitation that washed over him; Harry was in a very bad mood. "Draco?" He looked up and saw Vincent and his heart immediately switched to his friend. For just being told that his father was dead three days ago, he was remarkably calm, but Draco could see his carefully veiled hurt.

"Vince, how are you?" The hulking young man shrugged. "Fine," "No, how are you truly feeling?" Draco asked. Vincent looked around and for a brief minute the mask came off and Draco discretely placed his hand on the side of his face before reeling back at the amount of pain that radiated from him. "Oh Vincent, you should skip classes, you can't" "Greg and I have a job to do. The world did not fall on its axis when my father died, and it won't now. The world will, however, be taken over by a madman if these bloody idiots don't get it together." He said softly. Draco nodded. "There is not much we can do about it." Draco sighed and then rubbed his lower back. Vincent looked at him with concern. "Are you okay, the baby?" "We're both fine, just tired." Draco said smiling. "Come on, it's lunch time, after this we only have one more class and then both of us are going for a lie down," Draco's eyes narrowed and Vincent flinched when that glowing mercury gaze stared intently at him. "And I don't mean me and the baby." "Yes Mother." Vincent said drolly. Draco smiled and cocked his head to the side saying silently that they should continue down the hall. Vincent just smiled and followed the Consort. Many students still didn't know about Draco's condition, he did keep up a glamour; but only for class time, however Vincent knew someone was bound to find out; it was just a matter of time. It was sudden, but a cool rush of dread filled him as he and Draco both entered the Entrance hall, making their way towards the doors to eat lunch. He turned around and surveyed those around him; he saw nothing out of the ordinary. His eyes narrowed. Call him paranoid, but he trusted his instincts. Something was definitely wrong. "Goddess, you're beautiful like that." Lucius said softly as he saw Severus for the first time in a couple of months. His Consort snorted as he drank some tea. "I look and feel like a beached whale," Severus muttered and his Husband merely smiled with delight and kissed him softly. "It is really good to see you." Lucius sighed as he felt the strain of their bond lighten and then fade into nothing. "It's really good to see you too." He breathed and then let his hands rest on Severus' very large stomach. "Should you be this big? I mean it's only been about six or seven months." Severus smiled lovingly. "Don't worry, I am perfectly healthy. Demetrius, Leviathan, and Claudius have been clucking over me like Mother hens, I am in good hands. Claudius came from the Healing House; he knows what he's doing. They still get on me that I'm not eating enough." "Good, because I don't think you are." Severus actually pouted and Lucius laughed.

"Hmm, think you're funny do you." Severus said rolling his eyes as he went and popped a tart into his mouth. "I do so eat, I eat all day every day, I surprised I'm not twice my size." "You are making up for lost energy and magick, Childe, you should be aware that you will eat quite a lot, however, you could fatten up some more." Lucius turned and smiled at Demetrius who glided into the room with a smile. Severus sighed heavily. "You Malfoy's are all the same, worrywarts to the nth degree." Severus said and then he ate another tart, "these are good." Demetrius smiled fondly on him and then looked at Lucius. "I see you are doing well. How go things?" Lucius sighed and then shook his head. "Not too good. Lord Crabbe is dead, making his son head of his estates years earlier than planned. Pansy and Blaise aren't allowed to go back to school and I barely got permission to come and see my Consort. He's calling all his forces, he's planning on attacking Hogwarts, and the war is about to start." Demetrius paled. "Have the Ancients arrived yet?" He asked. Lucius shook his head. "Harry and Draco have yet to say anything. They would contact me if they had." "I am sure of that, but the Ancients said that they would be there." Demetrius said frowning. "Although they usually do things at their own pace. Sometimes immortality has its down points. They do not think the same way we do. A century could past and they'd think of it like an hour." "I'm sure if they said that they would be there then they will." Severus said soothingly to both Elves. Severus stood as gracefully as he could and slowly walked towards them. "How is Draco, Lucius?" "He's fine, the pregnancy is going well, he is stressed however, and it seems that Harry hat to choose after all." Severus and Demetrius frowned in puzzlement. "Choose?" "Between his old friends and Draco and the new Slytherin friends he has. He chose Draco." Lucius said quietly. "It hurts him, because it hurts Harry." "Draco doesn't like his Husband to be in any sort of pain." Severus said smiling slightly and then his dark eyes lit up and he grinned as he rubbed his belly. "Your child thinks that's funny." He watched Lucius' eyes soften and fill with joy and love as he placed his elegant hands over Severus' and felt their child kicking. "How wonderful," Lucius said softly. The moment was lost, when Lucius eyes filled with pain and his hands went to his head. Severus' eyes filled with worry and then fear as his Husband fell to the ground, agony ricocheting off their bond like lightening. "Goddess," he moaned.

Demetrius fell to the ground beside him, flipping him over on his back quickly. "No, it is much too soon." He said worriedly. Severus flinched as another wave of pain washed over him, now muted, by Demetrius' shield. "What is happening to him?" Severus asked quietly. Lucius moaned in agony and tried to curl into a ball. "No, my Child, you mustn't, the pain will only worsen." Demetrius said sadly as he made Lucius flatten out onto his back. He looked up at the frightened Consort and sighed. "Severus, darling, sit down, before you collapse, you are pregnant after all." The Potions Master sat delicately in a chair and turned his bottomless black eyes to Lucius and then to the High Seer. "It was not his time; he is having his first vision." "But that is impossible; Lucius has been having visions since he was young." Severus said. Demetrius shook his head. "Those are what I call glimpses; not true visions. He got enough to know what would happen, what would really happen. A vision, one such as the one he is having now, gives him a series of events, which works up to a climax, and each series is different. It shows him the outcome that is most likely first and then works its way down to the most horrible." Demetrius said; Lucius convulsed and Severus let out a cry of pain. "How long do they last?" Severus asked. "It could be minutes, it could be hours, days. some go for almost a month." Demetrius said his eyes becoming haunted and sad. "The worst visions last for a month or more." He shifted his weight to hold Lucius down as he convulsed again. "This is a particularly bad one." He said gritting his teeth. He turned toward the door. "Claudius!" The Elf came running and his eyes widened as he saw Lucius sprawled over the floor. "Goddess, his visions have started already?" He asked. Demetrius nodded. "Come here, and hold him down. I need to make sure that he's alright." Severus looked between the two of them and he glared. "What the hell do you mean alright?" He demanded. Claudius sat back on his heels in surprise at those dark onyx eyes piercing his. "Sometimes, when Seers first start, they become a part of the vision themselves. They cannot distinguish between reality and the future, they go mad. Demetrius will make sure that he is safe." Claudius explained as he sat beside Lucius and held him down. Demetrius placed his hands on Lucius' head and closed his eyes searching He jerked back. "IGoddess," He gasped and reorganized his thoughts. "I can't find him, the vision is nearly through I think, but I can't find him." Severus clutched the armrest as another muted wave of agony washed over him. "What does that mean?" He asked.

"It means he's either lost in the vision, or he's coming out of it." Demetrius said. Lucius went limp in Claudius' arms and the Elf looked down at him in worry. "Lucius?" He asked carefully. Silvery mercury eyes filled with pain opened to meet his and Claudius breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank the Goddess." "Toolate" Lucius breathed. Demetrius paled. "Too late? Too late for what Lucius?" Demetrius asked him, laying a shaking hand on his wet brow. Lucius shuddered again and swallowed. "The Ancientswill get there too late." He clarified. He turned to Severus who was staring at him, relief and fear warring in his eyes. "Our children are in trouble." Severus paled. "No," He said vehemently. Claudius and Demetrius looked at Lucius sharply. "What are you saying Lucius?" "Voldemort is at Hogwarts." They had no warning. Harry wiped the sweat from his brow as he cut through yet another Death Eater in front of him. His robes were covered in blood and gore; his head was splitting in agony; his scar already bleeding down his face. Thank the Goddess he'd had his vision corrected or else he'd have been in very big trouble. Voldemort was here somewhere "Where the bloody hell are you?" Harry growled. Most of the professors were fighting, including Dumbledore, as well as all the Upper Years. He could already tell that Slytherin was fairing much better than the other Houses. Actually Slytherin was the first to jump into action after the wards had been breached. All Harry could remember was the pain of his scar as Voldemort approached quickly. He vaguely remembered barking to Vincent and Greg to get Draco to their rooms, and guard him. He remembered his heart clenching in his chest as he watched his Consort being led away quickly with his two bodyguards and a slew of other younger year Slytherin. After that it was all a blur of blood, screaming, and movement. Harry looked around carefully; surprisingly the Dementors were not in this wave, Voldemort must have been saving them. Harry quickly stepped over the corpses of Death Eaters and some students alike as he made his way through the halls. He was angry, but he kept it inside. The Ancients never camewhy didn't they come? Harry was perplexed, but he had to remain focused and pushed it to the back of his thoughts as he stalked the halls. The halls were eerily quiet. The portraits had either been knocked down, destroyed, or the people inside were hiding. His echoing footsteps were all that was in his ears. His Elven blade was covered in the blood of dozens he knew, he felt dirty, but this was his destiny. He chuckled bitterly at that thought.

"Potter." Harry stopped short and turned his head slightly back. The wave of dark power he felt made him shudder with disgust. The throbbing of his scar gave away even more than the voice and aura combined. "Hello, Tom." Harry said smiling. Crimson eyes narrowed and Lord Voldemort growled. "That person is deadI am Lord Voldemort, you impertinent boy." He said as he pulled a sword out of his scabbard. Harry turned to face him, his face set and emotionless. The Dark Lord looked a bit disconcerted from that, but he hid it quickly. He smiled darkly. "Well, well, it seems that you have been taught a few tricks." Voldemort cocked his head, his inky black hair cascading down his broad shoulders. "I cannot hear your thoughts, or feel anything from you." He purred. "My pet Lucius must have taught you, he is a good pet; did you know that?" Harry swallowed the bile that was coming up his throat and didn't answer the question. He concentrated on Voldemort and on his magick, which he was gathering slowly and surely around him like a cloak. "What, nothing to say?" Voldemort asked sneeringly. "You are not the least but upset at finding out that I'm fucking your father?" Anger swept through Harry, but he pushed it back, his face was still a blank mask, but he did answer the question. "No, Father already told me." "He did, and does his whore of a Consort know as well?" "Sev has known, yes. He knew when it started." Harry said quietly, still gathering his magick slowly and carefully, not to alert the mad man in front of him. "Ah, yes, Lucius was so pretty back then." Voldemort sighed as he stalked Harry; he smiled wickedly, "He is still prettypretty, pretty blond and pretty." He said in a singsong fashion. "But make no mistake, my pet Lucius is a cunning one, he has bark and he definitely has a bite. His power is intoxicating, he is lucky to have me as his master." "No, Tom, you are lucky to have him, because I'm sure he hates your guts by now." Harry said calmly, slowly walking sideways, his eyes still glued to Voldemort. Crimson blood eyes narrowed in anger, and the man growled. "I am not Tom, I am the Lord Voldemort. Harry, you must learn, how will you ever serve me if you do not listen?" "I will never serve you, I'd rather die." Harry said, Voldemort sneered. "Then you will die." He said and leapt at Harry. Harry deflected the first blow; the sound of their swords meeting and grinding against each other echoed along the halls. One step; thrust, next step; parry, and so it went, Harry kept on the defensive and Voldemort kept swing hard, offensive strikes that jarred his arm and made him clench his teeth to keep from biting his tongue. It looked like the fencing lessons were coming in handy. It seemed to be a stalemate until Harry got within Voldemort's guard once and

ran his blade across the older man's midsection in a smooth swipe. Voldemort snarled in pain as he backed away, blood seeping from his wound, staining his shirt. He glared at Harry and Harry blanched at the blatant fury and hatred that was staring back at him. Enough games. The darkness in that voice sent shivers up Harry's spine and he felt his body and magick recoil in disgust and horror as Voldemort threw his sword into the shadows and jarring twisted lines of his magick rose up in Harry's mind's eye. His magick wasn't human anymore; it was built of the power and blood of tortured souls, wizard and muggles alike. "You're a monster." Harry said, as if finally realizing it, looking into the eyes of this man, he finally saw it all. Even the decrepit creature he saw in fifth and sixth year did not do him justice as this whole body did now. It showed the death inside of him, the decay of his soul into the dark world of the abyss, of anger, fury, blood lust, and greed. Voldemort just laughed. "Thank you for the compliment young one." He said as he lifted his palm towards Harry. A dark cloud of magick began to swarm around his arm and Harry leapt to the right to avoid the dark strike. He dove again as Voldemort let his magick spew all around. Hogwarts itself seemed to recoil from Voldemort and his death magick. The building groaned, bending outward almost, in order to escape. Harry grunted as he landed hard on his haunches and balanced himself enough to form a shield around himself. "That will not help you." "It bides me time." Harry said simply as he stood calmly facing his nemesis once more, collecting himself. That was very important; Lucius stressed that point. Voldemort, relies too much on his anger and cunning, he never really thinks without some furious emotion behind him, let your mind blank, and focus. Take your time; do not rush Harry, because when rushing, one always makes a fatal mistake. "Yes." Harry agreed now with his father, Voldemort did rely on his anger a lot. A steady hand and cool head go along way when fighting one as power and as dangerous as this one. Voldemort let his power spew from his fingertips in a deadly wave of inky blackness that practically destroyed everything it touched. The hall they were in was in shambles; the two powerful men standing in the middle were destroying everything. Harry focused his magick and called on it. Lightning sparked between his hands and then the light grew into a sphere of slowly revolving power that was as golden as the sun, but in some places as red as blood. He unleashed his power towards Voldemort and then the two clashed. Harry clenched his teeth but steadied his hands as they wavered as each onslaught met the other. It was then that he believed what his Consort, and his fathers' and friends had told him; he wasn't ready. Voldemort was still far more powerful than he was. He could feel it, and he knew it deep inside himself. The darkness of the magick he was combating was eating at his magick like plague and slowly making ground. He was weakening and he saw the sick triumph in Voldemort's eyes as the man began to realize that Harry's magick could extend no further. "Give up, boy." "Never." Harry said, even as he began walking backwards. If he kept this up the magick would eclipse his own and then both would eat at him until he was nothing but a hollow shell of who he had been. He couldn't let that happen. Harry knew that he had to survivethere was too much to live for. As the decaying magick crept closer Harry began to ease up the pressure of his own magick, and began erecting

a barrier in front of him. He knew it was going to hurt like hell when the magick crashed into him, butit would be worth the pain. "Die, Harry Potter." Voldemort said sneering widely as he let loose another wave. Harry smiled grimly. "Not today Tom, maybe another time." He said calmly as he called all of his magick back and reinforced the barrier he had erected. The black magick coming towards him hit like a tidal wave. Harry felt himself fly backwards into stonewalls with a sickening 'crunch'. Pain flared through his body and he opened his eyes blearily to see that the barrier had worked; he'd only felt a small portion of that horrific magick and the rest was rushing back at Voldemort. Voldemort's eyes widened in surprise and the man let out a furious yell as his magick came back at him. Of course it didn't hurt him that much, but it would give him a hell of a headache. Harry groaned painfully, the blackness of unconsciousness was coming upon him fast. He stood shakily and used the wall to support him as he felt his way towards the entrance to the hall. Mark my words Potter, your head will be ripped from your bloody body and served to me on a platter by the end of this year. Harry shuddered and replied sarcastically, is that a wish or a promise Tom? Voldemort raged inside his mind, through their connection, until some invisible force sealed it off. Harry blinked stupidly for a moment, his eye bleary and bright spots began to cover his vision. He saw something in front of him and he frowned. Bootsthree pairs of boots. Harry looked up and he felt his eyes widen and then it was as if his body just shut down. All Harry remembered were the ebon scales that graced the middleman's beautiful alabaster face, the rich burgundy scales that graced the woman's and the silver scales that graced the other man's. A resoundingly deep voice scorched his mind. Rest First Lord Malfoy. And then all was darkness.

Chapter Fourteen Draco laid a cool compress on Harry's head as Madam Pomphrey checked him over for any fatal injuries. Draco still felt the residue of pain through their bond, but could feel nothing else wrong. "How is he?" "He's exhausted his magick store, he has a few cracked ribs, but those are easily fixed. It was a very brave thing he didand somewhat stupid." A small smile flitted over her lips. "However, it was what saved his life." Draco let out a shaky sigh and smiled at the witch, before turning his gaze to the dragons standing before him. "You may leave now." His tone was respectful, but cut like steel, and rang with authority. Madam looked at him and bowed her head and quietly made her way from the private suite. Draco stood fluidly and bowed low. "Your Excellencys." The man with the ebon black scales covering half his face, smiled gently and caught Draco's chin in his hand and lifted his face. "You are exquisite young First Consort. His voice was like magick itself and Draco's eyes widened at the feel of his power. "Do not fear me, for you were named in my honor, I am Draconis and I am the Head Ancient of all Dragon Clans. You may call me Draconis." He turned to the other dragons standing behind him. "This lovely lady in front of you is my wife and Consort Illyrian and the other is our son Dion." "It is a pleasure to meet you all." Draco said. Draconis stepped away from him, the black leather of his body suit encased him like a glove and he moved fluidly and arrogantly through the room, as if he owned it. Perhaps he did, in some ways, Draco thought to himself. Illyrian smiled at him, the burgundy scales flashing beautiful in the soft light. "You are beautiful Draco, as is your Lord." She smirked. "Congratulations, on your two children." Draco was about to say thank you, when her words struck him. She had said two children; not child. "Goddess," Draco placed his hands on his bulging stomach searching, to see if what she said was true. The magick signature was very large, for just one child, he and Harry had automatically assumed it was because of who they were, it had never occurred to them that there could be twoand there were. Draco felt the immense presence of one of the Ancients guiding him into his chair and Draco stared up into the blinding blue eyes of Dion. "Thank you." He said as he regained a semblance of his control. "I did not mean to startle you so. However, I would advise that you tell no one, this war is about to reach its peak." Illyrian said wisely and Draco nodded. "Of course," he said. "I thank you for coming, if I haven't already." He looked down at his Husband and stroked Harry's cheek lovingly. "I must know though, what do Harry and I have to do to convince you that Voldemort is a mad man?"

"You do not have to convince us that he is mad, young one, you must convince us, why we should help." Draconis said softly. Draco bit his bottom lip as he took Harry's limp hand in his own. "This is your world," Draco said softly, "Even if all of the humans are messing it up, the magickal world is where you thrive, where you live, where all those that you love are, why wouldn't you want to save this world?" He asked. "Perhaps I am selfish, but I would just like to be rid of the monster, he has hurt so many," and Draco turned to look at Harry, "and he's made my love's life miserable, I just want the bastard gone." "I understand your sentiments. I know this must be hard for you, but it is hard for this entire society. Not only will the Wizarding world be affected but all others as well. If Dragons interfere, it is almost like rewriting the world's laws. Our power will decimate this planet, magick will never leave this place, it will be saturated within in every flower, every blade of grass, every life on this planet, and magick will reign. "Do you think the Wizarding world can deal with that? Deal with the fact that even non magick people will be able to feel it, to know that it is there? What about that Draco?" Illyrian asked. Draco's eyes widened in surprise at the ramifications; he hadn't known the effects would be that wide spread. "If Dragons are involved, this will happen?" He asked and they nodded. "And would the muggles be able to find the wizarding world? Would they be able to come here, not just feel that there is something else in the air?" "No, you would be safe in that regard; however, many humans get suspicious and seek to destroy things that they cannot comprehend. It is why all magick creatures have been separated from them for so long. Only vampires walk amongst them and even then they do it with discretion. We are not so sure how the humans would react to feeling Earth's every breath. Magick gives the earth life and Earth is what spawned magick as well. They are one and the same, fire and water, earth and air, all opposite, yet all need one another to be real." Dion said quietly. "It could mean the end of magick, if humans found out; you know what they do to our kind." Draco turned his gaze toward the night sky in despair. Yes, he did know what muggles did to people they didn't understand. "But Voldemort would do that to us anyway." He said softly, "I for one choose life now, but I cannot make you see the way I see." The Ancients looked at him sadly and yet with a sense of respect and admiration. "Finer and wiser words have never been spoken by one so young. We Dragons see things differently, our lives are infinite, the only sure death we have is when Earth decides to take her final breath. I'm sorry that we cannot help you. This Voldemort will stop his tyrannical acts, once he has what he wants. All greed comes to an end sometime." Draconis said and he turned to leave. "Youare fools." Harry croaked hoarsely. Draco looked down at his husband and saw Harry's emerald eyes blazing with anger and pain. "Help me up Draco." "But Harry,"

"I. Said. Help me up." He ground out. Draco did as told and when Harry was sitting up he glared the Ancients down. "How dare you speak to us?" Illyrian didn't get to finish, Harry cut her off. "You are fools." Harry said again coolly. "You really think that after Voldemort is done with this world he will just stop." He let out a bark of laughter. "Maybe eighteen years ago he might have, but that is not what is on his mind now. He wants utter dominion over the entire Earth. Humans, Wizards, and all magick creatures alike, including Dragons. "He doesn't care who he has to kill, who he has to bribe, Voldemort will plow through an obstacle without a thought of remorse. I can't believe you can't see that. He is already lost, his magick so twisted it is only death warmed over. He is the opposite of all life; his rule could wipe out everything on this planet." "No one likes to rule alone, without those to serve him. Draconis said coldly. "He won't care. He may keep some to serve, but then he'll have unlimited access to everyone on the globe, he'll kill a few every now and then, but the outcome is that this Earth will be his. If you do not help combat this evil it will be the end of all life as we know it. There won't be a single human on this planet willing to live another day, only death and despair, magick will cease to exist, because magick is life and on a dead planet nothing can livelife merely dies and then ceases to exist. That is what will become of this world if you walk out that door. I will try my hardest, but from what I have seen, I am not ready to fight him." Harry choked out. "I have so much to live for now that I will not quit. Voldemort will wipe the floor with all those who dare oppose him and I am at the top of his list. Once he finds out that Draco is carrying my child" Harry couldn't go on. The fear and sheer horror of seeing Draco's dead body heaped at his feet with Voldemort's sword run through it made Harry want to scream. "I will not let him destroy all that I hold dear." He said his voice like steal. "So go and be cowards and hide and let the world meet its fate, but I will fight, because even if there is a one percent chance that I can beat him, I will try." Silence hung in the room like a veil. Harry collapsed against the pillows, his body exhausted and Draco sent soothing energy through their bond, not noticing the tears that had welled in his eyes. Harry looked to him, "Draco, love, you must go now; you know that right?" He said softly. "No, Harry, I can't." "You promised you'd go to the Elven Realm when we knewwe know now sweet, I can't let anything happen to you." Harry breathed. Draco brushed back Harry's wayward locks as tears fell down his face, but he smiled and nodded. "I'll go, I promised you after all." Draco agreed softly. Harry pulled him down and kissed his soundly sending his gratitude through the bond. The Dragon Ancients looked on at this display of such true love and it saddened them, but also was the one thing they need to see, to make their decision.

"We concede. We will help you fight. We shall see you in the Elven Realm First Lord. Earth protect and keep you." Draconis said as he bowed and all three Dragons vanished. Harry closed his eyes praying to whatever gods and/or goddesses he knew of with thanks. "You convinced them." Draco said in awe. Harry tugged his Consort down by his side and breathed in the ocean scent of Draco's hair. "I love your hair." Harry murmured as he played with it. "It's so beautiful. A beauty this rare should not have to die with the world. And you won't." "I won't." "No, because with their help; Voldemort doesn't stand a chance." Harry said vehemently. "How can you be sure?" "Faith." Vincent looked on Harry and Draco with a content smile at the two of them sleeping soundly. He frowned thinking about todayor yesterday now. It had been too close. After Harry's order, he and Greg had swiftly taken Draco back here, to his and Harry's suite. Along the way there had been Death Eaters coming at them left and right. Many of the first and second years came with them, on the way towards the South Wing of Hogwarts, they passed secret entrances into the dungeons and there most of the younger years immediately went to the Slytherin Common Room, spelled, charmed, and locked all passages in and out and waited. Slytherin had been lucky; those lost had been upper years. Other Houses, he had heard, hadn't faired so well. Vincent smirked; Dumbledork probably felt like a moron now. It had been the most awe inspiring as well as terrifying things to see Harry being cradled in the arms of one of the three Dragons. He had never been so scared in his life, not for himself, but for Draco. The Consort had gone so pale and stood stock still for a brief few moments, and Vincent had been worried he'd gone into shock. However, in true Malfoy style, Draco shook it off and began issuing orders. He and Gregory had made themselves scarce; however, they had heard everything. It was relieving to hear the Dragons change their minds. Harry was right; with the Ancient Three on their side, Voldemort didn't stand a chance. He was relieved and yet also anxious, Voldemort wouldn't stop now, he'd just come back again and again. And now, Draco was leaving. Vincent sighed as he thought of that. Would the Consort want them to stay or go with him? Or would he merely let them decide? Warm hands slid around his waist under his silk shirt and pulled him back. Vincent tilted his head to the sighed as Greg kissed his neck softly.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked softly. "Draco's going to the Elven world, I'm just wondering what he'll do that's all." Vincent said quietly. "You mean with us?" "Yes." "I'm sure he'll tell us." Greg said, running his callused fingers over Vincent's rock hard abs. Vincent let out a weary chuckle and turned in Greg's arms. "What's so funny?" "Do you remember how we use to be?" Vincent said wistfully. "Young and full of ideals" "Yeah and fat as whales." Greg said bluntly. Vincent grinned and Greg rolled his eyes, but there was laughter in that gaze, as well as love. "We've changed, it was expected, and after all we had seen. Our fathers took us to see Voldemort, and that sealed it; after that, both of us knew we couldn't serve a monster like him." "Yeah," Vincent said softly. It was an indescribable feeling, trusting and loving someone so much. Greg was his rock, his conscience and confidant, friend and lover; he didn't know what he'd do, if Greg died. "Promise you won't leave me." Vincent said quietly, not looking at his lover. He felt the arms around him tighten and Greg brushed his lips across his forehead. "You know I can't promise that." Greg said softly, "but I do promise to try my hardest, to get back to you. I swear it Vin, I swear it." "Love you." "Love you too, Vin, love you too." Lucius looked out of the bay windows in his and Severus' suite. His head was still throbbing from the vision he had seen. Lucius closed his eyes and sighed softly. "I know you are awake." He said softly, turning around and seeing Severus staring at him from their bed. The wizard tilted his head and merely held out his hand, and Lucius went to him, letting Severus lay his head on his chest. "You still have a headache?" "Yes." "Has there been any word from the boys?" Severus asked softly. "Demetrius said he heard from the Ancientsboth Harry and Draco are fineand Harry talked them into helping us." Severus let out a sigh of relief. "Thank the Goddess." The Potion Masters said quietly. Lucius merely stroked his head and Severus moved back so that he could look at him fully. "Will it be enough?"

"Yes." Lucius said, "However, a lot relies on Harry as well, our son has improved." "But he isn't ready." Severus finished for him. Lucius nodded gravely and then let his hand wander down his Consort's lithe frame to his growing stomach. "I will be fine here, there is no way Voldemort can breach these wards." Lucius said nothing, merely kissed him softly and held him until he fell asleep. However, sleep for the future High Seer was slow coming. The vision had showed him many forks in the future. Things that could happen.things that would happen regardless and one of them was the death of someone close. Lucius shivered with foreboding, and curled into his Consort once more. As he closed his eyes, the insane gleaming blood red eyes of Voldemort slashed in his vision as did his voice. Lucius pet, you must return. NOW! Lucius sat up straight in bed and looked at his Consort. Severus' face was ashen with fear. "Love" "Forgive me Severus, but I must go." Lucius finally felt the call of his Lord from the Dark Mark on his arm. Severus merely nodded and Lucius kissed him with all the passion and love he could, before finally dissolving into mist and disappearing entirely. Severus laid back in their bed alone, and swallowed heavily as he curled in a ball. He closed his eyes and forced himself to relax as he began to feel the echoes of Voldemort's sadistic pleasure as he raped his Husband. Harry very nearly lost his composure the next morning as he stood in Dumbledore's office seething with anger. "What do you mean you're not going to send the children home? Did that attack mean absolutely nothing to you?" He said coldly. The entire Order was sitting in the office, including Hermione and Ronald as well as a few other students. However most of the students who had been in the Order were dead, as were almost a hundred Aurors and a few of the staff. "If we move them now, they'll be in even more danger outside than inside these walls." "Well, excuse me for pointing out sir, but Voldemort breached the wards to the castle," Harry said coolly, "no place is safe anymore." Ron glared at him. "Be reasonable Harry, where else can everyone go. Hogwarts has never fallen, it will not fall now." "You are not thinking Ron; if Voldemort got through the wards once he can do it again. We lost so many students in the raid yesterday, what the bloody hell do think is going to happen next time, when he brings his entire force?" Harry snapped his emerald eyes blazing. Mad Eye Moody glared at him. "You've let those damnable Slytherins cloud your judgment, especially that whore you have as a husband." He snapped. "You aren't listening to reason and." Moody paled as he stared at Harry, who was trembling with barely contained fury, and had an Elven blade at his throat. "You no nothing," Harry's voice oozed magick and power and his eyes danced with it. "You disrespect my Consort again and by the Goddess I will have your head." Dumbledore paled and many of the Order gasped. Harry looked at them all. "Because Draco and I warned Slytherin, they lost no one save a few Seventh Years, because they were prepared." He glared at Dumbledore, "I am through being thought of

as some despondent little boy that needs to be coddled. If you want me to kill him, then start acting like it, otherwise I'm leaving to prepare with the Elves in their Realm." "Why would you go there?" Mrs. Weasely asked, clearly not liking the changes in the boy she thought of as a son. "Because I am First Lord and my people need to prepare, and they listen to me, not just wave a hand and practically say it is utter nonsense I am spewing." Harry turned his glare back towards Dumbledore. "You will probably be receiving a letter from Draco soon; he wants his NEWT's tests sent to him by owl so that he can graduate early." "He can take them with the rest of" "He will not be here." "Harry, Mr. Malfoy can't leave without my express permission." Dumbledore stated frowning. Harry calmly met his gaze defiantly. "Well I veto your decision. Under Elven law my word is law to my Consort and as his Lord and Husband he has to obey me and I have told him that he is to leave. Crabbe and Goyle will escort him to the border, because they are the only ones I trust right now with the one most precious to me." Harry said with a smirk. Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "You are correct, but do you think it wise?" "I find myself wanting my Consort to be safe if that is what you mean." Harry said softly and all looked at him with wide eyes. Hermione was close to tears. "Harry, please, can't you see what they are doing to you?" "Yes, and I find that I like the changes." Harry told her as he still stared at Dumbledore. "I am not your pawn anymore, and I make my own decisions for better or worse, so listen to me and listen to me well." A knock on the door gave Harry pause and Dumbledore watched with the rest of the Order as Draco stepped into the room, looking quite breathtaking and deadly in all black. His long silver blond hair was plaited into a rope of a braid and he carried an Elven bow and arrow set in his hand. Vincent and Greg were behind him dressed in much the same, except carrying many daggers, swords, knives, and wicked looking axes. "Beloved, we are departing." Draco said, merely glancing at all the others in the room. Harry turned to him then and Draco smiled softly as he lifted his left and stroked Harry's face tenderly and then grinned as a growl came from behind him and Harry chuckled as he saw the white scaled Dragon he had given to Draco was glaring daggers at everyone in the room. "Where was he hiding, we haven't seen him for months."

"Apparently eating and sleeping, storing his strength." Draco arched an eyebrow and he petted the dragon's head. "You should see him in full form, he's magnificent." His gaze turned soft and filled with worry. "I shall miss you." "I will miss you too, but you must hurry. I will get your tests, you can owl them back." Harry leaned down and kissed Draco fiercely. Draco moaned and held onto his Husband tightly, heedless of those watching him and Harry and then broke away. "I love you, stay safe." "I love you too, may the Goddess protect you." He whispered brokenly and then gracefully turned and made his way towards the exit. Greg bowed to Harry slightly and followed. Vincent began to turn, but Harry's voice stopped him. "Vincent?" "Yes, First Lord." He said respectfully. Harry smiled softly at that. "Please keep him safe, and come back quickly." Vincent's eyes widened. "Milord?" "Draco and I decided that I would need you and Greg more than he, after all," Harry grinned, "He has Three Ancients watching out for him." Vincent chuckled. "We will be back tonight, never doubt it." And then he was gone. Harry turned back to the assembled group. "As I was saying," "Harry, stop and think before you say whatever you are about to. I am not sure that you are thinking rationally now." Dumbledore said softly but angrily. Harry sneered. "I've thought long and hard and Father has taught me well. It's better to be over prepared than under, and I definitely choose being over prepared. Hogwarts will fall; it's a surety even more so now that Voldemort has breached the wards." Everyone winced at his name as usual and Harry rolled his eyes, "we are running out of time. Slytherin has already notified their parents, the first and second years are going to be going home soon, leaving the upper years here. I would hope you will get the other Houses to do the same, and have those who need to take their OWLs and NEWTs to do so, including me. "We need to spend as much time preparing as we can. I'm sure that even though you don't like the changes I have gone through, you will still listen to reason." "But this is madness, boy!" Moody snarled. "You have no proof that he will attack again so soon after attacking this time." "You should listen to him Mad Eye, my son speaks the truth." Everyone turned to see Lucius Malfoy stroll into the room and he was dressed all in leather as well, with a deadly curved sword in sheathed at his waist. His long locks were plaited back, much as his heir's had been. He had on black leather pants

and a long black dragon hide leather robe that hugged his broad and lean muscled torso wonderfully. "Harry, it's good to see you well." "Father, how is Sev?" "He's good," Lucius said warmly and then turned a cool eyebrow to Dumbledore. "I'm sure you know my station in the Elven Realm do you not?" "Yes Lucius, you are Overlord." "Yes, well, I am also the future High Seer and I have had a vision." Dumbledore paled for the second time that day as he looked from one of his students to his former one. "And what have you seen?" "Many things, but one of them is that if you do not listen to my son here, that Voldemort will wipe the floor of all of you before you can blink." He said nastily and the occupants gasped, and Lucius smiled coldly. "On the other hand I saw another path," "And that was?" "Well it told me that if you listen, Dumbledore, there may be a chance to win this thing, with most of the Hogwarts staff and population intact." He said grimly and then turned to Harry. "Time is of the essence, come we must get you clothed properly." Harry nodded and he and Lucius began to leave, but Dumbledore rose and stopped them. "And what of Hogwarts?" He asked. Lucius sighed in exasperation. "It is like Harry told you, Hogwarts will fall to Voldemort whether you like it or not. And leave it be old man we have far more important things to worry about." "Like what?" Ron asked angrily. Lucius began to reply when there was a deafening explosion that rocked the building. "What the bloody hell?" "It's the second wave of the attack." Lucius said grimly and stared Dumbledore in the eye. "Hogwarts will be taken by nightfall, do what you must, but at least save some of the children." And with that Harry and he disappeared. The Order looked to the Headmaster and his face was grim. "We have no choice but to trust him." "What!" Moody roared and a cutting glare from Dumbledore shut him up quick as did his next words. "After all, everything Harry has said is coming to pass." The depth of sadness is his voice was almost tangible and Lucius' words rang in his head and sadly he knew it was true. "Protect those you can, attend those to the children, we must abandon Hogwarts." The War had begun.

Chapter Fifteen Harry cleaned the blood from his blade slowly, as if almost in a trance. His body ached, his magick waned, he was tired, and he wanted Draco. "Three weeks, three bloody weeks, and I can't stop thinking about him." He muttered to himself tiredly. Hogwarts had indeed been taken by nightfall that last day in March and Harry still paled at how many were lost. It had been a massacre. "You must not dwell on it, youngling." Lucius said as he came up to his side. Harry looked up from his kneeling position and had to smile. Despite all the blood, gore, and dirt in his hair and on his black battle leather, Lucius still looked gorgeous. He had his sword resting on his shoulder as black with blood as Harry's had been. "How goes it fighting for both sides?" He asked with a small smile. Lucius sighed wearily as he too kneeled and began cleaning his sword. "Tedious. Voldemort has me by his side most times and when he tells me to go and kill elsewhere, I spend most my time killing his own men." Lucius smirked coldly. "It is a great pleasure. Most have scorned me for my ways with the Lord. It is nice to send them to the underworld." "I'm sure." Harry said and clenched his teeth against the coldness that continually seeped into his bones. Lucius eyed him carefully, said nothing, but helped him to his feet. "Come, we must rest. Vincent and Gregory will watch while we sleep." The Lords made their way carefully to their tent. Harry had been pleased that Lucius had not come alone when he had fetched him those three weeks ago. He brought Elven warriors as well as Dion and Goddess could that Dragon fight. He stayed in his human form mostly, because he didn't want to give his presence away to the Dragons that were fighting in the air for Voldemort, however, he was deadly with a sword, and twice as deadly fighting barehanded. As Harry looked at the battle torn land he sent his thanks to the Goddess that he had gotten Draco out in time. Their tent was a massive thing, Elven made and in the middle of the Elven encampment. Elves bowed to both of them as they passed and Greg and Vincent smiled as they saw them coming. "It's good to see you two, we were getting worried." Vincent said softly. "There are two tubs in there, wash up and just set your gear here, and we will have it cleaned." "You guys are saints." Harry said with a tired smile and then it faded, "Has there been any word from Blaise or Pansy?" Greg shook his head. "None, we saw them in battle today, they seem to be holding up." He smirked. "They had each cast a rebounding spell, so any curse they might throw at an ally would automatically rebound and hit a Death Eater." "Bloody brilliant." Harry said laughing. Lucius chuckled as he unbuckled his sheath and dagger holster and set it outside the tent as he went inside. "We'll see you guys in a few hours." Vincent and Greg nodded to him and he followed Lucius.

When Harry turned around he felt his body burn with desire. Lucius was as beautiful naked as he was clothed. He sank his long lithe body in one of the tubs and arched a cool eyebrow at his son in law. "See something you like?" He asked quite impishly. Harry rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, he too stripping out of his dirty clothes, tossing them into the pile with his father's and sighed happily as he sank into the other steaming bath. Lucius chuckled as he began unbraiding his hair. They bathed in companionable silence; too tired to plan battles and too content to speak of anything else. Harry grabbed one of the folded towels as he rose from the now blood and dirt stained water and began to dry off quickly. He was so bloody cold all the time. The weather was hot in comparison to his own body temperature, even when he had put on socks, boots, leather pants, and a silk button down shirt, he was still freezing. "What the hell is wrong with me?" He snapped, his teeth chattering. Lucius was getting out of his own tub, standing immodestly and gloriously nude as he tried to dry his very long hair. He watched Harry from underneath his lashes and chuckled as the boy kept his face averted away. "I don't see why you are so shy." "You're my father." "Father in law." "Bloody semantics, anyway you are Draco's father and he is my Consort, I shouldn't lust after you." Lucius snorted as he easily slipped into black leather pants, and then socks, and finally his boots. "You don't lust for me Harry, you lust for Draco." Lucius said simply as Harry turned around and looked at him wide eyed. "The only reason your body calls out for mine is because I am blood kin to your Consort, and the nearest one to you." Lucius said as he sat beside him and buttoned his black silk shirt and then reached over to pluck a comb from his bag and began coming out his hair. "There is something else to it as well." Harry said softly as he swallowed. "My magick has been calling out for Draco's yes, but it has also been calling out for yours." Lucius continued to try and comb his hair, as he tried to think, but a chilled hand stopped his and he turned to Harry. The power in his emerald eyes flared at the touch of the silvery blond mane before him. "Let me," He said softly. Lucius nodded and let Harry move behind him and gently began combing his hair. "You are chilled, yes?" "Yes." "And can't get warm, yes?" Harry placed his hand on Lucius' face and was shocked to feel that his face felt as chilled as his hand did. "What the bloody hell?" "We are both separated from our Consorts Harry. Remember what Severus and I told you and Draco those months ago?" Harry rolled his eyes at his stupidity. "The distance between us, it makes us grow cold. I don't know how I could forget." Harry said shaking his head as he started combing out knots from the ends, until he was making long smooth strokes in the half dried hair with the comb.

"Yes, however, the reason your magick calls to mine, is for the same reason mine calls to yours." "And that would be Father?" "I am bound to Draco by blood because I am his father and you are bound to him by marriage, magick, and body, as well as child. We are essentially bound to the same person, though in different ways." Lucius began softly. "In times of war like these Overlord and First Lords and all men really who were bonded ultimately had to leave their Consorts behind, sometimes months and sometimes even years. If the bond is kept strained for that long, ultimately both would die. "So to relieve the strain, the Lords who were bonded in some way to each other, through either Consort or kin, would sleep together, not sexually, but for warmth. It would stabilize the bond somewhat, enough, so that they could continue fighting." "But we have slept in this bed together for three weeks and" "You've never let me hold you Harry." Lucius said softly. "Or let yourself curl into me, and most times either one or both of us was so exhausted we barley would make it to the bed before we collapsed. Maintaining a bond as strong as the two of ours is with our Consorts so far away is draining on anyone, plus we are using magick and our strength most every day with no respite." Harry said nothing as he let the information wash over him and knew it as truth. He'd felt the desire to hold Lucius and had stamped it down, thinking it wrong, and most times he was so delirious with the need for sleep he would drop before even getting undressed. Harry pulled Lucius' beautiful hair back and smoothed it out; making sure none was in front of his elegantly pointed ears and began the process of braiding it. "You have quite an obsession for long hair." Lucius said smiling. "I know, but Draco's hair is so beautiful and soft and so is yours. I like to play with it." Harry mumbled as he worked. He felt Lucius chuckle more then heard him as the older man unconsciously leaned against him slightly. Harry finished with the braid and tied it off with the rubber band Lucius had put around the comb. He curled the rope of hair around his fist and jerked Lucius back against him tightly. Lucius grunted but moved back until his back was flush with Harry's chest. Their magick ebbed and flowed around both of them and they sighed contently together. "I think that's the first time I've felt my toes in two weeks." Lucius said with a grin. It sounded so absurd coming from Lucius Malfoy's mouth that Harry burst out laughing. He was finally getting feeling back into his body, it didn't feel so much like lead anymore. There was still a chill, but not as much as it had been. "I feel better," Harry murmured, "thank you." "I should thank you as well, come let's get some rest, there is no telling when we may get a respite like this once again." Lucius nudged Harry and he scooted back, kicked off his boots and fell under the thick mound of comforters in bliss; it seemed all the Elves here knew that their Consorts were away. Harry told Lucius his musings and the older Elf merely rolled his eyes as he followed Harry. As soon as Lucius was comfortable, Harry immediately curled into him, he was practically starved for some kind of contact, and Lucius was as well if him pulling Harry so tightly against him was any sign at all.

"God, I'm a bloody idiot. We could've been doing this ages ago." Harry muttered. Lucius chuckled and ran his hand along Harry's lithe back. "Don't beat yourself up about it, you didn't know." He said softly. "Be at peace Harry and sleep, I have a feeling we will need it." "Hmm." Harry sighed and drifted off straight away. Harry curled into the body next to him even more as he heard angry whispering beginning to make its way into his conscious. "No, I want to sleep." He mumbled. "It seems we have been summoned." Lucius drawled sleepily as he shifted slightly, Harry merely followed him. "Look the Headmaster wants them and wants them now!" It was Ron; Harry just groaned. Their tent flap was brushed aside and a disgruntled looking Ron and Hermione stormed in and Ron tore off all the comforters. "What the bloody hell?" Harry opened one bleary eye and looked at Ron who was so mad he was turning a furious purple. Hermione for once was speechless and Lucius just stretched like a contented cat from under Harry. "It looks like we must get up Harry." He said quite nonchalantly. Harry groaned again and rolled off of him, running his hands through his hair to put it in some semblance of unruly order. He stuffed his feet into his boots, stomped to his now clean black leather battle robe and slipped into it in a silent rage. Lucius moved elegantly around the room, not the least bit perturbed. "I'm ready." Harry grumped and picked up his sword in its sheathe and walked outside while putting it around his waist. Lucius chuckled and looked at the Gryffindors with a small smirk. "I would stay out of his way." He said lightly and gracefully made his exit. Ron and Hermione just looked at each other. "What did we miss?" Hermione asked, Ron just scowled darkly and stomped out of the tent. Draco turned the page of his book and took a sip of his green tea a minute later. The bustling of feet going back and forth was pleasant back ground noisethat was beginning to grate on his nerves. "Uncle Leviathan would you please stop pacing?" "Well, you haven't seen hide or hair and heard nothing from your Consort and yet you sit there with a suave nonchalance that is very weird to me, you are married are you not?" The Elder asked. Draco laughed, closed his book, wiggled his way out of the comfortable overstuffed chair and with a small grunt got himself on his feet. "Yes I am married, who else could get me like this?" Draco said with a contented smile. Leviathan shook his auburn head but smiled. In the past three weeks, it seemed that Draco had gotten twice as round; but being pregnant suited him. "Harry is fine, he's a little irritated as far as I can tell right now, but he's alive, and healthy, and Daddy is there with him, that's all I care about really."

"Is he trying to make you depressed again?" Severus asked teasingly as he slowly walked into the room. He was still graceful; however, he couldn't stride everywhere now, but had to walk. His stomach was still a tad bit larger than Draco's but they had the same graceful tendencies and their joy made Leviathan smile. Though as he watched the pregnant Consorts, especially Severus, that smile gave way to concern. Severus was older, wiser, in some ways more fragile, for he had been pregnant before, only to lose the baby in tragedy and nowhis Husband was fighting on both sides of the war and could end up dead. Leviathan frowned at that; then he'd have to raise their child alone. "You are thinking morbid thoughts love." Claudius murmured in his ear. "I worry about Severus, hell I worry about both of them." Leviathan muttered. He turned and kissed his Consort and kissed the head of his son lovingly. The baby was now a rambunctious toddler with spun gold blond curls and mischievous purple eyes. He wiggled out of Claudius' arms and went crawling towards the two pregnant men with glee. "They will be wonderful parents." Claudius said smiling tenderly. Leviathan nodded and sighed heavily and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Severus is due soon." "He's not due for another month." Claudius said back. "That's soon." "Why do I get the crazy feeling that you meant something different?" Claudius said narrowing his eyes at his husband. Leviathan merely blinked his purple eyes innocently and Claudius snorted. "Uh oh, did you hear that little man, your daddy thinks your papa is hiding something." Draco said in a sing song voice. Leviathan laughed as did Severus and Claudius smiled as he watched Darius clap his hands happily. The Elders and the pregnant men played contently with Darius until Draco went pale, ashen almost and he stopped smiling. "Draco," Severus said worriedly. "Something's not right." Draco choked out. "II can't feel him anymore." "What?" Leviathan said harshly. Wide silver eyes looked at him with haunted eyes. "The bond, I can't feel Harry, I can't feel him at all." Harry ducked underneath a wild curse from a Death Eater; he took the time to pick up a bloodied dagger and threw it at the Death Eater, there was a grunt on impact and then he or she dropped dead. Harry sighed heavily and kept moving, even though his body screamed at him to just find Draco. He didn't know when it happened, but one minute the bond was straining and the next he couldn't feel it at all and that scared him. A goblin appeared in his peripheral vision and out of sheer frustration he held his palm out towards the ugly thing and violent red flames spewed from his fingertips; the goblin died thirty feet away from him. Harry looked around and began to make his way back towards the other Order

members. He got half way there before a hand grabbed him from behind and hauled him back into the shadows. "What the fuck!" "Harry's it's me." Lucius said quietly and Harry relaxed, he turned and looked at his father about to smile until he saw blood dripping from Lucius' side. "Merlin, are you alright?" Harry asked concerned as he pressed his hand against Lucius waist where blood was seeping out. "I'll be fine, I'm healing as we speak," Lucius said softly. Harry looked at his pale face, but nodded grimly. Something must be very wrong, for him to come find Harry during the battle. "What's wrong?" "I'm sure you've figured out that the bond cannot be felt now?" He said and Harry nodded gravely. "And you feel like" "Running off and finding Draco, even though I know exactly where he is? Yes, I do, what the hell is going on?" "Voldemort is going on." Lucius said gritting his teeth. "He is playing dirty, in an hour's time all the magick in this area will be null and void." "What, what does that mean?" "Anywhere within however many miles he spreads this thing, magick won't be able to be used. He's practically making everyone muggles." "How much time do we have?" Harry said. Lucius looked to the sky. "Maybe two hours." "Do you know what spell he's using?" "No, but I do know that if you and some others try to barricade some part of this field, then it won't work." Lucius said softly. Harry rubbed his head tiredly but nodded. "I'll run as fast as I can to find Dumbledore, if he believes me, which he should after all this shit, then we should be good." "Run hard." Lucius said as he took in his first deep breath since the conversation began. He kissed Harry's forehead, "May the Goddess protect you." "May she also protect you," Harry whispered and then watched as Lucius faded into the shadows. Harry walked backwards, before he turned and made a mad dash onto the battleground. Most of the Order saw him coming and began to protect him from any Death Eaters that saw him. Harry dodged a

stray crucio, and then had to dive so that a killing curse wouldn't finish him off. A strong hand helped him up and he blinked when he saw the fiery red hair of Ron Weasely. "What the fuck are you doing?" Ron demanded. "Running straight through the field like that?" Harry looked behind him and then pointed. "Well, it helped out, look, that's twenty more dead enemies." Ron glowered at him and Harry scowled. "Look, Father just contacted me." "Malfoy has never contacted you in the middle of battle." Ron said quietly. Harry nodded and looked at Ron beseechingly. "Look, I know things between us haven't been the best this past year, but believe me when I say that I still love you and Mione very much, so please believe what I'm about to say." Ron looked at him with a small smile and then nodded. "Go ahead." "Voldemort is about to nullify magick over a broad area. Soon all the magick in the world won't be able to be used here on this battlefield." Ron paled, "Now Father told me that if we barricade at least some parts of the field and keep them up, then he can't spread it." "But that takes a lot of power Harry; many of us are in the dregs as it is. I just came back from resting for an hour and I still can't do that many spells." Harry ran a hand through his hair in sheer frustration. "I know, but we have to try. This thing isn't just nullifying magick; it's dampening the senses as well. I can't feel Draco anymore." Ron's eyes widened. "But that's a permanent bond; you're supposed to be able to feel him at all times." "You are telling me shit that I already know." Harry snapped tiredly. "Believe me I know, and I'm suffering without the bond as is. My body is freezing half the time and now I'm getting crazy notions to go look for Draco, when I already know good and well that he is fine and dandy." "Is Malfoy having the same problems?" Harry blinked. "Which one?" "The older one Harry, why would you think thatoh, if you can't feel M-Draco, then you must not be able to feel you, right?" Ron said quietly and Harry nodded. "Yes, and I'm worried about that too. Father seems to be okay, but you know him, if he doesn't want me to know that he's not doing well, I won't know till he's passed out on the ground." Harry chuckled and Ron snickered. "Enough of this, where is Dumbledore?" "I haven't seen him for the last four hours. He could be anywhere."

"Damn it, we have to find him." Harry said as he blinked tiredly and looked at the field and then his eyes narrowed; the Death Eaters were all falling back. "What the bloody hell?" "Are they falling back?" "They sure arefall back!" Harry shouted at the top of his lungs. All the Order stopped and looked at him. "Fall back!" He barked and then he grabbed Ron's upper arm and began pulling him along as he ran. The hair on the back of Harry's neck began to stand up and he quickened his pace. "Damn it, we won't make it." "Harry what the hell are we going to do?" Ron said as they ran towards the trees. Harry narrowed his eyes and then they widened.the trees. "Of course, that's it." He whispered and searched around for the oldest tree he could find. Ron looked at him like he was crazy. "Harry, have you lost your mind." "No." "But" "Shut your mouth Ron." Harry said as he rounded the tree and then nodded to himself. He placed his hand on the thickest part of the trunk and closed his eyes, and took deep breaths until he was completely calm. All things faded into the background and he let his magick flow towards the tree, through his palm and then waited. Ahh, my sister told me about you. It was an almost elderly voice and Harry smiled in relief. Do you need help little one? Yes, Voldemort is trying to stop magick from being used on the field. I have no idea why, it would cripple him as well. Evil has no reasons; I will see what I and my sisters can do. Get your friend; you must reach the Elven camp quickly. Why? You will find yourself very tired, once you remove our connection. Hurry young one, his darkness is spreading. Thank you. Harry whispered and slowly removed his hand from the trunk of the tree and the connection shattered. It was a good thing Ron was there, because Harry collapsed in a heap on the ground. "Damn it Harry," Ron muttered as he went and lifted him. Harry merely pointed to the direction they had been running in and Ron cursed, but ran in that direction. He didn't have to run for long, because two Elves gracefully leaped from the trees beside him and had arrows notched and ready.

"Standdown." Harry said quietly. "Milord, are you alright?" "Is Father back?" He asked; the Elves looked at one another and shook their heads. "Forgive us, but no. Overlord Lucius hasn't returned." He looked at Ron and frowned slightly as he stepped up to him, handing his bow to his comrade. "I can take First Lord Harry." Ron frowned, but Harry was already struggling out of his arms; Ron was hurt by that, but then again, this past year had seen a lot of bad blood between them. The Elf murmured to Harry as he walked away with him. The other that still stood looked Ron over and bowed to him slightly. "We are grateful you brought him, thank you." He said softly. Ron nodded but then scowled. "Look, he was talking to a damn tree; I thought he was going a little loony." He muttered. The Elf frowned at him and dislike sparked in his eyes. "Trees are very powerful and very wise, if Lord Harry spoke with the trees then they will help." He turned and looked behind Ron and smiled. "They already did, look." Ron turned and blinked as he saw the soft muted green colors glistening around and over the trees, forming a barrier. The darkness that had forced them into the trees of the north side of the Forbidden Forest receded and slowly crept away. "How" "You wizards take the land for granted." The Elf said wisely his liquid brown eyes flashing with amusement. "If you open your eyes, you will find that the Earth is alive and She will protect if asked. You must go back to your camp; Lord Harry will see you later." "Dumbledore still needs to speak with him." The Elf rolled his eyes and walked away. "Your Headmaster will have to wait. We will not let him go until he is better. Tell that to your Dumbledore." The Elf vanished. Ron looked all around him warily but then just shook his head; if they didn't want him here, fine, he'd leave. Ron turned and began walking back towards where he knew Mione and Dumbledore would be, after all, he had a message to give. Lucius, Pansy, and Blaise all bowed before the Lord Voldemort as he raged and ranted about his thwarted plan. A number of dead bodies laid before them, the blood was slowly making its way over towards them. Pansy didn't flinch precisely, but she did scoot back marginally. Blaise and Lucius looked at each other out of the corner of their eyes and smiled slightly at her antics. They'd been killing people all day and now Pansy was squeamish; unbelievable. "Lucius, come here." Lucius rose gracefully and approached the Dark Lord slowly. "Yes Milord?" He asked quietly. Voldemort stared at him through blood red eyes. Lucius saw lust and desire enter his eyes, but there was also still that anger there.

"Undo your braid." He said softly. Lucius swallowed; he had a sick feeling of what was about to happen. He took off his gloves and began unraveling his braid. Voldemort watch with fascination and his desire heightened as the lithe Elf in front of him unraveled his beautiful hair. Once he was done Lucius ran his fingers through it unconsciously gathering it over his shoulder so that the tendrils wouldn't get into the blood at his feet. "Kneel before me." Lucius stepped up onto the dais and dropped to his knees, placing his hands on the Dark Lord's leather clad thighs. "You are so beautiful Lucius." "Thank you Milord." Lucius said softly. The smile that Voldemort gave him made him feel fear so acute he almost bolted. "I am displeased with my servants Lucius. Many are dead, more will die, and more try my patience. I have no patience for traitors and yet one had disappeared and there is another in my ranks now, who is messing up all my plans." The Dark Lord struck as quick as a snake, roughly seizing a good handful of silvery blond locks and wrapping them tightly around his wrist. "I do not like failure Lucius." "No Milord." Lucius said wincing slightly. Voldemort pulled him closer and Lucius flinched as his scalp began to burn from the pain of the tension. "I will straighten them out." "You will, do that." Voldemort readily agreed. "However, I think that the traitor is closer than expected to be." Lucius' blood ran cold. "You see, I think he or she is in my Inner Circle, have any of them been acting strange to you?" Voldemort's grip tightened further and Lucius let out a pained grunt. Pansy and Blaise winced at that but fear ran through them; what was going on? Did he know that one of them was a traitor? Or was he merely guessing? "No Milord, I have been by your side most days and when I am on my own I merely kill and then return. The Inner Circle is scattered to the four winds unless you call us like you have tonight. If there is a traitor I will find them." His voice was steady, but his mind was raging. Voldemort stared at him through desire, lust, insanity, and anger. Goddess, he prayed he believed him. Suddenly the Lord began loosening his grip, spreading it wide as he let his fingers tangle into Lucius hair as he pulled him forward and kissed him hard. The Dark Lord moaned as he forced his tongue into Lucius' mouth. Lucius closed his eyes as he took what the Dark Lord gave and gave in return, because it was expected of him. "Will you be willing to prove your loyalty again?" The Dark Lord asked as he pulled back. "Reaffirm your allegiance to me." "Yes, Milord." Lucius said; though he cringed at what this 'test' would cost him. "And you two?" He asked. "Yes Milord." They replied in unison. Voldemort smiled chillingly. "Very well, Lucius go to the bedroom, get prepared." He stroked Lucius' face. "It has been a while since we played with toys." Lucius paled, but nodded and made his way to the curtain behind the dais. Voldemort turned to Blaise and Pansy and smiled. "Come, your test waits." Blaise and Pansy bowed and followed Lucius into the Lord's bedroomtheir faces paling every step of the way.

"Blaise, what are yougood God." Vincent went white as a sheet. Blaise urged his mount to a stop. He dismounted and then gingerly pulled Lucius from the saddle. Lucius moaned delirious in pain, and Vincent quickly reached up and cradled the robed Elf in his arms. "Blaise, what the fuck happened?" He growled. Blaise was paler than he had ever been, he looked sick. "Wewe 'retook' our vows of allegiance." He choked out. "Pansy is still hurling. Please take care of him, and tell himtell him we are so sorry." Vincent saw the pain and disgust in his eyes and nodded. Blaise quickly remounted and rode away. Vincent took one look at Lucius' glazed eyes and quickly made his way to his tent where Harry had been pacing nonstop for three hours straight. Greg met him halfway and his eyes widened. "What happened?" "Voldemort." Vincent snarled and Greg's eyes narrowed. "We need fresh water, some rags, and see if there is a Healer among the Elves." "Harry is going to be livid." Greg said softly as they quickly made their way to the Lords' tent. Greg came through the flap back and Harry stopped pacing. "Harry." "Good Merlin, Father?" Harry looked on the verge of collapse as he made his way towards Vincent and the bundled form in his arms. He pulled the hood back, silvery blond lock were in disarray around Lucius' very pale face. Harry touched him lightly and Lucius turned slightly; his eyes were dulled with pain. "Oh, Daddy, what did he do to you?" Lucius gave him a small smile. "Nothing he hasn't beforehe just made Blaise and Pansy do most of the work, except for having sex with me." Lucius let out a painful snort. "He would never miss out on that one." "Lay him down, I need warm water and" "I have it." Greg said as he walked in. Vincent laid Lucius gently onto the bed, but hesitated as he was going to leave; Greg did the same. "I have it." Harry said quietly as he looked at the two Slytherins. The rage and righteous fury they saw burning in his eyes made them quake in fear. They did not want to be Voldemort when Harry got his hands on him. "Don't shed tears for me Harry, it's happened before." Lucius said wincing as Harry cleaned off all the lashes on his back from one of Voldemort's 'toys.' "I can't help it, what the hell did you do to warrant this. Father, this isisI'm going to rip his head off with my bare hands." Harry raged quietly as he cleaned off the blood, and split skinamong other things, off of Lucius' pale creamy skin. "Will it heal?" "Yes, Voldemort is giving me three days to recover. I should be up and going by then." Lucius said softly. Harry swallowed down a sob as he scrubbed furiously at his eyes as the tears still fell.

"I was so worried, I knew something was going on, but I never dreamed of this." "Voldemort is growing suspicious. When he does that, he lashes out at everyone. He says he only trusts Blaise, Pansy, and me, and I fear what he will have them do to each other to prove their loyalty." Harry slowly stopped cleaning the wounds and then he placed the herbal cream one of the Healers made all over Lucius' back. "So you want to get them out?" "I feel that it is time that I too, leave his services. I tire of this Harry; I do not want to go backI feel verydisgusted with myself after" "He raped you Father, he's been raping you, and it's not your fault." "I go back, knowing what will happen." Lucius said slowly. "You went back because you had no choice." Harry started. "And now you go back because you are getting us information, but after thisI think you are right. It is time for you and the others to be pulled." "He'll be very angry when he finds out that he was correct about the spy." "Then he'll make a mistake." Harry said confidently. "So what's the plan?" Before Lucius could say anything, there was the rustle of their tent flap being opened and Harry looked up and saw Demetrius standing there, dressed identically to Lucius. "Demetrius?" Lucius turned his head as the High Seer walked towards the bed and knelt down to see Lucius' face. "Oh my Child, I'm so sorry." Demetrius said sadly. "I had no idea, what that monster was doing to you." Demetrius' eyes looked haunted and he was overwrought with grief. "You saw it happen?" Lucius asked and Demetrius nodded. "I did, I came as soon as I did, and the others do not know I am here. Everything is how it should be. I will make it right." Harry and Lucius looked at him. "What?" Harry said softly. "I am here, to fulfill my part in this war; I will take Lucius' place." "No, Demetrius," Lucius began, but the High Seer shook his head. "It is my part to play," Demetrius said softly, "Itit is my destiny." Lucius' eyes widened. "Oh Goddess, you saw this didn't you? This is what you will dothat will get you killed." Lucius said softly and Demetrius nodded and placed a soothing hand on Lucius' head.

"It is my destiny, do not feel sad. I've come to terms. And I am so glad I met the two of you." He smiled his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I will stay here, in your place. You said that this Voldemort is expecting you in three days?" "Yes." "Very well then," Demetrius said and then his eyes hardened. "This is what you will do. Your forces will move over the course of these three days, the Elves here know where to go. Go with them, and they will take you to Draco and Severus." He smiled. "Both of you should be proud, they look so beautiful, and they are doing very well." Both Lords smiled, but anyone could tell that they were dying inside. "The real war will start there, where Wild magick runs free. The time for rest is almost up. Do you understand?" "Yes," Harry whispered. "Yes," Lucius whispered. Demetrius smiled sweetly and kissed both on the forehead. "I love you both, even though I only spoke to each of you only once, I have seen your lives and know you intimately, you both will do great things, and your lives will be filled with such joy and laughter. Fight hard and May the Goddess protect you always." Demetrius said as he fiddled with his wrist a moment before lifting a beautiful ornate bracelet to Lucius' eyes. "This is yours now. You are the High Seer; you were born and bred for it." Demetrius fitted it against his limp wrist and then turned to Harry. "And your Consort will come into his Elven powers soon, you will be surprised at what he is destined to do." "I'm sure he will; Draco will always be destined to do something of importance or greatness. It's one of the reasons I love him so much." Harry said smiling. Demetrius stood over them and nodded. "Rest easy, the war is about to reach its climax." "What are you about to do?" Lucius asked. Demetrius sneered and Harry was seeing Draco and Lucius in that sneer; it was a Malfoy patent sneer. "Ignite the flames of hatred, set fire to Voldemort's soul." He said cryptically and then faded into nothing. The two Lords silently stared at the spot where he disappeared. "I will miss him." Lucius said as he rolled over carefully. Harry laid his head on Lucius' shoulder and sighed. "Can we save him?" "No." "Why?" Harry asked and Lucius stroked his unruly hair. "Because, no one can escape their fate, you of all people should know that, very well." Harry chuckled sadly at the irony. "Yeah, I know that, I know that very well." He scowled. "Fate sucks."

"I couldn't agree more." Lucius said softly, "I couldn't agree more."

Chapter Sixteen The presence in his mind was unmistakable; the love and devotion he felt emanating from the connection made him shiver as he rushed through the exquisite halls of the High Seer's Palace. He took a turn and pushed open the beautiful ornate ebony oak doors and was greeted with the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. His Consort, Draco was sitting in a comfortable looking suede chair, his hair fell freely and pooled down his back behind him, and he was round with child. Draco immediately looked up from his book, his lush lips parted in surprise and his eyes widened in pleasure and love. "Harry, Harry!" He breathed excitedly and wiggled his way out of his seat. Harry rushed over to him. Draco didn't have time to say anything as Harry's lips crushed into his passionately. Draco moaned as pleasure spiked through his body and tiny feet kicked at his rounded belly. "Goddess, it is good to feel you." He purred. Harry ran his tongue over Draco's lips, his emerald eyes filled with love and lust as vast as the ocean. "My Goddess, how I love you." Harry murmured. There were two deep chuckles and Harry and Draco turned to see Severus and Lucius in an equally impassionate embrace. "Sev," Harry said with a smile and went over to the man and hugged him as best he could. "You've grown, you look wonderful." Severus blushed slight as he caressed his bulging abdomen. "Yes, well, both of us are finding it harder and harder to move." He said teasingly as he and Draco smiled at each other. "We were so worried when we couldn't feel either of you anymore, and then so relieved that it didn't last." Lucius kissed him soundly. "Well you won't have to worry about that, any longer." Lucius said. "And I can tell you are tired." He nipped Severus nose. "Come along, we've been setting up camp all day, it's time for me to rest as well as you. Goodnight children." He said and ushered Severus out of the study quickly. Draco chuckled as he wrapped his arms around Harry as much as he could. "I have missed you beloved." Draco said huskily. Harry felt himself stir with arousal. "Then let me remedy that." He growled. "Where is our room?" "This way." "Oh, Harry." Draco moaned as Harry thrust slowly in and out of his body from behind. Harry nipped at his neck, as Draco's fingers tightened around his neck as the elf turned and kissed him ardently. "You feel so good, lover." Harry said with wicked delight at the desire and passion mounting in Draco's dilated eyes. He smoothed his hands over the expanse of his bulging stomach, before sweeping his hand over the smooth silky skin of Draco's thigh and lifted his leg slightly and thrust deeper inside of him, hitting his prostate and making him scream. Harry made it last as long as he could before, the pleasure and intoxication overwhelmed him. "It is so good to feel you." Draco said contentedly and purred softly as Harry pulled out of him and eased him onto his back. Harry looked down at his Consort; his emerald eyes alight with pleasure.

"You look so beautiful." "I look like a beached whale." Draco muttered as he moved onto his side, facing Harry as his Husband laughed quietly. "You do not, you look very beautiful." He blushed in the dim candlelight, but his smile was shy and full of love and great affection. "I like seeing you this way." "Yes, look at what your hard, yet pleasurable work created." Draco said softly. Harry caressed his stomach and his eyes widened as he felt the small kicks of his child. Draco watched as the different emotions flickered across those wise eyes before the tears finally came and he frowned. "Harry?" "No, no, I'm fine. It's just thatI wish my Mom and Dad could see this." He said with such longing that Draco felt himself choke back his own tears. "They would be so happy, so proud." "I am sure that they can see what a man you've become, I'm sure they can see this. They are probably very proud of you." Draco said in a hoarse whispered. Harry lay down beside him and Draco eased his head onto Harry's shoulder. "You think so?" "I know so." "Where the fuck are they!" Voldemort roared and threw a careless bolt of green light at an unsuspecting Death Eater. The man dropped dead at Demetrius' feet. His eyes were cold and dead on the outside, but inside he was cringing. The evil this one man in front of him exuded was sickening. "I want them found, do you understand, found NOW!" Demetrius bowed, as seemed to be the protocol, though he found it quite disturbing. He began to leave with the others. "Lucius, pet, you stay here." "Milord?" He said softly. He stepped before the Dark Lord and nearly took a step back at the maniacal look in his eyes. "Strip, now." It was an order, not a suggestion. Demetrius did as he was told, sending unheard apologies to Lucius for what he had had to endure for a cause that was greater than all of them. The Dark Lord grabbed him roughly, sat on his high backed chair, pulling Demetrius into his lap, a few seconds later Demetrius cried out in surprise as well as pain as the Dark Lord entered him roughly and without mercy. He didn't give him time to adjust, or any time to catch his breath. Pain seared through him like lightening and Demetrius bit his lip to keep the cries of agony from seeping out. However he knew this Lord could feel his pain, but it only made him lust more. "You are such a fine slut Lucius. Beautiful from head to toe, you have always been my prized whore, and you always will be. I want you Lucius, say you'll break your bond with Snape; say it!" Demetrius was horrified and he adamantly shook his head. "Never." He said and for that he spent the next few hours as the sex toy of the Dark Lord. When the Dark Lord finally fell to his bed, exhausted, Demetrius turned from him, the coldness in his eyes giving away to tears of pain. This was it.

He was about to turn back to the Lord when he screamed in pain as a dagger pierced his heart through his back. "You are a traitor Lucius." The Dark Lord purred. "I have wanted you for years and yet you still will not give yourself over to me completely. You still keep yourself connected to that damn traitor Severusso you too are a traitor. If I can't have you, no one can." Demetrius gritted his teeth and pulled the blade out, his vision blurred dangerously; blood decorated the blade and oozed from his wound, marring his beautifully pale skin and hair. He turned on his back, his breath choking his throat as he chuckled. The Dark Lord frowned at this as he leaned over him, watching as he bled all over his bed. "What is funny?" "I am notLucius." Demetrius choked out as he coughed up blood and then he spit it in the Dark Lord's face. "I am Demetrius Malfoy." Those crimson eyes widened and then he snarled. "You dare to deceive me?" "Wealreadydid." Demetrius spoke slowly as he called what power he had left to his aide. The room began to vibrate as he stripped the last of his barriers, Voldemort began to move back, and Demetrius latched onto his arm and held him in an iron grip. A curved dagger appeared in Demetrius' hand and before Voldemort could move he plunged it deep into the man's black heart. Voldemort screamed and hissed in fury. Black blood oozed from his body and Demetrius' eyes burned like silver flames. "With my sacrifice, with my blood, ignite his soul." Demetrius rasped and the dagger began to glow a fiery red and began to melt into Voldemort's skin. "Set fire to his magick, let poison be his blood, and let the true Darkness twist his mind. So I say, so it shall be." Voldemort's screams strengthened as his fury mounted. "You son of a bitch!" He roared and he tried to call his magick to his aide, but the blade had done its work, the sickness, was beginning to spread. Demetrius smiled down at him coldly, and then kissed Voldemort hard. "I leave you one parting gift." Demetrius whispered as he felt the cords of his life begin to unravel, as the colors around him dimmed, as his magick; his very power began to build on itself, getting ready for the end. "And what is that?" "The answer to that damn prophecy that is running through your head." Voldemort's eyes widened with intrigue. "The answer? I already know it. Potter will die and I shall rule." "You are wrongHarry will wipe the floor of you." Demetrius said smirking as he fell boneless by the Dark Lord's side. "Your demise will soon come, and your fledging empire will crumble. Enjoy it while it lasts." His vision blurred and then went black.

His body felt weightless, his soul felt free. Demetrius smiled wanly as a soft soothing presence enveloped him in its arms. You did well, my Chosen. Well done, my Child, well done. Let go Child, and come home. Demetrius took his final breath of life and threw himself into the loving arms of the Goddess. A massive explosion rocked the Riddle House; it came from Voldemort's room. Narcissa Malfoy looked up in confusion from her cell; a beautiful room done all in blues and greens. She felt a sneer form over her face as she quickly made her way to the door and pushed on it; surprisingly it came open. She stopped for a brief moment; she was free. Her fucking husband was dead; his money and all the Malfoy properties were now hers. She laughed as she hurried to the Dark Lord's room. She knocked on the door and frowned when the Dark Lord didn't answer. She opened the door and stared in horror at what she found. She screamed. Lucius looked up suddenly from the battle plans he was making. The other Overlords as well as Leviathan looked at him. "Lucius?" Leviathan said in a questioning voice. Lucius frowned. "Something's wrong, I" Lucius didn't have time to finish before a wave of pure power and agony washed over him. He dimly remembered falling to the ground and he clutched his head and groaned in pain. What was happening? He wondered to himself and in the haze of all his pain he saw the answer. Demetrius, lying in a pool of his own blood, his eyes sightless, and his body blue and rigid with death. Demetrius was dead. "No!" Lucius screamed. Leviathan and the other who were trying to calm him flinched at that raw pain and sadness in his voice. Volleys of power continually beat down on him and his body absorbed them, sucked them in like water; like Wild magick. The overwhelming surge of all that power made his body convulse and then he fell into blissful darkness. "Is he alright?" Draco said anxiously as Claudius ran his hands carefully over Severus' prone form. "Claudius" "Draco, you must stay calm, think of your child." Claudius said; Draco was about to correct him until he remembered what Illyrian said about keeping the knowledge that he was with twins a secret. Claudius sighed with relief. "He's fine, so is the child." "What happened to make him collapse like that?" Draco asked. He never felt fear quite like the way he did when he heard Severus cry out from the morning room and rush, as much as he could, only to find the man in a crumpled heap on the floor. Claudius shook his head until his whiskey colored eyes fell onto Severus' left hand.

"Blessed Goddess." He breathed sadly and joyously. Draco looked at him and then looked down at Severus. His eyes went wide. "Isn't that?" "Yes, it is a wedding band, like ours, but how?" Claudius gingerly picked up Severus' hand and fingered the delicate ring bracelet combination. It was in the shape of a stylized dragon and from both rings to the band wrapped around his wrist it was littered with crystals and diamonds. The only stone that wasn't pure white was the large sapphire sitting snugly in the shape of a hexagon on the back of his hand. "High Consort." "What?" "This, his wedding band." Claudius said softly. "I have only seen this once and that was when Demetrius showed us an old painted photo of it. He said this was rumored to be the band of the High Consort, the Husband of the High Seer." "So if that is true then," Draco felt tears burn his eyes. "Demetriusoh Demetrius." "He must have died. Lucius must be still in the throes of absorbing his power, which would explain why Severus collapsed, sensory overload." "Daddy is the High Seer, now." "Yes, Lucius is Overlord no longer." Claudius said and then he gazed back at Draco and smiled, though a little bit of sadness still lingered in his eyes. "Harry is now Overlord, and so you are Duke Consort." Draco smiled slightly, but inside he wished deeply that none of this had ever happened. Claudius looked at him through age-old eyes and spoke softly. "Keep your chin up, all of this will be over before you know it." "I hope so." "I know so." Claudius said smiling and Draco smiled back. "Alright." Draco said softly. They were about to leave Severus, when he groaned in pain. Claudius turned back to him and frowned. Severus began to shift slowly against the sheets and then his eyes opened wide and he gritted his teeth. "Severus?" Draco asked softly. "Baby," he said, his voice hitched in pain slightly. "The baby is coming." Claudius and Draco looked at each other in horror, before Claudius quickly climbed on to the bed and threw back the covers before placing his hands gently on Severus' bulging stomach, followed by his head as he listened. "Blessed Goddess, he's gone into labor." Claudius said; fear laced with his words. "He shouldn't be; he has a month more to go."

"How is that possible?" Draco asked. "It's not healthy for him or the baby." "It possibly has something to do with what happened to Lucius, at any rate, we have to deliver this child. If we wait Sev and the baby could die." Claudius looked up at Draco. "And we can't let that happen." "No," he choked out, "we can't let that happen." Draco made his way over to Severus' side and gripped his hand tightly. "What can I do to help?" Claudius smiled. "Okay, I need..." Harry sat by Lucius' side, holding the Elf's hand; his face was tight with worry, and dread. Pansy and Blaise sat behind him while Greg and Vincent were standing guard outside the tent. Leviathan had left to see if there was a healer among the Elves near the campground. "I take it that the High Seer is dead?" "Yes, Dumbledore." "And Mr. Malfoy has taken his place?" "Yes, Dumbledore." Harry muttered. The old wizard stared at his former student with no small hint of sadness; he grew up so fasttoo fast. "So what's the plan?" "Plan?" "I'm sure you have one." Harry snorted; he was in no mood to play games. The flaps to the tent pulled back and Ron and Hermione came in. "Harry," Hermione said with a ready smile. Harry looked her way and gave her a small smile and nodded to Ron who nodded in return. "How are you?" "I'm here." He said tiredly as he stroked Lucius still cool hand. Pansy and Blaise stiffened behind him as Hermione and Ron pulled out their wands and pointed them at the two spies. "They were my spies in Voldemort's ranks. Leave them be." He said narrowing his green eyes at them. "But Harry," "Mione, trust me." Harry bit out, "we do not have time for this. I am tired of this fighting. To beat Voldemort we will have to work together." He glared at Ron especially. "Let them help the other wizards, they will be invaluable." "No one trusts them, and by them I mean they are Slytherin and were Death Eaters." "And? They had their reasons; they spied on them for us basically. All the information they got and Father got was invaluable. All of those wizards out there and in London are practically indebted to these three." Harry said softly, he turned to Pansy and Blaise. "I thank you for what you did."

"We don't deserve thanks Harry; we did some pretty horrible things." Pansy said her face paling as she looked at Lucius' prone body. Harry winced; he had almost forgotten what they had had to do to his fatheralmost. "I forgive you for that, and so does he." "Yes, so do I." Lucius spoke up. Harry whipped back around to him and smiled. "Hey," Harry said softly and Lucius smiled softly. "Hello, HarryDumbledore, Granger, Weasley." He nodded his head slowly. When his eyes fell on Blaise and Pansy he gave a great sigh of relief. "Thank the Goddess both of you are alright. I didn't get a chance to see if you had gotten out of the Death Eater camp or not." "As soon as we got your summons, we left." Pansy said as she approached the bed. "Lord Malfoy, please forgive us for what we did, we really" Lucius shook his head as much he could and gave her and Blaise a beautiful smile. "I have long forgiven you for thatyou did your duty. You kept your cover, I couldn't have asked for more." Lucius said and then he turned his attention back to the Headmaster. "The end is near. It's very close. Demetriusworked a very ancient spell, it was linked with a dagger made of dragon's bone and blood, once placed in the body of whom he wanted to cast the spell, it will immediately melt and become one with the host; this will begin the process." "What process?" Dumbledore asked. Lucius sighed sadly. "It will poison the host slowly; it will sap the strength from the body, mentally and physically as well as the magick in the body." He swallowed. "Before Demetrius placed the dagger in Voldemort's heart, Voldemort must have stabbed him first; a killing strike. The first thing that has to happen is that the caster's blood must flow. Once that happenseverything else falls into place." "So you are saying that Demetrius has in fact poisoned the Dark Lord, for us?" Ron said in astonishment. "Yes." Lucius said. "Well, then who is the High Seer now?" Hermione asked. Lucius sat up slowly and held up his left hand and wedding ring of pure platinum and diamonds sat on his ring finger, a sapphire winked in the arrangement in the dim light and around his wrist was a bracelet woven intricately with platinum, white gold, and scrawled over with Elven script. It glowed a fierce blue as Lucius eyes lit up with the same color. Power and magick rolled around him like a vortex; Dumbledore's eyes widened in astonishment. "I am." Lucius said. "I am the High Seer." He gazed at Harry with his weighted gaze and an all-knowing smile appeared on his face. "You are now Overlord, Harry." He said softly.

"I had a feeling you would say that" Harry said softly, but he smiled. Harry began to speak again, but Leviathan rushed in, his purple eyes wide. "Leviathan, what?" Lucius asked and then his face paled and he rubbed his temple. "Sev." "Leviathan, what the hell is going on?" "We have two very big problems." He said hurriedly. "One is that an army is headed right this way, the soldiers are already moving towards them as are some of the wizards." "Okay," Harry said and then turned to Blaise and Pansy. "You two go get the rest of the Elves, get everyone mobile. Harry stood and moved towards the opening of the tent and stuck his head out. "Greg, go find the Dragons, we need them. It seems the final battle is upon us." Greg nodded and left. Harry came back into the room and saw that Lucius was white as a ghost. "What." "Sev," Lucius said softly. "Sev? What's wrong with him?" Harry asked worriedly. Leviathan turned to him. "The High Consort has gone into labor." Harry blinked and then his eyes went wide. "Wait a minute, but, he's a month early." Harry protested. Leviathan nodded. "Claudius thinks that because of the changes Lucius went throughthat it must have triggered something in Sev. He's a month early and Claudius is worried about that, not only because of his age, but because of the war that is coming." He said finally. "What do you want to do, Father?" Harry asked. Lucius stood and sighed. "I need to fight in this." He said and then looked at Harry. "As do you." He turned to Leviathan. "Please tell" "He already knows." Leviathan said softly. "I just wanted to let you know. I will be there, as will Draco and Claudius. Don't worry about anything. Go, the army needs you, both of you." Leviathan bowed to Lucius and then disappeared. The tent was silent and then Lucius moved swiftly out of the tent. "Harry come with me." Harry glanced at Dumbledore, Hermione, and Ron before following Lucius out. "No rest for the weary." Harry mumbled. "Of course not." "Voldemort is really poisoned?" "He is." "Then he's out there leading the army?" Harry asked flabbergasted. Lucius sneered.

"No." "Then who is?" "My ex-wife."

Chapter Seventeen He was splendid in all black. It was the first thought that crossed Narcissa Malfoy's mind as she stared at her husband on the other side of the battlefield. His long locks were pulled back into a rope of a braid that hung heavily down the front of his body all the way to his calves. Black dragon hide leather covered every inch of his lithe frame and an ornate Elven sword hung in his hand. She'd married him because she was told to, gave him a child because she was told to, and she left himbecause he had sickened her. They'd been married for twenty years. Twenty damn years she had remained his wife, perhaps not faithfully, but still his wife; and yet that meant nothing to him, all he cared about was the Consort he could not have. "Damn you to hell Severus Snape." She muttered under her breath. She was furious when she'd found out that he'd changed his will, leaving everything to his Consort and son. Yes, she had never considered Draco hers. As soon as she bore him, and saw those silver eyes and pointed ears, she wiped her hands of him. As he grew he became more graceful, more beautiful, and more Elven. He had looked to her with innocent eyes full of hurt, wondering why she could not love himbut all he had really needed to do was see her watch his father with a hatred and growing fury to know the reason. He would never love heronly Severus. Narcissa had no love lost for her husband, but she hated him with every fiber of her being for that. She raised her sword arm; the blade glinted off the light as she pointed it at her ex-husband. "May you die this day, you bastard." She murmured to herself. "KILL THEM ALL!" The entire army roared behind her and charged forward as she stood looking splendidly regal in her blood red leather. Her blond locks were in severe bun and her wand clenched in her fist, she began to move as well. She led the army for Voldemort yes, but this was not her true intent all she wanted was to put her sword through Lucius' beating heart. Lucius watched as the army came closer and closer. The Three Ancients stood beside him, radiating power, and calm. "She was your wife, no?" Draconis asked him. "Yes." "Did you love her at all?" "I did, and I respected her tremendously, however, as the years past, she became a shadow of her former self, as bitterness seeped into her blood." Draconis nodded his understanding. "I see, can you kill her?" He asked, as his wife and son, as well as he, began to strip the many veils they had up around them, cloaking their presence. "She's been dead to me for eighteen years." Lucius said. "It will not cost me, but a little, to kill the shell of the woman she used to be." He said softly as he raised his sword as well as his free hand. Ocean blue

flames emanated from his open palm. "Are you ready?" He asked calmly but knew that all who were behind him could hear him clearly. "Ready to Follow, High Seer," The entire Army said in unison. "Then let us fight." He said lowly, and as he walked forward he let his arm fall until his hand was right in front of him and he spewed flames of wizarding and Elven fire in front of their faces. As grass caught fire as well as their feet, thousands upon thousands of screams tore through the air. It had been a trap, the grass underneath them spreading back was all doused with a Fire spell, and all that was needed was fire. "May the Goddess have mercy on you all." Lucius said before decapitating his first victim. Blood splattered over his face, hair, and clothes, but he pressed on. Many would die this day, but not himhe had too much to live for. Severus, I will return to you. Be protected my Love. Severus said through the pain he was going through. Fear made Lucius fight harder; he did not live twenty years of misery only to lose his Consort and child now. My prayers are with you as well. He returned and then pushed the link back as he flung the Killing curse towards five Death Eaters and watched them fall. "And so it continues." "My Goddess, he is not ready yet, give him just a little more time." Claudius prayed as he sent soothing energy through Severus pain filled body. The older wizard groaned in agony even as Draco dabbed his face and neck gently with a cold cloth. "I don't understand; it should not be this painful. Claudius" "His body was not given time to make preparations for having this child. Though a man cannot essentially give birth as women do, even his body will go through changes to prepare, to make it easier to perform the cesarean section to his body. The child and or children are protected in a magick womb that is started at conception and grows with them. At the time when the wizard or Elf goes into a natural labor, that womb will slowly disappear leaving the babies unprotected yet ready to be delivered." Claudius looked up at Draco with fearful eyes, "because Severus was forced into labor because of strenuous circumstances the womb didn't gradually disappear, it ruptured, not only that but he is a full month early, these are complications no one has ever had to deal with." "Are you saying that you can do nothing for him?" Draco asked, tears beginning to stream down his face. "Please, there must be something we can do?" Claudius looked at the young Consort with regret in his gaze. "I am so sorry, the only thing that may make it better is if we had a Bard, song especially that of a High Bard would calm not only Severus but the baby as well, however the Bard House is so far away." "So what will happen?" Claudius sighed heavily.

"If we do not do something fast, Severus and the baby will die." Draco looked down at Severus, his skin was pale and his obsidian eyes filled with pain. "No." Draco's voice was strong as steel. Claudius looked up in surprise and cringed as he saw the frightening cold determination in his eyes. "Draco there is nothing that we can do" "No! There is always a way, always!" Draco said coolly even as he cried. "I will not let my papa die; I will not let him die." Claudius stared at him with wide whiskey colored eyes and then his eye grew impossibly wider as he felt Draco's power growing. "Draco what?" He trailed off as his eyes began to glow oceanic blue with streaks of silver. "Bardblessed Goddessthat is his power." As if in a trance, Draco turned back to Severus and placed his hands slowly onto the other man's body; one of his stomach and the other on his heart as he took a deep breath and sang. Pure power fell from his lips as did the most beautifully enchanting and sorrowful song Claudius had ever heard. As Draco continued to sing, Claudius could feel the calm and serenity swept over the agony filled man and the child he carried. Visions of battle, love, loss, hope, pain, all swept over Claudius as he too felt calm. Time was irrelevant as Draco sang, his voice and power echoed throughout the room, palace, and reverberated in the very hearts of those who were fighting. It gave them strength and endurance and above all, hopethat this fight could be won. As the last remnants of the song faded, the oceanic glow that had enveloped him dissipated, leaving Draco exhausted and very confused. "Whatwhat happened?" Claudius smiled softly. "It seems we have found your Elven talent." "I beg your pardon?" "You are a Bard." Claudius said softly, his eyes drifted over Severus' now content form and then widened as he let his senses wash over Sev's prone body. "Now is not the time, your magick has made the transition complete, he is ready, come I must perform this now, or I many never get another chance. Now help me." Draco nodded and began to move around, but he paused and looked out the window, his brow furrowing. "Harry?" Harry wiped yet more blood off his face as he ripped his sword from another were animal. He turned quickly, his free hand coming from his side already spewing bright eerie green flames of the Killing curse; it wiped out the twenty that were converging on him. "Father!" He screamed. Lucius whipped around slicing through yet another enemy soldier as he made his way to his son. "What is it Harry?"

"Something isn't right." Harry said breathing heavily. "Even if he's sick Voldemort should be here, and he's not, that's worrying me." Harry said. Lucius cradled his face in his hands. "Harry, you must fight one enemy at a time. Let him cower, he will ultimately die at your hands." "I want him dead now." "I know, we all do, we all do, but now is not the time." Lucius said he cut down yet another minion of the Dark Lord. "Right now, we need to kill as many of his followers as possible. He feeds off their power, the more we kill, the more damage that will be done. He's already weak, just think of how much weaker he will be if most of his army is gone as well." Harry bit his tongue; he knew Lucius was right. He felt frustrated and angry, so many were dying because of their belief in that crazy man, every time he cut one down, it seemed just a little more of him pitied them and a little more of him felt guilty for killing them. Lucius must have felt his thoughts because he shook him harshly. "You listen to me Harry; it is not your fault! None of this is your fault, those people made their own choices and they chose this life." "But he forced them to, just like he forced you!" Harry shouted. "He may have but many went to him willingly. You cannot hold the weight of hundreds of thousands of souls on your conscious Harry, be proud that you are doing the right thing, fighting for the right cause, and you will win, never doubt it, Harry, never doubt it." "How can I not! So many have died for me to be here, so many including my own parents and Sirius!" Harry said, "Severus risked his life for me every time he went back into that hell hole with that damn man and you, you did as well. I can't help but feel guilty!" "Because all of those people who died loved you and still love you." Lucius said, "Just as much as Severus and I love you Harry." Harry stiffened and looked up at his father. "What?" "I love you Harry, as if you were my own flesh and blood. You are a shining example of what a true wizard is, you're bright and strong, charming and compassionate. Who wouldn't love you?" Harry didn't know what to say. What do you say to a man who had given him everything he always wished for: his own family. "Father I" "Now is not the time. Come, you have exhausted your magick and yourself. We must make our way back to camp." Lucius said and began pulling Harry towards safer ground. Harry watched as many Elves and wizards alike covered them from fire as they made their way back from enemy lines, but as they made their way back Harry felt somewhat lighter than before he went into this war. It wasn't because of his friends, or the allies fighting for himit was because he had found a family. A family in his Consort

Draco, and Severus, a man who had detested him for most of his life that now supported himand in LuciusLucius Malfoy, a man who had tried to kill him over numerous times and yet loved him now as a son. "I love you too." He whispered and Lucius squeezed his hand in response. "I don't think I can do this." Severus gasped out as another contraction swept through him. Draco clutched his hand tightly in both of his. "Yes you can." He said gently smiling. "You have waited so long for this; I know you can do this, papa." Draco said softly. Severus smiled slightly as yet another contraction laced through him. Claudius smiled at Severus gently. "You won't feel a thing." Claudius murmured. "Of course not, I'm stone cold sober and about to be knifed." Severus snorted sarcastically. Draco laughed softly. "You are about to have my father's and your Husband's child." He swallowed. "One that is going to be so beautiful just like the man who gave birth to him and created him." Draco smiled at Sev. "This is what we were made for, us Consorts." "That is true." Claudius said softly as he used Severus' distraction as a blessing and began to make the incision. "We took our vows, to ultimately get to this point. Carrying and having the child of our Lord is the most truthful and yet beautiful sign of our Loyalty to them." Blood flowed as he finished the incision, and he had to concentrate, Draco picked up where he left off. "I remember when I was little; you and Daddy had a very big argument. He was trying to get you to marry someone else, to leave him to his fate, but you wouldn't let him would you?" Severus shook his head and winced as he felt Claudius' hands breach the incision to deliver his child. "I remember you saying that you were his Consort and that he was your life, your soul," Draco swallowed and continued. "You said 'A Consort's Loyalty is not truly tested unless faced with obstacles that are so horrifying and frightening that any other person would run. However a true Consort would stand by their Lord, no matter the risk to their life.' Do you remember that?" "Yes, it is the truth." "It is, you waited twenty years for him, and now you have him and you have your child that he sired. Your Loyalty never faltered it held strong and true, through everything." Draco said half in awe of the man that was more his second parent than his mother. Severus grunted and Claudius gasped in joy as he pulled out a beautifully formed child. "Severus, it's boy!" He said and as he did silvery blue eyes stared back at him. Claudius cut the umbilical cord and handed the child to Draco, who cleaned him and cooed over his form. Severus shifted and smiled down at his child before he moved again only this time in discomfort. Claudius saw this and frowned and ran a hand over his abdomen again. "What in the world?" he asked before gently plunging his hands back in. Draco watched him worriedly as he swathed the baby in a silk blue baby blanket and

moved back towards Severus. Claudius eyes lit up, "Severus," he breathed as he gently pulled and then cradled another baby in his arms. Severus' eyes widened and Draco laughed joyously. "Twins, Severus, you have twins." "It's a girl." Claudius said as he cut yet the second cord and began cleaning her off. "Oh she is beautiful Severus, perfectly healthy and she has your eyes. Congratulations!" Severus was still speechless, but when Draco offered his son to him, he took him in gentle yet shaking hands and looked him over with a wondrous expression of awe and love. Claudius began healing him and Severus let his hands drift over ten perfect little fingers and toes, over the boy's brow and stared into his gorgeous silvery blue eyes. He had been worried when he didn't hear the usual bellowing, but at the sight of those tiny cute pointed ears he remembered; his children were Elven and Elven children never cried at birth. "He's so beautiful." Severus choked and wiped away the tears that fell from his eyes; he hadn't cried tears of joy in two decades. "What will you name him?" Draco asked. "Dysis, his name will by Dysis." Severus said softly and then his eyes look towards the daughter who had surprised him and would probably shock Lucius into a dead faint. Already he could tell that where Dysis mirrored Lucius, she would mirror him. Her skin was a silky alabaster white and her obsidian eyes were as dark and as beautiful as his ownbeautiful child, which she was. "And you my angel will be Adonia." "Dysis and Adonia? Beautiful names." Draco murmured as he let Severus hold them both. Claudius sighed in exhaustion and Severus looked up at him in worry but the Elder Consort smiled. "I am as fine as are you, Severus. We will move you soon to a more secure location, and Draco you will follow him, however, that will be later. Right now you need your rest." Claudius carefully took the children out of Severus' arms and smiled gently down at them both. "You two little darlings have tired your daddy out." He smiled gently down at Severus. "You did excellently; soon there won't even be a scar. No sex for six weeks, I will beat it into that husband of yours if I have to. Plenty of food and water and rest. Dysis and Adonia will come with me and be looked over, they are going to be powerful children I can already tell, and we will see which house they shall go in." Severus nodded. "Can I see them later?" "I will bring them back to you straight away. Elven children usually go to sleep without even feeding the first time around. But we can talk later." Claudius said and silently made his way from the room. Severus sighed as he laid back on the pillows in exhaustion. "Rest papa, I will look out for you." "How are they doing?" Severus asked tiredly as he began to drift off to sleep. Draco smiled. "Our husbands are two of the most powerful men on the field, they are just fine."

Chapter Eighteen Harry sighed softly as he opened his emerald green eyes sleepily. The heartbeat at his ear was still slow and steady; telling him that his father was still sleeping deeply. Harry pushed up gently to look down at Lucius' beautiful face. He couldn't help but love the man like the father he never had. He had done so much for himHarry turned away as he thought in disgust of Voldemort raping Lucius. He wanted the man gone, gone this instant. "Have patience, my son, you will have your just rewards very soon." Lucius murmured his voice thick with sleep. Harry turned to him and frowned. "You still need your rest, a lot has happened in the last twenty four hours." "Yes that is true, however, my love is fine and healthy and I can't help but be happy and excited to see if our child is a boy or girl." Harry smiled at the flickering excitement in the older Elf's eyes. "Don't you know, High Seer?" Harry teased. Lucius rolled his eyes but let a gentle but beautiful smile spread across his face. "I may be a Seer, but I cannot see everything. Plus my darling Consort was dreadfully tired and fell asleep straight away, I am a little nervous, however I can wait." His eyes dimmed some, "hopefully this war will be over by the time Draco will have to go into labor." "I hope so as well." Harry said as he leaned into the hand stroking his face and hummed appreciatively. His magick had been slightly off all day, what with being away from his intended as well as Lucius. He could feel the magick churning peacefully within both of them, resorting itself, the tension leaving their auras. There was a rustle at their tent's entrance and Vincent appeared. He bowed low to them both. "What is wrong Vincent?" Lucius asked concerned as he patted the comforter in front of him and Harry, beckoning Vincent to come and sit, which the larger young man did, gratefully. "It seems Voldemort has put in an appearance, he is on the field, now leading." Vincent said tiredly. "Narcissa is nowhere to be found, we don't know where she went, but we have a good idea of who she is coming for." Vincent looked at Lucius and the Elf nodded sadly. "She will want my death, she has found out I changed my will." "I beg your pardon?" Harry asked tightly; just thinking of the death of this man made him nauseous with grief. Lucius laid a soothing hand on his thigh and gave it a squeeze. "Just a little precaution, I have already seen I will survive this war and whatever else the Goddess has in store for us all, however, because I will not be going back to the wizarding world after this, I needed to be sure my affairs were in order, so I made a will stating that the entirety of the Malfoy fortune will go to my Consort and my son Draco. Now because Severus will be staying with me, Draco will get it all, I left none for her."

"I can see why she'd be mad." Vincent said with a tired smile. "Besides that, the Three have been practically decimating their forces, they are still very secretive, however the dragon clans on Voldemort's side do know now that we have three dragons of our own, they just don't know who they are." Vincent grinned. "And even Draco's dragon has made an appearance or too, however, only when someone gets too close to the palace." "Good." Harry said in satisfaction. Lucius chuckled and then looked at Vincent. "How are Pansy and Blaise?" "I haven't seen them since this morning, but they are working with the Elves, so most likely they are doing very well." Vincent said. "The wizarding groups didn't take kindly to them." Harry snorted. "What's new?" He muttered and Lucius chastised him by making a disapproving noise in the back of his throat. "Sorry." "Let's not get bitter shall we. Come Harry, the battle waits." "Yes, doesn't it always." "Well you are certainly in a good mood." Lucius said sarcastically. Harry just laughed. "I'm just voicing the mood everyone is in; they don't have the guts to do it otherwise." Lucius merely smiled. He hated this damn poison. Voldemort scowled darkly as he sliced an approaching wizard in half with just a thought and then did so again with his sword. The blood that cascaded down his face and robes invigorated him; he felt powerful, mighty, and in control. However, he could feel the poison that damn Elf put in him, flowing steadily, weakening himkilling him. He'd worked so hard, everything he wanted was in his grasp! And now this! Voldemort let out a roar and a black wave of magick washed over the battlefield. Elves, Weres, and Wizards alike from the side of the Light fell like flies. An answering roar filled the sky and he watched in horror and anger as two dragons, one a smoldering black, the other an astonishing silver, torched a quarter of his remaining army. The screams of the dying coursed over him and he cursed and stumbled, their life magick being taken from them as well as him, was staggering. "Curse you to the fires of Hades!" Voldemort hissed in Parseltongue. Those around him trembled in fear as well as from the black sickening aura oozing out of his every pore. "No, you shall be the one cursed to the fiery pits of hell." Voldemort looked up and saw a man; black scales covering half his face and giant dragon's wings extending from his back. "Who are you?"

"I am the Oldest of all Dragons. I am Draconis." He said softly, but the dragons that were rising into the air behind Voldemort stopped and stared in horror at their Elder. "You have all dishonored my wife, my son, and me. You are no longer Dragons in our eyes. If one talon is raised against High Seer Lucius Malfoy and his army again, you are as good as dead." "Your threats are empty." "To you it may seem that way, but they are not. We will slaughter them." "They are Dragons as well." Draconis gave him a sinister smile. "They may be, but I was the First, granted life by the Lady. My wife was Second and Our Son born from our Love was Third. We are the Ancients; we are the Gods among them. They have made us angry, they have brought shame upon all Dragons, and for that they must pay." Draconis said and with a giant leap he was in the air, towering above them, his wife Illyrian and son Dion by his side. "Kill them!" Voldemort hissed. The Dragons hesitated, some were crying, some had already let their magick tear apart their bodies in grief at dishonoring their Elders. However, those still alive knew, knew their fate, they would die, but they'd rather die with honor, than no honor at all. Horrific roars went into the air as the last of the Five Dragon Clans converged on the Three that had stood when time began. It was a bloody massacre. Voldemort watched as the strongest of his forces were slaughtered. "Damn you all!" "My Lord." Voldemort whipped around and unconsciously licked his lips. Though he liked men better; in skin tight leather Narcissa Malfoy would soothe his lusts just nicely. "What is it Lady Malfoy?" "I have found a way into the palace." "Really?" She nodded, "I'm planning on killing my son; do you have any objections to that?" Voldemort threw his head back and laughed and he casually flicked his wrist and sent twenty more men to their deaths. "By all means." "Thank you." She murmured and stealthily moved off the field. Voldemort turned around and smiled evilly, however, pain seared through his veins and he was hacking up blood a moment later. "Damn poison." He muttered, but then he smiled again. "Draco's deathnow if that doesn't get Potter out of hiding I don't know what will." His laughter echoed over all the fighting and his mental voice left many shivering in disgust. Potter, come out come out wherever you are.

Draco made his way to Severus' room cautiously. Though he knew they were safe, there was always that chance that something might be wrong. He didn't want to take any chances. His magick was at an alltime low, and that scared him, he was no better than a squib on most days, not that he minded. He smiled dreamily as he felt his children kicking his stomach. He only had two more months to go, he chuckled softly, and he'd always wanted his children born in June. The soft bells in his hair chimed softly as a cold rush of wind swept through. Draco stopped and turned and glanced behind himself down the long beautiful hallway. There were no windows here. Draco began walking again and when the second tendril of cold air brushed against him, he didn't look behind him, he just began walking as fast as he could. He rounded a corner and nearly slipped and fellthe groundhe looked down at his feet and felt a scream of terror bubbling in his throat. The guards that he had passed not an hour earlier had had their throat slit, he'd slipped in blood. "Oh Goddess." He murmured and quickly rounded the prone bodies and dashed down the hall, but instead of going to Severus' secret bedroom, he went to his own. He slammed and locked the door and leaned against it, trying to calm his beating heart. "Well, well, well, my one and only son is pregnant." It was a cold calculating voice; a voice that Draco would never forget. "Mother?" He asked softly. Narcissa Malfoy emerged from the darkness, her blood red skin tight leather outfit shone in the pale light. She smiled coldly at him. "Hello, Draconis." She said snidely. "It seems your little husband's been busy." She pointed towards his stomach and he immediately, instinctively covered it with his arms. Narcissa laughed darkly. "Oh, you look so pitiful now. You're what, six or seven months gone now? Your magick must be down to nothing. You are in effect helpless against me." Draco's silvery eyes widened in terror as he saw the bloodied blade of her sword in one hand and her wand in the other. "Mother, please, don't do this." "Why not?" "Because, I'm your son, these are your grandchildren, do you have a heart at all?" Draco asked softly, sadly. He'd so desperately wanted his mother to love him all his life; he'd wanted his father's love even more than hers. "Why should I care?" She spat. "Lucius never loved me! The man was made of ice, even when he took me to his bed. You were not conceived of love Draconis you were conceived out of duty." Draco flinched at that and Narcissa sneered. "How does that make you feel huh? Your precious father, the one you love so much looked on your mother with disgust as he took me and got me pregnant. I carried your arse for nine months and he didn't pay any attention to me whatsoever until he got a good look at you when you were born! He had his heir! After that he couldn't have cared less. I wanted his love Draconis, why couldn't your father love me!"

"He has loved Severus all his life, he was meant for him, and surely you knew that before you went into the marriage!" Draco pleaded as he pressed himself tighter against the door as she advanced on him. "He respected you, even liked you all these years!" "I didn't want that!" "But you don't love him either, so why would you want!" "Shut up!" She back handed him with the hilt of her sword. Draco cried out as he tumbled to the floor. A hideous bruise was already forming along the side of his face. "Of course I didn't love that sodding bastard, not after the humiliation he put me through, of carrying his child and him not even caring! As soon as you were born I'd new you'd be an Elf just like your dear Father, and I hated you on sight. You were so perfect, so beautiful, so Elven you made me want to puke!" Draco looked up at the woman he had called his Mother and cried, cried for her, cried for his father, and cried for himself. "All I ever wanted was your love!" Draco yelled at her. "All I ever wanted was for you to care just one second about me, was there any time you cared at all?" "None, you were merely the byproduct of duty." Narcissa stared down at him coldly. "I doubt your father even loves you, he's been grieving for the child he lost when that whore Severus was beaten nearly to death." Draco paled; no, that wasn't true. "Father loves me." "I doubt it," she said dryly and then sneered as she pointed her wand at his heart and raised her blade above her head. "After all why would he ever love the spawn of a spouse he merely took out of duty?" She stopped smiling and even though she was perfection, Draco had never seen anyone so ugly before in his young life. "DIE!" The blade came down and the eerie green light of the Killing curse came from the wand. Draco closed his eyes.HELP ME! HELP ME! Harry and Lucius both whipped around towards the palace. Harry felt such a rush of fear and panic within him at the pure terror of Draco's voice. "Draco!" "No, you must stay here I'll go." Lucius ordered and faded on sight. Harry bristled at that until he was swamped with the magick signature of the one he hated most. "Hello Tom." He said without turning around. "Potter, it's time to die." "Not likely." Harry murmured and turned around, his sword already unsheathed and a ball of pure flames surging from his other hand. Voldemort met his attack.

The earth shrieked as the two powerful foes collided on the battlefield. Lucius didn't hesitate. As he materialized into the room all he saw was his ex-wifes sword moving towards Draco's bulging stomach and the Killing Curse about to make its final strike. "You die, now." He growled low as he buried his Elven blade into her back. Narcissa screamed and Draco looked at him in silent relief and surprise. Blood had splattered all over his hair and face and robes, but as soon as Narcissa's corpse fell to the floor, Draco was being pulled into his father's crushing embrace. "Oh, Goddess, she didn't hurt you did she?" "No, no she didn't." Draco said as he buried "Thank you Father." Lucius pulled his face away from his shoulder and looked at him as tears fell down his face. "Draco, you don't have to thank me for that. I'd die before I let anyone hurt you." Draco just looked at him and Lucius sighed. "I love you Draconis, I've loved you from the moment I saw you born. You were so beautiful." "You love me?" Draco asked softly. "Truly? Because she" "Don't even think about what that bitch said, do you hear me? I love you and Severus loves you as if you were his own. Never doubt that." Lucius choked huskily as he hugged him again. Draco would have responded if not for the shadow falling over them. "Father!" Lucius turned and the wave of magick that unfurled from that dark shadow pushed him into the wall. Lucius dropped to the floor and stopped moving. Draco looked over at him in horror. "Father!" He screamed and tried to move; but one strong hand clamped onto his leg and he turned and stared into the twisted face of Voldemort's astral projection. "What a prize you are, my master will be pleased." "Master?" Draco asked shakily. The twisted Voldemort sneered, half his jaw was decayed and Draco felt his stomach rolling. "I am the soul of Voldemort in the flesh; he is fighting your husband now." The Soul of Voldemort laughed darkly. "I want to hear his agony as he watches you and your children die." With amazing strength the decayed from of the Dark Lord drug Draco to his feet and then lifted him. "No!" Draco screamed. Lucius shuddered at the anguished sound of his son. He lifted his head his vision blurry. "Draconis!" "Father!" Voldemort turned and sent a wave of twisted magick towards Lucius and then clamped a decayed hand on Draco's mouth. Lucius fell unconscious again and Draco stared up into the maniacal crimson red eyes of Voldemort.

Scream in your nightmares for me Pretty; because Hell is where I am taking you. Draco's screams were muffled and then his eyes rolled in the back of his head and he fell limp. Even in the darkness of his mind, his screams continued.

Chapter Nineteen Footsteps. Murmured voiceshis son's screams. "I think he's waking up." It was the sound of his Consort's voice, but Lucius was furious. A riptide of power surged in him as his fury mounted. Voldemort has stolen his child.his child and threatened the other with death, but not only his childrenno, he took his unborn grandchild as well Lucius opened his eyes and Severus stepped back hastily as he felt wave after wave of incredible power reverberate around the High Seer. "Lucius, darling?" "Stay here Severus." Lucius murmured softly, quietlydeadly. "This ends today." Lucius straightened his robes, picked up his still bloody sword and glided from the room. "Burn her body; I don't want to see that filth in my house." Severus looked down at the twisted visage of Narcissa Malfoy and shuddered at the pain and fear etched into her dead face. He pitied whoever stepped into Lucius' path. Lucius was detached from the world, there, but not really. He could hear the concern from those who were close to him, but he could also feel the fear. The combined age and Power of the transfer that Nathaniel gave him with his last breath and the power he had amassed on his own made him nearly three times as powerful as he had been and now that he was not shielding himself at allmany could feel his intent. And that scared them. He didn't care. "Leviathan, where are you?" He asked lowly, but his voice reverberated throughout the halls. The Elder came, striding gracefully through the halls. There was concern in his violet purple eyes and he rushed to Lucius' side. "Lucius are you?" "There isn't time. The end grows near." Lucius said softly. Leviathan swallowed as he looked into the glowing eyes of the High Seer. His magick was oozing out of him, churning like a double helix around him, such power "Yes Sire, what is it that you wish me to do?" "Call back the wizards and our people." Lucius ordered. "Voldemort and my son Harry are fighting now, and Voldemort also has Draco." Leviathan's eyes widened in horror. "The field must be open, the destruction will be terrible and" "High Seer!" A wizard came running towards them and bowed low. "The Dementors, sir, the Dementors have arrived."

"Goddess no." Leviathan murmured sadly. Lucius didn't look surprised. "Fall back, get to safety have the Dragon Elders keep fighting them off." He looked the wizard in the eye and the wizard's face went white as a sheet. "Tell them they shall be able to use everything and anything necessary to do this do you understand?" "Y-Yes." Lucius swept past them gracefully and disappeared in a cold gust of wind. "Merlin, what is he?" "He's the High Seer." "High Seer or not, no one can have that much power and still be sane." The wizard murmured. Leviathan arched a cool eyebrow. "You do not know Lucius Malfoy well then." He said softly. "He was born for this role, and he takes to it like a moth to a flame. Follow his orders, or I fear you will taste the end of his sword." The wizard ran like hell. Draco shivered uncontrollably in the damp darkness of a rotting tree. He pulled his black leather battle robe around himself tightly, however it could not thwart the chill that was bone deep. He stared at the abomination in front of him and couldn't help but think that it was all fruitless. The Soul of Voldemort was even more loathsome than the man. Although his father had always told him that the true power of a person wizard, elf, and human alike always resides in the soul of that person. He had not believed, until he met this one evil soul. He was tired, he was hungry, and he felt a fear so deep even the children inside of him could feel it. Small calming waves would wash over him at acute periods of terror that just managed to eat at him only to be thwarted by the tiny rays of baby blue light. His and Harry's children were trying to calm him. At one time he would have smiled with delight, but now all he could do was try not to cry. Where was the power he had felt washing through him when he'd helped Severus? Locked away it seemed. His magick was sporadic at best, it was just his rotten luck the magick decided to recede now and leave him little better than a muggle born. You are frightenedgood, you should be. "What do you want with me?" He whispered quietly, glad that his voice didn't shake, he sounded subdued though, but that couldn't be helped, his strength was leaving him, he felt his eyes drift closed and the tendrils of a terror filled scream began to enter his ears and his ears alone, Draco snapped out of his stupor, no, he must stay awake. The terror that awaited him in his dreams was far more terrorizing than the one sitting across from him. Master wants your husband, not you. However, you are the one that will give the Golden Boy to Master. "I will never give him Harry." Draco said through clenched teeth. A sickly chuckle came from the slimy darkness in front of him.

Your husband will give up of his own free will; you are so precious to him. "I" Draco couldn't speak. This twisted soul was right; Harry would do anything for himDraco closed his eyes to ward off the tears of hopelessness that he desperately wanted to shed but couldn't. He wouldn't let this monster see his pain, his fear. He was Draconis Malfoy and damn it he would get through this. Draco tilted his head haughtily. "Well, I'm sure that when he does come, he'll strike you and your Master down." The Soul of Voldemort didn't like the sound of that. It bared its rotten teeth as it hissed in fury. You have a lot of nerve Elf. We shall see where your confidence goes when your Husband fails! The Soul suddenly jerked backwards and Draco watched in interest as well as sick fear as the soul dissolved into nothingness. "What in the Goddess?" "Hello Draco." Draco stiffened as he turned towards the entrance to the trunk of the tree. Voldemort stood there in the flesh, his blood red eyes glazed with madness as well as a spark of the power that it had taken to draw his soul back into his perfect body. "Voldemort." Draco said softly. This was the first time Draco had actually seen the new and improved twisted murderer. He had to admit that the man was beautiful, with all that silky black hair, pale skin, and interesting red eyes. However, Draco could see the filth underneath, the maniac glaze of those blood red eyes, and the sickly pallor of his skin giving away the fact that he was dying from the poison Demetrius had placed within him. Draco knew that behind that face was a soul so twisted and decayed that he automatically shied away from the well-manicured hand that was reaching for him. "You reek of death and stolen lives, do not touch me." Draco said lowly his eyes flashing ocean blue in the dim light. Voldemort's small smirk twisted into a wider grin that was even more sinister. "You have spunk, I like that, it is a shame you are pregnant, I'd love to taste that delicious body and own it." "You will never own me, just like you will never own my father. We are already spoken for." Draco said softly as he gracefully crawled out of the trunk and stood, calmly trying to arrange his ruined muddied and bloodied robes and put his hair in some semblance of order, though he knew he looked a fright. Blood red eyes became shuttered and cold. Draco instinctively stepped away from him as Voldemort's malevolent aura boiled and raged around him. He took a step towards the pregnant Elf and Draco met his gaze brazenly but said nothing. "Get moving." He snarled and pointed towards the direction of all the screams. Draco walked and Voldemort followed in his wake. He closed his eyes and caressed his stomach. Please be well my love.

Please be well my love. Harry stopped and whirled around, his chest heaving. "Draco." Saying his name almost brought Harry to his knees with the longing and pain that was tearing him apart. He knew Draco was close now he could feel it, but he also knew that that meant Voldemort was with him as well. And that scared him the most. Harry began striding through the debris of shredded trees and bloodied bodies. He felt blood trickling from the wound in his side, his left arm was broken and hanging loosely at his side. His head pounded and his scar burned. The fight with Voldemort had nearly taken everything out of him. Harry shivered as he remembered the force of his blows with that large bladed sword, the pain searing him as it caught his side. He shivered in horror as he felt the full extent of Voldemort's magick. Harry swallowed back his urge to puke as he remembered that oily, slick, inky black aura that wrapped around him, suffocating him. Harry had formed a small but powerful ancient spell of light in his hand that he had learned from his father. It had given him the opening he had needed, to free himself as well as cast a spell of his own. Harry smiled grimly. Voldemort wouldn't feel it now, but the next time he used his magick like he hadthe spell was made to work with any type of poison already in an enemy's system. Because Voldemort was taking the life essence of his followers to slow the poison down, it wasn't working as well as it should. Harry knew that the spell he'd cast would counteract and destroy any progress that the stolen life magick that Voldemort was absorbing, making him incredibly weak. He hoped that it would be enough to save Draco. Harry bit his lip as his vision assailed him again. He prayed to the Goddess that it would work. Since the spell was Elven, it had no name or regular hand or wand movements to go with it. All it came from was the essence of magick of the enemy, the poison inside that person, and the intent of the caster. It was a delicate balance and it had taken him forever to learn. Lucius had been about to give up when Harry finally got it right. Harry thanked his father silently, but knew that it didn't reach him. Harry began picking up his pace as he neared the Elder's Palace. Lucius' aura was becoming so great, so powerful that Harry had to block his presence in his mind. He didn't know what his father was doing, but whatever it was; he was amassing a large amount of Wild magick to do it. As he rushed into the bloodied streets in front of the Elder's Palace, Harry felt like ice had washed over him. Harry staggered and fell to one knee as he looked up and the blood left his face. "On no." He gasped, Dementors, hundreds of them were gliding through the streets. Harry spared a small but powerful amount of his magick and cast three patronous Stags and watched as they began dispelling the Dementors, but he knew it was only a brief respite. He stared down at the ground littered with Elven and wizard bodies that had already been Kissed. "Overlord Malfoy!" Harry pushed onto his feet and looked towards his right. Dion was running towards him on quick feet. "Thank the Goddess I have found you." "What is going on Dion?" Harry asked tiredly. Dion looked him over hurriedly and his bright blue eyes narrowed on his left arms and bloody side. "You are injured, let me help." He said as he moved towards Harry. He peeled back the supple leather that was covering his left wrist and bit down. Harry blanched.

"What are you doing?" "Drink, it will heal you. Drink now; there are problems that need to be seen to. Father and Mother want to speak with you." He said softly. Harry looked down at the offered wrist, buried his disgust as he gently held the dragon's arm in his hand, and bent his head and began to drink. It was like drinking pure magick. Harry unconsciously moaned as he drank and swallowed the dragon's blood. It ran through his system, searing his blood. His mind was ablaze with light and he dimly felt muscles, tendons, and bone reattaching itself. The muscle and skin on his side was tightening mending together. "Enough." Harry backed up, and looked at Dion through glazed eyes. "Goddess." Harry breathed as he licked his lips. "That wasintoxicating." Dion smiled. "We are the Oldest magick around save the Goddess Herself. Even Elven blood, after a certain amount of time, becomes almost pure magick and power. I am glad it helped; now we must go." Harry nodded and followed him as they lightly jogged through the now deserted street. "What is going on?" "Your Headmaster was or perhaps still is speaking with my parents. However, whatever he was saying was angering them. Mother sent me to find you, to see if, perhaps you could talk some sense into your elder." Harry snorted. "I doubt it, but I will try." Dion smiled at him and Harry grinned back. They ran side by side for a few minutes before entering a clearing with a waterfall cascading down the center of it. In front of the waterfall stood a dirty tired looking, but still alive Dumbledore, as well as nearly all the Weasely's save Percy and Hermione. Draconis and Illyrian were glaring at the group of wizards as if they wished they could dispose of them. Harry and Dion slowed to a jog and then stopped between the two groups. "All right, I'm here, what's going on?" Harry said. Hermione and Ron blinked at him. "Harry are you alright, you're soaked in blood." Hermione said with worry. Harry glared at her. "Now is not the time Mione." He gritted his teeth; now that he was healed his body decided it was a fine time to remind him he had been out of contact with his Consort for longer than acceptable. A rush of cold ran through him and he clenched his chattering teeth and steadied his resolve. "Draconis, what is it?" Harry turned to the Eldest Dragon. Draconis was glaring daggers at Dumbledore. "I have received explicit instructions from the High Seer. He says that my wife and son and I can use any means necessary to destroy the rest of the enemy, and that includes those monstrositiesthose Dementors as you call them. Thisthis" Harry could tell he was furious. Draconis would listen to Lucius because he respected him, but Harry knew he'd never take orders from Dumbledore. "He told you to stop." Harry said softly and Draconis nodded tight lipped and his aura raged in its confines. Illyrian placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Overlord Malfoy, these Dementors are soul stealers, they are decimating our ranks as well as killing the land. The land is saturated in Wild magick, though powerful, it is fragile as well. Things like the

Dementors are made primarily of death and decay; they take life from all around them. It is why they are so dangerous." "You can kill them?" Harry asked and the Dragon Elders nodded. "Yes, but we need all those still living off the battle ground, far away from here. The magick that will be unleashed will kill a normal magickal being. Please tell that to your elder." Draconis bit out. Harry turned to Dumbledore. "Is there any particular reason why you won't let them do this?" Dumbledore looked at him through aged and tired blue eyes. "The Dementors Harry are not the problem, it's the fact that they will unleash a wave of magick that could very well make us all squibs, there either will be no magick at all, or so much that muggles will actually be able to feel magick." "I'm sure that that won't happen. If Father said that they could use any means necessary, then that means he must be doing something to make sure that the magick wave does not spread any further than the wards in place already around the wizarding world and the Elven realm." Harry explained. "Father wouldn't say anything without thinking of a plan to contain it first." "Harry, you're willing to let these Dragon go through with this?" Ron asked incredulously. Harry sighed. "I am, because then that means the Dementors are dead, all of Voldemort's forces are dead, and that the man himself is substantially weakened, and I hope weakened enough so that I can kill his bloody arse and get my Consort back. Is that okay with you?" Harry shouted. "I'm tired of fighting; I've killed so many people over this god damn war to rid the wizarding world of a menace that should have been long gone." "But Harry," Arthur said quietly, "you were destined" "Fuck destiny!" Harry snapped, "I'm sick of hearing that I was destined to destroy this maniac. If they do this, he's pretty much destroyed, and that's what I want. Half of the wizarding army has been killed; don't you want whomever can survive to do so?" He looked at them all. They were his friendswell, estranged friends now, but they had been all he had for six years, he valued their opinion, but the way they were looking at him nowhe was different he knew that. They didn't like it. Harry was tired of trying to be what everyone wanted him to be. He turned to the Dragons. "If Father said to do anything that is necessary then do it. I" Searing pain ran down his spine and Harry gasped in surprise as well as agony. "Draco." He said as he fell to his knees. "Goddess." Draco! Draco are you ok? I'm fine beloved, he just cast a spell, nothing that I can't handle. But Draco

Just hurry, I was able to stop that one, but I can feel my magick, it's protecting the childrchild and I. I'm on my way. Harry said and Draco sent a wave of gratitude and love through their bond. Harry looked around him and then nodded towards the Dragons. "Get it done." They bowed to him out of respect and Harry turned away from them all and began walking towards the forest. "Harry where are you going?" Hermione called worriedly. Harry glanced over his shoulder at her. "To finish this once and for all." He said and in a crack of lightning he was gone. Severus calmly lifted Adonia from her cradle and the little girl stopped crying immediately. His dark eyes glowed with love as he carefully changed her and then sat in the rocking chair close to the window of the tower, lifted a bottle, and began feeding her. Dysis was in his crib right next to the chair and was sleeping peacefully. "There now angel," Severus murmured. "All is well." He looked around the room and sighed, wishing he could help with the war that he knew was raging outside the beautiful doors and halls around him. Leviathan had guided him back to his room after Lucius had left. The trip down had weakened him to no end, and after properly being scolded, and giving his cold retort, Severus stayed put, caring for his children instead, but worrying at the same time. Lucius was amassing a great amount of magick and power, his presence in their bond was like a shining light, so bright that he'd had to block most of it, in fear that the power would consume him. "What are you doing, Lucius?" He murmured to himself, lifting Adonia gently to his shoulder and tapping her back. What I was meant to. Severus sat up straighter; Lucius' voice inside his head was like a gong, all powerful and soft at the same time. What is that, beloved? Reinforcing the wards of our world. Severus cocked his head, Adonia burped quietly and he smiled, lifting her and placing her next to her brother. Owlish ebony eyes blinked at him and then slowly slid shut as she settled into sleep once more. Lucius, do you mean the world or the wizarding world? Yes, my love, the Three will let off a wave of magick so powerful that even muggles would be able to feel magick. You know how muggles get when they can't explain anything. I know. Severus swallowed and took a steadying breath. But what about everyone here, won't the power and the innate magick ability of all that are present cancel each other out? Lucius chuckled. Of course darling, that is why those who are closest will be brought into my house. There will be some who will stay with you and our child in our rooms. Who? Lucius remained silent. Severus was about to ask once more when an urgent knock sounded at the door. That is them, Severus, please be kind, I must go.

No, wait! Severus sighed sadly as their connection was blocked once more. The knocking grew more frantic and Severus scowled at the door, before gracefully striding towards it and opening the door. "Oh, bloody hell." The Weasely clan plus Hermione was at his door. Severus looked them all over and then spotted Claudius standing off to the side with a worried expression on his face. "High Consort, are you alright?" "I'm fine Claudius, please see if a servant can bring myguests something to eat and drink, I am sure they need it." Severus stepped to the side and let them all through. "Yes, of course." Claudius murmured and bowed to the group. "Blessings, be upon you." Severus bowed back and then straightened as he saw Dumbledore appear before him. His eyes narrowed. "Headmaster." "Severus, my boy" "I am not your boy any longer." Severus bit out. He looked at the group and frowned. "Please do be quiet, my children are sleeping, and I find myself a bit tired as well." "Children!" Ron said loudly. Severus gritted his teeth. "That is what I said, isn't it?" Severus asked quietly before returning to his seat by the window. "Goddess give me strength, this will be a long wait." Long silvery blond locks fluttered like a sheet of silk in the wind. Icy blue eyes glowed brightly, mysteriously, as the High Seer looked out over his realm and beyond. Magick and power wrapped around him like a vortex, twisting and groaning as it churned and slithered around his lithe body. Slowly, trance like, Lucius lifted his palm to the sky above, lightening coursed through the sky, striking the land savagely. A large bolt of lightning split the sky as it plowed directly into the Elf standing high on the hills overlooking the Elven Realm. Lucius closed his eyes at the brief flicker of pain. The magick he had called to him for the past hours surged and then exploded outward. Lucius opened his eyes to the sky, bright blinding white light reached towards the sky and all around him. It spread until all that could be seen was the glorious brightness of pure unadulterated Wild magick. "Protect," he murmured and the living magick pulsated around him and deep within his soul. "Shield, Veil, and destroy all those who mean harm." A deep resounding heartbeat that came from the ground, through his feet, and deep into heart, nearly made Lucius fall to his knees. It was Her. Well doneMy Chosen, as you and I will it, so shall it be. The Mother of the Earth, the Goddess said, and Lucius took a steadying breath as he felt Her hand upon his head and then his vision went white. Draconis, kill them all now. Lucius thought and then all was dark.

Draconis looked to the sky as a wall of pure Wild magick began spreading in all directions. "What in the world?" Illyrian started and then Draconis smiled. "The High Seer, he's begun the barrier. Come, we must" He trailed off and his eyes widened as the earth quaked underneath his feet and a resounding heartbeat rocked through him, his wife, and son. Dion looked at him with wide eyes. "Father, the Goddess, She" "I know" Draconis breathed, it had been thousands of years since he had felt the true Touch of the Goddess. Draconis kill them all now. Draconis heard Lucius' command before all tendrils of Lucius' presence was gone. Draconis looked to his family and they both nodded. Slowly, he let the change take over him. Talons first, then legs, now arms, neck, head, wingsDraconis roared dragon's fire spewing from his snout. "Change, change now." He commanded and Illyrian and Dion changed into their primal forms and took to the air. Draconis followed close behind until they all hovered over the most central location of the enemy camp. They'd been gathering power for hours now, and finallyDraconis drew in a fortifying breath before spewing pure magick from his mouth. Illyrian went next, and finally Dionthe magick combined. There was a resounding explosion and the Three coasted on the high winds as they watched the blue, black, and crimson red wave of magick explode and spread in various directions. Screams echoed into the night. Harry slipped to the ground as the first quake shook the ground underneath him. He looked up and saw blinding white light "Father." He said in awe, but continued to run through the forest after getting unsteadily to his feet. Branches scratched his face but he didn't care. "Draco!" He yelled. The bond was becoming taut, he was close. Then the second quake hit and Harry was completely floored as blue, black and red spirals of magick shot over his body, tearing through the forest. He heard screaming, choking, and people dying. Harry stood up and began moving again, this time he passed by Death Eaters in various stages of death and decay. The stench of burnt skin hung in the air and Harry wrinkled his nose and tried not to hurl. He saw no Dementors, only the ragged cloaks they always wore. The pure magick completely decimated them. "Draco!" "Harry!" Harry stopped and whirled around. Draco was sitting on the ground, his silken robes torn and covered in mud and blood. His hair was filled with twigs and underbrush, and blood as well, his face was smudged with dirt, but to Harry he was the most beautiful being he'd ever seen. "Draco." He breathed and took a step forward, but was pushed back by a shock of dark magick. Harry's eyes narrowed as a figure limped out of the shadows from behind his Consort. "Hello, Tom." "You damn impertinent boy!" Lord Voldemort hissed as he coughed up black blood. "It seems, those damn Dragons have decimated my forces, there are none left to feed off of. Oh well, they were merely

servants anyway." He chuckled and then coughed up more blood, grinning grimly. "I had a nasty surprise when I used my magick, very Slytherin of you, using a spell that would weaken me, if I used enough magick." Voldemort coughed yet again as he stared at Harry. "Hope you like my present." He said cryptically. He skulked forward and touched Draco's head. Draco didn't flinch but he did try to shy away. "Stop moving!" Voldemort snarled and Harry's vision went red as Voldemort backhanded his Consort across the face. Draco's head twisted around violently, but he didn't cry out, and didn't cry period. He calmed, steadied his breathing, fingered his cut lip and glared daggers at the man. "You damn bastard!" Harry roared, his magick coming to his aid, searing his blood with his own fury. "This little thing means more to you than the entire world, doesn't he?" Voldemort sneered as he looked down at the pregnant Consort. "I can almost taste your fearwhat would happen to the great Harry Potter if Draco Malfoy died? What would happen to you Golden Boy?" "I'd die." Harry said simply choking on the very thought of a world without his beloved Consort. Voldemort laughed, but it withered into a cough, nevertheless, he still grinned savagely. "I thought so." He sneered and Harry felt the blood in his face drain as a curved bloodied blade glinted in the eerie moonlight. Harry took another step forward and something in the back of his mind flared a warning, but it was too late. Harry crumpled to the ground screaming as the oily tendrils of Voldemort's warped magick wrapped around him, suffocating his magick, and killing him. "Harry!" Draco's scream was in his head and ringing in his ears. Harry convulsed on the ground as the death magick ate at him, slowly eating away at his magick, and then moving on towards his body, and then his soulHarry screamed, in pain. "Harry!" He couldn't hear anything over Voldemort's sadistic laughter. His vision was becoming blurry redoh, that was blood, his blood, as his scar pulsated and bled over his face. Harry coughed up blood and moaned in delirium as the magick wormed its way through his defenses. Too strong, much too strong Good bye Potter, it's been fun. Harry struggled, but managed to lift his head and his eyes went wide. Draco was watching him, and not paying attention Voldemort raised his sword gracefully above his head; his crimson eyes bright with sick triumphthe blade came down "NO! Draco!" Harry didn't even recognize his own voice; his pain was so deep, the agony and despair that he may lose his Draco, his Draco, and his child. Time slowed, Draco was turning around his eyes going wide, and the already bloody blade was so close Harry struggled to stand, but the compulsions surrounding his body made him immobile. Harry began crying. "No, Draco, no!" Scream of a blade Silence. And then a song.

Severus shot out of his chair and stumbled towards the window, frightening everyone. "Draco?" He said fearfully. He'd been keeping a close eye on his godsonno, his son, he had known Draco was hurting, had known Draco's magick was protecting his child, and now there was nothing. "No!" Severus' distress woke his twins out of a dead sleep and both Elven children began crying, but then abruptly stopped. Severus' head shot up as he felt powerful magick course down the bond he had with Draco and then he heard it. It was one long drawn out note, but he knew it was the trill of Death and Salvation And Draco was singing it. Harry felt the compulsions disappear. He growled low in his throat, grabbed his sword from its sheath and poured all his power, all his hatred and anger and fury, into the blade, turning it black in color. He rose to his feet, his ears not registering the strange yet beautiful music following from Draco's lips. All he could hear was the agony filled scream of Voldemort and his own thirst for vengeance telling him to make it worse. In a smooth upwards motion, Harry thrust his blade through Voldemort's stomach and kept moving until the hilt was against the bloody leather of Voldemort's battle robe. Crimson eyes were wide with disbelief and pain. Voldemort was choking in his own blood. Harry struggled with his conscience; either he ended it now, or he let the bloody bastard suffer. And he wanted him to suffer so badly You are not a monster, my love, don't become like him. Draco's plea registered and Harry twisted the blade and watched as what life was in Voldemort's eyes die out. The body of the Dark Lord sagged against Harry and he shrugged the dead weight from off him. Draco brushed up against his side and Harry immediately turned to him and lifted his face to his. "Goddess, it's over." Harry said in an awed whisper. Draco nodded and smiled. "Yes, it's over, kind of anti-climactic isn't it?" Draco said softly. Harry smiled a bit shakily as he leaned down and kissed Draco on the lips. "I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you" "What's going on?" Ron demanded. "We have one earthquake, and then another not fifteen minutes later, and then supposedly Malfoy is dead and now he's not and" "Arthur Weasely, if you don't shut your spawn up I will. Permanently." Severus snapped. Arthur looked at him and then glared at Ron. "Ronald, please" "Oh, shut up." A lazy drawl was heard from the door. Severus was out of his chair in a second and in the next he was in Lucius' arms. "Severus darling, you are well." His voice was more melodious, his aura a calm helix that churned around him. Severus looked at him and gasped.

"Your hair." Severus said in awe. The silvery blond locks were now startling silver and his eyes practically glowed cerulean silver blue. "Goddess, you're beautiful." Lucius smiled indulgently. "So are you." He whispered and kissed him softly. Severus sighed happily and felt their bond strengthen and strengthen until it became so strong that he knew nothing could break them apart ever again. "Now, where is our beautiful child?" Severus smiled shyly. "You mean where our children are?" He said quietly. Lucius looked puzzled and then his eyes lit up with joy. "Come let me introduce you to your son Dysis Ares, and daughter Adonia Rayna Malfoy." Severus took his hand and led him to the small crib. Lucius looked at his children for the first time and tears came to his eyes. He turned to Severus and kissed him again. "Goddess I love you." He whispered. "Of course you do Daddy, he loves you too." Lucius whirled around and saw his beautiful pregnant son Draco, dirty, but alive and well. And Harry was standing next to him, his arm protectively around Draco's waist and his green eyes sparkled like an immense burden had been lifted. Severus rushed over to Draco and began looking him over, taking him out of the room and into the bathroom. Lucius stood in front of Harry and Harry looked back with wonder in his eyes and then he smiled. Harry had seen the others in the room, but to him, none were more important to him than Draco, Severus, and the man standing before him with startling silver hair and an aura that was almost as bright as the dawn. "Like the new hair Father mine." Harry said softly. Lucius opened his arms and Harry fell into them and sighed, Lucius' calming aura soothing all his hurts and pain. "Be at peace my child, your destiny is over; Voldemort's dead and gone forever. You can rest now, Harry." Harry sighed and looked up at him. "What will I do now? My destiny is over like you said, what am I supposed to do now?" He whispered and Lucius smiled gently. "Why live your life of course, after all you have a baby on the way and two young siblings to care for." Harry laughed; and for the first time in years, his emerald eyes shone without doubt, fear, or uncertainty; his destiny was done and over with. And now, he could just live life. Just live life.

Chapter Twenty "I swear I'll never touch him again." Harry mumbled as he paced back and forth in his and Draco's private sitting room. Leviathan and Lucius watched him with gentle smiles of understanding and then grinned at each other. "Oh you will." They said in unison. Harry looked at them both and did the most childish thing he had done since he married Draco; he stuck out his tongue at them. "And you two are no help." He muttered. Lucius stood up and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Peace Harry, Draco is fine. Claudius is the best Healer in the realm and Severus is still a Potions Master. All will be well. You are no help to him if you are a shaking mess on the floor." Lucius said lightly. Harry took in a deep breath and nodded, but went to stand before the fire instead of sitting down with his father and Leviathan. Two months had passed since the end of the war. Many families had to pick up the pieces of what was left of their lives after living in fear for the last six or so years. Hogwarts was shut down for repairs, but would be operating by the next school year and of course Dumbledore would still be Headmaster, though Harry was adamant about him getting removed. "The man is a manipulative bastard, he needs to retire!" Harry had said, but the Minister of Magick didn't listen to him, stressing that Dumbledore was the strongest and wisest wizard alive and that Hogwarts needed him. Harry had snorted, leaving with his father and Severus. They hadn't been back to the wizarding world since. Lucius gazed at Harry with something akin to awe and pride. He looked quite handsome in the emerald green silk Elven robes. Rich bronze colored breeches molded over his long legs and black leather boots were on his feet. He had cut his hair, leaving the bangs shaggy and long in front of his face, but his hair was still an unruly mess; complements of James Potter. Harry sighed and then looked back at Lucius, "have you heard anything about Ron and Hermione?" He asked softly. Lucius felt his hurt and cursed those two brats for hurting his son. The trio had not reconciled, the latter two saying that Harry had changed too much for them to be good friends like they had been. Lucius personally thought it was a bunch of bull shit, but he didn't tell Harry that. "No, I haven't. Blaise and Pansy have said that the Weasely Clan is merely helping the clean up as best they can. Gregory and Vincent, however, say that they've spoken to Hermione, but she says that if you want to speak with them you'd have to come 'home.'" Lucius wrinkled his nose at that. Harry looked at him with sadness in his eyes. "But I am home." He said quietly. "Why don't they see that?"

"They see what they want to see Harry." Leviathan said simply. "You cannot make them conform to how you've changed, any more than they can make you conform to who you were." Harry sighed heavily and turned towards the flames. Draco? Harry, you sound distraught, are you all right? Draco asked, his mental voice was strained somewhat and Harry chuckled. You are lying in our bed about to give birth and you are asking how I am doing? How are you doing? Draco's laughter washed over him like the warm sun on a spring day; beautiful and bright. I am well. I know you are pacing or standing by the fire. Why don't you come in? Claudius will let you and Papa will too. Harry smiled at his reference to Sev. After Draco was healed from his injuries, mainly the bruises on his face, Severus had spoken to him quietly about letting him treat Draco as a son. Draco had been so happy, he readily agreed, saying that he'd always thought of Severus as his other parent. Narcissa's name was wisely not brought up among Draco and Lucius' presences. "I'm going in." Harry said suddenly and walked elegantly past them, knocked on the door, and let himself through. Leviathan and Lucius chuckled together. "He will be a wonderful father." Leviathan murmured. "I know he is already a wonderful big brother." Lucius said with a grin, thinking about his children, who at the present time were sleeping soundly. He gazed into the fire and Leviathan sat in companionable silence for brief moments before the latter spoke. "The muggle world, do they know about us?" He asked. Lucius shook his head; small bells chimed, woven within the startling silver locks, softly. "No, with Her help, the wards extended and strengthened, when Draconis and his family destroyed the rest of Voldemort's forces, the muggles weren't even aware anything was happening." "How did that feel?" Leviathan asked him and when Lucius turned to him with a look of puzzlement, Leviathan smiled. "How did it feel to feel Her touch?" Lucius' eyes widened for a moment and he sat in silence for the briefest of moments. "It was like touching the soul of the Earth." He breathed. "She is so beautiful. She is the Earth, the one true resounding heartbeat of the beating life of this planet that is who She is. Her power is gentle but strong, I-I had never felt anything like it before in my life." He said softly. Lucius turned to Leviathan with a gentle smile. "Although, unless you are really sick of your hair color, I wouldn't recommend the experience, it's a bit intense." "Is that what happened?" Leviathan asked as he fingered the silver locks that fell to make a small puddle on the floor. Lucius nodded.

"The Goddess apologized to me about it. She said it was why She rarely, if ever, touched a mortal being. Because She has been living so long, Her Touch would drive a mere mortal insane, and though we are in a sense immortal, our tolerance is higher, however, not without a price." Lucius twirled a long strand of his silver locks and smiled softly. "It changed some of my body make up, such as my hair color, my eyes glow now much more often than they did, and I feel the Earth more personally now, but if given the chance to do everything all over again" he smiled. "I wouldn't change a thing." Harry walked towards the bed, where the three Consorts were sitting and laughing as Draco went through his contractions. "Hello beloved, glad you could join us." Draco said a bit breathlessly, but his smile was lit up with joy. Harry walked over and sat by the head of the bed, leant down a little and kissed Draco soundly. "I was worrying about you." He murmured. Severus laughed and Harry looked up at him and grinned. It was like the dour man he'd known for the last six years had never existed. In his place was a beautiful person with startling intelligence, wit, and sarcasm. Severus was kind and actually very gentle, with those he cared about. Lucius had been right, the months Severus had spent in the Elven world and the repairing of his and Lucius' bond had done wonders; Severus looked no older than thirty now. His skin was smooth alabaster, eyes the darkest abyss, and his hair was full and healthy and growing down his back at a rapid pace. He would never be classically beautiful, his face was unique, and not something you would see every day just walking the street, and that in and of itself would make anyone want to look again and again. "How are you feeling?" "A bit tired, but Claudius says that's normal." Draco said. "The contractions are coming closer and closer together, so Claudius will probably get started really soon." "What will he be doing?" Harry asked warily as he finally noticed and long bladed knife and a few other things by the elder Elf's seated position. Claudius' whiskey eyes twinkled. "It's perfectly fine Harry; everything was specifically prepared for Draco. You have absolutely nothing to worry about." Claudius placed a palm on Draco's bulging stomach and nodded and smiled sweetly at Harry's Consort. "Excellent you are right on time. Malfoy's, always punctual, in their own way, what can normal people do in the midst of perfection?" Claudius asked faking a forlorn voice. Severus rolled his eyes and Draco laughed. "Claudius, you must remember that Dysis and Adonia didn't come on time." Draco pointed out and Claudius grinned at Severus. "Nope, they came about a month early, but they never came late." "Oh, for Goddess' sake." Severus murmured, "I'm surrounded by children." He began dipping the blades into scalding hot water as Claudius winked at Harry and Draco. "Harry, please sit behind Draco, it is better if he's leaning at an angle for the incision to be made." "What? You're cutting him open?" Harry asked horrified as he moved to sit behind his Consort. Draco rested on his chest and squeezed his hand slightly as another contraction assailed him.

"Of course Harry," Severus said huffing, "what did you think he'd do, push them out? You forget Harry that Draco as well as I are still men, and no matter what, our body make up will not change just because we are pregnant, well, at least not change too much." Severus smiled gently. "In our anatomy we don't have the necessary...parts, to have a normal delivery like a woman would. So instead all male pregnancies are watched very carefully and when it is time to give birth, a cesarean session is performed." "Oh, doesn't it hurt?" Harry asked. Severus shook his head, the tiny bells woven into his hair chiming softly as they moved. "No, he won't feel a thing. Magickal beings, such as Elves and wizards to a certain extent are protected by their magick at all times, especially when pregnant." He handed the blade to Claudius who nodded his agreement and began cutting. "Since a pregnancy is far more strenuous on a male body than a female one, given the fact we weren't necessarily made with the specific intent of giving birth, our magick numbs us to a certain extent from the pain." Claudius handed him the now bloody knife and Severus calmly handed him an even larger one. Draco was breathing slowly and steadily, his eyes calmly watching the proceedings. Harry, however, was worrying. Draco sighed and turned his head slightly kissing Harry's jaw. "Beloved, if you get any more jittery I'm going to have to ask you to leave." "How can you be calm for this, they are cutting you open." Harry said fearfully. "What if something goes wrong, what if this doesn't work, what if?" Draco kissed him; love and soothing energy raced down the bond and calmed him. Severus and Claudius looked amused, Draco looked aggravated, but amused and Harry was red with embarrassment. "Better?" Draco asked and Harry nodded, mumbling an apology into his silky hair. "Okay Draco, you may feel a little bit of pressure, just like Severus did remember?" Claudius asked gently and Draco nodded. "Alright, take a deep breath, let it out slowly." Draco did as he was told and in that span of seconds, Claudius carefully slipped his hands inside. Draco murmured in discomfort but that was it. Harry watched in fascination as Claudius shifted his hands inside Draco's stomach. Whiskey eyes sparkled as he eased his hands back out with a fully formed child. Claudius cleaned some of the blood off of the baby's face and body. "Congratulations boys, you have a baby boy. Harry, do you want to cut the cord?" Claudius asked softly. Harry blinked and the nodded stupidly as he gently moved from behind Draco slightly, taking a smaller knife that Claudius offered him and cutting the cord. "Why isn't he screaming?" Harry asked worriedly. Claudius began to chuckle until Draco moaned and shifted. He blinked and then felt along Draco's stomach again and gasped, before easing his hands inside again, and moments later another child was in his arms. "Bloody Merlin." Harry choked; dots began to appear before his eyes. Severus stifled his laughter as he opened a small bottle of a tonic and placed it under Harry's nose. Harry made a face and heard Draco's laughter and looked up at Draco's smiling face. "Twins, you were pregnant with twins this whole time? And why aren't they crying?"

"They are Elven beloved, Elf babies do not cry. As for your other question, Illyrian told me, but at the time Voldemort was still alive and well," Draco gracefully and tiredly shrugged his shoulders. "We were all so busy helping clean up, it slipped my mind." "It's a girl!" Claudius exclaimed, as he cut the other cord. Severus gently handed the baby boy over to Harry, who awkwardly held his son, and reached for the girl. Silver mercury eyes stared back at him. Harry was enthralled; this was his child, his beautiful child. Claudius healed Draco up quickly and helped him sit up. "Here is your baby girl; I think your Husband is still a bit shell shocked." Draco laughed, but quieted when he saw his daughter. Silvery mercury eyes stared up at him innocently and Draco felt himself smile. "Hello there precious." He whispered shakily. "Harry, may I see my son please?" Harry looked at him with all the shock and love he had for him and Draco felt his eyes burn. Draco looked at his son and smiled. "They are going to be identical." "Yes." Harry said softly. Draco looked at him. "What is it?" "Do you know what you want to call them?" Harry blinked and then nodded. "Well?" Draco chided teasingly. Harry looked down at the boy first. "His name, I want his name to be Galen Vitalis Malfoy." Draco gasped; it was a powerful name. "And the girl?" Draco asked. Harry opened his mouth and then looked at Draco. 'What did you want to name her?" "Aziza," he whispered. "I heard it once in Egypt and fell in love with it. Her name will be Aziza Vega Malfoy." Draco looked at Harry and saw that his Husband's luminous green eyes were glazed with tears. "Harry?" Harry leaned forward and kissed Draco lovingly. "I love you Draco Malfoy, and thank you for bearing my children." Draco let out a shaky breath but smiled. "And I love you Harry Potter, and thank you for letting me have the pleasure of bearing your children." Harry grinned, even though he blushed at the same time because of the innuendo Draco had put into the words. They smiled at each other, and then down at their children, completely forgetting the older men in the room. Severus sighed happily and jumped slightly as a powerful aura wrapped its arms around him. "Lucius." He breathed. "Hmm, I love you my High Seer." "And I love you my High Consort." Lucius murmured in the lush valley of Severus' long hair. Severus smiled and gently extracted himself, moving towards Draco and Harry. "The children need to be cleaned and you need rest Draco." Severus said gently taking Aziza from his arms. "Harry make sure he sleeps. Lucius and I will care for the children." Harry nodded and handed Galen to Lucius.

"Congratulations my son, they are powerful children." Lucius whispered in Harry's ear. And then his eyes softened as he gazed at Draco and kissed his forehead. "Congratulations, darling, they are beautiful children." "Thank you Daddy." Draco said softly. "I love you." "I love you too." Lucius said and he, Severus, and Claudius left. "In the bed you go." Harry said softly. Draco sighed heavily and watched as Harry changed the sheets and comforters with magick. Draco climbed under the covers and waited for Harry. Harry got in as well and laid down on his back, pulling Draco as close to him as possible without hurting him. "Goddess, how long is it before I can have you again?" He muttered at the seductive feel of Draco's body against his. Draco chuckled. "Six weeks." "You might as well have told me I was going to die." Harry said mournfully. Draco laughed tiredly. "Our children are beautiful and powerfuland I'm sure they will be a handful." He said thoughtfully. "Of course they will." Harry murmured. "After all we made them." "I can't wait." Draco sighed happily. Harry smiled. "Neither can I." Epilogue Wise emerald green eyes sparkled in the setting sun, as Harry Potter watched the sunset from the balcony at Malfoy Manor. He closed his eyes and sighed as he smiled dreamily at the voice singing one floor below him. His Consort Draco had the most beautiful voice he'd ever heard and it was accompanied by the soft melodies of the violin and deep richness of a cello. "Beautiful isn't it?" Harry turned and smiled softly as he watched Lucius approach him. Eleven years had passed, and yet, Lucius hadn't aged a day. Silver locks cascaded down his back to the floor, chimes making music of their own in the soft breeze. Cerulean blue eyes glowed with power and ancient wisdom and love as he smiled at Harry and gave him a glass of red wine. "Yes, it is beautiful." Harry said and stared at the sunset yet again. Lucius appraised him and smiled; Harry had grown up well. His hair now brushed his shoulders but still had the unruly attractive look that it always had. He'd filled out with broad shoulders, tapering to a lean muscled torso and lean waist. Harry stood tall and confident at six feet two, his magickal aura crackling around him. Lucius was very proud of his son; very proud indeed. "Shall we join them?" He said smiling. Lucius smiled as well. "Yes, let's join them."

"They perform beautifully together, don't they Daddy?" Severus turned his head and smiled at his daughter Adonia. Deep onyx eyes looked back at him with more love than he knew possible. Raven locks fell silkily down her shoulders, over her school robes; the emblem of Ravenclaw glinting in the fire's light. "Yes, that they do, darling." He said softly; Adonia smiled and Severus grinned, he saw Lucius more and more in her every day. His gaze turned to his son Dysis, who was now playing the violin with his older brother Draco and nephew Galen. Straight raven locks were tied into a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck. Silvery blue eyes narrowed in concentration, and elegant hands moving along the violin as if he were born with it, Dysis was the epitome of a Malfoy; beautiful, flawless, and ever graceful. Severus looked at both his children and felt so much pride and love for them. Though they were fraternal twins, Dysis and Adonia stayed together as if they were joined at the hip. He would never find one without the other nearby. And the same could be said for Galen and Aziza as well. While Dysis and Adonia were in Ravenclaw, Galen and Aziza were in Slytherin together. Where Dysis and Adonia were the darkest night, Galen and Aziza were kissed by the sun. Both had the silvery blond locks of the Malfoy line, but their eye color had changed from just silver to a rich silvery emerald green, their skin was a mixture between Draco's alabaster skin tone and Harry's bronze coloring but smooth and glowed with life and vitality. "That was marvelous." The husky tenor resounded throughout the room as Draco stopped singing. His silvery blue eyes glowed with a wealth of power and magick as he smiled at his son and his brother. "Thank you Daddy." Galen said with a small smile. Dysis grinned at his older brother; silvery blue eyes alight with pleasure. "Thanks, brother mine, and as always your voice would make even the best singer green with envy." Draco rolled his eyes. "Flattery will get you nowhere." Draco said teasingly. "Now, I know both of you have homework," Groans interrupted him, but Draco arched an eyebrow and that was that. "Yes, Daddy." "Yes, Draco." Both said in unison and packed up their instruments with care, before walking gracefully out of the music room and into the small living room next door. "Aziza, darling, come in at once, it's getting dark." "But, Daddy," "You can pick your herbs for your potion tomorrow, after all this is your break, and I haven't seen you for most of the year." Draco said. A sigh was heard before a silvery blond head poked around the corner; silvery emerald eyes sparkled with mischief. Draco looked at her and smiled softly as his daughter walked towards him, her gardening gloves still on her hands. He clucked disapprovingly before stripping the soiled gloves from her fingers and kissing her forehead. "How is my beautiful girl?"

"Great, Galen, Dysis, Adonia, and I were tied again for perfect scores." Aziza said proudly. "We even beat Jonathan and Margaret Weasely." She added haughtily. Draco and Severus looked at each other and laughed. "I thought you liked them." Draco said softly. "I do, but," Aziza eyed him carefully, "they say Mr. and Mrs. Weasely still talk bad about you and Papa." Draco's eyes dimmed in sadness and Aziza felt awful, "Daddy, I'm" "Don't apologize." Draco said softly as he stroked her hair, "there is nothing for you to be sorry about. Your father and my dealings with Ron and Hermione Weasely are our business. They were your father's friends for a very long time; we are still trying to work on that friendship." "I understand." Aziza said softly. She glanced at Adonia who was watching everything as was her father. "Ady and I will be up in our suite." She said and thus drug her aunt up the stairs, their laughter echoing in the room. Draco sighed as they left. "You can't change everything love." Severus said softly. Draco looked over at his papa and smiled. Though Severus was two decades older, he looked twenty-eight just like Draco and not a day older. His raven locks fell in lush waves down his back to his waist. The chimes that were woven into it tinkled softly in the breeze from the open veranda doors. His eyes were no longer shadowed with fear and weariness; now they sparkled with peace and love. "I know it's just that I had hoped after the war, things would get better." Draco said softly as he stood and faced the open veranda doors. "When they didn't get better then, I thought that perhaps the years that past would help heal old wounds." He chuckled sadly. "I guess I had hoped too much. They still disapprove of him, even our children. How can they do this, they were his friends! His very best friends Papa, Harry has a well of sadness in him because of their severed ties, I'm so upset for him!" Severus sighed and levered himself up out of the chair, placing a hand on his bulging stomach. "I know you are angry, you have every right to be so, but Draco darling, you've tried everything, and they just won't budge. Let it go. They will come around in their own time, hopefully before it's too late." Draco sighed shaking his head sadly and turned to his papa. "You're right." He smiled softly and then it turned into a grin as he placed a hand on Severus' bulging stomach. "I can't believe I'm going to have another brother or sister, I can't wait." "Your father had told me long ago that he wanted a brood of children." Severus drawled sarcastically, but his eyes were shining with joy and happiness. "I guess he has decided to start now." "Is it healthy for you?" Draco asked worriedly, looking at the older wizard. "I'm sure you've healed from the twins, since that was roughly eleven to twelve years ago, but still Severus" "Claudius and Lucius spoke about it and they've been driving me crazy being so overprotective. It was a surprise to both of us actually, Lucius never planned to get me pregnant the first time and he nearly went into shock when he found out I was with child again."

"That I did lover." Severus turned and was kissed soundly by his Husband, he sighed deeply. "Hello." Severus said a bit breathlessly and Lucius smiled gently as he brushed his fingers over his Consort's lips. "Hello to you too." He whispered. "Are you supposed to be up?" Severus pouted and then sighed. "If I had stayed in bed any longer I would have pulled my hair out. I took my time going down the stairs, and have been sitting here ever since until you showed up." Severus said gently. "I am fine beloved; please do not worry over me." "Sev," "Father leave Papa alone." Harry chuckled as he kissed Draco soundly and ran his hand over his Consort's stomach. "And how are the two of you doing?" He asked. Draco sighed with contentment and placed his hand on his slightly bulging stomach as well. "We are just fine. Galen and Dysis have improved; they will be able to join the Bard House soon." "Well I am sure, since their father and brother is the High Bard himself." Emerald eyes sparkled gently and Harry smiled as Draco rolled his eyes. "Hush you." Draco clucked chidingly. Harry steered him towards the open veranda and left their fathers to talk amongst themselves. Draco let Harry hold him as they walked down the steps into the lush gardens of Malfoy Manor. "Harry, what do you want to talk about?" "How did you know I want to talk with you about something?" Harry said. Draco smiled softly. "Besides the fact that we are going deep in the gardens where no one can hear us? I can feel you love, you want to say something." "You are right as usual." Harry sighed. "I want to pull the children out of Hogwarts." Draco stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Harry. "Darling?" "They are doing marvelously Draco I know, all four of them, but I went there to visit two days ago, before school was out." "And what happened?" Draco asked as he looked at his Husband. Harry sighed heavily. "They are not happy there. The children know of their parents, the children know that Adonia and Dysis are Father and Papa's children and they shun them. Not directly but I can see it. They do the same to Galen and Aziza and I don't like it. Those four are more powerful and more intelligent than any child in their age group, the other children are jealous, but" "Do you fear for their safety?" Draco asked him softly.

"No, I know they can take care of themselves, but I do not want them to become so cold and bitter by the time they reach fourth or fifth year. You know how mean children can be." "Yes." Draco said softly. "I do." Draco remembered how horrid he had been before seventh year. "If you feel that is it the right thing to do. I know their Elven friends will love that and they will too." Draco sighed. "We did try." "Yes, yes we did." Harry tightened his grip around Draco's thickening waist. "Do not beat yourself up about Ron and Hermione Weasely, they made their choice, perhaps in some more years, we will reconcile our differences." "Hmm, I guess, but if any more time goes by, there will be no time for reconciliation." Draco said softly. "You have stopped aging, and I stopped two years ago. They will continue to age, they may die before anything can happen." Harry kissed his temple as they watched the sunset. "That is a chance we will have to take." He said softly. Draco nodded his head thoughtfully. "Have you spoken with Father about it? About taking the children out of Hogwarts?" "It seems he has seen this coming for years." Harry said dryly. Draco laughed. "Yes, that sounds like him, to tell us when we figure it out for ourselves." "Father, Daddy dinner is ready!" Harry and Draco looked up and smiled as they saw Aziza running towards them at a break neck pace. Harry let go of Draco in time to catch his daughter and lift her high in the air. She shrieked with laughter as he twirled her around. "How is my princess?" He asked kissing her temple as he carried her to the house, keeping a steady pace with his pregnant Consort. "Great, absolutely great, Grandpa just told me that we don't have to go back to that horrid school again!" She cried out gleefully. Draco and Harry looked at one another and then looked at Lucius who was standing on the top steps to the veranda. They looked at his smiling face and Draco rolled his eyes. "Typical, purely typical Father." He said and kissed his father on the cheek and brushed passed him. "What?" Lucius asked innocently. Draco ignored him, much to his father's and Severus' amusement. Harry chuckled. "We were going to tell them when we got back; however, you seem to like taking all our fun away." "Yes, being a Seer does have its advantages." Lucius said airily. The children giggled, Severus rolled his eyes as did Draco and Harry just smiled softly. As Draco turned to look at him and smile softly, with all the love in his heart, Harry felt like he had everything he needed in life and he did. He had his children, two fathers that loved him, and

"What are you thinking about?" Draco asked softly. Harry just smiled, leaned forward and kissed Draco soundly. How much I love you. I love you too, now and forever. Draco said softly and Harry smiled again. Yes, his life was perfect. Perfect love and perfect trust And his Consort's Loyalty.