ATtD Ch 54
Hey luvs, sorry for the wait. Depression hit me and still won’t let me go. Fuck, and the summer was going so well too. I feel like I’ve regressed a bit… but not too much at least. It could be a hell of a lot worse and I know I’m stronger than I used to be a few years back. Evil autumn with weather changes that kill my stability. Oh well… that’s life, I suppose. More pain for the weary. >_< Both my dads are better, by the way. My adoptive dad had a few operations the last three weeks, and is back to work and annoying the hell out of me with his memory issues. And my biological dad is out of the hospital, able to eat again, and starting his final round of treatments for his throat cancer. He’s looking so much better; I’m so relieved… Although, he seems rather meek recently, very unlike him. I guess it would be naïve of me to think that the cancer wouldn’t change him at all; I’ve seen it happen enough to know better. >_>
Alright, sos, new chapter, yay. ^^ We’re finally going into Draco’s Veela half, which is actually important in interactions coming up, so I’m introducing you to a bit of it now. Now, to be clear, anything considered ‘traditional’ in the Veela sense either from cannon or wide spread fandom doesn’t necessarily apply to the veelas of this story-we all know I like to play with things and mess it all up-so don’t assume your preconceived ideas of veelas are going to apply. In addition, Draco’s Scion Dragon blood also has some interesting characteristics that will be affecting his behavior in the future as well, so that will have to be taken into consideration. Part of me wants to go into detail and explain it… but the rest of me is evil and wants to let you figure it out for yourselves. Admit it, it’s more fun that way. XD (Hmm… I’m pondering what the longest fanfic out there is, and if I could make mine the longest…) Anywho… Thanks everyone for the encouraging reviews. ^___^ Oh, and if you're curious I fixed up my SoulForms pic of the boys and I have a new vampish pic if you want to see, nothing special really. I should try do get to some fanart.
Awakening To the Dream
CH 54
Draco stumbled blindly in the dark, no light there to reach when Harry was so far away. Come on, Potter… He muttered as he fumbled through the new room that felt larger than the last, even though he really had no way to compare since his senses seemed to have been lost miles ago. Where are you? He hit another wall, hard, and fell back in a sprawl.
This place was different from the rest of Harry’s mind. Normally he wouldn’t have dared to go this far, but he was worried for the boy, and Harry had yet to show signs of regaining consciousness. There were only so many bad memories one could watch before they were forced to do something else, or go mad. Since Draco was in an almost permanent state of sleep as he healed, he’d found exploring Harry a fair relief to his nightmares and dreams. Picking himself up, he held his hands in front of him, searching for the next opening that he knew should be there. Potter’s consciousness was close, hidden somewhere deep with the dark maze.
The wall opened up, the doorway larger this time, and as he slipped around the bend he knew he must be in the right place, assumedly so because the lights were on. There was a sort of generator feel to the place, as if the room that held Harry’s main consciousness was in need of repair and attention from a missing master. Bit messy too… No surprise there though. Draco smirked and picked his way around the odd obstacle here and there on the uneven floor, heading towards where he sensed Harry’s presence strongest. Ahead, four large pillars spiraled up in the dim light, blocking off the rest of the room from sight with a curtain of darkness spread out between each poll like huge bed hangings. There was a large being carved into each column facing outwards, looking vicious and alert as they guarded Harry’s resting place. A Lion, a Dragon, a Serpent, and a Hippogriff snarled down at him from their towering spots above. Heir related, he guessed… but then again, there hadn’t really been many minds he was allowed to walk around and compare to. Draco considered leaving, shook the thought away, and went up to the Dragon pillar, knocking politely.
May I see him?
The stone guardian gave a shiver, breaking away from its frozen perch. Large claws gripped deep into the pillar as the beast lumbered down, long neck swiveling its face down to Draco’s. It narrowed golden eyes, snorting hot breath in Draco’s face. …Get lost, pipsqueak. The boy needs his rest.
Draco pouted, considering his options. Although Yehl had taught him a fair deal about overcoming obstacles on the astral plane in the short amount of time he had studied under the Fae, giant guardians protecting Harry’s mind had not really come up. He really didn’t want to fight the things, especially given that they were connected to Potter. It would likely hurt the boy as well… not to mention how they could possibly hurt him.
I don’t intend to wake him, or harm him in any way. Draco met the Dragon eye to eye. I just want to see him… keep him company even. I won’t bother him.
Gold narrowed further. No.
Huffing, Draco stepped forward, pointing a finger at the dragon’s snout. I want to see him.
Well that’s too bloody bad, mouse.
NOW.
NO.
Draco raised both hands, pushing at the Dragon’s surprisingly warm face. Move your scaly hide, you poor excuse for a rock. He’s waiting for me.
The Dragon smiled, bared teeth catching at Draco’s fingers. I suggest you step back before I tear you to pieces, little mouse. You will not get by me.
Draco stared the Dragon down, growled, and stepped back. This isn’t over, rock for brains.
The Dragon merely snorted, lashing its tail and turning to ascend back up the pillar. Damn rats.
Well that hadn’t gone quite right. He had assumed the Dragon would have been a soft spot for him since he was a descendant of the Scion Dragons. Obviously he hadn’t taken the natural surly stubbornness most dragons possessed into consideration. He took another look up at the guardians. They all looked rather determined… Well bugger. The closest two were the Lion and the Serpent, the Hippogriff all the way across from the Dragon in the opposing corner. He started walking right, towards the Serpent. Given lions, the Lion would be too righteous to let him through unless he proved some great feat or such, which he really wasn’t in a hurry to try at the moment. If the Serpent proved as its kin, he might be able to do a little bargaining and wheedle his way through.
It took a good two minutes to reach the next pillar, but at least the ground was clear here and unlikely to trip him up. He tapped impatiently at the Serpent’s pillar, waiting for the beast to unfurl and curl its way down to meet him.
Hello, great Serpent. Draco greeted politely, giving a small bow. Please, forgive me for interrupting your rest. I realize you must be very busy with such pressing duties given to you.
The Serpent twisted close, rolling over to blink at Draco upside down. Hello, little dragon. It flitted its whip of a tongue out, tickling Draco’s cheek. Long time no sssee.
Nostrils flaring, Draco took a large step back from the intense red gaze, stiffening as he found a coil of stone locking him in from behind. You.
Yesss, me. The Serpent leered, rolling again so it was right side up, and pulled Draco tighter in its grasp. I misssed you. Greatly.
Bloody Tail-let me go! Draco growled, struggling against the hold. He should have tried the damn Lion.
Oh, what happened to your kind voissce of earlier? What have I done to warrant sssuch rudenesss? The Serpent lowered teasing eyes at Draco, nuzzling the blonde with its immense head. I tell you I misss you, and you hisss like an enraged viper.
Maybe if you let me go I’d be a little more cordial. Draco didn’t bother curbing his tone, sensing the mocking manner from the Serpent. You’re the one who’s lost all sense of formalities, being so forward, Serpent.
Perhapsss… but I have missed you. One cannot blame me for taking advantage of the opportunity. Harry doesss not let me near you on the rare occasssion when I’m free.
I’m sure he has his reasons. Draco snapped, worry building as what those possible reasons could be. Each grew more troublesome as his mind whirled and the grip around him tightened.
He is ssso childisssh… he hasn’t a clue what to do with a prime morsssel like you, sssweet dragon. I try to direct him but he is very obssstinate. He lissstens to that dull Lion inssstead… quite the bore really. The Serpent snorted derisively in the direction of the Lion opposing him across the void. But now that you’ve come to visssit me, we can have sssome proper fun.
Proper is f-far from what this is! Draco managed to squeak once the words sunk in, and the Serpent began to move its coils tenderly over him. S-s-ssstop it! Damn-I am going to roast you alive the next time I see you, you bastard of a tail!
The Serpent hummed in approval, running its tongue along Draco’s struggling form. Ah, you are ssso enticing when fiery with rage. Ssso much passssion lies within you. I cannot underssstand why he fightsss it ssso.
Probably because Potter isn’t a wanking bastard like you! Let Me Go! Draco hissed, realizing his mistake too late when the Serpent’s gleaming red eyes hazed over, and its head began to sway in a drunken dance. Damn! Fighting back his natural instinct to yell the ceiling down, Draco settled on a more reasonable approach. Get your slimy tongue away from me, Tail, or I’m Telling Potter.
The Serpent smiled in the way only a lust-crazed serpent could, and flickered its tongue over Draco’s chest. Go ahead. He can’t hear you.
Draco gritted his teeth, not daunted just yet. I will tell him that you forced me while he slept.
The Serpent paused, eyes narrowed calculating. …You would do no sssuch thing.
Want to bet? Draco snarled. He will hate you forever.
We are interlinked… it would dessstroy him… The Serpent mussed, eyes drawn to the curtain of darkness where Harry rested behind.
Your fault. Draco added harshly. Whatever you represent in him, you cannot destroy the whole without his say so.
Yesss… but only if it were forced… Draco blanched as the Serpent renewed its wicked grin. It is not sssuch a hardship, not with your sssensitivity sssteming from your Veela blood. Even now, can you deny that you are not enjoying yourssself just a bit? I have eyesss, and you’ve done nothing to masssk your reactionsss. As if acknowledging it was all it took to be true, Draco’s body twitched in response. The Serpent slid its tongue languidly over Draco’s form, pulling a highly fought moan from the boy. Yesss… let me hear your passsionsss…
Ahh… I’m going to slice you lengthwise… skewer you… and eat your roasted body, you bloody bastard… oh Hell… Draco groaned, his whole body gaining heat as his heart accelerated. It was time to leave. Astral form or not, he did not have enough power to fight the damn creature, and he sure as hell had no intention of letting the Serpent have its way. He’d have to get to Potter another way.
Ignoring the ministrations on his hip, he closed his eyes and willed himself awake. He would be having quite the conversation with Potter if the prat ever woke up, of that he was certain.
*******
Sound buzzed dreamily from far away and he stirred. It was a worrisome sound… dangerous…
Draco held his eyes shut, keeping his breathing even and staying still, as he listened to the angry voices at the edge of his consciousness.
“…You cannot keep him here…”
“…If you think for a moment that you can barge into my hospital and take one of my patients…”
“He is the fiancé of You-Know-Who. You cannot expect us to let you-”
“For the gods sakes-Voldemort! How can you expect to defeat a man whose name you’re too frightened to speak?!”
“Madame Pomfrey, we will be arresting Mr. Malfoy, and there is nothing you can say, or do to stop us.”
“Perhaps, but Albus will certainly have a thing to say about it.”
“Albus is off on business. We will be long gone once that time comes.”
“You-You, son of a-I am a certified healer, and under my official recommendation, I cannot allow anyone to move Mr. Malfoy! He has severe nerve damage. Any direst in this stage could destroy all hope that boy has for regaining mobility in his hands.”
Draco flinched, risking a peek only to see that indeed both his arms were highly bandaged and didn’t seem in a hurry to move. Bloody wonderful.
He blinked sleepily, the potions he was on trying to pull him back to sleep. He should try to stay awake… he should try to get the hell out of there before the Ministry snatched him, and ultimately got him killed. Before he could muster up the energy to get up, something moved by his bed. His eyes shot open. Shit, the wolf.
Remus held a finger to his lips, smiling reassuringly. “Don’t worry; no one’s taking you anywhere. Just relax. You need to stay still right now.” He nodded towards Draco’s wrapped arms. “Harry’s friends won’t allow them through the door… no matter how much they huff and puff…” Remus smiled at his own joke. Draco didn’t.
He hadn’t lied before; werewolves freaked the hell out of Draco, even the well-mannered ones.
“…Mr. Malfoy’s health aside, we cannot risk a known link to You-Know-Who among a whole school of defenseless children. We are prepared to remove him by force-”
“Over my dead body!”
“Madame Pomfrey, you are being unreasonable…” The hospital door muffled a loud commotion, the sounds of spells bouncing off the walls quite ominous in the torch lit hospital room. Across the way, Harry stirred before settling again.
“…I said no! Get away from that-” The door suddenly thumped, cutting off Madame Pomfrey’s cry. Draco strained to hear what was happening, but the hall had gone deathly silent.
“What-?” “Hush…” Remus pulled his wand, facing the door and standing in front of Draco’s bed. The silence lengthened, darkening the air all around until it was overbearing.
“…State your business here.”
It wasn’t human, that was all Draco thought when he heard the odd growling voice cutting the silence. Low, harsh, guttural… whatever it was out there wasn’t human.
“W-What… what are you?”
“Do not waste my time with your inane babblings, human. State your business or leave. You are disturbing my master.”
Another tense silence fell. “…Err, yes… please forgive the interruption. We’ve come for Mr. Malfoy. He is to be brought into our custody.”
“No.”
“…E-Excuse me?”
“Leave the premises, or I will kill you. Madame Pomfrey, I expect this not to happen again. My master’s health is far too fragile for such disturbances.”
“Hold on a moment-you just can’t-!”
“Grrrrrrrr…”
There were the muffled sounds of frantic shuffling, and the hallway fell silent again.
Draco stared warily at the door and debated whether leaving wasn’t a good idea after all. At least the Aura’s were human.
“Well… that seems to have gone well. That’s the third group they’ve sent looking for you. Hopefully the last this time.” Remus pocketed his wand. “All right there?”
Draco nodded hesitantly, eyes starting towards the door as it was pushed open. Madame Pomfrey stormed in, her face red with anger. By her feet something long, black, and sinuous clicked sharp talons on the floor, following her and settling down in front of the door.
“Blasted Aurors… Thank you for your help, Obsidian. I should think to thank Lesley for the foresight to bring you along this week.” Poppy sighed and wiped at her brow, her eyes glancing over to where Remus was leaning against the chair by Draco’s bed. “Is he all right?”
“I believe so. Awake, too.”
“Oh!” She bustled over, checking Draco’s status spells and muttering to herself. “How are you feeling, dear? The potions should be taking care of your pain, but unfortunately it does tend to knock people out if…”
Draco watched her mouth move, too slow for it to be proper he assumed, but things were getting dark so it could have been a trick of the light…
“Mr. Malfoy…? Oh, bother. Well, it was a bit early, anyways.” Poppy finished checking Draco’s hands, letting the boy snore softly in peace.
“Did he say anything to you?”
Remus shook his head. “He seemed aware of what was going on at the time, but who knows if he’ll remember once he awakens. He seemed confused with Obsidian, even though he’s been by his bed for days now.”
“Yes, well that spear seems to have stolen a lot of his energy. It’s a wonder he’s alive… it’s a wonder either of them are…” Poppy went back to check on Harry’s status, a worried expression on her face. Remus nodded slowly to himself, pulling out the book he had been reading and settling back in his chair by Harry’s bed.
*******
Draco was very careful to avoid the Serpent once arriving back into the inner sanctum of Harry’s mind. He reached the Dragon and went left this time, heading towards the Lion instead, while running through his mind what sort of feats he was able, or more, willing to do. Ever since the Serpent incident, he had a very clear list of don’ts.
Hey, big fella. Sorry to disturb you and all… but I really need to check on Potter. Draco leaned casually on the pillar, peering up at the giant maw breathing down on him.
The Lion growled warningly. Draco smiled. You are not welcome here. Leave before I’m forced to destroy you.
Aw geez, aren’t you the violent one. Draco straightened, trying to think of the best approach. He was getting tired of the whole strategy thing… Potter was a bad influence on him. He just wanted to bust in, forget all the tricks and pandering. Instead he folded his hands and examined them while he thought. They were whole here, not broken and scarred like in the real world.
Do you know me? Draco finally asked, curious with what he had to work with.
I’ve seen you. You saved him from the Spear. The Lion admitted grudgingly.
Then you know I don’t intend to hurt him, right? Hell, I even helped to secure him here.
I’m sure he’ll thank you once he awakes.
Draco frowned. He needs me.
He needs a lot of things. Do not think you rank among them, human.
Oh bugger, but the Lion was just so Gryffindor. All he knew about Gryffindors was the best way to piss them off and send them crying for their mommies, neither of which he suspected to be of much help here. Don’t you think that’s his choice to make?
Why do you think you’re still alive? The Lion sneered fiercely, clicking a claw at Draco’s chest. Stop making a pest of yourself, and wait with respect like the rest of the world. Even we wonder whether he’ll live, but we are not going to learn until he either wakes or dies. You are not that important in the eyes of a God that you should get special treatment.
Draco fought the urge to do something extremely stupid. Fuck, but Potter’s subconscious sure thought highly of himself. Hey, just what the hell are you to him?
You come here yet do not know? The Lion tossed its head back, a mocking light in its green eyes. We are his guardians.
Draco rolled his eyes. I gathered that. How did you come to be? Is it an Heir thing, or a Potter thing?
The Lion observed him closely, debating whether to answer or not. We each represent a part of his subconscious… but we are not fully he, nor are we fully separate entities either. Lion, Dragon, and Serpent are linked with the Heir, Hippogriff with the human ancestry. As long as we remain, the human can continue to exist.
…What’s that supposed to mean, ‘the human can exist?’
It means exactly as it sounds.
Draco pondered for a bit. Well, it sounds like if you lot die, Potter dies.
The Lion shook its head. No, we protect the human from changing. He would not die, only absorb us back into him and become the full Heir.
But… but he would be gone, wouldn’t he. He wouldn’t be Potter…
Correct. The human would cease to be.
Nodding slowly, Draco took a step back. Well… carry on then. You just, you know, keep doing what you’re doing…
The Lion didn’t move, clicking nails thoughtfully. Finally he cocked his head to the right where the Hippogriff was. You’re a Candidate. That doesn’t hold much sway here, but that particular one has a weakness for the Heir’s authority… among other things. The Lion turned without another word, bounding up the pillar to its spot of rest.
Draco gaped. No, he did not understand Gryffindors at all.
He stumbled towards the Hippogriff’s pillar, ruffling his hair nervously. He didn’t particularly like hippogriffs, to be honest. To be absolutely completely honest, he was right terrified of the beasts. On a scale of blast-ended skrewt to werewolf, hippogriff was pretty close to scary as full out furry werewolf. He went over what he had learned of them-after the arm incident he had made sure such a thing would not be repeated for his own safety. Eye contact was a really good idea-if only to see if the damn thing was going to attack-and bowing… and patience… Bloody-that was one big Hippogriff…
So busy staring up at the Hippogriff, it took him a moment to realize it was already moving, its gravity defying hooves tight on the pillar as it strutted its way down. I-uh… Words failed him, something just as frustrating as the hyper pounding of his heart pinned by the intense orange gaze. Fear wasn’t his friend, and he hated how it made him freeze up until he couldn’t string two thoughts together, never mind two words. But, he didn’t have much choice. So he stood their trembling, because although he could handle giant dragons, and horny serpents, and confusing lions, this was beyond him.
Little dragon, little dragon… what song shall you sing? Arrogance, despair, misguided care; you play each role well. Which face do I get to see, little dragon?
Draco opened his mouth, too afraid to be offended by the weird Hippogriff, and squeaked lamely.
Ah, I know you sing much nicer than that, sweet dragon. Where are your talons, your piercing gaze that tears your peers to shreds? I think I am offended.
Eyes widening perceptibly, Draco shut his mouth with a snap and bowed stiffly.
Uh, uh, uh… never look away from your opponent, Draco. It’s a very dangerous dance.
Draco shot his eyes up, realizing his mistake. The Hippogriff was looking smug, for a hippogriff, and he clenched his fists angrily. …Are you all so sadistic, or is it just the oversized ones?
Ah, there’s my favorite song. Well… beyond another I’ve heard only rarely from you. The Hippogriff chipped its beak idly on its front hoof. Now that you’ve found your voice, let’s here a song. We can play as long as you like, but there is only one way past me.
Draco folded his arms tight around his narrow frame, hoping to still his uncontrollable shivers. He wanted to get the fuck out of there. Sadly, he wanted to see Potter just a little bit more. And what way would that be, Hippogriff?
Oh, confrontation. I do like that tone, but I’m afraid that is just a little too easy. …Come now, no need to fear me, little dragon. We both know Harry would not approve of you being injured here.
I’m not afraid! Draco snapped, pacing anxiously. I’m just… just… worried, alright?! Shut up about it!
Ho, ho, somebody’s scared. The Hippogriff taunted with a trill. Perhaps the next time you play with Hippogriffs, you will be more careful.
I’d prefer not to play with them at all. He turned on his heel, anger warming him until he was feeling almost reckless. I am Draconis Malfoy, prince to the Scion Dragons and Candidate to the Heir. Let Me Pass! Hell, he really needed to stay away from those crazy Gryffindors.
The Hippogriff tsked lightly and turned its head to the side, staring at Draco with one large jeweled eye. …Alright.
Al-Alright? Draco gulped, not quite believing what he so clearly could not have heard.
Yes, alright. Just be mindful of Harry’s health. The curtain of darkness wavered, a thin strip opening in the huge wall. Remember, there are many ways to kill a man where physical violence is not needed. Do not make me regret my decision.
Draco bobbed his head in quick agreement and flitted away before the Hippogriff could change its mind. Thanks! He called over his shoulder, sliding on the slick floor in the center of the room and slipping through the break in the curtain. It was dark inside, familiar in a great way, as if he had somehow stepped back into the closet in Grimmauld’s Place. He glanced behind, trying to get his bearings, but the doorway had disappeared. Typical. It didn’t matter; as long as Harry was there he had no intention of leaving.
Oh my, it was just like the bloody darkness in Grimmauld’s Place. He was breathing… he could hear himself breathing. He blinked his eyes, and sure enough, he summoned the silver light and he could see clearly. Weird, very weird.
Dismissing the complexities of dimensional travel inside of Harry Potter’s mind, he looked around quickly. Random pillows scattered the ground and a blanket… but not much else really. And there in the middle, in the largest pile of fluffy madness was a familiar dark mess of hair. “P-Potter? Oh-!” He clamped a hand over his mouth with a faint gasp, surprised to hear words. This was confusing. Not only was he able to talk, and hear, and hell, even a bit of scent was wafting about, he was pretty sure the room was exactly how they had left the closet at Grimmauld’s Place before flooing off into insanity.
Which brought him to an interesting question. Given the location, was this dark little wreck the equivalent of Harry’s ‘happy place?’
Draco ambled over, eyes alight on Harry’s unconscious form. The simplest way to figure out Harry was unconscious was the fact that the boy wasn’t wearing a stitch, was covered in bruises and cuts, and bleeding quite profusely from a huge hole cutting through his torso. If Harry were conscious he would have been able to easily hide such wounds, like Draco was able to practically run around in the crispest clothes even though his physical form was stranded in a hospital gown, with hands that weren’t much more than bones at the moment. Still, as grim as Harry was looking, Draco couldn’t remember seeing a nicer sight, and he sat down beside the slowly breathing brunette and ran a gentle hand through his dark fringe.
“You look like the first time I saw you with new eyes, Potter. Broken, bleeding, and a hero through and through… It does seem to be a bad habit with you.” He sighed, eyes looking off into the darkness. “You’re not an easy person to take care of, you know. Somehow you always seem to insinuate yourself into whatever danger could be lurking about. Quite the troublesome talent…”
Harry slept on peacefully while Draco itched to touch him, shake him until he awoke. “Don’t leave like this. There are better things then those crappy muggles. They didn’t know what they had. Years, Potter… years of your undivided attention. I would have killed for that… I just might kill them for what they did to you… but that would likely piss you off…” Giving into temptation, he leaned over, tracing Harry’s sleeping features. He needed to remember this, just in case it was the last time he saw Harry. And he needed to say this for the same reason, because he might not get the chance again.
“You can’t imagine how many staircases we have at the Manor, Potter, big ones too. As big as you want, as dark as you like… I would have locked you away. Kept you safe… kept you mine. Maybe that would have pissed you off as well… but I would have done it anyways, if I had known what I know now. I would go back to the day when I first saw you, an underfed, lost pauper, your green eyes blazing from your grubby face while I destroyed any happy thought you had walking into that shop. I would grab you by that stupid, ill-fitting shirt, tear it off, every single unworthy rag, and wrap you in silks, hide you away with the packages and have the house elves deliver you to my room. I’d lock you up in my closet-it’s horribly big you know, more so than that hole of a room those muggles called a bedroom. I would keep you there, keep you from falling into death at every turn, keep you from despairing… Somehow, someway, I would make you happy.”
He lowered himself beside Harry’s still form, turning his head so he could watch him breath, to make sure Harry continued to live. “You may have figured it out… but you were a little slow with that stuff anyways, Potter. I was… well, I didn’t want to see it really. I still don’t want to see it. But I can’t see anything else now, because you’re dying on me…
“North Light Veela Clan… that’s my father’s clan. They’re insane, Potter, absolutely mad even among their own, but you’ll figure that out soon enough. When my dad was twenty-one he threw his family-his Clan, his prestige and power in the Council-he threw it all away for one thing. For my mum. He fell in love with her when they met at a fancy ball before either of them had even started school. But he never knew it at the time. It just takes one meeting, one look, and we’re caught, but knowing it… that’s a whole different story.” He slid fingers over Harry’s closed lids, over his brows and down the ridge of his nose. “Something I’ll explain at a better time when you’re well… because you have to get well…” He stopped at his lips, feeling each soft puff of breath ghosting against his fingertips.
“He would pick on her, push her until she would push back… pretty juvenile, huh?” Draco smiled whimsically, than sobered, pushing Harry’s fringe away from his ear. “He was older than her, so he had already started his apprenticeship at the Ministry when it happened. They killed everyone living at Blackstone; her grandparents, her uncles and aunt, cousins… the youngest was seven. There used to be a lot of us, but ever since that time the key Scion Dragon Clan families have split up, mostly for fear of others hunting us down in our time of weakness. They stole mother from her house and locked her up. The Council abandoned her, the selfish cowards. They knew she needed help, and they left her to be a tool for Voldemort. But dad, as sensible, and pragmatic as he was, couldn’t fight the pull and after two years he came up with a plan. He had to do it on his own since no one was willing to help. The Chancellor said they would exile, even kill anyone who did. But that didn’t stop dad. All he had was himself, so that’s what he offered. He walked into the jaws, so to speak, and gave up his life for her. He couldn’t stop himself, got to the point where he didn’t want to stop himself.”
Draco pulled closer, nuzzling into the soft warmth Harry gave off. “His blood runs through me. I have these big ass dragon wings, Potter, and these weird horns and scales, but the small delicate little feathers are the Veela. So delicate, yet so powerful and unnerving. It’s what makes me so pretty… not that you notice. It’s not fair that you don’t notice. You’re the only one I want to notice, but it doesn’t work on you. It’s like some big cosmic joke, like Furiae is fucking with me and laughing from the outer realm. What do I have to do, Potter? What more can I give, if you’re still going to die?” Oh hell, and his eyes were burning now. When the fuck did he get so weepy? It was pathetic, absolutely pathetic, yet he didn’t care that much when Potter was the only one to see. He snaked an arm around the boy, burying his head into Harry’s side while he quieted and let his mind wander. He felt… well…
“It’s lonely.” He whispered, hiding his face. He didn’t know why he kept talking, just that he needed a way to connect with Harry. He needed to find a way to pull the boy back to him. “And I’m afraid I’m going to go insane. Father always warned me to die before the one I… well…before my one. You can’t expect me to say it, right? Even now I can’t say it… But I don’t want to go insane. Worse, I don’t want you to die. I know it hurts, being alive, and maybe it’s selfish of me to want you to stay… but it’s lonely… and you should be happy. I wonder what it would take to make you happy… You’re not an easy person in a lot of ways… but I don’t mind. Don’t die yet. Please…”
ATtD Chapter Index Links
Alright, sos, new chapter, yay. ^^ We’re finally going into Draco’s Veela half, which is actually important in interactions coming up, so I’m introducing you to a bit of it now. Now, to be clear, anything considered ‘traditional’ in the Veela sense either from cannon or wide spread fandom doesn’t necessarily apply to the veelas of this story-we all know I like to play with things and mess it all up-so don’t assume your preconceived ideas of veelas are going to apply. In addition, Draco’s Scion Dragon blood also has some interesting characteristics that will be affecting his behavior in the future as well, so that will have to be taken into consideration. Part of me wants to go into detail and explain it… but the rest of me is evil and wants to let you figure it out for yourselves. Admit it, it’s more fun that way. XD (Hmm… I’m pondering what the longest fanfic out there is, and if I could make mine the longest…) Anywho… Thanks everyone for the encouraging reviews. ^___^ Oh, and if you're curious I fixed up my SoulForms pic of the boys and I have a new vampish pic if you want to see, nothing special really. I should try do get to some fanart.
Awakening To the Dream
CH 54
Draco stumbled blindly in the dark, no light there to reach when Harry was so far away. Come on, Potter… He muttered as he fumbled through the new room that felt larger than the last, even though he really had no way to compare since his senses seemed to have been lost miles ago. Where are you? He hit another wall, hard, and fell back in a sprawl.
This place was different from the rest of Harry’s mind. Normally he wouldn’t have dared to go this far, but he was worried for the boy, and Harry had yet to show signs of regaining consciousness. There were only so many bad memories one could watch before they were forced to do something else, or go mad. Since Draco was in an almost permanent state of sleep as he healed, he’d found exploring Harry a fair relief to his nightmares and dreams. Picking himself up, he held his hands in front of him, searching for the next opening that he knew should be there. Potter’s consciousness was close, hidden somewhere deep with the dark maze.
The wall opened up, the doorway larger this time, and as he slipped around the bend he knew he must be in the right place, assumedly so because the lights were on. There was a sort of generator feel to the place, as if the room that held Harry’s main consciousness was in need of repair and attention from a missing master. Bit messy too… No surprise there though. Draco smirked and picked his way around the odd obstacle here and there on the uneven floor, heading towards where he sensed Harry’s presence strongest. Ahead, four large pillars spiraled up in the dim light, blocking off the rest of the room from sight with a curtain of darkness spread out between each poll like huge bed hangings. There was a large being carved into each column facing outwards, looking vicious and alert as they guarded Harry’s resting place. A Lion, a Dragon, a Serpent, and a Hippogriff snarled down at him from their towering spots above. Heir related, he guessed… but then again, there hadn’t really been many minds he was allowed to walk around and compare to. Draco considered leaving, shook the thought away, and went up to the Dragon pillar, knocking politely.
May I see him?
The stone guardian gave a shiver, breaking away from its frozen perch. Large claws gripped deep into the pillar as the beast lumbered down, long neck swiveling its face down to Draco’s. It narrowed golden eyes, snorting hot breath in Draco’s face. …Get lost, pipsqueak. The boy needs his rest.
Draco pouted, considering his options. Although Yehl had taught him a fair deal about overcoming obstacles on the astral plane in the short amount of time he had studied under the Fae, giant guardians protecting Harry’s mind had not really come up. He really didn’t want to fight the things, especially given that they were connected to Potter. It would likely hurt the boy as well… not to mention how they could possibly hurt him.
I don’t intend to wake him, or harm him in any way. Draco met the Dragon eye to eye. I just want to see him… keep him company even. I won’t bother him.
Gold narrowed further. No.
Huffing, Draco stepped forward, pointing a finger at the dragon’s snout. I want to see him.
Well that’s too bloody bad, mouse.
NOW.
NO.
Draco raised both hands, pushing at the Dragon’s surprisingly warm face. Move your scaly hide, you poor excuse for a rock. He’s waiting for me.
The Dragon smiled, bared teeth catching at Draco’s fingers. I suggest you step back before I tear you to pieces, little mouse. You will not get by me.
Draco stared the Dragon down, growled, and stepped back. This isn’t over, rock for brains.
The Dragon merely snorted, lashing its tail and turning to ascend back up the pillar. Damn rats.
Well that hadn’t gone quite right. He had assumed the Dragon would have been a soft spot for him since he was a descendant of the Scion Dragons. Obviously he hadn’t taken the natural surly stubbornness most dragons possessed into consideration. He took another look up at the guardians. They all looked rather determined… Well bugger. The closest two were the Lion and the Serpent, the Hippogriff all the way across from the Dragon in the opposing corner. He started walking right, towards the Serpent. Given lions, the Lion would be too righteous to let him through unless he proved some great feat or such, which he really wasn’t in a hurry to try at the moment. If the Serpent proved as its kin, he might be able to do a little bargaining and wheedle his way through.
It took a good two minutes to reach the next pillar, but at least the ground was clear here and unlikely to trip him up. He tapped impatiently at the Serpent’s pillar, waiting for the beast to unfurl and curl its way down to meet him.
Hello, great Serpent. Draco greeted politely, giving a small bow. Please, forgive me for interrupting your rest. I realize you must be very busy with such pressing duties given to you.
The Serpent twisted close, rolling over to blink at Draco upside down. Hello, little dragon. It flitted its whip of a tongue out, tickling Draco’s cheek. Long time no sssee.
Nostrils flaring, Draco took a large step back from the intense red gaze, stiffening as he found a coil of stone locking him in from behind. You.
Yesss, me. The Serpent leered, rolling again so it was right side up, and pulled Draco tighter in its grasp. I misssed you. Greatly.
Bloody Tail-let me go! Draco growled, struggling against the hold. He should have tried the damn Lion.
Oh, what happened to your kind voissce of earlier? What have I done to warrant sssuch rudenesss? The Serpent lowered teasing eyes at Draco, nuzzling the blonde with its immense head. I tell you I misss you, and you hisss like an enraged viper.
Maybe if you let me go I’d be a little more cordial. Draco didn’t bother curbing his tone, sensing the mocking manner from the Serpent. You’re the one who’s lost all sense of formalities, being so forward, Serpent.
Perhapsss… but I have missed you. One cannot blame me for taking advantage of the opportunity. Harry doesss not let me near you on the rare occasssion when I’m free.
I’m sure he has his reasons. Draco snapped, worry building as what those possible reasons could be. Each grew more troublesome as his mind whirled and the grip around him tightened.
He is ssso childisssh… he hasn’t a clue what to do with a prime morsssel like you, sssweet dragon. I try to direct him but he is very obssstinate. He lissstens to that dull Lion inssstead… quite the bore really. The Serpent snorted derisively in the direction of the Lion opposing him across the void. But now that you’ve come to visssit me, we can have sssome proper fun.
Proper is f-far from what this is! Draco managed to squeak once the words sunk in, and the Serpent began to move its coils tenderly over him. S-s-ssstop it! Damn-I am going to roast you alive the next time I see you, you bastard of a tail!
The Serpent hummed in approval, running its tongue along Draco’s struggling form. Ah, you are ssso enticing when fiery with rage. Ssso much passssion lies within you. I cannot underssstand why he fightsss it ssso.
Probably because Potter isn’t a wanking bastard like you! Let Me Go! Draco hissed, realizing his mistake too late when the Serpent’s gleaming red eyes hazed over, and its head began to sway in a drunken dance. Damn! Fighting back his natural instinct to yell the ceiling down, Draco settled on a more reasonable approach. Get your slimy tongue away from me, Tail, or I’m Telling Potter.
The Serpent smiled in the way only a lust-crazed serpent could, and flickered its tongue over Draco’s chest. Go ahead. He can’t hear you.
Draco gritted his teeth, not daunted just yet. I will tell him that you forced me while he slept.
The Serpent paused, eyes narrowed calculating. …You would do no sssuch thing.
Want to bet? Draco snarled. He will hate you forever.
We are interlinked… it would dessstroy him… The Serpent mussed, eyes drawn to the curtain of darkness where Harry rested behind.
Your fault. Draco added harshly. Whatever you represent in him, you cannot destroy the whole without his say so.
Yesss… but only if it were forced… Draco blanched as the Serpent renewed its wicked grin. It is not sssuch a hardship, not with your sssensitivity sssteming from your Veela blood. Even now, can you deny that you are not enjoying yourssself just a bit? I have eyesss, and you’ve done nothing to masssk your reactionsss. As if acknowledging it was all it took to be true, Draco’s body twitched in response. The Serpent slid its tongue languidly over Draco’s form, pulling a highly fought moan from the boy. Yesss… let me hear your passsionsss…
Ahh… I’m going to slice you lengthwise… skewer you… and eat your roasted body, you bloody bastard… oh Hell… Draco groaned, his whole body gaining heat as his heart accelerated. It was time to leave. Astral form or not, he did not have enough power to fight the damn creature, and he sure as hell had no intention of letting the Serpent have its way. He’d have to get to Potter another way.
Ignoring the ministrations on his hip, he closed his eyes and willed himself awake. He would be having quite the conversation with Potter if the prat ever woke up, of that he was certain.
*******
Sound buzzed dreamily from far away and he stirred. It was a worrisome sound… dangerous…
Draco held his eyes shut, keeping his breathing even and staying still, as he listened to the angry voices at the edge of his consciousness.
“…You cannot keep him here…”
“…If you think for a moment that you can barge into my hospital and take one of my patients…”
“He is the fiancé of You-Know-Who. You cannot expect us to let you-”
“For the gods sakes-Voldemort! How can you expect to defeat a man whose name you’re too frightened to speak?!”
“Madame Pomfrey, we will be arresting Mr. Malfoy, and there is nothing you can say, or do to stop us.”
“Perhaps, but Albus will certainly have a thing to say about it.”
“Albus is off on business. We will be long gone once that time comes.”
“You-You, son of a-I am a certified healer, and under my official recommendation, I cannot allow anyone to move Mr. Malfoy! He has severe nerve damage. Any direst in this stage could destroy all hope that boy has for regaining mobility in his hands.”
Draco flinched, risking a peek only to see that indeed both his arms were highly bandaged and didn’t seem in a hurry to move. Bloody wonderful.
He blinked sleepily, the potions he was on trying to pull him back to sleep. He should try to stay awake… he should try to get the hell out of there before the Ministry snatched him, and ultimately got him killed. Before he could muster up the energy to get up, something moved by his bed. His eyes shot open. Shit, the wolf.
Remus held a finger to his lips, smiling reassuringly. “Don’t worry; no one’s taking you anywhere. Just relax. You need to stay still right now.” He nodded towards Draco’s wrapped arms. “Harry’s friends won’t allow them through the door… no matter how much they huff and puff…” Remus smiled at his own joke. Draco didn’t.
He hadn’t lied before; werewolves freaked the hell out of Draco, even the well-mannered ones.
“…Mr. Malfoy’s health aside, we cannot risk a known link to You-Know-Who among a whole school of defenseless children. We are prepared to remove him by force-”
“Over my dead body!”
“Madame Pomfrey, you are being unreasonable…” The hospital door muffled a loud commotion, the sounds of spells bouncing off the walls quite ominous in the torch lit hospital room. Across the way, Harry stirred before settling again.
“…I said no! Get away from that-” The door suddenly thumped, cutting off Madame Pomfrey’s cry. Draco strained to hear what was happening, but the hall had gone deathly silent.
“What-?” “Hush…” Remus pulled his wand, facing the door and standing in front of Draco’s bed. The silence lengthened, darkening the air all around until it was overbearing.
“…State your business here.”
It wasn’t human, that was all Draco thought when he heard the odd growling voice cutting the silence. Low, harsh, guttural… whatever it was out there wasn’t human.
“W-What… what are you?”
“Do not waste my time with your inane babblings, human. State your business or leave. You are disturbing my master.”
Another tense silence fell. “…Err, yes… please forgive the interruption. We’ve come for Mr. Malfoy. He is to be brought into our custody.”
“No.”
“…E-Excuse me?”
“Leave the premises, or I will kill you. Madame Pomfrey, I expect this not to happen again. My master’s health is far too fragile for such disturbances.”
“Hold on a moment-you just can’t-!”
“Grrrrrrrr…”
There were the muffled sounds of frantic shuffling, and the hallway fell silent again.
Draco stared warily at the door and debated whether leaving wasn’t a good idea after all. At least the Aura’s were human.
“Well… that seems to have gone well. That’s the third group they’ve sent looking for you. Hopefully the last this time.” Remus pocketed his wand. “All right there?”
Draco nodded hesitantly, eyes starting towards the door as it was pushed open. Madame Pomfrey stormed in, her face red with anger. By her feet something long, black, and sinuous clicked sharp talons on the floor, following her and settling down in front of the door.
“Blasted Aurors… Thank you for your help, Obsidian. I should think to thank Lesley for the foresight to bring you along this week.” Poppy sighed and wiped at her brow, her eyes glancing over to where Remus was leaning against the chair by Draco’s bed. “Is he all right?”
“I believe so. Awake, too.”
“Oh!” She bustled over, checking Draco’s status spells and muttering to herself. “How are you feeling, dear? The potions should be taking care of your pain, but unfortunately it does tend to knock people out if…”
Draco watched her mouth move, too slow for it to be proper he assumed, but things were getting dark so it could have been a trick of the light…
“Mr. Malfoy…? Oh, bother. Well, it was a bit early, anyways.” Poppy finished checking Draco’s hands, letting the boy snore softly in peace.
“Did he say anything to you?”
Remus shook his head. “He seemed aware of what was going on at the time, but who knows if he’ll remember once he awakens. He seemed confused with Obsidian, even though he’s been by his bed for days now.”
“Yes, well that spear seems to have stolen a lot of his energy. It’s a wonder he’s alive… it’s a wonder either of them are…” Poppy went back to check on Harry’s status, a worried expression on her face. Remus nodded slowly to himself, pulling out the book he had been reading and settling back in his chair by Harry’s bed.
*******
Draco was very careful to avoid the Serpent once arriving back into the inner sanctum of Harry’s mind. He reached the Dragon and went left this time, heading towards the Lion instead, while running through his mind what sort of feats he was able, or more, willing to do. Ever since the Serpent incident, he had a very clear list of don’ts.
Hey, big fella. Sorry to disturb you and all… but I really need to check on Potter. Draco leaned casually on the pillar, peering up at the giant maw breathing down on him.
The Lion growled warningly. Draco smiled. You are not welcome here. Leave before I’m forced to destroy you.
Aw geez, aren’t you the violent one. Draco straightened, trying to think of the best approach. He was getting tired of the whole strategy thing… Potter was a bad influence on him. He just wanted to bust in, forget all the tricks and pandering. Instead he folded his hands and examined them while he thought. They were whole here, not broken and scarred like in the real world.
Do you know me? Draco finally asked, curious with what he had to work with.
I’ve seen you. You saved him from the Spear. The Lion admitted grudgingly.
Then you know I don’t intend to hurt him, right? Hell, I even helped to secure him here.
I’m sure he’ll thank you once he awakes.
Draco frowned. He needs me.
He needs a lot of things. Do not think you rank among them, human.
Oh bugger, but the Lion was just so Gryffindor. All he knew about Gryffindors was the best way to piss them off and send them crying for their mommies, neither of which he suspected to be of much help here. Don’t you think that’s his choice to make?
Why do you think you’re still alive? The Lion sneered fiercely, clicking a claw at Draco’s chest. Stop making a pest of yourself, and wait with respect like the rest of the world. Even we wonder whether he’ll live, but we are not going to learn until he either wakes or dies. You are not that important in the eyes of a God that you should get special treatment.
Draco fought the urge to do something extremely stupid. Fuck, but Potter’s subconscious sure thought highly of himself. Hey, just what the hell are you to him?
You come here yet do not know? The Lion tossed its head back, a mocking light in its green eyes. We are his guardians.
Draco rolled his eyes. I gathered that. How did you come to be? Is it an Heir thing, or a Potter thing?
The Lion observed him closely, debating whether to answer or not. We each represent a part of his subconscious… but we are not fully he, nor are we fully separate entities either. Lion, Dragon, and Serpent are linked with the Heir, Hippogriff with the human ancestry. As long as we remain, the human can continue to exist.
…What’s that supposed to mean, ‘the human can exist?’
It means exactly as it sounds.
Draco pondered for a bit. Well, it sounds like if you lot die, Potter dies.
The Lion shook its head. No, we protect the human from changing. He would not die, only absorb us back into him and become the full Heir.
But… but he would be gone, wouldn’t he. He wouldn’t be Potter…
Correct. The human would cease to be.
Nodding slowly, Draco took a step back. Well… carry on then. You just, you know, keep doing what you’re doing…
The Lion didn’t move, clicking nails thoughtfully. Finally he cocked his head to the right where the Hippogriff was. You’re a Candidate. That doesn’t hold much sway here, but that particular one has a weakness for the Heir’s authority… among other things. The Lion turned without another word, bounding up the pillar to its spot of rest.
Draco gaped. No, he did not understand Gryffindors at all.
He stumbled towards the Hippogriff’s pillar, ruffling his hair nervously. He didn’t particularly like hippogriffs, to be honest. To be absolutely completely honest, he was right terrified of the beasts. On a scale of blast-ended skrewt to werewolf, hippogriff was pretty close to scary as full out furry werewolf. He went over what he had learned of them-after the arm incident he had made sure such a thing would not be repeated for his own safety. Eye contact was a really good idea-if only to see if the damn thing was going to attack-and bowing… and patience… Bloody-that was one big Hippogriff…
So busy staring up at the Hippogriff, it took him a moment to realize it was already moving, its gravity defying hooves tight on the pillar as it strutted its way down. I-uh… Words failed him, something just as frustrating as the hyper pounding of his heart pinned by the intense orange gaze. Fear wasn’t his friend, and he hated how it made him freeze up until he couldn’t string two thoughts together, never mind two words. But, he didn’t have much choice. So he stood their trembling, because although he could handle giant dragons, and horny serpents, and confusing lions, this was beyond him.
Little dragon, little dragon… what song shall you sing? Arrogance, despair, misguided care; you play each role well. Which face do I get to see, little dragon?
Draco opened his mouth, too afraid to be offended by the weird Hippogriff, and squeaked lamely.
Ah, I know you sing much nicer than that, sweet dragon. Where are your talons, your piercing gaze that tears your peers to shreds? I think I am offended.
Eyes widening perceptibly, Draco shut his mouth with a snap and bowed stiffly.
Uh, uh, uh… never look away from your opponent, Draco. It’s a very dangerous dance.
Draco shot his eyes up, realizing his mistake. The Hippogriff was looking smug, for a hippogriff, and he clenched his fists angrily. …Are you all so sadistic, or is it just the oversized ones?
Ah, there’s my favorite song. Well… beyond another I’ve heard only rarely from you. The Hippogriff chipped its beak idly on its front hoof. Now that you’ve found your voice, let’s here a song. We can play as long as you like, but there is only one way past me.
Draco folded his arms tight around his narrow frame, hoping to still his uncontrollable shivers. He wanted to get the fuck out of there. Sadly, he wanted to see Potter just a little bit more. And what way would that be, Hippogriff?
Oh, confrontation. I do like that tone, but I’m afraid that is just a little too easy. …Come now, no need to fear me, little dragon. We both know Harry would not approve of you being injured here.
I’m not afraid! Draco snapped, pacing anxiously. I’m just… just… worried, alright?! Shut up about it!
Ho, ho, somebody’s scared. The Hippogriff taunted with a trill. Perhaps the next time you play with Hippogriffs, you will be more careful.
I’d prefer not to play with them at all. He turned on his heel, anger warming him until he was feeling almost reckless. I am Draconis Malfoy, prince to the Scion Dragons and Candidate to the Heir. Let Me Pass! Hell, he really needed to stay away from those crazy Gryffindors.
The Hippogriff tsked lightly and turned its head to the side, staring at Draco with one large jeweled eye. …Alright.
Al-Alright? Draco gulped, not quite believing what he so clearly could not have heard.
Yes, alright. Just be mindful of Harry’s health. The curtain of darkness wavered, a thin strip opening in the huge wall. Remember, there are many ways to kill a man where physical violence is not needed. Do not make me regret my decision.
Draco bobbed his head in quick agreement and flitted away before the Hippogriff could change its mind. Thanks! He called over his shoulder, sliding on the slick floor in the center of the room and slipping through the break in the curtain. It was dark inside, familiar in a great way, as if he had somehow stepped back into the closet in Grimmauld’s Place. He glanced behind, trying to get his bearings, but the doorway had disappeared. Typical. It didn’t matter; as long as Harry was there he had no intention of leaving.
Oh my, it was just like the bloody darkness in Grimmauld’s Place. He was breathing… he could hear himself breathing. He blinked his eyes, and sure enough, he summoned the silver light and he could see clearly. Weird, very weird.
Dismissing the complexities of dimensional travel inside of Harry Potter’s mind, he looked around quickly. Random pillows scattered the ground and a blanket… but not much else really. And there in the middle, in the largest pile of fluffy madness was a familiar dark mess of hair. “P-Potter? Oh-!” He clamped a hand over his mouth with a faint gasp, surprised to hear words. This was confusing. Not only was he able to talk, and hear, and hell, even a bit of scent was wafting about, he was pretty sure the room was exactly how they had left the closet at Grimmauld’s Place before flooing off into insanity.
Which brought him to an interesting question. Given the location, was this dark little wreck the equivalent of Harry’s ‘happy place?’
Draco ambled over, eyes alight on Harry’s unconscious form. The simplest way to figure out Harry was unconscious was the fact that the boy wasn’t wearing a stitch, was covered in bruises and cuts, and bleeding quite profusely from a huge hole cutting through his torso. If Harry were conscious he would have been able to easily hide such wounds, like Draco was able to practically run around in the crispest clothes even though his physical form was stranded in a hospital gown, with hands that weren’t much more than bones at the moment. Still, as grim as Harry was looking, Draco couldn’t remember seeing a nicer sight, and he sat down beside the slowly breathing brunette and ran a gentle hand through his dark fringe.
“You look like the first time I saw you with new eyes, Potter. Broken, bleeding, and a hero through and through… It does seem to be a bad habit with you.” He sighed, eyes looking off into the darkness. “You’re not an easy person to take care of, you know. Somehow you always seem to insinuate yourself into whatever danger could be lurking about. Quite the troublesome talent…”
Harry slept on peacefully while Draco itched to touch him, shake him until he awoke. “Don’t leave like this. There are better things then those crappy muggles. They didn’t know what they had. Years, Potter… years of your undivided attention. I would have killed for that… I just might kill them for what they did to you… but that would likely piss you off…” Giving into temptation, he leaned over, tracing Harry’s sleeping features. He needed to remember this, just in case it was the last time he saw Harry. And he needed to say this for the same reason, because he might not get the chance again.
“You can’t imagine how many staircases we have at the Manor, Potter, big ones too. As big as you want, as dark as you like… I would have locked you away. Kept you safe… kept you mine. Maybe that would have pissed you off as well… but I would have done it anyways, if I had known what I know now. I would go back to the day when I first saw you, an underfed, lost pauper, your green eyes blazing from your grubby face while I destroyed any happy thought you had walking into that shop. I would grab you by that stupid, ill-fitting shirt, tear it off, every single unworthy rag, and wrap you in silks, hide you away with the packages and have the house elves deliver you to my room. I’d lock you up in my closet-it’s horribly big you know, more so than that hole of a room those muggles called a bedroom. I would keep you there, keep you from falling into death at every turn, keep you from despairing… Somehow, someway, I would make you happy.”
He lowered himself beside Harry’s still form, turning his head so he could watch him breath, to make sure Harry continued to live. “You may have figured it out… but you were a little slow with that stuff anyways, Potter. I was… well, I didn’t want to see it really. I still don’t want to see it. But I can’t see anything else now, because you’re dying on me…
“North Light Veela Clan… that’s my father’s clan. They’re insane, Potter, absolutely mad even among their own, but you’ll figure that out soon enough. When my dad was twenty-one he threw his family-his Clan, his prestige and power in the Council-he threw it all away for one thing. For my mum. He fell in love with her when they met at a fancy ball before either of them had even started school. But he never knew it at the time. It just takes one meeting, one look, and we’re caught, but knowing it… that’s a whole different story.” He slid fingers over Harry’s closed lids, over his brows and down the ridge of his nose. “Something I’ll explain at a better time when you’re well… because you have to get well…” He stopped at his lips, feeling each soft puff of breath ghosting against his fingertips.
“He would pick on her, push her until she would push back… pretty juvenile, huh?” Draco smiled whimsically, than sobered, pushing Harry’s fringe away from his ear. “He was older than her, so he had already started his apprenticeship at the Ministry when it happened. They killed everyone living at Blackstone; her grandparents, her uncles and aunt, cousins… the youngest was seven. There used to be a lot of us, but ever since that time the key Scion Dragon Clan families have split up, mostly for fear of others hunting us down in our time of weakness. They stole mother from her house and locked her up. The Council abandoned her, the selfish cowards. They knew she needed help, and they left her to be a tool for Voldemort. But dad, as sensible, and pragmatic as he was, couldn’t fight the pull and after two years he came up with a plan. He had to do it on his own since no one was willing to help. The Chancellor said they would exile, even kill anyone who did. But that didn’t stop dad. All he had was himself, so that’s what he offered. He walked into the jaws, so to speak, and gave up his life for her. He couldn’t stop himself, got to the point where he didn’t want to stop himself.”
Draco pulled closer, nuzzling into the soft warmth Harry gave off. “His blood runs through me. I have these big ass dragon wings, Potter, and these weird horns and scales, but the small delicate little feathers are the Veela. So delicate, yet so powerful and unnerving. It’s what makes me so pretty… not that you notice. It’s not fair that you don’t notice. You’re the only one I want to notice, but it doesn’t work on you. It’s like some big cosmic joke, like Furiae is fucking with me and laughing from the outer realm. What do I have to do, Potter? What more can I give, if you’re still going to die?” Oh hell, and his eyes were burning now. When the fuck did he get so weepy? It was pathetic, absolutely pathetic, yet he didn’t care that much when Potter was the only one to see. He snaked an arm around the boy, burying his head into Harry’s side while he quieted and let his mind wander. He felt… well…
“It’s lonely.” He whispered, hiding his face. He didn’t know why he kept talking, just that he needed a way to connect with Harry. He needed to find a way to pull the boy back to him. “And I’m afraid I’m going to go insane. Father always warned me to die before the one I… well…before my one. You can’t expect me to say it, right? Even now I can’t say it… But I don’t want to go insane. Worse, I don’t want you to die. I know it hurts, being alive, and maybe it’s selfish of me to want you to stay… but it’s lonely… and you should be happy. I wonder what it would take to make you happy… You’re not an easy person in a lot of ways… but I don’t mind. Don’t die yet. Please…”
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