Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound	By : goldhorse Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Hermione Views: 44179 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. That lucky duck JK Rowling does. I don't make any money from this fanfic. I just play with her toys and put them back in relatively good condition.

Chapter List
- 20
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- 22
Dumbledore was standing in the middle of the large pasture where Melody and Harmony had been attacked so very long ago. It brought a tingle to Hermione’s spine when she remembered that day and all that had amassed here since. It sort of seemed fitting that Melody should gain a husband in the same spot she’d lost her life a few times.

“Evening Headmaster,” Draco said respectfully and shook the aging man’s hand. He was looking quite frail, the years finally catching up with him. Hermione’s healing and Merlin’s potion could only do so much for him. They had offered him a life as a vampire but he declined, stating that he was more than ready to go into the beyond.

“Evening Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy,” Dumbledore said with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. “Such a wonderful occasion that we meet on. I’ve been hoping for this day for quite some time.”

“We have as well,” Hermione said with a grin as she shook her old Headmaster’s hand. “Is there anything we can help with?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you could draw out the bonding pattern. It helps if the strongest magic holds it, strengthens the bond you see.”

She furrowed her brow. “Who drew ours?”

“Why, Severus did of course, with Narcissa’s help.”

Draco gave a soft smile at that. He’d never known and now he had yet another thing to thank his mother for. Deciding that they had delayed enough, they got to work. A large circle was drawn on the ground in gold. Two lines bisected it, marking the points on a compass. In the middle, where the lines crossed, another smaller circle was drawn.

Moments later, they were joined by the other phenoms. Harry and Ginny had agreed to stand in on Alex’s behalf, since he’d adopted Harry. Harmony and Philippe were there for Melody. Severus and Celeste stood on the outside with Draco and Harmony. They didn’t bring it to anyone’s attention, but the look of pride and joy on their faces said more than anyone ever could.

“Well, this has certainly been a long awaited affair,” Dumbledore began with a smile. “Tonight, we gather to bind this couple together in matrimony. With the blessings of their family, they have pledged to live their lives for each other from now until forever.”

“Now,” Dumbledore continued, walking in a circle around the center couple. “The stronger the ties, the stronger the union, therefore we have thought long and hard about which cords to use to bind these two together today. The pink cord symbolizes love and romance, caring, tenderness, acceptance and calm.”

He paused to bind their left arms together before continuing on. “The yellow cord symbolizes joy, happiness, optimism, hope, and gladness. Added to the white, it serves to create a deeper emotional connection between the two.”

He bound the cord again and stood. “The red cord symbolizes love, respect, excitement, energy, passion, desire, speed, strength, power, heat, blood, and all things intense and passionate. I think we all know that these qualities describe this couple to a tee. Red and white together also signify unity. Therefore, let us add this very important cord to this bond and see what wonders will come from it.”

He wove the red cord in between the pink and yellow ones and tied it off as well. “Finally, we come down to the last two cords. The silver and gold colors of these cords signify fidelity, honesty, loyalty, and trust in a normal marriage. However, as they have with all phenoms, they symbolize the meeting of yin and yang. Together, they create harmony and balance for there can be no dark without the light and vice versa.”

He twined the chords together and tied them into an intricate knot before producing a knife, Draco’s knife to be exact. It brought a smile to everyone’s face to see it, as it had been used to bond every one of the phenoms together and the pure couple as well.

“Heart and soul, we bind these two together forever.” Dumbledore slipped the knife between their arms and twisted. Everyone started chanting the now familiar until magic crackled around them. Dumbledore had taken a step backwards to avoid the sparks. Everyone lowered their voices to a dull hum while Dumbledore talked over them.

“Alex Lee, do you take this woman to be your wife? Will you love, honor, and respect her the rest of your days?”

“I will,” Alex said softly.

“Melody Bach, do you take this man to be your husband? Will you love, honor, and respect him the rest of your days?”

“I will,” Melody whispered with a grin.

“What the Fates have joined together let nothing separate.” He began chanting with everyone else again. The voices got louder as magic swirled around the couple. Dumbledore retreated to the outer circle in between Harry and Philippe. They watched in amazement as the couple each gained a lock of hair, symbolic of the bond taking hold. They sighed, the signal for the chanting to stop. Brilliant white light flooded the field.

“It is done!” Dumbledore called out in a loud authoritative voice. The ground shook for a minute and the circles disappeared. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Everyone hooted as Alex took Melody is a passionate kiss that left them both sprawled on the ground and panting for air. Their tattoos were still glowing as they lie grinning in the grass.

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“That was a beautiful ceremony, don’t you think?” Hermione asked Draco as they walked in the moonlight around the Ranch.

“It was,” he conceded. “It never gets old, that’s for sure.”

“A phoenix!” Hermione said breathlessly. “How unusual.”

“Not if you think about it,” Draco countered. “I mean, Melody died twice and came back to life…Alex once, and now they both share a soul. Phoenixes are the symbol of rebirth and resurrection. They are noble birds, able to tell if someone is honest or not. I’d say it fits perfectly.”

“Well, when you put it that way…”

Draco chuckled. “So, are you ready to go in?”

“Knackered already are you?”

“No,” Draco said innocently. “I just thought we could…talk.”

Hermione giggled. “Yes, talking. However, I think not. The kids aren’t home yet but I’d rather not push our luck with Zandra.”

Draco pouted. “But I like talking.”

“You aren’t the only one. However, how about a compromise?”

“Compromise?” Draco quirked an eyebrow in question.

She nodded. “You remember when we went to South America and camped out?”

Draco’s eyes glowed from the memories as he nodded. “I did love sharing a sleeping bag with you.”

She smirked. “Care to pitch a tent?”

“I’ve already pitched one.” He grinned at her salaciously

She couldn’t help but chuckle. “How about a second one that will actually stay up all night.”

He growled and pushed her back into a nearby tree. “Are you insulting my skills, Mrs. Malfoy?”

She feigned innocence. “I would never insult them.”

“You don’t think I can last all night anymore,” he pouted.

“We have to go to the quidditch tryouts tomorrow,” she reminded him softly. “I’d like some sleep as well.”

He pursed his lips and gave a curt nod. They really did need their sleep but he wasn’t ready to turn in just yet. He waved his hand and transfigured several leaves into a makeshift tent. It was a decidedly muggle one since it was transfigured and not manufactured. He didn’t mind. Some of their happiest moments happened in a muggle tent in the jungles of South America. He took off his shirt and transfigured it into a fluffy sleeping bag. Then, he took off his watch and transfigured it into a pair of muggle handcuffs while leering at his wife.

Hermione’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of the shiny gold restraints in her husband’s hand. They hadn’t played like that in the jungle. She shivered in thought of what he was about to do to her. He stalked forward, darting to the side as she tried to duck out. She knew he loved the chase but she wasn’t quick enough for it to even begin. He had her spun around, both hands behind her back before she could blink. The cold metal caused goose bumps to break out over her arms.

“Now then,” Draco purred in her ear. “I’ve caught my prey. Whatever shall I do with her?”

She trembled in his arms. There were a hundred things floating through her mind at once, each one more lewd and exciting than the next. She heard his amused chuckles through her heavy breathing. His mind had obviously picked up her thoughts.

“My, my, how vivid your imagination is my prey. So many wonderful ideas. However, I am afraid that most won’t happen here. We just don’t have the setup for it. What we can do…is improvise.”

She shrieked as he swept her legs out from under her, cradling her to his chest and careful not to strain her arms in the cuffs. He entered the tent and sat her down, rolling her over onto her stomach. Then he pulled her arse in the air and pushed her face gently to a little pillow he’d created. Her shirt disappeared a second later and was transfigured into a tie so he could bind her elbows to her thighs and her shoulders to her knees. It was an odd position, one that left her utterly exposed and vulnerable, not to mention crunched into an uncomfortable ball. There was both pain and pleasure and she sighed in anticipation.

“Now then,” Draco purred as he crouched behind her. “This is a pretty picture. Look at you, so open for me, so ready. I can smell you, see that beautiful pussy dripping…just for me.”

He ran a long elegant finger down her back, causing her to shiver. The sinful digit continued further, down the crack of her arse and over her puckered rosebud before veering sharply to the left and avoiding the one place she wanted it. He chuckled at her frustrated moan and continued to trace circles over her thighs, toying with her bonds and driving her insane before finally running his finger over her dripping slit.

“So wet, ma chérie. Is this for me?”

Hermione moaned loudly. Of course it was for him. He was driving her insane, tying her into a little ball so she couldn’t move. The sensations were so much more intense this way and left her unable to scoot away. She was completely at her husband’s mercy…and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Draco felt her moans go straight to his groin, making his trousers uncomfortably tight. He desperately wanted to make this last all night but she had been correct. They needed to go to quidditch tryouts in the morning. He sighed and lowered his lips to her dripping cunt, giving it a strong swipe with his tongue before diving into her searing hot channel.

Hermione squealed as she felt the lithe muscle enter her. He knew exactly what he was doing, bumping her clit with his nose every so often, making her keen and strain against the handcuffs. If she didn’t get to come soon, she was going to break them.

“Please Draco, please!”

“Please what, ma chérie?” Draco purred in between licks.

“Please!” She begged. “Please fuck me. I can’t stand it!”

“Since you asked so nicely,” Draco said with a chuckle.

He pulled back to divest himself of his trousers and pants, earning a frustrated growl from his wife at the momentary lapse of contact. He gave her clit a few flicks with his fingernail before taking himself in hand and lining up with her eager pussy. He rubbed the head of his cock back and forth, coating himself in her juices and teasing her further before sliding in to the hilt.

Hermione screamed at the feeling, the fullness and overwhelming calm that only Draco could give her. She never wanted this to end but her mind was torn between duty and feelings at the moment. She wanted it hard and fast and now!

“Faster!”

“As you wish,” Draco groaned.

He began slamming into her over and over, hard and fast just like she liked it. Her muscles fluttered around him and he reached down to flick her clit and send her over. Still, he plowed on, fucking her through one orgasm and into another. She was wailing, begging him for more. His legs were on fire and her pussy was clamping down on him so hard that he could scarcely move but he wasn’t about to leave her wanting. He wasn’t a horny teenager anymore. He had plenty of stamina…but she was just so delicious like this.

No! Dumbledore in a tutu. McGonagall starkers. Hagrid in a bikini! There. He had control back. He thrust as if his life depended on it, knowing now that this wouldn’t end without a bite. The golden aura around them seemed to demand it. He could feel her fluttering around him again so he curled his body around her, brushing her hair out of the way and gently kissing her shoulder. He curled his arm around her so she could reach his wrist. They bit at the same time, waves of ecstasy coursing through their bodies as they consumed the nectar they craved.

They only took a little, sealing the wounds and trembling in the aftermath. Draco managed to untie her and drag her to his side. He massaged her wrists as she lay in his arms, thoroughly sated and happy. They would need some bruise paste and probably a pain potion in the morning but it was completely worth it. They drifted off to sleep to the sounds of cicadas singing in the darkness.

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Severus frowned and roughly shoved bruise paste in Hermione’s hands. She turned red but dutifully took some and rubbed it on her wrists. No one dared to say a word to her that morning, knowing that she was seconds from hexing someone a new one. It was unsettling to be woken up from a dead sleep from the sounds of screams. It was worse to learn that those screams were made to deliberately mess with her. She was livid, to say the least.

She wasn’t sure who instigated it but it was Harry and Ginny who carried it out. They both narrowly missed being hexed within an inch of their lives when she realized that they weren’t in any danger. Screaming ‘help, he’s got me’ wasn’t high on her list of things she found funny.

‘Easy love,’ Draco thought to her as he caught her brooding. ‘It was just a joke.’

‘I. Don’t. Like. Jokes.’

‘I know,’ Draco said quickly. ‘But we have to get over this, love. The kids have quidditch tryouts and then we’re going to Khrone’s.’

Hermione mentally sighed. ‘I know, but this is humiliating.’

‘Just be glad it isn’t Weasley losing it because he thinks I’m taking advantage against your will.’

Hermione huffed. ‘I remember that. Alright. I’ll let it go.’

‘Good. Now, let’s go cheer our kids on.’

“Everyone ready?” Melody called as she bounced down the stairs. Her eyes were sparkling, the yellow phoenix on her temple fluttering in joy. She looked a hundred times happier than they’d ever seen her.

“I know I am,” Alex called, his blue eyes a close match to the color of the preening phoenix on his face.

“We’ve got to get some makeup to match that lily white skin of yours,” Ginny joked.

Alex narrowed his eyes. “I quite like my new tattoos.”

“Oh, no doubt,” Ginny said with a grin as she gently stroked over the covered copper eagle on her temple. “But no one but us can know.”

Alex sighed heavily. “Can we at least tell the boys before I have to hide it away?”

Severus cocked his head. “I don’t see why not.”

Harmony chuckled. “And then Rhapsody will tackle you both and beg to give you a makeover.”

Severus smirked. “No doubt.”

He remembered when she was only three or so and insisted that she wanted to be the one to make over Unca Sev and Unca Awets. She’d been doing it ever since, neither daywalker having the heart to say no to the over exuberant girl. She’d probably seen the bonding coming but would be delighted none the less.

Alex shook his head. “Rhapsody will be the death of us all. Come on then, let’s go.”

“Um,” Zandra called shyly from the staircase. “Could I…um…go? I…um…I’d like to watch them.”

Melody smiled brightly. “Of course sweetheart. You’ll be attending Monday anyway. Just keep your cloak up until we decide what to do about your appearance.”

Zandra turned pale. “He’ll be there…Thomas.”

Melody nodded. “He will. However, you will find that he’s been knocked down a peg or ten since then. Still, we don’t want to tempt him. You will most likely wear a permanent glamour attached to a piece of jewelry so it won’t affect your concentration. You’ll keep the name Zandra but you’ll be a Belrose since Harmony and Philippe will be your sponsors. Hopefully they won’t make a connection, but they couldn’t prove it if they did. Now, are you sure you still want to go?”

Zandra nodded, still pale but her eyes held a steely resolve. “I do. Besides, I know what you guys are doing tonight. I-I…I don’t want to be alone.”

Hermione gave her a sad smile. “You won’t be sweetheart. Should one…or…more of us fall, you will all be taken into the care of the Weasleys, Draco’s mother, and the Lupins.”

“What about the Master?” Zandra whispered.

Hermione’s face fell. “He’ll be taken care of.”

Zandra blinked back tears. “I…I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

Melody chuckled. “Trust me Zandra, this was personal long before they captured you. They just figured you could get to me. Oh, if that damned Bracken were still alive, I’d kill him again just for spite.”

“Bracken?” Zandra asked.

Draco nodded. “Healer Bracken was our supervisor at St. Mungos, and the one you were left with. We have reason to believe he let the Master know of Melody’s presence at St. Mungos the day before you arrived. I’d be pissed, but then again, I doubt you would have escaped any other way.”

Zandra frowned. “This is the part where I’m supposed to be proud that I escaped.”

“It is,” Draco said softly. “Fate allowed it and you were strong enough for them to act. I’d give you all the credit.”

“Why not fate?” Zandra asked.

It was Draco’s turn to frown. “I’m not exactly fond of fate at the moment. You’re a much better and stronger person than they are. But now we’re off topic. Harry, can she borrow your cloak until we decide on a glamour?”

“Sure thing!” Harry said a bit too cheerfully and whisked the silky cloak out of his back pocket. It had been years and he still never let it out of his sight, something to do with the hundreds of times it had saved his arse. Now it was going to save someone else.

“Where are Lily and Cecil?” Zandra asked.

“They are visiting Remus this morning,” Harry answered quietly. “They’re still too young to be involved in this yet…and Remus will understand their need to be together. Something I doubt that Molly would allow.”

Ginny snorted. “I’ll say. Mum was livid that I got knocked up before we had a proper wedding, gave me a tongue lashing that would put a harpy to shame.”

“Oh tosh,” Hermione snapped. “You two were married, Ministry notwithstanding.”

Ginny grinned. “But mum didn’t know that.”

“You never did say how she reacted when you told her you were already married,” Draco said with a furrowed brow.

Harry snickered. “She turned every color of the rainbow before she burst into tears, screaming about how we betrayed her for not letting her know and then apologizing for being so horrible and then screaming again. It was… surreal?”

“I couldn’t imagine,” Melody said dryly. “Now, are we quite done here?”

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The adults and Zandra under refuge of the invisibility cloak arrived at the edge of the grounds of Salem to see all the children dutifully assembled and practicing tai chi. Their movements were slow and fluid, just like they’d been taught. Zandra’s gasp caused those with sensitive hearing to falter before continuing on with the exercise.

Melody waited until they were through to call everyone to attention, though she still wore her cloak hood. “Great work everyone. Excellent form. Are we feeling focused?” Nods. “Good. As I understand it, try outs aren’t for another few hours. Therefore, I would like you all to meet in my classroom as I have a few announcements to make.”

Moments later, they were all gathered in the DADA classroom, every teen eager to hear what news Melody was about to reveal. They knew that the trip to Khrone’s would happen that night and were more anxious than they wanted to let on. Khrone’s castle had more rumors surrounding it than the Dark Lord…and seemed to be even more dangerous.

“Alright mom,” Zach said softly when the classroom was secure. “What’s the news?”

Melody dropped her hood and swept her hair out of her face with a grin.

“No way!” Nate cried and ran forward to inspect his mother’s face.

“Yes way,” Melody said with a chuckle and pointed to Alex who dutifully dropped his hood.

Zach reached up and reverently touched the little blue phoenix, the proud bird ruffling its feathers before snuggling into the tender touch. “Cool.”

“OOoooh,” Rhapsody squealed. “I knew it!”

“Of course you did,” Serena said sourly, earning her a smack from a still annoyed Ara. The dark haired girl narrowed her eyes and rubbed her now aching shoulder but said no more.

“Congratulations!” Cadence said softly and was met with a chorus of agreement from the others. Hugs were handed out freely.

“Now then,” Melody said once a very shy Albus had given her a congratulatory hug. “We didn’t conceal the marks because we wanted everyone to see them, but you know we can’t walk around like this.”

“Leave it to me!” Rhapsody called and whipped out her makeup bag. She motioned for Alex to sit and began mixing a concealer to cover the little bird.

Melody chuckled. “So, while Rhap is giving Unca Awets a makeover, let’s go over the itinerary for today. As some of you might have noticed, Zandra is with us. Zandra, please remove the cloak.”

She did as she was told, timidly staring out into a sea of familiar faces, each wearing a grin. Were they all seriously happy to see her? She knew they’d voted her a part of the family but she didn’t expect them to be so…friendly. It caused her to flush and duck her head.

“Don’t,” Annabel called quietly and walked over to Zandra slowly, as if approaching a wild animal. “Don’t back down. It isn’t your nature.”

“My nature?” Zandra asked curiously.

“You’re a beta right now,” Annabel said quietly. “But I can sense the alpha in you. They didn’t take it from you. It’s still there. Embrace it.”

“How?” Zandra asked in a small voice.

Annabel smiled. “Don’t duck. Look back at them and smile. You have nothing to fear from us.”

“I-I…I’m just not used to-“

“Stop,” Annabel ordered sternly. “Zandra, we are your pack…or um…coven if you want.”

“Annabel!” Aiden hissed.

“No, it’s time,” Harmony said softly. “Just…slow.”

Annabel nodded, her body quaking a bit at Aiden’s terse reprimand. He might not be a wolf, but he was most definitely an Alpha. “As I was saying, we are your pack and coven. We will stand beside you no matter what your decision.”

“My decision?” Zandra asked.

Melody sighed. “We haven’t been entirely truthful.”

“What?” Zandra’s eyes went wide with fear.

“Not like that!” Melody said quickly. “It’s more of a lie by omission. We have neglected to tell you the full impact of why we understand your predicament…why you are wolf.”

“I… I don’t guess I understand.”

Melody nodded. “Zandra, you remember yesterday you said that you knew rakshasas existed… unlike daywalkers.”

Zandra nodded. “Yes. They are both myths but I’ve seen the former with my own eyes.”

“You’ve seen the latter too,” Melody said gently and waited for the news to sink in.

Zandra shook her head in shock. “No. No it can’t be!”

Melody cocked her head. “Why not? You are half wolf, are you not?”

“But…but vampire laws-“

“Were not followed,” Severus said softly. “And our sires paid the ultimate price.”

“Our?” Zandra asked, her voice thread with fear and confusion.

Melody cleared her throat. “Severus and Celeste are traditional daywalkers, their mother’s bitten while they were in the womb.”

“Tr-traditional?” Zandra stuttered.

Melody nodded. “Yes, traditional. Zandra, you’ve heard of hunters before, haven’t you?”

Zandra nodded stiltedly. “I – they are, um…sensitive because of a potion or something. Right?”

“Right…and completely wrong. The potion can be administered, but it’s temporary. A true hunter inherits it. They are the offspring of daywalkers and mortals…like Zach and Nate. Each generation’s powers are depleted but they are still sensitive. There is a hunter that goes to this school, in fact. Hunters and vampires have bad blood between them due to harsh treatment from the vampires. They’ve learned their lesson since then, but I doubt the rivalry will die anytime soon.”

“S-sso Zach and Nate are…what? They aren’t hunters.” Zandra frowned in thought.

Melody smiled, happy to see that the Hufflepuff was living up to her house and trying desperately to accept this new information. After all, she’d been helped all week by Celeste and saved from Dark Magic by Severus. “You’re right. They aren’t hunters. They don’t really have a name. We'll call them lightwalkers for now…just to have something to classify them.”

“A-and Aiden?”

“Aiden and Serena are the offspring of two daywalkers. They are full daywalkers with one exception. Their bite doesn’t cause a bond, nor does drinking blood.”

“They drink blood?” Zandra asked, her face paling.

Aiden frowned. “Not if we can help it.”

“What?” Zandra gasped.

Melody held her hand up to stave off Aiden’s sharp remark. “Daywalkers don’t need blood to live. They can heal as fast as vampires…but only if they consume blood. It’s quicker and healthier than any potion they could drink. However, if they are left to heal without the aid of blood, their magic suffers.”

“Suffers?”

Melody nodded. “The last time Severus tried it, it took him weeks to heal from a simple torture session. Simple, of course, being that there was no cruciatus performed. He also was unable to perform much more than a simple levitation charm. It goes deeper than that though. If they expel a great deal of magical energy, they don’t bounce back as quickly either. A normal witch or wizard will regenerate within a 24 hour period. A daywalker could take up to 72 to regain their strength, longer if they are injured.”

Zandra was quiet for a long while. “So they only drink to heal. How many times?”

Aiden sighed. “Three. I got the muggle chicken pox when I was two. I fell off my broom in third year trying to feint and ran into Serena. We both broke damn near every bone in our body. Sixth year, I had to drink again because I used up too much magic.”

“Doing what?” Zandra asked.

Rose shifted uncomfortably and Aiden gave her a sad smile. Poor Rose had been the receiver of a rather cruel and nasty joke executed by Slytherin Tyler Davis. He’d asked her to the Yule ball and then loudly proclaimed that it was a pity date in the common room. Rose had managed to make it out of the portrait before she lost control of her magic. Aiden sent Serena to fetch Scorp and Ara but he took a large brunt of Rose’s force before they arrived. That was also the first and only time he’d ever bitten someone, Rhapsody to be precise.

“Let’s just say it was a worthy cause,” Aiden said softly, making Rose blush.

Zandra cocked her head in contemplation before nodded slightly. “So, what are you called?”

“Second generational,” Melody answered. “There is so little degradation that it’s hardly worth it to re-class.”

“So, if they are second generational, they are the non-traditional?”

“Yes…and no,” Melody said with a frown. “They are non-traditional…but I’m certain they’ve been created before.”

“I’m confused.”

Melody chuckled. “It gets worse. Have you ever wondered why everyone can pick you up so easily?”

Zandra gaped a moment. “Wait…you’re ALL daywalkers?”

“Nope,” Melody said. “Just variants of them...and only some of us. Let’s start at the less…freaky of us, shall we? The reason Draco is Aiden’s brother is because Severus did a blood adoption during the last war. It gave Draco traits of a vampire, super hearing and strength to be precise. He also has fangs. As such, we dubbed him a fangwalker, since he only has a few traits. He is bonded to Hermione, who shares these traits as well. However, they only drink from each other. The bright white light you saw? That was them. It happens when they drink. It strengthens the bond. Their children gained strength and hearing but not fangs.”

Zandra nodded slowly. “So that’s why Ara and Serena can hit so hard.”

Melody chuckled. “Yes ma’am. They both have the strength of a vampire and therefore, Thomas Gregory is lucky he only lost one testicle and not both.”

Zandra managed a grim smile. “He deserved worse.”

“We agree,” Aiden said darkly.

“What’s done is done,” Melody snapped. “Get him next time but he has to make the first move.”

“So…less freaky?” Zandra asked quickly, sensing the agitation in the room.

Melody sighed and stared at Harmony for the longest time before nodding. “Twenty five years ago, Alex responded at the scene of a car accident. The victim was a vampire. She turned him in…gratitude, I believe she called it.”

Alex snorted. “Yes, because living a half-life is much better than a full one.”

Melody gave him a sympathetic smile.

“Y-you’re a v-vampire?” Zandra squeaked. “B-but…that doesn’t make sense. Y-you’re warm. I’ve seen you touch silver!”

Alex nodded sadly. “Yes, well, I had to register as a vampire with the American government soon after I was turned. It would hardly be wise to tell them I am not one anymore.”

“Huh?”

Melody walked over to Zandra who was beginning to shake and led her to a chair before conjuring a glass of water. She smiled when the shocked girl dutifully took it. So, she did still trust them. She sat on the desk across from her and waited until her breathing evened out.

“I said freaky. There is no known cure for vampirism. However, you can manage to turn a vampire into a daywalker. Unfortunately, you must become a daywalker as well.”

“How?” Zandra asked in wonder.

“You must appeal to the Gods,” Melody said softly. “And trust me, they aren’t exactly accommodating.”

“So how did you convince them?”

Melody gave a shrug. “I’m special…and one day, you might be ready to learn just how much. However, for now, I think we’ve given you a bit to think about.”

“There’s more?” Zandra asked softly.

“Oh, so much more,” Melody said sympathetically. “But rest assured, none of it is horrible. In fact, I think our creature status is probably the most shocking thing. Unfortunately, we must ask that this information remain a secret. Daywalkers are still very much a myth…and we’d prefer them to stay that way. Not everyone deserves the power that comes with being one. It’s why the Master is making half-werewolves…the power. We believe he is creating an army, one that is as powerful as Voldemort’s werewolves were…without that pesky silver getting in the way.”

Zandra gasped and shook her head in dismay, her hand covering her mouth in horror. “That’s horrible.”

“It is,” Melody said quietly. “We will stop him Zandra.”

“I-this is…it’s a lot to take in.”

Melody nodded. “We understand completely. We just want your vow that you’ll keep this between us.”

Zandra nodded. “Yes, of course. You’re keeping me safe. I can only return the favor.”

“Speaking of keeping you safe,” Aiden said pointedly. “Don’t you think we need to sort out her glamour?”

“Yep,” Melody said brightly. “I thought I’d let you kids figure it out.”

“We’ll do it!” Rhapsody said as she dragged Zach over to Zandra. “I know just what she’ll look like. Brown hair, straight.” Rhapsody waved her hand over Zandra’s hair and turned it a dark brown color.

“No!” Zach countered. “I say red. She’s too fair to pull off brown. And curly, give it some interest.” He waved his hand and her hair was a beautiful strawberry blonde color.

“Light brown then,” Rhapsody growled and waved her hand again, turning the locks to a mousy brown color hanging straight down.

“No, red,” Zach spat and waved his hand over again, turning the mousy brown into a fiery orange red reminiscent of a clown.

“Now she looks like her head caught on fire!” Rhapsody snapped and turned her hair a medium ashy brown color that fell board straight.

“Well now she looks like a dead girl, all washed out!” Zach turned her hair a deep auburn color.

“You don’t call that washed out?” Rhapsody fought back and turned her hair almost black.

“Better than that!” Zach catcalled and the war really began, both throwing glamours so hard that they began to spark. Zandra’s eyes grew the size of galleons as the two fought a bitter battle over her hair.

“STOP!” Zandra screeched and the two stopped mid wave, the spells clashing in a sharp spark.

“Well,” Melody chuckled. “That was fun.”

“It’s not your hair!” Zandra cried.

“It’s brilliant!” Aiden said, his eyes soft and appreciative.

“Good,” Rhapsody called. “Now she needs brown eyes.”

“No!” Zach spat. “She’s got interesting hair. She needs interesting eyes.” He waved his hand and her eyes turned a sparkling green color.

“The point is to be NON-interesting,” Rhapsody yelled.

“She can at least have a better color!” Zach insisted.

The fighting started again, only to have them end with Zandra screaming again.

“That’s enough,” Melody said softly. “Here Zandra, I think they did well, despite their…differing opinions.”

Zandra took the offered mirror and gasped at the sight. She had her normal waist length hair but it fell into soft waves over her back and was a myriad of colors ranging from mousy brown to fiery red. The colors combined to create an interesting effect, almost mimicking that of a shimmering flame. Her eyes bore the same treatment. Flecks of brown and green combining to create a beautiful hazel color that complemented her strange hair.

“I love it!” Zandra cried.

“Good,” Melody chuckled. “Now, Rhap, sharper chin please, Zach, sharp and pointed nose, Rhap, thin lips, Zach, wider forehead. Clear?”

When they were done, Zandra looked like a young Draco, all angles. In fact, Hermione couldn’t stifle the giggles that bubbled into her throat. Draco gave her a playful smack on her arse that only served to make her laugh harder. Zandra looked hurt before Severus stepped in and explained what was going on. Then the entire room had a laugh for a while.

“Okay,” Melody said after she had calmed. “It’s time for breakfast. We’ll see you all on the pitch later. After tryouts, well…it’ll be time for us all to leave. We’ll dole out assignments and … instructions … for the future.”

Zach frowned. “Nice glossing mom. Well, come on you lot, time for breakfast.”

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Hermione sat beside her husband in the quidditch stands ignoring the murmurs of the crowd. It seemed that everyone’s parents had shown up…and more than a few recognized the famous face of Harry Potter. To her surprise, they recognized her husband as well. Opinions from filthy Death Eater to co-savior of the wizarding world flittered in on the air. She was used to this by now.

Her face was smooth and emotionless despite the feeling of having a hippogriff nestling in her stomach. This wasn’t ordinary quidditch. This was every man for himself quidditch. The tryouts were anything but a friendly game between acquaintances. It was shaping up to be a bloodbath and the games had just begun.

Eight spots needed to be filled, their holders graduating the year prior. There was also no guarantee of getting a spot two years in a row. Qualifying one year didn’t make one a shoo in and therefore, everyone had to retry. Rather than just having all the people for specific positions try out, the team captains picked teams at random to play. Each player was responsible for showing off their very best moves during that particular game. It promised to be a long weekend but luckily, their children were in the first few matches.

“He’s looking good,” Draco murmured to Severus as Aiden completed a barrel roll and narrowly missed getting smashed with a bludger. He was trying out for a keeper position, figuring that he wouldn’t slip on a show of strength as easily as he would if he were a beater.

Severus nodded. “So is Scorpius.”

Draco watched in pride as his son dove down and performed a Wronski Feint, effectively making the other team’s seeker, a fifth year return player, crash spectacularly onto the pitch. His other son, Jacob, was cheering for him. He didn’t see the bludger headed his way until it was almost too late. Rose screamed at him to watch out just in time for him to do a Sloth Grip Roll and hang upside down on his broom to miss it, never dropping his beaters bat. The crowd cheered and the game was called to an end as Scorpius caught the snitch.

“Uh,” Hermione moaned. “I’m not sure I can keep watch.”

“Well, the girls are up next,” Melody said with anticipation.

“Isn’t it odd that they put them on an all-girl team?” Zandra asked quietly.

“No,” Alex answered darkly. “They did it on purpose. They think our girls are weak.”

“I wish Lily were well enough to try out,” Harry said wistfully.

Draco chuckled. “She’d have the snitch caught seconds after it was released!”

“Exactly,” Harry said curtly.

“Oh Harry,” Hermione said in amusement. Her friend was still the same old Harry, only worse when it came to his kids. The sun shown out their backsides. Still, Lily was a cracking good Seeker. It was a rather somber occasion to think about…and another reason why the fiery raven haired girl wasn’t here.

“So, who plays what?” Zandra asked as she watched the girls take the pitch.

“Rhapsody is the keeper,” Melody explained. “Annabel, Cadence, and Rose are chasers. Ara and Serena are beaters.”

Zandra couldn’t contain her snort. “Makes sense.”

Melody chuckled. “Play to your strengths.”

Zandra smirked. “Touché.”

“You don’t play?” Harmony asked, knowing full well what the answer would be.

Zandra shook her head. “Too scared to try. I mean…I love flying and going fast but I’m just not good with things being thrown at me. Even less so now.”

“Mmm. Maybe the kids can help with that,” Celeste said non-committally as she watched her daughter take up her bat.

“Oh, no bloody fucking way,” Melody said incredulously.

“What?” Zandra asked in alarm.

“The other team beater, Mary-Alice Gregory. One guess as to who her family might be. Anyway, the other beater and one of the chasers make up her little clique, the one after that girl I was telling you about.”

“The one he wants,” Zandra croaked.

Melody nodded. “This is going to be a bloodbath.”

“And now I’m with Potter,” Draco said softly. “This game would be much better with Lily.”

“The other one on their team,” Hermione cut in. “Will she pose problems?”

“Don’t think so,” Melody said. “The seeker, bless her, is a first year, one of the more outgoing ones. She’s muggle-born and…well…she’s your clone.”

“Does she have Hogwarts: A History remembered then?” Harry asked.

Hermione growled and smacked him in the arm. “Don’t you dare start now, Harry Potter. That knowledge saved your arse more than once.”

“So it did,” Harry said chuckling.

Melody grinned. “Besides, it would be Salem Academy: Trials and Tribulations.”

“Sounds…depressing,” Draco said softly.

“Nothing about witch burning trials will ever be light and fluffy,” Melody said somberly.

“Duly noted,” Draco acknowledged.

“And they’re off,” Celeste said breathily.

Hermione’s heart leapt into her throat the first play of the game. Mary Alice and her followers had teamed up to try and take out Serena and Ara. Luckily, the girls were used to being targeted by the guys and spun out, executing a rather beautiful Dobblebeater Defense. The combined power of both the girls would have been too much for regular quidditch but they could sneak a bit more oomph into the hit, cleanly splintering Mary Alice’s broom in two. With the leader down, her henchmen floundered and reverted to a normal game.

It was all Draco could do to remain calm at the end of the game. Rose had just scored another goal for her team, bringing the score 120 to 15 when a bludger came from the ground. It seemed Mary Alice had found another broom. It was a moment of unabashed fear and unmatched pride when his daughter took her foot out of her stirrups and placed her heels on the nose of her broom, lying back prostrate. The broom took a heart stopping nose dive, narrowly missing the bludger before Rose leaned forward and completed a full 360, her feet in the stirrups again. The crowd went wild and Draco managed to release Hermione’s nails from his thigh. Both were elated that she managed but still shaken. Fifteen minutes later, the game ended, the little first year managing to spot the snitch and snatch it right from under Mary Alice’s pointy nose.

The third game consisted of the twins, James, Albus, and Hugo. It was anything but a fair match up. The other team was made up of the Pure Phenoms with Thomas Gregory in the lead. He might not be a captain, but he was trying out which made everyone’s blood boil, Zandra’s worst of all.

“Ooh, I’d hex his other bollock off if I thought I wouldn’t get caught,” she seethed.

“So you want an obscuring spell then,” Melody said lightly.

Zandra turned in shock. “You-you aren’t…disgusted by that?”

“Sweetheart, the only thing I’m disgusted by at the moment is the fact that, that little troll is even allowed on a broom.”

They waited in silence as the boys took up their broom. Zandra finally cleared her throat. “Could you obscure it?”

“Easy as breathing,” Melody said softly. “But are you sure you want to do this here?”

“You really would let me, wouldn’t you?”

Melody grinned. “I’d hold your hand while you did it dear. Just be sure it’s what you want. Guilt sucks.”

“You think I’d be guilty?”

Melody snorted. “No, you wouldn’t be guilty, but you’d probably feel that way. I understand it’s a common Hufflepuff trait. I know I wouldn’t feel the least bit bad about it. Then again, I’m probably a Slytherin.”

“Or a bitch,” Severus muttered, earning him a pelt to the stomach.

“Behave you overgrown bat,” Melody snapped. “Besides, you’d probably be right there with her, feeding her the most vindictive curse to get the job done.”

“You’re point?”

“See?” Melody asked as she pointed to Severus. “That’s why I said make sure it’s what you want…because we’ll all sit here in gleeful joy and watch that bastard get his due.”

“Auror Potter?” Zandra asked.

“I’ll just take my glasses off then,” Harry said nonchalantly.

“Because everyone knows you can’t see without them,” Draco said sarcastically.

Harry shrugged and smirked. In reality, that little move had saved him a few times. With Alex’s blood still pulsing through his veins, he had no need to wear glasses. Hell he hadn’t been sick since then either. The vampire bond kept him healthy and spry, something he was thankful for as an Auror.

“How can you obscure something so noticeable?” Zandra whispered.

Harmony turned and patted her hand gently, flinching ever so slightly before resting her hand atop. “Zandra, there is more to magic than wands and wills. When you’ve come to terms with our earlier confession, we’ll continue. It’s too much for one sitting. However, know that if you decide to do this, we’ll keep you safe.”

Zandra nodded and watched as the boys flew up. It was shaping up to be a nasty game early on and she was thankful that the twins were beaters. She wasn’t entirely comfortable with the thought that most of the family had fangs, but they’d been more than wonderful to her. As she watched Gregory slam into Zach’s…or was it Nate’s side, she cringed and was thankful again that they were stronger than normal. Her brain whirled back and forth. Vampires…daywalkers…werewolves…half werewolves…were they so different after all? In the end, they were almost human but not entirely. Maybe it wasn’t so bad.

Melody sighed and nodded toward Harmony, glad for Zandra’s current state of mind. Harmony was sure she was ready, but there was always the one percent…that little one percent that usually came back to haunt them. She gave a small nod toward Draco and then toward Zandra.

Draco relaxed. Thank goodness that Zandra was okay with their less than human status. It made things much easier now that they didn’t need to hide quite as much. It also was making her think, if that smug smile on Melody’s face was anything to go by. He glanced at Harmony, who was wearing a soft smile. Good.

‘Did you doubt it?’ Hermione thought to him.

Draco thought about it a moment. ‘I was a bit worried. But…I guess being turned into a half-werewolf changes one’s perspectives.’

‘And kindness goes a long way,” Hermione said smugly.

Draco harrumphed. ‘Damned Gryffindors.’

Hermione let out a giggle. ‘You love ‘em.’

Draco gave her a smile. ‘Yeah, I guess I do.’

“Holy shit!” Melody shrieked, interrupting their conversation.

They looked up to see pieces of Zach’s broom flying through the air, two bludgers skittering out of control, and the twins now flying on a single broom. Gregory and another teen, a burly kid with black hair that reminded Draco a lot of Goyle, were sneering, obviously disappointed. It would take a hell of a lot more than a knock on the broom to take the twins out.

“Take mine!” Aiden shouted from the side lines, pointing to his broom that was conveniently near the pitch.

The twins murmured back and forth and nodded. As one unit, they flew zigzagged around the pitch and hit both the bludgers way out of play. Then they swooped down, Zach dropping off in a roll only to pick Aiden’s broom up and be off again. There were murderous howls from the sidelines as Gregory’s fan club realized that merely breaking a broom or two wasn’t going to deter the newcomers so easily.

The game continued at a vicious pace, James actually taking a tackle from his opponent. He took the brunt, ducked out, and then rolled at the last minute, effectively depositing the other seeker in the stands with a now cracked broom. Hugo valiantly blocked most of the goals, the rare exception being when the beaters hit it in. Albus did his level best, throwing in toss after toss, even hanging upside down by his fingertips to drop a goal in right over the other keeper’s head. In the end, James caught the snitch after a crushing blow to the side and the boys won.

“Time to patch up,” Alex said as he jumped up and ran onto the pitch, ignoring shouts for medics and accusations of him being a vampire. “Hey Jamie, let’s fix up those ribs.”

“That’d be brilliant,” James croaked and waited patiently as his grandpa healed his cracked ribs. He breathed a sigh of relief and thanks when they were healed.

“What the blazes?” A healer cried as she ran on the pitch.

“Oh, hey,” Alex said cheekily. “Just thought I’d pop down and see to young James here. Sorry to make you run Irene.”

“Alex?” A heavy set woman with iron grey curls and soft brown eyes asked.

“It’s me,” Alex said softly.

“You’re a vampire now?”

Alex nodded. “Have been for over two decades now Irene.”

“That’s why you disappeared,” Irene breathed.

Alex nodded again, his face grim. “I was turned while responding to an accident. I…didn’t have enough control at first.”

“And you do now?”

“Oh yes,” Alex said with a grin. “You see, I met this bat shit crazy woman and she helped me out. Married her as soon as she’d let me.”

“Oh,” Irene said, her hand on her mouth. It was obvious she was torn between joy and horror.

“It’s alright Irene,” Alex said softly. “I understand. James, run on to the others. We’ll meet in Melody’s classroom in an hour, plenty of time to shower and whatnot.”

“Yes grandpa,” James said softly and jogged off the pitch, broom and snitch in hand.

“Grandpa?”

Alex smiled. “I sort of adopted is dad.”

“Y-you adopted Harry Potter?”

Alex shrugged. “It’s a long story. Anyway, let’s get off the pitch so they can start the next round. If you…well, if you want, I’ll introduce you to my wife and kids.”

“Vampires can’t have kids,” Irene whispered.

“Another adoption, a blood one.”

Alex held out his hand and motioned for her to go first. The shaken healer gingerly stepped in front and walked as quickly as she could to the edge of the grounds. He was glad that everyone else had seen fit to meet him there.

Draco cocked his head in shock. “Irene?”

Irene gave him a grin. “Draco Malfoy. How are you?”

“I’m well,” Draco said and gave the plump healer a hug.

Irene Ledbetter had been both his and Hermione’s mentor all through medical and healing school. She had a duel degree as well and provided them with much needed insight. Alex had set them up, Irene being his colleague in school and the one to push him to a second degree. This was the first time they’d seen each other face to face though and it was bound to be an emotional time.

“Hi Irene,” Hermione said, gaining the woman’s attention.

“Oh Hermione!” Irene called and gave her a strong squeeze. “I heard about the twins earlier in the week. What on earth happened?”

“Went a bit crazy with a color charm I’m afraid,” Hermione answered with a giggle. “It was a signature spell and the school nurse was a bit…flustered.”

“Nurse?” Irene asked with a frown.

“She’s a squib,” Melody said quietly.

“Irene,” Alex cut in, “This is my wife, Melody Bach.”

“Bach?”

Melody frowned. “I’m not allowed to share his name.”

“Oh,” Irene gasped and colored before extending her hand. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Mom?”

Melody turned around to find her twins looking at the group of adults apprehensively. They were holding Annabel up between them. The girl looked quite pale.

“Oh gosh boys, what happened?”

Zach grimaced. “Pillow smothering hex. Caught her with it in the loo while everyone’s back was turned.”

“Who?” Severus asked darkly and snatched a strengthening potion out of his cloak to feed to Annabel.

“One guess,” Nate said softly. “It’s being handled.”

“Great,” Melody sighed. “Then I have to handle the handling. Well, introduce yourselves and get her inside. I’ll send... well… Zandra, could you help her get cleaned up?”

“I-uh,” Zandra spluttered, suddenly afraid.

“We’ll be there,” Zach said softly. “No one will get in.”

Zandra nodded. “Alright then.”

“Well, Irene,” Alex said with a tight laugh as Melody sped off to the bathroom. “These are my boys, Zachary and Nathanial.”

“Pleased to meet you,” the twins answered in unison before each taking a hand and kissing above the knuckles.

The old healer tittered at their manors even as she kept a keen eye on Severus who was still feeding potions to Annabel and Hermione who was running a set of diagnostics. Her sharp eyes didn’t miss a beat. “She’s got a collapsed lung.”

Hermione nodded grimly. “I’m afraid this is going to hurt Annabel. I’m so sorry.”

“Do it,” Annabel rasped and then let out a choked cry when the spell hit her.

“Nasty spell,” Irene said. “Sorry dear.”

Annabel managed a weak smile. “Not my first time.”

Irene’s eyebrows rose to her hair. “You’ve had a deflated lung before?”

Zach chuckled. “Yes ma’am. James was still learning how to fly and he took Annie up for a ride…and down they went.”

Annabel smiled fondly. “Handle caught me in the rib. James was horrified.”

“You’re a tough young lady then,” Irene said with a hint of pride.

Annabel grinned. “Have to be to play with the big boys.”

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“Everyone here?” Melody asked tiredly.

She’d had one hell of a time cleaning up the mess that Jacquelyn Banes had made at the hands of the girls. Needless to say, she wouldn’t be putting around behind Mary Alice Gregory any time soon. No one messed with the family and Annabel was most certainly family. The little wolf cub was currently resting in the lap of James and stroking his shoulder absentmindedly.

“Present and accounted for, Ma’am!” Zach said with a mock salute.

“That’s enough smartass,” Melody snapped. “Last minute instructions.”

“Way to kill the mood,” Nate said glumly.

Melody’s face softened. She knew it was hard for them all to accept what might possibly happen tonight. She found herself choked up and motioned for Severus to continue. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as he took the floor.

“In precisely one hour’s time, you will all take a port key to Hogwarts where you will be greeted by Demitri and Remus. You will stay in the Room of Requirement until Monday. If…by Monday… you haven’t heard from any of us, you are to attend classes there. The Malfoys and Snapes will fall to Narcissa’s care. Belroses and Potters will go to Molly. Boys, you have a choice of Lupin or Molly. Zandra, you will fall to Dumbledore’s care. I’m sure he’ll introduce you to Molly.”

Zandra nodded, tears pooling in her eyes. The others gave sad nods, knowing that there was nothing they could do to stop their parents from going to Khrones.

Alex stepped forward. “Remember your mission. Demitri has instructions on how to continue…should the worst happen. Just…remember that we love you.”

“Why do you have to go?” Zandra asked frantically. “Why now?”

Melody brushed a stray tear from her cheek. “For some things in life, we are given no choices Zandra. We go because we must. Now, come everyone. Give us a hug and we’ll be off.”

It was all Hermione could do not to burst into tears as she watched her children flicker out on a portkey. It felt like it was a permanent goodbye for some reason.

AN: Just for you sheedy. :) Seriously. This was the Worst. Week. Ever. I'm so sorry I didn't get this out sooner you guys. *falls down prostrate and begs for mercy* As always, thanks to everyone for reviewing. I read them as I lay in bed...unable to move. Stomach flu sucks. Keep those reviews coming and let me know how I'm doing. I'll try to get the next chapter of Beyond the Pale out as quick as I can. Don't give up on me. PLEASE? *scooches forward on knees and kisses her reader's feet* Until next time...Love you guys.
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Fooling Fate *sequel to Bound*

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound