Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Through the Fire	By : Giovanna Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Draco Views: 25825 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 12
Disclaimer: I do not own HP & Co. I do not profit from this in any way.

Chapter List
- 20
- 21
- 22
* * * * * * *
Harry stares out the window looking for a sign that Draco is home. Three weeks. It has been three weeks since his mate went missing. The night Neville killed Bellatrix, Draco, Severus, Lucius, Blaise and the two eldest Weasley brothers went missing. Harry can feel that Draco is still alive through their connection, but it is weakening the longer they are apart. Everything around Harry seems to be falling apart. Neville has not been himself either, returning to find Blaise gone has left his brother a broken shell. Harry hopes that Blaise returns soon or he could lose his brother forever.
Narcissa and Remus have taken over for Severus until he returns. The Castle still runs smoothly and remaining in its invisible state. To appease parents worry for their children Harry has allowed parents to see and spend a weekend. Most progressive parents are okay with the alterations to the curriculum while the more conservatives scream at the injustice of change. Dr. Strange arrived, and Harry was there to greet him. Upon seeing the Doctor, Harry expected an older gentleman around to the age of one hundred and three, with a full head of gray hair.
However, the handsome older gentleman that showed up looked closer to the age of forty with graying temples that made him appear distinguished. During the time, Dr. Strange has arrived Harry finds himself talking with the Doctor about many issues as he usually would with Severus and Remus. Harry rests his head against the sill of the window as tears cloud his vision.
Where are you, Draco? You promised never to leave me. Come back to me soon.
Harry closes his eyes, then opens them when there is a knock at his door. Quickly, dashing the tears away from his face, hoping whoever is on the door does not notice he was crying, Harry walked over and answered the door. Harry opens it to see Theo Nott standing on the other side. Three weeks ago Harry was sure that Theo had a crush on him. However, his worry since Charlie’s disappearance makes Harry think otherwise.
“Theo, what can I do for you?” Harry asks.
“I have the latest survey results, which were given to the student body to ascertain how well they like the new curriculum changes,” Theo tells him. “So far, the majority of the students loves the new changes. More options to choose from and no one feels out of place. There are a few disparaging remarks those unwilling to accept change, and the remainder of the students do not care either way.”
Harry steps aside to let Theo into his suite. “You do know, you are not required to do this or help me out? But, thank you.” Harry comments.
For the past three weeks, Theo has volunteered to be his assistant with Harry asking him to do so. Pansy and Luna, who have remained by Remus, and Narcissa side becoming their assistants. It appeared the other professors loved the thought of students helping out in an administrative capability, and choose the student they felt to be the most compatible to be their assistant as well. Everyone was surprised when Professor McGonagall, picked Dean to assist her.
Harry sighs and looks at Theo. Harry can see the concern in his expression and wonders ow Theo and Charlie’s relationship developed so rapidly. Harry remembers the apprehension he felt when Draco did not get home that night. Harry suspected that Draco was angry when he woke up to find him not there.
The next day when Draco and the others did not show up for breakfast, he knew something was wrong. Lady Hogwarts felt his worry and told him that Draco and the group of men left the Castle grounds, and she does not know of their whereabouts. After one week, Harry became frantic and wanted to search for him. Harry asked the twins to help him search for Draco and the rest of the group. Harry was not sure where to start, but tried to follow the connection he had with Draco, which led him close to Godric’s Hallow Village.
Harry searched every corner, store and home that would receive him, but did not find his mate. The only home he could not think about entering was Godric’s Hollow. Each time he would go to the village Harry could not push himself to visit the demolished home. The last time he was there, it was the night Dumbledore murdered his parents in a duel with Voldemort.
Maybe I should have checked, but when I was standing looking at my family home, I could not bring myself to enter.
Around the time he and Draco started sleeping together, Harry stopped having nightmares about seeing his parents getting killed. Now that Draco is missing, they have returned. Besides, what reason would Draco need to go to Godric Hollows? Harry cannot answer his own question. Their link is new, and Harry does not know if the connection he and Draco developed is leading him in the wrong way because of his current state.
After two weeks, Harry was ready to give up until Luna told him that Draco is alive and is beyond her reach but fighting his way back to him. Luna could not reveal much, only to say that Draco must overcome his innermost fear in order to return home. Harry could not imagine what Draco could be afraid of, no matter how much he tried to think of what they could be, nothing came to mind. With nothing more he could do and nowhere else to look, Harry disappointedly returned to Hogwarts to wait for his beloved. Through it all Theo has been by his side, helping him. Remus and Narcissa have been a pillar of strength, believing that their husbands are alive, and all they need to do is wait for their return.
Harry is not sure how Narcissa and Remus are holding up, with so much strength.
How is it that they have maintained live with such certainty that their mates will return to them unscathed?
Harry attributes it to the experience in their unwavering love for each other. After trying for many years, Remus is pregnant with Severus first child, they have been trying for years. Harry marvels at Remus’s strength and his resolve hat Severus will come back to him safe, from wherever he went. Narcissa is equally adamant that Lucius will return and continues and encourage to have faith that where ever they are Mother Magic will protect them.
“Harry,” Theo calls his name, pulling his attention away from his thoughts.
“I’m sorry, Theo,” Harry replies. “I miss Draco and wish he was home.”
“I know,” Theo says. “But you have to believe he will get back to you.”
“I want to believe that. I—I just don’t know what could be so important that he would leave the Castle.”
“When he gets home, you can ask him,” Theo tells him.
Harry walks back over to the window, hoping to see Draco walking back to the Castle and is disappointed when he does not see anyone. Remus, Narcissa and Harry have kept the knowledge of the missing men away from the students. The few bold enough to inquire, are given the most briefest and vague answer that they are away on a special mission for the good and the betterment of the school. Another thing Harry has noticed is that the professors are teaching students more difficult spells and other fighting tactics. There is still a war going on Voldemort can attack at any time and they need to be prepared. The atmosphere has changed but students are no longer walking around with their heads in the clouds expecting Harry to do it all alone.
“I’m worried too,” Theo whispers. “I think I finally found someone that will care for me and a few days later, and then he goes missing.”
Harry turns and stares at Theo. He wishes he had the words to comfort him, but does not know the right words to say. Harry opens his mouth to say something, but Theo stops him.
“It’s ok, Harry. There is nothing you can say.” Theo finally sets the papers he is holding in his hands down. “I had a serious crush on you and in some ways I still do; no matter how much I tried to hide it Draco knew.” Harry did not know what to say but, listens to Theo not once interrupting him, he had a feeling this conversation was going to happen sooner or later. “I was jealous when I found out about your relationship with Draco, but once I found out it was a mating by fate, I could not be angry.” Theo chuckles. “I mean, how can I fight fate?”
Theo walks over and stands in front of Harry. “And one day I saw you and Draco flying and laughing. Something Draco only does around his close friends, and was jealous for just a bit.” Harry opened his mouth to speak but Theo stopped him.
“I was jealous because, I kept thinking that what you and Draco have is what I want. Want to have someone that makes me feel free the way you made Draco feel, the way Uncle Sev and Luc shines when they see their mate walk into the room and notices no one else. Maybe if you and Draco where not fated mates we would have been together, but would we have loved each other the way you love Draco.”
“I don’t know Theo, that is something I cannot answer, but you will find that one person that is meant for you.”
Theo runs his hands through his hair. “I met him already, I met him that day, in one minute he made me feel safe and I don’t want to lose that, I can’t lose that. So he has to come home, Harry. I have to believe he is coming back to me. Just as Draco is coming back to you.”
The earnestness in Theo’s voice cause Harry to pull the other man in his arms. They hold on to each other for comfort as an alternative. Who would have thought that one day, I Harry Potter would seek friendship and support with Slytherins? For the first time in weeks Harry smiled. After a few minutes, they pull away from each other, both men wiping tears from their cheeks.
“I believe they will come back to us,” Harry assures Theo and himself.
Theo nods his head, “I’m going to go and turn in for the night. I think I will use Charlie’s private chambers. I want to feel surrounded by him tonight.” Harry nods his head and watches Theo leave. He goes over to the floo and calls for Neville and Blaise’s private chambers. Stepping into his brother’s room, Harry sees Stephania sitting on a couch, facing away from the fireplace.
“Mama,” Harry whispers. Stephania insists that Harry and Neville call her mother and nothing else. She turns to see Harry and smiles.
“Harry, mi figlio, come stai?” She asks Harry how he is doing in Italian.
“Sono bravo, Mama.” Harry responds back to her. “Come sta facendo mio fratello.” Harry asks after Neville. Since Blaise went missing and Neville has been in his current state; Stephania has been caring for Neville constantly, making sure he eats and sleep when Harry has been unable to do so. Harry knows that Neville can hear what is going on around him, his eyes react to certain words and conversations but he refuses to speak a word.
“He is improving,” She tells him. “He ate a little more today, and whispered Blaise’s name, but refuses to leave his rooms.” Harry gasps and gets ready to ask why didn’t she come and get him. Neville speaking for the first time in weeks means that he is getting better. But the worried look passed over her face stopped anything he might say. “Won’t you tell me what happened the night my son disappeared?” She asks.
Harry wishes he could tell her, but promised Neville he will never reveal what happened, not even to Draco unless Neville gives him permission. Harry shakes his head. “It is not my tale to reveal, but I can assure you it has nothing to do with why Blaise is not here.”
Stephania does not ask again, and Harry is grateful. “Have you heard from the Founders?”
That is the other puzzling thing. One week after Draco and the rest disappeared, the Founders themselves disappeared from their picture frames. Harry does not know what to think of everything that has happened in the past three weeks.
“No, they still have not returned.” He finally answers.
“Do you suppose they are dead?” Stephania asks.
Harry leans forwards and clasps his hands behind his head and rests his elbows on his thighs. “I don’t know what to think, Mama. I can still feel the connection I have with Draco, but, it’s weak. I have gotten so used to them being there, being able to talk with them when I am troubled, and now when I need them, they are not here.”
Harry hops up from his position on the couch and walks to the door, “I need some air.”
“Won’t you see your brother, tonight?” She stops him.
Harry turns to look at her then down the hall leading to Neville and Blaise’s room. He wanted to see Neville but he cannot right now. Harry’s overwhelmed to be of any help to Neville. He is dying inside a little at a time without his mate missing and his brother morning the loss of his parents and missing mate. The two men Harry was beginning to see as father figures are also gone and his grandparents are nowhere to be seen. Various emotion boiled at the surface and he needed to rail and scream as loud as he could without anyone hearing. Trying to hold it all together was becoming tiring.
“I-I can’t, not tonight.” He tells her then opens the door and steps out without hearing her response.
* * * * * * *
Harry decides to take a very long walk in the gardens, in hopes that the fresh air will help clear the muddled thoughts in his head. Even in his emotional state Harry is always vigilant and aware of his surroundings when he senses someone following him. Harry slows his steps and walks deeper into the dark more heavily wooded area of the gardens then he stops.
“Whoever you are, show yourself right now,” he says. Harry waits a few minutes until his pursuer makes their presence known. “I should have known,” Harry says not surprised to see who the person standing in front of him. They glare at him and did not attempt to speak. “Not going to speak, Ronald?”
Harry glares back at his one-time best friend. With everything going on Harry has not had the time to deal with the betrayal of Ron and his family. Harry was happy to find out that Mr. Weasley and Percy had no idea what Mrs. Weasley and her youngest children did to him. Hermione died six days after Dumbledore’s death. A small part of Harry mourned because of what he thought their friendship represented. Because Hermione no longer had parents, the Weasley’s took care of her funeral. Harry was not available to attend too busy searching for Draco and the rest of his family. Harry has not yet thought about enacting his revenge on the rest ones who wronged him. Draco returning home safe is more important to him safe than exacting his revenge at the moment.
“You no longer have the right to call me by my first name, Potter.”
“Very well, Weasley, what the fuck do you want?” Harry sighs, showing his disinterest in their conversation.
“Don’t you even care?” Ron growls.
Harry tilts his head to the side with a perplexed look on his face, “care about what?”
“Hermione, don’t you care that she’s dead!” Ron yells.
“Should I?” Harry calmly questions. “Tell me, why the fuck should I care? Tell me Ron?”
“She was your best friend!” Ron yells, moving closer to Harry, who stands his ground against his once best friend.
Harry scoffs, “Best friend, are you fucking kidding me?” Harry challenges. “When was that? When you two started stealing from me? His lips curl in anger and disgust. “Or maybe when you two and whoever else were planning to kill me.”
Ron’s eyes widen quickly before he tries to mask his surprise, “What are you talking about, Harry?”
“Don’t take me for a fool Ron,” Harry says. “I know about everything that you, Hermione and Dumbledore were planning. Kill me after your slut of a sister seduced me.” Ron does not speak; he stood in front of Harry with the dumbfounded expression on his face. “What, you’re not going to deny it?” Harry questions rhetorically. He steps away from Ron putting a considerable amount of space between them. “Do me a favor Ron, stay the fuck away from me.”
“Or what, you will kill me?”
“Yes,” Harry confirms, and that response shocks Ron. He did not expect Harry to say that.
"So that's it, huh, Harry. One cock up and our friendship is over?"
Harry seriously cannot believe Ron would dare to ask that question. "Are you fucking kidding me?" He screams at Ron. "How long after you friended me on the train did you start stealing from me? Was there ever a time you were actually my best friend or cared what happened to me or was that all a lie?" Harry tsks and shakes his head. "You and Hermione were all I had, and you both hurt me by using me from the start."
Ron scowls at Harry before he says, "It's not like you missed any of it. Do you even know how much money you have in your vaults?" Harry does not answer his question, there is no need. "Yet, you acted like the poor little pauper pitying my family as if begging for scraps like the rest of us."
Harry shakes his head, ashamed he never saw Ron for who he was from the very beginning. He now realizes that Ron never knew or understood him. Ron is richer than Harry hopes to ever be one day. He has a family, a mother who would steal for him, a father that doted on him and brothers and sister. Something Harry never had but always wanted, and will have to build on his own.
"You're a fool, Ron." Harry whispers then turnd his back, he only makes it a few steps before the spell come at him. Harry turns around, wand in hand and sends a Sectumsempra at Ron, who was not able to dodge it. The spell hits him in his chest. To Harry, the entire event seems to happen in slow motion; Ron’s wand fell from his hand, and he falls to the ground. Harry walks over to Ron’s body and stands over him staring down at him emotionlessly. Ron is gasping for breath, blood running down the left side of his mouth, and pooling quickly around his pale, dying body. Harry bends down and opens Ron’s shirt seeing the gash on his chest and more blood seeping out. Harry places his hands on Ron’s chest over the wound and then starts to chant the reversal spell Severus taught him. Slowly, the wound begins to close enough to get him the required help he needs. When the wound closes, Harry leans in closer to Ron.
“The only reason I did not let you die was because I do not want to see your father and brothermournrn your death.” Ron’s breathing is shallow. “Warn your mother and sister to stay away from me, Ronald. Or next time I will not be so compassionate.”
Harry stands and speaks to the Castle, “My Lady, send his body to Madam Pomfrey with a message to heal him.” He instructs, and then walks away, the only thing on his mind is Draco returning, back to him.
Come back to me love, I fear I will lose my humanity without you.
* * * * * * *
Draco lies in the fetal position, breathing heavily, dirty, and separated from his father and uncle. They entered Godric Hollow with the expectation of saving Sirius Black and instead they all walked into a vicious trap. It took a while before Draco realized that he was caught up in his own fear. Draco knows it is a trick of the mind, but he cannot break it. The images play continuously in his mind and Harry’s words still echoes in his ears.
You are not worthy to be my mate, Draco. You are a Malfoy dog! A weakling. Kill yourself and be done with it. I want a strong Dominant, someone who will not hold back to claim what is rightfully his.
Harry’s image screams in his face, then scratches and punches him drawing blood. Draco does not fight back; he cannot and would not hurt his mate. Hunger eats at him and Draco does not know how long he has been there. The last thing he remembers before his living hell began was entering Godric’s Hallow his father standing beside them before a sand mist of Dumbledore’s face engulfing him. He was whirled around, thrown against the wall and knocked unconscious. When Draco woke, he realized he was separated, from the others and Harry standing in front of him.
It is not only Harry’s words that taunt Draco. His mother voicing her displeasure at the son he has been. His father and uncle. The friends that conveniently abandoned him when they found out that Harry was his mate. Draco tries to block them out and not give into his fears that their words ringing loud and true. He failed to protect Harry, his one true mate, from Dumbledore’s clutches. His uncle and parent bowing at the feet of another to protect him.
How can I protect them when I am so weak?
Draco sit with his back against the wall, clutching his knees, unable to break himself from his thoughts and fears. The fear that he is not strong enough to protect the ones he loves.
You are a dreadful child; I should have aborted you when I found out I was carrying you. His mother’s voice screams in his head. Draco covers his ears trying to block out the screaming.
You are not worthy of carrying the Malfoy name. You are an utter disgrace to us, Draco. His father agrees. Your name is a representation of a strong beast. But. You. Are. Weak!
I agree with them, Draco, dear. You are pathetic, weak, unworthy. How can I love someone as weak as you? Fate is a cruel bitch to saddle me with you. I wish you were not my MATE! Harry’s words pierce through his parents' words.
No! Draco shakes his head. Not true, Harry and I love each other, we are made for each other, we belong together, even if we were not fated, mates. Harry has always been mine. Draco tries to reason with himself. My parents love me, even with all my faults and I love them in return.
Lies, I was never yours! How can you help me defeat Voldemort? You are worthless.
“Harry, please,” Draco whispers, his lips are chapped, and his throat hoarse and parched from repeating Harry’s name continuously. “I love you!” He cries out.
Draco opens his eyes to see Harry still standing in front of him, a smile on his face. “Love! What do you know about love?”
“I would do anything for you, even sacrifice myself, Harry.”
“Is that so? Then in that case, kill yourself for me, Draco,” Harry smiles, handing Draco a knife. “Show me how much you care by ridding the world of your presence.” Draco looks at the knife and then at Harry, “If you love me so much, prove it.” He cannot not believe what is happening.
This is not my Harry. Not the man I love, and not the one that loves me. No matter what, Harry would never ask him to take his life. My Harry is selfless and pure. You are not my Harry.
“Yes, I am,” Harry says, contradicting his thoughts.
“No, you are not!” Draco yells. A new feeling settles in his heart. Draco pushes himself struggling to get to his feet. “The Harry I know is pure and sweet.” He braces himself against the wall behind him. “He has his faults, his fears and he is not fallible.” Draco pants, then chuckles, “But so do I. It is what makes us human.” His chest tightens as he confidentially speaks words of sincerity.
Draco brandishes his wand as if remembering for the first time that he is a wizard and not a muggle. He sends a slashing spell at the Harry standing in front of him. The imposter instantly begins to fall back, disappearing before it reaches the ground, he does the same to the ones pretending to be his mother. And the same thing happens, it disappears before reaching the floor. He sets to do the same to the one resembling his father, when it speaks.
“No, Draco, it’s me!”
“You are not my father.” Draco says, his voice cool, calm and collected.
“Son, it truly is me. We have been locked here in a trap, meticulously set by Dumbledore.” The imposter says.
“Prove it,” Draco demands, yet he did not raise his voice. “Tell me something only my father would know.”
The imposter sighs, “When you were eleven after meeting a certain boy, you bought a ring that you carry on the left side of your vest pocket.” Draco does not respond or show his surprise. The only person who knows about the ring he carries is his father. The day he met Harry, without realizing who he was Draco dragged his father to the jewelry store and bought a ring pronouncing that it was for his mate. His father, who always indulged Draco, approved his purchase and promised not to tell his mother, vowing that it was a secrets between men.
“A secrets between men,” His father echoing Draco’s thoughts.
Draco drops his hand and whatever strength he regained in the short time left in his body. His knees buckle and just as they are about to hit the hard ground, arms grab him under his arms, halting him from falling flat on his face.
“I’ve got you son.” His father whispers gently in his ears.
Draco holds onto his father, and begins to sob, familiarity and love. Draco is able to let go of all the pent up fear and anxiety he held onto for so long. He felt like a newborn babe in his father’s arms. Even knowing that is was not real, Draco could not help asking the question to his father. “Why did you say those things to me?
“You did it, son, you overcame your fear.” Lucius soothes gently. “Whatever you saw or heard did not come from me. Dumbledore encased this place in nothing but fear and self-doubt; it kept us blinded and trapped. I have been here for the past couple of hours trying to get you to wake up.”
He hears his father’s words and squints his, eyes examining his father’s words for the truth. But, Draco felt as if he did not overcome his fears and self-doubt, but simply placing them in a box and locking it away with a key to be opened one another day.
“Draco, I know you are exhausted, frankly, I am as well. But we must find the others and Black,” Lucius says, helping Draco to stand still on unsteady legs. “Then return home. I fear we have been far here too long. Our love ones must be worried.”
Draco had almost forgotten the real reason they came to Godric’s Hollow in the first place, Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather. Draco stands on shaky legs and pulls himself away from his father’s hands. He needs to stand on his own two feet, not only for himself but Harry as well. Closing his eyes and dusting off his clothes, which does nothing to rid his robes of all the dust they accumulated since arriving at this cursed place.
Speaking of which, wonders Draco.
“Do you know how long we have been here?” Draco asks his father, looking around realizing the ceiling missing from the house.
How did I not notice that before?
“I’m not sure.” Lucius answers. “Once I was able to break my mind from the spell of fear, my only concern was finding you. I was worried.”
“I thank you for your concern, Father, but as you can see, I can stand on my own.” Draco tells Lucius. “I was able to break the spell, albeit it took longer than necessary, but Dumbledore designed this spell to ensure that would not be easily defeated. It was as if Dumbledore had Harry in mind when he created the spell. What better way to weaken him than to expose his fears?”
“Indeed,” Draco and Lucius gasp and turn around with wands were drawn, and ready for battle to see Severus standing behind them, and looking just as haggard. “It seemed as if Albus anticipated someone with my set skills in mind magic would try to find Black, and used magic not even I was able to instantly break.”
Draco and Lucius drop their wand hands simultaneously and rush over to Severus, pulling him quickly into a hug.
“It is good to see you well, my dearest friend.” Lucius greets.
“I agree, Uncle Sev,” Draco whispers close to Severus’ ear. “I am happy to see you alive.”
“You two as well,” Severus responds genuinely. Severus held them close for a little longer; Lucius and Draco does the same.
They pull away from each other, “Come on,” Severus says. “Let's find the others and Black. I am positive whatever else we might encounter will be easier than what we have already been through.”
“I agree,” counters Lucius.
The three men separate, from each other and begin making their way down the halls in search of the rest of their group, secretly hoping they will all made it out alive. It occurs to Draco how large Godric’s Hollow seemed than what he initially thought. That can only mean one of two things, either they are all dreaming, or Dumbledore has more traps set for them. Draco realizes the he does not need to voice his concern, and seeing the realization on both his father and uncle’s faces.
I’m doing this for love. Draco chants as he walks the halls, bravely facing their fears, and continuing their mission.
* * * * * * *
Sirius Black struggles to crawl out of the well, he was thrown down. The last thing he remembers was the last conversation he had with Harry while he participated in the tri-wizard tournament. This is the second time Sirius has been imprisoned against his will. He has also concluded that the only other besides Buckbeak that knew where he was hiding was Dumbledore. Sirius wonders if Buckbeak was alive, the creature was his sole traveling companion for months after his daring escape from the Dementors. They travelled for months before reaching the destination Dumbledore gave him. He feels as if a large part of him memory was obliviated. Sirius remembers waking up with confused and with a terrible headache.
“Dumbledore, that bloody old coot. Wait until I get my hands on him.” Sirius grumbles as he struggles to grab hold of another rock and prays his fingers do not lose their grip like they did for the hundredth time. The tips of his fingers bloodied and his nails brittle. His hands spiked with pain, and there is a possibility that there are rock splinters embedded in his hands. But he cannot stop trying to free himself from his prison.
Why would Dumbledore do this to me? I thought we were on the same side. Poor Harry.
The question plays in Sirius’ head time and time again. And not once has the man visited, so that Sirius can ask all his unanswered questions. The only reasoning Sirius could come up with on his own is that he needed him out of the way to control Harry. Sirius has always influenced and encouraged Harry to do as he pleased. He also begged Dumbledore in his many letters to help prove that he is innocent. And that he did not kill his best friend and wife. James and Lily along with Remus were ones he considered family.
Why would I risk throwing that away? If anyone had a half a brain they would realize I would not try to kill my best friend.
Sirius had heard the rumors for years that he was jealous of what James and Lily had. Sirius can only chuckle at their stupidity.
Jealous, I have never been jealous of James and Lily. I have, well, had my own lover. Merlin, I hope I am forgiven this time. My only stupidity was suggesting we use Peter Pettigrew as the secret keeper. Had I known he aligned himself with Voldemort, I would have killed him the moment I found out. Is Harry worried about me? What has Dumbledore told him, about why I have not gotten in touch with him?
Sirius shoulders shake and his arms aching as he pulls himself up once more.
I failed Harry one too many times. First, going after Peter and then mistakenly placing my trust in Dumbledore. But not again.
Sirius recalls that it has been a couple of days since he has eaten anything, it was as if his keeper has forgotten that he is down there. If he was able to transform into his animagus form, Sirius would be able to use his claws to climb the walls. But, his captor placed manacles on his wrist and neck, stopping him from transforming. Sirius looks up through the opening of the well, it is the same view he has been looking at since he was thrown down into his new prison. The stars above look so close, but he knows it is a far reach. Sirius knows he must not give up, and he hopes that Harry is waiting for him. Saving Harry from Dumbledore’s clutches is the only reason he has not given up. Sirius does not know if Dumbledore has anyone else working with and for him, watching to make sure that Sirius does not make it to the top of the well.
Just a few more and I will be out of here. I’m tired, but I must get back to my godson and the woman I love. I must clear my name, prove my innocence and finally live a happy life, with the ones I love.
Sirius does not want to think about the many times he has manage to escape falling to his death. He grabs hold of another block and pulls himself up. The soles of his feet are bloody, and scraped up but the longing of wanting to see his love ones gives him the strength to carry on. Sirius stops when he hears footsteps, and wonders his it could be. Has Dumbledore return to finally put him out of his misery?
“How odd, a well in the middle of the room. You don’t think he’s down there, do you?” Sirius hears the question, but in his weakened state he cannot decipher the voice.
“It’s dark and desolate. And, I would not put it past Dumbledore. Think of what we have been through tonight.” Says another voice.
Not sure who they are Sirius keeps is mouth shut and listens. The voices get louder and clearer as if they are standing directly above the well.
“I can’t see anything.” Sirius wish he knew who was speaking.
“Draco, what are you doing?” That voice Sirius recognizes. Severus Snape.
“If Dumbledore threw Black down there, we would need to find a way to get him out,” Draco answers. “And with what we have encountered already, I want to be cautious.”
“Hey!” Sirius yells. “Help, somebody, help me!”
“Black, is that you?” A bright light shines in his eyes, causing Sirius to let go of the wall to block his eyes.
“Yes! Snape, is that you?” Sirius’ voice is weak, but he conjures enough strength to speak. “Please, Snape, get me out. Hurry, I don’t know how long I can last down here.” The last words are whispered and Sirius is not sure if Snape heard him.
“Hold on Black, we are coming!” Another voice yells.
There’s not much I can do, things Sirius.
So many questions swirling in his head, but Sirius figures he will wait to get answers until they got him out of the well.
Like how the fuck did they find me and are they really here to help, is Harry ok? The list of questions is getting longer and longer. And as soon as I am out of this Merlin forsaken well I want answers.
“Hurry please, I need to get out of here; my fingers are losing their grip.”
“How deep do you think it is?” Another voice Sirius does not recognize asks.
“I don’t know and I rather not find out by going down there.” This time, Sirius recognizes the voice of Draco Malfoy. Or was that Lucius. How much time have passed that I cannot decipher the Malfoy voices? It still begs the question of why are they here?
“Indeed,” replies Snape then he casts a “catenam links, spell.” And Sirius hears the sounds of chains clanking and linking together and snaking down the well. The chain is silver and glows. Sirius tries to reach it, but cannot, the chains are too short. “Black, grabs hold.” Snape instructs.
“It’s too short.” Sirius yells back, struggling to reach the chain links.
“Everyone, add to the chains,” Snape demands. “Black, let us know when you are able to reach the chains and we can pull you up.”
Sirius yells back that he understands. A few seconds later, more voices reach his ear and the sounds of chains attaching, lengthening and dragging down the well walls. The more he stretches, the further away the chains seemed to be.
Is the well lengthening? He wonders as he tries a few more times to climb and reach the chains. “Stop!” Sirius shouts.
“Are you able to reach the chain?” Draco asks.
“No,” Sirius answers tiredly. His hope of getting out of the well are dwindling along with his strength.
“What do you mean?” A new voice asked.
“The walls, they seem to be growing,” Sirius answers.
“What the fuck!” Draco yells. “If the old bastard was not already dead--.”
“Draco, calm yourself; we will think of a solution. We came here to rescue Black and we will.” Snape promises.
“I know you are exhausted son,” Lucius soothes. “We all are, but we cannot give up.”
Sirius hears Draco sigh, “You’re correct Father, a level head is what we need.”
Dead, rescue, what the fuck is going on?
“Black,” Snape calls down. “Why haven’t you used your magic or your animagus form?”
“There are manacles on my wrists and neck, stopping me from using my magic,” Sirius answers.
“What the hell are we going to do?” Another voice asks.
“William,” Lucius says. “Are you able to see any curses surrounding the well?”
“No, I can’t trust my senses right now. I’m still feeling the after effects of the last curse.”
“There has to be something we are missing.” A new stronger voice says,
“Animagus, that’s it.” A new voice exclaims in excitement. “Uncle and Professor you two are the only ones other than Lord Black that have animagus forms.”
“I’m not following,” William declares.
“Don’t you see,” Draco says, then explains. “Magic does not affect the animal inside of us. Black survived and maintained his sanity when he was imprisoned in Azkaban because of his animagus. That is why Dumbledore hindered him from changing. If he was in his grim form, scaling the walls would have been easy for him.”
“I will have to agree with Draco,” says the same deep voice, one Sirius has of yet been able to figure out who it belongs to. “If Dumbledore was not already dead, I would kill him all over again.”
Sirius still cannot believe what he is hearing, Dumbledore is dead, how is that possible? Better question, who killed him?
Before Sirius can ask the question, his fingers slipped and he began to fall. Sirius knows that he went a bit further down this time than the last. He might survive the fall, but without his magic and immediate medical care, there will be irreparable damage to his body. Sirius closes his eyes and expects to hit the hard ground when his sleeves are grabbed. He opens his eyes to see golden eyes staring into his. Sirius opens his mouth to speak when his head hits the side of the wall and his world goes black.
* * * * * * *
Draco apparates through the wards of the Hogwarts grounds along with the rest of the group. His uncle, carries Sirius Black in his arms. Draco is bone tired, but they are home finally and Draco cannot wait to hold his mate in his arms. Getting Black out of the well took longer than they assumed, even with Uncle Severus transforming into his animagus form. Draco saw his uncle’s animagus form many times when he was a child, but seeing it again tonight he is amazed at the sheer size and strength. No one would have guessed that the Head of snakes animagus form was a Griffin and not a snake.
The well fed off magic and although Uncle Severus used his animagus form, the well found some way to lengthen. It wasn’t until Uncle Severus pulled on the well’s magic rather than feeding the magic, and he was able to pull Black, out of the well whose fingers had apparently slipped causing him to fall. Uncle Severus was a bit rough with Black, and the other man hit his head hard on the brick wall, knocking him unconscious. The minute that Black was out of the well the ground started to shake and split open.
Uncle Severus, still in his animagus flew into the air but was thrown back forcefully to the ground by an unseen force. Both he and Black went flying in different directions. Charlie, Blaise and Bill had their wands out spells rapidly fly at what looked like knives and other sharp objects flying in their direction. Draco could not understand how Dumbledore did all of this or how his magic was still so powerful even with him being dead.
Draco recalls the minute the ground slit into two, separating him from everyone else and falling down the crack. Draco remembers the absolute terror he felt at the time. His wings refuse to listen to his command, no matter how much he tried. Staying alive and getting back to Harry was important to him. At the thought of Harry, name Draco’s wings flared and he steadied himself. He began to fly out of the cave when he spotted the hilt of the a sword that looked faintly familiar. Quickly, Draco grabbed the sword and flew out of the crack, when he exists his father had Blaise in his arms flying above the rubble. Uncle Severus had Charlie Weasley and Sirius Black on his back still in his Griffin form. And Bill Weasley was being carried out on the back of another wolf that Draco could have sworn he has seen before.
Draco did not have time to investigate because they needed to get away from the dangerous chaos. One by one they all flew away. When they got to a safe place, he expected to see all of Godric Village crumbling to the ground and was relieved when it only remained in Godric Hollow. Harry’s home that he and his parents lived in was now caved in. Arms engulfed around him, and Draco did not push them away.
“Are you hurt?” Draco shook his head no, resting his cheek on his father’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re safe.” His father’s whispered in his ears. “I don’t know what I would do if I lost you.”
Draco sighed in relief and enjoyed being held by his father He allowed himself to be held for just a bit longer. At the sound of scuffling, Draco pulled back a bit.
“Get the hell away from me,” Bill Weasley yelled. He was staring up at Fenrir Greyback. Draco recalls how shocked he was to see the Alpha wolf standing there, with a hurt but determined look on his face.
“You insist on placing yourself in danger, and all for what? I will not have my mate dying so frivolously.” Fenrir shouted back. Everyone was shocked to hear Fenrir call Bill Weasley his mate. Fenrir shook his head and growls. “You are a stubborn fool, don’t you realize no matter how far you run, or where you try to hide. I. Will. Find. You.” Fenrir canines beard, his voice gruff and his eyes glowing yellow in anger. “You are Mine!”
“I’ve told you before I am not your mate!” Bill growls back showing his is not afraid of the Alpha Wolf. “You are not my fucking type.”
“And what is? That blond half-breed who tricked you into believing she is your mate. Don’t fool yourself, Cub, she will leave you.” Fenrir said. “You wear my mark cub,” He said, touching the side of Bills face with the tip of his fingers.
“That’s because you were trying to kill me!” Bill roared in his face.
Fenrir tsked and shook his head. “Just remember I will be waiting for you when she leaves.” Fenrir changed back into his wolf form, howled at the moon and ran before anyone could say anything.
“Don’t hold your fucking breath.” Bill turned and looked at the rest of us. “I don’t want to talk about it,” He said, then apparated away. No one spoke, and followed suit by apparating to Hogwarts.
Draco looks around, and takes a sigh of relief that everyone is still standing, battered, but still alive. Uncle Severus change back to himself, both he and Charlie hold Black up between them. Black looks weak and ready to fall if he was let go.
“What is that in your hand?” His father asks him.
Draco looks down and holds up the sword he took, and he cannot stop thinking about where he had seen this sword before. “I found it when I fell into the crack in the ground,” he tells his father. “It called to me.”
Lucius takes the sword from Draco’s hand, inspecting it, then hands it back to Draco. “We will figure it out later, right now we need to get inside. I’m not sure how long we have been gone, and Black needs attending to.”
Lucius and Draco starts walking towards the doors leading to the school entrance and stopped when the doors to the castle abruptly flies open. And there stands the only man Draco will ever love, looking beautiful as ever. Draco releases himself from his father’s hold and with what little strength he had left and, starts to run to his mate. Harry begins to run to him. His sole focus is on Harry, and he does ot notice when the sword disappears from his hands. He and Harry ran towards each meeting in the middle. Harry jumped into his arms, and their lips were instantly connecting in a passionate kiss.
A longing moan escapes their lips the instant they touch I missed this, missed you, Draco thought. He cannot get enough of Harry back in his arms.
They stop kissing, and Draco pulls back just a bit, lips still connected. He opens his eyes, staring into beautiful green eyes. Draco lifts one of his hands and traces the side of Harry’s face. Whatever doubt and fear he experienced over the past couple of weeks fades away.
“I’m sorry I was gone so long,” he whispers against Harry’s lips. “The whole time I-“
Harry kisses him, stopping him from saying anything else. This time, their kiss sets his soul on fire, and all he wants to do is lay Harry down on the nearest flat surface and make sweet love to him.
* * * * * * *
As if hearing his thoughts, Lady Hogwarts transports Harry and Draco to their private chambers. Draco pulls away from their kiss again and opens his eyes and the only thing he can see is his mate.
“Are you real?” Harry says, touching Draco’s face. “You came back to me.”
“I love you so much,” Draco declares.
“I love you too.” Harry whispers back. “Make love to me, Draco. Please don’t deny me anymore.”
Draco pulls back from Harry and sees the hurt look on his mate’s face. He begins to unbutton what is left of his tattered robes and shirt. He stands shirtless in front of Harry then holds out his hand for Harry to take it.
“I will never deny you anything again.” Harry looks down at his outstretched hand and takes it. Draco pulls him close, their bodies connecting once more completely melding into each other. They fall together onto the bed still kissing, Harry landing on top of him. Their kiss deepens as Draco rolls them over, kissing Harry’s neck, and scraping his fangs along his skin. His mate shivers and moans, fingers balled together fisting the sheets and arching his back begging for more.
“Draco, please love, I’ve waited too long.”
Draco grunts and rubs his face on Harry bulge still in his pants. Sharp nails dig into his scalp, making him hiss. Reaching up, Draco unbuckles Harry’s pants dragging them down his hips. Harry’s cock springs out and bounces off his lower abs. Draco licks a trail from Harry’s balls all the way up the shaft of his cock, swirling his tongue at the tip, moaning and lapping up the precum.
Mine, Draco growls in his mind the deeper he takes Harry’s cock into his mouth. Drawing sweet, luscious sounds from Harry’s lips. Deeping throating Harry’s cock, Draco scraps his stubble jaw on his mate’s jaw. Harry's legs become weak, and they slacken and widen more. His hips buck, sending his cock deeper into Draco’s mouth. He exhales through his nose so that he doesn’t gag. Hours, days and possibly weeks, he’s been unable to touch his lover, his mate.
“I’ve waited too long, love. I need to feel you inside of me.” Harry groans.
Slowly, Draco lets Harry cock slip from his mouth, giving it a gentle kiss before getting off the bed. “Undress for me, Baby.” He orders as he takes off his pants, standing naked for Harry to see all of him.
* * * * * * *
Harry’s breath hitches, as his eyes hungrily ate up Draco’s gorgeous and perfect naked body. Instantly, Harry begins to undress as well; he cannot take his eyes off Draco stroking his cock. Harry’s need to have his mate inside of him crawled and scraped at the surface. Harry watches with anticipation as Draco crawls back onto the bed and settles on top of Harry covering him with his whole body. They both hiss when their cocks brush against each other. Harry widens his legs and encircles them around Draco’s, locking his ankles together. Cupping the back of Draco’s head, smashes their lips together.
This time, their kiss is not gentle, it was brutal and desperate. Fangs scraping, and tongues twining together. Draco grinds his hips, rubbing their cocks together and Harry moans into their kiss, loving the sensation. Harry throws his head back into the pillow, breaking their kiss. He tightens his ankles and grinds eagerly in sync with Draco's rocking hips.
No, it’s too soon, not yet. “Oh fuck, Draco I’m going to cum.”
“Cum for me, I want to feel your warmth on me. It’s all I can think about.” Draco tells him.
Not holding back Harry cums, screaming Draco’s name. Draco bites down on his neck not taking any of his blood, and Harry is afraid that would back out on his word and not complete their bond. Harry releases his ankles and Draco smoothly glides down licking his skin, and eventually his cum soaked cock. His skin prickles as the cool air mixes with the wet trail Draco leaves on Harry’s body, making him shiver. Draco cleans the cum off his cock with his mouth and Harry groans when he feels an oiled finger try to enter him. Harry pushes out and allows Draco’s fingers to sink into him.
Harry grunts and automatically lifts his legs, holding them wide at the back of his knees. Draco inserts another finger, scissoring opening his hole. Harry bites down on his bottom lip, whimpering when Draco pushes a third finger inside, stretching him wider. The delicious burn of having three fingers inside of him; causes Harry to release his legs and flattens his palms on the headboard, brazenly feeding his ass to Draco.
“Dr-Draco, oh yes, fuck me now. Please, Love.” He begs.
Draco slowly eases his fingers from Harry’s ass while at the same time he releases his cock from his mouth. Draco kneels between Harry’s parted legs, staring down at him with hot smoldering, passion-filled gray eyes.
“Do you know how long I have wanted to sink my cock inside of you?” Draco asks. But Harry is at a loss for words, his mind muddled with desire. Draco immediately positions his cock and sink inch by inch into his ass, drawing out a gasp then a groan from his lips. “Do you know how many nights I have woken up sweaty, hard and needy; cold showers from simply dreaming about making love to your delectable body?” He groans out, as his hips bottoms out, and his balls nestled comfortably in between Harry’s arse cheeks.
Harry tries to remove his hands from the bedpost, but Draco’s words stop him.
“Put them back and keep them there.” Harry whimpers. “If you touch me now, I will fucking burst, and I want this to last.”
Harry obeys his command, Draco leans forward, trailing gentle kissing from his abs up to his lips, while pumping his hips slowly. Harry gasps and groans, Draco’s fingernails digs into his hips preventing, him from moving.
“Merlin, I love your body.” Draco praises, “Love watching sweat glistens on your pale body. I take pride seeing my marks on you.”
Harry cannot speak or think. His fangs dig into his bottom lips, drawing blood, and it leaks down the side of his mouth. Draco’s licks the blood trail to his lips dragging them into a primal and passionate kiss. Harry whines when Draco pulls away his from his lips. “Let me hear you, Love. Give me those sweet sounds you have been holding back, let me hear them, Love.” With each word Draco pumps his hips faster, thrusting deeper and deeper inside of him. “I want to make our first time together perfect,” Draco moans against his lips. “Take my time and be gentle. B-but-“
“Please, Draco,” Harry pleads.
Draco releases Harry’s hips and lies flat on top of him, sandwiching, his cock between them. He slips his hands under Harry and grabs onto his shoulder, deepening his thrusts. Harry wraps his legs around Draco’s hips, digging his heels into his ass. Harry screams when Draco’s cock hits his prostate. Moans, grunts, and whimpers fill the room. Harry is close to cumming again, and he knows that Draco is as well. He closes his eyes, moving his hands and grabs onto Draco’s shoulders. Harry shivers when Draco drags his fangs over the pulsing vein in his neck and then sinks his fang into his veins, completing their mating bond, causing him to roar Draco’s name, cum harder than the first time. Draco does not hold back either, cumming inside Harry coating his inside.
I am yours Draco. Together we are joined as one, now and forever. Harry whispers through their renewed mental bond.
Forever, My sweet mate, forever. Draco echoes.
* * * * * * *
Neither men felt the force of the Castle shaking. Their mating completes and also reinforced the strength of the Castle. Now that the Heirs have mated, the Castle no longer needs to hide and becomes visible, however, the magical force field remained. One by one the perched gargoyles wake from their long, frozen slumber. They watch over the Castle with keen eyes, knowing that their presence will be needed in the war to come. They intend to protect the lives of future generations as the founders willed it.
Creatures living in the Forbidden Forest took notice and feels the powerful magical changes happening to the Castle and felt the powerful magic. Their mind seemed clear and the feral feelings to kill begins to slowly fade. The forest no longer feels dark and clogged with poisoned magic When Hogwarts was first built, protection of the forest and the Castle was laid at the feet of the creatures that inhabited inside its grounds. Hogwarts was meant to be a sanctuary for all, not only witches and wizards but creatures as well. But over the years, evil seeped into the forest clouding the minds of the creatures and offsprings. Plants began to die slowly, becoming something more vile and dangerous. Now that the Heirs have reclaimed their birthright, things have slowly started, returning to the way it was meant to be.
* * * * * * *
Minutes after Harry and Draco disappear.
In another part of the Castle, the remaining lovers reunite. No one can deny there is something different in the air. The Castle buzzes with excitement at the changes to come. It could have also been the fact that the day the party returned was Valentine’s Day. But the couples do not care about anything but their lovers and that they are back and safe.
Severus walks to his rooms with determination in his steps. Seeing his mate and the love of his life is paramount. His steps quicken and soon he begins to run, and definitely, not caring about the rules he is currently breaking. Reaching his rooms Severus burst through the door searching for Remus not seeing him sitting in his usual spot.
“Remus,” Severus calls out. When no response comes back, worry begins to fill him. After trying for many years, his mate is finally pregnant with their first child. Severus knows that Remus will understand when he explains why he left, but maybe not for so long. Feeling wary, Severus stumbles over to the couch and sits down heavily. Severus refuses to think back to the fear that kept him from returning to his mate. It was the one time he was unable to protect his mind.
Dumbledore was a powerful wizard and the cunning bastard was incredible clever to utilize a fear spell to trap his victims. It isn't easy for anyone, no matter the strength of their magic, to overcome their fear, especially when that fear targets the person's memories and heart. For so long Severus thought he forgot, thought he forgave. But for the past few days, he felt like a child again, hiding from his father, cowering in fear. Watching over and over as his father, heavily intoxicated, and absolutely out of his mind, beat his mother to death. Severus tries to put the memories out of his mind, but the images will not stop, he is not even sure or remembered, how he broke the spell. But, Severus is grateful that the images stopped when they did.
Severus can still hear his father’s words. “You are just like me.” His words slurred and dripped with hate. “You will be the same just like me; they will leave you one day, die by your hands.”
Gentle, soft lips on the side of his cheeks pulls Severus from his thoughts. He turns, and his eyes connect with chocolate brown eyes.
“You’ve found your way home I see?” Remus whispers, the smile on his face eases his mind. Instead of responding Severus rests his head on Remus’s and closes his eyes. Remus caresses his cheeks and Severus revels in the touch of his mate. “I know you will tell me everything later, but whatever it is we will deal with it together.”
Severus does not need to explain anything right away, they have been together for a very long time and are synced each without using words. Severus leans back and slips his arms around Remus' waist and the other hand rests on his mate’s growing bump. Severus opens his eyes and looks at Remus, who is staring at him with worried eyes.
“I want to be a good father to our pup.” He whispers.
“You will be,” Remus instantly assures him.
“How do you know? I could turn out like h-,” Severus does not get to finish his words. Remus quiets him with a finger to his lips.
“Don’t. Don’t doubt yourself, and don’t doubt us,” Remus gently chastises him. “You are nothing like that bastard who once called himself your father. You are a good man, with a gentle and caring heart. I am proud to walk beside you, and carry your child. I am proud to be your mate.” Severus once again opens his mouth to respond but Remus’s next words stops him. “We can do this, Severus. Together and always.”
Tears wells in his eyes, Severus does not hold them back. He lets them fall freely down his cheeks. Remus wipes them away but does not remove his hands away from his cheeks giving him the comfort he needs. No other but Remus has ever seen him weakest point.
“I love you, Severus.” Remus promises. Those three words are rarely spoken out loud to each other. Neither does it need to be heard on a daily basis. Remus and Severus are secure in their absolute love for each. “We are in this together.”
Severus nuzzles his cheeks into Remus’s warm palm, “I love you too, and I cannot imagine my life without you standing beside me.” Their lips meet instantly, and Severus cannot hold back the moan that escapes his lips. His hand on Remus's waist travels up and cups the back of his head, deepening their kiss.
Severus sighs. Nothing or no one else matters at the moment. He leans back on the couch pulling Remus down with him not stopping their passionate kiss. Severus allows his mate to straddle his hips, Remus obeys the silent command. Severus continues to make love to his mates’ mouth. Sucking and biting on his lips, taking pleasure in hearing Remus come undone simply from their kisses.
Having Remus in my arms is all that matters. Thinks Severus. Nothing else.
* * * * * * *
Blaise stands outside the private chambers, he shares with his beloved. When he did not see Neville or his mother at the Castle entrance, he knew something was wrong. Blaise places his hand on his abdomen and prays he has not fucked up his love life by making a rash decision to follow Draco, by putting his life and that of their child. In danger. He has not of yet, told anyone, not even Neville that he is pregnant. Taking a deep breath, he opens the door to his rooms and walks in. Again, no one is there to greet him again, and that worries him. Blaise walks further inside and looks around the room to find his mother sleeping on the lounge sofa. Blaise furrows his brows in utter confusion.
Why is Mum here? And where is Neville?
A different type of worry settles in the pit of Blaise's stomach. Walking over Blaise kneels down in front of her and taps her gently on the shoulder. She gasps and opens her eyes, blinking a few times in utter confusion.
“Ciao, Mama,” Blaise whispers.
Stephania stares at him for a few minutes. “Il mio bambino,” she says, sitting up, stretching her hands out cupping his face between her warm palms. “Sei tornato. Dove sei stato?” She pulls him into a hug, literally crushing him to her. “We have been so worried about you, and Harry was silently going out of his mind. And, Neville h-,” she whispers in his ear then stops speaking.
Blaise pulls his mother back from their hug to look into her face. “What is wrong? Where is Neville?” He demands.
She releases herself from his hold, and Blaise lets her go smoothly. He watches with worry as she stands up, and then straightens her clothes, stepping around him going to the liquor counter and pouring them both a drink. Blaise stands just as his mother turns and hands him a glass. Blaise holds the glass in his hand and watch as his mother takes a sip of hers.
Placing his glass down on the table, Blaise asks again. “Mama, what is it?”
This time, she does not waste any time, “The night you left Harry and Neville went off on their own as well. Something happened, Blaise, something terrible and Neville has not been the same since that night.”
“Mother, you keep saying that night but we have only been gone a day,” Blaise says to her in confusion.
Stephania gasps, shaking her head, “No, il mio bambino, you have been missing for three weeks.”
Three weeks! How did we lose so much time? Blaise questions in his mind.
He closes his eyes, then sits down to stop his knees from shaking. Without saying anything, Blaise opens his eyes and leaves the room. He needs to see Neville, make things right. His mother does not stop him or ask him any more questions. Blaise walks into the bedroom, he shares with Neville, who is laying in bed sleeping.
Merlin, he is so handsome, even asleep Neville looks tired than he did three weeks ago. He has not been taking care of himself. What happened, My Love. Blaise thinks to himself.
He is not wearing his glamor, and his fire-red hair flared, out on the pillow shining against his pale skin. Quietly, Blaise walks over to the bed removing his cloak and shoes, then crawls onto the bed, snuggling right next to Neville and rests his head on his chest.
“I’m here Neville, and I’m home.” Blaise whispers into Neville’s chest. “We are home, and whatever it is, you and I will work it out.”
The room is silent for a few minutes, Blaise closes his eyes and listens to Neville’s breathing and knows that his mate is not sleeping. He has been awake the entire time Blaise has been lying there.
“I killed Bellatrix LeStrange.” Neville finally says. Blaise does not react causing Neville to wonder if his mate heard what he said. “My parents are dead, and I have blood on my hands. But that is not why I have been upset.”
Blaise lifts his head and looks into Neville’s eyes, “Why are you upset?”
“When I came back, you were not here, and I thought you figured out that I was keeping a secret from you and left. I thought I lost you.” Tears fall down the side of Neville’s cheeks. “I cannot go on without you, Blaise.”
Blaise gets up and straddles Neville’s hips. “You don’t have to worry about that, because I am not,” He begins, then stops and takes one of Neville’s hands into his then places it on his abdomen. “We are not going anywhere.”
* * * * * * *
Neville’s eyes widen and for the first time in weeks, he feels like himself. He is aware of Harry, and the rest of their tightly formed family have been worried about him. But he could not help it. After returning to the Castle and wanting to be in his mate's arms is a crushing blow when Blaise was nowhere to be found. Neville thought he lost Blaise. Day after day, he spent waiting and hoping that Blaise would return. Then Neville gave up hope. He couldn't gather the courage or motivation to help Harry search for Blaise and the rest of the family. A few days ago, he woke and realized he acted like an idiot but too ashamed, he refused to leave his room.
He knows that Harry would forgive him, but does not know if he can forgive himself. Neville becomes angry with himself for doubting that Blaise’s love and commitment to him, and that is the reason why he left. Looking into Blaise’s beautiful, sweet face, Neville realizes he has been a fool. Blaise is his no matter what happens. And, wherever he goes, Neville has to believe that Blaise will come back to him. Whenever Harry or one of the others visited him, he listened enough to hear updates about what was going on, so he wasn't out of the loop. All Neville knew was that he could not function without Blaise. He felt numb without his mate.
“I love you, Blaise. You are my light in all of the darkness that can surround us.” He says cupping Blaise’s cheeks, pulling him down for a passionate kiss. Neville moans into their kiss and Blaise lays his body completely on top of him. Neville slips both hands around Blasie holding him close not letting him go.
Blaise pulls back from their kiss, looking down into his face, “I love you too, Neville. Now and forever.” He whispers before leaning down to claim Neville’s lips.
Neville smiles for the first time in weeks, and then his eyes widen as the realization when Blaise’s words hits him. Blaise notices, and giggles then snuggled comfortably on his mates chest. “Realized what I said, huh, Love?”
Neville nods his head and tightens his arms around Blaise. He smiles again.
“I’m going to be a father,” he says in astonishment. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, my Love, you are.” Blaise answers.
They lay silently for what seems like minutes, but it could have been much longer before Neville asks. “Blaise, Love, where have you been for the few weeks?”
Blaise yawns before answering, “I went with Draco to Godric’s Hallow to find Sirius Black.”
Before Neville can say anything the Castle begins to shake. The noise is only heard, pictures did not move, neither does the bed Blaise and Neville laying in. Blaise lifts his head and looks at Neville who holds him closer, knowing exactly what is happening. Harry and Draco finally consummated their mating, making their bond and Hogwarts now stronger because of them. And, now that Blaise has returned to him so is he.
* * * * * * *
Stephania watches her son go to his love and smiles. It does her heart good to see the young finding each other and falling in love. She remembers what it was like to find her eternal love. Yes, she loved Blaise’s father and thanked Merlin each day for her gift. But, there is one man that will always hold her heart. Tears cloud her vision as she remembers the first time her love made her smile and the first time they made passionate love. Now, her love is lost to her, never to return. She turns ready to leave Blaise and Neville’s rooms when the fireplace flares and Narcissa’s head appears.
“Stephania,” Narcissa yells. “You must come, and it’s, Sirius, he’s alive.”
Stephania gasps in surprise, she cannot believe it. Sirius Black, her eternal love has returned to her. With anticipation, Stephania steps through the fireplace and into Narcissa and Lucius’s room to see Severus holding his husband and mate, Remus, with his palm firmly on his abdomen with tears in his eyes. Stephania does not question why Remus and Severus is there. The only ones that knew of her love for Sirius are Narcissa and Lucius. Knowing how imporant Sirius is to her Narcissa must have told them. It was only a matter of time before everyone found out about her and Sirius’s long standing love affair.
Not only the young find their one and only true love, she thinks. Before she can say a word, Narcissa walks over and grabs her hands, pulling her to the closed door.
“Go on, he’s resting,” Narcissa says to her.
After so long, Stephania cannot believe this was happening. Taking a deep breath, Stephania tries to collect herself as she rests shaking and gentle hands on the doorknob. Stepping inside, the dimly lit room, Srephania’s breath hitches at seeing Sirius in the flesh. Stephania stands frozen in front of the door. Before her knees weaken; she stumbles and slumps against the closed door slowly sliding down to the floor burying her face into her knees.
This is not one of my dreams, Sirius is really here.
Stephania quietly sobs, trying not to disturb Sirius. She knew one day she would see him again, but figured it would be in the afterlife. They kept their love affair a secret, real-life Romeo and Juliet, two lovers on the opposite sides of the war. Once, like many others, she believed in the Dark Lord’s agenda and thought his reasoning was just. She became his assassin, his black widow, willingly. Everyone believed she was neutral in the war, but knew she practiced dark arts. One of the only men she refused to kill was Blaise’s father, so the Dark Lord killed him because of her disobedience. Losing one love was enough, and she could not lose another. Finding out that she was pregnant the night Nicholas died, Stephania distanced herself from the dark Lord and only associated with those she trusted.
When Stephania and Sirius began their courtship, it scared her. The dark side was getting stronger and the Dark Lord wanted her to once again become his black widow, going as far as threatening her son’s life. For the safety of her son, she thought about it, but resisted his call as long as she could. It was only Merlins, grace he was thought to be destryed that saved her from doing his bidding.
It was months after Blaise’s birth and before Sirius was sent to Azkaban. After Nicholas, Blaise’s father, had been brutally killed by the Dark Lord in front of his followers as an example, Stephania gave up hope of ever loving again. Men wanted her for her body and beauty, but they also were in fear of their lives and fortune. When she and Sirius instantly fell in love it shocked her to the very core. It was hot, filled with an intensity that she could not describe. He made her feel wanted and treasured.
When Sirius was sent to Azkaban for the murder of the Potters, Stephania wanted to tell the ministry officials that he was innocent. For most of that night, Sirius was with her before he showed up at the Potters home. But telling the officials that the truth she knew it would only make matters worse. As a well-known black widow, no one would believe her claims, and it would only establish their case that Sirius Black was a dark wizard and led the Dark Lord to the Potters. But she never stopped loving him and held onto hope that one day he would be proven innocent and return to her.
After his escape, they met secretly a time or two, and their passion burned as it did before those long and lonely twelve years. She planned on fighting the Dark Lord by his side, but he was taken away again through the veil. Once more, Stephania hid her grief and concentrated on her life and that of her son. Stephania understood Neville while Blaise was gone, which is why she refused to leave Neville's side. After falling in love with Sirius it renewed her belief in love and romance. Even with the aspect of never seeing him in this lifetime again.
Drying her eyes, Stephania gets up from her position in front of the door, and gathers her courage to take the first step, into the room moving closer to the bed. She sits in the chair stationed in front of the bed and stares at a sleeping Sirius, through tear clouded eyes. She remains quiet and still, holding her breath waiting for Sirius to exhale proving that he is indeed alive. His skin was pale, and he lost weight. He still has the same curly hair, but it is now longer and dull in comparison to what it was before. He will need someone to care for him, and help him rebuild his strength. Stephania gently picks up one his long, thin bandaged hand that is resting on his chest. She brings Sirius long thin bandage hand to her lips and lightly kisses them, closing her eyes letting her tears fall. She then leans her forehead on them and thanks Merlin, for bringing her eternal love back to her.
Her eyes are closed, so she does not see when Sirius opens his and is staring at her. His voice causes her to lift her head.
“Why are you crying, my beautiful Lady,” he whispered.
Stephania lifts her head, and a joyous cry escapes her lips, just as the Castle begins to shake.
TBC!!
Thank you all for your patience and for your reviews. I'm still trying to figure out how to reply to the reviews on this site. Follow me on Twitter GiovannaReaves and I can reply to you that way if you would like. Email: GiovannaReaves@gmail.com. Update: I'm still working the next chapter. It will also be the last chapter for this story.
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Through the Fire