Fic: Promised - Chapter 95
Title: Promised
Author: neddiheht (Ashavan Doyon)
Artist: ritalaura2000
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: All ATWT characters the property of P&G/Telenext. Harry Potter and the characters associated with that universe belong to J. K. Rowling, Warner Brothers, and Scholastic. No copyright infringement intended. No profit made from this fiction.
Characters/Pairings: Noah/Draco, Luke/Neville, Luke/Noah, Draco/Harry. Some mention of other fun pairings not involving Luke, Noah, Draco or Harry.
Word Count: 205,207
Warnings alternate universe, graphic sex, arranged marriages, mpreg, some mention of non-consensual sex. This is a Nuke fic set largely in the Harry Potter verse and combined with a Drarry pairing.
Summary: Luciano Grimaldi was a perfectly happy young wizard. His family carefully neutral during the war, he has found happiness in the years since Voldemort's fall with herbologist, hero, and friend of the Savior, Neville Longbottom. Only he's just been informed that in the tradition of ancient pure blood families, he was promised at birth, in an offering to keep his family safe, to the son of infamous American Death Eater Winston Mayer.
Noah Mayer is a very unhappy wizard. In love for years with fellow Death Eater Draco Malfoy, the two young men have secretly found solace and love in each others arms, dreading the day they knew would come. They are promised, in the traditions of the oldest families. Promised to young wizards who didn't know. Married, for all intents and purposes, almost at birth to strangers who will doubtless hate them. Now they must surrender to duty and obligation. Now they must turn their backs on a love they know and risk everything for what might be. Noah always knew he hated pure blood traditions. This was why.
Link to Story Master Post: Yeah, it's a LOT of chapters. Worth it though, I hope!
Link to Art Master Post: Some seriously beautiful banners and photo manips!
--
Previous Chapter
--
Chapter 95
The winds of the approaching winter cast an appalling chill across the stands as the Hufflepuff team soared through the air in challenge against the Slytherin team. It was nearly December and the rankings were tight save for Gryffindor, who had been sorely hurt by the loss of both their seeker and their star chaser.
In the faculty box, Harry and Draco huddled against each other in warm coats, the gentle force of a warming charm keeping out the worst of the oppressive chill. Ron and Hermione were similarly huddled together. Noah was on his feet and cheering as his house team scored once again. They were up by over a hundred points.
Neville watched glumly, wrapping his coat tighter around him. The game had been going on for too long, but neither side had sighted the snitch since a brief tussle for it had left Hufflepuff reliant on their reserve seeker and the Slytherin seeker with a broken nose from a well placed Bludger from a Hufflepuff beater. Noah had spent twenty minutes making sure his team's seeker was okay with Madam Pomfrey before he'd returned to the stands. Neville sighed. It had only been four weeks since he'd broken things off with Oliver, and while the Puddlemere keeper would have skived off most obligations to be here while they were dating, now it seemed his weekends were once again filled with trainings and events and public appearances. Neville understood, but it still hurt.
"Slytherin seeker best be careful," said Neville. "If he catches the snitch now, Hufflepuff will still win."
Harry and Draco looked alarmed at the scoreboard and realized Neville was right. He'd been the only one to notice, but the last score had pushed Hufflepuff into a hefty enough lead to survive Slytherin catching the snitch. And it looked to be a danger too, with the seeker zipping past as if in chase. Noah had a broad grin on his face. The Slytherins hadn't realized it yet, and while Slytherin had a better seeker, the Hufflepuff keeper had only missed blocking the Quaffle twice.
Neville shivered. "Wish the seeker would just catch the damned thing," he muttered to himself.
"You are wearing inadequate coat for such weather," came a voice from behind him, as a warm fur coat was set gently on his shoulders. A man, apparently perfectly comfortable in the brisk winter air stepped to the edge of the box with Neville. "You are being right, I am thinking. Sloppy, but is easy to miss as seeker. Always paying more attention to finding snitch than to score."
Harry and Draco both looked at the man, their eyes wide. As seekers themselves, they couldn't help but recognize him, renowned as the best seeker in the world. And Harry, of course, had been a Triwizard Champion with him. Ron's eyes were wide and Hermione practically glowed with delight.
"Ummm... Thanks for the coat?" said Neville weakly.
"Is being my pleasure," said the man, his eyes still on the air. "Slytherin seeker is being rather well trained. I is hearing this is your doing," he said with a glance in Harry's direction.
Hermione stood carefully and went to hug the man. "Viktor! I... what are you doing here?"
"I am being right now very happy to be seeing old friends," he laughed as he spun her gently in a circle, careful not to squeeze her as he spun. "And... I was not hearing about your condition," he said, stunned. "Why did you not say something in last letter?"
"Work has been... well," she looked guiltily at Noah, "we lost someone at work, and it's been busy without him."
"Blame Luke's grandmother, not me," said Noah. "Damned Walsh influence."
"Shh, baby," said Luke stepping up to Noah to nuzzle against him, dressed in a coat remarkably similar to the one wrapped around Neville. "Grandmother doesn't understand. And her manipulations... they put us here, together, whether she intended it or not."
Noah grunted and returned his attention to the game.
"Still can't see the snitch," groaned Neville.
Viktor released Hermione and kissed her on the cheek, then stepped back next to Neville. "It is being right there, my young handsome friend," he said pointing with fierce certainty at the empty air. "And I am thinking the Slytherin seeker is knowing this. Trust me, all he can sense is his own broken nose, and sight of snitch. He will grab it, I am certain, and will lose game for Slytherins."
"What makes you think that?" asked Harry.
"Is how I lost World Cup for Bulgaria against Ireland. Was injured and could think of nothing but ending game."
The snitch sailed towards them and right before it reached them, Viktor seized Neville's hand. It sailed past and they ducked to avoid the seeker as he zipped through the stands following it. Viktor smiled at the tingle running through his fingers as he gripped Neville's hand. He released him and clapped Neville on the back. "Sorry my handsome friend. I fear my reflexes would have had me grabbing the snitch. Then we would be watching whole game over. I am thinking you are being cold enough already."
"It's... happy to help," said Neville uncertainly.
"So, Viktor... really," said Hermione, "what brings you to Hogwarts?"
"Is here to watch game. Badgers versus snakes. Badgers I am thinking win against snakes much of time. Is in nature."
"Hey!" said Harry. "Slytherin..."
"And the Slytherin seeker has caught the snitch!" screamed the student announcer, "in a rare upset, Hufflepuff wins!"
Noah cheered wildly while Draco and Harry shook their heads. "Best go down to keep our seeker from getting hexed into oblivion," said Harry. "Come on, my dragon. Let's go."
Noah kissed Luke lightly on the forehead. "I need to congratulate the team! Meet you at Hogsmeade, love?"
"Of course," said Viktor, answering before Luke could say anything. "We is having best seats in house at Griffin's Fire. All of us."
"I wasn't," began Neville.
"Nonsense my handsome friend," said Viktor. "Is celebration. Would not steal moment from Lyusha's mate. Is victory well earned."
"But... I..."
Minerva stepped down from her seats. "What an upset, Neville!" she said excitedly. She looked startled at Krum. "Mister Krum. Hogwarts is thrilled to have you here. What is the occasion?"
"Visiting old friends, headmistress."
She looked at him oddly, but nodded. "It is good to see you again. The last time was in rather sad circumstances."
"Diggory boy is much missed," said Viktor. "Was worthy adversary."
"Excuse me," said Neville quietly, rushing down the stairs.
Krum nodded at the headmistress and followed quickly down the steps seizing Neville's hand just as he sought to turn back to the castle to turn him towards Hogsmeade. "Is knowing what is like to be lone man in group of mated pairs," said Krum, "but is sharing distinction with you. Is thinking you would not abandon me to such fate, yes?"
Luke watched from where he had followed the two down from the stands, a hesitant grin on his face. He knew too well that Viktor could be positively charming when he wished to be.
"But... you're Viktor Krum!" said Neville.
"And is still lonely when only single man in group of coupled friends. Is knowing you are familiar with dilemma. Can tell."
"What if people think..."
"Is why studied dark arts in school. Is knowing many appropriate hexes. Let us hurry. Is seeming that air is still cold for you, even in coat."
"I..."
"Neville," said Luke, "let's go."
"I was just going to..."
"Is hurting that you would abandon me to couples in such sweet states of affection, my handsome friend," said Viktor in mock indignation.
"I wish you'd stop saying that," said Neville.
"Is not knowing," said Viktor, feigning puzzlement. "Am I saying something wrong?"
"You keep calling me handsome!"
"You is preferring sexy?" said Viktor with a waggle of bushy eyebrows. "I will be remembering, my most sexy friend. Come, friends are waiting."
Neville turned to Luke as he let Krum lead him away. "Is he flirting with me?" he mouthed at Luke.
Luke didn't say anything, he just smiled, falling into place a few steps behind them.
Hogsmeade had been quietly entertaining Harry Potter for years, and while he certainly retained his fame there, years of being seen made his appearance no surprise. Ronald Weasley was likely a familiar face whose infrequent but consistent visits to the town had led to his fame seeming rather subdued. Viktor Krum, however, was arguably the most famous Quidditch player in the world, and his appearance at Griffin's Fire provoked not just looks, but screams and a rush and press of people kept at bay only by rather quick wand work on the famous seeker's part.
They were led this time not to a corner booth but to a back room where an elegant table had been set for the group. Ron and Hermione were already seated and laughing as Luke entered with Viktor and Neville. Hermione looked oddly on as Viktor took Neville's coat and hung it up in the corner and then pulled out a chair for the young herbologist.
Viktor sat across from Neville, smiling at Hermione as he spread his napkin on his lap. Luke sat next to Neville who kept glancing furtively at him mouthing "well, is he?" as inconspicuously as he could.
Luke continued to ignore the question, quickly ordering drinks for the group from their usual waitress, who stumbled from the room distractedly, barely able to take her eyes off of Krum. "So," said Luke, "How are things at the Ministry, Hermione."
"I can't really talk about it," she said. "It's just been a lot of work since we lost Noah."
"You was never telling me what it is you do there," said Viktor.
Hermione looked uncomfortable for a moment and then there was another brief rush of people as Harry and Draco arrived with Noah. Luke smiled and stood again, kissing Noah and running his fingers lightly over the claim mark through his clothes.
"Missed you," said Luke.
"Stop it you two," said Harry. "Even Draco and I aren't so cloyingly sweet."
"We could be," whispered Draco, kissing him lightly before pulling out a chair.
"So Viktor," said Hermione as the others took their seats, "what really brings you to Hogwarts?"
"Had break in schedule," said Viktor. "Was feeling lonely and thought I would pay visit to old friends. You, Hermione, and of course Lyusha." He emptied his glass. "Is thinking of you both after seeing pictures in paper."
"Of course," muttered Harry, "from the wedding."
"Is sorry was unable to make it, Harry. You gave rather shorter notice than I was needing."
"I know. I had to ask personal favors of Ron's team to get him the time off."
"Well. I is understanding need for quiet and secrecy," said Viktor. "I is being followed constantly by reporters. Is part of reason for being recluse."
The waitress came in with more drinks and quickly took their order. Her eyes stayed on Krum, and she flirted with him shamelessly as the group ordered. Viktor shook his head as she left.
"Sorry about that Vitya. You're a bit famous," said Luke.
"Is used to it," said Viktor with a shrug. "Is thinking though that there are better looking men at table with whom forward waitress could be flirting."
"Victor!" exclaimed Hermione.
"Is true. Sitting here with gorgeous men. Gorgeous famous men, half of them heroes, and waitress looks at me." He shook his head. "I is not understanding."
"You're famous, Vitya."
"Is knowing this. But he is Harry Potter. And he Ronald Weasley, and Draco Malfoy. Is like reading top ten of society pages for wizarding world."
"They just want to know what girl you're going to pick next," said Ron. "If you'd just pick one, they might give you some peace."
"Is nice thought," he glanced across the table at Neville. "But is not sure it being favor to pick someone."
The waitress returned with food, quickly laying it out on the table. She lingered over Krum's and then disappeared again. Krum's wand was out quickly, sealing the door. "Begging forgiveness of old friends, but need peace for a few moments at least."
Several people at the table shot him sympathetic looks as they began to eat. "Lyusha tells me he has new pack mate? A child... medvyedchik... I is thinking Teddy is name."
Harry beamed. "Yes, he's been helping a great deal with Teddy. I... I didn't realize you knew about..."
"Is being a quarter wolf. Not so unusual at Durmstrang. Is not something press needs to know," he said quietly. "They would be... blowing out of proportion, yes?"
"Teddy is half," said Luke. "His instincts are very strong."
"Is good then to have protector and pack mate. Is being good father to allow it, Harry."
"Thank you, Victor," replied Harry. "Luke and Noah have been good friends to us."
"Lyusha. Has been wanting to meet this Noah of yours," said Viktor. "Is sitting next to him and he says nothing."
"Not sure what to say," said Noah, shrugging.
Victor turned and sniffed the air. "He claimed you last night. Rubbed his scent into you knowing I would come. Scent is very strong. You are his."
"Completely," said Noah, the next words quiet. "I am owned."
Krum's eyes darkened. "I is thinking my Lyusha is lucky man. Was having much worry for him. He," Viktor looked rather pointedly at Neville, "had been very much in love before. And he was not entirely knowing it, I think, until he was losing it."
"Neither of us were good at admitting those feelings until it was too late," said Neville.
"My redheaded friend," said Viktor, "You are being rather quiet. I am hoping I is not making you too uncomfortable."
"Sorry, mate. Just still... You remind me of a difficult time. Nothing you did."
"Mister Malfoy?" asked Viktor quietly.
"Hmm," said Draco. "Sorry. That year you were at Hogwarts, Krum, it was a difficult one. For both Ronald and myself in particular."
Harry and Noah both reached out to set a comforting hand on Draco's, Hermione doing the same for Ron.
"I see. I is being poor guest dredging up bad memories." He looked down. "Forgive me. I is not being good at..."
"Don't feel bad," said Neville, "I'm bollocks at the social thing too. That's why I wanted to skive off it."
"Ah, well, perhaps my sexy young friend," Neville's eyes went wide as Viktor spoke, "we can at least share in that."
"Why do you keep. I'm not handsome or sexy," hissed Neville.
"I is thinking you say that to yourself often enough that you even believe it," said Viktor. "Does it bother you that I mean it?"
Neville's face became pale. "You..."
"Oi mate!" said Ronald. "Stop teasing Neville! We all know you're straight!"
"He's rather fragile," said Hermione.
"And we don't want to see him hurt," said Harry quietly. "He..."
"He's stronger than you are thinking. Can smell his power. His strength," said Viktor, his head weaving back and forth as he inhaled the scent of the room. "The earth lives inside him, makes him strong." Viktor shuddered.
"I'm right here. You could talk to me!"
Viktor looked at him. "If it is bothering you, Neville, I will stop calling you sexy, or handsome. But not saying these words, it does not make them less true, yes?"
"It makes me uncomfortable."
"Then forgive me young friend. Nevya, yes? Is not proper to use formality of full name. Is being Vitya, not Viktor. Viktor is famous seeker. Vitya is simple quiet man. Man who was happiest," his voice got very quiet as he looked directly at Luke, "when he had Lyusha on his arm a long time ago. Is thinking you is knowing that feeling."
Neville lips curled into the barest hint of a smile. "I'd... I suspected. He gets all wound up when he sees the pictures of you with a woman on your arm."
"Was making stupid mistakes in youth. Is for best though, he is bound, and with mate and pup, by Koschei, a pup. Would have been losing him," said Viktor quietly. "It is loss I know well."
"Blimey, Viktor," said Ronald, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Told few. Perhaps ten people in whole of world."
Ron's mouth opened into an "oh."
"So why did you come to Hogwarts?" asked Draco. "You don't travel. Not even for old friends. Your reputation for being a recluse rivals this one," he set his hand on Harry's.
"Hmph. You is being most perceptive, Mister Malfoy. Is here to congratulate old flame who is being bound soon. Is here to see him with own eyes, and welcome, if his mate allows, their pup to our pack," Noah's eyes widened as Viktor spoke. "Is for protection, as pup is Grimaldi and will have enemies, and is Mayer and will be reviled for the name. For old lover, I will do this thing, and make the pup safe forever, as Lyusha has done without a word for Harry's medvyedchik."
He looked at Draco. "Is good enough reason I am thinking?"
Draco nodded silently and gulped, looking across the table at Luke who regarded him calmly with just a raised eyebrow.
"Didn't know you were binding, mate," said Ron staring down the table at Luke and Noah.
"Hadn't told anyone," said Noah, turning to look at Viktor. "You knew?"
"Is knowing Lyusha long time. You made him howl, Noah. Is not knowing how you pulled the full passion from him. Is not knowing, but is still accepting your place in pack. Knowing Lyusha well. He will follow formality in this. His pup will be borne with a proper name, and he will acknowledge the child in your body before the witnesses of his flesh." He looked at Luke. "I am thinking it will be soon."
Neville shook and pushed away from the table. "I'm... I'm sorry." He turned and ran. Luke stood up to follow.
"Is taking care of this, Lyushenka moi," said Viktor, standing and following Neville out of the room. Neville had maintained enough propriety to walk through the restaurant, but Viktor did not bother, running quickly to catch up to him. He found him, shaking from the cold, against a wall a few hundred meters from the restaurant.
"Nevya?"
"Neville."
"I is thinking not," said Viktor, casting a quick warming charm around them. "Neville is hard. A hard and powerful man. Quiet, so no one is suspecting, but very hard, ruthless even, when necessary. Neville is being very like Noah. Is why such good match for Lyusha. Nevya, I am thinking, is soft and loving. Nevya is appreciating quiet beauty of flower," He pulled a beautiful translucent rose that looked almost made from frosted glass from inside his tunic, the spells of preservation and protection and stasis that had held it safe within his tunic falling from it, causing it to bloom before their eyes. "Nevya, I think is knowing what this flower is." Neville looked at the flower in shock.
Viktor set his hand against Neville's neck and the flower pulsed suddenly with light. "I is thinking Nevya knows meaning of this too. I is coming to Hogwarts for you, Nevya. I is here for Lyusha, my pack mate of course, but is also coming here for you. To be seeing you and offering to you this flower."
"A Night Blooming Siberian Witch Rose?" asked Neville reverently, his fingers moving to brush the petals tentatively. "Where... how?"
"I is knowing place," said Viktor, his grin wide. "They have never been grown in captivity, not with success. You are knowing this, I am certain. Was thinking you might be wishing to try."
"Why?"
"Because you are being handsome, and sexy, and beautiful, Nevya. And I is wishing to know the softness of such a man, that he is showing only to those who are knowing him best."
"What about the reporters?" said Neville, taking note of the flash of wizarding cameras around them, though remarkably Krum's earlier wards still kept them physically at bay.
"Is thinking this will be front page, and I is not being troubled to care," said Viktor leaning in to kiss Neville, his tongue lightly licking against Neville's bottom lip for permission. Neville saw the light of the rose flare as his eyes closed and he let himself be lost in Viktor's kiss.
--
Next Chapter
--
This story is written as part of the Nuke BigBang challenge. Check out the other authors' and artists' great work!