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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
- 28
- 29
- 30
Draco and Hermione sat together on the sofa in their quarters in silence. The dance had ended abruptly an hour ago when Whorple finally managed to clear the swamp from in front of the dining hall. She was madder than a wet kneazle when she discovered what was going on but the children pointed out that she had told them to stay in the hall and dinner was well over. They had the support of several teachers as well as several students.

Courtesy to a tongue tying charm that Melody quickly put in place, no one was able to tell Whorple who started the impromptu party. Unable to pin point the perpetrators, Whorple impotently raged for a few moments and decided to tack a curfew restriction of an extra thirty minutes onto the entire student body for the weekend. Of course, since the majority of the students would be leaving anyway, it hardly put a dent in their happiness.

Now they sat in silence, still going over the images Rhapsody had showed them and waiting for the signal she promised. They really did need to reconnect. Once they did that, then they could be together whenever they wanted. It was just the first time that was uncontrollable. Still, even now, they weren’t really in the mood. They had to figure something out.

“What’s your best guess?” Draco asked finally.

“I’d say point five percent chance of the best outcome,” Hermione sighed.

Draco nodded. “I figure about the same. That last vision, it’s the key.”

“But how do we know that for sure?”

“Well, we know that not giving Philippe the combination is going to end very badly.”

“But still, fate is fickle.”

Draco chuckled. “Don’t we know it? No. I think we should study that last scene very thoroughly and make notes on what has to happen for it to.”

“We still need a backup plan,” Hermione said with a frown. “Perhaps we should sort out all the so called happy endings and study the differences.”

“A novel idea,” Draco said and then sighed. “We won’t be getting any sleep tonight.”

“Probably not,” Hermione said with a frown. “You did get the replenisher didn’t you?”

Draco chuckled. “Love, I made an entire cauldron full today. There is no way we’ll be caught unaware this time.”

Hermione hummed and then smiled. “I still want to try that image.”

“Oh really?” Draco said, a slight husky growl in his voice. “And you think you’re woman enough?”

“I know I am,” Hermione said cheekily and drew a single finger down his chest.

Draco was in hell. There was no way he could make a move without Rhapsody’s signal, and Merlin did he want to make a move. He wanted to bury himself in his wife and never, ever leave. In truth, he wanted to the moment they left Khrone’s but neither had the health left to do so. He was more than eager now.

A regal silvery horse drifted into their sitting room. “It is time.” Rhapsody’s voice reverberated from the patronus. “We can short circuit the wards for an hour at the most and then we can all pool for the finale. It’s not exactly romantic, but it’s all we can do. Count down in five.”

“Thank Merlin,” Draco groaned. “I’m not sure I could last longer than that.”

“Are you saying that you aren’t up to it anymore?” Hermione teased.

“Oh, I’m up to it. I’m just not sure I have the control once we get there.”

“Funny, I thought control happened with age.”

“Not around you,” Draco growled and reached up to caress his wife’s face. “You, my dear, are a most deadly distraction and the worst advertisement for instant gratification I’ve ever met.”

“Such sweet words,” Hermione said with a chuckle.

“Five,” Draco leaned over and whispered in her ear.

“Four,” Hermione said with a shiver as his fingers trailed down the nape of her neck.

“Three,” Draco said huskily, his hand now tracing over the braided metallic scar on her collar bone, their first true test together.

“Two,” Hermione squeaked when his hand lowered to her breast and squeezed.

“One,” Draco said softly and began lowering his lips.

A soft ‘snick’ clued them in that this was it. They could finally have each other. In their haste, their magic flared and their clothing disappeared from sheer want. They drew back in shock, laughing and shrugging before diving back at each other again. Lips, teeth, tongues, they fought for dominance and to get closer to each other.

With more strength than she’d used in a long time, Hermione lifted Draco off of her and slammed him onto the floor, knocking the air out of him. “I’m in charge. Pick your word.”

“Yes Mistress,” Draco croaked, taking shallow breaths to regain his air. “L'âme sœur.”

Hermione gave him a bright smile, recognizing the French words for soul mate. “Now then, pet, I want you to go lay down on the bed on your back…spread eagle.”

Draco fought down a smirk. “As you wish Mistress.”

Hermione resisted the urge to clap her hands, jump up and down, and squeal in sheer delight. This was it, her first chance to dominate Draco. She practically danced into the bedroom and over to the chest that contained their ropes. The smell of hemp permeated the air as she reverently lifted them out. She knew that having them sliding over her skin was arousing and could only hope that Draco felt the same way.

“We only have an hour, love,” Draco said with a chuckle.

“I know,” Hermione pouted but brightened almost immediately. Not even a time constraint could dampen her spirits. “What do I do?”

“Well first,” Draco drawled. “You’ll have to tie me up.”

“I know that,” she snapped. “I just…don’t really know how.”

“Come into my mind, love.”

Hermione closed her eyes and entered Draco’s mind. He took her hand and led her into a room that she hadn’t seen before. It was covered in red velvet and had a black leather handle. He opened it for her and invited her inside, holding back his smirk. She couldn’t help her gasp as she walked in.

A much younger Severus Snape had a teenage Draco sitting in a chair. Draco was holding something in his lap while Severus held a length of hemp rope. She ventured closer to see that young Draco was holding a book entitled The Art of Japanese Kinbaku. She shivered in delight and started to pay attention to Severus.

“Now Draco, I understand that you’d like to learn the consensual art of rope bondage and eventually suspension. However, you must start with the basics and those are the ties. Knots must be tied to where they do not tighten and are easy to undo yet sturdy enough to hold through struggling.

“S-struggling?” Young Draco gulped.

Severus smirked. “Some like the struggle, Draco. However, that is why we select a safe word first. If they truly need to be released, they need but utter it. Now, the most basic of ties is the single column tie. It’s extremely handy when you’d like to secure your partner’s wrists and ankles to something. First, you fold the rope over. Take the center loop and pass the rope through it. Slip it over your partner’s hand like so.”

Hermione held her breath as Severus took Draco’s hand and slipped the loops over his hand, pulling it until he had about a finger’s width of slack in it. She licked her lips, trying to combat her suddenly dry mouth. Merlin Draco looked sexy in ropes.

“Now, reverse the ropes and wrap a few times around the wrist, like so,” Severus continued. “Take the long end and bring it under the additional wraps and pull it through. Next, loop the excess rope and pull it under all the bindings, which forms a loop. Pull the excess through that loop and pull the knot tight. There you have it.”

“It’s not as tight as I thought it would be,” young Draco said, carefully examining the knot. He was able to shift the rope around a bit, not enough to escape but loose enough not to cut.

“Did you get that?” Adult Draco whispered in her ear.

She shuddered and nodded. “I think so.”

“Let’s see if your know-it-all skills have deteriorated then, shall we?”

He was goading her but she didn’t need it. She opened her glowing eyes and pounced on the bed, swiftly tying each of his limbs to a bedpost. She knew she had it right and could feel the approval rippling through their bond. When he was secure, she sat back to admire her handy work.

The hemp looked absolutely beautiful against his strong limbs. The position strained his muscles just a bit and she felt a pulse of pleasure at that fact. Her husband was absolutely magnificent, but she already knew that. She knew every dip and plane on his body, every scar, every marking. She reverently traced the runes around his heart, runes of everlasting love and protection. He closed his eyes in pleasure and sighed softly.

She took her time, what little of it she had, to worship his body with her lips. Her hands massaged his muscles, tickled his ribs, and teased places she was surprised to find sensitive. No wonder he loved to have her at his mercy. She felt powerful and sexy…and trusted. Draco’s past made him naturally distrustful of newcomers and even old friends were kept at a distance. Over the years, the family had broken him down and he’d become comfortable but she’d seen some of his hesitancy every once in a while. But now, now he was completely at ease. He trusted her fully and she loved him all the more for it.

Initially, she wanted to tease him while taking her own pleasure but his complete surrender made her want to reward him. Perhaps this was what he felt when she was the perfect submissive to him. His eyes flew open when she exhaled over his rock hard member, confusion written clearly across his face. When she licked the tip, they widened almost comically before he groaned.

“Fuck. You weren’t supposed to do that.”

She quirked her eyebrow playfully. “You don’t like it?”

“Fuck yes,” Draco panted, “but you’re supposed to be taking yours, not rewarding me.”

She smiled at him and leaned up to place a gentle kiss on his lips. “I know, but you’re so perfect right now. I wanted to reward you for being a good boy.”

He chuckled. “Now you know how I feel.”

“Oh yes,” she purred and knelt between his legs again.

He moaned as she licked up the sides of his cock, treating it like a lolly. Feeling deliciously wicked, she took just the tip into her mouth and hummed. It was all she could do not to giggle at his tortured groan. His muscles were pulled tense with the effort of keeping himself from thrusting up further into her mouth.

“So hot, so wet,” Draco panted.

It gave her an idea. She pulled back and waved her hand over her mouth, making it feel as though she’d eaten an ice cube. She savored his shout of surprise as she took him back into her mouth. After a few minutes, her mouth returned back to its normal temperature and she pulled back again, tapping his leg sharply when he started to protest.

“No pet. You will take what I give you or you will be very sorry,” she admonished.

“Y-yes M-mistress,” Draco stuttered. The pleasure was making it difficult for him to even form words.

“Better,” she murmured before casting another spell.

His shout was hoarse when he felt molten heat over his tool. The variation in temperatures was killing him and he loved it. He let out a litany of swears and praise for his wife. She flushed and shivered in pleasure as he continued. She could feel him starting to twitch and sucked him deep into her mouth, swallowing at the last minute around the head.

“FUCK!” Draco screamed. “No! No! I can’t last. Don’t do this! I don’t want this! I want to be inside you.”

She hesitated for a second but quickly realized that he did not yell out his safe word. Her shaken confidence restored, she swallowed harder, laving his member with her tongue and bringing her other hand up to fondle his bollocks. He jerked a few times, trying to hold back his release. One move of her finger behind his scrotum and his muscles locked. He howled and shook, shooting spurt after spurt down her throat and she swallowed it all, carefully licking him clean.

It took him a few minutes to come back down so she took the opportunity to rub her hands along his body. Her touch was soothing to him and helped ground him. His eyes looked like liquid mercury when he finally opened them to look at her. They were full of love and awe.

“Goddess I love you,” he panted and then shifted to try and hold her.

“Ah, ah,” she warned. “I’m still in charge.”

“Yes Mistress,” he said reverently.

She smiled and climbed back on top of him, kissing him languidly and rubbing herself along his hard body. The blow job had made her incredibly hot and she couldn’t wait to ride him to her completion like she’d seen in his mind. Problem was, he was only semi-hard after such an intense orgasm. Her wicked grin clued him in and he started shaking his head, pleading with her.

“No, no please!” He whispered. “It’ll only take a moment. Please.”

“What’s the matter?” She purred. “Are you not up to it?”

“Gods I am, I am,” he said frantically. “Just… just keep your teeth in your head.”

Hermione cocked her head in frustration. “Why do you not like me to use my fangs on you?”

“It’s too intense!”

She grinned like a Cheshire cat. “Well, this is my show isn’t it?”

“Y-yes Mistress,” he said in a wavering voice.

It stopped her for a second and she leaned down to kiss his tense jaw. “You know I love you, right?”

“Of course I do.”

“And you know I would never do anything to hurt you, right?”

“Yes, I know that.”

“Then let me.”

“Why?” he almost whined.

“Because your reaction makes me wet,” she whispered in his ear.

He bucked against her, the words combining with a sneaky little image of him licking her pussy pushing him into overdrive. She chuckled and kissed her way down his body and to his member. It was making a strong effort, already at half-mast but they didn’t have much time left. She wanted him to be as weak in the knees as she was after he got done with her.

She licked her lips and kissed the tip, flicking her tongue into the slit and making him hiss. Before he could protest anymore, she bared her fangs. He went rigid. She’d done this a hundred times but this time had to be perfect. One drop of blood and they’d ruin Rhapsody’s plan. She wouldn’t be able to help herself if she cut him. Carefully, she took him into her hand and stretched out the skin at the base. When she had a smooth target, she gently ran her fang over the taught skin.

The response was immediate. Draco screamed in pleasure as all the blood rushed into his cock, making him hard as diamonds. She quickly straddled him and sunk down, engulfing him in her heat. They both moaned at the feeling even as they struggled to tamp down their magic. After a week of stress and headache, it felt like the world was right again.

She started out slowly, raising and lowering herself onto him, trying to become accustomed to his girth again. After a few minutes, she started grinding her hips, back, forth, up, down. She found her rhythm and quickly worked them both into a lather, sweat pouring from their bodies as she took her pleasure from him. It felt strange not to have his hands on her but she felt empowered at the same time. She had complete control, even as his hips starting moving in time to her thrusts.

She felt her first orgasm approaching and reached down to brush against her clit, sending sparks racing along her body. Her other hand pinched and pulled at her nipples as she rode him harder and faster. His thrusts were becoming more powerful and she rode him for all she was worth before breaking with a harsh cry. Her body quaked as her climax rocked through her but she kept moving. She had to. The bond wouldn’t let them stop.

On and on she rode in a seemingly endless tidal wave of pleasure. Her moans mingled with Draco’s grunts and desperate pleas for her to take what she wanted from him. Hearing him beg for her to use him for her own means pushed her into another climax, this one making her see spots she came so hard.

Around her third orgasm, Rhapsody’s silvery horse floated into the room. “You have five minutes.”

“Thank Goddess,” Draco panted and thrust up harder, trying not to strain against the ropes. He was quite enjoying himself as he watched his wife abandon herself to pleasure.

“Well, I’m not a Goddess,” Hermione panted. “But I’m damned close.”

“Amen,” Draco groaned as she swiveled her hips.

Hermione reached out and quickly undid the ties on his arms and legs before bracing herself on his chest again. The feel of his arms coming around her waist set her off again, this time her whole body seizing up. Draco had to keep her moving because she couldn’t do it anymore.

“C-come with me,” she managed to choke out before dropping down chest to chest.

Draco summoned two bottles of blood replinisher and placed them beside his pillow before baring his fangs at her. They bit at the same time, drawing the life giving blood from their mate. The glow started with their mutual orgasm, drawing muffled screams of ecstasy from them. Pulse after pulse of pleasure, they kept at it until the light was blinding, almost brighter than the sun before they pulled apart and caught their breath. They groggily reached for their bottles, downing them hastily before collapsing into each other’s arms and allowing the darkness to overtake them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A knock at the door startled Hermione awake. She quickly untangled herself from Draco and threw on a robe so she could answer it.

“Have fun?” Melody asked with a grin.

Hermione blushed but nodded just the same and invited her in. “You’ll have to thank Rhapsody for us.”

Melody smirked and plopped in a chair. “Thank her yourself. She’s right outside the door…and just a bit too shy to barge in on you two.”

“But you aren’t,” Draco said from the door. He was wearing his robe and propped against the frame.

“Course not,” Melody chuckled. “I don’t think I’ve been shy a day in my life.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Draco said and came to sit next to Hermione on the couch. “What can we do for you?”

“Well first, use this.” Melody tossed Draco a tub of bruise paste.

Draco grinned at Hermione’s sudden blush and casually rubbed the paste into his bruised wrists and ankles. He tossed the pot back and sat back with a calculating look.

“Can’t fool you,” Melody sighed, her face suddenly serious. “You two get dressed and then we need to discuss what you and Rhap went over yesterday.”

“Oh,” Hermione said with a frown. “I had hoped that-“

“Too late,” Melody said. “He’ll wake up late tonight, early this morning. We need to make sure the right path is set in motion.”

“Isn’t that against the fates?” Hermione asked.

“Well, technically it isn’t,” Melody said tightly. “I mean, we can’t control the outcome if we do this but essentially, this decides Philippe’s future, not ours.”

“What about Harmony?” Draco asked.

Melody sighed heavily. “Once we figure out the best course of action, I’ll go to her with Rhapsody and force the vision on her if necessary.”

“Sounds barbaric,” Hermione gasped.

Melody shrugged. “She’s being stubborn. The only way to get through to her is to be more stubborn.”

“Well, give us about five minutes to get dressed and we’ll be back out here,” Draco said finally. “Go ahead and invite Rhap in. No use in her standing out there by herself.”

“She isn’t,” Melody assured them. “Cadence is with her…and Aiden is just down the hall trying very hard not to be noticed…or at least annoy Rhapsody any further.”

“How did she take his dance move last night?” Hermione asked.

Melody chuckled. “He’s wearing a cap for a reason.”

“What color?” Draco asked with a smirk.

“I’d say neon pink but I believe there are a few lime green and electric purple spots in there.”

“At least he isn’t bald,” Hermione snickered.

“Only because the hunter acted like a gentleman last night, if a bit distant.”

Hermione and Draco rushed into the bedroom and threw their clothes on, hastily using cleansing charms in lieu of a shower. They had no time to spare this morning. Everything had to be perfect. By the time they were done, Rhapsody and Cadence were sitting in another chair, both cuddled up as closely as possible. It was sad to see them so broken.

“So what do you think?” Rhapsody asked softly.

Hermione and Draco opened their minds to each other fully, trembling with the force of thoughts and emotions flowing through them. They focused on the visions that Rhap had sent them the previous day, paying attention to the ones that involved Philippe coming to Salem.

“No Salem,” Draco said after a while. “We need to keep him at the Ranch. All roads to Salem lead to death, at least his, possibly more if allowed to stew.”

“Ranch it is,” Melody said, conjuring a notebook and scratching in it hurriedly. “I assume we’d also risk outing ourselves at Salem.”

“Definitely,” Draco said with a nod. “And it will be decidedly not pretty.”

“Figured,” Melody said with a frown. “Are there any other spots to avoid?”

Another few moments were spent sorting out the memories. There were dozens of places, most seeming to end badly. One in particular ended up with half of the family slaughtered. It made them shiver to think about it.

“We need to stick to the Ranch,” Hermione said softly. “But it has to be outside. If he’s allowed in the house, it’s going to be a bloodbath.”

“Should we wrestle Harmony out of there before he wakes up?” Melody asked.

“I say we make sure the house is empty,” Draco said. “In fact, only his Dam should be there. She’ll be the only one who can command him long enough to convince him to eat. He’ll be more reasonable if he can eat.”

“I’ll make a portkey then,” Melody said, writing more notes. “That way Tatyana can get him to and from his meal without having to disrupt Philippe’s magic. It will be quite unstable when he wakes up.”

“I hadn’t thought about that,” Hermione said suddenly. “What happens to magic when you’re turned?”

“Most vampires,” Melody said slowly, “retain their magic. However, it usually shifts. For example, Alex was balanced before he was turned. His is an extreme case. Most just shift a fraction, not even enough to matter. The other thing to worry about is losing it. It is rare but possible.”

“I don’t see Dad losing his magic at all,” Rhapsody said with a frown.

“There you go then,” Melody said. “But a portkey will be better for them. So, we’ll do it at the Ranch in the back forty. What does that leave us with?”

Draco and Hermione sat back again to look at the rest of the scenarios. Each was different but less gruesome. However, all those where the fate’s gifts weren’t lent had bad endings. The most positive of the bad ones was when the children’s mates were present.

“We’ll need the mates,” Hermione spoke up. “They bring the best outcome.”

Melody hummed and jotted another note down. “Makes sense, actually. Even the balanced ones will have a shoulder to lean on. It makes for a less tense setting.”

“What about Albus?” Draco asked. “He has no mate.”

“I have a feeling Nahuatl will help there,” Melody said absentmindedly. “Granted, they aren’t a match, but she is grounded. Water tends to be a bit all over the place emotionally but it makes her malleable and able to handle quick changes. I’m sure she can help Albus keep his emotions in check.”

“So we have the place and the people,” Cadence said shyly. “What else do we need?”

“The best circumstances and those conditions,” Rhapsody answered. “We have to aim for the best and prepare for the worst.”

“Well,” Hermione said softly. “The best circumstances still come from lending gifts, and the worse happen there as well.”

“I’m not afraid of dying,” Melody said suddenly. “Merlin knows I’ve done it enough. Harmony too. I don’t think she’ll be scared at all. She just doesn’t want to be stuck here without Philippe.”

“Surely she knows the cascade that will cause,” Draco said.

“I’m not so sure,” Melody sighed. “She’s lost the plot over this.”

“Emotions tend to do that,” Hermione said softly.

“Indeed,” Melody chuckled. “They can even make you blind.”

“Quite,” Hermione said tersely. She was still a bit sore about that day so long ago when she decided she wasn’t loved and never would be.

“Oh, stop it,” Melody chided. “I, of all people, know what emotions can do. Now, let’s discuss this. As I said, I’m not afraid of dying and neither is Harmony but if we die, it will have a negative impact on everyone else.”

“Like Alex,” Rhapsody said softly.

Melody nodded and swallowed. “I-that is my one reservation. I don’t want to risk him.”

“You can’t have one without the other,” Cadence said softly.

“Which is why I didn’t want to bond,” Melody growled.

“You don’t regret it,” Rhapsody argued.

Melody huffed. “No, not for a moment, but it’s making my decision a bleeding difficult one.”

Hermione and Draco went over everything again. The outcomes were as vast as those where gifts weren’t lent. They stopped dead when they saw Philippe filling with light. That was their only hope.

“It’s going to take everyone then,” Draco said.

“Everyone?” Melody asked with a frown.

“Everyone associated with us,” Hermione said softly. “All the mates, the older rescues, all the phenoms, all our children, everyone fate touched.”

“That’s a lot of people,” Cadence said softly.

“And some more willing than others,” Rhapsody said. “The hunter might just do it but Ara’s mate, he’s very leery.”

“Not to mention the girls for Zach and Nate,” Hermione said softly. “They’re still terrified.”

“And intrigued,” Melody cut it. “Never underestimate the power of fascination.”

“Well, we have our work cut out for us then,” Rhapsody sighed. “Draco, Hermione, could you please show Melody the vision? It looks like Cadence and I have to gather the troops.”

“When do we meet back here?” Draco asked.

Rhapsody sighed. “Sundown. He’ll wake soon after. We can gather once he’s left to feed.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Colton!” Rhapsody yelled down the hall. She had been trying to corner him all morning and was about three seconds away from hexing him so he’d stay still. Time was running out and she was stressing out.

“What do you need him for?”

Rhapsody almost screamed when Deven spoke in her ear. She spun around and resisted the urge to snap at him. His eye held something that she hadn’t seen from him yet though, concern. She sighed heavily and ducked her head.

“We need everyone.”

“Like last time?” Deven whispered.

Rhapsody half sobbed. “No, this is worse.”

“Care to fill me in?”

She nodded. “But not here. I only want to have to say this once, and Colton is being a bastard about it.”

“What’s his problem?”

“He’s had a rough life Deven. He’s brave and loyal but he has a very hard time trusting.”

“How do you know so much?”

Rhapsody smiled sadly. “One of the joys of being me. If you’ll excuse me? He’s trying to go down the back hall. Damn I wish I hadn’t sent Aiden to catch Matt. I could use his speed right about now.”

“What about the twins?” Deven asked darkly.

“Getting their girls with Serena,” Rhapsody sighed. “And Ara’s busy squaring Martin away while Scorp convinces Lizzy he’s not going to eat her for breakfast.”

Deven chuckled. “And the others?”

Rhapsody frowned. “James and Albus made the quidditch team, no shock there. Annabel and Hugo have gone to cheer them on.”

“Zandra?”

Rhapsody closed her eyes and frowned for a moment before nodding. “She’s been recruited by Aiden to head Matt off at the pass. They’ll catch him that way.”

“Which leaves you and Cadence.”

“Cadence is on another mission.”

“What kind of mission?”

“Melody needed another set of eyes.”

“So you’ve got to get Colton by yourself.”

Rhapsody nodded and sighed. “Damn it, he’s going into the boys’ dorms.”

“Come on,” Deven said and took her hand, tugging her along behind her. “I’ll fetch him for you.”

“He’s a feisty thing,” Rhapsody said in exasperation.

“What, can’t see me getting him?” Deven asked, a little hurt.

Rhapsody laughed a little hysterically. “I can’t see you doing anything.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Deven asked angrily.

“Just what it sounded like. I can’t see you.”

Deven snorted. “Are you saying you’re blind now?”

“Only to you,” Rhapsody said softly and bowed her head.

Deven stopped dead in the middle of the hall and forced her chin up to look at him, his eyes widening when she didn’t jerk away. “You have to tell me.”

Rhapsody stared at him a moment, not used to being able to be touched without some sort of jolt. “I can’t.”

Deven narrowed his eyes at her. “Can’t or won’t.”

Rhapsody nodded in understanding. “Can’t.”

“Zandra knows.”

“She deserved to.”

“Why?” Deven hissed.

Rhapsody sighed sadly. “Because she has been through more than anything you could ever imagine and still came out a beautiful person in the end…and she belongs to Aiden.”

“So you know…and yet you cling to Aiden.”

“Only so she’ll notice him.”

“She notices him just fine.”

“She notices that he’s a kind person,” Rhapsody said firmly. “Not that he is a man like any other.”

“I’d say she’s noticed that now,” Deven said with a soft smile.

“Good. She’s one step closer.”

“Why me?”

Rhapsody blinked in confusion. “What?”

“Why are you blind with me?”

Rhapsody shrugged, trying to fight down her blush. “Never met a hunter before. Maybe that’s it.”

“No,” Deven chided. “You’ve dated a walker for years.”

“Yes, but he isn’t a hunter.”

“I have the same blood the twins do,” Deven whispered.

“What?” Rhapsody gasped.

Deven nodded. “My mom. She’s always resented her sire for making her what she was and met my dad on a hunt. He realized what she was and they fell in love over a mutual hatred.”

“And raised their son to have the same beliefs.”

“They tried.”

“What changed?”

“A walker or six …and a few more dilutes… and one very interesting vampire.”

“Two,” Rhapsody said before she thought about it and then paled.

“Who?”

A tear trailed down her cheek. It was the first time she’d ever messed up but Deven seemed to make her say things she wouldn’t normally. With him, if only for a moment, she forgot who she was. Her knees trembled as Deven wiped the tear from her cheek and cupped her chin.

“Who?”

“My dad,” she croaked. “And he’s not at all happy about it.”

“And this thing tonight?”

“He’s waking up…and we have to convince him to live.”

“Unlive.”

“Whatever,” Rhapsody snapped. “You have no idea what would happen if he chose to have… never mind. Could you please just get Colton for me?”

“No. Not until you tell me the rest,” Deven snapped. “Chose to have what?”

“Melody… she’ll destroy him…if he asks.”

“Why would she do that?”

“She feels guilty.”

“She had him turned?” Deven asked in outrage.

“It was the only way,” Rhapsody whispered. “He would have died, no matter what.”

“What about the Malfoys?”

“Even if they had been able to be there, he couldn’t have survived the sheer amount of magic needed.”

“Why couldn’t they be there?”

“Tied up,” Rhapsody said, her voice flat. “Look, we can play twenty questions later? I’m running out of time and Colton has to be there. It’s the only way.”

“You think you can change his mind?”

Rhapsody shook her head. “I can’t. But please, we need him.”

Deven sighed and ran his hand through his inky black hair. “Alright. Back in a second.”

He disappeared so quickly that Rhapsody had to catch her breath. She hadn’t expected him to be that fast but after he revealed his heritage, it shouldn’t have surprised her. He was back before she could even think about it, an angry Colton in tow.

“Thank you,” she gushed and drew her wand. “Colton Basil, you’re a hard bastard to track down, but we need you. The family needs you. Will you come?”

“Why ask with your wand pointed at me?” Colton asked angrily.

“Because you don’t need yours to hex me,” Rhapsody said slowly. “And you’re thinking about it. You’re not going to get the drop on me. What will it be?”

“Look, I can’t…I can’t do what we did last time,” Colton said softly. “It scared me…to take it off.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Rhapsody said sadly. “This is nothing like that.”

“So why do you need me?”

“Moral support. Ara needs you Colton.”

“Ara needs no man. She’s made that abundantly clear,” Colton said glumly.

“To you?” Rhapsody asked with a smirk.

Colton stared at the floor. “Well…no.”

“Didn’t think so,” Rhapsody chuckled. “Ara is a strong woman and she knows what she wants. What she doesn’t want is a man who thinks she’s an object or can’t take care of herself. Are you that kind of man?”

“No,” Colton said angrily. “My mom is the strongest person I’ve ever met. I wouldn’t dare think she couldn’t take care of herself.”

“Then why are you worried?” Rhapsody asked gently and then a moment waited while Colton looked away. She chuckled. “Trust me Colton, you’re plenty strong for Ara. I’ll tell you a little secret. As strong as she is, she’s also just as fragile. She’ll love with her whole heart if you’ll allow it. Just don’t let her down.”

Colton cocked his head in wonder. “You want me to date her?”

“She wants you to date her,” Rhapsody insisted. “She might be a strong woman, but she’s still a woman. She has no problems asking a guy out, but it’s an ego booster if they make the first move.”

“And if she says no?”

Rhapsody grinned. “I’m not wrong very often. She’ll say yes.”

“Alright then. Where do you need me?”

Rhapsody sagged in relief and pocketed her wand. “Professor Bach’s classroom in thirty minutes.”

“I’ll be there,” Colton said softly. “You guys are addictive, you know?”

Rhapsody smiled brightly. “We get told that a lot.”

“You’re scary sometimes, you know that?” Deven asked as Colton walked away.

“Have to be,” Rhapsody said softly. “Vampires don’t scare easily.”

Deven chuckled. “No…no they don’t. So, care to start over? I’m Deven, Deven Hershell. I like quidditch, charms, and not killing vampires. It’s nice to meet you.”

Rhapsody smiled and took his offered hand. “I’m Rhapsody Belrose. I like horses, charms, and dating vampires. It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Horses?” Deven asked.

Rhapsody nodded. “They’re my favorite, better than any broom.”

“Thank fuck for that,” Melody whispered as she watched Rhapsody and Deven chatting from behind a classroom door.

“All that’s left is Aiden,” Severus said softly beside her.

“His time will come,” Melody said softly and leaned into him. “If this... thing tonight doesn’t go as planned, promise me you’ll keep your head.”

Severus sighed sadly. “Unfortunately, keeping my head around you is one of the things I can’t seem to do.”

“I was afraid you’d say that.”

“Well, perhaps it’s time for us to employ that sickening thing you like to have called optimism.”

“A little hope wouldn’t kill you, Sev.”

“No,” Severus said softly. “But my cup runneth over already. I’m afraid to hope for more.”

“If anyone deserves it all, it’s you,” Melody said with a sad smile. “Come on. Time for prep.”

AN: Here we go. Next stop, Philippe's awakening. As always, thanks to everyone for reviewing. I like them more than chocolate covered cherries, which I'm sadly addicted to as my hips could probably tell you. Keep them coming and let me know how I'm doing and if you find any errors. Until next time...love you guys.

Oh, and if you're in the mood for uberfluffy, take a peak at my new fic entitled "Watch it, Granger." It's my foray into almost sickeningly sweet romance.
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Fooling Fate *sequel to Bound*

Fooling Fate sequel to Bound