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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
- 24
- 25
- 26
The next few hours were a jumble of colors, sounds, and what seemed like never ending pain for Hermione and Draco. They were patched up, carried in the house, and then placed in the living room instead of their bedroom. Angry whispers, loud screams, and the sounds of dozens of sniffles made it hard to concentrate on any one thing. A cold cloth on their foreheads had them snapping their eyes open.

“Sorry about that,” Melody said softly, her face still blurry. “But I’m afraid we have to hit the ground running on this. School starts in less than three hours.”

“Fuck,” Draco groaned.

Melody chuckled sadly. “That’s kind of what we thought.”

“Philippe!” Hermione gasped in the next moment.

Melody shut her eyes in pain. “He’s…dead-ish.”

“Ish?” Hermione asked, her voice quivering.

Melody nodded, wiping away a few tears that leaked down her face. “Alex couldn’t save him, too much damage. He couldn’t handle the sheer amount of magic it would take to bring him back…so we… we… had him turned.”

“What?” Draco hissed and cringed as he sat up too quickly. The bandages around his chest shifted and rubbed against his burns. He didn’t care at the moment though.

Melody took a deep breath. “Harmony made the final call. Severus retrieved Tatyana and she agreed to change him. It was…the only way. His heart stopped sometime early this morning and then the screams started. It’s a good sign, despite what it sounds like. I had to have Severus take the house wards down so we could soundproof his room. We do wish we would have been able to give him the choice, but… well, he’ll get another one. I’ll end him myself if he wishes it. I’ll even petition the fates for his soul. I just… I couldn’t stand to….”

Hermione brushed a few tears from her face as she watched Melody try to collect herself. She didn’t know who she felt the worst for in that moment. Philippe would never be human again. Alex couldn’t save him. Harmony had to make the decision. Melody had charged herself with making it right should Philippe decide against it. How was Celeste feeling at that moment?

Melody sniffed. “Always a million questions from you. Well, ask away, but do it quickly.”

Hermione sighed and realized that her throat hurt. She tried to speak in as few words as possible. “Celeste?”

“She’s beside herself. She and Harmony are keeping vigil over Philippe’s body. Severus is making sure they eat. I’m pretty sure he drugged Harmony early this morning and Celeste a little later on. I don’t think they’ll sleep otherwise.”

“Children?”

“Ours or the ones we rescued?”

“Both.”

Melody smiled. “Well, our children are already back at Salem, well, all but Zandra. We sent word of your return as soon as we got you back into the house but we forbid them from leaving. Zandra will come with Sev and me in a bit. The kids are fine, a little stressed out, but fine. The ones we rescued… well, that’s another story. Most are very, very young. We did get who we came for, Jonah and Timmy Duncan, half-brothers actually. Jonah's mom was a witch that died in childbirth. He said Timmy had just had his first large outburst of accidental magic when they took them.”

“Jonah is of sound mind then,” Draco said thoughtfully.

“Well, as sane as one could be coming out of that place,” Melody hedged. “They’ve both gone through the change. As far as we can tell, they are handling it well. The others, not so much. We’ve lost two of them, twin girls around seven years old or so. They weren’t changed but their abuse was too great.”

“How many?” Hermione rasped.

“We counted sixteen, fourteen now, ten under the age of eleven. It seems the majority of the older ones were in the army we had to defeat. We’ve been working all day trying to locate the survivors’ parents. Most are orphans, oddly enough. We’ve had to resort to legilimency to learn about them. We’ve been as gentle as we possibly could, but having someone break into your mind is never a settling experience. It seems that the orphans had large files of unexplained occurrences which we know is accidental magic but the muggles didn’t. A few were about to be committed.”

“That’s horrible!” Hermione cried, clutching her throat.

“Easy,” Melody chided. “One of the hexes you took was supposed to shred your vocal chords. It was poorly aimed but it still damaged your throat. Alex!”

Alex appeared in seconds, his face haggard and drawn. “Here, this should help.”

“Thanks,” Hermione said after she swallowed the surprisingly minty potion. “How are you?”

Alex frowned. “Physically, better than you.”

“Mentally then,” Hermione clarified.

Alex shook his head. “I had my brother-in-law turned by my Dam and a rather long and uncomfortable conversation with her about my new blood status. The new children are all terrified of me because I’m in too big of a hurry to curb my vampire traits. I’d say my mind is pretty much toast at this point.”

“I’m sorry,” Hermione said softly.

Alex gifted her with a tired smile. “At least you two made it. I was so worried.”

Draco smirked. “No need to worry about us mate. We always get out one way or another.”

Alex snorted. “Next time, try leaving with a little more flesh on your bones. I had to resort to muggle skin grafts to start your chest healing. What in the hell did she do to you, throw gasoline and light a match?”

Draco shook his head. “She had some sort of an amulet she wielded. It was red like a ruby, kind of shaped like the soul necklaces, and packed a punch Voldemort would have paled at.”

“I can see that,” Alex said softly and turned to Melody. “But why didn’t you sweetheart?”

“I don’t know,” Melody said while biting her lip. “She’s never had an aura, not even a pulse where a magical necklace would be. When you two feel up to it, could you please put your experiences in a pensive? Maybe I can figure it out.”

“Of course,” Hermione said quickly. “In fact, maybe you could see what kind of spell her followers were under. Sanders doesn’t strike me as the cowering type, and yet he was on his knees begging for mercy in the blink of an eye.”

“Sanders?” Melody asked, her eyebrows in her hairline. “Why does that not surprise me and yet shock the hell out of me at the same time. I always thought he marched to the beat of his own drum.”

“He bowed up to her at first,” Draco said. “He not so subtly called her stupid and oddly enough sang your and Severus’s praises. She snapped at him and he sniveled like a child in an instant. His eyes were a bit glazed, but it wasn’t imperius.”

Melody hummed and tapped her chin for a moment. “There aren’t a whole lot of mind control techniques out there. I mean, there is the imperious of course, and the potion, both of which leave their victims with a clouded look. There’s the potion that they fed Zandra, but I’m sure Sanders would not have just cowed on his own. She would have had to order him first.”

“Perhaps an experimental one?” Alex offered.

“Possibly,” Melody allowed. “I’ll check when I view the memories. For now, take the next hour to rest.”

Hermione cleared her throat uncomfortably. “Wouldn’t it be faster if we, um-“

“No!” Alex snapped. “You will not go at it like bunnies right now. Neither one of you have enough skin left to move, let alone fuck. If you absolutely have to have a ground, I suggest drinking each other’s blood. If you do go a bit crazy, I at least have a replenishing potion here. It is surprisingly the one thing neither of you needed.”

“Let’s do that,” Draco said softly. “Hermione was able to get a bit of my blood, but not the other way around.”

“You let them see that?” Melody asked in outrage.

Draco chuckled. “Trust me, they believed her to be quite mad when she licked the blood from my face. It disgusted them, something I still can’t quite comprehend.”

Melody snorted. “Drawing blood is one thing, drinking it without an attached ritual and/or potion is unheard of. You never know where your victims have been, after all.”

Hermione laughed. “I’m glad we played it up then. They thought we’d gone insane.”

“Clever girl,” Severus’s smooth voice washed over them as he padded downstairs.

Hermione blushed and gave him a shy smile. “It was the first thing I could think of.”

Severus nodded his approval and caught Alex’s eye. “The littlest one, I believe she is called Addie Mae, is in need of a fever reducer.”

“On it,” Alex said and disappeared from sight.

“How old is she?” Hermione asked tentatively.

Severus scowled at the floor. “Three.”

“My Gods,” Draco said, paling significantly.

Severus nodded in agreement. “Apparently, she was taken in a raid on an orphanage not a week ago. She clung to one of the older children and was abducted alongside them. The records say she is a muggle but Melody says she’s special.”

Melody grimaced. “She has a faint aura, barely perceptible. It could go either way at this point. I believe she was much more powerful but it looks like they’ve drained her. All we can do for her right now is to restore her health and hope her magic will be spared.”

“Was she…” Draco couldn’t even bring himself to finish his thought.

Melody shook her head. “No. They kept strictly to magical torture for her. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad. It could have been so much worse.”

“How is her mind?” Hermione asked worried. Addie Mae was at an impressionable age. She might never get over the trauma.

“She’s in shock,” Melody breathed out. “Still, she is young and there is hope. I dare say it will take a patient family to get her to come out of her shell.”

“A patient family?” Draco asked, not quite comprehending.

Melody hummed. “Since most of these children are magical orphans, and quite young to boot, we thought we’d find magical families to take them in. We’ll have to trust them absolutely though.”

“Anyone in mind?” Draco asked.

“Well,” Melody sighed. “I had thought that some of the ones closer to the age to attend school could stay with older families like Molly and Arthur. All of their kids are grown and you know how much they adore young ones. They’ll give them more love then they know what to do with. I thought I might ask Remus and Tonks to take in a few. And-“

“And what?” Draco asked.

“Well,” Melody gulped. “I was going to ask you first. What do you think of Narcissa taking in a few?”

Draco’s eyes widened in shock but after he considered it a few moments, he relaxed. “I think that would be okay. She’s always wanted more children, doted on ours. Having one or two of her own would please her greatly. Why?”

“Well,” Melody hedged. “She is getting older Draco. I mean, she’s still got another century in her at least, but she isn’t as young as she used to be. There’s also Demetri to consider. I mean, I trust him with my life, but I’m not sure how well the children will take to him.”

Draco furrowed his brows in thought. “Are any others changed besides Jonah and Timmy?”

Melody nodded. “There are two young boys, both turned and doing well. I had thought to offer them to Remus, as they will recognize him as pack. Another three, two girls and a boy, are older teens. The boy, as much as I hate to say it, won’t make it. They just turned him and since it isn’t a full moon, I don’t see it going very well. However, we will try our best. You know we won’t give up on him.”

“Course not,” Draco snorted. “We live to piss off the Fates.”

Melody grinned. “So we do. But why are you asking?”

“Well,” he started slowly. “Demetri gets along fine with Remus, but having werewolf children might be a bit much. As long as they aren’t turned, I don’t see a problem…other than them being initially terrified of a monster at first. Still, our children adapted remarkably well.”

“Our children had fangs,” Melody said dryly. “But I get your point. There are two other young ones besides Timmy, probably around five or six. We’ll offer those first. I also thought about asking Ron and Luna if they could take in the rest, unfortunately the most troubled ones. They are still relatively young and Luna will be able to help them. Her empathy will be invaluable.”

“What about the older teens?” Hermione asked, adding it up in her head.

Melody smiled sadly. “We’ll be taking them in. They are the ones in the most danger. Besides being genetically altered and possessing only half their souls, they will have a target on their backs. They weren’t part of the army, and there has to be a reason for that. I know why one of them wasn’t, but the others are a mystery.”

“Who are the four?” Draco asked.

“Well, the first is Jonah, and we all know why we’re taking him in. The second is that other boy that probably won’t make it. I believe his name is Lazarus. Let’s just hope he can live up to that. The third is a girl named Andra, and she’s a little spitfire. It’s as if they didn’t touch her at all, but keep a close eye out. It’s the ones that act fine that aren’t. The fourth is the one I know why they didn’t send into battle. Her name is Nahuatl.”

“Why didn’t they send her?” Hermione prodded.

Melody grinned. “Because she’s an elemental, able to bend water to her will with only a thought and no aid of a wand. Found that out the hard way when she wanted to take a bath and Alex refused until he had checked her over. He ended up standing in a puddle.”

Draco chuckled. “I see. Elementals are very rare, are they not?”

“Indeed,” Severus said softly, making them jump because they had almost forgotten he was there. “I’ve seen exactly two elementals. Nahuatl being one, Albus, the other.”

“Albus?” Draco asked in shock.

Severus nodded. “He is a fire elemental.”

“I never knew,” Hermione whispered.

“Elementals prefer to keep their gifts under wraps, especially Albus, because there are a million nut jobs out there who believe that the joining of four elementals can combat everything.”

“Can they?” Hermione asked a bit skeptically.

Melody chuckled. “I don’t know. Can two pure magical beings combat everything?”

“Yes and no,” Hermione answered grumpily.

“And there you have it,” Melody said happily. “They might could stop a lot of things, but not without attracting attention and we all know that’s a bad thing.”

“But the Master is a bad thing,” Hermione said with a frown.

“Which is why she kept Nahuatl behind. I imagine Lazarus was too new and weak to take the mind training. Jonah seems to have embraced his wolf a bit too much, good for him, bad for us. He is a lone alpha, making him harder to break, in both cases. It will take a lot to earn his trust. Zandra will help us there.”

“And break Aiden’s heart in the process,” Severus said softly.

Melody nodded. “It has to happen though Sev, as much as we all hate it.”

Severus nodded slowly. “I suppose he will be like me in more than one way.”

Melody chuckled. “He is your carbon copy and you know it. At least he didn’t have your upbringing. Now, the fourth, Andra, she’s a loose cannon, all fire and spirit, which is a possibility. It takes a while to break one like that. Consequently, Lazarus and Andra were on a date when they were attacked. Lazarus took the brunt of it and apparently shielded Andra from much of the torture. They played it smart, made it seem like breaking Lazarus broke Andra equally, which is a lie. It only pissed her off royally.”

Draco chuckled. “I like her already.”

“Me too,” Melody said. “Now then, we only have a little time left to get everything situated. Sev and I are prepared to fight Moira if we need to, but we need to see what we’re up against. You two are going to stay here and heal until we figure out if she’ll return to Salem. No doubt, she’s put two and two together and realizes you have come back to us.”

“I don’t like it,” Draco said with a frown.

“Like it or not, you’ll do as your told,” Severus said forcefully, his face betraying the slightest bit of apprehension. “I have no wish to live through the limbo of not knowing your fates.”

“Speaking of fate,” Melody said softly. “Thank you for calling upon Fortuna. I’m not sure we would have made it out without her.”

“I figured as much,” Draco said quietly. “Let’s just hope she doesn’t want blood in payment. I do have to give some to my wife.”

Melody giggled. “Yes well, memories first, then blood, if you don’t mind.”

The couple concentrated as hard as they could, compiling all the images into Draco’s brain to make one cohesive memory from the time they first separated at Khrone’s to the time they landed at the Ranch. Using both of their memories would assure the most thorough viewing experience. Melody carefully collected the strands and dashed away with Severus to view them.

“Now then,” Draco drawled, snatching the two vials of blood replenisher Melody had clanked down before she disappeared. “A toast.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Zandra couldn’t help but clutch at Severus’s arm as they made their way into Salem. Her glamour was firmly in place, attached to a clip Melody had woven into her hair. It wouldn’t slip but she still felt out of sorts. After all, she’d be coming face to face with her attacker shortly.

Severus stoically allowed her the comfort. He knew she was torn about returning. She had initially wanted to stay and help with the rehabilitation of the rescued Khrone’s children…and keep tabs on her cellmates. Unfortunately, they had already enrolled her and she was expected to start that day. If he were honest with himself, he was hoping that she would bypass the time she would need to spend with Jonah but he knew it was useless to force it. Besides, the Fates might not be so kind if he were to interfere.

“Chin up,” Melody breathed just as they reached the white entrance doors. “Stay close to the kids. Remember that your name is Zandra Belrose. You are a quiet girl but you take shit from nobody. If someone messes with you, I expect you to hex them so badly they can’t breathe. If you need a cover, just look for Aiden. They are his specialty.”

Zandra couldn’t help but cackle at that moment. “You know, I always did wonder how they got away with everything.”

Melody grinned back at her. “Yes, he learned from the best you know.”

Severus smirked with smug pride. Yes, he had taught his son very well, Slytherin to the core. His mood quickly soured when they entered the castle. It seemed they had a welcoming committee, and it was about as warm as Siberia. It had him instinctively pulling his arm in closer, a subconscious need to protect the fragile girl at his side. She was his new daughter, current status notwithstanding and he would protect her to the death.

“Professors,” Whorple said coldly. “A word, if I may.”

“Just let us get Zandra here squared away,” Melody said in the frostiest voice she could manage before whistling loudly. Luckily, the dining hall was close and her boys answered her immediately, questions in their eyes. “Boys, please make Zandra feel at home. Your father and I need to have a chat with the Headmistress.”

“Yes mum,” Zach said. His fingers trembled as he held out a hand to take Zandra from his father. She went willingly, latching on to both him and his brother with a ferocity that made him grimace. “You’ll just love Salem,” he continued in false cheer as they quickly entered the dining hall.

“Headmistress,” Melody said, giving a stiff bow. “What was it you needed?”

“I want the two of you in my office NOW.”

Melody bit back the sharp retort that was on the tip of her tongue and managed to nod to the fat little toad. It wasn’t Whorple she was worried about at the moment. It was her right hand minion, Michael MacNeeley, brother to the Master and apparently a tag along. Oh what she wouldn’t give to rip his throat out and bathe in his blood. A warm arm came around her waist, Severus’s sharp tug centering her and allowing her the ability to move.

“Where’s the other two?” Melody mumbled under her breath.

“Sanders is probably recovering,” Severus muttered back. After seeing that pensieve, he would be surprised to see the man ambulatory in the next week. He was damaged before Hermione and Draco escaped. He could only imagine the torture he had endured afterwards.

“And her,” Melody sneered.

“I don’t know, but stick close.”

“Not a problem.”

“What are you two discussing?” Michael said. He looked insanely jealous but not bloodthirsty, as they had seen Moira look in the memories. Either he was completely oblivious or incredibly good at hiding his emotions.

Melody couldn’t help herself. “Who’s going to be on top tonight.”

“In,” Whorple snapped before Michael could retort. She had already opened her office and was motioning them inside.

Melody couldn’t see anyone waiting, but lately she had taken to doubting her gift. Not knowing what they would face when they entered, they held hands and created a strong shield. It wouldn’t do to be ambushed so quickly. They also put up a ward to keep their powers from being read. Knowing Whorple, the damned office was spelled. Luckily, their paranoia was unfounded, the office void of anyone except for them and some very boring grey furniture.

“Sit,” Whorple snapped.

“Woof,” Melody sneered. She yelped when Severus promptly sat and pulled her down onto his lap.

“Behave,” he growled in her ear.

“I will when she does,” Melody said sourly and shifted to get comfortable, earning a grunt from her friend.

“Headmistress, are you seriously going to put up with this…this…blatant disregard for propriety?” Michael ground out, his face about four shades shy of eggplant.

“Fortunately MacNeeley,” Melody said with glee, “I am allowed to sit anywhere I want.”

“But you’re practically fucking him!”

Melody cackled. “Oh MacNeeley, if sitting on a friend’s lap is your idea of sex, you are sorely in need of experience.”

Michael spluttered, trying desperately to come up with a retort. He was saved when the Headmistress interrupted.

“Michael, I happen to know that they will never engage again. However, I wish to point out that it is in poor taste to sit in a man’s lap, especially one who fathered your children, Professor Bach.”

Melody scowled. “I should think that would make me entitled to treat his person as I see fit. However, it was not my choice to lounge upon Severus’s rather comfy lap, but his.”

“Professor Snape,” Headmistress said tightly. “Would you care to explain?”

“Not particularly,” Severus said silkily. “Now, would you care to enlighten us as to why we have been sent to your office?”

Whorple narrowed her eyes in anger but wisely refused to say more. Perhaps she was learning to pick her battles. She’d certainly been handed her ass in more than one here lately. Instead, she yanked her desk drawer open and pulled out a letter that looked as if it had been crumpled a hundred times and straightened out. She practically slammed it on the desk and motioned for them to read it.

Melody quirked a curious eyebrow and took the missive, leaning back so Severus could read it to. The further they read, the harder it was to contain their looks of glee. So, Moira felt threatened by them and refused to come back and work as long as they were still teaching. She went further as to say that they had confronted her outside of school and tried to blackmail her into leaving her position. Feared for her life indeed.

This was an interesting turn of events. On one hand, it confirmed that she knew Draco and Hermione had made it back and the two were more than likely still of sound mind. She was probably licking her wounds on that one, unable to remain anonymous any longer. On the other hand, it meant that Whorple had to choose between them or Moira. In a normal setting, it should have been a clear choice but with Whorple, that could mean anything. Melody put the parchment back on the desk and sat back, unwilling to make the first move.

“Well,” Whorple said in exasperation after several minutes of tense silence. “What do you have to say for yourselves?”

Severus’s whole body was tense from trying to hold back his joy. However, when he spoke, it was with a silky darkness that made Melody shudder. She’d only heard that tone once before, in the lair of the Dark Lord. It was his ‘soothing reassurance’ voice and it happened to work almost every time.

“Madam,” he began softly. “I’m afraid we have no idea as to what Nurse MacNeeley is inferring to. I can assure you that we have never met in a setting outside of this school.”

“Where were you this weekend?” Whorple asked sharply. “And do not say in your quarters. I know for a fact that you and all of your children left the school.”

“We were visiting friends and family in England,” Severus explained patiently. “If you do not believe us, you are more than welcome to contact Albus Dumbledore and ask. I’m sure he would be more than happy to corroborate our story.”

Whorple paled. The name of Albus Dumbledore wasn’t ever dropped so lightly in normal conversation. The wizard that defeated Grindelwald and overcame death was famous worldwide. If Dumbledore were willing to provide an alibi, not many would object. Still, she put on a brave face and continued.

“I’ve known Moira for years. She would never claim something so outrageous.”

“Would she?” Melody asked skeptically. “You don’t think she was intimidated by my healing last week?”

“I-that’s beside the point,” Whorple said weakly.

“Is it?” Severus asked silkily. “Tell me Headmistress, did you perhaps get a chance to look at her face during the healing. It was a mixture of terror and jealousy, I assure you. I fear Melody is correct. Perhaps Moira is lashing out, afraid that she is becoming obsolete.”

“Preposterous!” Michael roared. “My sister is above such petty claims!”

Melody crossed her arms, her eyes piercing his. “MacNeeley, I can understand the need to defend a sibling, having one myself. However, I also know that even my sister isn’t above being human. See reason. We weren’t anywhere near her this weekend, have an airtight alibi, and she is making outrageous claims after a rather intense healing…not to mention the embarrassment last week when you both failed to spot a simple color charm.”

Michael practically came out of his skin as he jumped forward, attempting to place his hands on Melody. He hit a shield so strong it threw him against the far wall of the office, smashing several vials stacked on a nearby shelf. He slid down and hit the floor with a grunt, murder still in his eyes.

“I warned you,” Melody hissed. “I will not hesitate to defend myself MacNeeley. I might prefer hand to hand but I can assure you, I am just as good in a magical duel as anyone.”

“Enough!” Whorple screeched as MacNeeley pulled himself off the wall and started to charge again. “Enough of this. Michael, it is strictly forbidden to attack another teacher. I understand you are upset at your sister’s grief, but you are not helping her!”

“Indeed,” Severus said as he drew a protective arm around his best friend. “Now Headmistress, what are your plans?”

“Well,” Whorple hedged. “Unfortunately, I’m already at a loss. Sanders has come down with a terrible case of Muggle chicken pox and will be out for the next week. I had to call in the school board to find a replacement in a pinch. They brought up new concerns and were adamant that parents were pressing them to choose a Healer in light of recent events.”

“What?” Michael hissed. “My sister has been an excellent Healer!”

“Nurse,” Melody cut in. “Your sister is and always will be a nurse MacNeeley.”

“There is no difference!” Michael insisted.

“On the contrary,” Melody said softly. “She can administer potions and salves, but she can’t reverse spell damage. My healing last week required both. I’m sure the parents are fed up with having to pay for a visit to Circe’s every time their children show up with bunny ears.”

“Quite,” Whorple snipped. “It is uncanny that you know that though, Professor Bach.”

Melody snorted. “I am first and foremost a mother, Headmistress. I know that was my first concern when I learned that Moira was a squib. I have no qualms with muggle healing. Alex is a muggle doctor as well. However, some things can’t be solved by muggle means, like spells gone badly. Any parent would wish for expedient healing, not a side trip to Circe’s.”

“If you were so concerned, then why work here?” Michael growled.

Melody smiled evilly. “Besides the fact that the world’s best Potion Master is my coworker? Or the fact that my husband can be summoned in mere seconds if something serious happens? Perhaps the fact that I’ve learned basic healing as a result of our marriage could be reasoned in.”

Michael growled but was unable to retort. Instead, he cleaned up the mess he made and threw himself into a nearby chair.

“Be that as it may,” Whorple continued snidely, “I have been asked to find a replacement. Therefore, unfortunately, making Moira’s claims of blackmail moot. However, I want to make it known that threats of any kind will not be tolerated. Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” Melody said dryly. “Is that all Headmistress?”

“No,” Whorple ground out. “It seems that you have friends in high places, Professors. The board seemed to believe that you both have ties to some very fine Healers. They requested you make recommendations.”

Melody snuggled into Severus’s chest, the tension flooding from her body. Finally. This was their chance. They could move Draco into a healing position. Now they just needed to get Michael out of the way, but that didn’t seem like a very good idea. It was good to keep your enemies close, no matter how repugnant Michael was. Oh, she wanted to knock him out and let Rhapsody get her hands on him. They would know once and for all how much he knew.

“Before you start, no vampires!” Whorple snapped, seeing the small smile on both their faces.

Melody frowned. “Your orders or theirs?”

“Theirs,” Whorple said happily. “They feel it too great a risk, despite your husband’s display on the pitch.”

“I see,” Melody said, seething at the inference but knowing there wasn’t anything she could do about it. Besides, she wasn’t going to recommend him anyway. Alex was already busy with his practice. Now he’d have the added task of helping Philippe with his turning…should he wish to continue. The thought made her swallow hard. He was in so much pain, she knew.

“Headmistress, if I may,” Severus cut in. “Alex is in rather high demand right now anyway. Perhaps I could suggest an option that would appeal greatly to the board. Draco Malfoy would be perfect for the position. He has both his muggle MD and his Healer’s licenses, as does his wife. I also happen to know that he is not working, as of late.”

“Why not?” Whorple asked guardedly. “Surely a person of his qualifications would be in high demand.”

“Oh he is,” Severus drawled in an oily voice. “However, he grows weary of having to portkey back and forth between London and here. He and his wife were taking a short sabbatical to train the new mediwitch at Hogwarts, which they have done.”

“And you believe they would take a position here?”

“I believe he would. He has always enjoyed working with children. Both of them actually.”

“I see,” Whorple said softly. “I have heard that the Malfoys are an intimidating pair in the medical field and I have witnessed them in action myself. However, we only have the one position.”

“Did the board come up with a substitute for Sanders?” Melody asked suddenly.

“They are working on it,” Whorple said tightly. “Why do you ask?”

“Hermione was not known as the brightest witch of her age for nothing, Headmistress. She is well versed in a great many disciplines, Ancient Runes included. She could fill in for Sanders for this week, if you wish. I’m sure she would enjoy the change. And, if I may say so, she could be the swing teacher. It seems that many of the teaching staff has fallen ill here lately. Wouldn’t it be easier to employ an extra teacher to cover rather than scramble to find a substitute every time? Besides, when she isn’t working, she could help out in the infirmary, perhaps even the library.”

Whorple pursed her lips in thought. “The idea has merit. Give me a moment.”

As soon as Whorple closed the door, Michael leapt out of his chair. “I know you two had something to do with this.”

“With what?” Melody asked innocently, readying herself to beat the man to a bloody pulp.

“You’ve been trying to get rid of Moira and me since the beginning of the year. How convenient that you were in England when she was given an ultimatum.”

Melody snorted, unable to contain the laughter that bubbled up in her throat. It took her a few tries to speak. “Co-convenient? I’d say it’s a bloody bother. After all, calling in favors isn’t my idea of fun.”

“LIAR!” Michael roared and lunged, only to be pushed back into the chair and bound in placed.

“Honestly,” Severus drawled and put his wand back in his sleeve. “No self-restraint.”

“You did something to her!”

“And what, pray tell, is that?” Severus said, his oily voice making Melody’s stomach bottom out.

“She loved working at this school. She wouldn’t just throw it away.”

“Perhaps you should ask her then,” Melody said with a smirk.

“I will,” Michael said darkly. “You can bet on it.”

“Heavens!” Whorple squeaked when she walked back into the room and saw the state of her number two wizard. “What happened in here?”

“MacNeeley lacked restraint,” Severus said, as if that explained the reason the teacher was trussed up like a turkey.

“I see,” Whorple hissed and flicked her wand to release him. “Well, the board seems favorable to my suggestion. Please contact the Malfoys at once!”

“Your suggestion,” Melody muttered and took out her mirror. “Alex!”

It was a few minutes before it responded. Tortured screams filled the air, causing Melody to shove the mirror into Severus’s hands and bury her face in his neck. She couldn’t stand it at that moment, the sounds of her brother-in-law mid turning.

“Sorry love!” Alex yelled. “Give me a sec.”

“What on earth is that horrible racket?” Whorple asked, her hands clamped firmly over her ears.

“The sound of a vampire turning,” Severus answered, his eyes glued to the mirror.

Whorple’s mouth hung open. “Your husband turned someone?”

“Absolutely not,” Melody huffed, her voice muffled by Severus’s robes. “But he does help the newly turned.”

“Sorry about that,” Alex said a few minutes later. The screams were now silent. “I had to…well, never mind. What did you need?”

Severus sighed and stroked Melody’s hair. Her trembling wasn’t visible to the others in the room, but he could feel it. Taking pity on her, he answered. “Are Draco and Hermione there?”

“Resting downstairs, I think. Why?”

“I believe the Headmistress has a proposition for them.”

“Oh,” Alex drawled with a mischievous grin. “Let me get them.”

“Severus?” Draco asked sleepily as the mirror was thrust into his hand.

“Morning,” Severus said with a knowing look. “I was wondering if you would be willing to hear a proposition from Headmistress Whorple about securing a position here.”

“Oh?” Draco asked, tapping a sleeping Hermione awake. She blinked a few times and smiled at the mirror. “What kind of position?”

“Two actually,” Severus continued. “I am afraid the matter is rather pressing and would be best discussed in person. Can you and Hermione come soon?”

“Let us…regroup and we’ll be there in a few moments.”

“Thank you,” Severus said and promptly shut the connection off.

“Regroup?” Whorple asked curiously.

Severus nodded. “I’m afraid they are in the midst of helping an orphanage sort out homes for a bunch of children recently discovered to have magical abilities. They felt it best that they were raised in magical homes to curb any shock they might have to endure.”

“Of course,” Whorple said breathily, awe apparent on her face.

Michael, on the other hand, looked even more deranged. Perhaps it was possible that he knew something. Severus discretely tapped Melody so she could take a look. They next ten minutes were spent in deathly silence until there was a knock on the door.

“Enter,” Whorple said, sounding very much like Umbridge in that moment.

“You sent for us Headmistress?” Draco said, bowing jerkily. His burns were still fresh and very tender.

“Please, have a seat,” Whorple said in a syrupy voice as she pointed to another set of plain grey chairs. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“It isn’t a problem,” Draco said softly, as he eyed a glowering MacNeeley. “What is it you wished to discuss?”

“I’m afraid I have a dilemma,” Whorple said as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I need to find a replacement for our nurse, Moira MacNeeley. She took an unexpected leave of absence and you come highly recommended. The board happens to agree and I’ve been granted permission to extend an invitation for you to become our new Healer.”

“Well, I must be sure to thank them,” Draco said, burying the smirk on his face. “I would, of course, be honored to take the position. However, I am curious as to why my wife was summoned as well.”

Whorple shifted again, unease written all over her face. “Yes, well, it so happens that my Ancient Runes teacher has come down with the Chicken Pox, which I am sure you are both familiar with, as I understand you are also a muggle doctors.” She waited for his nod to continue. “I find myself in desperate need of a substitute. However, the way our classes are scheduled, it is hard for the other teachers to cover. I was informed that Mrs. Malfoy is well versed in Runes.”

“You wish for me to become a temporary substitute?” Hermione asked, her voice clear and even but her trembling hands gave her nervousness away.

“Actually,” Whorple said and cleared her throat. “The board had decided that it is rather hard and obviously inconvenient to struggle to find a substitute teacher on such short notice. They are interested in hiring a permanent substitute of sorts. This person would be knowledgeable in all fields, able to follow lesson plans and execute authority over the children. I understand that you are such a person. The swing teacher, as they would be called, would also be expected to help out elsewhere in the school, such as supervised outings and the like. Furthermore, with your medical background, you would be able to help in the infirmary. I suspect quidditch this season to be a rather nasty event. It would be beneficial to have extra help in that department.”

“I see. It sounds like a very wise idea,” Hermione said, her eyes darting over to a softly snickering Melody.

“Indeed,” Whorple said tightly. “Would you be interested in such a position?”

“Oh, I would be most honored,” Hermione said reverently.

“Good,” Whorple snapped and produced two contracts with a flick of her wand. “These are the terms and conditions of an employee of this school. Please read over them and sign. If you have any questions, you may contact the board using this mirror.” She placed a small hand held silver mirror on the desk and stood. “Breakfast will be served for another half an hour or so. Please feel free to join us when you are done. MacNeeley, I want a word with you in my study. Professors Bach and Snape, you are free to go.”

Whorple and MacNeeley stiffly walked out the door, closing it with a slam. Draco summoned the contracts and gave one to Hermione for them to read over. They were careful not to say anything, but the wide grins of Severus and Melody were enough to let them know what happened.

“Thanks for the recommendation,” Draco said with a smirk.

“Anytime,” Severus drawled and motioned for Melody to get up. “We will see you in the dining hall. Here, by the way. I have a feeling you’ll be needing these.”

Severus handed them two vials a piece. Draco’s contained a healing agent for his burns and a mild pain reliever. Hermione’s were a throat soothing potion and a specially brewed pain potion, designed to minimize the bad side effects she had due to extreme sensitivity. She was almost sane on this one, able to rationalize without voicing them aloud.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “We’ll see you momentarily.”

“I shall sound the warning bells,” Melody said, standing up with a wink. “Wouldn’t want to cause a scene, would we?”

“Suppose not,” Draco said, his mouth a hard line. He was anxious to set eyes on his children again. He never could settle until he’d visually confirmed that they were okay.

“Until then,” Severus said with a mock bow before leaving, Melody in tow.

“Well, this is an unexpected turn of events,” Hermione said aloud, for the benefit of whoever was listening in on them.

“Indeed,” Draco drawled, straightening his contract with a snap. “Very unexpected.”

AN: Ta-DA!!! Bit of a short note tonight. I will be quite busy for two and a half weeks and will probably refrain from posting during that time. So, three Mondays from now, look for the next chapter. As always, thank you to everyone for your terrific reviews. They brighten my day substantially. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. I'm going to take these next few weeks to look back over the story and make corrections as necessary. Until next time...love you guys!
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Fooling Fate *sequel to Bound*

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound