Junkies | By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 134120 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 20 |
Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter franchise. JK Rowling does. I make no money doing this. I just do it to keep the plot bunnies from strangling me at night. |
Hermione paced back and forth in her dorm room, a million thoughts jockeying for position as she waited for Snape to get her. Their conversation with McGonagall earlier had been rather surreal but educational at the same time. In fact, since then, the Headmistress seemed to become extremely lax in her punishment, letting them leave a few minutes early for meals. She even let them discuss harvesting techniques for dragon scales during their afternoon session. Her eyes might have even sparkled as they debated strategy and practicality. Whatever Snape had said to Dumbledore’s portrait, it had finally sunk into McGonagall’s brain that they would be okay. Now they just had to convince the rest of the staff without giving away just how truly fucked up they still were.
“You’re craving a drink.”
Hermione jumped and spun, wand at the ready and pointed towards Snape. “Shit, you scared me. And how do you know that?”
“I can smell it in your blood,” Snape said quietly as he drew her into his arms. “It’s only a few more days pet. Perhaps by then you will have kicked the habit.”
“Being drunk is better,” she huffed.
Snape chuckled and walked forward, the scenery changing to that of the forbidden forest where Draco was waiting in the shadows for them. He walked up and held onto Snape as they walked forward again, appearing in his house.
“Now,” Snape said. “I got your message about the portkey. It should activate in a few minutes. Is there anything you wish to discuss first?”
“We told McGonagall some of our plans,” Draco said, studying the wall with enthusiasm. “She wanted to know why we accepted a Master if we didn’t want romance.”
Snape snorted. “Old bat always was a sap.”
Hermione giggled. “I’m pretty sure she’s convinced we aren’t into traditional romance.”
Snape smirked. “And her reaction to your plans?”
Draco smiled and turned back towards them. “She wished us luck and promised to keep quiet, if only to see the shock on everyone’s faces when we succeed and they didn’t have a clue.”
Snape nodded. “I’m glad to see the old fool was able to talk some sense into her. How are you faring in convincing the other professors that you are not about to self-destruct?”
“Considering we’ve hardly seen them?” Hermione asked. “I suppose only time will tell.”
Snape nodded again. “Do you have your proposal thought out?”
“We worked on it this morning in between spells,” Hermione said. “We figure we’d tell Charlie exactly what we were looking to do. If he asks why, we’ve decided to tell him that we’re trying to make higher quality potions to sell but lack the funds to buy the rarer ingredients. It’s as close to the truth as we believe we should get.”
“A sound plan,” Snape said. “And negotiating terms?”
“We thought we’d force him to make the first offer,” Draco said thoughtfully. “Father was useless for many things but he did know how to negotiate. That was the first rule. Always make the other guy make the first move. Then you know where you lie in the counteroffer.”
Snape nodded. “It is a wise strategy. Assuming you are able to negotiate a reasonable offer, what else will you discuss?”
“I thought we’d discuss a bit about timing,” Hermione said. “Charlie works closely with the dragons. He should be able to tell us the prime candidates for harvesting. I also thought about asking for a tour, nothing extravagant, just basically a rundown of species and any particular quirks he’s come upon. I figure he’ll know the best way to maneuver around them.”
“And when will you harvest?” Snape asked.
“Tomorrow,” Draco said. “We’re almost out of time but we need a few hours to assess all the information and adjust our strategies. I would say Sunday, but that’s cutting it a bit close and if something does go south, we’ll need the recovery time.”
Snape nodded. “I shall keep my ears open then so I can help you. It is time. Shall we?”
The teens stood, watching in awe as Snape transformed himself into a bat and secured his feet to the chain of the dragon tooth necklace. The rest of his body he’d tucked up underneath the collar of Hermione’s traveling robe. If one didn’t look too closely, he’d never be seen. It would give him time to get a safe distance or hide better once they arrived and he could still hold onto the portkey just in case being carried in a pocket wasn’t enough. Hermione quickly flipped the necklace over Draco’s neck and then fastened it around her own.
“It reminds me of a time turner,” she said absentmindedly.
“It’s the same sort of magic in the necklace anyway,” Draco added, grabbing her in his arms as the portkey activated.
Hermione bit back bile as the sick sensation of the portkey tugging at her navel filled her. She hated traveling by portkey. It was worse than apparition any day. At least she had finally learned how to land. She took a deep breath just as land appeared and turned to the side pedaling her legs. Draco did the same and they came to a soft landing. She quickly took the necklace from Draco, leaning just a bit closer to him than necessary to give Snape a chance to scramble away. She almost bit her lip in two when he took the path straight between her breasts and nuzzled himself just under her ribcage.
“Blimey,” Draco exclaimed, his eyes wide as he took in their surroundings.
Hermione turned to look as well. The entire area was softly lit with torches and the occasional blast of fire from the dragons, mere black blobs on the horizon. She was able to see that the sanctuary went for miles in each direction. It was heavy with trees but that didn’t do much to camouflage the heavy ironwork fence surrounding the perimeter of each area. The cordoned off sections reminded her of the zoo, though the dragons certainly had ample space to move about. There were also several rock faces, the entrances to caves like black gaping holes against the side of the white cliffs.
“It’s beautiful,” she breathed.
“Glad you like the place,” a male voice spoke from behind them.
She jumped and spun, wand at the ready. When she realized who had talked to them, she lost all pretenses and practically leapt at the man.
“Charlie!”
Charlie Weasley caught her about the waist and spun her around, laughing as she tried to squeeze the life out of him. After a few moments, he sat her down and cocked his head, a frown marring his face.
“You didn’t tell me you had a Malfoy as your partner.”
“Oh,” she squeaked. “Charlie Weasley, my partner Draco Malfoy. Malfoy and I are working on enhancing the properties of several potions. We plan to start a business after we graduate.”
Draco stood stock still while Charlie studied him. Hermione compared the two as they had their standoff. Draco was actually quite a bit taller, though much less stocky. His pale skin glowed silver in the moonlight whereas Charlie’s gave off a golden hue. It was easy to tell that they’d lived vastly different lives and while Charlie appeared to be the stronger of the two, Draco had his own strengths. She nodded to herself, deciding she’d chosen a worthy partner to go into business with. And he’d obviously learned to curb his tongue if he was allowing Charlie to inspect him so closely.
“Well,” Charlie said after a moment. “The hair looks like a Malfoy but the eyes, they tell a different story.” He looked back over at Hermione with a grin, his shaggy red hair flopping into his eyes. “I like to study the eyes first. They can tell you so much, no matter what species. For example, this fellow has a cool determination and just enough patience to put up with me. However, his calm demeanor is merely a front, as his eyes betray his thoughts, though he’s wearing an impressive mask. His body says relaxed but his eyes say that he is on full alert. And I like the fact that there is absolutely no trace of superiority in his eyes, a stark contrast to every Malfoy I’ve ever met. I’d say I like the bloke.”
Hermione smiled and shook her head, stepping closer. “What of my eyes, Charlie?”
Charlie gave her a sad smile and cuffed her chin. “I see the same things I saw the last time we met. You’re sad, almost hollow inside. But there is a new light, a determination that matches that of young Malfoy here. I take it you have found a reason to continue. And judging from those impressive collars around your necks, I’d say that I should thank whoever it is that pulled you from the depths of your despair.”
“I’d rather not say,” Hermione said uncomfortably. “But you are correct. It was our Master’s idea, us forming a partnership. I hope it works out and you are a vital part of that.”
Charlie nodded and motioned for them to follow. “I gathered that. Before we begin, I’d like to draw your attention to the iron gates. Please make note that these gates are for our protection, not the dragons. They do separate the species but there are several wards imbedded into them to protect us for a moment should we get the business end of the dragon, if you know what I mean. While you are here, please walk along their perimeters.”
“They’re shaped like a grid,” Draco said, breaking his silence for the first time since they’d arrived.
“Well spotted,” Charlie said, though there wasn’t a hint of condescending in his tone. “They were built that way to help us navigate the terrain. This sanctuary stretches for miles beyond what the human eye can see over hills, valleys, and cliffs. If you get lost, all you need to do is follow the gates in one direction to find the perimeter. You’ll remain safe while you get your bearings.”
“Clever,” Hermione said, inspecting the bars as they passed.
“They only do so much, I’m afraid,” Charlie said, pausing to turn and grin at them. “Not for the faint of heart, dragon wrangling.”
“How many species do you currently have here?” Draco asked.
Charlie tilted his head in thought. “Let’s see. Since Norbert arrived, I believe that makes twelve.”
Draco frowned. “But there are only ten known species of dragon.”
“Ten are widely known, two less so. It was thought that the Catalonian Fireball and the Portuguese Long-Snout were extinct, but we’ve managed to get our hands on a few and are slowly breeding them back into existence.”
“That’s amazing,” Hermione cried.
“And secret,” Charlie said gravely. “If word got out, poachers would be at our gates at all hours of the day and night.”
“Why allow us in?” Draco asked.
Charlie stopped and turned, studying them both for a while. “Do you know how many people know that dragons actually do have some scales?”
“Anyone who has read a book about them, I’d wager,” Draco said slowly.
“No,” Charlie said, shaking his head sadly. “They don’t. There is enough dragon hide in the world to thoroughly convince everyone but the most exceptional potion makers that individual scales are a myth at the least and a rare occurrence at the worst. Further still are those who understand that forceful harvest of said scales are detrimental not only to the dragons, but their end uses. The fact that you went through all the trouble of contacting me and gaining my permission to visit tells me that you do care for these dragons. It might come as a shock, but it was never my intention to ban their use in wizarding society. I just want their gifts to be harvested humanely.”
“We don’t wish to dabble in anything that could possibly be construed as shady, especially just starting out,” Draco said gravely. “And we have no intention of harming the dragons. Not only would it be counterproductive, but it would be disrespectful and detrimental to their species.”
Charlie smirked. “And a man named after one might have a soft spot for them.”
Draco quirked a brow. “Perhaps.”
Charlie snickered and continued to walk. “I am curious. If you don’t want to be seen as shady, then how in the devil did you get yourselves into so much trouble?”
“I’m surprised Ron didn’t write you a book,” Hermione muttered.
“Ron? Write?”
She giggled. “I suppose you are right. You see, I caught him with another woman in the library.”
“My woman,” Draco drawled.
She gave a dry laugh. “We decided to go our separate ways but Malfoy and I needed some time to cool off.”
“We apparently took too much of it,” Draco added.
“How much time is too much?” Charlie asked.
Hermione cleared her throat. “All night?”
“Where were you?” Charlie asked.
“The forbidden forest,” she whispered.
Charlie spun in shock and then shook his head. “It’s a great lie, probably got you both out of being expelled, but I don’t buy it.”
Hermione huffed. “Why ever not?”
“I have an astute sensitivity to bonds and spells laced into collars. We use them to transport the dragons, after all. My senses tell me that was the night you solidified your bond to your Master.”
“And your thoughts?” Draco said warily.
Charlie shrugged. “Whatever floats your boat. I never thought Hermione and Ron were good for each other anyway. Ron is way too much of a hot head and he wants someone like mum who’ll pamper him. I doubt Hermione is willing to do that.”
“Hardly,” Hermione snorted.
Charlie chuckled and turned to walk some more. “Exactly. In that same vein, I think you two will work well together in the future. Like minds tend to create less friction. Anyway, that is not why you are here, though I do thank you for the future ribbing material for Ron. No, you came here seeking permission. Normally, we don’t allow just anyone to come in and harvest from our dragons. They must provide years of experience, pages of recommendations, and express knowledge of how to handle the dragons with empathy towards them. I have little doubt you two are lacking in knowledge or empathy, though the experience leaves a bit to be desired.”
“Are you turning us down?” Draco asked flatly.
“Not yet,” Charlie said carefully. “I’ve plead your case to the head of the sanctuary and he’s eager to meet you. If you can impress him, you are in.”
“For a price,” Draco said.
Charlie nodded. “There is always a price. Normally we charge a hefty sum but I know that you’ve expressed that you haven’t the funds to pay such a price, though a Malfoy without money is hardly believable.”
“I don’t wish to involve my father… ever,” Draco said bitterly. “And since I won’t inherit until I turn 21, if he doesn’t disown me before then, I must make my own way.”
“Commendable,” Charlie said with an approving nod. “Therefore, I’ve got a few ideas in which you can pay.”
“Can you elaborate?” Hermione asked.
“Well, the first is something I know you aren’t inclined to use but it could be a powerful tool.”
“What?” Hermione whispered.
“Your fame,” Charlie said quietly. “Since the war, donations to the sanctuary have plummeted. It’s entirely understandable but if things don’t pick up soon, we’ll be forced to let the dragons fend for themselves in the wild.”
“Without protection, they might go extinct!” Hermione cried.
“Precisely,” Charlie said sadly.
“You wish for her to lean on her fame a bit and put you into the spotlight,” Draco said quietly.
Charlie nodded. “And if she can get Harry to make an appearance, all the better. It’s a little dirty and underhanded, but alternate payment methods often are.”
“Better than sexual favors,” Draco muttered.
“I wouldn’t rule those out either,” Charlie said, eying Draco with a slight gleam in his eye.
Draco swallowed and tried to keep his composure. “You gay?”
Charlie smirked, his eyes sliding over to appraise Hermione’s form. “I prefer to think of myself as an equal opportunity lover… and the head of the sanctuary is quite the voyeur. But you are getting ahead of yourselves. You have to convince the head that you are dedicated to this and willing to die for it.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard,” Hermione said quietly. “I might die of disappointment if we are unsuccessful.”
“And that is where I think you’ll succeed,” Charlie said quietly as he continued down the path towards a large stone building.
AN: I didn't want to end it there but this meeting got away from me. More next time... promise. ;) Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I'm glad you guys didn't hold my sulking against me. I still feel like sulking but I couldn't let you guys down. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing. Until next time... love you guys!
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