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Chameleon's Song	By : SomethingElse Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 132344 -:- Recommendations : 4 -:- Currently Reading : 16
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 27
- 28
- 29
AN: Here's another chapter, things are getting complicated, right?

Gobert: Cedric's family is part of my “parents from hell” theory. So far, Draco and Blaise's families are the only ones that are accepting, and the Zabini Matriarch will be returning. First let's get some more rooms, some more babies and some more elves, okay?

AR: My understanding of the concept is not flawed, I just can't go with the feelings. I'm not geared for it, but I've heard that females are more adaptable. I've got help for it, never fear, and her writing is similar enough to mine that you might not realize it's not me, if I didn't acknowledge it.

As for the rest, you're nearly spot on. But, Harry and Cedric only mated like wild men, cause there wouldn't have been room for sphynx and that might have caused other problems. Yes, he's expecting at least seven young, cause Cedric may have only one. As for Susan, Blaise and Luna, nothing yet. Not that Susan isn't trying, cause she is. And Seamus is a special case.

Thanks for reviewing.

Jordan C: Just for your, here's another update.

Chapter Twenty Eight: Castle Potter

Hatchings and births: two methods to enlarge a creature family

Other than the ability to impregnate the males of a species, some creatures lay eggs that develop outside of the mother or bearer's body. This can take between four months and ten months, depending upon the creature line. Some that have the shortest gestation, inside and out of the host, are surprisingly some of the largest breeds. In the case of Dragonites, gestation in the womb takes only a few months, and once laid, the eggs mature in a very short time, as little as three more. Most Dragonites are born within seven months of conception, but successive clutches are often many years between. Some Dragonites have only one clutch in their entire life, so the young are highly prized. At times, a dragonite egg may not hatch for several years, but this too is not uncommon and the egg is protected for the full length of this.

Hiram smiled as he watched his clients stare at the ruins on the hill. He had a flair for the dramatic and he exercised it now. “Harry Potter, welcome to Dunnideer Castle.” with a flourish of his arm, he waved his wand and the hillside expanded and grew, and the three wizards stared in shock.

Prior to this day, several things had happened:

Narcissa was surprised to be called to Grimmauld Place and even more shocked that she was needed for a reason that did not involve her son. Harry apologized to her and led her up several flights of stairs to a room on the fourth floor.

“This is the floor where Sirius and Regulus grew up.” she said and he nodded.

“Yes. They had that room, and my room. We've redone the whole house, so you wouldn't recognize them.”

“I've never been in my cousins' rooms, Mr. Potter.”

“Harry, please.”

“Of course, and you will remember to call me Cissy. Now, what is this about?”

“I'm not sure how extensive your healer training was, but I only know three witches with any knowledge about creature blood and I won't take one of my mates to St. Mungo's. I can't very well trust them with this.”

“I understand your reluctance, so which line am I to witness?” she asked.

“I hope you won't need to do that.” Harry suggested. “At least, not in here. There's no wizard space in my room, that I know of. I just need you to determine pregnancy for my sphynx mate.”

“Sphynx? Oh, my. Well, I have studied cat breeds and I believe I can determine an impregnation. Shall we?” and she followed him into the room.

Cedric was seated at his desk, in the corner, looking aloof and hesitant. When Narcissa called him over, he stood but took only a few tentative steps forward. “Come now, young man. I won't hurt you.”

“Come on, Kitten.” Harry added with an outstretched hand. “It'll be okay.”

As he slowly drifted closer, Cedric eyed the woman carefully. He knew her, but something made him wary. Perhaps, it was the way she held her wand at the ready. But the wand would be needed to perform the charm. He took another step and thought it was her stance, the domineering and self-important way of the Black family.

When he was a few paces away, he caught a scent and knew what had held him back, “Dog!” he said with a growl and the woman's eyes flew open.

“Ah, yes. The Black family heritage runs toward those races. I have no true creature, though my cousin does. I can see how you would be concerned.”

Cedric sniffed again and caught another scent, “Bird?”

“Yes. My mate is Veela. So, you can see that I have as much to fear from you, as you have from me. Perhaps, more.”

Cedric nodded and came nearer, sitting on the end of the bed next to Harry. The younger wizard reached up and ran his fingers through his mate's hair, whispering to him. “It's okay, Kitten. I won't let anyone harm you.” as Narcissa lifted her wand and began to chant.

Harry held his mate in his arms as Cedric cried in relief. Narcissa left them, to visit her son and give them privacy. Though the bed was soft, the frame cut into Harry's calves and he twitched a bit in response.

Cedric tried to pull away, wiping his eyes and mumbling, “I'm supposed to be happy, right? I mean, I am, it's just . . .”

“A shock to the system?" Harry supplied.

“Yeah, maybe. It just feels a lot more real when someone announces it like that.”

Harry chuckled, but did not let Cedric go. The way Narcissa had informed them of his mate's diagnosis struck him as funny, now. At the time, the woman scowling and saying, “We hadn't considered our grandchildren playing with kittens. Do try to keep your babies from eating Draco's, won't you, Mr. Diggory?” had been a cosmic revelation to the pair.

Now, as they both reviewed the interview, Harry felt Cedric's body quiver in his arms. He rocked his head against his lover's chest and the sound of amusement rose from him. “You don't think she meant that, do you Harry? Our children are born mostly human. I'd worry more if they reach their age of inheritance. And Veela come into it sooner.”

“She wasn't serious. It was her way. I'm sure. She rarely shows it, but Draco's mother has quite a sense of humor.”

“But, she did say we were having a litter, didn't she?”

“Yes. That was the gist of it. She said you were definitely pregnant, but she didn't say how many.” Harry looked concerned, so Cedric snuggled up closer.

“I'm hoping for three.” The Hufflepuff said.

“Draco's pair and two each for the twins, with your three would be nine babies, Cedric. I've to to find another house.”

“Maybe, I'll just hope for four, so it will be ten even.”

“Don't forget, Draco could be having more. His mother says it's difficult to tell, so until they are born, we can only be sure there'll be two, minimum.”

“At least, we'll know for me before then.”

“How's that?”

“After three months, I will partially transform and we just count my nipples.”

“What?”

“One nipple per baby. It's a cat thing, Harry. My breed nurses their young. Are you surprised?"

“Yes, I am. It wasn't in the book.”

“Can't trust a book that wasn't written by someone who is part of the line.”

Harry's fingers skinned through his mate's hair as he thought about all that had occurred. Suddenly, he shifted up, forcing Cedric to rise and move away. “Kitten, I've been working on something that I'd like you to help with. I've been keeping a journal. . .”

Draco leaned against the table with his head resting against his hand, his elbow propped on the polished wood. Mizzy buzzed around him, shifting a tea cup closer and putting various foods within his reach. Harry noted him from the corner of his eyes, but his thoughts were on another mate.

Seamus was fuming, ranting and whinging, and it was wearying to all of the mates present. Harry tried o console the faun, but with little effect.

“I was your mate before any of them. Only Blaise was before me and he doesn't want a baby. But, I do. Why can't I be pregnant? Why don't you love me?”

“Shea, stop. This isn't about my love for you. We have plenty of time. Can't you be happy for Fred, George and Cedric?”

“No! I was before them. I was supposed to be first, when Blaise didn't want a baby!”

“Finnigan, shut it!” Draco snapped. “If you want to be trusted with a baby, shouldn't you stop acting like one?”

“This from the guy who spends most of the day in bed.” Seamus turned and spat this at the blond who had yet to lift his head or move.

Harry noticed how pale Draco was and then how the bulge at his belly, where the four months of gestation stretched his shirt, hung over his slacks. The magic that allowed the material to expand was near it maximum. “Seamus, this isn't about Draco.”

“Then, why is he here? He's always here when important things are being decided. What's so special about him that you love more than me?”

“Merlin, Finnigan! This isn't a popularity contest. You knew Potter had a mate before you and would likely take more after. He'll have children as it feels comfortable and safe to do so. With nine mates, he can't very well impregnate all of us at the same time.” Draco lifted his head and his eyes showed how exhausted he was. His whole body seemed to have shrunk around his womb and Seamus stared in shock.

“You should be in bed, Draco. Come on.” Harry said, pulling the blond to his feet. “We'll talk later, Shea.”

“Is he gonna be all right?” Seamus asked shifting from one foot to the other.

“I'm still in the room, Finnigan.” Draco snarked. “I'll be fine.”

As if to negate his words, Draco's eyes rolled back in his head and his knees buckled. Harry scooped him up and headed out the door. “Call his mother, Shea!”

Seamus hurried out after his dominant and ran to the parlor.

Lucius paced the halls outside of his son's room as Blaise and Oliver stood to one side and watched. Susan was inside with Harry and Narcissa, so no one knew what was going on.

Fred and George had Seamus in his room and Cedric had been sent for potion ingredients. Luna was at school this weekend, studying for practice NEWTs.

“Mr. Malfoy, he'll be okay. I'm sure of it.” Oliver encouraged. “He's too stubborn to give in to this.”

“Drake's stubborn and strong too. He'll fight for the babies. He puts family first. Always has.” Blaise added.

The man stopped and stared, his eyes tight. “Family is important, but self preservation is first. Would my son fight more for these babies than for himself?”

“He's pretty selfish, but I'm not sure how extreme he'll go.” Blaise answered.

“If only Lucien had survived.” the man lamented.

Inside of the room, Draco had drifted off in a doze, but Narcissa continue to fuss over him. Harry leaned against the dresser, his arms crossed and one foot tapping furiously on the carpet. Susan sat at the desk, reading through a manual that the woman had brought.

“It only says that magical support is imperative. What does it mean?” she poked at the page with her finger.

“Males need to draw more magic from their cores to support the womb and the child within. Outside support is helpful, usually from a relative. Lucius' brother was unbelievable.” the blond woman said.

“Brother? He has a brother?” Harry injected.

“Yes. Magnus lives in France with their mother. He was never away while his brother carried Fleur and her siblings. But, later he married a pretty little Veela and moved away. He said it was very draining on him.”

“I didn't know about him. Draco never mentioned an uncle.”

“Potter, do you ever listen? Veela bear twins. . Pairs. . . always. Of course Father has a brother.” Draco groaned out, proving he was more awake than they thought.

“Then, you had a brother too?”

Draco rolled his eyes and Narcissa slapped his hand. “Of course, he had a brother. However, Lucien died, ten years ago.”

“Oh, Harry said.

“He would have been better at all of this. He would have made a better mate for you.”

“He would have been what you need, right now. That's all that matters to me.” Harry began to pace the room, from the edge of the bed to the door. He muttered to himself as he did.

“Potter, what are you going on about?” Draco asked from his pillows.

“Harry! I said to call me, Harry.” the green-eyed wizard shouted and Narcissa gasped. “Sorry, Cissy. I was thinking about who could be a support for you. If a brother isn't available, what about a sister?”

Draco sat up and looked at his mother. She nodded and rushed out of the door. Harry watched her and looked back at the blond in the bed.

“Harry, you're brilliant.”

“So, you think Fleur could do it?”

“Not Fleur. Gabbie and Mandie. Fleur is only my half-sister. That's why her visits here haven't been helping. Amandrienne and Gabrielle are my full sisters and much stronger on the whole. Mother has gone to call them.” Draco looked more animated than he had in days and Susan gave Harry an encouraging smile.

“Were you close with your siblings, Draco?” She asked.

“Fleur, Louis and Fiore played with Lucien and me more than Gabbie and Mandie, and the girls were always closer than my brothers and I. After Fiore and Louis died, and Lucien got sick, it was Gabbie and Mandie that were our support. Fleur and I could barely look at each other for years.”

“I can't imagine how that must have been.” Susan said.

“When Gabbie and Mandie moved to France to live with Grandmere, Fleur and I had a lot of time together. We shared our feelings about Fiore and grew closer. She was my lifeline when Lucien died. It was so messed up. He was the one they wanted. He was the perfect son. The heir they wanted. I should have been the one that died, but instead I will always be the one they got stuck with. I'm still in the shadow of the brother that I could never live up to.”

Harry was watching Draco's face as he spoke about his family. When his mate was stronger, Harry and Draco would be having a discussion about this Lucien. Draco slouched in the bed and Susan pulled the covers up. Harry had only been half-listening, until Draco began to speak about the twin he had lost. He turned and left, finding the hall empty and only Narcissa in the parlor talking to her daughter from the fireplace of the Ravenclaw common room.

“Oh, Harry. They'll come as soon as Lucius can collect them. He'll drop them here before going to the Manor to bring them some personal items. I think they may need to stay for a few days, so I'll have Mizzy transfigure a bed for them.”

Harry nodded, not trusting his voice. He walked up the stairs and into his room. Alone for a while, he resolved how to protect his mates. He was responsible for their health and happiness and something had to be done for the happiness of his blond mate. By morning, he was convinced he would have to speak with Draco's father to accomplish that.

Eloise sat in her parlor, surrounded by her sisters, sister-in-laws and her mothers, Molly Weasley and Delores Midgeon. The tea was delicious, as only an elf can brew, it seems. There were cakes and scones, biscuits and fresh cream. Everyone was speaking at once, but when Ron entered they all stopped abruptly. Eloise smiled.

“Ron, Darling. You remember my mum, don't you?” she called and the other voices returned to the conversations they were having. Eloise rose and followed her husband as he turned and stalked down the hall. Her personal elf, from the time she was two, was in the bathroom running Ron a bath and taking out some of his favorite shampoo. “Thank you, Timber. I'll take it from here. Ron, I have a surprise.”

“What, that you've decided to mock me in my own home? I can't afford luxuries, I told you that.”

“The elves? They won't cost you anything.” Eloise began, but before she could continue, Ron exploded.

“Elves? As in more than the one? And how many does her highness need? Should I start parceling out my pay for caviar, or would you prefer to shop in the Riviera?”

“Don't be ridiculous. Of course there is more than one. One for me, one for the housework, and one for the . . .”

“The what? The chateau in France? The Villa in Italy? We can't afford this?”

Eloise began to cry and Ron froze again. He tried to console her, but she only blubbered more adamantly, her words drowning until he caught the important ones. “ . . for the babies.”

“Babies? Eloise, what is all this about babies?”

“Your going to be a father, you beast. I just wanted to make sure our babies didn't die of food poisoning from my wretched cooking, or get themselves maimed by a broken dish or mislaid bit of junk. Mother gave me four elves to care for things and I was foolish enough to think that you would be pleased, but no! You're more concerned about your reputation than the health and welfare of your family. Well, I'll tell you right now, Ronald Weasley. I will not endanger my babies, and I'm rubbish at housework, so I'm not doing it any more. I'm not your mother, I'm your wife, so deal with it!”

As Eloise stormed off to her party, Ron turned to where a small elf had returned, holding a large folded towel. “Timber will leave this here, Master Ron.” it said and winked out. Ron lifted the towel, smelled the clean air scent and turned to close the door.

Eloise was all smiles when she reentered the parlor and resumed her seat. Fleur smirked her way, while Ginny grinned and Penelope chuckled. Eloise's two sisters, Jemima and Priscilla, looked confused, but the mothers nodded knowingly.

“He sounded very excited.” Penny said with an obvious effort.

“He was.” Eloise said blandly. “This tea is to die for. It has herbs in it to promote health, did I tell you that?”

“No, but that is exciting. So, will you lend me one of your elves for my wedding?” Fleur asked as she lifted a cookie from the plate. “Ours are so busy with Draco, they have little time for me. He's doing better, by the way.”

“Oh, that is wonderful.” Ginny said with a smirk.

“Don't be ungracious, Ginny. You'll make the family look bad.” Molly admonished, but Fleur smiled her way.

“It is hard to try to outdo a Malfoy, when the goal is love. I sympathize with little Ginny.” she said and Ginny sneered at her.

“I'd say your father had a hand in his victory, though.”

“Genevra Weasley, you take that back. Harry would never be bought. That shows how little you know about my brothers. Papa wouldn't offer, either. Maurice would be horrified.”

“Maurice? Who is Maurice?”

“Oh, I apologize. Draco. I sometimes forget. My brother has a very complicated name, as do I. It is easier to just use one.”

“Wait, Malfoy's name is Maurice?”

“Yes. One of them.”

“He has more than that?” Eloise asked. “What is his whole name?”

“Draco Anthony Maurice Lawrence Lapetus Jonathan. My full name is Cassiopeia Andrea Fleur Victoria Sophia Margarite.”

“Why so many names?” Now the younger Midgeon girls had become curious, especially Jemima who only had the one, like Eloise and her other sister.

“It is Veela tradition. One name is for each of the four directions, one for the father or blood line and the last is for sky. Draco is his sky name, just as Cassiopeia is mine. Maurice is his family name, for the Malfoy/Delacours. It is French, yes?”

“So, Fleur is your family name?”

“Yes, this is sometimes called a father name, but it is intended to show reverence to the entire family, not just the father. Anthony and Andrea are for the North, beginning with A. Then the others are for East, West and South. I'm unsure how these manifest, so I just lump them together. I think Lapetus and Sophia are for the South, being Latin or Italian. In the south.”

“I guess that makes sense. It's a beautiful way to name a baby, but must have been hard when you first learned to write it.”

“Such harsh lessons, indeed. Now, about your little ones. Have you thought about names, yet?”

Conversation turned, and by the time Ron had joined them, fresh from his shower and dressed in a robe he had never seen before, they were talking about the nursery.

“So, Ron. I guess you have got some bullocks, eh?” Ginny said when she saw him lurking in the entrance.

“More than you, little sister. Shove over.” he said before squeezing in between her and his wife. Eloise turned and saw his expression, full of wonder and pride, and she had to smile at him. “I love you.” he whispered, but no one missed it or the truth of it.

Harry stood in the small sitting room of the manor, his mind a whirl with questions and concerns. The Malfoys entered and Lucius froze as his wife closed the door. Harry's shoulders went stiff but he resisted an urge to unfold his huge black wings.

“Do you threaten my husband, Mr. Potter?” Narcissa asked.

“Cissy, no.” Lucius squeaked.

“Mrs. Malfoy. I had no intention,” Harry began.

“Then, perhaps you could relax in our home. Look less confrontational. You wear your emotions like a cloak.” the blonde woman continued.

“Cissy, please. Allow Mr. Potter and I to speak privately. He could no more harm me, than he could our son. He is a dominant, he would be driven to protect, more than threaten.” Lucius spoke softly to his wife guiding her to the door they had just come through. She turned to Harry once more, before slipping through and leaving them alone. Lucius turned back and indicated a chair. “Please, sit.”

Harry perched on the edge of it, watching the man carefully. Lucius sat opposite, his eyes downcast and his body stiff. “What did that mean?” Harry asked. Lucius eyed him oddly, so he added. “About me being protective of you?”

“Ah. The Dominant Imperative.” Lucius spoke evenly, not as smugly as Harry expected when the man was displaying superior knowledge to him.. “All Dominant Veela are protective of a submissive, especially their mate or any unmated sub. Because of your unique heritage, you could never be submissive, so now that you have taken a Veela mate, you would be subject to it.”

“But, I'm not interested in you.”

“No, I can't imagine that you would be. However, as a dominant, you will still protect me, as an unmated submissive, in your presence. Unless I threaten you, I am safe with you.” Lucius snapped his fingers and Lollie popped into the room. She saw Harry and perked up her ears. “Would you care for anything, Mr. Potter? Tea? Butterbeer? Firwhiskey?”

“Tea would be fine,” he said, mainly for the benefit of the excited elf. Lollie nodded, then disappeared. “I came to asks you about my sister?” Harry added.

“Only your sister?” Lucius asked. Lollie returned at this point with a silver tray and placed it on the table at Harry's elbow, pouring two cups and placing sugar in each. She handed one to Harry, then the other to her master. When he had taken his, Lucius nodded to her and she popped out again. “So, you do not know?”

“I know that Fleur had to have been a twin. I know that she isn't any longer. What I need to know, to understand is, how you could deal with the loss? I haven't even held my babies and I don't think I'll be able to. You buried a son and daughter . . .”

“Three sons, Mr. Potter!” Lucius snapped and Harry froze. Lucius took a deep breath before he spoke again. “Perhaps, I was too optimistic. It appears that you are capable of some damage, after all.”

“Will you explain it to me?”

“I bore two sets of twins from my first mating flight, Mr. Potter. Two sons and two daughters. It was rare, especially as my . . . mate . . did not complete the courtship. As unusual as it seems, it would have been even more rare for all of my babies to have survived to adulthood.”

“Only Fleur?”

“Yes. Her sister, your sister, Aryetta, died at two. My first sons, Louis and Fiore, died at seven and nine. Fiore was the most painful for Fleur, of course.” Lucius lifted his cup, but his hand shook. Harry went to the sideboard where he knew there were stronger liquids. He chose a crystal flask of brandy and brought it, along with an etched snifter, to the man. He poured a drink for his mate's father, took the tea away and helped Lucius to drink the glass of spirits. Then, he returned to his own seat. “Thank you, Mr. Potter.”

“Please, call me Harry. It can't be pleasant, using my father's name, right now.”

“Indeed, . . .Harry. When Draco and Lucien were born, I was a bit withdrawn. I'm sure you understand.”

“No.” Harry responded. “That's the other thing. Draco and his brother. How could you do that? He feels inadequate, second best. You chose his brother, over him.”

“Never!” Lucius snapped again. “I loved them the same, or if anything, chose Draco over Lucien.”

“Mr. Malfoy, how can you claim that? The very name you gave Draco's brother . . .”

“Was so that he would feel loved, even though I always knew . . . I knew from the very beginning which of my sons would thrive . . who would be my heir. I tried to do what I could to pretend otherwise, but even Lucien knew. He realized it at six, Harry. When a six-year-old tells you that he knows he's dying, what would you do?”

Harry remained silent for a time, concentrating on what he had heard and considering his response. He swallowed a lump in his throat before speaking. “Whether you were right or wrong then, doesn't matter, not anymore. Your son didn't understand it and now he needs to. Before it gets any worse. You need to tell him what you told me. You have to explain to Draco about Lucien and tell him how you've always felt about him. Don't wait too long or it may be too late to save him from the effects of your decisions.”

“What?”

“His condition is more than exhaustion. He's depressed. He feels unloved and unworthy. He needs this as much as the time spent with his sisters.”

“Of course. I'll go immediately.”

“Thank you.”

Of her three eggs, all were born males. The first she named Admiran, the second Knox and the last Basillan. Their heritage was obvious at birth, two dragonites and a Basilla. The unusual birth of a snake in the clutch of dragons was seen as a sign by the extended family and Viktor was named first heir to his father's lordship. He preened as they came and observed little Basil in his mother's arms.

Cho smiled and spread her wings, displaying herself and her babies to the others of their caves. The plans were set up to immediately extend the housing for the new family.

Percy and Penelope were dining with her family when she was received a message, via a huge Siberian bat, that her good friend Cho had become a mother, asking her to visit after the children had fed, for the first feedings were rather gruesome. She was invited to bring her spouse, and another guest, of her choice, and the portkey was included in the package.

“I want to invite Isabel, since I think it would be therapeutic, but I don't know if she will come.” Penny said and Percy nodded.

“I bet she would if Harry went too.” he suggested and his bride smiled.

As they entered the parlor, by way of the floo, Lucius stopped when he heard the voices of Oliver and Blaise in the hall. Harry was dusting himself off. “I've got to get that cleaned.”

“Yes, that would be productive.” Lucius indicated the doorway. “What are they talking about?”

“Oh, we've been house hunting. Ollie, Blaise. Mr. Malfoy is here to visit Draco. Are his daughters still up there?”

Oliver and Blaise entered the room with smiles on their faces. “Yeah, the little one, Mandie, she's a perk. Blaise says she's a Slytherin.”

“You must be proud, Lucius.”

“I am, of all of my children. Now, what is all that about Devonshire?”

“Oh, we were talking about the castles we've been visiting. The Devonshire place had strong wards and plenty of rooms.”

“Yeah, but that won't last at the rate Harry's making babies. If you get preggers, Ollie, we'll run out by the time we've furnished them. Heck, until these kids go off to school, they'll have to double up.” Blaise argued.

“There wasn't much wizard space, either. No place for Cedric to stretch out.”

“And these are your criteria? Space, rooms and wards? Is that all?”

“No, we've got a whole list. We're going to see some more on Thursday.” Oliver said, handing him the parchment with the list in Draco's script.

“Really? Might I join you?” the man asked. “This is the home you will be raising my grandchildren in. I'd like to help you locate it.”

“Sure. That can work. What'ya say, Harry?”

“Come along, Lucius. I'd like that.”

“Papa!” Gabrielle ran down the stairs and flew into her father's arms, nearly knocking him off of his feet.

“Ah, my Gabbie. I've come to speak with your brother. Where is my Amandrienne?”

“She's with Draco. Come on.” and the girl dragged the man up the stairs.

Harry smiled and Blaise thumped him on the back. “Ollie, I think our Chameleonis may have just done a wonderful, Gryffindor thing. He deserves a reward. What do you say?”

“Oh, yes. I quite agree.” and the two took hold of his arms and pulled him up the stairs.

Thursday morning, the four wizards, Harry, Blaise,Oliver and Lucius Malfoy, followed Myron Wagstaff up a hill near Aberdeenshire and stared at the ruins of Dunnideer Castle.

Where there had previously been a small wall, with a single window in the shape of a pentagon and some scattered block, now stood a stone castle that was twice as big as Malfoy Manor and surrounded by a moat and wall. It stood four stories high, and the grounds were about six acres within the enclosure.

“This castle is completely unplottable, has a ready to substitute fidelis charm and ancient wards from the times of the founders. They are stronger than the wards on Hogwarts.” Hiram explained.

“How many rooms?” Oliver asked.

“Wizard space?” Blaise put in.

“A pond, or pool and gardens?” Harry was last but not loudest of the three.

Lucius was silent as he regarded the property.

“All of that. There are two plot gardens, one for foods and one for potions, kept behind the house so that they are away from the formal gardens where the flowers are more prevalent. There's a pond, for goldfish, and a pond that could almost be called a lake for other fish, a pool for swimming and three fountains. It has thirty bedrooms, three formal dining rooms and twice that many parlors and sitting rooms. There's a ballroom and an informal dance hall, two kitchens and four pantries. The ball and dance rooms, the formal dining room and seven bedrooms have wizard space and ten have en suite bathrooms. There are seventeen nooks where your elves can sleep and a dungeon with a wine cellar, a potions lab and converted cells for guest rooms.”

“Harry . . .” Oliver started.

“Let's go in.” Blaise interrupted.

“I agree.” Harry led them forward, forcing Hiram to rush to keep up.

“There are six large fireplaces that can be connected to the floo system, without interrupting the fidelis charm, and every bedroom has a small hearth at least, for heating. There's an orchard and a forest, where firewood is plentiful, so that your elves won't have to travel for it. Also, this home has two smaller enclosed gardens that can be converted to play areas. You mentioned little ones.”

“I did?”

“Okay, maybe you didn't, but I'm an intuitive man. Right this way.” they had reached the door, a double mount large enough for Hagrid to come in without stooping, and Hiram took out a key and pressed it to the hole with a flourish.

“Mr. Wagstaff, let's you and I talk about some special wards that might need to be installed.” Lucius said, pulling the little man aside as the younger wizards separated and began to explore.

It took four hours to see the entire place, and even then they had to rush by many of the amenities. They were all completely exhausted by the time they apparated back to Grimmauld Place and yet they couldn't sit still. Draco was napping, and the rest of the harem was at work or out on visits, so they could only gush over it to Kreacher, Winky and Mizzy.

“Harry, I have a proposition for you. If you take that castle, you will need far more than these three elves. I have two young elves and a female, their mother, that would be perfect for you. June would fit the needs of your ladies, and her sons would make fine elves for your children. The youngest will come of age when Draco's babies are nearly two.”

“Mizzy's brothers?” Harry asked.

Lucius looked at him with a knowing expression. “Dobby's sons, Harry. And their mother. Dobby and June have always been very close. I believe she may even now carry one of his children. Not that I've seen him around the manor, but I wouldn't dream of closing the wards to him, not while June is there.”

Harry stared at the man for a moment before smiling back. “I think we may have an agreement, Lucius. Now, all I have to do is explain this to Hermione.”

Lucius laughed and the sound was like a song. Harry had never heard the likes. His thoughts whirled around it. If only he could get Draco to laugh like that.
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Chameleon's Song