Elemental, Part 2/2 (H/D, NC-17)
Title: Elemental
Author: sesheta_66
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco, Ron/Hermione
Rating: NC-17
Summary: When a group of witches and wizards fall ill, their magical power mysteriously drained while on tour in the Shetlands, Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter must get beyond their past and work together to solve the case and prevent further tragedy.
The aroma of coffee trickled into his nasal passages and drew Draco from his slumber. It smelled divine. He grinned and stretched, adjusting himself after sleeping on a sofa that had seen better years.
"About time you woke up."
"What time is it?"
"Nine."
"What?" Draco jumped off the sofa. "You must be joking."
"Not joking. I've already been out and back to pick up coffee from up the road. See for yourself." He motioned to the clock. Sure enough.
"But I never sleep this late. I'm up by seven, even on weekends. Most days an hour or two earlier."
"Maybe you were tired?"
"Well ... yes, but still. We didn't stay up late."
"No. In fact, you nodded off not too long after we arrived."
Draco stretched again. He didn't react when he noticed Potter sneaking a glance at his exposed midriff, though he might have taken a bit longer than necessary to lower his arms. "I'm still tired," he said.
Potter frowned. "You must be hungry too. You didn't eat anything."
"A little, perhaps." Draco rubbed his stomach. "But I would definitely enjoy a cup of that coffee."
Potter passed him a takeaway cup. After a few sips, Draco felt nearly awake. He noticed a loaf of bread and a packet of butter on the kitchen counter.
"Better?" Potter asked.
"Mm hmm." Draco retrieved his bag and took out a few papers before returning to the small kitchen table. He sipped his coffee and took a few moments to appreciate the homey feel of the place. It was no five-star hotel, but it was welcoming. Draco wondered why he hadn't noticed it the night before.
"Nice place," Potter said. "How'd you find it?"
"Trade secret," Draco replied. "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you." Truth was, he'd found it on the internet, but he wasn't about to tell Potter that.
"Are you planning to keep me in the dark about everything?"
Draco's mind, clearly not fully recovered from the harrowing drive, immediately provided him with images of things he could do with Potter in the dark. He smirked around his cup. "Possibly."
"Well, I for one would like some breakfast. And we ought to take a look about town, arrange for a boat."
"Already taken care of," Draco said. As Potter's mouth fell open, Draco had to use all his strength not to offer ... well. "Don't look so surprised, Potter. I told you I'm good at my job."
"And when do we catch this boat?"
"Eleven o'clock," Draco said. "I thought it prudent to leave ourselves enough time to have breakfast and explore the town, look for other possibilities, possibly chat to some locals before we leave." He looked at the time. "Well, at least we have time to eat."
Potter frowned. "Stop being good at my job too."
Draco choked on his coffee. Potter raised his arm, surely to cast a spell, and Draco caught him by the wrist just in time. Draco shook his head, still coughing and unable to speak. Potter managed to get the message, though, and didn't fight him. Moments later, when he was able to breathe properly again, he realised he still held Potter's wrist. He let go. "Can't do magic," he said.
Potter ran his fingers through his mop of hair and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah. Forgot about that. Sorry."
"Instinct," Draco offered.
"Yeah."
"Thanks."
Potter scowled, obviously misinterpreting Draco's comment. "For almost messing up the first day?" he asked.
"No, for the compliment." When Potter looked confused, Draco elaborated. "About being good at your job."
Potter rolled his eyes. "Don't let it go to your head."
Draco smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."
They had a traditional fry-up at a local restaurant, and by the time they reached the dock, Draco was ready for a nap.
"You okay?" Potter asked, placing a soothing hand at the base of Draco's back. It felt wonderful.
"Mm. Just tired."
Potter frowned. "Let's get this over with."
They introduced themselves to the owner and skipper, Mr Johannsen.
"Not very often folks come out this late in the year."
Draco smiled. "We appreciate you taking us on such short notice."
"My pleasure. As I said on the phone, I don't get much business this time of year, so I take what I can get."
"We appreciate it all the same," Potter said.
"We'll head out first to Muckle Flugga. That's the island --"
"-- with the lighthouse," Draco finished.
"Yes, indeed. Designed and built by Thomas Stevenson in 1857-58."
"That was Robert Louis Stevenson's father," Draco told Potter. "The Mu-- man who wrote Treasure Island." Potter's eyes widened. "He's said to have modelled the island in his novel after the one we're on right now, Unst."
"You know your history," Mr Johannsen said.
Potter gave Draco a curious look and his mouth broke into a crooked smile. "You have no idea," Potter told Mr Johannsen.
"Does that mean you don't want the running commentary as we go?" Johannsen asked.
"I think we'll be fine," Potter said. "We can leave you to focus on running the ship."
"Fair enough," he said cheerfully.
By the time they reached the lighthouse, Draco grasped the edge of the boat as he looked ahead at the approaching rocky landscape. His hands clammy and his head swimming, he now thought he knew how the tour group had felt. And he hadn't even used magic.
Potter was behind him and noticed his grip tighten. "You're not just tired, are you?" he asked, his breath warm against Draco's cool skin.
"No."
"Sit down," Potter said. It spoke volumes that Draco allowed Potter to lead him to a seat.
"I don't feel ill," Draco said. "Just a bit dizzy."
"I'm feeling a bit off myself," Potter said. "But you look worse than I feel."
"Thanks."
Potter grinned. "My pleasure." His face grew serious. "I think we should have Johannsen wait while we go ashore," he said. "What if you --"
"I'll be fine," Draco insisted. "I'm not planning to use magic, so I should be fine." His voice didn't even sound convincing to himself.
"Well, here you are," Johanssen said as he pulled the boat up to ... the big rock. Not exactly what one would call a shore. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay? Storms can pick up quickly out here."
"We'll be fine," Draco said. "Just a couple of hours."
"You'll catch your death," Johannsen said.
Potter lifted his rucksack. "We're prepared."
"A couple of boy scouts, you two are."
They thanked him and left the boat. Luckily Potter was there to steady Draco as he tried to gain his footing. He looked back at a concerned Johannsen. "Thanks."
"I'll see you in two hours, then."
"Two hours."
~ * ~ * ~
"This looks odd," Potter called after they'd been scouting out the islet for a good forty-five minutes. Draco had decided to rest for a moment to regain his equilibrium. Not exactly the best state to be in when negotiating a big rock. Draco slowly made his way to where Potter was standing, staring at something - a few somethings - etched into the side of the rock.
"This is it," Draco said, a surge of energy running through him at the sight. Before them was a clearly-marked entrance to ... well, he didn't know. But it was something.
"What is it?"
"An entrance, protected by the four elements."
"You got that from these scratches?"
"Yes." Draco pointed at one. "That is a red sword; it represents fire." He pointed at another. "That is a blue cup; that represents water. And that is a yellow wand for air. And finally we have a green pentacle for earth."
"Okay," Potter said. "What do we do to get in?"
"Without using magic?" Draco considered their options and began rummaging through his bag. "I would guess that we have to give an offering."
Potter groaned. "Not this again."
"Excuse me?"
"Did you bring a knife?"
Draco stopped digging. "What for?" he asked.
"So we can give blood."
Draco chuckled. "Why would we do something so gruesome?"
Potter frowned. "You said to give an offering."
Draco began laughing in earnest now. "Next thing you'll say we have to give a human sacrifice." His shoulders shook as he resumed his search.
Potter wasn't impressed. "I'll have you know that Voldemort required a blood offering to get into one of the places he stored a Horcrux."
"And you went there?"
"Yup." Potter nodded. "With Dumbledore."
Draco took a moment to process that. He allowed the information to settle in his system before contemplating what sort of idiot Headmaster would take a student to a place that required bloodletting in order to enter. He felt his skin tingle and grow hot as his blood simmered in his veins.
"Malfoy?" Potter looked concerned. "Malfoy, what's wrong?"
"I knew Dumbledore was daft, but to put you at such risk --"
"No, Malfoy. What's wrong with you?"
"I'm pissed off, that's what's wrong."
"You're ... you're glowing."
Draco looked down at his hands, and sure enough a soft golden glow surrounded him. "Shit!" he said. He took a few cleansing breaths and the glow faded. A few more breaths and he relaxed.
"What the hell just happened?" Potter asked.
"My aura," Draco replied simply.
"You mean Trelawny wasn't off her nut?"
"Oh, she most definitely was, but auras are real."
"So what just happened?"
"Wild magic."
Potter frowned. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Draco said. He took a few more cleansing breaths and grinned. "Better than I was when we arrived."
"How can that be?"
Draco shrugged. "Maybe there's something to the leyline theories after all."
Potter eyed him sceptically. "So, as long as you're feeling all right, do you mind telling me what it is we have to offer?"
Something to honour each of the elements. He withdrew a flask from his bag. "Water." He then withdrew a few sprigs. "And something from the earth."
"Great," Potter said. "That's two elements. What about fire and air?"
"Watch," Draco said. He placed the sprigs on the ground and struck a match. When they caught flame, he dipped a feather into the water and dripped a few drops onto the flames. Then he fanned the steam towards the rock.
And nothing happened.
"Well, that was exciting," Potter deadpanned. "Shall I slice open my hand now?"
Draco was about to tell him off when the scratches on the stone glowed red. He smirked at Potter and they stepped back as the ground began to shake. Then the stone melted away.
"If you have your heart set on slicing yourself open, feel free," Draco said. "But I'm going inside." And he led the way into Merlin-knew-what.
At once, Draco felt almost like he was Apparating, the compression of the air surrounding him almost too much to bear. Breathing was a chore, his lungs heavy. He looked at Potter. "Still have your doubts?" he asked.
"No doubts," Potter said, looking as uncomfortable as Draco felt. "Now let's figure out what we have to do, do it, and get the hell out of here."
They went less than a dozen steps before finding themselves in a cavern. The air thinned out a bit, and became less oppressive. That or his body adjusted. The walls were covered with scratches, some that looked like children's scribbles, others that were clearly runes, and more that were the same as the scratches outside. But most disturbing was a circle of posts with what looked like runes carved into the tops of them. And in the centre was a body. Well, not really a body so much as a skeleton, covered with tattered and filthy robes, a scroll of parchment under one hand.
Potter immediately went for the body, and Draco barely managed to hold him back. "No!" he said. "You can't cross the circle."
"What?"
"It's a protective circle. You cannot cross its boundary. You can't break the circle. It's too dangerous."
"But --"
"There's obviously nothing you can do for him now anyway."
Potter huffed but didn't argue. "What is this?"
"It looks like some elemental magic, something very old. The use of runes in combination with the elements, and some symbols I don't recognise suggests a disorganised - or desperate person."
"What was he trying to accomplish?"
"I imagine that scroll would tell us."
Potter lifted his hand, but before Draco could stop him, he balled his hand into a fist and lowered it. "I suppose an Accio would not be advisable?"
Draco shook his head. "Not unless you want to end up like him."
"So if we can't perform magic and we can't cross the circle, what are we supposed to do?"
"I have a suggestion, but I need to consult my books first."
"You mean we have to come back?"
Draco fished out a camera from his bag and began taking pictures.
"A Muggle camera?" Potter asked.
"Well, a Pensieve would be my preference," Draco responded. "But since I think it inadvisable to even use that amount of magic this close to ... whatever this is, I thought we could use a little Muggle technology instead." He zoomed in as close as he could on the parchment and hoped they would be able to make out something.
Potter walked around the cave while Draco finished taking photographs. "There aren't any bugs," he said. "Or spiders. I'd expect to see both."
"I doubt anything would stay alive in this place for long," Draco said as he put away the camera. "I say we get out of here before Johannsen comes back."
~ * ~ * ~
"So what happened with your aura back there?" Potter asked after they'd settled back at the cottage, having warmed up with a whisky and a fire.
"Raw magic," Draco said. He spread the photographs over the table as he consulted his texts. "I think my anger made me lose control for a minute, and my body drew power from wherever."
"You think you drew power?" Potter asked, flipping through a volume on runes. "I was afraid you were losing it, the way you were glowing."
"It was a bit of both, I think, but the radiating aura was just the visual manifestation of my anger."
"What were you so angry about?" Potter asked.
Draco decided that was a good moment to pour them each a second drink. "It is unconscionable that the Headmaster of a school would put a child under his care at such risk."
Potter considered Draco for a moment, scrutinising him with those ridiculously green eyes of his. Draco fought not to squirm under his gaze. Potter grinned wryly. "You mean me."
"No, I mean Pansy," Draco said. He shot back half his mug in one go. He shuddered as heat exploded in his chest. "Of course I mean you." He handed Potter his mug.
Potter took a small sip and gave Draco a curious look. "I didn't know you cared."
"Hufflepuff," Draco said. He sipped a respectable amount of his whisky this time and raised his brows at Potter. "I care that a man whom scores of witches and wizards looked up to would so callously disregard the well-being of a child he was charged with protecting."
Potter smirked. "Me."
"Oh, for Merlin's sake, yes, Potter. You."
"You care." His stupid grin annoyed the shit out of Draco.
"Do you mind?" he said. "I have research to do."
"Don't mind at all," Potter said. "You feeling up for dinner?"
"As a matter of fact, I'm famished."
"Great. I'm much better at foraging than reading." He stood up and stretched. Draco tried not to stare. "You research. I shall go on a quest for sustenance."
Draco rolled his eyes. "You really take this hero thing far too seriously."
"Can't help it." He shrugged. "It's what I do." And with that, he put on a jacket and left Draco in peace.
Only it wasn't peaceful, because Potter's words - you care - echoed around the room. Bouncing off every surface, reverberating between Draco's ears, gnawing at the very edge of his consciousness. Maybe if Draco plied Potter with enough alcohol when he returned, he'd forget their conversation all together. He ran his hands through his hair and tugged. Potter would surely be the death of him.
Draco squinted at the photograph of the parchment. He couldn't make out what spell - or combination of spells - had been used. He could only decipher a few words that might have been Old Norse, or even the lesser-known Norn language. The best he could hope for was a wide-sweeping and generic counter-measure. By the time Potter returned, Draco had narrowed down their options to three, depending on Potter's abilities. Much to his dismay, Potter had insisted on being the one to cast the spells. He'd downright refused to allow Draco to risk himself. Which was stupid, really, but how could you stop a hero being stupid?
"What did you find?" Potter asked, the smell of fish and chips filling the cottage and causing Draco's mouth to water.
"Come here," he said. Potter looked over his shoulder while he pointed to the three incantations. "How are you with Banishing Charms?"
"Good." His breath tickled Draco's ear.
"And Conjuring Spells?"
"Also good." His voice sent shivers down Draco's spine.
"And Protective Spells?"
"Very good." His voice felt like a caress.
Draco cleared his throat. "Well then," he said, turning around to find Potter's face far too close to his own. He couldn't help his gaze from falling on Potter's lips. The bastard ran his tongue along them and Draco felt winded. Fuck. "Which would you prefer?"
"Which what would I prefer?" Fucking hell. Potter practically purred. The heat radiating from his body, and the heady scent of musk might very well kill Draco before the night was through.
"Which spell," Draco forced himself to answer. Now was not the time to lose focus. "You could conjure power to counter the Draining Spell and bring about an equalised state." He licked his suddenly dry lips and didn't miss Potter's sharp intake of breath. "Or you could banish first the protective circle and then the spell itself." He reached for his mug and finished the last bit of whisky, more for something to do with his hands than anything else. "Or you could establish a protective boundary around the current spell, limiting its power to draw on anything outside the circle or the cave."
"Which one would work best?"
"Hard to say. Any of them would work, but they each have their limitations."
"Why not do all three?"
Draco frowned. "Because the spell will fight you all the way, will drain your power while you fight against it, and could kill you."
Potter stepped back, giving Draco some much needed space. "Wouldn't it be nullified if I banished it first?"
"Not exactly. It isn't like banishing an object. You need to set the spell while you are there, and then activate it once you are a safe distance away, to prevent you being caught in the backlash and banished with the magic."
"I've heard of that type of spell before. We went over that in Auror training, but I've never actually cast one before."
"It's not much different from a regular Banishing Charm. I'm sure you could manage it."
Potter's face turned serious. "But the best way to ensure the spell is broken, and that no one gets caught in the crossfire, would be to use all three."
"Well ... yes."
"Then that's what I'll do."
"But you could ..."
"You'll be there to make sure I'm okay, right?"
"Of course."
Potter reached out, pulled Draco out of the chair until their bodies pressed against each other's, and wrapped his arms around Draco's back. "Then I'm not worried." And he kissed Draco like he'd never been kissed before.
Memories of a night long ago were lost in the heat of this moment. Lips, soft and full, sliding sweetly against his own. Harry's tongue teasing him, begging to let it through. The taste of Harry, so familiar yet so different now. Harry ran his fingers through Draco's hair and tugged back gently until their lips parted. He stared into Draco's eyes as though staring into his soul, then smiled. "I care too," he said. And then they spoke no more.
Tongues teased and explored and mapped out paths never before taken. Draco tore at Potter's shirt as Potter tugged at Draco's trousers. They stumbled to the bedroom, dinner forgotten, a trail of clothing behind them.
When Harry pushed Draco onto the bed and he lay there, staring up into the face that had haunted his dreams for a year, he saw a flash of hesitation in his eyes.
"I'm not leaving," he said.
Harry crawled onto the bed, lining up their erections and pressing Draco deliciously into the mattress. "I trust you."
Draco pulled him into a fierce kiss, desperately trying to convey what it meant to have Harry say that to him. He bucked and writhed under Harry, his hands grasping on for dear life. Harry moaned as Draco continued his onslaught. He needed Harry to understand how much he regretted leaving him. Needed Harry to understand that Draco wanted him - only him. Needed Harry to need him too.
Draco manoeuvred his hand between them and grabbed hold of their cocks. Harry gasped and Draco smiled into his lips. Draco reversed their positions, settling atop this gorgeous man, and softened his kisses. He slowly pressed his lips across Harry's cheek, along his jaw, and down his neck. When Harry bucked, he chuckled. "Like that, do you?"
"Nngh."
Draco decided he liked a squirmy, incoherent Harry at his mercy. Harry whimpered when Draco released his erection, then groaned when Draco ground his own into Harry's. God, this felt perfect. Draco kissed along Harry's chest as his hands caressed Harry's torso. When he pinched one of Harry's nipples and gently nibbled the other, he thought Harry would come undone right there. Oh, yes, there was nothing quite as heady as having the saviour of the world, a man who might very well be the most powerful wizard alive, come apart because of him. Draco did this. He could do anything right now, and Harry would be powerless to stop him. And all Draco wanted to do was bring Harry pleasure. And watch him dissolve in the throes of it.
Draco kissed a path to Harry's navel, then lower. He teased a little bit, not quite ready to give Harry the release he so desperately wanted. He kissed a path down one thigh, then licked a trail up the other.
"Please, Draco."
Merlin, was there anything on earth that sounded sexier than that? Draco doubted it. He took pity on Harry and grasped hold of his shaft, planting tiny kisses from base to tip as he stroked him. His tongue reached out to lick the slit and Harry nearly bucked off the bed. Draco pressed Potter's hip down with one hand while he reached back to caress Harry's balls with the other. He swirled his tongue around the head of his cock, breathing in the musky scent of desire, then engulfed Harry's prick, taking it in as far as it could go. He hummed, sure to hold Harry steady as he did so, then pulled back, applying suction as he went. He reached the tip, swirled his tongue, then sank down again.
He repeated the process until Harry was on the edge, almost there, then Draco released his cock, giving it one last kiss before he got up. Harry stared at him in disbelief. "What --?"
"Lube," Draco said. If he were at home, lube would have been at his bedside. Or he could have used an Accio. Unfortunately, he had to do things the Muggle way. He chuckled as Harry groaned.
He returned in short order, lube in hand. "Desperation looks good on you, Potter."
"Get over here," he growled. Draco didn't need telling twice.
He spread a liberal amount of lube over his fingers, then reached between Harry's legs. He circled his finger, teasing him until Harry moaned, "Draco."
He pressed one finger inside as he watched Harry for any sign of discomfort. He stretched Harry, then added another finger. He reached around inside, finally finding the bundle of nerves that caused Harry to tense, then he added another finger. When Harry began flailing, Draco once again reached for his cock and swallowed it down in one go. Draco pumped into Harry's hole with one hand and stroked Harry's cock with the other until Harry was coming into his mouth, shouting Draco's name.
Draco pulled his fingers out gently and continued to stroke Harry through the last of his tremors, licking his sensitive skin until Harry could take no more.
Harry reached for Draco's shoulders and pulled him into a sensuous kiss, no longer urgent, and full of promise.
Harry stroked Draco's cock, now desperate for attention. Draco rocked into Harry's touch, slowly at first, but building in need. He was so close, it didn't take long before Draco climaxed and his spunk coated their hands. It wasn't his shining moment, but after watching Harry unravel the way he had, Draco was surprised he hadn't come from that alone.
~ * ~ * ~
Draco awoke to the warmth of Harry's body next to him, arm draped over his chest in a familiar and possessive pose. They'd made love several times the night before, and even managed to come up for air long enough to eat some cold takeaway. They'd devised a plan, Harry had memorised the incantations, and they'd packed their supplies before retiring to bed.
After their last time, Harry had pulled away, giving Draco his space. Draco had wanted none of that and had promptly settled his back against Harry's chest and drawn Harry's arm around him. He'd never been much for snuggling before, but with Harry ... well. Everything was different with Harry. Draco would have loved to stay cocooned in the security of Harry's embrace all day, but nature called. He lifted Harry's arm and placed it behind him. Harry moaned.
"Just going to the loo," Draco said. Harry's body stiffened, but he said nothing. Draco leaned down and pressed his lips to Harry's temple. "I'm not going anywhere. Not this time." He ran his fingers through Harry's hair, brushing it away from his forehead, then he kissed the familiar scar. "I promise."
Harry relaxed marginally but did not open his eyes. And he made no effort to kiss back. Draco sighed. He'd never meant to hurt Harry last year, but he had. That much was obvious, even if Weasley hadn't said anything. Draco supposed it would be a while yet, understandably, before Harry really trusted him, no matter what he said. But as he pressed a kiss upon those inviting lips, Draco knew it would be worth all the time in the world.
When he returned from the toilet, Harry was already up and dressed. Draco suppressed his disappointment. "We still have time before we head out," he ventured.
"Hmm." Harry picked up his rucksack and riffled through it for something. "Johannsen is expecting us in an hour. I'd like to go over the spell one more time."
"Of course." Draco thought he'd try one more time. "I think I should --"
"We discussed this already. I'll perform the counter-spell. My magic is stronger; I can withstand more."
"Or your magic will be so powerful that it strengthens the spell and ..." He couldn't say the words. He didn't want to think about, never mind acknowledge aloud, the very real possibility of Harry's magic being drained, or worse.
"You'll be there, right?"
Draco scowled. "Of course."
"Well then." Harry withdrew a packet of crisps from his bag with a triumphant smile. "I trust you to look out for me."
His words hit Draco like an Impedimenta to the chest. Draco swallowed hard. Harry's trust meant a lot, but it wouldn't be worth anything if Draco couldn't save him. "Please, Harry."
"I trust you," he repeated. "Besides, I've had more experience than you have living like a Muggle. If the worst happens, I'll get through it." His jaw set, Harry left no room for debate. With a world-weary sigh, Draco handed Harry the spell book, his notes, and made some toast. He didn't think he could stomach anything heavier than that.
"Good morning, lads," Mr Johannsen greeted them, wide grin lighting up the otherwise dull and overcast morning.
"Morning." Harry and Draco shook his hand in turn, then climbed aboard.
"Not sure what you think you'll see today that you didn't yesterday," he offered.
Draco shrugged. "We just want to enjoy the solitude one more time."
"Well, I can't say I understand, but I'm happy to oblige. Did you want me to leave you there again today?"
"Please."
"I'll keep an eye out on the weather for you. If it gets too rough, I'll come back early."
Draco caught Harry's eye, and knew what he was thinking. They couldn't risk being interrupted, and he didn't know how long the spell would take to cast. Ancient magic was always temperamental. But they also couldn't risk being stranded in a storm, on what effectively was no more than a big rock sticking out of the ocean.
"That would be appreciated," he said, determinately not looking at Harry.
As they waved Mr Johannsen away, Harry wasted no time turning on Draco. "What if he shows up when we're --"
"He won't."
"How do you know?"
"We'll just have to be quick." Draco looked at the sky. "It doesn't look like storm weather anyway," he reasoned.
"But you heard him yesterday. Storms come out of nowhere."
"And if we can't use magic, we'll have no way to escape."
"We should have hired a boat."
"I tried, but his is the only outfit here, and he won't allow anyone but a fully-licensed skipper to drive his boats." Harry huffed, but put up no more argument. Draco grinned. "Stop pouting, Potter."
"Shut up."
They made their way round to the other side of the island. Mound of rock. Whatever it was. Prepared this time, they quickly lit a small fire and made their offering to the elements. The rock disolved and granted them entrance.
Once more in the confines of the hidden cave, Draco could feel the magic pulsing around him. And once more, he felt lethargy tug at his consciousness. "Quickly," he said.
Harry dumped the contents of the rucksack on the ground, and they began the process they'd practiced the night before. Thankfully, Draco had come prepared to face elemental magic. He drew a circle around them in the earth to contain their magic, beginning in the east and moving clockwise three times. Harry placed a candle, water, salt, and mirror together at the northern point of the circle.
"For protection," Draco said. Facing the east, he placed a yellow wand. Turning to the south, he placed a red sword. Facing the west, he put down a blue cup. Then facing north he placed the green pentacle. Once he finished, Harry turned the mirror face-up and Draco said, "For containment." He placed rune-carved stakes at the four points between the symbols of the elements, in the hopes it would buy them time to get away.
"Okay, I'm set," Harry said.
"Are you sure?"
Harry cupped Draco's face in his hands and pressed his mouth to Draco's, hardly more than a brush of their lips, then pulled away. He smiled. "I trust you."
Harry took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes. The first spell was non-verbal, so all Draco could do was observe. He watched as the magic of air circulated around Harry in a gentle, dancing whirlwind, before it moved to the candle. The magic of fire joined air and caused the candle's flame to soar to the ceiling before settling back down. Then the heated air swirled around the water, causing it to boil before it fell in droplets upon the pentacle and the circle of protection was complete.
So far, so good.
The ground began to shake beneath Harry as he muttered the next incantation. His aura flared to life and his skin began to shimmer with sweat. He reddened from the pressure of the Conjuring Spell, the flow of magic pulsing through his body. His eyes flew open and his pupils shone red. Draco stumbled backwards but caught himself before he reached the edge of the circle.
He didn't know what to do. Harry was counting on him, but he'd never seen anything like this before. Never read anything resembling this. His heart began to pound erratically. Harry looked caught in a trance, but not in pain. He continued to mutter under his breath, and once he finished the incantation, his eyes fell shut.
Draco breathed a sigh of relief. Two down, one to go.
Harry began the Banishing Charm, but one line in, Draco knew something was wrong. Harry began convulsing, then fell to his knees. His eyes, green once more, flew open then rolled back in his head. Draco felt his own aura flare to life before he saw it, and when he looked at his hands, he was shocked to see how bright it shone.
He felt a surge of energy pulse through him, starting at his feet and rolling upwards in waves. He could feel himself draw strength from the earth and at once he knew what he had to do. He watched as Harry's aura flickered out and he collapsed to the ground. His energy was being pulled out of him.
Draco went to Harry's side and placed one hand on his forehead. He felt some of the excess energy in him flow into Harry and he allowed himself a small smile. Harry would be fine. Draco could do this. He had to do this.
He took over the Banishing Spell, from the beginning, saying the words loudly enough for all the spirits to hear. He had the power of the elements to help him, and the very real fear of Harry's death to fuel his own inner strength.
As he said the words, he felt the opposing magic pressing in on him, nearly suffocating him. He looked down at Harry's unconscious form and took a deep breath. He finished the spell, feeling his own energy waning as he knelt down beside Harry. He pictured his energy flowing into Harry and it did. He maintained the connection until Harry's lids fluttered open and he smiled up at Draco.
"We need to get out of here," Draco said. "But we have to break the circle first."
"But I thought you said --"
"We can't break another's circle, but we can break our own." Draco reversed the creation of the circle by thanking the elements and removing everything but the runes. They would stay. "Okay, we need to leave now."
Harry got to his feet with some help from Draco, staggered a bit, then allowed Draco to help him out of the cave. They made it to the drop-off point just as Mr Johannsen approached. Then climbed aboard and immediately sank onto the bench.
"You two okay?" Mr Johannsen asked. "You don't look so good."
"We'll be fine," Draco replied. "Just a bit tired." He felt more than tired, he knew, and Harry wasn't looking well at all. And the extra energy they'd drawn wouldn't last. One of them had to cast the final spell when they got far enough away, and there would be a backlash, even with the containment spell in place. Draco only hoped it wouldn't be too severe.
Harry doubled over once Mr Johannsen went below deck. "I'm not feeling so well," he said.
"It's okay," Draco said. "I'll do the final spell."
"No." Harry grasped Draco's forearm and squeezed. "I can't drive like this. You need to get us away from here."
"But Harry, you can't --"
"I can and I will. The car's packed. All you have to do is get us to the castle. Let me do the rest."
"But --"
"I'm stubborn," he said with a grin. "You're going to have to accept that someday."
"I may have to accept it, but I don't have to like it."
Harry smiled. "Let's go home."
They made it off the boat, thanked Mr Johannsen, and made for the car. Once inside, Draco pressed the accelerator and took off as quickly as he could. They'd left the key in the cottage and they were off.
About a half hour into the drive, Draco felt exhaustion tickling at his senses. "Now, Harry," he said. Using his magic had drawn attention to him, and his energy was depleting quickly.
"Pull over."
Draco pulled the car to the side of the road and they quickly set up a perimeter of protection around themselves. Then Harry began the last part of the Banishing Charm. His face drained of colour, and Draco placed his hand once again on Harry's forehead, willing some of his own magic into Harry. It didn't work. The connection with the elements had been broken, and now all he could do was hold Harry upright.
Harry uttered the last few words of the spell and Draco felt a wave of power, with Harry at its centre, burst out and over the landscape. Draco smiled, knowing it had worked, and then Harry collapsed beside him.
Draco bundled Harry into the car and drove, checking every once in a while for a heartbeat, and watching to be sure he was still breathing. He thought about Apparating, but he knew he was too weak, and Harry couldn't have withstood splinching. So he drove as fast as he could on the god-forsaken road. By the time they reached the castle, Harry's breathing was shallow and it was all Draco could do to drag him to the Floo.
He tossed in the powder and called "St Mungo's." As he dragged Harry out of the Floo, Draco vaguely registered the sterile environment before collapsing into darkness.
~ * ~ * ~
"What happened?" Weasley asked as he and a frantic Granger flew into Harry's room. They went immediately to his bedside.
Draco sighed, still holding Harry's right hand. If that bothered them, neither let on. "His magic ..."
Granger gasped. "Will he be okay?" She clutched her husband's arm.
"He took a heavy drain on his power, and his body is in rough shape," Draco explained.
Weasley brought a chair to the head of the bed and manoeuvred his very pregnant wife into it. "But he's strong, yeah?" Weasley said, his eyes on his partner, hand on Granger's back.
"Yeah." Draco sighed. "That's part of the problem."
"What do you mean?"
"He wouldn't --" Draco began, needing them to understand that he'd tried to warn Harry. "He insisted on doing it himself, even knowing the risk ..."
Granger sniffed. She brushed Harry's hair off his forehead, exposing his famous scar. "That's Harry."
Weasley reached across the bed, and for a moment Draco thought he might strangle him. Instead, he rested his hand on Draco's shoulder. "We know Harry. He's stubborn as all hell, and reckless too. But you brought him back, right?"
Draco winced. "I shouldn't have let him --"
Harry's friends shared a knowing smile. "Good luck with that, mate," Weasley said. "Stronger men than you have tried and failed. Miserably."
"I told him ..."
"We know."
Draco fought the urge to scream. They should be angry with him, but here they were, being supportive. He didn't think he deserved that. And what happened to Weasley's threat? "The drain on Harry's power had a particularly nasty effect on his body," he explained. The Healers had repaired the internal injuries he'd sustained, and the expert who'd worked the most recent case had been brought in to consult. "But they're hopeful that he'll regain most, if not all his strength, physical and magical," he told them.
"Thank Merlin," Weasley said. Granger's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"There's nothing any of us can do. He just needs to rest now."
"We're not leaving," Weasley said.
"I'll be here," Draco said. "Take your wife home." He eyed Granger, hand caressing her bulging midsection. "Better yet, take her to the maternity ward. She looks ready to pop."
Weasley looked ready to defend her until Granger pulled his sleeve and chuckled. "I feel ready to pop," she admitted.
Draco could nearly smell the burning of wood as Weasley fought an internal battle. He decided to put the man out of his misery. "I won't leave." Weasley looked doubtful. "Not this time."
Weasley looked at the sleeping form of his friend, then from Draco to his wife and back. "Call us when he wakes up." Draco nodded. "As soon as he wakes up."
Draco waved him off, and Weasley reluctantly led Granger out the door. "Right away," he called just before turning the corner.
Several hours later, Draco awoke to the sound of Harry moaning. Instantly awake, Draco went to his bedside and grasped his hand, felt his forehead, watched as he opened his eyes.
"Water?" Harry's raspy voice sounded inappropriately sexy, given the situation.
Draco grabbed the glass and filled it. Then he reached behind Harry's neck and eased the glass between his lips. After Harry had taken a few sips, Draco rested his head back on the pillow and put the glass down. He took Harry's hand in his own and squeezed. "How do you feel?" he asked.
"You're still here," he said, ignoring Draco's question.
"Where else would I be?"
Harry closed his eyes and moved about, in obvious discomfort. "Gone."
"I told you I wasn't going anywhere, Potter." Draco fussed with the covers. "Besides, there's paperwork to be done. Don't think you're getting out of it."
Harry blinked his eyes a few times, frowning as he tried to focus. Draco reached for his glasses and placed them reluctantly on Harry's face. Shame to cover up those eyes.
Harry manoeuvred himself into a sitting position, then reached for the water again. He took a few sips before Draco took it from him. The last thing Harry needed now was to get sick.
"And after the paperwork's done?" he asked, his voice neutral.
"I'm not going anywhere," Draco said, frightened yet sure of his decision. "You can't get rid of me that easily."
Harry, surprisingly strong for a man who was still at half magical strength, grabbed hold of Draco's shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. More gentle than any they'd shared before, when their tongues met, it was no less passionate for its tenderness. Draco savoured the intimacy of the moment, and then reluctantly drew back and smiled.
There would be time to fill in the gaps, to work with the Healers, for both of them to recover. A lifetime. He'd call Weasley later. As soon as Harry woke up - the next time. But for now, Draco pulled back the covers and climbed in. As he wrapped himself possessively around Harry, arm draped over his well-defined chest, and leg laying claim to his muscled thighs, Draco knew he'd never again let this go.
~FIN~
Author: sesheta_66
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco, Ron/Hermione
Rating: NC-17
Summary: When a group of witches and wizards fall ill, their magical power mysteriously drained while on tour in the Shetlands, Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter must get beyond their past and work together to solve the case and prevent further tragedy.
The aroma of coffee trickled into his nasal passages and drew Draco from his slumber. It smelled divine. He grinned and stretched, adjusting himself after sleeping on a sofa that had seen better years.
"About time you woke up."
"What time is it?"
"Nine."
"What?" Draco jumped off the sofa. "You must be joking."
"Not joking. I've already been out and back to pick up coffee from up the road. See for yourself." He motioned to the clock. Sure enough.
"But I never sleep this late. I'm up by seven, even on weekends. Most days an hour or two earlier."
"Maybe you were tired?"
"Well ... yes, but still. We didn't stay up late."
"No. In fact, you nodded off not too long after we arrived."
Draco stretched again. He didn't react when he noticed Potter sneaking a glance at his exposed midriff, though he might have taken a bit longer than necessary to lower his arms. "I'm still tired," he said.
Potter frowned. "You must be hungry too. You didn't eat anything."
"A little, perhaps." Draco rubbed his stomach. "But I would definitely enjoy a cup of that coffee."
Potter passed him a takeaway cup. After a few sips, Draco felt nearly awake. He noticed a loaf of bread and a packet of butter on the kitchen counter.
"Better?" Potter asked.
"Mm hmm." Draco retrieved his bag and took out a few papers before returning to the small kitchen table. He sipped his coffee and took a few moments to appreciate the homey feel of the place. It was no five-star hotel, but it was welcoming. Draco wondered why he hadn't noticed it the night before.
"Nice place," Potter said. "How'd you find it?"
"Trade secret," Draco replied. "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you." Truth was, he'd found it on the internet, but he wasn't about to tell Potter that.
"Are you planning to keep me in the dark about everything?"
Draco's mind, clearly not fully recovered from the harrowing drive, immediately provided him with images of things he could do with Potter in the dark. He smirked around his cup. "Possibly."
"Well, I for one would like some breakfast. And we ought to take a look about town, arrange for a boat."
"Already taken care of," Draco said. As Potter's mouth fell open, Draco had to use all his strength not to offer ... well. "Don't look so surprised, Potter. I told you I'm good at my job."
"And when do we catch this boat?"
"Eleven o'clock," Draco said. "I thought it prudent to leave ourselves enough time to have breakfast and explore the town, look for other possibilities, possibly chat to some locals before we leave." He looked at the time. "Well, at least we have time to eat."
Potter frowned. "Stop being good at my job too."
Draco choked on his coffee. Potter raised his arm, surely to cast a spell, and Draco caught him by the wrist just in time. Draco shook his head, still coughing and unable to speak. Potter managed to get the message, though, and didn't fight him. Moments later, when he was able to breathe properly again, he realised he still held Potter's wrist. He let go. "Can't do magic," he said.
Potter ran his fingers through his mop of hair and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah. Forgot about that. Sorry."
"Instinct," Draco offered.
"Yeah."
"Thanks."
Potter scowled, obviously misinterpreting Draco's comment. "For almost messing up the first day?" he asked.
"No, for the compliment." When Potter looked confused, Draco elaborated. "About being good at your job."
Potter rolled his eyes. "Don't let it go to your head."
Draco smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."
They had a traditional fry-up at a local restaurant, and by the time they reached the dock, Draco was ready for a nap.
"You okay?" Potter asked, placing a soothing hand at the base of Draco's back. It felt wonderful.
"Mm. Just tired."
Potter frowned. "Let's get this over with."
They introduced themselves to the owner and skipper, Mr Johannsen.
"Not very often folks come out this late in the year."
Draco smiled. "We appreciate you taking us on such short notice."
"My pleasure. As I said on the phone, I don't get much business this time of year, so I take what I can get."
"We appreciate it all the same," Potter said.
"We'll head out first to Muckle Flugga. That's the island --"
"-- with the lighthouse," Draco finished.
"Yes, indeed. Designed and built by Thomas Stevenson in 1857-58."
"That was Robert Louis Stevenson's father," Draco told Potter. "The Mu-- man who wrote Treasure Island." Potter's eyes widened. "He's said to have modelled the island in his novel after the one we're on right now, Unst."
"You know your history," Mr Johannsen said.
Potter gave Draco a curious look and his mouth broke into a crooked smile. "You have no idea," Potter told Mr Johannsen.
"Does that mean you don't want the running commentary as we go?" Johannsen asked.
"I think we'll be fine," Potter said. "We can leave you to focus on running the ship."
"Fair enough," he said cheerfully.
By the time they reached the lighthouse, Draco grasped the edge of the boat as he looked ahead at the approaching rocky landscape. His hands clammy and his head swimming, he now thought he knew how the tour group had felt. And he hadn't even used magic.
Potter was behind him and noticed his grip tighten. "You're not just tired, are you?" he asked, his breath warm against Draco's cool skin.
"No."
"Sit down," Potter said. It spoke volumes that Draco allowed Potter to lead him to a seat.
"I don't feel ill," Draco said. "Just a bit dizzy."
"I'm feeling a bit off myself," Potter said. "But you look worse than I feel."
"Thanks."
Potter grinned. "My pleasure." His face grew serious. "I think we should have Johannsen wait while we go ashore," he said. "What if you --"
"I'll be fine," Draco insisted. "I'm not planning to use magic, so I should be fine." His voice didn't even sound convincing to himself.
"Well, here you are," Johanssen said as he pulled the boat up to ... the big rock. Not exactly what one would call a shore. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay? Storms can pick up quickly out here."
"We'll be fine," Draco said. "Just a couple of hours."
"You'll catch your death," Johannsen said.
Potter lifted his rucksack. "We're prepared."
"A couple of boy scouts, you two are."
They thanked him and left the boat. Luckily Potter was there to steady Draco as he tried to gain his footing. He looked back at a concerned Johannsen. "Thanks."
"I'll see you in two hours, then."
"Two hours."
~ * ~ * ~
"This looks odd," Potter called after they'd been scouting out the islet for a good forty-five minutes. Draco had decided to rest for a moment to regain his equilibrium. Not exactly the best state to be in when negotiating a big rock. Draco slowly made his way to where Potter was standing, staring at something - a few somethings - etched into the side of the rock.
"This is it," Draco said, a surge of energy running through him at the sight. Before them was a clearly-marked entrance to ... well, he didn't know. But it was something.
"What is it?"
"An entrance, protected by the four elements."
"You got that from these scratches?"
"Yes." Draco pointed at one. "That is a red sword; it represents fire." He pointed at another. "That is a blue cup; that represents water. And that is a yellow wand for air. And finally we have a green pentacle for earth."
"Okay," Potter said. "What do we do to get in?"
"Without using magic?" Draco considered their options and began rummaging through his bag. "I would guess that we have to give an offering."
Potter groaned. "Not this again."
"Excuse me?"
"Did you bring a knife?"
Draco stopped digging. "What for?" he asked.
"So we can give blood."
Draco chuckled. "Why would we do something so gruesome?"
Potter frowned. "You said to give an offering."
Draco began laughing in earnest now. "Next thing you'll say we have to give a human sacrifice." His shoulders shook as he resumed his search.
Potter wasn't impressed. "I'll have you know that Voldemort required a blood offering to get into one of the places he stored a Horcrux."
"And you went there?"
"Yup." Potter nodded. "With Dumbledore."
Draco took a moment to process that. He allowed the information to settle in his system before contemplating what sort of idiot Headmaster would take a student to a place that required bloodletting in order to enter. He felt his skin tingle and grow hot as his blood simmered in his veins.
"Malfoy?" Potter looked concerned. "Malfoy, what's wrong?"
"I knew Dumbledore was daft, but to put you at such risk --"
"No, Malfoy. What's wrong with you?"
"I'm pissed off, that's what's wrong."
"You're ... you're glowing."
Draco looked down at his hands, and sure enough a soft golden glow surrounded him. "Shit!" he said. He took a few cleansing breaths and the glow faded. A few more breaths and he relaxed.
"What the hell just happened?" Potter asked.
"My aura," Draco replied simply.
"You mean Trelawny wasn't off her nut?"
"Oh, she most definitely was, but auras are real."
"So what just happened?"
"Wild magic."
Potter frowned. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," Draco said. He took a few more cleansing breaths and grinned. "Better than I was when we arrived."
"How can that be?"
Draco shrugged. "Maybe there's something to the leyline theories after all."
Potter eyed him sceptically. "So, as long as you're feeling all right, do you mind telling me what it is we have to offer?"
Something to honour each of the elements. He withdrew a flask from his bag. "Water." He then withdrew a few sprigs. "And something from the earth."
"Great," Potter said. "That's two elements. What about fire and air?"
"Watch," Draco said. He placed the sprigs on the ground and struck a match. When they caught flame, he dipped a feather into the water and dripped a few drops onto the flames. Then he fanned the steam towards the rock.
And nothing happened.
"Well, that was exciting," Potter deadpanned. "Shall I slice open my hand now?"
Draco was about to tell him off when the scratches on the stone glowed red. He smirked at Potter and they stepped back as the ground began to shake. Then the stone melted away.
"If you have your heart set on slicing yourself open, feel free," Draco said. "But I'm going inside." And he led the way into Merlin-knew-what.
At once, Draco felt almost like he was Apparating, the compression of the air surrounding him almost too much to bear. Breathing was a chore, his lungs heavy. He looked at Potter. "Still have your doubts?" he asked.
"No doubts," Potter said, looking as uncomfortable as Draco felt. "Now let's figure out what we have to do, do it, and get the hell out of here."
They went less than a dozen steps before finding themselves in a cavern. The air thinned out a bit, and became less oppressive. That or his body adjusted. The walls were covered with scratches, some that looked like children's scribbles, others that were clearly runes, and more that were the same as the scratches outside. But most disturbing was a circle of posts with what looked like runes carved into the tops of them. And in the centre was a body. Well, not really a body so much as a skeleton, covered with tattered and filthy robes, a scroll of parchment under one hand.
Potter immediately went for the body, and Draco barely managed to hold him back. "No!" he said. "You can't cross the circle."
"What?"
"It's a protective circle. You cannot cross its boundary. You can't break the circle. It's too dangerous."
"But --"
"There's obviously nothing you can do for him now anyway."
Potter huffed but didn't argue. "What is this?"
"It looks like some elemental magic, something very old. The use of runes in combination with the elements, and some symbols I don't recognise suggests a disorganised - or desperate person."
"What was he trying to accomplish?"
"I imagine that scroll would tell us."
Potter lifted his hand, but before Draco could stop him, he balled his hand into a fist and lowered it. "I suppose an Accio would not be advisable?"
Draco shook his head. "Not unless you want to end up like him."
"So if we can't perform magic and we can't cross the circle, what are we supposed to do?"
"I have a suggestion, but I need to consult my books first."
"You mean we have to come back?"
Draco fished out a camera from his bag and began taking pictures.
"A Muggle camera?" Potter asked.
"Well, a Pensieve would be my preference," Draco responded. "But since I think it inadvisable to even use that amount of magic this close to ... whatever this is, I thought we could use a little Muggle technology instead." He zoomed in as close as he could on the parchment and hoped they would be able to make out something.
Potter walked around the cave while Draco finished taking photographs. "There aren't any bugs," he said. "Or spiders. I'd expect to see both."
"I doubt anything would stay alive in this place for long," Draco said as he put away the camera. "I say we get out of here before Johannsen comes back."
~ * ~ * ~
"So what happened with your aura back there?" Potter asked after they'd settled back at the cottage, having warmed up with a whisky and a fire.
"Raw magic," Draco said. He spread the photographs over the table as he consulted his texts. "I think my anger made me lose control for a minute, and my body drew power from wherever."
"You think you drew power?" Potter asked, flipping through a volume on runes. "I was afraid you were losing it, the way you were glowing."
"It was a bit of both, I think, but the radiating aura was just the visual manifestation of my anger."
"What were you so angry about?" Potter asked.
Draco decided that was a good moment to pour them each a second drink. "It is unconscionable that the Headmaster of a school would put a child under his care at such risk."
Potter considered Draco for a moment, scrutinising him with those ridiculously green eyes of his. Draco fought not to squirm under his gaze. Potter grinned wryly. "You mean me."
"No, I mean Pansy," Draco said. He shot back half his mug in one go. He shuddered as heat exploded in his chest. "Of course I mean you." He handed Potter his mug.
Potter took a small sip and gave Draco a curious look. "I didn't know you cared."
"Hufflepuff," Draco said. He sipped a respectable amount of his whisky this time and raised his brows at Potter. "I care that a man whom scores of witches and wizards looked up to would so callously disregard the well-being of a child he was charged with protecting."
Potter smirked. "Me."
"Oh, for Merlin's sake, yes, Potter. You."
"You care." His stupid grin annoyed the shit out of Draco.
"Do you mind?" he said. "I have research to do."
"Don't mind at all," Potter said. "You feeling up for dinner?"
"As a matter of fact, I'm famished."
"Great. I'm much better at foraging than reading." He stood up and stretched. Draco tried not to stare. "You research. I shall go on a quest for sustenance."
Draco rolled his eyes. "You really take this hero thing far too seriously."
"Can't help it." He shrugged. "It's what I do." And with that, he put on a jacket and left Draco in peace.
Only it wasn't peaceful, because Potter's words - you care - echoed around the room. Bouncing off every surface, reverberating between Draco's ears, gnawing at the very edge of his consciousness. Maybe if Draco plied Potter with enough alcohol when he returned, he'd forget their conversation all together. He ran his hands through his hair and tugged. Potter would surely be the death of him.
Draco squinted at the photograph of the parchment. He couldn't make out what spell - or combination of spells - had been used. He could only decipher a few words that might have been Old Norse, or even the lesser-known Norn language. The best he could hope for was a wide-sweeping and generic counter-measure. By the time Potter returned, Draco had narrowed down their options to three, depending on Potter's abilities. Much to his dismay, Potter had insisted on being the one to cast the spells. He'd downright refused to allow Draco to risk himself. Which was stupid, really, but how could you stop a hero being stupid?
"What did you find?" Potter asked, the smell of fish and chips filling the cottage and causing Draco's mouth to water.
"Come here," he said. Potter looked over his shoulder while he pointed to the three incantations. "How are you with Banishing Charms?"
"Good." His breath tickled Draco's ear.
"And Conjuring Spells?"
"Also good." His voice sent shivers down Draco's spine.
"And Protective Spells?"
"Very good." His voice felt like a caress.
Draco cleared his throat. "Well then," he said, turning around to find Potter's face far too close to his own. He couldn't help his gaze from falling on Potter's lips. The bastard ran his tongue along them and Draco felt winded. Fuck. "Which would you prefer?"
"Which what would I prefer?" Fucking hell. Potter practically purred. The heat radiating from his body, and the heady scent of musk might very well kill Draco before the night was through.
"Which spell," Draco forced himself to answer. Now was not the time to lose focus. "You could conjure power to counter the Draining Spell and bring about an equalised state." He licked his suddenly dry lips and didn't miss Potter's sharp intake of breath. "Or you could banish first the protective circle and then the spell itself." He reached for his mug and finished the last bit of whisky, more for something to do with his hands than anything else. "Or you could establish a protective boundary around the current spell, limiting its power to draw on anything outside the circle or the cave."
"Which one would work best?"
"Hard to say. Any of them would work, but they each have their limitations."
"Why not do all three?"
Draco frowned. "Because the spell will fight you all the way, will drain your power while you fight against it, and could kill you."
Potter stepped back, giving Draco some much needed space. "Wouldn't it be nullified if I banished it first?"
"Not exactly. It isn't like banishing an object. You need to set the spell while you are there, and then activate it once you are a safe distance away, to prevent you being caught in the backlash and banished with the magic."
"I've heard of that type of spell before. We went over that in Auror training, but I've never actually cast one before."
"It's not much different from a regular Banishing Charm. I'm sure you could manage it."
Potter's face turned serious. "But the best way to ensure the spell is broken, and that no one gets caught in the crossfire, would be to use all three."
"Well ... yes."
"Then that's what I'll do."
"But you could ..."
"You'll be there to make sure I'm okay, right?"
"Of course."
Potter reached out, pulled Draco out of the chair until their bodies pressed against each other's, and wrapped his arms around Draco's back. "Then I'm not worried." And he kissed Draco like he'd never been kissed before.
Memories of a night long ago were lost in the heat of this moment. Lips, soft and full, sliding sweetly against his own. Harry's tongue teasing him, begging to let it through. The taste of Harry, so familiar yet so different now. Harry ran his fingers through Draco's hair and tugged back gently until their lips parted. He stared into Draco's eyes as though staring into his soul, then smiled. "I care too," he said. And then they spoke no more.
Tongues teased and explored and mapped out paths never before taken. Draco tore at Potter's shirt as Potter tugged at Draco's trousers. They stumbled to the bedroom, dinner forgotten, a trail of clothing behind them.
When Harry pushed Draco onto the bed and he lay there, staring up into the face that had haunted his dreams for a year, he saw a flash of hesitation in his eyes.
"I'm not leaving," he said.
Harry crawled onto the bed, lining up their erections and pressing Draco deliciously into the mattress. "I trust you."
Draco pulled him into a fierce kiss, desperately trying to convey what it meant to have Harry say that to him. He bucked and writhed under Harry, his hands grasping on for dear life. Harry moaned as Draco continued his onslaught. He needed Harry to understand how much he regretted leaving him. Needed Harry to understand that Draco wanted him - only him. Needed Harry to need him too.
Draco manoeuvred his hand between them and grabbed hold of their cocks. Harry gasped and Draco smiled into his lips. Draco reversed their positions, settling atop this gorgeous man, and softened his kisses. He slowly pressed his lips across Harry's cheek, along his jaw, and down his neck. When Harry bucked, he chuckled. "Like that, do you?"
"Nngh."
Draco decided he liked a squirmy, incoherent Harry at his mercy. Harry whimpered when Draco released his erection, then groaned when Draco ground his own into Harry's. God, this felt perfect. Draco kissed along Harry's chest as his hands caressed Harry's torso. When he pinched one of Harry's nipples and gently nibbled the other, he thought Harry would come undone right there. Oh, yes, there was nothing quite as heady as having the saviour of the world, a man who might very well be the most powerful wizard alive, come apart because of him. Draco did this. He could do anything right now, and Harry would be powerless to stop him. And all Draco wanted to do was bring Harry pleasure. And watch him dissolve in the throes of it.
Draco kissed a path to Harry's navel, then lower. He teased a little bit, not quite ready to give Harry the release he so desperately wanted. He kissed a path down one thigh, then licked a trail up the other.
"Please, Draco."
Merlin, was there anything on earth that sounded sexier than that? Draco doubted it. He took pity on Harry and grasped hold of his shaft, planting tiny kisses from base to tip as he stroked him. His tongue reached out to lick the slit and Harry nearly bucked off the bed. Draco pressed Potter's hip down with one hand while he reached back to caress Harry's balls with the other. He swirled his tongue around the head of his cock, breathing in the musky scent of desire, then engulfed Harry's prick, taking it in as far as it could go. He hummed, sure to hold Harry steady as he did so, then pulled back, applying suction as he went. He reached the tip, swirled his tongue, then sank down again.
He repeated the process until Harry was on the edge, almost there, then Draco released his cock, giving it one last kiss before he got up. Harry stared at him in disbelief. "What --?"
"Lube," Draco said. If he were at home, lube would have been at his bedside. Or he could have used an Accio. Unfortunately, he had to do things the Muggle way. He chuckled as Harry groaned.
He returned in short order, lube in hand. "Desperation looks good on you, Potter."
"Get over here," he growled. Draco didn't need telling twice.
He spread a liberal amount of lube over his fingers, then reached between Harry's legs. He circled his finger, teasing him until Harry moaned, "Draco."
He pressed one finger inside as he watched Harry for any sign of discomfort. He stretched Harry, then added another finger. He reached around inside, finally finding the bundle of nerves that caused Harry to tense, then he added another finger. When Harry began flailing, Draco once again reached for his cock and swallowed it down in one go. Draco pumped into Harry's hole with one hand and stroked Harry's cock with the other until Harry was coming into his mouth, shouting Draco's name.
Draco pulled his fingers out gently and continued to stroke Harry through the last of his tremors, licking his sensitive skin until Harry could take no more.
Harry reached for Draco's shoulders and pulled him into a sensuous kiss, no longer urgent, and full of promise.
Harry stroked Draco's cock, now desperate for attention. Draco rocked into Harry's touch, slowly at first, but building in need. He was so close, it didn't take long before Draco climaxed and his spunk coated their hands. It wasn't his shining moment, but after watching Harry unravel the way he had, Draco was surprised he hadn't come from that alone.
~ * ~ * ~
Draco awoke to the warmth of Harry's body next to him, arm draped over his chest in a familiar and possessive pose. They'd made love several times the night before, and even managed to come up for air long enough to eat some cold takeaway. They'd devised a plan, Harry had memorised the incantations, and they'd packed their supplies before retiring to bed.
After their last time, Harry had pulled away, giving Draco his space. Draco had wanted none of that and had promptly settled his back against Harry's chest and drawn Harry's arm around him. He'd never been much for snuggling before, but with Harry ... well. Everything was different with Harry. Draco would have loved to stay cocooned in the security of Harry's embrace all day, but nature called. He lifted Harry's arm and placed it behind him. Harry moaned.
"Just going to the loo," Draco said. Harry's body stiffened, but he said nothing. Draco leaned down and pressed his lips to Harry's temple. "I'm not going anywhere. Not this time." He ran his fingers through Harry's hair, brushing it away from his forehead, then he kissed the familiar scar. "I promise."
Harry relaxed marginally but did not open his eyes. And he made no effort to kiss back. Draco sighed. He'd never meant to hurt Harry last year, but he had. That much was obvious, even if Weasley hadn't said anything. Draco supposed it would be a while yet, understandably, before Harry really trusted him, no matter what he said. But as he pressed a kiss upon those inviting lips, Draco knew it would be worth all the time in the world.
When he returned from the toilet, Harry was already up and dressed. Draco suppressed his disappointment. "We still have time before we head out," he ventured.
"Hmm." Harry picked up his rucksack and riffled through it for something. "Johannsen is expecting us in an hour. I'd like to go over the spell one more time."
"Of course." Draco thought he'd try one more time. "I think I should --"
"We discussed this already. I'll perform the counter-spell. My magic is stronger; I can withstand more."
"Or your magic will be so powerful that it strengthens the spell and ..." He couldn't say the words. He didn't want to think about, never mind acknowledge aloud, the very real possibility of Harry's magic being drained, or worse.
"You'll be there, right?"
Draco scowled. "Of course."
"Well then." Harry withdrew a packet of crisps from his bag with a triumphant smile. "I trust you to look out for me."
His words hit Draco like an Impedimenta to the chest. Draco swallowed hard. Harry's trust meant a lot, but it wouldn't be worth anything if Draco couldn't save him. "Please, Harry."
"I trust you," he repeated. "Besides, I've had more experience than you have living like a Muggle. If the worst happens, I'll get through it." His jaw set, Harry left no room for debate. With a world-weary sigh, Draco handed Harry the spell book, his notes, and made some toast. He didn't think he could stomach anything heavier than that.
"Good morning, lads," Mr Johannsen greeted them, wide grin lighting up the otherwise dull and overcast morning.
"Morning." Harry and Draco shook his hand in turn, then climbed aboard.
"Not sure what you think you'll see today that you didn't yesterday," he offered.
Draco shrugged. "We just want to enjoy the solitude one more time."
"Well, I can't say I understand, but I'm happy to oblige. Did you want me to leave you there again today?"
"Please."
"I'll keep an eye out on the weather for you. If it gets too rough, I'll come back early."
Draco caught Harry's eye, and knew what he was thinking. They couldn't risk being interrupted, and he didn't know how long the spell would take to cast. Ancient magic was always temperamental. But they also couldn't risk being stranded in a storm, on what effectively was no more than a big rock sticking out of the ocean.
"That would be appreciated," he said, determinately not looking at Harry.
As they waved Mr Johannsen away, Harry wasted no time turning on Draco. "What if he shows up when we're --"
"He won't."
"How do you know?"
"We'll just have to be quick." Draco looked at the sky. "It doesn't look like storm weather anyway," he reasoned.
"But you heard him yesterday. Storms come out of nowhere."
"And if we can't use magic, we'll have no way to escape."
"We should have hired a boat."
"I tried, but his is the only outfit here, and he won't allow anyone but a fully-licensed skipper to drive his boats." Harry huffed, but put up no more argument. Draco grinned. "Stop pouting, Potter."
"Shut up."
They made their way round to the other side of the island. Mound of rock. Whatever it was. Prepared this time, they quickly lit a small fire and made their offering to the elements. The rock disolved and granted them entrance.
Once more in the confines of the hidden cave, Draco could feel the magic pulsing around him. And once more, he felt lethargy tug at his consciousness. "Quickly," he said.
Harry dumped the contents of the rucksack on the ground, and they began the process they'd practiced the night before. Thankfully, Draco had come prepared to face elemental magic. He drew a circle around them in the earth to contain their magic, beginning in the east and moving clockwise three times. Harry placed a candle, water, salt, and mirror together at the northern point of the circle.
"For protection," Draco said. Facing the east, he placed a yellow wand. Turning to the south, he placed a red sword. Facing the west, he put down a blue cup. Then facing north he placed the green pentacle. Once he finished, Harry turned the mirror face-up and Draco said, "For containment." He placed rune-carved stakes at the four points between the symbols of the elements, in the hopes it would buy them time to get away.
"Okay, I'm set," Harry said.
"Are you sure?"
Harry cupped Draco's face in his hands and pressed his mouth to Draco's, hardly more than a brush of their lips, then pulled away. He smiled. "I trust you."
Harry took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes. The first spell was non-verbal, so all Draco could do was observe. He watched as the magic of air circulated around Harry in a gentle, dancing whirlwind, before it moved to the candle. The magic of fire joined air and caused the candle's flame to soar to the ceiling before settling back down. Then the heated air swirled around the water, causing it to boil before it fell in droplets upon the pentacle and the circle of protection was complete.
So far, so good.
The ground began to shake beneath Harry as he muttered the next incantation. His aura flared to life and his skin began to shimmer with sweat. He reddened from the pressure of the Conjuring Spell, the flow of magic pulsing through his body. His eyes flew open and his pupils shone red. Draco stumbled backwards but caught himself before he reached the edge of the circle.
He didn't know what to do. Harry was counting on him, but he'd never seen anything like this before. Never read anything resembling this. His heart began to pound erratically. Harry looked caught in a trance, but not in pain. He continued to mutter under his breath, and once he finished the incantation, his eyes fell shut.
Draco breathed a sigh of relief. Two down, one to go.
Harry began the Banishing Charm, but one line in, Draco knew something was wrong. Harry began convulsing, then fell to his knees. His eyes, green once more, flew open then rolled back in his head. Draco felt his own aura flare to life before he saw it, and when he looked at his hands, he was shocked to see how bright it shone.
He felt a surge of energy pulse through him, starting at his feet and rolling upwards in waves. He could feel himself draw strength from the earth and at once he knew what he had to do. He watched as Harry's aura flickered out and he collapsed to the ground. His energy was being pulled out of him.
Draco went to Harry's side and placed one hand on his forehead. He felt some of the excess energy in him flow into Harry and he allowed himself a small smile. Harry would be fine. Draco could do this. He had to do this.
He took over the Banishing Spell, from the beginning, saying the words loudly enough for all the spirits to hear. He had the power of the elements to help him, and the very real fear of Harry's death to fuel his own inner strength.
As he said the words, he felt the opposing magic pressing in on him, nearly suffocating him. He looked down at Harry's unconscious form and took a deep breath. He finished the spell, feeling his own energy waning as he knelt down beside Harry. He pictured his energy flowing into Harry and it did. He maintained the connection until Harry's lids fluttered open and he smiled up at Draco.
"We need to get out of here," Draco said. "But we have to break the circle first."
"But I thought you said --"
"We can't break another's circle, but we can break our own." Draco reversed the creation of the circle by thanking the elements and removing everything but the runes. They would stay. "Okay, we need to leave now."
Harry got to his feet with some help from Draco, staggered a bit, then allowed Draco to help him out of the cave. They made it to the drop-off point just as Mr Johannsen approached. Then climbed aboard and immediately sank onto the bench.
"You two okay?" Mr Johannsen asked. "You don't look so good."
"We'll be fine," Draco replied. "Just a bit tired." He felt more than tired, he knew, and Harry wasn't looking well at all. And the extra energy they'd drawn wouldn't last. One of them had to cast the final spell when they got far enough away, and there would be a backlash, even with the containment spell in place. Draco only hoped it wouldn't be too severe.
Harry doubled over once Mr Johannsen went below deck. "I'm not feeling so well," he said.
"It's okay," Draco said. "I'll do the final spell."
"No." Harry grasped Draco's forearm and squeezed. "I can't drive like this. You need to get us away from here."
"But Harry, you can't --"
"I can and I will. The car's packed. All you have to do is get us to the castle. Let me do the rest."
"But --"
"I'm stubborn," he said with a grin. "You're going to have to accept that someday."
"I may have to accept it, but I don't have to like it."
Harry smiled. "Let's go home."
They made it off the boat, thanked Mr Johannsen, and made for the car. Once inside, Draco pressed the accelerator and took off as quickly as he could. They'd left the key in the cottage and they were off.
About a half hour into the drive, Draco felt exhaustion tickling at his senses. "Now, Harry," he said. Using his magic had drawn attention to him, and his energy was depleting quickly.
"Pull over."
Draco pulled the car to the side of the road and they quickly set up a perimeter of protection around themselves. Then Harry began the last part of the Banishing Charm. His face drained of colour, and Draco placed his hand once again on Harry's forehead, willing some of his own magic into Harry. It didn't work. The connection with the elements had been broken, and now all he could do was hold Harry upright.
Harry uttered the last few words of the spell and Draco felt a wave of power, with Harry at its centre, burst out and over the landscape. Draco smiled, knowing it had worked, and then Harry collapsed beside him.
Draco bundled Harry into the car and drove, checking every once in a while for a heartbeat, and watching to be sure he was still breathing. He thought about Apparating, but he knew he was too weak, and Harry couldn't have withstood splinching. So he drove as fast as he could on the god-forsaken road. By the time they reached the castle, Harry's breathing was shallow and it was all Draco could do to drag him to the Floo.
He tossed in the powder and called "St Mungo's." As he dragged Harry out of the Floo, Draco vaguely registered the sterile environment before collapsing into darkness.
~ * ~ * ~
"What happened?" Weasley asked as he and a frantic Granger flew into Harry's room. They went immediately to his bedside.
Draco sighed, still holding Harry's right hand. If that bothered them, neither let on. "His magic ..."
Granger gasped. "Will he be okay?" She clutched her husband's arm.
"He took a heavy drain on his power, and his body is in rough shape," Draco explained.
Weasley brought a chair to the head of the bed and manoeuvred his very pregnant wife into it. "But he's strong, yeah?" Weasley said, his eyes on his partner, hand on Granger's back.
"Yeah." Draco sighed. "That's part of the problem."
"What do you mean?"
"He wouldn't --" Draco began, needing them to understand that he'd tried to warn Harry. "He insisted on doing it himself, even knowing the risk ..."
Granger sniffed. She brushed Harry's hair off his forehead, exposing his famous scar. "That's Harry."
Weasley reached across the bed, and for a moment Draco thought he might strangle him. Instead, he rested his hand on Draco's shoulder. "We know Harry. He's stubborn as all hell, and reckless too. But you brought him back, right?"
Draco winced. "I shouldn't have let him --"
Harry's friends shared a knowing smile. "Good luck with that, mate," Weasley said. "Stronger men than you have tried and failed. Miserably."
"I told him ..."
"We know."
Draco fought the urge to scream. They should be angry with him, but here they were, being supportive. He didn't think he deserved that. And what happened to Weasley's threat? "The drain on Harry's power had a particularly nasty effect on his body," he explained. The Healers had repaired the internal injuries he'd sustained, and the expert who'd worked the most recent case had been brought in to consult. "But they're hopeful that he'll regain most, if not all his strength, physical and magical," he told them.
"Thank Merlin," Weasley said. Granger's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"There's nothing any of us can do. He just needs to rest now."
"We're not leaving," Weasley said.
"I'll be here," Draco said. "Take your wife home." He eyed Granger, hand caressing her bulging midsection. "Better yet, take her to the maternity ward. She looks ready to pop."
Weasley looked ready to defend her until Granger pulled his sleeve and chuckled. "I feel ready to pop," she admitted.
Draco could nearly smell the burning of wood as Weasley fought an internal battle. He decided to put the man out of his misery. "I won't leave." Weasley looked doubtful. "Not this time."
Weasley looked at the sleeping form of his friend, then from Draco to his wife and back. "Call us when he wakes up." Draco nodded. "As soon as he wakes up."
Draco waved him off, and Weasley reluctantly led Granger out the door. "Right away," he called just before turning the corner.
Several hours later, Draco awoke to the sound of Harry moaning. Instantly awake, Draco went to his bedside and grasped his hand, felt his forehead, watched as he opened his eyes.
"Water?" Harry's raspy voice sounded inappropriately sexy, given the situation.
Draco grabbed the glass and filled it. Then he reached behind Harry's neck and eased the glass between his lips. After Harry had taken a few sips, Draco rested his head back on the pillow and put the glass down. He took Harry's hand in his own and squeezed. "How do you feel?" he asked.
"You're still here," he said, ignoring Draco's question.
"Where else would I be?"
Harry closed his eyes and moved about, in obvious discomfort. "Gone."
"I told you I wasn't going anywhere, Potter." Draco fussed with the covers. "Besides, there's paperwork to be done. Don't think you're getting out of it."
Harry blinked his eyes a few times, frowning as he tried to focus. Draco reached for his glasses and placed them reluctantly on Harry's face. Shame to cover up those eyes.
Harry manoeuvred himself into a sitting position, then reached for the water again. He took a few sips before Draco took it from him. The last thing Harry needed now was to get sick.
"And after the paperwork's done?" he asked, his voice neutral.
"I'm not going anywhere," Draco said, frightened yet sure of his decision. "You can't get rid of me that easily."
Harry, surprisingly strong for a man who was still at half magical strength, grabbed hold of Draco's shirt and pulled him in for a kiss. More gentle than any they'd shared before, when their tongues met, it was no less passionate for its tenderness. Draco savoured the intimacy of the moment, and then reluctantly drew back and smiled.
There would be time to fill in the gaps, to work with the Healers, for both of them to recover. A lifetime. He'd call Weasley later. As soon as Harry woke up - the next time. But for now, Draco pulled back the covers and climbed in. As he wrapped himself possessively around Harry, arm draped over his well-defined chest, and leg laying claim to his muscled thighs, Draco knew he'd never again let this go.
~FIN~